HIDDEN REFLECTIONS

SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

It's Friday, and coincidentally, it's my brother's birthday. As the rest of the table erupts in laughter over something Enzo said, I find myself sinking further into the table, drawn towards its comforting presence. The sound of their laughter acts as a soothing white noise, drowning out my racing thoughts.

Earlier this morning, Mattheo tried to initiate a make-out session with me before we headed to breakfast. I couldn't bring myself to reciprocate, and I still feel guilty for making up a flimsy excuse about not feeling well and having a rough day. Thankfully, my sour mood didn't seem to affect his good spirits, and I'm genuinely relieved about that. The last thing I want is to burden someone else with my own troubles.

It's been over a year since I last heard from my brother. He managed to escape from Azkaban at the beginning of the year. I remember the exact moment I read about it in the newspaper, as it was right after winter break. At the time, I felt a strange mix of relief towards being invisible to those around me. Although, the Ministry of Magic wasted no time in demanding my appearance, suspecting that I might be hiding my brother or maintaining contact with him.

Pansy's sudden shriek jolts me out of my thoughts, bringing my attention back to the present. ❝Oh my god! She's so cute!❞ She exclaims loudly, her voice directed at something or someone behind me.

I lazily shift my gaze, following the lead of the others at the table. My eyes land on Theodore, who appears tired, accompanied by a black cat walking alongside him. I avert my gaze, finding it difficult to muster any interest.

❝Since when do you have a cat?❞ Mattheo laughs, his attention now fully focused on the feline, abandoning his previous conversation with Blaise.

Enzo leans forward, a smile forming on his face. ❝I love cats,❞ he admits, seemingly intrigued by the new addition.

My attention returns to the scene when I hear the cat let out a loud screech, causing Enzo to retract his hand, which was likely intended for a gentle petting.

❝Geez, that cat is a psycho,❞ Draco comments, whistling in amusement.

Pansy, undeterred by the cat's behavior, stands up from her seat. ❝Maybe it will like me more,❞ she says confidently, strutting over to where Theodore and the cat are situated on the floor.

I watch as she leans down, getting closer to the cat. The unnamed feline lets out another loud screech, seemingly protesting Pansy's attempt to get closer.

❝Where the fuck did you get that satanic thing from?❞ Mattheo inquires, directing his question to his friend.

❝It showed up the other day and won't leave me the fuck alone,❞ Theodore responds, his gaze fixed on the cat. It almost appears as if he is addressing the cat directly.

❝What's its name?❞ I inquire, hoping that showing some interest might divert attention away from my less-than-stellar mood. I notice Enzo's concerned glances in my direction, and I silently hope that engaging in the conversation will help alleviate some of the tension.

The black cat locks eyes with me, its gaze unwavering.

❝Uh,❞ Theodore sighs, glancing at the cat. ❝Lu,❞ he eventually responds, naming the feline.