Wow... This story was started 5 years ago? That almost sounds too unreal! But the world is a crazy place, and during crazy times... We might as well get creative, right? Enjoy :)


The Dream

Harry's thoughts were racing through his mind all morning. He hadn't managed to get much sleep since arriving back at Hogwarts, and since his unfortunate conversation with Jessica in the early hours of the morning. However, what really got his mind going, was the fact that he hadn't managed to contain himself. He saw Ron's eyes widen, and he heard Ron loud and clear when he told him to stop talking, but he carried on.

He hadn't intended to.

But now it was only a matter of time before the entire school knew of the one secret Jessica wanted to keep between friends.

Harry had returned to Gryffindor tower, still in a foul mood. Ron was snoring, rather peacefully, on the sofa when Harry arrived. It was the sound of the door opening that startled him awake. Not long after, Neville and Seamus came downstairs.

That's when he did it.

Neville had asked Harry if they were going to be able to meet with the DA before Christmas break, and Harry snapped back at him. Seamus, obviously, muttered something about Harry being in a foul mood. Harry snapped again, only this time he managed to add Jessica into the story.

It escaped him even before he knew it.

Ron sat up, fast. "Harry-"

But Harry continued on.

"Hang on, what you sayin', Potter?" Seamus asked.

And Harry told him.

"She's the Heir?" Came Fred's voice from the staircase, who was closely followed by George and Melody.

"But she can't be." Melody said, worriedly.

"You're sayin' that Jessica Selwyn, a Gryffindor, is the Heir of Slytherin?" Seamus asked again.

"I knew it!" Lavender gasped.

Harry heard Ron groan.

And now, as he walked across the many corridors, all he could hear were the agitated whispers of several students. Some were going as far as pointing and staring as Harry walked passed. In the distance, he saw Hermione. She was rushing to him. But as she got closer, he noticed the angered look on her face. He was dead this time.

"How could you do this?!" Hermione hissed. "Do you realise the situation you've put her in? The moment she comes back to class, or even steps outside the room-"

"Hermione, I know. I'm sorry." Harry said, defeated.

"You're sorry?!" Hermione scoffed. "Well, I'm sure everything will be fine then, won't it Harry? All because you've said you're sorry." Harry went to apologise again, but Hermione held a hand up to his face. "I'm going to make sure she's okay, because she's just lost her father. Out of all of us, I expected you to be the one to understand."

It hit him hard. And knew he'd messed up.

x.x

Jessica was sat, cross-legged on her bed, when Hermione walked into the room. On her lap was a small box.

"You missed quite an interesting lesson on Thestrals today." Hermione said, with a small smile. "Apparently, Hogwarts has a whole herd of them. Naturally, Hagrid is taking care of them."

"I bet that caused a lot of conversation. Who was the first to point out that they're meant to be a bad omen?" Jessica said, a small smirk forming on her face. The fact that she had spoken at all seemed to surprise Hermione.

"Oh... Well, it was Parvati." Hermione said, after a long pause. "Had to be one or the other."

"Obviously." Jessica smirked. Jessica set the box aside and got up from the bed. Hermione watched her, curiously. "Do me a favour?"

"Sure..."

"Tell Harry it's fine." Jessica said.

"What do you-"

"Did you really think Lavender wouldn't run up and confront me about it? If she's going to spread gossip, it has to be worthy." Jessica snorted. "And I'm passed the point of caring."

"Jess-"

"No, really, I am." Jessica smiled - and it seemed sincere. "Besides, it's great. Now everyone is terrified of me, and maybe, they'll just leave me alone. Or, even better, they'll be so afraid, that parents will send letters, telling Dumbledore to get rid of me for good. That way I don't really have to bother coming up with an excuse to leave this place."

"Jessica, leaving won't help." Hermione said, concerned.

"Staying is only making things worse." Jessica frowned again. She began making her way to the bathroom. "I'm done, Hermione. I want my OWLs, and I want out. I'm done."

