Chapter 5 : Preparation to win the favours of the snakes.
As the morning sun seeped into the room, Jakob Quade lay in bed, straining to hear the gentle hum of Pansy's singing in the bathroom. However, only silence greeted him. With a deep yawn, he pushed himself upright, his hand groping through the dim room in search of something. His fingers eventually found a parchment nestled at the foot of his bed.
Drawing back the curtains, he revealed Pansy's bed, still cocooned in its drapes, and a mischievous grin crept across his face. The Slytherin lad, now fully awake, treaded softly across the room to his wardrobe, selecting a fresh, pristine set of school attire.
Jakob cast one final look at his still-sleeping roommate's bed before heading into the bathroom. After closing the door, he turned the shower knob, and warm water began to cascade over him, revitalising his senses and washing away the last trace of sleep. Feeling refreshed, he prepared himself for the day ahead, knowing it held something special.
Enveloped in the dreamy mist of steam, his thoughts began to wander. They settled on the intricate plan he and Malfoy had meticulously crafted during their late-night discussions in the common room. Initially, he had envisioned it as a straightforward task, but with each step, the obstacles grew larger than expected. Just as the morning sun began climbing, casting its golden rays through the windows of Slytherin's common room, their plan finally began to take shape.
"I hope this won't be a waste of time," he murmured to himself. He had no clue what the outcome would be or if the Slytherins would even take notice. All he knew was they had to act fast before anyone else stole the glory.
Jakob was determined to make an impact and do something that would leave a lasting impression. His coming action might seem too reckless for some, but he was determined to prove his worth no matter the cost.
He was willing to take the risk, even if it meant putting himself in a risky or outright dangerous situation. But he needed to act fast before anyone else stole the spotlight.
"You won't get far if you stay safe. The risks are worth it if all goes according to plan," the wet boy thought aloud and, with a firm grip on the handle, turned off the water.
The water stopped, and Jakob exited the shower, water dripping everywhere as he grabbed his towel.
He brushed and combed his hair methodically, adjusting his tie as though nothing was amiss. Outside, however, Pansy's loud banging and ranting could be heard, her angry yells for him to hurry up reverberating off the walls.
"Hurry up, you dungbag! You have been there for ages!"
Her screeches and furious banging would have unsettled even a seasoned wizard and spurred them to hasten their pace. However, despite her growing frustration, Jakob Quade remained resolute, refusing to be hurried.
Giving himself one final once-over, Jakob nodded in satisfaction and then opened the door. Before him stood a half-asleep and irate Pansy, who was visibly agitated, shifting from one foot to the other to restrain herself from committing an act so indecent that she could never redeem herself.
She had wrapped herself in a blanket for modesty's sake, which made the boy raise an amused eyebrow at the situation and the girl before him.
"Nice hair," Jakob remarked, taking in her usually sleek and straight, short black hair, now a dishevelled mess.
"If you breathe a word about this, I will hunt you down." she hissed in retort, pushing him away forcefully.
Ignoring her roommate's echoing laughter, Pansy rushed inside, slamming the door shut emphatically.
"Don't worry," Jakob called out, still chuckling and leaning against the now-closed door. "Whatever happens in this room stays here," he recited from their agreement in a formal tone.
His eyes wandered to the wall, where they'd hung the parchment adorned with both their signatures. It might not be legally binding, but it offered him some comfort. With it there, He could breathe easily, knowing that his roommate wouldn't blab to anyone if he happened to do something cringeworthy in his sleep.
The shower coming to life abruptly redirected his focus towards the door.
"Hey, I'm heading out for breakfast. Do you want me to wait?" Jake called out over his shoulder as he grabbed his wand and books.
After a brief silence, Pansy asked with anticipation, "Will Draco be joining us?"
Jakob rolled his eyes, and with his wand held between his teeth, he used his free hand to open the door without offering a response.
Well outside, he swiftly stashed the parchment detailing their plan and closed the door behind him. He took a moment to confirm he had everything, double-checking the books in his hands before sliding them into the pocket of his robe. As he approached the common room, his wand left his mouth and was safely tucked away in his inner pocket.
Entering the deserted room with initial confidence, the Slytherin boy was taken aback as he abruptly came to a halt, an unsettling unease washing over him. The common room was empty, and confusion crept in. Had he arrived too late? After a brief moment of hesitation, he cautiously retrieved his wand again.
"Tempus," He stared in disbelief at the white smoky spell displaying 8.15, realising he had overslept. "Shit!" The late-night planning he and Draco had done must really have taken its toll.
