Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Tiypo

Harry had never considered himself notably attractive, in Japan his features had stood out among his class and not always in a good way; it didn't mean he thought himself ugly, just that aside from Natsumi and the odd year where he had vaguely shared looks with a popular western actor he didn't get much attention at school. His looks mattered far less when he was working with various Shipgirls; their natural beauty aside, looks among them were wildly varied even within the same class so his foreign looks mattered little and his colorful and friendly personality let him shine. Naturally come Valentines he would receive few chocolates from other students outside of tangents to his small social circle. He really didn't mind, he got plenty of attention from those on the base and received more than enough Valentines from them. Things were obviously going to be different at Hogwarts.

It was still early morning and Harry had already categorized the day as a magnitude 5.0+ on his newly created Richter Scale of Awkwardness. More than one somewhat downtrodden looking girl was repeatedly glancing at him awkwardly, fidgeting, and blushing when he noticed. Maybe had underestimated how big his fame was? It seemed odd that they would idolize him so much when the real heroes were out on the waves fighting monsters from the depths. At least Hermione didn't seem to be affected. Walking into the Great Hall, she casually approached him and passed along a single small chocolate.

"Happy Valentines Harry!" She said cheerfully.

He smiled in response, "Thank you, I didn't expect a giri choco from anyone here."

"A few family members in the Navy taught me how some other countries celebrate." The undercover light cruiser piled her plate full of food while she answered, before starting to eat with gusto.

Harry's rating of the awkwardness only increased another rank as those who had watched realized they had just missed some sort of clue on how to proceed in the completely casual exchange. They were now were also eyeing the studious Gryffindor female as if to telepathically plead with one they typically teased for being a know-it-all to impart her knowledge upon them.

Her attention was much to consumed with chocolate drizzled pancakes for them to ever have a chance.

Others from their house slowly trickled in and the tension only increased as the prospect of approaching Harry became more of a public spectacle. Ron and Neville had eventually arrived and also received small chocolates from Hermione, her mentioning that she was celebrating the holiday in Japanese style this year. By this point the atmosphere of the table was starting to annoy Harry, so he decided to change it.

Entertainment was an business that would never disappear and the most dire of time drove those behind it all the harder to keep people smiling. A radio required no outlet, no fees, and was very portable; making it an essential object to have on hand in case of an evacuation. Thanks to these two facts, podcasts and radio shows had experienced a resurgence as powerhouses of media.

One podcast in particular had become popular among the Shipgirls and if the following at Yokosuka was any indicator some muggleborn in his house were bound to have heard it. The jaded acceptance the locals showed to the seemingly endless terrors from beyond the town's borders was both inspirational and humorous to many of them; for today though there was an episode that had special relevance for inspiration. Rising to his feet, he cleared his throat, making it clear he was about to say something. What chattering there was at the table stopped and all eyes turned to see what the soon-to-be-receiver of many a Valentine had to say. Dropping into the deepest and smoothest voice he could manage at his age he began his mini-speech.

"Hello, citizens of Gryffindor. I bring you now to our ongoing coverage of the Valentine's Day. Emergency workers have been at it since early this morning, preparing for the day's disasters."

Hermione gave him a startled look before covering her mouth with her hand to hide her giggles as his tone became needlessly dire.

"The day is still young, but there have already been several casualties in the houses of Hufflepuff and Slytherin while Ravenclaw is reporting damage to their tower and several stairwells.

Please, if you are not directly involved with the prevention and cleanup for Valentine's Day, stay out of the halls to make room for those who are."

By this point several students were holding back laughter much to the confusion of the others around them, and Harry moved to round out his impromptu speech.

"This Valentine's Day, as all Valentine's Days, will not succeed in bringing our house down! This Valentine's Day, as all Valentine's Days, will soon recede into painful memory, fading with time, until another foul Valentine's Day is upon us again..."

Harry turned to walk away from the table feeling better as the other students familiar with the work burst out laughing at his impression, Hermione in particular giving him an applause as she got up to join him. With that he had bought himself a short reprieve from the fans he had in school as they tried to figure out what his speech was all about, but who knew how long that would last.
-=#=-
The work in question is Welcome to Night Vale. It's presented like an NPR news show but in a city where every conspiracy theory, tall-tale, and ghost story is true; and those who live there are completely jaded to the fact. People going missing or being turned into trees is considered normal. I highly recommend it.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Neville frowned as he looked towards his friend in utter confusion. "Wait... you mean to tell me that in Japan you have two Valentines Days?"

Quickly swallowing his food, Harry shook his head. "Not really? I mean..." Taking a few moments, Harry held his fork out. "In Japan, Valentine's Day is when girls give chocolates to boys, or other girls, or what have you. There's two different kinds of chocolate though given as gifts. One is giri-choco, which is basically just a courtesy gift. Like what you might give someone who is a friend, family member, or what have you."

Slowly, Neville nodded as he frowned. "Okay..."

Waving his hand, Harry then continued. "The other sort of chocolate is honmei-choco, which is what you give someone that you're interested in... you know, that way?"

Interested, Ron snorted a bit. "Mate, I'm sure that you'll be getting a chunk of the second."

That reminder caused Harry to wince, oddly alongside Ron. Though Harry put that to Hermione considering the glare that she sent Ron. "Yeah... Not looking forward to that."

Frowning, Neville nodded. "I'd be careful of any chocolate that you might get though. I mean, I doubt that anyone is stupid enough to actually send you a love potion or something, but..."

After a few moments, Harry frowned as he remembered love potions were a thing. It may have been because he was muggle raised, or perhaps just the idea of manufacturing love, but such things raised his hackles. And he certainly did not want to think about how his mother or some of the other shipgirls back on base would react to someone using those on him. However, he shook those thoughts off and sighed. "I know... though at least any of the ones from the base I can trust."

Hermione nodded at that before deciding to move away from that subject. "Maybe you should explain White Day?"

Blinking, Harry began to smile. "Oh, yeah... White Day..." Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Harry gave a nod. "Right, White Day takes place a month after Valentine's and on that day, boys give gifts like chocolates or cookies and other things to girls to repay them for the gifts on Valentine's. What you get depends on what you feel for the girl in question and what they got for you."

Eyebrows furrowing, Ron shook his head. "I'm glad that we don't need to deal with that here in Britain, seems a bit too complicated."

As she had been listening in, Katie smiled a bit before tilting her head. "Actually, I think that it's a pretty neat little idea and kind of cute. Just think, you give chocolates to some guy and he has a full month to come up with something to reply with."

Within a few seconds though, Harry shook his head. "It's a bit more complicated then that. Back home chocolates and such are usually homemade ones."

That caused more then a few people to raise their eyebrows at him in surprise before Sally-Anne Perks let out a low whistle. "Home made chocolates? Seriously?" At his nod, she shook her head in disbelief. "Makes me feel a bit lazy for just going out and buying chocolates..."

Several nods around the table could be seen at that. Suddenly though, Dean spoke up. "What do you expect though, Harry? I mean... are you going to be getting any chocolates from home then?"

Nodding, Harry smiled widely. "Yeah, they always give me some chocolates for Valentine's. Though..." Becoming a little thoughtful, Harry frowned. "I'll have to find a way to come up with something for White Day... think that the kitchen's will let me make some chocolates?"

There were various looks before Fred shrugged. "Maybe? I mean, you'd have to ask and convince them and that might be a little hard to do."

With a frown, Harry leaned against his fist in deep thought. "I suppose... though I do miss being back on base for Valentine's."

Somewhat amused, George winked and elbowed his twin. "I'm sure.'

Harry only nodded as Hermione frowned, but before she could say anything, Harry spoke up. "Yeah... I used to make a mint on Valentine's."

Utter silence met him at that before they turned towards him with identical expressions and spoke as one. "What?"

Blinking, Harry looked over at them in confusion. "Well, yeah, I used to make a lot of money running around the base delivering chocolates... Though Ooi-Nee always went overboard so that it took up my full wagon when she had me deliver her Valentine's gift to Kitakami-Nee. I still don't know where she managed to find three dozen roses in February in Japan..."

For several moments Hermione frowned before she blinked. 'Wait... aren't those two...' Then she blanched a bit. 'Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!'

Everyone else just turned to stare as Hermione began to bang on her head with a large book. Then they just shrugged and went back to talking.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Despite being around for several years, there were still mysteries regarding shipgirls. What exactly were they? Where do they come from exactly? How do they do what they do? Ask the scientists and they'll go on about various theories or just shrug their shoulders... the unlucky ones babble in tongues. But if there was anything known about shipgirls, it was one, simple, undeniable fact...

They really liked to party.

Yes, shipgirls had a zest for life that astounded people at times. It might have been that at last they could live their lives personally, rather then vicariously through their crews. Maybe having their crews memories made them want to live them themselves. Or it might be due to the human condition being something alien and new, to be experienced. Another possible reason was that due to being sent out to fight, they knew that they might get sunk at any time. Then again, it might be due to them having come back mostly as people in their early twenties and younger.

Most likely that last one.

In any case though, when given half a chance, shipgirls would celebrate. A summon or Natural Born being awoken might be one reason, or perhaps it was one of their birthdays. Successful operations were yet another reason. But far more often holidays were the reason. And for the non-Natural Born Japanese shipgirls, when they summoned they found a changed Japan with holidays that they had not really experienced before. Christmas and Halloween were two examples of this which they enjoyed for different reasons. Valentine's Day though was yet another.

And no place was this more apparent then in Yokosuka. The shipgirls had picked out one of the empty warehouses and promptly turned the inside into a miniature festival of sorts. Haruna could only smile as she entered the warehouse with a burst of warm air greeting her as she walked through the door. A glance towards the ceiling showed her various decorations hung from the rafters while around the main floor were various booths. Looking up from where she was leaning back in a chair behind her booth, Junyou gave a grin to the Battleship. "Hey, Haruna... want to get your romantic fortunes told? Won't cost much."

However, Haruna only shook her head with a slight smile on her face. "Sorry, Junyou-San, but Haruna doesn't need that."

There was a slight grin on Junyou's face before she gave a laugh. "No, I suppose that you don't need it since you're doing well enough as it is on that front."

Slightly confused, Haruna tilted her head but got no answer besides a wink. Once she shook it off though, she continued her walk through the warehouse and looked around. Here and there she could spot the space heaters that were being used to warm the building. Of course, what caught Haruna's attention were the booths that were set up. Off in one of the corners, she could spot where Aoba had put her booth where she would take portraits of couples. Another booth was that of Akagi Maru, who was selling chocolates for those who had forgotten to make some for the day. A giggle escaped from Haruna as she spotted a line up of embarrassed people and shipgirls there.

Passing by that one, the Battleship spotted Kongou at her own booth. The eldest of the Kongou sisters was selling various baked goods for the holiday. At the front were cupcakes, including red velvet, which were decorated for the holiday. And those were just one of the many types of treats that her sister was selling. "Onee-Sama!"

With a smile, Kongou gave a wave. "Good morning, Haruna! It's good to see you on this day of burning love!"

Giggling, Haruna could only nod with her usual smile on her face. "Hai, Haruna thinks that it's good to see you as well."

More then a little thoughtful, Kongou gave a slight grin though. "But it's not me that you came here to see, is it Dess?" At the slight flush, Kongou barely held back a chuckle, though it showed through the twinkle in her eyes as she pointed. "Rose-Chan is that way, though if you want a small snack, I don't mind."

For a moment, Haruna paused before she walked over and looked at the various treats and then pointed at some heart shaped brownies that were dusted with powdered sugar. "Could Haruna have some of those, Onee-Sama?"

Clapping her hands, Kongou bowed a bit. "Of course, Dess!" Quickly wrapping up the ones that her younger sister wanted, Kongou handed them to her. "Here you go, and I hope that you and Rose-Chan will enjoy them. Now, you go and have some fun, okay?"

A bright smile on her face, all that Haruna did was nod. "Hai!"

Just watching her walk off, Kongou shook her head with a soft smile on her face as she looked around. It being still early in the morning, there was not much worry about crowds. 'Ah, Haruna... I cannot wait until the day when you both decide to allow that flame of love you share with Rose-Chan to burst into full bloom...'

Meanwhile, Haruna herself was passing by the small café that Mamiya and Taigei had opened in the warehouse, part of her noting that among other things the two were selling milkshakes for couples to share and both parfaits and sundaes. It didn't take her long though to reach the booth that she had been looking for though. Said booth being the one that Rose had set up to sell her specialty drinks. "Rose-Chan!"

The tsukumogami looked up and a smile brightened her face as she spotted Haruna and walked around her booth. "Haruna!" As usual, Haruna found that she liked that smile and enveloped Rose into a hug which she happily returned before kissing Haruna on the cheek. "It's so good to see you."

Slightly blushing, Haruna kissed Rose on the cheek and nodded. "Haruna thinks much the same." Reaching into her sleeves, Haruna pulled out a box and handed it to the pleasantly surprised Rose. "Here, Happy Valentine's Day, Rose-Chan."

Needless to say, it was a flustered Rose who took the box before reaching over her booth's counter. Then Rose held out a box of her own. "Happy Valentine's Day, Haruna."

Opening it, Haruna looked inside before her smile widened a bit. "Truffles!"

Even as she nodded, Rose opened the box that Haruna gave her and looked at the chocolates inside. "You seem to like them, Haruna." Taking one of the chocolates, Rose examined it and then popped it into her mouth before smiling and chewing it. Once she swallowed, she sighed. "Fruit cream filled! I quite like these..." Somewhat thoughtful, Rose shook her head some. "I shall have to come up with something to thank you on White Day."

With a look around, Haruna gave a giggle. "Haruna feels a little bit naughty for getting double the chocolate of others because of White Day."

Giggling herself, Rose glanced to see if anyone was around before leaning in with her eyes sparkling. "Well, I feel much the same way I must admit. But we did decide on that." Both of them shared smiles at that before Rose gestured at the blackboard at her booth. "Would you like a tea infused hot chocolate, Haruna? It's on the house."

Haruna looked over the list and slowly nodded. "Haruna would like that..." Then she held up the bag that Kongou had given her. "And Haruna got some brownies from Onee-Sama which we can have with Rose-Chan's hot chocolate.

Clapping her hands together, Rose just smiled. "Splendid! Those will go quite nicely. Now... let's see..." Walking around her booth, Rose pulled out two chairs. One of which Haruna sat down in as the tsukumogami began to make them both some hot chocolate which they could have as they shared the brownies.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

More then a little bemused, Ron watched as Harry examined the items on his bed with a slight frown. "Mate?" Getting a hum, he continued. "Is something the matter?"

Thoughtfully frowning, the black haired boy shook his head in some confusion as he looked down. "I... don't know."

Over on his own bed, Neville looked up from the package of chocolates his Gran had sent him. "How can you not know though?"

Just shrugging, Harry began to scratch his head in confusion. "It's the chocolates from back home... there's something odd about some of them."

Sharing a look, Ron and Neville walked over and looked for themselves. After several seconds passed, Neville looked up at Harry with a raised eyebrow. "Okay... what's so odd about them? I mean, these are safe, right?"

Eyebrows furrowing, Harry slowly nodded. "Of course they're safe. But... some of them are kind of weird."

Nonplussed, Ron pointed at some misshapen ones. "You mean those?"

However, Harry only shook his head. "Nah, those are from Hoppou." As one, Ron and Neville looked closer and the chocolates looked like bumpy hearts. "It's these ones."

Both of them were now confused as Neville pointed at the ones in question. "Those?" When Harry nodded, he scratched his head. "Um... how are they weird? They look pretty okay to me..."

Arms crossed against his chest, Harry tilted his head to the side and pointed at one group. "Those are from Shinano-Chan..." Pointing to another one, he frowned. "Those are from Natsumi-Chan..." Harry then began to point at the others. "Iku-Chan, Hachi-Chan, Shioi-Chan, Imuya-Chan, Maruyu-Chan, Ro-Chan, and Hibiki-Chan."

Leaning in, Ron blinked and frowned. "Okay, so what's weird about them then?"

Head tilting to the other side, Harry shrugged. "I... don't know. Just something about them is bothering me, but what..."

When Harry shrugged again, Ron and Neville shared a look before the red head spoke. "Mate? No offense, but I think that you're way overthinking this. There's nothing weird about them."

Biting the tip of his thumb, Harry shook his head. "I'm telling you, there's something odd about them. I just can't figure out what though."

From where she was positioned on the bed's headboard, Shiromizu let out a hiss of amusement. "{Fufufu, something is bothering you about them, hmm?}"

Just looking at her, Harry frowned. "{Do you know what's wrong with them, Shiromizu?}"

Moving her head first to one side, and then to the other, the snake let out a soft hiss. "{Hmm, hmm, hmm... what is wrong. Now that is a very interesting question, Harry. But I can say that there's nothing wrong with them at all.}"

If anything though, her answer caused Harry even more confusion as his two human friends shook their heads, still slightly creeped out when he spoke to Shiromizu. "{Wait, nothing is wrong with them? You're sure?}"

There was an air of amusement around Shiromizu as she let out her version of a laugh. "{Oh, there is nothing wrong at all, Harry. You can trust me on that.}" Internally though, Shiromizu was laughing as Harry turned back to the chocolates as he tried to figure out what was bothering him. 'Oh, yes, nothing is wrong at all with them... except maybe how entertained I am being by them and you...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Sitting down at the usual table, Nagato took a moment to look around the bar. Part of her still wondered how Houshou even managed to get this section of the old Yokosuka tunnel system left open for her own use as a bar for shipgirls. However, she was thankful and not just because issues revolving around shipgirls in the bars outside the base went down. That was something that left Goto thankful to the Japanese Mother of Carriers. Still, the place was done up in a way that allowed for various shipgirls to just relaxed and off to the side, Nagato spied Fubuki showing Kana how to operate the jukebox that was in one corner.

The very fact that they had a jukebox still amused Nagato though she never asked where the American Submarines had it. That way lead to madness after all and it worked, which was all that they cared about. Moments later, Jazz drifted out and Fubuki began to nod her head to the beat as Kana smiled at the music. "Well, it seems that they're adjusting well."

Her companion just groaned and moved her head so that she could see what was going on out of her eye. After a few moments, she grunted. "I suppose, and at least they're willing to adapt."

Rather amused, Nagato snickered. "Rough day, Tenryuu?"

Eyes narrowed, Tenryuu glared at her. "Try a rough week."

Before the Battleship could reply, a throat clearing caught her attention and she turned to look at the seemingly twelve year old girl that was there. Though thanks to the muscles that were on show, anyone would think that said girl could just break any other girl with ease. "So, what would you like to order?"

As always, Nagato was surprised by the deeper then expected voice coming from the Tug Boat in front of her and considered the question before nodding. "Just my usual to start off with, thank you."

Just nodding, the Tug Boat walked off to get their order, practically dancing around the other patrons. Some movement by the door attracted Nagato's attention and she looked to see another Tug Boat haul one of the American Cruisers (she thought it was an Atlanta) up onto her shoulders with only a small grunt. "Okay, you had enough to drink, ma'am."

Voice slurring, the Cruiser shook her head as she was carried towards the door. ""S'not drink. Snot... hehe..."

Nagato could just imagine the tug boat rolling her eyes. "Sure you're not, ma'am. But you still had enough to drink. Now let's get you back to the Dorms."

With that, they walked out the door despite the Cruiser's protests. Sharing a look, Nagato and Tenryuu snorted nearly as one before the Battleship grabbed a handful of the nuts mix on the table, some of which were biological nuts and others stainless steel, before tossing them back and munching. "So how bad was it this year?"

Bemused, Tenryuu drained what was left of her drink before shaking her head. "For myself, not bad though I got some chocolates in the mail from... ya know." All Nagato did was nod. "And Aki and Ami weren't too bad thankfully. They're honestly not that interested in anyone at the moment thankfully. Akatsuki... was Akatsuki."

Softly snickering, Nagato shook her head though there was a slight blush on her face. "Let me guess... she wanted to make real elegant chocolates like a lady would?"

All Tenryuu did was nod as she grabbed a handful of the nuts and began to chew them. "Of course. Hibiki though... she was the surprise." At Nagato's raised eyebrow, Tenryuu rolled her eyes. "She wanted to make special chocolates for Harry."

It took a moment for that to penetrate before Nagato raised both eyebrows in surprise. "Really?"

Having spotted the Tug Boat walking over with the Battleship's order, Tenryuu waited until it was set down and the shipgirl had walked off before continuing. "Ooooh, yeah. And then she realized that Shinano was in there. And then the Subs showed up as Taigei had kicked them out of their pens for getting a bit too messy..."
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Tenryuu blinked as she swore that the temperature had dropped several degrees and that she could now see her own breath as the various shipgirls stared at each other before Shinano spoke up. "Are... you here to make some chocolates as well?"

Glancing around, Iku nodded with a smirk on her face. "Of course, after all Harry-Chan must be missing us and we need to remind him that we think about him and haven't forgotten."

Just behind her, Maruyu nodded some. "We even pooled our resources together to get some really nice chocolate and other stuff for Harry-Chan's gifts."

Of course, that was when Tenryuu noticed that Ikazuchi was shivering a bit while Inazuma hid behind her. And Akatsuki was rather pale which caused the Light Cruiser to blink and she was about to ask when she glanced to Hibiki and noticed that she had switched her hat out for a white one. Then Tenryuu felt a shiver as she spotted the smile on Hibiki's face.

A smile that Tenryuu had only seen before on Tatsuta's face such as the time that they had been visiting Tenryuu's parents and some mugger had threatened her mother. Said mugger, last that Tenryuu had heard, was still getting psychological help.

Meanwhile, Hibiki's voice had an edge to it despite the joviality it held. "Ara, ara~ making chocolates for Harry-Chan, hmm?"

To Tenryuu's surprise though, Shinano straightened her back like her sisters and sent the Destroyer a glare that seemed like it was copied from Musashi. "Indeed, this Shinano is going to be making chocolate for Harry-Chan."

Out of the corner of her eye, Tenryuu spotted Haru munching on some popcorn and sharing it with White Plains, though the CVE had some of her fairies waving a banner declaring her support for Shinano. Jersey was also there and stuffing her face with pie while smacking Musashi's hands away every time the Japanese Battleship tried to snatch some. All of them watching what was going on in the kitchen. The other Taffies just looked on in awe before grabbing some of White Plains' popcorn, Hoel shaking her head. "Holy shit... this is amazing..."

Slowly, Tenryuu began to back away from the coming disaster even as Hibiki dragged her sisters into it. A tap on the shoulder caused her to turn to see Ashigara there holding out a bag of chips. "Want some?"

Quickly glancing towards the group of shipgirls in the kitchen, Tenryuu coughed. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

Just throwing back some chips, Ashigara shook her head. "Going to give Sousuke his later tonight. Besides, miss this?"

Expression turning deadpan, all Tenryuu did was stare at her. "... My daughters are involved in that."

Her own expression not changing, the Heavy Cruiser shrugged. "Yeah, and? Let them sink or swim in this while kicking back and relaxing."

Closing her eyes as she heard the first sounds of the "Battle", Tenryuu groaned. "I am way too damn sober for this shit."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nagato was silent for a few moments before frowning. "Is that why-"

Cutting her off, Tenryuu laid her head on the table. "Yes."

The Battleship slowly raised her eyebrows. "And the-"

"Yes."

"What about-"

"Oh, kami, for the last time, yes. To every-fucking-thing, YES."

Several moments passed as Nagato looked towards the empty glasses that surrounded Tenryuu. Then she looked at her own empty glass in deep thought as she considered the implications of what she had just heard. As well as how the girls had looked when they dropped off at her quarters to send their chocolate to Harry. Grabbing some more nuts, Nagato slowly chewed them in deep thought before she raised one finger to catch the attention of the one of the Tug Boats. "I need way more drinks before I even start on this. Also, you need more as well."

Lifting her head off the table, Tenryuu just gave her a look full of thankfulness. "Oh, kami, thank you."

And then banged her head back down onto the table.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Nervously, Rose shifted from one foot to the other before glancing to where Haru was calmly sitting. "You're certain that this is safe? That nothing can go wrong?"

Getting up, the Miko walked over to where Rose was and took her hands into her own. For once, the slightly teasing smile that she often wore was not present and she just gave the two hands in hers a comforting squeeze. "Rose? Look at me for a moment." When the tsukumogami did so, Haru continued. "Now, there is no danger with this to you. All we are doing is sending one of the cups that is part of your real body through to give you an anchor in Hogwarts. Once that's there, you can manifest just like you do here."

Still biting her lip, Rose looked at the owl box and slowly nodded. "I understand though... a part of me is still afraid."

Her expression one of gentleness, Haru slowly nodded. "Of course, I would be surprised if you were not frightened in some way. And no one will think less of you if you do not go through with this. We would all understand."

For several moments, Rose looked like she was about to back away before she closed her eyes and brought one hand up to her chest. Taking a deep breath, she slowly exhaled. She did this several times before she opened her eyes and shook her head. "No, I... I have to." Once more, she let out a deep breath. "If... if this Myrtle is who I think it is, then I owe it to Master Andrew to speak with her... I only wish that he could be here himself."

Voice soft, Haru placed her hand on Rose's shoulder. "I'm certain that he is, in some way."

With her eyes closed, Rose nodded as she swallowed. Then she straightened up and picked up the tea cup before placing it into the owl box and closing the door. Staggering for a few seconds, she shook her head and looked towards the west. "My word... that does feel rather odd. I feel sort of stretched out I think, like cream on a scone."

Slowly, Haru nodded. "I imagine that it would feel rather strange." Waiting for a moment, she smiled. "Now then, all you need to do is... concentrate and take a step."

Taking a deep breath, Rose took one step forward and the world seemed to blur until it resolved into the First Year Boys Dorm for Gryffindor where she found Harry sitting with her cup. Placing it to the side, he rushed over and hugged Rose around her middle much to her surprise. "It worked!"

Face flushed, Rose still felt happiness bubble inside her like warm tea as she reached down and gently stroked Harry's hair. She adored this feeling, the fact that Harry accepted her not as the tea set she was, but rather a beloved family member. Needless to say, to Rose, it was one of the most precious treasures in the world. "It seems that it has, Master. And now we know of a way that I can visit you whenever we need to."

Both of them stood there just enjoying seeing each other even if it had only been a little more then a month since the last time. Pulling away, Harry smiled up at her before he took her tea cup and gently stored it in his trunk and closed the lid. "There we go..." He then looked up at her. "Do you..."

Knowing the unheard question, Rose just nodded. "Please, Master." Simply nodding, Harry walked out and soon they left the Tower with some people looking after them curiously. As they walked, Rose kept looking around and examining her surroundings in some awe. 'Mistress Lily's descriptions did not do Hogwarts justice!'

Various people they passed turned to look at them, but both Harry and Rose ignored them and softly talked. In no time at all, they reached the girl's washroom on the first floor of the castle. Glancing around, Harry looked back at Rose and shrugged. "Well... here we are." With a nod, Harry reached up and rapped his knuckles on the door. "Myrtle? Are you there?"

From inside the washroom came a voice that caused Rose to make a sharp intake of breath. "Yes, I'm here, Harry. No one else is... after all, who would want to visit me..."

Wincing, Harry pushed open the door and walked inside. "I would... and I brought someone else who wanted to come and see you as well."

There was just a sniffle from Myrtle as she drifted out from inside her stall and blinked at the woman in front of her who was now examining her with some tears in her eyes. Something about her though... something about the woman was familiar to the ghost. "You're not here to make fun of me, are you?"

Rose only jerked back as if struck. "Make fun of you? I would think not! If nothing else, Master Andrew would not look kindly upon such a thing."

If any of the other ghosts were there, they would have been shocked at the sight of Myrtle boggling with her jaw dropping. For several seconds, Myrtle just floated there before she shook it off. "Andrew... what was his last name?"

Her expression softening, Rose frowned. "Williams, Andrew Williams."

Silence descended upon the washroom as Harry looked from one to the other and saw that Myrtle was tearing up. "H-how...?"

Kindness showing through, Rose gently smiled. "Do you remember the tea set that Master Andrew's mother owned? A silver tea set that was passed down from mother to daughter?"

On Myrtle's face there was a far off expression of longing that was almost heartbreaking. "I do... Andrew and myself... I remember the Depression and how we used to have small parties with each other. Just the two of us since no one really wanted to be around me. Before I left for Hogwarts the last time, he even promised me..." Shaking it off, Myrtle turned towards Rose with a confused expression. "H-how would you know that?"

Raising her hand to her chest, Rose shook her head. "I am the spirit of that tea set given form. The Japanese call me a tsukumogami, an object that due to being more then a century old has been given it's own soul."

Much to her surprise though, Myrtle only gave Harry a betrayed look. "I thought that you were different from the others! And yet here you are-"

Sensing where this was going to go as Harry's eyes widened, Rose spoke up. "He used to call you his willow by the riverside. And you called him Mr. Rat because he liked to boat." That stopped Myrtle's rant in it's tracks and she turned towards Rose with wide eyes. "He used to discuss plans with you over tea. Before... before the last time that you left, he swore that he would make a home for you on the local riverside, and plant willows along them. And that you could sing in the local theatre and he would work. That the two of you would raise children together, several! One of whom you would name Jane after your grandmother who had just passed."

Yet again, Myrtle was utterly silent as she stared at Rose and Harry was witness to a ghost falling to it's knees. "I... how? The only ones that knew that were myself, Andrew..."

As she trailed off, Rose nodded. "And the tea set that you used."

Hand flying to her mouth, Myrtle began to tear up. "Y-you really are..."

Just swallowing, Rose nodded. "I am."

Minutes passed as Myrtle watched her and then turned towards Harry. "How, how do you know each other?"

Placing her hands on her lap, Rose took a deep breath. "I passed through another Mistress when I was gifted to Master's grandmother. With the... death, of Master's mother, I was passed to him."

It took only a few seconds before Myrtle flew in close to Harry and carefully examined him. "You do... have a bit of Andrew in you. The eyes especially, and now that I think about it, so did..." Quickly shaking it off, she gave a self-depreciating chuckle. "What am I thinking... Andrew probably married and had children, I wonder what..." Spotting Rose shake her head, Myrtle paused. "He... did marry, did he not?"

Rose licked her lips and then shook her head. "No, Master Andrew never did marry, nor have children of his own."

There was disbelief on Myrtle's face as she worked her mouth for a second. "Wh-but it was Andrew's dream to have children! To share in his home."

Slowly, Rose shook her head. "Yes, Master Andrew wanted children, but he wanted them with you. And only you."

Quietly, the ghost looked down at the floor. "What... what happened to Andrew, if you don't mind me asking?"

For her part, Rose considered the question and looked toward the window. "Master Andrew built the home he promised you, with willows around it. He often had his niece and nephews come by. As they were the closest he had to children, he treated them wonderfully."

On Myrtle's face there was a slight smile. "Of course he would."

Continuing, Rose hummed. "He lived until he was almost sixty years old... he passed peacefully, though Mistress always thought it was not his age or health, but..."

Myrtle suddenly sobbed. "But a broken heart. Th-that idiot! He should have married! He should have filled his home with all the children he wanted. Dammit! Dammit, Andrew! You utter, utter fool!"

Eyes wide, Harry took a step forward. "Myrtle...?"

However, the ghost just continued her screaming. "But the bigger idiot is me! Bloody fuck me! When I became a ghost and before I was bound here, I wasted my time haunting fucking Olive Hornby! Why? Because I was a idiotic bint who wanted something as stupid as revenge!? I could have gone and seen Andrew! I could have been there with him! Said goodbye! Instead I decided to be a fucking fool! Damn me! Thrice damn me! That's why I'm here, this is my Hell! A personal Hell! Forever stuck here and unable to move on! A ghost for all eternity! Ne-never able to see Andrew again! Never able to hear him outside my mem-memories... N-n-never able... never able to f-feel..."

Unable to continue, Myrtle just sank to the floor and kneeled there wailing. Before she could take off though, she felt two arms around her and shakingly raised her head to see that Rose had wrapped her arms around her tightly. "Shhh."

Still shaking and with tears running from her eyes, Myrtle sobbed. "Y-you're hugging me... h-h-how...?"

Gently, Rose rubbed her back as she embraced the ghost. "I'm a spirit." Kissing her brow, Rose hummed. "Now, everything's going to be okay, Myrtle."

All Myrtle did though was shake her head. "N-no it's not, Andrew must hate me for everything..."

Even as she felt Myrtle's arms go around her, Rose shook her head. "I would think not for Master Andrew. He could never hate you, and I think that you know this as well."

