His Black Rose

by StrangeLittleWeirdo

SEQUEL: The battle is over and Jenna has everything she wanted. A family, friends, and she's in love with her best friend, Harry Potter. Life is back to normal. But, honestly, how normal can life really be for someone like her? please rnr

6. His Father's Son

Chapter 6

His Father's Son

It was a few days before Harry got a reply to his letters. In the meanwhile, Jenna's strange behaviour continued. Every time Harry so much as tried to hold her hand at meals or put his arm round her on the way to lessons, Jenna always smoothly slid away and gave him the same look that plainly said "not here"; when they were in the Gryffindor common room, Jenna would relax enough so that he could smile at her without getting a reprimand and get away with whispering in her ear as it was so noisy in the common room; but when they were in the Heads Tower, Jenna was the same person she'd been in the holidays. She and Harry would sit on the sofa together to do homework and Jenna would lean lightly against his legs, her head resting on his knee as she did her work. Other times, when they took a break from homework or their duties, Jenna would curl up comfortably in his arms and they'd share the same sort of kisses that Harry knew made the nervous blush he loved appear in her cheeks.

It was the same with patrols. Jenna was much more comfortable around him when there was no one to see them. They could walk the corridors in silence, Harry clasping her hand in his without Jenna pulling away and kiss her cheek whenever he wanted. So long as they kept an eye out for anyone out of bed, of course. Jenna was her usual warm self so Harry couldn't understand why she froze up the moment they could be seen. His earlier thought of her being ashamed of their relationship occasionally reared itself in his mind but Harry dismissed it each time. The question was, what was holding Jenna back?

Harry's replies arrived with the mail on Thursday morning. At first he didn't realise there was mail for him as it wasn't Hedwig delivering it. It was only when Ebony nipped his finger that Harry looked up and took the letter from her, Pig also appearing a few minutes later with a reply from Ron and a note for Hermione. Ron must have taken the opportunity to write to her as well. Harry nudged Hermione and handed her Ron's letter. She squeaked in surprise and put down her copy of the Daily Prophet to read it. Harry shook his head and opened Ron's note first.

Ron's reply was not the kind of advice Harry had been looking for. He'd half expected it to be full of tips from that book Ron had given him for his seventeenth but it wasn't even that. It basically told him to break up with her because it sounded like she didn't feel the same way he did. Harry knew perfectly well that wasn't true. Besides he was one to talk; he went to great lengths to avoid Lavender's sickly attention when they went out. But maybe he was saying it because he still didn't approve? Harry sighed. He folded Ron's letter and picked up the one from his dad. Maybe James had some better advice for him.

Harry,
Having some girl trouble, are you? Well, I'll do my best but your Mum's probably a better choice for advice.
So Jenna doesn't want anyone to know about you yet? Have you tried talking to her about why that is? If you
have then the best thing you can do is respect her wishes and wait. I know it'll be frustrating but just keep your
patience. The end result will probably much better than if you try to rush her. It'll be annoying watching other
guys hitting on her but a simple Confundus Charm can send them away, not that I'm suggesting anything.

As for showing her affection outside the Tower, you can still do that. There are other ways besides holding
hands and kissing of which you can do when you're alone together (and take full advantage of). I used to send
notes to your Mum in lessons. She loved them. You can show her you care and say things to her that, being a
Potter, you'd probably mess up if you tried in person. I know I did.

On the subject of messing things up, here's another piece of advice. Be aware: you're a Potter and with that
come a lot of inherent traits. They tend to come out by your age and let me tell you, sometimes they're an
advantage, others times they aren't. You'll find them out soon enough and if you care about Jenna as much as
you appear to, you'll be able to control them. Then there's the Potter curse. Let's hope it doesn't effect you too,
not that it's a bad thing, just for you it might be. It's partly how I got your Mum.

Hope school's going well. Let me know how you get on. Don't let your duties get you down. I know patrolling
can be a bore but there are easier ways. Inventiveness is a Marauder trait. Don't let it go to waste. Oh, and
Mum says hi.
Dad.

James's advice seemed more beneficial than Ron's was. He had to be patient with Jenna. From what James had said, Harry assumed if he waited until Jenna was ready to tell people about their relationship then his patience would work in his favour than if he tried to get Jenna to admit it before she wanted to. However, James's method of warding off other guys. Harry didn't really want to lower himself to jinxing people, especially seeing as he was Head Boy. Then there was the affection problem. Why hadn't Harry thought of that? Of course there were other ways of showing Jenna he cared without making it blatantly obvious like he had been. Notes, offering to carry her books, maybe even a secret rose hidden in her bag, things like that. And like James said, "Inventiveness was a Marauder trait"; Harry was bound to think of a dozen ways to show Jenna he cared without needing to hold her constantly.

The last part of the letter confused him. What did James mean by "inherent traits" that Harry had because he was a Potter? If he meant the permanently messy hair and talent for trouble, Harry already knew that. He'd had seven years worth of trouble, more than enough for him to learn that it followed him around. Somehow, Harry thought that wasn't quite what James was on about. Then there was the Potter curse. All James had said was "let's hope it doesn't effect you" as it "might be bad" and that it was part of the reason why his parents had got together. Asking to borrow a quill from Hermione, Harry quickly scribbled one sentence on the back of the letter.

What's the Potter curse?

Harry folded the note back up and gave it to Ebony whom had been nibbling on a rasher of bacon from his plate. She gave his finger an affectionate nibble in thanks for the food then took the letter, spreading her wings and joining the rest of the owls now flying back out the Hall.

'Interesting letter?' asked Ginny. She was peering over Harry's shoulder at Ron's note. 'What's Ron writing to you about?'

'Oh nothing,' said Harry quickly. He scrunched up the note and pocketed it before Ginny could read what it said. Ginny raised her eyebrows suspiciously at him. 'Nose out, Gin,' said Harry. 'Haven't you got a lesson to go to anyway?'

Ginny looked down her watch. She let out a yelp of surprise.

'Crap! I'm going to be late!'

Ginny shoved the remains of her toast in her mouth and darted out of the Hall. The joys of having a free period first thing, Harry thought. No need to hurry breakfast. After a year on the run, Harry fully appreciated the food the house-elves made and he wasn't going to rush through it like he used to.

By now the students from fifth year below were all heading out of the Hall for their lessons which were to start in ten minutes, only a handful of sixth and seventh years remaining to talk a little longer. Harry watched as they passed, chewing on a piece of toast without much notice. A group of Gryffindor fifth years including Demelza Robbins went by chatting. She glanced at him briefly, smiling, then turned to one of the other girls. She too glanced at him then grinned at Demelza. She and the rest of the group walked off.

Demelza was one of the few girls Harry knew in the lower years thanks to her being on the Quidditch team when he was the Quidditch Captain in his sixth year. When Harry first met her two years previous Demelza had been a rather introvert girl, not speaking very much in Quidditch practice, even once bursting into tears when Ron shouted at her for no reason. Over the year she'd become a great asset to his team, scoring seven goals in the match which won them the Quidditch Cup that year, and a much more exuberant person.

'Hi, Harry,' she said brightly. Demelza sat down on the bench opposite him, putting her bag beside her on the floor. 'How's things?'

'Not bad,' replied Harry. 'You?'