"I need to get my shit together," muttered the annoyed Slytherin as he made his way across the room, kicking a chair, causing it to topple and clatter on the stone-cold floor as he continued toward the common room exit.
"Tsk tsk tsk, Such harsh words coming from such a delicate little mouth."
He came to a stop, his irritation melting into a smile as he recognised the voice, finding it oddly appealing. He turned towards the source and spoke more formally, "I was not aware of your presence, Miss Frome."
Amy, who sat perched upon one of the black armchairs, sighed heavily.
"Quade," she began, closing the dusty old book in her hands.
"Don't you think it's time you started calling me Amy?" Jakob couldn't help but notice the peculiar book she held and had doubts about whether it was even permissible in the Hogwarts library.
Breaking his gaze and thoughts away from the book, Jakob contemplated what Amy had just said. The question felt like another test from the prefect. He had no right to address her so intimately. Yet, it wasn't about what she had said; it was about the fact that she had said it. She wanted to see how Jakob would navigate this situation. Declining her request would be an insult, and agreeing to her proposition could be considered equally impolite.
Jakob needed to devise a tactful solution, one that wouldn't bruise her feelings or entangle him in any predicament. Luckily, this situation presented an opportunity to execute one of the tasks he had discussed with Draco.
He sensed that she could discern his contemplation as she stood up, her hungry eyes fixed on him, which made Jakob want to retreat a step. Glancing around, he ensured they were truly alone before he began,
"Miss Frome, I'm truly thankful, more than words can say," Jakob began, his thoughts racing like a strategist navigating a challenging puzzle. Suddenly, something clicked in his mind, and he knew precisely what to say. He straightened up, offering her a small, respectful nod while concealing the triumphant smirk that was itching to appear.
"But I haven't yet shown any worthiness deserving of your help or kindness. It would be a bit much for me to be so familiar as to use your first name without first proving my worth."
The older girl had been slowly closing the distance between them, much like a cat with a mischievous gleam in its eyes stalking its newfound prey. A smirk played on her lips, but when Jakob's words sank in, the prefect briefly paused, her eyes dancing with intrigue, before nodding for him to continue.
Taking a deep breath, Jakob battled to keep his nerves at bay. An exhilarating rush of excitement and fear surged through him, yet he needed to maintain his composure. There would be no backing down if he revealed this next secret to the older Slytherin girl. Her unwavering gaze was locked onto him, and her assessment of him depended on his ability to deliver on his promise.
"I possess valuable information that I can offer you in gratitude for your past kindness and, hopefully, for your future friendship," he declared confidently. Amy motioned for him to continue, her Slytherin school robe briefly swaying as she gestured with her hand.
Notably, her once-flowing black hair was now gathered in a dainty ponytail, its glossy locks swaying gently in the air. Her beauty was striking, causing the younger boy to swallow hard as he tried to maintain a steady voice. For a moment, perspiration formed on his temple, and his cheeks grew warm.
She exuded such an air of authority that it felt as though speaking too loudly might shatter his voice.
"Tomorrow, everyone will learn of an event that has occurred, something that will give Slytherin House an edge in this year's house cup competition," he declared confidently, relieved that his voice remained steady.
Amy arched her left eyebrow as she glanced at him, the flickering oranges and reds from the fireplace reflecting in her deep mahogany eyes. Jacob found himself mesmerised by their beauty, feeling as though he could get lost in their depths.
"Interesting, little snake, and I'm guessing it'll be a surprise?" Her voice carried a playful note as she took a step closer, savouring this little cat-and-mouse game they were playing.
For the first time in their exchange, Jakob sensed he had the upper hand. The hooks he had thrown seemed deeply embedded, and now he only needed to reel her in.
"When you wake up tomorrow and learn of the unfolding events, you will be among the select few who know exactly who is responsible," he declared assuredly. Amy nodded with satisfaction and prepared to walk past him. However, she stopped and leaned closer, the same minty scent from her breath as the night before wafting over him.
At this moment, it felt like the very air was charged with anticipation. Jakob avoided meeting her gaze, knowing his eyes might betray his true emotions.
Her lips were dangerously close to his ear, as her hushed words sent a chill down his spine. "My eyes are on you. I'll know soon enough if you're an asset or a liability to Slytherin."
Jakob swallowed hard, his gaze fixated on the fireplace. As she continued, he could almost hear a purring sound coming from her voice.
"I look forward to this, so you'd better not mess it up, Quade."
With that, Amy left and shut the door behind her. The thirteen-year-old boy stood there, enveloped in the quiet of the empty room, the crackling fireplace the only audible presence. His heart pounded like a war drum as he was left alone to contemplate the situation.
