Hey people! So sorry about the huge gap between the last book and this one but I've had a huge writer's block and been procrastinating! Sorry! I've finally got around to the second book! I've read back over the first one, and some of the chapters aren't up to the quality of the others, so I'll probably take more time with the chapters from now on, which means I won't update as quickly. But for now, enjoy the first chapter.

Chapter One: The Worst Birthday present

Not for the first time that summer, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number 7 Bramble Lane. Mr Remus Lupin had received a letter the previous week informing him that Jessica, his eleven (almost twelve) year old adopted daughter would be taken to live with her aunt and uncle. He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled deeply. "Jessica, I've told you a thousand times. You will be going to the Dursley's house today. It's the safest place for you."

"I don't see why I have to through. They sound horrid! Why can't I stay here?" Jessica retorted. She had been asking this exact question ever since the letter had arrived, and never gotten a straight answer.

"Dumbledore believes that it is best that you live there with your brother. And I am not one to argue with one of the greatest wizards alive."

Jessica sighed, defeated. She didn't know why Dumbledore had such a large part to play in the running of her life, sure he was possibly one of the greatest Headmasters Hogwarts had ever had, but he was really just her headmaster. She didn't know how everyone just accepted that she was to move away, only because Professor Dumbledore said it would be best. It just didn't seem normal. But, then again, nothing about Jessica was normal.

Jessica was a witch – a witch fresh out of her first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At the end of last year she had discovered that she was a Potter, and she had a twin brother named Harry who lived in Surrey with his muggle aunt and Uncle. And if Remus and her family were sad to see her go, it was nothing to how Jessica felt.

She would be living with muggles, which meant that the familiar magic that hung in the air would be gone. She wouldn't be able to practise Quidditch, the most popular sport in the wizarding world (six tall goal-posts, four flying balls and fourteen players on broomsticks)

As it was, Jessica wasn't allowed to use magic herself, and her wand was kept safely in a cupboard so she wasn't tempted. But she had no idea what would happen when she arrived at the Dursley's.

Swallowing the last bite of her toast, Jessica stood and walked zombie-like up to her room to coax her cat, Truffles into a cage so she could take her to the Dursleys.

She was just closing the cage when she heard a small knock on the door. She turned and saw Remus leaning against the doorframe.

"Hey Jess," he said calmly, "I know you don't want to leave, but it really is best if you go."

"I know, it's just, it's my birthday and I really don't want to have to go away and live with the Dursleys today. It's the worst birthday present."

"I know." He came into the room and sat down on Jessica's bed. He patted the spot next to him and Jessica sat down.

"Jessica, it is still your birthday, and I hope that one more gift will make it more bearable to move away." He reached in to his pocket and pulled out a small box. Curious, Jessica took it and carefully opened it. Inside was a gold chain necklace with a small crystal pendant that looked almost ghostly, reminding Jessica of the full moon. She lifted it up and watched the light filter through it. Rainbows reflected and danced off the smooth round sides.

"It's beautiful." She said, slipping it on over her head.

"Good," Said Remus. "Come on now, we have to get going."

He carried her trunk down the stairs and grabbed her wand from a cupboard on the way.

"We'll be going by Floo powder. The Dursleys have a neighbour who has agreed to let us pass by." He said, taking the trunk over to the fireplace. He grabbed some Floo powder and threw it onto the flames that promptly turned a bright, emerald green. He stepped into them and, with a tough grip on Jessica's trunk, "Number five, Wisteria Walk," He said, and he vanished.

Jessica stepped up and did the same. She felt the sensation of spinning and suddenly, it was over. She stepped out into a living room and was struck with the strong smell of cabbage. There were at least five cats in the living room alone, purring on and old sofa that was covered in awful crocheted cushions. In the centre of the room stood Remus, talking to an old lady, who looked kind enough, but there was something very odd about her.

"Hello there, you must be Jessica!" she said with a gigantic smile on her face.

"Jessica, this is Mrs Figg. She's going to take you down to Privet Drive," Said Remus.

"Wait, you aren't coming?"

"No, but it's less than a five minute walk. You'll be fine. Now, time to get going."

This was the moment Jessica had been dreading. She turned and hugged Remus in a tight bear hug.

"I'll miss you."

"Me too, Jess, but remember, no one really says goodbye forever, we can always find them again, if we look deep enough."

And with that, he said one more goodbye, and then left through the fireplace again. Jessica stared as the green flames died down.

"Well, dear. There's no reason to wait here. Let's take you down to Privet Drive," Said Mrs Figg, breaking the silence. She picked up Jessica's trunk, obviously struggling with the weight, but Jessica quickly took it from her, carrying it herself, letting Mrs Figg, instead carry Truffles' cage. They walked along Wisteria Walk in near silence, until they reached Privet Drive. Jessica stared at the street in awe; the first thing that struck her was that it was so ordinary. All the houses looked the same, with the same neatly pruned gardens at the fronts.

