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

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However, despite the ruthless practices, when the match against Slytherin finally came to pass, things only got worst. Pansy Parkinson, the Slytherin captain had surprised everyone that day. The Pansy Parkinson that all knew to be a Draco worshipper was actually a conniving and shrewd witch. What had been perceived as the dimness of mind was actually quiet scrutiny and critical evaluation of the strategies of the various teams. There weren't many angles she had not considered. So, no matter how Harry's team tried to out smart the Slytherins, Pansy would always be one step ahead to issue last minute orders. The Gryffindors had just barely got out of that match unscathed, well slightly. For it had been only luck that the snitch was right next to Harry when he saw it and grabbed it. The two houses tied at 170 points. Harry was not a happy camper. His madness increased by folds to a point where Professor McGonagall had to threaten to suspend him from the next match if he didn't allow a break in practice schedules. Ron who was glad to have some time to spend with Hermione offered Harry no consolation. 

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It was the night before the final quidditch match that season; Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. Dinner had just ended and the Gryffindor common room was crowded with the Gryffindors. In one corner were the quidditch players, listening to Harry devise some last minute strategies, working on each player's strength and weakness. The previous match against Slytherin was still fresh in their minds and they didn't want a repeat of that atrocious game. Jessica was there too, not much, because she wanted to hear, but because Harry and his players had invaded her sitting area. Why couldn't they have gone somewhere else, she thought in despair. Hermione and Ron were sharing a chair, sitting back-to-back, Hermione naturally with a big book in her hands. Because everyone was talking, the noise level was high as everyone tried to out talk the next person. So when Professor McGonagall entered, no one notice.

"Students, please listen up," she said loudly. It took a few minutes, but Professor McGonagall's presence was too big to miss and eventually the students quieten down to barely a whisper. All eyes were on her. Professor McGonagall broke into a smile, something that didn't pass her lips very often.

"As you all know, tomorrow is a big match, the final match determining who will take home the quidditch cup. I would like to wish our players all the best," she said. The six players at the corner beamed at her. Ron flashed her a thumbs up.

"I think you should know also that Professor Snape and I have a bet running on which house will win, so if you do not want me to spend the night rubbing his feet, please do your best to win," she continued trying to look stern but failing miserably, as she looked like she would like nothing better than to rub Snape's feet or any other part of his body that required it.

The same thoughts must have passed through the four friends, as suddenly Ron buried his face in Hermione's back, his shoulders shaking slightly, Harry was biting his lips and looking at the floor and Jessica had taken a sudden interest in the tapestry, trying hard to picture a pink elephant. Only Hermione remained straight face, but her neck had turned slightly red. But then Professor McGonagall lost her smile a little and looked at Harry, Ron, and Dean. The students were startled by the sudden wetness in her eyes.

"All jokes aside, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Thomas, this will your final match for Gryffindor, and I would like the three of you to know how grateful I am for the glory you have brought to our house. Harry, your skills are as legendary as Charlie Weasley, Ron you have surpassed Oliver Wood's aptitude as a keeper and Dean, your chaser skills are an equal to James Potter," she said. Harry, glowing at being measured up to Charlie, looked up at the mention of his father and Dean flushed at being compared to the infamous James Potter. Ron was like a ripe tomato. Professor McGonagall quickly flicked a tear from the corner of her eyes, and smiled again.

"Well, I suggest that all of you have a good night's rest so you all will be fresh and energetic to cheer our house to victory," she said. Her words were greeted with cheers and clapping. She left shortly after that. Harry must have also agreed with Professor McGonagall, as fifteen minutes later he shooed his players to bed, (the first time in many weeks, allowing them an early night). But he himself didn't go to sleep. He remained in his seat long after the last student had gone to bed. Ron and Hermione had gone to do one last prefect round. Harry stared at the fire, and when he looked away, Jessica was sitting beside him.

"You okay?" she asked softly. Harry sighed. How could he begin to explain?

"Just a little sad. Time flies so fast. I feel like I just arrived at Hogwarts, and now it's time to leave," he said, his voice equally soft. Jessica didn't say anything. She knew he wasn't done.

"Hogwarts was the only home I ever knew. How can I leave it?" he said, his voice slightly choked, trying to keep the tears in. Jessica took his hand into hers and rested the back of his hand against her cheek. She didn't know what to say. She didn't feel what he did. Sure, she'll miss the place and the people… but….

