Alan remains beside his bed after replacing the fallen book, moving stiffly from the private punishment. The dormitory prefect watches near the adjoining study, while Peter stays close to the younger boy.
One by one, the other boys settle beneath their blankets. Their whispers fade into the ordinary sounds of bedsprings, breathing, and the distant bell marking the hour.
the small black-haired boy
Peter, I want to return to ordinary dormitory life. I do not know how to stop them mocking me whenever I come back.
Peter Hogg
Keep your clothes folded, your voice quiet, and give them no fresh spectacle. I will remain near you, but I cannot command every boy.
The younger boy nods, though his eyes remain fixed on the older beds. The dormitory prefect notices the quiet exchange but does not interrupt, keeping Alan under watch.
the small black-haired boy
If I act ordinary, perhaps they will let me become ordinary again.
Peter glances toward Alan, then back to the boy. The dormitory has settled, but the next movement or word may decide whether the fragile calm survives.
“I quietly reassure the younger boy at his bedside, telling him that the boys my age bully me in just the same way.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Alan Turing
The boys my age bully me in just the same way. You are not the only one they single out.
Alan speaks quietly beside the younger boy’s bed, keeping his voice low enough not to wake the dormitory. The boy listens without looking toward the older beds.
the small black-haired boy
They bully you too, sir? Even though you are older and cleverer than I am?
Alan Turing
The whispers have faded, but the bedsprings still creak around us.
Peter Hogg
He is telling you the truth. Being older does not make the House’s mockery disappear, though it may give him more ways to endure it.
The younger boy’s shoulders loosen slightly beneath the blanket. He still watches the other beds, but his fear is no longer entirely private, and Peter’s steady presence makes the quiet feel less fragile.
the small black-haired boy
Then I will try to act ordinary beside you. Perhaps they will tire of mocking us when neither of us gives them anything new.