Chapter 7 - Chapter 6

On December 21st, with his seventh birthday (which was almost five months ago) still echoing in his memory, Haris Potter (not Haris Lokison, thank you very much) found himself on a rather peculiar mission: accompanying his mother, the Goddess Artemis, to the Winter Solstice meeting of the Olympian Council. As they made their way through the shimmering realms of Olympus, Artemis, ever the protective mother, kept repeating her warnings like a mantra. "Introduce yourself as Haris Potter," she instructed sternly, "and not Haris Lokison. If Zeus gets wind of your real parentage, he might decide to practice his lightning bolts on you. And trust me, you don't want that."

Haris nodded, doing his best to absorb her advice while silently hoping that no one would actually ask him his name. Because really, how could he ever go about explaining that he was the son of Loki and Artemis? A demigod with a lineage tangled between two powerful pantheons was bound to raise eyebrows. Plus, he had no idea what kind of mood Zeus might be in. The king of the gods was as unpredictable as a thunderstorm—one moment, he could be jovial, and the next, he could be smiting a demigod just for sneezing in his presence.

The floating city of Olympus loomed ahead, a magnificent spectacle suspended above the Empire State Building like a divine mirage. As they approached the entrance, they were greeted by the familiar face of the security guard, who had clearly gotten used to the sight of demigods and divine beings traipsing in and out. With a knowing nod, he waved them through, leaving Haris to marvel at the grandeur within. The Council room was a blend of ancient architecture and modern flair, with opulent decor that would make even a Kardashian blush.

As they entered, Haris felt a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. This was his first official introduction to the Olympian Council, and he could already feel the weight of their gazes upon him. Sitting on their thrones were the twelve major gods of the pantheon, each radiating a unique aura that made him feel simultaneously insignificant and immensely important.

"Ah, my dear daughter!" boomed Zeus, his voice resonating through the hall. "So, this is the demigod son you've been keeping under wraps? A fine addition to the family!"

Artemis smiled tightly, her eyes narrowing slightly at her father's overly enthusiastic tone. "Haris, meet your grandfather, Zeus. Remember, just 'Haris Potter'."

Haris offered a half-hearted wave, trying not to trip over his own feet as he approached the throne. He could practically feel the electric charge of Zeus's ego in the air. "Nice to meet you, um, Grandfather?" he stammered, not entirely sure how to address a god who could easily reduce him to a pile of ash.

"And who might the boy be?" came a smooth, authoritative voice. Haris turned to see Hades, the god of the Underworld, observing him with keen interest. "A demigod, or perhaps more? You have an interesting energy about you."

"Just a demigod son of Artemis," Artemis interjected, shooting her uncle a warning glance. "No need for assumptions, Hades."

Next to her, Apollo leaned forward, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Oh, come now! We all know he has a bit more than that in his bloodline. What's life without a little mystery?" He winked, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Then there was Athena, who looked unimpressed, her arms crossed as she leaned back in her throne, calculating. "Interesting lineage indeed. A shapeshifter among us? How quaint." Her voice dripped with skepticism.

But it was Hephaestus, who spoke next, his tone flat but not unkind. "What powers do you possess, boy? Shape-shifting and all that?"

Haris cleared his throat. "Um, I can transform into different creatures, magical or otherwise. My powers peak during the Full Moon, thanks to my mom. Plus, I've got a bit of a charm that makes me—uh—attractive?" He shrugged, not wanting to sound too cocky but also not wanting to sell himself short.

Aphrodite, lounging with an air of casual elegance, raised an eyebrow. "Attractive indeed. The blessing I've bestowed upon you certainly enhances that. We'll see how that plays out in the mortal realm." She smiled coyly, as if already envisioning the opportunities ahead.

"Let's not get distracted," Ares grunted, a grizzled biker look about him, his eyes glinting with interest. "We want to bless the boy, right? Give him some abilities to defend himself?"

Hades nodded. "A sensible idea. I, for one, would like to see what he can do when things get dicey. I could use a clever strategist in the Underworld."

And so, the blessings began. One by one, each god stepped forward, bestowing their powers upon Haris in a ritual that felt like both a coronation and a gauntlet.

