'Mum, come look in the balcony!' I scream with joy, looking over the ledge.

Mum and I are at a private resort, and I mean private. It's away from all the Muggles, not that I mind them, of course. It's just sometimes easier to stay within a wizarding community. We're staying in this rather large mansion like hotel, and I could literally run around doing anything I want! Dad made sure we got as much privacy as possible. I think there's only one other family sharing this specific place with us.

What a place it is too! Through the balcony alone, I can witness the beautiful landscapes of Cuba! With its massive beaches, complete with the smoothest white sand and crystal clear water, and their mountainous scenery filled so many beautiful plants and flowers. All I want to do is run down and go jump in the water! I bet the Marauders would love this place. One of these days, we have to go on vacation together, even if it means we all have to sneak away from our parents and sign our own death warrants while we're at it. Well, I'm fairly sure, we'd all be safe... other that Sirius, of course.

'Mum, come see it already!' I say, louder.

'Jessica, don't worry, I heard you the first time.' My mum says, laughing at me.

She comes by my side and gazes down at the beautiful sight below us. I can tell she's pretty jetlagged and is probably humouring me for the time being. I'm so excited, I barely even remember that my dad's not here and that Sirius stole my Christmas gift.

'Mum, I want to go swimming! Can I go? Wanna come?' I ask, practically skipping around with excitement. 'I want to jump off the balcony and dive in!'

'Well I don't know about that, but you can certainly go swimming.' She says, shaking her head in amusement. 'Just pick up your key at the front desk.'

'You're not coming?' I ask, with a slight pout.

'Perhaps tomorrow, Sweetheart. I'm not as young as you, I certainly don't have your energy.' She replies. 'But you go and enjoy yourself. Try not to bother the other family!'

'Yeah right, they better not bug me!' I say, defensively.

My mum shakes her head at me once more as I race back into my room. I don't thinks she's even surprised when she walks in to see that I'm already prepared to go for a swim. I've got my sunglasses, my sunscreen, my bathing suit underneath my dress, a little wrap to go with my bathing suit, and everything I could possibly need to go swimming! It's all in my bag and I'll fully prepared to leave, as I put my sandals on.

'I never got to mention how much I like your necklace, Jess.' My mom comments. 'It looks expensive, don't tell me one of the boys gave it to you?'

I shake my head. 'No, it was Lily. Don't worry about it anyways, cause it's not real. Though it sure looks like it, doesn't it?'

This feels weird. I never lie to my mom. I mean I never really had to. I better get out of here before she begins to realize that I'm lying.

'I'll see you for dinner!' I call to my mum as I leave the room.

I race down to the front desk, all too eager to get my key. I should've gotten it when I arrived... but I kind of dashed straight to my room in excitement. My mum found it rather hilarious, but truth be told, I'm kind of embarrassed. I stood outside my door with no way of accessing it until my mum came up with her key!

When I arrive at the front desk, I see a young man arguing with some people at the desk.

'I don't see why I should have to share my suite with another family!' The man says, indignant. 'I don't care how much money they have! Little brats running around everywhere... this is supposed to be a vacation!'

'Sir, this is a massive landmark and we do not give away the entire space to one family. You'll find no resort here that does that.' One man at the desk replies, brusquely. 'I can assure you that the other family is quite friendly and they won't cause you any problems.'

'And who is this bloody family?' The man barks. 'Some worthless Halfblooded family who just happened to become lucky enough to get a high income, one they don't deserve?'

Oh Lord, he's one of those people. I've just witness a Slytherin-like fanatic in Cuba. Great, even on vacation, prejudice follows me around.

'We're not required to give you that information.' The lady says, now paling with annoyance. 'If you have a problem with the arrangements, Sir, you're free to leave. I can assure you, a suite like yours can be booked within minutes.'

'What's the family's name?' The man asks, threateningly.

'It's Davidson.' I say icily, as I step forward.

I don't turn to look at the man yet, but smile kindly at the people at the desk, who look relieved to see that I interrupted.

'Hi, I'm Jessica Davidson. I'm sure you remember me as the girl who ran up to her room without thinking about getting her access key.' I say, rather sheepishly. 'I'm going for a swim now and I'd really like it if I can get into my room when I come back.'

The people at the front look majorly ecstatic to be dealing with me rather than the annoying idiot next to me. The lady hands me the key and wishes me a nice day.

