Chapter 4: A bloody girl and the first day of Classes.
As Jakob and his fellow Slytherins surveyed their new common room, he couldn't help but appreciate its grandeur and spaciousness.
While taking in the surroundings, his eyes were drawn to two older girls approaching the group.
Older students in the common room greeted the approaching girls with respect or discreetly averted their gazes, a clear testament to the elevated status these two held within Slytherin House.
Jakob prepared himself for the following interactions, fully aware that these two girls likely occupied the highest positions in the house's social hierarchy.
When they arrived, he noticed that one of the girls appeared more senior, and she took the lead in addressing the group.
Diana greeted the first-year students with a warm smile, saying, "Hello, everyone. My name is Diana Cowley, and it's a pleasure to meet you all. I am the head girl."
Jakob might have denied it if questioned, but the reality was that Diana Cowly exuded stunning beauty. Her tall, slender figure was graced with long, flowing, light brown hair that cascaded down her back. Her flawless, sun-kissed skin complimented her brilliant blue eyes and impeccably manicured forest green nails, contributing to her overall elegance and grace. Her composed hands lay serenely at her sides, radiating a sense of graceful stillness.
Jakob noticed that the pin she wore differed from the other two students. Instead of saying prefect, it featured the head girl in shining gold lettering.
She gestured to the boy on her right. "This is Damion Gosforth," and then indicated the girl on her left. "and this is Amy Frome."
The boy who had brought the group of first years stepped forward, offering them a somewhat welcoming smile. Damion Gosforth was a typical pureblood Slytherin, a tall and athletic figure with a shock of brown hair that swept across his forehead. His bright, mischievous brown eyes held a hint of cruelty when he stared at you for too long.
The girl on Diana's left, Amy Frome, stood out distinctly in the crowd, wearing her Hogwarts uniform. Her striking presence was defined by her almost porcelain-like skin. Subtle green veins were barely visible where her skin was thin, adding an enigmatic allure to her soft yet well-defined curves. Her cascading ebony locks framed a steely expression, giving her an air of elegance and danger.
She radiated an enigmatic and dangerous aura reminiscent of the unsettling feeling one might experience when venturing into a shadowy and dark forest, knowing that a dire wolf could lurk nearby.
Although he couldn't quite put it into words, an unsettling and mysterious quality about her kept him on edge. Their eyes briefly locked, sending a shiver down his spine. Amy appeared unfazed by her effect on him, merely grinning as she crossed her arms, ignoring the other first-years.
Diana, who noticed the exchange, shot Amy a questioning look before slightly shaking her head and turning back to the group with a bright, friendly smile.
"It is with great honour that we welcome you to the House of Slytherin - if there is ever anything you need, do not hesitate to ask me or any of your senior year counterparts." Jakob noticed how everyone seemed to calm down when she spoke, but he still felt tense; something about Diana was off. He glanced at Draco, but his blonde hair glowed as brightly and carefree as all the other students.
"We've got some rules here in Slytherin that we don't let outsiders know about. If they were to find out," the head girl said, eyeing her prefects, "The consequences would be severe."
"Rule number one," Diana stated loudly, raising one of her manicured fingers for emphasis.
"As Slytherins, we must stand united and protect one another. There will be individuals from other houses who will try to harm us. So, regardless of any disagreements with a fellow Slytherin, you must support them when they're in trouble,"
Jakob gave a silent nod of agreement. This rule made sense.
After making sure her point was clear, Diana motioned for Amy to continue. She did so promptly, her arms tightly folded across her chest, accentuating her cleavage.
"Rule number two: Never get caught breaking a school rule or doing something half-witted, no matter who you are, You will face the consequences."
Jakob noticed how Miss Frome had emphasised the importance of not getting caught. So, they were allowed to engage in rule-breaking activities, but they had to be cautious not to get noticed, as their status wouldn't protect them from the consequences if they did?
He found himself warming up to these rules. They aligned perfectly with what he had in mind.
"Should you be unfortunate enough to find yourself in such a predicament, breaking a school rule, for example, you'll face dual consequences. One from the professors or, in the unluckiest of cases, the headmaster himself, and another carried out by the Slytherin five."
Jakob seemed perplexed by the final statement and was on the verge of asking what the Slytherin five meant when Damion, positioned to Amy's right, stepped forward to provide an answer, addressing the unspoken question on every first-year student's mind.
"Rule number three," he explained, "you must respect and adhere to the decrees of the Slytherin Five, the supreme authority in this house. We decide how you should conduct yourselves outside these walls. If there is a dispute between two Slytherins, you will bring it to our attention, and we will decide who deserves punishment. You are welcome to voice any objections you have regarding these regulations."
As Damion spoke, Amy spun her wand between her fingers as if daring anyone to say otherwise. Jakob shifted his feet, feeling the urge to draw his wand and challenge the older girl. They had just arrived and were being told what to do already?
But Instead of acting on his impulses, the Quade heir took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment to regain his calm. Fighting them now would only embarrass him. There were three of them, and he only understood one thing for sure. They held complete power. If the rest of the house dared not speak up about what the three were saying, it implied they knew better than to attack the members.
When the prefect boy had made sure that the first years had all understood, he turned and gestured towards Diana with a look of admiration.
Miss Cowly reigns supreme as the leader of Slytherin, with the remaining four members serving as her trusted advisors who follow her every command. She is known as the Slytherin Queen.
With a pleased look, Diana took a step and accepted his offered hand.
"My young Slytherins," the queen began in a sugary tone. "As a new student, it would be wise to remain silent about what occurs between these walls. Always remember that you never know who's listening."
Following the speech's conclusion, Professor Snape approached the queen with a courteous nod, which she reciprocated.
"Most impressive, Diana. You made it crystal clear what we expect from our incoming students." He then spun around to face the newest faces of his house.
With a stern and authoritative tone, he conveyed his message clearly, "I expect each of you to excel in your studies, particularly in Potions. There will be no failed attempts, and students from my house must be punctual." His gaze shifted to Crabbe and Goyle for emphasis, making it clear this was non-negotiable.
"Don't disappoint me, or there will be consequences." he declared slowly, making the two largest boys in their year glance nervously at each other.
The dark-haired professor turned to the head girl, bowed slightly, and then left the common room.
"As I have other businesses to attend to, I will leave you in my advisor's capable hands," the head girl declared to the group, sparing a glance at the prefects. "Continue with the plan," she finished with a nonchalant wave of her hand.
Diana then walked to a door, opened it, and stepped through. When it closed with a thud, Jakob noticed the word "Queen" spelt out in gold letters on the door.
"Let's get started!" Damion shouted, clapping his hands enthusiastically. With a smooth and effortless wave of his wand, a sheet of parchment appeared in front of him with a gentle pop.
"In the Slytherin house, each student will be paired with a roommate. When I call your name, you and your partner will follow Amy here, and she will lead you to your dormitory. The two of you shall remain together for the duration of your seven years at Hogwarts."
Jakob cast a sly grin toward Draco. He knew that this was going to be great. For seven years, they would be sharing a Dorm, which would provide them with plenty of time for brainstorming and plotting the path to their eventual success.
