Dangerous Love

~ Dangerous Love ~ Chapter 1: Insecurity

It's just not fair! It's the tenth of August and my birthday's in three days! I dropped onto my white satin bed, exhausted and frustrated at the same time. How could they do this to me? I mean really. How can you possibly move your fourteen almost fifteen-year-old daughter clear across the world?

I rolled over onto my side and propped my head up on my hand. My wand was on my nightstand and I grabbed it and waved it around aimlessly. What was wrong with Canada? It was beautiful and it was safe. Sure... I was one of the few magical folk around but we learned to except the fact that all our friends were Muggles.

I sighed deeply as I pulled my long, auburn hair out of a bun. I stood up and waked gracefully to my bookshelf. It was filled with hundreds of magic books and in each one, I had learned a spell. My hair brushed my arms as I straitened out my summer dress.

There's only one thing that allows me to clear my mind. Flying. At my old school, Wimbricks Academy for Witches, I had been the star Quidditch player. Give me a position and I'd play it beautifully. I'm not bragging or anything, but it's the truth.

I glided over to my mirror and stared at myself. In Canada, I had taken dance lessons with the Muggle girls. I could tap, jazz and do ballet with the best of them. But there would be none of THAT here in Britain! No way. At Wimbricks, I'd come home every night to my very own bed but I had been informed that I would stay at Hogwarts THE WHOLE YEAR! What ever happened to FAMILY TIME?

I pointed my wand at my hair, whispered " Braidio Fixus," and immediately my hair was pulled into two, snug braids. Yeah, I could do it myself, but I'd never pass up an opportunity to use magic. I smiled at my reflection humbly. At my old school, I had dated every wizard there, not because I wanted to, but because they ALL had asked. They all told me I was beautiful, but truth be told, I don't really miss ANY of them. I'm too excited for what lays ahead. That's one of the only reasons I'm happy about moving to Britain. Friends, Magic and Guys.

I've always dreamt of falling in love and now that it's happened a couple of times, I crave the sensation. When I'm in love, it feels like all of my worries have been lifted off my shoulders.

" Love lifts us up where we belong," I started singing. I danced and sang with what my mother calls, " My talent," and laughed as I thought about it. I can sing, dance, do magic and I'm a really good student. I'm not perfect though. I find out new things everyday that I'm not proud of. I stopped. What if the guys here in Britain don't like me? I shook my head to wipe the thought away. It's no use being pessimistic now. I may be insecure sometimes but NEVER a pessimist.

" Jessie! Are you coming or what?" My father, Mark, yelled up the stairs.

" Yah Daddy," I called. " I just have to get dressed!" I skipped happily over to my wardrobe and opened it to reveal hundreds of robes. Some people in Canada often called us, " The Rich Folk." I agree. My parents had very good jobs and I always got whatever I saved for. I grabbed a dark, blue, satin robe to match my glowing, bright, golden-blue eyes and put it on. I grabbed my Firebolt, which was leaning against my wall, and tore out of my room.

If there's one thing that I CAN'T resist, it's shopping. I know, I know, it's a Muggle thing but hey, Diagon Alley is for Witches and Wizards... so sue me.

" Jessie, Honey. Did you grab your list?" I was halfway down the stairs when my mother, Doreen, reminded me of this. I hit myself on the forehead and replied,

" I'm getting it!"

I ran back into my room and saw the Hogwarts list lying on my bed. I snatched it up, stuffed it in my pocket and practically jumped down the stairs.

" Ready," I huffed. Our hallway is EXTREMELY long, given our house is HUGE. My parents grabbed their own brooms, slipped on their expensive gloves and followed me out the door. We mounted our broom, swung our legs over and kicked off.

In the air, my father asked,

" So... what are you most excited for at Hogwarts?" I laughed and nearly had to scream to be heard over the loud wrrrr of the wind.

" The balls of course!" I flushed at the thought. I absolutely LOVE balls and the dress robes that go with it. I was a great dancer and just the thought of someone I care for holding me closely and whirling me around the dance floor gets me so excited I can barely fly properly.

