Maddison stood at the edge of the Black Lake, taking in the peacefulness of the Hogwarts grounds. She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air, enjoying the serenity of the moment.
Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see Alexander standing behind her.
"Hey, Maddie," he said with a grin. "What are you doing out here all alone?"
"Just enjoying the view," Maddison replied, trying to keep her tone friendly but distant.
Alexander stepped closer to her. "You know, Maddie, I've been thinking about you a lot lately."
Maddison raised her eyebrows, feeling uncomfortable. "Oh, really? Why is that?"
Alexander leaned in closer. "Because I think you're one of the most beautiful girls at Hogwarts. And I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go out with me sometime?"
Maddison felt her stomach churn. She had never been interested in Alexander, and his forwardness was making her uneasy. "Um, I don't think so, Alex. I'm not really interested in dating right now." That wasn’t a complete lie. She wasn’t interested in dating Alex, he’d been hitting on all of her friends and being extra creepy. There was also the not a thing between her and Mason.
Alexander smirked. "Come on, Maddie. You're not going to tell me you're not interested in me, are you?"
He had talked a big game when he told Mason that both Maddison and Michelle would be fawning all over him. He'd already stuck out with the fourth-year girl so now he was moving on to the older one.
Maddison felt her face grow hot. "I'm sorry, Alex, but I'm just not interested. I think I'm going to go back to the castle now."
As she turned to leave, Alexander grabbed her arm. "Hey, come on. Don't be like that. Let's just talk for a little while longer."
Maddison felt a shiver run down her spine. She pulled her arm away from Alexander and took a few steps back. "No, Alex. I don't want to talk. I think I'm going to go back to my common room now."
She turned and started to walk away, but Alexander called after her. "Fine, Maddie. Have it your way. But just remember, I'm a catch. You're going to regret turning me down."
Maddison quickened her pace, feeling relieved to be away from Alexander's advances. She hoped she wouldn't have to run into him again anytime soon. If she did, she might have to take a page from Michelles book and smack him as well.
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