Hermione would've protested, but the sound of the door slamming shut was a large indicator that this conversation was on pause until further notice.

x.x

The days continued on at Hogwarts, each one colder than the next. The students were ecstatic counting down the days until the Christmas holidays. It was on the last day before the holidays began, that Jessica actually felt like showing her face in a lesson. She had been attending small amounts of private lessons with some of the teachers, and she had been given a very small amount of homework - which, contrary to everyone's beliefs, she enjoyed having something to keep her occupied. The other students were surprised when she walked into Professor Flitwick's classroom, without uttering a word, and took a seat next to Harry. Professor Flitwick smiled at her, but was gracious enough not to make a scene over it. Draco glanced over at her direction and gave her the smallest of smiles - one that no one would have noticed.

"Right, class, let's all pair up and we can get started!" Professor Flitwick chimed.

"Did you..." Harry began, but stopped himself, unsure if Jessica was ready to speak to him. He watched as she carefully placed her books and quills on the desk in front of her.

"It's the thirteenth chapter today, isn't it?" Jessica asked, without looking up from her book.

"Yeah..." Harry said, not taking his eyes off her.

"Partner?" Jessica asked, tilting her head slightly to face him.

In that single moment, Harry thought about the Jessica he had met four years back. She was carefree, wild, insane, and always had a brilliant response at the tip of her tongue. He remembered how bright her brown eyes were. How they would sparkle with joy at almost anything. In just four years, she had seen her entire family fall apart. She had more than her share of humiliation due to The Daily Prophet. She had loved and lost with Cedric Diggory. Harry couldn't help but wonder if the previous sparkle would ever return to her eyes.

"Harry?" Jessica asked, again.

"Yeah, sorry." Harry said, shaking his head. When Jessica looked at him worriedly, he turned back to her and smiled. "Yeah, partner. Always."

Jessica took her time gathering her things after Flitwick's lesson. She managed to get Harry, Ron and Hermione to head on without her, claiming she had to speak to Professor Flitwick first. She sat and organised her items into her bag, quietly, as her friends left the room, each one of them sparing her a glance on the way out. Draco too had given his friends a very random excuse and was quick to avoid their questioning.

"See you at dinner!" Professor Flitwick told the pair, before heading out of the class.

Draco watched as the Professor left the room, and silently counted to five before getting up and walking over to Jessica's desk.

"How are you?"

"Let's go somewhere." Jessica said, suddenly. Draco raised an eyebrow at her. "Now. Let's go somewhere. Anywhere. Just us."

"The kitchens?" Draco wondered.

"No. No... Just somewhere. Out of here. Me and you." Jessica slowly leaned over her desk and grabbed hold of Draco's tie. "Somewhere quiet." She whispered, which made Draco swallow hard.

"Jess..." Jessica placed a soft kiss on Draco's lips, her hand still gripped onto his tie, forcing him forwards. "We do have class..."

"And?" Jessica challenged. Draco found himself staring down at Jessica's lips. Jessica placed another kiss on his lips, before kissing up his jaw. "We could do whatever you want."

Draco took hold of Jessica's hand and managed to remove her grip from his tie. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her hand, before moving it down to her side. Before Jessica could react to this, Draco placed both his hands on her face, forcing her to look up at him.

"I know what you're doing and it's not going to work. As much as there are many things I'd enjoy doing with you, I'm not going to let you keep pushing away what you're feeling." Draco said, somewhat sternly.

"I'm not-"

"The only way you're going to be able to move forward from this is by allowing yourself to feel it. No matter how painful it is." Draco said. "But I'm here, Jess, you're not going through any of this alone."

Draco placed a kiss on her forehead, before adjusting his bag and heading out the room.

x.x

It was the last DA meeting before the Christmas holidays. Jessica had been reminded of this meeting at least fifty times by all three of her friends, who refused to allow her to miss out on it. Jessica, however, was certain her presence was not going to be welcomed by the other students. Still, she pulled herself up from her bed, got dressed, and headed downstairs to the common room.