Just sniffling, the ghost held on tightly as if Rose was a life preserver even as she continued to sob and wail. The tsukumogami only hummed and rocked her back and forth gently, not even bothered by the fact that the girl she was comforting was no longer among the living. 'A-Andrew... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

After a few minutes, Rose pulled away with a smile on her face as she looked at Myrtle. "Here now, dry those tears."

Sniffling, Myrtle wiped at her eyes. "S-sorry..."

However, all that Rose did was place her hand onto Myrtle's shoulder. "Trust me, you have nothing to be sorry for, Myrtle." Glancing to Harry, she gave a slight smile. "Master? Could you get me my cup?"

With a blink, Myrtle looked between them in confusion. "Um... why wouldn't you just ask one of the House Elves to get it? It would be much quicker."

Ignoring how Myrtle was wiping her eyes, Rose glanced towards Harry with a slight frown. Just shrugging, he cleared his throat. But before he could say anything, a glint caught his eye and he blinked at the sight of Rose's cup sitting on the edge of the sink. "I... guess that they already know?"

Almost as one, they turned to look at Myrtle who only shrugged. "Um... sometimes they anticipate orders..."

None of them realized that a teen girl was lounging around outside the washroom with her hands behind her back and a slight smile on her face. Meanwhile, Rose just got to her feet and walked over the cup and examined it carefully. Now certain that it was not damaged in any way, she rubbed one finger along the lip and both Myrtle and Harry could see the cup fill with steaming hot water, which Rose then dumped out. Then she ran her finger along the outside and everywhere it went, steam and streams of hot water ran into the sink before she was finally done. "There... all done."

Utterly lost, Myrtle glanced towards Harry who seemed rather amused before looking back to Rose who held one hand on the cup, palm down before pulling it away to reveal that there was now tea in the silver cup. "How...?"

Softly giggling, Rose just blushed. "I am a tsukumogami of a tea set, that means that things such as creating tea or hot water are not that hard." Then she held it out. "Earl Grey sweetened with a touch of honey and some milk."

Eyes wide, Myrtle stared at the tea cup as her eyes watered. "My favorite way to..." Tearfully chuckling, she shook her head. "I used to drink it with Andrew and the two of us would pretend to be aristocrats..." Several seconds passed before Myrtle sadly sighed. "I do wish that I could have some, but I can't."

Tilting her head to the side, Rose raised an eyebrow. "And why can you not?"

A saddened expression on her face, Myrtle shook her head. "I'm a ghost now and we can't drink or eat... or really touch anything."

Her expression one of amusement, Rose gently held the cup close to Myrtle. "Go on."

Reacting naturally to push it away, Myrtle shook her head. "I can..." Feeling her hand warm, and wasn't that surprising, Myrtle blinked and looked down to see her hand pushing against the silver which seemed to shine somehow in an undefined way. "How..." Looking at Rose, the ghost brought her other hand to the cup and could actually feel the warm silver beneath. Slowly, she picked up the cup and marvelled at it. "Amazing..."

It was then that she heard a giggle and looked at Rose who only smiled and gestured her on. "Well? Go on then."

With a nervous swallow, Myrtle brought the cup to her lips and tilted it enough for some of the tea to pass her ghostly lips. Then her eyes widened and she moaned as she felt the liquid somehow enter her mouth and wash across her tongue until she swallowed. On her face was a bright silver blush as she closed her eyes in sheer bliss at at both the taste and the warmth that even now seeped through her body. More then fifty years without being able to taste anything meant that anything would taste divine.

The fact that Rose was someone who took pride in her work though only helped.

Meanwhile, Harry just frowned as he watched as something seemed off. It took him a moment before he realized what it was. 'Is... Myrtle gaining color?'

However, his attention was grabbed as Rose turned to him and cleared her throat. "Master?" Once she knew that he was paying attention, she softly smiled a bit. "Could Myrtle and I have some time in private? We have much to talk about and... more tea to drink."

Catching the hint, Harry only nodded and walked out. "Sure, you just come looking for me once your done."

After Rose nodded, Harry let the door close behind him and let out a deep breath as a sigh before walking off.
_________________________________________________________________

Several hours, and cups of tea later, Rose had bid Myrtle goodbye with a promise to talk with her soon. At the moment though, she was walking through the halls with an interested look. Suddenly she stopped as she heard a silky voice speak up from behind her. "Well now, what do we have here?" Turning, Rose's eyes widened at the sight of Severus Snape standing there watching her with an intrigued expression. "And you might be?"

Doing a small curtsy, Rose just smiled at him. "I'm Rose Potter, Severus."

About to say something, Snape stopped as the name penetrated his mind and he narrowed his eyes. "The... tsukumogami, I believe?"

Rose only nodded at that. "That is correct." She then looked him over and her next words caught him off guard. "You've changed, somehow... and yet, you are still the same person."

Nostrils flaring, Snape let out a sigh. "I'm afraid that you are very mistaken, I am not the same person that shared tea with Lily."

Finger touching her cheek in thought, Rose finally shook her head. "No, I think that you are still much the same person from then."

Shaking his head, Snape only grinted a bit. "If that is how you want to think."

With a thoughtful expression on her face, Rose hummed before she furrowed her eyebrows some. "Would it be a bother if I was to ask you a question?" Once Snape gestured for her to continue, she did so and the words from her mouth caused him to freeze. "Why did you never come back for tea with Mistress Lily?"

If anyone else had been watching, they would have seen Snape react as if he was physically struck by the question. "You... don't you know?"

However, Rose only shook her head. "No, Mistress Lily never spoke of what happened where I could... hear it, I suppose that one may call it. All I know is that Mistress Lily stated that you would not be coming by anymore."

Looking out the window onto the grounds of the castle, Snape was silent for almost a minute before he finally spoke up. "We had a... disagreement... in our Fifth Year. I said some things that could never be taken back which ended our friendship." He closed his eyes and for a moment he was back in those long gone days, him and Lily sitting by each other as they drank tea, talked, and other things. Then Snape open his eyes and was back in the present. "I've regretted it each day."

Just frowning, Rose nodded in thought. "I see..."

Snape stood there before he frowned. "Did..."

Understanding the unasked question, Rose gave a nod. "She seemed to truly miss you and was slightly lost by you not being there."

After a small bit of silence as he considered that, Snape turned towards Rose with a raised eyebrow. "I see... thank you. Now then, may I ask what you are doing in the castle?"

Rose blinked and gave a slight smile. "I was actually visiting Myrtle."

That only caused Snape to look at her in confusion. "Myrtle, the ghost I would assume?" At the nod, he frowned. "Why would you come all this way to see a ghost?"

If she was insulted, Rose did not show it as she looked at the Professor. "Oh, Myrtle was a very close friend to Master Andrew." Seeing the confusion on Snape's face, Rose smiled. "He was Mistress Lily's Great-Uncle."

Becoming thoughtful, Snape hummed a bit. "I see... that is rather interesting..." Shaking it off, he gave her a nod. "I take it that you're looking for Mister Potter then?"

Slowly nodding, Rose smiled a bit. "That's right."

With a frown, the Potion's master nodded. "Well then, I suppose that it is up to me to help you. Let's go see where Mister Potter may be at the moment."

As he began to walk, he glanced to the tsukumogami beside him and began to think over everything that she had told him. It was very thought provoking.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Leaning her chin against one fist, Hermione watched as Harry bit into some eggs on toast with a slightly amused expression. "Not so nervous this time, are you?"

With a blink, Harry quickly swallowed what was in his mouth. "Not really, still a bit nervous but..." Taking another bite, Harry quickly chewed it. "I've already gotten through this once so, you know."

More then a little bemused, Neville shook his head. Despite being friends with the black haired boy, Neville still had problems understanding him. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I'd probably get sick all over myself."

All Harry did though was reach across the table and pat Neville on the shoulder. "Don't sell yourself short, Neville. I'm sure that you would be pretty damn good."

Just shrugging, though looking rather pleased, Neville turned back to his food as Hermione looked around. "So... who is your mother bringing this time?"

Finishing off his toast, Harry became thoughtful as he sipped at his tea. "Not sure, actually. Mum wouldn't tell me at all." Suddenly, there was a rather evil grin on Harry's face. "Maybe she'll bring along Shimakaze-Nee."

That image caused Percy to sputter. "Oh Merlin..."

Both Fred and George though had slightly awed expressions, though they were also blushing some. "Could you imagine what McGonagall's reaction to that would be..."

Reaching over, George grabbed Harry on the shoulder. "If she doesn't show up this time, you got to ask for her to bring that girl the next time."

Percy though reached over and smacked George's hand away. "He will not!"

Meanwhile, Harry tried not to laugh as Neville just looked on in confusion with Hermione frowning slightly in thought. Hearing the doors open, Harry turned in time to see a white blur running towards him and leap into the air. With a slight smile, Harry grabbed Hoppou out of the air and hugged her. "Hey there, little sis."

All Hoppou did though was snuggle in. "Big Brother! Hoppou here to see you play!"

Lightly laughing, Harry just hugged her close. "That's great to hear Hoppou. And guess what?" At seeing her curiosity, Harry grinned. "I'll catch the snitch just for you and then take you for a broom ride. How does that sound?"

Throwing her hands into the air, Hoppou closed her eyes in glee. "PO!"

Several girls just smiled at the siblings before shaking their heads as the same thought went through all their heads at the same time. 'He makes for a pretty good big brother.'

Hearing a sigh, Harry looked up to see his mother there with an exasperated expression on her face. Without missing a beat, Harry got up and walked over to give her a hug. "It's great to see you, Mum."

Just ruffling his hair, she shook her head in a small amount of amusement. "You're very welcome."

A voice then chose that point to speak up. "Aren't you going to say hi to us, Harry-Chan? Or don't we count?"

His expression brightening, Harry grinned as he went and pulled Iku into a hug. "Of course I will, Iku-Chan!"

Moments later, he let go and then hugged Hachi who gladly returned it. Leaning into it, she sighed. "It's good to see you, Harry-Chan."

Nodding, Harry smiled. "And it's great to see you, Hachi-Chan." It was then that Harry spotted one of the others that had come. "Yuudachi-Nee-poi!"

Throwing her arms wide, Yuudachi picked him up in a hug. "Harry-Chan, poi!"

Simply laughing, Harry shook his head. "Poi! Pooi!"

"Poi, poi, poi!"

"Poooooi~!"

"Pooi? Poipoipoipoi?"

As the two continued, Snape just had his eyebrow twitch as they seemed to be holding an entire conversation using the word "Poi" and various gestures and expressions. '... What in the Bloody Hell does "Poi" even mean...?'

Thankfully for his sanity, Harry soon hugged the other two seemingly fifteen year old girls there. "Hey, Fubuki-Nee, Mutsuki-Nee."

Both of them just grinned as they hugged him as tight as they dared. Shaking her head, Fubuki winked at him. "I can't wait to see you do your best."

However, it was the last one that really caught Harry's attention. "Akagi-Oba? Kaga-Oba?"

Smiling, Akagi pulled him into a hug. "Mmm, can't wait to see you do some flying out there, Harry-Chan."

Even as Kaga ruffled his hair, Harry frowned some. "I wasn't expecting either of you here..."

Kaga just shrugged with a hooded gaze. "Enterprise-San and her sisters are in Yokosuka at the moment so myself and Akagi-San have some time off. We fully expect for you to be at your best."

Eyes narrowed, Harry mentally translated in his head. 'So they're here just in case someone tries something again...' If anything though, that caused Harry to feel much safer before he began to pull Akagi over towards the Gryffindor table, the others following at a more sedate pace. "I will, Kaga-Oba! Anyways, since we have some time how about some breakfast?"

Just looking at the table, Akagi began to drool a bit at all the food there and even Kaga widened her eyes some. Swallowing, the Red Castle glanced around. "How... how much can we have, Harry-Chan?"

There was a smile that some would have normally seen on Nagato's as she was preparing for amusement on Harry's face. "As much as you want."

Down in the kitchens, the House Elves felt a slight shiver run down their backs as well as a swell of happiness, as if they were about to put themselves to the test cooking.

And they loved it.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Patting her stomach as she sat down in the stands, Akagi smiled. "That was a good breakfast, wasn't it, Kaga-San?"

Kaga nodded only to burp lightly and bring her fingers to her mouth. "Excuse me." Letting out a soft sigh of happiness, the Carrier watched the pitch in front of them. "It was a rather good meal."

However, just below her, Hermione's eyebrow twitched a bit. 'You two managed to clear the entire table of food between you! How the heck did you both manage that!?' Then she shook her head in disbelief. 'And why did you both get a note thanking you for all the food...?'

Crossing her arms against her chest, Nagato smiled a bit. "So far each time it has been quite good and filling." Glancing down at Hoppou who sat in her lap, Nagato shook her head. "Though you really should not steal your brother's food, Hoppou."

The Abyssal only looked up at her and blinked as she tilted her head in confusion. "But Big Brother always picks the best food."

Only sighing, Nagato shook her head in amusement at Hoppou. 'It doesn't help that he lets you do it either.'

Moments later though, the Battleship had to bite back a coo as Hoppou pulled a flag around with a cartoon lion on it with said lion having a lightning bolt before waving it around in the air. "Go Big Brother!"

Nagato was not the only one rather amused by Hoppou's antics as various other people were glancing at Hoppou. And Hoppou was not the only one as both Iku and Hachi were also waving around flags, though smaller. Even Fubuki, Yuudachi, and Mutsuki were cheering for them. Almost unnoticed, Kaga leaned forward to whisper into Nagato's ear. "Think that anyone might try something this time?"

A glance though caused Nagato to shake her head as she whispered back. "I doubt it. Look at the teacher's stand, the Headmaster is there as well as most of the rest of the faculty. And from what Rose told me, it's highly unlikely that Professor Snape will not be on the look out either."

Slowly nodding, Kaga hummed. "Still, we'll be keeping an eye on things ourselves."

Raising an eyebrow in silent question, Nagato noticed Kaga glance to a particular spot and narrowed her eyes as she followed the Carrier's gaze. It only took a few moments but she hummed. "A B5N? No..." After a moment, she frowned. "Four?"

More then slightly amused, Kaga nodded. "Hai, two of my own and two of Akagi's. They'll be keeping an eye from above for any problems."

There was a slight frown on Nagato's face. "And if there is?"

Suddenly, Akagi whispered in a soft voice that sent a chill down both Nagato's and Kaga's keels even as her expression did not change from the soft smile it held. "Then if there is a problem, we'll make sure that the problem... goes away."

Both Kaga and Nagato shared a look as they were reminded of a rather simple fact. A fact that people kept on forgetting due to Akagi's kind personality and was rather simple. For all of the Carrier's kindness and softness towards her friends and comrades, it did not mean that she was weak. Rather that softness was like silk on steel...

Or silk that covered a sword.

Something that got shown time and again when something that Akagi cared for got threatened. When friend or family got threatened, Akagi made sure that it would never threaten them again. And Harry counted as family to the Carrier, which meant that neither Kaga nor Nagato doubted that Akagi would do exactly as she said that she would which sent another shiver down Nagato's keel. 'Hopefully it's not needed.'

When Nagato glanced though, she spotted Yuudachi giving her a small smile before turning toward the pitch, though the Destroyer was also keeping an eye on other things as well alongside Fubuki and Mutsuki. Suddenly, Neville pointed down at the pitch as Lee Jorden announced the game. "There they are!"

Leaning forward, Kaga frowned as she watched the team take to the air. "Hmm... interesting formation."

Beside her, Akagi also nodded thoughtfully. "Very, and they're keeping Harry in the middle for the moment... and here comes the opposing team."

Thankfully for all involved, the match passed without incident besides some fouls and the two Carriers commenting on the flying. However, it was shortly after the match when Harry took Hachi for a ride on his broom to burn off some excess excitement and soon returned with troubled expressions. Raising an eyebrow, Iku frowned at them both. "Did something happen?"

Glancing around, Harry noted that Hoppou was excitedly telling Hermione what she had seen up ahead and nodded. "Yeah... we were flying near the forest when we saw what looked like Professor Snape corner Professor Quirrel."

There was a slight frown on Fubuki's face as she looked from one to the other. "Are you sure that he was cornering him?"

Hachi just shook her head at that. "Pretty sure, he had Quirrel up against a tree after all."

Moments later though, Yuudachi raised a finger. "But that doesn't mean anything, Poi. Maybe they just wanted some... you know, privacy, poi."

The group just stared at her as she waggled her eyebrows with Iku giving her a look. "And people call us lewd."

All the Destroyer did though was shrug as Fubuki and Mutsuki gave her looks of exasperation. Meanwhile, Nagato crossed her arms and gave her son a sigh before shaking her head. "You should not have tried to get close, but... since you did, did you hear anything?"

Sharing a look with Hachi, Harry nodded and glanced around again. "Professor Snape told him to remember who he, Professor Quirrel, served."

Yet again, Yuudachi waggled her eyebrows and was about to say something when Fubuki clapped a hand on her mouth. "Please, don't." Moments later, her eyebrow twitched a bit as she noticed that Yuudachi was grinning. "Did... you just lick my hand..."

Even as Mutsuki giggled, Yuudachi closed her eyes in a smile and nodded. More then a little amused at the byplay, Nagato shook her head before becoming thoughtful. "That's... rather odd. I wonder... Something is obviously going on, but what?" Quickly though, the Battleship shook it off and filed it away. "No matter, now how about we head off for lunch."

Akagi smiled as she patted her stomach. "I could go for some more lunch."

That got her smiles from everyone and nods of agreement.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Pulling his cloak a little bit closer, Harry just looked out onto the greyish waters of the Black Lake as the Sun began to dip behind the mountains. Even this late in February, being as far north as Hogwarts was the days were still rather short and temperatures were rather low. Here and there, Harry could see some ice along the edges of the Black Lake and in some of the sheltered coves, the ice was thick enough to skate on if one wanted to. But that was not why he was there.

Rather the reason he was there was entirely due to the two wakes of underwater objects that were approaching shore.

Quickly putting away the book that he was reading, Harry stretched some and watched as Hachi and Iku broke the surface of the lake with smiles. Both of them though blinked as they spotted Harry there and flushed in a way that was not from the cold. Glancing at Hachi, Iku turned back towards Harry. "Um, Harry-Chan?"

Looking up from where he was pulling out a towel, Harry blinked a little bit. "Yeah, Iku-Chan?"

The Sub continued to walk out of the water with a slightly odd expression on her face. "What are you still doing here? I thought that you went back with the others when they went back to the Castle?"

All Harry did though was raise an eyebrow at her and snort. "Um, no? I mean, all your stuff is here you know?" Tossing the towel to her, Harry watched as Iku caught it before he tossed one to Hachi. Both Subgirls began to use them to dry off what small amount of water clung to them both. "Besides, it's not that big of a deal."

Both Subs remembered seeing the others leave the surface of the lake two hours earlier to head back to the castle from where they were exploring the depths. The two of them, having heard about it from Albie and Archie, had been looking for the entrance between the lake and the ocean but not had found it quite yet, though they did find an area of saltwater in one particular deep spot that gave them an idea where it might be. However, neither of them had expected Harry to still be waiting for them. Glancing towards Iku, Hachi shook her head as she sent out a shortwave transmission. '{He... he waited for us.}'

Slowly nodding, Iku tried to fight the blush on her face before noticing that Harry was shivering slightly even with him wearing thick, winter robes over his normal ones and school uniform. '{Yeah... though he looks like he might be freezing.}'

It was then that a thought occurred to her and she internally smiled before walking up and pulling Harry into a hug after tossing her towel onto the basket where they were keeping their clothes. Blinking in confusion, Harry looked up at Iku even as Hachi giggled and began to slip on the clothing she had been wearing over her usual swimsuit. "Iku-Chan?"

Giggling, Iku just smiled down at him and gave him a slight squeeze. "Just getting you a little warmer."

After a moment, Harry shrugged it off and leaned into the hug. Strangely, unlike what one would expect, Iku was warmer then their surroundings even though she had just come out of water that was just above zero. She was also perfectly dry after toweling off the small bit of dampness that had clung to her. When Harry felt himself pulled up against another female body, he looked over his shoulder to see Hachi there now in her civilian clothing, a soft smile on her face. "Hacchan will take over so that Iku can get dressed."

Just nodding, Iku went over and began to pull her own clothing over her swimsuit. "Thank you for staying, Harry-Chan. You really didn't have to."

However, Harry shook his head and smiled as he enjoyed the feeling of one of his oldest friends hugging him and placing her chin on the top of his head. "I don't mind, besides it gave me some time by myself."

Making sure that her skirt was secure, Iku pulled her shirt on before nodding. "Still, thank you." Pulling her sweater on, she adjusted it a little bit and smiling. That done, she sat down on some tree roots that were there and slipped on her socks and shoes. "There, all done."

Hachi barely kept back a giggle as she moved somewhat to the side to let Iku grab Harry's arm as she took his other side, the blue haired Sub slipping the basket that had the towels into her pocket. "Ready to head back?"

The wind began to pick up which made Harry shiver a little bit. "Yeah, getting a little chilly out here."

Sharing a look with Hachi, Iku just pressed herself a bit closer to Harry as if seeking warmth from him alongside her fellow shipgirl. Though really neither of the Subs needed it. Even in the Scottish Highlands in winter, neither Iku nor Hachi really felt the cold as both were well used to colder temperatures. The Bering Sea in January, the area around Hogwarts was not. Smiling down as Harry's shivers slowed down, Iku smiled. "Better?"

A slight blush on his face, though he couldn't figure out why he was blushing, Harry nodded. "Yeah..." With another nod from Iku, the three began to head back towards Hogwarts as Harry tilted his head to the side. "So... see anything of interest?"

Thoughtful, Iku hummed a bit before just nodding. "Iku saw a lot of things down there."

On Harry's other side, Hachi gave a nod. "Same with Hacchan, though the water was kind of murky." All of a sudden, she began to giggle some. "Though the, um, merfolk?" At Harry's nod, Hachi nodded. "The merfolk seemed really nervous around us."

Iku glanced back towards the lake and could just make out a few objects bobbing in the water before they submerged again and internally snorted. 'I don't think that saying that they were nervous is putting it correctly...' Just shaking it off, she gave Harry a smile. "They had a nice village though down at the bottom, a lot bigger then I thought. It was made of stone..."

Even as Iku described it, Harry just nodded in thought as he tried to picture it before finally giving it up. "Maybe I'll get to see it one day."

Both Subs became thoughtful and glanced at each other and holding a silent conversation between them. "Hacchan... won't say that it's not possible, but you should wait until one of us is with you."

Nodding, Harry gave them both looks. "Of course I would, I know better then to dive alone!"

With a smile, Iku patted him on the head before nodding. "Good!" Unable to help herself, she let out a burst of giggles at how Harry was torn between pouting at her and enjoying the headpats. "Just remember that."

Slightly grinning, Hachi shook her head and joined her friend with some good natured teasing of Harry until he began to tease them back. None of the three noticed the looks that they got as they walked into the castle. Or, rather, none of them really cared. All Harry cared about at that time was spending time with two of his friends, though several people narrowed their eyes at how close the Subgirls were to him.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Firelight flickered across Fubuki's face as she turned a page in her book. Hearing a snort though, she looked up and smiled gently at the sight across from her. While he could have gone to his bed in his dorms, Harry had instead decided to stay with the shipgirls in the Common Room and had claimed one of the larger armchairs. And he wasn't the only one in the chair as both Iku and Hachi had squeezed themselves in with Hoppou sleeping on Harry's chest. Over them all were a blanket that covered them in warmth as they snuggled together. A slight giggle was followed by a tickling of breath on the Destroyer's ears as Mutsuki spoke up. "Pretty cute."

Looking down at the face of the head that was resting against her shoulder, Fubuki only nodded. "Hai, they are."

Even as part of Fubuki's mind considered how the light from the fire played across her fellow Destroyer's face, Mutsuki barely held back a giggle before movement on Fubuki's other side caught her attention. "i wonder if they know how peaceful they look, Poi?"

More then a little thoughtful, Fubuki slowly nodded. "I think that Hachi-San does at least." Feeling the stares on her, she sighed. "Once we were at a forward base and I heard something, it was Hachi-San having a nightmare and she woke up sobbing. I don't know why because Yuu came in and just hugged her close so I thought that they deserved some privacy."

Shifting a bit to lay her head more comfortably on Fubuki's shoulder, Yuudachi frowned some. "... We really did not pay much attention to them, did we?"

With a slow shake of the head, Fubuki let out a soft sigh as she looked around the room. On a couch, Akagi and Kaga were laying with the converted Battleship holding Akagi from behind while Nagato took up another armchair, her legs propped up on a footrest. "No, and we should have."

An arm on hers caused Fubuki to look over at Mutsuki who smiled up at her. "At least things are better now."

That caused the smile to return to Fubuki's face. "Hai, that's true. Things have changed a lot since then." Her mind going to a sword that she kept in a pride of place back in Yokosuka, Fubuki slowly nodded. "A lot better."

In the fireplace, the logs continued to crackle as Yuudachi hummed softly. Said hum became almost like a purr as Fubuki patted her on the head and caused her to smile. "Poi!"

Giggling, Fubuki shook her head and was about to go back to her book when Mutsuki spoke up. "So... what are you reading?"

Just blinking for a moment, it took Fubuki a moment before she shook it off. "It's a novel that I found over in the bookcase about a wizard who went on adventures around the world."

With a blink, Mutsuki looked over her shoulder. "Any good?"

Slowly, her fellow Destroyer nodded. "Pretty good actually, and it's mostly adventure more then any fighting." Both Yuudachi and Mutsuki gave sounds of agreement. A lot of shipgirls liked fantasy or adventure novels. After all, with the lives they lived anything that was not dealing with the war was in high demand. Though there were some exceptions of course. "I wonder if they would let me borrow it..."

Amused, Mutuski and Yuudachi shared a look before Mutsuki took a look out one of the windows and her smile brightened. "Look, it's nearly dawn."

Checking her watch, Fubuki only nodded with a smile. "Yeah... it is."

Moments later, Yuudachi softly snickered as Mutsuki began to get out of the chair, pushing the blanket to the side. "You seem excited, Poi."

With her smile still on her face, Mutsuki walked over to the window as she looked out at the slowly brightening sky. "Why wouldn't be? We're in the Scottish Highlands at dawn. I've got to take a picture of this for Kisaragi."

Behind her, Fubuki shook her head as Yuudachi just let out a Poi before they stood on either side of their fellow Destroyer as they watched the sunrise. As the sky brightened, Mutsuki's smile softened and became thoughtful. Fubuki hummed a bit. 'I wonder what she's thinking.'

Suddenly, the silence was broken as Mutsuki spoke up. "You know..." Knowing that she had her friends' attentions, she continued. "Back when I was a ship I would never have been able to just... enjoy the sunrise. It just happened, you know? Nothing really for a ship to care about except that it made it easier for our crew to see around them. But now..."

Understanding crossed Fubuki's face, however, it was Yuudachi who spoke up. "But now we can enjoy the sunrise.... the sunset... the stars and Moon above."

Fubuki slowly nodded. "And the breeze as it slowly blows past and the sun warming out skin. Even just a hug given or received..." Chuckling a bit, she shook her head. "I just realized something."

Glancing at her out of the corner of her eye as the colors spread across the sky, Mutsuki raised an eyebrow. "What's that, Fubuki-Chan?"

For a moment, Fubuki just looked outside. "As a ship I would never have been able to see this sunrise, even if I was still afloat somewhere." Then she shifted and put her arms around her friends. "And yet, here I am now sharing it with two of the most important people that I know."

Eyes closing, Yuudachi nodded. "Poi!"

With soft giggles, Mutsuki nodded. "Hai." Then she turned back with a bright smile. 'Sharing the sun rise is the best.'
__________________________________________________________________________

Feet slapping against stone, Fubuki kept her breathing even as her companion attempted to keep up. The two of them began to climb up some stairs as they felt the burn in their muscles. "So... your route is always... changing, Harry-Chan?"

Nodding, Harry reached up to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "Hai, Fubuki-Nee. The Castle is always moving around so it's never the same twice."

Both of them stopped at a landing as the staircases began to move around them, the two jogging in place. Looking around, Fubuki had to smile. "Amazing... it's like something from a fantasy novel. Moving staircases, magical portraits, ghosts, secret passages..." The stairs having come to a stop, Harry and Fubuki continued and were soon in another hallway where two suits of armor were fighting each other. "And animated suits of armor."

Just grinning, Harry nodded. "Yeah, I love it because I always see something different."

Passing by a painting that, for some odd reason, showed a bunch of werewolves playing exploding snap, Fubuki could only snort. "Well, I can't really blame you... though do you run outside?"

With a sigh, Harry shook his head as his sweaty bangs clung to his head. "Not really, Fubuki-Nee." After taking a gulp of air, Harry continued. "It gets too cold outside."

Simply nodding as she remembered that unlike her, Harry would need far more then a scarf to head out and about. "I can imagine that... it gets quite cold outside... in the winter."

All of a sudden there was a shout. "I say!"

Blinking, both Harry and Fubuki turned to the side to see what looked a knight running through the portaits with Harry muttering. "Oh boy..."

That caused Fubuki to raise an eyebrow in confusion before the knight began shouting. "I say! What seems to be the rush? Are we heading to confront some rogues> Scroundrals? Brigands? Or perhaps we are on a grand quest!"

More then slightly confused, Fubuki turned toward Harry who only gestured towards the knight who leapt over some squirrels that started to chase him and attack. If anything, that only caused the Destroyer to stare. "Meet Sir Cadogan."

Still trying to fight off the squirrels, the knight gave a wave. "Charmed, my lady."

Harry then gestured at Fubuki. "And this is the... Destroyer... shipgirl Fubuki, she's my... older sister..."

Now more bemused then anything, Fubuki raised an eyebrow. "It's nice to meet you."

Slowly shaking his head, Harry let out a breath. "And we're just exercising like i do every morning."

Quickly nodding, Sir Cadogan laughed. "I see! Ah yes, a healthy mind means a healthy body... or some such thing as that! Huzzah-GAH!"

It was at that moment that one of the squirrels got into his helmet and both Harry and Fubuki could only watch as he flailed around before tripping. Once they were past, the Destroyer turned towards the boy that she saw as her little brother. "That... was different."

All Harry did though was shrug. "It happens often enough."

That only made Fubuki laugh as she shook her head. 'Interesting run...'
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sitting down at the Gryffindor Table, Harry blinked for a moment and then looked down at Hoppou who had sat herself in his lap with a raised eyebrow. "Well, hello there."

Hoppou just looked up at him though and smiled. "Good morning, Big Brother!"

Rather amused, Harry just tapped her on the nose and made Hoppou go slightly cross eyed. "And a good morning to you too, sleepyhead."

Crossing her arms, Hoppou just stared back at him. "Hoppou not a sleepyhead!"

Only grinning, the black haired boy snickered. "Oh, I don't know about that, sis. After all, you were snoozing away pretty heavily this morning. That's being pretty sleepyheaded after all." Not even a moment later, Hoppou let out a yawn which made him laugh. "And you're still tired, aren't you."

With a snort, Hoppou knocked his hand away with a frown on her face. From where she sat, Nagato only watched in amusement at the byplay of both of her adopted children before glancing around the Great Hall. Being as it was still early on a weekend, the Battleship could only see maybe a few dozen students up and about. She gave a nod though over to a family at Ravenclaw who were visiting their muggleborn daughter. They gave her a nod back though they were still nervous about Hoppou being there. Sipping the coffee in her hands, she swished it around her mouth before swallowing. 'Hmm... I wonder what blend this is...'

To her side, Akagi was quickly eating her way through a plate of pancakes drenched in syrup and butter as she looked to the side where Fubuki was with a soft smile. "Did you have a good run, Fubuki-Chan?"

Softly giggling, Fubuki nodded some. "Hai, it was really good... and weird."

Looking up from the bacon that she was enjoying, Yuudachi blinked. "Weird, Poi? How so?"

Fubuki looked up at the ceiling, which still amazed her with how it looked like it was open to the sky above, and hummed in thought. "Well... Harry-Chan was showing me around and we met a bunch of the paintings and talked to them. Some of them were... odd, to say the least. Like this one knight who got attacked by squirrels."

Even Akagi paused her eating at that and looked over at Fubuki with an expression that was torn between amusement and confusion. "A knight who... got attacked by squirrels..."

