Chapter 21: End of year one.
The grand hall was filled with a joyous atmosphere as the farewell feast commenced. Laughter and heartfelt goodbyes floated through the air as students mingled and embraced, fully aware that their time together was drawing to a close. A hush fell over the hall as Dumbledore made his way to the podium, prepared to deliver his final address.
"This year has been a journey filled with the unexpected, marked by both its highs and lows. As it draws to a close, I wish to extend my gratitude to the Head Boy and Girl for their exceptional leadership throughout these tumultuous times. I eagerly anticipate the wonders that the next school year will bring," Dumbledore said, his eyes scanning the room, landing briefly on the Slytherin boy who had caught his attention this year, who remained indifferent and focused on his plate.
"To conclude, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the graduating students. Your unwavering commitment and hard work have been an inspiration to us all. May our paths cross again in the future," the headmaster continued, gesturing for everyone to resume feasting as he retook his seat.
The feast continued, transitioning from the main courses to a delightful array of desserts.
Jakob, about to indulge in a generous helping of treacle tart, couldn't help but notice Ivy Potter at the Gryffindor table, mirroring his exact dessert-ready pose with a substantial slice of treacle tart in front of her mouth. Their eyes locked, and Ivy sent the Slytherin boy an intense glare before attacking her dessert with an enthusiasm that could only be compared to Ron Weasley's legendary appetite.
A wave of disappointment and disgust washed over the Slytherin boy as he initially could only stare at her in horror while she unceremoniously chewed her piece, maintaining firm eye contact. As she swallowed, he finally found his breath. After shaking his head slightly in a mix of amazement and disgust, Jakob looked down in defeat at his favourite dessert. Resigned, he replaced his plate of treacle tart with a serving of apple pie.
After everyone had their fill, the headmaster rose once more. "At long last, my students, it's time to announce the winner of the house cup. In fourth place, we have Ravenclaw with 32 points," he declared, which was met with a low amount of cheers and applause from the Ravenclaws, who appeared somewhat embarrassed.
"In third place, we have Slytherin with 44 points," the headmaster continued, prompting a round of applause. The Slytherin students seemed far from disappointed, their faces adorned with smug expressions instead.
"And, claiming the second-place spot, we have Gryffindor with 49 points!" The cheers and applause echoed throughout the hall, except from the Slytherin table.
The headmaster's smile widened as he fixed his twinkling eyes on the cheerful Hufflepuff table.
"For the first time in over two centuries, I am thrilled to declare Hufflepuff as the victor of this year's House Cup, with a remarkable 422 points!" Dumbledore announced, his voice filled with pride and admiration. "The Hufflepuffs have earned points not only by excelling in their studies and daily tasks but also by embodying the true spirit of Hogwarts. They embraced the essence of unity, striving to end the rivalry between the houses and standing for peace. Their astounding and heroic acts of selflessness are something that Helga Hufflepuff herself would be immensely proud of."
Triumphant cheers from the Hufflepuff House filled the Great Hall, echoing off the ancient walls. Students leapt to their feet, hugging and clapping each other on the back, their faces glowing with pride and joy.
Golden and black banners were unfurled on the walls and ceiling, proudly displaying the Hufflepuff crest.
The other houses, including the Slytherins, joined in the applause, rather seeing them win than the Gryffindors. Even the professors exchanged approving glances, and handshakes as they acknowledged the Hufflepuffs' exceptional achievement.
That evening, a legendary celebration was set to take place, one that would be etched into the memories of every Hufflepuff fortunate enough to attend.
The Slytherin common room held a farewell party too, although it lacked the grandeur of the Hufflepuff celebration.
Amidst the partying students, two Slytherins quietly slipped away early, seeking a quieter and more personal farewell.
Back in Room 13, Jakob and Pansy packed their bags, chatting about their first-year experiences and sharing a few laughs. Once their packing was done, they changed into their pyjamas and did their usual before-bed routine.
Jakob reclined on his bed, lost in a book about runes, while Pansy silently perused her Witch Weekly magazine at her desk, not uttering a single word.
Suddenly, a faint whisper reached the ears of the young Slytherin boy.
"Will we see each other during the summer break?" Jakob lowered his book and turned to his roommate, who appeared to be engrossed in her reading. He thought he must have misheard for a brief moment, but then he noticed the quick glance she shot him.
