Heredity vs. Solidarity (S. Snape)

Chapter Thirteen

After supper, Marcy and Selena walked towards the Hospital Wing, talking softly along the way. Marcy had explained that Matthew had just recently woken up, and though he would be stuck in there for a couple more days still, he was bound to make a perfect recovery when the time was up.

Upon opening the large, oaken doors, they were met with the sight of Michaela Thomson smiling innocently down at Matthew as she sat beside him, playing with his hands, his hair, and any part of him visible upon the bed. He looked sleepy, but he talked easily, appearing much livelier than he was while unconscious.

“It means nothing,” Selena whispered encouragingly, when sensing her friend’s clear discomfort. “You know what she’s like, Marcy.”

“Exactly,” Marcy breathed out. “He’ll be with her by the end of the week.”

Selena hated her friend’s way of thinking, and therefore didn’t hide her glare from view as she caught Marcy’s eyes. Swinging her arm around Marcy’s shoulder, Selena led the latter towards the bed, Selena grinning while Marcy gazed down at the floor.

“Only two at a time!” Selena announced when they were close enough to be heard. Michaela’s head snapped up, and though she had previously looked innocent, she was currently glaring at the interruption.

“I don’t see why either of you have to be here,” Michaela said spitefully. “I’ve been his friend since we were kids.”

“It’s okay, Michaela,” Matthew chuckled weakly. “I haven’t seen these two yet. I’ll talk to you later.”

Michaela’s eyes turned back down to Matthew, and in what Selena assumed was in spite, the popular bimbo kissed the top of his head before standing in a hurry, and brushing between the two girls. Marcy’s condition had not improved, and Selena hoped it would, because she wouldn’t win him over in such a sulky state.

The two sat down, Marcy on the left side, and Selena on the right side. Marcy gave him a weak smile, upon which he grinned back.

“How are you, Matthew?” Selena asked, relieved that nothing had apparently changed, regardless of Michaela having been around. “Feeling any better?”

“My head is pounding,” he confessed. “And I’m feeling groggy, probably from the potions, but other than that I’m much better. Apparently I get to leave in a couple of days.”

“I can bring you your homework,” Marcy offered, in such a rush that Selena had to take a couple of seconds for her mind to register what her friend had just said. However, Matthew seemed to understand instantly, and his smile was radiating.

“I would appreciate that,” he said softly. “Hopefully they don’t give too much to an old, tattered seventh year, right?” he winked at Marcy, and if she had been sulking before, her beaming face currently replaced it.

“Oh, look at the time!” Selena gasped, eyes locked onto her watch. “I really have to go! The library closes soon, and I still have to take out several books for this week’s classes!” Selena stood abruptly, sending the two an apologetic look. “Sorry Matthew, I’m sure I’ll be back tomorrow evening. See you later, Marcy.”

The two had mixtures of confusion and amusement donning their expressions, but allowed her to dash away, knowing that Selena Burke didn’t like to go without reading her books. Little did they know, Selena was not going to the library, but back to her Common Room, giving the two the privacy she deemed they deserved.

Entering the room, she was both embarrassed and nervous upon seeing Michaela sitting by the fire, her eyes instantly narrowing maliciously the second she saw Selena enter. The latter quickly moved towards the staircase, but Michaela had beaten her to the chase, and currently blocked her from anymore progress.