Author: Lia Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own HP. No money is being made from this story. Do I need to go on?
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Four Ravenclaws were sitting at a table in the library studying their potions texts. Everyone had fallen into a regular schedule a week into the school year. Each one of the First Year Ravenclaws had their favorite subject and began to help the others weakest. Jessica loved Transfiguration. It came easily to her. By the end of her first class she was the only student to turn her toothpick into a needle.
Unfortunately, Jessica couldn't say the same for Charms. That is Carol's favorite class. Carol's other best subject happens to be Potions. None of them liked that class though. Alex found the Defense Against The Dark Arts fascinating, yet is nauseated by our teacher, Lockhart. Seth apparently has a green thumb when it comes to plants. No one enjoys History Of Magic. Carol being the only person able to stay awake.
Elder Ravenclaws suggested to us that First Years form study groups. Since Alex and Jess quickly became friends, they, and their lab partners naturally agreed to help each other out. Potions, by far, is the hardest class to study for, followed closely by Transfiguration. Professor Snape has no patience for dunderheads (or any other type of student) who made them all wonder why he became a teacher in the first place.
Jessica just couldn't envision a connection between her mother and her Potions professor. They act nothing alike. A couple of days ago, she'd received a letter from her mother about him. It explained a bit about her relationship with him during their school years.
Don't judge him too harshly, dear. Our families weren't what you'd call the most loving. I remember trying to welcome him at Hogwarts. Our houses made that difficult, so after a while I felt it better to leave him with the other Slytherins than risk being seen with a Gryffindor. With us being in separate houses as well as years, I didn't get to see him frequently. Part of me regrets not getting to know him better during those years. Slytherin is dreadfully austere, it seems. Nevertheless, he's family and that is important. Give him the benefit of the doubt.
If Dumbledore has enough confidence in him to appoint him teacher and head of house, so do I. Try not to devote too much consideration to his reputation. We were rather close as children until I left for Hogwarts – a shy, but respectable boy once you got to know him. He's toughened up over the years, I'm sure. Still, I suspect that you can trust him. If there is any trouble and you can't find Dumbledore, attempt to see Severus (or as you know him as, Professor Snape).
That may all be true, yet it did nothing to comfort Jessica in that class. Professor Snape's a demanding teacher and strives for perfection. Potions is not her best subject.
Each of us in our group found complementary talents. Jessica's is Transfiguration followed closely by Herbology and Astronomy. Seth has a gift for Herbology. Carol succeeded the others in Charms, Potions, and History. Alex excelled in DADA and Charms to a lesser extent. This prompted them to help each other in their weaker subjects.
So there they are studying Potions. First they read the chapter, and then quiz each other. This went on for about two hours, finally stopping when Carol notices an annoying hum. She looked up and searched the people at the table. After sending a frown at Seth, who was chewing his quill, her glaze pauses on Jessica. Slamming her book shut, she exclaims, "Jess!"
Alex, Seth, and Jessica look up. They other three staring at Jessica. Perturbed, Jessica says, "What!"
Carol's gray-blue eyes stare back at her. "What is that incessant tune you keep humming?"
Confused, Jessica asks, "What tune are ya talking about?"
Exhaling loudly, Carol hums the melody that had been distracting her. The group watches Jessica as she blushes.
"Oh, that! That's 'The Song That Never Ends' song," she mumbles.
Seth wonders aloud, "It never ends? What kind f magic is that?" This sounds more interesting than reading their Potions book. Even Alex looks confused at Jessica's statement.
Jessica embarrassedly explains that it isn't magic, just a type of song. Alex is the first to understand her when she compares it to the 'I'm Henry The Eighth, I am' song. The other two just don't get the idea and want to know more. And so, for the next twenty minutes are spent talking about a talking lamb and horse, and other types of Muggle television shows for children.
"Sing it, Jessica, please," Seth pleads, "It has to end someway."
Alex was laughing while Carol rolled her eyes looking intrigued yet bothered. This interruption to their studying is not what she was here for.
After sending a warning look at all of them, she began to sing softly. Jessica is trying not to gain the attention of Madam Prince.
"This is the song that never ends.
It just goes on and on my friends.
Some people started singing it not knowing what it was.
And they'll continue singing it forever just because.
Repeat This is the song that never ends…."
Seth smugly informs us that the song ends if you just don't repeat the verse over again. Jessica smirks at him. It is ignored, and after Alex stopped laughing, they continue reading.
In a few minutes time, something strange happens. The annoying hum is back! This time coming from Seth who tries to stop, but can't. He stops, some time passes, then the hum returns.
Carol pushes her chair back, gathers her things, and stalks out of the library. As she leaves we hear her muttering on about children's songs that were actually curses designed to annoy and distract people until they go mad.
Alex and Jessica try to suppress their laughter as Seth sits there confused. He is still humming that darn song.
