His Black Rose Chapter 7: Characteristics or Curses, a harry potter fanfic

AN: just a general warning, from here on out it's going to be getting more into the M rated stuff in a couple of chapters or so be aware. Harry's growing up now. he's not always going to be as innocent as he was.

Chapter 7

Characteristics or Curses

A week had passed since the Hogsmeade visit. After they got back to the castle that day, Harry managed to excuse himself long enough so he could sort out his little problem that occurred before joining Jenna at the Gryffindor table for lunch. Jenna seemed none the wiser to what had happened when he was kissing her to which Harry was heartily relieved as it meant he avoided any awkward questions about the sudden sensitivity to his lower body he developed at the time. He was pretty sure he'd gotten away with it so Harry was able to relax with the knowledge Jenna didn't know the increased affect she was now possibly having on him. It wasn't that Harry felt embarrassed by it. Only that it didn't exactly come at a good time.

Work was steadily beginning to pile up again for Harry as it had in previous years as their lessons got more advanced. Hermione indeed proved to be right when she stated at the beginning of the year that they had a lot of work to catch up on in class. As seventh years, you were now expected to use non-verbal spells in all your lessons and that even included the ones you had not done before. It certainly proved tricky for Harry who had so far not quite yet perfected the art of non-verbal magic apart from on a few select spells and charms and it seemed it was easier in some lessons than it was in others.

For instance in Charms where they were studying conjuring, it wasn't so much what you said that helped you conjure the object you were after, more the thought process behind it; so long as you had a clear view in your mind of what you wanted to appear then you didn't need to worry about whether or not you could do it without muttering something in a low breath. However, in something like Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts where there were still new spells to be learnt for the different topics they were studying, it was very hard to resist saying the spell both out loud and in your head. Needless to say, Harry was one of the few who received extra practice along with the essay Professor McGonagall had set on Concealment Charms in that Tuesday's lesson. Least when Ron was still here, they'd both have extra homework and could do it together.

Bloody Ron, not coming back, thought Harry silently as he left with Hermione and Jenna at the end of the lesson.

His earlier thought of time repeating itself also seemed true as Harry now joined Hermione and Jenna in the library after school more often than he used to when he was lower down in the school. If Ron had been here, they certainly wouldn't be studying in the library, that's for sure. Of course, with Ron's influence, Harry probably wouldn't even be doing his homework the day it was set but doing it the day before it was due in like he used to. They weren't the only seventh years to be found in the library. Both people from their year and the year below including Ginny could be seen in the library both at lunch and after school either doing homework or extra research for their next class. With their final exams at the end of the year, it appeared to Harry that all the students were taking their last year seriously. Harry knew it was for the best but it did put a downer on things quite a bit, spending every free minute he had in the library then having patrols late at night. Privately Harry even wondered if James, Marauder and prank extraordinaire, had managed to knuckle down in his final year. He'd never asked James what he got in his NEWTs.

Speaking of his father, that Friday Harry received a reply to the question he'd sent James after his last letter. It had mentioned at the end that he had a lot of inherent traits in him along with something James called "the Potter Curse". Intrigued, Harry had sent Ebony back asking what exactly the Potter Curse was and James's reply was certainly surprising.

Ah, the Potter Curse. I knew you'd be interested by that little trait. Potters are naturally curious amongst other
things to say the least.

In every generation of Potters there has been at least one son born to the family and always with the same
features: black messy hair and normally needing glasses. And in every generation, they have always fallen in
love with a woman who had red hair. Sounds strange, I know, but it's true. My mother was a redhead in her
youth, as was her mother and so on. I don't know what it is nor can I really explain it but every Potter male
seems unable to resist the attraction towards these kind of women and one way or another, whether destined or
doomed, they ended up marrying a woman with red hair. Like I said in my last letter, it was part of the reason I
fell in love with your Mum though I personally think the Potter Curse is just some story my father made up.

I shouldn't let any of this worry you, Harry. It's just some story and there's not really much concrete evidence to
safely say that all Potter men will only fall in love with redheads. Though we are from a pure-blood family, it took
years before the Potter-line actually started. We only know of the last four generations of Potters or so. Don't let
it bother you otherwise I think Lily will come after me knowing I mentioned it to you. And Jenna for that matter.

Hope that helped.
Dad.

Now in his time Harry had heard a lot of absurd things (admittedly mostly from Luna) but this had to be the strangest of all. Potter men being doomed to marry only redheads? How can one family bloodline be able to only fall in love with women with a certain hair colour? And if it was true, how was it Harry was in love with Jenna? Sure, he'd dated a redhead before and found her attractive; he'd dated Ginny and she was both a redhead and attractive but Harry didn't fall in love with her. He fell in love with Jenna. She was the one he wanted to be with and she most certainly didn't have red hair. Harry folded James's letter, a smirk on his face. The Potter Curse was just an old tale which had no merit to it. No redhead was ever going to get in between him and Jenna. It was a simple as that. As for the other thing that seemed determined to get between them, well lets just say that Harry had a plan if Malfoy tried anything with Jenna any time soon.

That weekend brought the first Quidditch match of the season, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. It was also Jenna's first match and she was more than a little bit nervous about it. Between her studies and her Head Girl duties, Jenna was constantly out on the Quidditch pitch as Ginny booked the pitch every night of the week leading up to the match so Jenna had very little time to herself. And as was expected, the usual rivalries between the two House began to creep up again as the match drew closer except this time it was much more restrained than in the past. Before you would see members of the Slytherin team attempting to hex the Gryffindor players in the corridors; now it was only mild taunts that were slung about between the teams. Least it didn't have as much of an effect on Jenna like it did Ron before his first Quidditch match. In fact, it was more the reverse. Instead of getting more pale as nerves crept in and not wanting to play, it just made Jenna stress out more about not messing it up.

On the Friday night before the match, Harry came back from the library to find Jenna sitting in the corner of their common room pouring over one of her essays. Her long hair was still in its messy plait from practice while her eyes seemed tired and dead as she stared at the parchment in front of her. He'd been wondering where she'd been after practice when she said she'd meet him and Hermione in the library afterwards but had never turned up. He walked over to her, placing his bag on the opposite chair with a dull thump. Jenna looked up when she heard it.

'Oh, hey,' she said quietly.

'Hey, where've you been?' Harry asked. He slid down beside Jenna in her chair and put his arm round her, gently kissing her temple. 'You didn't come to the library after practice. I was wondering where you were.'

Jenna stared at him for a moment, confused, then realised what he meant.

'Oh Merlin, I completely forgot,' said Jenna. 'Harry, I'm so sorry.'

'It's all right, you've got enough on your plate at the moment,' said Harry.

'No, it's not, I should have met you there but,' Jenna sighed. She glanced at her work in front of her. She'd only managed a quarter of her essay since she'd got back. 'I just, I got back from practice and I was really tired but I still had Flitwick's essay from yesterday's lesson to finish so I just sat down here to do it. Quidditch is really hard and takes up so much time. I don't know how you managed to deal with it along with everything else –'

Harry placed his finger on Jenna's lips to shush her. She looked at him but didn't say anything. Removing it, Harry leant forward and gently kissed her.

'I know it's stressful, Jen,' he told her. 'Trust me, been there, done that.' Jenna laughed albeit half-heartedly. 'You just need to relax for ten minutes or so,' said Harry. 'Just take a break.'

'Harry, I can't,' said Jenna. She pulled her essay towards her and picked up her quill again. 'This essay is due in on Monday and I can't do it tomorrow because of Quidditch and we've got that meeting on Sunday with McGonagall about the next Hogsmeade visit and I have today's work to do after that. Now's my only chance to do the essay.'

She's so stressed, Harry thought sympathetically, knowing fully well what she was going through having done it since his first year. She needs to relax.

'Jen, come on, ten minutes won't do any harm,' whispered Harry. He moved closer so his face was near her neck, his voice whispering into her ear. 'Just relax.'

Ever so softly, like back in the library, Harry traced his nose down Jenna's neck with his eyes closed, breathing in her scent. She always smelt wonderful. He repeated the action back up her neck again then gently pressed his lips to the skin just below Jenna's ear. He repeated this, trailing the light butterfly kisses down to the base of her neck then towards her pulse point. His tongue swirled over the sensitive spot.