Jakob had done it. One of his tasks was complete. He had informed one of the Slytherin five of his plans.
Standing there in deep thought, he had not noticed his roommate, Pansy, who was now rushing out from their dorm, fully prepared, visibly stressed, and ready for class. "Are you still here?! Move it! We're going to be late!" she exclaimed urgently.
Pansy's unannounced shriek startled Jacob, causing him to jump in surprise. "For goodness sake, don't do that!" he blurted out, clutching his chest as if his heart were attempting to set a new speed record and threatened to leap out. "Do you want me to have a heart attack and die right here?"
Pansy simply rolled her eyes at the dramatics and grabbed his hand, tugging him along as she opened the door and pulled him out with her.
"You are such a dramaqueen Jakob."
The two Slytherins had found themself behind schedule, having missed breakfast entirely as the morning was already in full swing. With determined strides, they hastened to catch up with the throng of students making their way to class, their robes billowing behind them as they weaved through the crowded corridors. The distant sounds of chatter and laughter echoed off the castle's stone walls, reminding them that they were in a race against time to reach their lessons.
As they continued to race through the hallways, they entered an empty corridor. Pansy, gradually falling behind Jakob, suddenly heard a resounding clang, followed by a yelped curse that echoed through the stone walls. Swiftly making the turn, she caught sight of her usually meticulously put-together friend slowly rising from the floor, entangled with an enchanting suit of armour that was also struggling to regain its footing. The comical and unexpected scene before her was simply too much, and Pansy couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sheer absurdity of it all.
But Jakob wasn't amused. He was livid. His face was contorted with fiery rage as he clung onto the suit of armour, refusing to let it free from its punishment. His fists pounded into the metal with relentless fury, and every kick was fueled by his seething anger.
"You stupid, worthless piece of shit metal!" he bellowed, the echo of his voice reverberating through the corridor. The helpless armour, twisted and dented, seemed to almost beg for mercy, longing to be released so it could regain its rightful place on the podium.
Pansy wished she had a camera to capture this unusual moment, witnessing her typically calm and collected roommate in such a Gryffindorish state as he kicked the fallen armour.
She had let out a stifled giggle but quickly composed herself, realising that her previous laughter had unknowingly fueled Jakob's anger.
Nevertheless, the Slytherin girl managed to keep her amusement in check. She knew further laughter would only worsen the situation, and time was not on their side. Instead, she swiftly grabbed Jakob's robes and tugged him away from the armour, which had attempted to rise for the third time.
With one final stomp, Jakob relented and followed her lead as they hurriedly made their escape, leaving behind a baffled piece of metal.
After the two Slytherins had vanished from view, the suit of armour finally managed to regain its footing. It marched back to its podium and shook its head as it assumed its position, sword in hand.
After a few seconds of posing, something inside snapped, and the entire armour collapsed like a house of cards. Pieces of metal clattered to the floor, leaving it in a state of disrepair and apparent frustration.
As the two Slytherins stepped inside the classroom, they put on a façade of nonchalance despite having just sprinted to get there. "Why did they have to be assigned patrols like that? Jacob whispered moodily to the girl beside him, who offered a weak shrug in reply and gestured to an empty seat near the Zabini boy, hoping her friend's childish yet somewhat cute mood could be improved.
They silently approached the boy and gave a hushed greeting, which he instantly returned.
Satisfied they were on time, the two roommates quickly exchanged a subtle fist bump under the counter. They had made it in time.
"We were beginning to wonder where you two were," said Blaze, sitting on Jakob's left side. "Thought that you two might have gotten into some sort of fight or something," he continued in a hushed voice.
Jakob's expression changed to one of confusion, his brow furrowing in puzzlement as he first regarded Blaze and then let his gaze move to Pansy before returning to Blaze again. "What makes you think that Pansy and I had a fight?" but before the dark-skinned boy could answer, Pansy abruptly spoke up.
"Jakob offered to assist me with my Herbology homework last night," she stated swiftly, her words leaving little room for questions.
Casting a hasty glance at her roommate, silently urging him to go along with it, she continued, "So, when I completed it this morning, I asked if he'd be willing to review it and check for any errors." Zabini turned his attention toward Jakob, awaiting his response.
"If the word gets out that I'm helping you with this, everyone will start expecting me to do it for them, as well," Jake muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose, his tone laced with frustration.
Daphnee had silently observed the two after hearing Pansy's answer. Standing from her own seat, she quickly switched to sit closer to the Parkinson girl, keeping a close eye in case there was any chance she could catch any hint of her lying. As she listened to Jake's words, she felt her tense shoulders relax. Studying was better than blushing and refusing to answer the question.
