The gates themselves depicted various scenes of death. This ranged from wars from ancient times, to the more modern ones. It even had scenes of numerous famine victims and tragedies of a miscellaneous nature.

Beyond the gates lay the courtyard, and immediately the scene had Harry's hackles rising. Aside from multi-coloured mushrooms and shrubs that Harry was sure, were poisonous, and luminous plants, the garden had an assortment of statues. What really worried Harry was the fact that they looked eerily like the statues from Medusa's lair.

As they forged deeper into the garden, they entered an orchard of pomegranate trees. The tart smell was pretty overwhelming, and Harry was forced to strengthen his Occlumency shields. Percy and Annabeth had some degree of self-control, but Harry was forced to fire a Full Body-Bind curse on Grover before he could raid the trees.

Eventually, the three of them managed to drag their frozen fourth companion out of the garden before Harry ended the curse. The group slowly walked up the steps and into the palace, between black columns and under a black marble portico. The main entrance hall had polished bronze floor, and the ceiling was replace by a cavern roof. Each doorway that they passed had a skeleton guarding it.

Each skeleton represented different eras of soldiers, and Harry could even spot some skeletons wielding wands. None of the skeletons seemed hostile, but they felt their gazes fixed on them, which was a lot worse. Soon, they stopped at the entrance to what they guessed was the throne room. Considering that it was guarded by two skeletons in US Marine's gear, they were bang on the money.

Harry noticed Percy struggling, "You alright, mate?"

He grunted back, "Stupid bag weighs a ton. It's like I've somehow picked up a stray bowling ball. Don't worry, I can handle it."

Before they could work up the nerve to knock, a hot wind blew down the corridor and the doors opened slowly. Percy could not help noticing that it looked exactly like the one in his dream. The only difference was that the throne was occupied by the man himself.

Unlike Dionysus and Ares, Hades absolutely exuded power. Harry noted that he was clad in black silk robes and a crown of braided gold. His attire was different from when Harry had met him on the Winter Solstice.

The God of the Underworld gazed down at them as they knelt and then got up from his throne. He spoke, "You are brave to come here, Son of Poseidon. After what you have done to me, you are brave. I should vaporise you where you stand, but you also did me a massive favour."

Percy gulped and looked at Harry and Annabeth, asking them about their next move. Harry mouthed, "It's your quest, mate. You take the lead."

Percy slowly got up, "Lord and Uncle, I come with two requests."

Hades raised a smooth eyebrow, "Only two requests? Arrogant child! As if you have not already taken enough. Speak now!"

The boy gulped again, "Lord Hades, a war between the Gods would be really bad. I implore you to please return Lord Zeus' Master Bolt and help me clear my name."

His eyes grew dangerously bright, "Clear your name? You dare keep up this pretence after all that you have done?"

Percy looked lost, and so did everyone else. The god bellowed, "Do you think I want war, godling!"

Harry slowly got up, "Respectfully, my lord, we don't know how to answer that."

Hades scoffed, "Of course my brothers would think that I need to expand my kingdom! Do you think I need more subjects? Did you not see the sprawl of Asphodel? Have you any idea how much my kingdom has swollen in this past century alone, how many sub-divisions I've had to open? More security ghouls, traffic problems at the judgment pavilion. Double overtime for the staff. And I'm still waiting for that bastard Voldemort to show his miserable face in here! I used to be the God of Riches and I control all precious metals under the earth. Yet the expenses are astronomical!"

Percy blurted, "Charon wants a pay raise!"

That only riled up the god even further, "Don't get me started on Charon! That brat has been insufferable ever since he discovered Italian suits after hobnobbing with that Maurizio Gucci fellow. I'm needed to solve every damn problem around here, and the dead keep arriving! I do not need another war!"

Percy carefully asked, "Lord Hades, If you haven't taken the Master Bolt, who did?"

He spat back, "Isn't it obvious? Your father may fool Zeus, but I see his plan. You were the thief during the Winter Solstice. Your father directed you into the throne room at Olympus. You took the opportunity to pinch the Master Bolt and my helmet!"

Annabeth asked, "Your helmet is also missing?"

