A/N: Okay, you guys can get all excited now! It's time for Harry and Jax's
first meeting! (My definition of 'meeting': The two see each other face to
face, and DO communticate!)
"Shut UP, Lily!" Jax hissed.
Jax was woken by the small hoot and ruffle of her owl, Lily. She had been a birthday present from the Order. The bird gave another hoot, and started flapping around.
"Lily, please, be QUIET!" Jax pleaded.
Jax picked her wand up from her nightstand and pointed it at the birdcage.
"Silencio," she muttered.
The bird immediately closed her eyes and didn't make another sound.
Jax had been given special permission by the Ministry of Magic to do magic outside of school, given her circumstance. Various people including Tonks, Lupin, Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore and McGonagall had been giving her lessons for the past week. Jax had covered most of the material that Harry, Ron, and Hermione learned in their first year already. And when the four (including Ginny) were out, Jax received flying lessons from Tonks. She was doing quite well.
Jax immediately felt her stomach grow nervous. She had just remembered what today was. Today was the day she left for Hogwarts. Today was the day she finally met Harry, face to face. She looked at her watch. It was five o' clock in the morning. She was supposed to leave in an hour, so she could avoid leaving at the same time Harry and the others did.
"Jax?"
Jax heard Tonks whisper her name outside the door. Jax pointed her wand at the door, and muttered a spell to make the door open. She had just learned it the other day, but she was getting very good at it.
"Yeah, I'm up," Jax said as the door creaked open and she found Tonks' face on the opposite side.
"Awesome job with that Alohomora charm. It took me ages to figure out."
"Keep your voice down!" Jax warned.
"Right... okay, you get ready. Everything's packed, right?"
"Yes! You asked me that like eight times last night!"
"Sorry. It's just... it's hard to see you go, sweetie."
"I know, Tonks. But now that I have Lily I can owl you all the time! It'll be good, you'll see."
"Oh, I know it will be fine. Now get dressed. Molly's going to pack us breakfast to go."
"Okay."
Tonks closed the door, and Jax picked up what she was going to wear. She had picked it out two nights ago. Jax pulled on her black tights, and stuck on her white top. She added her black skirt, and silver hoop earrings. She knew all of this was pointless since she would have to change into her robes at some point on the train, but hopefully Harry would notice her before then. She put on eyeliner, red lip pencil, and brushed a light highlighter over her skin. She brushed her hair and used a curler to flare it- and straightened her bangs. Then she grabbed her boots, jacket, birdcage, and wand.
"Locomotor Trunk," she muttered.
Her trunk rose up several inches above the ground and followed her as she quietly crept down the stairs.
"Whoa. Hot stuff comin' through!"
Tonks gave a low whistle as Jax came down the last few steps of the staircase. Jax blushed.
"You're going to knock Harry off his feet!"
"Thanks, Tonks. I'm ready to go."
"Okay. Here, let me take Lily. Put your boots on."
Jax handed Tonks Lily and sat down on a chair in the kitchen. She pulled her boots on, and wrapped her jacket around herself. She put her wand in her pocket, and stood up.
"Let's go!"
Mrs. Weasley emerged from the corridor. She handed Jax, Tonks, and Lupin their breakfasts. She had tears running down her face.
"Oh, I always get this teary when my own children leave! I'll have to do this again in an hour..."
"Bye, Mrs. Weasley. I'll owl you the instant I get to school."
"And make sure to tell me that you got into Gryffindor."
"Mrs. Weasley!"
Everyone had been pressing Dumbledore to just let Jax into Gryffindor and save the Sorting Hat the trouble. Dumbledore refused, and said that it was the Sorting Hat's decision to what house she was placed in.
"Sorry, dear. You have everything? Okay, safe trip!"
Mrs. Weasley's eyes started to water again, and she kissed Jax on each cheek.
"Bye Mrs. Weasley!"
Jax, Lupin and Tonks walked out of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone or anything but Mrs. Weasley. It was just in time, also, since just as Jax closed the door, she heard footsteps pounding down the staircase.
The three climbed into the same car they had rode in less than a week ago. This time Lupin made himself the driver; as Jax tried to quiet Lily. The charm had worn off since she woke up, and for some reason it wasn't working anymore.