There weren't many students around, seeing as it was a Saturday, and there had been a rumour going round about a school-wide snowball war. As Jessica reached the entrance, she was met with a very cold-looking Ginny Weasley.

"Oh, Jess, hi..." Ginny said, somewhat uneasily.

"Hi... You look cold." Jessica stated.

"Oh, yeah, Quidditch tryouts!" Ginny beamed. "I'm the new Seeker!"

"Wow..." Jessica blinked several times before composing herself once again. "I mean, congratulations! You must've been awesome out there."

"Don't want to toot my own horn, but yeah, I guess I was!" Ginny grinned. "Hope Harry doesn't mind."

"Not much he can do I suppose." Jessica shrugged.

"True..." Ginny nodded.

"Anyway, I best be off..." Jessica said, with a small wave.

"Hey, Jess-" Ginny began, making Jessica spin round at the entrance. "Listen, it doesn't change who you are, no matter what everyone else thinks. Just thought you should know. The others... They'll get over it."

Ginny chose to head on upstairs immediately after, leaving Jessica frozen on the spot, by the entrance. She would've remained there too, if it hadn't been for the portrait of the Fat Lady grumbling at her to make her mind up. Jessica came back to reality and exited the common room.

x.x

The loud clicking of Elena's heels could be heard from miles away. She was approaching fast, determined to get things done, as usual. Marcus Flint rubbed his forehead at the thought of what Elena could possibly want from him this time.

"You..." Elena practically growled, as she rushed towards him.

It was sudden, and very loud, but as Elena got close enough, her hand raised and connected with Flint's cheek. He stared at her, nostrils flared and hand gripped to his face, in utter disbelief.

"I wonder, how on Earth did they find him so fast?" Elena bellowed.

"They're smart, they obviously figured it out." Flint said, through gritted teeth.

"Or you are helping them!" Elena's voice lowered this time. "If you think, even for a moment, that you can double cross me, Marcus, then you are a fool."

"I'm not double crossing you, Elena-"

"You told them where to find his body!" Elena's voice raised once again.

"He was their father!" Flint hissed, louder than he had initially intended to. "He was their father, Elena, and I thought seeing him would make them suffer more."

"Oh, please." Elena scoffed. "You wanted them to have closure, because you're feeling guilty."

"I didn't sign up for this-"

"Do I need to remind you of the trouble your family has caused?" Elena spat. "You will do as I say, Marcus, at all times. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Flint muttered. He watched, still angered, as Elena spun round on her heels and rushed out of the room.

x.x

HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS!

Those were the words that Jessica was met with as she entered the Room of Requirement. In the middle of the room, struggling with all the tinsel, was Harry. He seemed desperate to remove all the oddly placed decorations.

"Dobby?" Jessica asked, startling Harry from his pile of tinsel and making him trip over a box of baubles. Jessica dashed over at the sound of his body connecting to the hard floor.

"Thanks." Harry said, as he accepted the hand Jessica had held out for him. "Glad you made it."

"Thought I wouldn't hear the end of it, otherwise." Jessica said.

"Got a few things planned for today." Harry said, turning his attention up to the banner hanging from the ceiling. "Once I get all this down that is."

"I think it's cute." Jessica said, teasingly.

"Yeah, well, there's only so much embarrassment one can take." Harry said, rolling his eyes.

"He means well." Jessica said, as she picked up the box that Harry had tripped over, and placed the fallen baubles back in.

"Listen, I am sorry... About all of it." Harry said, concerned.

"Harry-"

"I spoke out of turn. I was horrible to you and I honestly don't give a crap about you being the Heir-"

"Harry, it's okay, really-"

"I just want you to be safe, and-"

"Harry!" Jessica was now stood, holding onto Harry's arms. "It's okay."

"It's not." Harry said, looking down. "I... I don't know what came over me."

