Percy+Jackson+meets+Harry+Potter

Percy Jackson meets Harry Potter

Chapter One The Unexpected Visitor

Ginny Potter was in the kitchen making dinner with a seven year old girl rushing around behind her, eager to help her mother. “Mummy! What can I do?! What can I do?!” “Lily, sweety, why don’t you go play? It’s a beautiful day.” “But I want to help you, Mummy!” “Okay... will you set the table please?” Ginny asked handing her a stack of dishes. “Sure!” Lily Potter bounced out of the room with the dishes teetering precariously in her arms. Ginny cringed in anticipation of a resounding crash when the plates and glasses fell to the floor. But it didn’t come. She peered in to the next room to see Lily distributing silverware to the neatly placed dishes. Letting out a sigh of relief, she turned back to the stove to finish up. Albus was in his room, reading a text book for when he would go to Hogwarts in a couple months time. He heard a knock on his door. “What do you want, James?” He asked in an annoyed voice. James walked in, uninvited, and sat down on the bed. “What? Can’t I visit my favorite brother every once in a while? Maybe bring him some candy...” Without looking up from A History of Magic , he said, “Do you honestly think I don’t know those are from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes? I haven’t fallen for that trick since I was five.” “Come on Al. Why are you so boring?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’m not boring, I just know not to fall for your poorly thought out pranks.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Exactly.” Albus shook his head and rolled his eyes before getting up and shooing him from the room. He had just settled down again with his book when James burst back into his room. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh yeah, I forgot why I came up in the first place. Mum wants us all downstairs. Our cousins should be here any minute.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Fine, now get out!” James hurried downstairs followed closely by Albus. They sat down on the couch in the living room, waiting. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’ll probably be in my room as I have no desire to play with seven year olds or hang out with you and Rose who for the record, can be just as boring as you. Merlin, you two are like Uncle Percy!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That was uncalled for! We’re not THAT bad!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Speak for yourself, Al.” There was a loud ‘CRACK’ and four people showed up inside the room. Harry hurried in to see his brother and sister in law with their two children clinging to their arms. Ginny came shortly after. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ron! Hermione! How nice to see you.” Albus and Rose were already chatting quietly while Hugo tapped Lily’s shoulder and whispered, “Tag, you’re it!” The two youngest set off running around the house and Rose and Albus went up to the latter’s room. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Well I’m just finishing up dinner and then we’ll eat,” Ginny said to Hermione who immediately offered to help. The two women paraded into the kitchen, leaving Ron, Harry, and James to talk about quidditch. When dinner was ready and everyone was called in to eat, they began to eat. Only half way through the meal, the doorbell rang. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’ll get it,” Albus said, standing up and hurrying to the door. He pulled it open to reveal a blonde woman standing alone on the porch. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Er... hello.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hello. My name is Annabeth Jackson. My family is going to be moving here soon and I just wanted to meet my new neighbors.” Ginny walked in. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Who is it?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Our new neighbor, I suppose.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Annabeth’s P.O.V.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">I stood on the doorstep and rang the doorbell. A small black haired boy who looked around ten answered. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Er... hello,” he said quietly. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hello. My name is Annabeth Jackson. My family is going to be moving here soon and I just wanted to meet my new neighbors.” A tall woman with flaming red hair stepped into the room behind him. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Who is it?” she asked the boy. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Our new neighbor, I suppose,” he answered. A look of confusion crossed her face, quickly replaced by an expression of welcome. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh yes! I had forgotten. I’m Ginny Potter. You must be Annabeth.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That’s me. Pleased to meet you.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“And you. So are you all settled in?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh, we haven’t actually moved yet, we’re just here for a couple days to see the town and meet the neighbors.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That’s nice. Well do come in. You can join us for desert if you like.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh I don’t want to intrude and I need to go meet Percy and the kids and get some dinner.” Ginny nodded. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“But as soon as you move in, you should come round for dinner some time.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That would be wonderful,” I said, smiling, “I should probably go now, if your eating dinner.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Well it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you soon.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You too. Bye.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Bye.” The door closed and I walked back down the path and along the sidewalk to meet Percy and the kids, still contemplating my conversation with Ginny Potter. She had been a pleasant person to talk to and would probably prove a nice neighbor. It would be interesting to get to know her, even if we weren’t staying permanently. The Jackson's were moving there, but only temporarily. Percy had business here and they’d thought it’d be nice to go to London for a year or so for a change of scene. Chances are we would move back to the States eventually, but who knows.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Harry’s P.O.V.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As Albus walked back in, I asked curiously, “Who was it?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Apparently it’s our new neighbor. She called herself Annabell or Annabeth or something. I don’t know. Mum’s taking care of it I guess.” I nodded. Several minutes later, Ginny walked back in. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That was Annabeth Jackson, our soon to be neighbor. She and her family are moving here from the United States.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Really?” I said, interested. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. She seemed like a really nice person. As soon as they move in, we’ll have them over for dinner.” she declared. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That should be fun. I look forward to meeting them.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. Me too.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter Two <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Moving Day