'Get used to it, I plan to make the most of this resort.' I tell the man beside me. 'If you and your lovely Pureblood family don't like it, you can leave, as they've mentioned.'

The man in front of me observes me as I observe him. He's a tall man, with a light complexion, bright blue eyes and dark hair. If I didn't know what a prejudicial man he was, I'd probably think he was quite handsome. Though, I have to admit, I'm surprised not to see a scowl on his face. He looks rather intrigued by me, in fact.

'Jessica...Davidson.' He repeats, rather slowly.

'Pleased to meet you!' I say, in a falsely cheerful voice.

He smiles kindly at me, which actually leaves me stunned.

'I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression. This trip has exhausted me and I was misinformed into thinking I had this place to myself.' He says, smoothly. 'I have no qualms in sharing it with your family, as I hear you're such friendly people.'

'Ah, so you're not an evil, prejudiced arse?' I ask, grinning.

He looks slightly taken back by my language, but hides it well. I try not to laugh at this. Sometimes I forget to act more polite when I meet people for the first time. I tend to mess up my first meeting with anyone. While it's a trait that the Marauders love in me... mostly because I make a fool of myself, I know it's a rather awful one to have. I can never make a good first impression. Unless you could Malfoy, though I'm not sure whether the incident at the ball would be called a first impression. I have met him before, though not officially, I guess.

'Well, enjoy your vacation.' He says to me.

'You too, um...' I trail off.

'Rick.' He says, smiling. 'Just call me Rick.'

I return his smile and happily make my way outdoors. This Rick guy doesn't seem too bad, I think my mum would really like him. I mean, they have a lot on common after all. Both are jetlagged and too tired to enjoy the fresh, beautiful paradise that is Cuba.

'You're not going to tan no matter how long you stay out in the sun.' Rick says, taking his seat in the beach chair beside me. 'You've been at it for hours.'

'You know, normally I'd be offended to find out that a stranger is watching me so closely.' I tell him, as shift my body to look at him.

Rick smirks at me. 'Don't get the wrong idea. I am married, after all.'

'Don't flatter yourself.' I laugh, as I sit up. 'But no way are you married. You must only be a few years older than I am. Early twenties at the most!'

'Actually, I think I may closer to three times your age.' Rick says, casually. 'I'm thirty seven, while you are surely just a child.'

'A bit more than thirteen and a half.' I tell him, frowning. 'Are you sure you're that old?'

'That's not very old. Certainly not by wizarding standards.' Rick tells me. 'Great thing, being a wizard, isn't it? You look young for quite a long time, much longer than the Muggles do.'

'Well too old for me.' I say, shrugging my shoulder. 'Want to go for a swim?'

'I've mentioned that I'm married.' Rick says, frowning at me.

'Well I thought you were joking. Relax, I don't go after taken men and once again, do not flatter yourself.' I say, rolling my eyes. 'You're not exactly my type, no matter how handsome you may be.'

'Early twenties is a bit old for a thirteen year old, don't you think?' Rick asks me.

Grownups can be such a hassle. He's so judging me! I can see it in his eyes that he thinks I'm some spoiled brat who runs around doing whatever she wants. I wonder if he has kids... and a daughter. Maybe that's why he's so disapproving of how I act.

'Older men are more experienced.' I say, simply. 'They're more mature, whereas boys my age can be rather... childish.'

'Aren't you too young to be thinking of boys?' Rick asks me. 'Surely your mother doesn't allow you to go gallivanting around with them?'

I burst out laughing at this and he scowls slightly.

'I prefer the company of boys.' I say, once my laughter dies out. 'My mum, she's just... the best. She's the most trusting and understanding mother out there. She gets that I need my freedom and the ability to make my own choices and mistakes.'

'She doesn't sound like much of a mother.' Rick says, narrowing his eyes in displeasure.

'You know, sometimes I really can't tell if I enjoy your company or if I want to drown you in the water.' I say, getting up. 'I'm going for a swim and you can sit there and judge all you want!'

He doesn't reply me but continues to watch me with judging eyes all the same. I don't really mind, he's a grown up, after all. I get that most adults don't understand the way kids behave. It's just unfortunate for him that I'm brutally honest and speak my mind. I still think that if he and my mum met they would get along very well. Oh well, there's time for that later. For now, all I want to do is enjoy the cool refreshing water of the beach.