"You were probably tired... It's been a long couple of weeks for all of us." Jessica said. "And, honestly Harry, it's fine... So, please don't keep this in your head, okay? Let's just try and make the most of what we have now... Because... Because, well, we don't know what's going to happen..."

Harry wiped the lone tear that fell down Jessica's cheek.

"Jess-"

Before Harry could continue, Jessica wrapped her arms around his shoulders, clutching onto him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. Harry, although taken aback, wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her firmly pressed against his chest. He ran a hand through her hair, in an attempt to calm her.

Harry wasn't sure if it was in his head, but he heard a twinkling noise from above. He ignored it once, twice, but on the third twinkle, he knew it wasn't in his head, because Jessica pulled away from him to look up too.

Above them, still fully taking form, and twinkling with every new berry that appeared, they saw a floating mistletoe. Both stared at it for what seemed like forever, until Jessica took a step back, clearing her throat.

"Sorry... It's just... That would be... Weird... Right?" Jessica said, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Uh..." Harry, who had still been staring up at the mistletoe, shook his head and attempted to act calm and collected. "Yeah, I mean, yeah..." Harry shrugged, more than once. "Yeah, totally would be, yeah..."

"Yeah..." Jessica said, glancing back at the mistletoe, and then at Harry.

"Good thing too." Luna Lovegood's voice echoed throughout the room, startling both Harry and Jessica. "It's probably filled with Nargles."

Neither got the chance to ask Luna what she had meant, as the other's began to arrive. Angelina, Katie and Alicia all looked breathless and cold as they walked in, eagerly chatting about their newly formed Quidditch team. Angelina spared Harry a small smile as Alicia spoke about Ginny becoming the Seeker.

Ron, Hermione and Neville arrived together, and Hermione almost squealed when she saw that Jessica was already there. Hermione had ran over to Jessica and embraced her, almost knocking her to the ground.

"I still need to breathe, Mione." Jessica said, somewhat amused.

"I'm just happy to see you somewhere other than our room." Hermione grinned. "And... Well, you look better too... Which, it's... It's good."

"Thanks." Jessica said, with a small smile.

As the other's began filing in, Jessica attempted to keep herself calm. Although no one seemed to address her directly, Zack Smith would not stop glaring at her as Harry got everyone to gather round.

"I thought this evening we should just go over the things we've done so far, because it's the last meeting before the holidays and there's no point in starting anything new right before a three week break, and-"

"So, nothing new then?" Zack said, disgruntled. "If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered."

"We're all really sorry that Harry didn't tell you then." Fred said, earning a few giggles around the room.

"So, we'll practice in pairs... We'll start with the Impediment Jinx-"

"Shouldn't the Heir of Slytherin be in the dungeons or something?" Zack said, with a smug look on his face.

"We're going to practice..." Harry continued, though this time through gritted teeth. "For about ten minutes. Pair off... Zack, a word?"

The others began forming their pairs and finding different areas of the room to work in.

"Harry... Just leave it..." Jessica whispered, as she watched Zack smirking at her. She clutched onto the sleeve of her jumper, hoping it would keep her calm.

"I'm sorry if I seem a little harsh, Potter, but I'm not particularly comfortable with someone like her being in these lessons anymore." Zack said.

"I'm sorry you feel that way." Harry said, rolling his eyes. "If it bothers you that much, leave."

"You're putting your trust in someone that will inevitably betray you." Zack said, his usual smirk now turning into a darker expression.

Jessica felt as though her heart was going to explode out of her chest.

"You don't have the right to speak to her-"

It was like concrete walls were closing in on her heart.

"She's one of them, Potter, open your eyes-"

It was quite the struggle for her to breathe.

"I'm going to ask you, one last time-"

Lack of oxygen was beginning to result in dizziness.

"You keep teaching her all these tricks, she'll just use it against you-"

"Just... Stop..." Jessica's voice was barely a whisper, but it got the attention of both boys, especially as she turned and headed straight for the exit.

"You're a fool-"

"Just shut it, alright?" Harry said, angrily. "You don't know her, you don't know what she's really like, or what she's been through. You know what you read and the rumours that spread."

