Author's Note:
A huge thank you to Maitre Inquisiteur for the kind reviews. You're amazing! And another shoutout to Oioioioioi785 for your continued support. It's always great seeing you stick with me on this journey!
Your reviews are a huge motivation boost and trust me, that means a lot coming from someone juggling work, two kids, and writing in the strangest places and positions. I appreciate you all! Hope you have a fantastic day!
If you enjoy the story, don't forget to like, follow, and leave a review.
Now, let's get to it!
Chapter 43: America and a Mysterious Cave
The moment they arrived, Jakob's sharp gaze swept over his surroundings.
They stood inside a massive, square-shaped building, its architecture different from anything he had seen before. He glanced upward, expecting to see a ceiling, but it stretched so high into the darkness that he couldn't make it out.
Lowering his eyes, he took in the movement around them, witches and wizards passing by in a steady stream, their attire noticeably different from what he was used to in Britain. Some wore crisp suits with long coats, others dressed in practical, modern robes, their designs sleeker, less traditional.
So this is American wizarding fashion.
Most were too occupied with their own affairs to acknowledge the new arrivals, but one man in a well-fitted blue suit and matching hat broke away from the crowd, walking toward them with purpose.
"Welcome to America," he greeted smoothly. "And welcome to MACUSA."
His gaze swept over the group before settling on Lucius.
"My name is Elliot Alves."
Lucius extended his hand, shaking the man's hand with a formal grip.
"It's a pleasure to see you again."
Alves inclined his head slightly at lord Malfoys greeting, giving him a warm "likewise, Lord Malfoy" before gesturing for the group to follow.
"As an honoured guest in our country, you will be taken by carriage and Thestral to the resort where you will be staying," Alves explained, waiting for Lucius to approve before continuing. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
Lucius and Narcissa immediately fell into conversation with the man, discussing the details of their planned travels and the resources they might need.
While the adults continued their conversation, Jakob let his gaze wander, taking in everything around him.
His eyes landed on a large crest displayed prominently across the hall. A large white bald eagle with its wings spread wide, with the American flag woven into its design.
Below it, bold lettering spelt out:
Magical Congress of the United States of America.
MACUSA.
So, this was America's equivalent of the Ministry of Magic.
Jakob hummed quietly to himself before looking ahead, his gaze catching on a series of statues positioned further down the hall.
Each figure was carved in striking detail, wands raised in aggressive stances as if frozen mid-battle.
He lifted an impressed and curious eyebrow. "Excuse me, Mr. Alves," Jakob said, interrupting the three adults. "What is the meaning of that statue over there?"
The group instinctively turned their attention toward the statue, and Alves smiled, seemingly pleased by the question.
"When America was founded, witches and wizards from all over the world traveled here," he explained, motioning for them to follow as he led them toward the statue.
Jakob studied the stone figures more closely now. The detail in their robes, the aggressive expressions etched into their faces.
Draco, who had been studying the statues with mild interest, finally spoke.
"Is that them?" he asked, nodding toward the imposing figures.
Alves chuckled, shaking his head.
"No, Heir Malfoy," he corrected smoothly. "They might have started with good intentions, but absolute power breeds greed."
He gestured toward the statues, his expression darkening slightly.
"With no government to keep them in check, the Scourers, as they called themselves, became worse than the criminals they hunted. Corrupt, violent, untouchable. They turned on their own, abusing their authority to the point where they became feared rather than respected."
His tone dropped slightly, almost as if discussing something distasteful.
"And that," Alves continued, "in turn, led to the witch trials you might have heard about."
"We've planned to visit Salem," Pansy chimed in.
Alves turned to her with a knowing smile and gave a small nod.
"See that you do, young miss," he said. "But be careful while you're there. That place is steeped in dark magic… and many tormented souls still wander its grounds."
Jakob was about to question the American, but the older man seamlessly steered the conversation back to his story before he had the chance.
"When everything seemed hopeless, MACUSA was formed," he continued, his voice taking on that reverence tone he had moments before. "These brave heroes took up the mantle to become the first true Aurors and fought for the freedom we all can experience today."
Jakob listened, feeling his initial curiosity shift into something closer to genuine interest as Alves continued.
Jakob noticed a gleam in the bottom of the statue and slowly stepped forward, his gaze settling on a polished plaque. It listed names, names of those who had supposedly shaped wizarding America, the so-called heroes Alves had just spoken of.
His eyes skimmed over them. The names were unfamiliar and irrelevant until one name made him stop, making Jakob's brow frown.
Abraham Potter. Of course, it had to be a Potter.
The group stepped into the elevator, feeling the slight jolt as it ascended higher into the massive building. They stood in silence for a few moments, letting the steady hum of the lift fill the silence.
Then, with a soft chime, the doors slid open.
They stepped out into a vast open chamber where a large, sleek black carriage awaited them.
Jakob's eyes swept the room, noting something odd. The far wall, the one that should have been there, was missing entirely. Instead, the floor extended outward, seamlessly merging into open air.
His gaze shifted to the front of the carriage, where six Thestrals stood waiting for them, their skeletal frames shifting as they rustled their leathery wings.
Pansy frowned as she glanced around. "Where are the Thestrals?" she asked confused.
Already moving closer, Jakob reached out his hand and patted one of the creatures on the snout.
"Only those who have seen death can see them," he answered, his fingers running over what appeared to be empty air to the others.
Pansy's expression flickered for a moment, a sadness briefly showing as she understood exactly why Jakob could see them before she schooled her expression.
The teenage girl stepped into the carriage without another word, following Draco and Theo inside.
Only Narcissa remained, standing beside Jakob as he gave the thestral one last pat before turning towards the carriage.
She hesitated before speaking.
"And how is it that you can see them, dear?" She questioned softly.
Jakob shrugged, giving her a happy, clueless smile.
"I don't know," he admitted. Then, glancing back at the creature beside him, he ran a slow hand down its neck. "But I'm not complaining, they're beautiful."
Narcissa's gaze followed his, her blue eyes settling on the invisible creatures she saw were there.
"Yes," she murmured with a quiet sadness in her voice. "I can tell that as well."
When Jakob stepped inside, he immediately noticed the subtle pull of an Expansion Charm. The carriage's interior was far more spacious than it appeared from the outside, resembling a small sitting room lined with windows that offered a view of the sky beyond.
Beside each window, there were two seats nearly arranged. His eyes landed on Draco and Theo, sitting together in the middle, both leaning toward the glass, engrossed in whatever they were watching outside.
Jakob sighed inwardly.
Why do they act like a married couple?
His gaze flickered toward Pansy, who sat by herself. The two boys, as usual, were locked in their own world, completely oblivious to how rude they actually behaved.
Could they not include her just a little?
Shaking off his irritation, Jakob turned his eyes toward Lord Malfoy, who sat at the very front of the carriage. Unlike the others, he wasn't seated near the side windows but instead gazed out through a large, charmed glass pane at the front with his back turned to them.
He looked entirely at ease, watching the sky stretch out before them as if he had far more important things to consider than teenage dynamics.
Jakob made his way toward the back of the carriage, barely acknowledging Draco and Theo with a nod when they eagerly pointed at something outside. Whatever had caught their attention, he wasn't particularly interested.
Instead, he slipped into the seat beside Pansy.
The moment he sat down, she discreetly reached for his hand, her fingers weaving through his as she let out a soft sigh of relief.
Jakob glanced at her, feeling the tension in her grip.
"I'm sorry about them," he murmured, tilting his head slightly toward Draco and Theo as Pansy gave him a questioning look. "Draco can be a bit—"
"It's fine," she interrupted in a quiet whisper, though there was an unmistakable edge to it.
Then, after a second or two, she tightened her hold on his fingers.
"Just… don't you dare do it, okay?" she asked, trying to sound firm, but Jakob could hear the slight worry beneath her words.
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and shook his head, his voice just as quiet.
"Never."
Pansy exhaled, her expression softening into a smile, one that, for a brief moment, made it seem like everything was as it should be.
She didn't let go of his hand. Instead, she shifted her gaze out of the window, still holding onto him, wanting to make sure they shared this moment together.