== "The Song That Never Ends" is Sheri Lewis's theme song. ==
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On Saturday morning, Jessica wakes up and turns off the alarm. It is seven o'clock. After eating an apple she'd raided from last night's dinner, she takes out her cassette player from the bag hidden under the bed. Her stones were already placed under the bed. She checks them then sits in the middle of the bed. Setting on her headphones and starting a relaxation tape, the lesson begins.
She seemingly appears in a forest. The ground is scattered with boulders. Simon comes to her, brushing up against her side. Stroking his tawny-furred back, she basks in the feelings that surround her here.
"Hello, Simon. How are things? Where are father and Olivia?"
The leopard's yellow eyes focus on hers as he tilts his head. "Sit. They will soon arrive."
Jessica smoothes out her leather dress and settles herself on the ground. Simon lies down beside her and places his head in her lap. His eyes are still open, ears alert. They both listened to nature's sounds and for the arrival of the others.
Time passes before the sound of a footstep and the rustle of feathers announce David and Olivia's arrival. He walks over to where they sat and nods in greeting to Simon. The leopard moves his head off Jessica's lap and sits up eyeing the bird.
"You are doing well fledgling," says Olivia.
David sits down near Jessica and gives her a peck on the cheek. "How are you?"
Jessica smiles at the newcomers, looking over her father. She was still not used to seeing him this way. It was stranger for her. Here she was dressed up like it was Halloween, and he gets to dress normally. He had told her that she can control it in time. Till then, her subconscious keeps dressing her up like a Native American.
"I'm fine. Alex and Zoey will be good friends, I'm sure. Carol and Ginny worries me. We had a small fight with a boy names Draco Malfoy, but I handled it. Actually, something strange happened then. Do any of you know anything about that?"
"It sounds like you're having an interesting time. More then I'd hoped. We are both Psychics here, Jessica. You can call me David. Names have power. Don't be afraid to use them," David says.
Amused, Simon says, "Until you are of age, you will grow stronger as time passes."
"Normally you would attend a Psychic school then to receive training," David sighs, "This is more difficult because you're a witch. The energy is different yet the same. Weak yet strong. Everyone has their strengths."
Olivia glances affectionately at David. "Remember that time. How did you feel? Think back so we can see"
Jessica's remembers:
I am standing next to Ginny. Feel the energy surging, crackling around me. "Didn't you her? Are you deaf? She said leave. We don't allow slimy snakes to pollute our compartment. Get lost!" My voice is loud, my fists clenched.
The blond boy looks at me surprised. /Guess he didn't think the little would-be Hufflepuff would have a backbone./ My feelings rage. This boy knows nothing about me and is already judging me. I don't know the others well, but they don't deserve this type of treatment either.
He scowls and says, "Why would I listen to a Weasley? Or you? I'm Draco Malfoy, and you obviously have bad taste in friends. Do you even know who my father is?" This guy's voice is full of despise. Even though his aura wasn't that awful (terracotta, some dark brown, gray, orange, and red), I can't stand back from this. I lose my temper.
The hot energy flares up. "My name's Jessica Bradley and hopefully, your father's nothing like you. Friends are something you wouldn't recognize if they were standing right in your face. Now, get out! Take you dogs with you. Out, out, damn spot."
By this time, I'm shouting. I point them towards the door. The energy expands, pushing out from me. The three boys stumble back. The blonde almost falls on his butt. Angry, he smirks, says something, and then walks out. I can't hear what he said. As soon as they leave, I flop down into my seat. I am feeling faint, tired.
I blink, my memory-sharing time over. Simon growls in pleasure at how she acted during the fight. David's concern is easily seen by all of them. Olivia, centered and calm, is the image of objectivity. They are all silent as their visions clear.
Jessica looks at them. "Well, was that accidental magic? Or is it what I think it is?"
David's expression is one of pride and worry. Simon brushes his head against her shoulder, pleased.
Olivia chirps, "It is what you think. You have advanced to the next level of auric ability. This will be helpful in your training."
As he pulls an object from his pocket, David says, "Here, hold this in your hand. Psychic abilities are more easier to do in this place, but the practice will carry over" He gives her a small gold earring.
"All things have an energy. We can see, feel, and read it. Just like energy it cannot be created or destroyed. It just is-though it may be in many different forms." David curls her fingers around the earring. "It is harder to detect an object's energy. Close your eyes. Tell me what's happening around you."
"Do you feel us, cub? To feel is to know," Simon tells her.
Jessica concentrates. This is harder than she imagined. She knew her own energy well, and can sense the comfort, the warmth, of them. That wasn't what they wanted though.
"You are thinking too much. Do not focus so. Let it flow. Relax, fledgling," Olivia advices, "Clear you mind. Too many thoughts are distractions and cloud your gifts."
