Jake Anderson: A Hogwarts Tale

'Jake Anderson: A Hogwarts Tale' is a Fan Fiction based on the world of Harry Potter by Victory Kiddo Z in Wattpad. Though the story was posted at Wattpad, lets read it in this page. The story is given below. This story was set at the year 2035.

## Chapter One: Jake Anderson

Jake Anderson Lopham wakes up as he feels the Sea Breeze touching him to make him awake. He looks at the clock. " Another day", he groaned. His sister Margo was not in her bed. Jake walked to the mirror and looked at his face. He had a terrible sleep. Nightmare after Nightmare, Jake could not sleep as he woke up many times while sleeping. He finally slept but just for two hours.

Jake's face looked as if he never wanted to wake up. But the cool breeze made him wake up. He had lavender hair which was very soft and spiky. He was on his Pajamas. He was a timid, sensitive, emotional and cries often. But he was a boy  who has a willing to make friends and was a bright boy. He was eleven years old.

"Still sleeping emotionally,huh?", a noise said. Jake turned around. It was his sister Margo.She was younger but looked taller than Jake. She liked to wear male costumes than female ones. She was 8 years old.

"MARGO, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE. WHY DO YOU TROUBLE ME LIKE THIS? ", Jake asked.

Margo made a baby-ish voice and imitated Jake, " 'Oh,please leave me alone' ".

Jake threw a toy bear at Margo. Margo caught it and said, " Say bye bye to Teddy".

Jake cried," NO ! DON'T HURT TEDDY".  " It's time you say farewell to Teddy", Margo threw it out of the window. It fell right into the sea. Jake could only mourn for Teddy as it was being carried by the waves.

Jake normally despised toys. But he had his only toy named Teddy Jr.  Jake had only very few people to love him. One of them was his uncle Edward 'Teddy' Ryder. And the other one was Gregory Anderson. He was Jake's younger brother who was three years younger than him. They two were inseparable. Unlike his sister, who loved to bully Jake, Greg always supported Jake either was Jake wrong or right. Greg died one year back and the family blames Jake for his death. Uncle Teddy but believed that it was Greg's destiny.  Not that he wasn't sad of his death. Jake had been the one most affected by his brother's death. So, in order to make for Greg's death, Jake has been gifted a Toy bear. Uncle Teddy said that the bear was a mix of Greg and his son( which he never had). Uncle Teddy treats Jake like a kid by giving him toys which all were given to Greg which made Jake tell Uncle Teddy that he despised toys. But this time when Uncle Teddy gave Teddy Junior, Jake treated it exactly the way he treated Greg. He took very care of it. Sometimes he throws Teddy Junior at Margo when she bullies him, but that throw had a hidden meaning.  He remembers that Greg has always been in the support of Jake when he was bullied by Margo. The throw symbolizes Greg's attack on Margo when she bullies Jake. It was like Greg was back alive.

But the interesting yet sad fact is that nobody is sure whether Greg has died or not. Jake had once went to the sea with Greg to play, when Greg ran too far to the deeper part of the sea. Jake tried stopping him. But a current took Greg away. The Lopham family has been told BY Jake that Greg has been take away by the current. After searching a lot too, the body was never found. The family reckons that some shark might have eaten him up. But Jake and Uncle Teddy knew that either Jake would have been at an island surviving in the wild or dead. Nobody knows the bitter truth. The secret that Teddy Junior was a toy loosely based on Greg was just a secret between them. Because now if Jake talks one word about Greg to his family, he would get a slap and would get an explanation that Greg is dead and there should be no talk about Greg.

Now that Teddy Junior has gone, Jake is having a feeling that Greg died again and that too in the same time of the day and the same way. He hopes that Teddy Junior reaches Greg and it will be as if Jake went towards Greg. Margo however wasn't even bothered by the loss of Greg. She was the center of attraction until Greg was born after which it was him who got most of the love.

According to the composition of love from parents made by Jake, Greg got 60% of the love and Margo got 39% and the rest was for Jake. Jake was considered a born waste when he was born.Now that the family blames Jake for Greg's death the parents are more enraged at him. Margo however is relieved that there is no competition for her.

Jake with tears on his eyes, went downstairs thinking about Teddy Junior and Greg. His father who Jake resembles was sitting at the living room reading the 'Daily Prophet'. He knew that Jake has arrived at the room but barely looked out from his paper as he had no intention of looking at Jake. His mom turned away when Jake entered the room. She took out her wand and pointed it at the  empty fireplace and said , " INCENDIO".The fireplace had fire.

Jake said," Mom, don't light the fireplace. I need to go to Diagon Alley...for my school supplies. His mom, Diana Lopham snorted.

" But dad, you told I am allowed to go there on August 15th", complained Jake. His dad didn't move a muscle.

Jake shouted, " You know what, I am sick with the life I living here. I am selected to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry which makes me an independent boy".

" Then go away", said Anderson Lopham his face still behind the Daily Prophet.

" Oh, why do you hate me so much?", asked Jake though he knew what answer was coming.

"Well, have you been of any use. Have you ever even received a trophy? Look at your sister. Look at her closet. It has so many trophies. So many medals. What have you got?", his mom asked.

"YOU JUDGE LOVE WITH THE NUMBER OF TROPHIES AND THE YOUNGER ONES? HAVE YOU LET ME PARTICIPATE IN A COMPETITION. YOU CALL ME AN IDIOT WHEN I ASK FOR IT", thundered Jake.

"Yes, you are an idiot, a duffer,a buffoon. We don't know which is the good name for you. Oh, I am sorry. All of them suits you", said Margo. Diana and Anderson burst out laughing at this.

" Yeah right, Margo. You were scared of Greg, our younger brother. When he comes for my support you always run-".

Anderson closed his newspaper and kept it on the table. Jake understood that he mentioned his brother in front of his family. Anderson walked towards Jake and slapped him at the face. Anderson thundered," HE IS GONE. AND I TOLD YOU TO NEVER TELL HIS NAME AGAIN YOU WRETCH. BECAUSE YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DEATH".

Anderson slapped Jake at the face again. " MARGO, BRING ME THE CANE".

"ROGER THAT".

Margo gave the cane to Anderson and smiled as she saw Jake getting hit by his dad. Anderson slapped until when Jake grabbed the cane from his father and hit his father on the head. His father toppled down to the floor.

Jake didn't know what he was doing. Blaming him for Greg's death made him forget where he was and who was dealing with him. Jake started hitting his father with the can and threw it to the floor. His mom came to stop him, but Jake slipped from her and ran to his room.

"GET OUT,WASTE WRETCH", he heard his father saying. Jake started packing his bag. He sang:

(sing in your tune)

"Idiot,Stupid,Loser

I don't know why the call me so

I don't know why I am lonely

I DON'T KNOW

Just don't feel it.

Just don't see it

Just don't hear it

Then you'll be fine

Oh, give me a chance to be

Your best and dearest child

I'll do whatever you need me to do

'Cause I'll do it  right

Or is this my destiny

A curse implanted n me

The curse is a lock, I need a key

Your love,mom and dad let me be......."

He was in tears as he was singing. He dialed Uncle Teddy's number in the telephone.

"Hello,Uncle Teddy.... This is J-J-Jake ( stutters).  Can you come by the beach? I need to talk to you".

                         \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Jake left the house with his luggage to the beach after brushing his teeth and bathing. He saw Uncle Teddy standing there.

"Uncle Teddy, how did you reach so soon?", asked Jake surprised.

"I apparated to here. Why did you wanna see me Li'l J?",asked Uncle Teddy.

"Oh,Uncle....Teddy Junior is gone",sobbed Jake.

He told his uncle what happened from morning.

" OH MERLIN'S BEARD, WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT GIRL. I WANNA GIVE HER ONE ON HER FACE. AND YOUR PARENTS, THEY TELL THEIR ELDEST SON TO GET OUT? THEY CALLED YOU DUFFER,IDIOT AND BUFFOON. NO WONDER YOU BEAT HIM UP. THAT DIANA,I TOLD I WOULD FIND A BETTER GROOM FOR HER. SHE AIN'T LISTENING TO MY WORDS EVER SINCE. SHE'S CHANGED. YOU KNOW WHAT, I WANNA SEE THEM TRYING TO MAKE YOU GET OUT. I AM GONNA TALK TO THAT ANDERSON-"

Jake ran to his uncle and hugged him. His belly was jelly like to rest his head and made his head bounce. Uncle Teddy's glasses were straightened by him as he combed his red hair.

"But, Uncle Teds. I don't wanna go to them.I wanna stay with you and Sonya", said Jake.

Well,Sonya was Uncle Teddy's partner. They haven't been married yet. But they live together.

"Okay, Li'l J. I will take you", said Uncle Teddy as he caressed his Nephew.

Jake held his luggage with one hand and held Uncle Teddy with the other. They disapparated to Diagon Alley.

" So, Li'l J. After you are done, call me from the Muggle Parent Dialing store to my Telephone. Are you okay with that? Because I have some work", said Uncle Teddy.

" Sure, I am okay with that said Jake smiling.

"Wait, you don't have money do you?", asked Uncle Teddy.

"No",said Jake.

"Listen up, here is your money. Buy anything you want. Old Uncle Teddy knew he had to give you money".

Uncle Teddy gave him a bag filled with Galleons,Sickles and Knuts.

"Thank you", said Jake.

 He saw Uncle Teddy disapparating. Finally he was at Diagon Alley. His Wizarding Life has just begun. He is now gonna stay with his Uncle Teddy, not his parents. Jake sighed. Finally he was out of the mess he was at home.

## Chapter Two: A New Problem

Diagon Alley was looking unusually crowded. Many students who were to attend Hogwarts were at shops for supplies. Jake moved through the stores and he entered the Broom Stores. He had a lot of money, he could buy the whole Diagon Alley. Uncle Teddy had been so nice to have given him these many Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. In fact there were more Galleons than the Sickles and Knuts combined. He went in and went to the Shopkeeper.

"Hiyah there,what service can this Old Samuel do for ya",asked the shopkeeper.

"Well if you could show me the Firebolt 2.0", asked Jake.

"Hmm,you can't buy it because you are probably a first year", said the Shopkeeper.

"I am a first year",said Jake.

" Well then,you gotta be famous if you have to make it to the Quidditch Team as a first year", said Samuel. "Like Harry Potter. I am sorry kid,come next time. This broom is very costly and if you buy it and not use it for a whole year,then it won't have the proper speed. The Firebolt 2.0 deserves regular use and maintenance".

Jake nodded and left the store. He then moved to Flourish and Blotts for purchasing his school books. He was searching for the books at the first years section when he heard-

"I am Andrew Quill. Call my Andy", said a boy who looked tall with blonde hair to a girl next to him. The girl had a height for an average eleven year old.

"Nice to meet you Andy. Which house are you hoping to get sorted in?",asked the girl.

"Ravenclaw, it suits me. What about you?",asked Andy to the Girl.

"Well, my family is full of Slytherins and they want me to be the same. My mom is a teacher. She will watch the sorting. But I am more of a Gryffindor. She will kill me if I be a Gryffindor. My mom wants everything between me and the family be true. I don't want to follow them....They're 'his' later supporters. You can run away from me if you want. If you don't wanna be around me. They are the Dark Conjurers",said the girl.
"I don't care about your family. You are my friend now", replied Andy with a smile.

Jake got interested in their conversation. They were First Years too. Finally, he had a few kid around his age who had something common with Jake. Jake got excited. He went to them and interrupted them. He didn't understand what they said at last but he got excited.

" Hi, I am Jake Anderson. I am going to Hogwarts too. And I will be a brave Gryffindor. Because I am cool. I heard you. You are Andy Quill. What's your name?",asked Jake to the girl.

"Oiseau Slora", said the girl not bothering to look at Jake.

" Hey, I heard that you were gonna be in - Where are you going?"asked Jake as he saw Oiseau going somewhere else.

"WAIT,ARE YOU MY BABY SITTER TO TELL THE WHOLE DETAILS?", snapped Oiseau.

"Well.....okay. See you later Oiseau", said Jake.

" I would rather not",bellowed Oiseau.

