Later in the evening, Madam Pomfrey retired for the night, leaving us alone to talk. As soon as she was gone, my friends got up and headed over to talk.

Apparently, Anna hadn't yet forgiven me for staying behind. because the first thing she did was smack me with the pillow, she brought over and said, "You idiot, What were you thinking?"

Defending my action, I retorted, "I don't know, maybe that I didn't want to see you killed."

Somehow she managed to look both pleased and annoyed at my response. Interrupting our bickering, Cedic asked, "What happened down to you down there?"

Hearing Cedrics question, I was worried about what they would think about me sticking the Grendel in the time dilation field for future study. So I decided to go with a partial truth, and replied, "After the collapse, I woke up inside the fortress which had partially collapsed."

Holding up my hand with the ring on it, I continued, "After I got free, I went down to the vault and got my ring back."

Wanting to distract them, I added, "Speaking of which, I cleared out the vault of all the valuable materials. From my estimate, it should be worth quite a bit of money. I want you guys to have it."

Cedric shook his head and said, "No, we should split it equally."

I sighed, and said, "How about this, you guys take the gold, silver and any gems, and I will take all the oddities he put down there."

Cedric looked ready to protest, so I bluntly said, "You know I don't need the gold, you guys should take it, I'm far more interested in the rest of the stuff."

I noticed that while Cedric remained unconvinced, Alicia and Anna looked all too happy to accept the bargain, and they said in unison, "Deal."

After I informed them how I escaped by slowly creating a new tunnel and crawling my way out, I asked, "So, what happened on your side after the collapse."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Anna shooting me a dirty look indicating that I wasn't forgiven for having her dragged to safety. Refusing to engage, I turned to Alicia and Cedric for answers.

Alicia speaking for the first time, said, "Well after you had Octavius pull us out of the cavern. We raced towards the exit. Thankful, the exit was barely blocked off, and we were able to blast our way out. Although, because of the sunlight, Octavius had to stay inside the tunnel."

Not content to let Alicia tell the whole story, Anna quickly added. "Once the collapse was finished, we tried to make our way back into the tunnel to dig you out."

Anna's voice quivered as she said, "We thought you were dead."

Anna fell silent, and I saw her fear echoed in Cedric and Alicia's expression. I didn't know what to say, if I had thought one of my friends had been killed, I would have done the same. Trying to lighten the heavy mood, I smiled and said, "Suprise."

Alicia and Cedric laughed, but Anna just glared at me. Wanting to move on, I asked, "What happened next?"

Cedric explained, "Well, Athena showed up about 20 minutes later, and man, was she pissed. Soon after Hagrid showed up after we told him what happened, he insisted that we go back to Hogwarts and get help."

An angry look appeared on Anna's face, and she hissed, "We would have been back even faster, but we ran into Micheal and his friends, and were delayed."

My eyes narrowed. I hadn't forgotten that the whole reason everything that had happened was due to Michael. Which reminds me, I need to give him the cursed mask that I picked up back at Borgin and Burke's.

I tried not to smirk when I imagined how the mask would mess with Michael's head. The curse starts with small hallucinations, then it builds over time, getting worse and worse. If no one catches it early, soon Micheal won't be what's real and what's fake. I need to make sure, and time it just before the summer break, that way they won't be able to link it to me and hopefully give the curse time to gain strength over the summer.

Interrupting my thoughts, Cedric said, "Thankfully, Michael underestimated how driven we were, and we sent them running. Soon after, we found Professor McGonagall, and after we told her what had happened to you, she took us straight to the Headmaster. Once we told him, they made us come to the infirmary, and a few hours later, Hagrid carried you in. We almost feared the worst until we saw Athena being so relaxed, they woke you up soon after to ask about your potions."

After hearing things from their perspective, I said, "We need to talk about what happens next."

Everyone looked at me in confusion; none of them had even considered that we would probably get in trouble for what we did. So, I explained, "They're probably going to interview us and try and find out everything that happened. My advice, don't try to lie."

Thoughts about legilimency flashed through my mind, and I continued, "Obviously, we're going to get into trouble for being out of bounds, and being in the forbidden forest."

Out of all my friends, Cedric looked the most worried. Fearfully he whispered, "They won't expel us will they."

I snorted and said, "Do you know how many kids they would have to expel for going into the forbidden forest or being out of bounds. Really about the only thing that would get a student expelled is killing another student or breaking the International Statute of Secrecy. You can't have a school with a thousand underage wizards and witches and not expect a little chaos."

Seeing how my friends still looked worried, I tried to dispel their worries by adding, "Not to mention to expel students, they have to get the Board of Governors to approve of the expulsion. Considering my grandmother is on the board, that isn't going to happen."

We continued talking late into the night. Once everyone had gone to sleep, I considered our upcoming meeting with Dumbledore. Really the only thing I was worried about him learning was about how I left the Grendel alive.

