Chapter 4: The Unlikely Intervention

The Unlikely Intervention As I slowly regained consciousness, I was met with a sight that made my heart skip a beat. Professor Greenwood was standing over me, his hand gently placed on my head. I tried to struggle, but my body felt heavy and unresponsive. Suddenly, a lamp from the nearby table flew through the air, heading straight for Professor Greenwood. He barely had time to react, dodging to the side just in time as the lamp crashed to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces. The professor's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step back, his hand still extended towards me. I followed his gaze and saw a figure standing in the doorway, a look of determination etched on her face. It was Mrs. Jenkins, our quiet and unassuming neighbor from downstairs. She was holding a broom, and her eyes were fixed intently on Professor Greenwood. "Ah, Mrs. Jenkins," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How...thoughtful of you to drop by." Mrs. Jenkins didn't respond. Instead, she took a step forward, her eyes never leaving Professor Greenwood's face. "Let her go, Harry," she said, her voice firm. "You have no right to keep her here." Professor Greenwood chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound. "And who are you to tell me what to do, Mrs. Jenkins?" he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement. Mrs. Jenkins took another step forward, her broom at the ready. "I've known you for a long time, Harry," she said, her voice steady. "I know what you're capable of. And I won't let you hurt this child." I watched in amazement as Mrs. Jenkins confronted Professor Greenwood. Who was this woman, and how did she know the professor? I tried to speak, but my voice was still hoarse and barely audible. Professor Greenwood took a step back, his eyes flicking between Mrs. Jenkins and me. For a moment, I thought he was going to attack her, but then he seemed to think better of it. With a curt nod, he turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Mrs. Jenkins and me alone in the attic. Mrs. Jenkins rushed to my side, quickly working to untie the ropes that bound me to the chair. "Are you okay, dear?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern. I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. "Y-yes," I stammered, my voice still rough. Mrs. Jenkins smiled and patted my hand. "You're safe now," she said. "But we need to get out of here. This house has secrets, and I think it's time you knew the truth."