Fate Interrupted

Amy woke to the sound of the piano playing and she smiled as she saw Hermione trying to teach Ron to play. For a moment she was back in time to where Ron was still Sir Kay, Arthur’s loyal adoptive older brother and Hermione was his Queen Andrivete for whom Sir Kay had convinced Arthur to march his army. She watched them for a few moments before Hermione began to play a soothing lullaby and she fell back asleep. When she woke up the next day to morning light streaming from the library window, she saw that Ron had pushed his pile of blankets to the couch where Hermione slept and their hands were intertwined, his other hand gripped his wand tightly as if ready to spring up and start defending Hermione at any moment.

She shook her head fondly as she gazed at her friends for a few more moments before standing up and quietly leaving the room. She walked around for a while as her feet unconsciously led her to the room that Sirius had set aside for her all those years ago (his old room apparently). She opened the door and saw the pictures of the scantily clad muggle girls that Sirius had placed on his walls during his teenage years and she remembered Sirius’ sheepish grin as he realized that he hadn’t yet remembered to remove them.

She remembered shaking it off and offering to just have it covered rather than replacing the whole thing, remembered how She and Sirius had begun to draw up plans for redecorating the rooms over the summer-that-never-was for them. And she remembered as Percy and Dudley walked into the room holding some pastries and staring dumbfounded at the room before breaking out into laughter. Those were good days even with the Ministry’s slander reigning on them.

“Does this perhaps imply your preferences, sister sweet?”Percy had said teasingly as Dudley stared at him in shocked scandal and Sirius’ face went white with horror.

Amy grinned at him slyly playing along as she threw a glance at Sirius. “Perhaps. I do find myself taking a fancy at Silena Beauregard.” She said barely able to keep her face straight as she saw Sirius twitch.

Dudley shook his head. “And here I thought Connor was more your type!” Dudley said recognizing the play.

“And who said I couldn’t have both?” Amy smiled coyly as Sirius began to shake.

“No…No! Absolutely not!” Sirius began to sputter and yell out loud as he grabbed her into a tight hug as he shook his head in denial.

“Hmm… well since Connor and Travis are twins they basically come as a package.” Percy threw in helpfully as Sirius began to shriek.

That did it, the three of them began to laugh just as Remus walked in. “What in Merlin’s name is going on here?” Remus demanded.

“Moony! Tell Amy she’s not allowed to have a...an amorous partner...ever!” Sirius cried out in dismay as he whimpered and held Amy tighter.

“Padfoot…” Remus said slowly as if talking to a wounded animal and he sighed as he helped Amy extract herself from Sirius’ tight grip. “Hasn’t it occurred to you yet that these three are probably playing with you?” And Sirius turned pleading eyes at Amy and her cousins and she had to admit that his puppy dog eyes were pretty good but nothing compared to Percy and his baby Seal look.

“Yes Padfoot, we’re just messing with you.” Amy said finally relenting.

Amy was broken out of the memory as Hermione rushed in and drew her into a hug. “There you are!” She said as her relief washed over Amy.

“What’s wrong?” Amy asked her best friend.

“We woke up and you weren’t there. We thought you’d left us.” Hermione said as she pulled away with a look of consternation.

Amy smiled at her best friend. “Never!” She promised solemnly. “Besides, I’d probably be dead in a ditch by the end of the week without you two.” Amy said lightly.

Hermione frowned and hit her in the arm as she shook her head. “Don’t even joke about that.” She said before dragging her out of the door and Amy barely had any time spare the room another glance and a quick locking spell before she was being dragged down the stairs. Now that they had established the fact that there were no intruders within the house, she knew that they would be moving within the upper rooms and she knew from her quick trip here with her cousins just after Sirius’ will was read that the house and Kreacher belonged to her as per the will while the title and accounts of Lord Black fell to Percy as Marius Black’s great-grandson through his son William Black and since Salvia Black-Jackson had her son out of an affair with Neptune-Poseidon, he was therefore, the only direct male heir.

Because of Percy’s status, he was also considered to be Kreacher’s master. Percy’s only response to that was to order Kreacher to never repeat any information to anyone without express approval from either of his masters. Percy was kind to Kreacher in a way that she found it difficult to be given what had happened to Sirius because of the house elf while Dudley was mostly indifferent to him, kind when there but mostly an afterthought when absent.

It was as they reached the next landing that she froze in front of a door where an intricate script read:

Do Not Enter Without

The Express Permission of

Regulus Arcturus Black.

A part of her whispered that it was probably directed at Sirius but a larger part of her mind was shrieking as the final pieces of a puzzle fell into place in her mind. She stood her ground and Hermione was jolted back as she stared in front of the door. “What’s wrong Amy?” Hermione asked.

“R.A.B.” Amy said staring blankly at the door and she could feel Hermione’s worry and confusion as she glanced at the door as well.

“Yes, what about R.A.B.?” Her friend asked.

Amy glanced back at Hermione as everything she knew of Regulus Black came back to her. “Regulus Black was one of Riddle’s Death Eaters. The youngest in history. He took the Mark when Sirius ran away from home, he was fifteen almost sixteen. He was also thought of as the heir to the Powerful Black Family since Sirius ran away, he was one of Riddle’s inner circle and probably entrusted with one of his Horcruxes. Regulus Arcturus Black, R.A.B.” Amy said grimly as Hermione’s eyes widened and she heard the sharp breath that Hermione took.

Hermione turned towards the stairs and took a deep breath. “RON!!!” She screamed and Amy heard the distinct thump of something dropping as footsteps began to pound up the steps and Walburga’s shrieks began. As Ron finally made it up the stairs he paused in relief at the sight of them.

“What’s going on? You scared the hell out of me.” He said as he neared them, not even sweating as he held a sword (and Amy had no idea where he had found it) in one hand and his wand in another.

Amy merely gestured towards the door. “Sirius’ little brother?” He asked confused. “Regulus Arcturus Black. R.A.B… R.A.B!” He gasped in shock after a few moments. “You don’t think…?” There was shock and respect in his voice.

Amy drew her wand and unlocked the door, she entered cautiously, wand first, as she allowed her newly matured magic reach out across the room. Sensing no danger she lowered her wand as she discretely let go of the handle of the knife sheathed and strapped to her waist. She watched as Hermione tried to summon the real locket but when the locket didn’t go, they decided to search for it manually.

As she searched the room, she took note of the types of things he kept in his room and mentally profiled him as her Aunt Sally had taught her and her cousins once long ago. As she tried to block out the emotions that lingered within the room, untouched since the Young Black’s death, she realized that the boy seemed to be one who portrayed the role of the good heir and Slytherin Prince quite well but a glance at the things he kept closest to him told her that he was quietly rebellious.