They all ate their breakfast in silence, except for the small hoot Lily gave every time she wanted some of Jax's food.
"Why in the world are you even awake, bird? You're supposed to be nocturnal!" Jax said, very annoyed.
"Be patient, Jax. You've only had her for a couple of days. She hasn't had the time to get to know you," Lupin explained.
"Yes, Professor."
Jax had gotten used to calling Lupin 'Professor', and when he announced that he would be coming back as the Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, she was ecstatic. He was one of her favorite members of the Order, beside Tonks, Mrs. Weasley, Moody, and Dumbledore.
The car stopped, and Jax found them outside King's Cross Station. There were already several young witches and wizards scooting about, even if it was seven thirty. The train would leave in about an hour and a half.
"Okay, Jax, let's get a move on!"
Tonks and Lupin got out and took her trunk out of the back. Jax found a trolley, and she put everything on it.
"Professor, don't you have luggage?" she asked Lupin.
"Oh, I sent it up there days ago. I find it a big hassle to carry around all the time."
"Are you going to be in the train with me?"
"No, sorry about that. Dumbledore has arranged special transportation for me."
"Oh, ok. Will you come on with me and help me settle in? The train won't leave for a good hour."
"I'll go with you, sweetie. Remus, go ahead. I'll speak to you later," said Tonks.
"Alright. Bye, Jax! Safe trip! And, good luck with Harry!"
"Thank you, Professor. I'll see you later, right?"
"Right. Bye!"
Lupin waved goodbye to Tonks and Jax, and got into the car. The two girls watched it drive away, and then headed for platform nine and three quarters.
"Platform nine and three quarters must be the weirdest platform I've ever heard of," Jax said, as she pushed her cart.
"Yeah, it kind of confused me the first time I crossed it. But its loads of fun once you get the hang of it," Tonks replied enthusiastically.
Jax stopped pushing the cart in front of platforms nine and ten. She watched as several kids with trunks and pets like her dove through the barrier.
"Whoa," was all she could get out.
"Come on! You go first."
"I don't know, Tonks...."
"Oh, puh-lease! You can't back out now."
Jax nodded, knowing that she was right. Jax positioned herself in very middle of the barrier. She charged toward the middle, half-expecting to come bouncing back off of the brick wall. But she was wrong- Jax felt herself glide through platforms nine and ten, and ended up on the other side- smack-dab in front of the Hogwarts Express.
Tonks appeared behind her, tripping over herself.
"Let's go! You want to get a good compartment, don't you?"
"Yeah- compartment. Good."
Jax had been enchanted by the train- and the people surrounding it. There were snaps and cracks everywhere- from people trying out their wands for the first time since they left the station at the beginning of last year. Tonks, unaware of Jax's attention focus, grabbed her cart and started to unload it.
"Go and get a spot, I'll catch up."
"Oh- okay."
Jax started to walk in the direction of the train. She followed the few students that were loading on to the train.
"Actually got here before the rush for once!" a girl with light brown hair exclaimed.
"Excuse me, but does it matter which compartment you sit in?" Jax asked the girl.
"No- not really. Are you a first year? You look kind of old to be one."
"No- I just transferred."
"That's great!"
The girl held out her hand.
"Angelina Johnson. Gryffindor."
Jax took the girl's hand, shaking it.
"Jax Pierce. I don't know what house I'm in yet."
"Oh, duh! Well, if you want a place to sit, you can sit with me and my crew!"
Angelina let go of Jax's hand and started down the corridor.
"Thanks!" Jax called after her.
"Still looking?"
Jax felt Tonks grab onto her shoulder.
"Kind of... I wanted to sit with Harry. But I don't know how to do that without being obvious."
"Well, the train will be pretty full by the time they arrive. If you go and get an empty compartment at the back, Harry might not have a choice."
"Um, ok."
Jax and Tonks walked down the corridor, looking through each compartment, seeing if it was clear.
"Here's one!"
Jax slid open the door to a compartment at the back of the train. She sat down right next to the window, and stared out anxiously. She scanned the crowd until she saw them: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, and George.
