Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series or the Percy Jackson series. I am not making any money off of this, this is merely a fanfiction.
Chapter 5
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews. I think for this story, I'm just going to leave the fact that the way the Achillies curse is reacting as it is. Harry is going to be a demi-god..But not until later. And about Themis being a Titaness...oops. I suppose. Thanks for all the reviews!
I ran into the great hall, rubbing my eyes and yawning. As the doors banged open, the assembled students and teachers all looked up at me warily, and, self conciously, I slowed myself to a walk. But despite everything, whispers followed me all the way up to the staff table. The Griffindors were curious about what Potter, Weasley, and Ganger had told them, the Slytherins were disdainful that a squib would be allowed in Hogwarts, and the rest-well, I glanced down at my robe, wondering if it was askew.
Plopping my self down on the bench next to Sprout, she stated before giving me a small smile,
"First day, eh?" I nodded warily, looking at my schedule.
"I have third year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs." I glanced in the general direction of the aforementioned kids.
"What are you going to do with them?" Sprout asked. I shrugged. I really had no time to think about it, especially after last night-meeting Themis, the prophecy, and the conversation with Annabeth.
FLASHBACK
"So, you're stuck in a school that teaches kids witchcraft and magic?"
"Uh...Basically." I said, trying to avoid her questioning gaze.
"And how, exactly did this happen?" She demanded, her eyes blazing. "You go to England for a wee, and you get into this mess! I knew you couldn't take care of yourself! Even now, you're still-
"Annabeth! Listen. These people, they are the decendants of mortals blessed by the Titan Metis." Her eyes widened.
"Metis, as in mother of Athena?"
I stared gloomily out at the lake. Annabeth had not taken it well. it had taken me forever to persuade her not to tell Chiron. And after all that, I still had a class to teach. Speaking of which...I smirked.
"Hey, do you happen to have any boats here at Hogwarts?"
"Today, we will be doing a little canoeing." Twenty incredulus faces stared back at me. I rolled my eyes. The assorted Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were shivering in their long robes, as we stood on the shore of the lake, eleven canoes in front of us.
"B-But, sir, what about the giant squid?" I smirked. I still couldnt get used to kids calling me sir.
"She won't bother us." The kids stared.
"She?" I saw one mouth to her friend.
"So, you'll be two person to a canoe. The person in the back is in charge of steering, but those in the front will still have a vital job. Now, hop to it!" I grinned as the kids scrambled for a partner. Twenty minutes later, all of us were in the water, bobbing quietly on the coal black lake. I dipped a hand in it. I was cool, and refreshing-calming.
"Alright. Now that you have mastered the art of canoeing, we're going to have a race!" The kids stared at me incredulously, as most of them were still trying not to fall out.
"So, let line up here and-"
SPLASH! I sighed. It was going to be a long day. If only Annabeth was here.
FLASHBACK
"Yeah, these wizards, blessed by the titans are destined to be our mortal enemies." I said grimly.
"Is it safe for you to be there, then?" She asked her mouth pulled tightly in a line.
"They don't know of their origins, yet, but when they find out, well, there government, i from what I can see, corrupt, and greedy...But, right now, they're in the middle of a civil war." She frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"They're really divided here, about the purity of their blood. There's a wizard-Lord Voldemort, who thinks that all mortal born wizards and mortal are slime of the earth. He's trying to irradicate them and all that."
"And how does this have anything to do with the fact that you're at thhis wzarding school?'" I sighed dramatically.
"You're distrust wounds me, my dear. But seriously, I was tracking some monsters a few days back, when some of Voldemorts people found me. Thought I was an enemy wizard. So they took me back to their base. Only, afterthat, they were ambushed by their enemies, who, thinking I was one of Voldemort's death eaters, brought me to their base. Which happens to be this school for magic. Their leader is the headmaster."
"But what are you doing there now?"
