Hogwarts Adventures

Chapter 16: After the Shock

Jenna sat on the edge of her bed, still trying to process everything that had happened. The images from the forest replayed in her mind—the sight of Nora's body, cold and lifeless. She shuddered, trying to push the memory away, but it clung to her like a shadow.

Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape had arrived quickly after her father called for them, their faces grave. The adults spoke in low, hurried tones, and Jenna could see the worry etched in their expressions. Her father had pulled Mattheo aside for a private conversation, something about the way they spoke making her uneasy.

When Mattheo returned, his face was a mask of calm, though Jenna could sense the tension beneath it. He reached for her arm gently, pulling her up from where she sat on the forest floor. "Come," he said softly. "We should head back to the castle."

Jenna nodded, too exhausted to argue. They made their way through the dark, silent forest, the air heavy with the weight of what they'd discovered. Jenna's mind raced with questions, but her words failed her. Instead, she clung to Mattheo's steady presence, the warmth of his hand grounding her as they walked in silence.

Finally, as they approached the castle, Jenna broke the silence. "I still can't believe it... How long had she been there?"

Mattheo's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond immediately. "I don't know," he said quietly. "But we'll find out. I promise."

When they reached Jenna's room, Faye and Emily were already there, both looking as pale as she felt. Their worried faces mirrored her own, and soon the four of them were talking quietly, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Faye's voice wavered as she spoke, her usual bright energy dimmed by the shock.

"Hey, Jenna," Faye said gently, "I'm going to stay with Emily tonight, okay? She doesn't want to be alone, and... I think it'll help if we're together."

Jenna nodded. "That's a good idea. Take care of each other."

After Faye gathered her things and she and Emily left, the room felt unbearably quiet. Jenna stared at the door, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on her. She glanced over at Mattheo, who was still sitting on the edge of her bed, his gaze unreadable.

"Mattheo," she began hesitantly, "could you... stay here tonight? I don't want to be alone."

His eyes softened as he nodded. "Of course."

Jenna felt a wave of relief wash over her, but it didn't do much to shake the lingering unease. She needed to clear her mind, to wash away the events of the day, at least for a little while. She stood and headed toward the bathroom, glancing back at Mattheo. "I'm going to take a shower," she said softly, trying to muster a small smile. "I'll be quick."

As she stepped into the hot water, Jenna scrubbed her skin fiercely, as though she could somehow erase the memories, the fear, the shock. Her hands shook slightly as she worked shampoo through her hair, the steam rising around her. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to will the images away.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Mattheo's voice was muffled through the wood. "Jenna? Everything okay?"

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Yeah, I'm fine," she called back, her voice only slightly unsteady. "I'll be out in a minute."

When she emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in her soft bathrobe, Mattheo was sitting on her bed, waiting patiently. His eyes flicked to her briefly, but then he glanced away, as though giving her space.

"You can shower if you want," she offered with a small smile. "I have some oversized clothes that should fit you."

Mattheo nodded, standing and taking the clothes she offered. "Thanks." He disappeared into the bathroom, and Jenna heard the water turn on shortly after.

As she sat down on the bed, her wet hair dripping slightly onto her shoulders, Jenna felt the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to her. She leaned back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind was still racing, but having Mattheo close by somehow made it easier to breathe.

After a while, the door opened, and Mattheo stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. Jenna's breath hitched slightly as she caught sight of him, her eyes drawn to the scars on his chest and back—thin, jagged lines that crisscrossed his skin like a map of past battles. She hadn't noticed them before, but now, in the dim light of the room, they stood out starkly.

Mattheo noticed her staring and quickly grabbed the clothes from the chair, pulling them on without a word. Jenna didn't say anything either, but her mind was swirling with questions. What had happened to him? What kind of pain had he endured to leave those marks?

He pulled the shirt over his head and sat down beside her, the space between them feeling both comfortable and tense at the same time.

"Thank you for staying," Jenna whispered after a moment, her voice soft.

Mattheo looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable. "I told you, I'm not going anywhere."