Chapter III

Percy blinked "this guy was a demigod?" Sure he'd met Quintus but this guy was ancient.

"Um it's nice to meet you." Percy managed. He was still beyond angry, but if this old wizard was the principle Percy couldn't afford to get on his watch list (at least not yet anyway).

Dumbledore smiled and sat down on the bed next him.

"It's been a long time since I've embraced my godly side." Dumbledore began thoughtfully. Percy resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"Excuse me sir, but I still don't understand what this place is. Am I in some school for Hecate's children? Can I still practice sword fighting and other training that I know for sure will help me defeat Kronos?" Percy asked getting frustrated.

The wizard nodded thoughtfully, his eyes settling on the book in Percy's lap.

"I don't suppose you've had a chance to take a peek at that book yet, have you?" Dumbledore asked.

"Uh no" Percy said like it was obvious. Dumbledore sighed getting ready for a long speech.

"Well you see long ago in ancient times Hecate's children established their own cult, I suppose you'd say to practice magic aside from other demigods. Eventually as time went on legacies began joining their ranks. Having Hecate's blood automatically brings you magical ability no matter how faint of an amount it is, except for a few inexplicable times such is the case with squibs and muggle-borns. Anyway, over time as Greece fell to Rome and Rome eventually fell to the eastern powers Hecate's legacies as with the rest of the world forgot about the Gods. However, they still practiced magic. Today's magical world is the result of that." Dumbledore informed. Percy rubbed his neck trying to wrap his mind around all this.

"How come the magical world doesn't know about their origins? I mean you're a son of Hecate, and I know several of them at camp. Why don't you tell the rest of your people the truth?" Percy asked. Dumbledore smiled, as if Percy was finally asking the right questions.

"The same mist that veils the mythological world from the eyes of mortals, also hides it from the eyes of witches and wizards. They probably wouldn't be able to handle the information, just as regular mug-mortals wouldn't." The old wizard informed.

"I don't think I can handle this information." Percy said bringing both hands to his head the dizziness starting to overtake him. The headmaster gave Percy a reassuring pat on the knee as he rose to leave.

"I know it's a lot to take in, and I know it all seems rather unfair. However, I think you'll find to like Hogwarts, and the students. In the meantime try reading that book. I'm sure you'll find it an easy and entertaining read." Dumbledore said with a wink.

"Wait Mr..." Percy began.

"You may call me Professor." Dumbledore interrupted.

"Uh right sorry." Percy amended. "Anyway, Hecate told me that all half-bloods have magic and that we just need to be trained. How come they don't train us in the ways of magic at camp?" he asked curiously. Dumbledore nodded his face turning to a frown as he turned away to look out the window.

"The truth is Percy as I'm sure you of all people are already aware is that the Gods are weary of their children. We half-bloods are powerful. We can change the world, and influence society more easily than our parents. They keep our potential a secret, so we can't grow too powerful and eventually overtake them. Look at yourself Percy you nearly killed yourself because you don't realize your strength. If you could use your demigod magic abilities... Well let's just say Kronos's army will have a hard time." he said his eyes glittering.

Percy's face was unreadable. He always knew the Gods actions were questionable, but to hide information as important as this was almost unforgivable. If half-bloods knew about this magic maybe they could fight monsters better, and have longer life spans. It was like the story of Prometheus where the Gods withheld fire from humans so they couldn't grow too powerful. Percy could already imagine the nasty punishments the Gods would inflict upon him if he were to share this information with his friends at camp.

"By the way..." Dumbledore began interrupting Percy's thoughts.

"Your cover story is that you were on vacation with your family, when you were attacked by deatheaters as to how you got here you don't remember. Your family has been contacted and they've decided to let you stay here for the remaining school year." Dumbledore informed.

"What the Hades is a deatheater? I've been to the Underworld and I never encountered monster like that. Is it even possible to eat death?" Percy asked scratching his head totally baffled. The old wizard laughed out loud.

"Ah my dear boy..." Dumbledore said in between chuckles "A deatheater isn't a monster, it is our name for evil wizards you'll learn more about it in that book Hecate gave you." he wheezed.

"Oh right' Percy muttered his face turning red as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well that was a good laugh! I'll be back once you're ready to leave the hospital wing, and help you assimilate to Hogwarts. Good day Mr. Jackson." The headmaster parted with a bow before striding out.

Percy let out a tired sigh. His mind trying to digest this information overload, as he slowly began to accept his predicament. This wasn't a situation where he could fight his way out like he was used to. It sounded as if for once he truly was stuck. He looked towards the bag of drachmas. He desperately wanted to see and talk to a familiar face. Let his friends know that he was alive, find out if Annabeth made it out or if Grover and Tyson were okay.

Percy was about to call them, but he wasn't sure what to say and part him didn't want them to see how weak he was. He turned to the book reluctantly, and flipped through the pages. He was surprised to find it written in Ancient Greek, which made it easier to read even if reading still wasn't Percy's favorite. He could call his friends later, for now he needed rest and to better understand his situation.

"Let's see what these people are really like." he thought to himself as he began to read.