Rose Weasley stood over the counter, waving her wand lazily to reorganize the books as the shop was nearly closed. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and turned the page in her latest book as the clock turned to 8:57. She sighed, wishing there was a spell that could speed time so she could lock the door and leave already. But just as the thought crossed her mind, the door chimed and someone rushed in. Rose groaned put her wand down and slowly raised her head to see the individual who has so quickly ruined her evening. Scorpius Malfoy was standing in front of her, slightly panting, with a sorry look painted across his face.

"Err, I'm sorry, but I need a book. Rose?"

"Scorpius?" she replied dryly. Rose, of course, knew who he was, but she hadn't interacted much and she never expected to see him again after graduation a few weeks back. It wasn't anything personal. Unlike her brother and a few of her cousins, she held no resentment towards him. They just had different circles in school. She spent her time in the library or with her small circle of friends around the Castle while he spent his on the Quidditch field and out with his many companions in Hogsmeade. She had heard that he had been drafted to the Magpies but couldn't be sure. And she had absolutely no clue why he had barged into her book shop 3 minutes prior to close.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

"I work here."

"I didn't know-"

"I didn't expect anyone to come waltzing in right as I finished cleaning up, but life is full of surprises, isn't it?"

"Sorry about that. I just need."

"A book. Yes. I gathered as much. Heavens knows why you need it at this time in the evening."

If Rose had been closer to Scorpius she might have known that he had indeed been drafted to the Magpies, that he had been in meetings and practices all day, and that it was his mother's birthday.

"I was caught up all day, but I've been dying to read it."

You must be talking about the latest Griffin Gabe Williams novel. I was just reading it."

"Yep, that's the one."

"We're sold out. We expect another batch to be in by next week at the earliest, but." She met his eyes fully for the first time and he looked desperate. She glanced back at the book she had just barely begun to enjoy and sighed. "Take this one."

"I'll bring it back, soon as I finish." He promised, practically prying it from her hesitant grip.

"Don't worry about it."

"I promise, Rose." Their eyes met again and something inside Rose made her believe the stranger that stood in front of her.

"Fine. But just get out of my bloody shop now so I can get on with me life." She ushered his towards the door.

"Thanks again!" he shot her a grin and apparated away as soon as he stepped outside the door.

Scorpius could not understand what had caused him to lie to Rose. The book was supposed to be for his mother, she was the one who loved reading. Scorpius rarely picked up a book in his life. But he wanted her to believe that he loved to read too and as he flipped through the pages of the book he knew nothing about, he wondered what his next encounter with the fiery Weasley girl would bring.