Chapter ─ 1 | How Things Went From Weird to Mental
I woke up to the dull gray light of early morning seeping through the curtains of my bedroom. My clock blinked 6:00 AM in the dimness, a time I deemed far too early to be awake on my eleventh birthday. I rolled over, pulling the covers tighter around me, and tried to drift back into sleep.
But then, with a jarring crash and a burst of laughter, my older brother Percy cannonballed onto my bed. ─ Happy Birthday, Regulus! ─ he bellowed, his voice full of exaggerated enthusiasm. I jolted upright, nearly toppling out of bed as he grinned like a maniac.
Percy rolled off me, still chuckling, and stretched his arms wide. ─ Mom’s calling you for breakfast. If you don’t get up soon, she’ll come in here and drag you out herself. ─
I groaned and squinted at him, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. ─ Alright, alright, I’m getting up. ─ I stumbled to the bathroom, grumbling as I splashed water on my face and quickly brushed my teeth.
Downstairs, the smell of pancakes and bacon greeted me as I entered the kitchen. My mom, Sally Jackson, was bustling around, her hair pulled back in a no-nonsense ponytail. ─ Good morning, birthday boy! ─ she said, turning with a smile. ─ Percy hasn’t been too much of a pest, I hope? ─
I laughed as I sat down at the table. ─ Just a little. Thanks for breakfast, Mom. ─
The morning passed in a comfortable blur of food and family chatter. Percy was practically vibrating with excitement about a surprise he had planned for later in the day, and Mom seemed to be just as eager for me to enjoy my birthday.
As the afternoon rolled in, we were preparing to head out for the surprise when a curious envelope slipped through the mail slot in the door. It was addressed to me, with no return address and an elaborate wax seal stamped with a symbol I didn’t recognize.
Mom picked up the letter and handed it to me. ─ This one’s for you, Regulus. Any idea who it might be from? ─
I took the envelope, my curiosity piqued. I carefully opened it and pulled out a single sheet of parchment. The elegant script on it made me blink twice to make sure I was reading it correctly:
Dear Mr Jackson,
We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Before I could fully process what I was reading, a strange purple smoke began to emanate from the letter. Percy and Mom exchanged bewildered glances as the smoke swirled and materialized into a figure draped in dark robes and a crown that shimmered like starlight. It was Hecate, the goddess of magic.
Her eyes gleamed with an ancient, knowing light as she addressed me. ─ Regulus Jackson, it is time for you to learn the truth about who you are and the destiny that awaits you. ─
As the room filled with the mystical haze, I felt my heart race with a mixture of awe and apprehension. This was it—the beginning of a journey that would change everything I thought I knew about myself and the world around me
Hecate’s presence filled the room with an otherworldly glow. Her gaze was both stern and comforting as she began to speak, her voice echoing with a depth that transcended time.
─ Regulus Jackson. ─ she began, ─ You have always lived in the world of mortals, unaware of the truth of your heritage. Today, I am here to reveal that you are not merely human. You are a wizard, born into a world that blends magic with reality. ─
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before continuing. ─ In the magical realm, there are distinctions among wizards and witches based on their lineage. These distinctions are categorized into three main groups: Pure-bloods, Half-bloods, and Muggle-borns. ─
Hecate raised her hand, and an ethereal diagram appeared beside her, depicting each category.
