SUSPICION

The next morning came by with worries haunting me like a Penidog. What Aunt Ruella said last night gave me nightmares of Matt being expelled from school. They'd all think he was the one who stole the files when the truth is, he's innocent. Yes, that's what I want to believe in! He may be some twisted little nutcracker, but based from the few moments we shared together from the past month, Mattheus Clintwood isn't such a bad guy.

I feel so freakin' guilty that I forgot to write to Dina about it.

"Hoot! Hoot!" I smiled and let Silver snuggle closer to me. After a few moments, I was finally on my way towards the Great Hall for breakfast. Nat and Beau weren't in the common room, so I reckon they might be there already.

"Hey, miss popular!" My blonde friend greated me with a beaming smile that can melt the whole Antartica on earth. Miss popular? My eyes scanned the table. My fellow housemates smiled, whistled and waved at me. And then it hit me, Auntie must've kept my little secret. But she told the faculty, right? When my eyes landed on our professors silently eating up at front, I took notice of Professor Heron's sneer and Professor Fumes' frown. Yup, they know about it..Auntie must've told them to save my reputation.

I sighed.

Beau turned to me. "Stressed so early in the morning?"

I gave him a sad smile. "Yeah. Kinda.."

My eyes automatically searched for Matt, but he wasn't at his usual seat. Guilt and curiosity dragged me down.

"Aza, have you even listened to what I said?" Nat's high-pitched voice pulled me back to reality. I furrowed my eyebrows. "Sorry, come again?" She flashed me a worried glance and spoke in an uncertain manner, "The School's Elemental Fest is coming up a few months. I was just telling you how exciting it's gonna be."

I nodded my head and faked her a smile. Damn.. I feel even more guilty lying to my friends. Why is my life so messed up?

It's not.

I shook my head and nervously averted my attention to the jumping eggs popping up from under the apple pies. There's that creep voice again.. I must be losing my sanity now.

*

Alie Parker and I were walking out from our last period for the day, Standard Charms class. Professor Bonks taught us how to use the basic bird summoning spell. At a distance, I saw Erland leaving the room with a pigeon nestled on his head. Alie laughed at him. "Nice look, Erl! And to think you're in Chisslewings!" He stuck his tongue out at Alie and dashed off.

My companion shook her head in disbelief, "He's an arrogant little toad that doesn't know how to properly use his magic. What a waste of talent."

"Yeah.. Hey, have you seen Matt in any of your classes today?"

A teasing look glinted in her eyes. "So you're interested in him? That bastard really has it all! Oh, and to answer your question, no. I haven't." She then placed her hand under her chin in a thinking manner. "Hey, now that I think about it, it's quite unusual for him to be missing out on his classes.."

"Why is that so?" I can't help but inquire.

She shrugged. "This is his first time being absent."

And by those words, something heavier weighed down inside my chest.

We spotted her twin, Hue, and the two started their bickering again. We reached the Great Hall and they bid me goodbye before making a beeline for the Strayhounds' table. I went to the Nickerfoxes, just in time to hear the headmaster's annoucement.

"Good evening, kids! How's your day? I heard Professor Fumes had you do a detangling charm on twenty-foot snake!"

Students groaned in unison. I chose not to recall that memory.

Then, the headmaster suddenly turned seriously. His eyes roamed the hall until they stopped at... Shit. Matt's here?! Headmaster Liondalle's eyes frowned at him, though his lips were in a jolly smile.

"And may I add, that if I found anyone suspicious for certain things, the whole school will not tolerate these actions. Liondalle's School for Witchcraft and Wizardry is for the good hearted, not for the ill-minded. Enjoy the meal, everyone!"

After that, students started their opinion-driven discussions and theories. Anybody with two eyes can cleary see the headmaster's warning look thaf screamed authority. The Chisslewings's table engaged in scandalous thoughts that I'd rather not speak about. Natalina shrugged and started munching on her parrot chips.

"Geez. I wonder what's that about? The headmaster's usually a calm person. It's sick to see him in such a mood, don't you think?"

Beau nodded in agreement. "It's a warning. But I wonder what's it for? Do you have any idea, Az?"

I rapidly shook my head and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"N-No."

*

After dinner, the three of us walked down the hall towards the dormitories. But when we rounded a corridor, I found myself saying, "You guys go ahead. I-I need to be at my tutor lessons." The two of them exchanged looks as I dashed off. My feet led me to the training rooms.

My hands were shaking with anxiety. Will he even bother to be here? Slowly and after a dozen deep breaths, I swung the door open to reveal nothing but an empty space. I sighed. So much for buying the trouble to be here.

I walked away, determined to keep that jerk out of my head but a few steps back, I heard muffled voices. Hiding behind the wall, I saw Matt standing near the headmaster's office. He looked devastated and cold-hearted at the same time. Is that even a possible combination?

"I told, I'm not the guy you're looking for!" He icily snapped. Professor Vizor then came into view and slammed Matt's body at the wall. He had a firm hold on his neck as they glared daggers at each other. My eyes widened in shock. I clamped a hand over my mouth and ran away with shaky hands.

My heart was pounding loudly against my chest. He's being accused of a crime he didn't do! This is my fault.. Shit.

***