Grian was talking. Mumbo was pretty sure that Grian was talking.

But Grian was also sitting next to him, leaning against his arm so that they could share the transfiguration textbook, and at this point, Mumbo's ears were just filled with a buzzing sound.

It wasn't so much the weight against his shoulder or the smell of wood polish and pine needles. It was the way Grian's blond hair was tickling his neck, the only proof of how close they really were.

"Uh, G-Grian" Mumbo stuttered, his voice cracking sharply. "Do you think you could, uh, move over a little?"

Grian glanced down at where their arms were pressed together and chuckled.

"Oh sorry Mumbo I didn't realize how much I was invading your space. Why didn't you say something earlier?"

Because I liked it.

"I-I just didn't want to be rude" Mumbo lied, his mind clearing up a bit with the lack of warmth against his side. "Are you starting t-to, uh, understand then?"

"I think so?" Grian flipped a couple pages of his book. "I think my biggest problem is the concentration. I tend to be pretty unfocused"

"Well, focus may be the most important part of transfiguration" Mumbo said with a small smile. "You need to very clearly picture what you are trying to accomplish in your mind, and if you aren't able to explain how to get from one step to the next, then it probably isn't going to turn out how you want"

Grian cocked his head and smiled, making Mumbo flush under the unwavering attention.

"W-what?"

"Nothing. It's just funny how much more smoothly you speak when you start talking about magic"

Mumbo felt his face heat up further, and he focused his gaze on the book in front of him.

"I, uh, thank you? I d-don't usually talk like this"

"Oh?"

Scar coughed loudly on Mumbo's right, getting both of their attention.

"Grian can you please get me a book on... um... grindylows?" He asked sweetly.

"Oh sure!"

Grian flashed them a smile before standing and going over to the magical creatures section of the library.

"Mumbo... what's up"

"What? Nothing!" Mumbo said defensively at least three octaves higher than usual.

Scar raised his eyebrows.

"I thought you said you didn't know Grian"

"I-I don't"

"Are you uncomfortable that he's a Slytherin?"

"Of course not!"

"Then why are you acting so strange?"

Mumbo put his head in his hands and rubbed his temples.

"I don't know. I feel so queer"

"Queer?"

"Weird Scar! I feel weird!"

"Oh I thought you meant..." Scar pressed his lips together. "Never mind. Do you want to go?"

Mumbo sighed and shook his head.

"No I really  need the help in potions. I'm probably just tired, so let's just try and finish as fast as possible so I can go lie down"

"Actually, I have to go" Scar said, checking his watch with an apologetic smile.

"What?! You're leaving me alone?"

"I have plans with Stress! Besides I'm not leaving you alone" he winked as he picked up his bag. "Grian is still here"

"Scar! You traitor!"

"Where is he going?" Grian asked, setting a book down on the table and waving at Scar with a confused look on his face.

"He has plans" Mumbo grumbled.

"Oh... but I have the book he wanted"

"I'll give it to him" Mumbo sighed, taking the book and shoving it in the bottom of his bag.

"Ok. Do you want to work on potions then?" Grian asked, leaning his cheek on his hand.

Mumbo's frustration cleared as he met Grian's eyes and felt his tongue run dry.

"I-uh-sure. Where do you w-want start?"

He flipped through his potions book.

"Not here" Grian said, putting a hand on his book to stop him from continuing. "It's better to practice with the actual ingredients"

"Y-you want to go the p-potions room? Won't we get in trouble?"

"Nah" Grian waved his hand in the air as he pulled his bag over his shoulder. "It's open hours right now and we can use anything in the students cupboard. At this time of day, no one should be there either so we won't be disturbed"

"Oh... well ok"

Grian waited patiently while Mumbo carefully put his things away and tugged his heavy bag onto his back. He let Grian lead the way down to the dungeons, the smaller boy chatting the whole way, allowing Mumbo to just listen to his cheerfully musical voice and bell-like laughter.

They were about to descend the final staircase when they heard someone call out.

"Mumbo!"

They turned to see Iskall running towards them.

"Hi Iskall" Mumbo greeted, Grain waving kindly next to him.

"What are you doing?" Iskall asked.

"We were just going down to practice potions" Grian replied, giving Iskall a dazzling smile. Iskall did not return the smile. He didn't even look at him.

"Mumbo why don't you come with me? We can play a round of chess"

"Um thanks Iskall. But I-I really should work on-"

"Grian!"

They turned again as Doc walked up the steps behind them. He glowered at Iskall and put a hand on Grian's shoulder protectively.

"What are you doing?"

"We were going to work on potions" Grian replied.

"Why? You're the best in your year" Doc said, his chest puffing out in pride.

"Yes, but I was going to help-"

"Mumbo I  can help you with potions" Iskall cut in, shooting daggers at Doc, and putting his arm around Mumbo. "You don't have to bother indulging this-"

"Watch it" Doc warned, taking a step forward.

Iskall stood his ground, but Mumbo felt the shiver that went through his friend.

"Grian, come on. We have quidditch practice in an hour"

Grian gave Mumbo an apologetic smile as he was pulled away.

"See you later Mumbo! Thanks for the help!"

Once they were out of sight, Mumbo shrugged Iskall's arm off of him.

"Iskall, what the hell?"

Iskall furrowed his eyebrows.

"Um, you're welcome! I saved you from that creepy sixth year and his little brother"

"Doc wasn't even here when you approached so don't start-" Mumbo paused. "Wait, little brother?"

"Yeah. Not so keen on the kid now are you"

"Who said I liked him?! I don't like him! Besides, why would his sibling have anything to do with it?"

"You saw how aggressive Doc got! Trust me. You don't want to touch that family with a ten foot pole"

Mumbo looked down at the ground.

"Grian is anything but aggressive. He's sweet and funny and childish, but in a cute way. He-"

"Mumbo... I didn't know you fancied him"

Oh god. That was out loud.

"I-I don't! I didn't mean it that way, I-I'm just saying, he-he's normal"

Iskall crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.

"Fine... but even if you don't fancy him, I wouldn't go making friends with him. You don't really know him that well anyways"

"I mean, yeah, but-"

"Don't worry! I can help you with potions"

"But Iskall-"

"Come on!"

Before Mumbo could interject, Iskall had grabbed his arm and was dragging him down to the potions room, not even noticing the dejected expression on his friend's face.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! If you did, please consider leaving a like and a comment to let me know what you think.