The Succubus Club
Harry and his Friends are not mine. I've just taken them down of the shelf to play with for a while, but I promise to put them back, good as new when I'm done! Jimi Richardson is mine and I quite enjoy her.
AN: Sorry this part took so long getting out. I just recently got my first job working mid afternoons to closing at a restraunt. That means that my 8-whenever computer times have suddenly vanished. However I will try to get out a part of " The club" every week, give or take a few days. Now, kick back and enjoy my newest addition.
" Did you hear Harry?" Absently the dark haired sisteen year old turned his head towards his friend..
" I'm sorry, wasn't listening. What'd you say Ron?" Ron Weasley sighed and sat down in the seat oppisite his friend, running his hand through his bright red hair, pushing it away from his face as he began staring out his own window on their ride to Hogwarts school for Witchcraft and Wizardry for their fifth year.
" I asked if you had heard about the new student the Ministry's bringing in." Absently, Harry shook his head, his bangs falling into one shockingly green eye.
" Not a word."
" Are you talking about that homeless kid they're pushing off on us?" With a shared look of annoyance, Harry and Ron turned to glare at Draco Malfory as he stood in the doorway of their compartment on the Hogwarts express as it bareled through the english country-side. He sent the two a glacial smile. " I've heard all about it. My Father told me all about him." Ron snickered rudely, causing Draco to glare.
" Your father doesn't know what he's talking about. First of all, the new student is a *she*!" Gathering his pride, the blond whirled and stalked from the carriage as the two friends dissolved into laughter. " But really Harry, what's eating you?"
" Nothing." Harry broke off a chocolate frog leg and popped a bit in his mouth. " I'm just wondering where Hermione is."
" That's what else I wanted to tell you!" Ron exclaimed. " The ministry thought the new student could use a guide who knows about stuff for a while and who else knows more about *anything*, " Ron scoffed, rolling his eyes. " Than Hermione?" Harry laughingly agreed, and with sated curiosity, fell into a peacefull chatter with his friend for the trips remainder.
*
Harry clapped enthuastically for the newest students as he watched the end of the sorting ceremony. It was as amazing as always, but this year Harry's heart wasn't into watching. His mind was focused on the girl of the rumors. The self taught American immigrant who had managed to force her way into Daigon alley. Each tale was more spectacular than the last, and Harry wanted to see the woman behind the stories. He peered around for a new face, but the only new faces he could find were two new teachers, a man who sat alone at the end of the Teachers table, and a woman who sat beside Hagrid, talking to him, her hands moving animatedly with her tale, her thick black hair loose, held away from her face by a thick braid across the crown of her head. Harry's heart pumped with excitement as Dumbledore rose from his high golden seat.
" Welcome!" He exclaimed happily," To another year at Hogwarts!" The room seemed to explode with applause. " I have some introductions to make. Our newest faculty member, Johan Tenniel, our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher." The applause was scattered and mild as Seameaus Finnigan put on his bookie face and began taking bets as to whether the young man was evil or incompatiant. " And may I remind all students that the Forbidden forest is not called that for effect. It is *still* off limits." For a moment the school hung on the silence edgily. " Lastly, " The student body breathed a relived breath. " I know a good many of you are ready to eat, however many more of you are curious about our newest addition to Hogwarts. As she is probally very hungry herself, I would like to introduce Ms. Jimi Richardson." Looking over suddenly, the woman next to Hagrid rose and the male population of Hogwarts simultaniously stopped breathing.
Jimi was tall, raven haired, exotically beautiful, and wearing one of Hermione's old robes.
Hermione's too tight robes.
Hermione's too tight robes that clung to every curve on the not-so-young witches body. Her red lips curved into a smile as she looked over the Great Hall with a guileless look in her amber eyes.
" Hi guys." Hermione's voice whispered in Harry's ear. " Sorry I'm late, I was with Jimi."
" Jimi has been placed at a fifth year level, " Dumbledore continued as though half of his student body ceasing to function was perfectly normal. " And before the sorting ceremony, she was placed in the capable talons of Gryffindor." A cheer went up from Harry's table and it gave him pause to realize he was among the loudest cheerers. A slight blush crossed the girl's face. " Now I'm sure she can take care of anything I missed, so let's all eat!" An elbow in the side from Fred got his attention as Jimi jumped off the platform and walked over to the table, standing beside Herimone at the Gryffindor table.
" Jimi!" Hermione grabbed her hand and stood her beside Ron and Harry. " These are my friends. This is Ron Weasley, his dad works at the Ministry of Magic."
" Mr. Weasley, I remeber him. You have a very nice father Ron." Jimi told him in her honey thick alto voice.
" T-thanks." Ron replied, damning the stutter in his voice.
" And this is Harry Potter." Hermione contuinued, motioning to Harry.
" Nice to meet you too Harry. Nice hair." She chuckled, poking the top of his persistantly disobediant cowlick. Harry blushed. " No I meant it. Maybe you should spike the rest."
" Come on, sit down, chow's on!" Ron exclaimed, looking around to see the table filled with food. He pulled Hermione down in a chair beside her before she looked up, embarassment on her face.
" Oh Jimi, I'm sorry. Here, I'll come sit with you at the end of the table..." She began, rising.
" No, don't worry. Here, just scoot down a smidge...." Removing a wand from the folds of her robe, Jimi muttered under her breath and a chair appeared from the far end of the table. " Here we go!" She chirped, sitting down and filling her plate, tucking into it happily.
" So Jimi, how old are you?" Bowing her head, Jimi held up a finger, motioning for Rom to wait a moment. Hurriedly she swallowed her food.
" Seventeen. You two?" She asked the boys, taking a tenative sip of the juice in her goblet.
" Sixteen." Harry responded.
" Almost sixteen." Ron muttered. Jimi sputtered in her drink.
" No way!" She gasped incredlously. " I thought you and Harry were about my age." The boys beamed and she leaned forward around Ron, looking at Hermione. " Hey, I didn't really get a chance to thank you for helping me out with this whole school thing. I'm just sorry you had to miss going to the alley with these two."
" It's okay, the guys didn't mind much. Did you?" Hermione asked, her voice suddenly worried.
