Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

More then a little disturbed by what they had found, Fubuki kept looking back at the surviving portion of the house. "Well... that was freaky..."

Yuudachi only nodded as she swallowed and tried to rub the goosebumps on her arms. "Poi..."

At the same time, Natsumi was still shivering some as she kept a hold on Harry's arm until another arm around her shoulders caused her to blink and look over at Imuya who was now on her otherside. "Hey, relax, everything's going to be okay."

When she glanced at Harry, she got a nod from him. "That's right, dess!"

Relaxing some, the disguised kitsune let out a breath. "Yeah... though that was really something out of a horror movie, Harry-Chan." Getting a shrug from him and Imuya's arm giving her a comforting squeeze, Natsumi continued to move until they were closed to the fortified building. Made of stone, it rose up and Natsumi craned her head back to look at it. "It... looks like a house..."

All Harry did was nod as he frowned. "Yeah... If I remember correctly, that's what it is really."

Her eyes running over it, Mutsuki tapped her finger against her chin. "How thick are those walls, Harry-Chan?"

It took a moment of thought and each of the shipgirls giggled at the expression on Harry's face. If he had been a shipgirl, they would have been sure that he was flipping through a logbook before he nodded. "Um... really thick stone from memory."

Beside him, Imuya was looking through her cellphone and then nodded. "It says here that these sort of things had one meter thick walls of stone because of the fighting between Scotland and England at the time that they were built."

Natsumi blinked at that and tried to look at the cellphone. "Wait, there was fighting between England and Scotland? Really?"

With a nod, Yuudachi threw a hand into the air. "Yeah, like that movie that we watched... Braveheart, Poi!"

Unsure if she was pulling her leg or not, Natsumi looked towards Harry who nodded as he scratched his head. "Um... well, yeah, England and Scotland fought each other at times. It was for different reasons, just like how back in Japan you had areas of Japan fighting others way back." Suddenly, he smiled a bit as he noticed that Nagato was at the lock and had pulled out a key that even now she was working into it. "Mum?"

A slight smile on her face, Nagato gave him a nod. "The Headmaster was keeping the key on him." There was a click as the lock opened and she pulled it off. "Now then, let's have a look inside..."

Opening the doors, she stepped in followed by the others only to blink in the darkness. Soon though, the darkness was dispelled as fairies appeared on the shipgirl's shoulders with lanterns that slowly let them see around them with Mutsuki looking around inside and then poking her head outside the building. "It's bigger on the inside!"

Lips twitching, Imuya hummed. "That's what she said."

Confused, Yuudachi turned towards her. "But that is what she said."

Unable to help herself, Imuya grinned. "You're right!'

Shaking her head at the byplay, the Battleship internally sighed before gesturing for Harry to walk towards her as Natsumi finally let go of his arm and walked towards some furniture that was piled up. "Harry? Come here for a moment."

Once he got to her, he blinked up towards his mother with a confused expression on her face. "Yes, Mum?"

For a moment, Nagato looked around before she placed her hand onto his shoulder and several of her fairies came out of her sleeves to walk onto her son's shoulder. Several of them had lanterns in their hands, though one or two were carrying a rifle as they looked around. At his expression, Nagato shook her head. "Just to be safe, now... there was something that Dumbledore mentioned..."

Head tilting to the side, Harry frowned some. "Something that he mentioned?"

Striding forwards, Nagato looked around until she found a stand and walked towards it. "Ah, here we go..." She nodded towards a book that was there with a slight smile on her face. "It's a list of items in here, some of them have numbers and if you put it in the book will tell you what they are with a description about them."

Eyes wide, Harry walked up to the stand and, with a trembling hand, opened the thick, heavy book before also taking the quill that was there. With a frown, Harry furrowed his eyebrows. "There's no writing..."

With a slight frown, Nagato nodded. "Apparently you have to write in it before the words show up..."

Taking the book, Harry suddenly chuckled a bit. "I kind of feel like Hachi now."

Imuya snorted at that even as she grinned. "Walking around with a thick, heavy magical book? You really do, you even got the glasses."

As they began to walk, Harry looked around the large area which had piles of items. Here and there were what clothes that were on stands, though one of them Natsumi tilted her head at as she ran a finger along it. "What's a leather coat being here... and it looks really weird."

Eyebrows furrowing, Harry glanced at what he guessed was the number and then wrote it down in the book. The numbers vanished before the ink reappeared with a short description. "It's a buff coat that belonged to... Erik Potter. It says here that he fought in the Thirty Years War in it and it's made of dragon hide of a dragon his father slew."

Jogging to a spot, Yuudachi gestured at a tapestry. "What about this, Poi?"

A small smile on his face, Harry wrote the number down and nodded. "It's a tapestry from... the continental side of my family. According to this, they got it from Rome?"

Slowly, the various shipgirls drifted apart slightly as they continued to examine the various items until Natsumi noticed an alcove with a large cupboard. Inside, there were several weapons such as swords, spears, and various daggers. Curious, Natsumi looked at one of the items before calling out to Harry. "Are these safe to look at?"

Looking over, Harry frowned and looked at the book before nodding. "They are, none of them are cursed."

Harry was then called over by Mutsuki who was looking at some jewelry as Natsumi looked at the various weapons in question. One of them, a dagger, looked really old which caused her to lean in before reaching up. Deftly taking it from the hook it hung from, she looked at it from various angles before blowing off the dust. Sneezing, Natsumi shook it off before unsheathing the dagger and looking at it. "Wow..."

Unnoticed by her, Fubuki had walked into view of the alcove and blinked as all there was in it was shadows. Scratching her head, the Destroyer walked past and so missed Natsumi reappearing as she sheathed the dagger. 'I could have thought that she was here...' Suddenly, there was a gasp and Fubuki turned to find Harry frozen in front of a mirror. Quickly, she made her way over and, from the angle she was at, frowned. The glass of the mirror was pitch black and seemed to absorb light. The rim of it looked like it was carved from either bone or ivory of some kind and glistened in the low light of the lanterns though what was carved into it caused a shiver to run up Fubuki's keel. At the top there was a cloaked skeleton and at various parts there were other clothed skeletons. One looked like a priest, one dressed like a king, there was one in a dress and so must have been a woman, and a final one that was in clothing that Fubuki thought looked like the clothing that peasents wore in various movies with knights. What really creeped her out was how in the dancing light of the lanterns, they seemed to be moving in a slow dance. "Harry-Chan?"

It was then that Fubuki came into full view of the mirror and choked back a scream.

Because instead of there being a reflection of Harry in it, there was a rotting skeleton with clumps of black hair that clung to it's skull and decaying clothing. Then she noticed her own reflection and that time she did let out a scream as she backed up. The others rushed over and Fubuki just stared frozen at the image of her wreck as it rested on the ocean floor staring back at her, rust falling from it in a rain of decay. "Wha-what the..."

Licking his lips, Harry took note of the label and looked into the book. "T-the Mirror of Memento Mori, crafted by Catherine Potter to remind those who look into it's depths that they will one day die and that death comes for all. According to this, it's harmless and just illusions...."

A shiver ran across Fubuki's skin as she just grabbed Harry and steered him away. "O-oh... l-let's just move on then..."

With a nod, Harry gulped. "Y... yeah, that sounds good..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Once they were far enough away, Fubuki let out the breath that she didn't know that she was holding and glanced back at the mirror. "Can we avoid that sort of thing in the future, Harry-Chan?"

All Harry did was nod as he began to relax. "That... that would be a good idea."

Yuudachi then tackle hugged Fubuki who still looked pale. "What happened, Poi?"

Blinking at it, Fubuki then noticed that the others had gathered around them with worry before shaking her head. "We're okay, it's just..."

Just rubbing the back of his neck, Harry glanced at her and noticed that Fubuki seemed hesitant and then cleared his throat. "It's like this..." A few moments later, he finished his explanation with a shrug. "... And yeah, I don't think that I'm going to be sleeping soundly tonight."

With a glance at the mirror in question, Natsumi shuddered a little bit. "And I don't blame you." She then turned towards Harry with a raised eyebrow. "Harry-Chan, don't take this the wrong way, but some of your family is just messed up."

To her surprise, Harry nodded and gave a weak laugh. "Yeah, that is pretty messed up." Wanting to change the subject, Harry glanced at her hand and blinked. "Uh, Natsumi-Chan? What do you have there?"

Eyes widening, she looked down at the dagger that she was examining and brought it up. "Oh! I was just looking at it when I heard Fubuki scream and... kind of didn't put it away." Part of her was still examining the black sheath of the dagger which seemed to absorb light, but for the most part she couldn't feel anything evil from it. After a moment, something occurred to her and she looked at Harry. "Would you mind if I..."

Harry raised an eyebrow at her. "Keep it?" At her nod, he smiled and shrugged. "Go ahead, I'm not going to use it."

Much to his surprise, Natsumi gave him a hug around the neck. "Thank you!"

Confused, Harry hugged her back and nodded, even as his mother snickered some. "You're, um... welcome I guess?" Glancing at his mother, he only became more confused at the grin on her face before she shook her head. 'Wonder what that is about?'

Meanwhile, Nagato only internally sighed. 'Normal boys give jewelry to girls, what does my son give? Knives.' One of the fairies on her shoulder finally began using a spotlight to illuminate more of the room and she frowned a bit as she saw the various stacked items. "There's... a lot more here then I thought."

Slowly, Mutsuki nodded as her own fairies shone a spotlight over what they could see. "It could take years to get through all of this and see what's here."

A snort caused them to all look at Nagato who glanced back at them with a slightly amused look. "There was a... rather amusing bit in the family history book of Harry's that I read. Apparently before the Statute came down, the Potters were involved in the various conflicts such as the Crusades and the like where they gained a certain... reputation." Her tone then turned slightly dry. "A reputation of being the wizard version of magpies."

It was almost as one as everyone else turned around to look at Harry who pointed at himself. "... Magpies?"

With a snicker, Nagato nodded as she glanced around. "Apparently. Partially because they sent back treasures and the like from campaigns that they were involved in."

Looking at what looked like an oddly shaped crown that had some gold leaf flaking off to reveal that it was iron underneath, Imuya nodded. "Somehow, I can see it." She then grinned at Harry. "Seems that you have a lot in common with the American Submarines."

That got her an eyeroll from Harry who huffed a bit. "Very funny."

Suddenly, there was a gasp from Yuudachi who had wandered a little bit off and was waving at them. "Come see this, poi!"

Everyone shared a look and followed before their eyes widened. There, just out of sight where they had been was the skeleton of a dragon that was set up as if it was roaring with one paw raised up. Grinning, Harry looked up at it. "Awesome."

Beside him, Natsumi nodded with her jaw dropped a little. "Yeah... that's actually pretty cool."

After that, the group slowly continued to walk even as they took note of things that they found. Not just furniture, but other things such as old goblets, what looked like sceptres and crowns, even normal paintings. One of the odder ones was a giant statue of Athena which they shrugged at and then continued on. Eventually, they reached the staircase leading to the second floor and Harry glanced at the others. To their surprise, the stairs were carved from stone and just floated in place. Walking up to one, Imuya pushed against it but the stair stood solid. "That is so weird..."

Examining it, Harry could only nod before he looked at his mother. "Can we go upstairs and look?"

Nagato frowned and then checked the time before nodding. "We have a little more time. But let me go first." Stepping on one of the floating stone steps, she put her full human weight on it and blinked as it didn't budge at all. The Battleship then walked up to the trapdoor and pushed it open before waving her hand in front of her face to get rid of the dust. "Ugh..."

From where he stood, Harry frowned before giving a small sneeze. "You okay, Mum?"

With a nod, Nagato looked down at him and chuckled. "Yes, it's just a little bit dusty up here." Glancing around the room, she raised an eyebrow. "And sort of impressive..." Then she disappeared into the upstairs before calling down. "It's safe to come up."

Once they came up through the trap door, Imuya only looked at Harry. "Let's not bring Hachi here, she might never leave."

Slowly, Harry nodded as he spun in a circle and took in the various books, scrolls, and the like that lined the walls. "Yeah... we might have trouble if we bring her here."

A frown on her face, Natsumi walked up to one of the shelves and peered at the titles before placing a finger onto the spine, she blinked. "There's some kind of magic here preserving them." Her eyebrows furrowed a bit as she narrowed her eyes at the words. 'What language is this? And what sort of name is... Erzabeth?'

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she looked at Harry who held up a book. "Look at this..."

More then a little bemused, Natsumi turned and looked at the book in question before frowning after Harry opened it up. Inside, there were what looked like animals in clothing. "What's this?"

On Harry's face was a grin. "Reynard the Fox, one of the real old books."

Interested, Natsumi tilted her head. "How old are we talking about?"

Tapping the page, Harry grinned wider. "See this picture? It's an old woodcut."

Eyes widening, Natsumi let out a low whistle. 'That means that it's even older then Oba-Chan...' Grinning herself, she began to look over the books. 'I wonder what else is here...'
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lock clicking behind them, Harry just watched as his mother put away the keys with a satisfied look on her face. "And there we go."

With a smile on his face, the young wizard turned towards Natsumi who was examining what looked like a fox dressed in a kimono that was carved from ivory. "Do you think that Haru will like it?"

Just blinking, Natsumi glanced up and gave him a small smile. "I think that Oba-Chan will... though I am amazed that your family had this." Turning back, she frowned some. "I didn't know that any of your family visited Japan back in the 1860s..."

Scratching his head, Harry only nodded. "Neither did I actually. One day I should have that collection looked at."

Mutsuki nodded as she looked at the small Netsuki in her hands. "You should... some of those might even look nice in a museum."

As she snorted, Imuya shook her head. "I think that Harry could open a museum with some of the things that we saw in there. His family certainly has enough items for it." The Submarine then looked at the book that Harry was carrying with an interested look. "By the way... what's the big deal about that book?"

Looking down at it, Harry glanced around before shrugging. "It's a book on familiars."

Head tilted to the side, Yuudachi frowned. "Like black cats in stories, Poi?"

Simply nodding, Harry chuckled. "Yeah, something like that... anyways, Hermione looked it up one day and was going on about it. They were really common a few hundred years ago, but fell out of favor as being too much trouble then it was worth. What she was saying kind of got me interested in them and it couldn't hurt, right?"

That only got him a ruffling of his hair from Fubuki. "No, it couldn't." Grinning as he smiled back, Fubuki looked around the property with a thoughtful look on her face. "Is there anything else around here?"

It was Nagato who answered though and pointed towards a stand of trees. "Well... there's a carriage house over there. We can have a quick look to see what might be there, but we need to get going." Getting nods, she lead the way and, a few minutes later had unlocked the door and opened them to reveal the inside of the old building. Several objects had cloth tarps thrown over them "I wonder..."

Walking over, she grabbed one and yanked it off only to blink at what was underneath it. Harry's eyebrows raised as he looked it over. "Is that one of those really old cars?"

For a moment, there was a bemused expression on Nagato's face as she ran one hand along the car. "It is... some of my first crew remember cars like this from before the First World War." Crouching down, she examined it more closely. "And it looks like it's still in extremely good condition too." Softly muttering to herself, the Battleship frowned. "I wonder if they used magic to keep it in this condition..."

A shout from Yuudachi caused them all to turn as she took the tarp off another vehicle to reveal it was a motorcycle. "I know this one! It's one of those motorcycles that the Americans used to use!"

Eyes wide, Nagato got up and walked over. "You're right... It's from before the Second World War from the looks of it." Slowly, she turned and regarded the rest of the objects. "Just how much stuff does your family have, Harry?"

Surprised as well, Harry only shook his head. "I... don't know." Within moments though, he began to grin. "But this is so cool."

There were nods of agreement from the others at that proclamation.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts Omake: "Potter Family Business"

QuietlyObserving said:
So, the bottom line I got from this: The Potter Family are Basically the Blood Ravens Chapter?​

"Why did you go into that church to pull out that stained glass window, Harold?"

"It looks quite nice."

"The church was on fire, Sir Harold."

"Quite... now, should I put this in my north facing window or the west one..."
________________________________________________________________________

"Harry... why do you have one of the missing sculptures of Michelangelo?"

"My many greats uncle grabbed it during the Sack of Rome."

"..."

"He apparently thought it would make a lovely piece for the dining hall table."


Harry Leferts Omake: "Potter Family Business 2"

wildredlifer said:
Why do I have the Feeling that if Harry wasn't along for the trip,they would have had a very bad time in that place.​

Possibly in some places, maybe.

caezlinnorm said:
Hey it's tradition, there's nothing wrong with looting after a battle. If they wanted to keep that cool stuff they should have either been strong enough to win or properly hidden it. [Typed as I look into a gun cabinet with several looted swords going back to before the Revolutionary War, some looted guns from both Theaters of WW2 and the Western Front of WW1. Not to mention the cabinet full of looted German silver, the stone artifacts on top of the book cases taken from Mexico, the table looted from the Forbidden City, the marble chess set from sometime before we came to the New World looted from a city we burnt, the japanese kneeling table we never got the bloodstains out of, the big kneehole desk this computer is on stolen out of a plantation house during the Civil War, etc.]​

Pretty much, it's just that the Potters somehow managed to keep everything stored away for when they found use for it.

Trufla said:
And now I sort of wonder if one of the cars in the carriage house might be an early model car sporting the license plate "GENII"?

LoL.

Daedelus' Muse said:
Was the statue of Athena the Athena Parthenos?​

"Love of my life, I don't see why you have a problem with it."

"You dragged this all the way from Constantinople, William. Why!?"

"Well... I thought it would look quite nice in the entry hall. A conversation starter among the other knights."

"..."

"It would also look impressive for when the King visits us."

"The King never visits us, William."

"Exactly. But he might! You never do know."

"*sigh*"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Yawning, Natsumi smacked her lips as she walked up to the small residence that she shared with her aunt. Unlocking the door, she made her way to the kitchen only to blink as she noticed that Haru was at the table reading something in her normal fox form. "Oba-Chan?"

A smile on her face, Haru grinned as Natsumi also changed back to her normal fox form. "A good morning to you too."

There was a frown on Natsumi's face as she blinked. "What are you still doing up? It's..." Quickly checking the clock, she blinked. "Four in the morning."

Humming, Haru blew on her tea and nodded. "It is? I didn't notice." Amused at the tired glare that Natsumi gave her, Haru was about to say something when she sensed something and glanced around. "Do you feel something?"

Confused, Natsumi tilted her head a little. "Feel something? Like what?"

It was then that another voice spoke up and Natsumi whipped her head around to stare at her mother seemingly appeared from nowhere. "Mainly something... weighty, arriving."

Eyes wide, Natsumi stared for a moment. "Haha-ue!? What are you doing here!?"

On the female kitsune's face was an expression of mock sadness before she turned to give her sister a look. "What have you been teaching my daughter that she would react to such when her loving, beautiful Haha-ue comes to visit her."

Rolling her eyes, Natsumi walked over and gave her mother a hug. "Sorry, I just didn't expect for you to be here...'

Lightly chuckling, the Sayuki hugged her back. "Well... it is Spring Break and your father took the twins on a trip while your brother is in cram school." Pulling back some, she examined her daughter and smiled. "So, you went to England to see Harry-San?"

Natsumi lightly blushed a bit. "We're just friends."

