A/N: You guys have no idea how loved you made me feel! Really. I got nearly 20 reviews for my first chapter! The reviews just kept coming in and I couldn't believe my good fortune! I feel really, really lucky to have reviewers like you and it was nothing short of wonderful hearing from old friends.

And because you've all been so bloody wonderful, here's a huge chapter for your reading pleasure!

Charmedfanatic3000: Glad you liked the concept. I was rather worried that most of my previous reviewers wouldn't. I read your own story, but Ernie was giving me trouble again, and for some strange reason, I couldn't review. I thought it was a lovely story. I've only got one piece of advice for you, from one author to another: you're better off getting a beta reader. You've no idea how much of a difference it makes. It works for me!

Hey, Mickis! grins at sight of old friend It's good to see you too! You're the kind of reader that makes writing, and actually publishing my writings on ff.net, worthwhile. I feel very honoured to have someone as loyal as you, like my writing, and I appreciate your willingness to follow this story despite your lack of enthusiasm for Harry Potter.

LadyKnight6: Ah, a fellow Harry Potter fan! I find the books to be much more than the children's books they're usually portrayed as. I'm rather looking forward to seeing how the characters interact together, too.

Frances: I'd be honoured to have you read my story and I'll be sending you updates, don't worry!

Barb6: The fact that you're willing to read my fic despite you not being into Harry Potter, just goes to show what a wonderful reader and reviewer you are. I was rather afraid of doing the crossover thing at first, knowing that it would probably cost me some of my old reviewers, but like I said, when the muse calls... Don't reject Harry Potter until you've tried it. It may originally be a series of children's books, but the world JK Rowling created has a lot of potential in it that I was just dying to explore. Don't worry. Harry Potter isn't for small children the way I write it. Thus the PG13 rating. Read some of my HP one-shots if you don't believe me! This chapter is all Charmed, so that should keep you happy.

Mcgirl: Hey, are you a new reviewer? I'm sorry, I don't remember you from Talia. Not a problem of course. If you like HP, Charmed, both, or just enjoy a good story, then climb aboard and I promise to take you for one heck of a ride! I've got an update mailing list. Wanna be on it?

Chantedly: I was hoping you'd come back for more! I really value your comments and I'm really glad you've decided to stick with Talia despite the HP element. Please read what I've written to Barb6. Don't be so quick to discard the Potterverse! And there'll be plenty of Talia action, I promise. On other news... how's your love life these days? I've ignored guys for the past school year (what with university studies and work, there was just no time) and I'm just about ready for a good old-fashioned summer fling! Now I just have to find a guy to set my sights on. I love summer flings!

Brilliant smile right back at ya! Hey Mixer! I loved working on Talia! The characters became all too real in my disturbed little mind! On too many occasions to count, I found myself planning a certain scene, but when it came to actually writing it, the characters simply refused to comply! Especially Talia. She's got a mind of her own that girl! I loved the idea of throwing her, Wyatt, and the rest of the cast of Charmed, into the wizarding world and watch them deal with it. My fingertips are literally itching to write the rest of this story!

Meow14: Yeah, Star Wars might not work. Plus I'm not really a fan of Star Wars. But then again, that's what I said a year ago about Harry Potter. Either way, your confidence in, and love of, my writing, is humbling. I'll do my absolute best to justify your faith in me!

Lurkerjenny: Are you a new reviewer too, or have I done another blunder and not remembered you when I should? Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy the next chapter. Please read what I wrote to mcgirl above, about the mailing list.

Roby Murphy: Are you Ruby Murphy and this was a typo or a name change? Have we met before? Either way, thank you very much for you kind words. I'll try to live up to the expectation you guys have of me.

Winter Blaze: I LOVE your new name! And thanks for liking the whole realm change. It went against my review-gathering instincts, but in the end I had to follow my muse. And because of great reviewers like you, I haven't regretted it yet! I'd very much like to read your story, but it might be a while. I'm absolutely swamped this 'holiday', what with a summer internship and the little matter of getting my driver's licence. I've had to cut back on my fic reading time, can you believe it? I'll read your fic as soon as I get the time.