" That's...er...nice dear," my dad said a little too stiffly. He's so protective.

After about ten minutes we finally got to our destination: The Leaky Cauldron. We landed in the back alley of it and we got off our brooms.

" What are we doing here," I inquired.

" Watch," my father said happily. He took out his wand from his golden robe and hit a couple of bricks. Instantly, they began to shift and open up. I stared in amazement at what was opening up before me.

A whole shopping district buzzing with all sorts of magical creatures. Something stirred inside of me and I knew it was pleasure. Every since this whole move, I had been depressed but this was one thing that could get my heart beating again. I pulled out my list and studied it again.

" Is it okay if I go off on my own?" I pleaded with my mom.

" Sure. We'll meet you right here in, say, an hour?"

" Alright!"

I said goodbye and began my excursion through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley.

Three robes and a dress robe, my list read. Cool! The best part first! I walked into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and told a squat witch what I needed. She then measured me and led me to a section with my sizes. What's three more robes? I smiled. I decided on a black, a navy blue and a crimson robe with a beautiful red and gold dress robe. I pulled out my money pouch and made my way back to the counter. There, sat a pretty girl, about my age, with slightly bushy, brown hair.

She turned around and smiled at me. I smiled back. Hey... what else could I do? My hands were full!

I dropped my clothes on the counter and held out my hand.

" Jessica Evans." I announced cheerfully. I wonder if she'll notice my LACK OF ENGLISH ACCENT. She extended her hand and took it in mine.

" I'm Hermione Granger," she said, in a heavy accent.

" Do you go to Hogwarts?" I asked, hopefully.

" Yes. Fifth year." Yes! Finally! A friend!

" I'm a transfer here from Canada. I used to go to Wimbricks Academy for Witches but now I guess I'll be a fifth year at Hogwarts too!" I laughed as I paid the lady, whom I assumed is Madam Malkin.

" Great! I'm in Griffindor! You see, there are four houses. Griffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin." We walked out of the store together. " When's your birthday," she stared at me questioningly.

" I'll be fifteen on the thirteenth."

" Hmmm... Harry's was on the thirtieth of July." She mumbled thoughtfully to herself.

" Harry?" I asked, completely in the dark here." Who's Harry?" We rounded a corner where we saw a store filled with cauldrons.

" Oh!" She exclaimed. " He's my friend. So is Ron. Would you like me to help you find your things?" She offered. It's great to have a friend.

" Sure! Thanks." Before we walked into the Cauldron Store, I caught the eye of a boy about my age, coming out of a store across the street. He was handsome with messy black hair and glasses that were continuously slipping down the bridge of his nose. His one feature that caught my eye, however, were his brilliant, flashing, emerald eyes. His face looks SO familiar... like I should know him or something. Hermione grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into the shop.

* * *

When we got all the items on my list, Hermione and I went for lunch at Munch n' Crunch.

" Hermione," I began as we sat down at a nearby booth. " How will I get sorted into a house?"

" I really hope that you're in Griffindor with us! Anyway, a magical hat does the sorting. It looks through you mind for evidence that--" Before she could finish, a shrill voice came up behind me and said,

" There you are Hermione! We've bloody looked all over for you! Harry said he saw you go into the Cauldron Store."

I turned around slowly and found myself staring into the gorgeous eyes of the boy I had seen earlier on. I directed my attention to the boy speaking and said,

" You must be Ron," I said happily. He nodded looking a bit taken aback. Probably at the fact that I had NO ENGLISH ACCENT WHATSOEVER. Now this was insecure. All six of their eyes were on me now. Great. NOW I'm noticed. I held out my hand.

" Jessica Evans. Nice to meet you."

Ron was tall and had bright, red hair. He had freckles on his face and when I turned to look at Hermione, she was blushing slightly. They must be TOGETHER. I could feel my face burn as I turned to look at the elegant features of Harry. He took my hand and flushed slightly.