"I've never looked beyond Hogwarts, and now that I have too, I don't like what I see,"

"Ron and Hermione are family to me, what will happen to me without them?" he said and this time he couldn't stop the tears from sliding down his cheek. Oh God, please stop his pain, I can't stand to see him hurting, Jessica's heart ached to see him so vulnerable. She reached out to wipe his tears away. She let her fingers linger on his cheek, stroking it. She then tilted his face so that he'd be looking at her.

"Silly Harry. It doesn't take Professor Trelawney's crystal ball to see that you three will be friends till the end of time. You three are too much a part of each other to cast aside. Harry, when you leave you won't lose anything, but instead you'll gain the world, and all that it can offer," she said soothingly, looking deep into his watery eyes. His eyes were dark with sorrow. Harry looked at her a little longer before pulling her into a tight hug. Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck and didn't mind a bit that he was crushing her. He could hold her for as long as he wanted. She might turn a little blue in the face, but if it stopped his pain, then to hell with breathing.

And as they held each other tightly, leaving Hogwarts didn't seem like the end of the world anymore. Though he may leave the castle behind, memories of his school days were his forever. To follow him where ever destiny decides to take him. And as for his friends, he carried them always, in his heart, so even if mountains and oceans separated them he'll never be too far from them. As for Ron and Hermione, like Jessica had said, they were a part of each other and would be friends till the end. As would he and Jessica, he'll never let her go. Another thought entered Harry's mind. A new thought. For some reason, it didn't matter anymore that Jessica would never be his girlfriend. He loves her. He'll always love her but where he didn't have her love, he had her friendship and her trust, and all of a sudden that was fine by him. Slowly and reluctantly, he pulled away from her. His eyes weren't dark with sorrow anymore. Instead they glittered with hope and anticipation for the future.

"Thanks," he whispered. She just nodded. Words weren't necessary between them. At that moment, the portrait door opened and Ron and Hermione entered. Ron's eyes were red and wet, his arms tight around Hermione. Hermione was holding onto his waist like he was her life support, her eyes were red and wet too. The two quietly sat with Harry and Jessica. Both girls, holding tight to their man's hands, exchanged smiles. The boys too looked at each other and began to grin at each other's wet eyes. Being too macho to do anything girly like share a hug, they knocked knuckles. The four sat in silence, comfortable in each others presence, bathed by the dying glow of the fire, visions of their future unfolding before them.

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This is not good, thought Harry, bile rising to his throat. He was in his usual position, hovering a few meters above the players. Right now however, he wished he was inside the game armed with a bat to knock some bludgers into a few Slytherin heads. Gryffindor was losing 10-40. Harry realized the points could be worse, but losing to Slytherin could never be good or okay, even one or two goals down. He gritted his teeth as he watched another Slytherin chaser foul one of his. He looked around for Madam Hooch, but she was at the further end and had missed it. His gaze flickered to the teachers stand and saw that Professor McGonagall was looking all but happy. Sighing, he turned back to the game. Not far from him was Melody Flint, Slytherin seeker. Harry glared at her from afar. She was like poison ivy wrapped in rose petals. She caught him looking at her and had the cheek to wave and flash him a sweet smile. Full of venom, he thought and looked away. All of a sudden a girl's scream pierced through the noisy din of the students. That was Hermione's scream. Harry quickly looked towards Ron. He was far away but Harry could make out the steady flow of blood from Ron's forehead.

He began to descend down, but Ron, who had taken a hanky from Carla Robinson, Gryffindor fourth year and chaser and wrapped it around his head, was focused back on his job and Harry didn't feel like disturbing him.  He'll find out what happened later. Ron wasn't the first to be fouled and he wouldn't be the last. Damn Slytherins! Harry flew around, his eyes peeled for the snitch. It happened quickly, a flash of green and silver whizzed in front of him. Turning he saw Melody Flint zooming down the field, hot on the tail of the snitch. Without a moments pause, Harry started off after her. But even for his fast Firebolt, he was still behind. His heart nearly stopped when he saw he fingers graze the snitch, but resumed beating when the snitch evaded her fingers and drop downward.

Without breaking momentum, Harry followed suit. He really thought he had a clear chance of grabbing the snitch, when suddenly Melody Flint drew up beside him. They were neck and neck as they flew around the field at neck breaking speed, the snitch just a hand reach away from either of them. Harry had begun to panic a little. He could see Melody inching a little upwards on her broom, trying to close the gap between her and the snitch. Unfortunately, if Harry did the same thing, he'd tumble off his broom. This was the last thing he needed to do. Just as it seemed that Slytherin might actually win the match, help came in the form of Dean Thomas. He came in from the opposite direction and swerved his broom so it would seem as if he was about to collide with Melody but he pulled back before any contact was made. Melody shrieked and pulled back, giving Harry the opening he needed. He ended the game three seconds later, the snitch clutched tightly in his hands and high in the air.