Bob-the-bear: You asked for it, you got it! You are now officially on my 'update list thingo'. Is this a quick enough update for you?

Charmedchick11: It's good to be cautious when reading fics. I hate to say it, but there are some pretty bad ones out there. It's a shame really, because a lot of the authors are very creative and come out with wonderful ideas, but often, their grammar or spelling, really lets them down. That's when beta readers come in handy! I'm glad you liked my story. Here's the update for you!

Paige: I'm going to try to make you prediction come true and make this story 'awesome'!

And now ladies and gentlemen, I'd just like to announce that the following chapter is dedicated to Ori.

Ever since the posting of the first chapter, Ori has not only reviewed it, but systematically read and reviewed most of my other stories too, then came back to review the very same first chapter again, only to tell me that I, am a genius! grins widely, suddenly giddy with insane praise

Ernie: Ori. You. Are. Simply. The. Best.

She certainly is, Ernie, she certainly is. To solve one of your queries, I wouldn't hold my breathif I were you, regarding DHr. I love that pairing and there will definitely be a lot of Draco and a lot Hermione. I just don't think they'll end up together in this one, sorry. Once again, thank you for all of your reviews!

.

One last note and then I'll let you get on with the story.

I promise to do my best to entertain you, whatever it takes. You know why? Before posting Talia on ff.net, I confess that I had all but given up on my creative writing. My studies have more to do with mathematics and economics, than literature and storytelling. You guys, with your kind words and glowing reviews, have renewed my confidence in, and have reminded me how much I love, writing my own stories. For that, I'll be forever grateful.

.

Updated A/N: My wonderful beta, Nightcrawler, is back! He's finally managed to beta this chapter. This is a much better version of this chapter, don't you think? I'm not American, something I think most of you guessed by now, and any American touches in the Charmed cast's speech is entirely due to him. Thanks Nightcrawler!

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Owl Post

"Wyatt!" screamed Talia in earnest.

Her cousin only just managed to orb away, before green flames engulfed the very spot he had just been occupying. Wyatt orbed back a few metres away, to safety.

Talia's eyes blazed. How dare they endanger her family! With a well-aimed flip, Talia gracefully landed on her feet, right in front of the demon who found it appropriate to attack them at eight o'clock on a Saturday morning.

She exchanged a quick look with the blond boy that was her cousin. The look spoke volumes in the way that, only a look between two people that knew each other inside out, could. Wyatt nodded briefly before orbing out of the room, leaving Talia alone, to face the enemy.

"Well, well, if it isn't the little phoenix..." growled the demon.

He was an ugly one, even by most demons' standards. His face was sickly green and deformed. White hair flowed down his back. His black eyes glowed menacingly on his snarling face and green fire flew from his finger tips.

But Talia was angry. It was a Saturday and the first day of her and Wyatt's summer holidays. Was it too much to ask that it would be demon free?!

"It's," punch, "eight," jab, "o'clock in the damn," kick, "morning!" she screamed at him in annoyance. "Honestly," she said, elbowing the demon in the stomach, "don't you guys," she kneed the male demon right between the legs, "have anything better to do?" she asked, watching the creature crumble onto the floor.

"I've got the spell!" yelled Wyatt, even as he orbed back into the basement where Talia was still standing over the demon's prone form.

In a single, sweeping glance, Wyatt took in the sight of the demon who lay curled in the foetal position on the floor. The demon practically whimpered. Wyatt gave a smile of grim satisfaction. He walked quickly over to where his cousin stood, waving a piece of paper towards her. The two teenagers leant over the paper which was covered with Wyatt's untidy scrawl.

