♟—"nervous system's aching, growing up is getting old, anxiety is draining, getting up is growing old"

Barty’s world is closing in, the walls of the Great Hall press too tight, and even the scent of his favorite drink turns his stomach. Panic coils around his chest, stealing his breath, his thoughts, his very sense of reality. He’s certain he’s dying.

Then, a steady hand pulls him from the chaos. Anchoring him back to the world. Hidden away behind an ancient suit of armor, he fights to find himself again. But what happens when the one thing keeping him grounded is the one thing he never expected to need?

This was supposed to be fluff, and if you squint it actually is. Barty is having anxiety, Barty is my favorite sacrificial lamb.

Title—Growing up is getting old - VICTORIA