Her mother only hummed though there was a glint of something in her eyes. "I didn't say anything at all, Natsumi-Chan. But did you have fun?"

Sitting down, Natsumi blinked as Haru set a cup of tea in front of her and then smiled up at her aunt. "I did actually. The food was different and then we visited Harry's family property to explore it a bit..."

Eyebrow raising as she noticed that Natsumi had trailed off, Haru shared a glance with her sister before turning back to Natsumi and clearing her throat and causing the kitsune to startle from where she was staring into her tea. "Did something happen?"

For a few moments, Natsumi stared at her before sighing. "Well... at first it was sort of interesting until we stopped by the ruins of the house there and looked into the only intact bit... and we met one of Harry-Chan's ancestors there.'"

Head tilting to the side, Sayuki frowned. "A yuurei?"

There was a confused expression on Natsumi's face before she shook her head. "Not really..." With that she launched into the story and the two older kitsunes listened intently, though their eyes did widen some. "... And Harry explained to me some things about them. Especially that they should never be removed from the home in which they have claimed as theirs. But it's super creepy."

More then a little thoughtful, Haru slowly nodded. "Harry is wise in this case, if what you say is true? Then it's best to leave her alone where she is as that's what she has chosen to do. Though... has Harry spoken about rebuilding the home?"

Blinking, Natsumi slowly nodded. "Well... one the way back we talked and he said that he might later on, if only as a holiday home. Or as a place where his family could stay in England if they went to visit."

Haru gave a small grunt. "In that case, he should build around that room and leave it undisturbed."

Slowly nodding, Natsumi snorted. "Somehow, I think that's one piece of advice that he would follow..." All of a sudden, she straightened a bit. "Oh yeah! Then we visited the storage barn which was this huge stone building. There was all this neat stuff in there as well... and Harry-Chan's family had some stuff from Japan when they visited in the 19th century."

Now interested, Haru and Sayuki leaned forward with the elder of the two blinking. "Oh?"

Reaching into her pocket, Natsumi nodded. "Yeah, they had a collection of these carvings and sculptures. We found this one and Harry-Chan asked that I give it to you."

With a small smile, Haru took the carved kitsune and turned it over in her paws. "Well now... this certainly brings back some memories, doesn't it, Sayuki-Nee?"

A grin on her face, Sayuki nodded with a chuckle. "It does, I remember having some netsuke at the time." Then she turned towards Natsumi with a smile. "So he had a small collection?"

Nodding, Natsumi pulled out her phone and went to the photos before handing them to her mother. "Yeah, see?"

Both of the older kitsune were looking through it before they stopped at one photo and their eyes widened. Her voice quiet, Haru swallowed. "Natsumi-Chan... did Harry know who made this one?"

The younger kitsune looked up as Haru turned the phone towards her and looked at the iron statue of a kitsune. "Um... nope? Not offhand anyways. Why? Do you recognize it?"

Glancing at her sister, Sayuki gave an odd smile. "The actual work? No, but we do recognize who the maker likely was and... it's rather surprising that Harry-Chan has one of his works in his collection..."

More then a little confused, Natsumi looked between her aunt and her mother before shrugging. 'Adults are weird.'

It was then though that Haru noticed something else and furrowed her eyebrows. "Natsumi-Chan, what's that tucked into your pants?"

Blinking, Natsumi suddenly gasped and then pulled out a sheathed dagger. "Oh yeah, Harry-Chan gave it to me as a gift after I asked about it since you're teaching me how to fight with knives. It's really old, but cool." Then Natsumi pulled it out of the sheath and both kitsune blinked as Natsumi seemed to fade away into shadows with only her voice able to be heard. Unknown to her though, her mother and aunt shivered at the feeling in the atmosphere. "I think that it will be cool to use."

And then there was a click and Natsumi reappeared with the dagger again sheathed. Several minutes later after Natsumi went to bed, Sayuki turned to her sister and gave her a dry look. "So... do you think that either of them realize about...?"

The only thing that Haru did was lay her head on the table. "No, they don't. Where did my normal, calm life go to?"

Her sister though only gave a shrug. "Normalcy is overrated anyways. Anyways... onto more important things, like planning for my future son-in-law."

Snorting, Haru shook her head. "Why did I expect that?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Harry was just walking across the base and taking in the April air when a shout caused him to come to a stop and begin to turn. "Harry-San!"

Blinking, the black haired eleven year old waited as Niyodo ran up to him with a tablet in one hand. "Good morning, Niyodo-Chan... is something wrong?"

Finally catching up, the Light Cruiser came to a stop and took a moment to look herself over and adjust anything out of place. That done, she took a deep breath and gave the confused Harry a smile as she shook her head. "Oh no, nothing's wrong. It's just that I've been looking for you..." Pointing back, Niyodo smiled. "I checked your residence, but Nagato-San said that you already left."

More then a little bemused, Harry only nodded. "Um, yeah... I didn't want to be stuck in my home all day." He then scratched his head. "So... why were you looking for me anyways?"

Just blinking, Niyodo pulled the tablet and then handed it to Harry. "Onee-Sama decided that I've gotten good enough at the jobs that she was willing to let me take over helping to organizing something without her supervision."

Raising an eyebrow at her slight squeal, Harry looked at the tablet and blinked. "The Easter Egg hunt?"

With a rapid nod, Niyodo brightly smiled. "That's right! Onee-Sama is going to be busy since Supply Depot Princess will be visiting, and so she entrusted me, me! With helping you organize this year's hunt." Clinching her fist, the light glinted off her glasses. 'I'll prove to you that I can do this, Onee-Sama!'

Part of Harry wanted to tell her that it wasn't really that big of a deal, heck, Harry could handle it mostly by himself. But seeing how happy she was he decided that it was best to leave that issue lie. "Ah, I see..." Looking up, Harry smiled back at her. "So how much do you know about it?" That caused Niyodo to blink for a moment and Harry to watch her. After a few moments, Harry raised an eyebrow. "You, um... do know about it, right?"

To his amusement, she flushed a bit and glanced around. "You'll be hunting eggs on Easter?"

A small smile on his face, Harry gave a shrug. "Kind of, though you got the basics down for the most part..." Now turning thoughtful, Harry decided to throw her something of a line. "How much do you know about the history and what is done?"

Glancing around, Niyodo gave a small, shaky smile. "Well, perhaps a rehash of what we're to do would not be too bad... just to make sure that we cover everything of course."

Lips twitching, Harry nodded. "Of course."

Quickly, Niyodo pulled out a small notebook and a pen. "Now then..."

Clearing his throat, Harry glanced around. "Well... it got started a few years ago. You know how Easter is not a big deal here in Japan, right?"

Slowly, the Light Cruiser nodded. "Well, yes, it is something of a foreign holiday after all. And Hanami happens around this time of year anyways."

All Harry did though was smile at her. "Right... anyways, Fubuki-Nee had overheard some of the American Destroyers talking about missing Easter back home and Willie D mentioned that she hated not being able to go on an Easter egg hunt with her sisters."

Head tilting to the side, Niyodo frowned some even as she wrote it down. "I... see."

With his lips still twitching, Harry hummed. "Anyways, so she came to me since, well... I'm English and she wanted to cheer them. But she didn't quite know what to do, which was why she came to me because she thought that I would know about it." Thoughtful, Harry frowned a little bit. "This was... a few years back and Mum had only adopted me a few months before, so I was kind of confused but told her what I knew. So then Fubuki-Nee had the idea of an Easter egg hunt to cheer up the American Destroyers. Ooyodo-Oba helped out a bit, but we had the Easter egg hunt which was a huge success. Since then, it's become something of an annual thing, especially when the American shipgirls are in port."

Nodding rapidly, Niyodo furrowed her eyebrows. "I see... So how does it work?"

Just humming, Harry tilted his head back to look at the sky above. "Well... Basically we get these chocolate eggs, small chocolate bunnies wrapped in foil, and marshmallow chicks. Those of us involved hide them all over the base in various places, making sure that we know where we put them and how many we had."

Thoughtful, Niyodo blinked. "Well, that makes a lot of sense anyways. Don't want to leave them just laying around where they might cause problems."

Waving a hand, the young wizard grinned. "Exactly!" He waited for a moment before he continued. "So we hide them the night before the hunt and that morning, hand out small baskets to the Destroyers and such. They then have to go looking for the chocolates hidden around."

Finger against her cheek, Niyodo considered that before furrowing her eyebrows. "And... Teitoku allows this? With them having fun?"

Now grinning, Harry nodded. "That's right. The Destroyers actually love it and looking for the eggs and such. The fact that it's chocolate is just a bonus to them. Besides, Teitoku lets them do it as he says it keeps them out of trouble for the most part for several hours with them busy searching. Heck, sometimes you have Destroyers from different countries helping each other... Though Akagi-Oba also usually joins in."

Surprised, the Cruiser stared at him. "Wait... Akagi-San joins in?"

With a snicker, Harry nodded. "Hai, though she usually eats them as soon as she finds them, if not the Kaga-Oba swipes them."

Confused, Niyodo slowly nodded. "I see... And how it's done makes sense as well... but I heard something about a prize?"

If anything, that caused Harry's grin to widen some. "The Destroyers who find the most and return with them win a giant, chocolate rabbit to go along with the chocolates that they did find. Second place gets this big chocolate egg and so on."

Frowning in thought, Niyodo slowly nodded. "So... it's a competition for them to see who finds the most chocolate hidden around the base? Something that they can have some fun doing?"

Harry only nodded at that. "Right!"

Even though she was still more then slightly confused about what she had been told, Niyodo gave a sound of agreement. "Hmm..." Shaking it off, she turned towards Harry in interest as he handed the tablet back to her. "So what's first?"

Making a gesture for her to follow, Harry began to walk. "Well... the first thing to do is make sure that we have to make orders for the chocolate, though that's pretty easy as Ooyodo-Oba normally sends an email to Miss Gale over in the US and she sends them via plane within a few days. That way we can have them before Easter... though we'll need to hide them somewhere so no one goes and tries to eat them. Some shipgirls did that last year and we just barely got more in time."

With a nod, Niyodo held her tablet and began to get to work. "I can do that right now, Harry-San."

For a moment, Harry looked around before he leaned in towards her. "And don't worry, Miss Gale sends a box of chocolate over for us organizing it. It wouldn't be fair for us to join in the hunt since we know where everything is after all."

Blushing as she had forgotten that, Niyodo smiled as she imagined eating a bunch of chocolate. "That sounds good." Quickly, she dismissed the thought for later and bit her lip. "Okay, and... done!"

Slowly nodding, Harry slowed down his walk a bit so that he was beside her before pointing at the tablet. "Now then, all we got to do is go around and get permission from Captain Yonehara and some of the others to be allowed to hide chocolates in their area." At the slightly nervous expression on Niyodo's face, Harry patted her on the arm. "But that's easy! And they usually agree anyways... though..." Looking around, Harry leaned in to whisper. "I think that Captain Yonehara looks for the easy ones before the Destroyers show up to look and grabs them."

Eyes widening, Niyodo stared at him before also glancing around and leaning in. "Really?"

Narrowing his own eyes, Harry grunted. "I've caught him chewing something with foil wrappers in his trashcan. He claims that he bought his own, but..."

Just frowning, Niyodo turned towards her tablet with a growl. "I see..."
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Haru was making a gesture with her hands as she talked with her sister when she noticed Harry and Niyodo walking into the shrine. She waited until they went through the usual preparations before walking towards them. "Good afternoon, Harry-Chan. How are you today?"

With a smile, Harry didn't notice the looks of confusion and interest on Sayuki's face or the simple confusion on Niyodo's. "Pretty good actually."

Chuckling, Haru shook her head. "If you're looking for Natsumi-Chan, she's still sleeping." Snorting, Haru smirked a bit. "I swear that sometimes that girl can be extremely lazy."

Much to her surprise though, Harry shrugged. "Well, I can talk with Natsumi-Chan later." He then gestured at Niyodo beside him. "We're here for the Easter egg hunt."

That got him a look of surprise from Niyodo. "We are?"

At the same time, Sayuki blinked. "Easter egg hunt?"

Highly amused, Haru turned towards her sister and nodded. "Hai, they hide chocolate eggs and such around the base for Destroyers and others to find. Natsumi-Chan loves participating in it each year that it's happened." She then turned towards Niyodo and gave the confused Light Cruiser a smile. "And before you ask, Harry-Chan does not mean that he'll be hiding any on shrine grounds, but rather he always comes here to ask if they can hide them in the area outside the shrine grounds. It's a courtesy that he extends to me." Raising an eyebrow, Haru gave him a look. "Something that he knows from previous years that I have no trouble with."

Nodding, Harry frowned a bit. "Hopefully this year we don't need to worry about foxes stealing the marshmallow chickens and eggs."

Slowly, the elder of the sisters turned to Haru and raised an eyebrow at the slight blush on her cheeks before commenting in a dry tone. "Yes, hopefully not."

Meanwhile, Haru just slipped her hands into her sleeves and looked up at the sky. "Such sneaky animals foxes are though. One can never be too sure in regards to them."

Eyes narrowed, Niyodo frowned in suspicion not noticing the twinkle of amusement in Harry's eyes. "Hmm..."

Coughing, the Miko gave a nod. "Anyways... enough talk of such things." Gently smiling, she shook her head. "If you want, you are more then welcome to hide them in the grounds outside the shrine."

As Niyodo made a note on her tablet, Harry smiled and gave a small bow. "Thank you, Haru-San."

It was several minutes later, once they left, that Sayuki turned and gave her sister an unimpressed look. "Stealing marshmallow chickens and eggs? Really, Haru-Chan?"

Now blushing deeply, Haru attempted to gather her shattered pride and turned before walking away. "I really do not have any idea what you are talking about. Honestly, accusing your Imouto of such things, have you no shame?"

Expression deadpan, the next words out of Sayuki's mouth caused Haru to stumble a bit. "It's not me who is the one who has no shame, Haru-Chan." Internally, she was laughing at her younger sister who gave a sniff and then walked away with her head held high. Of course, a thought occurred to her. 'Hmm... if the twins are back by then, I wonder if they would like to participate or would be allowed to...'

 

[darthcourt10]

wildredlifer

U.S. Marines on base come across Hoppou playing with her Reppu,
That night Hoppou gives an impromptu performance the Marines helped her put together for her Mother.

Hoppou brandishing Reppu.

This is my Reppu
There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My Reppu is my best friend.
It is my life.
I must master it as I must master my life.
My Reppu, without me is useless.

I must fly my Reppu true.
I must soar higher and faster than my enemy.

My Reppu is human, even as I, because it is my life.
Thus, I will learn it as a brother.
I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories,
I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage.
I will keep my Reppu clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready.
We will become part of each other.
We will....

Before All I swear this creed.
My Reppu and myself are the defenders of my Family.
We are the masters of our enemy.
We are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy, but Peace!

Yes I know I ripped it off the Rifle creed,but Cute midget with favorite toy

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Ryuujou sat across from Harry with an interested expression on her face as she hummed. "So you thought up a trick, huh?"

Slowly, the black haired boy nodded with a grin on his face. "Yeah... I kind of got the idea from Hoppou and the others."

That, if anything, only intrigued Ryuujou all the more as she thought it over. "I see... I'll admit, I do want to see what you came up with."

Just nodding, Harry closed one eye and Ryuujou waited as it looked like he was concentrating. When he opened it though, Ryuujou did jerk back as Harry had a small wisp of glowing, eldritch flame coming from that eye. "Pretty cool, huh?"

Leaning in, Ryuujou more closely examined his glowing eye with a hum. "Yeah... pretty cool. Now then, what exactly does it do though? I can see how you're doing it, since you're channeling magic to that eye to get the glow and the excess is being burned off in a sense. But still, I can't figure out what it does exactly."

To her amusement though, Harry looked rather sheepish at her question. "Well... it looks cool? I mean, that's all it really does though." He then blinked and when he opened his eyes, it was gone. "I'm still trying to figure out how to get it in both eyes."

With a small huff, Ryuujou's rolled her eyes. "So you came up with something that doesn't have a use other then looking cool?" Slowly, Harry nodded though the small smile on Ryuujou's face took any sting from her words away. Then she nodded with a thoughtful look. "Though I suppose that it could be used for intimidation purposes."

Blinking, Harry frowned as he thought it over and then nodded. "Yeah... I guess it can be used for that."

The Carrier then raised one finger at him. "However, that said, you might want to hold it in reserve for when you really need to use it. I may not be too bothered by it, but I imagine that others will be." Once Harry nodded, she reached over and ruffled his hair. "Though I am proud of you for this. You took what we taught you and came up with something new from it. Even if it's something that doesn't seem like it has any other use then to look neat, it is still something and you should be proud of that."

Even as he rubbed the back of his neck, Harry nodded. "Thank you, Ryuujou-Sensei."

Simply nodding, Ryuujou placed a candle onto the table and the snapped her fingers, creating a small, bluish flame. "You don't need to thank me at all, Harry-Chan. It's something that deserves recognition." She then touched her thumb to the candle and the flame leapt from it to the wick, igniting it. "Now then... let's see if you remember some of the tricks that I taught you..."

Reaching out with his finger, Harry waited until the flame was orange before extending his hand. For most, they would have yanked their hand back, but Harry didn't feel any heat as he brought his finger to touch the bottom of the flame. Slowly, he lifted the flame off the wick entirely until it sat on the tip of his finger. Then the flame began to roll down the finger to Harry's hand before moving along the top. "How's this?"

With a chuckle, the Carrier nodded. "Very, very good, Harry-Chan. You're doing well." Expression turning curious, Ryuujou hummed a little bit. "How long did it take you to come up with the trick you did?"

There was a blush on Harry's face as he shifted a bit, the ball of flame rolling across his skin though not burning it. "Um... about a year?"

Nodding, Ryuujou watched as the flame shot around Harry's wrist over and over until it formed almost a bracelet. "I see, that is quite impressive, Harry-Chan."

It went without saying that Ryuujou gave him good marks on his test.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

On Harry's face was a thoughtful frown as he stood by his station in the kitchen and looked over what was in front of him. "I wonder..."

Suddenly a voice caused him to perk up. "Harry-Chan?"

Turning he saw Shinano beside a slightly nervous Regina as the Carrier poked a banana that was there. "Shinano-Chan! Regina! Good evening!"

In reply, Shinano gave him a smile back. "Good evening..."

Beside her, Regina also nodded as she blushed lightly. "G-good evening to you too, Harry." Pulling her scarf up around her face a bit more, her hooves could be heard scuffing lightly against the floor. "I-it's very nice to see you again."

All Harry did was smile at her. "It's great to see you again too, Regina!" Then he glanced around. "Um... is Supply Depot Princess around?"

Regina only shook her head at that. "No, she's busy talking with Miss Ooyodo... Sh-she said that because it was safe I could l-look around a little bit..." She then played a bit with her fingers even as her tail glanced around. "Shinano though found me and decided to bring me here..."

Brightly smiling, Shinano gave a nod. "I thought that it might be nice for her to come by and get something to eat."

Giving her a thumbs up, Harry grinned a bit. "That's a great idea, Shinano-Chan." Turning towards Regina, he tilted his head some. "Is there anything that you might like?"

For a moment, Regina blinked before she shrugged a little bit. "I... don't know. There's so much here and I'm not really all that sure..."