Hear us now who call you near

Hear our plead, quench our fear

Send this demon of the night

Out of mind, out of sight

Rid the world from the creature's plight

Through our strength, through our might

And the creature in question, exploded in a burst of flames, leaving nothing but a scorch mark on the basement floor.

Wyatt sighed in relief.

"I wish they'd take a hint," he said, picking up his towel from the ground and wiping his sweaty face on it. The demon had caught them in the middle of their early morning training session in the basement.

Talia was still examining the piece of paper the vanquishing spell had been written on.

"Another Wyatt original?" she asked.

Wyatt grinned.

"It worked, didn't it?"

"Yeah...it's a good spell," she praised.

"Wyatt! Talia! Breakfast's ready!" called a voice from somewhere above ground.

Talia and Wyatt looked at each other, and grinned, before racing up the stairs as one. They kept running until they reached the kitchen.

"Mmm, is that pancakes I smell, Mom?" asked Wyatt, coming to a sudden stop, hardly out of breath despite his mad dash. Talia was right behind him.

"What can I say?" said Piper cheerfully, "I got up on the right side of the bed this morning. And since this is the first day of your vacation, I thought I'd make you a special breakfast."

"Aunt Piper, every meal you make is special," said Talia a-little-too-sweetly, giving her aunt a loud kiss on the cheek.

Wyatt was already at the table, piling pancakes onto his plate. At Talia's words, he briefly abandoned his breakfast to make gagging faces behind his mother's back. The brunette cheekily put her tongue out at him before she too sat at the table. Wyatt picked up the chocolate syrup and squirted a rather enthusiastic amount onto his pancakes.

"Aunt Piper..." Talia started.

"If you're looking for the maple syrup," laughed Piper, "it's in the cereal cupboard."

"Am I that predictable?" Talia whined, already half-way to the cereal cupboard Piper mentioned.

"When it comes to pancakes and maple syrup you are!" said Wyatt through a mouthful of pancakes.

"Morning," breezed Paige walking into the kitchen. "Ooh, pancakes!" she cried out in delight, sitting down at the table. "What's the occasion?"

"No occasion. I just woke up in a good mood, that's all," explained Piper, putting a plate of fresh pancakes in the middle of the table.

"How was training?" asked Paige, reaching out for the chocolate syrup.

"We got attacked," said Wyatt between mouthfuls and without thinking.

"What???" Piper exclaimed, whipping around.

Talia sighed in exasperation cradling her face in her hands. There was no real reason to let the Charmed Ones know of this latest demon attack. It was over and done with and she was planning on updating the Book of Shadows herself, later on. It would just make them worry for no reason at all. When would Wyatt ever learn?!

"Honestly Aunt Piper," said Talia rolling her eyes, "you act as if it's the first time!"

"I trust you kicked butt...?" asked Paige with a grin. She knew her niece and nephew would never be so nonchalant about a demon attack if it had been anything serious.

Wyatt nodded with a triumphant smile, not daring to talk with his mouth full, just when his mother was getting riled up.

"Can we rewind this conversation for a minute? Who attacked you? Are you ok? Was anybody hurt?" asked a frantic Piper.

"Relax, Mom. The only one who got hurt, was the demon who attacked us," said Wyatt, smirking.

"It was no big deal Aunt Piper, really. It was a lower level demon. His name was Aratrane, I think. I'll have to check in the book. I just kept him busy, while Wyatt orbed upstairs to the book and got the vanquishing spell. It was all over in a matter of minutes."

Piper still looked slightly doubtful. She knew exactly how powerful her son and niece were, but that didn't mean that she could stop worrying.

Paige noticed and tried to divert the conversation to a safer subject.

"You know, I don't understand how you two can wake up at six o'clock in the morning for such an exhausting workout! You're on your summer vacation for goodness' sake! Don't you know the meaning of 'sleeping in'?"

"That's what I said!" complained Wyatt, scowling at his cousin.

