Prologue
St. Mungo’s was alive with patients, but despite the hustle and action, it was silent. Nearly silent.
In the maternity ward, a woman was struggling through the pains of childbirth, her hand gripping tightly onto the arm of a man beside her. The midwife was gently wiping away the sweat soaking her face and sticking auburn hair to her face.
“Poseidon, you’ve put me in this situation, you’re helping –” she was cut off with a grunt of pain, tightly gripping the man’s arm. Poseidon was certain that she would cut off his circulation.
“You’ve got this Lily…” he soothed.
“Not much longer,” the midwife chimed. “Just keep pushing.”
“I’m trying!” Lily groaned.
A long minute passed before the choked sobs of a new born quietened Lily’s pain, with a relieved sigh, she slumped back on her pillows. The midwife looked at Poseidon warily before approaching the doctor tending to the baby.
“You’re alright.” Poseidon said. “It’s over.”
Lily’s dropping eyes met his and she smiled weakly. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
Poseidon turned away as Lily begun to sleep, trying to see what was happening. The Healer caught his gaze.
“It’s a healthy boy,” he confirmed. “And the birth went successfully, she will fine.”
Poseidon nodded. “Good.”
“Do you want to hold him?” the midwife asked softly.
Poseidon mulled over it for a moment. “Sure.” He replied.
Gently, the sleeping baby was passed over to him. Poseidon looked down at them carefully.
The second in two years. He thought. Strange, how such an innocent child could decide if Olympus falls or succeeds.
He carefully moved himself and the baby into a more comfortable position. Listening to the rhythmic breathing.
“Do you have a name in mind?” The Healer asked.
“No, Lily’s the one with naming privileges, we agreed on it.” Poseidon replied. “Besides, I don’t think I’d have a good enough name for him.”
The baby squirmed, wide eyes fluttering open as he took in Poseidon’s face, he cooed softly. Poseidon felt a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
~~~
Lily woke up a few minutes later to Poseidon humming a lullaby to the baby in Ancient Greek. She shuffled next to the god and looked down at the baby.
“He’s adorable.” Lily whispered as the baby fell asleep.
“He needs a name.” Poseidon added.
“Harry.” Lily said.
Poseidon nodded. “A strong name.”
She chuckled drowsily. “Hard to think he might have some golden blood running through his little veins.”
“Infant demigods are often like that.” Poseidon agreed. “But there is often very little at a first glance that would indicate their status.”
Lily gently stroked the baby’s soft cheek. “Suppose we should let the visitors in.” She glanced up at the door. “Remus is probably tearing his hair out.”
Poseidon smiled. “He just worries for you. You know that just as well as I do, Lily.”
Lily swatted his arm, “Go on, let Remus in.”
The second Poseidon opened the door, Remus moved in as quickly as he could, without annoying the doctor. Remus looked down and saw Harry asleep in his bundles, he hesitantly looked up at Poseidon.
“Poseidon-” he begun.
“I’m aware.” Poseidon countered. “No, I don’t know why I did this.”
Remus looked at the two of them, “I’ll try my best to keep him safe. But no promises when your brothers find out.” He said, glaring at Poseidon, whom grinned back at him.
Lily gently touched Remus’ arm with her free hand, Harry carefully balanced on her other one. “Thank you, Remus.” She said.
Remus sat down on the edge of Lily’s bed, “It’s the least I can do, you’re my best friend Lily. I wouldn’t leave you to the proverbial wolves just because Harry’s a forbidden child.”
The couple rolled their eyes. “I can tell Apollo’s your uncle.” Poseidon said smoothly. “You’ve got his tendency to overdramatize everything that happens.”
Remus huffed. “And you’re still the same cocky bastard you’ve been since Ancient Greece.” He shot back.
Poseidon’s eyes widened. “Risky move, Remus.” He teased. “You’re lucky Artemis likes you so much. And Lily too.” He rested his forehead against Lily’s with that final add-on.
Lily raised an eyebrow. “You two boys try not to kill each other.” She scolded.
Poseidon placed a hand on his chest, “Like I would do that!” he retorted playfully.
Both Lily and Remus exchanged disbelieving looks. Poseidon caught their gaze and frowned.
“Wow.” He said bluntly.
Baby Harry chose that moment to wake up, bright, adventurous eyes scanned the scarred newcomer’s face, tiny mouth slightly agape and chubby fingers gripping onto Lily’s own. Poseidon could see the conflict dancing across Remus’ face, the young werewolf was angry, yes, he was angry at Poseidon for putting him and his best friend at even more risk, he was angry at the oath being broken but mostly, Poseidon could tell he was angry at not being able to freeze this moment in time. Carefully, Lily passed Harry over to Remus, who expertly held the infant in his arm, looking down at him with the softest smile Poseidon had seen on his face.
“Hello Harry,” he said, quiet and gentle.
Harry cooed back, tiny hands reaching up for Remus, who eased a hand free and let Harry grip onto his finger. Poseidon could tell Remus’ mask was cracking – he rarely let people see his weaker side, only Lily, Sirius, Poseidon, and now Harry, had seen him so vulnerable.
“Adorable, isn’t he?” Lily asked, tracing Harry’s cheek with her finger again. “It’s impossible not to love him.”
Remus sighed, closing his blue eyes. “You’re not wrong. And that’s what makes me more determined to keep him safe.” He said.
Poseidon looked down into his son’s innocent eyes, feeling the weight of the millennium of his life for a long moment. He couldn’t remember himself, or any of the other Olympians, being so young – there hadn’t been a new god in centuries now, and Poseidon quite missed it. He couldn’t know if Harry would be the demigod to break that streak, or if his life would be over in the blink of Poseidon’s immortal eye. It was a miracle in itself that Remus and James were in their early twenties – demigods were lucky to reach sixteen.
Remus glanced over his shoulder and smiled, the scar tissue on his face stretching. Poseidon could only hope that, for all it’s worth, Harry would live as happy and as safe a life as he could.