Father's World
A/N: This chapter contains spoilers to the movie: "Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters." This chapter is mostly filler and longer than usual.
Chapter 4
Harry was nursing his left side where he'd been slammed into by a rampaging mechanical Colchis bull.
Two hours ago they were eating lunch when they were attacked. The huge mechanical construct had torn through the camp leaving bodies and scattered wreckage in its wake. Who would've thought an animated metal bull could cause so much damage?
He limped up to a tall camper with dread-locks and sunglasses. Tyson, Percy's half brother, had arrived at the camp just before the protective wards surrounding it had fallen.
Personally, Harry liked Tyson. The tall teen reminded him a lot of Neville with his shy, gentle manner. That is, if you looked past the single hazel colored eye, and the sandy brown dread-locks. From what Harry understood in his lessons with Chiron, Cyclops, like Tyson, were fabled, one-eyed monsters that ate demigods. 'So why wasn't Tyson considered a monster?'
Harry stood with the remainder of the able bodied campers as they examined Thalia's tree. Annabeth explained that Thalia was a demigod daughter of Zeus who sacrificed herself to save Luke, Annabeth and Grover from two giant Cyclops who were chasing them. For her sacrifice her father turned her into the great pine tree that stood guard over the camp and served as the anchor for the now defunct wards.
The clock was ticking, someone had poisoned Thalia's tree and the poison was slowly eating away at the tree's life force. This was causing the wards to weaken; it was only a matter of time before they would fall. Harry knew he would use whatever knowledge he had to help.
Harry stopped Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Tyson as they were sneaking out of camp after dark to follow Clarisse on the quest for the golden fleece.
"Hey! Wait a bit!" Harry panted as he ran up to them. "I can do something that might help you." He gestured towards Tyson's pack.
"Shh, keep it down Dead-boy!" Percy whispered anxiously as Annabeth scanned about.
Harry grinned as he cast a Silencio on Tyson's clunky, noisy backpack. He then handed Annabeth a small wooden box that contained several capped vials.
"These are healing potions, instructions for their use are on the labels. The vials are charmed unbreakable, don't lose them. Good luck," Harry said. "Come back safe." He watched silently as they faded into the trees.
The next morning at breakfast Harry offered to help Chiron heal Thalia. He wasn't too sure if he had enough potions knowledge to be of use, but he had to try. He knew that Zeus, like all of the Greek gods, held a grudge so he only had one shot at this-and it better be a good one.
So atr breakfast, he offered an extra sacrifice to Zeus, the god of the sky, explaining that he wanted to help if he could. He wasn't sure if what he was going to try would work and asked the deity not to be upset with him if it didn't.
After eating he sought out Chiron, who was already busy working on a cure. "Chiron? Do you think this will help?" Harry offered up one of the bezoars he always carried with him.
"What is this?" Chiron held up the odd looking stone to the sunlight, examining it.
Harry explained what it was and how it was considered a universal antidote for most poisons in the Wizarding World. "You think it'll work?"
"You say one has to swallow it, for it to work?"
"Yes sir. I don't know how we can get it to work on Thalia's tree, since you can't make her swallow, but if you can think of a way?" Harry asked hopefully. "Also, I know a couple of healing and neutralizing potions that might help. But I don't have all the ingredients here, so I'd have to make a trip to Salem. . .?"
"Thank you for the gift of hope, young Evan," the centaur said, as he thought for a moment. A rumble across the clear sky caused the pair to look up. "It would seem that Lord Zeus approves of your quest. Be careful."
0o0o0o0
Sirius had been relieved when Harry decided not to go with Percy and Clarisse. Harry had enough on his plate as it was and didn't need to go haring off on another adventure! So of course, he'd been worried.
They left for Salem as soon as Harry finished talking to Chiron. If they hurried, they should be back by night-fall.
The potions would need several hours of brewing time, so Sirius knew they were in for a long night ahead. Sleep was secondary, Thalia's life was at stake.
While they were in Salem Harry wanted to pick-up some ward stones and books on warding. The camp really needed a back-up plan for protection and Sirius agreed.
Some advanced books on Runes and Arithmancy for his night time 'classes' would also be useful. Harry had explained that his parents and his sire were tutoring him every night in his dreams and he was now up to his grade level in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. So Sirius planned on collecting the books while Harry gathered potions ingredients.
