He seemed interested in my analysis of the wand, then picked it up, seeming...almost startled. I was just about to say that I hope I hadn’t offended him, but next thing I knew, he was on the floor. I jumped to my feet, unsure if I should help him up or if he’d be insulted by that. A few other patrons had looked over as well, but Alex got up without any help. A little unsettled, I sat down and listened to him as he tried to brush it off as nothing. Unsuccessfully, I could visibly see his hands trembling.

An eyebrow raised, I watched his face fluctuate between a smile I knew all too well, the “I’m fine leave me alone” smile. When his eyes flicked to me, I held his gaze without flinching, a bit concerned. He seemed focused on something that he’d been through, or was going to do. I couldn’t tell which one.

I wasn’t surprised to hear that he had almost been put in Slytherin. His wand had given me a slight chill when I held it. But he WAS clearly smart, and fit in well in Ravenclaw. I had to laugh at his comment about the Sorting Hat.

“Yes, I know what you mean. That hat is really wise, but he can talk FOREVER. I’ll admit that I like to tune it out when he gives his start of the year speeches, they’re dull as a blank piece of parchment,” I said, but still contemplating his comment about “his rightful place.”
I wondered what that meant.

Drinking the last bit of my butterbeer in one swig. I looked at him. “Look...I’m not going to press you, I don’t exactly know you. But I can tell something is bugging you. I know that when I just need to think, wandering abandoned corridors is the best. One day, I found a room full of mirrors, and just looking at myself, studying, I made some interesting discoveries. Might be something for you to consider.”

Standing, I threw enough money on the table to cover both drinks, whether he liked it or not, and put my coat on. “I’m going to go back to the school to get started on my books…you’re welcome to walk back with me or wander around here for a while. Just going to stop by Honeydukes on the way. Maybe you could use some chocolate - it really does help. That’s not just a myth,” I grinned and picked up my bundle, taking a step before looking to see what he was going to do.