"The oh-so-esteemed headmaster made a deal with me. Help their prophecized saviour, or he'd reveal the existance of demi-gods. I'm backed into a corner." By the time I was finished. She was seething.
"That meddling little! But Percy, I know first hand of your abilities. But these are wizards. How can you do anythng to help them?" I gaped at her.
"These wizards have no experience of physical combat. All they do is stand around throwing spells at one another. They have no class!" She chuckled.
"Well, at least this isn't too out of hand, Seawead brain. But does this Voldemort guy know who you are?'" I stiffened
"Yeah, he's a demi-god too." She raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Who's his parent?" I paused.
"I don''t know. All I know is, he's been disowned." She stareed at me, calculating. Much like her mother.
"Well, if he's a demi-god, then perhapes you're supporting the wrong side."
I yawned as the seventh year Griffindors and Slytherins trudged down the hill to the lake. Thank the gods it was the last class of the day. It had been tiring, getting all the kids out on the water, but afterwards, I had found it quite rewarding, watching the gleeful snickers of children as their enemies fell into the water. By this time, I had made seven rescues, and I was still drenched.
The seventh years had better behave. As the kids stepped up to the shoreline, they stared sullenly at the boats, no doubt hearing the rumours from the previous bathes of kids.
"So. Today, is our first day, and as a treat we will be doing some canoeing...As you can see." I gestured towards the canoes. Turning, I stepped onto my canoe, about to push off, when a voice demanded,
"What is the point of this?" I turned, expecting to see one of the higher class Slytherins. Instead, it was Potter, arms crossed across his chest, Granger and Weasley standing uncomfortably behind him.
"It's part of our lesson. Physical development, remember?" I said blandly. The entire class had turned to stare at us,. I groaned. We didn't have time for this.
"What use is canoeing?" Potter asked. "Anyone can row a boat." I raised my eyebrow.
"Oh?" I asked. "And, what, exactly, Potter, would you deem, important?" He spread his hands out,
"Physial Development. How is canoeing promoting physical development?" I gaped at him.
"What? Canoeing uses all of your upper body muscles! Plus it's considered theraputic. Look, I don't want another word, in the canoe, now!" I winced at my own tone. It wasn't his fualt that he was discomtent, dealing with the prophecy and the stead rise of Tom. He glared as he took a seat with Weasley and Granger. I turned to find Draco smirking. As I caught his eye, he turned away, frightened.
I had to remind myself. Here, in this world, I wasn't the Hero of Olympus. No, I was the brother, and possible ally of their worst enemy. Oh, how Albus had twisted everything.
FLASHBACK
"What do you mean?" I demanded. "Voldemort is a murderer with aims to destroy an entire people!" Annabeth looked at me, hard.
"How do you know that for sure?" She questioned. "You've only heard it from his worst enemy, now that's hardly a fair thing to judge someone with..." I hesitated. She was right. And he was my brother. But, there was something about him that repulsed me.
"It's just, I don't want to get too involved with this war. Or with these wizards."She sighed.
"You're right, Percy. But be careful!" I nod. "Anything else?" I swallow, here was the hard part.
"There's a prophecy. I heard here, about wizards and us. When the war arrives between the two of us, the only person who can save us is the Bridge."
"A Bridge? So there's going to be a war?" I nod.
"Aparently. And, about the Bridge, Annabeth. He or she will be born of gods and blessed mortals, or wizards." Her eyes widened, as I continued.
"And the only one I know who is like that is Voldemort."
The seventh years were painful. Being of rival houses, the two constantly squabled, but thanks to the questionable balance of the canoes, they weren't able to throw any punches, es[ecially with me patrolling the waters. In the end, we wound up with only three injuries, and minor trauma. All in all, a job well done.
Dinner was as stately an affair as all breakfeast and lunch, but by now, I had noticed a certain tension in the air. It was obvious that the whole school knew the state of the war, and it was charged with nervousness and anxiety. I felt sorry for these kids. After all, I had gone through the same things.