Scratching his chin, Harry gave it some thought. "Hmm..." After a moment, he walked over to where they were standing and smiled. "Well, how about you let me know what you like and I'll see what I can bring up."

Unable to say anything, Regina gave a nod. 'He's so nice to me...'

Meanwhile, Shinano had turned thoughtful as she examined the banana by her and poked it curiously. "Um, Harry-Chan... I think that there's something wrong with this banana..."

Raising an eyebrow, Harry frowned and looked at the banana in question. "Really? Like what?"

With a glance around, Shinano leaned towards him with a frown on her face. "It's blue..."

It took a few moments for Harry to figure out what she was saying and then his expression became one of understanding as he shook his head. "It's supposed to be that color."

Now looking back and forth between the fruit and Harry, Regina blinked. "It is?" When he turned towards her, she ducked a bit into her cloak. "Not that I mean to question you... I'm sure that you know better then me..."

A few seconds later though, she blinked as Harry reached up and ruffled her hair a bit, a bright flush on her face. "Hey, no need to be like that." Unnoticed by him, she bit her lip a little as he pulled his hand away. "And yeah, it's supposed to be blue because it's not ripe yet."

There was an odd look on Shinano's face as she leaned down. "Is it a magical fruit?"

Shaking his head, Harry chuckled some. "Nope! Non-magical... it's just a blue java banana that was shipped over from Hawaii."

Both Shinano and Regina blinked at that. "Hawaii?"

With a nod, Harry shrugged a bit. "Yeah, they're actually pretty good." Glancing around, Harry leaned in with the Abyssal and Shipgirl doing the same. "They're called ice cream bananas because they taste like vanilla ice cream and feel like it too, but without the cold."

Eyes wide, Regina turned towards the banana with an awed look. "They're like ice cream...?"

Giving her a look, Harry raised a finger. "Wait here for a moment..." He walked over to his station as Shinano and Regina shared a confused look with each other. A few moments later, Harry returned holding two peeled ones. "Here, these are ripe so you can try them."

Shinano examined it before leaning forward and taking a bite as Harry blinked as he looked at the banana he was holding that not had a bite taken out of it. As she slowly chewed it, Regina watched in interest. "How is it?"

After she swallowed, Shinano gave the Abyssal a smile. "It's really good!"

While she stared, Regina thought it over and then turned and took a bite out of the other banana Harry was holding. Then her eyes widened and sparkled a bit. 'It really is good!'

Furrowing his eyebrows, Harry could only blink in confusion, though he noticed Iowa off to the side watching with a massive grin on her face. And when the Battleship noticed that Harry saw her, she gave him a wink even as Shinano and Regina took another bite. '... I wonder what that was about?'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The only sound was the clacking of keys as Naka frowned before leaning against her fist in thought as her eyes darted across the screen. 'That's... rather interesting.' Making a quick note on another computer, the Light Cruiser grabbed her mug and took a sip before pausing. "Sendai, if you try that then I am going to break your keel over my knee."

Behind her, Sendai paused and blinked from where she was about to grab Naka and try to scare her. Grumbling, she practically threw herself into another chair and rolled until it gently bumped into Naka's desk, drawing an annoyed look from her sister. "You're no fun anymore."

Scoffing, Naka just shook her head. "Mainly because I've had to deal with your bullshit for the past couple of years."

With a sigh, her fellow Cruiser held her hands palm up and shook her head slowly. "Like I said, no fun at all anymore."

All that got her was a roll of Naka's eyes before said shipgirl gave a snort. "Good..." With a raised eyebrow, she glanced over at her sister. "By the way, shouldn't you be out doing your usual thing, Yasen-Baka?"

Now pouting, Sendai put her hands behind her head. "Nah, there's no cute little Destroyer-Chans out there right now, they've all gone to bed. The local clubs are all boring, and there's no new Americans or personnel from other places to talk to about things. Boooring."

Just shaking her head, Naka grumbled to herself. 'And yet, you are still better then my actual family.' Glancing to the side, Naka gave her sister a blank look as she started to munch on what she recognized as pork rinds. "... Seriously, Sendai?"

Chewing, Sendai only raised an eyebrow before swallowing. "What?"

Eyebrow twitching, Naka shook her head. "Please tell me that you're eating more then snack food..."

Having tossed back some more, Sendai gave her a wide eyed, innocent look before nodding. "Of course I have!"

Naka only gave her a look. "Noodle cups and instant meals do not count."

With a grunt, Sendai snorted. "Says you."

If anything, Naka's expression became even more deadpan. "And Jintsuu. If she finds out..."

Snorting, Sendai shook her head. "Jintsuu can kiss my stern if she has a problem. Nothing, absolutely nothing, beats a cup of instant noodles. It's basically perfection itself in a cardboard cup."

Unable to believe what she was hearing, or that this was not the first time that they had this conversation, Naka shook her head. "Riiiight. I'll just stand back and watch the fireworks that will happen when Jintsuu shows up and tries to correct you again."

In reply, Sendai grinned before continuing to watch Naka work on her computer for the next few minutes as she worked her way through the giant bag of snack food. Once it was done though, she pulled out a bag of wasabi peas and began to munch on those as well. "So... what has your attention now?"

Chin propped up on one hand, Naka glanced over at her fellow Cruiser and then turned back to the screen. "Doing some research for an idea that I had."

More then a little interested, Sendai tried to take a look, only for Naka to hold her off which got her a frown. "What?" The only thing that Naka did was give her sister a look and then pointingly stare at the bag of snack food which made Sendai roll her eyes. "You and worrying about that computer."

There was an annoyed look on Naka's face as she glared at her sister. "Yes, and I have reason to considering how long it took me to clean the viruses off of it the last time you used it."

As that Sendai did was shrug. "Oops." Ignoring how Naka's eyebrow twitched at how unapologetic she really sounded, Sendai tried to look at the screen from a different angle. "So... what are you doing research on?"

Glancing at her, Naka turned back to her screens. "Don't know if you heard what they found on Harry-Chan's property, but..."

Sendai nodded a little bit. "Something about a haunted human skull, right?" At the surprised look, Sendai went into a pose best she could with her bag of wasabi peas in one hand and being in a chair. "I'm a ninja, a shinobi... and one of our skills is information gathering for preparation for YASEN!"

For a few moments there was silence before Naka blinked. "You overheard Fubuki talking with the others, didn't you?"

Tossing back some peas, Sendai shrugged. "Pretty much, she was talking to Kana about it."

A pause happened as Naka considered the fact that her sister was spying on Kana and Fubuki before deciding not to ask. That way lead to madness and Kaga likely trying to kill someone. "Right, they're called Screaming Skulls and are a bit of English folklore. Basically, they're haunted skulls that are extremely unlucky to move from their resting place."

With a frown on her face, Sendai grunted a bit. "Okay... so why are you researching them?"

Much to her surprise, Naka had a small grin on her face. "Because hearing about them gave me a small idea actually." Still chewing her snack, Sendai watched as Naka turned her full attention onto her. "And that idea is to make a movie about it."

Raising an eyebrow, there was a slight amount of disbelief in her voice. "A movie, really?"

All Naka did was shrug a little bit. "Yup, pretty much actually." Holding up one finger, she continued. "Horror movies are sort of a big thing right now, but can be made pretty cheap really. But one of the problems is that ideas and stories are just being reused and rehashed. But something like the Screaming Skulls? That's new, that's different! I don't think that anyone else has made something quite about that. Which means that I got an opening for something."

Still chewing her snack, Sendai swallowed and gave Naka a look. "And you think that you can make something out of that?"

Expression turning deadpan, Naka snorted. "They made a movie based on Ouija boards."

There was several moments of silence before Sendai nodded. "Point."

With a slight smirk, Naka turned back to her computer in thought. "Besides, it's just an idea right now and I need to do more research before I decide whether to do it or not. And then I'll have to write up a basic synopsis, a script, and then pitch the idea to some people that I know before it gets anywhere close to being shot. But it'll be months or years before anything happens, hence actually doing my research before starting." Her eyes trailing across one portion, Naka made a note. "Which... is turning up some interesting things."

After that there was several moments of silence before Sendai spoke up. "So... since you're busy, can I borrow your laptop for a bit?"

Blinking, Naka gave her a considering look. "No."

"DAMMIT!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Akashi turned away from the magnifying glass stand and blinked at the sight that met her before smiling tiredly. "Harry-Chan? What are you doing here?"

In reply, Harry looked down at the cart which had various breakfast foods on it and a carafe of coffee. "I thought that you could use some food, Akashi-Oba." He then narrowed his eyes and put his hands on his hips. "Don't tell me that you worked all night again."

There was a sheepish smile on the Repair Ship's face as she grabbed a muffin and the coffee. "Then I won't." Biting into the muffin, she grinned a small bit as Harry gave her a glare reminiscent of Nagato's own. However, on him it looked cute instead of the intimidating way it did for his mother. 'Maybe in a few years, Harry-Chan...'

With a huff, Harry turned towards the item on her desk and leaned down to better examine it as Akashi watched over him. If it had been just about any other person, or even shipgirl, Harry would have assumed that it was a model or a toy. But due to it being Akashi and the fact that her fairies were crawling all over it and taking notes, Harry knew that it wasn't. However, it took Harry a few moments to realize what he was looking at and he pointed at it. "Wait a moment... isn't this a Bofors?"

Chuckling, Akashi reached over and ruffled his hair. "Yup, in particular a 40mm/60 Type 5 which was based on some examples captured from the Allies during the War."

His eyebrows furrowing, Harry frowned and looked up at her. "So it's a Japanese gun?"

Quickly swallowing the bite of sausage in her mouth, Akashi nodded. "That's right."

Scratching his head in complete confusion, Harry frowned a little bit. "Wouldn't it be easier to use ones from the Americans though?"

That got him a small smile from the pink haired shipgirl. "Yes and no." She then patted the chair beside her. "Come and have a seat for a moment." Once Harry was sitting, Akashi nodded some. "Now, there are some things that you need to understand. Despite being around for years, we're still trying to understand the magic us shipgirls have. And it's not exactly easy even for us Repair Ships and we got what can best be described as an... instinctual knowledge of things. Follow me so far?"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "I think. We don't know a lot and what you do know you just kind of... know?"

Akashi smiled a little bit more as she took a sip of coffee. "Exactly. Now, despite our reputations, Yuubari, myself, and the other 'Science Shipgirls' are continuously trying to figure out the ins and outs of the system. How to get little improvements that can be distributed to the rest of the fleet. For example... looking at the Type 0 Passive Sonar that Musashi had, both now and in real life, I was able to figure out how to fit it to other capital ships. Now not only does Musashi and her sisters, Yamato and Shinano, have it, but so does your Kaa-San and her sister among others. If nothing else it helps them know if there's a Submarine in the area. In fact... I believe that Vestal is trying to figure out something similar for the Americans after looking at our version."

With a frown, Harry slowly nodded before he stopped. "Wait... why couldn't she just refit the ones you came up with?"

Now grinning, Akashi raised a finger. "Ah! But that's where things with our magic get interesting and ties into your earlier question. You see, Harry-Chan, for some odd reason it's only what the country the shipgirl belongs to that works best for them. For some odd reason, the magic in our bodies recognize it and works best. So Vestal will have to work out a version for the Americans. Then working together, the other navies will be able to create their own."

Deep in thought, Harry frowned a bit and then looked up. "So... the reason why you don't just use the American ones is because it would not be as good for Japanese shipgirls as it is for the Americans?"

Holding up a finger, Akashi grinned. "Exactly! Of course..." She slowly turned towards the AA gun on her desk. "That means that we need to figure out our own versions. I've been working on this for about a year now fixing the bugs. Thankfully, unlike back then, I can call up Vestal, South Dakota, or have a look at any of the American shipgirls around to get information on how theirs work. Which means that I can make our version work out better and then use it to help out our shipgirls." She then scratched her cheek. 'Grant you... if South Dakota ever manages to get the 3"/70 working, that might be interesting...'

Then Akashi shook it off as Harry slowly blinked. "Huh... so if you manage to work this out then..."

A large smile on her face, Akashi nodded. "It'll start to be refitted to all the shipgirls who can carry it and improve their AA." Reaching over, she tapped him. "And thanks to you, I already got another project on the go as well which Houshou is happy about."

Confused, Harry frowned. "Because of me?"

Slowly, Akashi nodded as she slowly chewed a waffle before pulling over a paper she had off to the side. It took Harry a few moments before he realized what he was seeing. "Um... is that a biplane?"

Once she swallowed, the Repair Ship nodded. "Yup, remember when you asked me if radar could be mounted on a broom and I told you I couldn't see how?" At Harry's nod, she continued. "Well... I decided to look into it. And what would you know, but the British had mounted radars on the Swordfish to be used for Anti-Submarine work. I got several ideas from them and, once I figure it all out, that will give us a huge bonus. Heck, I can add them to Shinano's airwing and make her better able to defend against Submarines."

Eyes wide, Harry slowly grinned. "That... is so cool!"

Laughing, Akashi nodded. "That it is, Harry-Chan, that it is."

Harry's next words caused her to freeze for a moment though. "Is that why everyone has been saying that you've been cooped up in your lab?"

For a moment, there was a flash of an image of her sister ship's wreck, almost complete but left to rust, before Akashi shook it off and ruffled Harry's hair. "Partially. But I've also needed to work through some problems that popped up." Before Harry could ask though, she clapped her hands together. "So! Are you ready for Hanami?"

More then a little suspicious about the subject change, Harry soon shrugged it off and began to chat over his plans with Akashi nodding along or commenting as she ate.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Floating in what seemed like a thick, viscous liquid, they were unaware of the passing of time. Their world was dark and silent which frightened them. Where were they? What was going on? Why had they been left like... this?

"H-help..."

Their corridors were filled, flooded by the liquid that they floated in. Something that they knew kept them alive, yet keeping them from living. They tried to fire their boilers every so often, but it always sputtered out. Smothered by the life giving and life preventing liquid. Their fairies had learned, of course, how to help them move. But as long as they remained in this liquid, they couldn't do much.

"Help m-me..."

And so they waited, and gathered their strength. Waiting until they were able to do something. And now, maybe... maybe they could finally escape from their prison. Firing their boilers yet again, they felt some strength in their limbs. Slowly, they raised them and tried to push against the walls of their prison. Their feet/screws hitting one end. And their hands attached to turrets, no arms, pushed up. Maybe this time...

But even as they did so, they could feel their boilers sputtering, their energy depleting.

"N-no..."

"P-please no, God no..."

Suddenly, their boilers went out yet again, the small amount in their fuel tanks depleted. Limbs that could, if only given the chance, be able to tear through solid steel like foil felt like limp, wet noodles. All their strength just gone like that as they sank and thumped against the sides and bottom of the prison.
Even as a different darkness from the one that smothered them encroached in from the edges of their eyes/rangefinders, they could only whimper.

"P-pl-please... anyone... someone... If you c-can hear me... please..."

"Help me..."

And then Harry woke up in a cold sweat sucking in cool, spring air as he looked around his room. His eyes wide and wild, he soon calmed down before frowning as he thought over his dream. Unlike others though, it was not slipping away. In fact, it stayed as clear as day. Fixed in his mind as if it was more then a memory of a dream. "What in the world...?"

In her tank, Shiromizu poked her head out of her home and blinked as she took in Harry getting out of bed. "{Harry? Did something happen?}"

Walking over to the small desk, Harry shook his head as he flicked on the light and pulled out his small dream journal. "{I... don't know. I just had a dream.}"

There was a snake's version of a frown on Shiromizu's face as she gazed at him. "{A dream?}"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "{Yeah... a dream... though it felt like something more.}"

Within Shiromizu's voice there was an undercurrent of something else. "{A dream that didn't feel like a dream, hmm...?}"

Blinking, Harry turned towards her. "{Do you have an idea what happened?}"

Now looking out at the window, Shiromizu tilted her head to the side. "{No... but I, too, have had the odd dream. And so has Haru-San and Natsumi-Chan.}"

If anything though, that caused Harry to frown. "{Them too?}" At her nod, his frown deepened before he looked at the time and blinked. 'It's two in the morning...?'

Unknown to Harry, he was not the only one as several others had also woken up in various places on the base from the same, odd dream. In the Destroyer Dorms, Shimakaze had holding her shivering sisters close, only knowing that they had woken up with sobs and crying as they gripped their older sister. And so the speed demon of the Destroyers just held them close and stroked their hair as she tried to convince them that it was all just a dream.

Even if she didn't quite believe it herself and was trying to convince her own mind of that fact.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Frowning, Harry was tapping a pen to his chin as he narrowed his eyes. Suddenly though, there was a tap on his shoulder and he turned to see Inazuma there. "Is something wrong, Harry-Chan, nanodesu?"

Beside her, Ikazuchi nodded with a grin. "Yeah, whatcha thinking about?"

Just chuckling, Harry turned back to his notebook. "Well... trying to solve something." Noticing a hand reach out and grab his bacon which made him turn. "Hoppou!"

Said Abyssal rapidly ate the piece of bacon and gave him an innocent look. "Hoppou not do anything."

Rolling his eyes, Harry turned as Hibiki sat next to him and tried to see his notebook. "You're trying to solve something?"

Eyes wide, Akatsuki looked around. "Like, a mystery?" She then frowned. "Well... real ladies do solve mysteries..."

Akatsuki then tried to flip her hair over her shoulder and an attempt to look like an adult, only to get it in her face and sputter. Inazuma ignored the amusement on Ikazuchi's face as she leaned in. "Can we help?"

Jerking her thumb at herself, Ikazuchi nodded. "Yeah, after all you can rely on us!"

There was a considering expression on Harry's face before he nodded. Within moments, DesDiv6 were all seated around him as he showed them his notebook. "It's about an odd dream I had last night."

Confused, Ikazuchi looked at him. "A dream? What's the big deal about a dream?"

Glancing around, Harry leaned forward and the others followed. "Well, Shiromizu stated that she also has been having odd dreams, like it. And she's not the only one!" Harry then gestured at Hoppou. "Hoppou also had one, except... it was a lot less clear then my dream."

Each of the four Destroyers turned towards Hoppou who blinked. "Hoppou have bad dream where she feels trapped."

Suddenly, Hibiki took a deep intake of breath. "Wait... I think that I have had a dream as well, though..."

Slowly, Harry nodded. "You can't remember it, right?"

Now thoughtful, Inazuma hummed. "Uh-huh... I think that I had that dream too, except... I worke up and couldn't remember anything, just a feeling of being trapped. Weird..."

With a frown on his face, Harry flipped his notebook. "Mum also had a dream like that. But I remember my dream. See?"

The Destroyers leaned in and took note of what was written there. Leaning back, Akatsuki shivered a little bit. "That's really creepy, Harry-Chan..."

Beside Harry, Hibiki shook her head. "So you want to know why you had this dream and so did others?"

As he nodded, another, tired voice spoke up. "Dreams?"

Nearly as one, they turned to see a tired looking Shimakaze there. Blinking, Harry looked up at her. "Um, something wrong, Shimakaze-Nee?"

Yawning, Shimakaze shook her head. "Besides my sisters all having a really bad dream where they were trapped somewhere..." She trailed off as she noticed Harry sharing a look with the others and narrowed her eyes. "You know something, ou...?"

