Hardwork ((Dylan))

[Theo Darke]

Theo rubbed his eyes from tiredness. Last night he had found it difficult sleeping, which was extremely unusual for him. He was a light sleeper, but he fell into slumber quicker than anyone else. However, last night it was as if ghosts were haunting him, because he just couldn’t, try as he might, close his eyes and sleep. Somewhat frustrated about this, and the day’s hours catching up with him and making him grouchy, Theo decided that it would be best he didn’t attempt any Prefect duties tonight. Normally he was very responsible and diligent; he didn’t skive and although it wasn’t necessary, he roamed the corridors each night just in case. He didn’t enjoy docking house points, and he hated to abuse his powers, but he had been forced to on several occasions, even on his house. Theo knew he deserved a reprieve; he had worked tirelessly in the first few weeks of being a Prefect, and he could afford to slack. There were plenty other Prefects around; he needn’t shoulder the entire responsibility. Tonight he would have no trouble sleeping, he was sure. The moment his head hit the pillow, he would be out like a light.

However, first he had this Potions essay to contend too. If Theo were the complaining sort, he would’ve groaned aloud by now and lamented the workload. However, he knew that complaining would get him nowhere; it wouldn’t get rid of the work to do, and it just wasted the time he could get it done it. Setting his mind to finishing the essay by tonight was his best bet. So far, Theo had written about a page, and he estimated he had at least another page to go before completion. Although Theo didn’t overwork himself as he knew a lot of people did, he did do more than was required by teachers. This always ensured he got full marks and that he had researched the homework efficiently and thoroughly enough for him not to worry in the future about having to revise it too much again. It would be embedded in his mind. Theo was quite good with his memory; once learnt, he didn’t really forget often, which was a great advantage to have. He knew Lori sometimes had to spend a long time revising topics (especially for Transfiguration), but Theo had a natural skill in being intelligent and motivated too.

Theo was not particularly aware of what was going on around him. He had come into the Student Lounge about half an hour ago, and it hadn’t been too full; a couple of older students by the fireplace, chatting animatedly, and the odd pupil scattered around the tables doing work. Theo had chosen a seat by the window, which was drawn with long curtains draping against the floor. He wasn’t in a dark corner; rather, the bright light from the embers of the fireplace fell onto his work so he could see it clearly. His neat handwriting glowed as the ink touched the page, before drying and becoming permanent. Theo was just about to grab another piece of parchment, when a familiar boy sat down opposite the table he was at. Glancing up, Theo blinked in a little surprise, before smiling in welcome. “Dylan.” He acknowledged with a polite nod. “Here to do work too?” He asked in friendly tones. He didn’t know Dylan Caoimhe well; after all, he was a Slytherin, and especially in recent days since he started his fifth year, the Slytherins hadn’t at all been too kind on Theo, due to his confession of his sexuality. Some Slytherins in particular had chosen to stay away from him, but others had been attracted to bully him more than ever. It was a blessing Theo had been made a Prefect this year, otherwise it would’ve been hard to halt their activities. Dylan, who was in his year, was one of the quieter ones who hadn’t yet disturbed Theo; he hoped that wouldn’t change.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

He couldn't take it anymore. Dylan rolled up his parchment on which he was writing an essay for Transfiguration, snapped his text book shut, and shoved both items into his school bag. "Damn it." he swore to himself. He heard a distinct ripping noise and knew it was the essay. A few Hufflepuff fourth year girls, who were sitting two tables over from him and were now the reason that he was leaving the Library, laughed. "Maybe you should slow down a bit." said one of the girls, who was apparently their ring leader, given how the other two girls laughed like she just told the funniest joke they ever heard. Dylan suppressed a laugh. They were pathetic. As much as he wanted to tell them off for disturbing him, he decided against it.

