HEYO GUYS! SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE! I KNOW I PROMISED WEEKEND BUT I PROMISE THIS CHAPTER IS SERIOSULY CUTE AND GOT SOME HUGE BOMBSHELLS TOO!

To:

Ellie (guest): I got the name Phillip Phillips from American Idol… plz don't tell anyone hahahaha! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Hp head: hey Hp head! There is some cute Jaddie in this chapter and I PROMISE steamy Jaddie next chapter… ;) keep reading and reviewing, it's always so great to hear from you!

Dreamy (guest): here you go!

Kattttiiieee: aww, you have no idea how great I feel that my story makes you feel better on crap days! You're such a great person and I always love getting your reviews! Keep reading!

FanFiclover32: dw, all of the visions will be explained… keep reading and reviewing!

nina98155: hey nina! I'm so glad you're liking my story and how it's coming together! Keep on reading and reviewing coz you're fantastic!

Cap92A: thanks for the encouraging words, your reviews always motivate me to get writing! And I proooooomiiiiiise action between James and Maddie next chapter! Keep reading and revewing because it's always so great to hear your feedback!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU GUYS WHO'VE FOLLOWED AND FAVOURITED MY STORY, I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! IF ANY OF YOU GUYS HAVE QUESTIONS, SUPPORT, IDEAS OR FEEDBACK, FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME OR LEAVE A REVIEW!

Now, on with the chapter…

Chapter 26: Oh. Shit.

"Hold up. You think I'm a… a what?" I asked stupidly, my voice ringing out in the quiet room.

Headmistress McGonagall sighed. "A seer. A true seer, possibly," McGonagall explained, her voice calm. How was she so calm? She thinks I can see the future? She thinks I can tell prophecies? Nuh-uh. No way. It's too crazy. Too far-fetched. Too weird.

"No. I can't be a seer. It's… impossible! I mean, I can't see the future and see visions and… and weird things! I can't! I'm just Maddie. Normal old Maddie from Australia who, by the way, basically failed divination!" I said desperately. I didn't want to be a seer – they're creepy. I didn't want to know the future and see visions and create prophecies. I didn't want it, any of it.

Professor Trewlaney quivered slightly as she pushed her glasses up onto her nose. "It's possible that her powers only awakened now. As to why she failed divination… my guess is that she just didn't try," Trewlaney said with a shrug.

I threw my arms up. "Well, that's just great! So I'm a late-blooming seer who fails divination! What a joke," I cried sarcastically.

McGonagall shushed me. "Now, Miss Taylor. This is certainly not the time to get your knickers in a twist," she said pointedly. Turning to Trewlaney, her face turned hard. "How can we find out if she's a seer?"

Trewlaney shrugged. "Well, she's had some fits and some visions so I'm pretty certain she's a seer. Firenze should be able to tell. Shall I fetch him?" Trewlaney asked quietly, her voice shaking. I looked at her with… contempt. I mean, she was a quivering, quaking, shaking old lady. I did not want to end up like her. Not one bit. And yes, I felt bad for being so harsh but hey, it's the truth.

McGonagall shook her head. "I've already sent for him. Now, can Miss Taylor please tell us what she has… uh, seen?" McGonagall asked uncertainly.

I nodded and swallowed hard. I wrung my hands and tried my best to explain what I'd seen. "Well… there was the dream I had of the Pure's attacking AIM last term. And then when I was in Australia there was a time when I blacked out and I probably saw something but I can't remember. And then now, when I saw Enrico, I blacked out and saw… it's hard to describe," I explained as I started pacing. "You see, it was as if I was a ghost, watching from the sidelines. I can't really remember, but I know I saw Enrico rush Lupin and attack him, full on. Lupin was surprised and that's all I saw, I think. And then after that, when I woke in the infirmary, I heard this… this humming. It was sickly sweet and my head hurt from hearing it. When I walked outside and found the others, it got louder and louder. No one else could hear it. I also heard the same voice singing and then I heard snippets of conversations. Stuff like 'it's time' and 'what's next'. And then I was splashed with water and I couldn't remember immediately after what had happened. After that when James said Enrico's name, the vision from before came flooding back and I almost blacked out again. And I was hot. Every time, I was burning hot," I explained, the memories of the past day and night coming back to me. I sat down in the nearest chair, sagging with tiredness.

McGonagall strode over and sat next to me. "That sounds very traumatic. Does anything still hurt? Do you still feel hot?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine. My memory is still kind-of hazy about what I saw. I think I saw a pile of… mermaids? And high heels. Velvet high heels. But that's it," I said, sighing. Why couldn't I remember every detail? So now I was a crap seer with a shit-ass memory. Good one, Maddie. Good one.

Trewlaney nodded. "The more important the vision, the less you'll remember. When you start spouting prophecies, you won't remember them at all."

A sick feeling rose up in me. Prophecies? I didn't want to go around spouting prophecies! Besides, who 'spouts' anything these days?

The door opened and Firenze the centaur trotted in. His steady gaze swept the room and landed on me. Looking into those intelligent eyes, I felt energized all of a sudden and it was like I could really see. Everything was sharp. Everything was… better. My eyes had almost switched up to another lens, one that was more focused and stronger. Colours were brighter, everything was clearer and I felt so awake.

It's hard to explain if you haven't experienced it, I guess.

"I have foreseen it in the stars. I knew a true seer would be coming to Hogwarts soon. I was not certain who but I know it is she. She is a true seer. I can feel it," Firenze's voice rang like clear bells.

My body chilled. "You know just by looking at me?" What the shit? Will I be able to do that?

