Chapter 6: Not according to plan

Draco shivered, clutching his arms tightly for warmth. "It's almost 10," he said, his voice chattering with cold.

Feeling equally chilled, Jakob glanced in the direction leading back to the castle.

"When they arrive, you know what to do," Jakob reminded Draco, turning to look at his friend for confirmation.

Draco rolled his eyes, responding impatiently, "Can you not? We've gone through it a million times." Hopping up and down to stay warm, he continued, "I know, I know. Don't overthink it now. You always do that," with a hint of exasperation.

Ignoring his friend's remark, Jakob stared toward the hut, a growing sense of dread welling up within him at the thought of potential consequences if something went awry.

"Are you sure the giant isn't inside? What was its name... Hagrid?" Jakob inquired, for what Draco believed was the hundredth time.

"Every night at 10 o'clock, he goes into the forest and comes back an hour later," Draco stated confidently. However, his tone indicated he'd explained this several times before. Jakob turned to him sceptically.

"How could you possibly know that?"

A spark of irritation flickered in Draco's eyes, but he maintained his composure.

"I just do, alright?"

Jakob was on the verge of pressing the issue further when muffled voices drifted from the forest path ahead of them, yet nothing was visible in the darkness.

"Shh," Jakob commanded, silencing Draco with a raised hand as he strained to hear the distant sounds.

"Disillusionment Charm?" Draco queried in a hushed tone, recognising the growing muffled noise.

"No," Jakob whispered in frustration as a cloak revealed Harry, Weasley, and Finnigan.

"It's an invisibility cloak. Why does that idiot have an invisibility cloak? This could ruin everything," Jakob hissed, feeling the tension rising as his carefully laid plan began to unravel. Realising he had no other choice, he swiftly made a decision.

"Give me the wand and run."

Draco appeared momentarily puzzled before he protested, "But that's not the plan!

"There is no plan if they can turn bloody invisible." He snatched Pansy's wand from Draco's hand, reinforcing his command, "Go as we initially discussed, and don't look back."

Draco cast a quick, apprehensive glance at the Gryffindor group and back to his best friend. He didn't want to leave Jakob alone, but the determination in Jakob's eyes left him with no choice.

Draco followed the plan, vanishing into the darkness, leaving the lone Slytherin to handle the last part of the plan on his own.

As he watched Draco disappear into the forest, he took a deep breath, feeling slightly relieved.

If the plan did not go as expected, there was a chance that his friend might escape unharmed at least.

With unwavering focus, he observed as Harry casually discarded his cloak onto the damp, frigid grass beside him. They were still positioned too far away from Jakob's desired location, and he recognised the pressing need to secure that cloak. Otherwise, the three Gryffindors would certainly vanish at the slightest hint of trouble.

A sly grin crept across his face as a brilliant idea dawned on him. He raised his wand and muttered "Lumos" before quickly countering with "nox," signalling the three boys to draw nearer.

When the trio spotted the fleeting white light, the red-haired boy let out a frustrated sigh and begrudgingly handed over what looked like a few copper coins to Finnegan.

"That's it, follow the light," Jakob whispered softly. Then, he swiftly moved in the opposite direction, hugging the hut's wall, determined to stay out of sight and avoid detection as he continued circling around.

If they spotted him, it would be game over for the Slytherin. Not only would they have proof of his presence, but if someone could access their memories, Jakob's alibi would crumble.

As the boys drew near, Harry's voice hissed as he declared, "You are screwed, you disgusting snakes!"

Jakob abruptly stopped as he had circled the cabin halfway, his heart racing in his chest. He realised that the boys were occupying the very spot he and Draco had concealed themselves in on the other side.

He took several deep breaths, the cool night air filling his lungs as he steeled himself for the impending challenge. His pulse quickened, and his hands quivered with adrenaline as he silently counted: "One, two."

At the count of three, he exploded into action, launching himself off the wall with a powerful push. Every muscle in his legs tensed as he sprinted with all his might while his arms and hands sliced through the air, urging him to run faster. The rush of the wind filled his ears, and his breaths were synchronised to fuel his body to reach its peak speed.

When the cloak was just a few meters away, he glided swiftly over the damp grass, displaying the finesse of a hunting predator. In one fluid motion, he snatched the cloak and, with an agile movement, raised himself to his feet again.

