"Well, what do you want me here for?" Percy tapped his foot impatiently, crossing his arms in a way that showed his irritation.

Zeus glowered. "Show some respect, boy. I ought to blast you from Olympus for your impertinence. I don't know why I haven't let my son turn you into a dol-"

Percy scoffed. "Save it for the pigeons. You know that you'd cause a rebellion among all demigod kind if you hurt me at all, much less kill me. And you wouldn't want that will you?"

"Well then, perhaps we need to teach our children a lesson, to show them who's really in charge here," the king of the gods growled.

"Try it. I won't even care. I've got nothing left."

"ENOUGH!" Poseidon roared. "That is not what we are discussing here." His father looked down at him. "We have another quest for you."

Percy looked at his father in disbelief. "You're joking, right?"

"As much as I regret it, no."

"You're freakin' kidding me, right? The Giant War just finished a couple of weeks ago, and you want me to go on a mission for you? You guys can't just do things for yourself, can you?"

"Percy, you know the Ancient Laws prohibit-"

"WHO CARES ABOUT THE ANCIENT LAWS? Your children suffer everyday because of them! If it weren't for you, she-" Percy stopped abruptly as he choked on his words. "Just send Jason or Nico or something. I'm done," Percy sighed, turning to leave.

"I knew we should have chose my son," Zeus muttered.

"There is a reason I chose young Perseus, my lord," a high, mystical voice commented, causing Percy to yelp. He turned around in surprise to come face to face with the goddess of magic. "You have great potential for magic," she continued, staring at him intently like a puzzle she was trying to solve.

Percy shuffled nervously. Did they know his secret? "What do you mean magic? Magic's not real," he protested, trying to refute her claim.

"On the contrary, it is Perseus," Lady Hecate said calmly. "Many, many years ago, I blessed a group of mortals to pay the debt I owed them for saving my child. Over many generations, they and my children have intermingled with each other to produce a small, but thriving wizarding community. They have created their own laws, government, currency, and culture. From time to time, I gave my blessing to the newborns of mortals to continue the prosperity of the magical world.

"But not all can remain peaceful. Power hungry dark lords have terrorized both worlds alike in their quest for world domination. In fact, the Dark Lord Grindelwald helped influence the son of Hades, Adolf Hitler, in his hatred for Jews and those of unpure blood. Fortunately, he was defeated by Albus Dumbledore, the Light's figurehead. But only twenty years later, a new dark lord rose, calling himself Lord Voldemort.

"The self-proclaimed lord grew up with a bitter hatred for muggles, the non-magical, and in turn, despised all that carried muggle blood in them. The wizarding world is not racist in terms of skin color, but rather in blood. Those who could trace back their wizarding lineage for many generations were named purebloods. Wizards and witches born from muggles were named muggleborns. And finally, those in between are half-bloods. Along with blood, the wizarding world is split between dark and light, and condemns those who practice Dark magicks.

"Voldemort was the cause of the thousands of deaths in Magical Britain, many of whom were the Light that opposed him, as well as numerous muggleborns and innocent mortals. Purebloods flocked to him, believing muggleborns, or Mudbloods as they called them, had 'filithy' blood and were unworthy of learning magic. They named themselves Death Eaters, followers of their lord. Morality was low. Finally, the war was ended by Harry Potter, a year old infant.

"One Halloween night, Voldemort murdered the Potter elders, but he failed to murder Harry. The Killing curse rebounded upon the young infant, and the Dark Lord was struck by his own spell. On that night, Harry Potter became a legend, a savior, bestowed with the title of the 'Boy-Who-Lived,' as the first person in history to survive the Killing Curse. But Voldemort did not die. His created seven Horcruxes, a foul invention that allowed him to avoid the Underworld. You see, although he condemned the non-magical and their relations, his true goal was immortality, for he was afraid of death. For years, he roamed the earth as a mere spirit.

"The wizarding world enjoyed peace for thirteen years until he rose again. With the blood of his enemy, Harry Potter, the bone of his father, flesh of his servant, and help through a near forgotten ritual, Lord Voldemort had a body once more. The Ministry of Magic, the magical government, remembered the dark times of the Voldemort, and slandered young Harry, for they did want to believe one of the most feared dark lords had risen once again. They carried on in ignorance for the next year before they were forced to acknowledge that Voldemort had rose again after witnessing his invasion of the Ministry.

