Chapter 48: Aurors, Dementors and a Secret Exposed.
Jakob stood on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, exchanging brief parting words with the Malfoys. He thanked them once more for the vacation, as well as the different trips they had taken him and Draco on.
Draco had been particularly fond of the Quidditch match between the Montrose Magpies and the Kenmare Kestrels, still talking about the player's techniques and strategies long after the game had ended. Jakob had listened with mild amusement, occasionally nodding, though his thoughts had been elsewhere.
The past weeks had been anything but relaxing, but they had been fun, a rare kind of distraction that had helped ease some of the tension from Jakob's shoulders. The moments of peace and laughter had been fleeting, but they had been real.
But like all things, it had to end.
Now, it was time to return to Hogwarts.
He and Draco stepped onto the train, moving through the corridor. Draco walked ahead, pushing open the door to the next carriage, already scanning for their usual compartment.
Jakob was just about to follow when a door behind him creaked open.
The familiar sound barely registered before arms wrapped around him from behind, holding him tightly in place.
The warmth of the embrace, the way the smaller frame pressed into his back, was instantly recognizable.
Jakob stiffened for only a second before giving an amused sigh, turning around and returning the embrace.
"I really hate you for leaving me this entire summer," Ella muttered, her grip tightening around him as she buried her face into his chest.
Jakob let out a small chuckle, resting his chin lightly on her head. "You've grown," he noted, realizing that the blonde girl now reached almost up to his nose, a noticeable change from before the summer.
Ella pulled back just enough to look up at him, her dark eyes searching his. "Do you remember what you promised?" she asked with a quieter voice. "You said you'd find a way to have more time for me this year."
Jakob gave her a small nod. "I know. And I will. But I need to get back to my friends now, alright? I'll see you soon, I promise."
Ella hesitated, her arms lingering around him for just a second longer before finally letting go. Her expression, however, remained stubborn, her lips pressed into a firm line as she looked up at him. "Promise?"
Jakob smirked, reaching out to ruffle her hair in a way that made her scowl. "I promise."
Satisfied, at least for now, she huffed but didn't argue further.
With that, Jakob turned and continued down the corridor, not looking back. Ella lingered for a moment, watching him go before reluctantly heading back to her own compartment, where Luna and the others were waiting.
Jakob slid open the door to the Slytherin carriage, stepped inside and took a seat beside Blaise, who was deep in conversation with Theo.
Blaise was in the middle of telling about his vacation in Italy, listing off the different places he had seen, the luxuries of the trip, and how he had spent half of it avoiding his mother's suitor.
Jakob listened, throwing in a few casual questions of his own until movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention.
His frown deepened as Vanity stepped into the carriage, her gaze searching for a brief moment before locking onto the youngest Slytherin five member with a clear purpose.
She was heading straight for him.
When she reached his table, she arched an expectant eyebrow, making it clear that she wasn't about to repeat herself.
"Mr. Quade, you are to follow me," Abby said curtly in a tone that didn't invite questions or arguments. She didn't wait for a response either and, instead, simply turned and walked away.
Jakob frowned, exchanging a glance with the others before standing and following after the seventh year.
"I'll save you a seat at the table," Daphne whispered as he passed.
He gave her a small nod of appreciation before following the now seventh-year girl through the corridor.
"You are not to be seated in the Slytherin carriage anymore," Vanity stated smoothly as they walked out of the carriage. "As a Slytherin Five member, your place is beside your queen."
Jakob nodded, his mind briefly flickering to Amy before Vanity pulled out her wand.
With a flick, a door he had never noticed before materialized In front of them.
"Notice-Me-Not?" Jakob asked, arching a brow.
Vanity simply nodded and opened the door.
Jakob stepped inside, immediately noting that this compartment was much larger than the standard ones. A dark brown table sat in the middle, flanked by three long seats.
Amy sat on the left side with a relaxed but commanding posture, while Marcus and Rosier occupied the right.
Vanity moved past him, claiming the seat by the window.
Without hesitation, Jakob walked forward and took his rightful place beside his queen.
Amy turned, giving him a nod in greeting
, which Jakob returned.
"Mr. Quade, how has your summer been?" Amy asked with a smooth yet expectant tone.
Jakob gave a slight shrug. "It's been good. I visited paradise and took a quick trip to hell. But I learned a lot, my queen. How about you?"
The other three Slytherins chuckled, assuming Jakob was joking, but Amy, who knew him better, held his gaze and saw the truth behind his casual tone.
"Interesting," she replied calmly, her eyes briefly sharpening with curiosity. "You'll have to tell me more about your quick visit to hell sometime. I have been… busy."
She then shifted her attention to address the rest of the group.
"As you all know, Bellatrix Lestrange has escaped, and the Ministry believes she may be heading for Hogwarts."
Jakob frowned, clearly confused by the statement. "Why would she be heading towards Hogwarts?" he asked, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"You don't know?" Marcus asked, sounding genuinely surprised.
"Know what?" Jakob questioned, annoyed that that they knew something he didn't.
Amy turned towards him with an unreadable expression.
"They believe she's after you. Hasn't anyone told you about this?"
Jakob held her gaze for a moment, searching for any sign that she was joking. When he found none, he glanced around the table, noting the way the others watched him with varying degrees of amusement, curiosity, and something close to intrigue.
"Why would she be after me? Who would be so idiotic that they—"
Before he could finish, Vanity reached into her bag, rummaging through it with a frustrated huff.
"Where did I… ah, here."
She pulled out a folded copy of the Daily Prophet and slid it across the table toward him. Jakob unfolded it, his gaze immediately landing on the black-and-white moving photograph of a woman he recognized.
Underneath the picture, the headline read:
The New Hero or the Next Victim?
By Rita Skeeter
Jakob's eyes narrowed as he read the article aloud:
"Earlier this summer, the notorious mass murderer Bellatrix Lestrange escaped from the prison of Azkaban. There had been no hints as to why or how she managed to break free until yesterday. A wizard, who has requested to remain anonymous, shared this chilling report:
I worked at the prison for years. That bloody woman had only laughed and screamed the whole time she was there, but when the Minister arrived for his yearly visit, she suddenly grabbed his paper through the bars. It was the Prophet, the one with that kid, Jakob Quade, in it. She started repeating his name over and over again after that. Then, one day, she was gone.'"
Here at the Daily Prophet, we have informed the Minister, who has, in turn, alerted Lord Quade. We can only hope they catch her before something happens to the boy.
The Minister has yet to comment on why a high-profile prisoner was given access to a newspaper, ultimately making Jakob Quade a target. However, he has ordered both Dementors and Aurors to be stationed at Hogwarts in case she decides to strike.
Had it not been for this compelling statement, the rumours that Bellatrix Lestrange intends to finish off The Boy Who Lived would seem just as likely—after all, she was the Dark Lord's most loyal follower. Could it be that she plans to take down two birds with one curse?
Follow us here at the Daily Prophet for more updates on this unfolding story.
—Rita Skeeter.
Jakob set the paper down, his fingers tapping lightly against the table as he glanced around at the others, all watching him carefully, waiting for his reaction.
He let out a breath through his nose before letting out a short chuckle and leaning back in his seat.
"Wow, I didn't know I was that popular." He said in a light, almost amused tone as if the entire situation was nothing more than an unfortunate joke.