"I can sense it. Can you not feel it? The energy?" Firenze asked, his voice ancient.

I nodded, smiling faintly. "It feels… wonderful. I feel powerful and… and alive," I answered, looking around with new eyes.

Firenze's gaze held mine. "The energy you feel is something you will have in you forever. The Inner Eye, it is. You are blessed to have it within you," Firenze bowed his head slightly.

Feeling pretty damn cool, I gave a little laugh. "I'm not so sure if it's a blessing. I mean… what will happen to me now?" I asked uncertainly.

Firenze's face remained impassive. "You will go on as usual. You cannot control the power of the Inner Eye. It comes and goes as it pleases. Welcome it, and you will not be harmed. Shun it and… the consequences will be dire," Firenze warned.

Alarmed, I stared at him. "What do you mean 'shun it'?" 'Dire consequences?'. That sounds… bad.

Trewlaney stepped forward. "He just means that you must be welcome to the prophecies and visions. It will be painless and easy that way. It takes a while to get used to it, but when you start to feel the energy, it means somethings about to happen," Trewlaney explained.

I nodded, not too sure what she meant. The energy was draining from me again and my head started pounding with a regular headache. "Ok. Cool. So I'm a true seer… can I go to bed now?"

LINE BREAK

The news made it hard to sleep. Plus, Rachel was snoring her head off. Rach was still mad at me but she was getting pretty close to Roy so I think she may just forgive me.

But… a true seer? I still couldn't wrap my head around it. They're super rare and here I am, a true seer. It was exciting and weird and unsettling and frightening at the same time. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. I thought of happy days and the beach and laughter…

And I woke up with a start. Well, I woke up with Jo jumping on me.

"Get up! School today! Get up! Get up!" she screamed loudly. Jo was a morning person. I'm not.

Groaning, I sat up. "Why is school so sucky?" I whined.

Rachel grinned from across the room. "I don't know. Why do you smell bad in the morning?" she teased. Laughing, I threw a pillow at her.

LINE BREAK

Breakfast was interesting. I'd told my whole friendship group the news. It was all like 'hey guys! I'm a seer!' and then they were like 'Cool! Breakfast now!'. To be honest, I was glad no one made a big deal about it or asked me a million questions – I probably didn't even know the answer to them!

Ok but… you know that thing, where you tell someone a secret and suddenly EVERYONE KNOWS and you're like how? Well, that happened that day and breakfast.

It seemed as if everyone seemed to know about how I was a true seer. And that sucked.

My head down, I passed all the tables and their whispering and sat beside a smiling Scorp. He wrapped an arm around me and gave a kiss on the forehead.

"Always knew there was something off about you!" he teased, smiling.

I smiled and threw some toast at him. "Shut it!"

Al looked over, worried. "Are you ok? I mean, a bombshell just hit you!" he exclaimed, arms going everywhere.

"I'm fine. Shell-shocked, but fine," I said, smiling. Everyone around me grew hushed and the whole room went silent. Confused, I looked around. "What's going on?" I whispered to Scorp. Scorp pointed behind me. Turning, I saw Lily Potter and her little group standing there, hands on hips, hair shiny and eyes glittering.

"So it's true? You're a True Seer?" Lily asked, her voice ringing out in the silent hall.

"Uh, yeah. I guess," I replied, my voice scratchy.

Lily tilted her head to the side. "Cool. I always knew there was something about you. Anyways, I have a letter for you from my family. Here," she said, passing me a pale blue envelope. She smiled sweetly. "If you need anything, just ask me. Oh, and why haven't you made a move on James? He's killing me with all of his pining after you bullcrap," Lily rolled her eyes, flipped her hair and sauntered away. Shocked, I turned back around, face burning. All of Slytherin was glaring daggers at me.

"You… and Potter?" some random kid asked.

I shook my head vigorously. "Nope!"

I ducked my head, determined to distract myself from talk of James. I turned the envelope over. It read 'Maddison Taylor' on the front in pretty calligraphy. I opened the envelope and little bits of glitter fell out. "Ugh," I muttered, brushing the glitter off me.

Taking out the delicate, silver note, I turned it over and read it:

Dearest Maddie,

You are invited to the wedding of Edward Lupin and Victoire Weasley.

It had the date and address information but I skipped that to the little note down the bottom in the same careful calligraphy that was on the envelope:

Hi Maddie! Vic here! Teddy and I really appreciate how much you've been there for James and Al when they needed it. We also heard the news that you're a True Seer! How exciting! Teddy and I are truly so happy for you and we know you'll be the best seer ever! Pretty please come to our wedding even though it's in a school week! We've arranged for the Potter's to take you if you're alright with missing out on some school. I know finals are coming up but I'd just love for you to be there! Also, can I ask a favour? I know Ginny has the most magnificent pair of blue, crystal shoes. Would you be an absolute darl and wear them for me? As a gift? I just know they were made for you! No other wedding gift is necessary, just come and wear the shoes!

With lots and lots and lots and lots of hugs and kisses!

Vic xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wow. What a sweet note! I tucked it away in my pocket, noticing the wedding was only two weeks away. I nudged Scorp lightly and showed him the invite.

"Gotten yours yet?" I asked a frowning Scorp.

He shook his head. "Nope. Strange."

"Hm," I said, tilting my head. "Why do you think they're having the wedding so soon?" I asked quietly.

Scorp looked at me like I was crazy. "Well, Lupin did almost die so I'm pretty sure they're anxious to just get on with it."

I blushed a little. "Right. That's obvious," I said, shaking my head at myself.

