Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Since Hermione had become a shipgirl, she had discovered many, many things. How to fight, how to hunt, and how to be the best Cruiser she could be. When she found out that she was a "Witch" and there was a whole other world hidden away though, she had been shocked. Despite her curiosity though, she was heavily conflicted about what she should do. On the one hand, her being a witch had explained a lot about strange incidents that had happened before she became a shipgirl and learning magic was literally a once in a lifetime chance. On the other hand though, she was a proud shipgirl of the Royal Navy and they needed every hull they could get to fight against the Abyssals. Even after a discussion with her parents and her sisters she was unsure of what to do.

And then the doorbell rang and she opened it to find, to her shock, Victory herself there.

No, she most certainly did not squeal. Her sisters were all lying liars who lied, thank you very much! With that out of the way, the old warship was soon invited in and once she sat down, had begun to talk. It came to a surprise to Hermione that Victory had known about the magical world for a long time and she explained a few things that filled in the blanks. Much to Hermione's surprise, Victory came with orders from the First Sea Lord himself for her. Said orders had asked, not ordered, asked if she would please accept the invitation to Hogwarts. Of course, being asked by the First Sea Lord if they could do something was pretty much the same as being ordered, but appearances must be kept.

With her acceptance of them, she was told what she was supposed to do, which was rather simple. All the Admiralty wanted was for her to simple learn and observe the magical world. Not even spying as such, rather just read their history books and learn more about them. The reason being that the "Statute of Secrecy" was falling apart and that the more that was known how the magical world worked and thought, the easier the integration between them and the non-magical side of things would be. A shudder still ran down her back at the idea of literal witch hunts in modern day Britain. The fact that such were likely if the integration went badly was even worse.

However, being a Cruiser and thus the eyes and ears of the fleet, just observation was something that she had no issue with. The fact that at least the Headmaster and some of the staff knew who and what she was as well as her mission did raise an eyebrow. But when she had commented on the wisdom, Victory had given her this look. It was of the sort that caused her mouth to shut with a clack and for her to swallow nervously. Apparently Albus Dumbledore was considered by Victory to be an extremely good friend and one that she trusted implicitly. Neither would she have him insulted in her presence.

The old warship did tell her not to tell the Headmaster or, in her own words, "That damned old Bumblebee" that she had said such though.

After that, Victory had also commented that she might meet some people of interest. Two of them had raised Hermione's eyebrows as one was the red headed boy often seen with Warspite on base or at various chess tournaments. The other though was none other then the adopted son of the Battleship Nagato herself. Several days later, the Deputy Headmistress had arrived and taken her to get her items. After that though, it was back to the daily grind of patrols in the Irish Sea and English Channel.

Which is how Hermione was found stumbling back to her quarters bone weary just two days before she was to head to Hogwarts after her final patrol. Needless to say, she had pushed herself which was how she tripped and was about to fall on her face when an arm shot out and steadied her. A chuckle caused her to blink and she blushed at the words from the shipgirl who helped her. "A little tired there, hmm, Hermione?"

Yawning, Hermione gave the best glare that she could at the Battleship beside her. "Like you're not tired as well, Vanguard."

Said Battleship just shrugged and gave Hermione an odd smile. "I suppose so..."

Eyes narrowing, Hermione stopped and crossed her arms before frowning. "Is something wrong, Vanguard?"

Vanguard just flinched and chuckled nervously. "I can't hide anything from you I guess..."

Her eyebrow raising, Hermione's lips turned upwards slightly. "Considering that I've been your main escort Cruiser? That's not surprising." Then she reached out and placed her hand onto Vanguard's arm. "Now what's wrong?"

If anyone was there, they would have performed a double take as Vanguard bit her lip. The Battleship then looked around before pulling the surprised Hermione into a hug and sniffled. "I'm just going to miss you... you've been here since my summoning and..."

Reaching up, Hermione patted her on the back. "I know. And I'll communicate with you as much as possible, okay?" Getting a nod, she continued. "Besides, it's not like you really need me all that much and I am sure that the others will more then be able to help you."

As she tightened the hug, Vanguard just mumbled. "Not like you. You've taught me so much about being a warship, and you never got angry with me."

Unseen by Vanguard, Hermione flinched a bit. Before meeting the Battleship she had been rather bossy at times, but she was unable to find it in herself to be bossy to Vanguard. Especially as she tried so hard and often put herself down for being a "Glorified Yacht" at times. But by now, Vanguard had grown into her own as a Battleship and the two of them were great friends. Suddenly, it hit Hermione and she brightened. "Want to stay over for the night? Heck, how much leave do you have?"

Expression brightening, Vanguard pulled away. "Sleepover?"

Hermione chuckled and nodded. "Sure, and you can come over to my parents tomorrow." The smile on Vanguard's face caused Hermione to shake her head in amusement. Said smile though fell off when she entered her room to find a large, giftwrapped box there. "What in the world..."

Walking over, Vanguard looked at the note and frowned. "It's... from the Submarines?"

Not even a second later, Hermione leapt into the air and landed in Vanguard's arms as Upholder as well as Thorn and Thrasher shouted. "HUZZAH! INDEED, IT WAS US! FOR WE HAVE BROUGHT A PRIZE TO OUR LADY OF TROY! BEAUTIFUL AS THE SUNSET AND WORTHY OF BEING HELEN HERSELF!"

Eyebrow twitching, Hermione growled as she muttered about crazy Submarines before Vanguard coughed. "Um... a prize...?"

Grinning, Upholder put her one hand on her hips and thrust out her chest as she pointed at the box. Something that did... interesting things... to her torpedo tubes. "INDEED! FOR OUR PRINCESS SHALL SOON BE ENSCORNED WITHIN A CASTLE WORTHY OF HER!"

On either side of her, Thorn and Thrasher went into poses as Thorn nodded. "AND SO, WE BRAVED THE DEEP, DARK SEA TO BRING A PRIZE TO OUR LADY TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH. THE DASTARDLY FIEND PUT UP A FIGHT, BUT WE SUBDUED HER WITH EASE BEFITTING THOSE SUCH AS US!"

Already getting a bad feeling, Hermione hopped out of Vanguard's arms and opened the box only to blink. Inside, there was a blonde haired teenaged girl looking up at her with blue eyes and annoyed look. However, she was unable to say anything as there was tape across her mouth with her legs and arms tied up with anchor chains. It was the wetsuit that told Hermione what the person was though. With a trembling hand, Hermione gently tore off the tape. "Wh-who are...?"

Sighing, the U-Boat shook her head. "U-205, reporting. Now, could you release me so that I may do something rather terrible to some top heavy Submarines..."

Vanguard blinked as she looked over the frozen, though twitching, Hermione's shoulders and winced. "I... don't think that Paladin will be happy about this..."

When Hermione looked to the door though, all there were remaining of the three Submarines were cardboard cutouts as she began to growl, her hair moving in a invisible breeze...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Out of the entire group, it was Hachi who woke up first on Harry's last day on the base. She was curled around said boy with his back against her chest as she held him close as he softly breathed in his sleep. Even with her eyes closed, Hachi could feel her sisters, and that was what she considered the other Subgirls in Yokosuka to be, around them with Iku holding her close from behind. Opening one eye, she smiled at the sight of Maruyu held in Harry's arms though a shock of white hair told her that Hoppou was also there. Meanwhile Shinano was on the other side of Maruyu and Hoppou while Hibiki laid on top of Harry's side. A glance downward showed her the rest of DesDiv6 there along with the Akizuki sisters and a glance upwards had her see Natsumi curled in around with her stomach pressed against Harry's head.

The other Subgirls had taken up various spots where they could as she could feel Imuya's head on her legs and could see RO's hair sticking up just behind Maruyu's thigh. Internally, she chuckled at the fact that they were all in one giant cuddle pile and another glance had her spot a similar pile, of which she recognized Fubuki, Mutuski, and Yuudachi being three along with Willie D, Iowa, Hamakaze, Isokaze, and several others. She could even swear that she saw Haruna cuddling a sleeping Rose close. The feeling she got from all the ships in close proximity though was not the uncomfortable one that some humans might have gotten.

Rather, it was one of pure safety and warmth. Hachi actually pitied those humans who didn't understand exactly how comfortable a cuddlepile was.

A shift from Harry and a mutter brought her out of her thoughts though and back to why there were so many shipgirls in the area as the night before they had thrown a going away party for Harry. Something that brought a small whimper from her and a tightening of her arms. Few actually knew it, but she had some horrific nightmares from some of her voyages back when she was a ship. Sure, other shipgirls also had nightmares from the war, but Hachi's were in her mind even more horrible due to the actions some of her crew had done with numerous shipwreck survivors of ships she had sank.

Sometimes, in the darkness of her nightmares, one of said survivors would be replaced by Harry and she would be forced by her crew to cruelly execute him... or she would do it herself if she did not order it.

Due to those nightmares she had done something that few shipgirls had likely done and that was reject those particular members when they attempted to return. A fact known only to the other Subgirls in Yokosuka because while other shipgirls had rejected individual members of their crews, she was the only one to do so to almost whole crews. It was only those that wanted to redeem themselves that she allowed back though watched carefully.

However, despite that, the nightmares still haunted her.

On the really bad nights though, she often woke up in a cold sweat and even the other Submarines couldn't help her as she laid there shivering with wide eyes. Them being mostly ignored didn't help which was why her and the others often tried to get attention in any way that they could. Once Harry came into the picture though, Hachi discovered that hugging him close helped a lot to drive away those bad nights. Maybe it was because he was human, or mostly human now that the fact that Harry's mother was a shipgirl who never awoke was known. The fact that he had calm acceptance of her and tried to make her happy helped, as did the fact that he never complained when she snuck into his room on one of the bad nights to just hold him close while he chased away the darkness.

Much to her surprise the first time it had happened, Nagato had just raised an eyebrow but nothing more. Since then those nights had come less and less common. And when Haru had arrived, things had gotten better still. Hachi had often visited the Shrine only to find Haru already waiting with some tea and small snacks there. It had taken a few such visits, but one day everything had tumbled out. Yet the kitsune had not judged Hachi and had simply sat there and listened. Once she was done though, Haru had gently spoken to her, some of which was advice and some of it just being soft words that had soothed the ache.

Hachi also knew that she was not the only one as she had seen other shipgirls visit Haru at the Shrine, once she even saw Kaga of all people there. She had never asked though and neither had Haru spoken of whatever was talked about to anyone. And between her and Harry, along with each life saved from the Abyssals, Hachi had felt herself slowly getting better.

But now with Harry leaving them for Hogwarts, Hachi couldn't help but feel uncertain and nervous. For the moment though, the Subgirl decided to close her eyes and just savour it. Part of her was amused as it was almost like recharging, or storing up the feeling of the closeness around her for use when she had another bad night. It was unknown to Hachi how long they laid there before Harry began to wake up. However, she gave him a grin as he turned his head to look at her through sleep filled eyes. "Morning, Hachi-Chan."

Giggling lightly, Hachi shook her head and raised one eyebrow in amusement. "Not good morning, but good afternoon."

For a moment, Harry seemed to consider this before he nodded and smiled. "Guten Nachmittag, Hachi-Chan."

Now blushing, the Subgirl smiled back. "Guten Nachmittag, Harry-Chan."

Once more yawning, Harry glanced around and frowned. "Kind of want to go back to sleep..."

Just nodding, Hachi hummed a bit. "I suppose so, though if you want you can, no one is stopping you. Besides..." For a moment, she felt her throat freeze up before she shook it off. "You should get as much sleep as possible because of the lag. After all, England is nine hours behind."

Frowning more fully, Harry furrowed his eyebrows. "Are you okay, Hachi-Chan?"

All Hachi did though was snuggle more with him as she thought over her answer. "Actually... yeah." She then nodded some. "Yeah, I think that Hacchan is okay now."

Much to her surprise, Harry pushed back some against her and nodded. "I'm glad."

Slipping one arm as best she could between the two small bodies and Harry, Hachi pulled him in close. "So am I, so am I..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A pair of feet walked across the land in the early pre-dawn light. Yet no footprints were left. Not a blade of grass bent nor droplet of dew disturbed by their passing. Their owner was there and yet not there in the same moment.

Her passing was marked by the scent of old books, of strange fumes, cut stone, and of a scent that some might describe as being like ozone. But it was a deeper smell, one more... there. The scent of magic. Yet there was no one there who would have noticed.

While she walked, she tilted her head and observed her surroundings with eyes that twinkled with a need to learn. But her eyes were deep, with knowledge of ages and some forgotten. Upon her lips was a mischievous smile, one full of laughter hidden. There was more to it then that though as there was wonderment as well at the world around her. Robes that wrapped around her swished through the morning mist as she climbed a hill.

Unknown to most now, it was once used to lay to rest great chieftains. And upon which their successors would rise. A place of endings and new beginnings. One of meetings as it was also where those that wanted to meet peacefully might do so. For a hundred generations long gone it was used as such and their marks could be seen still upon the stones if one cared to look carefully. Up a well worn path trodden by uncounted people, the two feet lightly traveled.

The hill had a weight to it known to few, but felt by all.

Finally she reached the top, climbing out of the mists that were unable to cling to her form. Walking through two boulders, she wondered for a moment, like she had many times before, what did they know? What have they seen that she had not? Older then her, they slept and kept what secrets they knew, never to be known to any but themselves. For they guarded secrets jealously, even from those alike. And even she would not wake them for just her curiosity. It was then that she spotted them waiting on the hilltop.

One, the man, was tall though he was slouched over as he held a staff in one hand. But there was strength in his body with wiry muscles that could pull apart even stone if given time. Under his green, hooded cloak tangled hair spilled out with branches and twigs, some with leaves, embedded in it. His beard was not much better though it better resembled the lichen that hung from trees in an old forest. His weathered face was tougher then leather and lined deeply with age.

It was his eyes though that caught her attention. Deep and dark they were. She knew that there were secrets there. Secrets forgotten and buried, of summers past. At times, she swore that there were lines of lights, torches in a parade, within those eyes. What she did know was that he was truly a child of his father, of he in the Green. Those eyes could be cruel as could his expression, but she knew that was simply his way and did not hold it against him. Around him hung the smell of wood, of the decay within forests. Sometimes, she could hear chants in a language long dead, unknown even to her. Whispered to her of things long ago...

Yet the woman opposite of him was different though the same. Ageless, one could not tell how old she was. Around her, fabric of blue drifted in the breeze and her face was one of calm, almost placid. Though that could change in an instant to one of fury. More then one had forgotten that fact and met their ends in her embrace. And even when calm she was no less dangerous. For one misstep could lead to one's doom around her. Despite that, others when they passed were gifted to her. They would be slipped into her embrace and she would guard over them as they slept that sleep eternal.

However, the last of those were long ago, beyond memory or even song. For she was the oldest of the three of them. Ancient even before the man had come and within the depths of her eyes one could see a glint of the cold, endless winter in which she was born. A winter so deep that even the youngest could scarcely imagine it though she knew much about it.

Softly growling like a group of animals, the man turned toward her. His voice creaked and groaned. "About time you arrived, child! Must you do this each time despite how many times before?!"

The oldest just chuckled before she spoke, her voice washing over them gently. "Be calm, she is still yet young."

Sheepishly smiling, the youngest adjusted the boom in her arms. "Sorry... some preparations were still being done late."

A sneer on his face, the man waved her off. "Of course. Be mindful though because one day, I might have enough and come calling right up to your door."

On the youngest, there was a slight smirk. "Perhaps one day, but that will be a time yet. And I shall fight you every inch of the way though I may yield in the end."

The oldest glanced between the two before her expression grew stormy. "ENOUGH!"

As her voice slammed into them, both shuddered a bit. Then the youngest nodded. "My apologies." Beside her the man also muttered his own. Then the youngest was smiling again, her expression puckish. "It seems though that things will become interesting."

Lightly smiling, the older woman tilted her head. "Oh?"

Nodding, the youngest grinned. "It seems that I shall have at least another Daughter under my care."

Eyes widening, the oldest nodded. "I see, it shall be good to see then. The Great One's Daughters are quite interesting. And always fun when they come to me."

Waving it off, the man snorted, the sound not unlike a windstorm. "I do not see why you are both so interested in them. That one that keeps visiting has ones that I knew used to bring her about."

However, both women shared an expression of fond exasperation before they got down to their meeting. Near the end though, all three snapped their eyes to look toward the Northeast. Their eyes narrowed as they listened to something only they could hear while the youngest clinched one fist. "I hate her."

Giving her a look, the oldest only nodded. "Yes... she had one of your favorites I believe."

The man only nodded. "I agree with the child though. She likes to play and harm far too much. One should end it quickly! Not prolong such things as she does. But it does seem that she is amused by something..."

Sighing, the oldest shook her head. "I would normally say that one so young should be given some leeway, but I cannot. And I foresee that despite all her power, what she has done will come back to call. And her being amused at the darkness upon the Great One will only be to her detriment in the end. No matter, what will come shall do so..."

It was a time later that only the youngest was still atop the hill, just standing there as she gazed to the east. 'Speaking of favorites...' Yet again, her expression turned puckish. "I wonder... childe of two of those I favoured. What does your future hold? We have not yet met, yet I feel that you shall become another among those I watch over to become one I care for as your parents... I look forward to watching."

Then the first rays of the dawn touched the hill and she was gone as if she was never there or only made of the morning mists.

 

[darthcourt10]

This is the work of Harry Leferts and others.
Cross posted from SV and SB as each site has things exclusive to the other.
Permission granted by Harry Leferts and the Mods alethiophile, Megaolix and Biigoh

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

These are some of the Authors of Harry Potter and the Ship Girls on Sufficientvelocity and Spacebattles

SV/SB Names/Handles - Single name if same on both sites

Harry Leferts - Original idea/Core writer Generally a Snippet/chapter a day
SisterJeanne/Yellow Hammer - Backbone writer/Number 2
Kiyone4Ever/Kimasa
choco_addict
RCNAnon
Sakuya's Butler/Barricade
OnceUponWhatever/ NotHimAgain
sstabeler/harcroft
Warwolf117/Allard-Liao
dragon_cloud16/?
M1Garand8/?
drag0nsoldier/?
TempestK/?
Kab2 /?
ijnfleetadmiral/?

 

[darthcourt10]

Original Threads Here

SpaceBattles

1. Harry and the Shipgirls - First Thread
2. Harry and the Shipgirls: Prisoner of Shipping - Second Thread
3. Harry and the Shipgirls: Goblet of Feels - Third Thread
4. Harry and the Shipgirls: Goblet of Feels Pt. 2 - Fourth Thread
5. Harry and the Shipgirls: Goblet of Fire Pt. 3 (Main story and Canonical Side Stories) - Fifth thread

Sufficient Velocity

1. Harry And The Shipgirls: A HP/KanColle Snippet Collection - First Thread at Sufficient Velocity
2. Harry And The Shipgirls: Prisoner of Shipping - Second Thread at Sufficient Velocity

Questionable Questing

1 Prelude 240K words
2 Year 1 A
3 Year 1 Xmas

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry and the Shipgirls is a Harry Potter/KanColle crossover fanfic written by Harry Leferts.

Decades before the start of the story, the first Abyssals came and attacked, and the event was covered up by wizards to keep magic hidden from the muggles. And then more Abyssals came and those too were covered up.

Then more and more came in greater numbers over the decades, stretching the wizards thin trying to maintain the Statute of Secrecy, and then the Dark Lord Voldemort openly started what would be later known as the First Wizarding War, forcing the wizards to concentrate all their efforts inwards. By the time the Dark Lord was defeated and the wizards had a first look at the muggle world in a while, the Abyssal attacks escalated into the Total War, and in response the muggles summoned the Shipgirls to battle the abyssal menace.

Judging the situation unsalvageable, the magical governments decided to double down on hiding from muggles and hope for the War to blow over, while trying to cover up magical beings that were coming out of the woodwork due to the war thinning the barrier between the material and the spiritual, while many others took advantage of all of this to act more overtly.


Then one day, IJN Battleship Nagato along with others were attending a social dinner at the Dursleys', owners of a company that supplies materials to the Navy, where they found a malnourished seven-year old boy locked in the cupboard. With the Dursleys arrested for ration fraud, Nagato took upon herself to raise Harry Potter.

 

[darthcourt10]

Year One - The Power of Magicite Part 1

START

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Coming to a stop with his trunk and Hedwig's cage on a trolley, Harry looked around the crowded floor of King's Cross with butteflies in his stomach which stopped as he heard a soft intake of breath. "My word... things have certainly changed here..."

With a blink, he looked up to see Rose looking around in wonderment on her face. "You've been here before, Rose?"

Slowly, she nodded before commenting softly enough that anyone around would be unlikely to hear except for the members of their group. Thankfully she was out of her usual uniform in a simple blouse and jeans so she didn't stand out too much. Granted, she was still confused over why Haruna had stared at her when they left... "I have, Master. But that was... long ago." Her gaze took on a look as if she was looking at something far off that only she could see. "In fact, it was back when I was on the trains myself, more then a hundred years ago."

Beside her, Natsumi was happy for the distraction from the feeling roiling in her gut. "Well... like you said, it has been more then a hundred years and things do change."

Nodding, Rose just frowned. "Perhaps... but I did not expect things to change this much. And yet, I can still see some things that I remember. It's all so very odd..."

A cough though brought their attention to Nagato who raised an eyebrow and glanced at the time. "As much as I would like otherwise, we only have an hour before Harry's train leaves and I don't know how big of a crowd will be here..." Pulling out a note, she scanned it and frowned. "According to this, the entrance is hidden between platforms nine and ten, we simply need to walk through the wall between them."

Just nodding, Harry began to push his trolley through the crowds towards said platform and frowned a bit as the wall came into view. "I wonder why no one's noticed it? I mean, surely someone's seen people go through there."

Frowning, Inazuma shook her head. "Yeah, that's pretty weird, Nanodesu."

Natsumi though just snorted and shook her head. "They're magicals, they likely are using some spell to keep those without magic from seeing... though I think that they're probably needing to work a lot harder nowadays."

It was Fubuki though that spotted the entrance first. "There it is!"

Looking around, Harry frowned a bit. "I don't see it."

While she blinked, Fubuki leaned over and pointed at a section of wall. "It's right there, can't you see the archway? I can sort of see through it."

That got her a look from Harry and he frowned. "Um, no?"

Confused, the Destroyer was about to comment when Natsumi snickered a bit and grabbed their attention. "Harry-Chan? Don't look, instead you should look."