" We missed you a little." Ron admitted with a shrug. " But dad had told me some of what was going on, so it's okay."
Jimi sat back and let the three friends continue their conversation as she ate until a shadow fell across her, filling the air with disagreeable tension. Turning slowly, Jimi looked up into the pale grey eyes of Draco Malfory.
" Hello," He said, his voice filled with charm and politeness. " My name is Draco. Draco Malfory, and I wanted to be the first to extend a welcome from Slythrin House." He took her hand and politely dropped a soft kiss on it, sending a smug glance to Harry and Ron, earning glares in response as Jimi smiled at him.
" Thank you Mr. Malfory."
" Please, my Father is *Mr.* Malfory. Call me Darco."
" Then thank you, Draco." Shooting a triumphant look at the steaming Gryffindors, Draco flashed Jimi a stunning smile before returning to his table. " He was nice." She mused. Harry began to choke on a mouthfull of food.
" NICE?! Malfory?!" Ron gasped as Hermione helped Harry. " I've seen trolls with sweeter dispositions!" Jimi giggled. " I'm serious!"
" Well why? What's he ever done?" She asked. Harry rolled his eyes.
" Got a few hours?"
*
" Hullo." Jimi turned to see twins, aproximately her own age standing behind her as the headboy opened the Gryffindor tower.
" Hi." She laughed.
" We're Fred,"
" And George,"
" Weasley." They finished together. Jimi laughed delightedly at their tandem speaking.
" How many of there are you?" She asked in amazement. " So far I've met Percy, Ron, Ginny, and you two." She ticked off on her fingers, her long nails clicking against each other.
" And we've got two more brothers done with Hogwarts." One, George she thought, told her. " We're a right big clan."
" No, You're lucky." She corrected as they climbed through the portriat hole. " I only had Madre and Andraia growing up."
" I know Madre is Spanish for mother..." The other twin, posibally Fred, said. " But who is Andraia?" She blushed.
" My stuffed bear." She muttered. Any other explinations she might have given were cut off as Percy began to Soapbox.
" Alright then. The password is ' Ravnos'. Try not to forget it." He sighed, sending a look at a plain, round-faced fifth year. " First years, follow mw to your rooms, the rest of you, assignments are on the board on that side of the common room, lights out in an hour and a half." Jimi made a face and blew a raspberry at Percy's receding back.
" He's related to *you two*? And Ron?!" She asked in shock. The twins pretended to cling to eachother in sorrow and hang their heads.
" Every family has *one*." They chorased regretfully, electiting a golden giggle from Jimi. It only took a second for the others to find them.
" Fred, George, You've already met Jimi?" Ron asked with a hint of dissapointment.
" Oh yeah." George told him laughingly. " You can't miss someone who screams 'fun' like her." Jimi stuck a pose, causing the others to laugh. " So Jimi, know where you're sleeping?"
" Yep, kinda. Speaking of which, can you show me back up Hermione? I wanna finish unpacking." She said appoligetically. Hermione shook her head.
" Not a problem. We'll see you guys for breakfast tomorrow!" Harry watched the two girls walk away with a bewildered look on his face.
" I've never seen Hermione so happy." He muttered.
" I've noticed too." Ron puzzled. Both yelped as they received a wallop up side their heads from Fred and George.
" You idiots!" The twins exclaimed.
" It's obvious why Hermione's so happy." Fred scoffed, rolling his eyes.
" Duh," George continued. " She got herself a best friend." Ron looked insulted.
" Then what are Harry and I?" He protested.
" Guys." They turned to see Ginny Weasley standing behind them, arms crossed and eyes rolled heavenward, seeking patiance. " You two are still her best friends, but Jimi's a girl, and Hermione needs someone other than me to talk to. Preferablely, one who doesn't know how close the three of you come to destruction every year!"
" Gin, when did you get so smart?" Fred asked in only partially feigned amazement. Ginny placed her hands on her hips.
" I live with a tribe of loud, bossy, overbearing males." She retorted.
" Hey!" The twins protested. " You forgot how fun and handsome we are!" Throwing her hands up in the air, Ginny turned and stalked off. " But seriously, Gin's right. Jimi's already a great influence on your friend. Look at her, she's like, two steps down from being a babe." Fred said. Ron's jaw fell open as if his brother had announced Santa Claus was none other than Snape in disguise.
" H-Hermione? A babe?!?!" He stammered. George scoffed at his brother's shock.
" You guys aren't exactly eleven anymore Ronnie. That friend of yours has legs from here to tomorrow."
" I'm Not Hearing This!" The youngest Weasley boy exclaimed. " Percy, make 'em stop!" He begged, seeing their older brother strut by.
" What's all this then?" He asked, glaring at his twin siblings.
" They're calling Hermione a...babe!" Ron yelped as Percy's face grew thoughtful. " Not you too!"
" Well, you do have to admit, she does look kinda cute with that new hairstyle and those highlights..." Rolling his eyes, Ron grabbed Harry by the sleeve of his robe.
" Oh God, let's go Harry!" The two headed off to the Fifth-year dorm room. " Hermione a babe, really!"
*
Hermione looked at the articles of clothing Jimi hung in her wardrobe.
" I wish I had your body Jimi." She sighed, fingering a lightweight yellow sundress. Jimi laughed as she opened another suitcase.
" Hermi, my body is the result of mixing genes for a big chest with years of malnutrition and highly unfun physical labor. You *don't* want my body. You're cute as hell as you are." The older girl told her, hanging two grment bags. Hermione looked at them intrestedly.
" Jimi, what are those?" The girl blushed.
" Oh, j-just my work clothes. When the term's over I still have to go back to work." She ansewered, Jerkily folding a pair of black jeans " But anyway, to more intresting topics, how do you like your new hairstyle?" Hermione reached up absently and touched the thick waves where Jimi had relaxed and highlighted the normally frizzy brown mass into a more auburn, wavy mane.
" It's so diffrent." She admitted.
" You look great, but putting it up in a braid at night will help keep it from tangling in your sleep." With a flick of her wrist and a muttered 'Kobolda', Jimi came to sit behind Hermione, plaiting the girl's hair into a braid as her clothes began to fold themselves. " So, how'd I get so lucky as to end up in the house with all the cute guys?" The two giggled. " I mean, have you seen those twins? Yummy!"
