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? SSnape, CDiggory, OFC

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 travelling 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 NOTES: Yes I have been gone for quite some time. Unfortunately I had some very real-life problems to grapple with. But I will finish this and all my other stories. And more will be revealed about the clans in time…

Fantasy/Drama

This story is rated R/M.

ENIGMA

Chapter 036: What is meant…

Word got around quickly enough that a new shop had opened in Hogsmeade. No one had ever seen anything quite like it, but there was no denying the high quality craftsmanship and uncommon creativity that went into the wares on offer. As far as anyone knew, some Italian wizards were branching out and trying their luck in the British Isles, deeming Hogsmeade more appropriate than Diagon Alley for their first venture. They had the intelligence to hire a couple of the locals and incorporate some of the native traditions into their work. It was a good venture all around and so the latest Ca’Macana workshop found a niche for itself and did a brisk trade since it Christmas was not really that far off.

However, Jessica did not make her presence known, save for Rosmerta and her brother both of whom pledged absolute secrecy. They were Highlanders, after all and had a great understanding of these things. They were good comfort for her and she enjoyed her time with them and Minerva getting the goss. Still, Liam McKenzie had them agree to be bound to silence, just to be safe.

They all encouraged Jessica to start getting out and about, but some unknown instinct prompted her to hold back.

The circumstances were not quite right yet.

xxxOOOxxx

‘I had hoped there would be some word by now, something,’ Dumbledore sighed as he looked across his desk at Liam and Minerva, both of whom remained as inscrutable as ever. They were not skilled Occlumens, but they did have an arsenal of Highlander charms at their disposal to keep the Headmaster at bay.

It may be cruel what they were putting the aged wizard through, but Jessica was their priority. Before either could reply, the doors to his office swung open and Professor Flitwick flew in, nearly overturning the perch on which Dumbledore’s phoenix had been slumbering. He was followed by Professors Sprout and Snape.

‘Professor?’ McGonagall snapped as she peered over her glasses at the diminutive wizard now rolling across the floor like an errant bowling ball,’ What in the name of Merlin is going on?!’

‘Come quicky – it’s the Goblet! The Goblet of Fire has only gone and relit itself! AND IT’S CALLING FOR YOU HEADMASTER!’

Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall and Liam McKenzie went white with shock.

‘Bagman and Crouch…’ Dumbledore began.

‘Already summoned… by the Goblet!’ Sprout swooned.

‘Oh my heavens!’ Minerva rasped.

‘Gather the students and the delegations,’ Dumbledore ordered. ‘It would seem that the Tournament is to take place after all…’

There was no comment from Snape, only the cold icy silence of his unvoiced accusations. He was certain that the Headmistress and her husband were hiding something. He had no doubt that given the formidable skills and power of the Highlanders they had to know a great deal more about Jessica and her whereabouts than they wanted people to believe. The Headmaster must be barking mad not to push as he ought.

Professor Snape was determined to find out for himself what secrets they were hiding.

xxxOOOxxx

The students, staff and assembled guests gathered in the Great Hall in a tense silence. The Goblet had no mouth with which to speak, and yet everyone innately understood that it was communicating. That which had been so terribly wrong must now be put right. Every student aged 17 and over was to submit their name for consideration as a Champion for their respective school. But this time it was not optional.

It was a direct order.

From the Goblet of Fire itself.

The students who had no intention of putting themselves forward protested vehemently, but the Headmaster did his best to reassure them that the Goblet would not choose anyone not up to the demands of the tasks. They had one week to submit their names. In seven days’ time everyone would reconvene in the Great Hall where the Goblet would reveal its choices.

‘Have you ever heard of such a thing before, Husband?’ Minerva whispered to Liam, who was there in his capacity as a School Governor. Their faces mirrored the tensions of the room as Dumbledore spelled out the rules of the Tournament yet again. There were no woops of delight from the assembled, only a stony, fearful silence.

‘I can’t say that I have. But it would seem that the Goblet is guaranteeing that the grave injustice from the last Choosing of the Champions does not happen again. It has the prerogative and it is exercising it. This is unprecedented…’

‘And Dumbledore…?’