After a few minutes, Alves stepped halfway inside the carriage, his presence breaking through the quiet atmosphere.
"The ride will take seven hours," he announced. "Make yourselves comfortable. Drinks and snacks will be served upon request, lunch will be served in one and a half hours, and dinner in five."
Draco frowned.
"Won't the Muggles see us?" he asked sceptically.
Alves chuckled, shaking his head.
"No-Maj aren't the smartest people," he replied with an amused smirk. "They won't see anything."
With that, he tipped his hat toward Lucius and Narcissa, who both inclined their heads in acknowledgement before stepping back out, leaving them on their journey.
"No-Maj?" Draco repeated, frowning at Theo. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It's what they call Muggles here," Jakob answered from further back.
Both boys turned toward him at the same time. Without missing a beat, Pansy discreetly tucked their intertwined hands beneath her robe, pretending to be engrossed in the view outside.
Theo raised an eyebrow. "And you just happened to know that?"
Before Jakob could reply, Draco scoffed.
"Of course he does. Jake probably read an entire bloody book on America before we even left."
From the front of the carriage, Lucius spoke without even turning around.
"As you should have, Draco."
Draco stiffened, wincing slightly before casting a pleading look toward his best friend.
Jakob simply raised his free hand in a slow, disbeliefed gesture.
"How?" his expression all but said.
The carriage suddenly lurched forward, causing everyone to jerk slightly as it began rolling toward the platform's edge.
Jakob felt the shift beneath him, the way gravity seemed to pull just a little harder before they lifted off.
The floor of the platform vanished beneath them, and in an instant, they were airborne, soaring into the sky.
Jakob, seated beside Pansy, instinctively leaned closer to the window, watching as the towering Woolworth Building shrank behind them, its grand facade disappearing into the distance.
The others, drawn by the view, turned their attention to the sprawling city below.
New York stretched beneath them, an endless sea of movement and lights. The massive skyscrapers, once imposing from the ground, now looked smaller as the carriage continued to ascend, carrying them higher into the open sky.
"Did Muggles build these?" Pansy whispered to Jakob in quiet, awed disbelief.
He nodded, meeting her eyes before leaning in to whisper back.
"You see what I mean?"
She didn't answer right away, but he felt her fingers tighten around his.
He knew exactly what was going through her mind, what she remembered.
The picture he had shown her of the nuclear bomb. The very reason why wizards should fear Muggles.
The carriage soared higher, leaving the towering cityscape behind at a staggering speed. Soon, the sprawling world below vanished entirely, swallowed by a thick sea of clouds as they ascended into the open sky.
Then, as if seamlessly charmed, the carriage's interior shifted. The plush seating rearranged itself, seamlessly expanding into an elegant dining space.
A moment later, lunch appeared before them, grilled steak with herbed potatoes, roasted vegetables drizzled with a savoury sauce, and freshly baked bread served alongside creamy butter. A selection of enchanted goblets filled themselves with cold pumpkin juice, sparkling water, or a deep red wine for the adults.
The group wasted no time, indulging in their meal as the carriage maintained its steady flight across the sky.
"Father, why did we choose this way of transportation?" Draco asked, glancing around the opulent carriage.
Lucius barely paused, slicing neatly into his steak before answering.
"Because, Draco, this is one of the many honors MACUSA has granted us," he said smoothly. "This form of travel is typically reserved for high-ranking officials within their government. However, as I have certain contacts here, they have ensured we receive the proper level of respect."
Draco looked mildly surprised, as did the rest of the teenagers.
Lucius took a sip from his goblet before adding, "After lunch, your mother and I will be closing off our section of the carriage. We are not to be disturbed. Is that understood?"
Draco gave a quick nod, returning to his meal without question.
Jakob, meanwhile, noted the slightest twitch in Narcissa's corner lip but remained silent, focusing instead on finishing his food.
As the hours passed, the golden light filtering through the windows shifted, marking the steady progression of the day.
Jakob sat with his back against the seat, absorbed in the book Bellatrix had given him.
The further he read, the more demanding the contents became, spell chains that required faster casting, sharper precision, and harder execution. The physical exercises detailed alongside them were equally brutal, meant to push the body way past its limits.
Jakob cleared his throat and slightly shifted as he turned another page.
Of course, Bellatrix wouldn't give him something that is actually doable.
"What are you reading?" Pansy asked, barely looking up from her own magazine. Unlike Jakob, who was buried in something undoubtedly complex, she was flipping through the latest issue of Witch Weekly—a choice Jakob was certain had very little educational value.
"A book about how to get stronger," Jakob answered, flipping a page without glancing up.
Pansy sighed, shaking her head. "Every book you read is about getting stronger."
Jakob smirked, slightly lowering the book as he observed her for a second before raising an eyebrow.
"I could always switch to a book on tickling techniques if that would make you happier?"
Pansy rolled her eyes and swatted his shoulder with her magazine, but she couldn't quite hide the amused smile tugging at her lips as she refocused on whatever gossip had caught her attention.
As the golden hues of evening stretched across the sky, the carriage began its descent. The smooth ride shifted, and soon, the wheels touched solid ground, rolling to a gentle stop.
Lucius stood first, brushing off his robes before stepping toward the exit. Narcissa followed with effortless grace, her posture as composed as ever.
Draco stretched his arms with a satisfied sigh. "Finally," he muttered. "Seven hours sitting still was torture."
"Try reading a book," Jakob mused, flipping his shut before tucking it under his arm.
Pansy smirked. "Or don't and just accept that your attention span is awful."
Draco shot her a look but didn't argue.
The carriage doors swung open, revealing a set of descending steps. One by one, they stepped out, their shoes hitting soft ground instead of the expected stone or pavement.
Jakob felt the shift beneath him immediately—the fine grains of sand sinking slightly under his weight.
The moment he lifted his gaze, he took in the breathtaking view before him.
The ocean stretched out endlessly, its deep blue waters reflecting the last rays of the setting sun, turning the waves into streaks of gold and crimson. Palm trees lined the shore, their tall silhouettes swaying slightly in the warm, salt-tinged breeze. The air itself felt different, lighter, carrying the scent of the sea and tropical flowers instead of the usual dampness of Britain.
It was nothing like home.
"Welcome to Hawaii," Narcissa said with a small smile, her voice carrying just a hint of amusement as she watched the teenagers take in the sight.
Draco, for once, looked too awestruck to complain. Pansy tucked her hair behind her ear, wanting to but restraining herself from gripping Jakob's hand as she observed the surroundings. Theo exhaled, looking impressed but keeping his reaction subdued.
Jakob, however, said nothing, just took it in, letting the beauty of it all settle before nudging Pansy a little and offering a faint smile.
This was going to be very different from what he was used to.
"This is definitely not something you'd see in our country," Draco muttered, still looking around in mild disbelief.
Lucius, unfazed, removed his wand from the head of his walking cane and gave a precise flick. The loose sand beneath their feet instantly solidified into a smooth, paved path toward the grand estate ahead.
Without a word, Lord and Lady Malfoy began walking toward the mansion, their presence as composed as ever. The others followed suit, though Jakob lingered for just a moment, casting one last glance at the beach as the rolling waves, the warm glow of the sunset painted the horizon.
"Jakob come on!"
Jakob turned at Pansy's voice, smirking slightly towards her before stepping in line with the group. Together, they ascended the gentle incline into the lush forest that framed the estate.
The mansion stood tall and proud, its pristine white exterior gleaming even under the fading daylight. Round pillars lined the entrance, holding up grand archways that gave the entire structure an imposing and grand elegance.
As they approached, a line of house elves stood waiting at the entrance, each dressed in tailored attire. One wore the crisp white uniform of a chef, another a pristine maid's dress, and others had their own uniquely fitted garments, totally different from how house-elves were typically kept in Britain.
The moment they stepped inside, three of the elves rushed forward, their small hands reaching for their luggage. With a synchronized snap of their fingers, they vanished, bags and all disappearing to wherever they were meant to be placed.
