A/N: I know. I know. It's been forever. *cries* There's a special announcement at the end! Please stick around for it!
Iveya Jade's psycho mind 08: I try to fit whatever I can, hahah. I try to have Penny have a bit separate plot. She's not a main character in the plot to obtain the Philosopher's Stone, but eh.
Shannyrox101: Harry's just stubborn like that.
Guest #1: Um... what do you mean by new movie? I've seen all the released Harry Potter and Percy Jackson movies if that's what you're asking...?
gossamermouse101: Thank you!
Guest #2: I'm glad you enjoy this story and Black Falcon! ^^
Guest #3: Nope, sorry, hahah. It's Apollo/Penny in the future. :)
CharitinaX: At your suggestion (and something I've been thinking about), I've change the title, hahah. We can't really have Apollo/Penny TOO much, because Penny is only 11 and Apollo is technically an 18/19-year-old, based on his appearance, but don't worry. It'll develop fairly decently in my opinion.
Yoko Nee-San: Thank you! ^^
Guest #4: HEEERRRREEE IS MOOOORRREEEE.
Nymphadora Jackson: It's been done. :)
ProudCanadianGal101: Thank you! ^^
guest of honor: Thank you!
Faby0411: It's just something he says. It's not related to the plot whatsoever.
"There will be severe consequences going against us, and I don't want to curse you, glakia mou."
"If you're not going home during the holidays, are you going to help Harry and Ron research?" Hermione asked the night before the winter holidays started while we were eating dinner.
"Hm?" I looked up, mouth full of chicken. Hermione's nose wrinkled in distaste and I mumbled out an apology before swallowing my food. "Yeah." I shrugged.
Because getting tickets from New York to London were too expensive, I had decided not to go home during the winter holidays, even though my mom tried to convince me that it was fine. Don't get me wrong, I missed my mother and twin brother, but I didn't want them to spend so much unnecessary money on me when it was just for another two weeks. Damn American economy for getting so expensive lately.
Aristo and Rhea were going back to Camp Half-Blood and had invited me, but I declined the invitation. It was located just a bit outside of New York, and I didn't feel comfortable being so close to Mom and Percy without telling them. The first time I'd go to Camp Half-Blood was when I'd first be there with Percy. No one else.
While I trained with Aristo and Rhea, Harry, Ron, and Hermione locked themselves up in the library, trying to figure out all they could about Nicolas Flamel. If only internet was accessible in Hogwarts. Research on Nicolas Flamel would've been a cinch.
The next day, the holidays started, and I found out that the only Gryffindors that were staying behind were just Harry, Ron, and me. Wow.
"Aw man!" Ron exclaimed, throwing his whole body on the large couch in our common room. "This is the life!"
I rolled my eyes, cuddling on one of the couches with a blanket. I had to agree with Ron. Having the entire girls' dormitory to myself was amazing. We didn't have to take turns taking showers, and I could spend as much time in it as possible.
"I'm going for a walk," I announced, kicking off the blankets.
"Alright," Harry and Ron muttered, now engaging in a game of Wizard's Chess.
I got up from my seat, heading to the portrait hole. The Fat Lady swung open, and I headed down the moving staircases, heading for the entrance of the castle.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Princess of the Seas," a taunting voice rang behind me. I angled my head, recognizing the semi-annoying voice.
"Hey, Peeves," I sighed, seeing the ghost of my cousin float by me. "Can you not call me that?"
"Does the little Princess not like that name?" Peeves insisted, flying above and around me. "Dearest cousin of mine, accept your origins."
"I'm not denying anything," I denied. I really wasn't. "Would you like me to call you the Junior Messenger?"
Peeves began to sputter above me in disbelief, trying to come up with an excuse. I smiled to myself, walking out of the castle and heading to the Black Lake.
I had found the area was the best place to be on the school grounds, though only by myself. I walked straight into the water, finding the water not even close to cold, like it should be for regular people. I had learned, when a Grindylow invited me in, that the temperature of the water did not affect me.
Before I stepped into the water, though, a squawk caught my attention. I turned around just in time to see a bird purchasing itself on a branch.
It was a pure white bird, with dark black eyes that looked straight at me. I furrowed my brows, unable to identify what the bird was. It wasn't a dove, nor a cockatoo.
