Hey everyone,
Okay, so it took me a while and a few check-ups with how my stories are going, but I do listen to the stats that you bring to my account and the fact that A Divine Hogwarts – while not my favorite – is the one to have gotten the most visitors for some time now has not escaped me, I just wanted to invest in other fandoms first.
So never let it be said that I don't listen to my readers as I have a very interesting challenge here that will change one important cannon event in the start of Fourth and will make quite the brilliant HP-PJ challenge from just after that event. However, more information than that you will be able to find in the story itself.
Have fun,
Venquine1990
Challenge #34
The Olympic Trio
Harry's POV
This Tournament is turning worse and worse with each and every passing day. While all of Gryffindor had been disappointed that Cedric had been picked over Angelina, had I kind of expected them to be happy to at least have one of their Lions to also compete – I couldn't have been more wrong as everyone hates me.
Now no one in Gryffindor talks to me, all of them believing I wanted Angelina's pride and that I used Dark Arts to make the Goblet of Fire pick me over her, regardless of the fact that it had first picked Cedric and that I had shown the same amount of shock and disbelief when my name was called as the rest of them.
No, because I have a stupid fame and title attached to my name and because no one in Hogwarts has learned anything from their mistakes in both my first and my second, am I now a pariah – or I would have been, had it really been everyone in Gryffindor that had turned their backs on me. Yet Hermione and Ron had stuck with me.
The twins had not been happy with their brother picking their friend over Fred's crush, yet Ron had only gotten furious with them and snapped: "Your lovelife is not my business and neither are my friends your business. Come talk to me when you know what the word loyalty means." Before storming off.
The two redheads had definitely been shocked to hear their younger brother talk back to them like that, yet it had not faced them or made them realize that they were making the same mistake as three years before when they made my Quidditch practice hell because I, in one go, lost more points than they ever had been able to.
Yet, the two hypocrites as I have started calling the two of them aren't the reason I feel that this tournament is going down the drain. It's the fact that, in the middle of my most hated class, Potions, I got a call from the Headmaster because there was supposed to be something called the Weighing of the Wands Ceremony.
The fact that this so-called ceremony is taking place exactly when I have the one class that I get mocked in on a daily basis makes me wonder if Lady Fate herself hates me, yet while both Professor Snape and Collin who had come to fetch me had protested against it, had Hermione and Ron packed up with me and left.
Snape had threatened with everything under the sun from point loss to suspension, yet the two had just ignored him until they reached the doorway, where Ron had turned around and said: "If you want to suspend people, Professor, maybe you should start suspending those that bring shame to what their House stands for.
Cause loyalty, chivalry and courage in numbers – yeah, against fourteen year olds who are going against people three years their senior, Gryffindor really stands out that way. At least I know the true definition of those words and to me, that is the only thing important. To see my friend and year mate survive this crazy crap."
And while Snape had been shocked to hear that I had become a pariah in my own House – and while I have no doubt that Malfoy took great glee in discovering about this – had Ron slammed the door on a dead silent Potions classroom before glaring Collin into running away from us in fright, Hermione not even scolding him for this.
And the reason why the girl who has always believed in equal treatment doesn't scold her best friend for scaring someone younger than him isn't just out of pride for his earlier words, but because both of them have been catching Collin whenever the boy tried taking humiliating pictures of me just to spite me for my illegal actions.
Neither of my friends have taken lightly to that, yet when Collin had fled, had I asked: "So – where is this ceremony?" And the two had felt stumped and stupid, yet I had a bit of help that, overtime, Hermione had come to accept and this had helped me by retrieving the Marauders Map for me from my now heavily warded trunk.
I had actually written Sirius about the pariah status, feeling that the ex-convict would not just know how I felt, but would also have some tips and the man had come through, actually sending me a book on safety precautions for one's self and one's possessions and Ron, Hermione and I have since been reading and using said book.
I had opened the Map after making sure we were far enough away from the classroom to not be overheard and I had found both Cedric as well as the other two Champions in the Teachers' Lounge, Ron muttering furiously as it meant that I had been summoned last and probably long after the others had intended to start.
