Chapter 12: Winter break and a ritual.

Winter had descended upon Hogwarts in all its splendour, and the school was gradually being transformed into a snowy wonderland. The magical castle and its rolling grounds were becoming blanketed in pristine white, from the towering castle walls to the humble hut of Hagrid at its base. Snowflakes floated lazily through the air like delicate petals, while others dissolved upon contact with surfaces that remained untouched by the overnight frost.

The students of Hogwarts wasted no time in embarking on magical snowball fights whenever they had a break from their schoolwork.

However, when the mischievous Weasley twins joined the fray, it seemed almost inevitable that Gryffindor would triumph each time. Even though victory was nearly assured, the students enthusiastically engaged in each new battle, charging across the grounds with the anticipation of experiencing the joy of a winter break free from the burden of schoolwork. After weeks of rigorous studying for exams and completing assignments, they longed for this newfound freedom.

Classes seemed to stretch on endlessly, but their reward finally arrived in the form of winter break, granting them temporary freedom from their scholastic confines.

Jakob, who had always easily managed his schoolwork, still shared the same eager anticipation as his peers. He enthusiastically counted down the days and hours until he could reunite with Emma, Susie and Ella.

He was confident that his father would be pleased with him. Professor Snape had assured both Draco and himself that the other teachers had been highly impressed with their dedication.

Jakob knew he wasn't the top student in his Flying classes, but that didn't bother him. He didn't need his professor to confirm what he already knew. The best flyer on the scoreboard was none other than Harry Potter. No matter how hard Jakob worked, Harry stayed one step ahead and always held the number one spot.

Despite his disdain for the Scarhead, Jakob couldn't deny Harry's unparalleled skill and talent when it came to riding a broomstick. The Potter boy's abilities far surpassed anything Jakob or his fellow Slytherins could achieve.

As they all sat in the train compartment heading home for winter break, Jakob observed his friends with a sly grin. He knew that his friends would strongly object if he ever openly acknowledged Harry's talents.

Instead, he leaned back in his seat and watched his friends engage in an animated discussion about the upcoming Malfoy winter solstice celebration. Even as their journey together drew to a temporary halt, the conversation lifted their spirits and made their parting at the station a bit more bearable.

Jakob and Draco disembarked from the Hogwarts Express, their eyes quickly locating Thomas, who stood alongside Lucius, Narcissa, and Emma. The Quade and Malfoy families formed a distinct group of their own, not partaking in the same joyous reunions as others around them.

There was an unmistakable air of old-world aristocracy that surrounded them, a quality Jakob could only describe as "very pureblooded." As he glanced around, he took in the scene unfolding on the platform—the anxious parents eagerly scanning the train openings for their children, the exuberant shouts of joy filling the air.

Jakob snorted, shaking his head, which prompted an amused yet puzzled half-smile from Draco, who was walking alongside him. "What's so funny?" Draco inquired softly, leaning closer to hear his friend's response.

"Wouldn't it be amusing if our families were like that?" Jakob remarked, gesturing toward a redheaded woman surrounded by her numerous sons. She was hugging them while reprimanding them for their school pranks. A flicker of horror crossed Draco's face.

"If my mother acted like that, I'd never be able to show my face in public again. Can you imagine how dreadful that would be?" Jakob stole one last glance at the redheaded woman as she bestowed a fond kiss on her son's forehead and enveloped him in a warm embrace, radiating love and affection. The look on his face was one of sheer jealousy. "Yeah... A nightmare," he muttered quietly under his breath.

The two boys proceeded through their usual greetings. They engaged in small talk about their school days, discussing whether they had learned anything valuable that could benefit them in life. After Draco had finished responding to his parents' inquiries, he looked up at his father. "Jakob has promised me that if I make it onto the Slytherin team next year, he'll try out as well," Lucius nodded in approval.

"Of course, you will, and both of you will make it onto the team. I have no doubt about that. Both your father, Heir Quade, and I played our fair share of Quidditch in our youth." Lord Malfoy exchanged a sly smirk with his long-time friend, Thomas, who responded with an amused chuckle.

