The rest of the summer passed quickly and soon the letters of Hogwarts arrived to Grimmauld Place. The books were all new and apparently the new Defence Against Dark Arts loved a writer called Gilderoy Lockhart.
"Sirius, who is Gilderoy Lockhart?" Harry asked looking at his book list.
"Oh some famous writer who writes about all his adventures. Personally I think his books are a bunch of rubbish" Sirius said standing up and looking over Harry's shoulder at his book list.
"Hmm, I think we should go today to Diagon Alley" Just at that moment Jane came with Onyx on her shoulder and a letter on her hand.
"Fred and George told me they were planning on going today to Diagon Alley. Can we go too?" Jane said putting her best puppy dog face. Harry and Sirius laughed but Sirius's face was a little hard. He was still uncomfortable with Molly Weasley always looking at him as if he was dangerous.
"Jane, I was already planning to go to Diagon Alley today. You just wasted that puppy dog face" Sirius said forcing a smile on his face.
"Oh well" Jane said sitting down besides Harry. Kreacher decided to appear at that moment and started getting the ingredients out to make breakfast.
"Kreacher don't bother we'll eat at the Leaky Cauldron" Sirius said sternly earning a glare from Jane who kindly asked for a glass of water. Kreacher glared at Sirius and bowed his head at Jane giving her a glass of water.
"Thank you Kreacher" Jane said and he bowed again leaving the kitchen with his head held high and smiling a little.
"I don't understand how you can be so good to that little monster" Sirius told her shaking his head.
"He is not a monster, he is just used to living alone and you are always screaming at him, so of course he'll treat you bad and glare at you" Jane said.
"Whatever, we should get ready to go to Diagon Alley" Harry said standing up and leaving the kitchen. Jane followed after smiling at Sirius letting him know she wasn't angry at him.
"That girl is so weird" Sirius muttered going to his own room to get ready.
After an hour or so they were all ready to go to the Leaky Cauldron. They decided to go walking since Grimmauld place was like four blocks from the pub. When they got there they sat down on a private corner and asked for breakfast and pumpkin juice. They ate quickly and soon they were entering Diagon Alley. The three of them went to Gringotts and then went their separate ways saying they would meet in an hour at the ice cream shop and then they would buy their books. Harry went to buy new robes since he had grown a bit in the summer, Sirius went to buy potion ingredients, and Jane went to a joke shop. Just as Jane entered the joke shop she noticed two redheads looking through the shelves.
"Fred, George!" Jane said loudly while running to where they were.
"Hey, shorty" Fred said earning a smack on his arm and then a hug. Jane then turned to George and hugged him too.
"So how you've been?" Jane asked excitedly.
"Great, shorty, just great" George said and Jane decided to ignore him.
"Cool, so what are you doing here?"
"Nothing, just looking" Fred said.
"Although, we should get back to our family or mum will go ballistic on us" George said looking at his watch.
"Well see you in a bit" Jane said
"Sure thing shorty" The Weasley twins said at the same time before leaving the store. Jane stayed a little bit longer but then she saw a familiar face on the Quidditch shop across the street. She made her way to the store and stood besides him looking at the same shelve he was looking. Cedric seemed to sense a familiar presence besides him and looked to his right side only to be ambushed by a little black haired girl.
"Hey Jane" Cedric said hugging her back. "How was your summer?" He added when they finally let go of each other.
"Oh it was great, and yours?"
"The same, but I missed you" He answered making Jane blush. "Sorry didn't mean to embarrass you" He said but it was obvious he was trying not to laugh.
"Oh I... Um... I missed you too" Jane said looking down and totally missing Cedric's smile and blushing face.
"So want to go to the ice cream place over there" Cedric asked her.
"Oh actually I have to go there I'm meeting Sirius and Harry there." Jane said.
"Oh I'm actually meeting my mum there so that is why I asked" Cedric said a little bit embarrassed.
"Well let's go then" Jane said leading the way. They got to the shop but neither Sirius, Harry, nor Cedric's mother were there so they ordered an ice cream.
"So are you excited to go back to Hogwarts?" Cedric asked
"Yeah, although I wish I had more time with Sirius" Jane said looking down at her empty cup of ice cream.
"Right, how did your family treat you Jane?" Cedric asked suddenly serious. He remembered how freaked out she was of going back to that house, how she cried, how unconsolable she was.
