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 part, allowing him to make an appearance here…

Note to readers: your reviews are only welcome in these types 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. It takes place in fifth year for the dream team and they were kidnapped by Voldermort at the end of that year. 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…

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**Okay peeps, here is where my disclaimer comes into play, so don't say I didn't warn you!!**

The days that followed their big fight was anything but wonderful. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Harry would disappear for hours at a time, coming back just for dinner or lunch and in the process saying as little as possible to Jessica if nothing at all which totally confused her as she had NO IDEA why Harry was acting like he did. Ron and Hermione were no fun to hang around with, as they would wonder around, holding hands, lost in their own world, although whenever Hermione remembered, she'd send Ron to handle the temperamentally lovesick Harry and would spend time with Jessica.

As for the remaining inhabitants of the Burrow, they were too busy with their own lives and though they made an effort, most of the time Jessica was alone. Ginny's highlight of the day would be to receive an owl from her boyfriend, then shut herself in her room for hours replying it.  The twins were busy with their joke shop but Jessica steered clear of them as she didn't feel like being their test dummy anyways, and if she offered to help Mrs. Weasley around the house, she'll receive the same reply; what would your mother say if she saw you being treated like a servant?… and no matter what Jessica said, wouldn't change the old lady's mind. And though she enjoyed playing with Lizzie, she did miss having someone her age to hang out with and have conversations that didn't happen over plastic teas sets and with stuffed animals or a bored kitten.

So it was only natural that when she was walking about the garden one morning and saw Sirius tending to his bike that she would head over to him and sit down. She didn't need to talk, but she didn't need to be alone either.

"Jessica, how come you don't hang around with the other kids? Don't you enjoy it here?" Sirius asked as the he was sorting out his bike and she sat watching him. Jessica hesitated. She didn't know what to answer but there were so many things she could say. Any regrets in coming here? Nope, none. Except for the times that Harry's ignoring her, she's really enjoyed her stay here. Harry still wasn't talking to her… What's his problem anyways? Ron and Herm were 'busy'. But at least they didn't completely ignore her, like Harry. The twins are a barrel of laughs; they were still trying to get her to accept food from them and George had even tried to get fresh with her. She put him back in his place.

Was she bored? Did she not have any fun?? No, she had a barrel of fun at the Burrow.

For the three nights she had been at the burrow, she hasn't been able to sleep for more than five hours, as the other two girls would insist that she listen to their 'boy problems'. They said that she's neutral territory, so she'd be unbiased. Whatever. Fun… but whatever.

Yesterday, Ron and his brothers had taken her to their orchard, with Hermione, where the boys had a quick game of quidditch and Hermione and Jessica had perched themselves on a tree and thrown apples at the boys. Harry, of course was nowhere to be seen, his actions being the biggest question in her mind. And she had thought they were friends. They had gotten on so well.

She snapped out of her daydream to see Sirius waving his hands in front of her. She smiled slightly.

"I love it here, everyone is so warm and welcoming, but, well, it's just that everyone seems so busy, and Herm and Ron… I don't think I'd want to disturb them," she answered sheepishly. Sirius gave her a knowing look. He was lying down underneath his bike and she was sitting cross-legged next to him, handing him whatever gadgets he needed.

"Sometimes, Lizzie's the only I have to play with, not that I mind," she said smiling broader now as she thought of the tea party she had with Lizzie's and her freakingly human-like doll, a Christmas gift from her grandparents, and Henrietta the kitten, named after her 'uncle Harry', a gift from Sirius. Lizzie's tea set had been charmed to pour real tea out of the teapot.

"And Harry?" he asked, sneaking a look at her. Jessica's smile disappeared. She sighed deeply.

"I dunno. He seems so distant. I tried asking Ron about it, coz their best friends and all. Ron says he's going through a phase and I should be patient. But why can't he tell me? Is it that bad? I thought we were friends, now I'm just confused," she said, and handed him a socket wrench.

"Well, Jessica, I guess this is an awkward stage for him," and me… he thought. He had never been out of sorts with his godson and he didn't like the feeling.

"Sirius, how long have you known Harry?" she asked.

"Seeing that I'm his godfather, all his life," said Sirius wryly. Jessica had to laugh at that.

"Yeah, silly me," she said and softly slapped her forehead.

"Actually, I've only really known him since his third year," Sirius answered his face darkening as he thought of why he had been away from Harry for so long. Jessica bit her lips, wondering if she should continue. She knew of Sirius's background and wasn't sure how to proceed.

Sirius must have sensed her uneasiness and gave her a smile, his features becoming idyllic again.

"In the years you knew him, what was Harry like growing up?" she asked again. Sirius cocked an eyebrow at her interest in Harry's childhood and readily obliged.

