Death, In Glory by Apocolypso-33 - M

[Garret P.I.]

Title: Death, In Glory
Author: Apocalypso-33
Rating: M
Genre: Adventure/Romance
DLP Category: Independent Harry Or The Alternates
Pairing: HONKS
Status: Abandoned.
Summary: Crossover with 300: The Movie. AU Time is a fragile dimension, and mixing magic with it has severe repercussions more often than not. What does the future hold for Harry, raised in ancient Sparta, then thrust back into the Future? Eventual Honks
Link: (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3697031/1/Death_In_Glory)

I was hesitant to read this given the hokey summary, but was pleasantly surprised by the detail work and tone of the story. The characters living in ancient Sparta felt like what you'd expect of people living in such an epic time period. Also the author appears to have worked out a set of primordial rules for magic that the modern spell casters of the magical world may have lost touch with but that make sense.

The big bonus here is that the chances of Harry showing any sort of weakness and angsty emoness are nil.

Only two chapters so far, but I like it already.

[Samuel Black]

I don't know... I like this story, I really do. It's pretty original, well written, and I like the magic system he's using.

But, when it boils down to it, it's still a crossover with 300. I mean, I liked the movie and all, but whenever I think about a 300/HP crossover, it's all I can do not to cringe.

Still... 4/5

[Dark Syaoran]

It's pretty original, well written, and I like the magic system he's using. I agree, but I can't stop laughing myself stupid at it. Makes it hard to take seriously.

[The Mysterious Nobody]

Am I the only one who just by reading "HP/300 crossover" thought of Harry Kicking Snape off the astronomy tower, screaming "Tonight you'll dine in hell!" or "This is Hogwaaaaaaaarts!"?

I can't help it, but otherwise it seems a good fic and the magic system seems cool. Let's hope Apocalypso updates it.

[Garret P.I.]

I agree, but I can't stop laughing myself stupid at it. Makes it hard to take seriously.
I know what you mean.... it's like .. damn.. the guy's done his work on this... but at the same time you're thinking, jesus christ, it's Harry in 300... and start laughing.

But then again this is the guy that did Chimera... so who knows... maybe he can pull it off.


Am I the only one who just by reading "HP/300 crossover" thought of Harry Kicking Snape off the astronomy tower, screaming "Tonight you'll dine in hell!" or "This is Hogwaaaaaaaarts!"?



Not off the tower.... he'd have to do it with the Chamber of secrets pit with him forcing Snape instead of Lockhart to jump in. It's the whole pit motif thing.

Potter opens the tunnel to the chamber
Snape: Potter, I am not going to jump into that open pit... cease this madness and be reasonable.
Potter: Madness?! This. Is. Hoooogwarts! *Kick*
Snape:Potterrrr! I'll get you for thhhiiiiis! *sliding down tunnel*

I'm also thinking of how he'd deal with Malfoy... I'm thinking it'll involve him smiling and laughing at the little ponce while publically calling him an Athenian boy whore.

But yeah... the Madness?....This is Hogwarts! thing would be classic

[Lord Ravenclaw]

This story is cited explicitly in Potter Law.

[The Sinner]

So are we discouraged to read this, per Potter Law, because seriously, this sounds like it will be lulzy.

[Solomon]

I liked this story, despite the fact that it was a crossover between Harry Potter and the 300 movie. It was well written, despite its flaws (one of which, "Leandros," can be ignored simply because it makes sense in context). All the same, the story had both of its updates in the same month, then hasn't been updated since; I'm thinking it was abandoned. A shame, really.

Also, the entirety of this story has -thus far - taken place in ancient Sparta. Unless the Apocolypso decides to update this thing, it really isn't a Harry Potter story. As a "Harry Potter" story, I give it a 2/5 at best, and even then simply for technical reasons. As a 300 story, on the other hand, I give it a 4/5. Pretty good.

I won't give a finalized rating on the off chance that Apocalypso decides to continue the story. It has too much potential to be great (or terrible) once it returns to being a Harry Potter story (as the summary suggests it should) to rate it now.

[MrMucus]

So are we discouraged to read this, per Potter Law, because seriously, this sounds like it will be lulzy.

Read whatever you want. And also...

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/MrMucus/SpartaPotter.jpg

Only picture I could find :(

While the story is detailed for sure...I'm pretty much with Syao on this as it's not something I can actually read without breaking into a laughing fit. Yarrgh should have added comedy to the genre display along with Adventure/Romance IMO.

[Tinn Tam]

So are we discouraged to read this, per Potter Law, because seriously, this sounds like it will be lulzy.

I wouldn't call Yarrgh's style or stories "lulzy".

I haven't read it myself (except a first draft of the first chapter, ages ago), and I haven't seen the movie (it looked a bit cheesy in my opinion). But I like the idea of Harry being thrown back into Antiquity; it might be that I'm a former Latin and Greek student, though. The eras are just... very rich, and fascinating. Also, the Thermopiles battle does appeal to the imagination. It's probably the most heroic episode of the entire Greek history -- the kind of heroism Harry would be capable of, in fact. Sacrificing himself to save others, giving his friends time to escape, etc. etc.

It would be probably hard to pull off; but from what I remember of his style of writing, it's perfectly adapted for epic and heroic scenes, in the literary sense of the terms. I'm curious to see how he will pull off Harry back into his own era, though.

I'll read the story eventually -- not much time right now.

[Memory King]

I thought the story was pretty damn good, and it didn't give me any reason to dislike it. The author's take on the movie was brilliant, characterisations were very solid and the writing was excellent. The Godric's Hollow scene was particularly memorable, and the fights were far from disappointing. Nothing to complain about really, so I'll have to give this 5/5.

[Garret P.I.]

So are we discouraged to read this, per Potter Law, because seriously, this sounds like it will be lulzy.

Well, Philly Homer did comment thusly in the Potter law thread
This one is actually pretty good. I know the author of this failed at DLP, but it doesn't change the fact he can write good stories.

and Taure said

Rofl, that story was the whole reason they wrote that law. Lots of people around here still hold a grudge against Yarrgh! from February last year. But yes, I agree, DIG is a good read.

So while there is a Potter law item on it... said item was created because of Yaarg failing at DLP survival... not because the story itself is bad.

So like MM said above... read what you want.

I think making your own decision is more important just bandwagoning blindly. besides... DLP is sorta about making your own mind up about stuff and not just being a sheep... right?

Personally, I agree with the "potential for lulz" and I'm hoping that the author continues this fic, simply because I'm curious to see where he was going to take it.

There's some real opportunities for some solidly funny lampooning of the film and its memes... but at the same time there's a real opportunity to really throw a beam into the spokes of the HP storyline by being serious with the Ancient world elements and attacking the modern sensibilities of the HP story line with a character more suited for the ancient greek epics.

I'd be interesting if the author tried to do both... skewering the memes AND being serious too.

The sorts of acts that Harry would be capable of and would in fact find entirely acceptable....would horrify modern sensibilites (Think along the lines of dispatching (flat outright killing) wounded foes after a battle, rather than letting them live, and laughing and joking about it while doing so.)

