The war felt like a shadow that still clung to the edges of everything, even now that it was over. But here, in the French countryside, in the folds of quiet mountains and endless skies, that shadow seemed just a little less suffocating.

James walked beside you, his broom strapped to his back, just in case he got the urge to fly, and his hand brushing yours every so often as the narrow path wound higher into the hills. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of wildflowers and pine, and for once, there was no rushing, no urgency, no fear. Just you, James, and the sound of cicadas singing in the grass.

“You know,” James said, glancing at you with that mischievous grin of his, “I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without hexing something. Or someone.”

You laughed, the sound bouncing between the slopes. “Is it driving you mad?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, feigning dramatic agony as he pressed a hand to his chest. “All this peace and quiet? It’s almost suspicious. Any minute now a mountain troll’s going to come stomping round that bend, I can feel it.”

You shook your head, rolling your eyes, but there was affection in the look you gave him. “Or maybe it’s just… peace, James. Remember what that feels like?”

He sobered slightly at that, the laughter fading but not gone. He stared out across the valley where sunlight spilled golden over vineyards and tiny stone villages tucked into the hillsides. His voice dropped, quieter, more thoughtful.

“I forgot, for a while, that the world could look like this. Not broken. Not dangerous. Just… alive.”

You didn’t say anything at first. You just reached out and took his hand, and this time he didn’t let go. His fingers curled around yours tightly, grounding himself in the warmth of your presence.

He squeezed once, then smirked again, though his eyes were soft. “D’you know what, though? If this is what peace looks like, I could get used to it. Especially with you here. Though—” he nudged you playfully with his shoulder “—if you get tired of me dragging you up mountains every day, just tell me. I’ll settle for the beach.”

You laughed again, leaning into him. “You? Settle for sitting still? Not a chance.”

James grinned, but he didn’t deny it. He just held your hand tighter as the two of you walked higher into the mountains, leaving war and shadows far below. For once, there was no need to fight. No need to be soldiers. Just two people rediscovering how to live.