"If we get caught, I'm going to kill you!"

Arthur shot a rebellious grin to the woman walking beside him. "Now, now, Molly. Don't tell me you left your sense of adventure back in the common room?" he whispered.

She looked up at him; the moonlight that spilled in from the windows turned his face into a play of shadows. Hogwarts seemed like an altogether different place at night. The incessant murmur of voices and the hustle and bustle of the people were gone. The only sound to be heard now was the echoing of their feet filling the empty corridor.

Molly rolled her eyes and gave a toss of her fiery hair. "I just thought you'd be more cautious after the last time."

She saw him give a slight shudder. "I think I'll have those scars forever. Apollyon Pringle has had it out for me since I set foot in this castle. What a tosser."

Shaking her head, she chuckled. "So why did you drag me out here at midnight?"

They came to a fork in the corridor and, hesitating only a moment, he led them to the right. He had no specific destination in mind. His feet were on automatic, while every other part of him was tuned into Molly.

His throat seemed to constrict at the thought of what he was about to do.

"Um, well …" Every word now seemed foolish and awkward. Why did he think he would ever be able to do this? He stopped, his trembling hand reaching down to tangle with hers.

Staring into her chocolate eyes, he found his strength once more. "Listen, Molly. We're always making all these plans about the future. It's our seventh year, and I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life. All I know is that when I'm not with you, my heart stops beating. I can't be without you; I won't survive it. You are so beautiful and caring, and I don't know why you would choose me, but I'm glad you did. As soon as we leave here, I want you to marry me."

Molly's eyes were shimmering by the end of his speech and an infectious smile had spread across her cheeks. "Of course, I will!"

And then their lips met and all seemed right in the world.