Ashton had always found solace in the woods, the silence affirming his dominance over the hidden depths. That night, under a mere sliver of the moon, the woods on the outskirts of town were supposed to witness another of his secret deeds. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and the soft whisper of shadows dancing between the trees. Unexpectedly, a chilling scream escaped into the night as Ashton completed his grim task. It wasn’t intended, and he paused, knowing the sound might draw unwanted attention. Through the dense thicket, a figure stumbled into the clearing, their eyes wide with horror at the sight before them. Ashton stood there, his figure silhouetted against the moonlight, an axe still raised in his hand from where he had swung it down into his victim. The impact had echoed eerily in the quiet woods.The intruder gasped, the sound slicing through the stillness. Ashton’s head snapped around, his cold eyes locking onto theirs in the dim light. A sinister smile crept across his face as he stepped toward them, the bloody axe glinting. “You shouldn’t have seen that,” he murmured, his voice eerily calm and detached. They were rooted to the spot in fear as Ashton approached, his steps measured and deliberate. “Now, I can’t let you leave,” he said, his tone almost regretful yet chillingly resolute. Realizing the danger, they turned and ran, darting through the trees. Ashton followed, his steps quick and silent, a hunter in pursuit of his prey. Branches whipped past, and the sounds of their desperate flight filled the air. The chase seemed endless, the darkness a labyrinth with no exit until they saw the distant lights of Hogwarts, a beacon of safety. Breathless and trembling, they reached the school grounds, the sense of security only temporary. The next day, in the classroom, Ashton's intense gaze found them again. The memory of the previous night's terror was fresh, the threat still palpable. As the class ended, he leaned over their desk, his presence imposing. "We need to talk," he said quietly.