Authors note: As some of you may have noticed, I've removed the original Latent Darkness. There were various reasons for taking it down, but the main one is that there will be too many differences between the new version and the old one to keep them under the same name.

I hope you enjoy the latest chapter! Feel free to leave a comment whether you love it or have some feedback.

Cheers!:)

Chapter 24 Egypt.

The moment they arrived in Cairo, the heat hit Jakob like a wall. It felt like the air had thickened, making it harder to breathe. He paused, taking a slow, deliberate breath. Though he had prepared himself for the change, the suddenness of it—the dry, scorching warmth—was startling. Beside him, Pansy was already fanning herself with her hand.

"It's too bloody hot," she muttered, tugging at the collar of her dress. Her face was flushed, and Jakob couldn't help but smirk at her discomfort.

They stood just outside the entrance of The Golden Scarab, a luxurious hotel nestled among the bustling streets of Cairo. Tall, elegant stone pillars framed the entrance, each carved with intricate patterns that resembled ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. The building's facade gleamed under the relentless sun, its polished surface reflecting the intense light. The wide, arched windows were draped with rich, deep-red curtains, shielding the inside from the heat.

Jakob scanned the structure for a moment longer, appreciating the craftsmanship, before turning his gaze to the street around him.

Witches and wizards moved through the busy roads, most dressed in flowing robes that seemed inspired by traditional Egyptian garments, though with a distinctly magical touch. Some wore light, loose-fitting linen robes in shades of white and gold, while others adorned themselves in deep blues and greens, their fabrics shimmering in the sunlight. Many of them wore headdresses or turbans decorated with subtle charms and symbols. Some had golden ankhs or scarab brooches pinned to their robes, marking them as wizards from prestigious families or magical professions.

Jakob caught sight of a group of men standing nearby, their robes embroidered with snake-like patterns. They gestured animatedly, speaking in rapid, unfamiliar tongues. One of them waved a hand, and a small plume of smoke appeared, instantly forming the shape of a cobra before vanishing into the air.

Beside him, Mr Parkinson, Percival, turned to his wife with a raised brow. "Well, darling, it seems even the sun here is determined to make an impression."

Amaryllis gave a soft laugh, shading her eyes with a delicate fan." I suppose we'd better hurry inside and change into something more fitting," she remarked, glancing at her husband, who chuckled quietly, understanding the hidden meaning behind her words.

A cool breeze greeted them as they stepped inside, the hotel's charm working instantly against the heat outside. Jakob glanced around, noticing the smooth, white floor stretching ahead, reflecting the soft glow of the various light sources above. The lobby was long and open, and as they walked toward the reception, he caught sight of the corridors branching off on either side. Gold plaques were hung above each entrance, and the numbers were clearly marked—60-159 on the left and 160-259 on the right.

Jakob's attention shifted as a scene unfolded nearby. A witch stood a few feet away, arms crossed, staring at a wizard with clear irritation. The wizard rummaged through his belongings, muttering, "Jag kan inte fatta vart jag la min trollstav." Jakob didn't understand the words, but it wasn't hard to guess what was going on just from their expressions.

Reaching the reception, Jakob turned his attention to the witch behind the counter. She was tall, with dark hair framing striking features. Her skin had a warm glow, and her sharp, almond-shaped eyes were gentle as she observed them. She wore a white robe trimmed in gold, and Jakob couldn't help but notice the scarab pendant resting just above her collarbone, catching the light.

"Welcome to the Golden Scarab, Egypt's most luxurious hotel. How may I assist you today?" Her accent was thick, but her English was easy enough to follow. She spoke calmly with Percival, exchanging information before handing over the keys with a polite nod.

Turning to face the teens, Percival handed them two golden keys.

"This one's for you, and that one's for you," he said as he passed them over.

" I got 123," Pansy remarked, glancing at her companion as he checked his own key.

" 112," Jakob replied, sliding the key into his pocket.

" Perfect," said Percival." Why don't we all head upstairs, unpack, and change into something better suited for the weather? Do either of you know the cooling charm?"

Pansy shook her head." No."

Jakob nodded." Yeah, I do."

"Good. Then you can explain it to her if you're finished before the rest of us," Percival added with a small smile.

Mrs Parkinson leaned in to whisper something to her husband, drawing a quick smirk from him. He then gestured toward the corridor ahead.

"That way," he directed before the two adults strolled off toward another hallway further down the lobby.

"What was that about?" Jakob asked, frowning as he looked towards the two adults heading in the opposite direction.

"They do that sometimes," Pansy replied, matching his expression.

Jakob shrugged, grabbed his bags, and his companion followed suit. "Come on, let's get moving."

