'Mike, you can't say that you don't regret not taking Arithmancy.'

Michael gestured at the complicated number table that Anthony had spent the last hour and a half staring at and making scribbles on.

'Have you seen this? No way, I am so glad I didn't!'

'But it's a wonderful subject! And Professor Vector is an amazing teacher.'

Padma looked up from Important Modern Magical Discoveries.

'Tony is right, Mike. Arithmancy is fascinating, and Professor Vector really does know what she's talking about, though she is rather strict, I suppose.'

Michael shook his head.

'Regretting not taking Arithmancy indeed...My friends are mad. That's the only explanation.'

Terry peered at them over The Daily Prophet.

'Did it really take you three years to conclude that, Mike?'

They all grinned, except Michael, who scowled instead.

Anthony adjusted his reading glasses, turning back to his work.

Michael was still muttering under his breath.

'...Spent an hour and a half of perfectly good Friday evening...scribbling down numbers everywhere...'

Then suddenly, his voice grew in volume.

'Wait, Pad, Terry, you take Arithmancy too, so why aren't you toiling over number charts right now?'

'Because we've finished our homework already, Mike.'

'Then why is Tony still slaving away?'

'Because we don't actually have to do that number chart.'

Michael rolled his eyes.

'Not only is he taking Arithmancy, and loving it, but he's also doing extra credit...Wait, that is extra credit, right? It's not Tony undertaking some crazy assignment just because he thinks it'll impress Professor Vector, right?'

Anthony's ears reddened visibly.

Michael groaned.

'Really, Tony?'

'What? She's an extremely intelligent, competent teacher, and I think she's absolutely wonderful-'

'Tony fancies Professor Vector! Tony fancies Professor Vector!'

'I do not!'

Padma closed her book with an audible clap.

'I am not going to get any reading done if I stay here! I'm going up to my dorm. Good luck with the table, Tony. Mike, why do you have to be so immature?'

He grinned.

'Well, Pad, I am a thirteen-year old-human male. I have an obligation to society to behave in an occasionally crass, slightly inappropriate, and generally immature fashion.'

Padma cocked her head to one side, considering.

'I guess that makes sense, though I'm sure there are exceptions. I'll keep that in mind. It's quite fascinating how social expectations can dictate so much. I wonder how we come up with the agreed upon social conventions? We'll have to discuss that another time. Goodnight, boys.'

And she headed up the girls' staircase, not noticing Michael, who was staring after her, open-mouthed.

'My friends are bloody insane. That's the only explanation for all of this. My friends are insane...individuality is great and all, but this is madness...that was a joke! I spent ages working on that one...can't believe she didn't find it funny...can't believe she didn't get it...Tony fancies Professor Vector! Tony fancies...'

He returned to tormenting poor Anthony over his supposed 'crush.'

From behind The Daily Prophet, Terry grinned.

And Padma even has to ask why I like observing people...