After breakfast was over, we made our way to potions with Professor Skye… ugh. We were greeted by a sunny welcome followed by a scowl and a lecture about how we 'shouldn't roll our eyes at her, its disrespectful'. Blurgh.

I looked at Jo from across the room and made my eye-roll very, very big.

Giggling, I leaned back to see Professor Skye glaring at me with a raised eyebrow (ok, this is ridiculous! I swear everyone can raise one eyebrow but me! I must me some sort of mutant). I sunk lower into my seat, gaze in my lap. Good one, Maddie. Now you're in for it. Instead, she just turned around and went back to the lesson. I sat straight up, confused. Frowning, I leaned over to Hope who was sitting next to me.

"Did you see that?" I asked quietly.

Hope jumped in her seat, eyes wide. "What? See what? Are you having a vision?" she hissed frantically. Sighing, I covered her mouth with my hand.

"No. I'm not. But, Professor Skye just ignored my huge eye-roll. What's up with that?" I whispered. Hope back into her seat, a look of relief passing over her.

"Yeah, I did see that. I don't know, maybe she's trying something new? You know, I bet she's eating squash," Hope said, her eyes lit up. I scrunched my face up, confused. What one earth? "Squash is really good for your immune system and mental health so maybe she tried it to help her mental state. I love squash, it's actually the best thing ever besides the colour because it's like bright yellow! I like bright yellow but not squash bright yellow, if you know what I mean," Hope paused, going silent. I breathed a sigh of relief – she was shutting up! "You know, I mean that yellow is such a happy colour but because squashes are so yellow, they just ruin yellow, you know?" No, I didn't know. "Like, they're almost too yellow. Wait, what are we talking about?" she asked, tilting her head to the side, her forehwad creased.

"We weren't talking," I replied smoothly.

Hope frowned, then smiled brightly. "Oh, ok!"

I shook my head. What a weird girl.

LINE BREAK

"HEY MADDIE! CAN YOU TELL ME MY FUTURE?"

"Aw, come on! Just one little prophecy!

"Is it true you can see the entire future?"

"Is it true that you killed that guy when you went crazy?"

The rumours and questions people asked me baffled me. I mean, 'did I kill that guy'? Uh… NO! Of course I didn't kill someone! It was really getting on my nerves. It didn't help I was walking down the corridor alone. I knew being a seer would attract attention but… not this much!

"Hey Maddie! What's my future looking like?" some random asshole asked me, a playful smirk on his face.

I smiled sweetly. "You're futures looking pretty black and blue if you don't get out of my face," I snarled, still smiling. The asshole backed away, laughing with his friends. I rolled my eyes and kept on walking. I turned down some corridor to grab some books when a hand pulled my uniform from behind and dragged me into an empty classroom. I yelped in surprise but coughed from the splay of dust that went everywhere.

I whirled to see who'd pulled me in there, ready to give them a piece of my mind. If it was the Pure's, I was ready.

"You just made a huge mista – James?" I asked, frowning. My heart sped up and my palms started to sweat which was RIDICULOUS. Yeah, I like him. So? That doesn't mean I have to go all clammy and weird.

James smiled meekly, shrugging. God, what a cute shrug.

"Why'd you just pull me into a dusty classroom?" I asked bluntly, arms crossed over my chest – more to stop myself from shivering than to look angry. To be honest, I was excited. Why'd he pull me in here? Was he going to admit he liked me? The thought made me smile.

James's face turned serious. "Enrico is walking around. I've seen him everywhere today and it's taken everything in me not to do anything to him. But he's still walking around! McGonagall hasn't done anything else to try and capture him! I would've at least thought she'd tell Lupin and Harry who the attacker was but she hasn't! I don't know what's going on but we need to take down Enrico. You, me, Scorp, Al, Rose, Miranda, Jo and Adam," James explained, his eyes hiding a light of excitement. I'll admit, I was a little deflated that he hadn't dragged me in here to profess his undying love for me but meh. I'll take what I can get. Looks like we're taking down Enrico. Plus, Adam's name stirred up some weird and unsettling feelings.

"How are we going to take him down?" I asked.

James smiled. "I have a brilliant plan!" he said dramatically with a flourish of his hand. Naturally, I face palmed. Looks like we're going to attempt to take down Enrico with one of James's plans. Let's see how this turns out…

LINE BREAK

"Plan's shit," Jo whispered to me as we hid in the corridor.

I rolled my eyes. "I know! I tried to convince James out of it but he won't budge. He's going through with it, with or without us and I'd prefer that we all did it," I replied, keeping my tone hushed.

Rose, from across the Slytherin common room held up five fingers – the signal. Go. Jo and I waltzed into the common room and plonked into the couch opposite Enrico's. Just looking at his pimply face and carrot hair made my skin boil.

"How did you go?" Jo asked like we were talking about some test or assignment.

I nodded. "So-so. I did ok. I mean, I'm not too happy. You?" I replied, playing along.

Jo smirked. "I got an S for Stupendous. Top mark of the class, Professor said," Jo bragged.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Enrico's head pop up.

"Wow! Top mark of the whole class? As in, the whole of Sixth Year? Wow, Jo. I swear, you're the smartest person in the whole of Sixth Year!" I exclaimed, smiling broadly.

Jo waved me off. "Please. Don't say I'm the smartest! But… I'll admit… it's true!" she squealed, her voice so fake, I almost laughed.

I squealed with her until we heard a slight cough from Enrico. Plan was working.

"Umm, did you just say that Jo got the top mark in our whole year for something? As in, Jo?" Enrico asked in distaste.

