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Sunday afternoon after the Herbology club trek to the lake for a special underwater-plants field trip, Weslyn decided to just stay out a little longer. She didn’t have to be at Quidditch practice, and even though her fingers were already pruny, it was too nice a day to not be in the water.

The last year had been..surprisingly stressful! Weslyn had thought with OWLs over, they would have a break until NEWTs next year. But NEWT-level classes were challenging, and even though she had dropped two classes she felt like it had just as much coursework, if not more.

And then there were club activities-- Thinking of club activities for Herbology and Cooking had been…surprisingly fun! Weslyn smiled as she stretched on her back, floating aimlessly on the lake. At the start of the year she had been beyond herself with worry that she wouldn't be able to handle anything, and wouldn’t even have Yukon to rely on. But she had Kenny, and she had Skip and Willow and Tori and Celeste, and all the friendly faces still at Hogwarts with her. And it had been okay.

”And so she worried, the lines of her hands became the lines upon her face,” sang a melodic tenor under the waves. Wes turned to find a familiar mer-face watching just under the waves. And she had Asra--he counted as a friend, right? The merman must have finished showing off for the other Herbology Club members and made his way back over. ”Although I suppose you look less worried than usual.”

In her best Mermish--she’d managed to practice a little over the years-- Wes murmured under the water: ”Just relaxing and thinking about the changes this season-cycle.”

Asra made a face Wes now recognized as amusement--no doubt her pronunciation or phrasing or something was off-- before he looped around under the water, popping up to wave with an arm. His tuneful greeting turned to a screeching sound above water as he greeted the newcomer.

”He was saying hello,” Wes translated as she turned, treading water to see who had joined them.

Today was a special date. Every date with Callie was special, even the odd Saturday lunch in Hogsmeade they had to make do with. But hopefully tonight would be…well, extra special. Last year they had faced months of putting up with unflattering rumours of him cheating on Callie with Jess–as though he could cheat!-- and with him busy with Hit Wizard orientations in summer and Callie back at Hogwarts in the Fall, Eden had been feeling extra lonely for a while now. He trusted her, and knew she trusted him. But he wanted to do more anyways. He had a strategy. If only tonight would go smoothly.

They had started with a movie, followed by a nice dinner and a walk through Hogsmeade. Conversation flowed naturally between them now, and silences were comfortable. There didn’t always need to be banter–sometimes just having his Starflower’s tiny hand tucked in his, both of them just gazing at the winter lights, was enough–comfort, solace, gentle serenity in her presence.

"This has been a perfect day, dear Knight. One that I would love to remain deep into tomorrow."

Eden’s face flushed a little as he thought of a few less-than-innocuous ways their date might extend late into the next day. He smiled at her innocent contentment though and kissed a chaste kiss to Callie’s temple. ”You are perfect, Starflower. We still have a few more hours together.”

Eden had been ice skating only once a long time ago, but Callie seemed excited, and he couldn’t deny his lady-love. Besides, “skating together under the starlight” may have come up word for word when he and Lochi were working on their secret project this year. Eden transfigured his shoes as Callie cast a spell over the surface of the lake. He held her hand shakily, nowhere as comfortable on ice as his girlfriend was.

Callie released his hand for a moment, twirling elegantly nearby as he smiled on, happy to just stand upright and glide forward without stumbling. After a few moments, Callie skated back to where he was and handed him a small, wrapped gift. ”Oh! Time to exchange presents? he asked, gliding back to the lake bank to steady himself and open the package.

Eden had prepared two presents– one was for Callie, a crystal hair comb to complement the moon-and-stars hair pins she seemed always to have. He set this present in Callie’s hands now, as his heartbeat sped up suddenly terrified about the other present–the present for both of them tucked safely in the interior chest pocket of his coat.

”And for you. Shall we open them?”

Eden held the compass in the flat of his palm, running his fingers curiously along the edges and listened to Callie’s explanation: ”I figured it must be fate, be you travelling in day or night, you can always find your way back to me.”

Eden looked up to see the delicate pink of a blush grace Callie’s pale cheeks. He cupped her cheek with one warm hand and touched their foreheads together gently. ”I love it. I love you, Callie. Thank you. And I promise, I will always find my way back to you.”

Despite getting him something, Callie protested that Edem hadn’t needed to get her anywhting. She seemed delighted by the present, and pressed her lips gently to his. She loves you too. She loves you. he repeated her words to himself happily.

The young couple made their way back onto the ice. Eden’s heart was simultaneously racing and calm, spreading a warm feeling through him. Callie gave him a few tips on skating, holding his hands until he was more comfortable. Eden had a good sense of poise and balance off the ice that seemed to help, and with a few good pointers, he was able to glide slowly around. Callie twirled away, skating across the frozen lake like she was an angel floating over the ice. The evening had been perfect. Callie was super happy. The timing was perfect.

Eden was distracted reaching for the inside pocket of his coat when a sudden crackling sound caught his attention. His eyes jumped up– Moon’s not full, so It can’t be a werewolf, maybe– before realizing the deeper noise meant the crack was much closer than he thought.

”Callie–” he started, but Callie had the same idea, suggesting he turn back. ”You too,” Eden said, fumbling for his wand instead. He reached a hand out. ”Carefully. Gently… Just give me a sec–”

The ice groaned, and the cracks drove deeper. Callie tried moving forward, but as soon as she leaned forward, the snapped, crumbling into the water like a collapsing star.

”CALLIE!” Eden’s scream overlapped with Callie’s. He wasted a precious second staring in disbelief, his wand drawn uselessly too late and his feet buckling with the collapsing ice.

Then he dove in. The cold water hit him like razor blades, and the darkness pressed even harder against his eyes. He managed a nonverbal bubble head charm and light, summoned his muscles to kick, and propelled himself further into the depths. He spotted Callie just ahead–she was suspended in the water with her eyes shut– he feared the worst. Wrapping an arm around her, Eden held his Callie close and imagined the surface as he channelled magic through them both.

With a soft pop, they materialized safe on shore next to their belongings. A frigid gale chilled him to his bones, and he wasn’t even sure where his clothing ended and his numb skin began. ”Callie? Callie?! Answer me, starflower!” he begged. ”Portare Flamma He tucked a bluebell in her coat, hoping to keep her heart warm and folded her fingers around another, desperately hoping to wake her with some warmth. But it wouldn’t be enough. She needed proper treatment.

Eden gathered Callie in his arms again and channelled magic through them again. He stared up at the sky and thought of warmth and safety.