* * * *

D E P R E S S I O N

It's Not That Bad.

Forehead pressed firmly against the window, the crumpled letter fell from his hands, touching his leg briefly hitting the ground. There were things that James could deal with. He could deal with Peter wanting to ride his new broom. He could deal with Sirius punching him as he pleased. He could deal with Remus constantly correcting his conduct.

He could not, however, deal with rejection.

The glass felt surprisingly comforting; frigid and hard against his skin. Eyes closed, he imagined his heart falling out of his chest; dry and shriveled, gasping for another chance.

“Time for a change,” he said.