Eyes slowly widening, Harry looked back at the wall and stared for a moment. If anyone was looking, they might have seen his eyes take on a slight glow. But before his eyes he could just see an archway there, though he couldn't see through it. What really caught his attention though was what looked like the hulls of three Light Cruisers as well as a British Battleship entering the archway and going through it. "What the..." At their looks, he pointed. "I just saw some shipgirls enter..."

Frowning, Nagato looked herself and frowned. "That's... interesting. But I after I was told by Warspite that there was going to be at least one awakened Shipgirl there." Seeing the confusion on Harry's face, she smiled tightly and raised an eyebrow. "You did not think that I would not make sure that someone would be there to protect you just in case?"

A chuckle escaped from Harry as he scratched his head. "Yeah... I guess." Then he smiled up at her. "Thanks."

Simply nodding, Nagato's smile became genuine. "You're welcome, Harry." When he turned back though to a conversation with Mutsuki, Nagato frowned as she spotted something at the other end of the train station. 'Speaking of Warspite... I wonder what she's doing here?'

Meanwhile, Harry glanced off to the side and blinked. "Um... what's your mum doing, Inazuma-Chan?"

The Destroyer blinked and looked to see Tenryuu leaning against a pillar seemingly acting like she was a local tough. Thankfully, she was in her usual civilian garb and had her horns elsewhere so no one recognized her. "Um... acting as a screen I think."

Ikazuchi nodded as she pointed elsewhere. "Yeah, Oba-Chan is doing the same thing over there with Akatsuki."

Looking in the same direction, Harry blinked at the sight of Akatsuki in a dress beside a smiling Tatsuta who was looking at a map. If one had hung out with shipgirls often enough, and knew that she was one, they could easily spot that said Light Cruiser was keeping an eye on the surroundings. Before Harry could say anything though, two arms wrapped around his waist and he felt Hibiki place her chin on his shoulder. "I need to go to Kaa-San, Harry-Chan. But I hope that you have a good time at Hogwarts."

Swiftly twisting around, Harry caught her by surprise and hugged her back. Unnoticed by Harry though, his action caused a light blush to bloom on the Destroyer's cheeks. "I'll miss you too, Hibiki-Chan. But I'll see you when school lets out for Christmas, okay? And I'll send you lots of letters and maybe some pictures."

For a moment, Hibiki tightened the hug but nodded. "Khorosho."

Pulling away, she gave him one last look but then disappeared into the crowd as she headed toward where Tenryuu was. Internally though, she was cursing up a storm at how it had been decided to keep the group generally small and limited to those that would not stand out besides Nagato herself. Far too soon though, Harry was through the wall and onto Platform 9 3/4 with his eyes widening at the sight of the train. "Wow..."

Beside him, Mutsuki nodded with her own eyes widened. "That's... yeah."

Unseen by Harry, Inazuma quickly snapped a picture with her phone of the train and the platform itself. Some wizards and witches noticed, but then they just looked away. After all, cellphone pictures never turned out in their view. Of course, they didn't know that said phone due to being used by a shipgirl was different. Rose was just examining the train in interest and a slight frown on her lips. "I did not know that any trains such as that were still around."

Interested, Harry looked over at her as did Fubuki who raised an eyebrow. "You recognize the train, Rose-San?"

The tsukumogami shook her head but the frown was still on her face. "Not the train itself, but I do recognize the make. The model number escapes me at the moment but I do remember similar ones on the tracks though they were old even in my day. My own train was of the same kind after all." Her expression then softened. "It... reminds me of those halcyon days just seeing and hearing it."

Nagato hummed a bit as she examined the train. "Hmm... I wonder how they got students to Hogwarts before the train."

Shrugging, Harry looked around. "Apparently anyway they could. According to Hogwarts: A History, some used brooms, others rode on either magical creatures or using enchanted carriages... it was a Minister of Magic who decided on a train. Which they... uh... kind of stole."

Her head whipping around, Rose narrowed her eyes. "They stole it?!"

More then a little sheepish, Harry shrugged. "Yeah... apparently it involved a lot of memory charms and the people at the station swore they were forgetting something for the rest of the year."

Eyebrow twitching, a hiss that sounded like steam escaping from a tea pot came from between her lips. "Of course..."

Glancing at her, Natsumi winced before clearing her throat. "So, uh... I guess this is it?"

For his part, Harry nodded as he scuffed his shoe a little. "Yeah..." He bit his lip as he looked up at his mother and then at the other shipgirls as well as Rose and Natsumi. "You know..."

A gentle expression on her face, Nagato leaned down and hugged him tightly. "I know that you'll do just fine. You are my son and pride of the Big Seven after all."

Smiling, Harry nodded some as a red haired family rushed by and headed for the train. "I wish that Hoppou was here..."

Just holding him, Nagato only nodded as she kissed his head. "I do too, but we both know that an Abyssal is rather... obvious, unfortunately." Moments later, she stood up and attempted to smooth his hair. "Now, you enjoy yourself at Hogwarts and learn as much as you can."

While he nodded, Harry smiled back though seconds later, both Inazuma and Ikazuchi hugged him from either side. "Hwawawa! We'll make sure to write lots of letters to you, Harry-Chan! Nanodesu!"

Ikazuchi nodded alongside her twin sister. "Yeah! So will Hibiki-Chan, Akatsuki-Chan and the others. You can rely on us!"

Once they pulled away, Mutsuki gave him a hug. Then Fubuki did so with the Destroyer giving him a headpat. "Fubuki knows that you'll do your best."

Giving him a wink, she let him go and then Harry turned and gave Rose a hug. "I'll miss you as well, Rose."

The tsukumogami blushed and one could see wafts of steam coming from her ears as she looked around. "Master!" Before he let go though, she hugged him back. "I'll miss you and will have a nice cup of tea waiting for you when you come home for the holidays."

Just chuckling, Harry nodded. "I know." As she let go, Harry turned to Natsumi who was looking anywhere but him. "Um, Natsumi-Chan?"

She just turned to him and watched him before nearly knocking him over with her glomp. "I'll miss you lots, Harry-Chan. But I'll get as strong as I can so I can back you up." For a moment, she seemed indiscive and then to his surprise, quickly kissed him on the cheek. Pulling away from the stunned boy, Natsumi ignored the bemused expressions she got as she kept holding his hands before biting her lip. "Bye..."

Out of it, Harry just nodded. "Um... bye Natsumi-Chan..." Then the giggles from Fubuki and Mutsuki snapped him out of it and he realized that Natsumi had moved behind his mother. "Um..."

Before anything else could be said though, the train's whistle sounded and Nagato gently nudged him. "Go on, you need to find a spot on the train."

With a final look, Harry summoned up his courage and nodded though his vision blurred a bit. "Yeah..."

Taking a deep breath, Harry began to push his trolley towards the train. Behind him, Natsumi still had a blush on her face as she gave the best glare to each of the madly grinning shipgirls. "None of you are going to tell Oba-chan about what I did, you understand?!"

Just keeping a straight faced expression, Nagato shook her head. "Of course not, Natsumi-Chan." As the kitsune gave a sigh of relief, Nagato suddenly smirked and raised her phone which showed a picture of Natsumi giving Harry a kiss on the cheek. "After all, as they say a picture is worth a thousand words~."

At the screech of "NAGATO-SAN!" Harry looked back to see the shipgirls laughing as Natsumi tried to grab at his mother's phone as the Battleship held it above her head. Shaking his head, he gave a chuckle as he got onto the train though not before giving one last wave which was returned.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A small gong could be heard echoing over the water's surface before silence once more descended upon the area. On the shore was the slowly decaying remains of a house, abandoned for decades. Suddenly, there were ripples travelling across the water until they stopped by the shore and a head rose up from the water and blinked. "You wished to see me?"

Getting off the rat, the gecko adjusted his armor and then bowed deeply as around him other geckos watched the area with bows drawn. "We bring you a letter from the post, Lady Misa. It is from Lady Shiromizu."

Eyes brightening, Misa gave him a small bow. "Thank you, Shinji-San for bringing this to me. I have always enjoyed hearing from her and I know that you and your men risk much each time you go back and forth between here and the post box. Please, pass on my thanks for this once more to your Lord."

Puffing out his chest a bit, and adjusting his helm, the gecko nodded. "You are most welcome, it is our honor as samurai to do so in this life as in our past one. And we shall pass on your thanks as well."

Once he handed over the letter, which Misa slipped into her kimono, he bowed deeply before he got back onto the rat and then rode off on it to the amusement of Misa. Shaking her head, she sank back down into her lake and travelled into it's depths. 'That bunch...' As she swam deeper, one might have thought that she was distracted. In reality, she was being very observant. After all, she had not lived as long as she had by not being cautious. Eventually Misa reached her destination and slipped between two boulders and with a flip of a fin, a metal grate covered in lake weed slammed down behind her, sealing the entrance to her home in time to hear a bang. "Perhaps next time."

From behind her, several eyes glowed malevolently in the darkness at her as a voice hissed. "One day... one day I shall get you and then I will enjoy it as you die painfully before I suck your marrow from your bones!"

Ignoring the spear-like limbs that shot through the grate and stopped less then a foot from her back, Misa just shrugged nonchalant. "Perhaps one day, but not today. Besides, it's not like you have had much more luck with my Imouto."

The screech of rage as the grate rattled under the sheer strength of what was on the other side brought a smile to Misa's face. "AND SHE SHALL RUN OUT OF LUCK EVENTUALLY AND BE BROUGHT BEFORE ME! AND I SHALL FEAST ON HER BEFORE TOSSING HER REMAINS BEFORE YOU!"

Now looking over her shoulder, Misa only blinked. "As I said, perhaps..." Then she smirked. "But then again, you are running out of time with her, aren't you? Soon the time will come when your ability to deal with her will end. I bought her enough time to escape from you after all." Her smirk growing, Misa continued her journey down her cave before moving upwards and exiting the water into a chamber filled with glowing mosses and lichens. In one corner, there was a loom and in another was a futon. Suddenly, in a quick movement, she shot out a limb and a giant spider was pierced through to the wall with a spear as she shook her head. "She never gives up, does she?"

Just shaking her head, Misa then walked over to the table and sat down before opening the letter and reading. As she did so, her expression became one of fondness and joy. "A five tail kitsune, hmm? Yes, I can see you made the right choice..." Leaning back, she considered her loom. "I wonder if her new sensei would like something as a gift of thanks? Perhaps one of my kimonos... Though Shiromizu might be needing some training clothing as well. Hmm..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking down the corridor, Harry frowned as he noticed that most of the carriages were already full of people. In one of them, a young boy was poking his head out of the window as he looked at an older woman. However, Harry had to do a double take as the older woman seemed to have a stuffed vulture on her hat. Beside him, a young girl was also leaning out to hug the neck of a tearful young adult woman who was tall enough to reach the window. "Hey, I already promised that I'd write you, Vany. Okay? So relax."

The tall woman nodded as she rubbed at her eyes. "I know."

At one point, Harry was passing one compartment and looked in before his eyes widened at the giant spider leg that came out of a trunk and hurried on. Part of him swearing not to tell Shiromizu as she absolutely hated spiders. Finally, near the back, Harry poked his head into a compartment that only had one boy, a red head, in it. "Um... hi? Is it okay if I sit down here?"

Blinking, the boy nodded. "Sure..." He then glanced outside and held out a hand. "Right, I'm Ronald Weasley, but you can call me Ron."

Just nodding, Harry walked over and shook his hand. "Harry Potter."

Eyes widening, Ron stared at him before shaking it off as he helped Harry push his trunk up onto the luggage rack. "Really? You're Harry Potter?" When Harry shrugged, Ron glanced at his forehead. "Do you have the scar?"

Suddenly, there was a sharp voice from outside. "Ron!"

Wincing, Ron flushed. "Sorry, Warspite, but you know he's famous!"

More then a little intrigued, Harry looked out the window to see a familiar Battleship there who was giving Ron a disappointed look which the red haired boy hung his head at. "Yes, and? That was rather rude, Ron. You really should know better."

However, Harry just shrugged a bit. "It's okay." Lifting up his fringe, Harry gave a weak grin. "Not really that big of a deal." Taking some pity on Ron, Harry gave the Battleship a smile, "It's been a while since I last saw you, though Warspite."

Lightly laughing, the Battleship just shook her head. "Been a few years actually. How are things back in Yokosuka? Is Miss Kongou still..."

Rolling his eyes, Harry felt his lips curl a bit. "Still bongou? Yes, though Mikasa-Obaa is worse."

Giggles escaped from Warspites lips as she held her hand in front of her mouth. "Oh my, I can certainly imagine. Then again she does have a certain charm, now doesn't she? Shame that the Admiral doesn't..." She trailed off at the slight smirk on Harry's face and her eyes widened in glee. "Don't tell me..."

Holding up a hand, Harry shook his head with a blank expression. "I can neither confirm nor deny."

While this was happening, Ron was looking back and forth between the two before he focused on Warspite with a slight betrayed expression. "You never told me that you knew Harry Potter, Warspite."

Apologetic, Warspite shook her head. "I'm sorry Ron, it was from before we met and I honestly did not know that he was that Harry Potter."

Still frowning, Ron finally sighed. "I guess..."

Meanwhile, Harry was waving to Nagato and the others who were waving back. "Mum!"

It was then that the train's whistle blew as Nagato waved back and then cupped her hands around her mouth. "You have a fun time at Hogwarts, Harry! And we can't wait to hear back from you!"

Warspite looked up at Ron and then took several steps back. "I for one look forward to our mailing chess match."

A grin split Ron's face as he nodded. "Same here!" Then he looked up as a red haired woman approached. "Hey, Mum!"

The next minute or two were taken up by final goodbyes before the train finally pulled out. Harry's last sight of the platform was that of a red haired girl chasing the train while his mother, Natsumi, Rose, and the other shipgirls waved. Then they were gone, though Harry could also see who he thought was Ron's mother being lead over to Nagato by Warspite. Slumping back into his seat, the compartment lapsed into silence before Harry coughed. "So... how do you know Miss Warspite?"

Blinking at the question, Ron finally grinned. "My dad took me to work one day and while he was taking care of some stuff I noticed someone sitting at this chess table playing against herself. Decided to challenge her as I was bored."

Eyebrow raising, Harry hummed. "You win?"

Just snorting, Ron shook his head. "Nah, she walloped me good. Next game was a lot closer..." He then smiled a bit. "She decided to take me under her wing and taught me all sorts of things about chess, taking me to tournaments and the like."

Slowly nodding, Harry scratched his cheek. "Huh... so your dad works on the base?"

Ron shook his head though at that. "Dad works in the Ministry. Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, though sometimes..." For a moment, there was an odd expression on Ron's face before he shook it off. "Anyways, my whole family are wizards except for my mum and sister, they're witches."

Bemused, Harry chuckled. "Well... I guess that you could say that I'm the only wizard in my family, since I'm adopted. The rest are shipgirls except for my little sister, so it's not like we don't know about magic."

That got a snort from Ron before he gave Harry an odd look. "I didn't know that you were adopted and... in Yokosuka?"

Harry grinned at that. "Yeah, my Mum is Nagato of the Big Seven and Yokosuka is in Japan."

Staring at him, Ron blinked. "Japan? That's where you've been?"

It was then that there was a voice and they turned to see two grinning identicle twins. "Japan? Isn't that the place with all the weird stuff? Heard some of it involved tentacles."

Unimpressed, Harry just slowly blinked with an expression that none of them there could read. 'Why is that always one of the first things brought up.' Then he got an idea and raised an eyebrow. "Huh, so you're into that sort of thing then?"

Both twins stared at him before they suddenly grinned. "Nah, not really interested in that sort of thing."

One of them gestured at himself. "Anyways, I'm Fred and this is George."

The other blinked in mock confusion. "Wait, I thought that I was Fred and you were George... or was that Gred and Forge?"

Snorting, Harry shook his head though he was slightly amused. "Well, in any case it's nice to meet you."

Having spotted his scar, the twins grinned and grabbed his hands before shaking them. "Capital to meet you as well, old chap!"

"Splended, simply splendid old bean!"

"Wait, does that mean that he's a beansprout?"

"Well, not yet anyways"

Now fully bemused, Harry shook his head as they let go. "Maybe in a bit."

One twin just shrugged though and then gestured back the way they had come. "Anyways, we'll just mosey over to our compartment. Lee Jorden figures that he's got a huge tartantula."

The other one then nodded. "See you two later."

With that they were gone and Harry chuckled as he sat back down as Ron groaned. "Mental, absolutely mental."

All Harry did though was shake his head. "I've seen worse."

Yet again, the compartment lapsed into silence before Ron cleared his throat. "So, uh... Japan, huh? None of the stories had you there..." At the confused look, he shrugged. "Dad used to bring home these stories about you."

It took Harry a few moments but then he groaned. "You mean those booklets about my 'Adventures'? The ones selling for two or three Knuts?"

Slightly confused, Ron nodded. "Well, yeah?" When Harry groaned again, he blinked. "What, is something wrong?"

Just sighing, Harry shook his head. "Not really... just that the Akizuki sisters saw them and bought a bunch. Then they made copies for the others..."

That got him a blank look. "Aki... zukis?"

Nodding, Harry frowned. "Um, three Japanese Destroyers." At his still confused look, Harry shook his head. "Let's just say that they had a lot of fun for the next few days..." Internally though, Harry didn't add the rest. 'Though Naka-Nee had a scary gleam in her eye...'

Both of them kept talking for a time before they decided to watch the fields roll past. At a quarter past twelve though, they heard a clattering and turned to see a middle aged woman there with a cart there. "Anything from the trolley, dears?"

Feeling the heaviness in his pockets from the coins there, Harry got up and examined his choices. "Hmm..." An idea suddenly struck him and he blinked. "I have a bit of an odd question for you..." Getting a nod, he continued. "Do you ever have anything at the end of the trip?"

That caused the woman to raise an eyebrow, but she nodded. "We usually do, yes. There's always quite a bit left over which we just send back to my sister's shop in Hogsmeade and she writes it off. Why?"

Once more looking over the food, Harry bit his lip but then nodded. "Um... would it be possible to buy what you got left at the end of the trip? So that I can send them home and..."

Expression softening, the woman nodded. "Of course you can. I'll even give them to you at half price and add in a expanded box to make it easier to transport what you buy."

Bowing, Harry smiled at her. "Thank you."

After he bought several things and the woman had left with a promise to see them before Hogsmeade Station, Harry closed the door and put the food onto the table which Ron raised an eyebrow at. "Hungry?"

Harry just nodded as he pulled out what looked like an odd box. "Starving. But it'll give us something to munch on after lunch."

Unwrapping his own lunch, Ron grimaced at the sight of the sandwiches. "Mum keeps forgetting that I don't like corned beef..."

When he looked up, he noticed that Harry was eating something that looked like a ball of rice before he held another out. "I'll trade you some of my food for that."

Slightly confused at some of the foods he saw, the red haired boy shook his head. "You don't want any of this, it's dry. Mum... doesn't really have much time with five of us."

A snort escaped from Harry as he grinned a bit. "Wouldn't be the worst thing that I've eaten..." Then he frowned. "Took me a bit to get used to Natto though."

That only got him an odd look from Ron before he shrugged it off. Handing Harry one of his sandwiches, Ron grabbed a pastry. "So... why did you ask if you could buy what was left on the trolley anyways to send home?"

Quickly swallowing the mouthful he had, Harry chuckled. "I live with shipgirls back on the base. With how resources are, I'm sure that they'll like even a little bit more... or at least Ooyodo-Oba will."

Once more, Ron gave him an odd look before shaking it off. After Harry finished his lunch though, he ate most of the treats that Ron had left before they opened a bag of Bertie Blott's to share. However, a few hours later they were interrupted by a knock on the door and they opened it to find a bushy haired girl next to a tearful, round faced boy. "Sorry to bother you, but have either of you seen a toad? Neville here lost his."

Sharing a look with Ron, Harry shook his head. "Can't say that I have... but maybe..." Thoughtful, Harry grabbed his trunk and brought it down. The other three just stared as he worked. A few moments later had him with a slip of paper that had some writing that none of the others recognized. "Let's see... how does it go?" Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and then released it before muttering under his breath. To the amazement of the others, a blue flame burst into being and then covered the slip before going out. Opening his eyes, Harry grimaced a bit. "Uh, sorry about this but... I'm still not the best. According to this though, look by water? That's all I got." Not getting a response, Harry looked around in confusion. "What?"

Just opening her mouth, Hermione then closed it before trying again. "Did... what type of magic was that!?"

Beside her, Neville nodded. "I've never seen that before."

All Harry did though was shrug. "Just some Onmyoudo, that's all. I was taught it back in Yokosuka by some people."

Even though she was still confused, Hermione's eyes then widened. "Wait, the bathrooms!" Grabbing Neville's hand, she began to pull him away. "We'll be right back!"

Scratching his head, Harry turned toward Ron who was looking between the door and Harry. "That was weird..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Ron just stared at Harry for a few moments and then shook his head. "'Weird' he says... bloody mental."

Bemused, Harry didn't say anything and just sat down. Just as he was reaching for another pastry though, he blinked as the door opened up to reveal a blonde haired boy there who glanced around the conmpartment. Then he focused in on Harry in particular who raised an eyebrow in response. "Word is that Harry Potter is on the train... is that you?"

Slowly, Harry nodded as he narrowed his eyes before glancing at the two larger boys behind the first one. "That would be me... and you are?"

The boy smirked a bit and raised an eyebrow. "I am Draco Malfoy." Spotting the expression on Ron's face, his mouth curled into a sneer. "Is something funny?" Then he gave Ron a once over. "Red haired, cheap robes... you must be a Weasley."

Internally, Harry was sighing. 'There always has to be one, doesn't there?'

Giving a scoff at something Ron said, Draco turned toward Harry and held out a hand. "If you want, I can introduce you to the right sort of people. After all, one is judged by the... company, that they keep."

Smile tight, Harry just shook his head. "Sorry, but I think that I can find right sort for myself, Malfoy-San. Especially if we're going by the company that one keeps."

His own expression tightening, Malfoy pulled his hand back. "Perhaps I should give you a bit more time. After all, making hasty decisions was what caused you parents to die."

There was an odd smile on Harry's face that caused a shiver to run down all their backs. If anyone from Yokosuka was there, they would have sworn that iwas a good imitation of the closed eye smile that sometimes graced Tatsuta's face. The smile that caused people to avoid her and head in the opposite direction. "Ara, ara~ Perhaps you should give me some space to think things over, hmm?"

