Chapter 1: The Fool's Bet

Hogwarts University, it seemed like a good idea. Give the combat occupations a true advanced school to augment their power beyond the schooling they give at Hogwarts. Upper-level spells that are only mastered by a few. The move was made to replenish the ranks of the Aurors and Unspeakables lost in the second Wizarding War. Both arms of the Ministry of Magic needed to establish order. So, a school was made into a cave across the lake just South of Hogsmeade across from Hogwarts. The Ministry even sanctioned the use of Capacious Extremis in its construction. Although on the surface just a single mage tower was constructed across the lake. The inside of the tower was much larger than the outside. In fact, inside the tower housed multiple buildings. Complete with four massive manors which represented the four houses which would be the same as Hogwarts. The Manors were clear across from each other on campus. Given the elite nature of the school, the competitive nature of the students was off the charts. But then again, we all have experienced it.

The pecking order, whose will be stronger, who has more clout. It happens at every school. It began on the very first day of the new school. The race to dominate the social scene at Hogwarts University was off. Hermione Granger was the Queen Bee of most social circles, one because she was one of the smartest witches ever, and two because she was one of the main resistors of the Death Eater’s takeover of the Ministry. She and Ginny Weasley, sister of her boyfriend, not to mention the girlfriend of the most famous person at Hogwarts University, Harry Potter. What the Hogwarts students did not expect were the students who attended this new University from other Wizarding schools. The Slytherins were augmented greatly by three powerful female witches lead by Zyriel Nyx. No one knows how it happened but shortly after their arrival at the new Slytherin Lair, Draco went from top of the pecking order in house Slytherin to following this new witch, Zyriel. Within two weeks of joining Hogwarts, she had the Slytherins in the palm of her hand even Draco, who followed her around like a defeated schoolboy. What was most alarming was that the behavior of the Slytherins changed. They went from casual bullies to serious students, and moreover, were quietly becoming more successful in all their endeavors. By the time the first semester got into gear Zyriel had the Slytherins at the top of the class rankings and they were pulling away. Hermione tried to act like the standings did not bother her because after all they experienced real problems, rankings were arbitrary. But deep-down Hermione cared and cared deeply. She was hyper-competitive, which is an amazing trait in most cases, but not at the Back-to-School House Party at Slytherin Manor.

House Party...

“But Ron, why don’t we just finish packing and leave a day early to your parents’ house? I am looking forward to having some time away.” She whined at him.

“I know but Ginny and Harry are going and would be nice to unwind after a rough start of the semester and the rigors of getting back into the groove of going through school. I feel we stressed about those O.W.L.S. for nothing.” Ron said with a sigh.

“It was not for nothing, and we have a chance to finish our school years the way we were supposed to. Fine I will go, let me get dressed. But If one Slytherin calls me, “Mugblood” I am going to show them up the business end of my wand Ron. Just warning you, what you are walking me into.” Hermione said to Ron who just shrugged.

Two hours later...

The party Hermione had to admit was a bit better than she anticipated. She currently was enjoying a butter beer with Draco, Crabbe and Goyle of all people. It is odd how new surrounds make us cling to the familiar.

“Yeah, you have wicked right Hermione.” Draco said laughing holding his chin, but then grinned and nodded towards a striking woman from across the room. That is her? Zyriel Nyx, the student who transferred here from Durmstang. She was quite tall, taller than Hermione. Bloody hell she looked like a goddess, Hemione thought to herself. Flawless tan sun kiss skin and golden honey long blonde hair. Hermione normally did not get into the physical appearances of people, but with Zyriel she was more impressed. She could be on the cover of a magazine. Ron better not stare at her she thought.

“Hey Z I have someone I want to introduce you to.” Draco called out.

Hermione tried to shake her hand towards Draco to say it was not needed. But he insisted. Crabbe and Goyle grinned ear to ear as they watched the entire interaction unfold. Zyriel turned her head and furrowed her brow at Draco to indicate that she was annoyed that she was interrupted.

She turned on her high heels and clicked her way all the way to the group. Standing next to Draco, Zyriel appeared more intimidating.

“So, this the little mouse that Victor was infatuated with?” Zyriel said with a northern European accent.

“I am sorry you knew Victor; he never made any mention of you?” Hermione retorted without missing a beat, offering her own brand of witty banter in return.

“I’d doubt he would mention the woman that beat him on so many occasions.” Zyriel retorted back with a grin winking at Hermione as she spoke.

“Is that why your headmaster took Victor to the Tri-Wizard’s tournament and not you?” Hermione snapped back, perhaps coming across snippier than she intended.

The rest of the Slytherins were all starting to gather around to see how their new leader handled the likes of Hermione. It was like watching a prize fight of wit.