As they made their way up a staircase to the second floor, Pansy huffed dramatically, rolling her eyes and glancing around at the fancy surroundings. "Honestly, this place is supposed to be all high-end, but they don't even have someone to carry our bags? What's the point of calling it luxurious?" She flicked her hair back from her face with a sharp motion, clearly annoyed.

"Why don't you just use the levitation charm?" Jakob asked, pausing on the step above her.

"Because I'm tired, I'm hot, and if you ask one more question, I might use my wand to hex you instead," Pansy muttered, her irritation clear.

Jakob smirked slightly. "Here, I'll take it," he offered, reaching for her bag.

Pansy hesitated for a moment before handing it over, her cheeks flushing faintly. "Thanks," she muttered, avoiding eye contact as Jakob took the bag.

They reached their floor soon after, spotting a golden plaque with an arrow pointing to the right. Without a word, they followed it, walking down the corridor toward their rooms. When they arrived, Jakob paused at his door.

"I'll come over when I'm finished."

Pansy gave a quick nod, and with that, Jakob stepped into his room, leaving her to do the same. The first thing that caught his attention was the open balcony, framed by a thin, white fabric that gently swayed in the breeze. His eyes moved around the room, noticing the Egyptian touches everywhere: gold accents along the edges of the furniture and hieroglyphs etched into the dresser and headboard.

The bed itself wasn't as large as what he was used to, but it seemed comfortable enough. Instead of a heavy blanket, a light white sheet draped over it, fitting for the warm climate. A small pillow and a bar of chocolate sat waiting on the bed. A dresser stood nearby, its golden trim continuing the Egyptian theme, with carvings of scarabs and lotus flowers decorating its edges.

Jakob looked up, seeing a mural painted on the ceiling—Ra, the sun god, sailing through a sky filled with stars. The colours were muted but rich, and the walls had a warm, desert-like hue to them. He smiled slightly, appreciating the details as he made his way to the bathroom.

Stepping inside, the theme was even more pronounced. The bathtub had golden cobra-shaped handles, and the shower tiles were lined with hieroglyphs that trailed up the walls like a story. Across from the toilet, the sink stood under a mirror with a golden frame.

Jakob touched the marble sink, noticing the faucet, which was shaped like the head of an ibis, a subtle detail that caught his attention.

"Not bad," he muttered, somewhat impressed, before heading back into the main room to start unpacking.

Jakob unpacked his clothes, carefully placing them into the dresser, before slipping on a white linen shirt and matching shorts. He swapped his usual shoes for flip-flops and slid on his shades, which he enchanted to work like binoculars if needed.

He gave himself a quick look in the mirror, nodding in approval at how he looked before heading to Pansy's room. He knocked lightly on the door.

"Just a minute, I'm still changing!" her voice called from inside.

He stood waiting for a moment until the door finally opened. Pansy stepped out, wearing oversized sunglasses, her fringe just touching the tops of the frames. She was dressed in a short white dress that matched the white sandals on her feet.

" Hmmm," Jakob muttered, eyeing her clothes.

Pansy frowned, looking down at herself." What? What's wrong?" she asked, her tone a mix of concern and impatience.

"We match," Jakob said, nodding toward her dress and then at his own white shirt.

Pansy rolled her eyes and sighed, visibly relieved." Honestly, get in here," she said, stepping aside to let him in. Once he entered, she shut the door firmly behind him.

Jakob stepped into the room and glanced around, taking in the space. "It's almost identical to mine," he remarked, noting the layout down to the bathroom tiles.

Pansy shrugged. "I'm pretty sure all the rooms in this wing are the same. But it's cozy enough, don't you think?"

Jakob gave a small smile, nodding. "It's more than enough."

Later, as the afternoon heat bore down on them, Jakob showed Pansy how to cast a cooling charm, ensuring they were comfortable before grabbing two water bottles. They stepped onto the balcony, the charm cooling the air around them despite the relentless sun.

The two teens sat in the shade, observing the busy streets below, casually pointing out passersby, exchanging remarks, and sharing the occasional quiet laugh.

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Pansy glanced at the door and then back at Jakob. "That must be my parents."

They rose from their seats, quickly adjusting their attire and making final touches in the mirrors before leaving together. Egypt was waiting, and their first destination was a museum trip.

After a full day of walking in the sun, experiencing a change of culture, and wanting to see so much of this new magical side of the world, it had been fun but also so draining.

Jakob lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling as the faint sounds of people talking outside floated in. The city felt alive, even at this late hour. He listened to it momentarily, letting the day's adventure settle in his mind. Today had been fun, he thought. Maybe even great.

The museum had been amazing. Every room was filled with different ancient artefacts, but the one that caught Jakob's attention the most was the Pharaoh's wand.