Just nodding, the Destroyer sighed. "Hai, I know how it sounds, but that was what happened. He was trying to keep up with us while shouting all sorts of things when he stumbled into this one painting that had squirrels in it. They then attacked him and eventually he tripped and we continued on."

Tilting her head to the side, Yuudachi frowned. "That sounds really odd, Poi."

Eyebrows furrowing as she put a pile of eggs onto her plate, Fubuki only nodded. "Still better then the wizard that was teaching trolls how to ballet... that was something that I didn't think was possible."

Once more, everyone paused and this time it was Kaga who stared at her even as Harry began to put food on his plate. "A wizard... who was teaching trolls how to ballet...?"

From where he sat, Harry shrugged. "Still turned out better then one witch who tried to turn four giants into a barbershop quartet."

Raising her finger, Kaga tried to find words only to fail. Meanwhile, Yuudachi only scratched her head and tilted it to the side as Snape passed them on the way to the Teacher's Table. "Poi?"

The Potion's teacher came to a stop and slowly turned to look at her. "Miss... Yuudachi, was it?" At her nod, he continued and narrowed his eyes. "May I ask what Poi means?"

Head tilting to the side, Yuudachi blinked. "What does Poi mean?"

Slowly, Snape nodded. "Yes, what does it mean."

Yuudachi then made a motion with her hands and nodded. "Poi means poi." Before Snape could say anything, Yuudachi continued. "Poi is the beginning and the end of all time and creation, poi. All is Poi and one is poi. Poi exists and is inside each of us, Poi." As she continued to explain, Snape just stared before he walked off shaking his head and leaving Yuudachi blinking behind him. "... But I didn't finish explaining, Poi."

Even Fubuki was staring at her in complete confusion and she had known Yuudachi for a long time. '... Now I know how Jersey-San feels...'

Meanwhile, Harry was just about to grab a sausage from his plate when Hoppou snatched it and popped it into her mouth. Then he spotted her grabbing a forkful of his eggs and gave her a playful glare. "Hoppou, stop stealing my food."

Looking up at him, Hoppou blinked her wide eyes. "But Big Brother picks out the best food."

All Harry did though was sigh and roll his eyes. "Hoppou..."

However, she just grabbed some of his bacon and began to chew on it. "Hoppou hungry."

This time though, Harry poked her in the side and caused her to squirm as he grinned. "I don't see how with how much you eat."

Sticking her tongue out, Hoppou snorted. "Hoppou not fat!" She then reached down and grabbed her belly in her hands and gave it a squeeze. "But Hoppou wonders if she can make it bigger."

Unable to help herself, Nagato put her face into her arms as she shook from concealed laughter at the antics she was seeing.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Yeah, was in a bit of a mood and don't care.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A smile was on Natsumi's face as she looked around the room filled with people celebrating her sixteenth birthday. Nervously, she adjusted her red dress and checked to where her tails were coming out of the rear as her ears flicked. She still could not believe that she had two tails, but after what happened... Quickly, she shook off those thoughts and glanced around. "Where is he...?"

Looking up, Kongou swallowed her piece of cake and frowned. "Who?"

Natsumi then gave her a look. "Harry... he disappeared for some reason." Then she narrowed her eyes as she realized that he was not the only one missing. 'Where are...'

Before her thoughts could get much further, Kongou giggled a bit. "Well... Harry-Chan is around, Dess. He said he was going to give you a surprise."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Natsumi frowned a bit. "A... surprise? But wh-" She was suddenly cut off as trumpets sounded and blinked as the Akatsuki sisters began to play musical instruments out of nowhere. "What are they...?"

Suddenly Harry leapt out into view as he began to sing.

"Come on Natsumi!
Come on Natsumi!

Poor old Naka-Chan
Sounded sad upon the livestream
But she moved a million hearts in mono
Our mothers cried, sang along, who'd blame them?"

Jaw dropping, Natsumi stared at him. 'Is he...'

However, Harry just put one hand on Hachi's and Iku's shoulders and swung back and forth as he continued with Revina providing back up.

"You're grown
(You're grown up)
So grown
(So grown up)
Now I must say more than ever.


Come on Natsumi
Toora, loora, toora, loorye, aye
And we can sing just like our Oba's."


Then he ducked behind the Subgirls and appeared next to Natsumi.

"Come on Natsumi!
Oh, I swear, well, he means
At this moment, you mean everything
You in that dress
Oh, my thoughts, I confessed
Verge on the dirty
Ah, come on Natsumi!"

Choking a bit, Natsumi could only boggle as Harry jumped out of reach of her brother. "Come here you!"

Unperturbed, Harry just grinned as he continued to grin, even wagging a finger under Ooyodo's chin.

"Come on Natsumi
These people round here
Wear beaten down eyes
Sun in smoke dried faces
Resigned to what their fate is."

Snapping her teeth at Harry's finger, Ooyodo snorted as he pulled it back at the last moment and Harry began to swing from a rope in the ceiling.

"But not us
(No, never)
No, not us
(No, never)
We are far too young and clever
Remember...

Toora, loora, toora, loorye, aye
Natsumi, I'll let this tune forever
Toora, loora, toora, loorye, aye
Natsumi, I'll let this tune forever!"

Completely boggled, Natsumi had been drinking after deciding to enjoy the show when Harry hit the next part of the song.

"Come on Natsumi
Oh, I swear, well, he means
Ah, come on let's take off everything!

That pretty red dress
Oh, Natsumi tell him yes
Oh, come on let's, ah, come on Natsumi

Come on Natsumi
Oh, I swear, well, he means
At this moment you mean everything!"

Now dodging both Natsumi's brother and father, Harry danced around them while Natsumi sprayed her drink everywhere. Meanwhile, Haru fell off her chair laughing. Her brother and father were stopped though as Natsumi's mother tripped them and her sisters sat on them. Nagato just facepalmed though even as Harry grabbed some ropes in the ceiling and used them to cross the room as he sang.

"Come on Natsumi, tooloorye, aye
Come on Natsumi, tooloorye, aye
Toora, toora tooloorye, oh, Natsumi!

Come on Natsumi, tooloorye, aye
Come on Natsumi, tooloorye, aye
Toora, toora tooloorye, oh, Natsumi!"

Feeling his finger scratch at one spot under her chin, Natsumi's eyes widened and she barely noted her mother lean forwards a bit with a grin.

"I said, come on Natsumi oh, come on Natsumi
We are far too young and clever,
And things won't ever change.
And I say, toora, loora, toora loorye, aye."

He then began to lean in and Natsumi could feel her heart beat in her chest as her face felt hot.

"Come on Natsumi.
Oh, I swear, well, he means
At this moment, you mean everything to me..."

Now she could feel his breath on her lips and she swallowed nervously.

"Oh, to me, oh, Natsumi,
You mean everything..."

Closing her eyes, she could just feel his lips about to touch her when a loud buzz caused her eyes to snap open only to see her bedroom ceiling. Slowly blinking, the eleven year old kitsune breathed heavily and then looked towards her alarm clock which flashed that it was six in the morning at her as her alarm continued. For several seconds there was silence before she grabbed the pillow and shoved it onto her face and screamed into it. "MOTHERFUCKER!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Standing in what looked like the middle of the ocean, Tenryuu glanced around with a slight frown and her sword, Waterline, resting against one shoulder. "So... what exactly are we doing out here?"

Haru glanced at her from where she stood on the bow of a Zodiac with a slight smile. "Well... perhaps it is Mikasa that you should ask?"

When they turned towards the Battleship, she just smiled and crossed her arms. "I'm sure that you read the report from Harry-Chan during the holidays? About how they came and sensed an island in the vicinity?"

Raising an eyebrow, Tatsuta twirled around her glaive with one hand. "Ara, ara, I suppose that we're here for that reason?"

Just humming, Mikasa pointed towards a buoy that was bobbing in the swell a short distance away. "That's right, Dess." She then looked at the area in front of them with a slight frown. "This is where the island is, but the magic protecting it is making it seem like there's nothing here. Have you ever wondered how you killed a Re-Class with your sword? After all, a Light Cruiser such as yourself should not have been able to do so..."

That brought up Tenryuu short and she gave it some thought before shrugging. "It was about to kill Ami, so I killed the fucker. Always figured it was that burst given to mothers protecting their children or something like that. Why?"

A slight smile on her face, Mikasa shook her head. "I'm afraid it wasn't that reason, though that was part of it."

Now intrigued, Tatsuta frowned. "Then what was it that allowed for Nee-San to do such a thing."

Looking up at the sky as Haru prepared on the bow of the Zodiac, who's crew watched in interest. Mikasa smiled. "You served Japan for more then twenty years, Tenryuu-Chan. That builds a certain spiritual weight as it were. Add in that you are, as you said, a mother and were protecting your children... Your blade is only the manifestation of such."

Hands clinched to her chest, Inazuma looked up at Tenryuu with stars in her eyes. "Kaa-San is so awesome! She's like super powerful..."

As she rubbed the back of her neck, Tenryuu grinned. "Heh, and don't you forget it."

Ikazuchi nodded and pointed her thumb at herself. "Yeah! I can only hope to be as powerful when I'm as old as you are."

Choking a bit, Tenryuu gave her giggling daughters a look. "You two..."

Lips twitching, Mikasa turned towards the Kitsune. "Now... We just need to find the weakspot, Dess."

She gave Haru an inquiring look and the Miko closed her eyes and chanted with a talisman in her hands. Eyebrows furrowing, she brought up one hand with the palm out and began to move it slowly in the air. Minutes passed until she stopped and her eyes snapped open to reveal that they were glowing and she turned the open palm into a fist with two fingers extended. A small glowing orb formed on them before it drifted off and came to rest at a point in the air. "There, that's the weak spot."

With a nod, Tenryuu sheathed Waterline and nodded. "So all we got to do is channel our spiritual energies into our weapons and rip the spells a new asshole, huh?" Grinning, the Light Cruiser laughed. "That I can do."

Rather amused, Mikasa held one hand to her mouth as Tenryuu got into a pose not unlike an anime hero with one hand on the hilt of her sword and the other on the sheath, her thumb clicking on the guard. "Oh my."

Narrowing her eyes, Tenryuu closed both eyes and took a deep breath. Then her eyes snapped open. "Let's do this! HEAVENLY STORM DRAGON SLICE!" Pushing off, she swung her sword out and hit where the glowing spot was only for there to be a flare of light as what looked like lightning began to leap away from the point of impact. "AARRRRGHHHH!"

Simply sighing, Tatsuta twirled her weapon and shook her head. "Oh, Nee-San."

Then she leapt forward with the point of her weapon striking right beside Tenryuu's, even more lightning leaping out. Haru tilted her head to the side a bit. "Hmm... seems rather more powerful then we had thought."

Beside the Zodiac, Mikasa only nodded. "Dess."

After a few more seconds of the light show as the two Light Cruisers struggled, Haru shook her head and looked over at the crew of the Zodiac. "What you are about to see you can tell no one but Teitoku about, he picked you for how you all know how to keep a secret." Once they nodded, she turned back to Tenryuu and Tatsuta. "Nothing for it, I suppose..."

Moments later, the crew's eyes widened as where Haru blurred and became a fox standing on two legs...

A fox with four tails splayed behind her, the tips of which had a glow as she held a Naginata in her paws. Then she pushed off the bow and brought it down at the same point where Tenryuu and Tatsuta where attacking and the tips of all three weapons began to slowly sink in. Glancing to the side, Tenryuu gave her a strained grin even as the bolts of energy continued to play across their weapons and in the air. "Heh, about time... I get to see what... you can do..."

There was a jerk as the weapons sank a little bit more as Haru smirked. "Kitsunes... are masters of deception after all." Bit by bit, the weapons began to pierce through the magic before Haru noted the sheen of sweat that covered Tenryuu's and Tatsuta's faces from the sheer strain. Nodding, she looked over her shoulder. "Mikasa!"

With a slight smile, the Battleship simply walked forward close to the point of attack, not paying any attention to the energy that played across her skin, leaving burn marks. "Hai, now it's my turn." Taking a moment to gather her strength, Mikasa then reached forward into the energy and shoved her fingers beside the blades before straining as she pulled the hole apart. Even as her arms began to shake from the strain as the spells fought her and the others, she didn't stop. 'My... this is rather more powerful then expected...'

Gritting her teeth, Tenryuu summoned up her reserves and pushed forward even more. "AAARRRRGHHH! COME ON YOU FUCKER!"

Suddenly there was a tearing noise and they all stumbled forward as what could only be described as a "Rip" formed in the air with lightning crackling around the edges of it. And, inside it and a distance to the other side, a massive wall of volcanic rock could be seen. Mikasa frowned as she looked at the edges and then at the panting kitsune. "Is it safe?"

For a moment, Haru held up a paw even as smoke and steam wafted from the blade of her Naginata. Once she caught her breath, she stood up and examined the hole before nodding. "It's stable, for now at least." Leaping back, she landed on the bow once more in her human disguise and winked at the human crew. "Now remember, keep this our little secret~"

Each of them shared a look before they nodded. Meanwhile, Tenryuu walked through the tear and looked around curiously and then tilted her head back. "Huh... that's got to be, what? Two, three hundred feet?"

Frowning even as she held her glaive out so that the red hot blade could cool, Tatsuta nodded as she also examined the cliff face. "Hmm... roughly I think."

The two shared a look before they entered the rip fully and were soon followed by Mikasa, DesDiv6, and the Zodiac. The helmsman glanced at the Miko on the bow with a frown and then Mikasa. "Which way, Ma'am?"

In reply, Mikasa pointed in one direction with a nod. "That way, the entrance faces land."

Several minutes later, they reached the entrance which looked like some giant had grabbed the wall of the caldera and just pulled it out. Glancing around, Akatsuki shivered a bit as they passed through the entrance. "Is... is anyone else creeped out? Or is it just me?"

Feeling a hand on her head, Akatsuki glanced up to see Mikasa there looking down at her with a smile. "It is not, dess."

Tenryuu looked over her shoulder and snorted. "Yeah, place feels really creepy, kiddo. But don't worry, anything here will have to go through me if it wants to try and get at my kids." Seeing Akatsuki relax, Tenryuu glanced over at the Zodiac which was close and whispered towards Haru. "Any idea why it feels that way?"

Almost a minute passed as Haru stared towards the exit into the caldera. "... I have felt something like this before." Closing her eyes, she whispered one word that Tenryuu barely caught, but caused her to stiffen. "Hitobashira."

Eyes wide, Tenryuu just hissed between clinched teeth. "Shit."

Then they were past the walls and in the caldera itself and one of the Zodiac's crew let out a whistle. "Whoa..."

Her own eyes wide, Haru nodded. "It is rather impressive..."

Looking around, Inazuma pointed. "Look! Old buildings!"

With a frown, Tatsuta turned in that direction where there was a section of land between the caldera rim and the water. Her own spotters reported what they were seeing. "Hai, good eyes, Inazuma-Chan. I believe that they date back to the war but... the rocks are scorched."

Just scratching her chin, Tenryuu nodded as she examined their surroundings, though she glanced down. 'Huh... must be at least... four hundred feet depth?'

The Zodiac's helmsman caught her attention as he gestured. "Look, are those ships? Hell... looks like two Yamatos!"

Head whipping around, Tenryuu stared at the hulls that sat, rusting in their flooded slipways. But the two pointed at caught her attention though and made her frown. "... Nah, they look may like Yamatos, but they're too small. However, the Carrier I recognize. That looks like Taihou, but it's nowhere near completion."

When they reached the shore though, they came across a gruesome discovery with Hibiki having made it. "K-Kaa-San!"

Making her way over, Tenryuu came to a stop beside Hibiki before crouching down to examine the partial skeleton there. After so long exposed to the elements, the bones were bleached white and looked like a touch would cause them to turn to dust. A glint though caused Tenryuu to dig one finger into the sand and pry up a rusted tanto. Looking at the skeleton, she frowned some. "Wonder what your story was..." Then she turned towards the rusted hulls and grimaced. "Or yours..."

A shiver running through her, Ikazuchi rubbed her arms. "Uh, this is getting really creepy..." With a gulp, she looked at the hulls. "Do... do you think that they can be summoned?"

Mikasa just frowned before she shook her head in thought. "Perhaps... though the question is if that would be a good idea or not."

No one there could figure out the answer to that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Raising up from her crouch, Tenryuu looked around with a thoughtful look when one of the human Zodiac crew waved to her and the others. "Hey! Come over and have a look at this!"

Not even a minute later, Mikasa was bending over to look at what had appeared to be a pile of rubble but which had used a sheet of metal to create a small shelter. Inside was what looked like a rotting desk with bottles and tins scattered around. Raising an eyebrow, she looked towards Haru who frowned. "Looks like someone was living here for a time, Dess."

Slowly nodding, Haru narrowed her eyes as she scanned the small shelter. "Except whoever lived her did so after... whatever disaster fell this place did and have not been around for decades." She pointed at one of the tins. "I recognize those from WWII." However, it was a wooden box that caught her attention and she raised her eyebrows. "Hello there... what do we have here now?"

Watching as she reached in and grabbed the box, one of the sailors frowned. "What's that, Haru-Sama?"

Just pulling out the box, Haru examined it for several moments. "Different magical cultures across the world came up with their own unique items. In Britain, for instance, they created Pensieves. Devices that can replay memories for others to see. Here in Japan, Kioku No Hako were created."

Tatsuta crouched down as Haru worked and frowned. "A box of memories?"

Humming, Haru's fingers began to dance around the top and the lock. "Hai. At the basic level, it's a box charmed to resist the test of time and elements. Anything inside is frozen at the moment that the lid is closed, never aging. It was invented during the Sengoku Jidai for Lords to use in their castles to store documents in. Mainly to prevent their destruction if the castle fell."

Now crouching beside her, Inazuma had a look of awe on her face. "That's amazing!"

Still at work, Haru nodded. "It is a very impressive piece of magic. Of course... with the final rebellions in the 19th Century coming to an end, they really were not needed as much. After all, why bother with one when a person could buy a magical safe? That said..." A click could be heard and the lid loosened. "In the Pacific War, they were used in numbers by the magical government. After all, they could survive near anything."

The lid then opened to reveal what looked like a journal on top of some documents along with the picture of a Japanese girl. Picking up the journal, Haru began to read before passing the box to Mikasa who began to look at the documents. Glancing up, the Battleship just nodded. "This may take a while, so if you wish I do not see much issue with looking around."

With a nod, Tenryuu frowned. "You sure that the two of you will be alright?" For a moment, the two just looked at her and Tenryuu felt rather stupid before coughing into her hand. "Uh, right... forget that I said that." Turning around, she nodded to DesDiv6 and the humans. "Let's go have a look at those ships... something's bothering me about them."

Behind them, Haru and Mikasa continued to read, though the kitsune looked up and blinked before frowning. "Did you hear that?"

Mikasa only nodded. "Hai, someone just sighed, Dess."

Holding her two fingers up, Haru shook her head. "No, two someones just sighed." After some thought though, she shook her head. "Doesn't feel dangerous though..."

At the same time, Tenryuu and her group continued to walk along what had been a road, but was now cracked with plantlife growing wherever it could get a foothold. Tapping her hands on Waterline's hilt, the Cruiser frowned as she examined the damage before jerking her head towards a steel beam. "Look at that."

Ikazuchi looked towards the beam and her jaw dropped some. "It looks like it got melted!"

Nodding, Tatsuta hummed gently. "It certainly does... though that would take a lot of heat." Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a glint and walked over to the small amount of rubble and removed it. Lifting up the object showed it to be a triangle with an eye in it. Eyes narrowing, the Light Cruiser tried to read the worn words. "MACUSA..."

Behind her, Inazuma scrached her head for a moment and snapped her fingers. "Oh yeah, isn't that the magical government for the US that Natsumi told us about?"

Akatsuki quickly nodded as Tenryuu turned towards them in surprise. "Wait, you know about the magical government in the US?"

The four Destroyers nodded before Hibiki spoke up. "We asked Natsumi once about the other countries because if Britain has a Ministry, we wondered what other places had."

For several seconds, Tenryuu just raised an eyebrow at them before shrugging as the Zodiac's helmsman frowned. "So... do you think that magic did this? I mean, if there's something here from American magicals..."

Grunting, Tenryuu nodded. "It would make as much sense as anything else..." Quickly shaking off her thoughts, Tenryuu jerked her thumb past what looked like destroyed warehouses and to the hulls. "Anyways, we're pretty..."

When she trailed off, Tatsuta turned to her and then followed her gaze. Both of them were silent before Akatsuki spoke up. "Is something wrong, Kaa-San?"

Slowly, Tenryuu shook her head before beginning to walk again. "Nah, just thought that I saw something is all. But it was nothing." Even as her daughters shrugged, Tenryuu narrowed her eyes. 'No, I did not think that I saw something... I saw two teen girls, but where did they go.' Feeling a chill go down her back, she frowned. 'And why did I feel a lot of sadness just now...?'

It didn't take any of them long to reach the slipways and when they did, one of the Zodiac's crew scratched his head as he took in two of the giant hulls that were partially immersed in the sea. "Are you sure that these aren't Yamatos? I mean... they look a lot like they do in the pictures and I remember hearing that they were more planned."

Hibiki frowned as as she examined them and then shook her head. "Nyet, these are not Yamatos. I met them as ships and while they look a like, these are not."

Frowning, Tenryuu nodded as she examined the ships. "Yeah... and it's not that they're too short either." She kept one eye on Akatsuki and Ikazuchi who were examining the buildings nearby. "Those guns... what they got, are too small. Those are twelve inchers."

With a look of confusion, the man took the hat from his head and scratched at his head. "Well... you would know. What about the Carrier, is it really a Taihou?"

That caused Inazuma to nod as she looked at the hull nearby. "Yeah, that's a Taihou! But... what's one doing here?"

As they began to walk along the path that crossed the dockyard, Tenryuu shook her head. "I am not liking what I'm seeing here, not liking it at all."

Even though she suspected why, Tatsuta turned towards her sister with a slight frown. "Why?"

Glancing at her, Tenryuu turned back to the hulls. "As a ship, I may have been sunk before the war ended, but when I was human..." She blew some hair out of her eyes. "I remember this American documentary once. One of the reasons we lost so badly is that we did not have the resources to just replace our losses. Or manpower to build them. Small ships, like Destroyers and such were bad enough. But what looks like two fucking chibi-Yamatos and a Taihou? Where the fuck did they get what was needed to build them? Or the people?"

That caused Tatsuta to narrow her eyes until they were slits. "Hmm... that is a good question." Suddenly, she came to a stop and stared at the hulls. "Can you feel that?"

Also coming to a stop, Tenryuu nodded as Inazuma focused on the hulls with a sniffle. "They feel... sad... lonely."

Reaching over, the one eyed Cruiser placed an arm over her daughter's shoulder. "Yeah... left to just rust for all these years? Fuck, if they come back..."

On her other side, Hibiki grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Then we'd just have to help them."

With a chuckle, Tenryuu ruffled her hair some. "Yeah, ain't that the truth?" Suddenly, she glanced to the side where there was a fourth slipway and frowned before walking to the edge and looking down into the waters. "Hello... what do we have here?"

Joining her in looking down into the waters at the hull that was just below the surface, Inazuma cocked her head to the side. "Does that look like Akashi's hull to you, Kaa-San?"

Slowly, Tenryuu nodded. "Yeah... it does look like her..."
___________________________________________________________________________

It was several hours later when Tenryuu's group made their way back to Mikasa and Haru. A frown on her face at seeing the two looking like they had gone through an emotional ringer brought Tenryuu up short. "Something happen?"

Gesturing towards a rock, Haru sighed. "You're all going to want to take a seat first." Once they did, she picked up the journal and waved it around a bit. "Well... good news is that we know exactly what happened here."

Raising an eyebrow, one of the sailors coughed. "And, uh, the bad news if you can tell us?"

With a glance at him, Haru placed the journal down. "It was nothing good." Rubbing her face, she shook her head. "Long and short of it is that they were testing out an idea where they were using slave labor to build ships to see if it would work out."

That caused another sailor to stare at her. "Slave... labor..."

Her expression one of disgust, Haru nodded. "There are... spells... which can be used to control others. By using potions you can basically make normal people into what amounts to automatons. Like robots, but made of flesh and blood. If you stop using the potions, the people will eventually snap out of it, but... well, they might be mistaken for people with brain damage."

Mouth working, Inazuma made an odd sound before Akatsuki shook her head. "How could someone do that!?"

Her mouth a thin line, Tatsuta shook her head. "You would be surprised."

Tenryuu though lookeed at Haru with her eyebrows furrowed. "Does that happen often?"

Shaking her head, the kitsune shook her head. "No." Leaning back, Haru let out a sigh. "Sure, it might sound like you could use them to create a massive army, but... at best all they can do is perform the same actions over and over. Like a robot." She pointed towards one of the ruined buildings. "They had a bunch of wizards and witches from elsewhere in Asia held there. Said magicals were made to use transfiguration to create the metal needed for the ships from scrap from elsewhere that were brought here. Then non-magicals would be made to build the ships. Being as they were basically flesh and blood robots..."

There was a crunch and everyone glanced over at Mikasa who opened her hands, dust and gravel pouring out which remained from the rock that was in her hand. "They did not really care much for the workers."

Utter silence met that pronouncement and all of them looked around with scowls and other expressions of distaste. With a sigh, Haru shook her head. "And that's not getting into the Hitobashiras used."

Once more, there was silence before one of the sailors made a choking sound. "There was more then one!?"

Grimacing, Haru nodded and put up two fingers. "Twin girls, from a magical family. Apparently they were born unable to use magic and so willingly became Hitobashiras to protect this place back in the 1930s to bring honor to their family. The journal though fills in what else happened as it belonged to someone else born to a magical family, but who didn't have any. According to it, the Americans somehow managed to sneak in a large group which attacked and the owner of the journal was knocked out. A few hours later, he came to and found that he was the only one left, that the Americans had taken anyone else who was still alive with them... And this was in early August of 1945."

It took a few moments, but Akatsuki realized what that meant. "So the war ended a few weeks later?"

Haru gave a nod. "From what I can guess, yes. But the man was left behind and since the currents are too strong to swim out and he couldn't climb out... he was trapped here until food ran out after several months. The last entry is... 'I cannot get out' and how the whispers were getting to him. He also saw two teenaged girls walking in the rubble holding hands as they cried. Then... nothing."

After a few minutes of silence, one of the sailors pointed towards the two Yamato look-alikes. "What about those?"

Following the finger, Mikasa shook her head. "Design B-65 Cruisers, the Ishikari and Mitake."

If anything though, they looked more confused as one of them scratched his head. "Huh..."

With a glance at the edge of the caldera, Mikasa shook her head. "It's going to be dark soon."

Looking around, Tenryuu only nodded. "Yeah... I really do not want to be here when the sun sets and we need to report back."

Several minutes later, Haru and the sailors were once more in the Zodiac and following the shipgirls towards the exit to the caldera. None of them hearing the sighs and soft sniffles on the shore, what looked like two extra footprints on the sand of the beach.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The tapping of a pen against wood could be heard in the room as Goto examined the documents on his desk with a frown on his face. "When I sent you to investigate the island, this was not what I had expected for you to find there."

Slowly raising an eyebrow, Tatsuta hummed a bit. "And what did you expect for us to find there, Teitoku?"

All Goto did was lean back and sigh with a shake of the head. "I expected maybe some small slipways, maybe. Or that if there were any ships there they would have been at most Destroyers, or auxiliary ships." Looking down at a picture on his desk, he grimaced some. "Not..."

Mikasa nodded some. "Two Heavy Cruisers, a Carrier, and a Repair Ship, Akashi class. I am rather surprised myself, Dess."

Just snorting, Goto shook his head at her in disbelief. "I would not call the B-65 Designs, Heavy Cruisers. They're practically Battlecruisers in all but name due to their armor and armament. Especially as they were designed to replace the Kongou class in their original role." Taking a deep breath, he let it out. "This is not mentioning that there's an 'Improved Taihou' and a Repair ship..." For a moment Goto was silent in contemplation before he looked up at Haru. "This does beg one question though..."

Knowing what he meant, Haru nodded. "Are they able to be summoned and, if so, how bad could it be?"

With a frown, Goto nodded. "Hai. I still remember when we first summoned Aso, everyone was rather happy, but..."

There were grimaces from everyone as they remembered that summoning. The fact that said shipgirl still stirred up trouble of the diplomatic kind when not watched was just icing on the cake. Rubbing the back of her head with a thoughtful look on her face, Tenryuu had a slight grimace. "You're worried because of how they were built, aren't you?"

Leaning forward, Goto just clasped his hands in front of his face. "Shouldn't I? If this is correct, and I have no reason to doubt it as of this moment, I really have to worry about the consequences for the shipgirls in question, even if they would be of a great help." Rubbing the side of his head, he gave a small sigh. "And that's not getting into the problem that shipgirls who had little experience or were broken up on the slipways are naturally... quirkier then normal ones. The Cruisers were given names and Akashi's... sister... is the Mihara" For a moment, Goto frowned and looked up. "Did the Carrier have a name?"

A frown on her face, the kitsune shook her head as did Mikasa. "If they gave it a name, then it didn't make it into the Kioku No Hako. More's the pity really."

While he shifted, a grunt escaped from Goto. "True, if only because a name would make it easier to summon her if we had it... Though if we brought Taihou in, maybe..." Quickly shaking it off, he sighed. "However, that is all a maybe, we don't know yet how they were effected by their construction methods. Haru-San, what are your thoughts on it? Would there be anyway of making things easier?"

Rather thoughtful, Haru frowned. "I would assume that you mean possibly purifying their hulls, if not the dockyard?" At his nod, the Miko sucked her teeth for a few moments before shaking her head. "That... is a rather large order. I will need some time in order to make some consultations."

Pretty much everyone there understood what she meant when she said 'Consultations', and Goto nodded. "Is there anyways that we can help? I don't know what we can do, but if it makes things easier..."

Softly, Haru smiled at the Admiral and shook her head with a small chuckle. "Trust me, Goto-San, you're already doing everything that you need to right now. However, I cannot promise results anytime soon, I'm afraid. It's... complicated at the best of times."

Goto gave a grimace at that. 'I think that putting any dealings with the Kami that way is understating it...'

When he looked at Haru, the kitsune only grinned and had a twinkle in her eye. "Perhaps, yes."

Needless to say, Goto only internally groaned. 'Great...'

Confused, Inazuma looked around between the various adults and then frowned as she raised her hand. "Um... do we need to summon them right away? I mean... we already got a lot of Battleships and stuff."

Even as his lips twitched, the Admiral only nodded at her. "You're right, of course, we're really not in any dire straits at the moment and hopefully will not be in the future. But... it is better to be safe then sorry. I would rather have them and not need them then to need them and not have them." With a slight smile, he leaned back. "However, I do think that taking our time with this would be for the best."

Scratching his head, one of the sailors that had been on the Zodiac frowned but nodded as Goto nodded at him. "Uh, Sir? But what could we use them for? We already have the BatDiv1 here at least and I think that I heard that Tosa will be part of a division of her own..."

With a chuckle, Goto nodded. "That's true, but I do have some ideas for them if they were summoned." Sighing, Goto got up and walked over to the map that dominated one wall of the room. "If we can bring back the Cruisers, that would give us something capable of covering the Carriers if what I heard is correct about their speed. Like how the Americans used and have been using the Iowas and other Fast Battleships. Now, that's not so much an issue with CarDiv1 now with Amagi and the others back. However... I can use them to cover other Carriers. Or add to the power of our Battleship Divisions by giving them a screening element able to kill anything that can catch them and run away from anything that can kill them. How Battlecruisers and Cruiser Killers should be used."

Leaning back in her chair, Tenryuu snorted. "Which is not even getting into the Akashi class ship that was there. If we can summon her."

Softly snorting, Goto shook his head. "It would take a lot off our backs." With a grimace, he looked over the photos on the desk and shook his head. "Sometimes I just wonder about my predecessors who were around then. Why did they ignore the fact that any Navy needs repair ships... We have too few as it is of our own and another would be worth their weight in gold."

Off to the side, Ooyodo nodded. "And it would lift some of the strain off the American Repair Shipgirls here in Japan. They try, but needing to handle both their own Shipgirls and ours is stretching them thinly. Which is not even getting into the issue of how they need to learn as much about our designs before they can fully repair them."

