( o1 - AUDIO )

[halves]

[Deep breaths, Lou, deep breaths.

He's still practicing this exercise about a split second before the recording begins, shifting his focus to it immediately, superficially ready to laugh and quip at this silly challenge someone has proposed (forced) him to take part in.

It's nothing but pure nerves, he assures you.]

This is really fucked up. Just thought I should let you know.

[There's an exhale, not quite a laugh. See? Nothing but nerves.]

I guess I'm supposed to say hi now.

Hi. I'm the new guy.

I'd like to know what the fuck you've done to my cat.

Comments

[hexuality]

You know, I might've thought as much the first time I turned up here given what I remembered from home. Maybe even the second time. But this last time, it wouldn't make sense.

[halves]

--second time?

[hexuality]

I've been back and forth a few times. Actually just got back from another trip home around the first week of July. It, er, happens sometimes.

[halves]

Why would you come back?

[hexuality]

It wasn't my choice. Did you choose to come here? I'd guess not.

[halves]

How did you leave?

[hexuality]

I don't know. Same way I got here, I suppose—not by choice. I'm not sure how it works, doors just... open.

[halves]

Didn't you tell anyone about this when you got out?

[hexuality]

Tell people at home about this place? No, I couldn't. Didn't remember a thing.

[halves]

[Dear God, he's been thrown into a massive conspiracy.]

Christ. I - [pause.] Christ.

[hexuality]

[It does seem that way, doesn't it.]

Hey. Hey, don't— [Ginny Weasley, you and your mouth.] Look, I didn't mean to scare you with that or anything, it's just... that's the truth of it. I don't know how to explain it any better. Maybe it's the time thing, you know? No time lost at home while you're here.

[halves]

It can't work that way. [With more emphasis on his denial:] The world just doesn't work that way. Someone has to know what's happening to us.

[hexuality]

Oi, don't take it out on me.

[Breathe.]

Sorry. I don't know how it works.