The blast caused Luth to surge backwards and slice through the air. He impacted with the earth in a deafening cry of agony, and soil vomited upwards. Riptide, too, flew backwards and walloped Percy in the face with an unnerving crack.

Due to Luth's pre-placed magic, Percy also catapulted backwards and roly-polyed into the soil. His cries were immediate.

"Ack!" Riptide flopped to the floor beside Harry, "My nose!"

Harry looked back to Luth. He hadn't moved to a stand, or to even a crawl and, for a second, Harry had thought they'd won – of course, Luth began to twitch seconds after, and Harry cursed his early celebration. The bespectacled boy had no time to worry about Percy's nasal system as he stood up, wary of his quaky legs, and grabbed Riptide.

"Percy!" he called, "Are you okay?" he didn't dare take his eyes of the enemy, who had now risen to their knees – cheeks kindled with wild fire. He heard a shuffle behind him, and in seconds, Percy was by his side. His nose appeared crooked, red, and swollen like a balloon.

"I'm cool. Cool like Khione," the cringe on his face suggested he was everything but cool, as did the unusual amount of bruising that curled around his eyes like charcoal face tattoos. Luth stood back to his feet – but his orientation was off, and he wavered left and right. Harry could no longer see the once calm and calculating son of Hecate, but a drunken boy desperate for power.

"I… will… not be defeated," he muttered – a second magical beam of energy conjured in his hands. Harry glanced to Percy.

"I think it's time we take him down," he whispered, Riptide protecting his face, "He looks too weak."

"Best thing I've heard yet," Percy struggled to say, as he gripped onto his wand and pointed it at the blond, "Impedimenta!"

The blast sailed through the air and shocked Luth as his reaction dragged. Too late did he attempt to block, and the spell wrapped around him like cling film. He fell back to his knees as fatigue clung to his body. Harry sprinted forward. Though slowed, Luth raised his hand to conjure one more spell and lob it at Harry. He deflected, raced forward to greet him, and swung his sword.

A scream of pain gurgled in Luth's throat as he fell back to the floor – blood matted his sleeve, where Harry had struck. He slashed at the other arm, so too much pain would come should he try to throw more of his tricks at them, which only sent Luth into further Tartarus on earth.

Soon, he had become nothing but a mass of person on the floor – weak, bleeding, breathless. His blond hair frenzied in every direction, and covered his rough and callused face. Harry allowed himself a long, refreshing breath – though the air stank of war – and pointed the tip of Riptide at his throat. Luth turned his head and bore his teeth at him.

Percy joined Harry's side. Harry could just see that blood had started to dribble from his nose, which looked much worse for wear since the collision. It didn't seem to faze him though, as he aimed his wand at Luth's head.

"Give up," he said.

Harry loosened his shoulders, "It's over."

=#=#=#=

Luth dared to growl, though his voice cracked and jumped, "It's never over. I will-"

"Incarcerous!" Ginny's voice coursed through the atmosphere, and suddenly, Luth was wrapped in ropes that tightened around his mouth and body. He writhed against its grip, but Ginny kept the spell on strong, and eventually he lay as useless as a sack of potatoes. She bounded next to the pair, Harry and Percy, though she looked just as worn and beaten as they were. Harry could swear parts of her hair had been chopped off.

"Thanks," he said – she gave him a gentle smile.

"You're welcome."

He looked to the rest of the scene – the Cleansers had seen the defeat of their precious Leader, and dropped their wands, swords and shields in surrender. The demigods, satyrs and wizards were finally allowed a moment of breath as they kept their own weapons safely aimed at the enemy. Many had cuts, red stains ripening their t-shirts and cloaks, but all had somehow survived the onslaught. Leo had his flaming wrench at a Cleanser's throat, eyes darting to the rest of the group.

"Oh… we did it!" he called, and the group cheered. It sang in chants into the night sky, and Harry found himself lowering Riptide for the first time in what felt like forever.

Percy caught a breath, "Gods, my nose kills."

