Daphne and Harry stepped out of the swirling green flames, coughing out residual ash from the floo network. They had barely made it back to Camp Half-Blood before breakfast. The familiar scent of fresh pine and the sounds of the nearby sea greeted them.
As they dusted off, a tall, equine figure approached them. Chiron, the wise centaur, looked at them with his age-old eyes filled with curiosity and slight worry. The camp had known few, if any, who travelled by such means.
"Young Daphne, Young Harry," Chiron greeted with a respectful nod, his hooves making soft thudding noises against the ground. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of urgency, "Did you find what you were looking for with your father, Daphne?"
Daphne hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Yes," she finally replied, her eyes a mix of surprise and understanding.
Chiron raised an eyebrow, prompting, "And..."
Taking a deep breath, Daphne continued, "It turns out we do in fact have a soul union." The gravity of her statement wasn't lost on Chiron, who nodded thoughtfully.
Beside her, Harry adjusted his glasses, his silver eyes darting around the familiar, yet unfamiliar, camp. "I think going there was productive," he admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Plus, I learned a lot about my family."
Chiron smiled gently, "Discovering one's roots can be a powerful experience. It's a way to ground oneself in the world." His gaze then returned to Daphne, "After dinner, can you give Harry a tour of the camp? And help him get settled in cabin 11?"
Daphne nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "I can."
Chiron seemed satisfied with their answers, "Good. Dinner is about to start." With that, the centaur gestured towards the dining pavilion, where campers were already starting to gather.
Harry and Daphne ambled away from the imposing structure known as the Big House. With each step, Harry took in the vast, unfamiliar surroundings. They reached a divergence in the path just a short distance away, causing Harry to pause, uncertain.
"Potter," Daphne began, her voice cool and authoritative.
Harry met her gaze, offering a playful smirk. "You could always use my first name, you know."
A faint smile tugged at Daphne's lips. "I'm aware." She then gestured to the path ahead. "If you follow this road straight, it will lead you to a variety of facilities: the Forge, Armory, several cabins, and even a dining pavilion."
Harry frowned, his curiosity evident. "Forge? Armoury? Why would a camp need those?"
Daphne nodded in understanding. "This isn't your ordinary summer camp, Harry. It's designed for demigods. Demigods naturally emit an aura that draws in monsters, especially if they're aware of their celestial lineage and have a powerful deity for a parent. The stronger the connection, the greater the threat." She took a deep breath. "Moreover, being shadow hunters, we also exude a distinct essence that lures demons. Hence, training is imperative for survival."
Harry absorbed this information, a weight settling in his chest. "I see."
Not allowing the gravity of her words to linger for too long, Daphne continued, "Now, if you choose the path to your right, it will guide you towards the amphitheatre, an arts and crafts center, and the famed Half-Blood Hill." She pointed to the left, "Venture this way, and you'll discover the combat arena, stables housing majestic pegasi, the archery range—which I'm particularly fond of—and, more leisurely, the strawberry fields and peach orchards. This path also takes you to the grounds where we play Capture the Flag."
Daphne and Harry walked down a path lined with trees, the trunks gnarled and twisted into ancient shapes. They emerged in a clearing to find an arrangement of cabins surrounding them in the shape of a Greek omega.
"This is where we sleep," said Daphne. Her voice was hushed and reverent. She motioned with her hand. "Each cabin also serves as a temple. I'll show you how to invoke the old rites in order to make a sacrifice later."
Harry took in his surroundings, nodding slowly. "And wherever we sleep is based on our divine parent, correct?" he asked.
Daphne's finger trailed from a white-stoned temple to an impressive marble building, which looked almost like a mausoleum. Its columns were so thick and strong they seemed carved of stone rather than made of it. Two massive bronze doors shone with the wax that had been used to polish them, creating a holographic effect in which lightning bolts shimmered across the surface. In addition, every now and then, thunder rumbled in the distance.
"That is Cabin 1," said Daphne, her voice low and reverential. "It's for the children of Zeus—the King of Gods, God of sky, thunder, lightning, law and order."
Harry eyed the structure skeptically. "I take it this cabin is nearly full?"
Daphne shook her head. "Fifty years ago, maybe... but as of right now, it's empty."
She extended her arm and gestured to an ornately carved cabin on the opposite side of the clearing. Marble columns held up a graceful domed roof, decorated with pomegranates and flowers in intricate carvings. Doors were engraved with vivid images of peacocks, wings spread wide in their full glory. "That is cabin 2," she said, her voice filled with admiration, "the temple of Hera the Queen of the Gods, Goddess of marriage, women, marital harmony, and the protector of women during childbirth."