"You know, staring is pretty rude," a feminine, slightly teasing voice said.
I stumbled back in shock, though, at this point, I still don't know why I was even surprised. I mean, my owl talked to me on a daily basis.
"Uh- um…" I stumbled, not really sure what to say. "... Hi?"
"Hi," the bird chirped. "My name's Katharos."
"I'm Penny," I introduced myself. "Penny Jackson."
The bird let out a guttural sound, which probably would've sounded chilling to most people, but to me, oddly comforting. Since ensued, and it was kind of awkward.
"So, Katharos," I said, looking at the bird. "What kind of bird are you?"
Katharos looked at me strangely. "You can't tell? I'm obviously a raven!"
"But… ravens are black," I frowned, furrowing my eyebrows.
"I thought you Half-Bloods did your research," Katharos looked pointedly at me. Suddenly, this made sense. A raven, a white one at that, was talking to me.
"Is this the story about Apollo?" I inquired. [1]
"So you do know your homework," Katharos spread her wings and adjusted her stance. "You, Penny Jackson, aren't so half-bad."
"Uh… thank you?" I cocked my head to the side, unsure of what to say. I think it was meant to be a compliment.
A lighter, more familiar hoot began to approach, and I angled my head to see Sofia landing on the branch next to Katharos with a fish in her mouth.
She swallowed the rest of the fish before opening her wings and settling herself more comfortably on the branch.
"Good afternoon, my lady!" Sofia chirped happily. She cocked her head to the side at a ninety degree angle, seeing Katharos. "I'm Sofia."
"Katharos," the white raven responded, looking at Sofia.
Sofia was bigger, but only narrowly so. However, Katharos was more leaner-looking, with a skinny frame. In turns of fighting, Katharos would be more like the spear while Sofia the sword.
I pushed my thoughts aside, before diving into the lake. At once, I felt the water mold with my muscles and relax me as I continued to swim, deeper and deeper into the Black Lake.
Making sure my hair was out of my way, I took in a deep breath, taking in the oxygen that I could retrieve from the little water bubbles. It was actually a neat trick – breathing underwater.
Before I could get too deep, a screech from above caught my attention. I resurfaced, and just in case someone was nearby, I kept myself wet. I wiped the water from my face, seeing Sofia circle above me.
"What is it, Sofia?"
"Harry and Ron are on their way here," Sofia reported, floating near my head.
"Oh!" I forgot about the two. I quickly walked to the shore, drying myself off easily. I quickly walked to the castle, just as Ron and Harry came stepping out.
"There you are!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm starving, but Harry here keeps insisting we find you before we go eat!" He looked pointedly at his best friend, who gave me a small smile.
"Well," I rolled my eyes, "at least someone's polite. Thank you, Harry," I said pointedly.
The bespectacled boy smiled and replied, "You're welcome." Now that the redhead was finally able to go grab some food, he all but dragged us to the Great Hall, which was wonderfully decorated and spirited.
"Tomorrow's Christmas," Ron said, digging into a nice, juicy chicken leg. "Wonder what I'm gonna get this year. Probably another sweater from Mum."
"We don't get presents much in my household," I admitted, shrugging my shoulders. "Gabe, my stepfather, isn't very… spirited."
Harry's face soured in understanding and added, "My uncle and aunt spend all their money on gifts for my cousin Dudley."
"That fat turd?" Ron frowned, recalling the stories Harry shared with us. The poor boy was practically abused by his family. Not physically, but it's gotta be quite mentally damaging. I mean, at least I had my mum – I mean, mom – and Percy.
"That's not really nice," I chuckled, before taking a sip of my pumpkin juice. It was more out of obligation than anything. Calling Dudley a "fat turd" was probably one of the nicer insults Ron had.
Ron shrugged casually, not really caring. He looked at me and said, "Don't tell me you're going to start nagging like Hermione."
Uh, hello? My brother was Perseus "Percy" Jackson. My brother was known for his quirky nicknames and snark. I chose to shake my head instead, before I sighed quietly. I missed my brother. I wonder when my mom and brother would get my Christmas present for them.
Speaking of Christmas, three short days later, it was Christmas morning.
I sprung up from my bed, quickly rushing down the steps to see Ron and Harry already downstairs, dressed in their bathrooms and pajamas.