One serious stumbling block however is how Harry would view the modern era when/if he's returned to it. People of the modern era would seem hopelessly foolish and pathetically soft to him... and he'd likely have no patience with them or be able to form friendships. Friendship pretty much requires respect for someone as an equal or near equal.

[Dark Magic]

The story is alright. It's fairly original and isn't very boring.

Only one part really made me laugh though...

His use of the word ‘fuck’ bore a different connotation… not one of the act of penetration, more the act of grinding, like a miller’s stone. To ‘fuck the dummies’ was to grind them, also applicable as a slang variation of the term ‘to harvest’. In the agoge, one of the most popular exercises that the Spartan boys were put through was the ‘tree-fucking’, the othismos drill. They would line up in a single file, shields held at port, and ‘fuck’ a tree until it toppled...

[Augurey]

His use of the word ‘fuck’ bore a different connotation… not one of the act of penetration, more the act of grinding, like a miller’s stone. To ‘fuck the dummies’ was to grind them, also applicable as a slang variation of the term ‘to harvest’. In the agoge, one of the most popular exercises that the Spartan boys were put through was the ‘tree-fucking’, the othismos drill. They would line up in a single file, shields held at port, and ‘fuck’ a tree until it toppled...

And thus were the Third Kind created in Sparta.

[Antivash]

While I have my disputes with Yarrgh, I attempted to read. Credit where credit is due, its detailed and shit but...

Jesus nipples, Yarrgh. Its Harry Potter/300. There is a reason people HATE crossovers. Authors using fandoms that DONT mix. Lke ... James Bond and Harry Potter, or Discworld and Star Wars.

Or in this case, 300 and Harry Potter.

/me goes back to writing his Prince of Persia/Harry Potter xover.

Nao thar is a guud idea.

[Andromalius]

The third chapter's on the ReadCon for months, but he still hasn't updated on FFnet.

[Taure]

The third chapter's on the ReadCon for months, but he still hasn't updated on FFnet.

And "that site" is down at the moment, making the 3rd chapter inaccessible. I don't think he posted it anywhere else, though it's possible it's on Ficwad.

Edit: Nope, no chapter 3 on Ficwad (http://www.ficwad.com/story/76183).

[Stalicon]

It's not bad. Though I accidentally messed up rating it. I dont' suppose a mod or admin could erase it? I wasn't paying attention and gave it a 1 instead of a three.

>_>

[Hadoren]

This story's going absolutely nowhere fast. It's obvious that the author only thought "HP/300 crossover? *fangirl scream*" and never bothered to actually give it a plot.

There have been so many stories of this general format that it's not funny. Here's how it goes:

1) Harry Potter gets random power-up in random/cool place in the past
2) Harry Potter somehow travels forward in time (in a way that we never quite comprehend)
3) Harry goes to Hogwarts and amazes everybody by his uber-coolness
4) Author abandons story because he never figured out what comes next

[Samuel Black]

You can't really judge that just after three chapters. And I think it's safe to say that he's not going to amaze everybody with his omgsuperpowers. All he knows is battle magic, he knows no charms, and little transfiguration.

Although, you're probably right about him abandoning it. Hasn't he abandoned both Chimera and Incubus?

[Garret P.I.]

I know he put incubus on hiatus... but I think Chimera is still in the works.

He said he's just lost interest in the smut... not writing.

His last update on this fic was in October on Readcon wasn't it? So given the holidays a big gap in updates doesn't mean abandoned.

[thisperson]

Being one of the people who disliked 300 due to it's severe lack of gore. (Or promises of much gore) I was skeptical when I first saw this story while browsing through FF.net

Truthfully though, I don't see why people hold such grudges against crossovers, obviously some people are shit when it comes to writing them. Just look through all the crossovers on FFN that have poor writing styles, or the Fanfiction community in general.

But then again, the extremist ideas seem to work at times, when mixed with good writing.

I'm not saying that this story will be epic; merely that thus far, it holds good/great writing, and holds much potential for said epicness.

Because truthfully, when I think of the time frame in this fiction, I always imagine the heroes marching off, in acceptance of their deaths to do battle against impossible forces.

It's more of the impossibility of such situations and the readiness for them to accept their mortality, especially in comparison to the world we live in today. Sure many speaks of such actions as being feasible, but it is few who do so when the occasion presents itself, and even fewer who do so for the right reasons. The other's are merely stupid, borderline retarded, who become known as 'an hero'.

...I'm in a ranty mood today and this is bad. In short, the story is good. Yarrgh has a good writing style IMO. It has the opportunity to become something of epic proportions, with many memorable one liners. Or something that will be forgotten and laughed at later on. Truthfully I'm hoping for the former since we need more good fanfiction.

4/5 Because I'm biased. Yep.

[Dark Syaoran]

Yeah. Rate the story based on the story itself, not the author and whatever issues you may have with him.

[Testament]

This story is beautifully written, very detailed, great characterizations and an interesting magic system. All pluses in my book.

That said the fic can turn to shit real quick when (if) Harry comes back to his own time. It will take quite alot of talent to pull of the transition between ancient Sparta and the modern day. I hope the author is up for it.

4.5/5 for now.

[slasheh]

He posted chapter 3 today. But also noted that it will be at least 4 months before he will have time to write any more (not really surprising if you know him).
Anyway, i guess the real challenge will be the Return to the future, which will not happen before chapter 5 at the earliest (6 is my best guess currently. Chapter 4 will be the climax of the 300 storyline, and i guess there will be a transition chapter).
So i hesitate to rate this story now, since the point where he will make it or break it hasn't yet been reached, but for a pure 300 fanfic i'd give it a 5/5 now, simply because his writing has something which many authors lack nowadays, and that is style ;-)

[thisperson]

Yeah. Rate the story based on the story itself, not the author and whatever issues you may have with him.

I did rate on what I thought of the fic. I particularly enjoyed the writing style and liked the original premise of the story.

The line at the end was merely added because I re-read my post and saw what it looked like.

[Dark Syaoran]

That wasn't aimed at you, specifically. It was aimed at everyone.

[Lincos]

Not actually read this yet but I just seen that it was updated on FF.N, just thought I'd let you know.

[Garret P.I.]

Latest chapter looks good also... and the epic feel is still going strong.

I liked how he dealt with the issue of the Arkadians and how the Spartans still showed their allies respect.

This sort of sets a precedent for why Harry would be able to tolerate people in the modern world and show them respect... because while the Arkadians were vastly inferior to the Spartan forces as far as ability... they were still allies... and allies are shown respect and honor by the Spartans.

The addition of more historical backdrop detail was nice too... and the way the author didn't overuse magic was a nice touch as well... it was just one of many other tools... and didn't drown out the other skills he has.

The best part is that Harry wasn't protrayed as some sort of juiced up "bad ass" who used his magic and skills to lay waste to all around him... but instead came off as a disciplined and credible warrior who uses his skills well... and simply wants to make his father proud, and to do his duty.

All in all I liked the latest chapter... though the test is going to be when he hit the modern era.
That'll be the make it or break it time for this fic.

One interestingly little twist I didn't think of till now is the issue of how he's going to deal with the purebloods of HP's time.

Seems to me that his adoption into the line of Spartan Royalty almost 2000 years before Salazar Slytherin even was born sorta makes anyone elses claim to being "special" because of who was in their families, pretty pathetic.

