Chapter 20: Secrets and Understanding.
"Ah, that's everyone. Welcome to Defence Against the Dark Arts," Dumbledore announced warmly, standing at the teacher's desk in front of the gathered students. "Today, we shall delve into the Verdimillious Charm," He continued, his welcoming smile unwavering as he scanned each face, attempting to discern who among the students had prior knowledge of it.
Having a firm mastery of the charm, Jakob kept his gaze locked on the window, his thoughts adrift in a sea of weightier matters of greater import.
"Could someone here shed light on the charm's intended function?" inquired the headmaster.
Numerous hands shot up, but one shot faster than the rest, instantly capturing Jakob's attention. Dumbledore, wearing his signature gentle smile, acknowledged the eager student, welcoming her to share her knowledge.
Jakob couldn't resist rolling his eyes, muttering an inward "Of course," as he shifted his gaze towards the red-headed girl who prepared to stand to respond to the old man's question.
Ivy rose from her seat, her voice steady and confident as she declared, "The charm conjures emerald sparks and is often used in duels.
"Excellent," Dumbledore commended, his voice resonating with calm authority. "Five points to Gryffindor, and you may take your seat again." He finished, the corners of his mouth curled into a warm smile, and his eyes twinkled with that ever-annoying sparkle Jakob despised.
While the rest of the Slytherins in the classroom looked annoyed at the points given by the professor, one of them wore a subtle smirk. He knew there were more uses for the charm.
With practised ease, Jakob took his feather quill and began jotting down a few lines on a piece of parchment. Once finished, he subtly slid it across the table to Pansy, who glanced down at the note. Her eyes widened, and a matching smirk played on her lips as she raised her hand.
"Yes, Miss Parkinson?" Dumbledore inquired, gesturing for her to stand with a hint of curiosity.
Pansy rose gracefully, her eyes narrowing as she shot a sneer at Ivy. Before she spoke the dark-haired Slytherin cleared her throat to ensure that everyone was looking at her.
"I should also mention," she began, her voice smooth and confident, "that the spell has a secondary purpose—it was originally designed to detect concealed objects through dark magic and alert the caster if anything was found."
The headmaster's gaze shifted to the Slytherin boy who had made his past weeks exceptionally busy, suspecting his involvement in the answer just given by the girl beside him. With a slight nod of approval, Dumbledore returned his focus to the Slytherin girl. "Very well done, Miss Parkinson. Five points to Slytherin for your excellent contribution," he acknowledged.
As Albus turned his attention to the chalkboard, Pansy quickly sneered at the red-haired Gryffindor before taking her seat again.
"Thank you, I honestly didn't know about that," Pansy whispered to the boy beside her, who responded with a quick reassuring smile before turning his attention back to the window on his right.
"Let the most exciting part of this lesson commence!" Dumbledore beamed, clapping his hands together with enthusiasm once he had written down the information on the board. His eyes sparkled as he surveyed the students' eager faces before him. "Now, let's take our time to master this charm and familiarize ourselves with its effects"
Pansy was just about to ask Draco to be her partner when Professor Dumbledore spoke again. "We shall start with heir Malfoy and Mr. Goyle."
The two Slytherins exchanged a brief nod of acknowledgement before rising from their seats and making their way to the front of the classroom. They drew their wands and assumed offensive stances at the old wizard's command.
With a nod from Dumbledore, Malfoy recited the incantation, unleashing brilliant emerald sparks that struck the larger boy, eliciting a wince as he clutched his arm. Goyle followed with even greater intensity, causing Malfoy to grimace as he was hit on his right leg.
"Very well done. You may return to your seats," Dumbledore said, his gaze scanning the students as he selected two new participants.
"Miss Granger and Miss Parkinson," he called, beckoning the two girls forward.
Jakob, who had been lost in thought, snapped his attention towards the advancing girls. Pansy's cold and contemptuous glare made it evident that this wouldn't be civil.
The two girls now stood where the two Slytherin boys had previously been and began preparing for the spell exchange.
Miss Parkinson lifted her wand, prompting Hermione to do the same.
"Miss Parkinson, you may proceed when Miss Granger has..." Without hearing out the headmaster or giving Hermione a moment to prepare, Pansy unleashed the emerald spark, striking her opponent directly in the face.
"Miss Parkinson, there was no need for that," Dumbledore admonished, his gaze shifting to ensure Hermione was unharmed.
Miss Granger, who had found herself knocked off her feet, instinctively raised a trembling hand to her reddening cheek where the spell had struck. Her eyes widened in shock after the unexpected assault.
Come on, Hermione, don't show any signs of weakness now, Jakob thought, observing as the Gryffindor displayed the courage her house was known for by rising to her feet. She raised her wand, aiming it at Pansy, who defiantly crossed her arms, wearing the same smug grin Jakob had witnessed countless times before.
It was Granger's moment this time, and all eyes were fixed on her, waiting to see how she would respond to Pansy's challenge.
A flicker of worry stirred within Hermione as her opponent looked at her with utter disdain. Her hands trembled slightly, and her voice faltered as she uttered the incantation.
