Disclaimer: All characters, settings, or other story components take from the Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus, or Trials of Apollo series belong to J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan, respectively. I do not own any of the aforementioned. I do not intend to use this story commercially.

A/N: Hello! I apologize for posting this so late in the day. This chapter contains characters from the Heroes of Olympus and mentions of things from the Half-Blood Prince. I do not think it has any major spoilers. I'm going to try to get the next chapter out by next weekend, 3 and 4 June. On that note, summer break is quickly approaching! I'm not sure if I'll keep posting every weekend this summer or if that will change. I'll keep posting, but it might end up being whenever I'm able. (Just as a heads-up!) Please read and please review!

I pad through the woods. My head throbs with every step I take. With the sun truly set, the woods are exponentially more sinister. Despite having spent entire days in the woods back in the USSR as a child, I've definitely headed off course. I might even be walking in circles.

"Homenum Revelio," I whisper with a sigh. After a slight pause, five spectral figures sweep delicately over me, coming from my left. Casting another half-hearted healing spell on my injured leg, I turn and trudge in the direction the figures came from.

After ages more of walking, I'm exhausted and even more lost than when I began. Every tracking or detection charm I've cast has been fruitless. If I didn't know better, I'd say my magic has been getting weaker the farther into the woods I've walked.

With a sigh, I began casting tracking and Point-Me spells almost at random. Nothing helps. Reaching the bottom of my list of Thing to Try When Lost in a Surreal Greek Mythology Forest, I turn and place a hand on the nearest tree.

Hello, um, Miss Dryad, I think. I'm sorry to disturb you. I am looking for about five teenagers my age. They're lost. Have you seen them?

"You don't have to think so damn loudly!"

I almost jump out of my skin. Behind me stands a girl who looks to be about my age, except she has green skin and leaves for hair. She also looks quite irritated.

"I haven't seen any humans tonight, 'cept you. But according to Gingko, there's a group of mortal kids wandering around. Hold on …" She tilts her head, as if listening to someone whispering in her ear. "Oh! Linden can hear voices. At least three or four. She says they're unlike any humans she's ever heard. But," the dryad warns, "I wouldn't trust Linden. You wouldn't know, but Linden's a right damn-"

"Thank you," I say quickly. I don't particularly want or need to hear more about this Linden, especially from a maple tree who probably curses like a sailor. "Speaking of Linden, which way…"

"That way." The girl points boredly over my head. "Maybe ten minutes at the rate you're going."

I decide to keep my comments to myself and instead apt for a polite goodbye.

I light my wand before setting off again through the forest. Several times, I hear something big moving through the underbrush. There are monsters in the woods, Annabeth told me. I set my jaw and place a hand on the knife still on my belt.

Before too long, I start to notice footprints. They're winding through the woods, making me loop back and forth to follow them. When I stop to give my leg a rest, I hear a faint voice through the trees.

"Luna, this was not the fault of the Blibbering Humdingers!"

I almost laugh at Hermione's outraged tone; I'm so glad to have found them.

I can't make out Luna's unperturbed response, only Hermione's reaction.

"No! They're not real! Blibbering Humdingers do not exist!"

"Drop it, you two." Harry sounds absolutely exhausted. "Point Me."

"Which way do you think we ought to try this time?" I can image Ron leaning over Harry's shoulder to see his wand. "We've tried east, we started out going north-"

"We ought to keep going this way," Hermione suggests. "Otherwise, we're just going the way we came."

"Gran always said to stay put if I got lost," I hear Neville say in a small voice.

I hear a murmur of dissension from the others.

"That only really applies if someone was with us up until we got lost, Neville," Hermione corrects him, sounding a bit stressed.

"And I swear, something's been following us," Harry adds, glancing back over his shoulder.

"Really, Harry, I haven't heard-"

"There!" Ron spins around. "Can you hear that?"

I've just brushed past a bush.

"Yeah." Neville sounds a bit nervous. "Let's keep walking."

"There it is again!" Harry exclaims. "Can you hear it?"

I have to clamp a hand over my mouth to suppress my giggles. I have no idea why I'm finding this so hilarious.

As my friends continue to debate over what to do, I pick my way toward them. With a grin, I take care to brush heavily up against the bushes as I pass.

"It could be harmless," I hear Hermione advising the others. "But in the case that it's not, be ready to Stun it. And remember, if it has a protective hide, be sure to aim for the eyes or-"

"If it's harmless?!" Ron retorts, eyeing the trees nervously. "Hermione, that's not harmless; I swear I heard it growl."