"Aren't you the one that told everyone about her being the Heir in the first place?" Zack said, smirking again, making Harry want to wipe the smirk right off his face.

"And that's my burden to bare." Harry said, bitterly. "Get to work, or get back to your room. I don't care which you choose. Just leave her alone."

x.x

Jessica was sat at the top of the hill, looking out at the Whomping Willow. She was convulsing due to the freezing temperatures, and having no coat, and only a pair of flats for shoes. However, she couldn't bring herself to care. She would rather focus on shivering than listening to Zack Smith.

"Merlin, Jess, do you have a death wish?" She felt something warm drape over her, as Draco, looking very warm in his winter outfit, sat down beside her. "Crabbe spotted you out here, came and told me."

Jessica now realised she was far too cold to speak, so instead, she just nodded. Draco sighed and wrapped his arms around her.

"You can't do this. Ever." Draco said, somewhat sternly. "I know you've got a lot to process at the moment, and I know it's tough. But if you get sick, it'll only make this worse. Much worse. Do you understand? You need to honour your dad, Jess, by being the great witch we all know you are."

Jessica nodded again.

"Come on, we're heading in, now." Draco said, standing up and forcing her up with him. Seeing as all her strength was going into shivering, Jessica couldn't argue. "Let's get you to Pomfrey and then someplace warm, yeah?"

The walk to the nurses wing was a quiet one, aside from the shivering sounds that Jessica could not control. Madame Pomfrey gasped and muttered several words under her breath as soon as they walked in. Draco sat Jessica down on one of the beds and wrapped her in several blankets.

"The things you do sometimes, Miss Selwyn!" Madame Pomfrey said, as she hustled about, getting something ready.

Jessica managed a small smile as Draco brushed her hair back.

"I'm sorry." Jessica said, quietly.

"Just come to me, or someone... We're here for you, throughout all of this. You're not alone, remember?" Draco said.

Madame Pomfrey had spared a glance at the pair, though neither one noticed.

...

Jessica, Hermione and Ron were sat together, in the rather empty common room, when Harry walked in. He spotted a couple of second year boys still up, seemingly doing homework.

"Took you long enough." Ron said, as Harry walked towards them.

Hermione looked up from the book she'd been reading. Jessica gave him a small smile, before returning her attention to a piece of parchment she had in her hands.

"What did Cho want with you anyway?" Ron asked.

"Oh..." Harry cleared his throat and tried his hardest not to blush. "She, er... Well..."

"You kissed." Hermione said, somewhat smugly. Ron immediately jumped up.

"Did you?" He asked, shocked.

"Well..."

"Merlin!" Ron gasped. He sat back down, slowly - the look of complete awe never leaving his face, which made Hermione roll her eyes at him. "How was it?"

"Ronald, please." Hermione said, though Harry seemed to ponder at the question.

"It was... Wet." Harry said. Ron made a noise which Harry assumed meant disgust, but he wasn't sure. "I mean... It's because she was crying."

"That bad, huh?" Jessica smirked, sparing Harry a glance. Harry smiled back and rolled his eyes.

"No..." Harry paused - he did in fact not know why Cho had been crying. "Actually, I don't know. Maybe I am?"

"Don't be silly, Harry, of course you're not." Hermione said, closing her book.

"And how would you know?" Ron asked, sharply.

"Because Cho spends half her time crying these days." Hermione paused and spared Jessica a quick glance. "Normally during lunch, she'll be in one of the loos... But really, she's all over the place."

"You'd think kissing would cheer her up." Ron said, nudging Harry.

"You are the most insensitive wart I have ever had the misfortune to meet!" Hermione spat. "Do you not understand how Cho's feeling at the moment?" When neither one of the boys replied, Hermione huffed. She did not notice Jessica rolling her eyes. "She is obviously very sad, because Cedric..." Hermione stopped herself.

"You can talk about him." Jessica said, now looking over at the fireplace.