When Damion called out, "Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode," Jakob couldn't help but notice the discontent on Tracey's face as she heard who her partner would be.
"I'm curious," Tracey inquired, her voice carrying a note of sternness and her arms folded across her chest, "who exactly made this choice?"
Amy's eyes immediately shifted towards the first-year girl, and her expression lit up with excitement. It seemed as though she had been hoping for someone to speak up, and her broad grin even managed to dissolve the younger girl's stern demeanour. Tracey began to feel a growing sense of fear, as though a nest of spider eggs was hatching in her stomach.
With a sinister tone, she drew nearer, savouring Tracey's unease. Using her wand, she toyed with her hair and asked, "Are you implying you're dissatisfied with the Slytherin five's sorting?" Her grin expanded as the words left her lips.
The group of first-years was overwhelmed with unease as the prefect advanced. They scattered quickly, creating a path for her as if the Red Sea was parting. Nonetheless, Daphne showed loyalty to her friend by remaining at her side.
Tracey's response was immediate as she vigorously shook her head, her lips smiling weakly in a feeble attempt to express her regret. "No, not at all," she replied in a polite tone.
Amy holstered her wand and offered a comforting pat on the first-year's head. Upon witnessing Amy's compassionate smile, Tracey sighed in relief and responded with a nod of agreement.
When Amy turned to face Jakob, her eyes held an intense gaze. He sensed a particular cruelty hidden behind her forced smile, a hunger for something. She even winked at him as if she knew he had seen through her act.
Then, abruptly, Amy viciously tugged on Tracey's hair, her iron grip dragging the girl across the room, screams of pain filling the air. Tracey felt searing agony radiating through her scalp as she desperately struggled to free herself from Amy's relentless clutches, but her efforts were futile.
In one swift motion, the older witch heartlessly hurled her body onto the cold, unforgiving stone floor, leaving the first-year momentarily breathless and in pain.
"I beg you, I promise to not say another word. Please, I swear!" pleaded Tracey, her voice trembling with fear. She cowered on the floor, her hands raised in a sign of surrender, her wide and desperate eyes begging for mercy. The room remained frozen, gripped by fear, as Amy advanced on her.
Amy appeared to be unfazed by the pleading girl. Instead, she raised her foot and violently kicked her face, sending the poor girl's head snapping back and hitting the floor. None of the spectators dared to interfere or do anything to stop what was happening.
Tracey screamed in suffering as a searing pain ripped through her face and body. Blood streamed from her busted nose, staining the floor below. Her desperate pleas for Amy to forgive her were ignored, and soon, she felt the end of Amy's wand pressed against her chest.
Jakob pushed his way through the crowd of students and positioned himself about two meters behind the prefect. Just as Amy was about to utter the curse, he cleared his throat.
His interruption abruptly stopped her action, and Amy shot him a stern yet inquisitive glare as if questioning his audacity to interrupt her. Yet, her eyes also sparkled with curiosity, eager to hear his words.
"Miss Frome, with all due respect to your teaching methods. But may I ask a question?" The eyes of the onlookers were fixed on the Quade heir, their faces displaying varying degrees of confusion.
Amy brushed a hand through her curled black hair to push it back as she stood straight, signifying her readiness to address his question with due attention.
"Ah, it's nice to see that some of you still know how to show proper respect," she replied with a relieved sigh and gave him a faint nod of approval. "This is exactly what the Slytherin house stands for. Very well, Quade, ask your question."
Jakob was about to open his mouth when Amy quickly and forcefully pressed her foot down on Tracey's chest, preventing her from escaping. The girl had attempted to use this opportunity to make a run for it, but Amy wasn't having any of it. The squirming and anguished noises made some students avert their eyes, unable to stomach the scene any longer. Nevertheless, Jakob kept his gaze fixed on Amy as he spoke.
"How are we expected to remember the lessons you want to teach," he began calmly as if they were discussing the weather. But as he continued, his voice rose to a shout filled with animosity and loathing, making a few of his peers behind him jump in shock.
"If you beat the living shit out of us?" Taking a breath, the thirteen-year-old boy focused his hardest to calm his temper, and after a few strained moments, his charming smile returned before continuing, gesturing to Tracey with an open hand.
"The way your kick sent Miss Davis crashing her head into the stone floor, I doubt she'll even recall what she had for lunch."
The common room fell into an eerie silence, every student holding their breath. Even Tracey, who was seeing double and in a great deal of pain, couldn't tear her gaze away from Jakob. A mix of confusion and terror was written all over her face.
Amy examined the boy standing before her, his hands tucked behind his back. He watched her with a peculiar blend of curiosity and interest in his gaze. But there was something more lurking within his eyes.
A sinister and bone-chilling laugh erupted from Amy, sending shivers down the spines of all the students in the room. Some instinctively took a step back upon hearing it, their wide-eyed expressions filled with concern.
With a twisted grin, Amy wiped away a mock tear from her eye and brutally kicked Tracey aside, her earlier victim now forgotten. Her eyes gleamed with sadistic glee as she advanced towards her next prey, her wand held at the ready.
"Corporis Dolor," she hissed and flicked her wand. Well-acquainted with the incantation, Jakob understood that dodging this curse might invite an even more painful one. He held his ground, albeit leaning forward slightly, psyching himself up for the imminent pain. A sickly-coloured indigo spell shot from her wand and struck him squarely in the chest, sending a wave of pain through his body.
Gasps filled the room as the students watched in astonishment, seeing the Quade heir enduring the curse. Some who were familiar with the spell had expected him to collapse, writhing in pain, but to their surprise, he remained standing, displaying no signs of distress.
While the pain was not as unbearable as past punishments inflicted by his father, it was enough to make Jakob grit his teeth. But He had a suspicion about why she had used this particular spell and why she had cast it only once.
She halted right in front of him, and the closeness between them could have misled onlookers into thinking that something entirely different was about to transpire. However, the intense way they locked eyes made it evident that their interaction was far from friendly.
With mere centimetres of air between them, Jakob, though only slightly shorter than the witch, had to tilt his head back ever so slightly to keep their eyes locked. Their gazes remained locked as they meticulously examined every nuance of each other's irises as if searching for hidden secrets.
The pain began to ease a bit, but Jakob was aware that Amy was watching his eyes closely, searching for signs of weakness. He had to maintain his composure, not allowing the curse to break him or reveal his pain.
"You!" Amy commanded, snapping her fingers and pointing at Daphne while still maintaining eye contact with Jakob. "Take her to the hospital wing. Make up a plausible excuse if anyone asks." The platinum-blonde girl scrambled to her friend's aid, her wide eyes darting in Jakob's direction. He pretended to ignore her gaze as he focused his attention on Amy, keenly aware that any moment of distraction, even the briefest blink, could be enough for her to launch another curse.
In a way, this girl wasn't so different from his sister. There was something in her gaze that made Jakob subconsciously lean forward slightly, captivated by what he saw in her eyes. As the entrance door closed behind them, Amy noticed the subtle lean and smiled amusedly, satisfied with his response to her unspoken challenge.
