Basil did not fail to notice (indeed, how could he?) that the young woman’s face lit up at mention of the library. Something in his chest swelled like a bubble, waiting for that crucial moment in which she, too, would disappoint him like all debutants and say something ridiculous about how the library was the best place to find a husband of means (because really, it wasn’t.) He gave her another quick once over, this time more appreciative than curious, and let a small smile play across his features. It was not a look that insinuated anything, merely allowed his genuine pleasure at the turn of events to shine through. As the women asked him if he was a pupil or a member of faculty, that same pleased smile broke into a grin. “Faculty!” He announced, tugging the edges of his waistcoat a bit, like a proud schoolboy. “This will be my first summer as such, in fact. During term I am the transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, but this holiday I shall be stepping in temporarily to teach some advanced courses here at the Institute.” He didn’t bother to mention previous years of guest lecture, or his numerous research publications— that would be boastful. Instead, finally remembering his manners, Basil dipped his head in formal greeting. “My name is Basil Foxwood,” he offered.
Shifting a bit in place as a breeze skittered past them, ruffling his hair, the brunette couldn’t contain his own curiosity in turn. How marvelous would it be if she was a student here? He cleared his throat and as politely as he could, he made a subtle gesture towards the girl and the library. “And you?” He asked. “Are you registered for any courses these upcoming months?” Perhaps that was why she was waiting for her Mr. Nott. Perhaps he was meant to escort her to her first class. Idly, Basil wondered if he would see her again in his own classroom. It would be a delight if they crossed paths again.
![[Image: 7DQFAEf.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7DQFAEf.png)