"We can, if you'd like, Pansy, but..." Jakob began, his voice trailing off as Pansy cut him off with a firm, "I want to." He watched her intently, noting the determination in her eyes as she set her book aside and rose with purpose. Her steps were deliberate and steady as she moved toward him.
She sat beside him on his bed, her sigh soft but laden with unspoken thoughts. Jakob's puzzled expression mirrored his internal confusion. "I just... two months is quite a while, don't you think?" Slowly, he nodded, his mind racing to understand the desperation behind her actions.
"My family and I are planning a trip to Egypt to see the incredible Pyramids and all the wonders it has to offer. We'll be gone for two weeks. Would you like to come with us?" Pansy gazed at Jakob with a hopeful gleam in her eyes as he contemplated the invitation.
The idea of experiencing Egypt's ancient magic intrigued him, but he couldn't help but wonder about the underlying reason for her uncharacteristic invitation. Was it related to the ritual or something entirely different? When their eyes met again, he offered her a reassuring smile and a slight nod.
"So, you'll come with us?" Pansy asked, her excitement barely containable.
"I'd be happy to go with you, but I have other plans I need to ensure won't conflict with the trip. Are you certain that Daphne, Tracey, or Draco wouldn't be a better choice?"
Pansy shifted her body and lay down beside him. Jakob moved slightly to his right, making room for her without showing any of the surprise that he was currently feeling about her action. Pansy, however, seemed entirely unfazed, as if lying beside him was completely normal.
For a moment there was complete silence, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, a faint trace of worry evident on her face. "I had originally intended to invite Draco, but he wouldn't enjoy the sand and the sun."
Jakob had to concentrate on Pansy's voice to avoid getting lost in this unexpected moment. It was the first time he had shared his bed with a girl. "Just the thought of him standing there looking so bored..." She continued with a slightly disappointed tone.
He was about to answer when his mind wandered to a comical mental image: Draco standing in a scorching desert, sunburned, wearing his usual sneer, and looking utterly uninterested as camels trudged by.
As Pansy spoke, she shifted to her side, the bed softly creaking. Her eyes showed a depth of sincerity as she looked directly at the boy beside her. "And, well, I just enjoy spending time with you," she admitted, her vulnerability apparent in both her words and her gaze.
Recognising her genuine sentiment and the authenticity of her words, Jakob nodded in response, his lips curling into a reassuring smile.
"Let me speak to my father when I get home. He'll reach out to yours, and find a suitable date."
Pansy's face lit up with delight, and she couldn't contain her happiness, emitting a joyful squeal as she tightly embraced him. Jakob was initially taken aback, but then slowly lifted his hands to reciprocate the embrace. Closing his eyes for a moment, he felt a sense of completeness, as if he had found something he hadn't known he was missing.
"It will be so much fun! We'll visit the pyramids, explore the cities, and if we're lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of a sphinx..." Pansy continued with her enthusiastic speech, vividly painting their upcoming adventure. Jakob listened, nodding along as she described the activities they would enjoy.
After about ten minutes of her lively descriptions, Pansy reluctantly released her hold on him and returned to her own bed, letting out a contented sigh.
"Goodnight, Jakob," she murmured softly. Jakob, still lying in his bed with his hands behind his head, turned slightly towards her, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Goodnight, Pansy," he replied warmly.
The day after, Jakob stood on platform nine and three-quarters, bidding his friends farewell. Daphne and Tracey insisted that he keep in touch during the summer break, and he promised he would.
The Slytherin first-year group slowly dwindled as one after another of Jakob's friends left the platform. Eventually, only Draco, Pansy, and Theo remained.
Draco nudged his best friend and pointed out in the sea of witches and wizards, "Look, our parents are over there."
Sure enough, their families stood farther away, engaged in conversation, as usual.
Before the two boys could retrieve their bags and make their way towards their families, Pansy halted them and swiftly embraced Draco in a hug. She then moved over to Jakob, embracing him for a more prolonged huh and whispered quietly, "Promise me to ask and write when you know." Jakob glanced over at Draco, who was still saying goodbye to Theo, before returning Pansy's hug.
"I'll try, but don't expect too much. I can't guarantee it will work." With a solemn nod of understanding, she reluctantly let him go.
With a final farewell, the two boys left and made their way through the bustling crowd at the platform towards their families.
Upon reaching their parents and Emma, Jakob proudly presented the parchment with his grades to his father. Thomas took the parchment and looked it over, frowning at what he saw.
