Mr. Langley did not look friendly as he stomped towards her, leaving Bella with wide eyes and speeding heartbeat. He was going to yell, and she knew it. His first words seemed almost angry, and then — then he paused. He looked at her, prompting her to wrap her arms across her chest self-consciously. She wasn't sure how awful she looked in the moment, but she knew she didn't look the same as she had when she last saw him.

Bella offered him a shaky smile in a poor attempt to reassure her that she was fine, but the smile promptly fell the moment he questioned her. She wasn't alright — at least in some ways — but she had the nagging feeling that he'd judge her if she said so. Would he think she was weak? Irresponsible? That her misfortunes were her own fault?

A lot of people did. She did.

"Fine. I'm fine." it was a poorly-executed lie and she knew it, as evidenced by the way her gaze immediately fell from his. If he asked, she likely wouldn't have a straight response for him; her thoughts were so muddled and her grasp on the reality of the situation was tainted by emotions. She had no desire to say anything (especially with the aurors lurking around) while there was an investigation into her disappearance going on.

"You look... stressed. Rough day?" she asked, followed by furrowed brows. She sounded so fake and unnatural when she spoke; it was like he was a complete stranger when he wasn't!