ENIGMA

Plot, new characters, new magical terms and abilities etc. are my intellectual property. If you want to borrow then please kindly ask. JK Rowling's characters and Wizarding Universe are all uniquely hers.

Summary: AU: What if everything we ever read in JK Rowling’s books was real – including the people characterised? What would you do if you found yourself caught up in that reality knowing what was to come? SS, RL, OC

Authors Note: It has been mentioned in the story but now I am noting it here. I am a fan of Diana Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’/’Cross Stitch’ series and definitely was influenced by that in writing this story – i.e. the Standing Stones and traveling through time. But I also love Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ series and the tv programme ‘Sliders’ and the alternate universes alongside ours idea comes from there no doubt.

Chapter Note: Cedric is 19 folks – per this chapter. He and Jessica are together. Don’t like it? Can’t accept it? Don’t read it. It’s as simple as that. This is AU and for the last time I am not following canon rules which should be obvious given the storyline.

Fantasy/Drama

This story is rated R/M.

ENIGMA

Chapter 027:

It was two days before Jessica emerged from her rooms having been summoned by Dumbledore. Lord knew she needed to talk to someone, but not him. She was decidedly rattled by everything that had happened that summer, everything that is except Cedric.

She’d been curious about Lupin more than anything else; and it didn’t hurt that the werewolf had fancied her. For all his protestations about his ‘furry little problem’, Remus Lupin was still a man who wanted to get laid. And he had wanted her; but she’d have a lot more respect for him if he would have just come down from his lofty perch and admit it. Whatever; it didn’t matter. He was determined to play the martyr and it wasn’t going to be her problem. She knew that he and the Headmaster were very close friends and hoped that this wasn’t going to be some pep talk about ‘poor Remus’. Aside from the Quidditch World Cup and Harry Potter, the only other subject of that summer could be the werewolf.

She took the moving staircase up to Dumbledore’s office, and to her surprise Severus and Professor McGonagall were there. So, it was to be the Quidditch World Cup…

‘How are you, my dear?’ Dumbledore intoned in a gravelly rasp as she strode in and took a seat.

‘I’m OK, just tired…’

‘After everything you have been through…’ McGonagall began.

‘Things happen and life goes on...’ Jessica remarked, cutting her short. ‘So – what’s this all about?’

‘You were quite ill when you left for the break and I am aware from Severus what happened at the Quidditch World Cup,’ Dumbledore said sombrely. ‘I think it would be prudent if you did not return to work at the beginning of the term. I also believe that you should talk to someone about the events of the past few days.’

‘What I need is quiet time before I have to get back to work. I saw Madam Pomfrey this morning and she’s given me a clean bill of health.’

Surreptitious looks flew between the three professors. Something wasn’t quite right here. In their minds it was Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and sooner or later it was going to catch up to her.

‘Ahh – so you think I’m suffering from stress?’ Jessica sighed. ‘I’ve been through much worse than what happened at the Cup. Besides, I would have thought that you’d be a lot more concerned with who was so pleased to meet me after everything he’s heard…or been told, rather.’

Dumbledore and McGonagall looked mystified but deeply concerned, but Severus… there was something rippling beneath his usual detached air of frigidness. Her was trying to ‘read’ her and couldn’t. For the first time since they’d met he’d lost the advantage. Her Occlumency and Legilimency lessons with Dumbledore were paying off.

‘Lucius Malfoy,’ Jessica continued curtly. ‘He seems to be more than a little interested in me and he’s suffering under the delusion that I’m a Pureblood, of all things…’

‘The presumption is natural given the story that you are a relation of Minerva’s,’ Dumbledore said reasonably. ‘Unfortunately, the subject of bloodlines is the one thing that we did not give a great deal of thought to. It has its plusses and minuses, as does anything to do with our world. But it is an important detail which I did not give as much thought to as I ought.’

‘There isn’t a part of this school that man doesn’t try to interfere with,’ McGonagall suggested irritably. ‘And no doubt young Master Malfoy has carried tales to his father about you as much as he does the rest of us!’

‘You aren’t trying to blame Draco for his father’s actions?’ Snape demanded incredulously.

A vein pulsed dangerously at Snape’s temples. There was nothing he could say to refute the assertions laid before him. It was true, all too true. The fact of the matter was that both Malfoy Senior and Junior were mighty thorns in the sides of many. And the illustrious Narcissa Black-Malfoy was no better. The Malfoy and Black families had a lot to answer for in his estimation. For a start, the Dark Lord could not have risen as he did without their support both financial and magical. Still, it angered him that much of the troubles in their world could be laid squarely at the door of his House. The other houses had produced just as many Dark Wizards as Slytherin ever had, but no one cared about that.

