Disclaimer: I own nothing, all is JK Rowling's
***
'Okay Dad, I know....' a snatch of conversation could be heard by a small boy as a girl and her father walked past him in the opposite direction on the platform. He turned to get a better look at the girl. She was of average height with a slim figure and startling dark red hair that contained coppery highlights which caught the morning sun perfectly and waved around her face with a casual grace. But what caught the small boy's eyes wasn't the girl or her father; it was the owl she was carrying in her arm in a cage.
The girl in question was called Jessica Masen, and at 15 years old she was about to attend 5th year of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. She turned to her dad as he spoke again,
'I was just making sure you knew that I would only be able to receive owl post in-'
'In the evening, yes.' Jess knew that as her father was a muggle, she wouldn't be able to send an owl to his work or his colleagues would think they were mad.
'Anyway where was the gate again?' her dad asked.
'Its right there dad, thanks for helping me, I think I got it now though. See you at Christmas hopefully.' She turned to hug her dad goodbye and she couldn't help the twinge of sadness she felt. She wouldn't be seeing him for quite a while and she was worried for his safety. Her mother had always said she was a worrier but this fear was not entirely irrational as her dad had a job that involved him travelling a lot and he had previously been in a plane crash, a boat crash and most recently, totalled his car.
'Yeah, Christmas. Don't forget to write. Bye darling.'
Breaking the hug she turned, picked up her owl cage and pushed her trolley determinedly at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Her dad watched as she pushed her trolley through the barrier and vanished after it. Sighing he went back to his car.
Jess had just arrived on platform 9 ¾ to the smart whistle of a scarlet train and the bustle of people, some pushing trolleys like she was, some obviously having reunions with their friends. She picked her case off the trolley and headed for a compartment on the train. As she struggled down the corridor, looking for an empty carriage, a boy with jet black hair the stuck up wildly at the back wearing slightly crooked glasses came up to her.
'Hey, need a hand?' he asked, taking her trunk with ease and lifting it into a compartment and onto the luggage rack.
'Thanks' she replied and turned to size him up. He had hazel eyes that had a distinct mischievous glint about them, a handsome face and was well built even though he only looked about her age.
'James Potter,' he said, holding out his hand in greeting.
'Jess Masen,' she replied taking his hand. He smiled good naturedly and said,
'Wait here… there's some people you should meet. By the way what year are you? Not seen you around before.'
'Yeah I know I just moved here with my dad, I'm going into 5th year'
'Cool, one sec' and with that he was gone, back onto the platform she guessed. She sighed and sat down in the compartment, debating getting a book out to read. She was just deciding whether to read Wuthering heights or the new book she had just picked up called, Hogwarts a History when the compartment door slid open again and James Potter re-entered, followed by 3 boys. The first of which had sandy hair and blue/grey eyes, he was thin looking and at that moment, looked tired and rather pale.
'Remus Lupin' he introduced himself as, smiling a little at her before putting his trunk up out of the way and sitting down in the corner opposite James.
'Jess Masen,' Jess smiled back before turning her attention to the second boy, who was a lot smaller than James or Remus with watery blue eyes and mousy brown hair. He looked slightly fat and was nervously shooting glances at the other boys as he said,
'Peter Pettigrew' then hurriedly sat down next to Remus. Jess again smile in return before looking at the third boy, who was looking rather bored with everything.
'Sirius Black,' he said in an uninterested tone, barely glancing at her. He, like James had black hair; however his fell handsomely around his arrogant, good looking face. He had clear grey eyes that pierced her as he looked at her. Then he turned to James and said, 'can I go now, Katie Johnson was hinting at me before and I'd quite like to see how that turns out.'
'Whatever, go' was James' reply as Sirius turned and left quickly.
'Don't mind Sirius' said James as the train whistled and started to move, 'he's only interested in getting off with as many girls as possible, in as little time as he can.'
Remus chuckled at this then turned to Jess,
'So, what's your story then?' he asked, 'not many people transfer to Hogwarts in their 5th year.'
Jess pushed all thoughts of Sirius Black out of her head as she turned to face him. She saw that the other two boys were listening in as well as she began to speak.
