Author note: I was going to release the chapter yesterday, but I had to work, and then it began to snow a lot. When I finally got home, I couldn't get into the fanfic page, so I had to wait... So, that's why I uploaded two chapters today.
Chapter 9: Tears, threats and a vow.
As the weeks passed at Hogwarts, the whispers and rumours about recent events continued circulating.
Hagrid had patched up his hut, but the loss of his loyal dog still cast a long shadow over him. His usually jolly and boisterous presence had dimmed noticeably.
The groundkeeper's laughter, which used to echo across the Hogwarts grounds, had grown scarce. In its place were heavy sighs and a distant look in his eyes. This change didn't go unnoticed by the students or by the staff of Hogwarts.
The initial buzz surrounding Jakob and Draco's prank gradually dwindled in the following weeks. While a full-blown conflict with the Gryffindors hadn't ignited, a subtle undercurrent of tension persisted.
Both factions remained on edge, poised for any potential retaliation. Each group resembled tightly wound springs, anticipating the moment to unleash their pent-up rage and frustration.
Among the upper-class students who had mastered spells to check the safety of food and drinks, a lucrative business emerged as they took advantage of their less-informed classmates. However, Jakob refused to be swindled. Instead, he decided to acquire the knowledge and power for himself.
After dedicating two days of effort and determination, the Quade heir successfully achieved his desired results.
But Despite his efforts, the raven-haired boy couldn't convince Draco and his fellow classmates to tackle the challenge.
When the first-year Slytherins learned about the considerable amount of time it had taken Jakob, one of the top students in their class, to solve it, they decided they were satisfied with simply using their money as a solution.
On the day before Halloween, two Slytherin students found themselves seated in the library. One was engrossed in their reading while their companion groaned audibly, earning them numerous disapproving glares from the other students nearby.
"Why are we even learning about the Knockback Jinx? I already mastered that one when I was seven," complained Jakob, his frustration evident as he rested his head on top of the open book and let out another loud groan.
The loud noise startled a nearby Ravenclaw first-year, who had finally had enough of the troubled boy's disruptions. She stood up from her chair and approached them, but Jakob abruptly turned his gaze toward her with a cold and menacing stare. Startled, the Ravenclaw student quickly retreated, thinking better of her decision.
Pansy found the situation with the Ravenclaw girl amusing. Still, as she witnessed Jakob's childish antics while expressing his disapproval of the homework, she couldn't help but let out a snort of disapproval.
"Stop acting like a Gryffindor, and you can thank the Mudbloods for this," Pansy commented, her tone dripping with disdain.
Jakob shot her a stern look. "Keep your voice down, or would you like us to get in trouble?"
Pansy felt insulted by his harshness but opted to remain silent as she gathered her belongings. She stood, not wishing to spend a moment longer than necessary in his presence.
As the girl gathered her things, ready to leave, Jakob sighed, "Pansy, Wait."
Her eyes flared with anger as she shot back defiantly, "I'll say whatever I want. If you don't like it, I can find better company."
Jakob's malicious smirk grew as he raised his wand and cast a Knockback Jinx, carefully adjusted to be just strong enough. Pansy, who had been turning her back, noticed the faint light and attempted to dodge the spell. But she was too late.
The jinx struck her, knocking her into a nearby bookshelf with a crash. Emerging from the tangle of books, her face was flushed with furious rage. She clutched her wand, ready to retaliate.
Jakob, however, shrugged nonchalantly at her heated glare and mockingly retorted, "If you don't like it, I can find better company."
Aware that engaging in a magical duel with Jakob would likely end in her defeat, the raven-haired girl decided to walk away. She flipped him the middle finger, turned on her heel, and made her exit. Jakob watched her departure, shaking his head in frustration and muttering under his breath, "Yeah, because you're such excellent company."
If Jakob had been thinking straight, he would have questioned why he had acted so foolishly right then. But Jakob didn't. Instead, he sat there, attempting to summon the motivation to write something down.
His gaze was irresistibly drawn to the two bookcases across from him, their contents far more interesting than his homework. He noticed a girl, Granger, by the looks of it, perusing the shelves before she began to meander between them and out of sight.
The boy, wanting to shift his focus from his boring homework, glanced around to ensure no Slytherin students were nearby. He then stood up and set off in the same direction as if seeking out a particular book.
Jakob frustration melted away as curiosity took over, the girl's presence providing a welcome break from his boredom and his annoyance with Pansy.
Approaching the two bookshelves, he spotted the girl nestled between them. She sat at a small, round table positioned near a window, its soft light casting an ethereal glow upon her as she pored over her book. Jakob's eyes widened in disbelief as he realised she was engrossed in the exact text he had been studying.