The private tour guide had informed them about the Pharaoh, a ruler of immense power who had not only governed his kingdom but also played a key role in the creation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Great Pyramid of Giza. Legend had it that his wand had enabled him to achieve incredible things, both great and terrifying. It was even whispered that the Pharaoh had the power to control death itself, bending life and the afterlife to his will.

Jakob had felt the pull immediately.

He'd wanted to hold it, to feel that magic for himself. But, of course, being a museum, the staff weren't about to let a couple of teenagers get anywhere near it.

"Think of what you could do with something like that," Jakob had said to Pansy in a low tone, his eyes fixed on the wand. The idea of having such power in his hands…

"You'd probably get us both banned from Egypt if you tried," Pansy had replied, but she couldn't hide her smirk seeing the hunger filling her roommate's eyes.

After the museum, Percival and Amaryllis had returned to the hotel, which had left Jakob and Pansy to wander through the crowded marketplace, the air thick with the smell of food cooking and spices that Jakob couldn't quite place.

When they finally sat down to eat at the outdoor restaurant Jakob had chosen, he decided to try something called Koshari—a dish made with rice, lentils, and pasta, all mixed together with a spicy sauce. It wasn't what he had expected, but to his surprise, it was really good. Pansy had picked falafel, which was crispy on the outside, soft inside, and surprisingly light. They had shared bites, exchanging thoughts on the new flavours.

"Different," Jakob had said after a few bites.

"In a good way," Pansy had agreed, offering him another piece of her falafel. "I think I like it."

They had both initially planned to skip dessert, but when the waiter mentioned they were serving the best Omm Ali in all of Egypt, the two teens exchanged a look and immediately ordered one to split. When it arrived, Jakob found it surprisingly good—the creamy, sweet bread pudding-like dish was rich and comforting. Pansy, however, seemed less impressed, picking at her portion with mild hesitation, clearly not as taken by the taste as her roommate was.

By the time they made their way back to the hotel, the evening air had cooled slightly, though the streets were still bustling. Jakob had liked the walk back. For once, it had been just about enjoying the moment, not thinking ahead, not planning.

Now, lying in bed, Jakob smiled to himself. The day had been more than fun—it had been something he hadn't expected. Freeing, in a way. The museum, the food, and even just walking through the streets—it all felt different like he was seeing things from another perspective. He was used to having to stay in control, always thinking ahead, but today, he had let go a little. He'd just enjoyed himself.

The sound of voices and distant laughter from the street drifted through the window. Jakob glanced towards it, listening for a moment longer. Egypt was a place full of mystery and knowledge in ways that made his usual concerns seem rather small.

Just as Jakob's eyes started closing, he heard a faint knock on the door. He frowned, half-expecting who it was.

"Don't tell me…" he muttered, dragging himself out of bed to open the door.

Standing in the hallway, Pansy glanced around nervously, her eyes darting to either end of the corridor. Without a word, she slipped inside, moving so quickly that Jakob had to shift to the left, almost as if she were being chased.

"Pansy, it's way too hot, and the bed isn't big enough for both of us," Jakob said, trying to keep his voice steady and reasonable, though the irritation crept in toward the end. "And for Merlin's sake, your bloody parents!"

Pansy, dressed in a light nightgown and pyjama shorts that could almost be mistaken for underwear, simply shrugged, looking completely unfazed. "I'll be gone before they even wake up. I need this, Jake. You sleep better when we're closer, don't you?"

Jakob sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Pansy, I'm not one of your girlfriends. I'm a boy, and it's not like—" He stopped mid-sentence, fumbling for the right words as he watched her slip into the bed, making herself comfortable like the decision had already been made.

By now, Jakob knew there was no point in arguing. He climbed into the bed beside her, turning toward her, knowing full well he'd have to figure out later where he went wrong in allowing this.

"Jake?" Pansy whispered softly, her voice cutting through the quiet room.

"Yes?"

"Goodnight."

He sighed, his irritation fading. "Goodnight, Pansy."

As the days went by, they visited a variety of places, but one in particular caught Jakob's attention.

It had been during one of their afternoon outings, with Pansy's parents busy shopping elsewhere. Jakob and Pansy had wandered off, eventually finding themselves in front of a small, weathered shop. The exterior looked old, almost forgotten by time, with faded paint and cracks creeping up the walls. Something about it drew Jakob in, though Pansy had seemed less than impressed.

Inside, the store was cramped and dimly lit, filled with an assortment of oddities stacked haphazardly on shelves. The store clerk, spotting their fine clothes and recognising the kind of customers he likely wasn't used to, quickly rushed over. He eagerly showed Pansy various items, from trinkets to more exotic, dusty curiosities, hoping to catch her interest.