A book on his nightstand that was spelled to look like the Pureblood registry was actually the Chronicles of Narnia, a diary tucked under the mattress had produced pictures of Regulus and his brother as children at various stages of their life before Sirius’ entrance into Hogwarts. When she finally stopped blocking out the emotions she was nearly overwhelmed by the loneliness, conflict, anger, sadness, desperation, determination, love, resignation, and a hint of peace. The suffocating feeling of being trapped nearly undid her and she realized that there was more to Regulus than what he had portrayed.

She quietly flipped through the last few pages of his diary, scanning it though she felt as if she were violating his privacy. She saw what it was now, how Regulus had been forced to take the Mark because of his parents. His disgust at the Dark Lord and his cohorts, and his determination to find a way to end the man at any cost. There was a passage that had caught her eye though, dated two days before the last entry.

The secret of the Dark Lord weighs heavily on me. This is what I have been waiting for and yet I know not what I need to do. I had gone to see Sirius today in a moment of desperation, convinced that he would help me as a last act of love for his blood brother. I was terribly wrong. Whatever love my brother once had for me is gone now, his new family now composed of Potter, Lupin, and Pettigrew; I no longer have a place in his life.

He had cast me out just as our family had cast him out once. I had never stood up for him, but how could I? I was never like him, I have not his courage nor his daring. I am his shadow, or I was until he had gone to Hogwarts. I was naught but the spare, the one meant to follow my brother’s will, meant to sire a child should he fail to do so. But once upon a time, away from the eyes of the adults of our family, we were the best of friends and he was my stalwart protector when Mother’s madness would take over and when Father was in his cups. To realize that I have so thoroughly lost his favor, that I am nothing to him now… is crushing.

‘You left me first, Regulus.’ He had said as he pushed past me to his door as our conversation drew to an end repeated in my mind over and over and I have had time to ponder it. I was, at first, indignant because he had chosen Gryffindor and James Potter over the family first but upon further reflection I have come to realize that for all the cunning my brother has, he would never have been in Slytherin for the mere fact that all the traits that I had once admired him for, that had allowed him to take Mother’s punishments in defense of me, meant that he was always going to be a Gryffindor and I had merely failed to accept him as he was. I had left him first and he had had no choice but to seek family and friendship in someone else.

I am not ashamed to admit that I had trailed him after that as he walked out of his home not thirty minutes later and I flew behind him discreetly as he landed at Godric’s Hollow at a homey little cottage. I watched him for a while as he fawned over Potter’s new daughter, carrying her around proudly and gently with all the love that he had once held for me. This was the innocent that he now fought for, I had determined as I left him to his new family. As I returned home I realized that I still have no idea what I am to do with this information.

Amy paused then as the entry ended there and she took a deep breath. She composed herself as she pulled herself from the heartache, fear, and guilt that was scattered throughout the pages of this particular entry. She flipped to the next entry, the last recorded thoughts of Regulus Black as she blocked out the sounds of Ron and Hermione’s meticulous search.

I had gone to see my brother once more, as a parting but as I stood outside the cottage that James Potter and his Wife lived in, I could not bring myself to darken his doors. I know that the new Lady Potter is an empath, had discovered it years ago and I know that as soon as I come close to her, she would know that I am about to do something dangerous. I could not have that. This is my penance for all the hurt that I have cost Sirius through the years, and for my crimes against muggles and muggleborns alike.

I watched as Sirius doted on the girl that had taken my place in my brother’s heart and I had sworn that I would not burden my brother with this, I would not mar his life with this secret. My death comes quicker with each passing moment as I try to steel myself for my journey to the cave that Kreacher had spoken off. This is my atonement. I write this now as my farewell to life, perhaps one day, Sirius may learn that I had died trying to be the hero that he is. Should the Dark Lord still be living as this passage is read then I will tell you this now, the Dark Lord known as Voldemort is a half-blood known as Thomas Riddle Jr. and he is immortal so long as his Horcrux is intact. My name is Regulus Arcturus Black and this is my defiance. My name is Regulus Arcturus Black, proud younger brother of Sirius Orion Black and this is my goodbye.

It was painful to read the final words of the young man that had been so misunderstood, so… trapped in the circumstances his family had foisted on him. There were parts within the diary that had indicated that Arcturus Black, their grandfather and Lord Black of the day, had disapproved of the Knights of Walpurgis, so why had he not interceded on behalf of his grandsons? What had caused him to step aside and allow the madness of his children to destroy his family? Andromeda Black was a given due to her breaking a betrothal but to allow Regulus to take the Mark? The man she had briefly met all those years ago when her great-grandfather presented her and her cousins to the man hadn’t seemed to be the type to suffer disobedience (though he was also on his deathbed).

She remembered seeing Percy meet the man’s gaze unflinching as he stood his ground, his head tilted in aristocratic defiance as he projected the air of the King that he once was. His back straight and a regal tilt of his head in acknowledgment because she knew that Percy bowed to none but the Gods and even then it was touch and go. She had opted for a bow worthy of Morgan Le Fay while Dudley, the only one who had no direct blood relation to the Blacks had given a deeper bow, one filled with knightly chivalry but not deep enough to be acknowledging a superior. Those he had sworn, he would save for the King who had his fealty and for the Gods.

She remembered Arcturus’ brow raising slightly as he gave them a nod of acknowledgment before he motioned them forward. His eyes going to great-grandfather. She could see his silver-grey eyes staring at the man who held her hand tightly.

“It seems that the continuation of our blood lies within your line. What a peculiar turn of events, don’t you think so, cousin?” Arcturus’ voice, raspy from illness, said with as much bitter irony as she could barely believe a person possessed.

“And what makes you think I would allow my blood to take possession of such a vile title?” Marius asked stoically.

Arcturus smiled. “Because you are still a Black and you wish to protect ‘your great granddaughter’. Sirius taking over as Lord Black may never happen now nor will I allow the succession to be overturned when it comes to him, I’m not foolish enough to believe that Sirius had any part to play when it comes to the deaths of the Potters, he loved his cousin and his goddaughter too much for that. But he is still guilty of Pettigrew’s death.” The man said and though his face and tone spoke of indifference, she felt the sadness wash over the man and her young mind could barely process it back then, all she knew was that she wanted to cry.

“And? My grandson is not a pureblood, his father is nameless.” Marius defended and she saw Percy stiffen and glance out the window nervously.

“His father is the Sea.” Arcturus countered steadily as he gazed at Percy and the shock resonated within the room. “I met his father in my youth and that was when I learned that the gods truly existed, that this child was born to your granddaughter out of wedlock proves that he is a pureblood and a demi-god. His grandmother was a member of the Owens-Halliwell-Spellman Clan is he not? And your wife, though a squib is a member of the Ollivander clan is she not?” He asked.

“You’re rather well informed, cousin.” Marius said tersely.

“Blame the Sea God, he had paid me a visit not too long ago as a courtesy call because he apparently thought me an intriguing human and he had delighted in telling me that we were related through the boy.” Arcturus grumbled.

“Now come here, Perseus, as my heir’s heir, I need to get to know you.” He said as he motioned Percy forward.