‘It’s not because of Dumbledore, my dear; not this time…’

And that was all Liam would say on the matter.

xxxOOOxxx

If Cedric had any high hopes that he would be able to see Jessica right away he found that he’d been greatly mistaken. This situation with the Tournament meant that the Prefects were pressed into service keeping an eye on the students from their Houses. Too many underage students were eager to try their hand at getting past the age line drawn around the cup, Fred and George Weasley especially. The castle was a hive of activity now that the Tournament was officially underway.

Cedric thought about every conversation he and Jessica had had. He loved her so much and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. He knew that she had been against him submitting his name before. But she seemed to have reconciled herself with it before the left Venice. It would be a great honour to represent Hogwarts and perhaps his father would make time for him if he were chosen. Jessica would be so proud of him, he knew she would. The money that he could win if he were Tournament Champion would go a long way in guaranteeing a comfortable life for them.

With his housemates egging him on, a beaming but slightly embarrassed Cedric Diggory submitted his name of his own free will.

The Goblet crackled faintly with bright sparks, as though it approved.

xxxOOOxxx

The news about the Tournament was all anyone could talk about. Jessica was grateful she had her work at the shop to distract her, but she still would not reveal her presence to anyone. She waited anxiously for news from Minerva about the results.

She had been alarmed as everyone else that the Goblet had demanded that all eligible students put themselves forward for consideration. There was no real choice in the matter. And it was her fault, she was certain of it. The missing link was Cedric and the Prodigal Son had returned to the fold.

She was aching to see him, but all she could do was wait.

xxxOOOxxx

‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Dumbledore intoned in gravely tones. ‘I don’t need to remind you again of the prestige in representing your school. Fame, honour and eternal glory awaits the one who is overall Tri-Wizard Champion. If your name is called you will approach the Goblet, bow and then go down these stairs following the corridor to the room at the end. We will gather for photos and a brief conference with the Prophet. However I will not be derelict in my duty. Participation in this tournament is not to be taken lightly. Many have lost their lives on this sacred quest. You are bound by sacred covenants, submission of your name constituted a binding magical contract. You are obligated to follow through at all costs. There is no turning back.’

Excitement began to take hold now and dozens of heads whipped forward, most desperate to be chosen as they ooed and ahhed about being featured in the newspaper.

And now – LET THE SELECTION OF CHAMPIONS BEGIN!’

Dumbledore gestured towards the Goblet.

There was a moment of rumbling and then bright blue flames shot out of the Goblet and a singed piece of parchment along with it.

‘Representing Beauxbatons Academy – Miss Fleur Delacour!’

There was a triumphant cheer that went up from the prestigious French wizarding school, as though it was an absolute certainty that their Champion would triumph overall. The young lady glided towards the Headmaster, clearly convinced of her own supreme brilliance as she approached the Goblet and gave a slight curtsey. She turned back around and regarded the students of Hogwarts and Durmstrang haughtily. Dumbledore gave her a look and then shooed her down the stairs along with her school head Madame Maxine.

There was more rumbling and then greyish flames shot of the Goblet and again a singed piece of parchment flew into Dumbledore’s fingers.

‘Representing Durmstrang School – Mr. Viktor Krum!’

‘Harrumph!’ Karkaroff cried triumphantly as the Durmstrang delegation roared, He stalked up to the Goblet as though he himself had been chosen, the actual Durmstrang Champion trailing in his wake.

‘It is not your place, Igor!’ Dumbledore said dangerously as he gestured for the man to move aside.

Karkaroff looked as though he was ready to spit nails, but moved back nonetheless.

Krum strode up to the Goblet, gave a respectful bow and then followed his Headmaster down to the room where a cacophony of flashes went off as he entered.

The Great Hell fell silent. This was it; the last Champion… the Hogwarts Champion.

There was a low rumbling replete with bright sparks. Bright Yellow flames wooshed up high out of the Goblet causing everyone to gasp. A thin, ragged singed piece of parchment flitted down into Dumbledore’s outstretched fingers.

‘And now – representing Hogwarts – it is my great pleasure to give to you – CEDRIC DIGGORY!’