[Boo]

Great story.
I would love to see this story continued. I enjoy the ancient history with a mix of Harry Potter magic. It doesnt hurt that the author is one of the best.

The only thing that seems to be wrong with the history/culture of Sparta is that they didnt use gold as currency. Spartan currency consisted of bars of iron, thus making thievery and foreign commerce very difficult and discouraging the accumulation of riches

[ParseltonguePhoenix]

I, like others, was a little skeptical at first about a 300/HP crossover...but this has loads of potential. Bringing Harry back to his time, and teaching him to live in the newer culture will be the challenge that decides (for me) whether it will be great or not.

The old system of magic is a great way to start him, and he's shown a considerable skill in destruction in the battle of Ch. 3. I wonder how a wand and the new systems of magic will work for him?

I hate that it will be so long a wait for another update, but for now I'm very interested in seeing where this goes.

[Calis Clayr]

He's really done his homework as for as historical background is concerned. It's nice to see an author that makes sure everything is accurate and credible in a story.
I'm looking forward to the Battle of Thermopylae, I wonder what will change now that the Spartans have some magic users. Of course, the Persians could have some too... which would be bad...
Anyway, only four months to go till the next update ;)

[Memory King]

This update certainly didn't change my earlier opinion of this fic. Great work all around, and I can't wait for more!

[Garret P.I.]

Well, since the next update is a ways off, I'd like to suggest that this thread stick in the reviews section until Harry has at least one full chapter back in the modern world... interacting with people.

[Boo]

I wonder what will change now that the Spartans have some magic users. Of course, the Persians could have some too... which would be bad...

I'm thinking thats how Harry gets 'Back to the Future'. Gets hit with another killing curse. Or something like that

[Garret P.I.]

He's really done his homework as for as historical background is concerned. It's nice to see an author that makes sure everything is accurate and credible in a story.
Well, mind you, a lot of the stuff we think we "know" about those cultures is good deal of guesswork... even with the records that those cultures kept.
At the same time, a lot of what we think of as "myth" or "fantasy" from them may also have a basis in fact. Case in point, up until the ruins of Troy were discovered... many scholars thought that the illiad was just a made up story and that Troy didn't really exist at all. It took Heinrich Schliemann to actually FIND it to prove to skeptics that it existed.
However the author of this piece is presenting what looks to be a credible model for the Spartan culture at least from an entertainment based point of view.


I'm looking forward to the Battle of Thermopylae, I wonder what will change now that the Spartans have some magic users. Of course, the Persians could have some too... which would be bad...
Anyway, only four months to go till the next update ;)

Well, in the movie (yeah yeah... I know... it was a movie) the Persians had what they claimed to be sorcerers... who were throwing grenades.
here's a pic
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/887/photo47hiresvr4.jpg
Could be potion bottles I suppose.

[Augurey]

~KABOOM!~

I didn't know the Longbottoms had Persian blood.
;)

[Garret P.I.]

I didn't know the Longbottoms had Persian blood.
;)
Yep... and those were little mini cauldrons they were throwing.
Neville:This is madness!
Snape:Madness?!... Madness...This Is POTIONS CLASS!

[Hobbes]

This is NOT a crossover with 300. It's a crossover with the book the Gates of Fire. (Which is a fantastic book) The only reason the author said it was a crossover with 300 is becuase 300 is more popular then the Gates of Fire. I support my statment becuase all the supporting characters like Polynikes come from Gates of Fire (except the magician). 300 both tell the tale of the battle of Thermopylae.

GATES of FIRE

[slasheh]

is Gates of Fire the graphic novel 300 is based on? Or is it something else entirely?

edit: Google is my friend... Found it at amazon, its a novel not a graphic novel, sounds interesting though think i'll read it :D

[Hobbes]

It's a good book, one of my favorites.

[Vtigo]

This fic is not bad, I think it would work so much better as naruto/300 CO instead of HP/300.

[Dark Lord Gullible]

...

I beg to differ. I would cringe if it was Naruto/300, Hp/300 actually interests me.

[Andromalius]

Naruto sometimes doesn't even work just as Naruto, lol.

[Perspicacity]

This is NOT a crossover with 300. It's a crossover with the book the Gates of Fire. (Which is a fantastic book) The only reason the author said it was a crossover with 300 is becuase 300 is more popular then the Gates of Fire. I support my statment becuase all the supporting characters like Polynikes come from Gates of Fire (except the magician). 300 both tell the tale of the battle of Thermopylae.

Never saw 300, but I agree about Pressfield's "Gates of Fire" in this story. In fact, the whole "tree-fucking" thing seems like it was lifted from there, if I'm remembering Gates of Fire correctly.

Of course a historical Sparta/HP crossover would be slash....

[Garret P.I.]

Never saw 300, but I agree about Pressfield's "Gates of Fire" in this story. In fact, the whole "tree-fucking" thing seems like it was lifted from there, if I'm remembering Gates of Fire correctly.

Of course a historical Sparta/HP crossover would be slash....

I think that you're confusing SPARTA with ATHENS, friend.

I'd suggest you check out this site (http://helena-schrader.com/sparta.html)

Helena P Schrader wrote...

...
it is a frequent misconception that Spartan society was also blatantly homosexual. Curiously, no contemporary source and no archaeological evidence supports this widespread assumption.

The best ancient source on Sparta, Xenophon, explicitly denies the already common rumors about widespread pederasty.

Aristotle noted that the power of women in Sparta was typical of all militaristic and warlike societies without a strong emphasis on male homosexuality—arguing that in Sparta this "positive" moderating factor on the role of women in society was absent.

Now...read that last part carefully because it's conspicuous in what it says about Sparta by talking about the LACK of Homosexuality. Women in Sparta were given a lot more rights and power than anywhere else in Greece, and were treated more like equals. Aristotle's statement therefore implies that Sparta was a society where homosexuality was NOT a part of their society... because the women were being given more rights. He's arguing that if the Spartans would have just embraced homosexuality... that women in their culture would not have been given such rights.

She continues...

There is no Spartan/Laconian pottery with explicitly homosexual motifs—as there is from Athens and Corinth and other cities. The first recorded heterosexual love poem was written by a Spartan poet for Spartan maidens. The very fact that Spartan men tended to marry young by ancient Greek standards (in their early to mid-twenties) suggests they had less time for the homosexual love affairs that characterized early manhood in the rest of Greece. Certainly the state considered bachelorhood a disgrace, and a citizen who did not marry and produce future citizens enjoyed less status than a man who had fathered children. In no other ancient Greek city were women so well integrated into society. All this speaks against a society in which homosexuality was exceptionally common.

In fact... Athenians seemed to hold a grudge against Sparta, with Aristotle railing on about how the decline of Sparta was due to the respect Spartans showed their women. Where in the rest of greece, women were treated as chattle, in Sparta girls received public education, were allowed to engage in sports (and even competed and WON events in the Olympics) They could inherit and transfer wealth. They could carry or own as much as they wished... and most telling... were fed the same as their male siblings. The one thing they did not have was a voice in the Spartan assembly, but that has been argued was because only men were required to serve in the military, and the assembly was where wars and adventures were voted upon.