I've got to say, swimming has got to be one of my favourite hobbies. Mr. Judgemental over there would probably relax more if he took a dip in the water. Of course, when he first started to get it, he stopped as he saw me, not to give me privacy, but to complain that my bathing suit is too skimpy. If he has a daughter, then I sure feel sorry for her.

'Why'd you come to a resort if you didn't want to swim?' I ask, leaning over the edge of the pool.

'I didn't want to get in the way of a certain shameless thirteen year old girl.' Rick replies.

He smiles though, very affectionately at me. Well, at least he likes me. When I first got here, I was kind of imagining a mini war. I'm sure as hell grateful that we actually get along. He's quite clever and intelligent and when he isn't chastising me for something, he can be pretty cool. I blame parenting, it just naturally makes some people very overbearing.

'I haven't met your family though. Don't they like to swim?' I ask.

'I haven't met yours either.' Rick says, in return.

'It's just my mum and me. My dad was supposed to come, but he's busy with the Ministry back in England.' I reply. 'Where are you from, anyways?'

He pauses for a few seconds, looking slightly angry. Did I say something wrong? Does he not like England or something? He looks as if he wants to start screaming at me. His fingers are curled over the edge of his seat so tightly that his hands are shaking a little.

'I'm from the Netherlands.' He says, coldly. 'I hear there's a war going on in England. Very sad business... but it's good to hear your father is helping your Ministry. I hope his noble blood runs in your veins.'

I laugh at this. 'Not likely, he's actually my stepdad. I hope my mum's blood runs in my veins rather that of my worthless excuse of a father.

'Speaking as a father myself, I'd be severely angered to hear my daughter speak about me in such a way.' He says, not bothering to hide his discontent.

'Well speaking as the daughter of a formerly battered mother, I think I have every right to talk about him in such a way.' I say, casually. 'He was a pathetic being and a coward for harming his wife, especially when she could do nothing to defend herself. I'm glad he's rotting in the ground.'

'Rotting in the ground... You know, Wizarding bodies tend to stay preserved in their coffins.' Rick says, smoothly.

I almost laugh at his ridiculous reply. I mean, of all things to say. I don't think I'll ever understand this guy. He reminds me greatly of Malfoy. Easily angered, but pretends not to show it; too grown up to engage simple activities; always judgemental of those around him, while having that smug look of superiority etched on his face; confusing to no end and very condescending.

If he had grey eyes and white blonde hair, I might actually believe him to be a relative of Malfoy's. Though, perhaps he is, even without his distinct features. I mean, I hear it from Sirius all the time that the Purebloods are all interrelated.

'Do you know the Malfoys?' I blurt out.

'They're a Wizarding family in England.' Rick says simply. 'Why?'

'Are you related to them?' I ask quickly.

'Perhaps very distantly.' Rick answers. 'Why?'

'I know a Malfoy who goes to my school. He's so bloody irritating and you actually remind me of him.' I say, casually. 'Him and those Slytherins.'

Rick suddenly looks inhuman. I almost think he wants to strangle me or something.

'You're not in Slytherin?' Rick asks.

'Oh GOD NO!' I exclaim, laughing my head off.

I step out of the pool and pull out my towel to wrap around me. I find it odd that he would think I'm in Slytherin. I certainly hope I don't give off that impression everywhere I go! That's quite an awful insult.

'Ravenclaw?' Rick asks, in a strange voice. 'You seem very intelligent.'

'Nope. Gryffindor!' I say, cheerfully. 'Where dwell the brave at heart.'

James certainly rubbed off of me. I swear it's his favourite phrase! It must sound lame to others to voice Gryffindor's slogan after saying his name.

You alright, Rick?' I ask, concerned. 'You look kind of sick.'

'No, I think I've had enough fresh air.' Rick replies, abruptly getting up from his chair. 'I think I'll head inside.'

'I hope you feel better.' I say, with a frown.

'Not likely.' He says, harshly.

I watch him leave, leaving me more confused than ever. He seems like a Pureblood fanatic to me. He knows the Malfoys, which isn't normally strange, except the fact that he's from the Netherlands, he clearly holds Purebloods on a higher pedestal than other beings, he seems to detest Gryffindor and praise Slytherin, and he thinks my behaviour is abhorrent. Yup, it's sounds like I got a fanatic on my hands. Maybe it's best that I don't introduce him to my mother. After all, why ruin such a good vacation?

'You sure I'm allowed here?'

