Into The Shadows

The Castle

Thomas and Eva climbed into one of the carriages, and once they were sitting down, the Thestrals began to slowly pull the carriage uphill towards the castle. Thomas was staring at the odd creatures, watching how they slowly but steadily moved in an almost haunting way, when Eva looked up at him.

"You can see them too then?" She asked pointing at the Thestrals.

"Yes," Thomas replied quietly, "How can you see them?"

"It's not something I like to talk about," Eva said softly. "When I was young my uncle liked to study dark artifacts, and one day, when I was in the room, an experiment went wrong then-"

"I understand," Thomas said.

Eva looked into his eyes and saw a great amount of pain in them, "we don't have to talk about this if you don't want too,"

"No, it's just I've never told anyone before," he replied, "but I think I can trust you."

"I swear I will not tell anyone unless you wish me too," Eva said firmly.

"Alright, well when I was very young my parents and I were traveling to London. It was late and very dark out," Thomas began, "then all the sudden, these people in dark robes apparated all around us. There was so many of them, and they wanted information from my parents. They disarmed both of them, then began to use The Cruciartus Curse on them." At this point, tears were visible in Thomas's eyes, "Then finally when they decided they couldn't get my parents to talk, they killed them," Thomas choked, a mixture of pain and fury in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry," Eva said softly her voice filled with compassion.

"I never figured out who those people were, or what information they wanted from my parents," Thomas said.

"What were they wearing?" Eva asked.

"Dark robes, like I said, but they had a strange snake symbol on them," Thomas answered.

"So they couldn't be part of that old group that followed He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?" Eva questioned."

"No, they fell from power too long ago, and they had different robes," Thomas replied thoughtfully.

Their carriage slowed, and as they claimed over a hill Hogwarts Castle was visible looming almost defiantly against the dark sky. The two of them spent the rest of the journey in silence, staring up at the castle. Finally, the carriages came to a stop, and Thomas and Eva climbed out.

Eva looked at Thomas thoughtfully, "Well I'm not sure exactly were you would go, seeing that you would technically be in your fifth year-" Eva started, her voice trailing off.

"Yeah I'll figure it out," Thomas said quickly.

"Well," Eva started  awkwardly, "take care of yourself ok?"

Thomas smiled at her, "I'll try, but trouble always seems to find me."

Eva smiled then headed inside the castle towards the great hall. Thomas stared after her, then once she had disappeared, he sighed and walked up the stone steps towards the entrance.

As he approached the great oak doors, he noticed many people staring at him and whispering to the people around them. Ignoring this, he walked over to where a middle aged witch in bright blue robes was standing surrounded by a group of what appeared to be new first years.

"Excuse me," Thomas started attempting to get the witch's attention, "do you teach here?"

"Yes," she replied in a slightly impatient voice looking up at him. "You must be the new transfer student from Durmstrang then?"

"Yes -er- Professor, that is correct," Thomas said unsure how to address this witch.

"Well, I suppose you will have to be sorted then," she said in a sort of exasperated voice, "you didn't have Houses at Durmstrang did you?"

"No Professor," Thomas replied, "we didn't have these Houses you speak of."

"It is to be expected I suppose," she muttered not to anyone in particular, "You may get in line with these young witches and wizards mr -er- "

"Darden," Thomas answered her, "Thomas Darden."

"Very well then Mr Darden, in line if you please," the witch said.

Then waving her arms in the air to get the small crowds attention she spoke loudly, "Alright everyone, I am Professor Rosemary, and I will be overseeing your sorting today."

A murmur broke out among the students.

"Quiet please, quiet," Professor Rosemary called over the voices, "If you follow me please, into the Great Hall."

The doors to the hall opened, and Thomas, along with the new first years, stepped inside.

Hey guys Legend here! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes, I didn't have the usual editing on this. Anyways, I am finally done with school and ready to party!!!! Talk to all of you later