Chapter 9: The First Rule of Muggleborn Club is that there is No Muggleborn Club

Recap: There has still been no progress for the paper we're going to submit even with the deadline for SCOWL looming ever so closer. I just wish Tiffany and Lily could decide without getting into an argument. Nae is just going with the flow.

Oh, and apparently, I'm going to start a fire. Weird.


A week has gone by since the Quidditch match. Howey has become the star of the House as a lot of his year. Many were hounding him to show off more of his moves or taught them how to fly as he did. I could just picture Howey having to explain skateboards with a bunch of clueless wizards and couldn't help but laugh at the image.

But another thing the past week had taught me was that we were getting burdened with more and more schoolwork and that there are less and less times for the Disaster Trio to hang out even for study sessions. So simply walking together after a class we had together is already a luxury we tried to spend.

"This just occurs to me—" Lily said out of the blue, "—but why don't wizards celebrate Halloween like muggles do?"

"Halloween was originally supposed to be a tradition of being respectful to the dead while the veil between the living realm and the underworld is at the thinnest," Sev promptly answered without lifting his eyes up from the book he was reading. It never stopped to amaze me how the guy could walk smoothly through the halls without running into walls or people with his nose buried deep between the pages. "It's not a holiday made for children to play silly masquerade simply to find more incentive to rot their teeth."

"Okay then Mister I-Love-Misery, but… no trick or treating? No costume or candies? Isn't that a bit sad?"

That got Sev to pull his head up and deadpan at his best friend, "Let me get this straight; you want us to do Halloween like muggles do, the day they dress up as vampires, witches, werewolves and every other inane beings they believe to be terrifying to scare strangers off… for candy."

Lily opened her mouth. No words came out before she closed it. Then opened it again, "I may not have thought that through."

"I'm sorry, Lils. But no you didn't," he said before promptly returning to his paperback.

It was such a random conversation considering the three of us just finished our Ancient Runes class that I had to ask, "What brought this on, Red?"

"Oh, err…" Lily looked away, twirling her hair between her fingers, "I've just heard rumors that some of the muggle-born kids were having a costume party the day before the Halloween Feast."

"So… kind of like a Halloween Eve Party?"

Lily shrugged, strange that she looked like she didn't want to confirm or deny it.

"Well, of course there isn't," Sev scoffed, "Hogwarts wouldn't have allowed it, and if there was, Lily would be too excited to tell us."

"Yeah… that would be great… if I knew…" She mumbled the words that it was hard to even tell from beside her, but I couldn't ask further before Sev suddenly stopped short in our walk and palmed his face.

"Shoot, I forgot to ask Professor Selwynn for advice for my paper."

"Urgh, you just had to remind me of more work

"Don't complain because you can't say no, Percy." Sev shot back.

"I wouldn't if there weren't so many books I had to go through. Isn't there a spell to make this easier for us?"

"Invenitext followed by a keyword and you're good," Sev answered without a beat as if I hadn't been agonizing with words swimming through my eyes all week.

"...Sevvy, I don't know whether to love or hate you sometimes."

"Feelings mutual, and don't call me that."

"Speaking of paper, what did your team decide on?" Lily asked Sev.

"The Hypothetical Creation of Lazarus Potion."

"What's that? I never heard of it."

"Simply a Revival Potion." Severus made a turnabout, but I had my hand around his collar and wrenched him back a step.

"I'm sorry," I gaped at him for a moment, trying to reel in the sheer audacity from that sentence, "but either I misheard it or you just admit to something outrageous there, buddy."

"Why would it be?"

"Err, pretty sure necromancy is frowned upon at Hogwarts." Nothing spooked them more than the idea of 'Dark magic', and what's darker than raising the dead?

He rolled his eyes, "It's a mythical potion, Percy! None of us expect to find the solution to a centuries-old recipe that was never completed. Besides, necromancy is a muggle term. There's no such thing as magic that can raise the dead."

"There isn't?" Lily asked.

