"Over here!"
Albert had barely stepped into the Great Hall when he saw George rise from his seat and wave at him.
Once Albert sat in the empty spot the three had deliberately saved for him, Lee Jordan, who had been chatting with someone else, suddenly turned and asked, "What were you talking about with Professor Flitwick? Why were you gone so long?"
"Something very important."
Just then, a younger girl hurried over, lowered her head, and held a note out to Albert. "Professor Snape asked me to give this note to Mr. Anderson."
"Thank you." Albert took the note and smiled at the girl.
"You're... welcome."
The moment the girl met Albert's gaze, her face turned bright red. She lowered her head at once, stammered out a reply, then stumbled away.
"You're as popular with girls as ever." The three of them grinned.
"If you're jealous, hurry up and find yourselves girlfriends."
Albert glanced at the trio's mischievous smiles and said flatly, "Once you have girlfriends, you won't envy that sort of thing anymore."
George cleared his throat and teased, "Don't tell me Snape wants to invite you for afternoon tea too."
That was practically impossible. If Snape ever invited someone for tea, Lord Voldemort would probably crawl out of his grave the next day.
Albert unfolded the note, quickly read what it said, and opened his mouth in surprise.
"What is it?"
Seeing Albert's shocked reaction, the others all leaned over, eager to see what Snape had written.
"See for yourselves!"
Looking rather strange, Albert handed the note to George.
George took it and unfolded it, sharing it with Fred beside him. Lee Jordan also leaned over to read the contents with them.
The three of them then widened their eyes, their faces full of disbelief.
"I've never