"Merry Christmas," Ron yawned sleepily, but with a happy grin on his face.
"Happy Christmas," Harry grinned at me, looking at me with his large, almond-shaped, his jet-black hair even untidier than usual from sleep.
"Merry Christmas," I echoed, smiling brightly. I looked down at the small pile of wrapped presents. I blinked, seeing two others in front of Harry and Ron. I pointed at the lone pile of three presents. "Are these mine?"
"Yeah," Ron nodded. "C'mon, let's open them!" And he proceeded to tear at the wrapping paper like a child on… wait, he is a child on Christmas morning.
I grinned and plopped myself down before happily reaching for the first present. It was written in ancient Greek, I recognized, as I could read it, and from the Solander twins.
When I pulled off the wrapping paper, I blinked, seeing the thin, wooden box. A number 7 was carved in the center and I vaguely remembered that Apollo's Cabin at Camp Half-Blood was seven.
I opened the box and read the note that was given to me:
Penny –
Merry Christmas. Sorry we aren't there, but something we crafted to bring some music and light into your life.
Your cousins,
Aristo and Rhea
"How do you read that?" Ron asked, looking at the note I held in my hand. I looked down at it. It looked perfectly normal to me, but Ron said, "It just looks like a bunch of weird letters and symbols."
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I dunno," I admitted. "It's just the only thing I can read."
At Harry and Ron's reluctant faces, I felt slightly bad for the fact that I couldn't tell them just what I really was. I couldn't even tell Percy. Not until the time was right, at least.
I placed the note aside before pushing back the white tissue paper. My mouth dropped slightly on its own accord. It was a simple wooden flute, carved gently by hands that I knew belonged to Aristo and Rhea.
Taking it out of its box, I observed it quietly.
"Can you play it?" Harry asked curiously, and I turned my head to look at him. I saw him holding a fifty pence and blinked.
I gave a small smile before admitting, "No. It's just, the twins are really talented in the arts, so… I guess they'll teach me?" I heard a small flickering sound before looking up, the lights flickering softly. I grinned, realizing who it was. "Or someone I know."
Harry and Ron seemed to accept my answers, and I moved on to the next package, which was from Mom and Percy.
I squinted at the words that were on the page, before handing it to Harry, asking him to read it out loud. He took the paper from me before reading, "Dear Penny." He glanced up at me before continuing, "Merry Christmas. It's not much, but here's something from us to keep you warm in the winter. Remember to write back when you can and Percy says to share what you've learned when you come back. Love, Mom and Percy."
Reaching inside the box, I felt a light fabric, before pulling it out. I couldn't help but let a smile grow on my face as I pulled out the warm, fluffy blanket that my mother undoubtedly knitted. Judging from the words on the blanket, though, I was pretty sure it was Percy who wrote it, because my name was knitted in Ancient Greek.
I brought the fabric to my chest, and inhaled sharply, taking in the warm, homey feeling that my mother always gave off, along with the light smells of candy. I spotted something at the bottom of the box, and pulled out a large bag of candy.
I grinned, spotting the Reese's and Hershey's, some of my favorite chocolates, along with some licorice, Starbursts, and Skittles.
"What are those?" Ron asked curiously, looking at the candies.
"It's candy," Harry explained as I handed Ron a stick of candy.
"Why do stars burst?" Ron looked at the stick of Starbursts I had given him. "That's really weird."
"And chocolate frogs aren't?" I inquired, cocking my head to the side.
Ron looked at me confused. "Why wouldn't you have chocolate frogs?"
Harry and I exchanged looks quietly as Ron opened the Starbursts. We shook our heads, just agreeing to keep quiet and go with the redhead.
"Wow!" Ron exclaimed. "It tastes like… like… some weird strawberry."
"That's because pink Starbursts are artificial strawberry-flavored," Harry pointed to the pink wrapper that Ron was holding.
"Artificial?" Ron questioned, looking at the wrapper. "Explains why it's so weird. Why don't they just use the real fruit instead of the fake one? What are fake strawberries, anyway?"
I shrugged, not too sure myself. "Dunno. But it tastes good."
Harry went to open his next present, one from his aunt and uncle. He pulled out a coin that I recognized was a fifty-pence piece. The young boy rolled his eyes before he muttered sarcastically, "That's friendly."