At this I had shaken my head at him and said: "They're just trying to make me look stupid and childish, Ron, they're just trying to portray the things about themselves that they don't like onto me so they don't have to feel guilty about being like that." Yet Hermione had not taken kindly to this apathy I showed and said:
"Well, let's prove them wrong." Before going to stand on my right and just behind me, using her wand to make my school robes be changed into the Dress robes Mrs. Weasley bought for me during summer before doing the same for Ron, only to quickly cast a whole range of cutting and color changing spells to make the robes look better.
Ron had been embarrassed to be seen in the overly frilly looking garment, yet after five minutes of Hermione's brilliant spellwork had he looked good enough to represent his family and House at something like the Wizengamot. After this she had actually changed her own robes into a gorgeous dress before saying:
"Lead the way." And while Ron and I had shared a shocked look at how many rules Hermione had actually broken just to make sure we could have a bit of revenge against these stupid naysayers and whatnot, am I also grateful for one other book Sirius had sent me over the summer and that I have been reading ever since.
Ron had then taken his own place slightly behind me on my left and while part of me wonders how we will look to others who pass us, do I feel confidence growing within me as I feel the presences of power that come from my two friends behind me, their determination and personal strength making me feel exactly what I am.
The last heir to the Potter Line, the chosen Heir of the Black family – chosen by Sirius on my birthday – and the boy who became the Youngest Seeker in a Century, who with help of his friends got through challenges set up by several teachers, who had slain a Basilisk and who had mastered the Patronus charm at age thirteen.
"And being the Fourth Champion in a Tournament meant for three teenagers that are supposed to be seventeen or older – meh, not interested." Goes through my mind just before we reach the Teacher's Lounge, do I glance at the map one last time, confused over how a part of the Lounge looks blurry, yet ignoring it for now.
I then look up, using my wand to blank out the Map, which I know the twins have been trying to steal back from me, which is one of the reasons I warded my trunk like I have, before taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, hearing Ron and Hermione do the same behind me, before putting up a determined front and opening the doors.
Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster Karkaroff, Headmistress Maxime, Mr. Olivander, Cedric, Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum and two people I have never met before all look at me as my friends and I enter the room and instantly Dumbledore asks: "Mr. Potter, care to tell us why are your friends not back in class?"
To which I look at Hermione, not willing to speak with the man who is, in my eyes, purposely blind to students bullying each other and turning fellow students into a pariah and the girl says: "We are here because we are the only ones in this entire school that want Harry to survive instead of focusing on this so-called eternal glory."
And while I easily notice that Olivander looks worried, that the other headmasters look shocked and that Cedric looks confused – proving he really didn't believe me when I told him I hadn't put my name in the cup – do I also notice that the corner that looked blurry on the map also looks a little strange from where I stand.
"Oooooooooh, how exciting. Students of the same school going against each other for –." The strange blonde woman with really fake glasses tries to say, yet then Ron whispers to me: "Skeeter." And instantly I am double glad for the book Sirius send me over summer as I draw myself up to my full height and say:
"Lady Skeeter, in name of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House, I must ask you to keep your personal opinion out of this ceremony as this is merely about our wands and what we hope to accomplish in the upcoming tasks. We are not here for small talk, we are here for what, in my opinion, is nothing but a dead trap.
So, in name of my House and all that it has control over, such as shares in certain companies, how about we all agree to keep our personal opinions out of all this, keep to the verdict of Lord Olivander and the actions decided by me and the True Champions in regards for what is to come. Does that sound acceptable to you?"
And while the woman had whitened when I had suddenly spoken like a true Lord, something I'm sure others believe I cannot be until I turn seventeen, but which I know is possible due to several clauses written by my family in regards to their family, had she almost turned into a ghost on the spot when I mentioned my shares.
And yes, I know darn well that I hold a majority of shares in both the Daily Prophet as well as several other companies and, thanks for a few well-written letters which I have been sharing with the Goblins, do I now also have the bond of friendship which my family shared with those of Gringotts reinstated and revitalized.
The Goblins had been sending me extra books on how to behave where and what titles one deserves in what occasion as well as several other things that were important to high society and while I had sworn that this would never make me break my friendship with either of my friends, am I still grateful for the lessons I learned.
And then, before Olivander can recuperate from being called a Lord – which I am sure is a rare occurrence in and of itself – does something happen that would have made me draw my wand, had it not been for the warm tone of voice and the sudden sensation of being surrounded by the clouds in the air that overwhelms me.