" Harry... Harry Potter." Right! That's who he was! I read about him! He was the one who defeated Voldemort when he was a baby! Wow... no kidding. Anyone this hot could kill ANYONE just by looking at him or her with that fine face and bod. SCORE 1 FOR BRITAIN.

Sick, I tell yah... I'm real sick. I nodded in recognition as they took a seat. Ron settled in beside Hermione and Harry took a seat beside ME. I caught his eyes again and Hermione, noticing the attraction started the conversation again.

" Erm... Jessie's a transfer from Canada. Right?" She used my nickname. It's okay. I told her to earlier on.

" Yah," I agreed, upset about having to tear my gaze away from his beautiful eyes. " I used to go to Wimbricks Academy for Witches but now I'm going to Hogwarts with you guys." Was it just my imagination or was Harry smiling at my statement? "

It would be brilliant if you were in Griffindor with us! Eh, Harry?"

Ron smiled slyly as I felt the bench we were sitting on shake. Either Ron kicked Harry or vice versa.

" So, did you play Quidditch at your old school?" Harry asked. My gaze went back to him. I smiled at the thought of the thrilling sport... or it might have been just him.

" Yes actually. I was normally a seeker but I was known as a Fly-For-All." Seeing all three of their confused expressions made me realize that they'd never heard of such a name. " Oh. A Fly-For-All is a player who can play every position like a pro. Sometimes we're even asked to play multiple positions at once." When I said this, they all stared, dumbfounded. WOW... it's not THAT hard. Several people could do it.

" Do you play Harry?" I said, breaking the silence.

" Yah, I'm a seeker for Griffindor." I was amazed and clearly it showed because Ron butt in and said,

" Not only that, Harry was the youngest seeker ever to play Quidditch in a century!" Hermione gave Ron a you-sure-are-laying-it-on-thick look. It was my turn to be dumbfounded.

" Really Harry? Wow!" I praised him. He looked extremely happy. " So... anything or anyone else I should know about at Hogwarts?" As soon as I asked this, ANOTHER handsome young man stepped into my view.

" Yes... you should know about me." He had blonde hair so... well BLONDE it practically shone on its own. His features were sharp, extravagant AND delicate at the same time. He looked like he has thousands of secrets to tell. His eyes, however, were a hard, stone gray that made me shiver under his gaze. SCORE 2 FOR BRITAIN! He looked powerful.

" Sod off Malfoy, Jessie doesn't want to talk to the likes of you." I was shaken by this rude remark made by Harry. OF ALL PEOPLE.

" Ah, she has a name." He took a steep bow and since I was sitting on the outside, he took my hand in his and kissed it gently. I blushed deeply, hoping that Harry wouldn't notice.

" I am Draco Malfoy, a Slytherin at Hogwarts." Draco? DRAGON?? What a name... I could feel Harry seething behind me, his breath on my neck.

" Jessica Evans. I'm a transfer from Canada and I'll be attending Hogwarts as well." He looked genuinely pleased with himself. I stopped blushing. I now know why Harry was rude. He had every right to. Draco was now looking me up and down. The guy was a FREAKIN' PERVERT!

Whatever I felt for him before went down the drain. My admiring gaze turned to one of pure disgust. Draco Malfoy was now, officially THE ENEMY.

" Um... do you mind?" I said in an irritated and offended tone. I heard Harry slam his fist on the table and stand up behind me. I guess I had a smug expression on my face because Draco looked at me with determination and then stalked out of Munch n' Crunch without so much as a goodbye.

GOOD RIDDANCE! I rolled my eyes inwardly and my gaze went back to the protective man beside me who was still standing. I gently placed my hand on his arm as a sign that I was all right, and he sat down. He searched my eyes for a sign of pain or something and I guess he couldn't find one because he started to look at his hands.

