Chapter 32 Shared Walk
The grounds of Hogwarts were washed in late-afternoon light when Liora stepped outside, the castle doors closing softly behind her. The air carried the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves, autumn pressing its quiet presence into every corner of the world. Somewhere in the distance, laughter drifted from students enjoying a rare break between classes, their voices floating like echoes over the lake.
She hadn’t planned to go for a walk.
Not really.
But after the intensity of the corridor puzzle—after the way the magic had responded to them, together—she needed space to breathe. Space to think. Space to feel without the stone walls of the castle pressing in around her.
She followed the path that curved toward the lake, boots crunching lightly over gravel. The surface of the water shimmered, reflecting the sky in soft gold and blue.
“Running away from the castle already?”
Liora turned, startled—and then smiled.
Mattheo stood a few paces behind her, hands tucked into the pockets of his robes, posture relaxed in a way she rarely saw. His expression was easier too, as if the weight he usually carried had loosened just a little.
“I was just thinking,” she said.
“That’s dangerous,” he replied dryly.
She laughed. “You say that about everything.”
“And I’m usually right.”
She rolled her eyes and turned back toward the lake, continuing along the path. After a brief hesitation, Mattheo fell into step beside her.
They walked in silence for a few moments—not awkward, just… quiet. Comfortable. The kind of silence that didn’t demand to be filled.
“You did well today,” Mattheo said eventually.
“So did you.”
He glanced at her. “You didn’t hesitate.”
“I trusted you.”
His jaw tightened slightly—not in discomfort, but in something like awe. “You keep saying that like it’s simple.”
“For me, it is.”
They reached the edge of the lake, where the path widened and sloped gently down toward the water. Liora kicked a small stone into the shallows, watching the ripples spread.
“I liked how the castle responded,” she said. “Like it was listening.”
“It was,” Mattheo replied. “Old magic doesn’t respond to power. It responds to intent.”
She nodded. “I think Hogwarts likes honesty.”
He snorted softly. “Then it’s a miracle it tolerates Slytherin at all.”
She shot him a look. “You’re more honest than you think.”
They stopped near a cluster of tall reeds swaying gently in the breeze. For a moment, Mattheo leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed loosely. Liora stood beside him, close enough that their sleeves brushed when the wind shifted.
She noticed.
So did he.
Neither moved away.
“You know,” she said quietly, “when people talk about Slytherins, they never mention moments like today.”
“What moments?”
“The ones where someone chooses trust instead of advantage.”
His gaze lingered on her, searching. “You think that’s common?”
“No,” she admitted. “But I think it’s possible.”
His hand brushed against hers—accidentally. Or maybe not. The contact was brief, light, but it sent a strange warmth through her fingers.
She inhaled sharply.
“Sorry,” he murmured.
“It’s okay,” she replied just as softly.
They continued walking, following the curve of the lake toward a low stone wall overlooking the water. The giant squid’s tentacles stirred lazily beneath the surface, casting long shadows.
Liora leaned against the wall, gazing out at the water.
Mattheo stood beside her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of him through the thin fabric of their robes.
“You’re quieter than usual,” she observed.
“So are you.”
She smiled. “I like this kind of quiet.”
“So do I.”
Their shoulders brushed as he shifted his weight. This time, neither of them apologized.
The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose. The moment felt fragile, like something that could vanish if acknowledged too directly.
“Mattheo,” Liora said after a moment, voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes?”
“I’m glad we solved that puzzle together.”
He turned his head, eyes dark and thoughtful. “Me too.”
She hesitated, then added, “I think I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”
He studied her face, then shook his head. “You would have. Just not the same way.”
Their eyes met.
Something passed between them—unspoken, electric.
A breeze swept across the lake, lifting a strand of her hair and tangling it around her face. Without thinking, Mattheo reached out and tucked it gently behind her ear.
The touch was soft. Careful.
Liora froze—not pulling away, not leaning in. Just… feeling.
His hand lingered for a heartbeat too long before he withdrew it, fingers curling slightly as if reluctant to let go.
“I should walk you back,” he said, voice low.
She nodded, unable to trust her voice.
They turned back toward the castle together, steps falling into an easy rhythm. As they walked, their hands brushed again—and this time, neither of them moved away.
For a few steps, their fingers stayed just barely touching.
Not holding.
Not yet.
But close enough to promise something more.
When they reached the doors, they paused.
“I’ll see you later?” Liora asked.
“Yes,” Mattheo replied without hesitation.
She smiled, warmth blooming in her chest, and slipped inside.
Mattheo watched her go, the echo of her presence lingering beside him like a spell he hadn’t meant to cast—but wasn’t sure he wanted to break.