"No." Sev slapped my hand away and fixed his collar. "There are magic rituals that muggles commonly known as seance to connect to speak with the dead from the other side of the veil, but nothing about bringing them back."

"Nothing?"

"Well, it's more accurate to say records of anyone who attempted to try suffered an unspeakable toll that was, quote-unquote, 'worse than death.'"

"And you think researching a potion that may or may not bring back the dead is a good thing, why…?"

"Because my team wants to compare it with the existing Healing and Rejuvenation Potions to see if it was crap or if it was some arcane elixir. Now, are you done with your interrogation?"

I held my hand up in surrender as Sev huffed and strode back to find Professor Selwyn. I watched his retreating back 'till he was out of sight before turning back to Lils, "Guess we're the only ones who haven't decided on a theme yet."

"Urgh, don't remind me!" Lily's steps became a heavy stomp as she huffed agitatedly. "We've only got one week until the deadline and would have submitted one already if Travers stopped objecting to every one of my ideas."

"To be fair, you did the same for hers."

"That's not the point!" She fumed. I could almost imagine her fiery red hair raising itself like a scorching fire that would burn indiscriminately to anyone who pushes her button. That's nothing new, but she's been shifting from absent-minded to being extra.

"Err… Lily? Tell me if I'm wrong, but you seem to have a stormy streak lately." I thought back to the last Quidditch match I had and the conversation I ended up eavesdropping the ominous conversation between her and James. Specifically, about the dubious premonition James had of me setting up a wildfire, which is ridiculous once anyone knows I'm the least likely person to start a fire. Earthquake and flood? That's more of my lane.

Not that I'm planning a natural disaster.

I usually don't plan them.

…crap, that's not helping my case.

I prodded Lily further, thinking it better for her if she doesn't mull over it on her own, "Is there something on your mind lately? You haven't been yourself lately."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Are you sure?"

"Percy."

"Are you on your pe–"

"Finish that sentence and I'll toss you off the window."

"Shutting up now, ma'am."

She threw a sharp emerald gaze sideways before sighing. Visible tension left her shoulder as Lily calmed herself down, "It's been a long few days for me, Percy. There's still class to go to and homework to finish, not to mention our still unfinished draft for our paper. It's just… it's just a lot, okay?"

I considered her words, and puckered my lips in thought before deciding, "Wanna visit the kitchen?"

My left-field question would have thrown most people off if Lily wasn't so used to my sudden shift of thoughts, "What got you to ask that?"

"One of the many Hufflepuff perks of being neighbors with the kitchen is that not only do we have easy access to our comfort food, but we can subtly guide the house-elves to decide the menu we want."

Lily gaped for a moment or two before bursting out in laughter, "That's a… that's a crazy amount of power the Hufflepuffs' have, being able to decide the food for the whole school."

"I know right? Our House is the best."

Lily chuckled a bit more before answering, "Sure, why not."

"Awesome!" I took her wrist and began guiding her to the kitchen in haste before anyone realized where we disappeared to.

"Wait, right now?!"

"When else can we get the kitchen to ourselves?"

"Percy Jackson, are you asking me to play hooky?" In contrast to the scandalous tone, there was a begrudging grin Lils struggled to repress.

"We've done worse things than play hooky, Lils. There's no reason to be uptight in this case." Besides, nothing is more normal than a couple of students skipping class to raid the kitchen stock. Feels like old times.

"I hate it when you have a point."

I ushered us toward the painting with the ticklish pear. It opened readily for us, and there were fewer house-elves responsible for stocking the kitchen. They could have done it with magic, but they seemed to enjoy moving their hands and legs. Maybe they find it relaxing, kind of like the characters of Ghibli movies. They would have been adorable if they weren't wearing rags and be so… err… stubbornly subversive nine times out of ten.

"Oh– Master Percy Jackson!" Periwrinkle (and no, it's not Periwinkle. That's literally her name) greeted me first, "Welcome! Beg pardon we couldn't greet you properly, but it's so good to see you again."

Lily raised an eyebrow at the elf's words, "Come here much?"