Her and her little friends had been in the Library for almost as long as Dylan, and all they did was sit and talk and gossip about people. For the last forty five minutes he sat and unwillingly listened to them go on about some guy named Theo Darke, whom all three liked, and thought it a shame that he turned out to be gay. "I always thought him and Lori had something going on." "I couldn't believe it when I heard." "I thought it was a rumor." "Uh, thats so disgusting!" Dylan knew who Theo was, or knew his face rather, just because he had had classes with him for the last five years. He had never actually talked to him though. He never actually talked to anyone. So when he found out Theo was gay, Dylan didn't really care.

He fastened his school bag and threw it over his shoulder. As he stood up and tucked his chair in, the girl addressed Dylan again. "I mean really. Its pointless-"

"You know whats pointless?" Dylan turned around letting his anger get the best of him. "You." he said smiling. "You are pointless. Your whole existence is equivalent to that of a grain of sand on a beach. You are insignificant. You are unimportant. You have no meaning and no purpose whatsoever." The girls jaw dropped, and tears started forming in her eyes. "You don't-" she began, but Dylan cut her off. "Don't I? Trust me, I know. I sat here and listened to you talk for the last two hours. Two hours I can never get back." Tears started pouring down her cheeks. Again she tried to say something, but Dylan had already left, and was on his way out of the Library.

"Idiots." he said to himself. Maybe he didn't mean to be so mean to her, but he couldn't stand people like that. He really did believe she was a waste of space. Dylan couldn't stand people who thought that they had the right to sit and talk about stuff that had absolutely nothing to do with them, and judge other people. Sure, Dylan wasn't the nicest person, but he'd never sit and bad mouth anyone. Unless they deserved it maybe. After walking for a little longer, Dylan decided to just go to the Student Lounge. Sure he was probably setting himself up to hear more gossip, but he needed somewhere to finish his homework, and he didn't feel like going to the Common Room.

He walked into the Student Lounge hoping it would be empty, but it wasn't. There weren't many people here, but there was a significant amount. Still, it was away from those girls, which at this point, was all he wanted. He opted for the table by the window, took his school bag off, and sat down. Just then, he heard his name called. He looked across the table to see who else but Theo Darke himself, pleasantly smiling. He asked Dylan if he was here to do work to, but Dylan just stared at him. "Once again irony proves that my life and itself are one in the same." he said leaning back in his chair.

[Theo Darke]

((Apologies for the delay!))

Theo blinked in response to Dylan’s odd words, his smile unfaltering. He hadn’t expected anything less from a Slytherin; in fact, Theo had been anticipating harsher words to be used against him. Then again, him and his fellow Ravenclaws weren’t so much at odds with the Slytherins. It was obvious most of the house despised the Hufflepuffs and the Gryffindors; the former were thought to be ‘pathetic’ (such a cutting and stereotypical remark, and generally untrue in Theo’s opinion), and the latter were the Slytherin’s sworn enemies. The professors may profess the ‘equality and love’ between the four houses, but Theo doubted that would ever be the case; it really was wishful thinking. There were subtle differences between them all, and then further divided by competitions such as Quidditch matches and the House Cup (which Ravenclaw won last year, Theo thought proudly). Theo did agree that harmony and peace was the best route to follow, but it was also the most difficult – if not impossible – to achieve. Especially here at Hogwarts, where pride for your house was so valued.

“I see.” Theo finally settled on saying calmly, looking Dylan in the eye as he gracefully reached for another piece of parchment, which he had been distracted from doing before due to Dylan’s unexpected arrival. Theo refrained from making further comment on the Slytherin’s life, as not to spark confrontation; he didn’t know Dylan’s limits or attitude well, and did not wish to risk it. Theo had never been the risking type. Instead, he kept his thoughts to himself as he quiet set to work again. Theo was also aware at how near the end of his patience tether he was today. Tiredness always made him grouchy, and the last thing he needed was to be provoked, or vice versa. He had a near-perfect track record, one he hoped to keep unblemished until the end of his seventh year at Hogwarts. Dipping his quill into the bottle of black ink, Theo’s eyes cast up to glance at Dylan opposite again, sussing out what the Slytherin was here to do. Theo didn’t need to ask Dylan a question to find out what he was doing here; it was rather obviously. It wasn’t as if Theo cared, anyway; he had only been making unneeded small talk. Sometimes he wondered why he continued to try being courteous, but his personality didn’t let him falter in his polite and well-mannered ways. The smiles and quiet words came naturally to Theo, a natural ‘talent’, one could say.