Blaze raised an impressed eyebrow, and Jakob noticed a glimmer of something in those dark eyes as they momentarily observed him. It was a mix of curiosity and, perhaps, hope. Blaze opened his mouth and asked his new acquaintance, "Would you be willing to assist others with their homework?"
Jakob responded with a nonchalant shrug, followed by a playful smirk.
"I would, but only if you're willing to do something for me in return." Blaze's wide grin and nod indicated that they had indeed come to an agreement.
When the lecture commenced, Professor Binns, in his spectral form, began to drone on about the infamous goblin rebellion. Crabbe and Goyle promptly nodded off while the rest of the Slytherins began to fiddle with various things.
Jakob glanced around and saw that even the Ravenclaws were struggling to remain focused on what the ghost was teaching. All enthusiasm had left their faces as they scribbled down whatever notes they could from Binns' monotone ramblings.
It would have been the perfect opportunity for Jakob to work on his homework, but he had already finished it. Just then, Blaze seemed to read his thoughts and placed a scroll of herbology assignments on the table in front of them both.
Ignoring the Ghost Professor's uninterested stare, Jake sorted the parchment in order on the desk. After taking a deep breath, he determined that it was the perfect time to begin the new lecture with his friend.
Initially, the Zabini boy seemed confused as his teacher assisted him silently with his essay. However, he soon grasped the concept and began writing fervently on his parchment. Jakob's assistance was remarkable, as effective as a ghost's, without uttering a single word. The other Slytherin students in the class also took notice and began to follow suit, jotting down the same information.
After the class was finally finished, the Quade heir was swarmed by his fellow housemates and even some from the Ravenclaw house, wanting more of his help.
"This was purely for Heir Zabini - if you want assistance, you'll need to look elsewhere." Despite knowing this was a good way of collecting favours, Jakob had higher priorities at the moment. He exchanged a meaningful glance with his blonde best friend, who had stepped out from the classroom with Crabbe and Goyle behind him. Together, they strode out, followed by the Slytherins and Ravenclaws, who had decided to stick with them after class.
As they walked the hallway towards the grand staircase, Draco casually let his arm drop, causing his parchment and books to fall loudly to the ground.
As the loud noise echoed through the corridor, Jakob and the rest of the students turned their heads to see what had caused the commotion.
Pansy, too, shifted her attention but with a hint of suspicion in her gaze. Her narrowed eyes were fixed on Draco, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he might have intentionally caused the disturbance. Being a true Slytherin, Pansy knew better than to openly question Draco's actions in front of everyone, so she wisely chose to remain silent.
"Hey Jake, can you help me with this?" Well aware of Draco's intentions, Jakob sighed as he observed the mess on the ground and nodded. "Sure, mate,"
Pansy, the only one seeing through their little theatrics exchange, gave them both a wary glance, fully aware that both the Malfoy and Quade heirs were most likely up to something. She watched silently as Jakob walked over to his friend and started aiding him with the scattered items.
Jake turned to the group, motioning towards the great hall. "You all should head back for lunch. Draco and I will join you once we've sorted this out."
As he spoke, the group nodded in agreement and began to walk back towards the great hall, chatting and laughing amongst themselves as they left Jakob and Draco to their task.
Draco kept a watchful eye on their surroundings as they slowly gathered the scattered items, ensuring that no one was eavesdropping or paying too much attention to their actions.
"Are you sure about this? Don't you think we might need to go over the plan again before we do this?" Draco's voice wavered with uncertainty. Jakob shook his head calmly but couldn't hide the nervousness that his best friend clearly showed.
"I've already finished the third part, so there's no turning back now," Jakob declared. Draco, in the middle of picking his last items, halted his movement, his expression shifting to one of shock.
"You talked to one of them already? Who?"
"Miss Frome," came the short reply, and Draco gaped at his best friend in disbelief.
"What?" Jakob could almost hear a serpentine hiss coming from his best friend, bringing a smirk to his face. "She's the absolute worst of them all. If we fail, the consequences for Tracey will be nothing compared to what she'll do to us," the blond continued, sounding almost like his life had been ruined.
"It was the only way," Jakob assured, a tinge of annoyance in his voice in response to his friend's sudden hesitation.
Draco looked up, uncertainty evident in his furrowed brow. His silvery eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. "Are you certain you know what you're doing?"
Nodding, Jakob slowly rose and mumbled, "Right then...3...2...1..." On cue, the Gryffindor first years suddenly appeared around the corner, their footsteps echoing down the dimly lit corridor as they hurried towards the Great Hall for lunch.
