Authors note. I got a review from a guest that said that the mc was a weak idiot dog and that his family controlled him.
I wanted to address this as I could understand why someone would say this, but it's not really how I see it.
Jakob is 11 years old and from a pureblood family with a father and sister who physically and mentally hurt him if he does not do what is expected of him, being the heir.
This is something that you will see a change in the coming years when Jakob has been on his little journey and notices that he is more powerful than he thinks. But right now, he is 11 years old. He loves his father and sister and wants to make them proud. So I would not say idiot dog, more like a child that has another picture of what a family is.
Now on with the chapter.
Chapter 7. Winter solstice and the return back.
The day everyone had talked about was finally here.
Jakob, his father and his sister, stood ready in the floo room, wearing their robes and dresses. Jakob, who did not like his robes, looked over at his father, who wore almost a copy of the same robe.
The Quade Heir looked down at his own robe, noticing the red glimmer that was ruby, which the tailor had somehow mixed so the threads showed a faint red in the proper lightning.
He looked over at his sister. He knew the boys would be all over her this evening, asking her to dance or what the older boys liked to ask her.
She wore a blue-white dress with diamonds spread around, making her look like she was something out of magic.
Her hair was let down, and now Curley in the ends and had a diadem in silver and diamonds sprinkled over it.
" Isn't that a bit much?" The boy asked his sister, trying to fix his tie that he felt was strangling him while Emma shot him a glare.
Thomas. Who was standing behind Jakob, gave the child a slight hit to the back head with his cane.
" Don't speak like that. There is nothing that is too much for a Quade." Jakob rolled his eyes and was glad his father did not notice it.
" Why are we only in robes, then? Why don't we have more jewellery" asked Jakob with actual interest in the answer.
" You are wearing it, boy," his father glared back at him.
"There are only two people who own these robes in the entire world, and you are one of them. Now shut up before I lose my temper."
Jakob did what he was told and waved at Susie and Ella, who stayed behind.
"Do you have the notes with the gifts I wanted to buy?" said Jakob to Susie, who nodded in return.
"they will be ready when you get back, but do try not to make it last minute, dear."
Before the fire engulfed them, Jakob noticed that Ella looked sad and said.
"I will bring back something nice for you."
Ella looked happier, but Jakob could tell she still wanted to come with them.
They were greeted by the Malfoy family as they arrived, and the routine of commenting on each other's dress began.
" Oh darling, the other girls won't stand a chance," said Narcissa walking over to Emma and turning the smiling girl around to watch the decoration on her dress.
" Mother always wanted a daughter, " whispered Draco, who stood beside Jakob.
Emma, who loved the attention she was getting from the Malfoy matriarch, swirled and smiled, blushing when Narcissa showered her with comments.
Lucius and Thomas smiled as they witnessed Narcissa and Emma but then said that business was waiting for no wizard and retreated to the Malfoys office.
Draco, who wore the same dress as his father, sported a white robe with different golden details.
"Nice dress, looks uncomfortable," said Jakob.
"Yeh, you too. Is it changing colour?" said the blonde boy, looking closer at the Quade's heirs' robes.
"Yeh i dont know, said Jakob. The tailor thought mixing a rock into the dress would be a good idea."
Draco looked a bit impressed but had no more time to say anything because the floo fireplace turned green, and out came the Greengrass.
Jakob greeted Daphne and her family, who did the same.
Jakob and Daphne took their leave, with Daphne's little sister wanting to come with but having to stay with daphnes mother.
"But mum, I'm almost 11 years now, can't I just-"
"Astoria, you will not be leaving my side this evening. You have already shown you are a bigger troublemaker than your sister." The Greengrass mother said in a firm voice.
Draco, the host, had to stay and greet all the guests with Narcissa and Emma, who remained beside Narcissa to show the unbreaking unity between the two houses.
Draco looked painful when Jakob said they would wait for him in the living room.
Daphne seized Jakob's arm hand and wandered off.
" Why was Daphne first? Of course, she will steal him," whispered Draco little annoyed.
" what's that, dear?" said Narcissa.
" Nothing, mother." the blonde smiled back.
Daphne and Jakob sat in one of Malfoy's living rooms with the talked-about winter decoration.
The blonde girl examined every detail in wonder.
"It's gorgeous," she said, eyes darting everywhere to capture the different light and silver details.
"They have outdone themself this year," said Jakob impressed.
