Chapter 16: The return back.
Winter break had come to an end, and Jakob found himself on his way back to Hogwarts, travelling with his friends.
Earlier, he'd taken the opportunity to ask his father about what had transpired after his magical shield had given out. Thomas had explained that Jakob's magic had been entirely depleted, leaving him drained and resulting in his sudden collapse.
The failure weighed on the young Slytherin's mind as the train rumbled forward. He couldn't shake the disappointment he felt in himself for being unable to stand up against his father's curse, and the memory of his own helplessness at that moment disgusted him.
The realisation that he had been almost utterly defenceless left him feeling vulnerable and exposed, a stark contrast to the confident young wizard he typically portrayed.
He stared out the window at the passing landscape, lost in thought as he contemplated the events.
The chattering voices of his friends faded into the background as he grappled with the unsettling truth that he still had much to learn, that he wasn't near as strong as he had previously thought.
The rest of the compartment's occupants enthusiastically chatted away, oblivious to Jakob, who appeared lost in his own world.
As they eagerly exchanged treasured memories from the break, their conversations transitioned from tales of family gatherings and inquiries about completed homework to taking turns describing what they got for Christmas.
As expected, Jakob and Draco's gifts stood out as some of the more expensive and highly appreciated ones among the students in the train compartment. Thanks were offered by everyone for the thoughtful presents. However, there was an exception to this trend—Pansy.
As Pansy excitedly shared the details of the dress Draco had gifted her, Draco leaned over to Jakob with a mischievous glint. In a hushed tone, he confessed.
"Mom bought it for her. I have no idea what colour it even is." Jakob couldn't help but snort in response, showing his support for his friend's jest. Yet, beneath the surface, he felt a pang of sympathy for Pansy, who looked at Draco with eyes that expressed her genuine happiness for the gift he had supposedly chosen for her.
Once Pansy had finished acknowledging Draco's gift, there was a silent anticipation that she would move on to Jakob's, but to the subtle surprise of both the Quade heir and the others, she did not.
A faint frown marred his expression as he shifted his gaze back to the window, peering into the dark landscape that passed by while Crabbe began sharing the details of his own holiday gifts.
He knew how much she had expressed her desire for the potion cauldron in their late-night conversations. He understood that it wasn't something her parents would typically buy, more often used by professional potion makers.
Had he misunderstood her preferences? Was it the wrong version? Jakob made a mental note to talk to her about it later as soon they were alone.
As the group of Slytherins settled into their seats in the Great Hall and commenced their dinner, a profound sense of relief enveloped the Quade heir.
It seemed as though a considerable burden had been lifted from his shoulders by simply being back, enabling him to thoroughly relish the familiar comfort of Hogwarts. In that instant, he recognised just how much he had longed for the castle and the liberating sensation it bestowed on its students.
After dinner concluded, the students withdrew to their respective common rooms. The close-knit group of first-year Slytherins took some time to discuss schoolwork and the rumours that had either evolved or emerged during the winter break.
"Apparently, the Golden Trio has become the Golden Mudblood Society," Pansy sneered, catching everyone's attention. Even Jakob, who wasn't usually interested in Pansy's rumours, lowered his blue book to listen.
"What do you mean?" asked Tracey, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Pansy gave her a sly smirk and held the group's attention a bit longer. "You know that half-blood... what's his name..."
"Finnigan," Jakob interjected matter-of-factly, surprising the group. He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Know your enemies and all that," he explained, gesturing for Pansy to continue.
"Yeah, after that Finnigan boy was taken home by his parents following the troll incident, they have two new members in their group. There's the scarhead's sister, and another girl... a Mudblood."
Draco rolled his eyes.
"Of course they would have a Mudblood join their little group. Now they only need a Squib, and they'll have everyone. Mudbloods, blood traitors, and Squibs. Right, Jake?" Draco commented, and Jakob, who knew who the Mudblood was, couldn't find it in himself to chuckle or outright laugh as some of his friends around the table did.
Instead, he snorted and raised his book to his face again, sighing.
As the evening wore on, Pansy shot him a quick glance before theatrically yawning and declaring her intention to turn in for the night.
Taking the hint, the raven-haired boy lingered for a few more minutes, engaged in light conversation with his friends to avoid making his departure too obvious. Eventually, he bid his housemates a polite "goodnight" and excused himself.
He made his way to Room 13 and turned the doorknob, paying little heed to the faint creak it emitted.
When he stepped inside, Pansy threw her arms around him tightly as soon as he turned around after closing the door.
