Chapter 14: Winter party at Malfoy's
The grand day all of the pureblood wizarding society had waited for was finally here. Jakob, his father, and his sister were dressed in their finest robes and dresses, standing proudly in the floo room.
However, one of the Quade members seemed noticeably more uncomfortable in his attire. Jakob loathed wearing these robes. They were stuffy and irritating. With a slight inward sigh, he glanced at his father, who wore the same outfit.
Lord Quade donned a regal black robe with a subtle crimson sheen created by the ruby threads intricately woven into the fabric. In the right light, it emitted a subdued, almost eerie crimson glow.
Jakob shifted his eyes, briefly glancing at his sister, aware of the magnetism she would exert on the young men tonight.
She was cloaked in a resplendent gown of blue and white, adorned with a multitude of glistening diamonds, transforming her into a figure from ancient legends. Her hair flowed in loose, enchanting curls, and atop her head rested a diadem crafted from gleaming silver and sparkling diamonds.
"Seems a bit too much, doesn't it?" Jakob questioned his sister, struggling to adjust his bowtie, which felt like it was choking him. Emma responded with an annoyed look.
Positioned behind Jakob, Thomas administered a resolute and forceful tap to the back of his son's head with his cane, prompting an instantaneous "Ouch!" from Jakob. He then tenderly rubbed the sore spot where the cane had made contact.
Thomas shot his heir a warning glare, his voice stern and icy. "Never speak in such a way again. There is nothing that is too much for a Quade. If I hear anything like that sprouting from that mouth of yours tonight, I shall ensure I beat some sense into you."
"What's the story behind these robes, anyway? Why don't we have any jewellery like Emma?" Jakob inquired, his curiosity outweighing his fear of the cane once more.
"You are wearing it, boy. There are only two individuals in the entire world who possess these one-of-a-kind robes, and you are one of them. Now, be silent before I lose my temper," his father retorted with a sternness that left no room for argument.
Jakob nodded and raised an intrigued eyebrow. He had to acknowledge Lord Quade's distinctive style, which set him apart from the other purebloods.
"Do you have the list of the presents I plan on buying?" Jakob asked Susie hastily as Thomas ushered his son and daughter into the large fireplace. Susie nodded in confirmation.
"They will be waiting for you when you return," she replied reassuringly but also slightly chastising. "But please try to not make it last minute next time."
"Malfoy Manor," his father stated as he tossed the Floo powder into the fire.
Just before the flames engulfed them, Jakob noticed Ella's sadness and couldn't bear to see her like this. "I promise, Ella, I'll bring something nice back for you," he said, offering her a sympathetic smile. Ella nodded, trying to hide her disappointment and show happiness, but Jakob could still see the longing in her eyes.
They were family, but they were still bound by servitude. Susie and Ella would never be able to join them in these kinds of events.
The three Quades were engulfed in vivid green flames and vanished instantly.
As the flames subsided, the Malfoy family replaced Ella and Susie, standing together and offering them a warm welcome.
The Malfoy family approached, and Narcissa's face lit up with pride, her eyes brimming with admiration as she laid eyes on Emma in her gown and diadem. Extending a helping hand, she assisted the blonde girl in stepping out of the large fireplace.
"Oh, darling, the other girls won't stand a chance," the older woman remarked, gesturing for Emma to twirl, which she did with cheeks tinted pink, while Narcissa expressed her delight. "Oh, Thomas, you've done a splendid job! You've transformed her into a true Malfoy."
The two men chuckled in agreement at her words, but Draco simply rolled his eyes as Jakob approached.
"Mother always wished for a daughter," Draco murmured, standing beside his best friend.
Emma, revelling in the admiration of the Malfoy matriarch, couldn't resist drawing attention to the older woman's outfit. Thus, a friendly challenge began, each competing to persuade the other that she was the most beautiful.
Lucius and Thomas grinned at Narcissa and Emma's behaviour before quickly remembering the duties that awaited them. As they had done countless times before, they made their way to the Malfoys' office, leaving the two witches to their own devices.
Draco, wearing a matching robe to his father, sported a white garment adorned with intricate golden swirls and the family crest emblazoned on the left side of his chest. His ensemble had an almost magical quality to it, each golden detail drawing the eye in.
"Nice dress, looks very uncomfortable," Jakob whispered with a smirk, observing his friend's discomfort.
"Yeah, same to you. Does it keep changing shades?" the blonde boy inquired, inspecting the robes worn by the Quade heir more closely.
"Ugh, I have no idea what this tailor was thinking," Jakob groaned, frustration evident as he gestured angrily at his own robes. "Apparently, he thought it was a brilliant idea to combine rocks and Acromantula silk. No wonder there are only two of these robes in the world."
His irritated whisper earned an amused snort from the blonde, but Draco still seemed impressed by the attire.
"Winner takes the loser's robes?" the Quade heir proposed in a hushed tone, careful not to draw the attention or ire of both Emma and Narcissa with his suggestion.
Draco swiftly glanced at his mother to ensure they hadn't been overheard and then turned his gaze back to Jakob, silently asking if his friend was serious with his suggestion.