That brought a grunt from Goto. "And Yuubari does try, but... she's not a Repair Ship, even if between them her and Akashi come up with the odd good idea." Several chuckles erupted from around the room at that. Goto then turned towards Haru. "Do you think that it's at least possible?"

Becoming thoughtful, Haru closed her eyes for a few moments before opening them and giving a nod. "I won't say that it is impossible, very little might well be and I'm old enough to understand that. However... it is likely to be complicated to say the least anyways." Suddenly, she frowned and turned towards Tenryuu. "Speaking of... It slipped my mind, but did you come across the shrine for the Hitobashira?"

For several seconds, Tenryuu blinked at the question and then leaned back in thought as she crossed her arms against her chest. "Hmm..." Tilting her head to the side, she slowly shook it while frowning. "No, I don't think that we did... did any of you?"

Tatsuta considered the question as the other members of DesDiv6 spoke up and shook their heads. "I think that you're right, we didn't come across it."

If anything, that caused Haru to become thoughtful herself. "I see... that means that we'll have to head back there at some point and do a more through survey. Hitobashira usually have something dedicated to them at the place where they've been buried. And it would give me a much better idea as to their state at the moment which we'll need to know one way or the other."

All that Goto did was nod. "I'll see what I can do, there's a few shipgirls that I can spare as they're on secondary combat lines."

Smiling slightly, Haru gave a small bow. "Thank you."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!"

Looking around, Ron could only laugh as Harry set down the cake onto the table in front of him. "Thanks mate."

All Harry did was shake his head and point towards Percy who looked slightly uncomfortable in the party hat that he wore. "Don't thank me, thank him. Percy was the one who told us about your birthday."

Even as he shook his head, on Ron's face was a grin. Said grin widened as he looked over the various presents that were on the table before he frowned at one of them. "Odd..."

Turning away from the chocolate cake that sat on the table, Hermione frowned some. "What's odd?"

Ron pointed at one of the presents and tilted his head. "There's a present here from Barham and Malaya."

Blinking, Harry turned towards them himself and frowned in some confusion. "Wait, you mean Warspite's younger sisters?" When Ron nodded, Harry scratched his head in confusion. "Why would they send you anything in particular... no offense."

Just shaking his head, Ron shrugged. "Got me. I haven't really talked to them when I've been over to play chess with Warspite." With another shake of the head, he began to work his way through the presents though he shook his head at his mother's. "Maroon... why does she keep sending me maroon sweaters?"

Softly snickering, Harry grinned. "Guess that she just thinks that you look good in that color."

Rolling his eyes, the red head just continued to open presents. When he came to Harry's though he turned it this way and that. "Muggle tools?"

With a slight smile on his face, Harry pointed at one. "Yeah, you were talking about learning to build stuff, right?" At Ron's nod, he continued. "Well... this sort of ties into Hermione's gift."

After he glanced at her, Ron opened Hermione's and looked at the book inside. "A book on how to build engines and stuff? Huh... thanks."

Hermione grinned a little bit and nodded. "You're welcome."

Opening Warspite's, he grinned a bit at the book. "A book on chess strategies, yes!"

More then a little amused, Hermione shook her head. "You know that she probably knows everything that's in that book, right? Because she's one of the best chess players in the Royal Navy..." Realizing how that sounded, Hermione gave a sheepish smile. "Or at least that's what I heard."

Quietly sharing a look between him and Harry, Ron only shrugged. "Yeah, i know that. But still, this just means that I'll have a better chance to beat her by knowing what she'll use." Finally though, all that was left was a cylindrical present which Ron looked at the others after picking up. "So... any ideas what Barham amd Malaya sent me?"

Sharing a look, Hermione and Harry shrugged and said the same thing at the same time. "Nope."

Neville only shook his head some. "I don't know either."

Getting other shakes of the head, Ron frowned and then opened the wrapping to reveal a wooden tube with one end having a sticky note pointing at it saying to unscrew. "What in the world..." Unscrewing it, Ron tipped it over and rolled up sheets of paper came out. "Huh..." Clearing a spot on the table, he unrolled them and blinked at what was on them while Hermione made a choking noise. Mainly because they were plans.

Plans that due to the words at the top he knew were of none other then Warspite herself as a ship.

Slowly, Ron leaned down and looked as there were also tiny notes written here and there by who he knew were Warspite's chief engineer. Flipping to another, he narrowed his eyes. One by one, he made his way through them quietly examining until he got to the last page which showed her steering and stern. More important to Ron though, there were notes on the damage that she had sustained which he nodded at. 'This... this will be useful...'

Moments later though he was brought out of his thoughts as Neville spoke up. "Uh, Hermione? Are you... okay? You're looking kind of red."

Looking over, Ron blinked at how Hermione was blushing up a storm even as she waved their friend off. "Ye-yes, I'm perfectly fine."

Just shaking his head, the youngest of the red heads turned back to his present when he realized something. "Cool! They sent me some pictures of Warspite in drydock! Hey! Watch where you're spraying that drink!"

Several hundred miles away, Warspite suddenly sat up straight in her chair where she was reading a novel. If anyone outside a very few had seen her book, they would have boggled and laughed that the prim and proper English shipgirl was reading a bodice ripper. And then Warspite would have taught them all a lesson.

Hey, she was as much a woman as she was a ship and had needs, dammit!

After a few moments of staring off into the distance, Warspite narrowed her eyes as she addressed the one other being in the room. "Lizzie..."

Grunting, the eldest of the Queen Elizabeth sisters glared at Warspite. "Yes, and stop calling me by that bloody infernal name!"

Lips twitching into a slightly teasing smile, Warspite let a lilt seep into her voice. "But it's the perfect nickname for you."

With some grumbles, Elizabeth shook her head. "Bugger off... now what do you want?"

There was a slight frown on Warspite's face as she hummed. "You wouldn't happen to know if Barham or Malaya have... done anything?" Seeing her sister open her mouth, Warspite interrupted her. "Recently I mean."

Now thoughtful herself, Elizabeth slowly shook her head. "Not that I know of, why? Did something just happen?"

Mildly confused, Warspite considered her answer as she leaned forward on her chair. "No... I just had the oddest feeling just now."

Raising an eyebrow, Elizabeth hummed. "A feeling you say?"

Warspite nodded some. "Yes. A feeling that the two of them just did something that I would not like, perhaps involving Ronald."

In reply, all Elizabeth did was sigh and roll her eyes. "You worry too much about that boy at times, Warspite." Shaking her head at her sister's denials, Elizabeth snorted. "I very much doubt that they have done anything to him."

Grumbling, Warspite only shook her head as she looked to the side. "They better not have, or else my cane will be going right up their exhaust hole followed by my shoes."

All Elizabeth did was shake her head at her sister before turning back to her work.
_________________________________________________________________________

Three days after Ron's birthday. and his eyes wide, Harry stared at the sight that was in front of him. "Mum? What are you doing here?"

Nagato only chuckled and gently hugged him. "Well, besides visiting you, I asked some permission from the Headmaster to use the library to do some research, which is also why Hachi is here as well."

Hugging Hachi, Harry only grinned a bit. "I knew that you would be back if only for the library."

Softly giggling, the Submarine shook her head. "Well, I do love reading."

When she pulled away though, Harry looked at the last member of the group with narrowed eyes. "Aoba... you're not going to write any bad stories are you?"

The Cruiser flinched a bit as she was reminded of why Harry out of everyone was cross with her. "I said that I was sorry for that story, Harry-Chan."

If anything though, that made Harry narrow his eyes at her even more. "You made Akatsuki-Chan cry."

Wincing, Aoba couldn't help but think of the incident in question. She had known about several romances and romantic feelings that had developed between ships that sank each other. The most well known around Yokosuka was the infatuation that Kirishima had with Washington, which was now split between her and a Yeoman back in the states. Then one had the odd relationship between Bismarck and Hood where no one was sure if they were just friends or more. Other examples also existed, which was why when Aoba had spotted Akatsuki and Atlanta at a cafe, her mind had gone into overdrive. Especially when the Cruiser had reached over and patted a nervous Akatsuki's hand. Upon seeing that, she had taken a picture and rushed off to print off her newest article on Yokosuka's new "International Couple".

Big. Mistake.

As it turned out, they were just meeting each other to try and talking. Nothing more and nothing less. Part of it was to put some of Akatsuki's demons down and that night, Atlanta had left for Sasebo. And so the Cruiser had missed the... explosive, reaction to Aoba's article. Which had not been pretty at all. Phrases such as "Destroyers were not for lewds" were thrown around and, in the end, some American Destroyers who were far too overprotective chased Akatsuki down and demanded an explanation as well as for her to break it off, reducing the poor shipgirl to tears... then Hoel, Johnston, and Hermann showed up and proceeded to beat their fellow Americans to within an inch of needing major dockwork.

Then word reached Sasebo and Atlanta showed up in a storm of rage and when she found out what had happened... Well, Tatsuta was impressed by how she had punished those involved. Aoba still winced though at first could not decide who was worse, Tenryuu or Atlanta... before settling on Harry as he hunted her down.

Saying that a pissed off Harry was scary was putting it mildly.

Even now, what he did sent shivers down her spine and she swore not to touch any of his friends with her stories. Some of the Americans may have found Harry telling her "Don't swear to the Kami, swear to me" hilarious, but Aoba had not. Quickly shaking it off, Aoba held her hands out. "I swear, I'm just here to help your Kaa-San with researching your family." Not mentioned of course was that she was here until things cooled down back in Yokosuka after yet another incident. It was also something of a punishment detail for her as well. 'Please accept it, please accept it, please accept it.'

Much to Nagato's amusement, Harry turned to her for confirmation and she slowly nodded. "That's why she's here. Besides, she's been rather helpful in tracking the Evans side of your family down."

That caused Harry to blink and look between them. "Um... really?"

Relaxing some, Aoba gave a nod. "Yeah, though I haven't got managed to uncover much information on your Great-Great-Grandmother Varvara besides she was born in Russia and escaped during the Civil War thanks to your Great-Great Grandfather, Mark Evans."

Just frowning, Harry slowly shrugged. "That's more then I know anyways." Then he frowned a bit and looked towards his mother. "But... why are you researching my family anyways, Mum?"

Simply chuckling, Nagato reached over and ruffled his hair a bit. "Well, the heirloom you got for Christmas peaked my interest regarding it so I started reading that book on your family history..." For a moment, she paused. "Which had some interesting bits that I would like to look up."

Beside her, Hachi nodded. "Yeah, and the Headmaster said that there was plenty of information on your family here at the Library. Apparently family history is a big thing among British wizards or something... And you want to know what Hacchan thinks is the best part?"

With a frown, Harry shook his head. "No, what?"

A moment later though the Submarine swept him up into a hug. "That Hacchan gets to see you again and spend some time."

Harry blinked for a moment and then grinned. "Yeah, that sounds great."

 

[darthcourt10]

Matroslvan

Where the idea to get Aoba in Hogwarts came from? Read and find out!

---

As the fleet gathered to leave the Black Lake, Fubuki signaled her division-mates to proceed without her. After special-type destroyer herself fallen behind, letting the crowd to overtake her. As soon as everyone was out of sight, she turned around, and briskly jogged back to where Harry was sitting.

Fubuki knew that several of Akagi-sempai's planes were still circling somewhere far above, keeping watchful eye on the boy, but having surface assets in the area would be better way to do the job.

After all the trouble we went to insure nothing happened during the match, destroyer thought wryly, it wouldn't do to leave Harry completely alone right after. Even if I feel like a voyeur when I intrude on his private time.

That last thought forced Fubuki to stop before she came out in the open. She could still see everything that was going on the beach, but this way she could give Nagato's son at least some privacy. At the moment, Harry was staring at the empty surface of the lake, but destroyer was sure that if the subs won't come back within ten minutes, there was an interesting book waiting in the bag the boy was sitting on.

Fubuki backed away a bit, so that she could watch the road to the castle as well, while staying out of sight herself, and prepared to wait.

---

The sound of snow creaking under the feet announced the Ron Weasley's arrival almost full minute before the boy himself came into view. From the heavy breathing and flushed face, Fubuki decided that he ran here all the way from the castle. And from the timing, she guessed that he left almost as soon as the fleet reached the castle, and he noticed that Harry wasn't with them.

Before the redhead could run past her, destroyer stepped out of hiding, and a "halt" gesture she seen Yokosuka base's guards do. Somehow, she was sure Ron would know what it meant.

Sure enough, redhead stopped almost instantly, drawn a shaky breath and tried to ask something. Before any words could come out, though, Fubuki pressed finger to her lips, urging him to remain quiet, and boy closed his mouth with almost audible clang.

A minute or two after, when Ron recovered enough, destroyer beckoned him to come closer and have a look. One glance at Harry, sitting at the beach and reading peacefully, was enough to banish most of the worry from redhead's face. Then something weird happened.

Ron pulled his wand out of his right pocket, and a couple of small glass orbs from the left one. He then pointed his wand at the green orb and whispered something under his breath. Green orb obediently vanished. Now completely relaxed, Ron put away the other orb and his wand.

---

Neville let out a breath of relief as the green orb in his hand vanished. Then he almost jumped as voice behind him asked.

"Is something wrong?"

Behind him, stood one of the destroyers that came to visit. Mutsuki, if Longbottom remembered correctly. Her brown eyes were staring intently at the red orb in boy's hand.

"No, nothing wrong." Neville answered, giving shipgirl the smile that he hoped looked innocent. From the way she raised her eyebrow, it looked like he wasn't very successful.

"Not buying it." Mutsuki declared with finality. Then she stepped forward and Longbottom realized that she was actually tall enough to loom over him. "Now, let's try again. What is wrong?"

For a several seconds, Nevile considered stonewalling her. After all, it's not like he and Ron had any solid evidence. On the other hand, it would be good practice in convincing skeptical authority figure in relatively harmless setting.

Even if the girl in front of him looked fifteen years old at best, she was actually a warship crewed by reasonable and responsible adults. If she dismissed their theory, that would mean that they are wrong. No big deal – at the age of eleven, Neville had encountered plenty of things he got wrong impressions off. But on the off chance they weren't wrong…

"Harry didn't come back from the lake together with you." Longbottom said finally. "Ron decided to go and check if he is alright. And he just signaled "all clear" So, nothing is wrong. "

He held the red orb up.

"Is there a reason for such… precautions?" Mutsuki asked, suddenly remembering the "night guard" episode Isokaze told them about. Kageru-classed pulled no punches when told the story, and she was technically right, but…

"We – me and Ron, that is – believe that the one who tried to kill Harry is the member of the Hogwarts' staff." Neville said. "It sounds outrageous, but that is the only explanation that fits all the facts we have."

He was sure that the conversation would end there and then. That shipgirl either laugh at his face, or call him crazy. At best, he expected that she would shake her head and walk away. What he didn't expect was a piercing stare, and quiet command. "List these facts, if you please."

Neville drawn a deep breath, and started listing.

"First is the troll. The only way it could get into castle was if someone – someone with a body to open the door and the magic to cast a compulsion charm strong enough to penetrate it's hide – let it in…"

---

"It's a rather simple conjuration spell." Ron explained, pointing at the orb. "You cast it on the object – any object – and it produces a copy of it. Several copies, if you change spell a bit."

"Fascinating." Fubuki nodded, thinking of all the times she needed just one more shell, one more torpedo during the sortie. "It could give a ship effectively unlimited endurance…"

Ron felt really uncomfortable at the stare she gave him so he continued at a bit quicker pace.

"Unfortunately, there are some limitations." He said. "For example, the copies would only exist until the energy you put into spell runs out. That can be anywhere from hours to minutes – depending on the size of the object. It also requires the caster to keep constant hold on the spell. That last part isn't all that hard, but it still requires wizard to be awake at the very least."

He would have laughed at the crestfallen look destroyer gave him, but after a week at Yokosuka base, he knew better. So he continued with explanation.

"That's the property I made use off. Neville back in the castle as the other of two copies I made. But since it was one spell, if I cancel it, both orbs disappear. Regardless of the distance, and protections in between."

"That's… clever." Fubuki said, still mourning her dreams of infinite supply's, but then her face rapidly turned serious. "We've got company."

---

"Malfoy. The two junior trolls with him are Crabbe and Goyle." Ron spat venomously when destroyer gave him the description of three students Akagi's planes noticed from above. "No doubt out to cause trouble."

"That seems rather… specific, for a fist sight impression." Fubuki commented. "Can you explain? "

Ron's face flashed red with anger.

"That's because all he does is causing trouble!" He exploded. Though, Fubuki had to give him credit for keeping his voice down. "From the moment he entered our compartment on train, and every time since then! "

Fubuki frowned in thought. She read the description of Harry's first meeting with Malfoy, and her own analysis differed from the one Ron provided. Somewhat.

For instance, while Malfoy certainly was quick to rise at the challenge, he wasn't the one who threw the first punch, so to speak. Because if Harry noticed the expression on Ron's face at the mere mention of the name, Malfoy would have noticed too. And reacted with all the maturity of eleven-year-old he was. Things escalated from there.

The culmination of the meeting – Malfoy mentioning Harry's parents death, and Harry breaking out Tatsuta's "smile" – had poisoned the well pretty thoroughly.

According to letters Harry sent home, Malfoy kept his distance ever since. So, from Fubuki's point of view, it made little sense for him to seek Harry out "to cause trouble, because that's what he always does."

I wonder, destroyer thought wryly, as redhead ranted quietly about narrow-minded blood purists, how much effort would it take to explain my reasoning to Ron?

"That narrow-minded racist can't see an inch past his prejudices…"

Ron suddenly stopped mid-rant, and his expression turned thoughtful.

---

The group of Slytherin's barely reached the circle of stones that marked the end of the paved road to the lake, when the dome of silencing charm dropped around them, and Ron Weasley emerged from behind the closest stone. For Draco Malfoy next several seconds were the blur.

The instant the redhead appeared, Goyle grabbed blond by the collar and yanked, throwing him clean off the road and behind the closest snowbank. Then he threw himself on top of Malfoy further shielding him from incoming fire. At the same instant, Crabbe pulled his wand out, it's point already glowing with magic.

From his position – face-down in the snow – Draco obviously couldn't see what's going on, but he did hear Weasley saying "Piece, Crabbe, I just want to talk" in neutral, if a bit harried voice.

Several seconds later, Goyle's weight vanished from his back, and Malfoy found himself carefully – and a lot more respectfully – lifted back on his feet.

Ron was standing at the same place, his empty hands raised at about shoulder level. Redhead's face was impassive mask.

"What are you doing here, Weasley?" Draco ground out. This was the biggest chance he had to talk to Potter one on one, without one of his usual hanger-on's getting their word edgewise. He needed to have cordial relationship with Potter. He really didn't want to have The-Boy-Who-Leaved as an enemy.

"The same thing Crabbe and Goyle are here, if the scene I witnessed just now is any indication." Redhead answered, and Draco felt the scowl slide from his face. "Guarding Harry. "

The realization struck Malfoy like a lightning.

Guarding. Weasley was guarding Potter, like any vassal should.

When Weasley scowled at their first meeting, it wasn't something directed at Draco himself. That scowl was aimed at the son of widely known supporter of One-Who-Shouldn't-Be-Named. Now that he thought about it, it was the same expression Crabbe and Gyole were wearing right now. Nothing to do with Draco himself.

And I, Malfoy thought glumly, decided to retaliate, and proceed to insult Potter's retainer right in front of him. Of course he got angry. And every time I sought him out later, Potter thought I'm being petty jerk, and when we start clashing Weasley did his best to shift my attention to himself, away from Potter.

Or I'm overthinking it, Draco thought, let's see if I check.

"I need to talk Potter." He said in a level, but mildly condensing tone. "In private."

Weasley's face reddened a bit, but remained impassive.

"Harry specifically said he wants some time to himself." Redhead said in neutral voice. "If you want to give it try regardless, Crabbe and Goyle can watch from here."

The answer only served to confirm Malfoy's suspicious. Whatever personal dislike Weasley held for his family, it didn't factor into his dealing with Draco himself.

That left only bad first impression between them. Which was bad enough by itself.

"No, I think I'll seek him out later." Malfoy said. Than he turned around. "Fare well, Weasley."

Goyle lagged behind a bit, to keep redhead in sight, so Draco didn't really expect him to try anything. Nevertheless, he stiffened a bit when Weasley called out.

"Malfoy!" He said. "An observation – Harry have a strong dislike for bullies. I hope that will help."

Malfoy didn't answer. But he bit off any retorts that were at the tip of his tongue.

---

"And that's what was probably going through his head." Ron finished explaining.

Fubuki gave redhead a dubious glance. It still shocked her how the boy seemed to switch between cold rationale and seething anger in span of a minute.

"Riiight."

---

"Also, you probably had heard of an "milk incident" Shiromizu had." Neville said as conclusion. "Dean managed to take several photos with his phone."

He placed small rectangle of paper on the desk. On the picture, there was a teenage girl in standard school robes, with a huge grin on her face.

"And what that's to do with Harry?" Mutsuki asked. While the rest of the facts did in fact provided some justification for boy's… cautious behavior, this tidbit came completely from left field.

"We asked around." Neville answered seriously. "No one remembers who this girl is. Neither students, nor professors. Fat lady haven't seen her either."

Seeing destroyers puzzled expression, he signed, and explained.

"There are at best, two dozen girls of the right age in this tower." Neville said. "If she is from Griffindor, someone in the house should know her. If she isn't, the portrait should remember letting her in. That leaves someone with magically changed appearance – which the portrait would have seen through – and teacher."

As the look of realization appeared on Mutsuki's face, Neville nodded.

"And that's the list."

---

"That's really troubling news." Fubuki said after Mutsuki finished her report.

"Yes it is." Yuudachi nodded. Then she gestured at the rest of the fleet, sleeping soundly around Griffindor's common room. "Good thing we didn't plan to sleep tonight, poi."

"Yuudachi!" Mutsuki groaned, her face red. "Phrasing!"

Ignoring her friends antics, Fubuki took out the book she brought for this very thing, and found the page she stopped at. The single unlucky photo managed to seriously jeopardize perfectly set up and executed mission, special-type destroyer thought. Maybe we should set up a surveillance camera here…

A stray thought jumped through her head, and she grinned. Or get Aoba into Hogwarts for a day, and then confiscate her camera. With heavy cruiser's luck, I'm sure that mysterious culprit would be caught on film together with the garbage she usually snaps photos of!

---

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

I really liked Barricade 's snip about Snape and the Bloodbourne Cosplayers, so here's something else to build on it. Enjoy!

-=-

The introduction of videogames and muggle entertainment to the students of Hogwarts had quickly lead to the proliferation of yet another aspect of modern muggle pop culture: cosplay.

The muggle hobby activity of dressing up and acting like a completely different person and trying to be as accurate as possible quickly became the new fad in Hogwarts, especially after a certain prank involving professor Snape and a trio of pranksters became widely known. The fact that Halloween was just around the corner simply helped the activity gain even more attention among the student body.

Albus Dumbledore, ever the eccentric and wise headmaster, had of course noticed this trend, and decided this was in fact a unique opportunity for his students to learn and grow. In the spirit of allowing their creative young minds to flourish and to promote increased awareness of muggle traditions, Dumbledore announced, on the first day of October, that this October 31 would be 'Halloween Costume Day' to make All Hallows Eve even more fun.

For one day, students have the option be able to attended classes in costumes instead of their usual Hogwarts uniforms, something completely unprecedented in all of Hogwarts history. Then, at the usual Halloween feast there would be a new contest to determine which student among the entire student body had the 'best costume', taking account things like accuracy and research, and another which student managed to pull off their 'character' most convincingly.

The winners, of course, would win house points.

It was understandable that the students of Hogwarts took to the news with gusto. Even the Slytherins.

Never in all of Hogwart's illustrious teaching institution had the student body been so excited about Halloween. In the month preceding the day, the students of Hogwarts threw themselves into making their costumes. While some were of course interested in the house points, most students were doing it for fun. The opportunity to be someone else, for just one day, had an allure that many young witches and wizards had not realized until they'd started their preparations… and in their quests to make their perfect costume, began to understand why muggles loved the activity so much.

Well, the segment of the muggle population that comprised of modern geekdom, but you get the idea.

Cosplaying was, of course, nothing new to Harry Potter. As someone who had grown up among ship girls, several of whom actually had Cosplaying as a hobby, the act of wearing a costume and getting into character wasn't new to the boy. What was new, however, was the fact he was now surrounded by young witches and wizards who were having their first experience with it, and were allowing their imaginations to run wild.

Their imaginations, and their magical talents.

Young Potter, who had simply opted to wear a period accurate Royal Navy uniform from the age of sail, was absolutely dumfounded by the lengths some of his classmates went to make their Cosplays…

-=-

"Fred? George? What on Earth are you wearing?" Harry stared disbelvingly as he came down the stairs from the dormitory to the Griffindor common room, only to be greeted by the craziest thing he'd seen in a while. "Are… are those your costumes?"

"Neeber! Dukker reem ne magicka!" Fred replied.

Well, Harry thought it was Fred. The Weasley's face obscured by a hood that was magically shrouded in darkness to prevent any features from been seen. It was only the fact that the figure was garbed in the bright blue wizard Harry had seen the twins conjure up that allowed Harry to guess who was under that hood. Well, that and the fact that George had called dibs on the pink robe they had also made… a robe that was worn by the figure standing right next to Fred.

"Neeber ree magicka!" The pink hooded figure that was presumably George nodded enthusiastically from beside his blue counterpart. The 'wizard' help up a tall wooden staff in one outstretched arm and began to wave it around dramatically. "Neeber ree magicka!"

"This… this was not what I had in mind when the two of you asked me to let you know if I approved of your costumes." Harry said.

Oh kami, they were actually Cosplaying as Mister Pink and Mister Blue from Magika… right down to the shrouded faces and gibberish speak. The young aspiring admiral could only hope this was all they were planning on doing. Harry was well aware that the twins were more than capable of adding some 'special effects' to their Cosplay, and that wouldn't end well for anyone involved.

"Neeber ree do neeb?" 'Mister Blue' tilted his head, seeming to ask if Harry approved.

"Not sure what you just said, but if you wanted me to tell you if I think it's accurate, or if I have any suggestions… I think you're missing a weapon to go with your staves. Magicka wizards have melee weapons to go with their magic, remember?" Harry put forward, and was quickly rewarded with the two 'wizards' giving him grateful thumbs up.

"Durnka, Durnka! Harry deeber do reeb!" 'Mister Pink' cheered.

"Heegr! Heegr Em-Sixty, Neeber do neeb!" 'Mister Blue' agreed, and the two 'wizards' promptly charged up the stairwell to go made what their costumes were missing.

Harry, watching the two pranksters leave to improve their costumes, hoped he hadn't just done something horrible.

-=-

"MALFOY IS DRESSING UP AS NAZI?!"

"Hermione, quiet down! This is the Library!" Harry hissed as he and Ron seized their mutual friend by her shirt and quickly yanked her back into her seat. It was bad enough the topic of their discussion wasn't exactly the most savory of things, but the last thing they needed was for Hermione to cause a scene and get them kicked out of the library as well.

But honestly, though? Harry couldn't blame her. He'd had the exact same reaction as she did when Ron had been the one to tell him.

"Sorry, Harry," Hermione apologized once she had gotten over her initial shock as was probably back in her seat, "But did you just say that Draco Malfoy was going in to Halloween dressed as a fucking Nazi?"

Harry and Ron winced at Hermione's rare use of profanity. It appeared that some part of her ship girl nature, particularly the part that didn't really like Nazis, was leaking through and making her a little but more agitated than usual.

"Yeah. Yeah, he is." Harry confirmed.

"But… WHY?" Hermione asked, absolutely dumbfounded by this turn of events.

"I kind of… provoked him into going as one," Ron admitted to Hermione sheepishly, "I was having an argument with him in the hallways and called him a Nazi. He... really didn't like that."

From what Harry understood of the whole fiasco, in Ron's had likened Draco's pureblood beliefs with those of the Nazis. This was of course quite the insult even in the Wizarding world as the Nazis were allies of the dark wizard Gindlewald, a notorious villian that even purebloods didn't like very much. Thus, regardless of the merits of Ron's comparison, it was clear this was a grave insult against Draco, one the proud pureblood heir couldn't leave unchallenged.

Draco's response, however, was far from what Ron had expected.

"Instead of Hexing me or anything like that, Draco told me flat out that if I wanted to call him a Nazi, he was going to be the best bloody Nazi there would ever be," Ron explained, "He told me in no uncertain terms that he would be Cosplaying as a Nazi this Haloween, he was going to enter the contest… and he was going to win."

"Win the contest? Win as a goddamn Nazi?!" Hermione gaped in disbelief.

"I can't believe he's doing this either." Ron said.

"Make that three." Harry agreed.

"But… but… Nazis are the very epitome of political incorrectness, both in the wizarding world and without!" Hermione shook her head, still unable to grasp the situation, "It's like showing up at the contest dressed up as Hitler or Gindlewald. Hitler, Gindlewald OR Voldermort! How's he going to avoid getting detention, let alone win?"

"Search me, Hermione," Ron said. "But he did vow that he'd give a performance that would completely blow the competition away. Can't see how he's going to do it, though…"

-=-

In the Slytherin common room, a small crowd of young snakes gathered in front of a makeshift podium in the middle of the room. These students were silent, all waiting in nervous anticipation as they waited with bated breath for the one that had gather to see.

Draco Malfoy's challenge to Ron Weasley was known to all of them, and it was he that they had gathered here for. The Scion of the Malfoy family had taken on an almost impossible task – going to a public competition as a member of the most reviled groups to ever exist in history, and had betted on his honor that he would win it. It should have been the epitome of foolishness.

At least it should have been, had they not seen the surety in Draco's eyes, his confidence in his assured victory. Although Draco was known to be a spoiled brat who habitually bit off more than he could chew, everyone in the house of schemers could see that, this time, something was different.

Something was very different, indeed.

Thus, when Draco had asked several of his housemates to act as an audience for him to practice a speech, in character, the curious students of House Slytherin couldn't say no.

What was Draco Malfoy up to?

It was then, as anticipation was highest, the man of the hour appeared.

Draco was dressed impeccably. He was wearing an expensive white suit with a long matching overcoat. His white gloves, glasses, and a black tie with a red gem helped give the young Malfoy an air of nobility and confidence. His hair wasn't slicked back like it normally was, instead styled a longer section coming up and then down again in the front left side of his head, like a folded piece of paper. Draco had also taken steps to artificially increase his girth, going from a lean young boy to someone quite plump.

The pair of round glasses that sat perched on Draco's nose glinted ominously in the light of the common room as Draco took the podium.

"My friends, thank you for coming here today on such short notice," Draco began, his soft yet humble voice resounding throughout the common room, "I would like to take some time to address a rumor floating around the school. Some of you have come to believe that I like var. I wish to dash these rumors. It is nonsense. I do not like var..."

Draco Malfoy grinned, a grin so sinister it seemed like a he was laughing… and became an entirely different man. A man that was teetering on the edge of insanity and genius. A man so charismatic, he put Hitler, Gindlewald and even You Know Who to shame.

A man that could shake the very foundations of the world.

"My friends… I. LOVE. VAR!"

-=-

A/N – Soooooo OCC todards the end, but I couldn't resist.

Anyway, here are some other ideas for who cosplays as what:

1. Professor Dumbledore as Gandalf the Grey… either that, or the Wizard of Oz or Old Ben Kenobi.
2. Flintwick as an Ewok from Star Wars. He thought about Yoda, but decided he liked Ewoks more.
3. Hermione Granger as a Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
4. Ronald Weasley as 'Bond. James Bond', complete with tuxedo and replica Walther PPK.
5. Neville as the Chosen Undead (Elite Knight Set), because he's hardcore when he wants to be.
6. Lee Jordan as Mister Yellow, to compliment Fred and George's Mister Pink and Mister Blue.
7. Professor Snape as Dr. Lazarus from that old sci-fi serial he used to watch called Galaxy Quest.
8. Ginny Weasley as Hit Girl from Kick Ass, much to the shock of her Brothers.

Hope you all enjoyed this.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Standing before the portrait, Harry glanced around before reaching up and tickling the pear. To his bemusement, it giggled for a moment before transforming into a doorknob which he opened to reveal the Hogwarts Kitchens. For several moments, Harry just stared in awe at the massive, high ceiling room even as he noticed what he assumed to be House Elves hustling and bustling here and there. Inside the room, there were five tables arraigned exactly like the ones up above in the Great Hall. Cooking impliments including pots and pans were practically everywhere while at one end of the room, a massive stonework oven with a fire blazing inside stood.

