A new start?
He managed to get some sleep almost an hour and a half. Before the light of the morning began to creep through the curtains.
But life wasn’t going to let him breathe today. Not today. Today was one of those days.
Leo had barely made it out of bed before he was already flying through the morning mist for Quidditch practice. The trainer and the captain were relentless, pushing them harder and harder as if they were training for the bloody World Cup. It was ruthless.
By the time practice ended, he was gasping for breath, his limbs sore, and his mind clouded with exhaustion. That’s when Hagrid appeared, grinning like a bear in a honey shop, holding a rolled-up piece of parchment.
-- Got a moment, lad? -- Hagrid boomed, his voice carrying over the faint wind. Leo could hardly lift his arm to wave.
-- Don’t know if I’ve got a moment for anythin’ right now, -- Leo muttered in his thick, rough voice, the trace of his Viking blood heavy in his tone. But still, he shuffled over. He knew better than to keep Hagrid waitin'. The man always had more work than a mule could carry.
-- Right, well. -- Hagrid began, unfurling the parchment with an exaggerated flourish, -- I’ve got a list here of tasks for ye. First off, the hippogriffs’ve taken a wander about the forest again, and I need ye to help round 'em up. -- His eyes twinkled behind his scruffy beard. -- Then there’s the feed, it arrived early today. No slacking, eh? --
Leo blinked, trying not to groan. -- Hippogriffs again? -- he muttered under his breath. He’d just managed to get his breath back after Quidditch practice, but here was another stack of tasks, piled high like a bloody mountain.
-- Also. -- Hagrid continued, as if oblivious to Leo’s internal breakdown, -- McGonagall needs to approve your transformation before ye get started with me. Don't want to do anything out of bounds, do we? --
-- McGonagall. -- Leo echoed, his stomach sinking. -- Aye, I’ll get right to it. --
With a tired sigh, he made his way to McGonagall's office, his feet dragging with every step. By the time he returned, the sun was barely peeking over the horizon.
The tasks didn’t end. No time to rest, no time to breathe.
Before he could even think about grabbing a bite, he was already running off to classes. History homework piled on top of everything else. He loved history, sure, but the assignments? They were always absurdly long. Not to mention, trying to stay awake in classes had been a challenge after the mad morning.
By the time lunchtime arrived, he was sprawled out across the Great Hall, slumped against the table like a broken man. The pile of empty plates beside him was a testament to his hunger. He had devoured everything in sight, not caring for a second if anyone was watching.
Ivy, always the one to keep an eye on him, sat down beside him, looking worried. Her sharp, refined British accent cut through the air like a knife. -- Leo, are ye all right? Ye look like you've been run through the wringer, and it’s only midday. --
Leo groaned, not even bothering to lift his head. -- Aye, it’s one of those days, Ivy. -- His voice was gruff, tinged with the weariness of someone who'd spent too much time in battle. -- Quidditch, hippogriffs, feedin' them bloody beasts, and I'm still expected to be upright after all of that. After all, I'm the perfect student. --
Ivy raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with gentle sarcasm. -- Hippogriffs again? What on earth has Hagrid got you into now? --
Leo sat up, rubbing his face with a tired hand, the heaviness of his accent thickening as his patience thinned. -- Oh, ye know Hagrid. Always somethin' to do. One minute I’m flyin’, next minute I’m runnin' through the woods like some wild thing chasin’ down these bloody creatures. -- His lips quirked into a half-smile despite the exhaustion. -- And don’t even get me started on the feed. --
Ivy huffed, clearly trying to keep her tone even, but there was a flicker of a smile at the corner of her lips. -- You’re always on the move, Leo. Can’t imagine it’s good for you. --
-- Tell me about it. -- Leo muttered, giving her a sidelong glance. -- But when your blood runs thick with fire, ye don’t get the luxury of takin' a break. Duty calls, Ivy. Always calls. --
Ivy leaned in, her voice softening. -- You need to slow down. You’re going to wear yourself to the bone if ye keep this up. --
Leo leaned back, stretching out his stiff muscles. -- Aye, well, what’s the alternative? Sit back and let the world burn without me? -- He left a small chuckle.