"Yes, but you joined because you had talent and enjoyed the sport. I joined because it gave me the opportunity to send those Bludgers at my enemies without getting into trouble," Lord Quade replied. Jakob looked at his father in surprise, not realizing that his father had been a beater for Slytherin. A brief moment of nostalgic pride washed over the older man's face before Narcissa interjected.

"Don't be so humble, Lord Quade," she chided, giving her husband a stern glance. "If you hadn't been there, Lucius would have been injured more times than I could have beared. You displayed great skill in protecting him." Lucius and Thomas both offered the woman a polite nod of their heads before Lucius turned his attention back to his son and Jakob. The two boys were clearly captivated by their story.

"I'll do everything in my power to ensure you have the best equipment," Lucius assured them with a nod, signalling that the conversation about the past had come to an end.

Thomas gave a brief nod in gratitude, his trimmed bearded face shadowed by the faintest hint of a frown as he looked at his son.

"Why do you place your decision in the hands of Draco? What sort of idiot can't decide without being swayed by someone else's influence?"

Jakob nodded a bit sheepishly. "Father, I hadn't considered quidditch initially, but Draco encouraged me to give it a try." Thomas chuckled, but there was an underlying tension in his voice and posture. The Quade heir and the rest of the group could sense that Lord Quade was not liking the answer.

"And what did you plan on doing instead? Playing some silly card games with those ridiculous exploding cards?" Jakob could hear his father's politeness that masked his disapproval, but he hoped his next reply would make him proud.

"No, Father. Engaging in card games or playing Quidditch alone won't enhance our house's reputation. My ambition extends far beyond that; I aim to spread the name of Quade across the world. Those who have achieved this are held in high regard within the wizarding community. My ultimate goal is for every magical being worldwide to know of the House of Quade. And when they do, they'll understand that their place is beneath us," Jakob stated confidently, maintaining his gaze on his father for a few more seconds before he shrugged and continued in a more relaxed tone, "But Draco also reminded me about the importance of finding enjoyment in our pursuits from time to time."

Lord Quade stood still, almost as if he were rooted to the spot, watching his son with a sense of astonishment. Jakob's newfound confidence brought to mind another figure, someone who had been both terrible and great. "You are truly blessed, Thomas," Narcissa acknowledged, her approval evident as she nodded at Jakob. "Yes, I am indeed fortunate," Thomas replied with solemnity, taking a moment to regain his composure. His eyes subtly revealed a flicker of pride as he looked at Jakob.

Standing close to her younger brother, Emma couldn't help but notice how much he had grown during the months he'd spent away at Hogwarts. She scrutinized him, attempting to measure just how much taller he had become. When she received a curious raised eyebrow in response, she gave her now equally tall brother an innocent smile and discreetly pinched his arm.

Jakob rolled his eyes but couldn't help himself as the corner of his lips twitched. He had really missed her sibling's antics.

With a final farewell to the Malfoys, Thomas swiftly snapped his fingers, and in an instant, he, along with his two children, vanished with a loud crack. They reappeared at the Quade mansion, where the imposing black gates loomed overhead. Jakob looked up at the towering ebony bars, noticing his family crest gleaming proudly atop the entrance, an emblem of his lineage. However, it also served as a reminder of the metaphorical prison that always awaited him after his fleeting freedom at Hogwarts.

A striking image emerged at the heart of the Quade family crest—a black double-headed hawk, its wings stretched wide, talons gripping an invisible prey, exuding a sense of predatory might. This central figure extended sinuous curves as if it were a living entity, creating an onyx frame adorned with tiny stars. These stars seemed to shimmer slightly as if moved by some concealed force.

Within the emblem, two crescent moons were intricately intertwined. One glowed with a vibrant golden hue, symbolizing life and harmony, while the other gleamed silver, representing death and destruction. Together, they formed a symbol of the dualistic magic that had remained entrenched within this ancient house for centuries. As the gates parted, the two halves of the emblem separated, underscoring the idea that both darkness and light reached their pinnacle when joined together.

