Chapter 1: Prologue: Shadows of Winter
Chapter Text
KAZ
Kaz's room was a relic of a different era—dark wood, heavy drapes, and a fireplace that rarely saw a flame. It suited him; he had learned to live with the cold. The thick walls of the Rietveld mansion kept out the winter wind, but they did little to dispel the chill that settled in the bones.
His father, when he was home, occupied a cavernous study filled with dusty tomes and ancient artifacts. The faint scratch of his quill on parchment echoed through the corridors, a sound that might have been soothing in another time, another life. But for Kaz, it was just a reminder of the distance that had grown between them. His father had once been a man of warmth, but that warmth had turned to stone when Jordie died. Kaz understood that grief could twist a person, but the transformation in his father still felt like a betrayal.
Kaz's mother was another matter entirely. She moved through the mansion like a shadow, her footsteps so quiet that sometimes Kaz wondered if she was even there. Since losing her eldest son, she had become a ghost of her former self, barely speaking, her eyes always cast downward. Kaz had stopped trying to draw her out; the few attempts he'd made were met with a wall of silence that felt like a rejection.
In his room, Kaz methodically folded his clothes and tucked away his textbooks into his bag for Hogwarts. The Rietveld family crest was embossed on the leather—a constant reminder of his lineage and all the expectations that came with it. Kaz told himself he wasn't eager to leave, that Hogwarts was just another place where he had to maintain his guard. But deep down, he knew the truth: winter break was a prison, and Hogwarts was his escape.
He placed a small box in his bag, a gift for Jesper Fahey, his closest friend at school. It was nothing extravagant, but Jesper had a way of bringing light to even the darkest corners, and Kaz valued that about him. The scars on Kaz's hands—hidden beneath his gloves—were a constant reminder of what he'd lost and why he could never let anyone get too close. Jesper's reckless energy was both exhilarating and exhausting, but it was also one of the few things that kept Kaz from sinking too deeply into his own shadows.
The mansion was silent as Kaz made his way to the front door. The heavy wood creaked as he opened it, and the cold wind swept in, cutting through his coat. He paused for a moment, listening for any sign of acknowledgment from his parents, but there was nothing. Just the steady scratch of his father's quill and the distant rustle of his mother's skirts as she moved through the halls like a ghost.
Kaz stepped outside, the snow crunching beneath his boots. The carriage was waiting, its driver a stoic figure who never spoke unless spoken to. Kaz climbed in without a word, settling into the stiff leather seat. He didn't look back at the mansion as the carriage pulled away, the iron gates closing behind him with a heavy clang.
Hogwarts awaited—the familiar halls, the scheming Slytherins, and Jesper's infectious laughter. It was a world where he could breathe, where the oppressive silence of the Rietveld mansion couldn't reach him. But Kaz knew that no matter how far he went, the darkness within him would always be there, lurking, waiting to pull him back.
The carriage moved down the winding path, the mansion fading into the distance. Kaz leaned back, the cold air stinging his cheeks. He was leaving the past behind, but the shadows were never far away. He knew that sooner or later, he'd have to face them.
Chapter 2: Unlikely Gifts and Unexpected Encounters
Chapter Text
KAZ
Kaz’s gaze was transfixed on the frosted landscape that raced past the rattling windows of the Hogwarts Express. A thick tapestry of snow blanketed the earth, draping the world in a hushed serenity that seemed untouched by time or trouble. Yet, for Kaz, the serene whiteness of the world zooming by was merely a blurry backdrop to the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind.
With each clack of the train’s wheels against the tracks, Hogwarts drew nearer, beckoning its students back from the winter break’s embrace. But for Kaz, the chilling air outside was nothing compared to the cold dread that had settled in his heart—a dread that stemmed from overheard whispers that chilled deeper than any winter’s frost.
His father, a figure once towering and warm, had slowly morphed before Kaz's eyes. The warmth had dimmed, snuffed out by a creeping chill, much like the frost that spread across a lake, stealthily stealing the warmth and leaving a cold, deceptive mirror. A mirror in which Kaz now saw a stranger. The revelation that his father might be allying with Voldemort had been a brutal shock. Surely, Kaz had thought, even he would not fall so far.
As the train screeched around a bend, a shadow flickered at the edge of Kaz's vision. He tensed, his breath catching. But no, it was nothing—perhaps just a trick of the light or a stray branch whipped up by the wind. He knew better than to let his imagination run as wild as the storm outside.
The lingering image of a Death Eater’s mask from the latest Ministry newsreel haunted him. Those enigmatic purveyors of darkness, their cruelty known and feared, were not welcomed at Hogwarts, yet here was his father, casually inviting one into their home over the holidays. The terror that had gripped Kaz then was palpable now as his mind replayed the scene.
“I hope you are prepared for this,” his father had said to the man, a chill of foreboding in his voice.
Prepared for what? The return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? The strengthening of dark forces within the very walls that were meant to protect them?
The whispered confidences continued to echo in Kaz's mind, a sinister undertone to the rhythmic chug of the train.
Kaz’s father had always been a man of ambition, a quality that now twisted into something dark, a foul scheme to restore the power of Slytherin and align once more with the pureblood fanaticism that Voldemort espoused. His father’s intentions, shrouded in mystery and whispered in dark corners, now seemed poised to thrust Kaz into a world of shadows and intrigues he had hoped never to encounter.
His fingers twitched inside the snug leather of his gloves, a barrier against the cold and a reminder of the darker legacy of his family—linked as they were to the Dark Arts. As Kaz absorbed the gravity of his father’s plans, a weight settled within him, heavy like the stones lining the cold, dungeon walls of Slytherin’s common room.
Stepping off the train, the crunch of snow beneath his boots was a stark reminder that Hogwarts was not an escape but another battleground. The towering spires of the castle, silhouetted against the gray sky, seemed less welcoming than foreboding. Kaz's return wasn't a triumphant march; it was a silent trudge laden with dread.
Upon entering the Slytherin common room, the familiar green and silver hues offered little comfort. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows that seemed to dance with secret, sinister life. Jesper Fahey’s boisterous laugh briefly cut through Kaz’s reverie, pulling him back from the precipice of his dark thoughts.
Jesper, with a grin as contagious as his enthusiasm, brandished a caricature of Kaz that he had drawn, depicting him in an outrageously ugly sweater. “Made this for you,” Jesper said, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
Kaz managed a smirk, his first genuine one since boarding the train, as he accepted the drawing. “It’s hideous,” he admitted, but he tucked the thing carefully under his coat—a small token of normalcy in the midst of chaos.
Returning the gesture with a flourish reminiscent of a Hogwarts dueling club captain, Kaz presented Jesper with a small wooden box, intricately carved not with a joke, but with the sinuous emblem of Slytherin. Inside, instead of the usual wizarding knickknacks, lay a set of lock picks, polished to a shine and decidedly non-magical.
Jesper plucked one from the box, his brow arched in amusem*nt. "Lock picks, Kaz? Really? A simple 'Alohom*ora' usually does the trick."
Kaz reclined slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And what about the day you come across a lock that scoffs at your charms and hexes? There are ancient locks within these walls that laugh in the face of magic, but these," he tapped the box lightly, a smirk playing on his lips, "they're immune to such sophisticated disdain."
Rolling his eyes yet grinning, Jesper slipped the picks into his pocket. "Fair point. I’ll keep them handy for my future career as a muggle safecracker."
Their light-hearted banter momentarily lightened the load of worries Kaz had carted back from the holidays. Curious, he nudged the conversation away from dark thoughts. "So, how were your festivities, Jesper? As explosive as usual?"
Jesper leaned in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper that was entirely unnecessary. "Explosive would be putting it mildly. Fireworks, a potion mishap that turned the cat blue, and an uncle from the States who brought actual, non-magical fireworks. The neighbors thought it was an alien invasion."
Kaz's smirk grew. "Nothing less than spectacular chaos for a Fahey holiday, then."
"Exactly." Jesper's eyes twinkled with mischief. "What about you? Any mysterious shadows or whispering cloaks at your gatherings?"
Kaz’s expression darkened momentarily, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Oh, the usual dreary affair," he murmured, waving a dismissive hand as though brushing away a particularly tedious thought. "A few old family friends, the typical cryptic discussions about politics and power plays. You know, the standard Rietveld holiday melodrama."
Jesper arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk spreading across his face. "Drama and the Rietvelds? I can hardly imagine that, mate."
Kaz offered him a sardonic smile. "You think the Faheys have a monopoly on drama? We might not light up the sky with fireworks, but we have our ways of keeping things... interesting."
"Interesting? I wouldn’t usually pair that word with you, Kaz," Jesper ribbed, his laughter filling the air around them.
"Ouch, that stings," Kaz responded, his face contorting into an exaggerated grimace of pain. "Here I am, taking part in all your harebrained escapades."
"Yes, but you always manage to suck the risk right out of them with all your planning," Jesper pointed out, still grinning widely.
"And keeping you out of detention," Kaz shot back promptly. "Purely to avoid losing points for Slytherin, of course."
"You’re practically a Ravenclaw, Kaz," Jesper joked.
"Maybe next time I should just let you get caught," Kaz threatened in jest.
Jesper's laughter softened, a trace of sincerity threading through his voice. "You wouldn’t dare, knowing I'd have to confess your own involvement to Professor Snape."
Leaning in, Kaz’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, a mock-menacing glint in his eyes. "You wouldn’t dare, because then you'd be in far deeper trouble than just detention."
The sound of Jesper’s laughter bounced around the stone walls, yet beneath the surface mirth, there was an undercurrent of melancholy. He wished Kaz would place more trust in him. Despite their banter and playful sparring, it was evident that Kaz’s trust issues were as deeply entrenched as the foundations of Hogwarts itself. Jesper held onto the hope that someday, perhaps, Kaz might lower those formidable barriers even just a fraction.
Kaz noticed the hint of melancholy in Jesper’s laugh, a subtle undertone that stood out from the usual bravado and banter. He couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface, what doubts or worries his friend might be hiding. But Kaz dismissed the thought just as quickly as it had come, pushing it to the back of his mind like an inconvenient piece of baggage. After all, Jesper was always smiling, always laughing. It was probably nothing more than the aftermath of too much holiday mischief.
Their talk meandered back to lighter fare—the thrill of the upcoming Quidditch season, peculiar new spells from their professors, and the ever-amusing specter of upcoming exams. Throughout, Kaz’s mind wandered to the simple, unenchanted lock picks. A humble tool, yet a reminder of his creed: always be prepared, always have a plan B. In a world enchanted by the flick of a wand, sometimes the old ways held a charm of their own.
Kaz leaned back in his chair, surveying the Slytherin common room with its dark green and silver banners, its suits of armor standing like silent sentinels. Jesper's laughter still echoed faintly in the air, but the sense of warmth that usually accompanied it felt slightly colder this time. Maybe it was just the winter chill working its way through the castle's ancient stone corridors. Or maybe it was something else, something Kaz didn't really want to dwell on.
"What's with the glum face?" Jesper asked, snapping Kaz out of his reverie. "You look like someone just canceled your birthday party."
Kaz forced a smirk, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling. "Just thinking about how much I miss the dreary Rietveld mansion," he said with a touch of sarcasm. "And the lack of cheerful company."
Jesper rolled his eyes, but his grin was genuine. "Yeah, well, don't get too sentimental on me, Kaz. Wouldn't want people to think you've gone soft."
Kaz gave him a wry smile and raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry," he said dryly, adjusting his gloves, "I'm not in danger of that anytime soon."
Jesper playfully slapped Kaz's shoulder, nearly knocking his cup of tea off the table. "That's the Kaz we know and tolerate," he said with a wink.
Jesper was always the one to lighten the mood, but Kaz knew there was more to him than the constant jokes and broad smiles. He noticed the subtle shifts in Jesper's expression, the quick flickers of uncertainty beneath the bravado. They were fleeting but enough to make Kaz wonder what lay beneath.
Kaz leaned back, pretending to be interested in his tea, but his eyes wandered around the Slytherin common room. The familiar shadows and dim lighting had always been comforting to him. It was a place where he could hide in plain sight, where the whispers and subtle judgments were as much a part of the environment as the green and silver tapestries. The Slytherin students cast occasional glances at Jesper, their curiosity barely contained. A Gryffindor who spent as much time in the Slytherin common room as Jesper did was bound to attract attention.
Jesper seemed oblivious to the stares, or maybe he just didn't care. He leaned back in his chair, his arms casually draped over the backrest, a picture of confidence.
Kaz knew better. He knew that Jesper thrived on the approval and friendship of others to keep going. Kaz wasn't good at giving those words, but he was good at keeping the wolves at bay. His glare was usually enough to shut down any gossip or questioning looks.
When a couple of Slytherins whispered to each other, casting curious glances at Jesper, Kaz shot them a sharp look. The whispers died instantly, the offending Slytherins quickly dispersing. It was a silent reminder that Kaz Brekker's word was law in Slytherin, and anyone who challenged it did so at their own risk.
Jesper's grin returned as he tapped his fingers on the table. "Thanks for that," he said, leaning in a bit. "Wouldn't want to lose my standing in the Slytherin social hierarchy."
Kaz shrugged. "Consider it a favor for not ruining my tea," he replied with a smirk.
Jesper nodded, seemingly satisfied, and turned his attention back to the common room. Kaz let his gaze linger on his friend, wondering if he should say something, offer some sort of reassurance. But the words never came. Jesper'd find a way to deal with the melancholy, push it back into the shadows where it belonged, Kaz was sure. And the truth was, he needed Jesper's energy as much as Jesper needed his stability. It was a delicate balance, one that Kaz wasn't ready to disrupt.
Besides, the common room was unusually quiet today, save for the occasional murmur of subdued conversation. It was the kind of evening Kaz usually enjoyed—quiet, private, and with just enough darkness to feel at ease.
Jesper, however, had other plans.
He jumped up and bounced on the balls of his feet, a wide grin spreading across his face as he grabbed for something in his coat. "Dear Heavens, I almost forgot I still got the real thing hidden in here!"
He pulled a Christmas sweater out of his bag and dangled the ugly thing in front of Kaz's face.
"Come on, Kaz, put it on! You know you want to."
Kaz raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of skepticism and disdain. The sweater was a garish green, with a large, embroidered grumpy cat in the center, its scowling face almost a caricature of Kaz's usual demeanor. The edges of the sleeves were frayed, and there were what looked like sequins in the cat's fur. It was, in short, a monstrosity.
Jesper waved it at Kaz, the cat's eyes glittering ominously. "I went through a lot of trouble to get this for you, you know. Wouldn't want all my hard work to go to waste, right?"
Kaz's eyes narrowed as he considered his options. It would be easy to dismiss Jesper's request with a cutting remark, but he knew it would only make his friend try harder. Jesper had a way of getting under his skin, with that unrelenting cheerfulness and constant need for affirmation. Kaz grumbled under his breath but reached for the sweater.
Jesper's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "That's the spirit!" he cheered, clapping Kaz on the back. "You won't regret it!"
Kaz pulled the sweater over his head, feeling the rough wool scratch against his skin. It was uncomfortable, to say the least, and the cat's grumpy expression seemed to mock him as he adjusted the sleeves. He looked at the result and had to stifle a groan. If anyone else had given him this, he would've incinerated it with a well-placed spell. But this was Jesper, and he was Jesper's closest friend—at least, as close as Kaz could get to having friends.
Jesper beamed with pride. "Looks great on you, Kaz!"
A few of the other Slytherins glanced up, their eyes widening at the sight. Whispers rippled through the room, the hushed tones of judgment and subtle disdain. A Gryffindor in the Slytherin common room was unusual enough, but Kaz wearing a sweater that looked like it was made by a particularly eccentric house-elf was a spectacle in its own right.
Jesper, oblivious to the tension, threw his arm around Kaz's shoulders, laughing as he admired his handiwork. "This really brings out your inner grumpy cat."
Kaz rolled his eyes but couldn't help the faintest hint of a smirk. "If you say so," he replied dryly, though his usual edge lacked its typical sharpness. There was something about Jesper's infectious energy that made it difficult to stay truly annoyed, even when he pushed the limits.
Jesper squeezed his shoulder and leaned in, lowering his voice. "Seriously, though, thanks for humoring me. It's not every day I get Kaz Brekker to wear something so ridiculous."
Kaz shrugged off Jesper's arm but didn't push him away completely. He knew Jesper thrived on physical contact, and he was used to Jesper's playful banter. "Don't get used to it," he muttered, but the warmth in his voice was unmistakable.
Jesper grinned, knowing he had won this round. "Wouldn't dream of it," he replied with a wink.
Kaz leaned back against the green cushion, the grumpy cat's eyes glaring at him from his chest. He'd let Jesper have his fun for now, but he knew he wouldn't be caught dead wearing this monstrosity of a sweater any longer than absolutely necessary.
For now, though, he could let Jesper have his moment, enjoying the camaraderie and the laughter that came with it. He could wear the sweater for a little while longer, if only to remind himself that not everything had to be shrouded in shadows. The common room, for all its whispers and secrets, still had its moments of light, and Kaz was determined to hold onto them for as long as he could.
INEJ
Inej Ghafa slipped through the corridors of Hogwarts as if she were a whisper on the breeze, her steps a mere sigh against the stone floors. Dawn’s first light was just beginning to touch the castle, casting a golden glow through the towering windows, illuminating the ancient walls and lending a serene beauty to the early hours. Inej had always felt at home in the quiet, where the only sound was the distant song of a waking bird or the muted rustle of her own clothing.
Inej had the warm, brown skin of the Suli, a rich shade reminiscent of the woodlands at dusk. Her eyes were the color of deep, shadowed earth—dark brown, almost black, and they took in everything as she moved. Her long black hair was tightly bound in a braided coil that swung gently as she walked. There was a grace to her steps, the fluidity of someone used to moving unseen, and her presence brought a touch of stillness wherever she went.
The air outside was cool and brisk, tinged with the fresh scent of pine and damp earth. It was a smell that reminded Inej of her family's travels with the Suli caravan, where nights were filled with music and stories, and days were spent wandering under the open sky. Here at Hogwarts, far from her people, Inej often found herself drawn to the places where nature thrived—a quiet courtyard, a secluded garden, or even the edge of the Forbidden Forest where the trees whispered among themselves.
As she made her way toward the Divination classroom, a small gray cat slinked from behind a stone pillar and padded over to her. It brushed against her legs with a low purr, its tail curling like a question mark. Inej knelt and scratched behind the cat's ears, smiling as the purr grew louder. "Hello, little friend," she murmured, her voice gentle as a lullaby. "Have you come to keep me company?"
The cat nudged her hand, its eyes half-closed with contentment. Inej cherished these moments—the simple connections with creatures who didn’t judge her by her accent or her heritage. But the warmth was fleeting, for soon she heard the hurried footsteps of someone approaching, accompanied by the swish of Slytherin robes. A girl with sharp eyes and a sharper sneer stopped inches from Inej, glaring down at the gray cat. "That's mine," she snapped, pointing a manicured finger at the little creature. "Get away from it, you Suli witch."
The words cut deep, like a hex on an unguarded heart. Inej felt her cheeks grow warm with shame, but she held her tongue. There was no point in arguing with someone like this Slytherin girl, who carried herself with the arrogance of pureblood privilege. Inej had learned that some fights weren't worth picking—sometimes, it was better to melt into the shadows and let the insults roll off like rainwater.
The cat, sensing the tension, scampered off, disappearing into the labyrinth of stone and shadow. The Slytherin girl cast Inej one last sneer before spinning on her heel and stalking away. Inej stood there for a moment, letting the silence settle around her, breathing in deeply to calm the storm within. The Suli were a rare sight at Hogwarts, and she knew all too well the feeling of being an outsider. But her family had taught her the value of resilience, of finding strength in her roots.
Taking a steadying breath, Inej continued on her way to Divination class. It was one of the few places where she felt at ease, where her heritage wasn't a source of ridicule. As she entered the classroom, the warmth of candles and the soft murmur of Professor Trelawney's voice greeted her like an old friend. The tables were set with teacups and saucers, and the air was thick with the scent of herbal tea. Inej scanned the room for a familiar face, but most of the seats were already taken. There was only one table with an empty seat, and it was occupied by two students she knew by reputation—
Jesper Fahey and Kaz Rietveld.
Inej hesitated for a moment. She knew of these two from the whispers that floated through the castle. Jesper was the sort of Gryffindor who had an endless supply of good cheer and a twinkle in his eye that suggested he had just come from some mischief or other. His hair was short and tousled, and his robes were always slightly rumpled, as if he’d just rolled out of bed and straight into whatever the day had in store. Kaz, on the other hand, was a Slytherin with a reputation for ruthlessness and a penchant for dark dealings. His hair was black and slicked back, and he dressed with a precision that suggested he cared about appearances more than he let on.
—but Inej wasn't one to judge people based on gossip. She believed in giving everyone a fair chance, even if they had a history that raised eyebrows.
So, despite her reservations, Inej made her way to the table and took the empty seat. Jesper greeted her with a broad grin, but Kaz barely acknowledged her presence, his eyes fixed on the teacup in front of him.
Jesper was the first to break the ice, offering Inej a friendly nod. "Glad to have you join us," he said with a warm smile. "I was beginning to think I'd have to deal with this grump all by myself."
Kaz shot Jesper a glare, but there was no real malice behind it. Inej found Jesper's easygoing manner charming, though Kaz's silence left her unsure of how to approach him. She'd heard stories about his icy demeanor and his disdain for those he considered beneath him, but she was willing to give him a chance, if only to understand what made him tick.
"So, you're Jesper Fahey and Kaz Rietveld, right?" Inej asked, trying to strike up a conversation. It was an innocent enough question, but the reaction it got from Kaz was anything but. His eyes snapped to hers, a flash of anger crossing his face before he regained his composure.
"Just Brekker," he replied curtly. "Kaz Brekker."
Jesper leaned in with a playful grin. "Yeah, he's been Kaz Brekker for as long as I've known him. Don't worry about it, he's just... particular about names."
Inej raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Kaz's reaction. She'd never known someone to be so sensitive about their family name. "Why 'Brekker'? Rietveld is a powerful name. It's... well, it's something to be proud of, isn't it?"
Kaz's expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained guarded. "I prefer to make my own name," he replied, his voice low and steady. "Rietveld carries too much baggage. Brekker is my choice, my path."
Inej nodded, though she couldn't quite understand. Her own family name, Ghafa, was a source of pride and connection to her Suli heritage. To abandon it seemed unthinkable. "Must be nice to have the option," she said, her voice laced with a hint of melancholy. "My name is part of who I am. It ties me to my family, to my people. I couldn't give it up."
Kaz regarded her for a moment, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. It was clear that Inej's words had struck a chord, touching on something deeper than he'd anticipated. Jesper, ever the peacemaker, cut in with a light-hearted remark, hoping to ease the tension. "Kaz just likes to keep everyone guessing," he said with a wink. "Adds to the mystery, you know? Keeps people on their toes."
Inej chuckled softly, grateful for the diversion. Jesper had a knack for turning serious moments into something more manageable. The classroom shifted back to its usual rhythm, students murmuring over their teacups, the fragrant steam curling up like ghosts in the dim light.
Kaz maintained his silence, his gaze sweeping across the table as though the tea leaves held the answers to some ancient riddle. Inej had heard all the stories about him—the cold, calculating Slytherin who never shared a personal detail without reason—but she sensed there was more to him than the whispers suggested. People talked, they always did, but beneath the rumors, there had to be a truth that explained his reluctance to claim his family's name.
