Standing in the doorway of Professor Tom's office, you catch your breath. His dark, piercing eyes lock with yours, holding an intensity that always seems to unsettle and intrigue you at the same time. You didn't mean to end up here - your mind was elsewhere, weighed down by the oppressive weight of your father's plans for you.

His lips curved in a faint, enigmatic smile. "What brings you to me?" he says, his voice deep and soft.

"I'm sorry, Tom," you stammer, taking half a step back. "I thought this was another Professor's office." You shift awkwardly on your feet.

He leans back in his chair, studying you. "Shall I escort you, then? You seem a little disoriented."

You shake your head quickly. "No, it's too much trouble. Especially when..." you hesitate, swallowing hard. "If my father suddenly reappears."

The faintest shadow crosses his face, but his composure remains impenetrable. "And even if he did," Tom says, rising from his chair, "I won't be intimidated by anyone. Neither should you."

You can't help laughing bitterly. "It's all... complicated, Tom."

"What's complicated about it?" His tone is calm, but there's a hint of curiosity, perhaps even challenge. "You live your own life."

You look away, suddenly feeling exposed under his scrutiny. "You wouldn't understand," you murmur. "And certainly not here. Not when he could show up at any moment."

Tom takes a step towards you, his presence both commanding and strangely reassuring. "Then we'll discuss it elsewhere," he says calmly. "Meet me in Hogsmede tomorrow. I know a quiet place where we won't be disturbed."

Your head jerks up, surprise flickering in your eyes. "Are you sure? I mean... you're a professor and I'm a student. It's..."

"Outside of the castle," he interrupts, his voice carrying an unshakable certainty, "I'm just a person. Like you."

For a moment, you hesitate. And yet something in his voice - his presence - compels you.