Chapter 11: Two secret conversations and a Slytherin party.
The heroic deeds of the golden boys quickly became the talk of the school, spreading like wildfire and capturing the imagination of students far and wide. The topic was unavoidable even at the Slytherin table, though the tone was less positive than elsewhere.
"Potter used the killing curse on the troll, what a load of rubbish," scoffed a fourth-year girl, her scepticism evident in her voice.
"Ha! I heard he was using some kind of magic from his hands and that it was the same one he used to take out You-Know-Who," added her friend, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and mockery.
Jakob, who had been eavesdropping on the various stories circulating around the hall, couldn't help but smirk. He turned to Draco, Theo, and Blaze, his fellow Slytherins.
"At least this table isn't gullible enough to fall for these obvious lies," Jakob scoffed, rolling his eyes to convey his amusement.
"Please, I have heard so many stories of how that scarhead destroyed the troll. It makes Merlin seem like a Mudblood." Draco replied with a tone of disdain, eliciting nods of agreement from his companions.
Affirming his agreement with a nod, the dark-haired boy glanced over at the teacher's table and noticed the rather sombre expressions on their faces, save for one with half-moon glasses. The headmaster, his fork approaching his mouth with a slice of apple pie, observed the students in the hall engaged in conversation with a contented expression.
Jakob quickly glanced towards the hourglasses, and fury boiled inside of him. He wanted to hex the old man for what he had done. Gryffindor had illegitimately procured 75 house points in one night.
They had been unjustly awarded the points for directly defying a regulation, losing a battle to a troll, and potentially sacrificing one of their own in the process. Right now, the Slytherin boy bitterly regretted intervening, wishing he could turn back time and let the troll finish off the two remaining morons.
"This bloody idiot actually went through with it," Jakob hissed through clenched teeth. The headmaster had actually managed to transform that Scarhead's foolish action into a glorified lie.
Seated beside him, Pansy sensed Jakob's intense stare and noticed his clenched fist under the table. His public display of emotion was unusual for him, leaving her somewhat uncertain about his intentions. Jakob had never been one to reveal his feelings so openly in front of others.
Worried about the extent to which her roommate might act on his anger, she gently placed her hand on his arm and leaned in to speak in a hushed whisper.
"I know it's not right, but let's not rush into anything just yet. We'll figure out what to do, alright?" Her voice was soft and soothing, an attempt to quell his evident frustration.
Daphne, seated in front of them and deeply engrossed in a whispered conversation with Tracey, couldn't help but catch sight of the tender hand gesture exchanged between Jakob and Pansy. A sharp pang of jealousy surged within her chest. She had been keenly observing the growing bond between the two, which seemed to strengthen with each passing day. After all, they were sharing a dorm room. Daphne couldn't help but wonder if Pansy had ventured beyond mere friendship with the boy she knew Daphne cared about.
Oblivious to the jealous gaze cast by the platinum blonde, Jakob focused on quelling his rage. He slowly rose from his seat, excusing himself from the Great Hall. His roommates had spoken the truth, and he needed to regain his composure. He couldn't reveal that the story circulating about Harry's heroic deed was a lie, as it would expose his own involvement and inaction during the troll encounter.
During the following Herbology class, Jakob immersed himself in his tasks, finding solace in the act of tending to the plants in front of him. The hands-on nature of the lesson allowed him to momentarily shift his focus away from his frustrations. However, as the lesson came to an end, the lingering irritation began to resurface.
After the Herbology class concluded, Jakob informed Draco of his need for a sick day. He swiftly collected his bag and departed before his friend could probe him further.
He soon found himself wandering aimlessly through the unnervingly quiet school corridors. His mind was a tumultuous storm of thoughts as he passed by abandoned paintings and neglected doors, eventually discovering forgotten classrooms that had remained undisturbed for years.
So much had shifted within him - his thoughts, his emotions - that he had difficulty recognising himself. Why hadn't he made an attempt to save Finnigan? Would it have been different if it were one of his friends? What if it had been Ella? A vision of the girl bloomed in his mind, bringing a small smile to his lips.