Jesper, sensing the quiet had stretched long enough, leaned back in his chair, his feet tapping a jaunty rhythm. "So, Inej, do you actually believe in all this Divination stuff?" he asked, gesturing toward the collection of teacups and the intricate patterns within them.
Inej shrugged, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "I think there's a lot in the world we don't understand," she replied thoughtfully. "Divination is just another way to explore the unknown. It might not be perfect, but it can still reveal things—if you're willing to look."
Jesper nodded, though the sparkle in his eyes said he wasn't entirely convinced. "Yeah, well, I'm just hoping I don't see a Grim in my cup," he quipped. "Wouldn't want to tempt fate, right?"
Inej smiled at the remark, but she noticed Kaz's unease. It was subtle—the way his fingers tapped against the table, the tension in his shoulders—but it was there. She wondered why Divination made him so uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the unpredictability, the idea that someone might glimpse the truths he worked so hard to keep hidden.
Professor Trelawney rose from her seat, her large glasses making her eyes seem enormous. She launched into her usual lecture, her voice lilting as she spoke about the subtleties of reading tea leaves, the need to observe every tiny detail. Kaz appeared to listen, but his eyes remained fixed on his untouched teacup, his expression as inscrutable as ever. Inej noticed he never drank the tea, preferring to watch the leaves from a distance, as if getting too close might expose something he'd rather keep secret.
Jesper leaned in toward Inej, his voice low and conspiratorial. "You know, Kaz doesn't believe in all this Divination stuff," he whispered. "Says it's a waste of time. But he still comes to class every week. Can't decide if he's just curious or if he's trying to avoid detention."
Inej laughed softly. "I think he's just pretending not to care. People like him usually have the most to hide. They don't want anyone prying into their business."
Jesper nodded, his grin returning. "Yeah, he's probably just figuring out how to cheat the system. Kaz is always two steps ahead."
Kaz glared at them, his eyes narrowing. "Hey, you two know I can hear you, right?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Jesper, ever the nonchalant one, shrugged without missing a beat. "What else are we supposed to do? You're just sitting there, being all grumpy and mysterious," he replied with a grin. "We have to keep ourselves entertained."
Kaz rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath, returning his attention to the teacup in front of him. Tessomancy, the art of reading tea leaves, was one of the subjects he seemed to find utterly pointless. The swirling patterns in the cup meant nothing to him; he didn't believe in such nonsense.
Inej, however, took Divination seriously. It was part of her Suli heritage, a way to connect with the unseen and explore the mysteries of the future. When Kaz dismissed the whole thing with a wave of his hand, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt. She had grown up with stories of the Suli's connection to the natural world, their ability to find meaning in the smallest details. It was a belief system that gave her comfort, and Kaz's disdain seemed almost insulting.
She spoke softly, her voice barely audible over the murmurs in the room. "You know, there's more to Divination than just random shapes in a cup," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "It's about seeing beyond the obvious, finding meaning in the chaos."
Kaz glanced at her, his expression hardening. "If you say so," he replied, dismissing her words with a flick of his wrist. He wasn't interested in philosophical discussions about tea leaves. He had enough real-world problems to deal with without adding imaginary ones.
Jesper, sensing the tension, leaned in with a playful smirk. "Don't mind Kaz; he's just allergic to anything that requires an open mind," he said with a wink. He picked up his teacup, attempting to peer into the leaves, but his enthusiasm got the better of him, and he ended up spilling the contents all over the table.
Tea splashed across Inej's cup, drenching the tablecloth. Jesper’s eyes widened as the tea splashed across the table, the spill spreading rapidly over the Divination paraphernalia. His grin faltered as he grabbed a handful of napkins and began frantically mopping up the mess. "Oops, sorry about that," he said, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Got a bit too excited."
Inej didn't seem the least bit flustered. She calmly moved her teacup aside and offered Jesper a gentle smile. "Ne brinite," she replied in her soft Suli accent, her words flowing like a soothing breeze. "It's just tea. It happens."
Jesper relaxed at her response, chuckling as he continued to dab at the tea-soaked tablecloth. "Thanks for not freaking out," he said, clearly relieved. "Not everyone is as forgiving as you are."
Kaz rolled his eyes, his usual expression of irritation firmly in place. He didn't say anything, but he was visibly annoyed at the disruption. It wasn't that he disliked Inej; he just found her serenity a bit too... composed.
"Yeah, well, just be careful, Jesper," Kaz muttered, his voice edged with sarcasm. "Wouldn't want you to ruin the whole Divination class."
Jesper gave Kaz a lighthearted shrug, not at all deterred by his grumpiness. "I’ll try my best," he replied, his usual charm returning. "But you know me, always full of surprises."
Inej continued to clean up the mess with a quiet grace, her Suli words resonating in the background. She understood that patience and calm were often the best responses to chaos. It was something she'd learned from her family, where every journey had its share of bumps and spills.
As the class settled back into its routine, Jesper leaned back in his chair, his grin back in full force. "See? Inej is a class act," he said with a playful wink. "Kaz, maybe you could learn a thing or two from her."
Kaz shot Jesper a glare, but there was a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Sure, sure," he replied dryly. "Like I need more lessons on patience."
The tension from the earlier spill dissipated as the class returned to focusing on their tea leaves. Inej found comfort in the process, watching the leaves form intricate patterns as they settled in the cup. Each swirl and shape held meaning, and she knew that Divination required both intuition and an open mind.
Jesper, meanwhile, continued to chat with Inej, his natural energy and humor brightening the atmosphere. Kaz remained silent for the most part, his eyes occasionally flickering to Inej, as if he was trying to figure her out. He wasn't one to dwell on spirituality or Suli beliefs, but there was something about Inej's calmness that intrigued him.
As the class drew to a close, Inej felt a sense of contentment. Despite the earlier mishap, she had found a connection with Jesper and perhaps a small crack in Kaz's icy demeanor. Maybe she had finally found something close to friends.
Kaz's irritation eventually faded as the class ended, and he gathered his things to leave. Jesper continued to chatter on, his easygoing manner a welcome distraction from the usual stress of Hogwarts life. As they headed toward the exit, Jesper looped his arm around Kaz's shoulders, his voice loud and lively. The two of them seemed in their own world, their conversation lively and full of shared jokes.
Inej stood for a moment, feeling the familiar twinge of isolation as she watched them go. She'd hoped for a moment that Jesper and Kaz might invite her along, but they didn't look back. They disappeared into the corridor, their voices fading as they turned a corner.
"Oh, okay," she muttered to herself, her shoulders sinking a little. She knew better than to expect too much from a single conversation, but the brief connection had given her hope. She sighed quietly, her Suli accent rolling off her tongue like a soft breeze. Sometimes it was hard being the outsider, the one who never quite fit in.
She slipped back into her routine, packing up her things and moving toward the door. It was a familiar pattern—finding her own way in the world, making do with the solitude. She'd grown used to it over the years, but it still stung to be left out when others formed bonds so easily.
The corridors of Hogwarts were quieter now, the morning classes shifting to afternoon. Inej walked with a measured pace, her steps almost silent against the stone floor. She reminded herself that friendships took time, and she had always been patient. She wasn't like the others, rushing into connections without thinking. She needed to be careful, to choose her friends wisely.
But as she walked alone, Inej couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. Hogwarts was a place filled with secrets and whispers, and finding her place among the shadows was proving to be more challenging than she thought. She knew she couldn't rely on others to make her feel welcome. It was a journey she would have to navigate on her own, one step at a time.
Chapter 3: Triumph and Turmoil
Chapter Text
JESPER
The sun-dappled sky over Hogwarts was as clear as could be, with a gentle breeze rustling through the ancient castle's spires. Out on the Quidditch pitch, Jesper Fahey was in his element. His Gryffindor robes flapped in the wind like a superhero's cape as he zoomed through the air on his broomstick, flashing a grin at the gathered students below.
It was a rather unusual lesson that day, something Professor Hooch had devised to keep the class entertained: an aerial obstacle course with glowing rings hovering at various heights. The objective was simple enough—fly through each ring without missing any, and do it as quickly as possible. For Jesper, who relished any excuse to show off his flying skills, it was an absolute dream.
Kaz, his usual rival, didn't seem nearly as keen. He drifted at the back of the group, leaning casually on his broomstick as if he was lounging in a hammock. Jesper smirked; with Kaz out of the running, the competition would be a cakewalk.
"Ready, set, go!" Professor Hooch shouted, and Jesper took off like a firework, his broom swooping through the rings with effortless speed. He added a showy barrel roll, just because he could, grinning at the gasps and cheers from his classmates. It wasn't a competition without a bit of flair, right?
Jesper waved down to the crowd. "Catch me if you can!" he called out, laughing as he sped through the course. Below, a group of Gryffindor students whooped and hollered, while others watched in awe. He loved the thrill of performing, the way he could make people smile with just a little bit of showmanship.
A few rings behind him, Inej Ghafa—the quiet Ravenclaw girl Jesper knew from divination—was also making her way through the course. Jesper didn't pay much attention; he was too busy basking in the limelight and figuring out what sort of flashy stunt to pull next. He'd seen Inej in classes, but she seemed more bookish than athletic. Surely, she wasn't a threat.
Kaz watched from the back, raising an eyebrow at Jesper's theatrics. "Someone tell Jesper this isn't a circus," he muttered, but there was a hint of amusem*nt in his voice. Jesper's antics were over the top, but Kaz knew that was just his way of having fun. He was, after all, the polar opposite of Kaz's cool detachment.
As Jesper rounded the final corner, something surprising happened. Inej appeared beside him, her broom gliding with a grace that seemed almost impossible. Jesper blinked—where had she come from? He tried to push his broom faster, but she was too quick, slipping through the last ring with a smoothness that left him stunned.
Professor Hooch clapped her hands to signal the end of the competition. "Well done, everyone! Inej Ghafa is our winner—perfect score, flawless flying. Jesper Fahey, you were quick, but you missed three rings."
Jesper's mouth dropped open. Missed rings? He'd been so caught up in his own stunts and showmanship that he hadn't even realized he'd skipped a few. He glanced over at Kaz, who was lounging back, looking as if he'd seen this coming all along. Jesper couldn't help but laugh at himself. He'd underestimated Inej, and she'd flown past him with ease.
Inej, however, seemed uneasy with all the attention. Her face flushed as she stammered out an apology. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to—"
Jesper shook his head with a broad grin. "Sorry? You were brilliant! I can't believe I got beaten by a Ravenclaw. You're amazing, Inej!" He shot her a friendly wink, hoping to ease her embarrassment. "Where did you learn to fly like that? Got some hidden talent you're keeping secret from the rest of us?"
Inej blushed in response.
Kaz leaned against his broomstick, watching Inej with a slight frown. He hadn't expected her to be that fast, and it threw him off. It was one thing to be surprised—it was another to admit it out loud.
Jesper's enthusiasm was infectious. He playfully elbowed Kaz in the ribs. "What do you think of that, Kaz? Gryffindor might have to start recruiting from Ravenclaw for our team. Did you see how she flew? Like a real pro!"
Kaz shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "She's good," he said nonchalantly, but Jesper knew him well enough to detect the faint hint of admiration in his voice. Inej's flying had caught him off guard, and he wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it.
Jesper rolled his eyes, feigning exasperation. "Come on, Kaz, don't be such a grump. Can't you admit that Inej just schooled us all? If it wasn't for her, I'd have a perfect score. Maybe I should ask her for flying tips."
Kaz gave him a sideways glance. "You don't need flying tips, Jesper. You just need to remember to hit the rings." His tone was dry, but Jesper caught the underlying humor.
Jesper laughed, pretending to clutch his chest. "Ouch, harsh, Kaz! You're lucky I like you." He turned his attention back to Inej, who still stood nearby, looking slightly embarrassed by all the attention. She fidgeted with the hem of her Ravenclaw robes, her eyes darting between the ground and the other students who were congratulating her.
"You're quite the flyer, Inej," Jesper said with his trademark grin. "You should consider switching houses. Gryffindor could use someone with your skills."
Inej blushed. "I... I don't think I'd fit in," she replied.
Kaz, leaning against his broomstick, raised an eyebrow. "You don't need to switch houses to be good at something," he said, sounding almost annoyed by Jesper's suggestion. "Besides, Ravenclaw needs someone to actually earn them points."
Inej glanced at Kaz, noticing the slight edge in his voice. It felt like a rejection, even if he didn't mean it that way. Jesper, on the other hand, was unperturbed by Kaz’s attitude, like a duck shaking off water.
Inej hesitated for a moment, before she spoke. "Actually, I'm the new Seeker for Ravenclaw," she said quietly, almost as if she were telling them a secret she'd kept tucked away in her pocket. "I'll be playing in the next match against Slytherin."
Jesper's eyes widened in surprise. "No way! That's brilliant!" He shot a look at Kaz, his grin widening. "Looks like Slytherin's in for a surprise this time, eh?"
Kaz's expression soured a touch, his gaze narrowing just slightly. He wasn’t overly enthusiastic about Quidditch—or team sports, for that matter—but he didn't like losing either. "We'll see," he replied with a slight growl in his voice. "Don't underestimate Slytherin. We're known for our cunning, after all."
Jesper chuckled. "Sure, sure. But it seems like Ravenclaw's got a secret weapon now," he said, winking at Inej. "They might want to up their game. Wouldn't want Ravenclaw to sweep the field."
Kaz glared at him, but Jesper just laughed it off. Inej, feeling a bit more at ease, allowed herself a small smile. It was a delicate balance, interacting with these two very different friends, but she could see that they had a genuine bond beneath all the teasing and banter.
Jesper threw an arm around Kaz's shoulders, earning another scowl."Come on, Kaz, let's go grab some food. I don't know about you, but I'm starving. And Inej, you're welcome to join us. We've got a lot to discuss—like how to keep Slytherin from winning the next match."
Kaz's cold stare was enough to freeze a boiling potion, but Jesper's charm was impenetrable. "Come on, Kaz, let's go grab some food. I'm starving. And Inej, you're welcome to join us. We've got loads to discuss—like how to keep Slytherin from winning the next match."
Kaz shook off Jesper's arm with a practiced move that said he was just barely putting up with him. It was classic Kaz—cold and aloof on the outside, but Jesper knew there was warmth buried deep underneath, somewhere.
"Sorry, Jesper, I've got Advanced Potions," Kaz replied, his voice steady but with an edge of irritation. Kaz was never one to mince words. "It's not like I can just skip out because you're feeling peckish."
Jesper co*cked an eyebrow, his eyes glimmering with mischief. He’d completely forgotten about Kaz's class. "Oh, right," he said, flashing a playful smirk. "Guess you're the only one missing out on the feast, then. But don't worry, I'll save you some scraps—if I remember." He threw a wink at Inej. "Looks like you're stuck with me, Inej. Lunchtime banter and all."
Inej hesitated, her expression apologetic. "Actually, I have Herbology with Professor Sprout," she said, giving a slight shrug. "And she really doesn't like it when people show up late." Her voice was soft, almost as if she didn't want to disappoint Jesper.
Jesper grinned, raising his hands in mock despair.
"Herbology, huh? Well, okay, I guess I'll have to manage on my own." He paused, then added with a dramatic sigh, "It's going to be lonely in the Great Hall without you. I hope you enjoy your plants, Inej. Just don't let those plants grow wild, like I did."
Inej smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Thanks, Jesper. If you need me, you can always find me in Ravenclaw Tower. I'm the one talking to the owls." She nodded, as if sharing a little secret.
Jesper blinked, a bit taken aback by her response. "Talking to owls, huh? I'll keep that in mind. I’m fine with owls as long as they don’t eat all my snacks. They can be quite greedy, you know."
Kaz muttered something under his breath, though it was clear from the way his lips curved into a smirk that he found Jesper's theatrics entertaining. "You're impossible," he grumbled, his voice just loud enough for Jesper to hear. It was hard to tell if he was annoyed or amused—probably both, knowing Kaz.
Jesper gave Kaz a friendly nudge. "Oh, come on, Kaz. Don't be so grumpy. You could join me in the Great Hall after your Potions class. I promise I'll leave you at least one sausage roll." He knew Kaz had his moments, but there was always a soft spot in him, even if he kept it hidden beneath layers of sarcasm and grumpiness.
Kaz shook his head, straightening his robes. "Careful, Jes, if you get any friendlier, you'll be mistaken for a Hufflepuff." He glanced at Inej, his expression softening slightly. "Enjoy Herbology. Maybe one day Jesper can tell you about the time he accidentally turned a greenhouse into a jungle."
Jesper rolled his eyes. "One time! You turn one greenhouse into a jungle, and nobody lets you forget it," he complained, though he couldn't help but laugh. "It was Professor Sprout's fault, really. She gave me a plant and didn’t mention it liked to grow when it got excited."
Kaz chuckled, a rare sound. "Just make sure you never try to do the same with Potions. Professor Snape's not as forgiving as Sprout." He gave Jesper a quick nod before heading off down the corridor toward the dungeons, his robes swishing behind him. The advanced Potions seminar wasn't something he could be late for.
"He's just cranky because he has to spend the afternoon with Professor Snape. I'd be in a bad mood too if I had to endure that much sneering," he said, rolling his eyes.
Inej laughed, a soft sound that seemed to lift the tension. Jesper was glad to see her relax a bit. "Thanks, Jesper," she said. "I'll see you around, then?"
Jesper nodded, offering her a playful wave. "Sure thing. Tell the owls I said hi, will you?"
With that, he spun on his heel and headed toward the Great Hall, his steps light and his grin as wide as ever.
INEJ
Inej stood at the edge of the Quidditch pitch, her heart pounding in her chest. The stands were filled with students from every house, their colorful scarves and banners flapping in the breeze. The Ravenclaw side was a sea of blue and silver, while Slytherin's green and silver dominated the opposite side. The roar of the crowd was like a storm, unpredictable and full of energy. Inej felt a shiver of nerves, not from the cold but from the weight of all those eyes watching her. What if she failed? What if she let her team down? The doubts swirled around her like a dark cloud.
She glanced at her Ravenclaw teammates, each one busy with last-minute preparations. Some were adjusting their gear, while others stretched their limbs, their faces set with determination. Inej's own Quidditch robes felt tight across her shoulders, the deep blue fabric hugging her frame. The broomstick in her hand was sleek and powerful, its polished wood gleaming in the sunlight. But none of it would matter if she couldn't keep her focus.
The crowd's excitement reminded her of her Suli caravan, where the nights were filled with music, dance, and the warmth of her family's love. She missed those times, the sense of belonging and security. Here, in the midst of so much noise and competition, it was easy to feel alone. But she clung to her faith, to the Suli saying that had always given her strength—Mati en sheva yelu—this action will have no echo. It was a reminder that some things were meant to be, that no matter what happened, she wouldn't regret her choices.
The whistle blew, and Inej mounted her broomstick, feeling the familiar rush of air as she rose into the sky. The Snitch, a tiny golden ball with delicate wings, was released, vanishing into the glare of the sun. Inej's task was simple in theory: catch the Snitch before the Slytherin Seeker did. But nothing about Quidditch was simple, and she had to be fast and focused to avoid the chaos of the match.
From her vantage point high above the pitch, Inej watched the game unfold below. The Slytherin Chasers were aggressive, weaving between the Ravenclaw players with ease. The Bludgers zipped through the air like angry wasps, each one capable of knocking a player off their broom. Inej saw the Quaffle soar through the air, and the Slytherin Keeper lunged to block it, but Ravenclaw scored, sending a roar through the blue-and-silver side of the stands.
But Slytherin quickly countered, their Chasers flying in tight formation. They scored twice in rapid succession, the green-and-silver crowd roaring with approval. Inej felt a pang of anxiety; she needed to find the Snitch and end the game, or Slytherin would build an insurmountable lead.
She soared above the pitch, her eyes scanning the sky for any sign of the golden glint. Below, the game grew more intense, with the Slytherin Beaters smashing Bludgers toward the Ravenclaw players. Inej had to dodge a rogue Bludger, her broomstick swerving just in time to avoid a painful collision. The crowd gasped at the near-miss, and she heard Jesper's voice, his shout of encouragement barely audible over the din.
Kaz, standing next to Jesper in the stands, watched with his usual air of detachment. His gaze occasionally drifted to Inej as she circled the field, a subtle reminder that he was always observing, always analyzing. But even Jesper’s bright presence nor Kaz's steadiness couldn't dispel the nerves that tightened Inej's stomach.
As the game continued, Inej felt the pressure mounting. Slytherin scored again, their Chasers weaving through the Ravenclaw defense like eels in a river. The gap was widening, and she had to act fast. The Snitch had to be somewhere, hidden among the clouds or darting between the stands.
Inej took a deep breath, her focus narrowing to the task at hand. She couldn't let fear hold her back; she had to trust her instincts, trust that she would find the Snitch. Again, the Suli saying echoed in her mind—Mati en sheva yelu—this action will have no echo. It gave her the calm she needed, the assurance that she was on the right path.
She circled the pitch, her eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. The Bludgers flew past her, and she had to dodge and weave to avoid them. The Quaffle changed hands repeatedly, the game becoming a blur of motion and color. But Inej stayed focused, her gaze fixed on the sky, waiting for the moment when the Snitch would reveal itself.
The crowd's noise grew louder as the game reached its climax. The Slytherin Chasers were relentless, scoring another goal, and Ravenclaw struggled to keep up. Inej felt the pressure mounting, her heart racing as she pushed her broomstick to its limits. She couldn't let Slytherin win; she had to find the Snitch.
And then she saw it—a flash of gold darting through the air, weaving between the goalposts. The Snitch! Inej's heart leaped, and she shot forward, her broomstick slicing through the wind. She couldn't let it escape; she had to catch it, for her team, for her house, and for herself.
The game below seemed to fade into the background as Inej raced toward the Snitch, her focus absolute. This was her moment, her chance to prove herself, to silence the doubts and fears that had haunted her. The Snitch darted and twisted, but Inej was determined to catch it.
The crowd held its breath as Inej closed the gap, her hand reaching out toward the golden ball. The Slytherin Seeker was close behind her, but Inej's determination pushed her ahead. The Snitch fluttered, darting to the left, but Inej was ready. She adjusted her grip on the broomstick and lunged forward, her fingers closing around the Snitch.
The roar of the crowd was like thunder, shaking the very foundations of Hogwarts. Inej held up the Snitch, her smile wide and bright. She'd done it—she'd caught the Snitch, and Ravenclaw had won. The doubts and fears melted away, replaced by a surge of triumph and joy. She glanced toward the stands, where Jesper was cheering, his smile matching her own.
It was a moment Inej would never forget, a moment that would echo in her heart for years to come. She'd faced her fears, held onto her faith, and come out victorious. And as she descended to the pitch, the cheers and applause filling the air, she knew that she belonged at Hogwarts, among the banners and the laughter.
KAZ
Kaz stood at the edge of the Slytherin section in the Quidditch stands, his arms crossed, his black gloves gripping his forearms tightly. The Quidditch match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw was in full swing, with the roar of the crowd nearly deafening. Jesper Fahey was beside him, bouncing with energy, his vivid Gryffindor robes and electric-pink tights clashing with the traditional colors of the other houses. Jesper had a habit of talking non-stop, and today was no different.
"Did you see that Chaser's move?" Jesper said, pointing with his wand. "Reminds me of the time I almost fell off my broom trying to pull a stunt like that. The whole crowd gasped—I'm not kidding, Kaz, you should've seen their faces!"
