The Old Renewed

by Bellatrix'sDaughter

The Daughter of Sirius Black and Amelia Bones, Jasmine Black, has a hidden power sleeping within her. That power is about to awaken and shake the very foundries of the Wizarding World. Along the way Amelia plans to rescue her Godson, Harry from his abusive relatives and give him a real home. Carefully laid plans will be broken as something old is renewed. A Resurrection Story

3. Chapter 2: Potions, Brooms, and a Troll

A/N: Hey ya'll! I'm so sorry it took so long to get an update for any of my stories out. Last year I started a new job, than right after the whole pandemic started so I didn't get a lot of time to myself. I've been working almost non-stop. But things have finally settled and I've finally been able to get back to work on my writing! Don't worry, the next Grey Dawn and Ms. Slytherin chapters are in the works and will hopefully be ready very soon! But I wanted to get this one out first as this story has waited the longest for an update.

Speaking of this story! I had to split this chapter into two parts. The reason it two fold, first I had already reached 14K words by Yule Break! Second, I realized I was taking too long to get where I needed to, and a major time skip was going to be needed, so instead of just doing that in this chapter I split it off at the break. Before you read I need to point out, this is year 1 from Jasmine's perspective, since we know how Harry's year goes and I left that pretty much unchanged from the book, the only real difference being the antagonist. Harry will feature more in the future chapters, namely those after this and the next one.

As always, I hope you enjoy and thank you to those who have already favorited and followed this and my other stories. I always love reading reviews so feel free to leave one if you so desire!

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Chapter 3: Potions, Brooms, and a Troll

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September 1, 1991 – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

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After the sorting, the Headmaster stood and moved to the podium that stood in front of the Teacher's Table. He then cleared his throat and the noise in the Great Hall died down as the man prepared to speak.

"Before we begin, I just have a few Start-of-Term announcements. All students should note that the forest on the school grounds is forbidden to all students." He seemed to be looking towards a few of the older students as he said this. "I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, our caretaker, to remined all of you that no magic should be used in the corridors between classes. Quidditch tryouts will be held the second week of term, and all those interested in joining their house teams should speak to Madam Hooch. Lastly, I must warn you, this year the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to all those who do not wish to suffer a most painful death." He paused as some students laughed and other began to murmur to each other. "Now then, everyone, tuck in!" he called as food appeared on the tables.

Jasmine was among the students who were frowning at the warning, as several of them began to catch on that he was serious. "What the heck is that supposed to mean…" she commented, mostly to herself.

"What is what supposed to mean?" Draco asked as he began filling his plate.

"About the third-floor," she replied as she gave Draco a look as if to ask if he had even been listening.

"I suppose it means stay away from the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side," Draco commented with a shrug. "What else could it mean?"

"That the Headmaster has lost his mind? Who would think of putting something in a school that would be that dangerous or threaten kids with death like that?" Jasmine replied with a frown.

"I don't know Jasmine, but I say we listen and don't try putting ourselves in danger. You know what our mums would say," Draco replied as he finally started eating figuring Jasmine wouldn't push the topic farther.

"I know… but it's still odd and I don't like it… I've got a bad feeling about this year," Jasmine commented to no replied. With a sigh she decided she might as well eat. There was no us in arguing about things she couldn't control but she couldn't help wondering what the hat had meant early. Was this part of that something the hat meant? No, it must have a different meaning. Pushing the thoughts aside she tried not to think about it right now and just enjoy her dinner. Once everyone was done the Headmaster stood once more as the food disappeared and dismissed all the students instructing the Prefects to lead the first years to their respective common rooms.

It wasn't exactly a long walk to the Slytherin common room, but it was noticeably colder in the Dungeons then the rest of the castle and Jasmine hoped their common room and dorms would be warmer. Thankfully at least the common room was, and the aquarium like view of the Black Lake was nice too. Though they didn't have much time to take in the room as the Prefects and Head Girl began organizing them.

"Alright everyone, line up, Professor Snape will be here momentarily. First years in front seventh years in the back." Gemma Farley, the Head Girl called. It didn't take long to line up, the older years were used to this, and they made sure all the first years were lined up as well. Barely a minute passed before Snape entered the room, his robes billowing behind him as he came to a stop in front of the students. The room had fallen silent as the man entered, as no one dared speak up and interrupt their Head of House.

"Good evening and welcome back to all second years and above. For the First years, welcome, I am Professor Snape, the Potions Master and your head of house." Snape spoke in a smooth, silky tone. As he introduced himself, he made sure to look each first year in the eye before allowing his gaze to move on. "Now that you have been sorted into Slytherin House, you will face discrimination from the other houses and some teachers simply based on the reputation of this house. There are some who will attack you or try to blame you for anything. Do not give them the chance! As such, no one is to go anywhere alone. It is for these reasons that I will show favor to this house above any other. But mark my words well, for I will also hold each of you to higher standards then other houses. Moreover, should you step out of line, and be the at-fault party in any incident, you will be punished harshly. Anyone who does not maintain their grades will be assigned a tutor. Now then, for the first week or two the Prefects will be escorting all first years to meals and classes. Also, during these first weeks I shall be meeting with each first year in turn. You will be notified by Ms. Farley or another Prefect when I am ready for you. That is all, classes begin first thing tomorrow morning, so get some sleep, that goes for everyone, Goodnight." When he was finished, he turned and walked from the room, his robes billowing once more before the door shut behind him.

Jasmine wasn't sure she liked how he seemed to infer they should expect to be attacked around every corner. It would put everyone, especially First years on edge and likely cause more problems than not. She didn't have time to think on this as one of the Prefects stepped forward, he seemed to be in his 5th or 6th year if Jasmine had to guess.

"Right you lot, as the Professor said, we all stick together and have each other's backs. Out there you will be a strong, cohesive group, and stand up for each other no matter what. Any disputes among your fellow housemates will be handled here, in private," The Prefect said simply. Though Jasmine had a question of her own for that statement.

"So, what if someone makes a comment or does something the rest of us don't agree with?" Jasmine asked with an arched eyebrow.

"As I just said, disputes will be handled privately. You will support your housemates regardless of what they say or do," the Prefect said as he turned towards Jasmine.

"And if they're in the wrong, or let's say, make themselves out as a bigoted arse, we all have to look like bigots? I can see why the Houses reputation suffers," Jasmine said calmly.

"That is the way things are done, those who step out of line will be dealt with," the Prefect commented as he moved towards Jasmine, stopping only when he was towering over her.

"Is that a threat? You think I should fear you because you're older and might know more spells than me?" Jasmine asked, her eyes challenging the older teen.

"It's a guaranty Black, so don't make trouble, or you'll regret it little girl," the Prefect replied, his annoyance was shifting towards anger.

"Really, then I suppose I should remind you; my mum is Head of the DMLE," Jasmine replied. Pausing long enough to let that sink in, but not long enough that they could say she was hiding behind her mother's position. "As such, I know how to defend myself quite well."

"Why you little…." The Prefect started by another cut him off.

"Enough Burke!" an older boy said calmly. "I assure you Ms. Black, if you have any disputes or someone makes an arse of themselves, they will be dealt with, you needn't worry. So, don't make so many waves that you become overwhelmed in your first year." The older Prefect added calmly. However secretly he was glad someone had finally seen through the hypocrisy that had become the way of Slytherin house over the years and hoped she would challenge those ways.

"Alright then, first year Ladies you'll find your dorms through that door, Boys though that one." Head Girl Gemma Farley finally spoke up, easing some of the tension that had built up. "You'll find your names on a plaque on the wall next to the hall leading to your rooms. Be sure to get along with your Dormmates as you will remain such for your entire time here at Hogwarts. If you have any issues with your Dormmates, please come to myself and I'll let Professor Snape know, but I can't promise anything with be done without very good reasons. Now, as the Professor said a Prefect will be escorting you to meals and classes so make sure you're up bright and early, breakfast starts at 7. Be sure to get some rest!" with that she shooed the first years on to their dorms. As Jasmine started toward the Girl's Dorms, she felt someone grab her arm, and turned to find Draco.

"Are you insane? Trying to start something with a Sixth year?" Draco hissed.

"You know as well as I that his logic is wrong, I won't look like a bigot for others and neither will you," Jasmine replied simply. She knew he supported her; he was just worried about her. "Besides how do you know who he is?"

"He's one of the Beaters on the Quidditch Team," Draco said simply. "His dad is friends with mine, which means he's probably a…"

"I know, you don't have to say it. But you know I'm right," Jasmine replied simply.