A telling point is that Aristotle claimed that Spartan men were "ruled by their wives"... and he cited that the freedom of Spartan women as one of two reasons why the Spartan Constitution was deeply flawed.
He argued that giving women status as equals fostered avarice. (How it did he never explained... he just made shit up and claimed it to be true) the other being the existence of the five Ephors having so much political power... but that's neither here nor there.

So I think claiming it would be a Slash fic by default is pretty damn inaccurate when viewed historically.

[Perspicacity]

I think that you're confusing SPARTA with ATHENS, friend.

I'd suggest you check out this site (http://helena-schrader.com/sparta.html)

...




Garret, thanks for the link. I confess, my comment was based not on primary sources, but rather from my memory of an ancient Greek history course I took many years ago. Spartan homosexuality was also mentioned in a recent History channel documentary, but apparently their scholarship may also be suspect.

[Garret P.I.]

Garret, thanks for the link. I confess, my comment was based not on primary sources, but rather from my memory of an ancient Greek history course I took many years ago. Spartan homosexuality was also mentioned in a recent History channel documentary, but apparently their scholarship may also be suspect.

No prob... the only real way to know a culture is to also look at what other cultures of the time had to say about it.

Aristotle's comments against Spartan culture... and his reasons stated why he railed against them give us a much needed insight into the culture.

[yhelo]

I love this fic. I'm surprised he managed to pull it off. Most people are too ignorant of history to pull it off realistically. I do like the little cultural details. I'm no history major but it is pretty convincing.

4.5/5

[Kang the Mad]

Dont know why but i personally loved the crossover. It's so refreshing from the usual;
1] Dumbledore is stealing Harry's money and is caught arranging marriages with Ginny
2] Harry finds out from goblins and goes bat shit dark side crazy, and then promotes Griphook to SuperGoblin.
3] He becomes Jesus, Mohammad, Moses and fucking Superman because he is heir to the most bestest hidden family in the history of magic.
4] "he then let out a triumphant roar and everyone had their asses blown up in a swirling big pile of steaming sh- magic and he glided over in his white phoenix animagus form. He then screwed a bunch of women."
5] He has like 50 children because he "always wanted a big family"
This is truly original and a very good read.

[KirijamaScion]

I'm of two minds on this story. Yes its Harry Potter in 300, and thats a little... well I'll not use the words I'm thinking but it gives me pause. It was posted here despite a rule on the law that basically mocks it, and there I'm not sure which came first the law or the story, and I'm not quite motivated enough to look up the posting dates of the rules thread and the story to compare them. But I'll read this in its entirety such as it is sometime and then make a judgement. started first couple chapters and it hasn't yet induced painful bleeding from the eyeballs.



P.S. "THIS IS HOOOOGWARTS!!!" would indeed be epic

[kmfrank]

I agree that "This is Spar...HOGWAAAARTS!" Would be hilarious; however, it would be out of character from what we've seen on Leandros.

Anyway, this story is very interesting - it's refreshing to see something new, and it was certainly well written, but a lot of it just didn't seem much like Harry Potter to me. Sure, there were elements of similarity - "Those silly european wizards with there wands...real men use spears!" - and I suppose casting spells in Greek vs. Latin wouldn't really do much, but I would personally have liked a few more chapters where the author brings Leandros back to Britain.

I'll give this a 4/5, but it could increase if he does the return well.

P.S. Leandros as Defense teacher:

Draco: "Why are we attacking trees?"
Leandros: "What did you say to me you ungrateful Athenian boy whore?!"
Draco (running away): "AAAAH! Daddy!"

Kevin

[Aerin]

Honestly, I found the sheer in-depth research and quantity of information quite refreshing.

It's nice to see an author that actually checks his references and includes a historical background. Add's an element of depth, IMO.

Would be intriguing if Voldemort was Persian whilst Harry is "Spartan" if you will. Add's an element of conflict.

And the reason he used 300 is because few can actually properly visualise ancient societies. 300 was an example many looked at if just due to the blatant, glorious violence displayed.

The magic system was quite innovative and very creative. And I happen to agree with the tracing of runic characters in mid-air for the use of a spell. It's both a limiter, an informer and also theoretically a magnifier for a spell.

I'd say 4/5 overall, for historical accuracy.

As for how he get's back...possible "Rubber-band" theory. He's been gone from his time, the "rubber-band" of his disappearance has stretched to it's limit so it will snap back and rip him from the Spartan time to modern time.

Also, it will be good to see how Harry responds to all the modern inventions!

=====

Harry curiously poked the microwave. A second later and the weird box began to emit sounds and lights. Stepping back, Harry lifted his spear and impaled the box on his spear. As soon as he did that, an electrical shock raced up the spear and hit Harry. Acting almost like a banisher, the charge blasted Harry off his feet and into the wall. "Fucking magic-box"

======

*Cackles*

Regards
Aerin

[Averis]

I know nothing about this story, but from what I can see in the reviews, one thing is obvious: someone has to write "MADNESS? THIS IS HOGWARTS". As much as people gripe about these kinds of crossovers (although this one is certainly well-received) someone should parody it. I don't know how well it would turn out, but it would be worth the read if done correctly.

I'll try to read this story when I get the chance though. It sounds promising.

[KlavoHunter]

I can't wait to see how the author reconciles adult!Harry with being returned to the 'present time' with Hogwarts.

AFTER the Battle of Thermopylae, of course. :p

[Aerin]

I doubt it's after.

All the Spartans were slain at the Hot Gates, so it will probably be during the battle/ a moment before dying so he is denied his beautiful death and becomes the "emo" Harry we're all used to.

[KlavoHunter]

I doubt it's after.

All the Spartans were slain at the Hot Gates, so it will probably be during the battle/ a moment before dying so he is denied his beautiful death and becomes the "emo" Harry we're all used to.

An emo Spartan?

Dear God, what have you DONE?



But yeah. Harry inevitably is going to be hurled back to Wizarding Britain late in the Battle of Thermopylae, whether it be at the very end after the Spartans' encirclement, or perhaps as the "Persian Magicians" take to the field against the Spartans - in this case, magicians indeed, rather than gunpowder grenadiers!

[Oujou Akaash]

I doubt it's after.

All the Spartans were slain at the Hot Gates, so it will probably be during the battle/ a moment before dying so he is denied his beautiful death and becomes the "emo" Harry we're all used to.

heh! Do you really think he would become emo? Spartans live a life an death situations in every battle. But it's understandable. I'm guessing he would be transferred towards the future in that second before death.

But one thing i can't wrap my mind around is how is a character from the past adapt to the modern world? I dunno about you but if i come from a primitive world and then suddenly see buildings that reach the sky and flying things with no magic I'd probably shit my self.

[Methene]

heh! Do you really think he would become emo? Spartans live a life an death situations in every battle. But it's understandable. I'm guessing he would be transferred towards the future in that second before death.

But one thing i can't wrap my mind around is how is a character from the past adapt to the modern world? I dunno about you but if i come from a primitive world and then suddenly see buildings that reach the sky and flying things with no magic I'd probably shit my self.