I playfully elbowed her, "Shut up."

"Oh, who's this?" Periwrinkle queried, "Another friend of Master Percy Jackson?"

"Periwrinkle, this is my friend Lily Evans."

"Greetings, Missus Lily Evans. I'm Percy Jackson's sugar pimp."

"Excuse me — WHAT?!"

Note to self: watch your language around house-elves. "What she meant is that she's an inspiring baker and I'm her guinea pig for all of her new recipes." And boy does she have a lot of weird recipes; stuffed fried pancake, crispy pudding, biscuit jam tart.

Things that aren't considered appropriate on the dining table, but are way too delicious to miss.

"Oh dear, I wouldn't possibly treat Master Percy Jackson as a guinea pig. That would be rude of me."

"Yeah, Lils. I simply give her constructive criticism… with the added benefit of getting a midnight snack."

"And I've just finished a new batch, please wait here for me and I shall serve you and your friend."

"Thanks, Peri. You're the best."

There was the sound of flutter wings and glitter of zipping light before I was met face first with my stalking fairy. My tiny winged friend nuzzled my nose and I chuckled at the sight, "Good to see you too, Teafey."

There was pressure from my back to where I glanced and saw my good friend using me as a shield while glaring down at the offending fairy with Cory out on her hand. The animated rock had a defensive glare as if daring the fairy to make an offensive move toward its master.

"No fighting you two. Especially you, Teafey," I warned with a wag of my finger.

Fairies are not ones inclined to follow orders, but she huffed and flew away with a pout. Saving us from any further confrontation.

Lily visibly relaxed though, but still kept a stink eye, "Percy, what is she doing here?"

"Well, you see… since the forest, Teafey kind of often snuck into my hair or my pocket just because. But fairies aren't one with a long attention span — something I can relate to — so rather than having her flying off and disturbing people, I had the kitchen staff watch over her.

"So basically you pawned her off to the house-elves?"

I scratched my head sheepishly, "Thankfully, she's been helpful around and Periwrinkle especially like her." I could have asked Ivan instead, but I don't think he'd appreciate being a glorified babysitter.

Oh, shit – Ivan! I haven't called him since coming to Hogwart. He's gonna be miffed.

The house-elf in question came back chuckling and offered her green brownies and immediately a swiped one for a bite. "Missus Teafey have been a delightful help in the kitchen, she seemed to enjoy baking as much as I do." And indeed, they both were taken with each other, Teafey practically orbiting around the elf that their friendship reminded me a bit of a certain harpy and cyclops.

Lily took the brownies off her plate and examined them uncertainly before following my lead. Her matching green eyes widened in delight at the taste of matcha and chocolate that complement the tongue.

"This ish shoooo goooood," Lily moaned with her mouth full of the gooey goodness.

"I know, right? She's a gem."

"It's almost a crime that you get to hog all her food for yourself."

Periwrinkle looked down bashfully while gripping her raggedy robe, but it failed to hide the wobbling smile on her face. We couldn't chat for long before she was swept away by the workload of the kitchen, leaving me and Lils by the side while munching on our snacks and tea Periwrinkle prepared for us. We sat side-by-side, letting the hustle and bustle of small feet and cleaned trays fill the silence.

"So, feeling better?"

"...yeah, a bit."

"Mind sharing with the class?"

Lily played tag with Cory as it rolled around the plate, chasing after her finger like an excited puppy. She was clearly forestalling the conversation to be had, but it was better than not talking at all.

"Sorry, just… thinking back, it's a bit silly for me to get so worked up over this."

"What do you mean?"

"You know that Halloween Eve party I mentioned before?"

Not sure where this is going, but I nodded nonetheless.

"There was one actually," she admitted.

"Yeah, I figured." A forbidden party was made under the nose of the teachers. That's the kind of daredevil stunts I would expect stupid pre-teens would do or I might lose my faith in humanity. "But why would you be so bummed about it?"

"I wasn't invited."

Oh.