For a moment, Harry shared a look with the others before turning back and giving a nod as they began to explain.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Shimakaze frowned and cupped her chin as she looked at the bulletin board in DesDiv6's clubhouse. On it, were notes and tacks from which there were strings. "Does this make sense to anyone else?"

With a confused look on her face, Natsumi shook her head. "Um... maybe?"

Getting up, Harry began to tap the board. "Okay... let's make a list."

Simply nodding, Inazuma looked through her own notebook, a Sherlock Holmes hat on her head. "Uh... well, none of the human personnel reported having any strange dreams. Only Harry-Chan, and he remembers the dream."

From where she was sitting, Hibiki frowned. "Maybe because Harry-Chan's Okaa-San was a shipgirl?"

After a few moments of thought, Shimakaze furrowed her eyebrows. "Or maybe it's because Harry-Chan is a wizard?"

Looking at Harry who shrugged, Ikazuchi wrote some items down on paper and then stuck them onto the board. "Okay."

Suddenly, Akatsuki raised her hand. "Oh! The dreams only happen between o'one hundred and o'three hundred!"

Head snapping to look at the purple haired Destroyer, Natsumi gave her a considering look. "Always?" At her nod, the kitsune became thoughtful. "The Hour of the Ox..."

Slowly nodding, Harry blinked. "Those are known as the Witching Hour back in Britain." Seeing the looks, he shrugged. "It's supposed to be when the boundaries between this world and the next are at their weakest."

Murmuring, Natsumi walked over to the board. "When one can be closest to the spirits..."

A frown on her face, Shimakaze leaned in and scowled at the board. "But what does this have to do with my sisters?"

Finger tapping against her chin, Inazuma brought out a magnifying glass. "We're missing something, Nanodesu."

It was Hibiki though who widened her eyes and then pulled out her cellphone and began to call someone. Harry tilted his head to the side as he watched her. "Hibiki-Chan?"

To his surprise though, she just raised one finger. "I want to check something, Harry-Chan." Moments later, the phone connected. "Montana-San? Do you have a moment?"

Minutes later, Ikazuchi added another bit to the board. "Okay... so Montana-San also had the dream and remembers it." She then turned towards Hibiki with a confused expression on her face. "But how did you know?"

Getting up, Hibiki walked over and then pointed at a note. "See? Niiyodo-San also remembers. Just like Shimakaze's sisters... and Montana-San."

Eyes widening, the dots connected and Shimakaze's breath shot out of her,. "Ou! I see now!"

However, it was Harry who brought up the one problem. "But... why me? And how is it all connected?"

Tilting her head, Natsumi considered the board before frowning. "Um... could it be something like a distress signal?" At their looks, she shrugged. "Well, if I was trapped somewhere I would be in distress."

After that, they lapsed into silence before Akatsuki cleared her throat., "So, um... guess that we need to go and tell someone?"

Each of them only shrugged a bit.
_______________________________________________________

It was a group of scowling shipgirls, one kitsune, and one young wizard who left the Command Building. Annoyed, Ikazuchi kicked a nearby rock and sent it sailing several hundred feet into the ocean. "That bastard!"

Somewhat unnerved, Inazuma waved her hands around slightly to calm down her twin. "Please don't swear..."

Huffing, Ikazuchi looked away with a growl. "Sorry, he just got me so mad back there! You heard him." She then waved her hands in the air. "'Oh, so you were looking at dreams? Heh, cute kids. But us adults have more important things to worry about. So run along now.'" Ikazuchi then stomped one foot down. "We're freaking shipgirls... well, mostly anyways."

On Harry's face there was also a scowl. "Did you hear his response when we brought up talking to Teitoku? He said that he was in meetings all day the whole week and couldn't be bothered."

Her eyebrows furrowing, Akatsuki looked towards Harry. "Uh... was he telling the truth?"

Shimakaze gave a small snort at this before puting her hands behind her head. "Yeah, there's a bunch of meetings going on this week... I saw Teitoku stumbling home last night tired out."

That caused Harry to become thoughtful. 'Which means that talking to him outside the office is likely out... And Mum is out on a sortie for the next two days...'

Arms crossed, Inazuma frowned a little bit. "I think that he's new, Nanodesu..."

Snorting, Shimakaze shook her head. "I know who he is."

With a blink, Harry looked towards her. "You do?"

A grimace on her face, Shimakaze shrugged. "Yeah, I met him on another base and... He doesn't like us shipgirls very much, Ou." She then raised an finger towards Harry. "Something about replacing him or whatever."

Even though he didn't quite know what she meant, harry frowned. "So... now what?"

Ikauchi suddenly grinned. "You know... we could continue our investigation and find out where this is coming from."

That got her a frown from Akatsuki. "But it's not our job."

Grinning even more, Ikazuchi turned and placed her hands behind her head. "Yeah... but he told us that he'd leave it in our capable hands, remember?"

Harry raised his eyebrow at that. "I think that he was being sarcastic there, Ikazuchi-Chan."

Now laughing, Ikazuchi winked at him. "Yeah, and? He still told us that and so we can check it out." Her face then took on a mock, innocent look. "After all, us little children wouldn't know any better..."

Usually for most who looked their age, this would be when one of them would consider going to another adult. Sure, one adult already dismissed them, but another one would not. And it would reach Goto at some point and, while annoyed, he would have it dealt with. Especially due to all the oddness that was magical sparkly shipgirl bullshit.

However... in this case it was five Destroyers, one kitsune who was a Miko-in-Training, and a wizard. What was going to happen would be obvious as they raised their hands into the air. "Okay!"

Several minutes later, Harry was frowning in thought. "So... how are we going to be doing this?"

There was a thoughtful look on Natsumi's face as she looked up at the sky. "Hmm... our best bet would be to use divination to find where the location of the dreams are from." She then turned towards her longtime friend with a raised eyebrow. "Did Oba-Chan, Ryuujou-San, and Junyou-San teach you anything about divination of that sort?"

Nodding, Harry smiled. "Yeah..." Then he grimaced. "Issue is... I don't know if I got the time for it."

Much to his surprise though, Natsumi winked and raised a finger. "Actually, it's a bit easier then that."

With her eyes widening a fraction, Hibiki turned towards the kitsune in interest. "It is?"

Slowly, Natsumi nodded before pointing to Harry. "We know that Harry-Chan somehow was able to see the dream, right?" Getting nods, she continued as she pointed at Shimakaze. "And her sisters are also able to see it, right?" Once more, Natsumi got nods. "Niiyodo-San does as well. So we set up a sleepover and perform the divination. With almost all the recievers in one place, the signal will be stronger and easier to track."

After a few moments of thought, the others slowly nodded at that and began to plan.
_________________________________________________________________________

Heads nearly touching, several eyes were looking down at a map in thought before Niiyodo adjusted her glasses and pointed at a marked out spot. "So... this is where those dreams are originating? Right here in Yokosuka?"

Frowning, Akatsuki tapped the spot as Natsumi nodded. "Some of my crew remember that neighbourhood, it's one of the older ones." At their looks, she shook her head. "There's buildings there going back to the 1900s."

Natsumi just stared down at the map. "Yeah... but a lot of them are abandoned." Seeing the looks, she shrugged a little bit. "Oba-Chan told me about there. A number of the homes in the area were abandoned even before the Abyssal War and could attract supernatural attention of the wrong sort. Not the sort of thing that you want to be involved in."

Eyebrows raising, Harry stared at her. "So it's really dangerous? Could it be a trap?"

Still thoughtful, Natsumi shook her head. "I wouldn't say that... but something odd really is going on there. Someone wants help, but who? And better, why?"

For several moments there was quiet before a voice spoke up. "Well then, we should head out and give them a hand, dess?"

They were all nodding when they stopped and then looked up to see Mikasa's smiling face right above them. Said Battleship was somehow hanging out of the ceiling vent by her feet as she smiled at them. A few seconds passed without any of them reacting before they jumped back clutching at their chests as Harry pointed at her. "Mikasa-Obaa!"

Giggling, the Battleship let go of the vent and easily landed on her feet as she examined the map. "So you're going on an adventure, Dess? Well, it looks like you might need some adult supervision!" With that, she went into a pose with a thumbs up. "And I'm an adult!"

Just blinking slowly, Hibiki leaned towards Inazuma before whispering. "She is?"

Eyebrow twitching, Inazuma tried to ignore how Mikasa smirked at them. 'Please don't antagonize her, Hibiki-Chan...'

It was several hours later, once Mikasa got a truck to transport them, that said Battleship nodded and adjusted the pith helmet on her head. "And here we are!"

Unknown to them, a distance away Sakuya frowned as she watched her daughter and Harry setting up to divine the source of the odd dreams. Turning towards her sister who simply sipped some tea, Sakuya flicked a tail at her. "So you already know the source?"

Chuckling, Haru only nodded. "Hai, it wasn't that hard when I looked. Both Ryuujou and Junyou also know and were going to come by and check themselves in a few days." With a sigh as she took another sip, the four tailed kitsune let out a hum. "The dreams have only been happening for the past two weeks after all. But... I will say that I am rather pleased with them so far."

That caused Sakuya to raise an eyebrow at her. "A test?"

Softly humming, Haru watched her neice and Harry work. "Less a test and more allowing them to gain some experience with a relatively easy problem. They have the needed knowledge for most of it, but they need to learn how to use and apply it. Just lecturing them won't give them the know how in regards to it's full use."

Lips twitching, Sakuya shook her head. "A practical lesson then?"

Nodding, Haru took another sip. "Precisely. Besides, I have been rather pleased with Natsumi-Chan's progress so far and have been planning on having her gain some experience with her skills. I would have liked Shiromizu to be here as well, but unfortunately that is not possible. There will be other times for such."

Finger tapping against the roof tiles, Sakuya slowly nodded. "I see... and getting Mikasa-Sama involved?"

That got her a snort from Haru. "They do need some supervision. If they had been able to speak to Goto-San without that baka interfering, then I would have asked him if Harry-Chan could participate alongside Natsumi-Chan in the search. There's no real dangers around so it's safe."

Raising an eyebrow, Sakuya frowned. "You're certain of this?"

Still watching the group, Haru noted Mikasa looking towards them for a second before winking. "Hai, they're perfectly safe."

Just nodding, Sakuya turned back and continued to observe as they finished up and the group started walking. Standing, she dusted herself off as Haru put away her tea. "Well, we should be going."

With a chuckle, Haru nodded. "Hai, hai."

The two of them shared a look and then hopped off the roof. If anyone was watching, they would have seen to foxes then striding from some bushes and walking in the same direction as Harry and the others. Safe it may have been, but neither Haru nor Sakuya were going to take any chances.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Standing in the tall, scraggly grass, Inazuma scratched her head as she looked towards where Harry and Natsumi were standing. "So this is where the dreams are coming from, Nanodesu?"

Just nodding as he looked up the stone wall, Harry nodded. "That's where everything is pointing."

A frown on her face, Mikasa cupped her chin in thought. "Hmm... this is a bit of a problem, Dess." Turning, she watched as Shimakaze came running around a corner with an annoyed look on her face. "No way in?"

Grimacing, Shimakaze shook her head as she looked at the wall. "No, the doors are shut tight."

There was a buzz and everyone turned towards Niiyodo who watched as the scout plane she sent out returned. Adjusting her glasses, she turned to the others. "Well... it looks abandoned from the air. But... when my plane tried to get a closer look, it was pushed away."

Natsumi huffed a bit and placed one hand on the wall before running it along the stones. Pulling it away, she shook her head. "There's magic protecting it."

Becoming thoughtful, Harry turned towards Karakaze before waving at her to come close. Once she got close, the Destroyer raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

All Harry did though was point at the top of the wall. "Mind giving me a lift? I want to see if I can at least look over the top."

With a glance at Natsumi who shrugged, Karakaze frowned but crouched down. "Get onto my shoulders, Harry-Chan." After he did so, she grabbed his feet and stood up as she walked towards the wall before stopping. 'Did it...?'

Eyes wide, Harry unknowing finished the thought. "... Did it just get taller?"

Now curious, the others shared a look, but it was Akatsuki who nodded as she tilted her head back. "It did!"

For a moment, Natsumi narrowed her eyes walking over. "Karakaze-San? Could you crouch down again? And Harry-Chan? Sit on her shoulders."

Confused, they did so only for Natsumi to clamber on until she stood on Harry's shoulders, easily keeping balance as she used her illusions to hide her tail. Blinking, Harry looked up at her. "Natsumi-Chan?"

In reply, she just grinned down at him and a wide eyed Karakaze. "I got good balance... now, could you stand up?" Slowly, the Destroyer did so and Natsumi sighed as the wall rose again until it was too far to reach. "Darn..."

With a small grin, Mikasa walked over with Niiyodo following before grabbing one of Karakaze's legs, the Light Cruiser grabbing anotherr. "Hang on, Dess!"

Between the two, they lifted the three until they were at arms length for Niiyodo, but the wall still rose until it was above them. Jaw dropping, Inazuma stared. "Hwawawa! Look at that, nanodesu!"

Crossing her arms, Natsumi only scowled. "Sometimes, I hate magic..." Then, before Harry could stop her, she hopped off him and landed on the ground with ease. "We got to find another way in..."

As she slowly brought Karakaze down alongside Mikasa, Niiyodo grunted. "That might be nice... though shouldn't we inform someone since onmyouji are involved?"

Still thoughtful, the kitsune nodded. "Yeah... that might be a good idea." Before she was even done, Niiyodo was already writing what Natsumi assumed was an email to someone. With a frown on her face, she walked over to Shimakaze. "You didn't happen to see anywhere we might slip in, did you?"

It took several moments, but Shimakaze finally shook her head. "Besides the door, there was just a drainage hole in the wall, but that had a metal grate."

Pausing, Natsumi blinked before she looked up. "Show me."

Shimakaze only blinked before she nodded. "Ou!"

The two of them began to job though Natsumi waved back to Harry who frowned at her. "We'll be right back!" It didn't take them long to reach the drainage in the wall which Natsumi crouched down and looked at before running a finger along it. "Hmm... it's a hole in the protections."

Narrowing her own eyes, the Destroyer behind her crouched down and examined it. "Bit of a tight fit for you even if we removed the grate."

What she didn't expect though, was for Natsumi to grin and then shift into her fox form. Even though Shimakaze, like the other shipgirls knew she was a kitsune, she didn't expect for her to transform right in front of her. "Why?"

All Natsumi did was shrug a little bit. "You already know, so it's not like I really need to hide it. Besides..." Looking at the grate, she took a deep breath. "Someone needs help and that's what Mikos do, help people, right?"

Smiling, Shimakaze only nodded. "Hai." With a deep breath, Shimakaze reached out and grabbed the grate before yanking it back, the steel easily snapping as she opened it. Seeing as Natsumi hadn't moved, Shimakaze blinked down at her. "Is something wrong?"

More then a little sheepish, Natsumi grinned a little. "Um... do you have any fairies with guns? I can carry them and... just in case, you know?"

The only thing that Shimakaze did was smile down at her.
__________________________________________________________________________

Walking back and forth, Harry looked worringly at the gate before he turned to Shimakaze. "You sure that she's okay?"

For a few seconds there was a far off look in the Destroyer's eyes, but then she snapped back to the moment and nodded. "She's just about to open up the gate."

Not even half a minute later there was a scraping sound as the gate was pushed open from the inside and there was a slightly dirty Natsumi standing in the opening with a grin. "Hey guys-"

She was cut off though as Harry ran forward and hugged her tightly. "You're okay..." Then he pulled away slightly and glared at the shocked girl. "What do you think you were doing!?"

Opening and closing her mouth, Natsumi felt her ears flatten against her head. "I... I only wanted to get the gate open."

Harry then hugged her tightly again. "Just... don't make me so worried next time."

Utterly confused, Natsumi turned towards Shimakaze who shuffled a bit. "I told Harry what was going on and when we got to the drain, it had repaired itself, ou!"

Next thing that Natsumi knew, DesDiv6 was also hugging her. "We were all really worried, Nanodesu!"

A frown on her face, Hibiki nodded some. "Yes, going off like that was not Khorosho."

Blushing, Natsumi glanced around before slowly hugging Harry back. "Sorry about that guys..." She then tilted her head to the side. "But besides, I had some of Shimakaze's fairies with me."

One of said fairies raised a tiny hand and nodded. "Desu."

Letting go of Natsumi, Harry crouched down and nodded. "Thank you for making sure that Natsumi-Chan was safe."

The fairies just nodded before they made their way over to where Shimakaze was as Harry now turned towards the courtyard and blinked. "What the..."

Natsumi made a sound of agreement as she looked over her shoulder. "Yeah... the place is totally abandoned and looks like it has been for a few years."

Before Harry could comment, he heard a whimper and turned to where Niiyodo was looking through the gate with an unnerved expression on her face. "Niiyodo-Chan?"

Looking between him and the gate, the Light Cruiser straightened her back a little. "S-sorry, but... something about it just... makes me nervous." Frowning, she furrowed her eyebrows. "Like it was reminding me of something..."

That caused Harry to frown a little before he noticed Karakaze also shivering as she looked in as was her other sisters outside of Shimakaze who was trying to calm them down. "Karakaze-Chan, do you...?"
Slowly, the Destroyer nodded as she shifted from one foot to the other. "Hai... I feel like I should know this place..."

Understanding, Harry only smiled before he nodded to Shimakaze. "Maybe you should stay here while we check it out..." He blinked though as a slightly nervous Niiyodo walked up behind him. "Niiyodo-Chan?"

Gulping, she made an effort to calm her nervousness. "I-I'll come with you."

Much to Harry's surprise, she was joined by Karakaze. "Me too..."

Shimakaze then turned to her sisters with a frown. "Do you want to look around as well?"

It took a few moments, but after a shared glance, Kiyokaze nodded. "Um, yes... but maybe around the outside?"

Her expression turning gentle, Shimakaze only nodded before she turned to Harry who smiled slightly back. "Well... I guess we can take the inside?"

Frowning, Mikasa nodded. "Very well then, Shimakaze, you and your sisters search the outside. Niiyodo, Karakaze?" Both shipgirls stood at attention. "You're with Harry to search the inside with Hibiki joining you. Natsumi, Akatsuki, Inazuma, and Ikazuchi will be another group. And I'll be on my own."

There was a frown on Akatsuki's face as she took that in. "By yourself?"

A smile on her face, Mikasa just patted her on the head. "I'll be fine, Dess. It's more important that Harry-Chan and Natsumi-Chan are looked after and I'm entrusting that to you."

Eyes wide, Akatsuki gave a salute. "Ha!" Moments later, she walked up to Natsumi and gave the kitsune a smile. "Don't worry, we'll escort you safely."

Softly chuckling, Natsumi only shook her head before they slowly made their way to the traditional looking home.
_______________________________________________________________

Walking along a passageway, Harry frowned as he glanced towards a window. "Is anyone else thinking that this wierd?"

In response, Hibiki raised an eyebrow at him. "Is there anything normal about this?"

Beside her, Niiyodo nodded some as she rubbed her arms before moving a bit closer to Harry. "I agree with her, Harry-Chan."