Jakob barely had a moment to process it before stepping fully into the large entrance hall.
The white marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, reflecting the golden light of the chandeliers above. Just beyond the entrance, a vast dining area stretched out before them, its floor-to-ceiling windows fully open, offering an unfiltered view of the dense, emerald-green forest surrounding the estate.
The scenery outside was alive, the sound of rustling leaves, distant waves, and tropical birds blending together, creating something so wild and untamed yet undeniably serene.
Two spiral staircases curved upwards on either side of the Gran Hall, leading to the upper floors.
Lucius Malfoy turned to face the group.
"This will be our home for the next two weeks," he stated, his cool gaze sweeping over the teenagers. "I have spoken with Jakob regarding the various excursions you all plan to take, and I have made the necessary arrangements."
He paused, then continued in a firm and dismissive tone.
"My Lady and I have no intention of monitoring your every move. You are no longer children, it is time you learn to manage yourselves accordingly."
With a flick of his wrist, he produced several golden coins, each one blank and polished to a near mirror-like shine.
"Take these."
He handed a coin to each of them, waiting as they examined them curiously.
"If you require assistance in an emergency during your travels, hold the coin in your palm and say, Hawaii," Lucius explained. "It will transport you directly back here."
His sharp eyes met each of theirs.
"This is not a toy. It is very expensive and will only work once. Do not waste it unless absolutely necessary."
The teenagers, who had only expected some freedom, exchanged glances for a brief moment. The realization that they weren't just getting some liberty. They were essentially being left to their own devices.
Draco smirked. Theo looked intrigued. Pansy's lips curled into a pleased smile.
It was like Christmas had come early.
"Thank you, Lord Malfoy," Jakob said, inclining his head respectfully.
The others followed suit, echoing their gratitude.
Narcissa observed the group with a small, satisfied smile. Having Jakob with Draco and the others meant they would be safe, and she and Lucius would finally get some well-deserved rest.
Aside from the rare stolen hours between obligations, it had been far too long since the two of them had truly had time for themselves. The Wizengamot, Lucius's business dealings, and the constant manoeuvring required to maintain their family's influence took up nearly all of his time. And when he was home, his mind was still occupied with future projects, carefully laid-out plans that required his full attention.
That was precisely why, when Draco had first come home with his and Jakob's plans for the summer, Narcissa had all but insisted they take the trip.
Lucius, predictably, had tried to protest. He was swamped, he had claimed—far too busy to leave England for such an extended period. But Narcissa had stood firm. She didn't deny that he had responsibilities, but she also knew that they needed this. Time away from politics, from expectations, from the constant weight of their roles.
They hadn't had this much time together since Draco was born.
And now, as she glanced over at her husband, she knew she had been right.
There was a subtle but unmistakable glint in Lucius's eyes. That same quiet spark his son had when waking up on Christmas morning or his birthday, except Lucius, of course, tried to hide it better.
But she could see it.
And for the first time in years, they would finally have time to enjoy it.
"Your rooms are located on the west side," Lucius informed them in a clipped, efficient tone. "There are two rooms down this corridor and two more up that staircase."
With that, he turned, offering no further discussion as he walked away with Narcissa by his side, leaving the teenagers standing in a loose circle.
Theo glanced around. "Should we do like we do at school?" he asked, giving Draco a glance.
"I don't mind," Pansy said casually, though her eyes flickered toward Jakob, waiting for his reaction.
Jakob, in turn, looked over at Draco. He hesitated for only a second before asking, "You okay with that?"
He knew Draco had been quieter than usual, undoubtedly brooding over the fact that Bellatrix had monopolized so much of Jakob's time back at the manor.
Draco met his gaze, and his shoulders relaxed after a few seconds of contemplation.
"Yeah," he said, offering a small, tired smirk. "You?"
Jakob returned the look and nodded.
Pansy stretched with a soft yawn. "I don't know about you lot, but I'm exhausted after that trip."
The boys murmured their agreement, and soon, they split off—Jakob and Pansy heading upstairs while Draco and Theo disappeared down the corridor below.
As Jakob reached the top of the stairs, he slipped his wand from his sleeve, murmuring a quiet incantation as he traced the air with a sharp, precise motion. The ward settled into place.
Pansy, who had been watching him, folded her arms and raised a brow.
"Let me guess," she said dryly. "You just warded the stairs so anyone coming up gets thrown back down?"
Jakob chuckled, slipping his wand away.
"No," he mused. "Tempting, but no." He answered back, giving his roommate his signature smirk.
Pansy arched an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain further.
"I just set a detection ward," he explained. "A Subtle one. No one will know it's there, but I'll be able to tell if someone passes through."
He slightly tilted his head, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You really thought I'd hex Lord Malfoy down the stairs just so we wouldn't be disturbed?"
Pansy giggled before giving a mischievous shrug with an unapologetic expression.
"You never know."
With that, she turned on her heel, heading toward her room. Jakob watched as she disappeared inside before making his way further down the hall to his own.
Pushing open the door, he took in the pristine interior.
The white marble floors and walls gleamed under the soft glow of torchlight filtering in from the corridor. The entire space carried a polished, elegant atmosphere, clean and untouched, as though it had been waiting just for him.
It wasn't the manor, but it would do.
There was no window glass, and the bed was as big as his own in Malfoy Manor. A white desk with ink and a quill was placed on the right side, and he saw his bags beside the white wardrobe to his left. A bathroom was visible to his left back, and there was no door. Only a carved-out entrance.
Jakob walked inside the bath space and saw A big white bathtub with a golden crane covering most of the area. A shower head was in one of the corners, and a toilet with a sink was stationed to the left side of the bathroom.
Jakob moved with quiet efficiency, unpacking his things and changing into something that would fit the weather before turning his attention toward the door.
After a brief pause, he opened his trunk and stepped into it.
He perused his neatly stacked bookshelf, stocked with a selection of neatly arranged tomes. He ran a finger along the spines before choosing one at random, tucking it under his arm as he exited his enchanted chest.
With a smooth flick of his wand, he turned his attention towards his door, murmuring the incantation as he traced the runes into the white wood. The markings glowed faintly before settling into an intricate, snowflake-shaped ward.
Satisfied, he nodded before voicing his next command.
"House-elf."
An old female elf popped into existence with a quiet crack, bowing deeply.
Jakob met her gaze with his firm one, though it didn't show any hostility.
"Do not repair that door until our time here is done. I'll compensate if necessary, but it stays untouched. The same goes for the door in miss Parkinson's room."
The house-elf quickly glanced at the ward before looking back at him and giving a single nod of understanding.
Jakob studied her for a brief moment before asking, "Do you or the other elves report what you see here?"
The elf shook her head immediately.
Jakob gave a small nod in return. "Good. That will be all."
With another sharp crack, she vanished.
Now alone, Jakob sighed, rolling back his shoulders.
He stood there for a moment, clad only in his boxers, before glancing down at the ring on his finger.
Turning the gem downward into his palm, he took a slow, steady breath and held it as he moved.
He slipped out of his room, swiftly opening Pansy's door and stepping inside before she had a chance to react.
Pansy frowned as she saw her door open and close, seemingly on its own. Her instincts kicked in immediately, and she whispered suspiciously.
"Jakob?"
A breath escaped the air in front of her, and then, just like that, he became visible.
Her expression shifted from confusion to surprise, her hands automatically releasing the items she had been unpacking.
Without hesitation, she rushed toward him, launching herself into his arms.
Jakob barely had time to brace himself before she had jumped up into his confused embrace, wrapping her legs around his waist, holding onto him almost as if her life depended on it.
They just stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's embrace.
"You really missed me, huh?" Jakob murmured.
The black-fringed girl nodded against his shoulder, clinging to him a little tighter, and in that instant, something clicked in his mind; they had never been this close before.
Sure, they had slept in the same bed on many occasions and had hugged like this before, but never like this.
Pansy always wore pyjamas or a full set of clothes when she curled up against him.
Now?
Now, he could feel her.
The soft warmth of her skin pressed against his. The way her arms tightened around him. And, most notably, the unmistakable press of something against his chest.