"Yes, I do, because you'll start something, then Theo and I will be left to clean up the mess," Draco said with a sigh.

"I can take care of myself you know," she replied.

"I know that, but who's going to watch your back?" he commented with a raised eyebrow.

"Alright… I'll be more careful," she finally said as she sighed. Draco seemed to relax at this and let go of her arm. "Now, goodnight my dear cousin." She added as Draco nodded and headed towards the Boy's dorms. With a deep breath and a shake of her head Jasmine made her way to her own dorms. Through the door she found a T-intersection with name plagues on either side. She found that her room would be down the right hallway and made her way into the room. As she entered the other two girls paused, one was brunette and seemed very excited while the other was blonde and much more reserved.

"Hey, you must be Jasmine Black!" the brunette said with a warm smile. Though Jasmine had to arch her eyebrow, they should have known each other's names after watching the sorting ceremony.

"Well, I certainly hope so, or else someone has stolen my name and body," Jasmine replied with a small smirk. The blonde girl even seemed to laugh for a moment before shaking her head and going back to what she had been doing before.

"Right, well I'm Tracy Davis," the brunette said as she held out a hand to Jasmine who shook it. Then Tracy turned towards the other girl. "And this is my best friend, Daphne Greengrass!"

"Greengrass," Jasmine said as she inclined her head toward the blonde who nodded in return.

"Black," was the return greeting.

"Aww come on you two! We're going to be roommates for the next 7 years; we might as well be on first name basis!" Tracy commented as she looked between the pair. Jasmine looked to Daphne, letting her decide.

"Sure, why not," Daphne said after a moment and Tracy jumped up in joy. After introductions, the trio changed into their pajamas, and each got into their beds. Tracy shared her excitement at the coming year, but Jasmine wasn't awake long enough to hear what she was saying as she soon fell asleep.

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oOOo

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September 2, 1991

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The next morning Jasmine woke up early, feeling well rested as she slowly rolled out of bed and made her way into the bathroom. By the time she was done she felt refreshed and ready for their day. She found Daphne and Tracy were already up as well and getting ready for their first day of classes. Tracy was just as excited as she had been the night before. As expected, they gathered in the common room with the other first years and waited as Gemma Farley greeted them all with a cheerful smile. Draco grumbled about how someone could be so cheery in the morning, something Theo seemed to agree with. They were led to the Great Hall for breakfast, the only time all students were expected to attend breakfast, because the class schedules were handed out then.

Near the end of breakfast, when everyone was either done or nearly done eating Professor Snape made her way down the table handing out the schedules to each student as he passed, making sure everyone had one.

"Prefects will be escorting first years to class for the first few weeks but memorize these. If you forget where you should be and are late or miss a class without reason, you'll find yourself in detention." Snape drawled as he passed Jasmine's group. She knew he was Draco's godfather and that was probably the only reason he had said anything at all as he went on silently passing out the schedules.

"Well looks like transfigurations and potions will be interesting." Draco commented as he looked at the schedule, "Flying lessons too." He added as he shook his head.

"Why do you say that?" Tracy asked as she looked over the schedule she was holding.

"Well, the houses all have their rivalries of course, but I've heard things are especially tense between us and Gryffindor." Theo said with a shrug. "A lot of people say it's because Slytherin and Gryffindor didn't get along much when they were alive. Most the older students just say it's because Gryffindor is always trying to blame things on Slytherin."

"Honestly, who's to say what the Founders were like? No one is alive who knew them." Jasmine replied as she shook her head.

"That's not important right now, we'll have to be extra careful in those classes. Also, McGonagall is Gryffindor's Head of House, so let's keep our heads down in her class." Draco cut in and the others nodded.

Finally, a bell rang out to mark the end of breakfast and the group went to their first class. It had just started when two students entered, it was Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, they had apparently gotten lost. This left Jasmine wondering why they didn't have anyone showing them around to avoid such things. But she couldn't just ask them, given most Gryffindors didn't seem to trust anyone in green, and Professor McGonagall had already started the lesson. The rest of the day seemed to rush by, each class blurring into the next as they learned about what spells they would be learning and when they would get to try them out for themselves. The only class that really seemed to drag on was History of Magic, which was taught by Professor Binns, the only ghost that taught at the school.

By Wednesday Jasmine understood why most houses seemed to distrust Slytherin, a few in her own year liked to goad and bait the other houses first years. Though Jasmine avoided these instances like the plague. She wanted nothing to do with the idiots that liked to cause trouble. Chief among them seemed to be Pansy Parkinson, usually backed up by Millicent Bulstrode or Eric Rosier and Veronica Rowle with Crabbe and Goyle who followed like large bodyguards. The one wildcard in their year was Blaise Zabini and he seemed to gravitate towards Jasmine's group, until he had seamlessly integrated himself into the group as if he had been friends with them all along. And he was easy to get along with, for those who took the chance to get to know him. It also helped that he was Draco and Theo's roommate.

Today was their first Potions lesson with the Gryffindors, luckily Transfigurations had gone well, but Jasmine had attributed that to Professor McGonagall being extremely strict. She hoped the same would happen with Potions, given how strict Professor Snape seemed, even with his own house. But would the Gryffindors really believe Snape would punish Slytherin the harshest if the stepped out of line in his presence? Probably not, thought Jasmine as they were led into the dungeons from the Greenhouses by one of the older Slytherin. When they arrived, they were usured into the room, then the older student left. The Gryffindors arrived not long after and filled into the remaining seats. Jasmine was seated between Daphne and Tracy, with Blaise on the other side of Tracy while Draco and Theo were at the next table over.

Gryffindors filled the table in front of Jasmine's, but Harry was not near enough that Jasmine could speak to him unnoticed by other members of their house. Not that it mattered as Professor Snape entered at that very moment his cloak billowing behind him, the door closing sharply as he stopped in front of the class.

"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science of the potion making. However, for those of you who possess the pre-disposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses; I can tell you how to brew glory, bottle fame, and even put a stopper in death. Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel comfortable enough to not pay attention... Mr. Potter, our—new—celebrity." Snape said coolie as he moved closer to Harry. Jasmine glanced down, wondering what had drawn the Potion Master's attention to him. She noticed notes written on his parchment and frowned as she watched the interaction with slightly narrowed eyes. "Tell me Potter, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Hermione Granger's hand shot up as Snape asked the question.

"I don't know sir." Harry answered simply.

"Well, clearly fame isn't everything is it." Snape sneered. "Let's try again Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

"I don't know sir." Harry replied once more, his gaze locked on Snape's. Hermione's hand was practically shaking as she frantically tried to get the Potion Master's attention.

"Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming eh Potter?" Snape commented, as Harry continued to glare back at the man. "Once more than, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

"I don't know sir." Harry replied once more. "Hermione seems to know, why don't you try her?"

"Sit down girl!" Snape snapped and Hermione went still and slumped into her seat. "For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. Well? Why aren't you all copying that down? And that will be five points from Gryffindor, for your cheek Potter!"

Jasmine couldn't help but frown as she watched the interaction between the pair. Snape had jumped on Harry who had been taking notes, and now expected the rest of the class to do exactly what Harry had been doing during the opening speech? In her mind it was ridiculous, and she couldn't hold her tongue as she spoke up.

"Excuse me Professor." Jasmine's words seemed to catch the Potions Master off guard, and his frown showed just how much he wanted any of them to speak up at that moment. "Don't you think that is a bit hypocritical? Potter was simply taking notes of your speech and you took it for not listening, yet now you want us all to be taking notes? That seems rather confusing and unfair Professor."

"Do not question me Black, ten points from Slytherin for your disrespect, now do as I say unless you want to add detention to the list." Snape snapped out, glaring at Jasmine for daring to question him. Jasmine was satisfied, but that didn't mean she backed down, continuing to glare back, though she picked up her quill to write she didn't break her glare until Professor Snape moved on.

"What are you doing?" Daphne hissed at her side.

"Pointing out hypocrisy. I can't abide it." Jasmine replied in a whisper.

"Do you think you could pick a better time?" Daphne hissed back. Whatever Jasmine was about to say was cut off when Snape brough the classes attention back to himself and gave them their assignment of brewing a Cure for Boils. Jasmine took her time to copy the instructions off the board as well as turn to the correct page in her book to compare the notes and instructions. All seemed to be going well and most students seemed to have forgotten about the beginning of class as they all focused on their own potions. Jasmine was working with Daphne while next to them Tracy and Blaise worked together quite well.