According to the books, Dumbledore and Snape both used Legilimency when they were trying to discover the truth. From what I've read on the subject of legilimency, it's not actual mind reading.

What it does, is allows a skilled practitioner to get a sense or flash of a memory. Often it is used in combination with a probing question so that a memory associated with the subject will surface and been seen. Depending on the skill level of the wizard using legilimency, the truth can often be discerned.

However, the book I read on the subject suggested that the whole branch of magic was more of an art-form. People's minds are complicated mazes of memories. A question might trigger a random memory that has nothing to do with the original question.

Since I had no one to teach me Occlumency, the art of mental defense, I decided to go down a different route temporary. I would hold nothing back and try to down out his Legilmency by speaking the truth. Hopefully, I would be able to hide what I did within a flood of memories, distracting him. If that didn't work, and he discovered the Grendel, so be it at most, I would lose a future test subject.

Soon I fell asleep, and the following day we were all discharged from the infirmary to the care of Professor McGonagall's care. Her stern expression ensured no one spoke as she marched us through the castle.

There was plenty of whispering when other students saw me, and I bet that the rumor mill had been churning its way through the student body after Hagrid carried my unconscious body through the school.

Upon reaching the gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office, Professor McGonagall intoned in a neutral voice, "Acid pops."

As the gargoyle swung open revealing a staircase, I wondered what she thought about Professor Dumbledore's habit of having his password named after candy. I thought it was funny, but Professor McGonagall wasn't known for having a sense of humor.

As soon as we entered the Headmaster's office, the first thing I noticed was there were more people inside than I anticipated. Besides Dumbledore, Professor Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were waiting inside for us. While I wasn't too surprised, considering they were the leaders of each house, but I even noticed Cedric's father, Amos, sitting in the back corner as well.

After a few moments, my mind made the connection. He probably was here in his capacity as a ministry wizard. After all, he worked in the Department of Magical Creatures, which I'm sure both Octavius and Grendel fall under.

As if sensing everyone's nervousness, Professor Dumbledore smiled kindly, pulled out his wand, and gave it a wordless flick. Four chairs popped into existence, and he gestured for us to sit.

As Professor Dumbledore's intense blue eyes wandered over each of us, I was shocked by his aura of power. It covered him like a sleeping dragon. While it currently wasn't threatening, it was there serving as a reminder to everyone that this was one of the most powerful wizards in existence and woe to those who should awaken Dumbledore's wrath.

I gulped nervously, for the first time I understood why people thought he was the only wizard Lord Voldemort was fearful of. However, off-setting, his intimidating presence was a twinkle in his eyes, along with a kind smile.

All of us sat there in silence for a moment, Dumbledore crossed his fingers in front of him and suggested out loud, "So much happened yesterday and we need to find out exactly what happened. So, Why don't all of you start at the beginning."

My friend all looked at me to start, which caused all of our professors to look right at me. I won't ever forget the feeling of having the eyes of five of the strongest witches and wizards upon me. Needless to say, it was an unsettling feeling.

Taking a deep breath, I started explaining, "It all started with my ring going missing."

When I got to the part about learning there was a Grendel in the cave, Professor Sprout asked, "What in the world is a Grendel?"

Without missing a beat, Professor Dumbledore said, "They were a species driven to extinction, well over a thousand years ago. Not much was recorded about them. Of course, we may never know if the creature was a Grendel or some kind of twisted version of it. The wizard's experiments may have created a new species."

Pausing his rambling, Professor Dumbledore gestured for me to continue. When I got to the part about me learning to take apart a ward, Professor McGonagall's eyebrows nearly disappeared into her hairline. The only ones who didn't react were Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape.

When I got to the part about how the Grendel trapping us inside the cave, I fell silent. I wasn't sure how to go about explaining this. So much of what happened next was a blur of memories. I remember casting spell after spell leading to blood, fire, and pain as well and the despair that sprung up when it seemed like all hope was lost.

Sensing that I needed help, my friends started trying to explain the fight. Dumbledore alternated, looking at my friends and me, trying to piece together the dangerous, chaotic battle that my friends were describing.

Slightly sneering Professor Snape challenged, "I don't know if I would call a creature dangerous if four underage wizards could best it."

Snapping, I hoarsely said, "It was relentless, we sliced, burned, and cursed it, and it just kept getting back up. It was like an unstoppable juggernaut. Eventually, it grabbed me and threw me across the cavern, knocking me out. When I came to, I saw my friends being taken down one by one. Seeing how nothing we threw at the creature fazed it for long, I knew my friends were doomed if I didn't act. I screamed at Octavius to grab my friends who were near the tunnel, and I brought down the ceiling with the blasting curse."

I heard Amos choke when he heard I deliberately brought down the ceiling on my head. The professors all looked at me with various expressions. Some looked shocked, and others looked at me with pity.

