Summary:

This fic has Bella as Harry's twin and takes place before their sixth year and during New Moon, after Jacob leaves Bella. Of course, Bella knows what Jacob is before he climbs in through her window. While Bella is in the U.S., Harry is staying with the Dursley's, the theory being that being split up will protect them better than making one target out of privet drive. I'll leave the rest of the explanations in the story.

Disclaimer: character's belong to j.k. rowling, not me, unfortunately.

Any references to hissing, are in parseltongue.

Chapter 1. – Bella's POV

Asking Dumbledore to take me back to Privet Drive was the easy part; it was surviving the last week of summer with the Dursley's that was going to be hard.

Since Jacob didn't have the guts to tell me what he was (not that I didn't already know what he was – if he would just answer the damn phone, then I could tell him what I know and he could stop avoiding me), I decided to go home.

While Dumbledore finished off the last of the memory charms, I tied up my letter to Hedwig, which contained my apoligies and a promise to explain everything to Harry as soon as I got home that evening.

Dumbledore Side-Alonged me to the park at the end of Wisteria Walk. He left me there, after catching me up on the latest news in the wizarding and magical worlds.

I waited until sunset before heading up the road to Number 4, Privet Drive, telling myself that avoiding the Dursley's was only going to make it worse when I came face-to-face with Uncle Vernon. Along the way, I found myself casting my mind back to the day when I told Harry that I had decided to leave for America.

'When are you coming back?'Harry had asked me.

'I don't know, I'll try to come back before September 1st, though.' Even if I didn't think that was true, it felt better to say it out loud.

'Tell me again...' I took a deep breath before his next question, getting ready to sigh 'Why do you have to leave?'

'I don't know. I just.' I sighed. 'I just have to get away for a bit, after Sirius's –

'Don't say his name!'

The last thing I needed was to break down in tears, not that it was a bad idea, but it would only give Harry ammunition for his 'stay here for the summer' argument that was sure to be coming.

I sighed again.

'His death - I just need some time alone, away from the things that remind me of him.'

Now it was Harry's turn to sigh. I looked up from my packing, to see his eyes glassy, staring out the window of our room. Looking at him like that, only made the tears which I had been holding back for the last half hour, spill over. I got up, and hugged him, making a tear-stain on his shirt as I did so.

We stayed like this for ages, until Harry looked at his watch, gently pushed me away and handed me an old hair-tie, just as it started glowing blue.

Before I knew it I was standing outside number 4's front door, staring at my now magically un-altered appearance in the window reflection.

My mother's face stared at me in the reflection, my hazel eyes peeping through my red hair, the high-lights invisible without the sun. They were the only features I had changed for my vacation in America. As I stared back, I heard Uncle Vernon's muted shouting voice coming from inside.

'I keep telling you, boy, she's not coming back! That Dumblybore man said she wouldn't be back until next summer! So stop standing, like the idiot you are, by the door!'

I smiled at that, thinking of the look on his face when he saw me standing on his doorstep. Still smiling, I rung the doorbell, and less than a second later, the door was flung against the wall, and before I could see anything else, a mass of messy black hair was covering my face. I laughed, and hugged Harry back, moving my head slightly to see Uncle Vernon's face. This made me laugh harder, but I quickly stopped after seeing the white on Uncle Vernon's face being replaced by red. Catching on to my mood, Harry let go and turned to face Uncle Vernon, his smile fading as he did so. After a while, his face returned to normal, and then, in a very normal tone, announced that to celebrate my early return, Harry and I were to do the dishes for the rest of the summer. After grimacing at each other, Harry and I moved into the kitchen and then groaned when we saw that the Dursley's had eaten lasagne for dinner that night.

As we got stuck into it, Aunt Petunia watched us, probably to make sure we didn't mess it up or start a water fight as soon as she left. With her in the room, I couldn't tell Harry what I had been up to during the summer.

After the last plate was dried, we turned around getting ready to walk up to our room, when we saw Aunt Petunia looking surreptitiously out into the hallway. Exchanging curious looks, we continued out towards the hallway, when she suddenly grabbed my arm.

'Wait' she breathed, before heading to the cupboard, taking out the leftover's of a cake, putting it on the counter and cutting up two slices onto a separate plate, handing it to us and then shooing us out the door. We hurried upstairs before she could change her mind and locked the bedroom door.

We stared at each other, then at the cake, and then we burst into laughter at the same time.