Zeus raised his hand, lightning crackling around him. "I bless you with my strength! You will have the power of thunder at your command."

Poseidon followed suit, summoning waves that danced at his feet. "And from me, you'll gain the ability to control water and navigate the seas with ease."

Hades approached, his voice deep and solemn. "From the depths, I grant you the power of shadows, enabling you to move unseen and command the darkness."

Hera, dramatic as ever, waved her hand. "I bless you with authority over relationships and bonds. May you navigate the intricacies of both gods and mortals wisely."

Next was Athena, her wisdom radiating. "You will inherit my strategic mind; may it serve you well in battle and negotiations."

Ares pounded his fist on the arm of his throne. "You'll have my warrior spirit! Courage and strength will guide your hand in conflict!"

As each blessing flowed, Haris felt a rush of power coursing through him, a delightful chaos that sparked his inherent cleverness. Each gift was not just a token; it was an affirmation of his place among these gods—albeit a messy and complex one.

With Apollo's whimsical flair, he received the gift of foresight and creativity, feeling the urge to break into a haiku. Hephaestus gifted him with an innate skill for crafting and technology, making him a bit of a tinkerer.

Finally, Aphrodite whispered her blessing, enhancing his charm and allure. "You'll find that love comes easily, dear Haris. Just remember, with great charm comes great responsibility!"

By the end of the council meeting, Haris felt like a walking myth. He was no longer just the son of Artemis; he was Haris Potter, the firstborn child of the goddess, with a cocktail of divine powers swirling within him.

As they left the council, Zoe Nightshade, his honorary big sister, nudged him playfully. "So, how does it feel to be the new favorite?"

"Feels like I'm in way over my head," Haris admitted, glancing back at Olympus with a mix of awe and apprehension. "But I think I can handle it… as long as Zeus doesn't decide to throw a lightning bolt my way for fun."

And so, under the pale winter sky, the demigod son of Artemis began to understand what it meant to straddle two worlds—one filled with divine chaos, the other with the ever-looming shadow of Loki—and he was ready to embrace it all, one shape-shift at a time.

The doors to the Olympian Council swung open with the kind of dramatic flair you'd expect from gods who practically invented drama. Harry Potter—well, technically, Haris Lokison, son of Loki and Artemis—was leaning against a column, trying to look nonchalant. He wasn't sure what to expect after the whole "Blessing of the Olympians" deal, but he was definitely not ready for what came next.

Apollo.

Now, Harry had been warned about his uncle. Words like "cocky," "self-centered," and "prone to spontaneous haikus" were thrown around, but none of that prepared him for the whirlwind of teenage god-energy that was currently striding toward him like he owned the sun. Which, to be fair, he kind of did.

"Harry! My favorite nephew!" Apollo's voice boomed like the beginning of an epic concert. He threw an arm around Harry's shoulder, a grin plastered on his face, as if this was a reunion of old pals instead of their first official meeting. Apollo looked like he just stepped off a beach—sandy blond hair, tan skin, and the kind of easy, outdoorsy good looks that made people forget he was, you know, an ancient god.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'm your only nephew, aren't I?"

Apollo tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Exactly! Which is why I'm going to be the coolest uncle ever." He lowered his voice, like they were sharing a big cosmic secret. "Gotta get in ahead of the competition."

"Competition?" Harry repeated, trying to keep up.

"Loki," Apollo said, like it was obvious. "Your dad. Well, when he remembers he's your dad. Right now, he's busy doing the whole god of mischief thing, but eventually, he's going to figure it out. And then there's Thor, of course, the other uncle in the mix." He clapped Harry on the back. "But I've got time on my side. I mean, I've literally seen it, and let's just say, I plan on winning the title of 'Favorite Uncle' before Thor even realizes what's happening."

There it was—the casual mention of Loki, Harry's other complicated parental figure. You know, the god of mischief, shape-shifting, and causing chaos across multiple realms. No big deal.

But before Harry could dive into the emotional whirlpool that was Loki issues, Apollo was off again, talking a mile a minute. "Anyway, you and I—we're going to bond. Archery lessons, music jams, maybe a prophecy or two. Oh, and pranks! I hear you've got quite the reputation back on Earth, what with the whole Marauders thing." He waggled his eyebrows. "Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, right? I like them."

