Dunstan offered a faint smile as Emma Binns sprang into action, somewhat to the detriment of the cat who'd made her its perch. He liked Miss Binns — she was a good egg, and keen in class, so when paired with her she would generally do the talking, while Dun could be a bit quiet. But she was also one of the younger-looking children in their year, reminding Dunstan (who would soon be turning fourteen) that he'd been forced to join Hogwarts late.

Anyway, now was not the time to ponder that. He was looking for distraction. So he pulled across the small side-table with the chessboard on it, and began unpacking pieces. "Black", he responded, partly because he felt more of a kinship with that colour than white, and partly because white was generally accepted to go first. And Dunstan was the type of boy who always let others go first.

"Any plans for the Summer?" he asked conversationally as they began to set up the board.