Disclaimer: I do not support Rowling's views. All Harry Potter characters and the Wizarding World, unfortunately, belong to she-who-must-not-be-named.

A/N: This is probably one of my favorite chapters I've written so far because it's the first full chapter that's totally unrelated to canon. So I hope you love it as much as I do :]

12 July 1994

Athens, Greece

Cassius, Ophelia, and their mother were outside, seated at a cafe. Their server came by, delivering their desserts.

Ophelia took a bite of her bougatsa and sighed, "This is amazing."

"Watch it, Lia! What if Yiayia Cassia heard you?" said Cassius.

Ophelia slightly paled and frantically looked around, she didn't want their grandmother to hear that she enjoyed someone else's bougatsa more.

"She's still in the bathroom, you're good," he reassured.

"It's okay sweetheart, to be honest, I like it a lot too," Amara murmured, she would be in even more trouble if her mother heard her.

Ophelia and Amara giggled.

Cassius grinned. He took a sip of his coffee, enjoying the warm, Greek afternoon.

The Warrington's arrived in Greece two weeks ago. They had spent the first part of their vacation with family in Thessaloniki, but they arrived in Athens the other day. Nicholas was called in for work with the ICW, so he had to retrieve an international portkey at the Greek Ministry of Magic.

"So, what's the plan for the rest of today?" Cassius asked.

Amara set down her drink. "Well, your grandmother wanted to go to some boutiques in Kolonaki. And you know how long that will take."

He thought it over. "Do you mind if I take a walk around? I can meet you at the Apparition point in Kolonaki before dinner time."

"Of course. Be careful, dear," said Amara.

He finished the last of his coffee and stood to leave.

"Wait, Cas," Ophelia dug through her bag and took out the new camera she got for her 14th birthday, "get some good shots for me, please?"

Cassius took the camera and its case from her. "Sure, but you'll owe me later!"

"Fine," she said with defeat. Although she would love to go with him, Ophelia couldn't resist a free shopping spree courtesy of Yiayia Cassia.

He wandered around central Athens, taking the occasional picture. Even though they had been to Athens many times in the past, he had a renewed fondness for the city through the camera lens.

The further Cassius got from the part of the city he was more familiar with, he entered the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood east of the Acropolis. He continued to walk until he reached an area that was quiet and calm.

He looked around at his surroundings, the houses were reminiscent of those of a Greek island or coastal town. When he looked up, beyond the houses was a beautiful view. Cassius focused on the scene through the camera's viewfinder, ready to take a picture. "Lia's gonna love this."

As he pressed the button, a girl came into view and he accidentally took a picture of her.

"Sorry to disappoint your Lia, but this Lia will love that photo. Can I have a copy?" she said airily.

Cassius lowered the camera, his eyes locked with this mysterious, beautiful girl, a playful smirk on her lips.

Thalia had just come back from her run, training for the Triwizard Tournament. If she wanted to go to Hogwarts with Fleur and Manon, she definitely had to work her ass off. The two of them were a part of the six shortlisted students, and there were only six additional spots open amongst the rest of the sixth and seventh years. Thalia was determined to spend her last year of school with her best friends.

Ready to enter her home and take a much-needed shower, a boy was standing outside of her house. Sometimes Muggles found their way to Anafiotika, but it was rare to see a Muggle in her small wizarding community.

She observed the boy, he looked around her age. His black hair was neatly styled, but a few strands kept falling out of place. He quickly pushed his bangs away and focused on the camera that he held, preparing for a photo.

There was an aura to him that Thalia couldn't place, she was drawn to him. But she ignored it, she knew nothing good would come out of getting close to a Muggle.

She reached her front door. However, Thalia heard the boy. "Lia's gonna love this."

Thalia was surprised to hear her nickname leave the boy's lips. The next thing she knew, she was standing in front of him, obscuring his view.

The shutter of the camera went off.

"Sorry to disappoint your Lia, but this Lia will love that photo. Can I have a copy?" she said.

Thalia scolded herself, he was an absolute stranger and she never had made the first move. But then he lowered the camera, a shocked expression on his face. Since she was finally able to see him, Thalia began to smile.

"Lia?"

