Chapter 2
Annabeth looked out across the crowd of New Yorkers where Estelle had pointed. It was clear when she met Mrs. O’Leary that Estelle was clear-sighted like her mom.
“You have a child that young?” The woman with the cross sniffed, clutching the symbol tightly. A few ears turned to the conversation, while other parents simply rolled their eyes and began their walks either to home or work.
“She’s my sister,” Percy said in a cutting tone. The woman’s face colored with offense and embarrassment as the other parents left, drama clearly no longer there. The woman sputtered a hasty apology before she scurried off.
Annabeth’s eyes landed on a man in odd clothing. Robes like she had never seen before. His eyes widened when hers narrowed on him. She had become much more adept at seeing through the mist with Hazel’s help. Percy as well had gotten much better at it– which was good because he was particularly susceptible to it. Even now it was clear to her he didn’t actually see the man she did, but he followed her gaze quickly and seemed to pin the man in place despite seeing through him.
“C’mon,” she mumbled, nudging his arm. “Let’s try to find somewhere more open.”
“Central’s close,” he said back. The two slid through the crowd with ease, Annabeth occasionally looking over her shoulder to see the man following. However, he generally kept his distance, still attempting to keep the anonymity of tailing them.
“I can’t tell what he is,” Annabeth said in Greek. “He looks mortal, just weirdly dressed.”
“Well whatever he is, the other mortals can’t see him,” Percy replied in kind. “That means he doesn’t want to be seen. And that makes him dangerous.”
Annabeth nodded in agreement. The two weaving about, before a familiar pale face peeked out from an alleyway and motioned them over. The quickly and sharply changed course.
“We have a tail,” Percy said before Nico could speak.
“That’s fine, Chiron needs to see you. We’re taking my lane.”
He grabbed both their arms and together the three dove into the shadow of the alley just before the man could see them leave.
He stared at the empty alley for a long moment, casting charms to try and reveal them, but the alley turned up empty. He never heard the crack of apparition either. Frustrated, he turned on his heel swiftly and vanished with a crack that got a few people’s attention.
The darkness receded as the three demigods left the shadow of the Big House. Will was waiting there with an unhappy face.
“What’s wrong?” Percy asked immediately.
“Nico had to shadow travel to get you,” Will grumbled. Annabeth and Percy relaxed as Will began to fuss over Nico, who rolled his eyes despite the small smile on his face, accepting the peck on his cheek from his boyfriend.
“Ah, Percy, Annabeth,” Chiron said as he slowed from his gallop up the hill. “Thank you, Nico.”
“No problem, Chiron,” Nico said before he and Will left.
“Follow me,” Chiron said with a tired expression on his face. Annabeth and Percy exchanged glances before trailing after him into the Big House. Entering the meeting room showed Hazel and Frank sitting at the ping pong table. A woman with olive skin, long brown hair, and a red chiton stood at the head. Annabeth and Percy both sat. The woman’s lips twitched, slight amusement in her eyes.
“Lady Hecate,” Chiron said with a bow of his head. “The demigods have been gathered. What is it you request?”
Annabeth and Percy laced their hands together as a serious look fell onto the goddess’s face.
“I have a task for you,” she said seriously. “But first, a small history is necessary.
“I and a few other goddesses of magic had once blessed a few mortals. Those mortals came together, and as is common, created more. Their numbers grew and grew, and a few more blessed mortals joined them, creating a secret society of magicals. They have their own history, their own wars, and their own governments. At least one is within every country, and they are not supposed to reveal themselves to mortals– non-magicals.
“Every so often– much more a thousand years ago– there is one or a few dark lords, people who attempt to forcefully take over those around them as a dictator, enforcing their views. Those who are born of nonmagicals are their usual targets, as well as magical creatures they deem as ‘impure’. About twenty or so years ago, there was a massive war. It was a massacre. This was a civil war in Europe– though mostly in the British Isles– between what they called the Dark and the Light– types of magic that people are attuned to. The leader of the Dark– Lord Voldemort– recruited dark creatures and many ancient blooded families insistent on ‘blood purity’ to kill all muggleborns– those born of non-magicals.