'Waiting to find out if Ginny'll let me be Keeper's driving me insane but otherwise, they're all right,' shrugged Demelza. 'Of course, Mum'll go crazy again if I let Quidditch get in the way of my studies, especially seeing as I'm doing my OWLs now.'

Harry laughed. Demelza did so too. It was a gentle laugh, a broad smile accompanying it which brightened her face. Demelza shook her head in a shrug, her short red hair flying over her shoulder.

'What can I say? I love Quidditch probably more than I should.'

'There's no harm in that,' said Harry. 'My Dad was nuts about Quidditch when he was my age.'

'Really? He must be where you get it from then,' said Demelza. 'Amongst other things. I heard once that he was quite a troublemaker. Kind of like you?'

'I never went looking for trouble,' said Harry. He wanted to make that point clear. 'Trouble usually found me.'

'Sure, whatever you say.'

Demelza sent Harry a doubtful look, grinning at the same time. Harry smirked, his eyes glinting, knowing she didn't believe him.

'Oh, I meant to ask,' Demelza then said. 'Are you thinking of starting up the DA again? A couple of girls in my year were talking about it with Dennis. He was saying how much it helped him. I would have joined when Neville ran it but he said only sixth years and up could because of the Carrows. I can sort of see why after what happened.'

This threw Harry off. In all truth he hadn't really considered restarting the DA. It had been a one off thing Hermione had come up with as a way to rebel against the tirade of Dolores Umbridge back in his fifth year. Never did Harry think it would become as popular as it appeared.

'Oh well,' Harry muttered, 'I hadn't really thought about it. Neville's really the one who got it running again last year. I would have thought you'd be better speaking to him.'

'But you were it's leader,' said Demelza, admiration showing in her eyes. Harry swore he felt a rush of heat start under his shirt collar. 'You created it first. Please will you think about it?'

Harry opened his mouth to reply when he heard his name. He looked round. Jenna stood behind him, her eyebrow raised. She didn't speak to him straightaway, instead turning to Demelza. 'Hi, Demz. Heard anything from Ginny yet?'

'No, you?' asked Demelza. Jenna shook her head. 'She said the results would be up last weekend, didn't she?'

'She's probably still thinking it over,' said Jenna. 'All I know is that girl Alison in your year's Seeker. She's probably still debating about the Chaser situation. My guess is she doesn't want Dean on the team, if you get my meaning.'

'Hmm. Well I've got to get going,' Demelza then said. 'Luckily I've got Care of Magical Creatures so I don't have to go far. See you later. Bye, Harry,' Demelza added, smiling at him.

'Yeah, see you,' Harry called after her. He then turned back to Jenna. Her brow was furrowed. 'What?'

Jenna didn't reply straightaway. Her eyes were glazed and still focused on where Demelza had previously been sitting.

'Nothing. Just my imagination, I guess.' She shook her head. 'I'm heading to the library to finish our essay for Lupin before the lesson. You coming?'

'Er, no I think I've done as much as I can on it,' said Harry, thinking quickly. He'd had a sudden spark of inspiration. If he stayed away from Jenna this period then he could put James's advice into action. 'I'm probably just going to go back to the Gryffindor Tower or something. See if Ginny's posted anything about the trials in there.'

'All right, I'll see you later.'

Jenna turned on her heel and headed out the Great Hall. Harry watched after her. Jenna moved with a grace Harry had never noticed before, her long hair flowing behind her and down her back tied up halfway with a hairband. A grin slowly turned up his lips; he tilted his head just enough to see her walk out the Hall, resting it on his palm. He wondered what other qualities he'd finally notice in Jenna now that they were together. First her small smile and soft blue eyes, then her laugh, what was next? Harry was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice how far he was leaning over until his chin slipped off his palm. He shook his head in surprise then got up, eager to put his plan into action.

-o-

'Crap! I'm going to be late!'

Hermione and I looked up in time to see Ginny grab her bag and sprint out of the Hall. We shared a laugh. Hermione then got up.

'I've got to get to Arithmancy,' she announced, draining her goblet. 'I'll see you at DADA, Jen.'

'Yeah later, Herm,' I replied.

Not having a lesson first period had to be the best thing about Thursday mornings. It meant I could still enjoy my breakfast while other people, like Ginny for example, run off to there lessons having not realised what the time was. A smirk graced my face. Ginny seriously needed to learn how to manage her time better. I was still waiting for her to post the results of the Quidditch trials the previous Friday. She'd said they'd be up at the weekend but she hadn't gotten any further than deciding who was the new Seeker from what I'd heard. The Chaser situation was causing her a bit of trouble. Plus she had other things to worry about like homework building up and patrols.

I took a bite of my toast and glanced around the Hall to see the majority of students were now leaving for lessons. Only one or two of the older students remained on the tables, chatting or getting seconds of pancakes the house-elves had provided today. Over at the Slytherin table I saw Malfoy sitting on his own finishing his breakfast. He looked up a second later directly at me. It was like he knew I was watching him. I changed my surprised look to a smile. Malfoy smiled back. He then got up and left the Hall.

I owe him a thank you, I thought to myself. I finished my toast and dusted off my fingers. What had happened after the Quidditch trials wasn't out of mind. I still didn't know why I fainted like that but I did know I owed him a thanks for catching me. And an apology for Harry's behaviour for that matter. He'd acted so aggressive towards him, more than he used to. It wasn't like Harry at all.

Talking of Harry, I looked up the Gryffindor table to see he was still there. Across from him sat Demelza and the pair were talking. She was grinning about something which in turn was making Harry smirk. His eyes glinted the same way they did whenever he was planning something. My brow furrowed. I wondered what they could possibly be talking about to give Harry that kind of look. I shouldered my bag and got up. I walked over to where they were.

'Harry,' I called, gaining his attention. He looked round at me. However, I wasn't looking at him. I turned to Demelza instead. 'Hi, Demz. Heard anything from Ginny yet?' I asked.

'No, you?' asked Demelza. I shook my head. 'She said the results would be up last weekend, didn't she?'

'She's probably still thinking it over,' I said. 'All I know is that girl Alison in your year's Seeker. She's probably still debating about the Chaser situation. My guess is she doesn't want Dean on the team, if you get my meaning.'

Since they broke up in sixth year (and what had happened when Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup that year) Ginny and Dean have had a very tense relationship. My guess was Dean still had feelings for Ginny even though he and Luna seemed close last year at Shell Cottage and the fight. Whether it was to make her jealous, I didn't know, as Luna's airy attitude I think deterred him.

'Hmm. Well I've got to get going,' Demelza then said. 'Luckily I've got Care of Magical Creatures so I don't have to go far. See you later. Bye, Harry,' Demelza added, smiling at him. She walked off, her red hair flicking behind her. My eyebrow arched. What was the smile for?

'Yeah, see you,' Harry called after her. 'What?'

It took me a minute to realise Harry had spoken to me. Thoughts were racing through my head and not one of them were making sense. I looked away from where Demelza had previously been. Harry was giving me a curious look.

'Nothing. Just my imagination, I guess.' I shook my head. 'I'm heading to the library to finish our essay for Lupin before the lesson. You coming?'

'Er, no I think I've done as much as I can on it,' said Harry. 'I'm probably just going to go back to the Gryffindor Tower or something. See if Ginny's posted anything about the trials in there.'