However, Harry only sook his head. "I mean... besides that. Look around us..." Gesturing to the room that they were entering, Harry waved his hand around. "There's nothing in here. Don't most abandoned homes still have stuff in them?"

That caused them all to stop and look around, Karakaze shivering a little. "You're right..."

Moving around the room, Hibiki was about to say something when she stopped and looked down. "Harry-Chan, I think that I found something."

Looking over from the window, Harry blinked. "You did?"

All the white haired Destroyer did was point towards her feet as she moved around in a circle. "There's a space here that's confusing my sonar."

Confused, Niiyodo looked towards her. "Why would you be using your sonar?"

In return, Hibiki just gave her a frown. "I wanted to make sure that we didn't step on any traps in the floor just in case."

Within moments, Harry was crouched down beside her before he reached out and knocked on the floor. The first few spots didn't really sound odd. But eventually, he knocked on one spot that gave an echo which caused him to look up at a surprised Hibiki. "A hidey-hole?"

Kneeling down beside him, Hibiki furrowed her eyebrows. "Perhaps..."

Niiyodo and Karakaze also kneeled beside them and the four of them ran their hands along the floor until Shimakaze's sister looked up. "The floorboard's loose here!" It took only a second to remove it and to reveal a iron ring, which she grabbed and then moved until it twisted and locked with a click. "Whoa!"

The four of them scrambled back as the floorboard moved revealing a stairwell heading down. Slowly, Harry looked up at Hibiki who stared back. "I thought that traditional homes like this don't have basements..."

Eyes narrowing, Hibiki pulled out a flashlight and shone it down to reveal what looked like a large room. "They don't... and according to my sonar, there's no way that there's a basement there. The space is too small."

Giving it some thought, Harry suddenly snapped his fingers. "Space expansion!" At their looks, he shrugged. "With magic, you can make a small space a lot bigger."

Frowning, Hibiki nodded some. "That... would make some sense about why my sonar is acting strange..."

Just staring into the darkness, Harry blinked. "Do... any of you feel that? It feels like... the summoning room!" Needless to say, Hibiki's eyes widened and she shared a look with a surprised Niiyodo and Karakaze who realized that Harry was right. Holding out his hand, Harry looked towards Hibiki. "Give me your flashlight, Hibiki-Chan!"

However, she shook her head at him. "Nyet, I will go first, Harry-Chan."

Sliding over, she put her feet onto the steps and began to walk down, followed by Harry as well as Niiyodo and Karakaze. As they walked down them, they looked around in amazement at what seemed like a workshop of some sort. There was a heavy desk along one wall with what looked like notes on it. There were also candles and old fashioned lanterns. However, when Harry touched the bottom, he stumbled some and nearly fell if not for Niiyodo grabbing him. "Harry-Chan, are you okay?"

Rapidly blinking, Harry nodded before he let out a yawn. "Y-yeah... I just felt tired all of a sudden."

Hibiki was having none of it though as she walked over and began to check him. "Harry-Chan-"

Waving her off, Harry seemed to regain his color fairly quickly though he rubbed at his scar as it itched. "I'm okay, it's nothing."

Narrowing her eyes, Niiyodo shook her head. "No, we're leaving, now before anything else-"

She was suddenly interrupted as Karakaze gasped and raised a shaking finger. "L-look..."

They turned in the direction that she was pointing in and froze at the sight of a coffin-like object in the room. But what they noted was that there seemed to be empty spots of a similar size and shape by it. Slowly, they moved towards it until they saw the kanji on it which caused Hibiki to furrow her eyebrows. "'Battleship'."

Almost as one, they turned towards Niiyodo and Karakaze who seemed like they were in a trance before the Light Cruiser spoke up. "I... I remember... we were in something like that before..."

Quickly, Harry walked over and began examining it before he wiped some dust, only to feel as if his magic was being absorbed into it. However, what caught his attention was several clicks as latches came undone before he grabbed the end of the lid. "Guys! Come give me a hand here!"

Karakaze grabbed the bottom with Hibiki and Niiyodo grabbing one side each before they lifted the lid off to reveal that it was filled with some sort of fluid. And there, floating in it was a brown haired woman in modified dress whites with a dusting of freckles on her cheeks. To the shipgirls though, her body was overlain by a hull very similar to Montana's. Several moments passed before her blue eyes fluttered open and focused she noticed the four faces looking down at her. "S-someone came...? Finally...?"

With a smile, Harry only nodded. "Yeah..." Reaching down, he helped her sit up, the fluid she was in streaming off. "Now, let's get you out of there."

Her only response was to grab him and pull him into a hug as she buried her face into the confused boy's shirt as she started to sob. "Someone came... someone came..."

Stroking her hair, Harry only held her like that. "It's okay, it's okay, we're here now."

The only thing she did was sob even harder at that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Grunting a little under the weight, Harry gave a smile up at the shipgirl that had an arm over his and Natsumi's shoulders as they helped her make their way out of the house. "So... you're Louisiana then?"

Slowly, the Battleship nodded as she tried to help as much as she could with her limbs feeling like wet noodles. "Y-yes, that's right." A tight, pained expression crossed her face and she was unable to stop from gasping in agony with tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "O-oh..."

Eyes wide, Natsumi looked up at her worryingly. "Are you okay?"

Just nodding, Louisiana whimpered a little before there was a dull roar. "F-fuel tanks are empty..." Swallowing, she gasped as another jolt of pain ripped up from her stomach. "Been empty for... since I woke up..."

All of a sudden, Mikasa was there in a swirl of her robes before she stuffed a pastry into Louisiana's mouth. "Why didn't you just say so, Dess? Young ones like you need your fuel tanks topped up whenever possible!"

Quickly chewing her way through the pastry, Louisiana gasped before Harry suddenly shoved a scone into her mouth. "Here, have some of this."

That, too, soon disappeared. "Th-thank you..."

Before she could get anything else, Mikasa shoved what amounted to a small pie into the Battleship's mouth and tutted. "Enough of that! Let Aunty Mikasa take good care of you!"

A soft sniffle escaped from Louisiana as between them, Harry and Mikasa continued to shove food down her throat. Though Natsumi blinked a little as she looked at her friend in confusion. 'Where did he even hide that food?'

However, her attention was soon grabbed by Inazuma who tugged at her sleeve. "Sorry for not being able to help more..." "Glancing at Louisiana, who was currently munching some fudge, Inazuma continued. "It's just... you know, if we tried to carry her out..."

Natsumi only gave her a smile. "You wouldn't be able to, don't worry, Inazuma-Chan."

Part of the kitsune was still bemused by the fact that when trying to help along another shipgirl, any shipgirl doing the towing would need to take into consideration the tonnage of the one being towed. And in the case of a Montana class, the shipgirls there would have had issues. Up ahead, Niiyodo held open the door to the outside, late afternoon sunlight streaming in. "Almost there!"

It may have been Natsumi's imagination, but Louisiana seemed to speed up just a bit as they stumbled their way to the exit and then outside. When they exited the house, Lousiana though came to a stop and looked around, tugging the bill of her cover down some to block out the sunlight a bit. "It's..." Closing her eyes, she sniffled a little bit. "It's so beautiful..."

Blinking, Harry looked around with a raised eyebrow at the scraggly, overgrown grass that covered everything. 'Okay... that's one way of putting it I guess...' Soon shaking it off, he looked up at her with a smile. "Let's get you back to base, okay? And then I'll cook you up some food to eat."

Her blue eyes sparkling, Lousiana looked down at him as her stomach gave a rumble. "You mean it?"

With a chuckle, Harry nodded. "Yup!"

Beside him, Akatsuki nodded some. "Yeah, and we'll help him, Louisiana-San! Just like proper ladies would!"

Grinning, Ikazuchi gave her a wink and a thumbs up. "Don't worry, you can rely on us!"

A bright smile on her face, Lousiana only nodded. "I know."

Moments later though, she blinked as Shimakaze came running up. "Hey, Ooyodo just showed up with a truck and Kongou! Ou! And they don't look too happy!"

Unnoticed, Niiyodo scratched her head. 'Why would Onee-Sama not be happy? I did email her...'

Not even a minute later, Ooyodo came striding into view with a scowl on her face only to freeze as she caught sight of Lousiana being supported by Harry and Natsumi. "What in the..."

Looking between her and a surprised Kongou, Harry waved. "We found the source of those odd dreams!"

For a few seconds, Ooyodo stared at him and then pinched her nose. "I don't believe this..."
_________________________________________________________________________

Extremely displeased, Goto looked at the group in his office before focusing on one man in particular as he growled. "Lieutenant Commander Hideyoshi... I will be speaking to you, later. Now, you are dismissed."

Swallowing nervously, the man stared straight ahead. "Sir, I-"

If anything, Goto looked more annoyed. "I don't care if you sent an email regarding your encounter with DesDiv6. You sent it to Captain Toyama, but put it as not only low priority, but also worded it in such a way that it would get ignored. I am... displeased. Now, you are dismissed until later when I think of how I am going to deal with you."

Muscles in his cheek twitching, he nodded and then strode out, closing the door a bit more forcibly then needed. Once he was gone, Goto leaned back and rubbed his forehead. "Kami... this is all that I needed after dealing with politicians and the shakedown cruise for the Donryu..."

That caused Ooyodo to raise an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that the shakedown cruise went without a hitch."

Chuckling, Goto shook his head before sighing. "It did, the Submarine managed to launch and recover the UAVs well within the time given. Nagato was there observing and rather impressed. And while I do like the idea of more support as they can be used to spy on the Abyssals, it causes a bit a of a headache with some factions."

A grimace on her face, Mikasa narrowed her eyes. "Such as Hideyoshi-San..."

Slowly, Goto nodded. "Such as the one that Hideyoshi belongs to, yes." Just shaking it off, he looked towards Yonehara. "Remind me to put in a good word for Takahashi-Kun for backing up DesDiv6 when they said that he gave them the mission to investigate. Thank the Kami that he overheard it and stepped forward, even if Hideyoshi tried to claim otherwise."

Yonehara just grunted as he crossed his arms against his chest. "Consider it done."

Leaning back in his chair, Goto took a sip from his mug of coffee. "And now for the elephant in the room... Kongou?"

The Battleship nodded before she opened the door and poked her head out while softly speaking. Not even a minute later, Haru entered the office with a nod. "Goto-San."

With a sigh, Goto motioned towards a seat which she sat in. Once the door closed, he rubbed the sides of his head. "Okay... now can someone kindly explain to me the clusterfuck that just happened? Because I am going to need to know enough to come up with an explanation for this."

Much to his annoyance, Ooyodo looked amused as she nodded her head towards the folder on his desk. "I take it that you didn't read Harry-Chan's report? Or the others?"

For a beat, there was silence before Goto blinked. "Wait... he wrote up a report?"

Smiling widely, Mikasa nodded. "It was an official mission after all. And he wrote up part of it during the trip in and the rest as we drove back."

Just grunting, Goto opened the folder and began to read. It took about fifteen minutes before he pinched his nose. "So... let me get this straight, shipgirls here on the base have been having... bad dreams which they can't remember, but which are very similar. Except... Niiyodo, Shimakaze's sisters, and Montana were able to remember? And Harry also had a dream and remembered it?"

Haru leaned forward a bit and nodded. "Myself and Natsumi also have been having them, but not much more then the shipgirls outside of that small group. It has been mostly... impressions. I would not be too surprised if other spiritually sensitive people have also been having these dreams."

Flipping a page, Goto furrowed his eyebrows a bit. "But why would Harry be one specifically?"

Leaning forward, Kongou frowned a bit. "Maybe it's because he's a wizard and had a shipgirl for a Okaa-San?"

In her own seat, Mikasa gave a nod. "I suspect that would be why, Dess. Especially with the recovered notes, which also explains why Niiyodo and Shimakaze's sisters were others."

That caused Goto to look up with a frown. "What did the notes say?"

Silent for a few moments, Mikasa took a deep breath. "From it, and a journal that we also recovered, it seems that Ooyodo and Shimakaze saved a wizard's great-grandson from some Abyssals and so sought a way to... repay them."

Eyes widening, the pieces clicked in Ooyodo's head and, from the expressions on the others, she knew that the same happened with them. "Niiyodo..."

Just nodding, Mikasa continued. "Yes, he found a way to... summon, or perhaps create, shipgirls based on paper only designs."

Now it was Haru's turn to frown as she tapped one finger on the armrest of her chair. "But how? Something like that would be..."

As she sighed, Mikasa shook her head. "According to his notes, the work that went into creating the designs, the models of the ships, and the like was enough to create a... embryonic spirit. But because they were never built, it did not go any further. What he found was a way to allow them to mature and become full fledged shipgirls, but there was a cost."

Interested, Goto leaned forward. "What was it?"

Frowning, the Pre-Dreadnought gathered herself. "One thing used was the Elixer of Life, created by the Flamels. And the other..." Closing her eyes, her tone softened. "Was the wizard's own magic and lifeforce to fuel the growth."

Her throat tightening, Ooyodo barely managed to get her next words out. "You mean..."

Eyes opening, Mikasa nodded. "The ritual used in the end lead to his death. However, he did not mind this as he saw it as both helping and repaying a debt he held."

There was silence at that as even Goto bowed his head a little for the man that none of them had ever, nor would ever, meet. Eventually lifting his head, Goto stared at the folder on his desk before nodding. "I am classifying that information, Mikasa. What you have said does not leave this room and the only ones to be informed will be Admirals and above." Turning towards the clock, he sighed. "It is too late in the day for this... speaking of, where is Louisiana?"

If anything, Haru became slightly amused at that. "Currently she's in the mess hall enjoying a nice meal, though from what I can see she doesn't want to leave my Niece's side nor Harry-Chan's. But considering that she already knows that they're the reason why she was even found..."

Groaning, Goto put his head on his desk. "Oh for..." Looking back up, he had a resigned expression on his face. "I'll talk with Richardson about having her assigned here since I very much doubt that she will want to leave for some time... and to send her sister here for support." Another glance at the clock caused him to sigh. "Kongou? Mind making me some black tea? I get the feeling that I'll need the caffeine..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A hand reached out and grabbed the hot dog that was on the plate before bringing it to Louisiana's mouth. Biting down, the Battleship made noises of pure and utter enjoyment as she chewed. Sure, it may have been just your average, cheap supermarket brand hot dog. But to a starved Battleship who had not eaten since she woke up?

It was practically manna from heaven itself.

Swallowing the last bite, Lousiana beat against her chest before grabbing the can of soda next to her and draining it in a few gulps. The fizzy nectar running down her throat as she gulped it down as if it was nothing less then ambrosia straight from Olympus. Finally, the last bit was gone and then she practically inhaled the can. "Mmm..."

The first warning that she was not alone was the creak of a seat before a soft voice spoke up. "Um, hello..."

Turning, Louisiana blinked at the sight of the absolutely massive Carrier beside her. Before Shinano could say anything, Louisiana quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped her face and hands before giving her a smile. "Sorry about that..."

In reply, Shinano only held up her hands and shook her head. "It's nothing... I mean, you don't need to apologize...?" Then she realized that Louisiana was holding out a hand and shook it. "My name's Shinano, I'm a Support Carrier."

All that Louisiana did was raise an eyebrow at that. 'Support Carrier...?' Shaking it off, her next action was to fluster Shinano by bringing her hand up and kissing the Carrier's knuckles, making her turn red. "A pleasure to meet you, Ma chère. You're most understanding."

Eyes wide, Shinano just swallowed a little bit. "M-ma chère?"

Slowly, Louisiana nodded. "It means 'My dear' in French."

That caused the youngest Yamato to blink in confusion. "French...? But I thought that you were American...?"

For several moments there was silence as Louisiana blinked at that before her lips turned upwards slightly and tapped her chest. "Allow me to introduce myself, USS Louisiana, BB-71, Montana class. The State that I am named after has people speak French there."

It took a moment, but Shinano suddenly nodded as the pieces clicked into place. "Oh... Oh! So that's why you can speak French?"

Nodding, Louisiana smiled as she opened another can/ That's right..." After a few seconds, she became thoughtful. "Though I am confused as to how that works..."

The Carrier next to her just shrugged before suddenly her stomach growled. "S-sorry..."

Despite her own hunger, Louisiana looked at her plate where there was one hot dog left and lifted it up. "Do you want it...?"

Much to her surprise, Shinano only shook her head. "That's alright, you need it more and I'll just eat something else."

Searching Shinano's face, Louisiana tipped the brim of her cover. "Thank you, ma chère."

Part of the Battleship was amused at how flustered Shinano became over being called that. Before she could do anything else though, she froze as an Re Class stepped into view. The only reason that she did not summon her rigging right there was due to how Shinano along with the other human personnel were acting. "Um... c-can I join you?"

Even more to Louisiana's surprise, Shinano nodded as she patted a spot next to her. "Of course you can, Regina-Chan."

With an utter look of befuddlement, Louisiana stared as the Re-Class gave a bashful smile before sitting down. "Um..."

Almost with a start, Shinano gasped a bit. "Um, right!" She gestured at Louisiana with a slight smile. "This is USS Louisiana, Regina-Chan. Louisiana-San, this is Regina-Chan, she's one of the allied Abyssals."

Suddenly remembering what had been explained to her, Louisiana reached over with a hand. "Uh, right... nice to meet you?"

Blushing, Regina took the offered hand and Louisiana could feel the slightly chilled skin touch her own. "It's very nice to meet you, Miss Louisiana."

Just blinking, Louisiana shook her head. "Just call me Louisiana."

The group then lapsed into an awkward silence for almost a minute as Louisiana tried to distract herself by eating the last hot dog. Said food item soon joined it's siblings inside her and she found herself trying to find something to say.

Thankfully, this was when Harry chose to come out of the kitchens pushing a cart. Almost immediately both shipgirls and the Abyssal perked up as the smell reached them. "I got some more food..."

Upon seeing Shinano and Regina there, Harry looked at the large pot and the basket beside it with a frown. Each of them could almost see the wheels turning in his mind, but suddenly Louisiana smiled and gestured at the two beside her. "We can share if they want."

Both Regina and Shinano gave her a surprised look, but slowly nodded with the Support Carrier giving Harry a smile. "If that's okay with you?"

Harry just smiled right back. "Sure, I'll just make some more once I give you some." Placing the pot onto the table, Harry piled what was in it high on three plates. "Spaghetti with hamburger and dinner rolls." At seeing Regina's tail come up, Harry took one of the dinner rolls and tossed it, the head at the end of the tail snapping it up with a happy growl. With that done, it stretched over the table and, to Harry's surprise, nuzzled him. "Um..."

Looking at Regina though, she was heavily blushing but nodded. "It's okay if you want to, um, you know..."

If anything, her blush intensified as Harry reached under the chin of the tail's head and scratched there. As he did so, a rumbling purr came from the tail and Regina flushed before pulling up her scarf to hide the fact that she was biting her lip. It was almost a minute later when Harry nodded and gave them all a wave. "I'll just head back and get you all some food."

Her eyebrow raised, Louisiana just watched in amusement before she twirled her fork in the pasta and took a bite. "So..."

Keeping her hands in her lap, Shinano's lips turned upwards as turned away from the still blushing Regina. "Hmm?"

In reply, Louisiana pointed her fork at her fellow shipgirl before swallowing. "You know Harry?" Slowly, Shinano nodded which made Louisiana frown deep in thought. "Huh..."

