I'm on fire! Two chapters in a week.
(Also, there's a poll on my profile. I might not do the most-requested one, but it'll help me get a feel for what you guys want). Leaning towards Daphne at the moment.
And there's a lot of you saying to just do whatever pairing I want. That's really nice of you, but to be honest, I don't really care. I have no plan for this fic, I'm just going with the flow.
CHAPTER FOUR: THE LEARNING CURVE
Inside the manor, Percy set his bag of books down in one of the large, dimly lit rooms. Hecate waved her hand, and one of the books floated from the bag, flipping open on a nearby table. The pages turned rapidly until they landed on a specific section.
"Charms," Hecate announced. "Your first proper lesson. We'll start with the basics."
"Charms?" Percy asked, raising an eyebrow. "Like making things float?"
Hecate nodded. "Among other things. It's essential magic. Mastering these will help you control your energy in more complex situations. Besides, charms are versatile and often underestimated by wizards. You'll find them useful."
Percy sat down at the table, staring at the open book. It felt strange, reading about how to wave a wand or say a magic word, especially when he was used to summoning waves or fighting with a sword.
Percy held his wand, holding it awkwardly. "So, I just… flick it and say the word?"
"Not quite," Hecate corrected. "Magic isn't just about saying words. It's about focus, intent, and channeling energy through your wand. For demigods like you, it might feel strange at first, since you're used to controlling raw power. This is more refined."
Percy furrowed his brow. "Alright. What's the first spell?"
"Levitation," Hecate said, placing a feather on a table. "Wingardium Leviosa."
Percy couldn't help but snicker. "Excuse me?"
"Don't underestimate it," Hecate warned. "It's one of the most useful spells. Try it."
Percy glanced at the feather on the table and took a deep breath. He raised the wand and, with a swish and flick, said, "Wingardium Leviosa."
Nothing happened.
Hecate raised an eyebrow. "Try again. This time, focus. You're not just waving a wand - you're channeling your energy into it."
Percy gritted his teeth, focusing on the feather and imagining it rising off the table. He swished the wand again, a little slower this time, and repeated the incantation, "Wingardium Leviosa."
The feather quivered, and then, to his surprise, it floated off the table.
"Whoa," Percy said, watching the feather hover a few inches above the surface. "I did it."
Hecate smiled faintly. "Good. Now keep practicing. Control is key. You'll need to learn how to sustain spells, especially when you're in a stressful situation."
Percy kept his eyes on the feather, trying to maintain his focus. It wasn't as easy as it looked; the moment his concentration wavered, the feather dropped back onto the table.
"See?" Hecate said. "It takes more than just knowing the spell. You have to control it."
They spent the next hour practicing simple charms - levitating objects, summoning things with Accio, and unlocking doors with Alohomora. Percy found that while the concepts were simple, the execution was difficult. Unlike his usual battles, where he relied on instinct and raw power, magic required precision and mental discipline.
But his raw power made for his spells to… backfire, sometimes. Percy almost burnt down the house, but he preferred not to think of that.
By the end of the session, Percy was exhausted. He collapsed into a chair, wiping sweat from his forehead. "This is harder than it looks."
"It always is," Hecate said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But you're learning quickly. Don't expect to master everything in a day. Wizards spend years perfecting these spells."
Percy nodded, catching his breath. "Yeah, but I don't have years. What's next?"
"Next?" Hecate asked, standing up. "Next, we move on to Transfiguration. But that's for tomorrow. You'll need rest."
"Right." Percy said. "Y'know, when we were at the goblin bank-"
"Gringotts."
"Yeah, that. When we were at Gringotts, why'd you call me a pureblood?"
Hecate paused, her expression unreadable for a moment. She studied Percy as if weighing her response carefully before speaking. "In the wizarding world," she began slowly, "bloodlines matter a great deal. They believe that magic runs stronger in certain families - those descended from long lines of wizards and witches. It's why they have this obsession with 'purebloods' - those who come from purely magical families."