"Oh my gosh, they're here."
Jax turned away from the window and flushed.
"Calm down, Jax! You'll be fine."
"Thanks, Tonks."
Jax gave Tonks a weak smile.
"I have to get going- before they see me. Bye, sweetie."
Tonks hugged Jax, and kissed her forehead.
"Be safe, okay? And try to keep this a secret for as long as you can- oh man, I might blow it if I don't get off. Bye!"
"Bye, Tonks!" Jax called.
Tonks gave one last wave, and disappeared. She must have appearated, Jax thought.
Jax watched as the six got on to the train. Jax felt her stomach doing flips- what if Harry didn't like her? What if he thought she was ugly? What if-
"Excuse me, are these seats taken?"
Jax looked up, straight into her brother's eyes. Behind him was Ginny, who was trying to see around Harry. Jax's heart started racing, and she tried to get something out of her mouth, but nothing came. It was as if her brain had stopped giving off signals to her mouth. She finally gained the confidence to say something, as Harry started giving her questioning looks.
"No- no. You can have them," Jax said, rather calmly.
"Great! Thanks a lot. I was praying that we wouldn't have to sit with the Slytherins- I would rather stand the whole way."
Harry laughed and Ginny joined in. Jax didn't, since she wasn't too familiar with house status.
"Oh- sorry. Are you a Slytherin?"
"Oh, no. Actually, I don't know what I am. I just transferred. I'm- um-" Jax gulped, but told herself deep down not to choke. "I'm Jax Pierce."
She stuck her hand out and Harry reached over to take it. Jax felt a small spark in her when he touched her hand.
"Harry Potter. Gryffindor."
She took his hand and shook it, and met him with a smile.
"Nice to meet you," Jax replied, smiling at her brother.
"I'm Ginny Weasley," the girl sitting next to Harry commented.
Jax just gave a small head nod. She hadn't looked Harry in the eyes yet, she was afraid he would recognize her. She heard someone rap on the door, and looked up.
"Harry!"
Jax looked up to see Ron. There was a girl standing next to him- Jax guessed her to be Hermione.
Harry got up and pulled the door back, allowing Ron and Hermione to come through.
"Already done? We just took off five minutes ago-" Harry asked, his eyes on Ron and Hermione's prefect badges.
"Nah, some fifth years wanted to do all the work, so we let them."
Ron looked over to Jax.
"New friend?"
Harry gave a frown, wondering what he meant. Then he remembered Jax-
"Oh, yeah. Um, this is Jax."
Ron lifted his eyebrows, interested in the black haired girl sitting in the corner.
"Ron Weasley. You new?"
Ron gave Jax a cheesy grin, and held out his hand. Jax reluctantly took it, getting tired of shaking hands. She didn't smile back, though. All she had her interest on was the cute stare Harry was giving her.
"Is that a yes?"
"Wha- oh, yeah. I just transferred."
Jax hadn't even been paying attention to what Ron had asked her.
"Ahem!"
Hermione, who was still standing near the front of the compartment, gave a clear of her throat. She had her arms crossed neatly at her chest, and was holding her head up in a regal way.
"Oh, Jax, this is Hermione-"
"-Granger."
Hermione interrupted Harry in his introduction, and gave Jax a wary look.
"It's a pleasure," Jax replied, in a sweet, yet meaningless tone.
Jax gave Hermione a smile while Harry was looking, and as Harry turned to face Hermione, Jax turned her fake smile to a cold stare.
Ron and Harry immediately sensed the bad friction between the two, and Harry gave Ron an indicating nod to get Hermione away from Jax.
Ron gladly took Hermione by the shoulder and walked her out of the compartment.
"I bet those fifth years have caused a load of trouble by now. Dumbledore is gonna kill us...."
Harry smiled as Ron turned to lead Hermione down the corridor.
"OY! Watch it!"
Harry heard Ron yell as he had just escaped out of sight. Before Harry could get up to see what had happened, he found out.
"Better watch it, Weasel. Your delicate mudblood there might get a bruise."
Harry felt heat rising up in his face as he recalled the nasty voice of Draco Malfoy. He felt his hand shooting down into his pocket, holding his wand at a tight grasp.