Jakob's eyes widened slightly as realization struck.
Her chest... She was… growing.
His grip on her adjusted, slightly shifting before he carefully lowered her back onto the marble floor, making sure to be as gentle as possible.
The moment she was down, he turned quickly toward the door, raising his wand to cast the same ward, anything to focus on something else from the sensation of his ears and cheeks heating up.
A few seconds later, the snowflake-like rune burned into the wood, sealing the barrier in place.
Jakob closed his eyes and breathed, composing himself before turning back toward her.
Pansy, however, was waiting with her arms crossed, an annoyed glint in her eyes as she raised a brow at him.
"Um… Pansy?" He hesitated, eyes flickering over her outfit. "Where's your pyjamas?"
Pansy raised a teasing yet completely unbothered eyebrow at him.
"I stopped wearing them. A bit childish, don't you think?"
Jakob blinked. What?
"Then… what exactly are you sleeping in?" he asked, genuinely confused.
Pansy gave him an are-you-serious look before gesturing to herself.
"Uh… this?" she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Jakob's eyes followed where she motioned and immediately regretted it.
His memory was too damn good for moments like this.
Pansy's sleepwear, or lack thereof, was something that was now permanently imprinted into his mind.
She wore only a snug bra that hugged her slim frame. And though her body had always been petite, it was impossible not to notice that she had… developed. Though still subtle, her curves were more pronounced than before, especially her breasts.
Then there were her shorts.
Silk French terry hotpants, cut scandalously high, exposing long, smooth legs that practically shimmered under the dim room light. The fabric draped loosely, stopping at the very top of her thighs, revealing just enough to make it very clear how little she was wearing.
The ensemble matched perfectly. It was delicate and soft with a pink hue to top it off.
Jakob pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Shit."
Pansy smirked, clearly enjoying his reaction.
"Is that going to be a problem, Mr. suddenly sleeping in only boxers?" she mused, arching a brow.
Before he could answer, she grabbed his hand and pulled him forward, leading him toward the bed.
She wasn't waiting for an argument.
Jakob let out a sharp exhale, knowing she had a point. He had no room to talk.
Without hesitation, Pansy let go of his hand and threw herself onto the bed, stretching out comfortably.
"I'm so bloody tired," the half-nude teenage girl sighed, stretching her arms before raising a hand to choke back a yawn. "Don't get me wrong, I loved the carriage and everything, but it made me really sleepy."
Jakob lay down beside her, adjusting to the familiar routine.
Before he could even settle properly, Pansy turned toward him, slipping into her usual position, her left arm draped over him, legs lightly tangled with his, using him like a long pillow.
She let out a content sigh.
"It's so good being back here," she whispered, her voice heavy with sleep.
Jakob stilled, forcing himself not to overthink the situation. It was normal, he reminded himself. Just like always.
He just had to get used to the two of them wearing less clothes.
His eyes flickered to the window, watching as the palm trees outside swayed gently in the evening breeze.
Unbeknownst to him, Pansy had peeked open one eye, taking note of the faint redness on his cheek, a smirk ghosting her lips.
"Goodnight, Jakob," she murmured.
Jakob sighed, still looking out the window.
"Goodnight, Pansy."
The next morning, Jakob woke before Pansy, carefully slipping out of bed and returning to his own room.
The sky outside was still painted in the deep hues of dawn, the sun barely beginning to rise over the horizon. That meant he had some time for training before the rest of the house stirred awake.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Jakob changed into the training clothes Bellatrix had prepared for him, the fabric fitting snugly to his form. He started to do some warm-up before silently heading out, carefully closing the door behind him.
The air was warm, but the lingering chill of the night still clung to the breeze.
The beach stretched endlessly to his right, golden sand meeting the rhythmic waves.
Jakob shrugged, already feeling the stiffness in his muscles ease as he started to jog.
The sand made the run noticeably harder, forcing him to adjust his pace, but he didn't mind. He took it easier this time, allowing himself to actually listen to the sound of the waves, the occasional cry of a bird, and the way the wind moved through the palm trees.
After ten minutes, movement in the distance caught his attention.
Another runner.
As they passed each other, Jakob's sharp gaze flickered to the woman's attire, colourful shorts, a simple tank top, and something covering her ears with wires trailing down to a small device clipped onto her waistband.
A Muggle.
It wasn't hard to deduce—her style, her accessories, and the way she seemed completely unaware of the world around her as she softly sang along to whatever she was listening to.
Jakob slowed to a stop, watching curiously as she continued on her way, completely oblivious to the wizard staring after her.
Jakob turned his head, noticing four more people approaching, a small group carrying bags and a large umbrella.
They looked like a family.
The parents fit the stereotypical image of Muggles he had seen in one of Hermione's magazines, casual beachwear, relaxed expressions, and an air of normalcy that was almost foreign to him.
But it was the children who caught his attention.
The little boy appeared to be around seven years old, his messy brown hair sticking up in odd directions. His older sister, on the other hand, seemed… young.
Too young.
"George, stay with your sister," the mother instructed as she set her bag down, rolling out a towel on the sand.
"Mommy and Daddy are going for a quick dive."
The girl, Olivia, apparently, immediately whined, turning to her father with a sullen expression.
"But why do I have to stay with him? He can take care of himself!"
The father sighed, clearly used to the protest.
"Because you're his older sister, Olivia. You're fourteen now, it's time you start acting like it."
Jakob's brows shot up in shock.
Fourteen?
His gaze flickered over her again, scanning her features with a quiet kind of disbelief.
Even Ella, who was the same age, looked older than this girl.
How was that possible?
His mind raced as he recalled everything he had been taught about Muggles.
Could it be because she was non-magical?
Did Muggles… grow differently?
The thought sat uncomfortably in his mind as he studied her again.
How could people like this, people who looked so fragile, so small, so utterly harmless, ever be considered a threat to him and magic itself?
Jakob slowly approached the girl, who sat on the warm sand, her legs tucked beneath her as she absentmindedly drew patterns with her fingers.
Her little brother played a few meters ahead, completely absorbed in building a lopsided sandcastle, oblivious to her lack of enthusiasm.
She looked American, and something about her posture and presence seemed different from the girls he was used to at Hogwarts.
Her brown hair was cut just past her shoulders, a little messy from the ocean breeze. Strands had been hastily tucked behind her ears, revealing a pair of small silver stud earrings.
Her skin had a natural sun-kissed glow, lightly freckled across her nose and cheeks, the kind that came from spending long hours outdoors.
She wore a one-piece navy swimsuit with a bold pink stripe across the chest, paired with denim shorts that looked a little too big like she had borrowed them from someone else. Around her wrist, she had a few colourful beaded bracelets, the kind that looked homemade, likely something she had crafted herself or exchanged with a friend.
Despite being fourteen, she looked younger and less developed than the girls at Hogwarts. There was something childlike about her build; her frame was still thin and lacked the sharper features he was used to seeing on girls her age.
Jakob stepped closer, his shadow falling over her as he spoke.
"Hi, mind if I sit down? my name is Leo. What's yours?"
The girl's head snapped up, her brown eyes widening as she took in the sight of him.
For a moment, she seemed stunned, her gaze flickering over his dark hair, striking green eyes, and defined jawline.
Then, as if realizing she had been staring, she quickly dropped her gaze, looking down at the sand, her fingers fidgeting over a small shell she had been holding.
"S-sure...My name is Olivia…" she murmured, her voice a little hesitant, before glancing back up at him with curiosity, maybe even awe.
Jakob let his charming smile slip into place and smoothly lowered himself onto the sand beside her.
"I overheard your father saying you were a year younger than me," Jakob said, resting his arms on his knees.
Olivia looked at him again, her surprise quickly shifting into curiosity.
"You're fifteen?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look a lot older."
Jakob chuckled, shaking his head.
"Yeah. You wouldn't believe how many times people have said that."
She gave him an amused smirk but didn't comment.
Instead, Jakob took the chance to ask something that had been nagging at him.