"So, you have the golden trio this evening?" I started. "Oh," She chuckled. "That's just the nickname we've adopted for Misters Potter, Weasley, and Mrs. Ganger."
"The golden trio? Seriously, is Dumbledore trying to give the boy a big head?" I scowled.
"The boy?" She laughed. "Honestly, Percy, you're younger then them." I shrugged. "But up here..." I pointed at my head suggestively. She sighed and shook her head, turning to her shepard's pie.
That night, I headed met the trio in Dumbledore's office. They were there before me, and I made myself fashionably late.
"So," I said, strolling into the room. "I see my pupils are ready to learn the art of war?" The three stared. I turned to the headmaster.
"By the way. Could you provide us with some...gear?" He frowned, and stroked his long beard.
"If you mean weapons, dear boy..." I nod. "I suppose we could conjure some. What do you need?" I paused and thought.
"I'm a swordmaster, mostly, but I can work with knives and daggers as well as hand to hand. A bow, however... That's a different story." He stared at me.
"Who taught you?' Potter asked, suspiciosly. I turned, and gave him a wicked smile.
"A three thousand year old centuar." I smiled. "So. About the swords..."
Fifteen minutes later, we were in the Room of Requirment, it's interior a not-so-accurate replica of the training grounds back at camp. For several reasons. Instead of monsters and demi-gods running around, I had three awkward, gangly teenagers, instead of spectators, I had moving portaits comenting on everything, and finally, instead of Riptide, which would be entirly ineffective as a weapon, I had one poor quality, conjured steel sword.
Of course, Potter had the sword of Griffindor. According to Dumbledore, it wold be the weapon used by Harry to slay Voldemort... He stood now, holding it uncormfortable at his side. Of course, the other two were no better. Weasley was absently waving his sword around, fighting imaginary opponents, while Granger juggled hers from hand to hand. Yet even with the distractions, I had to admire what a piece of work the sword of Griffindor was.
"So." I said. "Swordplay is a delicate art. Sure, it involves killing, but it also requies a lot of finesse."
"Well, I don't think Harry would need that much finesse to hack of You-Know-Who's head." Weasley muttered. I smirked. That was certainly true-until I remembered the fact that is was my brother they were talking about.
"Yeah..well, between here, and killing Voldemort, there will be many Death Eaters in the way. So, in dealing with them..." I shrugged. "Now, the proper stance when you're about to engage in battle is..."
To their credit, the 'golden trio' were very good. They adapted well and learned quickly. I suppose that having a prophecy to fulfill will do that to you. Potter was hard and strong, pushing forward, no matter what, while Weasley guarded his back. Granger didn't attack often, but when she did, it was true.
"You, Mrs. Granger, are an example of excellent swordsmanship. Now, when you go to disarm an opponent, instead of hitting him on the hilt of his sword, trying going lower, forcing the blade down." Two hours later, they were on their way on their way to becoming demi-god level swordsmen.
"Now, before we go, I'd like you to surround me, and attack me. You're job is to try to land a blow." They stared incredulously. "What, don't think I can do it?" They all took up their stances. I remembered the time when Luke first taught me dueling. How I had discovered my talent with the blade. I hoped that Potter would to, even if it meant the death of Tom.
Suddenly, the three of them swung into action, choping and slicing, while I called out directions, or rather, insults. "Too slow, Weasley" "Off balanced Potter" "Oh, come on, my Grandma can move faster then you!" Well, technically, Rhea probably could, being the Titaness she was. Blocking a swipe at my head from Potter, I admired the way the rubies on the sword glistened in the lamplight.
"I have to say, though, that's a pretty piece of metal you got there, Potter." His eyes narrowed.
"I'm sure it is." He said, as he lunged at me again. I ducked, and kicked him in the shin, while turning, to block a thrust at my stomach from Granger. I disabled her quickly, wrenching the sword out of her hand. Turning to Weasley, I admired his bravery as he narrowed his eyes, before lunging at me.