It was then that he noticed that there was silence throughout the room and realized that the House Elves were all staring at him. "Um... hello." They kept staring at him as if in awe before he bowed a little bit. "I'm Harry Potter, would it be too much trouble to speak to whoever is in charge?"

After a few moments of looking at each other, one of the older elves stepped forward. "I is Muffy, hows can I's be helping you, Mister Harry Potter Sir?"

For a second or two, Harry blinked before he soon shook it off with a slight smile. "Well... I was wondering if you would let me use your kitchen to make some things."

More then a little confused, the elf shook his head. "That is okays, wes can be making whatever Mister Harry potter Sir be wanting made."

Scratching his head, Harry frowned. "Um, I kind of need to make this sort of thing by myself."

Head tilting to the side, Muffy along with the others all blinked. "Whys? Wes be here to make things for great wizards and witches."

Now more then a little unnerved, Harry rubbed his neck. "Well... I you know about Valentine's Day, right?"

Eyes lighting up, Muffy began to nod with his ears flapping to and fro. "Muffy be knowings all about Valentine's Day. But..." He then frowned. "It beings months away."

Quickly, Harry shook his head. "True, but I've grown up in Japan and I got a number of friends over there. And in Japan, girls give chocolates, including homemade ones, on Valentine's Day. Then a month later, us boys give gifts back, like cookies that we baked and so on. Since some of my friends sent me chocolates that they made, I need to make them something, see?"

If it was any other time, Harry would have laughed at the sight of the elf in front of him deep in thought. But then again, things were not going quite the way that he had been thinking that they would. Suddenly, the elf nodded. "Muffy be seeings what you mean!" Harry was about to sigh in relief before the elf continued. "Wes be helping you make things!"

Closing his eyes, Harry sighed a bit internally. 'This... might take a while...'
___________________________________________________________________________

"... And so, despite everything, I was unable to get them to let me do anything as all they wanted was to help. And to them, that meant doing most of the work."

With a gentle smile, Rose reached over and patted Harry on the back after he explained things at the weekly tea between Rose and Myrtle. "Oh, Master."

Despite wanting to laugh, Myrtle managed to hold it in and nod. "Well... House elves see their whole purpose as helping their masters and mistresses, so it is not that surprising." Sipping the cup of tea in her hands, Myrtle let out a sigh as the taste and warmth once more washed through her. 'Ah... lovely.'

Frowning, Harry leaned against his fist and sighed. "Yeah, but now what am I going to do for White Day?"

That caused Rose to frown even as she poured another cup of tea for Myrtle. "That... is something of an issue."

Not even a minute later though, Myrtle looked up from her tea. "Hmm... well... I think that I know of one place that might fit the bill actually."

Looking up, Harry's face was full of hope. "Really?"

Slowly, the ghost nodded though she seemed slightly embarrassed. "Um, yeah, but it was from back when I was haunting Olive Hornby..." Furrowing her eyebrows, she grimaced. "Let me think... I think that it was in her Sixth Year, yeah, her Sixth." Raising a finger, Myrtle nodded. "See, around November or so, she kept disappearing on me. Which... annoyed me greatly to say the least. But it was when I was listening in on a confrontation between her and some other girls. One of them had caught her going into a secret room on the Seventh Floor of the castle and wanted to know how to go in themselves."

With a blink, Harry frowned. "A secret room?"

Myrtle hummed as she nodded. "Yeah... turns out that if you walk along a section there by the tapestry of Banabas the Barmy and whisper what you need, a room will appear with it. That was how she used to escape me, by wanting a room where she could hide and which would let her appear elsewhere in the castle. Her uncle had told her about it when she had asked for help in getting away from me."

Eyes widening, Harry's breath caught. "You think that it will give me a place to bake?"

Simply shrugging, Myrtle frowned. "I... don't know. But it is worth a try I suppose."

Now grinning, the black haired boy jumped at her with his arms wide to hug her. "Thanks you, Myrtle!"

And then he fell through her and hit the floor with a groan as Rose gasped. "Master!"

Even as she rushed over and fussed over Harry, Myrtle just looked down at him in amusement. 'He forgot that I'm a ghost... didn't he?'

Roughly an hour later, Harry was walking up and down the hall as Rose and Myrtle looked on. "I need some place to bake... I need some place to bake... I need some place to bake..."

Suddenly, Rose pointed at a section of the wall with a smile. "Master, look!"

As Harry turned and noticed a door that had not been there before, Myrtle nodded. "That would be the room I think."

Taking a hold of the door knob, Harry opened it and blinked at the inside of the room before stepping in, followed by Rose and Myrtle. Eyes somewhat wide, they looked around the small, but cozy room. One wall had what looked like an old baking oven already with a fire inside of it. Walking up, Harry looked inside it and blinked. "Oh wow... this is so cool!"

With a slow nod, Myrtle held one finger to her chin. "Yeah... it is..." Then she turned to Harry and smiled a bit. "So does this help?"

Her reply was only for Harry to nod and smile. "Yeah, it really does! Now I'll be able to make stuff for the others! Thank you!"

All Myrtle did was smile even wider as her face lit up as it was rare that she was thanked for anything at all. "You are very welcome, Harry."

It was a thoughtful Rose who tilted her head a little bit as she examined the oven before turning to Harry. "So what are you going to be making, Master?"

Simply smiling, Harry chuckled a bit as he hummed. "Well... for Natsumi-Chan I am thinking peanut butter fudge since she does like peanut butter a lot."

Rose nodded at that. "She'll like that."

Examining one of the pans nearby, Harry grinned. "Since Iku-Chan, Hachi-Chan, Shioi-Chan, Maruyu-Chan, RO-Chan, and Imuya-Chan all joined in, I think that some salted caramel brownies would be good for them and triple fudge cookies for Shinano-Chan. And for Hibiki-Chan... Hmm..." Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. "Some chocolate Danishes! She liked those the last time I made them after all."

Brightly smiling, Rose just continued to listen as Harry made notes on what he was going to make even as Myrtle blinked. 'He's... very through.' Then she tilted her head to the side and crossed her arms against her chest. 'I wonder if Andrew would have gone to the same level...' Blushing as she remembered one incident, Myrtle nodded to herself. 'Probably.'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Looking up at Ron, Harry just blinked a bit with a look of confusion on his face. "Uh, what? Sorry, Ron, I was distracted a little bit."

All his friend did though was roll his eyes as he looked at the bunch of papers which he knew were letters to various shipgirls and others back at Yokosuka. "I was asking if it's okay if I borrowed Hedwig for a little while, I sort of need her to deliver something for me for Warspite's Commissioning Day."

There was a frown on Harry's face as something about that was odd before he pulled out a copy of Jane's All The World's Fighting Kanmusu and quickly flipped to Warspite's page. No one was sure how they kept getting updated versions of the book at Hogwarts, no really asked. It was a mystery that even Dumbledore scratched his head at. At the moment though, Harry came across the section in question and blinked. "Uh, Ron? Her Commissioning Day was a few days ago."

Ron only rolled his eyes at that. "I know that. She was out on a patrol for the last week according to the letter from Lizzie and so couldn't be sent anything until tomorrow as she gets back tonight. And I know that she'll be too tired to do anything."

For a moment, Harry just blinked at that. "..."

Narrowing his eyes, Ron glared at his friend. "... You thought that I forgot, didn't you?"

With a cough into his hand, Harry shook his head. "No... not at all, Ron. Um... so, Lizzie? She lets you call her that?"

Still glaring for a moment, the red head finally shrugged. "Nah, but Warspite gave me permission which annoyed her." Finally sighing, he raised an eyebrow. "So, can I borrow Hedwig?" Just raising an eyebrow, Harry raised his arm and Ron blinked before raising a finger. "Uh, Mate? Shouldn't-" Before he could finish, Hedwig flew through the window which opened for her and then landed on Harry's arm. "You... go... get her? The bloody hell?"

Harry only shrugged a little bit as he reached up and stroked her chest feathers. "Hedwig seems to be able to tell when I need her, Dess. She is as smart as she is beautiful."

More then a little weirded out by that as well as how the owl in question was now looking at him with what he swore was an amused expression, Ron shook his head. "Uh, okay..."

Chuckling, Harry grinned a little. "Right, so what do you need her for?"

Suddenly snapping his fingers, Ron walked over to his bed. "Right, give me a moment." Ruffling around in his trunk, Harry watched in curiosity as Hedwig preened his hair in an attempt to tidy it. An attempt that was as doomed to failure as every other one that the owl and others had made. After all, not even Shipgirl Sparkly Magical Bullshit was able to make his hair neat. Finally though, Ron walked back over with a wooden box and placed it onto the bed. Said box was a rich, dark red with silver clasps and hinges. When Harry looked closer though, he could see what looked like symbols beaten into the silver. "Here we go."

Eyebrows raised, Harry looked from the box to Hedwig and then back. "Uh... I think that might be a little too big for Hedwig to carry, Ron."

Amused by his expression, Ron shook his head. "Post owls can carry a lot. Besides... I still got to wrap it and can have one of the Seventh Years cast a lightening charm on the paper."

Blinking at Ron, Harry stared for a moment. "Wait, that would actually work?"

If anything though, that caused Ron to become more amused and he nodded. "Yeah, that would work. And the charm would be broken as soon as the wrapping is torn or something."

Now a little curious though, Harry examined the wooden case with a frown. "So... what is it?"

Grinning, Ron opened the case to reveal the velvet inside which held something. "A walking stick for Warspite."

Slightly confused, Harry frowned as he examined the stick, which was made of a light wood which had been stained in such a way that it held a slight pinkish tone to it. At various spots, there were bands of silver which seemed to be keeping what looked like circles of something that almost looked like silvery bone. It only took Harry a moment to place it, but when he did, his eyes widened. "Is that... unicorn horn?!"

Proud, Ron nodded. "Yup!" Then he pointed to the stop where the "Handle" was, except it looked like a goat horn that curled up and then down into a S-shape making it into a good handle as it was big enough to for a person to have a good hold on it. At the bottom, it was anchored by another band of silver that had symbols imprinted. "And that's a dragon horn. Charlie got it for me from one of the older dragons that died of old age."

More then a little impressed, Harry let out a low whistle. "This must have cost... wait, your brother got you the horn?"

At Harry's raised eyebrows, Ron grinned. "Yeah, I had some help making it, but most of it was me."

Looking between his friend and the walking stick, Harry blinked. "Who helped you?"

For the first time, Ron grimaced a little, but shrugged. "My Aunt Muriel on my Mum's side of the family. The Prewett's are... or were... kind of famous for the walking sticks they produced. Aunt Muriel was happy that I wanted to learn from her, but she's... harsh." He glanced at the walking stick and frowned. "She called this adequate."

With a slow blink, Harry looked between the walking stick and Ron several times. "Adequate..."

All Ron did was roll his eyes. "Yeah, though it took me two years to make and a lot of practice beforehand."

Once more, Harry slowly blinked. "Adequate..."

Scratching his cheek, Ron nodded as he felt his ears redden. "I know, I know, but you don't know my Aunt Muriel. Trust me, that's high praise from her."

Just shaking his head, the black haired boy turned back to the walking stick. "So... how'd you make it?" Getting silence, he looked up to see an odd look on Ron's face. "Ron?"

After a moment, Ron shook his head and glanced around to make sure that no one could see or hear and clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Mate? I'm going to be serious with you for a moment. Stuff like this? Family arts? You don't ever ask about as it could be taken the wrong way."

Eyes widening at the oddly serious tone for a eleven year old, Harry only nodded. "Understood, sorry."

The seriousness draining away, Ron shrugged. "It's okay, I know that you don't mean anything by it and didn't know anything and stuff. Just don't ask that sort of thing, it's not polite and all that rot. But, uh... I can tell you that I got the wood from a pear tree in my family's orchard and that I carved it with a silver knife. And that there's a bunch of stuff that needs to be done while making it."

Slowly nodding, Harry looked back at the walking stick. "Right, so, uh... I think that she'll like it."

With a grin, Ron put his hands behind his head. "I hope so, it should help her a lot."

Curious, Harry looked over at the red head with a confused expression before it turned into one that was understanding. "Because it's magic?"

If anything, Ron's grin widened as he clapped his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Yup! I mean, walking sticks aren't wands so unless they're masterwork stuff you can't do much with them. But ones like this? They're kind of... what's the word? Passive?" Slightly confused, Ron frowned before he shook it off. "Anyways, it'll help Warspite get around and stuff. Like, she won't ache nearly as much and it'll pass quicker if she uses it. Aunt Muriel says it lowers the strain on the legs through magic or something."

Even though he was really curious now, Harry only nodded before smiling. "She'll love it."

The red haired boy only chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I hope so anyways. I don't like seeing her in pain."

All Harry did was nod at that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"FUCK!"

Inside the Range Rover, the group of soldiers scowled at the man driving. "WHAT THE BLOODY FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?"

Glancing at them, and hitting another hole, the man only snarled back. "Oh, go fuck yourselves. I'd like to see any of you bunch manage to drive better!"

Softly snorting, the only woman smirked. "Is that an invitation?"

The man though just gave her a glare before the vehicle hit yet another bump, this time nearly bottoming out as water splashed against the windshield and windows. "Go fuck yourself!"

If anything though, the woman seemed rather amused. "With or without you watching?"

With a twitch, the man gripped the steering wheel even tighter even there were chuckles. In the back though, the youngest of them looked out the windows nervously. Outside the vehicle it was nearly pitch black, though he could see some far off lights of other vehicles or helicopters in the air. "Are they sure that... you know?"

Beside him, another soldier shrugged. "Well, the shipgirls did see some of the remaining Abyssals in the area hit the shore. Our job? Try and see if any of the blighters are still around before letting arty drive them out. We're a small enough group that they shouldn't notice us if we stumble across them."

Grimacing, the young man gripped his rifle a bit tighter. "Yay, us against the Abyssals."

As he leaned forward, the driver shrugged. "At least the storm's breaking up. Can see some slivers of the moon. So that should give us some visibility."

Sure enough, the clouds that had covered the sky had begun to break up some. It was then that they entered an area with ruined buildings a few miles from the shore. One of the places hit during "Bloody Week" as a matter of fact. Even now, almost a decade after, it was only inhabited by animals and ghosts of those that had died there. Suddenly, a long, piercing howl could be heard somehow through the Range Rover's engine noise which caused them to stop the care. "Lord Almighty, what was that?"

The youngest gulped a bit and looked around. "That was nothing created by God... I... I think that was Shuck."

Eyerolls met that pronouncement with one of the other soldiers laughing. "Sure, big ol' scary ghost dog. Heh, don't worry, mate, we'll protect you."

However, the youngest of the group only glared. "Don't go mocking Shuck, I grew up in the area and East Anglia has always known about him." Then he looked around as the howl sounded closer. "He's about tonight, I remember hearing a howl just like this when I was seven, Gran, God bless her soul, told me that it was Shuck..."

With a snort, the driver turned off the engine. "Just you're imagination making out a stray dog for something it's not." Opening the door, he got out. "Anyways, we got a job to do and no phantom is going to stop us." He then began to point at some of the ruins. "Ash, you take point. I don't want us caught off guard if we come across a hiding Abyssal. We're just lucky that they mostly think our bunch ain't worth using their main guns."

One of the guys grumbled a bit. "Yeah, not when they can just tear us limb from limb."

Growling, the driver turned to glare at the soldier. "Stow i-"

Suddenly, the howl from before could be heard again, this time accompanied by booms from Abyssal guns which caused them to whip their heads around with all of them crouching down as the radio crackled and demanded explanations. The driver was just about to answer when a wall down the street exploded outwards and an Abyssal leapt through.

A Ru-Class Battleship.

The squad could only freeze as she turned towards them, and then dismissed them as she began to fire back the way she came while running. It wasn't the fact that she was ignoring them though that caused them to boggle though. Rather it was the look of pure terror on her face. Then there were explosions nearby as her fire slammed into something, but that something ignored the shells hitting it.

Eyes wide, the Abyssal just screamed as she fired even more shells. "Die! Die! DIE! DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDI-"

Something then leapt through the smoke, dust, and explosions and slammed into her. As she hit the ground, screams sounding like hoards of dammed souls ripped out of her throat as she began to slam her fists into whatever was on her. But it was for nought as it lunged and closed it's jaws on her throat and tore it out, silencing her screams. Then the jaws came down on her head and with the crunch and squeal of metal snapping and bending, the Abyssal died as her head was crushed.

Frozen, the squad could only stare as a growl that rumbled through their bones echoed in the air while, on top of the now dead Abyssal, a massive dog slowly turned towards them. Said dog, if it could be called such, was at least the size of a large bear and as it turned, more details could be picked out in the darkness. Such as the glowing eyes or the liquid flames that dripped from it's maw along with Abyssal blood and gore. From the hits that the Abyssal had scored, little remained except a few scratches and some slight scorch marks. One name though echoed through the minds of the soldiers as they stared.

Black Shuck, the Phantom Hound of East Anglia.

Very slowly, the squad began to back away as Black Shuck continued to watch them and got back into their vehicle, turning it on. All any of them knew was that they had to get the hell out of there. Yet another growl got rid of any thoughts of sticking around as they threw the vehicle into reverse as hard as they could and swung it around before speeding out. Meanwhile, behind them, Black Shuck threw his head back and let out a long, howl of victory that caused hairs to stand on end and chills down to the bone. Some part of human instinct letting everyone who heard it know one simple fact: There were predators greater then any natural ones on the hunt.

All that squad knew though was there were things that went bump in the night as that howl haunted them in their dreams for many years afterwards.
____________________________________________________________________________

Coming to, the first thing that Haruna felt was aches and pains all over her body even as she felt water lapping at her skin, slowly causing said pains to disappear. The next thing that she felt was an odd feeling of peace. Which was strange as she regarded her last memories and winced before opening her eyes some. "Uh..." Blinking, Haruna caught sight of Kongou playing some in the water of the docks before suddenly smiling as she saw her sister was awake. "Onee-Sama?"

A smile on her face, Kongou moved somewhat closer. "Haruna, you're awake, Dess."

Still slightly out of it, the Battleship only nodded. "What... happened?"

Kongou frowned some and then let out a sigh. "Your group was ambushed by who we think was a Destroyer Princess, Dess. You took three torpedoes to your side."

That caused Haruna's eyes to widen. "Th-three?"

With a slow nod, Kongou sighed and reached out. "Hai, you were badly damaged when one hit your stern."

Looking down, Haruna winced as she noticed that she was unable to feel her toes or, really, any of her feet. Slowly, she brought her lower legs and barely held back a whimper at the flash of pain before bringing them to the surface only to gasp slightly as most of her feet from the ankle down were gone. "Ha-Haruna sees."

Gently, Kongou reached over and pushed the legs back under the water where they could heal better. "You were lucky though, Dess. You managed to reach Okinawa before you could sink and they flew you back here, working on you the whole way." There was a slight smile on Kongou's face as she shook her head. "But then, you always have endured anything that came your way."

Blushing slightly, Haruna looked down at the water and then blinked as she caught sight of something reflected in the water. At the same time, she heard a snort and a mumble before turning her head to see someone sitting in a chair beside the docks that made her eyes widen. "Rose-Chan..."

There was a slight smile on Kongou's face as she turned to regard the tsukumogami a look of fondness. "Hai." Suddenly, the smile became a slight smirk as she looked towards Haruna. "She hasn't left your side since you arrived."

For some odd reason beyond Haruna, she could feel her boilers thudding in her chest and heat rising to her cheeks. "She... hasn't?"

Slowly, Kongou shook her head. "No, Rose-Chan has not left your side at all and stood watch over you."

Her eyes shifted to her sister's. "H-how long has Haruna been out for?"

On Kongou's face there was a frown. "You've been out for four days as Akashi worked on you."

Even though part of her could not believe that she had been unconscious for that long, one look told Haruna that it had been that long. However, the fuel in her lines pumped a little bit quicker at the idea that Rose had not left her side even as she was warmed from the inside that Rose cared so much about her. It was then that Haruna noticed something that caused her boilers to come to a halt and feel like something had gripped them and squeezed.

The dried tear tracks that streaked Rose's face.

Reaching up, Haruna bit her lip before bringing her hand to her chest and clinching it. "Rose-Chan was... crying? Over me?"

With a glance at her, Kongou nodded some. "Hai, but she wasn't the only one." A look at Kongou showed that the eldest of the four sisters had bags under her eyes. "You did come close to sinking."

That told Haruna everything to say about her state when she came in. "Haruna sees..."

Another snort could be heard and Haruna looked back to Rose to see the tsukumogami blinking her eyes open. For a moment, Rose yawned and then stretched before rubbing her eyes to get any sleepiness out. "Mmm, Kongou? Did something happen?"

On Kongou's face was a smile. "Dess! Look who's awake.

Blinking, Rose turned and then spotted Haruna. "You woke up..." Then she stood up and kneeled as close to Haruna as she could and gently hugged the Battleship. "You're awake..."

Not quite sure what to do, Haruna reached up and hugged Rose back, neither of them caring that Rose's uniform was getting wet. "Hai, Haruna is awake now, Rose-Chan."

While sniffling, Rose pulled back and rubbed at her eye before giving Haruna a bright smile. "I'm ever so glad."

Feeling a hand cup her cheek though, Rose blinked and looked down at Haruna who had an expression full of sorrow. "Haruna is sorry that she made Rose-Chan cry."

Even though she was heavily blushing, Rose reached up and placed her hand over Haruna's. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Haruna. We are in a war and such things happen after all." Closing her eyes, Rose leaned into Haruna's hand. "I'm just happy that you're okay."

Neither of the two noticed the smiling Kongou get up and leave. Meanwhile, Haruna just rubbed her thumb under Rose's eye. "Hai, Haruna is as well." A thought then occurred to Haruna and she frowned. "Does it bother Rose-Chan?"

Opening her eyes at the odd question, Rose blinked. "Does it bother me?" At Haruna's nod, she frowned. "What a silly question, Haruna. Of course it bother's me." Before the Battleship could say anything, Rose continued. "However, I understand that you are needed and that this may happen again, though I dearly hope that it does not. And until the day when this horrible war is over, and you can enjoy the peace, I can only do what I can to support you, Haruna. Even if all I can do is wait here with some tea or snacks."

Much to her surprise, Haruna brought herself as much out of pool as she could and threw her arms around Rose's neck. "To Haruna, that is more then enough." Internally, Haruna was utterly shining. 'Haruna has someone waiting other then Onee-Sama, Hiei-Onee-San, and Kirishima-Onee-Chan now after all...'

For several moments, the two just stayed like that, enjoying the embrace. And then Rose's hand slipped. "Eep!"

Pushing the door open at the splash and grunt of pain, Kongou was pushing a tea cart and blinked at the sight that met her. Mainly because Rose was now in the water with Haruna, but from her position Kongou knew that she was in her sister's lap with legs on either side. The fall had also knocked Rose's hat from her head and the tsukumogami had her hands on Haruna's shoulders. Slowly, Kongou raised an eyebrow. "Hmm..."

If anything though, that caused the blushes on both Haruna's and Rose's faces to increase. Haruna glanced between Rose and Kongou. "Onee-Sama...?"

Lips twitching upwards, Kongou just hummed before shaking her head. "I'll just leave the two of you alone, Dess."

With that, she slipped back out of the docks and left Rose still in the same position with steam coming out of her ears. At the same time, Haruna also had steam coming out of hers as she glanced up at Rose. Then Rose turned back to Haruna and stopped as she realized that their faces were inches away from each other. "U-uh... I..."

Swallowing, Haruna only had one thought in her head as she looked from Rose's eyes to her lips and back. 'Too close, too close, too close... she's too close!'

At the same time, Rose was also looking from Haruna's eyes to her mouth. "Well, I... I suppose that I should move..."

Haruna nodded a little bit, though part of her noted that the gap between their lips were closing. "H-hai, you should..."

Licking her lips some, Rose could feel Haruna's breath on hers and a shudder ran through her. "But, well... it is rather comfortable..."

Very slowly, Haruna nodded. "It is... Haruna doesn't mind it..."

Neither of them noticed that Enterprise was about to enter the docks, only for a slender arm to reach out as quick as a striking serpent and grab the Carrier by the neck and yank her back out of view. Trembles ran through both Rose and Haruna as both felt nervous, and yet expectant. And then both of their eyes locked onto each other and they began to relax. Then they moved slightly...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

And then they felt a warm softness on their lips. It took them only a moment to realize what was going on and their eyes widened as the same thought went through their heads. 'She's kissing me!'

Staring at each other for a moment, they then began to close their eyes even as Rose moved her arms so they were around Haruna's neck and the Battleship moved hers to around the tsukumogami's waist. Neither Rose nor Haruna made any other moves though, just enjoying the feel of their first kiss and their lips against the other's. Before they knew it, a minute had passed with them just sitting there.

Which was when Haruna hissed in pain as Rose shifted just a touch, her injuries becoming aggravated. Eyes flying open, Rose pulled away. "I-I-I'm so sorry-"

Next thing the tsukumogami knew, she was tumbling off of Haruna and there was a splash. For Haruna's part, she just blinked away the repair fluid on her face before moving her soaked bangs and looking around. "Rose-Chan?"

Thankfully before she could start to worry, Rose broke the surface with a gasp and then blinked as the repair fluid ran off her. Glancing towards Haruna, she could see that the Kongou was watching her as the awkwardness increased as both realized what they had just did. "Um..."

And then, Haruna blinked and held a hand to her mouth as a snort escaped. The snorts then turned to giggles as a bemused Rose looked on. "Ro-Rose-Chan looks..."

It took Rose only a moment to realize how the whole thing would look to someone outside and gave a small huff, though a good natured one. Out of embarrassment, she looked around for her hat and soon found it floating nearby. Grabbing it, she put it back onto her head.

Only to dump all the repair fluid that was in it onto said head.

Utter silence could be heard until Haruna started to giggle again, moments later joined by Rose who spat out some repair fluid. Looking towards Haruna, Rose gave her a sheepish grin. "Yes, well... I suppose that it really is quite funny."

When they got the giggles out of their system though, Haruna noticed Rose's expression then pensive. "Rose-Chan? Is something wrong?"

Face flushed, Rose shook her head. "It's just..." Looking over at Haruna, she frowned some. "I'm just rather at a bother right now. Perhaps it's a bit silly but... what do we do now?"

Much to her surprise, Haruna looked as lost as she felt. "Haruna... doesn't know..."

Eyes widened a bit, Rose took that in before swallowing. "I see..." The awkward silence having returned, it stretched on until Rose suddenly stood up. "Tea!"

Blinking at the rather random declaration, Haruna tilted her head to the side as she watched water and repair fluid stream off Rose. "What?"

In reply, Rose nodded and held one finger up. "Tea! After all, tea is the solution to all problems and will be able to help us out here." Sloshing through the repair pool, Rose put one hand onto the edge and began to lift herself up. "Just... a moment." Unseen by her was how Haruna leaned her head to the side with the Battleship's eyes widening a little at how Rose's soaked pants clung to her as she climbed out of the pool. Then she sat up straight even though a bit off hiss of pain when Rose stood up with repair fluid still streaming off her. "There we go." At an odd sound, she looked over to see a red faced Haruna looking anywhere but her. "Haruna?"

Just licking her lips, Haruna took a deep breath before shaking her head. "I-it's nothing..." In order to distract herself though, Haruna frowned a little bit. "Um... Rose-Chan? Your clothes are wet..."

Looking down at herself, Rose just gave a smile. "Easy enough to fix." When she closed her eyes, Haruna was about to ask when all of a sudden Rose's clothes began to steam and, before the Battleships' eyes, Rose's clothing dried out. After about a minute, Rose patted herself down with a nod. "There we go, all dry now."

More then a little surprise, Haruna could only watch as Rose adjusted her uniform. "Haruna would like to know how Rose-Chan did that?"

With a hum, Rose glanced over her shoulder as she headed for the tea cart. "Well... I am a tea set. And tea sets can contain hot, boiling water which means it steams. So... I can become hot enough to dry myself." As Rose waved one hand and began to push the tea cart towards where Haruna was, the Battleship blinked as she tried to make sense of what she had been told. Even for a shipgirl though, the logic was rather convoluted to say the least and eventually Haruna gave up on understanding it. Of course, what Rose told her brought up one thought to Haruna. However, then Rose continued to talk. "It's quite useful."

For a brief moment, Haruna had the flash of her futon on one of the colder winter nights, except in this case she was cuddled up to Rose who was acting like a hot water bottle in keeping things cozy. Then the Battleship quickly shook it off. "Haruna sees..." The next few minutes passed in silence as both Haruna and Rose were deep in their own thoughts, though Rose busied herself with making some tea, the practiced motions being some comfort to the maelstrom of emotions in her mind. However, all good things end and she stopped as Haruna whispered a question to her. "Did... did Rose-Chan enjoy it?"

Pausing, Rose considered the question for several seconds and Haruna was about to say something when Rose whispered her answer. "I... yes, I think that I quite enjoyed it myself. Just biting her lip, Rose glanced over her shoulder to where Haruna was watching her and felt her cheeks warm. "Did you enjoy it, Haruna?"

Slowly, Haruna nodded and let out a breath. "Hai... Haruna enjoyed kissing Rose-Chan." Closing her eyes, she relived the moment and then nodded. "Haruna liked it a lot."

Thoughtful, the tsukumogami finished the tea that she was working on and set a cup down by Haruna. Then she took the basket of scones and set it down before buttering one. Offering it to Haruna, she nodded. "I also liked it a lot."

Neither of the two talked as they sipped their tea and enjoyed the scones before Haruna sighed and looked down at the pool's surface. "Haruna is rather confused by this whole thing."

Bringing one finger to her chin, Rose furrowed her eyebrows. "I'm also rather confused... I admit that I rather enjoyed it and may... like to try it again. But, what does that mean for us? What does it make us?"

Hopeful, Haruna looked up at Rose with a question in her eyes. "Friends?"

Understanding the unsaid question, Rose gave a nod. "Of course we're still friends, Haruna. Parish the very thought. But... I am at a bit of a loss as to where we go from here... This is all so rather new to me."

Haruna considered that before nodding. "It's new to Haruna as well. But Haruna is okay with this..."

Just blinking, Rose glanced to Haruna and then smiled a bit. "And I'm rather okay as well. I suppose that we'll just have to find out together."

Reaching over, Haruna placed her hand on Rose's and smiled. "Haruna would like that."

This time, the silence between the two was no longer awkward, but instead was a comfortable one.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

May be just an omake... or maybe not:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It began, as it had so many times before, with two words.

Two simple words.

More then one word, but less then three. For most, they weren't really that big deal. In fact, they were spoken pretty often by people around the world in various languages. However, their utterence was enough to send a shiver down the back of anyone in the military. Which was why when Harry spoke up, Hermione froze. "I'm bored."

For several moments Hermione didn't move before she slowly turned to Harry. "... What?"

Wiggling a fork in his hands, Harry frowned. "I'm bored."

Voice faint, Hermione slowly gulped. "That... was what I thought that you said." Internally, she continued the sentence. 'And I wish that it wasn't.'

Ron looked up at him with a frown. "Bored, mate?"

All Harry did was nod with a small grunt. "Yeah, I'm pretty bored."

Sweat breaking out as she knew what a normal person in the military might do when bored, Hermione did not want to see what someone who had magic could do. "Harry... you can't be that bored, right? I mean... you got plenty of schoolwork, right?"

With a hum, Harry shook his head. "Nah, all done." At her look, he shrugged. "Japanese upbringing. Got no schoolwork left."

Even as Ron grumbled at that, Hermione gave him a shaky smile. "W-what about your magic projects? I mean... you got to have a lot of work on those, right?"

However, when Harry shook his head Hermione felt her boilers sputter. "Nope, taking a small break from them. Don't want to push myself so much that I end up disliking it."

"What about flying practice?"

"Meh, Wood would see me and drag me into Quidditch practice."

"How about we go visit Hagrid?"

"He's in the forest."

Now despirate, Hermione begged anyone who was listening. "We-we-well we can find something..."

Suddenly, Harry lit up at that. "Yeah!" Just as Hermione was about to breath a sigh of relief, Harry got up and began to walk towards the doors. "I just thought of something!"

Eyes wide, Hermione was about to take off after him when Ron grabbed her sleeve. "What's the matter, Hermione?"

