The Other side of the HP

Book 3

Chapter One

Summer

My first year at Hogwarts was amazing. I can't explain how much it changed me and my life. To know that magic exists is one thing, being able to use and control it is another. It was strange to come home and know that life wasn't going to be the same.

Ever since my parents found out that Mona and I are wizards, they treat us a little differently than they used to. It's almost as if they're afraid of us, and what we are capable of.

They have no reason to be, of course. A: the worst I could do is make them float and B: I can't even use magic outside of school. I think they're scared of us because they know almost nothing about magic. People are scared of the things they don't know or don't understand. It makes them feel weak and powerless. Granted, I am not complaining. I very rarely get into trouble, and when I do, it's a very minor punishment. I'm not saying that I have special privileges, but I do.

Over the summer, Percy and Christine started dating. Well, always being in Christine's room reading, or listening to Christine perform is basically all they do. Besides make out. They do that a lot too, but without my parents or other siblings watching. Apparently seeing a two year old Sally-Joy with her pants off is a real turn-off. Who would've thought?

Mona and I have spent most of the summer with Fred and George. We spend most of our days up in that tree in the woods, talking and fooling around. The boys are also coming up with pranks and practical jokes. We try them out and, if they work, we write them down. Fred and George are starting their own little business. They plan on finding somewhere in the school to sell their products. They really are brilliant when it comes to having a good time.

"So, I was thinking, what if we made a candy that changes your temperature. It could help kids get out of classes." George pitches.

"Interesting idea, Georgie. We could put a potion inside, like a filling. That would make someone temporarily sick. We can call them…Sick Sticks!" Fred expands on his brother's idea. They give each other a look and high five.

"Ooh, yes! Write that down!"

"You know, that's your third idea that has to do with making someone sick." Mona states.

"So?" George looks at her like he's done nothing wrong.

"So, you might want to broaden your horizons, you know, make some variety?"

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Uh, no, but-"

"Shh! Let the master think!" He puts a finger to her lips.

"Don't you mean 'masters'?" Fred pipes up.

"Yes, of course, masters." George corrects himself.

"So, question," I start, "even if these do work and you sell them, what will you do if you get caught? If some kid goes and tattles on you?"

"We'll deal with that problem when we get to it." Fred answers, shrugging.

I roll my eyes. "Whatever."

"So, only two more weeks until we're back to school. Are you guys excited?" Mona asks. The twins look at each other as if pondering the question.

"Excited? Yes. School itself is dull, but then there's magic and mischief involved, so it's good. I'm definitely looking forward to playing quidditch again." George replies, still scribbling in his idea notebook.

"Same. I think we stand a chance at winning the quidditch cup this year." Fred agrees.

"Oh man! We lost our seeker last year, remember? Evan was a seventh year!" George suddenly turns attention away from his notebook.

"There's gotta be someone who could be a seeker, another third year maybe. Who knows? Maybe some legendary first year will come and save the day!" Fred says sarcastically.

"Ha! Maybe Ron'll do it, or one of his git friends he meets there."

"Ha! I'd love to see him try!" The twins keep laughing.

"Wanna make a bet?" I ask. The twins stop laughing and look at me with interest.

"Spill." Fred says.

"If a first year gets seeker, and is good at it, you…" I think for a second, "have to name one of your products after us." Fred nods.

"And if we win, one of you has to kiss Ron, and the other Percy." Fred snickers.

"Oh, gross." I say.

"Take it or leave it."

"Fine. Deal." I say, shaking Fred's hand. He smiles.

"Better keep those lips nice and pretty. I don't want my brother's first kiss to be terrible."

"Oh, trust me, your Hitter product is going to be a top seller." I wink.