'Oh yes, definitely.' I say, leading a boy I met, Carlos, near my favourite spot by the beach. 'I'm allowed to bring guests here, as long as they're wizards or witches, of course.'

'You English witches are very pretty.' Carlos says, in his amazing Spanish accent.

He seems to rather enjoy my English accent too. This is amazing, I mean, what's better than a little holiday fling? I can have something interesting to tell the boys when I go back. I can't wait to tell them all about my adventures with my new Cuban friend. I can already imagine the looks on their faces!

I lead Carlos up against a ledge, my body barely inches away from him. He's close to my age, probably about a year older. He kisses much differently than any other guy I've ever kissed. I can feel butterflies in my stomach. So passionate and exciting. I'm going to have to jump into the pool after this.

The world seems to disappear as I'm engulfed in Carlos's kisses. My eyes are closed and I can't hear anything except my heart thumping in my ears.

I scream suddenly though, as Carlos is pulled away from me.

Rick stands in front of us both, towering us like an angry giant. I scream again as he raises his fists and punches Carlos repeatedly. He yells angrily at Carlos, in another language I don't understand, before throwing him to the ground. Blood drips from his nose and he scrambles away from us in seconds.

Oh god, I don't have my wand, I don't have my wand. I left it in my room!

Rick turns to face me, unimaginable rage etched on his face. I forget to breathe as he stares at me and I brace myself to be the next person to be attacked. He raises his hand, as if to strike me, but forces himself, eventually, to calm down.

'My mum would kill you if you ever hurt me!' I threaten. 'My dad will murder you on the spot if lay one finger on me!'

'I'm not scared of your parents.' He says, viciously. 'Take me to your mother. I need to have a word with her about her daughter's behaviour. Running around, throwing yourself at boys! Have you no respect for yourself!'

He pulls me along with him, rather gently, as he starts to make his way back into the hotel. I don't protest or try to run away because I know that once my mum sees what's going on, she'll curse him into oblivion. Stupid me for leaving my wand, stupid me for not figuring out what a psycho this guy is!

'Take me to your mother's room!' He orders, pulling me in front of him.

I pick up my pace, desperate to get to my mum. I can't defend myself right now and this manic is really starting to get on my nerves. When I reach my mum's door, I begin to knock very loudly and rapidly.

'Mum, hurry, come quick!' I yell through the door. 'The other family here wants to complain about me!'

'Oh Jessica, what did you do?' My mum says, opening the door.

Her eyes widen in fear and suddenly, I'm scared out of my mind. My mum grabs my arm, not very carefully and I whimper slightly at the pain. She tries shutting the door in Rick's face but he barges in.

'Come on, Anastasia, you think a door will keep me out?' Rick asks, smiling at the both of us.

Mum begins to freak out. She grabs our passports and my wand, before trying to pull me into another room with her. Did he just call her Anastasia? I don't think I ever mentioned her name to him!

'Jessica, please, just hurry!' Mum yells, crazily.

Rick isn't even doing anything. He's just watching the two of us and I actually find myself looking to him for help. I've never seen my mum so out of control. She's screaming nonsense I don't understand, while grabbing everything in sight. I can hear her apologizing for pulling me so hard and screaming at Rick to stay away from us.

'Mum, what's wrong?' I ask, desperately.

'Anastasia, you're frightening Jessica.' Rick says, shaking his head. 'What kind of mother are you?'

Nicholas, you stay away from us!' My mum demands.

What the hell? Nicholas?

Nicholas.

Realization hits me so hard and everything else seems to fade in my mind. All I could do is stare at the man in front of me in puzzlement. Everything seems to become clear in seconds. It all makes sense. However, the man whom I thought was Rick, disappears from view as my mum pulls me in the washroom with her.

'Wear this robe and give me your consent!' she says, hysterically.

She wants me to apparate wearing nothing but my bathing suit and a bathrobe? I would have disagreed if she hadn't looked so utterly helpless. Quickly pulling the bathrobe over me, I grab hold of my mum's hand and give her my consent. It isn't long before I find myself at the Cuban airport, feeling sick to my stomach from the travel. Mum apparated us into some washroom stalls so the Muggles didn't notice. It's rather convenient too, cause I am going to be sick.

'Jessica, Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.' Mum says, over and over again.

I wash my face when I step out of the stall, paying no attention to Mum's apologies. She doesn't waste a second and as soon as I'm done washing my place, she pulls me out of the washroom and into a large line.