Jakob responded with a subtle nod of assurance, prompting a broad grin to spread across the Malfoy heir's face as he reached out and shook his friend's hand in agreement.
Before the two friends could exchange any further words, a bright green light emanated from the fireplace, and the Greengrass family emerged.
Narcissa and Draco both moved forward to welcome the guests, with Draco assuming the role of the dutiful host.
Jakob and Emma held back, understanding that protocol dictated they shouldn't greet the guests before the hosts did. However, after receiving a nod of permission from Narcissa, they stepped forward, and Jakob politely greeted the allies of House Quade.
Daphne silently signalled him to follow her as soon as he finished his greeting. He responded with a respectful nod and promptly complied with her unspoken request.
Astoria, Daphne's younger sister, wore a discontented expression at being left alone with the adults.
"Mum, I'm nearly thirteen—can't I just go out and-" she began to protest, but her mother swiftly silenced her sternly. "Astoria. You will remain by my side this evening. Your mischievous streak has not gone unnoticed."
Draco, as the host of the party, was obligated to stay alongside Narcissa and warmly greet all the guests.
When Jakob whispered that they would catch up later, Draco visibly winced, a pang of discomfort crossing his features. Meanwhile, Emma remained contentedly beside Narcissa, enjoying her company and showing no inclination to depart just yet.
Daphne firmly grasped Jakob's arm and led him away. "Of course, she would reach him first," Draco muttered, a trace of jealousy tainting his tone.
"What's that, dear?" Narcissa inquired, giving her son a pointed look.
"Nothing, Mother," Draco replied with a strained smile, masking his inner sigh of frustration.
Daphne and Jakob entered one of the vast ballrooms of Malfoy Manor, and the platinum-blonde girl's breath caught in her throat.
The room was adorned with enchanting decorations in white and silver, creating a magical winter wonderland. The walls glowed with strings of tiny stars, glistening like diamonds. Pristine snowflakes dangled from the ceiling, resembling glittering gems, and elegant icicles hung from ornate chandeliers, shining like exquisite glass sculptures.
Everywhere Daphne looked, she saw sights fit for royalty, a privilege reserved for those fortunate enough to visit the Malfoy Manor on this special occasion.
Jakob was equally impressed as he surveyed the surroundings.
"They've truly outdone themselves this year."
"Well, what shall we do while we wait for everyone else?" Daphne inquired, reclining on a plush velvet couch with a magnificent ivory and silver chessboard set atop the intricately carved mahogany table before her.
Jakob grinned and sat down beside her.
"Up for a game?" he suggested, nodding towards the chessboard. With no other plans in mind, Daphne made the first move.
Her skill initially surprised Jakob, but he was good at strategic moves. It didn't take him long to realise she couldn't keep up, and his confidence increasingly grew with every move he played.
As they continued, Jakob couldn't help but admire Daphne's outfit. She looked stunning in her green and silver ball gown, with silver jewellery on her neck, wrists, and ears. Her shiny platinum blonde hair was intricately styled, flowing down her neck like a waterfall.
She looked captivating, and as she leaned forward to make her next move, he couldn't help but notice her not overly prominent-cleavage.
Daphne suddenly noticed his gaze in the middle of her move and felt a flutter in her stomach. This was precisely what she had hoped for, to see him look at her this way.
She held the queen piece in her hand a bit longer, relishing his lingering gaze before releasing it and settling back into her seat.
"It's your turn," she said, her cheeks and neck turning a shade of pink as she avoided making direct eye contact with the boy across from her.
Clearing his throat, he made an effort to refocus on the game. He had only three moves left to win, but his thoughts were preoccupied with the person beside him.
"You look absolutely stunning this evening, Daphne," he complimented, his words sending a shiver down her spine as he leaned in to make his next move on the chessboard.
She was about to respond when the doors suddenly swung open, and a voice interrupted their moment, prompting them to put some distance between them.
"Ah, there you two are," Tracey exclaimed loudly and exaggeratedly. "I've been searching everywhere for you."
Daphne quickly stood up and walked towards the other Slytherin girl, who transitioned from looking clueless to wide-eyed before Daphne took her arm and exited the room with Tracey, the two girls whispering excitedly to each other.
Relieved to be left alone, Jakob let out a sigh. What had come over him? He realised at that moment that he really disliked this feeling.
His impulsive behaviour around girls often led him to say or do things that could become problematic. With a slight chuckle, he stood up and used his long finger to topple his own king over.
"Good job, Daphne," he muttered to himself with a wry smile. "You knew what you were doing. Checkmate."
Stepping into the grand Ballroom, Jakob absorbed the opulence that surrounded him. Everywhere he looked, a bustling crowd of people mingled and laughed while house elves gracefully moved through the throng, expertly balancing trays filled with colourful drinks held high above their heads. He made his way toward the centre of the grand hall, his senses alert, taking in the sights and sounds around him.
As he approached, he spotted Pansy engaged in conversation with her mother. When she saw him, her face lit up, and she waved for him to join them.