“There was a prophecy that he was to be defeated, so he set out to stop it. In the process his body was torn apart and his soul left to wander for a vessel. But he did not truly die, for he has used cursed magic to split his soul many a time. It made him virtually immortal, at the cost of his mind.”
“I believe I’ve heard my father and Lord Thanatos complaining about him,” Hazel said. This caused frowns around the room as Hecate nodded.
“Yes, I can see why.”
“So, you want us to go and kill him?” Percy said. Hecate shook her head.
“No, there is a chosen one already there for the prophecy. However, he needs aid. Friends, I dare say. This war has already caused him heartache and will continue to do so.” She cocked her head, eyeing them all consideringly. “However, I believe with your aid, he will prevail.”
She turned to Hazel and Frank, who snapped to attention under her gaze. “You two are to protect him. Well, all of you are to protect him– befriending him may be the best way to do so– but I have a different task for the other two.”
She turned to Annabeth and Percy, who tightened their grips on each other. “The cursed items he made. I want you to destroy them.”
The two started slightly.
“Sorry?” Annabeth said.
“He will still return, as the prophecy is between him and the chosen. However, it will be far more difficult for him to win if his soul shards are destroyed.
“My lady,” Annabeth said. “Apologies but, this sounds like a job more suited for Hazel or Nico.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” she conceded. “Hazel will be there to help you in finding the objects. However, I can assure you that the two of you are well-suited for the job.”
She twisted her hand, items glittering within it. Each was a personalized bracelet. One with a trident, one an owl, one a cypress tree, and one of a bear. She handed them to Percy, Annabeth, Hazel, and Frank respectively.
“These will– to put it simply– trade your demigod powers for magic. Now, when you take it off the abilities will return to you, of course. And you will have attunement to spells related to your powers. You will need to gather wands, of course…” She trailed off in her musings, before shaking her head. “Regardless. You will be attending school with the chosen– no arguments. His name is Harry Potter and is quite famous, so it will be easy to spot him.”
She turned back to Annabeth and Percy. “For you two, these are the items you are searching for. No technical time frame, though I'd prefer before Harry graduates.”
She handed them a list. They unfolded it and skimmed it.
“It will be up to you to find them,” she said. She handed them both a necklace of a small fang encased in gold. “Use these to destroy them. Basilisk fang and highly venomous. Deadly. Yank on them and they will form fang daggers for you. These will work on all… but one.”
She tapped the bottom of the list where the name ‘Harry Potter– unaware’ was written in neat lettering.
“I would very much prefer he survives this,” she said quietly. Annabeth tilted her head consideringly.
“You said these are soul shards?”
“Yes.”
“Would you be offended if occasionally we asked for outside help?” Percy continued the questions, catching on to Annabeth’s thought. Hecate smiled slightly.
“Not at all.”
Annabeth nodded decisively. “If it isn’t actively hurting him, then we’ll save that one for last, just in case.”
She folded the note and carefully tucked it away.
“Good. Now, there are a few more things. You will obviously be attending there as exchange students. Your previous school was Salem’s Academy for Bright Young Minds– it is run by a legacy of mine who is aware of our world. You will be living in the dorms at school. Your parents each have vaults at the bank–Gringotts– for you to access. I have already packed each of you books to catch you up on the world you are entering, I would recommend at least skimming him. All in Greek and Latin, don’t worry. You will be staying one night at the Leaky Cauldron– a pub and inn at the front of Diagon Alley. There a professor of Hogwarts will greet you. They are unaware of our world, assuming everyone is.
“You will be transported to the Leaky Cauldron in two days. Please be at the hill at 6PM sharp. My legacy will transport you to London, and the professor will meet you the next day.”
The demigods nodded and began to stand, before they were stopped.
“One last important detail,” Hecate said, eyes cold as she looked off to the distance. “While Voldemort and his followers of wizard-nazi’s are the clear enemy, do not be so quick to trust the Light either. While some have genuine good intentions, their leader’s are… dubious at best. And his tactics are as well. Good luck.”
With that, she spun on her heel and vanished with an echoing crack.