Turning to him, Hermione let out a hiss before grabbing Ron by the collar. "He's a military brat, Ron! One who spoke the unspeakable words!"

Slowly blinking, Ron raised an eyebrow. "So?"

With a deep breath, Hermione let it out in a sigh. "Ron, did Warspite ever tell you what happens when military personnel are bored?"

About to say something, Ron stopped and paled as she remembered some of the tales that Warspite had told. "... Oh..."

Very slowly, Hermione nodded. "And Harry has access to magic, Ron. What sort of thing could he get up to when he's bored!?"

It took a few moments before Ron had a flashback to some of the tales his father had told him about bored wizards and witches and now his freckles stood out on his cheeks like red stars. "O-oh... bloody hell."

Across, Neville frowned. "Um... how bad could it be?"

Dean then nodded. "Yeah, you're all overreacting. What could go wrong?"

Then he paused at the looks of horror on Ron's and Hermione's faces before the red head turned to his female friend. "Hermione...?"

Gulping, Hermione looked back at him. "Y-yes, Ron?"

He then pointed at Dean and Neville. "Did they say the words that I think that they did...?"

Entire body shuddering, Hermione nodded with her voice coming out as a squeak. "They did." Moments later the two took off out of the Great Hall as they ignored the looks they were getting. Once outside, they looked around. "Where did he go!?"

Not sure, Ron shook his head. "I... i don't know..."

With a look between them, the two then took off to search for their wayward friend. Eventually they found him. "HARRY!"

Turning, Harry just gave them a smile. "Oh, hey guys."

There was a look of horror on Hermione's face as she pointed at Harry's shoulder. "Harry... you didn't. Please tell me that you did not do what I think."

Beside her, Ron looked confused as he looked at the odd thing on Harry's shoulder, Harry madly grinning. "Why yes, yes I did." He then jerked his head at it. "Found some Seventh Years willing to do it for practice for NEWTs... though the Muggleborns didn't want to."

Facepalming, Hermione just groaned. "I wonder why..."

Now utterly confused, Ron frowned. "Uh... what's the big deal with that thing on mate's shoulder, hermione? I mean... it looks wierd but-"

She grabbed him before he could react. "Ron, that thing is one of the most evil creatures in all of fiction!" She shuddered. "One of my sisters had us watch the series..."

A giggle caused her to turn to see Harry with one eye closed and the other glowing. "Yup!" Then he lifted a bag and Hermione felt pure dread as it moved around. "And I had them duplicate it. Sure, they'll only last a few hours, but still. Now, if you'll excuse me, i got a delivery back home and to get Rose to attach a camera to Hedwig to record it."

Raising her hands, the Cruiser looked between the bag and Harry's shoulder. "You don't want to do this Harry... now put them down..."

For a moment, she had some hope as Harry seemed to consider it before shrugging. "Nah."

Hermione then shook her head. "Harry, no!"

Grinning, Harry nodded. "Harry, yes!" Then he ducked under Hermione's lunge and twirled around Ron's grab before running. "SEE YOU ALL LATER!"

Once Hermione got to her feet, she took off after him. Unfortunately, Hogwarts itself seemed to be working against her with the stairwells moving after Harry had got off them. By the time she reached Gryffindor Tower's First Year Boys's dorm, Harry was closing the owl box, an empty bag by him. "... Oh frig..." Then she turned around and began to walk out. "If you'll excuse me, I am going to try and get in contact with someone..."

Scratching his head, Ron looked at Harry. "Uh... mate? What's the big deal?"

With a shake of his head, Harry slung his arm over Ron's shoulders. "Let me explain something that's memetic in Japan..."
___________________________________________________________________

"Poi~ I'm so bored, Fubuki-Chan!"

Just sighing, Fubuki shook her head. "Yuudachi-Chan, I'm going to stop you right there and..." It was then that she noticed something and looked up. "Is that Hedwig-Chan up there?"

Frowning, Mutsuki put her hand above her eyes and looked up. After a few seconds, she nodded. "Hai, that's Hedwig-Chan... did Harry-Chan send some letters?"

A frown on her own head, Yuudachi tilted her head. "Maybe, poi?"

Meanwhile, Fubuki felt a chill run down her back. 'Why do I have a bad feeling... like something really terrible is about to befall the base?"

Suddenly, the sound of claws could be heard from a nearby crate and they turned only to freeze at the voice. "Hello there."

Blinking, Yuudachi turned and waved. "Hello..."

Now able to see what had just talked, they froze at the sight of the strange creature that regarded them with rube eyes as it's tale swished back and forth. On either ear there were gold rings and it gave an odd smile. "Would you like to make a contract with me and become a magical girl?"

Utter silence descended on the area before Yuudachi stiffened with a screech. "POOOOOOOIIIIIIIIII!"

Fubuki just called out her rigging as she swore uncommonly for her. "FUCK!"

Behind her, Mutsuki pointed at the Kyubey. "KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE UNTIL IT'S DEAD AND KILL IT SOME MORE!"

Elsewhere on the base, White blinked as Johnston lifted her up and began running. "NOPE! NOPE! NOPE!"

In the Admiral's office, Goto just looked at the one on his desk before suddenly stabbing it. "That wasn't nice."

Looking at the stuffing, the Admiral sighed. "... Why do I suspect that someone got bored." And then the explosions began and he groaned. "..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

And... part two:
______________________________________________________________________________________

"HEEEEELLLLPPPP MEEEEEE!"

Their heads snapping up, Inazuma, Ikazuchi, and Hibiki all blinked at the sight of Akatsuki running right for them. "Akatsuki-Chan?"

Within moments, she was hiding behind Hibiki who blinked down at her. "What's going on?"

Finger shaking, Akatsuki slowly brought it up and pointed. "Th-th-that!"

Blinking, they all turned in the direction given and froze at the sight of something extremely familiar to them all. Meanwhile, Kyubey hummed as he swept his tail to the side. "Hmm... does this mean that you do not wish to sign a contract and become a magical girl?"

A second later, Inazuma placed her hand onto Akatsuki's shoulder and the oldest looked up to see a blank expression. "Do not worry about this, Akatsuki-Chan... I have been preparing for this."

That caused her twin sister to blink and look at her. "... Really?"

Now grinning, Inazuma rushed into the house. "Give me a moment!"

Having been left alone, the three slowly backed away from the Incubator who walked towards them, Ikazuchi giving off a shiver. "Am... I the only one with a really bad feeling about this?"

Beside her, Hibiki shook her head. "Nyet."

At this point though there was a sound of glass shattering and everyone stopped to stare as Inazuma landed in front of them with her flamethrower. "Pour on the juice!"

With a sigh, the Incubator shook his head. "Oh, poop."

Moments later, flames hit it as Inazuma cackled. "The Earth shall burn! Nanodeath!"

Their mother's voice then echoed around the area and the other three looked around as Inazuma was too busy cackling before they noticed Tenryuu running. "GET THAT THING AWAY FROM ME, TATSUTA!"

Softly smiling, Tatsuta only held out the Incubator towards her sister. "But it's so cute."

Kyubey only sighed and blinked. "Please put me down."

However, Tatsuta only gave him a squeeze and continued to chase Tenryuu. "No."

Elsewhere on the base, Shinano only blinked at the odd creature on her table with a frown. "Um... hi?"

Swishing his tail, Kyubey blinked. "Would you like to become a magical girl?"

Her eyebrows furrowing, Shinano frowned some. "Become a magical girl?" When the creature nodded. "How? And I thought that I was one... since shipgirls are magic and I'm a shipgirl..."

Tail still swishing, the creature shook his head. "All you got to do is sign a contract with me."

Just blinking, Shinano crossed her arms a bit and tilted her head. "I'm not supposed to be signing anything unless one of my Onee-Sans, Teitoku, or White-Kaa-San says it's okay."

It's head not tilting the other direction, it fixed her with it's gaze. "They won't mind."

Before Shinano could say anything else though, the door opened and Musashi stepped in with a grumble, only to freeze at the sight of the Incubator. Smiling, Shinano pointed at it. "Onee-Chan! This bunny says that it can make me a magica-" Quickly crossing the distance, Musashi picked up the Incubator and then drop kicked it through the window. "Al girl..." Looking as it faded into a dot, Shinano frowned. "Why did you do that?"

Musashi only placed her hand onto Shinano's shoulder. "Look, kiddo? Trust me, that thing is bad news."

At the same time, said Incubator was falling with a frown. "That was rather rude." Then it hit something and bounced off before getting up. Dusting itself off, it looked up to see Enterprise staring down at it. Tilting it's head to the side, it blinked. "Hmm... I had thought that I hit a wall."

Even as she grit her teeth, Enterprise growled. "Say... what now?"

While it shook it's head, the Incubator sighed. "You would not know where I could find a girl?"

Raising up one foot, Enterprise snarled as her eyebrow twitched before stomping the Incubator. "FUCKING DIE!"

Nearby, Naka turned away from her livestream and looked towards the window as she heard gunfire, explosions, and shouts. "What in the world...?"

As she was distracted, she missed the Incubator that hopped up on her desk in plain view of her webcam. For several moments the livestream was silent before it exploded as the Incubator spoke. "It seems that the others are having trouble with candidates." Slowly, Naka turned around as the Incubator blinked. "Would you like to make a contract with me?"

With a blink, Naka reached under her desk and then pulled out a rather large mallet she normally used when Sendai surprised her. "Let me think on that for a moment..."

Despite the base descending into chaos, Haru simply hummed as she stroked the Incubator in her lap. "Hmm... I give it perhaps a eight out of ten."

Eyebrow raising, Natsumi looked towards her aunt. "That high?"

Haru though shook her head. "No, that low. It could have been much higher if done better. Perhaps with a duplication spell or a repair one."

Slowly, Natsumi shook her head as she sipped her tea. "Should we tell them that they're just dolls?"

For a moment, Haru considered this and then smiled. "No, let's just enjoy the show being put on. It's rather hilarious after all."

Meanwhile, Goto ignored the wiggling Incubator on the end of his sword even though it frowned at him. "Could you put me down?"

Glancing at it, he raised an eyebrow. "No." Then he turned as his computer beeped and then frowned and sighed as he read the email. "I see..."

Not even bothered by what was going on, Ooyodo only sipped her coffee. "Did something happen?"

With a grunt, Goto shook his head. "Yes, just got an email from Cunningham... his shipgirl spy in Hogwarts passed on that Harry was bored and sent the Incubators through after he got some wizards to conjure and animate some dolls."

Simply humming, Ooyodo nodded. "Ah, that explains it. A bored wizard and a bored military brat."

All Goto did was shake his head. "Yes, the worst of both worlds. And which means that we'll be having a talk with him... and add it to The List."

That caused Ooyodo to raise an eyebrow, but she did as asked.

How they were going to explain this one though...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Nagato walked up to the pier with a frown on her face as she spotted Hoppou at the end of it staring off into the distance with an odd expression on her face. "Hoppou? Is something wrong?"

Jumping a bit, Hoppou turned around and blinked up at the Battleship. "Mommy?"

Still frowning, Nagato crouched down and looked her in the eye. "Are you feeling okay? You've been standing out here for a few hours while everyone else is cleaning up."

Her head tilting to the side, the Abyssal shook her head as she blinked. "They were all being very silly, Mommy."

After a few moments, Nagato let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I think that they were being more then a little silly with how they acted, though they had reasons for it..." Then she shook her head with a snort. "I will have to give him credit though... and warn him that the others have sworn to get him back though some were more then a little impressed."

Reaching up, Hoppou booped Nagato on the nose and caused her to blink. "They better not be mean to Big Brother."

With a chuckle, Nagato shook her head and smiled a bit. "Not that mean, though Harry should have waited a few weeks, April Fool's would have been better." Shifting a little, Nagato sat down on the end of the pier and looked out onto the ocean before turning back to Hoppou and poking her in the belly which made her squirm and giggle some. "So then, why are you all the way out here."

To her surprise, Hoppou turned back to the ocean and gestured with one hand. "Hoppou feel something, out there. And Hoppou not sure what.

Now furrowing her eyebrows, Nagato turned her attention fully to her adopted daughter. "You felt something?" At the nod, she frowned some. "What did you feel?"

Bringing her glove to her mouth, the Abyssal seemed confused. "It... feels like one of Hoppou's playmates that Hoppou had before Big Meanies came and hurt Hoppou and her friends. But... Hoppou's playmates are all gone... even Big Sister agreed with Mommy."

Eyes widening, Nagato looked out at the ocean. "You're... feeling what could be one of your fleet members? Out there?"

Hoppou only nodded. "Yes, Mommy. But they're not talking..." Then she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Why aren't they talking, Mommy? Even Hoppou's puppies would talk to her..."

Deeply frowning, Nagato narrowed her eyes some. 'Hmm... are they hiding? Somewhere close by and watching? But... no one has reported anything from the North...' Seeing the confusion on Hoppou's face, the Battleship shook off her own confusion. "I... don't know..."

With a blink, Hoppou hung her head. "Oh..." A moment later though, she felt a hand on her head gently ruffling her hair and she looked up to see Nagato headpatting her. "Mommy?"

Standing up, Nagato held out one hand to her with a slight smile. "How about we go and talk with Teitoku? He might be able to send a mission out to find them for you after all."

Frozen, Hoppou looked up at her adopted mother in both awe and hope. "Really, Mommy? You think so?"

All Nagato did was nod. "Hai, and that way you can see them again..." Unsaid was the rest. 'Hopefully they're unaggressive like you...'

Reaching up, Hoppou took her hand and nodded with a smile. "Okay, Mommy."

With a small squeeze, Nagato began to lead Hoppou off to the Admiral's office.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Easily keeping up with the jogging Harry, Myrtle frowned in thought. "So... you played a prank on the base where you live?"

Grinning, Harry nodded with snickers. "Yup!"

More then a little confused, Myrtle looked at him with her head tilted to the side. "... Why?"

However, Harry just grinned up at her. "Because I'm a military brat and when we get bored things happen that others regret." Then he became thoughtful even as he felt the strain of the run. "Of course, there's how they might try to get back at me, but..."

Myrtle only shook her head. "Well, I cannot understand it..." Her expression fell a bit. "Then again, I was usually the butt of jokes when I was alive and even after I died."

Wincing, Harry grimaced a bit while he began to pant. "You don't... need to worry... about that... from me."

A blush on her face, Myrtle nodded. "Thank you."

Just glancing at her, Harry only smiled when he remembered something he meant to ask. "By the way... how are things with your bindings...?"

That caused the ghost to sigh though and hang her head some. "They're still there though..." On her face was an expression of confusion as she thought. "They do seem to have weakened a bit from how they were even just a year ago. I don't know why though..."

Perking up, Harry looked at her. "What does that mean for you?"

All Myrtle did though was shrug. "I... don't know. But it means that I might be able to leave the grounds in a few years, so I'm happy."

Harry slowly nodded with a grin. "Well you... do seem to... have gotten some color back into... you..."

With a amused expression, Myrtle poked him in the arm and Harry hid a wince at the feeling of coldness. "I'm a ghost, Harry. We don't regain color."

Frowning, Harry looked at her and closely examined her. While Myrtle was still the silvery of a ghost, he could almost swear that she looked slightly more solid then before and that he could just make out some color in her. But then he shrugged it off. 'Maybe it's my imagination.'

Suddenly, Myrtle snapped her fingers as they were heading for some stairs. "Oh! That reminds me... be on the look out for Peeves, would you? He's been laying low but he's quite angry with you, so he might try something soon."

Eyebrow raising at that, Harry grimaced a little bit. "I'm not that surprised if he would. Peeves doesn't seem like one to take such things laying down... So I'll keep a look out..."

As he began to climb the stairs though, neither Harry nor Myrtle noticed Peeves floating a distance above them. In his hands was a bucket of grease and oil that he prepared to drop on Harry as he made his way up the stairs. 'Make Peeves a butt of jokes, will he...' He was just about to tip it fully over when he felt a hot breath on his neck and turned to see a round thing floating right behind him. "What are you?"

Said thing looked like an black orb with cat ears then it opened it's jaws to reveal a glowing mouth filled with sharp teeth which for some reason filled the spirit with dread before it lunged. Down below, Harry and Myrtle came to a stop as they heard a scream and noticed a bucket fall past them and smash into the floor below. Moments later, Peeves, san's a hole in his pants, shot past screaming bloody murder as Barghast followed him closely behind growling. In the Abyssal fighter's mouth was some of Peeve's pants. "Huh... don't see that every day."

With a snort, Myrtle just looked in the direction of the continuing screams. "Couldn't happen to a nicer spirit."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Harry could only blink at the black orb in the fire even as Shiromizu hissed at him. "{Is... that what I think it is?}"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "{Yeah... I think that's a dragon egg...}"

Behind them, Hermione had also recognized what it was and practically exploded. Meanwhile, Shiromizu examined the egg a bit carefully. "{Huh, so this is what a dragon's egg appears? And they need to be incubated in a fire? That's... honestly rather interesting.}"

All that Harry did was nod before one part of what Hagrid was saying caught up to him. "Uh, Hagrid? You live in a wooden house..."

With a nod, Hagrid chuckled. "Aye, but tha's not much trouble."

Rubbing the side of his head, Neville groaned. "Hagrid, having dragons as pets is against the law! if they find out that you have one they'll throw the book at you."

Even as he nodded, Ron grimaced. "He's right. It would kind of hard to hide from muggles if we had dragons on our front yards. And anyone caught doing something to threaten the Statute, um... would be in a lot of trouble."

However, Hagrid only waved him off. "Yeh just overreactin'."

Now even Shiromizu was looking at him from her position inside Harry's shirt. Sure, outside it was still chilly as it was early April, but she found that the cold effected her less. And besides, Harry's body heat was more then enough to keep her comfortable. Hence why she decided to visit along with Harry. "{He's joking, please tell me that he's joking about that...}"

With a grimace, Harry only shook his head. "{No, I'm afraid that he's not joking.}"

That only got him a look from Shiromizu who soon shook her head. Seeing that, but not knowing what the two were saying, Hagrid just shrugged it off only to straighten up a bit more at Ron muttering to himself about what egg it was. "Looked it up myself! It's a Norwiegan Ridgeback."

Looking around, Ron winced. "Uh, Hagrid those are bigger then your hut."

A frown on his face, Harry furrowed his eyebrows. "Couldn't you go for something smaller at least?"

Blinking, Hagrid frowned some. "Like a Peruvian Vipertooth?"

Ron winced at that. "Uh... that's still, what, fifteen feet long?"

Widely smiling, Hagrid nodded. "Tha's about right."

Curious, Harry remembered what he had read in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. "I thought that were smaller ones then that though..."

Giving it some thought, Hagrid suddenly snapped one finger. "Nah, yeh must be thinking of wyverns. Them's not dragons."

With a frown on his face, Ron tilted his head back and forth. "Well... Charlie told me that no one's sure if they are or not."

That caused Harry to blink as he tried to recall what he had read. "Wyverns?"

Slowly, Ron nodded. "Yeah... they look like dragons, except they don't got no arms alongside their wings, just the wings and back legs. They're not common nowadays in Europe since they nearly got hunted to extinction. Easier to kill then a dragon, but they could be used in place of dragons for potions and stuff."

Running a hand through his beard, Hagrid nodded. "Aye, a right shame too. Beautiful creatures they are, just a mite misunderstood." With a frown, Hagrid went digging around in a scrapbook and then put it on the table as he pointed at one article. "See? This here is o' them. but in Africa."

Each of them leaned over the table and blinked, but it was Hermione who spoke up and shook her head. "That looks like a pterosaur."

His eyebrows furrowing, Harry frowned. "Kongamato?"

Tapping one finger against the picture of the creature in a cage, Hagrid nodded. "Tha's what this breed is called. They let yeh keep them as pets in Africa."

All Neville did was blink at that before reaching up and wiping some sweat from his brow. "They do?"

With a grunt, Ron nodded. "Yeah, I remember Charlie talking about it once. Apparently they're a grey area or something. Still illegal to sell though."

Despite their best tries, Hagrid would not give up and soon they had to leave. As they were walking, Harry placed his hands behind his head and gave a groan. "This... is going to be a disaster, I just know it."

Just patting him on the shoulder, Hermione shook her head. "Hopefully he'll listen to reason once it hatches."

Neville nodded a bit. "Yeah, hopefully nothing happens though."

Turning to him, Harry was about to say something when he noticed someone walking towards them with Myrtle beside them. Someone that caused him to blink. "Rose? Is something wrong?"

For a moment, the tsukumogami seemed nervous before she straightened her back and then adjusted her uniform. "Master? I need to ask you for some..." It seemed like she was lost for what to say before she shook her head. "Some advice."

Oddly, Harry felt some dread but nodded. "Okay..."
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Roughly an hour later though in the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry just wanted to bang his head on something. "Um, Rose?"

Blinking, Rose didn't notice the various looks she was getting from others in the Common Room as she looked at Harry while placing another cup of tea in front of him. "Yes, Master?"

Slowly rubbing the side of his head, Harry let out a sigh. "Okay... just to recap, you and Haruna-Oba are, girlfriends?"

There was a blush on Rose's cheeks as she played with her fingers. "We-well, I don't know if we can say that quite yet, Master. I mean..." Frowning, there was a puzzled look on her face. "We're really not sure..."

Ron only blinked at her with a frown. "Uh... you kissed her, right? And she kissed you?"

Nodding, Rose placed her hands in her lap. "Oh, yes!" Her face gained a far off look before she sighed with a slight smile. "It was rather lovely, though ruined a bit since it was after I fell on top of her in the bath..." A sound caused her to turn to see a Fifth Year sprawled out on the floor with a bright red face looking at her. "Are you alright?"

With a cough, the wizard got up and nodded. "Um, yeah, I'm okay..."

Quickly, he walked off muttering to himself which caused Rose to frown. "That was rather strange..."

A throat clearing caused her to turn to see Myrtle giving her a look. The ghost had not been bothered when she drifted in with the others, though she assumed that it was due to Harry being there. And she was partially right, though many were more confused as to why she was out of her washroom. "So you kissed this Haruna?"

Brightly smiling, Rose nodded. "That's right... and I enjoyed it." Tapping her chin, she hummed a bit. "And I think that I would like to try it some more... Haruna feels the same way I think, though I would have to ask before hand."

On the other side of the table, Harry gave her a smile. "That's great to hear, Rose." He then coughed and looked around. "There's just, um, one problem..."

That got him a blink as Rose leaned forward in interest. "What sort of problem, Master?"

Rubbing his neck, Harry glanced towards Hermione only to see her raise an eyebrow. Seeing as he was not about to get any hope from that direction, Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "You came to me... about advice on Haruna-Oba and your relationship..."

Just nodding, Rose tilted her head to the side. "That's right."

Harry then pointed at himself. "Rose... I'm eleven."

Confused, Rose only nodded. "I know your age, Master."

Shaking is head, Harry sighed. "Rose, I'm eleven. And you came to me for relationship advice..."

Even more confused then before, Rose only nodded. "That's right." Noticing the stares, she frowned a bit. "Did I... do something wrong?"

In reply, Harry just pinched his nose some. "I... don't think that we can say that but... perhaps you should ask Hermione for advice."

Her eyes widening, Hermione turned and stared at Harry who stared back. "Why would you think that I would be any better to ask for relationship advice, Harry!? I'm only twelve years old after all."

For a moment, Harry and Ron shared a look, the same thought going through their heads which they did not voice for Hermione's own privacy. 'Mainly because you're a shipgirl and likely have someone who would know as crew.'

Meanwhile, Hermione turned and pointed at Myrtle. "I think that Myrtle would be better for asking advice from, Rose."

Seeing Rose turn towards her, Myrtle sputtered a bit. "M-me!? Why would you think that I would be better to come and ask for relationship advice!?"

However, Hermione shrugged a bit before gesturing at her with one hand. "Well... you are older since you were alive in the 1940s after all."

If anything though, that seemed to cause Myrtle to almost look like she was about to cry before the ghost gave a sniff. "What does that have to do with anything? Or are you calling me old!?"

Wincing, Hermione chuckled a bit. "Um... not really? Though you are more experienced?"

Myrtle though began to sputter. "Experienced?! What sort of woman do you take me for, Hermione Granger!?"

All she got though was a sheepish chuckle from Hermione as Rose looked on in ever increasing confusion.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 28: sasahara17

I've been kinda busy, so I can only offer up one today. Cheers!

-=-

What to do about a problem called Harry Potter?

The Boy Who Lived's disappearance had been one of the greatest mysteries that had plagued the wizarding world over the past decade. The child who had saved the world from the greatest Dark Wizard who had ever lived had disappeared without a trace from where he had been living with his muggle relatives, and nobody knew where to find him. The Ministry of Magic and other concerned parties had tried to keep the news silent but the truth, as with all things, had a way of getting out.

Speculation ran rife throughout the wizarding world. Some believed that followers of You Know Who had found where poor Potter had been living and extracted their revenge. Others theorized Potter had been taken in by a prominent wizarding family in secret to be raised in the proper wizarding way instead of having a muggle upbringing. There was even a fanciful one where Potter had been abducted by Albus Dumbledore to be trained as some kind of super-wizard in preparation for some coming threat.

Nobody knew what had happened, and the wizarding world wanted to know the truth.

The Daily Prophet, and Rita Skeeter, was all too happy to provide it.

As grim as it was, Harry Potter's misfortune had been an unexpected boon for the Daily Prophet. It had ran many, many articles over the years that covered details about Potter's disappearance. Details that had been unknown to the populace up until The Daily Prophet, and Rita Skeeter, had bothered to look. Details that were so compelling that the Daily Prophet, and Rita Skeeter, reached new levels of fame.

Harry Potter had lived a quiet, humble life, and most assumed it was because he and his muggle relatives just didn't want to be bothered. The truth, a truth Rita Skeeter was all too happy to uncover, was that Potter had been the subject of the worst case of child neglect possible at the hands of his bigot, muggle relatives. In fact, the poor, frightened boy had been forced to live under a cupboard! It was only because of members of the muggle government that Potter was removed from this toxic environment.

The news that the savior of the wizarding world had suffered such injustice created an uproar. Good wizards and witches wanted to know why the Ministry of Magic had allowed this to happen, and why it had taken muggles to correct it. This was negligence, pure and simple. Which deluded fool had left poor Harry at this horrid place? How bigoted could these muggles get, to their own flesh and blood no less? What if he'd become an Obscural?

And, more importantly, where had the muggle authorities taken Harry Potter?

At least young Harry was safe now, though… at least, that was the general feeling until Skeeter provided her much anticipated follow up a few weeks later, this time discussing the ineffective and bureaucratic muggle government, callous child support services, and overall terrible treatment of orphans. Skeeter had contended that poor Harry had escaped from the were-wolves' den only to tumble into the dragon's lair, and many believed her.

Then month later, Skeeter released another article describing how Potter had been sent overseas like some kind of unwanted vagrant by those impudent muggles, and now not even her keen investigative skills had been able to find him. While the good people of Britian despaired and raged, Rita Skeeter's fame continued to rise.

And so it had went, for years. Harry Potter was an endless source of news for Rita Skeeter and the Daily Prophet, who published article after article detailing her 'investigation'. Skeeter, who had simply been a mere tabloid reporter, had been propelled to fame as one of the greatest investigative journalists the world had ever seen.

Of course, she never actually made much real progress into finding Potter, since most of her articles concentrated on naming a growing number of individuals whose incompetence and negligence had contributed to the tragedy rather than actually following the paper trail to figure out where Potter had gone, but that was beside the point. As far as the Wizarding World was concerned, there was no greater expert on Harry Potter than Rita Skeeter.

At least, that was how it had been until recently.

The Boy Who Lived had finally resurfaced at Hogwarts, starting his first school year with the rest of his cohort. The Harry Potter, apparently well-adjusted and having grown up amongst a loving family, had just shown up one day as if he'd never disappeared. The true Harry Potter was a far cry from the popular image of the mistreated savior of the wizarding world, cast away by uncaring muggles, that the Daily Prophet had managed to build up.

Suddenly, Rita Skeeter wasn't the Harry Potter expert anymore.

Skeeter, and the Daily Prophet, now had a real problem. Although there had been no backlash as of yet, it was becomingly increasingly clear that their credibility as a reputable purveyor of the truth was at stake. Skeeter needed to get to Potter and learn more about what had happened to him in the intervening years so that she could release a story that would correct the situation.

She needed to be the Harry Potter expert again.

Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Skeeter could not get to Potter himself. She had made many enemies over the years, and one of them was Albus Dumbledore. Her articles had attacked him, his staff and his precious school, at it seemed he had come up with a grudge. The wily old buzzard had since barred Rita, or any member of the press who were vising on business, from ever coming anywhere new Hogwarts on the basis that it would create disruptions in the school environment for his students.

Rita new the truth of course, that Dumbledore was doing this to her out of spite.

In fact, she normally would have just gone to Hogwarts anyway in her secret animagus form, old man be damned.

However, several other enemies she had made, including one Lucius Malfoy, whom she had placed blame for not using his considerable fortune to track down Potter in a scathing opinion piece that sold like hot cakes, had unexpectedly given Dumbledore their backing.

In fact, the Minster of Magic himself had made a public announcement stating, very clearly, that Potter was not to be bothered at his place of schooling.

Anything that covered or inconvenienced Harry's schooling was morally reprehensible, and would carry criminal charges. Out of concern for the boy, the public… agreed. Despite their insatiable curiosity about the return of the prodigal hero, they agreed.

And if the public agreed, that meant the one authority Skeeter would not cross had spoken. Attempting to approach Harry at Hogwarts was an impossibility, lest SHE appear as the villain. Malfoy had his own spin doctors after all, and Skeeter knew he was just itching for the chance to get back at her and the Daily Prophet for their transgressions.

News coming out of Hogwarts was sketchy, with rumors that an Abyssal Princess had shown up at one point, but with the Ministry's ban on reporting there, nothing could be verifiable. More importantly, nothing could be publishable. The most they could do was write an opinion piece about how the freedom of the press was being suppressed, and that was that.

It was clear that the Daily Prophet, and Rita Skeeter, had a problem.

They needed to know about Potter, but they couldn't get to him. If they couldn't get to him, they couldn't find out what they needed to write about him. And if they couldn't write about him, they couldn't publish the stories they needed… and Skeeter knew no about of creative prose would help her this time. Not without at least some verifiable facts to anchor her tale and give it credibility. Not after the image of the miserable Potter she had built had been shattered so thoroughly.

It was a vexing problem, but not one without a solution.

While Harry Potter was off limits, his amended public records were not. From there it wasn't hard for Skeeter to find out out where Potter had grown up. From there, she had found out who Potter had grown up with. From there, Rita Skeeter had a lead… a lead she needed to crack this story open and become a household name everyone talked about one more.

Harry Potter may have been off limits, but that didn't mean the people who had raised him were.

Rita Skeeter had never been to Japan before, but she supposed that there was a first time for everything.

-=-

Idea: Rita Skeeter goes to Yokosuka to interview Nagamon, Hoppo-chan, Tenryuu, DesDivSix, Kongo-Bongo, the Yamato sisters, and a whole bunch of other people. In her mind, Skeeter is planning on wiriting articles on illegal use of child soldiers, barbaric and uncultured Japanese ship girls, reprehensible mingling with the enemy, and other headline grabbing news! Unfortunately, she runs afoul of Aoba, intrepid shipgirl reporter, who realizes what Skeeter is up to and runs interference to protect the spirit of good journalism and her extended family.

Thoughts?

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

One eye closed, Akashi wagged a wrench at Haruna with a slight smirk. "Now then, you're okay to leave the docks for now, but your feet are going to be really tender for right now, okay?"

Haruna nodded before wincing a bit as she shifted her weight, shrugging on some clothes. "Haruna understands."

For a moment, Akashi watched before sighing and shaking her head as she shrugged. "Nothing for it, I suppose." Turning, she moved to leave the room. "Stay here for a moment, will you?"

Slightly confused by what she might be doing, Haruna only nodded. "Okay..." When Akashi left, Haruna hummed to herself as she slipped the rest of her clothes on. 'Haruna wonders what Akashi-San is talking about...'

Not even two minutes later though, Akashi returned pushing a wheelchair, though it looked rather modified. "Here, use this for now until your feet heal up some more."

Wincing a bit as she walked over, Haruna examined the wheelchair. For one thing, it looked extremely overbuilt and flicking part of the frame caused her to blink. 'Solid steel?'

A look at Akashi caused the Repair Ship to snicker some and pat it. "Go on, sit down in it."