'Harry,' warned Jenna. Harry grinned to himself and didn't stop, knowing Jenna would eventually weaken and relax like she needed to. He moved closer and wrapped his arm round her waist, his other hand running his fingers through her hair, 'Harry, I've got to finish this.'

Harry didn't listen. He could tell Jenna was beginning to weaken from the reluctance in her voice. The scratching of her quill began to slow until finally it stopped. Beneath his touch he could just feel her pulse begin to race. Jenna couldn't resist him any longer and she tilted her head back giving Harry better access to her throat. He shifted closer and continued his attentions on her pulse point, gently sucking and swirling his tongue on the sensitive area until, very gently, he marked her with his teeth. A soft moan came from Jenna, indicating she was enjoying Harry's attention. The creature in his chest let out a contented purr knowing that he was pleasing Jenna so much.

'You like?' Harry asked, pausing for barely a second before continuing the torturous kisses he was applying to her neck.

'Uh huh,' Jenna breathed, also nodding her head very slightly.

With this knowledge, Harry proceeded. He trailed the kisses back up her neck to her ear then along her jaw, torturing her as long as possible by refusing to kiss her lips. He kissed her jaw, her cheek, her closed eyes, even her nose, any part of her face apart from her pale lips. Jenna moved her face so her cheek brushed his. Her lips were so close, her warm breath making his skin tingle. The kisses stopped. Harry opened his eyes, turning his face just enough so he could see Jenna. Her eyes were lowered until she looked up from beneath her lashes. They sat there for a moment or two, their eyes locked, until Harry couldn't wait any longer. Placing his hand on the back of head, Harry brought her closer and pressed his lips against hers. His fingers tangled into her hair, the soft strands gliding through it. Jenna's arms wrapped around his neck so her body pressed into his.

It soon became apparent, as roomy as the chairs in their common room were, there was not enough room in the chair for Harry and Jenna to be doing what they were doing. Without breaking the kiss they rose from the seat, Harry's arms going round Jenna to bring her closer. Just like before that rush of excitement Harry had first felt in Hogsmeade shot through him. A strange heat rose in his body, Harry's pulse increasing the longer he and Jenna kissed, his hands tracing the curves of her body. This was pure heaven for him. Jenna's body pressing into his, her hands on his chest before going under his shirt to lift it off, his body reacting instantly to her touch –

-o-

'Jen, come on,' whispered Harry, right into my ear. Shivers instantly ran up my spine as he used that powerful voice again, the one I couldn't resist. I silently damned him but I wouldn't give in. 'Ten minutes won't do any harm. Just relax.'

I did my best to ignore him by writing another sentence or two on my roll of parchment. But then Harry just had to go and trace his nose along my neck, like he did in the library a while back. A jolt of electricity shot through my veins as I felt his warm breath on my neck, his nose brushing my neck up and down until he gently kissed me.

Don't give in, Jenna, I thought to myself. Don't give – Oh Merlin! Now he was kissing my neck!

'Harry,' I warned him. I know he was trying to get me to relax and all but I just didn't have the time. The kisses continued down my neck until they reached my pulse point . His hand touched my waist until it sneaked round, his arm bringing me closer to him, while the other ran through my hair. 'Harry, I've got to finish this,' I told him again though now even I was very unwilling to continue my essay while Harry was doing what he was doing.

I tried to ignore Harry's attentions but I was finding it increasingly difficult. My pulse was starting to race and my mind was beginning to wander as Harry's lips brushed against my skin. I closed my eyes to try and concentrate only to find that it made me want it even more. I tilted my head back giving Harry better access to my throat and I felt his kiss deepened, his tongue swirling over my pulse point. He continued this for a few seconds until I felt Harry's teeth press down lightly on my skin. My quill dropped from my fingers and I let out the moan that had been burning in my throat.

'You like?' asked Harry, stopping the kiss only long enough to ask this.

'Uh huh,' I breathed, just being able to nod as well.

It didn't stop there. After causing all sorts of sensations on my pulse point, Harry started to kiss his way back up my neck again. With every kiss it felt like my skin was burning, his hot kisses making my heart race. They continued, over my jaw, on my cheek, my eyelids, my nose. Harry was kissing me everywhere apart from my lips. I damned him slightly. I moved my face to try and catch his lips but my cheek merely grazed against his. That's when he stopped. I lifted my eyes just enough to look at him. Harry gazed back, his green eyes full of the warmth I'd become so accustomed to seeing. Unable to wait, I moved forwards and kissed him fully on the mouth as he brought me closer. His hand tangled into my hair as he held me to him, my own fingers touching up his cheeks before I wrapped my arms round his neck, unwilling to let him go until I was satisfied.

Somehow, I don't know how, Harry and I managed to get up from the chair so we were standing in the middle of the room. Our lips never parted, instead our bodies pressing tighter together when Harry's arms brought me closer. That need started in me again the longer we were like this. I responded to Harry, hungry for more. I loosened my grip and ran my hands down his chest. They found the ends of his shirt. Slowly I gathered it in my fingers and lifted it up. We broke the kiss long enough to remove Harry's shirt, Harry instantly recapturing my lips while my hands roved his now exposed chest.

-o-

Harry gasped, breaking the kiss. He shuddered as he felt the strain of his trousers and the sudden pressure that had gathered in his lower body, his chest heaving as he fought to regain control of his heartbeat. Harry could feel the flush in his cheeks from the heat that had risen between him and Jenna as they kissed. Once again her body had made his react in ways it never had before, resulting in this sudden growth in his trousers. Instantly Harry stepped back from Jenna, stumbling backwards from her. He looked at her for any sign that she'd noticed; Jenna stood in front of him, panting slightly from before, staring at him with a confused look in her blue eyes.

'Harry?' she breathed. 'What –?'

'I'm sorry!' burst Harry, cutting her off. She'd felt it, that was the only possible thing she could be asking about, she must have felt it! 'I don't know what came over me. I just … I couldn't stop it.'

Jenna swallowed and nodded. Next, Jenna approached him slowly, one step at a time. Her eyes never left his. Jenna raised her hand and gently touched his cheek. Her fingers brushed it lightly but still it caused all sorts of sensations to go through Harry; his whole body reacted to her touch, the pressure increasing to an almost unbearable amount.

'I've got to go.'

Harry turned and sprinted up the stairs to his dormitory leaving Jenna alone in the common room. He closed the door behind him and stood with his back to it. His breathing was still irregular as his pulse jumped. His entire lower body ached and the small strain of his trousers was starting to get too much to bear. Harry leant his head back against the door and closed his eyes. He fought to clear his mind of what had just happened. Of Jenna's hands stroking his body, her warm skin touching his, her hot breath mixing with his own in their passionate kisses. A groan rose in Harry's throat as he felt himself stir again. He forced it back, willing himself not to succumb to it. It was too soon. He couldn't start thinking of Jenna in that way yet. It would scare her. But already a part inside him had submitted to the idea of Jenna in that way and the more he denied it, the worse it got.

-o-

All of a sudden Harry broke the kiss. I opened my eyes to see him stumble back from me, his eyes wide and panting hard. I too was quite out of breath from the kissing; Harry and I had never kissed that fiercely before and yet, I'd been OK with Harry's eagerness. I stared at him. What happened? Why did he suddenly push me away? He didn't look at me, his eyes darting anywhere in the common room apart from at me. His face was oddly flushed as if he'd just been running or something. After a few moments he looked up at me.

'Harry?' I breathed, my throat quite dry. 'What –?'

'I'm sorry!' burst Harry, cutting me off. I started slightly. Why was Harry apologising? And why did he sound like he'd just done something wrong? 'I don't know what came over me. I just … I couldn't stop it.'

I swallowed, my breathing now having returned to normal, and nodded though I honestly didn't have a clue what was going on. Braving it, I took a slow step towards Harry. He watched silently. I stopped in front of him. I looked straight into his eyes searching for the answer I needed. His eyes were clouded though and they hid what I wanted to know. Hesitantly I raised my hand and touched his cheek to reassure him that everything was OK but as soon as my skin brushed his, Harry backed away from me again.

