Returning to normal life after a three year long absence was, of course, difficult. Artemis's first act was to purchase a blue contact lense for his now hazel left eye. He convinced his parents that he had been kidnaped, and arranged what looked like the kidnapper's death in a car accident. His parents wondered why he hadn't grown, but it never occurred to them to look for a supernatural explanation. But because of his supposed capture, his mother grew more protective. She had to know where he was at all times, so he was required to call home from school at 9:30, 12:00, and 2:00. Butler was now sent to the school grounds to keep a constant watch on the teenager. Another considerable change in Artemis's life was his new twin brothers. At one year of age, they had a full vocabulary. They showed the potential to be as smart as their brother. The good part about this was that Artemis would finally have more equals than Minerva to talk too. The bad part was that they were extremely annoying, asked questions constantly, and wanted to be apart of every single thing that big brother Arty did.

Artemis's classmates annoyed him now more than ever. After being around such brave and intelligent souls as Butler, Holly Short, Foaly, Minerva, and even Mulch Diggums, the school children paled in comparison.

"Class," said Ms. Ferguson. "we have a new student today."

Oh, please, no, thought Artemis. Professor Ferguson had a habit of treating her class of fifteen year-olds like they were eleven. He pitied whoever it was having to endure this childlike introduction. He looked at the student in question. He was tall, taller than Artemis, with thick brown hair, and green eyes.

"This is Roy Alastor." said Ms. Ferguson. "Roy, why don't you take the seat next to Artemis?"

That's funny. Roy had thought this was a school only for boy. Then he saw the one empty seat. I suppose it can be a guy name too, he thought, and took his seat. Roy had expected a word of welcome, or a nod, but Artemis didn't even look at him. This pleased Roy. The one who weren't chatty were usually more interesting.