He wouldn't become emo, but there would be some emotional distress. Remember a Spartan woman tells her son "Come back with this shield, or upon it." By being transported into the future just before his comrades were slaughtered mercilessly by the Persian Archers, would make him feel as if he had betrayed them. Still, he would not slit his wrists, wear eye shadow and be all "goffik". I have faith this won't happen.

As to the second point, I think you give people too little credit. Would you "shit your self" if you were transported into the future to something equivalent to the Star Wars universe. No you wouldn't. You might be intrigued, curious, but you wouldn't freak out like a 15 year old Scottish virgin on Prima Noctum.

Being from an age where everything that was not understood was explained through deities, Harry would probably consider everything in the Modern world as the work of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades.

And while the filthy muggles have their shiny crutches for magic, the Wizarding world would not be that far removed as to have him go batshit insane.

[Aerin]

True.

He'd equate the Ministry to the Ephors.

There are parallel's that can be drawn to aid them.

But if Harry almost get's hit by a car...:D

Spears the engine and blasts the car apart :D

Fortunately, the feminine entanglements wouldn't be so bad since Spartan women were treated as equals as far as I know, so no sexism problems.

[Oujou Akaash]

He wouldn't become emo, but there would be some emotional distress. Remember a Spartan woman tells her son "Come back with this shield, or upon it." By being transported into the future just before his comrades were slaughtered mercilessly by the Persian Archers, would make him feel as if he had betrayed them. Still, he would not slit his wrists, wear eye shadow and be all "goffik". I have faith this won't happen.

As to the second point, I think you give people too little credit. Would you "shit your self" if you were transported into the future to something equivalent to the Star Wars universe. No you wouldn't. You might be intrigued, curious, but you wouldn't freak out like a 15 year old Scottish virgin on Prima Noctum.

Being from an age where everything that was not understood was explained through deities, Harry would probably consider everything in the Modern world as the work of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades.

And while the filthy muggles have their shiny crutches for magic, the Wizarding world would not be that far removed as to have him go batshit insane.

True but look at it from there point of view. All they knew is to be bred for battle and war. And living in an era where the imagination is very narrow minded, where legends and heroes born and died, where rights and ideals are crushed, it is possible he would go bat crazy. I dunno about you but i'll give up magic in a second if there is no electricity. POWER TO THE MEDIA!!

We live in a world where open mindedness is something to be revered upon and thanks to media and whatnot, that broaden our imagination. So if you were to somehow be transported to some world, they your right. You would be curious and whatnot. But Harry comes from another era where the only thing that even resembles to the modern world is the almost equal rights of women and even then, anyone would be terrified.

And by the way Aerin, thats a really good point. I never thought of that. Something to think about on another time i suppose.

[Boo]

He wouldnt even be able to understand anyone. Harry/Leandros would be speaking Greek not English.

[Aerin]

A very fair point.

You could go the Deus Ex Machina route and invent a reason, or you can BS your way through most of it.

Could go the route that Harry instinctually knows the basics of english since he grew up in an english household. Grew up to 15 months anyway. *Shrugs*

It'd be funny to watch Harry cursing violently as everyone looks on, unable to understand :D

[MrINBN]

I liked it as a 300 fic, but if we were judging it as an HP fic, it fails. 3/5 total.

[Augurey]

A very fair point.

You could go the Deus Ex Machina route and invent a reason, or you can BS your way through most of it.

Could go the route that Harry instinctually knows the basics of english since he grew up in an english household. Grew up to 15 months anyway. *Shrugs*

It'd be funny to watch Harry cursing violently as everyone looks on, unable to understand :D

Apocalypso's advance announcement of the pairing simplifies things. It's safe for us to assume that purebloods are stuck in the late 18th century or the equivalent. British gentry and nobility of the time made sure to educate their children in the classics, including fluency in Latin and Attic Greek. This means that Andromeda Tonks, if not her daughter, would understand Harry. European History ftw once again.

[Oujou Akaash]

Apocalypso's advance announcement of the pairing simplifies things. It's safe for us to assume that purebloods are stuck in the late 18th century or the equivalent.

LOL! And people tell me Guns don't work on them.

[Augurey]

Muskets probably don't work on them, but muskets and AK-47s are pretty different. Seriously, an aguamenti aimed at a musket will ruin the powder, preventing it from ever firing. Not so much with anything made during or since the American Civil War.

[Aerin]

One thing I noticed in the fic's society is that there is no distinction between the magically-inclined and "Muggles". The magic-users aren't hidden in Sparta. Rather, they form a cohesive unit with the "Muggles".

Since we know the wizarding world began it's retreat during the Salem Witch Hunts, probably earlier, their numbers have decreased.

So the question is, how will Leandros/ Harry deal with a society in which it is hidden, as are his abilities from a world which could benefit from them.

[Oujou Akaash]

One thing I noticed in the fic's society is that there is no distinction between the magically-inclined and "Muggles". The magic-users aren't hidden in Sparta. Rather, they form a cohesive unit with the "Muggles".

Since we know the wizarding world began it's retreat during the Salem Witch Hunts, probably earlier, their numbers have decreased.

So the question is, how will Leandros/ Harry deal with a society in which it is hidden, as are his abilities from a world which could benefit from them.

I'm sorry to say the whole salem witch hunts that you mentioned is wrong. This is a fact from canon where harry was reading a book while trying to name his owl. It was there that it explained if they ever to get caught and tied to the stake, the wizards and witches can easily get out of the fire or something like that.

Besides, it's kind of ridiculous if all the wizard or witch gets caught by people wielding pitch forks and kitchen knives.

[Methene]

One thing I noticed in the fic's society is that there is no distinction between the magically-inclined and "Muggles". The magic-users aren't hidden in Sparta. Rather, they form a cohesive unit with the "Muggles".

Since we know the wizarding world began it's retreat during the Salem Witch Hunts, probably earlier, their numbers have decreased.

So the question is, how will Leandros/ Harry deal with a society in which it is hidden, as are his abilities from a world which could benefit from them.

The magical world went into hiding in the 14th century, as evidenced by the HP lexicon timeline.

I am not familiar with the Salem's Witch trials, but are they at this time?

I would think the Spanish Inquisition had more to do with the Wizard's retreating than colonists in America burning old women, if I were to take a guess.

[Taure]

The magical world went into hiding in the 14th century, as evidenced by the HP lexicon timeline.

Though not officially until the 17th century, when the Statute of Secrecy was passed.

[The Heir]

Did you guys know that much of the witch burning occurred during the renaissance, while most believe it was a middle-ages era occurrence? Also, witches and wizards wouldn't care about the witch burnings. They probably just decided, rather randomly, to pull back from society and let magic slowly become naught but a myth.

This story was better written than most of the stories in the Library. Mods, put this fic in. 5/5

[Augurey]

@Methene: the Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692.

[Garret P.I.]

Two items I'd like to address.

@ Mr INBN.
We've not even seen how the author is planning on addressing the reintegration of the HP world. which is why I've requested that until we see how the author does this... that the fic stay here in the for review folder.

Next... moving the thread.
I still say the fic should stay here till we know how the author is going to handle the integration of the fic with the HP world.

The fic has the potential to be either really really really bad... or quite good... depending on how it's handled.

Right now it's got a lot of votes for it... but it could turn to utter shit when it hits the intregration period.