I'm shaking with silent laughter, despite my inner conscience scolding me vigorously.

"It's the trees," Luna says dreamily from behind Ron. "They don't like us. I heard them gossiping a few minutes ago."

"Luna." Hermione, now thoroughly irked, turns to the other girl. "You are entering your fifth year at Hogwarts. It is well beyond the time you should get it through your head that trees. Do not. Talk."

"Sorry, Hermione." I pop out from behind a tree, provoking several screams and a Stunner that flies by my ear. "You'd be surprised to find that these trees do, in fact, tend to talk. And gossip. Especially gossip."

I'm met with four shocked stares and one dreamy smile. "Hello, Sophy," Luna says, completely unperturbed.

"Sophy?!"

"Sophy! What in the name of Merlin-"

"What's going on?" Harry demands. "Where are we? What happened?"

I lean back against the tree. "You're in a forest-"

"Of course!" Ron slaps his forehead in mock surprise. "A forest! Why didn't we figure that out after ages of being lost-"

"A forest," I continue over him, "in the States. Long Island, more specifically-"

"And what was that?" Ron jabs a finger at the bushes behind me. "You heard it, right? The thing in the bushes?"

I turn around and then back to him. "That? Either me or some sort of monster. Either way, I wouldn't worry-"

"Monster?" Hermione echoes.

"Precisely." I push away from the tree. "A monster."

The words have barely left my mouth when a faint snarl echoes from the bushes behind me. A faint scuffling indicates something moving closer to the clearing where we stand.

"Well, there you go, Ron," I say nonchalantly, doing my best to act calm. "Okay. At this point, I have no idea which way to go."

"But … what are we going to do?" Hermione squeaks. "What-"

"Hermione. Hermione. Hermione!" She finally stops, turning to look at me. "It's okay."

Behind me, another bush starts to rustle.

"C'mere." I hold out my arms palms up. "We have to hurry."

Luna reaches for my arm immediately, giving me a small smile. Neville follows her, fastening his grip around my forearm.

"Sophy." Hermione's tone makes me look up. "What do you think you are doing?"

"What do you think?"

Her eyes widen. "You can't be Apparating! It's too dangerous: you're underage, we could get hurt-"

"I've Apparated four times in the last couple days." I try to sound as confident as I feel. "Unless you have some other way of getting out of here-" another growl "-fast?"

Harry and Ron give each other a look and come to my other arm. Hermione, however, doesn't move.

"Is it even possible to transport six people in one try?"

"I managed it once," I say honestly. "It's one danger or another, Hermione. If you want to wait for me to come back-"

Hermione gives the bushes a thoughtful look before reaching for my arm.

We appear on the edge of the forest near the armory. The others stumble a bit, gasping. I don't think any of us are Splinched, apart from the fact that my fingernails appear freshly trimmed.

A screech interrupts the silent night, making me jump.

"Campers out of bed!"

There are three harpies coming around the side of the arena. Beside me, Ron freezes and Hermione draws her wand.

"Campers out of bed means dinner for hungry harpies!" the first harpy announces, bobbing closer.

"Sophy," Harry hisses. "What are these-"

"We're injured," I lie to the harpies. "We need a medic." Grabbing Neville's wrist and nudging Harry with my shoulder, I begin to edge toward the armory.

"Children out of bed!" The harpy echoes. They're getting closer. I have absolutely no idea what to do; I've only heard of cleaning harpies.

I hear a rustling in the bushes behind me. Unlike the rustling earlier, I immediately know what's behind me. Ignoring the harpies, I release Neville and crouch down. After a big of tugging, the bandages around my leg begin to come loose, falling around my shoe. As the last bit comes loose, a wave of pain flares from my wound.

Right on cue, shapes begin to appear out of the darkness. They're thestrals, dark and spooky in the semi-darkness. I count five, all headed for my torn leg.

"MORTALS IN CAMP!" The third harpy suddenly screeches.

"MORTALS IN-"

"Impedimenta!" Hermione interrupts, neatly stunning the harpies.

"Thank you," I say quickly. "Come on!"

I start forward, but my leg collapses under me. With a sigh, Hermione slings my arm over her shoulders and helps me stand. I have to hop forward to keep the thestrals away from my injured leg. We hurry past the harpies, the boys and Luna close on our heels.