Kaz half-listened, but his attention was elsewhere. His eyes were locked on Inej Ghafa, the Ravenclaw Seeker. She moved with an effortless grace, her black hair tied back in a tight braid. She was fast, weaving through the players with an agility that fascinated him. He'd never admit it out loud, but there was something about Inej's calm demeanor and quiet strength that intrigued him.
"So, there I was, hanging upside down from my broom, and this Bludger comes out of nowhere," Jesper said, his grey eyes wide with excitement. "I had to duck and roll, all while trying to keep my pants from falling off—long story. Anyway, I still managed to score, because, you know, Gryffindor!"
Jesper kept talking, his voice full of excitement. Kaz nodded occasionally to pretend he was paying attention, but he was fixated on the game. Despite himself, Kaz found his gaze following Inej every move, the way she leaned into her broom, her eyes scanning the sky for the Snitch.
"... and then the Bludger hit the Quaffle so hard it knocked it out of the stadium!" Jesper exclaimed, his hands flailing about as he reenacted the scene. A few nearby Slytherins ducked to avoid his errant wand, but Jesper seemed blissfully unaware.
Kaz glanced at Jesper and shook his head, his expression one of mild exasperation. He was used to Jesper's stories by now, but his patience was wearing thin. "Maybe you should put that wand away before someone loses an eye," he said dryly, but Jesper just laughed it off.
On the pitch, the Slytherin Chasers were gaining ground, scoring another goal to the cheers of their supporters. Kaz felt a surge of pride—Slytherin was his house, after all—but he couldn't help but notice how Inej's eyes darted from one end of the pitch to the other. She was searching for the Snitch, and if she caught it, Slytherin was done for.
"... and then the Snitch flew right past my face!" Jesper continued, oblivious to Kaz's distraction. "I swear, I could've caught it with my teeth. Too bad I was too busy laughing my head off to grab it."
Jesper continued his banter, but Kaz's focus was on the game. Inej's calm expression shifted as she caught sight of something golden in the distance. The Snitch. Kaz leaned forward slightly, his curiosity getting the better of him. Would she catch it? Would she win the game for Ravenclaw? His pulse quickened at the thought.
Jesper was still talking, but Kaz's attention was entirely on Inej. She shot forward, her broomstick slicing through the air. The Slytherin Seeker was trailing behind, struggling to keep up. Kaz felt a twinge of frustration—Slytherin should've had this match in the bag. But Inej was too fast, her focus too sharp. It was almost mesmerizing, the way she moved with such precision.
Jesper suddenly jumped up, nearly knocking over a few students in his enthusiasm. "She's got it!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the stands. “The owl girl almost got the Snitch!”
Kaz watched as Inej stretched out her hand, her fingers closing around the Snitch. The Ravenclaw supporters erupted in cheers, their blue and silver banners waving triumphantly.
Kaz remained standing, his arms crossed, his expression carefully neutral. He didn't want to show any signs of disappointment, but he couldn't ignore the way his stomach sank as the Ravenclaws celebrated their victory. Inej was at the center of it all, her smile lighting up the entire stadium. Kaz grunted, trying to keep his emotions in check. He didn't like losing, especially not to Ravenclaw.
JESPER
Jesper was already halfway down the stands, joining in the celebrations. He bounded over to Inej, his grin as wide as ever. His bright Gryffindor robes and animated gestures drew attention as he squeezed through the cheering crowd to reach her. The crowd parted to let him through, though he earned a few eye-rolls from Ravenclaws who were less enthused by his flashy appearance.
The Ravenclaw supporters had already swarmed around Inej, their blue and silver scarves waving as they tossed her into the air. "Inej! Inej! Inej!" they chanted, their voices echoing through the Quidditch pitch. Inej's expression was a mix of exhilaration and surprise as she was lifted up, her arms flailing as she laughed with a hint of nervousness. She was at the center of it all, the unlikely hero who'd just won the game for Ravenclaw.
Jesper muscled his way through the crowd, grinning and high-fiving anyone who was willing. He finally reached Inej, who was finally back on solid ground, and hugged her tightly. "Inej! That was the best flying I've ever seen!" he shouted, his voice booming over the roar of the crowd. "You caught that Snitch like it was nothing! Absolute legend!"
Inej blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Thanks, Jesper," she replied, her voice almost lost in the cacophony of cheering. She glanced around, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of praise. The spotlight wasn't her natural habitat, and she was looking for an escape route.
Some of the Ravenclaw students around them eyed Jesper with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "Why is a Gryffindor over here?" one of them muttered under their breath. "Doesn't he always hang around with the Slytherins?"
Jesper shrugged off the comments with his signature grin. "I'm here to celebrate with my friend!" he replied cheerfully, giving a thumbs-up to those who seemed less welcoming. "We're all wizards, aren't we? Quidditch brings us together!" His laid-back attitude seemed to ease some of the tension, though the murmurs persisted in the background.
Inej noticed the cold stares and stepped closer to Jesper, as if to shield him from the hostility. "Jesper's a friend," she said, her voice firm and clear. "He's just happy for Ravenclaw. We don't get many wins like this." Her words seemed to carry weight, and the Ravenclaw crowd quieted, their focus shifting back to celebrating the victory.
Jesper leaned in, his grin undiminished. "Thanks, Inej," he said, giving her a playful wink. Then he turned to the Ravenclaw supporters. "They're just jealous they don't have a Gryffindor on their team!" he joked, earning a few chuckles. "You should see us at the parties—we're the life of the castle!" His carefree banter managed to win over a few skeptics, and the Ravenclaw students began to relax.
Kaz watched from a distance, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. The Slytherin supporters around Kaz were sullen in their defeat, but Kaz knew Jesper wouldn't care. He was too caught up in the moment, too caught up in the sheer joy of celebrating Inej's victory.
Jesper bounded back, his energy never waning. "See? I told you Inej would catch it!" he said, clapping Kaz on the shoulder. "Should've bet on Ravenclaw, Kaz! You'd have made a killing!"
Kaz rolled his eyes, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm not interested in betting. I'm here to keep you from causing a riot with your antics." He glanced at Inej, who was still surrounded by enthusiastic Ravenclaws. "You're always so loud, Jesper. Quidditch isn't the only thing in life."
Jesper laughed, completely unbothered by Kaz's grumpiness. "Come on, Kaz, lighten up a little! Life's too short to be so serious. You might even enjoy yourself if you stopped frowning for five minutes!" He gave Kaz a playful shove, which earned him a sharp look from a few nearby Ravenclaws.
Kaz watched the Ravenclaw celebrate from a distance, his eyes occasionally drifting back to Inej. There was something about her that made him feel oddly unsettled, something that he couldn't quite put into words. She was just a Seeker, just another player. But the way she smiled—it was like she had found her place, and it made Kaz question his own.
INEJ
The Great Hall was alight with the electric energy of a Ravenclaw Quidditch victory, the entire room a sea of blue and silver. Music reverberated off the enchanted ceiling, laughter burst out in joyous waves, and everywhere, students celebrated with a fervor that echoed through the castle’s ancient stone walls. Inej Ghafa moved through the crowd, her smile polite but her nerves buzzing. The focus of the celebration was her—the Seeker who’d caught the Snitch and secured Ravenclaw's win—but the attention made her skin prickle. She was more comfortable in the shadows than the spotlight.
"That was incredible, Inej!" exclaimed a tall Ravenclaw boy, his hair as untamed as a broomstick crash. "The way you dodged those Bludgers! I thought you were done for!"
"The dive for the Snitch was positively mad!" said a girl with thick glasses, clutching a stack of books as though afraid they might fly away. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Inej nodded graciously, her eyes soft but her voice quiet. "Thank you," she said, keeping her tone light. "It was a good team effort. I just did my part."
The praise continued as the party swirled around her, but Inej caught sight of Jesper Fahey through the sea of faces. He stood out like a burst of sunlight on a grey day amongst the crowd. Jesper was in his element, laughing and telling stories.
Jesper waved Inej over, his smile bright enough to light up the entire Great Hall. "Inej! You're here!" he called out, his voice carrying across the room. "I was just telling everyone how you dodged that Bludger to catch the Snitch. You should've seen the Slytherin Seeker's face—he looked like he'd seen a ghost!"
Inej joined him, relieved to be in the presence of someone who made the spotlight seem less intense. "I just got lucky," she replied, her tone dismissive but her smile warm. "The team made it happen."
Jesper laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, come on, Inej! You were a streak of lightning! I almost missed you when you zipped by." His energy was contagious; even the usually reserved Ravenclaws started to cheer and clap in agreement.
"She's the best Seeker Ravenclaw's had in ages," said the wild-haired boy, clapping Inej on the back. "We're counting on you to bring us the Cup!"
Inej felt her cheeks warm with a mixture of pride and discomfort. "I'll do my best," she said, her voice steady, even though her heart raced beneath her Ravenclaw robes.
Jesper leaned in, lowering his voice so only Inej could hear. "Kaz is over there, watching from the corner like he’s got some sinister plot in the works," he said with a sly smirk. "You know Kaz—too cool for parties."
Inej followed his gaze to the back of the Great Hall, where Kaz Brekker sat with his arms crossed, his expression a mask of disinterest. His dark hair framed his pale face, and his gloved fingers tapped rhythmically on his arm as if keeping time with some unheard melody.
"He could at least pretend to be happy for us," Inej replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Jesper shrugged, giving her a reassuring grin. "That’s just Kaz. He'll come around. Always does." His wink was a mischievous promise, and Inej couldn't help but smile in return. "Besides, he's probably just miffed that Slytherin lost. Or he's secretly jealous of your skills. Could be both."
Inej laughed softly, grateful for Jesper's levity. Despite the noise and chaos of the party, she felt a moment of calm. She took a deep breath, soaking in the atmosphere, trying to enjoy the moment. It wasn't often that she was at the center of a celebration like this, and she knew she had to embrace it while it lasted.
KAZ
Kaz sat at the back of the Great Hall, his dark coat a stark contrast against the waves of blue and silver that surged through the room like an oceanic celebration. The Ravenclaw victory party was in full swing, and while most of the students were swept up in the euphoria, Kaz kept his distance. It wasn’t that he had anything against Ravenclaw winning—everyone had their day in the sun, even if the sun was a bit too bright for his liking. But he wasn't fond of loud parties, jubilant crowds, or any setting where people got so caught up in the moment that they forgot to be cautious.
Of course, Slytherin's loss didn't help his mood. Not that Kaz was a Quidditch fanatic, but a victory would have been a balm for his housemates, who were already stewing over their recent string of defeats. And it wasn't the loss itself that bothered him—it was the noise, the chaos, the uncertainty that came with large crowds. All those people, all that energy, just begging for something to go wrong.
His eyes tracked Inej Ghafa as she moved through the throngs of cheering students. She was a subtle presence amid the storm of blue and silver, calm and composed. Unlike most people at Hogwarts, Inej didn't seek attention—it seemed to find her. There was a grace in her movements, a sense of quiet confidence that Kaz found both intriguing and unsettling. She had this way of drawing you in without even trying, and Kaz wasn’t about to admit how much that fascinated him. But there it was, a lingering thought that kept him on edge.
His fingers tapped a rhythmic pattern on his coat sleeve—a nervous habit he had developed over the years, usually when something was gnawing at him. The echoes of his father’s words over Christmas played on repeat in his mind: the Death Eaters were growing bolder, their reach extending even into the heart of Hogwarts. Kaz wasn’t the type to panic, but knowing his father had joined their ranks and was actively seeking Lord Voldemort? That was enough to make anyone uneasy. The idea of Death Eaters prowling the corridors, hidden among the students and staff, sent a shiver down his spine.
Kaz’s grip tightened on his glass as he saw Jesper lean in to say something to Inej, and she laughed, her eyes lighting up as she relaxed in his company. Kaz felt a twinge of something he wasn't quite ready to name. Jealousy? No, not jealousy. He didn't get jealous; he kept himself too guarded for that. It was just... irritation. Yes, irritation that Jesper could make Inej feel at ease, while Kaz's mere presence seemed to put people on edge. It was a talent he’d cultivated, of course, but still. What did Jesper have that he didn't?
Jesper's voice grew louder, his hands gesticulating wildly as he recounted the latest Quidditch match. Inej seemed genuinely amused, her laugh a soft melody amid the boisterous party. Kaz's chest clenched faintly, but he shook it off, focusing on the flickering candlelight instead. He was about to turn away, letting the crowd swallow up his irritation, when the Great Hall's heavy doors burst open with a resounding crash.
The noise stopped. It was like someone had flipped a switch, plunging the room into an eerie silence. The laughter and music ceased as six Death Eaters strode in, their black robes billowing with each step. Kaz's breath caught in his throat as he recognized three of them—Alecto Carrow, Barty Crouch Jr., and Bellatrix Lestrange. Crouch was the Death Eater his father had invited over Christmas. Bellatrix was infamous, a name that made even the bravest wizards shudder. Alecto was a woman with striking features, unforgettable once seen in the Daily Prophet.
"Well, what do we have here?" Bellatrix said, her voice dripping with mockery. "A little victory party for the Ravenclaws?" She flicked her wand, sending a burst of green light into the air. Students screamed and dove for cover as the spell exploded against the ceiling, sending shards of stone raining down. “And you must be the annoying Ghafa.”
Kaz moved quickly, his wand drawn as he scanned the room for threats. Inej and Jesper were near the center of the hall, a dangerous place to be when curses were flying. He ducked behind a fallen table as Bellatrix hurled another spell, the sound of her maniacal laughter echoing in the chaos.
"What do you want from me?" Inej took a cautious step back, her brown eyes wide with shock. Kaz’s heart stuttered. Perhaps it was because Inej had just won the Quidditch match, or perhaps because Inej's quiet strength was the kind of thing Bellatrix would want to crush—but the Death Eater seemed dead set on destroying her.
"Such a stupid Ravenclaw," Bellatrix mocked. "I thought you prided yourselves on being so smart." She laughed, a sound as cold as the stone walls.
Jesper stepped in front of Inej, his wand raised. "Get away from her," he said, his voice steady but tinged with the usual Gryffindor recklessness. Bellatrix's laugh was sharp and piercing, her eyes glinting with cruel delight.
"And what will a little Gryffindor do to stop me?" she sneered. Before Jesper could respond, Bellatrix flicked her wand, and a curse sent his wand flying across the hall, shattering into two pieces.
Kaz’s instincts took over, his wand at the ready, the spell stupefy poised on the tip of his tongue. But before he could act, Inej was already in motion, her movements swift and fluid, like a dance. She closed the gap between herself and Bellatrix with a speed that seemed almost unnatural, her fists flying with precision and force.
Bellatrix barely had time to react before Inej's fist connected with her face, the sickening crunch of breaking cartilage echoing through the Great Hall. The Death Eater reeled, staggering back as blood streamed down her face. Inej followed up with a swift kick to Bellatrix's stomach, the impact folding her over in pain.
“Madness!” Bellatrix shrieked, clutching her broken nose with one hand while raising her wand with the other. Her curses shot through the air like poisoned arrows, each one aimed directly at Inej. The spells smashed into the walls, shattering chairs and sending debris flying across the hall.
The acrid scent of burning wood filled the air as Bellatrix's dark magic tore through the room. But Inej moved like a shadow, her body weaving and ducking with an agility that left Kaz both awed and alarmed. She was so quick, so silent, that Bellatrix's curses seemed to miss her by a hair's breadth.
Kaz felt his pulse quicken, the chaos around him blurring into a frenzy of noise and movement. The Great Hall was a battlefield, and Bellatrix was a force of pure rage. Kaz knew he had to act fast—Bellatrix was dangerous, unpredictable, and relentless.
But Inej held her ground, her eyes sharp and focused. As Bellatrix lunged at her, Inej spun to the side, her foot sweeping across the floor to trip the Death Eater. Bellatrix stumbled, her curses turning wild and uncontrolled as she struggled to keep her balance.
Kaz was about to cast stupefy to knock Bellatrix out for good, but Inej didn’t give him the chance. She moved in, her punches landing with a ferocity that was as precise as it was brutal. It was a side of Inej that Kaz hadn't seen before—one that was fierce and unyielding. Bellatrix was reeling, bloodied and infuriated, but Inej showed no signs of backing down.
"Hold still, you pathetic little girl!" Bellatrix snarled, her words edged with fury. She lashed out with her wand, sending a powerful Confringo spell toward Inej, but the Ravenclaw Seeker ducked and rolled, the spell exploding against the stone floor where she'd just been standing.
Kaz was moving toward Inej, his wand at the ready, casting Protego to deflect the debris flying through the air. The charm sent a surge of energy into the stone walls, creating a barrier that absorbed Bellatrix's dark magic.
Jesper, who'd scrambled for cover behind an overturned table, yelled to Inej, "Keep moving! Don't give her a clear shot!"
And thankfully, Inej was still like a shadow, darting between the wreckage and avoiding Bellatrix's curses with remarkable agility. Kaz watched as she spun and rolled, her movements fluid and graceful. She never hesitated, her eyes locked on Bellatrix's every move. It was as if she knew exactly where the Death Eater's attacks would land.
But Bellatrix was relentless, her curses flying in all directions as she tried to bring Inej down. She laughed, the sound sharp and piercing, as if she was enjoying the chaos. "You're slippery, aren't you?" she taunted. "But you can't hide forever!"
Kaz knew he had to act quickly. He glanced around the Great Hall, searching for reinforcements. The professors were already arriving, their wands drawn, but the Death Eaters were holding their ground. Snape and McGonagall were coordinating the defense, but Bellatrix's unpredictable magic was making it difficult to maintain control.
Jesper, still hiding behind the overturned table, muttered to himself, "This is why I like Quidditch. Fewer curses, more fun." He peeked over the edge, watching Inej's swift movements with a mix of awe and worry. He shouted to her, "Watch out for the Bludgers! I mean... the curses!"
Kaz aimed his wand at Bellatrix, but she moved too quickly, dodging the Stupefy spell with a graceful sidestep. The spell shattered a nearby statue, sending stone fragments flying in all directions. Kaz gritted his teeth, trying to keep his focus amidst the chaos.
Inej, meanwhile, was closing the distance with Bellatrix once more. She ducked under a table, then leaped over a shattered bench, her movements swift and precise. When Bellatrix raised her wand to cast another curse, Inej was already there, her fist connecting with the Death Eater's chin. Bellatrix staggered backward, her laughter turning into a furious snarl.
"Enough!" Bellatrix screamed, her eyes blazing with rage. She swung her wand in a wide arc, sending a burst of dark energy through the air. The spell smashed into the stone wall, sending cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.
Kaz lunged forward, casting a protective charm to shield Inej from the worst of the blast. The force of the explosion pushed him back, his robes billowing from the shockwave. He struggled to maintain his balance, but Inej caught him, her grip surprisingly strong.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice calm despite the chaos around them.
Kaz nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... watch out for Bellatrix. She's not playing around." He glanced at her, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "And don't let her catch you off guard."
Inej nodded, her eyes scanning the Great Hall for threats. She noticed Jesper, who had moved to a safer position, his wand now broken and useless. "Jesper!" she called, waving him over. "Stay low and keep moving!"
Jesper nodded, crawling behind the remains of a shattered bench. "Right, stay low. Got it." He glanced around, his eyes wide with alarm. "Uh, Kaz? Any chance we can, you know, get out of her before we get killed? Bellatrix is a bit... intense."
Kaz grinned despite the chaos. "Don't worry, Jesper. Just try not to get hit by anything sharp or explosive."
Bellatrix's curses continued to rain down, her fury growing with each passing moment. The other Death Eaters were starting to retreat, their confidence wavering in the face of the professors' coordinated defense. Snape and McGonagall were leading the charge, their magic strong and steady, pushing the Death Eaters back.
But Bellatrix wasn't backing down. She had a manic gleam in her eyes, a hunger for destruction that was impossible to ignore. Kaz knew they had to act quickly, or things could get much worse.
Just as Kaz was about to cast another spell, Bellatrix raised her wand and pointed it directly at Inej. Her voice was cold and menacing. "Crucio!" she screamed, her eyes filled with a twisted delight.
Kaz's heart sank as the green light shot toward Inej. He knew he had to act, had to do something to stop it. But before he could move, a powerful shield charm erupted between Inej and Bellatrix, deflecting the killing curse with a brilliant burst of light. The charm's energy crackled in the air, sending ripples through the Great Hall.
Professor Snape stood at the center of the charm, his wand outstretched, his expression calm but intense. "Bellatrix, leave," he said, his voice low and commanding. "You are outmatched."
Bellatrix snarled, her grip on her wand tightening. But she knew when she was outnumbered, and she wasn't about to risk her life for a lost cause. With a final glare at Inej and the others, she apparated with a loud crack, the sound echoing through the Great Hall.
The other Death Eaters quickly followed suit, their robes swirling as they vanished into thin air. The chaos in the Great Hall began to settle, the debris and destruction a testament to the battle that had just occurred. Students peeked out from their hiding spots, the tension slowly easing as they realized the danger had passed.
Kaz stood amidst the wreckage, his wand still in hand, his mind racing with questions. The Death Eaters had attacked the Great Hall—Bellatrix herself had come to Hogwarts. The implications were troubling, and he knew this wasn't the last they would see of Voldemort's followers.
Snape and McGonagall turned to the students, their faces stern but calm. "Everyone, return to your dormitories," McGonagall instructed, her voice firm. "We need to secure the castle and ensure your safety."
Kaz glanced at Jesper and Inej, who stood nearby, both looking shaken but unharmed. The attack had been swift and brutal, but they had survived. Kaz knew that they had only just begun to understand the dangers that lay ahead.
The Great Hall's atmosphere was chaotic but quickly settling as professors moved through the crowds, directing students back to their dormitories. The lingering echoes of the Death Eater attack were like a haunting refrain, leaving students whispering in hushed tones about what had just transpired. Kaz, Jesper, and Inej found a quiet corner near the dungeon entrance, away from the curious ears and nervous eyes.
Jesper leaned against the stone wall, taking a deep breath as if to calm his racing heart. "So," he said, rubbing his hands together, "is anyone going to explain how Death Eaters just waltzed into Hogwarts? I thought this place had anti-apparition spells or something. Or do they get away with it because they're more beast than human?" He tried to lighten the mood with a forced laugh, but his eyes searched Kaz's for answers.
Kaz stared into the dimly lit corridor, his expression unreadable. "They probably found a loophole," he said, almost to himself. "Maybe they used an artifact, or they exploited a weak point in the castle's defenses. Whatever it was, it's not good news."
He glanced at Jesper, who seemed uncharacteristically serious. "Death Eaters don't do anything by accident. There's always a reason."
Kaz felt a weight on his chest, a heaviness that came from knowing more than he was willing to say. He'd heard things—conversations that hinted at darker forces gathering strength. But he wasn't ready to tell Jesper and Inej. Not yet. The Death Eaters were dangerous, and if his father was involved... Kaz pushed the thought away. He couldn't let his friends know what he knew—not until he was sure they were safe.
Inej frowned, her dark eyes clouded with concern. "But why me? Why would Lestrange attack me? I don't even know her."
Kaz's eyes flicked to her. He noticed the tautness in her shoulders. "It's not just about you, Inej," he replied evenly. "The Death Eaters are making a statement. Attacking Hogwarts, slipping through the defenses—it’s about power, not individuals. Though, you might have ruffled some feathers by beating Slytherin at Quidditch. Lestrange doesn’t like losing."
