Da Vinci

"Aunt Hecate!" he yelled atop the wind. Zooming down right at her before stopping just inches away from her stern gaze. He smiled down at the glaring woman below with her hands on her hips, an unamused expression plastered on her face.

"Try that again and you're dead, got that?" she snarled.

"Nice to see you too Aunt Hecate," he smiled cheekily. Getting off, he was engulfed in a huge hug which he returned.

"So, how is my nephew? Are you creating new spells? Runes? Any new inventions?" She asked him giddily.

"Uhhhhh, yes?" She looked at him with a blank face and in a rapid motion, he found himself bent over. "OW!" Hecate had grabbed him by the ear and was pulling down. Hard.

"Did you just try to lie to me, young man?!" She dragged them to the front door, his broom followed right after before settling onto a hanging rank. Stumbling into the house, he barely got to kick his shoes off before stepping onto the clean rug. The door locked on its own with a wave of her hand as she pulled him deeper into the house.

"Please! Aunt Hecate let go, it hurts!" His ear felt like it was about to be ripped off. His aunt seriously needed to control her strength, but it was his fault for forgetting how hard his Aunt could be.

"You're so lucky I like you," She finally released and gave him that 'you better explain now or you're dead' look. "Well? Care to explain why you lied?"

Sighing, he grumbled and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I just don't have that much time anymore. You know, because of missions and stuff."

"Oh Percy, my sweet sweet little boy," she grabbed him yet again in an ironclad hug. "You've grown so much to the point where you don't care anymore about these trivial things."

"N-no! I still care. Look, I came here to read up on some of our family books."

She looked at him displeased, "Yes, books for spells so you can use them against the Ministry!" She threw her hand in the air with a huff. "I need some water, do you want tea?"

"I'll take coffee with no cream just pure black, please."

"Have you stopped inventing Percy?" She asked him.

"No, I just don't have time because of-"

"Yes yes, I know. I swear, would it kill your grandfather to stop sending you to the fields."

"...Uh, Grandfather isn't the problem. It's me- PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!" His aunt was bonkers. She was glaring at him with pure hatred and to add to that, she was right in front of the plate cupboards.

"You insist on being sent on those missions?" Her voice sent a chill down his spine. He couldn't say anything, nope he really couldn't. "Why? Why do you go on all these missions, Percy? Can't it kill you to take a break?"

"I enjoy helping the cause. The thrill of dueling against an unknown Auror is amazing. I love my job Aunt Hecate, but I also like to learn," Her anger seemed to die down as she walked over and handed him a cup.

"Alright. What's your agenda for today?"

"Well, I was thinking of reading up on some of our family runes books. I don't have an idea for a new invention just yet. But I'm hoping that something might pop up while I'm going through the books."

"That's what I like to hear! Come on then, to the library we go!" He smiled as they quickly traversed up the steps and into a gigantic room. Half the books were caked with dust except for a few. If he were to guess his Aunt was probably rereading through the family collection. But he also had his own area where he worked. It had been a while since he last visited, so it wasn't a surprise to see the desk he used covered with a thin layer of dust.

"So Aunt Hecate, what have you been up to?" He tapped the desk with his wand and instantly all the dust cleared making it look brand new.

"Hmm? Oh you know, relaxing, inventing, adventuring, that sort of stuff. Just the same thing I always do," she shrugged.

"Heh, by relaxing do you happen to mean partying?" He watched her choke on her drink. His aunt was known as the partygoer in the family. If you somehow catch her with a bottle of fire whiskey or any sort of alcohol you better run. Unless you don't mind being turned into a cute fluffy animal.

"No, just no. I've never gone to any party you hear me? Never, those days are over."

"Yeah, over until the next Quidditch Cup comes. Are you attending by the way?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course, I'm going! Did you perhaps hit your head too hard in one of your missions?"

"Please, I'm still the same kid that beat your ass in chess when I was five."

"Hey, just a minute mister. First of all, that was regular chess and second, I let you win cause I didn't want to make you cry."

"I told you, regular chess and magical chess are the same thing! And you know you're the one that cried that day. Don't think I didn't know just because I was only five."

"Yeah yeah, whatever you little sprout."

"Drunk," he retorted with a knowing smile which he hid behind his hand.

