Disclaimer: Do not own the Wonderful World of Harry Potter… not making any money from my writings…DO NOT LIKE that Rowling has killed Sirius Black and have chosen to pointedly ignore that certain, allowing him to make an appearance here…

Note to readers: your reviews are only welcome in these type of formats: praise, gushing, skepticism, flames, anger, denial, repulse/disgust, and I suppose constructive criticism can be entertained as well…

A/N: Warning: Snape/McGonagall appearance starting from this chapter, will get worse as story progresses, or as worst can be without increasing the ratings. Also be prepared for unorthodox reaction of Harry towards Snape and Snape's unSnapeish behavior

Just a note: This is a continuation of another fic I wrote earlier, that was… let's say the stepping stone of McGonagall and Snape's relationship… I didn't/won't post it coz it's about Charlie Weasley and my OFC (Julianna Montgomery) and that's not really hot stuff here. You don't have to read that to understand this, but I do make some reference to it occasionally. Also, note that Julianna and Charlie are married and have a little girl, Lizzie… you'll meet them later in the fic… probably around Christmas… ^_^… that's all…

~*@*~

It would seem that her morning happiness was just the beginning. The saying, what goes up must come down somehow doesn't apply in the wizarding world. Even if she had tried, (trust me, she did!) Jessica couldn't find anything wrong with anything that day. Breakfast was sensational. It seemed that the 20 points she had received from Professor McGonagall had put Gryffindor in the lead. The hall was buzzing with puzzlement from the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw's, extremely delight from the Gryffindors and anguish resentment from the Slytherins. But the most common question: how and who? Even the teachers were whispering madly with each other save Professor McGonagall and… Dumbledore, though there shouldn't be any surprised there.

Jessica continued eating her toast and jam, letting the questions and assumptions pass over her, not offering her thoughts. She couldn't decide which was better; that she'd cause such a stir or that Harry was giving her conspirational winks and smiles from across the table.  Definitely the latter, said her brain/hormones. Shut up, brain. I agree. Oh no, not you too heart!

"Who do you think the mystery person is?" said Hermione after breakfast as the four walked out of the Great Hall.

"Are you sure you didn't do it, Herm?" said Harry, smiling widely at Jessica.

"If it was me, I think I would know, Harry," said Hermione, rolling her eyes. Guys are such dunderheads. Ron was just looking at the Jessica and Harry exchange smiles. Although he didn't know Jessica very well, he did know Harry and Harry was definitely hiding something from him and Hermione.

"Jessica, what do you think?" asked Ron. Jessica flushed a little but remained composed.

"I dunno, don't care actually," she replied nonchalantly but her heart was pounding. I hope Ron doesn't suspect anything, she thought. Why not? Her brain argued. If he suspects something then what's the point I keep it a secret? She replied. What are you really afraid of? He brain asked. I'm not scared of anything; I just want to keep this secret. Really Jessica? Or are you afraid he'll figure out your fascination with his best friend? Hey, who asked for your opinion, heart?

"Jessica? You okay? What's with the deep frown?" Hermione's voice broke into her reverie.

"Huh? Oh nothing. I was just wondering… uh, about the anonymous person also now that Ron had asked," she said quickly.

"Any ideas?"

"Maybe it was the tooth fairy,"

"If it was the tooth fairy, we'd be ten sickles richer not 20 points up," answered Hermione dryly.

"Well, then, the house point fairy then," Jessica retorted. The three laughed.

"We'd better quicken our pace, potions is in five," said Ron, and took Hermione's hands, before running off. Jessica stopped abruptly, her face stricken. Harry grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.

"C'mon, there isn't time to worry about it now," said Harry softly. Jessica quicken her pace but didn't shake free from Harry grasps.

"What if I have a mental breakdown and get everything wrong? Harry I can't afford to do five assignments in three days again!" she hissed. Harry laughed and pulled her down the stairs towards the dungeon.