"Right, you mentioned that," Percy frowned. "But I'm not from a wizarding family. I'm a demigod."
"True," Hecate agreed, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "But you come from something much older, much more powerful than any wizarding bloodline. The magic in your veins comes from the gods themselves, from your father, Poseidon. To wizards, that makes you... special. A pureblood."
Percy blinked, trying to wrap his head around it. "So, I'm some kind of magical pureblood because of my godly parent?"
Hecate nodded. "Precisely. It's part of why I introduced you as such at Gringotts. It's easier to explain your power in terms they understand."
Percy leaned back, absorbing the information. "So basically, you're saying I'm considered powerful because I'm a demigod… and I get to benefit from racism?"
Hecate sighed, her expression softening. "It's not something to take lightly, Percy. The wizarding world has deeply ingrained prejudices. While being labeled a pureblood might give you a certain advantage in their society, it's not something to celebrate. It's a reflection of their flawed views, not a measure of your true worth."
Percy scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, I get that. I'm just not sure how to feel about it. I've never been one for... titles."
"Good," Hecate said firmly. "Titles are meaningless outside their narrow worldview. What truly matters is how you handle the power you've been given and what you choose to do with it."
Percy smirked. "So, no pressure then."
Hecate smiled faintly. "None at all."
For a moment, he thought back to his life as a demigod - how often he'd been judged for things beyond his control, like being a child of the Big Three. Now, in this world, he was once again defined by blood he hadn't chosen.
"Doesn't seem fair," Percy frowned. "If a person with a mortal, or muggle, I guess, parent can be just as powerful as a person with wizards for both parents, why do they judge? And what if, I don't know, you just can't do magic?"
"Well," Hecate said. "Children of wizards, who can't do magic, are called squibs. They're really frowned down upon, considered embarrassments by their families. And being realistic, a halfblood calling for change isn't going to get very far in a society that values blood status above all else." Hecate paused, her tone shifting to something more serious. "It's a systemic issue, Percy. It's ingrained in their culture, and most are unwilling to question it. Those with power rarely want to share it."
"Of course they're called halfbloods," Percy muttered. "But if a pureblood decided to speak up…"
"They'd probably be taken a lot more seriously, yes."
Percy's face lit up. "And I'm considered a pureblood…"
Hecate's lips twitched in amusement. "Well, not legally, not yet. Nothing a healthy dose of mist can't fix, however. By the morning, you'll be considered a pureblood from the house of Hecate!"
Percy grinned. "Epic."
Hecate's eyes gleamed with approval. "That's the spirit."
"I can't wait for tomorrow," Percy said. "Magic is cool."
She laughed. "Rest now. Tomorrow, we'll not be waving wands, we'll be doing theory - and trust me, you'll need all your energy."
As Percy stood to go to his bed, he couldn't help but think about what she'd said. In this world of wizards and witches, he wasn't just a demigod with a sword. He was something more, something even they didn't fully understand.
And for once, that idea didn't scare him.
It excited him.
THE BOY WHO DIED
The following day dawned bright and crisp, and as Percy stretched awake, he felt a sense of excitement. He dressed quickly, the thrill of learning filling his heart with anticipation.
After a quick breakfast, he found Hecate waiting for him in the same dimly lit room. The atmosphere felt charged, as if the air itself was tinged with magic.
"Are you ready for Transfiguration?" she asked, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Percy replied, feeling the weight of the wand in his pocket.
Hecate gestured for him to sit at the table again. "Today, we'll begin with something simple: turning a teacup into a tortoise."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "A tortoise? Why not something cooler, like a dragon?"
"Dragons are complicated," she said with a hint of amusement. "And I'd rather you not burn the house again. We start small and work our way up. Now, focus on the teacup. Feel its essence, understand what it is. Then, channel that understanding into your spell."
Percy stared at the teacup, trying to block out all distractions. He took a deep breath and let his mind clear, envisioning the cup. He could almost feel its ceramic surface under his fingertips.
"What do I say?" He asked.
Hecate smirked. "Whatever you think will work."