"Hey, Jakob!" she greeted him with a radiant smile, and for a fleeting moment, it almost appeared that Pansy would go for a hug.
"Ah, Jakob, it's been too long," said Amaryllis, Pansy's mother. Jakob greeted her with a polite bow and a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Where is Mr. Parkinson?" Pansy's mother gave a faint grin and rolled her eyes slightly."He's with your father, Lord Malfoy, and the other men engaged in business discussions, I imagine."
After some pleasant exchanges, Pansy shot her mother a knowing glance, prompting the older witch to excuse herself with an amused smile.
Jakob couldn't help but notice Pansy's dress and paid her a compliment. In response, his Hogwarts roommate twirled around and asked if he thought Draco would like it.
The dark-haired boy had to suppress an eye roll. Surely she should know by now that Draco was only interested in Quidditch?
"It's great to see you, Pansy, but shouldn't we be heading back to the others?" Jakob suggested, nodding in the direction of their small group of friends a short distance away.
"Wait," Pansy said hurriedly, reaching out to grasp his arm. As the puzzled boy turned back around, she quickly let go as if realising her action.
"Is everything alright, Pansy? Has something happened?" Jakob inquired, a hint of suspicion mixed with genuine concern in his voice.
Feeling more than a little embarrassed, she averted her eyes and fiddled with her small purse.
"Can't we just... chat for a bit, just you and me? We used to talk so much at school, and I don't know... I just..."
"Pansy, are you telling me that you miss my company? What would Draco say?" Jakob whispered back with a touch of scandal in his voice.
She playfully nudged him, eliciting a gentle chuckle from Jakob. He extended his arm for her to take, which she accepted with her head held high, trying to suppress her giddiness.
Together, they ventured to the back of the mansion, following a winding path through its grounds.
As they walked, Jakob glanced at his roommate and asked, "So, how have your days at home been?" While speaking, he took out his wand and cast a warming charm around both of them.
Pansy's expression shifted from surprise to admiration. "Wow! You can do that now? When did you learn that spell?"
"I found myself in a situation where I could have used that spell, so I decided to learn it afterwards. If you'd like, I could teach you when school starts."
Pansy nodded, and they continued their journey. The snow appeared to be suspended in mid-air, a soft, magical light illuminating the dark December evening.
"You know, Pansy, I appreciate your company," Jakob spoke, his eyes fixed on the wintry night outside. "But you must be mindful of how you address me."
Pansy chuckled and replied, "Why? Draco knows that we're just friends!" At her response, Jakob halted, and a flicker of irritation crossed his face.
"Yes, but do we need to share the details of our friendship with everyone else? How do you think they would react if they knew why we've become closer since Hogwarts?"
Understanding dawned on Pansy's face, and she looked a little forlorn. "I understand," she said softly. "But I won't let gossip and speculation get in our way. Let them talk all they want. What matters is that I get to spend time with you, and if anyone or anything tries to block our path, I won't hesitate to remove it."
Jakob sighed, recognising Pansy's unwavering determination and her, at times, overbearing, protective nature.
"Pansy, you know how important this is. It's not just some silly Hogwarts game. This is about our families reputations."
Pansy stayed quiet, her expression showing she understood but wouldn't be easily swayed.
Rather than persisting in this conversation, where they understood they might not make much progress tonight, they strolled a bit further, chatting about various subjects, ranging from light to serious subjects, mirroring their typical bedtime discussions. Eventually, they decided it was time to return to the mansion.
As they approached the estate, they spotted a blonde boy standing at its entrance, scanning his surroundings as if he were on the lookout for them.
"There you are," Draco exclaimed, "Daphne told me you two had snuck out, and I was beginning to think she might have lost her mind. I couldn't find you anywhere. Hurry up, Father is about to give his speech, mate."
Pansy, who had been holding onto Jakob's arm, now clung to Draco's as they stepped back inside. Draco attempted to exchange a desperate glance with his best friend, seeking assistance, but it seemed to go unnoticed.
When they arrived at the bustling hall, Daphne drew closer to Jakob and linked her arm with his, casting him a radiant smile. Pansy and Draco, who stood nearby, exchanged knowing glances as they observed the couple. However, when Daphne locked eyes with the nearby Parkinson girl, their gazes clashed like duelling swords.
The two girls engaged in a silent, intense stare-down before turning their attention to Lucius as he appeared in a dazzling display atop a conjured platform in the centre of the ballroom.
"Greetings, my friends!" Lucius began, his voice commanding the room's attention. "I thank you all for joining us this evening, and I am delighted to see so many loyal supporters in our midst. We have much to discuss tonight. Recently, a new law has been passed in favour of our cause. It is now more critical than ever that we concentrate on preserving the purity of our blood. We must do whatever it takes to uphold our beliefs, and with this new law in place, it will facilitate our efforts."
Everyone in the room erupted in applause as Lord Mafloy took a short bow before continuing to speak. Jakob quickly realised that this speech was going to take a political turn and braced himself for the next 20 minutes. As he stood there smiling and nodding along, he counted how many tiaras he could spot without taking his gaze off the man.