"V..Verdimillious." The spell fizzled weakly, barely causing a reaction.
Pansy only grimaced, her lips curling into a mocking smile as she struggled to stifle a laugh. The Slytherin girl was well aware that Hermione had failed to cast it correctly, and the triumph in her eyes made Hermione's cheeks burn with embarrassment.
A ripple of laughter spread through the Slytherins in the classroom, and even some of the Gryffindors couldn't hold in their giggles. The only Slytherin who didn't join in was Jakob, who chose to look out through the window instead, his expression unreadable.
Dumbledore raised his hand, giving the students a stern look. The laughter died down, replaced by a heavy silence as the headmaster's piercing gaze swept across the room, restoring order with a mere gesture. Then he turned towards Hermione.
"Ah, what an excellent opportunity to impart another crucial lesson. Let this serve as a reminder to all of you: intent is absolutely essential when performing magic. Don't be fooled into thinking that power solely resides in the words, if your intent isn't crystal clear from the start, your spell won't achieve its full effect. If you are unlucky enough it will result in nothing at all as demonstrated just now."
Jakob's eyes widened as the headmaster's words settled into his mind. Could the answer really be that straightforward?
"You may both take your seats," Dumbledore finished, his warm smile accompanied by the gentle crinkling of his eyes at the corners. He observed as the two first-year girls complied. Jakob's gaze lingered on Hermione as she settled beside Ivy, her friend offering a subtle, reassuring squeeze on her arm.
Pansy's expression radiated with pride as her eyes fixed on her bench mate, expecting a nod or even a smile of his approval. Yet, to her confusion, he didn't grant her so much as a fleeting glance.
Instead, he raised his hand to ask a question, a move that left the entire classroom in stunned silence. Such behaviour was rarely seen from someone like Jakob Quade, a student known for his knowledge and reluctance to engage in classroom discussions. With the headmaster taking on the role of lecturer these past few weeks, these rare moments have disappeared altogether until now.
Dumbledore observed Jakob briefly, a trace of surprise evident on his face. Then, with a faint smile and a nod, he granted the young Slytherin permission to speak.
"Headmaster," Jakob began, rising from his seat. The chair's scraping on the stone floor echoed through the silent classroom.
"You mentioned that intent is the key element in spell casting. Can emotions or thoughts be harnessed to manipulate that intent? Or is intent simply another word for our emotions?"
Dumbledor's eyes filled with delight as he relished seeing young students ask questions that enabled them to expand their knowledge and magical capabilities.
"Though intent and emotion are separate, Mr Quade, your feelings can still influence the results of your spells," he explained kindly.
"But if that is true," Jakob mused, a moment of contemplation passing before his follow-up question. "What if I were to cast a levitation charm while feeling sad? What would become of the spell?"
"An excellent question, Mr. Quade," his professor responded. "I would contend that the outcome would remain unaltered. The spell is crafted with a singular purpose: levitation."
Observing the perplexed expression on the Slytherin boy's face, the headmaster continued his explanation. "There are certain spells, predominantly charms and curses, that are inherently tied to your emotional state for them to take effect." As these words left his lips, they seemed to trigger a revelation within the boy. "Like the Patronus charm?" Quade inquired with keen eagerness, causing Dumbledore's smile to widen in approval.
"Precisely! Ten points for your sharp questioning and quick reasoning."
As Jakob took his seat, Pansy, seated beside him, cast a quick sidelong glance his way. His confident smile and determined eyes hinted at the satisfaction of solving a challenging problem. She found herself intrigued as she observed him. When Jakob noticed her gaze, he responded with a questioning look, and she reflexively looked away, attempting to conceal the slight blush that had begun to surface.
"Ah, it has been quite some time since I've had to answer a question like that," Dumbledore acknowledged the Slytherin boy with a nod before turning his gaze to the Boy Who Lived, who still appeared utterly confounded.
Suppressing a sigh, he wished Harry had displayed more interest in these matters. Harry had a long way to go before he was even remotely ready to face the Dark Lord. Seeing that he couldn't even comprehend the conversation that had just taken place worried the headmaster.
The boy needed motivation.
"Now, I would like Heir Quade and Heir Potter to come forward," Dumbledore announced, hoping this might ignite the motivation young Harry needed. Facing someone who would challenge him, someone who would force him to do better could be the catalyst for Harry's growth, the headmaster thought as he watched them closely.
Both boys stood and approached.
Jakob's sneer met Harry's venomous glare as they approached the front of the room where the old man stood. The tension in the air was evident as if everyone sensed that these two teenagers had been waiting a long time to unleash their deep-seated hatred for each other.
As they settled into their places, their wands remained at their sides, but it was clear that both were itching to raise them and cast the spell.
"Very well, heir Potter will go first," the headmaster announced, gesturing for the boy with the glasses to take the lead. Harry shot Jakob a triumphant smirk and took a deep breath.
"Verdimillous!" he shouted, and an exceptionally bright spark, brighter than anyone else had managed before, shot from his wand. It crackled through the air, leaving a trail of vivid emerald sparks in its wake, and struck Jakob's chest with a resounding impact.