Theo’s eyes averted back to his homework again, before he sensed that Dylan was observing him. Unnerved by the unwavering stare he could feel on his head, Theo looked up to gaze straight back at Dylan, a hint of defiance within his calm eyes. Theo was passive, but he wasn’t vulnerable or weak, and people always underestimated his capability to deal with opponents. Everyone knew Theo was formidable in the classroom; his head was a book of knowledge, and it was yet again another natural gift of his, along with the factor of hardworking attitude and conscientiousness. However, he had never been known as an aggressor, unlike many Slytherins in particular, and since he wasn’t the biggest of guys, Theo was often a target by older boys in the typical house. It didn’t help that Theo was now openly gay; it was speculated, he was aware, by at least half the school population. He knew a lot of people too, but now everyone knew who he was. No one really knew, though, that Theo was good at escaping quickly and avoiding fights, and when he couldn't do that, he had plenty of spells and tricks up his sleeve. Physically, Theo was more adept than others realised.

In all honesty, Theo didn’t regret coming out at the beginning of the year. He could take the backstabbing jabs at his dignity, the onslaught of offensive comments from old friends. Theo had Lori as a best friend, his pillar of support, and he felt he was doing a good job ignoring all the derogatory gab about him. However, there were times he just wanted to speak out, but he didn’t so as not to cause anger and even more speculation amongst his peers. He didn’t want trouble. Theo just about held back his tongue as he looked at Dylan’s expression, almost said the words he had been aching to say so many times. “Yes, I’m gay. Does that make me some sort of monster? Does that bother you? Live with it, and stop staring at me. I’m not some object on display for you to degrade to your own amusement.”

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan smiled, then laughed. "Theo, what the bloody hell are you talking about?" Apparently, he'd been waiting to say that to someone for a while. "I know you don't know me, but I don't talk about people, or pick on anyone. Unlike my fellow Slytherins, I have much better things to do with my time and life." He reached over and pulled his school bag up off the floor, and pulled out his Transfiguration text book and his scrunched up, ripped essay. "Furthermore," he sighed, "it takes a lot to amuse me. Making fun of you being a 'gay monster' couldn't even make me chuckle. Besides, I could care less about your sexuality. Doesn't change much does it?" It was more of a statement than a question. He sat the essay on top of his book, and pulled his wand out of his pocket. "Reparo." The essay mended and ironed itself out at once.

"However," he said looking up, "there were some Hufflepuff's in the Library that were all 'puffed' up about you," he said casually as if they were friends having a few butterbeers. "They thought it was a shame that you turned out to be gay because they liked you, as in liked you, but don't worry. I told them off. More for annoying me and taking up oxygen that would have been better used by a dung beetle as oppose to defending you of course, but...," he trailed off, reaching down pulling his quill and ink bottle from a side pocket of his bag. "When I left, one of them were crying. She was pathetic." He wasn't telling on the girls, or gossiping. It was just, Dylan hated it when people talked about other people as if they themselves were perfect. Besides, Dylan would want someone to tell him if they heard someone bad mouthing him. But, Dylan also didn't have any friends, so no one ever told him anything, but he didn't doubt people still talked about him. "To think, if people knew I was asexual, I'd probably be in the same boat as.......you," he said looking back up at Theo.

Dylan thought back to his little "conversation" with Wynd on the Astronomy Tower. Well, he had heard no one speaking of it, so maybe Wynd forgot, or decided not to tell anyone. Or maybe people did know, and just didn't say anything about it. Oh well, he thought. It doesn't matter. Dylan would love it if someone was to confront or make fun of him for being asexual. Besides, there was nothing wrong, or weird about it. Well, to Dylan there was nothing wrong or weird about it, which was all that mattered.

[Theo Darke]

((Technically that stuff Theo said in his head; they were his thoughts. But never mind, I can work this way too. He’ll just have to have been OOC to have accidentally said his inner thoughts, lol.))