'All right, I'll see you later.'

I walked out of the Great Hall, my arms folded across my chest in thought. My eyes stared at the floor as I climbed the marble staircase. I must have been imagining things. All Harry and Demelza had been doing was talking. Probably about Quidditch or something. My mind was getting the better of me. I shook it off and continued to the library.

I worked for the next half an hour or so to finish Lupin's essay but my head wasn't really in it. My mind was too full of thoughts for me to concentrate on describing how Sensing would be useful in the everyday life of a wizard. I was thinking about Harry. I felt bad for snapping at him the other day after the Quidditch tryouts. He'd just been so possessive after I fell but it had been a complete accident. It made me feel like I was trapped. Perhaps I was being a little too harsh on him; I knew Harry better than anyone and I knew for a fact that when he truly cared about someone he would go to great lengths to protect them.

Then there was my reluctance to admit our relationship which I was sure was getting to him by now. The two weeks were nearly up but I still didn't like the idea. Also, a couple days after the Quidditch tryout, Harry just stopped doing anything the remotest bit affectionate to me unless we were patrolling or in the Heads Tower and I kind of missed it. How he would kiss my cheek pretending to whisper to me or brush back a loose strand but let his fingers linger on my cheek at the same time. I didn't mind him doing these things in the corridors just as long as no one else was there.

I sighed and glanced out the window. The odd owl flew across the morning sky returning from the night's hunt. What was it that was making me do this? Why did the idea of letting people know scare me so much? I sat there and thought about this, my quill drawing a vague shape on my parchment. For some reason the article Rita Skeeter wrote back in fourth year came to mind. I shivered as I remembered it; the attention I got afterwards was horrible all because she'd informed the entire wizarding world I was a half-breed and daughter of an alleged murderer. I hated the limelight so much and I have never liked being centre of attention. And I was the daughter of two Marauders, for Merlin's sake. Now that's irony for you.

Suddenly I sat up as if a jolt of electricity had just gone through my veins. Something incredibly soft and fluid touched the base of my neck going up to just below my ear. I left out a slow breath as it did so, feeling the shiver go down my spine. I looked round but there was no one there. My heart had jumped from the surprise and was thumping a little too loudly in my chest for my liking so I decided to leave. I gathered up my textbook and essay and picked up my bag. I flipped open the flap only to stop when I saw something lying inside it.

'A black rose,' I breathed. I picked up the flower. It was exactly the same to the one I got on my birthday, the same delicate petals forming the large black bloom. A smile started on my lips, a warmth starting in my body as I imagined Harry being right beside me. 'Harry.'

As I looked at the rose my eyes caught a glimpse of the bracelet on my wrist. Some of the golden strands slowly turned white creating a thin braid within the thicker one. Placing the rose back in my bag, I got up and left the library.

-o-

Harry crept into the library hidden beneath his Invisibility Cloak. Madam Pince stood by her desk at the front, her beady eyes watching everyone in the library and her lips pursed for the moment someone damaged one of her books. Harry crept past her as quietly as he could to find Jenna. She had to be somewhere in here. Harry peered round each bookcase he passed looking for her, careful not to make a sound that would rouse the other students in there. He found her sitting on her own near the back of the defensive magic section. Her essay lay forgotten on the table as she stared out the window.

Carefully and quietly Harry slid between the bookcase and Jenna's chair. As he stood over her Harry glanced at her essay to see how much she'd done. It didn't look any longer than the previous night. The only addition to it was a sketched lightning bolt in the bottom corner. Harry grinned. Next he bent down and reached round Jenna's chair for her bag. He flipped it open then took something out his pocket. A black rose. Harry slipped it into Jenna's bag and clipped it shut again. Rising up Harry stopped when he was level with her face; if she turned round now Harry would be looking straight into her blue eyes and her into his own though Jenna wouldn't know it. Harry glanced behind him. No one was near them, no one was looking … It couldn't hurt, could it?

Harry moved closer. He bent his head and let his face touch Jenna's neck disguised by the water-like feel of the Invisibility Cloak. Harry took a deep breath as his pulse increased a little from the proximity. Jenna smelt wonderful, a sweet honey-like scent that was all her own. He ran his nose along Jenna's neck till he reached her ear where he gently kissed her soft skin. Jenna gasped, sitting up in her chair. A soft sigh then came from her throat and, as Harry hoped, she looked in his direction. Her blue eyes met his allowing Harry to gaze albeit briefly into those deep pools of blue he'd become so familiar to. Harry felt his heart melt.

Was this one of those Potter traits James had mentioned? Loving everything about her, even her flaws, and needing to show her he cared. Was this how James had been like with Lily when they got together? If so Harry knew it wasn't a bad thing. Leaving Jenna to find the flower Harry slipped out the library thanking Merlin for his father's advice. The smile that Harry received when Jenna got to Defence Against the Dark Arts that day only confirmed that point.

Of course, not all things come without their setbacks.

On Friday night Ginny finally got round to posting the results of the Quidditch tryouts. The new team consisted of her, Jimmy and Ritchie still in their original positions, Demelza taking on Ron's old position of Keeper, a fifth year girl named Alison Brookes as Seeker, and Jenna and a fourth year Leo taking up the remaining positions as Chasers. Jenna was quite surprised she'd actually made the team but ecstatic none the less. Training sessions were to be every Wednesday and Friday after dinner and the first match against Slytherin was just over a month away meaning Ginny was strict on the training.

'She reminds me of Oliver,' Jenna told Harry quietly as they walked back from training the following Wednesday, making sure Ginny was out of earshot. Harry laughed. 'I know I was never on the team back then but still, Ginny makes Oliver look almost tame.'

Because of the new pressure of Quidditch on her schedule along with her Head duties and not being used to it, Harry took sympathy on Jenna when they wrote up the new timetables for that week. He knew what it was like to try and juggle Quidditch training and homework better than anyone in his year. Instead of the two of them patrolling every night at the same time, Harry split the patrols up with the House Captains and placed the prefects in their year in their usual time. It meant Jenna had a few more nights to relax and she needed them in Harry's opinion. He'd never seen her so stressed out before.

It wasn't just Quidditch that was now on everyone's mind what with the new season starting soon. Like with anything at Hogwarts that was meant to be kept quiet, a rumour soon spread around the students that Dumbledore's Army was once again going to reform. Harry had no idea where it had started but before he knew it people, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws alike, were bombarding him with questions about whether or not the DA was going to come back. It was nice that something he'd helped start a few years ago had become so popular, flattering even, but the number of students who seemed interested unnerved Harry and his ability to teach them.

'I just don't think I can do it,' Harry told the others. They sat in the corner of the common room away from the noise and were discussing the sudden popularity of the DA. 'It was one thing teaching a group of about twenty students when we had a reason to do it. It's a whole other thing when you're teaching fifty students how to use a Stunner without a purpose to learn it.'

'But that is the purpose,' said Hermione. 'To learn defence. That was the aim all along, Harry, and you taught all those students brilliantly. We all passed our Defence Against the Dark Arts OWL with Outstandings.'

'Hermione's right,' said Neville. 'We joined the DA to learn defence as our lessons were getting us nowhere with all that theoretical study. Pissing off that old toad, Umbridge, was just a bonus.'

