Another fireplace restocked and the groundskeeper apprentice hefted the load of wood and went on to the next. For the life of him, he could not understand why they had not at least attempted to use something more modern when it came to heating this place. Fireplaces indeed held a certain measure of charm and atmosphere, but when you had to lug the wood about to supply all of them you would be quick to seek other means of heat. It was in times like this that he missed being back in the muggle world. A place where there was an app for everything and some gadget that he could just buy, rather than a textbook of spells to memorize and use. In many ways, he felt that world was more his home and was definitely easier for him to navigate.<br/><br/>Were it not for his…condition…Alex doubted he would have stayed at Hogwarts once he was done school. Each and every night he lamented that fate had been so cruel as to curse him in such a way that he was forced to live in a world that he felt disconnected with. Were it not for his friends he would have long ago given up.<br/><br/>Speaking of which, from down the hall he spotted the headmaster, one of two people who knew just what he was. “Good morning, Headmaster,” his voice pitched to hide any form of discomfort or unease that he might have felt that morning while he chopped wood. “What do I owe the pleasure of your company today?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">Professor Sykes was a bit pensive, but that seemed to be second nature to the man. He had planned on heading to his office for the book he had taken from the library, but a welcome interruption stopped him.<br/><br/>Turning to face the person greeting him, the Headmaster showed his usual friendly smile. "Good morning, Alexander," he greeted kindly. "Just taking a stroll around the castle and making sure the walls are still in place," the man replied. "What have you been up to?", he added, partly out of curiosity, and part just making small talk.</span></span><br/><br/>"Firewood. Lots of wood is needed to keep this place warm. And you know how some of them can get when they don't get their wood," he smiled though he rolled his eyes slightly at how impatient people could get at times.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">The Headmaster shook his head when Alexander mentioned how some people could get when they didn't get firewood. Indeed, some people seemed to have a thing for complaining. Not that he would ever mention it.<br/><br/>"I can imagine. They probably can't imagine how much work goes into it. Fortunately, some of us rarely complain about anything", he commented, not really mentioning anyone special.</span></span><br/><br/>He looked about the halls for a moment before he dropped his tone a bit lower so that only the two of them could hear. "I will be...leaving tomorrow morning...I hope that does not cause any problems for anyone?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">The Headmaster nodded when Alex said he would be leaving. He was already used to that, being one of the very few people who knew Alexander's secret.<br/><br/>After making sure they were alone, Sykes replied. "No problem at all. Is there anything you need?", he offered, as he often did.</span></span><br/><br/>"No. But..." he paused and chewed on his bottom lip in thought, unsure if he wanted to even share with his friend how easy the wolf had taken control of his this morning. Unable to lie, even in the sense of withholding the truth when it came to the man whom he owed so much, he decided it was best to inform him. "I worry about this time. It...took control of me this morning and I had a hard time regaining myself...." his voice pitched to a concerned whisper.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">When Alex uttered that 'but', Sykes turned his full attention to the younger man, his eyes locking with the groundskeepers. His comment made the Headmaster just as concerned. "I see. That is very worrisome indeed. I fear you will not be able to control yourself alone this time", the man commented, leaving the suggestion that Alex would need extra help in the air.</span></span><br/><br/>"I don't want to hurt anyone..." he said without denying that he would need help but at the same time opposed to the thought of hurting one of his friends. Or worse...making them like him.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">"Neither do I want you to get hurt," the Headmaster replied. "I will keep you company." It wasn't a question or a suggestion. It was simply a statement from one friend to another. "This is not an offer."</span></span><br/><br/>"But what about the school? It needs you."<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">"I can keep myself safe, and the school will be fine for a few days."</span></span><br/><br/>He nodded his head, "Alright. But if I get too...." he left the sentence unfinished. "Just don't let me hurt people. Please?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">Headmaster nodded. "I will do whatever it takes to keep you away from others. Trust me".</span></span><br/><br/>"Alright...then. Good," still nervous and unsure about the next day he needed to get busy least he dwelled on it for too long. "Um...I have more wood to drop off so I will see you later at dinner?" Though the young man did not wait for an answer instead, he rushed off to get back to work.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF8000"><span style="font-weight: bold">"Good," the Headmaster repeated, hoping to reassure Alexander. Despite not liking the idea of potentially harming anyone, Sykes knew that it was important to make sure that Alexander would not get anywhere near the castle. And for that, he was willing to do whatever it took - including putting his own safety on the line.<br/><br/>He was about to say something else, but since the other man rushed off before he could, Sykes only shook his head and resumed his original plan to go to his office. He needed to make sure everything would be handled in his absence, after all.</span></span>