He was overcome with longing for her and all that she was - her laughter, her spirit - all of it flooded back to him. But then came the unwelcome interruption. An image of Seamus emerged, accompanied by a haunting, bone-crushing sound. He shook his head, not wanting the memory of Ella to be tainted by that disgusting Gryffindor.
"He brought this upon himself," Jakob muttered to himself.
Sighing, the Slytherin raised his head, gazing up at the castle's vaulted ceiling, deep in thought. Which punishment was worse - Finnigan's physical torment or the pain of watching someone who trusted you suffer and realise that you are worthless?
Jakob was jolted from his thoughts by melodic laughter, and he noticed three girls walking together. He immediately recognised Hermione among them, her joyful laughter ringing clear in the air. She appeared content but didn't engage in much conversation, opting for smiles and laughing with her new friends. Ivy and a dark-skinned girl walked alongside her, one on each side.
Ivy's eyes brightened as she realised she had Jakob's attention. As they walked by, Jakob caught a subtle nod from the fire-red-haired girl.
"Isn't it strange how I get so hungry at random times? It usually only happens to me around four in the afternoon. Does that sound weird to you as well, Hermione?" Ivy inquired.
Jakob got the message and responded with an exasperated eye roll.
Hermione caught sight of Jakob as he passed by and silently mouthed a 'thank you'. Her silent words seemed to hang in the air, forcing a slight twitch at one corner of Jakob's lips, yet he refused to acknowledge her in any other way.
As the three girls passed him, Jakob turned to walk in the opposite direction. But just before he could complete his turn, he noticed Hermione deliberately dropping her earring on the floor. As she bent down to retrieve it, she cast a meaningful glance in his direction, her eyes silently conveying a singular message - "Room at 10."
He gave her a wink so stealthy and brief that she almost thought he hadn't done it. Still, she was sure he had understood, and a smile briefly crossed her face before returning to her newfound Gryffindor friends.
A few minutes before four o'clock, Jakob found himself at the far end of the third corridor. His bag hung casually from one shoulder as he leaned against a worn wooden door, the passage of time making his boredom grow more and more by the second.
The rhythmic tapping of approaching footsteps caught his attention, and he soon spotted a red-haired girl entering the hallway from its midpoint. She glanced left and right, her gaze landing on him with an exasperated sigh. She moved swiftly, her steps cautious and furtive, continually checking her surroundings for any potential observers. As Ivy closed the distance between them, her pace slowed, and she paused briefly to glance behind her before facing Jakob.
"Oh no! Looks like you've been spotted. Quick, hide." Jakob's sarcastic tone earned him an irritated glare from the Gryffindor.
"Why on earth did you suggest this place? Someone might see us!" Ivy questioned with an irritated voice.
Jakob couldn't help but release another exasperated sigh. He marvelled at how the Gryffindor, despite all odds, had managed to stay alive for so long.
"Don't be a coward, Potter," he retorted impatiently, his frustration showing through. "We're on the third floor... Remember?"
Ivy's puzzled expression only deepened Jakob's irritation. "It's forbidden, you bloody gnome." Ivy raised eyebrows as the memory of Dumbledore's speech came to mind.
"Huh, yeah, that's right," she answered, a bit surprised over the fact that Jakob had remembered it. "But don't call me a bloody gnome, you insufferable dung beetle." She retorted.
"Aha, so the infamous Gryffindor golden girl reveals her true colours. And I'm always right," Jakob responded with a self-assured smirk.
Ivy decided to redirect the conversation, thinking Jakob had cleverly cornered her with his last statement. She spoke swiftly, her eyes scanning Jakob's figure to check for any signs of the cloak. "As promised, I made sure both Ron and Harry stopped their antics and-"
"Antics?" Jakob interrupted, his voice rising like a bubbling cauldron of anger. "They were torturing her!" His last word hung heavily in the deserted corridor, prompting Ivy to quickly glance around, ensuring that no one had overheard. She then turned back to Jakob, her hands raised in a calming gesture.
"Yes, yes, I know. I'm sorry," Ivy agreed nervously, worried that the Slytherin might not honour his agreement.
"I understand it was wrong of them to do what they did, but Hermione is safe with us now and won't face any more issues."