Hermione frowned at Neville's phrasing but joined in the with silent laughter that had Ginny and Jenna shaking in their seats. Harry grinned as he recalled the look on Umbridge's face when she witnessed his DADA OWL and the Patronus Charm he'd performed that had sealed his pass.

'That's all well and good,' he said once Ginny had control of herself once more, 'but the idea of teaching that many students … I'm not a leader.'

'Not a leader, my broom,' muttered Jenna. Harry shot a glance at her. She stared back, her eyebrow arched and an almost playful smirk on her lips. Harry swallowed involuntarily as his cheeks grew hot. He had not noticed that look before. 'Harry, no one in this room is more of a leader than you.'

Comically, all Harry could reply was, 'Huh?' Jenna put down her quill and pulled her legs onto her seat.

'Harry, if you couldn't lead I don't think half of those people who stood by you all those months ago would've,' said Jenna. 'You're a natural leader, just like James was with the Marauders. You build confidence into them. Neville's a prime example.' A swell of pride started in Harry's chest; across from him, Neville was blushing. 'Besides you don't have to it alone this time. You've still got me, Ginny, Hermione and Neville to help if there's more students than last time. We've all got great experience under us. Plus Neville is sort of the unofficial second-in-command when he restarted it last year. You don't have to do all the work this time.'

'Exactly, we'll divide into groups,' said Hermione. 'The numbers will be much more manageable if they've grown. But you'll have the overruling say in what we do.'

Harry deflated slightly at that. A sudden spark hit him when he remember there was a problem with all this.

'There's just one flaw in your brilliant plan,' said Harry. The other four looked at him curiously. 'Where would we hold the meetings? The Room of Requirement got destroyed during the war. There won't be anywhere big enough.'

'Oh that's simple,' said Ginny. 'The Great Hall. It's plenty big enough to fit all the students. Remember the Duelling Club?'

'No one can forget the Duelling Club,' said Jenna witheringly. 'Or Lockhart for that matter.'

'If we run the idea by Professor McGonagall, I'm sure we could use the Great Hall,' said Ginny. Harry still wasn't convinced. 'Oh come on, Harry, please?' wheedled Ginny. She fluttered her eyes at him and flashed him a smile. 'I bet you'll love it like you did last time.'

'It's Harry's decision, Ginny,' said Jenna. 'We can't force him. He is Head Boy.'

'All the more reason to do it!'

Harry couldn't see any way of getting out of this so begrudgingly, he agreed with one condition: the others had to teach as well.

The warm September air soon changed as the mild weather of October approached together with the first Hogsmeade visit of the term. The night before Harry had the Heads Tower to himself as Hermione insisted she and Jenna needed some catch-up time together without him and Jenna slept in her old bed back in Gryffindor Tower. It merely gave Harry time to plan his next move. Over the past couple of weeks James's advice had been working brilliantly for Harry; in lessons, mainly Charms and DADA as he thought those were the only ones he'd get away with it in, Harry had found a useful charm to send hidden messages to Jenna that only she could read, taking inspiration from the Marauder's Map no less; at meals, meanwhile, it was easy enough to sit next to Jenna without questions while under the table his fingers subtly interlocked with hers, not quite hand-holding but enough to satisfy him.

Though Harry knew Hermione would be with them (Ginny was going with Neville), Harry knew he had to make tomorrow special for Jenna. It had been five months that day that he and Jenna had been together since the battle and Harry wanted to make it special. It had been his longest relationship to date and at this hurdle Harry was determined not to mess it up. He'd just have to somehow get Hermione to leave them alone for twenty minutes or so, just long enough for him to have a private moment with Jenna. There had to be a sale on in Scrivenshaft's or something. Anything so he could just have his first date with Jenna.

-o-

I sat on my bed in my old dormitory lost in my thoughts. I hummed aimlessly to myself as I thought about what day it was. Harry and I had been together for five months now. I found it strange our relationship had lasted this long. Yet, believe it or not, we still hadn't actually been on a proper date yet. Until tomorrow, that is.

During Charms Harry had sent me a note (one of many I'd now collected that he'd written) asking me if I wanted to go to the village with him. I'd caught him after the lesson to say of course I was going with him. I always went on Hogsmeade trips with him and Hermione. Except that wasn't quite what he'd meant.

'No,' he said seriously. Harry pulled me out of the corridor behind a pillar, away from prying eyes. 'I mean together, just us.' I was completely thrown off when he said this.

'You mean a date?' I asked, quite dumbly I might add, one of my numerous blonde moments.

'No, I mean as a prison break, we're escaping,' said Harry sarcastically. 'Of course I mean a date, you muppet!' Harry laughed and brought me closer. I tensed at first but instantly melted as Harry pressed his lips against mine. All thoughts of being seen just instantly evaporated as long as we were in that position. He pulled back leaving me standing there slightly dazed. 'Will you go with me?'

I stood there dumbly and let out a strange sound Harry took to mean as "yes". He laughed gently then kissed me again until a point I swore I actually stopped breathing, and I just kissed him back as much as I wanted. Harry was good kisser. Must run in the family I decided.

Another small section of my band had turned white. I smiled down at it, fingering the silky bands. Our relationship was progressing nice and steadily. It couldn't be better.

'Hey, you're band's got quite a bit of white in it now,' said Hermione. She came and sat on my bed. We were both in our pyjamas. She handed me a bottle of Butterbeer and placed a bowl of something she called popcorn between us. Hermione took a handful and put a piece in her mouth. 'How long until you think it'll be fully white?'

'I don't know,' I replied. I took a piece of popcorn and ate it. It was quite nice, sweet and crispy but melted on your tongue. 'It could be any amount of time. What about yours? How white is it?'

Hermione held out her wrist. It was about halfway there. Well she had had hers longer than I'd had mine. Hermione was nineteen after all. I raised an eyebrow at her.

'Ooh, you and Ron getting comfortable?' I asked slyly. Hermione smirked.

'Ron's not really someone who beats around the bush about these sort of things,' Hermione shrugged. She ate another couple of pieces of popcorn. 'I guess that's part of being a Weasley. He always checks with me though. He's so sweet when he puts his mind to is.'

'Ron? Sweet? Now that's two words I never thought I'd hear in the same sentence.' We shared a laugh; Hermione playfully shoved my shoulder. 'And now?' I asked. 'How you holding up without him?'

'I'm doing OK,' muttered Hermione. 'I do miss him, Jen, but I've got other things to keep my mind occupied.'

'Oh? Like what?'

Hermione smiled, one that brightened her face and was evidently to herself. I looked at her curiously. What was she smiling about that made her look so happy?

'Like watching my two best friends falling for each other.'

I chewed on my piece of popcorn. 'Ginny and Neville?' I said. 'Yeah, they are lovely together, aren't they?'

'Jenna, I'm not talking about them, I'm talking about you!' said Hermione, exasperation in her voice at my apparent naivety. I stared at her. 'About you and Harry.'

I didn't say anything. I couldn't. I stared at her before I shook myself.

'Hermione, what in the name of Merlin's pantyhose are you talking about?' I laughed. There was a shaky note to my voice. I looked down, my hair falling over my face. 'Harry and me falling for each other? That's ludicrous.'