Oh…

I winced at the realization and watched as my best friend almost curled up in shame. And she shouldn't be… she should never be ashamed because people missed out on her. Though that doesn't mean being left out will never not stung. Especially at the age when teens wanted to be a part of something. I should know. I'm practically the Prince of Outcast

"Goes to show they can't judge a person if they think they're too cool from a fellow muggle-born."

Lily only seemed to further bury her face between her knees, muffling the sardonic chuckle that bubbled out. "That's the funny thing. I asked why I hadn't been a part of it, even when I was a Muggleborn like them and you know what they said?"

And without answering, she continued her answer, "They said, 'I thought you were a half-blood'."

"Wha–"

"In fact, some of the others even believed I was a pureblood even. Jeez, what part of me screams someone who doesn't know what a toaster is."

I failed to hold back a snort and grinned at her, "Can you imagine yourself failing to hold a conversation with a muggle-born? 'Oh, so is denim a color or a fabric? Because you can't seem to tell the difference in a conversation.'"

"Right? I mean, good for them for trying, but sometimes I can't tell whether they're embarrassing themselves or making fun of us."

We laughed for a good moment before curiosity got the better of me, "Where did they even get that idea?"

The humor sucked faster than a vacuum as she slumped back, "Yeah… so… apart from my circle of friends, most of my housemates assumed I had a magical upbringing because of how prepared I was during the first week of class every year. Now that I look back, I was asked a lot for tips whether about studying or weird wizard culture that they have a hard time adapting to. It didn't help that I barely spent time at the clubhouse with them to hang out with you and Sev."

I digested her words and frowned, "The muggle-borns have a clubhouse?"

Lily turned quizzically at me before her eyes widened in sheer panic before coming up to my face and forcing a hand over my face. Her movement was so sudden, the plates fell off her lap and poor Cory slid away.

"Oh crap, oh shoot, oh nononono, don't you dare say a word about that, Percy!" Her words were fast and frantic but there was no hiding the hysterics in her tone. It was a no-brainer that I would agree even when questions were running through my eyes. "The muggle-borns… we… there's a literal treehouse in Hogsmeade that an upperclassman introduced me to last year. Muggle items are banned in Hogwarts so there's a lot of contraband there and we'd get in so much trouble if this gets out to the teachers. If they know it got out because of me, I'll officially be an outcast to them. So please, please don't tell anyone."

"Alright, alright, take it easy, Red. You know I'm not one to spread secrets." Rather… I'm the type with too many secrets to keep.

Lily sagged as her hand slid down my face. She breathed out in relief after the momentary panic. Her hand clenched and unclenched in reminisce of my own habit of whether I wanted Riptide in my hand.

I hope she's not planning to threaten me with my ex-sword.

"So back to the subject, so your House has been treating you like a half-blood or pureblood and that bothers you?"

"I guess? Like I said, it's stupid. I'm flattered they think I'm more capable than I look, but then I realized I've been missing out on a lot of things that I've taken for granted. Trick or treating with friends, searching for Easter Eggs, Pancake Tuesday. Gosh, I only know they're going to wear a Poppy for Remembrance Day because I happened to hear them. It's like… it's like they've forgotten I'm a muggle-born too.

"I don't think it was mean-spirited, don't get me wrong, but all the purebloods and half-bloods know I'm a muggle-born, and the muggle-borns don't think I'm one. So where does that leave me?"

Cory came bounding over to snuggle on her lap as if sensing her mood needed cheering up. She pet her pet rock with care and was left with bitter silence hanging over us.

There is no good, concrete answer for her woes. There comes a time when someone seeks a place of belonging or validation, believing it's the only thing that matters in the world while finding their own self. This sense of alienation she's feeling, not only puts her identity in question but finding it harder to connect with people.

"Do you want my advice or you're satisfied with just me listening?"

She smiled, but there was still a tinge of sadness in it. "I'm good, this is something I need to handle on my own. But thanks, Percy, for being here."

I wanted to protest. I wanted her to understand that I get it. But perhaps that was my own ego talking. I might know how it feels to be looked at differently by people who should understand you, as the sole son of the Big Three among other demigods, but it wasn't the same.

