Helllooooo! I won't write a long author's note today - I think, at least. I tend to say to myself "just get to the point." but I end up getting hyper and whatnot.
Aaaanyway, I'm totally in love with this chapter (not sure why, I'll let you decide that). So yeah, I just hope everybody enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! *o*
So, thank you for your review Madame Megan Allard ~ Eu fico rindo com os '3' perdidos btw. E é claro que seu review foi 98% dedicado ao Joshua James Selwyn, porque nao seria voce. ;x Enfim, acho que esse ano será o SUPER bipolar Draco ano. Acho... No me recuerdo. Mas acho que sim... Tanto é que o terceiro ano é MUITO HarryJess... Ano que vem é Draco malvado... Ai depois vem Draco fofo. Bipolar o caramba, esse menino tem varias personalidades. -.- O Ethan (namorado da Anna) só surge no... 5o ano :/ Entao é, vai demorar um pouco. Que é quando a Anna volta... Nossa, VOU VENDER MEUS PERSONAGENS PRA JK! Mesmo se ela me negar a oportunidade de fazer o papel da Jess, eu aceito o lucro todo e a felicidade total de ler a historia tudo de novo mas com ela e os outros no meio. E me perdi no seu review entao vai ficar por aqui mesmo. KKK.
Okay! So much for not having a long author's note. Let's get to it! Enjoy! ^^
Dementor's Attack
Jessica was wide awake at seven in the morning. All her belongings were packed, her permission slip was secured and Brownie had all the snacks she needed for the long trip. Seeing as everyone was either waking up or still asleep, she decided to grab her food and head outside. It was a warm and cloudy morning, just how she enjoyed it. The shade under her favourite tree was practically calling her name. She was halfway there when she spotted the dog by the gates again.
"I will be in so much trouble if I get caught." She mumbled. The dog eagerly wagged its tail as Jessica approached the gate. She set down her toast with jam and a few biscuits. "The grapes and cereal are mine, okay?"
She watched as the ragged dog munched down happily, whimpering every now and then.
"You know... If I'm not mistaken, minor spells can't be traced by the Ministry. I happen to know how to conjure water. As long as you don't tell anyone that I used magic outside school, we won't have a problem." She grinned. The dog whimpered a little more as she waved her wand and filled the bowl, where the biscuits once were, with water. "You're a scruffy dog, aren't you? I'm going to name you scruffy."
"Jess! Unless you want mum to kill you, I suggest you get inside. Now." Josh called out from the door.
"Well, Scruffy, that's my cue to go. You shouldn't come back here for a while. My mum and dad might not be as kind." She waved the sad looking dog off before heading back up to her house.
"I named him Scruffy." Jessica grinned once she reached the door.
"Suits him, I suppose." Josh smirked. "Hurry up and get inside munchkin. Mum's in a bad mood."
"Wonderful." She groaned.
x.x
Brownie screeched vividly once she caught a glimpse of Hedwig. Harry grinned and glided his trolley towards the Selwyn family. Josh sped up slightly, meeting him halfway.
"I'd make it quick if I were you." He whispered, before heading towards the train.
"Harry!" Jessica called out.
"Harry, good to see you. Just so you know, if you haven't got any plans for Christmas, make sure you head back with Jessica and spend some time with us." Athos smiled.
"Will do, sir." Harry nodded.
"Let's get going... I want to make sure you get on the train this time." Jessica said, hoping to cut the conversation short.
Athos and Elena waved the children off. Once the train was out of sight, she was frowning again.
"That wasn't the best of ideas."
"What?" He asked, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
"Don't play dumb. Black is after him, Athos."
"Which is exactly why he should stay with us. Let's go say hello to Arthur and Molly before we head back."
She tried her very best to suppress a groan. All she wanted was to go home and get some work done. She'd also have to find something interesting to do, seeing as Athos would be leaving for a conference in Wales for three days.