Despite wanting to leave, Draco just sneered. "Perhaps we shouid." For a moment, he considered swiping some of the food, but decided not to. "Crabbe, Goyle, we're leaving."

After he was gone and the door closed again, Ron relaxed slightly. "Bloody hell... where the did you learn that?"

Now slightly calmer, Harry let out a deep breath as some of the tenseness in his body disappeared. "Watching my, uh, Aunt Tatsuta." At the confusion, he shrugged a bit and then rolled his shoulders. "She's a Light Cruiser back in Yokosuka and can scare a Wo class Abyssal just by smiling. She can be... scarier, a lot scarier."

Shuddering slightly, Ron shook his head as he muttered. "Remind me never to get her mad then if I ever meet her."

Raising an eyebrow, Harry's voice took on a dry tone. "That... would be very good idea."

Several deep breaths later, Harry pulled out a book from his trunk and began to read it. Ron blinked as he noticed it had a shipgirl in rigging with her shadow splitting into various shadows of men. He couldn't understand what the title was though and just leaned back to stare out the window. Before Harry was halfway done though, there was a knock and they both looked up to see the girl from before looking in. "Hello, sorry about this but Neville and and I thought that we should let you know that we found his toad."

Blinking, Harry smiled at that. "That's good, where was he?"

There was an annoyed look on Hermione's face. "In the girl's bathroom under a toilet. No wonder we couldn't find him." Shaking it off, she began to smile again. "Anyways, thanks for that."

For his part, Harry just waved her off before deciding to get it over with. "Not a problem, Dess. Anyways... we kind of forgot to introduce ourselves, this is Ron Weasley and I'm Harry Potter."

Eyes widening, Hermione boggled at him. And it was only partially due to the reason that Harry thought. 'So this is Nagato's son?' Her expresssion becoming calculating, Hermione slowly nodded. "You're in a lot of books you know."

Softly snorting, Harry shook his head. "I've read some of them. I just want to know where they got their information from."

Nodding herself, Hermione soon shook it off. "Um, anyways, I should get going back to my compartment." Before she left though, she spotted the manga on Harry's seat and raised an eyebrow. "The Things She Saw, huh? That's... an interesting choice of reading material."

With a glance toward it, Harry smile became one of fondness. "Ikazuchi-Chan is actually one of my best friends and got me an advanced copy. They did consult her on it after all."

Her expression thoughtful, Hermione quickly nodded. "Mmm... Well, I'll see you around."

Still thoughtful, Hermione then left leaving one confused eleven year old and the other bemused.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Goto waited until Nagato sat down with a sigh before he raised his eyebrows. Rather then say anything though, he just gave her a few moments as he consulted a folder in front of him. Hearing the chair creak, he knew that it was time and gave a slight nod. "I take it that that everything went well?"

Accepting the cup of what could be called "Coffee" if one considerate of it's feelings from Ooyodo, Nagato sighed with a nod. "Mmm... Harry's now on his way to school and whatever happens next will be up to him."

From where she was leaning against the wall, Kongou shook her head. "Harry-Chan's going to do just fine, Dess!"

Softly snorting, Nagato tried not to roll her eyes. "It's not that, Kongou. My son is more then able to take care of himself even though I do worry..." Looking down into her mug, she shrugged a little. "I suppose that... it's more that he's away for the first time really. I miss him already."

All Goto did was nod at that as he pretended to not see the small tear in the corner of Nagato's face. Waiting a minute, he then continued. "Did anything else happen of note?"

Leaning back, and thankful for the distraction, the Battleship nodded. "I met Warspite there as well as the Light Cruiser Phoebe and Vanguard."

That caused Goto's eyebrows to raise some in surprise. "They were there as well?"

With a nod, Nagato let a chuckle escape. "Vanguard and Phoebe were there to see off one of Pheobe's sisters, a Natural Born. Warspite was there to see off her, and I quote... 'Little Chess Buddy'. She also introduced me to his mother, which was rather interesting. Turns out that her husband is a member of the Ministry of Magic in Britain."

Hands clasped in front of his face, Goto slowly nodded. "That's certainly something to keep in mind." He then gave her a glance. "However, we'll have to put the rest of today aside unfortunately. Something has come down the pipe."

Straightening her back, Nagato narrowed her eyes as she switched from mother to Battleship in as little time as it took to blink. "I see."

Gently, the Admiral set down the folder he had been looking at in front of Nagato who took it and began to read. As she continued to do so in silence, her eyebrows raised more and more. "... So they're going through with it finally?"

A thoughtful expression on his face, Goto nodded. "The Americans finally finished the canal into the Salton Sea, due to the aftermath of the Battle of Baja, there weren't too many in the area who needed to be relocated. They've also completed the research base at the end of the Salton Sea."

There was an odd look on Nagato's face. "Operation Eldridge..."

Chuckling, Goto shook his head in amusement. "Just obscure enough to make the Abyssals wonder. But yes." Turning, he became serious for a moment. "Know that you have a choice, Nagato. You and the others."

Still frowning, Nagato looked up and stared into his eyes. "Because of the location of the salvage?"

However, Goto just gave her a look. "Yes, because Bikini Atoll is only a skip of a stone away." Sighing, he shook his head. "How the heck Saratoga is going to be part of this after what happened with both Crossroads and... the Jellyfish Princess."

Narrowing her eyes, Nagato let out a hiss before she shook it off. "No, I suspect not. Though for an Abyssal, she died honorably fighting... those things and taking them with her." She then shot Goto a look. "Any idea how they arrived here?"

All Goto did though was shake his head. "No, whatever created that portal was destroyed by our friend. Though I am thankful for the information beacon she left behind." Frowning, he gave her a compassionate look. "You don't need to go if you don't feel like you're comfortable."

Taking a deep breath, Nagato grunted. "No, I am perfectly fine with this mission. Who else?"

Lips thinning, the Admiral spread his hands. "I think it would be better to say who isn't. There is going to be shipgirls there from the RAN, RCN, USN, the Royal Navy, Deutsche Marine, and others providing security. It's taken us four years to plan this after all. If we pull this off and can manage to learn what we can..."

Slowly nodding, Nagato only hummed. "Perhaps we can end this war sooner... and be prepared if they ever come back."

For his part, Goto only narrowed his eyes before he gestured at the folder. "Now then, to go over what is going to be done..."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Up ahead, Harry could hear Hagrid shouting. "Careful now! 'Ogwarts be right ahead."

As he passed the corner, Harry's jaw dropped at the sight that met him. There, across a lake who's surface looked like a plane of black glass, sat a massive castle like something from out of a storybook. Quickly bringing up a camera that Naka had given to him, and he had been told was designed by Akashi, Harry took a quick picture and then followed the rest. At least once, he found himself grabbing someone's arm to keep them from slipping on the wet rocks. Neville being one of them which he gave a thankful nod to. "Thanks."

Harry just smiled back at him. "You're welcome."

Finally, they reached the bottom of the path where there were several small boats that Hagrid gestured to. "Now then, let's be off. No more the' four to a boat."

Unnoticed by anyone, Hermione internally cursed before she got into one and was soon joined by Harry, Ron, and Neville. One could be mistaken her expression for one of fear as she closed her eyes and furrowed her eyebrows. 'I'm a girl, not a ship. I'm a girl, not a ship. I'm a girl, not a ship...'

With a final check, the Groundskeeper nodded to himself and jabbed his umbrella forward. "An' we'll be off." As the boats all glided across the surface of the lake though, he did notice one thing that looked odd. 'Wonder why 'Arry's boat is falling behind? 'Ave ter check it I suppose.'

Back in his own boat, Harry frowned as he noticed that they were going slightly slower then the other boats. It didn't help that theirs actually sat a bit lower in the water and seemed to be vibrating as if overworking itself. "Hmm..."

Looking up from where he was looking down into the water, Ron blinked. "Something wrong, mate?"

However, Harry just shook his head and frowned. "Probably nothing." Noticing that Ron was looking back down into the lake, Harry raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at by the way?"

Ron shrugged a bit. "Thought that I saw some mermaids down there."

There was a twitch from Hermione before the boat dropped in speed again for a few moments before Harry blinked and looked over the side. "Huh... I know that several books said that there was a colony of them down there, but..."

A scoff escaped from Ron as he shook his head. "More then just a colony now. They took in a bunch fleeing the Abyssals in the North Sea and the Ministry is afraid that there might be too many down there. Or... that is what dad says anyways."

Scratching his cheek, Harry nodded as he listened. "Huh..." Then something occurred to him. "Wait, how would mermaids get from the North Sea to here? We're landlocked after all."

Neville then spoke up. "Apparently they got some sort of tunnel or passageway between the lochs and the sea. Some kind of mermaid magic I think... anyways, Gran is worried that the Abyssals might find them, but the Headmaster said that the merfolk made sure that they can't."

Once more, there was a jolt as Hermione's eyebrow twitched and the three boys looked around as they slowed a bit more before regaining their pace. "I wonder why mermaids don't really look like they do in the storybooks... except, you know, down south."

Confused, Ron grunted a bit. "Charlie had a book with some of those in them, Mum got really angry when she caught the twins reading through it for some reason."

Unseen by them, there were several ripples following them and every once in a while a head poked up above the water to boggle at them. However, what they were really focused on was the girl in the back of the boat. Every once in a while they shared looks underwater. Eventually though, they pulled off as the boats made their way into a alcove in the cliff upon which Hogwarts sat. "Watch those heads now!"

Quickly, Hermione rushed past the others and leapt up onto the shore almost as soon as the boat had beached itself. If anything though, Harry frowned as the boat seemed to be sitting higher in the water. 'I wonder...' Not long afterwards, they met McGonagall at the door to the castle and she explained a few things and left them in a side chamber. For his part, Harry was just ignoring the glares shot at him from Draco as he glanced around.

Which was when the screams started as ghosts drifted through the wall.

 

[darthcourt10]

Finbar Omake: "Mermaid Troubles"

Omake Time!!

The names of the Merfolk are almost unpronounceable to human tongue. Theirs is a complex, rich language full of tonal inflections as well as syllables. To those under water, it is a lyrical, melodic tongue, as if a a dozen whales had worked out how to perform opera. Sadly, above water they sound like speaker feedback at a heavy metal concert.

Still, as a result, humans thought the name of the Chieftain of the Black Lake Merfolk was 'Murglargltaugh', a nonsensical name made by badly mispronouncing his public name of 'Flowing-current-of-impeccable-clarity'. Bloody wizard's couldn't do anything properly. He was a proud warrior of the Merfolk. He had once faced off against a Kelpie armed only with a spear and won. He had stabbed one of the Fel beasts from the Abyss, costing it an eye and giving him time to escape with a lesser tribe from further north who were fleeing the Fel Monster's influence. He still bore the scars from that fight. Twenty warriors had died that day before his stab had driven the monster off.

Yet, he could say with clarity that he loved the Black Lake. The water was cool, but never too cold. It was deep with mysterious depths where light did not shine, yet it was safe. It was a refuge from the harsh ocean. Yet now, these past few years, it had become crowded. No less than six different tribes had begged for and been given refuge in the water's that were his to guard. The number of Merfolk in the waters of the Black Lake had reached a critical point. He was unsure as to how long they could survive away from the ocean here. The food supply was limited and with six times their number hunting, what was once plentiful, was in risk of being depleted.

That was why hunting bands would slip through the tunnel to the ocean in what was now a weekly trip. They needed more if they were going to survive. He had consulted with the Elders of all the tribes that now resided under the guidance of his fins. He had spoken with them of ancient legends. The Elders had worked powerful magic around the tunnel entrance to hide it from all who did not have Merfolk blood. Kelp-farms were now planted where once they simply used what grew wild. For now, it would be enough.

It was that time of year again. When the new Wizards and Witches were escorted over his domain, so that the Warrior's might recognise them and aid them if they came to trouble. Part of an ancient pact with the Wizards and Witches who built the castle, that they would have free reign over the waters of the Lake. That it was theirs so long as they kept to the pact. Each Chieftain was taught of The Pact. They knew how much safety it bought them, free of the perils of the open water where Shark, Kelpie, Squid and Whale would see them as little more than food to be had. Even now, the pact was important. It gave his tribe and others shelter from the Monsters with their black carapace. With their foul voices that gibbered and howled with madness and rage. From their mindless wrath and desire that all life should die. The Broken Tooth tribe to the south had been wiped out not five winters ago. The monster's slain in turn by the Nymphs, those strange new Sea Spirits who's power was unmatched. Eclipsed only by the way their very existence called out to the Monsters, a challenge that neither side could or would back down from.

It was this enmity which concerned Flowing-current-of-impeccable-clarity. He knew how one called out to the other, to fight and kill.

Looking up at the passing boats, as his warriors took note of the aura of the new students, his concern grew. Most all of them were fine, simple children. Yet the last boat. The final one that struggled through the light chop. That was going to be a problem. Two Wizards, touched by the Nymphs, their influence weighed heavy on the magic of the children. It had not changed them, yet would influence them for years to come. It was not strong enough to call to the Monsters, but he would have to keep an eye on them.

Then came the final wizard, he was not touched by the Nymphs, his magic was shaped and consumed by them. Their influence reached deep into his being, their touch was all over him. Looking closer, he gasped and recoiled. One of the Monsters had it's touch in the poor boy. He must have been rescued from the Monsters by some Nymphs and spent time recovering with them, it was the only explanation he could think of. The Wizard's aura had grown massive and weighty from being compressed by the spiritual power of the Nymphs. It was a strange Aura, rich with promise, but one that if it continued as it was, would become a beacon to the Monsters. This could become a problem and required much observing and consultation with the Elders.

Then there was what was supposed to be a Witch. Maybe once she had been, now she was a Nymph. Her Power radiated across the Lake, plumbing it's depths, her Power was mature and heady, it sung with her prowess as a warrior. Her nature as a seeker of knowledge. Her benevolance to family and wrath to her enemies.

A Nymph was entering Hogwarts.

Yeah, that was going to be a problem.

Gathering together the Warriors who had guarded the Boats as they traversed the lake, he was about to start issuing orders when from inside the grotto came first the screams, then the Power of the Nymph grew, as she revealed her true form before the sound of explosions began to pummel those in the lake.

Going to be? She was officially, now a problem.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Upon seeing the transparent spirits, Harry just froze up as he remembered one lesson that Haru, Ryuujou, and Junyou pushed on him again and again: Never, ever take the restless dead lightly. In his mind, he was already considering his next moves before the other lesson that they taught him about yuurei went through his mind. Always be polite and try to find out why they're on Earth. Of course, Harry still reached into his pocket and his vision slipped some into the spiritual realm so he could better see them when he finally took notice of what they were talking about. One of them looked like a fat, short monk and had his hands spayed out. "I say that we should give him a second chance."

Another one with a ruff around his neck shook his head slightly. "My dear Frier, have we not given him all the chances already? He's giving us ghosts something of a bad name and he's not really even one... I say, what do we have here?"

Harry's vision shifted a little as he concentrated and part of him turned green at the bloodstains that appeared on the ghost talking, particularly around the neck area. Of course, that was when Harry overheard Hermione talking with a fellow First Year. "... They're not really that scary, I think that these are the House Ghosts."

Turning, Harry raised an eyebrow. "House Ghosts..."

With how he trailed off when he looked at her, Hermione frowned and then furrowed her eyebrows as she noticed something else, the two of them ignoring the conversations around them. "Yes, they're sort of ghost attached to each of the Houses and... are your eyes glowing?"

Much to her annoyance, there was an odd smile on his face as he nodded. "Huh, so sort of kami then rather then Yuurei?"

If anything though, that caused Hermione's brow to raise a bit though she noted that the odd glow in his eyes went away. Searching through her own memory, she nodded. "I... suppose that might be one way of looking at them?"

Neither of the two noticed some of the ghosts, in particular the Grey Lady and Sir Nicholas becoming somewhat intrigued in their conversation. Before it could go any further though, McGonagall's voice cut through the air sharply. "Move along now." With a final look at the new students, the ghosts all moved through the wall before McGonagall caught their attention again. "Now then, form a line and follow me."

As they followed her into the Great Hall, Harry caught a glimpse of a girl down the hall sprawled out on a windowsill with a book in her hand. Something about her tickled at his senses and he could hear Hermione let out a hiss of breath which told him she saw her as well. The teenaged looking being looked at them with twinkling eyes and held a finger to her lips then they blinked and she was gone as if she was never there. Harry and Hermione just shared a look before Ron glanced back at him. "Something wrong, mate?"

His hands in his pockets as he glanced around, Harry shook his head. "Thought that I saw something is all."

Even though he was confused by the answer, Ron just shrugged it off and began to look around. For his part, Harry leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling as Hermione whispered behind her. "It's enchanted to look like the sky outside, I read all about it in Hogwarts: A History."

Frowning, Harry slowly nodded. "Wonder if that spell still exists somewhere. Would be kind of neat to put it on a sitting room ceiling or something."

Behind Hermione, Neville scratched his head some. "Maybe? I know that some families have them on attics and such so they can grow things there."

Still glancing around, the First Years noticed that everyone was watching them before they turned to the front near the staff table where McGonagall brought out a stool and set it down. Then she sat down a hat and stood back slightly. Much to their surprise though the brim of the hat tore open as if it was a mouth and everyone waited with baited breath...

Which was the point that it began to sing.

Somewhat amused, Harry snickered a little as he looked around. "That's odd." At the looks he got, Harry's grin widened. "Didn't know that we were in a Miyazaki film."

That got him a snort from Hermione before Ron glanced back at Harry. "Miyazaki? Who's that?"

For several moments, the black haired wizard stared at him before clapping him on the shoulder. "Oh Ron... It seems that there's so much that I need to show you."

Yet another snort escaped from Hermione. "Depends on the film I suppose... better Kiki's Delivery Service then Spirited Away..."

Looking back at her, Harry raised an eyebrow. "You've watched the films?"

Hermione blushed slightly, but nodded. "One of my sisters came back from Japan and was talking about them. She... got us all to sit down and watch a marathon on her birthday last year. They're not bad films."

Lips twitching, Harry internally snorted. 'Not bad, she says...'

It was then that they both noticed that students were being called over and Ron grunted to himself. "I'm going to kill them." At the looks from Harry and Hermione behind him, Ron flushed. "Fred and George. They said that we needed to wrestle a troll."

Thankfully, Harry just held back a laugh from that and instead tilted his head. "Poi..."

Various people just stared at him, but before it could go any further, Hermione was called up and the Hat was placed on her head. After a few minutes, the Hat opened it's mouth. "GRYFFINDOR!"

More and more students were sorted until it finally came to the one that various people were waiting for. "Potter, Harry."

Walking up, Harry could not help but be thankful that he wasn't wearing glasses all the time anymore as he had seen the hat slip over peoples' eyes. He could not help but imagine how uncomfortable that was for people with glasses and sat down to whispers and stares. One of the teachers, who had sallow skin and long, black greasy hair was just staring at him. And then the brim of the hat slipped over his eyes and he heard a voice in his head. 'Hmm... interesting, very interesting...'

His eyebrow raising, Harry blinked. 'Oh?'

A chuckle answered him as what he assumed the Hat spoke. 'Your mind, Mister Potter and... oh my, this Rose is rather interesting, though I do not think that I am one of these tsukumogami.' Feeling the annoyance and flash of anger, the Hat sighed. 'I am sorry for the invasion of privacy, Mister Potter, but it is necessary to know where you should go. And do not worry, I will not reveal any secrets of yours unless they threaten the school as a whole. Part of the spellwork put into myself.'

Sighing, Harry nodded his head. 'Okay then... but anywhere but Slytherin.'

Yet again, the Hat chuckled. 'Ah, a problem with Mister Malfoy then? While I can see how such issues can cause problems, you would be great there with your ambition. Of course, you could do equally well in Hufflepuff, lots of loyalty and not afraid to get one's hands dirty when needed. Or perhaps Gryffindor. After all, you have the courage for it considering your life. Not many would be willing to give a chance to become the brother to an Abyssal after all. Or two as the case may be. Hmm... you are a tough one, aren't you?'

With a deep breath, Harry let it out. 'Not Slytherin as I cannot be responsible for what I might do if Malfoy does something.'

Humming, Harry could feel the Hat mentally nodding. 'A shame then, some of them could certainly help you in the times ahead. So that would leave either Hufflepuff or Gryffindor as choices I suppose.' There was several moments of silence as Harry knew that the Hat was going through his head. 'Tough, very, very tough. But I think... yes. I know how to satisfy both sides as well as certain Slytherin aspects. After all, they both had a certain disregard for the rules when it came to their own reasons. Though Godric's was more bending them when needed or going with the spirit and not the wording. Therefore it better be GRYFFINDOR!' As it was pulled off, the Hat spoke one last time. 'I do look forward to what you may do. And do remember that there's also a list for what students are not allowed to do.'

Just chuckling, Harry barely held back a grin. 'I'm a military brat, I make no promises when bored.'

That got a laugh from the Hat as it was fully pulled off and the roar of the Great Hall entered Harry's ears. Part of him noticed how the Twins were dancing around with each other. "WE GOT POTTER! WE GOT POTTER!"

Lightly laughing, Harry got off the stool and began to walk toward his table though he noted that the badge on his robes had changed to a Gryffindor one in the blink of an eye. 'Well... I think that I'll have a lot to talk about with Mum and the others tonight!'

 

[darthcourt10]

Tiypo

Not sure if I was able to capture the gossip of 10 year old girls right but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

-==-

Parvati Patil had already determined that she was going to be awake till she fell asleep from exhaustion; it was just to exciting finally being at Hogwarts and she had to admit that she was a little nervous that her sister had been sorted into a diffrent house than her. At least Padma was Ravenclaw and not Slitherin, she could use that as an excuse to get her to help with homework. Most of the girls seemed to be no better off, with the only exception being the girl with bushy brown hair who seemed to have gone to sleep faster than someone could say Nox.

"So... did you girls see Harry Potter?" the girl with dirty blond hair who had introduced herself as Lavender loudly whispered.

'See him? Everyone was watching him!' Parvati chuckled to herself.

"Yeah, he looked just like the stories!" Dreamily answered Fey, a girl with long brown hair who had confessed to be a big Quiddich fan.

"That was the boy everyone was cheering for, right? Why is he so important?" Questioned a dark skinned girl across the room from her, who she guessed was probably a muggle-born.