His heart pounded in his chest, and his breaths were laboured, but he had no time to rest. Instead, he turned around with singular focus, levelling his wand at the wooden roof of the giant's hut.

"Incendio!" Jakob's voice roared through the night, and in response, a powerful stream of fire burst forth from the tip of his wand.

As he released the spell, the controlled stream of flames soared through the air, leaving behind a trail of shimmering golden embers. The intense heat radiated from the magical fire, its warmth washing over his face like a scorching breath.

Not daring to look back at what he had done, the Slytherin boy sprinted once more. This time, he veered away from the path to the castle, swiftly manoeuvring around it and seeking refuge in the obscurity of the night.

Desperate cries for help from the three boys echoed through the air, and he was reasonably sure they had not detected him. If they had, they would have likely called out his name instead of shouting for assistance.

But his mission was not yet complete. He still needed to enter the school unnoticed, praying that Draco had returned to the castle and was safely tucked away in his dormitory.

Then, like a heavy stone dropping in his stomach, he stopped in his tracks as frantic voices echoed from inside the castle gates, growing closer by the moment.

Desperately searching for a hiding spot, Jakob noticed a thorn-covered bush and made a mad dash for it. Paying no heed to the painful thorns that scratched his face, neck, hands, and throat, he tucked himself into its depths.

Unknowingly, he held his breath, maintaining complete stillness as he observed the Hogwarts staff emerging through the castle gates. Leading the group was Dumbledore, flanked by Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, while their hulking companion Hagrid followed closely behind. The figures cast fleeting shadows across his concealed form in the bushes as they hurried down the path, heading directly for a group of Gryffindor students.

Taking a second look at the cloak he was clutching tightly in his hand, he immediately realised that using it as a means of escape was a bad idea. He knew that certain family heirlooms contained traces of powerful magic, making him wary of its use, as it might harm him or, worse, signalling its owner that he was using it.

But Jakob was certain of one thing, he couldn't remain here for much longer. The bushes wouldn't hide him forever. His skin stung from the sharp thorns piercing him, and he knew he couldn't endure them much longer. "Come on, you coward... Move," he whispered to his frozen body.

Just when he was nearing his limit, the burning roof suddenly collapsed in on itself. All attention turned toward Hagrid, who let out a loud and mournful cry.

Jakob couldn't discern the giant's mournful and furious shouts, but that was unimportant now. Seizing the opportunity, he leapt out from behind the bush. He sprinted toward the school, his feet pounding against the ground as he raced toward victory.

He scanned his surroundings within the front gates and found them utterly deserted. All he needed to worry about now were the prefects and the head girl, even if she was a Slytherin.

He strode through the hall and discreetly stashed the invisibility cloak at the base of a pillar near the great hall, hoping it would never be discovered by its rightful owner.

A surge of confidence washed over Jakob as he neared the finish line, almost tempting him to burst into triumphant laughter. However, the memory of the giant's mournful shouting echoed in his mind. He had glimpsed the giant's anguish when he watched his meagre home set ablaze. Despite his initial reservations, he knew he had no choice but to select him. Draco had insisted that the half-blooded figure was their sole option, and Jakob had reluctantly agreed.

As he turned the corner and was about to ascend the grand staircase, the Slytherin boy's triumphant smile suddenly faded, and his steps halted abruptly. A voice from behind sent a wave of terror coursing through his body, leaving him frozen in place.

"I know what you did," uttered a meek, innocent voice, causing Jakob to close his eyes, realising his mistake in believing he could pull this off undetected. Hesitantly, he turned around, and there she stood.

"You?" he said in disbelief, recognising the bushy-haired girl he had saved from that potion mishap just the day before.

"I haven't introduced myself. My name is Hermione Granger, and-"

"You need to be quiet, or we'll both be in trouble," Jakob interrupted, raising a finger to his lips. As she fell silent, she scrutinised him more closely and gasped. "Are you injured? Perhaps I can take you to the healer. I've heard she's quite skilled."

Jakob's panic grew, and he glanced around nervously, fearing someone might overhear the girl's incessant babbling. With each passing second, the urgency to silence her grew, but his mind was muddled, making it difficult to think clearly.

