Chapter 1: The unexpected visit
Nico
Over the course of the rebuilding of both camps, Nico wanted to kill everyone. It had been already three months, but campers still ran around like their heads had been cut off, thinking the war was still actually going on. All the counselors had jam-packed schedules. He never saw any of his friends, and when he did, Nico would get a quick head nod or a simple wave at most. But, not seeing his friends didn't stop the bombardment of the younger campers who harassed him for his stories of his travels with the great Athena statue every waking moment of his gods forsaken life. If it wasn't for his promise that he made with Jason to stay he would have already been gone.
After another exhausting training day, Nico slumped in the corner of the Hades cabin, tossing his armor and sword atop the bed. He closed his eyes, consuming the complete quietness his mental state had been aching for so long. His complete relaxation was crushed when a knock came upon his door.
His body stiffened when the harsh sound pierced the quietness. It must have been yet, another camper who wanted to hear his story. Not moving from the corner he took small breaths. Maybe if he remained in his position, they would think he was not here and go along to bother another older camper.
Another knock fell upon the door again, this time it was more forceful. Falling to his side on the floor Nico groaned as he sluggishly pulled himself from the wooden planks and reached for the door handle already putting on a fake smile for the kids.
His simulated smile crumbled when he saw his father. Without being invited in, Hades pushed the cracked door open and walked in. Nico mentally cursed to himself for even opening it in the first place.
"Father what are-"
Hades put up one finger to interrupt, "Son, I don't have much time. I came here to give you this." Hades pulled a book out and placed it in Nico's hands. The dust-caked Nico's fingers when he lifted the book, trying to read the title. Before Nico could ask why his father gave him a book because you know, it's every kid's dream to be given a book from a father who has been absent for almost all of your life, Hades continued. "I need you to find all these items in this book for me as a quest."
Nico's stomach plummeted, Another quest? Now? How can this be so early after the war? What could be so important it couldn't wait? "Why is this so important now?" Nico's voice came out harsher than he intended.
"Because whoever poses these items at the same time can cheat death themselves. These three items are in immense danger of going into the wrong hands, hands that could start yet another war and I need you to stop those hands."
"Whose hands are we talking about?"
"I can't go into too many details right now. Chiron will explain more."
Nico's hands wiped off the book, The Beetle and the Bard, he looked at it quizzically, "are these child's tales?" But, when he looked up his father was gone. "Well, so much for a family goodbye." He said half-heartedly to himself.
Nico received a note at the foot of the door to go to Chiron the very next morning. Campers swarmed the dirt path as he nudged his way to the big house. When he made it to the steps Chiron greeted him with a warm smile, "Well Di 'Angelo, I'm glad you came as I can guess you have many questions and I will answer them in time, but first I think you should come in." When Nico entered the rec room the room's aroma slapped him more awake than ever. It hinted of all the snacks that could ever exist in one room and it was humid of all the bodies that it had occupied at once.
Chiron eased himself behind the table crossing his arms," Now let me explain, the items that you will be looking for will not be in our world. But instead somewhere else." He took a small pause then continued, "Now let me start from the beginning, the goddess Hecate, gave magic to a group of people that she felt were the best suited to practice her work. Now, that group of people are known as witches and wizards. This group has expanded so much that they have three schools to teach the young ones. Your mission is to find the items in the wizarding committee and bring them back so Hades could get rid of them once and for all. You will have two other half-bloods to assist you on the mission and I already have them for you" Chiron motioned to the door, "you guys may come in."
Nico swung his head over his shoulder to find two silhouettes walking in. Praying it was Percy or any of the kids from the Hermes cabin Reyna walked in, the Praetor of Rome, and a good friend of Nico's. Then there standing in the door frame was Will Solace. Dam, was it too late to get a Hermes kid?
After the greetings, Chiron continued to explain, "Nico your father told me to tell you that you possess a power that no other son of Hades has possessed for over five hundred years. You have the capability to sense anything that death or any other dark magic has created. I do not know why that is important but Hades told me it will come in handy. Now, down to business." Chiron pulled out a dusty trunk and placed it on the table. "Hades has instructed me that the three items are in one of the three main schools in London, this," he gestured to the trunk, " contains all the books and materials you will need to go to school. Hecate has granted the three of you with the magic ability and the knowledge of your age for this mission."
Nico pushed up from the table preparing himself to ask the question he already knew the answer to. "You say this quest is in London. How will we get there?"
Chiron straightened in his chair, "Flying, I know how you feel about this, the gods are working on convincing Zeus about letting you in his domain for the sake of the mission."
Nico shuffled his feet, "Great. That sounds trustworthy," he mumbled to himself
"What school would we be going to?" Reyna asked this time.
Taking off his reading glasses Nico was able to see the slight sparkle in his eyes when Chiron responded, "You will be going to a school called Hogwarts, and you will be leaving in a day, so I advise you start packing."