Harry shot him a sideways look, wondering how much Apollo actually knew. Probably more than Harry was comfortable with. "I think I can handle myself."

"Of course you can," Apollo said, his grin widening. "But where's the fun in that? Besides, prophecy says—"

"Apollo," a voice interrupted. Artemis, Harry's mother, appeared beside them, her silvery gaze calm but firm. The kind of firm that said don't test me. "Leave him some room to breathe. He doesn't need your brand of enthusiasm overwhelming him."

Apollo raised his hands in mock surrender, but the grin never left his face. "Just trying to make sure he knows he's got the best uncle in the universe, Sis. No harm in a little family bonding, right?"

Harry glanced between the two gods, trying not to laugh. Artemis was all quiet authority, radiating the kind of strength that made you want to straighten your posture and act like a decent human being—or, in Harry's case, a decent not-quite-god. Meanwhile, Apollo was… well, Apollo. Everything Artemis wasn't: loud, playful, and probably the kind of person who would start a dance-off at a serious diplomatic meeting.

As Apollo leaned in with a conspiratorial smile, Harry braced himself. "By the way, I wrote you something special. Ready?"

Before Harry could say no, Apollo cleared his throat dramatically and began:

"Son of the Huntress,

Shines bright with mischief and skill,

Thor can't keep up, bro."

Harry blinked. He wasn't sure whether to laugh or just back away slowly.

Zoe, standing a little off to the side, let out a small, exasperated sigh. She had the look of someone who'd seen far too many of Apollo's antics over the centuries. Harry could relate. Sort of.

Apollo, apparently pleased with his poetic prowess, clapped his hands together and smiled. "Not bad, huh? See, this is just the beginning. Haikus, archery, and music lessons—"

"Apollo," Artemis cut in again, her voice taking on that I'm being polite, but not for long tone. "We'll handle his training."

Apollo shrugged, the epitome of casual. "Sure, sure. But remember, Harry—when you want to spice things up a bit, I'm just a sunbeam away." He winked, clearly proud of his joke.

Harry couldn't help but grin. Sure, Apollo was a lot to handle, but he had to admit, having a god like that in his corner wasn't the worst thing in the world. Besides, after growing up in the chaos of both the Wizarding World and, you know, being raised by the Huntresses of Artemis, chaos was kind of his comfort zone.

"Thanks, Uncle Apollo," Harry said with a nod. "I'll keep that in mind."

Apollo flashed another grin. "Don't forget! Archery tips, musical guidance, and the best Haikus in Olympus. I'm your guy."

As Artemis began to lead Harry and Zoe away, Apollo called out one last time, "And Harry? I'm totally winning 'Best Uncle'—Thor doesn't stand a chance!"

Harry waved back, shaking his head. Life as the son of gods was never going to be boring, but if this was what family was like, he figured he could handle it.

Well, as long as Apollo didn't try to drag him into a spontaneous karaoke competition, anyway.

After leaving Olympus—or, more accurately, the Empire State Building—Harry Lokison found himself sandwiched between his mom, Artemis, and Zoe, Artemis' lieutenant and his honorary big sister, who was determined to ensure he didn't spontaneously combust on this little adventure. New York felt oddly serene for a city that was supposedly always buzzing. Maybe it was just his nerves getting the better of him as they set out for Camp Half-Blood. No big deal. It was just a camp full of demigods who might very well try to challenge him to a duel the minute they caught wind of his not-so-ordinary lineage.

"Hey, so we're heading straight to camp, right?" Harry asked, trying to sound casual while his insides felt like a roller coaster.

Artemis shot him a look that could freeze lava. "We need to make a stop first."

"Of course," he muttered under his breath. "Why would anything ever be straightforward with the gods?"

Zoe was like a silent guardian beside him, all stoic and intimidating. Harry knew she'd probably go full gladiator on anyone who dared to mess with him. That's what older sisters were for, right?

As they strolled through Manhattan, seamlessly blending with the oblivious mortals around them, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something epic was about to go down. Camp Half-Blood? Sure. Meeting other demigods? Definitely nerve-wracking. But first, detour central.