'I've got to go,' said Harry before running to the stairs and disappearing up them. I watched, shocked that my touch could make Harry act like that. What was going on? Why was Harry pulling away from me like that? Had I done something? What was making him react like that? Did he … did he not want me to touch him like that anymore? Was he not enjoying it anymore? Question after question ran through my head as I tried to comprehend what had happened and I could only reach one conclusion, one that made my heart sink.

The next day I woke up as soon as the sun shone through my curtains having not been able to sleep. I tossed and turned all night as what happened down in the common room kept replaying itself in my head. How Harry had kissed me but then pulled away from my touch afterwards. It was like he couldn't bare to be touched by me. But why I couldn't understand. Harry had never reacted like that before. What was making him do that? A disheartened feeling spread through me at the thought. Was I no longer attractive to Harry? Was it that which made Harry pull away?

Because of this all thoughts of my impending Quidditch match were pushed from my mind and I didn't have space to be nervous about it. I got up and dressed and went down to the common room to see if Harry was waiting there for me. However, he wasn't there. I went and checked his room but he wasn't in there either. That was strange; Harry was never up this early. Picking up the piece of parchment lying on his floor, I let his room and the Tower. When I got to the Great Hall I saw Harry indeed was there sitting with Hermione, Neville and Ginny. He didn't notice me. Braving it I walked over to the Gryffindor table and took the spare seat next to him. Even sitting beside him seemed to have an adverse effect on him. I slid into the seat, my body just brushing his, and I felt Harry tense away.

Just ignore it, Jenna, I told myself. The unhappiness inside me though deepened.

-o-

Harry woke early the next day from his dreams, very … sensual dreams involving Jenna to (put it mildly), a cold sweat trailing down his back. The events of last night were still fresh in his mind and were still effecting his body in a way he wish it wouldn't. Least this time Jenna wasn't here to see it which was a good thing; he did not want her knowing he was thinking of her in that way. Getting up, Harry went into the bathroom to have a cold shower to calm himself, then getting dressed and heading down to breakfast. He didn't want to wake Jenna quite yet as she needed to be focused for the match.

Harry walked into the Great Hall to see it was already starting to fill up with students eager to see the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match. His eyes scanned the Gryffindor table for the person he was looking for. Hermione sat about halfway down the table engrossed in a copy of the Daily Prophet she was reading. Neither Neville or Ginny were with her, a great relief for Harry. He didn't want to be asking her about his problem with Ginny around. He could only begin to imagine the jokes he'd get from her. Quickly Harry walked over to the Gryffindor table and took the seat next to Hermione's. She looked up when she heard him.

'Morning,' she said cheerfully. 'You're up early, even for a Quidditch match.'

'I couldn't sleep,' said Harry carefully. He poured himself a goblet of pumpkin juice and took a sip. Glancing out the corner of his eye, Harry saw Hermione had gone back to her paper. The noise level in the Hall was steadily increasing as more people appeared. He'd have to ask her now otherwise he wouldn't get another chance. 'Hermione, can I ask you something?' Harry said, trying to sound casual.

Hermione looked up from her paper, a curious look on her face.

'Yes, of course,' she replied. 'What's the problem?'

Harry made to answer but no noise came out. He didn't know how to phrase his question. Hermione raised her eyebrows at him.

'Is something the matter?'

'No,' said Harry. 'It's just I … I kind of need your advice on something.'

'Oh?' Hermione gave him a surprised look. 'What kind of advice?'

'You and Ron,' continued Harry. 'Have you ever been in a position where Ron has –'

'Oh, it's one of these questions,' mused Hermione, looking away.

'What d'you mean by that?' asked Harry.

'I'm not saying anything,' shrugged Hermione. She wouldn't look at him, instead going back to her paper. 'This is something you've got to work out on your own, Harry. I can't tell you what you're supposed to do or feel in this situation. But in answer to your question, yes Ron has had one of them with me before.'

'Right,' said Harry though he knew perfectly well he didn't have a clue what to do.

Neville and Ginny soon joined them as the table started to fill up. A little after them Harry saw Jenna enter the Hall as well. His eyes flicked up when she came in. She was glancing over the table, her eyes soon finding him. Harry looked away.

Don't even think it, he told himself. He took a deep breath to steady himself. Just keep calm and don't think of her in that way.

'Morning guys,' said Jenna as she approached where they sat.

'Hey, Jen,' replied Ginny. 'Ready for the match?'

'I guess so.'

Jenna sat down in the seat that was free next to Harry. Her arm very gently brushed his and Harry tensed. Harry's breath caught in his throat and he slid very slightly away from her, hoping she hadn't noticed. It didn't appear so as she continued to chat with Ginny about the match. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry glanced at her. He kept them focused on her face as she spoke to make it look like he was listening. But soon they began to wander. First to her pale lips, then the soft skin of her neck, lower towards her –

Stop it! Harry reprimanded himself as images from his dream flooded his mind again. Of Jenna lying beneath him, her body exposed and – Stop tempting me!

It's only natural for you to feel like this, said the creature's voice. You're a guy. Of course you're going to be sexually attracted to her.

We've only been together five months, it's too soon. I don't want to be thinking of her in that way. It'll scare her.

In what way? As someone who you can imagine sharing yourself with? As someone you want to have sex with? What's wrong with that?

Don't say that! I – I can't sleep with her! Sirius would kill me! Besides, she's probably not even ready to have that kind of relationship with me. How would I even know if she wants to … Harry cringed slightly as he thought of it … to sleep with me.

You've just got to pace yourself. Up the passion a little more. Do more than kiss like stroking her body, maybe a little fondling if she's all right with it. This'll let her know you want to step things up a notch and she can respond. It'll be a matter of time before you're in bed together and –

Shut up!

Harry silenced the voice inside his head, the creature growling inside his chest as he suppressed it. Now being definitely aware that Jenna was affecting him in that way, he'd just have to be careful whenever he kissed her so as not to lose control. He didn't want to scare her. Luckily he was saved having to think of it any longer as Demelza came and sat down with him and the others. Like Ginny, Demelza was positively beaming at the prospect of getting out on to the Quidditch pitch. Her auburn hair was drawn back into a ponytail and her eyes beamed with enjoyment. Good, a distraction from his thoughts. Just what he needed.

'Hey, Demz,' said Harry cheerfully. 'I take it you're looking forward to the match?'

'You bet, Harry,' said Demelza eagerly. 'I've been looking forward to this since the team list was put up. I can't wait to show Slytherin what Gryffindor is made of.'

Harry laughed.

'Don't get too cocky,' he warned her. 'Slytherin won't go easy on you.'

'Oh, please, how hard can they be?' said Demelza. 'We've beaten them in the past. We can do it again.'

Harry smirked at Demelza's boldness. He'd faced Slytherin many times before and never had they gone easy because they were playing Gryffindor. That was the match when all their dirty tricks came out. But Demelza had a certain over-confidence when it came to Quidditch, something Harry had seen in many other players in his time like Oliver and Angelina Johnson, past Quidditch Captains for Gryffindor. At the rate she was going, he could see her becoming Captain too when he and Ginny had left.

She is a good flyer, he reasoned with himself. If it was up to me, I would certainly put her as Captain once Ginny and I are gone.

'Whatever you say, Demelza,' shrugged Harry. 'Just don't say I didn't warn you when one of them sends a Bludger at you and tries to knock you off your broom.'

At nine o'clock the entire school walked down towards the Quidditch stadium for the match, Ginny and Jenna separating to go to the Gryffindor changing rooms to get into their robes. Harry, Hermione and Neville wished them luck then took their seats in the stands, Harry also giving Jenna a quick kiss to reassure her. His lips pressed against hers for only a few seconds but when he felt Jenna's hand on his chest, her pulled away; that was one of things Harry was certain would make him stir. Jenna gave him a strange look when he did so but Harry just smiled. As she turned away though, he noticed a strange look in her eye as she stared at him before walking off. Harry swallowed. She wasn't realising what was happening was she? No, she would have said something if she'd felt anything down there. Harry shook his head and followed Hermione up into the stands.

-o-

Through breakfast Harry didn't say one word to me, instead talking to Demelza. I watched silently as his attention was held by her until Professor McGonagall announced it was time for the match. Every so often he grinned at her, the same grin he always used on me whenever he wanted something, a kiss normally. A twinge went through my stomach and I looked away, disheartened even more.