The sheer force of the spell compelled Jakob to stagger back a few steps, his body convulsing briefly from the intense surge of electricity and pain that coursed through him. Although he fought to maintain a composed facade, the Slytherin struggled noticeably to conceal the pain that threatened to surface. His jaw clenched and his knuckles whitened as he gripped his wand tighter, refusing to give his opponent the satisfaction of seeing him falter.
The students gasped collectively, their eyes wide with a mixture of shock and awe at the power of Harry's spell. Some exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what would happen next, while others leaned forward in their seats, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern, keen to witness Jakob's retaliation.
The surge of pain subsided, and Jakob calmly opened his eyes, directing an amused glance at Harry and raising his eyebrow with a touch of playful mockery.
"That wasn't so bad. Perhaps you lack the intent."
"Maybe I should cast it again then," Harry retorted, his gaze fixed on Jakob with seething intensity. "Surely, this time the charm will expose the dark magic within you for everyone to see, snake."
Jakob's attention briefly shifted to Dumbledore, who remained silent, observing the unfolding confrontation.
"May I go next?" Jakob inquired, receiving only a silent nod from the headmaster.
A predatory smile graced his lips. "Let's demonstrate what true intent can accomplish."
Jakob raised his wand deliberately, his eyes locked onto his opponent. On the other side, Harry stood unwavering, with a defiant look as he braced himself for the impending spell.
"Verdimillous!" Jakob roared. A dazzling cascade of emerald sparks erupted from his wand, one large spark taking the lead as they converged onto Harry's chest with blinding intensity. The sheer force of the spell propelled the Gryffindor backwards by a meter, causing him to crash onto the hard stone floor. Harry, reeling from the sudden onslaught of the attack, convulsed and twitched violently as an overwhelming surge of electricity coursed through him.
Shock-filled gasps reverberated through the Gryffindor section while the Slytherins erupted in jubilant cheers and applause, celebrating their housemate's triumphant display of magical power.
Ron had shot up from his seat, a hasty protest forming on his lips, but he was swiftly silenced by the headmaster's stern, unyielding glare.
It took a few tense seconds more before Harry slowly climbed to his feet. His wand pointed at the Slytherin, and his face contorted with rage and a hint of shame as he prepared to utter another incantation.
However, before he could unleash another spell, Dumbledore's authoritative voice rang out, commanding the entire room's attention.
"That's enough, heir Potter," he declared firmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "You and heir Quade can take your seats."
As Jakob and Harry began to move, Seamus Finnigan stood up abruptly. "Wait a minute! I saw it clearly—three sparks hit Harry! Quade must have cheated!"
Dumbledore raised a hand, his calm demeanour silencing the murmurs that had begun to spread. "Heir Quade did not cheat, Mr. Finnigan. The intent behind the spell determines its effect. What you witnessed was a result of the intensity of Jakob's intent."
Seamus looked confused but slowly nodded and took his seat. Dumbledore then turned his attention to the two boys in front of him, gesturing for them to return to their seats once more.
As Jakob was on his way back, he noticed his Slytherin friends acknowledging his performance. Draco gave him a sly smile, Blaise offered a discreet thumbs up, and Theodore gave him an approving nod. Tracey looked at him in awe, while Daphne, who usually never showed any emotion, had her cheeks flushed as she broke eye contact with him while he passed their bench.
Taking his place, Jakob saw Pansy radiating pure joy. She hastily scribbled a message on a piece of parchment and slid it across their school desk. As he lowered his eyes, he read, "That was awesome!" A subtle smile graced his lips as he nodded to acknowledge her compliment.
The remainder of the lesson passed in a blur, with Jakob only half-aware of the discussions and instructions being given. His gaze remained fixed on the outside world, seeking solace in the quiet scenery.
Finally, as the class neared its end, the students began packing up their belongings. Just as Jakob was about to gather his things, Dumbledore's voice cut through the chatter. "Heir Quade, please stay behind for a moment."
Suppressing an annoyed sigh, Jakob turned to his friends and offered assurances that he'd catch up with them later.
While he waited for the classroom to empty, Hermione's concerned gaze met his, but he pretended not to notice her and instead kept his focus ahead.
As he did, the Slytherin locked eyes with the smug Gryffindor, who likely anticipated repercussions for the earlier confrontation.
"Is that a smile I see, or is your lip still twitching from when I put you in your place?" Jakob asked, mockery evident in his voice.
Harry seemed ready to respond but halted as Dumbledore cleared his throat. Nonetheless, he approached Jakob with a venomous stare and hissed, "Next time, it won't just be a charm coming your way, worm." With that threat, the Boy Who Lived brushed past Jakob, giving him a forceful shoulder shove before exiting the classroom, with Ron following closely behind.
The classroom had emptied, leaving only Albus and his rebellious little student. Jakob took a deep breath and approached. "You wished to speak, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore waved his wand, conjuring a chair at his desk. He gestured for Jakob to sit and settled into an armchair across from him.
