Spectre: The Dark Riddles #1

5: Chimaera*

[Chapter Warning: drug use]

***

"The Chimaera was a vicious, bloodthirsty beast. That is all you need to know."

--unknown source

"They are mighty, intriguing beasts, never to be taken lightly, as they are known to be great fighters. A half-breed of many creatures, it is thought to constantly have one foot in two realms at all times. I have been warned to steer clear of these creatures, as no amount of affection is known to change their vicious ways."

--the introduction to dangerous beasts in Elastra N. Malfoy's journals, specifically on the characteristics of chimaera

***

The next morning, I find Theo waiting for me in the front courtyard. He's smoking a cigarette beside the fountain. I see the smoke, the stiffness of his fingers as he holds the stick, the suction of his lips, and the butterflies I've come to associate with him reappear in my stomach.

Black lungs. Cancer. I try to think of these things, to remember why the partaking of smoking is a vice, but... damn, he makes it look like an art.

He smiles when I walk up to him and puts out the cigarette beside his feet.

"Are you ready to go?" I ask.

He smirks. "I'm always ready for you, Ella." Dressed in simple jeans and a brown Henley, hair just a tad wavy and eyes the same color as the clear sky, he is undeniably handsome. And when he smiles at me, face lighting up in a way that puts Apollo himself to shame, I wonder if this is such a good idea.

I don't know if I can survive a day alone with him as just friends.

But he starts for the lake, and I can't back out now. We walk in silence for a few minutes until the castle is behind us. The breeze is gentle enough to cool the sun's intensity and birds chirp distantly. It's calm and serene.

"So..." There's a million things I want to know more about this boy, so why am I suddenly struggling for words? "Um... what do you plan on doing when you're done with Hogwarts? I mean, you're in a N.E.W.T. level Defense Against the Dark Arts class. You have to be wanting to do something at the ministry, or maybe teaching?"

He hesitates. I wonder if this casual thing is a secret, a window into his soul that no one has ever looked through. "I guess I haven't given it much thought." He's lying. It's plain as day. But I don't know why he feels the need. "I could see myself working for the ministry, but maybe teaching isn't such a bad idea, either." A non-answer. "What about you? Have you thought about your future plans?"

This answer comes easily. "I want to be a magizoologist. Magical creatures and beasts have always fascinated me. I mean, for one, most of them are so adorable, but the others are misunderstood and just need to be loved. I want to take care of them and give them the kind of companionship and safety we all need." Shit. I've started rambling. "I don't know why I said all of that. It's stupid really..."

He places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's not stupid, Ella. It's admirable." When I look at him, he seems to genuinely mean it. Pleasant surprise brightens his features. "Following your passion, wanting to make a difference in the world—definitely not stupid. What types of magical creatures are so fascinating to you?"

My face lights up. "Really?" I've never known someone who wants me to talk more about magical creatures, not even Rowena. I begin to count off my fingers. "Well, I've actually been helping to care for the dugbogs that live in the forest this year. Hagrid said they multiplied like bunnies over summer, so we've been keeping an eye on them, ensuring they get fed enough. But I really love Bowtruckles. They're super shy and nearly always peaceful, but they'll fight an attacker if they need to. I don't know, I guess I've just always related to that." We continue to walk along the lake, moving farther from the castle until it feels like we're in our own world. I add, "Then there's Thestrals. Most people can't see them because they only become visible when someone has witnessed death and accepted its permanence. But I think that's what makes them so interesting."