At nine, we walked down to the pitch together where we separated, me and Ginny so we could get changed and Harry, Hermione and Neville to the stands. They wished us luck before turning for the stands, Harry giving me a soft kiss as well. For that brief moment my previous thoughts seemed to be overreactions but when I touched his chest, Harry pulled back. I gave him a strange look but he just smiled and walked away. I watched as he did so then walked into the changing room. I pulled on my robes and grabbed my broomstick, following the others on to the pitch. We were greeted by the usual loud cheers of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Looking round the stands I found where Harry was. I then looked away, knowing what I'd guessed appeared to be right.

The Slytherin team stood opposite us. One of the bulkier members of Slytherin Ginny appeared to know was the Team Captain. He smirked broadly as he and Ginny shook hands, his blatantly gripping hers more than he should. The rest of the team stood smugly behind him except one. Malfoy, dressed in his green Quidditch robes, stood there with his eyes directed at the ground. He was still on the team? Evidently so, I guess. At Madam Hooch's instruction we mounted our brooms and the match began.

Playing in a Quidditch match was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. It was so fast paced. One minute I'd be receiving a pass from Ginny, the next I'd be tackling one of the Slytherin team to regain possession of the Quaffle before flying up to the other end of the pitch to score a goal. The cheers of the crowd were so loud you could barely hear what your team mates were shouting at you. Several times I heard Ginny shout instructions out to me but I couldn't concentrate enough to hear her properly. Instead I tried to focus on where she and Leo were flying about, looking for an opportunity to pass to them. Failing that, I was doing my best to dodge the Bludgers as I flew towards the goal to score. Quaffle under my arm, I saw one of the lardy Slytherins come at me to tackle. Instantly I implemented one of the strategies Ginny had developed.

'Leo!' I shouted as loud as I could to him. The Slytherin was metres in front of me. Leo looked up at me. 'Catch!'

I had to time this right. I feinted the pass as the Slytherin tackled me. The force of his attacked knocked me sideways like it was meant to. Keeping a firm grip on my broom handle, I allowed myself to swing beneath it, throwing the Quaffle properly at the same time over to Leo from below my broom. The Quaffle went in an arch and Leo caught it, flying onwards to the goal. Looking straight while still upside-down, I righted myself just in time as a Bludger shot passed where my head had previously been. I let out a breath, glad that was over. Ginny and her strategies.

I wasn't aware of how much time had passed since the match had started, only that it was one hundred and thirty-seventy to Slytherin. They were playing their old dirty tricks again, mercilessly sending Bludgers our way to steal the Quaffle from us and prevent us scoring. I already had a bruised arm from when one of the Beaters hit a Bludger at me as I was about to score. It appeared some things never changed.

I wasn't following the commentary at all, only listening in case it brought up the score. I was completely focused on not screwing this up. So far I'd only scored two goals, Leo had scored one, and Ginny had scored the rest. My attention had only been diverted once when Alison shot passed me on Malfoy's tail. They flew the length of the pitch before Malfoy's speed slowed and he pulled up and away from the path he'd been following. Next moment, Madam Hooch's whistle let out a shrill blast. Looking up I saw Ginny had called a time-out. I turned my broom and followed the rest of the team down to the ground.

'We're down sixty points,' said Ginny once we were all gathered. 'We can't score as long as they use their dirty cheating to get the Quaffle but we also can't let them score anymore either. We have to catch the Snitch as soon as possible and to do that we need to make a tactical substitute.

'Jenna.' Ginny looked over at me; I started slightly, worried at what she was planning. 'I want you and Alison to switch places and you to go against Malfoy for the Snitch.'

'What?' I gasped. 'What's that going to do? Alison hasn't trained to score goals. You'll be down a Chaser.'

'But I'll have a better Seeker,' said Ginny. 'I know it's a risk but Alison hasn't had enough practice to challenge an experienced Seeker as Malfoy whereas you have.' I didn't like the sound of this. 'You can match his speed and skill better than any of us can. So long as we can keep preventing Slytherin from getting the Quaffle or scoring, then it won't matter if Alison can't score. And as I'm team Captain, what I say goes and I say you're to go in as Seeker.'

It looked like I didn't have a choice. So, when the whistle blew again and the commentator announced the substitution, I got back on my broom and began circling the pitch. My eyes scanned everywhere looking for the tiny ball while below me blurs of red and green flew from one end to the other of the pitch. Time seemed to go slower now I wasn't in the main action of the game and I started to listen to the commentary more. A familiar voice appeared to be the commentator.

'The question is will Weasley's substitution of inexperienced Brookes pay off, placing Black as Seeker,' said the voice of Zacharias Smith. I groaned when I realised. I couldn't believe that stuck up Hufflepuff had come back this year. 'While Black may have skill in attracting the opposite sex, I doubt her skills on a broom are as good. Like I said, this is her first time actually playing in a match and her lack of skill could cost Gryffindor the match, not like they aren't losing already with the score at one hundred and thirty to ninety.'

Why that little –!

I was instantly drawn away from Smith's commentary as a flash of gold appeared in the middle of the pitch. I shot off after it, the Snitch flying off when it realised it was being chased. And I wasn't the only one after it. In a matter of seconds Malfoy was at my side, his arm outstretched to reach for the Snitch. We followed the erratic pattern of the Snitch around the pitch level with each other. I reached as far forwards as I could, pushing my broom to go faster to make up the difference in length between my arm and Malfoy's. I was barely a foot away from it. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Malfoy glance at me. I focused and sped up. Just a little further. My fingers just brushed the cold metal.

'Potter has to learn.' I gasped when I heard Malfoy's voice in my ear as I grabbed the Snitch from under his fingers. 'Forbidden fruit always tastes better.'

I pulled my broom round to face him, only to see Malfoy was already flying back to the ground. What did he mean "forbidden fruit always tastes better"? I didn't have time to think about it though as I heard the whistle blow in the distance and I was suddenly enveloped by the rest of the Gryffindor team, Ginny screaming with joy that we'd won. I glanced at my hand to see the Snitch fluttering helplessly in it. I released it and it zoomed back to the box it was kept in.

As usual there was a party held in Gryffindor common room for winning the match but my mind was still distracted by Malfoy's comment. Forbidden fruit always tastes better. What had he meant by that? And why did he say that Harry needs to learn this? I sat in our favourite chairs in the corner of the common room, my arms folded, watching the progression of the party as I thought this through. My eyes went over the room not taking much in as my mind tried to work out what Malfoy had meant. As I scanned the room I saw Harry standing by the staircase chatting with Demelza again. I watched silently, my mind now focused on this and Malfoy's comment lay forgotten.

Why is Harry always talking to Demelza? I thought, a strange feeling growing in my stomach. He's always talking to her at meals and stuff, like earlier today. I watched as Harry laughed at something Demelza said, that grin on his face again. A twinge went through me. I shook myself. I was imagining things, I had to be. That letter I found lying on Harry's dormitory floor was just a silly note from James. There was no such thing as the "Potter Curse"; it was just some superstition of the Potter family. There was no truth behind it. So why was it bothering me so much? Needing some space, I left the party and returned to the Tower on my own.

Things didn't get any easier as the term progressed. The wintry November air set in and the castle was buried in a blanket of snow, something the new first years found very exciting. Every break and lunch you'd hear them out in the courtyard or in the grounds shouting and having snowball fights or building snowmen. Lessons were getting harder as we progressed deeper into our final year and the teachers were certainly not as lenient as they used to be on late homework. Harry finally got round to restarting the DA again mid-October and seeing all those students from the fourth year up appear at the Great Hall made me understand why Harry had been unwilling to do so, there were loads of them. I didn't realise the DA had become so popular. Also a second Hogsmeade visit happened on the first weekend of November allowing all the students to go out and do some Christmas shopping. I went down to the village with Harry, Hermione, Neville and Ginny and bought my presents for my parents and Remus, Dora and Teddy; Harry's I was waiting until I had the chance to go to Diagon Alley for. It was in Hogsmeade that I got more confirmation of how Harry felt towards me.

