Disclaimer & Notes
There is a simple fact that I do not own any rights pertaining to the canons used to make this story. All I can claim is the idea for this story. In which I write this story as a source of entertainment and to improve my overall writing skills. If you cannot handle me respectfully incorporate my beliefs within this story. Then go read something else. As I am not holding you against your will. Next thing is that this story does not have a beta reader. As such I am relying upon an AI for proofreading and to bounce ideas off of. Right few things to cover that cannot be realistically covered without jeopardising the story's starting integrity.
Chapter 1: Under the Moonlight
Under the shimmering light of a full moon, I found myself locked outside of my relatives' home, heart pounding as I fled from a menacing bipedal wolf. Fear gripped me, and on instinct, I cried, "Mommy, save me." Then the moonlight brightened, and silvery arrows flew straight past me, striking the beast chasing me. I saw a gleaming silvery chariot pulled by four golden reindeer.
"Phoebe, tend to Harry's injuries. Zoe, I want you to get Harry a valid passport and first-class airline tickets to New York. Once acquired, send them via hawk to Phoebe," the regal woman instructed. "I don't want to hear it, Zoe," she responded before Zoe could protest. "He is my son, and the ancient laws do allow some leeway when responding to prayers. Once you're done with organizing the travel documents, go to Harry's school and present yourself as my personal assistant. Tell them you are there on behalf of Harry's biological mother to withdraw him from school. If they ask, respond that I will be organizing homeschooling for him. Make sure you use the Mist as sparingly as possible."
"Of course, my lady," Zoe responded before heading off.
"Phoebe, while I confront his cruel relatives, can you tend to Harry's injuries? Meet me at Heathrow Airport. Oh, and can you take my son shopping? A few changes of traveling clothes will do for now, and remind me to bribe one of Aphrodite's sons to take him out to get a proper wardrobe. Will you?"
At that, Phoebe looked after me for a few hours while we waited for my maybe-mother to meet us at the airport. She may have overdone it on the clothes shopping, as I have a suitcase full of camping gear. During the shopping, a hawk dropped off an envelope containing the tickets and my passport. Upon meeting up with the lady, she handed me a leather pack. Within it were a pair of ornately carved sticks, a brass key, a signet ring, and several letters and documents.
The flight itself was an exhilarating experience. As we landed in New York, the city's bustling energy surrounded me. To be honest, being in such a big city made me somewhat uneasy. Give me woodlands anytime. Thankfully, Phoebe got us out quickly enough, and soon, we were following signs for Delphi Strawberry Service. The taxi driver thanked us for the generous tip we left him. As we ascended the hill, I noticed at the top stood an immense pine tree. It stood tall and defiant, as if a symbol of something significant. Though I couldn't quite put my finger on it, the air around it felt charged with ancient magic and gave off a subtle scent of ozone. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
Then I looked down the valley and caught my first glimpse of the camp below. A place unlike any I had seen before. The camp was dotted with an assortment of rustic cabins, arranged in an upside-down U shape around a central fire pit. All the buildings had an unmistakable Ancient Greek flair to them, but the cabins were a right mishmash, as if they were designed for one of the twelve Olympians. Campers of various ages and appearances roamed the valley, some practicing archery, others honing their sword skills. There was even a smithy and a large forest with a stream flowing through it. Sounds of laughter, camaraderie, and even rivalries filled the air, inspiring a sense that those below were one large extended family. I saw a young girl radiating a powerful aura of peaceful homeliness tending to the central fire.
As Phoebe and I made our way down the hill towards the cabins, we were met with the curious gazes of the entire camp. I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement, not fully comprehending what was happening. But before I could gather my thoughts, Phoebe took the lead, introducing me to a wise-looking centaur named Chiron.
"Chiron, this is Harry," Phoebe announced with a sense of pride. Then a silvery light appeared above my head, drawing gasps from the crowd. The campers began whispering among themselves. I noticed that the light was in the form of Artemis's symbol—a bow over a crescent moon. I could feel all eyes on me, and my heart raced as I stood in the center of attention.
"So she was telling the truth! All hail Harry Potter, Son of Artemis," Chiron proclaimed, confirming the shocking revelation. The news seemed to spread like wildfire, and the campers exchanged stunned glances.
Later that night, in the serene seclusion of Artemis's cabin at Camp Half-Blood, I sat with her, my biological mother, as we gazed up at the starry night sky through the open skylight.
"Harry," she began gently, "I understand this might be a lot to take in. The existence of gods and the magical world can be overwhelming, but I'll do my best to answer any questions you have."
I swallowed nervously, feeling a mix of awe and uncertainty. "I… I don't even know where to start," I admitted.
"That's alright," she reassured me with a warm smile. "You see, I am Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. Your mortal parents, James and Lily, wanted a child, but they faced struggles with fertility. They called upon the ancient gods in their time of need, and that's when I responded."
"You mean… you're actually my mother?" I asked, my voice filled with wonder.
"In a sense, yes," she replied. "Your mortal mother, Lily, carried you in her womb, but I provided one of my own eggs to ensure your conception. It's a rare and special event, but it has brought us together as family."