"What should we do while we wait for everyone?" Asked Daphne sitting on a luxurious couch with a checkboard matching the winter decor placed on a table in front of her.
" Fancy a game?" said Jakob and sat down beside her.
The wizard chess started with Daphne moving first, and for some time, Jakob noticed that she was playing better than he expected.
But the strategy was one of Slytherin boy's strengths, and he noticed quickly that she would not be any match for him.
He started to study her dress a little more while she took her time making a move.
Daphne wore a black, green dress and had her blonde hair put up in something Jakob believed took hours to make.
When the dressed-up girl glimpsed what the boy in front of her did, she blushed and said.
"it's your turn," not making eye contact with him.
Jakob saw that if he did it right, she would win in about 3 moves.
The game soon finished, and Daphne tried to hide her happiness about winning.
They both stood, and with Daphne's hand around Jakob's arm, they walked out to see how many guests had arrived.
"There you two are," they heard Tracey say louder than necessary.
"I have been looking all over for you,"
She got closer and took daphnes arm in hers.
" I'm gonna borrow her for a bit, okay?" Jakob gestured for her to continue and saw them retreating, whispering to each other.
As he kept walking, he saw that Pansy was talking with her mother about something and when she noticed him, she gestured for him to come over.
"Hi Jakob!" pansy said, a little too happy for being Pansy, and when he arrived to stand next to her, he thought for a second that she was going to hug him.
"Hello Jakob, it's good to finally see you again," said the mother, Amaryllis.
Jakob greeted her with a bow.
"It's a pleasure to see you as well. Say, where is Mr Parkinson?"
Pansy's mother rolled her eyes slightly.
"He is with your father and Mr Malfoy. Talking business, I imagen."
After they had small, talked pansy shot her mother a look which made the older witch find company elsewhere with an amusing smile.
Jakob commented on pansy's dress, and she took a little swirl.
"You think Draco will like it?" she asked, and Jakob had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Someone should really tell her that Draco is only interested in quidditch.
"It's good to see you, pansy, but should we not be going back to the others?"
" wait," said pansy and grabbed Jakob by the robes but released shortly after and looked around to see if someone had seen her.
" cant we talk a little, just you and me? At school, we talk so much, just you and me and now.."
"Pansy, are you telling me you miss my company? What would Draco say" Jakob whispered back in a scandalised voice?
Pansy hit him lightly, and the boy smiled, took out his arm, which the roommate accepted and together they went out on the balcony.
" so, how have your days at home been?" asked Jakob while he took out his wand and cast a warming charm on them both.
Pansy looked impressed.
"So you can do that now?"
"I was in a situation where I could have had use for it, so afterwards, I took the time to learn it. I can teach you when school starts if you would like?"
Pansy nodded, and they continued to walk.
" you know, Pansy, I do enjoy your company too, but you need to be careful of how you speak to me," said Jakob looking out in the snowy night.
"Why? Draco knows that we are just friends," said the girl and Jakob got a little irritated.
"Yes, but does everyone else there know what happens at Hogwarts? Why we are closer now than before?"
She looked a little sad as it dawned on Pansy what he meant.
"I know. But I don't care what everyone thinks" the Slytherin girl took his arm and started to walk again.
" let them wonder and question. I want my time with you, and if someone or something stands in my way, I won't care."
Jakob sighed. Why is she so damned stubborn.
When they had talked for s bit longer, they got interrupted by Draco, who said that his father would soon hold the opening speech.
The three Slytherins walked inside.
Pansy, who had been holding jakes arm, now grabbed Dracos.
The blonde boy gave Jakob a pleading look for help, but Jakob looked back and gestured with a questioning look at the balcony.
When they arrived in the sea of people, Daphne came closer and hooked her arm to Jakob, smiling at him.
Pansy and Draco, who stood beside them, saw the act, and Daphne looked eyes with the Parkinson girl.
The two girls glared at each other and then turned as Lucius walked up on a conjured schene in the middle of the ballroom.
He greeted everyone and talked about how blood purity is essential nowadays and that their faction had just passed a new law that would aid them greatly.
Everyone clapped their hands as the Malfoy Head of house took a bow.
Jakob zoomed out, knowing this whole speech would go political.
For 20 minutes, he talked, and Jakob, who stood and smiled, Counted how many tiaras he could see without looking away from Lucius.
