Treacherous - Theodore Nott

Chapter Twelve

I usually like to finish my papers pretty far in advance. I like to keep my weekends homework free, so things due on Monday I have usually completed by Thursday.

But, it's currently Thursday evening and I've barely begun my Ancient Runes paper. I've been far too busy sneaking after Draco, Mia, and the boys on their secret escapades and reading into the Room of Requirement to keep up on my studies.

After seeing them on my way to the hospital wing on Monday, I hit a new low by following them again the next day.

I came to the library to finish this paper, but I've just found another book that mentions the Room.

Knowing I shouldn't, I grab the book off of the shelf and sit down at a secluded table. I set my bag next to me, promising myself that I'll get to it later.

The book is old. I open it to the table of contents, and flip through the dusty pages to the chapter I'm searching for.

After scanning for a few minutes, I sigh deeply. This book just covers things I already know. The Room appears to those who need it with what they need inside. It can't create food... blah blah blah.

I honestly don't even know what I'm looking for. I know about the Room and what it does, reading about it won't tell me what they're up to.

I groan inwardly and stare at the page I've left the book on. There's a picture of a room with piles to the ceiling of random junk.

"Whatever could you be studying so intently?"

The sudden voice behind me startles me, and I jump, slamming the book shut and looking behind me.

"Secretive today, are we?"

"Theodore," I state, taking in the sight of him leaning against a bookcase.

"Mind if I sit?"

"Go right ahead," I move my books and papers out of the way and motion to the chair.

He sits and looks at the book in front of me, grabbing it and raising a brow. He slides it from across the table to himself and flips it open, right to the page I'd had it open on.

I stiffen and rub my hands against my legs, the perspiration sticking.

He can't know I know yet, I think, contemplating if even I know what I "know".

"Room of Requirement, huh?"

"Oh, just some extra reading," I smile awkwardly. "Thought it was interesting."

"You're a shit liar, you know that right?" He accuses.

"I don't know what you're-..."

"I saw you following us the other day," he interrupts.

"Oh."

He looks up from the book. "And the day after that."

I hold eye contact with him, not entirely sure what to say next or even what to make of this conversation.

"Whatever you think you know," he starts coldly, "forget it. You don't want to dig into this yet."

"Yet?"

"Shit, I didn't mean- Look, just, whatever you think you know, you're probably wrong."

I look at him skeptically. "Honestly I hadn't found anything other than the history of the Room. You're not doing anything to help your case, now I just want to know more."

He exhales loudly, and brings his hands to his head, massaging his temple. He looks like he's contemplating what to say next.

His hands fall from his head to the center to the table, inches from mine, and he looks at me.

"Just, please, stay out of this as long as possible."

I throw my head back and let a loud groan escape my lips. "Merlin, you are so bloody mysterious!"

"And you're obnoxious," he cuts in, "Now, does that mean you'll quit it?"

"If you stop being so damn annoying."

"You love it," he tilts his head playfully.

"You wish," I retort.

He responds with a hum, in what sounds like agreement.

I send him a look of surprise at his easy acceptance, but he's already standing up to leave.

"Leaving so soon?"

"Why, are you going to miss me?"

I scoff, reaching for my Runes textbook in my bag. "No, I just think it's funny you came all the way to the library to see what I was reading. Stalker much?"

He rolls his eyes, not responding, and turns to leave.

As he departs, he waves goodbye. "We're in the common room whenever you're done with that Runes paper."

I look at his retreating figure, then to the table.

I need to finish this. I open my textbook and dive into the information.

As I write, one though dominates the rest, how did he know I was writing a paper for Ancient Runes?