Percy Jackson and the Hound of Hogwarts [Book 3]

2) Meeting Marge

The next morning we all had our Hogwarts letters.

We watched a few Hogwarts owls peck at the kitchen window, and Luke opened it. They all flew in, dropping letters respectively on our plates.

Mine was bigger than usual.

Dear Mr. Jackson,

Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross station, platform nine and three quarters, at eleven o' clock.

Third years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade on certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission form to your parent or guardian to sign.

A list of books for next year is enclosed.

Yours sincerely

Deputy Headmistress

"Luke! Sign my paper!" I said, throwing it at him. He caught it and glared lightly, signing it anyway.

I grinned, and happily took the paper. I finished my bacon, then walked into the living room, and turned on the TV, seeing a report on an escaped prisoner.

"... The public is warned that Black is armed and extremely dangerous. A special hot line has been set up, and any sighting of Black should be reported immediately."

"That's a bad man, he is," Henry said, sitting beside me.

"What did he do?" I asked.

"He... well, he was with the dark side. Followed He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He was a traitor. Sold out Harry's parents, then killed thirteen men with one curse. One man, Peter Pettycoat, I think his name was. Hit him with such a strong spell that all that was left was a finger," Henry said, tapping the remote against his leg thoughtfully.

I frowned. That wasn't good.

"D'you think... maybe he'll go after Harry?" I asked, looking up at Henry.

He stared down at me with surprise, and stammered for a moment, "Er — well, um, maybe. Hopefully not. If he's expected to go anywhere, it's to Harry. You don't want to go where you're expected, do you?"

I nodded slowly, still frowning.

***

Have you ever decided to do something so unbelievably stupid? Something so dumb that even your brain can't comprehend what you're doing?

I have.

"Hey, Luke, I'm going to go to Harry's," I said suddenly, starting the big and stupid thing.

I watched Luke tilt his head, then he asked, "Is that a good idea? His aunt and uncle aren't really all about wizards, are they?"