" Don't let them hear you say that." Hermione laughed. " Their heads would swell so big we'd never get them out the portrait hole again!" Jimi dissolved into almost hysterical giggles.
" I won't then." She looped an elastic around the end of the braid " And," She continued slyly " I'll make sure I leave that green-eyed cutie for you."
" Harry!?" Hermione spun around. " I..." She was happily intrupted by three girls entering the room.
" Hi!" One of them exclaimed bouncily, unaware or uncaring of her intruption. " I'm Parvati, this is my sister Fatima, and this is Lavender. Jimi nodded in amusement at the girl's excitement.
" Hello. I'm Jimi." The girls giggled again.
" We know *that*." The one named Lavander said dismissively, sitting on the bed across from Hermione's. " But did you *really* make a *perfect* Succubi Draught?!"
" According to the Ministry I did." She said, amusement thick in her voice.
" But why'd you *take* it?" Parvati asked in an awed whisper, obviously awaiting some deep tale of greif or scandle.
" Because I get very sick almost once a month displaying similar symptoms to the ones they describe. I wasn't aware it wasn't fit for human consumption." Something inside her smiled as a slightly dissapointed look crossed Parvati's face. Although she couldn't name it, there was something about the girl she didn't like.
" Lights Out!" A prefect called from the hall. Rising, Jimi stripped off her robe adn climbed into her bed.
" Guess I'll see you in the morning." She yawned, rolling onto her side away from the others as several lights were blown out. The room was silent for several minuites.
" I heard she's a run away from america." A voice whispered, thinking she slept.
" Well I heard her mother was a nun who was raped. What type of sicko rapes a nun?"
" I heard no one knew she existed, Muggle or wizard."
" And I've heard a bunch on nonsense!" Hermione snapped quietly. " It *is* true that Jimi's an orphan, but the rest of that is just silly! Now go to sleep before she hears you! She's a pretty light sleeper."
Barely containing a chuckle, Jimi truely did drift into sleep as the room fell into silence
*
Jimi slipped a robe over her white tank top and shorts before hastily brushing out her hair and throwing her hat on, hurring down the stairs to the common room just in time to see the Weasley twins stepping out the portrait hole.
" Wait!" They looked up simultainously. " Um, how do I get to the Great hall from here?" The two laughed.
" Follow us."
" Only if you quit speaking in tandem. It makes my head spin!" Taking an arm from each brother, Jimi happily waltzed down the corridor between them.
" So, " She began after a few moments. " What's the best way to tell you two apart?"
" Well, " The one on her left began. " George got his nose broken by a bludger playing Quidditch last year." Inspecting the brother on her right, Jimi noticed the lines of his narrow nose slightly bent and marred by a scar across the bridge.
" Yep, it hurt like hell." He agreed jovially. " We're here." Not releasing her, the two walked her in to the tables. Laughing, Jimi dropped a kiss on each of their cheeks, feeling a bit more awake with each kiss.
Sitting down next to Hermione, she took a schedual from Professer McGonagall.
" Awww! Son-of-a-squib!" Ron moaned from a few seats away.
" What?" Jimi asked, looking at her schedual.
:: Monday: 9:00 Herbology/Slythrin, 10:00 Transfiguration/Ravenclaw, 12:00 Lunch, 1:00 Potions/Slythrin.::
Ron sent her a scandalized look.
" We have double potions with Slythrin *again* and herbology on top of that! I see more and more of Malfory every year!" Jimi knit her brows as she stared up at the cheerfully blue sky/ceiling.
" You guys really *don't* like that kid, do you?"
" NO!!" Every Gryffindor within hearing range chorased. " He hates Muggles." Ron continued. " As well as half-bloods, and any one who likes Muggles. He's just a bloody git. It's like he hates everyone."
"Ii've known people like that throughout my life." Jimi said softly, still pondering the mysteries of the ceiling. " They seemed to hate everyone and took it out on people who weren't like them." Everyone turned to listen to her. " One was repetedly molestedly by his uncle. His parents never belived him. Another had an alcholic mother who beat her. The last kid was a trophy. Really rich. Her parents brought her out for parties and such tried to make her into them, and if she messed up, she was punished harshly. It made them real mean. Kinda cold, even ass-hole-ish to people they didn't know." She finally looked down from the ceiling to her sausages which she dipped in her maple syrup. " It's really nothing more than ingrained behavior and self defense. Jerks aren't born you know; They're made."
Just then Draco walked by, shooting dirty looks at Harry and the others.
" There's an exception to every rule." Harry muttered darkly.
*
" Not Mandrakes again!" Ron groaned, looking at the familar green and purple tufts. " Why?!" He protested to no one in particular.
" Because, Mr. Weasley, " Professer Sprout said from behind them, making him jump. " We'll be in need of Mandrake powder this year, putting us in need of Mandrake." Ron blushed.
" Sorry Professer." The squat little witch walked past them to stand before her table.
" Now class, You'll be working in three areas." She began. " Putting the brand new Mandrakes into their first pots, moving toddlers, and re-potting pre-adolecents. I want two Gryffindors and two Slythrins to a tray." Jimi and Hermione took a tray of babys. The room reluctantly partnered up, and Hermione was not happy when Draco and another Slythrin stood at their table. Jimi looked around and frowned at the tension in the air.
" Well, " She began. " If we're moving them, I think it would be best to have two people holding them and two getting the pots ready so we can get this done quickly. Hermi, do you mind if I hold the baby?" Hermione quickly shook her head, remebering how feircely ther tiny Mandrakes fought. " Now which of you two is going to hold them?"
" I'll do it." Draco drawled. " *I'm* not afraid of a plant." Hermione glowered.