Instinctively, Jakob joined in the applause, sensing the surge of energy as the clapping intensified. "Brilliant!" Pansy exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident, and Draco displayed a proud smile. At the same time, Jakob nodded in agreement, even though he had only heard a few sentences of the speech.
Before long, the music began, and Jakob extended his hand to Daphne, inviting her to be his first dance partner.
They moved together with flawless coordination, Daphne's graceful twirls captivating the younger onlookers, who watched them with envy and admiration.
As soon as the first song came to an end, Pansy approached the two. Apparently, Draco had provided a feeble explanation before hurrying off to join Theo, leaving her on her own. With a gracious smile, Daphne reluctantly released Jakob's hand and walked over to join Tracey and Millicent, seated at a nearby table, where the three of them began their hushed conversation.
After offering a courteous bow to the girl before him, Jakob and his new dance partner started their dance. It was pleasant, and he could see that Pansy was enjoying herself.
When it concluded, Tracey requested another, and with a slight inward sigh, Jakob, the Quade heir, lowered his head in consent. He knew that this night would be long and wearisome. He took little enjoyment in dancing but knew it was an opportunity to demonstrate that House Quade maintained strong ties with the various houses.
"How's your training progressing?" Jakob inquired as the new song filled the air.
Tracey nodded, her face lighting up with a proud smile. "It wasn't easy, but I think I can handle it now if someone tries to take advantage of me again."
Jakob nodded and, following the rhythm of the music, twirled her before pulling her back into his arms.
"Good. Be prepared when we return to Hogwarts. The break will have stirred restlessness, and students will seek ways to either have some fun or rise in rank."
Tracey absorbed his words and nodded. "I'm ready."
Onlookers and dancers alike began to take notice as a line of girls eagerly formed, waiting for their turn to dance with him. As the song began to wind down, Jakob released Tracey. He executed a formal bow, a frown creasing his forehead as he glanced at the formed queue. He clearly had no time for this.
Just then, his guardian angel, in the form of Emma, approached him, effectively blocking the view of the girls behind her.
"You're becoming quite the ladies' man, little brother," she said with a smirk. "Father is thrilled that you're helping strengthen our family connections, but I won't have you outshining me," she teased.
Jakob nodded with appreciation, lowering his head slightly, the gratitude evident in his eyes. He understood that she had likely taken pity on him, and he genuinely appreciated her support.
Jakob's singular focus was now on a single objective. Satisfying his thirst with some punch.
Draco, who had been paired with Pansy for a second dance, stood on the dance floor, attempting to capture Jakob's attention.
He coughed lightly and made various futile noises in an effort to get through to his friend who walked past them, but Jakob was completely absorbed in his mission to find some refreshments.
After downing the third glass of the delicious red liquid, the Slytherin boy finally felt satisfied. He surveyed the ballroom, smiling as he listened to the sounds of music and the sight of people dancing. For a brief moment, he simply enjoyed feeling at peace and doing nothing.
Suddenly, his gaze drifted to the opened double doors that led to another room where festivities were also in full swing. Gesturing to the house-elf in attendance, Jakob swiftly received a cup of punch and made his way across the ballroom, curiosity getting the better of him.
As Jakob approached the large set of double doors, they swung open wider, revealing another room that mirrored the one he had just left, except for an extra-large chandelier taking pride in in the middle of the ceiling. His gaze was drawn upwards towards its grandeur as he stepped into this new space.
He surveyed the dance floor, surrounded by glossy white tablecloths and silver chairs. He scrutinised the faces of the people around him, searching for a familiar one. And then, he spotted her.
She was seated at a table, her gaze seemingly fixed on her champagne glass. The young man beside her was engaged in conversation, his voice filled with pride and arrogance as he boasted about something Jakob couldn't hear from where he stood.
However, her expression remained distant and aloof, as though she were utterly uninterested in his presence.
Heir Quade approached her table with a hint of uncertainty, unsure of how she would react. Would she acknowledge him or simply pretend he didn't exist as well? The uncertainty left an uneasy knot in his stomach, but turning back was not an option for him.
He donned his charming smile and proceeded, stepping closer and clearing his throat to capture her attention.
"Miss Frome," he began warmly, "it's a pleasure to see you again. How has your winter break been treating you?"
Upon hearing the voice, Amy's eyes sparkled with delight, and she looked up from her champagne glass to behold the boy who had captivated her attention throughout the year.
He appeared somewhat unfamiliar without his school robes—perhaps more mature, taller, or maybe it was just the absence of the typical uniform. However, the mischievous glint in his eyes was unmistakably familiar, and no amount of time or changes could ever dull that beaming smile.
"Such manners," the dark-haired girl purred with a sultry tone. Her long, dark curls cascaded around her as she leaned provocatively closer to the table. Deliberately, she raised one eyebrow and sensually nibbled on her finger. With an alluring smile, she made her opinion about the boy in front of her crystal clear, especially from the perspective of the young man seated beside her.