The noise was deafening. When Harry touched back onto the ground, he could feel it vibrate under the heavy stampede of the students, as they rushed down from the stands to congratulate the quidditch heroes. But basking in their admiration wasn't top on his list at that moment. Even when he saw a glimpse of Jessica in the crowd, he did not make a move towards her. One glance around and he saw who he had been looking for. It was only 5 meters that separated them, but it took Harry long enough before he reached where he wanted to go. Harry placed a hand on the shoulder. The owner turned to look at Harry, surprise registering on his face.

"Dean, thanks," said Harry. Dean smiled.

"There's nothing to thank about. It's teamwork, remember?" answered Dean. Harry returned his smile.

"Yeah, I know, but still, you didn't have to do what you did," said Harry.

"Yes, I did. I want that cup as much as you, and besides I owe it to you," Dean replied, his tone suddenly growing serious. Harry looked puzzled.

"I know this may sound really stupid, but I felt like I had betrayed you when I took Jessica to the dance," Dean said. Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Dean stopped him.

"I know, I know, you had already asked Lavender, but it still felt wrong," continued Dean. Harry couldn't help smiling.

"So, let's call it even then?" Harry said. Dean nodded, his face clearing.

"Yeah, okay. See you at the victory celebration captain?" asked Dean.

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away," answered Harry. They exchange a high five before Dean turned back to link hands with a waiting Lavender. Harry turned away too, but stopped abruptly before colliding into someone. Jessica. She was peering over Harry's shoulder, looking at Dean.

"What was that about?" she asked. Harry just shrugged.

"Just thanking him for being the great person he is," answered Harry. Jessica still didn't get it but didn't pursue the matter further. Instead, she threw her arms around Harry's neck and hugged him hard. Harry was a little surprised but then hugged her back.

"Congrats, Harry. You won the quidditch cup, again," she said. Harry blushed.

"It was a team effort. I couldn't have done it without the others," he answered modestly. Jessica beamed at him. Suddenly Harry remembered something. Grabbing Jessica's hand, he sprinted towards a small group of people surrounding Madam Pomfrey and Ron Weasley. Harry and Jessica pushed their way through till they reached Ron. Madam Pomfrey was on his right tending to the cut and Hermione was on his other side, holding his hand and looking extremely worried. Madam Pomfrey cleaned up the remaining dry blood and put a healing potion on his cut before leaving them. The crowd lingered on.

"Ron, what happened?" asked Harry crouching next to Hermione. Ron winced before replying.

"What else, an "accidental" bludger. Nearly knocked my head off," he said thru gritted teeth.

"One more to add to my collection of scars," he added smiling a little. Hermione did not look amuse.

"Bloody hell," said Harry. Ron was very lucky to have come out of that with only a cut on his head.

"Bloody is right. I'm gonna have one hell of a headache tomorrow," said Ron.

"Aww… poor ickle ronniekins, someone call the whambulance," sneered a cold and malicious voice from above their heads. No points for guessing whom it belonged too. Jessica, Hermione, Harry and Ron looked up at Draco Malfoy's evil face.

"If you can't handle a little cut, weasel, don't play," he mocked. Hermione shot up to her feet, her hair bristling dangerously.

"At least he didn't get himself kicked out of the team for being a son of a bitch!" she cried hotly. The crowd gasped at Hermione's choice of words. Malfoy had turned a shade of deep purple.

"Watch your tongue, mudblood," he replied, his voice sinister. POW! The crowd parted quickly as Draco Malfoy fell to the ground, his lips bleeding. Towering over him like an avenging angel was Jessica, her dark eyes blazing with anger, holding her right fist in her left hand, its knuckles slightly grazed. Her lips were curled into a snarl. Nobody knew how to react or say. But they didn't have to say anything. Someone else beat them to it.

"Ms. Stanford, please follow me," it was the Archangel Michael and Angel Gabriel. Well, actually, it was Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, but their grim and commanding presence gave them the image of the two soldiers of heaven. Jessica gave one last look of contempt at Draco's smirking face and followed behind the two professors.

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A/N: Oh boy… is she in trouble!!

BTW, does anybody here have a strong standing against S/M pairings, because in a couple more chapters (actually the next one) there will be short mentioning abt their "unconventional" relationship before I focus on them for a while and then returning to Jessica and Harry… so if anybody is completely and utterly against it, I shall take precautions to post up big bold warnings before each of those chapters… that's all…

Tinnu maer!