Harry gave him a half-hearted smile, "Episkey. You want that spell."

"At my nose?" he asked, and Harry nodded. With reluctance, Percy pointed it at his face, "Episkey- yikes!" It cracked back into position and, for a moment, he appeared completely dishevelled and almost in another world.

"You'll probably have to wait until the bruising dies down," said Ginny, who looked to Harry, "I don't think there are any spells-"

Suddenly, as if the sun had risen, a bright light rippled through the air. Immediately, Harry felt his eyes singe and he looked away. It only became brighter, so much that even his closed eyes suffered, until, finally, the light settled back into the Lumos Maxima charm cast. When he looked up, he found himself unable to speak.

Stood before him was a woman. Silky dress, luminous eyes, hair that flowed as a breeze in the wind. She kept a calm, gentle façade, and instantly, Harry recognised her. The woman from his dreams.

Percy, too, had the same reaction – his eyes widened and he didn't blink until he had fully absorbed her appearance. Harry had to admit, though she looked breath-taking in his dreams when she wasn't at full health, she looked even more stunning in person, when her skin appeared ripe and her stance healed.

Immediately, the demigods and satyr bowed. Harry bowed too – he knew his place, though he could see his wizard friends standing there, as nonplussed as a cat in a tree. The goddess laughed, and it sang through Harry's ears like a hymn of angels.

"Please, this is not necessary."

The groups stood to their feet, and Hermione said with vacillating confidence, "Hecate..?"

"No," said Annabeth, who also stepped forward. She drank in her appearance as much as the rest of the group did, "You're not Hecate. You're her Roman aspect… Trivia."

The goddess nodded, and Harry had to double-take, "Yes. Very intelligent, Annabeth Chase, as I would expect a daughter of Athena to be." Annabeth went a little red.

"You're not Hecate?" said a wholly shocked Ron, "After all this time, and we thought you were…" Harry could feel himself nod, and even Trivia nodded.

"Mmm, you all did. And so be it, perhaps it was better this way," she smiled again, though her gaze turned to Luth and it fell to a sympathetic frown, "Perhaps it was better indeed…"

"Wait, so, Luth's your son?" said Harry, as his shoulders released their tension, "But then… why…? Camp Half-Blood is for Greek demigods, though..?"

"Yes. That is partly my doing, as it opened more doors for Luth to reach his full potential with his magical ability. But Luth used it to his advantage to hide his plans," she knelt to her son, and he wriggled to get away. Ginny pulled him back forward, "My son… why..?"

He could not answer, as the rope around his mouth prevented him from doing so, but the angry growl he emitted did nothing to spread happy vibes around.

"I don't understand," said Jason – his shirt had ripped at the shoulder, "A demigod wizard. How is it possible..?"

Trivia regarded the group again, "It is very much possible, but… rare," she looked back to the blond boy, whose gaze had been stolen by something else – anything else, "Luth is my son, but Hecate's legacy through his father, a wizard. He is, therefore, a demigod wizard," she paused, and Harry could see the fire die in her irises, "And one of the rarest type of demigod wizard, where he is blessed with the lineage of both mine and Hecate's magical ability. Powerful, strong."

She stood back to her feet, "Despite this, none of the Greek gods are aware of what he was doing, which certainly complicated matters…" she glanced in the groups' direction, "Ginevra Weasley, you may release him from the spell."

She jerked her gaze to the goddess, "Are you sure?"

She chuckled, "Luth is weak – he cannot harm a goddess of sorcery."

Ginny obeyed and immediately the vice-grip on Luth whipped away. He was left on the ground, a sprawling mess. Then, his head shot upwards – and his eyes bore into his mother's with no remorse or shame.

"Blessed? Blessed?!" he shook from the anger that ruptured his body, "Because I was so powerful, you made me do all your dirty work! Clean up after you! Kill the people you needed dead! Silence others when they needed to be silence! And you think I was blessed?!"