‘Oh come on Snape! You know as well as I do that a week doesn’t go by without Draco sending an owl home to his parents about some imagined injustice or unfounded complaint! And then Lucius swans in here like he owns the place – which he does since most of the governors are afraid of him! So let’s cut the posturing, eh! Draco has been carrying on about Jessica giving preferential treatment when nothing of the sort has occurred! As a matter of fact your house has the largest number of registrants for the Library Club this coming term!’

‘The Malfoys are a problem for all of us, we know that. And Draco is right old pain in the sphincter as much as his father is! But now that Lucius Malfoy has confirmed I’m alive… I can’t help but wonder what this is going to mean for me!’ Jessica snapped angrily.

‘Now Jessica, it will do you no good to get yourself all wound up about this…’ Dumbledore started.

Jessica interrupted him, telling them every single word that Lucius had said to her. It still chilled her to the bone to think about the way he smiled at her and she said so.

‘And of all people – I’m supposed to believe that I was randomly picked to be hung upside down and played with like a dog’s chew toy?’ Jessica spat, her voice rising steadily. Soon she was engaged in a full-on rant; the stress and pressure erupting like a dormant volcano come to life.

It wasn’t until McGonagall put her arms around her that Jessica stopped and began to cry.

‘I think it’s best that we end it here, gentlemen,’ she said as she prompted the Librarian to rise. ‘Leave her to me – and deal with this mess that you’ve made!’

McGonagall swept from the room with Jessica in tow.

‘So… what do we do now, Headmaster?’ Snape demanded sullenly. ‘You were so sure… and you were wrong – dead wrong!’

‘I don’t know, Severus. I honestly don’t know!’

xxxOOOxxx

In the end McGonagall decided that it would be better for Jessica to get away from Hogwarts. She took the Librarian to her home on Loch Linnhe, deep in the heart of the ancestral lands of her family. The Clan MacKenzie had been settled in the Highlands for hundreds of years. As Jessica was thought to be one of them in this world, she might as well become acquainted with the place.

For the first few days, all Jessica did was sleep. The Healer that Minerva consulted said that it was not unusual, given the trauma she had suffered and the illness that she hadn’t quite recovered from. Jessica woke long enough to eat and to use the bathroom. But her body and mind demanded that she rest and for once she obeyed.

Toward the end of her first week she was well enough to finally venture downstairs. She followed the sounds of voices which led her to a spacious kitchen where lunch was being set out.

‘It’s good to see you up and about,’ Minerva said brightly. ‘There’s plenty to occupy your mind if you don’t care to venture outside, though I must say its quite nice out at the moment…’

‘I think I’ll take it easy for the moment – I wouldn’t mind reading up on the history of the place if that’s ok?’

‘Excellent idea! Having said that, I want to introduce you to someone: Liam, my husband. He’s Laird of these lands and Chieftan of the Clan McKenzie.’

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. McKenzie. Thank you for having me – it’s very kind of you.’

‘It’s not a problem at all. I’m happy that we could help ye. Just make yourself at home and ring for one of the wee ones if you’ll be needing anything.’

It had been necessary to talk to Liam about Jessica’s situation and Dumbledore had come by two days ago. He’d needed to see Liam because of the Laird’s vastly superior knowledge of the Stones and because he’d been a member of the original Order of the Phoenix in the first war.

Jessica frowned; it seemed that the small number of people who knew about her situation was gaining in numbers with the passing of each week.

‘Don’t worry, Jessica. Let me tell you something, a great many in the Order owe their lives to my husband! When the time comes don’t let any of them fill your head with nonsense. He was the one who saw Pettigrew for what he was from the very beginning; well, he and Snape…’

‘But no one wanted to believe Snape,’ Liam said with a faint hint of bitterness. ‘And they didn’t want to believe me either. It cost lives in the end; too many lives…’

‘I understand the problems people seem to have with Severus, even if I don’t agree with them, but why didn’t they want to believe you?’ Jessica asked before pouring herself a glass of orange juice and drinking it down and pouring another before helping herself to several sandwiches and some crisps.

She was definitely feeling better if her appetite had come back.

There was silence, finally broken by Liam.