"Brat."

"Loser."

"Dumbass,"

"Pedophile," That hit a nerve as he smirked at her. Waving his wand a small transparent barrier covered his tiny space.

"What. Did. You. Say?" She seethed. Her eyes were glowing red and her fist was tightly clenched. "I am not a predator!" she yelled before launching a curse at him.

"Maybe not now," he snorted as she launched another only for the spell to dissipate.

"You better watch your back nephew."

"Why? Cause you might jump me?"

"What? Ew, no! That's just wrong. Why the hell would I do that with you?!"

"Hah! You said it you sicko!" Quickly apparating from his spot the last thing he saw was his aunt attempting to grab him.

~O~

'So runes can be used on a human body? It sounds kinda messed up… but at the same time…' Sighing, he placed the book atop a pile to his right. Who knew how much someone can read in two hours. He had just finished his fifth book. This one had been on runes, the one before was about astronomy. Something he found quite interesting but didn't want to dwindle in.

Grabbing another book he flipped through the pages reading all the flashy headings that apparently his ancestors loved. Some were very dramatic whilst others were plain and simple. Scrolling through the pages, he found more fascinating spells that seemed to have been lost. The incantations were awfully hard to read and looked immensely different than the ones he was versed in.

"Vay- vena. No that's not it, Vene-num," He waved his wand like directed in the book only to come up with nothing, 'maybe my incantation was off' taking a deep breath he read the words out loud, "Venenum! Argh!" He clutched his arm tightly. It felt as if a bunch of needles had just pierced his skin. Gritting his teeth he looked up to see what had happened. His wand was wobbling but what astounded him was the green smoke that was being projected through his wand.

He looked at it closely. It was kinda similar to Incendio or Venti but was green. Dismissing the spell with another similar wand movement he watched as the last bit of green smoke escaped before disappearing through the open window. "Well damn, hopefully, that wasn't anything dangerous. Although, that sure was something,"

"GAh!" Hissing, he looked at his arm. There were circular green lines that seemed to swirl up around his arm up to his shoulder. He probably should tell his Aunt, but for now… (his gaze fell on the pile of unread books), he had more to read. He shook the pain away, hopefully, it would vanish on its own.

He read for five hours straight, finishing about a dozen or so books that varied in content. Time always seemed to pass by whenever he visited the family library or whenever he lost himself in a book. But he didn't mind nor did he even notice. After all, he loved to read. It helped him learn a lot more about spells and runes that he could potentially use to create another unique invention. Stretching, he got up from where he sat for the last five hours. Luckily his aunt hadn't found him, or she was just too lazy. Perhaps she even went out to party. Hopefully, she didn't find a minor, cause if she did…

"Gross," He couldn't even finish his sentence. The thought itself just sickened him.

Waving his wand, the pile of books shrunk. Stuffing them in his pocket he apparated back into the library and tossed them in the air. Courtesy of an old rune he found. Surprisingly, the book was all about… books. Which meant that every spell, rune, charm, anything really, was all about books. He used one of course while keeping the rest locked in his mind for future reference and uses. The charm he used, allowed the books to find their way to their original spots which was quite useful when you have a library housing a thousand years' worth of information all gathered by generations and generations of skilled wizards.

The sun was still shining so he looked for more books to read. He took anything really, he didn't mind because you never really knew what you would come across. An odd-looking tattered green boom caught his attention after slipping a book out of its socket. It had fallen from behind, which was weird because there shouldn't be any room. Deciding to add it to the list he gathered a few more books before returning to the roof of the house.

~O~

"Ello Aunty!" he walked up to the woman who was trying to kill him a few hours later. Currently, she was cooking something, well, trying at least.

"Good your here, I can finally KILL YOU!"

"Incarcerous!" Out of thin air thick ropes wrapped our her legs making her trip and hit the floor with a thud. The fork she had grabbed clattered to the ground. It wasn't as if she could've done something with that measly tool.

"Bloody hell, my head… ugh."

"No, not that again don't even try it."

"I didn't actually mean it!"

"Uh-huh, sure you did," He walked past her much to her annoyance, and looked at what she had been brewings. "Is this beef stew?"

"Yes, and if you release me I can finish it."