"Well..." Hermione continued, cautiously. "She and Cedric were in fact rather close, and it affected the whole school. Naturally... She's just saddened by it all. Then I expect she's feeling confused, because now she's developed feelings for Harry. Then, of course, there's guilt. She probably thinks it's an insult to Cedric's memory to be kissing Harry."

"Not to mention all the gossiping that will be going round once the school finds out." Jessica added. "Although, what goes around..."

"Yes, but Jess, you of all people know what that feels like. You wouldn't wish it upon anyone." Hermione said.

"On Cho I might." Jessica replied, with a slight shrug.

"Remind me again why you don't like her?" Harry asked, curiously. Jessica opened her mouth to reply, but closed it immediately.

"You see!" Hermione said. "We need to be a united and strong force within this school if we are ever going to get the chance of fighting back against You-Know-Who. We cannot, by any means, be stuck in these petty school arguments. Making up with Cho is probably a good place to start."

Jessica did not reply to this. Instead, she remained focused on the fireplace. Hermione sighed and fell silent. Harry and Ron shared a look, before Ron decided to clear his throat.

"One person surely can't feel all that." Ron said. "They'd explode."

"Oh, just because you've got the emotional range of a teaspoon." Hermione spat.

There was a pause - Harry and Jessica both looked over at Hermione, equally amused at her little outburst. Ron stared at her, confused. Hermione looked around at all three, before a small smile formed on her face.

Before they knew it, all four burst into laughter.

It went on for a good couple of minutes, before one of the paintings told them off for being too loud. Ron and Hermione were both grabbing on their bellies, complaining about cramps from laughing too much.

Harry looked around at them - in that brief moment, it had felt as though everything was normal. They were four best friends, in school, no family problems, no impending danger - just kids, having a laugh.

"So, when's your first official date going to happen?" Jessica asked, intrigued.

"Haven't gotten that far ahead just yet." Harry said, somewhat nervously. "Besides, I'd rather let her figure things out and not have her crying on me during a date."

"Probably smart." Ron nodded.

The four fell into a comfortable silence soon after. The soft sounds in the room were only coming from the fireplace. The second years had headed up to bed at some point during their laughing fit. Hermione went back to reading, Ron and Harry were both fidgeting, and Jessica unfolded the piece of parchment that was in her hands and began reading it.

"I'm sorry." Jessica said, suddenly. Hermione closed her book and the boys sat up - they all looked confused and worried. "I'm sorry about everything. I don't think I've said it properly yet, but I am."

"Jess, we've been through this, it's alright." Hermione said, reassuringly.

"I made a list." Jessica said, placing the parchment onto the floor in front of her. "The basilisk, I told you about that, but I didn't tell you about understanding Parsletongue... Because I do. Sort of. I find it strange - I wouldn't know where to start if you asked me to just speak it."

"I think it comes naturally." Harry said, in Parsletongue, which made Ron jump up beside him. Jessica smiled at him.

"Don't do that!" Ron said, clutching his chest.

"The Boggart - Lupin's lesson... It was my mum. I saw a Death Eater at my house, the summer before our third year. Whoever it was, spoke to my mum. I didn't know what it meant at the time, but I knew it wasn't anything good." Jessica said.

"The secret door in your garden - that must be related to the Death Eaters." Harry said, suddenly.

"You said, your mum nearly lost it when she saw you near it." Hermione agreed.

"Whatever was behind that door, we won't find it now." Jessica said, solemnly. "Draco... He's been more helpful than you all think. My brother's asked a lot of him - a lot of spying on Mr. Malfoy has been involved. Draco would never openly join the Order - but, if you ask me, he's on our side."

"Still wouldn't risk it." Ron muttered, which Harry seemed to agree to.