He approached her slowly and cautiously, hoping not to startle her. When he was near enough, he spoke up,
"What are you reading?" Her sudden jump and quick look around caught him off guard. As their eyes met, a twinge of guilt rose within him, and when she saw who had spoken, she turned away without a word.
"What's wrong? You seem a little on edge," he questioned as he settled beside her. Still taken aback and unsure of how to respond, Hermione only followed his movement with her eyes.
"Are they still treating you the same way? Your housemates, I mean,"
Hermione offered a silent nod and redirected her gaze to her book.
Jakob took a deep breath, making an effort to control his anger. He knew that letting his temper flare in front of the young girl would only terrify her more.
"My name is Jakob Quade," the Slytherin reintroduced himself, extending his hand. Hermione hesitated briefly but ultimately accepted Jakob's hand, giving it a shake before shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
His eyes conveyed an apology as he continued, "I can understand if my behavior that evening appeared quite... disturbing. I was under a lot of stress. I'm genuinely sorry for my actions."
Hermione cast a brief glance at him before stammering, "Did... did someone harm you?"
Jakob furrowed his brow in bewilderment. "What? Who would harm me?"
Hermione pointed to the almost healed cut on his forehead. For a brief moment, a small smile played on his lips. "No, that was all my own doing—a testament to my quick but foolish thinking."
Hermione looked somewhat perplexed, but before Jakob could say more, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. He swiftly stood up as if searching for something among the bookshelves. He glanced over to see two older Ravenclaw students silently passing by without acknowledging them.
He couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief as he noticed the other students passing by, seemingly oblivious to their presence. He silently vowed to himself that he needed to start practising a privacy spell. With an apologetic smile, he returned to his seat.
"I'm so very sorry for what just happened. But if someone had seen me, a Slytherin, speaking with a Gryffindor, it would cause untold amounts of trouble for me."
Hermione regarded him with a mildly unimpressed expression, crossing her arms. Jakob continued, shrugging sheepishly.
"I understand you're already facing the consequences, but believe me, there are far worse outcomes for me if I'm seen with you. It's simply better this way," he explained.
The bushy-haired girl sighed in understanding. She wouldn't wish for him to face the same consequences as her. Despite the stark differences in their lives, he was the only one who had ever shown her genuine kindness.
"What exactly do you want from me?" she asked, her voice heavy with resignation. "Why did you even bother to save me that day in Potions class in the first place?"
"I don't really know why I helped you that day," the Slytherin responded, his brow furrowing in thought. "I don't think I want anything from you. I just noticed you here and thought that you looked lonely, sitting here, and i thought that you maybe would like to do something together sometime."
"What?" Hermione, who had been looking away, turned her head towards him in shock, wondering if what she had just heard had been a product of her own imagination.
Jakob, who wasn't accustomed to this type of conversation, scratched the back of his head and let out an awkward chuckle. "If you don't want to, I completely understand. I was just thinking, and... I don't know, maybe I should get going." He began to rise from his chair, feeling embarrassed and more than a little stupid. But then, he heard Hermione's soft voice, tinged with a hint of happiness.
"I... I wouldn't mind hanging out with you."
Jakob's warm smile returned in response to her words. He wanted to demonstrate that he meant no harm with his previous actions and believed that spending time together could be a good way to make amends.
She might be a Mudblood, but surely, there'd be no harm in simply spending some time together, right? He settled back into his seat.
"But there is an issue here," he said, raising his hand and gesturing between the two of them. "As I said, we'd both be in deep trouble if we were seen hanging out."
Granger appeared to be trying her best to think of a solution, her lips tightly pressed together as she pondered. Then, her face lit up with a sudden realisation. "I know of a hidden room," she said with a wide smile, "one that stays concealed until you're determined enough to find it."
She nodded to herself as though she had decided to give the boy a chance and, in doing so, entrusted him with a deep secret. Baffled by her cryptic words, Jakob cast an utterly puzzled gaze upon her, questioning whether this was related to her mudblood background.
Seeing Jakob's confusion, Hermione quickly gathered her books and papers. She leaned in and whispered, "Meet me on the seventh floor tonight at 10, and I'll show you."
With purpose in her step, she left the library, aware that Jakob's puzzled gaze was following her.
He remained seated on his stool, his mind abuzz with thoughts as he tried to make sense of this weird and mysterious encounter.
That night, Jakob found himself seated in the common room with Draco, Theo, Tracey, and Daphne. "It's your turn, Jake," Theo reminded him, prompting him to play his card. Jakob glanced at the large clock in the corner, which displayed 9:30 p.m. It was just half an hour away from curfew, and he decided to concede, playing the card that exploded the game.