They had ended up spending the day talking politics and throughout the length of time, Percy had tried to keep their past lives a secret, at least until the ten-year-old let slip a comment about one particular battle with Merlin. Arcturus had paused then and stared hard at Percy his head tilting to the side as his eyes narrowed and scanned Perseus with such contemplative intensity that she felt her breath hitch. Finally, Arcturus spoke slowly. “A Black bows to none but the true King of Albion and to the Gods.”

“And I bow to none but the Gods.” Percy said evenly, older than his ten physical years and for a moment his voice was an echo and Amy knew that he had realized a missing piece in Percy’s family tree.

He rang for his wife and Melania Black was there in an instant. “And who are you that you would not bow to the true King?” He said as his wife entered.

“I am Perseus Alexander Augustus Arturo born to Neptune-Poseidon in both his forms and to Salvia granddaughter of Marius Black and his wife Helena of Clan Ollivander and Clan Jackson once known as House Pendragon. I am a Prince of the Seas and a son of the Elder Sect, descended from Greece, Rome, and Egypt.” He said and to Amy’s eyes, it seemed as if he grew in stature.

“Arturo… Arthur. I see. Well, Your Grace, the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black is yours to command.” Arcturus said as Melania gripped his hand tightly staring at Percy in awe and Amy knew what that felt like, she had often stared at Percy and Dudley in awe as they trained at the Camp and she watched as Percy led the Greeks through drill after drill, his memories as various Roman Emperors influencing him slightly as he tried to remind himself of who he was in the here and now.

“And the rest of your great grandchildren?” Melania asked as she turned her attention to them and there was something loving as she stared at Amy.

“I am Morgan Le Fay, Queen of Avalon.” She replied as she went to stand beside Percy.

Dudley stood straighter as he turned to them. “And I am Gallahad du Lac.” And with that, he took to Percy’s side once more.

“Well now, I suppose this is fortuitous, the future Head of the House of Black is the rightful King of Albion and the Lady Potter is the Queen of Avalon. And the heir to House Owens is the most Valiant Knight. For someone who was disowned, you certainly have produced a family of unique individuals.” Arcturus said.

They had left the Black Family Mansion not too long after that, Arcturus’ body worn from the effort of entertaining company had necessitated rest. They had visited a few more times until his death but there were never truly any mentions of past lives then. She was brought out of her thoughts as Hermione threw herself beside her on the bed with a frustrated sigh.

“There’s nothing here!” She said in exasperation and Amy turned to her friend in contemplation.

“I read Regulus’ diary, he mentioned that Kreacher knew about the cave, he tried to do the right thing in the end. Sirius was wrong, he wasn’t a coward.” Amy told them as she stared at the book in her hands before a thought occurred to her. “Kreacher knew about the cave… what are the odds that he would know what happened to the real locket?” Amy asked suddenly as she sat up straighter, her blood pumping heavily.

“Quite high actually, I think Regulus would have needed Kreacher to get into the cave and…” Hermione trailed off as she rapidly paled. “There was a locket… when we were cleaning out the drawing room… there was a locket that no one could open. It was old, expensive, and had an S engraved on it.” She said and Amy was on her friend in an instant, gripping her arms.

“Hermione, think! What happened to it?” She asked her friend desperately.

“We threw it away.” Hermione whispered.

Amy let her go then as she sat on Regulus’ bed once more hyperventilating. “I think I’m going to be sick.” She said before she clutched her heart. “Is this what a heart attack feels like?” She said with a whimper before Hermione slaps her.

“This isn’t the time for your histrionics!” Hermione hissed.

“I’m not being melodramatic! I really do think I’m having a heart attack.” Amy said holding her poor abused cheek.

“Stop it, both of you!” Ron ordered and they immediately shut up since Ron never commanded them unless it was necessary. “Look, you said that Kreacher knows what that locket is and we know that the little creep steels back heirlooms that he thinks are important to the house of Black so why don’t we go down there and see if he has it before the two of you start panicking.” He said as she and Hermione looked at each other and nodded.

“Right! Let’s head down then!” Amy said brightly as she jumped up and grabbed Ron and Hermione’s hands and dragged them down the stairs.

They quickly made their way down to the basement and to Kreacher’s little hide-y hole. It was a pitiful sight, just a few old blankets surrounded by little odds and ends. It was cold and certainly lonely, it was no wonder Kreacher was madder than the Hatter.

They searched through Kreacher’s little nest and found nothing of true value, none of the silver cutlery embossed with the house of Black’s sigil nor any of the candelabra that they had thrown out. They went to the kitchen disheartened as Amy began to reach for some of the groceries that she and Hermione had hidden in her bag.

A crack sounded as Kreacher appeared before them. “What is the filthy half-blood mistress doing here?” He muttered angrily.

Amy chose to ignore his comment towards her in favor of smiling brightly. “Kreacher! Just the House Elf I wanted to see! I need to speak to you.” She said happily as she bounced towards him. One thing she had learned during the Titan Wars was that the enemy (all her masculine ones) tended to get unsettled when she gave them one of her ‘mood swings’.

Amy’s smile grew wider when Kreacher’s eyes practically popped out. “What does the mistress want with Kreacher? My poor mistress! Her noble home turned into a den of criminals!” He said. “And with the blood-traitor and mudblood too!” He added angrily.

“Kreacher! I order you to stop using the words blood-traitors and mudbloods.” Amy snapped, her smile gone in an instant.

Kreacher’s mouth shut in an instant. “I’ve got a question for you, and I want you to answer honestly.” Amy said and watched Kreacher grudgingly nod at her.

“Two years ago, when we were clearing out the drawing room upstairs…” She paused, her heart pounding. “There was a big gold locket. Did you steal it back after we threw it away?” She asked.

Kreacher nodded and her heart sped up. “Where is it?” She asked.

“Gone.” Kreacher croaked.

“Gone.” Amy repeated slowly as she threw her friends a helpless look. “What do you mean it’s gone? What happened to it?” She asked.

“Mundungus Fletcher. The thief, he stole everything! The Order of Merlin, the goblets with the family crests…My mistress’ gloves and the pictures of Miss Bella and Miss Cissy. And… and… and Master Regulus’ locket!” He wailed in despair before he began to bang his head on the floor.

“Kreacher! I order you to stop punishing yourself!” Amy yelled as Hermione gasped in horror.

Kreacher stopped but he was face down and sobbing. “You said the locket was Regulus’ and he wrote something about you needing to take him into the cave. Can you please explain that?” She asked.

Kreacher looked at her with bulging teary eyes and he told them about Regulus’ death. At the end of it, she bit her lip and frowned. “Why didn’t Regulus just go with you?” Amy asked him.

“Master Regulus told Kreacher to leave him.” He said as he looked at her uncomprehendingly.

“Amy… he’s a house elf, he’ll only do what was ordered of him.” Hermione said. “Besides, I think… Regulus knew that Riddle would be able to track him down wherever he went and take it out on the House of Black. This might have been the only way he could think of to protect his family, to protect Sirius.” She said.

