The Vampire Student

Disclaimers: I do not own the HP universe, JKR and other respective copyright holders do, so be respectful of that.

A/N again I would like to thank my reviewers. I hope you enjoy the story.

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Chapter 4 - Hagrid and the Forest

After arriving in Hogesmede I quickly made my way to a hotel and paid for a week in advance. I retired myself for the coming morning slightly nervous about sending my letter to Dumbledore.

The following night I awoke about half and hour before dusk. I needed blood. I hated the fact I had to feed every night, but ya got to do what ya got to do. I ordered room service and drank from the clerk that brought the food to my door. I almost killed him before I realized it, but was able to stop in time. I performed a quick memory charm and a healing spell on the wounds. I carried him down stairs and told the clerk that he collapsed when I answered the door. After depositing him with the medi-wizards I took off into the night. I looked to the northwest and saw an enormous castle. I thought that must be Hogwarts. I stopped by the post office, which was closing for the evening, though I was still able to send a letter (for a small price of course). I then decided to go sightsee around the village.

My First stop was a small bookstore. I was browsing in the Dangerous Creatures section when a very large, heavy book fell on my head. I swore inwardly, and bent down to pick up the book. I was titled 'All You Ever Wanted To Know About Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies,' by Vampyria Wolfenstein. I purchased the book and meandered my way to The Three Broomsticks. It was a cute little pub and there was an incredibly attractive witch behind the counter. I walked to the back of the pub and found a secluded table in which to read my book. I was fully engrossed in the section about the theory of vampires when I heard a loud booming voice over me.

"What's that yeh readin'," the man said. I looked up and nearly fell out of my chair. Looking back at me was the biggest man I have ever seen in my life. At first I was scared, but the look in his eyes told me that he was gentle.

I showed him the cover of my book so that he could read the title.

"So, yeh like interestin' creatures too, eh?"

"Something like that," I replied.

"Yep, me and fang, that's me dog, go out in the forest all the time to see new creatures." I must have looked at him with a mixture of shock and confusion because he added, "I've said it before and I'll say it again, the secret to understanding an interestin' creature is knowin' how to calm 'em."

After taking all this in, I decided to introduce myself. "I'm Cy."

"Oh, I'm Hagrid," he responded while mildly chuckling, if you could call that mild.

"Do you know anything about Vampires?" I asked.

"A little, what would you like to know?"

"Everything."

He proceeded to tell me what he knew about vampires. He often sidetracked about his life, which is how I found out that he worked for Hogwarts. I also learned that Dumbledore is a great man and how wonderful Harry Potter and his friends are (whoever they are).

I sat there listening for several hours while I watched him down bucket after bucket of some kind of alcoholic beverage. At about midnight, he indicated that it was time for him to be heading back. We wished each other a good night. I left the Three Broomsticks and went back to the hotel to get my broom. After acquiring my broom and cloak I set off for the forest on the edge of the grounds of Hogwarts. I could sense the life forces of various types of creatures. I lowered myself into the thick brush and started to walk around slinging my broom over my shoulder.

The Forest was exhilarating. Normally I would have been scared shitless to be this deep in a magical forest, but something about being a vampire, with my heightened senses, seemed to push fear aside. To feel truly immortal was almost intoxicating.

A few smaller creatures skittered by every so often. I snatched one up and drank its blood. It didn't taste as good as human blood, but could sustain the thirst nonetheless. This made me happy to know that I perhaps didn't need to harm humans at all. Perhaps Dumbledore may also know some alternatives.

I stayed in the Forest until I could see the sun's rays licking away the darkness in the sky. I didn't know if I could make it back to the hotel in time, but I tried anyway. I wanted to know what my limits were. I mounted my broom and took off into the air towards the village. As I neared the hotel, I was starting to get warmer as the sun was rising ever higher. I was starting to get very sleepy. I thought I was going to collapse in the lobby. I made it to my room crawling on my hands and knees. I was so very tired. The curtains were already drawn. I cast a do not disturb spell on the door and pass out on the bed. In my slumber I dreamt of love and acceptance. There was a blonde figure in my dream, although I couldn't make out facial features. I was at peace in this dream, and was one of the best dreams I've had in a while.