Since the incident in the common room, kissing Harry had become more of a challenge than a natural thing we did on a whim. He'd get all tense whenever we kissed and on more than one occasion something would happen like my hair being caught on his cuff or him treading on my toes as he moved closer to me. Other times, Harry was like a completely different person, confident and passionate like he'd always been, sometimes a little more so than I was used to. And every time we went a little further than we had before, Harry pulled back from me.

This time was no different. We'd excused ourselves from the others to go have a look at the Shrieking Shack, you know just for old times sake as it was our parents' old hangout. We'd walked in silence through the snow and gone inside for a look around. It didn't feel strange at all, standing in the house where so many times Remus had run wild as a werewolf, nor that we were in the room where I first laid eyes on my Dad, Harry also threatening to kill him. Ah, the memories.

Anyway, as I looked around I felt Harry's fingers gently brush mine. I looked at him to see the warm smile on his face he always had when he was gazing at me. I instantly blushed. Harry moved closer to me next, his hand tilting my face to his, and we kissed. His hands cupped my face, his skin warm on mine, while I let my fingers brush his cheek. It seemed like it always did. The kiss deepened and I let Harry know I was enjoying it, a soft moan escaping me. I lifted my free hand and rested it on Harry's waist. Next moment, Harry pulled back like he did in the common room. He stood there for a moment or two before suggesting we went back to find the others. He turned and left leaving me no choice but to follow, the disheartened feeling spreading through me again.

Meanwhile back at the castle Harry and I had many more duties as the Christmas holidays approached, one being the luxurious task of helping the teachers and prefects decorate and with Peeves floating about, that wasn't an easy task. He loved picking up the baubles and chucking them at us so they exploded at our feet or grabbing the tinsel someone was using and playing keep-away with it, floating higher and higher until they could reach it. Soon the castle was its usual festive-self with garlands of holly lining the staircases; fake snow framed the glass in the windows while more dusted the sill; sprigs of mistletoe had been hung in strategic places all round the castle which I was pretty sure had something to do with the female prefects as I certainly hadn't hung any; and the twelve Christmas trees standing in the Great Hall. The suits of armour singing Christmas carols though still freaked me out though after seven years you'd think I'd be used to it now.

By now I'd almost forgotten about Malfoy's comment to me during the Quidditch match. It was only after Friday's double Potions class that I remembered what he had said when another serious confrontation between him and Harry occurred. It came as no surprise to me that Harry now watched Malfoy very closely after their last argument in Hogsmeade, nor that he was doing so today. Taking my usual seat next to Malfoy, I sat and listened as Slughorn told us which potions we had to brew. Today we had to prepare the antidote that was used to cure someone who was under the influence of a love potion, something Ron certainly would have needed back in sixth year. I got on with it in silence knowing Harry was watching us while Malfoy prepared the ingredients, every so often glancing at my book to check I was doing it right. The lesson passed without a hitch and as our potion didn't take the full lesson to brew, we were allowed to leave early. Walking past Harry at the back, I told him and Hermione I'd meet them in the courtyard at break.

I left the dungeons and walked back up to the entrance hall. Now that it was November the weather here was getting colder all the students had started wearing their scarves and gloves both in and outside the castle as it was so cold. This gave Harry the idea to ask the house-elves down in the kitchens to provide the students with hot chocolate at break in the Great Hall if they wanted it. They were more than happy to oblige and so now every break you'd see a bunch of students huddled round the grounds with steaming mugs of hot chocolate warming them up, not that many came out in the winter weather, preferring the common rooms. Today was no different so I went straight to the Great Hall to pick one up before going out into the grounds to wait for Harry and Hermione.

-o-

Malfoy watched from the entrance to the dungeons as Black went through the main doors out into the grounds. He followed but kept his distance from her. He watched as she drank her hot chocolate, her pale lips sucking in the liquid. Malfoy let out an irritated growl. Why was she still affecting him like this? Of all the people he could be attracted too, he just had to be attracted to the one damn person he wanted nothing to do with. But try as he might, Malfoy just couldn't keep away from her. She was like a drug to him and he had to get his fix. A number of times Malfoy wanted nothing more than to rip into Black like he used to but try as he might, Malfoy couldn't bring himself to insult her anymore. She brought out the better side of him that only came out when she was around and only she would see, everyone else believing him still to be a follower of the Dark Lord's beliefs. Malfoy didn't care anymore that he was shunned in his own House; all he cared about was what she thought of him. Why he cared so much though, Malfoy didn't know.

Then there was Potter. He should have known that by telling him to stay away from her would only make him want her more; denying someone of a girl that hot would only cause trouble. And the fact that it was pretty clear she and Potter were dating just gave him another advantage as not many people seemed to know, making the moment when Malfoy finally succeeded in breaking them up one he waited for.

-o-

I took refuge in the corner of the courtyard on a cold stone bench, my hot chocolate clasped in my hands. Taking a sip I savoured the hot liquid trickling down my throat, warming me up instantly. Once it was finished, I got up and put it in the bin by the main doors. I checked my watch to see there was only about five more minutes of the lesson left then Harry and Hermione would be out. Turning back to return to my seat I jumped when I saw someone standing right in front of me in the archway.

'Malfoy,' I gasped. He smirked when he saw my reaction. 'You really have a talent for sneaking up on people.'

'Quiet footsteps,' he shrugged. I nodded. I hadn't heard him come up behind me at all even though there was snow on the ground.

'So how's everything with you going?' I asked, making conversation. 'Haven't really seen you much since you and Harry had a fight in Hogsmeade, apart from class of course.'

'I wasn't picking the fight, he was,' said Malfoy. 'I just wanted some help with an essay. Only got an "A" on it in the end. Got a couple of the uses wrong.'

'Did you use the book?'

'Yeah but it didn't help much.'

I nodded and fell silent. I wasn't really sure what else to say but Malfoy provided the topic.

'So are you seriously dating Potter?' he asked me. I looked up at him. He was looking at me with a distinct look of disgust at the idea.

'I told you, that's none of your business,' I said, a hint of irritation in my voice. 'Who ever said anything about me dating him? You just assumed that I was. But what's it to do with you anyway?'

'Because you can do so much better than him,' Malfoy replied bluntly.

OK, what was it with guys and telling me whoever I was dating, I could do better. It was starting to piss me off now. First Harry had said it about Noah; now Malfoy, of all people, was saying it about Harry. It was my decision who I dated and it was nothing to do with anyone else. Besides, why would Malfoy be so interested in who I was dating anyway? He knew my answer so why did he care?

'And I suppose you think you're better for me?' I asked, raising an eyebrow. Malfoy didn't reply. 'I told you, Malfoy. I don't have feelings for you. If things had been different between us then maybe I might have been able to feel something but I can't, not after what you did. One thing you don't seem to get is that you have to earn forgiveness and so far there has been little evidence of you doing so since the war. Returning a book to me only then to go start a fight with Harry is not going to make me completely forgive for all you've done to me in the past. I haven't forgotten what you did during the battle when Ron punched you.'

'So you expect me to just get over them?' countered Malfoy aggressively.

'I didn't say that.'

'It's what you implied.'

'I implied nothing. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go meet Hermione and Harry.'

I turned away but Malfoy grabbed my wrist, pulling me back. He pushed me against the stone arch trapping me there with his body. I stared up at Malfoy as he stood over me, his eyes focused only on me. I took in a deep breath as he moved his face next to mine.

'You don't know what you do to me, Black,' Malfoy growled in a low voice. My breath caught in my throat at the sound of his voice. I glanced at him out the corner of my eye. I didn't know what to do. 'You don't realise the control you have over men. You don't realise how damn sexy you are.'

My heart jumped when he said that. I closed my eyes to block him out. I didn't want this conversation with him. It was only when I felt the distance between us increase that I braved opening them. Malfoy was looking above us; I followed his gaze to see a bunch of mistletoe hanging above us. I held in a groan. You had to be kidding me! I was going to kill those fifth year prefects! Malfoy looked down on me, his face neutral.

'One kiss,' he said. 'That's all I ask for. Just one kiss.'

I stared at Malfoy, unable to speak, my lips slightly open from shock. I just stood there frozen as Malfoy closed the gap between us, my eyes following his every moment until his lips touched mine.