Theo blinked in confusion, before he realised that Dylan was answering to what he had apparently been thinking in his head. The truth dawned on him, and somewhat horrified, Theo stared at Dylan in disbelief that he had accidentally spoken aloud words he normally could control within him. “Did I just say that aloud?” He asked in partially hidden astonishment, not wanting to appear completely retarded; he did have some sort of a reputation to hold up, even if he didn’t care too much about it. Finally grabbing his senses and steadying himself, Theo turned to Dylan again with a grateful, amused smirk. “I was under the same impression about you. But I think I’ve been more paranoid as of late, for unobvious reasons, and I’m more tired than usual. Please forgive me for jumping to conclusions.” Dylan’s coarse way of speaking surprised Theo, but he liked it too; admired how Dylan held similar traits to his fellow Slytherins, and yet wasn’t your typical nasty guy from that house. Theo admired people who didn’t conform to the norm.

Theo watched with a blank expression as Dylan proceeded to pull out a familiar Transfiguration textbook, and then a creased-looking piece of parchment. Theo merely listened with little response as he absorbed Dylan’s words, his surprise fading into warmth and appreciation. “No, it doesn’t.” Theo nodded shortly, though he knew Dylan wasn’t exactly looking for an answer. He watched fixedly as the spell Dylan cast quickly uncreased the piece of parchment so it looked brand new again, the spell also stored safely in his own head. Theo proceeded to raise en eyebrow about the Hufflepuffs Dylan had met in the Library. “I’m used to it.” Theo waved a careless hand, not bothered by the compliment or insult that knowing such girls were obsessing over him and his sexuality. “It’s been three months since I started getting the whispers and the looks. One tends to ignore it after a while.” Theo’s voice was sarcastic, a tone that rarely came out around Lori, but one which was very him and usually emerged around boys his age. “Thanks.” Theo added after a short pause, twitching the slightest of smiles at Dylan. “Appreciated even if you didn’t mean to defend me. I don’t get much defence nowadays, more offence.” He shrugged carelessly, showing his lack of feeling against it. “Those girls may think that what they’re saying is complimentary and doesn’t hurt… but that’s never the case.” Theo stated matter-of-factly, before realising he had stopped writing altogether. Quickly he continued the sentence he was halfway through scrawling.

Theo’s quill paused when Dylan mentioned one of the girls crying, causing him to look up in seriousness at the Slytherin boy. “Not the best move.” He joked, concerned about the girl despite the words that had come from Dylan’s mouth; he doubted he would lie to him. But it was in Theo’s personality to forgive and forget, and he couldn’t hold it completely against those girls. What they did was natural, and they probably had no idea the effect their gossiping had on their victims. At the same time, Theo was surprised Dylan had caused a girl to cry in defence of him, and that warmed him somewhat. His next comment made Theo laugh out loud, leaning back in his chair and grinning openly. “You’re welcome to my world anytime.” He shrugged in amusement, “It’d be nice to have company. I have to say though, it’s not an enjoyable experience. Not so much the lack of friendliness, which I expect from a lot of people anyway. It’s more the looks you get and the whispers that stop when you appear. It’s annoying rather than hurtful after a while.” Theo admitted truthfully. “Don’t get me wrong; I really don’t care what people think anymore. Lori taught me that.” He said calmly with a small smile. “Though, I’m guessing you might even welcome the insinuations about your sexuality?” Theo smirked from the look on Dylan’s face.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

"Not so much welcoming insinuations, more like not giving a damn." Dylan could care less about what people thought of him. If it was one thing that Dylan was, he was self assured, self confident. No one defined him, but him. Sure things were uneasy right now, but he would just battle through it, just like he did everything else in his crappy life. "Although, I have to admit," he said dipping his quill in ink, "not that I paid special attention or anything, but you and Lori did seem to be a little more than friends. It was the way you looked at each other. Well, the way she looked at you anyway. But, its none of my business. What's between you two is between the two of you. Feel free to tell me to butt out and shut up."