Jo smiled sweetly, her pretty features popping. You know, she's actually so pretty when she's not scowling. "Why yes, as in me! I'm so proud!"

Enrico shook his head, smiling like someone who knew all of the answers. Dick. "No, no. You see, that's just not possible. You said you got an S for Stupendous? That isn't a grade mark. There must have been a mistake," Enrico tried to say charmingly but his lisp ruined the effect.

Jo's smile didn't waver and she didn't even blink. "McGonagall congratulated me myself on the grade…" Jo kept on babbling but I was getting nervous.

This was stage one of the plan and we'd already gone over by two minutes. We needed to get Enrico out of the common room as fast as possible.

I stood up abruptly, grabbed Enrico and hauled him up so he was standing.

"Uh…" Enrico said hesitantly.

I needed a plan and pronto so I decided on the easiest one – to try (emphasis on try) to seduce him. I smiled in what was my nicest smile. "Enrico, I really need to tell you something. Come with me," I tried to say sexily but it failed miserably – it ended up with me getting an eyelash in my eye and I was trying to get it out discreetly. I saw Jo face palm me from behind… but Enrico was enraptured. Not by me and my so-called 'sexiness', but of what he thought I wanted to ask him.

"Oh! Did you have a question about Charms? I saw you struggling in class the other day and I just love helping people with homework," Enrico rambled whilst I dragged him out of the common room. Physical contact with him almost made me gag.

I shook my head at him. "Nah, not quite what I wanted," I said as Jo followed behind us. I knew Rose, James, Scorp and Al were following us out with Jo right behind Enrico, gently moving him forward.

I knew Enrico was frowning. "Then what do you want?" he asked simply, his nasal voice grating on my nerves.

"You'll see," I muttered as I yanked him out of the common room. Enrico stumbled out, scowling.

"Careful!" he said, annoyed. "This jumper was expensive!"

I looked up at the clock discreetly. In exactly twenty-seven seconds, Adam and Miranda would come walking down the corridor. Phew, the plan is still on track.

"We have some… DA DA questions!" Jo improvised, "we really need some help," Jo explained to Enrico, smiling sweetly.

Enrico glanced at me suspiciously. "What do you want?"

Playing casual, I glanced over at him. I needed to improvise – and quick. The others were climbing out of the common room which means that Enrico might see them. I didn't have any ideas – seducing him didn't work, I can't pull the 'I have a question card' because I already told him I didn't have any questions… and that left one, terrible idea. Time to execute it…

I quickly grabbed his arm and walked him a couple of steps forward. "You see, I've always kind of had a crush on…" I sighed, and gave a little giggle to make the lie more believable. "It's actually so embarrassing! But um, I've always liked Cheeseburger," I blurted out, internally cringing at my choice of lie. I'll admit, it wasn't my best one.

Enrico looked shell-shocked. "Cheeseburger? Really?" Enrico asked incredulously. I glanced behind Enrico's shoulder to see Jo nearly pissing herself from laughing so hard.

"Yeah," she croaked out through the laughing. "She's been crushing on him for months!"

I could hear James, Al, Scorp and Rose all hiding their laughter. Internally, I was punching them all in the face. Externally, I was blushing and giggling like a ten year old with her first crush.

I ducked my head and tucked a stray bit of hair behind my ear. "It's… no big deal… but I was wondering if you could… I dunno…" I trailed off, stalling. Where the hell were Miranda and Adam? Trust Adam to be unreliable and to not show up on time. "Maybe you could just…" I started again, smiling shyly at him. "You know," I said knowingly. Good thinking, using the 'you know' plan to stall – works every time.

Enrico frowned. "Know what?"

I widened my eyes in 'shock' and subtly signalled to Jo with my eyebrows (I know that sounds weird, but I hope you know what I'm talking about). "You know… you know," I said knowingly, nodding.

Jo nodded and leaned closer. "It's… you know," she hinted, smiling.

Enrico looked to me and back to Jo. "I know… what?" he asked.

I sighed, rolling my eyes. "You know what we're talking about! It's… you know," I hinted suggestively again. I knew we were running out of time and I was praying like hell that Adam and Miranda were coming.

"You know," Jo added, widening her eyes to emphasis what she was saying.

Enrico shook his head frustratingly. "Know what? What am I meant to know, goddammit! Just tell me!" he yelled.

I planted a confused look on my face. "Wow. You mean, you… don't know?" I asked, sharing a look with Jo that read 'is he for real?'. Seeing my look, he flushed a little.

Jo sighed. "Guess he doesn't know… Trust…"

Enrico cleared his throat quietly. "Um, I mean… I think I know what you're talking about…?"

I looked at him eagerly. It was actually funny how easy it was to see Enrico squirm. "Really? That's great! So you'll do it?" WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU ADAM?

Enrico faltered. "Y-yeah sure!" he said brightly, obviously forced. Just when I was about to make up some other ridiculous lie, Adam and Miranda waltzed around the corner. About freaking time!

"Oh, hey! Mads, Jo! How are you guys?" Adam asked, 'surprised' to see us. I'll admit, he's a good actor. Miranda sucked shit, though. She stood there, a petrified look on her face. Internally, I face palmed. Externally, I smiled like seeing Adam was so cool even though still he pissed me off.

"Oh, hey Adam! Hey Miranda!" Jo chirped, smiling brightly.

Enrico frowned. He hated Adam just as much as I did. "Lester. What are you doing near the dungeons?" Enrico asked icily.

Adam pretended as if he hadn't heard Eniro's tone. "Oh, me and Miranda are just going for a stroll. You know how it is," Adam hinted.