-o-

Over the coming weeks since the Quidditch match, Harry's problems only seemed to increase. Now whenever he was in a possibly intimate situation with Jenna, Harry couldn't help finding himself aroused by Jenna or whatever she was doing at the time. Whenever they were sitting together in the Tower or at meals, Harry's eyes always began to wander if he'd been staring at her for too long, roving her body wishing he could see it a little less clothed; or when she was doing her work in the library Jenna had a habit of running the tip of her quill along her lips as she thought, only inducing Harry into more of a frenzy as he imagined what else he'd like her lips to do. All these small things Harry had never noticed before now seemed to have a bigger effect on him and it was starting to get too much to bear.

It didn't stop there. Kissing her had become even more of a challenge than before. It was now … awkward and hesitant. Harry would find himself getting the button of his cuff caught in her hair or his teeth knocking into hers or his hands not knowing which way was the best to hold her all because he was trying to avoid that inner need coming out. But, of course, that was another problem in itself. Harry found that if their kisses continued after a certain point, normally when Jenna would moan showing she liked his attentions, Harry couldn't hold back. His confidence would grow and he'd let his desires take over his mind, touching and holding Jenna the way he was trying not to. During the second Hogsmeade visit of the term, Harry and Jenna had gone to the Shrieking Shack to look around and ended up kissing, only for Harry to pull back the moment Jenna's hand touched his chest, that discomfort in his trousers starting up again. All he could do to counteract it was start thinking of anything but Jenna, even resorting to imagine Uncle Vernon trying to seduce Aunt Petunia (it did the trick), just to try and relax himself again as he did not yet feel comfortable to relieve himself while thinking of Jenna; the idea of Jenna finding out he pleasured himself over the thought of her body pressed against his made him cringe, knowing the embarrassment they'd both feel.

Harry's one saving grace was that, since the first Hogsmeade visit, he hadn't had anymore trouble from Malfoy. Admittedly he still kept a close watch on him during their Potions class but it looked like Malfoy had finally lost interest in pursing Jenna. Even at the Quidditch match, Harry noted that when Jenna caught the Snitch right from beneath his nose, Malfoy had done nothing about it, taking the murderous glares from his team mates without a word and walking off. Maybe he'd finally taken his warning. It didn't deter Harry from watching him though and for good reason as he found out after that Friday's double Potions class.

Harry and Hermione had left Potions together, Jenna having left earlier as she finished her potion before everyone else. They walked up to the entrance hall. Loads of students were gathered in the Great Hall getting hot chocolate. Harry grinned; it had been his idea to ask the house-elves to make hot chocolate for the students at break during the winter and it had proved very popular, particularly with the younger students who didn't know how to use the Hot Air Charm to warm themselves. Harry and Hermione proceeded towards the main doors. Jenna was waiting in the courtyard for them. Harry held open the door for her then followed, unaware of the sight that had made Hermione gasp. There, standing in the archway, his hands all over her, stood Malfoy kissing Jenna, the look on her face telling Harry how much it was against her will.

Anger instantly rose in Harry's chest, the creature roaring its aggression. How dare he! How dare he kiss her! How dare he touch her with his vile hands! Before he knew it, he was running at Malfoy. He pulled him away from Jenna by the shoulder of his robes, pulling his hand back and sinking it into his face. The girls screamed. Malfoy was knocked to the ground, his back hitting hard against the stone. Blood trickled down from his mouth where his teeth had mashed against his lip. He glared up at Harry from his position at his feet. Harry returned the glare, standing between him and Jenna so he couldn't get to her, wishing he could hurt him more.

'What the hell d'you think you're playing at?' bellowed Harry. He could feel the blood pumping through him, his hatred and loathing of Malfoy greater than it ever had been before. 'I told you to stay away from her! D'you not understand the meaning of that? Keep your filthy hands off her!'

Harry meant what he said. If Malfoy touched Jenna one more time, it would be more than a punch in the face he'd be getting. He was deadly serious. And all Malfoy did was … laugh. The creature growled threateningly at him. Malfoy sat up and pushed himself off the ground. His eyes didn't leave Harry's, the smirk fully formed on his face.

'You should have known, Potter,' panted Malfoy, spitting the blood from his lip. 'Telling me to stay away from her wouldn't work. By forbidding things, it only makes you crazy until you have them. You of all people know whatever you can't have you only want more. Wasn't it that which made you lust over Black in the first place?'

Harry didn't reply. That was a complete lie and Malfoy knew it.

'You only wanted Black because she was with someone else, right?' sneered Malfoy. 'Because she was with that Oakley bloke and you hated it. You couldn't stand seeing her with someone else.'

He had Harry there; yes, Harry had hated seeing Jenna with Noah believing they didn't seem right together but only because it didn't seem to him that Noah was the sort of guy who would dote on Jenna the way she deserved after all she'd been through. In his opinion, Harry thought he knew nothing about Jenna when in truth Noah had always known more than he let on.

'You couldn't stand it so you went and kept snogging her!'

'I'm warning you, Malfoy,' warned Harry, his hands clenched as fists by his sides. 'One more word, that's all it takes.'

'So what does it feel like, Potter?' Malfoy continued. 'Watching your girlfriend snog another bloke? I don't know about you, but I know I certainly enjoyed that. I can see why you went after her. She's got a sweet taste. If that's what she kisses like, I can't begin to imagine what she must be like in bed.'

That did it for Harry. He drew his hand back when someone grabbed him from behind.

'Harry, stop!' shouted Jenna, grabbing his arm.

'Get off me, Jenna!' snapped Harry. He tried to pull his arm free but Jenna wouldn't let him. How can she still defend him after what he just did? 'He deserves it!'

'Harry, let it go!'

'Harry!' came Hermione's voice, also shouting at him to stop.

'Harry, I said stop! Leave it! Harry!'

Harry managed to get his arm free. He ran straight at Malfoy. Next moment he felt himself being lifted off his feet; a blue shield surrounded him, floating a few inches off the ground so he couldn't run. Harry looked round to see Jenna with her hands held open as if she was holding a large ball in them, her eyes focused in the same way whenever she created that strange shield around herself, holding him back within it.

-o-

I froze as soon as Malfoy pressed his lips against mine. I just stood there, my eyes wide so I ended up staring cross-eyed at him for a few seconds until I closed them. Inside I was cringing so badly at the thought of kissing him again. When his lips started moving against mine I finally seem to defrost. I tried to stand straight between him and the arch and placed my hands on his arms to push him away. Malfoy ignored me, his hands going up my sides until they were on either side of my neck, raising my face so he could kiss me better. I tried again to push him away, this time pushing against his chest so I had more space to breathe. He was so forceful, his lips unrelenting against mine. Terrible memories from last year began to flood my mind. My fingers sparked with the same energy I used in my shield. I had to get away but it didn't look like Malfoy was going to let me go anytime soon until –

From out of nowhere a hand appeared and pulled Malfoy away from me. Next thing I screamed as Harry punched Malfoy square in the face, a second scream I knew to be Hermione's sounding too. Malfoy was knocked to the ground. Harry stood in front of me, that glare he'd had in Hogsmeade once again darkening his normally kind features. He glared down at Malfoy, panting.

'What the hell d'you think you're playing at?' bellowed Harry. I jumped at the anger in his voice. 'I told you to stay away from her! D'you not understand the meaning of that? Keep your filthy hands off her!'

He what? He told Malfoy to stay away from me? Why would Harry do that? And more importantly when?

'You should have known, Potter,' panted Malfoy. He pushed himself back to his feet, stumbling slightly, and spat the blood that had gathered in his mouth from a cut lip. 'Telling me to stay away from her wouldn't work. By forbidding things, it only makes you crazy until you have them.'

Malfoy's words to me at the Quidditch match suddenly came to my mind and it all suddenly made sense to me. "Forbidden fruit always tastes better"; Harry had forbidden Malfoy to come near me and so I was the forbidden fruit Malfoy was after, and because I was forbidden, I was just even more of a temptation to him than I had previously been.

'You of all people know whatever you can't have you only want more. Wasn't it that which made you lust over Black in the first place?'

