Nora’s left hand was safely tucked away in the pocket of her coat, the other gripping Sorrow’s, their fingers entwined. It was hard to believe it was only a couple years ago that she had spent Yule alone in the snow, watching the back of the man now beside her walk away. She ran her thumb over the ring on her left hand, as she had been doing all day. The weight felt odd at first, but slowly she was getting used to it. Many things had changed since that Yuletide, but she would never say she regretted any of them.
As she and Sorrow walked the snowy path through Hogsmeade she was quiet, her face occasionally buried in the thick wool of her scarf. Instead of speaking she took in the holiday cheer, watching the students who remained at school over the break enjoying their trip to the small town. She recognized some, and even returned their calls of ‘happy christmas.’ By now none of them were surprised to see her and Professor Grace walking hand in hand.
Nora looked towards Sorrow, only to find him admiring the town as well. His eyes lit up in the glow of the lights strung across the walkways and reflected the twinkling gold and silvers. She was struck again how delicate and lovely he was, and her grip on his hand tightened as a warmth spread through her. He must have felt her eyes on him, for he turned to her and smiled.
“We’re almost there,” she said, and motioned towards the bright and cheery windows of the Three Broomsticks. Inside waited hot drinks and good company, and yet Nora would have gladly traded it all for a few more private moments with Sorrow.
That would be greedy, she knew, so they continued down the path and into the inn where they were greeted by a wave of warm air and laughter.
Home 