"Okay, here goes nothing," he muttered, lifting his wand. "Transformus tortoisus!"
The teacup shimmered for a brief moment before sputtering and exploding into a shower of porcelain shards.
"Oops," Percy said sheepishly, brushing the remnants off the table.
Hecate chuckled softly. "A good first attempt. Try again, but this time visualize the transformation in your mind first."
Percy nodded, a determined gleam in his eye. "Alright, I can do this."
As the lesson progressed, he felt the boundaries of his magical capabilities expanding. Hecate's guidance was steady, and with every mishap, he learned something new.
Hours passed in a blend of failure and progress, until finally, after what felt like an eternity, he successfully transformed the teacup into a small tortoise.
The tortoise blinked up at him, its shell gleaming in the light. Percy couldn't help but grin widely, the achievement washing over him like a wave.
"Excellent!" Hecate praised, clapping her hands together. "Now, remember that feeling. You channeled not just magic but also understanding."
"Is this how wizards feel all the time?" Percy asked, half-joking.
"Pretty much," she replied with a smile. "It's a wonderful sensation, isn't it? That's the magic of mastery."
"So…" Percy said. "Anymore cool things?"
Hecate smirked. "Not quite. I promised theory, didn't I?"
Her smile promised pain.
"Okay, sounds interesting," Percy replied, taking a seat at the wooden table that was now adorned with books, scrolls, and various magical artifacts. "What kind of theory?"
"Let's start with the foundational concepts of magic," Hecate said, pulling a hefty tome from a nearby shelf. The cover was embossed with intricate symbols, which glimmered in the light. "This book outlines the basic principles of magical theory. At its core, magic is about energy manipulation, intention, and the connection between the caster and the world around them."
Percy leaned forward, intrigued. "Energy manipulation?"
"Exactly!" Hecate nodded, flipping the pages until she found the section she was looking for. "But it's more than just that. Magic draws from the environment and the caster's inherent abilities. When you cast a spell, you're channeling energy through your wand, using it as a conduit to affect change in the physical world."
"Got it. So, it's like a circuit?" Percy asked, trying to relate it to what he understood.
"An excellent analogy," she praised, her eyes sparkling with approval. "Think of your wand as a battery. The magical energy is stored within you and the environment, and your intention completes the circuit, allowing that energy to flow and create an effect."
Percy nodded, processing the information. "So if I want to lift something, I have to direct that energy and focus on the action?"
"Precisely! But it's not just about focusing your energy; you must also understand the nature of what you're trying to manipulate. Each object has its own essence, which you must respect and work with."
"That makes sense," Percy said, feeling a sense of clarity forming in his mind. "So, if I were to try and lift a rock versus a feather, I'd have to approach them differently?"
"Exactly! The feather is light and airy, while the rock is dense and grounded. Your approach to each spell would differ based on those properties." Hecate paused, her expression serious. "This understanding is essential in Transfiguration, where the essence of the object must be honored to create a successful transformation."
Percy bit his lip, pondering her words. "What if I don't understand the object well enough?"
"Then you risk failure or, worse, unintended consequences," Hecate warned gently. "That's why study is vital. The more you know about the properties of magical elements, the more effectively you can manipulate them."
"So, where do I start?" Percy asked, eager to dive deeper.
"Let's look at the different branches of magic," Hecate suggested, opening the book to a new page filled with diagrams and charts. "Each branch has its own set of principles and applications. We'll begin with the foundational branches: Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions."
As Hecate explained each branch, Percy listened intently, absorbing the information. He learned that Charms were spells that added specific properties to objects, while Transfiguration was about changing the form of an object entirely. Potions involved combining various magical ingredients to create a desired effect.
He liked the sound of that.
"Each branch is interconnected," Hecate continued. "Understanding their relationships will help you see the bigger picture of magic. For example, a potion might require a charm to enhance its effect, or a transformation may need to be reinforced with an incantation."
Percy scribbled notes furiously, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, it's all about using them together?"