'Well, I got my Hogwarts letter at age 11, as you probably did, but we lived in Spain at the time and my mum wanted me to be homeschooled anyway. I was never sure why. My dad was a muggle so he didn't have any say really. So that was that. However last Christmas (we had moved back to England by then) there was a series of attacks in our area by dark wizards that supported Lord Voldemort. I was out with some friends and when I got home I found the house in ruins and the dark mark hanging above it.' Her voice started to break as the guys exchanged looks. 'Then my dad appeared, carrying my mum's body out of the wreckage. It was horrible. There wasn't even a scratch on her.' She took a deep breath and James, looking slightly unsure of what to do, patted her arm,
'She was dead,' Jess continued, 'so after that I don't know how they knew, but Hogwarts got in touch again saying they were sorry for my loss and did I want a place at the school. I talked to my dad and at first he was reluctant but after a bit he agreed it was best for me, him being a muggle and all. So a few months later here I am.'
There was silence as Jess finished her story, and the boys looked uneasily at one another before Peter piped up,
'So do you know which house you are going to be in?'
James joined the thread enthusiastically, 'yeah, we're all Gryffindor's well us three and Sirius, what house are you in?'
'I don't know,' replied Jess, 'I was told that I would have to be sorted upon arrival with the first years.'
'That's interesting,' said Remus, 'I would have thought it would be done in private or something. Will you have to go via the lake to Hogwarts?'
'I'm not sure; I was just told that upon my arrival at Hogsmede, I would have to see Hagrid. What's a Hagrid?' At this the boys all fell about laughing and Jess looked confused until Remus said,
'Hagrid is a person; he's the groundskeeper at Hogwarts. And that means you will have to go across the lake with the first years. Have fun, it's chucking it down outside.'
And indeed it was, the rain only seemed to get heavier, the longer the journey went on. Jess went to change into her robes as the afternoon dwindled, and was met with more questions by girls as to where she had come from. She answered most but some people kept asking questions that she didn't want to answer. One girl, a brunette called Kayleigh, insisted on an answer before a red-headed girl with a shiny 'P' badge stuck to the front of her robes appeared.
'Leave it Kayleigh, she's obviously new.' Then, turning to Jess she said, 'Hi I'm Lily Evans and this is Brianna Jones' she indicated a pretty blonde girl stood behind her smiling at Jess.
'Bree,' she corrected, sticking out her hand in welcome.
'I'm Jess,' Jess replied, taking her hand.
'What year are you in Jess?' asked Lily
'5th'
'Great, so are we. We're both in Gryffindor; know which house you will be in yet?'
'No, I have to be sorted with the first years'
'Well here's hoping your in Gryffindor,' said Bree, 'you seem like a good sort anyway. If you don't mind me asking, what's your blood status?'
'Oh, I'm half blood,' said Jess, wondering if that would be a bad thing.
'Cool well doesn't seem like you'll be in Slytherin then at least'
After talking to the two girls for quite a while, Jess decided that she really liked them both and was hoping to be in Gryffindor with them. Then the train whistled again as it jerked to a halt. Jess jumped up,
'I should really go get my stuff,' she said nervously.
'Oh don't worry hon, all the trunks etc get brought up to the castle separately.' Said Bree. Just then they heard a shout from down the train,
'Oi, Jess! Come on!' It was James.
'Not him!' cried Lily in despair.
'Lils he's not that bad' said Bree sympathetically. Just then James arrived next to the girls with Remus, Peter and Jess was surprised to see, Sirius.
'Hey,' he drawled lazily, 'didn't get a chance to introduce myself properly before, Sirius Black, 5th year, Gryffindor.'
'Yeah you mentioned,' replied Jess as the stepped off the train, 'Before when you went to hook up with that girl'
He grinned sexily at her, 'if your jealous love all you have to do is-'
They were interrupted by a shout of 'FIRS' YEARS OVER 'ERE!'
'Jess that's Hagrid there,' said Remus, 'the one shouting.'
'Thanks Remus, and Sirius, just for the record – not remotely interested mate. See you at the feast' with that Jess went to see Hagrid, leaving Sirius a bit shell shocked in her wake.
'What's up with you Pads?' Remus laughed, 'not falling for your charms?'
'Maybe that's cause she has a brain,' Bree joined in, laughing as well.
'Shut it you two!' said Sirius, glowering, 'and lets get a carriage.'
They got into one of the carriages, all of them completely drenched and past caring about it, each of them thinking their own thought s about the new girl.
She seems nice, thought Remus, pretty clever as well; I bet she does well in classes. She will probably end up in Ravenclaw of Gryffindor at this rate...