" Good." Jimi said briskly, reaching happily for the bright pink pair of earmuffs. " Are we all ready?" She asked. The others nodded and put on their earmuffs as Professer Sprout gave the thumbs up. Jimi gave a shocked gasp as Draco grabbed one little bundle of leaves and yanked roughly, uprooting a tiny, muddy, baby, squealing at the top of his lungs. A scowl on his faced, he held it at arms length as his friend began to fill a pot. Jimi frowned and tapped Draco on the shoulder, motioning to the baby and holding out her hands. With a look of confusion, Draco handed it to her
The Mandrake stopped screaming as, surprisingly, Jimi picked it up as if it were a true baby, ignoring its flailing little fists and holding it against her, pacing with it until it did the unimagineable. Fell asleep. Handing it back to Draco gently, Jimi turned and began to gently loosen the soil around her own Mandrake as the class around her stared. Gently potting the sleeping Mandrake, Draco followed Jimi's lead.
*
When class ended, everyone was hot and dirty, but Jimi's group less so than the others. Professer Sprout came over.
" What did you do in there?"
" They're plants, but they're babies too." Jimi ansewered, washing the dirt from her face. " I just treated them a bit more... gently than everyone else." The witch laughed. " Five points for eveyone at your table, except you. Ten points to Gryffindor for you." Jimi beamed as she walked out of the greenhouse with Harry, Ron and Hermione clustered around her.
" Hey, Gryffindor!" They all turned to see a bunch of seventh year Slythrin boys leering at Jimi. " Heard you've been playing house today, " a particularly large one called, his long black hair falling rakishly into his eyes as his leer grew into a full scale lechrous grin. " Mind if I be the daddy next time?" His friends burst into laughter. Harry and Ron tensed up to go to Jimi's defense, but she walked between them, approaching the boys, resting her hand on the Slythrin's chest.
" As much as I'd *love* to play with you." She began encouragingly. " I only play grown up games. " A small smile crossed her lips as her fellow Gryffindors burst into hysterics. " But, uh, call me when you crawl out of the sand box." Wrinkling her nose in a parody of a smile, she walked away, happily taking a round of applause from her housemates. " Now, I belive we have a date with Professer McGonagall?"
*
Harry hadn't thought McGonagall ever smiled in class at anyone but Hermione, but she was practically grinning at Jimi as she pushed up her sleeves and turned the chalkboard into a beautiful stained glass picture window of a young girl on a swing in a rose garden.
" That was beautiful Jimi!" Hermione whipered as the woman before the class began to explain the 'Sistineia' charm Jimi had just demonstraited.
" Thanks." Jimi whispered, pleased to see even the bright and artistic Ravenclaws looking at her with respect.
The class flew by, and Jimi was glowing as she walked out with an extra five points for assisting the class.
" I don't think I've felt better in my life!" She crowed as she took a seat at the Gryffindor table. " This is so amazing! She continued, pouring thick gobs of barbeque sause on her polish sausage. " This is better than that being at home trying to figure it out, that's for sure." She shot a look at the buisily writing Hermione. " Well, homework aside anyways."
" Tell me about it!" Ron lamented. " 'Discribe in detail the process of transfiguring a plain glass window into a stained glass window depicting a red rose in full bloom'." He read in disgust. " Jimi, you'll help me, right? Please?"
" Sure, it's actually easy. I'll show you after dinner. But first, what's next again?"
" You're as bad as Hermione. We have Snape and potions next." Ron grumbled. His jaw dropped to see Jimi's smile grow.
" I *love* potion mixing!" She chirped. " Nothing's really as calming as then mixing *exactly* this and that and *knowing* what's going to happen, espically after the type of hetic days I used to have."
" You." Ron began, raising a sardonic eyebrow. " Are. Sick."
*
Jimi paused just inside the doorway of the dungon and looked around, pleased anticipation imprinted on her face.
" Are you quite done sightseeing?" A chill voice asked from behind her. " Jimi whirled and smiled appoligetically at a slightly annoyed professer Snape.
" Sorry Sir." She murmurred, taking a seat on the Gryffindor/Slythrin line.
" Today we are working on a Memory Restoration Potion. I want you all paired off, boy/girl." Jimi snickered as she saw Hermione adn Harry pair off, a blush creeping across Hermione's face. Heading towards Ron, she frowned as Parvati swooped to his side and smiled at her. Uncertain, she stood there as the rest of the class paired off around her. Slowly she raised her hand. " Yes, Ms. Richardson?" Snape sighed.
" I don't have a partner." She appoligised. He sighed.
" Mr. Malfory, partner Ms. Richardson. I want someone I trust working with her on her first day." Jimi tood a stand at her cauldron, sending a quick smile to the handsome boy beside her.
" What happened to *Mr.* Malfory being your father?" She whispered teasingly. To her surprise, he smiled.
" The lesson is on page CXIII. You may begin." Snape told them.
An hour later Jimi's hair clung limply to her face as she stired her cauldron over the extrordinarily hot fire.
" What goes in next?" She asked, fanning herself with one hand as she wished for her flat with its air conditioner.
" Belladonna extract, one tablespoon." Jimi paused as Draco poured the correct amount.
" That doesn't sound right somehow. What's Belladonna again?" She asked as the silver blond poured the contents into the cauldron.
" Nightshade." Jimi dropped the spoon.
" Get Down!" She yelled, Knocking herself and Draco to the ground as the cauldrons contents began to bubble madly before exploding. Jimi looked down into the dove grey eyes below her, but before she could inquire about his safty, he grabbed her shoulders and rolled to the side as the hot cauldron fell to where they had been. Now he stared down at her.
" Are you okay?" They both asked softly.
" What's Going On!?" Jimi tore her gaze away to actually glare at the glowering Professer Snape.
" That damn potion has a possibally deadly typo!!" She snapped, wriggling from beneath Draco. " Look, they've got Sulpher, Hemlock, and Nightshade in two *diffrent* forms! Powdered *and* liquid! You can't mix all three unless they share a similar form!" Snape snatched the book from her hand. " What the hell's wrong with this book you had us buy!?" For a moment the class was silent as Snape went pale than bright red, expecting him to lay into Jimi for insolence. Instead he slammed her book shut.
" Five points for Gryffindor for finding this problem and bringing it to my attention. Class is dismissed for the day. I must talk to the head master about drafting a letter." Glaring down at the book, his expression growing angrier and angrier by the second, Snape swept out of the room, leaving the class to burst into applause.
Jimi was sure it was impossiable for a better first day to have existed.
