Chapter Three – Marauders, Peeves and Phoenicis

Jessica awoke early next morning, she didn't know if it was because of her nerves or because of the wind howling around the windows of the dormitory. She pulled back her curtains and saw that most of the girls were still asleep. Quietly Jessica pulled on her school robes, brushed her hair and picked up a piece of parchment and quill. She strode across the room and down the stairs to the common room. She had just sat down in the same armchair that she had sat in last night. She filled the quill with ink and began to write a letter to her mother.

Dear Mother,

I am sorry that I did not write to you yesterday. I arrived late to Hogwarts and there were a lot of things that had to be done.

I was sorted into the Gryffindor House and I have already made friends with a couple of the students in my house, their names are Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. They are all really nice and I have a lot of classes with them.

I miss you terribly

Love always

Jessica.

She had just finished writing the letter when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Harry stepping off the stairs. At first he didn't see her, but as he walked towards the portrait hole he stopped, looking startled, "I didn't think anyone else was up." He said looking around at Jessica.

"Sorry, I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep, so I came down here to write my mother a letter." She said as she put the stopper back on the ink bottle.

"Oh ok, are you going to the Owlery then?"

"Well that is what I planned, but I don't know where it is…" said Jessica shyly.

"Would you like me to show you? I have nothing else to do." Said Harry unconcerned with her shyness.

"That would be great thank you." relieved Jessica put the letter in an envelope and addressed it to her mother. Harry waited for her to finish then they both walked over to the portrait hole, Jessica expected Harry to push it open, but he put an arm out to stop her. "Hang on a second," he pulled an old bit of parchment out of his jacket and tapped it with his wand, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." To Jessica's amazement lines appeared where his wand had touched the parchment; they intertwined and weaved all over until every inch was covered. She read 'Messes Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are proud to present the Marauders Map'. Harry opened the map and Jessica noticed that there were dots with names underneath them moving around lines. "What is this?" she asked Harry in amazement,

"This is the Marauders Map." Said Harry, "It shows me the entire school grounds and the people who are inside them. See there we are." He said pointing to the Gryffindor Common room on the map. And sure enough there were two dots standing near to the portrait hole labelled Harry Potter and Jessica Bolts.

"Wow… this is amazing." Said Jessica looking at the dot of her. "Ok the coast looks clear to the Owlery, let's go." Harry tapped the map and said "Mischief managed" the map instantly disappeared from the parchment, pushed open the portrait hole and they both stepped out into the corridor beyond. They walked in silence towards the Owlery, neither one knowing what to say. They had almost reached their destination when Harry suddenly stopped. Jessica had continued for a few paces before she realised that he had stopped, looking over her shoulder she asked "What's the matter?"

"Peeves…Quick in here" he opened a door to their left and pushed Jessica inside. The room was an old broom closet and was very dark inside after Harry shut the door behind him. "Who is Peeves?" asked Jessica

"OUCH…" said Harry followed by a rather loud crash. After stumbling around the cupboard for a few moments Jessica said "Oh for heavens sake, Lumos!" instantly the tip of her wand ignited and lit their surroundings. She let out a laugh when she saw Harry; he had tripped over a crate and fallen onto the floor, covered in dust and brooms. "What's so funny?" he said with a smirk on his face.

"You should see yourself right now." Jessica said laughing so hard that she was gasping for breath. Holding out a hand she helped Harry to his feet. Harry stood up so fast that his face was only a few inches away from Jessica's. For a moment Jessica looked into his mysterious, green eyes, he looked straight back at her, smiling slightly. Jessica looked down quickly, feeling her cheeks burn. Taking a step back she said "So who is Peeves exactly?"

Harry, also looking a bit embarrassed, "Um… he's the school's poltergeist. He is always pulling pranks and will delay you from reaching your destination, it is best to keep out of his way." Harry pulled out the Marauders Map and checked it, "Looks like the coast is clear, shall we" he pushed open the door of the cupboard and they continued on their journey to the Owlery.

The Owlery was full of all different species of owls, as Harry and Jessica entered more owls flew in through the open windows from the nights hunt. A white owl flew down from the rafters and landed on Harry's shoulder. He stroked the owl, "This is my owl Hedwig."