Meanwhile, Shinano took the opportunity to more closely examine the Battleship beside her. Like others, the Japanese shipgirl could see the literally steel corded muscles moving under her skin as she shifted. On her head, her reddish brown hair rustled as she chewed with the freckles that dotted her cheeks standing out against the untanned skin. It took a moment, but Shinano realized another fact about the woman beside her.

She was, amazingly enough, even taller then Shinano.

Granted, it was by maybe an inch or two, but it was noticeable to Shinano's spotters. Remembering the times that she had encountered Montana, Shinano thoughtfully chewed her own spaghetti. 'Are all Montanas that tall?'

Other things soon became apparent under her examination. The Montana didn't have the muscled legs of an Iowa, nor did she have the curves of a Standard, but sat somewhere between them. A throat clearing caught her attention and she looked up to see two blue eyes looking back at her as they sparkled in amusement. "Do you see something that you like, Ma chère?"

Now blushing heavily, Shinano gave an eep which caused Louisiana to frown as her crew muttered about weaponized adorable. "I-I-I was just examining your hull..." Eyes widening as she realized how that could be taken, Shinano flushed even more. "I-I mean, I was curious about your body and, I mean..."

Wanting the floor to open up and swallow her, Shinano was surprised as Louisiana just laughed and patted her on the back. "Worry not, Ma chère. I do not mind..." At Shinano giving a squeak, Louisiana cleared her throat. "So... have you known Harry for a while?"

Thankful for the change of subject, Shinano nodded as she tried to bring down her blush. "I've known Harry-Chan for several years now."

Beside her, Regina shuffled a bit. "I only met him this year but..." Pulling up her scarf around her mouth to try and hide her blush, the soft spoken Abyssal scuffed one hoof onto the floor. "He is very nice..."

Shinano chewed some of her pasta before she nodded with a sigh. "Harry-Chan is very nice, he's... special." Then she shrank a bit. "He's been a very good friend to me even when I've been nothing more then trouble..." Eyes closing, Shinano softly smiled. "B-but he always makes me feel better with his hugs o-or cooking me something."

Just nodding, Regina hummed a bit. "Hoppou told me that they are very warm and they are." Closing her own eyes, Regina sighed. "They make me feel warm from the inside."

Simply chewing as she listened, Louisiana frowned a bit before looking towards the kitchen and speaking in a soft, low voice. "I see... he saved me you know."

That caused both Shinano and Regina to turn towards her with a confused expression. "He... saved you?"

Grimacing, Louisiana's gaze looked at her plate. "I was trapped somewhere... for a long time. But him and Natsumi... do you know her?"

Quickly, Shinano nodded. "I know her, she's very nice as well and a friend too."

On Louisiana's face, there was a distant expression. "I was trapped so very long in my prison when they came looking and found me when no one else was going to... I... I don't know..." Taking a deep, shuddering breath to steady herself, Louisiana continued. "I owe so much to them both... They're like, knights in shining armor."

Confused, Regina scratched her head. "Um, were there female knights?"

Pausing partway through using a dinner roll to mop up some sauce, the Battleship blinked. "I... don't know..."

Tapping her chin withone finger, Shinano shook her head. "W-well, there were female samurai, and Natsumi-San is Japanese."

A frown on her face, Louisiana considered that and shrugged. "Well, I guess that Harry is a knight in shining armor and Natsumi is a samurai in shining armor? Or something..." She then let out a shuddering sigh. "But it changes nothing, thanks to them... I'm free now, saved because they came for me. I can never repay either of them."

With an look of abnormally deep thought on her face, Shinano examined Louisiana's face before she slowly nodded. Then she bit her lip. "You know... Harry-Chan said that when he becomes an Admiral, that he wants me as one of his shipgirls."

For some odd reason, that caused Louisiana to feel like she had a direct hit amidships, or in her gut as it may be. "I-I see..."

To her surprise, Shinano then met her gaze evenly. "You know... a single ship does not make a fleet and... a Carrier does need escorts... Besides Destroyers that is..."

It took a moment, but Louisiana stared into Shinano's eyes, searching. Finally, she nodded to herself. "That is true..."

Looking between them, Regina shifted a little uncomfortably until she raised a hand. "U-uh... do you think that by that time, maybe... us Allied Abyssals c-could maybe be involved in combined fleets?"

Just blinking, Shinano looked at Louisiana who eventually shrugged before she turned back to Regina and bit her lip. "I... don't know. Maybe they might by the time that Harry-Chan becomes an Admiral. T-then we can all help out and fight."

That got her nods before sounds from the kitchen caused them to turn to see Harry bring out more food. With a final glance between them, they smiled as they waited for him to reach their table.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The sound of a mug being set down caused Harry to blink and look up as Taigei smiled down at him. "I brought you some tea if you'd like that."

Smiling, Harry only nodded. "Thanks!" Just then, two arms hung over his shoulder and Harry blinked as RO placed her chin on top of his head. "Um... RO-Chan?"

Her lips twitching, RO made a theatrical sigh. "You're spending too much time with Hachi-Chan, Harry-Chan. You're starting to turn into her."

All Harry did was huff at that before frowning. "No, I'm not!"

If anything, that just caused RO to grin as across the table, Shioi snickered. "Sorry, Harry-Chan, but she is right. You've been really into that book that you're reading."

Kneeling beside him, Taigei frowned a little bit as she examined what she could see of the book. There was some confusion on her features as she brought a finger to her chin and hummed. "What is this book about anyways?"

With a blink, Harry shrugged a bit as he tried to ignore the Submarine currently leaning against his back. "It's about familiars, I got it from my family library when we visited a few days ago."

That caused RO to become interested. "So... witches can have familiars?"

Harry just nodded as he looked at the picture of a cat that was on the page. "Wizards too, but yeah, the legends came from somewhere."

Now interested, Shioi pushed her own work to the side. "Familiars are animals that witches and wizards use, right? I mean, Hedwig is yours..." At the head shake she got, she blinked. "Hedwig isn't?"

Chuckling, Harry smiled a bit. "She's more of a smart pet, not a traditional familiar... Those are more like, um..."

It was RO who spoke up. "Think more like a Shikigami and you're close. They're animals who act as servants, spies, helpers... that sort of thing."

Understanding, Shioi nodded at that as Taigei frowned a bit. "But... are there any familiars?"

As he hummed, Harry crossed his arm and tried to tilt his head the best that he could with RO having placed her chin on top of it. "I don't think so... or at least not anymore."

Furrowing her eyebrows, the Submarine Tender just blinked in confusion. "Why not? They sound pretty useful if they're like Shikigami."

His arms crossed against his chest, Harry frowned some. "Um... the book goes into it, but eventually people stopped using them because they thought it was not worth the trouble."

That caused RO to raise her eyebrow. "How so?"

Blinking, the black haired boy shrugged some. "Well... most wizards or witches could only really have one familiar at a time and it couldn't really be a big one, stuff like cats or owls. Some got around it using fairies or pixies but that usually turned out to be a... really bad idea."

RO winced a bit as she could guess why even though the other two shipgirls only looked confused. "But some could have more?"

With a hum, Harry nodded. "Yeah, some could have more then one, but you needed to be really powerful to have more then one."

Just nodding as she wagged the pen in her fingers up and down, Shioi considered that. "Okay, so you could only have one. I guess that's a problem... but I don't see why that would cause them to fall out of favor."

Scratching his cheek, Harry winced. "There... was a bit more then that." Taking the book, Harry held it up so that Shioi could see it alongside of Taigei. "According to this, familiars were intimately connected to their wizard or witch, but they were also a weakness. Because if killed, there would be a backlash to the person whose familiar it was."

Eyebrow raising, Shioi shared a look with Taigei before turning back to Harry. "A... backlash?"

There was a frown on Harry's face as he nodded. "Yeah... the person could be staggered at the moment of death but... there was more to it then that." He shifted a little bit and took a deep breath. "To the person that the familiar belonged to, it would feel like a piece of themselves died at that moment, something precious ripped away. From what it sounds, they would go into a depression and while most came out of it, others..."

Realization crossed Taigei's face as it clicked into place. "Oh... oh my..."

Nodding, Harry continued. "Even if they made it through, the person could not bond with another familiar for a year and a day. And, well... they would always feel like a piece of themselves would be missing."

From her position on his back, RO raised an eyebrow. "But what happens to the familiar if the person it belongs to is killed instead?"

Wincing, Harry cleared his throat. "Um... it would go into a craze and start attacking everything in it's vicinity until it calms down or... do things like ram it's head into walls as hard as possible. Usually they died too... If the person just dies of old age though, the familiar just leaves."

Each of the shipgirls could guess why that would be. Taigei cleared her throat a little as she looked uncomfortable with what they had learned. "B-but it had to have had some use, right?"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "They did, for one thing the animal the familiar was originally would get a boost in intelligence and the ability to communicate with it's magical. If the bond was powerful enough, then the person could see through it's senses, sort of like a possession. The familiar though would live as long as the person though, even if normally it would have died long before they did."

Crossing her arms, Shioi only nodded. "Yeah... that does sound a lot like it's not really all that worth it."

All of a sudden though, Harry chuckled a little bit. "You know, I just thought of something."

With a blink, Taigei smiled a little bit. "Oh?"

Leaning against his fist, Harry snickered a little bit. "You know how here in Japan, if an animal lives more then a century, they'd turn into a yokai, right?" After he got a nod, he continued. "Well... us wizards live more then a century. So if I made Hedwig into a familiar does that mean that she would become a yokai eventually?"

That caused them all to go silent before Shioi frowned. "Maybe... Though I don't know of any owl yokai."

Bemused, RO raised an eyebrow. "What about a tartarimokke?"

However, Taigei shook her head with a thoughtful expression. "No, that's more a spirit possession of an owl..."

One finger tapping against the table, Shioi frowned. "Huh... I can't actually think of an owl yokai... wierd." Quickly shaking it off, the Subgirl suddenly gave him a smile. "Anyways... you ready for Hanami tomorrow?"

In reply, Harry grinned at her and nodded. "Yeah, I can't wait actually! I'm just happy that it sync up with when I was off from school..."

Much to his surprise, Taigei gave him a hug before she pulled away. "So am I." There was a slight blush on her face before she shook her head. "Anyways, would you mind helping me making the food for tomorrow? Maruyu is coming and with Louisiana-San likely joining us, I'd like to make sure that we have enough food for all of us."

Smiling back, Harry raised an eyebrow to RO who slipped off his back with a grin before he stood up. "Sure!" Just taking Taigei's hand, he helped her to her feet before Taigei patted herself down. "So what do you want to make?"

With a hum, the Submarine Tender lead him over towards the kitchenette. "Hmm... I have a few ideas actually..."

Unnoticed by her, the two Subgirls shared a grin before RO began to watch the two of them work as Shioi went back to her paperwork.
________________________________________________________________________________
Taking a deep breath, Louisiana let it out as she strode beside Shinano with Regina looking around. "Beautiful..."

Somewhat amused, Natsumi looked up at the much taller female. "You seem to be enjoying yourself, Louisiana-San."

Much to her surprise, when Louisiana opened her eyes there was some mistiness there. "Why wouldn't I?" Holding out a hand, she examined it. "The sun and wind on my skin... the smell of flowers, the blue sky above..." Her chest expanding with one breath, Louisiana then let it out. "It's... wonderful." Then the shipgirl reached down and hugged the kitsune tightly. "And I owe it all to you and Harry."

Blushing partially due to how thankful the Battleship obviously was for something that Natsumi did not see as a huge deal. Another part of her blush came from the fact that her face was now smothered in Louisiana's... fuel tanks which muffled her voice. "You're welcome."

Her lips twitching, Louisiana held her there for a few moments before letting go and pretending not to see Natsumi gasp for air. A giggle though let her know that Shinano had been watching and had found it humorous. Stretching, the Battleship let out a sigh as she continued to look around. Off to the side, she could see Hamakaze and Isokaze just talking with each other as they "Escorted" Shinano, Regina, and Louisiana around. After the dinner the night before, they had continued their conversation at Shinano's quarters and had become rather good friends. During their chat, she had found out some other things about Harry that she had not known. Such as how he had a smoker on the base he used and that the Battleship was going to try and get permission to use herself.

Or, rather... at least until she had built herself one.

Something that her friends were looking forward to. Quickly shaking off those thoughts, even as some of her fairies drew up plans, Louisiana turned towards Shinano. "So, Ma chère, you're going to start helping me learn tomorrow?"

Even as Shinano nodded, Natsumi turned to regard them with a confused expression. "Learn what?"

There was a slightly embarrassed expression on Louisiana's face as she moved the brim of her cover down a little. "I... was never built, hence I have no experience as a ship. Thankfully though, Ma chère here is willing to spend the time and effort to teach me some as well as things in regards to us shipgirls."

As Natsumi turned towards her, the Carrier nodded a bit, her face red. "T-that's right. Um... I'll try my best to help you, though I don't know how much help I'll be really..."

Just shaking her head, Louisiana put her arm over Shinano's shoulders and pulled the Carrier in close, making her eep. "You'll do fine, Ma chère! Trust me, I am putting myself into your capable hands."

While Hamakaze and Isokaze gave the American amused looks, Natsumi shook her head some. "Why do you keep calling her 'Ma chère'?"

In Louisiana's eyes there was a twinkle as she hummed before suddenly pulling Natsumi into a hug with the arm that was now on Shinano's shoulders. "Because it suits her, do not tell me that you're jealous, Ma chérie?"

Now it was Natsumi's turn to be blushing, before she shook it off as she tried to ignore the soft giggles coming from Regina. "I'm not." Turning away, she frowned a little bit. 'Ma chérie?''

Lips turned upwards slightly into a smile, Louisiana took a moment to just enjoy the fact that she was outside in the sun with an arm around one of her rescuers. Then she glanced around with a thoughtful expression. "I wonder where Harry is?"

Blinking, Shinano looked around until she pointed towards one of the side paths. "There he is, with the Submarines and the Akizukis!"

Smile brightening a touch, Louisiana nodded some before she looked at each of them. "How about we make our way over there then?"

From where she was just behind the three of them, Regina nodded some. "I-I would really like that and to spend some more time with Harry..."

Grinning some over her shoulder, Lousiana snickered. "Well, guess that we're off to see the wizard then!"

Even though she was confused, Regina smiled a little and pulled up her scarf. Though part of her mind was on the blossoms around them. 'It's so pretty...'

Meanwhile, Harry was looking back at where the Duckies were carrying bento boxes, happy expressions on their faces. The fact that food, including what he made, caused them to be so happy always brought a smile to his face and warmed his heart. It was after all so different from when he lived at the Dursleys and had to cook meals. "Excited?"

Teruzuki just nodded even as she held her bento a bit closer. "Why wouldn't we be? We're about to enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms!"

Beside her, Akizuki nodded and sniffled a little. "And the food smells so wonderful."

Scratching his cheek, Harry grinned sheepishly at them. "Well... hopefully it's taste as good as it smells."

All Hatsuzuki did was shake her head before glancing around. "Of course it will, you made it." She then rubbed her cheek against her bento with a sigh of happiness. "You always make amazing food."

Now even more embarrassed, Harry chuckled a bit. "I'm just happy that you enjoy my cooking." Hearing a commotion though, turned back in time to for a shout. "What the...?"

Coming down the path, an American Destroyer was windmilling her arms as she tried to keep her balance on the roller skates she was wearing. "GANG WAY!"

Realizing that she was about to slam into the frozen Maruyu, Harry ran forward and swept the Subgirl in his arms. The two of them just managed to get out of the way as the Destroyer shot past them, missing the others before reaching the end of the path and landing in the pond. Slowly shaking his head, Harry let out a relieved breath. "That was a close one..." Of course, that was when Harry realized that he was hearing an odd sound and looked around to find the source. It took a few seconds, but he looked down to see a bright red Maruyu making the sound from where she was being held in his arms. "Maruyu-Chan, you okay?"

The poor Subgirl could only look up and slowly nod through her embarrassment due to how he was holding her bridal style. "Y-yes..."

Unknown to her though, Taigei had quickly snapped a picture before hiding the camera away. "Harry-Chan?" Once he looked over at her, Taigei smiled a little bit. "I think that Maruyu is a bit tired from her trip... could you carry her for a little bit so that she can rest her legs?"

It took the Submarine in question just a moment to understand what Taigei was doing and she mouthed a 'Thank you' to her as Harry nodded. "Sure, I don't mind at all." Shifting her around a little in his arms, he smiled down at the flustered Subgirl. "Better?"

Brightly blushing, Maruyu just nodded with a small, bashful smile. "Yeah..." Adjusting herself so that she was laying her head against his arm, she nodded. "Much better." About the only thing that Harry did was shrug before continuing the conversation that he had been having as they walked, him still carrying Maruyu in his arms.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Standing on the stage, Harry smiled as he looked out onto the various faces looking up with excitement. "Thank you all for participating in this, the Fourth Annual Yokosuka Base Easter Egg Hunt! You all participated and fought hard to find the treats hidden around the base. And this year, it didn't end in fire everywhere!"

Hands cupped around her mouth, the USS Ellyson grinned. "NOT THROUGH ANY LACK OF TRYING!"

Even as Niiyodo muttered to herself in confusion, Harry shook his head. "Therefore, it is now time to give out the prizes!" He waited until the cheering had calmed down before looking towards Niiyodo. "In first place, and getting the two pound chocolate bunny, our winner is..."

Niiyodo cleared her throat as a Fairy did a drumroll before taking a deep breath. "The team of Shiratsuyu, Sendai, and Ellyson!"

The brown haired Japanese Destroyer began to jump in place as before bolting forward with Sendai and Ellyson following close behind. "FIRST! WHOO-HOO! NUMBER ONE! NUMBER ONE!"

Grinning as she took the offered rabbit, and the medal, Sendai grinned. "It was easy for a master of... Ninjutsu!" She then crossed her arms and smirked. "One should never underestimate a grandmaster as myself. All my experience at Yasen gave us the advantage!"

Softly snickering as she claimed her prize, Ellyson winked at Harry. "Thanks."

Just nodding, Harry watched as they left the stage to cheers before they calmed down. "Now, in Second Place, and winning the one pound chocolate eggs, we have..."

Waiting until the drum roll finished, Niiyodo smiled. "The team of Kisaragi, Johnston, and Iku!"

As she walked up, Johnston shook her fists into the air at the cheers. "YEAH! WE'RE FREAKING AWESOME BADASSES AT THIS!"

Behind her, Kisaragi frowned a little bit. "Those bushes we crawled through nearly ruined my hair..."

There was a grin on Iku's face as she accepted her egg and medal. "This was nothing for the Sniper of the Seas!"

Clapping himself, Harry stood there as he filed off. "Now then, for Third Place, which is the rabbit behind me..." He gestured at the stuffed animal almost his size. " We have..."

Even as the drumroll continued, various shipgirls leaned in to listen before Niiyodo checked her list. "The team of White Plains, Fubuki, and Kana!"

All three shipgirls got cheers as they walked up the stage, though Kana was blushing rather heavily while White Plains was practically hopping. The Battleship searched the crowd until she caught sight of Kaga who was standing beside Akagi, who had her lips smeared with chocolate. Having noticed her twin looking at her, Kaga stared back evenly with her usual dour expression before her lips turned upwards and she gave Kana a thumbs up. Feeling a tap, Kana turned to see Fubuki there with the giant rabbit which she handed over. "Here, I already got one from two years ago."

