(no subject)

Alec checked in with Trixi before talking to Neville. He was surprised to find out that Trixi knew about him - his family is an old magical family, too, but she had only sensed a tiny amount of magical gift within him. "He could be a late bloomer," Trixi had said. "Sometimes that happens. You have just a little magic to work with and you think you'll go nowhere, but then all of a sudden when you're eighteen or twenty, it balloons into a full-fledged gift."

Alec got the distinct impression that Trixi held out a little hope for that eventuality herself. That explained why he hadn't been recruited. Trixi only picked people who shone already.

The mystery guy identified and confirmed as a possible coven member, Alec looks for him the next day at lunch.

"Hey, Neville. This seat taken?"