Disclaimer: YES! YES! I finally own PJO and Harry Potter!...Just kidding. But I had you going there for a second didn't I.
Chapter 1: A Strong Will
The air was thick and tense. But for once, within these walls, the natural and unholy darkness that had become so customary was missing.
Inside the dreary stone like room its occupants were gathered around a beautiful young woman lying on a large and narrow but comfortable floor bed. A golden bowl filled with water, a cloth, and two chalices filled with nectar and ambrosia was next to it. Though the woman was perspiring on her forehead, she still emitted a golden glow. She looked fatigued but other than that did not show any signs of distress.
"I do not know what was going through your mind this time Persephone!" One of the guests in the room screeched down at the girl. "You have done ridiculous things in the past before but this! I don't know what to think of this!"
Persephone made a noise in the back of her throat. "As usual mother you always feel the need to add your input. Unfortunately this is a matter that does not concern you."
The younger goddess slightly shifted on the bed to make herself more comfortable and looked back up to her mother when she spoke again.
"Does not concern me!" Demeter had stopped her pacing by now. "Of Course it concerns me! I am your mother and that..." She gestured intensely at her daughter's torso "Is my grandchild. Who else would it concern if not me?"
Before Persephone could respond to that statement Hera who was as of recently tending to the goddess of spring interrupted
"Here my dear, drink." The chalice of nectar was brought to Persephone's lips and she drank it without hesitation.
"You will need your strength for this."
The Queen of the Gods dipped the cloth in the water and gently applied it to the other queen's forehead; the cool touch felt heavenly to her. Persephone herself was not exactly pleased with these turn of events either. It's not as if she wanted an audience such as this. Hera's cruelty and jealousy alone was legendary. The only reason she was being civil now was because this was her divine calling, childbirth. There is something about being in your natural element that does wonders for the gods.
"And what about your husband? Did you not consider anything?" Every occupant in the room nearly rolled their eyes at that statement. It was clear to everyone that Demeter was merely grasping at straws. She could care less about the man who took her precious Kore away from her, brother or not.
"Do not pull me into your weak accusations Demeter!" The dark god hissed from his black corner and took a step towards the dim lighting. "It has always been made clear that I have never been thought of in any situation!"
"Oh please Hades! Do not tell me that you are still going on about that. It has been EONS!" At the last word she flung her arms to the side in exasperation and resumed her pacing.
"I have every right to go on about it! Just look at what I was given!" Hades growled. In the distance the Underworld seemed to tremble with its master's fury, only to stop as soon as it began. "And now you even bring our brother and his wife down here to MY domain to humiliate me further."
"I had no choice! Demeter yelled. She marched slowly up to Hades, daring him to go against her.
"When I heard that Persephone was with child and not yours fortunately, I had to make sure no harm came to her. Zeus is the King of the gods and Hera is the goddess of childbirth. Of course I brought them!"
Demeter was now only a few feet from her brother and showed no fear, but she dare not come any closer. Not here, not in his world. Her fist lay by her side and trembled with barely concealed rage as she spoke her next words slowly.
"Hear my words Hades," And it was then, as Demeter stood tall with a fierce expression that you could clearly see this was the woman who was willing to let an entire civilization die in order to get her way. "Nothing will happen to my daughter." The ominous threat hung in the air for only a second.
"ENOUGH!" The voice of Zeus caught everyone's attention, and it seemed that even here with no sky present, thunder still made its stand.
Hades was not going to be pushed around in his own kingdom; he went on as if he did not hear his brother. "You dare presume that I would harm her! Even after this idiotic episode of hers I would not lay a hand on her!"
The Lord of the Underworld turned away disgusted with his family. The dark god could stand a lot of things, he prided himself on being more honorable than his brothers even after all that they have put him through. But to suggest that he would harm his wife, the only thing that he looks forward to in this brutal realm was going too far. It showed exactly what they thought of him, even more so than anything they have ever done in the past. Fury quickly swelled within and threatened to consume him like a raging wildfire. He took a deep breath and paced back to his shadows. Now was not the time to get angry. He could unleash his wrath on those in the Fields of Punishment later. When his wife spoke next however, his full attention was on her.