Jesper snorted. "You-Know-Who? He's ancient history," he said with a hint of bravado, though Kaz caught the sliver of doubt beneath his words. "Probably long gone." Jesper knew the stories, the same as anyone else. The dark tales that spun through Hogwarts' corridors like cobwebs.
Kaz remained silent for a moment, mulling over what he’d overheard during Christmas—conversations between his father and a Death Eater about a search for Voldemort, but Kaz wasn’t ready to spill the details just yet.
"Dead or not, his followers are still out there," he finally said, his voice solemn. "And they don't care who they hurt to get what they want."
Jesper shifted uncomfortably, then brightened as he looked at Inej. "You were fantastic out there, by the way. The way you fought Bellatrix—it was like watching a duel in a movie. Where did you learn those moves?"
"I grew up in a Suli caravan," Inej said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "My parents ran a circus, and I spent my childhood on the high wire. You learn to be fast, because falling's not an option."
Kaz raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Circus skills? I like it. You certainly have a talent, Inej."
Jesper grinned. "Talent, eh? You could teach me a few tricks. I mean, not that I'm not already pretty great, but I could always use a refresher on not getting mauled by a tiger."
Inej chuckled lightly. "First rule: don't turn your back on them. Tigers have a tendency to bite when you're not looking."
Jesper feigned shock. "Good to know. And here I was thinking they were just big, fluffy cats." He laughed, his grin widening. "Maybe I should add 'tiger trainer' to my list of career possibilities. It could be fun, don't you think?"
Kaz rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Enough tiger talk. We need to get back before Sprout finds us again."
As if on cue, Professor Sprout appeared, her expression stern. "What are you three doing out here? You should be in your dormitories, not loitering in dark hallways," she admonished. "Off you go, now. There's been enough trouble for one night."
Kaz nodded, giving her a polite bow. "Of course, Professor," he said, his voice steady. "We're heading back."
"If I catch any of you outside your dormitories again, I'll personally escort you to detention with Professor Snape. And trust me, his idea of 'extra credit' isn't for the faint of heart," Sprout said.
As they dispersed, Kaz felt the weight of what he'd shared. The Death Eaters were searching for Voldemort, and they wouldn't stop until they found him—or someone who knew where he was.
As he headed toward the Slytherin dormitories, he overheard two professors talking in hushed tones near the entrance to the Great Hall. "Bellatrix and her followers were searching for something—or someone," one of them said. "We need to tighten security; this could be just the beginning."
Kaz's heart sank as he slipped past them. He knew one thing for sure—things were about to get a lot more complicated.
Chapter 4: An Unexpected Confession
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
INEJ
Inej Ghafa perched on the narrow ledge of Ravenclaw Tower, the wind sweeping briskly across the grounds far below. The castle was hushed at this late hour, with only the faint rustling of the Forbidden Forest and an occasional hoot from a distant owl breaking the silence. Nyx, her own owl, a creature of pitch-black feathers, settled onto her shoulder, its eyes reflecting the twilight.
The Death Eater attack had left Hogwarts shaken. Bellatrix Lestrange's manic cackling still echoed in Inej's ears, her shrill voice disrupting the otherwise peaceful night. Inej had barely dodged the blast of Bellatrix's curse—luck and quick reflexes were all that had kept her from a far worse fate. But why had she been targeted? Inej was just a seventh-year Ravenclaw, without any notable connections. Was it because she had outplayed the Slytherin Seeker during the last Quidditch match? It seemed unlikely; even a heated game couldn’t have provoked such hatred. Yet Bellatrix's eyes had focused on her with a wild intensity, as if there was more at stake than a mere sport.
"Why me, Nyx?" she murmured, the question almost lost in the wind. The owl co*cked its head, one eye gleaming gold in the dim light. "What do they want from me?" It was rhetorical, of course, but voicing her thoughts to Nyx made them feel less overwhelming, even if just a little.
Inej's mind wandered back to what Kaz Brekker, the enigmatic Slytherin, had told her during their last conversation. Kaz always seemed to know more than he let on, his insights as sharp as a blade. "It's not just about you, Inej ," he'd said in his usual calm and detached manner. "The Death Eaters are making a statement. Attacking Hogwarts, slipping through the defenses—it’s about power, not individuals. Though, you might have ruffled some feathers by beating Slytherin at Quidditch. Lestrange doesn’t like losing."
Jesper Fahey, a notorious Gryffindor prankster, had chimed in with a smirk, "You-Know-Who? He's ancient history. Probably long gone. " But Inej had noticed the way Kaz fell silent, a flicker of something else in his eyes. He was keeping secrets; Inej just hadn’t figured out what they were.
The attack had changed everything. The castle's defenses had been breached, and if the Death Eaters could do it once, they could do it again. Inej couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows were closing in, the light of Hogwarts growing dimmer with each passing day.
Kaz had been there during the attack, lunging forward to shield Inej from Bellatrix's curse. The protective charm he'd cast deflected the worst of it, but the force still knocked him off balance. Inej grabbed him, keeping him from falling, and for a moment, she'd seen an unexpected vulnerability in his eyes. " Just watch out for Bellatrix ," he'd warned, his voice low and serious. " She's not playing around. And don't let her catch you off guard."
It was a side of Kaz she hadn't seen before. He was usually stoic, the epitome of Slytherin aloofness. He barely acknowledged her in class, seemed to hardly notice her presence at all. But in that moment, as he stood back up, was there a hint of color in his cheeks? Had he actually blushed, or was that just her imagination?
Down below, the castle's silhouette stretched across the moonlit grounds, casting long shadows. Students, usually lively and full of laughter, now moved through the hallways in hushed whispers, their eyes darting with uncertainty. The attack had shown them all that Hogwarts wasn't as impenetrable as they had believed.
Inej stroked Nyx's feathers, her thoughts drifting back to her family. The Suli were free, travelers by nature, their culture steeped in ancient tales and songs. Her journey to Hogwarts hadn't been easy. The Ministry had inspected her family's caravan, questioning whether they belonged. It was a subtle form of discrimination, but it lingered like a shadow.
With the threat of You-Know-Who growing, acceptance at Hogwarts felt more fragile than ever. But to her surpise, a lot of students suddenly seemed to think differently about her. Inej had faced Bellatrix Lestrange and lived, and now some students looked at her as if she were some kind of hero. A second-year had even asked if she'd protect them if the Death Eaters attacked again. Inej had been taken aback; she was just a student, not some legendary figure from the stories. But her Suli upbringing taught her to stand firm in the face of danger, to never back down when the odds seemed stacked against her.
Her thoughts turned to Jesper Fahey, the daring Gryffindor with a penchant for gambling and mischief. He'd stood by her during the attack, his wand splintered by a brutal hex. Yet there he was, fists clenched, ready to fight with bare hands if needed. It was reckless, but it touched Inej's heart. Despite never speaking much before, she'd found a friend who'd stand by her.
As she sat on the ledge, her gaze sweeping over the castle grounds, Inej resolved not to let fear dictate her choices. If Hogwarts was to be her home, she'd need allies, people she could trust when the storm hit again. Jesper was a start, but she knew she'd have to be careful—the shadows were growing longer, and the air was heavy with anticipation. Something was coming; she could feel it in her bones.
The breeze grew colder, and Inej pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. The Suli believed darkness wasn't something to fear, but something to embrace. She'd find her way through it, no matter what.
A faint sound from below caught her attention. She leaned forward, peering into the darkness, her eyes narrowing. From the shadows, a figure on a broomstick swooped into view, his crimson Gryffindor robes vibrant against the night sky. It was Jesper Fahey, his grin as bright as the moon itself.
"Mind if I join you?" he called, his voice carrying that confident Gryffindor charm. He landed gracefully on the windowsill, balancing his broomstick against the cold stone. Nyx flapped her wings in surprise, then hopped over to inspect him.
"Sure," Inej replied with a slight smile. "We don't often see Gryffindors up this high." She gestured for Nyx to calm down, but the owl seemed quite taken with Jesper's roguish charm, even hopping onto his shoulder.
Jesper stroked Nyx's feathers, his touch gentle despite the mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I remember you mentioning your owl. Thought I'd drop by to see if she was as cool as you made her sound." He winked. "She's got a bit of that mysterious aura. Kind of like you, really."
Inej chuckled, watching Nyx nibble at Jesper's ear. "Her name's Nyx. She's a bit of a troublemaker, but she's got her good sides," she explained, leaning back on the ledge. The wind swept past, ruffling her hair, and she took in the view of the Forbidden Forest stretching far below them.
Jesper's hand continued to stroke Nyx's feathers. "Nice name," he said with a grin. "So, what brings you up here in the middle of the night? Couldn't sleep?"
Inej shrugged, her gaze distant. "I like the quiet up here. Helps me think." She hesitated, then added, "It's hard not to think about what happened during the Death Eater attack."
Jesper's expression softened, his playful demeanor fading just a bit. "Yeah, that was intense," he admitted. "Bellatrix Lestrange... She's something else, isn't she? You were amazing, though, the way you handled it." His eyes met Inej's, full of sincerity. "You really held your own."
Inej felt a flush of warmth. "Thanks," she said, her voice touched with gratitude. "I just couldn't stand by and do nothing." She glanced at Jesper. "What about you? Why are you really here?"
Jesper hesitated, a hint of vulnerability crossing his face. "Well," he began, his voice quieter, "I was just a bit worried about you, to be honest."
Inej's eyebrow arched with interest. "Worried about me?" she asked. Jesper didn't seem like the nurturing type—more likely to crack a joke than offer comfort.
Jesper glanced into the night, his gaze settling on the distant trees. "Yeah, well... You went through a lot. You were face-to-face with Bellatrix Lestrange. That's not something you just forget." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed... distant. Like you had the weight of the world on your shoulders."
Inej sighed, the breeze playing with her hair. "It's hard not to feel that way. Everyone looks at me like I’m supposed to be some sort of hero now, just because I survived." She shrugged. "But I’m just a student, Jesper. I don't have all the answers."
Jesper nodded, his usual carefree demeanor softening. "Yeah, but you’re a lot tougher than you think. You’ve got the whole Ravenclaw thing going for you—brains, talent, and now a bit of heroism too. Not a bad combination, if you ask me."
Inej smiled, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. "I guess," she said, her voice touched with a hint of humor. "But it’s not like I planned on being the center of attention. I prefer the quiet corners, the places where I can just be myself."
Jesper leaned back, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Yeah, I get that. But sometimes, the quiet ones surprise everyone. They've got this inner strength that comes out when it's needed most."
Inej glanced at him, her dark eyes reflecting the moonlight. "And what about you, Jesper? You risked your life to help me during the attack. You didn't have to do that."
Jesper shrugged, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, well, I guess I just like to live dangerously," he said, his usual bravado returning. "Plus, you looked like you could use a hand. Or a distraction. And I'm pretty good at causing distractions." He grinned.
Inej laughed, the sound light and warm. "You certainly are," she replied. "But I appreciate it, even if you're just causing trouble."
Jesper's grin widened. "Trouble is my middle name," he said with a wink. "But seriously, I'm glad you're okay. If you ever need someone to talk to, or just someone to cause a bit of mischief with, I'm your guy."
Inej nodded, feeling a sense of warmth as she looked at Jesper. He had a way of making her feel at ease, even in the midst of uncertainty. "Thanks, Jesper," she said. "I might take you up on that offer." She then asked softly, "When you say 'all of us'... do you also mean Kaz?"
Jesper's playful expression faded, replaced with something more thoughtful. He tilted his head. "Kaz is... complicated," he replied. "He's not cold-hearted, even if it seems that way. When you were attacked, he was ready to fight. I mean, you were faster with your combat skills—breaking Bellatrix's nose? That was amazing!—but Kaz didn't hesitate."
Inej listened to Jesper's enthusiastic rambling, her lips curling into a slight smile. "I know Kaz doesn’t like me," she said nonchalantly, but the truth was it bothered her more than she'd admit. Jesper winced, shaking his head. "No, that's not it. He tried to save your life, Inej. Kaz wouldn’t do that if he didn’t care about you."
Inej chuckled. "He was trying to save your life. I just happened to be standing next to you."
Jesper smirked, shaking his head. "I don't think so. Kaz has a way of keeping people at arm's length, but when push comes to shove, he's there for the people he cares about. If he didn't care, he wouldn't have rushed in like he did." Jesper paused, looking out into the night. "He’s more complex than he lets on. It takes time to understand him."
Inej nodded thoughtfully. Kaz was an enigma, and Jesper’s words intrigued her. He was always observing from a distance, as if everyone was a chess piece on his personal board. And yet, during the attack, he'd been different—vulnerable, even. It made her curious about what lay behind his carefully crafted façade.
Jesper continued, leaning in with a conspiratorial air. "Kaz doesn’t talk much about himself, but I've known him long enough to pick up a few things. Did you know he collects chocolate frogs? He says they're for 'research,' but I think he's just got a sweet tooth." He laughed. "He's also obsessed with solving Rubik's cubes. Can do them in under a minute."
Inej raised an eyebrow, surprised by the lighter side of Kaz that Jesper was sharing with her. "Kaz with a sweet tooth? Now that's something I didn't expect," she replied with a smirk.
Jesper shrugged. "He likes to act all tough, but deep down, he's just a big softie. Well, mostly."
Inej couldn't help but smile at the idea of Kaz collecting chocolate frogs and solving Rubik's cubes in his spare time. It was oddly endearing, considering his usual stoic demeanor. After all, he was standoffish and aloof, always keeping to himself in class. He was rumored to be exceptionally smart, with a knack for solving complex problems and earning top marks. In Ravenclaw, she was used to being the best, but Kaz always seemed to outdo her without even trying. It was frustrating, but she'd never seen him as anything more than a distant rival. He'd never acknowledged her or seemed to notice her existence at all.
"He's got a reputation," Inej said, her tone carefully neutral. "People talk about him like he's some kind of genius. I always thought he was just... you know, a typical Slytherin. Keeping to himself, looking down on everyone else."
"So, you and Kaz have a bit of history, huh?" Jesper asked, raising an eyebrow in playful curiosity. "Didn’t realize you two had crossed paths before."
Inej blushed. "I wouldn't say history," she replied with a soft laugh. "I just always kind of knew about Kaz. He's that Slytherin that most people are a little intimidated by, you know? The guy with the black coat and the intense stare. He’s declared 'quite talented' by all the teachers, which naturally made him a bit of a legend."
"Yeah, Kaz has a way of making an impression," Jesper said with a grin. "But he's harmless... mostly."
Inej chuckled, glancing out at the castle grounds. "It's funny. I'm in Ravenclaw, so there's this unspoken rivalry. We're supposed to be the smart ones, but Kaz is always there, being good at everything without even trying. I think it annoyed me a little. Like, I secretly always wanted to be better than him, but he never even noticed me." She shrugged with a smirk. "Typical Slytherin, right?"
Jesper nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Kaz only pays attention to things when they affect him directly. It’s not about you, it's just how he is." He gave her a playful smile. "But hey, if it helps, he's absolute rubbish at Divination. Can't see beyond his nose if you paid him. And you're an amazing Seeker. I bet you could leave him eating your dust in a Quidditch match."
Inej felt a warm flush creep into her cheeks. "You flatter me, Jesper."
Jesper's grin grew wider as he leaned in, enjoying her response. "Not flattery if it's true," he said with a wink. "Remember that the next time you're feeling outmatched." His tone softened as he continued, "So, how's Hogwarts treating you? Seems like you've found a good home in Ravenclaw."
Inej nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "It's been... interesting," she said. "Ravenclaw has its quirks, but it's a good fit for me. I like being surrounded by people who are curious, always looking for the next puzzle to solve." She glanced out over the moonlit grounds, her voice growing quieter. "But McGonagall is tough."
Jesper raised an eyebrow, his grin turning sly. "McGonagall? Tough is putting it mildly. She once caught me sneaking out after curfew and assigned me detention for a week. I spent every evening helping Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest. Not exactly my idea of fun."
Inej chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, she's strict. The other day, she caught me daydreaming in class, so I transfigured my button into a beetle without even blinking. She didn't say anything, but I think I earned a bit of her respect." She smiled at the memory. "Hogwarts is great, but it can be a bit much sometimes. Too many people, too many rules."
Jesper nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. I prefer the simpler things in life—like flying on my broomstick and avoiding homework." He leaned in, his voice lowering to a mock-conspiratorial whisper. "And maybe a bit of harmless mischief, just to keep things interesting."
Inej raised an eyebrow. "Harmless mischief, huh? That's an interesting way to describe the time you enchanted Peeves' shoes to tap-dance during Professor Flitwick's class."
Jesper's grin widened. "Hey, it was worth it for the look on Peeves' face. Besides, Flitwick laughed so hard, he had to stop the class early. That's what I call a win-win." He paused, then added, "But I get it—sometimes it feels like Hogwarts is bursting at the seams. Everyone's always moving, always buzzing with energy. It can be a bit overwhelming."
Inej nodded, her expression pensive. "That's why I come up to the tower. It's quiet, and I can finally hear my own thoughts. It’s important, especially with everything that's been going on lately." She reached out to stroke Nyx's feathers, the gentle motion soothing her nerves. "The view helps, and Nyx is good company." The owl gave a soft coo, snuggling against Inej's shoulder. "It's comforting to be around someone who doesn’t judge you," she added. "Someone who just accepts you as you are."
Jesper nodded, recognizing the desire for solitude. "I get it. Sometimes I sneak off to the Forbidden Forest to find some quiet. It’s the one place where you can really escape from all the noise and chaos." He glanced at Nyx, his expression softening. "I love animals, you know? They’re usually a lot kinder than people."
Inej agreed with a faint smile. "Animals don't complicate things like people do," she said. "They just are what they are. They don’t have hidden agendas or grudges. Nyx has been my companion since my first year. She always seems to know when I need a bit of comfort." She paused to let the owl nibble on her ear, and she laughed softly at the tickling sensation. "Plus, she's a great listener," she added.
Jesper chuckled, watching the playful interaction between Inej and Nyx. "Yeah, I could use that sometimes," he said. "Someone who doesn’t mind when I go off on some tangent about Quidditch or the latest spell I've been trying to perfect." He paused, his gaze shifting to the shadowy forest in the distance. "The Forbidden Forest is full of interesting creatures," he continued. "Unicorns, Thestrals, Bowtruckles... If you know where to look, you can learn a lot from them."
Inej's interest was piqued. "I've always wanted to see a Thestral," she said. "I heard they're amazing once you can actually see them. Did you know they pull the Hogwarts carriages?" She looked at Jesper, her eyes brightening. "What's the most amazing thing you've seen in the forest?"
Jesper thought for a moment, his grin growing wider. "It's gotta be the hippogriffs," he said. "They're majestic, but you have to be respectful. Hagrid let me ride one once. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time." He raised an eyebrow playfully. "Think you'd be up for it?"
Inej laughed, shaking her head. "I think I'd need a bit of convincing," she replied. "But I'm willing to try anything once." She glanced out at the moonlit castle grounds. "It would be a great way to clear my head. Maybe I'll join you on one of your forest escapades sometime."
Jesper's grin widened. "You're welcome anytime, Inej. The forest is a big place. There's always something new to discover." He gestured toward the stars. "And if we're lucky, we might even see a shooting star or two."
Inej nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Jesper. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that had come to Hogwarts, it was good to know she had friends she could rely on—friends who shared her love of quiet places and simple comforts.
A gentle breeze ruffled Inej's hair as she stroked Nyx's feathers. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Have you known him long? Kaz I mean. You seem to get along pretty well."
Jesper nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yeah, I've known him since my first year. He kind of took me under his wing, showed me the ropes. I was this scrawny first-year who didn’t know much about the wizarding world. Got into a bit of trouble with some older Gryffindors, and Kaz stepped in, told them to back off."
Inej listened intently, her curiosity growing. "Kaz Brekker, the hero?" she teased.
Jesper chuckled. "I know, right? Hard to imagine, but he’s got his moments. He stood up for me, and he didn't have to. Didn't even know me. He’s not as heartless as people think. When push comes to shove, he's the one you want on your side." He glanced at Inej. "Sounds like you’ve already got a knack for that yourself, though. You almost took down Bellatrix Lestrange!"
Inej smiled wryly. "Luck and quick reflexes," she said. "I'm no hero; I just did my best not to die." She hesitated, then added, "But it's nice to know that I’m not alone. It's easy to feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."
Jesper nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I get that. But we're in this together, right? You don't have to do it all by yourself." He grinned, his usual playfulness returning. "Besides, you've got me to keep you company. I'll make sure you don't get too serious."
Inej laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Jesper. It was good to have someone who could lighten the mood and make her feel at ease. As they sat on the windowsill, sharing stories and enjoying the night breeze, Inej felt a flicker of hope. The attack had changed everything, but it had also brought people together in unexpected ways. The future might be uncertain, but with friends like Jesper, she knew she could face whatever came next.
Jesper leaned back against the window frame, glancing out at the moonlit grounds below. "It's strange, isn't it? The way things change when danger comes to Hogwarts. The school always felt so... secure before. Now, you can feel it—the fear in the corridors, the way people look at each other. It's not the same."
"Yeah," she said, her voice quiet, her eyes distant. "It's like the castle's holding its breath. Waiting." She ran her fingers along Nyx's feathers, the owl's warmth grounding her in the present. "I think everyone's just... on edge. It's like we don't know who to trust."
Jesper nodded, his usual smile dimmed by the weight of the topic. "It's the Death Eaters," he said quietly. "They make everything feel uncertain. Like the shadows have a life of their own." He shook his head, trying to dispel the gloom. "But that's why we need to stick together, right? Keep the light on, so to speak."
Inej glanced at him, grateful for his upbeat attitude. Jesper had a way of bringing levity even in the darkest times. "I just wish it didn't have to be this way," she said. "We shouldn't have to worry about attacks and curses and all this... darkness." She sighed, the cool night air brushing against her cheeks. "It's just not fair."
Jesper tilted his head, watching Inej with a thoughtful gaze. "You're right, it's not," he said. "But life rarely is. My dad– he adopted me when I was a little kid– always says that you can either let the bad stuff drag you down or you can use it to find your strength." He smiled at her. "I think you're finding your strength, Inej. Even if it doesn't feel like it."
Inej was quiet for a moment, considering his words. She looked out over the castle grounds, where the moonlight cast long shadows across the grass. The school, usually bustling with energy, seemed subdued, almost somber. "I hope you're right," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
JESPER
The night air was calm, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves and sending a cool chill across the castle grounds. Jesper leaned back against the stone windowsill, feeling the pleasant contrast between the cool air and the warmth of the castle walls. The view from Ravenclaw Tower was expansive, the Forbidden Forest stretching into the darkness below, with the glimmering lights of Hogsmeade in the distance.
Inej sat beside him, idly stroking her owl, Nyx, whose glossy black feathers blended seamlessly with the night sky. They were chatting about the day’s events, the kind of light conversation that felt like a reprieve after everything that had happened recently.
Then, without warning, Nyx let out a sharp squawk, snapping her beak as she flapped her wings. Inej jerked her hand back, but not before the owl's nip drew a small bead of blood from her thumb. It was just a drop, barely enough to wet her skin, but to Jesper, it might as well have been a waterfall. His senses sharpened, zeroing in on that tiny spot of crimson. His teeth ached, lengthening with an unnatural hunger, a reflex he couldn’t quite suppress.