They turned into a dim alley that looked like it hadn't seen a hint of sunlight in ages. The air shimmered, like reality had hiccuped. Harry braced himself for something dramatic—and he was not disappointed.

Out of the shimmering air stepped a tall figure in full Valkyrie armor: Brunhilde. She radiated "don't mess with me" energy like a neon sign, and Harry had an inkling she wasn't there for small talk.

"Lady Artemis," Brunhilde greeted, her voice crisp and commanding. "I come as Queen Frigga instructed."

Harry's brain did a little backflip. His grandma, Frigga, had sent a freaking Valkyrie to help with his training? This was serious business. He was pretty sure you didn't send a Valkyrie unless you were expecting the world to go sideways.

"Thank you, Brunhilde," Artemis said, all cool and collected. "You'll be known as Hilda here. You're one of my Huntresses now."

"Hilda?" Harry blurted out. "That's… a bit on the nose, isn't it?"

Brunhilde, or Hilda as she was now dubbed, shot him a glance that could cut through steel. "It's simple enough to avoid suspicion. And I'll fit right in."

"Right, because a Valkyrie blending in is as common as a unicorn at a coffee shop," Harry muttered.

Artemis shot him a look—the kind that screamed, "Behave, or else." "Hilda will assist with your training. Frigga believes it's time for you to learn some advanced skills."

"More training?" Harry groaned. "What am I, a demigod piñata? I can swing a sword, you know."

Zoe finally spoke up, her tone unyielding. "You're the son of two gods from different pantheons. You'll need more than sword skills to survive what's coming."

Harry frowned. "Wow, thanks for the confidence boost, Zoe. Always so cheerful."

Zoe didn't even flinch. "Just stating facts."

With that, Artemis led the way, and Harry felt the tension in the air as they left the alley and rejoined the bustling streets. This wasn't just about a camp anymore; this was about something bigger—a storm brewing that even Frigga had sensed.

"So, what's Camp Half-Blood like?" Harry asked, attempting to lighten the mood. "Is it all sword fights and avoiding death, or do we get to roast marshmallows, too?"

Artemis kept her stride, eyes straight ahead. "Camp Half-Blood is a sanctuary for demigods to train and learn. You'll be safe, but you must be cautious. Not everyone can know the truth of your heritage."

"Got it. Keep the family secrets locked up tight. Check."

Hilda walked beside them, her piercing gaze taking in Harry's every move. He could practically feel the judgment rolling off her. Great, just what he needed—a Valkyrie waiting to pounce on his every mistake.

As they left the chaos of the city behind and headed toward the serene countryside, Harry felt the magic in the air. Camp Half-Blood was close, hidden away from the prying eyes of mortals, and he was about to step into a world full of demigods just like him—or at least, somewhat like him.

"You'll do fine," Artemis said softly, sensing his jitters. "Chiron will guide you. Remember, you have us."

"Right," Harry nodded, grateful but still feeling a twist of anxiety. "Just the weight of two pantheons on my shoulders. No pressure at all."

Zoe glanced sideways at him. "You'll fit in. Just… try not to cause too much chaos."

"Me? Chaos? Never."

With a final glance back at Artemis, Harry took a deep breath and stepped into Camp Half-Blood, ready—or as ready as he could ever be—to face whatever madness awaited him.

As Harry—no, Haris Lokison—stood at the gates of Camp Half-Blood, he felt like he'd just walked into a summer camp for the divine. It was chaotic, colorful, and, if he squinted just right, it felt like it might explode at any moment. All around him, demigods were practicing their swordplay, shouting war cries, and generally causing what looked like an impressive amount of mayhem. And here he was, trying not to look too wide-eyed.

"Just another day in the life of a demigod," he muttered under his breath, adjusting the straps of his backpack as he followed Hilda—who was really Brunhilde, but they weren't supposed to know that yet—through the bustling camp. She looked every bit the part of a Huntress, even if Harry knew she could probably take down a dragon with a flick of her wrist.

"Try not to trip over your own feet," Hilda advised, casting him a teasing glance. "We don't want the local fauna thinking we've brought in fresh meat."