"Exactly," she said, her smile widening. "Magic is not a solitary practice. It thrives on collaboration between different forms and understanding the balance of power."
He paused, absorbing this new perspective. "That makes it feel more like an art than just, I don't know, science."
"Precisely! It's a creative endeavor as much as it is a technical one," Hecate said, leaning closer to the table. "You'll find that the most effective wizards are those who can blend intuition with knowledge. They see magic not just as a tool but as a living force."
Percy's thoughts raced. He had always seen magic as a gift, something wondrous and chaotic. Now, it felt like a language waiting to be spoken, a dance waiting to be performed. "Is there a way to practice this theory?" he asked, his enthusiasm growing.
"Of course! Understanding theory is only part of the equation," Hecate said, her voice filled with encouragement. "We'll spend time not just practicing spells but also analyzing their components. We can start with Potions today and work our way through each branch systematically."
"Awesome! Let's do it," Percy replied, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Hecate nodded approvingly. "Very well, let's begin with a simple potion. Potions are a unique blend of magic and science. Each ingredient carries a specific magical property, and when combined in the right proportions, they create powerful effects."
Percy leaned forward, eager to learn. "What potion are we making?"
"Something basic but essential: a calming draught. It's perfect for practicing balance and control. If you don't measure your ingredients precisely, the potion could either do nothing or have the opposite effect."
She led Percy over to a small cauldron set up in the corner of the room, where an assortment of ingredients lay on a nearby shelf. Hecate picked up a piece of parchment and handed it to him.
"Follow this recipe. It's important to understand that potion-making is as much about intuition as it is about following instructions."
Percy scanned the list of ingredients: Valerian root, Lavender sprigs, moonstone dust, and a drop of essence of lavender.
"Got it," he said, rolling up his sleeves. "What's the first step?"
"Start with preparing the valerian root. You'll need to crush it gently to release its magical essence. Too much force, and you'll overpower the calming effect," Hecate explained, watching as Percy picked up the mortar and pestle.
Percy placed the valerian root into the bowl and began grinding it slowly. After a few moments, a faint, soothing aroma filled the air.
"Good," Hecate praised. "Now add it to the cauldron and stir counterclockwise, three times."
Percy followed her instructions, watching as the potion began to shimmer slightly. He couldn't help but feel a little proud of himself.
"Next, the lavender sprigs. Tear them apart carefully and drop them in," Hecate said, standing by his side.
He plucked the delicate sprigs, the scent of lavender mingling with the valerian as he added them to the mixture. The potion's surface rippled and began to glow with a soft, purple hue.
Hecate nodded. "Very good. Now for the moonstone dust. Too much, and the potion will turn bitter and lose its effectiveness."
Percy picked up the tiny vial of shimmering dust, holding it carefully above the cauldron. With great concentration, he tapped the vial gently, allowing just a pinch of the dust to fall in.
The potion's glow deepened, its fragrance growing richer and more calming.
"Excellent," Hecate said with a satisfied smile. "Now, just a drop of essence of lavender to finish it off."
Percy carefully measured a single drop and added it to the cauldron. As soon as it hit the surface, the potion swirled with a vibrant, silvery light before settling into a gentle, steady glow.
"That's it," Hecate said softly, her voice filled with approval. "You've just completed your first potion."
Percy grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. "That was... kinda fun, actually."
"Potions are an art, just like spell casting," Hecate said, stepping back to admire the completed draught. "They require patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the magical properties within each ingredient."
She handed him a small vial. "Now, bottle it up. A well-made calming draught like this can be incredibly useful, especially in moments of high stress."
Percy carefully poured the potion into the vial, sealing it with a cork. "So, this stuff will actually work?"
"Absolutely," Hecate confirmed. "Take a small sip whenever you feel overwhelmed, and it will calm your mind and body. But remember, too much can make you lethargic."
Percy held the vial in his hand, marveling at the idea that he had created something magical with his own hands. "This feels different from just using a wand," he said thoughtfully. "More... hands-on."