Lily's thoughts were along the same lines, she looks pretty clever, and really nice. She actually seems like a genuine person which is good; most of the girls here are so infatuated with Sirius or James that all they care about is how they look…
I think she seems okay, were Peter's thoughts, she's already got James under her thumb, the others will follow soon. Wonder what the banquet will be like…
I love how down to earth she is, thought Bree, she's really pretty as well, she'll have a lot of the guys after her, then, looking over at Remus she thought, wonder if he thinks she's pretty?
She's definitely female marauder material; wonder what you would call a female marauder? A marauderette? Pondered James, but she ticks all the boxes, clever, quick, pretty hot, can have a laugh…
Damm she's fine, Sirius' thoughts were no surprise, great body, gorgeous eyes, and those lips. Wonder if she meant it when she said it she wasn't interested? Hmm oh well I can find out later. Wonder if Kayleigh wants to hook up, she was giving me the eyes…
In the great hall, the tables were all set out for the feast. The marauders, Lily and Bree all sat together and watched as the first years and Jess were brought into the hall by Professor McGonagall. They all looked, if it was possible, even wetter than the students sat down.
'Hey there she is,' said James enthusiastically, waving at Jess. She didn't seem to notice him; she was looking nervously at the hat as it spoke.
'Yeah great spot Prongs, considering she is about a foot taller than the rest of them' said Sirius sarcastically.
'Oh shut it Pads,' said James as they turned to watch some of the first years get sorted.
'Brady, Patrick' a smaller than usual, mousey looking boy stumbled up to the hat and placed it on his head,
'HUFFLEPUFF!' shouted the hat, and Patrick ran gratefully to the Hufflepuff table to cheers and applause.
'So Remus, prefect?' Noted Bree, looking at his badge, he nodded. 'So is Lily.'
'Yeah I saw' replied Remus, smiling at Lily, 'think you're up to keeping all these lot in check?' He indicated Sirius, James, Peter and Bree who were failing to look innocent. Then they were all distracted as 'Curtis, John' became a Gryffindor. They all applauded the Sirius turned to James and asked,
'Who's Quidditch captain this year?'
'Dunno, bet its Logan though.'
'Logan Jackson?' Bree piped up, 'he's gorgeous,' she gushed, looking around for confirmation from Lily,
'Who? Logan? Yeah he's pretty hot I guess' said Lily.
That got James' attention.
'What you think so too?' he asked indignantly.
'Yeah, I mean he's alright.'
'Shh guys its Jess' turn' said Remus and they all turned to see Jess walking up to the hat. She sat down and it barely touched her head before it shouted,
'GRYFFINDOR!'
'Well that's alright then!' Cried James as they all cheered and Jess walked over to them, looking quite relieved.
'He guys budge up!' she said reaching where they were sat. James immediately moved up, pushing Peter aside to make room between himself and Sirius, which Jess sat down in gratefully.
Albus Dumbledore then stood up and addressed the hall.
'To all the new students, welcome, and to the old students, welcome back! As you may know from reading the paper, Professor Roberts was killed in a Death Eater raid on his town. I would like to say that while we all mourn his passing; we need to look to the future. So may I please welcome to you, the new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dobson.'
Everyone applauded as a rugged looking man stood up and waved a hand as acknowledgement.
'He looks like he's been in the wars,' Said Lily.
'…furthermore I would like to remind students that night time wanderings are strictly forbidden and advise you all to stay in your common rooms at curfew, which is being re-enforced at 10:30pm. Otherwise have a good year and tuck in!' Dumbledore clapped his hands and the tables were suddenly filled with food.
'Damm. I hate that curfew!' complained Sirius to James as they ate. 'I swear they just do it to annoy me'
'Yes Sirius,' remarked Jess sarcastically, 'I'm sure that is exactly why they do it. All for one guy's inconvenience.'
'Well it feels like it anyway' grumbled Sirius.
When they had all eaten as much as they could, the food vanished and Dumbledore stood again.
'Right all of you, it's been a long day, so off to bed!' he said. At once there was a bustle of movement and Jess turned to see Professor McGonagall beckoning her over.
'See you in a bit guys' she said, making her way over to the staff table.
'Ah, miss Masen,' said Professor McGonagall
'Hi Professor,'
'We have a small problem. Unfortunately the Gryffindor girl's dormitories are, at the moment, all occupied. So I'm afraid that you will have to share a dormitory with the 5th year boys; Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew.'
Jess smiled, 'that's fine with me professor, I've met them already and they seem like nice guys.'
'Hmm,' Professor McGonagall said tersely, 'well Mr. Lupin is a prefect at any rate so any questions should be directed at him. Your things are already in your new room. So I shall see you tomorrow.'
