Howling in the Distance
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Alright. That had been the word that left the other man's lips after Thurston had told him to lead the way; a way to a castle that Thurston had not entered in a couple of years. But it was also a castle that the young man connected with a lot of memories, whether they would be positive or negative is not of importance as of now. Fact is that Thurston once counted that castle at his home, but now the thought of getting close to it let panic raise in his mind and body. He would visibly tense up just by thinking about what would be ahead of him. Thurston knew the way to the castle, of course he did; probably even better than the man in front of him. Thurston knew this forest and had lived in it for years, searched shelter in caves when the cold season started, had been able to make his name in the forest. His body and mind had adapted to the life in the wild, his senses had been heightened as he had to relay on them a lot. Many creatures of this forest knew him, the centaurs did and even helped him out from time to time. They liked talking about the alignment of stars and some of them had been interested in the way he experienced the full moon. It was difficult to actually find a werewolf who was at peace with his inner monster, who did not regret their transformation and one who would openly talk about it. He did not fear the centaurs as they would keep quiet about him. They wanted nothing to do with the wizarding community and Thurston solely had been there to still their curiosity. Thurston considered them his partners as they had proven to come to his aid, they also taught him a lot about the stars and planets. They surely knew a lot and loved sharing their knowledge. They could be weird sometimes, being strangely affected by the constellations, but Thurston did not mind or notice.
Looking at the man ahead of him, Ackerley as he had introduced himself. Thurston knew that he could not be sure whether it was his real name or if he was even a professor. Maybe he was someone from the Ministry with the mission to find him. Did he mess up at any point in history? Did someone find out about him? The full moon nights were blurry, they always were, though he could not remember even having a run in with a human. Thurston shook his head slightly. If that was the matter, then he could think about that later. He wanted to find out the others intentions and he could not trust him, that was a fact. The werewolf could have easily led him out of the forest with the help of a faster route, more dangerous but also faster; nothing would have happened to them anyway. But he kept quiet about that route, staid behind the taller man keeping an eye on him. The steps in to the direction of the castle hurt. Each step felt like fire for his sore muscles as his joints popped into place when he took his first steps. His muscles sore and his body stiff, but still he walked and continued keeping his attention on not only Ackerley but also their surroundings. He could rest later, now was not the time as he had to push his body to continue; to try harder. If he wanted to survive in this world he had to up his game and push past his limits.
For the former Slytherin the most important task was to survive. No matter what or how bad his chances were, he wanted to survive whatever was thrown in his way. He knew where to go to in this forest if he needed clean water, where he could rest without being attacked; even though he still was alerted even in his sleep and he also knew, which was one of the most important things, knew which places to avoid at all costs. He did not mind spiders, by far there were more cruel and bestial creatures out there in the world, but their bigger relatives; he could live without those. If one ever had a run in with a couple of Acromantulas they could be happy, if they made it away alive, especially if they were hungry. Thurston was one of those lucky ones and he did not remember that moment as anything near pleasant.
He was snapped out of his concentration when the other man spoke, for Thurston it sounded like a deep and calm voice, not too unpleasant. Apparently he was teaching Charms even though that was not what he was truly aiming for. That is what Thurston got out of this sentence. Why would he teach this then, if he had another specialty. He remembered that if he was trained on curses that he might have rather been interested in Defense against the Dark Arts, because Charms rarely had covered any curses during the time he had visited the castle as one of its student. It might have changed, bu he did not believe that. It would not have changed that much in such a short amount of time. But still that left him with the question what the other man's intentions had been. Teaching a subject even though he had other specializations. Maybe he just enjoyed teaching? The werewolf's lips curled in disgust as lone the thought of teaching those brats was impossible for him. He could never understand why anyone would enjoy teaching premature little monsters. This just sounded awful and stressful. ”Why Charms?” he finally asked the question just to sate his curiosity that he could not keep down on this matter. He had to be curious in the wildness. He probably would have not survive this long if it was not for his curiosity.
