Chapter 144: 'Escape”

Chapter 144: “Escape”

Matthew steadied his nerves.

During crises like this, remaining as calm as possible was crucial.

He locked his gaze onto Tom Gaunts grotesque and twisted face.

The fact that the man knew his name was immaterial; there was no time to ponder how he knew.

One thing was evident, he was after the book He was undoubtedly here for it.

With an imperceptible movement, Matthews left hand inched toward his waist.

Aware he couldnt stand against Tom Gaunt, Matthew placed his hope in the book, wishing it would again take control of his body, as it did during the Dueling Club.

Only then could he hope to escape.

Indeed, there are eight secret passages between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, Matthew responded calmly.

Most were constructed during the goblin rebellion in 1612. Among them, one connects the third floor of Hogwarts Castle to the basement of Honeydukes Sweetshop.

Seems I made a mistake not breaking into that sweetshop with you one day, Gaunt sneered. Today, I wont repeat that blunder.

What do you seek, sir? Matthews left hand subtly shifted another half inch toward his waist. Is it the book?

Yes exactly Tom Gaunts face contorted into a sinister smile, intensifying his hideousness. Ive waited for this for over a year now No, for eleven years

I can give it to you; it never belonged to me, Matthew calmly stated, However, theres a note

Before he could finish, Matthew sensed Tom Gaunts bloodshot eyes turn even redder

Simultaneously, a potent force emanated from the red light, overwhelming and penetrating his thoughts.

It was as though his mind was laid bare, leaving him speechless.

He lost sight of his surroundings, the images flashing through his mind like a movie reel, Matthew Wickfield receiving the Hogwarts letter in his home, Penello Clearwater introducing him to Hogwarts on Diagon Alley, donning the Sorting Hat, Agnes Lestrange offering rice pudding at the feast, Professor Trocar teaching him to observe and think in class

Get out! A voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

It was Matthews voice, but the tone was starkly different, devoid of its usual warmth.

What

A scream erupted, coinciding with a noise in his earthe sound of Tom Gaunts scream.

Suddenly, the familiar surroundings of the Shrieking Shack returned, and everything became real again.

Quickly turning around, Matthew bent low and hastened forward.

The tunnel stretched ahead, at times narrowing.

No sounds echoed behind him; Tom Gaunt didnt seem to be in pursuit

Matthew felt incredibly drained.

After Tom Gaunts Imperio and his subsequent frenzy, casting over twenty Expelliarmus, his body was shaking uncontrollably, his left hand clutching his wand.

With gritted teeth and labored breath, he pressed on, his body moving fluidly despite the fatigue

About ten minutes later

The tunnel began to incline slightly upward.

Hogwarts wasnt far off.

Climbing this slope would bring him to Hogwarts vicinity, the protective magic affording him safety

Matthew didnt falter; his resolve only grew.

A slight curve loomed ahead, a glimmer of light visible on the other side.

The exit he was nearing the exit

Matthew pressed forward

Then he abruptly halted.

Tom Gaunt reclined casually on the other side of the bend.

His dark-red eyes glowed eerily in the tunnels dimness.

The light he emitted emanated from the yew wand in his hand.

Lifting his head, he regarded Matthew with disdain. The game of escape concludes.

In the next moment, Tom Gaunt transformed into a black mist.

Caught off guard, the darkness enveloped Matthew, and his consciousness slipped away.