The Library

"It could be both at the same time, depending on what you like to read." I sit in a spare seat, intrigued. "Why is it out of necessity?

"Well, I know of several vampires, werewolves and hybrids of both present in this school. I find it necessary to know how to protect myself against them."

Lewis reached into his satchel and pulled out a gummy bear. He placed it in his mouth, before remembering the other student. He swiftly retrieved another one and offered it to them.

"Gummy bear?"

"Thanks." I accept it and eat, thinking over my next answer carefully. "Most werewolves are harmless, you know, even at the full moon as long as they've consumed Wolfsbane Potion beforehand. I happen to know quite a bit about them. Vampires, on the other hand, can't be trusted to stay passive."

Lewis retrieved his journal, scribbling a short note:

Wolfsbane Potion

He placed his journal back in his satchel.

"Thank you for that information. As for vampires, I know a thing or two about them." He presented a clove of garlic from his satchel "Which is why I always carry this around."

"Fair enough. I've only been bitten by a vampire once, myself. Thankfully, there were no lasting effects."

I tilt my head to the side a little. "I could give you more information on werewolves, if you like. I can assure you that what I know is straight from a reliable source."

Lewis closed the book and placed it by the side of the table. He slowly lifted his arm from his side, extending it towards the girl.

"I'm Lewis by the way."

I shake his hand, offering him a smile. "Phoenix. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lewis allowed his arm to once again dangle by his side, ignoring Phoenix's second remark.

"So what can you tell me about werewolves?"

I clasp my hands in my lap and shrug. "Anything you like. I wouldn't know where to begin, so it might be easier if you ask questions."

"Well, first off, how could I prevent a werewolf attacking me?"

"You can't prevent an attack, so to speak, but you can take measures to help you if a situation like that came along. The first is the most obvious: don't walk around at night on a full moon, but if you must then travel in a group.

"If a werewolf does attack, don't try to provoke it anymore than necessary. It's likely the person forgot to take their potion, so the best plan of action would be to keep them back and get inside a safe building as soon as possible."

"Do werewolves have any immediate weaknesses, similar to vampires with garlic?"

"Some are susceptible to silver, but not all. It's not a good enough weakness to rely on. Your best bet would be to use some kind of spell that creates a harsh smell, because they have very sensitive noses."

"Hmm. I'm not too good with magic, but I'll work around it." Lewis scribbled another quick note in his journal:

Werewolves-Sensitive noses

"Would a wolfsbane potion work if taken after the transformation?"

"No." I know that for a fact. "Even if you could persuade the werewolf to drink some, it would have no effect. It's for human consumption."

"Fine. Just for some sort of context, how physically strong is a werewolf after the transformation?"

"Hm..." I have to think this one over again. It's been a while since I've had to test the limits of my strength. "Perhaps a bit stronger than your everyday wolf. A werewolf could easily pin a human if it wished."

Lewis made note of this.

"In what ways can lycanthropy be passed from person to person?"

"Biting only. But it has to be a good bite, a small nip wouldn't do the job."

"Good, good. Finally, I'd like to know: what is this reliable source you mentioned?"

Lewis stared Phoenix in the eyes, refusing to blink.

I can't help smiling. "You're clever. I was wondering if you'd ask that. It's me. I was bitten roughly five years ago."

"I thought as much." Lewis gestured to her eyes "Your eyes gave you away."

"Really?" I tilt my head the other way. "How?"

"The way they glinted when you mentioned your 'reliable source'."

"That makes sense, I suppose," I concede. "What I am is common knowledge, it isn't often I come across someone who doesn't know."