Leaning forward, she narrowly avoided his lips and continued to whisper in his ear.
"My attention has been piqued, Quade. And I must say, your eyes are telling me a wonderful story. So here is my advice: Here in Slytherin house, it won't matter what family you come from. Your father was once a Slytherin, and so were your friend's parents. They won't interfere as they know the rules. Here, it doesn't matter what your last name is - everyone begins from the bottom and has to prove their worth. Be careful who you cross."
She leaned back, studying Jakob's expression for any hint as to what his response would be. He seemed to contemplate her words, and she braced herself, expecting him to take issue with her comment.
However, his reaction took her by surprise. A faint smile began to curl on her lips as she watched Jakob extend his hand, offering a warm and charming smile. Amy raised her hand, allowing him to gently grasp it before he lowered his head and planted a polite kiss on the back of her knuckles. When he lifted his head, his smile had her heart racing a little faster in her chest. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Frome, and I stand corrected. You are an excellent teacher."
The common room fell into stunned silence as everyone tried to comprehend the audacity of what had just transpired. Could this mere first-year student have truly disrupted Amy Frome during her punishment, withstand one of her notorious punishing spells as though it were nothing, and not only survived but earned the privilege to kiss her hand?
Even Damion appeared baffled as Amy approached him for a whispered exchange. They both glanced at the scroll of names, and their brief conversation ended with a nonchalant shrug from the black, curly-haired prefect. Afterwards, she turned her attention to Jakob and gestured for him to return to the line.
The older students were confused as they witnessed the terror of Slytherin pardoning the boy. Without hesitation or complaint, Jakob obediently returned to his place in the line, and the sorting ceremony continued as if nothing had disrupted it in the first place.
Damion cleared his throat, then lifted the parchment.
"Once your name has been called, Amy will show you to your designated dorm." Everyone nodded in agreement and kept their heads low, none of them wanting to give that frightening older girl a reason to do what she had done to Tracey or Jakob just moments before.
"Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle!" Upon hearing their names, the two boys beamed with joy, utterly forgetting the earlier tension. They rushed over, eager to be led to their destination, leaving the rest of the Slytherin first years watching in envy as they disappeared from view.
The first-year students silently watched as the two boys followed the older witch down one of the corridors and made a left turn, disappearing from sight. When only Amy returned, many of them visibly relaxed, realising there was hope that they could get through this without any further incidents.
"Draco Malfoy," Dameon called out, his voice resonating throughout the room. Hearing his name, Draco looked toward Jakob and exchanged a reassuring smile with his best friend. They were about to become roommates, and everything seemed to be falling into place as they had planned.
"And Theodor Nott," Dameon announced. Jakob maintained his composure, allowing himself only a slightly deeper breath through his nose. Internally, he fumed, envisioning how he would exact vengeance on Damion, making what Tracey had endured seem like a mere tea party. The prefect had ruined everything.
Draco's heart lay in ruins. Taking a few deep breaths to mask his sorrow, he fought to put on a facade of a false smile. With a heavy heart, he followed Amy and a delighted Theo, who seemed quite content with the arrangement, blissfully unaware of the genuine emotions tormenting the young Malfoy heir.
After returning, Amy resumed her place next to Damion, who had patiently been waiting for her. A brief glance passed between Damion and Jakob, leaving the young Quade with an uneasy feeling as if he anticipated something unpleasant on the horizon.
Damion then refocused on the parchment and declared in a resolute, loud voice, "Jakob Quade and Pansy Parkinson."
Hearing the announcement, Amy watched the unfolding scene eagerly, intrigued by what this naughty boy would do next.
Jakob exchanged glances with Amy, then turned his attention to the stunned Pansy, who appeared as if she'd been frozen in place. Not waiting for her to react, Jakob cleared his throat, seized her arm, and pulled her forward. He offered a curt nod, signalling their readiness to be led to their dormitory. Amy acknowledged their agreement with a nod of her own before spinning on her heel and taking the lead, guiding them down the hallway.
As they turned the corner, the first-year girl suddenly snapped out of her stupor, her gaze locking with Jakob's, where his stern warning was crystal clear: not a word until they were inside their dorm room. Obediently, they continued following Amy down the green corridor.
The corridor seemed to stretch on endlessly, bathed in the flickering light of torches that clung to the stone walls. The doors lining either side were a study in intricate design - some bore swirling vines, while others displayed serpent-like patterns.
Each door was marked with its own unique silver number or symbol. The staircases at each end of the corridor indicated that the upper-level dorms were likely reserved for the older students.
After a brief walk, Amy halted at the door adorned with a serpentine carving etched into the frame, magically slithering around the glittering number thirteen.
"And here we are, room thirteen," she announced with a wave of her wand, and the door opened, revealing the room. Pansy could only offer a nervous smile as she stepped inside, unsure of what to say or do.
Jakob, about to follow, abruptly stopped when Amy slammed the door shut and positioned herself in front of him. She wore an innocent expression and offered a smile, though Jakob remained wary of her intentions.
"Do you know why you are being punished, Heir Quade?" The answer was quite obvious, Jakob thought, as he looked at the older witch and caught a hint of minty breath escaping from her slightly parted lips.
If it had been obvious, she wouldn't have asked in the first place. Amy's objective wasn't merely to assert her authority, which suited Damion's style better. She relished the thrill of a challenge, much like himself.
Jakob's mind raced as he tried to assemble the puzzle pieces, and Amy watched him with an eager, unwavering grin. She hoped his response would reveal the depth of his cunning, setting him apart from his peers.
"This isn't a punishment, at least not primarily," Jakob began thoughtfully. Amy nodded, her grin growing even wider as she encouraged him to continue.
"Miss Parkinson was originally meant to be partnered with Miss Greengrass, but you reassigned her to Miss Davis. This left you in need of a new partner for her. When Mr. Gosforth inquired about your solution, you responded with a shrug. Understandably, he went for the most convenient option – me."
With his final word, Jakob looked at Amy in genuine surprise. He had actually managed to solve it.
Amy returned his wide eyes with a satisfying nod. The 13-year-old had successfully called her bluff, read between the lines and used his mind and memory to piece together a more accurate representation of the event. He was able to create a correct understanding of what had taken place despite her attempts to throw him off.
"Very good, Heir Quade - and as a little reward, I have another little tip for you." Jakob tensed, feeling an odd flutter in his stomach as Amy leaned in close, her lips slightly brushing against his ear.
"Be sure to find a way to protect your door. Snakes can be unpredictable and will strike when you least expect it." With that final warning, she spun around and returned the same way they had come.
As he watched her go, Jakob almost forgot that Pansy was still in their room. He shook his head to clear the fog and grabbed the door handle, twisting it and pushing it open. Stepping inside, he saw his room where he would spend the next seven years.
The dorm was small but cosy, with two green and silver beds on either side of the room. The thick drapes were a deep green, matching the bedsheets and walls painted in a muted grey. Two desks squarely faced each other by an old wooden wardrobe filled with books and clothes.
A door also opened to reveal a pale green tiled bathroom with a shower, toilette, sink and mirror. The dorm room and bathroom were sparsely decorated with Slytherin decorations like house banners hanging from hooks in the walls or figures of snakes carved into exquisitely detailed furniture. His trunk was placed at the end of the bed on the right side.