‘Suffice it to say that some disapproved of our relationship, not that it was any of their business. Too many personal issues and hidden agendas got in the way of what we were doing and unfortunately Dumbledore doesn’t always think as he ought about some of his recruits and especially those he considers such dear friends.’

‘Anyone in particular?’

‘Not anyone that ye should be concerned about just yet. Some are no longer with his having gone to the great beyond no thanks to their own stupidity. As for the others; well, I’m sure they have more important things to be concerned with these days…’

‘I’m sorry; I just don’t understand what anyone could have against you and why your relationship should matter so much.’

‘Minerva will give you the gory details sometime. As for today – let’s just enjoy ourselves shall we?’

‘Sounds good to me,’ Jessica said with a nod before attacking her sandwich.

Liam had a house-elf bring out records of the Clan McKenzie of which the McGonagalls were an important part. It turned out that he was Minerva’s second cousin once removed – and considerably younger than she. She’d noticed it the moment they were introduced, but seeing the genealogy map – well that made it quite clear. Jessica stayed silent as he explained the bloodlines – and how his family records had been altered to include her.

‘Ye’ve got a great deal of protection now, lass. I finished this just the other night and I’ll venture to say that things will calm down around ye a great deal. Only fool with a death wish would tangle with a McKenzie, ye can believe that!’

‘Och! Merlin knows that’s the truth!’ Minerva snorted.

‘Even Lucius Malfoy?’

‘Especially a gutter rat like him,’ Liam replied heatedly. ‘All that palaver about his family being ancient! Why, it’s nothing but a load of dung! He’s “new money” and much worse about so-called bloodlines and traditions than any of the true old families ever were, and everyone knows it!’

‘Unbelievable! You’d never know it the way he carries on! He put me through all this rubbish about how he’d taken great pains to find out all about me and how it was good for me that I measured up and appreciated his status!’

‘That’s what he does; he rules by fear and intimidation. But too many of us know better – don’t let him make ye afraid Jessica.’

‘He only knows what he’s found out from his son…. Although…’ Minerva began before cutting herself short.

‘Although what?’ Jessica asked suspiciously.

Minerva looked at Liam and even Jessica could see that he was mystified as to what she was probably holding back on.

‘I don’t know really; I’m just wondering if perhaps Dumbledore has made a mistake with you; if he’s taken steps he ought not to have perhaps because he believed he was protecting you.’

‘Considering he manipulated me into taking Harry to the Weasleys and I ended up going to the World Cup – anything is possible,’ Jessica sighed angrily. ‘He tells me to watch my step, don’t do this, don’t do that and yet he can’t stop meddling himself!’

‘He always believes he’s acting for the best. Still it’s no excuse,’ Liam said pointedly.

‘It’s just creating more problems than it’s solving at the minute,’ Jessica said as she thought about Cedric.

‘We know Jessica and we agree with you,’ said Minerva. ‘That’s why Liam went to the Headmaster with me and then I brought you back here. I don’t think he’s given you a proper chance to just be since you got here.’

‘He’s done with his meddling, that ye can be sure…’ said Liam heartily.

‘For now… just give him time,’ Jessica replied wearily.

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica spent the next few days reading up on her rather illustrious family and exploring the McKenzie lands with Minerva. There was something calming about it all and she was beginning to feel a part of it, though it might have struck some as odd given her Native American roots.

There was a small gathering of the family for a day of Highland games, arts, music and food that took place over several days. Liam called together his closest kin and together they formally welcomed their ‘distant cousin’ into the family.

‘This brings with it a great deal of magical protection and potency,’ Liam explained as he and Minerva each took one of Jessica’s hands and jumped a great fire that had been prepared specifically for this ritual. They dropped to the other side with a heavy thud, but still standing relatively upright.

‘She’s a McKenzie alright!’ a flame haired man named Jamie called out as the small crowd let up a mighty roar.

Minerva placed a delicate necklace around her neck. It was silver, copper and bronze and of a celtic design. There was a matching cuff for her left wrist and the intricacy of them took Jessica’s breath away.

‘You are no stranger in a strange land. From this moment forward I look upon you as my sister,’ Liam said in strong voice so that even those in the back could hear. ‘You are entrusted with all that is sacred and holy to this family and the lands we have called home for centuries. We bid you welcome and amongst us may you be known as Mairead McKenzie!’

There was a steady stream of whoops in Gaelic and then everyone came forward to welcome the newest member of the family. Minerva entreated everyone to eat, drink and have as much fun as they dared but not more than they could handle, prompting a booming chorus of laughter. Jessica hung back and watched as the celebrations of this final night kicked off in earnest.