"He survived the killing curse and defeated You-Know-Who." Parvati replied, her voice dropping when she whispered she mentioned him.

"Ummm... who?" The girl tilted her head slightly in confusion.

Lavender fielded the question, "There was a really bad guy about ten years ago. His name is cursed so no one says it; we just call him You-Know-Who. He forced a lot of people to hurt other people. One night he went to kill Harry Potter's family because they had stopped his plans so many times but something happened. Harry lived though with that scar that looks like lightning bolt and You-Know-Who was defeated!"

"Wow, sounds scary..." the girl mused, then yawned. Laying her head down she mumbled something that sounded like the word night, leaving the other three to keep chatting.

"Anyways, where do you think he's been all this time? I've heard heard he has a castle and everything!" Fey excitedly rambled.

"I heard that too!" Parvati said, "It was mentioned in Harry Potter and the Grim Goblin!"

Lavender rolled over to face her preparing to say something before she jolted a little in surprise. Following her look and Parvati was also surprised to find that the bushy haired girl, Hermione, had somehow sneaked up behind her. She had to admit it was a fairly impressive feat, her twin wasn't above scaring her when given a chance so Parvati liked to think she was pretty good at hearing footsteps. Oddly Hermione's eyes were barely cracked open and she swayed slightly, like someone balancing on a boat in a calm ocean.

"I think she's sleep walking." Lavender whispered more quietly then she had previously, trying to fight back giggles.

Mumbling something incomprehensible the girl reached down, wrapped her arm around Parvati like a strapless duffel bag, and lifted her like she weighed no more than pillow.

"What in the world are you doing!?" Parvati fiercely whispered hoping to not wake other students, squirming and trying to pry the odd girls grip loose to no avail. Lavender for her part had her hands now covering her mouth and was shaking, while Fey looked on with interest.

The laughter was quickly corrected with an amusing "Eep!" as Hermione practically glided her way over to her despite her obviously still sleeping and the extra weight to grab her too.

The trip ended back at Hermione's bed, where the girl flopped into the middle and drew her captives close as if they were giant stuffed animals.

The two struggled meaninglessly for a few minutes before they accepted their fate to be stuck there the night. Closing her eyes to try and go to sleep, Parvati could just make out what sounded like names. Sirius and Euryalus, if those weren't brothers she'd kiss her own sister on the lips, and for another first year to already be involved with two boys? This was golden stuff, gossip material well worth being kidnapped to her neighbours bed for. But for now, sleep, she would think of what to do with her new found knowledge in the morning.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Once he had sat down and the food had arrived, Harry took a moment to just stare. And Harry wasn't the only one as various Muggleborns were also boggling at the sheer amount of food in front of them then most had seen in years. Then the moment was past and they all began to dig in with Harry glancing at Hermione. Sure enough, the way that she was eating reminded him of a certain Battleship in that she was eating large amounts of food, but if one was not watching for a long enough time, they wouldn't think that as it took time. She then caught him looking and raised an eyebrow but before she could ask why he was watching her, Ron spoke up. "I know you! My brothers said that you were called Nearly Headless Nick!"

That caused Hermione to swallow a bit as she looked toward the Gryffindor's ghost who's expression had soured. "Nearly headless? How can one be nearly headless?"

Sighing, Nick reached up and grabbed the top of his head before yanking it to the side. A number of those there went slightly pale at the hack marks that marked his nearly decapitated neck on both sides with all that held it together being a thin strip of skin and gristle. Then he put his head back and grunted. "The axe that was used was rather... dull... to say the least." Part of Harry noted that the ghost seemed pleased with some of the shudders, but was about to turn back to his meal when Nick turned to him. "You know, I was wondering about something that I overheard you saying..." At Harry's look of surprise, he continued. "You mentioned something about... U-rey and Cami?"

Just wincing a bit at the mispronunciations, Harry shrugged. "I've lived in Japan for several years with my adopted Mum so when I saw you guys, first thing that came to mind was yurei."

Interested, Nick leaned in a bit. "And what are those if you don't mind me asking?"

Harry shrugged a bit as he thought over his answer. "They're... Japanese ghosts. And um, they're not all nice ones with more then a few known to kill people."

More then a little surprised, Nick pulled back. "Kill people? That's..."

Understanding what he wanted to ask, Harry shrugged. "It varies really. Some will just drain away luck from a person or family until they die from accidents or starvation, others will scare someone at exactly the wrong time. Like... chasing them through a courtyard until they trip and crack their head, or fall into a pond or well... or even turn their heads at the wrong time and end up impaled on something. Some will even drain the life from their victim until all that's left is a shriveled up husk."

Now uncomfortable with how this was going, Nick cleared his throat. "And those, um..."

Raising an eyebrow, Harry looked at him. "Kami?" At his nod, Harry made a thoughtful sound. "Kami are... spirits of various things."

Suddenly, Hermione piped up with a frown on her face as she swallowed her mash potatoes. "I thought that they were gods though?"

However, Harry just shook his head. "Kind of? I mean, they're worshipped but kami come in all forms. You got Amaterasu-Ookami, the Goddess of the Sun for example, but you also got mountains that have a kami, trees, springs... you can even have a household item such as a tea set have a kami attached. But the venerated dead can also be kami and watch over a place or person."

Rather confused by this point, Nick slowly nodded. "I... see... well, I don't feel much like one then." Shaking it off, he gave a slight bow. "But still, thank you for explaining."

With that, he began to drift down the table all the while shaking his head. As Harry began to eat, a red head beside Ron spoke up with an interested expression on his face. "You've lived in Japan for a while?" Then he flushed a bit and held out a hand. "Sorry, Percy Weasley, I'm one of the Gryffindor Prefects."

Nodding, Harry swallowed and quickly wiped his own hand before shaking the offered one. "Nice to meet you... and yeah, I've lived in Japan for the past few years. Yokosuka on the base there as a matter of fact."

Eyebrow raising, Percy frowned. "On the base? Is your adopted mother in the military?" Seeing Harry snicker, he frowned some. "Is something funny?"

All Harry did though was shake his head. "Not really. But I guess that you can say that my Mum's in the military, what with her being Nagato of the Big Seven and everything."

That caused some Muggleborn heads to whip around including one that Harry remembered was named Dean Thomas. "Wait, Nagato? As in the Battleship Nagato?!" At Harry's nod, he leaned back with a stunned look on his face. "Bloody hell... wasn't she one of the first who came back to fight the Abyssals?"

Slowly nodding, Harry considered what he was going to eat next, though he noted with some amusement that no one had realized that Hermione had practically finished off a pot roast by herself. Another part of him wondered if he could get the recipes for the food. "Yup! Mum came back roughly the same time as the Kongous did along with Fubuki-Nee and Yuudachi-Nee. Maybe a bit after."

Utterly confused, Percy frowned. "'Nee'?"

For a moment, Harry paused and then blushed a bit. "Uh, sorry about that, dess. Um, nee is short for nee-san, big sister. Most of the Destroyers on base were like big sisters to me growing up, so..."

Giving a nod, Percy chuckled a bit. "Understandable I guess. You must have had an... interesting... time growing up there."

With a grin, Harry snickered. "Yeah, I had lots of big sisters and aunts and stuff. Though it could get funny actually... in fact, there was this one time when Iowa tried to get under Aunt Kongou's skin and at a tea party asked for boiled Gatorade..." Noticing the grimaces on the Muggleborns and some of the Halfbloods, the others listened in with expressions varying from confusion to horror at parts as Harry continued his tale until he came to an end. "... So then, Aunt Haruna picked up Iowa and suplexed her right there while fire was burning the cola all around them. It was amazing... And then Admiral Goto pulled them all into the office to reprimand them."

Lost, Percy slowly nodded as he filed away what he had been told. "I... see..."

The twins meanwhile were just grinning as they listened with the same thought running through their heads. 'We got to learn more...'

It was then that the food changed into desserts and Harry looked around with wide eyes at the ice creams and various other things. "... Okay, this would be like Destroyer heaven." Grabbing a treacle tart, he grinned as he began to eat. 'I can't wait until I write my letters to tease them over it.' Another glance caused Harry to shake his head. "Though the pies mean that it would be Jersey's as well."

Snapping her mouth shut, Hermione turned toward him. "You mean New Jersey, the Battleship?"

Just nodding, Harry chewed the mouthful he had before swallowing. "Yeah, she absolutely loves eating pie. So this many? She'd be in love."

That got him snickers from Hermione as well as some of the Muggleborn. The rest of the meal passed uneventfully except for one instance where Harry's scar hurt when he looked at the staff table, but he just ignored though while making a note to mention it in a letter. Eventually though, everyone leaned back full, though Hermione was still looking thoughtfully at various foods before they vanished. Harry for his part was just thankful that due to living on the base and being exposed to western cooking, he wouldn't suffer as much from the rich, heavy food as some might back in Japan. During the end of feast announcements though, Harry straightened up as did Hermione with the witch turning toward Percy. "Did he just say that someone could get killed if they go looking in the third floor corridor?!"

Percy only nodded with a thoughtful expression on his face. "He did, which is kind of odd that he didn't say why. The Forbidden Forest is off limits because everyone knows there's dangerous creatures in there. But... the third floor corridor? Hmm..."

Despite the threat though, Harry's fingers itched like an American Subgirl with something she really wants in front of her. Then, Dumbledore to exasperated looks and sighs stated it was time to sing the school song which Harry grinned at, and his grin only widening as he said to chose their own tune. As his voice died off, Hermione just boggled at him. "Did... you really just sing that to J-Pop?"

Winking, Harry gave a grin. "Hai, hai, Harry-Chan desu~ Idol of Hogwarts!"

For her part, Hermione had to blink as she swore that Harry was for a split moment wearing traffic cone orange clothing and then it was gone. '... I must be tired... yes, that's the only explanation for what the hell just happened...' She pretended not to notice various people rubbing their eyes while muttering about orange. "... Never do that again."

Sadly, that caused Harry's grin to widen even more as his eyes twinkled in amusement.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

After some time, and an encounter with Peeves that left Harry decidingly unimpressed, they finally reached Gryffindor Tower and were lead inside. Once through the entranceway, Harry took the time to glance around the Common Room where there we groups of squishy armchairs and couches as well as a fire blazing in the fireplace. 'This... seems comfortable.'

Then he turned his attention back onto Percy who had waited a few moments to let them look around before he cleared his throat. "Now then, welcome to Gryffindor Tower, this is our Common Room as you can see. For First Years such as yourself you can't go any further then this from your dorms between the hours of eight thirty at night to six thirty in the morning. If you get caught outside between those times, you will be punished starting with House Points taken away and detentions. And us Prefects will be watching as we patrol the halls at night." It was then that he noted that Hermione had raised her hand. "Yes?"

Hermione just frowned a bit. "What about studying? We need to be able to access the library after all."

Eyebrows raising, Percy glanced around and noted that Harry was nodding as if in agreement to his surprise. "If you need to be out later studying as a First Year, then you'll need a note from our Head of House, Professor McGonagall. However, once you are in your Third Year the amount of time you can be out will be increased to nine thirty. Just the same though, it's best if you gather all your study material and come to the Common Room as we have plenty of spots for it." Percy waited a moment to see if there were any other questions and then nodded before gesturing to the stairs. "Now then, as you can see, there are two sets of stairs here. One is to the Girl's Dormitories and the other to the Boy's. Girls are on the right and boys are on the left with you First Years on the first floor. With each year, you'll head up to the floor above the previous one."

The female Prefect then cleared her throat. "I would like to also inform each of you that boys are not allowed in the female dorms and there are measures to prevent that."

Blinking as Percy gave his counterpart a slight glare, Harry tilted his head and raised his hand. Once he got a nod, he frowned. "What about the Boy's Dorm? And what sort of measures?"

If anything, that caused the female Prefect to give a grin. "Girls have been considered more trustworthy then boys, of course. As to the measures, the stairs will become a slide and dump you at the bottom."

Much to her confusion, Harry just gave her a blank look at the first part. 'More trustworthy... riiiiight.'

At the same time, Percy noticed that various First Years were yawning and looking rather sleepy. Knowing that they would not get much more attention out of them, he sighed. "Now then, I think that's enough for the night. If any of you have any more questions, you can always ask us Prefects or Professor McGonagall when she's free. Alternatively, you consult your booklets regarding Hogwarts rules and regulations, which I advise you to do so anyways." Waving them on, he gave a thin smile. "Now then, I think that it's time for you all to head to bed."

Needless to say, you had a group of mostly bleary eyed eleven year olds heading up to the dorms and then into them. Upon entering his dorm, Harry took note of the large, canopied beds as well as the trunks at the foot of their trunks. While the other boys trudged to theirs, Harry rushed over and opened his trunk before pulling out what looked like a bread box and setting it up on the end table. Yawning, Ron blinked and then frowned some as he looked over. "What's that, Mate?"

Harry looked over his shoulder and gave a smile. "It's an owl box." At the confusion, he waved a hand. "It's like... one of those vanishing cabinets. That way I can send letters to my family back in Yokosuka without having Hedwig get exhausted or it taking days."

That slowly got him nods before Seamus nearly cracked his jaw. "That's neat I guess." He then gestured with his head at the boxes beside the trunk. "What are those by the way?"

Glancing at them, Harry opened one and nodded. "They're stuff from the trolley. I asked the lady manning it if I could buy what was left so I could send it back home with rationing going on, she said yes and gave it to me at half price." Slowly, his eyes widened. "And... there's a lot here."

From where he was at his own bed, Dean let out a curse. "Bloody hell, I should have thought of that... maybe next year."

More then a little confused, Neville looked back and forth as he got into his pajamas. "Why? I mean... that's a lot of food."

Both Dean and Harry just stared at him before Seamus actually snorted. "Because in the Muggle world, they got issues with the amount of food with the war, Neville."

Neville glanced over at Ron who nodded. "Yeah, they got limits on how much food they get at any time. Mum makes some money selling chickens and eggs at the market."

Once more, Neville just looked back and forth in confusion before shaking his head. Meanwhile, Harry took out several photos and placed them onto his bedside table with them facing him. Interested, Ron gave them a glance. "Who are those, Mate?"

A grin on his face, Harry began pointing at them. "That's me and Mum right there."

Looking himself, Neville's eyes widened as he looked at the shipgirl in her usual uniform, Dean gave a low whistle. "I've seen pics, but damn, your Mum's fit."

For his part, Neville just shook his head as he muttered. "That's an understatement."

However, Harry just shrugged. "Mum's a Battleship, of course she would." Then he pointed at another picture. "That's Fubuki-Nee, Yuudachi-Nee, and Mutsuki-Nee. And over there is Aunt Mutsu. Then we got DesDiv6, Shinano-Chan, Iku-Chan and the other Submarines..."

Part of Harry was disappointed that there were no pictures of Hoppou, but Nagato and, amazingly enough, Hoppou told him no. Finally, the boys just nodded before Ron yawned. "Huh, neat, Mate." Shaking his head, he began to climb into his bed before noticing that Harry was now writing. "... Aren't you tired?"

Shrugging, Harry shook his head. "Nah, not really all that tired at the moment." At their looks, he sighed. "Jet lag."

That got a nod from both Ron (who knew about it from his father) and Dean. Meanwhile, Neville just blinked. "Well... uh, goodnight then?"

Just waving them and giving them all a good night, Harry continued writing until he sent the boxes of food as well as the letters through the owl box. He was thankful that they all fit and then he got changed and got into bed only to find a problem. "... Dammit, too soft."

Eventually though, he did manage to get to sleep, though he woke up in the middle of the night due to an odd dream. Said dream involved him wearing Professor Quirrel's turban with it telling him that he got into the wrong House and must be transferred to Slytherin. When he said no, the turban got heavier and heavier while tightening around his head until it felt like it would burst. Then Draco appeared in front of him laughing until he changed into Snape, who's laugh was cold and cruel before there was a flash of green light which woke him.

Almost a minute passed with him sitting there in a cold sweat as he panted. Laying back, Harry was just about to head back to sleep until he remembered something that Ryuujou had told him about how dreams could have meaning and pulled out the notebook he had for odd dreams. Quickly jolting down all the details he remembered, he put it under his pillow and tried to get back to sleep. Within ten minutes he managed that feat and, if it was not for the notebook, he would not have remembered the dream come the morning when he woke up. After a few minutes of puzzlement, Harry decided to leave it aside and get ready for his first morning jog at Hogwarts.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hoppou was sitting in front of the owl box in Yokosuka with a unblinking stare until suddenly the door opened with a click revealing two large boxes and some letters. "Mommy! Big Brother sent letters and packages!"

Taking out the boxes, she closed the door and was soon surprised when it opened a few seconds later to reveal more boxes which she took out. After that, Hoppou waited but no further ones came out and she was satisfied when Nagato came in with a smile. "Harry sent us some letters and packages, hmm?" At the nod, Nagato crouched down and took one of the letters which was addressed to her and opened it. Reading through it, she nodded some. "It seems that your brother had a fun time of things so far, though he misses all of us."

From where she sat, Hoppou nodded as she read her own letter. "Yeah, Big Brother promised to send pictures to Hoppou and says that he misses her lots! Also said that he sent us food like cakes."

Since Nagato had reached that spot herself, she nodded and opened one of the packages before blinking at what was inside. "... This is actually quite a bit. Maybe two or three days if we stretch it." Hearing a sound, Nagato looked up to see Hoppou staring at her with a chocolate frog struggling in her hands. Then the Abyssal quickly shoved it into her mouth and swallowed with a grin. "Hoppou..."

Grinning, Hoppou tried to pretend there wasn't a smear of chocolate around her mouth. "What, mommy?"

Only sighing, Nagato barely held back a chuckle before nodding as she went back to examining the packages. "I think that Ooyodo will be pretty happy with these actually."

All Hoppou did was take another chocolate frog to eat.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Shiromizu slowly made her way toward the shrine as the warm, September sun shone down upon everything. Up above, the odd fluffy cloud drifted past making the day just about perfect. However, Shiromizu mostly ignored that as she made her way along. For the most part, her mind was on the past week that Harry had been gone to Hogwarts. From her tank, she had watched everything unfold such as Hoppou's reaction. Besides her mood swings, Hoppou had spent a lot of time in Harry's room waiting for letters until DesDiv6 had dragged her out. Though that may have been because Hibiki was also somewhat depressed as she sometimes stared off into space. She hadn't seen much of the Subgirls either as they spent a lot of time on patrols. That said, Shiromizu had seen them reading their letters to each other.

At the same time, Rose had busied herself as much as she could. From what she had overheard, the tsukumogami's little side job of providing tea and snacks to those in the docks were going well. And if she was not there, then she could be found with Haruna. 'Now if only I could put a bet into the pool...'

Most surprising though was how Shinano had taken it. A number expected the massive Carrier to be tearful and depressed, yet she wasn't. Defying expectations, Shinano met each day with a smile on her face, though she often dropped off letters for Harry or picked up any that came through. Nagato had even asked once and Shinano told her that she could still talk with Harry through their letters. Which was a thought shared by everyone.

The pictures though were the most favorite though as none of them had gone to Hogwarts. Shiromizu herself had one by her tank of the castle by the lake which she sometimes like to look at.

Suddenly though, she felt a tingle and looked up with a blink as she realized that she was now in front of the shrine's Torii. A chuckle caused her to glance to the side where Haru stood with a grin. "Deep in thought, hmm?"

Just sighing, Shiromizu glanced around and then shifted in her more human form. "Harry's been gone for a week now."

Nodding as she continued to sweep, Haru hummed. "That he has." She paused and then looked off into the distance. "Natsumi-Chan has been rather saddened and lonely by him leaving, though she does enjoy his letters greatly." After a moment, Haru shook that off and let go of the broom which continued to sweep on it's own. Though it seems that you miss him as well."

Much to the kitsune's amusement, Shiromizu just snorted as she followed Haru into the Shrine. "He's a like a sibling to me, and a good friend. Why wouldn't I miss him?"

With a laugh, Haru nodded. "True enough, I think that I miss his little misadventures with the others... though I think that Nagato-San's hamster makes up for part of it."

Eyebrow twitching, Shiromizu grumbled to herself. "Damn thing. I keep waking up in the morning with it on top of me." Shaking that off, she continued until she stopped, Haru waiting as Shiromizu went through the normal process for a shrine visit and then nodded when Shiromizu turned toward her. "So... any particular reason that you asked me to come? Natsumi is in school after all."

All that Haru did was nod as she gestured for the snake to follow her, which she did. "While Natsumi-Chan is getting training, she needs less then you in some ways. After all, I don't think that you have as much of a foundation she does."

That caused Shiromizu to huff. "Mizu-Onee-Sama taught me plenty I will have you know."

If the anger bothered the Miko any, she didn't show it as the two finally stopped by a wooden platform. Sitting down, Haru hummed a bit. "Oh, I do not doubt in the slightest that she has taught you plenty. As a matter of fact, I am positive that she has done her very best for you. However, there may have been things that she might have missed herself." On her face, there was a small smile. "Things which I am suited to teach to you as Natsumi-Chan has learned... and some that while I cannot physically teach you, I can help you learn."

Raising an eyebrow, Shiromizu frowned. "Such as my transformation abilities being as you are a kitsune."

Haru hummed thoughtfully before nodding. "That would be one thing that I can help with, yes. With any luck, you should be able to take on a fully human form within a good period of time. Perhaps in the years to come you may even manage to take the form of the Uwabami."

Surprised, Shiromizu let out a hiss as she coiled her lower body and relaxed on it. "A Uwabami..." Then her expression became thoughtful. "That... would be rather useful."

There was a gleam in the kitsune's eyes as she nodded. "It would, wouldn't it? However, that is many years away. For right now though, we shall start with the basics, such as writing."

For almost a minute, Shiromizu stared at her before she finally blinked. "I know how to write."

Her lips twitching, Haru raised a finger. "Ah! That may be. But can you write well is a better question."

There was only on response that the snake woman could give to that. "... What."

Now unable to help herself, Haru snickered. "Now, now, writing well is an important skill for anyone to know and learn. Ofuda is a perfect example of needing to write well as one mistake can have bad consequences. Besides..." Leaning in, she smirked. "One can be a great and powerful kami, but no one will want a talisman from them if their writing is bad."

Blinking, Shiromizu raised an eyebrow. "That's... oddly specific."

However, all Haru did though was shrug. "It is, isn't it?"

Several moments passed as Shiromizu thought it over before, finally, she nodded. "Oh, very well, I guess."