Ivy shot him a look that said, that’s exactly what you’re doing, but she said nothing. Instead, she just shook her head in quiet frustration. -- You're stubborn. Stubborn as a bloody ram. --
-- Aye. -- Leo smile weakly. -- Guess I come by it honest. --
Her eyes softened, but she couldn’t hide the worry in her gaze. -- You need to take care of yourself, Leo. Not just your duties. --
Leo stared at the empty plates for a moment, before finally meeting her eyes. -- I’ll try. But no promises. --
Ivy crossed her arms, giving him a look that said she wasn’t buying it. -- You need sleep, and you need it soon. You’re not invincible. --
-- Aye, well, that’s debatable. -- Leo grinned, though his eyes were tired. -- I don’t exactly have the luxury of sittin' idle, Ivy. But don’t worry, I’ll figure it out. --
Ivy exhaled slowly, leaning back in her chair. -- You’d better, Leo. Otherwise, I’m takin’ you to Madam Pomfrey myself. --
Leo’s smile softened at that. -- If it gets me some peace, I might just let ye. --
Leo stood up after finishing his last dessert, his stomach slightly bloated but his mind already shifting to the smiting room. There was new ore to work with, and he couldn’t wait to start playing with it.
Ivy, seeing him rise, followed him without hesitation. While she understood that Leo needed some space to lose himself in his work, she still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He looked so worn out, and their conversation earlier, or rather lack of conversation, had left her feeling unsettled.
-- Leo. -- She called, her voice gentle but full of concern. -- Are you sure you’re alright? --
Leo glanced back, offering her a tired grin. -- Aye, Ivy. Just need to get my hands on that new ore. It’ll help me clear my head. Too much going on today. --
Ivy hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. -- I understand. But don’t overdo it, alright? You look like you require sleep. --
Leo gave a half-smile, his eyes softening for a moment. -- I'll be fine. I’ve just got a lot to sort out before I can even think about resting. You know how it is. --
Ivy wasn’t entirely convinced, but she didn’t push further. She nodded, though a tight knot of worry twisted in her chest. Leo was always so stubborn.
They reached the dungeons, where Leo quickly shed his cloak and changed into something more fitting for the task ahead. Ivy remained just outside, giving him space but still keeping a watchful eye on him.
Daniel, meanwhile, had been watching from the shadows. He had seen Ivy following Leo, and his stomach churned with the same unease. Ever since their moment last night, Daniel had been trying to figure out what he should do next, but it seemed Leo was avoiding him or, at least, avoiding the chance to speak to him properly. Daniel couldn’t help but feel frustrated. It wasn’t that Leo was ignoring him intentionally; it was just that the boy had no time to breathe between his endless obligations.
Sighing, Daniel made his way down to the smiting room, hoping that maybe now, with Leo immersed in his work, he could get a word in. When he stepped inside, Leo was already at the anvil, hammering away at a glowing chunk of metal. The clang of the hammer against the steel echoed through the room, and his muscles flexed with each strike. He was so focused that he didn’t notice Daniel standing in the doorway.
Ivy was already seated at one of the workbenches, a variety of gemstones and coloured powders spread out in front of her. She flipped through a book next to them, reading about the different properties of the ores and minerals they had received. Daniel slowly walked toward her, intrigued by the array of glass and powders he hadn’t noticed before.
