Author's Note:
A huge shoutout to MandoWalker for your continual support—you always brighten my day with your reviews!
Oh, and just a heads-up for everyone: this chapter contains a bit of a sexual situation. Consider yourself warned.
Chapter 29: revenge, rulers and roommates.
"As you all might know," Dumbledore began, his voice calm but firm, "there are Aurors and other Ministry employees currently assisting at the school. If they approach you with questions, you would do well to answer truthfully. That said, we believe this is a formal precaution, and there is no cause for concern. Matters will be resolved soon."
Dumbledore's tone was reassuring, but the mood in the hall suggested otherwise. The quiet murmurs and uneasy glances among the students spoke volumes about their growing concerns.
Jakob's eyes flicked to Pansy as she leaned in close, her voice low with a hint of curiosity. "That Crow boy has gone missing. Wasn't that the boy Damon asked you about?"
Jakob nodded subtly, careful to keep his expression unreadable. His mind, however, was already at work, turning over the implications of the Ministry's interference. He needed to adjust his plans, but the changes were minor—nothing more than retrieving three stones to complete what he had in mind.
After dinner, Jakob and his classmates made their way back to the dungeons, the soft hum of conversation echoing through the corridors. Jakob moved with his usual calm, his mind still working through the details of his revised plan.
Just as he approached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, he caught sight of Berrow standing a short distance away, partially hidden behind a pillar. Berrow waved urgently, his expression tense, motioning for Jakob to come over.
"You guys go ahead," Jakob said casually to Draco and Theo, who stood waiting near the entrance to the common room. "I forgot something in my classroom. I'll catch up with you inside."
Theo shrugged. "Sure, mate, but don't take too long, or Crabbe'll eat all the Bertie Bott's beans before you can join the game."
Draco sighed, running a hand through his platinum blond hair. "Just hurry up, Jake. I'm not making them wait for you again," he added in his usual drawl.
Jakob nodded, watching the two boys turn and enter the common room. He waited until the heavy stone door slid closed behind them, its sound echoing in the empty corridor. Glancing over his shoulder to confirm no one else was around, he turned and strode over to Berrow and Finnius, who were still anxiously tucked behind a pillar.
"Why are you playing hide and seek?" Jakob asked dryly, rolling his eyes.
"Because they're questioning people," Berrow whispered urgently. "If you walk inside, you'll get questioned too."
Jakob pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling through his teeth. "Are you guys not cunning? Are you not Slytherins?"
"What… what did you do to Crow?" Finnius asked hesitantly, his voice a mix of curiosity and fear.
Jakob offered them his most charming smile. "I just talked to him a bit, hurt him a bit, and then told him to leave the school."
The two boys exchanged uneasy glances, attempting to look relieved. However, it was clear from their expressions that they didn't fully believe Jakob's answer.
Jakob reached into his pocket, pulling out three small, smooth stones. He held them up briefly with a serious expression, ensuring the two boys got a clear look.
"I didn't want to have to use these yet," he said quietly, looking at the stones with care and a twinge of regret. "But it seems now's the time."
Berrow and Finnius stared at the stones, their curiosity piqued. "What are those?" Berrow asked, his tone cautious.
"My father bought these in Russia. I can't pronounce their name," Jakob explained, "but they resist Veritaserum. Take one, walk inside, and let them question you. You'll be fine."
The two boys exchanged wary glances. The story was strange, but the Quades were known for their wealth and access to rare magical artefacts. They slowly took one of the stones, leaving the third for Jakob. Jakob popped the last stone into his mouth and swallowed it with a gulp, prompting them to do the same.
"Now," Jakob said smoothly, his tone shifting as he turned to Finnius, "where were you when Berrow walked out into the forest with Crow?"
"I was in the boys' bathroom… throwing up," Finnius replied hesitantly.
Perfect, Jakob thought, his mind already weaving the narrative.
"Alright, let's go. The stones should have begun to work their magic."
As Berrow and Finnius turned to head toward the common room, Jakob drew his wand in one fluid motion and stunned them both. Their bodies crumpled to the floor with a dull thud.
Jakob stepped closer and pointed his wand at Berrow's temple.
"Let's see if this will work or if I mess his mind up," Jakob murmured, focusing intently as he steadied his wand.
"Obliviate."
A rush of magic surged as Jakob flung himself into Berrow's mind.
He floated through the swirling world of Berrow's mind, memories appearing before him like screens in a vast, dark void. He sifted through them carefully, observing and manipulating them as needed.
He removed himself from the incriminating parts of the memories, erasing his involvement while allowing the rest of the events to remain intact. The scenes replayed as though untouched, only now missing key pieces that would tie him to Crow.
He knew this wouldn't hold forever. The blanks in the memories would eventually stand out, and Berrow's mind would begin to fill them with fabricated details. But for now, it would suffice—just long enough to complete his plan.
Satisfied, Jakob moved on to Finnius. His task here was simpler. The boy had genuinely been in the lavatory, making the changes easy to implement. Jakob replaced the bathroom memory with a planted thought: Finnius had been with Crow and Berrow. The gaps were small, almost imperceptible, and unlikely to draw suspicion for some time.
After completing his work, he whispered to the unconscious boys, his voice calm and commanding. "When you awake, you will walk into the common room and tell them what you believe is the truth."
