Leading Thomas down the twist and turns of the schools halls. He found himself in the potions room. Professor Nocturne's attitude may have seemed cold. Not a word was spoken between the pair. For Thomas, it was reading the page of an old familiar books. The musk of age, filled this classroom as it did the cottage.
Thomas took a stool from one the lined desk and brought it up front to wear Professor Nocturne sat. Looking at Thomas. Lesson time, Thomas thought to himself. Seeing the familiar glint in his eyes. Thomas sat and folded his hands on his lap — in a prefect siting posture. Though hardly ever mentioned.
Thomas worked hard to keep his back upright and shoulders back at all times. A small thing he had notice about Professor Nocturne, and a small part that Thomas could imitate. To be more like the man in front of him. For as much as he admired the O'Sullivan family as a while, and Lars as an individual. If anyone bothered to ask Thomas who he wanted to be like — it would be Old Man — who Thomas now knew as Professor Nocturne.
"You have questions." Professor Nocturne said folding his hands, much like Thomas, across the desk in front f him.
"Many" Thomas nodded, and said.
"Answering isn't my way — you know this." Professor Nocturne raised a single arched brow. "It never has, and I won't change now."
"I need to figure things out on my own." Thomas knew that, to grow and became his own man, as he was often told. He must learn to make his own choices and come to his own conclusions...but still. "There were some things you can never learn on your own." Thomas said, Lars and his family taught him what it was like to have a home. Bernard and Pipa were teaching him how to be a good friend. Things Thomas felt could never really be discovered on your own.
"That is something I never taught you." Professor Nocturne said, inclining his head in a nod.
"No — I fingered that out on my own." Thomas shook his head. Thinking back to Lars worried face, he decided to get to the point. For his shake as much as his. "Why didn't you ever tell me?" Thomas asked. His heart pounded in his ears. "Why?" It bothered Thomas. That one question.
"Didn't you trust me?" Thomas looked into the black eyes of the man he admired. A man that, if Thomas ever dared to say it out loud. He would consider like a father. Hoping that if only this one time, he would give him a straight answer.
"Ah," Professor Nocturne sighed and closed his eyes. "You are the only one who could make me like this." Thomas's heart sat at the edge of his lips. His teeth biting down on it was the only thing keeping it in. That and hope, a faint flickering hope. That no matter what anyone did to him — en-dour. The heart of that flame sat in front of him. Thinking behind closed eyes.
"Please." Thomas said, interrupting for the first time; those thoughts.
"Thomas — I will say one thing." He opened his eyes looking at Thomas with a ghost of a smile across his lips. "I love you more than my own, and because of that — I can say no more." Thomas's heart sucked back into Thomas mouth. Getting stuck once in Thomas throat. Thomas pounded his chest with his free hand.
Shock not letting his brain tell him that, his heart getting stuck in his throat was impossible. It was too busy racing — for the first time in his life. Someone. Someone important to him. Told him. Told Thomas. That he was loved, and no matter where his heart was lodged. Thomas felt the truth flow through his veins like his own blood.
"I love you too Professor." Thomas swallowed his heart back into his chest. Tears dropping like rain from his eyes. Like the weather Thomas couldn't stop them from doing what they wanted.
"Yes — I know." Professor Nocturne sighed again, passing from his pocket. A dark red handkerchief. Another familiar sight that made Thomas smile despite the tears. Thomas took it and patted his face dry.
"Thank you." Thomas sniffled. Feeling a little better.
"I am only able to stay at your side for this school year — then I must return to my coven." Professor Nocturne said, acting like nothing else was else. It was so typical of him that it helped Thomas get his head back to the present.
"A coven is...your family?" Thomas asked, a dark feeling creeping along the edge of his emotions.
"Yes — though different from you." Professor Nocturne said tilted his head back to look down at Thomas. "They will never be Master's." Thomas's mouthed opened and shut with a click. His hands clinging to the handkerchief still within his palm. "Yes Thomas. I have but a year to teach you everything I can, then you are on your own."
"I don't even have fangs!" Thomas said — the darkness stabbing into him. He didn't want to think about the Professor leaving not when they just meet again.