Thurston loved this forest and he learned a lot about the creatures that resided in this forest and how to either use them to survive or how to defend himself from them; sometimes he had to learn both. Other creatures that lived in the forest could be useful and dangerous. He had met hippogriphs before and while some had been nice, some had been impossible and aggressive. He could not blame them, they saw a human and would go crazy. They could not trust them and he couldn't either. If he learned once from some abused creatures then it was to always be careful around humans.
The man's question made some alarm bells ring in Thurston's mind and he glared at the human's back. Why should that be of any interest for him? He could care less. Was this a professor thing to ask everyone of their educational status? If so he hoped that Ackerley was the only professor that he met in the castle, which he already know was a stupid thought. He would probably meet them all and would have to reply to all their questions. He would feel like he was being interviewed. Thurston's eyes clouded over, darkened slightly as bitter thoughts invaded his mind. He was already questioning his decision to follow the older man out of the forest, even though the castle was still in far distance. It would take a while until they arrived there, especially since Thurston was not in the condition to walk faster than an usual trot tempo. Maybe this was something positive as it gave him some time to judge this professor. He could still decide to not trust him. He would simply have to turn around and make a run and it would be near impossible for the man to find him; except if he would consult the Ministry. If he would do that though, Thurston might as well hunt him down and bring him down with him before the Ministry got to him. He did not want to imagine what the Ministry would do with someone they claimed dead and who would later turn out to be an illegal werewolf.
”Thurston. My name is Thurston. And yes, I visited Hogwarts once, for a while.” He replied shortly and only as much as he had to with how the other formed his questions. The young werewolf looked down at his hands, inspecting it from different angles, before he fixated his gaze on their surroundings again. Every rustling of leaves picked up his interest as he always searched for a nearby threat, ready to defend himself.
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Chase the Stars, Fool
Howling in the Distance
The closer they got to the castle and the better he started to feel. It was not as if the forest frightened him, but something inside it did not reassure him. He would keep giving a few glares behind him, making sure that the werewolf was still there, following him, but also to make sure they were still alone. It was certainly not his first time here and he knew what kind of creatures were hiding in this part of the forest. Even if they were not in its deepest, it could still be dangerous. Of course, he assumed that the younger knew how to defend himself. It looked like he lived there quite a while already. Ackerley even thought that he certainly knew the forest better than him which would probably come handy in the future perhaps.
Each step he made was followed by creaks of trees branches and dead leaves. It reminded him of his time in Wales a more than a decade ago. He used to spend most of his time in the forest surrounding his village with his younger sister, Eleanor. He loved to smell nature's scent, he would relax there, laying on the grass watching the sky or more exactly the top of the trees, while his sister would run around looking at flowers and insects. It was peaceful. He wondered if he would ever go back there with his sister one day. While they were both in the pic of their career, they did not have time to see each other. Only a few owls were sent from time to time, asking basic questions of simple conversations, nothing deep, nothing of importance. It was his only contact with his family. After all, he never kept in touch with his parents, both of them were too different. Even when he started attempting Hogwarts many years ago, they were never present, always traveling to discover new spells or simply study some for the British Ministry of Magic. Never truly caring for him or his sister. It was why his grandmother took care of them both during the summer, but when she died from cancer during his fourth years, he had no choice but to follow his parents around the world. He lost friends, a country he loved, and his home. Moreover, he lost his lover, Mathilda Barrows. He would never forgive his parents for making him move so much.
The older man slowed his pace, he was not in need to hurry so he decided he would walk slower. They had time. It was around that time he noticed that younger man had asked him a question. Why choosing to teach Charms. Truthfully, Ackerley wondered why. Why would he choose to teach a subject he did not really like? Something that passioned his parents more than him? Probably to show them something that they would be proud of. He was still human and he wanted them to recognize that he was worth something. They had been proud when he told them he would be going back to Hogwarts in order to teach that subject. At least, they were happier than when they learned about his unspeakable career. Letting the past haunt his consciousness, Ackerley took a breath. ''Eh... I would say I used to be in a dangerous career's field and it cost me a lot so I decided to take some vacation and Charms was the best way to do so.'' He would not mention his past profession has it could scare the werewolf and he would certainly avoid mentioning his accident and his condition to a stranger, but perhaps, if it came for them to live together for a while, the younger would notice it on his own. On a happier note, he added: ''Even if I must say the children aren't that relaxing, more like they will give me trouble for the rest of my life!'' As light laugh escaped his throat before he took a small breath and focused his sense of the way in front of him.
