Jakob was jolted awake by a sudden weight on his waist and stomach. Opening his eyes, he found Ella looming over him, her face radiating joy as she exclaimed, "It's Christmas!" He quickly sat up, causing her to tumble off the bed.
Jakob was well aware of Ella's excitement during Christmas, and her enthusiasm was almost overwhelming.
"Ella, you're almost thirteen. You can't keep sitting on me. You're getting heavy."
Despite being thrown off, Ella refused to be deterred. She crept back towards him on the bed, her movements reminiscent of a character from a horror movie. Her gaze was filled with eager anticipation.
"Did you get me anything for Christmas?"
Jakob closed his eyes, pressing his fingers against his temples while nodding slowly. His index finger pointed to the nightstand beside him.
Ella, bubbling excitedly, lunged towards the nightstand and swiftly tore open the present. Inside, she found a snow globe adorned with an array of intricate charms. Upon closer inspection, she discovered two miniature figures at the centre of the snow globe, recreating their shared moment – making snow angels together.
A feeling of warmth and joy surged through her heart, causing a single tear to escape from her eye. It was a treasured memory, a shared moment of laughter with the falling snow, and the backdrop featured the grandeur of their mansion bathed in the soft morning sunlight.
Ella gazed at the snow globe in awe, and Jakob, now dressed in his morning robe, offered her a warm smile.
"Do you like it?" Still lying in bed, the girl swiftly moved and turned her gaze towards him. She nodded with enthusiasm. "I love it! This is the best Christmas present ever," she said with a wide smile. Jakob grinned in response, feeling satisfied by her reaction.
"And there's more," he added as he watched surprise spread across her face.
"There's something even more special waiting downstairs. I knew you would come here first, so I had it ready for you." Ella sprang from the bed and dashed out of the room. The sound of her light footsteps echoed through the hallway, and Susie's voice could be heard bellowing.
"Elisabeth Beatrix, stop running in the halls!" Despite Susie's insistence, the footsteps continued undeterred, and a faint voice replied, "Jakob, present, more. Under three! Sorry, mum!"
Jakob smiled as he emerged from his room, and there stood Susie, dressed in a beautiful gown. "Good morning, Jakob. Merry Christmas." He gave her a warm embrace in response. "Merry Christmas, Susie,"
"Jakob, darling," she said affectionately, "I'm so happy that you gave Ella presents - it's very kind of you - but if you keep spoiling her without restraint, she won't be prepared for the day when you aren't here for her."
Jakob was aware that Susie had no means to purchase gifts for Ella. As a slave, she was provided with clothing, nourishment, and shelter in the manor but was never granted any money. He gave the older woman a reassuring smile. "You don't have to worry, Susie. I will always make sure Ella has Christmas presents. I promise."
Susie was overwhelmed with emotion as she embraced her little boy and had to quickly turn her head to hide the tears that were starting to form in her eyes. "Well, breakfast is ready, so let's not be late," she said in a shaky but gentle voice.
When they arrived in the dining hall, Jakob marvelled at the morning feast before him. On the table, mountains of fluffy buttermilk pancakes were piled high. Next to them sat dishes of steaming omelettes with oozing cheese. Flaky croissants, bacon, and sausages sizzled in skillets, dispelling the winter chill from the room. Juicy oranges filled crystal bowls, while mugs overflowed with hot cocoa sprinkled liberally with marshmallows.
Just as Jakob and Susie were about to sit down, the doors to another room on the right burst open, and the oldest Quade child walked in with an annoying expression while channelling a levitation spell, causing Ella to float behind her.
Emma had tried to coax the energic girl into eating something before opening her presents, but when her attempts at persuasion failed, she resorted to a body-bind curse, levitating Ella into the dining hall. Thomas smothered a chuckle as he took in Ella's angry glare and the exasperated eye-roll from his daughter as she deposited the fuming dark blonde girl into her chair.
After seating themselves for breakfast, Ella proudly displayed the gift Jakob had made for her. Emma's eyes widened in admiration, and Thomas examined it with curiosity. "Where did you buy this?" he asked. "I crafted it myself with the help of a book on charms I purchased in Diagon Alley this summer," responded Jakob with a smile.
