Written for the The Wizarding World's Annual Hunger Games Competition: [dialogue] "What's wrong with that?"
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"Everyone is outside Barty. Why don't you come enjoy the sun with the rest of us?" Again the only answer he received was a low grunt. "You can't study the whole day", Regulus pulled the book out of Barty's hands. Hoping it would give him the boy's attention.
"Why did you do that?" Barty looked up - like he only noticed his friend now. His hand shot out, trying to get his book back, but Regulus moved so it was out of Barty's reach.
"What's wrong with studying?" he asked angrily.
"What's wrong with studying? What's wrong with that?!" Regulus looked incredulous at his housemate. The Slytherin had locked himself up in the castle for weeks now. He'd barely slept or ate and the big purple bags under his eyes almost covered his entire face.
"The problem", he put emphasis on the word, "Is that this", he pointed at the books and scrolls of parchment Barty was covered in, "is unhealthy". Though his previous words were sharp Reg's tone became softer: "When was the last time you slept?"
Barty dropped his head on his arms, moving so he could look at Reg from his position on the table. "Yesterday", he paused, "I think".
A deep sigh left Regulus' lips before he grabbed Barty by the arm. "Come on, get up. You're coming with me, whether or not you want. And after that you're going to sleep", he looked at Barty, "You need it".
With zombie Barty following him, Regulus made his way to their group of friends, who were - like he'd said - already outside. They joined the conversation and Barty didn't just sit there - listing all charms he knew in silence-, but participated. It was just small talk, but it made Barty realise something: Reg was right. If he didn't want a mental breakdown he needed to find a balance between studying and relaxing.