"At the Quidditch world cup, I thought my mum was there. I was certain, actually. When Draco and Blaise told you they saved me, they weren't lying. Someone tried to attack - and that's why I was so certain it was her." Jessica pulled her knees to her chest and looked back at the fire. "She attacked Anna, and Josh... For some stupid reason, I kept telling myself she would never come for me. I was always the protected one in her eyes. She always kept me safe when I was younger. I know now that it was all a lie - she needed me safe, because I was the Heir."

"Jess..." Hermione placed a hand on Jessica's shoulder.

"Your brothers..." Jessica said, looking up at Ron. "Goodness, they saw right through me from the start. I wanted to ask them, badly, during the world cup, if they had seem my mum. I couldn't though, not without everyone realising what I knew. I thought that if you all knew, you would assume we were on her side, and everything would fall apart. They knew I was hiding something though. I could tell. I should have been honest... We could have avoided so much... And Cedric..."

"That's not on you." Ron said, suddenly. "Don't think that if... Look, your mum was going to end up in that cemetery one way or another. Didn't matter if we knew. We couldn't have stopped it."

"Just... Just don't keep things from us, Jess. We care about you, a lot, and we're always going to be here for you." Hermione said.

Jessica smiled. Hermione shuffled herself closer and gave her a hug.

"Oh, go on then." Ron said, standing up and walking over to the girls. He sat down, on the other side of Jessica and wrapped his arms around both.

"Just tell me one thing." Harry said. "And I'm not asking to start a fight. I just... I need to know." Jessica nodded at him. "Why Malfoy?"

Jessica looked at him confused. For a moment, she thought he knew about her kissing Draco - which she was certain would kick off a new argument.

"Why would you tell him, before telling us?" Harry continued.

"I never intended to." Jessica said, honestly. "But he found out, and he tried to irritate me with it. Until he realised what it meant if the information got into the wrong hands. Like I said, my brother's been asking a lot of him recently... He's not all bad, Harry. Not Draco... And, well, I know you don't like him much, but I have known him my entire life. I know everything about him, and as much as I hate to admit it, he knows me quite well too."

Ron seemed to frown slightly.

"But you let him in on it." Harry insisted.

"I needed someone, who would understand, and he was just there. It was easy to open up to him." Jessica said. "It's only easy because I know what he goes through at home. I know what his father expects from him."

"Yeah, like joining the Death Eaters." Harry said, his tone of voice already getting heated.

"There's more to it, Harry." Jessica said. "I love you. All of you." Jessica said, looking at each one of them. "But I need you to understand that Draco is, and always will be, a part of my life. He would jump through fire for me, and honestly, I would do the same for him."

"That's a really big bet on him, Jess." Harry said.

"And I would do it for you three too." Jessica added. Harry frowned and sat back.

"Right..." Hermione began, pulling herself up. "Bed?"

"Bed." Jessica nodded. Ron gave her one last tap on the back before she stood up. "Please don't let this play in your head, Harry."

Ron watched as the girls headed upstairs. He gave it a couple of minutes before speaking.

"Want to explain what that was about?" Ron asked.

"There's more to it." Harry said. "He's been with her a lot."

"Her dad's just died." Ron said.

"Yeah... And we're her best mates. But still, Malfoy keeps popping up." Harry said.

"Mate, maybe just accept it. Like she said, she's known him her whole life - that tends to mean something." Ron said.

"Yeah..." Harry said, unconvinced.

"Come on, mate, let's get to bed." Ron said.

...

Rain was thrashing down, creating large puddles on the ground. The large droplets could be seen crashing down onto the lake. Harry, drenched, looked out in pure disgust. Sat under a large umbrella, to keep themselves dry, he could see the silhouette of the couple. Jess and Draco. The thought of it alone made Harry burn with anger. How could she like someone like Draco Malfoy? What was he planning by getting so close to her? Nothing good, obviously - especially because he knew about her secrets.

"Harry!"

Harry turned as was met with a kiss from Cho. She pulled away, fast, somewhat shyly. Harry looked out at the couple again.

"Harry? Come on, focus on me for a change, please?" Cho begged. She placed her hands on his cheeks, turning his face towards her. "Why do you worry about her so much, Harry? She's a big girl. She can handle herself. Even if it's Malfoy. She can handle it."