Suddenly he heard applause, and the boy instinctively started to clap with everyone else.
" Brilliant!" Pansy told Draco, who looked prouder than ever and Jakob, who had only heard a few sentences agreed.
The dance started, and Daphne got the first one.
When the first song had ended, Pansy came up to them, who had been dancing with Draco, asked if she could have the next dance.
Apparently, Draco had given a weak excuse to walk over to Theo and had then disappeared.
Daphne gave a smiling nod knowing everyone was watching, and handed over Jakob to Pansy.
After that, Tracey wanted a dance, and the Quade heir bowed and took her for dance. The Quade heir did not enjoy dancing, but this was a perfect moment to show people that he was a proper gentleman.
People had started to notice that the girls were lining up, and after the last Dance with Tracey, Emma walked over to him.
"You are quite the charmer, little brother. Father is very pleased that you strengthen the bonds between the families, but I, however, do not wish for my brother to outdo me," she said and gave him a wink.
Jakob nodded and silently thanked her, giving her a bow. Tracey thanked him for the dance and excused himself. For now, he had only one aim. He needed some punch.
Draco, who had been stolen by Pansy, now stood on the dancefloor with the girl for a second time.
He tried to get Jakob's attention when he saw the boy walking straight past them. Jakob never noticed Draco's slight cough or sounds. He needed some punch!
After the third glass of the fantastic red liquid, did the Slytherin boy feel the sensation of satisfaction.
He looked around and noticed the festivities in more than this large ballroom that was almost as big as the great hall.
The boy with the glass of punch walked to the other room with its massive swing doors open, connecting it with the main ballroom and witnessed that it looked exactly like the room he had just been inside.
" Really?" he said, confused, but there was one difference. Around the dance floor were round glass tables with white glistening tablecloths and silver chairs that circled around the dance floor.
Jakob looked around to see if he recognised anyone there, and That was when he saw her.
She was sitting at a table, bored and looking at her glass of champagne. Another boy beside her talked about something which Jakob did not hear.
He walked forwards, not knowing if she would even speak to him or ask him to get lost.
Now only a few meters in front of her, Jakob coughed a little to get her attention.
"Miss Frome, it's a pleasure to see you again. Tell me, how has your winter break been treating you?"
Amy's eyes widened at the voice, and she turned from the champange to see a handsome little boy standing in front of her, taking a slight bow.
"Such manners," she said, smiling at the young heir.
The boys frowned after being interrupted and turned to Jake.
"Amy, do you know this little child?"
Jake looked over to the boy in question with an irritated stare
"She knows me, but I imagine she knows that champagne glass better than you, seeing she was looking at it instead of you when you were talking."
The older boy glared back at Jakob and was ready to say something when they were interrupted by someone walking passed Jakob, who greeted him, revealing his last name.
The boy, who now looked a bit worried, stood up and gave a slight bow.
" I'm sorry, heir Quade, I spoke out of turn. I hope this incident can be forgotten."
Jakob sighed, a little disappointed that his last name once again came to save him and looked over at Amy, who looked like she waited, amused for him to say something.
"It's fine. Just give me some time with miss Frome, and I will see that no one knows about this."
The boy bowed and walked away.
" well, this is surprising," Amy said, watching Jake sit beside her and put down his glass of punch.
"What is surprising?" asked Jakob taking a glass of champagne, tasting it and making a face, putting it back.
"You would not make that face if you knew how expensive it was. And seeing you win a discussion but looking like you lost afterwards," said Amy leaning on her hand and watching him.
"First, expensive does not mean better every time. And second, I did not win. My family name won the discussion.
Amy smiled back at him.
"You are certainly the only one with a respected name that has uttered that sentence," she said as she leaned back on the chair, still giving him a smile.
"And That's one of the things that make you interesting."
Jakob looked around and saw that some of the guests had glanced over at them, trying to figure out what a child could say to a teenage girl to make her interested in talking with him.
"Do you mind if we took a walk, Amy? There is a lot to see here, and I would be happy to escort you."
As Jakob stood up, he offered his arm, which Amy accepted and let him lead her away.
They walked out on the grounds, and Jakob cast a warming charm on them both to keep warm.
Amy looked surprised, and Jakob grinned a little.
" Impressed I know the charm?
" yes, but more surprised that you are allowed to use your wand outside Hogwarts. But then again, You are a Quade."