-- Since when did we have glass in here? -- He asked, his voice breaking the silence as he sat beside her. He gestured toward the colourful collection of materials. -- Is this for glasswork? --
Ivy looked up from her book and smiled faintly. -- A few students did glasswork at home. But now that we’ve got a bigger space, they finally got the right materials. Some dwarves and a few students are teaching me how to work with it. -- She paused, glancing over at Leo. -- I’m still learning, but it’s fascinating. --
Daniel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. -- Never thought I’d see glasswork down here. Thought this was more of a metal and forge sort of place. --
-- Well, it is. -- Ivy replied with a soft chuckle, -- But the smiting club's got quite the expansion. And not all of it is metalwork. Some older students like to try new things. -- She fiddled with a blue gem in her hand, then paused, her gaze flicking back to Daniel. -- But that’s not what’s on your mind, is it? --
Daniel sighed deeply, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the pendant around his neck the one Leo had painstakingly made for him. -- I don’t know what’s going on with Leo. We didn’t get a chance to talk properly last night. --
Ivy's eyebrows furrowed slightly, not catching on right away. -- What do you mean? You two didn’t… --
Daniel cut her off, his tone quiet but full of frustration. -- We, we finally talked. It was… well, it was something. But after that, things got complicated. Flinch interrupted us, and he was dragged off. While he said that McGonagall needed him. And since then, he’s been running around like a bloody headless chicken, and I haven’t had a chance to speak to him since. --
Ivy’s expression shifted, a soft understanding in her eyes. -- So that’s why he’s been so tired. He looks absolutely drained today. But I’m not surprised. He’s been busy since early this morning. --
Daniel nodded. -- Quidditch practice, helping Hagrid with something related with hippogriffs, and he’s got meetings with McGonagall. I don’t know how he’s holding it all together. --
Ivy glanced at Leo, who was still at the anvil, striking the metal with precise force. His movements were sharp, almost angry. She could see the tension in his shoulders even from across the room. -- I’m sure he’s got his reasons. But it can’t be easy. --
-- Right. -- Daniel not fully convinced. -- But I don’t even know what all he’s doing. I mean, helping Hagrid with the hippogriffs what’s that about? Why is he working with Hagrid, of all people? --
Ivy thought for a moment, unsure. -- I have an idea, but it’s not something I’m sure of. He’s always been close to Hagrid, hasn’t he? Maybe it’s just part of their routine, but… -- She trailed off, unsure.
-- It’s not just that, though. -- Daniel frowned, clearly trying to piece things together. -- It’s more than that. Leo’s always been quiet about it, but whatever he’s doing with Hagrid, it’s demanding, and it’s messing with his schedule. Maybe he’s got more going on than he lets on. --
Ivy nodded, looking at Leo again, who was still lost in his work. -- Perhaps. But whatever it is, he’s not going to tell us unless he’s ready. Leo doesn’t like talking about things when it’s tough. --
Daniel muttered something, then looked at Ivy. -- I just need to talk to him, Ivy. We haven’t had a chance to really speak since last night, and I can’t stand this not knowing. --
Ivy softened, giving him a small, understanding smile. -- I know… But maybe wait until after he’s had a moment to breathe. His schedule’s packed, but he’s not ignoring you. He’s just… overloaded right now. --
Daniel took a deep breath, nodding slowly. -- I’ll wait. But when he’s ready, I’ll make sure he knows I’m here for him. --
Just then, Leo set his hammer down, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He glanced over at them, his expression slightly more relaxed but still weary. -- You two still here? Thought you’d be gone by now. --
Ivy smiled lightly. -- We were just checking on you, making sure you weren’t working yourself to exhaustion. --
Leo chuckled softly, but there was a hint of weariness in his voice. -- Aye, well, it’s hard to stop once you’ve got something in your hands. But I’ll be fine. -- He shot a quick glance at Daniel, then back to the forge. -- Just need to finish this up, then we can talk later. When I’m not so bloody busy. --
Ivy exchanged a glance with Daniel, her voice light. -- We’ll leave you to it then. But don’t overwork yourself, Leo. --
Leo gave a tired smile. -- I won’t. Promise. --
As they left the smiting room, Daniel’s mind was heavy with thoughts of Leo. He wanted to talk to him, to understand what was going on behind the scenes. But he knew Leo needed time and patience. He just hoped Leo would find a moment to breathe long enough to speak with him.