"A True Leader is what you are. I am truly proud to call you mine." A strong voice, which has a tone hidden under his warm timbre that warns of power and strength, says and instantly my eyes and those of everyone else are drawn to the corner that I noticed had looked blurry on the map and kind of strange when I entered.
The strangeness had been that the whole wall, the two portraits behind it and the window next to the portrait had looked off, as if there was something there that was hidden by some strange kind of magic that made you feel as if you were looking through a cloud of mist or perhaps at someone hidden under an Invisibility Cloak.
Yet instead of it being either of the two, am I shocked to see that it is actually a combination of both as what looks like an almost transparent mist bank falls off of three powerful and – dare I say it – almost ancient looking men, who look old and strong in their eyes and facial expressions, yet have youthful looks all over them.
The middle of the three, who has long black hair that drapes over his shoulders like a curtain and who has a beard that is as long as Hagrid's only much less wild and messy and is instead curled down to reach his chest, is the one who draws my attention the most, yet I also notice how both my friends are drawn to the other two each.
Hermione seems most drawn to the dark and dangerous looking man, who's entire aura screams a form of deadly, dangerous power that makes me both think of Voldemort, yet stronger, as well as the Dementors, or at least the effects they have on me, regardless of what they make me remember each time they approach me.
Ron, on the other hand, seems more drawn to the man on the other side of the one I can't help but feel comfortable with, the one who has long brown hair that, in the right light, could actually be mistaken for a very soft shade of red and who has the friendliest of green colored eyes, yet behind this friendliness – lies incredible power.
"Nope, these three are not to be messed with." Goes through my mind before I notice how Dumbledore suddenly grows determined over something, yet before the man can do anything, do I feel Hermione nudging me, me giving her a small, silent nod before I approach the three with my friends besides me.
Dumbledore looks shocked to see me act on my own accord and while I wonder why as I have been basically doing so since coming here, do I ignore the man for now as I move over to stand in front of the man in the middle, Ron standing opposite the green-eyed man and Hermione in front of the man who emits the dark sense of power.
As one the three of us bow before the three of them and I say: "In name of the one who's sword I drew from Hogwarts' Sorting Hat in my greatest time of dire need, I welcome our honored guests to this ceremony and hope they will excuse me for asking what it is that has brought them to us at this most unexpected of times."
And while I can almost sense Dumbledore tensing up with an anger I just cannot understand, do I also sense the three men before me smiling at us all and the one in the middle says: "We gratefully accept this humble welcoming and would like to state that neither of the three of you young ones should ever feel the need to bow before us."
This both confuses me and makes me feel a little more safe as something about the man on the right, probably his fearsome sense of power, makes me worried for the school I have once sworn to protect and then the man on the left says: "We have come here, because we felt that more beings should honor your companion's words.
Rest assured that, once this ceremony is over, we will scour Hogwarts and we will gather you all those that, through us and who we are, will swear loyalty if not fealty to you and your survival in what you – so aptly, I might add – called a trap leading to my brother." And just that last part of the sentence explains it all.
My friends and I stand up from our bow, yet each of us have wide eyes and the man on the right, his voice soft and rich with power, speaks and says: "Yes children, I am who you think. Yet no, I have no intention of leading this young, resilient teen into my domain. And why should I, if doing so will only bring upon my brother's ire?"
And while I can both hear the wheels turning in the heads of my friends as well as feel them turning in my own, the conclusion all of us draw sounding both absurd – and yet strangely comforting – do I turn back to the man in the middle as he smiles and says: "You will do great, Harrison. And why shouldn't you – you are my child, after all."
And while this makes gasps go through all those behind me bar my friends, does who I can only presume is the Lord of the Skies turn to my two friends as he smiles and says: "And with the ever-expanding intelligence of the Daughter of Poseidon and the undying loyalty of the Son of Hades – how can you possibly fail?"
And while this makes me feel as if everything has just fallen into place, including the way that my friends had been drawn to two of the three brothers, do I also feel as if – for the first time since this one way ticket to Hades has begun – things are finally looking up, making a feeling of pride and power float within me.
Yet then something happens that, even with all the shocks and revelations I have faced in the last ten minutes I would have never seen coming as father turns to the other Champions and asks: "The question is, can the Son of Mine, the Son of Hades and the Daughter of Poseidon count on the help – of the Daughter of Aphrodite?"