"It's the best time to practice," explained Talia with a shrug. "It's the only time in summer that's cool enough to do it, and once you get the training done, you can do whatever you want with the rest of your day! Wyatt's finally getting used to waking up early," she ignored a rather indignant 'hey' from her cousin, and continued, "and even Mom joined us yesterday!"

Talia seemed rather proud of that fact.

"You know..." she said, and there was an evaluating look in her eyes as she examined critically the two grown-ups in the kitchen, "you two could use some training too. And, no Aunt Paige," she said, interrupting her youngest aunt, anticipating her protest, "actual demon attacks don't count as training!" she said firmly.

Paige and Piper exchanged a rather terrified look and Wyatt had to stifle a laugh. Once Talia got going, it was a little hard to get her to accept a 'no' for an answer. Wyatt had a very strong suspicion that if her powers ever failed her, Talia could, quite possibly, nag the demons to death instead! It was that very same talent for nagging, more than anything else, that had made Phoebe join them for yesterday's session. Talia drove herself and others very hard, in combat training. Wyatt couldn't help but notice that Phoebe had been suspiciously absent at today's session.

"Paige, could you call Phoebe down to breakfast?" Piper asked, hoping to change the subject and get her niece, temporarily at least, off her back about combat training.

"PHOEBE, BREAKFAST!!!" shouted the red-head at the top of her lungs.

Piper glared at her.

"That's not what I meant!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" called a disembodied voice from the living room.

"Let's not tell Mom about this morning's attack," said Talia quickly. "You know how she gets!"

Piper looked like she was about to protest, but that's when Phoebe walked into the room stiffly. Her face had an unusual pale pallor to it.

"Are you ok, Phoebs?" asked Piper, concern colouring her voice. "You don't look so good."

"I'm fine...considering my own daughter tried to kill me yesterday!" she growled, glaring at Talia.

Paige laughed.

"Talia was just telling us how you joined her and Wyatt for practice, yesterday."

"Still stiff, Aunt Phoebe?" teased Wyatt. "Now you know what I mean when I call Talia a slave driver!"

"Hey! I'm not that bad! And Mom, you held your own pretty well yesterday! I don't see how you can complain...!"

Phoebe sat down with a loud sigh.

"I'm not seventeen anymore, Talia. Thanks to our practice yesterday, I'm going to be stiff all-"

Phoebe's eyes widened as they caught a movement at the window.

"Why is there an owl at our window?"

Everyone at the breakfast table turned to see what Phoebe was looking at. There was indeed an owl at the window and it was tapping with its beak on the glass in a successful attempt to draw their attention, presumably so they would let it in.

"I think it wants to come inside," said Paige, having never lost the ability to state the obvious.

Piper rolled her eyes at her younger sister.

Talia wordlessly got up and opened the window. Without any preamble, the tawny coloured owl flew inside the kitchen. The owl deposited two letters on the table and landed gracefully on the back of Talia's chair.

And that's when Leo decided to orb in, only to find the three Charmed Ones, Wyatt and Talia, staring at the owl and the two letters.

"Ah, I see I'm too late."

"Too late for what, Leo...?" Piper asked her husband, immediately suspicious.

"For the post," he answered as if it were obvious.

"The wizarding world uses owl post to deliver their letters," supplied Talia.

"But we don't know anyone from the wizarding world, do we?" Piper said with a puzzled expression on her face.

"Well, we did help a few wizards a while back, remember?" Paige spoke.

"Yeah, but that was a long time ago. Who would need to send us anything by owl post, and what would they send us?" asked Phoebe.

"What's going on Leo?" asked Piper, narrowing her eyes in suspicion at her husband.

Leo looked uneasily at his wife, but refused to meet her gaze.

"I believe that these are addressed to Talia and Wyatt," he said instead.

The Haliwells all followed his eyes at the two letters lying in the middle of their kitchen table. The letters were clearly addressed to Talia Turner and Wyatt Haliwell of 1329 Prescott Street.

