Tom unleashed a final spell, and the unicorns drifted away, leaving Astoria flushed, cheeks pink from running beneath the setting sun. Sweat dotted her forehead, and the afterglow made her look like an exhausted but delighted little fox.
Tom cast a series of protection charms around them, preventing cold air from triggering sickness after exertion. The thoughtful act filled Astoria's heart with a sweet and secret warmth.
...
Midnight arrived. At twelve sharp, Tom quietly approached the entrance of Ravenclaw Tower. Penelope had arrived ahead of him, standing in the corridor with posture straight, a bag hanging from her hand.
"So you had me come here at this hour just to stand around in the cold?" Tom teased.
"Of course not."
Penelope rolled her eyes, though she was only a few years older than Daphne and Hermione. Yet somehow her demeanor carried a poised, mature allure.
Some people were simply born to be elegant witches rather than little girls.
She pushed open a door, and the two stepped out onto a balcony terrace. Penelope dragged two tables together, then took out several cakes and an entire roast chicken from her bag.
"Today is just to thank you, my lifesaver." Penelope smiled. "You killed the basilisk. It's not only me who owes you a safe school. Every Muggle-born student can rest easier."
"These are all homemade. If they taste bad, just say so. I'll improve next time."
"Then I'll taste them carefully," Tom said, raising a brow. He took a bite of cake, chewed thoughtfully, and nodded. "The texture is soft, I like that. If it were a little less sweet, it would be perfect."
Penelope memorized the note immediately, treating Tom's preference as critical information.
"Try the chicken too."
"It's better than the house-elves' cooking. Very juicy."
Penelope lifted her chin proudly. "I learned from several Hufflepuff friends."
Tom gave a thumbs-up and devoured the roast chicken and two cakes quickly. He leaned back and let out a satisfied breath.
"Well, I accept your gratitude. And stop calling me 'lifesaver.'"
Penelope nodded, equally satisfied. This was exactly what she liked. If Tom had brushed it off with false modesty, it would have made her feel indebted. Now her sentiment had been expressed, regardless of proportion, and her mind was clear.
"Don't rush. One more gift."
She spread a sheet of parchment on the table.
A drawing. Sunshine streaming in through a hospital window. A golden-haired girl lying in bed. A black-haired boy sitting beside her. Both smiling. It was drawn in soft cartoon style, but even a fool would know who the pair was meant to be.
Tom took the parchment seriously, folding it gently.
"I like this gift. I'll frame it and enchant it to move."
"You thought exactly what I did." Penelope sighed with regret. "Sadly, my animation charm skills aren't good enough yet."
"It's not a difficult spell. I'll write down the technique. Just practice for a while."
Tom then handed her a sleek book.
The new "WhatsApp."
Penelope, upon receiving it, immediately began playing with the enchantments. A cold gust reminded her they were still outdoors, and she hurriedly dragged Tom back inside.
"Study it slowly when you're back. If there's a problem, just contact me through the spellbook."
Penelope squinted slightly, angling her words with calculated precision. "So you're giving me this because you don't want to meet me, is that it?"
"So you're looking for trouble," Tom muttered and flicked her forehead.
"Ow." Penelope covered her head. "I was joking. You can't tell?"
"I'm an idiot then. I don't get jokes."
Penelope had no rebuttal. She turned away dramatically and walked toward the common room entrance. She took a single step,
And Tom caught her by the wrist.
"Realized you were wrong now?" Penelope smirked back smugly.
"No," Tom said. "That chicken was good. Make me two more next time."
Penelope was stunned into laughter. "I'll make you ten. May you choke on them."
"That'd be great," Tom said. "Now hurry to bed. Don't ruin your classes tomorrow."
She bit her lip, then stepped forward and hugged him, warm breath whispering at his ear.
"Thank you, Tom."
"Last time," he said, patting her back gently.
"Fine. Last time."
Just then, the Ravenclaw common room door swung open.
Cho and Marietta emerged.
Tom froze. Penelope stiffened slowly.
And neither of them had any explanation that would sound innocent.