"You flew — though it was a short flight. To save that mouse." Professor Nocturne's voice dropped an octave, nailing Thomas to his chair. "Your vampire nature is awakening. Your mother's bloodlines won't save you from that."
"What does that mean?" Thomas said, biting back down on his lip. Unsure about the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
"Lessons." Professor Nocturne said. Pulling a piece of parchment from the air with a snap of his fingers. Thomas took hold of it. Feeling numb on the outside, a stark contrast to the mess his insides were in. "I've cleared it that we'll have lessons every night — except weekends."
"Okay." Thomas said his lips flatting in thought. Lesson he could do. At least he would get to spend some time with the Professor, more than he did at the orphanage. Thomas took the moment to think about it.
"The O'Sullivan boy can come along with you." Professor Nocturne said, Thomas lifted his eyes from the scroll in surprise.
"Really?" Thomas's heart yo-yo back up. Lars didn't seem to like Professor Nocturne, if the pair meet in a better setting. Thomas was sure Lars would come to like him!
"Yes. Interesting choice you have made there Thomas." Professor Nocturne said with a flash of fangs.
"Thanks?" Thomas said, not at all sure what he meant, but that was nothing unusual.
"The past will come to haunt us all this year." Professor Nocturne said standing up from his chair. "Let us use the present — to prepare for your future."
"Do I have anything to worry about?" Thomas asked standing up himself. Wondering what he should do about the extra lessons in his hand.
"Nothing that won't hold until your first lesson." Professor Nocturne slipped his handkerchief out of Thomas's hand. Putting it into his own pocket. "We have a year Thomas. A full year. I won't leave you before then." Professor Nocturne placed a hand on the small of his back, and lead Thomas to the door.
"Will I never see you again?" Thomas said still worry about it. Professor Nocturne looked down at Thomas. His eyes scanning him over, reading him; Thomas stared back and waited.
"Master's often see one another." Professor Nocturne said, and looked at Thomas.
"I have to become a good Master then." Thomas said taking his cue to speak. He didn't know a lot of things. He wasn't under the belief he was anything special. Thomas did know one thing, if being a Master was what it took to keep the people he cared about in his life. Then he would do so. No matter what that turn out to mean.
"Professor?" Thomas felt the hand shake on his back. A tremor of emotions that Thomas thought Professor Nocturne wasn't capable of showing.
"Your father and you shall be the death of me." Professor Nocturne muttered to himself. Not low enough that Thomas couldn't hear him.
"You knew my father?" Thomas said, the dark edges around his heart shattered in responds to the shock.
"Tell the O'Sullivan boy — I'm looking forward to meeting him again." Professor Nocturne pushed Thomas out the door. Turning with a flick of his long white hair, leaving Thomas alone in the hall. With more question than answers, and a dark cloud in his heart. That despite not being visible. Lingered at the edges of Thomas heart. Prowling around him as it waited. Thomas didn't pay it any attention. He was ushered to the back of his thoughts.
Thomas hurried back to his friends — who like Thomas had thought were waiting for him at the study hall. Thomas rushed over to meet up with his friends. They open their books with the pretense of studying. Victoria and Ethan were not there. Ethan had taken a dizzy spell after all that had happened, and his twin had taking him up to the nurses wing. Thomas was, of course, not happy that Ethan was unwell, but happy at the freedom it gave him to speak. After telling them everything, except the crying bit -Thomas had some pride after all. Thomas sat down and waited on their responses.
"You're going to be a master vampire?" Bernard said his eyebrows brought together in thought. "That amazing Thomas!" Pipa congratulated Thomas. The first to be positive about something, was very Pipa.
"I never doubted that." Lars said a strained smile on his face made him look much older than his eleven years. "You were never meant to be a mere follower."
"But?" Thomas asked, hearing the obvious voice of doubt.
"He didn't tell you anything Thomas." Lars said shaking his head. "Pushing it off until next time, dropping that emotional bomb on you." Lars leaned forward on the table, his eyes turning to storm clouds.