Harry and his Friends are not mine. I've just taken them down of the shelf to play with for a while, but I promise to put them back, good as new when I'm done! Jimi Richardson is mine and I quite enjoy her.
AN: Sorry this part took so long getting out. I just recently got my first job working mid afternoons to closing at a restraunt. That means that my 8-whenever computer times have suddenly vanished. However I will try to get out a part of " The club" every week, give or take a few days. Now, kick back and enjoy my newest addition.
" Did you hear Harry?" Absently the dark haired sisteen year old turned his head towards his friend..
" I'm sorry, wasn't listening. What'd you say Ron?" Ron Weasley sighed and sat down in the seat oppisite his friend, running his hand through his bright red hair, pushing it away from his face as he began staring out his own window on their ride to Hogwarts school for Witchcraft and Wizardry for their fifth year.
" I asked if you had heard about the new student the Ministry's bringing in." Absently, Harry shook his head, his bangs falling into one shockingly green eye.
" Not a word."
" Are you talking about that homeless kid they're pushing off on us?" With a shared look of annoyance, Harry and Ron turned to glare at Draco Malfory as he stood in the doorway of their compartment on the Hogwarts express as it bareled through the english country-side. He sent the two a glacial smile. " I've heard all about it. My Father told me all about him." Ron snickered rudely, causing Draco to glare.
" Your father doesn't know what he's talking about. First of all, the new student is a *she*!" Gathering his pride, the blond whirled and stalked from the carriage as the two friends dissolved into laughter. " But really Harry, what's eating you?"
" Nothing." Harry broke off a chocolate frog leg and popped a bit in his mouth. " I'm just wondering where Hermione is."
" That's what else I wanted to tell you!" Ron exclaimed. " The ministry thought the new student could use a guide who knows about stuff for a while and who else knows more about *anything*, " Ron scoffed, rolling his eyes. " Than Hermione?" Harry laughingly agreed, and with sated curiosity, fell into a peacefull chatter with his friend for the trips remainder.
*
Harry clapped enthuastically for the newest students as he watched the end of the sorting ceremony. It was as amazing as always, but this year Harry's heart wasn't into watching. His mind was focused on the girl of the rumors. The self taught American immigrant who had managed to force her way into Daigon alley. Each tale was more spectacular than the last, and Harry wanted to see the woman behind the stories. He peered around for a new face, but the only new faces he could find were two new teachers, a man who sat alone at the end of the Teachers table, and a woman who sat beside Hagrid, talking to him, her hands moving animatedly with her tale, her thick black hair loose, held away from her face by a thick braid across the crown of her head. Harry's heart pumped with excitement as Dumbledore rose from his high golden seat.
" Welcome!" He exclaimed happily," To another year at Hogwarts!" The room seemed to explode with applause. " I have some introductions to make. Our newest faculty member, Johan Tenniel, our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher." The applause was scattered and mild as Seameaus Finnigan put on his bookie face and began taking bets as to whether the young man was evil or incompatiant. " And may I remind all students that the Forbidden forest is not called that for effect. It is *still* off limits." For a moment the school hung on the silence edgily. " Lastly, " The student body breathed a relived breath. " I know a good many of you are ready to eat, however many more of you are curious about our newest addition to Hogwarts. As she is probally very hungry herself, I would like to introduce Ms. Jimi Richardson." Looking over suddenly, the woman next to Hagrid rose and the male population of Hogwarts simultaniously stopped breathing.
Jimi was tall, raven haired, exotically beautiful, and wearing one of Hermione's old robes.
Hermione's too tight robes.
Hermione's too tight robes that clung to every curve on the not-so-young witches body. Her red lips curved into a smile as she looked over the Great Hall with a guileless look in her amber eyes.
" Hi guys." Hermione's voice whispered in Harry's ear. " Sorry I'm late, I was with Jimi."
" Jimi has been placed at a fifth year level, " Dumbledore continued as though half of his student body ceasing to function was perfectly normal. " And before the sorting ceremony, she was placed in the capable talons of Gryffindor." A cheer went up from Harry's table and it gave him pause to realize he was among the loudest cheerers. A slight blush crossed the girl's face. " Now I'm sure she can take care of anything I missed, so let's all eat!" An elbow in the side from Fred got his attention as Jimi jumped off the platform and walked over to the table, standing beside Herimone at the Gryffindor table.
" Jimi!" Hermione grabbed her hand and stood her beside Ron and Harry. " These are my friends. This is Ron Weasley, his dad works at the Ministry of Magic."
" Mr. Weasley, I remeber him. You have a very nice father Ron." Jimi told him in her honey thick alto voice.
" T-thanks." Ron replied, damning the stutter in his voice.
" And this is Harry Potter." Hermione contuinued, motioning to Harry.
" Nice to meet you too Harry. Nice hair." She chuckled, poking the top of his persistantly disobediant cowlick. Harry blushed. " No I meant it. Maybe you should spike the rest."
" Come on, sit down, chow's on!" Ron exclaimed, looking around to see the table filled with food. He pulled Hermione down in a chair beside her before she looked up, embarassment on her face.
" Oh Jimi, I'm sorry. Here, I'll come sit with you at the end of the table..." She began, rising.
" No, don't worry. Here, just scoot down a smidge...." Removing a wand from the folds of her robe, Jimi muttered under her breath and a chair appeared from the far end of the table. " Here we go!" She chirped, sitting down and filling her plate, tucking into it happily.
" So Jimi, how old are you?" Bowing her head, Jimi held up a finger, motioning for Rom to wait a moment. Hurriedly she swallowed her food.
" Seventeen. You two?" She asked the boys, taking a tenative sip of the juice in her goblet.
" Sixteen." Harry responded.
" Almost sixteen." Ron muttered. Jimi sputtered in her drink.
" No way!" She gasped incredlously. " I thought you and Harry were about my age." The boys beamed and she leaned forward around Ron, looking at Hermione. " Hey, I didn't really get a chance to thank you for helping me out with this whole school thing. I'm just sorry you had to miss going to the alley with these two."
" It's okay, the guys didn't mind much. Did you?" Hermione asked, her voice suddenly worried.
