Professor Sprout was watching over the students in the Great Hall. Tamblin doubted how effective she'd be if there was an attack. Picturing her facing down those yellow eyes made him laugh. Rather than their normal place on the fifth floor Nott had staked out a place here. He looked up from a book he was reading when Tamblin approached.
"I'm surprised to see you," Nott said.
It was tempting for Tamblin to simply shun Nott and try to forget about the Accord. He decided, however, that that was the wrong answer. Nott had been true, in his way, to Tamblin.
Tamblin pointed to the board in front of Nott. The black pieces were already set up.
"Want a game?"
"Very well."
As the opening gambits played out Tamblin found himself struggling with the words he wanted to say.
"I'm sorry for... missing the last few games."
Nott sighed.
"Tamblin, we are peers. Not friends. We play our games because they intrigue us, not because we are obligated. You and I have obligations enough due to our positions without placing more on each other."
Tamblin took that as Nott's way of saying he was forgiven. The game continued in a comfortable silence.