" You need not barge into a conversation", said Andy as he stared at Jake and followed Oiseau.

"OK, Done and done...I finished my book shopping",said Jake to himself.

He goes to Ollivander's wand store.And there he saw-

"YOU OSSY?",exclaimed Jake.

"It's Oiseau",snapped Oiseau," Why are you following me?"

" If you walk in front of me and turn back it looks as if I am following you", said Jake angrily.

Oiseau said," YOU'RE A TOTAL JERK"
Jake got angry. He thought his life would change when he is not with his parents. But here stands a new problem.

" I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO YOU, DID I?", asked Jake.
" Barging into a conversation is nothing for you? Who invited you to talk with us, huh?",barked Oiseau.

Jake felt heartbroken. He wasn't needed by anyone here too.

" Ok, then... Maybe I'll just wait for my turn until you are done. And till then I won't talk to you. I know you won't care if I didn't talk to you", said Jake. He was suppressing his tears.
" Well Jake, I don't care if you exist", said Oiseau going to Ollivanders as Jake stood there looking at her. He thought about what she said. So she doesn't care about his existence. Nobody does in this whole eide world except Uncle Teddy and himself. After Oiseau left with her wand, Jake went to get his. He picked the first wand he saw and waved it. Ollivander, who looked old and feeble said that the wand was perfect for him.

Jake took his wand ( Elder, 10.5 inches and Dragon Heartstring) and went to Madam Malkin's which had a 'Back to Hogwarts 2035-2036' sign. Jake was going to the trial room. When he saw Oiseau coming, he ran to the trial room and locked the door. He peeked out every second to check whether Oiseau had gone or not. He saw a woman approach Oiseau. They were talking as Jake tried to hear. Nothing they talked was clear except for some words. He heard Oiseau call the woman her mom. So this was the mom who Oiseau said is very harsh upon her. When Mrs. Slora ( Oiseau's mother ) left, Jake went to Oiseau and said,"So,this was the harsh mother you were talking about?"
" I have only one mother to talk about you jerk", said Oiseau.
"Maybe, I can talk to her and solve her problem with you"
"SHUT UP AND GO", shrieked Oiseau.
Jake's eyes let out tears as he went. Jake was so sad. He just had the intention of helping somebody and he was not looked upon with respect. After buying his Hogwarts Robes, Jake moved to buy his cauldrons, Test tubes, etc. After that he went and bought a Snowy Owl and called her Celeste. Jake then went in search of the place where they sold Muggle accessories and allowed them to use a telephone from there. Jake dialled Uncle Teddy. He then went to Uncle Teddy's house which was in fact now his house. When he sat for dinner with Uncle Teddy and his partner Sonya, he wanted to ask to Uncle Teddy about the name Oiseau called her parents.

" Uncle Teddy, can you tell me what you know about the Dark Conjurers",asked Jake. Sonya who was drinking water sprayed water making a raspberry sound and she gasped. Uncle Teddy who looked Jolly most of the time became serious. He looked at Jake." You haven't heard about them. What kind of Parents do you have kid? Didn't even tell you about the Dark Conjurers?"
"Nuh-uh", said Jake.
"I will tell you. Upto 1998, there used to be a dark wizard named Voldemort ( Sonya gasps at the name) who terrorised the whole world. People were so scared that they were so scared to say his name. People are even scared to say his name even now after his death. Take Sonya for instance. He met his downfall against the great Harry Potter"
"Yeah,I know Harry Potter's and Voldemort's history", said Jake.
" His followers were called Death Eaters as you might know", said Uncle Teddy as Jake nodded."Now, recently...Some people who were devoted to him started building up people as followers for their dead master. They are called the Dark Conjurers. Some people leave their family for this. Some families in the whole become Death Eaters. There are some deadly Dark Conjurer Families. You need to be careful while going to Hogwarts. The Sloras one of the Dark Conjurer families have a new kid of theirs going to Hogwarts this year. I warn you to be careful and try not to mingle much with them."

Jake remembers that the girl Oiseau was from the Slora family. She was the one Uncle Teddy just told now.

" But, Uncle. We shouldn't be prejudiced towards their family at a whole? Their kid, she might be nice. I can't keep avoiding her always can I?"

"Well certainly you cannot always escape from talking to her or him can you? Just don't get neither too terrified nor too friendly. Keep a distance. You are at Hogwarts, the safest place."

"Yeah the safest place in which an innocent guy who was thought to be a murder easily came in through and-"
" Sonya please. Just because you didn't have friends at Hogwarts you can't blame it. You know that was back in the 1980s and 1990s. Now, it's 2035. Hogwarts has a tight security", said Uncle Teddy with a small frown. Sonya banged on the table and left.

"Well, hehe. Sorry for her attitude but she does want her points to be right always. HEHEHEHE...Sonya...don't be mad at me. I am sorry", said Uncle Teddy going after her as she locked herself in a room and he started knocking.

Jake sipped his glass of Pumpkin Juice after eating and he washed his hands and mouth. He then went to bed. His next days were fun with Uncle Teddy. Jake was having fun for the first time ever since his brother had gone. Uncle Teddy, one day took him for fishing and then another day for a friendly Quidditch International Match between Bulgaria and Argentina at Rosario, in Argentina. It was so much fun seeing Quidditch. The days passed by as it was the night before September First. Jake was busy packing his stuff while Uncle Teddy came in.

"Mind if I come here and give you some fatherly advice from an Uncle?",asked Uncle Teddy as Jake grinned. "Not at all".

"So, you are going are you?", asked Uncle Teddy with what looked like tears in the eyes.
"I have to and I need to I must. I will miss you very much Uncle Teddy", said Jake.
"Well, what I want you to do is have fun. But watch out for that Slora",said Uncle Teddy.
"Okay",said Jake.
"Goodnight", said Uncle Teddy as Jake wished him back. As Uncle Teddy left, Jake tried to sleep. But he couldn't. He was excited for the next day. Somehow he slept peacefully.

## Chapter three: Hogwarts

Jake pushed his trolley after reaching The King's Cross Station. He was accompanied by Uncle Teddy. Uncle Teddy told him that the Platform 9.75 was in the wall between Platforms Nine and Ten. Jake nodded, closed his eyes and pushed his trolley through the wall and when he opened his eyes, he saw himself in front of a Huge Train labelled Hogwarts Express. Before he could know it, Uncle Teddy had reached the Platform too. Jake was dumbstruck seeing the Platform. It was filled with fathers patting and mothers kissing their children goodbye. Jake thought that his parents would never care for him. Uncle Teddy was just his Guardian and Uncle. Jake stopped thinking about those when his eyes slipped onto Oiseau a bit far into the crowd. Jake gulped. Well this was the girl who behaved rudely at him at Diagon Alley and the very same girl who belong to the Dark Conjurer family. But he shouldn't completely ignore her. But Oiseau hated him. So he has to avoid her. Oiseau was talking to that boy named Andy.

Jake then told Uncle Teddy that Uncle Teddy has to send his goods and luggage except the one with his Hogwarts Robes and his owl Celeste. He gave rest of the luggage to Uncle Teddy. Uncle Teddy told Jake that the Goods Hogwarts Express was at Platform 7.75 and it leaves exactly at Eleven too. He told that the luggage would arrive at the Luggage Pick up Center where you would go after being sorted. He also told that the goods train was faster than Hogwarts Express.  Now it was four minutes to eleven. So Uncle Teddy bid farewell to  Jake and left for Platform 7.75 . Jake carried his Owl's Cage and  a briefcase which contained his books and Robes with him to the train and settled himself in a Compartment. He was all alone. He took his Charms book and started reading. A few minutes later Jake was shocked to see who was entering his compartment.  It was Andy and Oiseau. They barely noticed whether it was Jake or another student in the Compartment they entered. Oiseau sat on the side which Jake was sitting.  Jake hid his face inside his Charms Book. Andy and Oiseau kept chatting and chatting. Jake, on the other hand can't change the book because it is a risk if  his face is seen by Oiseau and Andy. He read the book three to four times making the Charms thorough for him. Jake and Oiseau were only divided by Jake's owl Celeste. Suddenly a finger touched him. It was Oiseau. She asked calmly," Hey, are you a first year too?". Jake got nervous. He changed his voice and said,"Umm yeah first year at Hogwarts School. Yeah yeah".

Oiseau said,"Why having your nose in that book? You should make friends. We can be your friends. Just show your face". Jake was thinking for an excuse. He made up a lame excuse.

" Well my mom told that I should study hard on Charms. So I am studying."

"Well your Mom isn't here right", asked Oiseau

" Hush...Keep it low. This owl is my mom. She is a metamorphmangus. She wants to keep an eye on me. So she is my Mom cum Pet cum Caretaker cum adviser cum and so many more cum", lied Jake with the worst excuses he got. But it seemed convincing for her. But-

"Maybe you can show your face", said Andy.

" Well, umm", Jake was thinking for an excuse when Celeste started hooting. He brought up another lame excuse. "Well, mom told me not to do it and stop my loose talk. Hehehe...Will talk to you guys at School for sure", said Jake.

Jake felt that he would rather be a bookworm for the whole journey to Hogwarts than his face being seen by Oiseau and Andy.

"Anything off the Trolley dears?", asked an elderly witch.

" Oh, Let me see. Give two of each. One for me and the other for Andy. Bertie Bott's every Flavour Bean,Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs, Drooble's Best blowing Gum, Jelly Slugs, Liquorice Wands and Pumpkin Pasties", said Oiseau as she gave the money. She was handed over the sweets. Jake's mouth watered. His parents had never given him Honeydukes Sweets before. Margo and Flash were the only ones who had tasted it. Jake forgot that he was hiding his face as he threw the book and called the witch when she was about to leave.

" Umm, Mrs Trolley Witch...I want to try all kind of sweets. Give me one of each", said Jake. Seeing Jake, Andy gasped and Oiseau dropped her Chocolate Frog which hopped away. After Jake bought those sweets and when the Trolley Witch left-

" WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?", asked Oiseau.

"I should be the one asking that. I was here before you came. You two were talking and didn't even bother to check who was here", cried Jake.

"Oh right Jerk. Covering your face up and lying was not wrong was it,you filthy jerk", said Oiseau.

" I wasn't disturbing you were I?", replied Jake angrily.

"Your presence disturbs me jerk", said Oiseau.

" For now. Until then you two lovebirds were chatting like hell",thundered Jake.

" Lovebirds?", asked Oiseau.

" His face shows it all", said Jake who had noticed that Andy was nervous while speaking to Oiseau. Andy had blushed when Jake said the term 'Lovebirds'.

" Listen, we are just friends and we have been familiar to each other for just two days. WE ARE NOT LOVEBIRDS YOU JERK. RIGHT ANDY",asked Oiseau. Andy replied,"Oiseau, let us not waste our precious personal time by talking to jerks". Oiseau raised an eyebrow at his reply. Jake gave a I-was-right-about-calling-you-lovebirds expression. Andy came back to his sense," Oh yeah. You jerk. Stay away from our matters. We are just friends. Why does it matter to you if we are Lovebirds or not in the first place?". Oiseau gave Jake a now-shut-up expression. Jake gave a What-if-I-don't expression. Andy gave a Stop-this-expression-fight expression. Oiseau gave him an Okay-friend expression. Then they kept chatting their business. Jake had been sitting silent for the rest of the Journey. He looked at his Chocolate Frog Cards. One of them was of the Duelling Champion Filius Flitwick. He was a short fellow. Jake later went to change into his Hogwarts Robes. Jake after that read all the school books he had till they reached. He had finished as they were near Hogwarts.

Finally they reached Hogwarts. "Come on now. First Years, follow me. Come on don' be shy",said a voice. It came from an man who was old and extra ordinarily Large or let us say colossal . He had seen him in his dad's and mom's wedding photo. But he was younger then. His dad has mentioned that guy as Rubeus Hagrid. He was the Gamekeeper of Hogwarts.It was him. But he looked older ( It's 2035) "So all here?", asked Hagrid. " I reckon so. First Years follow me ter the boats", said Hagrid. The first years sat on the boats. Hagrid, Jake and another boy sat in the front boat. On the way Jake called Hagrid. "Mr. Hagrid, I am Jake Anderson. Nice to meet you". Hagrid turned towards Jake, " Oh yeah. Nice ter see you too". The other boy called Hagrid. " Hi Hagrid. I am Maiko Samayoshi."  "Oh hi Maiko", said Hagrid smiling. They crossed the river and they reached the Hogwarts Castle. Neville Longbottom, the deputy headmaster was standing there.

