Chapter 3:The Sorting and The Lovers Reunited

As Jessica entered the Entrance Hall, she could hear lots of voices coming from the Great Hall and could hear her grandfather speaking. She really didn't want to interrupt but she knew her kids would kill her if she missed their Sorting. She neared the Great Hall doors listening for a good time to go in without interrupting too much.

"-I would also like to welcome back our Professors like Professor Draco Malfoy, our Potions Master, and my granddaughter, who teaches Transfiguration-"

"That's my cue." she said to herself grinning.

She walked into the Great Hall and the students started to applaud. She knew she was basically everyone's favorite teacher but she wasn't expecting them to start applauding her. As she gracefully walked towards the Head Table, she humbly nodded her head to her students, smiling broadly and sat down at the table, waving the applause down. Her grandfather smiled at her amused.

"As I was saying, my granddaughter here, Jessica, teaches Transfiguration and it seems she's well loved by our students here."

Jessica saw Draco roll his eyes and glared at him. He looked apologetic but she would have none of it. She turned away from him.

"I would also like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Harry Potter."

Whispers started up around the Great Hall like wildfires. Jessica was absolutely stunned. She looked up at her grandfather confused but he simply nodded at her. She stared down at the table, thoughts racing through her mind.

But I thought Harry had died or disappeared right after he defeated Voldemort! I never heard from him at all and now he's suddenly appeared back here without so much as a word to me and my grandfather kept this from me! How could he? I can't believe this!

She chanced a look over at Harry. Nothing about him had really changed except now he was a man, not the slightly skinny, slightly muscled teenager she'd loved before. Now he was about 6'5 with a muscular, lean body and slightly tanned skin. But he still had his messy hair, beautiful emerald eyes, and glasses. He was wearing dark green robes which brought out the eyes she stared into so long ago. Suddenly his head turned and their eyes met.

Without either of them noticing, the Sorting started but their eye contact didn't break until-

"Dumbledore, James"

Jessica head turned as her son walked up towards the table. She gave him the warmest smile she could and watched as the Sorting hat was placed on his head.

Harry turned his head too when he heard the name Dumbledore. He didn't know Jessica had a child let alone any children as he looked he was stunned again. He'd been stunned by Jessica's beauty again but now he was stunned by how much the child sitting on the stool resembled him. He could clearly see that he and Jessica's hair colors had mixed together on this child which could only mean one thing: He was this child's father.

His thinking was interrupted when he heard the hat shout "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor Table erupted into roars of approval and numerous applause. They settled back down as Harry heard another name.

"Dumbledore, Melody."

'A girl too?' Harry thought. The girl greatly resembled Jessica but he could tell in was the same with the boy, her hair color was mixed too, dark brown and black and it was extremely thick and curly.

'I have a son and a daughter?' 'I wonder why Jessica never wrote and told me about them.' 'She probably thought I was gone for good or something.'

The last thought made a pang of hurt go through Harry's heart but he vowed right then and there that he would win Jessica's heart back no matter what it took, marry her, and help her raise their children, maybe even have more. His thoughts were interrupted again by the Hat's shout.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

He clapped enthusiastically as he watched the both of them.

'They're beautiful.' he thought finally.

He would start his plan immediately.

Jessica was tortured. She was pacing inside of her office restlessly. She couldn't stop thinking about Harry. She was having memories of before he'd left. Her curls kept whipping around everytime she turned. She figured this was useless. She was only wearing herself out by doing this, not to mention torturing herself by doing this.

She sat down at her desk. She desperately needed to talk to Ginny. She knew she was most likely up in the hospital wing. She was about to get up and head for the door when someone knocked softly on the door. She was puzzled at who could possibly be there at this time of night but she opened her mouth and said softly, "Come in."

The door opened and in walked the person that was torturing and controlling her thoughts, Harry.

"Harry" she practically whispered sitting back in her chair.

"Jessica" he said smiling weakly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked a little louder this time. Her voice was close to giving out.

"I just came to talk." he replied sitting down in front of her desk.

"Okay"

There was an uncomfortable silence then he spoke up.

"I can't believe you're the Transfiguration professor now but it makes sense, you always loved it. Congrats."

"Thank you." she replied unable to say anything else.

"I did miss you, you know." he added.

She looked up into the emerald orbs that she'd once loved and asked, "what happened to you?"

Harry frowned and sighed before replying.