Still slightly unsure, Haruna did sit down and put up her feet. Blinking, she looked down at the fabric under her which strained slightly but did not rip. After a moment, she wiggled around a bit. "... Haruna is impressed."

Just snorting, Akashi shook her head. "Yeah, well... it's been an issue with recovering shipgirls who have been unable to keep their weight down to normal human levels, so I made this baby." On her face was a look of fondness. "The best steel alloys for the frame and the fabric is cuben fiber. Ooyodo had a bit of a fit over the price but..." Waving a hand around, Akashi shrugged. "Better then going through multiple wheelchairs."

More then a little curious, Haruna grabbed the wheels and began to push herself around. It took her a few minutes but soon she was able to do it easily enough and smiled. "Haruna likes this."

Laughing, Akashi shook her head. "I figured that you would. Anyways... being as this is the prototype, any feedback would be appreciated. If this works, a lot more shipgirls will be happy."

All Haruna did was smile at that. "Haruna will make sure to do that."

In reply, Akashi gave her a thumbs up and a nod. "Glad to hear it. Now you head out there and enjoy yourself, okay?"

Once she wheeled herself out of the docks, Haruna took a deep breath of the fresh, spring air before pulling out her phone. Going through her contacts she was about to press on Rose's number when she stopped and looked at it for several moments. Then she put it away. 'Haruna... needs to talk with someone first.'

It was several minutes later that she was in front of Kirishima who just stared at her before adjusting her glasses. "What?"

Twiddling her fingers, Haruna swallowed a bit. "Haruna... needs some advice on Rose-Chan..."

With a soft chuckle, Kirishima shook her head. "I've been waiting for this." At that, Haruna tilted her head as her sister continued. "As to Rose-Chan, it's very simple what you must do."

Leaning slightly forward, Haruna pulled out a notebook and pen. "Hai?"

Just smirking, Kirishima held up one finger. "Next time you see her, you must sneak up on her in the darkness, make sure that she's too busy doing something to notice and then, when you're close..."

Eyes wide, Haruna nodded. "When I'm close...?"

Kirishima suddenly stood up straight and thrust her hand up. "YOU LIGHT HER UP WITH YOUR SPOTLIGHTS AND THEN FIRE ALL YOUR CANNONS DEEP INTO HER WHERE THEY EXPLODE WITH BURNING LOVE! HIT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF HER WEAK SPOTS! GIVE HER NO CHANCE TO FIRE BACK!"

Suddenly Hiei who was visiting poked her head into the room. "Are you on about Washington and Gale again?"

Jerking, Kirishima twitched. "Urk..."

Expression deadpan, Hiei shook her head and then looked towards Haruna and gave her a thumbs up. "Great to see that you up and about, Haruna! Ha! I knew that nothing could keep you down for long!"

Closing her eyes, Haruna smiled. "Haruna thanks you."

With a frown, Hiei looked back at Kirishima as she cupped her chin with one hand. "So what is all the shouting about?"

Still grimacing, Kirishima slowly turned around and gesturing at Haruna. "Haruna-Onee-Chan and Rose-Chan have finally admitted their burning love for each other, Hiei!"

Eyes wide, Hiei turned towards Haruna who only nodded. Giving her a thumbs up, Hiei grinned. "That's great to hear, Haruna!"

Nodding, Haruna smiled. "Haruna is very happy with this." Then she frowned some and tapped her chin. "Though Haruna was wondering about advice as... her and Rose-Chan are very confused about what to do."

Hiei just tilted her head back and looked up at the ceiling as she hummed and nodded. "I see... I see..." Then she leaned towards Haruna and gave her a thumbs up as well as a wink. "Good thing that I'm here. Considering Kirishima, her advice would likely end with 'Go and eat a bunch of ice cream' or something." She ignored how Kirishima made a choking sound. "But as your Onee-Chan, I'm more then willing to impart my wisdom on burning love."

Eyebrow twitching, Kirishima growled. 'Ice cream...' Turning, her snarl turned into a smirk as she the light glinted off her glasses. "Oh? Is that why Mutsu-San is far closer then you to Richardson-Teitoku?"

Now it was Hiei's chance to jerk before she grabbed at her chest as if she was stabbed. "Urk..."

Unfortunately, Kirishima continued her barrage of hits. "Not to mention that date that Richardson-Teitoku went out on with Arizona..."

Reeling from the blow, Hiei quickly counterflooded and prepared to fire back. "Oh? LIke how Gale-San has already taken Washington to see her mother? And Washington has taken her to see her sister? And yet... have either of them done the same with you?"

As the blows landed, Kirishima stumbled back, but soon let loose with counterbattery fire. Mainly in the form of crossing her arms under her bust and pushing upwards a bit. "It is only a matter of time before I hit them with the realization of how good my burning love is. Especially when they take note of my fuel tanks..." She then made a pointed look at Hiei's chest. "Which are much larger then some meaning I got far more endurance."

Head snapping back, Hiei made a choking sound before she pointed at Kirishima, her next words igniting her sister's face. "That's because all the ice cream you eat after your tries goes right there!"

Meanwhile, as her sisters continued to argue, Haruna tilted her head and put a finger to her cheek. 'Haruna... thinks that this might have been a bad idea...'
__________________________________________________________________________________

Kongou suddenly hummed as she frowned and stopped from where she was walking along the grounds of Hogwarts. "Hmm... I sense a disturbance in the Dess. As if my sisters were having problems with burning love and then were silenced."

That only got her a stare from Nagato who had brought Kongou and Iowa along as the American wanted to try some of the rock cakes. After a few bites, she wanted to try and convince Hagrid to sell some to the American shipgirls to the half-giant's confusion. Quickly shaking it off, Nagato frowned. 'That's... odder then normal.'

Something that Iowa had said caused Nagato to look up. "Hmm? Sorry, what?"

With a shake of her head, Iowa pointed at the practice Bludger that Nagato was holding and had been tossing up and down. "So that's one of those Bludger's that Harry here dodges, right?"

Blinking, Nagato slowly nodded. "That's right."

Humming, Iowa nodded with a thoughtful look. "So they bat them at each other, huh?" Getting another nod from Nagato, Iowa frowned. "You know, that's almost like dodgeball."

After thinking it over, Nagato slowly frowned herself. "I... suppose..."

It was then that Iowa stopped and her next words caused Harry to start pulling his friends away. "Remember the last game we participated in? That... got cut off too soon, I just didn't have enough."

Glancing at the Bludger in her hands, Nagato narrowed her eyes. "How odd... it was the same with us."

Behind her, Kongou nodded with her eyes closed, though there was something wrong with her smile. "Dess!"

A dark aura slowly covered Iowa as she began to look over her shoulder. "You know..." Bringing up one hand, she began to crack the joints by clinching them. "During the war, we never did get to see who was superior..."

Similar auras sprung up on Nagato and Kongou as they became serious, though Kongou kept her smile as Nagato spoke. Slowly, the Bludger became covered in blue fire. "So you would challenge the might of the Big Seven then...?"

Kongou darkly chuckled some. "And you think that you can surpass us, Dess? Well, as you Americans say... bring it on."

Off to the side, Harry gulped as Hoppou threw her hands into the air and began to run towards the three shipgirls. "Hoppou wants to join in!"

When he looked at Harry, Neville noted that he looked rather pale. "Uh... is something wrong?"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "Yes... you've never seen shipgirl dodgeball before, have you?" At the shake of the head, Harry gulped. "Usually, they use cannonballs instead of normal balls..." There was a massive explosion that covered Iowa before Harry continued. "Because otherwise they don't last long."

The dust cloud cleared to reveal Iowa with her palm up in which the Bludger spun, flames coming off it. Suddenly, the Battleship smirked as she grabbed it and then pulled back her arms. "Take... THIS!"

Nagato didn't even blink as the ball was thrown with enough speed that it created a tunnel through the airborn dust before bringing up her hand to catch it. There was another detonation of dust and people around could see the ground by Nagato's feet literally blow away in chunks from the force. However, Nagato only stood there with the ball in her hand before throwing it back at Iowa with enough force to send the American sliding backwards several meters. "You'll have to try harder then that to defeat me."

About to throw it at Nagato, Iowa switched targets to Kongou instead. "LET FREEDOM RING!"

Giggling, Kongou only twirled in place as she caught it, the ground splintering beneath her before flinging it back. "BURNING LOVE!"

Where he was, Harry only sighed and sat down. "Well... might as well watch then."

Beside him, Ron nodded as Neville just slumped in place before wincing as a boulder was blown apart. "Uh... are we safe?"

All Harry did was nod some. "Sure, as long as we stay here because they know we're here."

Yet another explosion, this time with Hoppou shouting for joy, could be heard and Neville only nodded. "Th-that would be a good idea..."

Unnoticed by him was the tenseness in Hermione as internally she grumbled. 'Sure, the one time that I can't join in...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Shaithan

Well, something cute.

Critters

To say that the German Shipgirl Fleet was a very, very fractured bunch was understatement. The girls of the Kaiserliche Marine tended to get along somewhat poorly with the Kriegsmarine. Adding to that were the regional differences. Shipgirls named after southern Germans and German cities or states tended to not get along with those with more northern names, then there were even more differences that could be summed up with "some hundred years ago something happened and this has not been avenged" and the question of who to root for when the beautiful game was on tended to end in a brawl. The older ships were far more rebellious and headstrong and somewhat red. The U-Boats tended to get along better, though the older Imperial U-Boats were envious when they heard how the younger ones had been pampered. And of course SM U-35 took every chance she got to gloat how she and she alone was the true tonnage queen.

One thing pretty much everyone could agree on, though, was that SMS Bayern, in her local und unintelligible dialect, was "spinnert" or gaga.

Bismarck herself did quite often clash with the older battleship, both had been flagships, at their time the strongest warships Germany had put to sea. It didn't help that the Iron Chancellor wasn't exactly high on the list of people Bavarians liked, seeing that he had pretty much bribed the Bavarian king into going along with this whole German Unification thing. Bismarck didn't appreciate Bayern trying to muscle in on command decisions, nor did she appreciate Bayern acting as if only Bavaria was the true Germany, especially around visiting Americans. And, of course, there was the beautiful game. Bayern was an ardent supporter of Bayern München, a club regarded as The Enemy by fans of pretty much every other club. Bismarck herself rooted for the HSV, the dinosaur, to date the only club to never leave the 1. Bundesliga.

Currently though, the matter of discussion was outright inane. "I'm telling you, Madel, there are strange critters out there! Or do you want to claim that your double doesn't have a Tatzelwurm hanging around?" Bayern insisted.

Bismarck pinched her nose, her headache not helped by her sister sitting nearby, smoking and drinking and smirking at the free entertainment.

"She does have a point, Kanzlerchen," Tirpitz threw in. "Case in point, several of the U-Boats have reported sightings of Necks and then there was this murder that looks suspiciously like that boy ran afoul of a rye aunt," she added.

Bismarck groaned and plopped down on a sofa. "Spare me, you overweight bathtub admiral," she shot back at her sister.

Eugen, her kitten chose that moment to enter through the catflap, proudly showing off the duck he had caught.

Bismarck groaned. "I do not dispute that Prinz Eugen's pet is in all likelyhood a Tatzelwurm. I am sceptical of there being Necks or rye aunts running around. And your Wolpertinger is a pure fantasy creature, created by taxidermists for shits and giggles, Bayern," she finally said. "And unless you can show me a live one, it will stay that way," she added.

Bayern felt her hackles rise. "So says who?" she demanded.

Bismarck glared right back. "The flagship of the German Navy, you old tub!" she shot right back.

Tirpitz took the chance to give Eugen some kitty treats for his catch, it seemed like Bismarck and Bayern would end up in yet another row.

Bayern felt the need to have the last word, though. "Well, if that's your position, I will show you a live one!" she declared hotly and stormed into her room.

Bismarck herself looked at her sister. "Didn't I tell you to stop encouraging Eugen to bring us his catches?" she wanted to know.

Tirpitz shrugged. "I've seen some recent studies that suggest that this is a way for cats to show affection to their owners, by providing them with food as if they were kittens. And some roasted duck sounds heavenly right now," she elaborated.

Bismarck simply sighed. "Go on you Vielfraß," she conceded. She had learned to pick her battles when it came to her sister. Then she picked up her kitten, cuddling her ball of fur and claws.

She didn't pay too much attention to Bayern in full safari gear storming out of the battleship baracks.

Bayern meanwhile was fuming. "Not real," she grumbled. "Just a joke," she continued. "I'll show that Saupreiß made-up!" she vowed.

As luck would have it, she ran into two cruisers. Not just any cruisers, though. München and Bayern got along like a house on fire, while Nürnberg was 'merely' on good terms. Franconian pride demanded to not embrace Bavaria wholeheartedly, after all.

"What's the matter?" München wanted to know.

Bayern grimaced. "Miss Kanzlerchen doesn't believe that Wolpertingers exist," she laid out.

Both Nürnberg and München boggled. "She what?" they immediately demanded.

Bayern nodded. "According to her, they are made-up jokes by taxidermists!" she spat out forcefully.

"She'll eat those words!" Nürnberg vowed.

"That she will!" München agreed.

Bayern grinned. "Get your hunting gear, we're going to catch a Wolpertinger!" she ordered the two light cruisers. "And get Augsburg, the other Nürnbergs, Wittelsbach and Luitpold. The honor of Bavaria is at stake!" she declared grandly.

The two cruisers saluted smartly and dashed off. Bayern meanwhile went to see the admiral. After all, she needed some free days for her fleet and seeing as they all at best were doing coastal defense in an area where Germany could easily have 400 U-Boats out any time they wanted, they weren't that needed.

Almost an hour later, the Bavaria-themed girls had all assembled. Some wore safari gear, others had donned a huntsman's uniform.

Bayern took the center stage. "Girls, this Saupreiß Bismarck claimed that the Wolpertinger is but a joke played on the world by taxidermists! We have to make her eat those words!!" she declared hotly.

The other girls cheered in assent. Regional differences aside, if someone from up north attacked one of them, they'd stick together. Especially against a Prussian.

One by one they piled into the two BMWs driven by Bayern and Prinzregent Luitpold. The mountain was calling.

The drive through Germany was mostly uneventful, save for a small stop in Nürnberg to finally eat some fresh Weißwurst.

Late at night, they finally arrived in Mittenwald, the most promising starting place for a Wolpertinger hunt. Thankfully the hotel still admitted them, none of the girls looked forward to sleeping in the car.

At lunch next day they finally managed to crawl out of bed. Immediately the plans for the hunt were drafted up. First order of business would be to visit the Wolpertingermuseum. The curator there should be able to give them some hints. Afterwards they'd ask the local hunters. And finally, they'd take to the woods themselves in search for the Wolpertinger.

The curator was a friendly, older man. When asked, he pointed them to a known hunter who had claimed Wolpertinger sightings more than once and even had taken a video of one. Unfortunately it had been during twilight, so it was grainy and the Wolpertinger had been in the bushes, adding additional confusion, but in general the hunters and the curator agreed that this had been real footage of the Wolpertinger.

The hunter, Franz Eder, readily agreed to meet the girls over a beer and Haxn. "I haven't seen shipgirls up here before," he began, obviously quite curious.

Bayern nodded. "True, we tend to focus on seaborne threats. But this is a matter of importance. Bismarck has claimed that Wolpertingers are but a figment of imagination, a joke played on tourists by taxidermists," she laid out.

"Saupreiß!" Eder reflexively cursed.

Bayern nodded. "Indeed. Now we want to find a Wolpertinger, hopefully catch a live one and show it to her," she explained.

Franz Eder nodded. "Reasonable," he mused. "Tell you what, girls, meet me here tomorrow morning at 4 am. Pumuckl and I will help you finding a Wolpertinger. I have some suspicions where they could live," he offered.

The girls nodded eagerly. A chance to show up Bismarck was something that came once in a blue moon, they'd do everything to get it.

Finally, Nürnberg III couldn't hold her curiosity any longer. "Why Pumuckl?" she wanted to know.

The old huntsman laughed. "With my name and him being the mischieveous sort it simply fit," he explained.

The three Nürnbergs nodded. This made sense.

Eder turned to the barman. "Schorsch, 9 more beers," he ordered.

The barman looked up and nodded.

Some minutes later, he brought the beers. The girls and the huntsman lifted their glasses. "To showing up the Prussians!" they toasted.

The rest of the afternoon was spent readying the equipment before it was early bedtime. After all, the night would be over very early.

At 3:30 the girls forced themselves out of bed. Becoming anthropomorphized had given them very human traits, like enjoying a comfortable sleep. They didn't exactly need it, but it was still very much appreciated to have it.

Right at 4 they waited for the old huntsman. And just as they pulled up in their cars, so did he in his.

His dog jumped from the car as soon as it had stopped and silently but eagerly greeted the girls.

"Looks like the little guy likes you," Eder commented the whole thing with a chuckle. "Don't give him treats, though, otherwise he'll never stop begging for more," he advised. The dachshund looked almost offended at these words, putting up a very credible "Who? ... Me?" expression. Eder gave his dog an incredibly deadpan look clearly saying "Yes. You."

"Well then, let's go," Eder said. "Simply follow my car," he added before entering his car. With a smirk he saw that Pumuckl seemed to want to stay with the girls for now. Nürnberg II picked him up and got into Luitpold's car.

Roughly 30 minutes later they were at a parking lot from where they'd have to proceed on foot.

Franz had some more instructions. "First of all, the Wolpertingers are shy," he advised. "There are several different species, some carnivorous and some herbivorous. Many can fly, but they prefer not to," he explained.

The girls listened with rapt attention. "And finally, I've heard some strange things have happened here, other hunters missing hours or having no recollection of having shot but missing ammo. Plus that one guy who claimed to have absolutely no idea who shot at him with birdshot," he explained.

The girls felt some concern, this sounded suspiciously like other things they had heard of before. Like these strange people that had tried to abduct Prinz Eugen's Tatzelwurm. Quietly they went on high alert.

The next hour was spent trudging through the woods. They took the chance to pick up mushrooms, those should make for a very nice supper.

Finally, Pumuckl stood at attention. Peering into the misty early morning grey, they saw a small creature run through the woods.

At first they thought it was a Wolpertinger, but when it ran towards them, it became clear that it was only a bunny.

Their spirits sank, but Franz cheered them up. "Patience, girls," he said fondly. "We're close to where I saw a Wolpertinger last time," he added.

Another 30 minutes were spent fighting through extensive blackberry bramble. Franz chuckled lightly. "If you weren't here, I wouldn't take this shortcut. Older people and children sometimes get stuck in such brambles, worst case I heard of the guy was stuck for 2 days before he was found. That was before widespread mobiles, though, back in the early 90ies," he told the shocked girls. "Don't give me that look," he added. "As beautiful as the forests are, it's well to remember that they can and will be deadly to the unwary and disrespecting," he explained.

The girls nodded, it made sense. Old fishermen and other seamen talked the same way about the sea, so they weren't unfamiliar with this kind of talk.

Going further, they found some fur hanging off a tree stump, as well as some feathers laying around. "A fight," Franz commented. "Though it's a bit strange," he mused.

Nürnberg I spoke up. "It looks like rabbit and fox fur as well as owl and raven feathers," she commented.

Franz nodded. "Right. Owl and raven or fox and rabbit wouldn't be especially noteworthy, even owl and rabbit or fox and raven happen. But all four together is quite unusual," he remarked. "Let me take a closer look," he added and knelt down.

The girls watched the old hunter with bated breath.

Finally he got back up and gave them a radiant smile. "Unless I am very mistaken, I feel confident in saying that two Wolpertingers fought here," he announced. "The fight wasn't that long ago, and I'm pretty sure at least one went this way," he declared, indicating a direction almost directly opposite of where they had come from.

With renewed vigor they went off, Pumuckl taking the lead, sniffing out the way.

It didn't take long for them to reach a small sink. Pumuckl stood at attention and then they saw it. A small burrow and a wounded Wolpertinger in front of it. It was a mixture of fox and raven with deer antlers.

Franz took a long look at the animal. Then he gave a sad sigh. "She's hurt badly," he declared.

"She?" Bayern wanted to know.

Franz nodded. "Look behind her," he said.

The girls did and had to coo. Three Wolpertinger kits were hding behind their mother. Obviously they were quite young.

Franz sat down and motioned for the girls to do the same. "She's wary and afraid," he explained. "She can't fight, not with the injuries she has and she can't run, leaving behind her kits," he further elaborated. "So now she watches, trying to find a way out," he added. "Luckily, I have something," he declared and opened a small plastic box.

The girls made big eyes when they saw the meat, this looked like high-quality beef to them. "It has light sedative in it," Franz explained. "We'll feed her and then collect her and her kits. You have the big cage, I assume?" he added.

Bayern nodded, unslinging the folding cage from her back and setting it up.

Something curious happened, the Wolpertinger mother went behind her kits and nudged them towards the cage, showing nothing of the fear she had exhibited earlier.

Franz was rendered speechless. Only after the Wolpertingers were in the cage did he find his words. "This is definitely unnatural," he commented. "They must have regualr contact with humans whenever they're hurt to associate cages with healing," he mused. "My colleagues and I will have to look into that, this is extremely strange," he added more to himself.

Bayern meanwhile cooed at the Wolpertinger kits who had curled up around their mother, who in turn had spread her wing above them.

Slowly, Augsburg and München lifted the cage, beginning the long trek back towards their cars.

The Wolpertinger gave them an inscrutable stare, as if she was judging them. Luitpold chose to talk to the mother. "We'll take good care of you," she promised. "You'll be with a doctor soon," she added softly.

The Wolpertinger closed her eyes, as if soothed by the voice.

The trek towards the cars went on mostly in silence. Franz took a look into the cage and sadly shook his head. "Girls," he said softly. "She didn't make it," he added.

There were no shouts of denial, shipgirls were far too familiar with death to deny the final reality. "But why?" Nürnberg II wanted to know. "There wasn't anything external," she said sadly.

Franz tenderly reached into the cage and winced. "Her ribs are broken in several places," he finally said. "Almost as if they were kicked in," he added. "Whatever did this, she was pretty much dead when we found her," he said and took of his hat. The girls followed suit, taking off their own hats.

"What about her kits?" Augsburg wanted to know. "We know there are strange people around who try to abduct fantastical creatures like Prinz Eugen's Tatzelwurm. And they tried that at the Vet's clinic," she explained.

Franz rubbed his chin. "That might actually explain her reaction to a cage. There are people who know about Wolpertingers and care for injured ones often and reliably enough that they learned to trust cages. This is not a good thing," he mused. "We'll have to cllear it with Vickerl, but I think it might be best if you take the kits with you. As long as we don't know why there are people who know about Wolpertingers but keep it secret, people that quite likely regularly interact with them, I feel it better to remove the kits from here. We can't know their intentions, after all," he laid out. "Plus those that abduct such creatures, I don't think we could watch the kits around the clock here," he added.

Suddenyly, there were high-pitched yowls. The source became clear immediately. The Wolpertinger kits had realized that their mother had stopped breathing.

Franz took charge. "They will need warmth," he explained.

Luitpold nodded. "My boilers are running hot, I can provide warmth," she offered, opening her jacket a bit.

Franz smiled appreciatively. "Let's hope for the best, " he replied and opened the cage. Carefully he picked up one kit by the scruff of its neck and handed it to Luitpold. The battleship carefully took it and put it on her bosom. Its siblings soon were added and Luitpold closed her jacket again until only three heads were looking upwards.

"What shell we do about the mother?" Wittelsbach, who had stayed silent the entire trip suddenly asked.

Franz sighed. "Best we take her with us for now. Vickerl will want to at least take a look at her," he said.

The girls nodded. "We should hurry a bit, though," Franz said. "The kits will become hungry soon and none of us can provide them with suitable food," he explained.

Luitpold had spent the meantime gently patting the heads of the kits, her warmth, gentle ministrations and the soft heaving of her bosom lulling the little orphans into sleep.

The remaining way back to the cars was spent in silence.

Wittelsbach took the keys from Luitpold, so that the other battleship could focus on keeping the kits comfortable.

Franz loaded the cage with the mother into his car and called the vet about his incoming visit.

Roughly an hour after leaving the forest, the three cars pulled up to a rather modern building. "Dr. V. Frankenstein - Dr. med. vet. - I have heard ALL the jokes" was printed on the plaquette near the door.

Nürnberg III gave Franz big eyes. "Please tell me that he is from Ingolstadt," she begged.

Nürnberg II scoffed. "You and your horror obsession," she grumbled.

The door was opened by a man with a serious hunchback. "Welcome," he rasped.

Franz didn't bat an eye. "Morning, Igor," he greeted. "Is Vickerl here?" he wanted to know.

"Mathter ith waiting for you" Igor replied with a grin.

The girls on the other hand couldn't help but stare. Vickerl seemed to have gone all out on this whole mad scientist thing.

It was with considerable surprise that they realized that Vickerl didn't stand for Victor but rather Victoria. A portly, black-haired woman in her early 30ies greeted them. "So, you brought me something deemed a story until yesterday?" she asked chipperly.

Luitpold nodded. "Yes. I'll need a bit help, the little ones are sleeping right now," she said softly.

"Igor," Dr. Frankenstein asked softly.

"Yeth, Mithtreth," Igor said from right behind her.

"Help Miss.."

"Prinzregent Luitpold," Luitpold helpfully introduced herself.

"Luitpold with the three kits," she ordered.

"Of courthe, Mithtreth," Igor gave back.

With great care the hunchbacked man picked up the kits, marvelling at their wings before packing them in blankets.

Dr Frankenstein examined them briefly before whistling softly. "Wolpertinger," she murmured in awe. "I wouldn't have expected that at all. Hell, I thought you were telling tall tales, Franz," she finally said.

Franz grinned like a schoolboy. "No tall tales here," he bragged.

"What about that catfish?" Victoria shot back good-naturedly.

"I was off by 50 centimeters," the old hunter grumbled. "3,50; 4 meters, that's barely a difference," he insisted.

Dr. Frankenstein gave a non-comittical hum. "Let's see. These kits are likely about six weeks old, maybe eight," she said, tenderly holding each one up. "Oh, those are girls," she added with a grin.

After a while, she put the kits back into their blankets. "Now, I'm no expert for such creatures, but if they are as close to foxes as I think, they should be weaned and can be brought up with solid food," she explained. "I can put them up here," she offered.

Franz and Bayern shook their heads.

"We consider that unwise. Prinz Eugen ran into people that tried to abduct her Tatzelwurm from the vet's clinic and the Wolpertingers themselves show signs of extensive human contact. Something is not right here and we feel it would be better to take them with us to Wilhelmshaven. We shipgirls can protect them, we have scientists that can study them and hopefully we'll be able to catch whoever is trying to abduct fantastical beasts," Wittelsbach suddenly explained.

Dr. Frankenstein mulled it over. "You have a point, these kits are too young to release into the wild and if people might try to abduct them, I don't think Igor or I could put up much of a fight," she finally conceded.

"I do haff a very mean left hook, Mithtreth," Igor threw in.

Dr. Frankenstein grinned. "That you do, but I still don't want to chance a big fight here," she said softly.

Igor nodded. "Of course, Mithtreth," he gave back.

Meanwhile, the kits had woken up and scurried back to Luitpold, who gently picked them up again.

Dr. Frankenstein came to a decision. "Right, I'll give them some medicine against parasites, something against rabies and then you can take them with you," she finally said. "Take good care of them," she demanded of the girls who unconsciously snapped to attention.

Franz nodded. "I agree," he said. "Also, some colleagues and I will begin to chronicle strange happenings here in the area. Something isn't quite right here, and I'd like to know what," he added. "We're going to send you regular updates and if you find some other interesting critters in the north, please tell us about it," he asked of the girls.

Bayern nodded. "Of course we will," she promised. "And if something strange happens to you, we'll return to investigate," she added to her promise. "You helped us find Wolpertinger and allowed us to take them with us, it's the least we can do for you," she added gratefully.

Franz grinned. "I'll hold you to that," he replied and held out his hand.

Bayern shook it firmly, sealing the pact.

Dr. Frankenstein grinned, removing the gloves she had used to give the Wolpertinger kits medicine. "Well, I can chip your little guys, so you can track them in case something goes wrong," she offered.

Luitpold nodded gratefully. "It would be much appreciated," she gave back.

Igor brought out the chipping syringe and Dr. Frankenstein got to work quickly and efficiently. "All done," she said and handed Wittelsbach a piece of paper with the frequencies. "Your radios should be able to detect them," she added.

Nürnberg III tried it out and grinned broadly. "It works!" she declared happily.

They added some toys and a transport box to the things they wanted to get, and luckily Igor could provide again. "It'th on the houthe," he said with a friendly grin.

With their acquisitions, they left the clinic, Bayern electing to pay everything once the others were outside. She also fixed Igor with a look. "You need to work on your lisp," she idly remarked. "You're good, though, took me a while. I guess it's fun for you," she added.

Igor nodded. "Yes," he confirmed. "Vicky and I are happy with this whole thing, a bit of theater and people aren't as revolted," he admitted. "Speaking clearly, I get pity and revulsion, with the lisp, I am the Igor. And the Igor needs a hunchback and a lisp and then everything is as it should be," he added with a smirk.

Bayern smiled softly. "I understand. I hope you are happy with each other," she added, making both Igor and Victoria blush.

"Take good care of Franz, too, I think he might stumble into a big mess if he isn't careful," Bayern asked of the couple.

Victoria nodded. "Of course we will, he and his buddies are almost family to us," she said softly.

Bayern smiled. "Then I think everything is well here. Have fun studying the mother, we'll send regular updates about the kits growing up," she promised. "Now give me a hug," she added with a grin, her request granted immediately.

Finally she left, the other girls waiting for her. "Well, if we're already here, we can buy some local specialties, some Weißwurst to remember home by sounds heavenly right now," she declared.

The others cheered and off they went to the next butcher. Franz and Pumuckl stood in the driveway, waving as the girls drove off.

The butcher was only too happy to provide them with meat and sausages, especially when Luitpold showed off the little Wolpertinger.

Their trunks packed full with meat and sausages and sweet mustard, they set off, leaving behind Mittenwald to return to the sea. As much as they had enjoyed their stay here, they felt the sea calling to them, asking them to return. And as warships, they were meant to brave the seas, the mountains and woods of Bavaria would never be able to hold them for long. But coming here had also reminded them of what they were protecting, friendly people and beautiful places, untainted by the Abyss and the war.

It was late at night when they returned to Wilhelmshaven, the light cruisers were quite wiped out. Luckily, the Wolpertinger kits had immediately taken to meat when offered it, so there was no need to bottle-feed them.

Tirpitz was waiting for the returning girls with a big grin. "So, was your excursion fruitful?" she wanted to know.

Bayern nodded. "Indeed it was," she stated proudly. "Luitpold," she added, giving the cue to the older battleship.

Tirpitz' jaw dropped. "Well, I'll be damned," she muttered. "Kanzlerchen will have kittens over this," she added with a smirk.

Bayern grinned malevolently. "I seriously hope she has," she gave back. "Tomorrow we'll have to see about a good place for their burrow, if we don't simply build an enclosement for them," she said with a yawn.

Tirpitz shrugged. "With how cute they are, I don't think you'll have trouble convincing Hartmann either way," she said with a shrug. "Now excuse me, my pizza is coming," she added and went to a delivery car that had just stopped.

The Bavaria girls entered the base, intent on finding a good resting spot for their Wolpertinger kits.

A wooden basket was procured, blankets and cushions added and a litterbox placed right next to it. The sleepy kits were placed into it and they immediately cuddled into each other. Bayern put a blanket over them and smiled.

The next morning, Bayern was woken up by knocking at her door. She got up and opened, coming face-to-chest with Admiral Hartmann. Said admiral was not very amused. "Wild animals?" he demanded to know.

Bayern straightened up until she was about equal height with the Admiral. "We found them in Bavaria," she explained. "Their mother died before we could get her to a vet," she added.

Hartmann nodded. "And?" he demanded.

"We talked it over with the hunter that helped us, as well as with the vet that treated her, and keeping what almost happened to Prinz Eugen's Tatzelwurm in mind, we came to the conclusion that it would be best if we kept the girls here on base. There were some strange things going on there in Mittenwald. We'll have a detailed written report for you later," Bayern explained.

