Scorpius was sitting with Albus at the Slytherin table in the great hall. It was Monday morning, and Scorpius hadn't heard from Rose at all. She was sitting at the Gryffindor table, her back to him.

"Cheer up Scorpius," Albus said. "I'm sure she'll come around. It sounds like you guys really hit it off... I mean, you almost kissed!"

"Yeah," Scorpius said sullenly. "But then the little brother had to come and ruin everything."

The morning owls were swooping down through the great hall, delivering the morning mail.

A tawny grey owl glided over to Scorpius, outstretching it talons with an attached letter.

Scorpius hastily untied the ribbon that was keeping the parchment together. It was a letter from Rose.

Dear Scorpius,

I am sorry for how things ended on Friday. Even though I'm his big sister, Hugo can be extremely protective of me. I've spent a lot of time talking to him, and I think he's starting to come around. The next time we're seen together, I don't think he'll come barreling in to break us up.

However, I'd like to see you again in private. Meet me by the whomping willow tonight after dinner?

- Rose

PS: Don't get too close to the tree.

Scorpiusgrinned as he read the letter. He read it over three times, before neatly rolling it back up and passing it to Albus.

"She wants to see me tonight!" Scorpius exclaimed, his excitement emanating from him.

"Wow, mate!" Albus said. "That's great. But I wonder why she would want to meet you by the whomping willow? She can be feisty, hopefully she doesn't shove you toward the tree," he said with a laugh.

"Not my beautiful Rose," Scorpius said wistfully.