"That's number four, over there," Said Mrs Figg, pointing to the second house on the opposite side of the street, the same as all the others. Looking at it you wouldn't be able to tell that one of the inhabitants of the house was a young wizard.

Jessica shakily followed Mrs Figg up to the front door. She rang the doorbell. There were the muffled sounds of shouting coming from inside. When they died down, Jessica was sure she heard a soft patter of footsteps coming to the door. Jessica was relieved to see Harry open the door and relaxed. It would be fine here with Harry. They smiled at each other for a brief moment before a thundering voice made Harry's head snap around.

"Who's that at the door?"

"Uncle Vernon, it's Mrs Figg with my sister, Jessica." Harry called back.

Suddenly a very large man, who must have been Vernon Dursley, with hardly any neck and a very large moustache, appeared behind Harry.

"Thank you, Arabella. We'll take her now." He said grumpily. Jessica stepped through the doorway, and barely a second after she had gotten over the threshold, he slammed the door behind her.

Number four Privet Drive had four bedrooms: three upstairs for Harry, Mr and Mrs Dursley and their son, Dudley. There was one more small room downstairs for guests, which was to become Jessica's room. She put her trunk down next to the bed and looked around at the pale peach walls, mentally deciding she would need lots of pictures to cover them up. There was a knock on the door. It was Harry.

"Harry! I missed you!" she said as she wrapped him in a tight hug.

"I missed you too! But we have to go to the kitchen now."

Harry led her down the hallway, pausing beside the cupboard under the stairs with a look of longing on his face.

"Harry, what's in–?"

"Nothing, you'll find out sooner or later."

They entered the kitchen, and all three Dursleys were sitting around the table. Mrs Durdley was blonde and thin, much more neck than anyone could ever possibly need, which made up for Mr Dursley having next to no neck. She narrowed her eyes when she saw Jessica. Their son, Dudley looked a lot like Uncle Vernon; he had a large, pink face,not much neck, small, watery blue eyes and thick, blonde hair that lay smoothly on his thick, fat head. He reminded Jessica of a pig. He was eating a sausage with his mouth open.

At that moment, Uncle Vernon cleared his throat importantly.

"Now, as we all know, today is a very important day."

Jessica couldn't help but agree. Not only was it herself and Harry's birthday, but they were finally reunited as a family.

"This could well be the day I make the biggest deal of my career," said Uncle Vernon.

Jessica looked down, disappointed.

"I think we should run over the schedule one more time," said Uncle Vernon. "We should be in position at eight o' clock, Petunia, you ..."

Jessica stopped paying attention and turned to Harry.

"What's happening?" she mouthed.

"Some rich builder's coming for a stupid dinner party so Uncle Vernon can sell him drills."

"Oh."

"And you?" Uncle Vernon said, rounding on Harry.

"I'll be in my room. Making no noise and pretending I don't exist," Harry said tonelessly.

"Exactly," said Uncle Vernon nastily. "What about you?" he said, addressing Jessica for the first time.

"I'll, er, I'll be..." she stammered, looking to Harry for help.

"She'll be in her room. Making no noise and pretending she doesn't exist." Harry interjected.

"No. That's too close to where we'll be. You will be in Harry's room," said Uncle Vernon.

"Making no noise pretending I don't exist?" asked Jessica.

"Precisely." He said, almost venomously. "I will lead them to the lounge, introduce you, Petunia ..."

Jessica stopped listening, already counting the days until September 1st. Thirty-two, including today, surely she could make that.

"You?" asked Uncle Vernon again.

"I'll be in my room. Making no noise and pretending I don't exist," Harry said dully.

Uncle Vernon looked at Jessica.

"I'll be in Harry's room. Making no noise and pretending I don't exist."

"Very good. Now, we should aim to get ion a few good compliments during dinner. Petunia, any ideas?"

"Vernon tells me you're a wonderful golfer, Mr Mason ... Do tell me where you bought your dress, Mrs Mason ..."

"Perfect ... Dudley?"

"How about: 'We had to write an essay about our hero at school, Mr Mason, and I wrote about you."

This was too much for Aunt Petunia, Harry and Jessica. Aunt Petunia burst into tears and hugged her son, while Harry and Jessica ducked under the table so no one would see them laughing.

"And you?"

They fought to keep straight faces as they emerged.

"We'll be in Harry's room. Making no noise and pretending we don't exist." Jessica said.

"Too right, you will," said Uncle Vernon forcefully. "The Masons don't know anything about you and it's going to stay that way. When dinner's over, you take Mrs Mason back to the lounge for coffee, Petunia, and I'll bring the subject round to drills. With any luck, I'll have the deal signed before the News at Ten. We'll be shopping for a holiday home in Majorca this time tomorrow."