Jakob stepped back, retreating behind another pillar. He raised his wand, aiming it toward the memory-altered boys. "Finite."
The effects of the stunning spell lifted. Berrow and Finnius blinked, looking around in confusion.
"Finnius, why are we standing here?" Berrow asked, frowning as he glanced at his surroundings.
"I don't know," Finnius replied, scratching his head. "But we should go inside, right? Weird to just stand here."
The two boys shuffled toward the Slytherin common room entrance, their steps hesitant but their minds accepting the implanted memories as real. Jakob waited until the stone door slid shut behind them before allowing himself a small, satisfied smile.
He reached into his mouth, spat out the ordinary pebble he'd taken from the castle grounds, and turned the smooth rock over in his hand. Smiling the slytherin thought with amusement, It's remarkable what a simple stone and a few lies can make people believe.
Tucking the pebble into his pocket, Jakob turned on his heel and decided to take a stroll outside. If the Aurors were questioning students in the common room, he might as well avoid the scene entirely.
The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped into the open grounds, the faint rustle of leaves and the distant call of an owl the only sounds breaking the stillness. The stars above cast a faint silver light across the castle's sprawling lawns, illuminating his way as he wandered without purpose.
After some time, Jakob spotted a bench overlooking the Hogwarts gate. With a faint sigh, he walked over and sat down, letting his body relax against the wooden backrest. His gaze rested idly on the gates in the distance as he took in the quiet moment, allowing himself the brief solace he needed after everything that had happened.
The peace was interrupted by the gentle crunch of footsteps on the grass. "Good evening, Heir Quade," came a voice that carried the calm authority of years.
"A night such as this often invites reflection, does it not? It is one of my own habits, you see, to stroll these grounds at this hour. However, I must admit, this is the first time I have encountered you here."
Jakob turned his head, his sharp green eyes meeting the twinkling blue ones of Albus Dumbledore. The headmaster stood a few feet away, his flowing robes swaying gently in the breeze.
Jakob immediately rose, a polite but guarded expression settling on his face. "Headmaster," he greeted smoothly, inclining his head. "I was merely taking a moment to clear my thoughts. If I am intruding on your routine—"
"Not at all," Dumbledore interrupted, his tone as light as it was firm. "I find that a shared moment of quiet can be far more enlightening than one spent in solitude. Please, sit." Without waiting for Jakob's response, Dumbledore eased himself onto the bench.
Jakob hesitated, glancing back toward the distant silhouette of the castle. Declining the headmaster's invitation would undoubtedly raise questions. With a barely perceptible sigh, he resumed his seat, adjusting his posture to show a sense of casual composure.
Dumbledore studied him briefly before speaking, his voice carrying its usual warmth. "It's a rare sight to see you outside the dungeons, Jakob. What drove you here tonight?"
Jakob offered a faint smirk, his sharp features illuminated by the starlight. "Let's just say the Slytherin common room can become... suffocating, on occasion. I hope that you'll keep that information between us, headmaster," he added with a dry chuckle.
Dumbledore chuckled softly in return, the sound genuine. "Your secret is quite safe with me," he assured. His gaze lingered on Jakob, kind but observing. "One might even say it is a talent of mine to guard secrets."
"Tell me," Dumbledore began, tilting his head slightly, "how did your first day with the after-school activity go?"
Jakob shrugged, his tone casual. "It went fine. Miss Granger helped quite a bit, but we could use more desks."
"Ah, practical concerns!" Dumbledore said with a soft chuckle, his nod as sure as if the desks were already being arranged. "Consider it done. You shall find them waiting for you the next time you visit your classroom. And if I might ask, do you and Miss Granger find yourselves getting along?"
Jakob narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the subtle intent in the headmaster's question. Still, he decided to reply with careful honesty. "Miss Granger and I get along well enough. Too well, perhaps, if my father were to hear of it. The last time her name came up, when he visited the school, it... didn't go so well."
His gaze drifted to the empty Quidditch pitch in the distance, letting the silence stretch.
Dumbledore's smile faded, his expression shifting to one of sympathy. He gave a slow, deliberate nod, acknowledging the unspoken weight behind Jakob's words.
"Ah, yes," he murmured, his voice carrying the faintest trace of sadness. "I see. some things are best left unspoken in certain situations. And yet," he continued, his tone lightening as he straightened slightly, "it is a curious thing, is it not? How friendships can take root in the most unexpected places. There is a lesson in that, should one choose to learn it."
Jakob's expression remained unchanged, his thoughts concealed behind his mask. Dumbledore, however, seemed unfazed by the silence, allowing it to linger as he followed Jakob's gaze to the distant Quidditch pitch where the boy's attention had drifted.
"What were you planning to do when you were done here, Mr. Quade? Returning to your common room?" Dumbledore asked, his tone light but curious.
Jakob shook his head. "I was thinking of visiting Hagrid again to see if he'd mind if I discussed something with him."
Dumbledore's eyebrows raised slightly. "Hagrid? I confess, I was not aware you and he had developed a connection."
"I've only been invited once," Jakob replied evenly, "and that meeting ended when Potter barged in, yelling at Hagrid about having a snake sitting at his table."