"I bet he knew you wouldn't press him after that." Thomas sighed, what Lars said was true. He had gone in there with full intentions of being brave and getting some answers. Thomas shoulders slumped, he failed on that one.
"Sorry, but I know Professor Nocturne isn't a bad man." Thomas said, feeling a bit defensive. "I admire him — a lot." Thomas turned away from Lars's eyes. Unable to look into them.
"We should give him a chance." Pipa said. "We don't know much about him, and he's important to Thomas." Thomas looked to Pipa. She gave him a thumbs up, he gave her a weak smile back.
"Adults who keep their cards close to their chest — are often trouble." Bernard shook his head. Eyes honey coloured eyes looking unclear, his mind focus more at his own thoughts.
"Cards close to their chest?" Pipa asked the same question Thomas was thinking.
"It means that only they know what their playing." Bernard cleared to that misty sadness he carried inside him. "We could be playing for fun, but it's for keeps."
"It's like playing Old Maid, but he knows where she is the whole time." Pipa said thumbing a fist into her palm.
"I'm sorry, but I'm still lost." Thomas said, raising his hand like he was in class.
"You're playing a game that has fifty-two cards." Pipa said sliding to him, Thomas nodded. "You only have ten."
"Okay." Thomas nodded, getting the idea.
"But he won't give you the rest Thomas." Lars said, Thomas looked back to him. "And that makes the game unfair."
"Did I mention he said you could come to?" Thomas said offering a solution.
"Maybe this Professor isn't half bad!" Pipa said patting Thomas on the shoulder while looking at Lars. "Some adults think its better if the kids don't have all the cards. Especially if they could hurt Thomas."
"That can be as painful." Lars said dry and plain face. Leaning back to his side of a table with a sigh.
"I would rather know where I stood. If given the option." Bernard said shaking his head. "I don't want you to go through what I do at home Thomas." Bernard smiled, a real smile though his eyes were still misted over.
"Professor Nocturne would never hurt me on purpose." Thomas said, pushing the scroll to Lars. "My first class with him isn't until after Halloween. Plenty of time to see what he's like in class."
"If he made Thomas so smart. I'm sure we'll ace potions too!" Pipa said.
"Fine, but I'm coming with you." Lars said threatening him. Thomas nodded, he was more than happy to bring Lars along with him. It was no threat to him. "Every time."
"Sure no problem." Thomas agreed. "Give him a chance though." Thomas pleaded. "He's important to me." Lars narrowed his eyes and gave Thomas a stern once over. Before agreeing with a dissatisfied nod and grunt.
"With that settled. Can you please explained to me why my cauldron exploded?" Pipa asked Thomas while batting her eyes and smiling at him.
"It did what?" Thomas asked her, not believing his ears. Bernard explained what happened and Lars laughed. The rest of the day was rather peaceful. The weeks that followed afterwards were very similar. Thomas grew used to his classes.
Discovering his lack of Herbology skills along the way. Making Bernard almost cry. Professor Frost ban him from touching her cactus like plant. It had exploded upon Thomas inquisitive poke. Gryffindor group didn't approach Thomas and his friends. They had all but been adopted by the Slytherin house members. Who were a friendly bunch — mind the odd one here and there. Thomas did see Daniel come around a few times, but he never came any closer. His sister remained in the nurse's office. The Professor looked to where her soul drifted off too.
Before Thomas knew it. Halloween was upon them. According to Muggle traditions you got dressed up. Thomas never got a chance growing up at the orphanage. Lars and Bernard found the idea interesting, and Pipa lead the charge. She was actual good at sewing.
Thomas dressed up like a poet who had a fondness for ravens. Lars was the Raven. Pipa had sewn feathers onto a cape for him to wear. Thomas spent a week craving him a beak out of wood they had found outside. Pipa and Bernard went dressed up as mice — to match Squeakers. Who had officially become Pipa's as of Halloween morning. Ethan kept visitation rights.