"Well of course you would think this was a foolish mistake on my part or a pathetic scheme to get attention! Well, now you know what it's like dear husband," Persephone spat out the last word like an insult and glared at him for all she was worth. "Now you know what it is like to be on the other side of the affair! Tell me how it feels!"
Hades had nothing to respond to that statement and refused to meet her eyes. Persephone satisfied that she could make him think a little began to calm down. She hated hearing about his infidelities and his children with other women. And all though she would rather get fed to the souls then admit it, every time she hears about another lover, another child, it is yet another white hot knife mercilessly plunged into her chest.
Let him be on the receiving end for once.
"Please tell me that was not the only reason for doing this Persephone!" Demeter came back to her daughter's side and crossed her arms in the perfect scolding position with the scowl to boot. "He is not worth it!" she gestured in the direction of Hades.
Zeus tried to gain control of the situation, it was clear he did not enjoy standing on the side lines. "What is done is done. Let there be peace."
Hades gave an ungodly snort at that statement. "I myself do not understand her exact reasons for doing this. It was completely pointless! The child will not even survive! It is not everyday new life is born in the land of the dead."
"Certainly not, we would have to change the name if that was the case." Persephone's attempt at dry humor went unappreciated and it was clear she was becoming even wearier. "Now would you please stop talking about me as if I am not in the room?"
The goddess of spring briefly closed her eyes in exhaustion. This was more draining than she had originally thought it would be. She could only hope that her husband would learn his lesson, at least for a while. She was not keen on having to go through this again if the child did not survive this time only to prove a point to the ever stubborn god of the dead. Her thoughts were cut short by Hera.
"Oh dear, I think it is time."
It seemed that sentence was the trigger; the light glow surrounding Persephone intensified around her midsection. Hera quickly knelt by her side and offered the Underworld goddess a drink of nectar to which she accepted. Demeter had already abandoned her disapproving glare to now that of a concerned one.
"Hera," Demeter said before she too knelt by her daughter's side. "Please, do all you can for her." Though she said the words softly, the message was clear and firm 'do your best, or else.'
Hera nodded and the hard glint in her eyes told her she received the hint. "Of course." The words were reassuring but the slight smirk she adorned was not.
The glow around Persephone's torso did not alleviate and her discomfort could clearly be seen. She knew that if she got through this it would be worth it. Forever will she have a reminder for her husband about the sting of unfaithfulness.
Hades was close to having enough of this. He paced a bit in the shadows at the back of the room. He hated all this commotion, hated having his family here, and above all he hated the reason why they were all here to begin with. His wife's discomfort was now as clear as day and he felt a twinge in his chest. He ignored it though. It was her fault she was going through this and it was that creature's fault as well.
"Stop this Persephone. The child will not live. Life does not flourish here." Hades did his best to mask the concern he felt for her and instead focused on his anger, which was never difficult to do. He had plenty of practice after all.
Perhaps it was the tone of his voice that did it. Or perhaps it was the fact that Persephone hated being told what she could and could not do as a result of years with her mother. Whatever it was she was determined for this child to live, now more than ever.
"This child will endure. I will make sure of it."
Hades rolled his eyes. He should have known better. His wife was infinitely stubborn.
With a new resolve Persephone focused on the infant growing inside of her. Her thoughts started to wander to faraway places however.
Dark brown eyes, golden brown hair, they are the first things that come to mind. Sunlight, a meadow, trees, and suddenly she is there too; watching him come closer.
"Hello" He greets her with a kind and friendly smile. "Crocus right?"
"I'm sorry?" She whispers, slightly confused and puzzled about this stranger.
"The flower, in your hair," He explains while touching the spot on his head to indicate where hers is placed. "It's a Crocus right?"
