Scarlet Darkbloom and the Secret Tower

Chapter 13: The Pezzottaite Necklace

When we arrived back at the school, Hermione had to leave almost right away to get home; after all, it was the weekend. We briefly discussed about the next few weeks' visits to see Bellatrix and all agreed that I didn't have the need to go unless there was pressing business.

After she left, I stopped Layla from leaving the tower.

I pulled out the beautiful pink necklace from earlier and placed it on the table. "Your aunt, Narcissa, gave this to me. It's key in helping Serena be who she is and not have anyone control her."

Layla sat down at one of the chairs, examining it closely. "What type of stone is it?" She asked, lightly tapping it with her wand.

"Some rare form... it must've been in their family for ages. What does that have to do with anything?" I respond. She shakes her head. "I think I'm just being too cautious. It's truly beautiful, though." She sat it down on the table and went to gaze at the wall of books.

I sighed, placing it back in my pocket. "I know it's hard leaving your mom.." I begin, but she interrupts me before I finish.

"No, no. That wasn't what I was thinking about at all. I was just observing all these books and all the knowledge we have to gain. We really should start working on all of this, learning more spells. It's vital to the missions we'll surely have to complete." She turns to me with a pile of books.

"I'll get started today, seeing as I don't have any plans. You, however, need to figure out how to get that necklace straight to Serena. The sooner, the better. You also probably should be seen so people don't grow too suspicious of where we've been all day."

I nod. "Okay. I'll get to work. See you at dinner for sure?"

She nods absentmindedly, already curled up by the fire reading. I leave the tower, hearing the door click and lock behind me as I head to the Great Hall for lunch. I hoisted my school bag which had a few books, my wand, my cloak, and the candles I had bought earlier on my shoulder and walked as if I had just exited the library.

When I arrived in the Entrance Hall, the warm air greeted me and I shrugged out of my top layer of the teal robes I had worn today. I personally was not a fan of any sort of warm weather and hoped that the autumn breeze would soon cool the castle grounds down.

I glanced down the hall before I started to walk towards the Great Hall, sure I would find my other friends at some point. And sure enough, I did.

"Scarlet! There you are!" Riley said, her voice echoing throughout the Entrance Hall. She was accompanied by Pierre and a few of the other Ravenclaw boys; Mark, a tall, blonde boy and Auden, a darker haired and green eyed boy. They looked like they had been outside for quite awhile.

Pierre grinned, walking towards me. "You missed it, we went and visited the Quidditch Pitch! How well made it is; but it sure is a trek out to get there," He told me as Mark, Auden, and Riley crowded around me.

I shrugged. "You guys know I absolutely am the worst at flying. Don't you remember yesterday's class? I'm perfectly fine not doing so." I laugh. "Let's go get some lunch. Reading makes me hungry."

Pierre high fived Riley. "Ha! I knew it! You owe me a galleon!" He said, holding out his hand with confidence.

Before I could ask what that was about, Auden called out.

"Hey, guys!" He said, motioning for us to join him at a notice board posted on the far wall. "Here's where we sign up for flying lessons! It looks like it'll even be on the pitch from now on!"

Auden, Mark, Pierre, and Riley all signed up in haste as I stepped to the side to avoid being trampled on. Because it's required in order to play next year, I wasn't surprised at the popularity. At the last second, I noticed a familiar name - Serena Malfoy, one of the first ones on the list.