Jesper quickly turned away, pretending to study the distant horizon. He hoped Inej wouldn't notice the sudden tension in his shoulders or the subtle shift in his breathing. He focused on steadying his mind, on pushing back against the pull of his instincts. This wasn't the Forbidden Forest, where he could let his dhampir nature roam freely. This was Hogwarts, and he had to be careful—especially around friends.
"Whoa! Easy there, Nyx," Jesper said, hoping to hide his sudden discomfort. "That's not a worm, that's Inej's thumb. Try to keep the cannibalism to a minimum, okay?" He offered a weak smile, trying to regain his usual lighthearted demeanor.
But Inej was observant, and he was afraid she would notice. She was quiet, her gaze lingering on the small drop of blood, then shifting to Jesper. The owl was still flapping its wings, as if agitated by something unseen, but Inej's eyes stayed on Jesper. They were dark and calm, studying him with a quiet curiosity.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice steady, though there was a hint of concern in her tone.
Jesper forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Nyx just startled me, that’s all. Quite the bite she's got." He hoped that a little humor would deflect her attention, but Inej wasn't buying it.
She pointed out the subtle elongation of his teeth. "Jesper, you've got... fangs." she said matter-of-factly, like she was pointing out that he had spinach in his teeth. No alarm, no judgment. Just a simple observation.
Jesper felt his face flush slightly. He cleared his throat, still trying to play it cool. "Yeah, you know, I'm part bat. Thought I'd test out a new look," he said, with a half-hearted chuckle. "Gotta keep things interesting around here, right? Can't let the vampires have all the fun." He gave her a wobbly grin, hoping it would be enough to distract her.
Inej seemed unconvinced, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her gaze was steady, curious but not alarmed. "Jesper, are you... a vampire?" she asked.
Jesper's heart skipped a beat, and he shook his head emphatically, forcing a smile. "No, no, I'm not a vampire," he said quickly, waving his hands to emphasize the point.
He could feel his teeth returning to their normal shape, the itch subsiding. It was always a strange sensation, that transition from dhampir instincts back to a more human state. He took a deep breath, focusing on the cool night air, hoping it would help ground him. He couldn't afford to let his nature show, not here, not now.
"Sorry," he said, a bit more composed. "I guess the night air's getting to me." He offered Inej a lopsided grin, hoping to deflect her concern. "I'll try not to startle you again."
Inej's gaze softened, the worry fading from her eyes. "Jesper, it's okay," she said gently. "You can be honest with me. I won't judge you."
But Jesper's heart still raced, his pulse thudding in his ears. Should he tell her? He glanced at her again, this time longer, weighing her reaction. She'd been nothing but kind, showing no fear, no signs of repulsion when she'd noticed his fangs. There was a chance he could trust her, just this once.
Jesper took a deep breath. He couldn’t hide from her. Not when she was looking at him like that, with kindness in her eyes. It was so rare to find someone who didn't jump to conclusions. "Okay, okay," he sighed. "I'm a dhampir. It's not what it sounds like, though." He averted his eyes, hoping the night would conceal the uncertainty on his face.
Inej didn't seem fazed. Her expression softened even further, her voice gentle yet curious. "A dhampir? What's that, exactly?" she asked, her gaze steady. "I mean, how's it different from... you know, regular vampires?"
Jesper felt a small wave of relief. Inej wasn't freaking out. In fact, she looked genuinely interested. He took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension ebb away. "Well, we're not like full vampires," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "We're not full vampires. We don’t need blood to survive, and the sun doesn't burn us to a crisp. But there are some vampire-like traits." He gestured toward his teeth. "The fangs come out when I get a bit... you know, tense." He offered a tentative smile. "It’s sort of like having one foot in each world."
Inej nodded, absorbing his words. "I can see how that might be difficult," she said, her voice gentle. "It must be hard to feel like you don't entirely belong to either side."
Jesper shrugged, trying to downplay the uneasiness that often accompanied his dhampir heritage. "It has its moments," he said with a hint of humor. "But I get the best of both worlds, right? No sunburns, no need for blood bags, and I still get to hang out with the cool kids at Hogwarts." He winked, attempting to lighten the mood. "Plus, you should see me at night—my stealth game is top-notch."
Inej laughed softly, her eyes filled with curiosity rather than fear. "So, no turning into bats or stalking people at night?"
Jesper chuckled. "Nope, no bat transformations or stalking. Though it would be kind of cool to turn into a bat, don't you think?" He grinned, trying to lighten the mood.
Inej laughed, her voice like a soft melody. "Maybe a little. But I'd prefer if you kept your feet on the ground. Or on a broomstick. I’d hate to have to chase you around the castle at night."
Jesper felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease, his body relaxing just a bit. "Deal. I'll stick to brooms and windowsills. No flying off into the night—I promise."
Inej observed him for a moment, then asked, "So, you don't... drink blood?"
Jesper shook his head. "Nah, I stick to regular food. The smell of blood is... distracting, but I don't go around biting people. Not my style." He flashed a cheeky grin. "Besides, I prefer pizza over plasma any day."
Inej smiled back, her demeanor kind and understanding. "Good to know," she said, glancing at Nyx, who was preening herself as if nothing had happened. "I guess we all have our unique quirks, right?"
Jesper chuckled, feeling the tension dissipate. "Yeah, I guess so. Thanks for not... freaking out," he added, his voice sincere.
Inej shrugged, her eyes soft and kind. "Why would I? You've always been decent to me, Jesper. I wouldn't judge you for something you can't control." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Does anyone else at Hogwarts know? About you being a dhampir, I mean?"
Jesper shook his head, his gaze growing serious. "Not really. Kaz knows, but that's about it. The professors, too, but they're not too fussed as long as I behave." He glanced at Inej, hoping to convey just how much it meant to him that she wasn't reacting with fear or disgust. "I try to keep it quiet. People can be... you know, strange about this sort of thing."
Inej nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Yeah, people do tend to be afraid of what they don't understand." She looked out at the Forbidden Forest below, where the branches swayed in the breeze, casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. "But you don't have to hide from me, Jesper. I think it's kind of fascinating, actually."
Jesper felt a wave of relief.. It was always a delicate balance, hiding who he really was from everyone. But with Inej, it felt different. She had that steady, quiet way of seeing people, not just what they were on the outside but the deeper layers.
"Fascinating, huh?" Jesper said with a grin, raising an eyebrow in mock warning. "Careful, Inej. If Kaz finds out you find my kind interesting, he might start lecturing you about how reckless and idiotic I can be. Trust me, you don't want that."
Inej laughed softly, shaking her head. "Kaz doesn't seem like the lecture-giving type. More like, he just stands there with that look that makes you feel like you've just failed an exam." She glanced at Nyx, her owl, who had settled comfortably on her shoulder and was now watching Jesper with a keen eye. "But he does have his moments, I suppose."
Jesper nodded. "Oh, Kaz is full of surprises. You think you've figured him out, and then he goes and does something completely unexpected." He leaned back against the window frame, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Like that time he got caught sneaking into the restricted section of the library. He claimed he was just 'testing the security.'"
Inej raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did he do?"
Jesper laughed. "He told Filch he was just making sure the library was safe for all the other students. I mean, the man is a master at coming up with excuses. He even convinced Professor McGonagall to let him off with just a warning."
Jesper laughed, and Inej joined in, their laughter filling the night air. The night was growing colder, but Jesper's light-hearted tales warmed the atmosphere
It felt good to have moments like this, a hint of normalcy after everything that had happened. As they sat on the windowsill, sharing stories and playful banter, it felt like maybe they could find a new sense of camaraderie.
Then Inej turned to Jesper, her curiosity piqued. "So, Jesper, what's it like being a dhampir? Got any perks? Besides the fangs, of course." She winked, a playful note in her voice.
Jesper's eyes lit up with mischief. "Oh, you know, the usual—enhanced senses, lightning-fast reflexes, and a knack for making dramatic entrances." He smirked, teasing her. "And sure, the fangs are pretty cool, but they only show up when I'm really, really hungry. But don't worry, I promise not to bite... much."
Inej laughed, shaking her head in amusem*nt. "I'll keep that in mind," she replied.
Jesper grinned, his laugh warm and infectious. "But it's not all fun and games. Being a dhampir comes with its own set of challenges."
Inej nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "It must be tough to be an outsider, feeling like you're not really part of any group." She glanced out over the school grounds, where the moonlight cast long shadows. "I get that. Sometimes I feel like I don't quite fit in here, like I don't really belong."
Jesper co*cked his head, genuinely surprised by Inej's confession. "What do you mean? You're a Ravenclaw, Inej. You've got the brains, the talent. I mean, everyone in your house looks up to you, don't they?"
Inej shook her head, her expression somber. "It's not that simple. The Suli are... different." Her voice grew quieter as if she didn't want anyone else to hear. "The Ministry made my family take tests, you know, to see if we were 'worthy' of studying magic." She paused, looking away. "I know what it's like to be judged for things you can't control."
Jesper frowned, intrigued but also concerned. "Tests? What kind of tests? Isn't magic something that just... happens? I mean, you either have it or you don't."
Inej nodded, but there was a heaviness in her eyes. "That's how it's supposed to be. But for the Suli, it's not that simple. When my family applied for me to attend Hogwarts, the Ministry sent officials to our camp. They asked all sorts of questions about our background, our traditions, even our beliefs. They wanted to make sure we weren't practicing any kind of 'dark magic.' As if just being different made us suspect."
Jesper's frown deepened. "That's ridiculous. Magic is magic, right? What does your background have to do with anything?"
Inej sighed. "It's the prejudice, Jesper. The Ministry has always been wary of nomadic people like the Suli. They think because we don't settle in one place, we must be hiding something. Like we're less trustworthy because we move around. And the tests? They were invasive. They made my parents prove they weren't involved in any magical crime, and they even questioned if our beliefs were 'compatible' with the wizarding world."
Jesper felt a pang of anger on her behalf. "But that's just... wrong. You can't judge people for their way of life."
Inej nodded, her expression resolute. "It's how the wizarding world sees us, though. We're viewed as outsiders, as if our nomadic lifestyle and traditions are incompatible with the Ministry's idea of a proper wizard. They think we're too close to the old ways, too rooted in folklore and stories. But our stories are our culture. They're how we keep our history alive. To them, it's just superstition."
Jesper shook his head in disbelief. "And what do the Suli think of wizards? Surely they can see through the Ministry's nonsense."
Inej gave a bittersweet smile. "Most of us Suli don't trust wizards. They think the whole wizarding world is just a bunch of privileged folks playing with magic without really understanding where it comes from. And, honestly, they might have a point."
She shrugged, looking at him with a mix of defiance and resignation. "But if you want to go to Hogwarts, if you want to learn magic, you've got to play by their rules. And that means jumping through a lot of hoops to prove you're 'worthy.'"
Jesper felt a surge of indignation. "That's not right. Magic is supposed to be for everyone, isn't it? Hogwarts is meant to bring wizards and witches together, no matter where they're from or what their background is."
Inej nodded, her eyes calm but filled with a quiet determination. "That's how it should be, yes. But the wizarding world has a long way to go before it truly accepts differences. Until then, people like me have to work a little harder, be a bit smarter, just to earn a place here."
Jesper's expression softened, feeling a deeper sense of kinship with her. "That's awful. I can't believe they would discriminate like that."
"But isn't it the same for your kind?" Inej asked, tilting her head. "Being a vampire or a dhampir isn't exactly a walk in the park in the wizarding world, either."
Jesper nodded, feeling the weight of shared understanding. "Yeah, it's tough. Vampires aren't even allowed at Hogwarts. The Ministry thinks they're too dangerous, too unpredictable. It's like they believe we're just waiting for a chance to bite someone." He let out a heavy sigh, the frustration in his voice hard to miss. "As a dhampir, I don't need blood to survive, but that doesn't stop people from looking at me like I'm some kind of monster."
Inej's frown deepened with empathy. "That's absurd. You're one of the kindest people I've met here. If they're scared of you, that's their problem, not yours."
Jesper chuckled, but it was without humor. "Tell that to the Ministry," he said, shaking his head. "It's all about control with them. The professors at Hogwarts are more open-minded, but the students? Not so much. They hear the rumors, see my fangs, and they start avoiding me." He glanced out the window, feeling the cool breeze against his skin. "It's tiring, pretending to be just another student. Always worrying that if I slip up, someone will find a reason to doubt me."
Inej leaned back, watching Nyx preen her feathers. "You know, in Suli culture, vampires are seen as... well, not quite soulless, but definitely not safe. They represent darkness, the kind that comes in the night and steals away children. It’s just folklore, but those stories stick with you when you're young. You grow up hearing them, and they shape how you see the world."
Jesper nodded, intrigued by her perspective. "So, your people would probably be pretty wary of someone like me, huh?"
Inej shrugged, but a small smile played at the corners of her lips. "Maybe. But you're not like the vampires in the stories, are you? You don't come in the night and steal children."
Jesper grinned. "Only on weekends," he said, then quickly added, "Just kidding, no child-stealing here. Just your friendly neighborhood dhampir, trying to make it through Hogwarts without biting anyone."
Inej chuckled, her laughter light and melodious. "I figured. Besides, the Suli have always been a bit superstitious. We're a wandering people, so we tell stories to explain the world around us. Ghost stories, tales of curses, that sort of thing. But we also have stories of courage and bravery. Stories of outsiders who find their way back home."
Jesper nodded, appreciating her perspective. "Sounds like your culture has a lot of depth. I mean, you guys have been around for centuries, right? Always moving, always finding new places to call home."
"Yeah," Inej said, her voice taking on a softer, nostalgic tone. "It's a nomadic life, but it's home. My parents used to say that a Suli's heart is always on the move, even when their feet are standing still."
Jesper grinned, charmed by the poetic imagery. "I like that. Your heart's on the move, huh? Well, mine's usually somewhere over the Quidditch pitch, dodging Bludgers. Much better than dozing off in Potions, that's for sure."
Inej laughed, the sound as light as the breeze blowing through the tower's open windows. "I like Quidditch too. I mean, who doesn't enjoy flying? Maybe that's why I like hanging out up here. Sometimes I climb higher, sit on the roof—don't tell anyone, though, I know it's not allowed."
Jesper raised an eyebrow, a sly smile forming on his lips. "I admire your dedication. It takes a lot to play Quidditch at your level. But I have to say, I didn't expect you to be one for breaking rules."
Inej's smile widened, mischief in her eyes. "Some rules are made to be broken," she replied. "You just have to be smart about it."
Jesper laughed. "I always thought you were more of a goody-goody, Inej."
Inej raised an eyebrow, her expression teasing. "I'm not as boring as you think I am."
Jesper blinked, his grin fading slightly. "Oh, that's not what I meant! I just—" He stumbled over his words, trying to change the topic. "Yeah, well, I guess I just like the rush," he said, finding his footing with a playful glint in his eye. "Flying through the air, feeling the wind in your hair... there's nothing like it."
Inej nodded, her gaze drifting over the castle grounds, where the trees below swayed in the evening breeze. "I know exactly what you mean," she replied, her voice contemplative. "There's something about being up in the air that makes you feel free, like you're not bound by anything."
JESPER
As the night grew darker and the moon climbed higher in the sky, Inej and Jesper sat on the windowsill, sharing stories, laughter, and the comfort of newfound friendship. The attack had changed so much at Hogwarts—rules felt stricter, curfews tighter, and a sense of uncertainty seemed to linger in the air. But it had also brought people together in unexpected ways, making them realize they weren't alone in their struggles.
Jesper had always felt like he had to hide his true self, but with Inej, he didn't feel the need to pretend. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that even in the darkest times, you could find people who understood you. It was a relief to find someone he could trust, someone who didn't judge him for what he was.
They laughed as they swapped stories about the eccentricities of their housemates, the quirks of their professors, and the chaos of their Quidditch matches. Inej even shared some tales from her family's travels, stories that made Jesper want to explore the world beyond the castle walls. It was moments like these, when the boundaries between houses and backgrounds blurred, that made Hogwarts feel like a place where everyone could belong.
As they sat there, watching the moonlight bathe the castle in a silvery glow, Jesper felt a renewed sense of hope. The future might be uncertain, but he knew he had a friend in Inej, someone who would have his back no matter what. It was a comforting thought, knowing that they could face whatever came next together.
The clock tower struck midnight, its chimes echoing across the castle grounds, reminding them that curfew was approaching. Jesper stretched, feeling a bit stiff from sitting so long. "We should probably head back before Filch catches us," he said with a playful grin.
Inej nodded, standing up and offering her hand to help him up. "Yeah, let's not give him any more excuses to hand out detention," she replied with a wink.
They made their way down the spiral staircase, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As they walked back to their respective dormitories, they chatted about what classes they had the next day, which seemed almost normal after everything that had happened. But it was that sense of normalcy, that ordinary conversation, that gave them both a sense of comfort.
Jesper glanced at Inej as they reached the crossroads where their paths diverged. "Thanks for tonight," he said, his voice sincere. "It was good to just... talk."
Inej smiled, her eyes warm. "Anytime, Jesper. We need to stick together, right? Can't let all this darkness keep us from finding a bit of light."
He nodded, watching as she turned down the corridor toward the Ravenclaw common room. The darkness wasn't so daunting anymore, not when you knew you weren't facing it alone. With a deep breath, Jesper headed back to Gryffindor Tower, a small smile on his lips. He had a feeling that, despite the uncertainty, everything was going to be alright.
Notes:
I just wanted to give you a quick update—I have almost half of this fic finished in my drafts! The story has been coming together wonderfully, and I can't wait to share more with you. I'm going to start editing and releasing it step by step, so stay tuned for more updates.
Chapter 5: A Clandestine Gift
Chapter Text
KAZ
The Potions dungeon was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the flickering torches mounted on the stone walls and the bubbling cauldrons strewn about the room. The air was thick with the aroma of brewed potions, a heady mix of herbs, roots, and something distinctly sulfuric. Students were huddled over their caulrons, each focused on their concoctions, their faces etched with concentration.
At the front of the room, Professor Snape stood like a black shadow, his robes billowing as he paced. His dark eyes seemed to pierce through every student, as if he could sense the slightest misstep or detect the faintest whiff of an incorrectly brewed potion. His presence was a silent reminder that mistakes could be disastrous. It was said that Snape once caused a cauldron to explode with a mere glance, though that might have been a Hufflepuff rumor.
Kaz Brekker sat at the back, his gloves tucked into his belt. He liked to keep a low profile, even though he was well-known among the students for his knack with potions. Kaz didn't just follow recipes; he seemed to know potions like he knew his own name. And he had a way of getting results that made others look twice.
Today, the class was brewing the Consonantia Elixir, a potion designed to synchronize a witch's or wizard's magical energy with their wand. It was a complex potion with a narrow margin for error. Snape had given them strict instructions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the right temperature and stirring rhythm.
Kaz moved with precision, adding ingredients with a steady hand. He stirred counterclockwise, then clockwise, as the instructions dictated, and adjusted the heat beneath his cauldron to keep it steady. His movements were calm, but his eyes were sharp, observing everything around him.
Snape made his way around the room, stopping occasionally to inspect a student's work. When he reached Kaz's table, he paused, his gaze lingering on the contents of Kaz's cauldron. It was a deep emerald green, the correct hue for the Consonantia Elixir at this stage.
"Brekker," Snape said, his voice low and silky, "do you know what happens if you add dragon's breath to this potion?"
Kaz met Snape's gaze, his expression impassive. "It would cause the potion to combust," he replied evenly. "The dragon's breath would ignite the ingredients, leading to a fiery explosion."
Snape's eyes narrowed, a subtle nod acknowledging the correct answer. "And what about fairy wings? What effect would they have on this elixir?"
"Fairy wings would dilute the potion's potency, rendering it ineffective," Kaz replied, keeping his voice steady.
Snape's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile, a rare sight indeed. "Very well, Brekker," he said. "Let's see what you're capable of when given a more challenging task." He pointed to a separate table filled with assorted ingredients—some recognizable, others less so. "Create a potion that enhances magical sensitivity, but without using any of the standard ingredients. You have ten minutes."
The other students exchanged nervous glances; this was no ordinary task. Creating a potion from scratch was daunting, even for the most advanced students. But Kaz nodded, his eyes scanning the ingredients as he stood. It was a test, and he wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
The dungeon grew quiet as Kaz worked, his hands moving quickly and efficiently. He picked out a handful of ingredients—dittany, Jobberknoll feathers, and a rare root known as Moonshade. He combined them with precision, stirring and heating in carefully calculated intervals. The potion shifted colors, from a murky gray to a deep violet, and then to a luminous blue. It was a color that signified success, and the faint shimmering in the cauldron's depths indicated that it was attuned to magical energy.
When Kaz was finished, Snape returned to his side, his dark eyes studying the potion with keen interest. He dipped a glass rod into the cauldron, examining the potion's reaction to light. The blue shimmered and danced, almost as if it were alive.
Snape looked at Kaz, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Explain how you achieved this result," he said, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of expectation.
Kaz nodded. "I used dittany as the base, for its stabilizing properties," he began. "The Jobberknoll feathers provided the sensitivity enhancement, and the Moonshade added a touch of versatility, allowing the potion to adapt to different magical energies."
Snape listened, his expression inscrutable but his eyes focused on Kaz. When Kaz finished, the professor gave a slow nod of approval. "Impressive," he said, his voice quiet yet filled with a note of respect. "You've shown creativity and a keen understanding of potion theory. Well done."
Kaz returned to his seat, the other students watching with a mix of awe and curiosity. He'd passed the test, but he knew that this was just the beginning. Snape didn't test students like this without a reason. Kaz felt a thrill of excitement, wondering what challenges lay ahead. He was ready for whatever came next.
The Potions classroom was mostly empty as the students filtered out, their voices a murmur of relief after a long lesson with Professor Snape. Kaz Brekker lingered at his workstation, carefully cleaning his cauldron and stowing his supplies. He'd always been one to avoid unnecessary attention, but as he tucked his potions kit into his bag, Snape's voice cut through the background chatter like a whipcrack.
"Brekker, stay behind. I need a word with you."
Kaz looked up, eyebrows raised. This wasn't typical. Snape rarely spoke to students after class unless it was for detention or some other form of rebuke. If Jesper had been there, he'd have given Kaz a look that said, "Good luck, mate." But Jesper wasn't there, and Kaz was left to face Snape alone.
The other students filed out, their footsteps echoing in the stone corridor. Snape remained behind his desk, his steely gaze fixed on Kaz as he gestured for him to sit. The Potions Master was as inscrutable as ever, his face a mask of calm indifference that hid whatever thoughts churned beneath the surface.
"Have a seat, Brekker," Snape said, his voice low but clear. Kaz complied, his overcoat rustling as he sat down. He kept his expression neutral, though his mind was racing. What did Snape want? Was it about the potions exam? Or perhaps the recent attack during the Ravenclaw victory party? Whatever it was, Kaz knew he had to play it cool.
Snape leaned forward, his fingers steepled in front of him. "I'm sure you're aware of the recent attack during the Ravenclaw victory party," he began, his tone measured. "Death Eaters don't typically target Hogwarts without a reason. What do you think was behind it?"
Kaz shrugged, his face a mask of indifference. "I couldn't say," he replied casually. "Maybe they just felt like causing trouble."
Snape's eyebrow arched, his skepticism evident. "You expect me to believe they attacked a castle guarded by some of the most powerful enchantments in the wizarding world just for 'trouble'?"
Kaz didn't flinch, though he knew Snape had a point. The Death Eaters were rarely random in their chaos. "It's a Death Eater thing, isn't it?" he replied with a touch of sarcasm. "They like to keep everyone guessing."