It was too late to go back now, she held out a hand. "Thalia. Thalia Galanis. And you are in front of my house."

The boy composed himself and shook her hand, "Cassius Warrington," he gestured behind her, "you live here?"

"Yes, and if you don't mind, I have things to do."

She reached to open the door, "Wait!" Thalia turned her head, looking at Cassius.

"I- er, can you help me? I don't know how to get back," his cheeks red with embarrassment.

Thalia faced him again and faked a sigh. "If you insist." She walked past him while he finally took his picture.

Halfway down the stairs, Thalia looked back to Cassius, he was running to catch up to her. They fell into step together and continued in silence for a few minutes.

"So, Thalia, how um, are you?"

She coughed, trying to cover up her laugh, his nervousness was adorable to her. "I'm doing well," Thalia smiled, "a bit tired though."

He smirked. "I can tell."

It was Thalia's turn to be flustered, now very aware of how rough she looked compared to him. Hair stuck to her neck, and her tank top clung to her back. In opposition, Cassius was the definition of sophistication. A loose-fitted white collar shirt was half-tucked into grey pleated trousers, a camera hung around his neck. She glanced down at his arm, a simple yet elegant watch wrapped around his wrist. After knowing the Baudelaire twins for years, Thalia developed an eye for expensive jewelry. To make matters worse, there wasn't an ounce of sweat on him, even in 32-degree weather.

"At least I've had a more productive day than you. Let me guess, bored, rich tourist on vacation was tired and wanted a break from the hustle and bustle of the city," she retorted, his stupid perfection annoying her.

"You wound me, Thalia," Cassius pretended to bury a dagger into his heart. "I'll have you know that although I was slightly bored, I'm not a tourist! Yiayia Cassia would beat my arse if I didn't know a little Greek to get around the city."

"Cassia and Cassius?" she mused.

He chuckled. "Yeah, I was named after her. My mother insisted. But enough about me! Why are you working out in this heat?"

Thalia panicked. She couldn't break the International Statute of Secrecy "Swimming! I mean, I- I'm a swimmer," she blurted.

"What a coincidence! My Lia is a swimmer too," said Cassius.

She stopped for a second, a pang of jealousy coursed through her. But she shouldn't feel jealous of a girl she never met, nor have such strong feelings for a boy that just wandered into her life.

They reached the main street, leaving Anafiotika behind and entering a busy crowd. "Well, here we are," said Thalia.

He looked at her, a fleeting look of disappointment on his face. "Is there anything I can do to thank you?"

At Beauxbatons, a guy with Cassius's looks and wealth usually had ulterior motives. Thalia had learned her lesson in the past, and she didn't want to make that mistake again. However, she was quite hungry, and he was offering.

Thalia pointed to one of her favorite street carts down the road, "Buy me dinner?"

Cassius checked his watch, 5:45. It was almost a 30-minute walk back to Kolonaki. But he could always take a taxi, and they usually ate dinner around 7. "Lead the way."

Thalia strolled past him. "Come along, don't want to get lost again do we?"

Cassius jogged to catch up with her. He felt as if he was always chasing after her no matter what.

They reached the food cart and she stared at him. "You really do need to keep up, Cassius! If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were following me," Thalia teased.

"I-," he stumbled, "You're quite bold, you know!"

"Ooo, that's new! I'd like to say charming, but bold is just as good," Thalia turned to speak to the vendor, "Evening, Orrin! Two of the usual, please."

Orrin prepared their food while he observed Cassius. "A friend, Thalia?"

Cassius grinned because of Thalia's rose-tinted cheeks. "Thalia, do you bring all the boys here?"

Her cheeks reddened, even more, she cleared her throat, "Only the idiots, really. So just you."

He snuck a glance to Orrin who shrugged, an amused smile on the vendor's face.

Orrin handed the gyros to Thalia, "900 drachmae."

Cassius dug his pocket, took out a 1000 drachma note, and handed it to Orrin. "Thank you."

"Thanks, Orrin! See you around," said Thalia.

The vendor nodded his head in acknowledgment, then focused on his next customer.

Finding seats by the fountain in the main square, Thalia and Cassius began to eat their food. Cassius moaned, "Fuck, this is good."

Thalia laughed. "You're easy to please."