"Thank you so much for the Christmas present, Jake," she said breathlessly, and Jakob felt immense relief. "I'm glad it made you happy. When you didnt mention it on the train i wondered if i got it wrong or something."
Reluctantly, the black-fringed girl let him go and gave him an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, it's just that if I told everyone, they would know you got me the best gift..."
"And you didn't want to hurt Draco's feelings?" Jakob finished for her, recognising that she couldn't finish the sentence herself.
She blushed, nodding her head.
"It was the best gift ever, and my parents were totally floored - to think you spent so much money on me." Jakob chuckled, replying with a sly smirk. "You know - being my roommate definitely has its perks."
Pansy emitted another delighted squeal as if the memory of the gift had resurfaced in her mind, and she gave him another appreciative hug.
"Thanks again. I'm off to get ready. Don't drift off just yet. We've still got a lot of catching up to do before bed," she said, and he nodded in agreement.
It felt really good to be back.
Jakob woke up early the following morning, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. He dressed quietly, not wanting to disturb his still-sleeping roommate.
After completing his morning routine, he silently opened the dorm room door and entered the common room. The room was deserted, bathed in a serene silence. Dim light filtered in through the windows, enveloping the room in a peaceful atmosphere.
As he made his way towards the exit, his thoughts were focused on the adventures that awaited him outside. Hogwarts grounds were always a place of wonder, and he was eager to explore them once again.
However, just as he was about to step out into the dungeon, a familiar voice spoke out from behind him.
"I'm pleased to see that my prediction of you being a morning person was right."
Jakob spun around and found Amy standing there in her Slytherin-green pyjamas.
The tank top she wore clung to her every curve, accentuating her figure, and the soft light in the room added an almost supernatural quality to her presence.
She had paired the top with shorts that showcased the contours of her well-toned white legs, and she sported Slytherin-colored high socks that extended just above her kneecaps.
It was a mesmerising sight, and Jakob found himself momentarily captivated by her appearance.
The older Slytherin regarded him with a curious yet seductive gleam in her eye, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Good morning, Jakob. I've been meaning to talk to you," Amy greeted.
Somewhat overwhelmed by her presence, Jakob could only manage a silent gulp and a nod.
"You got me a gift?" Amy asked, lifting her hand to reveal an intricate ring on her finger.
Two intertwined snakes were etched into the golden band, their mouths gaping open with sharp teeth bared as if they were in the middle of an endless battle. But instead of striking at each other, they held a gorgeous green gemstone between them that sparkled brilliantly in the light.
"Yes, I wanted to express my gratitude for your presence at the party," Jakob replied. Amy stepped closer to him, their bodies almost touching.
"It is gorgeous, and the charm that comes with it makes it all the more special. But I didn't get you anything," she said in a mock-sad and seductive tone.
She sensuously drew nearer, her crimson lips curving into a playful, alluring smile as she artfully twirled a strand of her glossy ebony hair around her fingertips.
With deliberate grace, she came to a halt right in front of him, her captivating dark brown eyes ensnared by his. Amy's fingertips delicately caressed, like a whisper, a stray wisp of hair that had unexpectedly ventured into the inviting recesses of her cleavage.
An undercurrent of unfamiliar emotions simmered beneath the surface, ready to take over, but Jakob stood firm.
He was resolute and unyielding. His gaze remained sharp, and he held his ground. He had no idea what was happening and was uncertain about what Amy's next move might be, especially since this situation differed from her usual behaviour. But he was determined to stay in control and was successful... at least for now.
"I'm not asking for anything in return," Jakob stated calmly, offering a reassuring smile. "I just wanted to express how much I value our friendship."
Amy raised a sceptical eyebrow. "So, we are friends now? I still see myself as your prefect, and our positions in Slytherin won't change because of this. You understand that, right? So why are you so persistent?"
Jakob nodded firmly. "I completely understand, and I agree with you. However, I know that we can also be friends. I'm persistent when I set my mind on something, and I'm determined to make it happen."
Amy leaned forward, her lavender-scented perfume working its way into his senses and making his head spin. His control over the newfound emotion was slowly slipping away. He could hear her whisper softly, "So then... friend... Let me give you my Christmas present."
Amy's hand traced a tantalising path up his chest, finding its way to the back of his neck and firmly gripping his hair. Their eyes locked, and she offered a seductive smile before Leaning in.
She slowly pressed her lips to his, and the sensation made the thirteen-year-old's brain go into overdrive as a rush of dopamine floded his being. She pressed her body against his, their mouths moving with an increasingly insatiable hunger.