Snape's eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained otherwise calm. "And how do you think they got into Hogwarts? The castle's defenses are not easily breached. Someone must have given them access."
Kaz felt a surge of anxiety, but he didn't let it show. He knew about his father's connections to the Death Eaters—connections he'd prefer to keep hidden. "I've heard rumors that some of the older enchantments are weakening," he said, his tone steady. "Maybe they're finding gaps in the defenses."
Snape seemed to consider this, though his gaze never left Kaz. "Perhaps," he said slowly, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Or perhaps they had help from someone on the inside. People who share their ideals. It's not unheard of for certain families to maintain connections with the Death Eaters, even if they don't openly admit it."
Kaz remained impassive, though Snape's words struck close to home. The Death Eater his father had invited over Christmas had been a stark reminder that connections could run deep, even in the most respectable families. Kaz knew he couldn't afford to reveal anything about his father's dealings.
"I wouldn't know about that," he replied, keeping his voice calm. "I just focus on my studies."
Snape scrutinized Kaz's expression, as if looking for cracks in his facade. When he spoke again, his voice was softer, but the intensity hadn't waned. "Why did you fight against Bellatrix Lestrange during the attack? Most students would have stayed out of her way, but you jumped into the fray. Was it bravery, or did you have other reasons?"
Kaz didn't like talking about his motives, especially when it came to fighting Death Eaters. He was used to keeping his emotions under wraps, and he couldn't afford to show weakness in front of Snape. "I didn't think it was fair to let her attack students without someone standing up to her," he said evenly. "Besides, I had a score to settle."
Snape's eyes seemed to probe deeper, as if he could see through Kaz's careful exterior. "A score to settle?" he repeated, his voice devoid of judgment. "With a Death Eater as dangerous as Lestrange? That's quite a risk."
Kaz met Snape's gaze without wavering. "Life's full of risks, Professor," he said. "I just pick the ones worth taking."
It had been months since his father invited the Death Eater over for Christmas, but the memory still burned like acid in Kaz's veins. He could still hear the hollow, mirthless laughter that echoed through their home, feel the oppressive weight of dark magic in the air. It was meant to be a friendly visit, but it was clear that the Death Eaters had other motives—to recruit Kaz's father, to twist his grief into loyalty for their cause. Kaz had seen through their manipulation, and he was determined to do something about it.
Snape seemed to sense there was more to the story, but he didn't press further. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his expression softening slightly. "Be careful, Brekker," he said, his voice lower. "The Death Eaters don't take kindly to those who cross them. If you choose to fight against them, you must be prepared for the consequences."
Kaz nodded, keeping his expression neutral. He knew Snape's words were both a warning and a challenge. He'd seen what happened to those who got caught up in the Death Eaters' schemes, and he wasn't about to let himself or his family be drawn into their darkness.
Snape leaned forward, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "But I'm surprised to hear you speak of taking a stand against You-Know-Who's followers. As a Slytherin yourself, you must feel a certain... allegiance with their morals, don't you think?"
Kaz knew this was a dangerous question. The attack during the Ravenclaw victory party had brought the Death Eaters back into the spotlight, and it cast a shadow over all of Slytherin. "It is true that some pure-bloods have ties to this cause," Kaz replied cautiously, "but that's not everyone. There are plenty of us who don't support them."
Snape's eyebrow arched slightly, his expression betraying his skepticism. "And you, Brekker? Where do you stand on the matter? Would you consider yourself sympathetic to their ideals?"
Kaz shook his head firmly. "No," he said. "The Death Eaters have their own agenda, but that doesn't mean everyone in Slytherin shares it."
Snape nodded slowly, his gaze not leaving Kaz's face. "True enough. But you must understand that Slytherin's reputation has been tarnished by those who support the Dark Lord. The history of our house is intertwined with that of the Death Eaters, and it's difficult to separate one from the other in the eyes of the wizarding world."
Kaz felt the weight of Snape's words. It wasn't just about him—it was about the entire house. He'd experienced the stigma firsthand, the way other students looked at Slytherins with suspicion, as if they were all destined to become Death Eaters. "I get it," Kaz said, his voice edged with defiance. "But Slytherin isn't just about ambition and cunning. It's about being resourceful, about being loyal, about fighting for what you believe in. It's not about exploiting the weak—it's about proving yourself through strength and ingenuity."
Kaz was sick of You-Know-Who and his band of sycophants tarnishing the legacy of the ancient wizarding families. They weren't just targeting Muggle-borns; they were poisoning the very essence of the pure-blood houses. He knew there were Slytherins like him who believed in the house's legacy without bowing to the Dark Lord's whims. People with ambition, yes, but who weren't willing to sacrifice their morals in the pursuit of power.
Snape's expression softened, just a fraction. "Loyalty, you say? And to whom are you loyal, Brekker? To your house? To your family? Or do you have other allegiances?"
Kaz considered the question. Loyalty was a complex thing, especially in Slytherin. "I'm loyal to those who deserve it," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Family is important, but I won't follow someone just because we're related. Loyalty has to be earned."
Snape nodded again, his gaze intense but not unfriendly. "An interesting perspective. Keep in mind that loyalty can be a double-edged sword. It can bind you to people who may not have your best interests at heart. And it can also lead you down paths you might not wish to tread."
"I know," Kaz replied, his voice steady. "That's why I'm careful about who I trust. I won't let anyone drag me into their schemes."
Snape's expression was unreadable as he leaned back in his chair. "Very well, Brekker," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of steel. "Remember, the choices you make now will shape your future. And remember, your actions have consequences. If you choose to fight against the Death Eaters, you must be prepared for what comes next."
Kaz nodded, keeping his composure. He understood that Snape's warning was both a reminder and a test. He'd need to be vigilant, not just to protect himself, but to ensure that no one discovered the truth about his father's connections to the Death Eaters Hogwarts was no longer the safe haven it once seemed.
As Kaz turned to leave, he heard the subtle creak of a desk drawer opening behind him. Snape was reaching inside, his movements slow and deliberate, like a raven searching for something shiny among the clutter. Kaz turned back, his eyes narrowed with curiosity. Snape pulled out a small book, bound in dark leather that had seen better days.
"Take this," Snape said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I believe it may be of use to you."
Kaz stepped forward, reaching out to take the book from Snape's outstretched hand. The leather cover was cracked and worn, the texture rough under his fingertips. It looked like something that had been passed through generations of hands, each leaving its mark on the material. The edges were traced with silver, but the shine had dulled, like it had been hidden away in a forgotten vault or buried in a mound of ancient tomes at the bottom of a library.
What caught Kaz's attention, however, was the clasp that held the book shut. It wasn't a simple latch or buckle. It was a heart—an anatomically correct heart, complete with arteries and veins, etched in meticulous detail. It was painted a deep crimson, the color of blood, and seemed to pulse ever so slightly as if it were alive. Kaz pressed his ear close to it and could almost hear a faint, rhythmic thump. He wasn't sure if it was real or just a trick of his imagination, but it made his skin prickle.
Despite its aged appearance, the book was surprisingly light, feeling more like a diary than an ancient tome of wizarding knowledge. But Kaz knew better than to judge by weight alone. The most powerful artifacts were often disguised in unassuming forms. This book had an aura of something hidden, something that was meant to remain secret.
Kaz ran his fingers over the silver letters embossed on the front cover. They formed a single word: Blood. The letters were raised, almost sharp to the touch. The scent of ozone lingered in the air, like the aftermath of a lightning strike. The smell tingled in his nose, hinting at dark magic, at dangerous knowledge that could change everything.
"Blood," Kaz read aloud, his voice hoarse with curiosity. He looked up at Snape, his eyes questioning why the Potions Master would entrust him with such an artifact.
"This is a highly restricted text, Brekker," Snape explained, his voice low and deliberate. "I am giving it to you because circ*mstances at Hogwarts have become increasingly precarious. Blood magic, though considered taboo, might be useful in defending against the more dangerous elements within these walls."
Kaz felt a mix of apprehension and intrigue as he held the book. He'd heard whispers about blood magic—rumors that it could grant extraordinary power but at a great cost. He was surprised Snape would trust him with such knowledge. He might have been one of Snape’s top students, but still, Kaz was just a teenage boy, wasn't he?
Snape's usual sarcasm and stern demeanor seemed softened by the gravity of the situation. "I believe you have the potential to understand the intricacies of this magic," he continued. "But you must exercise caution. The power it grants is dangerous, and it can be used to cause great harm if wielded improperly."
Kaz nodded, understanding what Snape was implying. The recent Death Eater attack during the Ravenclaw victory party had left the entire school on edge. Even Snape, known for his control, seemed rattled by the audacity of it. Kaz was taken aback by the level of trust Snape was willing to put in him. It wasn't just about Kaz’s skills—Snape saw in Kaz someone who might be capable of wielding this power responsibly, even if Kaz himself had doubts.
"Keep this between us," Snape warned. "And do not share its contents with anyone unless absolutely necessary. I don't want to find out that you've been reckless with this knowledge."
Kaz nodded, his mind already racing with the possibilities the book held. He would have to show this to Jesper. "Understood, Professor," he said, his voice steady.
Snape's gaze lingered on Kaz for a moment longer before he turned away, his robes swishing as he walked back to his desk. "Good. Now, clean up your station and leave the classroom. I suggest you take extra precautions when practicing blood magic. The Forbidden Forest is as good a place as any."
Kaz gathered his belongings, slipping the book into his bag. The weight of its secrets was heavy, but Kaz knew it was necessary. The risks were real, but so were the threats. As he left the classroom and headed toward Slytherin common room, he felt a sense of determination. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but Kaz Brekker was ready to face whatever came his way.
JESPER
Under the dappled moonlight of the Forbidden Forest, Jesper Fahey lay on a sturdy branch, his Gryffindor robes hanging down like a crimson banner among the thick foliage. It was his sanctuary from the bustling crowds at Hogwarts, where the noise and smells could become unbearable, especially with the constant pulse of human life all around him. Being a dhampir—a child of a vampire father and a human mother—Jesper felt the weight of his dual heritage. He possessed heightened senses and impressive agility, but these came with a hunger he dared not indulge.
Tonight, the forest's stillness was particularly soothing. The crowded Gryffindor common room felt suffocating, the heat and scent of human bodies intensifying his thirst. Here, in the heart of the Forbidden Forest, he found a temporary escape. The cool breeze ruffled his hair, carrying the scent of moss and damp leaves. Jesper closed his eyes, letting the distant calls of nocturnal creatures lull him into a light doze.
But the peace was shattered by the sharp snap of a twig. Jesper's eyes flew open, his instincts sharpening. He tensed, ready to leap from the branch. The forest might be familiar, but it wasn't always safe. Memories from his past, ones he’d tried to bury, came rushing back. The night he ran away from home—the night everything changed.
Jesper Fahey was eight years old, and he didn't quite fit in with the other children. He was smaller, a bit quieter, and had the distinct air of someone who had seen things. He knew when to speak and when to stay silent, when to smile and when to run. It was a gift he'd learned from his mother.
It was on one of those rare occasions when his father came home that everything went wrong. His father arrived like a storm, all rage and wild eyes, shaking the walls with his voice. Jesper had been hiding in the corner, as he usually did, clutching a threadbare stuffed animal that used to be his favorite toy. He didn't want to draw attention, but his father seemed determined to find him anyway. The air crackled with tension as his father raged at Jesper's mother, his voice like thunder.
"He's an abomination!" he roared, pointing a finger that seemed more like a claw. "A filthy dhampir, unworthy of my blood!"
Jesper's mother, who had her moments of warmth, stood there like a statue, her eyes fixed on some distant point. She never defended Jesper, never stood up to his father. Instead, her gaze turned cold as ice, her hand swinging to strike him, the blow sharp and swift.
"Why can't you be normal?" she spat, each word a dagger that cut deeper than any of his father's rants. "You're a burden, Jesper, a curse!"
The words were like a storm ripping through a forest, tearing apart everything in its path. Jesper's world crumbled, and he fled the room, his heart pounding. He stumbled through the doorway, his vision blurred by tears, grabbing whatever he could as he ran. He darted out into the night, the cool air hitting his cheeks, and he didn't look back.
The forest was dark, and the wind whispered through the trees, carrying distant echoes of screams and laughter. Jesper stumbled through the underbrush, his hands trembling as he held onto his meager belongings. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting eerie patterns on the ground. Jesper's instincts guided him through the shadows, the dhampir blood within him providing a sense of direction even in the darkness.
He stopped to catch his breath, his heart racing as he leaned against a tree. It was then that he saw the figure—silent and still, a shape slumped against a nearby trunk. Jesper froze, his eyes widening as he realized it was a vampire, one of his father's kind. The vampire's robes were torn, and he looked weak, barely conscious.
Jesper hesitated, torn between fear and compassion. He was used to being alone, used to fending for himself, but something in the vampire's weakened state drew him closer. He took a cautious step forward, his voice barely a whisper.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice trembling.
The vampire didn't respond with words. Instead, he lunged, his hand clamping onto Jesper's arm with surprising strength. The bite was like fire, the vampire's fangs sinking into Jesper's skin, drawing out his blood. Jesper cried out, the pain searing through him, but he couldn't pull away. The world spun, the darkness closing in, and he felt himself falling, falling into an abyss he couldn't escape.
Jesper blinked back to the present, shaking off the memory. The twig snapped again, closer this time. He slid from the branch, landing silently on the forest floor, wand in hand. He melted into the shadows, watching as a figure emerged into the clearing.
His heart raced, his instincts preparing him for fight or flight. But then the figure stepped into the moonlight, revealing sharp features and a familiar black coat. Kaz Brekker, his Slytherin friend, was approaching, a thick book tucked under one arm. Jesper let out a breath, a wave of relief washing over him.
"Kaz," Jesper said, exhaling a sigh of relief, though the lingering echoes of his past still haunted him. "You almost scared me half to death. What are you doing creeping around out here? Thought you Slytherins preferred the dungeons."
Kaz smirked slightly, his expression as enigmatic as ever. "Looking for you. Figured you'd be out here. I brought something you might find interesting." He held up the book, its cover dark and ominous, with faint silver lettering that caught the moonlight.
Jesper squinted, trying to make out the title. When he saw the word "Blood" a chill ran down his spine. Blood magic was taboo, a subject most wizards avoided discussing. The Ministry of Magic had strict rules against it, and most people didn't even acknowledge its existence. Jesper had heard vague stories from the vampire community during his childhood—whispers about blood magic's power and its dark influence. But he'd never seen a book on the subject, and he wasn't sure he wanted to.
"Blood magic, huh?" he said, trying to keep his voice light. "Isn't that a bit... dark, even for you?"
Kaz shrugged, flipping open the book to a page filled with diagrams and complex symbols. "After the Death Eater attack, I thought it might be worth exploring. We need every advantage we can get, and blood magic—well, it could give us that edge." His tone was measured, but there was an undercurrent of intensity that Jesper recognized.
Jesper glanced at the intricate patterns on the page, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution. Blood magic was dangerous—everyone knew that. It could corrupt, it could consume, and it was banned for a reason. But Kaz wasn't the type to bring it up without a good reason.
"Kaz, I'm not sure this is the kind of magic you should mess with," Jesper said, lowering his voice. "I mean, I've heard stories. Blood magic can... change you. It can mess with your head." He remembered the tales he'd heard from the vampire community—stories of madness, of wizards who delved too deeply into blood magic and never returned to sanity.
Kaz nodded, his expression hard to read. "I'm not saying we start casting spells tomorrow," he replied, his eyes steady. "But it's something to consider. If things get worse—if we need to protect ourselves—it might be useful to know what we're dealing with."
Jesper hesitated, feeling the weight of the decision. He was always the impulsive one, the one who didn't think twice about taking risks. But blood magic was a different kind of risk, one that could have serious consequences.
"Okay," he said, his voice cautious. "But we take it slow. No shortcuts, no reckless experiments. Got it?"
Kaz nodded, a faint smirk appearing on his lips. "Careful, Jesper? Who are you, and what have you done with my friend? But agreed. Slow and steady." He flipped through the pages, pointing to a section on binding spells. "This one caught my attention. It talks about using blood to create stronger enchantments. Theoretically, you could use it to reinforce protections."
Jesper's eyes widened slightly. The idea of using someone's blood, their very life force, for magic was unsettling. But Kaz was focused, and Jesper trusted him to a point.
Kaz glanced up from the book, his eyes meeting Jesper's. "Look, I'm not saying we go full Dark Arts here. I'm just saying it’s an option. Something we should know about, just in case. If you're uncomfortable with it, we can drop it."
Jesper took a deep breath, the forest's cool air filling his lungs. He was nervous, but also intrigued. "Okay," he said, nodding slowly. "Let's explore it. But let's be careful. Blood magic is no joke." He managed a small grin. "And if things go south, don't say I didn't warn you."
Kaz's expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Deal," he said, closing the book with a soft thud. "We'll be careful."
Jesper let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The Forbidden Forest seemed darker now, the shadows deeper, the whispers of the night more ominous. But with Kaz by his side, he felt hopeful things would turn out well.
KAZ
Kaz sat cross-legged on the damp earth, a shiver running through him as he held the book Snape gave him in his hands. "Blood," it said in dark, almost bleeding script across the cover. The pages seemed to draw in the moonlight, casting an unsettling glow that made the trees around them seem to shrink back.
Jesper sat beside him, leaning on one elbow, his other hand resting on the broken remains of his wand. His usual carefree grin was nowhere to be seen; instead, his mouth was set in a tight line, his eyes darting between Kaz and the book. “You're sure this is safe?” he asked, his voice flat. “Because getting it from Snape sounds like a setup for detention.”
Kaz's eyes flickered with a hint of mischief. “Safe? Probably not. Interesting? Definitely.” He flipped through the pages, the parchment crackling under his fingertips. The words were written in a spidery script, the ink a deep, rusty red. He had to squint to read them, the language archaic and filled with terms that even he struggled to understand.
"Naricus Prince," Kaz murmured, tracing a finger along the edge of the page. "A real charmer, this guy. Pure-blood supremacist, filthy rich, and probably thought he was the greatest wizard to ever grace the earth." He smirked. "Kind of like half the Slytherin house."
Jesper snorted, folding his arms across his chest. "And Snape just handed this to you? Just like that?" His voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "Pretty generous for a guy who wouldn't even thank me for getting hexed to pieces by Bellatrix."
Kaz shrugged, his usual air of nonchalance betraying a hint of concern. "He said I earned it after I helped drive off Bellatrix Lestrange when she tried to break into Hogwarts. Something about how I 'understand the dangers' and how we should all be prepared for another attack from the Death Eaters." He paused, then glanced at Jesper, whose wand had snapped clean in half during the battle. "But I guess he forgot about you."
Jesper let out a dry chuckle, though his eyes remained fixed on the book. "Of course he did. Always forgets the guy whose wand got shattered before he could even do anything. No big deal, right? Just another day at Hogwarts." He picked up the two broken halves, clicking them together. "Kind of hard to play hero with a wand that's been reduced to kindling."
The forest seemed to press in on them, the trees whispering to each other in the breeze. A branch snapped in the distance, and both boys froze, eyes darting toward the sound. A fox darted through the underbrush, its eyes glowing in the moonlight, and they relaxed a little.
Kaz returned to the book, flipping to a page that had caught his eye. There was a crude illustration, drawn in thick strokes of ink, depicting a ritual circle surrounded by cloaked figures. "Looks like our friend Naricus had a thing for the dramatic," he said, tapping the image. "This is the kind of stuff they don't teach you at Hogwarts."
Jesper leaned in closer, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Think we should try it?" he asked, his voice a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Kaz paused on a page that seemed to list a series of blood-based rituals, each more complex than the last. He could feel the weight of Jesper's gaze on him. "I think we should read this first," he said, his voice low. "Better to know what we're getting into before we start drawing circles and chanting things we don't understand."
Jesper rolled his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. "Great, reading. My favorite." He adjusted his position, finding a more comfortable spot on the forest floor. "If you find any pictures, just point them out. Words and I don't really get along."
Kaz chuckled and cleared his throat, preparing to read out loud. "Fine, I'll read it to you. But if something jumps out of these pages, don't say I didn't warn you. "
His sharp eyes flicked over the weathered pages of the book, the parchment as old and worn as the forest around him. He glanced at the heading: "Sanguine Spellcraft." The words seemed to pulse with a rhythm that echoed the beating of a heart. He began reading:
Sanguine Spellcraft
Ah, blood. The very essence of life, coursing through veins like a fine vintage through a crystal decanter. Sanguine Spellcraft is, perhaps, the most basic form of blood magic. It’s straightforward, really—a bit of slicing here, a drop or two of your own essence there, and suddenly even the most mundane of spells becomes something far more potent. It’s not for the faint-hearted, of course. But then, if you’re faint-hearted, you have no business dabbling in the Dark Arts, do you?
The true connoisseur of Sanguine Spellcraft knows that blood can enhance any spell, lending it strength and longevity. A drop of your own blood on a wand, perhaps, or a smear on an object you wish to enchant. It could be a lock that needs binding, or a potion that requires a little... extra. The results are spectacular—spells that last longer, wards that are harder to break, potions with an added punch. Of course, there’s a price to pay. Blood is finite, and using too much of it can leave you feeling a bit, shall we say, lightheaded. But what is power without sacrifice?
And for the purists like myself, it's about maintaining tradition. Some might say it's outdated, but tell me, how many Muggles or Mudbloods know the secret of Sanguine Spellcraft? None. It's not just magic—it's our birthright. This is why pure-blooded wizards have always held the upper hand. We have the knowledge, and we know how to use it.
Hemocontrol
Now, this is where the real fun begins. Hemocontrol is the art of manipulating blood, not just your own, but others' as well. It requires a bit more finesse, a touch more concentration. You can't just go slashing about willy-nilly—that's the mark of an amateur. No, Hemocontrol demands precision. You learn to control the flow of blood, to make it dance to your whims.
The best practitioners of Hemocontrol need no wands, no incantations. Just a sharp mind, a focused gaze, and a little bit of blood—yours or someone else's. A drop here, a droplet there, and you can freeze someone in their tracks, stop their heart with a flick of your wrist, or make their blood boil in their veins. It's quite satisfying, really, watching your foes squirm as they realize they've lost control of their own bodies.
But beware, my friend. Hemocontrol has its risks. It's easy to lose yourself in the thrill of power, to start seeing people as mere pawns, their veins as strings waiting to be pulled. If you make a mistake, if you lose focus, the results can be... messy. And remember, too much blood control can lead to... unpleasant side effects. You might start hearing things, seeing things that aren't there. It can get into your head, and once it does, it's very hard to get it out.
But let’s not kid ourselves—what we do requires a certain... ruthless pragmatism. This isn't a game for children. You want to play with blood, you’d better have the stomach for it. There’s nothing quite like the moment when you realize you control someone else’s life with a simple twist of your fingers. If you’re lucky, you get to watch them beg.
Hematurgy
Ah, Hematurgy. The apex of blood magic, the ultimate expression of power. This is where blood becomes an element in its own right, where a true master can bend it to his will. Hematurgy is not for the weak-minded or the easily swayed. This is the realm of the elite, where one can heal wounds, restore life, and even raise the dead. But don't be fooled by the allure—there's a reason this magic is forbidden. It's not just dangerous; it's seductive.