Daphne pointed to a long, low building with windows facing the ocean. The cabin was made from rough sea stone, pieces of coral and seashells embedded into the walls, and a trident with a large bronze "3" hanging above the door. "That is cabin 3, it's reserved for Poseidon's children," she said, gesturing to an empty cabin beside it. "The King of Atlantis, God of the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses."
Harry's silver eyes widened as he took in the sight of Cabin 4 - the vibrant colours of the wildflowers and roses contrasting against the warm brown of the cabin itself. Tomato plants wound their way up from beneath the windows and doorway, and a lush green grass roof covered the entire structure. He glanced back at Daphne who was still pointing and smiling with her pixie-like face atop her petite frame before turning his attention once more to Cabin 4. "That is Cabin 4," Daphne began, her voice delicate and airy. "It is for children of Demeter, Goddess of the harvest, agriculture, fertility, and sacred law."
Daphne pointed to an aged cabin, its walls a deep red and faded in spots. A large boar's head was nailed above the door frame, and coils of barbed wire surrounded the roof. "Cabin 5 is for children of Ares – God of war and courage. Word of advice: it's best to steer clear unless you need someone to fight," she said.
Daphne pointed to a dull gray building. Plain white curtains hung in the windows, and an ornate carving of an owl was positioned above the door. "Cabin 6 is reserved for children of Athena," Daphne said, gesturing towards it. "Athena is the Goddess of wisdom, strategy, warfare, and handicrafts. If you ever need help or guidance on something, one of those kids will be able to point you in the right direction."
"Do you have any questions so far?" she asked him. Harry shook his head slowly from side to side in response.
Daphne gestured towards a magnificent structure, built to dazzle in the sunlight. It was crafted from pure gold, emanating a brilliant luminescence that seemed unnatural. "That is Cabin 7," Daphne explained. "It is for children of Apollo - God of the sun, oracles, healing, archery, music and arts, light, knowledge, herds and flocks, and protection of the young. Should you need help from one of our healers, they are more than happy to help."
Harry's eyes were drawn to the cabin directly across from Cabin 7, Cabin 8. It was constructed solely of silver, glittering against the grey sky as though it were a beacon in the night. During the day, it seemed almost ordinary, but at night its walls glowed with an ethereal light that illuminated the animals carved into its surface-stags and deer mostly-and framed the mottled green curtains hung like banners in its windows. "Cabin 8 is another empty cabin; it is for the Hunters of Artemis when they are here. Artemis is the Goddess of nature, vegetation, childbirth, wildlife, the hunt, sudden death, animals, virginity, young women, forests and hills, the moon, and archery."
Daphne's finger swept across the campgrounds, pointing to a brick building with smoke billowing from its twin smokestacks. The entrance was adorned with metal gears of all sizes and shapes, like the ones found in forges and factories. "Cabin 9 is for the children of Hephaestus, God of fire, volcanoes, metalworking, artisans, metallurgy, carpenters, forges, sculpting, and blacksmiths," she explained. "If you need a weapon or armour made or repaired, this is where you can go."
Cabin 10 stood tall in the distance, and Daphne pointed to it with hesitation. The pale wood of the cabin was weatherworn, but its blue roof remained bright and vibrant. Large white pillars rose up from the checkerboard deck where a few steps led up to a pink door. Gray walls surrounded the area which was finished off with potted carnations by the window. "That is for children of Aphrodite, Goddess of love, lust, passion, pleasure, beauty, and sexuality," said Daphne as she moved closer. "Avoid them at all cost."
Daphne pointed to the next cabin, its brown paint chipped and flaking away. Above its door was a caduceus - two snakes wrapped around a staff with wings at each end. "Cabin 11 is for children of Hermes, God of boundaries, roads and travellers, thieves, athletes, shepherds, commerce, speed, cunning, and wit Psychopomp and the divine messenger," Daphne said. "It's also for unclaimed children of gods and children of minor gods."
As they approached the final cabin, it was clear that this one was unlike any of the others. The walls and roof were lined with lush grapevines, a sight that sent excitement coursing through their veins. Glimpses of purple and green created a kaleidoscope of colours as the sun shone through. "Finally cabin 12 for children of Dionysus God of wine, vegetation, fertility, festivity, madness, religious ecstasy, and theatre,"
Harry glanced around the unfamiliar campground, taking in the rows of canvas cabins. "Only one question—where are we going to sleep?" he asked.
Daphne gestured towards a cabin at the far end of the grounds. "For now, we'll be in cabin 11."
Just then, the distant sound of a conch horn pierced the air, three times—the signal that it was time for dinner.