Clapping her hands, the Miko nodded and then reached under the platform and pulled out a calligraphy kit, which Shiromizu twitched at the sight of. "Excellent, then we can start right away." At yet another twitch, Haru's smirk grew a touch more. "Is something wrong, Shiromizu-Chan?"

Eyebrow twitching, Shiromizu just let out a sigh which sounded a lot like a hiss. "No, nothing is wrong."

Haru just beamed at that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

As they walked into Gryffindor Tower, Harry let out a loud yawn and cracked his back a little. "Ugh..."

Hermione just looked up from the small notebook she carried around everywhere with a raised eyebrow. For some odd reason, her, Harry, Ron, and Neville had become something of a group of their own among the First Years. "Something wrong?"

A slight frown on his face, Harry let out a puff of air that ruffled his bangs a little bit. "Just a little bit bored I guess... I mean, knowing the basics are important but still."

Just nodding, Hermione turned back to her notebook. "Mmm, that's true. I want to learn some spells." She then flipped a page. "Though we do have potions tomorrow and I think that's a more physical class."

There was a look of disgust on Ron's face as he scoffed. "Yeah, right. According to Fred and George as well as Percy, Snape hates Gryffindors."

Sharing a look with Hermione and Neville, Harry raised an eyebrow. "Two of those told you that we would need to wrestle a troll though."

With a bigger scowl on his face, Ron ignored Seamus trudging past him and then up the stairs to the dorms. "Thanks for reminding me. But what about Percy?"

Both Hermione and Harry paused before the witch turned to Harry. "Well... he does have a point there. It doesn't seem like Percy to make up stories like that about any teachers..."

Frowning, Harry considered this and sighed. "Hopefully not, I like potions."

Eyebrow raising, Neville stared at him. "But I thought that you were raised in the Muggle world? How would you know how to brew a potion?"

Chuckling, the black haired boy rubbed the back of his neck. "Well... I was taught by Haru-San in both collecting ingrediants and a few potions." At their looks of confusion, Harry sighed. "Haru is a Miko in charge of a small shrine back in Yokosuka on the base."

Despite the confusion still on the other two boys' faces, Hermione nodded. "Oh, I see." Turning toward them, she waved a hand around. "A Miko is a sort of priestess I guess. They're supposed to be able to communicate between the spirit world and the physical if I remember correctly."

Simply furrowing his eyebrows, Neville blinked. "like... a druid?"

Yet again, Harry and Hermione shared a look before they shrugged. But before they could go any further though, a scream from upstairs caught their attention as well as those inside the Common Room. Everyone was already moving when Seamus practically leapt from the stairs only to be stopped by Percy. "What seems to be the problem?"

Panting, Seamus pointed up the stairs. "Sn-snake... in the First Year Dormatory... b-big snake!"

Almost as one, nearly all the older students turned and gave a glare to the Weasley twins who just blinked in confusion. "What?'

Beside them, a blonde haired girl punched Fred in the shoulder. "You know what, you arse! A snake in the bedroom!? Are you kidding me!?"

Rubbing his arm, Fred just scowled. "What's your problem, woman? Does that really sound like something that we would do?"

For several seconds there was quiet while the others in the Common Room looked at each other before speaking as one. "YES."

Just grumbling, Fred shook his head before George patted his twin on the shoulder. "They do have a point, dear brother of mine."

Theatrically sighing, Fred nodded. "I suppose so, Forge, I suppose so. But in this case, it has nothing to do with us, we swear!"

Light glinting off his glasses, Percy sighed as his tone became drier then the Antarctic deserts. "I'm sure.

Hand flying to his chest, George gasped. "Perce! You too, our own brother!"

Also with a shocked look, Fred made a fake sob. "Our very own flesh and blood!"

"Wounding us in such a way!"

"Indeed, indeed! Why, we might die of broken hearts, dropped by our own family!"

Both of them flung themselves onto Percy who scowled and tried to push them away. "Getoff!"

More then a little amused by the byplay, Harry turned to Seamus who seemed annoyed by the whole thing. "Just... one question." At the look, Harry continued. "What exactly does the snake look like?"

Still scowling, Seamus looked toward Harry. "Big with white scales and these red eyes." However, when Harry groaned and pinched his nose, Seamus blinked. "What?"

With a sigh, Harry pinched his nose some. "Sorry, Seamus, I think that's my snake, Shiromizu. She must have come through the owl box from Yokosuka."

There was utter silence which caused Harry to look up to see all the Gryffindors there staring at him. Before he could say anything, Percy cleared his throat. "You... have a pet snake, Harry?"

Just shrugging, Harry frowned. "Um, yeah? I mean, snakes are a pretty common pet in the non-magical world you know."

His eyebrows raising, Percy stared at him and wasn't alone as a number of Halfbloods and Purebloods did as well. "Wait, snakes are a common pet with muggles? Really?"

Slowly, Harry nodded though he was pretty confused about the reaction he was getting. "Yes...? They got reptile shows for them and everything. Shiromizu was a pretty big hit at the only one I took her to." Unknown to them as they muttered, Harry didn't finish the rest. 'And that was the only one because that eco-jerk tried to grab her so that she could be "Free"... which was when she bit her.'

It was then that one of the Gryffindor First Year witches, Sally-Ann Perks, spoke up. "He's right, my uncle owns all sort of snakes."

From where they sat, a Muggleborn Fifth Year spoke up. "And a friend of mine who's a muggle has this big boa constrictor his dad gave him.'

As more commented on how they've seen snakes as pets, Percy looked a bit lost but thoughtful. Then he noticed that Harry was climbing the stairs. "Where are you going now?"

Harry just raised an eyebrow and looked over his shoulder. "If it's Shiromizu, I'm going to go and get her."

Frowning, Hermione cleared her throat. "Harry? What sort of snake is Shiromizu?"

Slightly confused, Harry shrugged. "Shiromizu is a Japanese rat snake, she doesn't have any venom if that's what you're worried about. Besides, I saved her from being tormented and killed by some kids, which should tell you how dangerous she is."

Now that he's said his piece, Harry continued his way up the stairs while ignoring that most of Gryffindor was following him. Once he entered the Dorm though, he frowned and looked around. 'Now where are you...' It was then that he spotted a small, white tail behind a curtain and walked over. Flinging open the curtain, he narrowed his eyes down at Shiromizu who gave him the closest that she could to a sheepish grin. "{Dammit, Shiromizu!}"

Tongue flicking out, Shiromizu softly hissed. "{What?}"

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Harry was about to say something when he heard an intake of breath and turned to see several of his Housemates staring at him. "Bloody hell, you're a parselmouth!"

Just blinking, Harry frowned for a moment before he remembered what McGonagall had told him that day she had taken them to Diagon. "You mean the whole speaking to snakes thing?"

Uncomfortable, Percy looked around. "Uh... you know that's a sign of a dark wizard, right?"

If anything, he grew more uncomfortable as Harry stared at him before the younger boy sighed. "In Britain, maybe. Not in Japan though." At the continuing looks, Harry rolled his eyes and walked over to his trunk. Then he opened it before pulling out a book and flipped through it before bringing it over to Percy. "Here."

Frowning, Percy took the book and glanced at the cover. "It's some sort of guide to Japanese mythology?"

Simple nodding, Harry tapped his finger on the page that it was opened on. "It explains all about snakes right here. Long story short? Snakes aren't really looked at as evil. Sure, some are such as the Yamata no Orochi, though I think that might be considered more like a hydra... Anyways, some of the Kami have snakes as messangers such as Benzaiten of the Seven Lucky Gods, one of her symbols is the white snake. Then you got Ryujin, the dragon kami of the seas who has snakes as representatives with one of his daughters being one... other kami are snakes."

The frown on Percy's face grew as he continued to read. "Huh... it does say that. And it also says that snakes represent money, prosperity and fertility?" Eyebrows raising, he looked up at Harry. "So in Japan being able to speak to snakes..."

Nodding, Harry smiled. "Is a good thing as it means that you can talk to some of the messangers of the Kami? Pretty much, yeah. I got told that before the Statute of Secrecy, Lords who's farmers had rat problems used to hire those able to speak with snakes to come and have the snakes eat the rats."

Eyebrows furrowing, Percy slowly nodded. "I see..." Looking down at the book, he frowned. 'Looks like I have something to read...'

Part of him realized that he wasn't the only one as other Gryffindors were looking intrigued or whispering among themselves. However, what caught his attention was the sight of Harry scolding the snake which looked like it was nearly as long as he was tall. Said snake of course, looking away almost petuantly between hisses. Beside him, Seamus had an odd look on his face. "That reminds me of me mum when she gets mad, it does." He then shuddered. "I did not need to think that."

For his part, Percy grimaced as he was also reminded of his own mother scolding her children for doing something. "Thank you, now I can't help but imagine mum scolding a snake..."

Meanwhile, Neville walked a bit closer though he stilled when Shiromizu looked toward him. "Um..."

Blinking, Harry turned toward him with a frown on his face. "Something wrong, Neville?"

Slowly swallowing, Neville just shook his head. "Just... wanted to take a closer look is all..."

Eyes widening, Harry smiled at him which caused Neville's stomach to drop. "Why didn't you just say so, Nev?" Then Harry gently picked up Shiromizu. "Here, want to hold her?"

Taking a step back, Neville looked between Harry and the snake which was watching him curiously. "I... uh...."

All Harry did though was shake his head. "She won't hurt you, promise."

However, all Neville did was look between Harry and Shiromizu who flicked out her tongue. "Wh-what's she doing?"

Glancing down, Harry shrugged. "She's tasting the air, it's how snakes smell after all." After a hiss from the snake, Harry raised an eyebrow. "She says that you don't need to be so terrified of her, she promises that she won't bite."

Still unsure, Neville took a deep breath and then held out his hand. "Um, okay then, i guess..."

A small smile on his face, Harry slowly held out placed Shiromizu close so that she could slither onto Neville's hand. "There we go, gently."

While Shiromizu moved onto his hand, Neville's expression became a frown. "She's... not slimy?"

Snorting, Harry shook his head. "Of course she's not, snakes' aren't slimy."

For her part, Shiromizu just let out a hiss. "{If you want slimy, then my Onee-Sama is the one to talk too.}'

That got her a look from harry, but as she didn't expand on that, he didn't bother saying anything. Instead, he looked over as Sally-Ann walked over to get a better look at her. Within an hour or so, while still not quite comfortable, none of the Gryffindors had an issue with Shiromizu. Especially after Harry communicated that she promised not to eat any pets. Granted, Harry still did not know why she had shown up. The only answer he got from Shiromizu was mutters about stupid, task master foxes which confused him.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 193: Harry Leferts

"Oh man, guys, you won't believe it!"

Looking up, Harry gave a blink. "Believe what, Dean?"

There was a massive grin on the boy's face as he looked up to see Harry walk out of the bathroom in just shorts while toweling his hair. "Went on your morning run again?"

Harry just chuckled as he finished and tossed the towel into his hair. "Yup, running up all those stairs really helps. Besides, Fubuki-Nee would be disappointed if I didn't keep it up."

It went without saying that he ignored the eyerolls he got. After all, his dorm mates had gotten used to some of his quirks over the past week. Such as him going for a run through the castle every morning. Every time they asked why, he stated that he needed to be fit and this his "Fubuki-Nee" would be disappointed if he didn't. From where he was yawning, Seamus just shook his head. "Bonkers you are."

All Harry did though was shoot him a grin, then he turned toward. "Only to you bunch. Anyways... you said that you found something, Dean?"

With a jerk, Dean suddenly snapped his fingers. "Right! Guess what I found out?" He waited, but everyone just glanced at each other and shrugged. Though he shuddered a bit at the white snake that just watched him from where she laid on Harry's bed. 'Don't tell me he slept with her there...' At the throat clearing, Dean went back to grinning. "I found the Kitchens!"

Now that caught Harry's attention and he looked at him. "Wait, you found the kitchens?"

Slowly, Dean nodded. "Yup! They're down that staircase by the Great Hall. The one that the Hufflepuffs keep going down. Anyways, the entrance is behind a bowl of fruit and you got to tickle the pear."

Despite all the time among shipgirls, that caused Harry to raise an eyebrow. "Tickle... the pear... seriously?" At Dean's nod, he shook his head. "Crazy."

Dean however just snorted. "Yeah, it turns into a doorknob after giggling." He tried his best to ignore the snake hissing as if it was laughing. Not to mention Harry giving Shiromizu an amused look. "Anyways, I checked out and it's huge! There's all these little elf guys running around and cooking."

Before Harry could comment, Neville nodded. "Those would be the House Elves." At the looks, he blushed some. "Gran used to tell me."

Shaking it off, Dean continued. "Anyways... one of the fellow Muggleborns told me about it. Apparently the school doesn't mind us sending home food! Heck, I can send home enough to feed my family for a week on leftovers from just a single meal they'd make up. And I'm not the only one. Other Muggleborns are doing it too."

That caused both Seamus and Neville to stare at him in confusion. However, Ron just nodded. "Just be careful. Dad told me that while it technically violates the Statute, a lot of people will look the other way as long as you don't make it obvious."

All the Muggleborn did was raise his hands with palms out. "No worries from me, once a week will really help out my family."

Rubbing his chin, Harry frowned some. 'Well... I live in Yokosuka, so maybe I can send more and Ooyodo-Oba can come up with excuses...' Being as he worked in the kitchens, Harry knew exactly how much food a shipgirl could put away. And the thought of covering a single meal was... highly tempting. Then he noticed that Shiromizu was looking thoughtful. "{Thinking of something?}"

Rubbing her tail under her chin, Shiromizu gave a nod. "{Was thinking that perhaps I could pay these kitchens a visit...}"

Simply shaking his head at that, Harry's thoughts turned toward Natsumi and Haru. Especially the idea of sending the two of them chicken as they did love it, rabbit too which he remembered were at the feast and from memory there were farms for. Hearing another hiss, he glanced over at Shiromizu and snorted. "{For some odd reason, that does not seem the smartest idea, Shiromizu.}"

It was then that he noticed that Seamus had an odd look on his face, but before Harry comment said Irish boy shook his head. "It's still creepy seeing you do that."

All that Harry did was shrug as he continued getting ready for the day. By the time that he was finished though, the others had already gone downstairs and he was about to when Shiromizu spoke up. "{Harry, I'm going with you today to your classes.}"

Blinking, Harry looked over at her in curiosity. "{You want to go to my classes with me?}" When she nodded, he frowned a bit. "{Shouldn't you head back to Yokosuka already?}"

When she winced, he had to blink. Before Harry could say anything, Shiromizu gave him a shrug. "{I already let them know that I'm here and going to spend the day... better then all the work that I would need to do otherwise.}" Then she muttered low enough that Harry barely caught it. "{Like hell my writing is that bad that I need to practice that much...}"

Confused, Harry considered asking, but then shrugged and simply held out an arm which Shiromizu crawled into and then under his sleeve.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As Harry continued to clean up, he thought back to the Potions class that they just had. He wasn't altogether pleased with how it went as besides the rollcall, there was also the near miss that Neville had. Thankfully though, Hermione managed to stop him in time before he messed up his potion. What bothered Harry the most though was the fact that Snape kept giving him these odd looks throughout the class. Especially when he had put on reading glasses to better see the ingredients which had caused him to glare. Now though, the class was over and he turned to Ron. "Could you head on ahead? I want to ask Professor Snape some questions."

That caused Ron to glance at Snape who seemed annoyed at something. "You sure that's a good idea, mate? I mean... he doesn't seem to be in a good mood."

Shrugging, Harry placed his book into his backpack. "Well, it's probably a good idea if I ask him now."

Just shaking his head, Ron snorted. "Your choice."

With that, he walked out of the classroom and Harry walked up to the teacher's desk and cleared his throat. "Professor?"

Looking up, Snape glared at him a bit, though he winced a bit at seeing him without glasses. Unknown to Harry, the Professor was unsure how to feel about him. After all, with his glasses on Harry resembled his father a great deal. With them off though, those who knew Lily could see quite a bit of resemblance. It left Snape feeling... confused about things. Which left him more gruff then usual. "What is it, Mister Potter. Don't tell me that the homework is too hard."

Much to his surprise, Harry just shrugged. "No worse then any other homework that I've gotten assigned. It's just that I had a few questions..."

Simply sighing, Snape turned his full attention onto the son of both his hated school rival, as well as the only remaining thing of his best friend. "Very well, Mr. Potter. Since it seems that you have some inkling as to potions, somehow, I'll humor you. But my time is precious and I will not have it wasted by asking dumb questions, understood?"

Harry blinked at the reminder of the questions that he had asked him at the start of the class, as well as how he seemed surprised at them being answered. "Um, of course... I guess that my first question is if we'll be learning how to collect and prepare ingredients?"

Eyes narrowed, Snape frowned a bit. "The collection and preparation of ingredients, besides the one the spot work for potions, is beyond the scale of the class. So, no, the class will not be learning how to prepare them for storage. There is something of a short elective for them in Third Year, but that is usually ignored. I may also use the preparation for detentions so that perhaps a dunderhead may learn something useful." He then frowned even more. "Is there a particular reason that you asked?"

Chuckling, Harry scratched his cheek and didn't notice that Snape's eyes went to his shirt and blinked. "Well... Miss Haru back in Yokosuka showed me how and I was wondering what may be different here."

Shaking off what he had noticed, Snape glared slightly at him. "So you wished to show off then." Before Harry could say anything in his defence, Snape waved him off. "No matter. Is there anything else?"

All Harry did was clear his throat before he frowned. "I was wondering about, um... safety gear-"

However, Snape cut him off right there. "And you were wondering why we may not use muggle equipment here, correct?" When Harry nodded, Snape sighed. "Mr. Potter, items such as fume hoods are useless in this section of the castle. Not only would we need to cut through a large portion of the castle to set them up, we can simply use an air clearing charm instead for much the same effect. Which is leaving aside the fact that some potions need one to be able to smell them in order to distinguish the stage. Materials such as plastic and rubber can have... bad reactions... to say the least with potions gone wrong. If a student wished to wear a heavy, leather apron or glass goggles, I would not have any issue. However, both items can be very expensive and thus out of the budget of most students. I hope that is a good enough answer."

Understanding that the Professor wanted him gone, Harry slowly nodded. "Um, thank you for answering my questions."

Just giving him a nod, Snape motioned him away. Once the door closed, the Potion's Master sighed and leaned back into his chair with a sigh before he rubbed the side of his face with a grimace. Partially because of his own feelings regarding Harry's parentage but also because the conversation, along with how Harry looked without his glasses, uncomfortably reminded Snape of a similar conversation many years ago. After a few moments, Snape pulled out a hidden drawer and poured himself a shot of the whiskey he had in there. 'Now to see if he is as clever as his mother, or if he's more like his father...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Giving Hagrid a wave goodbye as they walked away from his hut, Harry blinked at the sight Ron boggling at Hermione who raised an eyebrow at him. "Something wrong?"

All Ron could do though was stare as Hermione took another bite from what she held in her hands. "How... how can you even eat that?!"

Hermione paused for a moment and then looked down at the rock cake she held, and which was mostly already gone, before shrugging. "It's actually pretty good." Quickly finishing it, she looked toward Harry who seemed amused for some reason. But then she shook it off. "I'll have to get the recipe for it."

Those words caused Harry to snort back some laughs before he coughed as Hermione looked at him in confusion. Waving her off, he looked down at Shiromizu who was poking her head out of his shirt and looking around in curiosity. "{Have fun?}"

Looking up at him, Shiromizu let out a soft hiss. "{Fufufufu, it was a rather interesting day, was it not?}" She then looked toward the lake. "{I must admit that it was informative... and I'll have to come by more often I would think.}"

Slowly, Harry raised his eyebrow at Shiromizu. "{You want to come back more often?}"

It was strange, though somehow Harry knew that Shiromizu was calling him an idiot just through her expression. Then she confirmed it with her next words. "{Oh yes, why ever would I come back to such an interesting place? Rather then spend all my time back home in Yokosuka.}"

With a snort, Harry shook his head. "{Yeah, I suppose that it would be more interesting then just being in your tank all day.}" He didn't notice the tiny wince from Shiromizu. "{Though I will admit that I won't mind seeing a friendly face.}"

As she gave him a smile, Shiromizu had a odd gleam in her eyes. "{And I don't mind.}" Once more looking around, Shiromizu spotted the Forbidden Forest. "{So that is the local version of Aokigahara...}"

His own gaze on it, Harry slowly nodded. "{Yeah...}" Seeing the stares towards him from Ron, Hermione, and Neville, Harry blinked. "Um... something wrong?"

Neville gave him a nervous smile before shrugging. "Just wondering what you were talking about is all..."

More then a little bemused, Harry chuckled. "Nothing much really... Shiromizu was just mentioning that she might come by more often because Hogwarts is interesting... and at the end we were talking a little about the Forbidden Forest."

That caused Hermione to raise an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"

Simply shrugging, the black haired wizard frowned. "She was just comparing it to Aokigahara back in Japan."

Eyebrows furrowing, Ron frowned. "Aokiga-whatsit? What's that?"

Pausing, Harry came to a stop and stared at the Forbidden Forest, part of him certain that the shadows were shifting on their own at times. "Aokigahara is a forest by Fuji-San... Mount Fuji. It goes by another name though... The Suicide Forest.

At that, the other three stopped and turned to him as Neville swallowed. "S-Suicide Forest...?"

Just nodding, Harry let a shudder pass through him. "Yeah, it's pretty infamous for having massive amounts of suicides there as well as people getting lost and never being found. Not to mention it being a place where during famines families were said to abandon members at." He then glanced toward his friends and shook his head. "The place is pretty much swarming with yokai and yuurei though... um, I guess you might think of them as being dark creatures? Never been in the forest myself, but one of the teachers by my school who was from America had made a stop near the outskirts and saw a jacket hung on a branch, but didn't go any further."

Staring at him, Ron finally shook his head. "Mate, that's bloody freaky that is."

Harry just shrugged as a reply. "Maybe, though if I remember what I was told, there was a small Japanese magic school that was somewhere nearby. So... yeah, the Forbidden Forest kind of reminds Shiromizu and me of that."

There was a grimace on Ron's face as he shook his head. "Uh, yeah... okay, Mate. That's just... yeah."