Dumbledore glanced toward the night sky, now veiled in darkness. "You are not quite the the traditional Slytherin, Mr. Quade. I dare say, it would be refreshing to see more of your housemates displaying the same open-mindedness."
Jakob chuckled softly, drawing the headmaster's attention back to him.
"Is something amusing, Mr. Quade?" Dumbledore asked, the familiar sparkle returning to his eyes.
"With all due respect, Headmaster," Jakob said with a dry smirk, "if they did, they might end up in the same position I am."
"And where might that be?" Dumbledore asked, tilting his head slightly, his curiosity growing.
Jakob gave a small shrug and sighed quietly. "It's not just Slytherin house that holds onto this pureblood thinking. There's a side of the wizarding world—an ideology—that remains, no matter who you are or where you're from. Even if you're a Muggle-born and only see it rarely, most purebloods would go to great lengths to protect it." He paused, his voice lowering. "The students here? They're honestly the least of my concerns. If word ever got out that I was a…" He raised his hands, curling his fingers into quotation marks. "...'Mudblood lover.'"
He let his hands drop again, his gaze drifting to the ground for a moment before flickering away,
Dumbledore's smile softened, giving way to a quiet, understanding expression. "Ah, yes," he murmured, his voice tinged with a sadness that seemed to stretch beyond the moment. "The burdens we carry are often invisible to those around us, Mr. Quade. Still, I hope you might find comfort in the knowledge that the choices you make here are your own."
Before Jakob could respond, the creak of the school gates echoed through the air, followed by the sound of voices—raised, urgent, and unmistakably tense. Both Jakob and the headmaster turned toward the noise.
The gates opened fully, and three Aurors emerged, flanking two boys in cuffs. A crowd of students and teachers followed behind, murmurs and whispers filling the air. Dumbledore stood from the bench, his expression unreadable, and walked toward the commotion.
"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, his tone calm but firm. "Why are these students under arrest?"
One of the Aurors stepped forward, motioning for Dumbledore to follow him away from the growing crowd.
Jakob, lingering close behind, kept quiet but stayed within earshot.
"We have all the evidence we need to confirm these two boys are responsible for the manslaughter of Mr. Crow," the Auror said firmly.
Dumbledore looked genuinely stunned. "What?"
"They lured him away from the school and into the Forbidden Forest," the Auror continued. "Once there, one of them stunned him in the back. One carried out the act, and the other orchestrated the plan. We've recovered Mr. Crow's body. It appears he was attacked by something—likely a snake—but the autopsy will provide more details."
Dumbledore took a step back, his usually composed demeanour faltering. "But why would they do such a thing?"
The Auror shrugged. "We can't say for certain. Perhaps they had a disagreement. We don't know their reasons, but we have enough evidence of their crime. They may not have intended for Mr. Crow to be attacked while he was stunned, but he was—and now he's dead."
The Auror's tone was cold and procedural as he delivered his final statement. "Mr Finnius and Mr Berrow will be taken to the Ministry to await trial—if a trial is even necessary."
Dumbledore could do little more than nod. "Very well," he said quietly.
The Auror turned back to his colleagues and gave a curt nod. "Alright, proceed as planned."
The group continued toward the gates, the two boys crying out in desperation, their pleas falling on deaf ears. The Aurors marched on, their faces set with grim determination, while the teachers and prefects worked to usher the remaining students back into the castle.
Jakob lingered, his gaze fixed on the two boys as they were led away. Their protests grew weaker and more desperate, but it didn't matter. Their lives as they knew them were over. Jakob's lips twitched into a faint, private smile.
Did you really think I would forgive you? Did you really think I would forget? Jakob thought as he watched the two boys disappear with the Aurors, their forms vanishing into the night with a soft pop of Apparition.
After being ushered inside the castle by the headmaster and instructed to return to his common room, Jakob merely nodded and followed the flow of students who had witnessed the commotion outside. The halls buzzed with whispers, the Hogwarts rumour mill working overtime, each retelling more exaggerated than the last.
"Did you hear? The Aurors said something about the two Slytherins wanting to kill other students too," a Gryffindor girl murmured suspiciously.
"I heard they've been up to all sorts of weird things—hurting animals and who knows what else. How could nobody see this coming?" a Hufflepuff boy said in exasperation.
Jakob kept to the back of the group, suppressing a laugh at their absurd conclusions. If there was one thing the rumours were good at, it was keeping people focused on anything but the truth. He stayed quiet, his expression neutral, letting the ridiculous tales grow and spiral without interference.
A smile crept onto his face once he descended into the dungeons and was finally alone. His steps lightened, almost turning into a skip as he made his way toward the Slytherin common room.
The room was packed, most of the house gathered in clusters, their hushed conversations cutting off when Jakob entered. Heads turned, eyes watching him like they were starving for answers, desperate for any scrap of information about what had happened. Jakob ignored them all, his face impassive, and walked straight through the room without a word.
He passed through the corridor leading to the dormitories, his steps unhurried but purposeful, and disappeared into his dorm, leaving the curious stares behind him.
In his dormitory, Jakob found the room empty, save for Saliza, curled up and sleeping comfortably in his bed.
"So, when I'm not here, you take the liberty of making yourself at home in my bed?" Jakob hissed softly as he lay down beside her, his finger tracing the smooth, cool pattern of her scales.