They entered the great hall in style. The muggle-born got it, and the others didn't. Thomas who was used to being whispered about. Didn't spare them a wit of his time. The hall was decked out with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Glowing with a mysterious spell — that Thomas wanted to learn one day. Candles floated before a moving night sky and candy. There was so much that Thomas's eyes bulge at the sight!
Laughing at Thomas reaction. The foursome headed to their table, because by now everyone had their spots. There they ate and laughed. Thomas did release scream at the multitude of chocolate frogs that appeared. He was saved by his mice friends. Swept them away to another table. The night was getting started when Professor Cross. Thomas didn't have them as a Professor — since they only taught Care of Magical Beast. Came running into the great hall.
"There is a troll in dungeon!" Professor Cross gasped their muscular frame bulged their brown medium-length robe. "Keep the kids safe — while I catch it!" Their eyes twinkled a forest green before they darted off again. Kids around them started to scream, and panic. Thomas and his friends were not among them.
"Quiet!" Professor Longbottom ordered from the long head table. "Prefects lead the students back to your dorms." He turned his head towards Professor Frost who sighed.
"I'll deal with Issa." She said taking off. Many of the teachers followed after her. Thomas parted from Lars and was half-way to his dorm with Pipa and Bernard. He clicked into one thing.
"Bernard." Thomas said to him, stopping the three off them in their tracks.
"What is it?" Bernard looked at him, looking silly with mouse whiskers painted on his face. It was a shame Thomas didn't feel like laughing.
"Isn't Slytherin's dorm in the dudgeon?" Thomas asked licking his dried petrified lips. Bernard paled whiter than the faux fur on his costume.
"Lars." The three of them said together. Without a second thought or another word. They turned around and booked it for the dungeon. In case there friend needed them.
"Surly the whole of Slytherin house could take on a troll?" Pipa said puffing.
"What he they got left behind?" Thomas said his over-sized waist coat trailing behind him.
"How would that even happen?" Bernard asked as they turned the corner.
"If you don't think it's possible — why are you two running?" Thomas demanded, their silence was his answer. They were worried too, and when they spun the last corner they were worried for a good reason.
"Tell me truly I implore." Thomas whispered aghast at the sight before him. A large mountain stood before them, ugly as the night was dark. It's body covered it large dinner plate warts. Skin that looked more like gravel made it more hideous — the more Thomas looked on. In it's right hand was a wooden club that was larger than Thomas.
What made it all worse was that fact that Thomas could see right through the monstrosity! It was a monster of a ghost, and a ghost of a monster. The thing — the toll ghost. Swung wildly in the hall aiming for a crying Victoria who was crying behind Lars. A knight in feathered clothing. A knight that looked pale and shaking before its foe.
"Lars!" Thomas called out.
"Thomas stay back!" Lars called out. "It drains you by being near!" Lars paled another shade before Thomas's eyes. He couldn't stay away — he had to do something!
"You stupid beast!" Thomas called out, not feeling effected by the thing at all. "Your mother was but a red herring in another man's tale!" Thomas insult work because the beast turned around. Turning it;s glowing white eyes. At him. Turning to Bernard who was staring at Thomas with a strange look. "Get Lars and Victoria out of here!" Thomas said showing off a well of bravery that wasn't there.
"What about you?" Bernard said, the troll started to lumber over to them.
"I'll think of something!" Thomas was sure he would — or otherwise he could possibly die.
"I got your back Thomas!" Pipa pulled out her large rainbow swirl wand. Thomas nodded, and ran at the ghost troll. Dodging its swinging club. Little did the thing know — Thomas was an expert of dodging hits! He had plenty of practice after all
"Thomas look out." Lars's voice sounded weaker — it only edges Thomas on wards. When the nest swing came — he grab the club! Swinging up into the air with it. Looking down at the head of the troll ghost — its eyes once again set it apart. Not the glowing, but the looked — they looked human. To human to be a trolls eyes. Not that Thomas was an expert by any means.
"Thomas!" Pipa cried out. Thomas let go of the club to land on the thing's broad shoulders. From his view he could see Bernard, with Lars help to get Victoria father away from the ghost troll pull. Everyone was looking rather pale — and sick. Even Pipa shook where she stood — bravely stood in front. Waiting for a chance, and Thomas would give it to her!
