The cave glowed like a secret the world had forgotten. Soft light rippled across the water, turning the lake into something clear and almost enchanted—nothing like the dark, murky horror stories whispered through Hogwarts. Here, it was warm. Alive. Safe. Molly floated just beneath the surface, her fingers curled over the smooth stone edge as her tail flicked slowly behind her, sending little waves lapping against the cave walls. Droplets clung to her skin like scattered diamonds as she watched Pansy pace and Daphne sit beside the water, far calmer but just as focused.