'So what'd you get up to in America?' Harry asked after he had stopped laughing.

I knew this question was coming so I tried to stall a bit.

'D'you think this cake is safe to eat?'

'I saw her bake it two nights ago, so it should be alright and stop changing the subject.'

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't hold it off any longer, and told the whole story. My integration into the muggle high school, the amount of memory charms Dumbledore used, the vegetarian vampires and the shape-shifting wolves. And like a polite twin, he listened to my story without interruptions or gasps of surprise. I let down my Occlumency shields to portray my feelings at the time, as he used Legimency to read them. Twin magic is the best!

The rest of the summer passed by uneventfully – apart from the occasional inquisitive question from Harry – and soon it was time to make the journey to Platform 9¾ and board the Hogwarts Express.

I had to leave Harry to his devices as I made my way to the Prefect's carriage at the front of the train. I hated and both loved being a Prefect, it took me away from Harry and my friends, and the late night patrols took away time for homework, Quidditch and my study time.

I didn't mind doing patrols with Ron, and from what I heard, Ginny was the new Junior Gryffindor Prefect, so that was a plus. I loved the fact that it brought another similarity with my mother, and I was hoping that being a Prefect would take me up to Head Girl, just like her.

The Prefect meeting was as boring as always, except when we had to come up with a new password – werewolves – and I spent the rest of the train ride analysing the changes in my friends faces. Ron seemed to have matured, and when I asked about Hermione, he blushed lightly, but otherwise kept a straight face, which was a bit disappointing.

Ginny, on the other hand, looked as if she had finally found someone to make her happy, which was good, although unfortunate as I knew that Harry liked her – even if he wouldn't admit it.

But one thing that they both showed was the same haunted look that had graced Sirius's features the first time we met him. I supposed that the Death Eaters were a lot more open with their attacks now that their Master had gone public.

My patrol of the train turned up very interesting results: Malfoy wasn't surrounded by his cronies, but Crabbe and Goyle seemed to be following Pansy Parkinson instead – although they were more violent than ever, as first and second years came up to me to fix their bruises and broken bones. I did the best I could, performing Episkey every time someone came up to me, but at the same time, I kept a running tally in my head so that I knew what to tell the Head Boy/Girl after the Sorting.

I also found Ginny and Dean snogging in a compartment, which was a bit disturbing. But in the compartment next to theirs were Harry, Hermione, Neville and Luna. I stayed there long enough to catch up on the gossip, then left to finish off my patrol.

On Hogsmeade platform, I spotted Hagrid, and hurried to catch him before he left for the boats.

'A'right there, Bella?'

'I'm fine, thanks, Hagrid.' I replied, but I couldn't stop the shadow passing over my face as I said it.

'You're not fine. But yeh will be. Yeh will be.' I smiled at his words and turned around to face the shivering first years. I grinned.

'Hope to see you in Gryffindor!'

'Don corrupt 'em Bella!' Hagrid roared. 'If yeh tell 'em that then the other houses won' have no more students!' I rolled my eyes.

'Fine then, I hope that you'll go to... er... whatever House is best! Happy now, Hagrid?'

'Tha's better, off yeh go then, don wanna miss the carriages.'

I left, but not before leaning down to the first years, whispering conspiratorially so Hagrid couldn't hear me, said 'Do make sure you're in Gryffindor.' and winked as I left.

As I climbed into the Prefect's carriage, I swore I saw a flash of white through the glass. I panicked for a split second, but I calmed down as I shook it off as a trick of the light.

The Sorting passed by with 9 new Gryffindors, 4 girls and 3 boys, which was a bit disappointing as I had hoped that there would have been more this year.

'Pssst! Bella!' I looked around for the source of the sound and spotted Ginny, frantically, but discreetly waving at me from the other side of the table.

'What?' I whispered back.

'Can you take the first years? I'm – errrrr – going to welcome in the new school year with Dean.'

'Sure – but you owe me one.' I replied, smiling as I did so.