Dylan stopped writing. Here he was, socializing again. Was he actually holding a conversation? And being, friendly? Well, whatever friendly was for Dylan. Admittedly, even though he really didn't like or talk to anyone, he still had people he didn't mind associating with, now and again anyway. But, the realization he was socializing made him a bit uneasy. Oh well, he thought. Things really can't get any worse. Why not chit chat for a little bit? Might be good for him. But wasn't Dylan already doing things that wasn't in his norm? I mean he's on the bloody Quidditch team, for Merlin's sake. Well, maybe he was just trying to distract himself. That was it. He just needed to preoccupy himself. Keep himself busy. Keep his mind from wandering.

[Theo Darke]

Theo chuckled softly at Dylan’s nonchalant attitude. “Not many people out there like you.” He admitted in admiration. “You may not want it, but your voices should be heard more. There’s too much hurtful talk coming from some people’s mouths. Sometimes I wish they were silenced, even though I know every human has a right to speak out.” Then again, Theo thought, every human has the right to love who they wanted to love, but he didn’t feel sometimes in some people’s presence, that he was allowed that right. His face may have showed his conflicting inner emotions, so Theo smoothed it over with a slight twitch of his lips. He liked Dylan; he was smart and humorous in his own way, and his cynicism made Theo smile. His attitude was a breath of fresh air indeed in comparison to many others, and Theo wondered why he had never taken the opportunity to get to know the Slytherin some more. Only the other day he had conversed with a Gryffindor in his year, Scott Ryder, whom Theo liked very much indeed. Even in his fifth year Theo was learning more about his fellow classmates that surprised him. There was so much more to other people that he had failed to see before, and he had, perhaps, his sexuality to thank for that.

Theo looked up at Dylan again when he started talking, though the Slytherins’ eyes were peeled on his own work. Following his example, Theo picked up his quill again and tried to return to the almost finished essay before him. However, Dylan’s words now were even more distracting and interesting than before. Certainly, it raised Theo’s curiosity and confusion. “Really?” He muttered quietly to himself with a small shake of his head. “Well, it’s obvious now that I have nothing more than a friendship love for her. No one can doubt that after what I’ve done...” Theo laughed. “My reputation was at the point of no return. But yeah… everyone did think she and I were an item.” His voice grew soft. “It was unsurprising, I guess. Lori and I were – are – extremely close. She’s like my sister though.”

“I don’t think she ever felt that way about me. I’m meant to be like a brother to her…” Theo trailed off in doubt. He had never wondered about when Lori would grow close to another man besides himself, could hardly imagine her by another man’s side. It was an odd thought, a thought that provoked Theo’s protectiveness over what he even thought was a ‘possession’ that belonged to him. But he justified this by convincing himself that the feeling was returned; he ‘belonged’ to Lori. Right? It wasn’t as if Lori ever felt like she would lose him. Theo had never thought he had given her such a notion to cause such beliefs. Brothers and sisters weren’t meant to lose each other. “It’s fine.” Theo waved a dismissive hand in the air. “You can talk to me about anything, as long as it’s not about how bad it is to be gay… which wouldn’t happen anyway since anyone who dislikes gays don’t speak to me anyway. The amount of hated glares I’ve had recently.” Theo joked about his own fading, but ever-omnipresent dilemma freely. He didn’t care anymore, because he could accept there was no need for it.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan stopped writing and looked up at Theo. Dylan hated it when people sounded so defeated and helpless. Of course Theo probably wasn't, but he sounded as if he had his own personal miniature Dementor flying over his head, sucking all happiness away from him. Dylan bit his lower lip. He hesitated, but then decided to go ahead. He thought enough of Theo as a good guy to at least say something. "You know," Dylan said sitting up in his chair a little, "you shouldn't pay so much attention to what people say to you and about you, or how different people treat you now. If they want to talk let them talk. If they want to stare and make dumb faces, which most have no need since they were naturally gifted with such, let them. There's nothing you can do to stop them, if you haven't figured it out already."

