"Triúr!" Thomas sat up with a snap. Shooting himself off of a nice warm bed. The room spun a bit, making Thomas grab his head for sturdiness.
"Calm down, Thomas." Professor Nocturne was there, sitting in a chair beside him. His long white hair, hanging loosely over his shoulders. "Drink this." Professor Nocturne handed Thomas a warm mug, with a light steam coming off of it.
"Triúr," Thomas looked around, worried about his little three-headed snake. He did see her anywhere on the plain white sheets of the hospital wing. "I'm in the hospital wing?" Thomas said out loud, his mind clicking into what his mind was seeing.
"Yes," Professor Nocturne said, his tone leaving no room to interject. Forcing the mug into Thomas's hands. "The fact that you don't know where you snake is, answers one of my questions."
"She's dead," Thomas' vision blurred, and his hands shook on the mug. Believing the worst.
"She's with your friend Pipa." Professor Nocturne glared black daggers at him. Thomas wilted under the glare, and obediently put the mug to his lips. "She has a knack for magical beasts." The contents were dark, and heavy, it coated his lips and throat as he drank it. After the first tentative sip, Thomas found it was a very flavoursome drink. The taste was sweet and juicy, unlike anything Thomas had before.
"Feel better?" Professor Nocturne asked him with a lifted brow. Thomas nodded and put the mug on the side table. The drink left him feeling refreshed. A zing of energy was passing through him. "Fresh blood is best when in need of healing."
"Blood?" Thomas asked, looking puzzled at the mug. He expected it to taste different from what he had just had, coppery, like in the books he read.
"Yes — my own." Professor Nocturne, raised a wrapped wrist. "I didn't need the wrap, but the head nurse here insisted."
"Is Pipa really okay?" Thomas blurted out, unconcerned by the blood. "What about the others? Lars? Bernard? Who were those two who attacked us? Can they bring back the Dark Lord, I heard Harry Potter killed him? Is Professor Barlow truly a bad guy? He was always so nice. Did you know about his wife? She is a vampire too-" Thomas blurted everything out, and took a breath to continue. Professor Nocturne cut him off with a hand wave and a glare.
"Troublesome child," Professor Nocturne sighed and rubbed his temples. "This once I'll answer your questions. Don't interrupt me." A dark aura of shut up and listen encased him, Thomas nodded. Waiting for his answers.
"The troll was a failed attempt on controlling the impressions left by the Potter boy." Professor Nocturne started off."Which led him to taking more students. Why he chose the ones he chose, after the Potter girl." Professor Nocturne shrugged. "I can not say." Folding resting his hands the hairs of his chair, he continued.
"I arrived in time to save your snake." Professor Nocturne flipped his leg over his knee. "Congratulations on finding your animal. " He lifted one finger. "Note she may be your animal, but not your partner."
"What?" Thomas asked confused, slapping his hand over his lips. Hoping that didn't stop the Professor from talking.
"She listened to you, helped you, hatched for you. You're close, but you did not know where she was when you woke. The bond, the tie to one snake, who will rule over all your snakes. Is not there. This could be your mixed heritage, or simply that you are meant to meet a stronger snake than your Ruse-spoor. Only time will tell." Professor Nocturne explained, Thomas nodded.
"Does this mean I can stay with my friends?" Thomas looked at Professor Nocturne. Hope budding in his chest.
"Yes, I saved you're O'Sullivan and Malfoy too." Professor Nocturne smiled. Sending a chill down Thomas's spine. "Your Lars, was very disappointed I wasn't your villain." He chuckled. "Seers are usually short-sighted when it comes to the present."
"They're okay." Thomas leaned back into the headboard of the bed. Relieved.
"All students trapped in the chamber got their souls back, and are perfectly fine." Professor Nocturne nodded. "Professor Barlow, has of course been reported to the Ministry and will face a trial. Should he be caught."
"He escaped then Professor?" Thomas felt torn, one part of him thought he should be tried. What he did was wrong, but on the other hand...
"Yes, I knew his wife Lenore. She was not part of my coven. Her death could have been avoided." He shook his head, "Even vampires can be killed, Thomas." The Professor looked at him, his face solemn. "Never forget that."
