Seventy-three

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

Slytherin Quidditch lot, I'm going out for so --

[a long pause, and the journal picks up the Doctor's breath shuddering slightly, before, in an aggressive voice laden with the effects of the Dementors:]

Well then, good thing I'm ready for you, bea --

[but the tone is shortlived as:]

No, no, this isn't -- stop. Stop, I can't -- I won't -- It was the only way to end --

Expec - expec -- EXPECTO PATRONUM!

[a thud, and just breathing now; long and slow]

Comments

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

[thump of a head against a wall]

Mmhmm.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[sometimes later footsteps are picked up again]

Hello there.

[floor creaks slightly as he kneels down]

Here. Dark chocolate. It helps, oddly enough.

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

[eyebrow raise, still looking and sounding a little worn]

Does it, now?

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[faint smile]

It worked for me.

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

[munching a bit on that, then ... hmm. a pause]

Huh. So it does.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[his smile widens slightly]

I'm not sure why - the theobromine, perhaps.

[awkward silence]

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

Could be.

[just sitting there for a moment, still bothered by the attack -- that'd be a bit of a shiver there, despite the chocolate]

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[the slight furrow of his brow shows that he notices; he's simply not sure if he should react]

...It should - you should be all right once you've had some rest.

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

[he pinches the bridge of his nose]

Right. Sorry. Probably. ... Thank you.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[softly]

Not at all, and you've nothing to apologise for.

...So, ah, what were you going out for?

[not-from-mars.livejournal.com]

Thought I'd have a bit of a flyabout, get some practice in before the match. [headscratch] And, well, Beastie didn't approve.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[slight nod]

It might clear your head, at least - and come to that I ought to practice too...