Amy frowned, not sharing any of the amusement Marcus showed at hearing Jakob's response.
"I think I need to have a little chat with Mr. Quade." She said in a wary tone as she kept her eyes on him, only giving a dismissive wave to the others. "You're all free to leave."
The seventh year's exchanged brief glances before standing.
Jakob sighed as Rosier lingered for a second, smirking before finally stepping out and closing the door behind her.
"Jakob, do you have any idea what kind of danger you're in?" Amy questioned sharply. "Bellatrix Lestrange is dangerous. She's killed countless people, and she was repeating your name before she escaped."
Jakob stood up, meeting her warily stare. Amy didn't back down, rising as well and stepping closer, closing the distance between them.
"Now you care about me?" Jakob asked calmly, but there was an edge to it, an edge Amy caught instantly and frowned.
She hesitated for a second before letting out a tired sigh. She understood exactly what he was upset about.
"I left without saying goodbye, and I'm sorry," she admitted with an even tone, but Jakob could hear the slight irritation creeping in. "I had things I needed to do. Can we get back to what actually matters?"
"No. We can't." Jakob answered firmly. "You were busy? You could have written to me. Sent something. Anything." He could feel his jaw tightening, the irritation rising more than he first thought. "Call me dramatic if you want, but if I had done to you what you did to me, I doubt I'd still be standing upright right now."
Amy's expression hardened as she crossed her arms. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You cursed me for getting letters from other girls. How would you react if I disappeared for the entire summer without a word? No letters, no explanation—nothing?"
Jakob asked, mimicking her stance and crossing his arms.
Amy's frown deepened, her lips pressing together for a moment before she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I was stupid and didn't think right," she admitted evenly, though her tone had an underlying hint of frustration. "I told you I was sorry while dying to protect you, so what more do you want from me?"
Jakob didn't respond immediately. His stare lingered on her, his annoyance simmering beneath the surface. Then, with a single nod and a curt, "Noted," he turned toward the door.
"Jakob, please don't go like this. I really missed you."
He felt her hand wrap around his wrist in a way that silently told him that she didn't want him to leave but wouldn't force him to stay either.
Jakob turned, meeting her gaze, noting the shift in her expression; there was something softer now, something more... hesitant.
He sighed, dragging his free hand through his hair. "Fine. Let's start over. I'll keep an eye out for Lestrange if she decides to try anything."
Amy gave an appreciative smile and a slow nod before stepping closer, her eyes searching his for a moment before her lips curled into a smirk.
"I've been thinking about you. Especially when i felt... lonely."
Jakob raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, she leaned in.
"One memory i often thought about was our little moment. In the scrub."
She kissed him with an intended slowness, her hands sliding up his chest as she pressed closer.
"Have you been thinking of me?" she murmured between kisses. "Watched my photo?"
Jakob was about to answer when the train jerked violently to a stop, the sudden motion throwing them off balance.
Jakob reacted instantly, his arms tightening around Amy's waist as his other hand shot out, bracing them against the wall.
For a second, the only sound was their uneven breathing and the faint creak of the train settling.
"What was that?" Amy asked, still held in his embrace.
Jakob didn't answer at first.
A faint sound could be heard from outside. His head snapped toward the window just as a black blur passed by, moving too fast for his eyes to track.
Then, he felt it.
The temperature plummeted, a biting chill creeping through the compartment. A wide grin spread across his lips as he noticed that his breath had turned into vapour.
"My golden ticket." He whispered, loosening his grip on her waist as he turned toward the door.
Amy frowned suspiciously when she noticed his reaction. She knew that grin, the mischievous spark in his eyes, the sharp edge of excitement curling at his lips, the look of someone about to do something reckless.
"Jakob, where are you going?"
He ignored the question, already pulling the door open, sweeping his gaze down the corridor.
"Stay here. I'm going to check something."
Amy's frown deepened. She didn't like this.
Before she could argue, he stepped out and shut the door behind him.
Jakob moved quickly but with purpose.
"Alright, keep it cool. Don't run."
The words were for himself, a reminder to maintain control, but they did nothing to dull the giddiness bubbling in his chest.
The chill pressed in harder, almost something he could grab now, sinking into the walls and the floors, seeping into his very bones. The glass along the corridor veined with frost, spreading like delicate cracks in ice.
The lights flickered once. Twice. Then... Darkness.
As Jakob approached the doors, he caught sight of the dementor in the other train compartment through the glass window. It hovered weightlessly, its long, tattered cloak flowing in an unseen wind, its skeletal form barely concealed beneath layers of decayed black fabric.
Pushing open the first door, then the second, Jakob stepped inside, immediately feeling the temperature drop even further.
The dementor had already slipped halfway into a compartment, its long, decayed fingers gripping the doorframe as it loomed inside. Panic filled the inside, and if Jakob had cared to listen, he would have heard voices shouting in alarm as students scrambled away from it.
"Leave him alone!"
"Get away from Harry!"
Almost fully inside, the dementor suddenly stopped moving.
It hesitated.
Slowly, it lifted its hooded head, almost as if it were listening, sensing something beyond the compartment it had been invading. Then, as if drawn by Jakob's gaze, it turned away from its original target, turning its full attention towards him instead.
The students inside the compartment were forgotten, and as it drifted back out, it didn't even seem to notice as someone shut the compartment door and locked it.
Without any sign of urgency, the dementor drifted toward him.
Jakob remained still with a relaxed posture, his mind carefully analyzing the creature before him. There was no fear, no immediate instinct to run or even raise his wand.
This one wasn't acting like a predator, at least not towards him.
Jakob took a step forward, and the dementor stopped before gliding a distance that represented the same length.
A sense of intrigue replaced any remnants of caution as he tilted his head slightly to the side.
The dementor copied him perfectly, shifting its hooded head in unison with his movements.
A smirk made itself known on Jakob's lips, a mixture of amusement and curiosity glinting clearly in his sharp green eyes.
The creature wasn't trying to feed on him. It wasn't draining him of his happiest memories, nor was it pulling the warmth from his body. Instead, it was simply waiting.
Feeling bolder, Jakob slowly lifted his hand, his fingers stretching forward in a measured and steady motion.
The dementor responded instantly.
Its long, rotting fingers rose to meet his, mirroring his actions with eerie precision.
The space between them was nearly gone, their fingertips only inches apart.
For a fleeting moment, he wondered what it would feel like to touch it.
Would it be cold? Would it be solid, or would his fingers pass through nothing but shadow?
Then, just as the thought took form, the sound of a door opening behind him shattered the moment.
Jakob's smirk vanished as he instinctively pulled his hand back.
The dementor also turned, its focus shifting toward the source of the disturbance.
"Hey! Don't you dare touch that student! Expecto Patronum!"
A brilliant burst of white light erupted into the corridor, instantly flooding the space with an overwhelming warmth that banished the creeping cold.
A large, silver German Shepherd materialized from the light, its muscular form tense with instinctual aggression as it lunged forward. The Patronus barked, its powerful legs propelling it toward the dementor in a blur of white.
The dementor let out a high-pitched screech as it recoiled from the attack. Its cloak billowed as it was forced backwards, its shadowy form twisting unnaturally under the onslaught of the Patronus's presence.
