Harry woke up, groaning, his head aching.
"Are you okay Harry? You've had a bit of a nasty shock I'm afraid." Chiron said.
"You're Aunt said that it would be best for you to attend Camp Half-Blood year round. Although, she phrased it quite differently." He informed the boy, wincing in remembrance.
Dumbledore nodded sagely. "Yes, Petunia has always been a jealous girl. I'm sorry to say that stuck with her into adulthood. She was very cruel to her sister as a consequence, rejecting everything to do with our world. I remember her writing a letter to me asking to come to Hogwarts. But as a muggle, I'm afraid I was unable to accept her request." Sighing deeply, he offered the dazed, confused boy a hand.
"You'd best pack your things Harry. For later today you will be leaving to America with Chiron. He is a centaur that goes by the name of Mr. Brunner when he is to be amongst mortals. He will take care of you, and I wish you the best of luck. That being said, I should take my leave. As Headmaster, I have much to get done, as the students should be arriving at Hogwarts soon enough. I expect to see you soon." He said, blue eyes twinkling merrily.
Harry nodded mutely, uncertain about what was to follow. But one thing he really noticed was the fact that he might never have to see the Dursleys again. With a small smile, he turned and went to his cupboard, packing the few items he had in a small rucksack.
Looking around slowly, he noticed the spiders, the dirty, old mattress, and marks from his time there. Gladly, he closed the cupboard for the last time, hoping never to see it again.
Walking up to Chiron, he held his small rucksack firmly, and stood next to the centaur. In a small voice, he asked, "Where am I going?"
Chiron smiled down at the young boy sadly. "You are going to a camp where you will meet other people like you. There are plenty other children of the gods, so you won't be alone. It will be like your home, until you go off to school. Since we don't know who your father is, you'll be placed in the Hermes cabin. He is the god of thieves and travelers, so he easily accepts new campers. Once you're claimed by your godly parent, you'll be moved to that cabin."
Harry nodded solemnly, green eyes wide. Taking Chiron's hand, he braced himself for what was to come. In a flash, the room disappeared, and all was dark. Harry felt like he was being sucked through a tube, squeezed uncomfortably. Barely a minute later, he was standing on a porch, in front of a dark-haired, pot-bellied man, wearing a very loud, leopard print shirt.
"So this is the little brat you were sent to fetch, eh, Chiron?" The man said, unimpressed.
Chiron nodded, frowning slightly. "Yes. This is Harry Potter. Harry, meet Dionysus, God of Wine."
"Hello Sir." Harry mumbled quietly, avoiding the god's gaze, tugging on Chiron's sleeve gently. Before the centaur can say anything else, a young girl walked up to the trio. With blonde hair, and startling grey eyes, Harry was immediately curious.
"Ah, Annabeth! Can you show Harry here around Camp? Introduce him to Luke too, as he'll be staying in the Hermes cabin for now." The girl nodded, and waited for Harry to join her, before walking on. As she spoke, she gestured to the different areas. Naming the cabins, she stopped in front of what was supposed to be the Hermes cabin, where he would be staying, and the Athena cabin.
"She's my mother." Annabeth explained. Moving on, she warned him, and advised him. "I'd watch out for the Ares cabin if I were you," she pointed to an ugly red cabin. "Their father is the god of war. The Hermes cabin in better, but you'll have to watch your pockets." With that, she continued the tour, talking about the lessons, Pavilion, arena, forest, and other areas.
"So," Annabeth said. "I think that's all there is that you need to know. I'll walk you to your cabin though, and introduce you to Luke, the Head counselor." She blushed slightly at his name, but walked on.
As they got near the cabin, Harry decided to start talking.
"Thanks for everything. I'm not used to being treated like this." He told her quietly, looking up to meet her gaze. "My Aunt and Uncle think I'm a freak, and my cousin Dudley bullies me. The only things I've ever really know is Surrey, and my cupboard."
She was silent for a minute, before saying, "You deserved better. Everyone should be treated like a human being. I'll be your friend if you want."
Harry smiled happily, nodding. He didn't say much else, but it didn't matter, since they had reached the cabin. "Luke!" Annabeth called out, opening the door to let Harry in. An older, sandy haired boy appeared, grinning. "Annabeth! Who is this?" He said, noticing Harry.
"This is Harry Potter. He's a new camper that Chiron picked up from Britain. Undetermined." She specified.
Luke grinned widely at him. "Hey, Harry. I'm Luke, son of Hermes, and Head counselor. Since it's so full in here, we have to take what space we can. Meaning, you get some essentials, and pick a spot on the floor to spread out your sleeping bag, until you get claimed."
He nodded in understanding. "It's okay, I'm used to it." Luke frowned, but didn't question it.
On her way out, Annabeth stopped, hand on the door. "Oh, and Harry? Capture the Flag is tomorrow. Luke can explain it to you."
"So what do I do exactly?" Harry asked as he got fitted for armor and a weapon.
"Well, it's really simple. There are two teams, usually with the Ares and Athena cabins leading. Two war gods against each other, basically. So depending on which team you're on, you're given a position, and try not to get maimed or killed. Usually newbies are given the job of guarding the flag." Luke said cheerfully, tying on Harry's breast plate.
"Now, let's go find you a weapon. We've got swords, daggers, bow and arrows, spears, you name it. Here, take this." He said, handing him a long sword. Immediately, Harry's arms were weighed down and he stumbled. Luke plucked it out of his hands quickly.
"Okay, so not that one. Here, try this out." He handed him a long dagger, which the younger boy held clumsily.
"No." Luke muttered, taking it back. As Luke rummaged around, looking at different weapons and judging them, Harry spotted a long, black sword and dagger lying together in a corner, covered in dust.
Picking them up, he balanced them perfectly in both hands, swinging the sword slightly. As he was testing them out, Luke came back, dropping the bow and arrow he'd picked up moments before. Staring in shock, he watched Harry, gaping. Closing his mouth and stepping over the forgotten weapons, he approached the boy, with a mixture of fear and confusion.
"Only children of Hades are supposed to be able to wield Stygian Iron." He said in awe. "C'mon, we've got to go see Chiron. Now."