It took some time. Eventually she feels what they are talking about. Eyes still closed, she tells, "Energy and eagerness, pulsing. One of controlled excitement and worry. Another, strong and steady."
David speaks first. "Yes, that sounds about right. Can you tell us apart? Who do the energies belong to?"
A frown slips appears on her face. "The pulsing eagerness-Simon? Steady and determined Olivia. So, controlled and anxious-that you, Dad?"
"Yes, Jessica. That's it. Alright, now. Are you feeling us strongly?" When she nods, he continues, "Do not concentrate on us. Let our energies dim in your mind. Feel the earring in your hand. Know its texture. Rubbing it might help you. Quiet, listen, and follow my instructions."
"Feel the earring, its metal, texture, and shape. What you are touching is just the surface. You know that there is more to the object. Everything has an energy. Everything has a history. It has meaning."
Her fingers caress the small piece of jewelry. It has a smooth and solid surface. She can feel her hand vibrating slightly. Almost like a warm hum. That is the earring! She can feel it as if it was alive!
David's guides, "A history and a meaning. Other people's energies have touched this leaving part of theirs behind. Think of it like a fingerprint. The longer they have it, the stronger the mark. Who owned that earring?"
The word-images come to mind and mouth. "A woman, no women. Some young, others old. Almost, no, are the same. Familiar, family, related. Grandma?" The last image was one of an elderly lady with Dad's hazel eyes. Jessica had only met her once a couple of years ago.
Olivia flaps her wings. "That is enough for today. You did well, Jessica."
Dad, David smiles. "You were great, Jess. That earring is your Grandma Bradley's. It's been passed down through the women for a long time once they complete their training. Since I have no sisters, it will belong to you one day."
She hands the ring back to her father. Simon's eyes following her every movement. "Dad, David, why is it that you are teaching me? I mean, instead of having me go to a school later."
He sighs. "That's a long story. A more immediate explanation is the fact that you're a witch. You must be trained to control your witchcraft or bouts of accidental magic will increase and may become uncontrollable."
Shuddering, Jessica tries not to imagine that happening to her. Witches have power, but uncontrollable power is a nightmare. The atmosphere is tense.
Seeing her reaction, he continues, "However, you are also a Psychic. We grow into our powers differently. Only a few show talent as children. The gifts come with puberty. That is one reason why teenagers show the greatest amount of uncontrolled PK. By that time comes, they are in school. Usually around 14 or 15 years old."
Jessica wonders, "So I have it doubled. With no schooling – accidental magic and uncontrolled psychic abilities."
"Yes, I want you to have control before your gifts arrive fully. The Wizards must not find out the extent of our power," he confirms.
"Why?"
His mood darkens. In a sad voice he answers, "Dark times are heading for their world. Many of us have glimpsed it. The Wizards would fear and want to use us at the same time. They have tried before." Reassuringly he says, "Don't worry so much about it, Jess. We have our own powers and strengths. It is just safer and better for everyone that we do not mingle."
Jessica smiles and asks, "But what about you and Mom? You certainly mingled."
"Now that is another story altogether. We are a special case, destined even. My uncle had a vision of us," he remarks.
Simon suddenly stands up and growls, effectively ending their conversation. "Learn, grow strong, and make allies, for war is coming to the land." His voice carries a note of warning and danger.
A chill runs up Jessica's spine. David looks at the two guides in a very alert manner.
"There is time, we must prepare, and there is the chance of avoidance. We see and in time so shall you," Olivia announces, hope coloring her voice.
The two guides, a leopard and an eagle, look to each other. Together the say, "We are guides. Actions are up to you. What will be will be. No need to fear, the future is not yet here. Years to gain and plan. This lesson is at an end."
Swiftly the area returns back to a feeling of peace, comfort, and love. Jessica and David both say their goodbyes. Olivia flies away, while Simon disappears into the forest. Only the two are left. They hug, and the forest begins to fade.
Jessica wakes up from her trance. She is back in her dorm room. Turning everything off, she hides her cassette player and opens the curtains.
"Finally," an annoyed Carol says. "I thought you were going to sleep all day. It's almost 11. Want to come see the Quidditch try-outs? Helen and I plan to go after lunch."
"Sorry," Jessica says with a fake yawn. "I like to sleep in on the weekends."
Carol shakes her head. "I figured it was something similar," she says in a less annoyed know-it-all voice. "Well, do you want to come? We're heading for lunch soon."
"Quidditch?" Carol nods. Jessica climbs out of bed and says, "Sure! Give me ten minutes? I've never seen Quidditch, although my Mom adores it."
"Me, too. Well, except for the mum part," Helen shyly pipes in.
Flashing Helen a smile, Jessica grabs her bathroom supplies and heads towards the loo.
"We'll be in the common room waiting," Carol calls out to her.
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Hi, all! Hope you like. A post a week is all I'm able to get out right now. Still, the story is moving. Any suggestions, comments, questions? Review please.