─ Pure-bloods, ─ she said, pointing to the first section, ─ Are witches and wizards who come from a long line of magical ancestry. Their family trees are entirely composed of magical beings, with no non-magical ancestors. ─
She shifted her focus to the next section. ─ Half-bloods are those who have both magical and non-magical blood in their veins. They may have one magical parent and one non-magical parent, or they may be descended from a combination of both. ─
Her gaze then turned to the final category. ─ Muggle-borns, also known as ‘born muggles,’ are individuals who are born to non-magical parents but possess magical abilities. Their existence is often viewed with a mix of curiosity and prejudice within the magical community. ─
She allowed a moment of silence, the room heavy with the significance of her explanation. ─ You, Regulus, are a Pure-blood. Your mortal parent, whom you have not known, was a wizard. This makes you part of three worlds, bridging the gap between the mythical, magical and the mundane. ─
Hecate’s eyes softened as she observed Regulus’s reaction. ─ This letter you received was an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where you will learn about your magical heritage and the powers you possess. Hogwarts is where young witches and wizards like yourself are trained in the art of magic. ─
She stepped closer, her presence gentle yet commanding. ─ Embrace this opportunity, Regulus. The world of magic is vast and complex, and while it can be challenging, it also holds great wonder and potential. Your journey is just beginning, and the path you walk will shape not only your future but the fate of many. ─
As the mystical aura surrounding Hecate began to wane, she offered Regulus a reassuring smile. ─ Remember, you are not alone in this. Your family, especially your brother Percy, will support you as you navigate this new chapter of your life. The adventure ahead will be filled with challenges and triumphs, and I have faith that you will rise to meet them. Soon I'll be sending someone to help you get your school supplements. Good luck, hero. ─
With those final words, Hecate’s form began to dissolve into a shimmering mist, leaving Regulus and his family in awed silence, the reality of his new world settling in with the promise of extraordinary possibilities.
I never imagined my life could be more chaotic than it already was, but here we are.
Her words felt like an avalanche crashing down on me. I’d always sensed that there was something different about me from others, something that didn’t quite fit. I was surrounded by half-bloods and demigods, but this… magic? Wizardry? That was a whole new level of weird.
Later that night Circe, one of her apprentices came to visit me, who had been assigned to teach me the basics of magic. Circe wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy, but she was knowledgeable. Over the course of a few days, she showed me how to control my first few spells, how to channel magic, and how to summon things with just a flick of my wand. And let me tell you, it’s a lot harder than it looks.
Circe also helped me gather all the magical supplies I’d need for school, school! Can you believe it? Me, a wizard, going off to some place called Hogwarts. We gathered books, a cauldron, quills, parchment, and of course, my wand, a sleek, ebony thing with a core made from phoenix feather.
So now, today was the big day, September 1st. Circe took mom, Percy, and I to King’s Cross Station in London. I could tell mom was excited but a bit anxious, like she always is. Percy was buzzing with energy, like he had drunk ten cups of coffee or something. ─ Reg, you’re going to have a blast! ─ he kept saying, like he was the one going to Hogwarts.
We arrived at the station, looking completely out of place with all the tourists around. Percy had his arms crossed, eyes scanning the area like he was looking for some monster to jump out from behind a pillar. ─ Relax. ─ I told him, though I was probably the one who should have been nervous. ─ It’s just a train station. ─
Hecate had told us how to find the entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, but I couldn’t help but think it was a trick or something. We were standing between platforms nine and ten, and Sally was looking at me with this supportive smile. ─ Just run at the wall. ─ she said.
I turned to Percy, who smirked, his sea-green eyes glinting with mischief. ─ Good luck. ─ he said. I swear, if I didn’t know him better, I would’ve thought he was enjoying this way too much.
─ Here goes nothing. ─ I muttered under my breath. With a deep breath, I took off at a run toward the barrier between the platforms.
And just like that, I passed right through it.
I stopped short, nearly tripping over my own feet, and when I looked up, I was standing in the middle of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. There it was, the iconic Hogwarts Express, billowing steam and radiating magic. The station was full of students and parents, all bustling with excitement. It felt… different.
Percy came through a moment later, clapping me on the shoulder. ─ See? I told you it’d be fine. ─
─ Yeah, yeah, ─ I grumbled, trying to hide my amazement. Mom followed right behind, looking like she was ready to tear up. ─ My baby’s going to Hogwarts, ─ she whispered, her voice full of pride.
─ Mom… ─ I groaned. But deep down, I was grateful. This was it. My new life as a wizard was about to begin, and as I boarded the train, I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of adventures awaited me.