The stranger, who seemed to be in his twenties, scowled deeply, clearly unhappy with being interrupted in his efforts to charm her. He shot Jakob a glare filled with such intense hatred that it was as if he considered him a repulsive little insect.
"Amy, do you know why this little child is bothering us? Perhaps I should see if I can find his parents before he hurts himself," the young man declared with condescension, his tone dripping with arrogance.
Jakob fixed the man with an icy, hostile gaze. "She knows me," he retorted sharply, "but I imagine she knows that champagne glass better than you. However, if you insist, maybe we should take a walk. I'm sure we can find my parents outside in the dark."
The thirteen-year-old locked eyes with the young man, mirroring his expression, before continuing in a low, menacing tone. "I'm quite certain they're lurking somewhere in the dark... where no one will hear your screaming for help."
The young man's face contorted with anger, and he reached for his wand, fingers itching to curse the boy for his insolence. But just as he was about to take action, an elderly witch approached from behind Jakob. With a tone of utmost respect and courtesy, the newcomer addressed the thirteen-year-old by his full name, expressing her delight that the young heir would honour them with a visit in the second chamber.
Receiving a courteous nod from the Quade heir, the elderly witch gracefully walked away.
This unexpected interruption abruptly halted the young man's malevolent plans. He froze in shock and worry as he realised the gravity of his actions and the identity of the person he had been on the verge of cursing.
When Jakob turned his gaze back to the older boy, a defeated expression marred his face. The young man had swiftly risen to his feet and was currently bowing deeply, his words filled with remorse and sincerity.
"My deepest apologies, Heir Quade. My words were inexcusable, and I understand if this cannot be forgotten. I will do whatever it takes to make amends for my grievous mistake," the young man pleaded.
Jakob released a tired sigh, his last name once again acting as a protective shield. He turned his head to find Amy staring at him with an expectant and somewhat amused look on her face, awaiting his response.
"It's fine. Just leave, and this is forgotten," Jakob replied, his tone tinged with disappointment.
The man quickly nodded and took another quick bow, his face etched with worry and fear, as he hurriedly turned away and disappeared into the crowd.
"Well, this is unexpected," Amy murmured, her gaze lingering on Jake as he sat beside her and placed his glass of punch on the table.
"What's so surprising?" Jakob queried, reaching for a glass of champagne before hesitantly taking a sip, scrunching his nose in distaste, and setting it back down.
The older Slytherin girl keenly observed Jakob's reaction as she remarked, "You chose not to take debt from someone who was hostile to you, not very Slytherin-like of you." Jakob responded with a nonchalant shrug.
Leaning slightly closer towards him, she continued with a teasing tone. "You don't seem pleased at all that you made the idiot run away with his tail between his legs. And, if I may say," she nodded toward his glass, "your reaction wouldn't be one of disgust if you knew how costly it was."
"First," Jakob began, "simply being expensive doesn't necessarily make it better. And second, it wasn't due to my own skills, but more because of my last name. I don't want others to fight my battles, and my family name has deprived me of countless interesting challenges. I can appreciate cunning, but this is a type of advantage I'd rather not have."
Amy rewarded him with a look of admiration. "You're the only one with a respected name who has expressed that sentiment," she remarked, leaning back in her chair and smiling warmly at him. "That is what makes you quite intriguing."
Jakob glanced around, noticing the curious glances from some of the guests. Their minds seemed to race as they tried to decipher what a thirteen-year-old boy had said to a seventeen-year-old girl that could evoke such intensity in her expression.
Clearing his throat, he inquired with a gentle tone, "Amy, would you care for a stroll? There's so much to explore here, and I'd be my honour to be your guide."
He stood up from his chair and offered his hand to the dark, curly-haired witch. She gracefully accepted the gesture, and together, they walked across the second chamber toward the two large doors that would take them outside into the back garden.
The two teenagers walked along the path, their footsteps echoing in the frosty silence.
The only source of illumination was the soft, ethereal glow from ice sculptures depicting magical creatures lining either side of the path.
In the distance, a star-studded night sky peeked through tree branches silhouetted in black against the celestial canvas. The air was frigid, and a chilly fog hung in the spaces between them. Each exhale created an icy cloud that lingered briefly before vanishing into the cold night air.
He could feel her holding onto his arm, drawing nearer, seeking warmth as their steps crunched on the snow beneath them.
Jakob waved his wand and whispered the incantation, a gentle golden warmth surrounding them both. He couldn't help but smirk at the surprised expression on her face. "Impressed that I knew that spell?" he asked teasingly.
"I'm more impressed that you can use your wand outside of school," Amy replied back.
"You have a trace on your wand?" Jakob inquired, taken aback. She nodded and then looked out into the darkness of the grounds.
"Not all purebloods have the wealth and status that you and your friends are used to. Is this making you reconsider your offer to walk with me?" she asked, her gaze drifting over the ice sculptures, illuminated by the twinkling lights above as they strolled past them.
"I don't care about that," Jakob replied with a hint of confusion.