"I left from Hogwarts and went to Grimmauld Place. The order had to train me before we actually went up again Voldemort so I spent almost a year in training. They wouldn't let me see you or Ron or Hermione or anyone else because they thought you might distract me and I would stop my training. Well we soon left and went after Voldemort. We tracked him down and planned our attack. We had to call on a bunch of Aurors and Ministry workers to back us up.
We spent a few years exterminating his Dark creature army. We also faced many attacks from Death Eaters. We killed a good many of them and captured the rest, they're in Azkaban now. Now was when it got bad. We had to find Voldemort and when we did, he killed some of our best people and me, almost, but I escaped. I found out that I had a unique power. I could, in a way, possess people but using my mind. All I'd have to do is make eye contact and I could control them. I used this power to my advantage with Voldemort and killed him. There was a recoil however, I was hit also by this force of the spell but all I got was amnesia. I wandered around for almost a year trying to remember who I was and who you were because you kept coming back to my mind and Finally, one day, it all came back to me and I spent a great deal of time getting back to England. When I finally arrived I took the Knight Bus to Hogwarts and talked to Dumbledore about the whole thing. He told me to lie low for a while and not shock anyone too greatly but he suggested that I become the professor here so here I am."

Jessica just nodded, taking it all in.

"So you have two children?" he asked her.

She nodded again.

"What are their full names?" he asked her, a little nervously.

"James Nicholas Dumbledore and Melody Constance Dumbledore."

"Beautiful names." he commented, realizing that she had given them their own middle names.

"Thanks."

He moved closer to her, hardly breathing. She turned and looked at him, watching his every move. When he moved his face closer intending to kiss her, she made no effort to stop him. Her eyes were closing slowly, anticipating. Their lips were about a centimeter away from each other's when their was a knock at the door. They backed away from each other and Jessica cleared her throat before saying a little shakily, "Come in."

In walked five familiar, new Gryffindors.

"Well how are my favorite kids?" Jessica asked looking from James and Melody, to Thomas, Harmony, and Vanessa.

"Great mum, but guess what? We have a new friend. You might find this a little shocking but-" Melody said then turned around beckoning someone in.

And in walked...

Malfoy's daughter, Anastasia.

'Malfoy's daughter, a Gryffindor? I'll bet Malfoy's steaming right now.' Jessica thought, a grin forming on her face.

"You're Draco's daughter Anastasia aren't you?"

The pretty blonde girl nodded shyly.

She's acting nothing like Draco. It makes me wonder more than ever who Malfoy's wife was. Malfoy was arrogant and a jerk when he was her age. What a difference.

"Well nice to meet you Anastasia. I'm James and Melody's mother, Jessica, and also your Transfiguration professor. I hope your father doesn't give you a hard time because you're in Gryffindor. It really is a wonderful house, but your father may still be prejudice against it because he was a Slytherin."

Anastasia just nodded, her eyes widening at the thought of her father's reaction to her house.

"Don't worry Anastasia, if he does anything to you that's serious like he hits you or threatens you, you come straight to me and we'll fix it, don't worry." Jessica assured her, kneeling down to her height.

Anastasia nodded then threw her arms around the professor's neck, smiling.

Jessica was surprised at first but smiled and hugged her back.

"Now off to bed with you lot, tomorrow's a big day for you all." Jessica instructed them, straightening back up.

A chorus of "Yes ma'am"'s were heard from them. Jessica hugged and kissed Melody and James goodnight before sending them off to Gryffindor Tower.

"Do you think they'll need an escort?" Harry asked walking up beside her.

"Probably since they're new and everything." Jessica replied thinking about it.

"I'll catch up to them and make sure they get there okay." Harry offered.

Jessica smiled. Harry's heart did a flip flop.

"Thanks Harry." she said kissing him on the cheek. "You're wonderful."

"No problem Jess, anything for you." he said kissing her forehead and walking out to catch up to the kids.

"He's still as wonderful as I remember." Jessica said to herself. She just couldn't stop smiling, so she fell asleep that night with a smile on her face.

About A Week Later
Jessica was leaning up against the castle wall, watching the sun come up. It was a beautiful morning. A few clouds were scattered across the sky and with the light pink, orange, purple, and faint blue hues filling the sky, it was gorgeous. Everything was at peace, not even a breeze ruffled the leaves or grass or made the water ripple. It was as smooth as glass and dew covered the grass making in sparkle in the increasing sunlight. Jessica's long thick curls were hanging down, cascading down her shoulders and back, stopping at her waist, her blue eyes were reflecting the beauty of the sky, and her arms were crossed as she watched the day being born. It was almost more than Harry could stand.

