Dating After Exams

By mid-June, in the height of summer, the low hill beside the North Tower was pleasantly cool.

The sky was a deep, pure watery blue. Looking into the distance, the emerald green and blue at the edge of sight were sharply divided, like a richly colored oil painting.

Squirrels rustled through the branches of the Scottish pines. Perhaps noticing that the people sheltering from the heat beneath the tree were drowsy and paid them no mind, they relaxed after carrying away several loads of pinecones, clinging to branches behind the leaves and watching the young couple below with bean-sized, glossy black eyes.

No exams to worry about, no troubled times to fear. All it took was spreading out a floral mat, setting out chilled fruit and snacks, and using Transfiguration to turn the tree roots into comfortable wicker chairs, and the whole world became wonderful.

Compared with the shore of the Black Lake, this place was more secluded. There was no need to worry about anyone yelling at the Giant Squid's tentacles, or someone flying over the lake on a broomstick and setting off cheers and screams when they fell in.

"That's everything Professor Babbling asked me to pass on." With all her exams finished, Miss Granger drew out the ends of her words slightly, soft and gentle, carrying a trace of afternoon languor. "The specific duties haven't been decided yet. They'll send a written invitation after we graduate next year. The Egyptian Alchemy Research Center noticed you because of Weasley Joke Shop's products, and the Beauxbatons Board of Governors also took part in the decision. Do you think they know about your relationship with Mr. Nicolas Flamel?"

"Whether they know or not, it doesn't really matter." Loren sounded even more listless, his eyes half-lidded. The quiet, cool air of