Dylan hated it when people allowed others to get the best of them. He was a strong believer in the quote, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." But to Dylan, it wasn't just inferiority. It applied to so much more. No one could make you happy, sad, depressed, or anything unless you allowed them to. Sure it was hard, but that was something Dylan constantly worked on; championing himself, and his emotions. "You were honest with everyone, and now leave it at that. Focus on you now. Do things that make you happy. Hang out with whomever makes you laugh, and all that other junk and crap."

Okay, inspirational speaker charm lifted, Dylan thought. He didn't mean to go that far, but hey. He didn't know Theo too well, but he was one of the very few people Dylan thought were genuinely good people, just based off of seeing them around school and how they interact with others. He was just, observant like that. But, it was only Theo so, no need to flip out about sounding stupid.

[Theo Darke]

Theo listened to Dylan in silence, short strands of blonde falling over his still blue eyes. His gaze was trained intensely on his fellow classmate, wondering why he had never had this conversation with Dylan before. His words were enlightening, even though Theo had, like Dylan said, ‘figured it out already’. However, it had taken Theo time to figure that out, despite having tried to prepare for what came. The shock that he had received from some people’s repulsion of him had hurt Theo, but he had learned not to care. Had he not had such an experience though, he would never have grown to understand Dylan’s wise words. Slowly, Theo nodded, an impressed smile adorning his lips. “You’re right. I did work that out a while ago… Hard not to.” He chuckled. “You’re darn wise for your age, Dylan. Completely different to most of our classmates. And that’s a compliment.” Theo pointed out with a short laugh. “No offence meant there.” He fell silent for a second, before speaking again, quieter and more subdued. “I don’t care what people think anymore. I’m no one but myself.” He shot Dylan a confident smile.

Theo let Dylan continue on a rant of sorts, and couldn’t help but smile. This boy was different to how Theo had imagined him. Yes, Theo had misconceptions and judgements of people, he knew it, and he knew he couldn’t help it. Still, he tried not to, he tried his utter hardest. And that, Theo felt at the end of the day, was what counted. “Thank you.” Theo finally spoke after Dylan’s mini speech, a grateful smile on his face. “Even though I tell myself words don’t mean that much sometimes, those words mean more than you can ever imagine.” Theo felt his chest swell with appreciation that there were people like Dylan in this world; accepting individuals, kind, honest individuals. The world needed more people like this. Theo smiled at Dylan again, “Don’t worry, I’m already hanging out with someone who makes me laugh. ‘And all that other junk and crap’, right?” Theo laughed loudly, leaning across the table with a grin. “I hope the feeling is mutual, and I’m not a pestering person to spend time with. I’ve been told I’m quite boring.” Theo joked heartily, glad he could unravel with someone else besides Lori; it could become awkward with her sometimes concerning his sexuality…

Theo scratched a few words with his quill, before looking up at Dylan again, completely distracted now. However, Theo welcomed it; Dylan was a good distraction. “Tell me more about yourself, Dylan.” Theo began with a curious look, “I barely know anything about you even though we joined Hogwarts at the same time.” Theo always found conversation easier with girls, such as Lori, but there was another satisfaction about talking to fellow boys that girls could not give. It was probably the same for a heterosexual boy talking to a girl, and vice versa. Theo couldn’t have many longstanding conversations nowadays with boys in his school because of the rumours; it hadn’t been much better before, because Theo had spent all his time with Lori – not something he regretted, but he wished he had made more time for other people. Theo wished he had let other close friends in, such as Dylan, who, Theo could tell, would make a brilliant friend; he wasn’t attracted to him, oddly enough, but Theo liked him a lot. Still, had he made various other friends, he and Lori would not be where they were today, right? Theo would hate to lose that. He’d do anything he could to prevent that from happening, right? Even if it were for a guy, such as Dylan himself.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

"Well, you wouldn't know anything about me, would you? We've never talked before now," he said dipping his quill in his ink bottle, keeping his eyes on his essay. Dylan felt heat rise in his face and neck, and felt himself get slightly serious. Here was another person trying to pick and pry. Or was it? All these years he'd seen Theo around, seen him hang out with people, seen how he acts and carries himself, and Dylan never once saw or found him to be devious, or sneaky, or a prat. But he was asking a very private question. Unknowingly, obviously, but still a rather private question. Dylan took a deep breath, and steadied his racing mind. It was almost like he had a little voice in the back of his head, telling him to attack Theo. Bite his head off. Hurt him for daring to ask such a question, but he silenced the voice, which wasn't always easy.

