Third Person POV

There was buzz all through the halls. Students all over the castle were talking about the Triwizard Tournament. There was much speculation on who would enter and who would get picked. But at least the topic of conversation for once was not Harry Potter.

"Just imagine, three years from now, when we're old enough to enter…" began Ron.

"Yeah, better you than me," Harry laughed. He didn't want any more undesired attention. Suddenly, he bumped into someone. That person's bag tipped over and his books were suddenly scattered on the floor.

"Sorry," said Harry, bending down to help the boy with his books, "You guys go on; I'll catch up," he said to Ron and Hermione.

Harry gathered a stack of books while the other boy was frantically gathering papers and ink jars.

As Harry handed back the books, he looked into the other boy's face, "Colin?"

He was thinner than the last time Harry saw him and paler with circles under his eyes. Most of all, there was no happy grin or bright eyed enthusiasm.

"Thanks," he said in a hoarse whisper, which Harry barely heard. He slipped his bag back on his shoulder and hurried off. Harry stared after him for a moment, dumbstruck, before he was back on his way to his next class.

Later that evening, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in their usual spots at dinner. Ron became caught up in all the chatter about the Tournament. Harry looked down the table and saw Colin. He was just staring at his food, propping his head up with one hand while the other hand played in his food with the fork. Considering how the smaller boy used to act, it was a most depressing sight.

"Hermione,"

"Hm," she looked up from her book that she was studying while eating.

"Have you noticed Colin acting strange lately?" Hermione looked where Harry was looking and saw the other boy.

"Oh my gosh, he looks awful."

"I wonder if something happened to him over the summer,"

"I thought you didn't like him?" asked Hermione, turning back to Harry.

"I actually don't know him well enough to not like him. He just got on my nerves whenever he'd be flashing his camera in my face and acting like some crazed stalker fan. But seeing him like this, I'm actually a little concerned for the little guy."

"Well, Ginny's in his year; maybe she'll know something."

"Alright. Let's talk to her when we see her in the common room."

Soon after their conversation, they noticed the young blonde boy give up on his plate, gather his bags and head up to the dorm.

Colin's POV

Sitting on my bed, I try doing my homework, but it's so difficult. There are so many confusing thoughts and emotions going through my head at the same time. Harry helped me pick up my books today. Does that mean he really does like me, or was he just being nice? Or did he just think it was the right thing to do? He did bump into me after all. I don't even know what I want to happen anymore. On one hand, I don't want to be a bother to anyone anymore, so I hope they don't notice my depression. On the other hand, if no one notices, that means no one cares. Then if they did notice and try to help that just brings up the same question. Are they doing it because they care, or are they just being nice or noble? Screw it; I'm too tired to do homework. I just want to sleep.

Third Person POV

Colin put his books away and cut off his bedside lamp. Drawing the curtains, he collapsed onto his bed and snuggled under the covers. He was too tired to even cry himself to sleep.

I hope no one is disappointed that Harry seems to be the first to notice Colin's depressed state. We all know Harry is really a nice guy. I think it'll be interesting to see what he does.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and tell me what you think.