“Kreacher, I have an order for you.” Amy said as she made her choice, fingering the locket in her pocket. “I want you to find Mundungus Fletcher and bring him here. I need the locket.” Kreacher smiled at her.

“In return, I want you to have this.” She said as she pulled out the locket from her pocket and holding it out to him. “I think this belongs to you.” She said as Kreacher reached for it before he began to sob again.

He nodded and just before he began to apparate she stopped him. “Oh and please send a Potter Elf here, if there is still one left.” She said and he gave her a curt nod before he disappeared.

As Amy turned back to the grocery fully intent on feeding her friends, she heard another pop as a house elf appeared beside her. “Finally! Mistress Potter’s calling us!” The high voice of the female elf said.

“Oh!” Amy blinked and took in the image of the young-ish house elf in front of her. “Hello, what’s your name?” Amy asked smiling kindly at the beaming elf.

“I’m Macy! I is head of Potter Elves! My grandmother is being raising Master James and my mother was to be raising Mistress Amy!” Macy said with enthusiastic tones as she stared at Amy.

“Well… that’s wonderful! I’ll be making some breakfast for my friends and I. I want you to start making the Potter Properties available… there’ll be an influx of people, refugees fleeing from the Knights of Walpurgis.” Amy told her as Macy nodded, face solemn.

“Those bad knights won’t be getting to Mistress Amy’s guests.” Macy swore before she popped off.

Amy turned to her friends and smiled as she reached back to the groceries. “Right! Let’s get you fed. And it’s time the two of you learn to cook.” She said and she spent the next hour or so teaching her friends about cooking.

She spent the next few days teaching her friends simple recipes as they tried to keep their minds from the war, Dudley had yet to contact her through the mirror or any means actually and she knew there was chaos as he began to organize the Squib network, she wasn’t sure Camelot would be able to hold all of the refugees that was why the Potter Properties were being opened and she hadn’t yet returned to Avalon to see it’s condition and she didn’t dare risk the lives of the others on an expedition when she knew just what magical defenses she herself had placed upon it.

On the morning of her Seventeenth birthday, she had approached Gringotts disguised as Katie Gardener (with her permission). She had claimed the Potter family ring and though she had yet to pay a visit to Potter Manor, she knew that with her acceptance of the family headship, there were a few properties that had come under her direct order. She couldn’t take the risk of going to Potter Manor immediately because there may still be some Death Eaters that knew the location from the numerous parties her family had once held there.

As she sat at the table absently listening to Ron and Hermione bicker (flirt) she gazed at the ring and counted down the days to the eighteenth of August as she thought of Percy. A year ago they had been preparing for the completion of the Great Prophecy, now here she was about to complete her own. It made her wonder where her cousin was and if he’d been taken for another prophecy (which was honestly likely at this point).

Thinking of Houses and Percy made her smirk as she thought of how Draco Malfoy and his family must have reacted when he went to Gringotts on his seventeenth birthday to claim the Head of House ring for the House of Black only to be told that there was already a Lord Black. Yes, she was quite happy that she’d taken some measure of power away from the Knights of Walpurgis.

She shuddered at the thought of what Riddle would be able to do with the Black family fortune at his disposal. Amy was quite glad that they’d decided to keep Percy’s status as Sirius’ heir a secret. Sirius himself had wholeheartedly approved of Percy’s place within the family and thought it a great joke that his grandfather had set against the rest of the family. Melania Black was not so amused.

Melania had sheltered and nursed Sirius back to health after Marius and Augusta had worked together to get a trial for Sirius. His freedom had only been won after Arcturus had died and Melania gave everything she had to take care of Sirius and when he’d died she had been crushed. She didn’t really live that long after her only remaining grandson was gone. Nonetheless, both Melania and Sirius reaffirmed Arcturus’ Will by stating that Percy was to become Lord Black should Sirius die. After Sirius’ death, Melania had taken Percy to Gringotts and instituted the inheritance ritual in order to ensure that the House of Black wouldn’t fall to the members of the Dark Knights. A few days later she was dead and within a month the Titanomachy had ended.

Macy appeared to check up on her every day until the fourth day when Kreacher appeared clinging to Mundungus Fletcher with Dobby biting his arm. “Ow!” He yelled, yowling in pain. “Call ‘em off!” He said.

Amy smiled vindictively at the thief as she remembered how he’d stolen from the House of Black and all of the problems he was causing now. She flicked her wand and summoned a chair. “Why don’t you take a seat, Mundungus?” She said sweetly.

As soon as he was seated the wood wrapped around him like chains. “Good. Now, you and I are going to have a talk.” And for the next hour or so she and her friends interrogated Mundungus until he finally told them everything he knew about the Locket.

By the time he’d been released, she and her friends were staring at one another with grim faces as they thought of the Toad who now wore the Horcrux. “I bet she’ll be more of a hag now that she has it on.” Ron said as soon as Mundungus had gone.

Amy grimaced at the thought. “It doesn’t matter. What we need to worry about is how we’ll get it back from her.” Hermione said as she sat down on the bench and began to eat the warm soup that Kreacher had prepared.

“Is there being anything Dobby can do for Miss Holly Potter?” Dobby asked earnestly, his eyes shining with excitement.

Amy looked at Dobby and thought back to Winky and wondered how she was doing. “Dobby, whatever happened to Winky?” Amy asked as she thought of the sorry state the little elf had been in.

“Winky is being sad! She is being drunk on butterbeer.” Doby said sadly.

“Do you think she would want to work for the Houses of Potter, Black, and Owens?” Amy asked with a smile.

“Oh yes! Very much so! And Dobby’s been wanting to work for Miss Amy Potter as well!” The little elf said enthusiastically.

“Great! Bring her here and we can negotiate a contract.” Amy said and Dobby disappeared with a pop. She turned to her friends and smiled as she brought out her communication mirror. After Sirius’ death, she and her cousins decided that the best thing for them to do was to create an easy communication system and Annabeth’s shield-seer had inspired certain aspects of their own mirrors, making it a cut above the one that her father and Sirius had. That and the four laptops that Daedalus had bequeathed to Annabeth, her cousins, and herself allowed them to create a database that the Knights of Walpurgis wouldn’t be able to access (never mind the fact that they were completely clueless as to the workings of the internet).

Dudley sighed as he glanced outside the windows of his quarters and into Camelot. It had been a week since he’d gotten there and he had to admit that Amelia Bones had done a good job of restoring the few buildings that had collapsed in the centuries since Albion’s fall. Camelot had been in wonderful condition (save of course for the damaged buildings left by Mordred’s attack), and they’d had over a year to strengthen and fortify the wards.