"You were born from a powerful wizard and a goddess of sorcery, Luth. Had you decided to use your power for good, rather than your own selfish purposes, you would see that you have, indeed, been blessed." Harry could swear something in Trivia changed – and he felt as if he shouldn't be here, witnessing a mother scold their child for being naughty. Even Luth cringed at her expression of disappointment, but his arms shook so much he forced himself into a sitting position. Then, he regarded Harry, and instantly his insides chilled.

"I should have killed you when I had the chance, Potter," he snarled. Harry could feel a quip at his tongue, but resisted the urge to smack him verbally. Then, he returned his glares to Trivia, "And you. You are the worst mother in history, and I loathe you with every fibre of my being. I hope your guilt claws away at your so-called feelings."

She looked back to her son, and though Harry saw disappointment before, now he only saw a pang of remorse glitter in her radiant eyes. Luth was right – she did feel guilt, and shame, but she chose not to show it so outwardly, "And you will always be my son, Luth Laudimus. Always."

He looked away, his hands gripping at the tumultuous grass beneath his scuffed fingers. She lingered on him for a moment, watching her son fallen in pieces, before she then turned back to the group.

"It is time to end this," she lifted a hand, "Hermione Granger. I am need of your assistance."

Harry could hear her gulp when she stepped forward. Her hair, though tied into a rough ponytail, sprouted in every direction. Her robes were nicked with scars, and dirt stained her knees, "Erm… ma'am..?"

"I hear you possess a wide knowledge of spellwork."

Hermione's cheeks flourished with colour, "Well, er-"

"She does," said Ron, with a smile, "She's the brains."

"Totally agree," said Percy, who gave her a thumbs up, "They call her 'the brightest witch of her age'."

Trivia chuckled again, "Yes, I hear this too. Come, Hermione Granger. I require your spellwork," she gestured to Luth, "I need you to wipe his memory of this event. His Followers. His selfish desires. All of it."

A gasp ruptured in the crowd – Luth's face shot up in fear and anger. As soon as it came, however, he fell to his usual stoic, uncaring face, though his eyes remained steely.

"My magic here is limited," said Trivia, "Though magic exists all over the world, it is strongest where the Western Civilisation flame resides. I require you to wipe his memory."

Hermione nodded, raising her wand to the boy. He looked to her with little regret, little care, little emotion for anything. She whispered.

"Any last words?"

Luth scoffed, "Rot in Tartarus."

"Lovely," she replied – she swiped her wand in a round movement, "Obliviate!" Green tickled the tip of her wand, and, for the last second, Luth's eyes shot an evil glare in Harry and Percy's direction. Then they turned hollow, empty – as if staring into a void, Luth's face dropped any anger he may have harboured, and he wavered uncertainly.

Trivia clicked her fingers, and then Luth fell to the floor, unconscious.

"Upon returning him to Jupiter for detainment," said Trivia, "I will give him new memories. Memories of a better life, in hope that this…" she looked to her son, "… never occurs again."

Fred mumbled, rather insensitively, "Jupiter?!"

"Camp Jupiter," Harry supplied, and they fell to silence once more. He never thought he would feel sorry for a goddess, but as he stood, watching Trivia view her wayward son with a mixture of feelings, pangs of guilt undulated throughout his body. To think that gods and goddesses were exempt from this type of emotional pain… well, that was a lie so ingrained into culture that Harry could no longer see passed it.

The moment eroded into time, and eventually, Trivia turned back to the group, "As for his followers… I believe Azkaban would be suitable for their detainment." Harry turned around – indeed, when Trivia had clicked her fingers, all of Luth's followers had also fallen into unconsciousness as well, "I am sure Dumbledore will be able to handle the details."

"So Dumbledore did know about this?" said Percy, "Because when I asked him-"

"He did know, to some extent – but I kept many details hidden from him. The more he knew, the more I put him in danger," she paused, "And I instructed him not to tell you, Perseus Jackson, for fear that you would remember too much, too soon."

"What do you mean?"