'Jenna, please don't lie to me,' said Hermione. I glanced at her through my hair. 'I know you're falling for each other. I've never seen a guy fall for someone harder than Harry has for you. And I've never seen you so happy before. What other explanation is there for the reason why your band is turning white? They only changed whilst the witch is in a relationship and the whole school, certainly at least all the boys who can tell the difference between a hard-on and a ruler in his pocket, thinks you're single because of your clean dating record. But I know that's not true. I know there must be something between you two. Or at least Harry's feeling something towards you. Please, Jenna,' begged Hermione. 'Tell me you're not ignoring Harry's feelings.'

Once again I felt like I'd lost the ability to speak but this time it was worse. Because of my reluctance to admit our relationship I did feel like I'd been ignoring Harry's feelings. Putting aside the random comment about boys and hard-ons, Hermione pretty much had me figured.

'No,' I eventually got out, my throat dry. Hermione looked at me, shock written all over her face at the thought I wasn't going to admit it. I then added, 'I'm not ignoring Harry's feelings.'

'And …?' Hermione's look of shock changed to expectancy. Her eyes were wide in hope (it kind of reminded me of Dobby).

'And we've kind of been together since the day he defeated Voldemort,' I finished.

What happened next happened so fast if I'd have blinked I would have missed it. Hermione squealed in joy and she threw her arms around me. I was literally thrown back on my bed by the force of Hermione's hug, not to mention her bushy hair was choking me.

'Herm, can't breathe! Can't breathe!'

Hermione finally released me. I took a large sip of my Butterbeer to try and clear my head. What did I just do?

'Jen, that's brilliant,' enthused Hermione. 'I always thought there was something going on but never did I think you two had actually got together. Ginny always said you were but the way you acted together always made me think otherwise. I mean you two had always been close so I just thought you'd gone back to how you were like when you were younger or something.'

'It pretty much is like that,' I said. 'Except ten times better. Harry's amazing, not to mention an amazing kisser.'

Hermione sniggered. I smiled, my cheeks feeling very hot.

'So who else knows?' Hermione then asked. 'If you've been together for five months, you've kept it pretty damn quiet.'

'Ron's having a bad effect on you,' I muttered, swigging my Butterbeer. 'And there are some people who know. I mean, our parents and Remus were all there watching not to mention jeering at us when Harry and I finally admitted our feelings. Then you know and Ginny obviously does –'

'It's hard to keep anything from her,' said Hermione. I nodded.

'But that's all,' I said. 'I kind of wanted to keep it quiet so please don't tell anyone. Especially Ron!' I added as afterthought.

'Why not tell Ron?' asked Hermione. I gave her a pointed look. 'Oh. Point taken.'

'I just need to wait for the right moment before we break it to him. You know what he's like. Harry said he'd deal with him but it's probably best if we tell him together.'

'Hmm,' murmured Hermione in agreement. 'So come on, tell me. What's it like dating Harry?'

'Funnily enough, we haven't actually been on any dates yet,' I said. Hermione gave me a strange look. 'During the summer we just kept going to each other's house and hanging out like we used to, but with the addition of kissing of course. But no, Harry and I haven't really had a date yet. Although he did ask me to go to Hogsmeade this weekend,' I added. 'He kind of wanted it to be just the two of us but after I agreed I remembered you'd be with us –'

'Jenna, of course you're going on that date!' burst Hermione. 'I would never dream of hanging around if Harry wants it to be just the two of you!'

'OK, calm down,' I said. I was actually a bit scared. Hermione had leapt off my bed and was now rummaging through my trunk for something. 'Er, Herm? What are you looking for?'

'We've got to find something for you to wear!'

'Clothes, perhaps?' I suggested. Hermione sent me a look then continued searching.

'Oh, Jen, this is brilliant! You're first date with Harry! Oh you're going to look stunning when we're done with you!'

'We?' There was no one else in the room. Parvati, Lavender and Sally were down in the common room. 'Who's we?'

'Me and Ginny, of course!'

-o-

The following morning Harry got up early to get ready. It was a warm October morning meaning there was no need for a thick jacket or anything. A light one would do over a t-shirt. Normally Harry never took care over his appearance but as he was going on his first date with Jenna, he might as well make the effort. Settling on his favourite jeans and a plain blue t-shirt, Harry went into the bathroom to have a wash, shave and brush his teeth. Once done he took a brief glance at his appearance. His hair was wild as ever, sticking up at the back and falling messily around his face and into his eyes.

'Your hair is far too long, Harry!' Harry recalled his Mum saying during the summer. 'Even James's hair never got that unruly!'

Harry had to admit his Mum was right. His hair was a bit long; the back went right down to the nape of his neck, you couldn't see his ears unless he brushed it back, and the front reached just above his glasses. Least it covered his scar. Harry pushed back his fringe, revealing the thin cut in his forehead. Since the fight Harry hadn't felt it sear once and no longer did people stare at the thing that had made him so famous. All was well in the wizarding world. Harry let his fringe flop back down and ran his hand through his hair. Jenna loved doing that when they kissed. Another good reason to not get it cut. Happy that he looked as smart as he could, Harry left the bathroom to meet Jenna at the Gryffindor Tower.

Jenna was already waiting for him outside the Tower when Harry got there. She wasn't alone; Hermione and Ginny were also there. He turned the corner to find the three of them standing outside the portrait of the Fat Lady. They were huddled together in a group, Hermione and Ginny obscuring Jenna from Harry's view. Despite the fact that he was slightly confused as to why the other two were there, Harry walked over to them. It became clear though when Hermione stepped back and Jenna came into view.

'Guys, this is really unnecessary!' hissed Jenna. She, Hermione and Ginny were stood outside the Tower together waiting for Harry to appear. The other two were making what they called the "finishing touches" to her, Jenna just standing there as Hermione clipped up her hair and Ginny adjusting her top. 'Hey, hands off!' Jenna gasped as Ginny repositioned her bra so it wasn't showing. 'The bra stays where it is!'

'Jenna, you can't wear that bra with this top,' said Ginny. 'I can't believe you don't own any fancy bras. Just a quick spell with change it into a plunge bra and it won't be evident at all.'

'I'm not wearing a plunge bra!' burst Jenna, perhaps a bit too loudly. That didn't stop Ginny and soon she felt the shape of her normal comfortable bra change into one that left nothing to the imagination. Jenna had to admit it did look better than having her bra on display. It just didn't feel as secure as her usual one did. 'I can't believe I'm doing this!' Jenna groaned.

'It's your first date,' said Hermione firmly. 'I know it's nothing big,' she continued before Jenna could interrupt, 'but even so, a date is a date. You've got to make an effort. Besides I'm sure Harry will like it.'

'I can assure you, he does,' said Harry. The three girls looked up at him. Harry smiled at them though his eyes were focused solely on Jenna. 'Looking pretty good, Jen.'

She really did. Harry had never seen her look so dressed up before except for things where dress robes were required. Jenna was still in her normal clothes but for some reason Harry had never really noticed how good she looked in them. Perhaps because he was so used to her wearing whatever she felt comfortable in, never accessorising or whatever girls do, that when she did it looked completely different.