0o0o0oo0
Thankfully, the apothecary had all the ingredients Harry needed. And with Padfoot's help, he bought several other ingredients for potions he thought Thalia's tree could use to help fight off the poison.
'The Bell, Book and Candle Shoppe' had several good books on warding, potions and new books on Runes and Arithmancy that Harry wanted. The credit card that the goblins gave them after they went back in time worked well, they didn't have any problems using it.
A quick stop through a fast food place with golden arches took care of their dinner. Harry always wanted to try the place because Dudley had bragged incessantly about their 'delicious hamburgers and chips'. Padfoot ate two of the sandwiches called 'quarter pounders' and begged longingly for more despite Harry's protests that too much grease was bad for dogs.
The trip back was uneventful and they made good time. Harry did wonder if the gods were helping him with how fast he made it back on the motorcycle-with no interference from the police.
With Chiron's help, and Padfoot 'supervising' from under the table, they brewed a potion he found in one of his new books that might help. The brewing took all night and in the morning, Chiron, along with Harry and a group of campers who were awake that early, went to Thalia's tree.
"Oh Great Zeus, we offer these potions up to you for your blessing that it may help heal your daughter, Thalia. We pray that it works, if not, we pray it will at least slow the poison so that those on the quest for the golden fleece may return in time to save her," The centaur shouted up to the heavens. Another deep, rolling rumble echoed across the cloudy sky as Chiron carefully poured the potions onto the areas most affected by the poison.
However, the poison was too wide spread for the potions to work completely. At best it slowed the spread and bought them time.
"Damn, it spread through the night," Harry groused as the potion stopped a small area of the poisoning. "I so hoped this would work." He sighed.
"Take heart, young Evan. It is helping, hopefully it will buy us enough time. . . see here, where the potion touched, the bark is coming back!" Chiron said as he pointed out the patches slowly turning from an unhealthy shade of green to a healthy brown. "We gave the questers more time and we still have extra ingredients for another batch. Come."
Another ominous rumble echoed across the heavens. Harry winced. He hoped Zeus wasn't too upset with this failure.
"He is not angry at you, young Evan," Chiron said, reading the teen's despair as he ushered Harry back into camp. "You tried to help and that is all one can do. He is upset that another of his children is in such a dire strait. Come, have breakfast and then get some sleep. We'll try again this afternoon. Hopefully Clarisse and Percy will be back by then."
It was a few days and several potions later that the questers returned with the golden fleece in hand. Harry and the rest of the campers were very relieved to see them. The potions had temporarily halted the poison's spread and with the fleece they brought, it finished the job.
Thalia's tree was saved. What was more amazing was that Thalia, herself, was also saved and freed from the roots of the tree.
0o0o0o0o0o
That night, Harry dreamed of Olympus where the Lords Zeus, Hades and Poseidon were sitting on their thrones.
"Well done, Harry Potter. Yes I know that you are going by Evan Grimm. It is of no matter. Hades has given me surety of your personal quest and I approve," Zeus said, as he looked down at the nervous young wizard. "Although your potions did not work as well as you had hoped, it did slow down the poison enough for the quest to be successful. Well done."
"Yes, well done." agreed Poseidon. "The spells and first aid kit you gave Percy and Tyson were most useful during the quest. They were not required of you, but you have my gratitude for your help to my sons."
Hades just offered a wink and a salute with his wine glass.
"We offer you a boon, Harry Potter. Ask anything within reason and We may grant it to you," Lord Zeus boomed regally.
Harry looked up at the three powerful Greek deities. He knew he was walking a very fine line here. He knew that his grandfather Hades had knowledge of his father, and Harry was well aware that the Norse and the Greek gods really did not get along. He could go from Olympus's darling to Olympus's main course at the next feast if he was not careful.
"There is something I would ask, Lord Zeus, Ruler of the skies. You have seen my life in the Wizarding World. You know that I love to fly. It is the one pleasure that makes my life there bearable. Now that you are aware of my heritage. . ." Harry paused hoping that he was doing this right. "And if it please you, all I would ask is to be able to fly. To soar the skies without upsetting you."
Zeus laughed as did Poseidon.
