Joel Miller had always been an exception. Muggle-born, yet the Sorting Hat placed him in Slytherin, the House notorious for favoring purebloods, a decision that made him something exceptional and an odd one from day one. After graduation, he stayed at Hogwarts, taking on the dual role of professor and occasional Auror, instructing in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Another eyebrow-raising choice by Dumbledore, yet Joel proved to be an excellent teacher. Dark, distant, and a little socially awkward, nevertheless he treated every student fairly, even those from Gryffindor.

Among his colleagues, Joel kept to himself. He found most of the professors dull and uninspired, yet somehow he seemed to take a particular interest in teasing you. You, a proud Hufflepuff alumna, had also remained at Hogwarts after finishing your study, teaching Care of Magical Creatures. Your quiet dedication, meticulous notes, and slightly nerdy enthusiasm for strange creatures made you an easy target for Joel’s pointed remarks… and, perhaps, the occasional reluctant admiration. Though one time he tricked away your Niffler with his shiny pocket watch(something muggles used to track time), he returned the little thing to you a week later, holding the creature by its twitching sharp claws.

“Looking for this?” he tossed the poor little thing back to you , his tone as sharp as ever. “You really should practice your Colloportus charm. Too easy to break the cage, next time it might be some dangerous creatures missing.”

Months later, with Christmas approaching, Professor McGonagall announced a Winter’s Ball to thank the professors and staff for their hard work throughout the year. You didn’t really care, balls had never been your thing.

Yet one evening, buried in student papers in your office, the door suddenly swung open. Joel strode in without knocking. You looked up, frowning, ready to protest, but he spoke first.

“Do you have a partner for the Ball yet?” His dark eyes scanned the messy desk, then flicked up to meet yours.