October

1. B-side: "I've got you"

Truly Raspen would have never imagined he would end up in the infirmary on the first day of school. Thankfully he wasn't hurt, though every time he looked at the small body on the bed he wished he was. 

The day hadn’t started that bad if you keep in mind it was the first day back at school, Raspen never had a problem with school, he liked to learn but he would admit it was not his preferred thing to do. 

Everything had been fine, he had his chocolate with milk— And some cereal when his brother judged him silently with his eyes— for breakfast, he miraculously hadn’t forgotten anything and he even caught two green lights.

Raspen had even managed to talk to Dawne before she was swarmed by other students. 

Professor Terius was also good— especially after having caught a glimpse of the new teacher that had transferred— a bit strict but a good teacher so Raspen was more than satisfied. 

It seemed that it was the year of the transfers because Al had warned them they were going to have a few new faces this year. Nobody knew how or from where Alcandor got the information but they never questioned it, after all, he never had been wrong with gossip.

Draco Malfoy and Theodore Gorgens-Nott had been the ones to end up in his class but going by Terius’ irritated demeanor and the empty seat next to him someone else was missing. 

Raspen’s suspicions were proven correct when someone opened the door, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor boy. Terius wasn’t exactly known for being a forgiving person. 

All eyes turned to the newcomer. The new student stepped timidly into the room, his eyes darting around as if searching for a friendly face. Professor Terius greeted him with a judgemental stare and directed him to the empty seat next to him.

His new seatmate gave a shy nod and slowly made his way to the desk, his backpack slung over one shoulder and stumbling through the chairs. 
Raspen took advantage of the fact that the other boy wasn’t looking at him to study him. 

He was short with messy dark brown hair, he had a small pointy nose that made Raspen seriously consider how those big round glasses were still on his face because it looked like they would slide off anytime. The boy had big green, emerald green, doe eyes, but maybe that was just a side effect of the glasses. 

Raspen had to make an effort to stop looking at those eyes and instead, he found himself frowning at the boy’s attire. Dawne loved oversized clothes but the shirt the boy was wearing was more ill-fitting than any fashion trend. It was clearly not his size and most definitely not new, Raspen could clearly see that it was tattered and as the new student got closer he could even see a few holes in the fabric. In fact, he could almost see the boy’s pale skin throw the t-shirt and he was sure the shirt hadn’t been made to be seen through. 

The class went on as usual, but Raspen couldn't help stealing glances at his new seatmate. Harry, that was what Terius had introduced him as, seemed lost, his fingers trembling anxiously on his desk, his gaze fixed on his textbook as if it held all the answers to his worries.

As the minutes ticked by, Harry’s anxiety appeared to intensify. His face grew paler, and his breathing became shallow. Raspen watched with growing concern as Harry started to hyperventilate and his eyes became wide with panic.

Raspen was starting to worry so he approached his seatmate "Is everything alright, Harry?" but when he tried to touch him Harry recoiled from his touch flinching, which made Raspen frown.

Several classmates were starting to talk now and finally, wide teary eyes looked at him so Raspen tried again, this time without touching him and only lifting two fingers in Harry’s line of sight “How many fingers am I holding up?”

Before anyone could react, Harry’s eyes rolled back, and he collapsed in his seat, sliding to Raspen’s body with a thud. Gasps and murmurs of concern rippled through the classroom.

Professor Terius quickly assessed the situation with a strained expression "Raspen, please carry Harry to the infirmary. Do you need someone to help you?"

Raspen had already lifted Harry in his arms, he weighed way too little for a teenager, so he just shocked his head and carried him out of the classroom. The other students muttered behind them, their initial worry replaced by curiosity for their new classmate.

In the infirmary, Harry was placed on one of the beds, his face still pale, and his breathing shallow. Raspen called for the school nurse, who arrived promptly to tend to the situation.

The nurse examined Harry and determined that he had experienced a swoon—a sudden, brief loss of consciousness often caused by stress or anxiety. She reassured everyone that Harry would be fine, but he needed some time to rest and recover.

Mrs. Kalzik turned to him, while he was silently watching over Harry. "Raspen, you've been a great help. Why don't you stay with Harry until he wakes up? I'll inform the principal and Harry’s family about the situation"

He nodded, his concern for his new classmate growing. He took a seat next to the infirmary bed, his eyes fixed on his new seatmate. Harry’s condition had sparked his curiosity and empathy, and he couldn't help but wonder what had led to this moment.

The sound of the door closing made him turn away from the unconscious brunet “Heard you ended up in the infirmary on the first day. Naughty golden boy. I confess I expected as much from Ebony but not from you Ras”

Really, he should have expected this. If something happened Al knew about it, so it wasn’t a surprise that he knew about that already or to see him there, leaning against the door with a disinterested face. 

What was surprising was that they let him out of the first day of class and the first period but then again, the whole water dormitory always had certain privileges, and not many teachers dared to contradict them.

Damn swimming team scholarships and their advantages “Al, what are you doing here, weren’t you supposed to have introductions now?” 

That made a smirk appear in Alcandor’s face “What, getting tired of me already? The swimming team had a training period now Ras. You know we don’t care about the others in the class so why listen to their introductions? And besides, there is no way I would miss seeing you princess carrying some new student” 

“It wasn’t like that! How did you even—” Raspen couldn’t suppress the frustrated groan that escaped him, which only made Al’s smile grow. “Just… I’ll talk to you and the girls at the break, just go” 

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll leave wouldn't want to overwhelm sleeping beauty here when he wakes up” Alcandor had started to walk to the door when he paused and turned, the look on his eyes promising nothing but trouble “You know, if you are that worried about waking him up you could always try a true love’s kiss from his prince charming” 

The door snapped close just a second before Raspen’s shoe impacted against it. Alcandor’s laughter could be heard from the hallway and it did nothing to help Raspen’s red cheeks. 

He discreetly looked at the bed and was relieved to see Harry was still unconscious. Raspen slowly made his way to pick up his shoe thanking the immortals Mrs. Kalzik wasn’t present at the moment and cursing Alcandor under his breath. 

As the seconds turned into minutes, Raspen remained by Harry’s side, silently offering his support. He knew what it felt like to be overwhelmed by change and uncertainty. He hoped that he could be a source of comfort to Harry, even though they had only just met.

Eventually, Harry stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. He blinked in confusion, trying to make sense of his surroundings. When his eyes met Raspen’s, he seemed both surprised and relieved.

"I'm Raspen," He offered with a friendly smile "You kinda passed out in class, but you're okay now" 

Harry nodded weakly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Thanks for helping me"

Raspen shrugged, his smile warm "No problem. We're classmates, right? We look out for each other"

Harry wanted the earth to swallow him so he wouldn’t have to deal with the embarrassment of fainting on the first day. He tried to sit up and get out of bed but suddenly his legs gave way under his weight and he found himself falling. He was prepared for the hit but before he could even react, Raspen was there, his arms wrapping around him to catch her before he hit the floor.

"I've got you," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

They stood there, locked in a gentle embrace, and getting lost in each other's eyes until the sound of laughter broke the moment. They both looked away with blushed cheeks and Harry heard Raspen softly mutter “Damn Al”