Natty had been working at Hogwarts since May, so the job itself wasn't new to him — but certain other things about this new school year were. For a start, he'd decided to forgo lease on his flat in Hogsmeade and save a pretty penny by moving into the on-site accommodation for the Groundskeeper; a cosy little cottage by the forest's edge.

But more notably, there was Winnie. They had... found something in one another over the Summer. And after long walks, and deep musings, and stolen kisses, and the feel of the young dryad's smaller hand in his, it had been quite the adjustment for them both to work at Hogwarts.

Natty had just put the kettle on the stove when he heard a gentle knock on the door, which he opened to the sprightly gentleman.

Blimey, why did he have to be so pretty...

"I missed you too..." He smiled, and felt an overwhelming desire to touch him, to kiss him — but he resisted, feeling awkward and flustered. "How was your first week?" Natty asked as he busied himself with fetching two teacups from the cupboard, running a hand distractedly through his black hair. "Professor Umbra", he added with another smile.