After a few more steps, Ackerley received the information he wanted to know. His name. Thurston. It was original he must say and he kind of liked the sound of it. The older man turned around and smiled at him. ''I would say nice to meet you, Thurston, but in the circumstances of our meeting, I am wondering if this is the appropriate terms.'' The man also took in notes that he once was at Hogwarts. Most likely as a student, but why would he say ''for a while''? Did that mean he never finished his program? Or did he just said that in the course of actions? The professor of Charms wondered. Perhaps he would learn more once they arrive in his office. He had forgotten to mention a small important detail to the man behind him, he was also the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts. In that sense, they would not be going to the Charm Office, but most likely to the Deputy's one. A more secretive place where they would not be disturb.
They were getting closer to the entrance of the forest. He started recognizing more element surrounding them. Trees position, and the scenery far away in front of them. They would be arriving soon. Ackerley would probably guide them to his special entrance in the castle. That way, they would not meet anymore undesirable. Therefore, the older man decided to try and ask a more personal question to the boy, hoping he would perhaps try to open up a little more. ''For how long have you been wandering around in the forest, if you don't mind me asking?'' He would not pass by many roads just to say a question, but he knew this one was risky. It was mostly his curiosity speaking and perhaps it would frighten Thurston, but at least, he might acquire more information if he spoke truthfully to the younger man. At least, he hoped.
Each step he made was followed by creaks of trees branches and dead leaves. It reminded him of his time in Wales a more than a decade ago. He used to spend most of his time in the forest surrounding his village with his younger sister, Eleanor. He loved to smell nature's scent, he would relax there, laying on the grass watching the sky or more exactly the top of the trees, while his sister would run around looking at flowers and insects. It was peaceful. He wondered if he would ever go back there with his sister one day. While they were both in the pic of their career, they did not have time to see each other. Only a few owls were sent from time to time, asking basic questions of simple conversations, nothing deep, nothing of importance. It was his only contact with his family. After all, he never kept in touch with his parents, both of them were too different. Even when he started attempting Hogwarts many years ago, they were never present, always traveling to discover new spells or simply study some for the British Ministry of Magic. Never truly caring for him or his sister. It was why his grandmother took care of them both during the summer, but when she died from cancer during his fourth years, he had no choice but to follow his parents around the world. He lost friends, a country he loved, and his home. Moreover, he lost his lover, Mathilda Barrows. He would never forgive his parents for making him move so much.
The older man slowed his pace, he was not in need to hurry so he decided he would walk slower. They had time. It was around that time he noticed that younger man had asked him a question. Why choosing to teach Charms. Truthfully, Ackerley wondered why. Why would he choose to teach a subject he did not really like? Something that passioned his parents more than him? Probably to show them something that they would be proud of. He was still human and he wanted them to recognize that he was worth something. They had been proud when he told them he would be going back to Hogwarts in order to teach that subject. At least, they were happier than when they learned about his unspeakable career. Letting the past haunt his consciousness, Ackerley took a breath. ''Eh... I would say I used to be in a dangerous career's field and it cost me a lot so I decided to take some vacation and Charms was the best way to do so.'' He would not mention his past profession has it could scare the werewolf and he would certainly avoid mentioning his accident and his condition to a stranger, but perhaps, if it came for them to live together for a while, the younger would notice it on his own. On a happier note, he added: ''Even if I must say the children aren't that relaxing, more like they will give me trouble for the rest of my life!'' As light laugh escaped his throat before he took a small breath and focused his sense of the way in front of him.