Ron looked at the money with fascination, which Harry handed over wordlessly. The redhead took the coin and held it up. "Weird! This is money?!"
"You can keep it," Harry laughed at how amused our friend was. He looked down at his presents and listed, "Hagrid and my aunt and uncle – so who sent these?" He gestured to the two other parcels.
"I think I know who that one's from," Ron commented, his face turning slightly pink as he gestured to the lumpy package Harry and I held. "My mom. I told her you didn't expect any presents and –" He abruptly stop, his face turning almost as red as his hair. "Oh, no. She's made you two a Weasley sweater."
Harry tore open the package and pulled out a thick, emerald sweater and a box of fudge. I did the same, and it revealed a lovely sea-green sweater with a box of fudge, as well.
"Every year, she makes us a sweater," Ron informed us. He pulled out an equally-thick sweater, but in a different color. His face scrunched up and he said, "And mine's always maroon."
"That's really nice of her," Harry said, tasting the fudge. "This is pretty good." He handed me a package, and I looked at it curiously.
Glancing down, I saw it was from Hermione. I felt bad that I didn't get her anything for Christmas. The only things I sent off were my mother, Percy, and the twins. I was debated whether I should give something to Apollo, but what do you get a God? He could have anything he could ever want.
I unwrapped the package to see a large box of assorted Sugar Quills and Straws, and shrugged, taking a Sugar Straw and biting it happily, enjoying the way the sugar and chocolate fell into my mouth.
I chewed on it as Harry unwrapped it. I watched as something flowed out, glittering a soft grey before sinking onto the floor at Harry's feet.
Ron let out a sharp gasp, a… fifth(?) Starburst falling out of his mouth, leaving a trail of saliva. … Ew.
"I've heard of those," Ron whispered in fascination. "If that's what I think it is… They're really rare, and really valuable?"
"What is it?" Harry asked, bending down and picking up the cloth. It flowed like water in his hands, but I knew it was completely unrelated, because I'd feel something if it was water.
"It's an invisibility cloak," Ron's face was of pure awe. "I'm sure it is. Try it on."
Harry shrugged and threw the cloak over him, and I gaped, eyes growing wide as Ron yelped in surprise. "It is!" Ron cried. "look down!"
Harry was all but a floating head, and if I didn't know he had the cloak on, I would have probably passed out. Ghosts, wizards, witches, Gods? I can handle. A floating head? Just… just no.
The bespectacled boy darted to a mirror and I followed his body while Ron searched through the parcel the cloak was in. I watched as Harry threw the cloak over his head, and he disappeared completely.
… Magic was cool.
"There's a note!" Ron cried, making the other boy suddenly take off the cloak. He ran over to Ron and took the note, dropping the cloak into my hands.
Whoa. It was really smooth. I threw it over my arm, and was amazed at how my arm was completely gone.
I glanced up from my admiring to see Harry with a sour, semi-confused look on his face. I handed the cloak to Ron, who was practically vibrating from where he was standing.
I placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and the boy turned to me, looking at me with semi-sad green eyes. "Something wrong?" I asked, not wanting to push too much.
"Nothing," Harry shook his head.
I opened my mouth to comment on his fib, but rapid footsteps interrupted me. I glanced up to see Fred and George storming down the stairs eagerly.
Harry took the cloak from Ron quickly, and stuffed it behind the couch quickly.
"Merry Christmas!"
"Hey, look, Harry's got a Weasley sweater, too!"
I blinked to see Fred and George wearing similar blue ones, but one had a yellow F while the other a G.
"Harry's is better than ours, though," Fred complained, looking at Harry's sweater. "She obviously makes more of an effort if you're not family."
George turned to his younger brother and asked, "Why aren't you wearing yours, Ron? Come on, get it on, they're lovely and warm."
"I hate maroon," Ron complained, but put it on, nonetheless.
"I'm going to put my presents away," Harry announced, gathering the wrapping paper and subtly taking the cloak in his arms.
I bit my lip before gathering my own presents. "Same," I announced, before bounding upstairs with my arms (and mouth because of my second Sugar Straw) full.
