The Tribrid and Her Reflection {Book Two - - Complete}

Controlling The Tribrid

Hope slowly opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, a bit lethargic as she tried to sit up.

"Easy does it..." Albus murmured as he pressed lightly on her shoulder, keeping her to the bed. He pushed the edge of a cup against her lips, and the moment the first taste of blood touched her tongue, Hope's heart raced, and she tried to drink more despite the cup emptying within a few seconds.

"Hope," Albus' voice cut through her confused state firmly, "look at me."

Meeting his blue eyes, she took a deep breath. His fingers stroked lightly through her hair as he fed her another little bit of blood.

It took ages, but Hope finally felt more herself and could understand her surroundings. Looking around at Credence's bedroom, she recalled what had happened and cringed.

"It was very unwise what you did," Albus murmured, and Hope looked over at him, fresh tears in her eyes.

She'd have rather been punished by his belt a thousand times than see the amount of disappointment he held just for her.

Hope swallowed hard, leaned her head back, and looked away, staring at the wall where Credence leaned against. Standing next to his father.

"I did try to stop her, Albus..." Aberforth murmured.

"I imagine you did."

Hope closed her eyes and clenched her jaw while another wave of nausea coursed through her. She'd been so upset with Newt...so upset with herself, that she'd done something she never should have even considered. Rushing off to Godric's Hollow, she'd entered Credence's room and held his hand.

She'd held on until she passed out.

"Could you give us a moment?"

Opening her eyes, Hope watched Credence and Aberforth leave them. Even with them gone, she couldn't meet his eyes.

"You came here for all the wrong reasons, Hope," Albus said in a calm, leveled voice.

"I came here to help Credence..."

"You came here to prove a point."

Hope flashed her eyes at him, but she didn't have the energy to hold a glare. He didn't look angry- if anything, he looked worried.

Swallowing the lump in her throat. "I'm sorry." She managed.

"I don't think that you are."

Hope looked at him again, blinking in a state of surprise. That certainly wasn't what she had been expecting from him.

Opening her mouth to argue, she shut it. What could she say? Truth be told, she wasn't exactly sorry. She did want to prove a point.

"I think you are a passionate person," Albus interrupted her thoughts, "with some...impulsive actions," he smiled crookedly now, "it's something I often find to be very endearing about you, but you let that anger get the better of you today."

It was like she was being crushed into a tiny space, and someone dumped a water bucket over her face.

"So you agree?" She asked, looking at him with guarded eyes. "I should tell you what I should do from the moment I wake til the moment I close my eyes?"

Albus frowned and was silent for a long minute before taking her hand into his and kissing her knuckles lightly. "No."

Hope tried to pull her hand away, rolling her eyes as she scoffed. They may as well put a collar on her with a tracker.

"I think," Albus murmured, holding her hand a little tighter, "that you've grown in a life where trust is scarce for you to build with anyone, let alone people who have seen you in such vulnerable states. I think despite the confidence you have, you shy away from the attention."