They had never embraced like this, not even when they were children. There were playful nudges and their dance at the ball, but little else. Such touch were inappropriate anywhere outside of familial or marital relationships. Despite this, Maggie remained still with her arms unmoving around him. For several long minutes, she thought him dead for sure. A lingering hug was forgivable.

"You're not supposed to be the brave one." She was the Gryffindor, after all. She ought to have dealt with the beast on her own and not have bothered him. Who knew what she had tore him away from this evening.

Maggie reluctantly released him and stepped back only slightly. Her hands hung uselessly at her sides. "Thank you. I didn't know what to do."