Amy suddenly stopped in her tracks, captivated by a magnificent unicorn ice sculpture. The majestic creature stood on its hind hooves, twice the size of a real one. "What, then, do you care about?" she inquired.
He was well aware of the value of the information she requested, so he proposed a bargain as they gazed at the sculpture. "If you tell me first, I'll give you my answer."
Her gaze shifted from the unicorn to her companion, and she offered him an approving nod.
Jakob refocused his attention on her, suddenly finding himself at a loss for words. Her face, bathed in moonlight, appeared even more enchanting, and he noticed that her curly hair was adorned with tiny white stones, their luminosity resembling stars in a midnight sky.
"Speaking like a true Slytherin," she hooked her hand on Jakob's arm again, and they resumed their walk. "I will tell you this, but it must stay between us," Amy said in a low voice. The Quade heir nodded, giving his silent consent and listening attentively as the older girl continued.
"As you're well aware, I come from a family with... a certain reputation. I'm determined to change it and live a life that's free of judgmental glances when people recognise my last name," Amy Frome declared solemnly.
Jakob raised his eyebrows in surprise at her words. "That's not the response I was expecting from you," he remarked, pausing their walk for a moment.
"Of course, you wouldn't understand. You haven't experienced the hardships brought by your family name," she replied, a hint of annoyance in her tone. She unhooked her hand and took a few steps away from him. "I feel like I'm trapped in a prison. My house's reputation has been tarnished by the mistakes of some idiots, and it's my responsibility to restore it and help my family," she concluded.
Jakob observed the girl who had stopped to look at a sculpture of a fairy, and he couldn't help but be amazed as its head was suddenly severed.
Amy nervously scanned the surroundings to ensure nobody had witnessed her unintentional burst of magic. Once confident they were alone, she turned her gaze toward the thirteen-year-old boy, expecting to see fear or shock in his eyes.
"No, I haven't," Jakob replied apologetically, walking over to her and offering his arm with a sincere smile. As she accepted it, Amy could feel his warm hand searching for hers, and when she turned her palm up, they seamlessly intertwined.
"But if it's any consolation, I would never judge you based on your last name," he added. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, Amy momentarily forgot that he was four years her junior, her mind filled with thoughts she considered inappropriate for the occasion.
Would he even enjoy it if she acted on them?" She pondered briefly, the idea of feeling the softness of his lips against hers tugging at her thoughts.
She quickly dismissed these musings and cleared her throat, returning to the conversation at hand.
"So... What is it that Jakob Quade cares about?" She inquired as they continued their walk. Jakob paused, considering the question before offering a slight shrug. "I suppose it's somewhat similar to your aspirations but in reverse," he explained. Seeing the confusion on his companion's face, he elaborated.
"You want to achieve greatness to bring honor to your house. I, on the other hand, seek greatness to distance myself from the fame of mine. So, while our goals may differ, we tread similar paths." He concluded, offering her a sideways glance and a faint smile. Amy nodded, indicating she was beginning to grasp his standpoint.
"So, if I'm understanding you correctly," she began thoughtfully, "you don't place much value on the privilege that comes with your family name?"
"I do find some aspects of it enjoyable," Jakob replied. "I would be a hypocrite otherwise. But I want people to recognise Jakob when they look at me, not just Quade. It might be seen as strange to view my house as a burden," he chuckled briefly before concluding, "but it's what matters most to me."
Amy gently tilted his chin to make him meet her gaze once more. "That's one of the most ambitious dreams I've ever heard," she said with a warm smile. "I hope that when you do make it there, and when you're standing tall among the crowd, I can be there to see it."
The pride and joy he felt in that moment was something Jakob would cherish forever.
Reluctantly tearing his eyes away from her, he turned his gaze to an ice sculpture depicting a fierce gryphon standing on its hind legs in an attacking position.
"I told my family about you."
"What did they say?" She asked, her head slightly tilted. He responded with a soft smile, a trace of pride still evident in his voice.
"Both my sister and father were quite impressed by you. They've extended an invitation for you to visit us and discuss your plans after Hogwarts." Her eyes sparkled at the thought, but she quickly shook her head with regret.
"I'm sorry, Jakob," she replied, "but I already have plans that involve traveling far away. It would take too long for me to return."
He attempted to conceal his disappointment and simply nodded.
Amy noticed the expression on his face and let out an inward sigh. She had made a personal vow not to get too close to the boy while she was part of the Slytherin Five. Jakob's behaviour was sure to result in punishment sooner or later, and getting too intimate with him could impair her judgment.
However, when she saw the pain her rejection had caused, a rejection she hadn't wanted to make in the first place, Miss Frome spoke before she even realised what she was saying. "I'd be happy to arrange a meeting during the summer break, if possible."
Jakob turned his head towards her so suddenly that Amy barely had time to react. His eyes scanned her face as if searching for some hidden lie. However, when he couldn't find one, a satisfied smirk slowly crept across his lips.
"Remember, this won't change anything when we get back to school," Amy tried to state firmly. However, an involuntary smile played on her lips, mirroring Jakob's infectious smirk.