Jakob reciprocated in kind, placing one hand on her lower back and the other firmly embracing her upper body to provide support as they passionately explored each other's lips.
The prefect took it one step further, introducing her tongue, which ventured boldly into his mouth, igniting a passionate dance between them. At that moment, there were only the two of them, their bodies entwined, their connection consuming all thoughts.
Jakob felt his mind surrender, his instincts taking the reins. His hands began to explore her body, going further down. He felt the subtle curves of her hips, the gentle swell of her bottom, each sensation intensifying his desire. His grip tightened without conscious thought as if drawn to possess her in some mysterious way. His body ached for more, and he found himself pressing her body closer to his.
Amy, sensing the intoxicating pull between them growing stronger with each kiss, playfully bit his lower lip with an intensity that drew a faint trace of blood. She loved the way he touched her – the eagerness, the hunger – and doubted she would be able to restrain herself if this continued. She needed his help to stop this euphoric moment and bring her back to reality.
The bite had been successful, though just barely. Jakob came to his senses, stopping in his tracks. The two teens leaned their foreheads together, their breaths ragged.
Amy's smile painted a portrait of pure ecstasy as she slowly opened her eyes and let out a playful giggle. She noticed that the boy still held her pressed against his body, and as a satiated conclusion, she caught the drop of blood from his lips with her tongue before whispering softly into his ear.
"This will be our little secret,"
She gently released herself from his embrace, and with graceful steps, she walked back towards the dorm corridor. The alluring sway of her hips and figure held his gaze until she had disappeared around the corner, leaving him in a whirlwind of shock, desire, and a myriad of other emotions that a teen boy might experience.
After a few moments, the young boy shook himself out of his trance and glanced around, realising that he was once again alone. A smile of satisfaction adorned his lips as he embraced the newfound emotions swirling within him.
"Bloody hell, I love this feeling," he whispered to himself, relishing the sensation.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to collect himself.
At that moment, Jakob Quade was determined to experience that sensation again. He had set his mind to it.
Leaving his common room in pursuit of knowledge and a means to soothe his racing thoughts, the aroused boy embarked on a journey through the castle, resolute in his quest to unravel its enigmatic mysteries.
He had already scoured the seventh floor, discovering that the Room of Requirement was its sole hidden gem. Now, Jakob's focus shifted to the sixth floor, where he had previously uncovered a concealed passage behind an ancient Egyptian painting leading to Filch's storeroom. However, no other secrets had been unearthed... until now.
As he roamed the castle, thoroughly inspecting the walls and the paintings that adorned them, he unexpectedly stumbled upon three Gryffindors, their scarlet robes unmistakable, just around the corner. Thankfully, they remained oblivious to his presence, engaged in a conversation spoken in low, hushed tones.
Their secretive behaviour piqued Jakob's curiosity, and he instinctively scanned the surroundings for a concealed spot. His gaze fell upon a small alcove behind a half-open door.
Swiftly, he ducked behind it, leaving the door slightly ajar to eavesdrop on the whispered exchanges of the approaching Gryffindor students.
As Ron and Ivy flanked him on either side, Harry walked along, his steps slowed by the current conversation. Unbeknownst to him, the Snake lurked within the nearby scrub, silently observing their passing.
"Harry, come on," Ivy said with a weary sigh, her tone suggesting that she had expressed this viewpoint multiple times before. "You can't honestly believe it's Snape."
"Ivy, he's evil and wants the stone for himself. Can't you see that?" The Weasley boy replied, exasperation clear in his voice as they continued through the hall.
Jakob's expression mirrored a blend of surprise and curiosity. What stone were they discussing? He carefully opened the door, ensuring its rusty hinges remained silent, and stealthily followed the group. Whenever they glanced back to check if they were being followed, he adeptly concealed himself from their view.
"Do we truly trust a note that suddenly appeared on your bed? It appears more like a trick or a trap to me. And the note didn't mention anything about Snape." Ivy was determined to inject some rationality into her brother's thoughts, poking him firmly on the arm with her finger to prompt a response and steer the conversation away from Ron's idiotic rant.
"Ivy, this is our only shot," Harry exclaimed, his voice tinged with growing agitation. "We must get there tonight."
"But how are we going to get in?" Ron chimed in, casting an expectant look at their heroic leader.
The group came to a sudden halt, and Harry's words were spoken in a hushed tone, barely reaching Jakob's ears. "Tonight is the night we must sneak past Fluffy and secure the Philosopher's Stone, or Snape will have it by tomorrow."
