Chapter 2
The next morning began with a strange kind of energy permeating the air of Spinner’s End.
At 5 a.m. sharp, Harry woke with a start, his nerves buzzing. The unfamiliar surroundings, combined with the weight of everything looming ahead, left him restless. Instead of trying to fall back asleep, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and glanced around the small, slightly dusty room. His instincts kicked in: cleaning would help.
By 5:10, Harry was meticulously dusting shelves in the sitting room, straightening books and wiping down surfaces with a rag he found in the kitchen. His mind whirred with thoughts he couldn’t silence, and scrubbing at a particularly stubborn stain on the coffee table felt like the only way to ground himself.
The faint sound of his movements carried upstairs, and by 5:30, Jinx’s door creaked open. She padded down the stairs, her messy hair sticking out at odd angles and her expression groggy but curious. Spotting Harry kneeling by the fireplace, furiously polishing the metal grate, she snorted softly.
“You okay there, kid?” she asked, leaning casually against the doorway.
Harry looked up, startled. “Oh, uh… couldn’t sleep,” he muttered, his cheeks reddening. “Thought I’d… tidy up a bit.”
“Sure, ‘tidy up,’” Jinx teased, watching him with a crooked grin. “You’re scrubbing like your life depends on it.”
Harry didn’t answer, just focused harder on his task. Jinx shrugged and wandered over to the kitchen table, where she plopped down and pulled a small contraption from her pocket. Within seconds, her nimble fingers were working to assemble what looked suspiciously like a bomb.
Harry cleaned around her without a word, sweeping under the table as she adjusted wires and screws, the two of them falling into an oddly companionable silence.
By 6 a.m., the creak of footsteps signalled Viktor and Jayce’s arrival. Viktor shuffled into the kitchen first, his hair mussed and Jayce cuddling him like a third limb, yawning widely and rubbing his eyes.
“Morning,” Viktor mumbled, heading straight for the kettle without sparing a glance at the strange scene before him.
Jayce offered a sleepy grin, grabbing mugs from a cupboard. “Morning,” he echoed, his voice still thick with sleep.
Neither of them seemed to notice Harry polishing the legs of the table while Jinx tinkered with her bomb. Jayce poured tea for them both, sliding a mug toward Viktor before plopping into a chair. Viktor sat across from him, both men sipping in silence as their brains slowly booted up for the day.
A few minutes later, Severus appeared in the doorway, impeccably dressed and groomed as if he hadn’t just rolled out of bed. He paused mid-step, his sharp eyes scanning the room.
Harry, red-faced and focused, was scrubbing at a non-existent stain on the counter. Jinx sat at the table, tongue sticking out slightly in concentration as she adjusted the bomb’s fuse. Hunched over their tea, Viktor and Jayce barely noticed their surroundings.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “What, exactly, am I looking at?”
Harry froze, the rag in his hand hovering over the counter. Jinx didn’t even look up. “Just a normal morning,” she said nonchalantly.
Severus’s gaze shifted to Viktor and Jayce, who still hadn’t acknowledged the chaos. “And the two of you?” he asked, arching a brow.
Jayce blinked at him blearily. “Tea,” he said simply, holding up his mug as if it explained everything.
Severus sighed, muttering something under his breath about insufferable houseguests. He strode over to the table, plucked the bomb from Jinx’s hands with practiced ease, and dropped it unceremoniously into her lap.
“Finish that outside,” he said curtly.
Jinx smirked. “Aw, you care about me, Snape.”
Severus gave her a flat look before turning to Harry. “As for you, stop cleaning. You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
Harry flushed but nodded, setting down the rag.
Severus poured himself a cup of tea, his expression stoic but his shoulders just slightly more relaxed than before. “Let this be a lesson,” he said dryly, taking a seat at the head of the table. “Chaos will find us whether we seek it or not.”
Jinx grinned, Viktor smirked faintly, and Harry ducked his head to hide a small smile. Jayce, as always, was too busy drinking his tea to notice anything else.
After breakfast, the group prepared for the day’s critical mission: visiting Dumbledore to arrange Viktor and Jayce’s positions at Hogwarts and to finalize Harry’s living situation.
As they stepped through the waypoint to Hogwarts grounds, Severus hesitated, glancing back toward his house. “Leaving Jinx alone at Spinner’s End feels like a mistake,” he muttered, his voice tinged with exasperation.
Viktor raised an eyebrow. “You think she’ll destroy something?”
“No,” Severus replied, his expression dark. “I know she will.”
Jayce laughed softly. “Well, too late now. Let’s just hope the house is still standing when we get back.”