" you have your trace?" asked Jakob, a little surprised himself to Amy, who nodded"
" Not all purebloods have the wealth and status that you and your friends are used to." She said and then glanced over to Jake.
Does that make you want to find another company, Jakob?" Amy asked as they saw different ice statues lit up by small hovering lights.
" I don't care about that, said Jakob."
"What then do you care about?" asked Amy, stopping to look at an ice figure portraying a unicorn double the size of a real horse.
Jakob knew this information was something he could not afford to give freely, so he said.
" If you tell me first, I will give you the answer."
Amy looked back at him, her face reflecting by the silver light, and Jakob saw her curly hair that he now noticed had small white stones in it, making it look like stars in the night sky.
" Speaking like a Slytherin," she smiled and then hooked her hand on his arm, starting to walk again.
" I will tell you this, but it's something that must stay between you and me," said the curly-haired girl. Jakob nodded and let her continue.
" as you probably know, my family have somewhat of a reputation. I care about my house and name, and I wish to change it so I can live a life without people's reserved looks when they realise my last name."
Jakob's eyebrows rose.
"That was not what I expected Amy Frome would say," said Jakob.
The older girl halted in their walk.
"Of course, you wouldn't. You have not lived a life knowing that someone you don't even know made your life harder just because you shared the last name."
Jakob looked at the girl who was nog glaring at a sculpture depicting a fairy and then suddenly, whose head was cut straight off.
Amy looked around to see if anyone saw her accidental burst of magic and when she noticed that no one was around, she looked over at Jakob, who she guessed would look scared right now.
" I'm sorry, Amy, I have not," said Jakob. Putting a hand on hers that she had hooked into his arm.
"But if it's any consultation, I would never look at you differently just because of the last name." he smiled back at her and Amy, for one second, forgot that he was 4 years younger, held his and for a moment and smiled back.
"Now then," she said, continuing walking.
" What is it that Jakob cares about?"
Jake thought over a plan to help Amy and almost forgot to answer.
"I guess same as you but in reverse" when Amy looked confused, he continued.
"I have my family name, and I care about it. But I don't like when people associate me with my name."
" So, if I understand you correctly," said Amy.
" you don't like the privilege that your name brings?"
"I like some of it," said Jakob
"But I want to be greater than my name. When people see me, they won't think of Quade. They will think of Jakob."
The boy noticed Amy giggle and blushed, and looked away.
" Maybe it's foolish for you, but it's what I care about."
Amy turned his chin so that he looked at her again.
"It's one of the best goals I've ever heard. I hope that when that day comes, you standing on top of everyone and have achieved your goal. I just wish that I have the chance to witness it.
Jakob smiled broadly, feeling immense pride about what Amy Frome, the perfect and one of the Slytherin five, just had told him. Jakob then glanced out at an ice sculpture that depicted a gryphon.
" I told my family about you."
" And?"
"Well, both my sister and father were rather impressed about you and have invited you to visit us And discuss what plans you have after Hogwarts.
" I'm sorry, Jakob, but I have so much to do this break,"
He nodded in understanding. Inwards he felt disappointment but did not show it.
" But if they would accept a meeting in the summer break, I would gladly accept."
Jakob looked at her again and nodded while his smile grew.
" Remember that this won't change anything when we are at school," she said firmly.
" Would not have it any other way," said Jakob.
As the two walked back, they were met up by Jakob's father and Amy, who saw that Jakob got a little uncomfortable, gave him a glance and held a bit tighter to reassure him that this would be fine.
"Jakob, you have been gone for almost an hour. Care to explain who this beautiful young woman is and what you have been doing?
"Father, this," Jakob gestured to the girl.
" is my friend Amy Frome."
Thomas took her hand and gave it a kiss.
" Pleasure to meet you, miss Frome. Do you mind me asking if you are the daughter of Antony Frome?"
"Pleasure is all mine, lord Quade and yes, I am."
Thomas observed her momentarily, and Jakob understood what she meant when she talked about her name.
Jakob was about to say something when he heard.
" ahh, miss Frome I presume," Emma interrupted.
" I've heard so much good about you from my little brother here. My name is Emma Quade."
Amy shook her hand and smiled.
" Thank you, miss Quade. Your brother has been talking about you two. You can tell he cared a lot about you."
Emma smiled back.
" Father, I believe that Lucius was searching for you in the ballroom. I said I would ensure you got the message if I saw you."