When Amelia Bones had been attacked, she and Susan had been portkeyed into the ancient city by the DA bracelet that Susan wore and had been greeted by Arthur, Galahad, and Morgana not as the Evans children. They were among the first outside the family to be told of their past lives and after the proper introductions had been made, Dudley’d rushed to Susan to make sure his girlfriend was alright. They’d come up with a plan that involved Amelia laying low within Camelot. Oh, she still went out and did her duties as head of the DMLE but she never returned to her home and was rarely seen outside of the office. In the intervening months she worked with others who were hunted and she set about creating a protection to rival even Hogwarts.

When Dudley and Susan arrived at Camelot with a handful of wide-eyed children and wedding guests that were immediately diverted to the ancient city, he took control and named Amelia as his second in command. She was battle tested and trained when it came down to running divisions within a government while Dudley either as Galahad or his current self, had none of these advantages. Siege warfare yes, ruling no.

A knock on his door interrupted him and Susan came in with a tray of food. “You haven’t eaten yet.” She said softly as she laid the tray on his table and made her way to him. Heliabel or Amite as she had once been called, was Perceval’s sister and a woman whose beauty far succeeded Tristan’s Isolde and had been a match for the first Guinevere’s beauty. Galahad had fallen in love with her during the quest for the grail but the kind and brave lady that she was had sacrificed herself so that the Lady of the City may live and no other young ladies would lose their lives in the city Lord’s attempts to heal his lady wife. He had been devastated and had forged on in his quest only as a promise to his Lady.

“What am I going to do, Su? This isn’t my area, I’m not the leader, I’m the warrior. All of these people looking to me for protection, for food and shelter… this isn’t right. It should be Percy and Amy here…” He trails off when she glares at him.

“Don’t you dare put yourself down, Dudley Dursley!” She hissed. “You are a great leader and you’re doing your best to protect us. Besides you’re here and they’re not, you’re leading us through this and quite wonderfully, I might add. You’re not alone in this, you have Auntie and I here with you.” Susan said even if she’d left for now bit away. Dudley needed her in Hogwarts with Neville and his team but he wasn’t happy about it. They’d kept their relationship quiet if only to prevent Susan becoming a larger target then she already was.

 “I’m sorry Su, I just feel so helpless. I should be out there watching Amy’s back but I’m stuck here helping refugees… it’s not as if it isn’t a worthy cause… it’s just… not me.” Dudley finished lamely. Susan pulled him in for a deep kiss and he relaxed, losing himself in her taste.

“You are better at this then you know.” She said as she pulled away. “Now eat your dinner and get some rest. Neville and the rest of ARDA should be here soon.” And with that she was gone.

“Dammit Percy, where are you?” Dudley whispered as he pulled out his mirror.

“Perseus Jackson.” Zeus called as a hush descended upon the camp. Romans and Greeks alike stood reverently in front of the gods, side by side, united for the first time ever. Warriors who bore young faces and whose ages could be counted as less than two decades, battered and bruised and devastated by loss but proudly stood with their newly found kin and comrades faced their parents and ancestors as their common leader knelt in front of the council after the rest of their commanders had been gifted their due. The wounded had been seen too, the dead had their shrouds burned and a few days had passed since the battle.

“A year ago you stood before the council and we had offered you this boon, you refused it then, Nephew mine.” Zeus said as Percy looked up at his divine uncle already knowing what was to be offered to him.

“We do not offer this lightly, nor do we offer it a second time. But for you my son, what say you? Will you become a god?” Poseidon asked, ever hopeful. Behind him the startled murmur of the Romans began as they looked at Percy in incredulity for turning down godhood.

Percy knew immortality was not for him, never for him; especially not when his cousins were still fighting for their lives. “The offer is appreciated and quite flattering but I must turn you down once again. It is a great honor that you deem me worthy of this gift but it isn’t for me.” And he could hear the shocked gasps of those who he hadn’t fought beside during the Titanomachy.

Zeus sighed and there was a glint of approval in Athena’s eyes. “Very well, I suppose you would ask for your boon in exchange, nephew?” Zeus asked.

“You know me well, uncle.” Percy said grinning mischievously.

“Very well… out with it boy.” Zeus said grumpily.

“First, I ask that Aunt Hestia and Uncle Hades be given a place within the council. They are the eldest among you should, by right have a seat. And for the past two wars, the divide whether through you gods or between the camps, had nearly led to the downfall of our people. Aunt Hestia is the lady of the hearth, the heart of home and family and without her, this family falters. Apart from the council, she tends and is rarely heard but there is wisdom in my aunt for she is the gentlest of creatures. And Uncle Hades is the only one that Thanatos truly obeys. He has the power to wrest control over all of you by mere virtue of the scale of his domain but he doesn’t because in the end you’re still family. And his children have played key roles during both wars. It’s time that he’s honored as well.” Percy said.

“That is a high favor, my son.” Poseidon began.

“But it is well within reason and both logically and strategically sound.” Athena interrupted. All eyes turned to Zeus and he nodded. “Very well. And your next request?” He asked.

“My next is that there will be no more divisions within the pantheon. Let us be a unified Greco-Roman civilization.” Percy paused and saw the nods from the campers and the gods. “Let the Greeks build a new city as well, one that’s open to everyone so that the campers have an option on where to live to be close to their family. Perhaps even a small protected town in the middle. Let us flourish once more.” Percy said emphatically and he could see the enthusiasm of the Greek campers at the idea of not being turned away from their homes.

“Another thing, you all swore to release the peaceful Titans like Calypso but she’s still trapped. I want you to keep your promise and release her. And come to think of it Damasen and Bob… er… Iapetus are in Tartarus. If they’re still alive then release them as well, please. Annabeth and I wouldn’t have been able to close the doors of death without them. They’re heroes who want to break away from the mold that they’ve been cast. Let them have that chance.” Percy asked humbly.

“Iapetus and Damasen… two very powerful enemies.” Zeus grumbled.

“Lord Zeus, please, he speaks the truth. Iapetus… Bob, he doesn’t want to be who he once was and Damasen is peaceful.” Annabeth said as she approached hesitantly. Her steps cautious as she strode to Percy’s side.

“Very well… they shall be released with Calypso before the month’s end.” Zeus said with a sigh as the gods gave wide-eyed stares at one another.

“And finally, Nico has told me that Leo’s soul is not in the afterlife and that he has managed to cheat death. Please let him live, let this be your reward to him and to me for his sacrifice.” Percy finished.

“You ask a lot, nephew.” Zeus began. “And I will grant you your requests but it comes at a cost as well… you want a united Greco-Roman civilization, you want cities and a home but for all this to thrive a ruler is needed. One who is godly but not a god. For the price of Leo’s life, for the freedom of the peaceful ones and of your friends in Tartarus, for the price of your civilization you will become the Emperor of the United Greco-Roman Empire and Ambassador to the Norse and Egyptians to whom you already have ties too. This is, of course, on top of your role as the rightful ruler and High King of Albion.”

Percy froze because this was all too much but he felt Annabeth’s hand squeeze his, reassuring him that he didn’t have to do it alone. At his back he knew that the others were thinking the same thing. “I accept this mantle, my lords and ladies.” He said as he knelt before them once more.

