"In the wizarding world, even between teacher and student, there was a principle of equivalent exchange. Much less when knowledge was the most important thing to a wizard. So, what did you have to offer in exchange?"
The silhouette in the darkness bared a cruel, blood-red maw. "If your talent isn't enough, trade your life for it!!"
The shadow suddenly pounced at Angel. Amid the shifting light and shadow, Angel felt the world before his eyes crumble bit by bit. The final image he saw was himself lying on the ground, covered in blood, while someone stood beside his corpse and threw back their head in laughter.
Angel abruptly sat bolt upright in bed, cold sweat running down his back. His widened pupils were filled with panic and lingering fear. Only after his ragged breathing gradually subsided did Angel wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"So it was a dream." Angel rubbed his temples and sighed softly, murmuring in a voice only he could hear, "I hope... it was only a dream."
Warm light spilled through the gap in the window, casting dappled shadows over his soft golden hair and waking the little fellow sleeping within it.
.
"Chirp-Chirp, Chirp-Chirp." Palm-sized Toby stretched his wings as though stretching after sleep, then chirped a few times and sat up from Angel's golden hair.
Angel grabbed him in one swift motion. "You little bastard, taking advantage of my sleep to mess up my hair again!"
"I really don't get why you love staying on my head so much. Looks like buying a hat needs to be put on the agenda right away." Angel muttered under his breath.
Toby was not bothered. After Angel tossed him aside, he flew off on his own and pulled a small, soft bubble-like capsule from Angel's luggage.