The dog snapped its jaws, chasing the creature down the corridor while its relentless barks continued to push it back. With one final lunge, the Patronus struck, sending the dementor crashing backwards through a nearby window.
The moment the creature was gone, the temperature of the train seemed to return to normal, the frost on the windows beginning to fade, and the lights returned to the lamps.
"Are you alright, kid?" The man's voice carried a wary edge as he scanned Jakob for any signs of injury or, more concerningly, the soulless emptiness that came with a Dementor's Kiss.
Jakob had to suppress the flicker of disappointment that settled in his chest before giving a brief nod. The man sighed in relief, but Jakob's sharp eyes had already begun assessing him in return.
His muggle clothing immediately stood out, a worn leather jacket, faded jeans, and well-used boots. His curly black hair hung loosely past his shoulders, framing a face that looked both rugged and strangely at ease despite the situation.
Jakob's frown deepened.
He didn't recognize this man.
His instincts kicked in.
He flicked his wand into his hand with a smooth, practised motion, levelling the tip directly at the stranger's chest.
"One step closer, and you won't have the time to wonder why it was such a stupid decision," Jakob said in a calm, collected tone, but there was no mistaking of the threat beneath it.
The man halted, his brows lifting slightly at the warning.
Then, to Jakob's irritation, a smirk curled onto his lips.
"That's impressive, kid. You're fast."
Before Jakob could respond, the man moved.
A flick of his wrist sent a disarming charm straight at him.
Jakob barely had a second to react, but Bellatrix's training prepared him for such moments.
His body shifted effortlessly, twisting to the side as the spell sailed past him, and his voice dropped to a whisper.
"Stupefy."
The red beam of light shot forward, aimed directly at the man's chest.
But the man's smirk only widened.
With the ease of someone entirely unfazed, he raised a shimmering shield, letting the spell crash harmlessly against it before countering with a knockback jinx that hurtled toward Jakob.
The Slytherin's irritation flared.
Jakob batted the spell away effortlessly, his wand moving with the fluid precision of someone who had seen far worse than a simple jinx.
Jakob's expression shifted from irritation to outright impatience.
"If you're going to cast something, at least make it better than a first-year spell." He sighed, giving the man a distasteful look.
Without giving the man a chance to respond, he flicked his wand forward, sending out a shield breaker followed immediately by a full-body bind curse. The man's smirk didn't waver as he countered the first spell with ease. He flicked his wand in a smooth upwards motion to intercept the attack with a jinx while letting the other collide with his shield.
His brows lifted slightly, impressed despite himself. "You're pretty good, kid, but try to—"
"SIRIUS BLACK!"
The sudden cry cut him off.
The man turned instinctively toward the voice, which he would forever remember as one of his greatest mistakes.
"Stupefy."
Jakob whispered the spell, the red light of the stunning charm hitting Black squarely in the back before he had a chance to react.
His face twisted in confusion for a split second as he locked eyes with the person who had yelled his name before his body went rigid and collapsed unceremoniously onto the floor.
Jakob sighed and pocketed his wand as he turned his gaze toward the one who had offered him the opportunity.
Lily Potter stood just a few feet away with an expression that flickered between shock and exasperation as she looked down at her husband's best friend.
Jakob tilted his head as he followed her gaze down to the fallen auror, raising an unimpressed eyebrow. "Never turn your back in a fight." He said flatly like he was speaking to an idiot.
Lily's gaze returned to Jakob, her initial instinct to glare at him quickly fading. Instead, as she glanced down at Sirius, who was still unconscious on the floor, a flicker of amusement replaced any real irritation.
"Heir Quade, it's good to see you again," Lilly greeted, arching a brow as she turned her gaze back to him. "I see you've already been introduced to Auror Black."
Jakob spared the stunned man a second glance before meeting Lilly's eyes again.
"Yes, Mrs. Potter." He sighed, sounding thoroughly unimpressed. "And I've got to be honest, not very impressed."
Lily chuckled, shaking her head as she retrieved her wand from inside her robes. With a quick, practised wave, she lifted the stunning spell.
Sirius jerked awake immediately, his body tensing as he shot up from the ground.
The first thing he saw? Jakob.
The first thing he felt? Pure irritation.
Sirius whipped around to face the Slytherin boy, his grey eyes burning with accusation.
"So typical," he growled. "Trust a Slytherin to shoot you in the back."
Jakob arched an eyebrow.
"Heard you were an Auror?" He said thoughtfully, glancing Sirius up and down like he was evaluating a particularly lacking product. "I didn't know they had a special program for those…" His gaze dragged deliberately over him.
"Less gifted."
Sirius' expression snapped from irritation to outright rage. The boy even had the audacity to smirk.
That little sh—
"I'll show you less gifted!" Sirius snarled, taking a sharp step forward and raising his wand.
Jakob didn't flinch. His own wand was already in his grip, his stance steady, prepared to continue.
But then Lily cleared her throat.
Lily's voice was firm as she addressed the man beside her. "Mr. Black, this is Heir Quade."
For a fleeting moment, Sirius' eyes widened in surprise.
Jakob frowned. He caught the reaction instantly, making him wonder why this incompetent man would even care?
Sirius, for the first time since their encounter, looked visibly awkward.
"Sorry, kid. You looked older."
Jakob, who had already been unimpressed, found himself even less impressed than before.
"Must sting a little more knowing that a third-year beat you."
Sirius' lips parted immediately, no doubt preparing to retort.
But Lily spoke first.
"Heir Quade, you used magic on the train, which is not allowed. I will be deducting ten points from Slytherin. You will also serve four detentions, which I will discuss with Professor Snape."
Jakob had been ready to argue his case, fully prepared to redirect the blame onto the so-called Auror. But just as he was about to speak, something clicked in his mind.
His expression shifted as he turned his gaze back to Lily.
"Hang on, are you a teacher now?" Jakob asked, the genuine surprise evident in his tone.
Lily smiled, giving him a nod.
"I will be starting as your new professor in Muggle Studies."
Jakob didn't even hesitate before inclining his head, offering a formal bow.
"Then congratulations are in order."
Sirius, who had been fuming just moments ago, now simply looked baffled.
Jakob's words alone had been unexpected.
But the bow?
That was something else entirely.
Sirius had always believed that every Slytherin despised Muggle and Muggle Studies. In fact, he had been convinced that no pureblood would ever so much as acknowledge a muggle in a way they did their own.
Dumbledore had once told him that Jakob Quade was different, and Sirius had scoffed at the idea.
But now? He had just witnessed a pureblood Slytherin bowing to a Muggleborn professor.
Jakob, however, wasn't finished.
Straightening, he took a breath and met Lily's gaze once more. "But I don't see the fairness in this punishment." He said evenly. "Mr. Black attacked me. I had no idea who he was. For all I knew, he could have been trying to kidnap me and take me to Lestrange."
Lily's entire demeanour shifted.
Her head snapped toward Sirius, her green eyes darkening in an instant.
Sirius, who had just been preparing another remark, now suddenly seemed very interested in the train window.
Lily's voice lowered so much that it almost sounded like a growl.
"Explain."
The Auror, recognizing the very dangerous look in Lily's eyes, knew immediately that joking with this kid had been a very, very bad idea.
Sirius crossed his arms, his expression only mildly sheepish as he defended himself. "A Dementor was going to attack him, and I saved the ungrateful little brat and as thanks, he raised his wand at me. I shot a disarming spell, and—" he shrugged,
"—he seemed pretty talented, so I thought it could be fun to see how good he was."