Daphne led Harry to the dining pavilion, its columns rising towards the sky and flames flickering from the bronze brazier that lay in its center. The sea glittered in the moonlight beyond them as they seated themselves at one of the tables adorned with white cloths and purple trim. As food was brought out, Daphne gestured for Harry to follow her with his plate in hand and approached the brazier.
"We need to make a sacrifice by the old rites," she murmured before taking one-fourth of her meal and offering it up in silent prayer to Demeter, Hestia, and Hermes. She glanced at Harry, waiting for understanding to dawn on his face. When he nodded, she explained further: "To invoke the ancient rites of sacrifice you place one-fourth of the food in your plate into the fire then you give a prayer to Hestia because she is the goddess of the sacrificial fire, then the rest of the gods you wish to pray to." With that, Harry picked out a few morsels of his own meal and tossed them into the flame before sending a prayer up to Artemis, Hestia, and Hermes.
Harry scooped a spoonful of mashed potatoes and took a bite, feeling the warm comfort of home-cooked food. As he chewed, he became aware of a presence at the other end of the table. He glanced up to see Chiron and Mr. D watching him and Daphne intently, their eyes like hawks. Mr. D cleared his throat and stood up with a heavy sigh as if it were a chore to be addressing the large crowd before him.
"Yes, I suppose I'd better say hello to all you brats," he said wearily. "Well, hello. Our activities director, Chiron, says the next Capture the Flag is Friday. Cabin six presently holds the laurels." A roar of cheers erupted from the Athena table, making Harry jump in surprise.
"Personally," Mr. D continued in a bored tone, "I couldn't care less, but congratulations. Also, I should tell you that we have two new campers today: Delphini Bluegrass and Henry Peters." He waved an arm in their direction in welcome.
Chiron murmured something. "Er, Daphne Greengrass, and Harry Potter," Mr. D corrected. He was about to continue his sentence before everyone in the room noticed a shimmering glow emanating from above Harry's and Daphne's heads.
A large symbol of a crescent moon with a bow and arrow notched hovered over Harry while an intricate pattern of crossed spectral torches and a small purple butterfly shimmered beneath it. All eyes were on Harry as whispers from the other campers began to spread.
Daphne's head glowed with a symbol of a large sheaf of wheat surrounded by crossed spectral torches smaller than those beneath Harry's symbol.
One girl from the Athena table spoke up in disbelief, "A son of Artemis? That's not possible. She's a virgin goddess!"
Another camper shushed her as he took in the scene, his dark curly hair swaying around his face as he nodded at the symbols above their heads. "Apparently, it is. Look at the symbol."
Clearing from the shock Chiron gave a quick bow, "It has been determined," said Chiron "Hail Harry Potter, Son of Artemis, Goddess of nature, vegetation, childbirth, wildlife, the hunt, sudden death, animals, virginity, young women, forests and hills, the moon, and archery. Legacy of Hecate, Goddess of the mist, boundaries, transitions, crossroads, magic, the New Moon, necromancy, and ghosts, Legacy of Thanatos, god of death,"
Chiron then turned to Daphne, "It has been determined," said Chiron "Hail Daphne Greengrass, Daughter of Demeter, goddess of Goddess of the harvest, agriculture, fertility, and sacred law. Legacy of Hecate, Goddess of the mist, boundaries, transitions, crossroads, magic, the New Moon, necromancy, and ghosts."
On Olympus thunder was sounding loudly everywhere as Zeus was summoning the Olympian council. One by one the gods flashed in and took their thrones on Olympus while Hestia kept tending her Hearth.
Zeus leaned forward on his throne, a scowl deepening the furrows of his brow. His voice thundered as he spoke. "Artemis, explain why you claimed a mortal child as your own son."
Aphrodite's full lips parted with surprise, her normally pale face flushing pink. "I would like to hear this too," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "How the so-called maiden goddess is no longer a maiden."
Artemis stepped forward, her eyes blazing with rage. She rose to her full height and glared down at Aphrodite, who cowered beneath the goddess's seething gaze. "Shut your trap, Aphrodite," she snarled through gritted teeth, "before I shut it for you." Aphrodite wisely kept her mouth shut, feeling a chill of fear run down her spine.
Artemis's voice quivered as she addressed the council of gods. She remembered all too well being scorned and humiliated here in this chamber exactly thirty-three years ago - when they had known she was guilty of killing a human. "Remember Father when this council saw fit to punish me for killing the mortal in 1959," she said, her eyes pleading.
Hera raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed into a thin line. "Yes, we all do," she said slowly, her gaze lingering on Artemis. "But what does that have to do with this?"
