Freaks: Year Two

A Danger To Those Around Him

Internalised homophobia.

"Thanks Anthony," Maryrose said, grabbing one of the floating cups of hot cocoa. "Where's Ian gone?"

"He's just grabbing the other eleven cups," Anthony said. "I didn't realise so many people joined the game." He let the select few grab their own cups of cocoa (Jasper getting one for Wyatt and Jordan who were buzzing with excitement from the game) before saying to Maryrose specifically, "This was fun, but I am beat, so I'm going back to my common room."

Maryrose's smile faltered. "What? Why?"

"Well, the game was quite tiring," Anthony said, not wanting to give the real reason. He was honestly drained from being in his house all together – being in this school – and he didn't want to be in the same room as Ian right now. He was too scared to know what he would have to say to him and he didn't want the Hufflepuffs to get a reminder about it or the first years to even be aware about it. "So, I'll just head out, it was quite fun though."

Maryrose stared at him, not quite believing his reasoning. She had noticed he had been quite down the last few days and she thought this game would have been a way to cheer him up, but it evidently hadn't.

"Well, I'll walk you back then," Maryrose standing up, determined to try to make him talk about whatever was bothering him or if he wasn't ready to talk about it, to at least cheer him up.

Anthony gave a small shrug. "Okay."

Maryrose and Anthony both left the common room, Anthony not necessarily running up ahead past the kitchens, but he definitely sped up so Maryrose quickly followed him, and he only slowed when they were more than halfway up the stairs.

"Is there anything wrong?" Maryrose asked when they reached the top of the stairs and the two of them both started to go down a long corridor.

"I told you nothing."

Maryrose was quiet, contemplating what she should say as she knew that Anthony was lying. They had known each other for years and through those years they both developed ways to know when each other were upset or if something was wrong or bothering them. So, of course now, when walking down the corridor with him to Ravenclaw Tower after he was quiet for most of the day, Maryrose was sure anyone could pick up if something was wrong.

Maryrose wished Anthony could talk about it.

"Well..." Anthony started just wanting to break the awkward silence between the two of them. "You did a pretty good job with the game. Your plan worked. It was fun."

Maryrose gave a small smile. "It'd be nice if we do another game so that you get out there more."

"We were assigned as guards. I was."

"Yes, true..." Maryrose started. 'But next time, I mean. You seemed very quiet today – for the last few days. Are you sure there isn't anything bothering you? You know you can always talk to me about it."

Anthony gave a small sigh as they passed a group of older Ravenclaws by a window talking about the upcoming of the Ilvermorny arrival. Anthony had forgotten that Ilvermorny was even coming to visit Hogwarts for this quidditch tournament; there had been so much going on this term that it had slipped his mind.

"Do you think anyone in your house is going to try out for the All Star Team when the Americans come?" Anthony asked.

Maryrose knew he was avoiding her question, but she just sighed, relenting, and said, "Er, I don't know. Marty and Jasper have been talking about it – or well, they were, Jasper has been...stressed recently."