Ok. This was it. My turn to pull of the plan. It was my cue. The plan was crazy and weird and manic but I put every bit of my soul when I said casually: "The sparrow flies south for winter." (If you caught that reference, we can be friends)

Enrico frowned. "What?"

Suddenly, James, Rose, Al and Scorp leaped out from where they were hiding (the entryway to the Slytherin common room). James and Rose tackled Enrico from behind and Scorp and Al pointed their wands at him. All four of them were wearing matching expressions of utter disgust and contempt. I could see Al barely containing himself from tackling Enrico too.

"What is this?" Enrico snarled, his face twisted from under Rose's boot. James had Enrico pinned on the floor, his hands encircling Enrico's wrists behind his back, his knees holding Enrico in place. Rose stood above Enrico, dignified, with one foot squashing his face down against the floor.

"We know you're the little traitor the Pure's have inside of Hogwarts. We know you tried to kill Teddy – tried to kill my brother," James sneered in a low voice in Enrico's ear.

Enrico looked up with shock.

Al smirked, his wand steady pointing at Enrico's face. "We'll let the authorities have a go at you," Al started before he was cut off by Enrico's cackling. That's right. Cackling.

I stared at Enrico who was on the floor, nearly crying of laughter. He sobered up for a minute to say something that turned our insides cold. "You think I'm the only snitch at Hogwarts? You think there aren't traitors in the Ministry itself? Do you honestly think you can take on us? The Pure's?" Enrico asked rhetorically, smiling like it was the funniest thing in the world. His face and voice turned cold when he all but yelled: "We are more powerful than you can imagine. We will be the death of all of you. We will return the world to its' rightful ways – with wizards on top and nothing else in our way. No giants. No goblins. No elves. No mermaids. No centaurs. No filthy half-breeds. No werewolves. No one," Enrico said sinisterly.

I just rolled my eyes. Lupin was right, this guy is full-on laughable. I mean, cut the crap. 'We will be the death of you' is so unoriginal. I mean, if you're going to be a villain, at least be a damn good one! Like, come on.

I looked around to see Rose horrified. "You mean… you plan to… oh, god," Rose stuttered, her face crumpling. Alarmed, I started to reach over to her when Adam pulled me back. Spinning on him, I glared. "What do you want?" I asked icily.

Adam shook his head. "The plan, Maddie. Stick to the plan," he said cryptically. I stared at him like he was crazy. Adam sighed, shaking his head. "Just get Enrico to Headmistress McGonagall. That's all that matters right now," Adam explained quietly.

Before I could do anything, I heard James cry out in pain. My heart stopped and my stomach plummeted. I whirled around to see him on the floor, cradling his left hand.

Enrico was in the process of standing up when Al shot random spells at him. Each spell, I saw him dodge. Yes, dodge. He was literally dodging these spells, as fast as lightening. I wanted to move, to help, to tackle Enrico but all I could do was stare in amazement. He didn't even have a wand and he was dodging spells. How was he that fast to move in time? Was dodging spells even possible?

I saw Al's face turn to horror as he realised no spell was working. I heard running footsteps coming from the hall which snapped me out of my reverie. I jerked my head to the corridor to see Xavier, Hope, Maria and Eva all running towards us looking confused.

"What the – Hope!" Maria cried just as Hope was hit with a spell from Al that Enrico had dodged. Al froze and stared at a crumpled Hope in horror. Taking his chance, Enrico literally launched himself at Al, his hands grabbing out for his neck. I didn't bother screaming – it would take too long. Instead, I pulled my wand out and yelled the first spell I could think of at Enrico. "Stupefy!" I screamed, the spell hitting Enrico right in the middle of the back, just when he was about to grab Al. Enrico flew on top of Al, sending them both sprawling on the ground. I heard the unmistakeable 'BANG' of a head smacking into the floor.

It was utter chaos. No time to relish in the fact that we'd caught Enrico and no time whatsoever to process the things Enrico had done and said. I looked around to see Maria, Xavier and Eva hovered over Hope; Scorp, Rose and Miranda rushing to Al and I saw Adam hunched over James's hand, a determined look on his face. I needed to go where I was needed most. I raced off to Hope just in time to see her eyelids fluttering, her skin a pale shade.

Maria gave a heart-wrenching sob. "Oh, thank god! I thought she'd died!" Maria cried, holding Hope's hand.

Hope let out a groan and a small 'ow' noise. Xavier pushed everyone aside and gathered Hope in his arms. He groaned a little as he stood up, a grave look on his face. "I'll take her to the infirmary."

Maria shot up off the ground. "Me too."

Eva stood up too and did this little eye-talk thing with Xavier. Somehow, Xavier seemed to know exactly what Eva wanted without even having to talk. Xavier nodded, gave her a tentative smile and the four of then walked off. Oh yeah. Xavier and Eva were dating. I'd forgotten about that, actually. I still couldn't quite get it but the more I saw them together, the cuter they became.

I started to wander over to Al but saw Scorp kneeling down close to him so I decided to back off – they needed their space. Miranda, Rose and Jo were all murmuring quietly over Enrico's still body (not dead guys, don't worry).

Ok. That left one person to check if they were ok. I took a deep breath and headed over to James. I froze, a reluctant smile on my face when I saw James and Adam.

James was frowning at Adam, a cute little crease in his forehead. "Do you know how to fix broken bones?"

Adam waved his hand in James's face. "Hush, I need absolute silence for this procedure."