Harry's eyes took in Jenna's outfit. She wore a long strappy top made of a light floaty material, orange and red melding into one. With it Jenna wore a dark pair of low rise jeans which flared a bit at the ends, a pair of flats on her feet instead of her usual trainers. The only thing that looked like Jenna had won over was her Gryffindor hoody tied around her waist. Her fringe fell neatly across her forehead just covering her eyes as Jenna blushed, looking down. Harry wanted more than anything to compliment her the way he normally would but with Hermione and Ginny there, he settled on something a little less obvious.

'So what's the occasion?' he asked.

'It's OK, Harry,' said Jenna quietly. She looked up, flicking her head just enough so her fringe revealed her blue eyes. 'They know about us. Hence the, er …' Jenna waved her hand in front of her, indicating the clothes, '… outfit.'

'Know what?' asked Harry cautiously, his brow furrowed. Did they know about them?

Jenna sighed and rolled her eyes. She then walked up to Harry and, leaning up, pressed her lips against his own. It caught Harry by surprise. His eyes widened when Jenna pulled him closer, her hand already tangling itself into his hair. Instinctively Harry moved closer, wrapping his own arms around Jenna's body, kissing her deeply the way he always would. After a few moments they broke apart.

'So they know,' breathed Harry afterwards. Jenna nodded.

'You were right when you said they practically knew about us,' muttered Jenna. She glanced back at the two grinning hyenas; Hermione and Ginny were both beaming at them, Hermione clasping her hands in joy while Ginny smirked at the fact she'd been right. Jenna held in another groan. She was never going to hear the end of this. 'Hermione wormed it out of me last night.'

'Did she?' Harry asked. He looked at her and raised his eyebrow. Hermione just smiled.

'We are so happy for the two of you,' she said, her and Ginny walking over to them.

'Just slightly miffed you didn't tell us,' Ginny added.

'Not that you needed to be told,' muttered Jenna.

'So are you going to tell us how this happened?' asked Hermione. 'This can't have just happened overnight.'

'I can safely say it didn't,' said Harry. Hearing Jenna had been questioned last night, he decided to fill this one. 'We'd been having feelings for each other for a long time but neither of us knew the other had them. After I found out at Shell Cottage and once Voldemort was gone, I confronted Jen and told her I had feelings for her too.' Harry brought Jenna closer so her head rested against his chest. 'We've been together ever since.'

Hermione beamed; Ginny, on the other hand, looked slightly less thrilled. Her eyes had that hard look in them. For a moment Harry swore there was bitterness hidden in them.

'Well we are so happy for you, aren't we, Gin?' said Hermione.

'Yeah,' Ginny replied. The hard look in her brown eyes vanished to be replaced with a smile. 'You two deserve each other.'

After breakfast all the students from the third year up who had permission to visit Hogsmeade were gathered in the entrance hall waiting to leave while Filch ticked off their name on his list. Neville found Harry, Hermione, Jenna and Ginny in the queue and they walked down to the village together. The third years all raced down the path in their eagerness to see all the different shops. Once there Neville and Ginny separated from them to go off together. Hermione soon also made her excuses, claiming she wanted to see what had happened to Zonko's Joke Shop of all places, leaving Harry and Jenna alone.

They started down the street side by side. It wasn't unusual for the two of them to receive stares these days. They, along with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville, were some of the most famous wizards and witches of their age. But unknown to Harry and Jenna the whispers that day slowly were turning in another direction as people looked on with curiosity at the Head Boy and Girl. Though it wasn't uncommon to see the two of them together around the school, it certainly was now. It had been general knowledge in the school that Harry Potter's most recent girlfriend had been Ginny Weasley so why he and his supposed girlfriend had both been seen with other people at a time most Hogwarts students used for dates created many new questions in their observers minds.

They'd spent the morning looking around. The last time they had been in the village virtually all the shops had been closed or replaced with one supplying things similar to Knockturn Alley. It was good to see Honeydukes and Gladrags and the Post Office open once again.

As they walked along together, Harry couldn't help but glance at Jenna out the corner of his eye. She walked along beside him looking around the town with a vague smile on her face, her hair blowing gently behind her in the wind. His eyes travelled lower appreciating her outfit once more. Harry knew fully well Jenna probably felt very self-conscious at that moment but she had no reason to; her clothes flattered her figure making her look even more beautiful than she did when in her usual comfortable clothes. Of course, to Harry, Jenna would look beautiful no matter what she wore. Much to Harry's annoyance though, he wasn't the only male in the village appreciating Jenna's new look. While they had been in Honeydukes a couple of guys Harry didn't recognise and assumed were from the village kept leering at her as Jenna paid for her sweets, muttering in low voices to one another.

'Check this out,' one whispered to the other. 'It's that Black girl who helped Potter.' His mate glanced across where Harry and Jenna stood by the pay desk.

'You sure it's her? She looks too dressed up to be Black. All the photos of her in the Prophet show her wearing plain clothes and stuff.'

'Yeah, she's got the red streaks in her hair like Black does. See? It must be her!'

'Damn, she's hot!' said his mate. Harry heard this. The creature in his stomach let out a low growl. He glared at the guy out the corner of his eye and moved surreptitiously to block Jenna from view. 'Aw man, that bloke's completely blocked her! D'you think that's her boyfriend?'

That's right, thought Harry. She's my girlfriend so back off!

'The Prophet reported she was single,' said the first guy. The growl deepened as did Harry's annoyance. 'They say she's untouchable which just increases her desirability. I know I wouldn't mind sleeping with her. They say she's a skilled duellist so what she must be like in bed. She can have a ride on my broomstick any day.'

'I'm all done, Harry,' said Jenna's voice, drawing Harry's attention away from the two guys.

'Great, let's get out of here,' said Harry. 'It's getting a bit too crowded in here.'

Harry steered Jenna out of the shop and away from the perverse stares of the guys in Honeydukes. Their disappointed mutters rang through his ears as they left. The stares continued in the streets from both the older students and other youths in the village and Harry was very aware of how much attention Jenna was receiving. Had she always gained this much male interest? Jenna was a very attractive girl; just because it had taken him this long to realise it didn't mean other guys hadn't realised it before him. Thirsty from the warmer weather (and also wanting to get her away from the stares), Harry suggested they go to the Three Broomsticks to get a drink. They sat in a booth in the corner away from the bar. Harry came back with two bottles and handed one to Jenna.

'You know, it's kind of a weight off my mind,' Jenna said as she took the Butterbeer Harry handed her.

'What is?' asked Harry. He sipped his Butterbeer, the cold liquid cooling him off. He'd taken off his jacket having found the weather far too warm for it.

'The fact that Hermione and Ginny know about us,' said Jenna. She leant her head back against the top of the seat. She looked at Harry, a small smile on her face. 'It's nice to know they approve, even if Hermione does go over the top.' Jenna waved her hand in front of her like before. Unfortunately it had been too hot for her hoody and so she wasn't able to hide behind her comfortable clothes, not that Harry complained. 'I feel a bit of an idiot dressed like this.'

'I can assure you, you don't look like an idiot,' said Harry. He reached out and gently brushed a loose strand behind Jenna's ear. His fingers lingered on her cheek. 'You look amazing.'

Jenna smiled. Harry couldn't help himself. His finger curled under Jenna's chin, raising it. Throwing caution to if anyone could see them, Harry leant forwards just enough to touch his lips against hers.