"Stop worrying. It'll be okay," he reassured. That's right. It'll be okay. It's not like I caught them in bed or anything. Jessica you are seriously overreacting. By the time they reached potion class, she was calm already, and was quite okay with the two. But of course, Harry, being male, had to spoil her tranquility.

"Just to remind you, we have transfiguration after this."

@~~}~~~

It wasn't as bad as she thought it'd be. Snape had blushed furiously when she walked in and kept his back to the students or his head terribly low down when explaining about ingredients. He must have been really shaken up as he didn't deduct a single point from Gryffindor or said a single nasty remark to Neville. As for Jessica, he didn't even pass her way much less look at her. The class, Gryffindor and Slytherins alike were quite surprised at his sudden changed and were even more surprise at Harry inability to refrain from breaking into huge grins when Snape's back was turned.

Transfiguration however wasn't as 'awkward' as potions had been. Professor McGonagall taught her seventh year class as if she hadn't been caught red-handed harboring a sexy, boxer-clad potion teacher in her room earlier in the morning. Neville, who was in good spirits after the first ever potions class where he wasn't verbally sliced to pieces, felt it plummet to the ground as Professor McGonagall took over Snape's job. The only time when things might have gone a little awry was when Jessica began to giggle and had to bite her wand to stop. Unfortunately, her antics had caught Harry's attention and he too began to start laughing. Lucky for them, McGonagall (who was supporting identical pink spots on her cheeks) had chosen against transfiguring them into hyenas and instead asked them to step out until they've got their laughter under control. It was a full fifteen minutes before the two could walk in with a straight face again.

"Alright you guys, what's up?" asked Ron. He and Hermione had cornered Harry and Jessica in the empty common room. Harry again began to laugh softly, but Jessica remained calm. If the two wanted to know, they'll have to beg her for it.

"Ron, I don't know what you're talking about," she said. Harry, who was sitting beside Jessica, pressed his face against the back of the sofa in an attempt to muffle his laugh.

"Uh-huh, and Harry's just extremely happy today right?" said Hermione dryly. Jessica rolled her eyes and gave Harry a smack on his back.

"Potter! Stop laughing! You're ruining the effect!" she scolded.

"I'm trying. Did you see Snape's face?! I thought I was going to burst from not laughing!" he cried, letting loose his laughter. Despite her attempt to remain unfazed, she too started laughing.

"I know. He wouldn't look at me! And McGonagall! I swear she blushed!" Jessica laughed. Ron and Hermione, not understanding, couldn't see anything funny.

"Hello! What are you two laughing at?" Hermione cried in exasperation. Harry and Jessica took another two minutes to calm down.

"Do you wanna tell?" she asked. Harry shook his head.

"No, you tell. It's your story," he replied. Jessica turned her full attention to the two and told them what she had seen.

"Bloody hell! Are you sure? It wasn't a dream?" exclaimed Ron. Hermione was just gaping, unable to say anything (for once).

"Look, Weasley. As bizarre as I am, I draw a line at fantasizing about teachers, especially Snape and McGonagall," she replied dryly.

"Oh my, amazing… who would've thought?" Hermione finally found her tongue.

"Not me,"

"Me neither,"

"Well, they were building towards it," said Harry, suddenly growing thoughtful.

"What!" all three exclaimed.

"You weren't here," he said addressing Jessica.

"Remember valentines when Charlie and Jules were here? Snape kissed McGonagall under the mistletoe?"

"But Harry, Snape was under a spell," argued Ron.

"Yeah, but it wasn't a love spell. He didn't have to kiss her… unless he had wanted too," reasoned Harry. The two looked at him in understanding. Only Jessica looked baffled.

"Mistletoes on valentines?" she asked incredulously.

"That's what Jules said! Professor Flitwick decorated the hall," said Hermione, as if that explained it all. Jessica nodded, not understanding, but not really wanting to find out. Students began to trickle in and the four changed the topic.