Lily stared at him.
For the first time that day, Jakob noticed that the student and professor mimicked each other's expressions perfectly, both looking at Black with the same exasperated disbelief one would give a toddler it proudly tried to explained why it thought smearing yoghurt all over the walls was a brilliant idea.
Lily barely let her eyes drift from the man as she spoke.
"The punishment is revoked, Heir Quade. I hope you have a pleasant ride."
Jakob inclined his head with a barely concealed smirk. "I will. Thank you, Professor Potter."
And with that, he turned on his heel, heading back toward the Slytherin Five's room.
But not before glancing back at Black, who was in the middle of what undoubtedly would be a long reprimand. With an expression dripping with satisfaction, Jakob's smirk widened, and with a deliberate slowness, he raised a single finger, a silent parting gesture that sent the message loud and clear.
Sirius immediately moved to point after him, his mouth opening, but—
"YOU ARE AN AUROR!"
Lily's harsh tone turned Sirius's full attention back to her as he shut his mouth.
Knowing that this was definitely not the time to argue, he shot a final glare toward the retreating Slytherin before begrudgingly lowering his hand and turning his attention back to Lily. The brat had won the battle but just started a war.
Still smirking, Jakob stepped through the compartment door, leaving the scene behind as he returned to the Slytherin Five's carriage.
When Jakob returned, he found Amy still sitting in her seat, alone and immersed in a book.
He approached her and leaned in to press a light kiss against her cheek, which she accepted automatically by slightly leaning towards it.
"I'm sorry," he murmured sincerely.
Amy turned toward him, closing her book with an almost deliberate slowness. " You've got to admit, you could have at least said goodbye properly before disappearing, right?"
Then, as if she remembered something, Amy chuckled.
"What?" Jakob asked, feeling a smile creeping up.
Amy's gaze flicked up to his, her lips curving ever so slightly.
"Did you just kiss your queen on the cheek?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Jakob smirked, recognizing the mock authority in her tone, but before he could reply, she tilted her head and added with an unmistakable smirk of her own.
"You missed."
With a flick of her wand, the door clicked shut, locking behind him.
Then, in one smooth motion, she grabbed his robes, pulling him down over her as she lay back against the seat.
Their lips instantly met in a deep, unhurried kiss as though making up for lost time.
Amy's hands found their way into his hair, her fingers threading through the strands as she pulled him closer. Jakob's own hands weren't idle either; one trailed down the curve of her waist while the other slid over her thigh, gripping just tight enough to draw a small hum of approval from her.
Then, a loud knock echoed through the room, making both teens stop their activity and jerk their heads towards the door.
Jakob frowned while Amy let out a frustrated sigh.
"My queen, we will be arriving at the station shortly."
Jakob closed his eyes for a brief second, willing himself to not hex Rosier, who had just interrupted them.
When he met Amy's gaze, he saw the same frustration reflected back at him.
With an exasperated sigh, she blew a strand of hair out of her face.
"Yes, thank you, Rosier," Amy called, keeping her voice composed despite the clear irritation in her tone. "I'll meet you there."
"Oh... I was hoping for... yeah... sure, I'll see you there."
Jakob leaned back, giving Amy a raised eyebrow as the footsteps faded outside. "You know she wants you, right?"
Amy snorted, smirking as she adjusted her robes. "Don't be rude when my followers show me loyalty."
Jakob frowned. "Is that what you call it? when Rosier acts like an insecure girl around you while obviously craving your attention?"
Amy sighed, rolling her eyes before reaching up and pulling him back down for one last kiss. "Jealous, Heir Quade?"
Jakob let out an amused breath before reluctantly shifting, pushing himself up from the spot he'd much rather stay in. He smirked as he extended a hand, offering to help her up.
"Of her? Please."
As Amy stood, she gave her robes one last adjustment before looking at the boy she wanted to spend every waking moment with. "We'll continue this later," she promised.
Jakob noted the slight disappointment in her face that mirrored his own. They both knew their little moment was over, at least for now.
He nodded, but as he studied her, something felt… different. It wasn't her stance, though she held herself with the same confidence. It wasn't her hair. No, that was the same. But there was something.
"Amy, you… Have you done something? Changed anything?" His gaze flickered over her as if searching for what felt off.
Amy frowned, her expression shifting to confusion. "What would I have done? And why would you think that?"
Jakob hesitated for only a second before shaking his head, dismissing the thought. "Nothing. Just missed you, I guess."
As Jakob exited the train, he was greeted by the cool evening air. He searched for any signs of his friends through the large crowd of students who moved toward the waiting carriages.
Jakob's eyes flickered ahead, catching sight of his usual group just as they climbed into one.
Inside the carriage, Draco let out a long-suffering sigh, rubbing his temple as Pansy tried, for what felt like the hundredth time since the train ride, to get his attention. All thanks to Jakob. Had his best friend not been taken away by the other Slytherin Five members, Pansy would have been focused on him instead. But now, she had latched onto Draco and had no intention of stopping.
Blaze, who was sitting beside him, was about to close the carriage door when Draco's eyes suddenly widened.
"Wait!" he called, stopping Blaze mid-motion. He shifted in his seat, pushing the door open again.
Jakob approached with an unhurried, casual stride despite Draco's impatient hand gestures urging him to move faster.
"Hurry up!" Draco hissed, clearly irritated by his friend's lack of urgency.
Jakob simply nodded, maintaining his leisurely pace before finally stepping inside. Draco rolled his eyes, muttering something inaudible that the raven-haired boy ignored as he shifted to make room. Though inwardly, Draco released a quiet breath of relief as Blaze shut the door behind them with a quiet click.
As the thestrals jerked the carriage forward, carrying them toward the castle, Jakob leaned back, his gaze drifting over the trio.
"Hey, did you guys read the news today?"
Draco and Pansy shared a confused glance before shaking their heads in unison.
"No."
Blaze, however, gave a single nod.
"Yeah, mate. Sorry about that. Can't imagine it's too fun for you right now."
Draco and Pansy snapped their heads toward him.
"What?" They asked in perfect synchronization once again, making Jakob smirk.
Reaching into his robes, he pulled out the folded newspaper Vanity had given him earlier. He handed it to Draco first, watching as the blonde boy scanned the headline. Draco's lips twitched like he wanted to smirk while beside him, Pansy's face twisted in horror.
"Well, must suck knowing she's after you," Draco commented, turning his gaze toward the window, poorly hiding the amusement in his voice.
Pansy looked at him in disbelief before rounding on Jakob, looking at him like a wounded puppy. "Don't worry. The Dementors and Aurors will be here to look after you."
Jakob gave her an amused smile, nodding in mock reassurance.
"Yeah, I'm sure they'll do a fantastic job keeping me safe from that crazy witch,"
Draco snorted, unable to hold back his chuckle as he shook his head.
Pansy, however, was not as entertained. She promptly smacked Draco's shoulder. "Why are you laughing? Your best friend is a target!"
Draco waved a dismissive hand, leaning against the carriage window, his arm propped up on the ledge, fingers covering his mouth and closing his eyes as he tried, and failed, to stifle his chuckles.