"Quick, hide," Jakob urged Draco, his voice a hushed whisper. He grabbed Draco's arm and pulled him over to one of the statues in front of the castle wall. They both took cover behind it, peering through dusty cobwebs to get a better look at their unsuspecting targets.
Sure enough, their prey was surrounded by the rest of the lions as they passed by. Hidden behind the statue to avoid detection, the two snakes exchanged a nod, recognising that this was their golden opportunity for success. They began to slither out of hiding with utmost care and in complete silence.
Emerging from their concealed position, they seamlessly slipped into their roles as they walked behind the rest of the Gryffindors.
Draco inhaled deeply, his face contorted into a furious mask.
"I'm telling you," the blonde snarled, his voice rising with irritation, "the red pig wouldn't stand a chance against me if we fought fairly." Jakob couldn't help but admire his friend's performance. It was remarkably convincing and successfully drew the attention of the Gryffindor first years in front of them.
The lion clan froze in their tracks, peering back to the source of the commotion. The chatter that had been going on abruptly ceased, but Jakob didn't so much as glance towards them.
"That's a bit harsh comparing a pig to her," he said disdainfully as his gaze shifted from Draco to Ivy. She stood beside Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Finnegan, and Brown, glaring at him with a fiery hate in her eyes.
Smirking at the redheaded Gryffindor girl, Jakob continued, "What did the swine do to deserve such disgrace?"
"How dare you refer to my sister as a pig!" yelled an infuriated Harry, pulling out his wand in a swift and quick motion and pointing it at the two snakes. Jakob and Draco both followed suit, drawing their own wands in unison.
"Come now, Potter," Draco taunted. "You wouldn't want your reputation as the boy who lived to be tarnished by attacking people in the corridor, would you?"
"I think they'll forgive him, you slimy snake," Ron Weasley growled, standing protectively beside Harry. The redheaded boy clumsily drew his wand, and Jakob looked at Ron's wand in confusion.
"Is that a wand?" Jakob asked, peering at Ron's wand with scepticism. He then turned to the crowd around him and even glanced at Draco for an answer. Draco, in turn, looked back and forth between the wand and his friend, his expression unchanged, before finally shrugging. "It looks more like a crumbling stick. Can you do any magic with that?"
Giving his best friend an embarrassed look, the Weasley boy's hand slowly lowered. Jakob noticed something in Harry Potter's eyes at that moment. It was like rage took over. The comment about the poor-quality wand had obviously hurt the Weasley boy, and Harry had been tipped over the edge when he saw that. Jakob quickly put that information to memory.
"Incendio!" Harry roared, sending the fire spell surging straight toward the dark-haired Slytherin, the flames crackling and twisting through the air.
With a nimble step to the side, Jakob expertly avoided the fiery attack, his smirk growing as he felt the warmth brushing against his cheek.
"Very bold of you, Heir Potter, to attack us with all of Gryffindor behind you," his tone laden with sarcasm, his words a calculated provocation. "Doesn't sound like the hero that vanquished the dark lord to me. Are you sure it wasn't Ivy? She seemed to be more in control of her emotions than you."
He watched as Harry's expression darkened, a clear sign that he had hit a nerve. Jakob knew this was the moment to further their plan, taking advantage of Harry's emotional state.
"Tell you what," Jakob said, his voice oozing confidence as he strode confidently towards Harry, lowering his wand just a bit. "I bet you wouldn't be so eager for a fight if this was a real duel," he continued with a smirk.
Harry's glare didn't waver as he responded, "You just name your time and place," still pointing his wand menacingly at his opponent.
Jake motioned for Harry to lower his wand and then leaned in closer, his voice a barely audible whisper. "Meet me behind Hagrid's hut. Bring two friends of your choice. I'll do the same."
Jakob didn't give Harry the chance to respond, continuing with an intense whisper. "If you tell someone, I will know. If you bring more than those two people, I will know." His voice was low and warning, his gaze never leaving Harry's for a moment. Then, he added a veiled threat, "And if you decide to be a coward and not show up, I will make sure that everyone in this little school knows exactly how brave you really are."
Harry gave the faintest of snorts in response before replying in kind. " Oh, I will be there, don't you worry. Just make sure you don't break those rules as well, disgusting snake," he murmured back threateningly.
Jakob's plan had worked perfectly. Wanting to seal the deal quickly, he spoke with an air of assurance,
"The duel starts tonight at 10 pm. I swear on my honour that I will be there. Will you do the same, Potter?" His amused smile was still in place, but the Quade heir sensed that the scar-headed Gryffindor was regaining his composure, beginning to think more clearly.