With that, the group made their way to Dumbledore’s office, where Severus’s brisk knock echoed through the corridor.
“Come in,” came Dumbledore’s genial voice.
They entered to find the headmaster seated behind his cluttered desk, his half-moon spectacles perched precariously on his nose as he regarded them with a serene smile. “Ah, Severus,” he greeted warmly before his gaze shifted to the others. “And who might your companions be?”
Before Severus could speak, Viktor stepped forward with a slight bow of his head. “I am Viktor. This is Jayce Tallis,” he said, gesturing to Jayce, who gave a lopsided grin.
Dumbledore tilted his head, his sharp eyes flickering between the pair. “Charmed. Though I must admit, I was not expecting guests this morning.”
“That’s because this wasn’t planned in advance,” Severus said smoothly, his tone clipped. “We’ve come to discuss a matter of importance.”
Dumbledore’s brows lifted. “Oh? Do enlighten me.”
Severus explained the proposed new subject, magical engineering, as a blend of theoretical and practical magic that could modernize Hogwarts’ curriculum. Severus emphasized Viktor and Jayce’s unique suitability to teach the subject, citing their extensive knowledge of innovation and application that could help the magical world.
Jayce, unable to resist, added, “We’ve already started sketching out ideas for the curriculum. Think of it as bridging the gap between magic and science.”
Viktor nodded in agreement. “We believe it could benefit students in ways traditional subjects do not.”
Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Magical engineering… intriguing. And I assume the Ministry has approved this?”
“Not yet,” Severus admitted, “but I’ve already drafted the proposal. I’ll submit it once we have your approval to proceed.”
Dumbledore smiled faintly. “An ambitious endeavor, Severus. However, I must question the timing. Why now?”
Severus’s expression hardened. “Because Harry Potter needs guidance and protection, and you have proven incapable of providing it adequately.”
Dumbledore’s serene façade faltered, but he quickly recovered. “Harry is safest with his relatives. Though Petunia Dursley may not be kind, ancient magic protects her home-”
Jayce interrupted, his usually easygoing demeanor replaced by steel. “With all due respect, Professor Dumbledore, Harry doesn’t belong in a house where he’s treated like a burden. We’re here because we’re taking him in.”
Dumbledore’s blue eyes sharpened. “You intend to adopt him?”
“Yes,” Viktor said simply.
The headmaster leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “That is… highly irregular. Harry’s place is with his family.”
“Family?” Severus snapped, his voice low and dangerous. “The same family that locked him in a cupboard and starved him?”
Dumbledore’s composure faltered again. “They were not ideal guardians, I admit, but-”
“No buts,” Severus cut him off. “Harry will stay with us. We are more than capable of ensuring his safety and his well-being, something you’ve neglected to do.”
The tension in the room was palpable. Finally, Dumbledore sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “Very well. If the Ministry approves your positions, I will allow this arrangement, on the condition that Harry continues to attend Hogwarts and resides here during the school year.”
Viktor inclined his head. “Agreed.”
Jayce grinned. “Looks like we’re going to be professors, then.”
Dumbledore nodded, though his eyes lingered on Harry, who had remained quiet throughout the discussion. “I trust you will take this responsibility seriously,” he said softly.
“We will,” Viktor assured him, his voice steady.
As they left Dumbledore’s office, Severus exhaled sharply. “That could have gone worse.”
Jayce smirked. “Yeah, but it didn’t. We did it.”
Harry glanced up at them, a small, uncertain smile playing on his lips. He didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, he felt like he might finally have a family of his own.
After wrapping up their business at Hogwarts, the group returned to Spinner’s End to collect Jinx. Severus was already bracing himself for whatever chaos she might have caused in their absence. True to form, they found her lounging in the living room, fiddling with what looked suspiciously like a disassembled wand core and a clock mechanism.
“Don’t worry,” Jinx said with a cheeky grin, catching their wary expressions. “The house is still standing. Barely.”
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose but said nothing as he ushered everyone out the door. Harry stifled a laugh as he glanced at Severus’s twitching jaw. Viktor, however, just smirked faintly, clearly amused by the whole situation. Jayce clapped Severus on the shoulder with a grin, clearly in a good mood despite the chaos.
“Well, it could be worse,” Jayce said, a little too cheerfully for Severus’s liking.
They were just stepping out into the cool morning air when Severus’s eyes flicked over to Jinx, who was standing a few steps apart from the group. His eyes narrowed, and he gave a resigned sigh. “Jinx,” he said, his voice holding an edge of command, “I think it’s time we address your... appearance.”