There was an almighty triumphant roar that boomed through the rafters. Cedric was hauled to his feet by the ecstatic Hufflepuffs. Cho Chang rushed forward and tried to kiss him on the cheek only to be rebuffed. Embarrassed by her foolishness, a slightly red Cedric Diggory walked purposefully towards the cup, made a low bow and then shook Dumbledore’s hand.

‘Congratulations my son – this way if you please,’ Dumbledore said beaming with pride as he cuffed Cedric on the shoulder and then gestured towards the stairs.

Minerva and Liam clapped and cheered and Jessica’s worriment was temporarily forgotten as they revelled in the fact that Hogwarts had a mighty fine Champion. The school might actually win the tournament for a change. It would be the first time since Flitwick had taken home the honours 200 years ago.

Snape, standing near the stairs, looked at the cup curiously. It was sparking madly and began to rumble again.

‘Headmaster…’ he rasped as he stepped towards the Goblet.

The merry-making in the room stopped as the word went around that something was happening. Dumbledore stepped away from Cedric and looked up at the now flaming Goblet. There was an almost sonic BOOM followed by a hiss of bright red flames. A lone singed piece of parchment wafted down into Snape’s outstretched fingers. The room watched aghast as the Potions Master’s complexion turned the colour of sour milk.

Dumbledore took the slip of paper from Snape’s outstretched hand.

‘Potter…’ Dumbledore mumbled at first, not believing what he was seeing.

‘Harry Potter!’

‘What?’, ‘What’s he playing at?’, ‘Come on, joke’s over!’ students shouted.

‘HARRY POTTER – UP HERE! NOW!’ Dumbledore roared.

‘I.. I didn’t do it!’ Harry said to Hermione as she pushed him up from his seat and then pushed him forward. ‘I swear I didn’t do it!’

‘Nice one – mate!’ Ron grumbled as he sank back on his seat sullenly.

Harry walked hesitantly towards Dumbledore and the Goblet of Fire. Snape looked at him with the deepest of loathing and sniffed as though something rank polluted the air in the room.

‘I swear I didn’t do it!’ Harry stammered.

‘I cannot help you now, Harry,’ Dumbledore said gravely. ‘You must compete. The Goblet has chosen you.’

‘Bow Potter, or are you arrogant and insolent that you consider yourself to above it!’ Snape snapped.

When there no admonishment of the Potions Master forthcoming from the Headmaster, Harry knew he was in trouble.

The Boy Who Lived bowed shakily and looked up at Dumbledore.

‘Go,’ Dumbledore said dejectedly as he jerked his head towards the stairs.

It was completely unlike the reception he’d had for Cedric Diggory and Harry immediately felt resentful.

The Great Hall erupted in shouts and catcalls. Fights were breaking out between the Hogwarts students between the Houses and with students from the foreign delegations. Liam McKenzie stepped in along with the other Governors and staff to break things up. Dumbledore and the four Heads of House followed Harry Potter down the stairs and into the room where the other Champions and the press were waiting.

The slip of paper was put through any number of tests by Barty Crouch. It was made clear that by all appearances it was legitimate and that Potter was bound to compete. His name had been accepted by the Goblet and he was chosen. Regardless of how it happened or why, Harry Potter was Hogwarts Champion – along with Cedric Diggory.

After the press conference all Hogwarts students were sent back to their Houses for the rest of the night and the delegations returned to their respective quarters on the grounds. As Liam prepared to leave for home (Minerva was obligated to remain at the school) he began to wonder for the first time about what Jessica had told him.

Was it true?

Was this Tournament going to be the Death of Cedric Diggory?

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica was at home staring blankly at the Early Morning edition of the Daily Prophet that Liam had left behind. He wanted to talk to her himself, he didn’t want her to find out on her own. She could not be consoled though. She looked at the picture of a faintly smiling Cedric and clearly bewildered Harry. Hogwarts had two Champions and there were accusations of cheating. Many felt that Dumbledore was behind it all.

After all this, it was true. Cedric had been meant to be Champion. And Harry, poor Harry – he was stitched up and the Goblet hoodwinked to accept his name. Jessica had been the reason that everything went so horribly wrong before, but Dumbledore had played a part in that as well with all the business with Harry and the World Cup.