I pushed open the door to my dormitory open and walked over to my bed. I placed my presents down on my bed before reaching up to take the straw out of my mouth, as I was drooling. Whirling around, a strange, strangled cry escaped my lips as my heart pounded furiously in my chest as adrenaline filled my veins.
"Oh Gods!" I cried, my free hand falling to my chest, over my heart. "What are you even doing here? This is the Girls' Dormitory! Wait, how'd you even get in?!"
Apollo, who was sitting at my desk casually, with one leg crossed over the other, arms crossed, smirked, amusement filling his too-handsome face. "Really, Penny, I'm sure you know the answer to that."
I frowned deeply. Stupid God.
Apollo made a tsking sound before he scolded teasingly, "Ah, ah, little one. I'd watch what you even think around a God." He stood up, towering over me by easily almost two feet, as I was only four-eight while he was probably six-five or so. I stood right under where his sternum probably ended.
He bent down so he stood just slightly above me, and I blushed at the proximity. "You're lucky I'm so forgiving, though."
"Really?" I blurted out without even thinking. "The stories of your curses say different."
This caused the God to stiffen slightly, before quickly relaxing. "Oh, yeah? Like which ones?"
"Uh… I'd rather not offend you," I muttered. "I don't want you getting mad at me."
Apollo threw his head back and laughed, the musical sound echoing off the walls melodically, and I closed my eyes, taking in the beautiful sound. When it stopped, I slowly opened my eyes, and the blond man looked down at me with his beautiful, sky-colored eyes.
He placed a finger under my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "Penny," he said, "trust me and believe me when I say that you won't ever make me mad enough to curse you for eternity."
I nodded quietly, taking in the God's words. "Well, there's Midas… and… you've even cursed your own son before."
"Midas was because he was absurd for even thinking Pan was better than me, the God of Music, at music," Apollo rolled his sky blue eyes. He sat down on the top of my desk and continued, "Halcyon… well, it's because he went against Fate." He looked down at me sternly and stated, "And you never go against Fate, Penny. Here's a word of advice: If a God tells you something, do not disobey them. Do you understand? There will be severe consequences going against us, and I don't want to curse you, glakia mou." [2]
I blushed at the term of endearment but nodded, heeding his words. Don't piss off the Gods. That should be easy enough, right?
"Actually, we're quite petty beings," Apollo said casually, crossing his ankles, holding up a single digit. "My father, Zeus, is one of the most prominent ones." Thunder boomed in the distance and Apollo called out, "Sorry! But Dionysus chased this off-limits wood nymph twice, so Zeus punished him so he has to watch over Camp Half-Blood for a hundred years and can't drink any wine or grow grapevines."
"But… he's the God of Wine," I pointed out, furrowing my brows in confusion.
Apollo smiled and walked over to me, tapping the tip of my nose teasingly. "Exactly, glakia mou. Anyway, enough of your Greek lesson, that's my children's job. Why don't you open your window?"
I looked at the Sun God curiously, but did as he said. I unlatched the window, and immediately, my instincts told me to duck.
So I did.
I dropped to the ground just as something soared into the room. I instinctively pulled out my wand, only to see it circle the room once before landing on Apollo's outstretched arm.
"… Katharos," I recognized the white raven.
"Don't blast me," Katharos said teasingly, looking at me with her dark eyes. "We're not fond of being blasted at."
"That one damned right deserved it," Apollo muttered darkly, before quickly throwing me a bright smile. "Hold out your arm, Penny."
I blinked, but stretched out my wand-wielding arm. Immediately, Katharos spread open her foot-long wingspan and flew over to my arm. She leaned down, pecking at my hand affectionately, and my free hand reached up to stroke her small head.
"Merry Christmas, Penny," Apollo said, the corner of his lips rising as he watched me interact with the animal.
"Wh – What?" I paused in stroking Katharos's head.
"Merry Christmas," Apollo repeated patiently. "She's your gift."
"Y – You're giving me a white raven?"
"Unless Katharos is something else," Apollo smiled gently. He walked over to me and placed a large hand on my head. "She'll watch over you when I can't."
"Why me? Why not Rhea or Aristo?"
Apollo gave me an unreadable smile before telling me, "You'll find out in time. But for now, why don't you enjoy the rest of Christmas. Close your eyes, glakia mou."
