Anchises

Chapter Ten: Mount Olympus

Song: Open Arms, Cast of EPIC: The Musical

“We’ve been summoned to Olympus.”

Draco looked up from the book he was reading, around him everyone silenced, not that they knew what Lou said without understanding Ancient Greek. Beside him, Peter and Flavia Antonella stopped working on their own assignments.

No matter how frequently they could now see their godly parents, and even if he had not knowingly been a demigod for long, Draco knew that being summoned to Olympus rarely meant something good. Apollo was a god again, and it was not as if Draco had been part of the Second Giant War. He could only think that something happened during Nico and Will’s quest, even if it was completed successfully, it was possible that the quest was just the beginning of something bigger.

“All of us?”

“Draco and I, and Will and Nico.”

Draco began packing his things, sending his parcel to his room once he was done. Peter and Flavia Antonella waved them goodbye, letting them know that they’ll inform the Headmaster of the summoning. Together, Lou and Draco walked through the halls of Ilvermorny Castle, ignoring the whispering and pointing of the students around them. It was a Thursday afternoon, most of the younger years were in classes, but the older students usually had a free period in the afternoon. During that period, Draco, Peter, Flavia Antonella and Lou usually used to get ahead on work, or contacted friends and family from camp.

“Do you know what it’s about?”

“No, but mom said to not worry. It is not another war.” That was one weight off his shoulders at least. “Will and Nico are already there, mom said to contact her once we are in a less populated area.”

“Courtyard? The one on the east.”

“Read my mind.”

The walk was long, it was why Draco had suggested and probably why Lou had it in mind. The Eastern Courtyard was the furthest of the four courtyard and while it was the most used, that was during the weekends. Very few students were willing to do the trek during their free period as most of it would be spent getting to it rather than relaxing. That was why it was their favorite courtyard. If they timed it right, Draco, Lou, Peter and Flavia Antonella would find themselves there when they needed to get away from the stares and the admiration of their fellow students and even professors.

The Eastern Courtyard, despite its name, was more of a botanical garden filled with both magical and normal plants and flowers. Draco and Lou crossed the entrance, and took a moment to admire the vibrant colors around them. There were colors he later learned only demigods could see, and it took him a moment to properly put names to the color instead of assuming it was an odd shade of purple-green or blue-yellow. And even though there were still two days before October, the wind seemed to already have that crispy cold feel, and it made Draco miss the warmth of early September.

“We are ready mom!”

Wisps of mist whipped around them, yet, no hair on either of their heads moved from the motion, seeming to protect them from the wind around them. Draco blinked and when he opened his eyes again, he no longer saw the garden, but instead the throne room of Olympus. Not that he had ever been there before, but he could recognize his mum anywhere and the giant golden thrones were not exactly subtle either.

Quickly, he bent down on one knee, and Lou did the same. “No need, we summoned you. Please rise.” As he rose, out of the corner of his eye he saw Will and Nico who swiftly moved to stand beside them.

“Why are we here?” Nico demanded, and Draco’s eyes darted towards his friend quickly. No matter how long he had been at Camp Half-Blood, he had yet to erase years of etiquette and formality towards powerful people even if they were family. Nico had no issue, something he shared with Percy and Thalia. And Annabeth from the stories he heard. “Dad said it was not another war. Will and I just came back from a quest a month ago.”

“We know,” Lady Athena conceded. “And believe us when we say our initial plan was to send satyrs or nymphs, but they would not blend in as well.”

“After Draco revealed the current state of Wizarding England, I have been keeping a closer eye.” A goddess stepped out of the shadows and at first Draco was not sure who she was, until he got a closer look. It was said that Lou resembled her mother more than her siblings. He could see it now, Lady Hecate and her eldest daughter were almost identical at a glance. “Lady Artemis has even requested for her European Hunters to keep an eye after Princess Thalia reported back. However, my fear lies in Hogwarts. During the first war, that school was the recruiting ground, and I fear it will be the same for this coming one. The fact that Harry Potter has been Dreaming of our world does not ease those fears.”

Draco felt his stomach drop and suddenly the room felt cold. He knew he should have figured out a way to stop Harry from Dreaming sooner. In not doing so, did he risk the safety of his family and friends? Did he fail in protecting them? Beside him, Lou grasped his hand and he felt Will squeeze his arm as if they heard his spiraling thoughts. Draco took a deep breath, feeling his mum’s worried gaze on him too.

Breath. Calm down. It is called fatal for a reason.

“Mom, you said it wasn’t another war.”

“It is not Lady Lou Ellen Blackstone,” High King Zeus' voice echoed against the marble walls of the throne room. “Or at least that is what we want to learn. We ask the four of you to… scout Hogwarts. Learn what is happening, and if it is necessary for our pantheon to step in. Or if the mortals should be left to their own devices.”

At the last words, silence engulfed the room. Draco didn’t know how to feel about it. On one hand, he could see his friends again (he could see Harry again), but on the other, returning would completely disregard everything he did by staying away. By making sure they would not be able to contact him. Yet, Draco understood why he was a good candidate for this… scouting mission. He attended Hogwarts until recently, and he knew Wizarding England.