"I see this as my second bed," Saliza hissed back lazily, her golden eyes opening just slightly. "And I only use it when you and that... pet of yours aren't hogging it."
"Pet?" Jakob hissed, confused.
Saliza nuzzled her head against his hand, but before Jakob could ask further, a loud, insistent knock echoed through the dormitory.
"Quade!"
For fuck's sake, can't I be left alone for one bloody minute? Jakob thought irritably.
"I need a word with you. Now," came the voice from the other side of the door.
Sighing heavily, Jakob slipped Saliza into the folds of his robes, ensuring she was hidden, and walked over to the door. With an expression carefully crafted to mask his annoyance, he opened it.
There stood Damon, his sharp gaze fixed on Jakob with a suspicion that demanded no argument.
"Follow me," Damon said, his tone clipped, accompanied by a look that clearly conveyed you'd better do as I say.
"And where's the rest of your entourage? Or should I say, the mighty Slytherin Five?" Jakob asked, making no effort to move, his smirk firmly in place.
Damon clenched his jaw, visibly restraining himself from lashing out at the boy before him. "You listen to me, you bloody house traitor. You will follow my command; if I say jump, you don't question it. You only say—"
"How high," Jakob interrupted, his smirk widening. Damon paused, his composure faltering for just a second. Something in the second-year's eyes—a cold, unnerving glint—sent an unfamiliar chill crawling up the King's spine. It was fleeting but enough to make Damon hesitate before recovering and turning sharply on his heel.
"Come," Damon ordered, his tone firmer now, though it betrayed the slightest edge of unease.
Jakob sighed, his smirk fading just slightly, and fell into step behind Damon. They walked through the corridor and into the now-empty common room. Jakob noted the absence of students. No doubt emptied by the King himself, he thought.
Damon approached the door marked with the bold sign "KING" and grabbed the handle.
"Get inside," he commanded.
Jakob raised an eyebrow but didn't offer a retort this time, stepping inside without protest.
The King's Room was cast in shadow, its corners cloaked in a soft, ambient gloom.
Amy Frome stood in the centre, her wand drawn. Her piercing gaze darted to Jakob as he entered, though she held her silence.
Damon followed behind, locking the door with a sharp flick of his wand and adding a silencing spell for good measure. He turned to face Jakob, his expression unreadable.
Jakob leaned casually against the wall, his tone light and curious. "Well, this looks serious. Having only Miss Frome here tells me this isn't even a matter for the rest of the Slytherin Five. So, what's this about?"
"Sit," Damon commanded, gesturing sharply for Amy to keep her wand on Jakob. Without a word, Amy raised her wand, her face blank and unreadable, showing no sign of hesitation.
Jakob moved to the round table, sitting opposite the throne-like chair Damon now owned.
He leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed, a faint smirk forming on his lips as he watched them both.
"Alright," Damon began, lowering himself into the chair. He tried to sound calm, but the frustration shone like sunrays on a cloudy day. "Enough games. I know you know who Crow, Berrow, and Finnius are." He leaned forward, his hands gripping the armrests. "Tell me everything."
Jakob tilted his head slightly, his expression one of feigned confusion. "I'm sorry, I don't follow. What exactly are you asking me?"
Damon's eyes narrowed, and he cut a quick glance at Amy. "If he gives me another bullshit answer, curse him."
Amy nodded once, her wand still aimed at Jakob. Damon repeated his question, his voice sharper now. "What do you know about Crow, Berrow, and Finnius?"
Jakob's response was the same, his tone unwavering. "I've already told you—I don't know what you're talking about."
"Stop lying to me, Quade!" he barked, closing the distance between them in a few quick strides. Jakob stayed seated, calm and observant, as though Damon's anger amused him. "Those three have been my friends since before your worthless existence even started. Now tell me what you did!"
Jakob's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Ah, so the King has decided to act like a Gryffindor. Is it because you lost three friends who tried to kidnap me?"
Damon froze for a moment, the weight of Jakob's words sinking in. He turned his head sharply toward Amy, but her composure had cracked. Her wand lowered slightly as her eyes widened in disbelief.
"You… you ordered them to kidnap him?" she asked, her voice low, trembling with disbelief and shock.
Damon glared at her, sensing his control slipping. The frustration boiling inside him reached its breaking point. He grabbed Jakob by the collar, yanking him out of his chair, and slammed him hard against the wall.
"Do you think this is some kind of game?" Damon hissed, his voice seething with rage as he tightened his grip on Jakob's collar.
Jakob's eyes darkened, and his calm expression shifted. He hissed, the sound cold and unnatural. "Saliza, come out."
Damon froze, his body rigid as his eyes darted downward. From Jakob's robes, a sleek black snake slid out, her red eyes locking onto him with an unnerving focus. His breath hitched, shallow and uneven, as Saliza moved forward, slow and deliberate, like a predator savouring its prey.
She slithered smoothly from Jakob's chest onto Damon's arm, her scales gliding over his skin. When she reached his shoulder, Saliza lifted her head, jaws parting to reveal sharp, glistening fangs just inches from his cheek.
"Should I rip him apart?" Saliza hissed, leaning closer to Damon's neck. The King's eyes shut instinctively, his body stiffening as he realized he wouldn't be fast enough to grab his wand.
"No," Jakob hissed back, his tone calm and commanding. "Just make yourself comfortable. If he tries anything… restrict his breathing."