Jakob acted swiftly, seizing her robe and pulling her closer. He fixed the now frightened girl with a menacing, icy glare and whispered, "Listen, I don't care who you are, but if you breathe a word of this to anyone, I promise you'll regret it."

He could see his own reflection in her brown, terrified eyes, but he noticed something else - the telltale redness around her eyes, a clear sign that she had already shed tears this evening.

His adrenaline rush led him to push her back more forcefully than he had intended, causing her to stumble and land on the castle floor with a heavy thud, emitting a small, pained sound. Her bushy brown hair cascaded like a curtain across her face, and she made no effort to rise.

When Jakob observed what his actions had caused and saw her there, silent and still, it made him physically ill.

He couldn't bear to look at her, at the situation he had brought upon someone who didn't deserve such treatment.

In his moment of weakness, he did what any thirteen-year-old in his position would have done. He shut his eyes tightly, choosing instead to turn away from what he hadn't the courage to face.

As he descended the stairs to the dungeon, she spoke up, her voice quivering with silent sobs. "You... You helped me," she said, her words tinged with sorrow. "It's only been two days, but you're the only one who's shown me any sort of kindness. I...I just wanted to say thanks."

Jakob couldn't help but pause when he heard the vulnerability in the girl's voice and the sadness in her tone. He sighed and turned around, ready to respond, but she had already disappeared.

It was during moments like these that Jakob truly hated himself.

Descending the stairs, Jakob sighed, attempting to divert his thoughts from the guilt he felt. But he couldn't stop thinking about her.

She claimed that he had been the first person to show her kindness. This raised questions in the Slytherin boy's mind.

Why had she not been allowed a place in her house? Gryffindor was known for welcoming students regardless of their blood status. So, why was she subjected to bullying? Was there a deeper story behind this?

Continuing on, he descended further into the dimly lit dungeon, but he couldn't get her out of his head. Her image, with those terrified eyes, played over and over in his mind. He attempted to shake it off, to rationalise it, but it didn't help. The image continued to replay, forcing him to stop in his tracks.

A solitary torch cast an uneven illumination, burning a bit higher on the wall beside him. A mix of anger and regret flooded through him, making him close his eyes tightly and clench his fist. Without thinking, he slammed his fist into the stone wall. A dull thud echoed through the dungeon.

As he slowly opened his clenched hand, the pain from his action began to take hold, ultimately helping to temper his anger and gradually calming him down.

As Jakob approached the entrance of the Slytherin common room and whispered the secret phrase, the door creaked open. He was about to enter when, suddenly, Amy emerged from the other side, wearing a devilish smirk. Her unexpected appearance caught him entirely off guard, momentarily stunning him.

"Had a productive night?" she asked with a mischievous tone. Without waiting for a response, she decisively grabbed his collar and, in a show of unexpected strength, pulled him inside.

While closing the entrance door with her free hand, she pressed him firmly against the wall with her other, her eyes intently scrutinising his face. For a moment, her expression lacked amusement.

Jakob frowned, puzzled as to why she seemed to be assessing his well-being with such intensity.

"I take it you were successful in your little endeavour?" she inquired, her voice laced with amused curiosity as she took a slight step forward.

Jakob struggled to regain his composure, his breath steadying as he willed himself to resist the allure of her captivating eyes and luscious, curly hair. This unfamiliar reaction felt unsettling, as he was not accustomed to feeling this way. He had never felt so out of control in the presence of girls before, and it was a sensation he did not like.

"It's impossible to tell for certain. Draco and I followed all the necessary steps, so now it's just a waiting game until tomorrow," Jakob stated firmly, a glint of confidence in his eyes.

Amy carefully considered his words and the emotions he displayed, a sly smile forming as she became convinced of his honesty. With grace, she released his collar and motioned towards a welcoming couch by the fireplace, inviting Jakob to take a seat.

His legs, drained from the earlier sprint, moved with deliberate slowness as he made his way to the awaiting seat. With the adrenaline wearing off, fatigue began to envelop his body. Jakob focused every thought on walking steadily and nonchalantly to ensure that the older girl didn't notice the tremble in his legs.

