Chapter 1: Let the Games Begin
It started as a game.
He'd leave me gifts in the Great Hall, showing off his talent by having golden butterflies create a crown around my head as I walked along the side of the Gryffindor table to my seat. Or perhaps he'd charm tiger lilies to fly in from the front of the Hall into my waiting hands. It was always something that would have all eyes on me.
I'd return the favor in a less conspicuous fashion. His owl would fly into the Great Hall just after breakfast had begun, bearing a small, brown package in her talons. I would leave no note, but he would know who had sent the package. Inside it, he would find some small token of my appreciation. One week it was a new quill with an emerald green feather, his favorite color. Another day, it was a chess piece that I had transfigured to look like him. The king piece still wore his crown but his face bore a striking resemblance to my admirer's.
This game started in sixth year, when Scorpius began to take notice of me. Admittedly, he started the game. The first gift I ever received was small and rather subtle. Scor worked up some confidence before beginning to send his more dramatic presents.
It was a chilly day in early October. The school year was just getting underway when I caught the attention of Scorpius Malfoy. The first gift had taken me by surprise as I sat down in my usual spot at the Gryffindor table for breakfast. On my seat sat a single daisy, dyed my favorite color – purple.
I had thought that perhaps it was not actually meant for me. Maybe I just happened to find a flower someone had left behind or perhaps another Gryffindor boy had forgotten to give this gift to his sweetheart. I gently picked up the flower and set it on the table in front of me. When I stood up to leave the Great Hall after breakfast, I left the flower behind.
The second gift was more obviously meant for me. Two weeks had passed since I had found the purple flower and I had not thought about it since. I was leaving the Gryffindor Common Room with my friend Emmie when a flurry of red and gold sparks caught my attention. Looking down, I noticed a note with my name - Rose Weasley - written on it in sparkling crimson and gold letters.
Sharing a curious look with Emmie, I opened the letter. Inside was written a short note.
Rose,
Meet me at the tallest tree by the lake.
7 o'clock sharp.
P.S. Dress comfortably.
It wasn't signed.
I looked at Emmie and smiled. I was always ready for an adventure.