"Fresh meat? Me? I'm more like artisanal, locally-sourced magic." He grinned, then added, "Maybe with a hint of danger?"

She rolled her eyes, leading him toward the Big House, which looked like it had been plucked straight from a spooky storybook. "That's the spirit. Just remember, danger can also mean getting stuck in a prophecy about a giant monster that wants to eat you. So, let's keep our heads on straight."

"Right, because I definitely want to avoid being eaten alive," Harry said dryly. "Can't have that mess on my resume."

As they entered the Big House, Harry felt the magic buzz in the air. It was like stepping into a history book that had come to life, filled with relics of gods and heroes. And standing in the middle of all that chaos was Chiron, the centaur with an air of authority that could put Zeus himself to shame.

"Ah, Hilda!" Chiron greeted them with a nod, his expression warm but serious. "And you must be Harry. Welcome."

Harry stepped forward, trying to exude the cool confidence he was definitely faking. "Nice to meet you. Just so we're clear, I'm not here to cause trouble. Mostly."

"Mostly?" Chiron raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Well, I'm a demigod, and I come with a bit of a reputation," Harry said. "My dad is Loki. And, uh, my mom's Artemis, so you can imagine the kind of holiday dinners I have."

Chiron nodded, his gaze sharpening. "Yes, we're all aware of the delicate nature of your parentage. Keeping that a secret is essential."

"Great! Secrets and divine parentage—just what I wanted to get into," Harry replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "What's next? A treasure hunt for my identity?"

Hilda smirked, clearly entertained. "You're not entirely wrong. But first, you need to understand the camp and its rules."

"Rules? Like 'don't feed the monsters after midnight'?" Harry asked, half-joking.

"Something like that," Chiron replied, his tone grave. "We have a few ground rules to follow, especially regarding your abilities. With powers coming from both Loki and Artemis, you have a lot to manage."

Harry couldn't help but puff out his chest a little. "I mean, I'm basically a walking toolbox of divine gifts. Shapeshifting? Check. Lunar magic? Double check. Thunder and lightning? Oh yeah, I've got that covered."

"Those gifts are not to be taken lightly," Chiron cautioned, his expression serious. "Your father's gifts come with strings attached, and we must tread carefully. The last thing we need is for Zeus or Odin to find out about you."

"Zeus and Odin? Great. Just what I need—more parental figures breathing down my neck." Harry groaned, running a hand through his hair. "How do I even begin to navigate this?"

"With caution," Chiron advised, the corners of his mouth twitching in what could only be described as amusement. "And perhaps some practice. You'll train with the other campers, learn to harness your abilities, and stay out of trouble."

Hilda crossed her arms, her eyes sparkling. "Or cause a little trouble, if you're feeling adventurous."

"Now you're speaking my language," Harry replied, a grin spreading across his face. "What's first on the agenda? Monster hunting? Hero training?"

"Let's start with a tour," Chiron said, gesturing toward the door. "You need to know where to go when the monsters come knocking."

"Awesome! I'm ready for anything. As long as it doesn't involve giant spiders or cranky gods," Harry declared, puffing himself up.

"Good luck with that," Hilda said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Now, let's show you the ropes—and hopefully keep you from becoming a monster snack."

With a final nod from Chiron, Harry stepped into the sunlight, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling within him. He had a lot to learn, a lot to prove, and definitely a lot of adventures ahead. As they moved through the camp, Harry felt a spark of hope ignite within him. Maybe this strange place, with its wild demigods and looming dangers, was exactly where he was meant to be.

Or, at the very least, where he could cause a little mischief without anyone getting too mad. And that sounded like a solid plan to him.

Chiron stood tall, his horse body a mass of muscle and fur, casting a shadow that could probably house a few demigods. He adjusted his straw hat and cleared his throat. "All right, everyone, listen up!"

Harry—who was almost seven and a half, but felt like he'd been alive for about a century thanks to his complex lineage—stood beside Hilda. She was the Valkyrie disguised as a Huntress, and he couldn't quite shake the feeling that she could take down a bear with a single glance. Hilda was protective, the kind of guardian who made you feel like you were wrapped in armor even if you were just standing next to her.

