attack of panic ((open))

James had been out of it longer than most of the others in the hospital wing. Unknown to him, he had been stunned by his aunt Hermione in the midst of all the action. His memory of it was, at best, a blur. He slept nicely, but waking up it was a different story.

"Don't fucking touch me! Leave me alone!"

That was what he said to any of the staff members who tried to administer him a pepper-up potion. Eventually, they had to sedate him with nitrous oxide to make the process easier. He felt normal again, but James just couldn't get why he was feeling a greater range of emotions than usual. There had been all sorts of whispers in the hall, and it made him paranoid that they all had to do with him.

He began withdrawing from his usual antics to cry to himself in whatever inconspicuous corners he could find.

He didn't want to be bothered.

"So he's a fag then?"

Kayleigh lingered outside the Hospital Wing, keen to get a glimpse of all the ashamed students waking up and feeling better. They still didn't know exactly what had happened to them, but apparently it was to do with some plant in the forest. Everyone was talking about what the students had done, and one that particular stood out was James Potter's case.

She sniggered with the others as they tried to get a look at him now.

"Potter!" She called out, when the doors to the Hospital swung open momentarily: "Hidin' ya boyfriend under ya bed?! You gay boy now, yeah?" Several of the others laughed along with her, though a lot of others didn't.

@James Potter

He was right to be paranoid. How did all these people know? He hadn't told anybody about it. James' heartbeat began pacing. His hands shook, trembling with sweat. He just wanted to be left alone.

"Go away!"

Tears began flowing out of his eyes as he shut the partition for his own privacy. Why did they know? How did they know?

James wanted to just get out and hide.

@Kayleigh Owens

"Not bein' funny, but could ya get out my way? Need ta give Potter Medina's comb so he can sniff it."

It was good to rub it in a bit. James Potter and all their family were always held in such high regard, it was good to give them a bit to think about. She heard him say 'go away', but didn't hear him crying. It was probably best that she couldn't.

@James Potter

Hopefully, he did not have his wand on him. James was gradually reaching a breaking point. The whole school now knew, and he had no idea how to cope. He wasn't ready to come out. He didn't anticipate somehow being outed.

"Get out of here!"

@Kayleigh Owens