On Harry's face was a slight smirk as he shrugged. "Your welcome."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione continued to watch Shiromizu who was looking right back at her. With a hiss, Shiromizu turned toward Harry. "{You know that Hermione here is a shipgirl, correct?}"

Much to her surprise though, Harry just nodded. "{Yeah, I've known that she was a shipgirl for a while now. I'm just waiting to see if she'll come clean and when.}"

All Shiromizu did was shake her head in amusement at that. Then she turned her head back to the Forbidden Forest in thought as she felt a pull toward it. One easily ignored as a matter of fact. What she didn't tell Harry was that she had another reason to stick around Hogwarts. She could sense something in the castle that called out to her. And not in a good way. But whatever it was, Shiromizu was now curious about it and wanted to see what it was. Oddly, the sense of it was strongest in the dungeons beneath the castle, but she could tell that it wasn't there.

Part of her wondered what, exactly, it was...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Trudging into the Sub Pens, Iku let out a loud yawn before blinking as she stopped at a smell that met her. 'Curry?' Head snapping to the side, Iku barely avoided the other Submarines crashing into her as she noted Taigei and Maruyu at the stove in the small kitchenette working on some food. "Mmm..."

With a look over her shoulder, Taigei gave a small smile and then waved a spoon at them. "Just in time for lunch."

Just blinking, all of them turned to look at the clock on the wall which stated that it was now past Midnight. It was Imuya who asked the question on their minds as she scratched her head. "Lunch?"

Not missing a beat, Taigei nodded as she closed her eyes in amusement. "A very late lunch... unless you don't want any of my curry." It took a few seconds but she was met with denials of that being true which caused her to giggle. "Well, then how about you go and wash up quickly. I'll also bring out some things that Harry-Chan sent as well."

Much to Maruyu's surprise, almost immediately all the returning Subgirls rushed into the bathroom and she could hear the showers going. "Wow."

Barely keeping to just giggles, Taigei nodded before she patted the small Subgirl on the head. "Mm-hm. I do wonder what they're hurrying for more. My curry or what Harry-Chan sent them?"

From inside the bathroom, RO's voice could be heard. "WHO SAYS THAT IT'S NOT BOTH?!"

That caused Taigei to actually laugh as she continued to cook. By the time that the Subgirls came out of the bathroom, still drying themselves off with towels, Taigei was done with her meal and brought over portions to each of the Subgirls before sitting down with Maruyu with their own portions in front of them. At the looks the Subgirls gave her, Taigei shook her head. "Eat your food first, and then we'll get to what Harry-Chan sent."

Sharing a look, the Subgirls began to eat their food fast only to slow down and begin to enjoy it. For the next couple of minutes, all that could be heard was the sound of food being eaten before they put aside their plates. Before they could go any further though, Taigei placed several small cauldron cakes in front of them which the various shipgirls grabbed and began to munch on. Being that said cakes were the last on the base, though Iowa was trying to convince some to make their own for Halloween that year, the Subgirls enjoyed them despite a slight staleness to them.

Compared to some of the food that their crews had eaten or what they had themselves eaten since returning, the cauldron cakes were still amazing.

Quickly pounding her chest, Hachi swallowed her last bite and, once she had a drink of milk, turned toward Taigei. "What did Harry-Chan send to us?"

With a soft giggle, Taigei got up and several moments later returned with envelopes for them. "Here, these arrived yesterday while you were all out on patrol."

Taking hers, Iku ripped the top off and took out the letter as she began to read. After a few moments her eyes widened some. "Wait, that teacher who came... McGonagall can turn into a cat? And being able to turn into animals is not that odd with maybe Harry able to learn it?"

For a few moments, the Subgirls all blinked and then leaned back as they imagined Harry as an animal. RO imagined him as a wolf that she was snuggling with, Maruyu imagined him as a giant bear that she was riding, Iku saw him as a lion which she cuddled with. Imuya saw him as black panther that liked to lay on top of her and keep her warm, and Hachi imagined him as a Saint Bernard dog.

Unknown to them, Taigei had him in her head as a whale that she was playing with among the waves.

After nearly a full minute, they shook it off and returned to reading. Suddenly, RO pointed at one part. "Look here! According to Harry-Chan that lake by his school might be connected to the ocean somehow..."

Slowly nodding, Shioi frowned. "Some kind of tunnel?"

Crossing her arms, Maruyu blinked and tilted her head. "Isn't that kind of dangerous? I mean... what if one of the Abyssals discover it? They'd have a way directly to his school."

That caused Iku to become thoughtful before she turned to Hachi, the two of them being the "Oldest" shipgirls there as they were the first Submarines summoned. "I... don't think that's very likely. If it looks like a cave, then the Abyssals would need to actually decide to go through it."

Nodding along, Hachi snorted. "Even if they sensed freshwater, they would think more a spring or series of springs really releasing groundwater." She then frowned and adjusted his glasses. "Oh! Harry-Chan sent the information about the lake's size and depth."

All Iku did was raise an eyebrow at that. "You still think that you can identify the lake? What if the lake is covered under that unplottable thing that the school is under?"

Hachi just smirked though. "It might be unplottable for maps, but satellite photos should show the lake at least. Especially with a village close to one part of the Lake."

With her arms crossed, RO shook her head. "But that counts for most of the Lochs in Scotland. Besides, didn't Nagato say that her and Warspite worked out a way to find Hogwarts just in case?"

Several seconds passed before Shioi nodded quickly. "That's right! They're going to use triangulation to find the castle! Like they're going to find the hidden islands around here. They got some shipgirl and will measure the signal times from her in order to get a rough estimate where it might be."

Having been silent, Maruyu finally sniffled a bit as she hugged the letter close. "I miss Harry-Chan."

That got her sympathic nods from the others with Taigei pulling her into a hug. Suddenly, Imuya spoke up. "Hey! Harry-Chan sent photos too!" Almost immediately, she found her head squished by the chests of the other Subgirls before she shoved them off. "Hey! Stop that." Scowling at them all, she shook the envelope. "There's some in your own envelopes too."

Within moments, they all began to dig into their envelopes and pulled out pictures. At the sight of Hogwarts castle from across the lake, Shioi let out a whistle. "Okay... that's just awesome."

Maruyu slowly nodded. "It's like something from a fairy tale or... one of those stories with the knights and stuff."

Finger against her mouth, Hachi hummed before she suddenly had the image of an older Harry dressed as a knight in front of said castle, but then shook it off. "Y-yeah..."

Leaning toward her, Iku smirked. "You just had the image of Harry-Chan as a knight, didn't you?"

Her only answer was Hachi to shove her before the blonde haired Subgirl smirked. "Like I'm sure that you didn't."

Ignoring the byplay as well as how Iku had a slight blush, Taigei brought out another letter. "Oh my... this must be the Great Hall that Harry-Chan wrote to us about."

Eyebrows raised, Imuya nodded as she looked over the Submarine Tender's shoulder. "Yeah! Look, it even looks like the ceiling is missing like Harry-Chan told us and there's all the tables!" Then she wiped away some drool. "Look at all that food..."

Various nods answered her before RO spoke up. "I think that I like his Common Room most though. It has a very nice look to it."

That got her murmurs before Shioi spoke up. "I like the look of those chairs... they look really comfortable to sit in, especially with a fire in the fireplace."

A squeal from Hachi caused them all to turn before she waved around a picture. "Look at this library! There has to be thousands of books there!" Bringing the picture back down, Hachi swallowed. "J-j-just imagine... all those books just waiting to be read... some may be even rare o-or lost volumes..."

Softly snickering, Imuya gave her head a rub which made her fellow Subgirl squawk. "Down girl."

For the next hour, the Subgirls just enjoyed looking through the various pictures. Of course, they knew that Harry had sent pictures to the others as well and caused them to discuss what some of the others might think of what they were seeing.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Ron glanced over at Harry and Hermione while raising his eyebrows at them. While Hermione had been nervous, she seemed far more annoyed at the moment then before. And it wasn't hard to pinpoint the source as Draco was behind them bragging about how he had outran a helicopter on a broom. To be honest, Ron was also annoyed as he had actually seen helicopters in action including ones at full speed. 'Either Malfoy is making it all up or he was just damn lucky... probably just damn lucky.'

It was then that Neville looked toward Ron with a confused expression on his face and leaned in with a whisper. "Um... wouldn't he have gotten in trouble for that? What with how seriously everyone takes the Muggles seeing magic now?"

However, as it turned out it wasn't quiet enough as a pink faced Draco was glaring at Neville as various other First Years snickered around him. Then he sneered at Neville. "I will have you know that there was little problem once my Father talked with some people."

Not even bothering to hide his contempt, Ron shoved his hands into his pockets. "Probably by bribing them to forget."

Eyes wide, Draco was about to say something when Madam Hooch walked up. "All here and ready? Very well. Now, all of you line up and get ready for our lesson today."

As they all lined up though, Harry was more worried about Hermione who was muttering under her breath and staring at the broom below her. "If I was meant to fly, I'd be an airship."

That caused Harry's eyebrows to raise. Before he could say anything though, Dean, who was on Hermione's other side spoke up. "You say something about airships?"

Harry then shrugged. "She was saying that if humans were meant to fly, that we'd be like airshipgirls... though considering Macon and Akron, that would not be a good thing."

Interested, Dean blinked. "Akron and Macon?"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "Yeah, their airshipgirls with the United States Navy, I only met them the once. They were... um... interesting for being catgirls? Sure, they're airheads, but nice."

Facepalming, Hermione just sighed even though she was thankful for him pulling attention off her. Internally, she breathed a sigh of relief that her cover had not been blown and no one suspected that she was really a shipgirl. At the same time, she was listening in as Dean continued his questions. "Wait, catgirls? As in...?"

All Harry did was nod. "They got ears and tails. Kind of reminded me of Strike Witches except... you know, they wear pants, Akron and Macon I mean. They're also Carriers as the Americans apparently looked into Airship Aircraft Carriers back in the 1930s."

Eyebrows furrowed, Dean shook his head at that. But before he could continue, Madam Hooch cleared her throat though she did give the two smiles. Walking in front of the line, she looked over her students and then over the brooms at their feet. "Okay. Now, hold out your dominant hand and shout 'UP' and the broom should fly into it."

Looking down at the broom by his feet, Harry took a deep breath before he shouted like that one Marine he met back at Yokosuka. "UP!"

The broom seemed to leap from the ground to his hand and around him, some other students jumped as their brooms did a short hop of a few inches and then fell back to the ground. It was almost as if they realized that they were not being shouted at, though Hermione internally facepalmed as she felt some of her NonComs nod. One by one, the students managed the feat and soon the whole class had the brooms in their hands. A number of people were amused as Hooch corrected Draco's handgrip while commenting on the ability of whoever had taught him.

Several minutes passed as she helped people get used to how to hold their brooms until, finally, she pulled back to where her own broom was and held it in one hand before mounting it with the other students copying her with their own. "Now then, on the count of five. One... two... three-What are you doing!?"

Having gotten nervous, Neville had taken off and rapidly rose until he was fifty feet above them all and kept going when he began to fall off the broom. Eyes wide, Harry just reacted as Neville hung there from one hand and practically leapt into the air. He was just about there when Neville lost his grip and began to plummet down to the ground. Flipping the broom around until the end faced the ground, Harry went into a dive as he spotted Hermione running for them. Barely forty feet had passed when Harry had grabbed Neville's hand with the jolt nearly knocking him from his own broom as all the other boy's weight was on one arm.

Despite the pain as he felt his arm nearly yanked from it's socket, he kept a hold and began to pull up into a more even flight. However, he felt Neville's hand slipping from his own and aimed his broom so when Neville let go, he barely fell far as Hermione skidded on her knees across the grass and caught him. Breathless, Neville looked up into Hermione's smiling face as she winked at him. "Don't worry, Neville, I got you."

A shout from Madam Hooch caught their attention and they turned to see the teacher stalking toward Harry who was holding one arm. "MISTER POTTER!" Both Hermione and Neville scrambled to their feet and rushed over. "Why I never... in all my years... you just... and he." She then stopped herself before looking at Harry's arm and grunting. "Looks like you pulled a few muscles."

Slowly, Harry nodded and winced as he moved his arm a bit. "Feels like it." At her raised eyebrow, he shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Just frowning, Hooch looked them over and then sighed. "Off to the medical wing for each of you to get checked out." When she spotted Hermione grabbing something, she raised an eyebrow. "Miss Granger..."

More then a little sheepish, Hermione raised a glass orb that was in her hands. "Um... I just spotted Neville's Rememberall..."

With a sigh, Hooch just began to guide them toward the castle. "Very well. Now then, off to the Hospital Wing." Turning back, Hooch fixed each of the students with a glare. "You all will stay on the ground until I return. If I catch one of you in the air when I return, I shall see to it that you are expelled for it!" Unnoticed, she glanced toward a window from which McGonagall was watching with wide eyes. 'I know what you're thinking, Minny.'

Having noticed that Hooch was looking at her, McGonagall gave a small smile and then turned to watch the class unknown to them. 'Once Rolanda returns, I think that perhaps I shall head to the Hospital Wing myself...'
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Staring with some mashed potatoes falling from his mouth, Ron boggled at his friend until Hermione kicked him under the table. "Ouch! What the bloody hell, Hermione!?"

Eyes narrowed, Hermione just glared at him. "What do you think, Ronald. Don't be letting food fall out of your mouth like that, it's utterly disgusting."

As he grumbled, Ron turned back to Harry who seemed amused by the whole thing. "You're on the House Team, Mate? Seriously? You got to be the youngest in-"

Harry nodded. "A hundred years. I guess that catching someone falling from their broom was really impressive or something." Going back to his food, Harry shrugged. "I asked Professor McGonagall if I could do a tryout rather then just get on the team you know. She looked at me as if I was crazy for it."

On the other side of the table, Neville nodded. "She did you know."

While he shook his head, Ron gave a scoff. "Gee, I wonder why she thought it was impressive. I thought that it was bloody brilliant myself. And you are mental for turning down being placed on the team without needing to tryout. I'd have jumped at the chance myself."

Slightly uncomfortable, Harry shifted a bit as underneath the table, Hermione kicked Ron in the legs again. "It just didn't feel right, though according to Wood I might as well not even bother. I'd just feel better about the whole thing.

All Ron did was shake his head before turning back to his food. Neville meanwhile looked over at Harry with a frown. "Um... how is your Mum going to react to what happened, Harry? I mean... I don't think that Gran will be happy with me..."

Just reaching over and giving Neville a pat on the shoulder, Harry shook his head. "I don't think that Mum will have much problem with me doing what I did. She might even be proud of me..." He then scowled a bit as he looked down at his food. "But she's out on some sort of big operation right now and so I won't hear anything for a few weeks."

That caused Ron to look up and frown. "You know, Warspite told me the same thing and that we'd resume our mail chess match when she got back in a few weeks. Think that they're on the same operation?"

Frowning, Harry gave it some thought before he shrugged. "Maybe? Warspite's helped out over in Japan a few times. Bit odd though for a cooperative mission to take them out of contact for that long... must be pretty big and important. And before you ask, Ron, I don't know what it's about."

With a sigh, Ron shook his head and then went back to eating. "Hopefully Warspite will be able to tell me when she gets back."

Unseen by the red haired wizard, Harry just shook his head. From his own experience, if they were keeping it this quiet then they were not about to tell anyone anything after it was done. Feeling two claps on his shoulder, Harry looked over them to see the grinning Weasley twins there. "Just heard the good news from Wood, Harry."

The other twin nodded. "Yeah, can't wait to see you show your stuff. If you're even half as good as Wood says, then we're a shoo in for this years Quidditch Cup."

Scratching at his cheek, Harry felt himself flush at their compliments. "Thanks, Fred, George, I appreciate it."

For several moments the two just stared at him and then at each other before Fred shook his head. "I still don't know how you know which one of us is which... not even our Mum gets it right all the time."

A smirk was on Harry's face as he snickered. "I'm kind of used to distinguishing between two objects that are very similar to each other."

Even though that confused the twins more, they soon shrugged it off and George leaned n. "By the way... is it true? You managed to catch Neville here in a dive?"

Confused as to where this was going, Harry just nodded. "Um, yes? I mean... I'm sure that someone else could have done it and I don't see why everyone makes a big deal of it."

Sharing a look, the twins shook their heads before George turned back to Harry. "Because that sort of stunt is dangerous. So bloody much could go wrong catching someone who's falling that sometimes it's best to just let them land or to try and use magic to catch them."

Beside him, Fred nodded. "Not that there's many who could throw out a spell fast enough. Dumbledore, maybe. I guess McGonagall or Flitwick might be able to as well if they were there." After a few moments of silence, Fred clapped Harry on the back again. "Anyways, it'll be great to have you on the team. See you later."

With that, they walked off as Harry just gave a nervous grin to his friends. "Hehe... I didn't know that..."

All he got though was shakes of the head before everyone turned back to their food.

 

[darthcourt10]

Tiypo

"Akagi-oba,
I found these jelly beans and thought you might have enjoy them, they have every flavour ever. Don't eat more than one at a time!
Fair winds and following seas, Harry."

Setting the note down Akagi chuckled to herself. Don't eat more than one at a time? Had Harry forgotten who she was? She was Akagi and there was NOTHING she couldn't eat! The packaging on the candy was rather friendly, a cute clown character was a background of white and red stripes like that of a circus. There was no listing of flavours but she could see the many beans of different colours through a window on each side.

Opening the pyramid like top she poured half a dozen into her hand. One a ripe orange colour, perhaps mango? Another deep uniform green, she was sure this was watermelon. The third was deep red with white specks, had to strawberry. Fourth was maybe chocolate covered peanuts? Or maybe it was chocolate doughnut flavoured, going off the dual tan and deep-brown colours. The fifth was either coconut or vanilla by normal jelly bean terms, but from the milky swirling if the package truly did have every flavour this might just be cream. The last one was kind of cute, orange with lines, it looked just like a little pumpkin!

Thus, confident with her assessment of her randomly acquired jelly beans, Akagi tossed them all in her mouth at once.

~10 minutes later~

Kaga knew something was wrong when her more joyful sister failed to great her as she walked in. She simply stood faced away at their shared desk.

"Akagi? Are you okay?" she asked, cautiously approaching her frozen friend.

Moving around Akagi she could finally see the others face, twisted by a strangely convoluted look of disgust and horror. After a gentle shake failed to move her, Kaga picked up the letter left on the table hoping to learn more. Looking over the short warning she could guess what had happened, quietly amused that Akagi's taste buds had finally met their match.

Reaching in she nabbed one, popped it into her mouth, and savoured the flavour. It tasted precisely like strawberry and peanut butter ice cream, that was pretty impressive! Enjoying the spoils of Akagi's failed battle she left the dorm, with the smallest of smiles on her face.

_____________
Spoiler: Akagi's jelly bean flavours
Ripe orange=Curry,

Deep green=Olive,

Deep red w/ white specks=Chili,

Tan and deep brown=Éclair,

Milky white=Soap,

Orange with lines=Pumpkin

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Frowning, Enterprise continued to watch through her CAP and scout planes over the activity of Operation Eldridge as she sided up to Yamato. "So... how are you doing?"

Yamato just moved her parasol some as she also watched through her scout planes. "I, Yamato, am doing just fine, Enterprise-San." She then tilted her head some as part of her crew noted something. "You, however, seem rather nervous."

Much to her surprise, Enterprise just scowled and crossed her arms against her chest. "Can you blame me, Princess? We're raising some wrecks for Intel here, but the ships involved were so dangerous that the Abyssals actually sided with us and then left once they were sunk." Glancing at Yamato, Enterprise frowned some. "You were there, weren't you?"

Grimacing, Yamato nodded. "Yes... I, Yamato, was there for the battle." A shudder ran through her before she shook it off. "It was... horrific. They looked somewhat like what we did, and yet... and yet they were powerful enough that their leader managed to score a mutual kill against the Jellyfish Princess and half her fleet. Never have I, Yamato, seen such a battle. Not even in the previous war in which we fought each other."

For her part, Enterprise was chewing her lip, but nodded. "Yeah, I saw the reports. But no one mentioned where they came from."

Several moments passed before Yamato shook her head. "Perhaps..." At the look from Enterprise, she continued. "There was an atoll near here. I only caught a glimpse before that Submarine that was helping us destroyed the entire island."

Letting out a whistle, Enterprise shook her head. "Destroyed the entire atoll? You shitting me there, Princess?"

All Yamato did though was turn her head and glare. "I, Yamato, saw it with my own scout planes, Enterprise-San. Do not accuse I, Yamato, of lying."

Enterprise just held up her hands in a placating gesture. "Whoa there, I wasn't saying that you were lying. Just making sure because... well.. Sweet God, Almighty, if you're right then a Sub destroyed an entire atoll. That's some serious fucking firepower right there.

Nodding, Yamato let the tenseness in her shoulders leave a bit. "Perhaps, and I, Yamato, can see your point, Enterprise-San. Such power..." She slowly shook her head. "The ocean itself parted before the power she unleashed..."

Several seconds passed before Enterprise let out a sigh. "So, uh... what was the deal with the atoll?"

Thoughtful, Yamato looked back through her memories and frowned. "There were... structures, upon it. It looked as if one had transformed the sand on the surface into glass and written symbols into it. I, Yamato, only got a brief look at it before it was destroyed. But it was from there that these... things... apparently came from. Then the Submarine left with the larger, normal one it had arrived with before the portal closed, but not before leaving that odd beacon that was recovered. I have only heard rumors, but it was a great boon from what I have heard."

Chewing her lip, Enterprise only nodded as she glanced to where she could see one of the four Iowas. What had surprised her before she looked deeper into it was that all the Iowas, Washington, the Kongous, Nagato and Mutsu, even Australia and her sister New Zealand along Warspite and Vanguard as well as other Royal Navy Battleships were part of the operation. That was not mentioning the 1st CarDiv and 5th CarDiv along with Enterprise and the other Yorktowns, or the mass of Escort Carriers and Destroyers. In the distance, she could see Saratoga who was watching carefully. "All this for such a small ship... They even got Wanko from what I heard to raise a little hell as a distraction though she doesn't know what we're doing here. Hell, I don't know if she would even care as long as it hurts the others."

With a shake of her head, Yamato let out a soft sigh. "Perhaps... but the Abyssals went out of their way to destroy any wrecks they found. This... is the only one remaining."

Simply grimacing, Enterprise let out a grunt as she internally finished the thought. 'And it's not just the Abyssals that everyone is worried about...' It was then that she spotted that the activity on and near the salvage ships had increased and gave a nod. A trio of Cruisers holding massive lines of cable began to move and Enterprise could almost feel the scraping of something deep below the water. "Looks like they're nearly there."