"They've been talking non-stop about it at the Ministry, Athos. It's surprising really, that they'd have the courage to invade your house like that." Arthur stated, shaking his head.
"Well it goes to show that a title means nothing these days. I plan on finding out who made the report."
"Count me in if you need extra help!" Arthur grinned.
"Oh! Do you by any chance know who the new teacher will be? I doubt Gilderoy Lockhart would want to return, even if they did manage to retrieve all his memories." Molly said, eagerly.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Athos smirked.
x.x
"You three won't believe what I heard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talking about last night." Harry said as he pushed his carry-on bag through the straight corridor. They'd walked down practically the entire train, a little bit further and they'd be sitting with the Slytherin students. This ride was possibly the most full they'd seen. "I can only really talk about it once we're in private though."
"Come on." Hermione said, stopping by one of the doors. "Everywhere else is full."
In the compartment was only a man, he was completely covered up by his jacket and slumped against the window. Only a slight patch of his light brown hair, with little flecks of grey, were visible. Harry ushered the two girls in, Hermione sat opposite the man and Jessica next to him. Harry then took a seat next to Jessica, opposite Ron.
"Who do you suppose this is?" Ron said, nodding in the man's direction.
"Professor R.J. Lupin." Hermione stated.
"Uncle Remus?" Jessica said, a reasonably large grin appearing on her face.
"How is it she knows everything?" Ron muttered towards Harry.
"It's on his suitcase Ronald." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Wait, did you just call him 'uncle'?"
"He's not my real uncle... But he's one of my dad's closest friends. They went to school together." Jessica nodded.
"Wicked. Finally a normal Professor and somebody on our side." Ron smirked.
"Do you think he's asleep?" Harry wondered.
"Seems to be... If he weren't he would've jerked up after being called 'uncle'." Hermione said.
"Good." Harry stood to close the door. He immediately started fidgeting with the button on Jessica's carry-on bag once he sat down again. "I overheard them talking about Sirius Black. Apparently the man's crazy and wants to murder me."
"Okay, so no zombie vampires this year, just a lunatic." Jessica frowned.
"Zombie vampires?" Ron and Harry asked in unison. Jessica nodded excitedly in response.
"Look, Harry, with Dumbledore around you'll be safe. Sirius Black wouldn't be mad enough to try to get into the castle." Hermione said. It was obvious she was mostly trying to convince herself.
"Says who? The man managed to get out of Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible." Ron frowned.
"Well Harry's got us. We've fought you-know-who, a Basilisk and... Yeah, that's pretty much it. My point is, we can take on a crazy mass-murderer any day!" Jessica said, throwing a fist into the air.
"You're a very strange little girl." Harry smiled. "And I appreciate it, really, but if he does actually come after me then I'd rather you three not get involved."
"As if that's going to happen." Hermione snorted.
"We're already involved, whether you like it or not." Ron nodded.
"And we'll kick butt." Jessica grinned.
"We're serious, okay?" Hermione said, after a while, leaning forward as if to make the message clearer.
"Okay, okay." Harry sighed. "The strangest part was, though, that your dad made me promise I wouldn't go looking for him."
"Why would you go looking for someone who wants to kill you?" Ron asked.
"That's what I said. Makes no sense." Harry frowned.
"Well... Technically we kind of do have a habit of getting ourselves involved where we shouldn't. Maybe that's what he meant." Jessica wondered.
"True. Normal people don't go down a pipe and fight a Basilisk." Hermione smirked.
"We really should stop talking about last year." Jessica said, rolling her eyes.
"It'd dead, Jess, it doesn't matter anymore." Harry said, feeling slightly confused by her response.
"I know it's dead. I just don't like to remember that it even existed." She pouted slightly.
They chatted for hours about random things. Jessica eventually told them about her house being raided, three times, and how her mother went crazy over it. She even told them about her uneventful thirteenth birthday.
"I know she was upset and in a bad place... But, wow..." Hermione commented.