Thomas smiled and said farewell to the group.
"So Amy, as a big sister, I hope you understand why I'm a bit forward now, but could you tell me what your intentions with my brother are? Seeing him being eleven and you fifteen."
Amy gave a slight bow.
"I understand completely, and I'm happy to tell you that I find your brother very exciting. When he is around, you never know what will happen next. I can't tell you more, for that would break the Slytherin code."
Emma observed her but not in the way his father had done.
" As I'm a student of Ilvermorny, I'm afraid that I don't understand what this code you speak of is, but I imagen that my brother does, so I won't press the issue. My only wish is that he is not used or betrayed." Emma gave her a meaningful stare.
" my brother does not care that he has a powerful last name that people would love to exploit."
Amy smiled when she said this.
"That is one of the reasons I started to notice him. He is not like everyone else."
Emma did not show if she liked that answer or not but continued.
" has my brother told you that we wish you to visit us?"
" Yes, and I thank you for the opportunity. We have decided I will visit in the summer. I have plans that can't be delayed this break in afraid.
Emma gave a slight nod to this.
" Of course, then we will make preparations for this summer. Send an owl to my father with the date you wish, and we will see it happen."
With the conversation ending, Jakob breathed out a sigh of relief.
When they had all walked inside, Amy's parents had met up with them, and Jakob had tried his best to charm them. If Amy's look of amusement told him anything, it would be that he had succeeded.
As the festivities were slowly ending, Jakob and Draco stood in a corner, preparing what they had always done at this party since they were small children.
"Jakob, we could get into real trouble. They might send us to Azkaban, " the blonde said in a worried whisper.
Jakob rolled his eyes. This was the famous Draco line he said every year.
" Common, you started this and dragged me into it."
"Remember the rules?" said Jakob after looking around.
Draco sighed.
"Yes, fifteen minutes, don't get caught and only one item and no magic."
Jakob, while listening, nodded.
" alright, and the winner takes it all."
They moved around in the crowd of drunk Wizards and witches.
Draco and Jakob started this trend when they were 9 and saw all the rich people.
Draco had dared Jakob to steal something better than him. Jakob, who had refused initially, was now hooked to the game.
The rules had come after they noticed it had become too easy. This year they added the fifteen-minute timer. Last year they had 30.
Jakob walked around, watched the different people, and tried his best to see who he thought was richer.
He saw an old man sitting and talking with an older witch about the new laws the wizengamot had passed about orphan muggle-borns.
Jakob heard them talking about the children like insects and weren't worth the time.
"Bingo," Jakob whispered and snuck forward to them.
While he strode, he grabbed a glass of champagne and positioned himself behind the old couple.
When the man was about to take a sip of his own and the woman was not looking, Jakob quickly poured the liquid so that it seemed like the man had accidentally spilt.
"Merlin's beard," the old man said, getting the attention of the woman who went to her bag looking for her wand.
"you should not have drunk so many glasses, Travers," said the woman roaming around in her purse.
Jakob saw the old man's pocket watch, quickly grabbed it, and snuck away like he had never been there.
When he got back to Draco, the blonde boy looked very proud.
" What did you get?" asked Draco in a whisper.
Jakob drew out the pocket watch that was magically enhanced to show the time and had a button at the side.
The clock snapped when pressing, and a silver pool of liquid showed. It was a small pensive.
The pocket watch was coated in gold and different tiny jewels.
Draco looked disappointed.
"What did you get? Jakob asked in amusment.
Draco drew out a silver pen that looked very expensive.
" So... I win?" asked Jakob, and Draco gave him the pen.
" Cheer up, mate, you won last year," said Jakob when Draco pouted, crossing his arm.
" And who knows, you will probably win next year.
Draco looked a little better, and that concluded the night event.
Emma and Jakob said goodbye to the other guests and made their way to the floo room.
Narcissa and Draco gave them a hug goodbye at the floo.
Jakob's father would stay a bit longer with Lucius like he did every year.
When Jakob got home, Susie greeted them and, on the way to their rooms, told Emma about the different things she had witnessed during the evening, with Susie listening in with interest, imagining what it would be like.
Jakob always felt terrible that Susie and Ella never accompanied them on this sort of thing.
He supposed Emma felt the same, which was why she, even if tired, told her everything.
Jakob got into his bed that night and thought of Amy and their walk.
She really is something, he thought before falling into a blissful sleep.
