Adam was already at the foot of the stairs, watching Allegra descend with a smile. At her question, he nodded. “Ready.” And though it was a silent agreement between the two of them that separating was thrilling for neither of them, it at least felt… alright. Like it was a good thing, like they were finally being responsible. And anyway, after the rollercoaster of the past week and last night, the couple needed some breathing room, an opportunity to reconnect with the friends they’d been too caught up to fully appreciate. The feeling of finality in the air made Adam suddenly hyperaware of all the people he’d be saying goodbye to in only a few days. He’d been so caught up in his issues with Allegra that it hadn’t hit him how drastically life was about to change.

Taking Allegra’s hand into his own, Adam led the way across the familiar little cottage for what may be the last time, and out onto the front yard. He wasn’t sure why he decided to go this way, usually the couple left the cottage from the back, where they could move into the grounds unseen. Instead of a view to the lake and Forbidden Forest, the couple were greeted with the sight of Hogwarts castle just across the grounds, its stone walls glittering beneath the afternoon sun.

Adam took a few steps forward, the door to the cottage closing behind them, then stopped. This is it.
But instead of releasing Allegra’s hand and going his way, the boy pulled her closer. He only let go of her hand so he could wrap his arms around her frame in a familiar embrace, keeping the girl snuggly and close. “I love you.” He said it softly but not romantically, like he was sharing a friendly reminder of something important, something she couldn’t forget. Flashing the girl a warm smile, he leaned in and gently met her lips with his own. And though there were definitely traces of nostalgia haunting the couple’s departure, Adam felt strangely at peace. He felt alright. Because it wasn’t goodbye.

He pulled back a few moments later, smiling. “I’ll see you later, Moon.” He followed the promise with a peck to her lips and finally separated from her, moving away toward the castle and flashing her one last smile.