"Well, Theo," he said laying his quill down on the table and sitting back in his chair. "To be quite honest, I don't really talk about myself a lot, although, I'm sure I seem the type that boasts about how great they are," he said closing his eyes. He really didn't want to continue talking for fear of how stupid he would sound, but he was trying to be a bit nicer to people, which gave him a constant feeling of nausea, and if anyone could use nice people in their lives it was Theo, right? "Maybe we could hang out sometimes. Get to know each other a little better. What about next Hogsmeade visit?" He opened his eyes. The nausea wasn't that strong, but he still felt it. Dylan didn't know why it was a pain to be nice and pleasant to people, but it was hard. He picked up his quill and resumed writing.

Well, your not really inviting him in, he thought. You just proposed that you get to know each other better. Thats not saying, 'Get comfortable Theo, I'm gonna tell you everything there is to know!' That was the right thing to do and say. Besides, Dylan could use someone to hang out with.

[Theo Darke]

Theo inclined his head to one side at Dylan’s comment. The Slytherin boy was obviously preoccupying himself with his work. Theo watched silently as the ink dripped from his quill, running along the glass bottle in a dark, blotched line. Dylan spoke again and Theo wondered if he was being sarcastic. He was on edge, that much he could see. Although the atmosphere wasn’t chilly or unfriendly, Theo sensed a problem, and quickly sought to rectify it.

“I’m sorry, I’m making you uncomfortable, aren’t I?” Theo murmured softly with an apologetic tone of voice. “I’m probably asking personal questions.” He grimaced to himself and propped his head against his hands. “I don’t make mistakes a lot, but I can accept it when I do, Dylan,” Theo stated calmly, looking at the Slytherin in the eye. “You’ve been honest with me, but you can be straight with me too. If you want me to shut up, just say so. I’m not a girl,” Theo snorted at this comment, finding some humour in it. “Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I’m any less masculine or any more effeminate. I can take straight-talking. I don’t want to do or say stupid things and not learn from my mistakes.” He smiled reassuringly at Dylan. It seemed he had made a friend of sorts, and Theo would be very disappointed if this didn’t continue further, it if it soured for reasons unbeknownst to him.

Dylan put down his quill, causing Theo to blink. He seemed ready to speak again. Theo listened and almost let his eyes grow wide with surprise. He quickly stopped himself, not wanting to look stupid or rude. He didn’t want to make Dylan feel any more uncomfortable than he already was, because it was obvious it took a lot for the Slytherin to strike up such an offer. Eventually after a short silence, a pleased smile grew on Theo’s face. He was glad that Dylan felt the same way about maintaining a friendship. “I’d be glad to.” Theo nodded, half grinning. “I do have plans for the beginning of the trip, but how about we meet up in The Three Broomsticks around late afternoon? We can sort ourselves out first and see each other there?” Theo thought to Lori, how he always accompanied her on Hogsmeade trips, and surely he could not abandon her, but she could go with Flo during the afternoon, leaving Theo free to do what he liked. There was also Scott whom he had spoken to the other day; Theo would’ve liked to invite him to come with Lori and become friends with each other… he could see them getting along well. However, the thought of introducing Dylan to Lori was odd; Theo had a feeling Dylan would just feel extremely uncomfortable, so he refrained from elaborating on that.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

"That sounds....fine," Dylan said rolling up his parchment. He was packing up before he knew he was. He was almost finished his essay, but for some reason he just needed to be alone at this precise moment. He capped his ink bottle, and stuck it in it's usual pocket on the side of his school bag along with his quill. He stood up, pushed his chair in, and threw his bag over his shoulder. "So, I'll see you later then," he added with a smile at Theo, and proceeded to exit the Student Lounge. He walked out into a deserted corridor, and closed the door behind him. He was grateful for all the absence because he was grinning from ear to ear.

