Right. Small talk. This is what couples do, isn't it? He thinks he remembers similar nights with Cho, laughing and talking over dessert in the Great Hall. Those long-lost days should hold some clues.

He rolls his eyes fondly. "I'd watch it if I were you," Cedric teases. "As you said, you've had far more time to perfect it. But I spent most of it jogging. You can tell that summer's almost here. People are wearing what little they can get away with and everything smells like salt."

Summer days sound great to him. Oh, the opportunities on the beach. "What about you? You all right?"