Saliza paused, then wrapped herself around Damon's neck, her grip prepar but ready.
"W...what the bloody hell is that? Are you speaking to it?" Damon stammered, his voice shaking as he looked at the dark-haired second-year in his grasp, searching for answers.
Jakob merely tilted his head slightly, remaining silent, his stillness shifting Damon's focus back to the black snake coiled around his neck.
Amy stepped forward. "It's a snake. Beautiful, isn't she?"
Damon turned his head slightly, his gaze landing on her as if only now realizing she was standing there.
"Amy… go and get help. I—" Damon's words cut off abruptly as Saliza tightened her grip momentarily, her sharp black scales rasping his skin.
"Seems like she's had enough of your talking," Amy said, moving behind him. Her hands slipped into his robes, searching quickly until she pulled out his wand.
Damon's shoulders slumped, and he winched slightly as he heard the sound of the wand hitting the stone floor, the echo of the wood meeting the cold surface, sealing his defeat.
"I trusted you. I trusted you more than anyone else. Why would you betray me?" Damon's voice cracked slightly, the betrayed frustration bleeding through his words.
Amy stepped closer, positioning herself beside Jakob. Her expression made it clear what she thought of her former friend. "You changed. You don't act like a Slytherin anymore. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe you never did. I hated watching you take something that was never yours to begin with. You were never meant to be part of the Slytherin Five. And you were never meant to be King."
Jakob calmly pried Damon's hand off his robes. "Damon, take a seat," he said, gesturing toward the chair. Saliza let out a low hiss, her red eyes fixed on the King. Damon hesitated but eventually sat, his movements slow and reluctant.
"I can honestly say I didn't kill Crow," Jakob began, his tone unnervingly casual. "The Aurors said Berrow and Finnius took him out into the forest, stunned him, and left him there. Apparently, he suffered bite wounds on his neck from a snake... and strangulation."
Jakob shrugged, though a smirk tugged at his lips, one that told Damon all he needed to know. Damon's eyes darted toward Saliza, the realization sinking in.
Amy glanced at Jakob, her brow furrowed, but when he met her gaze, the silent exchange between them was clear. Later.
"You won't get away with this. I…" Damon started, but the words caught in his throat as Saliza tightened her grip around his neck, opening her mouth to reveal her fangs just centimetres from his skin.
"No," Jakob hissed sharply. "Don't kill him."
"Why not?" Saliza hissed back, clearly confused.
"If we kill him, they'll know it was us. And then we'll be blamed for Crow's murder too," Jakob explained calmly.
Saliza let out a frustrated hiss but loosened her grip slightly.
"My apologies," Jakob said with a faint smirk. "Saliza isn't used to waiting this long before finishing her prey."
Damon swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly as he asked, "What do you want?"
Jakob's smirk widened. He walked over to Damon, sitting on a chair in front of him, to meet him at eye level.
"I want you to end your time here at Hogwarts," Jakob said firmly.
"Tomorrow, you will pack your bags and leave this school for good. You'll tell everyone that losing your classmates has made you distrust the teachers and headmaster for your safety, and that you'll be seeking education elsewhere."
Damon nodded, his face ashen. "Fine. Fine, just… take the snake off me, please."
Amy walked closer to Jakob, leaning in to whisper. "You can't trust him. The second he walks out of here, he'll tell everyone about us."
Jakob turned to her, a faint smile spreading across his face. "That's why it's good we're three."
Damon looked confused momentarily before the meaning of Jakob's words sank in. His gaze dropped to the floor as if the last shred of hope drained from him. Amy, noticing his defeated posture, smirked.
"You are a true Slytherin."
Jakob grabbed Damon's hand firmly, locking eyes with Amy as she raised her wand. With a sharp flick, she cast the spell that would seal their plan.
"Do you swear to never share any information, willingly or unwillingly, about what has happened in this room tonight, or about Jakob's secrets?" Amy asked, her gaze steady on Damon.
"I swear," Damon said, his voice strained. A burning golden chain materialized, encircling both boys' hands.
"Do you swear to leave this school in the morning and use the excuse Jakob just gave you for anyone who asks?" Amy continued.
"I swear," Damon repeated as another chain appeared, winding around their hands like the first.
Amy glanced briefly at Jakob before turning back to Damon. "And do you swear that if Jakob or I ever call on you for help in the future, you will answer, no matter the task?"
Jakob and Damon both reacted instantly—Jakob with raised eyebrows, Damon with a look of sheer panic.
"That wasn't—" Damon began, but his words were cut short as Saliza tightened her grip around his neck.
"I swear!" Damon gasped, the words forced out through strained breaths.
The final chain appeared, glowing brighter than the others. With a flick of Amy's wand, all three chains flared and burned into their hands, the marks searing briefly before vanishing altogether.
Saliza released her hold, slithering back to Jakob, settling comfortably on his shoulders.
"Amy, I think you need to heal that. He almost looks like Crow," Jakob said, gesturing casually toward the dark bruises forming on Damon's neck.
Amy nodded and raised her wand. With a quick incantation, the bruises faded, leaving Damon's skin smooth again.
"So, how is the throne transferred?" Jakob asked, his focus now shifting.