"A prophecy destined Harry Potter to defeat Lord Voldemort or die trying. This is where you come in Perseus. Harry is not ready to defeat the Dark Lord. Your job is to track the Voldemort's actions, then using that information, guide him and prepare him for war. You will appear as an American transfer student from the Salem Institute of Magic, and you must earn his trust if you are to succeed. You are to report back to us through Iris Messaging and inform us of your progress."

Percy stood in shock. "Let me get this straight," he said slowly. "You want me to pretend to be an American exchange student from this Salem Institute thingy, make friends with Harry Potter-who is destined to save the magical world, then spy on him, and keep an eye out on this evil wizard?"

"Exactly."

"No," Percy said firmly. There was absolutely no way he was going to spy on one of his best friends, especially not for a goddess. Sure, he would help Harry, but it didn't mean that he needed to report back his actions to the gods.

"Excuse me?" Hecate asked indignantly.

"I said no," Percy drawled out slowly, as if he was speaking to a small child.

"And why not?"

"I'm not going to make friends with somebody if I'm going to betray them!"

"So don't make friends with Harry Potter. Just pretend to be his friend. You only need to earn his trust."

Percy stared at her incredulously. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely."

"Why don't you just send one of your own children?" Percy asked. They were far more powerful in terms of magic than he would be.

"The children of Hecate are forbidden to interfere in matters of the wizarding world after the events of the 1860s." Hecate looked pained, as if it took a great deal of effort to admit this. Which it probably did. Most gods were far too prideful. "One of my own children believed that because he descended directly from the goddess of magic, he was superior to the rest of the wizards. He became power hungry, leading to the rise of a dark lord. Some of them felt the same way and joined him, and others couldn't bear to fight against their brother. The 1860s was long and bloody decade."

"But why me?"

"Like I said Perseus. I sense a great deal of magical power in you. You have the potential to become a powerful wizard."

"And why should I take you up on the quest?"

"According to the Ancient Laws, we cannot interfere in mortal events. We are able to keep an eye on things, but we cannot see the finer details, only the big picture. Olympus needs somebody on the inside to report the movements of the Light and Dark. With this information, we will be able to have a better understand of the war, and possible send help to the Light in desperate times." Lady Hecate paused. "Think about it. By taking us up on the mission, you will be able to save hundreds of lives."

Percy hesitated. He knew that he could save lives and fight without having to take up the offer of the quest, but the thought of help was a tempting thought. Death Eaters fought dirty and used the Unforgiveables, unlike the Light. Also, many of the Ministry and public were incompetent fighters while most of the Dark were skilled. If the war progressed even further, the Light might need the extra help. As much as Percy loathed spying on his best friend, he knew what to do.

"Okay, I'll do it," Percy agreed reluctantly.

Hecate smiled. "Brilliant. I'll tutor you in magic and educate you in the wizarding politics, history, culture. You'll need to understand how the Dark and Light perceive things, and what's been going on in the war so far. I'll teach you the way Hogwarts, the wizarding school, operates, and what is expected of you. I'll provide everything necessary for blending in: wizarding robes, a wand, cauldron, and books. And of course, we'll need to create a suitable history of your life and-"

Percy stopped her right there. "Actually," he smirked. "that's not necessary. You see," he said gleefully, taking in Hecate's look of shock as he pulled out his wand (10 1/2 inch driftwood and a scale of hippocampi). Twirling it around his hand, he continued, "I'm already enrolled in Hogwarts. I'm a sixth year in the Gryffindor house, a prodigy in potions, best friends with Harry Potter, faced ol' Voldie, and I've been to the Order of the the Phoenix's headquarters. I think I'm good."

"Percy, you're a wizard?" Poseidon asked, surprised.

"Yep, discovered I had magic when I was twelve." Percy was now wearing a full-blown smirk on his face.

"I knew we should have killed him," Zeus boomed. "He's holds too much power-"

"Hush, brother. I would not allow it. Besides, he is needed to deal with magical world, is he not?" Zeus consented, but he didn't look to happy with it.

"There's one condition though, if I'm going to do this," Percy continued.