"That's the beauty of potions," Hecate said, smiling.
Through the weeks, Percy learnt charms, potions, and the finer aspects of magical theory under Hecate's guidance. Each lesson brought new challenges, but Percy found himself more and more captivated by the magic.
Charms, in particular, fascinated him. Hecate started with the basics: levitation, unlocking doors, and simple shielding charms. Each spell required not only the correct incantation but also an awareness of how his will interacted with the magic. He learned that the wand was not just a tool, but an extension of his intent.
"The wand channels your focus," Hecate explained during one of their sessions. "But the magic comes from within you, Percy. It's your willpower that bends reality to your command."
Percy practiced diligently, waving his wand with precision as he muttered incantations. He quickly learned that rushing through spells often led to disastrous results—like when his levitation charm sent an entire stack of books flying across the room instead of just the top one.
As he mastered charms, they moved on to more complex branches of magic, including transfiguration and defensive spells. Each new area required a different kind of focus, a different way of understanding how magic flowed through the world. Percy enjoyed the physicality of transfiguration, where the boundaries of one object could be bent into another, almost like a puzzle. Defensive magic, on the other hand, demanded quick reflexes and adaptability.
"You already have good instincts for defense," Hecate said approvingly during one of their sparring sessions, where they practiced shield charms. "You're used to thinking on your feet, and that serves you well here. Magic, however, requires you to think not just tactically, but creatively."
Percy began to understand the depth of Hecate's teachings. It wasn't just about raw power, though he certainly had plenty of that. It was about the way power flowed, how it could be harnessed and shaped with intention and skill. He noticed how his control improved with each passing day, his spells becoming sharper, more precise.
Yet despite his growing confidence, Hecate never let him forget that she was the goddess of magic, and 'her pupils would be only the best'. There were always new spells to learn, new theories to explore, and new ways to connect with magic itself.
As the weeks passed, Percy found himself immersed in both theory and practice, balancing his studies with practical spellwork and potion-making. With each lesson, his understanding of magic deepened, and so did his connection to it.
One day, after a particularly challenging lesson on advanced transfiguration, Hecate sat down across from him, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"You've come a long way, Percy," she said. "You could take your entry exam right now, and I'm sure you'd pass. But there's still one thing I want to teach you."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"
"Becoming an Animagus."
"Come again?"
Hecate chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Animagus forms. The ability to transform into an animal at will. It's one of the most advanced and intricate branches of magic - an ancient art that requires immense control and understanding of your own magical core."
Percy blinked. "Like… turning into a wolf or something?"
"Exactly," Hecate confirmed. "But it's far more complex than simply changing shape. The transformation is deeply tied to your nature. The form you take reflects your inner self, your essence. Few wizards attempt it, and even fewer succeed. But I believe you're ready."
Percy felt excited. Turning into an animal? Sign him up. "How do I even start with something like that?"
Hecate grinned. "Trust me, you're not going to enjoy it."
Percy gulped.
THE BOY WHO DIED
Hecate hadn't lied - Percy definitely didn't enjoy becoming an Animagus.
The moon hung high in the sky, its silver light casting eerie shadows across the ground. Percy sat cross-legged by the window, the mandrake leaf pressed flat against his tongue. His jaw ached from holding it in place, and the constant urge to swallow nagged at him.
A full month. He had done this for an entire month. He would have died of starvation on the first week had Hecate not blessed him.
But tonight - tonight was different. The end was near.
Hecate stood across from him. "You're almost there. Just a little longer," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. "Remember, every step must be precise."
He nodded, unable to speak with the leaf still in his mouth. Instead, he took a deep breath.
The full moon's light hit the small crystal phial in front of him, shimmering with a gentle glow. At exactly the right moment, Percy spat the mandrake leaf into the phial. The soft plop echoed through the still room. Hecate gave a brief nod of approval.
"Now, quickly," she instructed. "Your hair."
Percy plucked a single strand from his head, watching as it floated into the phial. Next, he added the dew Hecate had gathered - taken from a place untouched by sunlight for seven days - and finally, the delicate chrysalis of a Death's-head Hawk Moth.