"And now, I'd like to introduce you to our guide for the day: Fleur Delacour," Chiron continued, gesturing dramatically.

And there she was. Fleur looked like a tiny goddess herself—blonde hair cascading down like a waterfall and eyes that sparkled with mischief and charm, which was probably a side effect of her divine parentage. She had the kind of smile that made boys trip over themselves like they were in a cartoon. If Harry didn't know better, he'd think she was a real-life version of a princess from some fairy tale—except this was Camp Half-Blood, and the only thing magical about fairy tales here was that they usually ended in some form of chaos.

"Bonjour!" Fleur greeted, her voice a melodic blend of excitement and authority. "You must be Harry Potter! The Boy Who Lived, n'est-ce pas?"

Harry blinked, suddenly aware of his hair, which had a life of its own that day and could easily star in a horror movie. "Uh, yeah. That's me," he stammered, doing his best to seem nonchalant. "You've heard of me?"

"Of course! Who hasn't?" Fleur said, tossing her hair over her shoulder, which was such a graceful move that Harry half expected birds to fly out of it. "But you're more than just a wizard; you're a demigod! How interesting it must be to juggle both worlds."

"Yeah, it's a bit of a circus act," Harry replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "One minute you're dodging Death Eaters, and the next you're trying to figure out why your mom is a virgin goddess."

"Ah, Artemis!" Fleur clapped her hands, clearly delighted. "Chiron explained that she was punished for being too aggressive with male demigods, and so she became mortal. Lily Potter, right?"

"Right!" Harry said, feeling like he was part of some elaborate puzzle that was somehow falling into place. "But it's not all bad. I've got some cool abilities."

Fleur raised an eyebrow, an expression that screamed she was ready to learn just how cool. "Do tell! What are your powers?"

Harry took a breath, prepared to impress. "Well, thanks to my Metamorphmagus powers, I can shapeshift into just about anything. Creatures, people, you name it! And my mom gave me Lunar Synchronous magic, so I get stronger with the moon phases."

Fleur's eyes widened. "C'est incroyable! You're like a superhero!"

"Something like that. But I'm still figuring out the whole godhood thing," he admitted, scratching his head. "Sometimes it's like being in a superhero movie without a script."

She chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "And you also have the charm of a child of Aphrodite. No wonder you're irresistible!"

Harry felt a sudden rush of heat, which was probably from her compliment, or maybe it was just his chaotic blend of divine ancestry acting up. "It's a bit of a mixed bag," he said, trying to play it cool. "I mean, my friends get jealous sometimes."

"Jealousy is a natural reaction," Fleur said, nodding sagely. "But I assure you, we're here to have fun! Let's explore, shall we?"

Chiron watched them with a knowing smile, the kind that said he had seen this kind of spark before. "Just remember, Harry, being a demigod comes with its own set of challenges."

"I think I'm up for it," Harry replied, grinning. "Especially with Hilda and Fleur on my side!"

As they made their way through Camp Half-Blood, Fleur led the charge like a model navigating the runway, stopping occasionally to point out the various attractions. "Over there is the archery range. I practice there all the time. I'd challenge you to a friendly competition, but I have to warn you, I'm quite good."

Harry grinned, feeling the competitive spirit surge. "I'm no slouch with a bow, either! Just wait until you see my skills. I may not look it, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

"Bring it on, Mr. Potter!" Fleur shot back playfully, her competitive nature shining through her classy demeanor.

They reached the training grounds, and Harry's heart raced with excitement. He had friends here, maybe even allies. A new world full of divine craziness awaited him. With Hilda by his side and Fleur's charm lighting up the place, Harry felt ready for whatever adventure was around the corner.

Just as he was about to step forward, he paused, looked at Fleur, and said, "You do know that this place can be chaotic, right? Like, 'dodge the flaming monster' kind of chaotic?"

Fleur laughed, and it rang out like a bell. "As long as I'm not dodging too many men falling at my feet, I think I'll manage!"

And with that, Harry couldn't help but feel that his new life as a demigod might just be the adventure he had always needed. The promise of chaos, friendship, and a lot of fun loomed large as they set off, ready to face whatever craziness awaited them.