I moved over a little closer to him to try to make him feel better. That did the trick because he focused those emerald beauties on my eyes and a slight but visible grin covered his angry expression. Basically, we did A LOT of smiling. I smiled back in an encouraging way and the conversation returned to the Professors at Hogwarts and to what a RETARD Draco Malfoy is. Or was that little conversation inside my head? We all ate, chattering happily.

" Where are you guys staying?" I wondered.

" They're staying at my house." Ron piped in. " At the Burrow."

" I see," I mumbled. Harry must have noticed that I was upset and looked at Ron. Ron smiled then asked, " Why don't you stay with us Jessie? I could ask my mum but I'm sure she wouldn't mind. She likes friends of the family." My face must have lit up because he looked eagerly at me.

" I guess if I ask my parents they could send me my stuff from home!"

" Great!" Hermione smiled. Ron owled his parents and got an instant response, saying it was all right for me to stay.

We all stood up, paid for our food, and left to find my parents. After a few minutes of wandering, we met up with them and after several introductions, I decided to get right to the point.

" Mom, Harry and Hermione are staying at Ron's house until school starts. Would it be alright if I stay too?" I put on my sugary sweet voice. My parents, obviously happy that I had made friends so quickly, agreed and we set off toward The Leaky Cauldron.

" Why are we going here?" I asked Harry as we stepped into the small, shabby inn.

" We used Floo Powder to get here in the first place. Did you use that in Canada?"

" Every once in a while..." Not very often but I've done it before.

We stopped in front of a tiny fireplace and there was a table in front of us where two old hags sat and drank their tea. Ron reached into his pocket and pulled out a pink bag.

" Alright Hermione, you go first." She reached into the bag, took out a handful of sand, and through it into the fire. The flames turned a brilliant green as Hermione stepped into the flames but didn't burn.

Clearly, she shouted,

" The Burrow!" and was shot upward.

" Okay Jessie," Harry said, grabbing some sand for me. " You next." I took the sand from his hand and threw it into the fire. Once again, the flames changed colour and I stepped into them and the cool flames licked my elbows. They were tickling me! I started to giggle and said as clearly as possible,

" The Burrow!"

I quickly tucked my elbows in and I was shot upward in a cloud of soot. I closed my eyes so as not to get any in them. Hey... this is kinda fun!

My ride stopped almost instantly as I was shoved out of a fireplace in an unknown house. I opened my eyes and a family of redheads and Hermione were staring at me.

" Hello dear, I'm Mrs. Weasley. Pleasure to meet you!" A cute, plump woman came up to me and shook my hand and gave me a hug. Wow... EXTREMELY FRIENDLY PEOPLE. I could get used to this! She so kind! Ron must have come through the fireplace after me because I heard his whine,

" Oh c'mon Mum. Give it a rest."

" It's perfectly alright Ron." I said, smiling up at the gentlewoman in front of me. I waited for Harry to come through the fireplace. WHERE IS HE? Ok... I'm REALLY worried. For Harry AND for the twins who were CONTINUOUSLY staring at me!

I wonder if they have some kind of disorder? I sat down waiting for Harry. After about a minute he came through completely covered in ashes and soot.

" Harry are you alright?" I half cried, half giggled. I felt so bad... his glasses were covered so I doubt that he could see. Mrs. Weasley had left to receive an owl so it was just the kids in here.

Everyone burst out in laughter... except for me of course. I took a handkerchief out of my pocket, took off his glasses and cleaned them for him.

" Now before Mrs. Weasley has a fit, as I know my mother would, I'll clean you up. Manessi Cleanario!" I whipped out my wand and pointed it at him. Instantly, Harry clothes looked as good as new and a smile replaced his frown. Another FANTASTIC spell I learned from my mother.

" Thanks!" He said gratefully. " I was a mess! I got stuck in someone's dirty fireplace!" I wrinkled my nose in disgust.

We gazed at each other admiringly. Just then, Mrs. Weasley came back in with a man to do the introductions.

" This is my husband Arthur," She pointed to the tall thin man with surprise, surprise... red hair.