The three of them allowed her to speak. It was one of the rare times that she'd open up and actually explain what she was feeling. Although, there were still many things she'd rather keep to herself. Especially things like hidden secrets inside a drawing room.
At precisely one in the afternoon, their lunch arrived on the trolley. Jessica gently tapped Lupin on the shoulder but the man didn't move.
"Shake him or something." Ron grinned.
"Don't be ridiculous Ronald." Hermione rolled her eyes.
Jessica, feeling mischievous, decided to listen to Ron's advice. She stood up and shook the man, not too harshly. He stirred and turned to the other side. Pouting heavily, she sat back down.
"No need to worry dears, if he's hungry when he wakes up, I'll be up front with the driver." The woman smiled. "Now eat up! I'll be back later with a few treats."
"Funny how they always know what I feel like eating." Jessica said as she opened her food box.
"That's because it's enchanted to know exactly what you want when you touch it." Hermione nodded. "For example, I was thinking about risotto. And... Voila!"
"I love magic." Harry sighed slightly, making Ron and Jessica snort. "Oh shut up, you both grew up in this world. You don't count."
"I wonder if I can wake him with the smell of food." Jessica said, looking over towards the comatose man.
"Are you seriously trying to get yourself detention before school actually starts?" Hermione frowned.
"I get bored on trains." Jessica groaned.
Two hours after lunch, loud footsteps and voices were heard outside. As they got closer, the four of them recognised exactly who they belonged to.
"If anyone asks, I'm asleep." Jessica said, quickly slumping against Harry. He shifted, to make it seem like she was actually comfortable, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Hermione tried to suppress a smile at the scene. Not a moment later, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle walked passed. Draco Malfoy, being who he was, couldn't resist the urge to stop.
"Heard your family hit the gold pot during the summer, Weasley. Did you mother die of shock?" He snorted.
As Crabbe and Goyle continued with their nonsense and teasing, Draco stared at Harry. Harry didn't bother to look at him, instead, he yawned and rested his head on top of Jessica's. He felt the urge to punch Harry across the face when Lupin stirred once again.
"Who's that?" Draco sniggered.
"Professor Lupin." Hermione stated.
Draco thought for a short moment. It possibly wouldn't be the best of ideas to cause a scene in front of a teacher, even if it was a new one.
"Let's go." He said, as he headed back towards his own compartment. Crabbe and Goyle following closely behind.
"We could become great actors someday." Harry grinned.
x.x
The trolley came round once again and the four soon found themselves surrounded by sweets of all sorts. Jessica and Harry were usually one to go crazy and spend loads of money. Of course, they'd share it all with Ron and Hermione. They truly didn't do it to show off, but they figured that if they had enough, they should spend it.
"I got another Dumbledore card." Ron frowned.
"That makes me think of our first year." Hermione grinned.
Harry attempted to steal Jessica's pumpkin pasties at least twice, before he got hit on the hard. Hard.
"No need to be rude about it." He tried to pout.
"Only Jess can make that face." Ron teased.
"Not true." She sniggered slightly.
"Oh yes it is. Nobody can pout like you do. It's pretty hilarious." Hermione added.
Jessica continued to eat, and push Harry's hand away, forcing herself not to pout or make any other facial expression.
They were all shaken from their thoughts when the train came to a sudden halt. The four stared at each other for a while before looking out the window. It was pouring down with rain and extremely windy. Only a few moments ago, the skies were clear.
"Why did we stop?" Hermione asked, her voice cracking slightly.
"Maybe we broke down." Harry wondered.
Hermione was about to say that the train could easily be repaired with magic, when all the lights went out. Ron tried to get closer to the window once again.
"Ouch, Ron, that's my foot!" Hermione said angrily.
"We've definitely broken down." Jessica whispered, nervously.
Hermione switched places with Ron, seeing as he seemed desperate to look outside the window. Not that he'd be able to see much; it was just as dark outside, as it was inside. There were no lampposts where they were. Their compartment door flew open and someone clumsily entered.