Half an hour later, Sirius returned to the Burrow feeling very satisfied. He knows all that he wanted to know. And it's a good thing too, for when he entered the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley and Julianna were waiting for him, Mrs. Weasley with a huge spoon and Julianna with a wand. Oh-uh… trouble.

"You said you were gonna stay away from Jessica," said Julianna, her eyes a shade of purple (definitely trouble). Mrs. Weasley motioned for him to sit, which he meekly obeyed.

"Harry is somewhere out there moping," said Julianna again, but was cut off.

"That's not my fault, he's acting like a spoilt brat," snapped Sirius, his tone a little bitter.

"Oh so now its Harry's fault is it?" cried Julianna. Molly raised her arms in despair, and Julianna fixed him with a death glare. Sirius was becoming nervous.

"Jules, are you going let me defend myself first before you hex me?" he said, glancing briefly at her wand. He knew she DIDN'T need her wand to do serious damages. They both remained silent so Sirius took it as a go ahead.

The two remained silent and he took it as an indication to proceed.

"We spent the last half an hour talking about Harry. She's crazy about him. Even if I had tried, she wouldn't give me a second's thought. Her body, mind and soul has Harry printed all over it," he said desperately trying to make them believe him. His life depended on it.

"Are you sure?" asked Mrs. Weasley a little skeptical.

"Yeah, it was Harry this, Harry that… what does Harry like?  Once Harry and I did this, or Harry said that to me… and the list continues. If I didn't love the boy, I'd be sick of him," he said. Silence. Then Julianna let out a loud whoop and threw her arms around Sirius's neck.

"Oh Sirius, you're wonderful you know that?" she cried and kissed him on the cheeks. Sirius just rolled his eyes… sheesh, women! But he was relieved to be out of hot soup.

"Yeah, yeah, now you two love me… well I'm gonna clean up. What's for dinner Molly?" he asked, trying not to smile at the blissful look on the two.

"I'm going to cook all your favorite dishes, you wonderful boy, so hurry and clean up," said Mrs. Weasley, quickly pinching his cheeks, before turning to her stove. Sirius didn't need any further encouragement and was out of there in a flash.

It was an hour later when Jessica walked into the kitchen to see Ron and Hermione helping to set the table for dinner. They both looked up and smiled. Jessica returned it half-heartedly.

"Why the glum look?" Hermione asked, trying to sound teasing. Poor girl, how could Harry treat her like that? Jessica didn't really know how to answer Hermione's question. It seems that she's lost all capacity to answer questions, she thought dryly. She hadn't been feeling that depressed until she had walked in on Julianna and Charlie. She knew she should have left, but she couldn't tear her eyes away.

Charlie had come back from who knows where and Julianna had been there to greet him.

"You were gone for so long. I thought you had forgotten me," Julianna had said, wrapping her arms around Charlie's neck.

"I almost did, but there were a few small things that reminded me of you," he had answered dismissively. Julianna put on a hurt face.

"Small things? Like what?" she pouted.

"Oh, the sky, the sun, the grass, the birds, you know, those small things," he replied, smiling at her. Only when Charlie leaned forward to kiss Julianna, did Jessica find the will to walk away.

And her mood had plummeted ever since. Returning back to the present, she noticed Ron and Hermione looking at her with funny faces. Jessica ignored it and decidedly took over placing the forks and spoons from Ron, (he was putting it wrong anyways).

"Oh, don't worry about me, I'm just bummed out that school's going to start again day after," she said, trying to make light of the situation, but the other two knew better. Hermione gave Ron a quick nod and he softly slipped out of the kitchen, leaving the two alone.

"I know you're upset about Harry right?" she asked. Jessica shook her head but nodded when Hermione glared at her. The corner of Jessica's lips curved down. She wanted to deny it, but she didn't.

"Yeah, I guess I am," she answered. Hermione sighed. She didn't know what to say. she never really had to deal with a lovesick Harry before, in the past Harry had been too busy trying to stay alive to worry much about anything else. But there was that time with Cho, although Hermione didn't think it was wise to bring that topic up in front of Jessica. Hermione was going to need some serious help and at that moment, Julianna walked in.

The cavalry had arrived. Hermione made hand gestures to Julianna about Jessica's 'current situation' and the older woman took over. Jessica had sat down on a chair, staring blankly out the window. Julianna sat down next to her. Time for her to fulfill her promise to Harry. Actually, even if she hadn't promised Harry, she would still be having this conversation, as she liked the raven-haired girl. Jessica was always patient with Lizzie's toddler tantrums and was a heaven sent whenever Julianna needed to work away from her child.

"Jessica, are you okay?" she asked softly. Hermione sat opposite Jessica, not saying a word. Jessica had no more energy to deny anything. She felt so… hollow.