When the Slytherin only looked at the chair but showed no intention of sitting, Dumbledore sighed in disappointment. " Heir Quade, your performance with the Verdimillous charm on Mr. Potter earlier was undeniably impressive. It is clear that your magical abilities surpass those of most first-year and second-year students i might add."
Jakob shrugged off the headmaster's compliment, clearly eager to leave. "I am aware that my initial impression hasn't been favourable, heir Quade. I hope that going forward, we can improve our relationship," Dumbledore continued with a touch of sincerity.
The teenager's expression remained unimpressed as he responded with a single sentence. "You're right, Headmaster, it has not."
"I sense great potential in you," Dumbledore continued, his voice gentle yet firm. "However, I also detect deep-seated anger and resentment. You remind me of a former student of mine who achieved remarkable feats but lost his way in his search for greatness. I hope you can free yourself from these negative emotions and redirect your passions toward a more constructive path."
Jakob's response was ice-cold as he fixed a penetrating glare on the headmaster behind the desk. "You have no idea what kind of person I am," he retorted sharply.
Dumbledore sighed his attempts to reach the young boy proving increasingly futile. A sudden idea sparked in the headmaster's mind. If it was knowledge the young boy sought, perhaps knowledge would be the key to connecting with him.
"Magic often reveals much about oneself. The spell you used on Mr. Potter wasn't the charm I've been teaching you. Your anger warped it into something else," Dumbledore explained.
Jakob looked surprised. "Can my emotions really influence spells, turning them into different ones?" His curiosity was piqued, and Albus responded with a joyful chuckle.
"Not all spells, and not all emotions," he clarified. "As I mentioned earlier, heir Quade, certain spells, when driven by overwhelming emotions, can be twisted to reflect the strength of that emotion. However, if a spell is inherently driven by one purpose and is fueled by a different emotion, its intent won't allow it to be successfully cast."
Jakob listened attentively, his complete focus and concentration now directed towards the man.
The headmaster sensed that he had succeeded in capturing the boy's undivided attention, a crucial step in imparting not only knowledge but also moral values and ethics. He understood that this journey would require more than just one conversation to reach its conclusion, but he was determined to make this moment perfect to lay the foundation for future discussions.
"By using specific wand movements and vocalising our spells, we can enhance the power and precision of said spell. This approach can accelerate the learning process, but it also has its limitations. It may hinder our potential for growth, preventing us from mastering wandless or nonverbal magic," Dumbledore explained.
Jakob was already familiar with this information, thanks to his father, but he had a deeper purpose for wanting this conversation to continue. He hoped that the headmaster would provide him with the answers he was seeking.
"So, are you suggesting that I can harness my intent and emotions to perform wandless magic?" Jakob inquired.
Dumbledore responded with a warm smile. "It would require time and practice, but I believe that if you start with simple spells like Lumos and focus on channeling your intent and emotion, you could become quite proficient in wandless magic."
Albus remained comfortably seated in his armchair, content with the progress of their conversation. Jakob paused briefly, appearing to contemplate his next question before carefully addressing the older man.
"Headmaster," he began, choosing his words carefully, "does this technique work on all forms of magic or just spells?"
Dumbledore's brows furrowed slightly as he inquired, "Could you clarify what you mean, heir Quade?"
Jakob settled into his chair, his expression curious and innocent. "I mean, can I perform rituals or create Rune wardings without adhering to established rules?" he asked. "If I have the right intent, why would I need to follow specific runes or symbols?"
The headmaster studied Jakob, knowing that this wasn't an ordinary question. However, the boy appeared unaware of the depth of his curiosity. Dumbledore decided that sharing this knowledge might foster respect and admiration from Jakob in the future, so he provided his answer.
"Indeed," he affirmed with a nod. "Even within different branches of magic, there are rules and limitations. Rituals and rune wards are distinct in their intent and design, yet they share a common source."
Jakob seemed to grasp the concept but still had questions, his uncertainty noticeable. "Can they be changed? I've read about how some rune wards can be altered."
Dumbledore maintained a thoughtful expression as he considered Jakob's question. "While it is possible to alter rune wards to a certain extent, such modifications are not without risks. It requires a deep understanding of the runes meanings and their interactions. One misstep in the alteration process can lead to unintended consequences. The larger the rune cluster the harder it is to understand every runes meaning. One might mean love when its connected to two other runes but obsession when it's connected to fifteen."
Jakob absorbed this information, thinking for a moment. Then, he continued with another question. "So if spellcasting is like water, rune warding is like ice, and rituals are like steam, what sets rituals apart from runes?"
The hesitation in Dumbledore's voice was evident as he contemplated how to respond. It felt like the boy before him was on the verge of uncovering some valuable information, and the headmaster had to be mindful of his words. Otherwise, there might be dire consequences.
"I… I'm afraid that…" Dumbledore began but suddenly halted, looking over at Jakob, who sighed and reached for his bag, ready to depart. He needed this conversation to end well, hoping that the young Quade heir would come to him for future advice. If Jakob could confide in him, it would not only provide Dumbledore with more insight into the boy's mind but also offer a chance to influence his path once he had earned his full trust.