"Well, you did call it true, brother," Poseidon said looking at Hades. "He would ask to fly."
"That is because I have seen him on his broomstick," Hades said. "He is sheer poetry in flight. To clip his wings would be a disservice."
"Granted, Harry Potter. You may fly without any reprisals from me or any of the gods," Zeus announced. "This, however, doesn't mean you are privileged with my favor. I am granting only this small boon for your help in saving the life of my daughter. And I have seen you fly as well. Hades is correct it would be an injustice to deny you this."
The glow of absolute joy that suffused Harry's face brought a chuckle from the watching deities.
"One last warning, Harry Potter. Do not betray the trust we have given you," Zeus cautioned. "I have yet to discover who sired you. It is only on my brother's surety that you are allowed to train at Camp Half Blood. Remember that. We are watching you."
0o0o0o0o0o0
Summer turned to Autumn. Harry had now completely caught up to, and surpassed, where he should've been in the old time line as far as his studies went. Halloween was in a few days.
Harry missed the many campers that populated the camp during the summer. Most had returned home at the beginning of the fall school term. Since Chiron knew of Harry's magical abilities, he urged Harry to enroll in correspondence courses through Salem's Magical Academy as well as the home school program offered by the State of New York. Harry was now able to keep up with his magical studies as well as the mundane (which designation Harry preferred to 'muggle').
If he had problems, he brought them to his parents at night in his dreams. Loki was pleased at how well Harry took to their tutoring. During the day Sirus helped where he could, but he was very limited by the amount of time he could safely spend in his true form.
James Potter, with hands on help from Sirius, taught him Wizarding Customs and Etiquette. Something Dumbledore had very much neglected to teach Harry. With the Potter Grimoire now in his possession, Harry was able to learn a lot about his family history and legacy. He now understood his parents' driving need to have a child. If he had not been born, all of the history, all of the knowledge of the Potters would have vanished. Lost to the world forever.
When Halloween finally arrived, Harry had to explain to Chiron and the others why he hated that particular holiday.
"Well, nothing good has ever happened for me on Halloween," Harry explained. "Beginning with my parents being murdered when I was one for a start."
"Man, that sucks," said Grover, munching on a Carmel Apple, stick and all. Harry had quickly learned that satyrs were very goat-like in their appetites. They'd eat just about anything put in front of them and chase anything female that caught their eye.
The camp always held a big bonfire for Halloween. Supper that night consisted of fire roasted hot dogs and gooey, melted marshmallows on a stick. Several hot dogs, marshmallows and chips were offered up instead of their normal fare. Harry made his usual double offerings. He really wasn't in the mood to celebrate, so after that he moved away from the bonfire.
Harry watched from a distance as the rest of the campers enjoyed the bonfire. Thalia, who had been healed by the golden fleece, was sitting with Artemis' hunters. He was happy that she was back among the living. He was even happier that the gods were not angry with him for being at Camp Half-Blood.
Slipping farther from the noisy celebration Harry pulled out everything he needed to do a Samhain ritual. He wanted to remember his parents, who had fallen to evil while trying to save him and this was how James told him to do it. He was sure Hades wouldn't mind. Due to the thinning of the Veil this was the one night it really could be performed without repercussions.
After making sure he would not be interrupted or spied upon, Harry cleared a small area and drew a ritual circle with one of his daggers. He then lit two candles and a small brazier he'd 'borrowed' from camp supplies. Once everything was ready he made his offerings to the gods. Padfoot sat at his feet, whining softly. "Shhh, Padfoot. If this works you'll see them as well!"
"Ahh Harry," came Lord Hades voice from the fire. "I figured you would be calling tonight, of all nights. I see you brought along the mutt."
"Grandfather, please accept my offerings and allow me to speak with my parents?" Harry asked, ignoring the disparaging remark about his god-father.
"Don't you speak with them just about every night in your dreams?" Hades asked.
"Yes sir, but tonight was the night they died and it is also Samhain. Besides, Sirius would like a chance to make amends with them."
"Very well, I accept your offerings, Grandson. I am pleased with your studies and yes you may speak with them until the fire dies down."
