New Neighbours (Penny)
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2026 8:39 am
It had taken a few days of letters, signatures, and more paperwork than Julian cared to think about, but everything had finally been arranged. Penny was settled into one of the cottages near the edge of the Forbidden Forest, and the necessary permissions had been secured for Drakon to remain on the grounds. The Hungarian Horntail had arrived without incident, and while a few curious students had apparently ventured closer to his enclosure than Julian would have liked, they had at least had the good sense to recognize the danger and keep their distance.
It was late afternoon when Julian made his way along the familiar path toward the cottage, his hands tucked into the pockets of his robes as Cosmo followed faithfully at his heels. The dog had been doing that ever since Penny had left for Hogsmeade that first night, appearing beside Julian whenever he moved from one place to another as though he had quietly decided that his proper place was wherever Julian happened to be. Julian had made no effort to discourage it. If anything, he had grown rather fond of the constant company.
He had visited Penny once or twice since she arrived, but now that she was settled in the cottage, there was something pleasantly easy about being able to simply walk over and see her. He knew better than to think of this as a permanent arrangement; Penny had her own life and her own plans, and Julian had no intention of making assumptions about how long she would remain at Hogwarts. For now, though, she was here, and the cottage was close enough that visiting her required little more than a short walk.
Cosmo’s tail gave an enthusiastic wag when the cottage came into view, and Julian glanced down at him with an amused smile. ”You’re very eager to see her, aren’t you?” The dog offered no answer, naturally, but continued onward with renewed purpose. Julian shook his head, a quiet laugh escaping him as he followed. “Me too.” When they reached the cottage, Julian paused at the door and glanced down at Cosmo, who seemed to be waiting expectantly. With another small smile, Julian lifted his hand and knocked.
It was late afternoon when Julian made his way along the familiar path toward the cottage, his hands tucked into the pockets of his robes as Cosmo followed faithfully at his heels. The dog had been doing that ever since Penny had left for Hogsmeade that first night, appearing beside Julian whenever he moved from one place to another as though he had quietly decided that his proper place was wherever Julian happened to be. Julian had made no effort to discourage it. If anything, he had grown rather fond of the constant company.
He had visited Penny once or twice since she arrived, but now that she was settled in the cottage, there was something pleasantly easy about being able to simply walk over and see her. He knew better than to think of this as a permanent arrangement; Penny had her own life and her own plans, and Julian had no intention of making assumptions about how long she would remain at Hogwarts. For now, though, she was here, and the cottage was close enough that visiting her required little more than a short walk.
Cosmo’s tail gave an enthusiastic wag when the cottage came into view, and Julian glanced down at him with an amused smile. ”You’re very eager to see her, aren’t you?” The dog offered no answer, naturally, but continued onward with renewed purpose. Julian shook his head, a quiet laugh escaping him as he followed. “Me too.” When they reached the cottage, Julian paused at the door and glanced down at Cosmo, who seemed to be waiting expectantly. With another small smile, Julian lifted his hand and knocked.