Matt had been watching in the shadows since before the monster even arrived, wanting to be rid of the professor at last. It would work to the school's reputation, losing a Dark Art's teacher in some nasty way. It was meant to be, honestly. But he couldn't get the monster to move after it had been stunned. No command seemed able to shake the magic free. And if he tried to dispell it, he risked undoing several delicate aspects of the curse.

As Draco moved in on the creature once more, Matt knew he had to act, lest his precious pet be exposed. He tucked the amulet that let him command the thing into his shirt so it wouldn't be seen, only then taking a slow, audible step toward the teacher. Putting on his best terrified face, even mustering up a few unshed tears, he stepped hesitantly into the light. "I'm...I'm sorry, Professor Malfoy. I--I--I didn't--I was--" He looked toward the creature, looking too terrified to move.

GET UP! he silently commanded.

The creature tried, one hand giving a violent twitch, and Matt jumped back, his back hitting a shelf.