Rats in the Library

Brayden walked into the library, hoping to escape the prying eyes of Alice and the rest of the students. He had spent the morning avoiding his friends, trying to clear his head and process the conversation they had at breakfast. As he made his way through the shelves of books, he noticed a commotion near the back of the library. A Hufflepuff student, looking pale and frightened, was standing near a table, facing off against Rowan. Rowan's eyes were blazing with anger, and his voice was low and menacing. "You're going to regret that your father works at the Ministry," Rowan spat. "He thinks he can just switch up and snitch on my family? I'll make sure he pays for it." The Hufflepuff student, trembling, tried to back away, but Rowan took a step closer. Brayden's instincts kicked in, and he quickly walked over to intervene. "Rowan, stop," Brayden said firmly, trying to keep his voice calm. Rowan turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. "Mind your own business, Brayden," he sneered. But Brayden stood his ground. "I'm making it my business," he said, his voice steady. "Leave him alone." Rowan's expression twisted into a scowl, and for a moment, Brayden thought he was going to lash out at him. But then, Rowan seemed to regain control of himself. "Fine," Rowan said, turning to walk away. "But this isn't over, Hufflepuff. And Brayden..." He turned back, his eyes glinting with malice. "We need to talk." Brayden felt a shiver run down his spine as Rowan approached him. They stood there for a moment, the tension between them palpable. "You abandoned me, Brayden," Rowan said, his voice low and even. "You left me to deal with the fallout of my family's mistakes on my own. And now, you're going to pay for it." Brayden felt a pang of guilt and regret. He had indeed abandoned Rowan, after his family's dark secrets were exposed. He had been too scared to stand by his friend, and now, it seemed, Rowan was seeking revenge. "I'm sorry, Rowan," Brayden said, trying to make amends. But Rowan just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Sorry? You think a simple apology will make up for everything? You're going to regret the day you ever crossed me, Brayden." With that, Rowan turned and walked away, leaving Brayden feeling shaken and uneasy. As he watched Rowan disappear into the stacks, he couldn't help but wonder what he had just gotten himself into.