Why did magical ingredients sound so dumb?
The mixture swirled in the vial, gleaming under the moon's light.
"That's it. Now we wait," Hecate said softly. "Store it away, and do not disturb it. We'll come back to it when the storm hits."
Days passed in restless anticipation. Percy's nerves frayed as the weather remained calm. Each sunrise and sunset, he recited the incantation: Amato Animo Animato Animagus, the tip of his wand resting over his heart. He could feel it now - a strange, foreign sensation. A second heartbeat thrummed beneath his skin. At first, it was faint, but with each chant, it grew stronger. It was eerie, unsettling even, but Hecate had warned him not to let it break his concentration.
He didn't. He couldn't.
Dark clouds rolled across the sky, the distant rumble of thunder echoing through the sky. Percy stood in the clearing, heart pounding. He could feel the storm approaching, the tension in the atmosphere.
Hecate was with him, standing on the sidelines. "This is it, Percy. When the lightning strikes, retrieve the phial. Do not hesitate."
Lightning cracked across the sky, a jagged tear of brilliance that sent Percy's nerves sparking with adrenaline. He rushed to retrieve the phial. The once-clear liquid had turned a deep, blood-red, shimmering like molten metal.
"This is it," Percy muttered, holding the vial up. His reflection stared back at him through the crimson liquid.
Hecate's eyes locked onto his. "Take it. Be sure of your will."
Percy nodded, steeling himself. With one last glance at Hecate, he raised the vial to his lips and drank.
The liquid burned as it slid down his throat, a fiery sensation that spread through his veins like wildfire. His heart raced, and for a moment, the world spun. He clutched his chest, feeling the double heartbeat pound stronger than ever.
And then it happened.
His body began to shift, his bones elongating and shrinking all at once, muscles twisting and reforming. A sharp, searing pain shot through him, but he held on, repeating the incantation through gritted teeth.
Amato Animo Animato Animagus.
His hands became talons, sharp and powerful. Feathers burst from his skin, smooth and dark, their tips shimmering with the faintest tint of gold. His vision sharpened until he could see every blade of grass, every ripple in the wind. And then, with a powerful snap, wings erupted from his back.
He was no longer just Percy Jackson. He was an eagle.
The wind lifted him as his new form took flight, soaring high into the stormy sky. The exhilaration was overwhelming - freedom like he had never felt before. His wings cut through the air with ease, his sharp eyes spotting details on the ground far below. The storm seemed like nothing now, just another part of the world he had mastered.
Yet, amid the thrill, a part of him was still grounded. The animal mind stirred within, eager to take over, to revel in the wind and sky. But Percy held on, keeping control through sheer will. He was the eagle, but he was also himself - Percy Jackson, demigod, son of Poseidon, now also an Animagus.
His heart raced, not from fear, but from the sheer magnitude of what he had just done.
When he landed back in the clearing, the transformation was instant. His wings folded into arms, his talons reverted to hands. The feathers disappeared into skin, and soon, he stood before Hecate again, breathless but very much human.
"Well done," she said, her smile proud. "You are now an Animagus, Percy. I'll register you when you finish your exams."
He grinned, his heart still pounding from the flight. "I'm an eagle."
"Indeed," Hecate said. "It suits you."
"Hope Zeus doesn't blast me out of the sky."
"Relax!" Hecate laughed. "The gods haven't been to Britain for years. He won't harm you - and even if he wanted to, how could he differentiate you and a regular eagle?"
Percy grinned. "My animal form is Zeus' sacred animal."
She nodded. "Ironic."
"Ok, now that I'm actually an Animagus, what the actual fuck was that? Having a leaf in my mouth for a month?!" Percy exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "And that wasn't even the worst part! I thought I was going to choke on it every day. I could barely sleep!"
Hecate chuckled softly, crossing her arms. "I did warn you, didn't I? Becoming an Animagus isn't for the faint of heart. The leaf was only the beginning of your trials. It takes determination to make it through the entire process, and most never finish."