Jakob observed the opened gate, revealing the imposing Quade Mansion and its expansive grounds in full view.

The place was really something, with tall stone walls covered in pretty stained glass windows that let in all sorts of colourful light. Gold details were everywhere, making the place shine, especially in the winter.

The ground was all covered in fresh, white snow, making it look like a fairy tale. Even though it was winter, the gardens still had neat sculptures and well-kept plants that added to the beauty of the place.

Nearby, a big stable stood out, where they kept amazing creatures like gryphons and hippogriffs.

In the distance, a vast frozen lake seemed to go on forever, and the ice sparkled like diamonds in the winter sun.

"Welcome home," Thomas warmly spoke, gracing his two children with one of his rare genuine smiles. With that, he began his walk towards the mansion. Jakob and Emma followed suit, though their feelings about being back home differed, with one feeling a greater sense of happiness than the other.

The mansion's doors swung open, and Thomas couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as Susie and Ella appeared from the hall to give them a warm welcome. A burst of magical fireworks lit up the ceiling above, forming words that read "Jakob, Emma, and Home." Floating a few meters above them, a banner proclaimed, "Welcome Home Emma and Jakob!" It was a breathtaking display, one that Jakob knew he would cherish forever.

Before he even had a chance to set his bag down, Susie enveloped him in a loving embrace. At that moment, Jakob realized just how much he had missed this kind of warmth and intimacy. A gentle whisper in his ear from Susie reminded him, "Ella has really missed you." It served as a touching reminder that love existed, even if it was sometimes hidden behind the Quade family's steel walls.

A quiet chuckle escaped Jakob's lips as he glanced at the dark-blond girl who was practically radiating with pure joy. When he finally released Susie from his embrace, Jakob had barely opened his arms before Ella raced into him, reminding him of Hermione's heartfelt hug in the Room of Requirement. He spun her around, and Ella's laughter echoed through the dimly lit halls of Quade Manor.

"You've grown so much, Ella," Jakob remarked as he carefully set her down. But it seemed Ella was more concerned with something else. Her eyes betrayed a hint of worry.

"Did you miss me?" Jakob put on a dramatic huff and leaned down to meet her gaze. "Every single day," he whispered with a broad smile stretching across his face. In return, his words earned him an enormous and heartfelt hug from the young girl.

As the afternoon passed, Emma and Jakob found themselves seated in one of the many exquisite living rooms, discussing all they had learned.

Thomas relaxed in one of the plush armchairs, contentedly puffing away at his pipe as he observed his children with a sense of satisfaction. When their conversation reached its conclusion, he rose from his seat with a satisfied smile and expressed his contentment with their progress. Just as he was about to excuse himself to his office, as he often did, the door swung open, and Susie, accompanied by Ella, entered the room with warm smiles."Dinner is served,"

"Tell me EVERYTHING about Hogwarts," Ella pleaded, her expression of awe intensifying. Amused by her enthusiasm, Jakob casually put his silverware down. He took his time dabbing his napkin against his already clean lips, eliciting an impatient sigh from the eleven-year-old. With a mischievous glance, he replied, "I don't really know if I should spill all the secrets, Ella. It might take away the magic." Her disappointment was evident, and Jakob couldn't resist adding, "But don't worry, you'll find out soon enough. Don't forget, you'll be starting there next year."

The mention of starting Hogwarts seemed to put a smile on Ella's face, and she happily returned to savouring her meal. The Quade family continued their dinner, exchanging compliments for the talented cooks of the house. Susie's wand gracefully cleared away the empty plates, leaving the table looking neat and ready for dessert.

As the conversation continued, Emma turned her attention towards her little brother, inquiring, "So, little brother, have you made any new friends at Hogwarts?"

Jakob nodded, a spark of interest lighting up Emma's eyes. He replied,

"Well, I did meet someone who... she reminded me a little bit of you." Emma leaned in, eager to hear more, and Jakob continued, "Her name is Frome, Amy Frome."