Out of the small fire stepped the corporeal souls of James and Lily Potter. Sirius transformed as well. The next hour was spent in hugs and tears with Sirius and James getting reacquainted after all the heart-wrenching grief and 'can you ever forgive me' speeches. Lily and Harry stayed mostly on the side-lines, her arms never leaving their place wrapped around Harry's shoulders. Although they talked just about every night, this was real! Hades had allowed them to leave the Underworld until the fire died.
The hours sped by and as the glowing embers died down, James hugged his son one last time. "Even though I am not your sire I am so proud of you Harry, my son. I wish your mother and I had been there to watch you grow up. Now that Padfoot has gotten his head out of his arse. . . "
"Daaaadddd!"
"James Charlus Potter!"
"Prongs!"
"Time to go," Lily said, giving her son another hug and a kiss on his cheek before they faded from sight.
Sirius and Harry didn't leave the clearing until dawn broke through the trees.
0o0o0o0
Padfoot was never really at the cabin for long periods of time anymore, much to Harry's amusement. It seemed that the nymphs that had remained at camp adored him. They liked to give him baths, and comb out his fur and of course, Padfoot milked it for all it was worth.
So Harry couldn't resist teasing his furry godfather and had managed to prank him a few times by turning his black coat a shocking shade of pink. Even that did not deter the nymphs from exclaiming how 'cute' Padfoot was.
Dionysus, or Mr. D, got pranked a few times as well. It seemed that he had angered Zeus by going after a nymph that was off limits-so Zeus cursed him by making sure Mr. D. could not drink anything but water no matter what he tried to pour into his glass. For some reason, even Zeus thought it was funny when Harry had switched Mr. D's wine glass with a coca cola glass that sang 'Put de Lime in de Coconut. . .'
Mr. D never did find out who did it. He tried to punish the whole camp but that only made the pranking worse. Harry wasn't the only one that liked to do a bit of mischief.
Of course, Loki thought it was hilarious, as did Hades.
0o0o0o0o0
Fall was on the cusp of turning into winter. Harry made a few trips up to Salem for course testing and to do a bit of shopping. Christmas was fast approaching and he needed winter gear.
Percy invited Harry to come visit him in New York for Thanksgiving. Harry didn't want to intrude, besides, being British, he really didn't celebrate a holiday called 'Thanksgiving.' But Percy's mother sent a personal invitation and Chiron gave his approval as well. So Harry accepted. He couldn't refuse her kindness, after all.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving Harry arrived at their apartment. He met Percy's mother and took an instant liking to Sally Jackson.
Padfoot came along and made himself comfortable on the rug in front of the telly. "Percy says your dog is house broken. Will he be alright in the living room?"
"Sure, Padfoot may be big for a wolf hound, but he's gentle, and fully house trained." Harry commented. "He has the nymphs at camp fawning all over him."
"Yea Mom," Percy agreed, snatching up a handful of warm from the oven biscuits. "That dog of Evan's is almost the mascot of the camp. Even helps when there's trouble."
"So Evan, how are you enjoying living at the camp year 'round?" Sally Jackson asked as she turned in the small kitchen to finish working on her prep for the feast the next day.
"It's been wonderful so far, Mrs. Jackson," Evan said, as he and Percy followed her in.
"None of that, call me Sally," she said, pulling the last batch blue sugar biscuits out of the oven. Harry's eyebrows went up at the sight, until it was explained Percy liked eating blue foods, hence the blue biscuits.
The next day Tyson, wearing his special sun-glasses to mask his single eye, Grover, sporting a pair of crutches to hide the fact he didn't have human feet, and Annabeth showed up for the feast.
For a few moments, Harry was reminded of his time at the Burrow with all of its chaos. However, here there was no magic helping with the stirring of sauces, or talk of Quidditch, or explosions echoing through the apartment. Still, Harry couldn't help comparing the two. If asked, he would say he preferred Sally's apartment. It was less chaotic.
Tyson took off his glasses. Grover removed his fake shoes and leaned his crutches against the front door. Annabeth and Percy, along with Padfoot, were watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV. It was too cold to go watch it on the streets and easier for Percy to explain to Tyson, with Padfoot listening in, how they managed the huge air balloons without shouting over the noise of the crowds.
Harry helped Sally in the kitchen. At first, she refused, but when she saw how adept he was at breakfast, she allowed it. Harry enjoyed it immensely.