"I'm next in line," Amy replied. "Damon and I were the only ones selected for the final vote."
"Perfect!" Jakob said, clapping his hands together once as if everything had fallen neatly into place.
"Now, Damon," Jakob continued, his voice steady, "it's been a pleasure speaking with you this evening, but I'd like to have a word with my Queen here. Go to your room, start packing, and write that letter."
Damon glared at Amy briefly but didn't respond. He stood, his movements stiff, and walked toward the room to the left. The door closed behind him with a quiet thud, leaving Jakob and Amy alone.
"It's done. You have your throne," Jakob said, looking at Amy as she finished resilencing the door to her new room.
"Why did you do it?" Amy asked, turning to face him, her expression unreadable.
Jakob sighed and sank into the chair. Saliza slithered down to her new Queen, who smiled faintly and allowed the snake to climb up onto her shoulders.
"Damon told the three of them to scare me," Jakob began. "So the three idiots ambushed me and tied me to a chair in one of the abandoned classrooms down in the dungeons. They started by drowning me with cold water, but then realized someone had forgotten to blind my eyes. They panicked, and Crow kicked me to the ground. The highlight of the evening was when Crow cursed me with the Cruciatus Curse."
Amy, who had been looking at him sternly, her questions lingering in her gaze, suddenly froze. Her expression shifted to shock, and without hesitation, she knelt and grabbed his hand. She opened her mouth to speak, but Jakob cut her off.
"It's fine. It hurt a lot, more than you can ever imagine… but it's fine," he said with a hollow chuckle. "Anyway, then they decided to leave me there to die. They knew I'd talk if they let me go free." He paused, his smirk curling into something darker. "Crow was going to leave me there to die. He and the other two were too cowardly to finish the job," he continued, his voice rising angrily. It was as if he was speaking more to himself now than to her. "They were going to leave me there to rot in an unmarked classroom. They didn't even know me. They were so desperate to cover their tracks, so hasty to abandon me, all because they were worried about their precious future."
"But you got them back," Amy said softly, squeezing his hand in quiet support.
Jakob's eyes flicked back to hers. "Yeah… they got what they deserved. Cowards."
Amy studied him. She could tell he hadn't taken it well—how could he?
The Cruciatus Curse was unforgivable for a reason. Even if Jakob would never admit it, that curse left scars. People rarely came out unscathed, and prolonged exposure almost always broke them entirely. The fact that Jakob had endured it and survived without falling apart spoke to his strength, but even that had limits.
"What really happened, Jake? After you got free." Amy asked softly, her voice filled with care as she offered him a supportive smile. He needed to vent this, or it would one day swallow him whole.
Jakob sighed, meeting her eyes, silently questioning if she truly wanted to hear it. When she didn't waver, he snorted lightly.
"It's funny… what I can do to people who think my life isn't worth the dirt under their boots," he said with a low voice. Their eye contact, his jaw tightening. "They wanted me dead, but I don't die that easily."
His tone darkened as he continued, the hate bubbling just under the surface. "I managed to get Berrow alone. I told him to take Crow into the forest, stun him, and leave him there. A little motivation was all it took. He followed orders like the obedient little puppy he was. Once I had Crow alone… that's when I got my revenge."
Amy didn't say anything, but her steady gaze stayed fixed on him.
"I told him to run, to run like he was being hunted," Jakob continued, his voice shifting, filled with cold satisfaction.
"I wanted to see the fear. The desperation. And I wasn't disappointed," Jakob said with a casual shrug. "Saliza was faster, of course. When he was on the ground, gasping for air, I looked him in the eyes as he died."
Amy released his hand and gently brushed her fingers against his cheek. She tried to hide the unease creeping over her as she noticed a faint black mist swirling around him, like an aura she couldn't quite explain.
"I looked him in the eyes," Jakob repeated, his voice soft yet disturbingly calm, "and I saw the panic fade bit by bit. It was… wonderful." A faint smile curled his lips, his gaze unfocused and distant, as if he were reliving the memory, savouring every second with an intensity that didn't quite feel human.
"Jakob, stop! You are showing her your darkness!" hissed Saliza.
Jakob froze, snapping out of the memory he had been so deeply consumed by. His eyes darted around, noticing the faint mist retreating into him like a living shadow. He blinked and looked down at Saliza, who was now on the ground, her red eyes flicking nervously between him and Amy. The snake coiled slightly, ready to defend her youngling if Amy reacted in a way that threatened him.
Jakob glanced at the older girl, uncertainty flickering across his face.
She was no longer staring at the retreating mist in wonder. Her gaze was fixed entirely on him, her face awash with astonishment. For a moment, their eyes met, and the way she looked at him was unlike anything he'd seen before—something he couldn't place, leaving him uneasy.
"Amy… I…" Jakob started, his voice uncertain, barely above a whisper.
Before he could finish, Amy stepped forward, closing the space between them, and kissed him. The suddenness of it caught him off guard, but she didn't hesitate. She moved closer, sliding onto his lap and straddling him as her kisses grew deeper and more intense, her fingers threading through his hair.
Jakob hesitated for only a moment before responding. One of his hands moved to the back of her head, pulling her closer, while the other settled firmly on her lower back, holding her in place as he kissed her back with equal fervour.