Harry didn't reply. I glanced at him to see his body had gone rigid, his hands clenched by his sides as Malfoy taunted him. Don't you dare, Harry, I thought. Don't you even think about hitting him again. You promised me. Harry had promised me that he wouldn't start a fight with Malfoy. Yes, I'll let him off punching Malfoy for kissing me, but this had to stop now. However, while I could stop Harry, I couldn't stop Malfoy nor his taunts.

'You only wanted Black because she was with someone else, right?' sneered Malfoy. 'Because she was with that Oakley bloke and you hated it. You couldn't stand seeing her with someone else.'

Still Harry didn't respond. I, of course, had no clue if what Malfoy said was true and Harry had felt that (I'd known he didn't approve of my relationship with Noah but not to what extent) and I hoped that Harry would not rise to his taunts. He knew how I felt about fighting, especially with someone like Malfoy who wasn't worth it, and if he broke his promise I would not be happy.

'You couldn't stand it so you went and kept snogging her!'

I could have killed McLaggen for those rumours he spread about me in sixth year. Yes they had been true and evidentially they'd got to Slytherin and Malfoy was one of those people who had believed them.

'I'm warning you, Malfoy,' warned Harry. A ripple of anger travelled up his spine making him shake. 'One more word, that's all it takes.'

Don't you even think about it, Harry! I thought. You promised me.

I stared at Malfoy, shocked. How dare he say that! That was completely crossing the line. And the moment he did say it, Harry reacted. He lunged forwards at Malfoy with his fist raised ready to hit him a second time. Instantly I ran forward and grabbed his arm to stop him.

'Harry, stop!' I shouted, trying to pull him back. Harry pulled against me, trying to free himself but I wouldn't let go.

'Get off me, Jenna!' Harry snapped. He made a movement which caused my grip to falter but I didn't give up. I pulled as hard as I could and managed to get Harry to step back slightly 'He deserves it!'

I didn't care if he deserved it. It was about me so I'd deal with it. All I cared about was that Harry didn't break his promise to me. Malfoy was saying all this to deliberately get a rise out of Harry because he knew it would work and for Harry to react would prove he was just as immature as Malfoy was being. He had to just let it go.

'Harry, let it go!' I shouted again. Harry made another movement which almost threw me to the ground.

'Harry!' shouted Hermione.

'Harry, stop it! Leave it!' Harry made another violent jerk of his arm, throwing me to the ground. I landed hard on my side against the archway I'd just been held against. I ignored the pain that started in my waist and tried to get up as I saw Harry run at Malfoy. 'Harry!'

Without knowing if it would work, I got up and thrust my hands out in front of me to create my shield, imagining it to be a cage to trap Harry inside and stop him getting to Malfoy. I focused on Harry and the shield appeared. It lifted him off the ground so he couldn't get to Malfoy. Harry stumbled forwards as the shield picked him up and looked around. When he realised what was going on, Harry spun round.

'Let me go, Jenna,' Harry snapped at me. 'Malfoy deserves what he gets for that!'

'I'm not letting you out until you calm down,' I said, ignoring his statement.

Carefully keeping my concentration, I lowered my hands and walked up to Malfoy.

'As for you,' I said, my voice deadly from my annoyance at him, 'how dare you. How dare you have the gall to do that, to say those things. I made it perfectly clear I didn't have feelings for you and I certainly never will now. You don't just go and kiss someone when you know they don't want it. You haven't changed a bit. You're still the controlling, arrogant, selfish boy you always were. I gave you the benefit of the doubt during the war and this is what you do to show you've reformed?'

'Just because I stopped being a Death Eater doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to join the side of Saint Potter over there,' snapped Malfoy, pointing at Harry in the shield. Harry tried to lunge at him again, his fists banging against the shield trying to break it. I winced as he did so. 'You saw the change in me. You know I'm not like I was.'

'I thought I did,' I replied. 'Now I'm not so sure.'

Malfoy glared at me a few seconds longer then turned on his heel and stalked off into the grounds. I watched him until I couldn't see him any longer, then turned to face Harry. He was still floating in my shield, the glare still on his face. I blinked, my face neutral, and looked away, my concentration breaking so the shield vanished, unceremoniously letting him go. Harry landed on the ground with a hard thump. I didn't look at him. I was angry with him too, not just with Malfoy for what he'd said, for him rising to Malfoy's immature taunts and letting them get to him. That was exactly what Malfoy wanted for him to do and he'd got his way. It was what Malfoy had wanted all along.

The argument that followed was not a good one. I'd never seen Harry act so immature before and I finally snapped about the whole Malfoy situation having put up with it for so long. As soon as the bell rang signalling the end of break I walked off to catch up with Hermione whom Harry had asked to leave us in private beforehand. I got to Charms before Harry did and when he sat next to me, I didn't respond.

-o-

'Let me go, Jenna,' demanded Harry instantly. 'Malfoy deserves what he gets for that!'

'I'm not letting you out until you calm down,' said Jenna. She looked at him for a moment then walked over to Malfoy. Harry watched, the glare still on his face. 'As for you,' she said to Malfoy, her voice sharper than before, 'how dare you. How dare you have the gall to do that, to say those things. I made it perfectly clear I didn't have feelings for you and I certainly never will now. You don't just go and kiss someone when you know they don't want it. You haven't changed a bit. You're still the controlling, arrogant, selfish boy you always were. I gave you the benefit of the doubt during the war and this is what you do to show you've reformed?'

'Just because I stopped being a Death Eater doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to join the side of Saint Potter over there,' snapped Malfoy, pointing at Harry in the shield. Another wave of anger swept through him and Harry lunged forwards. The shield stopped him. He banged his fist against it in a vain attempt to break it. 'You saw the change in me. You know I'm not like I was.'

'I thought I did,' she replied. 'Now I'm not so sure.'

Malfoy glared at Jenna for a few more seconds then turned and stalked off. Good riddance, thought Harry, the creature letting out a warning growl in case he came back. Now he just had to wait for Jenna to let him go. Jenna turned round and looked at him. Her face was neutral but looking into her eyes told Harry how disappointed she was with him. What had he done? Malfoy was the one to blame! Without warning, Jenna looked away and the shield vanished. Harry fell to the ground with an unceremonious thump. Now free Harry got to his feet. His eyes didn't leave Jenna, nor had his anger left him yet.

'Hermione, can you give us a minute,' said Harry, not looking behind at her. It wasn't a question.

'Yeah, sure,' said Hermione.

Hermione glanced at Jenna. They shared a short look before she walked off leaving Harry and Jenna standing in the courtyard. Still Jenna refused to look at him. Once sure Hermione was out of earshot, Harry spoke.

'Why did you do that?' he asked. 'Why did you stop me? He deserved that. Did you not hear what he said about you?'

'Yes, I heard him,' retorted Jenna, finally looking at him, a hard look on her face.

'So why did you stop me?'

'Because you promised me.' What? Harry gave Jenna a strange look. It was then he noticed the moisture gathering in her eyes. And he realised. Back at The Burrow, he'd promised he wouldn't fight with Malfoy any more. But he'd kept that promise. All he did was warn Malfoy off on the train journey up to Hogwarts. He hadn't started any fights with him at all. 'You promised me you wouldn't start any fights with him, Harry. Didn't that mean anything to you?'

'I didn't start it,' snapped Harry, his anger simmering. 'Malfoy started it when he kissed you! What did you expect me to do? Just stand there and watch while he groped you like the pervert he is?'

'I didn't say that!' said Jenna.

'Then don't have a go at me for punching him!' shouted Harry. 'He deserved it! He's been after you since the train journey back here! All those times he helped you out, kept appearing out of nowhere, what happened at the Quidditch trials, he didn't do it because he has feelings for you! He manufactured those situations to happen because he knew it would get to me!'

'Oh, Harry, wake up!' shouted Jenna. 'Of course he was doing it to get at you! Malfoy hates you! Of course he was going to use me in order to get to you because he knows we're together! What could possibly be more tempting to him than breaking up his enemy and his girlfriend, especially when you forbade him from coming near me! What were you thinking, giving him that advantage? And you acted just like he knew you would; you just couldn't walk away from it and just had to rise to his taunts. That's what he wanted!'

'Well then he got what he wanted, didn't he?' shouted Harry. 'Sorry for being so predictable, Jenna. Next time I'll let him snog you, shall I? That'll make his day!'