"Can they really bring her back, or him?" Thomas asked, wondering what it must have been like. To lose someone so close. Someone who, Professor Barlow held so dear.
"Those Dark Wizards were dealing in some rather nasty magic. Older than the earth itself, and dangerous, very dangerous. Even I wouldn't talk about it freely, Thomas. Don't go poking your nose into it." Professor Nocturne warned him off, but didn't answer his question.
"It could have worked then." Thomas whispered. Shivering at the idea.
"Harry Potter left a heavy trace in this school, as did his nemesis Voldemort. These things leave a mark. One that can hold power, be it could or bad." Professor Nocturne, leaned forward. "Much like how your Mother, Veronica, the Siren. Left a mark on you."
"I don't have a scar." Thomas said, thinking of the famous wizard. Touching his forehead as he did so.
"Your mother was a magical creature, a siren. A warrior of her people. Her mark is in your blood, and her love is in your heart." Professor Nocturne stood up and patted Thomas on the head. It was the most affectionate jester Thomas ever received from him. "Your love Thomas. Don't forget that." Thomas swore he saw the older man's cheeks turn a tint of pink, but he turned away. Thomas wasn't about to ask him about it either.
"Professor, what's going to happen now?" Thomas asked, before he walked away from the complete.
"For you?" Professor Nocturne turned and lifted a brow. "Shortly, you will be getting dressed, and going to the end-of-year banquet. Where you will join your friends, learn and grow, then you will become a fine Master Vampire."
"Master, me?" Thomas felt pride, warming up his chest. Professor Nocturne had praised him.
"Will become, you have much to learn, don't worry about the adult stuff. Be a child, be yourself Thomas. It is all your parents would want for you." Professor Nocturne nodded, and gave him a backhand wave, leaving the room as he spoke. "It is all I want for you." For the first time in his life, Thomas saw a gentle smile pass the Professor thin lips. "I am very proud at how you handled things down there, Thomas. Very proud."
Thomas didn't question how he knew what went on down in the Chamber. It was the Old Man, Professor Nocturne after all. In Thomas' mind, the man knew everything, and if he didn't. He would find out. Hugging the blanket to his chest. Thomas couldn't gold it in anymore.
"Thank you, Old Man." Thomas beamed out all his happiness. Calling his Professor, by the name he once knew him by.
"Ahem," Professor Nocturne coughed. "See you at the banquet, Thomas." Thomas was so happy, he forgot all about the scary stuff. He was fine, his friends, and the snake were fine. For now, why not be happy? Getting out of bed, Thomas came in contact with an angry Nurse, who insisted on helping him dress. With magic of course. Letting Thomas keep his modesty, much to his relief. Nurse or not — she was still a girl.
The dining hall was already in full swing. Decorated in a grandeur. In the rich and vibrant hues of Hufflepuff. Owls were crying out and flying high, back and forth along the great height of the dinning hall. The room was lit up brightly by the bright shining candles. Hanging as lanterns on the stone walls.
"Thomas!" Pipa screamed and ran at Thomas. Uncaring of the Headmaster standing at his pew.
"Pipa," Thomas said, smiling so hard it hurt. Not carrying one with as her hug swung him around. From her neck slithered Triúr, whose three heads yawned before falling back to sleep.
"I'm so glad you're okay." Thomas hugged her tight. Taking in her warm scent. "Me, I'm fine!" Pipa said, pointing to Squeakers who appeared from the folds of her hair. "Squeakers too." Thomas sighed, feeling a heavyweight getting lifted off his heart.
"Thomas!" Bernard awkwardly patted his shoulder, from around Pipa. Who had yet to let him go?
"Bernard! I'm so glad you're okay." Thomas grabbed the hand on his shoulder. Squeezing it tight. His honey brown eyes smiling.
"Me? What about you? Animal to call, confronting Professor Barlow. You did a lot in an hour it took us to get to you." Bernard shook his shoulder. "You scared us to death."
"I ought to never let you out of my sight again." Lars came into view. Pulling Pipa, and Bernard into the hug. "Goddess you scared me." Lars whispered in his hair.
"I scared me too," Thomas whispered. Taking in the hug, that was too tight to breath, but not tight enough. To let them express how happy they were. To be back together again.
"Hack!" The four turned to see, Professor Longbottom clearing his throat with his hand to his mouth. "Please be seated." The four of them blinked.