"And what is it, boy?" the god of the skies asked, irritated.

"I am going to need two companions."

And here he was, riding on the train back to Hogwarts. He was already regretting his choice. Although he knew he would be going back even without the quest, this was one more secret in a long line that he was keeping from his friends. Some days, he felt like he two different people, living entirely different worlds. Like Hannah Montana. He grimaced at the thought. He was nothing like a shallow, teenage pop star. Nobody knew about his secret except for his mom and two others. Not even the Seven.

Sometimes, he wondered how many lives he could have saved if he had only used his magic. Maybe Zoe would be alive if he had only used a healing spell or potion. Or perhaps Beckendorf would still be here if he had used a protego. But he was too scared. What would the others think of him?

And the one time he dared to use his magic, it was already too late.

He could hear familiar voices out in the corridors, but instead ignored them, staring out of the window aimlessly. A wingardium leviosa to save Micheal from falling. A blood replenishing potion, Essence of Dittanity to save Castor. "Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived . . . Chosen One . . . " the voices said. Was that what they were calling him nowadays?

The sound of the compartment door sliding open wasn't enough to stir Percy from his mindlessness. A conjunctitivus curse to harm the drakon's eyes. No dead Silena. "Excuse me. Do you mind if we sit here? All the other compartments are full." Percy didn't need to turn around to tell that the voice belonged to Harry. And then suddenly, it hit him full on. Percy was here to spy on Harry, his friend. He stayed silent. What was he doing here? Betraying his friends. Luke Castellan. NO. I'm helping them.

"Uh . . . I'm Harry Potter, and these are my friends Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood."

The before said statement was enough to cause Percy snap out of his mind, and chuckle. It was just so unlike Harry, who had never been the one to use his fame. Even though he threw it out there so casually, it still sounded nervous and unconfident. "Resorted to using your fame, have you Harry? Didn't know you were the type to do that. Or have you changed during fifth year?"

Although Percy meant to tease Harry, evidently, the Boy-Who-Lived took it the wrong way. "What do you know about . . . me?" Harry angrily asked before trailing off, as Percy finally pulled his head away from the window to stare at Harry.

"Percy?" Harry ventured doubtfully. The others were apprehensive.

"Do you know any other Percys that are as devilishly handsome as me?" His half-hearted joke fell onto silent ears and he forced himself to put a smile on his face.

It was obvious that Harry was staring at Percy. He knew he had changed. There was those nasty scars he had acquired from the Giant War and the time he spend in . . . Tartarus. He knew there would be questions about the scar on his face, yet he wasn't prepared to answer them. Instead, he stared unabashedly at his friend, taking in his gaunt pallor, the faint darkness under his eyes, the depressed air around him.

It seemed that they were staring at each other for infinity until a voice broke the silence. "You have a lot of Wrackspurts floating around you head." What in the name of Olympus are Wrackspurts?

Everyone turned to stare at the unknown girl. For a moment, all Percy could see was Annabeth. Annabeth with her beautiful blond hair, stormy grey eyes, and fierce determination. No. This wasn't Annabeth. This girl had straight hair, not the beautiful princess curls Annabeth had. Her eyes were misty, unfocused, the opposite of Annabeth's calculating, intelligent ones. "Is that so?" Percy murmured, unnerved by her appearance. "I recognize everyone else, so you must be Luna."

"Hmmm . . . yes I am. You go by Percy, don't you? But that's not who you are. You're true name is Perseus, the Destroyer, named to give you luck in life. It hasn't really worked, has it?"

Percy's eyes bore into those hazy grey ones, searching for answers. "No, it hasn't."

"You're an interesting one, player of Fate, one of the Seven, and blessed of the gods."

How . . . ? How did this total stranger know about him? Was she a demigod?

Percy noticed that everyone was looking at him strangely. "Why don't you all sit down?" Percy asked, waving his hand around the compartment, hoping to dispel the silence.

It worked as everyone scrambled to sit down and shove their trunks in the storage space.

"So . . . where have you been, mate? We missed you last year. Were you captured by Death Eaters and made a daring escape that got you that wicked scar? That would explain all those new scars you have," Ron blabbered.

