Richard at first responded with a chuckle, temporarily withholding an answer to the possibly rhetorical question aimed at Xavril, who responded with a theory of his own.  "Well, look at it this way, Daria, it would not happen often."  He glanced back to Gustav, but the new student from Durmstrang seemed to have forgotten or tired of Richard and moved on to charming their beverage into something else.  He raised his eyebrows in apparent amusement, then turned away, only to find that Gustav's quiet dismissal was quite warm compared to the other ways Slytherin members signaled an end to the conversation.  Jamie's sudden involvement seemed to catch the Hufflepuff prefect off guard, and he visibly flinched in surprise.  "Well then," he said after taking a moment to gather himself, "seems it is time to move on to other tables."  Before heading off, he turned to Charlize.  "This group is all yours.  We'll catch up later."<br/><br/>At Hufflepuff, John noticed Basil drawing his wand and then hesitating.  "Trying to think of a spell to charm her?  Try 'tremefacio ad crus,' thank me later.<br/><br/>At the Ravenclaw table, Melinda responded with a well-honed huff.  "I have to act this way because you insist on being a fool!"