A/N: Hi friends! I'm thinking of doing a collection of little one shots, each chapter based off a single word. If you'd like me to write for a specific word, feel free to suggest one in a review or private message me.

Tea

Scorpius Malfoy was terrible at making tea.

Rose, being a seasoned connoisseur of the beverage, knew this perfectly well as she sipped her cup quietly on his bed; the temperature was all wrong and the taste was awfully bland. And yet, regardless of Scorpius's atrocious skills, regardless of the fact that she herself could make tea of unsurpassed taste and perfection, she wouldn't consider drinking tea brewed by anyone else.

The fact that, despite his grumblings and complaints when she asked, he stood up, walked down to the kitchen and brewed tea just for her was enough to touch Rose's heart, though she hid it well.

The tea Scorpius made had a very sweet flavor, one that couldn't be tasted by the tongue, but rather, by the heart. It was a sweetness that was gentle, kind and compassionate, that struck a chord inside her. She could practically taste the clumsy but well-meant effort he put into making this tea for her.

But she sensed there was something more – a deeper undertone, barely perceptible underneath everything else, but definitely there. It was a strange but exceedingly pleasant flavor; warm, fragrant and mellow, a very tender, soft sensation that Rose felt. She didn't even understand it herself, but it made her feel lighter and happier than she had ever felt before.

Of course, that was something Rose would never admit openly; it was just a cup of tea after all.

"Scorpius, this tastes dreadful. Make me another cup."

"Make it yoursel – ow!" Scorpius exclaimed as he earned a playful slap. He shot her an irritated glare as he settled his hand over hers to still it.

Scorpius didn't notice that in spite of her admonitions about his dreadful tea, Rose had drained the entire cup empty, not a single drop left.