"Pipa, blind it!" Thomas acted on instinct, bringing out his own wand. He ran with a hand on the trolls head for balance. Around its shoulders — while it tried to knock him off with his club.
"Lumos!" Pipa flicked her wand with a grace that Thomas was to busy to see. The room lite up with the brightness of Pipa's spell. Knocking the troll ghost back. Thomas looked straight into eyes. Watching a burning hatred burn out from under the light. Thomas wasn't afraid he was angry.
"Stay away from what is mine!" Thomas hissed, with a dark dominant strike that Thomas didn't know he possessed. Pulling out his wand he pointed it straight at the ghost eyes. "Lumos!" Thomas called out. Sending the ghost troll screaming and disappearing into the darkness of the hall. Thomas lost his ground with nothing to stand on. He went tumbling down. Without a chance to scream. Thomas tried turning in midair. The floor was coming at him fast.
"Thomas!" His friends voice's cried. Inches from the floor, Thomas didn't close his eyes. It might have been easier for him, but he doubted he could. He felt a frozen, and he was.
"You okay now, Mr. Cloverleigh." Professor Barlow's voice came to Thomas, who he let him fall to the floor.
"Yes." Thomas sighed sitting up, right into the tackling hug of Pipa.
"Thomas that was amazing!" Pipa squealed. "I didn't know you had it in you." Pipa strangled Thomas by the neck, giving Thomas a chance to see Lars.
"Are you okay?" Thomas asked Lars who still looked pale. All he got was a cold blue-grey stare in return.
"What you did was plain stupid!" Lars said, Thomas was happy to hear Lars's voice get stronger, but not that he was yelling at him.
"What was I suppose to do?" Thomas snapped back, his heart almost burst seeing Lars in trouble. What did Lars want him to do? Stand there? "Let that ghost troll kill you!"
"The teacher were coming!" Lars came over, and Pipa slid away. Thomas glared up at Lars. Who glared right back.
"Not fast enough." Thomas said stubborn as Lars.
"You are only a first year!" Lars said dragging Thomas off the floor. Thomas brushed himself off. His eyes not leaving Lars. No way he was backing down.
"So are you!" Thomas said, and he added. "And that didn't stop you from saving Victoria!"
"I'm different." Lars said folding his arms across his chest with a scowl.
"In what way?" Thomas asked waving his hands up in the air — finished with Lars's stubborn strike, but not with his own. "
I'm not you!" Lars said, "I rather die than see you dead Thomas."
"You think you're the only one who feels that way!" Thomas pointed a finger at Lars's face. "You pomp poet! I feel that way too, and I regret nothing." Thomas finished folding his own arms across his chest.
"This is all very moving." Professor Barlow called them out of their fight. "It's charming — really." Thomas turned to see not only Professor Barlow, but the other Professors too. One being the watchful Professor Nocturne. Thomas felt the heat rush to his face. He had forgotten about the Professor's! "You covered the basics for why — what you both did was stupid." Professor Barlow sighed. "Five points off of all you."
"Please get back to your common rooms. Except for you Miss Tinder. Let's get you to a nurse." Professor Frost spoke up going to Victoria's side. "You should see a nurse too." Thomas said to the still to pale Lars. Earning another glare.
"I. Am. Fine." Lars said through gritted teeth. Thomas returned his glare. Professor Barlow clapped his hands in the air.
"Let's all go to the nurse's office." Professor Barlow said. "You can explain, each of you, what all happened." They all trailed dutiful behind, Lars too.
"Thomas," Professor Nocturne pulled Thomas to his side. Looking at him with a glint his black eyes.
"Yes," Thomas said, with a tilted to his head.
"Congratulation on earning your fangs." He said. "Don't forgot our first lesson is tomorrow night." Seeing him off to the nurse's office before leaving Thomas with that bomb of information on his lap. Thomas ran his tongue over his teeth. Pricking his own tongue with his own — new sharp fangs. What's next? Thomas wondered sighing with every inch of his being. Only to prick his tongue again.