“He favored fame over prowess, and of course we did not win. You would think a school that boast its defense against the Arts would have noticed a Death Eater in their midst.” Zyriel countered as she scrunched her nose.

“Well, it is Defense against Dark Arts, and it is forbidden here. You would think a person who graduated a school that has so many practitioners in those same arts would not go to a school that forbade it.” Hermione said not batting an eye. She was feeling hyper competitive now. She needed to take this bitch down a peg.

“Well with wizards as famous as you and your friend Harry Potter, let’s just say I had to see what the fuss was about.” Zyriel said, looking at Hermione. The air was becoming so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“Care to put our book smarts to the test Z” Hermione said as she laid down the gauntlet mocking the Slytherins’ nickname for her. Zyriel immediately shot a death glare over to Draco for calling her that in front of a Gryffindor.

“Call me what you will, by the time I am done with you, I assure you, you will know the proper way to address me.” Zyriel said in a little sterner tone. As her eyes turned into a steel glare. She was getting angry at the smaller woman in front of her.

“I do know the proper way; I am just choosing to not address you that way. “Hermione grinned ear to ear as she saw that she was getting under the new girl’s skin. “And you still did not answer my question.”

“A test of wits, by a person called the brightest witch of our age. Tempting. But I was wanting to test something more akin to your dueling talents.” Zyriel said back in a much calmer tone realizing Hermione was trying to get under her skin.

“It is ok to concede brains to me, and I must admit, I looked at your dueling record in your paperwork. It was quite impressive. Although I did see that you did not fight in a real war.” Hermione said oft-handily.

By this time more Gryffindor’s had joined the crowd. The crimson factions and green factions were both staring each other down like the rivals they were. It was about this time that Ginny had heard enough of Zyriel and decided to bud in walking next to Hermione.

“So, you’re the new Slytherin University Quidditch team captain.” Ginny spat out sizing Zyriel up.

“Oh, my you must be Ginny, Potter’s girl” Zyriel said with an even bigger sneering grin on her face.

“Ah, I see my competition has arrived. I am sure you are tenacious, quick, and very talented.” Zyriel said sizing Ginny up.

“I will not brag but I hold my own.” Ginny shot back glaring back at Zyriel.

“Careful girl, out on the pitch there will be no boyfriend to bail you out. This snake does not lose, unlike, others who occupied this house in the past.” Zyriel responded again shooting another glare at Draco, who immediately looked down at the ground when that occurred.

“Oh, we will see blondie ... I cannot wait until I show you how Quidditch is really played.” Ginny spats back her temper getting the better of her.

“Well, if you think you are more talented than us Slytherins perhaps you could offer up a wager?” Zyriel said slowly clucking her tongue to the top of her mouth as she laid down the gauntlet.

“Name your price slut!” Ginny shot back.

“Oh my ... are we not the testy one. You do need that fire cooled. But what else could I expect from a ginger.” Zyriel smirked as it was easy to get under this one’s skin.

“Anything! Name the stakes you haughty little snake!” Ginny spat out.

The oppressive silence that had settled over the room was suddenly shattered by Zyriel’s challenge, and the air became electric with tension. Hermione took a deep breath, feeling her heart race as she realized what was about to happen. It was as if time slowed down, every noise becoming amplified - the clinking of glasses, the low rumble of voices, the distant sound of music from somewhere outside the room. She glanced at Ginny, who nodded grimly, her eyes flashing with determination. This was it - their chance to take down the new kid on the block and assert themselves once more as the top dogs at Hogwarts.

Zyriel smiled maliciously, savoring the moment. Ron looked worried but stayed by Hermione’s side, ready to support her however he could. The other Slytherins watched with bated breath, anticipating their new leader’s response, while the Gryffindors watched with equal intensity, cheering her on from across the room. Hermione held her ground, ready for anything that might come next.

“Alright,” Zyriel purred finally, her voice like silk against stone. “Let’s say ... a victory in our upcoming Quidditch match will be sufficient.” Her words hung heavy in the air as she leaned back against a velvet sofa nearby, looking smugly confident. “However,” she continued after a moment’s pause, raising an eyebrow at Harry who had just entered the large hall where they were all gathered.”

“If we manage to beat the pathetic Gryffindor team in Quidditch, you’ll be my servant for an entire week and perform any task I demand. And as a cherry on top, you’ll have the privilege of serving me at our lavish post-game feast at House Slytherin Manor.”

“And when I emerge victorious, you shall be my servant, bowing down to the mug bloods, and making amends for your disgraceful actions and words to their kind” Ginny retorted with her own smug grin on her face. She knew with the Slytherin it was always about the bloodlines. Never changes with them.

“No Hermione is not part of the deal. I will not allow it.” Ron said as he stepped in.

“Allow it?” Hermione spat back to Ron who immediately realized his mistake.