"Well umm, hello there children. I am Neville Longbottom...the Herbology Teacher and Deputy Headmaster. It's a pleasure to see you all here. First year was one of my favourite years. Well let us not go off topic. Now you will enter the Great Hall. In there before you get seated, you will go through the Sorting ceremony in which the Sorting Hat gets placed on you and can sort you into four houses".

"Four houses", asked a girl.

"Well sorry. Got nervous.. This is my first year of adressing first years like you. Until last year it was Minerva McGonagall. You better call her Professor. She might be strict and stern and all. But she is fair in decisions. Oops. Sorry went off topic again. Silly me. So you may get sorted into either of the four houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Your ermm house will be like your family. Triumphs will earn you points and any rulebreaking you will lose points. Don't worry. I won't be harsh on you. But if you go too far....well thats a different case. So now everything is arranged. So lets go in", said Neville. The first years lead by Neville entered the Great Hall.

Neville told," Now when I call your name...you should come here. I will place the hat on you and you shall get sorted.Samayoshi, Maiko.",said Neville.

The boy who sat besides Jake in the boat went and sat on the stool. The hat was placed. After some thinking,the sorting hat sorted him to Ravenclaw. Next came Oiseau who was sorted onto Gryffindor ( "Oh dang it",said Jake.). Next was Lana di Rifi who got sorted into Slytherin. Next was a girl named Izzy who was sorted into Hufflepuff. She looked happy to be in Hufflepuff. Then it was a girl named Opal. She became a Hufflepuff too. Andy was sorted into Ravenclaw. Many students were called and sorted. Finally, Jake was the last one.

He moved and got the hat placed on his head." Well, you are kind like a Hufflepuff, Ambitious as a Slytherin, Bright as a Ravenclaw and brave yet sensitive like a Gryffindor", said a voice in his head. It was a hatstall. The hat thought for about 30 minutes when it finally said," I give up. You have your choice". Jake chose to be a Gryffindor as the hat yelled, "Gryffindor". Jake moved to the Gryffindor table and sat down. Oiseau was so angry that she was banging the table hard at Jake's arrival. McGonagall then stood up," I have a few things to remind,which I do annually at the beginning of the year. The Forbidden Forest is forbidden for the students below fourth grade and that includes the fourth grade. No first years are allowed to be on the Quidditch teams. Finally, I have a new news. Our Deputy Headmaster until last year Mr. Alan Warren has resigned so your Herbology Teacher Neville Longbottom will be taking his place". All of them clapped for Neville Longbottom as he stood up and sat down. McGonagall said with a smile,"So let the feast begin".

The tables were filled with a variety of items. Jake sure had better food after moving into Uncle Teddy's house but this feast was having many things he had never even seen. He helped himself with the feast. Finally it was time for them to move to their Dormitories. The Gryffindor Prefects Rowan Wing and Helen Tom lead them to the Gryffindor Common room. There was a large potrait of a fat lady which asked,"Password please?". Rowan said," Igglybiggly". The potrait swung upon and they were in the Gryffindor Common Room. Jake was in awe seeing the room. Rowan lead the boys to their dormitories as Helen lead the girls to their Dormitories. Jake asked,"What about the Luggage?"

Rowan said, "Don't worry. They will be there at your beds by now".

"So what about the Luggage Pick up Center?"

"That room is now used for Wizard's Chess Tournaments".

Jake spotted the bed with his luggage as he jumped onto it. His owl's cage had already reached there to Jake's surprise. He remember that there was an announcement in the train which told them to keep their belongings at the train. He never imagined that it would reach here. Jake then lay on his bed watching the other students as some were arguing for which bed they needed. Jake thought," This is simple. They should just sleep at the beds which had their luggage".

Jake is now very eager for the next day. He went to sleep in order to wake up early.

## Chapter four: The Rivalry

The next day Jake woke up early for his first day of school. He had received his Timetable and school map at his bed. It stated that from this year all houses were having class together. For today, he had Charms after breakfast followed by Potions. After Potions, comes Lunch time. Defence against the Dark Arts followed by History of Magic was before dinner. That's the day.

Jake went to the Great Hall for having breakfast. Jake took Sandwiches and nibbled them down slowly. He after he finished eating turned to his left saw that Oiseau was glaring at him for a long time. Jake shrugged. Oiseau,after a long time went back to eating her food. Jake turned to the Ravenclaw table. He saw Andy sitting next to Maiko. In the Hufflepuff table, Izzy was flying a paper rocket. Lana and a bunch of second year girls was watching the rocket fly.

Jake then went to the Charms Classroom after a long time. Jake saw little old Professor Flitwick standing on a stool,smiling. Jake smiled back and wished him a good morning. Flitwick wished him back as he smiled more. Jake then settled himself in a seat. Flitwick then waited for the whole class to settle. Then he gave a cough for getting everyone's attention. Everybody turned towards Professor Flitwick.

"Okay class. One of the basic charms for a wizard to learn is how to conjure light. There are many charms and spells to do so. However, we are only going to learn to practice the easiest one. Now tell me, it can be anyone. Which is the basic charm for conjuring light?",asked Flitwick. Jake raised his hand the first. Two other hands followed. One was Izzy's and the other was Andy's.

"Ah, yes. That boy, the one who raised his hands first", squeaked Flitwick.

"The incantation of the charm that is used for conjuring light is called Lumos. There are three variations of Lumos. They are Lumos Solem, Lumos Duo and Lumos Maxima. The Wand Extinguishing Charm, Nox is used as a counter-charm",said Jake as many students sat dumbstruck. Oiseau was looking outraged. However some students along with Flitwick looked impressed. " Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor. What's your name,kid?",Flitwick asked with a smile. "Jake Anderson Lopham",replied Jake. Flitwick's smile disappeared. His face had a grave expression. He asked,"Did you say Lopham? I thought they had only a daughter and a deceased son". "Well,yeah. But I am the oldest. There might be no way they could have mentioned me",said Jake. His face looked equally grim as Flitwick. The whole class was silent. Oiseau was looking at Flitwick's grave expression. Flitwick cleared his throat and gestured Jake to sit down. Jake sat. Then, Flitwick told them to practice the charm. Jake did it at his second try. Flitwick smiled at him. The students clapped their hands. Well not all. Oiseau and Andy didn't clap.

After the class,it was Potions. The first years were taught by Maria Di Rifi. Lana from Slytherin was running about,exclaiming," My mother is teaching Potions". But nobody cared about that. Jake slowly went to Lana and asked nervously,"Well, Is it your m-mom teaching P-Potions?" Lana nodded." I see. H-hope sh-she is good", stuttered Jake with a nervous smile. Lana asked," Well sorry, but,do you have any stuttering problems?". "N-not always. It happens p-p-periodically",said Jake his eyes twitching. Lana said,"Okay then. See you around". Jake nodded. Jake had a problem of stuttering while he was nervous. Oh why is he so nervous, thought Jake about himself.

He then went to the Potions Class and seated himself with Lionel Pavard a fellow First year who was a Hufflepuff on his left and Olivia Warren on his right. Professor Maria Di Rifi told the students to call her Professor Maria. Lana and Opal were sitting next together and giggling. Maria shot a look at them as Lana said,"Sorry Mom". Professor Maria continued,"Now, now. I have to make one thing clear. I have many people who are familiar with me in my class. It may be my nephew, niece or well let me see, daughter", she shot a look at Lana who gave a weak smile. She added,"So, Whoever it is, you should call me Professor Maria. You clear?".
Everyone in the room were sitting quiet. Lana was speechless. Professor Maria smiled and said,"It's alright, I just wanted to make that clear. Because if the headmistress sees students calling me Aunt or Mom it is not gonna be a pretty scene. However those who are my nearest as in nearest relatives can call me Mom or Aunt or whatever when we both are alone". Lana was having an okay-okay-I-get-it expression on her face. Professor Maria started the class,"So Potions is a complex subject. One of the most hated ones too. But I promise you, when you leave this year for your summer holidays, Potions would be your favourite subject. We will all explore the world of potions and go through adventures of stirring and mixing ingredients". Many students snorted. Jake heard one of the students whispering,"Well, how can mixing and Stirring be and adventure?". Jake sat calm. After that they started doing the Cure for Boils Potion. Most of the students did it impatiently. Jake finished brewing the potion. "Bravo, Bravo". Jake smiled and turned. But Professor Maria was looking at Oiseau's potion. "Miss Slora, has finished brewing it first. Give her a loud round of applause ". All the students clapped their hands. Jake clapped with a smile too. Jake called Professor Maria to show his Potion.
"What's your name dear?", she asked.
"Jake Anderson Lopham", replied Jake. "Excellent, Mr. Lopham has done it too. This one is too good for a first year. The best I have seen in ages". Everybody clapped except Oiseau. Jake didn't care. No other students completed the Potion. Jake was watching and he volunteered to help the others like Professor Maria was doing. She is an amazing teacher, thought Jake. She was trying to help all the students as Jake could see. Jake after explaining how to do it to Maiko looked to the other end of the class. Oiseau was standing there. Their eyes met. Oiseau's were filled with hatred and Jake's was filled with sympathy. Oiseau was having a rivalry feeling towards Jake as Professor Maria had complimented his better. But Jake felt sympathy for her thoughts. He didn't want to be rivals or enemies with anyone. He wanted to be friends with everyone. "But isn't she from a Dark Conjurer Family?", said a voice in his ear. He didn't care about that. At least a First Year Kid cannot learn Dark Magic.

After the class came to an end, Professor Maria told the students to wait. She called,"Oiseau Slora and Jake Anderson Lopham, please come forward". Jake and Oiseau went to Professor Maria. Professor Maria smiled and said," Mr Lopham and Miss Slora had finished their Potions almost at the same time. Nobody else has made a Potion so quick in their first Potions class. We can even say that only quiet a few people have finished it within two classes. So I give Gryffindor, 30 points. Twenty points for Lopham and ten for Slora. Give them a loud round of applause". We could only hear the clapping sound if we were there as the class was thundering with claps. However Oiseau looked bitter.She was looking at the ground. She looked extremely sad. Jake knew what it was. Even Jake didn't feel right.

Jake asked as the clapping ended,"Professor. It isn't fair that I got ten points more than her. I mean,she completed the Potion first didn't she?". Oiseau looked at Professor Maria who smiled and replied to Jake,"It doesn't matter. Nobody cares who did first. And you both completed at the exact same time".  " But Professor,that doesn't explain why I got another ten points",said Jake politely. "The reason I gave you both ten points is because, you both completed it perfectly. You then,Lopham,received another five points because your Cure for boils Potion was too perfect for a first year". Jake could feel himself blushing as Professor Maria was complimenting him. Professor Maria continued,"And then after you both completed, Mr Lopham volunteered to help the other students. So he receives another five points. So am I fair enough now?",asked Professor Maria smiling. Jake nodded. Sure,she was fair enough.

Professor Maria told the students to go to their lunch break. Jake kept his books inside his bag and hopped towards the Great Hall. But, his way was blocked by two people. Jake's face that was lit with happiness turned uneasy. Oiseau and Andy were staring at him.

"Trying to play the hero, jerk? Trying to make me feel a soft corner to you because you tried to get me points?You are always a jerk and I know that",said Oiseau.

Jake stuttered,"B-b-but, You are b-b-buh-blaming me for anything. Y-yuh-you can't-"

" Are y-you done st-st-stuttering Juh-Jake the j-jerk? Wow, a stuttering Jerk",said Andy sneering.  But before he could continue, he was punched on the nose by Jake.

A crowd of students gathered around to watch the fight.