Pansy, however, was having none of it. With a dismissive glance, she folded her arms and said, "I'll wait outside," with clear impatience in her tone. Before Jakob could respond, she turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Jake with the eager shopkeeper.

Jakob continued to browse, though nothing stood out at first. The shelves were cluttered with old, cracked pottery, worn books in languages he didn't recognise, and various magical items that looked more decorative than useful. He wasn't impressed, not yet, at least. Still, there was something about this place—the dust, the dim light, the lingering sense that maybe, hidden among the forgotten, there was something worth finding.

He ran his fingers along a row of ancient-looking tomes, their covers rough under his touch, wondering if anything in here held real power or if it was all just for show. The thought lingered in his mind—what if something here was special, waiting to be discovered?

As Jakob wandered toward the bookshelf, something caught his eye. Among the clutter of dusty old volumes, one book stood out. Its cover was dark, worn with age, but what grabbed his attention was the snake—a native cobra—curled around a word that Jakob instantly recognised: Parseltongue.

He felt his pulse quicken as he reached for the book. He knew enough about rare magical languages that this wasn't just some tourist trinket. This was something more. He brought the book to the counter and held it up to the clerk.

"How much for this?"

The man behind the desk scrutinised the book, then turned his questioning eyes towards Jakob. A low chuckle escaped him. "Do you even know what that book says, ya walad?" he asked in a thick accent, clearly amused.

Jakob frowned, thinking the man was questioning his ability to read. His expression hardened, ready to snap back, but the clerk quickly raised his hands in mock surrender. "No insult," he said. "It's just…not a book for tourists. 2855 Egyptian pounds." He paused for effect, watching Jakob do the math. "That's 25 galleons."

"Too much," Jakob said coolly, "I'll give you 10."

The clerk's eyes flickered with amusement again. "No, no, mesh kwayyes ya walad. Give me 20 galleons, and it's yours."

"13."

The man narrowed his eyes for a moment, weighing his options. "15."

Jakob glanced around, his eyes landing on a silver necklace lying forgotten on a shelf, its crystal pendant faintly glowing purple under the dust. He pointed at it. "Fine. 15 galleons, but I want that necklace too."

The clerk followed the teenager's gaze and, upon seeing what he was referring to, chuckled. "Take it. It's nothing," he said, dismissively waving his hand, clearly not valuing the piece.

Jakob paid the man, picked up the necklace, and felt the solid weight of the silver in his hand. The stone's glow, though faint, pulsed with a strange allure. He wasn't sure what it was yet, but something told him the necklace wasn't as worthless as the clerk thought.

With the deal done, he turned toward the door, the old book tucked under his arm and the necklace slipping into his pocket.

As Jakob stepped outside, he spotted Pansy waiting for him, already holding two ice creams. She handed him one without a word, and they made their way to a bench under the shade of a nearby tree.

Jakob held the book loosely at his side, casually taking a slow lick of his ice cream. He wasn't in any rush, savouring the moment. Pansy, however, was far less focused on her own ice cream. Her gaze kept drifting to the book he held, the curiosity on her face growing with each passing second.

"What's that?" she asked, nodding toward the book.

"I haven't opened it yet, but I think it's a book about Parseltongue." Jakob casually replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Seeing we're Slytherins, I thought it might be a fun read."

Pansy was not convinced. She grabbed the book from him, turned it over in her hands, and furrowed her brow as she opened it and skimmed through the pages. "This is complete nonsense," she said flatly. "How are you supposed to read this?"

Feeling slightly annoyed by his friend's comment, Jakob yanked the book back from her hands."What are you talking about? It says right on the cover. Parseltongue."

Pansy shot him a sceptical look. "How do you even know it's Parseltongue?" She watched as Jakob glanced down at the book, confusion flickering across his face before he looked back at her. She couldn't help but giggle. "Did that creepy old clerk fool you into believing it?"

Jakob raised an eyebrow, feeling slightly insulted. "It says so right here, Pansy." He pointed at the cover, tapping his finger against the word. "Parseltongue. Can't you read?"

Pansy's frown deepened, and she crossed her arms. "Don't call me an idiot when you're the one acting like one. Those are just symbols, Jakob. They're impossible to read. There's no way that says Parseltongue."

Jakob blinked, glancing down at the book in his hands. He traced his finger over the word again, suddenly unsure. "You're joking, right? It says it clear as day. Look—Parseltongue," he said, reading the word aloud as he pointed at it.

Pansy's giggle slowly faded as she stared at him, her expression shifting from playful to concerned. "You're not joking, are you?" she asked quietly, her voice suddenly much more serious. "Because, honestly, Jake, this isn't funny. You're starting to worry me."