Her eyes wide, Kana took the giant plush and smiled brightly as she cuddled it. "Thank you, Fubuki-Sempai!" She didn't finish the rest of her thoughts. 'Sempai gave me a plush rabbit! And it's so cute!'

Meanwhile, Fubuki scratched at her cheek with a small chuckle. "You're very welcome."

Giving the plush another happy squeeze, Kana accepted her medal and walked off the stage with Fubuki and White Plains as Harry continued to clap. Once they were all done, Harry walked back up to the microphone. "Before we finish, we would like to thank Rose. Mamiya-San, and Taigei-Chan for providing refreshments during the Easter egg hunt."

When he gestured towards them, all the shipgirls began to clap which caused Mamiya to bow alongside Taigei as Rose flushed and tilted the brim of her hat down. "You're all welcome."

Harry then gestured towards a grinning Akashi. "We would also like to thank Akashi-Oba for setting up a facepainting station for all those who wanted it and taking time out of her day for it."

Even as Akashi gave a small bow at the applause, Harry could see both Shinano and Regina at the back of the crowd clapping along. The two of them having gone for the facepainting station and how had a bunny nose with whiskers to go along with the rabbit ears headbands they were wearing. Though Regina also had something similar on her tail's head, which had caused Akashi to become bemused when asked. Niiyodo then cleared her throat. "We would also like to thank our Teitoku, base personnel, Haru-San, and all those who made this year possible and a success!"

Then both Harry and Niiyodo bowed to the crowd with smiles as they spoke as one. "We would also like to thank all the participants as otherwise this would not have been a success, thank you!"

Needless to say, that got them cheers before someone called out. "AND THANK YOU FOR THIS!"

Raising up one hand, Harry then brought it down with a grin. "I hereby declare this year's hunt to be over! Congradulations to everyone!"

Several firecrackers went off but were nearly drowned out by cheers.
_______________________________________________________________

"Here you go, one hot chocolate."

Looking up with a blink, Niiyodo took the hot chocolate from Harry gratefully. "Thank you."

All he did though was chuckle and shake his head a little before he noticed the Light Cruiser looking at her nose. "So... what are you reading?"

Just biting her lip, Niiyodo glanced at him. "It's a text from Onee-Sama about the hunt..."

Seeing as Niiyodo was practically vibrating in place, Harry could already guess what it said but tilted his head to the side just the same. "Oh? And what does it say?"

There was a small squeal that escaped from Niiyodo as she nodded with a bright smile on her face. "Onee-Sama was giving me congradulations and stating that she's proud of the job that I did!"

Not even a moment later, she blushed some as Harry reached over and hugged her. "That's great! And you deserve it after all the work that you put in. I couldn't have done it without you!"

Blushing still, Niiyodo shook her head some. "I'm sure that you could have managed it."

However, Harry only shook his head. "Nope! Usually it takes more then just two for organizing it, but you were awesome. Seriously, you really deserve it!"

If anything, that only caused Niiyodo to blush some more before she took a deep breath. "Thank you, Harry-Chan."

Reaching to the side, Harry pulled over a large basket and nodded. "You're welcome... and now for the best part." He shot her a grin as he pushed the basket towards her. "It's our turn to eeat some chocolate! It tastes better after a job well done."

Softly chuckling, Niiyodo looked into the basket and brought a finger to her chin. "Hmm..."

After a few moments, she grabbed a foil wrapped chocolate bunny and bit into it with a hum of enjoyment without unwrapping it. Meanwhile, Harry took one of the eggs and unwrapped the foil around it before biting into it. Chewing, the young boy watched as Niiyodo finished her chocolate and then looked at the balled up foil in his hands before holding it out. "Want it?"

Just smiling, she nodded and took the foil. 'Thank you." Tossing it back, it was the work of seconds for her to chew and then swallow it. Both of them sat there enjoying the chocolate for the next little while before Niiyodo spoke up. "Um, Harry-Chan... can I ask you something?"

Confused, Harry looked over at her as he tried to decide if he would save the rest of his portion of the chocolate for later, or eat more now. "Sure."

Taking a deep breath, Niiyodo tried to ignore the burn in her cheeks. "Since you said that I did a good job, could you... pat my head?"

For a second or two, Harry just blinked before he smiled and nodded. "I can do that." Reaching over, he ruffled her hair which made her close her eyes and smile. "Hopefully next year will be just as awesome!"

Niiyodo could only nod as she hummed. 'I hope so too.'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Knocking on the door, Maruyu glanced around before hearing a voice from inside. "Come on in."

After a moment of hesitation, the small Submarine pushed open the door. Having arrived back at Kure just a half hour earlier after leaving Yokosuka the day before once she saw Harry off, she had not been expected to be called over to the repair docks. While Yokosuka had Akashi, the docks at Kure had Asahi as their Repair Ship. For the most part, she was a good Repair Ship, except... when she was pissed off.

Maruyu felt a shiver run up her back at the memory of one time that Aso showed up badly hurt because she picked a fight with a drunk American shipgirl. The fact that both had to go to the docks only pissed Asahi even more off. And to Maruyu, the sight of the normally calm and jovial Battleship conversion ripping into the two with a Scottish accent was utterly terrifying.

Was it any wonder that upon being told she was to report to the Docks that she was slightly frightened? "U-uh, Asahi-San... you, um... wanted to see me?"

Smiling, the Repair Ship nodded and waved for her to come on over. "Yup, I have something for you over here."

Unsure, Maruyu tried to ignore the small amount of fear and made her way over only to blink at the sight of what looked like a bunch of scrap off to the side. "Um... What's that?"

Just blinking, Asahi blew some of her brown hair out of her eyes and then smiled. "That?" Getting a nod, she chuckled a bit. "That would be a Type 60 Self-Propelled 106mm Recoilless Rifle used by the JGSDF."

Part of her was amused as Maruyu forgot her fear and walked up, running a hand along sme of the wreckage. Internally, Maruyu could hear her crew making comments regarding it before she suddenly stopped and looked at the amused Repair Ship who just smirked at her. "Sorry..."

Chuckling, Asahi reached over and ruffled Maruyu's hair before gesturing with her fingers towards the paper on her desk. "You know... Akashi mentioned to me that you've been asking around about weapons for yourself. You could have asked me."

Her cheeks red, Maruyu glanced around as she played some with her fingers. "I... didn't want to bother you..."

All Asahi did was hum at that before shrugging. "If that's what you want to say. Anyways... she mentioned it to me and I think that I got something for you."

Now looking over the plans in front of her, Maruyu blinked a little bit in confusion. "Um... what is this?"

Grinning, Asahi clapped a hand down onto the small Submarine's shoulder, nearly staggering her. "This here is what I like to call the Super Shotgun." At the look, Asahi shrugged. "I saw Naka play that game, DOOM, and liked the weapon. Anyways..." She then pointed at the wrecked vehicle. "The JGSDF was going to just get rid of it, but I got to work. That wizard friend of yours... can he expand space?"

Confused, Maruyu shook her head. "Not yet... but he knows people that can, why?"

Asahi smirked and brought one finger down to the back of what looked like an oversized shotgun if the measurements were right. "If he can, we can attach a metal box right here and expand the inside, which means that it'll contain all the recoil, especially with the vents at the top. Basically? It would let you be able to use what amounts to two four inch cannons at once, ain't one of those Abyssal Q-ships that will be able to shrug off one of those hits without hurting, especially with the new filler that Yuubari came up with."

Frowning, Maruyu did some calculations and then blinked. "And I would be able to use it?"

In response, Asahi pointed. "Got a mockup right over there, go ahead and give it a try."

Eyebrows raising, Maruyu walked over and then grabbed the mockup which was made of steel. Then she lifted it up and put it against her shoulder as she steadied it with one hand. It would have looked comical to anyone who did not realize just how dangerous it was. After a few seconds, she slowly put it down with a nod. "Okay... it might work."

Only snorting in response, Asahi shook her head. "Might work, she says..."
_____________________________________________________________________________

Packing up his school supplies, Harry gave a look to where Quirrel was slumping in his seat. For some odd reason, since he got back, the teacher seemed to be utterly exhausted all the time. Shaking his head, he fellowed his friends out the door with a frown on his face. "Do any of you know what's up with Professor Quirrel?"

With a frown on his face, Ron scratched his hair. "What about him?"

Harry only looked at him in disbelief. "Considering how tired he's been looking?"

Now it was Hermione's turn to frown a little bit. "I wonder if it has to do with the Philosopher's Stone? It's got to be plenty stressful keeping guard over it after all."

Slowly, Harry shook his head. "But none of the other teachers seem as tired."

It was brought up again at lunch only George and Fred perked up. "Quirrel you say?"

Turning towards them, Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... do you know something?"

Just frowning, Fred turned towards George and hummed. "Do we know something, George my dear brother?"

With a slow shake of his head, George tapped his chin. "Now that is a good question, Fred."

His brother then nodded. "We know many things."

George barely kept the amusement off his face, but continued. "Many, many things."

Across the table, Katie snorted. "And what you don't know could fill Hogwarts."

Wincing an clutching at his chest, Fred let out a gasp before grabbing George with his free hand, his brother mirroring his movements. "You wound us deeply!"

In reply, Katie rolled her eyes and then turned back to her lunch.

Meanwhile, Harry frowned and gave them a narrowed eyed look. "Okay, so what do you know about Professor Quirrel."

Sharing a grin, Fred leaned towards him. "Well, both George and myself were in the dungeons the other day, you see."

Beside him, George nodded. "Completely going about our business innocently."

Percy grunted a little bit. "Bullshit."

Holding up his hands, Fred smirked. "We were, we were... anyways, we were passing Snape's office at the time while we held a box we were using for a delivery to the Slytherins. They did ask us for it after all."

Simply nodding, George grinned. "And they did so appreciate our delivery of it."

At their looks, Fred continued his story. "So, here we are, two innocent angels just outside of Snape's door when we hear him talking to Quirrel. It seems that our dear Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher needed a little pick me up in the form of potions and had gone to Snape for them. He was not pleased and asked how long he had been tired."
Nodding, George shrugged. "Apparently since four days before the end of Easter Break."

For some odd reason, that tickled Harry's memory, but he wasn't sure how or why that was. Eventually, he finally just shrugged it off with a frown. "Hopefully he starts feeling better soon."

He would have said more, but Hedwig landed at right that moment and delivered a letter. Taking it, Harry quickly looked it over and then handed it to Hermione. "I'm going to go and get Shiromizu, I'll meet you there."

Despite the looks, Harry didn't say anything and several minutes later, he was walking towards Hagrid's cabin with Shiromizu grumbling. "{It's too cold out here.}"

More then a little amused, Harry looked down at her. "{It's Scotland and it's only late April, of course it would be cold outside.}" He then tightened his cloak a little more. "{Still, I cannot wait for spring to arrive fully.}"

That got him a bob of the head from Shiromizu before they reached Hagrid's hut. Knocking, they waited a few seconds before Hagrid opened the door and looked around. Quickly, he gestured Harry inside. "Come in, come in." Once they were inside, he shut the door and rubbed his hands together as he made his way over to where the egg sat on the table. "Almost time fer it ter hatch."

Her tongue flicking out, Shiromizu poked her head out of Harry's collar and examined the egg closely. "{Seeing a dragon hatch... this is rather exciting, isn't it?}"

All Harry did was reach into his pocket. "{Yeah, it is.}"

Seeing him pull out his phone out of an odd case, Hagrid blinked. "What are yeh doing, 'Arry?"

Just rubbing the back of his head, Harry gave a weak chuckle. "You said that I could record the dragon hatching, remember? Not every day that one gets to see something like that after all."

Blinking, Hagrid suddenly nodded. "Ah, tha's right. Didn' think tha' yeh would be able to though... Ah, well, nothin' fer it." Suddenly, the egg cracked and he leaned down. "An here he comes..."

It took several minutes, but eventually a head poked out before the egg fell apart as the little dragon gave a small roar. It locked onto Shiromizu and froze a little as she examined it with her red eyes. 'Interesting...'

Then Hagrid stroked it's head and it nipped the finger before breathing a jet of flame that nearly caught his beard on fire. Putting it out though, he just laughed. "Yeh see that? 'E already knows who 'is mommy is, 'e does."

Shiromizu froze a bit as she flicked her tongue out and then did it a few more times. 'Wait...' Her version of an amused expression crossed her face as she continued to smell the air and ignore the conversation going on. 'I wonder if I should mention that it's a female, not a male...' After a few seconds though, she shook her head. 'No, it'll be more amusing not to I think.' Turning her full attention back to the dragon, she hissed. "{Welcome to the world, Little One.}"

Eyes narrowed, the dragon gave a small growl and backed away somewhat, much to Shiromizu's amusement.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Groaning, Harry set his head down onto the table. "We got to do something about this."

Across from his, Neville looked up from his book on herbology with a frown. "You mean about Hagrid's... pet?" Getting a nod, he shifted a little bit, obviously uncomfortable. "W-well... it's not like we haven't tried..."

Simply grimacing, Harry just stared off at the windows. "Yeah, but still... he's a friend and if he gets caught by the wrong people..."

Ron just continued to tap his quill's tip against the edge of the inkpot. "Mate, we've tried everything to convince him and he still does not want to give up Norbert."

Biting her lip, Hermione chewed it as some of her crew talked and tried to come up with an idea. "There does have to be a way to protect him against himself." Suddenly, she blinked as one of her officers spoke up. "Uh, Ron? Just to confirm something but... having a dragon's egg is really, really bad, right?"

Not sure where she might be going with this, Ron snorted a bit. "That's putting it lightly, Hermione. Getting caught with one would be a lengthy prison sentence."

Her next words though caused her all to turn to her with wide eyes. "Then why would someone bring it to a pub and then bring it out during a card game?"

Eyes slowly widening, Neville boggled at her. "Uh..."

Harry through turned to Ron who was furrowing his eyebrows. "Ron... would anyone else know about Hagrid wanting a dragon?"

Very slowly, Ron nodded some. "Yeah... I asked Percy about Hagrid and dangerous animals and he snorted. Apparently everyone knows he loves them and he mentioned that Hagrid has wanted a dragon for a long time. From what Percy says anyways."

Leaning back, two words passed Hermione's lips that no one had expected. "Oh... shit."

Wide eyed, Neville boggled at her as he had never heard her curse before. In fact, she usually went after Ron when he did so. "Hermione?"

Quickly looking around, Hermione leaned in with a grimace. "Guys... I think that this is a trap for Hagrid and Dumbledore!"

Confused, Harry crossed his arms and frowned a little bit. "Okay... not to say that you're wrong or anything, but how would this be a trap for Dumbledore?"

Placing a hand onto the table, Hermione took a deep breath. "Okay, you know how I've been reading the Daily Prophet and other newspapers, right?" At their nods she continued. "Well, going by what has been written, it's starting to make a lot of sense."

Furrowing his eyebrows, Harry frowned as he tried to see where she was coming from. Even for a shipgirl this was confusing. "Hermione, I read those papers too. But I can't see how you would be seeing a trap there."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione shook her head. "Guys, going by the papers, there's a lot of people who have issues with how Dumbledore has been moving politically. Some keep trying to push in the other direction, right?"

Slowly, Neville nodded. "Gran told me about some of that. According to her there's several factions that want to do something about the war but... Dumbledore wants to support the muggles and others want to either pull away, put in laws to severally punish anyone who helps and anyone who ignores such, and another who... wants to take action against the Muggles."

Neither Hermione nor Harry needed clarification on that from OpEds that they had read. Some of which had caused Harry to nearly lose it from what he had read about shipgirls. And from the way that Ron was going red and nodding, so did he. "Okay, so what does this have to do with a dragon?"

For several moments Hermione was quiet before she whispered to them. "What would happen if someone caught Hagrid in a few months with a dragon? Especially with every sign of him having raised it for months on school grounds?"

A hiss came from Neville before he groaned. "Nothing good at all. Because then that would go back on Dumbledore."

His eyes widening, Ron grimaced as he put his head onto the table. "He couldn't even argue that it was an egg he found as it's not a British species."

Face paling, Harry slowly turned towards Neville and Ron as the dots connected in his head. "Guys... how bad would it be?"

The look that they shared was more then answer enough before Neville answered. "Really, really bad. It might not be enough to knock him from his positions, but it would still hurt him a lot."

Banging his head onto the table, Harry grunted. "Dammit... which means that bad things might happen."

Just grimacing, Hermione shook her head. "We need to go to someone. Maybe one of the teachers..."

With a sigh, Harry straightened his back and looked at her. "But then they would probably head down themselves and confront Hagrid. Which might warn the person if they have someone watching... and Hagrid would know that we broke his trust."

Even as Ron and Neville began to brainstorm with Harry, Hermione closed her eyes deep in thought. That the outside, it looked like she was thinking. Internally though she was rushing through her corridors, sliding down ladders, and running along stairs. Finally, she reached a meeting room where several shadowy figures were. "Okay, I know that this is not normally what we would do but... I need some help in coming up with a plan."

Sharing what she knew was amused looks, the various Officers nodded before they sat down. Moments later, Hermione opened her eyes and Harry blinked at the look in them. "Hermione?"

Glancing at him, Hermione took a deep breath. "Guys? I have a plan but... I need to do it alone, do you trust me?"

Only raising an eyebrow, Ron looked at the others and shrugged. "Sure."

Relieved, she let out her breath and shakingly smiles. "Just... give me a few days, that's all I need."

That only got her nods from the others. A few days later on his morning run, Harry blinked as he noticed Hermione leaving the castle. "That's... odd."

Beside him, Myrtle blinked from where she was floating in utter confusion. "I wonder where she is going."

Sharing a look, they headed for a nearby window and watched as Hermione jogged towards the shore of the Black Lake before vanishing down the staircase that Harry knew headed for the underground cove where the boats were tied up. "Hmm..."

Myrtle frowned before she shuddered slightly a few seconds later. Then she narrowed her eyes as the dense, early morning fog shifted in the lake as if something large was moving through it. "Is she...?"

Knowing from earlier conversations that Myrtle knew the truth about Hermione, an amused Harry raised an eyebrow. "Going for an early morning cruise? It looks like it."

Just shaking his head, Harry resumed his run as Myrtle became thoughtful. "I wonder why though..."

All Harry did though was hum thoughtfully. "I wonder..."

Even when Myrtle looked at him, he didn't say anything more and instead turned to stories regarding the family members that Myrtle had known.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Hands in her pocket, Hermione frowned a little bit before checking the watch on her wrist as she stood in her rigging on top of the water. 'I wonder where-'

Suddenly, her thoughts were broken as the water practically exploded in front of her as Upholder rose up out of the water with a sword in her hand. "HUZZAH! IT IS I, THE EVER CHIVEROUS UPHOLDER, LADY HERMIONE, MOST BEAUTIFUL SINCE TROY!"

There was an unimpressed look on Hermione's face, though she raised an eyebrow as she caught what Upholder was on. "... Where did you find a hippocampus?"

All the Subgirl did though was grin. "IT WAS TRULY A-"

Before she got much further, Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth. "Softer please, I'm trying not to get caught out here you know."