"Better luck next time," Daphne said sweetly, offering a sympathetic smile. Draco, however, couldn't resist rolling his eyes, always ready to seize an opportunity to tease someone for their misfortune.
"Don't spoil the fun, Daphne," he remarked smugly, "This game isn't about luck. Jakob just sucks." Theo and Tracey began giggling in agreement with Draco's teasing, but Jakob lost in his own thoughts and managed only a fleeting smile for his best friend.
Draco heaved a heavy sigh in response to the platinum blonde's glare. "I'm going to head back," he declared, motioning for Theo to join him. The two boys said their goodbyes and left, leaving Jakob with the two girls.
"Perhaps we should follow Malfoy's lead. I'm feeling quite tired myself," Tracey mentioned with a yawn, rising from her seat.
Her roommate, Daphne, chuckled and joined her, saying, "No wonder you're tired, with those peculiar books you've been..." Daphne abruptly cut her sentence short, her body tensing as she subtly tried to assess Jakob's reaction to her near-revealing comment.
Clearing her throat, she continued with a more cautious tone, "You must be tired, given your nonstop study this past few weeks." Her piercing blue eyes darted back and forth between Jakob and Tracey, attempting to maintain an appearance of innocence.
Jakob swiftly grasped her mistake, giving a meaningful look to Tracey that suggested a deeper understanding.
"That's good," he nodded approvingly. "With knowledge comes power, and those who have power can..."
"Weild the strongest magic," the brown-haired girl finished for him, offering a courteous nod in response. Daphne observed the exchange with initial confusion before realisation suddenly dawned upon her, prompting a surprised look towards her roommate.
With one final farewell, Daphne firmly grasped her friend's arm and swiftly guided them towards the dorm halls. She had sensed a change in her best friend's motivation and attitude since the day she had returned from the hospital wing. Still, The Greengrass girl had never managed to get Tracey to reveal who it was that had helped her otherwise shy and uncertain friend.
The books and notes Tracey had been studying had been a source of concern for Daphne until now when she realised that the information came from Jakob, the boy who always seemed to know what to do.
As they turned to leave, she glanced back at Jakob on the couch, and he offered her a small smile. A fluttering sensation started in her stomach. The warmth in those eyes, the way he smiled back at her, the way he had quietly helped Tracey without seeking recognition, and the genuine care he had shown made her see him in a much stronger light.
She had always held a favourable opinion of the Quade heir, but now, a warmth crept up her cheeks as she smiled back at him. Daphne turned around and continued with her arm hooked around her roommate's, determined to uncover everything.
She needed to know and was willing to use magic, if necessary, to extract the truth from her best friend.
The two witches departed, leaving the boy alone. He slowly withdrew his wand from his inner pocket. He began to twirl it along his fingers absentmindedly, the wand's movements almost resembling a magical dance as it spun gracefully through the air.
As he contemplated, he took a deep breath, a flicker of relief tugging at the corners of his mouth, nearly forming a smile. However, he quickly reverted to his stoic, pureblooded expression.
It was clear that his conversation with Tracey had been fruitful, suggesting that the time he had spent with her hadn't been in vain. He had likely gained a devoted ally and, perhaps, a powerful one for the future.
He surveyed the common room, noticing the presence of many older students. Some were engrossed in their studies, collaborating in groups, while others lounged on the sofas in the corners, exchanging laughter and jokes.
His gaze drifted towards two unfamiliar students seated on an armchair nearby. The girl nestled comfortably into the boy's embrace as they whispered sweet words and shared laughter, momentarily pausing their flirtation with affectionate kisses.
Jakob could only shake his head in disbelief. The couple seemed utterly smitten with each other, openly displaying their deepest affections to the entire room, seemingly unaware that they were revealing their greatest vulnerability to everyone present.
As he continued to observe them for a moment longer, Jakob noticed the way they locked eyes before sharing a tender kiss. A slight smirk tugged at his lips, and he couldn't help but wonder what that kind of love might feel like.
He had never experienced such powerful emotions before, but he could only assume it was a warm and joyful feeling. He longed to know that same connection, but he also understood that he had more significant goals that couldn't be jeopardised by the distraction of emotions.
He abruptly returned from his reverie, raising his wand and directing it at the logs in the fireplace. "Wingardium Leviosa," he murmured, hoping not to attract too much attention with the charm.
Feeling the tug of his spell gripping one of the blazing logs, the dark-haired boy gracefully rose from his seat and approached the exit. The log slowly levitated above the oblivious older students. When he was a few meters in front of the door, he released it.
With a thunderous crash, it landed on the coffee table between the couches, jolting the Slytherin students gathered in the common room.