Her kisses became hungrier, each one more urgent than the last. Amy parted her lips, her tongue lightly brushing against his, sending a sharp, electric shiver coursing down his spine. Instinctively, Jakob tightened his grip, pressing her closer against him. That soft, breathy sound escaped her again—the sound that stirred something deep within him, something he hadn't realized until now how much he craved.
Their tongues met, tentative at first but quickly growing bolder, each movement driving the intensity higher. Amy shifted against him, her slow, deliberate rhythm making him sharply aware of her Hogwarts uniform—of the skirt she wore and the absence of anything beneath it save for her underwear.
Their breaths mingled, growing heavier and faster as her pace quickened. The friction of her grinding against him sent a rush of heat through him, leaving him unable to focus on anything but the overwhelming sensation. A low, involuntary sound escaped his lips as her already quick movements pressed harder against him as if gravity itself had grown stronger.
Amy, caught in her own haze of pleasure as she used him to hit just the right spot, released soft, breathy sounds with each shift of her body, ignoring the strain building in her stomach muscles.
Their kisses became frantic and consuming as the line between control and surrender dissolved completely with every touch and motion.
And then, like a sudden tether to reality, Amy began to slow. Her movements eased into something softer, her breathing still rapid but more even, as she gradually pulled back, her forehead resting lightly against his.
A faint smile crept across the newly crowned Queen's flushed face, her lips red and slightly swollen.
Jakob remained still, his expression one of blissful satisfaction, though the fire still burned in his gaze. The healing shard within him left his skin untouched by the marks of their passion, but it did nothing to mask the heat radiating from him at that moment.
"I really enjoyed that. Have you done that before?" Amy asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Jakob shook his head, still trying to catch his breath. "Never… I'm just a second year, remember?"
Amy laughed, leaning back slightly. "Sometimes I forget," she said, her smirk widening, a hint of playful mischief in her expression. "If you don't want the big, bad upper year to keep harassing you…"
Jakob cut her off by kissing her again, his hands pulling her closer. They stayed like that for a while longer, their kisses lingering before Amy finally broke away.
"We need to get going," she said, brushing her hair back and adjusting her uniform. "I'd suggest I leave first. You might want to… calm down a little."
"Why would I need to calm down? I'm fine," Jakob replied, frowning slightly.
"Oh, I don't know," Amy said with a smirk, leaning in close. "Maybe it's because something might give away that you had a good time?" She shifted slightly, pressing forward against him to make her point.
Jakob, who hadn't noticed until that moment, glanced down and saw Amy's skirt draped over him. His face turned a deep red as realization struck.
"It's okay," Amy said, clearly enjoying his embarrassment. She winked at him and leaned in for one more quick kiss before standing up. "It made me enjoy it so much more," Amy said with a sly smile before walking out of the room, leaving Jakob alone to gather himself.
"Are you done mating?" Saliza asked, slithering up onto the table and settling beside him.
"For fuck's sake, Saliza!" Jakob groaned, his voice echoing in exasperation. "For the thousandth time, we did not mate!" he hissed back.
Saliza, completely unfazed, tilted her head. "Looked like it to me. You were all tangled up and slithering over each other."
Jakob pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something incoherent. He couldn't believe he was having this conversation again. "Yes, fine, maybe… but it takes a lot more than that to be mating!" He waved a hand dismissively before quickly adding, "And I'm too young, anyway!"
Saliza let out a series of hisses that Jakob instantly recognized as her version of giggles. "I like her," she said smugly. "I approve of this mating."
Jakob threw his hands up. "Oh, well, thank Merlin! Because that's exactly what I needed—my snake's approval!" he said sarcastically, but it only made Saliza hiss with more amusement.
He sat there for what felt like an eternity, running his hand through his hair and wishing the ground would swallow him whole. Finally, he stood, scooping Saliza up and tucking her back into his robes.
"You really need to find a hobby that doesn't involve embarrassing me," Jakob muttered, opening the door and stepping through with a shake of his head before heading out and back to his room.
Standing outside his dorm, he pushed the door open to find Pansy seated at her desk, her head bent over parchment as her quill scratched steadily across the surface. Jakob let Saliza down from his shoulders, watching as the snake slithered up to the windowsill, pausing briefly before slipping out to explore the grounds beyond.
Hearing the door, Pansy turned around. She stood, walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
"I was worried that Damon had…" she began, but her voice trailed off as she pulled back slightly and tilted her head, sniffing. "You smell… different. Is that perfume?" she asked, frowning as she leaned closer to confirm.
Jakob stiffened and quickly broke the hug, looking away. "Um, yeah, it is," he said, brushing past her toward the bed. He lay down, hoping to avoid further questioning.
"Whose is it?" Pansy asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion as she watched him avoid her gaze.
"Why so curious?" Jakob asked, trying to sound casual but failing to meet her eyes.
"It's not Daphne's. I know that much," Pansy pressed. "So, who have you been with?"
Jakob turned his head toward her, his expression hardening slightly. "Why does it matter?" he shot back.
"What's going on with you, Jakob?" Pansy demanded, stepping closer. "You wouldn't talk to me about whatever that happened yesterday, and I let that go. But now you're keeping this from me aswell?"
Jakob groaned and got to his feet, his patience wearing thin. "Do I have to tell you everything about everything?" he said, his voice rising.