‘Is it my imagination or did something really significant just happened here?’ she asked Liam above the din.

‘Aye! That it did, Lassie – that it did!’ The Chieftain replied with a wink and a grin.

He leaned in and whispered into Jessica’s ear, causing her eyes to go wide as saucers.

‘We McKenzies look after our own – and if Dumbledore doesn’t know anything else, he should surely know that by now!’ Liam said firmly.

‘Perhaps that’s why he decided that Minerva’s family should be my own…’ Jessica thought to herself. But damn it if she wasn’t sick and tired of being used like some pawn in a wizard’s chess match.

She began to wonder just what was it that Dumbledore was hiding from her, and what had he hoped to gain my manipulating events the way he had? He was making the same mistakes with her that he was making with Harry – and nothing good was going to come of it.

xxxOOOxxx

In the bat of an eye time had flown by and Jessica found herself back at Hogwarts preparing for the new term. The students were already on their way up having left King’s Cross that morning. She had monstrous butterflies in her stomach thinking about Cedric as she as she prepared the start of term feast in her quarters. She soaked in a hot bath let her mind wander. How she had loved the feel of his body covering hers, the soft down on his chest and belly; the thicket trailing to his curls. He was big in every way, shape and form – such a contrast to…

No, she would not dare to think of him, especially not now.

Cedric was so broad and strong; something about his stature made her feel protected and forget things she would otherwise do well to remember. He’d been blessed in many ways and his physicality was undeniably attractive. There wasn’t a girl at Hogwarts who wouldn’t give up something to have him pay attention to her, even Hermione (although she liked to pretend she was above it all). He was extremely sensible and more like a mature 39 year-old than 19. In many ways he was ahead of his contemporaries…

But whatever this was – it couldn’t last! He was supposed to be with Cho Chang – she was the one he fancied!

Jessica emerged from the bathroom that she wouldn’t call hers in a few hours. There was to be a special sorting for her once the incoming First Years were done. The only thing that Minerva and Liam seemed sure about was that she couldn’t possibly end up in Slytherin or Hufflepuff. But Jessica found the idea of sharing space with Cho Chang in Ravenclaw was enough to make her want to heave.

‘God almighty – I’m jealous… I’m actually jealous of her… the stupid cow…’

The books didn’t exactly paint the nicest picture of Cho in some ways; she was particularly brutal with Harry in his Fifth Year. But that was a long way away – and it was because of Cedric’s death. Jessica tried not to think of that as she dressed. She had cried herself to sleep at Minerva’s thinking about him and what was to come. And now she found that she just wanted him to be happy, whatever form it took. If that meant him shagging Cho Chang, then so be it.

Now if only she could really believe that she’d be ok with being dumped by him.

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica walked calmly into the Great Hall, ignoring the buzz around her. A number of students jumped up and ran to the centre isle to say hello. If anyone had heard about what happened to her it wasn’t being talked about, at least not openly.

‘Joanne! Stop by tomorrow and show me your photographs – I love Venice! Amy – great tan, It’s a wonder you managed it with all that partying in Ibiza! Pasha and Ministry of Sound are wicked!’ On and on it went. She wasn’t the only staff member mingling with students. But she felt more than one pair of eyes on her and realised that not only was Cedric standing on the edge of the little crowd, Severus’ black eyes were fixed on her from his usual place at High Table. The crowd dwindled down and she said hello to the twins, Ron and Hermione. Harry said nothing as he ignored Colin Creevey chattering away, trying to take pictures of him. Jessica presumed he was still smarting from being put in his place at the campsite. But she’d said what needed to be said. Harry had said some things that shouldn’t have been spoken about and his attitude nearly made him spill some things that she had trusted him to keep private. It killed her to think that he was so weak, that she’d made a mistake in not letting Severus Obliviate him. And she knew that the Potions Master was still thinking about it, he was so angry about what happened. They hadn’t spoken at all, but she knew Severus well enough to know that.

Finally it was just her, Cedric and a couple of Ravenclaws that he happened to know. They exchanged pleasantries and she encouraged small talk about their holidays in the Lake District.

‘I have that on my agenda for next summer,’ Jessica joined in.

‘You’d love it,’ Cedric commented casually. ‘The countryside is breathtaking. Lots of mountains with great walks… and very quiet in most places.’