"Yeahh… nope," He grabbed the ladle and began to stir. Taking a small sip, he found it lacking and decided to take matters into his own hands.

"What the heck are doing Percy?"

"I'm making it better!" He yelled over his shoulder.

"Don't touch it! Just untie me so I can fix it."

"Nah, you can just stay there."

"You sneaking little brat," she grumbled.

"I know you love me!" he said in a singsong voice.

"Yeah cause you're the only nephew I have!" she sang right back.

"But you admit it."

"Well duh, of course, I love you. Now can you just unbind me from these itchy ropes?" He watched her wriggle a bit and shrugged.

"After the stew is done."

"Argh! Gosh dammit. Fine you win have it your way, I'll just happily hang around here. On the floor. Doing nothing."

"Glad your alright with it."

A few minutes later he hefted the pot from the stove and laid it on the table, casting a quick charm so that it wouldn't burn the wood. Grabbing the bowls and utensils he placed them in an orderly manner. Dinner was ready to be served, and it was going to be good. A big hot pot of beef stew, some fresh loaf of bread with butter, along with an angry tied-up Hecate in a chair. He had felt her eyes burning holes into the back of his head for the duration of the time she spent on the floor. Which didn't do much, but it still made him feel uneasy.

"Would you please untie me now?" she drawled.

"Promise you won't kick my ass?"

"I won't."

"Good-"

"No promises though," she smiled innocently.

"...Eh, close enough," With a wave of his wand the ropes vanished into thin air. He didn't notice how tight the ropes were when he saw his aunt bust drop quite a big. Blushing, he turned away. "Alright, now that that's done. Let's eat."

"...Yes, let's eat," He looked at her questioningly, his wand at the ready. "Relax! I won't do anything, you idiot. You're so damn gullible I swear."

"You were going to do something but I stopped you," he smirked.

"Touché, now come on. I can't wait to taste how terrible this is."

"It's not, but suit yourself."

The table wobbled as Hecate punched him roughly on the shoulder. "Damn this is good! Can't believe you can cook Mr. Death Eater," She praised him before stuffing her mouth with another spoonful of the warm soup.

"Well, I hate to say I told you so, but, I told you so."

"So, tell me. What have you been up to these days? It's been like what, six months since we've last seen each other?"

"Eh, around six to five months give or take."

"Then you randomly show up causing trouble," she gave him a friendly nudge.

"Hah, yeah. Like you said I've been busy quite a lot. Missions, training, scouting maybe two raids here and there. Oh, and Phoebus' manor got sacked. Poor Phoebus the guy was on the verge of tears."

"Yeah, I heard about that. So basically all you've been doing is fighting?"

"Well… if you say it that way I guess so."

"You know what, you're a workaholic."

"I am not! I'm just… contributing to the cause. Which I do voluntarily. There's a difference."

"That's a good thing, but don't you ever relax or have fun?"

"Certainly, I sleep for eight hours a day, exercise early in the morning when everyone is still asleep while also dueling Ministry officials here and there. It's especially fun when they're actually good. You'd be surprised by how many of them are so shit at fighting."

"That's not what I meant by fun you dummy," Her hand flew to his neck stinging the soft flesh.

"Ow! What the heck was that for?" His neck stung like hell, his aunt really needed to hold back on her physical torture.

"Cause apparently your head is too thick to actually listen. Now come on, at least tell me one thing that doesn't involve any violence or anything mission-related like training and all that mambo jumbo. Like, have you ever been to a party? You do party, right? Surely Hermes, or Lucius host parties regularly."

"There hasn't been a party ever since Apollo lost his manor and god knows I don't ever attend any of the Malfoy's parties. Unless you count playing poker in the basement with alcohol and peanuts then yes I do party."

"Tsk tsk tsk, I think it's time for me to teach you something new. Let's call it, Dummies guide to parties," she grinned.

"First off, I'm not dumb, second, I think I know exactly what to do at a party. Plus, I can easily drink five bottles of fire whiskey," he leaned in, "Without getting drunk once."

"You expect me to actually believe that? The first part is debatable, but five fire whiskeys without getting drunk? That's some heavy bullshit nephew and you know it. You know I'm the champ when it comes to fire whiskey."