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Percy Jackson was helping the movers secure the many boxes and bags in the truck that would take it to the ship that they were moving in. Annabeth was herding the children so they’d be able to leave. Thalia ran out of the house with a backpack slung over her shoulder and hopped in to the car. Her younger brother came shortly after and jumped in next to to her. When they were finally on the boat and in motion, it was only a couple hours at sea, with Percy’s help, of course. When the boat finally pulled into the dock, the drive to their new house was only a couple blocks away, as they’d wanted it close to the sea. They pulled into their new driveway and the kids hurried in to ‘claim’ their rooms. When they came out again, movers were taking stuff out of their truck and lugging it inside.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thalia’s P.O.V.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">I ran outside after claiming the larger room. Two boys around my age came out of the house next to ours. One of the two approached me. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi. I’m James.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Thalia Jackson,” I replied, sticking out a hand. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Nice to meet you,” James said, shaking it enthusiastically. The other boy stepped forward. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Albus Potter,” he said and I shook hands with him as well.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Umm... So how old are you guys?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’m ten. James is eleven.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Turning twelve this month!” James said happily. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“So...what school are you going to?” I asked, hoping that I might know at least SOMEONE at my new school. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ummm....well we go to a private boarding school in Scotland...” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">James whispered something to Albus that sounded like,“You might not... you haven’t gotten your letter yet...” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Shut up, James!” Albus said quietly. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What was that?” I asked. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Nothing,” he said hurriedly. I raised my eyebrows. “It wasn’t anything that mattered.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Really,” I said, unconvinced. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What?” Albus asked innocently. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I eyed him suspiciously before saying, “Never mind.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus relaxed visibly, “So, you lived in America?” I nodded and he continued, “That’s pretty cool. I’ve read about it. What state were you from?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We’ve move around a lot, but we just came from Colorado. We lived in Littleton. Chances are we’ll move back to America eventually.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. So anyway... ummm... are there a lot of kids in this neighborhood?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“There’s our cousins, Rose and Hugo. There over here all the time. Rose is ten and Hugo is eight, turning nine soon. Other than them, there’s not a lot of kids, but my family is enormous and most of the time there’s someone over to visit. By the way, you never told us how old you are,” James said quickly. I had a feeling he talked a lot. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’m ten, same as Albus.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You can call me Al if you want. Everyone does,” Albus said, shrugging. I heard a shriek from the Potter’s house and then a woman’s voice. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“JAMES SIRIUS POTTER!!! YOU GET IN HERE THIS INSTANT!!!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus rolled his eyes, “What have you done now?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Dunno. Best go and find out. See ya, little bro!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Merl-God, he drives me mad. You have any siblings?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I have a seven year old brother, but that’s all. My family’s pretty small. My father was an only child and my mom has two half siblings but they don’t have any kids so there aren’t any kids but me and Luke in my family.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“My dad’s an only child but my mum had six brothers. And most of them have kids so there’s a lot of cousins.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Wow. You have six uncles?” I asked. For some reason he looked sadly at his feet when I said this. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Er.... no. Five.” I felt really insensitive and tactless now. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t reali-” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“No. It’s fine. He died before I was born. I never knew him.” There was an awkward silence before a small pigtailed girl ran out. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Al, Mum wants you inside for dinner,” she looked at me, “Who’s that?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Lily! Don’t be rude,” he turned to me, “This is my little sister, Lily. Lily this is Thalia. She just moved in next door.” She smiled at me. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Albus! Lily! Dinner!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That’s my mum. We’ve got to go. See you around.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. See you.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus’s P.O.V.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What took you so long?” Mum asked. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I was talking to Thalia Jackson. Her family just moved here from America. Remember, her mom came and talked to you- Annabeth or whoever it was. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh! Was she nice?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“She was pretty cool.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“That’s good. You’ll have to introduce her to Rose and Hugo next time they come over. Actually, why don’t you send them an owl after dinner for them to come over tomorrow.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Okay, Mum. What are we having anyways?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Pork chops.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“YUM!” James came in. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hey Mum. If Al gets to have his nerdy friend over, can I have Fred over?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I resent that!” I said. Rose and I weren’t nerdy. Not really. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“No.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Why not?” he whined. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Because you’re grounded.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I don’t get your reasoning for that!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You know perfectly why! You stole your father’s broom yesterday while you were supposed to be sick and thought you’d take a fly in broad daylight. It was a miracle no muggles saw you!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Uncle George said you stole your brothers’ brooms when you were little!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“And I didn’t live in a town full of muggles!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“How did you even find out anyway!?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Your aunt Hermione called me a bit ago and thank god she did! She and Ron saw you out there and had half a mind to go up there and bring you down!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“But, Mum-” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“No. End of conversation.” James sighed, knowing he had lost. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Fine. Can we have dinner now?” I went in to the dining room and mum brought out the dish of pork chops.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chapter Three <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cousins

