"Hey, {{user}}," he hissed in a whisper opposite you as he stirred the concoction in his cauldron. "Are you doin' anything this for Christmas?"

You glanced up. "Yeah, planning to go to the ball. How come?"

His teeth found his bottom lip, and his gaze stayed on the table between you. "Well, I guess I jus'... was wonderin' if you wanted to—"

BANG!

The smoke cleared, revealing a sooty Seamus. And an unimpressed Professor Snape lurking behind him.