Trivia held out her hand, and indicated to Hogwarts castle, "Had you fully recalled your demigod nature, I feared that you would not be inclined to help on this quest. You would have immediately demanded a way to return home. You may not have grown fond of what is here. The same goes for you, Harry Potter," she looked back to Harry, "Had you have remembered your Wizarding heritage, you may have only focused your mind on returning home. That is why I removed your memories."

Harry opened his mouth to speak, but he knew she was right – had he remembered he was a wizard at the beginning, his main priority would have been to return to Hogwarts. He wouldn't have found any need to stay at Camp Half-Blood for longer than necessary, let alone traverse half of North America in search of a guy he had never met. Having amnesia… gave him purpose, in a way.

"Sounds a lot like the Hera quest," mentioned Jason, "When mine and Percy's memories were removed."

"Yes, that is where the idea comes from," said Trivia, "Luth is my most powerful child. I did indeed ask too much of him when I required a task to be dealt with, but never did I think it would twist him into what he became today. When I realised he had evil plans of his own, I knew to stop him. But it was my mistake to visit him in the woods of Camp Half-Blood, as I had not known how powerful he had become and how much of a following he had gathered. A sneak attack from his followers overwhelmed me so much to a weakened state. He likewise created blocks with the rest of the Roman gods, so that they could never warn your people. I used the rest of my magic to alter Perseus Jackson, Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, Nico di Angelo and Neville Longbottom's memories and swap them around, create clues, talk with Dumbledore and, finally, contact you via your dreams secretly. But the last transfer of flesh and memories wore me out."

Harry gulped. He had no words to reply with.

Trivia straightened up, and thankfully, he didn't have to say anything in response, "Ah, yes. That reminds me. I have memories to return," she cleared her throat, "Perseus Jackson, Harry Potter, Nico di Angelo, and Neville Longbottom – please, step forward."

They did so – the boy called Nico was the one student Harry didn't recognise from the Hogwarts group. The boy in Slytherin robes. He couldn't hide his nerves as he stepped forward along with the rest of the called. Trivia held open her hand – and a white ball of light grew in her palm. Harry could see the strangest images flash by, in the ball of light… memories.

She snapped her fingers, and suddenly, emotions and experiences washed over his body. Every detail he had forgotten from his old adventures, every face that eluded his current memories powered back into his conscience. He remembered feats that had been shrouded in blankness, he remembered the people and places he had been, the life he once held.

To see it all depressed him. He was the Boy Who Lived, and a huge prophecy hung over his head.

Still, he took his newly-acquired memories in his stride, but Nico didn't seem to like it. He clutched his head.

"Oh gods…" he mumbled – Harry noticed that, though in battle, the boy's voice had been much like his own, now he spoke in a much more natural, relaxed accent, "I'm a demigod…"

Neville whispered, though with more glee, "I really am a wizard…"

Percy had gasped the minute the memories surged back. He didn't say anything, though. Perhaps, Harry wondered, he had been through just as much as he had.

"I will also require the magic that I have given to you," she snapped her fingers, and Percy and Nico buckled over. Harry had sudden thoughts about being kissed by a Dementor – magic of all colours sucked away from them into the palm of Trivia. The process ended quickly, and Percy began to feel himself over as he stood up.

"Feels… weird," Harry couldn't be gladder he could keep his magic. Nico stood up too, though by his expression, he had become more horrified at losing his power.

"Your original selves, intact. I apologise for dragging you into this as well, but it was necessary," said Trivia. She regarded Nico with a small smile, "Though most of my fear was placed in the idea that they would remember their true pasts too soon, I also feared that they would not remember their true pasts fast enough. I was forced to swap another pair in order to remind them that something about them did not belong in the world they resided in."

"And for me… you chose Luna?" Harry said – Ginny turned to him with wide-eyes. Trivia nodded.

"Yes, though, naturally, plans never work out how one predicts. Though I had planned for her to accompany you on the quest, Luna Lovegood joined the Hunters of Artemis. At which point, I was forced to send Neville Longbottom in her place."

Neville grinned sheepishly, as Trivia continued.