The Slytherin's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he heard what they were after. Was it really the philosopher's stone?
"You still haven't answered Ron's question. How are we going to get in without the cloak? Remember, Dad took it after you lost it."
Ivy interjected, her words now accompanied by a mischievous grin.
"Let's make a break for it after lights out. It should not be much of a struggle if we are cautious," Harry suggested.
"Yeah, the note mentioned that nobody will be patrolling the third floor tonight," Ron continued, nodding along.
"Why the bloody hell are we trusting that damned note?!"
Ignoring the redheaded girl's outburst, the two boys continued scheming as they rounded a corner, eventually vanishing from view.
Jakob couldn't help but smile at the thought. Naturally, they were compelled to search for trouble. But if the legendary stone truly was within the castle, the Slytherin boy couldn't let such an opportunity slip by without trying to catch a glimpse himself.
Jakob searched high and low for information about something called "Fluffy," but time was not on his side. He combed through books in the library, scanning each page for a clue, but was met with only dead ends. He poured over ancient texts and manuscripts, desperately seeking an answer, but to no avail. After hours of painstaking searching with no luck in sight, he reluctantly admitted defeat and decided it was time to seek Hermione Granger's assistance.
After searching for some time, Jakob finally spotted the girl with the wild hair he was looking for sitting at the Gryffindor table, enjoying her lunch. He discreetly motioned to her, and after a few moments of subtle communication between them, she nodded in understanding. Fifteen minutes later, they found themselves seated together on a cosy sofa by a crackling fire in the Room of Requirement.
"Sorry, I've never heard of a creature called Fluffy," Hermione said, her expression sympathetic as she noticed the dejected look on her favourite Slytherin's face. She began racking her brain, attempting to find any information that might assist him. "It sounds like it might be a dog's nickname, though?"
Jakob furrowed his brow in deep thought. Could it really be that straightforward? Why would they choose a dog as the guardian of something as crucial as the Philosopher's Stone?
His pondering about the stone was momentarily interrupted as he inquired about Hermione's holiday. She shared that she had spent time with her parents and reconnected with some of her old Muggle friends from school.
"It was great catching up with them." Her grin faded slightly as she added. "I don't have much chance to see my old friends now I'm at Hogwarts, so when they spoke about their weekend plans, I felt a bit jealous and homesick."
Jakob's heart was envious as he heard how her friends could draw her back into that disgusting world, but he kept his feelings to himself.
"Have you heard anything about what happened to Finnigan?" Jakob inquired, attempting to shift the conversation.
Hermione appeared somewhat frustrated as she began to respond.
"No, Jakob... I've really tried, but Harry and Ron keep telling me the same thing. If you hadn't insisted it was a lie, I might have believed them. They genuinely believe they confronted and took down the troll in the lavatory. I've also inquired with other students, and although the stories vary somewhat, they all share key elements, such as seeing Finnigan's father removing him from school."
Jakob nodded along and put a comforting hand on hers. "You did good Hermione. If this is what you could find that means someone is doing a good job at covering something up."
The bushy-haired girl let out a sigh and settled back on the couch, reluctant to abandon the investigation but realising that they probably wouldn't make further progress on this matter.
"I promise, if I hear anything, I'll inform you immediately,"
Noticing her disappointment, Jakob tried to shift Hermione's focus by describing the party at Malfoy's, detailing the lavish decorations and opulent rooms. She couldn't help but express her surprise, "Are you serious? Malfoy lives in a mansion?"
Jakob offered a nonchalant shrug.
"It's quite common among the older families." Hermione seemed about to say something but hesitated, displaying a hint of shyness. When Jakob encouraged her to continue, she timidly pressed on.
"I did some research about your family and the businesses you own. Do you also live in a mansion?"
The Quade heir smirked and nodded. " One of the largest in country," he responded, and Hermione leaned forward on the couch, intrigued.
"It's really hard to describe, but it's massive! I'll bring some pictures next time I'm home so you can get an idea."
"I'd really like that," Hermione replied with a smile, her expression then dimmed slightly as she continued. "I only live in a house."
Jakob laughed and affectionately wrapped his arm around her.
"Don't worry, someday I'll get you the mansion of your dreams." Her eyes sparkled with hope as she considered this possibility and hugged him tightly.
But after a few seconds, a puzzled and curious frown creased Hermione's forehead as she inquired, "How?" Jakob simply shrugged. "The 'how' doesn't matter. What's important is that I made you a promise, and I always keep my word."