Jakob watched as Pansy grew visibly more uncomfortable, and it finally hit him—she wasn't messing with him. She genuinely couldn't read the book. For a moment, a strange unease settled over him. He opened the book again and handed it to her.

"Describe what you see here," he said, his voice steady but curious. "If all you see are symbols, just tell me what they look like."

Pansy looked puzzled but complied, taking the book reluctantly. "Okay… this one here, it's like a squiggly line in the middle, and then there's another one making sort of a circle at the top."

Without thinking, Jakob replied, "Morsus veneni serpentis, It's a spell." His voice came out flat, almost automatic. They exchanged a look, both realising what had just happened.

"Holy shit," Pansy exclaimed, her voice rising as she stood up abruptly, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You're a Parselmouth?"

The shock of her own words, combined with the oppressive heat of the afternoon, seemed to overwhelm her. Pansy swayed on her feet, her vision filled with spots of light before everything began to blur.

Before she could fully process what was happening, Jakob's arms were around her, catching her before she collapsed.

"Pansy? Pansy!" Jakob's voice sounded distant as she leaned against him, her world spinning, the weight of the revelation settling in just as her consciousness began to fade.

Jakob sat quietly in a chair beside Pansy's bed, the Parseltongue book open in his lap. He glanced over at his roommate, who was still unconscious, her chest rising and falling steadily. Her parents were informed as soon as Jakob carried her back to the hotel room. He'd explained it was likely the heat that caused her to faint, something they had all agreed seemed reasonable.

Percival and Amaryllis had been worried at first, but when Jakob offered to stay by her side until she woke up, they accepted. They promised to check on them both before dinner, leaving Jakob alone with his friend in her room.

His attention returned to the book. The ancient text was fascinating—more than he had expected. Spells and magic exclusive to Parselmouths, things he never imagined were possible. Transfigurations that allowed the caster to summon and control snakes with ease, intricate wards that only another Parselmouth could identify or break, and even healing magic that seemed far more advanced than anything he had learned at school. Healing wasn't something he cared much for. Still, he studied it anyway, recognising the value of knowledge, even if it wasn't immediately useful to him.

Jakob flipped through the pages slowly, absorbing everything. He knew that what he had found here was just the beginning. The book contained essential information, but it hinted at so much more. There were gaps—things that weren't explained in full detail.

If he wanted to truly master what the language had to offer, he would need more than just this book. He would need to dig deeper, find other sources of Parseltounge magic that might be hidden away or forgotten.

As Jakob continued flipping through the book, one particular ritual caught his eye. It seemed more complex than anything he had encountered before, but it sparked his curiosity. He made a mental note—when they returned to Hogwarts, this would be the first thing he would try in his new classroom, away from prying eyes. The potential power it promised was too tempting to ignore.

He glanced over at Pansy, still fast asleep, and decided he had time to experiment a little. Just something small. Nothing that could go wrong.

Standing up, he laid the book open on the desk, skimming over the description of a spell that seemed simple enough to try. His heart raced a little as he reached for his wand, the excitement of trying Parselmagic for the first time making his palms sweat.

Closing his eyes, Jakob took a deep breath before hissing softly, "Serpensortia."

There was a sharp bang from the tip of his wand, and in an instant, a massive black cobra shot out, coiling itself on the floor with a menacing hiss. The snake was almost two meters long, its scales glistening darkly in the room's light.

"Rip, tear, kill. I want to eat!" the snake hissed, its voice cutting through the room like a blade. Jakob's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the creature, stunned by its sheer size and aggression. He hadn't expected anything like this.

Quickly, he gathered himself, narrowing his eyes and hissed back, "Easy, snake. You will obey."

He remembered what the book had said—snakes respond only to a firm and commanding voice. He held his ground, his wand steady, ready to defend himself if needed. The cobra raised its head, its eyes locking onto Jakob's.

"Master? A speaker?" the snake hissed, its posture relaxing slightly. "Will you give me food?"

Jakob's pulse was racing, but he held his composure. "Vipera Evanesca," he hissed calmly, aiming his wand at the snake. The spell hit the cobra square in the head, and it dissolved into flames with a final hiss, burning away into nothing.

For a moment, the room was silent. Jakob stared at the spot where the snake had been, his breath coming in shallow bursts. The weight of what had just happened hit him all at once.

"Holy shit," Jakob whispered to himself, sinking back into his chair, still in awe of what he had just done. "I'm a Parselmouth."

Reading about Parseltongue was one thing, but speaking to a snake, feeling the weight of its words and commands was entirely different. The reality of it still buzzed in Jakob's mind when he heard a groggy voice behind him.

"Jakob?"