Face expressionless, Yamato nodded as she watched the Heavy Lift Ship begin it's work. After nearly fifteen minutes, the water begin to slowly part as a heavily damaged superstructure of a WWII Destroyer Escort rose above the water. Shuddering, Yamato remembered the battle against it before one of Iowa's armor piercing shells hit something from what was knife range for the Battleship. Then it slowly sank beneath the waves, the glowing symbols that adorned it's hull dulling before flickering out. "And I, Yamato, cannot be happier for this to be done with."

A shiver going down her keel, Enterprise nodded. "Agreed on that, Princess. Agreed on that." She then jabbed Yamato in the stomach. "Ready to sail all the way to America by the way?"

The Battleship just gave her a look, though there was some thankfulness there. "I, Yamato, am. After all, I have been told much about America and wish to see for myself as I never have been there."

Putting her hands behind her head, Enterprise snorted. "You're in for a treat. Once we drop, uh, that thing off, I'll show you one of my favorite places to eat." At the raised eyebrow, she smirked. "You showed me yours, so I might as well show you mine."

Several moments passed before Yamato raised an eyebrow and began to move off. "My, my, my... You Americans are so forward and lewd, Enterprise-San. I, Yamato, never expected such from you."

Enterprise just stood there blinking in utter befuddlement before she realized how her last words could be taken and, despite herself, felt the heat rising to her cheeks. "GAH! You fucking perverted Jap! I didn't fucking mean like that!"

All she got was giggles from Yamato before scowling. Once Yamato was out of hearing range, and her blush calmed down, Enterprise snorted before promising to get Yamato back for winning this round.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The tryouts had gone by rather quickly and he managed to get his position onto the team, something that he couldn't wait to tell his mother. It probably helped that between the flying class and the tryouts that Harry had been practicing flying. Just the same though, the news of Harry's new position on the Gryffindor Quidditch team had spread, as expected, through Hogwarts like wildfire. If he was not the target of so many rumors and discussions Harry would have found it hilarious how similar it was to how gossip spread back home in Yokosuka. But it was tiring which was what found Harry standing outside of Hogwarts on the grounds early in the morning just after the sun had risen.

Under his feet, the frost covered ground crunched as his breath fogged in front of him. Making sure that his flight jacket was fully done up, Harry let out a sigh, though he still had smiled at how people had reacted when it had shown up at the Hogwarts table with a note stating that Houshou was proud of him and to wear it with pride. Warmed, Harry shook his head as he glanced around. "Didn't think that it was going to be this cold."

A snort though caught his attention and he glanced to where Hermione had decided to lean up against a broken wall of stone. "It's October in Scotland, Harry. Of course it is going to be cold out."

More then a little sheepish, Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, still kind of used to how it is back in Yokosuka." Then he raised an eyebrow as he looked Hermione over and gave a cough. "By the way, speaking of cold... aren't you chilly?"

Hermione just blinked as she looked herself over. 'I got my sweater... my robes... and my scarf...' Looking up, she frowned. "Not particularly."

With his eyebrow raising more, Harry just glanced at her normal Hogwarts robes, not the heavy winter ones that people had started to wear when heading outside. "Right."

For her part though, Hermione was staring at the patch on the back of Harry's coat with a frown. It looked like a red haired woman with a winged helm and then she narrowed her eyes as she read the words. "'Ghosts of Razgriz... Razgriz Air Command Squadron'?"

Snickering, Harry nodded. "Yeah, Houshou-Oba really knows me too well and I can't wait to show Akagi-Oba!" With a nod, he pulled down the flight goggles and did an internal checklist. 'Hmm... all appear clear...'

As he did this though, Hermione just frowned. "That still does not answer my question you know."

Internally having completed his checklist, Harry looked over his shoulder at her and flashed her a grin. "When history experiences a great change, Razgriz reveals itself... first, as a dark demon. As a demon, it uses its power to rain death upon the land, and then it dies." Swinging one leg over his broom, Harry felt it float upwards as he continued, the wind in his hair. "However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns, this time as a great hero!"

Blinking, Hermione raised a finger to comment, only for Harry to take off into the air. "... That still does not answer my question!"

Meanwhile, up in the air, Harry grinned even wider as he felt the wind rush past him. 'Now... for some simple maneuvers...' Leaning to the side, Harry felt the broom respond quickly as it moved sideways across the air in that direction. With a nod, Harry then fully tilted and performed a barrel roll with what seemed like ease. Of course, feeling the cold by this time on his face, Harry quickly pulled the scarf that had come with the coat up around his lower face. Several small climbs, turns, and dives later, Harry nodded. "Huh... not bad."

Glancing around, Harry frowned as he quickly took note of the time. "Hmm..." Just tapping his fingers against the wood of the broomstick, Harry frowned behind his scarf. "I wonder..."

Leaning down until his body was flush with the broom, Harry began to put on speed before he tilted his body a little bit and pulled upwards. In response, the broom began a wide turn while also climbing upwards. Down on the ground, Hermione frowned as she narrowed her eyes at what her friend was doing before she blinked. "Is he... that's a Chandelle! Not a great one, but still... did one of the Carriers he knows teach him that?"

His flight evening out, Harry scowled a bit. 'That wasn't nearly as good as I thought that I might manage... need some more practice.' Looking down at his broom, he frowned some. "A lot more practice... but..." Quickly shaking it off, Harry took a deep breath and then looked upwards. "Let's see how you climb then." Pulling back on the broom, Harry began to rapidly climb. The whole time though, he kept an eye on the device on his wrist. Akashi had sent it when he had asked, having salvaged the altimeter from a wrecked plane. As he watched, the numbers began to climb and within no time, Harry was more then 2,000 feet in the air.

Then 3,000.

4,000.

By the time he leveled off, he was nearly six thousand feet in the air and breathing heavily as he looked around. 'Note to self... maybe see something about oxygen masks.' Then he blinked as he looked around him as he moved in a lazy, circular path. Slowly, his eyes widened. "Oh... wow..."

As careful as he could, Harry pulled out his camera and took various photos of his surroundings, including one of Hogwarts down below. That done, he secured the camera and then tilted downwards, his broom moving into a dive that slowly sped up as he tilted until he was facing the smooth surface of the Black Lake like an arrow. When he finally pulled up and leveled off, his feet were nearly skimming the surface as he rocketed toward Hogwarts. The wind whipping past him and whistling by his ear, Harry grinned behind his scarf so much it hurt. During his flight, there was only one thought going through his mind.

He had never felt so free.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Rubbing his neck, Harry frowned as he looked around the hallway. "Where the heck are we?"

Neville just blinked in confusion before shaking his head. "Um... I don't really know... But the stairs moved here so it can't be that bad, right?"

Before any of the others could answer though, Harry's and Hermione's heads whipped around at the sound of giggles to see that odd female teenager that they had seen several times near a door at the end of the hallway. Then with a grin, she suddenly ran down the hallway and out of sight except for the sounds of giggles that could be heard. Sharing a look, Harry and Hermione both took off down the hallway before coming to a stop as they came to the corner. The hall was a dead end but they could still hear giggles coming from somewhere nearby. Catching up with them, Ron looked at each of the two who where staring at each other. "What the heck was that about?"

For several moments, Harry was quiet and Ron was about to ask again when Harry shook his head. "Hermione and I have been seeing this girl hanging around and just saw her again. She was at that door." Harry pointed at the door in question and then down the hallway. "Then she ran down here but..."

Scratching his head, Ron frowned. "I didn't see anyone... how about you, Neville?"

The slightly pudgy boy shook his head. "No, I didn't see anyone either."

At that, Harry frowned thoughtfully. "That's odd..."

Suddenly, Ron clapped him on the shoulder. "Eh, maybe she went down some secret passageway. There's supposed to be lots of them in the castle and Percy is always complaining that the Twins keep using them to cause trouble."

Blinking, Harry turned back to the hallway and looked around it for any spots where a hidden passageway could be. However, he had no such luck but turned in time to see Hermione try the door. "Hermione?"

Eyebrows furrowing, Hermione frowned as she jiggled the knob. "She was trying to get in here, but... it's locked."

Just walking up, Neville frowned a bit as he took it in. "Really? I wonder why..."

Slowly nodding, Hermione looked down the hallway in both directions and then back at the door before pulling her wand out. Eyes wide, Ron held out his hands. "Whoa!"

Rolling her eyes, the witch looked over at him. "I learned a spell some time ago that's supposed to be able to open locks." Turning back to the door, she pointed her wand at the door. "Alohomora!" With a click, the door unlocked and Hermione opened the door and looked inside. Right behind her, Harry, Neville, and Ron did the same thing. "Why is it so dark in here..."

At that moment, Harry felt a hot, smelly wind blow into his face and then opened his eyes as he could spot something. He tilted his head back as did Neville who realized what they were looking at first and poked Hermione in the shoulder. "U-uh, Hermione? Th-that's a Cerberus!"

While all three heads focused on them and growled, Hermione gulped a bit. Even though she knew that she was perfectly safe, seeing something from myth having stepped out into reality still caused her to pale. "Yeah... I see it.

Very slowly, all four backed away and then closed the door, whose lock clicked when the door was shut automatically. Taking a big breath, Harry looked around as he realized something. "Guys... I think that this is the third floor corridor."

Scoffing, Ron looked over at him. "Ya think, Mate? I mean, the warning about a horrible death along with there being a giant, monster dog in a room kind of hints at that, maybe."

Harry was about to reply to his sarcasm when Hermione shook her head. "Did you see what it was standing on?"

That caused Neville to wince. "Um... the floor?"

Just shaking her head, Hermione looked each of them in the eye. "No. It was standing on a trap door, the Cerberus is guarding something."

Frowns and thoughtful looks were shared among each of them at that before they went back to the stairwell, deep in thought.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Hoppou stared at the box in front of her with a frown as the clock continued to tick in Harry's uninhabited room. Despite the letters that he had sent to her, Hoppou was still missing her Big Brother deeply. Especially all the times that he would hold her at bedtime and then read her stories. She really liked that. Now he was far away from where she was and only talked through letters.

At the moment though, Hoppou was rather high on sugar from all the candies and other sugary treats she had eaten at the Halloween Party. Hence why she had woken up and was now in Harry's room waiting for his next letter to her to come through. Of course, as any parent would tell you, a child high on sugar and all alone would think up bad ideas. Ideas that normally they might just dismiss out of thought.

Sadly for all involved, Hoppou was extremely high on sugar and was looking at the owl box in front of her thoughtfully.

Yet still, the clock ticked for what seemed like an eternity to the little Abyssal, but was really just minutes, as the little Abyssal stared as if the box held all the answers in the universe. All of a sudden, she scampered to her feet and rushed into her bedroom, careful not to wake up Nagato who was sleeping. Within a few minutes, she returned with a stamp in her hand that she licked before plastering on the end of her nose. Then, opening up the owl box, she crammed herself inside as best that she could and closed the door. For several moments Hoppou sat in the box with her red eyes looking around and the only sound being her heavy breathing. Then there was a sound like a groan and the doors in front of her changed into a blank wall as the world seemed to move sideways.

Before Hoppou could do anything though, she fell backwards as a door that had not been there moments before flew open. Falling off the end table, Hoppou blinked and looked around, "Big Brother?" Not getting an answer, she sat up and looked around the empty Dorm. Then Hoppou focused on the bed that the end table was at the end of and looked it over. "This... is Big Brother's bed!" Examining it, she looked around to see if anyone was there and then listened. Not hearing or seeing anyone, she did what any child in her situation would do.

She got up onto the bed and began to jump down on it.

Eyes closed in happiness as she bounced, Hoppou grinned. "Wheeee!" After several minutes, she stopped and flopped down onto her back and stared up at the canopy. Then Hoppou rolled off the side of the bed and patted herself down before looking around. "Hmm... where is Big Brother?" Her eyes lighting up as she noticed a clock, Hoppou nodded. "Wait! Hoppou knows! Big Brother is in Great Hall!"

Without a care, Hoppou began to run out of the room and then leapt down the stairs with her arms wide. "PO!" Landing like a cat, Hoppou then ran for the door she could see and waited until it opened, she had read what her brother told her after all. Hearing a gasp though, she turned to see a portrait of a fat woman looking at her in fright. "Hello!"

Swallowing, the Fat Lady stared at Hoppou before she managed to choke out a reply. "H-hello..." Despite what some might think she did keep up with things and knew that, without a doubt, it was an Abyssal in front of her. Licking her lips, she gave a unsure smile. "S-sorry for l-leaving b-but... I really must be going..."

All that Hoppou did was tilt her head in curiosity before she shrugged it off and began to run through the halls and then down various stairwells. Suddenly she stopped as she turned a corner and blinked as she spotted an old man grumbling about some crazy paintings to a cat before he stopped as he spotted her. Hoppou just raised a hand to wave when he screamed and began to run. For several moments, Hoppou stood there and then began running after him and his cat. "Wait! Hoppou wants to know where the Great Hall is so she can see Big Brother!" Eventually though, she lost sight of him and pouted. 'Where did he go? Silly person.'

It was then that a smell hit her that caused her to winkle her nose before she heard a grunt. Turning, Hoppou tilted her head back at the massive human-like thing in front of her that was just staring. "Ergh?"

Just tilting her head, Hoppou frowned as what was in front of her didn't look like a shipgirl, Abyssal, or human. "Hi! I'm Hoppou and I'm looking for my Big Brother, do you know where he is?"

The troll just stared down at the tiny thing in front of him as some part of him was telling him to run and keep running. But then it spoke and he narrowed his eyes. "RAAAAGH!"

For her part, Hoppou just blinked completely unconcerned. "You being mean. Hoppou don't like mean people. Also, Hoppou think that your mommy should give you a bath."

Once it had filtered into it's brain that the little thing in front of it had insulted it, the troll roared in anger and raised it's club upwards before swinging it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Ron groaned as he looked over at where Hermione was glaring at him. "I said that I was sorry, okay? I didn't have a good sleep last night and I really did not need to be lectured in front of everyone."

A scowl on her face, Hermione's glare just intensified. "Then say what you want to say to my face, not behind my back."

Softly sighing, Harry rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Oh for... it's been hours, can't you two just give it a break until after the feast?"

Turning around, Hermione was about to say something when the doors slammed open and Professor Quirrel rushed in. Stumbling to a stop, he took a note of all the eyes staring at him and swallowed. "TROLL! Troll... in the dungeon." He then took a breath as he raised a finger. "Just thought that you should know."

Just finishing, he collapsed to the floor in a faint. For some odd reason though, the way he did caused Hermione to frown as she tried to feel out why she had a feeling that something was wrong. At the same time though, the Great Hall exploded into sound as everyone was talking to each other with some panicking at the thought of a troll being in the school. The teachers tried to restore calm to the students until after a few minutes, Dumbledore raised his wand and created a sound like a cannon firing. Everyone in the Great Hall stilled at that as they looked toward him and he looked over his glasses. "Now then, there is nothing to be concerned about. The teachers will search the school and the Prefects shall take the students back to their Common Rooms until such time as everything is safe."

Various people began to rise when a Hufflepuff Third Year, rose up. "Wait!" At everyone looking toward him, he blushed some. "It's just that if the troll is in the dungeons, then aren't us Hufflepuffs and the Slytherins in danger? I mean... they're down in the Dungeons and we're not far away."

Stroking his beard, Dumbledore nodded. "That is true... five points to Hufflepuff." He then turned toward the teachers even as he noted that Quirrel was stirring. "Pomona, you and Fillius need to escort the Hufflepuff students to their Dorm. Minerva? You and Severus shall do the same with the Slytherins. Once the students are safe in their Common Rooms, begin your searches from there."

Each of said teachers nodded and got up and were about to begin to move then the doors slammed open and Flitch came in with Mrs. Norris yowling as if she was being killed. "HEADMASTER! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"

With a blink, Dumbledore gave him a small smile. "We have already been informed about the troll and are taking steps to solve the problem and make sure that all the students are safe, Argus.'

That caused Flitch to blink in confusion before he furrowed his eyebrows. "A... troll?"

Now sharing looks with Dumbledore, Minerva nodded. "Yes, a troll. Quirinus has already informed us of it being in the Dungeons."

For nearly half a minute, Flitch just stared at them and became slightly faint. "... Professor... I didn't know about any troll..."

Confused, and slightly worried, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Then what are you talking about, Argus?"

Shaking, the man pointed toward the closed doors. "Headmaster, I got a report from the Fat Lady about how she spotted one of those Abyssals. I thought that she was just drunk again but I came around a hallway when there she was! It was frightening Headmaster! We have one of those Abyssals sneaking around the school!"

If Quirrel's reaction was explosive, the reaction to this was likely nuclear as the Great Hall just exploded into noise and panic. It took several minutes for Dumbledore to restore calm as he shot off cannon blast after blast. Finally, when people were much calmer, Dumbledore took a deep breath though internally he was panicking. 'First a troll and then an Abyssal!? What is going on here...?' Shaking off his thoughts, he narrowed his eyes. "Where did you see it, Argus."

The caretaker winced a bit at the stare as he realized that he was no longer looking at Albus Dumbledore the Headmaster. Rather, he was now looking at the Albus Dumbledore who had torn his way across Europe during the war with Grindlewald before finally defeating the Dark Lord at his own base of operations. "It... it was on the Fourth Floor, Headmaster. But I did my best to lose it as it kept following me down the hallways. Even after I think that I lost it, I took several detours to confuse it if it was following me."

Digesting that, Dumbledore was about to say something when a enraged Snape spoke in a silky tone. "You mean to tell us... that you do not know where this... Abyssal... may be? And that you are not sure if it was still following you?"

Standing a bit straighter, Flitch glared at Snape. "I told you that I took several detours and made sure that several minutes had passed after I had last seen it!"

Once more, several people just stared at him as Dumbledore closed his eyes. "I see..." Internally, he winced. 'Which means that I can see trouble coming from this as the parents will be quite angry with the time between the sighting and me being informed.' Externally, he didn't show anything and just nodded. "Very well." Dumbledore glanced over at Hermione who looked a moment from summoning her rigging and gave her a slight nod, which she returned. 'A true Gryffindor... but I am happy to have her here in this case.' Clearing his throat, he raised his wand. "Students! Due to-" Before he could finish, the doors once more slammed open and he blinked. 'Is this... going to be a thing tonight?'

Then what was on the other side stepped through and all thoughts fled from his mind. Blinking, Hoppou walked in just looking around as she dragged the troll via it's leg behind her. Her eyes widening, she continued to scan the room. "Wow..."

Everyone was frozen in place and just staring as they held their breaths. However, Hermione noted that Harry gave a groan. "Oh, bloody Hell no, Hoppou... Mum is going to kill us..."

Utterly confused, Hermione turned toward him and was about to ask when Hoppou locked her eyes onto them. Said eyes widened before she happily grinned and, after dropping the troll's leg, ran toward the Gryffindor table before leaping into the air. Even as spells were shot at her and missed, Hoppou only had eyes for one thing as students began to move except for Harry who sighed and raised his arms. "BIG BROTHER!" Landing in his arms, she hugged him around the neck and buried her face into his shirt. "Big Brother! Hoppou found you!"

Exasperated, Harry nodded as he wrapped his arms around her. "Yes, you did, Little Sis."

It was about then that the biggest explosion happened in the Great Hall.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Just about everyone was about to panic at the Abyssal grabbing Harry in an embrace when her words filtered through their minds. '... Did she just call Harry Potter her Big Brother!?'

Meanwhile, Harry just sighed as he rubbed a slightly teary Hoppou's back. "There, there, Hoppou, I'm here now."

Almost ever person in the Great Hall stared at the sight in front of them before they heard a chair scrape and turned to see a smiling Hagrid walk down from the Teacher's Table to the Gryffindor Table. Not even worried in the slightest, he came to a stop in the cleared out area by Harry and shook his head with a chuckle. "Why 'ello there, Hoppou. Now wha' yeh be doing here?"

Hoppou just looked up at him with a blink. "Hoppou missed Big Brother, so Hoppou came to see Big Brother."

Laughing at that, Hagrid didn't notice people slowly relaxing before he reached out and patted her on the head. "Aye, I can see tha'." He then glanced to the troll who was staying as still as possible, though whether that was because of fear or a possible concussion by the bump on the head, no one knew. "And thankee for takin' care of a problem."

With a blink, Hoppou tilted her head to the side. " It was really mean and bopped Hoppou. So Hoppou bop it right back! Then it fell and went BOOM!" Several people jumped back as Hoppou threw her arms wide. "Then Hoppou grab it and begin to bring it to Big Brother! Because Big Brother would teach it lesson about being mean to people!"

As he scratched his cheek, Harry noticed people boggling at him. Hermione then leaned over and hissed at him. "Harry... why is an Abyssal Princess of all things calling you 'Big Brother'!?"

Blinking at the odd question, Harry frowned at her. "Because I sort of am?" In the quiet of the Great Hall, Harry didn't notice that his voice carried. "A bunch of the other Abyssals tried to kill her, but Mum found her and brought her back home. Long story short, she's on our side now and Mum adopted her..." Then he frowned some. "Though.... I guess that also means that Wanko is my big sister... Don't quite know how that works."

Eyebrow twitching, Hermione fought every fiber of her being not to summon her rigging and begin blasting. Partially not to harm her friends and partially because she was sure that she wouldn't get too many rounds off before the tiny Abyssal ripped her to shreds. "Wanko...?"

Harry only shrugged. "Harbour Princess, the one by Australia anyways. She's Hoppou's big sister I guess, or at least that's what they call each other." Looking down into Hoppou's eyes, and only getting a blink back, he hummed. "She also likes to bring over Revina, a Re-Class, when she visits Hoppou. And because we're taking care of Hoppou, she's turned to our side as well and is helping out."

Suddenly, Dean snapped his fingers. "That's right! I read something about that in the newspapers!"

Off to the side, Katie nodded. "Yeah, Mum mailed me about that to tell me all about it... that's the Princess?" At Harry's nod, she shook her head in disbelief. "Wow... just wow... Didn't expect her to be like, well, that."

A throat being cleared caused Harry to stiffen and slowly turn to see a displeased McGonagall. She was just about to open her mouth when Hoppou pointed at her. "Old Cat Lady!"

There were various snorts and snickers all across the room. Some claimed that Snape also was snickering, but he denied it and would do so to his dying day. Attempting not to glare at Hoppou, McGonagall raised one eyebrow and then looked at Harry. "Old... cat lady?"