Blaze observed the two boys closely, his brows knitting together. Something wasn't adding up. They weren't panicking, weren't even remotely worried, and that in itself was concerning.
Bellatrix Lestrange was one of the most dangerous witches alive. If Jakob thought his family name alone would protect him, he was a fool.
But Blaze knew Jakob was far from foolish.
Which meant… he had something planned.
Blaze could only hope it was enough.
As they settled into their usual spots at the Slytherin table, Jakob found himself between Daphne and Millicent, casually catching up after the summer.
Daphne sipped from her goblet, glancing at him with mild curiosity. "So, are the rumors true?"
Jakob arched an eyebrow. "You'll have to be more specific, Daphne. I tend to be the subject of quite a few rumors these days."
Millicent chuckled, shaking her head. "She means Bellatrix Lestrange. They're saying she escaped Azkaban just to come after you."
Jakob smirked, resting his elbow on the table. "Ah. That. Yeah, well, apparently, I've made quite the impression."
Daphne sighed, swirling the liquid in her goblet. "Of course, you would be the first third-year with a homicidal maniac personally invested in him."
Jakob simply offered an unbothered shrug. "I like to keep things interesting."
Before the conversation could continue, the large doors of the Great Hall creaked open, drawing their attention.
Professor McGonagall led the nervous first years inside, the sea of tiny figures looking smaller than ever under the weight of the enchanted ceiling looming above them.
Jakob leaned back in his seat, completely uninterested in the sorting process. He had seen it twice before, and every year, it was the same, nervous kids stepping forward, some shaking, some barely holding in their excitement, waiting for an old hat to decide their fate.
The Sorting Hat sang its usual song, though Jakob barely paid any mind to it. His gaze drifted around the hall, noting the subtle changes since last year.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last name was called, and the sorting came to an end.
Dumbledore rose from his seat, stepping up to the podium. The murmuring among the students died down as he cleared his throat.
"As you all might already know, there is a killer on the loose. After the recent information, the ministry has seen fit to place dementors outside the borders of Hogwarts."
A ripple of whispers spread through the Great Hall.
Many students turned their gazes toward Jakob. Unlike in previous years, only a few sneered or glared at him. Most of them, especially the younger students, had heard stories about what had happened last year. Some had witnessed it firsthand.
Jakob caught more than a few looks of what could only be described as sympathy, and it made his stomach churn with disgust.
He tore his gaze away as Dumbledore continued, his voice carrying its usual mix of authority and warmth.
"I must urge you all the utmost importance of caution," the Headmaster said as his eyes swept over the students. "Should you find yourself in the presence of a Dementor, do not attempt to reason with it, nor should you think yourself capable of standing against it. These creatures do not recognize innocence, nor do they have the capacity for mercy." His gaze lingered for a moment on the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. "Your safety is paramount, and as such, Hogwarts will also be hosting two Aurors this year. Their purpose is to ensure your safty and not to interfere in your daily lives."
Jakob scoffed. As if two Aurors would make any difference if Lestrange truly wanted to get in.
Dumbledore then straightened, his expression shifting from serious to warm.
"But let us not dwell too long on matters of fear. Instead, I am pleased to bring you some exciting news. We have three new professors joining us this year, whom I hope you will all welcome as you would any member of our school. First, taking over for Professor Burbage, please give a warm welcome to Professor Potter."
A loud wave of applause broke out across the hall, most notably from the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. The Ravenclaws clapped politely. The Slytherins, however, including Jakob, remained conspicuously silent.
Lily Potter rose from her seat, giving the students a respectful nod and a small smile before sitting back down.
"Next," Dumbledore continued, "I would like to introduce Ms. Webb, who will be taking over as our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
A round of polite applause followed though it lacked the enthusiasm for Lily Potter's introduction. The position had gained an unfortunate reputation over the years, and many students were likely wondering how long this one would last.
Ms Webb stood, offering the same composed bow that Lily had given moments earlier.
Jakob leaned slightly forward, observing the older witch. She was tall, with light blonde hair pulled into a tight bun. Her robes were similar to Snape's, giving her an air of strictness that warned against any sort of foolishness or happiness in her presence.
As she surveyed the hall, her gaze carefully swept over the students. When she reached the Slytherin table, her eyes locked onto Jakob's.
For the briefest of moments, so quick that he might have imagined it, something in her gaze softened. Then, just as quickly, it was gone.
Jakob frowned, filing the moment away for later consideration.
"And lastly," Dumbledore continued, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "Professor Silvanus Kettleburn has decided to take an extended leave in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs."
A ripple of chuckles spread through the hall.
"As such, I am pleased to announce that his replacement will be none other than Mr. Rubeus Hagrid."
The Gryffindor table erupted. It was less of a cheer and more of a chaotic explosion, students whooping, clapping, and banging the table like a pack of overexcited chimps.
Jakob scanned the other tables, noting the hesitant clapping from the rest of the school. The Ravenclaws looked wary, the Hufflepuffs polite but uncertain, and the Slytherins exchanged glances, clearly processing what they had just heard.
Hagrid, beaming from ear to ear, stood up and gave an enthusiastic bow.
Jakob tilted his head slightly, watching the half-giant as he took his seat again. "Well," he murmured, "this is going to be interesting."
Dumbledore clapped his hands, signalling the start of the feast. As the food appeared, Jakob and his friends seemed to remember that they were starving, and the rest of the students in the Great Hall dug in.
Jakob turned his attention back to his plate, eating and laughing with his friends as the evening continued.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught Theo leaning toward Draco, whispering something just as the blond took a sip from his goblet.
Draco barely had time to react before he choked, nearly spitting his drink out as laughter bubbled from his throat. He coughed, trying to cover it up, while Theo sat back, thoroughly amused with himself.
Jakob, seated directly in front of them, rolled his eyes. Without missing a beat, he picked up a potato. He casually tossed it in Draco's direction, missing him by mere centimetres.
Draco, still catching his breath, turned toward Jakob, who raised an expectant eyebrow.
The blond leaned in, wearing the usual smirk when talking about his nemesis. He raised his voice just enough to be heard over the noise of the Great Hall.
"When Potter saw a dementor on the train, he bloody fainted," he drawled. "Collapsed like a sack of galleons, right in front of everyone."
Jakob's gaze flickered toward the Gryffindor table, his smirk widening as he saw how Potter stiffened.
Harry had clearly heard them, and his eyes snapped toward their table with an irritated expression. Before he could retort, however, Weasley quickly turned him away, whispering something hurriedly in his ear.
Jakob turned back to Draco, shaking his head in amusement as the blonde chuckled into his goblet.
"Pathetic," Jakob muttered, raising his goblet to his lips.
When the meal had ended, Jakob caught Amy's glance before she gracefully rose from her seat, the rest of the Slytherin Five following suit. Without needing an invitation, he excused himself from the table and fell into step beside his queen as they exited the Great Hall.
They descended the stone steps in silence, the familiar path to the Slytherin common room lit by the dim glow of enchanted torches. The moment they entered their common room, Amy turned towards the rest of them.
"The prefects will be arriving soon with the new students," she announced curtly. "Vanity will handle the speech. Rosier, you will escort the first years to their dormitories."
Amy reached into her robe and pulled out a neatly folded parchment, handing it to Isabella. "This is the list of the first years and their assigned rooms. Make sure everything is in order."