" We missed you a little." Ron admitted with a shrug. " But dad had told me some of what was going on, so it's okay."
Jimi sat back and let the three friends continue their conversation as she ate until a shadow fell across her, filling the air with disagreeable tension. Turning slowly, Jimi looked up into the pale grey eyes of Draco Malfory.
" Hello," He said, his voice filled with charm and politeness. " My name is Draco. Draco Malfory, and I wanted to be the first to extend a welcome from Slythrin House." He took her hand and politely dropped a soft kiss on it, sending a smug glance to Harry and Ron, earning glares in response as Jimi smiled at him.
" Thank you Mr. Malfory."
" Please, my Father is *Mr.* Malfory. Call me Darco."
" Then thank you, Draco." Shooting a triumphant look at the steaming Gryffindors, Draco flashed Jimi a stunning smile before returning to his table. " He was nice." She mused. Harry began to choke on a mouthfull of food.
" NICE?! Malfory?!" Ron gasped as Hermione helped Harry. " I've seen trolls with sweeter dispositions!" Jimi giggled. " I'm serious!"
" Well why? What's he ever done?" She asked. Harry rolled his eyes.
" Got a few hours?"
*
" Hullo." Jimi turned to see twins, aproximately her own age standing behind her as the headboy opened the Gryffindor tower.
" Hi." She laughed.
" We're Fred,"
" And George,"
" Weasley." They finished together. Jimi laughed delightedly at their tandem speaking.
" How many of there are you?" She asked in amazement. " So far I've met Percy, Ron, Ginny, and you two." She ticked off on her fingers, her long nails clicking against each other.
" And we've got two more brothers done with Hogwarts." One, George she thought, told her. " We're a right big clan."
" No, You're lucky." She corrected as they climbed through the portriat hole. " I only had Madre and Andraia growing up."
" I know Madre is Spanish for mother..." The other twin, posibally Fred, said. " But who is Andraia?" She blushed.
" My stuffed bear." She muttered. Any other explinations she might have given were cut off as Percy began to Soapbox.
" Alright then. The password is ' Ravnos'. Try not to forget it." He sighed, sending a look at a plain, round-faced fifth year. " First years, follow mw to your rooms, the rest of you, assignments are on the board on that side of the common room, lights out in an hour and a half." Jimi made a face and blew a raspberry at Percy's receding back.
" He's related to *you two*? And Ron?!" She asked in shock. The twins pretended to cling to eachother in sorrow and hang their heads.
" Every family has *one*." They chorased regretfully, electiting a golden giggle from Jimi. It only took a second for the others to find them.
" Fred, George, You've already met Jimi?" Ron asked with a hint of dissapointment.
" Oh yeah." George told him laughingly. " You can't miss someone who screams 'fun' like her." Jimi stuck a pose, causing the others to laugh. " So Jimi, know where you're sleeping?"
" Yep, kinda. Speaking of which, can you show me back up Hermione? I wanna finish unpacking." She said appoligetically. Hermione shook her head.
" Not a problem. We'll see you guys for breakfast tomorrow!" Harry watched the two girls walk away with a bewildered look on his face.
" I've never seen Hermione so happy." He muttered.
" I've noticed too." Ron puzzled. Both yelped as they received a wallop up side their heads from Fred and George.
" You idiots!" The twins exclaimed.
" It's obvious why Hermione's so happy." Fred scoffed, rolling his eyes.
" Duh," George continued. " She got herself a best friend." Ron looked insulted.
" Then what are Harry and I?" He protested.
" Guys." They turned to see Ginny Weasley standing behind them, arms crossed and eyes rolled heavenward, seeking patiance. " You two are still her best friends, but Jimi's a girl, and Hermione needs someone other than me to talk to. Preferablely, one who doesn't know how close the three of you come to destruction every year!"
" Gin, when did you get so smart?" Fred asked in only partially feigned amazement. Ginny placed her hands on her hips.
" I live with a tribe of loud, bossy, overbearing males." She retorted.
" Hey!" The twins protested. " You forgot how fun and handsome we are!" Throwing her hands up in the air, Ginny turned and stalked off. " But seriously, Gin's right. Jimi's already a great influence on your friend. Look at her, she's like, two steps down from being a babe." Fred said. Ron's jaw fell open as if his brother had announced Santa Claus was none other than Snape in disguise.
" H-Hermione? A babe?!?!" He stammered. George scoffed at his brother's shock.
" You guys aren't exactly eleven anymore Ronnie. That friend of yours has legs from here to tomorrow."
" I'm Not Hearing This!" The youngest Weasley boy exclaimed. " Percy, make 'em stop!" He begged, seeing their older brother strut by.
" What's all this then?" He asked, glaring at his twin siblings.
" They're calling Hermione a...babe!" Ron yelped as Percy's face grew thoughtful. " Not you too!"
" Well, you do have to admit, she does look kinda cute with that new hairstyle and those highlights..." Rolling his eyes, Ron grabbed Harry by the sleeve of his robe.
" Oh God, let's go Harry!" The two headed off to the Fifth-year dorm room. " Hermione a babe, really!"
*
Hermione looked at the articles of clothing Jimi hung in her wardrobe.
" I wish I had your body Jimi." She sighed, fingering a lightweight yellow sundress. Jimi laughed as she opened another suitcase.
" Hermi, my body is the result of mixing genes for a big chest with years of malnutrition and highly unfun physical labor. You *don't* want my body. You're cute as hell as you are." The older girl told her, hanging two grment bags. Hermione looked at them intrestedly.
" Jimi, what are those?" The girl blushed.
" Oh, j-just my work clothes. When the term's over I still have to go back to work." She ansewered, Jerkily folding a pair of black jeans " But anyway, to more intresting topics, how do you like your new hairstyle?" Hermione reached up absently and touched the thick waves where Jimi had relaxed and highlighted the normally frizzy brown mass into a more auburn, wavy mane.
" It's so diffrent." She admitted.
" You look great, but putting it up in a braid at night will help keep it from tangling in your sleep." With a flick of her wrist and a muttered 'Kobolda', Jimi came to sit behind Hermione, plaiting the girl's hair into a braid as her clothes began to fold themselves. " So, how'd I get so lucky as to end up in the house with all the cute guys?" The two giggled. " I mean, have you seen those twins? Yummy!"