He turned to see Pansy sitting up in bed, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She looked at him with a confused expression, clearly not fully awake yet.

"Good morning," Jakob said, placing the book on the nightstand. "Had a nice nap?"

Pansy groaned softly, rubbing her head. "Ugh, what time is it?"

"It's almost five," he replied, glancing at the clock. "We need to get you up and ready for dinner. Should I tell your parents you're awake?"

Pansy's eyes narrowed slightly, her suspicion clear. "Did you tell them?"

Jakob stood up from his chair, walking over to her bedside. He sat down carefully, his eyes meeting hers as he gently took her hand. His expression softened, the usual sharpness in his features replaced with something more vulnerable.

"Pansy, this has to stay between us for now," he said, his voice low and taking on a more serious tone as he continued. "I don't know how this happened. I've never been able to speak to snakes before. And now, all of a sudden, I can not only talk to them but also read the language. It doesn't make sense."

He glanced over at the book on the nightstand, the significance of his words sinking in.

"Until I figure out what's going on, I need this to be our secret," he finished, returning his gaze to her.

Pansy looked at him, confused but intrigued. She didn't fully understand why Jakob was so cautious about something that seemed like a gift. A rare one, at that.

"I promise," she said quietly, though the question lingered in her mind. "But, Jake, why keep it a secret? You've been given a gift—one that's tied to the founder of our house. Don't you see? You could be the new king of Slytherin."

Jakob laughed as he helped Pansy up from the bed.

"I doubt speaking to snakes will make me a king," he said, smirking as she stood, "but I see what you mean. I just don't want to do anything that could come back to bite me."

Pansy rolled her eyes, though a small smile remained on her lips as they made their way downstairs. They met up with her parents in the lobby, and soon after, the four of them went out for dinner.

As they sat at a small table under the stars at the restaurant, Mr Parkinson shared the news of their final adventure before leaving Egypt.

"Tomorrow will be our last big outing," Mr Parkinson said, cutting into his meal. "I've arranged for a special guide to take us to a newly discovered pyramid."

Jakob looked up from his plate, immediately interested.

"The entrance has been dug up," Mr Parkinson continued, "and part of the top has been uncovered, but the rest is still being excavated by the Muggles who found it. They don't know exactly what's inside yet."

Jakob leaned forward slightly, hanging onto every word. The thought of exploring a pyramid that hadn't been fully opened yet stirred something deep inside him. The potential for secrets, for ancient magic—what if something extraordinary was hidden within?

That night, back in his room, Jakob found himself wide awake. He couldn't shake the excitement that had been building ever since dinner. The possibilities of what they might discover tomorrow were too much to ignore.

Pansy had snuck into his room again, as she had every night during their two-week stay. She was curled up beside him now, using his arm as a pillow, her breathing steady and soft. Jakob had tried to sleep, but his mind wouldn't quiet. He lay there, staring up at the ceiling, his thoughts racing.

"I hope I don't get disappointed," he whispered, though he wasn't sure what he was hoping for.

Beside him, Pansy shifted in her sleep, turning to face him. Jakob glanced down at her, noticing the light tan she had developed over the past weeks, a warm glow now tinting her normally pale skin. She looked peaceful, completely unaware of the restless thoughts swirling through his head.

Jakob sighed quietly, his excitement making sleep seem impossible. Tomorrow could change everything, he thought. And with Parseltongue now part of him, he had no idea what he might discover inside that pyramid.

After a quick breakfast, Jakob practically inhaled his food, eager to get going. Mr Parkinson stood up and pulled out a gleaming amulet from his pocket. The fine piece of jewellery sparkled in the morning light, catching everyone's attention.

"Where did you get that, Dad?" Pansy asked, her eyes widening in awe as she reached out to touch it.

"I got it from the guide," Percival replied with a smile, though his voice had a hint of apologetic tone. "Unfortunately, sweetie, it goes back to him after today."

Pansy looked disappointed for a moment, her fingers tracing the edges of the amulet before she pulled her hand away. But the brief frustration faded as quickly as it came when they all gathered around the portkey. With a familiar tug at their navels, the world spun and pulled them away from the hotel, transporting them straight into the heart of the desert.

The scorching heat hit Jakob immediately as they landed in the middle of what seemed like an endless sea of sand. He slipped on his shades, shielding his eyes from the sunlight, and looked around. Sand stretched as far as the eye could see, golden dunes rolling into the horizon. There was no sign of civilisation, no structures, nothing—just a vast, empty expanse.

The others were doing the same, taking in their barren surroundings, when suddenly, a sharp crack echoed in the still air. Jakob's hand instinctively went to his wand, but he relaxed when he saw a man standing before them. He had a neatly trimmed black beard and wore traditional Egyptian robes. His deep brown eyes sparkled with warmth as he raised his arms in greeting.

