39. Unity

In the dim light of night, Harry gazed upon the moon. From the top of Hogwarts' highest tower, he noted how the moon shined so vividly through the clouds. Excitement, hope, and anxiety fought for dominance over his mood.

He rested on an edge and smiled softly to the company beside him. "Thank you for coming. I wanted to share something with you." His eyes lingered on her form as she looked at him quizzically. Standing up straight, he gestured for his broom to come to him. It rose from the ground and stood ready.

Magically, it began to stretch to comfortably seat two. There was soft padding added to the length of the broom that hadn't been there before. Harry took the front and sat firmly.

The Pale Lady got up from her resting position and followed behind. She sat sideways with her legs crossed, caring little of the precarious position she had taken.

Harry wasn't surprised but still he was still mildly disappointed that she hadn't needed to hold unto him for support. With such thoughts racing in his mind, he kicked off the tower. The two shot down like a comet as the wind whipped at their faces. Little effected the Pale Lady, while Harry's hair danced wildly in the wind.

Speeding up, the broom swerved upwards just as it reached the bottom of the castle. Adjusting his hold, the broom exploded in speed. A loud explosion was left behind as Harry directed the broom towards the glistening lake. Taking care not to cause too great of a splash, he dipped his hand into the cool dark waters, cutting into it. The waters gleamed under the moonlight like gems.

Harry rose to the sky as he did a helical roll. Intense forces pushed against them, though his passenger just leaned leisurely to the back.

This is what Harry wanted. To share something as wonderful as flying with someone precious. Not even Quidditch could compare to this sensation. For just a brief moment, Harry closed his eyes and took in the whipping winds.

Harry came to a smooth stop where the clouds were gathered. The boy balanced himself on top of the broom and looked below them. Snow began to trickle from above and slowly piled up. A soft smile broke on his lips as he watched the lake swish the flakes around.

"Isn't it an amazing sight? When snow begins to fall, it just becomes perfect", Harry described serenely. The dark water with the decoration of snowflakes in front of the old style castle was picturesque. He was glad to share it with her.

The Pale Lady tilted her head to the side and hummed ever so lightly. "I appreciate the gesture of you sharing this with me."

This made the last Potter chuckle, tears almost spilled from his eyes. "That's something I absolutely love about you." The boy paused with heat flaring on his cheeks. Hearing his own words caused a sudden bout of embarrassment that had a nasty habit of showing up around her company. "It's like you've seen it all millions of times, but can still muster appreciation. I sometimes wonder about all the things you've witnessed. Ever since I was younger, you were like a miracle to me, just when I'm at my lowest you were there. It's embarrassing to admit, but you were my first and only friend for years." Unsaid was that he wouldn't have minded that staying true. She had made his childhood, not so much happy, but content. A sort of contentment that allowed one to deal with adversity and carry on.

The change of his feelings towards her was so gradual that he couldn't quite finger when it had happened. Those feelings were like their friendship was catching ablaze. The beginning was but a sparkle, no matter how hot and fierce. As the years passed, he could feel those emotions becoming like coals, the burning deep and nearly unstoppable.

Harry rose his head to gaze upon the moon, as though the action would bless him with courage he didn't feel. He continued, "But something occurred to me recently, I don't know that much about you or your life. I suppose that's fine, but unfair." A cool wind blew by them, slowly causing his headdress to clink in repetition. "Call it selfish, but I'll like to be a shoulder you could lean on."

Not that he felt that she needed such a thing. Her composure was just another admirable aspect of hers.

"What are you trying to say?" She asked patiently. Her eyes paid him full attention.

Surprisingly, it calmed him down for her to be paying so close attention. Coughing, he turned his sight back towards her, "I want to spend more time with you, to better know you."

The Pale Lady laughed lightly, "Are you perhaps asking me on a date?" Her voice had a coy characteristic that stirred something hot in him.

"Y-Yes. There is a Yule festival scheduled in the Kingdom of Ys. Would you do me the pleasure of going with me?" He asked in a rushed string of words. If his face had any more red, he would have been indistinguishable from a cherry. All he could hear was the rapid beating of his heart, "It could be a little adventure for you and I", he finished.

She was silent for a moment as she crossed her hands. Memories seemed to run through her mind and a fond expression was clear on her face. "That was the most charming date request I've ever received. Most of them were so flirtatiously pushy or overly 'devoted'." Looking at him with a mixture of nostalgia and warmth, she answered, "I would be happy to accompany you, Harry. May we have a pleasant time."

He couldn't resist cheering.

She was amused.