‘Me and me brother wore ourselves out,’ said Terry Boot. ‘He signed us up for a nature walk and it was a 10-mile hike! I swear he was trying to kill me!’

‘Well – stop nicking the choccy from my desk and you might actually make it a couple of miles without wanting to pass out,’ Jessica teased.

‘Say what?’ Anthony Del’Abbate exclaimed in mock horror. ‘You’d deprive a growing boy of his strength?’

‘Yes, I would… I’m evil like that…’ Jessica replied as she looked down at her watch. She didn’t have to see Cedric to know that he was smiling. ‘Better take our places, the procession will start in a couple of minutes….’

The Ravenclaws said their goodbyes and said they would come see her. Feeling too self-conscious, Cedric made his way back to the Hufflepuff table, ignoring the heady looks that some of the girls were giving him. He was strapping, good-looking, Quidditch Captain and a Prefect. He was quite a catch indeed.

Jessica was stopped by several of the ghosts included Nearly-Headless Nick all of whom had a right moan about Peeves the Poltergeist and what he’d been up to in the Library with their requests. The Librarian assured them that Peeves had been well and truly sorted out, the Native American way and that their orders where ready for them..

‘You don’t say!’ boomed the Bloody Baron with glee, the blood stains on his tunic shining brightly as only they could. ‘Old Pince runs a mile if she even thinks he’s about!’

‘Yes indeed I do. That trouble-maker didn’t know what hit him. He’ll think twice before doing it again, believe you me.’

‘Serves him right! I say – it’s about time someone put him in his place!’ The Grey Lady said loftily before she fluttered back to the Ravenclaws.

Jessica moved to the table. The staff members that were friendly with her said hello, the rest said nothing as though she wasn’t there, same as always. Dumbledore cleared his throat and tapped his water goblet. The room fell silent as the huge double doors opened and the First Years filed in with the Deputy Head Mistress Leading them.

The Librarian barely took it in as they were all sorted by the ancient Sorting Hat. At long last, it was over. But McGonagall wasn’t finished.

‘Jessica Newkirk!’ she called out.

Jessica stood shakily and took a deep breath. She walked down to the old stool and sat demurely as McGonagall place the battered hat on her head amidst the whispers flying fast and furious around the room.

‘I can’t believe she didn’t tell us!’ she heard George howl.

‘Looks like she’s not going anywhere,’ someone who sounded remarkably like Marietta Edgecombe said snidely.

The hat started to speak but pursed its lips. There wasn’t going to be a song for her, it might say too much! The Librarian didn’t know how she knew this, but she was definitely sure of it.

‘Hmmm now you, my dear, are very interesting indeed!’ the Hat muttered to her. ‘Strong and Wise; Fearless in the face of tragedies that could break even the most determined of wizards. You carry on because you must, but always with the courage of your convictions, a fierce intelligence and cool logic. You are fiercely loyal and fair even in the face of opposition. You aren’t afraid of hard work to get what you want. You are cunning – oh yes you are! You could have given old Philleus Nigellus a run for his gold! You have a remarkable balances of all our Houses. But where to put you – we can’t slice you up you know!’

‘It can’t be Slytherin; Severus would have a massive coronary….’ Jessica thought to herself.

‘Hmmm – a very tempting proposition indeed!’ the hat cackled. ‘But the House of the Serpent is no place for you!’ (“not yet…” it added in a faint whisper).

Everyone in the room was on the edge of their seat.

‘With a mind like yours there is only one place for you – RAVENCLAW!!’ the Hat roared.

‘OH MOTHER FUCKING GOD!’ – was that Fred, or George?

There was a storm of protest from the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs while the Ravenclaws roared with glee and banged the table. The Grey Lady tried to and her arm went through it.

‘We’ve got Miss Newkirk! We’ve got Miss Newkirk!’ the Ravens chanted.

The Slytherins sat sullenly at their table, a number of them looking very cross. They could never get any glory, never. Their reaction surprised Jessica, who still couldn’t believe how many of them wanted to participate in the Library Club this year. She’d always been under the impression that most of them hated her, with Draco Malfoy leading the pack. Apparently she was quite wrong – although ironically enough she’d always taken an opposite view in her fan fiction, and even managed to get herself sorted as a Slytherin. Much to her surprise, the arrogant white-haired boy was silent; fuming with anger and silent.

But Slytherin was the one House where there was the most pressure from Voldemort’s Inner Circle. So the Hat was quite right to point out that the House of the Serpent was no place for her. It had said something else too – something she didn’t quite catch.