Everything was going great, at least until Jasmine noticed something wrong at the table in front of them. Seamus Finnigan who was paired with Neville Longbottom hadn't removed the cauldron from the heat before adding the porcupine quills which caused the cauldron to melt and spilled the potion on the floor and caused it to splash Neville's face. Jasmine winced and covered her mouth and nose as the acrid green smoke began to fill the room.

"Finnigan take Longbottom to the Hospital wing!" Snape snapped as he vanished the spilled potion before it did any more damage. "Potter, why didn't you warn Longbottom to remove the potion from heat before adding the porcupine quills? One point from Gryffindor!" Harry wasn't the only one frowning but Daphne grabbed Jasmine's arm before she could say anything and shook her head. Jasmine sighed and relented as she looked towards Harry then glanced towards the door as Seamus left with Neville.

The rest of the class continued making their potions, before Snape called them to an end, telling them to bottle the potions and leave the vials on his desk for grading. Jasmine hoped for a chance to catch Harry after the class was over, but he left before she had a chance to finish packing her things. She was sure it was because he was in a foul mood after being singled out by Professor Snape. Why he had been singled out like that, she couldn't say but it bothered her, and she had to fight the urge to try finding out why. As she left the class she regrouped with the others, Draco seemed ready to confront her about speaking out, but Daphne quickly cut him off with a sharp look.

The rest of the day passed without much incident, and the following day was just as quiet until that afternoon after lunch. Everyone was excited as it would be their first flying lessons of the year. Some of the Slytherin first years had never been on a broom before, and those that had were sharing stories of how well they could fly already. Jasmine's excitement was twofold, for one she loved flying, the second reason was that it was once more with Gryffindor which meant yet another opportunity to speak with Harry or try too at least. So far, she had been foiled either by other students or the classes they had together. But here there should be more down time than most other classes. This time it was Marcus Flint leading the Slytherin first years to class. They arrived first in the large courtyard where the class was held, and Flint helped them pick out the best of the school brooms, though made a point of telling them just how bad they all were. They were old, thus prone to "acting up" as Flint put it. Once he was sure they all had at the very least, reliable brooms he left them to head to his own class.

Not long after the Gryffindors joined them, there seemed to be the same level of excitement among them. Though it wasn't hard to notice there were more nervous faces among the house of the lion then the house of snakes. Among the nervous faces Jasmine recognized Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Harry seemed a bit nervous as well. As the Gryffindors chose their brooms Jasmine tried to suggest one for Harry but was stopped from doing so by Ron Weasley's dirty glare. She didn't want to start an issue right before class.

A minute or two later Madam Hooch arrived, striding across the field towards the class, where she stopped between the two lines of students. "Welcome first years to your first flying lesson! In this class you'll follow my instructions exactly, or you'll never so much as touch a broomstick under my watch again." She said sharply. "Now, everyone step up to your broom, go on don't be shy they won't bite, and place your right hand over the broom and say 'up' go on try it."

Everyone tried, but only two brooms so much as moved, Jasmine's and Harry's jumped into their hands as soon as the words left their mouths. Draco managed to get his on the second try while many others including Hermione Granger's simply rolled around on the ground. Ron Weasley's snapped up hitting him on the nose, which caused a few snickers from those who had seen it. But eventually everyone had their brooms and Madam Hooch went on with the lesson, showing everyone how to mount the brooms and hold on so they didn't go sliding off the end. Once she was sure everyone had it right, she stepped back out in front of the class.

"Alright, when I blow my whistle, I want you all to kick off the ground, hard. Hover for a moment, then lean forward slightly and touch back down." Madam Hooch said calmly as she watched the group. "On my whistle… three… two…" but before she finished Neville Longbottom's broom took off. Jasmine was sure he hadn't kicked off the ground at all. The broom shot off around the courtyard like it was trying to throw Neville off. Eventually it collided with a wall and Neville fell, landing with a sickening crack. Madam Hooch was by his side in an instant as most of the class stood in shock. "Oh dear, broken wrist, it'll be alright Longbottom, Madam Pomfrey will have you patched up in a jiffy. No one is to leave the ground while I take Longbottom to the hospital wing. If I catch anyone in the air when I return, you'll be on the train home before you can say Quidditch." Then she left with her arm around Neville.

As the class began to regain their composure Jasmine was about to try again to speak with Harry, until she noticed a Slytherin pick something up near where Neville had fallen. It was a Remembrall.

"Well look what we have here, guess Longbottom didn't need it after all." It was Eric Rosier. "Finders keepers eh." Some of the Slytherins laughed and nodded in agreement. Jasmine frowned and started to step forward when a hand caught her wrist and she looked back to see Draco shaking his head.

"Later… in the common room." Draco mouthed as Jasmine frowned and tugged her arm from his grip. Before she could confront Rosier however Harry had already stepped forward.

"Give that here Rosier!" Harry snapped as he held out his hand.

"I don't think so Potter, think I'll keep it. Or leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find, perhaps on the roof?" Rosier said with a smirk as he took off into the air on his broom. Several of the Slytherins seemed to be enjoying the show, save those in Jasmine's circle. Harry was about to take off as well when Hermione Granger stepped forward.

"Harry no! You heard Madam Hooch, you'll be expelled and get Gryffindor into trouble!" she said, trying to convince Harry not to do anything. But he didn't heed the warning and took off after Rosier. It was something to see, as Harry went for the Remembrall, Rosier threw it and Harry took off after it, catching it just before hitting the ground then landing roughly. The Gryffindors went crazy as they cheered for Harry, while Jasmine approached Rosier. She slipped her wand from the wrist holster and pressed it against Rosier's spine as she moved to speak in his ear. The boy tensed as he felt the heated wand tip against his back.

"You ever do something like that again in my presence, and I'll make sure you regret it. House codes be damned." Jasmine hissed before stepping back. Only those closest to Rosier had heard, but before they could say or do anything in response a sharp voice stopped them dead, even the celebration of the Gryffindors faltered.

"Harry Potter!" it was Professor McGonagall. Everyone seemed certain Harry was about to be expelled, including Jasmine who looked the most worried among the Slytherin group. "Come with me." And Harry followed without another word, his head hung. When Madam Hooch returned, unaware of what had happened in her absence, class resumed. Jasmine was worried about Harry, as they didn't see him again that day, until dinner when she noticed him among the Gryffindor table, he was talking excitedly with Ron Weasley. Whatever had happened with Professor McGonagall must not have been too bad, but that didn't stop Jasmine wandered what exactly had happened. Her musing was cut short when Rosier and Veronica Rowle passed behind Jasmine at the table.

"Watch your back Black, no one threatens me!" Rosier said coolie.

"Careful Rosier, before you make promises you can't keep and make yourself look bad." Jasmine shot back, causing the boy's face to turn red. Before he could respond however someone else appeared behind him, it was one of the older students, one of the prefects, in fact the very same that had stepped in with Burke the first night.

"Is there a problem?" He asked coolie, and Rosier deflated and shook his head. "Then I suggest you take a seat Rosier. Black, it's your turn to meet with Professor Snape, Gemma will be waiting for you after dinner."

"Of course, thank you." Jasmine replied as she turned back to her dinner, without giving Rosier a second thought. The prefect moved on down table then back to his own seat. After dinner just as she had been told Jasmine found Gemma Farley waiting for her near the doors to the Great Hall.

"Ready? Then let's go." Gemma said with a bright smile as she led the way into the dungeons and down the hall, passed the entrance to the Slytherin common room. It wasn't much farther when she stopped in front of a plain door, "Just knock, good luck!" Gemma said, her smile never leaving her face as she left to return to the common room. Jasmine thanked her before stepping up to the door and she had barely touched the door when she heard a voice speak up from inside.

"Enter!" Snape called and Jasmine opened the door and made her way towards the desk. The office was pretty much what she had expected of the school's Potions Master. There were shelves of ingredients and books as well as equipment for making potions and more vials and potions bottles, both empty and filled with various potions throughout the room. But everything was organized and neat. "Sit." The Potions Master said without looking up from the notes in front of him. There was only one chair across from the desk which Jasmine took without hesitating.

"How did you know I was there? I hadn't even knocked…" Jasmine couldn't stop her curiosity.

"I have my ways." Snape said simply. It was another minute before he looked up at Jasmine. "Well Ms. Black it seems you have your father's flare for disrespect. I'd have thought you Mother would have raised you better." The man drawled as he looked at Jasmine with a hint of distain.

