Basil couldn’t help the slight blush that spread across his face at Gus’ compliment. He knew he was gifted, or at least interested in the subject, but brilliant was a bit of a stretch even for him. Still, he appreciated the kudos and accepted it without further comment. Leaning back and looking up at the sky, the boy waited for his friend’s response. He could only imagine now what fantastic possibilities Lissing was considering. He too was rather gifted at a lot of things and his N.E.W.T scores were nothing to scoff at. Gus could do any and everything he wanted, from being an auror to working in London with the best of them. Basil was mid smile when the bomb dropped and the Ravenclaw jolted half upright onto his elbows. “You’re what?” He blurted.
The shock and surprise came off a bit more dumbstruck than Basil had intended. He could only imagine the stupid look on his own face as he lay there, staring at the back of his friend’s head willing himself to say something, anything, more congratulatory or intelligent. Sitting up the rest of the way, Basil blinked a few times. A curse breaker. Didn’t that mean travel? Didn’t that mean touring the world, never mind the continent, and seeking out dark and potentially life-threatening curses to break? Basil sucked in a small breath and forced himself not to think through the implications just yet.
“T-That’s wonderful!” He forced out. Still sitting there, not moving closer to his friend, he tried again. “I can imagine your father is proud! It will be… very exciting work, that’s for sure.” Even if it means you’re going away. Even if it means I won’t ever see you. Even if it means I could loose you forever. Basil didn’t say any of these things that clouded his mind. Instead, he rubbed his arm awkwardly, glad that Gus had his back turned. “W-when do you start?” He asked, hoping it sounded nonchalant and failing, miserably.