"Ouch! Sorry... Sorry... Harry, is that you?"
"Neville?" Harry asked.
"Get in and sit down." Hermione ordered. "Maybe someone should go see the driver and ask if everything's alright."
"Go on then." Ron said, his voice trembling slightly.
"Why me?" Hermione shrieked slightly.
"You're such babies." Jessica huffed as she got up and headed outside.
Harry wasn't entirely sure why, but his heart rate accelerated once he realised Jessica was heading outside. Something was telling him they should stay put and that the adults on board would take care of things. He couldn't help but jump when he heard a scream outside. Only, it didn't sound like Jessica at all.
"Who's that?"
"Ginny?" Jessica asked.
"Jess! I'm looking for Ron." Ginny sighed
"Then come on." Jessica said, grabbing hold of Ginny's hand. She stopped to look out the window.
"What is it?" A terrified Ginny spoke up.
"There's something moving out there." Jessica muttered. "Let's go."
"I didn't make it to the driver, but I found Ginny." Jessica sighed, once she was back inside the compartment. "There's something out there. I'm sure."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Harry asked, hesitantly.
"No... If it's Black we wouldn't want to hand you over." Jessica frowned slightly.
"Quiet, all of you."
The six students present in the, now crowded, compartment looked towards the voice. It seemed Professor R.J. Lupin was finally awake.
"Took you long enough, Uncle Remus." Jessica smirked.
"In my defence, I've been awake for most of the train ride." He stated. There was a soft crackling noise, and a shivering light filled the compartment. Lupin appeared to be holding a handful of flames. "Stay where you are."
The six students huddled together, away from the door, and watched as Lupin prepared to head out. The door slid open before he could reach it, however. Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Lupin's hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Jessica felt as if she'd entered a freezer. She could see her breath in the air. She looked around and noticed everyone was having the same sensation. Her eyes darted back towards the strange creature and she suddenly felt as if there was nothing left in the world for her. She saw flashes of her lifetime pass by and saw things that hadn't happened. She saw her entire family being slaughtered, all by that terrifying hooded creature she'd seen at her house. She saw her friends falling limp into her arms. She wanted to scream, but no sound would escape her. She found herself cornered. That same hooded creature towering over her. The skull mask bearing into her soul...
"We're not hiding Black under our cloaks." Remus spat, angrily.
Jessica thought she was about to give in, when the room suddenly began going back to normal. The temperature was going up and the train began moving. Jessica rested against the window, breathing heavily, only then did she realise that Harry was on the floor, unconscious.
x.x
"Harry?" Jessica repeated, for the hundredth time. "Harry, please wake up."
It took a while, but eventually Harry stirred awake. He'd been placed back on the seats, his head resting on Jessica's lap. Ron and Hermione were kneeling beside him.
"What... What happened? What was that thing?" He asked, slowly opening his eyes and adjusting to the light in the room.
"That was a dementor. They guard Azkaban." Remus Lupin stated. Harry lifted his head slightly when he heard the soft noise of something breaking. "Here, eat this. It'll make you feel better."
Harry silently stared at the piece of chocolate in his hands. He then allowed his head to drop back onto Jess' lap. He smiled slightly when he felt her fingers running through his hair.
"It was the weirdest feeling I've ever had... Like I'd never be cheerful again." Ron breathed out.
"It was looking for Black, wasn't it?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. If you'll excuse me, I need to have a word with the driver." Remus said, before heading out the door.
"I don't know what it did to you, though. You scared us. You suddenly fell to the floor... It was like you were having a fit or something." Hermione said, worriedly.
"Did... Did anyone else faint, or..." Harry asked, awkwardly.
"No." Jessica said softly.
"Great." Harry mumbled.
"Ginny was shaking like mad, though." Ron said, as if it would cheer his friend up slightly. "She and Neville went back already."