James shook his head, pulling away slightly. "Maybe Madam Pomfrey should take a look at-"

"No!" Adam said sharply, yanking on James wrist so that his hand was back in Adam's hand. "Ok, so it looks broken in about sixteen places…" Adam mused, a serious look on his face.

James's head shot up, bewildered. "A hand doesn't even have sixteen parts! Does it?"

Adam shook his head. "Hush, James. It will be over soon. I know how to heal broken bones," Adam insisted in his best doctor voice.

James yanked his hand back, wincing. "Well, I don't give a shit! Until you become a doctor, you're not coming near me!"

Adam pouted. "Please? I've always wanted to fix broken bones!" Adam whined, his shaggy hair in his eyes.

James stood up quickly, a suspicious look on his face. "I thought you said you'd fixed broken bones before…?"

Adam shrugged. "I lied."

James rolled his eyes at Adam and walked over to me, holding his left hand. Not bothering to say hi or hello, I walked straight over and kissed him.

Ha jokes. Did I get you? You're probs gonna hate me now but oh well!

Anyway, I walked over and held his left hand tenderly. I made soothing noises. "Ooohh, that looks nasty," I said sympathetically, regarding his purple and blue hand that had swelled up to twice the size of a normal hand.

James winced. "I know. I mean, one minute I have Enrico pinned on the ground and I swear my grip didn't weaken one bit and the next thing, he's grabbing my hand and literally crushed it. I shouldn't have let go of him but I'm pretty sure he broke my hand so…" James trailed off, wincing as I prodded his hand gently. It looked pretty bad but not too bad. Did that make sense?

James gave a short laugh. "Even though I probably have a broken hand that is going numb, I can still feel how cold your hands are," James teased lightly, smiling at me. I met his eyes and… I don't want to admit it but my heart stopped in a romance novel way.

I know, I know, I'm losing my marbles! I mean, first I get all tingly around him. Then he sends little shivers down my spine. And now my heart is skipping beats and stopping when his eyes are just too gorgeous for words. What's next, declarations of undying love? Him creepily watching me sleep like some sort of vampire?

All I can say is I was heading down a road that had:

THIS ROAD IS CALLED JAMES POTTER. GO DOWN AT YOUR OWN RISK.

written all over it.

"Oi, how come she can touch your hand and I can't?" Adam yelled out. I could tell he was smirking even though I couldn't see him.

Still locking eyes, James called out, "She has a warmer hands, mate! Nothing personal!" And. He. Winked. At. Me.

Oh man, the feels! You have no idea how much my heart was spasming! I mean, he winked at me! I felt like some fangirl but that's what James Potter'll do to you.

"Adam's hands must be made of ice then," I whispered, giggling softly.

James chuckled. He looked around and motioned for me to come closer. I rolled my eyes but still laughed at his ridiculous acting. Playing along, I leaned in closer.

"To be honest, Adam's hands sweat too much. They're clammy and gross," James whispered like he'd just told me the biggest secret ever.

I couldn't help it – I snorted.

"And, to be perfectly honest," James started, his dark blue eyes locking onto mine, "I'd take cold hands over warm hands any day," he said earnestly. Ok, so my heart skipped a beat and little shovers and shocks went down my spine. I couldn't help the blush creeping up my neck and the giddy smile playing on my lips. And this time, I nearly did kiss him. I did manage to contain myself, but before I could say anything else, Jo let out a loud grunt.

"Some help here? Enrico is a heavy little bastard," Jo wheezed out. James's face turned hard and he ran off, me in tow. Miranda, Adam, Jo, James and I all had to lift a separate limb of Enrico, with me taking the head. His eyes had rolled into the back of his head and I gagged.

"Gross… can someone else take the head?" I complained, looking at Enrico's mouth that was drooling. When no one replied, I looked up to see them all staring at something behind me. "Wha…?" I muttered, craning my neck to see what they were all staring at. My stomach dropped. "Oh…" I mumbled, seeing McGonagall's absolutely pissed face glaring at us.

We're in for it now…

LINE BREAK

"What were you thinking?" McGonagall told James, Rose, Miranda, Adam, Jo and I sternly, her face barley containing her anger. I winced. I hated that tone – it was so disapproving and disappointed. After she'd found us in the hall, she rushed us to her office (us awkwardly lugging Enrico all the way up the stairs). "Why would you do that? I'm guessing you attacked Enrico with a good reason – a reason I thought we discussed would be handled. I thought we could trust you with important information!" McGonagall told us off.

James looked defiant and I internally groaned. If he was going to have a go at her, it was going to take so much longer.

"But Headmistress McGonagall, it had been at least a week. You promised me and Al that you would have Enrico in custody by a week and he was still walking around like a free man," James said crossly, his eyes blazing. Did McGonagall promise to have Enrico in custody by a week? I didn't know about any of this.

"That is enough, Mr Potter! I've just about had it with you and your shenanigans!" McGonagall said frustratedly.

James looked infuriated. "Do you think this is some sort of joke? Our plan worked! We caught Enrico! Before anyone else did," James said smugly.

I got a bad feeling about this.

McGonagall sighed, running her hands through her hair slowly. "Did you not think I had a plan? The plan was that tomorrow morning, we would get a working Auror to come in and pose as a student from Ravenclaw. That Auror would then befriend Enrico and get Enrico to spill any information. That Auror would also be trailing Enrico, following him, going through his letters and other items and – don't you see, James? We had a plan that could've led us to the person who is behind the Pure's and the attacks! We could have stopped them! Now, thanks to all of your foolishness," McGonagall pointed to all of us, "we aren't any closer to finding the Pure's and their leader than we were before."

