Hogwarts Adventures

Chapter 12: The After-Class Encounter

The next day, Jenna had overslept again. She had been up studying late, trying to keep up with all of her assignments. Now she was sprinting down the hall, turning a corner—when she collided with someone. The impact was so strong that she lost her balance and fell backward, her books scattering across the floor.

Jenna groaned, pushing her hair out of her face, only to look up and see Mattheo standing over her. "Honestly, Riddle, can you not watch where you're going?"

Mattheo raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he helped her to her feet. "Starting to feel like a routine, Albright—first thing in the morning, you running straight into me," he teased, bending down to gather her books.

With a quick "Thanks," Jenna snatched the books from his hands. "I have to go—I'm already late for Snape's class," she muttered, turning to hurry away.

"Wait," Mattheo said, jogging to catch up with her. "I have Snape too, but I have no idea where the room is."

Jenna rolled her eyes but didn't argue, quickening her pace as they raced through the corridors. They both knew Professor Snape despised latecomers, and they were already pushing their luck.

As they arrived at the classroom, Mattheo pushed the door open, and the entire class turned to stare. Professor Snape's gaze fell on them immediately, his expression stony.

"Mr. Riddle," he said icily, "so nice of you to join us. You're late, which means detention."

Mattheo sighed, rolling his eyes as he walked toward an empty seat, but he couldn't resist calling out, "Jenna was late too, Professor. Seems only fair..."

Jenna shot him a furious glare, but Snape's eyes narrowed. "Quite right, Mr. Riddle. Detention applies to both of you."

Jenna huffed as she took her seat, annoyed at Mattheo's careless comment. He gave her a smirk from across the room, clearly amused by the trouble he'd caused her.

As class ended, Jenna walked briskly into the corridor with Mattheo striding casually at her side. She shot him a glare, exasperated.

"Thanks a lot for getting me detention too, you idiot." She smacked him playfully on the arm with one of her books and began making her way toward the Great Hall.

Mattheo smirked, easily catching up to her. "Anytime, Jenna. It was worth it," he quipped. "Anyway, what are you doing this weekend? We could start working on the potion... at least gather the ingredients we can. Though we'll need that special plant—only grows under a full moon."

Jenna shook her head with a small smile. "Not happening this weekend; it's Halloween! There's the annual feast and party. You should come along," she offered, giving him a side glance.

Mattheo shrugged, his eyes thoughtful. "I'll think about it."

Jenna smirked, her tone teasing. "Honestly, you wouldn't even need a costume. The way you always dress, you already look like a Dementor."

Mattheo chuckled, rolling his eyes but clearly amused. "Oh, really? If I'm the Dementor, what does that make you? The mischievous rule-breaker always stumbling into trouble?"

"Rule-breaker?" Jenna retorted, feigning innocence. "Please, I'm practically a model student... when you're not around." She smirked, then turned to continue down the hall, leaving Mattheo behind, his laughter echoing after her.