With a mere split second to decide his course of action, Jakob knew he had to act quickly if he wanted to goad Harry back into recklessness. In that brief moment, he didn't hold back, giving the boy a disdainful snort and an exaggerated eye-roll.
"Guess you don't have that bravery in you, Potter. Shame, really," he taunted, his tone dripping with provocation. Without looking back, the Slytherin boy casually strolled toward Draco, who bore a smug grin reminiscent of his father's, leaving Harry to ponder the challenge and hopefully fuel the Gryffindor's impulsive spirit once more.
Suddenly, a voice from behind them exclaimed, "Fine!" The sound sent an adrenaline rush of triumph coursing through Jakob's veins. Though he wanted to revel in his success, he understood the importance of maintaining his composure. With restraint, he resisted the temptation to glance back and instead raised his hand in acknowledgement, signifying that the challenge had been accepted.
The two Slytherin boys exchanged a subtle nod, their silent communication indicating that their task here was complete. They continued on their way, paying little heed to the mumbled conversations of the Gryffindors. The red and gold students praised Harry for his quick-thinking bravery in dealing with the snakes. Amid the discussions, Ivy's voice stood out. She cautioned her brother that this situation was undoubtedly a trap.
Fuming with rage, she watched her brother's recklessness lead him down a slippery slope of being teased and provoked. This had happened before, and while she was known to act impulsively, she wasn't foolish enough to let others manipulate her so easily.
"You know this is a trap, right? How can you say yes?" Harry shot his twin sister an exasperated look after nodding gratefully towards Ron, who had just given him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"How can it be a trap? He swore on his honour that he'd be there. Ivy, why can't you trust me? Mum and Dad aren't going to find out anyway."
"Come on, Ivy, don't worry so much. You're starting to sound like Hermione," Ron said, waving her off and giving his longtime friend a firm and trustful nod.
Ivy's frustration was evident as she retorted, "I hope you're right, and don't be such an idiot, Ron. I haven't forgiven you for that, so if you bring it up again, I will curse you." With those parting words, the redhead stormed off in the opposite direction. She had had enough of the two troublemakers and wouldn't be around when they inevitably got into trouble again.
"I know she's your sister, mate, but sometimes she tries so hard to draw attention to herself - you know what I mean?" Ron sighed as they glanced in the direction Ivy had taken off.
"She's not Ron, okay?" Harry snapped, fed up by the constant comments his friend shot everyone close to him. The Weasley boy simply shrugged indifferently in response.
As Draco and Jakob rounded a corner, they exchanged glances and burst into laughter. "Shit, I never expected them to be so gullible that they'd fall for it so easily," Draco remarked with a shake of his head, appearing astonished and incredulous at the success of their plan.
"It could have been much worse," Jake remarked, leaning back against the wall and gazing up at the hall's ceiling. Delight glimmered in his eyes, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Draco watched as Jakob's joyful expression changed to one of contemplation. He gestured for Jakob to speak his mind, his own unease starting to grow.
Jakob spun his wand between his fingers as he contemplated their recent encounter. "We weren't able to fool her back there. I think she saw right through us," he admitted, his tone tinged with disappointment.
A loud, exasperated sigh escaped the blonde's lips upon realising that the news could have been much worse. "What does it bloody matter?" Draco interjected, "The important thing is that one of the idiot Potters appears."
Jakob carefully processed the plan, reviewing and rearranging pieces to ensure they still fit together. After a moment's consideration, he nodded, satisfied that everything was still in place.
"You're right," Jakob agreed, "but I'd have preferred the redhead Potter as well. She's always been a nuisance, and yesterday in Potions when she pointed that revolting finger at me like that - this plan was made for her as much as it was for the other idiot." He sighed in disappointment. Draco casually shrugged, sensing the gravity of his closest friend's next words.
Jakob regarded the Slytherin boy before him with a knowing expression. "You understand what comes next - we can't say this to anyone." Draco waved his hand dismissively, his response confident but tinged with a hint of annoyance. "Yes, yes, I'm not an idiot, you know..." Yet, Jakob had known that pride was Draco's most prominent vulnerability since their early years.
"We will get expelled," Jakob stated, his gaze locked onto Draco with a meaningful intensity. "That means no boasting or sharing this secret, not even within our own house." Draco nodded in solemn agreement and offered his best friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry about me. Focus on tonight," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
With all his might, Jakob hoped that he could trust Draco not to mess things up, and the two boys continued on their way to the Great Hall. A mischievous grin suddenly spread across Jakob's face, and Draco, who had been watching him, felt a growing sense of unease. He motioned for his friend to share his thoughts.