I waved goodbye to mom and Percy from the window. Percy waved back, grinning like he knew something I didn’t. Maybe he did.
Maybe this world of magic wouldn’t be so different from the world of demigods after all.
Then again, with a wand in one hand and my demigod powers stirring just beneath the surface, I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
After all, I’m Regulus Jackson. Son of Hades and Orion Black. And my story is just beginning.
The gentle rocking of the Hogwarts Express and the rhythmic chugging of the engine had almost lulled me into a calm state when the door to my compartment slid open with a soft creak. I looked up from the window where I’d been staring at the blur of countryside racing past.
Standing in the doorway was a boy with dark, slightly grayish-brown hair and deep chocolate eyes. His skin had a light tan to it, and he wore an expression that was a mix of curiosity and slight nervousness. Next to him was a girl with pale blonde hair, almost silver, and icy blue eyes. She had the kind of delicate, porcelain skin that seemed like it had never seen the sun.
─ Mind if we sit here? ─ the boy asked. ─ The rest of the train’s pretty full. ─
I glanced around the empty compartment, realizing this was one of those moments where I’d have to actually talk to people. I wasn’t great at this part, but it was better than sitting alone the whole way to Hogwarts.
─ Yeah, sure. Go ahead. ─ I said, waving my hand toward the empty seats.
The boy smiled and sat across from me, while the girl settled down next to him. He leaned forward slightly, extending his hand. ─ I’m Barty, Barty Crouch Jr. ─
The girl offered a small smile and said, ─ Pandora, Pandora Lestrange. ─
I nodded in acknowledgment. ─ Regulus. Regulus Jackson. ─
Pandora raised an eyebrow. ─ Jackson? You’re not British, are you? ─
─ Nope. New York-born, ─ I said with a half-smile. ─ Long story. ─
Barty chuckled softly. ─ Seems like everyone has a story on this train. ─
The conversation quickly shifted to lighter topics. We talked about how nervous we were about the school year and what Hogwarts would be like. ─ So, excited for your first year? ─ Barty asked, leaning back in his seat. ─ I’ve heard Hogwarts is pretty intense. ─
I nodded, trying not to let my nerves show. ─ Yeah, I guess. It's going to be a lot to get used to. What about you guys? ─
Pandora shrugged lightly. ─ I’m more curious than anything. I just want to see what all the fuss is about. ─
We continued to chat for a while, talking about what we thought Hogwarts would be like, the subjects we were most interested in, and whether we’d make it through the year without accidentally blowing something up in Potions. Barty seemed laid-back, while Pandora had this quiet, thoughtful vibe about her. It was nice, normal, even. But then, out of nowhere, a loud crash echoed from the corridor outside, cutting our conversation short.
I tensed, my mind instantly jumping to one conclusion: monsters.
Pandora must’ve noticed because she gave me a weird look. ─ Relax, Regulus. It’s probably just some students messing around. ─
─ Yeah… maybe, ─ I muttered, but I wasn’t convinced. After all, I wasn’t just a wizard, I was a demigod, and trouble had a way of following me.
Barty got up and slid the door open just enough to peek outside. ─ Looks like a bit more than ‘just messing around’. ─ he said, glancing back at us with raised eyebrows.
Curiosity got the best of me, so I stood up to take a look. Sure enough a full-blown argument was unfolding between two groups of students.
On one side, there was a tall, slightly pale boy with light brownish-blond hair and scars on his face. Next to him stood a tanned boy with messy dark hair and round-framed glasses, and a shorter, chubby boy with grayish-blond hair. Completing their group was a boy of medium height with dark hair and striking blue-gray eyes.
Facing them was another group: a tall boy with black hair and dark brown eyes, and a girl who looked a lot like him, except for her striking blue eyes. With them stood a medium-height boy with black hair and black eyes, a slightly disheveled boy with greasy black hair and matching eyes, and a red-haired girl with brilliant green eyes who was shouting at the other group.