Seizing the opportunity of their cries of shock and anger, Jakob swiftly slipped away, darting down the dungeon corridor, his footsteps echoing on the cold stone floor.
He tried to keep a low profile, pulling up his hood to avoid being spotted, and stuck to the shadows cast by pillars and objects as he made his escape.
As Jakob reached the grand staircase, he caught sight of Professor Quirrell casting a furtive glance around before vanishing into the forbidden floor. Acting on instinct, Jakob swiftly moved behind a nearby wall and observed as the professor hurried away. "That's odd," the teenager whispered to himself.
Jakob would never understand why the headmaster had assigned the seemingly useless professor to deal with whatever lurked on the forbidden third floor.
With an irritated sigh, he resumed his journey towards his own destination, striding past the third floor without giving it much consideration. He had no intention of delving into the third floor's mysteries. That was a task meant for someone else.
The lone Slytherin boy ascended to the seventh floor, and upon entering the expansive hallway, he was faced with two diverging paths. One leading to his right and the other to his left.
"She didn't give me any further instructions," he remarked flatly, briefly checking the time with a Tempus spell that revealed he had fifteen minutes left.
"If I were a Gryffindor, I'd probably take..."
He paused for a moment, straightening his posture, and then decisively declared,
"Right." With a determined stride, he set off on his chosen path.
As he strolled along, he softly hummed a tune to himself, but his melody stopped when a girl's voice emanated from behind a nearby door.
"Finally," he murmured under his breath, swiftly approaching and cautiously opening the door. He was keen to avoid getting caught by Filch, who he knew was snooping around.
Glancing inside, his hope was to find Hermione, but instead of the familiar face he expected, he could barely discern an obscured figure lurking in the shadows. He squinted, trying to see more clearly, but instead of his new bushy-haired friend, the figure that met his gaze was that of a stranger, and he was entirely unprepared for what he saw.
Jakob stepped into the abandoned classroom, where the only light source came from a window, allowing the moonlight to stream in. In the room's centre sat a girl, bathed in the pale glow of moonbeams, her eyes closed as if lost in a daydream.
Her Hufflepuff school uniform was loosely undone, revealing a tempting glimpse of her large breasts. They were ripe and inviting, their gentle movements captivating the first-year Slytherin's attention. He couldn't tear his gaze away as her fingers sensually caressed her left breast, gently pinching her hardened nipple in some kind of rhythm.
With a subtle invitation, her legs were slightly parted, shrouding her right hand's actions in a veil of mystery. The dimly lit room became charged with seduction as her confidence grew, and her hand quickened its movements.
His eyes widened in surprise as a gasp escaped from the unknown girl's already parted lips. Her shrouded hand transitioned from her circular motion to a different back-and-forth motion, and a wet sound began to echo throughout the room.
Her vibrant and lustrous strawberry-blonde hair cascaded over her body like a glowing halo, enhancing her allure. She surrendered herself to pleasure, reaching the brink of blissful ecstasy.
But as the older girl approached the peak of her pleasure, her eyes flickered open, catching a glimpse of Jakob's figure in her periphery. In that fleeting moment, her focus wavered, momentarily interrupted by his presence. With a sheepish tone, she confessed, "I couldn't bear the wait any longer, so I sought a way to occupy myself until you arrived."
Their eyes locked, and a subtle change washed over her. The movements of her hands gradually subsided, the rhythm of pleasure giving way to a serene stillness. With those words, she stood up, leaving an air of anticipation hanging between them.
Oblivious to the girl's insinuations, Jakob remained oblivious to her true intentions. All he knew was that she had not yet realised his true identity.
"The adrenaline rush from the thought of getting caught had me on edge," she admitted, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. She slowly approached Jakob, who instinctively stepped backwards towards the door. "If you had arrived just a few moments later, I would have already had my share of fun, and you would have missed out on a rather wet experience."
He knew that if she got close enough, she might notice his Slytherin robes, realising that he had, in fact, caught her.
"I made these changes just for you. Do you like what you see?"
By a fortunate twist of fate, the girl stumbled during her seductive approach, emitting a brief yelp before she fell to her hands and knees in front of him.
Her now oddly coloured hair tumbled down, obscuring her face from view.
Jakob swiftly spun around, flung the door open, and sprinted away.
He ducked behind a torch pillar as the older student emerged a few moments later with a snicker. "Playing a game of hide and seek, are we?" She inquired, scanning the empty corridor but failing to spot him.
"When I find you, I'll ride you so hard that you will scream my name,"
She strolled down the corridor, searching for who she believed to be her boyfriend, thinking he was playing a game with her. Eventually, her footsteps faded into the distance.
Jakob remained hidden, patiently waiting until he was sure she had completely left the seventh floor.