“Get some rest. We’ll have your coronation tomorrow. In the meantime, the new Pontifex Maximus will need to learn his roles and lines for this. We’ll meet you demigods at the council chambers.” Zeus said before he directed them all to turn away as the gods disappeared.

“So… what’s this about being the High King of Albion?” His new Pontifex Maximus asked and Percy just turned to Jason and mentally cursed before deigning not to respond and stalking off to his cabin with Annabeth following along beside him. She’d known him longer than anyone, even Thalia (who’d been a tree for a handful of years), and had therefore known about his heritage. Not to mention the fact that he couldn’t keep his… their past lives a secret.

Once upon a time he’d been Arthur and he’d been thrice-wed to three women, all named Guinevere (though the last one had a sister who was near identical and also conveniently named Guinevere). The first Guinevere or Gwynefahr was the most beautiful in his eyes, one that he had known since childhood and his true love. The second Guinevere was a beauty, yes, and he’d been fond of her but never loved her as deeply as he did his first. The last was beautiful and a friend but his inability to give her his heart (especially after the loss of his two previous wives) had spurned her to Lancelot’s arms.

Annabeth was the first, Rachel was the second, and Reyna was the third (funnily enough). It wasn’t until the Titanomachy that Percy had realized that Malcom had been Lancelot and afterwards, well… he’d kept an eye out for his last wife. He knew that Lancelot had been repentant for the fall of Camelot and Arthur had never really begrudged the affair between one of his dearest friends and his wife. He’d had his heirs by her before anything had begun and he couldn’t fault her for seeking another’s love when he still sought the love he’d lost.

Percy sat on his bed as soon as he could and pulled his mirror from his pocket and felt it glow. For the first time he knew what it meant and he pulled Annabeth close to him before he answered. “Dudley? Amy?” He called out as his cousins appeared in the two mirrored silver compact.

“Percy!” They both said happily and in relief.

Percy frowned as he stared at them. They were clearly in different places, which meant something was wrong. “Why aren’t you two together? What happened?” Percy demanded.

“The ministry has fallen. I need to find the other Horcuxes and Dudley’s been leading the rebellion and rescue aspect of things.” Amy explained as Annabeth gasped in alarm and Percy saw Amy take a seat with Ron and Hermione nodding at them.

“Damn. Things are all piling up. I can’t even do anything right now. I’ve got to sort everything here so Dudley will have to take care of the ARDA.” Percy said as he sighed and leaned into Annabeth.

“Speaking of things there…what happened to you?” Amy asked.

“The great prophecy happened and an exchange of leaders was necessary. I got sent to the Roman camp without my memories while the Roman Praetor was sent here under the same circumstances. It’ll be too long to tell you everything but basically, we freed Thanatos and traversed through Greece and Rome. Annabeth and I might have also ended up in Tartarus. Gaea rose and we put her down, united both camps and I asked for gifts from the gods once more and ended up becoming the Emperor of the new Greco-Roman Empire.” Percy said summarizing what was weeks’ worth of events.

Dudley spluttered before his roaring laughter broke through. “Now I don’t feel bad about taking control of the ARDA temporarily. Blimey! I feel bad for you and Annabeth.” Dudley said laughing again and Percy could hear Amy’s delicate laugh from the background.

“Hmph! I don’t think it’s that funny!” Annabeth muttered.

“It kind of is. Though this means you’ll have to put your architecture dreams on hold.” Hermione pointed out.

“Why?” Annabeth asked bewildered.

“Because you’ll have to keep busy helping Percy rule.” Hermione said calmly and Percy glanced at Annabeth, everything his friends and family had been saying had been pointing to Annabeth eventually becoming his wife and therefore his queen and empress and he didn’t know how she’d take it.

“One of the tasks of a monarch is to oversee infrastructure isn’t it? I’ll just design buildings for both Albion and the Empire. Besides with the other two Guinevere being here, I’m sure we’ll all be able to rein him in.” Annabeth said.

“Great! Just what I need! My ex-wives ganging up on me. Never mind the fact that we haven’t been married in centuries.” Percy moaned in despair as Ron and Dudley laughed uproariously.

“Every man’s worst nightmare. The missus and the exes.” Ron said mischievously.

“Shut up ass!” Percy snapped irritated.

“Percy! Language!” Annabeth snapped as she slapped the back of his head.

“Yes dear.” Percy said automatically.

“Blimey. You’re whipped.” Ron said before Hermione coughed beside him and he turned to her nervously. “And you know what? So am I.” He said laughing awkwardly.

“Much better.” Hermione said.

“Well at least you’re honest about it. It’s not exactly a secret that Su’s basically the boss.” Dudley admitted.

“Let’s all just admit we’re whipped.” Percy said and the boys nodded their agreement.

“When are the leaders of ARDA meeting?” Percy asked his cousins.

“First light tomorrow. They should be arriving soon though.” Dudley said seriously as all the laughter died.

“Su’s welcoming committee then?” Amy asked as Dudley nodded.

“In my desk, there ought to be some mirrors, they’ll be tied to the leaders and we can use it to coordinate among us. I’m not revealing the pantheons to them yet but in time, maybe. We can’t let the advantage of our extra powers be known nor do I want to bring the demi-gods and legacies to another war.” Percy said tiredly.

“We’ll do all that we can to protect everyone, in the meantime, you should stay away from England until your birthday.” Dudley suggested.

“I will. I’m going to invoke my right as Pendragon heir to get a meeting with Queen Elizabeth and the Prime Minister as well as the President of America and the President of MACUSA. We’ll need to sort this all out soon.” Percy said quietly.

“I’m sorry about everything Percy.” Amy said sadly.

“It’s not your fault, cousin mine. We’ll get through this together.” Percy said fiercely.

“Percy’s coronation will be tomorrow morning on Olympus. Do you want me to use the mirrors so you can watch? I know we’ll probably be video-calling your relatives and the Kane siblings.” Annabeth said and everyone gave their pleased affirmations.

“I can’t believe this is all happening, I can’t believe the Greco Roman empire is about to rise.” Amy said as she stared at him intently.

“We’re reincarnations of myths and legends, why is that so surprising?” Percy asked before he shook his head. “Never mind, I don’t want to know… anyway, good night.” Percy said and heard his cousins’ farewells before he closed it again. Percy pulled his laptop from his pocket and began to unfold it. Daedalus’ mark glowing as it powered up. A quick video call to his mom and the rest of the family had assured them that he was alive and they had told him sternly that they wanted to watch his coronation.

After Percy finally said his goodbye’s he placed the laptop on his bedside table and lay down, tugging Annabeth into his arms and let the sounds of the waves soothe him into a deep sleep. He slept well enough, all things considered, and he knew that it wouldn’t last. As soon as everything sinks in, the nightmares would start arriving.