'We need two tickets to England immediately.' Mum demands.

The ticket salesperson looks at me bewildered but then again, so is everyone else. I have a bathrobe on for Merlin's sake. I look like a lunatic!And it isn't as if my mum looks sane, herself.

'Madam, are you in need of some assistance?' The man at the front asks.

'I just need two plane tickets to England.' My mum says, pulling out our passports. 'Please, I need to get back home to my husband in time for Christmas.'

Well, at least her lie is believable. I don't feel like standing around here, dressed like this anymore.

'Mum, give me some money. I need to find some clothes to wear.' I interrupt.

She looks at me, with tired eyes. I know I'm not being helpful right now, but what else can she expect after what just happened? I just want everyone to stop staring at me right now. I feel as if I'm going to lose control.

'Jessica, Sweetheart, please don't go off too far.' My mum pleads, before passing me some Muggle money.

God, I don't even know how Cuban Muggle money works. I only know how the currency works in pounds. But, I can't be picky right now. I'm half tempted to just run out of the airport and away from my mum. I can't even begin to express how angry and upset I am. It wouldn't do me any good to run away at this moment though. So, I suck it up, and start making my way, around the airport, looking for some kind of gift shop. Luckily for me, there seems to be one at every corner. Unluckily for me, all I can find are oversized t-shirts that says I love Cuba and cut off jean shorts. Well, I suppose it's better than wearing a bathrobe.

'How much?' I ask at the front.

I just put the money my mum gave me in front of him and he just smiles at me patronizingly. He takes some of the money and I make my way out of the shop. For all I know, that guy could've just ripped me off and taken more money than he was supposed to. At this point, however, I don't care and I don't think my mum would either.

I walk slowly back to my mum. Airports are always so hectic and normally, I don't actually mind them. More people means there's less of a chance of getting caught if I were to engage in any sort of mischief. Now though, it makes me feel so weary. I'm becoming as paranoid as my mum, looking around every corner for any sign of Nicholas. I don't see anything but restless parents, whining children, content couples enjoying their vacation, security patrolling the grounds, businessmen carrying their briefcases, and groups of teenagers laughing amongst themselves. No danger in sight and yet... I feel as if the world is going to end any second.

'Did you get the tickets Mum?' I ask, taking my seat on an airport chair.

I don't even look at her as I speak. I'd rather not speak to her at this moment. I don't think I could control my anger and I don't think she can pull herself together.

'They must've pitied me or something. We're going to be boarding any minute now.' She replies, stoically.

I nod, not knowing whether or not she was actually watching me. I don't think there's anything either of us could say right know to make the other feel better. Well, not unless we want to cause a scene at the airport. Another scene, that is.

It's funny, at Hogwarts, I couldn't wait for the holidays to start. Now, I just wish it was over. Spending the holidays at Hogwarts with Malfoy seems like a blessing. At that thought, I straighten up in my seat. Flashes of Malfoy races through my mind. One particular scene keeps reappearing, his voice echoing in my head.

And did you ever stop to think that when I called your mother a liar, I was trying to tell you something then too?

I nearly scream out in anger. Malfoy knew... all this time.

I barely snap out of my thoughts as my mum tells me it's time to get on the plane. I absentmindedly trail after her, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. My mum was lying all this time and Malfoy knew. He tried to warn me and I blew him off. I spent the last few days in the company of a man that my mum loathes, a man that I, myself, should loathe.

My head's spinning. What do I do now? What happens now?

These thoughts don't leave my mind, even for a second. Even when I'm seated on the plane, about to head back home. Is that just it? We run out of Cuba and hope for the best? I look to my mum now, staring at the women, who has probably been running away her whole life. Her, the woman, who I used to think was the bravest woman in the world. I always believed I got my strength from her, that I was brave and bold, because of her. Now, I swear, I can understand why she was in Slytherin. She deceived her own daughter, after all.

'Jessica, honey, I am so sorry.' My mum whispers almost inaudibly as the plane begins to take off.

'For what? Ruining my vacation, scaring me like that, forcing me to travel so far by apparation and making me sick, embarrassing me in public by not letting me wear any clothes?' I ask. 'Or for lying to me by telling me my father was dead?'

I don't let her reply and I turn to stare out the window of my plane seat. One thing's for sure, I'm never going back to Cuba ever again.