Emma and Thomas exchanged incredulous glances upon hearing Jakob's claim. "You made this yourself?" Emma asked, seeking confirmation of her little brother's words.
"It wasn't that difficult," Jakob replied with a nonchalant shrug, turning to his father, who raised an eyebrow and said, "We'll discuss this further tomorrow."
After breakfast, the family assembled in the main living room, where the magnificent Christmas tree stood as the focal point. They each found their cherished spots.
Emma settled on the sofa with Susie, Jakob lay down on a pile of pillows on the floor with Ella beside him, and Lord Quade relaxed in his armchair, a pipe held firmly between his teeth.
The room exuded warmth and welcome as ever, with the adults observing the children's eager unwrapping of their gifts.
Jakob had been gifted with a book on potions from Pansy and a book of spells from Blaze, which his father praised the Zabini boy for.
"Don't use them at school, boy but learn them," Thomas said approvingly as he glanced through each page of the text. As an added bonus, Theo had even gifted him a spellbook on Transfiguration. It was the perfect addition to his growing collection of knowledge.
When he unwrapped the gift he received from Draco, Jakob let out a sigh of exasperation upon finding that it was a Quidditch armour set.
"Hasn't he realised we own a company that makes these?" He asked his father, holding it up for him to inspect.
Thomas simply chuckled, "It's the best quidditch supplies money can buy so it was a good gift." Jakob succeeded in not rolling his eyes and continued to look at the rest of his presents.
Tracey, Theo, Crabbe, and Goyle's gifts were filled with an assortment of candies of various shapes and sizes. Surprisingly, Daphne had given him a thoughtful present—a high-quality chess set accompanied by a note expressing her enjoyment of their time together.
From his father, Jakob received an ancient-looking knife adorned with intricate symbols and runes deeply etched into it. Thomas explained it was a ritualistic knife, seemingly oblivious to Susie's shocked and disappointed glare. "You might find a use for it one day," he added. Jakob thanked his father for the gift, understanding that Lord Quade often chose presents he believed his children might need in the future.
Emma gifted her younger brother a magnificent wand holster crafted from dragonhide. "It's enchanted, so it will shoot your wand out when you gesture for it," she explained. Jakob gave it a try, and the wand flew out but slipped away from his grip. "Guess I need to get some practice in," he said with a smile before warmly embracing his big sister.
He had also thoughtfully selected gifts for his friends. Pansy received a stunning cauldron, expertly crafted from a combination of iron and a fire crab's shell. It came complete with all the latest charm upgrades, including a timer and self-stirring capabilities. Jakob was confident she would adore it.
Daphne received a necklace adorned with gems that shifted to complement any outfit she wore. Tracey had been gifted a broom, recognising her deep desire to take flight, and Jakob knew her old Comet wouldn't suffice.
Draco's gift had been the most extravagant of all—a pristine, top-of-the-line Nimbus 2000, paired with a protective case that ensured not even the slightest dent would mar its surface as long as it remained within. He even included a complete set of broom supplies to maintain its impeccable condition.
Blaze and Theo received a generous amount of galleons in the form of a gift card to Zonko's store, as did Crabbe and Goyle.
Jakob faced the challenge of finding a gift to express his gratitude for all Amy had done for him. After careful consideration, he settled on a unique ring. When turned, it invoked memories of the night at Malfoy's party when they had walked and talked together, creating a powerful daydream-like experience. Unfortunately, it was a custom-made gift and wouldn't be finished to arrive on Christmas day.
The Quade family continued to relish their joyous Christmas day, indulging in food, drink, and laughter until the late evening.
Jakob eventually retired to bed with a satisfied smile on his face, still immersed in the happiness and merriment of the day's festivities. He closed his eyes slowly, content with the wonderful day that had passed all too quickly.
The next day, the young Quade heir was engrossed in practising his piano skills, savouring the satisfaction of dedicating his full attention to each note. Just as he was about to finish, his father abruptly burst through the door, interrupting him.
"You are coming with me."