And rather than be comforted by her Sorting, Jessica was left with more than a few questions that she knew would never be answered.

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica was all anyone could talk about during dinner and dessert. She took little notice of it, her mind wandering instead to the announcements to come before the students were sent to their dormitories. She forced herself to eat but waited anxiously. At last, Dumbledore stood and called out the notices. There was the usual warning about the Forbidden Forest, the Hogsmeade weekends and assorted eye-rolling, vomit-inducing rants from Filch which the Headmaster relayed with a comical smirk.

‘Last but not least,’ Dumbledore said somberly. ‘There will be no Inter-House Quidditch Cup this year!’

‘No!’ Jessica screamed in her mind. ‘No! Please!’ as the hall erupted in invectives and insults.

But before anyone could utter another word, the hall doors burst open once more.

The scariest looking man anyone had ever seen (except Dumbledore and Snape), hobbled in with one of his eyes rolling wildly. He looked like he had never been introduced to soap or water aside from the storm outside.

‘Mad-Eye Moody’ Ron whispered loudly.

‘Barty Crouch Junior,’ Jessica thought darkly as the man’s swiveling eye rested on her. ‘Yeah – you know me asshole!’

Dumbledore welcomed Moody and directed him to a seat next to Severus who was none too pleased.

He raised his hands to stop the flurry of comments and complaints.

‘There will be no Inter-House Quidditch Cup this year. INSTEAD; we have the great honor of hosting an event which has not graced our world for several centuries! Over several months, commencing in October at the Halloween Feast, Hogwarts will host the Tri-Wizard Tournament!’

‘No bloody way!’ Ron roared. ‘You’re having us on!’

The tension in the room that had been there since the Headmaster began his announcements about the House Quidditch matches broke as everyone roared with laughter.

‘Yes indeed Mr. Weasley,’ Dumbledore beamed as he peered over his half-moon spectacles. ‘And no, I most certainly am not joking – although I must say I heard a marvelous one his summer about a troll, a hag and a vampire who go into a pub…’

Both Minerva and Jessica cleared their throats loudly as some of the students sniggered and others looked at Dumbledore like what pub did he just stumble out of.

‘Oh well… not the right time, I supposed,’ Dumbledore grinned sheepishly. ‘What was I on about – oh yes the Tri-Wizard tournament...’

The Headmaster gave a history of the event, why it stopped being held and how the decision had been taken to hold it again. He went on to explain that delegations from the other leading Wizarding Schools in Europe would be participating and their contenders would arrive for the Selection on Halloween Eve. The selections would be made by an impartial judge and the decision was binding. Submission of one’s name constituted a binding magical contract. Once chosen, the chosen Champion was obligated to participate.

A mighty roar went up throughout the hall, but Dumbledore silenced them once again.

‘Due to the serious nature of this event and the high level of skill required; only those students aged 17 and above can submit their name for consideration.’

‘What! You can’t do that!’ a number of students roared, Fred and George among them.

‘It’s not fair – we turn 17 in April!’ Fred howled.

‘And last but certainly not least,’ said Dumbledore, ‘I give your Alastor Moody one of the greatest Aurors our Ministry has ever had and our new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts!’

There was nothing but silence as everyone tried not to stare at the man with a mutilated face, part of his bulbous nose missing and an artificial leg and eye. Moody kept taking swigs from his hip-flask and it only added to his rather seedy and sinister appearance.

‘Prefects – you may escort the students back to your Houses,’ the Headmaster said with a dismissing wave.

Professor Flitwick made a beeline for Jessica, a warm smile on his face. ‘Welcome my dear Jessica! Welcome to Ravenclaw! Your things have already been sent to your new rooms…’

The Librarian walked off with the Head of Ravenclaw House and listened as he pointed about some of the finer attributes of their House. Several pairs of eyes watched them depart; Snape’s, Moody’s, and McGonagall’s among them.

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica waited for the staircases to stop moving and quickly made her way to Ravenclaw Tower on the western side of the castle. Professor Flitwick escorted her to her new quarters and said a rather bubbly ‘good night’ and then bounced down the hall humming as he went. The Librarian forced a smile and was relieved when he finally rounded a corner and she could lock her door behind her.