-o-

I need to borrow Black for a moment. Potions essay. You can understand that, right, Potter? She is my potion partner.

I gasped and broke the kiss. Inside I was screaming to just ignore it, to resume the kiss and pretend it hadn't happened, but the familiar headache I got from it had already set in.

'Not here,' I breathed, annoyed. That was the last thing I needed, Malfoy turning up when Harry and I were meant to be on a date. Harry must have registered my annoyance at receiving a premonition by the look on my face. I hadn't received one since the war ended and now, in the middle of my date, is when one decides to occur. I sighed and muttered, 'I'm sorry.' It wasn't something I could really control.

I gave Harry an apologetic look only to notice disappointment evident in his eyes. Harry then drained his Butterbeer and got up.

'It's almost lunchtime,' he said. 'Perhaps we better head back.'

Harry turned to leave. I quickly finished my drink and followed. There was a strange tightness in my chest from Harry's reaction. He'd seen me get premonitions before and knew they always made me flinch. Why was this any different? Outside the sun was still high in the sky warming the day, countered by a gentle breeze blowing through the main street. We walked back up the lane in silence, neither saying a word. I kept glancing at Harry through my hair to find the disappointment still evident on his face.

'Harry!' I sped up and grabbed Harry's arm. He stopped and faced me. 'I'm sorry, OK? I just –'

'Now isn't this a nice coincidence?' said a voice behind us. I held in a groan thinking, Not now! and looked behind me. Eyebrow raised, Malfoy stood behind us, hands thrust casually into his pockets, staring at me and Harry. A smile was turning up the corner of his mouth. 'Not disturbing anything, am I?' asked Malfoy casually. His grey eyes roamed between us. 'Trouble in paradise, Potter?'

That was a curious choice of words and, as I thought, it got to Harry.

'That's none of your business,' growled Harry.

I glanced at Harry. His glare was so dark it was like I didn't even recognise him. I'd never seen him look so angry before, not even after the Quidditch tryouts. What was wrong with him? This couldn't all stem from what happened back at the Three Broomsticks. As for Malfoy, he seemed to be lapping it up. The smirk was now fully formed on his pale lips as he chided Harry, his arms now folded loosely over his chest.

'I need to borrow Black for a moment,' Malfoy continued like the premonition predicted, not looking at me as he spoke. Harry's glare darkened. 'Potions essay. You can understand that, right, Potter? She is my potion partner.'

Harry's jaw tightened as he picked up the gentle stress Malfoy put on the word partner. I could see this getting out of hand very quickly so decided to step in.

'This really isn't a good time,' I told Malfoy. I deliberately stood between them so that if wands were drawn I could raise my shield and separate them. 'I'm busy with Harry at the moment.'

'Really?' said Malfoy slowly. His grey eyes turned towards me; there was a pleased glint in them for some reason. They darted between the two of us again, taking in the situation, then his smile increased. 'Well I'm sure it's something that can wait. The essay is due in on Monday and I could really use your help.'

'Isn't that a bit against your principles, Malfoy?' said Harry. His voice sounded strange, forced almost. It wasn't natural. 'Asking a half-breed for help?'

A stifled gasp shook my body. Neither of the boys noticed. I stared at Harry completely shocked by what he said. A twinge went through me when he called me that horrible word. I knew he didn't mean it but the shock of him saying it was still enough to hurt.

'Well when I see one, I'll find out, won't I?' said Malfoy. That surprised me. Malfoy no longer considered me a half-breed? What had changed? 'I'm heading back up to the castle to do the essay. Seeing as you're not doing anything important –'

Harry made a movement behind me to get his wand. I grabbed his wrist and held it in place, glancing at him out the corner of my eye. If it was possible, it looked like his glare had deepened. Malfoy too had noticed this.

'Touched a nerve, have I, Potter?' Harry's arm twitched but I kept hold of it. Malfoy again noticed. He stared at my hand gripping Harry's wrist for a moment or two before lifting his eyes to meet mine. 'No way,' he laughed. I tensed. 'No way! Aw, this is priceless!'

Harry tried again to raise his wand but I wouldn't let him. He tried to make me move so I concentrated to make a small shield between our bodies to keep him back. My eyes didn't leave Malfoy's.

'You aren't seriously with him?' he asked, still laughing as if it was a massive joke. Now that was pushing it.

'That is none of your business,' I told him. 'Who I'm seeing or not seeing is nothing to do with you.'

'Aww, come on, Black, you can do so much better,' said Malfoy. Harry made another move so I increased the strength of the shield. Malfoy shrugged then turned on his heel. 'Well, I never said you had good taste.'

Malfoy walked off but I didn't lower the shield in case Harry went after him. It was only when I felt the pressure of Harry's body vanish that I stopped it and looked round. Harry was striding off at a rate of knots out of the village and back up to the school. I glanced briefly back at Malfoy's retreating form feeling my annoyance at him then chased after Harry. He was already halfway up the path to school when I caught up with him.

-o-

'You aren't seriously with him?' laughed Malfoy. Harry's grip tightened on his wand. One more word, just one more! That was all Malfoy needed to say and Harry would hex him.

'That is none of your business,' said Jenna. 'Who I'm seeing or not seeing is nothing to do with you.'

'Aww, come on, Black, you can do so much better,' said Malfoy. Harry lurched forwards but again was stopped by the small shield Jenna had created between them, her hand gripping his wrist to stop him raising his wand. Malfoy shrugged then turned on his heel. 'Well, I never said you had good taste.'

Harry glared at Malfoy's retreating form. As soon as he was gone, Harry thrust his wand back into his pocket and turned in the opposite direction back to the castle. If it hadn't of been for Jenna blocking him, Harry knew he would have hexed Malfoy for interrupting their date. Perhaps James was right when he said using the odd hex to send away unwanted visitors. He'd definitely make an exception with Malfoy.

'Harry, slow down!' called Jenna behind him. She ran up the path after him. 'Will you hang on for a sec?' Harry stopped, finally allowing her to catch up. 'What's the rush to get back to the castle?'

Harry didn't look at her. His head was bowed so his hair fell down over his eyes, hiding them. His jaw was clenched shut and he didn't reply, not trusting himself with what he'd say.

'Seriously, what is wrong with you?' asked Jenna. She just couldn't understand why Harry was acting like this and it concerned her. 'Every time Malfoy's around, you're always in a foul mood afterwards. What's going on?'

Still Harry didn't reply, instead taking several deep breaths. Malfoy was pushing his luck now. He'd warned him on the train to stay away from Jenna but it was obvious Malfoy had no intentions of doing so. Not only was he creating situations in which he could speak to her, now he was trying to get her on her own and away from him. Harry should have known Malfoy would be up to his old dirty tricks and now he'd worked out that Jenna was seeing him, the temptation to break them up would be too great for Malfoy to resist. Forbidden fruit always tasted better than the ones available.

Once again, images of his Snape and his mother came to Harry's mind, just like they had when Jenna told him that she had kissed Malfoy. Snape and Lily had been childhood friends and if it wasn't for James, could have possibly even formed a relationship; Snape had loved Lily since the day he met her and Harry was pretty sure his Mum might have eventually reciprocated those feelings had it not been for Snape calling her a Mudblood in their fifth year. Then she got together with his father and their mutual hatred for each other grew as James had the one thing Snape always wanted.