I did as he ordered and felt a warm light wash over me as the room around me brightened. When the warmth disappeared, and opened my eyelids. The room was completely empty, void of any life except for Katharos and me… and the window was still open and snow was getting inside.
The rest of Christmas passed by uneventfully. The great thing, was what Harry informed Ron and I of.
"You could have woken me up," Ron pouted, crossing his arms as we sat at the breakfast table.
"You can come tonight," Harry suggested. "I'm going back. I want to show you the mirror." He looked at me and edited, "Both of you. I want you guys to meet my mom and dad."
"I'd like that," I smiled softly. Maybe I'd be able to meet my father, too.
"And I want to see all your family," Harry said eagerly. "All the Weasleys," he turned to Ron. "You'll be able to show me your other brothers and everyone." He turned to me and added, "I'd love to meet your brother, too."
"You can see them any old time," Ron waved off. "Just come to my house this summer. Anyway, maybe it only shows dead people. Shame about not finding Flamel, though. Have some bacon or something, why aren't you eating anything?"
Harry developed this constipated look over his skinny face and I waved a hand over his face while Ron spoke.
"Are you all right? You look odd."
Harry then shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He turned to me and asked, "So what's the bird about?" He pointed at Katharos, who was standing in the middle of the table between Ron and I, munching on some bird seeds.
"She's a Christmas present," I smiled softly.
"What kind of bird is she?" Ron bent down to take a good look at Katharos. She maturely ignored him and continued to eat. "I've never seen anything like her."
"A raven," I explained. "A white one."
"An albino?" Harry suggested.
I gave him a soft smile and responded, "You could say that."
I shivered at how cold the empty hallway was. Even squeezed in-between Harry and Ron underneath this small cloak, I was freezing.
"I'm freezing," Ron voiced. "Let's forget it and go back."
"No!" Harry whispered harshly. "I know it's here somewhere."
"We've been walking around for about an hour, Harry," I groaned quietly. "I swear to the Heavens if we don't find it in the next half hour, I'm walking back, cloak or no cloak."
"There it is!" Harry pointed out, before pushing open a door near a suit of armor. Harry quickly threw the cloak back once we were inside the empty room and ran towards a large mirror.
I glanced at the mirror he stood before, trying to read the message that was engraved in the mirror above, but the words just floated around, making me see: I show not your face but your hearts desire. I blinked. Did I just read that correctly?
"What the heck is Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi?" Ron asked me choppily, eyes squinting as he read the message.
I pursed my lips, debating if I should tell him what I saw. If what I read was correct, then this was a mirror that reflected your heart's greatest desire. And Harry's? Harry's was seeing his parents.
Harry turned to us and grinned brightly at us, and my heart clenched in sympathy. "See?!"
Ron squinted and said, "I can't see anything."
"Look in it properly," Harry advised, stepping aside. "Go on, stand where I am."
Ron walked over to the mirror, standing before it. He then straightened up and exclaimed, "Look at me!"
"Can you see all your family standing around you?" Harry bounced on the balls of his feet, giddy with excitement.
"No," Ron shook his head. "I'm alone, but I'm different. I look older! And I'm Head Boy! … And, bloody hell, I'm holding the House Cup and the Quidditch cup. Blimey, I'm Quidditch captain, too!" He tore his eyes away from the mirror and looked at Harry and I. "Do you think this mirror shows the future?"
"How can it?" Harry inquired. "All my family are dead. Penny," he said, turning to look at me. "You have a look."
Ron stepped aside for me, and I cautiously walked forward. I stepped over to the mirror slowly. I stopped when I was right before it, and glanced up.
My own sea-green eyes stared back at me, but the face was more mature, with less baby fat and a more heart-shaped face. My hair flowed over my shoulders in dark waves, falling over my decently-sized chest and thin, but toned frame.
Arms suddenly circled around my mirrored, older image, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. I followed her gaze up to see Apollo, looking exactly like he did right now. The Apollo in the reflection smiled at me before movement caught my eyes, and I glanced down, before they widened in shock.
My stomach had somehow expanded in the time Apollo had arrived, and it was now swollen with a large bump… like… like I was pregnant.