"Too slow." I sighed, and with a jab, his sword fell out of his grasp. I turned, looking at the three of them, smiling my widest smile.
"Well, that was quite a work out. Lots of work to do tommorow, but...good job." Potter smiled, uncertainly, and held out his hand.
"Thanks proffessor Jackson." I reached my out with my left arm, not bothering to shift my swordin my righ arm. We shook.
"Wow, Potter, that's a poweful grip you have there." He smiled, and then, twisted my arm up, wrenching my left sleeve up. A startled sound of pain escaped my throat.
"Harry!" That was Granger, "What do you think you're doing?" But Potter was staring at my blackened arm, the place where the strange, moving tattoo was branded.
"Hermionie, he's got the mark...He's a death eater, and he's been in a school of children!" The two gaped.
"What!" Potter pulled my arm forward.
"Hey!" I protested. But, for a skinny guy, he was strong,
"Look!" The two of them stared at my tattoo.
"Y-You're..." I sighed.
"I'm not a death eater." I said. "You're headmaster can confirm it. You honestly have such little faith in him. Do you think he'd let someone like me into this school?" Potter paused. I continuesd. "Besides, Snape is a death eater, and you don't care." It felt good to rat Snape out.
"Snape is a spy, trusted by Dumbledore," Potter said.
"Are you a spy then?" Asked Granger. I shook my head.
"No..."
"`How did you get you're mark, then?" I winced.
"I was forced to. Voldemort wanted my...talents put to use for his cause. I refused, but he wouldn't take no for answer." I nodded down at my tattoo. "Dumbledore rescued me," I winced, I hated owing people. "And here I am." The three of them looked unsure, at but Potter slowly let go of my arm.
"Um, but you're a squib. You-Know-Who hates muggles and squibs!" Granger asked.
"Or were you lying about that too?" I shook my head.
"No magic. I'm just a deuling instructor." Of course they looked like they were going to ask more, and I kknew that they wouldn't stop until they found the answer. And then...there'd be hell to pay for Dumbledore.
"He's a squib, and underage, but Voldemort wants to recruit him in his army?" Hermionie wondered.
"That is beyond strange. Plus he always just kills those who refuse him. Why make an exception for Jackson?" Harry pointed out.
"Maybe Fred'll know. I'll bet he knew about the professor being a death eater, what with all those nasty glances he was sending him." Ron added, as they climbed the stairs to Griffindor tower, exhausted from their workout.
"Yeah...I'll bet the whole Order knows!" Harry said. "A filthy death eater!"
"But he said he was forced, Harry." Hermionie suggested placatingly. The two boys just stared at her. "Voldemort wanted a swordsman in his army, so he decides to recruit one."
"Stil...you could tell there was something he left out. It doesnt't make sense once you but it together." Ron declared. "But whatever it is...Dumbledore trusts him, so he can't be that bad-Oi! Fred!" The elder Weasley turned, his face breaking out into a wide smile.
"Hey! Harry, Ron, Hermionie!" The three ran up to him, he was still decked out in his qudditch robes, broomstick in one hand, the other holding clipboard. "I just got back from Hufflepuff tryouts. Man, it was intense!"
"Look, Fred.. We were wondering about..the new professsor, Jackson." The older boy's face immediately darkened.
"So. You know."
"Not all of it," Harry admitted, "Just that hes-" Fred put up a hand, sliencing him.
"Let's bring this talk somewhere else." He led them through a series of of hallways, until they chanced upon an abandoned classroom. "In here" He said, pointing a hand hrough the doorways, and together, the four of them slid in.
As they settled down on the rotting desks, Fred sighed and looked up at them.
"So. What do you know about Professor Jackson?" Harry paused.
"Only that he's got the dark mark, an ex-death eater." Hermionie stepped in.
"But he said he was forced! Is that true!" Fred examined his nails, looking exremely reluctant.