“Look, I could not bear it if you had to serve those evil ... they killed...” Ron growled before stopping himself.

“Ron is right, I will not put my service on the table based on a Quidditch match, no offense Ginny.” Hermione capitulated, realizing Ron’s point. She had no control over the match and if she was going to wager servitude, she would want to be in control of what the wager was about.

“Very well, so just Ginny?” Zyriel looked at Ron’s sister with an arched brow before continuing.

“Very well you are off the table. Better that way ... I like to give my servants my full attention when I break them in anyway.” Zyriel said as lustfully pursed her lips at Ginny.

“No sex! We will not consent to any task. No Sex. She is my girl. Ginny, may I have a word?” Harry said in a hurried tone as he just walked in on what his girl was about to do.

“My my you cannot even decide for yourself. Perhaps it is better to let your better half do the talking sweety you have not learned self-control yet.” Zyriel uttered with a grin on her face. It did not help the Slytherin’s all erupted in laughter at the remark.

“Stay out of this Harry I am taking this bitch down. This business is between us girls.” Ginny spat out.

“It is if you agree to be her slave and agree to any task. Zyriel no deal!” Harry shouted out as he was desperately trying to stop his girl from doing something stupid.

“But Harry?” Ginny yelled loudly as she was about to start a couple’s spat right here in front of everyone.

“Ok no sex, no one will have sexual relations with Ginny, but she will still serve me if I win for one week. Would that be suitable?” Zyriel said. Harry weighed her words with a thinking head bob as if doing a pro and cons list in his head.

“And if I win?” Ginny uttered raising her eyebrow.

“I would wager anything I myself would not be able to do. You get me for a week. Although I will not offer more. Losing might have been fun had your man not cut out the terms that would make it so. We three could have had a blast.” Zyriel said winking at Harry with an extremely flirtatious smirk on her face. That sent Ginny over the edge. It did not help that the sexpot made Harry blush with that wink. Zyriel was ungodly attractive after all. The last straw was when Harry kept stealing looks at her gorgeous legs and openly reacted with an approving wince before acting like nothing happened. Zyriel acted unaware of his reaction like he got away with a look, Ginny acted.

“No curses, Zyriel. No permanent marks, no haircuts.” Harry barely managed to say his face still flushed.

“Fair enough. I get orders only, no sex, and no permanent marks. Pity.” Zyriel frowned as if she had been put out.

“Well then it is settled then. We decide this on the pitch” Ginny said looking at Zyriel.

“We see you on pitch bitch! Don’t chicken out on Zyriel when we win.” A black haired Slytherin said from behind Zyriel. Ginny recognized her as Alexandria Rookwood, the last name was from an old powerful family. She was pale with purple eyes, not as tall as Zyriel but still formidable in her own right. Another witch appeared behind Alexandria, Belladonna Calistro, she had tan Mediterranean features, olive skin, black hair, and deep blue eyes. She was gorgeous as well, as a matter of fact all three were gorgeous, she could see how they rose to the top of the Slytherin pecking order.

“Just remember Harry’s sidepiece, you asked for this. You may wish we added sex to the equation when we are done.” Bella said with a slight Italian accent.

“Ok ladies, that is enough threats for one evening. Ginny it is time to go, before you put more wagers on the table. Zyriel, it has been interesting. I hope we do not have to be rivals your entire time here.” Harry stepped in and said shaking his head at what just happened

“Indeed” Zyriel said to herself as she downed a sip from her wine glass. Belladonna and Alexandria gave each other a knowing glance.

After the Game...

Hermione and Ginny could not believe what happened. Ginny had a perfect game plan. They had to give it to Zyriel, she was a good player, but the other players were still the same. Ginny was on the verge of victory, purposefully choosing to be seeker this match to counter Zyriel who did the same. The strategy paid off Ginny had one of the hardest practice sessions she ever gave, the results were paying off the Gryffindor University team were ahead in points the entire game. It looked like Ginny was going to win. Zyriel did not seem to care what her team was doing, only showing laser like focus going after the Snitch. Ginny had to admit that. Zyriel was a better flyer than her. But Ginny negated that with her size expertly cutting in front of her to bump into Zyriel to try and throw her off her game every chance she could.

The pair engaged in an exciting ariel duel chasing after the Golden Snitch but after a near collision it all changed. Ginny saw the Snitch was heading for a very congested part of the pitch. Ginny smirked as she decided to bump into Zyriel to try and divert her focus to what was in front of her until the last moment where Ginny expertly stopped. Had she done it over again she might not have, but she was thinking her trap was about to work and it appeared for a split second that Zyriel was about to crash off her broom.

