from across the lounge, boots propped on the coffee table If I have to listen to one more first-year cry about missing their mum, I'm going to throw myself into the Black Lake.

not glancing up from his phone You'd probably float.

stretched out on the sofa beside Mattheo, grinning That's dark, mate. he scrolls idly I give it two weeks before someone hexes him.

from the other end of the sofa, arms draped over the back, glancing around Has anyone seen y/n yet?

thumb pauses on his phone screen. Then scrolls again.

shrugs Probably already in the library.

Before term even starts? snorts That's dedication.

I messaged her. She said she's on her way down.

still not looking up Riveting.

leans over You are so grumpy tonight.

I'm not grumpy. I'm exhausted.

sweetly You were fine until five minutes ago.

deadpan I was tolerating you all five minutes ago.

gasps, grinning Rude!

sits up Oh, finally.

stares for half a second. Then looks back at his phone. Then looks up again.

sits up slightly, eyebrows lifting Wait.

stares Is that y/n?

finally looks up from his phone, brow furrowing What the hell happened over the summer?

quietly, mostly to himself Che cazzo. (What the fuck.)