"She's beautiful." Jessica searched the rafters for Isabella, when she did not spot her she gave a low whistle which was barley audible. She stood still for a second, Harry wondered what was going on, and then he heard it, a faint but distinct whistle in reply. Moments later Isabelle flew in the through the window. She landed on a perch next to Jessica clutching a dead mouse in her beak.

"Hello my gorgeous Isabella." Said Jessica stroking her chin. Harry looked at the elegant brown owl.

"Wow I haven't seen that breed of owl before. What is she?"
"She's an Australian breed of owl, so you don't see many flying around here. Her name is Isabella"

Jessica took the envelope out of her pocket and strapped it onto Isabella's leg with a leather strap. "Take this to Mother." Isabella swallowed the mouse and nipped Jessica's hand to show that she understood. She spread her wings and soared out of the window. Jessica turned around to see Harry scribbling a note on a scrap bit of parchment, which he handed to Hedwig who took it in her beak and also flew out the window. He smiled at her and Jessica felt her cheeks burn again. Harry looked down at his watch. "Man is that the time, we are running late for Breakfast." They hurried out of the Owlery back to the Gryffindor Common room to pick up their bags and then made their way down to the Great Hall.

As they walked down the Marble Staircase together Jessica could hear the sound of hundreds of students all talking and enjoying themselves. A lurch in her stomach made Jessica slow her pace to a slow walk down the stairs. Harry turned around "Are you alright?"

Scared to open her mouth for fear of being sick, Jessica nodded her head,

"Nervous?" again Jessica replied with a nod of her head.

"Come on, you'll be fine. I'm here and I will make sure you have a good first day."

Feeling calmer Jessica said "Thank you Harry, I don't know what came over me."

Placing his arm around her shoulders Harry led her down the remainder of the stairs and into the Great Hall.

It was like nothing Jessica had ever seen before. The ceiling reflected the bright blue sky outside which was speckled with fluffy white clouds. Four long tables which stretched the length of the hall were filled with students all talking between themselves. At the end of the hall Jessica saw a table that faced the other four tables. In the centre was a grand chair, whose occupant wore half-moon glasses on a crooked nose. His silver hair grew past his waist. Jessica knew at once who this was, Albus Dumbledore, one of the most famous wizards in the world.

Harry guided Jessica past three of the tables towards one whose students were all wearing red and yellow with their robes. Just as they pasted by what she guessed to be the Hufflepuff table however, her eyes were caught by a boy who had blonde hair and eyes were of bright turquoise. He was talking with some other boys on his table as Jessica and Harry walked by. One of the boys cracked a joke and the turquoise eyed boy smiled, his smile lit up his whole face, it made his eyes laugh and sparkle. It was at this point that he caught sight of Jessica walking past. Their eyes met, Jessica smiled then looked away quickly feeling her face start to burn. Harry walked straight passed the Hufflepuff table without glancing at it, and headed towards the top of the table where Jessica saw Ron and Hermione sitting.

Sitting down next to Hermione Jessica pulled a plate of bacon, eggs and kippers towards her. Hermione who was refilling her glass of pumpkin juice poured a glass for Jessica. "Thanks." Said Jessica pulling taking the glass from Hermione, as she took a sip she saw the Hufflepuff boy glance at her from his table. "Hey Hermione, who is that boy over there?"

"Which one?" said Hermione looking up.

"The one with the bright turquoise eyes and blonde hair." Said Jessica pointing him out.

"Oh, that is Phoenicis Diggory, he is the Hufflepuff Prefect."

"Diggory… I've heard that name somewhere before, did he have a brother?"

"Yes," said Hermione sadly, "Cedric Diggory, he was the first of the Hogwarts Champions in the Triwizard Tournament two years ago. He was killed by Lord Voldemort."

Hermione expected to see Jessica flinch after hearing the name of the most feared wizard on Earth, but like she had seen Harry many times before, Jessica did nothing more then grit her teeth.

"Lord Voldemort killed Cedric?"

"Yes…" but before Hermione could say anything more a bell sounded somewhere in the castle.

"Oh its start of lessons, come on Jessica we have Herbology, with the Hufflepuffs." She said with a grin on her face.

Blushing Jessica took a final bite of toast, stood up, slung her bag over her shoulder and gave Hermione a slight push on the shoulder.