"Why you-"
"Ron, please. Malfoy's just upset because his dear old daddy is in Azkaban. Isn't that right, Draco?" Hermione broke in tartly.
"You filthy little-"
Harry ran out into the corridor to find Malfoy's back facing him.
"Don't make another move, Malfoy."
Harry poked his wand into Malfoy's back, his mind racing for what kind of spells he could use on a train without getting noticed.
"Always come to the rescue, don't you Potter?"
"I guess so."
Malfoy abruptly turned to face Harry, his hands held at a certain height. There was clearly no wand in either of them, so Harry cautiously let his wand hand down. And in a flash, Crabbe, who had been standing at Malfoy's side, handed his wand to him. Malfoy pointed his wand at Harry, a smug and triumphant look on his face.
"Never let your guard down, Potter. It's a sign of weakness."
Jax had been waiting in the compartment, listening, until now. She grabbed her wand and stepped to the front of the compartment, and peered down the corridor, trying to see what was happening.
"Fine. You win, Malfoy. Just please put your wand down."
"And when, in our commendable five years together, have I ever responded to 'please'?"
Jax watched Malfoy take an advancing step towards Harry, his eyes gleaming.
"I guess you'll be spending your first week back in the hospital wing, Potter."
Jax acted without thinking, and within a flash she was stepping in front of Harry, who had been standing just a foot out of sight of the compartment.
"DENS-"
Malfoy only got half of his teeth-growing spell out of his mouth, for Jax was too quick.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Jax yelled, her wand pointing at Malfoy.
A blue flash of light appeared out of Jax's wand, and sent Malfoy flying back several feet, his head landing right beneath Hermione's and Ron's.
Several heads popped out of the compartments, every one of them staring at Jax. Jax flushed, as she turned to look to a surprised, but grateful Harry.
Draco stood up with a sharp snap of his robes, and gave Jax a hateful stare. He pushed through Ron and Hermione, giving a huge 'huff', and continued to the next car.
"Thanks," was the only thing that came out of anyone's mouth.
But Jax wasn't disappointed, for it had come out of the most important mouth: Harry's.
A/N: Review, PLEASE! I'm desperate!
"Shut UP, Lily!" Jax hissed.
Jax was woken by the small hoot and ruffle of her owl, Lily. She had been a birthday present from the Order. The bird gave another hoot, and started flapping around.
"Lily, please, be QUIET!" Jax pleaded.
Jax picked her wand up from her nightstand and pointed it at the birdcage.
"Silencio," she muttered.
The bird immediately closed her eyes and didn't make another sound.
Jax had been given special permission by the Ministry of Magic to do magic outside of school, given her circumstance. Various people including Tonks, Lupin, Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore and McGonagall had been giving her lessons for the past week. Jax had covered most of the material that Harry, Ron, and Hermione learned in their first year already. And when the four (including Ginny) were out, Jax received flying lessons from Tonks. She was doing quite well.
Jax immediately felt her stomach grow nervous. She had just remembered what today was. Today was the day she left for Hogwarts. Today was the day she finally met Harry, face to face. She looked at her watch. It was five o' clock in the morning. She was supposed to leave in an hour, so she could avoid leaving at the same time Harry and the others did.
"Jax?"
Jax heard Tonks whisper her name outside the door. Jax pointed her wand at the door, and muttered a spell to make the door open. She had just learned it the other day, but she was getting very good at it.
"Yeah, I'm up," Jax said as the door creaked open and she found Tonks' face on the opposite side.
"Awesome job with that Alohomora charm. It took me ages to figure out."
"Keep your voice down!" Jax warned.
"Right... okay, you get ready. Everything's packed, right?"
"Yes! You asked me that like eight times last night!"
"Sorry. It's just... it's hard to see you go, sweetie."
"I know, Tonks. But now that I have Lily I can owl you all the time! It'll be good, you'll see."
"Oh, I know it will be fine. Now get dressed. Molly's going to pack us breakfast to go."
"Okay."