Resolving to know the truth. "Do you know how my mortal parents actually died? The Dursleys said that they…" I couldn't finish my question, as mum hugged me.
Artemis placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "They didn't die in a car crash. Mages are too durable to die in most forms of motor vehicle accidents. They were prematurely sent to my uncle's realm by a dark wizard named Voldemort. It was an act of great evil, and it has left a void in many hearts."
Tears formed in my eyes as I nodded, the pain of losing my parents resurfacing. "I always knew. That story the Dursleys told. That my parent died in a car crash. Was a lie."
"I know it's difficult to hear, but I want you to know that your mother's sacrifice for you was an act of true bravery and love," Artemis said gently. "It protected you from Voldemort's curse, and that's why you survived."
"Thank you, mama Lily."
As the night went on, we continued to talk about my new life as a demigod mage. Our bond grew stronger, and I knew that this journey with my mother had only just begun. Then as the night was drawing to a close, she seemed sad and conflicted. So I asked, "Mum, what is it that you are struggling to decide on telling me?"
She seemed sad, but then she steeled herself before responding. "My brother wouldn't really mind me saying this, but the fates might. Hanging over your life is already a semi-major prophecy. You'll have to consult the oracle for the exact wording. But it speaks of a chosen one, marked as the only one who could vanquish Voldemort. You, Harry, are that chosen one, the one with the power that Voldemort knows not," she explained. "For a while now, Uncle Hades has been complaining about how a dark wizard is gumming up the underworld's bureaucracy. As it seems that you are destined to defeat Voldemort in the future, it would be wise to make a trip to the underworld to consult with him. But not before you receive a fair bit of major training."
"As you grow, you'll learn to embrace your unique gifts and powers. You'll receive training from the best of the best, both here at Camp Half-Blood and in the magical world. Your path ahead is extraordinary and challenging, but I have faith in you," she said with unwavering belief.
"I won't let you down, Mum," I said, feeling a newfound sense of determination.
"I know you won't, Harry," she said, her voice filled with pride. "You are strong, brave, and capable. You will find friends and allies here at camp, and I will always watch over you. However, the ancient laws forbid me from interfering too much with your life. Now that you know that I am your mother."
Over the next two ish years, I threw myself into training at Camp Half-Blood. The camp became my home, and the campers, my friends and family. The days were filled with physical and mental challenges, honing my skills and abilities under the guidance of the Hunters and other experienced demigods.
One day, during a summer afternoon, a pair of owls arrived at camp, each bearing a letter from a magical school. One was my Hogwarts acceptance letter, and the other was the Ilvermorny acceptance letter. Excitement and uncertainty filled me as I contemplated the path that lay ahead. Seeking guidance and understanding, I decided to consult the oracle.
"Oh wise Oracle, I come seeking knowledge about the prophecy that binds my fate. The one foretelling my destiny, of being marked as the one who can vanquish the Dark Lord. Please, reveal to me its exact wording, for I wish to have clues for the path that lies ahead," I earnestly requested.
In response, the Oracle's eerie presence enveloped the chamber, and her voice resonated with ancient wisdom:
"When the one with power to vanquish the Dark Lord draws near,
Born to those who thrice defied him, as the seventh month dies, the time is clear,
Marked as his equal, the Dark Lord's fate entwined,
With power he knows not, a unique strength to find.
A fateful clash awaits, where either must fall,
For neither can live while the other stands tall,
As the seventh month dies, destiny unfolds,
Of one to vanquish the Dark Lord, a tale of old."
The weight of my destiny and the choices I must make weighed heavily on my mind as the prophecy's words echoed within me. With newfound clarity, I knew I needed further guidance before making a decision about which magical school to attend. I couldn't help but wonder what advice Uncle Apollo would offer on this matter. As if responding to my thoughts, the attic door dramatically slammed shut, and a green fog reappeared, leaving me with a sense of mystery and wonder. Then a male voice echoed in the attic with divine clarity. As if Apollo himself was talking to me:
"Son of the Hunt, blessed by the moon's light,
Thou art marked by destiny, a beacon in the night.
To Hogwarts School, thy path must lead,
Where fate and magic intertwine, indeed.
Yet amidst the trials, a spark shall ignite,
A friendship forged in courage, shining bright.
With loyal allies at thy side, thou shalt stand,
To face the darkness, united and grand.
Remember, Harry, thy journey's start,
To Hogwarts School, where magic's art.
Embrace thy fate, let courage guide,
For greatness lies in thee, my dear nephew."
As the prophecy's echoes settled, I felt a sense of purpose and determination. Apollo's words made it clear that Hogwarts was the place I needed to be. After steeling myself for the challenges and adventures that awaited me in the coming year, I wrote a quick letter to the Headmaster of Ilvermorny, informing him of my decision to attend Hogwarts. After asking one of my Cabin 11 cousins to have an Owl deliver the letter, I found a nice secluded spot to make an Iris Message call to Professor McGonagall to inform her of my acceptance to both schools and my decision to attend Hogwarts.
~:| Son of the Hunt |:~