"No one is to speak of this." Harry muttered.
"That might be easier said than done." Hermione sighed.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry frowned.
"Pansy Parkinson walked past when we were setting you down. She started yelling that you'd fainted." Hermione said, almost worriedly.
"Jess threatened to rip her hair out if she didn't shut up, though. It was pretty hilarious, the look on her face, because of that." Ron grinned.
Lupin eventually re-entered the compartment, closing the door behind him. He had entered smiling, but frowned when he saw the chocolate lying on Harry's stomach.
"I didn't poison that, you know?" He said, nodding towards the chocolate.
"Oh... Right." Harry said, sitting up and taking a bite of the chocolate. He instantly felt better.
"Seeing as you managed to steal one of my pasties..." Jessica said, taking a piece of chocolate. Harry playfully rolled his eyes and tried to keep the chocolate all to himself.
"We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes. Are you sure you're alright, Harry?" Remus asked, worriedly.
"Fine." Harry said, quietly, and visibly embarrassed.
"Just so you know, you're sworn to train ride secrecy. Whatever you heard during this train ride cannot be used against us." Jessica stated, pointing a piece a chocolate in Lupin's direction.
"Unless truly necessary, I presume." Remus smirked.
"Absolutely not!" Jessica gasped.
"I told you he couldn't have possibly been asleep the entire time." Ron frowned.
"Well, I am known to be able to sleep twelve hours straight." Remus smiled.
"It's true. My dad used to call him sleepy head." Jessica grinned.
"Once again, let me say that I'm glad we actually have a teacher on our side this year." Ron practically cheered. "You are on our side, right?"
Remus Lupin laughed slightly, before getting up and gathering his things. He caught a glimpse of something bright orange inside a bag. It seemed to be a stuffed lion. He knew that lion all too well. He smiled to himself before settling back in his seat.
There were a few loud tumbling noises outside, followed by slight giggles. Hermione leaned towards the door, to take a look, and blushed heavily.
"I could've lived without seeing that." She said, nervously.
"What?" Jessica asked curiously.
"Your brother and Lila Davis..."
Harry and Ron both stood immediately and grinned at each other. They intended on opening the door and startling the couple, but Josh beat them to it.
"Everything okay in here, Munchkin?" He asked, breathlessly.
"I should be the one asking that." Jessica smirked.
"Remus?" Josh wondered, now realising there was an extra person in the compartment.
"Don't mind me, I'm finding all this very entertaining." He smiled.
"Who's Remus?" Lila nudged Josh.
"My dad's friend... I didn't know you were going to be here this year." Josh frowned. "Anyway, you sure everything's okay?"
"Perfectly fine." Hermione nodded.
"See? Told you they were fine. We'll leave you alone now." Lila smirked, violently pulling Josh out of the compartment.
"She's a wild one." Ron grinned, wriggling his eyebrows. Harry grinned back in response.
Remus Lupin stared out the window, trying his very best to seem unfazed by the situation. It was definitely amusing and something he'd have to tell his friends about later. He soon realised he'd become the centre of their conversation once again. This was undoubtedly going to be an interesting year.
"Maybe we can bribe him to give Malfoy detention all year." Ron whispered.
"He's not deaf, Ronald." Hermione whispered back, though, she managed to be much quieter than Ron had been.
"I highly doubt I would be allowed to do that." Remus laughed.
x.x
Jessica couldn't be happier to be back at school. It was still grand and magnificent, just as she remembered it to be. It was the perfect escape from the madness that had been at her home, no matter the fact that there was a killer on the loose. They were almost in the Great Hall when they spotted Professor McGonagall heading their way.
"Potter, Selwyn, Granger. I'd like a word with you." She said, as strict as ever.
Ron frowned slightly but headed into the Great Hall. He didn't dwell much, especially because he was mostly looking forward to eating.
McGonagall ushered them towards the chairs once they were in her office. She stared at them for a moment or so.
