Y3 ~ Bloody Idiot

                                    

                                          
The autumn air was crisp, with a gentle breeze that carried the scent of pine and the faint rustle of leaves. The grounds of Hogwarts were bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, casting long, golden shadows that danced across the grass. As Y/N and Harry walked together, their footsteps crunched on the gravel path, the sound mingling with the distant chatter of students enjoying the evening.
Harry couldn't help but steal glances at Y/N, his heart pounding each time his eyes lingered on her longer than he intended. She was, without a doubt, breathtakingly beautiful. Her hair, catching the warm light, fell in soft waves around her face, and when a strand strayed too far, she would absentmindedly tuck it behind her ear. It was a small, almost insignificant gesture, but to Harry, it was enchanting. Each time she caught him looking, he would quickly turn away, his cheeks flushing a deep red, cursing himself for being so obvious.
But Harry's feelings for Y/N went far beyond her outward beauty. There was something about her presence that drew him in, something deeper that made his chest tighten with longing whenever he was near her. Y/N had a warmth and kindness that radiated from within, a personality that was both gentle and strong. She shared his love for adventure and a thirst for knowledge, and they could spend hours talking about everything from Quidditch strategies to the latest book they had read.
Even Ron, obviously being smitten with Y/N at first glance, Ron had once confided in Harry, his voice tinged with slightly disappointment. "She's great, mate, but t's pretty clear who she really fancies." Ron had clapped Harry on the shoulder with a knowing grin, one that Harry didn't quite understand. Ron had come to realize that his connection with Y/N was more platonic than romantic and decided against pursing it, beside his best friend was clearly infatuated with her and decided to let his feelings go. This piece of information Harry didn't know, Ron giving up his feelings for Y/N. Leaving Harry to grapple with his growing feelings for Y/N with the possibility of complication of rivalry, which would never be the case.
Y/N and Harry's friendship deepened with each passing day, particularly as they spent more time alone together. The days of classes and homework were punctuated by these quiet moments that felt stolen from the chaos of their lives. It was in these moments that Harry felt most at ease, the burdens of his destiny forgotten, if only for a little while.
One afternoon, they found themselves by the edge of the Black Lake, the water calm and reflective, mirroring the cotton candy clouds drifting lazily across the sky. The lake, with its deep, mysterious waters, seemed to hold a world of its own beneath the surface—a world that was, for the moment, as serene as their surroundings. The soft rustle of the Forbidden Forest in the distance and the occasional bird call were the only sounds that broke the silence. They sat on a patch of grass, the earth cool beneath them, and let the tranquility of the moment envelop them.
Y/N broke the silence, her voice soft and thoughtful. "Harry," she said, her eyes fixed on the horizon, "have you ever noticed how calm everything feels out here?"
Harry turned to look at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah," he replied, his voice quiet. "It's like a different world. Sometimes I feel like I can forget about everything else when we're here."
Y/N nodded, her gaze still on the lake, the gentle lapping of the water against the shore matching the rhythm of her thoughts. "It's nice to just be here, with you," she added, her voice carrying a warmth that made Harry's heart skip a beat.
Harry felt a flush creep up his neck and quickly looked down at the ground, suddenly very interested in the blades of grass beneath his fingers. "Yeah, it's nice," he mumbled, unable to meet her eyes, afraid that she might see just how much those words meant to him.