Jinx raised an eyebrow, looking both curious and mildly defensive. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Your appearance is… problematic,” Severus replied, tone dry as ever. “I’m not about to have you walking around Diagon Alley looking like a... walking nightmare.”
She pouted but didn’t argue, clearly expecting this. She always knew her fangs, gold sclera, and the dark veins on her skin weren’t inconspicuous, even in the wizarding world, from what she had been told people feared and suspected such things they didn’t understand…
Just like in Zaun.
Severus gave her a long, assessing look. “I will create a glamour for you,” he said at last. “It will mask your more... distinctive features. You’ll still be yourself, but less conspicuous.”
Jinx straightened up, intrigued. “A glamour, huh?”
“Yes,” Severus replied, already gathering the necessary ingredients from his robe pockets. “A glamour will conceal your fangs, your gold sclera, and the veins. You’ll still feel them, of course, but no one else will see them.”
He flicked his wand once, muttering an incantation under his breath. A soft, shimmering aura of light enveloped Jinx, the magic weaving over her skin like a veil. When it faded, her appearance had changed, her sharp fangs were hidden, the unnatural gold of her eyes faded to a normal white, and the dark veins disappeared beneath the glamour’s touch.
Jinx blinked a few times, lifting a hand to her face as if to make sure it was all real. She grinned, flashing a normal, toothy smile at Severus. “Nice work. Not bad for a grumpy old man.”
Severus gave her a pointed look, but his lips twitched slightly. “Don’t get too comfortable. You’ll still need to keep the glamour active. I’ll teach you how to maintain it, but it’s delicate magic.”
“I’ll keep it in check,” Jinx promised, adjusting her now-ordinary appearance with a satisfied nod.
Viktor gave a small approving hum. “That’s impressive magic. Very useful.”
Severus gave him a curt nod, already turning to head toward Diagon Alley. “Let’s get to the point, then.”
The group set off, walking briskly through the streets toward the bustling hub of Diagon Alley. Harry’s heart began to race with excitement. This was his first real visit to the magical shopping district since everything had changed, and though he had been there before, it felt different now, with so many new people, new possibilities, and the strange feeling of safety that had settled over him ever since meeting Viktor and Jayce.
The rest of the walk was quiet, everyone absorbed in their own thoughts as they neared the entrance to Diagon Alley. When they finally reached the familiar stone archway, the cacophony of chatter, clanging of cauldrons, and excited voices hit them all at once. Harry could hardly suppress the grin spreading across his face. The wizarding world was vast, and though he still didn’t understand everything about it, for once, he felt like he truly belonged.
Severus led the way into the alley, and the others followed, making their way past Flourish and Blotts, the Magical Menagerie, and Gringotts, each stop a reminder of the world Harry was starting to feel a part of.
“First things first,” Severus said, his tone businesslike, “We need to ensure all of you have the necessary equipment for the upcoming year. We’ll visit the shops for the basics before heading back to the house.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jayce said, eyes scanning the shops. “I’m guessing a lot has changed since I was last here.”
“We’ll see,” Viktor added with a quiet chuckle.
The group arrived at Diagon Alley shortly after midday, the cobblestone streets bustling with witches and wizards shopping for school supplies. Harry’s excitement was palpable; it had been months since he’d last seen Ron and Hermione, and he was eager to catch up.
At the Leaky Cauldron, Harry immediately spotted the familiar shock of red hair. “Ron! Hermione!” he called, breaking into a grin.
Ron turned, his freckled face lighting up. “Harry! Mate, you’re finally here!” He ran over, pulling Harry into a rough hug, while Hermione followed at a more measured pace, smiling warmly.
“Oh, Harry, it’s so good to see you!” Hermione exclaimed, giving him a hug in turn. She stepped back and gestured to the large ginger cat perched imperiously on the edge of her chair. “Meet Crookshanks! I just got him from the Magical Menagerie. Isn’t he adorable?”
Harry tilted his head at the feline, whose squashed face and piercing eyes gave him a rather unique appearance. “Er… he’s... something,” Harry said diplomatically, earning a laugh from Hermione.
“Oi, Harry!” Ron interrupted. “Why didn’t you write? We’ve been dying to know what you’ve been up to!”
Before Harry could respond, the rest of his group approached the table. Ron’s eyes widened as he took in Viktor and Jayce. “Who are they?”
“These are Viktor and Jayce,” Harry explained, gesturing toward them. “They’re, uh, friends of Severus. They’re helping me out with… things.”
Viktor inclined his head politely, and Jayce flashed a bright, disarming smile. “Pleasure to meet you,” Jayce said. “We’ve heard a lot about Harry’s friends.”