"Y-yuh-you don't dare tease my st-stuh-stuttering Andy", stuttered Jake supressing his tears as he was about to punch Andy again. But he froze as he saw Oiseau pointing his wand at him.

"Jerk,if you do anything to him, I will hex you",said Oiseau.

"Don't call me a J-jerk", Jake said. He added slowly so that he won't stutter," Let it be the last time, if y-you dare to say that word once more, I will p-pull out your bloody tongue". He slowly pulled out his wand from his pocket but Andy and Oiseau didn't see that.

"You are afraid of my little stick, that's why you are trying to put on punch dialogues. Aren't -"

" FLIPENDO", yelled Jake with a sudden point at Oiseau as she tripped down on her back.

"Ossy, maybe you are right. I am scared of your stick. But you just got knocked back because of my little stick. And by the way, I would love to see you hex me",said Jake confidently. He didn't stutter. He was about to but he takes a lot of effort in order to smash punch dialogues without stuttering. He swiped his hair as he walked forward without looking at the fallen dumbstruck Oiseau. Andy looked as shocked as her.

Maiko who had been watching this asked," So Jake, you have the medicine against one do you?". Jake smiled and said,"Not one I have m-medicines f-for all viruses that comes against me". Jake walked towards the Great Hall. He settled himself.

Word spread like wildfire among the students on what happened between Jake and Oiseau. Many other first years were learning the quotes said by Jake to use it against Oiseau who was irritated while having lunch. Jake was interviewed by many students on what happened. However Jake always gave the same reply,"You already got plenty of information from the others. Now why are you asking me?".

Andy's nose was bleeding which he wiped out using a cotton. Oiseau quickly ate her lunch and left followed by a group of first years quoting Jake. Jake however didn't mean for this. He had lost his temper. He often loses his temper when people tease him about his periodic stuttering. Otherwise he is a timid wimp. He then went for Defence Against the Dark Arts. They were given a class on the history of Dark Arts. Jake listened carefully but was bored. He wanted to do some practical lessons. Professor Pinewood had a dreamy voice which made Jake struggle to listen without falling asleep. At the end Jake got five points again for answering the questions Pinewood asked. Most of the others were asleep by the end of the class. But he couldn't help it in History of Magic. He fell asleep for a while due to Professor Binns's extremely boring class. Professor Binns was a teacher who had been in Hogwarts for a long time. And a funny part is that he is a ghost. Finally Jake went for dinner, he saw the headmistress Professor McGonagall walking towards them. He looked surprised as he almost dropped his Chicken Leg.

"Well well, Mr Lopham",said McGonagall.

"Professor, I don't really like being called my surname. Maybe you can call me Rhyder. My uncle's surname. And please tell the other teachers the same. So Professor. Why did you come to see me?",asked Jake.

"I got many comments about you from other teachers. Nice comments. 'Jake is a bright student'. 'Willing to help others'. But however I received a complaint from Miss Slora and Mr Quill",said McGonagall with a stern look from her last sentence. Jake knew where this was going. " You know what they have complained don't you?",asked McGonagall. Jake nodded. "I can tell your house head to give you detention for duelling and making a child's nose bleed. However, since it has been only 2 days, I am just taking off ten points. Do not repeat it",warned McGonagall to which Jake nodded as she left. Jake finished having dinner and he went to his common room. Oiseau was sitting in the Common Room having finished her dinner early. She gave him a look filled with hatred which Jake ignored. He lay on his bed sadly. He could have told the reason why he created a scene to McGonagall. He really didn't want any trouble with Oiseau and Andy. Filled with thoughts, Jake fell asleep without even knowing it.

## Chapter five: A Suspicion

A month passed quickly. Jake received points from teachers for being bright in class. Oiseau and Andy were struggling as well as they received points. Jake had lead Gryffindor to the top of the table. But Andy and Lana brought up their houses to the top making them just two or three points less than Gryffindor.

Jake spent time as a lonely kid. He just had been talked to by the fellow first years on the day the fight occured between Jake and Oiseau and Andy. He walked alone to Quidditch, sat alone, watched alone, returned alone. Lana often came and talked to him but since they were in different houses, they couldn't talk much.

Jake after Transfiguration, went for Dinner. He saw Andy and Oiseau sitting together. Jake then saw Oiseau reading a note sent by an owl. She excused herself and walked out of the Great Hall.

Uncle Teddy's warning about the Dark Conjurers  rang across his head. Why should she be walking alone? She never goes anywhere without her best friend Andy except to the Gryffindor Common Room and Bathroom. Jake didn't realise what he was doing. He looked at the Teacher's table. Professor Slora, their Transfiguration teacher wasn't there. He was sure that he saw her coming to the Great Hall almost three minutes ago. Jake got up and ran out of the Great Hall.

He quietly tiptoed. He saw Oiseau Slora with Professor Slora. The mother and daughter were looking as if they were talking some serious matter. He hid behind a wall to hear the matter.

"...you didn't make us proud. You broke the family tradition of being a Slytherin. However in order to make him proud-"

" He is gone. He's dead,mom" .

Who was this him they were talking about, wondered Jake. Jake continued hearing.

"Listen you Silly girl. If he would have been alive, he would have been proud that you are finishing the work he and his ancestor have been craving. Abolishing their lot from Hogwarts",said  Slora with a wicked smile. What did they mean their lot , thought Jake. Who did they mean. Jake then heard Oiseau replying with tears," Mom, I am only eleven. I can't do this. And I don't care if he's happy. I have a friend who is a Mug-"

"Nonsense. My daughter, being a friend with their lot? Imagine what he would think if he heard that. And being my daughter, you should be one of us and filling his dreams. You couldn't be Slytherin, fine. But fulfil...".

Jake wondered why they stopped. Anyway something weird was happening. He was waiting for what she was going to say

"STUPEFY", Jake heard as he fell backwards with a stunned expression on his face. He looked as he saw Liliane Slora pointing her wand at her. Behind her he saw a trembling Oiseau who had tears in her eyes.

"You may be smart in classes. But not so smart against me. I got the lion's share in smartness. I had a feeling someone would be overhearing. That's why I didn't mention anything specifically",said Slora.

"What's McGonagall playing at? Hiring Dark Conjurers. I will report what happened", said Jake angrilly crawling back on the floor.

"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS",shrieked Slora as Jake fell down unable to move. Oiseau's face looked like someone had been murdered.

"Lopham, do you think people will believe when you say a teacher attacked a student. You can report, but not even a word from the Headmistress will fall against me", said Slora as she dragged Oiseau to the Great Hall.

Jake lay there like a shell, unable to move. He wanted to cry out for help. But he couldn't.

"FINITE INCANTATEM", said a voice. Jake only saw her wand. Jake got up and looked, it was Tina di Rifi, the elder sister of Lana. She was a third year.

"What happened to you kid?",she asked. But Jake replied. He was having a rapid heartbeat. He said,"Thank you....need to see...Professor McGonagall....it's urgent".

"Easy kid, relax. I will take you to her. Tell me what happened", asked Tina.

"It's Mrs.Slora. She's doing something for Riddle. She's wants her daughter to do something for Tom Riddle. Wants to do his unfinished business",said Jake as he and Tina ran towards McGonagall's office.

"Albus",Tina said the password. But the Gargoyle said,"Professor McGonagall isn't here. She has gone out". Jake kicked the wall in anger. Tina asked,"Kid,are you sure what you heard?". "YOU GOTTA BELIEVE ME",thundered Jake. Tina nodded. Jake told what all he heard to her.

Jake looked back and gasped. Oiseau was walking towards him. Tina said,"What are you planning to do with You-Know-Who Slora ? I heard your mom was telling you something. What you gonna do? Open the Chamber of Secrets? Too bad you don't know Parseltongue. Besides the Basilisk is dead".

Suddenly Oiseau started whispering something. On listening carefully Jake understood that she was hissing like a snake. She was speaking Parseltongue. "I do know Parseltongue Rifi, but I am not planning to open the Chamber. And Lopham, I came to apologise to you for what my mom did. But you were a jerk for following me and telling what I conversed with my mother to others. Anyway you can do nothing about it. And you don't know what I am doing? And I think we didn't mention the Dark Lord", said Oiseau as she walked away.

"You said they were talking about You-Know-Who. But she said she didn't even mention ",said Tina.

"Yeah, but who else could have been 'he'. They are Dark Conjurers aren't they? You even heard her speaking Parseltongue",said Jake.

"So you were just guessing. You are blaming her. Maybe if they were talking some silly reasons. You are a liar. I shouldn't have listened to you. I shouldn't have unpetrified you",snapped Tina. She stormed away leaving Jake all alone. Jake went to his  common room. The word 'jerk' was ringing in his head. He thought, What if she is related to Voldemort? "But Voldemort didn't have a heir",said a voice in his head. Voldemort neither had a heir or hair, he remembered. There are only a few Parseltongue families. They are very rare.

"Jake, your mission is to find out Oiseau Slora's ancestors",he said to himself. The next day was a Sunday. Jake went to the library. He searched for a book detailing all Parseltongue speaking families. He didn't get any such book.

"And why would you want such information",asked Irma Pince,the librarian when Jake asked her for a book containing the details of families speaking Parseltongue.

"It's urgent",said Jake. "Very well then,it is in the restricted section. It is one of those books that have been removed by Dumbledore and reinstalled back to the library. You can't take it unless you have permission from a teacher. You got that?",she said. Jake went back to his Common Room. Sunday afternoons had Duelling Club meetings. The New Duelling Club Room was located in the dungeons. He was told by Professor Pinewood to duel Martin Ghoose. Jake sent Ghoose flying to the wall which was basically like a trampoline in order to prevent accidents. Pinewood appreciated Jake. Nowadays, Oiseau didn't  call him a jerk. In fact she barely made eye contact with him. Tina started spreading around to other students that Jake was lying and accusing the Sloras. Nowadays he felt pretty lonely.

After the Duelling Club, Jake saw a sixth year Hufflepuff named Tierno Birch. He was talking to two other sixth years. "Yeah,it's ready. The Felix Felic is ready bro. I will make the Draught of the Living Dead perfectly. Then I will get it". Jake listened to them. The Felix Felicis was a potion that makes the user extremely lucky. Jake asked,"The Felix Felicis is here?".  "Yeah,if it is? What are you gonna do with it,liar?",asked Tierno. The other sixth years laughed. Jake waited for them to go. The Potions teacher wasn't in the class. Jake said to himself,"Oh,I hope I get lucky. Because I am gonna break the school rules". He sighed heavily. "ACCIO FELIX FELICIS". He waited for a while. Then he saw a vial of Felix Felicis flying towards him. He took it and whispered as if he was talking to god,"God,please forgive. I am doing a sin. But it's for the best". He drank a little of the Felix Felicis. He then his it in his pocket. Did he feel lucky? Nope. He felt extremely lucky.

He went to Professor Maria's office. She was his favourite teacher. He was her favourite pupil too. He went confidently. "Professor Maria..."

"Oh,Jake, young man. Why have you come to see me?",asked Professor Maria. "Professor,If Professor McGonagall had been here I would have went to her. But, I trust no other teacher. I trust you very much. And since Professor McGonagall is away,I have come to you",he said. He narrated the incident he heard Slora and Oiseau talking. He also explained what happened after that and Oiseau spoke Parseltongue. He also said he wanted to know about the Parseltongue speaking families.

"Very well then. You can't accuse them like that. But if you want to know about the Parselmouth families I give you permission to go to the Restricted Section",she said and she scribbled a note giving him permission.  Jake heard her mumbling,"What's Minerva playing at? Hiring Dark Conjurers. And they even attack students". For a second, Jake wondered who Minerva was. Then he remembered,it was McGonagall's first name. She then gave the permission to Jake. "Can I go professor?",asked Jake. "Off you hop",said Maria. Jake started walking out of the office. Just as about he was to exit, Professor Maria called,"Jake".

"Yes?"

"Be careful".

Jake couldn't believe his luck. He then went inside the Potions Classroom and poured the exact amunt of water as a replacement for the portion of the potion he drank. He kept it inside a box and he ran to the Library,showed his permission note and entered the restricted section. He went and took a long time searching. And he finally found the book.