As Jakob mentioned the name "Frome," his father, Thomas, looked up in surprise. "Frome? Could it possibly be the same family as Antony Frome?" Jakob tried to remain neutral, aiming to avoid another fiery reaction from his father.

"I don't know, really," he replied hesitantly. "She knew my name, but I hadn't heard hers." Thomas' eyes narrowed as he contemplated this new piece of information. An air of tension settled around the table as everyone awaited his response.

"Jakob, I want you to make your own mistakes and find your own success at Hogwarts," Thomas began, his voice holding a weight of seriousness. "You won't grow stronger if I cuddle you. This is why I haven't provided you with information or assistance during your time there. However, this..." He leaned forward slightly in his chair, facing his son, who raised an intrigued eyebrow toward his more than usual-stern-looking father.

"This cannot be overlooked. I will impart two lessons of knowledge to you," Thomas began, his tone grave. "The first lesson is that I have interacted with Mr. Frome before. He may be creative, but his involvement with dark magic has left a serious mark upon his mind, rendering him unable to think rationally."

Jakob furrowed his brow in confusion at his father's words. "Why would you say that?" he asked, puzzled by this revelation.

"Because," Thomas replied, using his wand to fill a goblet with an unfamiliar alcoholic beverage. He took a moment to savour the drink before downing it in two gulps and continued, his voice carrying a weight of seriousness.

"Frome is a family deeply entwined with dark magic. The Quades, on the other hand, are no strangers to it, but we have approached it with care, studying it for generations. We have also learned how to master it, refusing to let it consume us. That's why the two crescent moons are featured prominently on our family crest."

Jakob nodded in understanding, absorbing his father's words and the gravity of their family's history. He remained silent as Thomas continued, sharing more insight.

"The Frome house has witnessed its fair share of tragic family members," Thomas explained, "those who found solace in the embrace of the dark sickness and deemed it a blessing." Jakob heard Emma gasp in horror, her hand quickly covering her mouth in shock. With no prior knowledge of the topic, the young thirteen-year-old boy glanced back from his sister's stunned expression to his father. Thomas observed his heir and knew a question was on the horizon.

"Forgive me, Father," Jakob spoke, his voice seeking clarity. "What is this Dark sickness? Could you elaborate?" He looked at his father, his curiosity genuine, though still not comprehending the full extent of the matter. Thomas studied Jakob for a few moments before responding,

"Every wizard has the capacity for both light and darkness within them," Thomas stated, his voice low and serious. "Even Dumbledore, that bloody fool, harbores darkness within him, more than any of his foolish followers could ever imagine." Jakob's eyes widened in surprise, and Thomas scanned the room, noticing everyone transfixed by his words."You have been taught about our magical core, correct?" Thomas inquired, prompting their heir to nod."It's the core of our magic, determining our power. A larger magical core means more magic to draw from. When we use magic, it slowly depletes, and if it's fully drained, we die."

"Good, my son, but there's an important aspect you mustn't forget," Thomas continued, his voice steady and measured. "Using magic not only strengthens and enlarges the magical core but also shapes it. When we rest, it refills, but there's more to it. It becomes attuned to the type of magic we practice. If you lean toward light magic, your magical core inclines toward lighter spells, and the opposite holds true for dark magics."

He paused for emphasis before adding, "The magical core is a great source of power, but it's also susceptible to corruption. That's why some in the light faction aim to ban anything related to the dark. They believe that by avoiding it altogether, we can achieve eternal peace and harmony." Thomas scoffed, and his words resonated like a ghostly whisper through the dining room. All eyes in the room remained fixed on him, and the only sound was the soft flicker of the fire in the fireplace.

Jakob was perplexed by all this newfound information. It had opened up a whole new world of possibilities. He gazed at his father, who, after taking a deep breath, continued to share his wisdom.

"We can't ignore the power of dark magic and expect to remain safe. We must acknowledge and embrace our magical core, but with caution," Thomas explained. "What I mean by 'infecting' is that dark magic has a tendency to alter the magical core and even the mind. Excessive use of it can lead to being infected by the Dark Sickness, which is why maintaining balance is vital."