She then turned her gaze toward Marcus and Jakob with an expectant expression.
"Flint, Quade," she continued, "you will be present when they arrive. They need to know who you are."
Jakob nodded, exchanging a glance with Marcus, who simply shrugged his acknowledgement of the order.
Seeing that they weren't needed for the rest of the preparations, Marcus and Jakob made their way toward the couches, settling in as they observed Amy, who was still deep in discussion with Vanity and Rosier.
Jakob leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of him, his gaze flickering between the three older Slytherins. Vanity occasionally nodded, taking mental notes of the commands her queen was giving out, while Rosier's usual gaze followed Amy's every word as if her life depended on it.
Marcus let out a quiet breath beside him, already looking restless as he idly flicked his wand between his fingers. "Think they'll be done anytime soon?" he muttered in a low tone.
Jakob offered a shrug and a smirk but said nothing, simply watching as Amy continued to run through the final preparations.
Looking bored out of his mind, Marcus glanced at Jakob before a thought struck him. His expression shifted, a flicker of amusement crossing his face as he turned towards the younger boy.
"So," he drawled, stretching his arms. "How does it feel, knowing that Lestrange might be after you?"
Jakob barely spared him a glance. "I don't really care," he said evenly. "It's not like she can do anything while I'm in Hogwarts."
Marcus hummed, seemingly ready to push the conversation further, but the entrance door creaked open before he had the chance.
Two prefects entered first, leading a group of wide-eyed first-years into the common room. Moments later, the Slytherin Five took their positions, standing with authority as the new students hesitantly filed inside.
Vanity began her speech in a sharp and commanding voice as she laid out the house rules with the assurance of someone who had done this before.
As she presented the members, she first gestured toward Rosier, who gave the first-years a pointed glare, making a few of them shift uncomfortably under her gaze. Then, her hand moved toward Jakob and Marcus.
Both boys held their expressions carefully neutral, their boredom masked behind a perfectly stoic exterior.
Despite their silent demeanour, Jakob caught the eyes of one of the first-years, a boy who hesitated before leaning over to whisper something to his friend. The other boy slightly stiffened before turning his head and looking at Jakob with a mix of curiosity and something bordering on awe.
But Jakob wasn't the only one who had noticed the two first-year boys. Rosier strode over to the boy who had whispered and flicked her wand in the blink of an eye.
A sharp, stinging hex struck his shoulder, making him flinch as he clenched his jaw to keep from crying out.
Jakob's own shoulder twitched instinctively at the familiar sensation, a small smirk playing at his lips as he briefly recalled his first year when Amy had done the very same thing to him.
"Now, now," Rosier drawled, crossing her arms as she stared down at the boy. "No whispering. If it's important enough to disrupt the opening speech, then it's important enough to share with the rest of us."
The boy stiffened, his eyes darting to the other first-years for help that wouldn't come. He hesitated for a moment before speaking in a hesitant voice.
"I—I only told him that I've heard stories about Heir Quade," he admitted. "That he was standing over there."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a ripple of silent glances swept through the common room as the first-years, wide-eyed, turned to Jakob.
The older students, however, remained impassive as they waited to see how the youngest Slytherin five-member would respond.
Draco and Pansy exchanged amused grins, recognizing Jakob's indifference to the situation. He didn't seem particularly interested in entertaining the first-year curiosity.
After a few seconds, Marcus, standing beside him, discreetly nudged his arm, silently reminding him of his responsibility.
Jakob sighed inwardly before stepping forward, tilting his head slightly as he regarded the boy with the kind of detached curiosity one might have for a mildly interesting specimen.
"Is that so?" He mused out loud. "And what stories would those be?"
The boy swallowed hard, his fingers twitching at his sides. He hesitated, clearly debating whether to answer or keep his mouth shut and hope that the moment would pass.
Jakob leaned forward ever so slightly, just enough to make the boy know that speaking was the only option. "Go on," he prompted smoothly. "I'd love to hear what people have been saying about me."
The boy shifted uncomfortably before finally mumbling,
"My sister," the first-year started hesitantly in a quiet voice. "She graduated last year. She told me that you… That you are a you're a hero."
A murmur rippled through the group, but Jakob barely reacted. His eyes flickered briefly to Vanity, who was watching the exchange with a clearly entertained expression.
Jakob sighed before answering. "I wouldn't call myself a hero," he said thoughtfully. "But I've proven myself in this house and more importantly, to my queen."
His gaze swept over the gathered first-years. "If you do the same, maybe, one day, you'll stand where I am. If you're lucky."
The boy quickly nodded, looking visibly relieved. "I-I will. Thank you."
Without another word, Jakob turned and returned to his place beside Marcus as if the conversation had never happened.
Vanity took the cue, smoothly continuing her speech. "Now, as I was saying," she began, her voice regaining its commanding tone. "It's time for you all to meet the one who truly leads Slytherin house."
With that, Vanity turned, her hand gesturing toward Amy with a subtle flourish.
"The Queen of Slytherin."
Amy stepped forward, offering the young students a warm smile. It was elegant, warm and welcoming. Yet, as Jakob watched, a strange dissonance settled in his chest. Something about it felt... off. His mind flickered back to his own first year when she had stood before them, radiating something entirely different. Power. Authority. Intimidation.
Now, she exuded something else. Something that felt foreign coming from her. Safety. Trust.
Jakob frowned as he observed how his queen spoke to the first-years with a soft tone that made them visibly relax.
It was… wrong.
Amy Frome was many things, but warm and reassuring? No. That wasn't the image he had come to associate with her, and watching her play this role so convincingly made something in his chest tightened.
He didn't like it.
When the first-years were finally sorted into their rooms, the atmosphere in the common room shifted. The older students eased into conversations, and soon, the common room felt like it always had. Like home.
Jakob, however, felt a different pull. He was tired; more than that, he wanted to retreat to the one place where he could be left alone with his thoughts. And his roommate.
Rising from his seat, he gave a polite nod to the others. "I have other matters to attend to," he said simply, excusing himself as he turned toward the corridor.
He made his way down the familiar path, each step bringing a strange sense of comfort. The weight of the day, of the train ride, the news about Bellatrix—it all felt lighter as he reached his destination.
Room thirteen.
Opening the door, his eyes immediately landed on the parchment hanging on the wall. The same set of rules he and Pansy had scribbled down during their first year. A quiet chuckle escaped him as he walked over, placing a hand on the aged paper.
"It's good to be back," he murmured under his breath.
The room smelled the same and carried the same atmosphere it always had. It was his space, his sanctuary.
Jakob moved to the window, pushing it open and letting the cool night air wash over him. As he waited, his gaze flickered toward the darkened sky. But he didn't have to wait long.
Soon, a familiar, black shape slithered through the opening and onto his right arm. A slow, genuine smile appeared as Saliza coiled herself comfortably around his neck and shoulders.
"I've missed you so much, Saliza," he hissed warmly. "How have you been?"
The serpent affectionately bumped her head against his cheek in response.
"I've been well, my little darkness," she hissed back. "And you?"
Jakob moved towards his bed as he lovingly stroked her head. "I've been good. I've been on an adventure."
As he lay down, he began recounting his summer, the beaches of Hawaii, the dangers of Salem, the Quidditch game and so on.
The door creaked open when he neared the end of his story time.