"Precisely! I have held my silence about the helmet's disappearance because I had no illusions that anyone on Olympus would offer me the slightest justice, the slightest help. Return my helmet now or I will stop death. I will open the earth and have the dead pour back into the world. You thought that by freeing my children, you would gain some favours? You thought wrong!"

Percy was starting to get angry, but refrained from yelling, "Lord Hades, I did not steal the Master Bolt, nor did I steal your Helmet."

Hades sneered, "Is that right? Open your backpack then – No not you, Potter."

Percy froze and then robotically took off the blue backpack and unzipped it. He then fished out a sixty centimetre-long metal cylinder, spiked on both ends, humming with energy.

The other three were stunned and Harry exclaimed, "Bloody hell! How did that get here?"

Percy now looked panicked, "I-I don't understand. Lord Hades, this is a mistake."

He roared, "A mistake! There is no mistake, I know why you came. You came to bargain for her."

Hades opened his fist and let loose a large ball of gold fire. It hit the ground and exploded, revealing Sally Jackson frozen in stasis. He continued, "Yes I admit it. I took her, because I knew you would come to bargain with me eventually. She's not dead, but if you displease me, I could remedy that."

Percy suddenly remembered the pearls in his pocket. However, Hades' next words caught him off guard. He drawled, "Ah… The pearls. My brother and his little tricks. Bring them forth, Perseus Jackson."

The boy automatically obeyed and showed them to the god. He sighed in mock disappointment, "Only three? What a shame. You do realise that each pearl only protects a single person. Try to use them to take your mother and sacrifice two friends to spend eternity with me. Leave without her and one is still left behind. Go on then and choose. Or give me the backpack and accept my terms."

The four of them huddled and conversed with each other. Percy told them quietly, "We were tricked, set up."

Hades was losing patience, "Decide, boy!"

Harry spoke up, "I'll stay behind and you can't convince me otherwise. Lord Hades knows that he can't kill me. He needs me to bring Voldemort back to face Olympian justice."

Grover whispered, "Percy, you can't give him the bolt. I'll stay behind too, and you can use the third pearl for your mom."

Annabeth interrupted, "No! Both of you go! Grover you have to protect Percy and get your searcher's license to find Pan."

They began bickering, but then Percy snapped, "Stop it, all of you! I know what I have to do."

The prophecy was slowly beginning to make sense. He handed a pearl to Grover and Annabeth and turned to Harry. Percy said, "One of the lines of the prophecy said, 'A sacrifice to save what matters most in the end'. Promise me that you will save my mom?"

Harry understood immediately, "I promise, mate. Now go on and save the day."

Percy approached his petrified mother, "I'm sorry, I'll find a way."

Hades' smug look faded, "Godling?"

"I'll find your helmet, Uncle. I'll return it, and please remember Charon's pay raise."

Percy, Grover and Annabeth smashed the pearls at their feet and the pearls exploded. Soon, they were encased in three milky-white spheres and slowly began to float upwards. All three spheres crashed through the stalactites and were soon out of sight.

With them gone, Hades turned to Harry, "Potter! Do you trust them?"

Harry nodded firmly, "With my life, Lord Hades. Also, I have to ask, you mentioned something about freeing your children."

"Yes, about that… I was referring to young Bianca and Nico. Before you ask, they were born before the pact between me and my brothers. However, Zeus being as paranoid as he was, tried to kill them to circumvent the Great Prophecy. I managed to protect the two, but could not save their mother. After wiping their memories of the attack, I tasked my Furies to place them at the Land of the Lotus-Eaters. I am pleased that you have freed my children. For that I give you this… You have 15 minutes."

He waved his hand and two ghosts floated in, two familiar ghosts. Harry's eyes widened and rushed up to them, "Dad! Mum!"

His mother had a bright smile, "Harry! Oh my sweet little boy! I'm so proud of you. I knew that you were destined for great things, but you have exceeded my expectations. I am happy that you have liberated your cousin from that vile sister of mine. Petunia was always jealous of me and the fact that I was a witch. I tried to extend as many olive branches as I could, but she refused to make peace."

His dad also grinned, "Hello my son! I'm glad that you have grown into a fine young man! Also, youngest seeker in a century! I'm telling you! I was grinning like a loon for weeks!"

