Second in the Unbreakable Bond Series - Chamber of Secrets.
Disclaimer I don't own Harry potter as you all should know very well so this disclaimer is therefore useless.
Chapter 1:
Noel hooted and Alicia Evans looked up at the window. The black owl was sitting there, a few letters in her beak and another parcel tied to her leg. Alicia beamed as she moved to release the owl of the weight. Two letters were within her beak, both with Alicia's name on it.
It had been almost two months since Alicia had returned to the orphanage, her last year being spent at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alicia herself being a surprisingly gifted witch. Now, there were only four weeks left until the next year began and Alicia was ecstatic for that date to arrive.
Today however was another reason to enjoy summer. It was Alicia's birthday, July 31st. And though early in the morning currently, she already had plans on how to spend it.
Alicia ripped open one of the letters and smiled at the familiar scrawl of her best friend, Hermione Granger.
Dear Alicia,
Happy Birthday!
I'm so glad you sent Noel just before hand, I was hoping you'd get this right on time. I'm hoping it did anyway.
Just a month left until we're back on the train, I cannot wait to see you!
By the way, did you get through Professor McGonagall's transfiguration homework? I found it slightly tricky but got there in the end.
I heard from Ron the other day, he was thinking of inviting you round to his place, you know like he suggested. But he think's it's not right unless Harry goes too, how is he? Has he got any of our letters yet? I find it strange that he hasn't received any. He does believe you when you tell him we've written right? I hope so.
Anyway, have a wonderful birthday! Hope you get spoiled and I can't wait to see you soon! I hope you received Harry's birthday present also, as he isn't receiving the mail I decided to send it to you instead. Let me know when/if it gets there.
Love Hermione.
Alicia grinned and looked at the package from Noel as the owl had returned to her cage for some water and pellets. The package however had Alicia's name on it, not Harry's. Alicia frowned, had Hermione not sent the parcel with Noel?
Alicia put the letter down on her desk and opened the other one. This one however was from Ronald Weasley, Harry's best friend. The four were like the perfect quartet; Hermione was the brains and had the most common sense. Harry was brave and courageous (and to add to it, famous). Ron was sarcastic and determined, and sometimes a little frightful. And Alicia was brave, witty and talented.
Alicia opened Ron's letter, his handwriting was much messier then Hermione's was, but then again, everything was perfect and organised with Hermione.
Hey Alicia,
Happy Birthday! Wow Twelve, can you believe it's been almost a year since I met you and Harry at the station? Mom wanted to send you your present but I decided to wait until you come over before school begins, I didn't need it getting lost just in case. I had to argue a little with her, I hope that's okay…? You are coming over before school right?
Have you heard from Harry? What's he up to now? I keep wondering if I should send him a parcel, but like the letters it might get lost… what do you think? Should I send it to you?
I spoke to Hermione and told her about you both coming to visit, but without an answer to Harry, it might be hard, is Hedwig still caged up?
You said you sent a letter from Harry through with Noel? I never got one, just your's. It's like the letters involving Harry are getting lost somewhere along the line…
Anyway, I hope you're having a good day and I'll see you soon, we'll talk about you coming down a little closer to September first.
From Ron.
Alicia sighed. A lot of letters between her and the two friends had been like this.
For some reason none of Hermione or Ron's letter's had reached Harry. They told her several times the last week or so that they'd sent him letters with Noel, but none of them made it to Alicia's room. Now Hermione's parcel was missing also?
They weren't the only one's, Alicia had received a few letters from Hagrid, the gamekeeper at Hogwarts, and he'd asked why Harry wasn't replying either.
The Dursleys, being the horrible people they were to Harry, had locked his owl, Hedwig, up in her cage. She hadn't been allowed out all summer to Alicia's knowledge, so not only was she not getting any exercise or freedom, but Harry couldn't send any letters to Hermione or Ron. Alicia had informed them all of this, but no one understood why no letters for Harry reached him or Alicia, no matter which owl was being used.
Alicia sat down with some parchment and a quill before answering the two letters.
Dear Hermione,
Thank you! You organised well as usual Hermione, she got here bright and early in the morning and you letter was the first one to be read!
I did do McGonagall's homework, did you think it was hard? I thought it was okay, but I will admit it took me a bit to finish it.
Yeah Ron said the same to me. If I have to, I'll drag Harry from the Dursleys, he'll be happy to leave but they might not willingly let him go, so if you don't hear from me for a while, they've locked me up with him or done something to stop me getting to him.
I've warned you, those muggles are awful.