The next day Jakob woke up to the sensation that someone was sitting on top of him, and when he opened his eyes, he saw a face just Infront of him Yelling.
"It's Christmas!"
Jakob threw her off him, and she fell on the bed further down.
Jakob knew Ella loved Christmas, and she was always a little too excited.
The girl that had been thrown off did not give up and creepily crept towards Jakob.
"Did you get me anything?" She asked with hope in her eyes.
Jakob had closed his eyes again.
He nodded with a hand on his temples and another pointing at his nightstand.
The girl grabbed the present fast as a mouse and ripped it open.
Inside there was a snow globe which had different charms placed on it.
There in the snowglobe lay both Ella and Jakob making snow angels.
They laughed as the snow fell on them.
Behind them was the mansion in all its glory.
Ella stared at the snow globe in awe, and Jakob, who had got up and put on his morning robe, studied her.
"You like it?"
The girl, still lying in bed, jerked and looked over at Jake.
" I love it! It's the best Christmas gift ever."
Jakob smiled.
" yet", he added and watched her eyes widen.
"There is more downstairs under the three. I knew you would come here first, so I had one prepared" Ella jumped out of bed and ran out of his room.
He could hear her running footsteps in the corridor and a voice belonging to Susie.
" Elisabeth Beatrix, stop running in the corridors!"
Jakob heard that the footsteps were not Wavering, and a faint voice told back.
"Jakob, present, more. Under three! Sorry, mum!"
Jakob smiled, and when he came out, he saw Susie dressed in a nicer dress today.
"Good morning, Jakob and Merry Christmas."
Jakob gave her a hug.
" Merry Christmas, Susie"
" Jakob dear, I really appreciate that you gave Ella gifts, but if you spoil her, she won't be happy on the day you are not here."
Jakob knew that Susie could not afford any gifts for her child. Being a slave gave her clothes, food and a place in their manor. But a slave was never paid.
Jakob smiled at his mother figure. Don't worry Susie, I will always bring her gifts. She will never be disappointed on Christmas."
Susie's eyes got teary as she Hugged her little boy and had to clear her throat.
"Well, breakfast is ready, so I suggest you hurry up before it gets cold."
Jakob went downstairs and ate dinner with his family.
Emma had taken Ella away from ripping open her gift, trying to convince the girl to eat breakfast first.
When that did not succeed, she had put her in a body bind and levitated her into the dining hall, where Thomas had chuckled seeing the evil glare Ella had given Emma, who had rolled her eyes.
When eating breakfast, Ella showed Emma and Thomas the gift Jakob had already given her, and Emma looked impressed.
"Where did you buy this from?" his father asked after observing the charms.
" I made it myself with the help of a book on charms I bought in Diagon alley this summer."
Both Emma and Thomas looked at him in shock.
" You made this yourself?" Emma asked, seeing if Jakob was lying.
" Yes? It was not that difficult?"
Thomas, who held the snowball, got up.
We will talk about this more tomorrow," said his father walking away.
After breakfast, they sat in the living room in front of the fireplace.
Of course, Jakob had gotten a book on potions by Pansy, and from Blaze, he had got a book on spells that Jakob's father had commended the boy on.
"Don't use them at school, boy but learn them," Thomas said while looking at the book.
Theo had given him a spell on transfiguration.
When he opened the gift he got from Draco, he sighed as he saw that it was quidditch supplies.
"Has he forgotten that we own a company that makes these"
Jakob said to his father, who sat on an armchair reading the paper with a pipe in his mouth. His father chuckled and then proceeded to flip the page.
Tracey, Theo, Crabbe and Goyle had gotten a lot of candy in different forms and sizes.
Daphne had gifted him an expensive chess game with a note that read: I really enjoyed our moment.
From his father, he had got a knife that looked very old and had tiny symbols and runes etched into it.
"It's a ritualistic knife," Thomas said, ignoring the look Susie sent him.
"you might have use for it one day."
Jakob thanked his father for the attempt and knew that Thomas never really knew what to give his children.
Emma gifted him a wand holder that was made out of dragonhide.
"It's charmed to shoot out your wand when it senses you flicking your hand for it."
Jakob had tried, and the wand had shot out but missed his grip.
"guess I need some practice, " he said and hugged his big sister.
He thought about the gifts he had sent his friends.