"I'm not sure about that, but the Order did send him in to teach you. You know about the raid we had a month ago?" He asked. The trio nodded.
"We got straight into Malfoy Manor, Voldemort's lair, and there was a huge fight. Mostly inner circle death eaters. We had found their nest. Your friend Drac was there too." He smirked. "Hiding behind Aunty Bella's skirts. Anyhow. There was another boy too. One who couldn't be struc down by the cruiciatus curse...Or even the Avada Kedavra." The three gasped. Another person who survived the curse, and without even a curse scar!
"What!" Ron exclaimed. Fred nodded grimly.
"He didn't have a wand, but he was lethal with his muggle weapons, swords, daggers. We thought at first that he was with the dark lord, but then, we realized he was just trying to escape. And he nearly got away, too." His eyes darkened. "Then Dumbledore sarted dueling Voldemort." Harry's eyes widened.
"How did it go?" Fred paused.
"Dumbledore would have struck a killing blow."
"What stopped him?" Ron demanded.
"If your friend, Mr. Perseus Jackson had not stepped in front of the dark lord, taking the curse in his place." The three of them blanched. It was hard to think of anyonne volantarily saving the dark lord. And get hit by an Avada Kedavra, no less.
"When he said that Voldemort wanted to use his talents..." Hermionie whispered. "I guess this is what he meant." Ron nodded.
"The perfect bodyguard." Harry said bitterly. "He saved voldemort...HE SAVED MY PARENTS MURDERERS!" He shouted. The three of them looked pitingly at him. "He may have been forced to take the dark mark, but he'll still be the worst of them all!"
"But that's not all, Harry. The reason he saved Voldemort..." Fred continued, in a softer tone.
"Why!" Harry looked up, eyes brimming with tears.
"He is-" Sudden;y, the air around them exploded with a cachophany of noise. Klaxons rang in the air.
"What's that?" Ron asked his brother.
"Interuder alert." We have to head on up to our houses." The three of them ran up the stairs, and through the wailing portrait hole. They stopped as a bizarre sight met their eyes.
The Griffindors were clustered around two people in the middle of the room. Jackson was standing arms crossed, in front of a younger kid, who was sprawled on the floor, holding his head. The intruder! Harry noted. He had black hair, and wore black pants and a black leather jacket. He looked to be about 12 or 13, his features latin american. He grinned sheepishly up at Percy, who frowned.
"What are you doing here?" The professor demanded. The younger kid groaned, and offered a hand, which Jackson took, lifting him onto a comfy couch.
"How?" Harry asked Lavender.
"The shadows were...moving! The kid, he just sort of fell out of a pool of shadows..." Harry frowned. What?
"Annabeth sent me. She thought that you'd need some backup..." The kid grinned. "She meant babysitting." Harry watched as Percy seethed. Then relaxed. He seemed dangerous, dispite his young age, and Harry wondered if the two were related, somehow, to have these strange, and frightening powers.
"Yeah, but how did you find me? This location...Heck, I don't even know were it is!" Jackson qeustioned. The kid's grin grew wider.
"I weaseled it out of Father." His expression, when mentioning father, grew solem for a moment. Out of...respect? Jackson gaped.
"Your father actually told you!" He gasped. Whoever this father was, he was pretty important sounding. The kid smirked.
"Anything for his favourite kid." Jackson grunted.
"You're his only kid, Nico." Nico sighed. And looked up at Jackson
"Only mortal kid, you mean.." Harry wondered what that meant. Was his father...not human? But then what did that make Nico? And Jackson?
"Then I'm sure you know of the situation here?" His eyes widened. "Wait-if your father told you, then do the parents know about these people?" There was a strong empahsize on Parents, and once again, Harry heard traces of respect in the younger boy's tone. Nico shook his head.
"Only your father, mine, and Thalia's." Jackson tensed. Nico noted this and reassured him,
"Don't worry, they don't plan on taking action...just yet." The to of them both looked at each other in relief. Everyone was startled. Whoever their father's were...Just then, the portrait of the fat lady opened, and teachers spilled out. McGanagall, Snape, Sprout, and Dumbledore.