As the introductions continued, Mrs. Weasley appeared from the bar, her arms laden with shopping bags. “Harry, dear! It’s wonderful to see you again!” she said warmly, giving him a motherly hug. Her eyes flicked to Viktor and Jayce, her expression curious but kind. “And who are these gentlemen?”
Before Harry could speak, Severus stepped in smoothly. “They’ll be teaching a new subject at Hogwarts. Magical engineering,” he said, his tone making it clear there would be no further elaboration.
Mrs. Weasley nodded, though her curiosity clearly wasn’t satisfied. “Well, any friend of Harry’s is welcome. Do join us for lunch!”
The group settled around the table at the Leaky Cauldron, the lively chatter and clinking of mugs filling the air. Harry grinned as he filled Ron and Hermione in on his summer adventures, leaving out a few of the more intense details, of course. Across the table, Jinx was in animated discussion with Fred and George, the three of them gesturing wildly as they discussed “practical applications” of explosives.
“Wait, you actually built a bomb with a self-repairing mechanism?” George asked, eyes wide with admiration.
Fred elbowed his twin. “Why haven’t we thought of that?”
Jinx leaned forward, her grin mischievous. “Maybe because you’re not as brilliant as me?”
Severus, seated at the far end of the table, was clearly regretting every decision that had led to this moment. “Jinx,” he said in a low, warning tone. “A word.”
She glanced over, feigning innocence. “I’m just making friends, Professor.”
Fred smirked. “Don’t worry, Professor Snape. We’ll keep her out of trouble. Probably.”
Severus sighed heavily, muttering something under his breath about regrettable alliances.
Meanwhile, Hermione had turned her attention to Viktor, who had been quietly observing the chaos. “You mentioned magical runes earlier,” she said, her eyes alight with curiosity. “Do you really use them to build enchanted devices?”
Viktor nodded, his voice calm and measured. “Yes. Runes are very versatile. With the right combinations, you can amplify magical energy, stabilize enchantments, or even create entirely new effects.”
Hermione’s excitement was palpable. “That’s incredible! I’ve read about rune theory, but I’ve never had the chance to see it in practice.”
Viktor’s faint smirk softened into something closer to genuine warmth. “If you are interested, I can teach you the basics. It is not as difficult as it sounds.”
Hermione beamed, already pulling out a notebook. “I’d love that!”
A few seats down, Jayce and Mr. Weasley were deep in conversation, the latter’s face lit with childlike enthusiasm.
“So, you’re telling me you’ve combined Muggle engineering with magic?” Arthur asked, leaning forward eagerly.
Jayce grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. “Exactly. Muggle machines are more advanced than most wizards realize. With the right runic adjustments, you can make them compatible with magic. It opens up a lot of possibilities.”
Arthur practically vibrated with excitement. “Fascinating! I’ve always suspected there’s untapped potential there. Would you, er, mind if I asked a few more questions? For research purposes?”
“Of course,” Jayce replied with a chuckle. “I’m happy to share. It’s not often I meet someone as enthusiastic about the subject.”
As the conversations flowed, Harry felt an unfamiliar sense of comfort. For the first time in ages, he wasn’t focused on surviving the next challenge or worrying about the future. Instead, he simply allowed himself to enjoy the moment.
At the far end of the table, Severus kept a sharp eye on Fred and George, his expression growing darker every time they whispered conspiratorially with Jinx. He finally stood, looming over their side of the table.
“I don’t care what you’re plotting,” he said coldly. “Cease immediately.”
Fred grinned cheekily. “But Professor, we haven’t even started yet.”
George nodded solemnly. “It’s like you don’t trust us.”
“I don’t,” Severus replied flatly, crossing his arms. “And for good reason.”
Jinx laughed, raising her glass in mock salute. “Relax, Severus. I’ll make sure they don’t blow anything up.” She winked at the twins. “Probably.”
The rest of the table erupted into laughter, and even Harry found himself smiling despite himself. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he wasn’t alone, and that made all the difference.
Dumbledore stood at his office window, watching the sun sink behind the Forbidden Forest. He considered the new additions to Hogwarts, and unease clouded his thoughts. Viktor and Jayce were unknown quantities, and their influence on Harry could disrupt everything he had so carefully orchestrated.
Turning away from the window, he moved to his desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. He dipped his quill in ink, writing a note that would set his plans in motion. “Sometimes,” he murmured to himself, “the pieces must be rearranged for the greater good.”
He sealed the letter with a flick of his wand, summoning Fawkes. The phoenix trilled softly before disappearing in a flash of flame, carrying the letter to its intended recipient.
Dumbledore sat back, steepling his fingers. The game had just begun.