Leo handed the letters to the people they were meant for.

"To me?" asked Wyatt looking incredulous. "I don't know any people from the wizarding world."

"I do," said Talia quietly.

Everyone at the table turned to look at her in surprise.

"There are evil wizards as well as good wizards," she deadpanned, "and my father is the Source of All Evil, remember?"

Leo and the Halliwell sisters looked uncomfortable.

Talia didn't often volunteer information freely about her past life in the Underworld as Princess of All Evil, and they didn't often ask. She was one of them, and they loved and trusted her, but for the oldest members of the family, there was a rather distinct line between good and evil. And even though Talia's knowledge of the demonic world had proven invaluable in the past year, it was strange and disconcerting to think of one of their own, to have been so familiarly acquainted with the other side. Wyatt was the only one truly comfortable talking to Talia about her past. Consequentially, he was the one who knew most about her. The two cousins, with only a single year separating them in age, were as close as most siblings were.

Talia, used to her family's strange looks, paid them no heed. Instead, she glanced down at the letter in her hands.

"I know this crest, it looks familiar..." she said frowning.

"Well," said Wyatt with forced cheer, in an attempt to alleviate the awkwardness, "there's only one way to find out!" and he tore open his letter.

Talia offered the owl some of her maple-syrup-covered pancakes, before reaching for her letter, obviously familiar with the etiquette of owl post. The tawny owl looked at her with liquid brown eyes and Talia scratched its head absent-mindedly while reading her letter. Taking his queue from his cousin, Wyatt started reading his own letter.

Dear Miss Turner, she read, her eyes darting from one side of the page to the other.

Talia quickly skimmed the rest of the letter. Her growing excitement was evident to the three sisters watching intently. When she finally read the entire letter, she looked up and her eyes twinkled.

"Wyatt and I have been invited to attend Hogwarts this September!" she announced happily.

The Charmed Ones' faces remained blank.

"What's Hogwarts?" asked Phoebe.

She hated that even after years of being one of the world's most powerful witches, Talia still knew more about magic than she did! But it was Wyatt who answered his aunt's question having finished reading his own letter.

"It's a magic boarding school," he said, not knowing how to feel about it. He did feel slightly excited, but mostly surprised at receiving the letter.

"Not just any magic boarding school," screeched Talia, her eyes flaring in indignation. "It's the best school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world!" She abruptly seemed to calm down again and her eyes locked with her mother's. "It's in Britain," she added softly, apologetically.

"In Britain...?" Piper exclaimed. "You're not going to school in Britain!"

"Now honey..." started Leo in his lets-be-reasonable voice.

"No, Leo!"

"I completely agree!" said Phoebe quickly, avoiding her daughter. "It's too far and it's too dangerous!"

Talia turned pleading eyes on her mother.

"But Mom…! Hogwarts is supposed to be one of the safest places in the world!"

She turned to Leo for help. He didn't let her down.

"This is a fantastic learning opportunity Phoebe!

"And Talia's right. Hogwarts is considered to be one of the safest places for a young wizard or witch to be! Not only will Talia and Wyatt be receiving a top education in wizarding magic by some of the best professors in existence, but, by joining the wizarding world, and Hogwarts in particular, we have a unique opportunity here to confuse the demonic world. Demons don't have much contact with wizards, you see, and they'll literally lose track of the kids. If anything, Talia and Wyatt will be safer there, than here."

"No demonic attacks?" asked Wyatt looking up hopefully.

"They won't know where you are," confirmed Leo with a slight smile, seeing Piper and Phoebe wavering at the mention of their children's safety. "I know how bad things are, around here, lately. Attacks are happening every other day for goodness' sake! Talia and Wyatt could have been seriously injured in the basement this morning..."

"Wait! Hold it! What happened in the basement this morning?" asked Phoebe, immediately on alert.

Talia sighed in defeat and sat back down on her chair.

