A Book and a Fire (Victoria)

Once Humphrey had learned how to find Ravenclaw Tower from anywhere in the castle, he'd made the habit of going back there to spend as much time as possible. The architecture and airy feel of the common room made it feel so much lighter, and there were plenty of excellent areas to curl up with a book and read. When Humphrey had gotten back from Christmas break he'd made a beeline for the tower and stowed his stuff away before heading down to the common area. To his delight, he saw a comfortable armchair by the fire actually available for once; and, quite happily, the boy had immediately settled into the chair before putting his feet up and cracking open the spine of the book he was reading. It was a wonderful story by Erin Morgenstern, called The Night Circus. Despite being written by a muggle, it was one of the most magical and interesting tales he'd ever read. A book and a fire, that was all he really needed to be content.

Students moved by him, chatting with each other as they put their things away and then headed out to do other things. He was completely absorbed in his book, though, oblivious to the chatter of the world around him. It would take somebody bumping into him or repeatedly calling his name to get his attention. There were actually quite a few funny stories his parents liked to tell about him missing out on family events because he didn't hear them trying to get his attention while reading. Their teasing didn't bother him too much, but it did bring a small smile to his lips and he let out a soft chuckle at the memory. "Parents can be odd sometimes." he whispered to himself.