To practice Hematurgy, you need more than just skill—you need a connection to blood that runs deeper than veins. This connection often comes from intense emotion—love, grief, or pure, unadulterated rage. The most advanced form of Hematurgy is resurrection, the ability to bring someone back from the dead. It sounds delightful, doesn't it? But it comes with a cost. A significant cost. It requires a sacrifice, a bond between the wizard and the resurrected. A bond that never truly breaks.
The first sign of Hematurgy's darkness is the shadow-kissed. When you bring someone back from the dead, they are forever linked to you, sharing your mind, your thoughts, your emotions. It's a connection that can drive you mad, a bond that can never be undone. And the more you use Hematurgy, the more it consumes you. The darkness seeps into your soul, clouding your mind, turning your thoughts to violence and madness.
I’ve seen it happen—friends turned into strangers, consumed by their own hubris. One day they’re raising a dead sparrow to impress a dinner party, and the next they’re whispering to ghosts in their sleep. Hematurgy doesn’t just take over your magic—it takes over your life. But if you can tame it, if you can keep your wits about you, then, my friend, the power you wield will make you unstoppable.
So if you're reading this, understand one thing: Hematurgy is power, but it's also a curse. If you're not careful, it will consume you from the inside out. Use it wisely, or be prepared to pay the ultimate price.
Sanguine Spellcraft: Examples in Practice
If you're interested in Sanguine Spellcraft, you need to understand that it's not just about slashing yourself up and painting the walls with your life force. No, no. We are civilized wizards, not some barbaric cult. Sanguine Spellcraft is an art, a delicate dance between power and precision. If you go slashing about without understanding the subtle nuances, you might as well join a Muggle butcher shop.
Let's start with a simple example: making your wand more effective. There's a reason wands choose wizards, but a little extra push doesn't hurt. A drop of blood on the tip of your wand, followed by the incantation "Sanguis Validum," can increase the potency of your spells. It’s like giving your wand a shot of pure adrenaline. The spell becomes more focused, more intense. It's perfect for those times when you need an extra boost, whether it's to blast a hole through a wall or simply ensure that your Leviosa actually gets the job done.
Of course, there's a trick to it. You can't just smear blood on a wand and expect miracles. The blood has to be your own—no borrowing from friends or sneaking some from your potions kit. Your blood, your magic. The incantation is equally important. You can't just mumble it like a hungover first-year. It needs to be spoken with authority, with intent. It's your command to the universe, after all. Speak it like you mean it.
Kaz paused in his reading, the words of Naricus Prince swirling in his mind as he glanced at Jesper, who watched him with a mix of curiosity and caution. Jesper's grey eyes reflected the dim light, his fangs barely visible as his lips curled into a cautious smile. The forest around them felt darker than usual, the air thicker with anticipation.
"This seems like a fairly simple thing to try," Kaz said, his voice steady despite the weight of the ancient text in his hands. "Just a small drop of blood and an incantation."
Jesper's grin was tight, almost forced, his gaze fixed on Kaz's gloved hands. "Yeah, sure," he replied, but his voice lacked its usual bravado. Blood magic was risky for anyone, but especially for a dhampir, whose senses sharpened at the scent of fresh blood.
Kaz's fingers hesitated over the needle in his pocket, his usual confidence flickering. "Do you think you can handle it if I prick my finger?" he asked, keeping his voice casual but his eyes sharp, watching for any sign of discomfort in his friend.
Jesper took a moment, weighing his words. "A little bit of blood never hurt anyone," he said with a nonchalant shrug, though his eyes followed Kaz's every move. "Just make sure it's just a drop. I don't want to find myself feeling... peckish."
Kaz nodded before he carefully pulled one of his gloves off, revealing the scars etched across his right hand. He saw Jesper's gaze fixate on them, the way the lines crossed and twisted, a map of a life Kaz didn't often share.
His gloved hand slid into his pocket to retrieve a delicate needle. Right next to it was the silver dagge, Kaz had brought to this late-night-meeting. He knew that Jesper could control his dhampir urges, but a precaution never hurt. He pricked his finger, and a single droplet of blood welled up, dark and glistening in the moonlight. The smell was sharp and metallic, and Kaz felt the weight of Jesper's gaze on him as he held the droplet above his wand.
"Sanguis Validum," he intoned, his voice steady. The blood seeped into the wand, leaving behind a faint shimmer. Kaz felt the energy rush through him, a sudden burst of power that caught him off guard. He could almost feel the magic vibrating through the wand's core, intensifying with each pulse. Jesper took a cautious step back, his body tense as he kept his distance from the wand.
"All right, let's see what this thing can do," Kaz said, aiming at a nearby tree stump. He focused, channeling the energy into his spell, and shouted, "Reducto!"
The spell hit the stump with a deafening crack, sending splinters flying in all directions. Kaz stumbled backward, momentarily stunned by the force of the explosion. The sheer power of the spell was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Jesper let out a low whistle, his grin returning, albeit with a hint of nervousness. "Merlin's beard, Kaz! What were you aiming for, the Forbidden Forest's demolition permit?"
Kaz chuckled, but he glanced at Jesper with a cautious eye. "Just testing the limits," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Looks like it works, though."
Jesper nodded, though his eyes flickered with a mix of admiration and concern.
Kaz knew Jesper's caution was well-founded, but he wasn't about to admit it. The glove slid back over his right hand, covering the scars he'd just shown, scars that told more stories than Kaz liked to share. The scent of blood lingered in the air, metallic and sharp, a reminder that playing with magic had its risks—even more so when Jesper was involved.
Kaz kept his expression neutral, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "See? Just a small drop. No big deal," he said, shrugging as if they'd just passed the time by tossing rocks into the lake instead of blowing up a tree stump with blood magic.
Jesper forced a grin, but it was tight and had none of his usual easygoing charm. "Yeah, no big deal," he replied. "I'm sure no one noticed. Except, you know, the entire Forbidden Forest."
Kaz raised an eyebrow but didn't deny the truth in Jesper's words. The blast had been louder than he'd anticipated, and it was impossible to know who—or what—might've heard it. The Forbidden Forest had its own rules, and they didn't need to break any more of them tonight.
"All right," Kaz said, rolling his shoulders as if to shake off the tension. "I should head back. If Filch catches me out here, I'll be scrubbing dungeon floors until Christmas."
Jesper glanced at the book in Kaz's pocket, a hint of hunger in his eyes. "Think that spell came with a silencing charm?" he asked, his voice almost casual but edged with something darker.
Kaz shook his head, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Not quite. Might need to work on that next time." He gestured toward the distant castle lights, which flickered through the trees. "I'm heading back. See you in Charms tomorrow."
Jesper gave a mock salute, his usual mischief creeping back into his grin. "Aye aye, captain! Wouldn't want Filch to lock you in a broom closet," He winked, but his gaze darted toward the darker parts of the forest, where the shadows seemed to twist and shift.
Kaz smirked. "Have fun with your late-night stroll. Try not to bite any centaurs."
Jesper rolled his eyes, but his laughter was genuine this time. "I'll leave them to the hippogriffs. Enjoy your comfy dormitory." He waved Kaz off, already melting into the gloom.
Kaz headed back to the castle, the book weighing heavily in his pocket. He couldn't help but glance back at the forest, where the tree stump lay in splinters. It was a reminder that playing with blood magic came with a price, one that could spiral out of control if they weren't careful.
It wasn't just about the magic; it was about the fine line they walked, and how quickly it could blur. But Jesper would be fine—he always was—but Kaz knew that his friend's carefree attitude was as much a shield as his gloves were for him. They both had their secrets, and some were darker than others. The challenge was keeping them hidden, even from each other.
As he reached the castle gates, Kaz felt a chill in the air, and he knew that tonight's blast might not be the last they'd hear about it. For now, Kaz would lay low and hope Filch didn't catch wind of what happened in the Forbidden Forest.
Chapter 6: Veiled Vendetta
Chapter Text
BASTIAAN
Baastian Rietveld watched from the shadows as Bellatrix Lestrange prowled through the dimly lit chamber like a vengeful banshee. Her eyes were twin flames of madness, illuminating her deranged fury that hung in the air like an electric storm. Each echoing footfall was a promise of destruction on cold stone.
As he observed her predatory stride, a shiver of unease slithered down his spine. Being near Bellatrix was akin to standing next to a venomous serpent poised to strike. "How dare they defy me," she seethed, her voice a deadly whisper that sliced through the thick atmosphere. "Filthy mudbloods and traitors, every one of them."
Baastian stood resolute in the encroaching darkness, his face etched with fatigue yet firm with determination. His dark robes clung to him like a second skin, swallowing any stray light and adding to his aura of restrained power - a tempest held at bay.
Bellatrix's gaze flickered towards him, her sneer stretching into an ugly grin. "Ah, Rietveld," she taunted, "still skulking in the shadows like some specter. Have you no backbone?"
Baastian’s hands balled into fists at his sides; his jaw hardened with suppressed anger as he locked gazes with Bellatrix. "Lestrange," he retorted coolly, "we need strategy and precision for our cause. The Dark Lord demands victory, not senseless carnage."
Her laughter rang out harshly against the stone walls - a chilling sound. "Reckless? You accuse me of recklessness? This is war; caution is for the weak."
Bastiaan's jaw tightened. "We cannot afford more mistakes. The diamond powder weakened the castle’s wards, but it was not enough. We need a new approach, a more decisive blow."
Bellatrix's gaze sharpened. "And what do you propose, oh wise one? Another clever scheme?"
A sudden, manic giggle escaped her lips, unnerving in the silent chamber. Her laughter bubbled up uncontrollably—a mad symphony of glee and malice. She delighted in the chaos and terror she wrought, exhilarated by the power coursing through her veins, the knowledge that she could snuff out a life with a flick of her wand.
In her mind, the world was a playground of violence and dominance. Her thoughts raced, leaping from one demented idea to the next. She thought of Azkaban, the cold, dark cell that had tried to break her but only served to fuel her insanity, making her stronger, more dangerous.
"They will all pay," she muttered, her eyes narrowing as she paced. "For every slight, every insult. I will see them all broken, bleeding, begging for mercy."
"Soon," Rietveld agreed. "But you must train yourself in patience."
But his words were to no avail, her mind already spiraled further into darkness, thoughts overlapping and crashing into each other like waves in a storm. There was no room for reason, no place for sanity. Only the burning desire to please Voldemort and the exhilarating madness that drove her every move.
Bellatrix's eyes flickered with wild intensity as she continued pacing, her thoughts spiraling deeper into the abyss. The chamber seemed to close in around her, the shadows dancing in the flickering torchlight, each corner a reminder of her torment and power.
"Patience," she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Patience is for those who have time to waste. We are on the brink of victory, Bastiaan. The Dark Lord's triumph is inevitable."
Bastiaan remained silent, his gaze steady but wary. He knew better than to argue with her when she was in this state. Bellatrix's fervor was both her greatest strength and her most dangerous flaw. Her devotion to Voldemort was absolute, consuming every part of her being, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation.
As Bellatrix paced, her lip curled in a sneer as she recalled her encounter with the Suli witch. The memory of the girl’s defiance, her dark eyes filled with an unyielding resolve, gnawed at her. "That filthy little mudblood," she hissed, venom dripping from her voice. "Inej Ghafa. She dared to stand against me, to touch me with her impudent hands. Hogwarts has become a nest of insubordination. But no more. They will all learn their place."
Bastiaan watched her with a mix of concern and calculation. He knew that Bellatrix’s wrath, while terrifying, could also be a powerful weapon if directed properly. He chose his words carefully, his voice calm and measured. "Inej Ghafa is but a child, Bellatrix. A child who will soon know the true meaning of fear. But we must be strategic in our approach. Another direct attack would alert the headmaster."
"You are a blind fool," Bellatrix snapped. "You have not seen what I have. This girl is not just any child. She is now a symbol, a rallying point for those who dare to defy us. She must be made an example of."
Her thoughts were a tempest, her mind a whirlwind of fury and contempt. She could still feel the impact of Inej Ghafa's fist, the sharp pain that had shattered her nose and, momentarily, her pride. Of all the students at Hogwarts, she had been bested by a Suli girl—an affront that gnawed at her, a wound to her ego that demanded retribution.
"Despicable," she hissed, her words seething with a poisonous edge. "That audacious Suli had the gall to touch me, devoid of a wand, bereft of magic."
A subtle glimmer of mirth danced briefly in Bastiaan's gaze before he swiftly concealed it. "And therein, Bellatrix, lies her Achilles' heel," he stated. "She leans heavily on raw power and unchecked emotions. That's our opportunity for manipulation. We must shatter her confidence, instill uncertainty within her about her own abilities and those she confides in. It should be a gradual corrosion, not a swift onslaught."
A wicked grin contorted Bellatrix's features, her eyes gleaming with vindictive delight. "Indeed, shatter her spirit, let it be her own doubts and vulnerabilities that bring about her downfall. She'll rue the day she dared to defy me."
The memory of Inej's dark, soulful eyes, full of defiance and an unspoken challenge, flashed in her mind. Those eyes had not shown the cowering terror Bellatrix expected. Instead, they had met her gaze with a calm that was unnerving, almost serene. It was this defiance that fueled Bellatrix’s desire to see the girl broken, to make her beg for mercy.
"Let's begin with those she holds dear," Bellatrix schemed, her voice a chilling blend of precision and malice. "Cut her off, ensure she feels the sting of solitude. Sow uncertainty within them, twist their allegiance away from her. And in her most vulnerable hour, that's when we pounce. She'll be cornered, devoid of any trusting soul to lean on."
With a smirk, Bastiaan agreed, "Hogwarts will crumble from within, consumed by mistrust and terror. As they self-destruct, we'll be ready to claim the ruins."
A maniacal glint flickered in Bellatrix's eyes, igniting them with a perilous fire. "She'll pay, Bastiaan," she hissed, her voice laced with venomous delight. "I'll shatter her into a thousand pieces, grind her spirit to dust. She'll be pleading for the sweet relief of death before I'm through."
The chamber seemed to grow darker, the shadows lengthening as Bellatrix's laughter echoed off the cold stone walls. She was a lioness on the hunt, and Inej Ghafa was her prey. The Suli witch would learn the true meaning of fear, and Bellatrix would savor every moment of her suffering.
In the end, there would be no doubt. The world would bow before the might of the Death Eaters, and Bellatrix Lestrange would stand triumphant beside her Dark Lord, her revenge complete.
"And this time, no room for errors, Rietveld," Bellatrix hissed, her voice as lethal as the venom of a Basilisk ready to strike. Bastiaan's forehead creased with annoyance, his fists balling up in a futile attempt to contain his simmering frustration. "I'm well aware, Bellatrix," he responded, desperation subtly lacing his words. "We must proceed with caution. The fallout from failure is unthinkable."
Bellatrix whirled around to face him, her eyes aflame with unbridled rage. "Failure?" she spat out the word like it was a curse, her tone heavy with contempt. Was he still trying to safeguard the remnants of his damned lineage? "Don't you dare lecture me about failure, Rietveld. It was your ineptitude that let that wretched girl evade our grasp."
Bastiaan's jaw tightened, anger pulsating through his veins like an electric current. "I left no stone unturned to assure our victory," he shot back, each word punctuated by escalating irritation. "I secured the cooperation of a professor within Hogwarts who was sympathetic to our cause and provided us crucial intelligence about the castle's weak points."
As he spoke, Bastiaan's mind was awash with recollections—of covert rendezvous in dimly lit hallways and hushed discussions veiled in mystery—all under the pretense of visiting his errant son at school. The professor had proved an invaluable ally; their loyalty swayed by tantalizing offers of power and status. Together they had discovered a chink in Hogwarts' armor—a peculiar diamond dust derived from unicorn horns potent enough to undermine the castle's protective spells.
The task had been arduous—tracking down a unicorn within the depths of the Forbidden Forest, extinguishing its life, and harvesting its horn. Yet every exertion had justified itself. The horn, now a fine silver dust, was the crux of their scheme. It was this that allowed Bellatrix and her fellow Death Eaters to penetrate Hogwarts during that calamitous week, catching students off guard in the Great Hall. If it hadn't been for the interference from the Suli girl and his own impulsive offspring, their operation could have gone off without a hitch.
"I concealed the diamond dust inside Hourglasses and smuggled them into the castle," Bastiaan explained, maintaining an even tone despite inner turmoil.
Bellatrix responded with a sneer, her gaze narrowing as she looked at him with contempt. "Ah yes, your supposed efforts," she retorted sarcastically. "However effort alone doesn't ensure victory, Rietveld. We needed outcomes not apologies."
Bastiaan's nostrils flared as he wrestled to control his mounting fury. "You're doubting my commitment Lestrange?" he countered defiantly. "I've given everything to this cause, sacrificed more than you could fathom. I won't stand here being accused of incompetence by someone who can't see past her own blind fury."
Bellatrix's eyes ignited with wrath; an emotional tempest brewing within her. "How dare you," she spat, each word dripping with venom. "You think you can address me like this? You forget your place, Rietveld. Remember who you serve."
Her voice carried the weight of her own insecurities, a desperate need to assert dominance and mask her own fears of failure. Bastiaan felt the sting of her words but stood firm, his own inner turmoil simmering beneath a calm exterior. He had sacrificed too much to be belittled by Bellatrix's fury, and he wouldn't let her undermine his resolve.
"I serve The Dark Lord," he affirmed resolutely."And I won’t rest until his foes are crushed beneath our feet. But I won't be your pawn, Lestrange. I won't let you pin your failures on me."
"MY failures?" Bellatrix's laughter echoed with insanity. "You underestimate me Rietveld. You assisted in breaking Hogwarts' defenses, but do you understand the magic that protected it from us? No. You are clueless. I am the one wielding intellect here."
Bastiaan's jaw clenched as he processed Bellatrix's words, a sour taste of realization lingering at the back of his throat. "I might not know the intricacies of Hogwarts' defenses," he conceded, frustration threading through his voice, "but I have done everything within my power to support our cause. And I will continue to do so, whether you approve or not."
Bellatrix’s laughter filled the room; a chilling symphony of scorn and disdain."You hold onto your delusions of grandeur Bastiaan," she mocked, her gaze oozing contempt."But your ignorance will be your downfall."
Bellatrix's harsh smile widened, her words slicing through the tension. "You were hand-held by some lowly teacher about the unicorn horn. Without their guidance, you'd be lost in ignorance. Let me clarify things," she mocked, her tone heavy with disdain. "Once upon a time, there were the Founders of Hogwarts. Four naive souls who dared to defy the natural hierarchy. Gryffindor, with his laughable courage. Ravenclaw, in pursuit of empty wisdom. Hufflepuff, submerged in insincere compassion. And Slytherin..." She spat out the name as if it left a bitter taste on her tongue."Slytherin, the only one wise enough to seize real power," she sneered.
A crease formed between Bastiaan's brows, his expression softening into something akin to pity as he tried to understand Bellatrix's twisted logic. "But surely, Bellatrix, the protection spell was designed to safeguard students," he offered tentatively, uncertainty tinging his voice. "To shield them from danger."
Bellatrix's laughter rang out harshly in response, sharp and unfeeling as an icicle falling from a winter eave. "Protect them?" she scoffed derisively, her eyes gleaming with cruel delight at his naivety. "No Rietveld; that spell merely serves to oppress the rule of noble houses and keep us—the rightful heirs of magic—from our due inheritance."
Bastiaan felt a sinking sensation in his chest at her words like a stone cast into water; deep and unsettling. He swallowed hard before asking softly: "But how did they manage it? How did the Founders conjure such potent magic?"
Bellatrix fixed him with an intense stare that made him feel like a small creature under a predator's gaze; unnerving and chilling simultaneously. "They paid a price," she murmured, a dangerous undertone to her voice. "Each of them surrendered their lives to weave the very essence of magic that cloaks Hogwarts—a futile gesture in the eyes of some, but one that has proven its worth over centuries."
Bastiaan's mind spun with the implications of Bellatrix's revelation. He pressed on, his voice shaky from a blend of awe and fear: "But how does this relate to the protective barrier? Surely such a spell requires more than mere sacrifice?"
Bellatrix looked at him with an inscrutable expression; a flicker of twisted amusem*nt in her eyes. "Oh, you underestimate love's power, Rietveld," she retorted, her voice echoing ominously around them. "The Founders' sacrifice was driven by their love for the students; it wove a magical shield around Hogwarts, keeping those who wish harm at bay."
Bastiaan's breath caught in his throat as he grappled with the enormity of her words. Love. The concept seemed foreign in the midst of so much hatred and violence. He managed to choke out, "You, speaking about love, is ironic."
The words felt hollow even to his own ears, a futile attempt to pierce the armor of Bellatrix's madness. Memories of his loved ones flickered in his mind—Rhetta, Jordie, Kaz. Each name a reminder of his failures and the burdens he carried. His heart ached with the weight of it all, a silent plea for redemption in a world gone mad.
"I know what love is. I love our Great Lord." Bellatrix smiled wider as if recalling fond memories. Her face softened slightly as she murmured dreamily: "Ah yes, our Great Lord—his power and vision...I adore him wholeheartedly."
Bastiaan Rietveld frowned in confusion; unable to reconcile Bellatrix's zealous devotion and her cruel nature. He ventured cautiously: "Isn't that paradoxical? To love someone so deeply yet delight in violence and destruction?"
Bellatrix laughed again; the sound akin to dark bells tolling ominously. Her eyes sparkled with unhinged delight as she responded scornfully: "Oh dear Rietveld—love and destruction are intertwined like a serpent's coil. What good is love if not used to tear down anything that dares challenge it?"
Bastiaan flinched at her words, memories flooding his mind like a relentless tide. In the quiet of the chamber, he felt the weight of his past bearing down upon him, memories of love and loss intertwining in a painful dance.
He thought of Rhetta, his wife, once the light of his life. Their love had been fierce and passionate, a fire that burned bright in the darkness. But as the years passed, their bond had withered, consumed by bitterness and resentment. He remembered the scars that marked Rhetta's wrists, a cruel testament to the pain she bore silently, the result of her own battle with inner demons.
And then there was Jordie, their beloved son, taken too soon by the cruel hands of fate. Bastiaan's heart clenched at the memory of Jordie's laughter, now silenced forever. He recalled the day he found Jordie's lifeless body floating in the lake, the water a cold embrace that stole his son away from him.
But it was Kaz, his eldest son, who bore the deepest scars of all. Bastiaan remembered the day Rhetta had discovered Jordie's lifeless body, her grief turning to rage as she turned on Kaz, blaming him for his brother's death. He remembered the sound of Rhetta's screams as she beat Kaz with one of his own belts, the leather leaving angry welts on his hands that would never fully heal.
Rhetta's wrath had been a tempest, raging unchecked, leaving devastation in its wake. Bastiaan had tried to shield Kaz from her fury, to offer him solace in the midst of the storm, but his efforts had been futile against the force of her rage.
As he stood in the shadow of Bellatrix's laughter, the echoes of his past ringing in his ears, Bastiaan felt the weight of his failures bearing down on him like a leaden cloak. He had failed Jordie in life, failed Kaz in protection, and failed Rhetta in love. And now, as he faced the chilling certainty of their impending doom, he could only pray that somehow, someway, he might find redemption before it was too late.
KAZ
The Great Hall hummed with anticipation as students from all houses converged for a special gathering convened by the venerable Headmaster Dumbledore. The recent incursion of Death Eaters had cast a shadow over Hogwarts, yet Dumbledore's presence exuded an aura of calm and reassurance as he stepped forth to address the assembled witches and wizards.