Artemis locked eyes with Athena. "Athena," she began cautiously, "what was the punishment the council saw fit to give?"
Athena's eyes widened as she continued. "You were sentenced to live a full life as a mortal-your memories and powers sealed-to teach you about mortality."
Artemis gazed up at the stars in the night sky, her voice wavering. "Apollo, when did my mortal shell die?"
"Your mortal shell died on October 31st, 1981," Apollo replied solemnly.
"That would make Harry 11 years old," Artemis said thoughtfully. She turned to Apollo and tilted her head as she worked out the math in her head. "If you do the math, he was born on July 31st, 1980."
Athena cleared her throat and began to explain. "It means that your son was born from your mortal shell, and even though you were turned mortal you are still a goddess. So when you died, your essence activated his dormant ichor in his veins and in turn, turned him into a demigod."
Demeter put down her spoon and stared unblinking at Athena. Her cereal bowl was mostly untouched, and her appetite had suddenly dissipated. "This is good and all but it doesn't explain how he came to be," she said cautiously.
"Lily Fairchild, born into a Shadowhunter family of prominence and blessed with the gifts of both Mundane magic and Angelic Runes, was the twin sister of Jocelyn Fairchild and elder sister to Petunia. Of the three siblings, she was the only one who could use both types of magic." began Artemis.
"During her time at the magical academy Hogwarts, Lily encountered James Potter, an attendee of the school like herself. Through shared classes and whispered conversations, their friendship blossomed into love. They graduated together and were married soon after. Together they welcomed a child into this world; the child I claimed" said Artemis.
Poseidon stood solemnly in front of Zeus, his voice clear and unwavering. "It is essential to understand that a mortal shell, although descended from us gods, develops its personality based upon its growth and experiences throughout life," he said. "Artemis had no knowledge of her oath at the time of his conception; her memories were carefully hidden away."
Zeus' voice boomed through the chamber as he thundered, "Let's take a vote to see if the child lives or dies! I vote for death!"
Hera shook her head furiously, her eyes blazing with determination. "The boy dies," she insisted.
Poseidon was incredulous. "We are seriously voting on a child's life who has done nothing to us? The boy lives."
Demeter's voice was laced with fear and confusion. "He has a connection to my daughter – I will not kill her by killing him. He lives."
Ares crossed his arms over his broad chest. "The boy dies."
Athena rolled her eyes in disgust. "I can't believe this is a vote. He lives."
Apollo scoffed disdainfully. "This vote is meaningless anyways – he must live due to two prophecies."
Artemis' voice quivered with anger as she said fiercely, "I'm not killing my son – and I'll fight anyone who tries!"
Hephaestus wore a bored expression but spoke calmly. "He lives or dies – makes no difference to me."
Aphrodite smiled knowingly and said thoughtfully, "He lives – I want to see how his soul union develops"
Hermes nodded in agreement. "He stays alive," he agreed.
Dionysus scowled fiercely. "He dies - I don't need another brat in the camp."
Artemis's face was a steely mask of determination. "Now that that farce of a vote is over," she announced, her voice reverberating against the marble walls. She raised her right arm, clenched her fist, and pointed to the heavens. "I have begun the process to make him my heir to several of my domains. I also swear upon the river Styx, that if anyone as much as harms a single hair on his body I will force your body to reform in Tartarus so mote it be!" Her words were an oath, and their gravity summoned a thunderous rumble from the distant clouds outside. The boom seemed to shake the very foundations of the world and sealed her vow in stone.
Later that night in Camp Half-blood, Harry entered cabin 8 and the first thing he noticed was the smell of the forest was both overpowering and calming making Harry seem right at home. He went to the back, passed the main temple area, and into the common room, he looked to the left and saw a door with his name on it he entered the room.
The room had his trunk and bags neatly placed on the side. There was a twin-sized bed, a chest and a dresser, on top of the bed was a bow and quiver, a pair of hunting knives, a sword, a shield and a full armour set.
Harry's eyes darted around the room as he stepped closer to the bed. He looked down and saw a letter lying there, bearing his name. Gingerly, he picked it up and began to read. "Dear Harry," it began, "I promised I would claim you as soon as I could. This is why I made this room in my cabin especially for you when I was searching for you endlessly." His eyes widened as he surveyed the items on the bed- a shield, bow and quiver of arrows, two hunting knives, a sword, and some armour. "If you are anything like me," the letter continued, "you will be a well-rounded fighter." A brief description followed each item- explaining that the shield could absorb powerful spells before being thrown at an opponent; that the bow had once been Artemis' symbol of power; that the knives could cut through tough flesh; that the sword drained opponents' health and stamina; that the quiver refilled automatically; and that the armour protected from both physical attacks and spells. It ended with one last line: "It is important to note that these items will grow with you. Just say 'επαναστρέφω'..." Harry whispered the word and was astonished to see all of the items transform into a single watch.