"What's going on here?" McGonagall demanded in her harsh voice. Jackson turned, and smiled sheepishly.
"Oh...My fellow colleagues...This is my...cousin. Nico Di Angelo." He said, while Nico got up and stared at them with hostility.
"I take it he's one of you're kind?" Snape sneered bluntly. Jackson beamed.
"Aptly put, Sev. He is indead one of, our kind.." The Griffindors were curious. Their kind? Who were they? Not wizards, or muggles...That was for sure. Nico growled, his hand straying to a dagger on his belt that Harry hadn't noticed yet. He reached for his wand, just in case.
"And, what, pray tell, are you doing here? Mr. Di Angelo?" McGonagall asked sternly.
"He's here to check up on me. Orders from Olympus." Olympus? Finally a semi-familiar word. Wasn't that a mountain? In greece? Sprout's eyes widened.
"He isn't? One of the...one of your parents? Is he?" The teachers all looked slightly scared at that point. Jackson laughed. Nico ground out an answer.
"No...I'm one of the kids. Just a friend of Percy's." The four of them immediatly relaxed.
"Well, Mr. Di Angelo. I suppose...you can stay. Perhapes you can help Mr. Jackson with his teaching..." Nico nodded.
"Yeah...I guess." McGanagall nodded. "Very well. I shall see you tommorrow morning."
Nico and I sat on my crimson and gold bed spread, curtains drawn for privacy. I handed him a choclate frog, and as he bit into it, I spoke in ancient Greek, the melodious tone of the words comforting.
"I trust Annabeth has told you about the prophecy?" Nico swallowed, and replied in the same tongue.
"You mean the Bridge?" I nodded. He continued.
"Well, I did some research, and, well, so far the only part blessed mortal, and part god in existence is your Voldemort person. Even if he was disowned by his parent." I sighed. Nico stared inquistiively at me.
"And if he's the only one who can save our races from war, why are we fighting against him?" I sighed and shook my head.
"I don't want to fight. But it looks like we'll probably have to." Nico nodded.
"It's just a matter of choosing sides, now." I sighed again.
"Plus Dumbledore, the leader of their self proclaimed light side said that according to reports, some remanents of Krons' army found their way to Voldemort." Nico blanched.
"This isn't like you, Percy. Usually, when theirs a fight to have, you'd never back down.." He looked me in the eye. "What's wrong?" Damn child of Hades with their perceptiveness.
"When I was captured by Voldemort...he wanted me to join him..." Nico nodded, dark eyes solem. "One of the reasons was because he wanted my power. My invincibility, my control ver water." I paused. " The second reason...is because he is my half brother. The other son of Posiedon. And family should stick together." Nico started, before quickly recovering.
"Another son of Poseidon, huh? Annabeth didn't tell me about this."
"I didn't tell her. I don't need her worrying about me. And you better not tell her either." I demanded, harshly. I put my head in my hands. "And now, I'm at a magic school, teaching this kid prophecized to kill my half brother! Helping him along his way!" I shouted. Nico put a hand on my shoulder.
"Percy. He maybe your brother, but it doesn't mean that he's family. We're your family. You know that. Just do what's right." I sighed bitterly.
"What's right? Whatever happened to blood is thicker then water?" I questioned. "But you're right about one thing. You and Annabeth, and camp are my family. If it means saving you guys...then I'll be perpared to do anything."
End of Chapter 5
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Preview for next time...
"Voldemort!" Harry shouted his wand clenched tightly in his hand. "Let him go! It's me you want, remember?" Voldemort looked unconcerned down at him, twirling his wand in his hand. Jackson raised his head, and glared down at him, and when he spoke, his voice was filled with pain.
"Stay out of this Potter! It's family business!" Harry's eye's widened.
"What did you say?"