Tonks closed the door, and Jax picked up what she was going to wear. She had picked it out two nights ago. Jax pulled on her black tights, and stuck on her white top. She added her black skirt, and silver hoop earrings. She knew all of this was pointless since she would have to change into her robes at some point on the train, but hopefully Harry would notice her before then. She put on eyeliner, red lip pencil, and brushed a light highlighter over her skin. She brushed her hair and used a curler to flare it- and straightened her bangs. Then she grabbed her boots, jacket, birdcage, and wand.
"Locomotor Trunk," she muttered.
Her trunk rose up several inches above the ground and followed her as she quietly crept down the stairs.
"Whoa. Hot stuff comin' through!"
Tonks gave a low whistle as Jax came down the last few steps of the staircase. Jax blushed.
"You're going to knock Harry off his feet!"
"Thanks, Tonks. I'm ready to go."
"Okay. Here, let me take Lily. Put your boots on."
Jax handed Tonks Lily and sat down on a chair in the kitchen. She pulled her boots on, and wrapped her jacket around herself. She put her wand in her pocket, and stood up.
"Let's go!"
Mrs. Weasley emerged from the corridor. She handed Jax, Tonks, and Lupin their breakfasts. She had tears running down her face.
"Oh, I always get this teary when my own children leave! I'll have to do this again in an hour..."
"Bye, Mrs. Weasley. I'll owl you the instant I get to school."
"And make sure to tell me that you got into Gryffindor."
"Mrs. Weasley!"
Everyone had been pressing Dumbledore to just let Jax into Gryffindor and save the Sorting Hat the trouble. Dumbledore refused, and said that it was the Sorting Hat's decision to what house she was placed in.
"Sorry, dear. You have everything? Okay, safe trip!"
Mrs. Weasley's eyes started to water again, and she kissed Jax on each cheek.
"Bye Mrs. Weasley!"
Jax, Lupin and Tonks walked out of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone or anything but Mrs. Weasley. It was just in time, also, since just as Jax closed the door, she heard footsteps pounding down the staircase.
The three climbed into the same car they had rode in less than a week ago. This time Lupin made himself the driver; as Jax tried to quiet Lily. The charm had worn off since she woke up, and for some reason it wasn't working anymore.
They all ate their breakfast in silence, except for the small hoot Lily gave every time she wanted some of Jax's food.
"Why in the world are you even awake, bird? You're supposed to be nocturnal!" Jax said, very annoyed.
"Be patient, Jax. You've only had her for a couple of days. She hasn't had the time to get to know you," Lupin explained.
"Yes, Professor."
Jax had gotten used to calling Lupin 'Professor', and when he announced that he would be coming back as the Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, she was ecstatic. He was one of her favorite members of the Order, beside Tonks, Mrs. Weasley, Moody, and Dumbledore.
The car stopped, and Jax found them outside King's Cross Station. There were already several young witches and wizards scooting about, even if it was seven thirty. The train would leave in about an hour and a half.
"Okay, Jax, let's get a move on!"
Tonks and Lupin got out and took her trunk out of the back. Jax found a trolley, and she put everything on it.
"Professor, don't you have luggage?" she asked Lupin.
"Oh, I sent it up there days ago. I find it a big hassle to carry around all the time."
"Are you going to be in the train with me?"
"No, sorry about that. Dumbledore has arranged special transportation for me."
"Oh, ok. Will you come on with me and help me settle in? The train won't leave for a good hour."
"I'll go with you, sweetie. Remus, go ahead. I'll speak to you later," said Tonks.
"Alright. Bye, Jax! Safe trip! And, good luck with Harry!"
"Thank you, Professor. I'll see you later, right?"
"Right. Bye!"
Lupin waved goodbye to Tonks and Jax, and got into the car. The two girls watched it drive away, and then headed for platform nine and three quarters.
"Platform nine and three quarters must be the weirdest platform I've ever heard of," Jax said, as she pushed her cart.
"Yeah, it kind of confused me the first time I crossed it. But its loads of fun once you get the hang of it," Tonks replied enthusiastically.
Jax stopped pushing the cart in front of platforms nine and ten. She watched as several kids with trunks and pets like her dove through the barrier.
"Whoa," was all she could get out.
"Come on! You go first."
"I don't know, Tonks...."
"Oh, puh-lease! You can't back out now."