Father and son exchanged occasional glances, neither of them speaking, as the only thing echoing were their footsteps and Thomas's cane. The portraits of Quade ancestors lining the walls seemed to watch over them with a sense of anticipation, as if aware of the coming conversation.
Their journey continued in silence until they reached the imposing double doors, a regal entrance to Lord Quade's office. The polished oak bore the weight of history, evident in the intricate carvings and the gleam of the golden lettering that announced, "Thomas Quade."
Jakob nervously eyed his father. "But I'm not allowed in there?" Thomas gave him a sidelong glance. "In most cases, you would be right. This however isn't one of those cases," he said as he waved his wand, producing an unlocking sound. "You must never tell anyone about what's inside. Not even your sister." Jakob gulped and nodded slowly in agreement.
As they entered his father's office, Jakob was astounded at the sight before him. It was decorated with the most magnificent things he had ever seen.
Lord Quade's office was a chamber of legend. A stunning chandelier, sparkling like a thousand diamonds, hung magnificently from the ceiling, casting a radiant glow across the room.
On either side of the walls, towering bookshelves overflowed with books and intriguing objects, beckoning anyone who entered. Among the curiosities were peculiar jars containing bizarre magical ingredients, mysterious artefacts, and unidentifiable creatures, all suspended in a translucent liquid.
He quickly turned his eyes away upon noticing what seemed to be a fetus-like specimen inside one of the jars. The sight unsettled him, and he hoped it wouldn't reappear in his dreams.
At the centre of this room filled with wonders, an imposing mahogany desk took pride of place. Beside it, an inviting leather-patched office chair exuded an air of luxury and comfort. Jakob couldn't help but wonder how comfortable it must be to sit in that chair.
Yet, Jakob's attention was drawn to a corner of the room where an imposing bookstand, nearly as tall as himself, proudly stood. At its peak rested a black tome adorned with the Quade family crest, promising a wealth of ancestral knowledge and hidden mysteries.
The Quade heir was instructed to sit on the chair that magically appeared in front of his father's desk. Thomas retrieved the book, settled into his own chair, and began perusing its contents. Jakob sat there, attempting to decipher the upside-down text while his father turned the pages too quickly for him to follow. Frustration built as he strained to read and keep pace.
Thomas searched intently, desperation in his eyes until he finally found what he sought. He stood up abruptly, motioning for Jakob to do the same. Holding his wand firmly, The older man began the ritual with a commanding voice. As he finished, he grabbed his son's arm, and for a moment, disbelief washed over him as nothing appeared to happen. But then, a symbol began to manifest under Jakob's arm.
Thomas closed his eyes briefly, a sense of relief washing over him.
"Father, is everything alright?" Jakob asked, concern lacing his voice as he observed his father's actions.
Thomas released his son's arm and sank into his chair with a deep sigh. "Yes, all is as it should be," the head of the Quade household replied, his irritation evident in his tone. He rose from his chair, his long strides carrying him across the room to the doors. As he turned to face his heir, who remained seated in confusion, he levelled a stern glare at him.
"Get up, boy. I want to test something."
Jakob followed his father's instructions, maintaining a few meters of space between them. Lord Quade then unholstered his wand, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Retrieve your wand, and when I cast my Stunning spell, concentrate on protecting yourself. Don't speak. Simply channel your magical power through the wand and let it shield you."
Jakob nervously withdrew his wand from the protective holster that Emma had given him.
"If I stay silent, the magic won't know which spell to cast."
His father paused in shock. "What exactly am I sending you to school for if the ignorant idiots don't even teach you the basics of magic?" Thomas sighed and pressed his fingers into the bridge of his nose, realising that his son was still just as clueless.
"Magic is all about intent boy. You don't have to use wand movements or verbal spells to cast magic, but they can be great tools to help you get better at using it. In the beginning, these tools can assist you in learning what your own magic feels like and how to wield it. As you get older, you will be able to part with your training wheels and cast spells without warning your enemies of what's coming next."
Jakob was taken aback by the sudden lecture. Whether you liked Thomas Quade or not, he could be a good teacher when he put his mind to it. "Huh," Jake said thoughtfully, nodding in agreement.