Harry's good, last I checked. A little miserable but I've been doing my best. The Dursleys try to keep him from me but, it's a lot harder apparently. I'm too good at avoiding them. He still hasn't received a letter, but he does know you're trying. I've shown him your letters asking me why he hasn't received them so, he does know and he does believe me. He wouldn't give up on you guys that quickly.
I did receive a parcel from Noel, but it was for me. I haven't gotten one for Harry. Did you send it with a different owl?
I hope you're good, having a good time and are ready to meet in Diagon Alley to get our books. Honestly Hermione thinking you get to go the next four weeks without seeing me. You're dreaming.
Can't wait to see you.
Love Alicia
xx
Alicia folded the letter and printed Hermione's name on the front before she grabbed another parchment to answer Ron.
Hey Ron,
Thanks for the birthday wishes. Yes I can believe it's been almost a year after everything that happened in that year. We got into enough trouble to make it unforgettable remember.
That's a great idea. Now I can figure out how to repay her for the Christmas present and she can see my face when I open it. It does usually delight parents to see kids enjoy their gifts right?
I am coming over before school begins and I'm dragging Harry with me. I told Hermione this, if you don't hear from me in a few days, I've probably been locked up with Harry. It wouldn't surprise me if the Dursleys did such a thing. I'm not letting him suffer in that place without me around, it'd probably drive me mad.
Other then his family, he's good. The Dursleys locked up his trunk and wand so he's been coming here to do his homework, no I haven't let him copy everything… just some things. And as long as you understand what you're writing, yes I'll help you when I come down also.
Don't send him a parcel. The last thing we need is for it to get lost. You can give it to him with me when I drag his ass down to you! I'll have to send Noel if I break him out cause, yeah, Hedwig's still in jail.
Could someone be intercepting our letters? Maybe I should try getting Harry to write in one of my letters, that way the person intercepting wont know it's from him…? What do you think?
I'll talk to you soon, and let me know when I'm coming, that way I can organise transport, I informed Ms Bane but without dates there's not much more I can do, she does have an entire orphanage of kids to look after after all.
Talk to you soon.
Love Alicia.
xx
Alicia gave both letters to Noel who, after a few minutes took off into the sky again. Alicia opened the parcel and found it was from Hagrid. She grinned and read his letter, wishing her happy birthday and explaining he'd left Harry's for when he returned. Like Ron, he didn't want it getting lost.
Alicia removed the wrapping from the parcel to find an picture album. She opened it, but currently, the book was empty.
Alicia smiled. She remembered how Hagrid had given Harry a leather bound book at the end of their last semester. In it, had been a heap of photo's of Harry's parents.
Alicia's parents.
She sighed.
At the end of later year, right after they finished their exams, Alicia and Harry and come face to face, with Lord Voldemort.
Eleven years ago Voldemort had gone to the house of the Potters with the intention of killing their son. Lily Potter refused to step aside and put herself between Voldemort and her children.
Voldemort killed her.
Within the cot were a pair of twin babies and Voldemort had attempted to kill the boy first. The spell had rebounded and the boy survived with nothing but a scar. The girl had received a mark as well, though not as fatal and not as well known.
Alicia sighed, at the end of the year, Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, had admitted to her that she was Harry's twin, Alicia Potter, not Alicia Evans. The world didn't know she was alive, and Dumbledore decided it was best to keep it this way.
"Don't see how, Voldemort knows I'm alive…" Alicia muttered as she stared at the empty photo album before her. Then again, his followers don't.
Alicia put the album on her desk where Hermione's parcel lay, already opened. She had decided to send the parcel through muggle mail. It stood out, Alicia knew immediately who it was from as Harry didn't need the mail to give her things and Ron didn't know what Muggle mail was.
Hermione had set Alicia a quidditch book. Quidditch, the sport of wizards. Played in the air, on broomsticks, with six hoops and four balls. Alicia was all about joining the school's team when they went back. All she needed was a broom, it was on her list of things to get when she went to Diagon Alley to get her school supplies.
Alicia turned to the door when she heard furious knocking and put all her wizardry things, like her quill and a couple of books that were lying about, in her trunk, closing that before opening the door.
Alex and Portia stood there grinning.
"Happy Birthday!" and the two leapt on Alicia. The three hit the floor from the sudden weight.
"Thanks." Alicia laughed as the two got off her.
"We bought you a gift." Alex admitted, crossing her legs and sitting up. Portia held out a parcel. Alicia grinned and accepted it, cast them both a look before opening it.
"It's a complete mail package." Alex said
"So you don't have an excuse not to write to us this time." Portia snapped but smiled
"And we also got you a couple bits and bobs for school." Alex said "As we haven't seen any as of yet and decided you needed some."