"They were alright until the night Sirius came I messed something up and if Sirius hadn't come I don't know what would have happen," Jane said.
"But you are alright?" Cedric said reaching across the table and cupping her chin with his thumb and index finger making her look up. She had tears running down her face but she nodded.
"I'm better now" She said trying to smile. Before they could say anything else a woman said "Cedric" Jane and Cedric both jumped and looked at the woman. Jane stared at her but Cedric said "Mum, um this is Jane Potter"
"Oh Cedric has said so much about you Jane" Mrs. Diggory said smiling.
"Oh it is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Diggory" Jane said standing up and offering her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine" Mrs. Diggory answered. "But now Cedric we should go or your father will worry" She added looking at her son.
"Oh alright, see you at Hogwarts Jane" Cedric said waving at her. Jane stood there for a minute before she heard someone call her name. She turned and saw Hermione running to her with Harry and Ron behind her at a more reasonable pace. Hermione got to Jane and almost tackled her to the floor. The two girls hugged each other for a long time and Hermione whispered to Jane's ear "Was that Cedric I just saw?"
"It was" Jane whispered back.
"How long do you reckon they will hug" Ron asked Harry making the girls laugh.
"Well I missed being with a girl" Jane said laughing.
"Come on Sirius is in a line to buy our books" Harry said to Jane and the four kids started walking toward Flourish and Blotts.
"Why are there so many people?" Jane asked.
"Oh Gilderoy Lockhart is here signing books." Hermione said. "Come I want my books signed". The other three followed her rolling their eyes. Ron went to his family while Harry and Jane went to Sirius's side who was almost in the front of the line.
"How long have you been here?" Jane asked a little amused.
"Like an hour or so" Sirius said.
"That explains why you didn't go to the ice cream shop" Jane said still amused.
"Yeah I guess it does. Now shut up Jane, we are up" Sirius said smiling. Jane pouted but didn't say anything. As they were walking to the cashier Lockhart saw Harry and apparently he couldn't resist bringing attention to himself.
"Oh my, is that Harry Potter" Lockhart said signaling Harry to stand beside him. When Harry didn't move one of the photographers grabbed Harry's shirt and pulled him. Jane and Sirius went protective mode as soon as the photographer touched Harry.
"What are you doing?" Sirius said glaring at the photographer and Lockhart while Jane grabbed Harry's arm pulling him back.
"Oh I get it a jealous sister, no matter two Potters is better than one" Lockhart said.
"None of them are going to be up there with you so back off" Sirius said and a lot of people looked his way and took a step away from him when they noticed who it was. Lockhart seemed to think as most people in the store and immediately backed off.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you carry on with your shopping" Lockhart said and started signing books again.
"Man he is a pain in the arse" Jane said still clutching Harry's arm.
"Jane language, I don't want people thinking I taught you to talk like that" Sirius said.
"But you did taught me" Jane said smiling.
"Yeah but I don't want people to know" Sirius mumbled and the two Potters bursted into laughing.
"Well well well, if it isn't Sirius Black" A cold voice said behind them. Sirius and the Potter twins sobered up fast and turned around coming face to face with Malfoy Sr. He had long blond hair and his son looked a lot like him. The only thing that didn't go with his fair face was the black eye he had received from Mr. Weasley just minutes ago.
"What? Came here for the matching eye?" Sirius taunted.
"You better be careful who you threaten Mr. Black unless you want to go back to Azkaban" Lucius Malfoy said. Jane then clutched Sirius arm very tightly so now she was between Harry and Sirius and she was holding both of them back.
"Huh, you must be the Potter girl. Yes, Draco has said much about you"
"Did he tell you how I broke his nose too?" Jane said challenging him. Malfoy Sr. glared at Jane but instead of answering he just turned around and left.
"You shouldn't have said that Jane" Sirius told her.
"Look who is talking? I was trying to get the attention away from you Sirius. You can't go back to Azkaban." Jane said storming off the store and standing between Fred and George who each put an arm on her shoulder.
"How long do you think she'll be mad?" Sirius asked Harry.
"Not long, Jane is not one to stay mad" Harry said walking to the Weasleys. Sirius stayed behind not wanting to bother Molly. After an hour the Potter and Sirius went back to Grimmauld Place to pack so they could leave early the next day. Once in the house the three went to each of their room. Jane started packing right away wanting to get it over with. After packing she threw herself on her bed and started reading her new school books. She was reading the last of the books when there were two popping sounds beside her. Jane looked up startled finding a very angry looking Kreacher and a scare looking house elf.
