Jemma Simmons and the Hogwarts years

The last weeks of summer with Skye were lovely and a lot of fun, but Jemma was glad to go back to school. The yearly visit to Diagon Alley made her giddy and, as she followed her father, Skye in tow, in the crowded street, she almost squealed when she noticed Leo by the bookstore. 

At last, the three friends were reunited. While Leo babbled about his summer to Skye, Jemma felt her mind drift off as she recognized familiar faces down the street. She waved to a few people, as a feeling of contentment washed over her. Soon, school would start again. She’d be back to her second home. 

Her father left the three teenagers alone to run an errand at Gringotts. Just as Jemma was getting ready to admire the display by the apothecary, she heard Skye’s voice ring out, and turned her head to notice Grant looking up at them, a small, understated smile appearing on his face. 

He made his way over to them, and Jemma felt her own smile widen as she noticed the little, dark-haired boy that followed him. His little brother Zach, no doubt : Leo gave Grant a small wave, and Skye jumped up to hug the older student, who patted her back awkwardly. Jemma had to restrain herself not to do the same : perhaps such contact would feel odd to him. After all, they had gotten closer during the summer, but mostly by letters, and Jemma worried that their newfound closeness would be lost in actual live contact. 

- Hi ! Skye said, grinning. Who’s the mini-Ward ? 

Skye wasn’t exagerating : the boy was almost the spitting image of his brother. He was hanging back, looking at the teenagers shyly. 

- This is my brother Zach, Grant said. Zach, these are my friends, Skye, Jemma, and Leo. 

The boy waved wordlessly, and Jemma gave him a bright smile. 

- It’s very nice to meet you, Zach, she said cheerfully. 

- Yeah, Skye agreed. Maybe you can give us some compromising stories about your big brother… maybe baby pictures ? 

Grant fought back a smile, rolling his eyes, and Zach seemed to relax a little. Jemma let her gaze fall on Grant for a few seconds. He seemed to have gotten taller, if that was possible, and she felt as though he seemed a little happier than usual. Less stoic. His eyes met hers, and she realized she was staring. His expression softened slightly when he looked at her, and they exchanged a smile. 

- DId you guys hear ? he said. There’s a rumor going around there might be a Triziward Tournament this year. 

- A who-what where now ? Skye said, frowning. 

- The Triwizard Tournament ? Jemma said, her eyes widening. Really ? 

- What’s that ? Skye asked. 

- Well, it’s a contest, you see, Jemma said, turning to her friend to explain. It’s held between the three biggest wizarding schools in Europe, including Hogwarts….

- And Beauxbatons. And Durmstrang, Leo piped up. 

- I was going to say it, Jemma retorted. Anyway, champions are chosen, and they perform tasks. The winner wins a Cup…

- The Triwizard Cup.

- And money. But the Tournament was so dangerous - there were many, many injuries, and they stopped having it - surely that’s just a rumor ! They wouldn’t put anyone in danger …

- That tournament sounds awesome, Skye said, her eyes sparkling. 

- It’s probably just a rumor, Jemma repeated. 

- Just telling you what I heard, Grant said, shrugging.

- If it’s real, I’m trying out ! Skye affirmed. Auditioning. Or however it’s done. I’d make a good champion.

- I guess we’ll find out once we go back to school, Jemma said, biting her lip thoughtfully.

- Speaking of school, Leo added, we still need our books.

- So does Zach, Grant said. That’s the only thing he’s still missing.

And so, the small group started to make its way to Fleury and Botts, Jemma remaining on the lookout for her father. Skye was imagining herself as a champion, while Fitz listened to her talk with an interest that Jemma didn’t recall him having in the past. The teenage girl hung back, finding herself walking next to Grant and his brother.  

- So, Zach, she said after a small awkward silence. Are you excited to start school ? 

- I guess, the boy shrugged slightly. 

- Have you got your wand ? 

Zach nodded, and Jemma fought back a smile. He was about as talkative as his brother, but the teenage girl found it endearing. She was about to give up on making conversation with him, when she heard the boy whisper to his brother : 

- What’s her name again ? 

- That’s Jemma, Grant answered, stealing a glance towards his friend. 

- Jemma Simmons ? 

Jemma raised her eyebrows, a little surprised. Grant nodded quietly, and the boy’s eyes seemed to widen in recognition. Frowning in confusion, Jemma gave Grant a quizzical glance. 

- Did you tell him horrible stories about me ? she asked in a light-hearted tone, hiding a trace of worry behind her smile. 

Grant chuckled quietly, shaking his head : 

- No. 

- He said you were nice, Zach piped up. He made cookies and cupcakes for you. He made me clean the kitchen with him. 

Jemma grinned, feeling a warmth spread through her heart at the boy’s assertion. She looked up at Grant, eyes sparkling, and wasn’t surprised to find him avoiding her eyes. Finally, he looked back at her : 

- Not a word, he said. 

- So you don’t bake for everyone, she said, tilting her head. 

- I said not a word, Jemma. 

- No but really, it’s good, she replied teasingly. I feel special. 

She heard Grant laugh, and she caught a flash of amusement in his eyes. 

- He smiles and laughs, she mused. I feel special indeed. 

- I am a human being, you know. 

- I know. 

- You didn’t deserve those cookies. 

- I beg your pardon ? You deem me undeserving of your cookies ? 

- Well, all you’ve done so far is make fun of me for it. 

Jemma stared at him for a moment, briefly wondering if he was serious, but she caught this light in his gaze again, and she fought back the urge to grin like an idiot : 

- Consider this my formal apology, then. Your baking skills are undeniable. 

- Thank you. 

A ray of sunlight blinded Jemma for a moment as she made her way to the bookshop, and she realized how light-headed and cheerful she felt. Seeing her friends again (and realizing that she had truly gained a new one) seemed to warm her heart and brighten her smile. 

This year was going to be a good one. She could feel it.