"Dear students of Hogwarts," Dumbledore's voice, both commanding and soothing, rang out across the expanse of the Great Hall. "In the aftermath of the recent assault upon our venerable institution, it is natural to feel apprehension and unease. But I stand before you today to declare that Hogwarts shall not yield to the forces of darkness."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered students, their expressions reflecting a mixture of determination and resolve.
Kaz sat at the Slytherin table, his fingers absentmindedly tracing intricate patterns upon the polished wood. The thought of Death Eaters breaching the school's defenses left a bitter taste in his mouth. Hogwarts had always been a sanctuary, and now that sense of security felt violated. Still, Kaz knew better than to show his unease.
"We shall not retreat in the face of adversity," Dumbledore continued, his eyes alight with unwavering resolve. "Rather, we shall rise above it. Together, we shall demonstrate to the world that Hogwarts stands as a bastion of unity and strength."
Kaz’s jaw tightened as he listened. He admired Dumbledore's resilience, even envied it. How did the man manage to instill such hope in the midst of chaos? The applause that followed was almost deafening, but Kaz barely noticed.
"To that end," Dumbledore announced, his voice ringing with purpose, "I am delighted to announce that Hogwarts shall host a grand ball in celebration of our freedom and the principles that define us. It shall be a night of revelry and camaraderie, a testament to the resilience of the wizarding world and the values we hold dear."
Cheers erupted from the students, their spirits lifted by the prospect of coming together in joyous celebration. Kaz’s fingers stopped moving. A ball? Of all the ways to rally the students, a ball seemed frivolous. Yet, he couldn't deny the infectious excitement spreading through the hall.
"However," Dumbledore's tone turned solemn, "let us not forget the responsibilities that accompany our freedom. We must remain vigilant, ever watchful against the encroaching darkness. We must stand firm against injustice and oppression, wherever they may lurk."
The students nodded solemnly, their resolve fortified by Dumbledore's words.
"Let us demonstrate to the world that Hogwarts shall not be divided," Dumbledore concluded, his voice ringing with conviction. "That we shall not be silenced. Together, we shall shine as beacons of hope in the darkest of times."
With a graceful wave of his wand, Dumbledore concluded his address, the Great Hall erupting into thunderous applause as the students rose to their feet, united in purpose and determination.
Amidst the fervor of the gathering, Kaz continued to sit in relative solitude, his attention fixed once again on the table. While the prospect of revelry and fellowship held little appeal for him, Kaz felt compelled to attend, if only to maintain a facade of normalcy.
Across the hall, Jesper Fahey sat amidst a throng of Gryffindor companions, his laughter ringing out amidst the chatter and excitement. Kaz exchanged a fleeting glance with his boisterous friend, their differing perspectives on the impending ball evident in their expressions. Jesper's eyes danced with anticipation, relishing the prospect of festivities, while Kaz merely offered a wry roll of his eyes in response.
As Dumbledore's address droned on, Kaz's eyes wandered to the Ravenclaw table. Inej Ghafa sat with her back straight and her hands folded in her lap, undistracted by the commotion around her. Kaz couldn't help but admire her serene presence, even in such a chaotic environment. She seemed so unruffled, a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. As he watched her, a small spark of curiosity lit up inside him. He couldn't deny that he was looking forward to seeing Inej at the ball, despite his reservations about attending.
As the assembly concluded and students began to disperse, Jesper Fahey bounded over to Kaz with his trademark grin, his Gryffindor scarf trailing behind him like a vibrant banner of mischief.
"Hey there, Kaz!" Jesper exclaimed, his voice brimming with playful energy as he slid into the seat opposite Kaz. "So, are you ready to sweep someone off their feet at the ball?"
Kaz raised an eyebrow at Jesper's exuberance, his expression guarded yet intrigued. "I hadn't realized I was obligated to partake in such frivolities," he remarked dryly, though a hint of amusem*nt flickered in his eyes.
Jesper chuckled, undeterred by Kaz's stoic demeanor. "Come on, Kaz, don't tell me you're going to pass up the chance to showcase your dancing skills," he teased, nudging Kaz with an elbow. "I heard Professor Flitwick is teaching the tango this year. You wouldn't want to miss out on that, would you?"
Kaz's lips twitched imperceptibly at Jesper's jest, a rare hint of amusem*nt tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I assure you, Jes, my prowess on the dance floor is vastly overrated," he replied with mock seriousness, though a glimmer of amusem*nt danced in his eyes.
Jesper grinned, undeterred by Kaz's deflection. "Ah, but who will be the lucky recipient of your dubious dancing skills?" he pressed, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. "Any candidates in mind?"
Kaz's expression remained impassive, though a subtle shift in his demeanor betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. "I'm afraid I have yet to extend any invitations," he admitted, his tone guarded yet oddly introspective. He couldn't help but think of Inej, though he quickly pushed the thought aside. Showing interest, especially in such a public setting, was a vulnerability he couldn't afford.
Jesper's grin widened, sensing an opportunity for mischief. "Well, you better act fast, my friend," he declared, leaning closer with an exaggerated wink. "The ball is just around the corner, and you wouldn't want to miss your chance to sweep someone off their feet."
Jesper's eyes darted eagerly across the Great Hall as he scanned the sea of faces, searching for the perfect candidates to join him on the dance floor.
Kaz couldn't help but chuckle at Jesper's antics, shaking his head slightly. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied dryly, though there was a glint of amusem*nt in his eyes. "But I'm not one for sweeping gestures."
Jesper's grin widened mischievously, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh, come on, Kaz," he cajoled, nudging his Slytherin friend playfully. "Where's your sense of adventure? You never know, you might surprise yourself."
Kaz arched an eyebrow skeptically at Jesper's words, though a small smile played at the corners of his lips. "I highly doubt it," he replied with mock seriousness, though there was a hint of amusem*nt in his tone. Adventure? Kaz had seen enough of it to last a lifetime. Yet, he couldn't deny the slight thrill Jesper's words stirred within him.
As Jesper continued to scan the crowd for potential dance partners, his attention was suddenly drawn to a familiar figure making her way through the bustling Great Hall. "Well, well, well, speak of the devil," he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Inej approached them tentatively, her posture tense as she greeted them. "Hello, Jesper. Kaz," she said quietly, her voice barely audible above the din of the Great Hall. Her hands were clasped tightly together, a telltale sign of her nervousness.
Jesper greeted her with a warm smile. "Hey, Inej!" he exclaimed, pulling her into a brief hug before releasing her. "What brings you over here?"
Inej hesitated for a moment before replying, her gaze flickering nervously towards Kaz. "I... I just wanted to say hello," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She glanced at Kaz, searching for any sign of warmth, but found his gaze distant, focused on something unseen.
Kaz's gaze remained fixed on something in the distance, his attention seemingly elsewhere. "Hello, Inej," he murmured in acknowledgment, though his tone lacked any warmth or interest. Inside, he cursed himself for his aloofness. He didn't mean to push her away, but opening up was not his forte.
Inej's smile faltered slightly at Kaz's cold response, but she pressed on nonetheless. "I'm looking forward to the ball," she ventured, her voice gaining a touch of enthusiasm. "It should be a memorable evening." Inside, she wondered if Kaz would ever let his guard down, even just a little.
Jesper nodded enthusiastically, eager to lighten the mood. "Absolutely! So, who are you planning on asking to the ball, Inej?" he asked.
Inej's smile returned as she thought for a moment. "I haven't really given it much thought," she admitted, shrugging her shoulders. "I'll probably just go by myself." She felt a pang of loneliness at the thought. Going alone to the ball, in a sea of couples, was not an appealing prospect.
Jesper's eyes widened in surprise at Inej's response. "What? No way, you can't go by yourself!" he exclaimed, his face contorted into a look of mock horror.
Inej raised an eyebrow at Jesper's dramatic reaction. "Why not?" she asked, genuinely curious. Part of her felt relieved at his enthusiasm; it was a welcome distraction from her own doubts.
"Because it's the ball!" Jesper exclaimed, as if that explained everything. "It's a time for romance and dancing and magic! You can't miss out on all that and go by yourself."
Kaz finally tore his gaze away from the distance to join in on the conversation. "I agree with Jesper," he stated matter-of-factly. "Alone, you'd probably start talking to the enchanted portraits for entertainment." His voice was steady, but inside he felt a twinge of jealousy at the thought of Inej going with someone else.
Inej mulled over their words, her dark eyes thoughtful. "I understand your reasoning," she finally conceded, "but I'm still without a partner." She bit her lip, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on her.
A devilish grin spread across Jesper's face. "Well, fortunately for you, I have an ideal arrangement," he announced grandiosely.
Inej regarded him suspiciously, yet the spark in his eyes piqued her curiosity. "What might that be?" she ventured cautiously.
Jesper leaned in, his voice dropping to a secretive whisper. "We'll both accompany you," he proposed, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Inej's eyes widened at Jesper's unexpected proposition, her heart skipping a beat. She stole a quick glance at Kaz, feeling a flutter of nerves at the idea of attending the ball with him, someone she secretly admired from afar. "Both of you?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, her cheeks warming with a blush.
Jesper nodded eagerly, practically vibrating with anticipation. "Yes! We can both be your dates to the ball," he clarified, gesturing between himself and Kaz with a flourish that would make a Hippogriff envious.
Inej felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Jesper was a dear friend, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to his offer. And Kaz, with his aloof demeanor and undeniable charm, made her heart race in a way she couldn't quite explain. The idea of attending the ball with both of them sent her mind spinning with a whirlwind of emotions.
Kaz, noticing her hesitation, broke the silence. "Look, Inej," he said, his voice cool and pragmatic. "This way, none of us have to go through the ordeal of finding a date. Simplicity is key. And don’t worry about my dancing skills—or lack thereof. Jesper’s your man for that."
Jesper grinned broadly, clearly delighted at Kaz’s rare attempt to lighten the mood. "Right you are, Kaz. I’m practically a professional. Learned from the best at the Yule Ball."
Inej couldn’t help but smile at their banter, though her nerves still tingled with uncertainty. The idea was growing on her, and she felt a warmth spreading through her chest at the thought of not facing the ball alone. "Alright," she said, her voice steady but her heart racing. "I accept your offer."
Jesper let out a triumphant whoop, drawing the attention of a few nearby students. "Brilliant! This is going to be the best ball Hogwarts has ever seen. We’ll have everyone talking. Maybe even make it into The Daily Prophet!"
Kaz smirked, his demeanor remaining aloof. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Jesper. We still need to figure out what to wear."
Jesper nodded enthusiastically. "Right, of course. I’ve got a few ideas. Madam Malkin’s is bound to have something suitable for all of us. And I know just the spell to make sure everything fits perfectly. Tailorus Perfectus!"
Inej laughed softly, feeling more at ease. "Just don’t make me wear anything too flashy," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusem*nt.
"Wouldn’t dream of it," Jesper assured her, his tone sincere but playful. "We’ll find something that makes you feel as magical as a phoenix feather."
Kaz’s eyes softened as he looked at Inej, the tension in his posture easing. "It’s settled then. We’ll go to the ball together."
As they stood there in the bustling Great Hall, the prospect of the ball no longer seemed daunting but rather an adventure they would face together.
As Kaz uttered those words, a gentle breeze seemed to sweep through the Great Hall, carrying with it a sense of anticipation and possibility. His eyes, usually guarded and distant, softened as they met Inej's gaze, revealing a vulnerability that he rarely allowed others to see.
Inej's heart fluttered in her chest as she returned his gaze, her breath catching in her throat at the intensity she found in his eyes. She felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks, her shy demeanor momentarily forgotten in the presence of Kaz's unwavering gaze. But beneath the flutter of excitement lay a torrent of self-doubt that threatened to drown her. Was Kaz simply being polite, or did he truly want to go to the ball with her? Did he find her ugly or stupid, unworthy of his attention? And what about her background as a Suli, a constant reminder of her outsider status in the wizarding world? Did Kaz secretly despise her for not belonging to a pure-blooded family like his own?
For a fleeting moment, Inej allowed herself to entertain the possibility that Kaz might actually like her, that there could be something more between them. But before she could dwell on it further, the moment passed, and the spell was broken by the sound of Jesper's enthusiastic chatter about potential outfits for the ball.
With a heavy heart, Inej tore her gaze away from Kaz's and forced herself to join in the conversation, though her mind still swirled with doubts and insecurities. As they continued to make plans for the ball, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she didn't belong, that she was merely an outsider looking in on a world where she would never truly fit in.
And as the night wore on, Inej couldn't help but wonder what Kaz was really thinking, whether he saw her as anything more than just a friend or if she was simply another face in the crowd. But for now, she buried her doubts deep inside and plastered on a smile.
As the days crept closer to the highly anticipated ball, the Great Hall hummed with an undercurrent of excitement, its grandeur heightened by the festive decorations adorning every corner. Glittering streamers cascaded from the enchanted ceiling, casting prismatic hues across the polished marble floors. Luminescent orbs floated serenely above, their soft glow illuminating the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls, depicting scenes of magical history and folklore.
Amidst the enchanting atmosphere of the Great Hall, Kaz remained a stoic figure, quietly observing the bustling activity with a certain detached interest. Next to him, Jesper was a whirlwind of exuberance, his infectious laughter and animated gestures drawing the attention of all who passed by. Currently, he had Inej laughing, her sparkling brown eyes squeezed shut in mirth.
"Have I ever told you guys about the time I outsmarted a group of Death Eaters with nothing but Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans?" Jesper's voice cut through the lively chatter, prompting Kaz to raise an eyebrow in skepticism.
"Ah, yes, because nothing says 'defeating dark wizards' like a handful of magical jelly beans," Kaz quipped, his tone dry as parchment. He subtly shifted away from Jesper's reach, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he maintained his personal space.
Inej chuckled softly, her laughter a melodic harmony to Jesper's boisterous storytelling. "You have to admit, Jesper, your methods are... unique," she remarked with a playful twinkle in her eye, her gaze dancing between her two friends.
Jesper grinned, undeterred by Kaz's sarcasm. "That's the spirit! Always expect the unexpected, especially when you're up against the forces of evil," he declared with theatrical flair, punctuating his words with a dramatic flourish of his wand.
Kaz's eyebrow arched slightly, a silent protest to Jesper's enthusiasm. "Right, because nothing says 'subtle infiltration' like a colorful explosion of jelly beans," he remarked dryly, his tone laced with a hint of fondness for his eccentric friend.
Inej chuckled softly, shaking her head at the playful banter between her two friends. "Well, whether it's jelly beans or some other unconventional method, I have no doubt that Jesper's resourcefulness will come in handy when we least expect it," she remarked with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine affection for her friends.
Jesper's grin widened at Inej's words, a mischievous twinkle lighting up his eyes. "Ah, but of course! You see, my dear friends, the key to outsmarting any dark wizard lies not in the spells we cast, but in the surprises we spring," he declared, his voice carrying the hint of a storyteller weaving tales of magic and mystery.
Kaz couldn't help but chuckle at Jesper's infectious enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through him at the camaraderie they shared. Despite his sarcastic facade, he knew that deep down, he wouldn't have it any other way.
Lost in his thoughts, Kaz barely noticed when someone approached their table, a familiar figure in green robes. The atmosphere around him seemed to shift, a subtle tension creeping into the air like an approaching storm.
"Kaz Rietveld," a voice like ice cut through the lively chatter of the Great Hall, sending a shiver down Kaz's spine. He tensed instinctively, his guard rising at the sound of the voice he knew only too well. "What do you want, Pekka?" he replied, his tone sharp with disdain.
Pekka Rollins, with his shock of curly red hair, freckled complexion, and piercing green eyes, smirked beneath his mask of false charm. A fellow Slytherin, Pekka was known for his treachery and deceit, a reputation that preceded him like a shadow.
"I heard you've been dabbling in blood magic, Brekker. Care to share your secrets?" Pekka taunted, his words laced with a venomous edge. His gaze bore into Kaz like a blade, daring him to flinch.
Kaz's grip tightened on his gloves, his jaw set in a hard line of defiance. "I don't know what you're talking about," he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Since when do you enjoy spreading baseless rumors to make up for your lack of talent?"
Pekka's smirk widened at Kaz's response, a cruel glint dancing in his eyes. "Ah, Rietveld. Ever the clever one. Or should I say Brekker?" he sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. "That absurd name you've adopted, as if to hide the shame you've brought to your family's legacy."
Kaz's gaze narrowed, a fire burning behind his eyes. "I'm not hiding anything, Pekka. But unlike you, I don't need my family's name to prop up my worth," he shot back, his words like daggers aimed at Pekka's pride.
Jesper watched the exchange with a mixture of amusem*nt and concern, his usual grin replaced by a furrowed brow. "Easy, Kaz. Don't let him get under your skin," he muttered, his voice a whispered reminder of caution.
Inej observed the confrontation with a quiet intensity, her eyes flickering between Kaz and Pekka. She could sense the deep-seated animosity that simmered beneath their words, a rivalry born from years of resentment and envy.
Pekka chuckled darkly, his gaze never leaving Kaz's. "You may talk tough, Brekker, but we both know the truth. You're nothing but a disappointment to your family," he jeered, his words like poison dripping from his lips. "Ever since poor little Jordie drowned under your watch."
Kaz's fists clenched at his sides, his patience wearing thin. "You are getting on my nerves, Pekka. f*ck off."
Pekka's smirk faltered slightly at Kaz's words, a flicker of uncertainty betraying itself beneath his mask of arrogance. "Oh, I will," he retorted, his tone dripping with malice. "But first, why don't you enlighten us about your little midnight rendezvous with that shady vampire friend of yours?"
Kaz raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Ah, Pekka, always so eager for gossip," he replied, his voice cool and composed despite the tension in the air. "But I'm afraid I must disappoint you. My nocturnal activities are far too scandalous for such casual conversation."
Jesper, sensing the tension, chimed in with a wry grin. "And for the record, Pekka, I'm not a vampire," he quipped, his tone playful yet pointed. "I'm a dhampire. Big difference."
Pekka's expression soured at their banter, his eyes narrowing with thinly veiled frustration. But Kaz couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at his discomfort. After all, a little sarcasm was always a good defense against the likes of Pekka Rollins.
Inej watched the exchange with a furrowed brow, her curiosity piqued by the tension crackling between Kaz and Pekka. She had heard whispers about their rivalry, but the depth of animosity that simmered beneath their words took her by surprise.
"Pekka, you've always had a knack for stirring up trouble," she remarked calmly, her voice cutting through the tension like a breath of fresh air. "But I suggest you tread carefully. Some secrets are best left undisturbed."
Pekka's gaze flickered between them, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. But before he could retort, a voice rang out from across the Great Hall, drawing the attention of all who had been watching the confrontation unfold.
"Is there a problem here?"
The group turned to see Professor Snape striding toward them, his expression as cold as the dungeons beneath Hogwarts. He had a knack for appearing at just the right moment, like a shadow emerging from the darkness to quell any disturbance in his domain.
Professor Snape's sharp gaze swept over the trio, lingering on Kaz with a penetrating intensity that made Inej shift uncomfortably. Was that concern she detected in his eyes? A fleeting moment of empathy in the cold facade of the Potions Master?
Pekka, ever the opportunist, attempted to maintain his facade of innocence. "Nothing to concern yourself with, Professor Snape," he replied smoothly, though the hint of unease in his voice betrayed his true feelings.
Snape's dark eyes bore into Pekka, as if searching for the slightest hint of deception. "I find that hard to believe," he remarked coolly, his tone dripping with skepticism. "Perhaps you would care to enlighten me, Mr. Rollins, as to the nature of this 'friendly chat'?"
Pekka's smirk faltered, his confidence wavering under Snape's unwavering scrutiny. "It's nothing, sir. Just a minor disagreement between classmates," he replied, his voice lacking its usual bravado.
Snape's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of annoyance danced in his eyes. "I see," he said simply, though his tone suggested that he saw far more than he let on. "I suggest you all return to your respective houses and refrain from any further disruptions. We wouldn't want to tarnish Hogwarts' reputation with petty squabbles, would we?"
Pekka nodded curtly, his eyes darting between them with a calculating glint. "Of course, Professor. I'll be on my way," he replied smoothly, before turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd like a shadow swallowed by darkness.
With a curt nod, Snape turned on his heel as well and swept away, leaving the group in his wake.
Inej exhaled slowly, her heart still fluttering like a caged bird within her chest. The tension that had gripped the air moments ago seemed to ease, thanks to Snape's timely intervention. Yet, a sense of foreboding lingered, as if the calm before the storm had merely been delayed, not dispelled.
Jesper broke the uneasy silence with a low whistle, his hand ruffling through his unruly hair. "That was a close shave," he commented, a note of relief in his voice. "I half expected Pekka to curse us into next week."
Kaz's response was more of a grunt than coherent words, his attention drifting like autumn leaves in the wind.
Inej, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Kaz's demeanor, sensing the weight of his unspoken thoughts bearing down on him. "What just happened?" she inquired, her gaze shifting between the two boys. "Why was Pekka so incensed, Kaz? And what about this talk of blood magic and nighttime escapades in the Forbidden Forest?"
"Well, those are two separate matters," Jesper began, his tone betraying a hint of mischief. Kaz shot him a warning glance, but Jesper seemed oblivious to his silent caution. "Pekka's been green with envy for years because Kaz outshines him in just about everything. The guy's got a serious case of sour grapes." Jesper rolled his eyes. "Honestly, he's just a nuisance. But resorting to nighttime stalking? That's a new low."
Inej's eyes widened at Jesper's revelation, a mix of shock and curiosity dancing in their depths. "So, you guys really did venture into the Forbidden Forest at night?" she asked, her voice tinged with incredulity.
"Well," Jesper hedged, his lips twisting in a sheepish grin. He glanced at Kaz, who looked less than thrilled with the direction the conversation was taking. But Jesper couldn't resist the urge to spill the beans, consequences be damned.
Kaz's jaw tensed, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach. The Forbidden Forest held secrets that he wasn't ready to share, especially with someone he barely knew. His gaze flickered to the other students in the Great Hall, a silent reminder of the prying eyes and eager ears that surrounded them. "It's complicated," he muttered, his voice low and guarded. "And not something we should discuss here."
Inej caught the tension in Kaz's voice, sensing there was more to the story than Jesper's nonchalant demeanor suggested. She studied Kaz's expression, noting the furrow in his brow and the guardedness in his eyes. There was a depth to him, a complexity that intrigued her, but she knew better than to pry further.
"Right, of course," Inej replied, her tone understanding. She didn't press the matter, sensing Kaz's discomfort and respecting his boundaries. "We can talk about it later, when we have more privacy."
Jesper nodded in agreement, shooting Kaz an apologetic look. "Sorry, Kaz. I didn't mean to stir up trouble," he said, genuine remorse coloring his voice. Despite his playful demeanor, Jesper knew when he'd crossed a line, and he regretted causing Kaz any undue stress.
Kaz's expression softened slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing as he met Jesper's gaze. "It's fine," he replied, a hint of gratitude in his voice. Despite their differences, Kaz valued Jesper's loyalty and friendship, even if it sometimes led to moments of exasperation.
The three friends lapsed into a companionable silence, their attention back to their meals, the chatter of the Great Hall fading into the background and the weight of their shared secrets hanging in the air like a heavy cloak. But amidst the uncertainty and unease, there was also a sense of camaraderie. Inej couldn't help but feel grateful for their new friendship, even as she pondered the mysteries that lay ahead.