She walked down a small torch-lit hallway and had a quick tour of her rooms. There was a large sitting room, a study, a huge bedroom with en-suite bath. It was decidedly larger than her old rooms and she couldn’t find fault. She looked out a window and found that the she enjoyed a spectacular prospect. But upon closer inspection she realised something. She looked once again, squinting as she did so. Her rooms were level with Severus’ – as a matter of fact, the turret that was a part of his House was opposite hers. Every room and window in her quarters had an equal in his.

‘I’m not going to make more of this than there is,’ she admonished herself.

She looked around, and mercifully the house-elves had taken care of unpacking all her things. Some items she’d never even bothered to place in her old quarters. But the elves seemed to have a finely-honed instinct for what she preferred and the place looked like a proper home.

Her mind began to wander to a certain young man who was probably already asleep.

‘He can’t do it,’ she sniffed. ‘He can’t!’

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica prepared for bed. It had been a long night and all she wanted was sleep. Still conscious that Snape could see her clearly from his own quarters, she closed the shutters and windows followed by the curtains.

She had just put out the lamps in the hallway and her sitting room when there was a faint knock at her door. She frowned. God Almighty – she couldn’t deal with Flitwick being sociable tonight.

‘Professor I…’ she sighed as she opened the door.

But it wasn’t Flitwick. Jessica looked up into the smiling face of Cedric.

‘Have you lost your mind?’ she sputtered.

‘I won’t be long, I promise…’

Jessica couldn’t help but grin as she let him in. The door had no sooner closed than he gathered her into his arms and rained as many kisses down on her as she could stand. She placed her hands on his chest and then moved them up to his face in the darkness. Her mouth sought his and she devoured him hungrily.

‘Damn you for being so bloody tall,’ she murmured as they pulled apart. But Cedric – how the hell did you get in here?’

‘I’m a prefect – and being a Prefect has its privileges. Like being able to go where the average student can’t go. My curfew isn’t for another two hours yet, and I’m expected to make a sweep of my corner; which tonight happens to be this one…’

‘What am I going to do with you?’ Jessica asked as she turned on a light.

‘I can think of a few things, actually…’ came a reply as she led him into her sitting room and turned on another.

Cedric was stuck with how serious she looked.

‘I guess you’re going to miss Quidditch this year…’ she began slowly.

‘I’ll still get out on the pitch to practice – and I was thinking maybe I could teach you how to play…’

‘Me? Are you crazy? I can barely fly!’

That was certainly no lie. Severus had tried to teach her and had given up out of sheer frustration. Her lack of flying prowess had been behind some of their fiercest arguments and she still didn’t understand why it had upset him so much.

‘It wasn’t me teaching you though,’ Cedric said firmly as he moved next to her. ‘Professor Snape isn’t exactly one of the best fliers this place has ever produced.’

‘You saw us?’

Cedric looked sheepish and Jessica was nothing less than mortified.

‘Take it easy – nobody else has ever seen you and your secret’s been safe with me,’ he said gently.

‘Well thank God for that!’

She was silenced with a kiss – a passionate kiss that could easily get out of control.

‘Cedric, stop; we need to talk…’

‘You’ve been looking gloomier than Filch since the Headmaster made the announcements . What’s wrong?’

‘This tournament…’

‘Isn’t it brilliant? My father told me about it as soon as he found out. It’s all he talked about besides the Quidditch World Cup.’

‘And…?’

‘And…he wants me to put my name down. Actually, he expects me to put name down; it’s not really negotiable.’

‘No! You can’t! It’s too dangerous!’ Jessica howled.

‘What? Jessica I’ll be alright. Honestly I will!’ Cedric replied in astonishment.

‘No… Cedric please… If you love me as much you claim you do – please don’t do it!’

‘It’s an honour; don’t you understand? I know I have it in me to be a fair Wizard – and this year is it for me; there’s nothing else after this. My father… it would kill him if I didn’t try for it. He’s already moaning because I have no interest in a career with the Ministry. I want him to be proud of me for something that has nothing to do with Harry Potter for a change!’

‘What about you, Cedric! What about you! It’s not his neck that will be on the line, it’s yours! People have died and not even made it halfway through! You heard Dumbledore tonight!’

‘I’m not taking it lightly, but Professor Sprout said that of anyone in my House I stood the best chance! Look at what happened at the World Cup – how I fought those people off… If I can get us through that then surely I can manage this? I want you to be proud of me too!’

Jessica leaned her forehead against Cedric’s and looked in his eyes. ‘You have nothing to prove to me or anyone else. I’d never ask you to risk your life so carelessly.’