"With all due respect sir. But I am not my father, nor do I really know him. Other than the fact he was imprisoned without a trail. I don't know what your history with him might be, but I would appreciate it if you kept that separate from how you treat me." Jasmine replied coolie, though she kept her annoyance out of her voice. "If you're referring to the first potions class, I do not apologize for what I said, and I would do it again. I was raised to have integrity and can't stand Hypocrisy, sir."

"Hmm I see, you prefer to speak your mind. A dangerous trait Ms. Black." Snape drawled in his smooth voice, his dark eyes scanning her. "But an admiral one as well. Though I would caution you to pick your battles young lady. You are a member of my house and as I said before, I will protect you when and if I can. But I will also punish you more harshly than other houses when you do wrong."

"I understand sir." Jasmine replied, she wasn't sure what to think at the moment. On one hand it felt like he was scolding her, while on the other it seemed like he was giving her leeway to do what she needed to as long as she wasn't caught.

"Good, I expect all of my snakes to be cunning." Snape went on. She was sure that was some form of encouragement. Did he know she didn't agree with the house code and had actively gone against it once already? "Now that you understand that; what are your plans for after Hogwarts?"

"I… I'm not sure sir…" Jasmine was sure she was going to get whiplash while dealing with this man. One minute he was harsh, the next he was acting as a mentor. "My mother is head of the DMLE, and my father was an Auror before his… well… you know."

"I didn't ask what your parents do or did. What are your plans?" Snape commented with a pointed look. "Knowing what you want to do in the future can help you now and will allow us to prepare for what you'll need to do on your O. and later N.E. ."

"Well… my mum told me that my Aunt Andi set up that special ward for Aurors and Hit-wizards after the Hit-Witch Bridgette Hawke was killed…" Jasmine started, and Snape arched an eyebrow waiting for her to continue. "But… I don't think it's enough. Aurors are trained to fight Dark Wizards and Witches but give no thought to first aid. If they get hurt, they either die or finish the battle and hope they can use the portkey to get to St. Mungos in time."

"Go on." Snape said as he sat up, he had an idea of where Jasmine was going, and part of him liked the idea.

"Well… what if we trained specialize Aurors, or even Medi-witches and wizards who could go into combat with Auror and Hit-wizard teams to act as sort of field medi-witches who can also defend themselves and those who are hurt and, in their charge, while administering care to the injured." Jasmine explained as best she could. Snape was nodding to himself as he thought over the possibility.

"It's an extremely ambitious idea Ms. Black," Snape said thoughtfully. "I expect no less from a member of my house. I will reach out to Chief Medi-Witch Tonks and Madam Bones with your idea and see what can be done to help you achieve your goal."

"Really?" Jasmine was surprised, given her interactions with the Potions Master to date.

"Yes Ms. Black, as your head of house I wish to see all those sorted into Slytherin house achieve greatness." Snape replied simply. "Your ambition, while it will not be easy, is a good goal to strive for."

"Thank you, Professor." She answered with a smile.

"I will send for you when I have more information regarding this subject. You may go now as it is getting late." Snape said finally and Jasmine got up and made her way to the door. "A small warning Ms. Black, I know everything that happens in the Slytherin common room. Don't disappoint me." Jasmine paused a moment before leaving without another word.

.

.oOOo

.

October 12, 1991

.

Ever since the flying lessons it had been increasingly hard to find Harry alone, Ron Weasley always seemed to be with him and often shooting Jasmine dirty looks if she tried to approach even before and after classes. Also of note was that Rosier hadn't come near Jasmine since he had been called to Professor Snape's office the day after Jasmine. For the most part the next few weeks passed without incident though there were rumors that someone had planned to duel in the trophy room at one point, but no one had been caught. After the first two weeks had passed the Slytherin first years were allowed to travel the castle on their own, or relatively so, it was still advised that they travel at the very least in pairs.

This was a rule Jasmine was fine with bending or even braking as she continued to try finding Harry alone so she could talk to him without interruptions. She hadn't written home to her mother yet as she wanted to actually speak to Harry before doing so, though she was sure Susan had already written home about him. Jasmine frowned a bit to herself as she made her way towards the library on her own, she hadn't actually spoken to her cousin since the train ride. She would need to fix that, and soon if she could help it.

It seemed luck was on her side this time as she neared the library, she noticed Harry was sitting alone at one of the tables looking through some books, likely for homework. With a smile she quickened her pace and started towards the dark-haired boy. She was just a few steps when a familiar redhead came out from behind one of the shelves and spotted her.

"Oi what are you doing you slimy snake, trying to sneak up on Harry while he's not looking?" Ron Weasley snapped as he glared at her and obviously started reaching for his wand.

"Snakes aren't slimy." Jasmine said flatly without thinking. "And for your information, no I wasn't. I was just trying to talk to him."

"Yeah right, you were probably just trying to get close so you could hex him without making a scene!" Ron shot back. "All Slytherin are alike, underhanded cheats and backstabbing, muggle haters!"

"You know for being in Gryffindor and from a family that supposedly serves the light, you're just as bigoted as Rosier or Lucious Malfoy. Maybe more so!" Jasmine snapped back. "I haven't done anything to you, yet you judge me based on what others have done. There is more to people than what house they are sorted into! House rivalries don't really mean anything outside of the Quidditch Pitch. Just because I wear green and silver doesn't mean I'm a dark witch, and just because you wear scarlet and gold doesn't mean you're a paragon of light!" Jasmine took a breath to control her temper before it got out of control, and she noticed she must have hit a cord because Ron's ears and face had gone red.

"Don't compare me to a Malfoy! They are nothing but dirty, rotten liars and cowards!" Ron replied, clearly only having heard that bit. "Plus, your dad was You-Know-Who's biggest supporter!"

"Ron what are you…" Harry started but Jasmine's words cut him off.

"My father was an Auror and best friends with Harry's dad! What's more, you and everyone else are forgetting the alliance between the Potter and Black families! If my dad broke that alliance, he'd be dead!" Jasmine shot back. She knew this was getting out of hand and she needed to get control of her emotions before things got worse.

"Yeah, well maybe he should be!" Ron shouted, not realizing fully what he had said or suggested, but Jasmine was struck and looked as if she had been slapped in the face, her shock clear on her face before it dissolved into cold fury. Even Harry was shocked by what his best friend had said, and he couldn't believe his own ears. If they hadn't been making a scene before it was clear one was being made now.

"I would never have though a Weasley could be so cruel… I would never wish something like that on anyone in your family!" Jasmine replied, her voice just barely level but there was a slight tremble in it. "Your words make you no better than a Death Eater. You have tarnished your family's name with your hasty words…" Another voice cut off whatever Jasmine was about to say next.

"There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" Daphne's voice cut through the silence of the room. She had heard from the door at least half of the exchange between Jasmine and Ron and decided to step in before things escalated more. "Come on, Ron Weasley isn't worth your time. Dunderheads like him can't see past house colors or see what a person is really like below the surface." She added as she grabbed Jasmine by the elbow and pulled her back and started leading her out of the library, but Jasmine paused as they passed Madam Pince, the Librarian.

"My apologies ma'am… I lost my head." Jasmine said in a low voice, there was a slight wavering in her voice that she was trying hard to control.

"Yes, well I'll still have to take five points from Slytherin for causing a scene in my Library. But I do not blame you dear. However, I must ask you to reframe from doing it again." Madam Pince said sternly. Jasmine simply nodded as she let Daphne led her away and the strict Librarian turned her attention to Ron. "As for you Mr. Weasley! Fifteen points from Gryffindor for instigating and causing a scene, this is a place for study! Not for airing your grudges and prejudices, now out since you clearly aren't doing the former!"

"Ron what was all that about?" Harry asked as he followed Ron out of the library.

"N-nothing…" Ron said, perhaps too quickly.

Daphne led Jasmine farther away and down one floor before stopping and turning to Jasmine. "What were you doing? You know we aren't supposed to go anywhere alone." But she paused when she noticed the look on Jasmine's face. It was a combination of defeat and sorrow; a look Daphne didn't like seeing on Jasmine. Acting quickly and on impulse she pulled the other girl into a hug. "Hey, don't let what Weasley said back there bother you, he doesn't know anything about you."

"It's not really that… I lost my temper what's Harry going to think of me now…" Jasmine replied with a heavy sigh.

"You really think Potter would be shallow enough to hold you defending yourself and your family against you?" Daphne said with a small chuckle. "If anything, you extended a possible common ground, abate in a roundabout way."

"I'm not so sure about that Daph…" Jasmine commented.

