Text Cut: Sad Tobes
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Felixir 
As he stood there in the cold and quiet courtyard, thinking about the NEWT exams, Toby felt a sudden surge of anxiety rise in him. It wasn't an altogether unfamiliar feeling, unfortunately; most of his OWL year had been spent dealing with a similar thing. He rolled his shoulders a little, a subconscious 'shake it off' gesture, and fought the compulsion to start biting at his fingernails. That was a habit that always seemed to give the game away, and in any case, there wasn't much of them left to bite at the moment.
He nodded too, watching some stray snowflakes fall and fiddling with the cuff of his sleeve to keep his hands busy. "I am," Tobias replied, but that sounded too confident. More confident than he felt like he deserved to sound. "I try." That was... slightly more fitting.
Toby looked back at Professor Tanner and managed a genuine smile. "I'm glad you're doing good, Professor. M'looking forward to the break too. Going home. Change of scenery. See my little brother, all that." He spoke casually, keeping his tone light. But it still hurt to think about that stuff. Toby missed home so terribly, and 98% of the time would rather be there than here. But it was such a negative thing to say when he was supposed to be all happy and stuff. Thinking about it made him droop a little bit, so Toby fixed a bigger smile onto his face with practiced ease, and bounced ever so lightly on his toes. "D'you have like... loads of work to do before the holidays?" He did. In fact, if he wanted to stay on schedule, it didn't look like he'd be taking much of a break from the extra studying.
Ridiculous, really. Toby didn't need all those NEWTs. Certainly not all twelve. It wasn't like he was trying for a career where they demanded top grades. But in his head, it was all or nothing.
Rolling your shoulders, biting your nails... Both clues of inner turmoil. "
I seem to recall Professor Romanos practicing yoga for inner relaxation." Or something like that. "
That could help you relax. And if not, I suggest a mild Calming Draught. Healer Murdoch likely has some made up for just such an occasion." But trying a more natural way first might be a good idea.
Tanner nodded as he spoke. "
Holidays are an excellent time for mental rejuvenation for precisely all the reasons you just mentioned." But she could tell he was forcing the issue, trying to appear fine when he really was not. She played along and answered his query, still whispering, because at this point why not? "
Yes, quite a bit, but no more than my students have, I would imagine." Then she changed her mind and placed a hand on his shoulder. "
If standing her talking to me is making you more anxious, please don't feel obligated to stay. I know sometimes the best cure for feeling overwhelmed is just to dive right in and get back to work." That was how she felt about it, at least.