Jakob swallowed hard, his body tensing as he processed the complexity of magic and its profound influence. The power it held to alter someone was staggering. Taking a deep breath, he nervously posed a question, "What happens if a wizard goes too far? Is there no way back?"

A grave look crossed his father's face. "That is something I will not discuss at a dinner table," he said firmly, his brown eyes locking onto Jakob's with an intensity that sent a chill down the young boy's spine.

Jakob nodded and glanced at Ella. Beneath a veil of shock, she appeared pale and unwell, clearly affected by the weight of the conversation.

"My second lesson is knowledge of the House of Frome," Thomas stated, giving Susie a meaningful glance, which she acknowledged with a subtle nod. Lord Quade sighed as he leaned back in his chair once more.

"Mr Frome never found love, instead choosing to focus solely on his ambition to make a name for himself in the history books," he began. "That is until he abruptly announced one day that he had a toddler, and that the child's mother was no longer in the picture. There were rumors that she may have been a mudblood or even worse - a muggle. I don't believe that for one second," he snorted disdainfully.

"What do you believe, then, father?" Emma inquired, fully engaged in the dinner conversation.

"I believe he wanted an heir to continue his life's work and carefully selected a suitable partner for the child's conception. Whether that partner was willing or compelled by Imperius Curse is a matter of speculation, but-" Lord Quade's explanation was abruptly cut short by Susie.

"That's enough, Thomas. We still have two more courses left - let's not ruin my appetite." With that, she signalled the end of the discussion, and the meal continued.

The dessert was delicious, but a thoughtful and subdued mood settled in the dining room. They dined in silence, with only brief interjections to compliment Susie and Ella on the dessert.

Jakob found himself deep in thought, contemplating the new information he had learned. He liked Amy, but the way his father had spoken about her house and father left him feeling unsure about being around her. He understood that she might not be the safest company to keep, but he also knew he needed more information before making a sound judgment about the situation.

After everyone had satisfied their appetites, they dispersed to tend to their individual tasks. Jakob, burdened with the duty of unpacking, found himself accompanied by Ella, who perched on his bed. At the same time, he transferred the contents of his trunk to various corners of his room.

"Couldn't this wait?" Ella inquired, arms crossed and a puzzled expression on her face as she settled herself on Jakob's bed. In response, Jakob swiftly brandished his wand, casting a levitation charm that left the girl hovering a meter above the ground. A burst of laughter escaped her as Jakob released the spell, allowing her to tumble back onto the bed with a gleeful yelp.

"Again!" Ella exclaimed from amidst the heap of pillows, her infectious laughter filling the room. Amused, Jakob merely shook his head and, with a flick of his wand, complied with her request repeatedly.

Later, Susie delivered a gentle reprimand to Jakob, emphasizing the necessity of exercising caution with his wand, even though it lacked any trace and remained beyond the Ministry's vigilant scrutiny. The matriarch refrained from chastising him for the earlier incident of levitating her daughter, appreciating the joy it had given Ella to finally have Jakob home again.

Earlier, Susie had been somewhat concerned that Jakob might have undergone a significant transformation during his time at Hogwarts, perhaps "grown up a bit" in ways that could make playing with Ella seem embarrassing for the maturing teenager. She had heard about the situations in which Jakob and Draco had found themselves and worried that his priorities might have shifted.

However, the heartwarming realization that he hadn't changed and still cared for her daughter just as he did in days past brought a loving smile to her face.

The two youngest residents of the house chose to delve into their substantial stacks of Choklad cards. "Do you have Alberta Toothill?" Jakob inquired of Ella, who had just sampled a green Bertie Bott 's-flavoured bean and recoiled with distaste. "Ugh, it tastes like vomit," she declared as she perused her assortment of cards.

"I'm certain I have it," she responded, a touch perplexed, as she was confident that her card collection outnumbered Jakob's. With a grin, he handed her his own card and playfully quipped, "What do you mean? It's right here."