"Yeah, last time I recall you, only drank your second bottle before breaking down in tears. 'The pretty flowers! They're dying! No! Please someone help me! Hello fuzzy bunny, can you please help me? NO! Don't eat them,' he mimicked her voice. "Some champ you are," he snorted before refilling his glass with a simple wave of his hand.

"Shut up you dick, I do not talk like that. Also, that was a long time ago, I'm different now."

"What, instead of crying over your "pretty" flowers your crying over something else?"

"Gods you're annoying but no. That's all in the past, today, I am a very calm and collective drunk."

"...HAHAHA! Holy shit, oh my gosh. Calm and collective drunk, what does that even mean? Calm and collective drunk… how is that even possible?"

"I'm a woman with many secrets nephew."

He snorted, "Like how you have a crush on Red?"

"I do not! We haven't even seen each other for so long," she crossed her arms looking away.

"Well that blush says otherwise. Come on, you said to have fun. So why don't you return to the manor for a bit and catch up with Red?"

"No can do, I'm busy and I don't have time for any chit-chat. Not to mention how Red is exactly like you, sometimes I wonder if he took after you. So no, I don't think I will; there's no doubt that he'll even be there."

"You'll never know till you try."

"No, and that's that. Let's talk about something else, like how your arm has been fidgeting for quite some time now."

"Oh. Nothing to worry about, just an accident while at work," He gave her his best sincere smile ever.

"You're hiding something, I know. So just tell me the truth."

"No!" He tucked his arm under the table. He didn't think the after-effects would still be there and now he would get his ass whooped for lying. The spell probably had some sort of drawback to it.

"Fine. Don't show me, let's see what'll happen to you. Maybe you'll… start to lose the feeling of your arm forever," she mused, "Or you might even lose your arm! Oh, that wouldn't be good at all, because how would you complete your missions then?" Her constant excuses were starting to wear him down, he could feel the anxiety kicking in and before he knew it he was shoving his arm up to her face.

"Help. Please," he squeaked. Which was highly inappropriate of him.

"Great Merlin. What spell did you cast?!" She was studying his arm hard. The green-like circular patterns were still visible but the color had drained slightly. Guess his wish of it vanishing didn't come true, but maybe it was for a good thing.

"I don't know! You know me, I always try whatever spell that interests me."

"Well at least describe what happened!"

"There was a-um smoke! Green smoke, it's like Incendio but green and well, soft."

"Ugh, you idiot. Did you even read the text belonging to that spell?"

"No. The text was worn out and the incantation was different from those I've seen,"

"Well you're lucky, I know exactly what spell it is and how to cure it. Wait here a sec," He traced the pattern, curious as to what exactly meant. It didn't hurt, although it did sting when he pushed into it.

"Venenum, an old family spell that was forbidden to be used because," she motioned to his arm, "Because of that."

"What exactly does it do?" He asked her, looking at the pattern with a bit more interest.

"Poison. Not just any poison though," she shushed him before he could reply, "It's specifically Basilisk breath. A spell that literally recreates the breath of one of the deadliest reptiles in the wizarding world."

"Huh, so it can kill someone instantly?"

"Wouldn't say instantly, but it will burn their skin and slowly melt their organs before stopping once the user has dismissed it."

"Sweet! Guess I'll use this on my next victim."

"Uh uh uh, no you will not. Can't you see what it did to your arm?" Hecate had bandaged his arm pretty well. He noticed the gauze she used as honeygaut, a medical gauze that not many Healers have.

"How can I stop it?" Cause he seriously wanted to test this baby out. Pain or not, you know what they say, no pain no gain.

"It's a hard spell to master so I'm surprised you were able to cast it on your first try. Stopping the side effects though will be a lot harder."

"How so?"

"Think about it this way. Spells require wizards to use the magical essence in their body yes? But you know that that's not all. Spells can also be affected by your emotion, hence how not everyone can cast Avada Kedavra."

"Hmm, so I need to control my emotions?"

"Exactly."

"But I've learned to do that a long time ago. What's the difference now?"