'Okay Professor, thanks.' Said Jess, then turning she followed the crowd of Gryffindor's out of the hall and up the marble staircase. She marvelled at the sheer size of Hogwarts and thought that she could easily get lost in here if she wasn't careful. Arriving at a portrait of the Fat Lady, the 7th year prefect turned and said,
'For those listening, the password is Niffler. Have a nice night.'
The portrait swung open and Jess followed the younger students through the portrait hole. The common room was busy, but Jess could see it contained lots of comfy looking armchairs and a couple of long settees. There was a roaring log fire on one side of the room and, sat around this Jess spotted the Marauders, Lily and Bree, and a crowd of other girls who all seemed to be vying for the attention of Sirius and James. Jess walked over and sank into an armchair next to Lily before asking,
'What's the deal with all those girls?'
'They're like Sirius and James' fan club,' replied Lily, 'they are all obsessed with the two guys and most of them don't seem to care that they will just end up broken hearted and tossed aside.'
'Yeah but we all know that James only has eyes for one girl around here,' said Remus looking pointedly at Lily. Evidently he had been listening.
'What? You Lil?' asked Jess incredulously.
'Yeah,' Lily said grudgingly, 'He's nice and all but he gets really… obsessive. Its strange really cause he can obviously be an alright guy but he just doesn't act like it most of the time.'
'Yeah that and you reject him publicly like, every day!' Said Bree.
'Well that's his own fault for asking me out everyday in public!' responded Lily. Just then James turned to them and said loudly,
'Sorry girls, but you all should know that my heart belongs to my Lily flower and no-one else.'
'See,' said Lily exasperatedly. Jess, Remus and Bree just laughed.
'Anyway Jess, where are you sleeping? Our dormitory doesn't have an extra bed in.' remarked Bree.
'Oh, McGonagall said I had to bunk with the guys cause there weren't any spare beds.'
'Sounds err, lovely.' Laughed Bree. 'Well you'll make a lot of enemies rather quickly from that lot' she indicated the group of girls who seemed to be dispersing as Jess saw Sirius and James stand up and stretch.
'Right then Prongs,' said Sirius, 'time for bed I think. Always leave them wanting more. You coming Moony? Wormtail?'
Jess looked round confusedly. Who were Prongs, Moony and Wormtail? Then her question was answered as James, Remus and Peter all voiced their agreement. James caught her confused glances.
'tell you later' he mouthed at her.
'Come on Jess, dormitory's this way' said Remus, leading her toward one of the spiral staircases. 'night girls.'
'Night Remus'
'Yeah see you tomorrow'
Jess waved goodnight at the girls as she was guided by Remus up the stairs. At the top of the stairs was a circular room with 5 beds in it. Each bed was a four poster with red hangings. James, Peter and Sirius were already lounging on three of the beds and Remus pointed to one of the beds before saying,
'That's yours over there.'
'What's she doing here?' asked Sirius. 'Don't tell me you've managed to pull already Remus!' He laughed easily.
Jess glared at him, 'no, I actually have to sleep up here, or did you not notice the extra trunk?'
'Alright alright, calm down darlin' was Sirius' reply.
'How come your staying in this dorm Jess?' asked James.
'Cause there aren't any spare beds in the girls dorms.'
'Oh right okay then, well welcome to the dorm I guess. Oh you should know, girls are allowed in the boys dorms but guys aren't allowed in the girls rooms.'
'Erm, okay' said Jess, not catching the relevance of that remark, 'so what was with the weird nicknames before?'
'What weird nicknames?' asked Sirius sharply.
'Moony, Prongs and Wormtail, I assume that's Remus, Peter and James but which is which and why?'
'It doesn't matter.' Said Sirius before any of the others could say anything.
There was an akward silence. Then Jess said,
'Okay well I'm gonna get changed. In a bit'
When they had all changed and brushed their teeth they settled into bed.
'Oh yeah, Jess do you play Quidditch?' asked James.
'Yeah I do a bit why?'
'Just cause there's trials soon, I thought you might want to try out. Me and Sirius are on the team. He's a beater and I'm seeker.'
'Yeah sounds alright. I like to play chaser, are there any spots open?'
'Yeah two of the chasers left last year so we need new blood' said Sirius.
'Cool well I guess I'll try out then.'
'I'll get Logan to put your name down.'
'Thanks. Night'
'Night Jess'
'Night Remus, Night Peter.'
'mmmm night'
'yeah see you tomorrow'