As whispers of Harry's origins swirled around Camp Half-Blood, it was like the world was having an impromptu gossip party—one where everyone was invited, and no one had the common sense to leave the room. "Did you hear?" a camper whispered loudly, leaning in as if they were sharing state secrets. "He's the son of Artemis! The goddess of the hunt! Can you believe it?"

Another camper raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Seriously? A son of the virgin goddess? That's like winning the lottery of divine lineage. But how does that even work?"

"I don't know," the first camper replied, eyes wide with curiosity. "Maybe she had a secret rendezvous? Like, super secret. And here we thought demigod family trees were complicated!"

Amidst the chaos, the children of Apollo were practically buzzing with excitement, their heads together like a team plotting a surprise attack. "We finally have a son of Artemis in camp!" declared a girl with hair so golden it could make the sun feel inadequate. "This is amazing!"

"Right? Finally, someone to compete against us!" chimed in another camper, already envisioning epic archery contests. "Think he'll be as good as the legends say? I mean, his mom is a goddess, after all!"

"Of course he will! But if he's terrible…" someone else mused, crossing their arms skeptically. "That would be a huge letdown."

"Please," the girl scoffed, rolling her eyes. "He's half god! He's gotta have some skills. If we beat him, we'll have bragging rights forever!"

Just then, Chiron trotted by, ears twitching as he caught snippets of their excited chatter. He paused, a knowing smile on his face. "Remember, children, competition is all well and good, but we want to make sure Harry feels welcome here."

"Of course, Chiron!" the golden-haired girl replied, practically vibrating with energy. "We'll make him feel at home. But he's still getting challenged!"

Meanwhile, Harry, blissfully unaware of the brewing excitement, was trying to focus on his archery practice. The bow slung across his back—crafted from Uru and Celestial Bronze and gifted to him by his Grandma Frigga—was more than just a weapon; it was also his trusty wand, ready to transform with just a thought. When it came to archery, he had the skills of a demigod with a flair for the dramatic.

"Focus, Harry!" Hilda called from the sidelines, her tone a mix of encouragement and playful sarcasm. "You can't just aim and hope for the best! Channel your inner huntress!"

"Right! Inner huntress," Harry muttered, grinning at the absurdity of it all. He drew back the string, envisioning an arrow of light. Just like that, a shimmering arrow materialized, glowing with potential. He released it, watching it soar straight and true, hitting the target with an impressive thwack.

"Nice shot!" Fleur clapped, clearly impressed. "You really know your stuff!"

"Thanks!" Harry beamed, feeling a rush of pride. "My mom taught me well. Plus, it helps that I can summon arrows based on what I need. Very handy!"

As the Apollo campers sauntered over, overhearing the commotion, Harry felt the air crackle with energy. "Hey, Harry!" a boy shouted, swaggering forward like he owned the place. "I'm Jasper, son of Apollo. Heard you're the son of Artemis. Ready to face off against us in archery?"

"Sure! As long as you don't mind losing," Harry shot back, his competitive spirit igniting.

The Apollo campers exchanged excited glances, their rivalry already brewing. "Oh, it's on! We'll set up a showdown this weekend. Winner gets bragging rights, and the loser does the other's chores for a week!" Jasper challenged, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Harry raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "What are the stakes if I win? Do I get to dictate your hairstyles for a month?"

Laughter erupted, and the Apollo campers nodded, clearly on board with the idea of friendly banter to spice things up.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over Camp Half-Blood, Harry felt an electric thrill in the air. This was what he needed—a chance to test his skills, to prove himself, and maybe, just maybe, to make some friends along the way.

With a mix of anticipation and excitement bubbling inside him, Harry prepared for the challenge ahead. It was time to carve out his place among the heroes of Camp Half-Blood—one arrow at a time. After all, what's a little competition between demigods when there were legends to be made?

---

Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!

I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!

If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!

Click the link below to join the conversation:

https://discord.com/invite/HHHwRsB6wd

Can't wait to see you there!

If you appreciate my work and want to support me, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps me keep writing and bringing more stories to you. You can do so via PayPal here:

https://www.paypal.me/VikrantUtekar007

Or through my Buy Me a Coffee page:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vikired001s

Thank you for your support!