Dumbledore's speech cut off her reply. 'This year, of course, Voldemort is back.' There were shocked whispers around the Hall at his use of the name. I rolled my eyes at Harry, who was sitting next to me. 'We have taken on extra precautions to ensure your safety this year. There are Aurors stationed at strategic points around the castle, and Hagrid has loaned them the use of his beasts until the danger has passed.' I scoffed at that, knowing that the danger has passed meant when Voldemort is dead. I focused my attention back to the Headmaster. 'On a slightly lighter note, we have a few staffing changes this year. Professor Snape has taken an extended leave, to tend to his other duties, his replacement should be here soon, but it seems that she's running a little late. To teach Defence Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lupin has come back -' There was a mixture of gasps, murmurs, cheers and even a loud 'No!' from Malfoy as he stood up. Harry and I simultaneously glared at him from across the Hall. I was concentrating so much on Malfoy that I nearly missed the doors banging open.

I gasped as I saw the same flash of white I saw outside the Thestral carriage, walk towards the Head Table. I quickly turned to see who it was, again thinking Edward. But it wasn't him - it was Esme.

I wasn't sure if I was disappointed by this. Did I want to see Edward? I wasn't sure about this either.

I shook myself again and tried to focus on Dumbledore.

'So glad you could make it. Are the others coming?' What was Esme doing here? And what was that about the others.

'As I was saying, students! Don't worry, precautions will be taken to ensure your safety, just make sure to stay away from Professor Lupin's office on nights of the full moon. On another note, I can now happily announce that Professor Cullen here has gladly taken on the role of Potions Professor on such short notice. To make things easier for Professor Cullen, her adoptive family will be learning at Hogwarts for the duration of her teaching career. Her husband, Carlisle, will be helping Madame Pomfrey out in the Hospital Wing and will take over her duties full time when Madame Pomfrey takes a leave of absence at the end of Easter.

'Professor Cullen's children will need to be Sorted, so if you will wait just a few more minutes...' Dumbledore trailed off as five white figures appeared underneath the archway of the Entrance Hall, and glided to the front. As Alice bounced past, she looked at me curiously, as if she just had a vision about me that she didn't understand. I unlocked my gaze from her topaz eyes and found myself staring into Edward's black eyes. I rearranged my features to look curious, a hoped that I had fooled him.

The Sorting Hat was brought out again and Professor McGonagall took out a small list from the pocket of her emerald robes.

'BRANDON, Alice.' she called. I watched intently, looking for some sign of recognition from any of the other Cullens.

'RAVENCLAW!' the Hat cried. I guessed that her brains had won the over. I saw Alice's face fall as she walked to the Ravenclaw table. Obviously, that was not the result she wanted.

'HALE, Rosalie.' I watched Rose next; her acting skills must have been slipping, because her facial expression held traces of worry and nervousness. When the Hat was placed on her head, she gave a start of surprise, I guessed that she didn't expect the Hat to talk to her – or respond to her thoughts, like Edward.

'SLYTHERIN!' Rosalie's small smile turned into a frown as she skipped to her new house table. I always knew that her desire to become human would take place over all else, including Emmett, but I was confused as to why her loyalty to her family didn't place her in Hufflepuff.

'MASEN, Edward.' I paid more attention to Edward than I paid to Alice and Rosalie's Sortings, as did most of the girl's in the Hall – including a few of the Professors, ewww. Watching him as he glided up to the stool, his expression blank, portraying none of his emotion. I knew that expression of his, he was in pain.

'GRYFFINDOR!' I was shocked. That was one word for it. Shocked. I didn't even consider the thought that he would end up in the same house as me. I was so still that I didn't notice Harry's hand on my shoulder, or his concerned facial expression. But McGonagall's next call brought me back down to earth.

'McCARTY, Emmett.' Emmett ran - at a human pace - to the stool, and jammed the Hat eagerly on his head. His face fell, and I heard Edward stifle a soft chuckle at the other end of the table – I supposed that the Hat must have been chastising Emmett on his rough handling of the old Hat – but his mouth quickly turned up into a smile as the Hat cried out – 'GRYFFINDOR!'

Everybody, even Dumbledore, gave a jump of surprise as Emmett jumped off the stool, and let out a joyous shout before sitting next to Edward. I bit back my laugh in time to hear Professor McGonagall.

'MR. McCARTY! Such behaviour is not tolerated indoors! Not least in my House!' Wow. She reprimanded Emmett! Even Esme looked impressed. At least Emmett had the decency to look ashamed. But when McGonagall turned her back, Emmett grinned, gave Edward a high-five and blew Rosalie a kiss. She didn't seem to return his enthusiasm as she looked sadly back at Emmett. He just looked confused.