Slowly, the first-year boy emerged from his hiding spot, leaning against the wall with a relieved sigh. "Damn," he muttered under his breath, thanking his good fortune for escaping without any trouble.
He couldn't help but be curious about what she meant by "riding him," as her tone had reminded him of how Amy could sometimes sound. However, he knew that if he had stuck around, the older girl would have quickly realised he wasn't the boy she was seeking, potentially leading to unfavourable consequences.
Furthermore, he had an important appointment this evening that couldn't be postponed. Nevertheless, the image of the older girl and the strange situation lingered in his mind.
"What the bloody hell did I just witness?" he pondered aloud, unable to shake off the encounter.
"I don't know. I just got here. What did you see?" Hermione asked, her face filled with confusion.
Jakob was so startled that he had to forcibly prevent himself from screaming in surprise, feeling as though he had been caught red-handed. He quickly shook his head and let out a forced laugh. "N-Nothing... Absolutely nothing at all."
"Why is your face so flushed then?" Granger inquired, studying him curiously.
"My face isn't flushed," Jakob responded quickly, clearing his throat and averting his eyes from her inquisitive gaze, steering the conversation in a different direction.
"Where's that room you mentioned? And where did you come from?" he inquired. Hermione quickly scanned their surroundings before firmly grasping his hand and leading him down the left side of the corridor.
For the first time, their skin made contact, and an overwhelming urge to pull away surged within him. He was still processing the scene he had just witnessed, and the idea of touching a mud-blood's hand while his mind was filled with the memory of the older student's uncovered upper body and the sight of her naked breasts made the Quade heir's head swim with chaotic thoughts and an unfamiliar sensation in his stomach.
Seeking to prevent the collision of two conflicting emotions, he envisioned how his father would have reacted if he could witness his son's current strain of thoughts.
A chill coursed down his spine as a wave of nausea washed over him, and the pleasant sensation in his stomach abruptly dissipated like a droplet of water on a scorching stove.
When they stood before a mysterious wall adorned with an intriguing tapestry, Hermione began to pace. Jakob watched as she moved back and forth, her expression deeply absorbed in thought.
Just before he could question her actions, a door materialised on the wall out of thin air before them. She smiled and gestured for him to follow, and he eagerly stepped through the doorway with her.
Inside, he immediately scowled upon seeing what appeared to be the Gryffindor common room and dormitories. "What in Merlin's name is this?" Jakob questioned, a mix of wonder and revulsion etched across his face as he took in all the Gryffindor decor.
"Language," Hermione said reflexively, then blushed when she noticed Jakob crossing his arms.
"What is this place?" he asked again, striding forward to a plush couch in front of a lavish fireplace, touching it as if to make sure it was real.
"I don't know," Hermione responded, her brow furrowed in deep thought. "I've scoured the entire library and even questioned some of the professors, but no one seems to have any knowledge of this place," she continued, taking her seat on the worn, faded red couch.
Her gaze lingered on the boy who had walked over to the gilded lion decoration above the fireplace, his expression marked by curiosity as he studied it closely.
"I come here when they bully me too much. I have everything I need here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"About that..." Jakob began, his attention shifting away from the decorations as he turned to meet her gaze.
He noticed a profound longing in her eyes that encouraged him to keep talking. It was clear to the Slytherin that this was the longest conversation Granger had engaged in since arriving at Hogwarts.
Instead of rushing to the point, he released a soft sigh. After all, they weren't in a hurry.
"It's as if this room can perceive your deepest desires," Jakob mused, and Hermione responded with a small smile, though it did little to conceal the underlying sorrow. She went on to explain what she knew about the mysterious chamber.
She had explored various scenarios within the room, each offering a plethora of possibilities. The boy sat beside her on the couch, diligently taking mental notes of her observations for future reference.
After an hour of listening to Hermione share her thoughts and findings with him, along with asking follow-up questions, Jakob nodded in understanding.
"From what I can see, you've put in a lot of effort, and it's evident you're much more intelligent than the other idiots in your house," Jakob remarked, offering her an amused smirk before continuing, "What intrigues me the most however is how brave you are, venturing around the castle after dark, despite having been caught by professors before."
Hermione paused briefly, weighing her trust in the young boy with her final secret. Once her decision was made, she rose from her seat and approached the bed. Kneeling down, she extended her hand beneath it and pulled out an invisibility cloak.
Jakob's eyes widened at the sight, and his laughter filled the room. "You... You stole it?" he asked, still chuckling.
Hermione wore an inquisitive and slightly defensive expression. "What do you mean by stealing it? I didn't steal anything. I found it. And why are you laughing?"
Jakob's laughter gradually subsided as he responded, still appearing rather amused by the entire situation. "Let me guess. You found it hidden behind a pillar, am I correct?"