The red-haired girl’s voice rang out in frustration. ─ Leave my friends alone you assholes, and don’t ever come near our younger one again! ─ she yelled, clearly protective of the girl with blue eyes standing by her side.
The boy with glasses, who was clearly the ringleader of his group retorted. ─ Snivellus, ─ he sneered, pointing at the disheveled boy, ─ ought to know his place and stay out of the way. ─
Then, in an almost mocking tone, the boy with glasses changed his approach. ─ But, if you really want us to leave them alone, ─ he said, now flirting, ─ maybe you should go out with me. ─
The red-haired girl’s face hardened. ─ Not a chance, ─ she snapped, her voice sharp. ─ And if you even think about getting near her again, I’ll handle you myself. ─
Before anyone else could say anything, the younger girl with blue eyes, clearly fed up with the situation, stepped forward. ─ Enough! ─ she shouted, and in that moment, her magic surged out of control. It rippled through the air, sending the surrounding students either crashing into the walls or tumbling to the ground.
She looked horrified as she realized what had happened, her face pale with shock. Without another word, she muttered an apology and bolted down the corridor, likely toward the bathroom.
The red-haired girl scrambled to her feet, her expression shifting from anger to concern. She quickly ran after the younger girl, disappearing from view.
The rest of the students slowly picked themselves up, exchanging uneasy glances before heading back to their compartments. The tension in the air was thick as they passed by.
As the corridor cleared, I exchanged a glance with Barty and Pandora.
─ Well, that was… something, ─ Pandora said, her eyes wide with amusement.
─ Drama, ─ Barty muttered, shaking his head as we sat back down.
We started talking about what had just happened, but before we could really get into it, there was a knock at the door. The red-haired girl from before appeared, looking a little flustered but determined.
─ Do you mind if my friend sits with you for a while? ─ she asked, her voice softer now. ─ She’s really stressed out, and going back to sit with the others is just going to make it worse. ─
I glanced at Pandora and Barty, who both nodded. ─ Of course, ─ I said.
The redhead stepped aside, and the younger girl, now with her head down, clearly embarrassed, entered the compartment slowly. Once she was seated, the redhead gave us a small, grateful smile and left to rejoin her group.
For a moment, none of us spoke. Pandora and I exchanged a glance, and I finally broke the silence. ─ Are you okay? ─
The girl nodded, though she still seemed a bit shaken. ─ Yeah, I’m fine, ─ she said quietly. ─ I’m Noelle Macmillan. First year. ─
We all introduced ourselves, admitting we were also first years. There was a brief hesitation in the air before Barty, in typical fashion, asked, ─ So… what was that all about out there? ─ He got a disapproving look from Pandora, who raised her eyebrows at him, and I couldn’t help but give him a similar glance. Not the best timing.
Noelle, though, didn’t seem to mind too much. She sighed and explained the situation, how her brother and his friends had gotten into it with the group from earlier, and how things had escalated when she tried to defend one of their friends. Her accidental burst of magic was just the result of the stress piling up.
After she finished explaining, the heaviness in the air began to lift, and the conversation turned to lighter topics, like Hogwarts and what houses we hoped to be sorted into.
Pandora spoke first, saying she was hoping for Ravenclaw. ─ But I don’t really mind where the Sorting Hat puts me, ─ she added. ─ I just want to get along with everyone and do well in my classes. ─
Barty, leaning back in his seat, shrugged. ─ Same here. As long as I do well and don’t make too many enemies, I’m fine with wherever I end up. ─
I didn’t know much about the houses, only what Circe had briefly explained to me, so I simply said, ─ I don’t really have a preference either. Any house is fine as long as I do well. ─
Noelle smiled, seeming a little more relaxed now. ─ I’m hoping for Slytherin, like my brother and his friends, but I’d be okay with any house, too. ─
As the conversation carried on, the tension from earlier finally melted away as we continued on toward Hogwarts, and for the first time, I felt like maybe Hogwarts wouldn’t be so overwhelming after all.