"Demon attack," said Wyatt with a grimace.

"What??" Phoebe screeched.

"The kids knew how you were going to react about it and that's why they didn't tell you immediately. And besides, they handled it perfectly well on their own," said Paige quickly, playing mediator.

Phoebe turned on her sister in disbelief.

"You knew about this? And you didn't tell me???"

"Talia and Wyatt only just told us, at breakfast," said Piper. "We didn't get a chance to."

Phoebe turned to face her older sister and was about to start on one of her infamous rants. These rants had become quite common since Talia entered their life and brought out Phoebe's maternal, protective streak. Fortunately for everybody else, Phoebe was interrupted by Leo, right on time.

"This is exactly what I'm talking about! Things are pretty intense right now and you all could use the break. What with Talia, the Underworld's most wanted, living here, that isn't going to happen anytime soon!"

Silence followed Leo's remark.

"Err... no offence Talia."

She smiled wryly up at him.

"None taken, Uncle Leo...we all know you were just stating facts."

Piper sighed.

"You make sense Leo. We know you do. It's just... Britain... and boarding school... When will we ever get to see them? It's a big deal, you know?"

Leo's eyes softened as they fell on his lovely wife.

"Of course it's a big deal, honey," he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind, crouching slightly to rest his head on her shoulder. "But we've talked about it up there," he said, pointing heavenwards, "and though, ultimately, it's Talia's and Wyatt's decision to make, we really think this is for the best. That's why I came to see you this morning."

"You knew Hogwarts was going to send us these letters?" asked Wyatt.

"How?" asked Paige, eager for an explanation.

"Headmaster Dumbledore alerted one of the whitelighters as to his intensions."

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Mom, Aunt Piper. Not only will all of us get a bit of a breather on the demon attacks, but it's a unique opportunity to learn wizarding magic!" added Talia. "I've always wanted to learn wizarding magic..."

"Is wizarding magic very different than what we use?" asked Wyatt curiously.

Paige nodded.

"They use wands," she said, "to direct their magic. And they don't actually have specific powers like we do."

Talia looked at her quizzically, wondering how she knew so much about the wizarding world.

"We met up with some wizards, years ago, when Wyatt was too young to remember. They had a bit of a problem at the time and...they asked for our help," supplied Phoebe, answering her daughter's unspoken question.

"It's quite interesting to see the sheer amount of things they can do with their little sticks," added Paige thoughtfully.

Phoebe rolled her eyes.

"Mom, please just hear me out," Talia said, her voice resonating with determination, "I'm almost seventeen. Hogwarts is for witches and wizards between the ages of eleven and seventeen. It's my last chance to do this and no matter what Wyatt decides, I really want to go."

Phoebe approached her daughter and looked into the big, brown eyes that were so like her own. Deep down, she knew that her independent daughter would go ahead and do exactly what she wanted, despite any protests Phoebe might have. Yet, Talia made a show of asking her permission. My permission must mean a lot to her, Phoebe thought in a brief moment of understanding.

"Are you sure, sweetie? From what little I've seen of it years ago, the wizarding world is a very different place than what we're used to."

Talia smiled.

"I'm sure, Mom. I really want this."

Phoebe smiled back weakly, and nodded.

"Me too," said Wyatt from behind them.

"Wyatt..." Piper started, disengaging herself from her husband's embrace.

"No, Mom. I've made up my mind, and Dad said that it was my choice to make. Growing up, and until Talia came last year, I've never had anyone my own age to talk to about magic. I've had to lie to all my friends about who I really am and what I can do, ever since I was in kindergarten! Talia's right. Before today, I never even knew that there was a different type of magic than Wiccan magic... I want to find out what else is out there! I want to go to magic school, even if it is in Britain!"

Piper smiled sadly.

"You never let me finish," she said. "I was going to say, that if you really want to go to this," she looked at his letter, "Hogwarts, then the least we can do is consider it."