At the mention of scars, Tartarus and the war surfaced. Fire. Pain. Death. STOP. Percy snapped himself out of his trance. He glared at Ron, pleading internally for him to stop.

". . . Blimey! That scar is huge! I bet you taught them a good lesson not to mess with a Hogwarts Champion . . . OW! What was that for, Harry?" Percy shot a grateful look at Harry. He was this close from punching the red-head in the face.

"So where were you, Percy?" Hermione eventually asked after a couple moments of silence.

"Family emergency," Percy lied smoothly, although he winched on the inside. One more lie on a long list.

"And you couldn't send us any letters?" Harry demanded.

"No. It was top secret. My family is kind of high up in America. My aunt had to kidnap me."

It was the truth. Sort of.

"Are you serious?" Hermione asked him incredulously. Judging by the expressions of the others, clearly everyone else felt the same way.

"Completely." Percy deadpanned. Desperate to steer the conversation away from the direction it was heading, Percy rapidly threw out some random questions like one of those tennis-ball-machine-thingys. "Anyways, enough about me. Still that Herbology prodigy, Neville? Still complaining about Snape, Ron? You still top in our year, Hermione? Is the Daily Prophet still spouting lies about us?" Although Percy knew the Ministry had acknowledged Voldemort from Hecate, he wanted to hear what happened directly from Harry.

"Actually, the five of us, plus Ginny, went on a mission to stop Voldemort from getting a prophecy in the Department of Mysteries. The Ministry got saw Voldemort, couldn't deny it, kicked Fudge out, and the public is worshiping me as some so called 'Chosen One'" Harry said bitterly. Ahh. That explains the new title. " Sirius was declared innocent," Great! "but . . . " Harry hesitated. And there comes the but.

"But what?" Percy asked, almost afraid to ask.

In hushed voice, Harry said, "Sirius died."

"Oh. I'm sorry." And he was. He truly was. But he had to stay emotionless. Focused. He couldn't lose it. He had been exposed to some many deaths, that he eventually became immune. Sirius was just one out of hundreds. Still too many deaths. "Well at least Fudge was kicked out. That incompetent boot-licker," Percy eventually said. It was obviously the wrong thing to say as he watched Harry's face turn red.

Suddenly, the door burst open to reveal a young girl with three scrolls of paper. "I'm sorry, but I'm supposed to deliver this to Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, and Perseus Jackson."

Saved by the bell. Or in this case, the door.

Percy skimmed over the parchment. "Did you get the same thing? From some Professor Slughorn for lunch?" Neville asked. Percy's lips curled in distaste. It was obvious that the new professor was only trying to suck up those with connections, as evidenced by Harry's nod. "Do we have to go?" I hope to the gods, no.

"It's from a professor, we probably have to unless we want detention." Harry sighed. No was in Hades was he going to go.

"She won't be alone," Percy interrupted. "I'm staying here."

Harry shot an alarmed look at Percy. "But you got an invitation too!"

Percy sneered, "I have no intention of playing favorites to professors, nor eating lunch with them." Besides, he needed to investigate the puzzle that was Luna Lovegood.


Once the door closed, Percy immediately casted a mufliato on the door from unwanted eavsdroppers. Going straight to the point, Percy asked harshly, "Who are you?"

Luna merely gave him a smile. "Luna Lovegood, of course. I thought you already knew that. Must be the Wrackspurts affecting your mind."

Percy growled as he slammed a fist against the armrest. "You know what I mean! Who are you?"

"Perhaps you need to ask more specific questions, child of the Prophecy."

"Fine. How do you know all these things about me? Child of the Prophecy? One of the Seven? Blessed of the gods? Are you a demigod?"

"Hmmm . . . no Perseus. I See things."

"So? I'm pretty sure I can see things too."

"No, I See things. Visions. My mother named me Luna with the full knowledge of my powers. I am a moon-child. It is a curse and a blessing. I see all. My first vision was of my mother's death. I didn't know it, and I could not save her. Then I saw you, Perseus Jackson. I saw the first time you had slain the Minotaur, son of Pasiphaë. Then the death of the Huntress. The haunting insanity of the Labyrinth. The sacrifice of Luke Castellan. And her death. I see that Harry has hard times up ahead of him. He will falter and fail. I cannot interfere unless it has been written in the stars. But you can, player of Fate.