Jax nodded, knowing that she was right. Jax positioned herself in very middle of the barrier. She charged toward the middle, half-expecting to come bouncing back off of the brick wall. But she was wrong- Jax felt herself glide through platforms nine and ten, and ended up on the other side- smack-dab in front of the Hogwarts Express.
Tonks appeared behind her, tripping over herself.
"Let's go! You want to get a good compartment, don't you?"
"Yeah- compartment. Good."
Jax had been enchanted by the train- and the people surrounding it. There were snaps and cracks everywhere- from people trying out their wands for the first time since they left the station at the beginning of last year. Tonks, unaware of Jax's attention focus, grabbed her cart and started to unload it.
"Go and get a spot, I'll catch up."
"Oh- okay."
Jax started to walk in the direction of the train. She followed the few students that were loading on to the train.
"Actually got here before the rush for once!" a girl with light brown hair exclaimed.
"Excuse me, but does it matter which compartment you sit in?" Jax asked the girl.
"No- not really. Are you a first year? You look kind of old to be one."
"No- I just transferred."
"That's great!"
The girl held out her hand.
"Angelina Johnson. Gryffindor."
Jax took the girl's hand, shaking it.
"Jax Pierce. I don't know what house I'm in yet."
"Oh, duh! Well, if you want a place to sit, you can sit with me and my crew!"
Angelina let go of Jax's hand and started down the corridor.
"Thanks!" Jax called after her.
"Still looking?"
Jax felt Tonks grab onto her shoulder.
"Kind of... I wanted to sit with Harry. But I don't know how to do that without being obvious."
"Well, the train will be pretty full by the time they arrive. If you go and get an empty compartment at the back, Harry might not have a choice."
"Um, ok."
Jax and Tonks walked down the corridor, looking through each compartment, seeing if it was clear.
"Here's one!"
Jax slid open the door to a compartment at the back of the train. She sat down right next to the window, and stared out anxiously. She scanned the crowd until she saw them: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, and George.
"Oh my gosh, they're here."
Jax turned away from the window and flushed.
"Calm down, Jax! You'll be fine."
"Thanks, Tonks."
Jax gave Tonks a weak smile.
"I have to get going- before they see me. Bye, sweetie."
Tonks hugged Jax, and kissed her forehead.
"Be safe, okay? And try to keep this a secret for as long as you can- oh man, I might blow it if I don't get off. Bye!"
"Bye, Tonks!" Jax called.
Tonks gave one last wave, and disappeared. She must have appearated, Jax thought.
Jax watched as the six got on to the train. Jax felt her stomach doing flips- what if Harry didn't like her? What if he thought she was ugly? What if-
"Excuse me, are these seats taken?"
Jax looked up, straight into her brother's eyes. Behind him was Ginny, who was trying to see around Harry. Jax's heart started racing, and she tried to get something out of her mouth, but nothing came. It was as if her brain had stopped giving off signals to her mouth. She finally gained the confidence to say something, as Harry started giving her questioning looks.
"No- no. You can have them," Jax said, rather calmly.
"Great! Thanks a lot. I was praying that we wouldn't have to sit with the Slytherins- I would rather stand the whole way."
Harry laughed and Ginny joined in. Jax didn't, since she wasn't too familiar with house status.
"Oh- sorry. Are you a Slytherin?"
"Oh, no. Actually, I don't know what I am. I just transferred. I'm- um-" Jax gulped, but told herself deep down not to choke. "I'm Jax Pierce."
She stuck her hand out and Harry reached over to take it. Jax felt a small spark in her when he touched her hand.
"Harry Potter. Gryffindor."
She took his hand and shook it, and met him with a smile.
"Nice to meet you," Jax replied, smiling at her brother.
"I'm Ginny Weasley," the girl sitting next to Harry commented.
Jax just gave a small head nod. She hadn't looked Harry in the eyes yet, she was afraid he would recognize her. She heard someone rap on the door, and looked up.
"Harry!"
Jax looked up to see Ron. There was a girl standing next to him- Jax guessed her to be Hermione.
Harry got up and pulled the door back, allowing Ron and Hermione to come through.