He had one second to decide whether to continue this morally questionable topic with the boy for the greater good or to end it, hoping that another opportunity would present itself in the future.
"Rituals are more emotion-driven," Dumbledore began, his eyes fixed on Jakob as he carefully chose his words, "whereas Runewards are based primarily on intent. For a Ritual to be successful, the wizard needs to have complete mastery of Occlumency, enough so that no emotion slips through. Even the slightest emotional change can cause a Ritual to deviate from its intended path, leading to unintended consequences. That's why many rituals are forbidden, not necessarily due to their dark nature, but because achieving one hundred percent accuracy is a formidable challenge."
As Dumbledore spoke, Jakob absorbed the information, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. He nodded in understanding, smiling as he finally got the information he had desperately sought.
When the older man was finished with his private lecture, he noticed something in the young boy's eyes. There was relief, but also a sense of understanding.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Jakob said gratefully, his demeanour softening. "Now I understand why you were selected to be here as a teacher before you became headmaster."
Dumbledore couldn't help but smile at the young Slytherin's first compliment towards him. His efforts had paid off, and he had successfully altered Jakob's opinion of him. It was a small victory, but it signified progress in building a bridge of trust between them.
Jakob slowly rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and respectful. He gave a short bow to Dumbledore, a gesture of acknowledgement and gratitude. With measured steps, he began to walk toward the door, his mind still processing the valuable information he had received.
However, as he approached the threshold, he heard Dumbledore's voice calling out to him.
"Heir Quade?"
Jakob turned around, his gaze meeting the headmaster's.
"I hope what I said has been helpful to you," Dumbledore spoke, his tone carrying a sense of genuine concern, "and that you now appreciate why we don't teach rune warding to first-year students. We believe it's much better for them to wait until third year when they are more capable of comprehending complex magic. Furthermore, we have ceased teaching Rituals altogether, as the lack of supervision could easily lead to dangerous results. All in all, this is ultimately the right choice for everyone."
"I do, headmaster, I just get curious sometimes. I would never dream of attempting a rune ward until I knew the result wouldn't blow up in my face." Jakob laughed.
The old man's eyes twitched, but not with humour.
"What about rituals then?" Dumbledore asked, his tone serious.
Jakob looked confused as he answered. "They are forbidden. Why would I even think about trying them? I might be a Slytherin, but I want to stay clear of being thrown into Azkaban."
Albus chuckled, seeing the innocent look on the boy's face. Maybe he had been too suspicious about the young heir.
"And information is key to success, right? I appreciate that you would have an honest talk with me instead of just avoiding the topic. You aren't like all the other professors." Jakob finished and flashed one of his signature charming smiles at the headmaster as he awaited the response.
Dumbledore nodded faintly, his gaze trailing Jakob as he gently closed the door behind him.
Thoughts of the past and the resemblances he saw between Jakob and a young Tom Riddle made the leader of light shake his head. He hoped that Jakob could find a different path and not follow in the footsteps of the dark wizard.
"That cannot come to pass. Harry wouldn't stand a chance," Dumbledore muttered to himself. He removed his half-moon spectacles, leaned back in his armchair, and contemplated the situation.
The very notion of Jakob Quade succumbing to the dark forces sent shivers down the old headmaster's spine. The image of this young, potent wizard falling under the sway of the dark lord was profoundly unsettling, filling Dumbledore with a sense of hopelessness.
He needed to keep a close eye on Jakob, make him see the benefits of the light side, and slowly guide him away from the allure of dark magic. The boy was still young and impressionable, full of questions about magic that Dumbledore could answer to lead him toward the light. If he succeeded in his efforts, the young Quade heir might never have to delve into dark magic. If fortune truly favoured them, he could stand steadfastly by Harry's side when the inevitable time came for the dark lord to rise once more.
A satisfied smile curled on the headmaster's lips as he formulated his plan. He knew exactly what he needed to do in the coming years.
Jakob continued on his way to dinner, a lighthearted skip in his step. The conversation with Dumbledore had exceeded his expectations. Finally, the old fool shared something useful. He had suspected that his ritual with Pansy had gone wrong, and now he had confirmation.
It had been emotions, not intent, that had been the problem. All that remained now was to determine the nature of his mistake, the consequences it had brought, and how to set things right. The puzzle pieces were slowly falling into place, and Jakob was determined to find the answers he sought by any means necessary.
As the school year gradually drew to a close, Jakob embarked on a mission to discover a classroom that would suit his needs perfectly. He methodically inspected each vacant classroom for the ideal space that could become his private sanctuary. However, there was one minor inconvenience – students would intrude upon his chosen retreat two days a week, which annoyed him every time he thought about it.
Despite his best efforts, the young Quade's quest to find a classroom with an adjoining teacher's office had thus far yielded no results. Determined not to give up, he turned his attention to the sixth floor. His senses were on high alert with each measured step down the deserted corridor. He peered into each classroom he encountered, experiencing a strange sense of déjà vu. Though identical in their old-fashioned and timeworn appearance, the classrooms lacked the essential feature he sought – a teacher's office.
Jakob's frustration and scepticism mounted with each door he closed, none meeting his criteria for a suitable space.