Wanting to hide what I did next, I quickly continued while making eye contact with each of the professors. I hoped that this helped reduce the effectiveness of legilimency, "When I came, too, I realized that there was no way out, and because of how unstable everything was, I didn't dare shift the loose rubble. I ended up carving out a new path using the reductor curse. I don't know how long I was in that tunnel pushing my way upward, but eventually, I reached the surface."

As I finished telling our adventure, Professor Snape snapped, "Fool, you should have come to us the minute, you found the vampire. It is nothing short of a miracle that none of you died."

As he continued berating us and listing out our many deficiencies, I couldn't help but agree with him. I had let my pride almost get my friends killed; I had to do better. I needed to become stronger, faster, more powerful, and master more magic. The image of the Grendel flashed through my head; I never wanted to feel so helpless again.

"I think that's enough, Severus," Dumbledore said.

Looking me in the eye, Professor Dumbledore gently said, "The mark of a great wizard, isn't how strong he is, it's the choice that he makes. You nearly made a costly mistake this year, one in which you almost paid the highest price. In the future, I want you to remember this, let it guide your actions."

Seeing me nod, He continued, "As I'm sure your aware, actions have consequences. As you belong to different houses, I'm going to let each head of your house, decide what punishment you get."

Seeing Professor Snape glare, I felt bad for Anna, not that I thought Alicia would fare much better. Then I saw Professor Dumbledore wink at me and say, "Seeing how your ringleader is in Ravenclaw, why don't we let Professor Flitwick decided your punishment first."

Professor Snape glared at the back of Dumbledore's head, by letting Professor Flitwick go first he was allowing him to set a precedent for the punishment.

Professor Flitwick looked flustered for a moment, he was probably everyone's favorite teacher, and he was known for handing out the lightest punishments.

"Well," he said in his high pitch, "Mr. Fawley, you made some poor choices, so first off, take 30 points from Ravenclaw."

Professor McGonagall coughed, and Professor Flitwick quickly added, "For each trip out of bounds, three trips equals ninety points.

He tried to subtly look at the other professors and continued, "And I think detention."

Professor Snape made a sound like a cat with fur ball stuck in its throat.

"A week of detention," Professor Flitwick corrected.

I tried not to smile as Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in delight.

As Professor Flitwick fell silent, Professor Spout said, "In the spirit of fairness, Mr. Diggory, you will face the same."

They both looked at Professor Snape, who gritted his teeth and spat, "Ms. Lancaster, you will face the same, but expect your detection to be unpleasant."

After Professor McGonagall gave the same punishment to Alicia, I heard Amos Diggory cough.

Professor Dumbledore waved for Amos to come forward and said, "I believe that the ministry has some words for all of you."

Once Cedric's father had our attention, he smiled and said, "You guys have kicked up quite a storm at the ministry. Ever since the war, when some of the Vampires in the UK sided with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Relations with the vampire community have been strained, and they broke off contact. When word of your actions of freeing a vampire who had been trapped for 1300 years went out, they got wind of it. Apparently, your vampire has some interesting connections, and they are sending a delegation to resume communication. Needless to say, the ministry is pleased and feels like you deserve a reward."

Pulling out four trophies with our house and names engraved on them, he explained, "You are all being awarded the Special Award for Services to the School trophy. This award will go on your record and will help you as you get older. You can also probably expect a thank you from the local vampire council."

Amos droned on for a little bit longer, and once he had finished, Professor Dumbledore said, "Now I'm sure you're eager to get out of here, so with that. Good day."

At this point, we were all confused. I felt like they were sending mixed messages, as we were both punished and rewarded. Hesitantly, we all left the office, not sure if there would be any further punishment. Amos escorted us out and pulled Cedric away to speak with him.

**************************************************************

In the headmaster's office, Professor Dumbledore, watched his trusted professors debate the strange story that had been told by their students.

Professor Snape snapped, "Their story is full of holes, you seriously expect me to believe that a 12-year-old wizard is talented enough to break through 3 wards."

Professor Flitwick defended his student, "Mr. Fawley has shown himself to be supremely talented."

Professor McGonagall appeared torn, as she reluctantly added, "Well, I guess it might be possible, I don't know if I've ever taught such talent before."

"I have," A grim tone rang out, and all the professors turned to Professor Dumbledore in shock.

"Just once," he clarified.

Professor Snape's face went blank as he unconsciously rubbed his left arm.

Professor McGonagall froze in shock.

Professor Flitwick squeaked, "You don't mean." His voice trailed off for a moment, before he defended, "You can't be comparing Alex to you know who. Mr. Fawley is nothing like him."

Professor Dumbledore smiled and said, "Of course not, I can't even imagine Lord Voldemort sacrificing himself anything, let alone any of his so-called friends he ran around with."

Dumbledore's eyes seemed to fade into the past as he explained, "I only mention this, becuase of how talented Alex appears to be, and he seems to have a deep thirst for magic. That drive has driven more than one wizard down a dark path. He will need to be carefully watched and nurtured, I will not make the same mistakes I made before."