Hermione's face remained a mask of concentration as her eyes scanned the scene before her. Suddenly, they widened in realisation. "Is this yours? Did you hide it there? Jakob, I'm so sorry - had I known-"
"Wait," Jakob gently interrupted her mid-sentence, raising his hands. "Yes, I hid it there, but no, it is not mine."
Hermione's brows furrowed with curiosity. "Whose is it then?"
Jakob replied solemnly, "It belongs to the Potters." He watched her eyes shift to the cloak, noticing a slight expression of revulsion. He figured that this was the reason for their inaction. They must think I possess their family heirloom, and if they attack, I might decide to destroy it. He reasoned quietly to himself.
"Please, take a seat," Jakob invited, gesturing to the cushioned spot beside him on the couch. Hermione hesitantly made her way over and sat down, still clutching the soft fabric of her cloak tightly in her hands. Jakob met her gaze and inquired gently, his voice sincere, "Who is it that's causing you trouble?"
She began to speak, "I... It..." but then closed her mouth and turned her gaze toward the flickering flames, a tear slipping down her cheek.
"You can tell me, Hermione," Jakob urged gently, his hand lifting to turn her face back towards him. Their eyes locked, and he tenderly brushed a tear away from her cheek. "Why does it matter? They will only continue, and we can discuss far more better things." Hermione pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.
"It matters," Jakob stated firmly, his voice carrying a weight of determination. "Tell me."
His words held a reassuring strength, and the unwavering intensity of his gaze offered her the comfort she had longed for. Could this be a dream? No, it couldn't be. The details were far too vivid and real.
In her dreams, his hair was not quite so dark, and his eyes were not as deep and dark as they were at this moment. Hermione let out a soft sigh, nodding in agreement, finally willing to allow him to help.
"It's Weasley and Finnigan," Hermione admitted with a quivering voice. "They've managed to turn the entire house against me."
Jakob's brows knitted in confusion as he asked, "But why would they do something like that? Is it because of your blood status?"
Hermione blinked, her expression a mixture of perplexity and sadness.
"M-My blood status? What does that have to do with anything?"
Jakob inwardly scolded himself for making that assumption. He knew that she had been through enough, and explaining what her blood status meant was not something he wanted to burden her with at the moment.
Quickly, he tried to cover his mistake and asked again, "Nevermind, why did they go to such lengths to make the whole house oppose you?"
Hermione let out a soft sigh and began to explain, "I had been spending some time with Harry Potter, you know, the boy who lived. We met on the train and later in the common room. We got along very well, and his sister, Ivy, was very nice to me as well."
Jakob tried his hardest not to roll his eyes at Hermione's account of the two idiots.
"Ah, I'm aware of him and his sister. Did you say or do something that upset the idi... heir Potter?"
"No... I don't think so. I was just offering Harry some advice on a certain topic when Ron butted in and said he hadn't asked for it. Ron and Seamus then suddenly became incredibly rude."
Jakob carefully examined the incident, searching for clues as to why Hermione had been mistreated by the Gryffindors.
"I got very angry and I told them that perhaps Harry should spend less time with people who lacked the basics of common knowledge and those who showed no sense of decency. Ron flew into a rage and shoved me against a wall while screaming some of the most hurtful words I had ever heard. No one… Not a single person stepped in to help me."
The Slytherin boy observed her with a heavy heart as tears flowed down her cheeks. He knew she wouldn't endure long in his house. His anger simmered as he listened to the hurtful rumours Ron and Seamus had spread about her—calling her a know-it-all, accusing her of trying to bewitch Harry.
Harry had turned away when she attempted to defend herself, just like the others. Hermione's spirit had been shattered, and Jakob had to close his hands into fists to control the rising anger that threatened to burst out.
Hermione found it challenging to continue the story. Instead, she buried her face in her hands, her sobs echoing in the room.
It had been the Weasley and Finnigan boys who started this, but why? Out of jealousy? In just their first class together, Jakob recognised Hermione Granger's exceptional talent. Perhaps these envious morons noticed it as well. Maybe they believed that by degrading her, she'd eventually give up and return home.
"It's okay," Jakob whispered, embracing Hermione, mirroring the comfort he had offered Pansy their first night. His gentle fingers traced soothing circles on her back as she wept into his shoulder. With each reassuring word he spoke, Hermione nodded along, slowly finding solace. After a while, her crying had turned into quiet sobs, and Jakob released her slowly from the embrace. They both stared at the flickering fire for a moment. Then the Slytherin spoke.
"I believe I can help you," his gaze still fixed on the dancing flames. Hermione regarded him with hopeful scepticism.