On the floor, an emerald-hued carpet lay, proudly displaying the Slytherin crest in the centre. However, another figure occupied the carpet's heart, Pansy.
She had her arms tightly wrapped around her knees, her forehead resting on her legs. Silent tears traced delicate paths down the girl's face as noticeable sobs could be heard.
Jakob swiftly knelt beside her, his eyes a mixture of concern and confusion as he tried to grasp the reason behind her behaviour.
"What's wrong?" he inquired with genuine concern. Pansy looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and sniffled softly, using the back of her hand to wipe away the signs of her distress.
"I... I can't be here. I can't stay in the same room as a boy. What would my family say? What will Draco think?" Her voice quivered with worry as fresh tears began to spill down her cheeks again, her sobs growing more intense.
Jakob gently stroked her hair and began whispering soothing words, attempting to provide comfort to his distressed friend.
"Pansy, you're fine. We can share the room. Draco will understand. He cares about you as much as I do, and I promise nothing bad will happen, alright?"
He held her close, continuing to stroke her back, allowing her to cry and release her pent-up emotions. Despite his usual cleverness, he found himself struggling to know what to do right now.
After what felt like an hour, her sobbing had transitioned into soft sniffles. "What do we do, Jake?" She whispered with a pleading look in her eyes. Uncertain of the exact solution himself, Jakob gave her a reassuring smile and helped her to her feet.
"We need to do two things," he declared confidently, raising two fingers in the air.
"First, we should establish some rules for our room. Like...always keep the bed curtains closed when we're sleeping." He gestured to emphasise his point, his eyes resting on the bed drapes.
Pansy nodded, a sad laugh escaping her as she wiped away a tear.
"Two," she continued softly, her voice slightly trembling as she pointed a finger towards the bathroom door.
"We always lock the door when we use the bathroom.
"Right!" Jakob responded with relief that Pansy had stopped crying. He went on to say, "Three. Whatever occurs in this dorm remains within these walls." Pansy furrowed her brow, slightly puzzled.
"Why?"
Jakob, already plotting a few devious experiments, couldn't have Pansy spread rumours about it. Quickly thinking of an excuse, he replied with an apologetic smile.
"What if one day I walked into the bathroom and found you coming out of the shower? You wouldn't want me to accidentally spill the secret, right?"
Pansy's eyes widened in alarm, the implications of Jakob's words dawning on her. She gasped, "You wouldn't dare!"Jakob's response was swift and firm, "Exactly!" It was clear that she now fully grasped the
significance of the rule.
"So, that's the rule. Whatever happens in this dorm stays in this dorm. Agreed? "Pansy nodded in agreement and added some practical rules, suggesting,
"No clothes or dirty socks will be left on the floor."
After reaching an agreement, Jakob retrieved parchment, a quill, and ink from his trunk. He proceeded to draft the rules, which both parties signed with their initials - Jakob first and Pansy following suit.
The parchment was hung on the wall to constantly remind them of the rules of Room 13, and Jakob clapped his hands in satisfaction when it was done.
"That's one thing we can tick off the list," he said, smiling satisfactorily.
Pansy observed her roommate, who initially looked proud while reading the list and then suddenly turned around, digging through his trunk. She raised an eyebrow in curiosity when he picked up a bulky, old book, opened it, and placed it on the floor.
"What are you going to do?" Pansy asked, peering over his shoulder at the ancient text and the intricate spiderweb of runes with curious interest.
Jakob had been so focused on the next task that he had momentarily forgotten he wasn't alone. Hearing her speak, he turned his head quickly, and upon seeing her, he gave her an understanding smile.
"You've seen what happens if first-years make even one mistake. This," Jakob indicated the runes, "will help keep us safe inside this room, at least."
She nodded in agreement, "That's a relief. I don't want to end up like Tracey or worse."
"My thoughts exactly," he replied, "We have to be careful, especially now that the older year students will see us as easy targets."
She shuddered at the thought, "Do you really think they would do something like that to us to rise in rank?"
"I don't know," he admitted, "But it's better to be safe than sorry."
After hearing Jakob's words and quickly glancing at the book again, it began to sink in for Pansy what he had planned. Her voice wavered as she spoke, her nervousness and uncertainty clearly visible. "Y-you're going to ward this room from intruders? Are you sure that you can even do that?"
With a determined nod, Jakob removed his wand from its holster. "It won't be easy, and I'll need to stay focused," he declared confidently. "But being the heir of House Quade comes with its own unique advantages." He studied the page one last time before standing upright and turning to meet the anxious gaze of the girl beside him.
"Father told me countless Wizards have died trying to put up wards beyond their magical capabilities. What if this is too much for you?"
Jakob gave a nervous laugh and shrugged, his eyes scanning the page with a stone featuring a complex rune cluster.
"Worst-case scenario, I might implode halfway into the carving, but let's not think of that now. There's something else I need to say before I begin..."
"What?!" Pansy exclaimed, taken aback. Did he just casually mention that he might die?
Before she could voice her objection, Jakob raised his hand in a gesture of finality, silencing her attempt to object.
"This is a stone ward, a straightforward yet effective system. It only allows those inside to enter once it's finished. So, that means-"
"No visitors," Pansy finished with a sad smile. She would never be able to bring anyone here, but the image of Tracey bloody and beaten was still fresh in her mind. She quickly nodded her agreement. Under different circumstances, she would have at least wanted him to wait until she could gather their friends, but he was right. They needed to protect themselves. Jakob gave her a grateful smile, raised his wand, and turned towards the door.
"Just follow Master Cornus's instructions to the letter. Start with the outer layers and work your way in," Jakob murmured, shaking his shoulders and stretching his neck from side to side. This was a new experience for him. His homeschool teacher, Master Cornus, had taught him the theory but warned that attempting the exercises himself could be extremely dangerous.
Ignoring his teacher's warning, Jakob began to slowly wave his wand. A soft glow emanated from it as he tapped into his magical powers.
Reciting a Latin incantation, he began scribing runes onto the wooden door. Gradually, a circular pattern emerged, layers building upon each other with each stroke and uttered word.
Pansy's eyes widened in amazement as she observed her roommate, feeling the magical tension in the air compressing as Jakob worked tirelessly.
Sensing a drop of sweat trickling down his forehead, Jakob did his best to ignore it. He was fully aware that any interruption could jeopardise the spell, so he refrained from even wiping his brow.
Over time, the spell's intensity gradually increased, capturing Pansy's fascination and concern as she watched its development. An hour passed, and Jakob, displaying unwavering focus, finally released a triumphant exhale. Pansy, who had initially been engrossed in her book to keep her mind off her worries about him, quickly set it aside. She watched in awe as a brilliant, radiant light radiated from the intricate circle of runes.
Jakob confidently moved through each rune with his wand, meticulously guiding the spell's weaving process, establishing a stable and functional rune network. Once he had completed his work, the boy stepped back, his eyes reflecting his pride in the achievement.