"Oh, yes." She suddenly feels very foolish and embarrassed. She is the goddess of flowers for the love of the gods. How could she let this mortal distract her so? But then again she never did socialize with them much, unlike her family.
"How did you know?"
The man smiled if maybe a little sheepishly. "I was just in Italy with my parents, I saw them. My mother loves it."
"She should, they are lovely." The goddess agreed with a bit of pride in her voice.
"Yes. I was just, um…" He suddenly seemed to be embarrassed by something and had an endearing blush. "I was taking a walk, needed to get away for a bit from them."
"I know how you feel." She inwardly smirked. She knew only too well.
"I'm Alessandro by the way. Alessandro Granger." He held his hand for her to take and she hesitated for only a heartbeat.
"Persephone." That was all he would get. Especially since she was disturbed by how nice his hand in hers was.
He didn't seem to find that strange and only smiled wider."Persephone? Like the goddess in the stories?"
He seemed so curious, something that she could relate too, that she smiled; a small secretive smile.
"Something like that"
"Persephone you must concentrate now."
The voice of Hera brought her back to the present. "Yes. I am."
"Good." The wife of Zeus looked her over with an odd look and one could swear there was envy present. "Because I believe the child is fighting as well."
That caught Demeter's attention at once. "Pardon? What do you mean the child is fighting also?"
Persephone looked at herself. There was not a swollen stomach like that of a mortal woman but she could see flashes in the energy that was gathered around the area, representing the infant's eager energy.
"I can sense the infant. She wishes to be born." Hera explained.
The emotions she was feeling were indescribable. No longer could they be called spite or jealousy, for they were fleeting emotions often brought upon by something or someone you covet. No, these emotions that could only fit the description of bitterness and resentment were a part of her. Imagine, the goddess of childbirth and marriage trapped in one of the worst matrimonies and only being allowed to experience the joys of bringing life to this world with said spouse. It's disgusting what the fates have done to her. And people said she was vicious.
"She? Oh joy" Muttered the goddess of harvest. "Let's hope at least your daughter will listen to you Persephone. "
Something inside the goddess of spring changed when she found out she was having a daughter, a small little spark of curiosity and all of a sudden she wanted to see what she would look like. She was slowly becoming anxious, and the reality of it was sinking in.
"I guess we will have to find out, I wouldn't count on it though." Hera slightly smirked at the last part. She must keep the façade on, after all her dear husband is watching.
"But I do not know exactly how this world's magic will affect the baby. It will be difficult. And she will need to be strong."
Strong. Her daughter would need to be strong. Somehow even then, Persephone knew that she would be, because even without her help, the little one already had a remarkable will to live.
"I will help her. She will make it through."
"You need to be realistic Kore." Zeus said.
It was a mild surprise when he spoke, as everyone had the impression that he did not want any part in this. He was only here because the heavens knew how Demeter could be when she wanted something, especially if that involved their only daughter together.
"Please father, I have not been Kore in ages. And I am being realistic. My child is still alive is she not?"
Zeus despite the urge to win the argument did feel an ounce of pity for his daughter and chose not to say more on the subject. She was stubborn like her mother but also very passionate. When the child died he could only hope that Demeter would comfort her. He had no time for such things.
"Yes she is, let's hope it stays that way" Hera said. "She is ready now Persephone."
The Queen of the Underworld would be lying if she said those words did not make her a little nervous. She briefly considered if she was doing the right thing, but quickly pushed those thoughts away, it was already too late for that. She had to trust her instincts that told her that everything would turn out fine. After all she was certainly not the first goddess to have an offspring with a mortal. She had seen how her family tried to adapt to the demigods and how much of an effect they had on the immortals; and she wondered what kind of parent she would be to a half blood.
Concentrating for the last time Persephone could feel the life force of her daughter and was very pleased and surprised to note that it was not fading. The child truly had an iron will and was definitely born to be a fighter. The glow around her midsection went as bright as it had ever been; it blinded all the occupants in the room for a moment and banished all the shadows to the far corners. The new mother herself closed her eyes and only opened them when the bright light started to fade little by little.