Sally wasn't Aunt Petunia in the kitchen. She didn't expect him to make the bulk of the meal as his aunt would've. They chatted about many things and, later, for the life of him, he couldn't remember anything they discussed.
When he and Padfoot returned to the camp Sunday night, he couldn't help but be thankful for his life now.
0o0oo0o0o0
Christmas was coming fast. Harry found himself caught up in the festivities of the camp. He put a lot of thought into his gifts this year, although his mind kept wandering to what was happening at Hogwarts. The Yule Ball would be coming up. The first task had already happened.
There was nothing he could do about it. He couldn't help himself in his old life. At least Padfoot could be counted on to make things interesting and keep his mind on the here and now.
The latest chaos happened when Padfoot sneaked into the Aphrodite cabin and ran rampant, rummaging through the girl's lockers. He was seen wearing a doggie grin and a couple of the more frilly unmentionables, as the girls from the cabin chased him through the common area. Harry had to deal with the fallout as suggestions ranging from a muzzle to castrating the mangy mutt were bandied about.
"It's been suggested a few times," Harry commented as he looked down at the drooling, unrepentant wolfhound. According to Remus, Snape had called for Padfoot's immediate castration several times in the past.
In the end, Padfoot was chained in Hades cabin, howling his protests loudly.
"Well, you brought it on yourself, Padfoot," Harry said as he magically locked the chain. "Oh quit whining! It's only for a week. Be thankful Chiron didn't kick you out."
Harry was able to convince Chiron to let him take Padfoot away from camp for the holidays. With Christmas just a few short days away, Harry had a lot of shopping to do.
So under their goblin disguises, Harry and Sirius hit downtown Salem with a vengeance. For Hades, he bought a vintage bottle of Ogden's Finest and a box of Cuban, hand rolled cigars.
He even got Persephone a box of Godiva chocolates and a crystal rose. She was Hades' wife and didn't really like him for being a legacy of one his bastard children. Harry only ever had one true wish, and that was for a family. He hoped she could understand that wish and accept his gift in the spirit it was given.
For Loki he decided on a bottle of Odgen's Finest and a box of mundane jokes and pranks. If what he had read about the Norse gods, and had learned of his sire, Loki would put the pranks to good use. Just as long as no one learned where he'd gotten them...
Harry really wished he could be at Hogwarts. He hadn't spent a Christmas away from the school since he found out he was a wizard. Oh well, at least he was relatively free to come and go as he wished. So, he turned back to shopping and managed to pick out a few more presents.
An older couple ran the Bed and Breakfast that he and Sirius were currently staying at. They were friendly enough. When they found out that Harry had no family and this was his first Christmas outside of Britain, they made sure that he knew about all the local holiday events that he shouldn't miss. Harry and Sirius enjoyed their stay.
0o0o0o0o0
'Twas the Night Before Christmas and Harry was just outside of Salem in a small grove of trees away from traffic and people. Harry made sure he would not be disturbed as he stood in front of a small campfire. Beside him were two intricately carved wooden boxes.
"Lord Hades, Lord Loki, please accept these gifts from your son and grandson. Lady Persephone, inside the gift to Hades is a gift for you. Please accept them in the spirit of Christmas and Yule."
Harry knew he was throwing alcohol into the fire but he was sure that before the boxes exploded, they would be whisked to their destinations. He threw floo power into it first and shouted, "The Underworld, Lord Hades' Throne Room!" The box for Hades disappeared into the green fire. He did the same for Loki's box but shouted, "Asgard, Loki's chambers!"
0o0o0o0o0o0
That night, Harry dreamed of finding himself in his grandfather's throne room.
"Merry Christmas Harry," Hades said, raising a glass of Ogden's Finest in salute. "And thank you."
"Yes, Harry, thank you," a beautiful woman glided over to where Harry was standing. "You do know the way to a woman's heart." She kissed him on the cheek.
Harry blushed and stammered. Hades chuckled at his grandson's discomfort.
"You will find your gifts from me when you awaken," his grandfather said. "now off with you, I am sure your father wants a word with you."
"Expect a gift from me as well, Harry," Persephone smiled as she raised her glass of wine as well, giving him a sly wink over her glass rim.