"You let slip that your dads were best friends." Daphne replied with a smile.

"That's great, except he's been hidden away from our world most of his life. He probably doesn't even remember his dad." Jasmine said with a shake of her head.

"Exactly, you showed that you might know something about his family." Daphne answered, but noticed Jasmine still didn't seem to agree. "Which means he might come to you now, you know, with questions about them!"

"I guess you could be right…" Jasmine finally conceded, and Daphne smiled.

"Now that that is settled, we should get to the common room, Draco has been worried sick about you." Daphne commented as she stepped back before leading the way towards the dungeons.

"I doubt that; he's probably going to try lecturing me about ignoring rules and getting myself into trouble." Jasmine replied with a sigh.

"Not to mention what he'll say when the rest of the school hears about what happened back in the library." Daphne said with a small giggle.

"Yeah… that'll really go over well…" Jasmine deadpanned. It wasn't long before they were standing at the blank wall that would lead them to the Slytherin common room. Daphne gave the password and in they walked to find the others already back. Most of them were sitting near the fireplace in their favorite chairs, while Draco was pacing restlessly.

"Draco relax, I doubt she got into any trouble. Probably just went for a walk or something." Theo threw out, but Draco only cut a glare towards his best friend. As he turned back to his path, he noticed Daphne and Jasmine's entrance and frowned.

"There you are, what were you doing by yourself? You know Professor Snape's rules!" Draco snapped as he stepped towards his cousin.

"I-I just… I needed some space to… think…" Jasmine replied, glad the news of what happened in the library hadn't reached the house yet.

"Well, you shouldn't have gone alone what if…" Draco started but Jasmine glared at him.

"I know the rules Draco, I don't need reminding of them." Jasmine snapped, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm not feeling well and I'm going to go lay down." She added before storming off towards the first-year girl's dorms. Draco and the others could only stare after her, it was not like her to shut herself up alone for any reason. The group turned towards Daphne for an explanation causing the blonde girl to give an exaggerated sigh.

"She had a run in with the youngest Weasley… when she tried to approach Potter." Daphne said in her usual Ice Queen tone. "It was heated from what I saw, and Weasley said Jasmine's dad should be dead. I think it almost started a blood-feud. And if any of you tell her I told you, I'll make sure you regret it."

The boys winced while Tracy looked just as upset as Daphne did when the blonde dropped into the seat next to her. Draco clinched his jaw and frowned, his anger spiking, Theo noticed the Malfoy heir had yet to calm down.

"What are you thinking Draco?" Theo asked, sure he was on the same page as his best friend.

"That it's time to make a certain Weasley's life hell." Draco replied as he glanced towards the door Jasmine had disappeared through. "No one hurts my family."

"I might have some ideas for just this occasion." Blaise commented with a dark grin. Tracy was sure whatever the boys were planning it was going to be big, and whatever it was, she was fully behind it and by the look on Daphne's face so was she. It surprised her how quickly Daphne had grown close to Jasmine, because it was rare for the Ice Queen to open up to anyone.

.

.oOOo

.

October 13, 1991

.

The next morning Jasmine had received a letter from her mother at breakfast saying she had heard about the incident from Susan and planned to speak to Mr. Weasley about it while also chastising Jasmine for losing her temper like she had. Jasmine had written a quick apology which she sent back with her mother's owl. The rest of the morning had passed uneventfully and almost too soon the group found themselves on their way to the Great Hall for lunch.

Upon entering the hall Jasmine paused, scanning the tables before she spotted who she was looking for and started towards the Hufflpuff table. The others glanced at each other before Daphne shrugged and followed, the others not far behind. Lunch was the least structured meal, and the students weren't required to sit at their house tables. But it was still intimidating to the house of the badger to see six snakes making their way over to their table. Jasmine easily sank into the seat across from Susan Bones, who looked up at her cousin.

"Hey," Jasmine said in a low voice.

"Hey back," Susan replied with a small smile before it faulted slightly. "Sorry I told your mum about…"

"Its fine, really. I would've had to tell her sooner or later." Jasmine replied with her own smile. Susan glanced up as the other Slytherins with Jasmine sat around the pair, many other Hufflepuffs giving them a wide berth and even shuffling away. Most were still moving away when a blonde-haired girl from said house approached.

"Aren't you six at the wrong table?" the girl asked, "Or did they rearrange the hall between breakfast and lunch?" Jasmine thought she noticed a small smirk playing at the girl's lip and arched an eyebrow.

"Hannah, this is my cousin Jasmine Black!" Susan said with a smile. "And we grew up with Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott. The others are…"

"Tracy Davis, Daphne Greengrass, and…" Jasmine picked up, but Blaise spoke up before she finished, clearly wanting to make his introduction have a more lasting impression.

"Blaise Zabini." He said as he stood and took Hannah's hand and kissed her knuckle, causing her to blush. Jasmine and the other girls rolled their eyes.

"It's nice to meet you all, any friend of Susan and her family is a friend of mine." Hannah replied once she recovered from Blaise's introduction and took her seat next to Susan.

"Sorry we haven't spent any time together since the train." Jasmine said as she looked down at her plate.

"It's no big deal, besides the first few weeks are busy and every house seems to have the older students escort us everywhere, well except for Gryffindor it seems." Susan replied with a shrug.

"Right, it seems like they don't have any kind of mentorship or aid new students." Tracy commented.

"Ravenclaw seems to treat most first years with a hint of distain too. Though Clearwater seems nice enough." Hannah threw in and the group was able to fall into easy conversation about school so far and their observations of everything that seemed to be going on. A few minutes passed when Nymphadora Tonks made her way over to the group.

"Wotcher!" she called as she neared, "Mingling with the Puffs, eh?" she said as she looked at the six snakes.

"Just trying to get a little inter-house cooperation going." Jasmine commented cheerily. "How is your N.E.W.T. year starting out?"

"Heh, busy. Just wait until you get to seventh year!" Dora replied as she sat down next to the group. It was about then that Jasmine noticed the other Slytherin first years giving them dirty looks while most older years seemed to be smiling a little, at least the ones that weren't blinded by house or blood-purity. They were also getting looks from the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables as well. Not that any of them cared at all. It was halfway through lunch when the infamous Weasley twins approached.

"Black, we heard about…"

"What happened in the library…"

"With our little brother…"

"We extend our deepest apologies…"

"We'll deal with ikle Ronnikins." The pair spoke in their back-and-forth way.

"Thank you." Jasmine replied with a small nod before the twins both nodded then continued on their way. Everyone else seemed to be suffering from whiplash at the way the twins spoke, causing Dora to giggle.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to them, they are always like that." She commented. Just then Professor Snape approached, and all eyes turned to the man.

"Ten points to Slytherin and Hufflepuff for inter-house cooperation." The man said loud enough for the whole hall to hear, then strode away his cloak billowing behind him and pride in his eyes. The other students in the hall could only watch in stunned silence. After that, the group smiled and fell into much easier conversations. It didn't take long for the group to become friends; Hannah was just as friendly as any Hufflepuff and eventually the rest of the Puffs stopped giving the snakes such a wide berth and seemed to relax seeing three of their own comfortably talking with Jasmine and her court.

.

.oOOo

.

October 31, 1991

.

The rest of the month passed almost quietly for the school, though for at least one student it had become a slight nightmare. Ron Weasley had been on the receiving end of more pranks than any other student in the history of first years. For Jasmine's part, while it was amusing it didn't help with her goal in the slightest. If anything, Ron being pranked so much had put him on high alert and ready to lash out at any snake he passed no matter who it might be. It put Jasmine in a rather glum mood, but one she hid well from her friends. Tonight, she was doing her best to push those feelings aside as it was Halloween after all, and everyone seemed excited. Though Jasmine wondered if Harry was really okay, given this was the day he had lost his parents ten years ago, and Jasmine had lost her father in his attempt at revenge.

That evening everyone was gathered in the Great Hall, as no one seemed willing to miss the Halloween feast. Well almost everyone was there, a quick glance towards the Teacher's table revealed the empty seat where Professor Quirrell usually sat next to Professor Snape. Jasmine shrugged it off, who knew what the odd and skittish Professor was doing. Probably hiding in his office for fear of something jumping out and scaring him. At least that was what she had thought, until the man burst into the Great Hall looking pale and panicked.

"Troll! Troll in the dungeon!" Professor Quirrell shouted. "Just thought you ought to know…" then he collapsed on to the floor and the whole hall erupted into panic as students screamed and started scrambling towards the exit.