"Hm, in more ways than you think," he winked.

Her eyebrows rose. "Such an arrogant wanker! Oh my-"

"And you have such a vulgar mouth!" Cassius joked.

Thalia sighed in defeat and continued to eat, ignoring his last comment.

"I've been meaning to ask, how do you know English so well?" he questioned, wanting to know more about her. Cassius didn't care if he never saw the girl again. What mattered to him was the feeling that he had when he was with her, and he didn't want to let that feeling go just yet.

She hesitated. "I go to a boarding school in France. There are a lot of students from around Europe that go to the school, so lessons are taught in English. Now, I can't be the only one being interrogated! What about you, what's your life story?" she leaned in a little closer as if the proximity can help her see all of his secrets.

But he couldn't tell her everything, she's a Muggle.

"Where to begin? I live in the UK and I also go to a boarding school. No surprise there. You already know that I have family here in Greece, but I also have family in Japan. My mother and her family moved to England when she was a kid. My parents went to secondary school together, but they didn't start dating until they went to university. You see, they both studied abroad at the same uni, then everything just clicked into place for them. They lived in Japan after they got married, so my sister Ophelia and I were born and raised there. We didn't move back to the UK until I was six.

"Ha! Speaking of Ophy, she'll probably have a sappy love story just like our parents. She's totally in love with her best friend, but the two of them are too daft to realize that their relationship is deeper than just friendship. They would have a whole five-minute conversation in silence, and I would just sit there in awe. I shouldn't feel like a third wheel with my sister and practical brother, but it does feel like that sometimes. They're soulmates or something I don't know! I'm so sorry! I'm rambling aren't I?"

"No, no! I like your rambling," Thalia said with amusement.

"But Miss Galanis, I believe it's your turn to tell your life story," a glint of playfulness on his face.

She rolled her eyes, but a smirk graced her lips. "Fine. I have four siblings-"

He gasped at the amount, the only family that he knew that had as close to that many siblings were the Weasleys.

Thalia giggled. "Stop! Okay, I have a younger brother, Calix. Then there's me, my older brothers, Luca and Nico. And then the oldest, my sister Evangeline."

"I just- what is that like?" his gyro finally eaten, Cassius tucked his chin into his palm, leaning over the table between them, fully engaged in their conversation.

"Well, pure chaos to be honest! My sister is, hold on," she began to count on her fingers, "Nine! She's nine years older than me, so I was around my brothers more than her. She also moved to Paris after she finished secondary school. But I see her during the holidays! She brings the best canelés and-"

As she spoke, Cassius felt his heart swell. He knew he was rapidly developing feelings for the girl.

Before they knew it, hours had passed, and the sun was setting. But, dark clouds were looming overhead.

Cassius checked his watch, 8:45.

Thalia noticed the worried look crossing Cassius's face. "Got somewhere to be, tourist boy?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I was supposed to meet my family hours ago."

"What the- Cassius! Hours ago?" she gathered their long-forgotten trash from dinner and began to stand.

Cassius reached for her hand, stopping Thalia in her tracks. "It's okay. Spending this time with you is worth more than my mother's objections. I'll say I was lost! That's half true," he said with a smug smile.

Her eyes flickered to their intertwined hands. "Don't go all sappy on me now, Mr. Warrington."

"Me? Never."

However, a drop of water dripped down Thalia's face. Cassius let go of her hand and brushed the raindrop from her cheek.

Suddenly, sheets of rain came pouring down, showing no signs of stopping. Cassius and Thalia looked up at the sky, it was as if the Greek gods above them were giving them more time to be with one another. The few people still outside ran for shelter to stay out of the rain, but the two of them were frozen in their own little world.

She broke the silence, "We should go!"

"Come on, a little bit of madness never hurts, Hallie!"

"Hallie?" she yelled over the rain still beating down on them.

He took a step closer to Thalia. "Well I'm sure as hell not going to be calling you Thalia all of the time."

"Hmmm, is that right?"

Lightning flashed against the sky, interrupting the moment.

"Okay, we should really go now!" she took his hand and began running.

Cassius trailed behind her. "Go where?" he shouted, the thunder drowning him out.

"I know a place!"