Harry, unconvinced, turned to look at them again. They were kissing.

Disgust. Pure disgust is what he felt.

Harry released himself from Cho and walked off. He could hear her calling out to him, but her voice became fainter. He walked, and walked - and yet the castle seemed so far away. In fact, the more he walked, the more the entire area seemed to change.

Suddenly, Harry found himself no longer at Hogwarts. He also noticed he no longer was the same height - in fact, he didn't have a human body at all.

He felt smooth, flexible... He glided between metal bars, across dark cold stone. He realised then he was flat against the floor, sliding along on his belly. That's when he realised he was a snake. It was dark but he could see objects shimmering around him in strange and vibrant colours. As he slithered down a dark corridor he reached an opening - one which he'd seen in the distance. A man was sitting on a rocking chair ahead, his chin drooping on to his chest as he snored peacefully. Harry put out his tongue and tasted the man's scent in the air. He was alive, but drowsy. Harry had a sudden urge to bite the man, but he controlled it - he knew he had more important work to do.

Harry focused and went to leave - and he must have knocked onto something, because the man was suddenly on his feet. Harry saw the outline of the man, towering above him, and he realised he had no choice. In one swift movement, Harry's body rose from the floor and he struck the man once, twice, three times, his fangs sinking deeply into the man's flesh. The screams echoed throughout the room, which only encouraged Harry's attacks.

The man, now gushing out blood from his ribs, was yelling in pain. Then, in a matter of seconds, he fell silent. He slumped back against the wall, blood splattering onto the floor. Harry slithered closer, curiously.

He grew taller suddenly, his body no longer smooth and limbless.

Footsteps.

Harry turned at the sounds of footsteps. A dark silhouette was seen in the distance, getting closer to him with every step. As the person approached the room, he could begin to make out their features. His heart began beating faster - he had been caught in the act. He wished she would not see him like this. He could see the pain behind her big, brown eyes - once so bright.

"Harry?" Jessica spoke, her voice but a whisper. "Harry, what happened?"

Harry looked between her and the dead man. He licked his lips, as they had felt dry, only to realise the blood was still on him. He wiped his lips with his hand - but there was blood on them too. He looked down at himself, his clothes were covered in the man's blood. For a moment, Harry felt the world stop. He didn't notice Jessica walking passed him and over to the man. He turned again and she was examining the body. When she looked back at him, Harry saw the fear all over her face.

"How could you?" She asked, her voice trembling.

How could he? He wasn't sure himself. He shook his head, as he couldn't find the words to speak.

"I need to get you out of here, Harry." Jessica said, approaching him.

Harry felt her hand against his arm and suddenly something inside him snapped - why was she here with him? He recalled that she had been with Malfoy, under the umbrella. Where was Draco Malfoy now?

Angry, he pulled away.

"Harry..." Jessica began, hurt at his actions towards her.

"NO!" He shouted.

He pushed her back. She stared at him, shocked. He pushed her again, and this time she tripped. He quickly dropped his body on top of hers, pinning her wrists down. She struggled to release herself below him.

"Harry, stop it, please." She begged him. "Listen to me, Harry, this isn't you."

Harry could feel his face transforming - fangs grew inside his mouth. With one sudden movement, Harry sunk his fangs deep into Jessica's neck. She didn't scream out in pain. She was still - frozen below him as he sucked the blood from her body-

Harry fell from his bed, with a loud thud.

"Blimey, Harry..." Ron said. "I've been trying to wake you for about five minutes."

Harry's breathing was heavy and his eyes unfocused. His body covered in icy sweat, however his scar felt as though it was burning a hole into his forehead.

"He looks feverish." Dean said.

"Should we call someone?" Neville asked.

"Your dad..." Harry said suddenly. His eyes seemed to focus and he realised he was no longer stuck inside his dream. "Ron... Your dad... He's been attacked."


Oh... ;)