The Animagus: From Hunter to Monster

Chapter 3 Back Home

"Daddy!" Buji screamed, panic setting in as he crawled through the wreckage.

Just then, sirens pierced the night air, growing louder with each passing moment. The sound was jarring, cutting through the eerie silence that followed the crash.

***

"Splish."

Buji's was yanked back to the present as cold water was splashed onto his face.

'Water? From?'

"Get up already," a familiar voice demanded.

Even though his vision of the environment was blurry, he could dictate that it was Emra's voice. He could recognize that she is standing over him, her arms crossed.

"I've told you not to let them push you around," she scolded. "You have potential. At least try to defend yourself sometimes."

It was Friday.

So, Emra had come to take Buji as company back home. She was always off in her own school during the weekends.

With her help, Buji staggered to his feet, clutching the back of his head where it hurt the most.

"It hurts," he mumbled.

At this statement, Emra narrowed her eyes, scanning the crowd. She spotted the boy standing in front—the culprit and marched straight toward him. Without indecision, she grabbed his shirt, pulled him up and slammed him against the wall.

"When next something like this happens, you will crawl on your knees for the rest..."

But Emra was interrupted. A boy, average in height but with broad shoulders, shot out from the crowd.

"So, who do you think you are? Just barge in and think you can get away with it."

The boy's eyes widened in fear, his bravado crumbling at Emra's stare. The boy pinned to the wall barely managed to croak out, "She's from the Zin family..."

There was an immediate uproar in the hall, with students exclaiming and making their comments. Of course, it was a free world.

"Woah!"

"Zin family?"

"No wonder she's a darling."

'Why do people build so many gates and walls?'

Just then, an answered came to his mind. "Protection..."

'Is all this really needed to feel safe?'

"Just like The Inner Sanctum." Buji remembered a movie he had watched with Emra once.

His father had advised him to be a fan of movies, but right here Emra is doing the same as him. Does it mean watching movies truly expands one's horizon?

Back to the Inner Sanctum, the movie only centered on the protection of one's inner self or space. It was about a boy with dragon powers who built layers upon layers of barriers to protect himself. Everyone around him despised him, and so, wanted him gone because of his powers.

In a bid to protect himself, the boy had created a sanctuary, covered by more than a hundred layers of barriers, unknown to those who sought after him. This creation was named the boy's inner sanctum.

Even after creating these walls for protection, the boy was still not safe. Before Buji could dwell any further, a soft feminine voice broke his trance.

"What are you thinking about?"

Buji turned, startled, to find Emra standing beside him. He hadn't even noticed her approach. Literally, he had stood there for more minutes than he imagined.

"Uhn," Buji finally found his voice.

"I've been observing you for quite a long time. Don't tell me you're stuck in another one of your weird daydreams."

"Cut it. I was only imagining a stronger version of myself," Buji lied, starting to walk again.

Emra raised an eyebrow in doubt, but decided to let it slide. "Anyway, I came to let you know that the appetizer was ready. I had ours setup in your room. Let's skip the dining room today."

"In my room? Why?" Buji asked, but Emra was already walking ahead, gesturing for him to follow.

When Buji finally stepped into the mansion, he couldn't help but stop and take it all in. His eyes set on the foyer's high ceiling and crystal chandelier which created an atmosphere of elegance.

The entire room he had entered was illuminated with a soft, golden lighting, while plush carpets and rich hardwood floors exhorted luxury underfoot. The walls were adorned with attractive artworks and the ornate mirrors added to its building delicacy.

'Just like the ancient mansions.'

Then came a sound that made him freeze—soft laughter.

Turning his head, he saw a group of people seated in the spacious dining room, their gazes locked on him. There were sixteen balls of eyes in total, watching his every move.

'Whoosh.'

Buji remained static at a point as his legs felt heavy, as if they were glued to the floor. He couldn't remove his eyes from their stares either, so, he just stood, moping.