Wyatt's eyes lit up.

"Hey, maybe you guys can orb and flame back here occasionally, so we can see you once in a while," suggested Paige.

"Maybe," agreed Leo, giving his wife another hug. "It'll have to depend on school rules."

"Don't worry, Mom," said Wyatt seriously, having to look down to look at his mother, "even if it is against school rules, I promise to orb in every once in a while to see you."

"Hey Aunt Piper," interrupted Talia, "you know how you said you wanted to check Hogwarts out? Well, here's your chance," she said pointing at the letter.

"What do you mean?" asked Piper.

Talia started reading part of her letter out loud, for everyone's benefit.

"We feel the need to explain that, the reason you have not been invited to Hogwarts earlier in your education, as is customary, is the fact that you are a in fact a Wiccan witch and Hogwarts is of course, a wizarding school. We understand that this might cause a certain amount of reluctance on your part, to join the school. It is of the utmost importance to us, that we allay any concerns you might have regarding this.

"It is true that Hogwarts has only recently decided to open its doors to Wiccan students. This does not mean however that we have not provided for the difference in magic of our two worlds. If you do decide to join us, tutoring in the magical arts will be required this summer to ensure that you reach the level of your fellow students in wizarding magic. We also understand that you might require more information regarding our world and our type of magic before you make your mind up. Kindly, be prepared to meet with the headmaster of the school, this afternoon at four, for tea. Professor Dumbledore will be sure to answer any questions that you may have. For any change in plans, kindly notify the school with the owl that has delivered this message.

"We would love to have you join witches of wizarding magic, and wizards of your age group, in September this year.

Professor Minerva McGonagall

Vice-Headmistress

HogwartsSchool of Witchcraft and Wizardry"

"Yeah, mine says pretty much the same thing," said Wyatt. He groaned. "Tutoring in the summer? We've only just finished with school and they want us to do more studying?"

"Changing your mind?" asked Piper, trying, and failing, not to sound too hopeful.

Wyatt threw her an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Mom, I still want to do this," he grimaced, "studying in the summer or no studying in the summer. Besides," he added, having suddenly thought of something that caused his face to light up like a Christmas tree, "we'll be learning magic, so it won't be real studying."

"Wyatt, magic can involve a lot of studying, you know," reprimanded Leo. "Hogwarts isn't exactly a ticket for an easy, alternative, free-from-work, year. There will be real work involved and you two have a lot of catching up to do in wand magic this summer."

"Oh," he said, and his face fell again.

Talia chuckled.

But Wyatt was one of life's rare, natural optimists, and nothing could keep him down for long.

"At least it'll be interesting," he said with a grin that seemed to widen with a new thought. "No more algebra!" he added punching the air.

"Wyatt!" chastised his mother. "Algebra's important."

"Oh yeah?" he challenged. "So you use it everyday, do you, Mom?"

Piper glared at him but said nothing.

"So, the headmaster's coming here for tea..." murmured Leo thoughtfully. "Professor Dumbledore has quite the reputation up there," said Leo, once again pointing to the ceiling and beyond. "He's more than a hundred years old, you know, and one of the wisest, most powerful wizards of our age. Apparently, years ago, he defeated a very powerful dark wizard and earned himself his first claim to fame."

"Just one evil wizard?" teased Paige, obviously unimpressed.

"Dumbledore's a very important man in the wizarding world," Leo said with a slight scowl.

Piper sighed in defeat then plastered a smile on her face that was so obviously faked, that it was painful to look at.

"And so, it appears that at four o'clock this afternoon," she said in a terrible, chipper, British accent, "Professor Dumbledore will be joining us for tea!"

"Don't do that!" said Phoebe, screwing up her face in disgust.

"Bad accent?" asked Piper, smiling sheepishly.

"Bad accent," confirmed Paige, sitting herself back at the table and focusing her attention on her neglected pancakes.