"Aha",said Jake. The book was labelled 'The Secrets of Darkest Art'. He was in good luck. But was he aware of what troubles lie ahead of his quest?

## Chapter Six: Jake's Quest

Jake took the book to his Common Room and shoved it in his bag.

It was midnight. Jake checked whether anyone was awake. He didn't want anyone thinking he is into Dark Arts. Jake after making sure all were asleep whispered,"Lumos". Light was conjured from the wand. He went under his blanket and started reading it. He went into the first chapter which mentioned the Creation of Horcruxes. He was interested in knowing what's it. But he had no intention of making one . He then decided to not read it.

He turned and turned and turned, he reached the chapter of Herpo the Foul. Jake knew already that he was the one who discovered Basilisk ( a giant serpent. If you look it directly in it's eye, you die). So he's gotta lead the Subject to Parseltongue. He read," 'Herpo the Foul: One of the Darkest Wizards of all time, he was the first wizard to discover Basilisk breeding by hatching a chicken egg under a toad. He also created the first ever Horcrux' ".  Jake then moved to the 'Life in a Nutshell' section. It was written:

"Born a Parselmouth, Herpo Slora ( Called Herpo the Foul) had the the ability to communicate with snakes. He spent his life studying the Dark Arts, inventing many vile curses. At some point in his life, after much experimentation, he created the first know Basilisk and being a Parselmouth, he was able to communicate with and control it".

Jake read through the first sentence again and again. He found it. Slora, He read it right. He then looked the date of publishing of the book. He read that the original book was  published in 1920. This book was having the updated until 2027. He didn't find anything more about Slora. Then he got it. He should go back and check the page of Dark Conjurers. He read through many pages filled with Dark Arts that made him think whether he should like this world or not. And then he reached it. The page of the Dark Conjurers.

It read:

"The Dark Conjurers, are people who started forming groups in order to finish Tom Marvolo Riddle's ( You-Know-Who's) goals. They are similar to the Death Eaters, but the Dark Conjurers started functioning from around 2021- present. They serve their late Master. A few Death Eaters like Crabbe and Goyle who were imprisoned in Azkaban joined the Dark Conjurers forces as they were rescued out of Azkaban by the forces. With a few exceptions, this group contains families who weren't even Death Eaters. The Sloras are the ones responsible for starting this organisation. They are descended from one of the most heard Dark Wizards of all time- Herpo the Foul, a famous Parseltongue and creator of Basilisk and Horcruxes. The Dark Conjurers are indeed the pride for Lord Voldemort and us fellow Dark Art practitioners. As far as today, they have been more successful than the Death Eaters. They slay Mudbloods Wizards and Blood Traitors. Very soon The Dark Lord's dream will come true".

Jake could not understand first why this book was praising the Dark Conjurers. Then he realised that he forgot that it was a book detailing Dark Wizards and practices. He then got it. Maybe, Mrs Slora was trying to finish Voldemort's dream of killing Muggle-Borns. But how? Anyways, maybe will it be the Chamber of Secrets all over again? But wasn't the Basilisk in the Chamber slain by Harry Potter? Maybe, she is making Oiseau unleash that secret weapon against all of the Muggle-Borns. Then he remembered Slora's mention of 'their lot'. Did she mention Muggle-Borns as their lot? By the looks of it however, Oiseau had said that she didn't care about 'him'. Did 'him' mean Voldemort? And didn't Oiseau want to fulfill what his mother had asked her to finish? Jake had enough of reading. He was sure he have figure out the rest himself. So he kept the book inside the bag and went to sleep.

He had a crazy dream. He was overhearing the Sloras talking. He then felt something crawling through his leg. He looked at what was it but as soon as Jake looked at the eye, he felt a sudden shock in the heart. He was dying. He woke up out of his dream coughing and his heart beating rapidly. He looked around. It was just him in his bed. Sighing with relief, Jake went back to sleep.

The next early morning,he fed Celeste. He then wrote a note to Uncle Teddy.

"Dear Uncle Teddy,

                  I am having a big problem here. I heard the Sloras talking about finishing his deed. And she was telling her daughter not to befriend their lot.  I am pretty sure that it meant Muggle-Borns. And him refers to Voldemort. Then after a while, I saw Oiseau Slora ( the daughter) speaking Parseltongue. I, recently found out that the Slora family is descended from Herpo the Foul. And Oiseau didn't wanna do the job. But her mother is forcing her to. Maybe it's some kind of weapon. I have told this to Professor Maria since Professor McGonagall wasn't here. I look forward to report this to Professor McGonagall today if she is here. What should I do? What do you think are they talking about? Why isn't a new organisation formed against the Dark Conjurers like the Order of the Phoenix? Why is the Ministry not putting proper measures? I expect a reply soon....

Lots of Love,

Jake Anderson Lopham

PS: I wanna change my surname so bad.

Jake then went to the roof of the tower and sent his Owl. He watched his owl flying away. But suddenly, he saw a jet of green light hitting Celeste as she fell down and down and down. Jake realised that his Owl had fell into the Quidditch Pitch. He had a long way to reach. He ran. Sure,Celeste just fell. Nothing happened. The green jet was just his imagination. He thought of all things to calm himself from breaking down.

He finally reached the Quidditch pitch after running for two minutes. He looked at his owl. It lay, with it's face frozen. It's eyes weren't moving. He touched it's wings. It was Ice cold. Jake's head was almost reaching insanity. Jake then noticed that the letter attached to it's leg wasn't there.It was gone. Jake didn't have time to care about that. He took the owl in his arms and ran towards the Hospital Wing.

Jake's face looked terrible. Tears were pouring down his cheeks. He reached the Hospital Wing and gave it to Madam Pomfrey.

"My child,I am no bird doctor",said Madam Pomfrey. "Take it to Professor Hagrid". Jake nodded. He was now running to Hagrid's Hut, which was located near the forest. Hagrid took her and examined it for a while. Jake was praying continuously to god. Hagrid, after sometime turned to Jake and shook his head slowly. "Sorry kid....Your owl is gone...".

Jake was between the bridge of sanity and insanity. He tried screaming, but no sound came out. Hagrid started consoling him,but Jake hugged Hagrid and started crying loudly. Hagrid said he would bury the owl the next day.

After a long time, Jake departed Hagrid. He was having an enormous pain. Celeste was one of those creatures Jake went to talk when he felt sad or lonely. Jake was on the way stopped by Slora.

"So Lopham. Or let's say Rhyder. You shouldn't be poking your nose around my matters. You saw what happened to your Owl. Yes, it was me who killed your bird. Do you think I would believe that you would not send letters to anyone about me? I knew what was in the letter. So I killed your owl and I got your letter. Good luck burying your pesky-"

Jake jumped for Slora's throat. He wanted to kill her. He pointed his wand at her face. But she kicked him out of her body. She pointed her wand at him and said,"CRUCIO".

Jake's head was paining. He was hit by the Unforgivable Torturing Curse. He felt as if his head was about to burst. She removed the curse. She said sweetly,"You know, this is for interfering in my matters". She walked away leaving Jake on the floor.

She said without turning," You know,if you complain,you are a fool. I killed your owl. So it would be cowardly for someone else to take action".

Jake now decided not to tell McGonagall. As he wanted to avenge Slora himself. He was sitting in the Common Room watching the fire. He then saw Oiseau getting inside the Common Room. He felt his blood boiling. Slora had killed his owl. And her daughter was coming inside. Jake sprang towards Oiseau.

"Step aside,you jerk",she said.

"YOU DON'T SAY NOTHING. AFTER ALL THIS,YOU ARE CALLING ME JERK? I SWEAR TO GOD,I WILL SEND YOUR MOMMA TO HELL", he thundered.

"STOP SHOUTING YOU CULTURELESS FELLOW",Oiseau yelled back. It was just them in the Common Room.

"STOP SHOUTING. AFTER WITNESSING A MURDER. THAT TOO OF MY OWL?",asked Jake angrily.

"YEAH, Wait what?",Oiseau's wild expression had changed.

"THAT WRETCH OF YOUR MOTHER KILLED MY OWL",Jake said with tears.

There was a moment of silence as Jake was kneeling on the ground hitting his head hard. Only his crying sound was heard. He then got up and without a word turned to walk away. But then suddenly, someone had touched Jake's hand and pulled it back gently. Eyes full of tears, Jake turned back. It was Oiseau. Her eyes were filled with tears too. All of a sudden she hugged Jake crying.

"Oh I am very sorry Jake....I am really sorry",said Oiseau. Jake was surprised. The girl who was hugging him was the very same girl who had called him jerk until a few moments ago.

" We did have a rivalry, Jake. But then I decided to compromise but I didn't know how. With the fight between us a story spread in school. I haven't ever been nice to you,have I?",said Oiseau after a while as they both sat in the sofa near the fireplace. Jake said still not recovered from his grief," Nah,it was my fault. I barged into your conversation at Diagon Alley. I started the whole thing",said Jake. "Oh,Jake..I really have family troubles. I am always pressured to follow my family to be a Dark Conjurers. My dad and mom started this organisation for a stupid dead rotting master. I knew I couldn't live up to their expectations. And I don't want to,too. You know Jake, I haven't told anything about my feelings yet. But, since you are on a quest finding out what my mother is upto, I am giving you certain clues about what she's up to",said Oiseau. "Well, why don't you tell me straightly instead of giving clues",said Jake. "I wish I could. I really hate my family Jake. I just wish to run away. I wish I could tell on her. I was just born to be a tool of the Dark Conjurers. Mom says that when they will conquer the world because of my work,I will attain a great place. And oh, Jake. I wish I could tell you. But I was forced to make an unbreakable vow. I break, I die. I wanna stop her plan. But I don't wanna die either. Do you know, why I argued with you at Diagon Alley? I normally don't make a big fuss on people entering conversations uninvited but I hate it anyway. But those three weeks,  I was pressured by my family to be a Slytherin? I said I couldn't do anything, it was the hat's decision. But she was pressuring me. All that was kinda driving me crazy. So I insulted you alot then. Then, I thought how Andy would feel if I befriend someone we fought with. I knew I was being stupid,but....."

She stopped speaking. After a while she said,"Well, I can't tell you who am I doing it for, Why am I doing it and when. You haven't gone through a life like me. Nobody has. Your family blaming,scolding and beating you for everything. Anything happens bad-"

"They blame you",Jake finished her sentence for her. "Yeah, I ran out of my house. I was always mistreated. I ran to my uncle's. I have gone through more terrible times than you. I witnessed my younger brother going away....far away. Alive or dead, I don't know", he paused. Oiseau said," I am sorry,friend".

Jake was feeling better. Finally having a friend from his same house.  Then, Oiseau replied giving a hand. "Friends?". She was smiling. Jake wiped his tears. He smiled weakly. He still was in grief with Celeste's departure. He gave his hand and shook it with hers and said,"Always,my dear".

They went together for breakfast. On the way, Andy blocked them. "Whoa,whoa,whoa. Why you walking with the jerk? Get out. Get out".

"Oh,Andy. Stop it. We don't have any problems between us from now",said Oiseau. Andy looked dumbstruck. Since Andy was a Ravenclaw, he was on another table. Jake and Oiseau sat together and talked for a while.

The day passed. Oiseau then said farewell as she went inside her dormitory. Jake, then that night sneaked to the roof of Hogwarts. He was sitting there. He was having a flashback of what happened that day. His owl had died, but a friendship was born between him and Oiseau. He wasn't exactly sure if he was happy or not. Anyway, Hagrid said he was going to bury Celeste the next day.

"Well well. Look who is here. Jake Anderson Lopham",said a female voice. Jake turned to see Liliane Slora pointing her wand at him. He got up and started moving back. But then he realised that if he moves one more step back, he would fall all the way down from the Hogwarts Castle's roof. "Thinking you can befriend my daughter to know what we are up to? Like I said you are too nosy. But you are too nosy to live. Avada Kedavra"

He took the step down. He fell down from the roof of Hogwarts. Slora's green light missed him as he was going down........

He saw Slora shooting another green light at him. It missed him by a few centimetres. His vision was becoming blurry as it became blank and blank and blank.....