"Welcome, my friends!" the man said in a booming, cheerful voice. "My name is Asim, and I will be your guide for today!" His gesture was grand like he was about to pull them all into a hug, but as he got closer, he lowered his arms and extended a hand, shaking each of theirs in turn.

Jakob felt the man's grip—firm but not overpowering. There was something confident yet calm about him.

Pansy, still frowning slightly, looked around at the endless desert. "I can only see sand. Where's this pyramid you're going to show us?" she asked, her tone bordering on impatience.

Asim smirked knowingly and pulled out his wand. With a few quick movements and a muttered incantation that none of the British folk could understand, the sand in front of them shimmered.

As the sand slowly rippled and fell away, it revealed a towering structure in the distance: a pyramid partially buried under layers of desert. Its ancient stone surface was weathered but still standing proud against the sands of time, like a curtain being drawn back.

Jakob's heart raced as he stared at it. This was no ordinary tour—this was something far more magical, far more mysterious than he had imagined.

Pansy's frown disappeared, replaced by wide-eyed wonder as she grabbed Jakob's arm. "Holy Merlin… It's beautiful ," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Asim smiled at their reactions. "The Muggles cannot see the entrance yet. It's still hidden to them as they continue their excavation. But for us—well, we are not so easily deceived by magic."

Jakob exchanged a look with Pansy, his excitement mirrored in her expression. Whatever was inside that pyramid, Jakob knew this was going to be something far beyond anything they'd ever experienced before.

They all walked towards the pit, surrounded by a fence. As they peered down, they were stunned at what lay below. With a proud smile, Asim referred to it as the "Diamond." The sunlight caught the edges of the pyramid's weathered stone, casting shadows that made it seem almost otherworldly.

"Muggles work every day of the week," Asim remarked, his tone dripping with amusement. "Like tiny ants, they scurry about. We must hide this 'diamond' from their eyes whenever we have visitors." He gestured toward the pyramid's partially uncovered triangle top and the small entrance below, just a few meters down.

"As you can see, the entrance is smaller than one would expect. That's because we had to create it ourselves. Originally, when the pyramid was constructed, the slaves who built it entered alongside their Pharaoh and sealed it from the inside."

Standing at the edge and looking down at the entrance, Pansy furrowed her brow in confusion. "How did they get out then?"

"They didn't," Asim replied, smirking at her wide-eyed reaction. "It was considered a great honor to die beside the Pharaoh. Many slaves willingly walked into the pyramid, knowing they would never leave, believing they would reunite with their master in the afterlife."

Jakob raised an eyebrow, his mind racing at the thought. To willingly entomb oneself in stone and starve to death for loyalty... That was something. It seemed strange, yet Jakob could see how such devotion could be powerful, even twisted. It piqued his curiosity, and he found himself more drawn to the idea of uncovering the mysteries inside.

"Now then!" Asim clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Before we go inside, there are a few important rules."

Jakob was already excited and focused intently, while Pansy looked more cautious.

"First," Asim continued, his voice serious, "you will follow me at all times and do exactly as I say. For instance, if I tell you to run, you run."

Jakob exchanged a confused glance with Pansy, wondering what dangers might lie ahead that would require such measures. The guide didn't look like he was joking.

"Second," Asim added, his tone darkening, "you will not touch anything inside. This pyramid has only recently been uncovered, and we haven't had time to neutralise all the curses. If you touch something, there's no way we can save you."

Jakob's heart raced at the guide's words. Curses, ancient magic left behind for centuries—it was the kind of danger he lived for. His excitement grew, unlike the others, whose faces betrayed varying levels of concern. Mr Parkinson looked deeply focused, absorbing every word the guide said with a seriousness that bordered on anxiety. At the same time, Mrs Parkinson glanced at the pyramid, clearly uneasy.

Pansy, standing close to Jakob, seemed nervous but determined. Without realising it, she had moved closer to him, and her hand slipped into his.

Asim waved his wand, and sand shifted under their feet, forming downward steps. They all descended cautiously, the fine grains slipping slightly beneath their shoes. Always proud and composed, the guide began to lecture as they walked.

"This pyramid is believed to be the resting place of the Black Pharaoh, Banakhi," Asim explained, his voice echoing slightly in the open air. "Very little of his life has been recorded, making this site invaluable to us. It is a treasure of knowledge, waiting to be uncovered."

As they continued their descent, Asim briefed them on what little history there was of Banakhi, the mysterious ruler whose name had mostly faded into obscurity. Jakob half-listened, his focus shifting to the pit before them, where the pyramid entrance lay below. The atmosphere around them grew heavier, the air thicker as they neared the bottom.