"Do not fear – I will restore her memories upon return to North America. I will also talk with Diana, about Luna's return," she looked upon the group with a prideful smile, "As well as this, any magic Luth placed upon your weapons or beings has been reversed. Now, I may be able to answer more questions, of which I sense are burning in the confines your thoughts."

"Yeah, I have a question," a fearless Ron stood forward in the crowd, "The book. You wrote it..?"

Trivia let a smile curl her lips, "Yes, Ronald Weasley: On the Origins of Witchcraft and Wizardry is my creation, and an item that was meant to aid you in the discovery of the gods. I used my original moniker, the Queen of Ghosts, of which Melinoë has taken for her own use…" she coughed, and for a second, Harry thought she was going to jump into some sort of bitter rant.

He looked to Hermione, who spoke up too, "And the Mormo that attacked us."

Even Nico piped up, "Yeah. That Mormo is said to be Hecate's associate."

"We thought," Percy said, "That maybe you sent it, 'coz you didn't like us or something."

"You are correct in that the Mormo is my associate – but anything of mine, my children also have a degree of power over," she glanced to Luth, "And Luth always had his ways to convince my associates to do work for him. Whether it was by the use of his silver tongue, or the power that he wielded at their throats…"

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Frank suddenly threw himself into the conversation, "But… we talked about how you separated the cultures of demigod and wizard on purpose. Is this… true?"

Trivia's light-hearted smile dimmed like a setting sun. Harry knew immediately that what they discussed had been right on the money.

"Yes. Many, many centuries ago, Hecate and I used to roam the earth as frequently as mortals did. In search for entertainment, fun, amusement… and, sometimes, love. When that happened, our children became demigod sons or daughters that wielded magical ability. But those were days when worry was little, and soon, magical demigods of our lineage became too common for us to ignore."

She took a breath, and looked back to the blond boy asleep on the grass, "We separated ourselves from the mortal world and manipulated the Mist so that mortals would not see magic. Eventually, the magical demigods came to have children of their own, and then they had children, and so on – our blood became diluted, yet some lucky descendants continued to have an affinity for magic. Magical items were created to make the magic-manipulation process easier, in what you have come to name wands. And these people, blessed with power, became wizards."

"So what Luth said was right," said Piper, "That wizards are demigods, but with weaker blood."

"I cannot agree that they have 'weaker' blood. I have seen many powerful wizards in my day. But, diluted blood, yes. This is also why they attract next to no monsters, yet they are lucky enough that their sorcery remains powerful," she paused again, "Though I roam earth still, in mortal form, I do so mainly to continue the upkeep of the Mist. However…" she looked to Luth, "Sometimes, my true motives are forgotten."

Harry suddenly wondered what Luth's father was like, and what Trivia had seen in him that encouraged her to create the demigod wizard that tried to kill them all. She inhaled a deep breath, and her smile returned.

"The cultures of demigod and wizard are dangerous enough on their own, let alone together. I believe I can safely say that without repercussion," no-one needed to argue there, "That is why what has happened in the past week must remain a mystery. I must wipe the memory of those who cannot be trusted with this knowledge."

"What?!" yelped Leo, "You… you don't mean us too, right?"

Trivia nodded, "I had originally intended to remove your memories of the event, yes – however, I feel that may only lead to problems in future should anything else rise from the ashes of this battle. So, I have decided that some – select some – may know of the existence of both cultures. Yourselves, included."

Leo breathed in a sigh of relief.

"I also permit that the knowledge of both cultures may be known by Luna Lovegood, Albus Dumbledore, Chiron, Reyna Ramírez-Arellano and Lou Ellen. I fear removing their memories may cause complications, as it did when I removed all of your memories. Anyone else," Trivia breathed, "Must not learn of these two worlds. Demigods and wizards were never meant to mix."

Though Harry wanted to remind Trivia it was her fault for breeding with a wizard to create Luth in the first place, he knew better than to say it.

"Can I put my faith it you?" she asked, "Will you remain silent about the events of today?"