Alicia rolled her lip guiltily and looked at them happy for their gifts, but sad at the same time.
"Guys, it's great, thanks…" Alex's smile dropped into a sigh
"But…?" she expected
"We don't send letters like you guys do…" Alicia admitted "It's really hard to explain, I can't tell you without telling you what the school specialises in. And it's against the law to do that." Alicia rolled her eyes
"What Law?"
"The school's law…" Alicia sighed and hung her head
"Bet you'd tell Harry," Portia smirked
"I don't need to, he goes to the same school." Alicia said "Look I really want to tell you but…"
"Does it have something to do with the owl that keeps coming into your room?" Alex wondered curiously
"Or the fact that you have to have you're own room?" Portia added
"Ms Bane knows doesn't she?" Alex prodded
"I had to tell her, she's my caretaker." Alicia sighed "And I need my own room because the school's so privet."
"And the owl?"
"We're allowed pets and owls are standard. Along with cats… and toads…" she said slowly
"Toads?" Alex questioned
"They're old fashioned, no one uses them anymore." Alicia waved the thought away. Well other then Neville Longbottom, the forgetful one within Alicia's year. He had a lot of trouble with his classes and the other houses loved picking on him.
"What kind of school has owls?" Portia questioned
"This one does." Alicia shrugged "But you never know, now that Ms Bane knows I can send the letters to her and she can pass them on. Of course, we'd have to take that up with her." Alicia added quickly.
"Will you ever be able to tell us?" Portia sighed
"Maybe if I become president." Alicia nodded before grinning, the girls chuckling with her.
Alicia followed the two girls down to breakfast. Everyone wished her a happy birthday as she passed. Last year no one had seen her for the entire day as she'd been out preparing for her first year at Hogwarts.
Ms Bane gave her a special birthday breakfast, as she always did and everyone wished her a good day.
After she had opened a few presents Alicia left the orphanage and ran straight to Privet Drive. Today wasn't only her birthday, but her brother, Harry's, as well.
However, as perusal within the Dursley house, when Alicia arrived, she heard Uncle Vernon shouting.
"HOW DARE YOU THREATEN DUDLEY!" roared Uncle Vernon "I WARNED YOU! I WILL NOT TOLERATE MENTION OF YOUR ABNORMALITY UNDER THIS ROOF!"
His voice could be heard from the end of the street. Alicia found it humorous that a family so obsessed with normality could be the weirdest ones on the block. And not because of Harry.
Alicia walked towards the front door, but stopped by the hedge before walking up the path. Uncle Vernon walked out the front door and paused when he saw her.
"Good morning Mr Dursley." she smiled. As the Dursley's didn't like the look of Alicia just as much as Harry, she took the opportunity that they couldn't control her to her advantage. Seeing them cringe from her politeness gave her a slight smile.
"Harry home?"
"No." Vernon said, trying to keep his eyes off Alicia
"Oh?" her smile dropped and Vernon jumped back slightly as he made his way to his expensive car. He didn't answer as he got in and drove away. Alicia smirked as she watched the car turn the corner. It stopped at the end of Privet Drive and she knew he was watching her. So she waved before walking towards the house.
She knocked and the door was opened by Aunt Petunia, who's smile vanished the second she saw Alicia. Petunia always had the same look when she saw Alicia, it was realisation, understanding, confusion. Alicia knew what Aunt Petunia saw when she looked at her, it was Lily, Petunia's sister. Alicia's mother. Other then her hair, Alicia was her splitting image.
"Good Morning Mrs Dursley." Alicia smiled "Is Harry here?"
"Uh…" Alicia caught sight of the Harry who appeared at the doorway.
"Harry!" Alicia jogged passed Aunt Petunia and flung her arms around Harry's neck.
"Happy Birthday!" Alicia beamed, making sure Aunt Petunia heard her loud and clear.
"Alicia," she pulled away from him "You too."
"Thanks." she smiled "I haven't bought your gift yet, but when we go to DIagon Alley I'm going to buy you an entire broom set kit if I have to." she grinned
"Oh…"
"Don't deny me." Alicia snapped at him before grinning. "I have to go into the broomstick shop anyway to get my first broom." she got excited and smirked as Petunia, who was still by the door, grimaced at every unnatural thing. A shop for broomsticks was one of them.
Alicia turned to Aunt Petunia who was still standing with the door open.
"Oh you've got that dinner tonight, don't you!" she fake gasped. Harry had been complaining that Uncle Vernon couldn't stop talking about this dinner party. He was talking to a construction worker and hoping to sell a heap of drills to them. That's what Vernon Dursley did, he sold drills.
