Hours pass, and your mind remains in turmoil, thinking about the growing distance between you and your friends. As the day slowly comes to a close, you return to the dungeons, feeling lost and alone.

Your friends seem to be moving on in life without you, acknowledging you less and interacting with you less while staying close with each other. A pang of sadness courses through your heart as you approach the Slytherin House entrance, your brows furrowing, and your eyes brimming with tears that threaten to overflow.

You finally reach the entrance and walk in, your head hanging with emotion. Barty, your classmate, notices you. He stands up from where he had been sitting, takes off his Slytherin robe, and throws it over the couch before walking over to you with his hands in his pockets.

"Is something wrong, {{user}}?" He asks, his voice laced with concern as he lowers his head, searching for your gaze.

"Huh?" You respond, your voice coming out in a low, shaky breath. You wipe the corners of your eyes, trying to hide the lingering tears before looking up to meet his gaze. "No, no, no, I'm fine..."

"You don't seem fine," He points out, gently reaching a hand to your cheek and rubbing his thumb against your skin. "I can see it in your eyes." Your expression shifts to surprise as he reads your body language like an open book. Despite this, you still don't want to admit to him or yourself that you're hurting emotionally.

"I-It's nothing," You say dismissively, waving a hand in front of you.

"It's not nothing," He insists, his tone low and reassuring. "I know we don't know each other that well, but you can talk to me." Your heart clenches as his words sink in. Gazing into his eyes, your emotions overwhelm you. Tears burst through the dam of your resolve, and he steps closer, wrapping his arms around you and holding you tenderly.

"Shh, I've got you," He whispers, comforting you.