Studying was never really a social activity for Harry when he was at Edinburgh, and it still isn't now, not really. But sometimes the library is too quiet, and his own office too distracting, and the coffee shop has, to his surprise, turned out to be a happy balance between a pleasant hum of activity and a lack of things requiring his immediate attention (like a very demanding lizard who seems to be getting broody).

He sees Alex there often; sometimes they talk, sometimes they do their respective work in companionable silence, hers fueled by coffee and his by tea. Today is another one of those days; Harry has some reading to do on genetics (a subject that fascinates and frustrates him in equal amounts). He gets his tea and a small plate of biscuits, and comes over to Alex's table.

"May I join you?"