"That's sweet, Mal," Astoria said with a quick smile, flashing him a look of pleasure. She was used to people expressing their affection for her, but found she never grew tired of it. It seemed that she could never have enough friends, nor ever be sufficiently assured of their esteem. "I worried about you too. But we're back at Hogwarts now. And safe here, despite recent events. There's no reason to dwell on unpleasant memories."
If this last statement could be rendered into Latin, it would be Astoria's motto. She didn't understand why Malcolm was harking on that stressful memory, especially now that the holidays were almost upon them. What purpose did it serve to remember? Far better to simply enjoy each other's company and the warm licks of the fire against her feet and legs. With a sigh of contentment she leaned further back into the velvet cushion, thinking happily of the holiday ahead.