"Silence!" Dumbledore's calm and soft voice, magnified by a spell, called out and everyone stopped in their tracks to look towards the headmaster. "Prefects, escort your houses back to your common rooms. All Teachers follow me to the Dungeons." He said, his voice still calm and soft. There was no sign of panic in the old man's tone.

"Great so what do we do? Our common rooms in the Dungeons." Draco commented with a sigh.

"So is Hufflepuff's." Daphne pointed out with a small sigh.

"So, we get to go where the Troll is…" Theo commented with an eye roll.

"Or was, who's to say it's still in the dungeons." Blaise added with a shrug.

"Always looking on the bright side Blaise." Jasmine replied, rolling her eyes with a good-natured chuckle. There wasn't much else they could do but follow the prefects as they led the way to the dungeon. To the groups relief they were being cautious and checking every corner before ushering the students through. Eventually they did make it to their common room, which was quite crowded with the whole house there at the same time.

"So now what?" Theo commented as the group took their usual seats.

"I guess we wait for Professor Snape to come give the 'all clear,' or we go to bed." Tracy replied with a shrug. Many of the students seemed to be trying to strain their ears and hear anything going on in the corridor outside the common room. However, the troll must have moved on because there was no sound from the corridor and several minutes later Professor Snape entered the common room.

"The troll has been dealt with but given the late hour I suggest you all go to bed." The Potions Master drawled. "I will also remind you all to never attempt to take on a troll without the proper experience. In other words, if I catch any of you doing anything so idiotic, I'll personally see you serving detention for the remainder of the year, if you somehow survive the encounter." And with that he left, his cloak billowing behind him, but Jasmine noticed he was limping slightly and frowned to herself. After the excitement of the evening no one needed any farther encouragement, and the common room soon began to empty as the students made their way to their dorms.

"Do you think a student tried to take it on?" Tracy asked as Jasmine, and Daphne stood.

"Who would be crazy enough to do that?" Theo asked with a scoff.

"No one would be that reckless." Draco said rolling his eyes.

"Professor Snape wouldn't have mentioned it if it hadn't happened." Daphne commented like that answered it all.

"But that brings us back to Theo's question… who…" Tracy replied.

"I don't know, but I hope it wasn't Harry…" Jasmine said finally. The others nodded in understanding as they started towards the dorms. "I wonder why Professor Snape was limping…"

"You noticed that too." Blaise answered her. Jasmine nodded as the others looked at the pair.

"Probably happened with the troll." Draco said with a shrug.

"You really think Professor Snape would get caught out by a troll?" Jasmine shot back.

"Well, no… but what else could it be?" Draco asked.

"I don't know, but it didn't look like an injury from a troll. Maybe some kind of animal." Blaise replied.

"Don't be silly, why would Professor Snape be facing an animal with a Troll on the loose." Theo threw in.

"Whatever it was, I don't think it's our business." Draco said with a shrug. "Anyways, I'm going to bed." He added before separating from the girls to go towards the first-year boy's dorms, while the girl's headed for theirs.

"Despite what Draco thinks, I believe it warrants investigating." Daphne said once the girls were safely in their dorm room.

"I agree, what do you say Jasmine?" Tracy replied with a smile.

"I like solving mysteries." Jasmine answered with a wide grin. "And I have a feeling we should start on the third floor."

.

.oOOo

.

November 2, 1991

.

The Great Hall was filled with excitement, as it was the day of the first Quidditch match of the year, Slytherin vs Gryffindor. Both houses were equally excited and some of the older students were even swapping good natured ribbing and jeering. Though as usual most simply labeled it as the usual animosity between the two houses without taking a closer look. Of course, that didn't mean it was all good natured, there were some younger students, like Ron Weasley, who were taking it far too seriously. As always no one could miss Oliver Wood and Marcus Flint glaring at each other from where they sat at their house tables.

While Jasmine enjoyed Quidditch she did think it was going a little far, but then she supposed boys will be boys. Of course, she was in the spirit as well, having put a few streaks of green in her usually black hair.

"You should add the streaks to your hair more often, it looks great on you." Tracy said with a smile.

"You think so?" Jasmine replied. "I'm not sure about doing it permanently though, but I'll think about it." She added, however, her attention was on Harry, who seemed to be only picking at his plate like he was nervous about something. His friends, who now seemed to include the bushy-haired girl, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom, whom Jasmine thought made a much better friend than Ron did, were trying to get him to eat more. Even the infamous Weasley twins were doing their best to get Harry to eat. Jasmine didn't understand why, until Harry got up with the rest of the Quidditch team to leave, her resulting gasp caught the attention of everyone sitting near her and Draco even followed her gaze.

"What!? No way!" Jasmine said as she watched Harry leave.

"Oh, didn't I tell you… it's why he got a broom a few weeks ago." Draco commented, not even bothering to hide his jealousy.

"No, you didn't… when did he get a broom?" Jasmine replied as she turned her attention and a bit of anger towards her cousin.

"Right… you were late to breakfast that morning. It was a few weeks after the first flying lesson." Draco replied, he remembered seeing the box and noticed Rosier follow Harry and Ron out of the Hall, so Draco did a bit of spying on his own. "Rosier tried to get Potter into trouble but Professor Flitwick intervened and mentioned the Quidditch team. Lucky git…"

"Don't call him that!" Jasmine snapped, "He's family for Morgana-sake…" that had Draco mutter an apology for his lapse into jealousy. "I hope he'll be alright."

"If he flies half as good as he did at the first flying lesson… I think our team will be in trouble." Blaise commented, and received glares from Draco and Theo. Eventually the Hall began to empty and everyone made their way down to the Quidditch pitch to find good seat. Jasmine found herself worrying about Harry probably more than she strictly should be. But she couldn't help it, she had felt a connection with him that she couldn't understand ever since she had first seen him when they arrived at Hogsmeade.

The crowd watched as the teams took the field and the captains shared a tense and perhaps too hard handshake before the teams took off. The bludgers were released and soon after the game began. Despite her worry about Harry, Jasmine loved watching the game and couldn't help but smile.

"I'm trying out next year." She commented over the noise of the stadium and commentary of Lee Jordan which was undeniably biased towards Gryffindor.

"Me too." Draco nodded.

"What positions?" Theo threw out at the pair."

"Chaser." Was Jasmine's reply.

"Seeker." Was Draco's.

"Really? You look more like a Chaser Draco, and Jasmine I'd expect you to go for Seeker." Blaise commented.

"I mean I guess we'll see, but I think Draco has the better shot at Seeker, average awareness but great reflexes, watch." Jasmine replied as she tossed something at Draco, it turned out to be a small ball, which he caught at the last second before it hit him in the head and glared at his cousin. "See, C for Awareness, but A for reflexes." She teased.

"You think you're so clever Jasmine, ha ha." Draco shot back, but it was all in good fun.

"Something's wrong with Potter's broom!" Daphne cut in, stopping the friendly conversation about Quidditch positions before it really got going and everyone's attention turned towards the boy in question as gasps filled the stadium.

"No!" Jasmine squeaked, "Someone must be jinxing it!" her eyes were instantly scanning the crowd for anyone who could be trying to hurt Harry.

"Professor Quirrell isn't breaking eye contact, not even blinking!" Tracy said as she pointed towards one of the teacher's boxes. "And Professor Snape is muttering something."

"It couldn't be Professor Snape. He's a Head of House, our Head of House!" Jasmine wouldn't believe it without proof that he would try hurting a student, not after he had offered to help with her goals.

"Quirrell was just knocked down by someone." Tracy relayed and Jasmine turned her attention to Harry, his broom had stopped moving and he was able to swing back onto it.

"Harry's okay," Jasmine sighed in relief, "But why would Quirrell want to jinx his broom…" The others were just as confused and missed when Snape's robes caught fire. They watched as the match continued, each trying to think up a reason. Finally, Harry made a dive at the Snitch and crashed as he caught it in his mouth. The Gryffindor cheers erupted around the stadium and Jasmine clapped for Harry, much more subdued then the Gryffindors of course, as she didn't want to upset her fellow snakes.

Later that night Jasmine was tossing and turning in her bed, unable to find a restful sleep. She was dreaming again; it was the same as before. A dark room surrounded by fire, a mirror, and two figures. One stood before the mirror muttering while she second was tied up and trying to get free. Jasmine could do nothing to help and felt helpless as she tried to move closer to the figures. Then her stomach turned as the figure closest to the mirror took off a, was it a turban, to reveal a human face but with snake like features and glowing red eye on the back of his head. Then the scene changed, and she was standing in front of a door with ravens carved into it. The door opened and she was in a bedroom with an amazing view of, was that Hogwarts' grounds? She couldn't tell it was too fuzzy aside from a vial sitting on the vanity that stood out clear as day with a swirling grey-blue liquid that looked the color of the sky before a storm. Once more the scene changed and she saw the two people from before, but this time the man had eyes the same color as Harry's.