Jessica didn't feel too excited about this. Surely the Dursleys wouldn't be any nicer in Majorca than they were in Privet Drive.

"Right – I'm off into town to pick up dinner jackets for Dudley and me. And you two," he snarled at Harry and Jessica, "you stay out of your aunt's way while she's cleaning."

Harry and Jessica left through the back door. It was a brilliant, sunny day. They crossed the lawn, and slumped down on the garden bench and Harry began to sing under his breath, "Happy birthday to us ... Happy birthday to us..."

Jessica joined in and soon they were in fit of laughter.

"Jess, I'm so glad you're here. It'll be so much more bearable together," said Harry suddenly.

"Me too. Which reminds me, wait here."

She ran back inside to her new room and rummaged in her trunk until she found what she was looking for. She grabbed it and went back out to Harry, holding it behind her back.

"Close your eyes," she said. She placed the package she was holding into his hand. Harry's eyes fluttered open. He looked at the package, then up at Jessica.

"Happy birthday!"

"Oh, wow, I'm sorry Jess, but I didn't get you anything."

"That's fine, I've got plenty. Just open it!"

He ripped open the paper, and inside was a container filled with treats, from cauldron cakes to pumpkin pasties to Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

"I've missed these so much! Thanks Jess!" exclaimed Harry, hugging her.

They happily talked and ate until Harry suddenly became very still, staring at the hedge. Jessica looked in shock. The hedge was staring back. Two enormous green eyes had appeared among the leaves.

Harry jumped to his feet just as a jeering voice floated across the lawn.

"I know what day it is," sang Dudley, waddling towards them.

The huge eyes blinked and vanished.

"Well done," said Harry. "So you've finally learnt the days of the week."

"Today's your birthday," sneered Dudley. "How come you haven't got any cards? Haven't you got any friends at that freak place?"

"Better not let your mum hear you talking about my school," said Harry coolly.

Dudley hitched up his trousers, which were slipping down his fat bottom.

"Why're you staring at the hedge?" he asked suspiciously.

"I'm trying to decide what would be the best spell to set it on fire," said Harry.

Dudley stumbled back at once, a look of panic on his face. Seeing Harry would pay for that remark, Jessica quickly intervened.

"Harry, don't be ridiculous! Dudley, he's onl

"Harry, don't be ridiculous! Dudley, he's only joking. We don't learn spells like that until at least next term."

Dudley stopped a shocked look on his face.

"We're all family! Here, have a jelly bean," she said, holding out the box of every flavour beans. Dudley stared at them hesitantly. "Come on, they're jelly beans, I bought them from the shop a few days ago. Nothing to be worried about."

Dudley reluctantly reached out for a bean. When he put it in his mouth, however, he began to gag, and spat it out.

"That tastes like vomit!" he yelled.

Jessica shugged, "Probably is," said, her and Harry a fit of laughter.

"MUUUUUUUM!" howled Dudley, tripping over his feet as he dashed back towards the house. "MUUUUM! They tried to poison me!"
Harry and Jessica paid dearly for their moment of fun. As Dudley was in no way hurt, Aunt Petunia knew they hadn't done anything too bad, but they still had to duck as she aimed a heavy blow at their heads with the soapy frying pan. Then she gave them work to do, with promise they couldn't eat until they were finished.

While Dudley lolled around eating ice-creams, Harry and Jessica cleaned the windows, washed the car, mowed the lawn, trimmed the flowerbeds, pruned and watered the roses and re-painted the garden bench. The sun blazed overhead, burning the backs of their necks the work made their backs ache.

It was half past seven in the evening when at last, exhausted, they heard Aunt Petunia calling them.

"Get in here! And walk on the newspaper!"

They gladly moved into the shade of the gleaming kitchen. On top of the fridgestood tonight's pudding: a huge mound of whipped cream and sugared violets. A joint of roast pork was sizzling in the oven.

"Eat quickly! The Masons will be here soon!" snapped Aunt Petunia , pointing to a few slices of bread and a lump of cheese on the kitchen table. She was already wearing a salmon-pink cocktail dress.

Harry and Jessica washed their hands and bolted down supper. The moment they had finished, Aunt Petunia whisked away their plates. "Upstairs! Hurry!"

As they passed the door to the living room, Jessica caught a glance of Uncle Vernon and Dudley in bowties and dinner jackets. She and Harry had only just reached the upstairs landing when the doorbell rang and Uncle Vernon's furious face appeared at the foot of the stairs.

"Remember – one sound ..."

They crossed to Harry's bedroom on tiptoe, slipped inside and closed the door. Harry turned to collapse onto the bed, but caught himself at the last possible second.

There was already someone sitting on it.

Hmmmm... I wonder who this could be... Again, sorry for not updating, and the ending of that chapter probably isn't very goo, because it's getting close to 1am here... anyway hope you liked it and the next chapter will hopefully be up soon.