She sat at her kitchen table and continued to stare at the photograph of Cedric and Harry.

xxxOOOxxx

It wasn’t enough to compete in the Tournament, the Champions were also to take centre stage at the Yule Ball, a tradition associated with the Tournament that Hogwarts was obligated to sponsor. There was much speculation about who would go with whom.

Marietta had been working overtime to stoke the flames with Cho about Cedric.

‘I so totally wouldn’t let anyone disrespect me like that!’ she barked. ‘Who does he think he is anyway?’

‘What’s your problem? It wasn’t you that he knocked back in front of the whole school!’ Cho said angrily. ‘It’s me that he did it to – not you!’

‘In front of all those people from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang too… and he just ignores you!’

There was nothing but a frosty silence as the two girls continued to look through the racks at Fran’s Frocks for the Fashionable Fae in Hogsmeade.

‘There’s more than one way to skin a cat,’ Marietta said slyly as she pulled out a hideously gaudy gown the colour of cat sick and twirled this way and that with it held up to her in front of a double set of mirrors.

‘What are you on about now?’

‘All I’m saying is nothing you try works with him. He’s probably still got the hots for that old bitch and she’s not even here anymore, thank Merlin! So just handle it the old-fashioned way…’

Cho looked at her quizzically and Marietta rolled her eyes.

‘Do you want him or don’t you?’ she hissed quietly as she pushed Cho towards the back room of the shop.

‘Can I do something for you ladies?’ said the smirking young witch manning the counter.

‘We want… a love potion if you would be so kind…’ Marietta answered with a grin. ‘The best you’ve got!’

It never occurred to Cho to wonder why Marietta was so keen to hook her up with a guy she thought was a ‘simple-minded arsewipe’.

xxxOOOxxx

Cedric had barely made it in the front door before he was leading Jessica up to their bed. He had been like this every time he managed to find time to come see her. On the one hand she should be grateful, she supposed. But on the other it just seemed so… odd…

‘Oh God I need to be inside you!’ he moaned as he unleashed his thickness and then pushed hard inside her. He covered her mouth with his and began to thrust deeply. Jessica cried out in response as he found that blessed spot deep inside her and hit it over and over again, sending wave after wave a pleasure through her. She wanted to beg him not to leave her, to stay here and be with her always. But it was no use. It was too late. And she couldn’t tell him, not a word of it.

The Hufflepuff rained kisses down on her face and tasted the saltiness of her tears.

‘Don’t,’ he whispered hoarsely. ‘Please don’t – not that again!’

Jessica wrapped her legs around his back and clung to him as their bodies thrashed against each other violently. Cedric had let go, he had truly let go and it was almost frightening in its intensity. She still wasn’t used to this Cedric. Passion was one thing, but this was something else. He pounded her relentlessly and she met his thrusts with a ferocity of her own. Cedric closed his eyes tightly…and Cho Chang’s face swam before his eyes.

He looked down and it was Cho naked and bucking wild beneath him. He flipped over onto his back and it was Cho riding him hard begging him for more. Her skin was so luminous and soft, her breasts pert and firm… She was young and beautiful, perfect in every way for him. She was what a Champion deserved. ‘You want this’ her voice whispered in his ear. ‘You have always wanted this!’ she purred as she stroked her nipples and then ran fingers through her dark curls below. ‘Say my name, Cedric! Say it! Say it Tell me how much you want me! Say it! Say it!’

‘CHO!’ Cedric roared as he orgasmed deep and hard inside Jessica. ‘Oh my God, Cho!’

Jessica looked down at Cedric, unable to move.

‘No…’ she whispered. ‘No…’

Cedric was convulsing beneath her, panting Cho’s name breathlessly, shouting how much he wanted her, what he wanted to do to her… and how much he really did love her all this time.

‘No, no…NO!’ Jessica roared. ‘You bastard! You lying, stinking, cheating bastard!’

She jumped off of the young man she would have given her life for and raced to their bathroom, sobbing uncontrollably.

xxxOOOxxx

Jessica lost track of how much time had to have passed as she with her head over the toilet bowl. She was sick, she was absolutely sick with grief. Cedric…Cedric… how…? Why?

