"What's her name?" Hermione said.

"Jackie Andrews. She's a new girl from America. You'll meet her later," Harry

said.

"Ok then," Ron said, "Shall we get in to the carriage?"

"How old is your new friend Harry?" Hermione asked.

"She's a sixth year. She came from her school in America," Harry replied.

"That's odd. I've never read anything about transfers in Hogwarts: A History," Hermione said.

"Her parents talked to Dumbledore and he was of course glad to take her here at Hogwarts," Harry replied.

"Well, I can't wait to meet her," Ron said.

They stepped into the carriages but not before Harry saw the thestrals. He was reminded of Sirius immediately. A great blanket of sadness covered him.

"I'm starving," said Ron. He was, like always, anticipating the feast with great anxiety.

"Oh, Ron," Hermione said, looking exasperated.

Harry did not mind them. They always quarreled like that. But, for some reason, Harry felt that something had changed between them. They pulled up to the castle and got out of the carriage. When they entered the castle, everyone saw that Peeves was once again throwing water balloons. McGonagall was trying to stop him but was, like usual, unsuccessful. Peeves was just that way. One of the balloons hit Malfoy square on the head. Everyone began to laugh. Harry would have to thank Peeves for such a wonderful moment. They entered the great hall and sat down at the Gryffindor table.

"Harry I forgot. Fred and George told me to give you this," Ron said. Ron handed Harry a small package. There was a note attached.

Harry,

We thought you could use this.

We invented it this summer.

Don't open it while Hermione's around.

She probably won't allow it

Fred and George

P.S. Visit us in Diagon Alley!

Harry couldn't even begin to think of what it might be. Something against the rules obviously.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "The first years are coming in. I presume you all know what is expected of you. There is one change however. One sixth year is being moved to Hogwarts for reasons of no concern to you and will be sorted with the first years. All of you will treat her with respect." With saying that, she went to gather Jackie and the first years. Jackie hadn't been able to be sorted before everyone came in like she said she would be. When McGonagall returned students were behind her, Jackie at the very front of the pack of first years. The sorting hat sang its usual song once everyone was settled. When it was finished McGonagall said, "Please remain quiet. When I call your name, please step up sit on the stool and place the sorting hat on your head. First, we shall start with the new sixth year student. Andrews, Jackie,"

Jackie stepped up and placed the hat on her head. "Hmm,' said the sorting hat. "How very odd, this one has already learned magic. Sixth year, eh. Where to put you? This concerns me. Knows much now, but what of her when she first started at magical schools." Harry was starting to get really angry that the hat wouldn't just decide. He really wanted Jackie to be in Gryffindor. The sorting hat continued, "Anxious you were to learn, but not all book smarts. Hmm, it must be GRYFFINDOR!" Jackie immediately looked over to look at where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting. She looked very much relieved. She walked over and sat on down by Harry.

"Are these your friends Ron and Hermione?" Jackie asked.

"Yes, they are. Jackie meet Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Ron, Hermione meet Jackie Andrews."

"It's very nice to meet you. Harry told me so much about you on the train."

"It's nice to meet you to," said Ron. Harry knew what he was thinking. He was thinking, the same thing that Harry was. That Jackie was very pretty, but not veela pretty like Ron once liked Fleur Deleur. The rest of the first years were sorted into the houses and were finally settled down.

Dumbledore rose from his seat and cleared his throat. "Welcome back to Hogwarts. I would like to introduce two new people. First, please welcome the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Cagary." He paused while everyone clapped. "Next, is Jackie Andrews who will be helping Professor Trelawney in Divination." Everyone looked baffled by this. This was only a student. How could she be a professor? Everyone clapped anyway. Dumbledore finished his normal announcements and magically served the food.

"Finally," Ron said. After everyone ate their full, Hermione lead them to the common room and told them the password, which was jaboinks. Hermione showed Jackie the ropes and everything she needed to know for the next day. Harry went immediately up stairs and fell asleep, anticipating the next day.

The next morning, Harry awoke early. He tried to wake up Ron, but was unsuccessful. Harry would of thought Ron was dead if he hadn't seen his chest move up and down and felt his breath. So, he left Ron. He went down stairs and was greeted by a full room of people talking about Jackie and the odd announcement Dumbledore had made about her. Apparently, they still wanted to know the story. Finally, tired of all the talk, Harry went down to the Great Hall. When he walked in he was surprised to see Hermione and Jackie already at the table, well into the meal. They seemed to have become friends quickly. Harry felt a shove from behind. Someone was pushing him forward. He turned and saw Ron.

"Don't just stand there like a gawking fool," Ron said, "Go!"

"Fine, then. No need to shove," Harry said in a sing song voice. It felt good to joke around again.

They walked over to Hermione and Jackie and sat down next to them. Ron immediately put eggs, bacon and toast onto his plate and started to shovel it into his mouth. Harry realized he must have grown at least a few inches over the summer.

"Take a breath Ron," Hermione said. She really had become quite pushy towards Ron. Well, more than usual.

"So, what classes do you have today, Harry?" Jackie asked.

Harry pulled out his schedule and looked at it. "Care of Magical Creatures, then Herbology, and double Divination after lunch. Everything looks fine except Divination. Two periods with Trelawney. I can't believe it." Harry said.

"Calm down, I'm teaching today, not her," Jackie said.

"Ok," Ron said, " What is it with you being a professor or something? You are just a sixth year right. Not some old person drinking polyjuice potion. Ow, Hermione quit. It's been bugging me since last night."

"You and everyone else," said Jackie, laughing.