"How?" she inquired. Jakob shifted his focus back to her, his eyes locking onto hers. "I will need that cloak, and I can't guarantee anything," he continued, determination lacing his words and the flickering firelight dancing on his face.
"But if I do succeed, there is something you must do for me," he said with a calculated tone.
Hermione looked at him with hope in her eyes. "Like what?" she asked eagerly.
Jakob continued, his voice firm and unwavering. "If you are able to return to Gryffindor, you will belong to me for the entirety of these seven years. If I ask for information, you will provide it. If I command a friendship, you will readily and happily become the best of friends. Should I ask that your wand be raised in someone else's direction, you will only respond with which spell is needed. You must never divulge a single word of this to anyone, and no matter how you feel, you will stay true to our agreement. Understood?"
He knew it was a ruthless move, but he believed it was necessary for her well-being.
He couldn't disregard the opportunity to have an obedient Gryffindor by his side, knowing that someone like that could prove invaluable for a Slytherin like himself.
She could come in handy, especially if she managed to form close ties to the Boy Who Lived and his inner circle.
"I'll do it," Hermione answered without hesitation. Surprised by her quick response, Jakob let go of her and leaned in close, their noses almost touching. He wanted her to understand the gravity of the situation.
"Remember that you might need to tell me things you know will hurt your classmates," he cautioned.
"Yes," she said sternly, a hint of annoyance. "And there is no going back." She nodded firmly in agreement.
Jakob couldn't help but question her easy agreement. No one in their right mind would agree to such terms without negotiation.
As she saw the uncertainty in his eyes, Hermione leaned back and sighed wearily. "I just want it all to be done and gone. No more fighting, no more harsh words, no more horrible gossip. I just want it all to go away."
When the heir of Quade saw her desperate expression and heard her plead, darkness stirred in him. They would pay for this. All of them would pay for what they had done to his mudblood.
"I will need that cloak." Jakob began as he nodded toward the fabric in her hand. "You can have it tonight, and then we will meet in secret tomorrow so you can give it to me and..."
Hermione interrupted him. "You can have it now. I'm going to stay here," she said as she handed over the cloak.
Jakob looked momentarily surprised at her decision, glancing at the invisibility cloak in his hands and then back at Hermione. "You're sleeping here? But what about..." His gaze shifted towards the bed, where he noticed her school bag already at the foot of the bed and other belongings on the nightstand. Suddenly, it dawned on him that she had been staying here for a while.
Jakob nodded in agreement and then requested a bag from the Room of Requirement, specifically designed to contain his invisibility cloak. Within moments, the bag materialised, and he swiftly placed the cloak inside it, tucking it securely within his robes.
After a brief questioning to ensure that Hermione hadn't experienced any side effects while wearing the cloak or if anyone like the Potters, for example, had been able to see her, she shook her head. Jakob couldn't understand why the Potters hadn't placed protective magic on it. In his family, attempting to steal anything would almost always result in a painful death.
As they prepared to part ways, Hermione gave him one last hug, and Jakob, feeling less revulsion this time, returned the gesture.
When he returned to the Slytherin common room, the Sluthein decided to try out the invisibility cloak for the first time. Grudgingly, he had to admit that it was a marvellous piece of magic. He used the cloak to survey the common room, noticing that some senior students were still studying diligently. However, he was too exhausted to experiment further tonight.
Jakob made his way to his dormitory, and after taking a deep breath, he carefully stowed the cloak inside the bag, which seemed to shimmer with all the colours of the room. Feeling weary, he then opened the door to his dormitory, ready to call it a night.
Pansy still had her nose buried in a book, comfortably lounging in bed as Jakob entered the dormitory. He carelessly tossed his bag onto his bed, earning a snarky glare from her.
"Where have you been? It's almost midnight," she drawled, an edge to her voice.
Jakob rolled his eyes, clearly not in the mood for Pansy's attitude. "Oh, come off it, Pansy. Are you still mad about what happened in the library? You need to relax and stop being such a wimp."
"Mad? A wimp? Are you kidding me?" Pansy spat, her voice rising in anger. "You threw a Knockback Jinx when I was turned away from you!" She yelled as she pointed an accusing finger towards her roommate, who stood his ground with his arms crossed.
"Well, if that's the case, then you shoul—" Jakob started to say, but Pansy's furious expression immediately silenced him. Her rage seemed to culminate in one sudden action.
With a piercing roar that was quite unusual for a thirteen-year-old pureblooded girl, Pansy directed her wand and shot a jinx at him. The spell shot toward him, its yellow light nearly blinding as it seemed to approach in slow motion. In the blink of an eye, Jakob instinctively twisted his head to the side, narrowly avoiding the jinx by a hair's breadth.