"No," Pansy replied, her voice just as loud now, "but you don't have to be such a jerk about it!"
"I have a life outside this room too, you know!" Jakob snapped. "Not everyone has it as easy as you do!"
Pansy's expression hardened further. "What do you mean, easy?" she demanded.
"Oh, I don't know!" Jakob said bitterly, his anger boiling over. "Maybe having a crush on one guy and then getting a roommate you can use for everything your boyfriend doesn't do for you! Because that's what I am to you, isn't it? A bloody pillow for you to cry on!"
The words hit her like a slap, but Pansy, now red with anger, retaliated with an actual one. The sound of her palm meeting his cheek echoed in the room, and Jakob froze for a moment, his eyes wide with surprise.
Then, in the blink of an eye, he grabbed her wrists and pushed her back against the wall, leaning in close. "Say you're sorry," he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.
Pansy's eyes filled with tears, but the fire in her glare didn't fade. "Never," she spat, her voice trembling but unbroken.
Jakob challenged her gaze, his breathing heavy as the moment stretched. Then, something shifted. Her expression, defiant as it was, held something else—pain. Not just emotional but physical. He glanced up, his focus shifting to where his hands gripped her wrists. His stomach sank when he realized how tightly he was holding her.
He let go abruptly, stepping back as she pulled her arms to her chest, cradling her wrists. Jakob's eyes fell to the angry red marks on her skin, his chest tightening at the sight. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration and regret crashing over him in waves. For a moment, he couldn't meet her eyes, the shame too much for him to face.
"Pansy, I'm sorry. My body and hormones are acting weird," Jakob said quickly, his words tumbling awkwardly. She didn't respond. Instead, she turned away, retreating to her side of the bed. Without a word, she pulled the covers over herself, burying her face beneath them.
Jakob sighed, the weight of his actions settling heavily on his shoulders. Slowly, he approached the bed, listening to the soft, muffled sound of her crying from under the blanket. He lay down beside her, hesitating before reaching for the covers, only for her to pull them tighter.
"Pansy," he said, his voice low and tinged with regret. "I know I've been acting strange. I have my reasons for that. But there's no excuse for me to hurt you like I did, and I'm sorry. If I could take it back, I would. In a heartbeat."
There was a long silence, and then he heard her faint voice from under the blanket. "I'm sorry for slapping you."
Jakob gently pulled the covers again, and this time, she let him in. He slid under the blanket, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Her body stiffened for a moment, but then he felt her hand reach for his, holding it tightly. Her crying softened, the tremble in her breaths fading as she calmed down.
"This was the first time I've ever made you cry," Jakob whispered. "And I hated it." He pulled her closer, his arms steadying her as she let out a shaky breath.
Pansy shifted, turning to face him. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I don't want us to fight like that again," she said softly, her voice barely audible.
"Neither do I," Jakob replied, nodding against her.
They lay in silence for a while, their breathing the only sound in the room. Eventually, the need for air forced them to push the covers back. Jakob turned to her, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. It had stuck to her cheek, still damp from her tears.
His smile was softer now, but there was something in it—something warm and reassuring. Pansy felt her chest tighten as she caught his eyes.
"Pansy, answer my question, and I'll tell you whose perfume it is."
She broke his eye contact briefly, her gaze falling as she nodded. Subtly, she shifted closer, their faces so near he could feel her breath.
"Why did you sound so accusing when you asked me about the perfume?" Jakob asked, his voice quieter now.
Pansy kept her eyes on the blanket, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern. "I'm a hypocrite for saying this," she began, with a hint of regret, "but I think I got jealous. Just knowing another girl got that close to you…"
"Close to me?" Jakob echoed, his brow furrowing slightly.
She nodded, her gaze finally lifting to meet his, though only briefly. "I guess I've been spoiled. I always thought I was the girl closest to you, and smelling that perfume made me realize… someone else has been just as close."
"Does it matter to you about other girls being close to me?" Jakob asked, his voice hesitant. His hand rested lightly on her arm, her skin slightly cooler than his. "I mean, you have Draco and—"
"I know," Pansy interrupted, her tone flat with a hint of hopelessness in it. "I have Draco, and I shouldn't even be doing this with you. So what right do I have to be jealous about you being close to someone else?"
Jakob sighed, letting his head fall against the pillow, the bedframe creaking slightly from the movement. "Well... I get jealous of Draco sometimes," he admitted, his voice quieter.
Pansy's head lifted slightly, and she gave him a sceptical look. "Really?"
"Are you kidding?" Jakob replied with a soft laugh, running a finger idly along her forearm. "At the train, you walked straight over to him, and for a split second, I actually thought you were coming to me."
Pansy frowned, her expression shifting as a flicker of shame crossed her face. Her gaze dropped to the blanket. "I had to," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "They would have known otherwise."
Jakob shifted, sliding his hand under her chin to tilt her face toward his. "I know. And I agree with why you did it. But that doesn't mean I don't get jealous... just like you."
She let out a small sigh, leaning into his hand briefly before tilting her head back slightly. "So… who is it?" she asked, her voice quieter now, as though she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to hear the answer.
Jakob hesitated. He didn't know how she'd react, and how she looked at him right now didn't make matters easier. Finally, after a deep breath, he looked her directly in the eyes.
"It's Amy Frome's."