Sinking into the cushions, an instant wave of relief washed over him, his entire body yearning for rest. However, he remained alert in case the prefect made any sudden moves or showed any signs of betrayal.

Young Malfoy returned a while ago." Amy started, giving Jakob a once-lookover before continuing. "He was in better shape than you, with less dirt, fewer cuts, and a lot less blood."

Jakob was about to respond to Amy's statement but halted, his brow furrowing as her words sank in. Suddenly, a tingling sensation, followed by pain, began to envelop his face and hands.

Raising his hand to his forehead, an instant, searing sting compelled him to withdraw it, exposing fingertips smeared with blood.

The crushing realisation of the bush's ruthless assault washed over him like a wave of agony. Despite his valiant attempts to conceal it, clenching his jaw and forcing a smile, the pain slowly but surely asserted its presence, chiselling through his facade and filling his senses.

"Does it hurt?" Amy inquired, her gaze firmly fixed on his hand and face. Her expression was devoid of any concern or apprehension, instead radiating an unsettling curiosity as if she wanted to taste the red liquid.

"It's fine, I..." Jakob started but found himself unable to finish his sentence. Amy cast him a knowing glance that eloquently communicated her recognition of his pain.

"You must have had quite the fun not noticing how beaten up you are," she remarked with playful sarcasm.

Jakob let out a chuckle, albeit tinged with discomfort and nodded, his gaze wandered to the warm glow of the fireplace. The night had been so exciting that he hadn't even realised the potential blood that might have been seeping from his injuries. He wondered if Draco had been... wait, blood... Suddenly, the realisation struck him.

"Shit," he exclaimed, comprehending the potential consequences. "What if my blood spilt onto the floor?" He questioned more to himself than to the perfect Infront of him.

His eyes darted towards the common room's exit as he contemplated a plan to sneak out and ascertain whether any evidence remained.

Shrugging with casual indifference, Amy responded, "It doesn't matter now. You should have considered that beforehand." Jakob gazed at her, puzzled, and she gestured toward her prefect badge.

"I'll let you off this time," she declared firmly. "But if you go out again when you're supposed to be in bed, I'll have to punish you." Her eyes didn't carry the severity of a typical prefect's, but instead, they held a mischievous glint. It left the Slytherin boy wondering about the nature of her punishment.

Judging from the consequences Tracey had faced before, he thought it best not to try his luck. Amy had been right. It was far too risky to go out in public, especially when he could barely stand as it was. He'd be sure to raise suspicion if someone spotted him covered in blood and dirt. He also knew that if his blood had been found, he'd find out soon enough tomorrow.

"Do you honestly believe that this haphazard plan of yours could be put together in mere hours and actually work flawlessly?" Amy chastised, her gaze stern as she stared at Jakob. He did not reply, only frowning and averting his eyes towards the fireplace.

Not getting the response she desired, the older Slytherin girl persisted. This boy could have potential, but the arrogance and entitlement instilled in him by his house had made him think nothing could touch him.

The Slytherin house was filled with far too many idiots who thought they were above the rules, and this often led to their ultimate downfall.

"That doesn't seem very Slytherin-like to me," she continued, "sounds more like a Gryffindor attitude to really."

If the hat had gotten what it wanted, that's where I would have been placed, thought Jakob, feeling a faint nausea over the idea that he might have ended up in the house of morons.

As Amy observed the boy, a faint glimmer of shame appeared in his eyes. She couldn't help but smile inwardly. Finally, she had found what she had been seeking. Perhaps there was potential in this boy after all. If he could listen and learn, he would become a formidable force in the future. Amy was determined to ensure he remained faithfully by her side.

She rose from her place on the couch, circled the black table, and settled beside him on his own. Lifting her wand, she aimed it at Jakob, causing him to instinctively shrink back and reach for his own wand. Yet, the genuine smile on her face eased his alarm. She began to incant a spell in an unfamiliar tongue, and the tip of her wand started emanating a gentle, warm green radiance.

A tingling sensation began at the points of his injured skin as if a multitude of tiny, gentle fingers were caressing and soothing away the pain. It spread gradually, like a warm wave washing over him, carrying the discomfort with it.