Hartmann nodded. "Very well," he conceded. "Next time please ask me first," he demanded. "Now you have to take good care of the little ones," he ordered. "And keep them out of reach of the destroyers for now, it's bad enough that Wyoming already heard of them and now she's sieging Admiral Briggs to allow her to look for the jackalope herself," he added, showing soem Schadenfreude when talking about Briggs.

Bayern saluted smartly. "Of course, Admiral," she affirmed.

"Good. Now, get dressed, Bismarck should be back soon, I really don't want to miss that reaction," Hartmann said and left.

Bayern grinned when she got dressed, she herself was looking forward to Bismarck's reaction.

It was about an hour later, when the younger battleship arrived from her trip to Hamburg. Hood and Prinz Eugen were trailing behind her, stopping short when they saw the grinning Bavarian girls. "Okay, you guys look like the cat that got the canary, the goldfish and the hamster, destroyed the furniture and managed to put all blame on the dog. Spit it out," Bismarck demanded.

Luitpold stepped forward, showing off the basket with the Wolpertinger kits. "You were saying?" she said coquettishly.

Bismarck simply stared at the three kits busy flapping their wings.

Hood worked very hard to supress a squeal, those little ones were adorable. And her radio was hard at work, spreading the news about those newfound cute critters to the Royal Navy.

Finally Bismarck found words. "I concede," she said regally. "These are obviously Wolpertinger," she admitted. "Take good care of them, they'll need you," she added, before beating a hasty retreat. There was only so much Bavarian smugness she could survive with her dignity intact.

Hartmann on the other hand had to work hard to supress a grin, a grin that gave way to horror quickly, when Hood uttered one word. "Send." Hartmann knew that right now, shipgirls around the world were receiving word. And some would undoubtedly try to counter with their own cute fantasy animals. The jackalope would only be the beginning. "Lord have Mercy," he silently prayed.

Meanwhile, the first other girls were arriving to gawk at the cute kits, taking photos and petting them, always under the watchful eyes of Luitpold, the new mother of the kits.

 

[darthcourt10]

Mr Trickman

Harry Leferts said:
Yup:
HMS Cleopatra (33) - Wikipedia

As for the Sunshipgirls? Like I said, they're out in the desert somewhere and they weren't at Giza, but at least one likely came from a hidden pyramid (Ron mentioned that the Twins trapped Percy in one when they went to visit Bill). As for the Egyptian shipgirls... they'll show up once someone encounters them.
Mr Trickman said:
You could have had Percy encounter one when the twins locked him in a pyramid. Due to some cosmic luck, or magic shenanigans, Percy looks remarkably similar to her old pharaoh. Just different hair and skin colors. Cue a deredere sun shipgirl following Percy around lovingly referring to him as lord. Fun times to follow.
Tristian Morgan said:
Harem count increased to three!

*SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY*
Harry Leferts said:
Molly: Explanation, now.
Tristian Morgan said:
Percy.
Ooyodo, Supply Depot Princess, possibly Sunshipgirl, possibly another.​

Alright, I expanded my idea a bit. But keep in mind I haven't written anything in awhile. Don't blame me if its bad.
-----

-----
"I'm going to kill them!"

This was the overwhelming thought of one Percy Weasley. The cause? His younger twin brothers, Fred and George. Troublemakers to the core. Apparently they thought it would be a good laugh to trap him inside one of the smaller pyramids the Weasley family was visiting on their vacation.

"I'm going to kill them! I'm going to kill them and bury them in the sand!"

He hoped being around shipgirls would have calmed the two down and maybe even set them on a good path like Ron with Warspite. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. It seemed being around shipgirls fairly regularly inspired the two pranksters to greater heights. Or perhaps they felt inadequate after witnessing the wild antics some of the shipgirls got up to daily and wanted to step up their game. Either way it was pure frustration for Percy. Why couldn't they pick up any good habits from the calmer shipgirls? Like Ooyodo and Supprin? The thought of the two ladies brought a warm flush to Percy's cheeks. The two were rather efficient with paperwork. Quickly he shook away his wandering thoughts. This wasn't the place for that.

"Indeed", he thought. "This isn't much of a place for anything."

The room he was in was a decent size, about twice the size of the family room of the burrow. Enough room for a group of tourists to marvel at and study the various hieroglyphics carved into the walls. Thankfully there were ever burning torches placed around the room for a more 'authentic' exploration feel. All for the tourists. It gave him some light to see by. After spending time on some of the naval bases Percy had grown to appreciate muggle fluorescent lighting. Much easier to work under than lamp or candlelight. With nothing more to do other than wait for either the twins to release him or for his Mother to realize he was gone and have the twins find him, either way he'd make sure they got their comeuppance, he set about to have a closer look around the room as he didn't get as good a look as he liked earlier.

As he examined the back wall something caught his eye. A lone hieroglyphic near the bottom. A boat, or more specifically half a boat. Recognizing it as one of the 'Sun Ships' the guide was telling them about earlier he knelt down for a closer look. The carving was incredibly detailed, showing individual oars and even the oarsmen. But it was half buried in sand. Curious to see the rest he began brushing away the sand with his hand until he heard an echoing 'Click'. Reacting with shock as he remembered all the horror stories his older brother told him of the various traps and curses he'd come across he was quick to jump back as the entire wall began to rise. With trepidation he watched as the wall slid upward only to stop just as the Sun ship carving reached the top of the new doorway. The newly revealed room was pitch black until a series of braziers flared to life startling the young man.

With wide eyes he took in the newly revealed chamber. Lining the walls were more hieroglyphics and carvings along with large jars and bolts of cloth. But what dominated the chamber lied in the middle. Taking up much of the space was a Sun Ship. Remarkably well preserved. Not as big as some of the ones featured in the museums he'd seen he estimated it around 15 meters in length. Despite the warnings in his head Percy took a cautious step forward. Almost immediately the sun ship began to glow with a golden light which coalesced a short distance from the entrance. Stumbling back onto his bottom the young man could do nothing but watch. Memories of his first visit to Yokosaka Naval base sprang to mind.

"Impossible!", he breathed.

The golden light quickly formed and solidified. A young woman in her mid to late teens stood. Her skin was a lovely shade of brown. Like tanned earth. Her hair was dark and fell to her lower back in straight locks. Gold and black makeup enhanced her blue eyes. She was adorned with a skirt and top of fine linen and golden jewelry that clung to a generous figure. A small head dress was upon her brow decorated with a sun sigil and oars radiating from it. The tips of her golden shoes had arches similar to the ship behind her. Woven in both her hair and parts of her clothes were several types of flowers Percy had seen floating in the Nile. Held in her hands was a large golden Ankh, with the handle being a foot or two longer than usual. She held it more akin to a wand or small staff. Her piercing eyes immediately settled onto Percy.

"Halt! Who dares disturb this sacred place?" She questioned in a language Percy barely recognized as ancient Egyptian.

"I-I'm sorry Miss. I don't understand you." He tried to placate what he recognized as a shipgirl. A very old and powerful one if the vibes in the air were right. It seemed to only embolden her more.

"What tongues do you speak? Name yourself intruder!" she demanded walking closer to get a better look at him. As soon as she saw his face she stopped in her tracks with wide eyes. Confused Percy could only look into her eyes.

"My Lord Pharaoh! Can it be? Is that you?" She questioned but he didn't understand. Looking into her eyes he saw recognition, hope and something else. "Do you recognize me? Amisi. Your Flower of the Nile?" Stepping forward she set her Ankh aside cupping his face in her hands. Percy blushed at the intimate contact unable to look away from her eyes.

"Miss, w-what are you...?"

"Yes. Though your hair and skin are different I would recognize your face in any lifetime. Especially your eyes. I would never forget them..." Sighing with happiness she rested her forehead upon his, her thumbs softly stroking his cheeks, still starring into his eyes. Never breaking contact. "Oh my Dear Lord Pharaoh! Surely this is my reward for faithful service to you. Spending our next life together! I swear I shall never leave your side and serve you forever more!" With that she quickly captured his lips with her own, giving a happy sigh of content. Percy's eyes bulged as he felt her lips meet his. His mind running overtime. Thoughts of how nice she smelled, how soft her lips were and how he was going to deal with this. But the most prevalent thought was that Ooyodo and Supprin must never learn of this let alone his Mother!

A strange noise caught his attention. He managed to turn his head and look out of the corner of his eye, despite the shipgirl (Amisi?) now almost desperately clinging to his neck as she continued her liplock. At the main entrance to the chamber he saw the twins, Fred and George looking in with looks of pure shock on their faces. This quickly shifted into their usual prankster grin.

"Sorry about that Perc! Didn't mean to disturb you." Said one of the twins. Fred?

"Yeah. You just have fun now. We'll get out of your hair." Said the other as they quickly retreated out the door and closed it again. Percy only had a single thought even as the beautiful shipgirl began to run her hands through his hair.

"No. I'm not going to kill them. I'm going to let Mum do it!"

-----
Supprin is what I call Supply Depot Princess. I don't remember if she has another name other than DJ Powerfist. I don't think Percy would call her that either.

Amisi is an Egyptian name that means flower. Yup. The ancient pharaoh that Percy resembles named his favorite Sun Ship Amisi. His Flower of the Nile.

The Ankh acts as a type of pseudo wand and magic staff.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Harry only blinked as Hermione's eyebrow twitched at him before looking to see Ron gape and Neville hold his head in his hands. "What? What did I do?"

Several moments later, Hermione shook her head with a groan. "Harry, you mean to tell me that you already got half of your homework done!?"

More then a little bemused, Harry nodded while leaning against one fist. "Uh, yeah? I mean, I'm might still not able to go home and enjoy the holidays due to the amount..." For a moment, there was a frown, but then Harry shook it off. "Which sucks, but that's neither here nor there. But I might manage something hopefully."

With that, he turned back to his homework only to blink as Hermione banged her head on the table. "But how!?"

A glance showed him that Ron was nodding along. "Mate, the teachers just piled on the work... I'll be amazed if I got a day or two free here at Hogwarts."

Just softly snickering, Harry shook his head. "Well... Japanese homework."

That only got him a look from the others as he continued working on the work that he did have. If anything, Hermione throwing her hands up amused him to no end. "Harry... what does that have anything to do with this?"

Softly snorting, Harry shook his head with a slight grin. "I take it that you don't quite understand how much work students do then?" At the shakes of the heads, Harry sighed. "Long story, this sort of thing isn't exactly something that I'm not used to. And I learned some tricks with how to deal with it while growing up." Then he tapped the parchment in front of him. "This? At least it's interesting and not repetitive."

Also turning back to his homework, Neville frowned. "That bad?"

Chuckling lightly, Harry nodded. "Yeah, it can get pretty bad. As an example, you come across a new kanji in a book? Once you find out what it means, you practice writing it over and over in order to understand and be able to use it." With a wave of his hand, Harry shrugged. "Then there would be cram school if I was still in Japan."

More confused, Neville blinked. "Cram school?"

Even as he hummed, Harry chewed the end of his quill thoughtfully. "Yeah... basically imagine going to school after you leave your regular school for the day... kind of miss it actually."

It amazed him as he could practically feel the stares on the back of his neck even as Ron spoke up. "You... miss that, mate?"

Amused, Harry shook his head. "Yeah, I miss it, cram school could be fun." Becoming thoughtful, he hummed a bit. "I remember this one year the one that I went to with Natsumi-Chan had a special even, a whole night study session on New Year's Eve. It was to teach us discipline or something..." After shrugging it off, Harry continued to work. "Grant you, that's how I got most of my homework done."

Hermione glanced and could see the slight bags under Harry's eyes. "... How late did you stay up doing homework?"

Yawning, Harry shrugged a little bit. "Uh... I think that I could see some light on the horizon when I went to bed."

The only response that Hermione had to that was to bang her head on the table. "Are you kidding me!?"

Simply shrugging, Harry glanced at her. "Hey, it got most of my homework done and if I want to be able to head home for Easter Hols, I don't want to spend it all doing homework. Besides, I can just sleep on the train if I need to."

Face in her hands, Hermione let out a sigh as she shook her head. "I'm torn... on the one hand that's more then a little ridiculous. On the other hand, you know how to study and I want to know more."

With a soft snicker, Harry grinned at her. "Well... cram schools did serve a reason."

Ron grunted a bit. "To give you more work."

Gesturing at his red haired friend, Harry nodded. "True... but it was more because schools are very competitive over in Japan and you need to be able to do the very best if you want to get a chance to sit in for the good school's entrance exams."

Now staring, Ron just shook his head. "You're bloody kidding. You're just pulling my leg now."

That got a laugh from Harry who had to calm down before he messed up his homework. "Uh, no, I really am not. I don't know off hand if there's anyplace like that here in England, but in Japan if you got a chance for a school then you had to sit down and do a entrance exam. If you hit a certain mark, then you get in. Cram school helped with that sort of thing as they gave out exams and such."

For a few seconds, Ron boggled before he shook his head and went back to his own work. "Barmy, completely and bloody barmy."

However, he stilled at Harry's next words. "It may be barmy, but I'll have most of my vacation free of homework except during the evenings."

Grumbling, Ron glared at him before turning back to his work which caused Harry to grin.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Barely stumbling from tiredness as he stepped off the Hogwarts Express, Harry waved to the Trolley Lady from whom he had gotten a bunch of packages of food which he knew that the girls back home would enjoy. Turning his head, he spotted Nagato and grinned. "Mum!"

Crouching down, the Battleship held out her arms as Harry made his way over and then pretty much jumped into them. "Harry." After a few moments she pulled away and looked around with a slight frown. "A lot less people coming off the train."

With a yawn, Harry nodded a little bit. "Yeah, mostly because the teachers gave us a whole bunch of homework and assignments."

That got him a frown from his mother. "And you?"

Stretching a little, Harry gave a grunt. "Got most of it done, or at least the harder parts that I needed stuff at Hogwarts for."

Just nodding as she picked up his small amount of luggage and placed it on her shoulder, Nagato took how tired he was. "I see... and how did you do that?"

Harry grinned up at her. "Used the invisibility cloak to sneak into the library?"

All Nagato did was sigh at that before they crossed over into King's Cross proper. "And what's left?"

Frowning, Harry considered it before shrugging. "If I work at a bit each evening, then I'll be more then into the clear." A sound thought caught his attention and he slowly turned. Due to that he missed the amusement on his mother's face as she looked in the direction that the shout had come from. "What in the-"

Moments later, he stumbled back as a something leapt onto him. "Harry-Chan!"

With a blink, Harry looked down and noticed two amber eyes looking into his from just above a grin. "Natsumi-Chan?"

Nodding, she squeezed him tightly. "Yeah, Oba-Chan let me come with Nagato-San to meet you."

Meanwhile, Harry grinned right back and hugged her. "That's awesome!"

Nagato only waited until they were done and then looked up before giving a nod to the nearby Destroyers. One of them gave him a smile before opening her arms. "What? No hug for me?"

Eyes widening, Harry gave the Destroyer a hug. "Fubuki-Nee!"

Laughing, Fubuki gave Harry a hug back before Yuudachi and Mutsuki joined in. Not having let go, Natsumi was also squished. "GAH!"

Despite her expression being mostly blank, one could tell how amused Nagato was as her lips curled up some and there was a sparkle in her eye. Once the hug was done though, Nagato walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Anyways... we should be heading to the Leaky Cauldron, we got an early night after all."

That caused Harry to frown slightly. "Wait, we're heading to the Leaky Cauldron?"

Slowly, Nagato nodded some. "I was thinking that perhaps we could have a quick look into that storage barn on your family's property before we left for home. It won't take long, maybe a few hours just to see what's there."

Considering this, even though part of him tightened at the thought of being so close to where his parents died, Harry eventually nodded. "Just to have a look?" The Battleship nodded at that. "Um... okay, I guess."

Not even a moment later, he blinked as he felt a hand slip into his and give it a squeeze. Turning, he saw Natsumi give him a smile. "We'll be right there beside you, Harry-Chan."

Feeling his throat tight, Harry nodded some even though his eyes were slightly wet and he squeezed the hand back. "Yeah, I know.... I know."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A little short bit before I go to work:
___________________________________________________________________________________________



Slowly, Haruna rolled up the small path and then let the wheelchair come to a small stop at a section of the small, community garden not too far from the Shrine. A small smile on her face, the Battleship watched Rose as the tsukumogami worked at a small bush. For once, Rose was out of her usual uniform and was instead in sweater and jean combo as she kneeled on a mat and was spreading material from a bag around the base of the bush as she softly sang. It was not the only one as there were similar bushes in the area, most of which were just starting to grow their leaves. Suddenly though, Haruna was pulled out of her thoughts as Rose turned and smiled brightly at her. "Oh, hello Haruna!"

Giggling, Haruna smiled right back and nodded. "Good evening, Rose-Chan."

With a blink, Rose looked up at the sky with a surprised expression. "Is it really that late?"

Lips twitching, a hum escaped Haruna as she also looked up at the slowly darkening sky. "Hai." She then tilted her head as she looked at the bushes that Rose was tending to. "Is that one of your blackcurrant bushes, Rose-Chan?"

Sitting back, the tea set let out a sigh as she blew one of her bangs out of her face. "Mm-hmm, it is." Patting the ground near the bottom, she nodded. "This year it should be growing berries."

Just nodding, Haruna tilted her head to the side. "They didn't really grow anything last year though..."

Rose chuckled as she shook her head and looked at Haruna over her shoulder. "Well, one needs to wait a year for them to grow big enough to make some berries." Then she clapped her hands together with a sparkle in her eyes. "I cannot wait until they ripen, I should have plenty for treats to have with tea."

Not quite sure what she meant, Haruna only nodded as she remembered that Ooyodo had agreed to the bushes almost immediately after Rose had asked and she had done some research. Which she had thought was odd, though Kongou had smiled. "You really like blackcurrants, don't you, Rose-Chan?"

With a slightly bemused look, Rose smiled. "Well... of course I do, they really are quite good. Some blackcurrant jam on scones? Mmm..."

Unable to help herself, Haruna gave a giggle at the look on Rose's face. "Haruna sees."

As she giggled herself, Rose wagged a finger back at Haruna before going back to her work. "I suppose that when one has a lot of it, they do tend to grow to either enjoy the taste or dislike it. It so happens that I quite enjoy it."

Tilting her head to the side, Haruna blinked. "Rose-Chan had a lot of blackcurrants?"

For a moment, Rose paused and then blink before giggling again. "Oh my, I think that I did it again."

If anything though, that confused Haruna even more. "Again?"

Slowly nodding, Rose placed some more material, which Haruna could now see was manure, around the bush. "When I mix myself up with my old Mistresses and their families. Mainly because of what they may have liked to eat with their tea."

Now intrigued, Haruna leaned forward. "And they liked blackcurrants?"

With a smile of remembrance, Rose nodded. "That's right. Of course, most of it was due to the war. Mistress planted a number of bushes at their home and her and the children used to make jams and preserves so that they had a little bit extra. In fact..." There was a thoughtful expression on Rose's face before she nodded. "The government actually made sure that blackcurrant syrup was distributed among the children for their health. They quite liked it."

Blinking, Haruna frowned in thought. "Haruna didn't know that happened in Britain during the war."

The tsukumogami nodded. "Oh yes, it, growing bushes that is, was suggested by the government during the war to help with rationing." Suddenly, she turned a little bit thoughtful. "I wonder if the current government is also doing it..."

Haruna considered this before shaking her head. "Haruna is not sure about that." After a few minutes of silence as she watched Rose work, and once more sing small snitches of the same song from before, Haruna blinked. "Rose-Chan?"

Looking over her shoulder, Rose nodded. "Yes, Haruna?"

On Haruna's face, there was a interested look. "What song were you just singing?"

For several seconds, Rose blinked and then smiled. "Oh... it was just a song that I remember my Mistress and future Mistress singing along to on the radio during the war. I suppose that sometimes it just comes up when I'm thinking... do you think that it left an impression on me?"

Smiling, the Battleship nodded. "Haruna thinks that it might... could you sing it?"

Turning fully, Rose brightly smiled. "Would you like me to?" At Haruna's nod, Rose sat up a bit straight and closed her eyes as she hummed. "Just give me a moment..." Suddenly, she began to smile before softly singing. Haruna only nodding her head along to the words of the song. "... There'll be Bluebirds over, the white cliffs of Dover. Tomorrow, just you wait and see..."

Part of Haruna though wondered if she could convince Rose to sing it more often.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Blearly opening her eyes, Natsumi nearly cracked her jaw as she yawned and blinked as the morning sun streamed in. She blinked though as she realized that there were two arms around her and for a moment could only wonder before her eyes shot open at the memory of the night before. Turning her head, Natsumi was met by the sight that she both hoped for and dreaded. Mainly that of Harry cuddled to her back as Mutsuki and Fubuki cuddled into his back and each other. '...'

Face hot, she turned away and sighed internally. 'Why is it that everywhere I go with shipgirls I wind up in cuddlepiles?' Shaking her head with a sigh, she just frowned as she thought back to the night before. Much to her surprise though, Harry had nearly fallen asleep during dinner before knocking out as soon as his head hit the pillow. 'He must have been more exhausted then we thought.'

The door opening though caused her to look up as Yuudachi walked in with Imuya, said Submarine flinging her hair over one shoulder and giving Natsumi a wink. If anything though, that caused her blush to intensify even as Imuya set the mugs down. At the look, Imuya smiled a little. "Some hot chocolate for us, tea for Harry, and coffee for Nagato-San."

Just nodding, Natsumi tried to find some way to get out of Harry's embrace. However, when she tried Harry only pulled her tighter with a mutter of cherry blossoms. Something that made Imuya grin even wider and Natsumi internally groan. Finally though she sighed. "A little help here?"

Lips twitching, Imuya reached over and gently shook Harry. "It's time to wake up, Harry-Chan."

After a few moments, Harry yawned and sat up before he turned to the smiling Imuya and blinked. "Imuya-Chan?"

Softly snickering, the Subgirl ignored how Natsumi used that chance to get out of bed and head for the washroom. Then Imuya put on a pout. "Forgot about me already?"

Waving his hands around in the air, Harry freaked out a bit. "Of course not!"

Not even a moment later though, Imuya just placed her hand on his head and ruffled his hair. "I was just teasing." Sitting down, she then flopped back over Harry's legs. "Anyways... I can't wait to see what your family has stored in that barn. Heck, I wonder what your family's lands look like."

Reaching down, Harry ran his hands through Imuya's hair as the red haired Submarine closed her eyes. "There's really not all that much there honestly. It looks more like pasture really with some wooded areas... and the ruins of where my family lived."

The sadness in Harry's voice caused Imuya to open her eyes and then sit up before she hugged him. "I'm sure that they're very proud of you."

Just hugging her back, Harry smiled and stayed like that until he felt a tap on his shoulder and found Natsumi there with a small smile on her face. Then she jerked her thumb towards the bathroom. "It's free for you." Suddenly, she winkled her nose a bit. "Besides, I think that you need a shower, you smell a bit."

Eyes wide, Harry poked her. "I do not!" Hearing a snicker, he looked up at Imuya who was grinning and pretending not to look at him. "Imuya-Chan!"

However, she only shrugged. "Sorry, Harry-Chan, she's kind of right."

Grumbling, Harry took his stuff and walked into the bathroom. Once it was closed, Imuya stretched a bit with a sigh. "Ah..." Opening one eye, Imuya looked towards Natsumi. "So, ready for your first English style breakfast?"

Slowly, Natsumi raised an eyebrow at her. "Yes, why?" At the snicker, Natsumi blinked. "Am I missing something?"

Imuya though only shook her head. "You're in for a bit of a treat, though it'll be heavy on your stomach."

Putting a hand on her stomach, Natsumi frowned. "Can't be all that heavy, right?"Roughly twenty minutes later found her staring down at the plate in front of her which had various foods on it. But from the smell, she could tell that it had all been fried up for the most part. 'Okay... I take it back... it is going to be that heavy.'

As she began to eat her way through the meal though, she listened closely to what Nagato was explaining to Harry. "We're going to be looking through the storage and seeing what's there. Some of it might be quite old as your family apparently hardly threw things away."

Chewing his breakfast, Harry swallowed and frowned. "How much do you think might be in there, Mum?"

There was a thoughtful frown on Nagato's face as she hummed. "I honestly don't know, Harry. Your family history book was not very specific in regards to it. One of the smaller books though that Aoba found said that the branch that the last member of the continental Branch fled Germany to England to get away from Grindlewald and that she brought various items with her."

On Harry's face was an interested look. "I had family in Germany?"

Simply chuckling, Nagato nodded. "And France as well and there was mention of one that went over the United States though there wasn't much on him..." She trailed off and then sighed. "But the ones on the mainland all died in the wars against Grindlewald. The last one returned with Dumbledore and others and also died..."

For a moment, Harry closed his eyes and then sighed. "Oh..."

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Harry looked up to see Fubuki give him a smile before she moved to hug him. "Hey, it's okay." When she pulled away, Fubuki furrowed her eyebrows. "Do you think that Bismarck might be able to track down some records?"

More then a little thoughtful, Nagato slowly nodded. "She might be able to, yes. I'll have to check first though." Her lips twitched a little. "She might need to... potter around, a little first."

Utter silence fell onto the table as everyone stared at Nagato before Harry gave her a thumbs up. "Awesome, Mum!"

Nagato though blinked and then groaned as she laid her head onto the table. "Oh Kami... I've been infected."

With a sigh, Yuudachi shook her head. "That was really bad, Poi."

A scratching sound caused them all to turn and look to see Harry write something on a napkin. Then he held it up revealing that he wrote the word "Pun" on it. "Yes, it was quite..." He then ripped the napkin. "Tearable."

Once more there was silence before Nagato snorted and the others groaned.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The group's feet all hit the ground at pretty much the same time which caused them to stumble, unfortunately for Harry though he stumbled into Imuya who also was unbalanced which caused them to fall. Shaking her head, Imuya blinked and raised an eyebrow even as she felt a blush on her cheeks. "... Harry-Chan?"

Sitting up, Harry's face was red as he realized where it had landed. "Sorry, Imuya-Chan." Quickly getting to his feet, he held out one hand which Imuya gripped and pulled her to her feet. "Here we go."

However, to his surprise Imuya didn't let go of his hand as she looked around with a thoughtful expression on her face. "So your family owned this land?"

With a frown on his face though, Harry shook his head. "Actually... we apparently still do I think?"

A glance over at Nagato showed the Battleship nodding. "That's correct, Harry still owns the property." Seeing the looks, she smiled a bit. "I checked with Hood and she confirmed that the title still belongs to Harry and will also belong to any of his children."

Taking several steps forward, Natsumi took a deep breath of the air and then let it out before looking around. "It's... rather beautiful actually." She then pointed to the side. "And you got a good view of the village over there."

Just nodding, Harry turned as he heard a sound and blinked as he noticed that Nagato was now holding what looked like a map in her hands. "What's that, Mum?"

While looking it over, Nagato glanced up and gave him a slight smile. "It's a map of the property actually." Holding it out, the others gathered around it as she traced portions of it. "See here? There's a stream running through the grounds here along with a small pond. And here was where your family home stood."

For a few moments, Harry examined the map and then looked up at the ruins of the home that stood there until he blinked and frowned. "Mum?" Getting a hum, he raised a finger and pointed. "Part of it looks like it survived though."

Now looking herself, Nagato frowned for a moment as she noticed that part still stood, though it was slightly scorched. However, it did look run down and she looked down at the map. "I wonder if... no, that can't be true, can it?"

Confused, Harry only looked up at his mother with a frown. "Mum?"

After some thought, she shook her head and began walking towards the ruins. "While I doubt that the old story I read is true, perhaps a little look would not be too bad."

Still confused, Harry glanced at the others who shrugged and began to follow Nagato as they navigated through the still somewhat snow covered field. Soon enough, they were at the surviving portion of the old Potter home and glanced down into the pit that was once the foundations beside them. "Just look how big that was, Poi!"

Frowning, Mutsuki crouched down and then pointed at a portion. "Look at that, is that a well?"

Wide eyed, Harry nodded some. "Yeah, I think that it is."

There was a considering look on Nagato's face as she hummed. "Well, from what I read old homes such as this were often fortified. So a well in the basement would make sense." She then turned her attention to the door to the surviving portion, which thankfully was outside the foundations and so safe. "Now then, let's see if we can open this..."

Holding out one hand, Nagato nodded while everyone watched a fairy climb out and head for the lock. It examined the lock for several moments before nodding. "Desu." The fairy then reached into it's coat and pulled out several items and went to work. A few minutes later, there was a click and he turned and gave them all a thumbs up. "Desu, desu!"

In reply, Harry gave a small bow. "Thank you."

Pleased, the fairy bowed back and then climbed into Nagato's sweater sleeve and out of sight. The Battleship then pushed open the door and Natsumi poked her head in. From where Harry was, he saw her face pale as she leapt back with a scream and he grabbed her before she fell back into the hole made by the collapsed building. "Natsumi-Chan!"

To his surprise though, she clung to him and, as she shook, pointed at the door. "THERE'S A SKULL IN THERE!"

Blinking, Harry shared a look with the others outside of Nagato who was looking in with a wide eye. "A skull?"

Much to his surprise, Nagato only nodded with a thoughtful look on her face. "Hai... come have a look."

With shared looks of unease, they all moved and looked into the surviving portion. At first, all they could see was the dim light that came through the dirty windows until they noticed something on the wall and Mutsuki whimpered as she clutched onto Fubuki. "I-is that...?"

For his part, Harry took a step forward as there, impaled on a spike was a human skull that seemed to be staring at them. "What in the world?"

A sigh caused him to turn and regard Nagato who frowned and crossed her arms. "Harry? That would be your... many great aunt Catherine."

That caused Harry to stare at her. "My what now?"

Glancing at him, Nagato shook her head. "Catherine Potter... Also named Catherine of the Grave." Walking in, she examined the skull with a slightly disturbed look on her face. "It's an old family legend that was mentioned in your book but... I didn't think that it was true."

Interested, despite the creepiness, Harry looked over at her though he took note that Natsumi was looking around with a freaked out expression as she rubbed her arms. "Family legend?"

Slowly, Nagato nodded as Harry gently pulled the jumpy Natsumi into a one armed hug which she relaxed slightly into. "According to the story, she lived back in the 1500s and had married a man named Wiliams. But during one of the plagues, they died while she survived and the Potters took her back in. However, the experience drove her mad and she became obsessed with death and crafted several items regarding it..." Swallowing, the Battleship continued. "Eventually, your ancestors built this extension for her to live in separate from the others due to being disturbed. Then, one day, they realized that no one had seen her for a whole and came looking... only to find the door sealed with various spells that took more then a day to take down."

Already, Harry could guess what had happened. "She was dead, wasn't she?"

There was a grimace on his mother's face. "Hai, she had at some point impaled herself through the neck with that spike and her body dropped to the ground and, within the time that she was missing, all the flesh fell from her skull. There was a note stating that she would stay in her home and not to remove her skull."

Knowing where this was going, Harry shuddered. "Let me guess, they did and tragedy befell the family?"

Surprised, Nagato nodded. "That's right, so they returned it to the spike. Each time they removed it, bad things happened to the family, so eventually they decided it was best to leave her alone here... how did you guess?"

Now looking at the skull which seemed to be staring at him, Harry shuddered a little. "Um, it's an old type of story. You got skulls like this all over England and if you remove them, bad things happen."

Feeling her hidden fur standing on end, Natsumi continued to look around the room as the atmosphere seemed to weigh down on her. 'Okay... that's... yeah, I don't have words for that."

Meanwhile, Fubuki glanced to one of the shadows in the room. 'Did that just move...?' Quickly shaking it off, Fubuki took a deep breath. "That's... beyond creepy, Harry-Chan."

From where she was standing behind Fubuki. Yuudachi nodded. "It really is, Poi. Can we leave?"

After a look around, Harry only nodded. "Yeah, sure."

He was the last one out and had nearly closed the door when he heard a sound and looked up. From beside him, Imuya who had stayed outside after a glance, frowned. "Is something wrong, Harry-Chan?"

Several moments passed before he shook it off. "Just my imagination playing tricks." With that, Harry closed the door though he did shiver a little bit. 'It moved... it moved on the spike and was looking right at me.'

Once the door was closed though, everyone stared at it as there was a click. Reaching out with a trembling hand, Imuya grabbed the knob and turned it only for nothing to happen. "It's locked..."

Each of them shared a look, glanced at the door, and then hurried away at a good, fast walk. Harry though just kept an arm around Natsumi who held his arm close. 'Nope, not going to think about that, not going to think about that at all...'