Autumn leaves fell lazily from the trees, gliding down in spirals until they landed on the ground. The sun shone overhead. Its light just about penetrated the canopy above, dappling the ground in golden tones. A bench had been built on an embankment just off the path.

Bella Black sat on the bench, twirling a ringlet of her brunette hair around her finger, eyes scanning excitedly over the clearing.

A smile spread over her face as a young boy emerged from the trees. She sprang up from her seat and ran to embrace him tightly.

'Roddy! I didn't think you were coming!'

Rodolphus pulled away from the hug and looked down at his friend.

'Of course I was coming,' he checked his watch,' Merlin, I'm only five minutes late. What did you panic for?'

Bella looked down at her feet, cheeks red.

'I didn't panic, I just...wondered,' she grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards the bench,' come sit down.'

Rodolphus rolled his eyes, but followed her to the worn bench none the less. Bella bounced up and down next to him.

'What do you want to do?' Rodolphus asked eventually.

Bella shrugged and stayed silent, thinking. After a while, she gasped and looked at him, eyes wide and grinning.

'We should play hide and seek!'

Rodolphus rolled his eyes again.

'Bella, I'm ten now- too old for hide and seek.'

Bella scoffed next to him. 'You're never too old for hide and seek. Besides,' she said knowledgeably,' I'll be ten soon as well.'

'Bella-'

'Oh, Roddy, please!'

Rodolphus almost rolled his eyes again.

'Bella,' he said firmly,' I'm too old now. I'm sorry.'

'Fine. You're no fun anymore. I'm going home.' She stood up and began to walk away.

'But Bella,' Rodolphus stopped her,' I could be persuaded into a game of chase.'

Bella grinned and ran back to him.

The next few hours passed quickly. Before they knew it, the sun was setting and it was time to stop their game in order to go home.

They left the park and walked home at a leisurely pace, taking time to enjoy the stroll. It wasn't long, however, until they reached Bella's house.

'You're able to play again tomorrow, aren't you Roddy?'

'Of course, Bella'

'And the day after that...and after that...and after that?'

Rodolphus smiled, but Bella was earnest.

'You will, won't you?' She said nervously.

'Yes, Bella, any day you want.'

Bella looked up to him and smiled. 'Thank you, Roddy.' She said, hugging him. She planted a soft kiss of his cheek before running up the steps to her house.

'Bye, Roddy!'

'Goodbye, Bella!'