Pansy had got a new cauldron made out of a mix of iron and the shell of a fire crab and had all the latest charm's built into it, such as s timer, self-stirring and other things that Jakob could not remember. That he knew she would love.
Daphne got a necklace with different gems that would change colour to match her clothes. Tracey got a broom as he knew she secretly loved flying and had only an old Comet.
Draco got a set of quidditch gear that his father's company produced for the pro leagues worldwide.
Jakob knew that the Slytherin boy loved one player who had made an advertisement with this generation of gear.
Blaze and Theo got a gift card on a sum of galleons at zonkos store, and Crabbe and Goyle got a lot of candy and other sweets.
The most challenging gift taught Jakob was the gift to Amy. he wanted to gift her something as thanks after all she had done for him.
He had decided to Buy her a ring that, when turned, would play up memory like an intense daydream, and Jakob had chosen the moment they had walked and talked during the Malfoy party. He had to send this gift later, so she would not get it today, but he hoped she liked it.
As Christmas day ended, Jakob got to bed with a smile.
The morning after, he got up, dressed, and then proceeded to the dining hall for breakfast. When he opened the doors to the dining room, he saw only his father sitting there waiting for him. Thomas noticed Jakob walking in and stood up.
"You are coming with me."
Did I do something wrong?" asked Jakob, confused.
"No, you are not in trouble, but I need you to follow me."
Jakob got up and followed his father.
When they had walked for a while in silence, they halted between two oak doors with the word Quade on them in gold letters.
Jakob looked at his father.
" But I'm not allowed in there?"
Thomas glanced at his son.
" In the right circumstances, you would be right. This is not the right circumstance."
Thomas waved his wand, and an unlocking sound was heard.
"You will not tell anyone of the things you see here. Not even your sister."
Jakob gulped and nodded.
When they walked, Jakob looked in astonishment at the room.
It was decorated with the most marvellous things he had seen. There was a chandelier that looked like a thousand diamonds hanging in the ceiling, and on both sides of the walls were bookshelves containing both books and other magical things.
Jakob noted that there also were jars containing things that made Jakob look away.
Further in stood a mahogany desk with a wooden office chair with black leather patches that looked both luxurious and comfortable.
Jakob longed for the day he would be able to sit in it, but then his eyes were drawn to another thing in the room standing in a corner.
It was a bookstand, almost as tall as Jakob, and on it lay a black book with the family crest.
Jakob was ordered to sit on a conjured chair in front of his father's desk. Thomas took the book, sat in his chair, and started looking through it.
Jakob sat and tried to read what the book said, but it was upside down, and his father was flipping the pages too fast.
After a minute, Thomas found what he was looking for and stood up, walked over to Jakob, and told him to rise.
Jakob did what his father told him, and his father started to speak in the same tone and language he had during that ritual night.
Jakob did not feel anything, and when his father was done, he grabbed Jakob's arm and examined it. Jakob saw that a symbol was visible and glowed. It faded, and Thomas looked confused.
" Father, is everything alright?"
Thomas sat down in his chair.
" Yes, everything is alright. Everything is as it should," the head of house Quade said, almost in an irritated voice.
He stood up again, walked over to the doors, and then turned towards Jakob.
"Get up, boy I want to test something."
Jakob got up, and his father took out his wand. They were a few meters apart now.
"Take out your wand, and when I cast my stunner, I want you to focus on protecting yourself. Don't say anything. Just let your magic flow from the wand."
Jakob took out his wand.
" But if I don't say anything, the magic won't know what spell to cast."
"Magic is intent. You don't need wand movement or speech to cast spells, but they help to handicap you."
Jakob's eyebrows rose at the statement his father had just made.
"That makes sense," Jake said, nodding.
" Just do as I say, and did I say it would be a stunner?"
" yes, father"
" I lied"
His father said something in Celtic, and a blue lightning streak was shot at Jakob.
Jakob, who did what his father had told him, pointed his wand at the light, and with panic in his eyes, he saw the tip of his wand glow and shoot out a dark purple ray of light towards his father.
The rays connected, and Jakob could sense a push from his father's spell.
"Good, now I want you to push every ounce of magic you have in yourself trying to win this duel.
Jakob nodded and started to push more magic into the spell, but nothing happened.
His father, who observed the magical push, yelled over the sound the spells were making.
"Push harder, boy, or you will soon feel what Crucio feels like.
Jakob's eyes widen. He would not use that on his son, right?