His mother gave an exasperated sigh, "Oh you men and your Quidditch! At least I was the first to find out. You only found out later after you finished your month in the Fields of Punishment and then joined me in Elysium!"

"Dad was in the Fields of Punishment?"

"Before we got together, your father was an absolute git! He, Sirius, Remus and the Rat were infamous pranksters. So your father's punishment was to experience all of their pranks, but 10 times worse. Also, I want you to pass on a message to Professor Snape. You may not know this, but he and I used to be friends. That lasted until he fell into the wrong crowd and became a Death Eater. Later on, he defected and has since been acting as a spy for our side. With that being said, you can trust him with the truth of your parentage. I'm relieved that he is treating you like any other student. Had he been petty and taken out his silly grudge with your father, on you, I would have haunted him until he apologised. Tell Severus to stop beating himself up about his poor choices, and try to get along with Sirius and Remus."

Harry nodded, "Yes mum!"

After sometime Hades spoke up, "Come, James and Lily, your time is up."

Harry teared up a little and tried to hug them. Unfortunately, his hands just phased through their bodies. After they left, Hades said, "To business then! How goes your current quest to catch the Dark Lord?"

"I managed to sort of flush out the Dark Lord's spirit, but he got away. I'm sorry, Lord Hades."

He waved a dismissive hand, "Not to worry, young Potter. Thanatos will soon be on his way to find him."

Just then, Harry had a brainwave and exclaimed, "Mars is especially bright, tonight! That's why Percy believes that Ares was the thief!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Back in Hogwarts, I met a colony of centaurs, and one of them told me that Mars was very bright. It just now clicked for me that he was referring to the real thief, Ares! Think about it, he is the God of War and a war between the Gods would only benefit him! I'm also guessing that he stole your Helm of Darkness as well."

Hades adopted a thoughtful look, "I see your logic, Potter. Very well, then. You may go and take Perseus' mother with you. If the boy does not return my helmet, I will be back to reclaim her. You'll find your friends at Santa Monica Pier."

He straightened up and snapped his fingers. On cue, the golden fire died out and Sally Jackson unfroze. She stumbled and Harry rushed forward and caught her. He soothed, "It's okay, Mrs Jackson. You'll be fine. Come on, let's get you home."

Then, Hades snapped his fingers again, and the two of them were enveloped in darkness and shadows. When it died down, the two of them found themselves in New York. Sally managed to get her bearings and hugged Harry. She murmured, "Thank you Harry. You are a good friend to my son. He is lucky to have you. Now go back to him and your other friends. I'm sure that they will need your help. Also, you and your cousin are more than welcome to live with me and Percy."

With that, they parted ways and Harry took the Knight Bus back to Santa Monica. He disembarked at the pier and arrived sometime in the afternoon, just in time to see a large wave engulf a giant boar with one tusk. The other tusk was lying at Jackson's feet. Grover and Annabeth were standing a good distance away, as Percy squared off against Ares, who was wielding a baseball bat.

Harry jogged up to the two, "Sounds like I came just in time for a right old kerfuffle, eh?"

Annabeth hugged him, "You're okay! Is Percy's mom…?"

He smiled, "She's fine. I've dropped her back in New York and took the Bus here."

Their conversation was interrupted by Percy challenging Ares to a duel. As Ares morphed his bat into a two handed sword, Annabeth took off her camp necklace and tied it around Percy's neck. She murmured, "For luck."

Grover handed him a flattened tin can, while Harry handed him his wand holster and chanted, 'Mutatio!'. On cue, it transformed into a shield in an instant.

Ares drawled arrogantly, "You all done saying goodbye? I've been fighting for an eternity, kid. My strength is unlimited and I cannot die. What have you got?"

Percy braced himself, and Harry jokingly called out, "I'm only letting you borrow the shield once, Jackson. Get your own one when we get back to camp!"

For his part, Percy remained a few feet away from Ares, with the surf up to his ankles. The two circled each other before the god became bored of waiting, and charged. He brought his sword down for the kill, but Percy was no longer in the path of the sword swing.