The next day he wakes to Annabeth curled around him, her face pressed against his chest. He smiles and carefully extracts himself from her. On top of his drawers lay two piles of clothing, one pile was a long sleeved tunic and pants in white with a mantle of purple and armor in shades of sea green and blues that represented his father inlaid with gold lay atop it, while the other one was a pile of cloth in a shimmering silvery-grey color that represented Annabeth’s mother. While Annabeth’s outfit tended toward the more traditional Greek style, Percy’s was a blend of the dual aspects of his father that had sired him. In between the piles lay a single letter that gave the time the coronation was to take place as well as a short message that Hephaestus would be relaying the coronation to his family and to the Egyptians.

It was still early out, the sun had yet to rise but he knew that he needed to contact his cousins and coordinate the ARDA. Percy used the small fountain his father had given him and combined the spell of the Iris Message with his communication mirror and sued the reflected the image through his scrying mirror to create a three-dimensional representation of the war council room set aside, now was not the time for politics and honors for the roundtable. Percy watched as Dudley and the rest of ARDA’s leaders were glancing through their reports.

“Dudley!” Percy called and he saw everyone jump at his call.

“Percy! You’re here. Thank the gods.” His cousin said. “We’re only waiting for the golden trio before we can begin.”

“No need to wait. We’re ready.” Amy’s voice carried through. Percy could see the awe on the faces of the ARDA leaders, save perhaps for Neville and Luna or Merlin and Nimueh.

Halfway through assigning the roles of the various leaders, Annabeth came in and a brief introduction was given, though nothing of her background as Athena’s daughter was mentioned. Annabeth looked at them with inquisitive eyes, a look came over her face and Percy immediately placed the look as her ‘strategist’ façade. He smiled and watched as Annabeth, Dudley, and Ron strategized together.

When the team broke away, there positions and roles for the war had been assigned. Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were tasked with maintaining some level of media control; Neville, Luna, and Ginny were in charge of Hogwarts with Susan as a backup; Amelia Bones, Alicia, and Katie were tasked with the Ministry of Magic; Angelina Johnson was in charge of St. Mungos and all medical related queries and recruitments; Dudley was in charge of Camelot and being a nuisance to Tom and his prissy band of false knights; Amy, Ron, and Hermione are in charge of fulfilling Dumbledore’s last task (kept a secret from the rest of the leaders); and Percy was in charge of the muggle side of things for, for the time being at least. With that settled, Percy had disconnected himself to prepare for breakfast and his subsequent coronation.

As soon as he and Annabeth had walked in to the pavilion a hush fell as everyone stared at him with awe. As soon as they sat on his father’s table, his friends all moved to sit beside him and they began to talk to him, to reassure him that everything was going to be fine. Tentatively, Reyna and Malcom approached him together and he eyed them curiously, they were standing close but not enough to indicate that they were romantically involved, though Percy knew that it was only a matter of time. People who knew each other from their past lives were drawn to one another, especially if they were romantically involved and one of the most well-known romances had been Guinevere and Lancelot so it was no wonder that their reincarnations would be attracted to one another.

Percy smiled and welcomed them to the table. “So I take it you remember your past now?” He asked and from the sharp looks around the table, he knew that they were curious about what he was talking about.

“Yes, though I would appreciate it if you’d told us yourself, Your Majesty.” Reyna said stoically. Percy just smiled magnanimously at her.

“And where’s the fun in that, my dear?” Percy asked with a smirk and she could see Reyna’s eye twitch ever so slightly as Jason slapped his palm to his face. Percy ignored Jason’s whispers of death wish and idiot.

Reyna took a steadying breath and sat down beside Piper, giving the other girl a small smile. Percy watched in amusement as Jason and Piper stared at the Praetor flabbergasted. The atmosphere was light as Nico (who had been allowed by Will Solace to participate in the day’s events provided he stop shadow travelling) rested against Hazel as Bianca force-fed him. Percy smiled happily at the scene though he missed Dudley and Amy.

Soon enough they were all whisked away to Olympus where Percy stood in front of the entire Olympic council and as he knelt on his knees, he felt the heavy crown of golden laurel leaves lay upon his head as he swore his oaths to Olympus and to his people. His arm guards golden inlaid with pearls with a sea green trident embossed upon it. Annabeth stood to the side, slightly behind him, her place of honor meant to signify her place in his life as his (hopefully) future Empress.

Percy folded his arms together to keep his hands from shaking as he tried to project calm and strength through his voice. Those at New Rome and those that remained within Camp Half Blood were watching this, as was the rest of Olympus and his mother’s family. He would do them proud and he would protect his people.

The party lasted to the early hours of the morning and as Percy fell tiredly upon his bunk with Annabeth in his arms, he mentally went through the things that needed to be done the next day. When he awoke the next day, Annabeth was in his shower, humming along and he allowed himself to pretend that none of the previous day’s events had happened as counted down the days before he needed to return to England. There was so much to do, so much to organize… how many people were they going to read in to whichever world it was that they were going to be introduced to.

Growing up as the great-grandson of Marius Black meant that certain things needed to be learned in order to create the right image. One of the things he’d been forced to learn as a child was music, violin, cello, and the piano were lessons he’d taken too and it calmed him often enough. Percy brought out the cello that rested inside his cabin, it was still early in the day but he needed the soothing motions of playing an instrument to get him through this and practicing with his sword wouldn’t do, not when he was still trying to clear his mind of Tartarus. As his arms and fingers flew through the motions of Bach’s Cello Solo No. 1, he felt arms wrap around his waist as Annabeth pressed herself against his back careful not to hinder him, her presence comforting, and a tether to his sanity. One day (soon, he swore), if she would have him, a ring would be on her finger to show the world that he’d been made the luckiest man in the world to be given the honor of spending the rest of his days in spite of his position and responsibilities.

When he finally stopped playing he breathed a sigh of contentment as he easily returned the cello to its stand and leaned back against Annabeth, her hair damp. He pulled away and turned to face her, needing to see her whole and healthy. “What am I going to do, Annabeth? I feel like I’m being torn apart by my duties.” Percy asked as he leaned in to Annabeth, her pull strong and irresistible as ever.

“Trust us, Percy. Trust us to take care of you, trust us to help you.” Annabeth said as she pressed brief kisses to his lips.

“But who? And how many?” He asked her as he grasped the back of her shirt tightly. He never wanted power, never wanted the responsibility of leading. Circumstances had brought him to where he was, his birthright as some people claimed but he didn’t want it.

“The cabin heads, your friends, the praetors, your family. Talk to the Hecate cabin and the children of Trivia, this is a magical war and they’re the children of magic. Talk to Carter, from what you’ve told me the Horcruxes have their origin in Egyptian magic, right? And who do we know is well versed in magic?” Annabeth told him gently.

Percy smiled in to her lips as he kissed her. “What would I do without you?” He asked.

“Die, you’d die without me.” Annabeth said coyly.

“Yes, I would.” Percy laughed.