He was standing not too far away just watching her. He hadn't done this in years not since they'd still been in school, but as she stood there, looking like she didn't have a care in the world, she still reminded him of the beautiful seventeen year old musically gifted rebel he'd fallen in love with. He was still going through with his plan to win her back and so far, it'd been going rather well. He knew it would be going better and faster if a certain Potions Master would stay out of it. He knew that Draco was still infatuated with Jessica and he couldn't stand it. Just last night he remembered that he'd been away for ten years and if in that time, he'd gotten to Jessica...Harry shuddered at the thought. He'd even had a nightmare the night before about it. He'd been having nightmares about the two of them ever since he'd returned. Harry knew he had to win Jessica back fast.

It was the weekend and it was the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. Harry knew that the first and second years couldn't go so he didn't have to worry about their children following them around or catching them together. He was planning on asking Jessica to go with him to the Three Broomsticks for a drink but he was extremely nervous. But then he heard a sound. He turned and saw familiar silvery blonde hair coming out of the castle. Draco. Harry figured he was probably coming to ask Jessica to Hogsmeade but he would beat him to it. He hurried from his hiding place towards her. Jessica heard someone approaching so she turned only to find herself almost nose-to-nose with Harry.

"Good morning Harry." she said almost amused.

"Good morning Jess. I came out here because there's something I need to ask you." he said.

"Okay Shoot."

"Would you like to come with me to the Three Broomsticks today? I need to talk to you about some things."

"Sure Harry." she said smiling.

"May I escort you back up to the castle?"

"Sure."

Jessica took Harry's arm only moments later, to run into Draco.

"Morning Draco, what brings you out here so early?" Jessica asked him.

Draco glared at Harry before replying. "I came out here because I need to have a word with you Jessica."

"Okay, go to my classroom and I'll meet you there in a few minutes."

Jessica turned to Harry as Malfoy walked off and just looked at him, smirking slightly.

"What?"

"You asked me so fast partially because you knew Draco was coming." she said raising an eyebrow at him.

"So?"

She just rolled her eyes at him as they kept walking.

He pulled on her arm and stopped her making her turn and face him.

"Listen Jessica, I still really care about you and my gut tells me that Malfoy just wants to fulfill his desires with you then he won't give a care and I'm not about to let him so I decided to keep an eye on you." he told her, his eyes full of sincerity.

Jessica always got lost in his eyes, they were like deep bright green pools but waaaaaay deeper. She felt her knees grow weak just looking into them again like she used to. She felt them give way. Harry caught her easily.

"What happened?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with slight amusement.

"You." was all she said.

"Me?"

"You happened." she said then clapped a hand over her mouth.

Harry just smiled.

Jessica didn't say anything but started to walk towards the castle again.

Harry sighed but was still smiling slightly and followed her.

"I can't believe you!" Draco was saying not too much later.

"Draco..." she started but he cut her off again.

"I have been chasing after you trying to get you to give me a chance for all these years and now he pops back into your life and you just fall into his lap again like you did in school!"

"Now just a minute..."

"I knew you'd do this if he ever came back. I think I should just get rid of Potter so you'll give me a chance!"

"Now that's enough!" Jessica yelled.

"You will not touch one hair of Harry's head! Whether I start dating him again or I give you a chance, that's my decision! You know why I don't like you? Because all you do is rant and rave about Harry and about how I was in love with him in school! You are so juvenile! You are acting just like you did in school and I will not tolerate it! Now GET OUT!" Jessica screamed.

Draco looked absolutely stunned and left her room without another word.

Jessica just shook her head and walked into her office.

That Afternoon, Hogsmeade
"It's nice to be back around Hogwarts. I really missed it." Harry said as they walked down the street.

Jessica smiled. She knew it had to have been hard for him to be away from practically the only home he'd ever had.

It was slightly chilly but not too cold. Harry surveyed Jessica again. She was wearing a black long sleeve dress that came down to her mid thigh with a red scarf tied on the right side of her neck with the ends hanging down and knee-high red suede boots with a pointed toe but flat tip. Her long curls were hanging down, waving as she walked. Jessica glanced at Harry. He was wearing a cozy black sweater with khakis and black shoes. Harry noticed that guys kept giving Jessica looks and it was making him slightly mad so he slipped his arm around her waist. She raised an eyebrow at him. He shrugged with a smile. She just shook her head slightly amused.

When they walked into the Three Broomsticks, Harry was surrounded by people who were happy to see him. He gave Jessica an apologetic look and she waved it off. She walked up to Madam Rosmerta and ordered two butterbeers.

