Chapter 28: The Gods' Visit
Returning to Hogwarts was quite the ordeal.
Apparently, while he'd been away, his brother had become the Slytherin Heir- which, what??
Trouble seemed to follow his family everywhere.
However, because of Harry's incident during the Duelling Club, he was able to find out that his brother could talk with snakes. Finally, he wasn't the only one able to hear animals with weird and strong opinions (I'm talking about you, Blackjack!).
Though, he wasn't able to say much about it, because Harry, having passed such a complicated winter break without his brother, was still resenting him for going away, and wouldn't talk to him a lot.
After all these years, Percy had finally been subjected to the globally common, most fatal (but harmless) pre-teenager tactic: The Silent Treatment.
*Sigh* teengers.
Like he wasn't miserable enough after his perfect winter break.
While he'd been able to talk with Moony about everything that'd happened, he still hadn't gotten over the guilt and pain of losing someone close to him. He still looked for the Huntress Constellation every time he couldn't sleep- which was becoming more and more frequent, as nightmares filled with petrified people that wouldn't get up, and the lifeless face of the ones he'd lost during the winter plagued his mind- even when he drank the Sleeping Draught Potion.
And then he'd remember Zoë and her last words, while she slowly faded away into the stars. And he'd remember Bianca's bright smile, while she lived the life she'd always wanted; and he'd hope both of them would forgive him for not being able to save them.
If only it wasn't for the seal of his magic powers, maybe everything could've gone differently. If only he was strong enough.
If only...
The more those thoughts filled his mind, the more regrets he'd have. But, also, the more eager he'd be to become better.
Thus, he'd find himself training his magic at literally any time available, in hopes of getting more proficient at it while he could; and promising himself he'd train his swordmanship and his demigod powers as soon as he had the chance.
And, at least, when everything got to be too much, when he'd pass out from overexerting or the fatigue after dreamless nights, he still had people with him that'd take away his mind from the events of the winter, and the events that were to come.
Percy Jackson wasn't strong enough by himself, but he didn't really need to be. After all, he had people that he could rely on. People who gave him the power to look forward to the future, to never give up.
Sometimes the Heroes need saviours too, and, in this case, the saviours were his best friends and his family, the people most close to his heart. Even if they themselves didn't realise it.
For example, his troublesome group of friends would constantly distract his mind with pranks- sometimes to ask him for help to create them, sometimes to make him clean after them, and sometimes to become the subject of them-; and with the endless jokes about the white streak in his hair, which went from laughing at him for his "weird taste in fashion", to actually getting it for themselves.
Admittedly, for the twins, a white streak didn't really match among their flaming red hair, but they seemed too happy with it to care.
And with that, between dealing with an angry younger brother, the crushing memories of the past, the training to become better, and the task of dealing with his troublesome friend group, some time passed.
***
When Harry Potter finally decided to forgive his brother, it came with a price. This time, it was to get more information about the famous Chamber of Secrets, or about a certain mysterious man, by the name of Tom Riddle.
While the latter sounded familiar in a way that he couldn't place, Percy didn't really know a lot about the topics, but he wanted Harry to forgive him; so, of course, he did what he could.
For both matters, he started at the library; however, he soon found out it was pointless. His dyslexia seemed more intensified than ever, as if the Fates didn't want him there.
Just what he needed. How lovely.
But of course, he didn't give up. After all, now he had the chance to prepare, to actually gain an advantage if something happened in the future- and, with his luck, something would happen-. So, if this "Tom Riddle" had anything to do with the Chamber of Secrets, the current threat in his life, he'd use whatever he could to prepare.
So, he swallowed all his pride and decided to contact one of the only beings that might know about it in detail: Hecate.
And, of course, because the Gods hate him, she didn't answer.
Once again, Rude.
After deciding he may not get information like that, he then questioned himself about the Chamber, and found out that maybe he did have some kind of answer.
After all, he did know about a certain being that liked to petrify others.
But he prayed it wasn't the case, because it would mean the Greeks started merging with the wizards. And that would be very, very bad.
Holding his breath, he sent a letter to his biological father, Poseidon, asking him about Medusa's head, and what'd happened to it after he'd sent it to Olympus. Hopefully, the petrification wasn't related.
However, what he got in return was that, this time, the two Gods he'd contacted appeared in his dream to talk. What a duo.
"Nope, we're NOT doing this, whatever this is" Percy said, after seeing the beings in front of him.
Dealing with the god that neglected you for most of your life to later on appear as a fatherly figure was difficult enough. But, on top of that, he'd have to deal with the goddess that spent hours with him and introduced him to the greek world, only for her to later on seal the powers that could've helped him survive, not to mention help others survive.
Yes, they weren't the most loved duo to appear in front of him. Sadly, they weren't the worst.
"Son, you asked for our help, and we'll answer you" his father said, both with the resolution and commanding voice that naturally came with being a god, but also with the gentleness of talking to his only demigod son.
"For an obvious price, of course" Hecate piped in, destroying whatever little favorability his father's words had gotten them.
Of course, they were gods, after all.
"But don't worry about that yet, I can promise you that I'm not going to be too harsh on you" The goddess said "In fact, you may later thank me for it".
"I doubt it" He said, which got him a stern look from the goddess.
He still had the option of backing out of this one, but one look at his father made him reconsider. Poseidon could be a negligent father, but he was always honest with Percy, and at the moment he seemed sincere enough, like he was, in fact, trying to help out his son.