At first she was afraid that the baby was dying but upon closer inspection realized that it was the exact opposite. Within the light, what could only be described as particles, started to swirl and dance in the light as if barley contained. She could see something beginning to take place, feel it to her core. The light worked its way into a protective cocoon, moving rapidly but still fading bit by bit.
When the light was dull, it finally stood still. For a moment every occupant in the room watched with bated breath for something to happen. The light then disappeared quickly as if sucked away by an invisible force back into Persephone. Hera who seemed to sense something like this reached out before the light was gone completely, and when she brought her arms back the entire room was greeted with a cry. In Hera's arms was a baby girl whom she quickly covered in a light silk gold blanket before handing her over to her mother.
When the newborn reached her mother she stopped crying and Persephone took that time to study her features closely. She had golden brown hair, familiar golden brown hair that complimented her smooth ivory skin. But what surprised her most were the baby's eyes, for she had the exact same eyes that Persephone herself had when she was younger, when she was Kore. The eyes of innocence and kindness, a lovely light brown color that could have competed with the finest wood. Taking all this in, her daughter was absolutely beautiful.
A gasp to her right was heard and Persephone met her mother's pleased but surprised expression.
"Oh my daughter, look at her eyes. They are yours." Demeter lightly moved the blanket to get a better view of the little girl. "Exactly your eyes." She whispered.
Persephone wanted to comment on how just a few hours ago she thought that the godling was a mistake. But she refrained. Who was she to judge when she herself was originally using the baby for her own purposes.
When his infuriating sister spoke her last sentence Hades had to admit that he was tempted to take a closer look. Would the newborn really have her mother's eyes? Or was it just his mother in law relating everything to her perfect daughter once again? Whatever it was he was surprised that the infant was even alive to begin with. That little half breed should have been dead, and finally this mess would have been over with once and for all. However seeing no harm in it, he decided to move closer to his wife inconspicuously. What happened however, was not what he expected.
The child did indeed have her mother's eyes. The same beautiful eyes that he looked into so long ago and fell in love with. And despite the fact that he tried to remind himself that those eyes now belonged to an insignificant mortal, he could not stop the flame of his hatred from flickering dangerously.
"Oh let me hold her." Demeter reached out for the infant and took her in her arms. She held the baby securely and gently bounced her as one often does. "She truly is precious."
"I could not agree with you more" said a voice from the doorway.
The woman now joining the festivities was tall and statuesque. She had an exotic older face but not a wrinkle was to be seen despite her dark hair present with gray streaks. Her eyes held power and mischief and were of blues and violets so deep that one could feel as if they were looking into the night sky.
"Hello Hecate." Persephone was pleased that her closest friend was finally here but wondered what delayed her.
"My Queen, it is an honor to be here and I apologize for my lateness." Hecate gave a quick and graceful bow before proceeding to the center of the room.
"Had I been informed sooner I would have been punctual. As it is, it was the fates that told me the news, as well as a message."
Hecate placed her gaze on the Queen of the Underworld and waited for her to speak. It would only take a moment to catch the seriousness of her words. Persephone was quick to dismiss her friend's unnecessary excuse but the last part caught her attention.
"Message? What Message?" It was common knowledge that any type of message from the fates was of great importance.
"I believe they said and I quote A child born in the land of the dead will help a third world reach its end."
Persephone did not like the sound of that. That child was most likely her daughter. After all she was one of the few to have ever been born in the Underworld for obvious reasons. But then what did that mean for her little girl? If she was to be part of a third world then that could only mean one thing, in which case Hecate's presence will of course be needed. She reached out to her mother to give her back the baby and felt certain protectiveness when she had her back in her arms.
Already she was starting to feel stabs of guilt for the type of life she was condemning this poor child to and she is not yet a day old. What will happen in the future? How will she be safe then? Making a quick decision and while the others were occupied, Persephone blessed her offspring with as many gifts as she could. She would know the radiance that came with spring and the peace that came with darkness. The least she felt she could do now was to give her daughter a fighting chance. And judging by the message of the fates and the well disguised disgusted looks that Hades gave her, she knew it was a good decision.