"People call me Loony Lovegood, did you know that? I make up imaginary animals to help cope with my dreams. But they don't See, not like I do."

For the first time, Percy got a good look of her eyes. Underneath that gray misty haze he could see a touch of wisdom, but also the tiredness he himself wore. And deeper, was the trapped insanity.

Percy understood. They were both no longer the innocent, naïve children before they had been exposed to the horrors and reality of the world. Their limbs were heavy with all the deaths they were forced to watch. And finally, that insanity they tried to hold back. The insanity that was trying to break them.

"Don't worry, Perseus Jackson. You will find solace eventually."

Percy couldn't bring himself to believe her. Ever since he was twelve, his life had been a series of ups and downs. There were those fun times he spent with the gang, the underwater kiss with Annabeth, and the night he spent safely tucked in her arms in the Pegasus stable. But lately, it was just a never-ending ride downhill.

"You doubt me. But you will see. One day, your solace will come."


Percy was on a mission.

He hid in the shadows, a disillusionment charm on him as he scanned his surroundings for-ah ha!

Pulling the person's arm, and slapping a hand over the blond's mouth to silence protests, he pulled them both into an empty corridor.

"Unhand me you rascal! I'll have you arrested for-Jackson?"

The son of Poseidon grinned at the unsuspecting Draco. "'Sup."

"What was that for?" Draco complained. "You couldn't have asked politely like any other normal person, could you? You had to go and blood kidnap me, you fiend."

"Listen. I've received a quest from Lady Hecate."

Immediately, Draco stood at attention. "Explain," he demanded.

Percy quickly gave him the gist of the quest, leaving out any tiny and unnecessary details about his conversation with Lady Hecate.

"You seem hesitant about this quest," Draco observed. "Why?"

"I feel like I'm betraying my friends, spying on them," Percy admitted.

Draco frowned, perplexed. "But you're doing this to help them. There might be a day when the Light are losing and are going to need all the help they can get." Percy stayed silent. "Alright," Draco sighed. "Because you're pathetic, I'm going to help you."

"Hold, up a second, I'm not pathetic. But we'll get back to that later. I'm going to need you to help by-"

"No. That's not what I meant. I can help you in a different way." Draco checked nervously around from any potential eavesdroppers before pulling off his robes. Percy couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his chest. There was only one reason why Draco would push up his sleeve. Percy's fears were confirmed when he saw the Dark Mark standing out starkly on the pale skin.

"Are you crazy, Draco?" Percy hissed. "Why would you take the mark of a madman?"

"Despite the Ministry fiasco last summer -you weren't there- my father still remains loyal to the Dark Lord. But I was forced to take it to recompense for my father's failure."

"What was your initiation ritual?" Percy asked harshly.

Draco licked his lips nervously. "What do you mean, initiation ritual?"

"You know what I mean, Draco. I'm not stupid. I know that every Death Eater has to prove his worth before they are accepted into the ranks. What was your initiation? Did you have to kill an innocent mortal? Torture an unsuspecting muggleborn?" Percy growled.

"Well, you see, I'm a bit different. Because the Malfoys have fallen from the Dark Lord's grace, I've been entrusted with a bit more important task to make up for the mistake of my father. A task that I'm supposed to complete this year. So I haven't exactly done my initiation ritual."

Draco was stalling. "And pray tell, what is this task?"

Draco's voice dropped so low that Percy had to strain to hear it. "I have to kill Dumbledore."

"What?"

"Keep it down!"

"Sorry, but did you just say you had to kill Dumbledore?" Percy asked in disbelief. Draco nodded, the cords of his neck tightening as his swallowed nervously. "You know you can't actually do that, right? If Dumbledore died, the morality of the Light would be an all time low."

"I know, I know! It's just - I don't know what to do!"

Percy pursed his lips, trying to think of a way out of this situation. "Anyways, just how does Voldemort expect a sixth year to defeat one of the most powerful wizards in history?"

Draco fidgeted. "I don't think he really thinks I'm going to succeed. I think he knows he gave my a suicide mission. In fact, I think the Dark Lord is hoping for it. I think he's trying to teach a lesson to the rest about what happens when you fail."