'Harry, I didn't say that nor will I ever say it. D'you think I enjoyed being kissed by him? Having his hands groping me, holding me against the wall? I hated it!'

'Then don't expect me not to punch him the next time he tries it with you again!'

'I don't want you fighting with him!'

'Then tell me what I can do!'

'Just ignore him! The more you react, the more he'll do things to antagonise you!'

'If he keeps going after you –'

'My God, Harry, you are being so immature!' snapped Jenna finally, having had enough. 'Just grow up and let it go!'

Silence rang in the courtyard after Jenna said that. Harry didn't know what to say. It had been like a wake up call to him, images from Snape's memories in the Pensieve resurfacing. In the distance the bell rang indicating break was over. Neither Harry nor Jenna moved straight away, instead staring at each other. Harry's anger at Malfoy's stunt was still simmering in him, the creature's low growling rumbling in his chest. Eventually Jenna made a move. She walked past Harry towards the doors of the entrance hall.

'Jenna,' Harry started but she cut him off.

'We're going to be late for Charms,' she said quietly as she passed. She wouldn't look at him. 'Don't bother saying you'll sit next to me. I don't want you breaking another promise.'

'Jenna, I didn't mean it,' said Harry but she wouldn't listen. She picked up her bag and walked off.

Harry watched as she went back inside the castle, then let out a sigh. He ran his hand through his hair, messing it even more than it already way. He knew he shouldn't have risen to Malfoy's taunts but he couldn't help it. Jenna was right; he was just as immature as Malfoy was for not letting it go. But those things he said, like he last comment about imaging Jenna in bed. He couldn't let Malfoy get away with something like that. But he'd promised Jenna. No matter how much Malfoy taunted him, his promise was more important. Picking up his bag from where he'd dropped it when he ran at Malfoy, Harry jogged to catch up with the other two.

Jenna didn't talk to him for the rest of the day. She wouldn't look at him during their lessons and at dinner she sat next to Hermione and Neville, her eyes continuously averted in the other direction. It looked like to Harry she'd taken his breaking his promise to heart. Harry knew how much a promise meant to Jenna but seeing her pinned there against the wall with Malfoy's lips on hers and his hands on her body. How did she expect him to react? Her lips weren't Malfoy's to kiss; they were Harry's, just like her body was his to hold close. He wasn't just going to stand there and let him get away with it. Just maybe he shouldn't have let his taunts get to him afterwards. Harry had never lusted over Jenna when she was with Noah nor had he deliberately gone after her. It was pure accident they fell for each other, neither of them had planned it, and Harry should not have let Malfoy's rant get the better of him when he knew the truth.

Harry returned to the Heads Tower late that night to find Jenna sitting on the sofa, her legs pulled up and her hair pulled over one shoulder, with a book in her lap. She didn't seem to notice him then again she could have and still be ignoring him. Harry remained silent for a moment or two, just watching her. The way her blue eyes scanned the page, her lips gently mouthing the words she read. The firelight illuminated her giving her face a warm glow. Quietly Harry walked over to her. Jenna heard his footsteps and looked up. Harry didn't say anything, instead bringing his hand out from behind him and holding out the black rose to her. Jenna's eyes flicked between it and his face. Then she closed her book and took the rose from him.

'I'm still mad at you,' she murmured as she smelt the rose, her eyes closed.

'I know you are,' said Harry.

'And don't you think you can buy me off with a rose every time you mess up.'

'I know.'

Jenna's eyes flicked open. She looked up at him from beneath her lashes before patting the space on the sofa beside her. Harry approached and sat down so he could face her. Jenna looked up, her eyes staring into his. They glimmered ever so slightly in the firelight. Harry swore he felt his heart melt. Gently he ran his hand over her cheek, brushing back the odd loose strand of hair.

'I really am sorry, Jen,' said Harry. 'I know how much a promise means to you. I just couldn't help myself. Hearing Malfoy say those things –'

Harry was silenced by Jenna placing her finger over his lips. A shiver instantly raced up his spine. His eyes glanced down at her finger then back up to her face. It was then Harry noticed how close Jenna's face was to his; her warm breath tickled his neck and if he raised his just enough, he'd be able to kiss her lips. Harry's eyes focused in on them, those pale sweet lips. Harry felt his pulse start to race, his breathing deepening slightly … Just a little closer and he could kiss them …

'I know,' whispered Jenna. She noticed Harry move closer, her train of thought escaping her. 'Just don't … do it …'

Just a bit closer …thought Harry, leaning towards her. He tilted his head, Jenna responding by falling quiet, her eyes lowered and her lips still parted ever so slightly. She looked down on him, her breathing so shallow she couldn't tell if she was still breathing or not. Just a bit closer …

Harry closed the remaining gap between their lips. He moved closer, their lips never parting, until he was leaning over Jenna, his back rigid as ecstasy flowed through him; he raised his hand and rested it on Jenna's neck, tilting her face upwards so he could kiss her better. Her arms locked themselves round his neck, his own wrapping round her waist as he moved closer. Jenna's book fell to the floor with a thump. With it out of the way Harry deepened the kiss, his hand supporting Jenna's back as he lowered her so she lay on the sofa beneath him, shifting his own position so he could kiss her better. His tongue traced the line of her bottom lip and he was granted passage into her hot mouth the second he asked. Jenna moaned, the soft sound muffled beneath their lips.

The confidence that came whenever Jenna made that sound took over Harry, another wave of pleasure passing through him. Already the same tightening of his trousers had started but this time Harry was too involved to notice it. He tore himself away from Jenna's lips and started kissing her jaw, then proceeding down to her neck where he pressed light butterfly kisses on to her soft skin while his hand round down the length of her body. Jenna giggled slightly at the touch of his fingertips. This only increased Harry's confidence. He traced his kisses to the base of her neck where her collar stopped him, Harry damning the piece of obstructing clothing. Continuing the attentions on her neck, Harry brought his hand up to the offending collar; carefully he loosened her tie then undid the top couple of buttons on her shirt. Once released Harry took his kisses lower, tracing her collar bone and down towards the curves of her chest. Before he could stop it a harsh groan escaped Harry's throat and his hips pressed into hers, his arousal for her greater than it ever had been before.

-o-

I lay there obediently on the sofa as Harry started to kiss my neck. My mind wandered as did his attentions, unable to keep a coherent thought going as long as Harry was kissing me. I bit my lip as a warm feeling started in my body, one I'd felt only once or twice before with him; it felt like something in my stomach, a coil of some sort, was starting to tighten. Harry's hand moved from my neck and slowly traced my side causing me to laugh quietly, his fingers tickling my waist. I was quite content to just lay here.

Harry's hand continued its trail down to my waist then back up again towards my chest. His fingers brushed the material of my shirt, moving towards my tie. Instantly my eyes snapped open and I froze. I felt my tie be pulled just enough so it would loosen more than it already was from how I normally wear it. Next minute, Harry's fingers had undone the top two buttons of my shirt. His kisses went lower, over my collar bone. A harsh groan came from deep within Harry's throat I'd never heard before and his hips pressed into mine. The kisses got lower to the skin Harry had just revealed, over my chest towards my –

In one smooth movement I pulled my wand from my skirt pocket, pointed it as best I could at my body and thought, Vices. Instantly I fell through the sofa and landed with a thump on the floor beneath it. I lay there for a moment or two just panting, trying to get my head around what had just happened and what I'd felt. I heard a movement above me and I looked to my left to see Harry staring at me upside-down from his position on top of the sofa.

'Jen? What happened?'

Good question, Harry, I thought. What did just happen?

AN: in the words of one of the reviews from the previous chapter "bad Harry, down boy". looks like golden boy's growing up amongst other things and Jenna just might be on to him after that last bit. so is his new found passion going to be a characteristic of his or a curse? you'll have to wait and see. do leave a review. BlAcKdAuGhTeR

on a side note, the "characteristics" from James i'm working with are all ones that seem to stick with other fics so being overprotective and very caring, jealousy, being passionate and getting lost in the moment, making silly mistakes and messing things up, and one that i found which was quite funny that arguments tended to lead to sex (hence the last scene). as for the "Potter Curse" there would have been more about it in this chapter but it was long enough already so it's going into the next chapter.