"Is that young Mister Potter, Jessica?" Rosmerta asked eyeing him.

"Yes Rosie, it is."

"He's grown into quite a looker. How come you haven't snatched him already? You two would be perfect together."

Memories drifted back up in Jessica's mind as she heard the perfect together part. That's what people used to say about them, that they were the perfect couple. Jessica's eyes started to water but she quickly blinked clearing her eyes again.

"We used to go out years ago while we were in school but he's been away for so long, I don't think he cares about me anymore. He's got plenty of willing women who would fall at his feet like that Cho Chang. Why would he want me again?" Jessica's voice went bitter remembering one of her old rivals.

"Any smart man would want you Jess, you're beautiful, caring, brave, but most of all, you know what you want out of life and who you want in your life. That's not so for most women. I figure just about every man who boy who's met you was at least a little attracted to you. Besides, you never know, you and Mister Potter's old flame may begin to burn again." Rosmerta said smiling.

Jessica just shook her head, smiling and took their butterbeers to a booth. Harry joined her a few minutes later.

"Sorry about that Jess." He smiled weakly at her.

"Mmm"

"Did you have a specific reason for asking me here?" she spoke up looking at him.

"I just wanted to talk to you." he replied.

"Did you ever think about me when I went away?" he asked her.

"Of course I did. I would cry myself to sleep sometimes missing you. I ever had these very realistic dreams that you here with me when I found out I was pregnant and when I had my children and lots of other times. I wanted you to come back to badly it was like a flame burning inside of me every day you were away. It was painful."

Harry was surprised but he took one of her hands in his and opened his mouth to speak.

"I felt the same way. It was like a physical ache in my heart to be away from you and my friends. I wanted so badly to come back but I couldn't or I would have been home sooner. I feel bad coming back now instead of years ago. I missed you so much. The thought of you moving on and forgetting me was pure torture. I thought you would forget about me but you didn't."

He brought his other hand up and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

"Jess, I know that I'm James and Melody's father and I promise if you'll give me a chance I'll be the best father to them that I can." he whispered.

Jessica didn't know what to say. She knew he figure it out sooner or later because of James's resemblance to him. A single tear slid down her cheek.

"What's wrong?" he asked her, bringing her close to him.

"I'm just so glad you're back." she whispered placing her head underneath his chin.

He wrapped his arms around her and just held her until she looked up at him. He leaned in to kiss her when a voice interrupted them.

"Excuse me, are you Harry Potter?"

Harry groaned so softly only Jessica heard him. The sides of her mouth twitched but she didn't laugh or smile, just sighed.

Harry was looking at the person who'd spoken. It was a little kid. He looked about six or seven with soft dirty blonde hair that curled at the ends and big brown eyes. His skin was tan and he was smiling weakly at Harry. You could count the freckles speckled on his face. He was adorable.

"Yes I'm Harry Potter, what can I do for you?"

"Can I have your autograph?" he asked in a very small voice, like he was afraid.

Harry looked at Jessica. She was smiling at the little boy warmly.

"Okay." he said.

Afterwards, Jessica was still smiling.

"Why are you still smiling?" Harry asked as they walked back towards the castle.

"That little boy was so adorable." she replied.

Harry just nodded.

As they walked through the hallways, six familiar voices reached their ears.

Melody, James, Vanessa, Thomas, Harmony, and Anastasia walked around the corner at that moment.

"Oh hey mum, where have you been all day?" James asked Jessica.

"Patrolling the streets of Hogsmeade, keeping an eye on the students with Professor Potter here." Jessica replied simply.

"Oh okay, well we're gonna head to the common room, see ya later mum."

"Bye kids."

Harry gave Jessica a look.

"What?" she asked.

"Why didn't you call me Harry instead of Professor Potter?"

"I didn't want to arise any suspicion. Other students are already asking James if he's related to you because of the resemblance."

Harry froze.

"They don't know about me?"

"No"

"Why?"

"I would've told them but I didn't want them to get too attached to their father in case something should happen to you." she replied.

Harry felt a pang go through his heart again but he said nothing.

They reached her room. They both turned to face each other.

Now was the moment of truth basically.

Sorry it took me so long to update. School has started back for me so I've been busy with school, homework, band practice, writing, and lots of other things. I hope you guys like this chapter. I've left kind of a cliffy at the end because I figure even though cliffies are evil, they're fun too. heh heh. Anyways, I have a preview of the story I'm going to post later. The preview is in my bio about myself. well I've got to run for now.

busy, bust, busy!

love ya all!