"No, I feel awful. I miss talking to Harry," she admitted. Well, that's a start, thought Julianna.

"He is being a little of a prick isn't he?" she said, smiling slightly. Jessica didn't return the smile.

"A little? He's the biggest prick ever," she replied, a shadow of her former self returning. Julianna laughed.

"Sometimes, we tend to push away feelings that scare us," said Julianna suddenly. Jessica looked at her questioningly.

"What is he pushing away?" she asked.

"Not him, you," she replied simply. Jessica looked even more confused. Me? I'm not pushing anything away.

"This isn't about me, it's about Harry being a prick," she said.

"Actually, it's more about trust and conquering your fear," Julianna said and Jessica was even more lost.

"You can't open your heart and see the truth; you can't trust him with your feeling and thoughts and that, I think is the real reason for both your fighting," she said again. Jessica shook her head. No, it wasn't about her, it was about Harry.

Julianna couldn't help but feel for the young girl. How many times had she seen the same sadness, the same confusion in Jessica's eyes reflected in her own eyes? She tucked Jessica's hair behind her ear, and then cupped her cheek in her palm.

"It hurts having someone you trust shut you out, because you're different," she said softly. What? How does she know? Daddy… Jessica bit back her tears.

"I know, my father was muggle too. Something happened and he removed himself from all things magical. Even me," she continued. Jessica's eyes began to moist.

"I didn't allow myself to love, how could I, when it hurts so much to loose it… but I was wrong. Love comes in so many types and forms, but its strength is just as powerful. Love does what time can never do… heal the pain. But you have to let yourself love first," Julianna said. She sighed inwardly. This isn't what she promised Harry, but Julianna realized that making Jessica realize the power of love was so much more important. She thought of Charlie and herself, and how she almost lost everything. She won't let Jessica and Harry suffer the same fate.

"You're confused. It makes you sad, it's not Harry that's bringing you down, you can't trust yourself to not get hurt," Jessica looked up at Julianna. She was right. Jessica had never let another male into her life, never allowed herself to love, because… she didn't want to hurt anymore. A tear escaped her eyelids and rolled down her cheeks. Jessica quickly wiped it off.

"A wise man told me once; when a person allows herself to fall in love, reality becomes more beautiful than any romance book. Your life is your book and you hold the pen," she said, fondly remembering the old man, who had taught her so much. It was an honor for her to pass down his knowledge. The three girls sat quietly, not looking at each other, each trying to find comfort in the silence. But shortly later, the silence was broken by the cries a little girl, obviously woken up from her slumber. Julianna didn't say anything, but dropped a gentle kiss on top of Jessica's forehead, before leaving the kitchen.

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That night, Julianna was snuggled up comfortably against Charlie, both of them sated from their lovemaking.

"Charlie?" she said, tilting her head slightly to look at him. His eyes were closed, a satisfied look on his face. He didn't say anything but she knew he was listening.

"What do you think of Jessica and Harry?" she asked. Charlie sighed. What is it with women and talking? Can't they just enjoy the peacefulness of post lovemaking? But he knew he should answer his wife.

"I think they're blind and stupid to not see what other people see so blatantly," he muttered.

"Exactly! Harry however, thinks Jessica is attracted to Sirius," she continued. Charlie snorted.

"What rubbish! He's twice her age," he said. He didn't move but his brow furrowed slightly at a sudden thought.

"That's what I told Harry. But he's being stubborn," she replied.

"She does spend a lot of time with him though," he stated.

"Talking about Harry," she replied, her conversation with Sirius still fresh in her mind. Charlie made an 'oh' sound. Jessica lifted herself onto her elbow to look at her husband.

"Charlie?" she said. Charlie didn't say anything but lifted an eyebrow (his eyes were still closed).

"Do you remember your first love?" she asked. Uh-oh, he thought. Is this one of those trick questions that no matter what he answers will be the wrong answer? But he didn't have to answer as Julianna continued talking.

"I do. He was great. Handsome, smart, athletic," she said, her voice going dreamy. This time Charlie's frown was visible. What the hell? This isn't exactly what Charlie would like to know.

"I really love him, he was just magnificent," she gushed again. Love? Okay I do not like where this is going. Julianna you'd better stop, Charlie's frown deepens.

"And you know what happened to him?" she asked him. Fell into a ravine I hope, he thought uncharitably, but shrugged slightly. Julianna inched closer till her lips were a kiss away from his ear.

"I married him," she whispered. This time Charlie did open his eyes and looked at her, smiling mischievously at him. Without a word, he pushed her back onto the bed and pressed his lips on hers.

A/N: Heehee… you wouldn't deny me a little love scene there now would you…

But wait… all not well yet… there's till the storm to come…