Jack stood outside the classroom for a moment, his hand resting on the door handle. Draco's presence flickered in his mind, the familiar's subtle energy a quiet reassurance. He had sent the creature into a pocket space to rest and recover—both a necessity and a tactical move. His bonded servant would remain hidden unless needed, a card up his sleeve in a game where every advantage counted.
With a deep breath, Jack pushed the door open. The moment he stepped inside, the hum of quiet conversation abruptly stilled. All eyes turned to him, the air thick with curiosity and unspoken questions. He could feel their stares, a mix of intrigue, skepticism, and perhaps a hint of awe.
'So this is what it means to be the center of attention,' Jack thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk. It wasn't entirely unexpected. His performance in the tournament and his unsaid identity had turned him into a puzzle everyone wanted to solve.
