𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐏A𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄, jp

Dinner.

Izzy and James walked side by side through the castle's winding corridors, their fingers interlaced like it had been that way all along. The early evening light streamed through the tall windows, casting golden shadows along the stone floors. There was a comforting hush between them, the kind of silence that felt intentional; chosen, not awkward.

So much had gone unsaid. So much still needed to be said. But in that moment, none of it mattered.

Izzy's heart felt lighter than it had done in weeks. It wasn't just relief, it was something warmer, something that sat in her chest and made her feel safe. She kept sneaking glances at James out of the corner of her eye, unsure how he looked so calm when her mind was spinning. His hand was still in hers, steady and certain, like he wasn't planning on letting go anytime soon.

She didn't want him to.

She'd been in a relationship before, but this delt so different different. James made her feel seen. Like every flaw, every shadow that followed her didn't scare him. Like he might even like her more for it.

"Are you nervous to go in?" James asked softly as they reached the corridor leading to the Great Hall. His thumb brushed gently against her hand.

Izzy hesitated, then nodded. "A little. It's been weeks since I've properly spoken to anyone."

"They'll be happy to see you," James said confidently, like it was fact rather than hope. And somehow, she believed him. That was the power he had, his quiet certainty made her feel like maybe everything really would be okay.

As they stepped into the Great Hall, still hand in hand, a noticeable hush rippled across the students closest to the doors. Heads turned. Eyes widened. And then came the inevitable whispering.

James didn't flinch. If anything, his grin grew wider. He gave her hand a light squeeze and kept walking toward the Gryffindor table like he hadn't just walked in with the girl half the school had spent the last month speculating about.

Izzy rolled her eyes, but a laugh escaped her anyway.

They reached the usual spot. Marlene was already seated, twirling a strand of hair around her finger with that look of boredom she wore when food was late. Her eyes snapped up when she saw Izzy, and immediately widened.

James slid into his usual seat, Izzy settling beside Marlene. The conversations around them came to an abrupt halt.

Sirius let out a low whistle, leaning forward across the table with a devilish smirk. "Well, well, look who's back. Thought you'd moved to the dungeons or something."

Izzy quirked a brow. "Nice to see you too, Black."

Sirius grinned wider, clearly amused. "Where've you two been?"

"Talking," James said smoothly before she could answer, his voice carrying more weight than the word warranted. His grin hadn't faded, not one bit.

Lily raised an eyebrow from across the table, giving Izzy a knowing glance that was equal parts curiosity and approval. Izzy looked away before she smiled too obviously.

Peter had stopped chewing mid-bite. "Wait, are you guys — are you, like — together?"

"Way to state the obvious, Pete," Alice rolled her eyes, but she was smiling nether the less.

"Nah, he's asking the questions we all want to know."

James looked at Izzy, who looked at Marlene, who looked like she was holding back a squeal.

Izzy shrugged, but her smile gave her away. "Something like that."

"Oh my Godric," Marlene muttered, grabbing Izzy's arm under the table. "We need to talk. Immediately."