The Fox In A Snake Pit!

It's Leviosa, not Leviosar!~ Edited Oct. 2025

Later that evening, during dinner, a stillness fell over the Great Hall as Potter stood up, his voice echoing throughout the room. He informed the Gryffindors that he had joined the Quidditch team, becoming the youngest player in history to do so. The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers, while the Slytherins exchanged disbelieving glances.

Jade couldn't help but smirk as she turned to Goyle, extending her palm expectantly. "Time to pay up, Mr. Goyle," she said smoothly, her light blue eyes gleaming with triumph. "Five galleons, as promised." If she weren't friends with them, she was sure by his expression that they would have hexed her right then and there.

Goyle grumbled, his face flushing crimson as he fumbled for his coin purse under the table.

She chuckled in amusement at his reaction. "Don't worry," she said softly, leaning closer. "I'm sure I won't always be the one winning our bets." Her tone was light, but her eyes held a sharp edge—a reminder that underestimating her was unwise.

However, as she looked over at Draco, she noticed his expression was darkening. His knuckles were white around his fork, and his gaze was fixed on Potter with pure venom. Jade realized that their frustration wasn't aimed at her; it was directed entirely at Potter. She sighed inwardly; she'd seen this coming, too. Quidditch was Draco's dream, his birthright—or so he'd declared countless times. Potter stealing that spotlight? Unforgivable.

Crabbe muttered something about unfair advantages under his breath, while Goyle glared at his mashed potatoes as if they'd personally offended him. After about ten minutes, she noticed Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle making their way towards Harry.

Jade watched from the Slytherin table, her light blue eyes narrowing slightly as she took a slow sip of sweet tea.

With a sneer, Draco looked down at Harry, who was seated surrounded by celebrating Gryffindors. "Enjoying your last meal, Potter? When will you hop on the train back to the Muggles?" he drawled, his voice dripping with contempt. Crabbe and Goyle flanked him like looming shadows, their thick arms crossed in silent threat.

The Great Hall's chatter dipped as heads turned toward the confrontation, forks hovering mid-bite. Disregarding Draco's taunts, Harry answered steadily, a trace of coolness evident in his tone."You seem much bolder now that you're back on the ground with your little cronies." His eyes flickered toward Crabbe and Goyle, a deliberate provocation.

This made Jade set her teacup down softly, her eyes narrowing into a glare. She didn't appreciate anyone insulting her friends—even if they were idiots.

Draco's smirk faltered for a heartbeat, replaced by a flash of anger. "I'd take you on any time," he shot back. "Tonight, if you wish—Wizard's duel. Wands only, no contact... What's wrong? Never heard of a wizard's duel before?" The challenge hung in the air, sharp and dangerous.

Jade leaned forward slightly, intrigued. This was escalating faster than she'd anticipated.

"Of course he has," Ron interjected, stepping forward before Harry could respond. His freckled face was flushed with indignation. "I'm his second—who's yours?" The challenge hung between the tables like a spark catching dry tinder.

Draco's eyes shifted from Crabbe to Goyle as he weighed their usefulness. "Crabbe," he said with confidence. "Midnight. We'll meet in the trophy room—it's always unlocked." They walked away, leaving Ron and Harry to exchange glances.

Harry started to ask Ron what to expect, but Jade wasn't listening anymore.

As Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle returned to sit at the Slytherin table, Jade leaned toward Draco. "I'm coming along," she declared, her blue eyes shining with determination as she locked her gaze on him. Her tone left no room for argument; she wasn't going to miss out on this chaos. "Don't even think about arguing with me. I've been waiting for a chance to see Weasley get his arse hexed," she smirked briefly before adding, "And if, for some reason, that doesn't happen, it'll be amusing to see his face when you beat Potter." A mischievous smirk played on her lips as she pictured the scenario unfolding in her mind's eye.