‘I can’t fucking stay in here forever!’ she sniffed.

She stood up shakily and stomped her feet to get some feeling back into her legs. She looked in the mirror. Her face was splotchy and her eyes bloodshot. She was a mess, an absolute mess. Jessica blew her nose and then washed her face. She brushed her teeth and then smoothed her hair. There – that was better.

‘Cedric we need to talk about what…’ she began as she opened the door to their bedroom.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon.

‘…just happened…’ she finished hoarsely as she walked around the empty room.

Jessica looked in the other two bedrooms, calling out his name. But there were only the empty rooms, still needing to be furnished. She made her way downstairs to nothing but emptiness.

As the day dawned, Jessica Newkirk packed up what she could bear to take with her and left Cedric’s house, fairly certain she would never see it again.

xxxOOOxxx

‘I’ll kill him!’ Liam roared. ‘I’ll fucking kill the little gobshyte!’

‘Liam for heavens sake calm down!’ This isn’t going to help!’ Minerva said flying to his side and laying a restraining hand on his.

‘Just leave it Liam, please!’ Jessica sobbed. She’d waited a while before telling them what happened. She’d been forced into it really because Elio had blown his stack and was threatening to call Cedric out. Liam and Minerva came to the shop to find that Elio had told them the truth: Jessica had been sleeping there for several weeks and had hidden her 4x4 some distance from Hogsmeade where it would not be detected, crammed as it was with all her worldly goods.

‘I don’t understand it! I absolutely DO NOT understand it!’ Liam roared. ‘He must have a fucking death wish if thinks that he can treat a McKenzie this way!’

‘Well he’s thinking with the wrong piece of equipment that much is clear!’ Minerva snapped. ‘But ye knew that there was always the possibility that once he became Champion his head could be turned a bit! And he isn’t the worst by far – why old Flitwick was a right pain in the sphincter back in his day!’

‘But I never would have thought him capable of it my love! No matter what acknowledgements have come my way I’ve got my first time to ever even THINK of doing something so… low… so despicable!’ Liam howled.

‘What’s he like…’ Jessica whispered. ‘What’s he like… there?’

Minerva looked so helpless it broke Liam’s heart… and Jessica’s.

‘He acts as though nothing untoward has happened’, the Deputy Headmistress answered quietly.

‘…and when he sees you?’

‘”Hello Professor” and that’s about it. I haven’t tried to…’

‘…and with her? What’s he like with her?’

Professor McGonagall swallowed hard and wrung her hands. ‘He appears to be… a bit… infatuated… with Miss Chang…I guess?’ her voice rose in timbre as she finished what she needed to say. Somehow it didn’t seem…right…

Jessica sniffed and nodded slowly as her eyes began to well up.

‘They are attending the Ball together. He asked her directly as I understand it.’ Minerva added as gently as she could. ‘They are… intimate… if I am to believe the rumours…’

‘I see…’ Jessica said in a small voice.

There was an uneasy silence.

‘Ye have a home with us your kin, Sister,’ Liam said purposefully. ‘Cedric Diggory is no longer a part of us. I declare it as Laird and it is so. He did not take yer hand in a fasting nor did he promise himself to ye. We leave him to himself; it’s ye that concern us only. Ye ought to return home where ye belong. There is no shame in it.’

‘Will ye consider it, Jessica?’ Minerva asked as she wrapped her arms around the younger woman and held her close.

‘Mmm hmmm,’ came a muffled reply. ‘I want to go home…’

Professor McGonagall helped Jessica to stand up and Liam stood on her other side.

With a loud CRACK they left the shop and returned to the Loch.

xxxOOOxxx

Liam had prepared a spacious parcel of land for Jessica’s return. There was a lovely house of pale blue-ish grey Highland stone with a slate and thatched roof nestled in a thicket of trees that backed onto woods on the other side of the Loch from he and Minerva. The house enjoyed a fair prospect with its views of the hills and mountains being situated as it was.

It was a great place to make a fresh start, and make a fresh start Jessica would. She had written to Giuseppe and Ines, telling them all that had happened since her less-than-triumphant return. The senior Ormessinis came at once. They stayed with their son and everyone did their best to get Jessica through the grief that consumed her.