As they ran down the wet stone walkways of Athens, their lighthearted laughs filled the dark. The only thing lighting the night was their energy and the dim lamp posts they passed.

She turned into an alleyway and opened a door, dragging Cassius inside with her. Before he entered, he caught a glimpse of the sign hanging, Pantazis Hotel.

They stopped in front of the concierge, a teenage girl seated behind the counter looked at them.

The girl's mouth gaped in surprise, "Thalia?"

Thalia gave her a weak smile, "Hey, Kaia! We got caught in the storm," she brushed away the wet strands obscuring her sight. "Too far to go back home."

Kaia furrowed her brows, "But you can just use our floo-" but her words trailed off when she realized Cassius standing closely behind Thalia. "Right! Definitely too far to go back, so you need a room?" said Kaia, checking through what Cassius assumed to be the guest books.

"Two rooms, Kaia," Thalia emphasized.

Kaia winced, looking up from the guest book. "Sorry, Lia. We're busy over the summer. You know, tourist season? We have one room available, though," She looked between Thalia and Cassius. "If the two of you don't mind of course!"

Thalia paled while Cassius thought over the turn of events, an ordinary day to an insane one. Cassius turned to Thalia. "Is it okay with you? I can sleep on the floor or something."

"We'll figure something out," she said.

"Do you have a phone I can use?" Cassius asked Kaia.

She pointed behind him, a phone was mounted on the wall near the elevators. "Thank you," he jogged over to the phone, dialing the number of their summer home in Thrakomakedones.

The phone dialed for a few seconds, then he heard the click of the receiver. He crossed his fingers, hoping that it would be his sister.

"Hello?"

"Oh, thank goodness it's you! Lia, it's me."

Ophelia laughed. "Merlin's beard, Cas! Mother's been worried sick! I'm usually the troublesome one, not you."

He chuckled. "Well, hat's your fault, not mine! Anyway, I lost track of time, then got caught in the storm."

"I swear if you damaged my camera, Cassius, I'll break your new Firebolt," Ophelia warned.

"Hold on," Cassius balanced the phone between his ear and his shoulder. He took the camera out of its case and inspected it. "It looks fine to me," he put the camera back in its case.

"I'll be the judge of that. So are you staying at a hotel or something? I can get Mother and she could apparate and bring you back?" said Ophelia.

"No! I mean, yes, I'm staying at a hotel. I'm fine, you don't need to do anything," Cassius looked behind him, Thalia was conversing with Kaia.

"I can hear the helplessness in your voice, Cas. 'Lost track of time' means I met a girl, right?"

"You're the worst. But. . . yes."

"Oh, Cas," she sighed, "is she a Muggle?"

"That's beside the point. Just- tell Mother that I'm sorry and I'll call again in the morning?"

Ophelia was silent for a few seconds, Cassius knew that she was able to decipher the words left unsaid. "Of course. See you in the morning, Cas."

"Night, Lia. Love you."

"Love you too."

"Do you have a phone I can use?" Cassius asked Kaia, she pointed behind him. "Thank you!"

Thalia watched Cassius dash towards the phone. She was fascinated. After spending over four hours with Cassius, she's learned that he acted so differently from what she expected from him. and she wanted to reprimand herself for assuming the worst.

Kaia cleared her throat. "So, who's that?" nodding her head towards Cassius.

Thalia felt heat rush to her face. "A new friend."

Kaia raised an eyebrow. "Sure."

"I'm serious!"

Cassius's voice drifted towards them, "Lia, it's me."

"See, he's talking to his girlfriend because he's forced to share a room with a girl he barely knows!" Thalia said in a hushed voice.

"Shit, sorry. Hold on! His girlfriend's name is Lia?"

His melodic laugh filled the foyer and Thalia quickly snuck a glance, a broad grin on his face.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure," Thalia lowered her voice, "Besides, he's un moldus! On holiday as well, this was going to amount to nothing," She was desperately trying to convince herself that whatever she felt towards Cassius, couldn't go anywhere.

Kaia gave her a supportive look.

"No sympathy," said Thalia.

Her friend raised her hands, feigning innocence.

"Night, Lia. Love you." Cassius hung up the phone and returned to Thalia and Kaia.

Thalia felt a slight sting in her chest, hearing those words and her name together made her heart skip a beat. But they weren't for her.