## Chapter Seven: The Christmas Ball

Jake regained his consciousness  in the Hospital Wing. He didn't open his eyes.  He realised that he was surrounded by many students. They were talking about what happened.

"Falling from the roof?"
"He was face to face with death"

Jake opened his eyes. Oiseau, Andy, Lana,Maiko,Opal and Izzy were standing there looking at him. Jake realised that Madam Pomfrey wasn't inside. Jake got up from his lying position to a sitting position. Oiseau at once jumped at Jake and gave him a hug. Andy looked jealous as Jake could tell. Maiko, Lana, Izzy and Opal was looking at Jake's face.

" I thought I was gonna die. Even if I didn't die, I thought nobody would care about what happened to me",said Jake.

"OF COURSE WE WOULD CARE. WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS. IT'S JUST THAT IZZY, OPAL AND MAIKO DIDN'T GET CHANCE TO TALK TO YOU", said Lana to which Maiko, Izzy and Opal nodded.

" Oh, I thought nobody wanted to me friends with me",said Jake. Maiko said,"We want to be your friends, mate. We always felt sad when you always sat lonely at the Gryffindor table. Yesterday, you got Oiseau as a friend. All of us here are your friends". Izzy, Opal, Lana and Oiseau nodded. Andy's face looked like he wanted to bust out. Something told Jake that Oiseau forced Andy to come here. Jake then asked," How did I live?".  "Well, McGonagall told that she was taking a round of the castle when she saw you falling. She used a spell to reduce your velocity while falling down so that you won't get hurt. She says she was angry on you for walking around late at night. However, this accident was more brutal than a detention. So she took thirty points from Gryffindor. She says she should have taken more",said Opal. "My mom told McGonagall what you told about Professor Slora. She's a nasty wretched foul- Oh sorry Oiseau. I forgot she was your mother",said Lana. "No problem. Go ahead. I hate her more than you guys do together. Let me finish the sentence for you. She's a vile,stupid, foul, troll, boogey loving woman",said Oiseau smiling. "That made you feel better?",asked Jake chuckling. "Made my best moment insulting her",said Oiseau smiling. Everyone laughed. Andy said,"Guys, I have some work to do. I have remedial potions. I am..have to go". He ran out of the Hospital wing. Lana replied,"Well, my mom said that she never takes remedial classes. I think he is lying". "Of course he is. He hasn't gotten over Jake punching his nose. He didn't like me being friends with you either. I forced him to come. Don't worry he'll bounce back",said Oiseau.

Jake was discharged from the Hospital Wing. He spent his time chatting with his new friends. He didn't see Andy much. They kept investigating on what Slora was up to. They still had no luck.

"I can't tell what she is making me do. Unless the job is finished. I made an unbreakable vow. Anyway, mom is going to do it. She says she lost to my cowardice",said Oiseau.

Slora however, wasn't happy at all that Jake had escaped from death.

"Mate, you didn't tell what happened to you. You got to tell us",said Maiko. Jake, who had never told what happened at the roof, told them. "I am sad I missed my owl's funeral because of this".

Days passed. It was a week more for Christmas. It was Christmas holidays for two weeks including this week. But most of the students didn't leave. Liliane Slora had organised a Christmas Ball for the students. All were super excited. Jake, Maiko,Oiseau,Lana, Opal and Izzy didn't leave. Oiseau brought in her other friends in order to help them with their investigation. They were two Hufflepuff boys named Lucas Channing, a Muggle Born (This might be the Muggle Born friend Oiseau mentioned to her mother) and Benjamin 'Ben' Carlson. They went to the grounds together to talk about what Slora is up to. Lucas said,"Voldemort's dream is to bring blood purity, I guess. So maybe you would see my death coming soon". "Don't think like that. If someone is dying we all are. We will fight against her to save Hogwarts",said Jake.

They had regular meetings in the Chamber of Secrets. Thanks to the Parseltongue ability of Oiseau. Jake had asked Moaning Myrtle, a ghost who plays around in the bathroom whether a teacher had been going to the Chamber of Secrets. They received a reply of no. So they constantly went to the chamber and talked about their suspicions.

The Christmas ball was coming soon. Andy had asked Oiseau for the ball to which she accepted. Lana, Maiko,Jake,Ben,Lucas,Opal and Izzy decided to view the ball without participating. To everyone's surprise, rumours spread that Neville Longbottom and Professor McGonagall were going to the ball too.

The time for the ball arrived on Christmas night. Jake had received many gifts from his friends. He sent Andy and Oiseau dress robes for the ball. All of them went for the ball, McGonagall was indeed dancing with Professor Neville. Jake was keeping an eye on Slora who was smiling at the dancers. Suddenly the ball ended and they put rock music as all got involved in dancing except the friends. Hands were rising up and down by the dancing crowd making Jake struggling to see Slora. But suddenly, he saw Slora going outside the ball room.  Jake signalled his friends that she was leaving the ball in between. Jake went through the crowd and called Oiseau to go with them making Andy angry. He was enjoying dancing with Oiseau. Jake, Oiseau,Lucas,Izzy,Maiko,Opal,Lana and Benjamin was tiptoeing behind Slora. Slora didn't notice. She then went to the left of the seventh floor corridor. Then Slora stood in front of a door for a moment. Lo,it opened and she entered and it closed.

"That's gotta be the room of requirement. If we want to do something we have to think of a room suitable for what we are doing . Then it will open to us. But, we don't know what she was needing the room for. So we can't get in",whispered Jake. "Hang on. I haven't made an Unbreakable vow stating I won't tell what she thought. She told me that I can unleash that thing which I can't tell if I think that the room will transform into 'The Room of Hidden Things'. The job might have finished by now. But I can't confirm. We have to check it inside, then if I confirm that her job is over, let's get out and I will tell you what she was planning. Everybody, think, "The room of hidden things". The eight friends thought inside their mind,"We wanna access the room of hidden things". The door opened, they got inside. They walked and walked and walked. Suddenly they heard a cackle followed by a serpent hiss. "HAHAHAHAHA". Then they heard whispers of Parseltongue, they followed the whispers. Jake whispered,"I think, I know what's it.  Guys don't look  at the face if you see a serpent. You will die". The others nodded. Then they saw the tail, no two tails of two gigantic serpents. Nobody looked at it. They his as they looked Slora laughing. She then spoke in Parseltongue to the snakes. After hearing what she said, Oiseau gestured her friends that they should go back. They slowly exited the room.

"Yes, the job is done. I can tell you what she is planning. She said the job is done in Parseltongue. I know Parseltongue. Oh for the first time, it is helping me. Listen. She is fulfilling our ancestor Herpo's and Voldemort's and Slytherin's dream. Herpo used to hatch Basilisks. That's what she did. She hatched two chicken eggs under two different toads months ago. Slytherin and Voldemort, wanted to ensure Blood Purity in the school. That's what she is doing. And as a Dark Conjurers, she is planning to take over the school. And slowly the world. She said that after the job is done, she will call the Dark Conjurers into the school. Now the Basilisks have grown up,they are ready to unleash",said Oiseau as they were walking back to the ball room. "Oh, no. That's terrible. We need to inform McGonagall. Hurry up, quick",said Jake as the eight friends ran to the Ball room. It was so crowded. Jake and his friends had no idea how they would reach McGonagall. Jake tried to squeeze in through the crowd but had no use. But he got an idea. Sure it would be embarrassing but Jake decided it would be the best. He muttered with his wand pointing his neck,"Sonorus". This spell would magnify his voice. The other friends looked at what Jake was doing. Jake shouted with his magnified voice,"PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL...IT IS AN EMERGENCY, THE SCHOOL IS IN GRAVE DANGER". His voice was so loud that everybody gasped in panic with what he said. The music stopped. McGonagall came in through the crowd.

"What did you say Rhyder?",asked McGonagall. Jake used the quitening charm and said,"Professor, please take us to your office. Now, it's for the safety of the school",said Oiseau. McGonagall nodded and took them to the headmistress's office. "Albus",she said to the gargoyle as it moved. Then they took the stairs and opened the door and entered the office. Jake shut the door. He narrated what happened and about his whole investigation.

"Really? This all happened? Professor Slora tried to kill you? Is she unleashing a Basilisk. And all this right under my nose-"

What McGonagall said after that wasn't heard. As the door blast open. And there stood Slora who sneered and said,"Yes Minerva. Right Under your nose".

## Chapter Eight: Slora's Flight

McGonagall looked shocked seeing Slora standing there blasting open her door. "STUPEFY",yelled Slora at McGonagall as McGonagall casted a non verbal shield charm. The room was filled with spells shooting from both directions.

Jake said to his friends,"Guys, Let's help her". The others nodded. Jake and the others yelled,"Flipendo". But Slora conjured a very powerful shield charm that it rebounded on to the nine friends. McGonagall shot a spell at Slora which made her fall backwards.
"You should have thought before blasting my door Slora",said McGonagall. Slora sneered. "Oh. I have already unleashed the Basilisks. Hogwarts is gone. I will be back",said Slora as she waved her wand conjuring smoke all over the room. After the smoke was gone,they saw that Slora had escaped.

"Oh no. Two Basilisks. I need to announce it. All students should be in their common room. Hogwarts needs shutting down. Until we slay the Basilisks, all should be in their common rooms. Food will be supplied. No classes. I will send notes to all parents to pick up their students for the children's safety. Till then, they stay in their Common Room". The bathrooms installed few years back in your dormitories can be used",said  McGonagall.

"But Professor. We found out about this. I am the Boy who lived. I am not going to the Common Room. And not are they",said Jake. "Boy who lived?",asked McGonagall.  "I fell from the roof and survived",said Jake. "Was that a joke Jake?",asked McGonagall.
" Professor. If it weren't for us, you wouldn't have known this would you? You need to teach us some spells to defend ourselves. We will be by your side",said Izzy.
"But you are just first years",said McGonagall. "Brave,Strong and clever first years. We will stay with you in this office. There's enough space to conjure beds, we will sleep here. We will stay here. You can teach us spells",argued Jake. McGonagall thought for a while and said,"Okay then. You will stay here. But you will not go anywhere else. Did you get me?",said McGonagall as the nine friends nodded. "I am going to announce to the school. I have told them all to stay in the Ball room. Take care", said McGonagall as she exited the room.

The eight friends sat on the floor. Jake said,"We are receiving special training. We are the Hogwarts Saviors. What would have happened if it weren't for us?",said Jake. All laughed except Oiseau. She was crying. "Hey what happened?",asked Maiko. "I have no place to live now. I fought against mom. Where would I live",said Oiseau. "Well, I will tell Uncle Teddy to let you live with us. You can crash their. Me, Uncle Teddy, Aunt Sonya are like a family with a single child. You can be my new sister",said Jake with a smile. "Really?",asked Oiseau to which Jake nodded happily.

"We should think of a name for the group of us nine",said Izzy. "How about The Third Order of the Phoenix",asked Maiko. "Nah, not at all. That's weird. Nine kids running the Order",said Jake. "Maybe Dumbledore's Army II",said Ben. "You know, with this time Jake being Harry-"
"What, no way...I agree with the name but not me being the teacher",said Jake turning a shade of pink. "You are bright at all subjects except History of Magic",said Lucas. "Nobody of us will be the teacher. McGonagall said she would teach us".

That was the end of discussion. McGonagall came back. Months passed, many students were taken home. Some parents and kids got killed by one of the Basilisks. But Hogwarts had to hold on until the last day as it is likely that the Basilisks won't arrive at a place where there are all the students, teachers and staff dispersing .

The Dumbledore's Army II or the DA II, were taught a lot of spells. They received four invisibility cloaks from McGonagall. Jake, Lucas and Maiko shared one; Ben,Izzy and Opal shared one; Oiseau and Lana shared one as McGonagall took one for her.