Ella tightly held onto the card and enveloped Jakob in a thankful hug. "Okay, but..." she began before a knock at the door interrupted her. Susie entered the room and greeted them with a warm smile. "Mum, look what Jakob gave me! Now I have-" "That's lovely, but I think it's time we let Jakob get some rest. He has an early start tomorrow," she mentioned, tenderly hugging her favourite boy goodnight.

"We'll see you tomorrow, alright? I love you so much, Jakob," Susie said, her voice carrying a note of unusual emotion, and a subtle hint of worry played across her face.

Susie typically reserved the L word for special occasions or when it held significant meaning, which brought both a puzzled and contented smile to Jakob's face.

"I love you too, Susie. Is everything alright?" Jakob inquired, noting the mirrored expression of curiosity on Ella's face. Susie simply nodded, and Ella, who had witnessed the exchange, echoed her mother's sentiments by embracing Jakob.

"I love you, and I'm happy that you are home again Jake."

Jakob, having an amused smirk on his face, reciprocated with affection. "Love you as well, Ella."

With those parting words, Jakob watched them leave the room. If he hadn't been so exhausted, he might have probed further into Susie's unusual behaviour, but he decided to leave it for the morning. Surely, if there were any issues, they would remain for him to find out in the morning.

Jakob lay in his bed, the expansive room feeling notably empty and hushed in the absence of Pansy. The room, which had always been quite spacious, seemed to have grown even larger with her absence.

He let out a soft chuckle, contemplating Pansy's reaction if he confessed to her about his loneliness without his roommate.

However, fatigue soon overtook him, and his eyes grew heavy with sleep. Without dwelling further on his thoughts, he succumbed to the embrace of slumber, drifting off into a dreamless rest.

As the hours passed, the slumbering boy was abruptly startled as a strong hand clamped onto his shoulder, shaking him with considerable force. His eyes flew open, and he found himself jolted awake in the enveloping darkness of the night.

"Jakob, son, wake up," Thomas spoke in a hushed yet resolute tone, his presence looming as the boy slowly blinked his eyes open to find his father's gaze upon him. The room was dimly lit by the lumos spell cast by Thomas, causing Jakob to squint against the sudden glow.

With a mixture of surprise and trepidation, Jakob uttered, "Father?" His inquiry was met with an unequivocal command. "Put on your trousers and follow me. You won't need a shirt." With those final words, Thomas turned and exited the room, expecting Jakob to prepare himself.

Although a sense of foreboding settled upon the Slytherin boy, he wisely held his tongue, adhering to his father's instructions without protest.

When Jakob emerged, his father remained silent and began to stride down the lengthy corridors, his footsteps echoing in the hushed surroundings. Without uttering a word, Jakob followed closely behind.

As they reached the stairwell and ventured outside into the snow-covered backyard, Jakob's bare torso bore the brunt of the freezing elements, causing him to instinctively cross his arms over his chest. The biting, icy winds felt like razor blades against his exposed skin, making him shiver uncontrollably.

Each step in the ankle-deep snow sent a shock of cold up his legs, and Jakob could feel the numbness slowly creeping in. He desperately wished for a cloak or some form of protection against the harsh winter night. The frigid air seemed to seep into his soul, leaving him chilled to the core, but he continued following his father through the snow-filled landscape.

Thomas observed Jakob's shivering state, recognizing his unwavering loyalty. He spoke in an apologetic tone, explaining, "I apologize, my boy, but using magic to warm you would risk tainting your skin, and the carefully inscribed runes would smudge if you were clothed. I faced a similar trial when I was your age, and I must say, you're handling it better than I did."

Jakob glanced down in bewilderment at the mysterious symbols adorning his body, a disconcerting feeling creeping over him as he sensed an unusual substance that seemed like blood, its origin unclear.

Attempting to break the oppressive tension, he half-heartedly quipped, "Why do I get the feeling I'm being sacrificed?" Thomas offered no response, simply forging ahead through the relentless snowstorm, intensifying Jakob's growing unease. This was not good.

