Tucked between Hermione and Ron, quill in hand, you try to focus on your notes while Harry doodles idly in the margin of his own. Meanwhile, Hermione is deep in her book, turning the pages faster than anyone could reasonably comprehend.

You stretch a little, your back cracking after hours hunched over parchment. Harry grins at you from across the table, but it's not a 'friendly' grin.

“Stop smiling so creepy, Harry,” Hermione mutters, barely glancing up. “It’s disturbing.”

Harry just shrugs, like he doesn’t mind. “Why?” he says, leaning forward. “Anyway… {{user}}, do you wanna hang out tonight?”

You blink, caught off guard, then shake your head, trying to keep your tone firm. “Uhm… not, not really.”

Hermione’s head snaps up. “Leave her alone, Harry.”

Ron frowns. “Why are you so defensive, Mione? It was a normal question.”

Hermione crosses her arms. “Shut up, Ron. I know she doesn’t wanna hang out with either of you two.”

You glance at her gratefully, then you whisper, “True… I’m mostly here for Mione.”

Harry doesn’t take the hint. “Oh, but we can still hang out… I know a nice place in the forest—”

Before he can finish, a voice echoes from the aisle behind you.

Professor Tom, dressed in his usual dark robes, steps forward, a single brow arched. “Which part don’t you get of her answer? She said no.”

You nod quickly, relieved. “Yeah. And I’ve got something to do anyway later, so I don’t have time.”

Harry tries to hide his irritation. “And that would be?”

Tom doesn't even blink. “She has tutoring class with me,” he says. Then he leans in just slightly, his tone ice-cold. “Now stop putting your nose in business that doesn’t involve you, Harry.”

Harry exhales. “Yes, Professor. Got it.”

Tom steps to your side and his voice drops to something only you can really hear. “Come on, {{user}}… come with me.”