"You really did it?" she asked in awe, her gaze fixed on the completed security enchantment adorning the door.
"Yeah. In all honesty, I thought I wouldn't be able to do it. I thought…" Stopping mid-sentence, he noticed his vision becoming blurry and swayed unsteadily. Reaching out to grab the chair for support, he felt himself slipping away.
"Jake!" Pansy rushed to his side, her expression filled with concern as she caught him and helped him back to the bed. He leaned on her for support, taking deep breaths.
"I'm fine," he assured her, his voice slightly shaky. "Just need a moment to rest."
Jakob lay down on the bed, feeling utterly drained, unable to move his weakened body. Despite his own discomfort, he managed to smile, wanting to reassure Pansy, who sat by his side.
"The rune cluster is complete, so we're safe here. Could you please close the drapes?" Initially, Pansy seemed ready to argue, but seeing her roommate's pained face, she relented.
She stood up and drew the drapes almost shut, leaving a small gap for a bit of light. It was a compromise, a way to ensure she could keep an eye on Jakob in case of any unexpected developments.
She sighed when she settled onto her own bed, her gaze occasionally drifting to the small gap in the drapes, where she could see that Jakob was already fast asleep.
"Figures. Just two hours after setting the rules, and here I am breaking them."
With the rising sun, streams of light from the lake and morning rays combined, filtering through their bedroom window. Jakob awoke and stretched his tired body with a loud yawn, then reached over to pull back the emerald curtains. To his surprise, Pansy was nowhere to be found. Her bed remained meticulously made, giving the impression it had never been slept in.
He stood up and rubbed his eyes to clear his vision. A soft, melodic hum filled the room, and the distant sound of a running shower echoed in the background. With a deep, calming breath, he closed his eyes and let the soothing tones of Pansy's singing wash over him. Her voice was beautiful, and he felt entirely at peace. Her song continued to envelop him, and he was embraced by a sense of serenity, much like the gentle caress of a wave.
"I could start my mornings like this," Jakob murmured softly, a smile slowly spreading across his face. After savouring the moment, he opened his eyes and returned to reality. He crossed the room to his nightstand, where Pansy had thoughtfully placed his wand the previous night.
"Tempus," he incanted, and a soft, pale light emanated from the wand's tip, revealing the time as 06:55 a.m.
"Shit," the Slytherin cursed under his breath, "only 35 minutes until classes start."
In a rush, Jakob hurried to the door and knocked, causing an abrupt stop to Pansy's singing. Annoyed and impatient, he asked, "Pansy, are you finished in there? I really need to use the bathroom, and we might miss breakfast if we don't get ready soon."
Unfortunately, there was no response. Jakob knocked again, growing more frustrated with each passing moment. Suddenly, a small giggle emanated from inside the bathroom.
"We?" Pansy playfully teased, a mischievous tone in her voice. With a defeated sigh, Jakob stepped back from the door, glaring at it. She had won this round.
He had nothing else to do but wait for Pansy to finish. Impatiently, he returned to his bed. After a while, she emerged from the bathroom, looking impeccable.
Her hair was perfectly straightened, her fringe neatly trimmed, and her Slytherin robes crisp. She wore a smug smile that elicited an eye roll from him. She was all set to go.
Still annoyed, Jakob rose and passed by his roommate, entering the bathroom without uttering a single word.
"What?" she asked, feigning ignorance about the cause of her friend's annoyance.
"If you take this long again, I'll put a permanent sticking charm on the door," Jakob retorted with a hiss before slamming the bathroom door shut with more force than necessary.
Taken aback by the threat, Pansy shouted, "You wouldn't dare you dung beetle!" Jakob ignored her and soon heard their dorm door open and slam shut
The bathroom starkly contrasted with the well-dressed girl who had just left. Towels were strewn around carelessly, and pyjamas were piled beside the shower. Bottles of various cosmetics cluttered the inside of the shower and covered the sink.
Jakob, pinching his nose bridge in frustration, closed his eyes tightly. "How can someone leave a room like this?" But as soon as he opened them again and was ready to rush out to berate Pansy for her chaotic mess, everything had magically disappeared. New, neatly folded towels were stacked on the shelf next to the sink on its right side, and the sink was cleared of the different bottles and liquids.
"Thank you," Jakob gratefully whispered, looking up to whatever deity had blessed him.
After removing his Slytherin robes, which he had worn the previous night, he entered the shower. He felt annoyed that his roommate had the luxury of taking long showers as the warm water cascaded on his skin.
He quickly washed himself and reluctantly turned off the shower to prepare for the day. While looking into the mirror, he noticed the Slytherin crest on his clothes instead of his family crest.
He wasn't home anymore, and even though Pansy was his roommate, she was not family.
"I want to trust her, but how can I be sure she won't reveal my secrets? All of this planning cannot be in vain."
Taking another moment to contemplate his words, Jakob nodded with determination. He had decided on his next step and now just needed to find the right timing. He reached for the door handle and stepped out.
Upon entering the common room, Jakob noticed that only a few students were present. He spotted Draco and Theo conversing in hushed tones on the sofas. Curious, he silently approached, attempting to eavesdrop without drawing attention to himself. He continued moving closer until he could clearly hear their conversation.
"I'm telling you, he'll be alright," Draco declared confidently. Theo, who sat beside the Malfoy heir, leaned in and spoke quietly.
"Did you not see the way she was looking at him? She had this look in her eyes like she wanted to eat him or something. And did you hear what the older students were saying? Apparently, Frome is incredibly dangerous and has put numerous students in the hospital wing from all houses, even her own. Wouldn't you be terrified if she took interest in you?"
Jakob looked from Theo to Draco, waiting to see how the blonde would respond.
"You don't know Jake as I do," said Malfoy, arrogantly waving his hand.
"And if you had met his sister, Emma. You would know why he isn't scared of Miss Frome."
Theo gazed at his friend in disbelief, growing increasingly frustrated by the blonde's apparent lack of seriousness regarding the situation.
"Can you write to your father? Or perhaps contact..." Theo began, but his sentence was abruptly cut off by Draco.
"Are you crazy? I told you last night that my father was part of the Slytherin Five during his time at Hogwarts and that he's well aware of the rules," Draco exclaimed. Theo visibly flinched at his friend's sharp response, and Draco leaned back with a sigh of resignation.
"He's already made it clear to me that asking for help won't do any good, and I'm certain Jakob's father has told him the same thing," Draco muttered in a frustrated tone.
As Jakob took in the situation, a lingering thought crossed his mind: was Thomas fully aware of everything but deliberately choosing to remain silent? Despite his rising resentment towards his father, the raven-haired boy successfully masked emotions.
Instead, he decided to discreetly clear his throat to disrupt the not-so-subtle conversation between the two boys.
Draco and Theo turned to see Jakob, who greeted them with a smug grin. "Good morning, guys. I'm starving. Shall we head to breakfast?"
During breakfast in the great hall, Jakob and his companions received their timetables from their head of house. He reminded them sternly to be punctual for their first class.
With only 15 minutes to go before their first class, the boys almost inhaled their bowls of porridge while discussing the schedule.