He intensely examined the door labels: 6a, 6b, 6c, 6e, 6f... A puzzled expression etched onto his face as he noticed an apparent absence of a letter. Where was classroom 6d?
The door labels provided no answers, leaving the first-year Slytherin even more puzzled. He scrunched his eyebrows, determined to unravel this little mystery.
Despite often walking down this corridor, Jakob had never before noticed the missing classroom 6d. "It must be between these two," he mumbled, standing in front of an unremarkable section of the castle wall. He glanced at the door labelled 6e on his right, and the one marked 6c on his left.
He furrowed his brows, deep in thought about his next course of action. After a brief pause, his eyebrows shot up, "Could it truly be this simple?" He mused aloud, raising his wand with deliberate precision and pronouncing the charm clearly,
"Verdimillious!"
An astonishingly vivid green orb materialised around him. Then, it rushed forward and slammed into a door that had eluded his attention until that very moment. Utterly amazed, the Slytherin fixed his gaze on the sign on the door, which had ceased its greenish luminescence, revealing the label: 6D.
Jakob could tell that the door's wood was ancient, its surface painted in a deep, rich black hue that had barely stood the test of time. The door's hinges, coated in a thick layer of rust, flaked away when touched.
A rush of excitement washed over him, his expression mirroring Ella's usual look on Christmas mornings, as he eagerly grasped the door handle.
"Locked, of course."
Without hesitation, he retrieved his wand, muttered "Alohomora" under his breath, and heard a faint click as the lock obediently yielded. With a loud creak, the door swung open.
The exited first year closed his eyes for a moment and whispered, "Please let it be a teacher's office, please let it be a teacher's office."
Cautiously, he stepped inside, greeted by an encompassing darkness. The room was devoid of windows or any visible sources of light. The air felt heavy and stale, wrapping around him like a suffocating blanket. Drawing a deep breath, he almost whispered, "Lumos."
The room was bathed in an orange-blue glow, revealing a space even larger than the charms classroom. Jakob's eyes scanned the area, and when he spotted a spiral staircase tucked away in the farthest corner, a triumphant gleam filled his youthful eyes.
"It bloody has!" he exclaimed with delight, sprinting up the stairs to try opening the door. To his dismay, he discovered that it, too, was locked. "Why on earth are they all locked up?!" he shouted, his initial excitement turning to frustration. "Alohomora," he muttered, and with a faint creak, the handle turned as the door obligingly swung open before him.
The room was a perfect circle, bathed in the fading light of the evening sun streaming through a long, narrow window. In its centre, intricate carvings were etched into the wooden floor.
Surrounding the central area, towering shelves were filled to the brim with a vast array of books and jars containing ingredients that had long since turned poisonous and unusable.
Beaming with pride, he ventured further into the room. At the far end, an ornate oakwood desk stood proudly. Beside it, a wide window offered a panoramic view of the Quidditch pitch.
Jakob was in awe, his eyes darting from one fascinating item to another.
His hands brushed the dusty surface of a book as he pulled it from the shelf. With a gentle exhale, he blew away the layer of dust that had settled on its cover, revealing the title: "Rituals and How to Safely Perform Them." Realizing the significance of his discovery, the Quade heir raced back into the classroom, enhancing his Lumos spell to illuminate the intricate lines and patterns etched into the stone floor.
The realisation that he was standing in the Ritual classroom made his already wide smile grow even broader.
"This is going to be awesome!"
Exhausted from his exploration, The young Slytherin returned to his common room, his clothes covered in a thin layer of dust. He had spent the past few hours clearing out broken furniture and envisioning the perfect setup for his new classroom. There was only one thing on his mind now – a satisfying shower and a well-deserved rest in his comfortable bed.
As he continued through the common room, his gaze fell upon a group of Slytherin first-years huddled together. They were examining various papers and conversing in hushed tones. Some wore satisfied expressions, while others seemed more dejected.
Professor Snape, one of the few who had noticed Jakob's arrival, approached the Slytherin with a raised eyebrow. He examined the boy with interest, taking note of the boy's dishevelled hair and dusty robes.
"Detention or a fight, Mr. Quade?" Snape inquired, his voice laced with curiosity as he regarded the young Slytherin.
Jakob shook his head with a smile. "Neither, sir. I was just getting acquainted with my new classroom."
Snape seemed to understand and wordlessly handed Jakob a parchment before summoning his wand to quickly clean up the dust and dirt from the boy's robes. Without another word, he turned and disappeared from the common room before Jakob could express his gratitude.
He stared down at the parchment in his hand, carefully reading the words printed across it: "First-Year Exam Results."
Transfiguration: Outstanding
Charms: Outstanding
Potions: Outstanding
History of Magic: Outstanding
Defence Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding
Astronomy: Exceeds Expectations
Herbology: Exceeds Expectations
Flying Lessons (on broomsticks): Exceeds Expectations
His eyes quickly scanned over each grade, and he was pleased with what he saw. He wasn't particularly fond of Astronomy, and flying lessons had their limits, so the "Exceeds Expectations" in those subjects didn't bother him.
