Rats in the Library

Brayden walked into the library, the musty smell of old books and the soft murmur of hushed conversations enveloping him like a familiar comfort. The warm sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the floor, and the whispered words of students studying and researching created a soothing background hum. He had come to the library to work on his Transfiguration homework, hoping to get a head start on the upcoming test. As he made his way through the shelves, he noticed a commotion near the back of the room. A Hufflepuff student, looking pale and frightened, was standing near a table, facing off against Rowan. The air was tense with unspoken threats, and Brayden could sense the fear emanating from the Hufflepuff. Rowan's eyes were blazing with anger, his face twisted in a scowl. "...you tell your father to back off," Rowan was saying, his voice low and menacing. "He thinks he can just switch up on my father and get away with it? Not a chance." The Hufflepuff looked like he was about to cry. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," he stuttered. Rowan sneered. "Don't play dumb with me. I know your father works at the Ministry. I know he's been making moves behind the scenes. And I think he's been keeping secrets from you." Brayden's curiosity got the better of him, and he walked over to see what was going on. As he approached, Rowan turned to him, a flash of recognition in his eyes. "Well, well, well," Rowan said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Look what we have here. Brayden, the great hero, slumming it in the library." Brayden raised an eyebrow. "Rowan, what's going on? Why are you scaring this poor Hufflepuff?" Rowan snorted. "Oh, I'm not scaring him. I'm just having a friendly conversation. Aren't we, friend?" He turned back to the Hufflepuff, who was shaking like a leaf. Brayden stepped in, trying to defuse the situation. "Rowan, come on. Leave him alone." Rowan's eyes narrowed. "Mind your own business, Brayden. This doesn't concern you." The two of them locked eyes, the air thick with tension. For a moment, it was like old times, when they were rivals in the Quidditch arena, their banter and competitiveness fueling their passion for the game. But that was before everything changed. Rowan's gaze flickered, and for a moment, Brayden saw a glimmer of something else there, something darker. "You think you can stop me, Brayden?" Rowan muttered, his voice barely audible. "You think you can stand in my way? Soon, you won't be able to." Brayden felt a shiver run down his spine. What was Rowan talking about? What did he have planned? The Hufflepuff, sensing the tension, took advantage of the distraction to slip away, leaving Rowan and Brayden standing alone. Rowan turned to Brayden, a cold smile spreading across his face. "It's just getting started, Brayden. You just watch." And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Brayden feeling uneasy and more than a little concerned. What was Rowan up to? And what did it have to do with him?