As the battle raged, Percy was simply trying to survive, while Ares was clearly the superior fighter. Then, Percy tried to close in, but the war god knocked his sword away and kicked him in the chest, sending him nearly 20 metres away. Fortunately, the soft sand cushioned the fall and he was able to recover.

Unfortunately, complications arose when they heard police sirens blaring. At least five police cars were gathering and the policemen were all pointing their guns in the direction of the battle. One cop recognised Percy from the newspaper article that had reported him missing. Another one noted that Ares was armed.

Someone, who they assumed was the chief of police ordered Percy and Ares to drop their guns. However, the god was having none of it. He bellowed for a little privacy and with a wave of his hand, engulfed all five cars in a red sheet of flames.

With that out of the way, he went back on the offensive. Percy was defending and retreating backwards towards the water. As the War God advance to deliver what he thought was the killing blow, Percy struck. It appeared that he was holding back the tide and finally let it go in a massive two-metre wall of water. He vaulted over the startled god and let the wave smash into Ares.

Thinking fast, he countered the god's wild slash and stabbed him right in the heel. The subsequent roar of pain was deafening. Limping, he hobbled towards Percy with pure hatred in his eyes when something stopped him. For some reason, the light faded, there was no sound or colour, and a cold-heavy presence washed over everyone.

The god lowered his sword and darkly said, "You have made an enemy, godling. You have sealed your fate. Every time you raise your blade in battle, every time you hope for success, you will feel my curse. Beware, Perseus Jackson, Beware!"

His entire body began to glow and the four of them instinctively looked away to avoid getting vaporised. When they turned back, Ares was absent, and in his stead was Hades' bronze Helmet of Darkness. Percy went to pick it up, and as soon as he did so, there was a sound of three pairs of wings flapping. The Fury in the middle stepped forward, "We saw the whole thing. So it truly was not you?"

Percy tossed the helmet to her and the surprised Fury caught it. He spoke, "Please return that to Lord Hades. Tell him the whole truth and ask him to call off the war."

They nodded and flew off, but not before giving him a stern warning. After they left, the demigod collapsed, absolutely exhausted. Harry opened his own backpack and fed him some nectar to get his strength back up. He held out his hand, "Come on, Jackson. We're still on the clock. I'll call the Knight Bus to take us back to New York."

Percy sighed, "At least it was better than my idea to risk a flight back to New York."

Finally, they reached the city by evening, and Percy convinced the three of them to let him go it alone. There were some initial protests, but he insisted that he had to do this alone. However, Harry shut down the argument by telling him that he promised his mother that he would look out for him.

As they left, Percy and Harry headed to the Empire State Building. It took a bit of time to haggle with the security guard, but one glimpse of the Master Bolt was enough to change his mind. As they waited in the elevator, Percy handed the shield back to Harry, who promptly transfigured it back into a wand holster.

Percy asked, "You've been to Olympus a lot?"

"A couple of times, and its bloody gorgeous! No matter how many times I've visited, it still feels like the first time. By the way, I've been meaning to ask, where did you get the sword from?"

Percy uncapped his pen and let it transform into a sword. He handed it to Harry, "It's called Riptide and in Greek it's called-"

"-Anaklusmos. This sword has a bit of a history. It belonged to my big sister Zoe. She is a Hunter of Artemis and gave it to Herakles to fight the drakon, Ladon. Bloody wanker took all the credit for getting past Ladon and left her to face the wrath of her father and sisters. As a result, she was cast out from the Garden of the Hesperides, and that's when mother took her in and made her a Hunter. If she ever saw you using it, she'll probably treat you a bit coldly. However, if you can prove yourself to be better than him, she's possibly going to respect you."

Finally, the lift doors slid open and Percy nearly had a heart attack. Harry carefully led him up the steps, through the resplendent city, and finally into the palace. The difference between Hades' palace and the Olympian palace was pretty much night and day. Eventually after more shameless gawking, they entered the throne room. Harry observed that this time around, there were 12 thrones, as opposed to 13 during the Winter Solstice. Additionally, all thrones were empty, except for two.

He recognised Zeus and Poseidon as they approached. He whispered in Percy's ear, "Acknowledge Zeus first, because he's the king."

