Although he wasn't entirely convinced, he had to trust that she knew what she was getting into. He clicked his tongue and tucked the stray piece of her hair behind her ear before his left hand went to the pocket hidden on the inside of his night coat to draw out his wand. "Hopefully it won't take longer than a few minutes. I know the signs well enough to know when to stop, but just in case," he said, reaching out with his free hand to interlock their fingers together.

"You'll squeeze my hand when it hurts. One time my father wasn't gentle with me and I dug my nails so hard into my palms that it drew blood. I'll know to stop if you squeeze hard enough to hurt my hand," he explained, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Even though he was doing their for entirely practical purposes, he couldn't stop his heart from skipping a beat at the touch, and he decided right there and then that he'd rather die than admit to being so silly.

He raised his hand in her direction, watching her expression closely. "If you want to change your mind, tell me now."

---