‘I’d be letting down the school if I didn’t try – and I can’t do that. Hogwarts rarely had a Champion, and this just might be our time to do it!’

‘Then let someone else… please…’

Cedric gathered Jessica to him in a tight hug.

‘I won’t take any foolish risks; I give you my word. But I have to do this and I need your blessing, Jessica. Your support is worth everything to me. I need to go into this knowing that you’re behind me every step of the way.’

Jessica’s face crumpled and she burst into tears.

‘OK,’ she sniffed. ‘If it’s what you really want I won’t say another word against it…’

‘You know – you’re beautiful even when you cry,’ Cedric said as he brushed her tears away and then ran a hand through her hair.

‘God only knows what you see in me…’

‘Just the woman I want to be with…’ he murmured before kissing her.

He pulled her into his arms and they lay together on her sofa.

‘Do you have any idea how many girls here would give their eye teeth to be with you?’

‘I’m not interested in them,’ came a tight reply. ‘And you never struck me as the sort of woman who could be insecure, and especially when there’s no reason for it.’

‘I know too much, and it’s ruining everything,’ Jessica thought to herself. ‘Maybe I just feel sorry for him…?’

But she didn’t feel sorry for him, quite the contrary.

‘I’m not insecure… I just don’t want you to have regrets. Many of the others in your year are already engaged. They’re planning families and you can guarantee a year from now they’ll be well on their way. There are things you aren’t thinking about…’

‘You think I haven’t thought about any of those things? I’m not some addle-brained impulsive child!’

‘I never said you were,’ Jessica snapped as she sat up.

‘Why are doing this? All you seem to want is to drive me away from you! Have you changed your mind; is that it? If you don’t want to be with me just tell me!’

It was Cedric’s turn to be emotional. And it was so unlike him that Jessica realised what she was doing to him yet again. It wasn’t fair and it wasn’t healthy. They couldn’t keep on like this and it was clear he wasn’t about to give up on her, not yet anyway. She knew that she had him and there was no need for this. It wasn’t going to change anything.

‘I’m sorry; I’m so, so sorry…’ she murmured.

‘Please…’ the Hufflepuff sniffed. ‘Are you… are you breaking up with me….?’

‘No – I guess I love you too much to let you go!’

‘Say it, Jessica. I need to hear you say it!’

Jessica looked up into Cedric’s pensive gray eyes. He loved her so much…

‘I love you, Cedric. I just realised how much tonight, actually. It would kill me to see you with anyone else; I couldn’t bear it! And that’s why I don’t want you in that bloody tournament – you could die and I couldn’t face it, I couldn’t!’

The young man held her in his arms.

‘I feel the same way about you. I saw you with Professor Snape and then at the Cup when… well, that’s when I knew absolutely what I felt for you.’

Jessica didn’t say anything and simply looked at him.

‘There isn’t anyone else, is there,’ Cedric asked slowly. ‘You and the professor… I wouldn’t have believed in a million years…’

‘No – there isn’t anyone else. I’m not like that! And I don’t have anything with him!’

‘I know – I just…’

‘I know…let’s just drop it!’

‘Are we ok?’ Cedric whispered as he stroked Jessica’s arm.

‘Aside from the fact what would happen if anyone had any idea that you were here and that we’re sleeping together… Yes, we are…’

‘I still have another hour or so…’

‘We can’t – you know we can’t…’ Jessica whispered as he began to kiss her and caress her beneath her nightgown. She moaned uncontrollably as his large hands stroked her breasts and he suckled a nipple. She reached down and unleashed the thickness in his pants. In a matter of minutes they were making love, completely lost in each other. Cedric cried out as his orgasm wracked his body in spasm after spasm after a time and they began yet again.

xxxOOOxxx

The Hufflepuff Prefect had just under a half hour left to make it to his dormitory. He and Jessica couldn’t be with each other very often, it was just too risky. But he’d finally gotten the commitment he wanted from her and that was all that mattered. She’d been his inspiration more than anyone else as he’d thought about the tournament the past few days.

If he became Hogwarts Champion and actually won they could get a nice place somewhere together when he left school. The prize money would more than cover it. She could even afford to leave her job if she wanted to; he knew that it wasn’t what she had really planned on doing with her life and that she’d prefer to do something more creative. Why shouldn’t she? There was more to life than Hogwarts and the Ministry.

He would make Jessica proud of him.

He was definitely going to put his name forward for Hogwarts Champion in the TriWizard Tournament.