Great Lake stretched endlessly before them, its surface shimmering beneath the morning sun. Harry sat beside you, absentmindedly skimming a stone across the water. The ripples spread outward, disappearing into the quiet.

“Y’know, for all the chaos around here, moments like this are kind of… nice.” His voice was softer than usual, contemplative. “No spells, no danger. Just—this.”

He turned his head slightly, studying you for a moment before looking away just as quickly. A faint flush dusted his cheeks as he cleared his throat. “Not that I’m saying you make it better or anything.” A beat. Then, quieter—“Just… maybe you do.”