“Draco makes sense, Lou Ellen as well. But Nico and I?”

“Nico di Angelo is the Ambassador of Pluto, he knows how to bridge worlds.” Lady Athena explained. “And you, Will Solace, are the best medic from both camps. We do not think anything will happen, but it is always good to be cautious.”

“This is not a Quest,” High Queen Hera’s voice was low, much lower than the last time Draco heard her. Her appearance from the funeral had not changed yet, she still resembled Jason and the dress she wore was the same one. “If you are in trouble, ask for help. There will be four of you and most importantly, there is no prophecy.” Her gaze looked past the four of them, and Draco wondered if she was seeing Jason’s death again. If she was wondering, if she could have saved him had it not been a quest. “We are giving you a diplomatic mission, meaning that all of us can interfere. That is, of course, if you accept it.”

The words held power and promise. Draco could not help but feel relieved at the words of the High Queen. He remembered the fear that took hold over him during his quest, especially during the underwater task and the graveyard. He thought he was going to die and no one, not even his godly mother could help him. But if this wasn’t a quest… Draco glanced at his friends who looked equally in thought.

“We’ll do it,” he glanced at Lou in surprise, and turned to Nico and Will waiting for either of them to say anything against her. Instead, they were looking determined and waiting for Draco’s response.

He took a deep breath, weighing his options again… “Yeah. We’ll go.”

The gods before them nodded before vanishing and leaving the four demigods and their respective parents behind. The first to move was King Hades and Queen Persphone, followed by Lord Apollo. Draco watched as Nico and Will were taken out of the throne room and into the bustling city of Olympus. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lady Hecate and Lou walk further away, still inside the room, but far enough that he would not be able to hear the conversation.

That left…

“My darling Draco,” he could not help but smile and lean into his mum’s arms. She smelled of fresh lavender and Camp’s strawberry fields. There was also a hint of a quidditch cleaning kit, and the eucalyptus Blaise would frequently burn to freshen up their dorm. Somehow they all blended perfectly together. “You do not have to return my magical dove. I will let the High King know. I will fight for you.”

Draco shook his head, still pressed against his mum’s chest. “It is ok,” he muttered, pulling away enough to meet her eyes. They were green, framed by messy black and white curls. “I want to go. I want to make sure my friends are safe and that…”

“And that we do not need to face another war.”

“Is it bad mum? That I do not want to participate in the war against Voldemort?”

She shook her head and leaned down to press a soft kiss against his forehead. “No, my son. Do not feel guilty for not wanting to fight. I am sure your friends hope for the same, I know us gods definitely are. Especially Sea and Wisdom.” Mum stared at him for a moment, her gaze safe and soft and Draco knew that if he asked her to whisk him away, to keep him from this mission she would.

But in the same way he knew that, he knew his mum knew that he would not ask for that. He looked over to Lou and her mother, who were walking back towards them and behind him, he heard the doors to the throne room open again. Will and Nico were coming back with their own parents.

“The Olympian Council has written down every important detail that the mortal in England will need to know in this letter,” Lady Hecate handed the scroll to her daughter, who puffed it out of existence with unneeded dramatic green fire. “Draco, you and my daughter will still be considered Ilvermorny students even while at Hogwarts. I have organized everything with the school already.”

“While at Hogwarts you will be there as guests, and the Head of the House will be your host.” Queen Persephone’s words echoed in the throne room, power etched into every syllable. “But, you are also there for the Council. You speak for us. Your actions are our own. That is higher than any other law or social propriety.” Draco wondered why the reminder was needed. He glanced at his friends, Will and Lou seemed equally as puzzled, but Nico nodded in understanding, something passing through his eyes as he gazed at his stepmother.

“Should there be any disrespect, you choose the punishment,” Lord Apollo continued, something sharp and deadly in his words. “We trust that you will be wise in the choice of consequences that will not violate the hospitality being granted to you… if the hosts do it first…”

“We will support any choice you make,” mum continued on, something both deadly and beautiful passed through her eyes and smile. “If you find anything of interest, Lady Artemis will send one of her European hunters to you at the end of every month starting in November.”

“And if it cannot wait?” Draco asked.

“Nico will probably inform his cousins,” King Hades drawled, though Draco was sure he could hear some fondness despite the annoyed tone. It was something the god seemed to share with his son. “My nephew is protective, so is my niece. I am certain they will offer to be the emergency contact should it be needed.”

Nico muttered something under his breath, it was in italian and low enough that Draco could not catch the words to decipher. His father and stepmother heard though, if the twitch of their lips were any indication. Will too with the look he was given his boyfriend, fond exasperation. Whatever Nico said, it was probably a comment about Percy and Thalia’s ‘unnecessary’ protectiveness. Draco disagreed, he heard enough stories of Nico’s adventures and he agreed that the boy needed all the support around him he could get.

“Yes,” Lady Hecate agreed. “We have taken the liberty of packing what you will need. Weapons are included naturally.”

“Mom, how are we getting to Scotland?”