"Well I suppose that means I must give the little one a gift then. Not that I wasn't planning on giving one anyway." Hecate came over to stand by Persephone, and she knowing what was coming gave her the child. "It is not everyday after all that your best friend has a baby after all."
"Wait." All eyes turned to Zeus. "She does not need to have magic to affect the world of your blessed."
Hecate managed not to roll her eyes but could not banish all traces of sarcasm from her voice. "With all due respect my lord, I am giving her the gift of magic not handing her Olympus on a silver platter. And as I recall she is not the only half blood to have the blessing. Although," Hecate managed to stop Zeus from commenting seeing as his mouth was already open to do so. "I have kept the number reasonable as agreed."
"It is the will of the fates father. I am sure you do not want to go against that."
Zeus looked from Hecate, to his daughter, to the newborn that was playing with a strand of hair from the goddess of magic. He had no argument that he could put up against them and just gave a slight nearly unnoticeable nod.
Hecate pleased that she could pass on her blessing, as it was her divine right to do so looked down at the adorable girl and prepared herself. There were really so many talents one could receive and after a brief contemplation she decided on generality. And so for the second time that evening the infant was bathed in a golden glow, only much dimmer and quicker than the previous one.
The goddess of magic smiled, satisfied with her work. "Yes, she will be quite the talented little witch I assure you."
The baby began to cry once again and like before she stopped as soon as she was passed to her mother.
"I think it is time to pick a name Persephone." It seems that the goddess of harvest had awoken from her previous stupor and was back to mothering once again. But alas she did have a point.
The new mother looked down at her daughter for some sort of inspiration. What she saw were warm eyes and the beginnings of what could probably be a lovely smile someday. She was slightly drooling but then again no one is perfect, even though she came close. Thoughts of Persephone's favorite flowers, names, places, and people, all swirled through her mind until she finally found one that she did like. One that would compliment her last name and a lovely name that she knew would just suit her.
"Hermione" Saying it aloud only confirmed her thoughts, the name was the one and she loved it. Of course that meant that her mother had to ruin it.
"Hermione? Like that infuriating little princess!* Surely my daughter you can think of something better than that?"
"No mother. The name stays." Even without looking up, Persephone could tell the expression of Demeter had to be one of the upmost irritated.
"Persephone." She looked up when her father spoke her name and she knew what was coming. "It is time to make arrangements for the child. You know she cannot stay."
It is such a fascinating phenomenon that even though one could predict what is coming next it stills does not make the blow any less painful. And so she subconsciously held her daughter closer to her chest and summoned some of the strength that has carried her for all these years.
"I am aware of that. I suppose Hermes could be bothered to make a delivery."
Zeus seemed to accept that and turned to move closer to his wife. "Very well, he should be here shortly. In the mean time I believe it is time we take our leave."
Zeus and Hera disappeared in a flash of bright light. Now that the childbirth was over she was not disappointed to see Hera leave. One could never practice enough caution around that vengeful thing. Apparently seeing no point in staying any further Hades also left the room though in a perfectly normal way, but without a word or even a glance in her direction. 'He is always so temperamental'. Suddenly wanting some privacy after today's events she turned to look at the other half of the occupants still in the room.
"Could you give me a moment? Please." Hecate seemed to understand and sent her a sympathetic smile. Her mother however was another story.
"Are you sure? I think I should really stay Persephone." Demeter had that look that was between concern and the 'I know-what-is-best-for-you-so-don't-argue-with-me' look. She has given it countless of times, most mothers have.
"Yes mother." Persephone miraculously kept most of the irritation out of her voice. "I just need some time to myself."
Demeter looked like she wanted to argue but one look at her daughter's tired and desperate eyes and the fact that she was not in danger broke down her defenses. "Very well, but I can be here in an instant if you need me. I will come later to check on you."