"And what does Severus think about this?" Severus Snape was a fourth generation legacy of Pluto, and owned a small apothecary in New Rome that he bought after his service in the Legion was completed.

"Actually, I believe Severus is to complete my task if I fail."

"Are you serious? You do know I'll have to report this back, right?"

"What?" Draco's voice suddenly got higher. "Can't you just keep it a secret between you and me?"

"Quiet idiot! You're going to attract the entire student population towards us!"

"Shhh! You're going to attract people if you don't shush!"

"And of course I'll have to report it back!" Percy said angrily, although his voice dropped noticeably. "It's my job as a spy!" He paused. "Why'd you take it anyways?"

"I had to, okay?" Draco defended. "You should be happy, anyways. Now you have somebody on the inside!"

"That's what Severus is for, Draco! You're not supposed to be involved!"

"I had no choice. I had to take it, or die! Besides, he doesn't trust Severus!"

"He doesn't trust you either! You're risking your life!"

"Oh, like you don't everyday? Huh? What about the last couple weeks?" Malfoy retorted.

Percy went still. "That's different, and you know it," he growled. "It was my duty." Percy actually had an excuse, with the burden of a prophecy on his shoulders.

"Well, I'm doing my duty too!"

"Technically, I'm your superior. I could just order you to stop getting involved."

Draco was the only son of Minerva, Athena's Roman form, although he spent his summers in the Greek camp for the first couple of years. Draco had managed to stay in America for a day, long enough for Percy to vouch for him into the Legion a couple days after the Giant War (before the whole Death Eater thing), which meant Draco was on probatio.

And then Camp Jupiter had this whole argument about who should be the male praetor, Jason, Percy, or Frank. Jason was not able to execute his duties as a praetor, and was thought dead, so Percy was elevated to praetor through battle. But then, Jason had confirmed that he was not dead, which raised the question about who should be praetor. Percy willingly gave it to Jason, but there were those who believed that Jason abandoned them, and Percy should be praetor even with his status as a Greek. Then Frank entered the problem when Jason handed it over to him, but others argued he did not have the consent of the people or the Senate, which was usually how a praetor was selected.

In the end, Frank was selected to be the male praetor, but Jason and Percy were the first and last people to be ever given the position of "honorary praetor." They had more power than a centurion, but less than the actual praetors.

So because Draco was a probatio, and Percy was an honorary praetor, Percy was technically his superior. Except Draco didn't care about it.

"You know you can't do that! I've already made my decision! It's too late. Besides, your orders have no authority here."

Percy sighed. "Fine, if you insist on it, then go stick your neck out there. Just go keep an eye on the other Slytherins. Don't worry about the Dumbledore problem. I'll keep an eye on Harry."

An audible gasp was heard, and Percy spun around to look for the intruder.

No one.

"Who's there?" Draco's called out.

"You idiot! No intelligent person is going to reveal that they were eavesdropping on us," Percy admonished. "It's not safe to talk here. We'll reconvene later."

He had been so anxious to talk to Draco, that he made a stupid mistake, forgetting to put up any kind of silencing charms or taking any other necessary precautions. First day on the job, and he was already failing miserably.

The compartment door slid open once more as Percy went in, and slid into a seat next to Luna.

"Where were you Percy?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes distrustfully.

"Just the restroom. Or as you British would say it, the loo," Percy replied. Although his botched British accent caused the others to laugh, Harry stayed quiet, merely observing him.

Percy took in Harry's slightly flushed cheeks that one would expect from some kind of exercise (or running away), the wariness in his eyes, and the skeptical eyebrows he'd raised at Percy's lie. Not to mention he had the useful tool of a invisibility cloak.

Percy had found his intruder.


A/N Wow . . . is that 100 followers, 80 favorites, and 38 reviews I see? I don't understand why this story is receiving this many followers/favorites when there are far better stories out there with less.

You guys make me so happy!

I hoped you liked this chapter! I seriously hope I did not disappoint. I had a hard time displaying Percy's character. He would obviously be different from his time in Tartarus, but I wanted him to still maintain part of his happy, go-lucky personality, even if it was a bit subdued.

P.S. I'm having a hard time writing with the pressure and stress of school . . . so updates will have a bigger time period in between.