"I heard you fell ill on the train, Mr. Potter. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine." Harry sighed.
At that exact moment, Madam Pomfrey entered the room. She was muttering inaudible words.
"You again? I would imagine you'd give yourself time to settle in before doing meddlesome and dangerous things." She said, sternly.
"It was a Dementor, Poppy." McGonagall stated. The two women exchanged looks. "Apparently he fainted."
"I'm fine." Harry muttered.
"Such cruel creature, Dementor's, feeding on sad memories, especially the more delicate ones." Pomfrey said as she checked Harry's pulse.
"I'm not delicate!" He said, crossly.
"No, no. Of course not." She smiled, focusing mostly on his eyes and temperature.
"Why did you need me, Professor?" Jessica looked up at her curiously.
"Oh, just in case Potter needed some assistance. Mr. Weasley looked too starved to be up for the job." McGonagall smiled. Harry rolled his eyes. "What does he need, Poppy? Bed rest? Should he spend the night in the Hospital wing?"
"Seriously, I'm fine." He said. Draco Malfoy and his group of brainless friends wouldn't let him see the end of it if that happened.
"We'll take him if he feels worse. Promise." Jessica smiled.
"Very well then. You two wait outside while I have a word with Miss Granger, please."
Harry was still huffing when he walked out the door and leaned against the stone wall.
"Not even half an hour here and I've already almost had a lecture."
"They were just worried about you." Jessica smirked.
"Oh shut up." He rolled his eyes.
"Don't take out your anger on me, mister. I'm allowed to use magic now that we're here." She grinned.
"I'm the famous Harry Potter. Are you sure you want to take me on?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Please, like that actually means anything." She rolled her eyes. "Let's go. You and me right now."
"No, no... It's cool. I'll admit that you might win in a duel. Now, if we were to battle physically-"
Jessica launched forward before Harry could finish his sentence, and tried wrestling him to the ground. Growing up with Josh and Anna meant she was obliged to know how to wrestle. Anna, despite looking like a fairy princess, was pretty darn strong, and Josh's obvious muscles spoke for themselves. Surprisingly enough, Harry was quite strong himself. They crossed the hallway, holding onto each other's forearms and trying to trip the other to the ground. Harry let go of one of her arms and started poking her on her side, making her lose balance and whine.
"So-not-fair." She managed to choke out.
"Whoever said we were playing fair?" Harry grinned.
In one swift movement, and with the help of a few pokes to the side, Jessica felt her back hit the stone wall on the other side of the hallway. Harry smiled down at her. She realised, then, that he'd grown taller over the holidays. She was now, officially and very much obviously, the shortest of the bunch. She felt her heart beat faster when their eyes locked together. He looked at her in a way he'd never done before.
Harry wasn't entirely sure why, but his heart was beating faster than it had been when they were trying to knock each other over. That moment when their eyes locked together had almost sent him over the edge. He couldn't be crushing on Jess. They were best friends, it wasn't right. But they'd been through so much together in just two years. She'd been there for him right from the start and he knew she'd be there for him again, even if Sirius Black – mass murderer – came after him. He suddenly leaned closer and rested his forehead on hers. He then realised their fingers were locked together. He wasn't sure when that had happened.
"Harry..." She whispered.
He quickly pulled back when he heard McGonagall's door opening. He looked away as a blush formed.
"We can go now!" Hermione said, happily.
"Great. I'm starving." Jessica smiled, also hoping the blush wasn't visible in the dim light of the hallway.
x.x
Much to both Jessica and Harry's amusement, they had ended up sitting opposite each other. This was actually their usual seating arrangement, but now, it somehow seemed awkward. Both, however, were determined to keep that slight moment just between them, and forced whatever feelings were appearing aside.
"What was all that about?" Ron asked, once all three were in their place.
Harry was about to answer when he noticed Professor Dumbledore, ready to give out his usual speech.