And with that the goddess of harvest was gone in the same manner as Zeus and Hera. Somewhere in the back of her mind Persephone dryly noted that this was probably the most amount of light the Underworld has ever seen in just a day.
Hecate was next to leave as well. "Hermione is a nice name." She smiled before walking out the door and said "You did well."
Finally alone Persephone could breathe out a sigh of relief. She still had a few hours before Hermes arrived and she intended to dedicate every minute to her new born daughter. To her Hermione. If the name had a bad reputation then she would change it and make it one to envy. She saw the baby reach up with her small hand and Persephone met her half way. Her tiny fist wrapped around her finger but it might as well have been her heart. It was amazing how all this started as a ploy to get back at her husband and now…now she fell in love with her own little creation. It has been so long since she has held an infant in her arms that she has forgotten how they could steal your heart. She did not take that part into consideration but is so glad that it happened.
It seemed that the day's events were not taking a toll on just her. Hermione's eyes slowly began to drop and she released a small yawn. Persephone knew that no matter how hard she might try she would not be able to stop smiling at this moment.
"Sleep my dear. I am here now, and I always will be…somehow."
He travels all over the world delivering messages, packages, calls, . To basically everyone. And despite that it has been a while since he has made a delivery like this. Usually these kinds of matters are handled by one of the four winds to safely carry the precious cargo to where it needs to go. Other times transportation is not even necessary at all. Still he is not complaining, these are his favorite kinds of deliveries. And looking down inside cradle he has to admit that she is cute.
Upon reaching his destination he gently places her on the doorstep. He sees a man that he knows is the one coming this way.
"Good luck kid." He whispers before he is gone as quick as the wind.
After quite the long day which included two exams, lunch with his parents, and then studying at the library till now, Alessandro Granger was ready to go home and rest. However fate rarely gives us what we want and as he was getting closer to his home a strange gust of wind just appeared. Apparently that was not the only thing that appeared. On his doorstep was a golden cradle. Frantically looking around for someone that might have dropped this off as a mistake or joke Alessandro was unfortunately met with no one.
He cautiously took a stepped up to the cradle and crouched down, he prayed that what was in here was not what he thought it was. Unfortunately either nobody heard him or fate loves its cruel humor because what was inside was indeed a baby. The baby was sleeping peacefully inside the cradle and was wrapped in a gold blanket. On top there was a white envelope addressed to him. He slowly reached for it and his heart sank when he opened it.
He knew this was from Persephone even without getting through the entire letter. She was the only one this could be from and ironically he was thinking about her just today. So they had a daughter together and her name is Hermione. He wondered if she could take her back with her instead, he could not be a father now. But by the end of the note that was answered for him, she must stay, there was no other choice she mentioned. She signed her name at the bottom, though it was unnecessary, and told him to take good care of her. The letter fell to the floor in his shock. He looked back at the little girl, at his daughter, and only one thought came to mind.
"Now what"
Please tell me if you liked it or not. If you did like it I will be motivated to continue it.
*In Greek mythology Hermione is the only daughter between the famous Helen of Troy and King Menelaus, who was her husband before the whole Paris incident. Hermione was promised to two men, Neoptolemus (son of Achilles) and Orestes by her father and grandfather. Neoptolemus claimed Hermione by force as his wife after the Trojan War as well as Andromache (widow of Hector Prince of Troy.) However it was far from one big happy family as Hermione complained that Andromache was casting spells on her from getting pregnant. She asked her father to kill Andromache but when he refused she fled with her cousin Orestes. They married and she gave birth to Tisamenus. There is a statue of her at Delphi.
Also Hermione was the name of a town in Argolis (southern Greece). There the Hermionians (citizens of Hermione) had a temple in honor of Demeter and Persephone where there would often make sacrifices to them and hold a festival of the earth. Directly opposite of the temple is another one dedicated to Hades where they would also make sacrifices to him as well. Right behind his temple is a chasm that was believed to be where Hercules led Cerubus out of the Underworld for his 12th labor.
Just thought I would share that.