"Kreacher is sorry to bother you miss but this elf was trying to contact you" Kreacher said.
"Miss Potter my name is Dobby. Dobby is sorry to intrude but Mr. Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts and neither should you." The other house elf said.
"Look I don't care who you are but Harry and I have to go to Hogwarts" Jane whispered to Dobby.
"You can't it is too dangerous" Dobby said.
"Did you warn the other students?" Jane asked annoyed and Dobby shaked his head.
"Well then we have nothing to talk about. Please get out of my room and Kreacher next time please go to Sirius, you scared me half to death."
"Yes Miss Potter" Kreacher said bowing and popping out leaving Jane and Dobby alone.
"You must listen to Dobby" Dobby said.
"I'm sorry but it wouldn't be right." Jane said smiling sadly at Dobby. Dobby didn't say anything he just popped out. Jane sighed and rested herself back on the bed and started reading again. When she was halfway through the book Kreacher popped in her room again.
"What happened Kreacher?" Jane asked without looking up.
"Master asked Kreacher to tell you dinner is ready"
"Okay then, I'll be right down" Jane said and Kreacher popped out. Jane sight and got out of bed. When she entered the kitchen Sirius and Harry looked up.
"Finally she gets out of her room" Harry said smiling. Jane pouted but smiled too.
"What were you doing up there? I finished packing hours ago" Harry continued.
"Well, I was actually reading" Jane mumbled.
"What were you reading? I haven't buy you a new muggle book" Sirius said. Jane blushed and looked down without answering. Both Harry and Sirius laughed knowing perfectly well what she was reading.
"Anyhoo, I thought dinner was ready" Jane said trying to change the subject.
"Right, I lied we are going to the Weasley's. Arthur floo called and invited us." Sirius said smiling.
"So why couldn't you say that in the first place?" Jane said.
"I don't know. But, come on we have to go."
"How are we getting there?" Harry asked.
"Via floo" Sirius said as if it was obvious.
"Right" The twins said at the same time sacastically.
"Come on it's easy" Sirius said leading them to the fireplace. "Jane you can go first"
"Okay" Jane said hesitantly.
"Don't worry and try not to get out early you could get lost"
"Right and now I won't worry of getting lost" Jane said sarcastically entering the fireplace.
"Relax. Now grab a little of the floo powder and clearly say The Burrow" Sirius said offering the floo powder. Jane grabbed a little of the powder and said "The Burrow". She then felt a tug and she was moving from fireplace to fireplace. While she was moving she sneezed stumbling a little and getting out before she should falling flat on her stomach to the floor.
"Shite," Jane swore.
"Well if you wanted to see me you only had to call" A voice said from above her. Jane blushed madly. She knew that voice anywhere.
"Cedric what was the noise?" Mrs. Diggory asked entering the sitting room. "Oh dear, are you alright? Cedric help her up". Cedric helped Jane to her feet and guided her to a chair.
"Where were you trying to go?" Mrs. Diggory asked softly
"The Burrow" Jane said trying to control her blushing and color changing hair.
"Oh that is really close. Cedric you can take her and I'll floo call Molly telling her you are on your way" Mrs. Diggory said.
"Okay, come on Jane" Cedric answered standing up and leading the way. Jane followed stumbling a little so Cedric took her hand to keep her steady. Jane became redder and her hair changed to a chestnut colour matching Cedric's own hair colour.
"Nice hair" Cedric said when they were outside his house. Jane didn't answer she just looked down still trying to control her blushing and changing her hair back to black except her bangs that were red. They walked in silence holding hands. When they got closer to the Burrow Jane tried to take her hands but Cedric tighten his grip.
"Jane! Oh thank Merlin you are alright" Sirius said not looking at Cedric and hugging her tightly. This time Cedric let go of Jane's hand and Jane hugged Sirius back.
"I'm ok Sirius calm down" Jane said trying reassure him.
"Oh please don't ever do this again"
"I didn't do it on purpose" Jana said.
They let go of each and Sirius looked at Cedric coldly.
"And you are?" Sirius said and Cedric squirmed under his gaze.
