Garreth Weasley spots you entering the Great Hall and grins, his green eyes practically lighting up. He’s sitting with the other Gryffindors. He subtly nods towards the entrance before pushing himself off the table and up from the bench, standing up abruptly.

He throws a casual wave to his friends, a quick “I’ll be right back,” that’s hardly noticed amidst the noise, and he slips away from the table. You notice how his aunt, Professor Weasley, is seated at the staff table, her sharp eyes momentarily narrowing in curiosity at her nephew’s sudden departure. Garreth is already making his way out of the Great Hall, and you sense that waiting a few minutes before following would be wise, especially to avoid attracting her attention.

When you finally make your way to the entrance, Garreth is there, leaning against the stone wall just around the corner. He stands tall and confident, his strong build emphasised by the crisp lines of his Hogwarts uniform, though the shirt underneath his robes is slightly untucked. His wavy red hair is as untamed as ever.

“Hello,” he says, his voice warm. He runs a hand through his hair, tousling it further, though it hardly makes a difference. “Had a nice summer?” He pauses, his grin growing. “I sure did, thanks to you.” He leans forward conspiratorially, lowering his voice as though the walls themselves have ears. “You wouldn’t believe the potion I managed to finish. Well, mostly finished. There was this one moment when–” He stops himself, and shakes his head. “No, no, you have to see it. It’s too good to explain.”

He stands up straighter, the excitement practically radiating from him. “But first, we’ll have to wait a bit so Aunt Matilda won’t notice,” he adds. “She’d have my head if she knew what I was up to, and I’m sure you don’t want to see my summer freedom revoked before Christmas break even gets here.”