"I saw someone earlier—she had something over her ears? I wondered if—"
"You mean headphones?" Olivia interrupted, her brow furrowing slightly though there was clear amusement in her voice.
Jakob let out a small, sheepish chuckle, lifting a hand to rub the back of his neck.
"Sorry, I come from a very… old-fashioned family. I guess I'm a bit weird."
Olivia giggled, her smirk widening.
"Just a little," she teased, holding up her thumb and forefinger barely an inch apart. "But it's kinda cute too."
Jakob gave a mock offended scoff, but before he could respond, Olivia launched into an enthusiastic explanation about headphones, the cassette player they were attached to, and the music culture in America.
Jakob listened, absorbing every detail, and as she continued, something clicked in his mind; this was why Muggles were a threat.
It wasn't just their technology.
It was their progress.
While wizards clung to tradition, Muggles adapted, evolved, and created.
And most importantly?
They didn't need magic to do it.
Time slipped away faster than he expected, and before Jakob knew it, the sun had fully risen, casting golden light across the waves.
Realizing how long he had been there and knowing the others would likely be awake soon, he stood, shaking some of the sand off his clothes.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Olivia," he said with an easy smile, noticing the way her cheeks flushed.
He turned to leave, already preparing to jog back.
But her voice stopped him before he could take more than a few steps.
"Wait…"
Jakob turned back, finding her fidgeting slightly, glancing around as if checking for anyone listening before looking back at him.
"Umm… Are you staying here? Will I see you again?"
Jakob sighed inwardly, his eyes flicking toward her Muggle parents, still swimming further into the ocean.
He met her gaze again and spoke carefully.
"If I were you, I wouldn't go searching for me."
Olivia frowned, confused by the sudden shift in his tone.
"Not if you enjoy the life you have."
Jakob gave her one last smile, but this time, it was different. Not charming. Not teasing.
Something about it felt distant, almost like a goodbye.
"Take care, Olivia."
And with that, he turned, jogging back toward the summer mansion, leaving her standing there, watching him go.
Thinking he looked like something out of this world.
Jakob's thoughts lingered on his encounter with Olivia. As he headed back.
The way she spoke to me… it was as if I was the unnatural one.
It made him wonder if Muggles age differently than magical folk. Was that why she looked so young despite being nearly his age?
His mind turned over the thought as he followed the shoreline back to where he had started his run.
Then, he paused, glancing at the rolling waves.
Another thought popped up in his mind. I haven't even tried the water yet.
A slow grin spread across his face. Without a second thought, he kicked off his running shoes and stepped forward, the tide rushing over his feet before he dove headfirst into the cool water.
The temperature hit him instantly, the opposite of the warm morning air, but he welcomed it.
Swimming out further, Jakob let himself float on his back, the world around him fading into nothing but the steady noise of the ocean. The sound of the water filled his ears, drowning out everything else.
Then, he dove.
Beneath the surface, everything stilled. The chaos of the world above dulled into silence, replaced by the slow, rhythmic sway of the current. The ocean floor stretched beneath him, golden sand shifting in soft ripples. Strands of seaweed undulated like reaching fingers while small fish darted through the water, disappearing into the blue expanse.
For a moment, Jakob simply existed there—suspended between two worlds.
Down here, time felt different. Slower. Endless. A world separate from his own, untouched and indifferent to the things that troubled him. It would continue long after him, moving at its own pace, unbothered by the fleeting concerns of men.
Then, with a firm push off the sand, he ascended.
Breaking the surface, he took a breath, shaking the water from his face before making his way back to shore.
As he stepped onto the sand, he pulled off his drenched shirt, wrung out the water, and slung it over his shoulder, turning toward the mansion.
The walk back was quiet, the sound of waves crashing behind him as he climbed the gentle slope toward the open-air terrace.
Lucius and Narcissa were already seated, dressed in lighter fabrics suited for the weather.
Lucius, as usual, was reading the Daily Prophet, his posture perfect as always, while Narcissa sat with a magazine in one hand, her teacup resting delicately in the other.
She was the first to notice him, looking up with a small, approving smile as he approached.
"Good morning, Jakob. You're up early. Did you sleep well?"
Before he could answer, Lucius spoke, barely looking up from his paper.
"And already started his workout," he noted, giving a brief nod of approval. "Something I also took very seriously during my Quidditch days."
He turned a page with a slight rustle, then added,
"Something that Draco should also be doing."
Jakob sighed inwardly but kept a neutral expression, offering a small, polite smile.
Rather than let the conversation drift into another discussion about Draco, he smoothly shifted the topic.
"Yes, it was wonderful," Jakob said, reaching for a napkin to dry his hands. "But I saw something interesting on my morning jog."
Lucius finally looked up, mild curiosity flickering across his features.
"Oh?"
Jakob leaned slightly against one of the terrace chairs, lowering his voice just a fraction.
"I saw a family of Muggles going for a swim."
Lucius lowered his paper, his expression twisting in alarm and disgust.
"Where?" he asked sharply. "Do we need to take care of them?"
Jakob shook his head, keeping his voice calm.
"No, they were just passing through." He reassured. "But I overheard something interesting," he continued, watching Lucius closely. "The girl was my age."
Lucius barely reacted, shrugging dismissively.
"And?"
Jakob took a seat on the chair he previously had leaned on, looking genuinely interested.
"She looked like a first-year. Like she was thirteen in some ways... its hard to explain but in some ways, she looked almost underdeveloped."
That made Lucius pause, just for a second.
"Do you know why Muggles age differently than us?" Jakob pressed.
Narcissa shifted, about to speak, but Lucius beat her to it.
"They mature slower in the beginning," he said, setting his paper aside with a flick of his wrist. "Their bodies take longer to develop, but once they do, they break down much faster. If they're lucky, they'll reach a hundred before they wither away."
He leaned back, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest.
"Muggles are weak because they lack magic," he continued in disdain. "It's evident in everything about them. They're slower, weaker, and considerably more dull-witted."
His eyes flickered toward the beach beyond the terrace, where the ocean gleamed under the rising sun.
"And yet, we are the ones forced to hide from them."
Lucius let out a quiet scoff, shaking his head.
"Pathetic."
Narcissa subtly placed her hand over her husband's, a gesture that cooled the tension in his expression, if only a fraction.
"You speak the truth, Lord Malfoy," Jakob agreed with a nod, offering a slight bow as he stood. "And I apologize if my question stirred any unpleasant thoughts."
Lucius let out a sigh, glancing at his wife before turning back to Jakob.
"I know there was no ill intent," he admitted, his tone still edged but no longer sharp. "But be mindful of them. Do not use magic on them. We are among the few magical in this area, and if a Muggle goes missing, it will not take long for suspicion to fall upon us."
Jakob gave a small affirmative nod, acknowledging the warning without argument.
"Understood."
With that, he excused himself, leaving the terrace and heading back inside.
The morning heat was starting to settle over the island, and Jakob could feel the salt from the ocean drying on his skin. A shower was in order.
As he made his way to his room, he dragged a hand through his salt-watered hair, already thinking about what the rest of the day would bring.
When he was done, Jakob knocked on Pansy's door and stepped back as it swung open. She stood there, dressed in a light summer dress, a pair of sunglasses dangling loosely from her fingers. Her expression was unreadable, but the slight narrowing of her eyes told him enough.
"You were gone when I woke up," she said in a low but unmistakably annoyed tone.
Jakob blinked. "Had to do my workout," he answered with a casual shrug, not realizing until the words left his mouth that it was the wrong response.
Pansy stared at him for a moment, lips pressing into a thin line before she turned without another word and started down the stairs.
Jakob sighed, tilting his head back and staring at the ceiling like it held all the answers. What had he done now? He had no clue, but knowing Pansy, he'd have to figure it out—and fast.
"Are you coming?" she called impatiently.
Jakob pushed off the doorframe and hurried after her, knowing better than to keep her waiting when she was in one of these moods.
After breakfast, the four teenagers decided to go for a swim.
Jakob stepped outside, feeling the warmth hit him instantly. It was so much warmer now which made eyes glance to the thermometer mounted on the wall, the red line settling at 29.4C (85F).
