 be curious, not judgmental
It wasn't like Mia had anywhere to be, but there was this growing feeling of concern that she was wasting her time by waiting around here when she could be doing something else. There were loads of corridors to explore and memorize, and her time was valuable.
Just as she made up her mind that she would go roam the halls nearby and stop by the portrait on her way back - it had barely been a full minute - there was a boy's voice from behind her. Mia turned, her expression brightening, then faltering a little. Yes, he was wearing Gryffindor robes, so this was his stomping grounds - but she recognized him from the feast as one of her yearmates. He probably hadn't been here long enough to really know what went on with the Fat Lady, so she was a little disappointed that he might be as clueless as she was. Didn't hurt to ask, though, she reckoned.
"I'm Mia," came her response with a sad sort of smile. "I wanted to speak to your portrait, but she's not here." She squinted at him curiously. "Joel," she used his name to make a memory of it, "do you know how often this happens? Or how long it might take for her to get back?" She didn't expect him to, but she was hopeful.
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