Another movement caught my eyes and I saw a female step out from the side. She looked no older than twelve or thirteen, but her eyes held centuries of knowledge. With her flowing auburn hair and her eyes as silvery like the moon, with a bow around her, I recognized who she was: Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt and the Wilderness, Chastity and Maidenhood, and the Moon.
More movement caught my eye and three figures stepped out.
Identical sea-green eyes just like mine sparkled back at me as a handsome, young man beamed at me, his dark locks falling over his eyes. Percy.
My mother, looking as patient and beautiful as ever, smiled back at me proudly.
I then looked at the large, tall figure behind her, and my eyes met similar sea-green eyes as me. He beamed at me, his eyes crinkling while his white teeth shown behind his neatly trimmed dark beard. Seeing the trident in his right hand, I recognized him immediately as well: Poseidon, God of the Sea, Storms, Earthquakes, and Horses, King of Atlantis, The Earthshaker, The Stormbringer, and my biological father.
It was interesting to see how my image in the mirror was so calm amongst three of the twelve Gods that sat upon thrones in Olympus. And one of them was a member of the Big Three.
But I looked so… at peace. Apollo's mirrored hand rubbed over my reflection's swollen stomach, and I saw him look down at my reflection before bending down, resting his forehead against my own.
"-ny! Penny!" I heard a voice call before a hand snapped in front of me. I snapped out of my daze and turned quickly, seeing Harry and Ron looking at me slightly worried. "We've been calling you for five minutes, Penny," the redhead spoke. "What'd you see?"
I glanced back at the mirror, to see the older me walking away, hand-in-hand with Apollo while the others surrounded them. The older me turned around, her flowing hair falling over her back, before smiling at me.
"I… I don't even know myself," I sighed, not able to comprehend what was going on. I reached up, rubbing my temple. Was my heart's desire to be with Apollo? No, it can't be. I don't even know what I want for my birthday next year. There must've been some mistake. My demigod powers probably did something to the mirror.
Harry opened his mouth to say something, but then there was a sudden noise.
"Quick!" Ron exclaimed, throwing the cloak over us just as Mrs. Norris crept in. I held my breath, along with Ron and Harry, for Zeus-knows-how-long until Mrs. Norris turned around, and left.
"This isn't safe. She might have gone for Filch. I bed she head us. Come on," Ron whispered, before we made our way back to the dormitories.
When I got back to my room, I noticed that Katharos was back. She had left some time after dinner, and I let her do whatever she pleased. Her dark eyes looked at me as I entered the dorm, closing the door behind me.
"Did you see the Mirror of Erised?" she asked me.
"The Mirror of Erised?" I repeated.
Katharos nodded, spreading her wings as she adjusted herself on the perch Apollo had left behind for her. "It is a mirror both Eros and Psykhe had blessed."
"Why did they do that?"
"Because Psykhe liked the idea of it and if you ever want to convince Eros to do something, then you get Psykhe on your side. He's a bit on the rough side, but he could never say no to Psykhe."
"So, even with me being a half-blood, it'll still work?"
"Of course."
[1] Apollo was once in love with a mortal woman named Coronis. She was pregnant with his child, so Apollo sent a pure-white raven (or crow in some stories) to look after her. Apollo later found out that Coronis had betrayed him with a man named Ischys and sent Artemis (or him in some stories) to kill her. Angry at the raven for not gouging the man Ischys's eyes out, Apollo cursed the bird so badly the ashes made the raven's body stain black. However, he soon regretted it, and saved his unborn child, and sent him to Chiron to raise. The child would later grow to be Asclepius, the God of Medicine and Healing, and that is why ravens (or crows) are black.
[2] Glakia mou, written in Greek as γλυκιά μου translates to "my sweet" and can be use as "sweetheart." If anyone can speak Greek, please confirm! I've just had to Google and triple check in forums/websites!
I WILL BE DOING A GIVEAWAY FOR YOU LOVELY READERS OF THIS SERIES. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK I HAVE POSTED ON MY PROFILE BEFORE YOU REVIEW, BECAUSE IT REQUIRES FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE VIA A REVIEW.
Assuming you have read the rules now, here are the questions you have to answer:
What House is Penny in and how old is she?
Answer For A Bonus Entry: What House are the Solander Twins in?
May the odds be ever in your favor! Happy participating!
A/N: Drop a review and participate in the giveaway! :)
