Eyes on the floor, Ethan blinked. Good Merlin, he’s not kidding. The Slytherin sloooooooooowly looked up from the floor to him with his mouth slightly open. He still needs to prove himself to this man, but here he was accepting him and maybe (?) selflessly taking him under his wing. What the Fawkes just happened? The fourteen year old boy snapped his mouth shut, and scratched the back of his head. “Well this is pretty weird.” Weird. Why? He already spent three years trying to get his father’s approval, but this man, a man he barely knows was just…willing to be one.

Yes, well, maybe that has something to do with him not having any children? Or…maybe he wanted kids, but can’t have at least one because, just like what he said, he has not found the right woman. And…and he feels sad about it. Merlin. Could he and his dad just exchange lives? Like…right now? “Well…that’s understandable…I guess?” Well, what does he know about having kids anyway? But he’s seen other parents looking very happy with their children, so that must be hard for his Potions Master too. “…you’ve got Sophie Brown. I bet she’s enough to make you happy.” Right? They seemed very close based on his detective observation. Who needs a woman anyway, if said woman can’t make him happy, yeah?

And. Oh dear. POTIONS. If only Culloden knew about his frustrations. But…that doesn’t need to be discussed now. He will do his best of course. “No problemo, professor! I just…hope the other kids won’t mess up in your class. It gets on my nerves. I hate it when I break my concentration.” Yeah, like the one time where this Kevin kid broke something, and the drama that came with it? For Fawkes’ sake, hopefully that won’t happen again. Ethan had to control himself from adding to the drama by walking out. All the drama happens in Potions. Why?

ANYWAY! Tea sounds good. Yes. Hot tea, please? “Problem…slightly solved, sir. And…thanks for spending some time with me. I really, really appreciate it.” Hug? No…no hugs. Merlin. Hugs are for Alec and Ella and Mordred, hmmkay? And maybe Cutty and Simon…and Grayson, and of course, Josette. That is if she doesn't hit his face first while attempting.

Ethan grinned and nodded at the man. “Tea sounds good! The need for it is increasing rapidly, what with this blasted weather we’re having.” And the showers. Did he mention the showers down in the dungeons? “Bath time is always a problem too nowadays. The struggle is real, sir.” Ethan stood up, and waited for the potions master to do the same. “Professor? Can I keep this?” he asked as he picked up the stool. Don’t…ask why. Heh.