'WHITLOCK, Jasper.' Jasper seemed to march more than walk to the stool, his army training must come through when he's nervous, I thought. Jasper frowned when the Hat was on his head, Edward mirroring his expressions, then he looked sad when the Hat announced 'SLYTHERIN!' I felt disappointed as Jasper began his walk to the Slytherin table. But I felt normal again as Jasper looked sadly over at Alice, then turned, irritated, to face Edward, who mouthed, emotions.

I got hold of my emotions just as Dumbledore announced that it was time for bed. I was just about to turn towards the doors when Harry grabbed my arm and hissed, Prefect Duties! Ugh! I wanted to hit myself on the head for forgetting!

I turned back towards the table, straightened my robes and walked towards the first years, calling out as I did so, 'First years! First year Gryffindors! Over here, please! Emmett! Edward! You too! First years! Come towards me, please! Okay!' I had finally gathered them all.

'Alright. Girls, make one straight line please, boys do the same beside them!' It was easier to make myself heard as more and more people were filing out of the Hall. 'You two can stay together at the back if you want.' I added towards Edward and Emmett. I looked towards the first years again, checking to see if I had missed anybody. 'Excuse me! The girl at the back, come to the front, next to me please! Good. Now, listen to me. My name is Bella, and I am the Senior Gryffindor Prefect. Normally, the Junior Prefects takes the first years, except tonight I'm doing a favour for them, so I'll be taking you up to Gryffindor Tower. Try to stay in your lines and follow me.'

We were the first group out of the Hall, save for the Hufflepuffs, who stopped to let us pass. I smiled and thanked Zacharias Smith as I passed. Hopefully he would be a little nicer to me in his commentary of the next Quidditch Match.

I tried to remember Percy's speech from my first year as I led the first years up to the seventh floor. When we reached the fifth floor, I stopped and turned around to make sure that they were keeping up. There were a few stragglers who were being encouraged by Emmett and Edward to keep going. Trying to keep the others awake, I said, 'Sorry about all the stairs, it's the only way up to the Tower, but don't worry, the view is way worth it.' A few first years chuckled at my joke, but the rest just yawned, too tired to say anything.

When Edward had caught up, I kept moving up, but was stopped when the girl walking next to me lurched suddenly. I caught her before she hit the ground, and asked, 'Tired?' she just nodded in my general direction and yawned. I smiled, and said 'Alright, then, hop on.' I knelt down, put her arms around my neck and carried her up the stairs, remembering how Percy had done the same to me when I almost tripped down the stairs on my first night.

'It's a good thing it's Sunday tomorrow, otherwise you'll all miss your classes because you were sleeping in.' I heard Emmett chuckle lightly at my words.

We had reached the Fat Lady then, so I quickly explained. 'This is the Fat Lady, she guards the opening to Gryffindor Tower, you must remember the password to get in, otherwise you must wait for another Gryffindor or a teacher to tell you the password.' They didn't look like they were listening to me so I quickly said the password and led them in.

'Girls dormitories are on the left and boys on the right, you'll find that your beds have been marked and your things brought up. If you can't remember the way down to the Hall, I'll be waiting down here at 9:30 to take you down. If you have any questions, about the castle, homework, or Quidditch, please pose them to me in the morning before 9:30. Off you go.' Just as I finished my speech, Hermione came down the stairs, and I quickly took advantage of her.

'Hermione, help me out? Please?' She moved quickly to take the first year off my back, and together we headed up to the first year girls dormitories.

We stepped into the room to find the other girls getting ready for bed, and quietly put the girl down, the nameplate on her bed reading Violet Brown. I wondered if she was Lavender's sister, and looked closer at her features. Same colour hair, nose and face shape, I thought. Hermione and I moved quietly and quickly to change Violet into her night clothes. We moved slower and slower at the end as we both ran out of energy, but then we were finished. Breathing a sigh of relief, we moved back down to the common room. Upon our entrance, we saw Harry lying in an armchair by the fire. Edward and Emmett were standing against the wall; it looked like they were having a silent argument about something.

'I guess we'll have to do him as well, huh?' Hermione sighed.

'Not necessarily.' I replied.

I took out my wand and shook Harry awake. He stood up and started to make his way over to the stairs to the boy's dormitories. Poking and prodding him with the tip of my wand, I forced him to make his way up the stairs and into bed. I sighed, and quickly transfigured his clothes into pyjamas. I left him a note telling him to wear a different set of robes in the morning, and to bring the pyjamas down in the morning so I could transfigure them back.

I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, my dreams full of Edward once more.