Once they reached the excavation base, Asim gestured for them to stop before the entrance. The gaping dark tunnel stretched out ahead of them, its depths hidden from view. Jakob stared into it, feeling something stir deep inside him.

It wasn't unfamiliar—he had felt it before, that pull when he had faced off with Professor Quirrell. But this time, the sensation lacked the overwhelming anger and wrath that had filled him during that duel. This was different. It was quieter, more insistent as if something in the darkness was calling to him, waiting.

He pushed the feeling aside for now, following Asim and the others as they stepped inside the tunnel. The air was cooler here, and Jakob immediately noticed the change in atmosphere. The walls were damp, lined with symbols and pictures, though much of it had worn away over the centuries.

"Light your wands," Asim instructed, his voice cutting through the stillness. "It will help illuminate the path ahead."

Jakob raised his wand, muttering, "Lumos," as soft light flickered at the tip. The others did the same, and soon, the tunnel was bathed in a warm glow. The light revealed intricate carvings along the walls, depictions of gods and people, their faces solemn and reverent.

"If you look closely," Asim said, gesturing toward the walls, "you'll see the gods Seth and Osiris. The figures bowing before them? Those are both Muggles... and Wizards."

The guide continued talking, his voice blending with the echoes of their footsteps as they walked deeper into the tunnel. But Jakob's mind wandered, losing interest in the lecture. He found himself captivated by the symbols, the faded paintings of figures kneeling in worship or fear. He scanned the walls, his eyes darting over ancient runes and hieroglyphs, wondering what secrets they held.

Something about this place was different. It wasn't just the history or even the magic—it was deeper, older. Jakob couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was hidden here was meant to be found by someone like him. Someone with the ability to understand it.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, they finally entered a large chamber. Asim stopped at the centre of the room and turned around to face them, his expression suddenly more serious than before.

"We are about to enter the heart of the pyramid," Asim said, his voice lowering as he surveyed their faces. "Beyond this point, we tread carefully. The magic here is ancient, and not all of it is friendly."

Jakob's heart quickened. He knew they were getting closer to something important—something that would reveal itself soon. His fingers tightened around his wand as he glanced at Pansy beside him. She looked nervous, but there was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, too.

He wasn't sure what was waiting for them in the heart of the pyramid, but whatever it was, Jakob was ready.

"Ah, we have arrived, my friends," Asim said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "This is the treasure room. Here lay the offerings that the Pharaoh would take with him to the afterlife. You may look around, but remember—do not touch anything."

The Parkinsons immediately began examining the various pieces of jewellery and relics, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and awe. Looking slightly nervous, Pansy stayed close to her father, her eyes darting around the room.

Jakob, on the other hand, was drawn to something else. His attention was captured by a series of ancient paintings on one of the walls. He moved closer, lifting his wand and shining his Lumos on the images to see more clearly.

The first painting showed a man with the head of a falcon, the sun hovering above him, seated on a boat with another figure—a man with a head Jakob couldn't quite identify—holding a spear. In the next image, a massive snake slithered toward the boat, its body coiling menacingly.

Jakob took a step forward to see the next part of the story. The third painting showed the man with the spear locked in combat with the serpent, the clash between them frozen in time on the stone wall. And finally, in the last image, the falcon-headed man and the spearman stood victorious, the snake retreating in defeat.

As Jakob studied the details, he felt a presence behind him. He turned to see Asim standing close, his expression unreadable.

"That's Ra, the sun god," Asim explained, gesturing to the painting. "And the man with the spear is Seth. The snake? That is Apep, the darkness."

Asim paused, his voice lowering slightly. "It is said that Apep tries to devour the sun every day, and these gods fight him so that we may see the sun rise again."

Jakob glanced back at the painting, intrigued. "You called Apep the god of darkness," he said, frowning as he studied the image again. "But all I see is a snake."

Asim smirked faintly. "He is a god. Can he not be both?"

Jakob shrugged as the guide walked back toward the others, leaving him alone with the painting once more. But something nagged at him—the detail of the snake, the looming threat it seemed to represent.

Leaning closer, Jakob noticed something odd in the first image, something that hadn't caught his eye before. Just beside the snake, a small, dark dot—barely visible beneath the layers of time and dust.

Without thinking, Jakob reached up and brushed his finger against the mark, hoping to wipe away the dirt. But the moment his finger touched the wall, he felt a sharp prick, like a needle piercing his skin. He yanked his hand back, staring in disbelief at the small drop of blood now smearing the stone.

"What the—" Before he could finish his sentence, a violent force seemed to pull him forward, the air rushing around him as if the ground had dropped beneath his feet.

Jakob's vision went black, and the world disappeared around him.