"Now all you have to do is ask her," Jakob responded with a grin as they continued towards the grand stairwell and the Great Hall. Draco groaned in response. This part would be worse than what they were going to do tonight.
"And remember," Jakob emphasised before Draco could object, "I'll be the one to talk to her once everything is said and done. Just give her the necessary information to agree."
"Why me? Why can't you ask her?" Draco's voice held a hint of protest, making him sound like a child. Jakob merely chuckled in response as they continued on their way.
Draco strode ahead with confidence as they entered the bustling great hall for lunch. Meanwhile, Jakob remained vigilant, surveying their surroundings to ensure the safety of their gathering and standing ready to intervene should anyone attempt to disrupt Draco's conversation. In an unprecedented moment, Jakob observed as his closest friend willingly took a seat beside Pansy, extending a polite smile to her, Daphne, and Millicent.
He exchanged pleasantries with them for a few moments, and when the time felt right, Draco leaned in close and whispered something softly into Pansy's ear. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself and nodded in agreement.
Jakob, who had now taken a seat further down at the end of the Slytherin table, turned his gaze toward his blonde partner in crime and waited for the nod that would signal the completion of this new phase of their plan.
Draco gave it, and with a sly grin, Jakob and the other Slytherin students stood up from the table, one following the other as they exited the Great Hall. But the Quade heir didn't follow the rest.
Instead, he began to navigate his way toward where Pansy had been seated. Suddenly, he felt the intense gaze of two piercing eyes upon him. He came to an abrupt stop, a surge of excitement running through him as he made eye contact with the person who had been observing him so closely.
As Jakob turned, he noticed that Amy was casting a sidelong glance in his direction while engaged in a conversation with some other girls her age. She wore a knowing yet almost cryptic expression. Jakob replied with a discreet smile before proceeding toward the seat he had in mind.
Seated at the table, Jakob engaged in conversation while making a pretence of eating. In reality, he simply pushed his food around the plate and took small, unenthusiastic bites. After all the excitement of the day, his appetite seemed to have vanished.
After lunch, Jakob found himself with a free period, and since his homework was already completed, he opted for some personal time. He knew that it would do him good to walk on the castle grounds, feeling the fresh air and appreciating the serene surroundings.
He strolled along a winding path that led gracefully toward the serene lake. Each step on the gravel sent forth a satisfying crunch, and the cool September air tingled on his skin. Lost in contemplation, he remained oblivious to the footsteps that stealthily followed him from behind.
"Um…Heir Quade, do you have a second?" The boy spun around, instinctively taking out his wand in the same motion. He watched as the girl before him jumped back, her hands raised in a defensive stance. "I'm sorry," she exclaimed quickly, "I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to talk."
Closing his eyes and sighing, he put away his wand and gave Tracey a formal smile with a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "Of course, Miss Davis. How may I assist you?"
Despite the apparent signs of a recent beating, which were evident in the fading bruises and healing cuts, Tracey no longer had any fresh wounds, and even her once-broken nose had mended. However, the evidence of Amy's brutality on their first night remained etched on her face like a cruel reminder of past pain.
With her petite stature, Tracey stood several inches below Jakob's chin. Her doe-like brown eyes held a mixture of innocence and sorrow, and as she met his gaze, she wore a faint, melancholic smile that tugged at the corners of her lips.
"I thought I might... You know, after all, I... I don't really know where to begin. I had this speech planned out in my head, but then I..." Sensing that she wasn't coming to her point, Jakob raised a hand and stopped her.
"Miss David, it's reassuring to see you in good health. What did you wish to discuss with me?"
He gestured for her to accompany him on his walk, and together, they started heading back toward the castle. An undeniable silence hung between them as Tracey gathered the courage to speak.
"I wanted to express my gratitude, Heir Quade, for your actions."
Jakob responded with a confused smile. "For my actions? What actions are you referring to?" Now, it was Tracey's turn to appear perplexed as she came to a halt.
"You saved me," she said, gesturing at her face as she spoke. "If you hadn't intervened when that upper-year confronted me, I would have been in far greater danger. I even feared for my life at one point." Jakob examined the girl closely, taking a careful look at her.
His critical gaze bore into the girl. What had compelled the Sorting Hat to house her in Slytherin? She displayed weakness, wearing her emotions too openly, and, more concerning, her fear radiated like a beacon.
The Slytherins wouldn't miss it and wouldn't hesitate to exploit it. One of them had already seized upon it, using her vulnerability to their advantage. In Slytherin, there were no privileges. It was a battle for survival, and if you weren't strong-minded and cunning, you'd be devoured.
