Zach observed her carefully as they continued to wade, watching for any indication of her discomfort. When they had reached the depth that seemed comfortable enough, he allowed himself to relax slightly, though he was keenly aware how alone they seemed to be.

"Yes," his answer was honest. However, Zach didn’t know whether or not his current feelings were compounded by Jo’s presence. "Hogsmeade’s skies don’t shine as brightly as they do here," he tipped his head back, admiring the sky above, free from any sort of light pollution. It was so peaceful, free from expectations and the general hustle and bustle of society. After a few moments, his head dipped back, and he smiled. "I wouldn’t mind enjoying this place a little longer." An unspoken ‘with you’ hung in the air.

Sometimes, his thoughts drifted to the possibility of remaining in the many places he ventured, but he’d always be drawn back to Hogsmeade. "But I don’t think I could ever truly abandon the shop. Not permanently." It was his true passion, where he threw the majority of his energy. His life’s work, even though he had inherited it. Who else would carry it on?

"Maybe we could return here."