"It's none of your business Ron," Hermione said indignantly. 'What happened to Ron and Hermione this summer?' Harry thought. Maybe he was just imagining things were different about them but he didn't think so. They seemed like they were dating with all the looks they kept giving each other. It seemed like they had a secret that they were waiting to tell.

"I suppose you already know then," said Ron.

"Of course I do," said Hermione. While this was going on Jackie was laughing.

"It's ok Hermione. He's going to find out anyway in class today," Jackie was still laughing as she said this. "I'm not a professor just like um, what you might call a TA."

"TA?" Ron asked.

"Teacher's Assistant, Ron!" Hermione said, exasperated.

"Goodness, Hermione," Ron said annoyed, "Would you stop? I asked Jackie not you."

"Sorry," but Hermione didn't look sorry at all.

"Keep going," Ron said, after glaring at Hermione for a moment.

Jackie continued, "I'm helping people with what you might call a more practical seeing. It's more to do with your thoughts, dreams and goals but it's to confusing to explain right now. I'll explain it when you come to class today. Remember if you don't come to class, I'll know where you are. I have it worked out so I see at least every class once a week. My schedule is the same as yours Harry today and I'm guessing Ron's also?"

"Yep," Ron said.

"So, wait, you knew what flavor I would get from the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans because you're a seer?" asked Harry.

"Yeah," said Jackie. "It is just so easy to win money off of people when you know what's coming next. Sorry, but now you know I won't bet with you anymore.

Well, I gotta go and get some things before classes start. See you at Care of Magical Creatures," Jackie dashed from the Great Hall.

"She's great," Hermione said as she was getting her things together and standing up. "You know she kind of reminds me of me, actually. Looks like I have some competition. I'm going to help Jackie. See you later." She quickly walked out of the Hall after she said this.

"Why do I get the feeling they are keeping something from us?" Ron said gathering his things too.

"Probably because they are," said Harry. "But, that is girls for you. They always keep things from us guys."

"True," Ron replied. "Let's get going. I want to see Hagrid before class starts."

"Did you see him at the feast last night?"

"No, that's why I want to go see him. He has to be there because Grubbly Planks wasn't announced."

"Ok, let's go."

Ron and Harry left the Great Hall and went out the castle towards Hagrid's hut. When they arrived Harry said while knocking, "Hello Hagrid. Are you in there? Hello?"

"Who is it?" Hagrid said gruffly.

"Harry and Ron," Harry said.

"Oh," Hagrid said more cheerfully as he opened the door. "Whatcha doin' out here this early?"

Ron said, "To see you, of course. You didn't think we forgot you, did you?"

"No o' course not. Say Where's Hermione?" Hagrid asked.

"She's helping Harry's new girlfriend," Ron said, emphasizing the word girlfriend.

"Jackie is not my girlfriend. She is just a friend," said Harry quite lousily.

"Oh really, Is that why only the entire school saw you drooling all over yourself when you saw her this morning and last night?" Ron asked. He started to laugh as he said these words.

"Harry, If ya like a girl," Hagrid said, while trying to stifle his own laughs, "you like a girl, and that's that."

"I do not like Jackie."

Ron said, looking quite serious, "So, you wouldn't mind if I asked her out for the next time we go to Hogsmeade?"

"You can't do that!" Harry exclaimed.

"Yep, you like her," Ron said, laughing harder than he was before. Harry thought Ron might die of laughter.

"Well, maybe you should stop drooling over Hermione," Harry said.

Ron replied still laughing, "One, that was the worst come back I have ever heard. Two, I have never drooled all over myself because of Hermione. I've only thought of her in my head." Ron was basically crying now he was laughing so hard.

"Give it up Harry," Hagrid said. He was also laughing. "No one cares if you like a girl as long as she ain't a Slytherin."

"She's not," Harry said. He began to feel foolish. It really was funny. He joined in and laughed to. They talked of other things until class was about to start.

"Well, come on. Class is gonna start soon," said Hagrid. He didn't sound to ready for classes to start.

The three walked out of the hut and immediately saw people walking towards them. The first of the people were Jackie and Hermione.

When they arrived, Hermione said, "Hagrid, this is Jackie. Jackie, meet Hagrid."

"I think it is so cool to have someone so big as you as a teacher. I've never had a teacher over five feet tall. I think the wizards, like the old wizards who are balding, tried to take a potion to grow their hair back but took the wrong potion and now they are shrinking," Jackie said.

"Well, nice to meet ya. Harry and Ron told me about you," Hagrid said. Ron started snickering.

"Shut up, Ron," Harry said. Ron was laughing a little much.

"Sorry," he said really trying to stop laughing.

Hagrid turned around to go get whatever creature they were to learn about. They got their books out and Harry showed Jackie how to open the Monster Book of Monsters.

"Where were you guys?" Harry asked.

Hermione said, in a very I know something you don't know kind of voice, "Library, but it's none of your concern."

"Yes, none of your concern," said Jackie, smiling. What ever it was, it had to be something really weird.

Ron said, "What are you hiding from us?"

"You'll find out sooner or later," Jackie said, smiling wider. "Later, rather than sooner though."

The lesson that Hagrid had planned was quite a bore. He had decided to just do a review of all the creatures they had learned the year before. After class everyone began walking towards the green houses, everyone but Jackie that is.

Jackie yelled at them, "I've got to be off. I've got some things I need to take care of. I won't be in Herbology, ok. I'll see you in divination. Bye!"

"Where is she going?" Ron asked. "Hermione?"

"I don't know. But it is her business, not ours," Hermione replied.

"Why are you being so bossy Hermione?" Ron asked.

"Well, Ron I thought I was always this bossy," Hermione replied with a look of exasperation.

"Well, let's get to Herbology," said Harry. "We'll see her later. We'll find out later probably too. Come on."