I for one would rather take the time to make sure it's a good fic than to sully the DLP name by including crap among the worthy fics.

[MrINBN]

I realize that, Garret. But as it stands now, the fic doesn't even qualify for the library (since it's not technically a HP fic yet). Once the author finally reintegrates the HP world, we'll see how it goes.

[Aerin]

I dunno though.

Elements do bleed through which could be attributed to the HP world.

Types of spells, mentioning of wands, etc etc.

And keep in mind Leandros is still Harry, except under a different name and in a different place.

It's genesis was based in Harry Potter MrINBN.

[MrINBN]

I realize that too. But until we see Hogwarts or any other familiar place, this is just a 300 story with Harry Potter (the character) thrown in.

[Boo]

Its kinda like Founder era stories just further back in time.
It has the whole magic world before they hid themselves. This story just give another view of the HP world.

[Darje]

The mention of reintigration in most posts makes me think of Dumbledore, the prophecy, and Voldemort's disembodied soul (or new body). Being the dutiful soldier he is, Harry might just do things the way Dumbledore wants unless of course Dumbledore pulls a "messenger" and insults him with uncompatible mannerisms.

3.5/5 It has the potential to raise itself, given the proper circumstances during reintigration.

[Garret P.I.]

Well, at least one thing we'll know for sure...

There'll be no just letting Voldemort kill him like a lemming like he did in DH. At least not without taking the bastard with him for Harry in this fic.

Personally I'm looking forward to Harry Jabbing a spear into Tom's gut, twisting it. And then as Tom raises his wand to try an AK, he "limbs" him on the spot. *lop lop* HA! thought you were going to use that on me did you? Fool... real warriors have big, thick, long spears... not little impotent twigs like you wave around, Riddle.. Auuuhooo! (yes...the imagery was intentional.)

Let Voldemort come back a dozen or more times... and each time Harry WTFPWNs him... each time more brutal than the last.

*after killing Tom's latest body, and standing with one foot on top of it and looking down at the Death eaters gathered below*
This is all you have? You gutless boy whores! *spits on Tom's body and kicks his head toward the DE's* I've had more challenging battles with my loin pouch. Your master is nothing... NOTHING... and I'll be feasting on the livers of your sons and daughters before the night is through... AUUUHOOO! *Pumps his spear in the air and then charges the DE's who break and run... screaming like little girls.*

[Dungbomb]

"Leandros pressed something on the circular object, and a lid popped open, revealing a sheet of glass over a circular display of some sort. Two small lines were drawn on the surface under the glass, but one seemed to move from time to time, turning itself around the circular surface. The other, while not visibly in motion, seemed to turn around the surface very slowly, slower than would allow Leandros to actually see it move. Leandros then shifted his attention to the small purplish jewel set in the middle of the contraption, staring at it placidly as it pulsed in an almost violent manner, an odd inner light flaring then dying within the jewel. It had started doing so after the incident with the Persian messenger, leaving him perplexed. He had already gathered that the contraption was some sort of device used to tell time, but whenever he attempted to compare it to a sundial, the time displayed by the object was never correct."

This suggests that time is moving differently and that when we see Harry back in his original time he will be younger than he is, how much we can only guess at.

[Cheyne]

This suggests that time is moving differently and that when we see Harry back in his original time he will be younger than he is, how much we can only guess at.

Or that a 12 hour clock doesn't match a 24 hour sundial.

[Garret P.I.]

Missed the pulsing gem mention previously.

Hmmm. I'm thinking that the pulsing gem is something of a homing beacon. It's only a matter of time now before the rescue team arrives to bring him home, or the watch sucks him back on its own.

[Augurey]

I hope that it's a rescue party. The "where the hell did you come from!?" moment is overused in time-travel fics.

[belladonna16]

I really like this so far. I just read the first three chapters - very enjoyable and very well written.

I hope to see more soon!

[Aerin]

Augurey: I dunno. Most would think Harry got vaporised in the magical backlash.

And as to the time thing...need I point out Harry went from England/ Scotland to the Greecian times and the Hellanic area?

No doubt that plays an important point.

Actually, an idea would be is that Dumbledore attempts to pull Harry from the past, a second before he get's vaporised and our Leandros/ Harry get's ripped from Thermopayle and shunted right to where the ritual is taking place.

Would be interesting.

[Boo]

I think it will be when the persians send their magic users in to battle.

Same type of spell would send him back

[Korisovra]

Hmmm......the AK probably wasn't invented then, at least in canon. Somewhere or other, I seem to remember someone (Dumbledore, I think) mentioning that the AK was a relatively new spell, like 300 or so years old.

[Methene]

Hmmm......the AK probably wasn't invented then, at least in canon. Somewhere or other, I seem to remember someone (Dumbledore, I think) mentioning that the AK was a relatively new spell, like 300 or so years old.

I am 99% sure that the origin and age of the Killing Curse have not been discussed in canon. I sometimes fall into the same pit, however, having read so many stories that my mind is blurred as to what is and what is not Harry Potter.

Is anyone in contact with the author, do we know if there is another update. Soon, hopefully.:)

[Korisovra]

Apocalypso is on hiatus. Sucks because I wanna see more of both the Chimera and the Incubus storylines........

[Andromalius]

I'd rather he complete both fics than allowing someone else pick them up. His writing style is unique, and I've yet to come across a similar one.

[Darius]

I am 99% sure that the origin and age of the Killing Curse have not been discussed in canon. I sometimes fall into the same pit, however, having read so many stories that my mind is blurred as to what is and what is not Harry Potter.

Is anyone in contact with the author, do we know if there is another update. Soon, hopefully.:)

I'll give him a call. I'm in constant contact with Yarrgh.

[Korisovra]

I'd rather he complete both fics than allowing someone else pick them up. His writing style is unique, and I've yet to come across a similar one.

That it is. And I agree, completely. No one else should pick either of those two up, as they would just screw it up. To me, this particular fic is just a distraction from the ones that truly engross the reader. Both Chimera and Incubus show a truly different and phenomenal point of view. 300/Hp has been done, a Salazar trained and truly Sex Demon!Harry haven't to any real satisfaction.

The view of Bellatrix in Incubus is the only one that actually stays within character, the rest are pale imitations that just.....whine too much about Imperiouses and marriage contracts. He leaves Bella as what she is, a psychotic killer with a penchant for sado-masochistic torture/relationships. She's a Dom until someone with enough power and influence comes along and shows her that she does her best work as a Sub that dominates all below her master, which just happens to include the entire Wizarding and Muggle world.

Chimera hosts an Independant!Harry that you actually pull for and uses a great deal of logic to swing everything to where you can actually *SEE* the blatant manipulations and also points out my own views and mis-givings about JKR's works. He points out the plot holes and then highlights how a truly great manipulator could swing it all to his advantage. And let's face it, Dumbledore was one of the best, even in canon.

[Boo]

Hmmm......the AK probably wasn't invented then, at least in canon. Somewhere or other, I seem to remember someone (Dumbledore, I think) mentioning that the AK was a relatively new spell, like 300 or so years old.

Well that may be, but there could be spells that 'get rid' of people. Spells that affect Time and Space.
You see people that say they are from the future. Maybe some weird old forgotten spell did it.

