Jack was NOT read to tell the professor why he missed class. He was already shook up from History of Magic and the last thing he needed was more stress and anger. Jack began to wonder how exactly he was going to tell the professor.

Jack slowly walked to the fifth floor, by the time he was at the door to Gale's office, he was trembling, but he had an answer. "I'll just say, I lost my composer before leaving and spent all of class crying in my bed, simple." It was the truth, although there could have been a nicer way to explain it. Hopefully he would understand.

Jack did a quick knock on the door 1,2,3 then stood there, waiting, the intensity of the moment building. Jack was ready to pass out.

Gale was to the point where he would simply be propping his door open with a sign that said 'come in', with the way students were drawn to it. He wasn't complaining of course, he was thankful that many of them trusted him enough to be the voice of reason and a helping hand. He knew he had a reputation of being a push over, but that was alright with him. He was their rock, and he wouldn't let them fall.

Jack's story he knew, though he wasn't sure the boy was aware at how much they all knew. The staff was mostly aware, or so he thought. The news was all over the papers so he couldn't imagine that they didn't. However, by now he kept his distance but was very willing to allow the boy his shoulder if he wanted it.

"Young master...you..." Gale stood a little shocked in the door at how pale the boy seemed, and with a conerned frown ushered him in, "Come in, you look like you are about to pass out." He wouldn't ask the boy if there was something wrong, because that much was clear.

"Here, can I get you some tea?" He motioned for him to take a seat, on the sofa that now became very much the shelter for a few other students as well. The kettle still warm in the hearth was emptied for the boy, and he moved to drop a few sugar cubes in.

Jack was astonished, there was a teacher that wasn't mad at him for SKIPPING class. When he walked in he was not expecting what happened next.

"Here, can I get you some tea?" Jack almost collapsed, was this a trap? Did the professor forget that Jack SKIPPED CLASS!!! Something was either really wrong, or Jack was missing something, or both. "um excuse me professor but..." Jack stammered." Wouldn't you like to hear...W...Why I missed class. I'm really sorry but..." He couldn't finish for a moment. "It's just things have been really bad lately and I'm pretty sure that everyone knows I just hope that you understand why I skipped class and WOW." Jack stopped to take a sip of tea. "This is really good tea."

"Of course I want to know, Jack. I'm concerned about you. We all are. But I'm not going to get onto you about skipping class...I'll go to the head of your house first, but Jack...I'm going to let you have a few free passes, Honey. You've been through a lot." Gale sat across from him and cupped his own tea,

"I don't want you missing anymore classes, and you are aware I'll expect you to make up the work. And next time you feel the need to skip a class...why don't you just come to me and say so? I'm not going to be upset with you. I'm here to help you, we all are." He smiled when the boy commented on the tea, "I'm glad you like it.'


'Can I get you anything else?"

Now that everything was understood between both parties Jack let out a relieved sigh. Since he still missed class he minds as well see what he should make up, but first a thanks. With his still somewhat quiet voice Jack said "Professor, I'm really glad you understand, thank you." Jack stood up, with color restored to his face and asked," So could you....possibly, teach me what I missed today?"

"No, I will expect you to ask one of your fellow students for the make up work, and if you have trouble with it then come to me. But, first I want you to start seeing a counselor, Jack. Would that be something you are interested in doing? I feel that it would benefit you." He waved his hand a little to dismiss the boy's concern,

"We will cover the Charm again, don't fret on that. Most importantly, your health comes first."

Well, everything Jack was afraid of didn't happen. Although he didn't get to learn anything that he missed, he'll most likley ask someone else to help him learn what he missed. With his flabbergasted stage over and with there really nothing else to say Jack just turned around and decide to leave. "I guess that's it, thanks professor."

With that Jack opened the door and left but first saying,"And I am seeing a counselor," Now with the door closed Jack began yelling from the other side "Don't worry I'll be fine!!!"