Jakob could almost feel the wounds closing, the skin knitting back together, and the soreness fading into nothingness. When she finished, the sensation subsided, leaving him feeling remarkably better, as if the injuries had never existed in the first place. Amy appeared content with her work, her eyes reflecting a hint of satisfaction.

He observed his healed face and hands and couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Why are you helping me?"

Amy reclined in her seat, her gaze sweeping across the room. A gentle smile graced her face, and her eyes danced with a hint of nostalgia. "When I was your age," she began, her voice carrying a thoughtful tone, "I had the same drive and determination that I see in you now." She fixed her gaze on the flickering flames in the fireplace, lost in her memories.

"But unlike you," she continued with an amused smile. "I had my breakthrough a week after school started, not two days. That's the difference between us. You're more impulsive than I am, and I'm curious to see where that leads you," Amy returned her focus back to Jakob with a playful wink.

"When I began my schooling, I didn't have anyone to guide me. It makes me wonder where I'd be if I did. Would I have reached even greater heights? Would my aspirations have been too high and led to my downfall? Now, at least, I've got the chance to see for myself," Her mischievous smirk quickly melted away, replaced by an expression the younger Slytherin boy had never seen before.

She fixed her penetrating gaze on him, and her tone turned more serious.

"Do not mistake my intentions, Heir Quade. Whenever I offer assistance, I always expect something of equal value in return." As Jakob heard her words, a chill ran down his spine, but her stern demeanour dissipated as swiftly as it had appeared.

Amy rose from her seat, and Jakob, utilising the couch's armrest for support, stood alongside her. With a graceful gesture, he bowed his head respectfully to her.

"I wish you sweet dreams, Amy," Jakob said. He watched the black-haired girl, her infectiously cheerful smile, her face aglow with delight in the fireplace's warm light. He couldn't help but mirror her expression and offer a genuine smile.

Amy's triumph radiated from her as she savoured the use of her first name. "I'm certain I'll have the sweetest of dreams, Jakob," she replied with satisfaction.

With a brief nod, he took his leave. The tired first year headed off into the dormitory corridor without sparing the older girl a second glance.

Amy observed him departing, her fingers idly twirling her dark locks. He was quite something, that boy.

The journey through the dormitory corridor seemed endless this time, every step draining what little energy Jakob had left. With a weary sigh, he finally reached his dorm room. He raised the heavy weight of his arm to turn the doorknob and entered.

When he closed the door behind him, Pansy's voice rang out with a sharp gasp.

"What on earth happened to you?"

Jakob didn't reply, only casting a weary glance in her direction before making his way into the bathroom.

His heart sank as he confronted his reflection in the mirror. His face and hands were still marked by the grim and sticky residue of blood, the dark crimson stains contrasting starkly against his pale skin. Examining his reflection in the bathroom mirror, it became evident that Amy's spell had not included a blood-vanishing charm.

Shutting the bathroom door to block out Pansy's concerned voice from the other side, he turned on the shower and studied his reflection in the mirror.

His robes were in tatters, rendering him a dishevelled and wretched sight. He couldn't fathom how that bushy-haired girl had mustered the courage to approach him in such a state. It was no surprise she had been terrified when he finally responded. Shaking his head, he swiftly undressed and stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to rinse away the blood and dirt from his face and hair.

Once he had finished, he dressed in his black silk pyjamas and opened the door to find Pansy perched on the foot of her bed.

Her head turned towards him as she looked up, her expression initially one of worry. However, as her eyes took in his appearance, her concern gave way to astonishment.

"You... You look alright?" Pansy's voice held a blend of relief and surprise. Her wide-eyed gaze remained fixed on him, taking in the dramatic transformation in his appearance. "What happened to all the blood, your clothes?"

Jakob responded with a weary shrug and reached for her wand. He swiftly twirled it in his fingers before extending his hand and offering it back to her. Pansy, her curiosity briefly conflicting with her better judgment, hesitated. Yet, as she witnessed his fatigued expression, she decided not to press for further answers. Rising from her seat, she approached him and accepted her wand from his outstretched hand.

"What did Draco and you need it for?" Pansy inquired. Jakob hesitated, his eyes briefly darting to the rules posted on the wall.

"Everything discussed in this room stays between us, right?"

