But by the time Matt sheepishly closed the door behind himself, something had shifted in Jackson. He wasn't angry any longer. He wasn't even irritated. Every last emotion seemed to have been wiped completely off his face. He still seemed to be staring at that spot on the on the wall, but in a less focused sort of way.

Completely unresponsive to Malfoy, as if the teacher weren't even in the room, Jackson got to his feet, calm as ever. But there was something slightly unnatural and stiff about his movements, not at all the casual grace of well honed athlete. Leaving his bag and books behind, he simply turned and moved toward the door.