Those words hung in the air around us, seeping into our thoughts and brains – I knew those words would haunt me for a while. I can't believe we actually thought McGonagall would not do anything at all to stop Enrico. I internally reprimanded myself – how could we have all been so stupid?

Rose was close to tears. She cleared her throat and opened her mouth to say something but McGonagall silenced her with a wave of her hand.

"All of you will be kicked off your houses Quidditch team until further notice. 50 house points will be taken away for each person – including Albus and Scorpius who are at the infirmary right now. Detention after school cleaning every bathroom and storage cupboard at Hogwarts for as long as it takes. And for your final punishment… the knowledge that your foolishness may have cost more people's innocent lives," McGonagall stated loudly, her face hard and emotionless. I felt… gutted. We'd literally destroyed any chances of finding who's behind the Pure's and all of the attacks. Plus, any blood that the Pure's spilled would partially be on our hands. Words can't describe how I felt, standing in that office, feeling so small and insignificant.

Adam gaped, his mouth wide open. "No quidditch? But please, that's my life!" I can't believe Adam was only affected by the knowledge he'd be kicked off the team. What a trust.

McGonagall glared at Adam and he shut up. "Bed. All of you."

We all turned and started to walk away when McGongall cleared her throat. "James, Maddie. Stay here a moment."

Now what does she want? She already took fifty house points, kicked me off the Quidditch team, emotionally destroyed me and gave me detention – what more can she take?

"Victoire Weasley and Professor Lupin have invited you both to their wedding. It is in around one week. Now, I suggest you both take that whole week off to go to the wedding, cool off, think seriously about what you've done and then come back to school renewed and ready to learn – not ready to take down the Pure's, understand? You are not your father, James. You can't stop the bad guy. Not when we don't even know who it is," McGonagall explained, her voice hard. "Bed. Now."

We walked out in silence. When we reached the bottom of the staircase, I let out a huge breath. Looking over at James, he looked pretty destroyed. "You alright?" I asked in the most normal voice possible.

James shook his head and swore loudly. He bent over, wincing. Alarmed, I rushed over. "What's wrong?" I asked quickly.

James laughed humourlessly, his face contorted in pain. "It's my bloody hand. Hurts like a bitch."

I took his non-broken hand gently and pulled him along. "Come on. To the infirmary we go."

LINE BREAK

The infirmary was already pretty packed. Al and Scorp were cuddled together on one bed, Hope was talking animatedly bed to Maria who was sitting on the bed with her and Xavier and Eva were huddled in a little chair, Xavier talking the ear off a silent Eva who looked so content just in his arms.

I sighed. "How come they all have it easy?" I complained to James as we walked to find Madam Pomfrey.

James glanced at me. "What do you mean?"

I gave him a look. "You know what I mean!"

James pretended to look confused. "Do you mean how come you and Cheeseburger haven't gotten together yet?" James asked, smiling.

I let out an unexpected laugh and it felt nice to just… let go. "Me and Cheeseburger are inevitable, ok?" I teased.

James muttered something quietly under his breath.

"What was that?" I asked.

James looked up, startled. "Hm? Oh, nothing."

After we found Madam Pomfrey, James was sitting in this comfy looking armchair waiting for the bones to mend. It looked quite painful, so I decided to distract him by playing a weird game.

"Ok, would you rather… eat a whole snake or a live rat?" I asked gleefully.

"Snake. For sure. I hate rats," James replied quickly. "Ok, would you rather… spend a whole day stuck in a room with Cheeseburger or… give Cheeseburger a kiss?" James asked, smiling wickedly.

I glared at him. "Ok, a little peck or full on making out? Because that's important," I asked James.

James raised an eyebrow at me. "Are you telling me you want to make out with Cheeseburger?"

I smacked him on the head. "No, dipshit! I'll spend a whole day in a room with him," I replied.

James laughed. "Whatever you say…" he leered by making kissy noises anyway.

I swatted his arm, laughing. "Stop that!"

To be honest, spending this time with him brightened my crap day up. Even though we basically destroyed any hope at finding the Pure's, I felt ok, sitting with James. It felt good to just relax, let go and be myself. No worries. None at all.

Shit. Oh man.

Does this mean that I really – and I mean really – like this guy? Am I actually falling…?

NO. DON'T SAY IT.

I couldn't get my hopes up. Maybe if I ignored it, it'd go away. I just had to keep on telling myself not to cross the friendship line into the blurry, weird, kind-of dating but not stage.

Madam Pomfrey walked over to us and inspected James's hand, her ancient hand prodding his gently.

"Hm," she mused, her old face pinched up. "I think you're ok to leave," she decided. Madam Pomfrey was very direct, I'd noticed. Very harsh in her kindness if that makes sense.

James glanced at me quickly, then pouted. "I don't feel too good… maybe I could just sleep here tonight…?" James asked in his cutest voice with his big, puppy dog eyes.

Madam Pomfrey let out a tired sigh. "Fine. Only because you've been through a lot today," she told him sternly as she shuffled off.

James smiled brightly at me. "See? Now I don't have to move!" James said triumphantly.

I looked at him drily. "You have to move from a chair to a bed," I pointed out.

James's smile didn't falter. "Better than walking up all those stairs to Gryffindor tower!" James said cheerily as he got up and swaggered over to a bed. Rolling my eyes, I trailed after him. James plonked himself down on the bed, pulling the covers up around him.

I looked at James smiling at me funny. "Well, see ya. I'm off to bed. It's late. Wait, is it late? What's the time?" I asked, confused and disorientated.