Jakob sighed and offered a slight, begrudging nod of acknowledgement. "Yes, you did a good job. But I'm curious. What did you do to make the golden boys stop so suddenly?"
Ivy met Jakob's gaze, contemplating whether to share the entire story or provide a more concise version. After a moment of internal debate, she made her decision.
"I gave my brother an earful, and then I told him that a fellow student had discovered our cloak. I warned him that unless he and Ron stopped their disgusting behaviour, that student planned to burn it."
Jakob raised an eyebrow and began a slow, mocking applause.
"Well done, Potter. You finally mustered up some of your courage. It only took a Slytherin and some dire warnings to get you in gear. Hopefully, this will set an example for how to take action in the future without needing someone else's forced guidance."
Ivy tried to maintain an air of indignation. But Jakob's words had wounded her more deeply than she was willing to admit. Shame flickered in her eyes, though she kept her emotions fairly hidden.
"Please give it back, Quade," Ivy whispered urgently. "I've upheld my end of the bargain. Now, it's your turn."
Jakob dropped his bag to the castle floor and unzipped it, revealing the multitude of colours that was the invisibility cloak. Just as Ivy reached for it, he abruptly pulled it back, his handsome face etched with intensity as he spoke.
"I couldn't care less if you decide to cease your association with Granger after I hand this cloak over to you," he began with a chilling indifference. But as he continued, his voice took on a much graver tone. "However, should your brother have a change of heart or be influenced by that imbecile Weasley to harass Granger again, I will make them regret it."
Finally, he extended the cloak towards her, and Ivy gingerly accepted it, treating it as if it were the most precious treasure. She nodded silently, acknowledging the weight of the warning he had just delivered.
"No, he won't," she replied quickly, giving the cloak a quick once-over to ensure that it was still intact and functioning properly before she continued.
"It seems like my brother and Ron got what they wanted after defeating that troll yesterday. They never really cared about Granger and agreed to stop their bullying." Jakob glanced at the girl with an amused expression. "So tell me, what did your brother tell you about him and his friends dealt with the troll? They must be rather traumatised, I imagine."
Ivy appeared slightly puzzled by Jakob's inquiry but decided to answer nonetheless.
"No... he was fine, and so was Ron. They only seemed a bit... dazed when they returned from the headmaster's office." A puzzled expression briefly crossed Ivy's face before she shook her head slightly. " Anyways, Harry just said that he was able to fight it off, and Ron pitched in by distracting the troll so Harry could deliver the final strike," she continued. Then, her expression turned more uncertain. "But honestly, it seems like Harry doesn't really know what happened himself."
Jakob raised an eyebrow at her last comment. "Oh, why would you say that, Miss Potter?"
"I... when he came back, he was very calm. I know my brother is brave, but he was... I don't know, it's just a bit weird..." Ivy trailed off for a moment, her gaze returning to the Slytherin as if she had just remembered who she was conversing with.
His expression remained inscrutable, making Ivy wonder why he even cared.
"Why do you ask?"
Jakob waved a hand dismissively, pretending his inquiry was merely curiosity-driven. "It's nothing, just some idle chatter going around,"
Inwardly, he relished the opportunity to test what his little Gryffindor spy was capable of. He couldn't help but smile at the thought.
Perhaps Granger possessed the skills to uncover the truth about what had really happened to Finnigan. Apparently, he hadn't even been with the two Gryffindors... The Slytherin wonder what lies there would be about his disappearance.
Magic was powerful, but the brutality of the troll's attack on Finnigan was undeniable. Magic had its limitations. It couldn't mend everything, nor could it resurrect dead teenagers. There would surely be a trace for Granger to follow if she looked carefully.
Ivy sensed that the dark-haired Slytherin was lost in his thoughts, or perhaps he was intentionally ignoring her presence? Whatever he was doing, it was signalling the end of their little meeting.
With a graceful flip of her fiery red hair, she turned to leave, her hands tightly clutching the cloak. However, just as she was about to walk away, Jakob's voice halted her in her tracks.
"Oh Ivy, I forgot. There's one more thing," she turned around and cast a confused glance at Jakob as he raised his wand and flicked it in the air.
In an instant, the cloak was consumed by an eerie white fire. Ivy recoiled in shock, dropping the blazing garment onto the cold, stone floor.
