A/N: Just got this random idea- set when Hazel is about six, before she goes to Camp. This is the first time that Hazel gets the notion that she has power over fire. This fanfic will include 55+ one-shots about Hazel! Enjoy! (Full list of the planned one shots will go up in a future chapter.)

Hazel's POV:

"Mommy? How long will you be gone?" I asked, using my best puppy-dog eyes.

"Just a couple hours, honey. Don't worry, I asked Mrs. Stone to come over and watch you."

"But Mrs. Stone smells like onions! I don't want to stay with her!"

"I'm sorry sweetie, my manager really needs to meet with me, and I can't risk skipping." Mommy was dressed in her pretty dress, red and white with gold trim. I could tell that she was stressed out, because she had the creases in her forehead again.

"But it's Christmas eve!" I exclaimed, using the biggest weapon in my artillery.

"I'm sorry baby, I'll be back tomorrow morning, and we can open presents together." Mom said, opening the oak door.

"I love you Mommy!" I exclaimed, sniffling.

"Love you too, Hazel." Mommy gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, then closed the door. I was all alone.

First, I went over to the Christmas tree. Mommy and I had decorated it this morning, with silver spheres and shiny lights. We had put our special angel on the top, just like we always do. Our dog, Mr. Poofles, was curled up underneath it.

Next, I checked the mantle. Two stockings were hung there, one saying "Sarah" and the other "Hazel". On top, there were many pictures. Most of them contained me and Mommy, but one had a handsome, brown haired man in it. Mommy says that he is my father. He left when I was a baby. I don't know why, Mom changes the subject whenever I ask. I've stopped asking.

There is a knock at the door. I step on my tip-toes to peek out of the peephole, finding that it was Mrs. Stone. She was an old lady, with gray hair in a tight bun and old lady clothes. I unlocked the door and let her in.

"Good evening Hazel. How are you doing?" She asked.

"Okay, I guess." I answered, looking at my feet.

"What's wrong dear?" Mrs. Stone exclaimed, kneeling down next to me.

"Mommy is just gone so often. I hardly ever see her anymore."

"I'm sorry." She answered. "Why don't we bake some cookies for Santa?"

"Okay." I said, smiling.

After an hour of getting flour on my shirt, the cookies were out of the oven and cooling on a rack. It was 7:30, almost time for bed. Mrs. Stone had lit a fire in the fireplace, and while she knit, I stared into the flames.

The fire was comforting to me. I felt a strange pull toward it, and before I realized what I was doing, I stuck my hand in the fire. It was a strange sensation, not unlike pushing my hand through water. The funny thing was, I felt no heat. Mrs. Stone was staring at me, but she wasn't doing anything. She was just staring. "Hmm." She exclaimed. "I was wondering what Apollo was talking about when he said..." Mrs. Stone looked around like someone was watching, and then made a strange gesture. It looked like she made some sort of claw with her hand, then pushed outward.

There was another knock at the door. "Off to bed, Hazel." Mrs. Stone exclaimed, putting down her knitting.

I climbed up the stairs, went into my room, changed into my pajamas, then went to the top of the stairs to say goodnight to Mrs. Stone. I found her talking to Mommy, but I stayed where I was, listening.

"You have a very powerful daughter, Mrs. Anderson." I heard Mrs. Stone say.

"What do you mean?" Mommy answered.

"She's immune to fire, and I can sense that she has a…special destiny." Mrs. Stone exclaimed. "Apollo won't tell me anything, so don't ask."

"Thanks you." Mommy said, waving Mrs. Stone out.

"Take care."

Mommy closed the door, then sat down at the kitchen table and put her head in her hands.

I climbed down the stairs, pretending that I hadn't heard anything. "Are you okay Mommy?" I asked.

"Yes Hazel, I'm just tired." Mommy answered. "Let's get you to bed."

While Mommy led me upstairs, I had no idea that in six years, my life would change forever.