He was, happy. But, as happy as he was he still felt a bit queasy inside. Maybe because he never really smiled so widely? He felt stupid, that was certain, but he was still happy. He forced himself to stop smiling, and managed to maintain his usual stony face, but only for a second. His smile somehow crept back onto his face. Dylan shook his head, maybe a little too aggressively. Stop acting like this, he thought. Once again he tried to stop smiling, but couldn't. He put his hand to his cheeks and squeezed them together. He felt like he was going mad. He didn't want to smile. He didn't want to be happy. That's not him. That wasn't him. That isn't him. With those last thoughts, his smile slowly faded from his face.

He stood there in the middle of the corridor, staring at his shadow on the ground. What was wrong with him? What did that mean? He didn't want to be happy. Who in there right mind would not want themselves to be happy? Dylan bit his lip. Lately he'd been feeling like something was wrong with him, but this was scary. He didn't want to be happy? That's not, normal. But, Dylan's not normal. Was he really comfortable being angry and mad all the time? Well, maybe that was it. He was rarely happy, so when he is, he feels weird. Still, that was alarming.

It's in these moments when he would go to Alanah, and she would be able to give him some sort of answer to why he felt this way. But alas, she wasn't here. Oddly enough, he felt like he needed to talk to someone. He slowly turned around to face where he came. No. Definantly not, he thought. He resettled his book bag on his shoulder and continued to walk. He didn't know how much longer he could hold everything in.

[Theo Darke]

“See you later then.” Theo blinked. Dylan had packed up quicker than you could say anything else and was already making to leave. He was edgier than Theo realised. Sad to see Dylan go, Theo realised it was for the best anyway; they had wrapped up their conversation and he still had his essay to finish. At least Dylan had been able to work at the same time – multitask and all. Theo could do it, but he never did because he knew the quality of his work at the end of the day wouldn’t be as good as if he concentrated one hundred percent. Theo waved by to Dylan’s fast retreating figure, glad to have made a new friend of sorts. He had rarely been invited out by anyone of the same sex, even before his confession, because it had always been the girls who came after him and sought a meeting (usually ending with Theo ‘breaking their hearts’, which of course he regretted, but he knew they would get over it), so he was happy. A warm feeling in his chest, Theo turned back to his half finished essay with no groan. He was in high spirits now.

Theo worked through his essay for another fifteen minutes and finally finished. He sat back and surveyed his handiwork. He read over it, corrected a spelling mistake he hadn’t caught before, and let the ink dry as he shuffled his materials together. Triumphant at having completed his assignment of the day, he leant back on his chair and let the warmth of the fireplace waft over to him. It seeped through his robes and tingled his skin, bringing a small smile of contentment to his face. Inwardly he began to make plans for the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. He had always gone with Lori, but this time he had alternate tactics. He would invite Scott to accompany them so they went as a trio, and then leave the two to bond. Theo was determined that Lori strip her misconceptions of Scott and give the poor boy a chance, and he was sure without his presence she would stand a better chance. Really, Theo thought sadly, what was that girl’s problem?

Then Theo planned on slipping over to The Three Broomsticks to meet Dylan. They could chat until the trip was over, and then Theo could return to Hogwarts and demand to know how Lori did with Scott. It sounded like the perfect strategy. Theo could only hope his hopes for his friends weren’t in vain. He knew Scott was willing to try, now if only Lori could get over her problems with the Gryffindor… Brushing a few strands of blonde back, Theo was just packing up his stuff when Lori sailed into the Student Lounge with a wide grin. She plonked herself beside him, on the seat where Dylan had previously habited, and started to talk incessantly about something to do with Florence. Theo nodded with a smile, taking it all in happily. Yeah. He was sure his plan would work absolutely fine. What could go wrong?

((Sorry it took me so long to wrap up this post. And don't worry about the next thread for Dylan and Theo - won't happen until the Ball post for us is complete. In which I will contact you and tell you where and when to post. )