Then Zyriel did the impossible. Zyriel made a move in one fluid motion that sounded made up if no one saw it. She somehow stood up on her broom and jump flipped over two of the Gryffindor’s Bludgers only to catch the Golden Snitch out of midair landing on her broom again on the other side of the near Collison. The Slytherin crowd went wild. Ginny’s heart stopped. The blood drained from her face. The whole ordeal left her in total shock. Then it hit her because she had just lost the bet. She felt the strange energy wash over her that comes with an unbreakable vow. Ginny’s face fell when Alexandria swooped down on her broom and announced in a snobbish voice that Zyriel demanded she sit next to her in the carriage.

The Carriage Ride

“Come now, Ginny, don’t dawdle,” Zyriel jeered as she perched smugly on the carriage seat. As they rode towards Slytherin Manor, Zyriel barked orders at Ginny to kneel at her feet. “You’re lucky to even be allowed in our presence,” she sneered, relishing her power over Ginny.

“You belong right here, beneath me,” Zyriel purred with a wicked grin on her lips. Ginny’s breath hitched as she was overwhelmed by the sheer force of Zyriel’s presence. They were alone in the train compartment, all the other players in their respective carriages.

“You know the rules, pet. Speak only when spoken to,” Zyriel reminded Ginny, giving her boot a playful nudge with her crossed legs. Both witches were still dressed in their Quidditch uniforms, adding to the raw energy between them. Zyriel could practically taste the desire rolling off Ginny. She knew Ron would be outraged if he knew what they had planned, but Zyriel was a master at playing within the boundaries of proper wizarding behavior. If she didn’t directly curse or force Ginny into any sexual acts, she was free to do as she pleased.

“Why don’t you start by cleaning my boots for me?” Zyriel commanded, waving her hand, and conjuring a shoe cleaning brush and some oil. “I may have scuffed them by a Quidditch player who kept clumsily bumping into me during today’s match and I wouldn’t want them to dry out.” A mischievous glint appeared in Zyriel’s eyes as she anticipated how Ginny would react to her demands. The power dynamic between them was electrifying and Zyriel intended to take full advantage of it.

Ginny looked at Zyriel with a furrowed brow and sighed, “Ok I will do it” Ginny was about to reach for her boots when she felt the end of a crop push up under her chin. She was forced to look up right into Zyriel gaze.

“I will not punish you for you did not know. But from now on you will show proper respect when answering me. For now, you are to refer to me as, Ms. Nyx, got it pet?” Zyriel said as she savored the look on Ginny’s face.

“Yes, Ms. Nyx” Ginny responded softly.

“Good. Then get to it.” Zyriel barked snapping her fingers towards her boots.

Ginny knelt on the carriage floor, parting her long red hair to reveal the nape of her neck as she leaned forward to clean Zyriel’s boots. She softly groaned at the dull pain in her bottom cheeks from where the crop had touched her. The smell of leather and polish filled the air as she gingerly began cleaning Zyriel’s boots, being careful not to ruin them. Her heart was racing with a mixture of fear and excitement as she felt Zyriel’s eyes boring into her. The Slytherin captain was beautiful, ruthless, and intimidating all at once—and now she was in control.

The carriage ride seemed to stretch on endlessly, the tension thick in the air as Zyriel watched Ginny meticulously clean her boots. The soft sound of the brush against leather was punctuated only by the occasional clatter of wheels over rough terrain. Ginny’s mind raced with conflicting emotions - resentment at being reduced to this servile position, anger at the unfairness of it all, and a strange flutter of something else she couldn’t quite identify. Zyriel, on the other hand, exuded an aura of satisfaction, reveling in her newfound power over the fiery Gryffindor.

As Ginny worked, Zyriel leaned back languidly in her seat, her steely eyes never leaving the redhead’s form. A small smile played at the corners of her lips as she observed Ginny’s obedience, reveling in the control she held over her rival. The sway of the carriage seemed to lull them into a strange sort of intimacy, despite the power dynamic at play.

“Good job, you are a natural. I should have challenged you the moment I arrived on campus. Now I want you to remove my socks and give me a proper foot massage.” Zyriel ordered.

Ginny’s face got red with anger, and she almost was about to act when she remembers the unbreakable vow she took to seal the bet and placed her head down and uttered meekly, “Yes, Ms. Nyx.”

Ginny clenched her fists, struggling to contain the fiery spirit that raged within her as she reached up to carefully remove Zyriel’s boots. The soft leather yielded easily under her touch, revealing a pair of slender feet adorned in silk socks. With a deep breath to steady herself, Ginny peeled off the socks and set them aside before tentatively taking hold of Zyriel’s feet.

The Slytherin captain let out a contented sigh as Ginny’s skilled fingers began to knead the tension out of her muscles, working methodically from heel to toe. Despite herself, Ginny couldn’t help but notice the contrast between the icy demeanor Zyriel projected and the slight tremor in her voice as she murmured words of praise for Ginny’s ministrations.