Though they had the Cloak they were forbidden to get out. One night, after teaching them the stunning spell (the students were so bright that they learned it within two hours),they all went to bed. The children were lying on the bed at the floor as McGonagall took the bed with a cot. All of them were sleeping. Yes, all except Jake and Oiseau. They were lying next to each other. Jake whispered to Oiseau,"Psst, Oi Oiseau.  Would you like to go out with me?". Jake had meant to go out and see the Basilisk but Oiseau took it in another way. "What?",she asked. "I asked whether are you gonna come with me to slay the basilisk?",said Jake clearly and softly. "Oh Jake. Are you out of your mind? We may get killed",said Oiseau. "Unless we have the Invisibility Cloak",whispered Jake.

The next minute Oiseau and Jake had gotten up and was taking the one of the four Invisibility Cloak that was lying next to each other.

"Guys",they heard a whisper. Jake turned. Izzy and Maiko were up too. "We are coming too",whispered Maiko. Jake said,"No. What are you thinking man? You may get killed. Four can't fit in a cloak". "Unless we take another one",said Izzy.

And the next minute, they were out of the office.Jake and Oiseau were under one invisibility cloak and Izzy and Maiko under another. They walked around the corridors.

On the way, they heard it. Something was slithering behind them. "Guys, whatever you do, don't look in it's eye",said Jake. "But, we are invisible right?",asked Izzy from Jake's left. "Hush, talk softly. We don't know how it's eyes kill, anyway, why should we look?",said Oiseau. "Yeah you are right Oiseau",said Maiko. Suddenly Jake felt that they hadn't talked much softly. The Basilisk was approaching their direction. It made a sound which sounded like sniffing. " Run, everybody",said Jake as the four ran. The Cloaks wore off during their escape attempt and now the beast could see them. Jake turned towards his back, making sure he didn't look at the Basilisk's eyes and said pointing his wand at the Basilisk,"Stupefy". The beast was stunned indeed, but barely for a second as it still slithered fast behind them. It was reaching closer.

"Guys, I know what to do",panted Maiko. "What?",asked Oiseau impatiently. "I am a half blood.My dad is a Muggle. I know this is a muggle thingy, but there is a game of imaginary creatures. You battle and catch them. So in that game, many players attack the creature together using their pet creatures and defeat it. Though we don't have creatures with us, we sure have magic. It is called Raid battle. How is it? Or is it lame",asked Maiko. "It's genius. You could have told this earlier. Guys, it would catch up any moment. All of us should stun the Basilisk at once",said Jake. The next second, there were cries of ,"Stupefy"and red lights zoomed at the Basilisk from the kids' wands.

The Basilisk fell to the ground. "Alarte Ascendare",cried Jake. The snake flew upwards hitting it's head at the ceiling. It was very difficult indeed to attack it without looking at it's eyes. Suddenly the snake was pushed away as it barely reached the ground. "Why in the name of Merlin did you four sneak out of the castle?",asked McGonagall who was standing there and they realized that it was McGonagall who shot the spell. Behind her stood Opal, Lucas, Ben and Lana. Lana asked,"You four went without us? I thought we were a team". "Children, I was teaching you to defend from a Basilisk if you get attacked. But you four went searching for it?",asked McGonagall. But suddenly the Basilisk had leapt towards McGonagall with it's fangs ready to bite. All of a sudden, Lucas jumped in front of the Basilisk for a second was face to face. Lucas's valiant heroic face gave out his last breath. He fell on his knees and he was on the ground not moving at all and a Basilisk fang on his shoulder. Jake couldn't believe it. One of his friends had departed them. And all because of Jake's heroic way of behavior. All of them look frozen at what they saw. McGonagall had barely survived.Jake ran towards the Basilisk who was slithering towards him without looking at it's eye. Jake yelled,"Petrificus Totalus". The serpent was body bound completely. Jake said,"REDUCIO". The Basilisk shrunk into a wee little snake. "Obscuro",said Jake as the snake got blindfolded. All were frozen with the shock of what happened to Lucas. Even McGonagall kept quiet at what Jake was doing.  Jake said,"INCENDIO".

The snake had burst into flames. Jake said,"Aguamenti". A jet of water hit the fire. As Jake looked he saw the Basilisk, had been burnt into ashes. Jake  then turned behind. All of them were crying at Lucas's dead body. Jake went down and started crying with his head on Lucas's chest.

McGonagall didn't care which houses they were in. She dropped the eight of them at the Gryffindor common room and entered them in and left without a word. Jake said with his voice filled with grief but he tried to make it confident, "Listen guys, we slayed one Basilisk. We should do the same to the other one the next time-"
"NO....THERE IS NO NEXT TIME JAKE. YOU ARE MAD. YOU ARE TAKING US TO INTRODUCE US TO DEATH AS IF HE WERE YOUR BEST FRIEND. YOU ARE AN IDIOT",said Opal loudly.  "You wanna slay the next one? After what happened to Lucas? What if another of us die the next time?",asked Ben. "But guys listen. If McGonagall weren't scolding us Lucas would have-"  "Oh now blame it on McGonagall now",said Opal. "No, I am not blaming her, listen to me",said Oiseau. "Oh yeah? Why should you when Jake is at fault?",asked Maiko as he stormed away to the dormitory. "You know what, McGonagall sent us here since there are extra beds. Are you guys coming or not?".

"L-listen. L-l-let me say. Lucas died a h-hero's death. We can pay his s-soul homage by slaying the next one",said Jake. "I don't wanna hear anything you stuttering flobberworm-".

Maiko couldn't complete his sentence. Jake had sprang up on him and caught hold of his throat. "YOU...DARE...NOT TEASE..MY ST-ST-STUTTERING",said Jake. "Get off me",said Maiko pushing him away. Maiko and Ben stormed to their dormitories. Ben turned and said,"I never should have been your friend Oiseau. You introduced me to this fraud". Izzy and Opal left to the girl's dormitories. Lana looked both ways. She then went to the dormitories.

Jake and Oiseau were left all alone. Jake was on the floor. He gave a sharp look at Oiseau and said,"YOU ARE GOING TO LEAVE THIS JERK AREN'T YOU?". "Of course not Jake. I...am with you. I am with you",she said with tears in her eyes. There was a long pause. "I am sorry",said Jake as he got up from the floor. Oiseau went slowly and hugged him. Both of them had tears in their eyes. Jake and Oiseau have been very close since the end of their fight. They didn't go to the Dormitory. They slept at the sofa.

## Chapter Nine: Meeting With death

Jake woke up next morning. Oiseau was lying on his shoulder still asleep. He was surrounded by many giggles. Hearing the giggles, Oiseau woke up too. They were surrounder by a mixture of first to third year girls.

"Ooh.  Oiseau came back,huh? Where did you both go? On a Honeymoon? Impressive, especially during the time all are locked in",said a girl who looked like a first or second year. "What? What do you mean?",asked Oiseau. "Anyways, Andy was a better choice. You dumped him and started going out with this nerd",said another. Jake got up from his seat quickly. "Excuse me. But we are not couples. Our family is gonna take her as a sister. And she's my sister. If not really, she is like one. And I am not a nerd",said Jake. "Oh yeah. We are likely to believe that you consider her a sister. So the news is gonna be out. The new ship. Jake and Oiseau. Jaseau? Yeah perfect". The girls walked to their dormitories giggling. "I am gonna tell them that I am not your crush or ship or whatever nonsense they are talking about",said Jake as he tried to run behind them. But Oiseau pulled him back. "We know what the truth is. Why should we waste our time and energy trying to convince them?",asked Oiseau. "You are right",said Jake.

"What's wrong with what those girls said?",said a voice. It was Andy Quill. "Yeah I am forgotten. Since you have a replaced me with a new.....",said Andy, but he couldn't complete what he wanted to say. "Andy. Jake is not my boyfriend or anything.  After what's gonna happen I don't have a place to go to, his family would look after me. I promise, there's nothing else between us other than friendship or sibling feeling or anything",said Oiseau. "We need your help Andy. God made you approach to us. You should help us",said Jake. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of helping a jerk. Never. After all you did. You punched my nose. It bleeded-"

"I wouldn't have if you haven't had teased my stuttering",said Jake.

"However, I will do it. For Oiseau. For my Oiseau",said Andy as Oiseau hugged Andy. Jake smiled,"Thank you brother".

Jake and Oiseau explained the story from how Oiseau started being a friend till Lucas's death to Andy. "We need somebody to support somebody. The others of the DA II, they left. We need somebody. Andy,let's imagine that we were never rivals or enemies",said Jake showing his hand for a handshake. Andy sighed deeply and smiled,"Sure. I am willing to be your friend Jake". Jake nodded back grinning.

The Common Room was supplied Breakfast. During that time nobody cared about Maiko, Opal, Lana,Izzy and Ben were in the common room though they were non Gryffindors ("Oh, that day when you,Oiseau gave me the Gryffindor password, I felt happy. I came to the common room, seeing you vanished from the ball. But you weren't there. Then an instruction came not to come out. And man...they were kinda being harsh on me for being here  since I am a Ravenclaw. But not fair. They are not being blamed at all,",said Andy pointing at them). However, the common room was filled about talks about the Elephant in the Room( not literally). Jaseau, the ship between Jake and Oiseau had spread quickly. Jake and Oiseau told Andy that it was nonsense and Andy was fine.

After everybody went to sleep, Oiseau, Andy and Jake went to the Common Room and sat near the fireplace.Jake said,"We need to get back those Invisibility Cloaks. It fell during that chase. McGonagall taught us the Summoning charm didn't she? Let me try. Accio Invisibility Cloaks". The trio went out out together. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING,KIDS?",asked the Fat Lady from her potrait. "Sorry. Don't tell anyone. This is for the safety of Hogwarts. You want it safe don't you?",asked Andy.  The fat lady replied,"Of course I do. But at times like these-"                                      "The problems are the Basilisks. Jake slayed one of them. So we can destroy the other with ease. Please lady. I beg of you",said Andy. "Oh no. How can I- FINE. GO....",said the lady.                     "You indeed have class bro",said Jake as they were walking and Andy grinned. The cloaks came towards them flying. Andy and Oiseau shared one as Jake took the other. They walked forward invisible. Jake suddenly spot a tail moving besides them, the basilisk was heading through a corridor. Jake then moved with the others. They saw that teachers were guarding the school. On one corridor they saw Flitwick standing there. They saw many teachers. Maria di Rifi, Pinewood,Neville Longbottom. There were more. Jake moved close with the pair as they didn't wanna get lost. Then they reached a corridor. They made sure the coast is clear and removed their cloaks. They were in front of the Room of Requirement. Suddenly the door of the room opened and said a voice,"STUPEFY". Oiseau fell backwards stunned. "Well,well...looks like fate brought you here Jake. I was in this room. Making it a room through which I can keep an eye on you like a film.Well, I feel bad that I can't see the Common Rooms or McGonagall's office. I see you killed my Basilisk. There is one more left. Looks like your worthless little life had to have an end because of me. I didn't survive here for months for nothing",said Slora who appeared out of the room. She hissed in Parseltongue. "Guys, run. She has called the Basilisk. Run",said Oiseau who was on the ground."Quiet. You piece of filth. You were always a disgrace to the family. You piece of dis-"  "EXPELLIARMUS",cried Jake but the scarlet light missed Slora. Jake saidAndy, whatever you do. Do't look at the eyes of the Basilisk. Blindfold it,shrink it and-"  "Burn it. I know blindfolding and shrinking. I dunno burning",said Andy. Jake replied,"Oisea can do it. McGonagall taught us-"

"AVADA KEDAVRA"
"Protego Maxima"

Slora's wand shot the green killing curse as Jake gave out his most powerful shot to conjure a very strong shield. Somehow Avada Kedavra was being pushed backwards. Jake was meeting death face to face. Jake couldn't let go. And he shouldn't. Jake now had a will power to stay alive and protect the school. That will power made out a strong,unusally stronger, maybe the strongest shield charm. It was unbelievable that a first year was doing this. Blocking the Killing Curse with a shield charm. Jake was so focused that he didn't hear Andy and Oiseau tackling down the Basilisk which just arrived. Slora was exerting more and more power. Andy had blindfolded the snake. It jumped towards Andy to bite him,but Oiseau shrunk it and Andy used the Flipendo spell. The tiny basilisk was pushed back as it's head hit the wall.

