“Excellent,” the professor quipped, twisting his trousers a little uncomfortably. That was going to have to be a problem for later. For now, he turned to his desk - a veritable mess he hadn’t looked at in days - and decided it was as good a time as any to chip away at the chaos there. “You don’t mind if I look over a few essays, do you?” He asked, gesturing at the tremendous pile that was about ready to tumble. “I was on my way up to try and sort through a few earlier,” he lied. Then, Lissing’s stomach grumbled and Basil gave him a quick glance.
“Are you hungry?” He asked, perhaps obviously. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I have anything. I don’t… eat much, up here.” Basil scratched the back of his head awkwardly. More often than not, when he was up late or skipped meals he was in his office. He and Cecil had their little routine to share whatever it was that he did manage to gather from the kitchens those nights. Though, in retrospect, Basil wasn’t sure when the last time was he even saw his little hedgehog friend? Ever since Diana had transformed back from a cat, in fact. He’d have to keep a closer eye out. Maybe leave little Cecil some cheese or the like.
Deciding Lissington could make himself at home as he willed, Basil began to move papers around on his desk. He selected a grouping of N.E.W.T essays that were from mid-October and decided to tackle those first. They were long overdue, anyhow. He scooped them up in his arms and grabbed a large tomb to press upon as he made his way towards the bed. (It seemed rude to hunker down, back turned to his guest from the desk, and his body was still a little achy from the floor.) Making himself comfortable, Basil set his shoes neatly aside and summoned the quill he’d clearly forgotten. Settled at last, he turned to appraise Lissington again.
![[Image: 7DQFAEf.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7DQFAEf.png)