The boy's feet had grown numb from the cold, making it increasingly difficult to keep pace with the man leading the way. Jakob's body was stretched to its limit, on the verge of collapsing from the relentless strain. He had trudged through the snow for what felt like an eternity, his senses overwhelmed by the freezing temperature, which threatened to overcome him.

Suddenly, they came to a halt, and Jakob's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and apprehension as he gazed upon the pentagram etched into the ground.

The pentagram was a deep, ominous black adorned with bold red symbols that appeared to shimmer and pulse in the ethereal light of the full moon. A tangible aura of magic enveloped the pentagram, causing snowflakes to swirl around it. The biting wind clawed at its edges, unable to breach its invisible barrier.

"Get inside," the command was issued.

With a sense of uncertainty about what lay ahead, Jakob stepped into the heart of the pentagram, immediately enveloped by a comforting warmth. He couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer and implored, "Father, please... can you tell me what we're doing here? I've done as you asked, but now would be an excellent time to explain."

Thomas met his son's gaze with a solemn nod. "This is one of the Family's rituals, the most important of all," he revealed. Jakob absorbed this information slowly, a mixture of relief and understanding washing over him. "This ritual marks the beginning for you," Thomas continued, gesturing towards the pentagram beneath their feet.

"To unlock the secrets within Quade's grimoire, you must endure a series of trials to prove your worthiness. If you succeed, then great magical gifts shall be bestowed upon you."

Thomas pointed down at the pentagram. "This one is called Magicae Et Aetatis. It will significantly enhance your magical core and expand your magical reservoir over the next three years. Your body will undergo certain changes during this process, but these transformations are necessary to accommodate the increased magical capacity."

Jakob nodded eagerly, his excitement palpable. This was precisely what he had been searching for! However, something in the older man's words suddenly struck a chord in Jakob's mind, and the initial joy faded away, giving way to a growing sense of worry.

"What if I'm not worthy?" Jakob asked, a hint of fear in his voice.

With unwavering determination, Thomas met his son's gaze and replied,

"You will be, son." With resolute resolve, his father withdrew his wand and pointed it towards Jakob, prepared to initiate the transformation that would elevate him to a new state.

Upon hearing those fateful words, Jakob, at the tender age of thirteen, felt a chilling sense of terror begin to crawl up his spine, much like a stealthy spider making its way along a delicate thread.

"Wait, Father! Perhaps..." His voice stopped abruptly as an invisible force bore down upon him, compelling Jakob to his knees and extending his arms to his sides, rendering him powerless and subject to the ritual's initiation.

The pentagram abruptly ignited with an ethereal crimson fire, casting an eerie and otherworldly glow. Jakob's father chanted the incantations, their meaning eluding the young boy as he watched in a mixture of fascination and terror.

Thomas methodically circled the flickering pentagram, his beard billowing wildly in the midst of the howling snowstorm, yet his unwavering focus never faltered.

The symbols on Jakob's skin wriggled and darkened, resembling a swarm of sinister creatures. He sensed them digging into his body, inflicting intense pain. It felt as though tiny needles were piercing his flesh as the symbols delved deeper. His skin became raw and bloody where the symbols took hold, subjecting him to excruciating torment.

Thomas could see his son trembling and struggling to cope with the searing pain. He chanted the concluding part of the ritual, knowing all too well what would follow. His son's agony was nothing compared to what he was about to endure.

"I'm sorry, son." His voice was drowned out by the howling of the blizzard, his apology never reaching its intended target.

The torment that had held Jakob captive suddenly ceased, releasing him from its vice-like grip. With a mixture of relief and exhaustion, Jakob slowly opened his eyes and turned his gaze towards his father. Despite the weariness on his face, a flicker of triumph danced within his tired eyes. His arms, no longer bound by magical strings, hung lifelessly by his sides, but Jakob smiled. It was finally over.

"It wasn't so bad, father, I ma..."

Pain.

Agony consumed the boy's body and mind, abruptly halting his words and leaving him in a state of horrified disbelief. He looked down at his torn and battered form, stunned as the runes that had drilled into his skin emitted a malevolent, hellish red glow.

