#2 Lazy Afternoon

Ryan entered the courtyard and wanted to backtrack. There were various students of all years seated on benches or doing their own things among friends. It wasn't his type of public area, as being social elevated his anxiety, but he was determined not to hide himself away all afternoon. It was a lovely day too, so it'd be a shame to waste the sunshine.

He headed to an empty bench and sat down, contemplating how to spend his afternoon. He'd lagged behind everyone after Potions, so had lost track of anyone he knew. Dani was probably off getting more ingredients and exploring, but he wasn't sure what Gerald did with his free time. Or Ruby, but Ryan didn't know if they were friends yet. How did that work, anyway?

A space on the bench is soon occupied by several books, as if he could somehow read all of them before dinner. Ryan fidgeted, wishing he could just curl up in the Ravenclaw common room - but he'd made his decision, and refused to go up those five million steps again until forced to in order to reach his bed. Why did he have to belong to the house with all the physical climbing?

Despite his nerves, Ryan was open to company - so long as it was the friendly kind, of course. Maybe his friends or Ruby would find him there? He opened a book on his lap and began to read, trying to focus despite the rowdy noise across the courtyard or students frequently passing by.