Tyson walked down the steps. His footsteps echoing off of the walls. He flicks his hair out of his eyes, coughing lightly. Mind racing, his legs seemed to be moving of their own accord. Blinking rapidly, Tyson's mind seemed to clear a bit, finding himself standing in front of the Hufflepuff Common Room. The door opened and a small Hufflepuff girl looked up at him, smiling cheerfully. A look of innocence playing across her features. She waved to Tyson as she moved around him. He half heartedly returns the wave. For nearly a month now, he had been studying for his OWL's every night. Thinking that this stress in his life was the effect of his testing he had studied.
There's no way that I'm this stressed over exams. Sure they're important, but. . . It had dawned on him. The reason he so desperately wanted to be an Auror, and the reason he needed to be a Guidance Counselor. The reason his Patronus had changed. The reason he had been "In a slump" as of late. Sierra Tillery. She had played his emotions. No. It was not her fault. He knew that. But there needed to be someone to blame. He can't control his own emotions. But, why? Didn't he love Nathan? Wasn't it obvious that they were likely to be together "Forever"? No. It was only a matter of time that Nathan would find out about Tyson's confession to Sierra. Only a matter of time until he found out about Tyson's feelings for so many people. Evelyn. Seril. Liss. Kalara.
But that only makes him a caring person, doesn't it? Doesn't it only prove that he cares for his friends? But why doesn't he feel the same way about Domi? Or Nik? Or Zia? Or Sorina? Or Kris?
These thoughts cycled through his mind for nearly an hour until the door opened again, a Hufflepuff Sixth year looking down at him. "Hey Tyson. . .What're you doing in front of our Commons?"
Tyson shook his head. Turning around and quickly exiting the area. A few kids in the Entrance Hall waved or greeted him, but Tyson seemed to ignore them all. Pushing open the doors to the Great Hall and entering the sounds of lunch. Again, some greeted Tyson, others offered him a seat. He returned the favour by ignoring everyone in the Hall. Blocking out the din as he made his way to the fireplace. Eventually getting there, he reached into his pocket and tossed a handful of Floo Powder into the hearth. The flames instantly changing to emerald. Tyson stepped into the fireplace and muttered his destination.
The bed of coals in the Ravenclaw Common spontaneously burst into life, spitting Tyson into the Common Room. Brushing ash from his clothing, he quickly goes into his room, flicking his wand at the door. "Colloportus." The door immediantly locking.
Several people knocked on his door, asking if he was okay, whether he wanted them to bring him some food. He remained silent. Cycling his dilema over and over. Deepening his depression. Strengthening his doubt in himself. The OWL's date approaching faster and faster. But he didn't care. Dark thoughts creeped into his mind.
The next day Tyson completely ditched his classes. His apathy and depression carving a deep gorge into both his heart and his mind. He thought about casting a Cheering Charm on himself. But did he really want artificial happiness? No. There was no spell that could change what was wrong with him. No way to "fix" him. Unless. . . The idea came to him with a resounding crack. A Love Potion. He could easily spike Sierra's drink. But that isn't love. He had payed attention in Potions enough to know that it was only a manifested obsession. That's not what he wanted. If Sierra wouldn't feel the same way as he did, there was nothing he could do but hope. But hope has no place with misery. He sighed loudly. There was nothing to do but hope.
Hope. . .
Hope. . .
Hope. . .

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Πάνω απ 'όλα, φύλακας καρδιά σου, επειδή είναι η ανεξάντλητη πηγή της ζωής. Παροιμίες 4:23