The sun had just begun to set as you and Harry walked together through the sprawling grounds of Hogwarts. The towering castle loomed in the distance, its ancient stones glistening in the soft evening light. The air was crisp, and you both wrapped your cloaks tighter around yourselves, the warmth of the castle just a short distance away.

The start of your first year had been a whirlwind of new faces, new experiences, and the overwhelming realization that you were finally, truly away from the Dursleys. Despite the excitement of being at Hogwarts, nothing felt quite as comforting as having Harry by your side. You both had always been inseparable, relying on each other to get through the hard times—especially when you were younger. No matter what came your way, you knew you had each other.

Today had been one of those days—overwhelming but wonderful. Your first classes had been filled with new knowledge, strange spells, and questions about things you hadn’t even known existed. But you’d stuck together through it all, always stealing glances across the classroom, catching each other’s eye whenever something particularly amusing—or confusing—happened.

“Are you okay?” Harry asked, his voice soft as he glanced at you, his expression a little uncertain as he read your face.