Kaia handed her a key. "Room 1143."

Cassius pulled out his wallet. "How much for the ro-"

Kaia shook her head. "No charge! My parents won't mind. Especially if it's for you, Thalia."

"Thank you, Kaia," Thalia said.

"No problem! You can just help me with my summer assignments, especially our most charming class."

Thalia scoffed. "Sure, good night then!"

She and Cassius advanced to the elevators, water dripping behind them. Before they left, "It was nice meeting you!" cried Cassius.

"Same here!" Kaia hollered.

They entered the elevator and Thalia pressed their floor number. Cassius leaned against the elevator wall. "She's a friend of yours?"

"And classmate. She's a year younger than me."

"In France?"

She paused, it did sound suspicious that multiple people in a small Greek community would go to the same boarding school in France. "Yeah, there's a popular exchange program! A lot of us in the area end up going."

He nodded his head due to her clarification, while Thalia sighed in relief.

"Younger than you? How old are you?"

"17 in two weeks."

"WHAT? We should do something for your birthday! I'll be in Athens until mid-August," he grinned.

They reached the 11th floor and followed the signs to their room.

"I don't think your girlfriend would be quite happy if you spent the whole summer with a girl you just met," said Thalia, her steps outpacing Cassius.

The sound of his footsteps stopped and she spun on her heel.

"Girlfriend? What are you talking about?" Cassius frowned.

"Lia. You just called her," she said matter-of-factly.

Cassius scoffed in disbelief, which transpired into laughter.

"And what's so funny, Warrington?" Thalia folded her arms.

"Lia's my sister! Ophe-lia. I had to make sure my family knew I was alright."

"I- how did I not notice?" she buried her face into her hands. Thalia didn't want Cassius to see how foolish she felt.

Through her hands, she saw Cassius's feet in front of her own. He held onto her wrists and lowered her hands from her face. Thalia opened her mouth to protest, but Cassius took a hold of her chin, raising her gaze to his own. "I don't like you hiding your face, Hallie."

"So, what do you like, Cassius?"

"You."

She searched his eyes, waiting for a one-liner, but all Thalia could find was sincerity. "I like you too," she mumbled.

He blinked a few times. "Wh- what did you just say?"

"I like you," she said again.

He cupped a hand around his ear. "Can you just say it once more? I didn't quite catch that."

"Nope, not going to say it again," Thalia left Cassius standing there, heading to their room.

"Okay, I deserved that!" said Cassius while he briskly caught up to her.

She unlocked the door and they entered a small living area, to the left was the bedroom and to the right was the bathroom.

"Do you want to use the bathroom first?" he asked.

Thalia shook her head, "No, go ahead."

Cassius set down his bag then went into the bathroom, the sound of running water could be heard through the wall.

She looked around their room, she couldn't sit down with her wet clothes so she perused the room, looking for something to do.

While she was reading a pamphlet, THE 25 BEST Restaurants in Athens, a loud pop went off.

"Good evening Miss! Miss Kaia said you and your friend would need clean clothes.'' The house-elf gave Thalia two bundles of pajamas, one for Cassius and one for her.

"Thank you so much. Tell Kaia thanks as well."

The running water from the bathroom came to a halt, the only sound in the room was the pattering of rain against the windows. "You need to go," Thalia whispered to the house-elf, who nodded and left with a crack.

Thalia knocked on the bathroom door, "Hey Cas, um, Kaia dropped off some clean clothes for us."

He opened the door, steam leaving the room. She took in his appearance, a towel wrapped around his waist and droplets of water falling from his hair. Thalia quickly looked away, shoving the clothes into his bare chest and closing the door.

Cassius's laughter echoed into the living area. "What did you expect, Hallie?"

"I don't know!" she groaned. "Now hurry up!"

A moment later he left the bathroom wearing navy bottoms and a snuggly fitted white t-shirt, rustling a towel through his hair.

She was going to kill Kaia.

"About time!"

He gave her a lop-sided grin. "Perfection takes time, darling!"

"Keep telling yourself that, darling," Thalia slipped past him and into the bathroom.

She took a lengthy shower, mostly out of spite because of Cassius. Afterward, she carefully wrung the water from her hair, since towel drying would only frizz her curls. Then she plaited it.

