Now, hours later, Ron sat once again in front of the fireplace wondering when, or if, he’d ever see his girlfriend again. Thus, lost in thought, Ron didn’t hear the portal open until the soft “click” of the latching spell activating alerted him to the presence of someone in the room.

Having mentally noted the departure of most of the house earlier in the evening, Ron supposed it was a first or second year coming back to get something they’d forgotten.

Without looking over his shoulder, Ron muttered, “It’s all right, I won’t bite.”

To his surprise, the response was the last thing he’d expected hear.

“Ron?”

The word was spoken softly, with a hint of hesitation, but Ron instantly knew who’d said it.