Neb Storm: I don't own Harry Potter. Norman Schneider and the Wands of Tears is a fanfiction based off of this material. I hope you enjoy.

Norman's Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher was odd... Professor Buckthorn had the class reading about Shades, beings of darkness.

"These shades are like Dementors," Buckthorn explained. "The difference is they were born from light and turned into darkness. They answer to no one and nothing. They only seek to make more of themselves. Even the strongest of wizards have fallen to these beasts before."

"Why didn't you know who recruit them for the war?", Tabby Wisp asked.

"They answer to no one and nothing," Buckthorn responded irritated. "Pay attention Ms. Wisp or you will find yourself staying after class writing 'they answer to no one and nothing' on my board over and over again until you remember." She starred down at her desk embarrassed for being called out. "There was a time before the war when this job was being censored by the ministry. That time had past and now I can show children no matter what age the horrors of the wizarding world. You all need to be prepared to fight in case a new threat emerges."

"Like the four wizards on the wanted posters," Norman blurted out and the professor turned his attention to Norman.

"Yes Mr. Schneider. Like dark wizards who escape from Azkaban. Perhaps even your father might become a new threat."

Norman didn't jump to defend his father. His inaction somewhat surprised the Professor.

"No retort Mr. Schneider?", Mr. Buckthorn pressed and Norman shook his head. "Excellent. We all must understand the categories of wizards in this world. There are good wizards who strive to be remembered for their research. Then there are traitors." Of course he turned to Tristen Snout. "Then there are murderers." His eyes then fell on Wendi Cook who returned his gaze with one of defiance. "But the important thing every student must learn is to be better then their peers and mentors. I want a five page essay about light becoming darkness and what it means to you by next week." The class groaned. "You all think this is unimportant, but what I learned from studying the shades is that all good things come to an end. Even if we are our best selves, our prodigies may turn to darkness. The Shades have shown me that light can cast darkness, but darkness cannot in turn cast light. That is why being good is important. You are all dismissed."

OOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Back in a corner of Hogwartz outside hidden in the shade, Norman and Toby were hanging out. "So what did you bring me out here for?", Toby Green asked.

"I need to practice an investigation spell," Norman explained. "Unfortunately it requires use on a person. I don't want to do it in the building, or else one of the paintings might see it and take more points from Gryffindor."

"Oh yeah, I heard about that," Toby laughed. "Hufflepuff is actually in the lead thanks to you guys."

"So will you help me?", Norman asked.

"What's this seriously for?", Toby pressed.

"The girl Wendi Cook," Norman admitted. "She used it on me and got in my head. I... I just want to figure out why. I don't think she'll tell me directly."

"So you hope to get inside her head instead," Toby finished. "That's pretty dark Norman. Actually makes Professor Buckthorn's lesson make sense."

"Yea I better not wind up on your essay," Norman hissed.

"Ok calm down," Toby chuckled. "So does the spell hurt?"

"I don't think so," Norman figured. "As long as you think of a happy memory, I think you should be fine."

"Hold on a minute," Toby cautioned. He thought for a moment and then nodded. "Ok, go ahead. I got a good memory that I don't mind sharing with you."

"Ok," Norman nodded. "Now are you sure you want to help?"

"If your against that Slytherin girl... then I'm sure."

Norman took a deep breath and then raised his wand. "Legilimens!" Norman felt himself falling into Toby's mind. He was seven years old and eating Ice-Cream cake with his family.

"Toby," Toby's mother spoke up before Norman came out of Toby's head.

"Woah that was crazy," Toby began as Norman was trying to catch his breath. "I see that spell took a lot out of you. I'd suspect it's advanced magic. How on Earth did Wendi Cook get a hold of that spell?"

"She must have some private studying spot she goes to," Norman figured. "It hasn't even been more then a month and she already knows advanced magic."

"Do you think Leslie would be mad if I used this spell on her?", Toby wondered. "I mean, she's my friend and all, but sometimes I don't understand her."

"What do you mean?", Norman asked.

"I mean she's just... odd," Toby summarized. "Anyways, I got an essay to write. How Norman Schneider turned from light to darkness."

"Shut up," Norman growled and Toby then laughed before heading away.

"Good luck dealing with Cook," Toby called out before he disappeared. Norman looked down at his wand and wondered what his next move was. If he goes into Wendi Cook's mind, he might accidentally start a battle he might not be able to finish... or worse, he becomes his father.