Harry's hands trembled as he resumed reading the letter. Tears blurred his vision, smudging the ink on the paper. His mother's wise words filled him with warmth and a bittersweet longing for her presence. In his mind's eye, he could see her caring face, and feel her gentle embrace. He blinked hard, trying to keep the tears from flowing down his cheeks.
"Harry," she had written, "I know I can't make up for the ten years I was missing from your life. I swear I have been looking for you since my mortal shell died. I failed you in the worst ways imaginable. You were abused, starved and treated worse than a slave for all those years." At this, Harry clenched his teeth as his jaw muscles tightened with rage. His breaths became jagged as he tried to contain his emotions. He could still remember it all so clearly – every word of every cruel taunt that had been thrown at him during that time.
"I should have been there to protect you," she continued in a remorseful voice that echoed through his heart, "but I wasn't. I couldn't find where you were; you were hidden from my sight. I should have tried harder." She paused before continuing, "I don't know what I can do to make it up to you, only that I am sorry. And I will make it up to you, my cub."
Harry wiped away the tears that had started streaming down his face as he whispered under his breath, "Mum, I forgive you...even though you have nothing to be sorry for."
Harry's vision blurred as tears filled his eyes, and he tucked the letter into his pocket. He wiped his eyes and resumed reading the words from his mother - of domains such as nature, vegetation, wildlife, the hunt, sudden death, animals, forests and hills, the moon, and archery. His heart leapt at the possibility of being an Heir with greater control than even a demigod. He could feel the power coursing through him as he reread her words about managing her various domains and being exempt from God's ancient laws in regard to 'no direct interference over mortal lives'.
Harry's fingers trembled as they tightly gripped the letter, its parchment crinkling under the strain of his emotions. The moonlight caught his eyes, which shimmered with a mixture of determination and sorrow. As the breeze picked up, carrying with it the whispers of memories long gone, he leaned his head back and murmured, "Mum, I will not let you down." The weight of the promise held the weight of the world.
With the wind gently rustling his hair, Harry took a steadying breath and activated the watch. A soft, silvery glow began to emanate from it, and within moments, intricate pieces of armour materialized around him. As the armour enveloped him, it was clear this was no ordinary suit.
The helm shone brightly, its silver hue glowing under the moonlight. It had been designed with precision, hugging every contour of Harry's head, offering protection and yet allowing him unobstructed vision. The eyes were the window to the soul, and his remained visible, giving him a deeply human touch amidst the metal.
The pauldrons were works of art. Crafted to appear like a wolf's head, they symbolized strength and loyalty. They were reminiscent of guardian angels, ready to fiercely protect Harry's vulnerable shoulders from harm.
The cuirass, the centrepiece of the armour, had intricate carvings that told stories of ancient forests and legendary creatures. The scaled plate not only provided robust protection but also held a functional design for Harry's hunting gear: a spot for his trusty bow and quiver, ensuring they remained close to his heart.
His arms felt powerful, covered in gauntlets that extended up to his elbows. Engraved with images of forest creatures. Every time he moved his fingers, he could feel the strength and artistry flowing through them.
The girdle was practical, with slots designed for his hunting knives, the sword passed down through generations, two canteens for those long journeys, and a compact pack for essential items.
The greaves were simplistic, emphasizing function over form. They encased his legs in protective silver, ensuring that as he moved through forests or faced adversaries, his steps would be confident and unwavering.
Lastly, the sabatons adorning his feet were nothing short of majestic. Like the gauntlets, they bore the carvings of animals, reminding Harry of his bond with nature and his responsibility towards it.
A/N I took the advice of several reviewers last chapter and changed the ending of chapter 2.
Also, we have about 2 to 3 chapters before 'Dobby's visit.
In regards to Artemis' protectiveness over Harry, Artemis is the goddess of animals and the hunt which makes her an Apex predator. In the animal kingdom some of the most protective mothers are predators (ex. Bears [there is a saying the space between a bear and its cub is the most dangerous space on earth], Lions will get over-aggressive to protect their young, you don't want to be near a wolf protecting young, Alligators will even eat their own to protect there young, etc). So it's not hard to believe this would be Artemis' reaction to protect Harry.
I had to split this chapter so sorry if it ended Abruptly.
Review Please I read and try to respond to every review