Before leaving, Jakob couldn't help but chuckle as he heard the muffled voice of Pansy trying to explain to Draco that the sleeping arrangements hadn't changed anything. He quickly finished spreading the butter on his toast before grabbing it, deciding it was time for him to leave.
On the other hand, Draco appeared puzzled by the implication of the teenage girl's conversation while he was focused on buttering his toast. Having the same idea as his dark-haired friend, Draco decided it was best to leave and stood up from his seat.
As they prepared to leave the great hall, Damion, the prefect, rose from his seat further down the hall and signalled for them to remain where they were.
"You're not going to run aimlessly and be late for the first class. I'm going to take you there." Jakob, who had taken a bite of his toast, stopped mid-chew and shrugged his shoulder in agreement. That sounded like a great plan to him.
The new first-year Slytherins trailed behind the disgruntled prefect, their footsteps echoing in the hallways of Hogwarts as they made their way towards the dungeons again and toward potions.
"Pay attention, everyone!" Damion's authoritative voice resounded through the corridor, making the thirteen-year-olds snap to attention and fix their focus on him as he continued leading the way.
"I'll only lead you to the classrooms once! If you're too dim-witted to remember the way, ask someone smarter than yourself for help." Malfoy sneered in contempt and looked at his best friend, who walked beside him.
"I wonder if that redheaded traitor would even last one day in Slytherin?" Jakob gave Draco a questioning glance. "Do you mean the Potter twin?"
"No, the other one," said Draco, disgusted by the mere thought of the youngest Weasley boy.
Jakob wasn't familiar with the other blood traitor. He didn't even know the Weasley boy's first name. The only thing he could go on was what he had seen during dinner the previous night, leaving the Quade heir unimpressed.
As the group of Slytherins entered the potions classroom, Jakob was immediately struck by how dark and gloomy it was. He knew handling potions and ingredients could be risky, and good eyesight was essential to avoid mishaps. Professor Snape had even told him this himself, so why would he choose this as a suitable classroom?
Draco quietly tugged at Jakob's robes and nodded for him to follow. They weaved their way through the crowd, and Draco gestured for Jakob to take a seat at a circular table in the front row instead.
Jakob observed his blonde friend with curiosity as Draco leaned in and whispered, "The professor visited a few weeks ago and instructed me that he expected us to be in the front row and show everyone what competent students are capable of."
Jakob let out a chuckle as Draco imitated his godfather's voice. It was no surprise that the professor wanted to showcase them like trophies.
Acknowledging his best friend's words with a nod, The two boys took out their potion books for one last review, even though they knew there was nothing new to discover.
After a few minutes, Jakob let out a sigh of boredom and put the book away. He looked around the classroom, hoping to find something to make time faster.
All the Slytherin first-year students were present, but only a handful of Gryffindors were in the room. Among them, in the same row as Jakob and Draco but sitting at a distance, was a young girl with a mass of untamed, bushy brown hair.
Despite her solitary position, a hint of sorrow marked her face. Jakob noted her flushed cheeks and weary eyes, suggesting she might have spent the night studying. His curiosity was piqued by the girl's evident stress.
He observed her silently mouthing the text, nodding her head as if trying to commit it to memory. He couldn't help but wonder what had caused her such distress.
"Mudblood, that one," the voice beside him snorted, prompting Jakob to give a warning glare. They needed to be cautious with their words since they were not only with their friends here.
Draco nervously glanced around to see if anyone had heard him. When he was convinced that no one would report his comment and get him in trouble, the blonde Slytherin confidently shrugged and resumed reading the book.
Jakob looked back at the Gryffindor girl and noticed that she had stopped reading and was staring at him. When their eyes met, she quickly looked away and continued reading.
Turning away, he calmly reopened his book and allowed a small smile to show. However, his amusement was short-lived as the rest of the Gryffindors entered the potion class, making a lot of noise as they took their seats.
Jakob's upbringing had always emphasised maintaining a respectable appearance in public. However, he couldn't help but notice that some of the magical students, especially those in red and gold attire, didn't seem to follow this principle.
The Potter twins, in particular, caught his attention with their dishevelled appearance. His gaze was particularly drawn to the girl with fiery red hair, whose half-ponytail looked rather messy.
After a brief observation, the Slytherin boy concluded that Harry and Ron had probably just woken up. The two boys sat with slouched postures, their Hogwarts robes haphazardly donned. They yawned widely, and their eyes betrayed signs of drowsiness. Their uncertainty about what would come next prompted a disgusted sneer on Jakob's face.
How could they behave in such a manner? Even if they were blood traitors, their bloodlines had once been noble. Their actions, filled with disrespect for their ancestors, intensely annoyed him.
While glancing at the two boys at the back of the room, Jakob couldn't help but comment, "Their parents must be very proud."
Engrossed in his book, Malfoy lifted his gaze to see what Jakob was referring to. Understanding the context, he rolled his eyes and replied, "Well, they are Gryffindors, after all. What did you expect?"
Jakob's gaze lingered on the bushy-haired girl at her desk in the corner as the classroom filled up. He noticed she was still sitting alone, unlike her red and gold housemates, who had paired up in groups of two or three at each table.
He furrowed his brow and silently watched the Gryffindors, confused by their open disregard for her. He couldn't understand why they wouldn't at least attempt to sit next to her. He had only seen her for a few minutes and had already deducted that she was likely the brightest Gryffindor in their year despite her mudblood status.
Suddenly, the door burst open with a resounding crash, and Professor Snape strode in with an unyielding expression. His penetrating eyes meticulously scanned the room, his piercing gaze fixing on each of the first-year students who were all staring at him.
"Welcome to Potions," he began in his characteristic dark tone, his voice resonating through the cold stone walls and the acid-green draperies that adorned them.
Professor Snape, clad in his sweeping black robes, shuffled through parchment scrolls on his stand before fixing an icy gaze across the room. "I'm Professor Snape, your instructor for this class." As the enigmatic potions master delivered his far-from-warm welcome, the students settled uneasily in their chairs, casting apprehensive yet respectful glances toward him.
Jakob, who had heard his professor's speech countless times before, tuned out and instead focused on thinking up a plan to deal with the issue that had occurred with his new roommate.
He needed a foolproof solution and something that would be simple to execute. One idea, in particular, caught his attention, but deep down, he knew it was highly illegal.
Ivy's accusing tone snapped Jake back to reality. She seemed angry and embarrassed, with a flushed face and a pointed finger aimed at him. He raised an eyebrow in surprise, wondering why the blood traitor was singling him out. "Can't he answer them?" she demanded.
"Put your hand down, you stupid girl," Snape retorted, his gaze piercing the redheaded girl. "Don't make the misguided assumption that everyone is as clueless as your famous brother, who couldn't even answer a simple question about where to find a bezoar. Heir Quade here is certainly not incompetent, unlike some of you," Snape added harshly before turning his attention to Jakob.
Knowing what the professor wanted, Jakob inwardly sighed as he stood and gave his answer with a loud and clear voice.
"In the stomach of a goat, professor. It's common knowledge since it's one of the few components to protect you from most toxins," Jakob answered confidently. He then turned his head toward Ivy, who was now fuming and shot her a withering glare.