I'm not a muggle-born, and I'm not her.

"Anytime, Red." I promised her instead, "Anytime."

. . .

Having two students missing class got Professor Flitwick so worried that he cried. I felt really sorry for missing his class if this was how he was going to react.

After assigning detention and lost points, Lily's Gryffindor friends began pulling her aside and exchanging snickering whispers that made her beet red. I'm not sure what they're talking about, but at least they're having fun. Lily will still have her struggle but that doesn't mean she won't have her friends.

But after that godawful lecture, I parted with Lils for my next class with Mr. Fajr. On the first day in his class since the Quidditch match, he immediately congratulated Hufflepuff, specifically me, for winning. He got so excited that his tone started shifting into a more familiar accent to my ears.

"—it was like watching a basketball match. Man, it's been a while since I've watched a good game. You guys gave me the shivers."

"Err, Sir… what's basketball?" One of the curious Slytherin asked.

The bearded man tilted his head, "Oh, right, forgot wizards don't play it here. Yeah, it's basically muggle Quidditch, but we use one ball and use hanging baskets instead of hoops to count the scores."

Not the most accurate, but frankly? The simplest explanation for wizard folk without drawing out explanations.

"You like muggle games, Mr. Fajr?" Cross asked.

Our teacher had an excited, blinding smile. "Absolutely. Used to play it all the time when I was a snot-nosed kid. I remember sneaking out between classes with my friends to play a game or two, or take a cab to the next town over whenever we crave a bottle of soda."

"Soda, Sir?"

"...oh you sweet, deprived children don't know the goddesses' drinks."

"Don't you mean coffee, Sir?" I couldn't help retort with a snort.

"Aren't you a little young to know what coffee tastes like, Mr. Jackson?"

"Sir," someone stood up with his hand raised, "I would like to object because nothing beats Tea Supremacy!"

"Why are all of you raising plain choices, where's the Butterbeer Gang over here?!"

And then the conversation went into a weird flow as it devolved into an argument of superior midnight drink and snacks that it took half the lesson hour away. I joined the conversation simply to keep myself from studying. It was way more fun anyway.

"—look, most of you kids don't know the wonders of junk food until you've experienced KFC and McDonalds. As such, I deem your judgment invalid."

"Eeew, but aren't those muggle foods?"

He clicked his tongue repeatedly with a wag of his fingers, "Don't knock it until you try it."

"Err… is KFC supposed to be some kind of creature that muggles eat?" Somebody whispered.

"Honestly, I just nod and pretend I know what they're saying. They sound silly half the time."

It's always a wonder hearing the patchwork of muggle knowledge in wizarding society. Like how they know what planes and cars are, yet have no idea what a movie or basketball is. As if they only know the bare minimum of what's considered common sense in the mortal world. Kind of makes you wonder how they managed to hide for centuries if they didn't know how to integrate themselves into muggle society.

I didn't know this at the time, but this had only been one among many strings that weave the loom of fate.

A sad fate I wished could have been avoided.


AN: Everyone thank you so much for always leaving reviews and telling me how much you enjoyed this. I will try to continue my QR&A by the next chapter. Even if I can't respond to you individually, I'll make sure I'll answer any questions in paragraphs since I love interacting with you guys. Your reviews are always welcome and I can't wait to read what you guys think.

You know, Lily's predicament is inspired by my personal experience. Imagine if you will, being an anxious introvert who's always reading books in your spare time, and all your classmates see you and assume you're intimidating or stuck-up.

Like, here I am, always nervous of saying the wrong things to people and THEY think I'M intimidating. The crazy stuff people assumed XD

Also, I firmly headcanon that there is such a thing as a Muggleborn Secret Society and the only reason it wasn't mentioned in canon is because it was found and demolished years ago or no one bothers to mention it to Hermione because people talk to her and assumed she can't keep a secret. (To be fair, she was a stickler for rules before she was friends with Harry.)