Jake and Slora were having a great duel. Jake was panting as he was shielding himself of death. He could see in his head a hooded figure letting out a hand to take him away from the world. Death was offering him to take him away. Jake however had the wish to evade death. Jake exerted more power, he couldn't hold on much longer. Maybe death wasn't a bad option. He could get rid of his sufferings. But he knew that if he died, he wouldn't be able to see Hogwarts again. His promise of giving a home to Oiseau would never be fulfilled.

"EXPELLIARMUS"

Jake saw the green light wear off as Slora's wand flew away.

Oiseau shooting,"Incendio,Incendio". But the spell missed the Basilisk. Andy was the one who disarmed Slora. Right that moment,when Jake knew that he was free from Slora, he pointed his wand at the Basilisk aiming perfectly and shouting,"INCENDIO". The Basilisk burst into flames. Slora pointed her finger at Andy as he got pushed away hitting his face. "YOU BURNT MY BASILISKS, YOU TWERPS",cried Slora. Her face was red. It looked like an evil haunted spirit.  Andy stood up his nose bleeding. "Accio wand",said Jake as Slora's wand flew towards him. "YOU FILTHY-",Slora started using wand-less magic throwing Jake as though she was throwing a puppet. Jake's forehead,nose and lips started bleeding. Oiseau cried,"STUPEFY" pointing her wand towards Slora. Slora lost control of Jake's body and she fell down stunned. "Oiseau, go. Call McGonagall. Tell her what's happening and bring her here",panted Jake. Suddenly Slora caught hold of Oiseau and threw her to the wall. "I don't care you are my daughter. I know to kill you without a wand-"

"STOP"

Jake cut across Slora. Jake was holding Slora's wand with both his hands. "You touch her, I snap your wand",said Jake. "OHOHO. THAT'S CUTE. BRAVERY TO SNAP MY WAND. WELL GO ON. I KNOW TO DO MAGIC WITHOUT A WAND". "Humph,what are you trying to do? Call the Dark Conjurers? Bet they are stronger than you",said Andy. "Oh no. They can't do a single thing without me. They are naive. I am the most powerful. And they can do nothing without me. And I don't need them now. I can kill you all easily",cackled Slora. Jake was in a state of not knowing what to do. Should he snap the wand endangering Oiseau instead of saving her. But then Jake got it. He took both the wand in a hand and cried,"STUPEFY". The power increased due to both the wand doing it. However,Slora shielded herself. "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS",cried Andy as Slora fell as she was pointing her hand at Oiseau to curse or hex or even kill her. Slora fell down. As if a palm tree fell down. She lay motionless. Jake said,"OISEAU, Go to McGonagall and call her here". Oiseau took off to the Headmistress's office. Jake and Andy stood there pointing their wands at a petrified Slora. They waited.

After a while McGonagall came running.

"Oh my god...You three,slayed the second Basilisk? You three, defeated her? You three first years?",asked McGonagall with a very surprised look also containing fear. Jake nodded with a smile. McGonagall carried her with a hover charm and took them to the courtyard. Oiseau was asked by her to take her owl and a piece of paper and quill. Oiseau went to the common room and brought it. The three of them were bleeding. McGonagall wrote a letter and send it through Oiseau's owl.

"What did you write Professor?",asked Jake. "I wrote to Azkaban to arrange some guards to take her and have some Veritaserum,the truth potion and to keep the dementors ready",said McGonagall.

"Why Veritaserum?",asked Jake. "They will make her consume it and get the details of her followers so that they can be arrested too",said McGonagall. "Wait, but Professor, I thought they didn't use Dementors anymore",said Oiseau. "Well, you can't completely destroy dementors or drive them away from Azkaban. Azkaban are like their home. But they are locked up too and are only used in order to punish the most foulest of criminals",said McGonagall.

Few days passed and the school was open. McGonagall had announced the bravery of the deeds of Jake,Oiseau and Andy. They were each given 150 points. Now wherever they went they were treated with utmost respect. They were called, 'The saviors of Hogwarts' , 'The marvelous miracle workers', 'The Silver trio' (People forgot about there was a Silver trio before them) and many more titles.

"Guys, we are sorry. It's just that, Lucas's death, shook us all. Fear was implanted on us. We were so ignorant. So foolish",said Izzy.                                                                                                                                      "I was an idiot",said Maiko. "We are really sorry Jake",said Lana and Ben together. Opal said,"Please forgive us".                                                                                                                                                       "You guys are so foolish...There are no sorry between friends",said Jake as their faces brightened.

Jake was a normal boy who was abused by his parents. He was just a random kid. Now he's all over the wizarding news with Oiseau and Andy. The year came to an end with Jake, Oiseau and Andy getting good to excellent marks well except in History of Magic. Jake was the year topper with getting just below excellent marks in History of Magic.

The last day arrived with a depressing note not allowing them to use magic outside Hogwarts. They then boarded the Hogwarts express and took off for their homes.

The luggage was with them back to home. Jake,Andy,Oiseau,Izzy,Lana,Opal,Ben and Maiko sat together talking. They reached King's Cross.After bidding farewell to the others, Jake and Oiseau bid farewell to Andy as Oiseau hugged him for a long time. Jake gave Andy a handshake and they parted. Jake then saw two people he least expected. His parents.

"Jake, my boy. The savior of the Wizarding World. Daddy's so proud of you",said Anderson. "My son. We have teased you, abused you, hurt you. But that gave you the will inside of you. It was all for your own good",said Diana. "Yeah all those years. You told that I need not have existed at all and I was a failure. And I was blamed for my brother. Mrs. Lopham",he turned to Diana and didn't even bother calling her 'mom', "Everybody who abuses a person will say what you said after the person gets fame or money". He walked away from them with Oiseau without a word.

"Really harsh were they?",said Oiseau. "Yeah. All those years over there, I was trapped. Then I took my gut I escaped.

Jake saw Uncle Teddy and Aunt Sonya standing there. Uncle Teddy frowned as Jake reached to them,"I warned you to not go to the Dark Conjurers. But today, I am so proud of you my boy". He hugged Jake tightly as Aunt Sonya smiled. "Well this pretty girl must be that Oiseau right? The girl with you and that boy? You fought against your own parent to protect the school?",asked Uncle Teddy as Oiseau smiled at him. Jake said,"Uncle, I wanna say something". "I wanna say something too",said Uncle Teddy. "Me first",said Jake. "No me",said Uncle Teddy. "Fine you can say Uncle",said Jake. "You know, since Oiseau's mother in Azkaban, I don't think Oiseau has a home now. So why not come with us? Jake can be like my son and you can be like my daughter",said Uncle Teddy. "Oh, thank you so much Uncle Teddy. You are so nice",said Oiseau wiping tears of happiness from her eyes". "So what did you have to say Jake",asked Uncle Teddy. "What's the point?",asked Jake. "You already said it".  They all laughed. "I am gonna take you to the courthouse and I will adopt you as Jake Edward Rhyder and Oiseau Edward Rhyder. Is that okay?",said Uncle Teddy. "YES...",screamed Oiseau and Jake together.

They walked out of the station. As a family. Uncle Teddy and Aunt Sonya are now like the father and mother of Jake and Oiseau. The life started roughly for the two kids. But now they are actually experiencing what a love of a parent is.

## Fast Forward: Thirty Five years Later

On the bed lay, an eleven year old boy. Staring at the ceiling dreamily. He looked depressed. A  man came towards the child. The boy had lavender hair just like his father.

Jake asked,"Hey li'l wiz? Going to sleep so early?".  "No dad. I am wondering if I would live up to people's expectations. You know, be brave like you. Become the year topper. Get enough O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts. What if I become cowardly. What if I am not so bright at studies? What will people think? The son of the famous Jake Rhyder, the person who saved Hogwarts at his first year, the person who was the year topper every year. And his son, is a good for nothing? How shameful would it be for you?".

"Lucas....listen. You are my son. That's what matters. It doesn't matter you don't become a hero. Me, I chased after trouble. I was so ignorant. I was so wimpy and timid,struggling against my own life. I wanted to get out of that. I needed friends. That is why I ran after trouble",said Jake. That was a secret. He sure wanted to protect Hogwarts. But he needed a chance to shine. He never told this to anybody. "And who says you won't be brave? You got my blood and you share the name of one of my bravest friends. He sacrificed himself for the Headmistress. And not bragging about myself, but since I am famous and you are my son, you are most likely to have friends. And you have Mateo as your first year pal. And you have his naughty twin brothers Leo and Adam. They sure prank others but they love you very much and play with you to make you happy". Lucas nodded to his dad.

"Hey, what are the father and son talking about?",asked a woman who entered the room. "Nothing mom. Dad's making my nervousness go away.I was scared to go to Hogwarts tomorrow. Dad made me feel better",said Lucas. "So Jenny, hon. Are they here yet?",asked Jake. "No, they will come",said Jenny. "Who?",asked Lucas. "Wait and see. It's a surprise. I am not blowing it out",said Jake.

The doorbell rung. Jake told Lucas to open it. When he opened he saw a man, a woman and three children with the two elder ones appearing like twins.                                                                             "Dad, why didn't you tell me that Uncle Andy and Aunt Oiseau were coming?",asked Lucas. "Well, I didn't wanna blow the surprise. I said so",said Jake. The twins, Leo and Adam chanted together,"Hey Lucas. Ready to go to Hogwarts tomorrow?". "Yeah. Excited",said Lucas. "Me too. Wish we are gonna be in the same house",said the third child. "Yeah Mateo. We will be",said Lucas.

The children went to Lucas's room and started playing. "So Jake, what's up?",asked Andy.
"I am fine. Lucas was nervous of going tomorrow. So I was talking to him. He is not nervous anymore",said Jake. "Leo and Adam should focus on studies, I can't believe. Those two have grown up and reached their fourth year",said Oiseau. "I can't believe that we have grown up from when we were tiny first years",Jake replied. He continued,"Don't put pressure on them Oiseau". Oiseau grinned. Jenny brought them tea. "I still remember our seventh year as if yesterday. Jake and Jenny. It was the ship of the year. Head Boy and Head Girl. Even teachers were into shipping you both",said Oiseau. Jenny and Jake smiled.

"Well, we are getting holidays",said Andy. "Yeah I know that. Being an Auror is a big work",said Jake. "It's weird seeing Jake at home for two days straight. Usually he is almost 24 hours into work",said Jenny. They had a good talk. Andy, Oiseau and their children stayed with Jake. The next morning, they apparated to the King's Cross. They reached a place where there were no Muggles. They kept the children's luggage at the Hogwarts Goods Express at platform 7.75. After that they went to Platform 9.75. Jake hugged Lucas. Jenny gave Lucas a kiss on the cheek and told him,"Be a good boy". "OI",said a voice. Behind them stood Maiko,Izzy, Opal,Ben and Lana.

"Feeling nostalgic being here",said Lana with her daughter Winnie. "We came here for the last three years",said Andy. "We have two little twins too",said Oiseau jokingly. "We haven't seen you since a long time Ben and Lana. Ben,how's life with Lana?",asked Jake. "Okay, I guess",said Ben as Lana scowled at him. "So you three. You are taking up the teacher's post. Which all subjects?",asked Jake. "I am the Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher, Izzy is the Care for Magical Creatures and Opal is Potions",said Maiko. "You better be nice with our children",joked Jake. "Anyway, Maiko,Izzy and Opal. You three are so similar. You three are teachers at Hogwarts, but are still single",said Oiseau. All of them laughed. Many wizards and witches came and asked autographs from Jake, Oiseau and Andy. After signing many, they had enough. "OI! THEY ARE HUMANS. STOP BOTHERING THEM. THEY CAME HERE TO BID FAREWELL TO THEIR CHILDREN. NOT TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS",said Maiko as the rest of the fans moved away from them. The train started. Jenny and Oiseau were standing next together with tears on seeing their children go.

Jake had a bright life since when he ran to his uncle's home. His life had been great (Well except for many fans running around him for Autographs). He loved his job of being an Auror and catching Dark Wizards. Jake is now having a happy family and a happy life. And as they usually say,"They lived happily ever after"........

                                                                                                                       The End