"Can we talk about it amongst ourselves?" asked George. Trivia hesitated.

"… You may. As long as no-one outside those here and those named learn of these events, you may converse about it amongst yourselves."

There seemed to be a general consensus of agreement to Trivia's terms. Harry nodded too, though he knew it would be stupid not to. Either remember, or have your memory permanently wiped. Trivia nodded.

"Then, that is all I have to say," she turned to both Percy and Harry, "You have been most brave, diligent, patient and determined throughout this quest. I am grateful, with every fibre of my being. I dread to think what would have happened should Luth have succeeded…" she, to Harry's surprise, bowed in their direction. He stood, watching her hair flow like the colours in life's eyes. She became upright once more, and gave them a smile, "Thank you."

Her figure began to brighten. Harry looked away and shut his eyes – he could hear Trivia's being explode into non-existence. When he looked back, she was gone, and only the light charm in the sky provided radiance to the scene.

=#=#=#=

For a moment, Harry had forgotten what to do next. Though his memories had returned, and he could fully recall his past experiences being a wizard, he found himself at a strange loss. Now that his travels across the world were over… what was he to do now? To return to Hogwarts, to the classroom, would seem… like taking a step backwards.

Still, he glanced at the towering gables that made his school. His home. He couldn't have been happier to return and to see it intact. Though now he felt restless and displaced, it wouldn't take him long to return to the old routine. Now, at least, he could say he had taken steps outside of Europe and explored a little.

He let out a breath of relief, but soon found a pair of arms around his neck. Ginny Weasley threw herself into a hug, and it didn't take him long to hug her back. The scent of her strawberry shampoo, though faint from battle, wafted into his nose. Instantly, he felt better.

They hugged for what seemed forever. Harry could see others rushing into hugs, cheers, fist bumps of approval. Ginny let go and they found themselves grinning stupidly at each other.

"Glad to see you're alright," he said.

She flashed him a smirk, "Of course I am. Though I think I'm going have to regrow my hair… stupid Black Cloaks managed to slice parts of it off."

He only gave her a smile back, and she bounded off to hug Nico. In seconds, Hermione and Ron were by his side again. It felt like old times, where they would relax post-battle. Several scuff marks ripped along Ron's cheek, but the pair still appeared happy and healthy.

"You have to tell us everything about North America," said Ron, pocketing his wand, "And all this weird demigod stuff."

"It's a… long story," Harry replied, "Freaky… even for me." The trio grinned.

"Think how we felt when Percy has this massive epiphany over the Quidditch pitch that he's a demigod and then decides to fall of his broom," Ron coughed, "Your broom…"

Harry looked between the pair, and felt like he missed out on a giant inside joke, "Why was he using my broom? And why were you playing Quidditch?"

Hermione had to stifle a weak laugh, "Like you said… it's a long story."

Harry turned around then, and wondered whether the demigods thought the same thing about the whole Wizarding world. He was greeted, however, with the sight of a blonde girl and a black-haired boy embraced in one another, lips locked in deep passion. Behind him, Ron snorted.

"Get a room!"

Percy broke off and shot him a teasing glare.

"Shut up!"

Annabeth grinned too.

Hermione moved on to talk to Fred and George, who had engaged in a heated debate with Leo about something. Harry dreaded to know what. Ron spoke up.

"So glad he has his own woman to snog." He said this with so much relief Harry had to wonder what kind of things had happened in his absence. He continued to scan the crowd – Frank had also joined the jokester's discussion; Jason, Piper and Hazel were chatting with Ginny and Nico – Hazel giving Nico a big hug; Coach Hedge wandered from group to group muttering something about cupcakes. It was nice to see the two groups mixing so well, despite what Trivia said.

"Yo." Harry snapped back to reality. He turned his head – Annabeth had her arm tightly locked with Percy. He grinned.

"I know we just faced off against the big cheese and stuff together, but we haven't really met each other properly," he held out a hand, "Percy Jackson. Nice to meet you."