" The twins, Fred and George," The two boys again... and they're still staring! How RUDE!

" Percy, Charlie, Bill and Ginny." She finished with a smile. I nodded at each one of them.

" Jessica Evans. I moved here from Canada. I'll be going to Hogwarts with Harry, Ron and Hermione."

" Welcome to England my dear girl. Are their many magical folk in Canada?" I turned to look at Mr. Weasley.

" Not a lot at all! We were one of the only magical families around and there were mostly girls. I went to Wimbricks Academy for Witches."

Everyone except for my friends were staring in wide eye amazement. Oh! No matter what I do, I can never hide from good old insecurity!

" Ron honey, I picked up a flyer today about a huge hotel called Wand Dining that most of the fifth year students going to Hogwarts are staying. I thought that it might be a more suitable place for you and your friends to go."

" Sounds great Mrs. Weasley!" Harry exclaimed.

Okay... I admit, I'd never been to a magic hotel. We've always been well off in our house. Great! New experiences everyday huh?

" Well... we have to pack our stuff..." Hermione told me.

" I'll just wait for mine to arrive alright? You three go on and do what you have to do."

They left to go upstairs and no sooner had they left did I hear Harry yell,

" Jessie! Come here please!" I excused myself from the Weasley boys' staring and ran up the stars into what must me Ron's room. It was completely covered with Chudley Canons paraphernalia. As I walked in, Harry said Hermione wanted me in Ginny's room. I said goodbye to the boys and walked into the room where Hermione was. Just as soon as I did that, A corner of the room began to shimmer and with a loud POP; all by belongings and things that I needed for my year at Hogwarts were here. Including my golden owl, Maruna.

I walked over to my things and say that Maruna was carrying a letter. I opened her cage and took the letter. I opened it and it read:

Dear Jessie,

We hope that you have a wonderful year at Hogwarts! If we forgot something or you ever need anything, just owl us alright? We love you very much and we'll see you at Christmas! Love you!

Yours,

Your parents XOXO

I sighed and smiled at the thought of my parents. They were both so keen on learning to do everything the British way. They're so sweet!

" Okay... I'm ready to go!" Hermione announced.

" Where is it?" I inquired.

" I'm guessing back in Diagon Alley!" We laughed at the same time. We both grabbed our things and headed out the door. Carefully, we walked down the steps. At the bottom, we met Harry and Ron who were ready to go. Harry looks so cute... but doesn't he always? I have a sick mind....

" Ready?" He asked me. I nodded my answer as we said our good-byes (practically two seconds after we said hello) and thanked the Weasley family. Then we were out the door.

" Aren't we going to use Floo Powder?" I wondered. Where are we going?

" Yah... but I want you to see this!" Harry's eyes were playful. Out in the garden, I saw a flash of movement. As I leaned closer, I saw that they were little men. " They're Garden Gnomes. They're---"

" So cute!" I yelled. I picked one up as it was running away and hugged it. " These are the cutest things ever! I wish I could have one!" Ron came out to see what I was yelling about.

" I think you'd be doing Mum a favor by taking them!" He laughed. " How can you think they're cute?" I put it down and it scurried away. Behind me, I heard Harry whisper to himself in a weird tone,

" Only someone like her would think they're cute..." What's THAT suppose to mean? Is he making FUN of me? Oh well... I can't wait to get to the Hotel!

* * *

When we arrived at Wand Dining, we were led to a beautiful room of lace. Hermione and I in one, Harry and Ron in another. The showers weren't in the room however; they were across the hall. Hermione and I went to our room to unpack and she began to tell me all about their previous adventures at Hogwarts.

Of course... I had to miss all this stuff, didn't I? When we were finished our preparations, there was a knock on our door. I hurried to answer it. Okay, okay... I was kinda hoping it was Harry. I opened it and sure enough, there he was with Ron. Both of them were dressed in Dining Dress Robes and bowed.

I giggled at their elegance and smiled.

" Hermione," I called over my shoulder. " I think we have some handsome admirers at our door."