"Yeah, well, guess I'm not most," Percy muttered, rubbing his jaw. "But I gotta admit… the flight? That was something else."
"Of course it was. And don't worry about Zeus," Hecate added with a wink. "If he ever finds out, you can tell him he's not the only one who gets to fly."
THE BOY WHO DIED
"You, young man, need to get a social life."
Percy gaped. "Excuse me?"
Hecate raised an eyebrow, her expression both teasing and serious. "You've been so absorbed in your studies and practicing your Animagus form that you've forgotten about the world outside these walls."
Percy crossed his arms defensively. "I'm training to be a wizard! Isn't that important?"
"Training is important, yes," she replied, her tone gentle yet firm. "But at this point, you could already graduate Hogwarts. You need to interact with others, learn from them, and share your experiences."
Percy shifted his weight, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I guess I just... got caught up in everything. It's hard to meet people when I'm busy trying not to explode stuff."
Hecate chuckled again. "You won't explode things if you don't isolate yourself. You might even find that socializing can inspire your magic. It can broaden your perspective."
"Fine," he said with a sigh, rolling his eyes. "But where do I even start? I'm not exactly known for my social skills."
She laughed. "Go hand out with Harry or something."
Percy grumbled, but summoned a pair of sneakers and a hoodie with a wave of his wand. He walked out of the house.
"Be back before midnight!" Hecate yelled as she closed the door.
"Shut up!" Percy replied eloquently.
He took a deep breath, stepping out into the night. He looked around, feeling the thrill of the unknown. Maybe Hecate was right; a little socializing might not be so bad. Besides, hanging out with Harry could be fun.
As Percy made his way through the streets, he thought about all the stories Hecate had told him about Harry's adventures. Although Harry didn't know that he knew, so he'd have to keep that a secret.
He saw Harry walking through a park. The boy instantly noticed him.
"Hey, Percy! What are you doing here?" Harry asked, walking over to him.
"I was told I need to socialize," Percy replied, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
"Socialize? With me?" Harry chuckled. "That's got to suck."
"Hey, you're not that bad."
Harry made a face. "You definitely need a social life."
"Excuse me? I'm pretty sure I have a pretty active social life. I just happen to be busy with magic and, you know, the whole 'learning to fly' thing."
Harry raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall. "Learning to fly? You mean like Quidditch?"
"Uh, more like transforming into a giant bird and soaring through the sky," Percy replied, trying to keep his tone light. "You know, casual stuff."
"You're an Animagus?" Harry shouted.
"Quiet!" Percy hissed.
"Right, of course," Harry said, smirking. "Is it supposed to be a secret? Because that sounds like it could be illegal."
Percy's stomach dropped at the implication. "Well, technically…" He glanced around, making sure Hecate wasn't nearby. "I might not have the proper paperwork for it yet. But it's fine! It's totally fine!"
"Sure, sure. So what do you want to do?" Harry's voice dropped to a whisper. "You have to show me that Animagus form later."
"Maybe. But right now, I just need to figure out how to have some fun without drawing too much attention to myself."
Harry nodded. "How about we just hang out and grab some food? It's hard to go wrong with that."
Percy relaxed a little. "Food sounds good. I could definitely use some fuel."
"Great! There's this little place nearby that serves amazing fish and chips. You'll love it," Harry said, leading the way down the park path.
"Better be good food."
"All English food is good food."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "Sure."
"I don't want to hear it, you got kicked out of the house by your mum!"
"She's not my mom, more like… an estranged aunt. My parents are," he paused, thinking of a lie. "Dead." Hey, it wasn't like Percy was going to be seeing his mom or dad anytime soon.
Harry's expression shifted. "I'm sorry to hear that, Percy. I didn't mean to bring it up."
"Yeah, it's fine," Percy replied, brushing off the topic. "It's a long story, and it's not really something I like to dwell on." He appreciated Harry's sympathy but didn't want to turn their evening into a pity party. And besides, Harry looked like he understood.