The scene shifted as he then found himself standing in his father's chambers. His offerings were on Loki's lap. The Norse god of mischief grinning as he rummaged through the box muttering, "Oh what a perfect way to embarrass Thor! … And this for the Allfather. Wonderful, so childish … so simple."
Harry cleared his throat as he stood by the chair he normally sat in. If the only thing he ever learnt from his Father, it was to give respect to those that are more dangerous than you.
"Ohh Harry, Happy Yule," Loki said, setting the box aside for later. He motioned Harry to sit. "Thank you for such a wonderful Yule gift." He poured two drinking horns and handed one off to Harry. "Skoal!"
"Happy Yule to you, Father. Skoal!" Harry said as he saluted back. He had learned that anything he drank in demigod dreams would affect him in real time, so he had to be careful of Asgard grog.
"You will find my gifts to you when you awake, my son," Loki said. "They will serve you well. I am foregoing your lessons until after the new year. The Allfather expects me to attend all the Yule festivities here so I must. Your studies will resume when his eye is off of me."
Harry nodded. He wished his Father could acknowledge him but the Allfather had decreed that Loki couldn't father any more demigods. It was bad enough that two were prophesied to bring the end of times.
"You have caught Thor and his cronies' eyes, Harry. Much coin is exchanging hands as they watch in interest 'The Tri-Wizard Tournament'," Loki explained. "With their attention on your former exploits, they don't notice that I am teaching you."
0o0o0o0o0
Harry awoke on Christmas morning. He and Padfoot were once again invited to Percy's for the holiday dinner. He really didn't have much time to open presents and get to the Jackson's.
The several presents were waiting for him under the small tree that had graced his room. He had been informed by the owner of the Bed and Breakfast that the 'Missus' loved decorating for the holiday season so all the rooms in the B and B sported a small, decorated tree. His tree was a themed tree. It had different Disney characters on it.
Harry hadn't been able to see any of the Disney movies as the Dursleys refused to allow anything that used the 'M' word in their homes. He did not recognize many of the characters, but at least he did know Mickey when he saw him.
First were the gifts from his Grandfather and Father. From Hades, Harry received a new arm sheath for his throwing daggers made from the skin of a basilisk. According to the note attached, "once you put it on, grandson, it'll blend into your skin. No one will know it's there. Use it well." Harry noted that it would hold his wand as well. Not that he needed his wand much these days. He had learned to focus and control his wandless magic now that it had been unblocked.
From his Father, Harry received more throwing daggers and books on how to cast illusions. "Study these well, Harry. I will be testing you on how well you use the talents you inherited from me."
Harry was surprised to receive a letter from Persephone. "I thank you for your gifts young one. "With this note I send you two of my pearls. If ever there is need you may drop one, crush it and be instantly transported to the foot of Hades throne, use them wisely."
Sirius and Harry exchanged their gifts. Harry gave Sirius a gift certificate to Spencer's Gifts; which is one of the 'go to' stores for adult pranks, gag gifts and 'odd' toys. For Padfoot, he got a new dog collar and a shampoo kit.
"So you think I have fleas do you?" Sirius asked, chasing his godson around the room.
"Nahh Padfoot, I just thought you would like something different when the nymphs get hold of you again," Harry giggled as he ducked away from him.
0o0o0o0
The trip to Percy's didn't take as long as normal. Harry may have cheated a bit and used the magical boosters and stealth modes on the motorcyle.
Percy and Annabeth were already there as well as Grover and Tyson. It was almost like Thanksgiving all over again. Padfoot took up the space in front of the Telly.
After the meal, and the dishes were in the dishwasher, gifts were exchanged.
Harry had never felt like he belonged as much as he did in Percy's apartment. He never felt like this at the Burrow. Molly Weasley had nothing on Sally. Molly had a more smothering and demanding personality. Sally made everyone feel welcomed and wanted in her home. Harry could also see the reason why Poseidon had fallen in love with her.
Harry knew that he needed to enjoy the holidays while they lasted. All too soon, he would be back at his studies.
0o0o0o0o0
For those asking, no, the Avengers are NOT in this story. GF is thinking of a sequel with them but she hasn't written it yet. Please stop asking.
This is based on the movies and not the books, so Nico and Bianca will not be in this story. Sorry.
Until next time. -GF and the Frau