Thalia grabbed the pajamas the house-elf gave her, first pulling on the undergarments. However, her eyes widened when she realized what her friend picked out for her. A twisted joke, it was a satin navy slip dress that matched Cassius.

She was definitely going to kill Kaia.

Upon opening the bathroom door, Thalia was met with Cassius yelling at the screen. "No way, Michiba had better presentation!"

She glanced at the television, a cooking show was playing. "What are you watching?"

"Iron Chef. The English dub sucks though, I much prefer the original Japane-" but his words left him when he finally took in Thalia's appearance.

Cassius opened his mouth to speak, but what was there to say? Except that she was absolutely beautiful to him.

"It was, um, Kaia's idea," Thalia tugged at the hem of the dress.

He quickly got up and ran to the bedroom, leaving Thalia confused and embarrassed.

Cassius returned, offering her a blanket.

"Oh, thank you," she wrapped it around herself and took a seat on the couch.

He hesitantly took a seat on the opposite side.

"Relax, Warrington. I'm not gonna bite," Thalia teased. From the corner of her eye, she saw Cassius slide closer to her.

She laid her head on his shoulder. "Better. So, why do you love this show so much?"

He laughed and she could feel the rumble of his laughter. Cassius couldn't see her. But if he could, he would see the most genuine smile on her face as he spoke.

So, the two new friends, or more, sat on that couch, idly talking, watching, and being in each other's presence.

"Hallie?"

But all he got in response was her shallow breathing. Cassius held back a laugh, not at all surprised that she fell asleep in the middle of their conversation.

Cassius turned off the TV, carefully lifted Thalia off the couch, and carried her to the bedroom. He tucked her into bed, turned off the light, and began to leave the room.

"Cassius?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you, for today. It was a good day," her eyes were still closed. But if she opened them, she would see the most genuine smile on Cassius's face.

"It was a good day. Sleep well, Thalia."

As he grabbed the door handle to close, she spoke again. "Cas?"

He stopped. "Yes?"

"Stay."

"As you wish, Hallie."

Inside the room, he closed the door, then made his way into bed. Once Cassius was finally settled, she threw the blanket over him.

He flipped over so he could face her, "Thanks."

Thalia finally opened her eyes, the moonlight slipping through the curtain illuminated his face.

He leaned over and placed a light kiss on Thalia's forehead, "Good night, Hallie."

Before he pulled away, she kissed him on the cheek. "Good night."

Cassius gasped, caught by surprise. He tapped her nose, "You cheeky girl."

He gave her one last grin, then finally closed his eyes, a ghost of a smile on his face as he tried to sleep.

She hated how much she cared for him.

Thalia developed feelings for a boy she just met less than twelve hours ago, and now she shared the same bed with him. But, she couldn't care less. Whatever this was, she didn't want it to end. And from the trace of a smile on his face, she knew that Cassius didn't either.

- Bougatsa: Greek custard with phyllo

- Yiayia: Grandmother in Greek; Cassia is Ophelia and Cassius's grandmother, Amara's mother. Also, the person that Cassius is named after.

- Thessaloniki: a Greek port city, the second-largest city in Greece

- Athens: The capital of Greece, also the largest city

- Kolonaki: a neighborhood in central Athens; well known for its high-end shops and trendy restaurants

- Anafiotika: a small neighborhood in central Athens; below the north slope of the Acropolis. Anafiotika is part of the Plaka neighborhood

- Thrakomakedones: a suburb north of Athens; the most wealthy people in Athens live in one of these northern suburbs

- Moldus: French translation for Muggle (this is what was used in the French version of Harry Potter, and I thought it was kinda cooler than just sans-magique, no-magic)

A/N: I did so much research on Greece for this chapter. I didn't have to, but I love planning and actually visualizing where the characters are and what makes logical sense.

I've never written anything before this story, so this was a very daunting chapter for me especially because it was very rom-com themed. Hopefully, I did it justice?

Also, I couldn't help but add that Princess Bride reference! It's one of my favorite childhood movies (and still is one of my favorite movies to this day).

Next week: the blond subject and Beauxbatons & Durmstrang arrive at Hogwarts!