I lead my friends past the armory and forge, heading straight for the Big House. I almost stumble once, but Hermione helps me keep my balance. Soon, we're making our way around the corner of the farmhouse.

As we come around the corner, I see Thalia standing on the porch, yelling into walkie-talkie.

"No, we haven't found her, please tell me you've heard something! Have you tried near Zeus's Fist? Then go!" She stand still for a moment before hurling the device at the fall in front of her. Behind me, Hermione gives a little oh. Thalia whips around, staring at us for a split second before she practically flies down the stairs, pulling me into an enormous hug. "Sophy Alkaev, if you disappear like that ever, ever, again, I swear…"

Will slams the door to the Big House open. "Miranda says - Sophy!" He hurries down the steps to join us. "Where have you been? What were you thinking, just racing off like that? Are you-" He gives me a quick once-over for injuries and freezes when he sees my leg. "Sophy." His tone is dangerous. "Why did you take off your bandages?"

"For the thestrals," I say, pointing behind me. "They're attracted to raw meat."

Thalia gags. "That is so gross."

One of the thestrals leans down toward me and I push it away. "I know. At least I found them in the first place."

Thalia sighs, rubbing her forehead. "Fine." She gives the thestrals a suspicious glance. "Will they stay put, or do we have to put them in the stables with the pegasi?"

I consider this question and study the creatures. "Um … that's a really good question. I don't exactly know."

"Great. The last things we need are five creepy death horses wandering around camp."

"They will," Hermione interrupts, "stay put if you have any raw meat to give them." She's glaring at Thalia with surprising animosity.

"We might have a little bit of meat in the kitchens," Will says doubtfully, looking from Hermione to Thalia. "But we probably don't have enough for both-"

We all jump at a loud crunching noise from behind us. Luna, oblivious to the conversation, is calmly feeding one of the thestrals a large Gurdyroot from her bag. When Ron clears his throat, trying not to laugh, she blinks and turns around. "They'll stay to keep away from the Blibbering Humdinger." With that statement, she turns back to the thestral, reaching for another Gurdyroot.

Hermione snorts. "If such a thing existed, which it doesn't." She turns to Will and Thalia. "Blibbering Humdingers do not exist, and never have, as don't Nargles or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks." Suddenly, she frowns. "As a matter of fact, can you see the thestrals?"

Harry, Ron, and Neville all look up. Like them, I'm remembering the Care of Magical Creatures lesson when Hagrid taught us about the thestrals. As he told us, only those who have seen death can see thestrals: Will and Thalia must have seen someone die. "We can," Thalia says slowly. "Why shouldn't we?"

"So," Hermione says quickly and rather snappishly, "you've seen someone die?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Thalia says, temper rising.

"Well," Hermione says, temper flaring just as fast, "for your information-"

"Guys!" I snap. "Now is not the time." I receive heated looks from both Thalia and Hermione. "Okay. Guys, this is Thalia, my half-sister, and Will, the camp medic." Will smiles, friendly even now, and Thalia gives a nod.

"Medic meaning…" Ron says slowly.

"Doctor, except not quite as qualified," Will clarifies, looking a bit confused,

Ron's face lights up. "Doctors are those Muggle Healers who c-" Hermione clamps a hand over his mouth, to stop him from finishing: Healers who cut people up. Will looks much more confused, and I don't blame him.

Continuing on, "These are my schoolmates. Neville Hermione, Ron, Harry, and there at the end is Luna." Luna, still ignoring us, is cooing to the thestral in some unknown language.

"Nice to meet you." Thalia gives us a brief smile. "I'm going inside. The others don't know you're back. Come on, Will."

Will gives us a friendly nod and follows Thalia into the Big House, leaving us alone.

There's a moment's pause, broken only by the thestrals crunching on Gurdyroots.

"What in Merlin's name is going on?" Harry demands, turning to me. "Where are we? Who are they? What are you doing here? Why are we here?"

I bite my lip, considering what I should tell them.

"Sophy?" Hermione prompts slowly.

"Alright, alright." I carefully sit down, patting the ground beside me. "Sit."

They all do so, even Luna, who quickly gives the thestral the rest of the Gurdyroot before sitting.

"Okay." I take a deep breath. "You all have heard about Ancient Greek mythology, yes? The gods and the heroes and whatnot?"

Although Ron looks a bit stumped, everyone else nods.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Hermione asks, shifting to sit on her heels.