With a gasp Jasmine sat bolt upright in bed, she was drenched in sweat and Daphne was staring at her from her own bed. "You alright Jas?" she muttered sleepily.

"Y-yeah… just a bad dream… I-I'll tell you in the morning Daph, go back to sleep." Jasmine replied.

"You better… it sounded bad…" Daphne replied before she laid back down and was back asleep within minutes. Jasmine sighed and ran her fingers through her damp hair and tried to do the same, though she kicked off some of the covers, something she would regret in the morning when she woke up freezing. But for now, she was too hot, without the extra covers she soon fell back to sleep and her dreams remained undisturbed. She would have to write to her mother about them as she had promised to do if she had it again.

.

.oOOo

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November 16, 1991

.

A few weeks passed since the Quidditch match and dream, which she had shared with her friends and sent a letter about to her mother. While her friends weren't sure what to think about it her mother seemed more worried given it was recurring with only slight changes to the previous dream. What Jasmine didn't understand was why she was getting them or who the people in them nor why she felt like she should be recognizing them. For the time being she pushed them aside to focus on more important things, namely finding out what was on the third floor and how to speak to Harry.

Despite Tracy's insistence that Jasmine should keep the green streaks in her hair she had changed it back to normal the morning after the match. Once again Jasmine was wondering the halls of the castle on her own, hoping to chance across Harry without Weasley. She thought her best bet might be to find him in the library and she had been right. However, luck or fate was not with her this time either, as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were right there with him. But she did get close enough to hear that they seemed to be looking for information on someone named Nicolas Flamel. As she left, she tried to remember if that was someone they should know for an assignment or not.

Before she could figure it out however a loud bang sounded from a classroom to her right and soon after Peeves, the school poltergeist came floating out of the door laughing loudly to himself.

"Causing more mischief Peeves?" Jasmine commented at the gleeful spirit. She knew it was a bad idea to get on his bad side.

"Ah ickle Black, wondering all alone. It's not safe for ickle snakes to wonder alone." Peeves replied as he thought of ways to get Jasmine into trouble just for kicks.

"So I'm told." Jasmine commented in annoyance. "Can a girl not have alone time to think?" she added as she narrowed her eyes as the mischievous spirit, wondering what he was planning to try. Then she noticed the poltergeist's eyes raise, looking at something behind her and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand. She was moving before she even thought to, diving to her left as a spell hit the wall with a bang and Peeves lifted his arm and another much louder bang sounded mere seconds after the first. As Jasmine dove she let her wand drop into her right hand as she landed hard on her left, causing pain to shoot through her wrist and she turned to face her attacker. What she saw had her pause before she glanced back towards the poltergeist.

"Liars, cheaters, back stabbers! Dishonorable cowards!" Peeves was shouting as Jasmine took in the sight of Eric Rosier flailing around as he was floating a few feet above the ground by his ankle, while Veronica Rowle seemed to be struggling against her cloak which appeared to be trying to hold the girl captive.

"Peeves… did you…" Jasmine watched in shocked amazement, had she really been saved by the mischievous Peeves, who loved to cause so much disorder? The Poltergeist paused a moment to regard her, floating down until he was only an arm's length away.

"Anything to protect Sal's Queen." Peeves replied in an unusually serious tone.

"Wha…" Jasmine started but the Poltergeist moved away before she could voice the question, and then he was back to floating around the pair of struggling snakes, now singing a song about how lying back stabbers always got what was coming to them. The two loud bangs had by now drawn a crowd of students, and the patrolling Heads of Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Snape took in the scene with cool calculations, as Flitwick called to Peeves. The Poltergeist was only slightly helpful, given he hadn't stopped his singing, which half told the story of what happened. Snape's eyes soon landed on the still shocked Jasmine who was absently rubbing her wrist which had swollen a little from the sprain, her wand already tucked away. Just then Daphne and Tracy came from the opposite end of the corridor and made their way towards Jasmine.

"Jasmine, what's…" Tracy started but was cut off then Snape spoke to the girl in question.

"Ms. Black, care to explain what happened, and why you're roaming the halls alone again?" The Potions Master spoke smoothly.

"I was just leaving the library where I had been studying when I heard a bang from one of the classrooms. Peeves emerged and we were having a small chat when he noticed something behind me, and I felt a pickling sensation on the back of my neck. I dodged and by the time I was facing my attacker Peeves had already dealt with them… I… I suppose he saved me." Jasmine explained, without mentioning why she was alone.

"And why were you alone?" Snape asked once more. "Don't make me ask again."

"The common room was too noisy, too much Quidditch talk Professor." Jasmine replied with a shrug trying to sound convincing.

"What about your roommates?" he arched his eyebrow as he glanced at the other two girls.

"Well… I…" Jasmine didn't have an answer for him.

"Don't let me catch you on your own again, or I'll give you detention." Snape said as he narrowed his eyes. "Davis, Greengrass, take Black to the hospital wing for her wrist."

"I don't need the hospital; my wrist is fine!" Jasmine protested.

"To the hospital wing Ms. Black." The Potions Master snapped before turning back to Rosier and Rowle, whom Flitwick had finally freed from Peeve's spell. "As for you two, 50 points from each of you and two months detention for attacking another member of your own house!" he snapped angerly as he stalked towards the pair.

Before she could protest more Daphne had grabbed Jasmine right arm and pulled her away from the scene, she was clearly angry or disappointed, Jasmine wasn't sure which. Tracy seemed upset as well, but not nearly as much as the Ice Queen of Slytherin. The gathered students parted as the three snakes left the scene. When they were halfway to the Hospital wing and away from prying eyes Daphne finally stopped and let go of Jasmine's arm.

"Why do you keep doing this?" she asked as she turned to face Jasmine.

"Doing what?" Jasmine replied.

"Going off alone." Daphne snapped. "You're making enemies, Rosier and Rowle aren't the only ones. Others could take a shot at you, and you'd have no one to back you up. So why, what's so important that you keep doing it?"

"I just needed some alone…" Jasmine started.

"Cut the crap Jas, we aren't dunderheads like Pansy or Crabbe and Goyle." Daphne cut the other girl off. Jasmine sighed and bit her lip as she looked down.

"I'm trying talk to Harry… and having another Slytherin around might… I don't know… spook him or make him think I'm going to threaten him or something." Jasmine replied without looking up. "I've heard how anti-Slytherin the Weasley he hangs out with is…" now it was Daphne's turn to sigh.

"If it's so important to you, let us help, we're your friends after all, you can trust us." Daphne replied in a softer tone.

"She's right, and if you need us to stand back while you talk to Potter, we will." Tracy added with a bright smile.

"But you'll have someone to watch your back if anyone tries to pull a stunt like Rosier did today." Daphne affirmed. "Heck, Draco has even mentioned causing a distraction to get rid of Weasley for a few minutes."

"Yeah, and he's kind of upset you're not letting us help you." Tracy commented. "It feels like you don't trust us."

"Of course, I trust you… all of you…" Jasmine spoke up as she looked at the pair. "I just… I thought I could do this on my own… for my mum."

"And what would she say about you putting yourself in danger just to try talking to Potter?" Daphne asked with an arched eyebrow.

"I… you're right… I'm sorry." Jasmine replied in a low voice.

"You don't have to apologize, just let us help. And don't wonder alone anymore. Think of what Draco would go through explaining to his mum how you got hurt and he didn't do anything." Daphne replied which got a laugh from the other two. "Now, let me see your wrist." She added as she held out her hand and Jasmine offered her left arm; the wrist was still really swollen. "I think it's more than a sprain Jas." She commented as the other girl groaned and let her roommates lead her to the hospital wing.

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.oOOo

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December 9, 1991

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In the weeks since the attempted ambush the story had taken on a life of its own, until people were saying Rosier had fired the killing curse at Jasmine. The fact that Peeves was involved seemed to be omitted from the retelling of the story, with Jasmine now as her own hero. She of course hated the way the story and rumors grew and had corrected everyone she caught talking about what happened. Within Slytherin house, the would-be attackers had been ostracized by the house and were being treated as outsiders even outside the common room. To Jasmine's annoyance it wasn't the attack itself that most of the Slytherin students were so against, it was that they had attacked from behind and against their own house mates. They had broken the House Code and were now paying for their crimes. The loss of House Points was lowest on everyone's list of worries, as they had made up the difference within two weeks of the attempted attack.