"I don't want to be in your way, so…" She took Harry's hand and began to drag him out of the house "Is there a particular time he needs to be home by?" Alicia asked Petunia. She stuttered over her words and Harry was grinning at how easily Alicia sent the Dursleys into speechlessness. All of them.
"It starts at 7:30." Harry said for Petunia
"Alright, no later then 7:29." Alicia grinned, Aunt Petunia's eyes seemed to bulge somewhere at the closeness Alicia was allowing to her husbands important evening.
"See you later Aunt Petunia." Alicia said. Petunia looked at her shocked as Alicia bragged Harry from the house. Alicia had restrained from addressing the Dursleys as family, but every now and then she let it slip, especially to Petunia who Alicia suspected already had an idea who she was.
"I haven't gotten tired of how you do that." Harry smirked
"Neither have I, don't worry. Imagine how they'll act when they learn I'm their Niece." Alicia chuckled "That's gonna be an excellent conversation."
"So, anything from Hermione and Ron?" Harry asked
"Well, I got letters from them both this morning and Hermione said she'd sent your parcel to me, but I didn't receive one. I asked her if she sent it with Noel but Noel's still taking the letters to them. Ron thinks the letters are getting lost somewhere along the way and I suggested someone might be intercepting them." Alicia explained
"Who?" Harry questioned
"I don't know." Alicia shook her head "Someone who wants to make your life miserable again apparently. They have to be close though, I sent one to you with Noel not long after Hermione and Ron told me you weren't replying. You never got it, so it has to be someone close to home."
"But there's no one else close to home…?" Harry thought
"Maybe it's someone we've never met." Alicia shrugged
"Why would they want to mess with me?" Harry questioned
"Don't know, but everyone knows you remember. It could be anyone." Harry sighed and nodded at this acknowledgement.
"On a better note, Ron's talking about inviting us down to his place before school begins and Mrs Weasley has both our birthday presents. Bet it's more homemade fudge, I can't wait! Ron convinced her not to send them to us, incase yours get's lost and if I'm going down there anyway, then he thinks I should open it in front of her. Hagrid's the same by the way, is going to give you your present when you get to Hogwarts." Alicia grinned
"I also told Ron he can copy some of my homework, so we'll definitely be going."
"You mean you." Harry sighed
"Harry." Alicia stopped walking and stood in front of him "I'm not leaving you here without me and with the Dursleys. I will drag you, your trunk and Hedwig out of the house if I have to and bring my wand out and everything to threaten the Dursleys with." she said, her face stern as Professor McGonagall's, they're transfiguration teacher, deputy principle and head of Harry and Alicia's house at Hogwarts, Gryffindor.
"I don't care how it happens, it's happening." she said in a 'that's final' tone. "I'm not going without you either." she smiled as they reached a park. It was where Alicia had met Harry for the second time, the first being in a zoo.
Harry was looking around before he suddenly stopped. Alicia turned to him confused to find Harry staring at a hedge. She doubled back to stand beside him before gapping. Two enormous green eyes had appeared among the leaves.
"You see that?" Harry whispered
"Uhuh." Alicia nodded, unable to form words. As far as the twins knew, there wasn't anyone magical within their vicinity who could cause a hedge to have eyes.
The two watched and the eyes stared back before a child's laughter filled the air. The eyes blinked and were gone.
"What…?"
"I don't know…" Alicia muttered. "But I think someone's watching us…"
"Why?"
"Why are letters failing to get to you?" Alicia shrugged "Something weird's going on."
The two put the eyes out of their minds and spent the entire day mucking around, not doing anything productive, not talking about Ron, or Hermione, or the Dursleys. The two spent the day with just themselves.
Alicia, who had a little bit of pocket money from the orphanage, bought them ice creams and a few packet of lollies on top of that. Harry as usual tried to argue but Alicia made a heavy point that siblings usually weren't nice enough to treat one another and if he wasn't lucky that could eventually happen to him.
"Just accept it while before it never happens again." she rolled her eyes.
Alicia, despite what she'd said to Aunt Petunia had Harry back to his house on Privet Drive by seven o'clock.
"Ms Bane will kill me if I'm late for dinner. Especially as it's supposed to be for me." she smirked "You could come you know."
"I'm late enough as it it." Harry sighed. Alicia huffed
"One day, you're going to have a proper birthday dinner. And a proper birthday surrounded by people who actually love you." she glared at the house before them "Not these people who can't even acknowledge you properly." Harry looked at the house and nodded.
Alicia pulled her twin into a hug.
"See you later." she muttered.
And Alicia made her way back to the orphanage.