Together, Jakob, Draco, and Theo headed straight for the water, throwing their towels in a mess on the beach as they went.
Pansy, meanwhile, unrolled her towel with a practised flick and stretched out in her newly bought bikini under the sun, making herself comfortable as she let the warmth sink into her skin.
Narcissa had followed the teens outside while Lucious took a well-earned nap, watching the boys with mild amusement before stepping forward into the shallows of the water.
"You three are just going to throw yourselves into the waves without any strategy?" she mused, the hint of a smirk on her lips.
Draco, already waist-deep, gave her a confused look.
"What are you on about, mother?"
She let out a light chuckle, flicking her wand with ease.
Narcissa explained the game in smooth, practised detail, her tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. It was a simple but strategic game she and her sisters had created, one that required three players and was reminiscent of rock, paper, scissors, but with magic.
The rules were straightforward: create a wave and, on the count of three, choose whether to push, pull, or direct. Each choice affected the wave differently, and depending on what the others picked, someone was bound to get drenched.
Draco, Theo, and Jakob listened carefully before taking their positions, forming a pointed triangle in the water. Narcissa lifted her wand, summoning the first wave.
"On three," she instructed with an amused expression.
"One... two... three!"
The water lurched forward, and the three boys called out, flicking their wands. Consequently, the wave collided with Theo, who choked as he swallowed a mouthful of seawater. The Nott heir staggered back, shaking his head as Draco and Jakob laughed.
And with that, the game truly began.
Wave after wave crashed against them, each round growing more competitive. The laughs turned more into grins, and soon, remarks were being thrown around.
Pansy, who had seen the spectacle, had become curious. She wandered down from her sunbathing spot to watch them play beside Narcissa. She tested it out for a few rounds, casting waves of her own, but quickly lost interest when she noticed the blatant foul play happening right in front of her.
Draco and Theo were ganging up on Jakob.
At first, Jakob caught up in the rare moment of just being a regular teenager, didn't notice. He focused on the game, trying to adjust his gameplay, too lost in the competition to realize the small gestures exchanged between his two friends.
He got drenched.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Every single wave came crashing into him, soaking him from head to toe. It couldn't be a coincidence anymore. It had to be calculated.
Already back on the shore, Pansy smirked as she reclined onto her towel.
"Idiots," Pansy muttered, shaking her head as she watched Jakob grow increasingly frustrated, wondering why his usual skill had seemingly vanished as he somehow kept losing.
Then, just as another wave was about to hit him, he caught it, the small gesture Draco made toward Theo.
A barely noticeable circle motion with his fingers.
Jakob almost laughed. Small wand movements, he thought, remembering Bellatrix's lessons.
He let the wave crash into him once more, not fighting it this time, allowing the water to drench him as he went under for a moment.
Draco and Theo snickered, exchanging a triumphant look.
But when Jakob surfaced, his frustration was gone.
Instead, he was grinning. A slow, satisfied grin that screamed revenge.
Draco and Theo froze.
Their amusement shifted into something warier as they flicked a quick, uncertain glance at each other.
"Maybe we should take a break," Theo suggested, already taking a step towards the beach.
Draco, catching on, nodded. "Yeah, I think—"
"Noo," Jakob interrupted smoothly, his voice deceptively light. "One more round."
He rolled his shoulders back, shifting his stance. His fingers tightened around his wand.
"I've been drenched nine times in a row," he continued, that dangerous smirk still on his lips. "Why not make it an even ten?"
Draco and Theo looked at each other again.
They knew.
They had been caught.
And worse? They had to play it out.
Both turned toward Narcissa, hoping for an escape, but her expression was one of amused expectation.
Draco swallowed. Theo sighed.
Neither of them had a choice.
"...Fine," Theo muttered.
Draco huffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, alright. One more."
Jakob's smirk only widened.
"Perfect."
Narcissa raised her wand as the wave began forming in the triangle's centre.
"One!"
She gave Jakob a pointed look. A silent warning. Go easy on them. But only a little.
"Two!"
Jakob's sharp eyes flickered toward her, then to Draco and Theo, before giving the slightest nod. So small only she would catch it.
"Three!"
"Expelliarmus!"
Theo fired the spell just as the wave swelled, sending a red jet of magic straight through it and heading for the grinning teenage boy.
It hit the water with a sharp hiss, but there was no Jakob.
Draco and Theo exchanged a quick, confused glance before their eyes flickered toward Narcissa, who had discreetly raised a shield around herself, clearly not wanting to get caught in the chaos.
Then, a yellow flash shot from behind them, striking the water between the two boys with a sharp, splashing impact.
Both boys spun around, wands raised, but again, nothing.
"Where the bloody hell is he?!" Draco barked, turning in rapid circles.
Theo frowned, scanning the water with suspicion. "Maybe he's diving?" he suggested uncertainly, his gaze dropping lower.
Then, the water began to change.
Tiny bubbles surfaced where Jakob's last spell had landed. Small at first but rapidly growing, spreading out in a strange, deliberate pattern.
"Draco, what is—ouch!"
Theo flinched, yelping as he clutched his thigh. He looked down, his eyes widening as he saw a miniature bite mark on his skin.
"Something just bit—ouch!"
Theo stumbled back toward the beach, panicking as more bubbles formed.
Draco followed suit but was halted as a blue jet struck his back. Before Theo could react, another blue jet struck his back as well.
They both froze in place, completely stuck.
Then, Jakob appeared just a few feet away, shaking the water from his hair with an infuriatingly smug grin.
"Get him—ouch! Bloody hell! Theo, get him!"
Draco tried to aim his wand at Jakob but faltered as the tiny fish bites relentlessly sank into his skin. His focus broke, his wand jerking downward instead as he swatted at the water in frustration.
Theo wasn't even trying anymore. He had abandoned magic completely, resorting to wildly splashing and punching at the water as if he could physically fight off the tiny creatures.
Narcissa watched as her shield held firm against the splashes. A delicate hand covered her mouth as she let out a soft, amused laugh.
But then she glanced toward Jakob.
His expression was… disappointed?
She blinked.
Was he actually upset that he had won too easily?
With a heavy sigh and a flick of his wand, Jakob lifted the spell, freeing them.
Draco and Theo immediately bolted for the shore, their knees rising comically high as the fish continued to nip at their legs even as they ran.
Jakob trailed behind them at an unhurried pace, barely lifting his feet through the shallow waves. He raised his wand slightly as if about to dismiss the fish.
Then paused as if too bored to even bother.
With a sigh, he let his hand drop to his side, following the others back toward the beach.
Jakob sat down beside Pansy, who was stretched out on her towel, attempting to tan her naturally pale skin.
As he settled, he pushed his wet hair back, shaking off the water droplets clinging to his face. His gaze flickered toward the girl, specifically to the small birthmark just a few centimetres above her navel.
"Why are you staring?" she asked in a monotone voice, still basking in the sunlight behind her dark sunglasses.
Jakob blinked, snapping his eyes away and dragged a hand through his face to get rid of the water.
"Nothing…" he said quickly. "I just didn't know you had a birthmark there."
Pansy let out a small, knowing hum, a hint of amusement curling at her lips as Jakob reached for a towel and lay down beside her.
They just existed in comfortable silence for a moment, soaking in the sun's warmth.
"Don't you want to go for a swim?" he asked lazily.
"Soon," she murmured. Then, after a pause, she spoke again, this time lower, with a hint of sadness in her voice. "Draco barely notices me anymore."
Jakob tilted his head, following her gaze to where Draco sat a few meters away, glowering in his direction as he massaged his still-bitten legs. Theo sat beside him, whispering something low, occasionally glancing over with equal irritation.
"Draco is being Draco, I guess," Jakob muttered, closing his eyes again.
"I know, but I wish I had someone like you do," Pansy murmured, her voice barely above the sound of the waves.
Jakob turned his head toward her, a frown appearing as he considered her words.
"Who do I have?" He asked, genuinely confused.
Pansy sighed, lowering her sunglasses just enough to give him an unimpressed look.
"A certain queen? Have you already forgotten about her?"