"Why didn't you get an O in Herbology, Flying, or Astronomy?" Thomas questioned, his tone sharp. "Your sister had full marks in those subjects." trying to stifle a sigh, Jakob knew Deep down that his father would never simply say "Good job" or "I'm proud of you," yet he couldn't help but hope for it, even if just for a moment.
Emma, who had been standing beside Narcissa, stepped forward. "May i see the paper, Father." She scanned Jakob's grades and then looked up with a surprised smile. "Jakob has better overall grades than I had when I finished my first year at Ilvermorny."
Thomas shot his daughter a slightly disapproving glance, pondering her words for a moment. Finally, he nodded. "You might be right," he conceded, his voice tinged with reluctant acceptance.
He gave Jakob a rare twitch of his lips, a gesture that Jakob understood was as close to a smile as his father would offer in public.
"But next year, you will improve, isn't that right my son?" Thomas said, his tone firm and expectant.
Jakob met his father's eyes and nodded. "Yes, Father. I will."
Thomas nodded, satisfied that his heir understood. "You did well, but always remember, a Quade strives for perfection."
He couldn't help but feel relieved that his father had accepted his grade, aware that Thomas valued perfection more than merely Jakob topping his year.
With an intrigued expression, Lucius glanced at his old friend. Thomas handed him the paper, and Lord Malfoy scanned the parchment before giving a satisfied nod.
"I see that you've achieved the highest grade in your year," he acknowledged.
This was the largest difference between House Malfoy and House Quade, Jakob thought inwardly as he thanked Lucius. To House Malfoy, being seen as the best and flaunting their superiority was paramount. Appearances and reputation were everything. In contrast, House Quade pursued genuine excellence, always striving to be the best they could be.
If Jakob had argued with his father that he was top in his year, Thomas would have dismissed it, stating that it didn't matter if he was better than some idiots. The true goal was relentless self-improvement and honouring their house by being the best in their own right.
The smile on Lord Malfoy's face vanished, replaced by a scowl as he glanced at his own son's parchment. His voice dripped with venom as he spoke, "Why can't I ever be proud of you, Draco?" His face twisted with contempt as he turned towards his son, awaiting an explanation for the disappointing grades.
Draco attempted a meagre smile, but the worry was unmistakable shining through. "Father, I promise to do better next year," his gaze briefly shifted to his mother, bracing for what lay ahead when they returned home.
"Yes, you will, and when we get home, I will think of something to bring out your best effort," Lucius stated sternly, his son shrinking under the weight of his father's disapproval, fully aware that some form of painful punishment was inevitable.
"Dobby!" Lucius called out, summoning a house-elf who promptly appeared and collected Draco's bags.
The families bid their goodbyes before the Malfoys departed. Draco cast a worried glance at his best friend, who understood his feelings all too well. "I'll see you soon. Just remember that tonight, okay?" Jakob whispered as they shook hands, offering an encouraging nod.
"Yeah... I'll see you soon," Draco said, trying his best to muster a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. And with that, the Malfoy family disappeared with a crack.
After watching the Malfoys vanish, Thomas readied himself to take his children home.
"Father, why don't we have a house-elf like the Malfoys?" Jakob asked curiously.
Thomas gave his heir a sharp tap on the head with his cane. "Why would I allow such filth as house-elves to live in the comforts of my home?" he retorted.
Jakob shrugged his shoulders. "They are useful, and with Ella starting school after the summer, who will help Susie?"
Thomas raised his cane again, ready to knock some sense into his heir, but halted his movement. For a tense moment, neither father nor son knew if the cane would strike again. Then, Lord Quade raised an amused eyebrow. "If you start your conversations by sharing your thoughts instead of asking foolish questions, my cane won't risk damage in the future."
Jakob tried his best to suppress a chuckle at his father's comment, while Emma didn't even bother hiding her amused grin.
Thomas Quade held his son's arm securely as he prepared to apparate them home from Platform 9¾. Emma stood beside them, her hand resting lightly on her little brother's shoulder, a comforting presence amidst the chaos of the station.
Jakob glanced back at the Hogwarts Express, its steam billowing into the summer sky, a silent promise of more adventures to come. As Thomas tightened his grip and the familiar pull of apparition enveloped them, Jakob felt a surge of determination. He knew that the next year would bring new challenges, new allies, new enemies, and new opportunities to grow in power.
In an instant, they were gone from the platform, leaving behind the echoes of his first year.
The first year was over, but the real journey had only just begun.
End of Year One.