Harry felt a smile brighten his face – Annabeth, too, let her lips curl upwards. He grasped his hand and they shook. Harry noted that his grip was far more suited to a sword than his own.

"Harry Potter. Nice to meet you too," he indicated to the wand in Percy's pocket, "You handle her well."

Ron snorted, "Took him long enough to gain its trust." Percy just grinned.

"Oh, Ron – this is Annabeth Chase," he paused, "My girlfriend."

Annabeth held out her hand then, "Nice to meet you."

Ron shook her hand, "Nice to meet you too. Ron Weasley. Good to see that you're hitched with Percy."

She blinked, "What?"

Percy just laughed, his deep voice scenting the air, "I told you, like, a million times! I wasn't into her!" he then regarded Harry, "You know old Ron has a crush that is larger than life on Herms, right?"

Harry just glanced at Ron, "As if I could miss it." Ron's ears turned a bright red, and chuckles erupted from Harry's throat, "Annabeth, you must meet her. I think you two will get along."

"Too well," said Percy – he turned, "Hey, Hermione!"

She jerked at her name being called, her head popping out from the group she stood with. She bounded over, "Hello, what's up?"

"Herms, this is Annabeth. She's the one you reminded me of."

Annabeth stuck out her hand again, "Annabeth Chase. I heard you're the brains that kept Percy afloat."

She seemed stunned at this comment, and flushed red, "Oh, well, you know… Ron helped, definitely. I'm Hermione Granger." They shook hands, and suddenly Annabeth spoke up.

"Like Helen of Troy's daughter? What a lovely name."

Hermione beamed, "Thank you! Though I think Annabeth is great name too." The two quickly descended into topics that evaded Harry's interest, though it was good to see the two making friends so quickly. At his side, he could see Percy and Ron have the same expression, and the three slipped away to allow the two to talk.

"Today was nuts, wasn't it?" said Ron, "Though, actually, these last six days have been completely bonkers."

"Not a strong enough word," remarked Harry. He heard Leo cry out something, and Fred and George say something in return to him. Ron sighed.

"I'll let you guys talk," said Ron, "I dread to think what those two gits are yelling about."

"Ginny and Nico?" joked Percy, and though Ron didn't reply he shot him a look of utter loathing. Percy only laughed as he left to join the others, and the two were left alone.

"What are you talking about?" asked Harry. Percy snorted.

"Oh, there was this whole thing about Ron thinking that Ginny liked Nico, but it's pretty obvious she doesn't…" he trailed off with a smirk, "Herms will probably fill you in on it later. Oh, and before I forget." Percy slipped out his wand – Harry's wand, and handed it to him, "Guess it's time to return these."

Harry brandished a capped Riptide from his pocket. It gleamed in the low levels of light. Though he had questioned how a pen could be a decent sword, how he could be decent swordsman, Riptide had indeed done its work. It was wonderful, a niche, but Harry craved his old weapon much more. The look on Percy's face mirrored his, and they exchanged weapons without a problem.

His own wand, back in his possession. Nothing felt better than the creases of the wood and the lightweight nature of his magical channel. Though he would never forget using a sword, he always knew his heart belonged with a wand.

When Percy took back Riptide, he lobbed it as far away as he could. As predicted, it returned to his own pocket in seconds, and he smiled.

"Good old Riptide," he said, "I hope it served you well."

"It did," said Harry, "Though I had trouble wielding it at first. My arms… actually, everything just ached. The crew were forced to go to Camp Jupiter because my swordfighting was so bad!"

Percy smirked, "Hermione and Ron made me practice in the Room of Requirement with your wand, so I guess that makes both of us total failures at using each other's weapons, then." Harry laughed, as Percy sat himself on the grass. He joined him, and the two stared out to Hogwarts. The night had settled, and swirls of November cloud patterned the darkened horizon.

"You know," Harry began, letting his wand roll in his palm, "Camp Half-Blood… it's really nice there."