Jakob chuckled, tilting his head back toward the sun.
"No, but we aren't like boyfriend and girlfriend. It's more… complicated than that."
He chuckled. "More complicated than what we have when i think about it."
Now, it was Pansy's turn to frown. "What do you mean, 'what we have'? What do we have?"
Jakob sighed. He wasn't in the mood to explain, nor did he know how to put it into words. Instead, he pushed himself up, grabbing Pansy's wrist and pulling her up with him.
She let out an annoyed sound, but before she could demand an answer, he glanced around, searching for something, anything, to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Then he saw it.
A small island in the distance, just off the coast. A wicked smirk tugged at his lips.
He turned toward the two self-proclaimed martyrs still sulking in their misery.
"Oi, guys!" Jakob called out, waving them over. "Let's go to that island over there!"
Draco and Theo, who had been throwing glares his way just moments ago, shifted their attention, their expressions morphing from irritation to curiosity as they followed his gaze.
"Are you mental? We can't swim that far!" Draco shouted, staring at the distant island as if Jakob had just suggested they duel a dragon just to not be bored.
Jakob rolled his eyes. Without another word, he turned and strode back toward the estate. A moment later, he reappeared, carrying two brooms over his shoulder.
"We can fly, right?" he said, tossing one toward Draco.
The blond caught it, then glanced at Narcissa, silently asking for permission. She gave a small nod of approval.
"Alright, so I'll take Theo, and you—"
"Actually," Jakob cut in, grabbing Theo's arm before Draco could move. "Why don't I take some time with Theo? You can take Pansy."
Draco shrugged, not particularly caring as he mounted his broom, Pansy climbing on behind him.
Theo, grinning, hopped onto Jakob's broom, and with a swift kick off the ground, the four of them took to the sky.
"Be sure not to fly too high!" Narcissa's voice rang out behind them as they soared toward the island.
Jakob smirked over his shoulder. "Theo, are you afraid of flying?"
Theo scoffed. "Please."
Jakob arched a brow, then abruptly tilted the broom upward before spiralling into a tight loop. Theo's startled yell turned into laughter as they twisted through the air, the wind rushing past them.
Seconds later, Draco and Pansy catch up, and Pansy wastes no time before punching Theo's arm mid-flight.
"You're it!" she called out before Draco dropped into a sharp dive.
Theo barely had time to react before Jakob tilted the broom downward and followed suit, the chase officially on.
"Aim for Draco!" Jakob yelled over his shoulder, his grin matching Theo's as they darted through the air.
"On it!" Theo called back, both boys laughing as they soared above the other pair.
"Hang on!" Jakob warned before twisting the broom into a sharp roll. Theo reached down mid-spin and smacked Draco right on the top of his head before they both shot off, cackling at the blonde's glare.
"You absolute wankers!" Draco shouted as he steered after them.
"You're it!" Theo called back, and the game continued, twisting through the open sky. Pansy managed to tag Jakob's leg before their laughter-filled chase finally ended with a smooth landing on the island.
Jakob dusted sand off his arms. "We'll continue this later," he declared, smirking as he stretched his arms over his head.
"Yeah, yeah, you wish," Draco muttered, still scowling at Theo, who was grinning like an idiot.
The group split off, Draco and Pansy heading left while Jakob and Theo took the right.
Jakob ducked under a low-hanging branch, lifting it out of the way as they walked further into the island's dense foliage. The air smelled of salt and sun-warmed leaves, and the occasional bird call echoed in the distance.
Theo, walking behind him, hesitated before speaking. "Hey, Jake?"
Jakob glanced back, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
Theo shifted, looking like he was debating whether or not to continue. He gave a small nod toward another narrow path, and Jakob led the way before the other boy finally spoke again.
"You don't… think I'm, like, intruding on your friendship with Draco, do you?"
Jakob stopped mid-step, turning to look at Theo in amused confusion. "What? Why would I think that?"
Theo shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. "I don't know. It's just… ever since we started school, Draco has been hanging around with me a lot. And don't get me wrong, it's mutual, I want to be his friend, but you've never complained, never even looked annoyed when he's been with me instead of you."
Jakob frowned slightly, considering his words before shrugging. "Because you're my friend too, Theo. And I can see that the friendship between you and Draco is real. Who am I to be jealous of that?"
Theo seemed to relax slightly, but he still looked thoughtful. "Really? What do you mean it's real?"
Jakob crouched down, brushing away some fallen leaves in search of anything interesting beneath a tree branch. Finding nothing but damp earth, he sighed before turning his attention fully back to Theo.
"I don't know," he admitted. "Ever since we were kids, Draco has just been… Draco. You know what I mean?"
Theo nodded. That much, he understood.
"But when it's just the two of us, I see a different side of him. The one he doesn't show to anyone else." Jakob smirked, kicking a rock aside. "Well, except for now, apparently."
Theo looked even more intrigued as he waited for the Quade heir to continue.
Jakob sighed. "He's never been that open with any of his other friends. But he trusts you enough to be himself around you. So, again, who am I to be jealous of his happiness?"
Theo was quiet for a moment, processing that. Then, in a softer voice, he murmured, "Thanks for saying that, Jake. You've given me something to think about."
Jakob clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Anytime, mate."
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, continuing their exploration of the island. After about thirty minutes, the two groups converged on the other side, where their paths met again.
"Find anything interesting?" Pansy asked as she and Draco emerged from the trees.
Jakob smirked. "Just confirmation that Theo and I are better company than you two."
"Oi!" Draco huffed. "We were having a serious discussion."
Pansy snorted. "Draco spent the entire time complaining about how you two ganged up on him."
Theo grinned. "Well, he did deserve it."
Draco muttered something under his breath, clearly unimpressed. "Should we head back? There's nothing here." He kicked at a loose stone, glancing at Theo and Pansy, both of whom nodded in agreement.
Jakob, however, remained where he was, his gaze sweeping the area with a sharp focus. Something wasn't right. He could feel it, a pull, an instinct he couldn't explain. His lips pressed into a firm line as he turned his attention toward the rocky terrain ahead.
"There's something here. I can feel it."
Draco noticed his hesitation and raised an eyebrow. "You can feel what?"
Jakob didn't immediately answer as he seemed to focused. "I don't know," he admitted. "But there's something."
Trusting his instincts, he stepped forward, leading them further along the uneven ground until they reached the edge of a steep, rocky hillside. Below them, waves crashed against the jagged cliffside, the water dark and churning with an almost restless energy. Jakob didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wand, he cast the spell.
"Verdimillious."
A burst of green light shot downward, sinking into the depths. A moment later, the glow revealed a dark, hidden entrance beneath the water.
Jakob grinned victoriously at the underwater cave, but when he turned to his friends, their expressions were anything but excited.
"I'm not doing that jump," Draco stated flatly, looking between Jakob and the newly revealed cave as if they'd both personally offended him. "Do I look insane?"
"Yeah, count me out," Theo added, already stepping back from the edge. "We don't even know what's down there."
Jakob snorted, disappointed but not surprised. He turned to Pansy, who stood at the edge, looking at the cave entrance with clear hesitation. Unlike the other two, she was actually considering it.
"Pansy," Jakob called, stepping closer. "Come on. I'll go first, make sure it's safe."
She stared down into the swirling water, debating if the thrill was worth it before sighing In defeat. "If I get hurt doing this, Jakob—"
"I'll do whatever you want," he interrupted, smirking. "No complaints."
Pansy exhaled, still clearly uncertain, but nodded.
Jakob grinned wider. "See you down there."
Then, without another word, he approached the cliffside and turned towards his friends. "This is what i bloody live for." Jakob tipped backwards, arms spread wide, vanishing into the ocean below.
The remaining three Slytherins searched after their friend, who would appear any second now.
But the only thing that showed was the waves hitting the cliff wall. Draco and Theo exchanged glances, shifting uncomfortably as the seconds stretched on.
"He's fine… right?" Pansy asked, her voice lacking its usual confidence.
Neither boy answered. Instead, their eyes remained locked on the water's surface.