Jakob swiftly severed the link and fixed her with a grim expression.
"I can burn it anytime I want, Potter. Even if you're far away, even if you try to hide on the other side of the world. I can just flick my wand to turn that cloak into dust."
"What sort of dark magic is this?" the redhead exclaimed, taken aback.
Jakob's grim expression faded and gave her a sly, mischievous wink.
"If I went around spilling secrets, I wouldn't be much of a cunning Slytherin, would I?" With a casual whistle, the lad strolled past the stunned girl and continued on his way down the corridor.
He confidently took a sharp turn and headed straight for the grand staircase, his whistling echoing throughout as he disappeared from her view.
Ivy scowled as she gathered the cloak, and her hatred for Jakob grew with each passing day. Yet, at the same time, she couldn't deny that his way of thinking sometimes impressed her. He was so different from Harry - calculating, composed and resourceful - qualities she could appreciate but would never admit to liking.
Jakob had but one remaining task for the day.
As the clock struck ten, he found himself outside the Room of Requirement, his breath coming in ragged gasps as though he had been fleeing from some unseen menace.
"One day," he muttered, his teeth clenched in determination. "I'll catch that bloody cat, Mrs. Norris. I'll ensure that Squibb watches as I pluck those red eyes right from her sockets."
After venting his frustration regarding the caretaker and his cat, the door swung open, revealing Hermione, who latched onto him with an unwavering grip, embracing him so tightly that he nearly stumbled backwards.
"Not here," Jakob hissed, but the bushy-haired girl seemed oblivious to his concerns. As it became evident that she had no intention of letting go anytime soon, the Slytherin decided they needed to escape prying eyes.
Jakob cast furtive glances left and right, ensuring no one was nearby. Then, he bent his knees and, with a bit of effort, lifted the Gryffindor in his arms. She accepted his gesture without protest as he carried her into the Room of Requirement.
Had anyone been standing at the far end of the corridor, their eyes might have played tricks on them, suggesting that something inappropriate was on the verge of unfolding between these two students.
Entering the room, which had transformed back into its usual appearance as the Gryffindor common room, the Slytherin sighed, a mixture of relief and irritation. He was relieved they were now hidden from prying eyes but inwardly groaned at the room's decor.
It wasn't to his liking, but he knew better than to voice his complaints to avoid disappointing Hermione. "You can release me now," he murmured softly, and after a brief pause, she finally relaxed her grip.
The two of them locked eyes, and Jakob couldn't help but notice the telltale signs of her silent tears – red eyes and flushed cheeks. His anger surged as he gripped his wand, ready to exact revenge upon whoever had caused her harm once more.
"Oh, I'm going to incinerate that cloak. I'll—" But then Jakob saw her expression radiating with a happiness he had never witnessed before.
"Thank you, Jakob," she uttered softly, her voice laden with emotion. "You can't even begin to fathom how happy I am right now." Hermione moved closer, enveloping him in a warm embrace once again, and in that instant, all his anger dissolved into nothingness.
His arms moved of their own accord, embracing her in return. "You are most welcome, Miss Granger," Jakob replied, offering a gentle pat on her back. "But if anyone ever dares to hurt you again, remember to come directly to me. I'll handle it." Hermione stepped back, her expression now a blend of curiosity and melancholy.
"Jakob, why are you so kind to me? Aren't Slytherins supposed to hate Gryffindors?" The dark-haired boy simply shrugged and made his way to the couch, gesturing for Hermione to join him.
"No... it's just a common misconception," he explained. "For instance, the idea that all Slytherins are villains." He settled comfortably on the couch, wearing a warm smile on his face.
Granger settled herself into the seat beside him, and the crackling of the fire in the room's hearth filled the air. Jakob began, his words taking on a lecturing tone, "Slytherin values ambition and cunning above all else. These are qualities that some dark wizards possess in abundance. They have the ambition to become something great and enough cunning to make it happen."
She listened attentively as he continued, "But that doesn't necessarily make us evil. We are simply more inclined to navigate the gray areas between light and dark, and we understand the value of both. Does that make us bad people if we use our traits to protect those we care about?" At his question, Hermione shook her head and offered him a warm smile in response.
