Time always slipped away quickly when people least noticed.
In Vaughn's memory, the wind and snow that had filled the sky seemed like yesterday. Yet after immersing himself in memory magic and all sorts of meetings, he blinked, and the ice on the Black Lake had thawed. Tender buds had sprouted on the trees, and the mountains surrounding Hogwarts had gradually regained their emerald green.
Today was another rare day of good weather, and spring suddenly seemed bright and beautiful.
Hermione had found a picnic cloth from somewhere. Humming a cheerful tune, the girl arranged the food she had brought from the dining hall on top of it.
Having gone two days without seeing its owner, Fruit Tea rubbed itself against Vaughn again and again. Then, gradually drawn in by its surroundings, it chased several gauzy butterflies with transparent wings, hopping about across the grass.
Vaughn lay on the grass and snapped his fingers. A cluster of blue magical flames sprang to life at his fingertips.
Then it floated into the air, swaying in the still-chilly spring breeze and offering a little warmth.
In the Black Lake nearby, the enormous squid poked its head out of the water as well, its thick tentacles stirring up waves.
It truly was a rare moment of relaxation.
Watching it all, Vaughn grew a little lost in thought.
After an unknown amount of time, Hermione lay down beside him and quietly took his hand.
Vaughn turned to look at her. She instinctively looked away, staring at the cluster of magical flames overhead.
"I can do that spell too," she said.
Then she wanted to smack herself on the head. Why did she always come across as so competitive?
Vaughn laughed, and Hermione's cheeks flushed bright red in embarrassment.
"Let's not talk about magic today,"