Acknowledging Jakob's words with a curt nod, her eyes reflected mixed emotions as he recounted their recent adventure. There was a glimmer of joy on her face, quickly overshadowed by concern when he mentioned that his companion had run off into the woods.

"He's fine, Pansy," Jakob reassured. "Draco's probably in his own dorm right now, snoaring like a troll."

"Are you absolutely sure?" She questioned, her worry evident in her furrowed brows.

Jakob nodded in response, but a hint of annoyance flickered across his face as she persisted with her inquiries.

"How can you be so certain of that?" She continued, her voice laced with panic. Meeting her gaze, Jakob explained with a touch of irritation, "Draco left a note in the dungeon as a secret sign. He's back," The Quade heir lied.

Telling her that Amy had provided him with the information would only lead to more questions from his roommate, questions he wasn't prepared to answer at the moment.

"But why did you need my wand?" Pansy inquired once more. Jakob let out a deep sigh, his hand running over the bridge of his nose in irritation. He had wished that with the provided information, his roommate would be able to grasp his plan and connect the dots without requiring a detailed explanation from him.

"If we had been caught, and they asked to see our last spell, Incendio wouldn't have looked good, would it?" Pansy's face began to redden with anger, her voice raising as she asked her next question.

"So, you framed me?"

Jakob burst into laughter, prompting Pansy to hurl a pillow at him. It hit him on the shoulder and caused him to laugh even harder.

When he finally regained his composure, he pretended to wipe away tears of joy as he gazed at the girl with her arms crossed, clearly in a huff.

In the brief time Jakob had known her at Hogwarts, this was the first instance where Pansy had revealed her youthful side, with that ever-present sour expression on her face.

Sighing softly and offering her a comforting smile, he sat down beside her on the bed. "No, you idiot," he said gently. "If I had wanted to frame you, I would have left your wand at the scene." Pansy's lips curved into a pout, and she averted her gaze slightly, seemingly unconvinced by her roommate's words of reassurance.

"We couldn't use our own wands," Jakob explained, standing and tossing the pillow back at his childish roommate. She caught it deftly, her initial surprise giving way to contemplation.

For a moment, she pondered his words, piecing the puzzle together in her mind until the realisation dawned upon her. Her eyes widened with excitement as she grasped the implications of his words.

"You think that the headmaster will summon you and Draco to have your wands examined tomorrow," Pansy stated, her shock evident.

Jakob slowly clapped his hands, the corners of his mouth lifting into a pleased grin. "Thinking like a true Slytherin. Well done," he praised her. "I'm sure the golden boy won't keep his end of the bargain anyways and will blab his mouth to anyone who'll listen about what truly happened."

"Which is almost everyone," Pansy said eagerly.

Jakob grinned, thrusting a finger in her direction. "Exactly! When they ask Draco and me to show our wands, we'll prove that the Gryffindors are lying and seal their fate."

Pansy's eyes briefly shone with admiration as if she were momentarily entranced by his words. However, her demeanour quickly returned to normal as a question popped into her mind.

"Jake, I truly appreciate all the information you've shared, but why did you tell me all this? Does Draco know that you've told me?" Jakob casually waved off her question.

"Of course he knows. I'm sharing this with you because I need an alibi to explain why I was helping you study late tonight." Pansy's brows furrowed in confusion.

"I could provide that alibi, but why should I? And what about Draco?"

Jakob offered her an apologetic smile along with a casual shrug. "You don't have much of a choice in this matter. If you refuse, what's stopping me from claiming you as the spell caster? If they decide to check your wand..." He let the unspoken implications hang in the air, allowing the words to settle in. Then, he addressed her second question before she could interject.

"Draco mentioned he would talk to Theo and sort something out. Apparently, Theo owes him a favour." Despite the reassuring news regarding Draco, Pansy still hesitated.

"It could all fall apart," she murmured, her gaze fixed pensively on the view beyond the window.

Jakob nodded in response, both of them gazing silently out the window, their thoughts on the potential consequences should the Quade heir's plan falter.

After a few moments of silence, although barely audible, Jakob's voice conveyed a tone of unwavering determination. "Yes, everything could go wrong." Pansy shifted her gaze from the window back to him.

"But it won't," Jakob continued, his posture straightening. "I'll make sure of it."