At the edge of the cedar woods in Hogsmeade, the silence magnified Hermione's frantic heartbeat. Lynn's low, clear "It is very sweet" was like a tiny spark, instantly reigniting the blush she had only just managed to suppress. She hurriedly lowered her head, pretending to focus on tidying the bulging bag of sweets, while her fingertips still seemed to retain the faint tingling from the touch of his lips.
"Um... it's getting late!" Hermione's voice wavered slightly as she quickly stuffed the bag of sweets into Lynn's arms as though tossing away a hot potato. "We should head back! Tomorrow's Monday, and we've still got loads of homework! Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration essay, Snape's Potions report..." She began listing them one by one, trying to use the burden of her studies to suppress the little deer crashing about in her chest.
Lynn caught the bag steadily. Seeing her flushed ears and her profile pretending to be calm, a faint smile flickered in his eyes, but he did not expose her. "Mm." He responded, naturally taking her hand, which had grown slightly cool from arranging the bag. "Let's go."
The two of them walked back to Hogsmeade Village through the soft snow, then took a Thestral carriage back to Hogwarts. Inside the carriage, Hermione sat by the window. Beyond it, the Scottish Highlands rushed past beneath the twilight, deep purple and inky blue intertwined. She pretended to admire the scenery, but her peripheral vision kept drifting toward Lynn, who sat quietly beside her. He had his eyes closed, resting, his profile looking especially composed in the dim light. Back in the snow, the focus and warmth in his eyes when he looked at her... Hermione's heart began racing uncontrollably again.
What love potion sweets? Completely unnecessary! she grumbled inwardly, though a sweet