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Rose,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hi. I was wondering if you and Hugo wanted to come over tomorrow. We’ve got a new neighbor now with two kids. There’s a girl, Thalia, who’s our age and a boy who’s seven, same as Hugo and Lily. I think his name’s Luke. They’re muggles, far as I know, but Thalia seemed cool when I talked to her. James is grounded so hopefully he’ll be less annoying than usual. I don’t know if your mum and dad told you, but he stole our dad’s old firebolt and took it for a joyride in broad daylight! Can you believe that!? That’s James for you. So anyway, write back quickly with your answer.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Signed, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Al,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hi to you too. We can come. When do you want us over? We’re not doing anything tomorrow so any time's good for us. I can’t wait to meet your new neighbors. Please respond.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">P.S. James deserves being grounded completely!

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Rose,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you want you can come over for lunch and then just hang out here for a while. Let’s say 11:45 or something. Write back.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Your cousin, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Al,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That sounds fine. I’ll see you tomorrow at 11:45.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Your friend, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">__

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose’s P.O.V.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">I arrived on the doorstep of the Potter’s house the next day, my little brother standing behind me. The door opened after the first knock. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hey, Rosie, Hugo,” the boy said. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“For the last time, James, don’t call me that!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Jeez, sorry, Rosie.” I glared at him and stepped inside. Hugo followed me. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Al’s downstairs in his ‘lair’ and Lily’s in her room.” I rolled my eyes. A year or two ago, Al and I asked his parents if we could use this empty room he had in his basement. We found some old arm chairs and put those in there. It became the place where we hung out and James dubbed it our ‘lair.’ Even Al and I called it that sometimes. Hugo ran up the stairs to Lily’s room. I walked down to the basement and knocked on the door of the ‘lair.’ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Rose?” I pushed open the door. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hey, Al.” I collapsed in an arm chair. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi, Rosie.” I stared daggers at him. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Not you too. My name is Rose.” He grinned and shrugged. Everyone called me Rosie. It drove me nuts. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Sooo....what’s new?” I asked, taking my seat in my normal arm chair. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Nothing much. My mum was gonna have Thalia and Luke over for lunch so we could get to know them better. They’ll be here soon. What about you?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Same. So you said Thalia’s our age?” Al nodded. “I can’t wait to meet her. I’m sure we’ll be good friends.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. It’ll be fun to have some more kids in the neighborhood.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A couple minutes later, the ring of the doorbell echoed through the house, James’s yell of “The neighbors are here!” quickly succeeding it. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Well that’s them.” He stood up and led the way out, and I followed him up the stairs.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thalia’s P.O.V

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">I rang the doorbell and heard a boy, probably James shout, “The neighbors are here!” Then another female voice called, “Well, open the door, James!” The door opened. James stood before me and I could see Albus and another girl that looked our age running up the stairs behind him. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi, Thalia. Hi, Luke. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi, Albus.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You can just call me Al. This is my cousin, Rose.” Rose has frizzy red hair and light blue eyes. She was obviously the source of the voice I had heard. She stepped forward and shook my hand. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Pleased to meet you, Thalia,” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. You too.” Another boy, closer to Luke’s age came down the stairs followed by Al’s little sister that I had met the other day. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi!” She ran forward and introduced herself to Luke. “I’m Lily, and this is my cousin, Hugo.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I could tell Luke was uncomfortable. He wasn’t that good with people. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hi,” he said awkwardly, “I’m Luke.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lily grinned broadly and said, “Hi, Luke! Nice to meet you!” She pulled him upstairs, to her room, I assume. James went upstairs to his own room. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“So, um, how are you?” I asked lamely. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Fine. You?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Not bad.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“So, where are you from?” Rose asked. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We last came from Colorado.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Did you like it there?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“It was nice. We weren’t there very long.”