After a few more steps, Ackerley received the information he wanted to know. His name. Thurston. It was original he must say and he kind of liked the sound of it. The older man turned around and smiled at him. ''I would say nice to meet you, Thurston, but in the circumstances of our meeting, I am wondering if this is the appropriate terms.'' The man also took in notes that he once was at Hogwarts. Most likely as a student, but why would he say ''for a while''? Did that mean he never finished his program? Or did he just said that in the course of actions? The professor of Charms wondered. Perhaps he would learn more once they arrive in his office. He had forgotten to mention a small important detail to the man behind him, he was also the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts. In that sense, they would not be going to the Charm Office, but most likely to the Deputy's one. A more secretive place where they would not be disturb.
They were getting closer to the entrance of the forest. He started recognizing more element surrounding them. Trees position, and the scenery far away in front of them. They would be arriving soon. Ackerley would probably guide them to his special entrance in the castle. That way, they would not meet anymore undesirable. Therefore, the older man decided to try and ask a more personal question to the boy, hoping he would perhaps try to open up a little more. ''For how long have you been wandering around in the forest, if you don't mind me asking?'' He would not pass by many roads just to say a question, but he knew this one was risky. It was mostly his curiosity speaking and perhaps it would frighten Thurston, but at least, he might acquire more information if he spoke truthfully to the younger man. At least, he hoped.
Howling in the Distance
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''Eh... I would say I used to be in a dangerous career's field and it cost me a lot so I decided to take some vacation and Charms was the best way to do so.'', was what he heard the older man say and he could not help but wonder what kind of career the man had before that made him prefer to teach small kids. He wondered if there was anything that could bring him so far that he would teach small kids and could not think of a reason that would make him go that far. For the young Thurston kids always had been annoying and even back when he was younger he thought of them all as idiot s and brats that did not know when to keep their mouth shut. Especially some of the pure bloods that had it drilled into their heads that they were superior. Their blindness was their weakness. They always expected the world to kneel in front of them or at least in a lot of pure blood minds it was the case that they had some kind of superiority complex.
He rarely had made any good contacts during his time in school and even if he could not remember most of the time he had in school, or well he could remember it but stuff like names and memories were blurry and unimportant. But he could remember that he rarely hang out with many people, he usually kept to himself and this was still the case. He did not change, he just lost his status and that was something he forgot to care about a long time ago.
”That's stupid...”, he commented on Ackerley's words. Why would he teach if he did not like it? Why teach something like Charms if it was not one of your main interests? This just seemed like an idiotic thing to do and he wondered if the other knew about it. Maybe he had second thoughts by teaching those kids? A hidden reason that he did not want to share... but everything that the other kept hidden on purpose must be something he did not want Thurston to know and that is what made the young werewolf suspicious. What was the other man planning? Was he planning anything at all? It confused the werewolf to no end, because his reasons to do stuff seemed complicated.
The young man raised an eyebrow at the other man. If it was appropriate to call it nice? He wondered that himself but not for the same reasons as the other. Was it nice meeting that man? Or would it make everything in his life worse? Would he get dropped again or was this really a opportunity that he could not miss? He would have to ask him for an owl later so that he could send the herd a message of where he was going to stay for a while. He wondered how long he would manage to stay there before going crazy by all the people. He would just stay away from most of them, but if he would stay in the castle? He did not know about it. The young man decided not to comment on what the Charm's professor had said to him, as he was sure he would not appreciate whatever Thurston had to say to the man's words.
''For how long have you been wandering around in the forest, if you don't mind me asking?'', he heard the man ask and could not help but snort bitterly. Was this man serious about that question o trying to be funny? ”I had better things to do than to count the days-”, he commented with a bit of snark as he took a look at the man. He wondered for how long he had been here in the end? He also had not spend all the time here but most of the time he had been homeless. It sometimes was just easier and without money it was difficult to get far in the human world. He also was too proud to ask for money, which left him with no other choice in some situations. But how did the other expect him to keep track of time like this? Last time he checked there weren't any calendars in the forest and while he sometimes was able to find a Daily Prophet that had been thrown away by a careless human, he never actually knew the correct date it actually was.
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Chase the Stars, Fool