"Percy, our family's history goes back a long way. We have spells that have been forgotten for years just waiting to be brought back. Venenum is just one that I've heard of and as you can see, the effects it causes are… painful. Which is the reason why a bunch of those forgotten spells is a lot stronger than what we think. The difference is that unlike the spells today, we have no knowledge about the spells in the past. They're stronger, more ancient, and a lot deadlier. Simple control over your emotions might not be enough. These spells require the user to be committed to what they're about to do; which is why I'm warning you to not be reckless, got that?"

"That's a lot to take in, but I understand. Forgotten spells date back to the age of Salazar Slytherin. Powerful and deadly both to the user and the opponent. Just thinking about it is just… wow."

"Exactly."

"Thanks for clearing things up Aunt Hecate."

"No problem kiddo, now as much as I hate to say this. Get out of here and go read your books, I'll clean the table."

~O~

Time passed fast, he had been reading through the second batch of books he had retrieved and now he found himself reading in the dark. He didn't know how, but unconsciously he had cast Lumos and was now reading like the sun was still up.

"Guess I should go to bed," Shrinking the books he climbed down the roof and slipped through his bedroom window. He reverted the books to their original size before stacking them on the desk, he would finish the rest later but for now, he needed some rest.

Slipping into the blanket he found himself thinking about the next two big events in his life. Hogwarts and the World cup. His grandfather wanted him to learn how to act like his age for once and have fun; this would mean he'd have to socialize. It wasn't that he was an introvert, it was because all his life he was surrounded by grown-ups and older teenagers that he befriended. They weren't bad company, but spending time with them and not with kids his age made him mature faster.

Pushing the thought away, he closed his eyes only to open them. Curse his sudden urge to invent something, first, it was Hogwarts, and now this. He needed to find something that would ease his mind. Sighing, he threw the blanket and picked up the book about runes that he was halfway through.

He walked to the corner of the room where a desk was placed. He opened the book to a page he found earlier and opened one of the drawers. Luckily his aunt hadn't taken the set he left. Taking out one of the neatly arranged rune pens. The familiar feeling of the cold metal made him smile. It'd been a while since had played with a few runes, so it was nice to finally use them to create something new. Right now he had a fairly good idea.

Since he was going to attend Hogwarts and the world cup. He had to hide his bracer somehow. After all, it was part of his Death Eater attair and a trademark part of his outfit whenever he went out hunting. So if someone manages to connect the dots, it's not going to go well for the person.

Unstrapping it, he laid it gently on the desk and got to work. He had to hide it somehow but how? Maybe make it invisible? No that's just stupid. Maybe… a bracelet? Actually yeah, a bracelet would be the perfect disguise. 'Alright, it's been decided, I shall turn you into a bracelet, my precious. His hand gripped the point of the pen and slowly he traced the runes that would be needed, whilst looking back at the book for reference. He didn't need to add much because it was already durable in the first place so all he needed to do was carve a string of runes that would turn it into a bracelet.

"There we go, now time for the actual thing," Returning the pen to its socket, he grabbed another one with an ember glowing tip. This would be the bridge that would connect his magic to the bracer. Swiftly, he drew over the layout, the pen leaving an orange glow behind its tracks. Blowing on the carved space, he closed the drawer and placed the tip of his wand onto the area. A soft glow lighted the room before he watched the bracer shrink and morph into a simple silver bracelet.

"Done," Picking up the small accessory, he clipped it on. It felt weird. He was used to wearing his bracer and now the space was empty with a small bracelet taking its place. Now he had to think of what to do with his wand. Of course, he could just stuff it on the hem of his jeans but that felt wrong and it would make it too slow for him to grab. Maybe he could… no. This was fine for now, tomorrow he would find something out.

~O~

"Had trouble sleeping?"

"Wha? Huh, oh no. Just thinking bout' something."

"Spill, maybe I can help you out."

"Ahem," he cleared his throat, "I don't know if you heard but I'm going to be attending Hogwarts."

"Hmm, yes Tom mentioned that in one of his letters. So what about it?"

"Well, I can't exactly use my bracer because of the chances of it being recognized so I turned it into a bracelet for the time being."

"Oooh, that's cool. Are the charms still there?"

"You mean if I can still cast a shield using it, then yes. But now I have no place to put my wand and I do not want to stuff it into my waistband," He purposefully emphasized the point. Made sure that Hecate knew he was serious cause god knows what joke she'll make.

