we're all on our way there, old man. i'm thinking the smallness really drew her in. she likes cozy. she probably has her corner she always goes to, and plops down to get lost in a book for awhile. and if someone has beaten to it, she just wanders and circles around until they get up. she probably would have waited out the gruffness, especially after realizing that he owns the place. and just started asking him a question each time she came in. not a bombardment. but something random and hopefully thought provoking until he couldn't help but engage in conversation. and i'm sure she could talk about the students forever.