" What?" She yelled confused. I saw her glance over at the door and laughed teasingly with me. " Why? I think you're right!" The boys stood up straight and said, " My fine ladies, may we request your presence at dinner tonight?" I raised an eyebrow knowingly.

" Why of course gentlemen. Simply allow us to become more suitable for this occasion and we'll meet you."

Harry stared straight at me and said,

" You're always suitable looking." He said it in this mystifying way that made me shiver in happiness. I grinned broadly at him and slowly shut the door. " Hermione, it looks like we have a dinner to attend!" We laughed and I got out one of my favourite dresses. It was red with spaghetti straps and went just above my knees. It had wrist length gloves to go with it.

Hermione stared at it.

" All I brought were dress robes..." she sighed.

" Don't worry! I have HUNDREDS of dresses! Look in my wardrobe and pick one you like okay?" I offered.

" Thanks!" she replied excitedly. I spun around and started to dance and sing Avril Lavigne's " I'm With You" across the room.

" Isn't anyone trying to find me... won't somebody come take me home! It's a damn cold night... trying figure out this life. Won't you take me by the hand take me somewhere new, I don't now who you are, but I... I'm with you..."

" Oh my God! Jessie you're amazing! You can sing AND dance beautifully!" I stopped, startled that she was paying attention to me and stared at her. I NEVER perform in public. It's another thing I'm insecure about. The only people I sing for are my parents and they're USED to it by now.

" Th-thank you Hermione." I stuttered. " I didn't know you were listening." " You bet I was! That was bloody brilliant! Oh my, I'm spending too much time with Ron. I'm starting to talk like him." I laughed at the thought of the two of them. I loved having friends.

" Well... you see... I...er... never really perform in front of people so..." " Oh..." was all she said on the matter.

We got dressed quickly. I put my hair up in a bun and let some pieces hang down and then I curled them. To make it all stay put, I said, " Spraytif Placio!" Hermione watched me do so.

" Try it! It really helps! I know a lot more of hair spells but I learned all my important ones from books!" Hermione looked at herself in the mirror and repeated, " Spraytif Placio!" I put on some red lipstick and gloss and then we headed down the stairs.

" Is that... whistling I hear Hermione?" I asked bewildered. Sure enough, our presence had drawn the attention of many boys who were staying at the hotel. I walked down the stairs, completely embarrassed, knowing that I had brought this whole thing on myself.

" Pigs." Hermione shook her head at all the fifth-years; many of them were with their girlfriends.

I should have FUN! I'm with friends! This place was so beautiful! Everything looks so EXPENSIVE! At the bottom of the long, winding, elegant staircase stood our gentlemen.

Harry, haven't finally seen us, grinned with laughing eyes. He held out his arm and I slipped mine through it, as did Hermione with Ron. I smiled up at him with caring eyes. I REALLY hope he doesn't think I'm desperate or something... we stopped walking for a brief moment and he spun me around so that we were staring right at each other, our noses brushing each other.

" You look absolutely stunning. I'm lost for words." I beamed up at him. It was the best I could do in the heat of the moment.

" Thank you," I said bashfully." Every since I met you I've been stunned by you." Okay I know... that was soooo corny. But hey... he liked it didn't he?

His eyes shone so brightly it was as if they were real emeralds and I could pick them out. His smile grew so much it practically went from ear to ear showing perfect, white teeth. What can I say? I like guys with good teeth! Is that a crime? He moved closer and I breathed in his sweet smell of freshness. Our lips brushed against each other's. He was going to kiss me and of course, I was going to kiss him back.

Suddenly, that old feeling of being lifted off my feet and my worries off my shoulders came back to me. Only this time, it was different. I felt like I was floating above everyone with only the people I cared about by my side. It wasn't just puppy love... this time it was for real. I gazed lovingly into his eyes. Is it possible to fall in love with someone in one day? It has to because it happened to me. I'm in love with Harry Potter.

If only I knew how deadly those very words were.