The younger Slytherin nodded without a hint of hesitation, indicating that he wouldn't have it any other way.
They soon began their return, realising that their prolonged absence might attract attention.
They soon began their return, noting that their prolonged absence might attract attention. As they walked, their footsteps crunched the snow beneath in comfortable silence.
As they drew nearer, the Malfoy manor gradually grew more prominent on the horizon. When they were within sight of it, they spotted Lord Quade standing atop the stairs, his eyes firmly fixed on the two as they approached.
Jakob, familiar with the significance of that gaze, tensed slightly.
Amy, still holding onto his arm with their hands discreetly intertwined, made a circular motion with her thumb on his palm. She leaned closer and whispered reassuringly, "Don't worry, you haven't done anything wrong." Jakob would have nodded in gratitude if it weren't for the watchful eyes of his father. Instead, he offered a respectful nod as they came to a halt before Lord Quade.
"You've been gone for quite some time," Thomas noted, his gaze shifting between Ms. Frome and his son. "Care to explain who this lovely young woman is and what you two have been up to?"
"Father, this is my friend Amy Frome," Jakob introduced. "I was just giving her a tour of the grounds since she had never seen them before."
Thomas extended a courteous gesture, taking Amy's hand and bowing his head to give it a gentle kiss. As he looked up, their eyes locked for a brief moment, and he appeared momentarily puzzled as if he had detected something in her demeanour. He then spoke in a gentler tone.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Frome. Pardon me for asking, but are you the daughter of Antony Frome?"
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Quade, and yes, Anthony Frome is my father." Jakob quickly grasped the reason for her ambitions and why she wanted to change her family's reputation.
It all made sense to the dark-haired boy standing beside her when he noticed how his father was looking at her.
Jakob was about to speak when Emma suddenly materialised by her father's side, extending her hand with a polite demeanour.
"Ahh, Miss Frome, I presume," she greeted, her tone friendly. "I've heard nothing but good things about you from my dear brother here. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Emma Quade." Amy firmly shook Emma's hand, returning the gesture with an amiable smile.
"It's a pleasure, Miss Quade. Your brother has spoken very highly of you both," Amy acknowledged.
Emma seemed satisfied with her response before turning her attention to her father.
"Father, Lord Malfoy was looking for you in the ballroom. I promised to let him know if I found you." Thomas bid the group farewell with a warm smile, and Emma followed her father's retreating form with her eyes.
Jakob and Amy, aware that the conversation wasn't over, waited until the older Quade sister turned her attention back to them.
"So, Miss Frome," Emma began, her tone now more measured, "as an older sister, I hope you can forgive me for my bluntness. What are your intentions with my brother? He's only thirteen, and you're seventeen."
Amy gave a slight nod in acknowledgement of Emma's underlying meaning.
"Miss Quade," Amy replied respectfully, "from the moment I met Jakob, he instantly caught my eye. I'm usually preoccupied with certain Slytherin matters that I cannot divulge due to the Slytherin code... Nevertheless, he is the first one to have piqued my interest in something other than those. It's something no other girl or boy, has been able to accomplish before him." Amy briefly turned her eyes towards Jakob and gave him a slight smile before continuing. "And I believe you're already aware of his charm."
Emma regarded Amy with a look that Jakob had never seen his sister wear before. Amy seemed to recognise what she was doing and responding with her own, leaving Jakob observing the two witches with curiosity and a touch of anxiety.
Both girls were silent for over 10 seconds, an eternity for the worried boy who witnessed them.
"Though I'm a student at Ilvermorny and unfamiliar with your code, I think my brother understands it. Regardless, I don't want him to be taken advantage of or manipulated in any way." she paused to emphasise the last sentences before continuing.
"My brother comes from a very powerful and influential family, one that many witches would like to get their hands on. I know my brother doesn't flaunt his name around like some, but that doesn't mean he is safe from vultures."
Amy nodded and smiled as she answered the unspoken question. "That's one of the reasons I started to take notice of him. He's different from everyone else. He has the ambition to become something greater than his birthright. Something a lot of students in his place would never even think of, as they believe they already have all that they need."
Emma didn't respond immediately, instead observing the black-haired witch for a few more seconds, searching for any signs on Amy's face that might suggest she was lying.
Just as Jakob was about to speak up, feeling the growing tension in the atmosphere, making him increasingly uneasy by the second, his older sibling finally gave Amy a genuine smile.
"Has my brother told you that we'd like for you to visit us?"
"Yes, and I'm immensely grateful for the offer," Amy replied. "We've decided that I'm going to visit over in the summer. There are certain plans which can't be delayed this break, unfortunately."
Emma gave a slight nod in agreement.
"We'll start making plans for this summer then," she began and offered her hand, which Amy accepted. "Send an owl to my father with the date you have in mind, and we'll make sure it happens." With that, the conversation ended, and Jakob breathed out a sigh of relief.
The three teenagers entered the building, and Emma said her goodbyes before heading in another direction towards a group of what Jakob guessed were her friends.
