The night air was crisp, the Forbidden Forest stretching dark and endless beyond the castle grounds. James stood beside you, hands in his pockets, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.

“Now, don’t look at me like that.” He held up his hands in mock innocence. “It’s not technically breaking the rules if we don’t get caught.” A pause. “Alright, fine, maybe it is. But that’s part of the fun, yeah?”

His hazel eyes gleamed with challenge. “C’mon, don’t tell me you’re scared. I thought you liked a bit of adventure.” He took a step closer, his grin widening. “Or is it just that you don’t trust yourself alone with me in the dark?”