"Yeah," agreed Percy – there was no hesitation, "I know that. Don't you worry, man. I live in New York, but Camp Half-Blood is… incomparable…" he trailed off, before speaking again, "But Hogwarts. I genuinely thought it sounded like a foreign disease when I first arrived here. But it's pretty amazing too, you know?"

Harry smirked, "I know that too. Funny, how we come to appreciate what we have when we lose it."

Percy just nodded in agreement, "And Hermione and Ron. They helped me so much… I mean, Ron was a total jerkwad when I first met him, but then we became friends. I probably would have died here without them." Harry felt himself nod.

"Ron always has difficulty knowing where to place his loyalties, but when he does… he's great. And Hermione is one-of-a-kind too," he smiled, though didn't look away from Hogwarts, "But Annabeth is awesome. She knew about this weirdness from the start, and she was so down when she found that you had disappeared. You're lucky to have her."

Percy laughed, "I am. What would I ever do without my Wise Girl?" Harry knew not to answer a rhetorical question. They came to sit in silence, appreciating the tranquillity of night-time, and knowing who to trust.

"By the way," said Percy, "Where can I get one of your Invisibility Cloaks? I want one!"

Harry snorted, "If I knew the answer to that, I'd have bought more than one."

Percy hit the ground jokingly, "Oh, darn. Maybe I'll just steal yours."

Harry laughed, "Good luck finding it."

They laughed together. It sounded strange, the Boy Who Lived and the Half-Blood of the Eldest Gods. A bizarre combination, a wizard and a demigod. Yet, despite their differences, they'd managed to come together to defeat the enemy as one. Even if they'd only heard about each other, and never met until the time really mattered. So different, yet so similar, all at once.

"Hey," Harry looked around to Percy, "Thanks, man – for taking care of the troupe. You're cool."

Harry smiled sheepishly, "You too." He held out his hand to shake, while Percy held out a fist. They stared awkwardly at each other.

"Dude," said Percy, "Bump my fist."

"Mate," Harry said, "Shake my hand."

And for some reason, they grinned and chuckled until minutes rolled by and the groups behind them had turned quiet. Harry couldn't find himself caring – everything seemed silly at this point, and after that crazy cross-world adventure, he knew he could do with some amusement. Eventually, they settled on a simple fist-bump handshake, before standing to their feet. In their wake, Luth and the others had been put into the ship to house them temporarily, and the only people that remained on the scarred field of battle were their friends.

"Hey, guys!" called Ginny – she jumped towards them, "We're all going for Butterbeers down at the Three Broomsticks."

Percy blinked, "Uh, isn't it really late? Don't you guys have curfew?" Harry found himself laughing at the idea that curfew could hold them back now, after they'd just defeated extreme evil.

Ginny shrugged, "Everyone is way too full of adrenaline to go to bed! Come on, it will be fun! We're all going! You coming?"

"Of course," said Harry, and Percy followed suit.

"Yeah, but I'm not ordering Butterbeer," he shuddered, "Think I'll try something else… like, uh, that Firewhisky stuff."

"You definitely could not get a Firewhisky. You're too young," said Harry, who smirked, "And besides, you couldn't handle the taste."

Percy laughed, "Hah, you're so on."

And the demigods, wizards and satyr all crowded into the night.

Fin.

A/N: Guh, what can I say. It's been two years in the making, but When Wand and Sword Collide finally draws to a close. I've made my derps (I discovered the other day that there are actually thirty-two Salems in North America alone! O.O) and butchered canon along the way, but my writing has improved so much, as well as my geography and Greek mythology. Thank you to every single person who favourited, followed, or reviewed; your response has been the sole inspiration for picking this back up and finishing. I've never been able to write massive chapter fics and finish them until now, so seriously, thank you so much. I really hope you enjoyed the ride!

If you'd like the keep updated as to the possibility of a sequel, you're welcome to follow this fic, where I'll probably post updates to, or follow me.

Again, thank you so much for reading! I really hope you enjoyed it!

Closing off for the last time,

~ GreenWithAwesome