"Just do as I say, oh and…" The older man trailed off as he thoughtfully rubbed his beard. "Did I say it would be a stunner?"
His son knew exactly what that look meant. His father would not go easy on him. Taking a deep breath, the thirteen-year-old steeled himself and took a duelling position. He cleared his throat and did his best to keep his voice from shaking as he answered, "Yes, Father, you did."
Understanding that his heir had caught the gist of it, Thomas nodded approvingly in response to his preparation before a malicious smirk curved his lips. He pointed his wand at the boy and declared, "I lied. Pian agus uamhas."
The ancient Celtic incantation was spoken, and Thomas' wand trembled with energy. A bright blue light shone forth from the tip as a streak of luminescence fired outward in a zig-zag pattern.
Jakob had no idea how to defend himself and could do little but raise his hands in a futile attempt to shield himself. He shut his eyes tight, desperately wishing for his magic to somehow protect him.
The spell made a resounding clash as it collided with something, but Jakob felt no pain. Cautiously, he opened his eyes to see what had happened.
An ethereal shield had materialised around him, protecting him from the powerful blue light spell surging towards him from Thomas.
"Impressive, but you need to do something else if you want this to end. You can't hold that Protego up forever, boy!"
Jakob's thoughts raced, desperately searching for a solution as he felt his magical reserves depleting rapidly while struggling to maintain the shield.
"Father, I don't understand… what do you want me to do?!" Jakob's plea fell on deaf ears as Thomas twisted his wand and intensified the spell he had cast. As the pressure increased, Jakob clenched his jaw. He glanced at his shield, panic rising as he saw it flicker, unable to sustain itself from this relentless attack.
"Father, no! I can't-" Jakob's protests were met with a harsh response. "You will either fight or bear witness to what true pain feels like. No son of mine is going to cower in the face of danger, or else I'll end your miserable life myself and spare myself the embarrassment!" Jakob's eyes widened as his father amplified the spell's raw power. He knew he had no choice but to fight if he wanted to survive.
As Jakob's magical core neared depletion, his heart raced with anxiety. His inner turmoil, a mix of anger and desperation, surged within him. Suddenly, all went black, leaving him with only the sound of his heart pounding and the frigid darkness surrounding him.
The boy drew back his wand and, with a resounding roar, thrust it forward towards his enemy.
The protective shield flickered out, and from Jakob's hand, an absolute darkness surged forth. It coiled around his wand, amplifying its power, and then, like a conductor channelling energy, the wand's tip became the focal point.
With a sudden explosive burst, the shadowy beam of pure darkness surged forward, carrying an unsettling aura of sentience as it raced towards its target. It was as if it hungered, with a strange desire to consume.
The two spells collided with a forceful clash, causing Thomas to furrow his brow in confusion. He could sense an unusual power emanating from Jakob's attack, which stubbornly pushed back against his own magic.
Lord Quade's eyes widened as he felt the increasing power of the opposing force. It was formidable, but Thomas was stronger. Now, his son had successfully unleashed it, and all that remained for Thomas was to unlock its secrets.
His own magic flowed through him, ready to engage with this mysterious force that stood before him.
He took a deep breath, raised his free hand, and began to recite the diagnostic charm. Despite the powerful resistance, he maintained his grasp on the blue-tinted curse and pressed on.
Before he could gather any useful information, Thomas noticed something horrifying. The dark smoke had begun to behave like a serpent, slithering around and slowly spiralling toward him, coiling around the channelling blue curse while simultaneously pressing against it.
But that wasn't all. It was also siphoning his magic, slowly draining his blue ray and compelling Lord Quade to exert more power to sustain the curse. A chill ran down his spine as he observed its progress.
"Jakob, stop this immediately!" Thomas ordered, but the boy before him remained unresponsive, his face void of emotion or remorse. He had lost control, succumbing to whatever force was taking over.
As the encroaching darkness continued its advance, Thomas roared in defiance, desperately fighting to repel it. After a substantial effort, he managed to overpower the shadowy force, causing it to begrudgingly recede.