@~~}~~~

Harry could barely hear Ron and Hermione argue about divination as she still thought he and Harry were wasting brain cells in that class. He was looking at Jessica, but trying to look as if he wasn't looking. At this moment, she was busy staring into the fire, her thoughts miles away. Harry let out a sigh. He couldn't understand when he began to feel that way. He couldn't understand why he felt that way. From day one, she had been rude and obnoxious to him. She doesn't even call him by his first name. She loved to make fun of him, laugh every time he messed up one of his homework. There was nothing… nice about her for him to feel attracted to. Of course she's always there to help, doesn't mind going out of her way to make amends, kind hearted to those who need it, beautiful, funny when she wants to be, and is constantly on his mind in his dreams, but really, that isn't the point!

Even now, when her hostility had somewhat toned down, she was still reserved. No one knew what she was thinking. She chose what she wanted other people to see, to know. Does he want that? To have a relationship with someone who is sullen, guarded, and suspicious? What will he gain out of this relationship? And to top it all, she doesn't like anything about magic and refuses out rightly to use even a simple quill, choosing instead to use a ball point pen!! How could he possibly even want a relationship with her, when magic and everything about it was his entire life??  Harry!! What are you thinking? A relationship with Jessica? Is that what you want? With her?  She thinks your scar is a tattoo and calls you Tattoo boy, for heaven's sake! Harry was slightly stunned to where his thoughts had taken a turn. This was the first time he had ever let the thought enter. It had always been there, but he would dismiss the notion before it had time to take shape. But there was no running away from it now. Yes, I do want to have a relationship with her. The problem is, does she want one with him?

Well, Harry had finally figured out his state of heart and mind, and knew where he wanted to go. Jessica on the other hand, had no idea what she felt for the boy and was still lost and still driving around in circles. Her three way debate with her brain (still taken over by her hormones) and her heart were only leading her to dead ends. Suspicion and wariness still controlled a large part of her emotions and thoughts. She knew if she was willing to admit it, deep, deep down in her hearts of hearts she wanted to befriend the other students and… she wanted to be liked. She wanted to laugh with Dean, Seamus, and Neville over something stupid, as they sometimes do with Ron and Harry. She wanted Lavender and Parvati to stop her in the middle of the hallway with some juicy gossip as they do with Hermione. She also wanted the friendly smiles and look the trio would receive from students alike. (Except for some students, whom she realized were less friendly, but she had never bothered to find out why).  **Sigh** if only I could know for certain that there was a chance for me to make things right, I would, she thought. What's stopping you? Her brain asked. Fear. Fear? Yes, I don't think I could handle the rejection. I guess… I'm not as tough as I'd want others to think. Oh Jessica….

If only she knew what the fates (who were in an unusual good mood) had in store for her.

Classes had ended for that day and Jessica found herself in a state she hadn't been in for almost ever since she came to Hogwarts. Her old self would have welcomed it, but now, her body repulsed the feeling with strength. For the first time ever, she was beginning to feel the ache of being alone and whatever happiness she felt in the morning began to disperse slowly. Hermione was nowhere in sight… come to think of it, the hallways were unusually quiet; just a few Ravenclaw's passing her by. Well, it's a good thing I didn't decide to make a fool out of myself, she thought. Making friends does not render you a fool, her brain argued.

"Well, at least I have my schizophrenic personality to keep me company," she said to no one in particular.

"Pardon me, child. Were you talking to me?" said a voice in front of her. Jessica looked up at the Fat lady and smiled.

"Nothing important. Sweet tooth." she said and the portrait flung open. She climbed through the hole.

What greeted her was not reassuring. In fact, she could feel her inside contract as if trying to shrink into nothing. Her brain had deserted her, leaving her alone in a room full of Gryffindors, each and everyone of them staring fixatedly at her.

