A/N:

This story is collaborative effort between me and my friend Jennifer (Gullofthesea). This story was her idea and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it.

All of the characters etc. belong to JK Rowling with the exceptions of Jenny Prewett and Alex MacCrimmon they belong to Gull of the sea

As Jenny walked back to the school the following morning she muttered to herself, "Never going to stop, stupid dreams. It's not like it's ever going to happen. Idiotic subconscious can't seem to realize it..."

"Talking to yerself now?" Alex stepped onto the path next to her.

"I have for ages," she blushed, "I think I get it from my mum, she's always talked to herself."

Alex chuckled, "It's alright, I do it myself from time to time." He looked at her appraisingly, "I think you might need a break from all this work, lass."

"Oh?" She tried to keep her voice neutral.

"You are awfully pale," his dark brows furrowed, "even for you."

"I'm just fine," She replied, quickening her stride.

"I think ye should let me take ye out tonight," he reached for her hand, making Jenny look up at him, "Please?" his blue eyes were sincere.

She remembered what Charlie had said and exhaled, "Alright, Alex, tonight."

His eyes widened, "Truly? Ye mean it?"

"Yes," She bit her lip, "I do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a class to prepare for." She walked up the steps of the brick building, her breathing coming too fast. Oh Merlin, what have I done?

"Professor Prewett," Headmaster Jackson called, "A word?"

"Yes, of course," she turned, "What can I do for you, sir?"

The South African towered above her, "I spoke to the Pottingers about Gwen and they gave permission for her to have tutoring in Muggle literature with you."

"Excellent!" Jenny smiled, "She's such a bright girl, I'm sure it will go beautifully."

"She will meet you in the library after classes twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays," his teeth gleamed against his dark skin.

"Thank you sir," she said.

"How is Gawain doing?" He asked. "His sister just had her first breeding season, lovely chicks."

"He's wonderful, as always, I can't thank you enough for the gift." She tossed her braid over her shoulder.

"Well, when Professor MacGonagall told me you had lost your owl... I felt it would make a lovely incentive gift to teach here." He hesitated over his phrasing. "I am so very glad you decided to stay."

She nodded, "So am I, I love it here. Honestly, I cannot imagine living anywhere else."

He seemed pleased, "Excellent, excellent. I was rather afraid you might have someone back in England you would want to return to."

"No," the word came out forced, "There is no one, except my Mum. But she is more than capable of taking care of herself."

His dark eyes studied her face, "Yes, of course. Your first session with Gwen is this afternoon, let me know how things progress."

"Yes, sir." Jenny agreed, "I will do so."

"Hello, Gwen," Jenny examined her pupil as she approached the table. Same dark eyes as her sister, she thought, but much more hesitant. Just as gorgeous though, that family has some amazing genes.

"Hello, Professor Prewett," the dark-haired witch replied, "Thank you so much for getting my parents to let me do this."

"Have a seat, please," she motioned toward the chair across from herself, "I did nothing, it was all the Headmaster."

"I am sure that you helped," Gwen smiled, "You always seem to."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence," Jenny felt herself grin, "Now, I thought we would open with a little Shakespeare." She handed her pupil a copy of Romeo & Juliet, "Have you read it before?"

"No," she shook her head, "Although I've read some of the sonnets..."
Jenny's grin faltered, "Yes, the sonnets are incredible, we will discuss those a bit later. Let us begin in fair Verona..."

Jenny stared in the mirror that evening as she attempted to pile her heavy auburn waves into an up do. Harry preferred it down, the unwanted thought stabbed like a knife. Is that why I'm putting it up instead? She sat down at the vanity and buried her face in her hands, I don't know if I can do this. I'm just not ready, it hurts too much still. She shook herself determinedly, I am a big girl. I can and WILL do this. She frowned at her trembling hand as she attempted to apply eyeliner, finally it steadied. She had gone for muggle antiques in her bedroom, not having any desire for furniture that talked. Her reflection finally satisfied her and she opened her bauble box to find a necklace to wear, unwillingly her fingers clasped around the charm bracelet Harry had gotten her for her sixteenth birthday. She stroked the little charms remembering...

"It's beautiful!" She gasped in delight, "Help me put it on?""Of course," he smiled, "Don't you want to know what the charms are for?"She nodded eagerly as he put it on her wrist, "What are they for?""The book, of course, represents the library. Where we spend so much time studying," his green eyes sparkled, "The snitch is for me and the tiger lily is for you... because you're both beautiful and fierce."
"And the heart?" She asked playfully."That is to remind you that I love you," his expression was intense as he leaned forward and kissed her sweetly.

She quickly put the bracelet back in the box and shut the lid. Perhaps it would be better to wear no jewelry after all.

Alex inhaled sharply when he saw Jenny, "Och, lass, yer lovely."

She smiled, "Thank you. Where are we going?"

He grinned mischievously, "That, m'dear, is a surprise."

She raised an eyebrow suspiciously, "Hm, alright. How are we getting there?"

"Broom, of course," he nodded at his leaning against the side of the house, "Shall we go?

"Together?" she swallowed hard, "on one broom?"

He looked at her oddly, "Yes, otherwise it wouldna be much of a surprise, would it?"

"Yes, yes, of course," she whispered, trying to smile.

"Is something wrong, Jenny?" he brushed her hair out of her eyes gently, "Did ye change yer mind?"

She shook her head, "No, nothing is wrong. Let's go."

He walked down the steps and got on his broom, then held out his hand, "Ready?"

Her heart thudded in her chest as her mind threatened to overwhelm her with memories. She shook her head sharply, "Yes." She took his hand firmly, mounting behind him.

"Here we go, then." Alex kicked off forcefully.

Jenny felt the tears come as she lost her struggle:

"Have you ever ridden with someone else?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," she nodded, "It's been a while though, I'm more than capable of riding on my own. It is a shame they don't let us first years have our own brooms."

"Well, let's see how you like flying with me," he sat on his broom and held out his hand.

She took it firmly, "You had better be as good as they say, Harry."

He grinned at her, "I'm not too bad."

She laughed and sat behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, "Ready."

"Hang on," he murmured as he kicked off.

Why won't you leave me alone? she moaned internally. You chose them, Harry, leave me in peace. Her heart ached, but she forced herself to focus. They were finally descending, "Where are we?" she asked quietly.

"Listen," he whispered.

She tilted her head and gasped, "Selkies? Here?"

"Aye," he nodded as she slipped off, "Mermaids too. They love to sing at twilight here, I asked them if I could bring ye."

"You speak Mermish?" She stared at him in fascination, "I thought I was the only one odd enough to learn it."

He winked rakishly at her, "Well, we Scots have a predisposition fer it I swear."

"I'm only half though," She protested laughing as they walked down to the beach, casting warming spells on their cloaks. At the bottom of the path was a little picnic on some rocks, bewitched candles and all, "Oh Alex! It's beautiful." She stared out at the rocks beyond on which mermaids and selkies played and sang.

He helped her sit down, "I thought ye would approve. Now lass, tell me, where did you learn Mermish?"