"Together?" Thomas asked. Professor Longbottom smiled, and every wrinkle in his face turned up too.
"Just this once." Professor Longbottom said, raising one finger in the air. "Let's welcome Mr. Cloverleigh back, with our thanks. For saving his fellow students. From a situation most dire." Professor Longbottom started to clap. Each Professor, except for one, but with the inclusion of one very important one. Professor Nocturne. Stood and clapped along with them.
Soon, in a wave. The students all around their group started to clap. Thomas looked around in wonder. Eyes falling on the Gryffindor, and even to Thomas's surprise. Daniel stood up, his sister at his side. Seeing the twin's together, they were like mirror reflections images of each other. Black hair, and sparkling green eyes. Together they clapped. Emma, Daniel's sister was even crying. From a distance, Thomas could see her mouth, 'thank you.'
Together Thomas and his friends walked to their table. On their way they caught words of thanks, and for some reason. Thomas was called, 'Little Vampire' by the Slytherin house. Together they ate, they laughed. No one brought up the empty Professor chair — the one that belonged to Professor Barlow.
No one brought up the things lurking in the shadows. Today was a day of celebration and light. Afterwards, things returned to normal, with the exception. Thomas was more popular than before. Even Bernard was getting greeted in the hallways with a smile.
When school grades finally arrive. Thomas did rather well, and Bernard and Lars grades were the top of the class. Pipa, and to what Thomas heard, Emma too. We're getting a pass, on the condition that they worked extra hard over the summer. All that was left, was for them to pack up and head home.
"What will you be doing this summer, Bernard." Thomas asked as they loaded their bags into the train. A curious Triúr was viewing the world from around Thomas. Taking in all sorts of angles from the view from their three-heads. "Maybe, you could visit us?" Thomas passed Lars, Pipa's trunk. They had their rings — they didn't need to worry about carrying anything.
"Yes, I'm sure Mother will love, and even be thrilled to have you." Lars said, Thomas smiled at Lars. Who winked. They both had their concerns over Bernard's home life. Thomas because of his own history, and Lars, because he didn't like how he was being treated. "You could stay a month or so."
"Me too, don't leave me out!" Pipa said, Squeakers and her had their hands, and paws on their hips. Pouting.
"I'll try. It helps that your family is pure blood, but..." Bernard trailed off, passing his own trunk to get stored away. "I'll try."
"Of course, your welcome too, Pipa." Lars said, kissing the top of her head as they passed. Squeakers pointed to his head, asking for one too. "Of course, our hero mouse would be welcome too." Lars kissed the top of his head. Flatting Squeakers ears with his lips.
"Triúr would like that too." Thomas said, the three heads nodded before going back to their sightseeing. They didn't talk too much, but Professor Nocturne said that was most likely due to their age. In spite of their hunter, prey stereotypes. Triúr and Squeakers became fast friends.
"What are your plans?" Pipa asked, her twin tails flying as they entered the train. "Besides waiting for us to show up?"
"I can't practice the Patronus charm. I really wanted to keep trying though." Thomas sighed, he already had his animal to call, but it was the principle of the matter. That made him want to form the Patronus now. "Not being able to practice magic outside of school, sucks." Thomas sighed. Stepping in after Pipa.
"There are always potions." Bernard said, "They are, to my surprise, not banned."
"That's because they never meet Thomas." Lars wrapped his arm around him. "The only student to get a perfect school on his exam."
"I also have vampire lessons, too. Lars said he would help me out." Thomas said to Pipa and Bernard.
"Can I help?" Pipa asked, opening the door to a free cabin.
"Help yourself first. You have a pile of homework to go though." Bernard said, his voice taking a stern tone.
"Yes, Professor." Pipa rolled her eyes and sighed. Disappearing into the cabin, with Bernard nagging at her heels.
"I can't wait until next year." Thomas said, smiling. "It'll be less dramatic." Thomas said, shaking his head at Bernard and Pipa's antics.
"Well," Lars paused, and Thomas looked up at him.
"You don't think so?" Thomas asked, unable to read Lars's ever-changing eye colour.
"We can always hope." Lars said, his hand at the small of Thomas back. Lead him into the cabin, and the end of their lives as first years.
The End