[ They have a number of friends in common, so it's not hard to imagine someone like Hilda or Claude making frequent stops at the workshop.

He takes a longer pause to think about how to answer the question of with anyone. ]

Sometimes. I had friends who lived in Nott instead of the castle, I would visit them when I could. Lately, I might convince someone to go with me to the city if I notice they haven't left the library in weeks...

[ This could apply to at least one or two people at any given time. Another pause, then it's his turn to look sheepish: ]

For a little while there was a tavern I'd go to in the castle city some nights. The lights were dim and the music was loud. It wasn't very good for talking. [ He laughs at himself, lowering his gaze to the table. ] So, not really like this. With someone.

[ His gaze flicks back up as he tries to read Viktor's expression. ]