Draco wasn’t sure how he felt about the amusement the four gods were expressing. Lady Hecate spread out her hands and a similar mist began to slowly engulf the four demigods. “Magic of course,” she sounded much too pleased with her words. Lou chuckled, and Draco figured that is who she got her humor from. “I will send you to an old property in Hogsmeade Village.”

The words nagged at him. A property in Hogsmeade? Something about that was familiar. Beside him, Lou gasped. “You mean--”

The throne room vanished, replaced by a living room that the Draco of a year ago would have rather been dead than caught in. It was small, but homely and newly cleaned too. He watched in interest as the dishes put themselves back inside a cabinet, and the carpet dusted itself without moving from under the furniture. And the fireplace lit itself up, welcoming the light and warmth of the Hearth. Simple magic, but he knew that Lady Hecate was doing it all from all the way in Olympus, such distance made him remember that even if she was Lou’s mother, she was still a goddess.

“--The Sanctum?! Oh gods, it is!” Lou grinned, twirling around and the cottage itself seemed to come alive around her.

Draco looked around, the living room and the kitchen connected to one another and he could only think of the word homey to describe the place. It was what he imagined whenever Ron talked about his house, though with less clutter as the cottage had clearly not been lived in for a long time. No matter how clean and neat it looked, there was nothing about it that indicated some had recently lived in it. Everything in the house screamed what his siblings would call ‘antique’, Draco recognized some decor came from as far back as the 16th century, but nothing went past the 18th century.

The cottage was old. Possibly older than Hogsmeade village, or the people who had settled had managed to bring items from wherever they hailed from. 

He suspected that they were the first living beings to have stepped inside it in a long time, something that Lou’s reaction seemed to confirm. While he had been admiring the furniture, his friends were looking over the packed items. Draco moved towards them, opening the duffle to see the essentials: hygiene pack, ambrosia, three change of clothes, drachmas and weapons. He reached down, snagging his costume weapon and inspected for any damages. He was no child of Hephaestus, but once his new sword was completed, Draco had not been allowed to leave the forge without knowing the basics of weapon caring.

Will leaned over and inspected Draco’s new weapon, it was curled, the metal bending as easily as if it were rope. “Is that a celestial bronze whip?”

“You haven’t seen the best part,” Draco grinned and gestured to his friends to follow him outside.

Once the door was closed, he let most of it go with a flick of his wrist. He kept a tight hold on the handle as the metal lengthened, cleanly cutting through any tall grass in its way. Even in the dark of night, the celestial bronze glowed, allowing Draco and his friends to see just how far the whip could extend, farther than anything mortal made, but possible if demigod made. With another motion, one he had practice and hoped would go as smoothly as possible, the whip receded back to the length of Draco’s favorite sword and the metal stiffened, locking together like puzzle pieces. He did a simple par, showing that it would not bend unless he wished it to.

“That is so cool!” Lou grinned, clapping her hands as Draco finished his demonstration. Her grin widened even more as he wrapped it around himself like a belt. “And fashionable, of course it is.”

He winked, “I am still my mum’s son.”

Nico nodded, “Practical and versatile. But you still need practice.”

“A lot of it,” Will continued, eyeing the weapon as it rested on Draco’s waist. “One wrong move and you are cutting your head off or someone else’s.”

“I know, I know,” Draco sighed good heartily as he opened the door to the cottage. “Now Lou, what was it about The Sanctum?”

Lou’s grin softened as she sat down on the couch, letting him, Will and Nico take a seat before talking. “One of my brothers lived here and so did his family, and they did for generations. And, when the Flame of the West moved to the States, my mom gave the family a choice. They could move with them or stay, it was up to them. At that point, Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter, now that we know of it, had moved to where they are now. Long story short, the family relocated to the States and remained there, though now the ichor in their blood has died down, or they died off,” she shrugged nonchalantly, and neither Draco or the other two reacted. It was expected, very few demigods lived long enough to have families, much less for generations. Now that they knew it was possible there were two options: living long enough that eventually your descendants would no longer have godly blood, or die before that could happen.

“Since my mom didn’t want just anyone residing in the cottage, she put a protective mist over it. I’m sure the existence is still known here in Hogsmeade, but no mortal can enter much less find it. Only demigods can, especially if you are my mom’s child.”

Draco blinked… “This is Mystmoor Cottage… Wait, they just left? They didn’t die or disappear? They just left?!”

“Yes?”

“Oh my gods,” he groaned, ignoring his friends’ startled looks or Lou’s slowly dawning realization. “Oh my gods, mortals are so dramatic.”

“I’m sorry, do the people of Hogsmeade think the Mystmoors just died?”

“Yes! No!” Draco nearly screamed, his distressed barely heard above his friends increasing laughter as Nico and Will realized what happened. “There are stories, ok! Some people think that Lady Magic sent them on a quest, or that a curse was inflicted upon the family. Not that they just left with the Flame of the West!”

His friends continued on laughing and Draco decided to play up his dramatics. They should probably go to bed soon, but well, they could deal with the consequences tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, they would have to make a game plan and determine if they would need to buy more clothes or if their parents would transport them to their rooms at Hogwarts. For now, the four of them could briefly forget their mission and the implications if they find reason to be involved.