The school's attention on the story lasted until the next Quidditch match, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff's first game of the term. A game that Ravenclaw won handily, despite Cedric Diggory catching the snitch for Hufflepuff. After the game the buzz and rumors had started once more, but they were greatly diminished. Most of the students' attention had moved on the upcoming Winter Holiday. The Heads of each house were currently moving along each of the house table, collecting names of those who would be staying over the break. As for Jasmine her thoughts were elsewhere, she was thinking about what Peeves had called her and why. Who even was this Sal person and why was he important enough that the mischievous poltergeist would protect someone for him? More to the point why was she that someone and was she the only someone. As far as she knew she didn't even know anyone named Sal, so how could she be 'his queen' but her thoughts were suddenly cut off.

"Looks like Potter is staying for the holiday." Draco's voice pulled Jasmine from her thoughts, and she glanced towards the Gryffindor table.

"Yeah, but so is Weasley." She added, and sure enough Ron was signing the paper as well, followed by his brothers.

"So much for that idea…" Draco grumbled and sighed.

"Don't worry about it Draco, it's the thought that counts." Jasmine replied with a smile.

Draco nodded stiffly as the group soon finished and left the great hall to head to Transfigurations. As the group walked Jasmine dropped back slightly behind her friends, still lost in thought. Daphne noticed and slowly dropped back to join Jasmine as they walked.

"What wrong?" Daphne asked as she glanced at the other girl.

"It's nothing really…" Jasmine started but it wasn't much use. Daphne was the most perceptive person in their group, probably year, and it was near impossible to lie to her. "I just keep thinking about something Peeves said when he saved me. I asked why and he said, 'Anything to protect Sal's Queen'."

"Who's Sal?" Daphne asked with a frown.

"I don't know…" Jasmine admitted.

"Maybe a secret admirer?" Daphne replied, but the look on her face made it clear she didn't like that idea at all, and neither did Jasmine for that matter.

"That can get Peeves to protect people?" Jasmine commented as she rolled her eyes. "I doubt it."

"Just one more mystery we'll have to investigate then. But don't let it get you down. I'm sure we can figure it out, eventually." Daphne said with a small smile as they arrived at their destination.

Neither girl had noticed when they passed by the Bloody Baron, or how he stopped at hearing their conversation, a deep frown on his face. After the girls had passed the Ghost of Slytherin House changed directions and moved faster than usual for a Hogwarts ghost.

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.oOOo

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It was in an abandoned classroom that the Baron found the mischievous spirit, no doubt preparing for one of his useless pranks. The Baron didn't really care about Peeves' antics he was here for another reason.

"Peeves!" the Baron snapped causing the poltergeist to pause and lose a small amount of altitude as he sank towards the floor.

"I'm not doing anything Baron!" Peeves squeaked as he turned to face the other ghost. Neither noticed as another ghost entered the room.

"I do not care what you are doing here. I want to know why you called Jasmine Black, Sal's Queen!" the Baron replied.

"Well, it's who she is isn't it!" Peeves answered as if it was obvious.

"That is not the point Peeves, you did so in the school's corridor. Anyone could have heard you. The walls have ears, or have you forgotten." The Baron didn't yell, but the anger in her voice was clearly there. "We cannot allow anyone to learn of her true identity until she has awakened, especially not the headmaster. The Castle can protect their identities, but she cannot control the paintings or who they talk to."

"But there was no one else there, and I wasn't loud Baron." Peeves replied in a small voice. "Surely there was no harm."

"No harm, what would you do if her enemies found out before she was awakened, and she could not defend herself?" the voice of the Grey Lady snapped out as she made her presence know.

"Helena, this is not the time…" the Baron interjected.

"It is exactly the right time. As you said, Peeves endangered her." Helena replied.

"Are you suggesting she is incapable of dealing with dangers?" Peeves asked, clearly trying to goad Helena on.

"No, I am sure she is quite capable. But no one can prepare for a danger they do not know they are facing." Helena shot back and Peeves stuck his tongue out at the young woman.

"Enough Peeves!" the Baron bellowed, and Peeves sank to the floor. "You know the rules. We are not to reveal the founders or aid them until they have awakened! We are to protect their identities at all costs. Those are Lady Morgana's orders as relayed by Sebastian. And as you our bound to this Castle you are bound to those orders. Do not forget that again Peeves!"

"Y-yes Baron sir!" Peeves replied before zooming out of the classroom, whatever he had been doing forgotten.

"She is awakening on her own you know. I can feel it, Cassy feels it. But Jasmine Black does not understand it yet. They are still only echoes to her, visions even. Soon it will begin calling to her." Helena stated a subtle hope in her voice.

"I know, I have felt it too. The Castle aches for their return." The Baron replied. Though he knew Helena was speaking of only one, the one she had been closest to, closer than even her own mother.

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.oOOo

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December 21, 1991

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The students who were going home for the holidays were packing and preparing to leave, among them where Jasmine and her group. Not many from their own house had decided to stay, so the common room was mostly empty, except for those who had finished packing. Jasmine sighed as she laid on the floor reading her legs up on the couch where Daphne and Tracy where sitting. Draco and Theo were in chairs opposite them while Blaise was on the arm of the couch next to Tracy.

"I'll never understand how you get comfortable like that." Blaise commented once more.

"Says the one perched on the arm of the couch." Jasmine replied easily. Then she frowned as she set her book down on her stomach. "What do you think Harry is staying for… you don't think it has anything to do with the Third floor or Nicolas Flamel do you?"

"Maybe he just doesn't like going home." Tracy replied as everyone looked at her. "What? Have none of you noticed how small he is compared to everyone else?"

"Maybe that's just how he is." Theo commented as if it didn't matter.

"No, he's too small even for a below average eleven-year-old." Tracy said calmly. "My cousin is a Medi-Wizard, he works mostly with kids and elders. When they can't eat the get small like that or don't develop. Potter, looks small enough to be malnourished and maybe even abused." Jasmine frowned as Tracy put words to a line of thought Jasmine didn't want to follow herself. The others looked skeptical, while Daphne looked thoughtful, she would be speaking to her father, and she was pretty sure Jasmine would be doing the same with her mother.

"Well, you know there's only two ways to know for sure" Draco spoke up calmly. "We either ask him, or we send someone to spy on him."

"You'd really go to that extreme Malfoy?" Daphne commented coolie.

"It could be our only option right now…" Jasmine said quickly. "I hate doing it… but is there another option?"

"Well, if you're really considering this, it would have to be someone or something that can go unnoticed by anyone. Like a House Elf." Daphne replied with a sigh. She didn't like the idea, and it was a relief that Jasmine didn't like it much either. But they didn't have another option right that moment.

"I have…" Draco started but Jasmine glared.

"Don't even suggest Dobby, your dad would flip if he couldn't call Dobby for something." Jasmine said quickly. "That and he can be pretty eccentric. I have a better idea. Kreacher!" a small pop announced the arrival of the house elf. He seemed to know the need for privacy as no one seemed to have heard the sound.

"Mistress calls Kreacher?" the house elf replied with a bow.

"Kreacher, I need a favor. Can you keep an eye on Harry Potter for me? Discretion is especially important. I fear he could be in danger or get himself into trouble." Jasmine asked in a kind soft voice.

"Of course, Mistress. Kreacher will serve." Kreacher replied before disappearing once more.

"And you call Dobby eccentric?" Draco replied. "Besides that, why is he so nice to you? He hates everyone else."

"Because I'm the Heiress to house Black. Also, I'm nice to him. Maybe he'd be nicer to you if you didn't insult him or Grimmald Place when Aunt Narcissa showed it to us. Sure, it needs work, but the house magic will restore it when I claim it." Jasmine replied with a shrug. The next day they would be headed home for the winter holiday and Kreacher would be staying at Hogwarts to be their, well Jasmine's, spy. When they got home, she would be telling her mother everything she had found out, even Tracy's suggestion about Harry's health. Of course, she would be omitting the uses of Kreacher to keep an eye on Harry, though she had a feeling her mother might agree with the idea. Whatever the case might be, Jasmine wondered at what the new year would hold when they returned to Hogwarts, and she hoped to find answers to her own mysteries and get some luck in trying to talk to Harry.

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.oOOo

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