Jakob turned the parchment over and found a list written in neat handwriting by his professor.
"First-year top 5 placement (first having scored highest):
Jakob Quade - 5 O's and 3 E's
Hermione Granger - 4 O's and 4 E's
Lisa Turpin - 4 O's, 3 E's, 1 A
Daphne Greengrass - 4 O's, 2 E's, 2 A's
Ivy Potter - 3 O's, 3 E's, 2 A's"
Draco and Theo approached him, and when Theo snatched the parchment from Jakob's hands, he gave Draco a smug grin.
"Told you it was Herbology," he said as he Simultaneously waved the paper in Malfoy's face.
Draco snatched it from his roommate and started examining it intensely as though searching for some kind of fault.
"But how come you only got an E in Herbology?" he questioned. "I thought you were supposed to be good at that?"
Jakob stared at his best friend with a hint of annoyance.
"I'm top in our year, and the first thing you do is asking why my grades weren't better?" The Malfoy heir looked a bit sheepish as he handed back the parchment, patting his friend on the back.
"Well done, mate. Lord Quade and Father will surely be proud of your scores."
Shaking his head and suppressing a chuckle, Jakob noticed that Draco was holding his parchment and hastily snatched it away from him, perusing the contents as Draco feverishly tried to explain his grades.
"Look, it's not like the Transfiguration exam was easy. McGonagall expects us to perform spells perfectly on the first try. It's impossible! Herbology is just... well, who cares about plants anyway? And History of Magic? Binns' lectures are so dull, I can barely stay awake, let alone remember dates and names."
When Jakob finished, he surveyed the blond boy before him with bewilderment.
"Mate, did you come here just to moan about my marks when you only got two O's yourself?"
Draco seized the parchment back from Jakob while glaring at Theo, who started laughing approvingly at the comment. "Not everyone is like you, Quade, and I will be first on next year's list," The blond said quietly but with a hint of rage and shame while staring daggers at Theo. However, the Nott heir seemed unbothered by it and continued to laugh.
Jakob grinned mischievously and quipped, "Maybe you should set your hopes on just entering the list, instead of aiming to be at the top from the start."
Draco, unable to control his irritation and hearing Theodore's growing laughter, punched his roommate on the arm.
"Hey! He said it, not me," Theo stated, still giggling as he held his arm.
"Yeah, but it's your laugh that's annoying me, you—"
"Draco, play nice," Pansy interrupted as she, Daphne, and Tracey approached them.
Jakob noticed that while Daphne was genuinely happy about his place on the list, there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes. She was used to being at the top and wasn't pleased at all with her current fourth-place position.
"Who even are Hermione Granger and Lisa Turnip?" Daphne asked, crossing her arms, her tone a mix of arrogance and jealousy.
Pansy rolled her eyes. "Turnip is the one with the awful fashion sense, and Granger is that Mudblood who couldn't even cast a simple charm in DADA, remember?"
Daphne's eyes widened in realization. "That's Granger? How in the bloody hell is she—"
Seeing that Daphne was beginning to slip her ice mask, Jakob interrupted her. "You already have second place in Slytherin, and I think you did great." He gave her a reassuring smile, his eyes warm and sincere.
Daphne halted in her moment of anger and instead felt a blush begin to creep up her cheeks. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before she looked back up at Jakob. "Thanks," she murmured, her voice softer now.
Tracy, who stood beside her best friend, noticed this and smirked but didn't say anything.
When the group of first-years sat by the couches, Pansy couldn't resist bragging about Jakob's impressive grades. Her voice carried through the common room, catching Amy's attention. She casually walked over to the conversation, curiosity piqued.
"Let me see that," Amy said, reaching for Jakob's parchment. She raised an eyebrow in surprise as she scanned it. After a moment, she handed it back to him with a nod of acknowledgement. "Well done, Quade. You're not just a troublemaker but a clever one," she commented, her tone arrogant but with a slight hint of being impressed.
Before he could respond, a scream from further down the common room made everyone look. A fourth-year girl, whose hair had turned bright pink, was now raising her wand and hexing the boy who had done it, causing him to fall to the ground clutching his crotch in pain.
"You will get them back when you can behave," she said sternly, while the boy, already in pain, now also looked utterly terrified.
With the attention on the two fourth-years, Amy sent Jakob a quick wink before turning back to her group of friends. Jakob's lips curved into a subtle, prideful smile as he watched her retreat.
Among the Slytherins, Pansy was the sole witness to both Amy's subtle wink and Jakob's response. Questions buzzed in her mind. Was Jakob attracted to that fifth-year girl? Wasn't he supposed to like Daphne? Isn't the prefect a bit too old for him? Every question a young girl could have after seeing this situation swirled in Pansy's thoughts, though she concealed her slight surprise behind a carefully composed facade.
When Jakob was about to retire for the night, Diana stopped him in his tracks. "Heir Quade, I would like a word with you," He suppressed a yawn and followed her into the Slytherin five's chamber. She shut the door behind them as soon as they were inside and turned to face him.