Jakob, afraid of the answer, looked at the blu light and pushed harder.
His father did not make a move, and the spells were still in a deadlock.
The blue light suddenly started to move against Jakob, who pushed harder and harder. He felt the blue magic coming closer, now almost touching his wand.
Jakob took in air and screamed everything he could, and Thomas Witnessed with wide eyes that the dark purple spell got fuller and stronger and pushed back his own magic. As the spell continued to press, small flashes of purple lightning broke away, hitting and burning furniture and items in the room.
Then the boy suddenly stopped. Jakob's arms gave way, and the spell was cancelled.
Jakob looked around, heaving in the air while examining the devastation in the room and the stare his father was giving him.
" Father, I'm s-" Thomas watched as blood flowed from his son's nostrils, his eyes rolled back, and Jakob's body collapsed.
Thomas caught his son with a levitation charm and, with his free hand, swiped the air. Everything on the table got thrown to the right, and He gently laid his son on the table and then sat in his chair, putting a hand on Jakob's forehead while yelling for Susie.
When Susie arrived and saw the state Jakob and the room was in, she looked murderous at Thomas.
" What have you done?" she yelled and ran towards the unconscious boy, waving her wand to make the blood disappear and casting all sorts of diagnostic charms.
When she was done, she sighed in relief.
"There is something wrong, Susie said Thomas with a defeated sigh."
" I can see that," she said, glaring at the patriarch.
"Su, this is Jakob's doing" He gestured around the room.
Susie stopped and looked at her master.
" That's not possible," she said, looking down at the boy."
"He pushed against my spell, and he was for a moment winning," said Thomas observing his son while still having his hand on his forehead.
" The ritual is supposed to enhance magic reserves and maturity. Not make him stronger," said the maid in confusion and a bit scared.
"I can't seem to figure this out, Su. He is stronger, and the black smoke that came out of him that night. The spell he aimed at me and did all this." Thomas continued looking around the room and then back at Susie.
"Su, it was dark magic."
Thomas looked over at a book hiding in the bookshelf that he swore he would never open.
" Maybe I initiated something in him that was already there waiting."
Susie glanced over and saw what Thomas was looking at.
" Thomas, you can't expect that-"
" I don't know what to expect! Thomas roared in frustration. Susie jumped, and they heard Jakob waking up.
" Father?"
Thomas smiled and put a hand on his son's forehead.
" I'm here, son."
" Did I make you proud?"
Susie looked at Thomas with worry in her eyes, and Thomas tried to not look the same. He then turned his gaze down to his son's eyes and smiled.
" You did, Jakob. You made me very proud."
The winter break ended, and Jakob was on the train with his friends back to Hogwarts.
They all talked about the party and what they chatted about what their different highlight had been. They also spoke about the Christmas present they had gotten from each other, and everyone described loudly what they got from both Draco and Jake except pansy, who only told everyone that Draco had gifted her a dress that she loved.
Jakob felt a little disappointed that she clearly did not like his gift.
They soon arrived back and sat down to eat dinner. And Jakob felt like he was where he wanted to be.
When they entered the Slytherin common room, they sat and talked for a while and then his roommate yawned and told everyone that she was going to bed and gave Jakob a quick glance before leaving.
Jakob got the hint, sat for s little while more, then said goodnight walking to room 13 and opening it.
When he got inside and closed the door, pansy Hugged him hard.
"Thank you for the Christmas gift. It really was too much, Jake," she said, and Jake felt like a brick was lifted.
" Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I was worried when you did not mention it on the train."
Pansy released him and looked apologetic.
" I'm sorry, it's just that if I told everyone, they would know that you got the best gift for me and i..-"
" Did not want to hurt Draco's feelings?" asked Jakob, sighing.
" It really was an excellent gift, and both mother and father were surprised you got me something so expensive."
" what can I say," said Jakob.
"being a roommate with me has its perks."
Pansy smiled and gave him another hug.
" Anyway, thanks. I'm going to get ready, so don't fall asleep yet. We have a lot to talk about before sleeping."
Jakob nodded, feeling the same way but did not say it aloud.
Jakob woke up the following morning and decided to take a stroll. Knowing it was Sunday, everyone would sleep in.
He got dressed and snuck out to not wake Pansy, and when he was about to open the door to explore Hogwarts, he heard a female voice behind him that he recognised.
" good morning, Jakob. I have been meaning to talk to you."