"It will, however, not protect against stupidity," he added. His words were met with an approving nod from Snape, and Jakob sat back down, noting Draco's pleased expression.
"Twenty points to Slytherin," Snape declared, turning to the furious Ivy, who kept her eyes fixed on Jakob, presumably hoping for the ground to swallow him up.
"And twenty points from Gryffindor for sullying the class with your incompetence."
The class was soon tasked with brewing a potion that cured boils, and with his extensive knowledge of the subject, Jakob had no trouble preparing the mixture. Draco was equally skilled, and as both boys had done this before, they worked in harmony, carefully checking each other's work to ensure nothing was overlooked.
Jakob nodded with satisfaction after thirty minutes as the potion had turned a deeper shade of blue. He allowed it to simmer for a few more minutes while observing the progress of his classmates.
The bushy-haired girl had been unlucky enough to be paired with the below-average Longbottom boy. Jakob noted how nervous the boy was when he handled the horned slugs and knew that if the idiot tossed them into the cauldron, something would go horribly wrong.
He glanced over at her, wondering why she hadn't stopped him - until he noticed how stressed she looked and how quickly she worked to rectify whatever mess that incompetent boy had made moments before.
Feeling a spark of compassion for the mudblood girl, the dark-haired teen considered his options to help her without being noticed. He quietly slipped the ginger root into his pocket before appearing confused and searching the table.
"Did you overlook the ginger?" Jakob's expression remained serious, prompting Draco to scan the table with a hint of embarrassment.
"I thought I had them. I can-" Draco started, but Jakob interrupted him, raising his hand and shaking his head. "It's okay. Just remember to increase the temperature after thirty-seven seconds," he assured him. Malfoy nodded in gratitude and resumed working on the potion.
Jakob then turned and walked towards the Cabinet just behind the wild-haired girl. As he opened the glass door, he caught a glimpse of his reflection and saw in horror that the thoughtless Longbottom was about to pour down horned slugs.
He knew that if he tried to intervene, everyone would witness a Slytherin helping a Gryffindor - worse still, a Mudblood. The potion was growing dangerously unstable and could explode any minute. Jakob had no option but to act. He could only pray that the consequences of his actions wouldn't prove to be a mistake.
Unbeknownst to Granger, Jakob stealthily extended his arm behind him and seized her robe with a firm grip. Just as the first horned slug was dangerously close to making contact with the cauldron, Jakob swiftly and decisively yanked her towards him. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion, and a cloud of coloured smoke rose up to the ceiling. Jakob spun around in astonishment, and the rest of the class was equally bewildered and taken aback as they gazed upon Longbottom.
"What happened here?!" Snape stormed forward, his eyes widening at the sight of the boy covered in burns on his hands and face. He noticed that the girl, who stood further away, had managed to avoid any harm from the explosion.
Turning towards Longbottom, the professor unleashed his rage through words, and soon, the poor boy began to sob from the intense pain and humiliation. Jakob quietly slinked back to his table, where Draco sat, not even bothering to stifle his laughter.
"Did... Did you see that?" Draco managed to say, his voice interspersed with laughter.
"No, I had my back to it, but if that idiot had gotten any of that potion on me, house Longbottom would find themselves without an heir," Jakob replied irritatedly.
As Jakob looked at the boy covered in boils, being escorted to the infirmary by the Weasley boy on Snape's orders, he noticed the redhead's displeased expression. He was careful not to touch the afflicted boy too much as he helped him walk. Jakob couldn't help but smirk, but his amusement faded when he met the intense gaze of the girl with bushy hair. Her look of surprise and amazement made him question whether saving her had been the right choice.
When the class concluded, Jakob and Draco delivered their potion to Snape, who commended them for producing an excellent brew. Draco basked in his professor's praise, but Jake was too busy to listen. He only smiled and nodded, but internally, the Quade heir reprimanded himself for helping the girl. She had been giving him knowing looks throughout the duration of the class, and he knew that she was aware of his little stunt.
He questioned why he would ever be so foolish as to assist her, of all people. She had been a Gryffindor and, worse, a mudblood, according to Draco. But despite his better judgement, here he was.
He would have to devise a convincing lie if she gave him away. But even if she said something, no one would believe her instead of him. Right?
Cursing inwardly, he nodded along to whatever Snape was saying, his mind racing to assess the damage he had caused. After a moment, he concluded that this was not the most pressing matter.
Jakob decided he needed to avoid her and make her believe that what she thought she knew was just a figment of her imagination. He had to give her the impression that nothing had ever happened.
Why did he always cave into his impulses? Emma had warned him about this countless times, and he honestly tried not to, to be more cunning, but those moments of recklessness happened anyway, and now here he was, feeling the piercing gaze of a specific mudblood drilling into his back.
After being praised by the potion masters, the two Slytherin boys returned to their table, cleaning up the ingredients and tools cluttering it.
As Jakob diligently cleaned up his workspace, a look of irritation crept onto his face. Sensing that something was bothering his best friend, Draco paused in his own tasks and observed Jakob's actions with growing suspicion.
"What's the matter?"
Jakob stayed silent for a moment, his hands occupied with cleaning a cutting knife with a cloth. As Draco's suspicion grew, Jakob eventually let out an annoyed sigh and shook his head.
"What do you mean? Don't tell me you inhaled the fumes and are now starting to imagine things," Jakob replied hastily, a touch of defensiveness in his tone. Draco sensed that Jakob was hiding something and continued to press him with questions.
"You seem nervous - did something happen?" Draco inquired, his concern evident as he tried to unravel the mystery of his best friend's demeanour.
Jakob snorted at the question, but Draco's eyes widened as he noticed something. It was subtle. Only years of knowing Jakob and convincing him to do something he regretted later would make that lip of his twitch like that in perfect unison with a snort. Jakob noticed his best friend's reaction and knew he was on to him.
Shit.
Jakob slowly stopped cleaning his knife, put it on the table, and fixed his gaze on Draco. The Malfoy heir was deep in thought, trying to piece together the information he had gathered. Jakob controlled his breathing and waited for Draco to uncover the truth.
"It was you who sabotaged the potion, wasn't it?"
Relieved that Draco hadn't connected all the dots, Jakob gave his best friend a sheepish look and shrugged his shoulders, "Was it that obvious?"
Draco, who felt a bit proud at solving the puzzle, raised an eyebrow. "Please, if you're going to be secretive with me, at least make it a challenge."
Jakob responded with a raised eyebrow but chose not to reply further. Draco then looked at him, slightly confused, and added,
"I don't know why you'd even bother trying to hide it. It was brilliant! But why are you so upset? It was just Longbottom and that Muggle-born girl."
Jakob sighed and kept cleaning. "I guess I went a bit too far. I knew the potion would cause trouble, but not that it would hurt him like that. Let's just try to forget about it."
Lunchtime passed quickly, and it was soon time for Jakob's Herbology class with the Hufflepuff House. The Head of House, Professor Sprout, warmly welcomed her new students and introduced them to the various herbs and plants they would be studying during their first year.
