'Sorry, I can 't. '

Ron blinked. He looked somewhere between offended and curious before finally settling on suspicious. Knowing Dazai 's track record, that was probably a fair assessment. He crossed his arms and puffed out his cheeks petulantly.

Dazai offered the red-head an apologetic, if fake, look. 'You 'll have to visit Featherbrain without me. I know it can be tough, spending time apart, but I 'm sure you can manage ' '

'Oi! ' Ron barked. Then, almost subdued, he asked, 'What 's keeping you busy, anyway? Not some chore one of those nasty Slytherin has for you, I hope. '

'Ah, nothing like that, really. ' When the 'Weasley 'clearly wasn 't satisfied with such a general answer, Dazai laughed. 'My extra-special bonus lessons with Professor Quirrell start today. '

'Oh. Good luck with that 'I'm glad he 's not just taking anyone for extra lessons! '