Matilda Matlock

Questioning

Matilda felt a surge of frustration wash over her like a poisoned wave, but her voice retained that still, cold tone.

"I said I'd have the boy carry out the task," she said. "We have already discussed the risks."

"But are you sure, my Lord?" Vivian spoke cautiously. "Do you truly think he has the strength; the ability? He's sure to disappoint-"

"I won't repeat myself, Vivian," her voice hissed. "Besides... this is no reckless plan. There is a substitute if the boy fails to do as expected of him."

A small scoff came from Vivian behind her, but was followed by a sharp swallow, as if choking down the noise.

Matilda slowly turned her head, her hands still folded behind her back when she fully faced a pathetically meek Vivian Blackwood before her.

"Doubt my orders again, Vivian..." she breathed, "...and you'll see what becomes of you."

Vivian's head was bowed, showing weakness; but Matilda needed her; despite the fact that she could do without any of her followers, because they were never truly good enough for her; but they would have to do for now... she was so close to fulfillment, so close to victory at last, if the task is completed...

Matilda's eyes fluttered open with great desperation.

Her hands were clenching the sheets, her forehead felt hot, and damp; the vivid vision that was just coating her senses had faded and her sight was now flooded with the familiarity of her Hufflepuff dorm room.

The sounds of the girls' soft snoring serenaded Matilda's heavy breathing as she tried to regain a sense of peace. It took far too long.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"Look, I already told you everything last night," Luna giggled, poking at her eggs.

"I just can't believe you kissed him!" Matilda whispered with a delighted smile. "It's- it's magnificent!"

"Well, he wasn't going to do it, was he?" Luna said plainly. "I thought I might as well go for it. Life's far too short to put up with such silliness."

"I like your way of thinking, Luna," Matilda grinned.

There was a moment of silence between the two, other than the clinking of their silverware against the plates, before Luna spoke again softly.

"Have you talked to Ginny yet this morning?" she asked. "Usually she's said hello to us at least once... I think something might be wrong."

Memories of Ginny's rapid footsteps fleeing the astronomy tower the night before and the blue washing over her crystal upon Matilda's ring seeped back into the girl's brain as she nervously pushed sliced fruit around her plate.

"I talked to her this morning," Matilda lied. "She's probably just... fitting in some study time before class. I think I remember her saying she had a quiz first period."

Luna nodded, returning her eyes to her plate.

Matilda felt a sense of uneasiness. She was still stuck on why Ginny was so distraught, and feared that the redhead would refuse to open up when they saw each other in their first period class, which was without Luna that day. Did Ginny like Neville? Was she really that jealous of losing her friend's constant company to someone else?

"Do you think Neville is my boyfriend now?" Luna asked without hesitation.

Matilda scoffed. "I'd say so, considering you two snogged hours ago."