Wouldn't kill him to be like that more often, but alas.
Besides, not everyone had the opportunity to get answers from gods, that could possibly make him get ahead. He hadn't been able to do much before, to save the Huntresses, but now he could gain information to change things, to avoid more deaths.
Clearly, he accepted, even if he didn't yet know the price he'd have to pay. He made his decision.
He prefered to destroy himself with the price, if it meant he'd have the chance to save a loved one.
"We can start then, by saying that the petrification cases aren't directly related with the Greek world; at least, not like you thought" started Hecate, after his agreement.
"In this case, Medusa isn't involved; however, the creatures in the wizard world are indeed a product of our world, and therefore, part of it remains, even if slightly altered" He didn't like the implications of that.
"That's why, there are werewolfs like your godfather, who aren't completely like the lycanthropes of our world, but share similarities like their desire to persue demigods like you, though in a more subdued way. In this case-"
"Wait, so that's why the creatures in the Forbidden Forest don't go to the castle after me, but if I enter it I magically become a magnet and attract them?" Percy suddenly asked, interrupting the goddess. His realisation made a lot of sense, in a way. How hadn't he thought of that before?
He'd have to make sure not to enter the Forbidden Forest, if he could avoid it. Because it meant, in a way, that the slight fortune he'd had with not being chased by the monsters at Hogwarts was due to them not being entirely Greek. However, if he pushed the fates too much...
Well, let's try not to find out.
"Yes, Percy" sighed Hecate, like she wasn't used to dealing with his distraction "As I was saying, in this case we're dealing with a creature called a 'Basilisk', a monster that came from our world, but, through magic's influence, morphed into a stronger and bigger monster. That's what is in the Chamber of Secrets".
That also explained a lot of things he didn't really have the time to dwell on; after all, he had to deal with the realisation that he'd have to fight an enormous monster that initially came from the Greek's world and mutated into something more dangerous. Also, if there was a creature like this, there probably were more, far worse, like a mutated minotaur or a stronger Peleus that he hadn't had the pleasure to meet with.
It was final: he couldn't risk going to the Forbidden Forest. Hopefully, he wouldn't ever need to.
The prospect alone terrified him.
"Now, Percy, while I understand that these may be some frightening news," Poseidon said, reading what his son was thinking "there are also more pressing matters that we need to discuss".
"Oh no, please no more bad news. I don't know how much more I can handle" answered Percy, truthfully. After all, it's not everyday you find out that your life just got way more complicated.
"I understand, son, but this is for your safety" His father said, looking directly into his eyes, that were a reflection of his own "I'm not going to give you all the information now, but for the time being, I'll tell you the more important things.
Right now, the opposing forces on the greek side are becoming each time more aware of you, to the point where we don't know for how long we can keep you safe, hidden from them, even if you're in the magic world.
Hecate has already been protecting you from drawing even more attention, having placed the seal on your powers and going low contact with you; however, that may not be enough" He said, placing both of his hands into Percy's shoulders, his grip demanding all of his attention.
"You're the first demi-wizard to ever exist, you're too powerful of a being, with two prophecies on your shoulders at the moment. They know that, and they consider you a threat.
As soon as they find you, they'll try to eliminate you. And if they don't, then they'll go for your most loved ones, for your weak points". He let go of his son, allowing him to think about his words.
"What? But I don't-"
"You have much more potential than you could imagine, Percy" Hecate interrupted, knowing what he was going to say "And that makes you incredibly dangerous".
And, without stopping for a moment to let him process, she decided to change the topic:
"That being said, you aren't alone. I'll soon claim the price for the information provided. While I understand you may still be mad at me for sealing your powers, I'll still ask you: Percy, continue to train under me like before, for as long as I request it" She said, surprising him.
After all this time, not only she'd been looking out for him, but also she wanted to train him again?
Not once had a god tried to help him like she did. Not without a real gain...
Perhaps, was she crazy?
"I-I... But why? You don't get anything out of it. Besides, all this time I've been mad at you- and don't misunderstand me, I still am a little-, while you apparently were trying to protect me? Why?" He asked, unable to keep the questions on his mind.
"Maybe you don't see it as I do, Percy, but I do get a lot out of... Investing in you, be that protecting you or training you.
You're our hope, Perseus Jackson, and I don't want to see both of my worlds crumbling down before my eyes without being able to do anything about it" Hecate said, and he could understand where she came from.
Maybe she was better than he'd thought she was... Though he was still mad about the sealing of his powers.
And he still had his doubts about her being completely sane.
Before he could reply, however, his father once again talked to him.
It seemed he couldn't even get a moment to process the shit ton of information that was just handed to him.
"We're running out of time, Percy. Remember our words, and know that I'm always on your side" he smiled at his son.
"Also, a few parting words that may get me into trouble: Remember not to blow up the bathrooms, after all, it might not be as easy to repare them as it was at Camp Half-Blood".
And with those particular parting words, his dreamland slowly faded away, and Percy Jackson woke up.
***
Hey... Thanks for waiting.
While I did have this chapter written since last month, I couldn't deal with editing it. Like, it was never good enough to publish.
But I promised you something (even if it comes in the last days of July), so I tried my best to make it happen.
I really don't know when the next chapter will be, but let's hope for the best!
Until next time!