Irial laughed hollowly. "Well, Ravenclaw's better than Slytherin," he said. "I'd actually prefer if the Hufflepuffs were with us. That way we'd all at least get along."

When she asked if he had any other plans, he shook his head. "No, not really. Probably just read or wander around the castle. I've been taking great pains to avoid people these days. I'm not much in a social mood." Though it was always easy to talk and hang out with Rhea.

"You?" he asked.