Albus Dumbledore, though very old, always gave an impression of great energy. He was often described as the greatest wizard of the age. That wasn't, however, why the quartet respected him. You couldn't help trusting Dumbledore, and Jessica noticed Harry was less tense now that he was around.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast." Dumbledore said, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. He cleared his throat before continuing. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school will play host to some of the Dementor's of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave the school without permission. Dementor's are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises... Or even invisibility cloaks."
The quartet somehow knew that had been directed to them. They exchanged amused looks before returning their attention to their Headmaster.
"It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the Dementor's."
"Did I mention that Josh is a prefect?" Jessica whispered, smirking.
"Really? I'd never expect that." Ron said, in bewilderment.
"He's a good student, despite not really going by the rules all the time." Hermione stated. "Besides, it's quite obvious that McGonagall adores him."
"Bear in mind, students, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times! If only one remembers to turn on the light." Dumbledore smiled. "On a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers this year. Firstly, Professor Lupin, who had kindly consented to fill the post as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
The entire school clapped as Remus Lupin stood from his seat and raised his wine goblet. Jessica noticed Josh, Fred and George whistling and attempting to cause certain havoc. She also noticed Severus Snape glaring intently at Lupin. She strongly fought the urge to roll her eyes, deciding it might not be best, seeing as Dumbledore could see everything.
"As to our second new appointment, I'm sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."
"I can't believe it!" Hermione gasped.
"Go Hagrid!" Jessica cheered, loud and clear. The others soon joined in with whistles and loud cheers.
"Well, I believe that's everything of importance." Dumbledore said, tapping his finger against his hidden chin. "Let the feast begin!"
x.x
Nearly everyone retired to bed early that night. Apparently the train ride had been exhausting for everybody, and they did have class first thing in the morning. Jessica ran upstairs to shower and change into her blue, teddy bear pyjamas. Hermione eagerly handed Jessica her birthday present, once she returned to the common room. Jessica had thought correctly, it was a book. Ron was the first of the quartet to head to bed. Apparently, stuffing his face can be very tiring. Hermione was next, stating she wanted to make sure she woke up bright and early. She also suggested they'd do the same, but it proved to be ineffective. Harry eventually picked himself from the floor, beside the fire, and ran upstairs to have a shower. Jessica remained comfortably seated in one of the armchairs, her legs dangling off one of the arms, and her new overly large book resting on top of her. There were a few first year's huddled in a corner but she didn't know them and wasn't entirely in the mood to be sociable at that moment. They, too, soon made their way towards their rooms.
She was already halfway into the third story of the entire book when she heard loud stomping on the stairs.
"Is Harry alright?" Josh asked, as he walked into the common room. Jessica raised an eyebrow and stared at him, confused. "The entire school knows a dementor attacked him."
"Oh... Yeah, he's fine."
"Are you okay?" He asked, now visibly worried.
"I'm fine." She laughed. "Don't get all worked up just because you're a prefect."
"Shut up, Munchkin, and get to bed. That's and order." He smirked.
"Nice try, air head, but I've got things to do." She smiled, taking a seat in one of the armchairs by the fire. "Shouldn't you be meeting up with Lila or something?"
"Technically, I'm going to patrol the hallways." He rolled his eyes.
"With Lila." Jessica added, smirking.
"Obviously." He grinned. "Don't wait up, Munchkin."
"Why does he call you that?" Harry laughed as he skipped down the stairs.
"He's insane, remember?" She smirked.
"It runs in the family." Harry nodded, earning a glare from his friend. "Well it does."
"You're not that far behind, Potter."
Harry shook his head and fell silent. He found himself staring into the fire once again. He really didn't want to make things awkward. He looked up and noticed she seemed to be intensely focused on a book. Perhaps she was spending a little too much time with Hermione.
"Do you mind if I stay here?" He asked.
"It's a common room, Harry, I can't exactly ask you to leave." She said, not taking her eyes off the book.