"Then again, maybe your friends are right," the Slytherin continued with a sigh. "Maybe Ron Weasley is right. Not all Slytherins have proven themselves to be kind-hearted. Maybe I'm not as good as I think I am."
Jakob needed her unwavering support. He wanted to ensure she had no doubts or questions about his actions in the future. If Granger said it wasn't his fault, it would strengthen her belief in him. But for this to happen, he needed her to blame others, never him.
As Jakob mentioned the red-haired boy, Hermione frowned and placed a comforting hand on his arm. She regarded him with a firm yet gentle expression. "You aren't a bad person. I have seen who you truly are, and you are the opposite of evil." her eyes conveyed nothing but unwavering acceptance and trust. Satisfied by her reaction, he nodded in agreement. He allowed a look of relief to cross his face, to which Hermione responded with yet another warm and reassuring smile.
Jakob couldn't help but wonder in silence. If you knew the things I have done, would you still see me as the opposite of evil?
Jakob listened intently as Hermione excitedly shared her experiences and new friendships, her enthusiasm filling the air as she talked about the toll it was taking on her studies. He welcomed her chatter and gave her his complete attention, eager to hear her thoughts.
When she had finished expressing herself, a comfortable silence settled between them as they sat on the sofa. Then, Jakob spoke in a voice that Hermione wasn't accustomed to hearing. It held a subtle, intriguing quality, one that a 13-year-old girl couldn't quite define. "Hermione, I have a mission for you." In response, she beamed up at him eagerly, exclaiming, "Anything!"
"Can you find out what happened to Finnigan?" Jakob's request left Hermione with a perplexed expression.
"It's been said he hurt himself, and when his parents came to check on him, they were told a troll had infiltrated the school, and his dad was understandably livid. Without hesitation, he removed Seamus from the school."
Observing Jakob's furrowed brow, Hermione misinterpreted it as a sign of his confusion about why someone from the Muggle world might choose to remove their child from Hogwarts. "Some might find it strange, but I understand. If my Muggle parents heard about a troll attacking the school, I'd-" "Who told you this?" Jakob interrupted.
"Patil told me. You know, the girl you saw me with today," Hermione began feeling more lost as the topic continued. "she said Dumbledore tried everything to calm Seamus's father, but he just wouldn't listen."
"It sounds like she was there," Jakob said, his confusion evident.
"Yeah, she was," Hermione nodded. "She mentioned that when she returned to the Gryffindor common room, she unintentionally walked in on the conversation before Dumbledore instructed her to head to the girls' dormitory. Jakob, what is..."
Jakob signalled for Hermione to halt with a raised hand. Two distinct possibilities hung in the air. Either Patil was fabricating her story, or she sincerely believed in her recollections.
"Hermione, trust me, the story you were told is a lie. I want you to investigate and see if you can uncover what really happened." The bushy-haired girl nodded, and her expression changed to one of focused determination. "I'll do my best, Jakob," she said confidently.
They concluded their meeting by establishing a standing date to meet at least once a week, with Jakob promising to come up with a way to stay in touch during the Christmas break. However, there was a sombre note as Jakob issued a warning, "I'm sorry, but never approach me when my friends are around. You won't like my response."
Hermione seemed to withdraw into her seat, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness. "Why can't we just be friends? Is it truly impossible for Slytherin and Gryffindor students to get along?" Jakob sighed heavily, realising it was time to be honest with her.
With patience, Jakob provided a clear explanation of the distinctions between purebloods, half-bloods, and Mudbloods, watching Hermione's expression transform from confusion to comprehension. "So you're saying that my Muggle parents are the reason you can't openly talk to me?"
Jakob continued, referring to their previous conversation, "Do you recall the incident in the headmaster's office when I mentioned you were better than a blood traitor?" Hermione nodded, and Jakob snorted as he threw a piece of paper into the flames.
"My father was very displeased with my words. He nearly disowned me from my house, and-" "Was he the one who harmed you?" Hermione interrupted, her face filled with horror. Upon receiving a nod as confirmation, she gasped in shock.
"Jakob, this is illegal. You must report this – it's child abuse!"
