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Not one that would make this hurt less.

Her dark brown eyes turn to me, filled with tears, desperation and pain.

“Why did he have to die?” Her voice shatters on the last word.

Before I can think better of it, I pull her against me.

She folds into my chest like she’s been holding herself together for too long. Her tears soak through my T-shirt, but I don’t care. I just rest my hand against her back and let her cry.

Minutes pass.

Maybe longer.

Eventually her breathing slows.

She pulls away and looks at me as if she’s only just remembered I’m here.

I smile.

Her cheeks immediately turn pink, and she quickly wipes at her face before getting to her feet.

“So...” She looks around the room. “I guess I made a mess.”

I don’t answer.

I simply bend down, pick up another book and smooth out its bent cover before sliding it back into place.

I can feel her watching me. “Why are you doing that?”

I glance at her.

The question in her eyes tells me she isn’t talking about the books.

“I like books.” I shrug and reach for another one.

She watches me carefully. “Why?”

I look down at the book in my hands.

A worn copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

A smile finds its way onto my face before I even realize it.

“What?” Nora asks, taking a hesitant step closer. “Why are you smiling?”

I brush a thumb over the faded cover. “I’ve been looking for this edition.”

She frowns. “What do you mean?”

“The original cover.” I turn the book over in my hands. “I lost mine when I was fourteen.”

She stares at me. “You read Harry Potter?”

I look up. “I practically lived at Hogwarts.”

A tiny smile appears on her lips. “I always thought I’d marry Sirius Black.”

She comes to stand beside me, looking down at the book.