What changed? Did he really need to ask? Natty was admiring the young teacher's fine-boned features when he said it; and even the mere thought of him had been enough to stop any loneliness in its tracks. The Groundskeeper smiled to confirm it.

As Winny agreed (the blush was very cute), Natty didn't get up, but moved his chair back and extended a hand, beckoning the other towards him. "Come here, then", he invited softly.