James frowned. "I… I'm not sure. Let's ask Maria or Hope or… why are Maria and Hope so quiet?" James asked suddenly. He searched until his gaze found Maria and Hope. "Oh."

Frowning, I turned around to look for them. "What?" I asked, "What are they doin… oh," I said, surprised. It looked like Maria had suddenly bent down and kissed Hope. Hope looked surprised as hell and Maria's eyes were clamped shut. Maria pulled away quickly and they started to murmur. "Well, that's a surprise. I never expected them together," I said, smiling. "But they're so cute!"

James smiled. "They are," he agreed.

I looked around and sighed. "Well, I'm gonna go. I have some studying to do. I mean, exams and all that's coming up in like, a couple of weeks," I rambled. "And, I don't know why I'm rambling… but, bye," I finally said, spinning on my heel and walking away. For some reason, I was disappointed and I didn't know why.

"Maddie!" James called out. I smiled and turned back around to face him. He looked at his hands and then back up at me. "Can you stay and talk with me? For a while? I just… don't wanna think about Enrico or Lupin or how we literally destroyed any chance of finding the Pure's or… anything, really," James admitted, running his hands through his hair.

I nodded and walked over. I saw James shuffle to the side of the bed and pat to the spot next to him. This had 'CROSSING THE LINE' written all over it… but, the spot doesn't look that small. I'm sure we wouldn't even be touching! Shrugging, I went and hopped under the covers. I snuggled in the covers and… boy was I wrong.

Every single bit of my side was pressed against James. Every. Single. Bit.

Ugh, it was BEYOND AWKWARD! I was fidgeting, trying to get comfy and James was apologising and making room and shifting up and down… it was a mess.

"Um, your elbow is in my side," I muttered.

"Oh, sorry. Can you move your leg over a bit? Thanks."

"…"

"…"

"Sorry, I think I'm squashing your hand."

"Oh, yeah, it's ok."

"…"

"…"

"Do you think you could push my hair out of my face? ... Thanks."

"…"

"…"

"Uh, I'll just roll over or-"

"No, I'll just shift this way-"

"No, I can move up-"

"I'll move down-"

"I'll move to the left-"

"And I'll go to the right."

"…"

"…"

"Did that sound like an awesome song, or was it just me?" James asked in the silence. I was determined not to move a muscle. I'd just gotten into a position where I was barely touching him… but I couldn't help it – I laughed.

"What? 'Go down, go up, go left, go right'?" I asked, laughing, relaxing my stiff posture slightly.

James chuckled. "Well, I dunno, yeah. Can't you imagine it? It'd be like 'gooooooo down! Goooooo up! Go left, left, left to the left! Go right, right, right, to the right!'" James sung in an awful tune and an awful singing voice.

I burst out laughing. "What the hell? That was awful! Don't ever sing again!" I teased, blocking my ears playfully.

"GOOOOOO LEFT! GOOOOOO RIGHT!" James belted, completely off-key and out of tune.

Laughing, I blocked my ears. "Stop it!"

"GO LEFT, LEFT, LEFT TO THE LEFT!"

"Shut up!" I squealed, still laughing and smiling, a warm feeling spreading all through me.

"GO RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT TO THE RIGHT!" James bellowed, pretending to bow. I looked over to see Xavier clapping. "Thank you, thank you," James replied, smiling a ridiculous smile.

"You're an awful singer! I swear, if I ever hear you sing again…" I warned playfully.

James stared at me, pretending to be offended. "You know, I'm actually a really good singer and it hurts you don't appreciate my voice," James told me, smiling slightly.

I cleared my throat and put on an English accent. "It hurts that you don't appreciate my voice," I imitated.

James scoffed and looked at as if to say 'is that a challenge?'. "Well, sorry mate! Let's go put a shrimp on the barbie and call it a day!" James did in a god-awful impression of an Australian accent.

I shook my head, grimacing. "Nope. You see, we don't say 'shrimp' down under. We say prawns. Say it with me: prawns," I said a teacher-ish voice.

"Prawns," James squeaked in a high voice.

"What was that meant to be?" I asked, confused.

James stared at me like I was an idiot. "You."

I shook my head. "Ah, no. My impression of you was way better than your impression of me!" I bragged… and hence started the impression war.

I didn't even realise James and I had relaxed so much during our conversation that my head was tucked into the crook of his neck, our feet entangled.

But man… it felt good.

LINE BREAK

I heard distant voices and rubbed my eyes wearily. Groaning, I wiped my mouth. "What time is it?" I mumbled but it sorta sounded like 'mahwatisit?'. I was on my side, James enveloping me in a hug-like embrace, one arm snaked around my waist. He was so warm and comfy so I settled back into his chest, feeling his breathing. It was just so relaxing. I stretched my feet out against James's and smiled lazily. Tingles spread all through me and my skin felt like it was on fire in every place it was touching his. This was the life. It really, reall-

WHAT? OH NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!

Are me and James Potter… the guy that I seriously like… the guy that hides his feelings towards me very well… my house's sworn enemy… my close friend…

SPOONING?

I think this means I crossed the line. I could literally feel me and James hurtling towards the awkward, weird, in-between, kind of like kind of don't stage… the place I didn't want to be in…

Oh. Shit.

HEYO AMIGOS!

I hoped you like that chapter because it was seriously fun to write! It's also super long because I thought you guys needed a treat! Now, some serious and steamy Jaddie next chapter so be on alert… ;) I'll try and update ASAP but I have some tests coming up so we'll see how we go!

THANKS FOR READING, I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK IN A REVIEW!

Kat xx