Thomas Cloverleigh Echos of the Past (Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter 12 - Leaping Forward

"!" Blinking, Thomas woke up looking into a pair of black beady eyes, and a silent scream on his lips.

"Squeakers! Don't scare Thomas." A pair of small pale hands came in. Sweeping the furry black eyes beast from Thomas line of sight.

"Wh-what happened?" Thomas pushed himself to sit upright on the bed. Lars was right there, hands on his shoulder to steady him.

"You fainted!" Pipa held her hands to her chest. "I've never been so scared."

"Fainted?" Thomas frowned. He was never one to do that. Sleep would come if he ever became overwhelmed, but fainting?

"Professor Nocturne carried you here. Only Lars was allowed to stay at your side." Bernard pale face looked tired and, if possible. Even paler than usual.

"We came straight after classes!" Pipa picked up her mouse, Squeakers, and place him on her head. Then she passed Thomas sheets of parchment paper. Pipa's writing was neat and easy to read. Right down to the little mice she drew on the bottom of her notes. "I know you were looking forward to classes. I took careful notes for you."

"Thank you, Pipa." Thomas whispered. Happy that she cared, but a touch scared at how he got here.

"Who was that Professor to you?" Lars asked. Thomas turned and stared into a stern thunderous eyes. "Did he hurt you?" Lars eyes darkened and his grip on Thomas's shoulder tightened. Thomas winced under the pressure. "Sorry." Lars drops his hands, turning into fists on his laps. "You scared me."

"You scared us all." Bernard said, "Even the Professor was taking by surprise."

"If clicking your tongue counts as concern." Pipa grumbled, ignoring Bernard's stern gaze.

"He brought me here?" Thomas wanted to confirm.

"Yes." Lars said, "But he left as soon as he dropped you into the bed." Lars lips flatted. "I insisted on staying." Lars hands shook. Thomas was quick to put his over top of Lars. Not wanting Lars to hurt his own hands.

"Thanks Lars." Thomas said looking straight into Lars's angry eyes. Turning to look at the others. Bernard was pale, but trying to smile. To encourage Thomas. Pipa was angry and pouting, but she took notes for Thomas. Each of them cared about Thomas. "Thank you." Thomas told them. Feeling that after this kind of day. Being accursed of biting someone. Finding out about the Old Man, no, Thomas corrected himself. About Professor Nocturne. He should take this time to open up.

"That's what friends are for Thomas." Pipa said, a smiling blooming across her face. Bernard smiled too, an unstained smile. Giving Bernard a silent nod of acknowledgement.

"Who is he, Thomas?" Lars said, his hands still under Thomas's. Bringing his hands back to his lap. Thomas looked around the room. It was a big rectangular room. Large windows let in the natural light, now a shimmering orange of sunset. Plants placed around the room leaned towards those fading rays. Stopping the room from looking cold. With their lines of beds, and small side tables. Only one bed had a screen around it, but otherwise they were alone.

"It's both a long, and short story." Thomas said with a sigh. Ready to open up. To more than just Lars. Looking to Lars, Thomas received a nod, like he knew what he was silently asking if he to found these two as friends.

"We have two hours before curfew." Bernard said, folding his leg and resting his hands on his knees. A very adult looking poise, that was also very Bernard.

"Forgot about curfew!" Pipa said, Squeakers the mouse, piping in with his own nod. Settling in Thomas's mind, that it was no ordinary mouse. "We have all night. Take our time Thomas." Pipa scooted her chair closer. The legs scrapping on the stone floors.