Xerxes would need to get rid of Leandros/Harry in order to have a chance at beating the Spartans.


Maybe the battle will go like 'Meet the Spartans'

[Aerin]

DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING SAY THAT!

That movie was horrible.

Blegh

*Ponders* Why not having Xerxes have Salazar Slytherin's ancestor under his command?

Would provide extra incentive for Leandros to slaughter Voldemort :D

[Blaise]

DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING SAY THAT!

That movie was horrible.

Blegh

*Ponders* Why not having Xerxes have Salazar Slytherin's ancestor under his command?

Would provide extra incentive for Leandros to slaughter Voldemort :D

Herpo the Foul, maybe. He's canon (Chocolate Frog card), he's a parseltongue, first creator of a basilisk and horcrux, and he's Greek - it fits.

[Korisovra]

Herpo the Foul, maybe. He's canon (Chocolate Frog card), he's a parseltongue, first creator of a basilisk and horcrux, and he's Greek - it fits.

*blinks* I likes that idea........Me Rikey! ME RIKEY AROT!

[Aerin]

And it would really set the stage for the ages old Gryffindor/ Slytherin antagonistic relationship.

Especially considering Leandros probably slept around and thus had a few heirs.

Harry would be his own great (to the power of x) grandfather.

Futurama anyone?

[Korisovra]

*snickers* 's one fucked up family tree.

[Kang the Mad]

Harry would be his own great (to the power of x) grandfather.

Futurama anyone?Now saying that, someone HAS to write a Futurama/Harry Potter.
Must be done.

[Aerin]

Harry boning his own grandmother...

Lily would be both his daughter and mother.

That's gotta be scarring.

I wonder if Apocolypso visits DLP?

[Korisovra]

Harry boning his own grandmother...

Lily would be both his daughter and mother.

That's gotta be scarring.

I wonder if Apocolypso visits DLP?

He opted to ban himself a couple of months ago, unfortunately.

[the13thdragon]

Or that a 12 hour clock doesn't match a 24 hour sundial.


If this was meant as a joke then I apologise. And it is a bit behind the orriginal post.

But what sort of FUCKING IDIOT WOULD MAKE A 24 HOUR SUNDIAL IN GREECE!!!!! It’s DARK for half the time.

And secondly let us imagine a twelve hour clock and a twenty four hour one.

Now at one in the morning the twelve hour one says one o'clock and the 24 hour one says the same, yes? Ohhh and at two in the morning guess what? It still says the same thing. Do you want to know what it says at three in the morning? They say THE SAME THING!!!!!! What part of:


but whenever he attempted to compare it to a sundial, the time displayed by the object was never correct."


didn't you understand?!

IT SAYS "NEVER CORRECT" YOU IDIOT!!!


Now let us imagine a 24 hour sundial for a moment, at one in the morning it doesn’t say anything so they don’t match but at 9 in the morning they still do and at one in the afternoon it says 13:00 they still match, but why would somebody make a twenty four hour sundial when those extra hours don’t do anything? Or when the concept for 24 hour clocks hadn’t been invented yet

And a final point in this little discussion on sundials, sundials (modern and ancient) have the time going from around 6 in the morning to 7 at night. And they are all written as 7 not 19 for the later times. Time in old to ancient times was referred to as 7 before mid day and 7 after mid day, it was this (in Latin) that give us am and pm.

[Darius]

He opted to ban himself a couple of months ago, unfortunately.

There is nothing unfortunate about it~

Also you make it sound like he just decided to leave.

Should change his user title to Dishonorably Discharged.

Also this fic trips me the fuck out.

More OOC then Second Chance at this Point.

[Korisovra]

I do believe that he asked to be banned?

[Taure]

After making the infamous "court fucking jester" post he was banned, unbanned, and then asked to be re-banned permanently.

[Blaise]

Infamous posts? I'm intruiged...

[Tinn Tam]

More OOC then Second Chance at this Point.

Understandable, given the education he received from age one in this fic. And I thought you liked A Second Chance at Life... Also, I believe Korisovra's "unfortunately" merely meant that Yarrgh, being banned, could not take any part in the discussion about his own story; if he could, he'd be able to clear some points or give out information about his fictions.

About the watch thing: well, try comparing a sundial and a regular watch... Especially considering the regular watch doesn't care if nights are longer in winter. And even if he could make the analogy between the 12:00 position of the hands and sun at its zenith, there's a slight problem: Great Britain is 3 hours behind Greece...

Yes, I really think it's as simple as that.

[the13thdragon]

I agree with Tinn Tam, it's a bit ridicules calling somebody ooc when they have been brought up completely differently.

And I also agree with her on the time zones thing, if a watch was enchanted to keep British time it would keep doing so until it was "told" to do otherwise.

[Korisovra]

You have to be able to get onto the Reading Consortium to be able to discuss anything with Apocalypso anymore, I do believe. Which is waaaaay too much of a pain in the ass to bother with.

[Dark-Stallion]

I've still got high hopes that he winds up in the Great Hall still in the throes of battle... I can just see that damned bewitched cieling covered in blood and grey-matter. Fun and gore for all!

The story is written well and the ideas are great- but doesn;t anyone else feel that when Harry gets 'back' it just wont be the hp-verse anymore? Meh, it hasn't been updated in a while but I guess that if more chapters are added I'll read them just because there is nothing much better out there at the moment).

Dark-Stallion.

[Dareycow]

I love this fic, but everytime I think of it I come up with the saying from Meet The Spartans movie:

"Men greet women with a high-five, whilst men greet other men with open-mouthed tongue kiss."

Or something along this lines.

[General Custer]

In before someone rapes the newb necro.

[Ellisande]

Custer, how many fucking times must it be said, that necroes in the library DO NOT MATTER.

Also, its only been what? 6 Months? Nothing stupidly huge.

While the response may of been lacking, it still contained some thought, instead of just "i liked it..." or "great fic update more" or some kind of bullshit like that.

[JoJo23]

Actually Custer's point stands. Why would you remember a line from "Meet the Spartans", never mind watch it?

[Tinn Tam]

Actually Custer's point stands. Why would you remember a line from "Meet the Spartans", never mind watch it?

I remember a line from a text written by Aristophane, which we translated in Ancient Greek class. It contained a verb that translated as "to grab by the testicles." Yes, ancient Greeks had a specific verb to say that.

In the line, a father addressed his friend so:

"What is that! You met my son at the gymnasium, and you didn't hug him, didn't kiss him, didn't grab him by the testicles? What kind of friend are you?!"

Ahem. We remember weird stuff.

Necro's not that bad. Not the best review ever but not completely retarded either. Moving on.

[failinggradstudent]

I am going to be honest here, should this even be here?

No really isn't there some 300 fanfiction site somewhere. Last time I checked this is DLP

[Andromalius]

But you are a failing grad student. Yes, this should be here, otherwise it wouldn't. It isn't too difficult to comprehend.

The first scene for the fourth chapter is written on the other place. I'm hoping there isn't any rule prohibiting it from being posted here.

[Tinn Tam]

I am going to be honest here, should this even be here?