More then a little sheepish, Harry shrugged. "Um... I kind of wrote home and told them about that class and how you can turn into a cat..."

Closing her eyes, McGonagall took a deep breath. "I... see." Opening them again, she looked down at Hoppou. "Be that as it may, I must ask if your mother knows that you're somehow here in Hogwarts?"

When no answer was forthcoming, Harry looked down at Hoppou and raised his own eyebrow before frowning and speaking in a tone of voice that any brother could recognize. "Hoppou..."

Quickly, Hoppou shook her head. "No, Hoppou did not telly mommy. But Hoppou really wanted to see Big Brother again!"

Sighing, all her brother did was rub her on the back. "That's great, Hoppou, but you still should have told Mum what you were going to do." To stop her was left unsaid. "And Mum is not going to be very happy with you running off like you did, even if it was to visit me. Okay?"

Utterly dejected, Hoppou hung her head a bit but nodded just the same. "Yes, Big Brother..." Then she looked up at him with slightly teary eyes. "Does that make Hoppou bad?"

Rolling around his thoughts inside of his head, Harry frowned down at her. "It doesn't make you a good girl." With another sigh, he pulled her close. "But Mum should understand just the same, though you do know that she's going to punish you for this, right?" Getting a nod, Harry looked up at the Head Table, but blinked at all the stares coming in his direction. "..."

It was then that a flash of fire caught his attention and there was a beautiful, red bird the size of a swan there perched on Dumbledore's arm. Looking around, it spotted Harry and Hoppou and flew over. After landing on the table, it tilted it's head one way and then another before letting out a small bit of song. Then it leaned down and gently nuzzled the tears from Hoppou's face and made her giggle. "Pretty bird!"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "Yeah... beautiful."

Reaching out, Harry began to pat the bird with Hoppou joining him. Simply watching him, Hagrid nodded. "Yup, the 'Eadmaster's phoenix is somethin' else, 'e is. Name's Fawkes."

With a frown, Hermione looked up at him. "... As in... Guy Fawkes?"

Just nodding, Hagrid smiled. "Yup! Somethin' about always catchin' fire. Don' really know myself fer sure."

Beside him, Minerva sighed. "The Headmaster has... an odd sense of humor."

That got her a snort from Harry. "I think that I kind of like it, Dess. In fact... it's better to be humorous then to let things get too heated." For several moments there was quiet before Fawkes just hid his head in his wing and gave a warble which caused Harry to blink. "Hey, they should get you fired up."

Needless to say, there were several groans at that one, though Harry was happy to note that people were much more relaxed now. Before he could continue though, Dumbledore lifted his hand and gave a cough. Lifting off from the table, Fawkes flew over and landed again onto the Headmaster's arm and took the piece of parchment held up. "Now then, please wait for her to be ready, Fawkes."

Giving another warble, Fawkes launched himself from Dumbledore's arm and vanished in a burst of flame. Soon shaking it off, Harry pointed toward the food. "Want some, Hoppou?"

Eyes wide as she looked at the spread, Hoppou nodded as she adjusted herself on Harry's lap. "Yes, please!" She then began to pick out what looked like the tastiest bits of food and then began to eat. Due to the others having calmed down, various people leaned in to watch Hoppou and Harry interact with each other as the small Abyssal munched her way through a mountain of food. It was only five minutes later when another burst of fire announced Fawkes return, though he had not come alone.

Mainly because standing there with the phoenix perched on one muscled shoulder was Nagato in her usual clothing.

One could be forgiven for not knowing that she had just woken up as she looked around before she focused on the Gryffindor table, but she did give a nod toward Dumbledore. "Headmaster, I'm quite sorry for all the trouble that has been caused tonight."

Simply smiling, Dumbledore chuckled a bit and gave a nod. "It really has not been much trouble. In fact, your daughter has solved a rather big issue that turned up tonight."

A frown on her face, Nagato followed his gaze to the troll that was still on the floor. "Oh?"

From where she was on Harry's lap, Hoppou nodded. "Yeah! Big mean thing was mean to Hoppou! Was all 'Raagh!' and I said that it's mommy should give it a bath and then it bopped Hoppou with a big stick! So Hoppou grabbed it and bopped it back! Then it fell down to the ground 'oooow' and Hoppou said, 'I'm bringing you to Big Brother so he can give you a talking to and-"

Nagato only quirked an eyebrow as she listened to Hoppou's story, but not much else. By the time that Hoppou finished, Nagato was only nodded. "I see... Headmaster, I take it that this..."

Lips twitching a bit at the story that Hoppou had just told them, Harry coughed. "Um, troll..."

His mother gave him a nod. "This... troll, is a danger to the children?"

Eyes twinkling like mad, Dumbledore smiled in a way that was not kind toward the troll that had threatened his students. "It was, yes."

With a hum, Nagato turned and walked toward the troll. As it turned out, said troll was awake and tried to scramble to it's feet, only for Nagato to reach out and grab him by his clothing and then lift him above the floor. The troll struggled with it's legs kicking at the air for a few seconds until Nagato glared at it and caused it to freeze. "Now then, what shall I do to you? Especially as you threatened my son and tried to harm my daughter?"

All the troll did was whimper out something and Dumbledore walked up. "Ah, it does seem like it's less likely to cause trouble for us." He adjusted his glasses some and chuckled. "I know that you came here to pick up your daughter... but would it be much trouble if I asked if you would help escort our guest outside of the castle? I'll come as I have a few questions for him."

Looking at him, an unheard conversation happened between Nagato and Dumbledore before the Battleship nodded. "Very well. Harry, take care of your sister until I return."

Just smiling, Harry nodded. "Will do, Mum."

Then Nagato turned and gave Hoppou a frown. "And when I come back, we shall be having a conversation, Hoppou regarding this. And I will chose how you will be punished once we get home."

Sulking a bit, Hoppou nodded. "Yes, Mommy... and Hoppou is sorry."

Her expression softening, Nagato only sighed. "I know that you are, but you still did bad." Turning once Hoppou gave another nod, Nagato nodded. "Headmaster."

With that the two of them left with the troll as whispers began to burst out. All Harry did was blink as he heard one of the Seventh Years mutter to herself. "Holy shit... you could grate cheese on those abs.

Her friend meanwhile just snorted. "Abs? Merlin, she's got the whole package. Did you see how she just lifted that troll as if it weighed nothing? And that figure! I want to know how she got that."

Then she reached over and smacked her boyfriend, who was looking with some drool, upside the head. "Ow!"

Percy meanwhile just adjusted his glasses some. "Well... I have to say, Harry, your mother is... something else? Especially as I've now met her in person."

On Harry's face there was just a smile. "Yeah, Mum's just awesome like that."

Blinking, Neville just nodded. "That's... one way of putting it. Another way would be, um..."

While shaking his head, Ron snorted. "Bloody terrifying?"

Slightly sheepish, Neville nodded. "Um, yeah..."

Meanwhile, Hermione just stared unblinkingly where Nagato had gone. '... A shipgirl was here. There is no way that she does not realize that I am a shipgirl as well' Hearing a yawn, she looked over and blinked as she realized something. "Um... Harry, what's that on her nose?"

Looking down, Harry raised an eyebrow as he realized that Hoppou was looking rather tired and had started to snuggle into his chest. "It's a postage stamp. Hoppou, why do you have a stamp on your nose?"

Once more yawning, Hoppou blinked. "Hoppou go through mail to get to Big Brother. So Hoppou needed stamp!" She then smacked her lips a bit. "Hoppou sleepy now..."

Chuckling, Harry's smile grew just a touch. "Well, how about you go to sleep then, hmm? I'll be right here." As her eyes slowly closed, Harry began to softly sing. "You are my Reppu, my only Reppu. You make me happy, when skies are grey. Oh please, don't take my Reppu away..."

He continued to sing as Hoppou drifted off into slumber with various people watching. Up at the staff table, Snape slowly nodded. 'That... was something that Lily would have done.'

By the time that Nagato had returned, Hoppou was fast asleep and the Battleship merely sighed as she gently picked her up. In response, the Abyssal twisted and snuggled into Nagato's neck as said shipgirl looked down at Harry. "I'm sorry about cutting this short, Harry, but I need to get Hoppou home before she causes anymore trouble, okay? But I will be here with some others when you have your first Quidditch match."

Eyes wide, Harry grinned. "You're coming to it?!"

Softly snorting, Nagato just rubbed the top of his head. "I will be, after all the Headmaster has invited me to them and I would not miss them for the world unless I am out on an operation at the time. Now, you be good and I'll see you in a while, okay?"

All Harry did was nod. "Not a problem, Mum! I'll send you some letters tomorrow!"

Fawkes landing on her shoulder, Nagato smiled. "Good night, Harry."

Waving, Harry nodded. "Bye Mum, you and Hoppou have a good night."

Then with a burst of fire, Nagato was gone along with Fawkes and Hoppou...

And that was the signal for various people to begin to barrage Harry with questions about what had just happened as well as about his mother and sister.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Wringing his hands, Fudge paced in a circle in Dumbledore's office. "Albus, what are we going to do!?"

After a few moments of silence, Dumbledore just held out the candy bowl and smiled. "Lemon drops?"

Needless to say, both Fudge and Amelia just stared at him before the Minister threw his hands into the air. "This is serious, Albus! Hogwarts just had one of those... those... Abyssal thingygummies show up! These are the beasts that have been killing good wizards and witches throughout the world and are breaking the Statute!"

Amelia noted the expression hardening on the Headmaster's face as well as the glare he was now giving Fudge and stood back some as Dumbledore rose to his feet. "They have also killed untold numbers of muggles and other beings as well, Minister."

However, Fudge just waved him off. "Yes, yes, that too I suppose. But you still had one here in Hogwarts! And what is worse about it is that it is apparently the adopted sister to Harry Potter! And his adopted mother is a shipgirl!? I have been getting letters from concerned citizens all morning, Headmaster!" He then shook his head. "Perhaps Lucius is right and I should push a law through which would make sure that Harry Potter is at least safe and placed with a proper family."

This time, it was Amelia who spoke up. "That would be a very... bad idea, Cornelius. According to my Susan, Mr. Potter is quite happy where he is. More then that, if you were to take him away then I would guess that we would have some very angry shipgirls paying the Ministry a visit. In such a case, I cannot promise yours or anyone else's safety."

Clearing his throat, Dumbledore then spoke. "It would not work much anyways. I have kept a close eye on Mister Potter and I can tell you that the Japanese Ministry would then interfere. As far as they are concerned, everything is in the right for it. Also, his adoption has gone through in the Muggle World and unless you want to cause a large stir by trying to cover that up or interfere, which I can assure you that the ICW would likely frown upon, then you are best suited to leave it be."

As Fudge slumped into a chair, Amelia coughed. "He does have a point with the first, Albus. Hogwarts was visited by an Abyssal Princess after all and Mr. Potter does live with her and is apparently in contact with more."

Part of Amelia was relieved as Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Of course, but all we need to do is put the proper spin on things."

Fudge looked up hopefully as he nodded. "Yes, yes, spin... but what kind?" A frown crossed his face as the other two magicals watched him. "Hmm... perhaps play up how Harry Potter seems to have some control over them? That he's tamed the savage beast as it were, yes, that might work a bit..."

Glancing at Amelia, Dumbledore shook his head slightly at her exasperated look. "There is, of course, other views that you could use. Mister Potter's sister is now on the side of humans partially because of him, and she is protective and loving of him as any little sister. Due to that, Miss Wanko has also made peace with humans and now is fighting for us. Use it to give a little hope to people that the war might end soon."

Just frowning, Fudge nodded to himself deep in thought. "Yes... that... hmm... Maybe also use how with this they will come to realize that obeying the Statute is for the best. Especially his mother."

Eyes narrowing, Amelia scowled. "I hope that you are not using Mr. Potter to blackmail his mother and other shipgirls, Cornelius. That would be very inadvisable to say the least."

For a few moments, Fudge blinked before he smiled. "Perish the thought, Amelia."

Neither of the other two were convinced though they didn't say as much. It was nearly a half hour later that Fudge left which meant that only Amelia and Dumbledore was in the office. Sitting down heavily in one of the chairs, Amelia sighed before blinking at the small tumbler on the table beside her that was filled with an amber liquid. Glancing up at Dumbledore, she raised an eyebrow in silent question which he chuckled at. "I believe that both of us need it."

After some thought, Amelia sighed and tossed it back before closing her eyes as she felt the burn of the alcohol. Letting out a sigh along with some wisps of smoke, she shook her head. "Dealing with Cornelius some days, I hate to think of my liver if I had to do with just muggle medicine."

Chuckling, Dumbledore just nodded. "I feel much the same." Downing his own shot, he waited some time and then leaned back. "I am worried though with how things are going Amelia. If Lucius gains too much influence..."

Simply grimacing, Amelia shook her head. "Agreed, though at least I've managed to reverse all the cutbacks to my budgets. As it turns out, having monsters attacking people does wonders for convincing people that we need to keep the large Auror forces on standby." Then she frowned. "Unfortunately, we still have problems. Some are using this as an excuse to stir up... problems, to say the least."

Dumbledore only snorted at that. "Fenrir Greyback needs little excuse I am afraid. Though I am working on something that, perhaps, might stop it. But I do need to know something. Is Fenrir's 'Dead or Alive' status still around?"

Narrowing her eyes, Amelia nodded. "It is, in the eyes of the Ministry he is little more then a beast to be put down if caught. I believe that as soon as he was in custody they would execute him after all..." She then raised her hand at Dumbledore as he opened his mouth. "No, I do not need to know anymore then your question, Albus. I don't want to know. It's for the best so that I can state I did not know anything."

Thoughtful, Dumbledore sighed. "Understood." Leaning back, the Headmaster grimaced. "It might take some time though to put things together. That said, there's a more pressing issue."

However, Amelia shook her head. "I'm doing what I can for them, Albus. Yes, officially they are under our protection and control, but they live on an island that might as well be in the middle of Abyssal territory. And with how the Wizengamot wants us to pull back Great Britain only... there's not much to be done."

A tired expression on his face, Dumbledore closed his eyes. "I see... it's much the same with the ICW I'm afraid. Though I do have some ideas there, though it may... break a few eggs."

Softly snorting, Amelia shook her head. "Albus, you and I both know that's an understatement... but the world is changing around us I suppose, quicker then we would like. I'm no fool, I know what the state is and will be... so you have my support."

That got her a thankful nod from the Headmaster. "Thank you, Amelia, that takes a weight off of my."

On Amelia's face, there was a tired smile before she raised her tumbler. "Then perhaps you can show me your thankfulness by providing me another drink before I need to head back and deal with the chaos that will be going on."

With a chuckle, Dumbledore pulled out his bottle and did exactly as she asked.

 

[darthcourt10]

Matroslvan

I'll just leave it here...


---

Studying magic, in Ron Weasley's opinion, was hard chore. Potions, transfiguration, charms and so on blended in one dizzying kaleidoscope, each demanding undivided attention, and – seemingly – all the free time he could spare.

Almost as important – at least in Ron's opinion – were several chess matches he was currently playing through mail, weekly notes he sent to Ginny, and the reading he assigned himself. That last one took up depressingly small part of youngest Weasley's day, but he forced himself to remain optimistic.

Besides, Ron wasn't alone in this, as he had fellow housemates to relate to. Some of them, at least.

One of them, of course, was famous Harry Potter. The easiest way to describe him was "different". Harry effortlessly and obliviously defied any attempt to categorize him. He usually held himself as military, posture and all, but at the same time possessed strong accent, and had at least three verbal ticks in his speech. He took a lot of surprises that shaken newly introduced muggles to the core in stride, but freaked out at the sight that didn't faze even them. And so on.

Ron's current theory was that he had been exposed to a different magical culture growing up, which in itself was weird – he was clearly raised by shipgirls (plural, despite him claiming being adopted by one) at military base, and every magical tried to stay fair distance away from armed forces. The secrecy meshed very badly with rather transparent military world.

His other male friend – Neville Longbottom – was a bit easier to understand, but had some hidden depth as well. For instance, he reminded Ron – very strongly – of Warspite's Gunny. As battleship explained senior marine sergeant aboard the ship was called Gunny, and it was his job to rein in the terror that were bored marines. Ron didn't understand what was so bad about marines being bored (Warspite refused to elaborate) but he found out that sergeant could shut up both Fred and George with a single look. While still being two inches tall, and having cute fairy body.

That impossible combination of unassuming looks and iron core was what Neville demonstrated on occasion. For instance, during the fabled flight lesson, (the one that netted Griffindor youngest seeker of the century) not only did he gave the broom strong enough command to lift off by itself, he also managed to hold onto the blasted thing for solid two seconds when cushion charm gave up the host allowing Harry to catch him.

That, and the fact that he also made himself lighter (Harry would have been yanked of his broom if he did), spoke of strong if untrained magical core with equally strong will behind it. Control could have use some work though, because Ron barely managed to pull his wand out before Neville's magic collapsed, and it fell to Hermione to stop his fall. Weasley just didn't have the power to hold a boy of Neville's size through sheer willpower, without spells.

And then was proverbial elephant in the room. Hermione Grainger. A shipgirl posing (rather convincingly) as a muggleborn witch.

She was doing a good job Ron had to admit. Both Dean and Seamus were convinced. Nevertheless, she made enough mistakes for anyone paying attention to catch on. The boat on the lake, huge (as in HUGE) appetite, her horrible flying, the whole scarf thing… Harry, Ron was sure, caught on at first day. Weasley himself took several weeks, but when Hermione walked over the surface of a shallow puddle he later slipped and fell into… that sort of gave it away.

There were other, more subtle things to note. A bit slow, but photographic (literally, Ron suspected) memory. Ability to repeat gestures with mechanical precision – he seen Warspite do this trick enough times to notice. The fact that she never got lost in the castle… the list gone on.

Hermione also possessed a hearing sharper than human, as Ron found out after he lost his temper after being shown – once again – that human mind and body can't compete with those of a ship. Shipgirl incognito could replicate and memorize information fast enough to be considered a genius. But those things could only take one so far.

Something needed to be done.

---

"Hermione, I think we need to discuss something." Ron said bluntly, as the four of them sat in Griffindor common room with their books. "It's about what I said on Halloween."

That got him deeply annoyed glare. Ron firmly fought down the urge to squirm at how much it resembled the one his mother gave him on occasion.

"I still stand by what I said if you want to say something, say it to my face." Shipgirl grumbled.

"That's what I'm doing." Ron said, and quickly added, noticing that Harry once again intends to interfere. "In fact, that goes for you too Harry."

That got him offended look from Harry, incredulous from Hermione, and curious from Neville.

"You're telling me, that I too, would end up in bad place if I keep that up?" Harry clarified.

Ron sighed, and started explaining.

"What I meant was that the way both of you studying magic is… not wrong, but certainly not right." He said finally. "I should have worded that better, but…"

He trailed off, but then pulled himself together and continued.

"But I was too annoyed by my failure at class." He decided to keep the lecturing part out. One hurricane at a time.

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, and decided this topic did in fact merit discussion.

"Okay." Hermione said, and Ron was sure someone on her bridge opened a fresh logbook. "I'm listening."

"The way you treat magic." Weasley said. "You think of studying here as just learning another set of natural laws. Some similar to the ones you already knew, some different."

"And that's wrong… how?" Harry asked dumbfounded. Hermione remained silent, but nodded in agreement.

"You are here to learn how to do magic, how to become wizards… or witches. Not just… spell casters." Ron tried to explain, but understood from their expression that he wasn't getting his point across. "Sure there are rules, but…"

The confusion on Harry's and Hermione's faces remained, and Ron shrugged in frustration. He wasn't getting through! He should have talked to Percy before bringing this up…

"There are no laws in magic." Neville said suddenly. Everyone focused his attention on him, but he continued, unaffected. "There are only rules. Rules that can be bent or outright broken."

Ron had no idea where Longbottom got this quote – it sounded like one – but it seemed to get a point across. Both muggleborns now had a thoughtful look on their faces.

"Thanks, Neville." Ron said, before continuing. "It's as he says. You treat the rules that are taught here as absolute laws, as one – and only – right way to do magic. This isn't right – it's the easiest way to do things, that's why it's taught in school, but it's hardly the only one."

Weasley sighed deeply, and gave Hermione a long stare.

"That's what set me of at Halloween. I was having trouble concentrating because I was…tired." Yes, that was good way to say he overtaxed his magical core during the experiment precious evening. "And that's why reacted so badly when you started to correct my gesture and spelling errors."

"You mean I was giving wrong advice?" Shipgirl asked, but this time there was no ironclad surety in her voice. "That if you were less tired, the spell would have worked?"

"The part about poking someone's eye out was certainly true." Ron joked, getting a snort in return. "The rest, not so much. Look."

He dropped clean sheet of parchment on the floor nearby, and pulled out his wand – one of the few truly new things among his school supplies.

"Vingardium Levioso!"

Hermione cringed a bit at his pronouncement, but promptly forgotten about it as parchment lifted easily of the floor. After a minute, Ron lowered his wand, and the sheet dropped back.

"Any words, and most of gestures are there to help you to focus your magic." Ron explained. "They are useful, but they aren't necessary. Take Harry, for example."

Harry jumped a bit when he was put on the spot so suddenly.

"The paper talismans you showed us have almost exact same functions as amulets sold on Diagon Alley." Ron said. "Yet they were made without use of any latin-derived spells we use here, the gestures used to imprint the symbols were also different, and unless I'm mistaken, the brush wasn't anything special – it's all about ink. Right?"

Harry just nodded silently.

"See?" Ron asked turning to Hermione. "Different symbols and words, different gestures, different tools. Same result."

There was a pause when everyone, including Neville, was giving Ron strange glances. "What?"

"You know how Ofuda's are made?" Harry asked.

"What? No. Percy have done personal paper about differences in eastern and western magic schools last summer." Ron grimaced at the memory. "Wouldn't shut up about it."

Then he lifted his wand again.

"How about another demonstration?" He suggested. "Remember the spell I showed you on train, Harry?"

Hermione groaned. Neville snorted. Harry kept his face neutral, but the corner of his mouth twitched a bit.

"The one that failed to do anything?" He asked, vividly remembering Ron's face getting as red as his hair. "The one you said Fred and George taught you? Sure."

Ron pointed the wand at the parchment on the floor and recited.

"Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow,

Turn this boring parchment yellow!"

Snickers Hermione started emitting at the start of the spell died in her throat, as the sheet turned from dirty white to bright yellow.

---