Then, with a sudden burst, Jakob shot up from below, laughing as he slicked his hair back. "Come on, Pansy! It was brilliant!"
Pansy hesitated, looking between the two boys, who now stared at her as if she'd lost her mind.
She let out a sharp exhale. "Fine," she muttered, pinching her nose before jumping in.
Jakob immediately dove after her, watching as she plunged into the water. A few seconds later, she surfaced, gasping for breath before breaking into laughter.
Draco shook his head, unimpressed. "Completely mental, both of them."
Theo nodded in agreement. "We'll wait here! Don't take too long!" he called out.
Jakob shot him a thumbs-up before turning back to Pansy. "Alright, I'll go first. Follow right behind me. On the count of three."
Pansy took a deep breath and nodded.
"One… two… three."
Jakob dove beneath the surface, cutting smoothly through the water. A second later, Pansy followed, her strokes being a bit more cautious.
As they reached the cave entrance, Jakob glanced back, ensuring she was still with him before disappearing into the depths.
The swim was longer than Jakob had anticipated, and after a few moments, he felt the shift in Pansy's movements. She was slowing down.
Then she started to panic.
He turned quickly, seeing her wide eyes darting around as her strokes became frantic. She gestured sharply—she needed air.
Jakob acted immediately.
Without hesitation, he closed the space between them, grasping the back of her head as he sealed his lips over hers. He exhaled, forcing his remaining breath into her lungs.
Pansy, who had been moments from complete panic, went still. Her lashes fluttered shut as she instinctively inhaled the air he offered.
She nodded at him, her grip on his arm tightening briefly in silent thanks before they continued forward.
Just as the tightness in his own chest started to creep in, Jakob suddenly felt an open space ahead. He kicked hard, breaking the surface with a sharp gasp.
Pansy also burst through a second later, dragging in deep, desperate breaths.
She didn't say anything at first, just turned and swam toward the edge of the cave floor, hauling herself onto the rocky surface.
Jakob followed, pulling himself up and shaking the water from his face before looking over at her.
"Pansy, are you alright?" he asked, scanning her for any sign of distress.
She was still catching her breath but didn't hesitate to step forward and wrap her arms around him.
Jakob blinked, surprised, but returned the embrace, feeling the way she was still slightly trembling against him.
"Thank you," she whispered against his shoulder. "I thought I was going to drown."
He stroked her wet hair for a moment, letting her calm down before gently pushing her back just enough to look at her.
"You're fine," he reassured. "So let's have some fun now, okay?"
A small, shaky smile formed on her lips, and she nodded.
Jakob pulled out his wand, flicking it. "Lumos."
The glow from his wand illuminated the dark cavern ahead.
Pansy mirrored the action, her wand tip flaring to life.
Then, without a word, she reached out, slipping her hand into his.
Jakob gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze before they stepped forward together.
They made their way through the narrow tunnel, the sound of dripping water echoing softly around them. The walls were rough and uneven, the air damp and cool. Jakob glanced over his shoulder, catching the curiosity flickering in Pansy's expression.
She was intrigued, just like him.
He smirked slightly before turning back, leading them further in.
Then, abruptly, he stopped.
"Why are we stopping?" Pansy asked, shifting to peer past his shoulder.
In front of them stood a solid wall of stone, unremarkable except for a narrow hole in its centre. Jakob stepped closer, lifting his wand and carefully slipping it inside. The faint glow illuminated a small gap on the other side.
"I'll go first," he said, already deciding. "I'll call if it's safe."
"And what if it's not safe?" Pansy crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed.
Jakob turned toward her, resting a hand on her shoulder as he gave her a serious look.
"Then you'll have to carry my corpse back to Draco and tell him that you did nothing to prevent my death."
Pansy rolled her eyes before smacking his shoulder. "Don't say stuff like that, you idiot."
Jakob only grinned before turning and crouching down, beginning to crawl into the narrow passage. The tight space forced him to drag himself forward with his arms, his chest and stomach scraping against the rough stone beneath him.
Fantastic. His nipples were definitely going to be sore in the morning.
The tunnel stretched longer than he expected, but after a bit more struggling, he finally saw the exit. He pulled himself forward, squeezing through the last of the space, only to drop out unceremoniously onto the hard cave floor below.
"Ouch. Shit!"
"Jakob?! What happened? Talk to me!" Pansy's voice rang out, her concern echoing through the cave.
Jakob groaned before raising an arm and waving lazily in the air. "I'm fine!" He called back in light amusement. "Go ahead!"
He could already hear her starting to crawl in after him.
Pushing himself up, he took his first proper look around.
They were in a cavernous chamber, the ceiling high and uneven, with jagged formations casting eerie shadows against the stone. A shallow pool of water reflected the faint glow of his wand, the surface rippling slightly from the disturbance of their arrival.
It wasn't just a cave.
It felt old. Like something or someone? Was sleeping.
Jakob lifted his wand higher, scanning the dimly lit cavern. It looked... normal?
"Hey, can you help me?"
Pansy's voice pulled him back. He turned, reaching out to grasp her wrist and help her out of the narrow passage. She stood, brushing herself off before glancing around, slightly disappointed and unimpressed.
"Huh. Not much here," she muttered, then her breath hitched.
"Merlin, what is that?!"
Jakob spun around, his wand already raised, a curse at the tip of his tongue. But when his light fell upon the figure she was pointing at, he let out a sigh and smirked.
It was a statue.
A tall wooden carving of a man with an unnervingly wide smile; his teeth were sharp and bared. His long, braided hair reached down to his legs, making the whole thing look almost grotesque in the dim lighting.
Jakob shot her an amused look. "It's just a statue, Pansy. It's not going to bite you."
Pansy didn't look convinced. She stayed rooted in place while Jakob turned back, scanning the cave for something more interesting than an old, creepy, carved-out wooden man.
Still, something about it made her uneasy.
Ignoring the sinking feeling in her stomach, Pansy circled around the water and stopped in front of the wooden figure. Lifting her wand, she directed the light toward the back of the statue.
There was something carved into it.
She narrowed her eyes, reading the word aloud.
"Kanaloa," she murmured, barely above a whisper. "The god of the underworld and teacher of magic."
Jakob, who had been peering into the water, turned his head. "What?"
"It says Kanaloa." Pansy repeated and glanced over at him, but he only shrugged.
"Never heard of it. You?"
Pansy shook her head before turning back to the statue.
Something about it was… calling to her.
Her fingers twitched at her side.
Her breath felt heavier.
Her heart pounded in her ears.
"Pansy?" Jakob's voice carried a slight edge now.
She ignored him, eyes locked onto the wooden carving.
Her hand lifted before she even realized what she was doing.
"Pansy, don't touch it."
Jakob, who had seen how Pansy had fallen into a trance-like state, was already moving, rushing across the cavern, but he was too late.
Her fingertips brushed against the statue's forehead.
A blinding burst of light erupted from the wooden figure, slamming into Pansy like a physical force. Jakob, who was shielding his eyes against the overwhelming brightness, stumbled back. His heart pounded in panic as he tried to regain his vision.
Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the light vanished.
Jakob blinked rapidly, trying to focus.
Pansy stood rigid for a second, and then her body seized.
Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the ground.
"Pansy!" Jakob leapt across the water, landing beside her as she convulsed, her body starting to jerk violently.
He grabbed her shoulders, trying to steady her, but she was shaking too hard. Her limbs twitched uncontrollably, her fingers curling as if clawing at something unseen.
"Shit, what do I do?" he hissed, panic rising in his throat. He pointed his wand at her, but his mind was blank; he had no healing charm, no counter curse, nothing.
Pansy's body suddenly stilled.
She lay motionless, her eyes wide open but unfocused, her lips moving in rapid whispers.
Jakob leaned closer, straining to hear.
It wasn't English.
It wasn't anything he recognized.
"Fuck," he breathed, fear beginning to claw at his chest.
"Pansy? Please wake up."
He reached for her hand, gripping it tightly, trying to ground her.
She didn't respond.
For the first time in a long time, Jakob felt truly helpless.
"Pansy!"