The eerie light illuminated his almost pulsating veins beneath as the runes continued to pierce deeper into his being, each twist inflicting greater and more unbearable suffering. It was as if someone had plunged red-hot pokers into his flesh and bones, intensifying the torment with each passing moment.

In the depths of this unbearable nightmare, the boy's anguished screams reverberated through the air, merging with the tumultuous frenzy of his actions.

With frantic desperation, he clawed at his own upper body, throat, and head, seeking release from the tormenting symbols embedded within him.

"Father make it stop! make it..."

The searing pain consumed his senses, driving him to the brink of madness. In the midst of this chaos, one of the runes, previously etched upon his forehead, seared its way into the recesses of his mind, causing him to gasp and press his hands firmly against his throbbing temple.

The realization that such an intense pain could be felt overwhelmed him, momentarily overshadowing his suffering. His scream grew hoarse, his entire being consumed by the singular sensation of agony. If his mind had not been consumed by pain, he might have noticed the faint scent of his burning flesh and skin.

The excruciating pain gradually began to subside, and Jakob's trembling fingers slowly unclenched from his bloodied hair. His body went limp, and his eyes rolled back, his consciousness slipping away. With a soft thud, he collapsed to the ground.

Thomas was sure that the ritual had been successful and that his son and heir would live. A sigh of relief escaped Lord Quade's lips as he stepped into the pentagram.

However, his relief swiftly turned to alarm when he saw his son being hastily levitated off the ground, suspended as if he had been hung up on a cross. In this strange and unsettling position, Jakob's otherwise perfect, dark hair hung like a shroud, covering his face as his head drooped low, casting a haunting shadow over his features.

Raising his wand and flicking it, Lord Quade attempted to unravel whatever sinister magical spell had ensnared his son. However, to his growing alarm, there was no trace of magic to be found.

Flicking his wand once more, Thomas desperately tried to dispel the enchantment that held Jakob suspended in the air, but his efforts proved futile. All he could sense was a darkness.

"This isn't right," he gasped, his eyes widening in panic. He had not expected this. Nothing in the text had warned him of such a consequence or side effect. With dread filling his heart, he ran forward.

As Thomas reached out to take his son's hand, a dark mist seeped out from Jakob's body, covering the boy in a blanket of protection. The black smoke wrapped around him like a second skin. It appeared almost like the smoke was alive, guarding him from potential harm.

Just as his fingertips were on the verge of making contact with his son, Jakob's head snapped up as if an invisible string had violently pulled it upwards.

Thomas instinctively retracted his hand as he locked eyes with the nightmarish horror before him, peering into a horrifying abyss. This grotesque creature bore no resemblance to his son. Its smile unnaturally wide and predatory. Its pale skin with black veins coursing beneath, radiating a chilling hunger.

Every sense, every muscle within Thomas's body screamed for him to flee, to never look back. But he ignored it, and just as his fingers grazed the mist enshrouding his heir, an intense force erupted from the darkness, hurling Thomas backwards. He felt a bone-chilling rush surging through him as he crashed onto his back, the sensation of broken ribs piercing him like a dagger.

Summoning every ounce of strength, Thomas heaved himself up with a grunting effort. Once he regained his footing, he beheld his heir on the ground again, in the same position he had occupied before the mysterious force lifted him up.

Thomas proceeded with cautious steps and waved his wand over the boy. The ritual had been a success. The runes were in place and doing their work.

"What the hell was that?" his voice a mix of curiosity and concern as he knelt beside Jakob.

His heir appeared unharmed, devoid of the unnatural smile or black veins. Thomas cautiously reached out and brushed Jakob's fringe aside. When he felt his son's warmth against his palm, he heaved a sigh of profound relief.

With a graceful wave of his wand, Lord Quade conjured a soothing, protective cocoon of pelts around the unconscious boy. He tenderly stroked his son's head, his voice gentle yet brimming with parental pride. "You did good, my son. I'm proud of you."