To Have A Twin--- A Harry Potter Fan Fiction

Chapter 15: The Amulet

Finally, it was Christmas. 

Time flew by fast that Harley found it surprising that she felt much at home in Hogwarts than in her old orphanage. After her accident in her first actual Quidditch match, she practiced more and more. 

What really bothered her was Draco's unstoppable remarks on her accident. "That Potter doesn't even know how to fly! No wonder she lost her control" or something of the same meaning was said by the infamous Malfoy. 

When it was finally time for most of the students in Hogwarts to go back to their families, Harry, Harley, and the Weasleys were staying for the season. Hermione fussed about leaving, "Are you sure that nothing dumb is going to happen while I'm gone?" she kept on asking. 

"Everything is going to be fine, Hermione. Have a happy holiday!" Harley said as she bid her friend goodbye. 

Later that afternoon, while sitting in the middle of the empty field of the Quidditch arena, she was browsing through the box Hermione gave to her as her birthday gift. She then found an obscure looking book. It was hardbound, covered with a gradient blue-to-purple leather. The pages were yellowed as if it has been drenched in water and has dried naturally and it seemed really old. 

She flipped through the pages and noticed notes have been scribbled on the sides. That's when she knew the book was full of stories, fictional imaginings. She was so enveloped in the first story, about a girl named Alice, finding an amulet, then she found out the amulet held special powers. "Harley!" someone called out and Harley was startled. She then closed the book and placed it back in the box. The book then shrunk and faded to the "shelves" full of other books. She then looked in the direction of the person who called her, it was Ginny. 

It was dinner and the only people at the Gryffindor table were the Potters, the Weasleys, and surprisingly, Seth Jackson. George noticed Harley looking somewhere and he looked in the same direction. 

"Why are you eyeing Seth Jackson, eh, Harley?" he asked teasingly, and both Fred and George snickered. 

"Oooooohhhhhhh, little Harley has a crush on Seth!" Fred said. 

Harley just looked at them, "Why do you think I have a crush on Seth? If I did, I would acknowledge it, truthfully. Maybe you both have a crush on him!" Ginny, Ron, and Harry suppressed laughs. 

A few days have gone by and before she knew it, it was Christmas! Ginny woke Harley up and they went to the common room. She was surprised that she had more gifts in Hogwarts than in her orphanage. She had one from Mrs. Weasely- a lavender-colored sweater, one from Ginny-a brown leather-jacketed journal, and a few more namely from Harry, Ron, and the older Weasleys. What really got her attention was a small wooden box, not bigger than her fist. It was painted in a soft metallic blue paint which changed shades, depending on the light. When she opened it, an amber amulet was sitting on a red velvet pillow. When Ginny asked her who it came from, Harley didn't know. 

Harley was able to get something for Harry this time. New gloves. They were advertised in The Daily Prophet, so she had mailed her order earlier in the month while she was in the Owlery, checking up on Padfoot. Padfoot was allowed in the Great Hall more now since it wasn't as crowded. He could also be found in the Gryffindor Commonroom, curled next to the fireplace. He was quite a well-mannered dog that the students didn't mind the large black dog, who had significantly looked a lot healthier than when they first saw him. 

If the dog could help it, he was always by Harry and Harley's side. Padfoot had developed a great liking for Harry, quite honestly. Before the break, both twins would slip Padfoot some of their food under the table during meals if Padfoot felt like entering the Great Hall. But now with fewer students sitting at the dining tables, Padfoot found himself sitting on the bench, waiting for Harry or Harley to hand him a piece of toast or some bacon. He was rather clean about how he chewed down his food, a plate for him on the table, so there were no complaints of slobber or crumbs falling from the dog's mouth. 

All in all, Hogwarts grew accustomed to the black dog in the castle, not even questioning it, considering how Hagrid has Fluffy. 

Later that day, Harley spotted Seth lounging in the common room. No one was around, probably out somewhere. She then took out a small parcel and walked up to Seth. "Hi," she said. 

Seth shifted uncomfortably on his seat, "Um-hi," he said. Harley held out the small parcel. 

"What's that?" Seth asked. 

"It's-um-a Christmas gift, from me. I just wanna give it to you to say thanks, again, for helping me out in the forest." Harley was kinda getting flushed on the face. S

eth took it and examined the parcel, "Uh-thanks, Harley," for the first time, Harley saw him smile, but only a tad bit. 

"You're welcome," Harley nodded and left the common room. Somehow, Harley felt all tingly, since Seth actually said her name. She sighed and shook her head and sternly said, "Harley, no."