‘I just DON’T understand it!’ Giuseppe hissed in a conspirital talk with Liam as they helped Jessica settle into her new house. Minerva had finally convinced her to get out and about and they went shopping for furniture in Edinbugh. ‘He was SO in love with her and he did love her so much! He almost died trying to find her and was willing to throw away everything! I really am finding it hard to believe that he could do such a thing…! If you could have seen more of them in Venice… I’m telling you something isn’t right!’

‘Believe me ‘Seppe I have tried to get to the bottom of it, but it seems the Goddess has other ideas! It’s just not for us to know categorically whether or not he’s got this nasty side to him that’s only showing itself now. He’s always been a big deal at Hogwarts – but the Tournament and things like it; it can do things to even the best of us. I know it as sure as I’m sitting here. All things being equal I have to assume that he’s full of himself now. A day doesn’t go by where there isn’t some new mention of him in the papers or on the wireless! He always seemed to have his feet on the ground no matter what the fuss and I really believe that he’d be alright… I can’t get over this!’

‘This Miss Chang, I have heard she has had quite a thing for him for a long time...and yet he wasn’t interested – until now…’

‘My God – kicking Jessica to the slate for THAT?’ Liam snorted.

‘He’s got the girls throwing themselves at him. He can have anyone he wants. It’s not even him necessarily, it’s what he represents! I always thought he had more sense!’

‘I’d expect it from the likes of our Mr. Krum, but not Diggory… never in a million years would I have expected it!’

‘But you saw…’

‘That’s the whole point, ‘Seppe – I saw fragments, that’s all. And believe me those fragments don’t add up to much. One minute I was so convinced about Diggory and now… I just don’t know. All we can do it wait; watch and wait…’

Both men couldn’t help but to think that maybe Cedric would still be with Jessica had they remained in Venice. The Goblet had finally resolved things as they were meant to be resolved with the Tournament – and that definitely included Cedric Diggory. Liam wasn’t the type of man to ever wish for anyone’s death, but in this moment he could see how people could be so pushed to want such a thing. Jessica deserved so much better than this. It was a blessing in disguise that her liaison with Cedric had never become public knowledge.

The humiliation would have surely killed her.

xxxOOOxxx

The first snowfall of the season began one Hogsmeade weekend. The town was a hotbed of activity as the Yule Ball drew near. The students were out in force scouring for attire to wear to the Yule Ball and not even heavy snowfall could stop them. Jessica still hadn’t made her presence known and her stomach was in knots over what to do. She knew that she was ready to move forward, the question was how?

She was in her offices above the shop when she heard taunting from outside.

‘Holy Merlin! Granger’s got a dress! Hey you nappy-headed chipmunk what’s in the bag!’ someone shouted.

Jessica peeked carefully from behind her drawn curtains. It was Marietta Edgecombe. For the former Librarian ‘hate’ was a mighty strong word, but if there was one person that ever really pushed her over the edge enough where she would use it in regards to them it was that arsewipe of a girl. Marietta Edgecombe was a haemorrhoid on the butt of humanity… She could see Marietta and a group of girls that were from Hufflepuff. Cho Chang was not among them.

The girls were all ganging up on Hermione. Marietta had snatched her bag and pulled out her dress. Some of the girls were running about throwing it to each other above Hermione’s head.

‘Give it back!’ Hermione demanded. ‘Give it back or I’ll…’

‘Or you’ll do what?’ Marietta sneered as there was the ungodly sound of ripping.

‘You don’t need to worry about what she’ll do you – but you damn well better worry about what I can!’ Elio said as he stormed outside from the shop.

Some hexes blasted downwards in arching sonic booms above their heads from an upstairs window.

‘Who do you think you are?’ Marietta shrieked. ‘I’ll get my father on you! I’ll…’

‘I don’t give a rat’s arse about your father! We’ve got the entire incident on the wizcam! The proper authorities will be notified!’ Fergal growled as he stepped forward. He knew what an impressive figure he cut in the traditional clothes of his people.

‘See – I told you we should’ve just left that know-it-all alone!’ someone hissed.