"Hermione, they won't take action," Jakob replied wearily, sighing. "This is the Wizarding world. No one dares to cross a noble family like the Quade house, or they risk imprisonment in Azkaban for interfering in their affairs. No one would stand up for me here, not when so much is at stake."
"But he's physically hurting you!" Hermione exclaimed, struggling to comprehend why everyone seemed to be turning a blind eye to such cruelty.
She couldn't believe that they were living in a world where such behaviour was deemed acceptable.
Jakob's frustration and bitterness were evident in his tone as he responded, "You saw McGonagall. She didn't take action, and if she had, she would have faced consequences. She knew it wasn't her place to intervene." His words carried a hint of resignation and annoyance at his mudblooded friend's persistence in getting involved in something not meant for her to meddle with.
Hermione cast her eyes downward, realising the futility of arguing with him. Seeing that she was on the verge of tears, Jakob softened his stance and offered her a sympathetic smile before gently taking hold of her hand.
"He believes he's doing what he thinks is best for me and his house." Her gaze slowly lifted to meet his as he spoke, feeling the comforting warmth of his hand in hers, his thumb tracing small circles.
"You understand why we can't be seen together by anyone who might report it to my father, right?" Jakob looked deep into her eyes, urging her to grasp the gravity of their situation.
Hermione nodded, and a tear that had been threatening to spill over finally slid down her cheek.
"Please don't cry, we will at least meet once a week, and now you have other people you can be around as well."
Granger reluctantly nodded her head and rested it on his shoulder. She despised the fact that he was right, but she knew she had no choice but to agree in order to protect them both.
This meant signing a contract that prevented her from laughing with him in public or even being comfortable sitting next to him without scrutiny. He had been her rock when she was hurting, and now it was her turn to be his. But if his father were to hurt him again, there would be nothing that she would be able to do about it. No one would ever take action. The helplessness she felt at that moment, Hermione despised the most.
In the hushed stillness of the room, they gazed solemnly into the flames, a shared silence enveloping them. Neither uttered a word as they cherished this precious time together. The orange-red light cast a gentle glow upon their faces, and the warm fire's comforting crackle and pop created its unique melody in the tranquil evening.
The long-awaited day of the first Quidditch match of the year had arrived, and Jakob stood on the bleachers alongside his fellow Slytherins. The stadium echoed with cheers and roars of excitement as the two teams made their grand entrance, soaring gracefully through the sky, ready to engage in a fierce battle. As Jakob watched them fly, their broomsticks moving in perfect synchrony, he could feel the surge of adrenaline coursing through him. It was shaping up to be an epic match.
From the spectator bleachers, amidst a sea of emerald green and scarlet, Jakob and his friends watched with delight as the Slytherins scored a goal, their house's cheers resounding throughout the stadium, audible for miles.
"I will try out next year!" Draco shouted above the raucous Quidditch crowd, although his voice was drowned out by the surrounding cheers. Jakob had to lean in close and ask him to repeat himself before he could respond. Draco's enthusiastic declaration caught Jakob off guard, and he leaned back in surprise at his golden-haired companion, whose face was half-painted green in support of their team.
"You want to try out for the Quidditch team?" Jakob asked, his voice tinged with astonishment. He gave Draco an enthusiastic thumbs-up and said, "Yeah, you'll be fantastic!"
"Why don't you try out for the team too? You're better than me on a broom, and Father would see that we have the best equipment," Draco began, but Jakob swiftly interrupted his words. "I enjoy flying," he asserted confidently. "But I don't really want to be bound by any rules or regulations."
Seeing the disappointment on his friend's face, the Quade heir sighed. Draco had been looking forward to this match for days, and Jakob, being his closest friend, didn't want to be the one to dampen his excitement.
" I wouldn't want to steal the spotlight from my best friend, now would I?" he added with a forced laugh. However, Quade heir's usual tactic of using Malfoy's pride to persuade him had failed. It was becoming evident to Jakob that Draco's dream of having them both on the same team was more important to him than having all the glory for himself.
"You could at least give it a shot, right?" Draco said, a faint glimmer of hope still present in his eyes. Jakob sighed and reluctantly agreed.