Jakob didn't need to turn to know who it was.
An exhausted Pansy sluggishly stepped inside, almost dragging her feet as she turned to close the door. But as she turned back and saw Jakob lounging with Saliza draped around him, her expression softened, a small smile ghosting her lips.
She stepped closer, reaching out and letting her fingers glide over the serpent's smooth scales in a slow, familiar motion.
"I'm going to take a shower," Pansy murmured after a moment, already pulling off her outer robes as she made her way toward the bathroom.
Jakob gave a slight nod, watching her disappear behind the door before shifting his attention back to Saliza.
The serpent flicked her tongue and began to hiss about her own summer adventures. She told him of the Forbidden Forest, of the new creatures that had dared to challenge her, and of the enemies she had swiftly dealt with. Jakob smirked, listening intently as she recounted her conquests with an almost smug satisfaction.
When the water finally shut off, Saliza lifted her head, sensing her time to leave. She nudged against his jaw in farewell before smoothly uncoiling from his body and slithering toward the open window.
"Until next time, little darkness," she hissed before disappearing into the night, swallowed by the shadows of the castle grounds.
As they both got changed and settled into bed in their usual position, Jakob could see the hesitation in Pansy's eyes. He nudged her lightly, wordlessly encouraging her to speak.
Pansy, who had been lost in thought, blinked and let out a breath.
"It's just... you being hunted by that maniac..." she muttered, shifting slightly closer. "What if she gets into the school? She did escape Azkaban."
Jakob, who had completely forgotten to mention that crucial detail, looked momentarily surprised before an amused chuckle escaped him.
"I forgot to tell you," he admitted, shaking his head at himself. "Bellatrix Lestrange won't be a problem. I should've mentioned it sooner, but… it slipped my mind."
Pansy's worry didn't ease in the slightest. If anything, she looked more alarmed. She pushed herself up on her elbow, staring at him in disbelief.
"Jake, I know you're strong, but she's on a completely different level, if you plan on fighting her she—"
"Not like that," Jakob interrupted, cutting her off with a shake of his head. "I've met her, Pansy. I know her."
The way he said it made her freeze. She narrowed her eyes, scanning his face as if to determine whether he had finally lost his mind.
"You've… met her?" she repeated slowly like she needed to be sure she heard him right.
"At Malfoy Manor," he confirmed. "Bella is nice."
Pansy's expression contorted into a mix of confusion and absolute disbelief. "Bella?"
Jakob waved a dismissive hand. "I'm getting to it," he said before sighing as if piecing together the right words. "She's weird and… slightly mad, yeah, but she cares for me." He frowned slightly at his own words, but they were the truth. "Apparently, she loved my mother. And in her mind, she sees me as... well, it's complicated, but she doesn't wish me any harm. If anything, it's the opposite, really."
Pansy just stared at him, processing every word like she was trying to make sense of something entirely nonsensical.
"That's why Draco almost laughed in the carriage," Jakob continued. "She escaped when she saw my picture, but not to hurt me, to... be with me I guess. She's hiding at Malfoy Manor, but as far as anyone else is concerned, you don't know any of this."
Silence stretched between them. Pansy didn't move, didn't say anything. She just stared at him, completely frozen.
Jakob, who was starting to grow slightly concerned, reached out and poked her cheek.
That did the trick.
"You… she… What the hell, Jakob?!"
Jakob flinched at Pansy's sudden outburst, his head sinking further into the pillow as he raised an amused brow.
"Pansy, did I break you?" he teased, giving her that cute smirk that always managed to annoy her even more.
"Tell me everything." She commanded firmly. She needed a full reset of this conversation.
Jakob began recounting the visit, carefully navigating around the details Lord Malfoy had told him but trying his best to paint the full picture. He explained Bellatrix's obsession with his mother, how she had fixated on him as a result, and how, despite everything, he didn't see her as a threat to himself.
By the time he had finished, Pansy had returned to resting her head on his shoulder, her fingers absentmindedly gripping the fabric of his shirt.
"You've gone quiet," Jakob noted, slightly tilting his head to glance down at her. "Are you okay?"
Pansy gave a small nod.
"Yeah," she murmured. "I just need to wrap my head around all of this." A short pause. Then, with a small sigh, she added, "But it lifts a stone from my chest, knowing you're safe. That's all that matters."
Jakob gave a small nod in return.
"Yeah… safe."
He soon drifted into sleep, but Pansy, however, stayed awake.
She waited, listening to his breathing, expecting the steady rhythm to deepen into the telltale sound of deep sleep.
But it didn't.
Minutes passed, and something wasn't right.
Frowning, Pansy slowly raised her head, shifting just enough to get a better look at his face.
Her gaze lingered, taking in every detail. The relaxed expression, the way his dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, the almost steady rise and fall of his chest. He was asleep. She was sure of it.
Hesitating for just a moment longer, she leaned in, letting her lips press softly against his. It was slow, lingering, and as she closed her eyes, she allowed herself to soak in the warmth, the way it sent a pleasant hum through her body.
Then, she felt him stir.
Her heartbeat quickened, her breath catching in her throat as Jakob's eyes fluttered open.
"Am I dreaming…?" He asked in a low, groggy voice. His gaze met hers, and confusion flickered in his tired eyes. "Did you just kiss me?"
Pansy's heart pounded, but she forced herself to remain composed.
"Yes… this is a dream," she whispered in a low, almost hypnotic tone. "Don't think too much, or you'll wake up."
She prayed that he would believe her.
Jakob studied her for a second, then let out a small sigh as his body relaxed again. His lips curled into a lazy smirk, and before she could react, he leaned in.
"If it's a dream…" he murmured, closing the distance between them, "then I guess I can."
His lips captured hers again, firmer this time. The sensation was intoxicating, more than she had imagined, more than she was prepared for. A deep warmth spread through her as she melted into it, her hands sliding up his chest as their bodies pressed closer.
His hand trailed slowly down her back, slipping under the fabric of her nightgown. A small shiver ran through her as his fingers gripped the curve of her hip, pulling her even closer.
Her breath hitched as she instinctively shifted in response and straddled him. The motion sent a new wave of sensation through her, and before she knew it, she was moving, rocking slowly against him.
Jakob released a low breath, his grip tightening as their movements grew more urgent. The friction between them, the warmth, and the quiet sounds they couldn't hold back were overwhelming.
Her hands tangled in his hair as his lips parted against hers, deepening the kiss. As they introduced their tongues, Pansy could feel it building, a rush of something she didn't quite understand but never wanted to stop.
Then, suddenly, everything reached its peak. Their bodies tensed, a quiet moan slipping from her lips as pleasure crashed over her. Jakob stiffened beneath her, letting out sharp breaths as he pressed harder against her, his hold on her tightening before, finally, the tension ebbed away.
Pansy slumped forward, resting against him, her heart still racing. She felt weightless, her body tingling as the aftershocks of their movements faded.
Jakob remained still beneath her, his hand running absentmindedly along her spine. She was too lost in the sensation to move, too content to care about anything else.
As her eyelids grew heavy, she felt his lips press softly against the top of her head.
"This changes everything…" he whispered to himself, barely audible.
Letting his hand fall on the nightstand, he gripped his wand and lazily waved it. He muttered a cleansing spell before sighing.
He only hoped this wouldn't ruin what they had. He wished he hadn't just accidentally fucked up.