As they walked, Percy couldn't shake the feeling of how nice it was to be out here, chatting with Harry. He didn't really think about how much he missed his friends from camp until this. Maybe throwing himself into his studies was just a way to forget about his old life…
You know what, it was too late for deep thoughts.
The air was crisp, and the stars blinked down at them, illuminating their path.
"So, how's the whole Animagus thing going?" Harry asked, curiosity lighting up his eyes.
Percy hesitated, wondering how much to reveal. "It's… complicated. Hecate is pushing me hard, but I think I might be getting the hang of it. Just the other night, I transformed into an eagle."
"An eagle?" Harry exclaimed, clearly impressed. "That's awesome! How did it feel?"
"It was incredible," Percy said, his voice gaining excitement. "The freedom of flying, the wind beneath my wings… I can't even describe it. But the transformation itself was a bit of a nightmare. I felt like my bones were breaking and re-forming."
"Yikes. Sounds intense. But worth it, right?" Harry smiled. "I can only imagine how amazing it must be."
Percy returned the smile, grateful for Harry's enthusiasm. "Yeah, it really is. I've been so focused on it, I forgot how much I've missed just… hanging out with someone. It feels nice."
"Hey, do you have an owl?"
Percy blinked. "Why would I need an owl?"
"For letters? Duh."
"Right. I'll just ask Hecate- I mean my aunt, when I get home."
They reached the fish and chips shop, and Harry ordered for both of them, clearly in his element. Percy watched as Harry bantered with the server, feeling a little envious of his ease.
Once they had their food, they settled at a small table outside, and Percy took a deep breath. "So, what do you usually do for fun?"
"Honestly? Just hang out with my friends, play Quidditch" Harry replied, a wistful smile on his face. "You know, the usual kind of stuff."
"Must be nice to have a normal life," Percy joked, though a hint of envy crept into his tone.
Harry laughed, shaking his head. "Normal? Not for me. I didn't even know I was a wizard for most of my life. But I guess everyone has their own kind of chaos."
Percy couldn't help but chuckle. "Fair point. I'd say my life has been anything but normal."
"Fair. But you know, my friends are great."
Percy nodded, understanding that feeling all too well. "Yeah, friends can really make a difference."
"Speaking of friends," Harry said, taking a bite of his chips, "you should meet mine. They'd love to know you."
"Your friends?" Percy asked. "Who're they?"
Harry chuckled. "Trust me, they'll love you. You're an Animagus and a magic genius! Hermione would probably fall in love with you if you scored high enough on a test."
This 'Hermione' sounded a lot like Annabeth.
"Alright, I'll consider it. But only if you promise not to mention the whole 'illegal Animagus' thing."
"Deal!" Harry grinned, and Percy couldn't help but smile back.
Maybe this whole wizard thing wouldn't be so bad after all.
Bang! Hope y'all liked it!
The votes clos next chapter, so when chapter five is posted, no more asking for a specific pairing.
Review responses:
Almostimportant: Thanks for the ideas! I actually might give Percy a failed relationship, who knows?
DARK WRAITH 2001: Thanks! Tonks is a good vote.
gameleddin: Ok, I was actually thinking that too!
Ozymandias: Thank you so much! I actually really agree with you. I am probably not doing Hecate though. Thanks for the advice!
Anaklusmos404: I appreciate it! I didn't want to make it too cliche, y'know? I might have Percy have pureblood customs, I just don't really know how to implement it yet. He does still have the curse of Achilles, and I'm still on the fence about houses. Thanks again!
xXRocket14Xx: Ok!
Gamerlover41592: Thanks man.
mick2002: I really appreciate it! I might do Percy/Fleur, so vote!
Guest: Explained.
JKR: Noted.
J: Okie dokie.
Robotdocter: Haha, thanks! Can't wait to see more of your reviews! XD
callofduty1942: Okay.
Trife: I'm probably gonna do Daphne, though thank you!
That's it!
Much love to you all.