Jakob was enjoying this class, as he had always had a fondness for herbology. Back home, he had a sizable greenhouse filled with numerous plants, herbs, and other botanical wonders, which he often enjoyed exploring with Ella and Susie.
This class went on more peacefully and uneventfully than the potion class, and When they were done, Slytherin had gathered five house points with the help of Daphne's vast knowledge of the subject.
Following the end of their class, Jakob and his fellow Slytherins hastened their steps, lured by the growing rumble of hunger, making their way towards the great hall.
As Jakob entered the grand hall of Hogwarts, his eyes widened in awe. An impressive display of colourful dishes and mouthwatering delicacies adorned the four long tables. Steam wafted from generous portions of mashed potatoes, perfectly mixed with chunks of carrots, peas, and corn. On one end, roast beef was elegantly carved, and a fragrant fish stew, enhanced by fresh herbs from the school's garden, beckoned to him. Despite the tempting scent, he pushed aside his immediate hunger, focusing on a mission he'd embarked on the previous day on the train.
His determination lay in forming a more robust alliance with Slytherin's two strongest first-year boys.
Jakob approached the Slytherin table where Crabbe and Goyle were already eating, their plates piled high with food.
"Hi Vince and Gregg, mind if I sit here?" Jakob greeted as he plopped down between the two without waiting for a response.
"Vince, mind passing me the roast beef?"
Jakob knew that addressing Vincent and Gregory by their first names might be perceived as somewhat rude if they weren't already close friends. However, he was willing to take the risk as he believed that subtly manipulating them into thinking they had been friends all along was the most effective way to win their loyalty and gain their friendship.
"Hi Jake, sure," Crabbe answered gruffly, flashing Jakob a brief but polite smile before passing the roast beef and watching as the Quade heir began to pile some of the roasted beef onto his plate. Goyle, who also had observed the dark-haired boy, gave him a curious look.
"So why aren't you sitting with Draco? Something happened?" Jakob simply shrugged, thinking that out of the two of them, Goyle seemed like the smarter one.
"Well, my friends," Jake began, grabbing some mashed potatoes and dramatically slamming it down onto his plate, making the two boys flinch back a bit at the sudden action.
"I often spend time with Draco, and no, nothing has happened between us. I just wanted to spend time with you guys as well. My life is short, so I try to make the most of it by hanging out with people I consider fun and interesting. People I consider my friends." Crabbe and Goyle gave each other a proud nod of approval before continuing their meal. But there was something Jake had left out.
Firstly, he needed to cultivate relationships with the people in his house in order to gain more influence and power. Bolstering his ranks with two strong allies would greatly benefit him and his goals.
Secondly, thought Jakob as he took a bite and listened to what Crabbe was saying with polite interest. He had been trying to avoid someone who had attempted to confront him on the way back from the herbology class. The culprit was the one with bushy hair, whom he'd spotted skulking in the shadows as he and his friends made their way towards the Great Hall.
When Jakob had eaten his fill and Crabbe finished telling a funny story, he realised it was time to leave.
"Well, boys, it's been a pleasure," Jakob said with a genuine smile. "I hope we get the chance to do this again soon."
Crabbe, his mouth still partially filled with food, managed to nod enthusiastically in agreement.
"Yeah, it was fun," Goyle said, raising his goblet in a toast. During their little lunch, Jakob had felt slightly relieved that the two boys weren't following pureblood etiquette to the letter.
It was a breath of fresh air to spend time around genuine people who spoke frankly without adhering to the conventions of pureblood society all the time.
Jakob glanced at Draco and noticed his lack of interest in Pansy's conversation. Suppressing a smirk, he wondered if Draco preferred dining with Crabbe and Goyle instead, but he knew that his blonde friend would never allow them to behave or eat like that.
As he was about to leave, he heard Draco's loud voice calling from behind. The Malfoy heir had seen a chance to escape and quickly said goodbye to Pansy and Daphne before hurrying towards Jakob.
"Why did you leave me with her?" The blonde hissed, getting closer to the dark-haired boy.
"You only had to suffer through a mealtime of her talking," Jakob replied in a condescending drawl. "Me - I have to deal with so much more."
Draco stopped in his tracks for a second, knew the underlying meaning of what he was implying, and then nodded, giving Jakob a sympathetic smile.
"Yeh, I heard about that, mate, sorry." The apology was quickly waved away by the dark-haired boy. "It's alright, let's go." The two boys exited the great hall and returned to the common room.
They found a place on the couch near the fireplace, and Jakob pulled out his wand. He pointed it towards the logs and said in a clear voice, "Incendio!" Instantly, flames began to crackle in response. Draco looked on with an impressed nod toward the fire.
"I didn't know you knew that spell," Draco remarked. Jakob rolled his eyes and responded, "I'm from a pureblood family. Knowing a bit of magic is nothing. But apparently, my father forgot to teach me anything about this bloody school or house."
Draco looked at the fireplace, recognising that Jakob had overheard his conversation with Theo that morning. They both watched the fire for a moment, their eyes following the sparks flying from the firewood, until Draco eventually broke the silence.
"I understand why you're so frustrated, but if we just talk to our parents-"
"You know that's impossible, Draco. You said it yourself to Heir Nott this morning. Your father won't intervene in Slytherin matters. If Lucius isn't willing to listen, my father won't even look at my letter if I send one."
Draco glanced around, his mind racing for a solution as he observed his best friend's distress.
Frustrated by the lack of solutions that required neither money nor reputation, Draco angrily ran a hand through his hair before speaking. "Our names have power," he said frustratedly, lifting his head in a way only Lucius could manage. "We should get the respect we deserve."
Jakob laughed, but it was a joyless laugh. "Deserve respect? What have we achieved to earn it? We haven't accomplished anything here yet," he hissed, looking at Draco with disdain for his naivety.
"In this house, we are of the lowest class, worthless to everyone." As Jakob spoke, he noticed Draco's demeanour changed, and his once-confident aura shifted to a more solemn one.
It was clear the blonde teenager needed a reality check. They had mistakenly assumed that everyone in Slytherin would crawl to them after hearing their last names and see the advantages it offered to those who were aware of their position.
But The house of Slytherin was not a place for the faint-hearted. It was a place to bring out the best traits in Slytherin students, offering an environment that fostered ambition and the use of cunning to overcome and conquer.
It was carefully crafted to ensure those who survived the seven-year ordeal would be more powerful than ever before, ready to take on the mantle of ruling the wizarding world. This was why Thomas and Lucius were so feared.
They had faced the unrelenting strikes of the venomous serpents, daring to venture into the darkest corners of the snake's den and eventually emerging victorious. They were aware that both their heirs needed to undertake the same journey if they were to develop the skills necessary to successfully guide their houses into a prosperous future.
Sighing, Jakob gave his shocked friend a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, mate, we'll take control of this place soon enough, I promise." His gentle attempt at optimism was met with an incredulous look from the blonde boy as if Jakob had lost his mind.
"How are we supposed to climb the ranks as first years? What can we possibly do to prove our worth?"
Jakob gave him a sly smirk in response to Draco's almost pleading question.
"We go fishing, of course."