"Please, take a seat," Jakob obliged, settling into one of the chairs across from her.
With a wave of her wand, Diana summoned an ink bottle, feather pen, and parchment from one of the bookshelves. She dipped the feather in the ink before turning to Jakob with an expectant expression.
"I would like to know which room you have chosen as your classroom," Diana inquired.
"I've selected 6D," Jakob answered, failing to stifle a yawn.
The head girl's frown deepened in confusion. "6D? I haven't heard of it before. Where exactly is it?"
"It's right between 6C and 6E," he replied, shrugging. Diana continued writing down the information, her expression still a bit puzzled.
Setting aside the parchment and quill, the queen fixed her gaze on the boy. "I'm afraid what I'm about to say might not sit well with you," she began, observing a confused expression forming on Jakob's face. With a weary sigh, she reclined into her imposing silver snake-themed throne.
"We had several applicants for the position, but only one seemed capable of doing an adequate job," the queen continued, rolling her eyes as she emphasised the word 'adequate.' Jakob's spine stiffened as he became more guarded.
She studied him briefly before delivering the news that would undoubtedly surprise him.
"You'll be required to work with a certain Hermione Granger," the seventh-year stated matter-of-factly. Jakob's mouth fell slightly open in surprise as he gazed at his queen, her words barely registering in his mind. Had he really heard her correctly?
Seeing the normally collected and cunning first year so shocked that he appeared frozen in place, Diana felt the need to continue her explanation before his wrath could erupt.
"I know that this might not be what you expected, and you might wish to express your thoughts on this, but Mr Hayden and I have made a decision, and this is final," Diana concluded.
Jakob nodded, doing his best to maintain a calm composure and not let the joy swirling in his stomach show. He would be able to meet with Granger twice every week, and it would appear entirely normal to everyone.
Clearing his throat, he picked up an imaginary strand of hair from his robe and let it fall.
"I'm not thrilled about this decision. But if it's already been set in stone, I don't suppose there's anything left to say. So I'll just have to put up with the mudblood for two days out of the week - is that right?" His tone was heavy with disappointment, and he noticed a flicker of relief pass across the queen's face as she realised he wouldn't make a scene.
"Yes, see this as an opportunity, Quade, and make the most of it. Even though it might be difficult at times." With a nod, Jakob accepted the parchment she had presented to him, which detailed their official after-school activity with the Hogwarts approval in red wax.
His eyes fell upon the text, "Club Leaders: Jakob Quade and Hermione Granger."
"May I ask something that's probably none of my business?" Jakob inquired, still focused on the text in front of him. Diana observed the Quade heir carefully, considering his request.
"Normally, I'd say no, but since you've taken the news surprisingly well, I'll make an exception this time. Go ahead and ask, but don't expect me to answer."
Jakob gave a slight nod in acknowledgement and continued. "With your time at Hogwarts coming to an end, who will take over the throne?" Diana gave him a knowing smirk and said, "Ah, so are you hoping for someone special to take up the mantle? Or is it merely curiosity?"
Jakob was about to form some kind of excuse, surprised that she had understood him, but she raised her hand with a sly smile. "No need to be coy, heir Quade. Even without seeing the looks that pass between you and Miss Frome, I can still sense it in your words. I hear how she speaks of you - someone much younger than her - with admiration and praise. This isn't something I've heard from her before. I had even entertained the possibility that she wasn't interested in boys, but seeing how she responded to you is proof enough that I was wrong."
Jakob felt the heat rise in his face and ears, his mouth going dry. He desperately needed a glass of water. He hoped that when he asked his next question, his voice wouldn't betray his feelings. "And what is she saying about me?" he asked cautiously.
Diana leaned back in her chair, a glint of amusement in her eyes, and replied with a smirk. "That is something you must discover for yourself."
Jakob nodded, stood, and made his way to the door. Before he left, he spun around one last time. "Why did you tell me this, my queen?"
There was a pause as Diana savoured the moment, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "You have done so much in this past year, heir Quade. You have helped Slytherin in more way than one, made the Boy Who Lived fall, and sparked a war the likes of which Hogwarts has never seen before. I'm saddened to be graduating tomorrow, missing the chance to see all the successes you will achieve here in the six years to come. Perhaps one day our paths will cross again, and you can tell me how far you've come?"
Surprised at how his queen spoke to him as if he were her equal, Jakob could only nod and then take a graceful bow. "Of course, my queen." He gave her a respectful bow, entertaining the thought of one day having her join him on his adventures.
Diana thanked him with a gracious nod, and he started to turn towards the door when she added, "Oh, and Quade, best to keep this little secret between you and me. I fear what Amy would do if she knew what I just told you."
"Yeah, Amy can be... Amy sometimes," Jakob replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Had he turned around, he would have seen Diana giving him a genuine, warm smile for the first time.
With that, Jakob opened the door and left.
Author's Note: The next chapter will be the last chapter of book one.
I'd also like to address a review I've received that I can't respond to via PMs.
GunarJ: Thank you for your kind words. I hope this rewritten version won't take too much time, as I'm also eager to continue where I left off in the original.
Cheers:)