No really isn't there some 300 fanfiction site somewhere. Last time I checked this is DLP

Just as there are Dresden Files sites, or Stargate sites, or Star Wars sites, or Pirates of the Caribbean sites.

By any chance, would you have missed the "crossover" mention in the summary?


EDIT: Andromalius, if Yarrgh posted that scene only on RC -- I think that's what you meant -- maybe he didn't want it to be made public yet. Edited out until I have the author's permission (will ask him at the first opportunity).

SECOND EDIT: Agreeing with Minion and moving the thread.

[Dark Minion]

I remember a line from a text written by Aristophane, which we translated in Ancient Greek class. It contained a verb that translated as "to grab by the testicles." Yes, ancient Greeks had a specific verb to say that.

In the line, a father addressed his friend so:

"What is that! You met my son at the gymnasium, and you didn't hug him, didn't kiss him, didn't grab him by the testicles? What kind of friend are you?!"


Ha, yeah. I remember that line, too. It is either a classical Athenian dialogue or play.

All in all I think the story is ok. It is a rather unique crossover and so far well done. Though - at the moment it is just a 'Greek' story and I won't judge it until Harry returns to his timeline.



EDIT:
To place this in Timetravel is misleading. Better be "The Alternates" which hosts crossovers. Our Timetravel section is usually for timetravelling within the HP-timelines and the HP-verse.

[Tinn Tam]

I'll repost here the scene from Chapter 4, with the author's permission. I haven't added the spoilers tags because they make the whole thing really bothersome to read, but in case some people missed this part of the discussion--

SPOILER!

THIS IS THE FIRST SCENE OF CHAPTER 4. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE STORY YET, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER UNLESS YOU WANT IT TO BE SPOILED FOR YOU.

Thank you.

Chapter 4 – The Hot Gates

Scene 1

“Explain yourself, Leonidas!” Leandros felt like wincing, as he saw a fleck of spittle fly from the Ephor’s mouth, landing squarely on his King’s shoulder. The time had come for the Spartans to march on Thermopylae, and accordingly, Leonidas had assembled his troops. He had selected them from the Skiritai, choosing three hundred men in total. Those who had no progeny to continue their line were omitted from the selection, leaving Leonidas with 297 men. Dienekes had then spoken to the King, and asked for Astinos’ presence, claiming that he had more sons to continue his line, and that there was no greater honor than for Astinos to fight this battle for his country. Having already – albeit reluctantly – allowed Leandros to accompany the Skiritai, Leonidas had accepted Astinos’ plea. Including the King, the contingent of Spartan troops that would now venture to Thermopylae numbered exactly 300 soldiers.

The soldiers, from young to old, all bore equally grim visages. This was the last time, they knew, that they would set eyes on the beauty of the Spartan capital. There were none who were deluded – they were expected to die, expected to die in order for war to be formally waged. Until Leonidas himself perished, the Spartan council would be unable to dispatch troops against the wishes of the Ephors. It was only a technicality that allowed such a thing to happen, but if it led to the security and preservation of the Spartan way of life, Leonidas would give his very last drop of blood to Persian swords. But there was no sense of regret, no sense of fear among the valorous warriors. Their names would forever be preserved in the history of the world, their heroic acts would be the basis of tales and great works of art, and above and beyond all the personal glory they would find in death, their country, their people and their values would live on. Every Spartan soldier, even those barely months into the Agoge, would gladly lay their lives down if it meant but another day of existence for Lakedaemon.

The King seemed unruffled, amused. “Ephor,” he said slowly, a grin tugging at his lips, “I do not understand your anger on this. I simply wish to take these men for a walk… to breathe in the fresh air.”

“Do not patronize us, Leonidas!” one snarled, furious at this upstart action. The King had, quite freely, done exactly what he was doing now in the past two years, on a very regular basis. At that point, the Ephors had let the perceived foolishness go unpunished, but now… what he was doing was utter madness! He was taking three hundred of Sparta’s finest soldiers, all heroes, to certain death, and with them, leaving the Kingdom in utter turmoil, without a King or Regent! Almost visibly calming itself down, the Ephor pinched the bridge of what appeared to be its nose, and whispered “You will doom us all, Leonidas, you will doom Sparta to destruction. Do not do this, Leonidas!”

Eyes narrowing, the King stared coldly at the Ephor. “You know I am correct, Ephor. You know that Xerxes, son of Darius marches on Hellas this very moment! Approve war, priest, suspend the celebrations of the Carneia until Sparta has triumphed over this foe! Approve war and let me lead our full army against them!”

The Ephor, black, beady eyes staring into Leonidas’, fell silent. Then, sounding almost defeated, it whispered “The Carneia must be observed.”

The King’s head fell slightly in disappointment. “You leave me no choice,” he whispered, “perhaps our valor shall force your hand.”

Turning on his heel, and leaving the silent priest behind him, Leonidas surveyed his troops. Not a single face had fallen at the confirmation that they would be marching to their deaths, not a single man’s shield or spear had even wavered. A glint in his eye, the King slammed the lizard-licker on his spear into the ground. Dienekes, beside him, roared “Spartans! Move out!”

In the churning dust kicked up as the Spartans spun and began marching, Leonidas stood alone. He cast one last look towards the city, one quick glance taking in hundreds of years of beauty and history. His helmet was pressed into his free hand, and he gazed down at Basil, his son. There were so many words that needed to be said, yet there was no time to say them. A emotion-filled glance later, the King accepted the proffered helmet, and smoothly placed it over his Skull. From his other side, Queen Gorgo stood, holding his shield. Hefting it with that particular strength possessed only by Spartan women, she lifted it into his grasp. Their eyes connected one last time, then each tore their gaze away from the other, unable to look once more at what they would surely lose.

As he walked away, following his troops, he heard her voice behind him, and stopped, his back facing her. For a moment, his heart soared, hoping against hope that Gorgo had broken all sense of propriety, and would speak those loving words that he yearned to hear once again. “Soldier,” she called, her voice breaking slightly, filled with emotion, “come back with your shield… or on it.” A tear slid down her cheek, and as he heard the concealed sob in the words, he visualized her beautiful face, the tear trickling across unblemished, porcelain skin. Fighting away a tremor in his body, he nodded once, then continued walking.

They would go north, through Selassia, around Mount Parnon, up through Argos and to Corinth. From there, they would cross the mountainous region of Plataea and up to Thebes, before heading west across the plains of Boeotia and Phokis towards Delphi. Then, they would move north, ultimately reaching Thermopylae. The journey would take a week, by foot. The Persians had chosen the recessed Phocian region for a simple reason – they would, rather than expose themselves on an open plain like Darius had at Marathon, use the Hot Gates to defend themselves from attack by any Greek Coalition. The Spartans had therefore decided to use their own plan against them, to trap their onslaught on the beaches at Thermopylae and cut down their numbers by the hundreds as they attempted to worm their way out.

Yet, at Thermopylae, the Spartans would find death, in glory.


While I'm at it, I'll announce that Yarrgh is abandoning all his stories; if anyone is interested in continuing any of his fics, they can PM him over FFNet to discuss it.

[Nuhuh]

I read the chapter title as: "The Hot Cakes"

Kinda ruined the atmosphere for the rest of it, lol.

Leonidas the Bakerman, doing what a baker can...