“I love you Seaweed Brain.” Annabeth said as her arms slipped around his neck.

“And I love you, Wise Girl. As long as you and I are together? We can achieve anything.” Percy said as he kissed her deeply as they lowered themselves on to the bed. It wasn’t the time for anything farther, they weren’t ready but that didn’t mean they couldn’t bask in each other’s presence.

Percy took Annabeth’s advice and called for a meeting in the big house for all of the head councillors, the Praetors, Rachel, Thalia, Bianca, the rest of the seven, and the remaining Centurions. There were a few others as well, people that Percy had fought with during the Titanomachy. He watched and waited as they gathered in the game room, their war council room.

“What’s going on Imperator?” Reyna asked calmly as she sat beside Frank.

“There’s something we need to talk about. Something about what Zeus said the other day.” Percy said as he sat down at the head of the table and watched as everyone else did the same.

“We’ve fought together and I trust you all.” Percy began after a pause. “When Zeus said that I was the High King of Albion he meant it. It’s my birth right as the heir to the house of Pendragon, as King Arthur’s heir and his reincarnation.” Percy said.

The room erupted into questions and shocked exclamations but Reyna, Malcom, and Annabeth stared at him knowingly. “Does this mean you’ll be the King of England?” Will asked.

“No, in truth I don’t really have a claim to it anymore. The Protectorate that was assigned to it has become the house of Windsor and as such isn’t bound by the same rules. Not to mention, they’ve been ruling the country for generations. They’ve built it up to what it is now. No… my right is through the British Wizarding community.” Percy said.

“I’m sorry, wizarding community?” Lou Ellen asked as her Roman sister nodded beside her.

“Yes, a magical community filled primarily by mortals hidden behind wards and spells. They instituted what is known as the Statute of Secrecy and isolated themselves from the rest of the world. They’re basically stuck in the medieval age.” Percy explained.

“Seriously?” One of Leo’s brothers asked horrified, probably at the thought that they didn’t have any modern conveniences.

“Yes, they see no need to broaden their horizons beyond that which they’ve already achieved through magic. They’re stagnant and they keep their head in the sand, at least the British wizards do. They expect others to fight their war for them though the younger generation seem to be fighting back by themselves. My cousins Amy and Dudley are already leading the war efforts there. Dudley, or Galahad du Luc is in Camelot coordinating the Albion Resistance while Amy has been trying to gather the head of the Knights of Walpurgis’ soul fragments.” Percy stopped for a while as he let it sink in.

He saw the uneasy glance between Bianca and Nico, saw the pale faces of Lu Ellen and her sister and knew that they had guessed what it was. “You mean a horcrux, don’t you?” Nico asked quietly as Percy nodded.

“Yes. There was a prophecy about a child who would defeat him, one that he would mark and he chose my cousin, Amy. My cousin was once known as Morgan le Fay, the only other child that fit the description was her god brother Neville Longbottom otherwise known as Merlin.” Percy glanced at Annabeth who nodded at him encouragingly.

“Another war following the last so closely, I don’t know how much more our people can take.” Frank said sadly.

“I didn’t call you here to ask you to fight beside me. I called you here because I trust all of you and I need to know if I can lean on you, to help me with my research, to help me run the Empire. I can’t do this alone.” Percy said softly.

Reyna snapped to attention. “We will do our duties with honor, Imperator.” She said as she stood proudly before him and smiled. “And to atone for my crimes in my past life as Guinevere.” She said.

Everyone stared at them stupefied before glancing at Annabeth. “Malcom is Lancelot, Reyna is the third Guinevere and my last wife. Rachel was the second Guinevere, and Annabeth was the first. Annabeth was a marriage of true love. Rachel was a marriage of companionship and convenience. Reyna was a marriage of necessity to strengthen the kingdom.” Percy explained softly as he called Excalibur to his hand and held the silver tipped blade up to be presented to the room.

“Then we shall serve you well.” Jason said his voice authoritative and Percy felt himself relax.

“Thank you, my friends.” Percy said as his shoulders sagged slightly.

In a remote island a beautiful woman sat staring at the sea dejectedly. She’d seen so many noble heroes come to her island and leave after they’ve stolen her heart but the last two had been something else. They were the ones who had been there the shortest yet they were the most determined. Each had their own promises that they’d given to her, a promise of freedom for one, and another promised his return. She knew in her heart that neither would keep their promise. Even if they tried, the Fates would conspire against them.

She looked up at the dragon’s roar as she saw a gleaming speck draw closer to her. She stepped back as it suddenly landed in front of her and Leo Valdez smiled at her. “I found you!” Leo said happily, dark rings under his eyes.

“Leo?” Calypso asked in shock. “How?” she asked again. He was the only one who had ever come back for her. Her heart swelled with delight as she felt butterflies in her stomach at his warm smile.

“I promised you, didn’t I?” Leo said as he stepped closer to her tentatively and Calypso frowned inwardly. Was he afraid of her? Then why would he come back?

“Are you here to stay?” Calypso couldn’t help the hope that bloomed in her chest.

Leo shook his head. “No.” He began and Calypso felt her heart plummet and she wanted to run, to turn away from him but she was stuck. “But I’m here to bring you out… if you’d like to go with me?” Leo asked her shyly and her breath caught in her throat. He wasn’t scared of her; he was scared that she’d reject him. The very notion of that was absurd, not after he was the first that had ever come back for her.

“I would love to but the gods would never allow it.” Calypso could barely get the words out.

“It seems like nobody told you. Percy asked the gods to free you and all of the other peaceful titans after the war with Kronos. You’ve been free for nearly a year now.” Leo said and suddenly excitement and adrenaline coursed through her.

“Really?” She asked, unable to believe it as guilt flooded her at the thought of how she’d cursed Percy and Annabeth. She’d loved him then and she was bitter at the loneliness of it all. Percy had been the best one that had come through, so young and so sincere but so conflicted. He’d chosen his responsibility and possible death, had chosen another over her and it stung but it was what she’d expected. She hadn’t expected the overwhelming pain and bitterness that had enveloped her after he’d left though. And by the time Leo had arrived she was determined not to love anyone else.

“I’m not going to ask about what went on with you and Percy, that’s in the past. I want to make sure you know that you have a future filled with choices now, whether or not it’s with me is up to you. I just want you to be happy Calypso.” Leo told her.

She hugged him as she began to cry, freedom, a world beyond her tiny island. It was terrifying and exhilarating and having Leo beside her felt right and secure. She loved him because while Percy had secured her freedom, Leo had given it to her and Calypso understood that more than ever.

“As much as I’d like to take you on a tour to see the world, I have a feeling it’ll have to wait.” Leo said. Calypso didn’t mind, she was going to be free with a man that loved her and who she’d come to love. “I kind of left things a mess back at Camp Halfblood. I’m pretty sure everyone believes I’m dead and if I wait too long, they might skewer me when I return.” Leo smiled. Calypso nodded and led him in to her home to let him rest for a while before they left.