"Ok... " she looked at me a tad bit weird, "What about a ring? You have one why not make it double?"

"Huh, that sounds like a great idea."

"I always have great ideas."

"That's debatable."

"And you're unarmed while I'm not."

"Noted."

"Good, now say 'thank you, aunt Hecate, you're the best!'"

"Seriously?"

"Yes seriously, now come on I don't have all day. I have places to be and alcohol to drink- I mean, coffee, yes I'm meeting with some friends to get coffee."

"Hmm, nice save," grumbling, he reluctantly repeated her words, only to be forced to say it again in his 'lovable six-year-old voice' which he hated. "If that's all, I have a rune kit calling me upstairs."

"Wait! Not so fast, I cleaned dinner last night and cooked breakfast this morning so now it's your turn to clean up."

"Ughh, fine!" Stretching he grabbed the empty plates and began to wash them. Here in the house, his aunt expected everything mundane to be done in a muggle fashion. Meaning no magic when washing dishes.

~O~

An hour later he was sitting back on the desk, his tool kit right in front of him with his wand gently laid atop a black handkerchief. He had gotten the wand pretty early, Leonardo, an old retired wandmaker had helped him pick out his wand. The guy might've been retired but that only meant that he wasn't selling wands anymore. But he was still making wands, mostly using ingredients that are almost near impossible to find.

"Weirwood, 13 inches with a basilisk core," Was what the man had said. Weirwood was said to have masters that were loyal and protective of those around them. The basilisk core needed a master that would be assertive and trusting. It needed someone who they could trust, someone who they could follow. He still couldn't forget the moment when he first held the wand. It was like something had merged into his soul, a voice, a person who watched over him.

Slowly, his hand gently began to carve the runes needed at the end of the wand. They would disappear later on, but right now they were engraved onto the wood. Picking up the hot pen, he traced the runes one by one just like how he did it on his bracer. The soft sizzling sound of the tip burning the runes whistled in his ear. Waving the wand around, he blew on the runes. Tentatively, he grasped the wand the runes still hot beneath his skin. Focusing, he held the wand tightly and started to activate the runes.

"There, done," What was once a wand, was now ring. Pale white just like his wand with a black border lacing the edges. He closed his eyes and focused once again, this time the ring was gone, and in its place was his wand. The runes worked properly and there didn't seem to be any problems.

"You've done the impossible, you know that?"

"Thought you had stuff to do?" He placed the wand back onto the desk. His aunt was leaning by the door frame. Her eyes stared at the wand in wonder.

"Excuses, you should know I'm good at those by now, nephew."

"Well, what brings you by then?"

"You don't get it?" He looked at her curiously.

"What?"

"Percy, no one has ever been able to carve a rune onto their wand. You're the first person in history to do it."

"Wait. So you knew but didn't mention it?!" He was a dumbass! He hadn't even thought about it. He'd never heard of anything like it, Leonardo probably didn't even do it himself.

"Thought you wouldn't go for it, plus, if there's anyone who could pull off the impossible. It's you."

"Thanks, but I could've destroyed my wand," He looked worriedly at the wand, glad that nothing seemed to be wrong.

"Highly doubt it. You're the Da Vinci when it comes to spells, runes, and anything magic-related. Percy. I always had a feeling you would become a great wizard. This right here just proves everything was right. You're an amazing wizard, don't ever forget that."

"The Da Vinci of magic. Heh, has a nice ring to it. But what do you mean you had a feeling I would be a great wizard?"

"Our lineage is unique Percy, but you're different. The heir of Salazar Slytherin. You, my dear nephew, will become the greatest wizard in history. Follow the footsteps of Salazar but also forge your own. That's my tip for you."

"Wow, I never took you for the wise type."

"Oh shut up. But do you get it now?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Then come on, let's go have some fun. As practice you know, for when you attend Hogwarts not to mention the World Cup is only a week away. Plus, you don't typically act like a normal 17-year-old, you need to act your age if you want to fit in."

"What makes you say I don't act like my age?"

"You're a dumbass, you know that."

"And you're a drunk."

"Heh, gods I love you kiddo," she hooked her arm around his neck, "Now come on, the day is still young."

"Fine, and I love you too."