‘Now get out – the lot of you,’ ‘You’re all barred! You take one step near this shop again and you’ll be sorry you did!’

‘Fuck sakes – he’s a Highlander!’ The girls took off, wondering about just how much trouble they were going to be in.

‘It’s all Granger’s fault!’ Marietta shrieked.

‘It is not! It’s YOUR fault Marietta you stupid bint! She’s not even worth the aggro!’

There was nothing but angry shouting, shoving and name-calling as the girls made their way to the end of the lane and back on the High Street.

‘Come inside here for a bit…’ Elio suggested to Hermione. ‘I wouldn’t worry about them… the ringleader there isn’t going to be so popular anymore I can guarantee it. I’ve dealt with people like her more times than I can count.’

The Gryffindor looked around for her dress and robes which she had only just bought. There was nothing but rags scattered all around.

‘My dress and my robes,’ she squeaked tearfully. ‘I just spent the last of my allowance…’

Fergal moved around collecting the thin silky rags. ‘I’m afraid they’ve really done a number on them… Miss…’

‘Granger…Hermione Granger…’

Jessica had seen enough, positioned as she was in a dark corner of the shop now.

‘Come inside, Hermione. We’ll sort something out…’

The Gryffindor looked up in astonishment at hearing a soothing and familiar voice, a voice Hermione thought she’d never hear again.

‘Miss Newkirk? Jessica??’

‘Yes… it’s me alright…’

The young woman threw her arms around Jessica and burst into tears.

‘We’ll do something about your dress, I promise.’

‘Oh Jessica! I... I… I’m just so happy to see you!’

‘It’s good to see you too, Hermione; it really is…’

xxxOOOxxx

Hermione had a million and one questions and didn’t know where to begin. Elio and Fergal had closed the shop so they wouldn’t be disturbed and introductions were made all around. Jessica began with the most obvious – where she had been all this time. There was no mention of Cedric as she told her tale between sips of hot chocolate.

‘Nobody thought of that believe me!’ Hermione gasped. ‘So you went to Venice and learned how to do this?’

‘Yes – it’s always been a dream of mine. I had a lot of doors slammed in my face, but Elio’s father gave me a chance. He taught me everything he knew and he’s become like a father to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. Elio’s parents are here now, reviewing more techniques with me…’

‘Jessica was born to do this,’ Elio said matter-of-factly. ‘She may have been good at her other job, but this makes her happiest. You can see that she is very talented, no?’

‘Jessica… I sent you a note… Hedwig…’ Hermione stammered. ‘I wasn’t sure if she’d actually found you since she came back with my message gone and nothing in its place. Nobody knew that I sent her – Harry would be furious…I was just so desperate…’

‘She found me, yes. She must have been looking for quite a while in some of the nastiest storms Venice has seen for decades. I nursed her back to health and sent her back. I wasn’t really sure of my plans at that point and I just wasn’t ready yet to face the world again and there wasn’t much I was prepared to say. But your note made me think and once I worked it out I decided it was time to really try to have something for myself. Given the track record of the other Ca’Macana enterprises I thought I would toss my hat into the ring. I just wanted to take my time before letting the world know that I’m here.’

‘At least I can be thankful that Cedric hasn’t sold me out in that regard,’ Jessica thought to herself. There hadn’t been so much as a ripple in the hotbed of gossip that was the rumour mill between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts.

‘This is amazing!’ Hermione gasped in astonishment as she looked at the beautiful masks and beaded gowns and other attire. ‘Nobody has any idea that it’s you. Madam Rosmerta has been telling everyone that it’s Italian wizards.’

‘That isn’t exactly a lie…’

‘No, I guess it isn’t…’

‘See anything you like?’ Jessica asked, smiling.

Elio and Fergal looked at each other. It had been quite a while since they’d seen their boss smile. It was the first time since that dreadful business with Cedric.

‘Everything is so gorgeous… and the slippers and jewelry…everything.’

Jessica took Hermione’s cup of hot chocolate from her and held up a sumptuous beaded dress in rich hues of raspberry and blue.

‘I just finished slippers that would be perfect for that,’ Elio said he summoned them from the workroom.

‘And we have the perfect jewellery,’ Fergal said with a nod as he summoned a powder blue velvet box.