The next morning, Jakob woke to the soft rhythm of Pansy's steady breathing, her warmth still pressed against him. Carefully, he shifted, ensuring not to disturb her as he eased her onto her side. She stirred slightly, a faint murmur escaping her lips, but she didn't wake.
He lingered for a moment, watching the way her hair fell across her face, the peacefulness in her expression. Then, with a quiet sigh, he pushed himself up, reaching for his wand before scribbling a quick note and leaving it on his side of the bed.
Went for a run. I'll be back before breakfast.
Leaving it where she would see it, he swiftly got dressed, pulling on a comfortable training shirt and joggers before slipping on his shoes. With quiet steps, he made his way out of the dorm and jogged the whole way through the empty school and out into the cool morning air.
The castle grounds were still mostly empty, the sky a muted shade of early dawn.
The crisp air filled his lungs as he reached the lake, his eyes following the winding trail the note had chosen for the morning. The chill in the air was sharper than expected, biting at his skin, but he welcomed it. He rolled his shoulders back and inhaled deeply before exhaling through his nose.
Clearing his mind, he silently thanked Bella for the tip she had given him about endurance training. Then, without another thought, he pushed off the ground and began his run.
The steady rhythm of his feet against the earth, the sound of his own breath, the rustling leaves, it was a rare moment of quiet. No politics, no expectations, no whispers behind his back. Just the trail ahead.
His pace was strong at first, but as the path stretched longer than he was used to, he was forced to slow down, taking short breaks to walk and catch his breath. He hated to admit it, but the route was more challenging than anticipated. Still, he pressed on, pushing himself forward until, finally, he arrived back at the same spot where he had started.
Jakob placed his hands on his hips, looking over the lake. He took a deep breath, his heartbeat still hammering in his chest.
"Not bad," he muttered with a satisfied smirk. "And I didn't even vomit."
"Nice work."
Jakob turned toward the voice, frowning slightly at the interruption. He had wanted to be alone.
A woman with short, choppy pink hair was walking toward him, her hands casually tucked into the pockets of her Auror robes. He vaguely recognized her, but from where, he couldn't remember.
"You've got a lot of stamina, Heir Quade," she said with an easy smirk. "Not even some Aurors would be able to handle that run."
Jakob internally scoffed. He could certainly name one who wouldn't.
Still, he walked forward, extending his hand. "Jakob Quade."
The woman took his hand and gave it a firm shake. "Name's Tonks. I have a first name, but I'd recommend you not use it."
Jakob raised an eyebrow. "That so?"
Tonks let out a dramatic sigh. "Yeah, trust me, it's better this way."
Jakob studied her for a moment, finding her odd but not necessarily unpleasant. "Haven't heard your last name before."
Tonks clicked her tongue, her expression shifting slightly like she already knew where this was headed. "My father was Muggle-born. My mother was a Black. We took his last name."
She was clearly bracing herself for some kind of remark, maybe a sneer, a cutting insult, something she was used to from pureblood circles.
But Jakob simply gave a nonchalant nod. "Ah, alright," he said indifferently. Without another word, he shifted his weight, lifting one foot behind his back and grabbing it in a stretch, making it clear he was done with the conversation.
Tonks blinked, momentarily thrown off. She stood there looking at him as if weighing whether or not to press further.
"That's it?" she finally said, tilting her head. "No reaction? No snide remark? Just... stretching?"
"Why would I care?" He answered in a flat, uninterested tone. "If you don't mind, I wish to be alone."
Tonks, now genuinely surprised, took a step closer.
"You don't care about blood purity? Are you really the son of Thomas Quade?"
Jakob shot her a sharp look before glancing around, making sure no one was around.
"You don't have to yell it out," he muttered. "I'm still a Slytherin. Go and pester some Gryffindor."
He bent forward, touching his toes, trying to ignore her.
Tonks, however, crouched down to his level, watching him with mild amusement.
"So you really don't have a problem with that?"
Jakob let out a sigh, standing up and stretching his back. "What do you want? Are you just here to annoy me, or are you actually keeping an eye on me to make sure Lestrange doesn't sneak in and use me for some dark ritual?"
Tonks grinned, rocking back on her heels.
" "That's right," she said cheerfully. "You're a clever little Slytherin."
As she spoke, her hair shifted, the short pink strands melting into a golden blonde, the length extending slightly past her shoulders.
Jakob stilled, his muscles tensing as recognition sparked in his mind. His eyes traced her face, the shape of her features becoming more familiar.
"It's you," he murmured with a surprised certainty.
Tonks blinked, tilting her head. "Uh… yeah? It's me?"
Jakob ignored the confusion in her tone as his mind finally connected the pieces. His expression shifted into something unreadable as he studied her more closely.
"You're a Metamorphmagus," he stated, half to himself. Then, after a brief pause, he gestured to her hair. "Make it longer. Just for a second."
Tonks let out a small, amused huff but complied. With a casual shake of her head, her golden hair lengthened, cascading further down her back.
Jakob's lips parted before curving into a grin in clear amusement as he let out a short, pleased laugh.
"I knew I recognized you."
Tonks furrowed her brow and crossed her arms while looking at him more warily now.
"Recognized me from where?" she asked warily.
Jakob stepped closer, his expression shifting into something thoughtful, almost amused.
"When I was in my first year," he started with a casual tone, "I took a stroll one night on the seventh floor. And yeah, I was breaking the rules, but I wasn't the only one."
Tonks' eyes widened slightly, recognition flickering behind them.
"Imagine my surprise," Jakob continued, "when I walked into a room and found someone… quite occupied with pleasuring herself."
Tonks' face turned a deep shade of red at the realization, and Jakob's smirk grew as he tilted his head, watching her reaction.
"She wasn't exactly modest about it, either," he mused. "With that moonlight hitting just right, she made sure I got an unforgettable show on what was under those Hogwarts robes."
The Aurors mouth opened and closed as if trying to find the right words.
"You... wait... It was you?!" she finally managed, her hands running through her now-pink hair in exasperation.
Jakob tapped a thoughtful finger against his chin. "And if memory serves… she wasn't just putting on a show. She had plans." He gave her a slow, deliberate look, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Something about riding me until I screamed her name?"
Tonks groaned, covering her face with both hands. "Merlin's beard, I thought you were someone else! I was convinced—"
"Tsk, tsk." Jakob interrupted, wagging a finger at her. "Not very responsible behavior, Ms. Tonks." He grinned, clearly savouring the moment. "But I suppose I should thank you for the, uh, enlightening experience."
Tonks let out a strangled sound, clearly mortified, her eyes darting anywhere but at him.
Jakob chuckled as he stepped past her, raising a hand in a lazy wave without looking back.
"I'll see you around, Tonks. You certainly made a lasting first impression."
Author's Note:
So, we finally meet Sirius and Nymphadora Tonks! I've been looking forward to this moment ever since I introduced the mysterious blonde in Jakob's first year, and I hope you all enjoyed that little revelation.
And, of course, Jakob and Pansy, about time, right? But like everything in Jakob's life, it's never that simple. Complicated is just the start of their newfound relationship.
Hope you all have a great day, and I'll see you in the next chapter!
Oh! And remember, if you liked this, don't forget to like, follow, and most importantly, leave a review!
Cheers!