"What!" she snapped, trying to hide the sudden apprehension gnawing in her heart. She looked at Hermione and was slightly startled by drops of tears shining on her eyelashes. Harry had his head down, his face red and flushed. Ron's look mirrored the rest of the students; disbelief.  For the love of burgers and fries, she had no idea what was happening. Maybe I pushed them to far and now they've decided to throw me into the lake as an offering to the giant squid. Jessica paled at the thought. Of course, she knew they wouldn't go to that extreme, but that didn't stop the images of herself being ripped apart by eight long tentacles from forming in her head. Maybe they'll show mercy and have me shoot instead?

Jessica, get a grip, you're imagination is getting the best of you, her schizophrenic personality chided. The silence was beginning to become unbearable and Jessica prepared to bolt out of the room. Suddenly, she saw from the corner of her eyes, Neville stepping forward. He gave her a huge grin and began clapping. Hermione started too, followed by Ron and Harry. Dean, Lavender, Seamus, Parvati joined in and before long, the entire Gryffindors were clapping. Hermione walked up to Jessica and to the dark hair girl's surprise, the head girl wrapped her arms around her into a tight embrace. When Hermione pulled back, her eyes were even mistier.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, giving Jessica a soft slap. Jessica looked puzzled, but then she saw Harry smile guiltily behind Hermione and knew. He had told them. Jessica shrugged.

"I felt bad and wanted to make amends, so to say," she said casually, as if 130 points was of no importance. Lavender walked up to her.

"Jessica, I… we all, are sorry. We judged you wrong," she said. The room became hushed and without realizing, Harry was holding his breath. Somehow, her response to the question was important to him. Jessica blushed furiously and smiled to Lavender.

"I'm sorry too, for being a pain in the ass," she answered, and smiled. Lavender beamed and hugged Jessica, which Jessica returned. Parvati and Hermione soon joined in the two while the others cheered loudly. Jessica could feel herself choke up and her eyes watery. She had never felt so happy, so welcomed, and she was loving every minute of it. As she looked at the students who had crowded around her, thanking her for her extraordinary contribution, all of them sincere, she almost wept in joy. And she had all this thanks to a boy with black hair, green eyes and an unusual tattoo, who couldn't keep his mouth shut. Out of nowhere, plates of sweets and pitchers of pumpkin juice began materializing on tables and soon the party was in full swing. It went well into the night but finally disbanded when Hermione (in her most bossy voice) ushered everyone to bed. Just before ascending up the stairs, Ginny Weasley turned to Jessica and paid her the highest compliment that night.

"Jessica, you are Gryffindor to the heart."

Eventually, all had gone up except Jessica and Harry.

"I should beat you up, Potter. You promised you wouldn't tell," she said to him. Harry, who was seated next to her, stretched lazily.

"I never promised, Stanford. I just said I'd keep quiet," he answered.

"Thanks, Harry,"

"Holy hippogriff! You used my first name!!"

"Harry!" Harry laughed at her exasperated look.

"No problem. So how does it feel?"

"What?"

"To be nice?"

"Nice… definitely nice,"

"I thought you'd like it," he said. She just smiled. He's so sweet, her heart sighed. Jessica smothered the feeling.

"Um, Harry… do you remember once you said you don't really care about me? Has that changed?" she asked, feeling shy for the first time ever. Harry's features clouded.

"I said that?" good job, Potter!

"Jessica, obviously I said that against my better judgment. Of course, I care. I wouldn't have done this if I didn't," he said.

"So are we friends now?" she asked, her brain naughtily adding 'boy' in front of friend.

"Yeah, sure," he said, smiling. Today we're friends, tomorrow I'll be the love of your life, he thought. He held out his hand. Jessica received it. Then she quickly leaned forward and kissed him on the cheeks. Before he could respond, she jumped out of her seat and ran up to her room. Harry touched his face where her lips had grazed it. That night Harry fell asleep with a huge grin on his face. As for Jessica, that night, in the midst of her dreams of friends, laughter and a green-eyed boy, another large section of her ice heart thawed and the heart that sat frozen for so long began to thump in rhythm again.

A/N/N: so how?? Did you enjoy??