A quick flick of her wand and Hermione was turning this way and that, scarcely believing that she could be wearing something so beautiful.

‘Your hair… It should be sleek and worn up with just a few tendrils I think…’ Jessica said as she summoned a bottle of something called ‘Sleek Easy’ and began fashioning Hermione’s hair into a twist.

‘Bella! Mia Cara whoever he is is a lucky man!’ Elio said through a wolf whistle.

‘Jailbait!’ Hermione grinned.

‘Gay!’ Fergal said with a finger snap.

‘Gay trumps Jailbait definitely…’ Jessica snorted as she applied some make-up to Hermione’s flawless skin. ‘You don’t need much Hermione, you really are gorgeous you know. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise or make you feel different. I can guarantee you it will be jealousy talking. Beauty and brains – lethal combination and they all know it. You have a great smile – use it…’

Hermione couldn’t help but eyeball Fergal who gave her a big smile and a knowing wink in return.

‘So you’re going to the ball…’ Jessica said proudly. ‘Who is he?’

‘I was…’ Hermione said tearfully. ‘I don’t have anything to wear now…’

‘Silly billy; what do you think this is?’

‘Oh I couldn’t! It costs so much and I don’t have any money…!’

‘Who is your date Hermione?’

‘I haven’t told anyone… they’ll just take the mickey out of me… and Harry and Ron are being so idiotic at the moment, especially Ron!’

‘Some gorgeous, dashing stranger foreign to these shores?’ Jessica asked innocently.

Hermione blushed and giggled uncharacteristically. ‘Yes actually. It’s Viktor, Viktor Krum the international Quidditch player. He’s the Champion for Durmstrang…’

‘VIKTOR KRUM?!’ Elio and Fergal said in unison.

‘Damn girl – you SERIOUSLY pulled!’ Fergal roared. ‘You’ll knock ‘em flat on their delusional arses,’ he added said as he moved forward with a gorgeous satiny sheath in his hands. ‘The dress robes… now it’s a done deal…’

‘You are definitely taking these and going to that Ball! No arguing, I insist.’ Jessica said putting up a hand and ignoring Hermione’s feeble protesting. No matter what she said, Jessica could tell that their gorgeous swan really wanted to show everyone what she was made of, most of all she just wanted to show herself.

A wave of Jessica’s wand and Hermione was once again in jeans and a heavy sweater with her bushy hair in clips and no artifice whatsoever.

‘I have one condition…’ Jessica said. ‘No one can know I’m here… not yet…’

‘There’s something else, isn’t there?’ Hermione asked carefully. Jessica seemed so sad despite her attempts at being jocular.

‘I’ll be alright Hermione. These things take time.’

‘Dumbledore… He’s been really anxious about you… and Harry and Ron… everybody… You’ve really been missed and it’s not the same without you at school.’

‘Oh I don’t think everyone misses me…’

‘He has…’

‘Who?’ Jessica asked, her heart jumping into her throat.

‘Professor Snape…’

There was no comment save a loud snort.

Elio looked at Fergal who simply shrugged.

‘Honestly, I’m sure of it…’ Hermione insisted.

‘How?’ Jessica found herself asking. ‘How could you possible know something like that?’

‘Woman’s intuition… and Hagrid let it slip a couple of times…’

‘Oh… bless him; some things haven’t changed I see…’

‘Everyone would love to see you again, Jessica. Honest!’

‘Why don’t you go to the Ball, BossLady?’ Fergal suggested as he walked over to Jessica.

‘Oh! Yes! Oh say yes Jessica please!’ Hermione begged.

‘I don’t have a date…’

‘After the shock wore off I don’t think you’ll be short of a dance partner,’ Hermione said matter-of-factly.

‘It’s insane!’

‘It’s bloody brilliant as Ron would say!’

‘You said earlier that you were feeling ready to make that move but that you were just stuck as to how to move things forward,’ Elio reminded Jessica carefully. ‘All things considered… you’d certainly show a few people something yourself.’

Jessica looked at him and then Fergal. Finally her eyes rested on her fellow co-conspirator.

‘I know exactly how you should pull it off,’ Hermione said.