Their attire was a complete contrast, with Zeus looking very formal and business-like. On the other hand, Poseidon looked like he was getting ready to go fishing. Neither of them spoke, but there was palpable tension in the air between them.

Percy approached and knelt before Zeus, "Lord Zeus."

Then he knelt before Poseidon, "Father."

Zeus rumbled, "You have been raised and advised well, boy. You must always address the master of the house first."

He turned to Poseidon, "So you still claim him then? You claim this child whom you sired against our sacred oath?"

Poseidon raised his hand placatingly, "I have admitted my wrongdoing. Now I wish to hear his tale."

The king of the gods grumbled, "I shall listen. Then I shall make up my mind whether or not to cast this boy and his companion down from Olympus!"

"- And risk Artemis' wrath? I know for a fact that you personally oversaw the ritual between her and the child's mortal parents. She has been rather attached to her son. Perseus, tell him your story."

Just like that, Percy narrated the tale, leaving out a few bits like meeting the Parkinsons and the Di Angelo siblings. As he spoke, he took out the Master Bolt and gently laid it at Zeus' feet. When the tale finished, the sky God opened his palm and the weapon promptly flew into it. Upon closing his fist, the metallic points crackled with electricity and soon resembled a classic thunderbolt.

After a few moments, he said, "I sense that the boy is telling the truth. But that Ares would do such a thing… It is most unlike him."

Poseidon mused, "The man is proud and impulsive. It runs in the family."

Then Harry nudged Percy and muttered, "The voice, mate."

The other boys started and hesitantly spoke aloud, "My Lords?"

Both gods looked at him, "Yes?"

"Ares didn't act alone. Someone else – something else – came up with the idea."

From there, he described his dreams, the uneasy feeling on the beach and other such feelings. Percy also admitted that he had a hunch that Ares was having similar dreams.

Zeus was intrigued, "So you are accusing Hades, after all?"

"No sir, we've been in Lord Hades' presence, and this feeling was a lot different. A lot older and more… ancient. Something powerful and evil is stirring and I think it is happening in Tartarus."

That prompted both of them to engage in a quiet and animated discussion in Ancient Greek. Then Zeus stood up from his throne. He turned to the two of them, "You have done me a service, boy. Few heroes have accomplished as much."

Percy's cheeks reddened slightly, "I had help from Harry here, as well as two of our friends, Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase."

Zeus continued, "To show my gratitude, I will spare your life. Make no mistake, I do not trust you, Perseus Jackson. I do not like the implications that your arrival has on the future of Olympus. Do not presume to fly again and do not let me find you here when I return. Or else you shall taste this bolt and it shall be your last sensation."

With a clap of thunder and a blinding flash of lightning, Zeus was gone. Poseidon sighed and massaged his temple, "Your uncle has always had a flair for dramatic exits. I think he would have done well as the god of theatre."

Harry fought down a snicker before clearing his throat, "Lord Poseidon, do you have any idea what is in that pit?"

His sea-green eyes focused on the two of them, "Have you not guessed?"

Percy stammered, "Its Kronos, the king of the Titans, isn't it."

As soon as he uttered the name, the room darkened ever so briefly. Poseidon also gripped his trident firmly, "In the First War, my brother cut our father, Kronos, into a thousand pieces. It was what you would call karmic justice, as Kronos had done the same to his own father. The remains were cast into the deepest pits of Tartarus. The Titan army was scattered and their fortress on Etna was destroyed. However, it does not mean that the Titans are dead, no more that we Gods. I'd imagine that Kronos is still alive."

Percy replied, "He is healing, isn't he? He's coming back."

His father shook his head, "Over the aeons, Kronos has stirred. He has the ability to enter people's dreams and breathes evil thoughts. Unfortunately, Lord Zeus has closed discussion on this matter. He will not allow talk of Kronos. Now it is time for you two, to leave. Congratulations on completing your quest."

Percy was about to argue when he thought better of it, "As you wish, father."

Poseidon gave a small smirk, "I take it that obedience does not come naturally, does it?"

Percy reddened, "No… sir."