Before their farewells, Amy introduced Jakob to her father.
Determined to make a favourable impression, Jakob politely conversed with the man for a while. Amy rewarded his efforts with a cheeky smile, indicating he had successfully met her expectations.
Mr Frome eventually excused himself and Amy as they needed to return home. Jakob bid them goodbye, and as a final gesture, he inclined his head to kiss Amy's hand before they went their separate ways.
As the party started to wind down, Jakob and Draco found themselves in a quiet corner, partaking in a ritual they had repeated every year since childhood.
"We shouldn't continue this, Jake. We could end up in Azkaban!" Draco hissed in a panicked voice. Jakob rolled his eyes at Draco's predictable response, as the blonde had voiced the same concerns two years in a row now.
"You're the one who got us into this mess in the first place. Don't you remember who started this?" Jakob replied drily, scanning their surroundings cautiously. "You still remember all the rules?"
Draco heaved an exasperated sigh, but the opportunity to win his best friend's robe outweighed the fear of ending up in Azkaban, so he nodded in agreement.
"Fifteen minutes, no getting caught, one item, and no magic," Draco states. The latter nodded solemnly, carefully considering the instructions.
"And the winner takes it all," Draco concluded as they slowly began navigating through the crowd of intoxicated wizards and witches.
Draco had established this annual tradition as he noticed that adults became increasingly oblivious to their surroundings as the night progressed.
It wasn't about how expensive the goods they stole were but how adeptly they could take advantage of the adults' intoxicated state, remaining undetected.
It tested skill and cleverness in finding which items they could sneak away with when no one was looking. Every year, the rules tightened, and the boys found themselves taking bigger risks, daring each other to steal more valuable items or targeting groups that were not as intoxicated. Though dangerous, it served as useful training to hone their skills.
This year's most significant change was the drastic reduction of their usual 30-minute time limit to a mere fifteen.
Jakob paced around the room, his eyes scanning the crowd for anyone who appeared more intoxicated than the rest. He then spotted an elderly gentleman engaged in a conversation with a wizened witch about the recent Wizengamot rulings on orphaned Muggle-borns.
"Bingo," Jakob thought, his ears catching the couple's discussion about the law that had been implemented regarding orphaned midblood children.
He cautiously inched his way closer to them. While moving, he grabbed a glass of champagne and silently positioned himself behind the elderly pair. When the man was about to take a sip of his drink, unaware that the woman had briefly looked away, Jakob quickly poured the champagne in his own glass onto the wizard's chest, creating the illusion that he had accidentally spilt it.
"Merlin's mercy!" the elderly man exclaimed, causing the woman to jerk her head up in surprise. She opened her bag, presumably searching for her wand.
"You should have known better than to drink so many glasses, Travers," she admonished as she rummaged through her purse. While they were distracted, Jakob quickly spotted the old man's pocket watch and, taking advantage of the situation, snatched it before slipping away unnoticed.
When the two boys reconvened at their designated meeting spot, Jakob couldn't help but notice the frustrated expression on his friend's face.
"What did you to get?" Draco asked in a hushed tone. Jakob revealed the ornate pocket watch, enchanted to tell time, with a mysterious button on its side. He examined it with admiration, and Draco leaned in to take a closer look.
The watch emitted an audible snap when its casing was pressed, revealing a pool of shimmering silver liquid. The pocket watch was exquisitely crafted, with a gold coating and encrusted with tiny, brightly glimmering jewels.
Draco looked crestfallen, knowing that his friend and partner in crime had won.
"What did you get?" Jakob asked with a smirk. the blonde withdrew a silver pen that looked remarkably expensive.
"So, I win then?" Jakob inquired as Draco begrudgingly passed him the pen.
"You had no idea that the pocket watch would contain a pensive, pure luck," huffed the blonde.
"Come on, you won last year," Jakob said, spinning his newfound pen between his fingers before slipping it back into the pocket of his robe. "So should I give you my robes here and now or can it wait until we are back at school?" Draco asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice as he crossed his arms.
"Don't worry about that, I only wanted you to get more motivated. Who knows, maybe you will win it next year?" Jakob replied with a reassuring smile.
As the two boys' challenge concluded, the evening came to an end.
It was a late hour when Thomas, still in the midst of his business discussion with Lucius, instructed his children to return home via the Floo network. Emma and Jakob thanked their hosts for such a wonderful evening and promised to revisit them soon.
Once they arrived home through the Floo, Susie eagerly followed them up the stairs to their rooms. Emma described all the different decorations and activities that had taken place at the party as they walked together.
Enchanted by the older girl's stories, Susie nodded along and asked follow-up questions, trying to imagine the event as if she had been there herself.
Jakob couldn't help but feel immense guilt that Susie and Ella could never join them at such events. He knew that Emma shared this sentiment, which was why she never held back information, no matter how tired she was.
As Jakob settled into his bed that night, his thoughts drifted to Amy and their walk together. He couldn't help but smile as he thought, "She didnt even flinch once as she met my family." With that, he drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