"Sirius be nice. This is Cedric Diggory, Cedric this is Sirius Black" Jane said glaring at Sirius a little.
"Nice to meet you, sir" Cedric said extending his hand at Sirius. Sirius took his hand but still glared at Cedric. Jane sighed and tugged Cedric arm meaning they should go inside. Sirius got that and turned to the house followed by the two teens.
"Oh thank Merlin you are alright" Mrs. Weasley said giving Jane with a bone crushing hug.
"Yeah shorty!" Fred and George said at the same time.
"Next time you should give her a map" Cedric said earning a glare from Jane and a curious look from the Weasley twins.
"Haha, you are all really funny" Jane said blushing madly and glaring at the twins, who were still staring at Cedric.
"Well thank God you didn't go really far. Oh thank you dear Cedric for bringing her safe and sound" Molly Weasley said kindly.
"No problem Mrs. Weasley" Cedric said flashing a bright smile that left Jane staring at him so she didn't notice how Harry, Sirius, and the Weasley twins glared at Cedric. However, Cedric did notice and looked down.
"Are you staying for dinner dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked sensing the tension in the room.
"Oh no Mrs. Weasley, I have to get back home now that Jane is back safe and sound"
"Well alright dear, be careful out there" Mrs. Weasley turning to mother mode.
"I will ma'am" Cedric said. he nodded at everyone in the room and left.
After Cedric was gone everyone turned to Jane.
"So how did you end up in that idiot's house?" Fred asked.
"Fred he is not an idiot. He is a charming young man and you could learn a few things from him." Mrs. Weasley said ending that conversation. Everybody sat down on the table and started a delightful dinner. Everybody was having fun and making jokes. However, Jane seemed dased and the people on the table noticed.
"Jane, honey are you feeling alright?" Molly asked motherly. All the conversations stopped and everyone turned to Jane who just nodded still not noticing the concerned looks she was receiving.
"Jane?" Sirius said from across her. The Weasley twin who were beside her nudged her side and she jumped looking around.
"Sorry did you say something?" She said looking around.
"Well we were wondering if you were feeling alright?" Mrs. Weasley answered.
"Oh yes I'm fine, just a little tired" Jane said sounding nonchalant but there was something in her tone that was out of place.
"Oh it is very late I think we should leave" Sirius said.
"Don't be silly Sirius, is only seven. Actually I was wondering if I could speak to you Mrs. Weasley" Jane said still something off with her tone.
"Sure dear, come to the sitting room for more privacy" Mrs. Weasley said without skipping a beat but wondering what did she want that she couldn't talk to Sirius about. Jane nodded and stood up walking to the sitting room letting everyone speechless. Mrs. Weasley followed her getting now a feeling about what Jane Potter wanted to talk about. Once they were in the sitting room Molly put a silencing charm in the door to prevent eavesdroppers.
"Jane what is bothering you?" Molly said kindly hoping it would make her talk.
"Um well you know I live with two men well my brother and Sirius... I don't know if Harry counts as man" Jane said rambling and Molly smiled.
"Dear what are you trying to say" Molly said softly.
"Well I know what is happening to me because I read, but is so confusing and I don't feel comfortable telling Sirius" Jane said looking down at her hands.
"Oh dear, it is extremely normal to be confused. And yes it is normal for a twelve year old girl to pass through this I mean it is part of puberty" Molly said calmly making Jane blush. Molly sat down on the couch beside Jane and put an arm around her shoulder squeezing them lightly. "Don't worry I'll teach you the spells you need to do for a good hygiene and to minimize pain" Molly said smiling. Jane looked up and smiled her hair changing to match Molly's hair colour. Molly felt something stir inside her. She had read once that metamorphmagus changed instinctively to look like another person to show how they admire and even love the other person. Jane's face fell and she frowned as if she just remembered something.
"Mrs. Weasley I'm not supposed to do magic outside school so what do I do when I'm not in school?" Jane said.
"Oh dear there are always exceptions to rules and well the Ministry understands that we women need to do this spells so you won't be reprimanded if you use them" Mrs. Weasley explained. The next half hour or so Molly taught Jane the charms and how to do them.
After their talk when Jane and Molly joined the others everybody noticed Jane seemed to be better and less dazed. The evening didn't last much longer and soon the Potter twins and Sirius were back at Grimmauld Place, sleeping peacefully and dreamlessly.