"Fine, but only if you make it onto the team. If you don't, I'm out before they can even say Snitch." Draco's smile widened, and he extended his hand to seal the deal. "Promise?" Jakob grasped it firmly and nodded with assurance, "Promise."
They continued to watch the match unfold, and as the Gryffindor seeker, a fourth year with light brown hair was struck by a Bludger and fell to the ground, the Slytherins erupted into deafening cheers. They applauded the beater responsible for the impressive hit, who graciously acknowledged the acclaim with a triumphant bow. On the other side of the pitch, cries of outrage echoed from Gryffindors, who booed loudly in response.
Marcus approached the beater, exchanged a few hushed words, and then chuckled before giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. The shrill whistle blast from an enraged Madam Hooch soon pierced the air. Despite the Slytherin team incurring a deduction of 20 points for their actions against the opposing Seeker, it didn't deter them from capturing the Snitch, securing a rare and ultimate victory with a total of 210 points to Gryffindor's 20.
The party in the Slytherin common room was an unforgettable experience. The older students were in high spirits, enjoying their Firewhisky, their laughter echoing through the air as a few wrestled with the consequences of the shots making the rounds.
The dark green room was transformed into a mesmerising spectacle with colourful and magical lights cascading from the ceiling, creating an enchanting ambience. A lively and infectious tune from The Twisted Sisters blasted from one corner of the room, drawing a diverse crowd of both tipsy and sober students.
As the beat dropped, they launched into furious dance, drinks splashing in all directions as they sang—or rather, screamed—out the lyrics with all their might. It was a wild and chaotic scene but undeniably a great deal of fun.
Draco had attempted to sneak a sip of the liquid gold. But before he could succeed, Amy – an older student tasked with keeping an eye on the first years – had firmly taken him by the ear and escorted him back to his room.
Jakob, who had approached her after the incident and playfully accused her of depriving him of his company, graciously accepted her invitation to join her and her friends as a way to make amends.
That evening, the first-year and fifth-year students sat together, engrossed in lively conversation and hearty laughter that stretched late into the night. They took turns sharing stories from their lives and amusing anecdotes, deepening their connection.
Amy, who may have had a bit too much fire whiskey, engaged with Jake in an unusually friendly manner, a departure from her usual demeanour that sometimes made him feel like her subordinate. It was a pleasant surprise to witness the older girl's genuine smile and approachable attitude.
As the clock struck midnight, the first and second-year students were ordered to their rooms by their older peers. Jakob found himself lying in bed, engrossed in a late-night conversation with Pansy. They covered a wide range of topics, from their classes to games.
"Will you be joining us in celebrating the winter solstice?" Pansy asked, her voice muffled by a yawn. She shifted onto her side in bed to look at her roommate, who was lying with his hands tucked behind his head, gazing up at the ceiling.
"Of course," Jakob replied with a laugh, "Narcissa would take the floo to our place and drag me by the ear if I didn't show up." The joke brought forth a tired but joyous giggle from the girl.
"I envy you sometimes, you know that?" Pansy said wistfully. "Coming from an ancient and noble house, being like family to the Malfoys, expected at parties and-"
"You wouldn't be so envious if you knew what really happened behind the curtains," Jakob said solemnly. "A golden prison is still a prison."
Pansy was taken aback by his sudden statement, uncertain if it was meant as a joke or carried more profound significance. His gaze remained fixed on the ceiling, avoiding her eyes as he spoke, and she sensed a deep weight to his words, something more severe than she had expected.
"But let's forget I said that," he waved his hand dismissively and shifted in bed to face her. "Are you looking forward to the party?" The question brought a radiant smile to Pansy's face.
"I absolutely love their parties and the details to decorations," she said, fondly reminiscing about the grandeur of the Malfoy gatherings. As they continued their conversation, exhaustion began to overtake them, and their eyelids grew heavy. Nevertheless, even in her half-asleep state, Pansy found herself still speaking.
As sleep tugged at Jakob's consciousness and their conversation had come to an end, both lay facing each other in the dimly lit room. Jakob spoke softly before slipping into slumber, "We need to close the curtains. Pansy, close mine too." But it was too late. She had already ventured into the realm of dreams.