" Don't let them hear you say that." Hermione laughed. " Their heads would swell so big we'd never get them out the portrait hole again!" Jimi dissolved into almost hysterical giggles.
" I won't then." She looped an elastic around the end of the braid " And," She continued slyly " I'll make sure I leave that green-eyed cutie for you."
" Harry!?" Hermione spun around. " I..." She was happily intrupted by three girls entering the room.
" Hi!" One of them exclaimed bouncily, unaware or uncaring of her intruption. " I'm Parvati, this is my sister Fatima, and this is Lavender. Jimi nodded in amusement at the girl's excitement.
" Hello. I'm Jimi." The girls giggled again.
" We know *that*." The one named Lavander said dismissively, sitting on the bed across from Hermione's. " But did you *really* make a *perfect* Succubi Draught?!"
" According to the Ministry I did." She said, amusement thick in her voice.
" But why'd you *take* it?" Parvati asked in an awed whisper, obviously awaiting some deep tale of greif or scandle.
" Because I get very sick almost once a month displaying similar symptoms to the ones they describe. I wasn't aware it wasn't fit for human consumption." Something inside her smiled as a slightly dissapointed look crossed Parvati's face. Although she couldn't name it, there was something about the girl she didn't like.
" Lights Out!" A prefect called from the hall. Rising, Jimi stripped off her robe adn climbed into her bed.
" Guess I'll see you in the morning." She yawned, rolling onto her side away from the others as several lights were blown out. The room was silent for several minuites.
" I heard she's a run away from america." A voice whispered, thinking she slept.
" Well I heard her mother was a nun who was raped. What type of sicko rapes a nun?"
" I heard no one knew she existed, Muggle or wizard."
" And I've heard a bunch on nonsense!" Hermione snapped quietly. " It *is* true that Jimi's an orphan, but the rest of that is just silly! Now go to sleep before she hears you! She's a pretty light sleeper."
Barely containing a chuckle, Jimi truely did drift into sleep as the room fell into silence
*
Jimi slipped a robe over her white tank top and shorts before hastily brushing out her hair and throwing her hat on, hurring down the stairs to the common room just in time to see the Weasley twins stepping out the portrait hole.
" Wait!" They looked up simultainously. " Um, how do I get to the Great hall from here?" The two laughed.
" Follow us."
" Only if you quit speaking in tandem. It makes my head spin!" Taking an arm from each brother, Jimi happily waltzed down the corridor between them.
" So, " She began after a few moments. " What's the best way to tell you two apart?"
" Well, " The one on her left began. " George got his nose broken by a bludger playing Quidditch last year." Inspecting the brother on her right, Jimi noticed the lines of his narrow nose slightly bent and marred by a scar across the bridge.
" Yep, it hurt like hell." He agreed jovially. " We're here." Not releasing her, the two walked her in to the tables. Laughing, Jimi dropped a kiss on each of their cheeks, feeling a bit more awake with each kiss.
Sitting down next to Hermione, she took a schedual from Professer McGonagall.
" Awww! Son-of-a-squib!" Ron moaned from a few seats away.
" What?" Jimi asked, looking at her schedual.
:: Monday: 9:00 Herbology/Slythrin, 10:00 Transfiguration/Ravenclaw, 12:00 Lunch, 1:00 Potions/Slythrin.::
Ron sent her a scandalized look.
" We have double potions with Slythrin *again* and herbology on top of that! I see more and more of Malfory every year!" Jimi knit her brows as she stared up at the cheerfully blue sky/ceiling.
" You guys really *don't* like that kid, do you?"
" NO!!" Every Gryffindor within hearing range chorased. " He hates Muggles." Ron continued. " As well as half-bloods, and any one who likes Muggles. He's just a bloody git. It's like he hates everyone."
"Ii've known people like that throughout my life." Jimi said softly, still pondering the mysteries of the ceiling. " They seemed to hate everyone and took it out on people who weren't like them." Everyone turned to listen to her. " One was repetedly molestedly by his uncle. His parents never belived him. Another had an alcholic mother who beat her. The last kid was a trophy. Really rich. Her parents brought her out for parties and such tried to make her into them, and if she messed up, she was punished harshly. It made them real mean. Kinda cold, even ass-hole-ish to people they didn't know." She finally looked down from the ceiling to her sausages which she dipped in her maple syrup. " It's really nothing more than ingrained behavior and self defense. Jerks aren't born you know; They're made."
Just then Draco walked by, shooting dirty looks at Harry and the others.
" There's an exception to every rule." Harry muttered darkly.
*
" Not Mandrakes again!" Ron groaned, looking at the familar green and purple tufts. " Why?!" He protested to no one in particular.
" Because, Mr. Weasley, " Professer Sprout said from behind them, making him jump. " We'll be in need of Mandrake powder this year, putting us in need of Mandrake." Ron blushed.
" Sorry Professer." The squat little witch walked past them to stand before her table.
" Now class, You'll be working in three areas." She began. " Putting the brand new Mandrakes into their first pots, moving toddlers, and re-potting pre-adolecents. I want two Gryffindors and two Slythrins to a tray." Jimi and Hermione took a tray of babys. The room reluctantly partnered up, and Hermione was not happy when Draco and another Slythrin stood at their table. Jimi looked around and frowned at the tension in the air.
" Well, " She began. " If we're moving them, I think it would be best to have two people holding them and two getting the pots ready so we can get this done quickly. Hermi, do you mind if I hold the baby?" Hermione quickly shook her head, remebering how feircely ther tiny Mandrakes fought. " Now which of you two is going to hold them?"
" I'll do it." Draco drawled. " *I'm* not afraid of a plant." Hermione glowered.
