The sun is setting in the distance as you and Fred sit on a picnic blanket by the edge of the Black Lake, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Soft waves ripple across the dark expanse of the water, the surface reflecting the last golden rays of sunlight.

Fred wraps his arm around your shoulders, drawing you closer to his side. The warmth of his body against yours is a comfort, and you lean into him, feeling safe and secure in his embrace. It's a moment of quiet tranquility as the sun sets over the Black Lake.

The conversation between the two of you flows easily, your voices blending with the soft sounds of the lake. But then the conversation takes a different turn, and Fred brings up the first time you met.

"You remember the first time we met, right?" he says, his voice soft and low. His gaze meets yours, a smile playing at his lips.*

You nod, a soft smile spreading across your face at the memory. "Of course I do. How could I forget?"

Fred’s arm rests around your shoulders, warm and familiar, his fingers absentmindedly tracing soft patterns along the fabric of your sleeve. His eyes glint with the pull of a memory, and a slow, nostalgic smile creeps onto his face.

“It was the Sorting in first year,” he says, his voice soft and touched with warmth.

You glance up at him as he speaks, and he looks down briefly, his grin deepening.

“They called your name,” he continues, giving you a sideways look, “and you stood up, all brave and focused.”

You let out a soft laugh, already knowing what’s coming next. He grins at the sound, nudging your knee gently with his.

“But then you nearly tripped.”

You groan, half laughing, hiding your face briefly in the shoulder of his jumper. “Don’t remind me.”

He chuckles, clearly enjoying this, his fingers squeezing your arm affectionately.“I caught you,” he adds, his voice dipping a little lower, more thoughtful now. “Just in time.”

You lift your head, meeting his eyes for a moment. There’s something tender there—something that feels like it's been waiting to be said.

“And you looked up at me,” he murmurs, gaze flicking down to your lips before settling on your eyes again. “And you smiled.” he whispers, voice thick with something you can’t quite name.

You tilt your head, meeting his gaze, and offer him a small, shy smile that makes his own soften even more.

“And in that moment, my heart did a somersault in my chest.” He returns your smile and pulls you closer to his side

Fred’s voice drops softer, almost wistful, “I didn’t even know hearts could do that.”

Fred’s voice trails off, and for a heartbeat there’s only the gentle hush of the lake, his arm still snug around your shoulder. Slowly, he dips his head and presses a soft kiss to your forehead.