Theodore Dumble, the stress of finals weighing down on him like a wall of bricks, ambled down the corridor. Although his finals for potions and history of magic were over, there was still a mountain of other exam topics to study for. He was a Ravenclaw; he was supposed to enjoy this stuff, right? Putting his nose to the grindstone until it was rubbed raw, correct? The sixth year didn't mind studying; he just didn't like doing it twelve out of the twenty-four hours in a day.

His shoulders slumped from the weight of his rucksack, he shlumped along the corridor. All was well, as he rehearsed arithmancical numerical formulas in his head. Until he saw a shock of red hair up ahead.

For Merlin's sake. ._____.

Theodore hadn't caught sight of Ruby Blair in ages, and he had appreciated the break. Although she had started to be nice to him in small spurts, the absence of hearing oneself being called a curly-haired moron was a beautiful respite. One hand instinctively flew up to his hair, which had nearly gone back to normal. It was his natural color and curls sprouted here and there, yet a few straight patches stuck out, remnants of Braeden Stonem's lions mane that hadn't faded since the polyjuice potion incident. What would Ruby say about his funny appearance?! Probably something snarky. He would just have to grin and bear it.

Theo couldn't avoid her, no matter how much he desired to, so he marched along. Instead of speaking, he threw an awkward nod in her direction. Where were his girlfriend, Alfie, or his boyfriend, Brae, when you needed them?!