"It's all real." I'm met with four blank stares and one vague smile. "The gods. The monsters. All of it. They're all real, and they still exist. And sometimes, the gods will come down into the mortal world and, um, have kids. That's why this camp exists." I wave my arms at the surrounding camp. "It's a training camp for demigods, the children of gods and mortals. Thalia and Will are both demigods. And … and I'm one, too."

"You're a demigod?!" Ron interrupts excitedly. "So, are you immortal? Are you going to go live on Mount Olympus? Do you have superpowers? Are you-"

"Ron!" Hermione scolds, waving a hand at him. "For Merlin's sake, let her breathe." She turns back to me with an expectant expression.

I sigh and pull my hair back from my face. "Okay. First, Ron, I'm a demigod, not a god. I'm not immortal, nor am I going to live on Mount Olympus."

"Where are you going to live?" Neville asks. He leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees, looking concerned. "You're still going to Hogwarts, right?"

"Definitely." I carefully tie my hair back. "I'm not leaving school for this."

"And who is your godly parent?" Hermione asks, bouncing a little bit. "Is he … um … Apollo? Or Poseidon? Or-"

"Zeus." I shift a little bit, dropping my hands back into my lap. "My godly parent is … is Zeus."

"Zeus." Neville sounds almost skeptical. "Your 'arsehole' dad abandoned your mom is the bloody King of the Gods."

"Apparently so," I sigh. "I still haven't forgiven him, by the way. Being the king of the gods doesn't excuse you from being a heart-breaking git."

Harry snorts and Hermione raises an eyebrow at me.

"What about the superpowers?" Ron presses. "Are you super-strong? Can you fly? How about-"

"Fly," I interrupt. "Just fly, I think. From what I can tell, every demigod inherits something from their godly parent. Like Thalia. She's a daughter of Zeus, and she can control lightning. Will's dad is Apollo, and he's the camp's best medic."

"Fly." Harry sounds astonished. "You can fly?!"

"Yep."

We sit in silence for a moment. Ron and Harry both look astounded. Hermione and Neville both look a bit hesitant; they're exchanging a silent conversation. I can't tell what Luna is thinking; her head is down and she's fiddling with her hair.

"Prove it," Hermione says suddenly.

"Pardon?"

"Prove it," Neville echoes. "That this is real. That there are really gods up there." He points up at the sky

I bite my lip in thought before I look up at the sky and cup my hands around my mouth. "Oi! You up there! Doesn't 'Zeus' get boring after a while? I can arrange for you to be called 'Big Z' if you want. Or 'The Super-Duper Weather Man.' Or-"

I'm cut off by the sound of thunder.

"There you go," I say, grinning a bit.

"You're purposely irritating the King of the Gods?" Hermione looks incredulous.

"You're the one who asked," I point out with a shrug.

"We asked you to - oh, never mind." Hermione heaves a sigh.

The door to the Big House bangs open. Thalia is standing there, outlined by light from inside.

"Chiron's going to call a full-camp meeting," she calls. "You should come in."

"Alright." I stand up, brushing off my pants. "We're coming."

The others stand as well. Luna gives one of the thestrals a Gurdyroot. It crunches on the treat as Luna whispers into its ear. With a snort, it turns and wanders off into the darkness, followed by the other thestrals.

"I asked them to go to the stables," Luna says, watching them go. "Hopefully they'll stay." Hermione rolls her eyes.

We turn and make our way toward the Big House. As we walk, I study the night sky, a spray of diamonds across the midnight heavens.

"You know, I thought this was the demigod camp," Luna remarks, twisting a strand of hair around one finger.

My jaw drops. "How -"

"Mummy used to tell me stories," she says seriously. "I always thought she was making them up, at least until we ended up in the forest. I could hear the trees whispering to each other and I saw an ant-monster and that's when I realized that all the stories were coming true."

I walk in silence, mind reeling. Mummy used to tell me stories. "Your mum must have been a demigod. There's no other explanation for it." I turn to look up at her.

Luna cocks her head to one side thoughtfully. "I think she told me once that she used to spend summers in the States. Yes, it does make sense, doesn't it?"

I nod. "Yeah. I guess it does."

We've reached the steps a few paces ahead of the others. Behind us, the boys are laughing at something Hermione said.

I step ahead of Luna to hold open the door. The others quiet as light pours out into the still night. From inside, I can hear the quiet chatter of voices.

As they come up the steps, I offer my friends a tired smile. "Welcome to camp, guys."