"I suppose that is partly my fault. The sea does not like to be restrained. Even you, Mr Potter are the same. Some animals do not like to be tamed, as your mother would put it. Also, when you return home, there is an important package waiting for you. You will understand when you see it. Perseus, your mother is a queen among women. I had not met such a mortal woman in a millennium. I have brought upon you a hero's fate, and a hero's fate is rarely happy. You did well though, do not misunderstand me. Whatever else you do, know that you are mine, a true son of the Sea God."

On that note, the two boys left Olympus and were back on the streets of Manhattan. The first thing they did was head to Percy's apartment to check on Sally. As soon as he rang the doorbell, she opened it and crushed her son into a hug. She murmured, "Oh thank goodness! Oh my baby! Harry was the one who brought me back. I think I scared Gabe out of his wits when I appeared in front of the doorstep. I was so worried! Especially when Gabe told me that you were a wanted criminal for getting involved in a bus accident and then being attacked at Santa Monica. I just got back from work actually, Gabe told me that I had a month's salary to make up."

Both boys scowled, but she shook her head, "He's not going to be happy when he sees you."

Just then, his voice echoed, "Sally! Is that meat loaf done yet or what?"

She ushered both of them inside, though Harry tried to protest, saying that he didn't want to intrude. Moments later, he was really regretting the decision to enter. The place reeked to the high heavens and he fought the urge to gag. Then they reached the living room, and the sight that greeted them was that of four slovenly men at a table playing poker. One of them, who Harry assumed was Gabe, had a cigar in his mouth and was spilling ash haphazardly.

Gabe glanced at them and his face grew violently red. Sally ignored his rage-filled face and cheered, "Percy's not a fugitive! He was saved from being kidnapped by a terrorist! Isn't that wonderful, Gabe?"

He sneered, "Bad enough that I was forced to give back your life insurance money, Sally. Get me the phone. I'll call the cops."

Her smile was wiped in an instant, "Gabe, no!"

The slob raised an eyebrow, "Did you just say no? You think I'm going to put up with this punk again?"

"But-"

He interrupted her and raised his hand, and she instinctively flinched. Up until this moment, Harry had been restraining Percy from going feral. However, when Gabe raised his hand, he let go of the growling boy. Percy nearly flew at him, but his mother held him back.

She changed tactics and dragged the two to Percy's room. Sally pleaded, "He's just upset, honey. I'll talk to him later. I'm positive that things will work out."

Harry interrupted, "I hate to say it, Mrs Jackson. This bloke is an abusive twat. He's not going to change."

Percy called out, "Harry's right, mom. We can help you!"

Harry and Sally turned to see him holding a familiar cardboard box. Under the message that Percy wrote, was another message, 'RETURN TO SENDER'. That was when Harry had a wicked grin on his face, "Mrs Jackson, if you want Gabe gone, the answer is right here in this box."

She shook her head frantically, "No! You can't!"

Percy grabbed her hands and held them, "Mom, Poseidon called you a queen. He told us that he hadn't met a woman like you in a thousand years."

She was definitely blushing.

Percy continued, "Mom, you deserve better than him. You can finally go to college and get your degree. You can finally write that novel that you've been talking about since forever! You don't have to stay with that jerk just to protect me. I'll leave the box, and if he threatens you…"

She asked, "What about you, Percy?"

"I'll be with Harry and my friends at Half-Blood Hill. At least when Harry isn't busy elsewhere. Don't worry, it won't be forever."

She sighed and kissed his forehead, "You'll be a hero, Percy. You'll be a the greatest one of all. The same goes for you, Harry. I had the pleasure of meeting your parents and they were lovely. I am positive that if they had lived, they would have raised you to be the lovely boy that you are, today. Remember, you and Mackenzie are always welcome to stay in my home."

The three of them walked to the front door, enduring more snide comments from Gabe. It took a lot of self-control from Harry to not shoot him with his bow and arrows. The man then ordered Sally to get him his meat loaf on the double.

A brief flash of anger crossed her face before schooling her features. Sally then shot him an innocent smile, "Coming right up, dear. Meat loaf surprise!"

The last thing they saw was Sally Jackson eyeing the four poker players, as if she was envisioning how they would look as statues.