Was Harry being silly, thinking of this? Yes, he had noticed certain similarities between Snape and Lily's relationship and his with Jenna. Both of them had known each other since childhood and his hate for James was equal to Harry's loathing of Malfoy. But Harry was with Jenna and he would never call her anything like that which could jeopardise their friendship, let alone their relationship. But still there, nagging in the back of Harry's mind, was the possibility that it could happen again as time had a habit of repeating itself; Harry would end up saying something that would end their relationship and Malfoy would come swooping in to pick up the pieces, not that Harry thought that was what James had done. It had been well over a year later when Lily finally gave James the time of day and didn't compare him to the giant squid.

Once he was certain he could answer without shouting, Harry looked up at her. Jenna had been watching him throughout, her blue eyes shimmering slightly, anxiously waiting his answer. The look in her eyes, he could see her concern … It hurt Harry to know he had caused her worry. He couldn't rise to Malfoy's taunts; he promised Jenna that he wouldn't start any trouble with Malfoy and he did not want to break that promise but the more Malfoy antagonised him, the harder it was for Harry to keep it. However, Harry couldn't stand to hurt Jenna like that by betraying her trust. He never wanted to see that pain a second time, not after the last time that happened back at Shell Cottage. Harry couldn't bare to see Jenna get hurt like that again.

'It's nothing,' he replied. 'I just – this keeping our relationship secret. It's getting to me, that's all.'

Jenna sighed then moved closer to him. She wrapped her arms round his neck, Harry wrapping his own round her waist. He looked down on her. She had her eyes closed as she nestled into him, her chest lightly rising and falling in time with his; she fitted so perfectly in his arms. Harry never wanted to let her go. Next, Jenna lifted her face so that her lips touched his in a gentle kiss. Harry responded and brought her closer, a small feeling of relief sweeping through him at her soft touch. Jenna was his one weakness and Malfoy knew this; take Jenna away and Harry would be nothing without her.

'I know,' she whispered, breaking the kiss. 'I'm sorry.'

'Don't be,' Harry told her. 'I said I'd do this for you. I won't break my promise.'

Jenna smiled up at him then proceeded to kiss him again. It surprised Harry slightly; they were standing on the path up to Hogwarts in the open … and Jenna was kissing him. Her arms went round his neck and there seemed to be a slightly urgency in her touch. It didn't faze him and Harry responded. He held Jenna close to his body with his arms round his waist. He lifted his hand to Jenna's hair, releasing it from it's clip so he could run his fingers through it.

A soft moan escaped from Jenna's throat. A rush of excitement instantly went through Harry's veins, his pulse increasing, and he deepened the kiss; his skin was so sensitive that the lightest touch of her fingertips on his chest beneath his shirt felt like it was magnified. Jenna granted him entrance when his tongue touched her lips. Her cool breath mixed with his own, the taste of Butterbeer still in her mouth. Harry trailed his hand back down from her hair across her bare shoulder, down her waist towards her rear, his hips pressing into hers. A strong rush of ecstasy shot through Harry's entire body centring most powerfully in his lower body.

She's so beautiful, thought Harry. So … so enticing, so tempting, so –

-o-

I waited anxiously for Harry's response. Eventually he looked at me.

'It's nothing,' he replied. 'I just – this keeping our relationship secret. It's getting to me, that's all.'

A sigh escaped my throat. I knew it had to be getting at Harry by now, and with Malfoy always appearing around me these days, it must be all Harry could do to keep his self-control. I felt so bad for ever requesting Harry did this. I moved closer and put my arms round Harry's neck in a hug, burying my face into his shoulder. Harry's arms went round me too, removing any remaining space between our bodies. That familiar feeling of safety I got when I was in his arms arose and I looked up at him. His green eyes gazed down on me.

Not caring about who could see us I tilted my head and touched my lips to his. It only lasted a few seconds before I pulled away.

'I know,' I breathed. I snuggled closer in an effort to show him how sorry I was for making him do this. 'I'm sorry.'

'Don't be,' said Harry. 'I said I'd do this for you. I won't break my promise.'

A small smile appeared on my face at Harry's response. He was so good to me. I instantly leaned up and kissed him again. A strange feeling shot through my veins the moment my lips touched his the second time. A need started in me, the need to feel him against me, to kiss Harry more. I pulled myself closer to him, quickening the pace of our kisses because of this unfamiliar desperation. I felt my hair be released from its confines by Harry followed by his fingers running through it. The passion he kissed me with was immense and soon a moan escaped my throat.

Harry deepened the kiss. I felt his tongue touch my lips. My need seemed to increase within seconds and I automatically responded by granting him passage. His warm breath mixed with mine and his tongue ran over the roof of my mouth. I brought my arm from around his neck and placed it on his chest. My fingers trailed down until I found the bottom of Harry's t-shirt. I grinned through the kiss. I slipped my hand beneath it, my fingertips tracing the contours of his chest; his muscles tensed slightly from my touch. Harry's hand moved from my hair to my shoulder. His skin felt rough against my own but comforting nonetheless. It ran down my arm to my waist and round my body. I felt the slightest pressure and my hips pressed against Harry's.

Nothing could possibly ruin this perfect moment I was sharing with Harry. That is, until he pulled away.

-o-

Harry's eyes snapped open and he broke the kiss. An odd flush appeared in his cheeks as a heat rose from under his collar which had nothing to do with the sun that was shining in the sky. He felt very aware all of a sudden of Jenna's body being pressed next to his and his jeans felt oddly a bit tighter than usual. This wasn't the first time it had happened but certainly the first time it had ever happened when Harry was in this position. It wasn't what he thought it was, was it? The heat instantly increased at the thought.

Jenna moved back to look at him.

'Harry? Are you OK?'

Harry swallowed, his throat surprisingly dry. When Jenna had moved back the pressure released slightly as her hips were no longer pushing against his. He loosened his grip around her slightly having not realised he'd frozen from the surprise.

'Yeah,' he eventually managed to say. Harry stepped back from Jenna to give himself a little more space. 'It's getting quite hot, isn't it?' he then said.

Jenna glanced into the sky then mumbled, 'Yeah, it is a bit.'

'Reckon they'll be serving lunch yet in the Great Hall?' Harry continued. Anything so he could get back to the castle and relieve that last bit of pressure. Jenna laughed.

'You're so like Ron,' she said, 'always thinking of your stomach.'

It's not my stomach I'm thinking of, thought Harry.

'I guess so,' Jenna continued, unaware of the thoughts rushing through Harry's head. 'If we hurry the Hall won't be too full yet.'

Jenna turned away and started up the last of the path towards the bridge. Harry let out the breath he'd been holding in at the idea of Jenna realising why he'd suddenly tensed at her touch and followed. The sooner he got to a bathroom, the better.

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AN: yes i know it's been a long time since i updated but you can kill me later after you've read and reviewed the chapter. it was difficult to show James' characteristics in Harry without detracting from his usual character and plus i had to choose whether to make it one or two chapters. the continuation of this will be in the next chapter, still in Harry's POV as James' characteristics truly come out. also, i've added a piccy of what i believe Jenna would look like if she was real. it's on my homepage under random pics if you want to see it