"I know... I just..." He sighed. "Sorry, about earlier... I wasn't really thinking. I mean, I was thinking. I was thinking about loads of things actually. It's just that I got kind of lost in all that thinking and-"
"Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"You're rambling." She smiled. "And don't worry about it... Besides, it was fun... Trying to knock you to the ground."
He noticed the slight blush that formed on her cheeks but chose to ignore it. If she could be nonchalant and act normal, he could at least try to do the same. No matter the fact that he was suddenly getting these weird feelings at the pit of his stomach.
"Are you okay? I can take you to the Hospital wing if you need to." She said, looking at him worriedly.
"Fine." He rolled his eyes and smiled.
"You better not be lying to me." She raised an eyebrow.
He eventually stood, held out a hand for her to take hold, and led them to the sofa. She sat, crossed legged, and he took the opportunity to lay back and rest his head on her lap. She rolled her eyes at this, but used one hand to mess up his hair, while the other lay peacefully on his chest.
"Who gave you this?" He asked, as he fiddled with her charm bracelet. As usual.
"The bow and arrow was Anna, the clover was my aunt, the key was my mother, the dollar symbol was my grandfather, the mask was my father and the 'J' was Blaise Zabini." She told him.
"Do they have any meaning?" He asked, leaning back slightly to see her face.
"The bow and arrow signify cupid, apparently, in other words, Anna hopes that I find true love someday." She smirked at the thought. "My aunt married an Irish man; the four-leaf clover brings good luck. It's the same aunt that sends me heaps of chocolate every year. My grandfather always told me to make sure that I have financial stability, so that I never have to know what it's like to go hungry. His father lost everything when he was a child; he ended up living on the streets whenever he was home from school. The key and the mask kind of go together, even though no one gets it if I don't explain. My father's always told me that some things are best left unsaid, and for that we put on a brave face – a mask – and continue on with life. My mother agrees, somewhat, but believes that masks can be torn away or fall off. So, instead, she says that some secrets should be stored away."
"You don't have to keep things from me, you know?" He said quietly, tracing his fingers along the outline of her small hand.
"As for the 'J'..." She said, hoping to avoid any conversation about keeping secrets. "It's just what Blaise tends to call me. 'J' or 'Little J'. Whichever."
"I'm surprised you haven't got anything of Malfoy's." Harry snorted.
"Well... He was the one that came up with the charm bracelet idea, and gave me the chain... So..."
"Oh God." Harry laughed. "I should give you one."
"What would your charm be?" She asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"A broomstick." He said, as he sat up and adjusted himself next to her. She laughed in response. "Despite you having a slight fear of flying, which I hope to extract someday, I know that you'll be going places. You're the type of person that will succeed in whatever you set your mind to. It's actually pretty admirable. So, a broomstick, so that you can fly off, wherever life takes you."
"Wow..." She breathed out, her eyes slightly wide.
"Cheesy, yet effective." He grinned.
"Definitely." She nodded.
They spent another hour reading her book together. Or rather, Harry read while she listened intently. It was The Large Book of Fairytale's that Hermione had given to her for her birthday. Harry was quite surprised to know that wizards weren't aware of muggle fairytale's and amused himself in her bewilderment. Her favourite ended up being The Snow Queen. He wasn't sure if it had been because of his enthusiasm whilst telling the story, or because of the story itself. Either way, she'd decided it was the best one of the book.
It was past two in the morning when Josh walked back into the common room, only to find Harry and Jessica slumped on the sofa. Asleep. Leaning on each other. Their hands intertwined.
oooooooooooooooooooooh HarryJess feelings. ;x
I guess I'll spoil you all by saying ~ be prepared for more HarryJess moments ;x But that's all I'll be saying, for now at least.
Okay, I need to write my new naruto chapter before writing the next one for this story... At least try to :x I'm in such a HP mode currently that it's getting pretty hard not to write this! LOL. So, I'll see you all next time! XOXO