However, the fleeting sense of victory was abruptly shattered. The shadow grew unsteady, quivering before erupting in a burst of black and blue energy. The violent eruption propelled both of them backwards, causing chaos throughout the room.
Shards of glass and splinters of wood rained down like sharp-edged hail. His face twisted in panic. Thomas scrambled to his feet, haunted by the dreadful thought that his actions might have cost him his son.
Amidst the post-explosion chaos, Jakob appeared to defy gravity, suspended by what seemed to be invisible strings. He descended to the ground with a gentle, almost graceful touch.
Thomas tightened his grip on his wand, his heart pounding, bracing himself for another attack.
Jakob's face bore traces of exhaustion, yet a fleeting, apologetic smile graced his lips as the darkness slowly retreated into him, much like the tide receding from the shore. It seemed... Hurt.
Then came the chilling moment. Jakob's voice trembled as he started, "Father, I'm s-," but a sudden nosebleed began before he could complete his sentence.
His eyes rolled back, and his wand fell to the floor with a muffled thud. It was as if an invisible force had severed the strings that held him aloft, causing the young boy to collapse to the floor like a puppet abandoned by its puppeteer.
Thomas acted out of instinct to catch his son quickly by casting a levitation charm with one hand and swiping the air with the other.
Everything on the table flew to the right as he carefully laid him down. Taking a seat in his chair, Thomas placed a reassuring hand on his son's forehead and called out for Susie.
The woman rushed to the scene, her eyes blazing with anger as she fixed a stern gaze on Thomas.
"What on earth have you done?" she shouted, hurrying towards Jakob and brandishing her wand to make the blood vanish from his nose. She swiftly cast various diagnostic charms, and after a tense moment, she breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he was safe and sound.
"Su, something's not right," Lord Quade began, but Susie shot him a withering glare as she shifted her attention to him.
"I can clearly see that something's not right! You often complain about Jakob's rashness and impulsiveness, and now you've done this? What were you thinking, Thomas!" she retorted with tear-filled eyes, focusing on the unconscious boy before her as she gently stroked his forehead.
"Su, this is Jakob's doing," he explained, gesturing around the room. Susie halted her actions and scanned the surroundings, her expression a blend of concern and bewilderment.
Her eyes widened as she surveyed the room, almost as if she was seeing it for the first time. "That's impossible," she breathed, her gaze dropping to Jakob, now filled with a completely different set of concerns.
"I succeeded in luring out that… thing by using a Celtic curse," he explained, his voice trembling. "It was winning, Su. It fed on the curse, not behaving like magic at all."
Susie stared at the man as if he had lost his mind.
"The ritual is meant to augment magical reserves and maturity, not make him stronger or give him some unnatural power, Thomas," she anxiously pointed out, her confusion mounting.
Thomas clenched his jaw, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"I can't seem to figure this out, Su. He is stronger, and the black smoke that came out of him that night." Thomas continued looking around the room and then back at the woman he entrusted everything with.
"That face I saw... it wasn't my son. This is not magic. My detection spells weren't working. It was something else - something sentient,"
Thomas explained, his voice laden with worry. He glanced at a neglected book hidden away on the bookshelf, a tome he had promised himself never to open again. "Maybe I awoke something that was already slumbering inside him."
Susie's eyes followed Thomas's gaze to the book, and she began to protest, " That man was a lunatic. He wrote fictions about his false beliefs. You can't expect..." But she was cut off abruptly as Thomas erupted in a fit of rage.
"I don't know what to believe anymore!"
Susie jumped at the sudden outburst, ready to respond sharply, but the sound of Jakob's voice caused them both to pause, their attention drawn back to the now-conscious boy.
"Father?"
Thomas managed to put on a mask and hide his worry with a warm smile as he reclaimed his seat, tenderly brushing his son's forehead. "I'm here, son." The boy gazed up at him, his eyes tired yet filled with hope.
"Did I help? Did I do a good job?" For an instant, Thomas and Susie exchanged a glance, the father struggling to hide his concern while Susie couldn't conceal her own.
Ultimately, Thomas returned his attention to his cherished son, nodding and offering an affirming smile. "Yes, son, you've made me proud."