And without even having to guess who the man means, does every single eye in the room turn to the young blonde haired woman who stands with Madame Maxime and the other Champions, her own soft blue eyes wide, while I feel curious as to how she will respond to this sudden change in how the competition will turn out.
"Now hold on just a minute. Hogwarts –." Madame Maxime then tries to intervene, yet suddenly she stops as a whole array of gems rise up from around her feet, causing her to shriek before they sink back into the floor as the soft, deadly tone of Hades sounds from behind me as he says: "Hogwarts, truly a hidden gem."
And while the little snipe makes me want to laugh, do I allow no more than a soft snort to pass through me before father speaks and says: "Harrison is no Hogwarts Champion. He was brought in against his will and it is his Demigod powers that made the Goblet accept his participation. Therefore he will represent Camp Half Blood.
And rest assured that several of those at this Camp are already on their way here. And before you even try –." Father then snarls at Headmaster Karkaroff who had wanted to open his mouth before he goes on: "This is not the first time that magical protections around that ancient cup have failed, nor the first time an extra school joined in.
Harrison is, from the moment the Goblet spit out his name, a Demigod first and a Wizard second. Therefore he will be representing a place that actually knows what true loyalty to each other means and he will experience that which even Hogwarts never helped him achieve – to be someone other than a scar."
And while his words leave the entire hall quiet, Skeeter actually being the only making a sound as she frantically scribbles away at a small roll of parchment, can I not help but feel as if the jibe against my fame was aimed more at Dumbledore than any other, yet at the same time do I feel confusion and strength filling me equally.
Confusion over what it will mean for me to become a Demigod and what powers I could have inherited of the man I have definitely recognized as my Divine Parent. As well as strength as I just know that, with a Daughter of the Oceans and a Son of the Dead, Hogwarts is in for a much rougher ride – than just this silly tournament.
And that is that,
I know, a little short, but I might just turn this one into a story later and if I do, the chapter will include the rest of the Ceremony – with the Gods throwing all kinds of trouble into the plans of both Dumbledore as well as Skeeter, not that Harry won't start giving whoever wants to hurt him a whole lot of hell himself.
Now, there are two reasons I stopped this challenge here. 1, I still want to put as much work as possible in all my other stories and if I had continued with the chapter it would have become as endless as the Mother's Unite chapter of Rituals and Reading. Not that I am not proud of that one, I am just saying.
2, the challenge requires for there to be other Demigods at Hogwarts and other than a few very cliché ones – Neville son of Demeter, Seamus, son of Hephaestus, etc. etc. – and the shocking, yet slightly clichéd Demigod I created here at the end – I came up completely blank and didn't feel like going too cliché.
Anyway, rules:
Okay so this one REALLY twists a popular concept, but I think it could work;
DZ2's 'The Olympic Trio' A Harry Potter/PJO Crossover Challenge
Plot:Zeus, Poseidon and Hades: the Big Three of the God world. Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger: the Golden Trio and Big Three of the magical world: coincidence, I think NOT!
Rules:Grey or Dark Golden Trio
Either member of the Trio can be a son/daughter of either member of the Big Three as long as it's one per God e.g. Harry is Zeus' son, Hermione is Poseidon's and Ron is Hades etc.
Pairings must be some form of Trioshipping - Harry/Hermione, Harry/Ron, Ron/Hermione or Harry/Ron/Hermione pairing
United by their legacies, the Trio seek to make a new Olympus on earth
Both Tom and Dumbledore MUST be enemies of the Trio
Sirius must be freed
The story MUST start at any time following the Triwizard Tournament or WITH Harry's name coming out
Other demigods must be at Hogwarts
Some members of the PJO/Heroes of Olympus world must be wizards
Guidelines:Dark-Lord-Trio
The child of Zeus steals/keeps/acquires the Master Bolt's power for themselves
The child of Poseidon forges a new trident/weapon or steals/keeps/acquires Poseidon's
The child of Hades gains command over the Deathly Hallows
A second prophecy foretells the rising of the Hogwarts Big Three
If Dark Trio, then Kronos and the Titans become allies of the Trio
Slash
Certain members of the Order/Death Eaters/Ministry side with our heroes
Forbidden:Light Trio
Dumbledore-allied-trio
Voldemort-allied-trio
Twice-Blessed-Trio
Ron Bashing
Other than that, it's up to you...