Pardon My Pips Who: Terry Boot, Merlin When: 20 May 2015 Where: The Great Lawn, Hogwarts Rating: Low Status: Complete
After the Department of Mysteries Terry would never again under-appreciate the sunshine.
Blue skies and buttery-yellow light were already a rarity on the Sceptered Isle. Two hundred sixty five days of rainfall recorded per year in the highlands; one hundred seventy on average for coastal inlets in the east. Most days when it didn't rain, a murky, ominous blanket of gray hung about all the same, threatening downpour. Terry supposed that historically the weather kept the Scots oppressed more efficiently than the wall or English might ever claim credit, for the short, dark days of winter lay constant siege to even the most sturdy of resolves. He, himself, was having a particularly rough go at the moment.
Settling into a new environment and routine difficult enough for the average bloke became exponentially harder for a young man suffering chronic depression. Managed well enough there were still rough days from time to time. Stringent routine and medication helped to curb wobbly roads, allow they crop up less frequently but Terry had precious little of each this last week. Lack of the former disrupting the latter and leading to that metaphorical spiral so commonly used to describe his ailment.
He needed to get back on track.
So like a lizard seeking hot rock to digest belly full of midges he emerged from the castle that sunny afternoon. Thermos of tea and tin boxed lunch tucked under arm in search of a patch of nature he might claim his own for several hours. A quiet, relaxing break outside the crowded halls, away from watchful eyes, from questions and memories he rather not get bogged down in reciting.
Unfortunately, it seemed his chosen patch of respite upon the Great Lawn was already occupied. Not a problem in and of itself, simply that despite overlarge corrective lenses Terry still managed to trip arse-over-tea kettle on what felt very much like the torso of body hid amongst the spring grown grass.