"Already done? We just took off five minutes ago-" Harry asked, his eyes on Ron and Hermione's prefect badges.
"Nah, some fifth years wanted to do all the work, so we let them."
Ron looked over to Jax.
"New friend?"
Harry gave a frown, wondering what he meant. Then he remembered Jax-
"Oh, yeah. Um, this is Jax."
Ron lifted his eyebrows, interested in the black haired girl sitting in the corner.
"Ron Weasley. You new?"
Ron gave Jax a cheesy grin, and held out his hand. Jax reluctantly took it, getting tired of shaking hands. She didn't smile back, though. All she had her interest on was the cute stare Harry was giving her.
"Is that a yes?"
"Wha- oh, yeah. I just transferred."
Jax hadn't even been paying attention to what Ron had asked her.
"Ahem!"
Hermione, who was still standing near the front of the compartment, gave a clear of her throat. She had her arms crossed neatly at her chest, and was holding her head up in a regal way.
"Oh, Jax, this is Hermione-"
"-Granger."
Hermione interrupted Harry in his introduction, and gave Jax a wary look.
"It's a pleasure," Jax replied, in a sweet, yet meaningless tone.
Jax gave Hermione a smile while Harry was looking, and as Harry turned to face Hermione, Jax turned her fake smile to a cold stare.
Ron and Harry immediately sensed the bad friction between the two, and Harry gave Ron an indicating nod to get Hermione away from Jax.
Ron gladly took Hermione by the shoulder and walked her out of the compartment.
"I bet those fifth years have caused a load of trouble by now. Dumbledore is gonna kill us...."
Harry smiled as Ron turned to lead Hermione down the corridor.
"OY! Watch it!"
Harry heard Ron yell as he had just escaped out of sight. Before Harry could get up to see what had happened, he found out.
"Better watch it, Weasel. Your delicate mudblood there might get a bruise."
Harry felt heat rising up in his face as he recalled the nasty voice of Draco Malfoy. He felt his hand shooting down into his pocket, holding his wand at a tight grasp.
"Why you-"
"Ron, please. Malfoy's just upset because his dear old daddy is in Azkaban. Isn't that right, Draco?" Hermione broke in tartly.
"You filthy little-"
Harry ran out into the corridor to find Malfoy's back facing him.
"Don't make another move, Malfoy."
Harry poked his wand into Malfoy's back, his mind racing for what kind of spells he could use on a train without getting noticed.
"Always come to the rescue, don't you Potter?"
"I guess so."
Malfoy abruptly turned to face Harry, his hands held at a certain height. There was clearly no wand in either of them, so Harry cautiously let his wand hand down. And in a flash, Crabbe, who had been standing at Malfoy's side, handed his wand to him. Malfoy pointed his wand at Harry, a smug and triumphant look on his face.
"Never let your guard down, Potter. It's a sign of weakness."
Jax had been waiting in the compartment, listening, until now. She grabbed her wand and stepped to the front of the compartment, and peered down the corridor, trying to see what was happening.
"Fine. You win, Malfoy. Just please put your wand down."
"And when, in our commendable five years together, have I ever responded to 'please'?"
Jax watched Malfoy take an advancing step towards Harry, his eyes gleaming.
"I guess you'll be spending your first week back in the hospital wing, Potter."
Jax acted without thinking, and within a flash she was stepping in front of Harry, who had been standing just a foot out of sight of the compartment.
"DENS-"
Malfoy only got half of his teeth-growing spell out of his mouth, for Jax was too quick.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Jax yelled, her wand pointing at Malfoy.
A blue flash of light appeared out of Jax's wand, and sent Malfoy flying back several feet, his head landing right beneath Hermione's and Ron's.
Several heads popped out of the compartments, every one of them staring at Jax. Jax flushed, as she turned to look to a surprised, but grateful Harry.
Draco stood up with a sharp snap of his robes, and gave Jax a hateful stare. He pushed through Ron and Hermione, giving a huge 'huff', and continued to the next car.
"Thanks," was the only thing that came out of anyone's mouth.
But Jax wasn't disappointed, for it had come out of the most important mouth: Harry's.
A/N: Review, PLEASE! I'm desperate!