Hermione let out a brief giggle at his confidence, not quite believing that he was genuinely serious. She then presented Jakob with a gift, and he responded by retrieving one he had concealed in his robes.
"You open first," she urged. Jakob complied, unwrapping the gift eagerly, only to reveal an item that left him utterly perplexed. He glanced up at Hermione, unable to contain his surprise.
"I made a kit of various things from my world," Hermione explained excitedly.
She quickly grabbed a ballpoint pen and a sheet of paper, then wrote her name on the blank sheet, demonstrating to Jakob that no ink was required for her writing—it was all in the pen. Jakob accepted it, examining it with fascination before turning his attention to some Popular Science magazines laid out nearby. Hermione picked one up and handed it to him, eager for him to explore the contents and learn more about her world.
"Science is practically a form of magic - it takes an incredible amount of brilliance to be able to create something like this."
Jakob, whose insatiable thirst for knowledge was a constant driving force, diligently turned the pages. In doing so, his gaze came to rest on an image capturing a significant explosion accompanied by a towering mushroom cloud.
"What is this?"
Hermione peered over the magazine with a heavy sigh. "That's a nuclear bomb. It's one of the most powerful weapons ever created by mugglekind."
The boy studied the picture, reading the text beneath it, and his eyes widened. "You can destroy entire cities with just one of these?" He looked up at Hermione, who seemed a bit uneasy.
"How can something with just one explosion do so much damage?" A smile betrayed her lips at his interesting question, and she proceeded to explain atoms and how the bomb worked. The Slytherin boy strained to make sense of what Granger was saying, and as she finished her lecture, she promised to find further insight into the nuclear technology that had caught her friend's eye.
Now, it was Hermione's turn to open her gift, and she eagerly tore away the wrapping paper to reveal a white rectangular box.
When she opened it, a sleek black card was nestled inside, exuding an air of elegance and luxury. She felt her cheeks grow warm as she admired its beauty and grace. Hermione glanced up at Jakob, her curiosity evident in the slight furrow of her brow.
Jakob drew his own card from his robe and pointed his wand at it. "Be here in 10 minutes," he stated, the words appearing on Hermione's card. "You dont need to say anything. I just wanted to show you," he explained.
" Where on earth did you get this? I've been searching everywhere for something like this!" exclaimed the Muggle-born witch as she stared at her card in shock and admiration.
Jakob shrugged in response. "I got it from my father's workshop. It still has a few kinks to work out, like the range. We can walk around Hogwarts, but if I go any further away than that, they won't work. So they aren't practical for breaks yet, but I'll grab you the finished version once it's ready."
Hermione nodded appreciatively and gave him a grateful hug in return.
"I love it, thanks."
Jakob returned her embrace, but as he did, a sudden rush of memories flooded his mind, particularly the memory of Amy's passionate kiss.
His embrace on the Gryffindor girl unknowingly tightened, and Hermione felt herself exhaling a little heavier. The thirteen-year-old boy became acutely aware of her body pressed against his. He could sense her returning his embrace, and an unexpected surge of electricity coursed through his body as they had unseemingly nestled their heads into each other's necks.
Realising the situation was becoming increasingly intimate, he promptly released Hermione from his grasp and shifted back on the couch a bit, clearing his throat.
Feeling a bit deprived of the closeness they'd shared, Hermione noticed Jakob's flushed face and apparent discomfort. Filled with concern, she gently inquired, "Is everything okay, Jakob?"
He had to reassure her three times that he was fine before her concerned inquiries finally stopped.
Jakob emphasised the importance of her keeping an eye on the Gryffindor trio that evening without getting noticed. Granger nodded in agreement, and soon, they bid each other farewell. Jakob left first, safely storing the gift she had given him in his school bag.
As darkness descended, Jakob sat in the Slytherin common room, the black card twirling between his fingers, anxiously awaiting news from his agent about when the Gryffindor trio would attempt to sneak out.
When his friends had all gone to bed, he discreetly signalled to Pansy that he had different plans for the night. While she didn't know the details, she knew that she would find out soon enough and nodded her understanding.
Jakob took his wand in hand and cast another Tempus spell to check the time. It read 20 minutes past ten. "I should probably sneak out so I'm ready..." he whispered before stealthily leaving the common room.
As he aimlessly walked around the dungeon, he noticed a glimmer of gold blazing against the midnight black card.
He lifted his hand to read the message in the dungeon's dim light and cursed.
"They spotted me, joined them, and soon there. Hurry!"
Small authors note: Follow and review if you enjoy the story. :)