Before he could turn his eyes back towards his roommate to confront her, Pansy lunged toward him with a vengeance, taking him by surprise and knocking the breath out of him. They both tumbled to the ground.
To Jakob's astonishment, Pansy, who was typically no match for the Quade heir, now seemed stronger than ever, fueled by her rage.
He tried to convince himself that Pansy had taken him off guard, and it must have been her magic that allowed her to gain superhuman strength in her intense state of anger.
As Jakob found himself on the ground, Pansy quickly threw herself atop him, striking wildly. He struggled to grab hold of her hands as she relentlessly attacked. Her nails scratched and mixed in with the open palm punches, creating an unbearable hurricane of pain.
Jakob made a conscious effort to contain himself, fully aware that retaliating with violence would only make matters even worse. He had to find a way out of the situation without resorting to force. After what seemed like an eternity of dodging and parrying her open-handed blows, he finally managed to break free by twisting his body away.
With a swift movement, the dark-haired boy seized her wrists and expertly flipped them over, positioning himself on top of her. He held her arms firmly in place, maintaining a tight and secure grip. "Cut it out, Pansy," Jakob demanded, his voice firm, refusing to release her until she regained her composure.
Despite her struggles and protests, he held on, determined to wait until she calmed down. Eventually, Pansy grew tired and gave in.
A sigh of relief escaped him as he rested his head on the stone floor beside hers.
"Umm, Jake. You're... on top of me," he raised his head with a sarcastic glare, "Oh, I'm sorry if my weight is too much for you. You weren't the..."
"No," she interrupted, "I mean... you are literally lying on top of me, Jake."
Jakob was bewildered as his gaze fell upon her flushed cheeks and averted eyes. He suddenly realised he had her pinned down, his arms restraining hers, and her legs spread wide after their physical struggle.
He looked down incredulously, seeing her crisp white school shirt rising and falling in tandem with her heavy breathing. His lower body was firmly against hers, pressing her to the ground and lifting her skirt slightly to reveal a sliver of pale thigh. He could feel the warmth emanating from their contact, blood rushing through him like electricity, and his breaths syncing up with hers.
Clearing his throat, he released her and stood, giving her a hasty "sorry."
He offered his hand to her, and she grasped it willingly, allowing him to help her up. They stared at each other for a moment, both uncertain of what to say, when Jakob finally gave her an encouraging pat on the back.
"You did better than I expected in that fight. Well done."
The comment left the dark-fringed girl looking puzzled until a small grin slowly formed, followed by a fit of giggles.
"You must use that line on all the girls you wrestle with," she quipped, lightening the mood a bit more.
"You're really feisty," Jakob remarked, poking at the spot where his roommate's nails had drawn blood. "Shit, I'm sorry—here, let me take care of it."
She gestured for him to take a seat on the bed, her movements swift yet precise. With a sense of urgency, she opened her trunk and retrieved a small vial containing a healing potion.
Pansy returned to him, holding the vial and a clean piece of cloth. She met his eyes briefly, offering a reassuring smile.
"This might sting a little." She said apologetically before gently applying the potion-soaked cloth to the wounds on his face. At first, there was a slight stinging sensation, but it quickly faded as the magical potion worked its mending magic.
As she continued to tend to the minor cuts on Jakob's face and neck, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The tension between them earlier seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding and forgiveness.
When Pansy was done, they both prepared for bed, knowing they would have only a few hours before needing to rise again.
"I didn't think you'd be able to fight like Draco," Jakob commented from his side of the room.
They had yet to shut their curtains, and with Jake's help, Pansy had conjured levitating candles in the centre of the room.
"Do I really fight like a boy?" She asked, her surprise evident.
"More like Draco fights like a girl," Jakob joked, earning him a pillow to the face.
They exchanged stories and laughter for some time before deciding it was time to turn in for the night, bidding each other goodnight as they drew their curtains shut.
Jakob couldn't shake the night's events from his mind. Three different encounters with three different girls had stirred a mix of emotions within him. It felt as though the same mould had produced different colours. While he was familiar with this emotion, it had never been so intense. He knew he needed more time to unravel it, to decipher if it could become an asset or a vulnerability. Lying in bed, Jakob's thoughts raced, the complexities of interactions with girls occupying his mind until sleep took over.
After a few hours, a strong aroma of pumpkins wafted towards him, jolting him awake. He yelled out so loudly that Pansy was startled from her sleep, ready to defend against any perceived threat.
"It's Halloween!"
Authors note 2: Apparently, Fanfic doesn't seem to show my viewing graph, so I have absolutely no idea if anyone reads this story. If you enjoy this rewrite, I would love a PM or review.
Cheers:)