He advanced, shedding his formal facade and giving her a scornful expression that prompted the girl to instinctively shrink back.
"Haven't you learned anything from that experience? You should aim to be stronger, not just grateful. I rescued you once, but don't count on it happening again. This is the den of serpents. Why aren't you preparing yourself for when they strike next time instead of seeking me out?"
Tracey was taken aback by the harsh words from the boy. It was difficult to reconcile this behaviour with what Daphne had said about him - this wasn't the same charming and agreeable boy she had heard of.
"I... I don't understand," the girl stammered, her hands trembling as Jakob's gaze bore into her. "You were used as a lesson," he said with a threatening edge. "Do you grasp that? If you want to prevent history from repeating itself, you'd better swiftly devise a strategy to prove that they can't so easily break you, or you'll face consequences far worse than before."
A chill of terror coursed down her spine as she absorbed the gravity of his words. She shook her head nervously and took a cautious step back. "I can't do anything to her - she'd kill me!"
Jakob gave her an encouraging smile and let out a soft chuckle. Seeing that he had her emotionally where he wanted her, his stern expression softened into a more gentle one, offering a reassuring smile.
"I'm not suggesting that you take direct action," he clarified.
"I'm telling you to be prepared for the next time another serpent comes after you, and if they do, make them feel twice the pain that was inflicted on you. Trust me, if they know this is your response, no one will dare to challenge you again." Oddly well-suited to his menacing words, his voice was gentle and reassuring.
"What if I can't?" She asked, her eyes filled with a plea for help as she looked at the boy in front of her, hoping he might have a solution to offer.
"Then you will be devoured," he replied with a nonchalant shrug. Instead of retracing their steps toward the school, Jakob led them down a less-travelled route. As they walked, their conversation flowed endlessly.
The sun's golden rays gradually give way to the encroaching shadows of night, casting long, enigmatic shapes around them. Jakob discreetly shared valuable information with Tracey on how to defend herself. She listened attentively, asking follow-up questions, which Jakob answered as best as possible.
As they stepped back into the cosy warmth of the castle, Jakob subtly passed a note to the girl. It contained a list of spells he thought she could use.
"They're straightforward to use, but if someone askes-" "I didn't receive them from you. We never had this conversation," she interrupted, prompting Jakob to nod in agreement.
Tracey didn't utter a farewell or offer gratitude to her newfound protector. Instead, she walked away with a pensive expression etched on her face.
Jakob contemplated whether their brief meeting that afternoon had left a lasting impression on her life, even if it only provided a glimmer of hope. He didn't want to envision the horrors the Slytherin upper-year boys might subject her to if they found her alone. At least this might give her a fighting chance and a way to re-enter the Slytherin fray.
"We'll just have to wait and see," he whispered as he set off on his path to the Slytherin common room. He had lost track of time, having exchanged so many words, and now he had another person to meet. With each firm footstep, he progressed through the empty castle until he arrived at his destination in the dungeon's depths.
He wasn't entirely sure why he felt compelled to help her. Was it because she was a friend of Daphne's? Was it due to the cruel hand fate had dealt her? Regardless of the reason, he knew that he could sleep with a clear conscience now that he had offered her some assistance.
With thoughts of Tracey pushed aside, Jakob took a deep breath, standing outside the concealed entrance to the Slytherin common room.
"Purus"
Jakob entered the Slytherin common room, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on a blonde boy seated on one of the couches.
The boy's attention was fixed on the fireplace to his right. Suddenly, Draco felt Jakob's gaze upon him, and he slowly turned his head to see his friend approaching, taking a seat on his left. Jakob casually picked up a potion book from the table and began to peruse it, making himself comfortable before quietly inquiring, "Everything set?"
Draco let out an exasperated sigh before confirming, "Yes, everything is set. However, she agreed only if I promised to keep her company for dinner until Christmas." Jakob shook his head, a playful grin on his face. "Some folks really go all out with their demands, the audacity," Jakob remarked, emphasising the cheeky tone.
Draco gave his best friend a cold, icy stare, but Jakob remained unfazed. The Malfoy heir was about to respond harshly when Jakob pulled out his wand and cast a Tempus spell to check the time, interrupting whatever Draco was about to say.
"We should get going," the dark-haired Slytherin declared firmly. "Let's try to make our exit unnoticed. It's better if no one sees us leave close to the finale."
Draco stood, a wave of anxiety washing over him, pushing aside the earlier irritation. "Yes, let's do it," he agreed with a firm nod.