" Good." Jimi said briskly, reaching happily for the bright pink pair of earmuffs. " Are we all ready?" She asked. The others nodded and put on their earmuffs as Professer Sprout gave the thumbs up. Jimi gave a shocked gasp as Draco grabbed one little bundle of leaves and yanked roughly, uprooting a tiny, muddy, baby, squealing at the top of his lungs. A scowl on his faced, he held it at arms length as his friend began to fill a pot. Jimi frowned and tapped Draco on the shoulder, motioning to the baby and holding out her hands. With a look of confusion, Draco handed it to her
The Mandrake stopped screaming as, surprisingly, Jimi picked it up as if it were a true baby, ignoring its flailing little fists and holding it against her, pacing with it until it did the unimagineable. Fell asleep. Handing it back to Draco gently, Jimi turned and began to gently loosen the soil around her own Mandrake as the class around her stared. Gently potting the sleeping Mandrake, Draco followed Jimi's lead.
*
When class ended, everyone was hot and dirty, but Jimi's group less so than the others. Professer Sprout came over.
" What did you do in there?"
" They're plants, but they're babies too." Jimi ansewered, washing the dirt from her face. " I just treated them a bit more... gently than everyone else." The witch laughed. " Five points for eveyone at your table, except you. Ten points to Gryffindor for you." Jimi beamed as she walked out of the greenhouse with Harry, Ron and Hermione clustered around her.
" Hey, Gryffindor!" They all turned to see a bunch of seventh year Slythrin boys leering at Jimi. " Heard you've been playing house today, " a particularly large one called, his long black hair falling rakishly into his eyes as his leer grew into a full scale lechrous grin. " Mind if I be the daddy next time?" His friends burst into laughter. Harry and Ron tensed up to go to Jimi's defense, but she walked between them, approaching the boys, resting her hand on the Slythrin's chest.
" As much as I'd *love* to play with you." She began encouragingly. " I only play grown up games. " A small smile crossed her lips as her fellow Gryffindors burst into hysterics. " But, uh, call me when you crawl out of the sand box." Wrinkling her nose in a parody of a smile, she walked away, happily taking a round of applause from her housemates. " Now, I belive we have a date with Professer McGonagall?"
*
Harry hadn't thought McGonagall ever smiled in class at anyone but Hermione, but she was practically grinning at Jimi as she pushed up her sleeves and turned the chalkboard into a beautiful stained glass picture window of a young girl on a swing in a rose garden.
" That was beautiful Jimi!" Hermione whipered as the woman before the class began to explain the 'Sistineia' charm Jimi had just demonstraited.
" Thanks." Jimi whispered, pleased to see even the bright and artistic Ravenclaws looking at her with respect.
The class flew by, and Jimi was glowing as she walked out with an extra five points for assisting the class.
" I don't think I've felt better in my life!" She crowed as she took a seat at the Gryffindor table. " This is so amazing! She continued, pouring thick gobs of barbeque sause on her polish sausage. " This is better than that being at home trying to figure it out, that's for sure." She shot a look at the buisily writing Hermione. " Well, homework aside anyways."
" Tell me about it!" Ron lamented. " 'Discribe in detail the process of transfiguring a plain glass window into a stained glass window depicting a red rose in full bloom'." He read in disgust. " Jimi, you'll help me, right? Please?"
" Sure, it's actually easy. I'll show you after dinner. But first, what's next again?"
" You're as bad as Hermione. We have Snape and potions next." Ron grumbled. His jaw dropped to see Jimi's smile grow.
" I *love* potion mixing!" She chirped. " Nothing's really as calming as then mixing *exactly* this and that and *knowing* what's going to happen, espically after the type of hetic days I used to have."
" You." Ron began, raising a sardonic eyebrow. " Are. Sick."
*
Jimi paused just inside the doorway of the dungon and looked around, pleased anticipation imprinted on her face.
" Are you quite done sightseeing?" A chill voice asked from behind her. " Jimi whirled and smiled appoligetically at a slightly annoyed professer Snape.
" Sorry Sir." She murmurred, taking a seat on the Gryffindor/Slythrin line.
" Today we are working on a Memory Restoration Potion. I want you all paired off, boy/girl." Jimi snickered as she saw Hermione adn Harry pair off, a blush creeping across Hermione's face. Heading towards Ron, she frowned as Parvati swooped to his side and smiled at her. Uncertain, she stood there as the rest of the class paired off around her. Slowly she raised her hand. " Yes, Ms. Richardson?" Snape sighed.
" I don't have a partner." She appoligised. He sighed.
" Mr. Malfory, partner Ms. Richardson. I want someone I trust working with her on her first day." Jimi tood a stand at her cauldron, sending a quick smile to the handsome boy beside her.
" What happened to *Mr.* Malfory being your father?" She whispered teasingly. To her surprise, he smiled.
" The lesson is on page CXIII. You may begin." Snape told them.
An hour later Jimi's hair clung limply to her face as she stired her cauldron over the extrordinarily hot fire.
" What goes in next?" She asked, fanning herself with one hand as she wished for her flat with its air conditioner.
" Belladonna extract, one tablespoon." Jimi paused as Draco poured the correct amount.
" That doesn't sound right somehow. What's Belladonna again?" She asked as the silver blond poured the contents into the cauldron.
" Nightshade." Jimi dropped the spoon.
" Get Down!" She yelled, Knocking herself and Draco to the ground as the cauldrons contents began to bubble madly before exploding. Jimi looked down into the dove grey eyes below her, but before she could inquire about his safty, he grabbed her shoulders and rolled to the side as the hot cauldron fell to where they had been. Now he stared down at her.
" Are you okay?" They both asked softly.
" What's Going On!?" Jimi tore her gaze away to actually glare at the glowering Professer Snape.
" That damn potion has a possibally deadly typo!!" She snapped, wriggling from beneath Draco. " Look, they've got Sulpher, Hemlock, and Nightshade in two *diffrent* forms! Powdered *and* liquid! You can't mix all three unless they share a similar form!" Snape snatched the book from her hand. " What the hell's wrong with this book you had us buy!?" For a moment the class was silent as Snape went pale than bright red, expecting him to lay into Jimi for insolence. Instead he slammed her book shut.
" Five points for Gryffindor for finding this problem and bringing it to my attention. Class is dismissed for the day. I must talk to the head master about drafting a letter." Glaring down at the book, his expression growing angrier and angrier by the second, Snape swept out of the room, leaving the class to burst into applause.
Jimi was sure it was impossiable for a better first day to have existed.