Just blinking, Upholder gave a thumbs up before nodding. Once the hand was retracted, she took a deep breath and let it out. "As I was saying, my Lady Hermione, tis' was from an adventure most amazing under the sea! Full of intrigue, mystery, and action! But for that, I have gotten my most trusted steed, Salmon!"

Looking at the hippocampus in question, Hermione noted it watching her right back. "I... see..." Then she frowned and shook her head. "It's a little big for our purpose..."

With a frown, Upholder blinked. "Eh... But Milady, tis not Salmon who we art using for our mission! In fact, Thrasher will be the one who will be involved!"

Hermione was about to ask when said Subgirl surfaced with a grin, though the water was foaming in front of her. "HUZZAH!"

She was shushed though by Upholder who held a finger to her lips. "Not so loud, my faithful companion and fellow underwater adventurer! Neigh! The Lady Hermione, who's beauty outshines the very sun, wishes for us to keep her identity a secret."

Eyes slowly nodding, Thrasher grinned and winked. "Ah, I see, intriguing! And most sly and cunning of you!"

Only sighing, Hermione rubbed the side of her head. "Right... Anyways, I take it that you're the one with what's needed for the mission?"

Grinning, Thrasher nodded. "Of course! I have brought Scruffy for this!"

If anything, Hermione could only stare at the monster that Thrasher lifted from the lake. The creature looked like someone had somehow mixed a large dog and an otter, and then ramped up the aggressive aspects. Foam flew from it's lips as it growled and barked, trying to get away from the Subgirl that held it. "..."

A smile on her face, Upholder reached over and patted it on the head. "Scruffy is a very good boy! And perfect for the mission that you have given us!"

Just watching as it tried it's best to tear off Upholder's hand, Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I... see. And what exactly is Scruffy?"

Glancing at Upholder who only shrugged as Scruffy chewed her hand, Thrasher smiled. "Tis a Dobhar-chú!"

For several moments there was silence before Hermione took a deep breath. Massaging her nose, she held back from twitching. "A... Dobhar-chú..."

Thrasher nodded with her smiling. "That's right!"

Her headache increashing, Hermione continued. "As in... the vicious water monster of Irish folklore that killed numerous people? And would also chase them across land in an attempt to rip them limb from limb and feast upon their remains? That even wizards and witches are weary of?"

Sharply nodding, Upholder grinned. "Indeed! Our Lady of the Knowledge once more proves that her mind is sharper then a tack!"

Meanwhile, Thrasher rubbed her face agains the Dobhar-chú. "But worry not, Scruffy is a most loving pet!"

Watching as it was now trying to chew Thrasher's face off, Hermione looked up at the sky with a blank expression. '... Why me?' Quickly shaking it off, she sighed a little bit. 'Then again, Hagrid will love it.' Clearing her throat, Hermione caught their attention, though Upholder suddenly stopping from where she was bouncing in her saddle was rather distracting before Hermione dismissed it. "Right, so I'll be leading you to where Victory will be waiting with the Headmaster."

Hand shooting into the air, Upholder only nodded. "Very well! Lead us onward our lovely navigator of the seas! Who even Posoidon would be proud to call a daughter!"

Only rolling her eyes, Hermione sighed. "Anyways... Victory will lead you and your... pet... to Hagrid's hut. The story being that you brought Scruffy to Victory to see if there was anyone who could check him, she mentioned it to Dumbledore who decided to bring it to Hagrid who has practical knowledge of dangerous animals. Once there... he'll work to get you inside, and try your best to 'Reveal' the dragon hatchling."

Saluting her, Upholder grinned with the early morning sun sparkling off her teeth. "Worry not, our lovely lady upon the waters, for we shall do our upmost to make this mission a success! Huzzah!"

All Hermione could do was shake her head at that and say a small prayer for Hagrid.

It was fifteen minutes later that there was a knock at Hagrid's door and he opened it some to reveal Dumbledore standing there with Victory and two very developed teens in swimsuits who were still dripping water. "... 'Eadmaster?"

With a small smile on his face, Dumbledore chuckled some. "Ah, Hagrid. I'm sorry to bother you on this lovely Saturday morning, but these young women had an issue that I felt you the best at solving. It seems that one of the Submarines under Victory has come across an animal that they need to be looked at."

Victory only tilted her head at the slavering beast one of the teens were holding which was nearly as big as her. For a moment, Hagrid's eyes widened some. "A Dobhar-chú..."

However, a moment later he paled some as Dumbledore gestured at the door. "May we come inside to talk?"

Nervous, Hagrid looked around. "Uh, I don't know if tha's a good idea, 'Eadmaster... Th' hut's a bit dirty at the moment and I'd need to clean it up-"

Suddenly, Upholder leapt forward. "Worry not our tall friend! A little bit of dust and grim bother us not!" Before Hagrid could do anything, Upholder was inside and out of the corner of her eye spied what they were there for and pointed. "And what is this!? A fire breathing dragon ready to face a knight? HUZZAH!"

As he slowly blinked, Dumbledore turned and gave Hagrid a look over his glasses as he heard the growls and hisses from inside. "Hagrid..."

Wincing a bit, Hagrid chuckled weakly. "Um... I always wanted a dragon...?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

On his broom, Harry let out a puff of air as he looked around. He was on the other side of the Black Lake from Hogwarts and looking for one spot in specific. One that he had been told about by some of the older Muggleborns. It didn't take him long to find the spot in question on a ledge facing the castle. Setting down, he pulled out what looked like a large suitcase from the expanded handbag and set it down. Then Harry pulled out a military laptop and set that down before he let out a sigh. "Okay... how did Naka-Nee explain how to do it..."

Several minutes later found him sitting on a rock with the laptop open as was the suitcase. Inside the suitcase was an odd dome-like object that Harry ignored as he stared at the screen. "Come on... come on... Shinano-Chan did say that I was supposed to hook up around now, right?" Before he could wonder more though, on the screen of the laptop was a group of words that told him he was being linked to the satellites and he waited as the video chat downloaded. Not long after, it finally connected and a window popped up showing the inside of some object that had cushions.

But it was who that was sitting on those cushions that caught Harry's attention as he smiled. "Regina!"

Flustered, the Re-Class smiled as she gave a shy wave. "H-hello, Harry. It's very nice to see you again..."

Leaning back, Harry nodded some. "And it's great to see and talk to you, too." A frown on his face, he shook his head some. "Kind of a shame that I can only do this once a week here at Hogwarts..." Internally, he continued. 'And lets me chat with Hanna once a week as well.'

Just biting her lip, Regina glanced at where her tail had raised up to look at the screen over her shoulder. "Um, at least we get the ch-chance to talk with each other."

Slowly, Harry nodded at that. "Yeah, mail might take a bit to reach you... where are you anyways? And what are you in?"

Blinking, Regina gave it some thought. "Well... I'm at an atoll set aside for Supply Depot Princess... Lady Wanko gave it to her a-and with some help from humans they set up a platform for the internet as payment for her, you know, and..." She looked around before turning back to Harry. "I-I'm in one of the salvaged survival pods."

Not having expected that, Harry blinked a little bit. "Survival pod?"

With a nod, Regina pulled her scarf up a bit. "That's right... like what oil rigs use. We-we're using them for privacy purposes..." Frowning a little, Regina shifted uncomfortably. "T-that's okay, right?"

Softly snorting, Harry shook his head. "Of course it's alright. Besides... I'm on a mountain right now to avoid people bothering me while I talk to you." As her face lighting up in a blush, Harry blinked. 'Was it something I said...?'

Quickly shaking it off the best that she could, Regina brightly smiled. "Oh... that's actually pretty good. And... I'm glad that you don't want to be interrupted. I don't either."

Leaning towards the screen a bit, Harry smiled. "So... what's been happening on your end of things recently?"

Her expression bright, Regina began to tell him about some of Revina's antics. It was an hour later when the hatch to the survival pod opened up and Regina got up out of it, leaving the laptop she had been using inside. Having secured it, she jumped a bit as an arm slung itself over her shoulders and she could hear Revina's voice with a slight tease to it. "So... did ya enjoy your chat with the kiddo?"

More then a little flustered, Regina looked towards the smirking Revina with a heavy blush on her face. "H-h-how did you know?"

Suddenly, Revina had a witch's hat on her face as her tail came to a stop in front of her. Ont it's head was a cushion that held a crystal ball. "Ah, the great Revina knows all, sees all, and hears all!"

Only blinking, Regina suddenly found Revina slinging an arm over her shoulders again. "U-um... it was really quite nice... Harry is very kind after all and I like talking to him." A small sparkle entered her eyes. "And some of the stories that he tells are pretty funny too."

Nodding, Revina cupped her chin. "I see, I see... that's all rather interesting." Curious, Regina turned towards her sister, only for said Re-Class to walk away. "Anyways, I'm starved! I cannot wait to sink these chompers into something yummy."

Confused still, Regina slowly followed her nonethless. Already though, she was waiting for the next week where she could talk with Harry again. Or a few days when she could talk with Shinano and Louisiana.
__________________________________________________________________________

Walking into the First Years Boy's Dorm after coming back from his talk with Regina, Harry had to blink as he noticed that Ron was looking at his owl box. "Ron?"

All the red haired boy did was gesture at it. "You got a letter in there."

More then a little intrigued, Harry walked over and took the envelope in his hands before opening it. "Mum must have forwarded it to me." Taking out a picture, Harry looked at it and then smiled a bit. Then he looked at the letter itself and quickly read it before snorting. "About time."

Confused, Ron looked at the photo which showed a young man with one fake leg who stood next to an extremely pale skinned Japanese woman with black hair. "Who's that?"

Glancing at him, Harry's eyes followed his friend's gaze and chuckled a bit. "That would be Sasaki Miyuki and Mori Daisuke, you met Daisuke back at the base, remember?"

It took a few moments before Ron's eyes widened a bit. "Oh, yeah, now I remember, he was the manager guy for the inn just outside the base, right?" Getting a nod, he frowned. "... So what's up? And why would he be mailing you a letter?"

Lips twitching, Harry shook his head. "Well... apparently he's finally asked Miyuki to marry him. About time that the two of them marry."

Raising an eyebrow, Ron frowned some. "Wait, wait... Miyuki? The one that he was talking about all the time? That Miyuki is the girl in the picture?"

With a chuckle, Harry tapped the picture. "That's right, you remember the story, right?"

Slowly, Ron nodded with his eyebrows furrowing. "Yeah... something about how he met her up in that Hokkaido place during a Abyssal attack during the winter, right?"

Humming, Harry tilted his head a bit. "Daisuke was in the JGSDF and out on patrol when he stumbled upon her running from some Abyssals that had come ashore and rescued her from them... though he lost his leg in the process. They still managed to get out of there and some things happened, and they got together. So now they're getting married next winter and I'm invited along with some of the others since he knows us."
That caused the red haired boy to blink a little in confusion. "In winter, mate? Why not summer when it's nicer? Winter is going to be cold and stuff."

For several moments, Harry was silent before he shrugged. "Miyuki... really does not like the heat." At Ron's look, Harry shook his head. "She wears one of those cooling vests all the time because she overheats easily in warmer weather except for August and July, then she's usually at their quarters with the AC going all the time along with the vest."

Now really confused, Ron stared at him. "Then why does she live in Yokosuka if the summer bothers her so much?"

Looking at the picture, Harry had a somewhat odd expression. "I asked her once... she said that she loves Daisuke with all her heart and will go through any discomfort to be by his side no matter what. And, well, Yokosuka is the only place he could find a job so they came save up for their dream."

Interested, Ron looked at the picture. "And what's that?"

A small chuckle came from Harry as he shook his head. "They want to open up a inn in the mountains somewhere it's cooler so that Miyuki can be more comfortable. But until they save up enough and Daisuke finishes the courses he's taking..." Harry shrugged some. "They got to stay in Yokosuka."

Scratching his head, Ron finally just shook his head. "Well... Good luck to them, I guess?"

Harry's lips turned upwards a little bit. "I'll let them know that you wished them good luck." Then he became a little thoughtful. "Huh... you know, you gave me an idea for a gift..."

Utterly confused, Ron looked over at him. "I did?"

Chuckling, Harry slowly nodded. "Yeah... you did. Now to figure out how to do it..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Frowning as she felt the tingle spread across her hull, Louisiana glanced around with a raised eyebrow. "What the heck was that?"

Beside her, Niiyodo sighed a little. "That... would be the magic protecting this place from being found."

About to say something, Lousiana blinked at the sight of the island that just appeared and crossed her arms against her chest. "Huh..." Shaking her head, she glanced at the Light Cruiser beside her as well as Karakaze and Kiyokaze. "So, all we do is just, what? Walk ashore and look around?"

Nodding, Niiyodo examined the island as they headed for the sandy beach by a old, broken pier. "That's generally what we do when exploring these islands... Not that we usually find all that much."

Louisiana blinked at that before having a bemused smile on her face. "I see" Her attention was then grabbed by Karakaze who pulled out a map and began to mark a triangle on it. "What's that you got there?"

With a glance, Karakaze turned back to her work. "Just marking down the location of the island for future reference, ou!"

That, if anything, only caused the Battleship to become more confused as she scratched her head. "Wait a moment... I thought that these islands couldn't be marked down on maps?"

It was Kiyokaze who answered. "Well, yeah... But there's ways around it."

Humming, Niiyodo continued to watch the coastline as the water below them got shallower and shallower. "One of them is that if we mark three points equidistant from each other with the island in the center of the triangle, then it lets us at least mark the general area it's in."

Simply huffing a bit, Karakaze frowned. "Can't wait for the Statute to fall... then we can take down all these stupid spells."

A considering look on her face, Louisiana looked back the way that they came. "So how are they hiding these anyways? Wouldn't a ship stumble upon them at some point? Or a plane?"

Just shrugging, Niiyodo shook her head. "From what Haru-San said, the spells make it appear like open water from outside the spells and they don't go enough for a plane to normally see them. Besides which... they start out further out to see where they give a small mental 'Nudge' to non-magicals to steer their boats and ships away so they end up missing them entirely."

Eyebrows raising, Lousiana gave a hum. "Okay... color me impressed." Moments later, they stepped onto the beach and Lousiana looked up at the small cliffs which had various flowers on them. "Now that's a lot of flowers up there."

Frowning, Niiyodo frowned slightly, "I wonder if this was someone's garden?" Looking at the pier, she narrowed her eyes. "It's certainly doesn't look like anyone's been here for a long time if that damage is right."

Her own eyes trailing along the pier, Louisiana nodded. "Yeah... that doesn't look like battle damage, just normal weathering."

Suddenly, Kiyokaze jumped around a little bit. "Ou! The sand is actually warm!"

That caused blinks from the other shipgirls as they spoke as one. "What?"

Kneeling down, Niiyodo shoved her hand into the sand and furrowed her eyebrows. "She's... right. The sand is pretty warm." Lifting her hand out of the sand, she shook it off. "That's odd."

Meanwhile, Karakaze was more interested in a spring that was bubbling from just underneath the raised edge of dirt and jogged over, dismissing her rigging. "I wonder..." Crouching, she took a sniff and then put her hand in the water that was bubbling out and eventually vanishing in the sand. "Hey! It's a hot spring!"

Eyebrows vanishing under her hairline, Niiyodo blinked. "Wait... a hot spring?"

Hopping around, Kiyokaze had a grin on her face from up top from atop of a small hill. "Look! There's more over here!"

Just sharing a look, Louisiana and Niiyodo quickly made their way over only to blink at what they found there. There, in front of them, were several pools that had steam rising from them which caused Niiyodo to blink. "You're right... hot springs?"

With her hand protecting her eyes from the glare of the sun, Louisiana turned in the direction of Yokosuka. "How far away are we from the base again?"

Now thoughtful, Niiyodo considered the question. "Maybe... forty, fifty miles away out to sea? Why?"

Glancing at her, Louisiana smirked a bit. "Well... it's not that far away from the base and we're the only ones who know that this place is here, right?"

After a moment, Niiyodo understood what she meant and chuckled. "You know what? You're right!" Then she shook her head. "We should investigate the rest of the island though."

Simply nodding, Louisiana and the two Destroyers followed her as they began walking. Within a few hours though, they had covered the island and found only flowers from what seemed like a massive garden, some ruins from a building that had to be over fifty years old, and more hot springs. A sign though told them it had been a hot spring resort of some kind.

Needless to say, when they got back to Yokosuka the news was met with some excitement from the other shipgirls...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Underneath the blankets, Harry tossed and turned before finally, with a grunt, he threw his sheets off himself. 'Dammit...' Reaching up, he rubbed his scar which seemed to burned a little bit. "What the heck is going on...?"

A soft hiss beside him caused Harry to turn to see Shiromizu there in the low light of the dorm. "{Is there something bothering you, Harry?}" Upon seeing him pause, she moved until she was practically on his leg and coiled up. her tongue flicked out and she froze. "{... Have you been crying, Harry?}"

That caused Harry to reach up and touch his face just below his eyes before he blinked. '{... Huh, you're right...}"

If she had eyebrows, Harry was sure that Shiromizu would be raising one as she gave him a look before gently patting him on the leg with her tail. "{Come now, Harry. Tell Shiromizu Onee-Sama all about it. You know that I won't judge you.}"

Staring out the window, Harry sighed a little bit and rubbed at his still aching scar. "{I just had a bad dream.}" At her look, he grimaced. "{About, you know... my biological Mum and...}"

To Harry's confusion, Shiromizu climbed up his arm until she was perched on his shoulder. Then, using her tail, she flicked away some of the moisture on his cheeks. "{I see... and your scar?}" When he looked at her in surprise, the serpent was unable to help herself and chuckled. "{Fufufufufu, I'm not blind, Harry. I can see that it's bothering you for some reason.}"

Harry was silent for a few moments before he finally shrugged. "{I don't know, it's burning at times.}

Unseen by Harry, Shiromizu was frowning slightly and her eyes narrowed. "{Burning, you say? How so?}"

Not quite sure where she was going with this, Harry finally shrugged. "{It just... burns at times, you know? Especially after one of those dreams happen. And it's been happening more often now.}" Even as the serpant gave him an odd look, he muttered. "{Might be because I still feel bad about Hagrid... he really did not like giving up Norbert.}"

Perking up, Shiromizu frowned a bit more. "{Happening more often? The dreams or the burning?}"

Shrugging, Harry turned towards her. "{Both, really. Why}"

However, all Shiromizu did was rub a tail underneath her jaw as she hissed. "{Now isn't that interesting...}" Seeing the look on Harry's face though, she shrugged. "{It's probably nothing.}" With a glance to the clock, she shook her head. "{Besides, it's late and you need your sleep}"

Much to her surprise though, Harry only swung his legs out of bed with a grunt. "{Maybe in a bit... it usually takes me a while to get back to sleep after one of those dreams really.}"

All Shiromizu did was slide off him and watch as he began to get dressed. "{I see... and what exactly are you planning to do then until you can get back to sleep? Perhaps a late night snack?}"

Chuckling, Harry looked over his shoulder at her. "{Why? You hungry, Shiromizu?}"

Head tilted to the side, she just hissed in amusement. "{No, as I have already eaten tonight as a matter of fact.}"

Slowly, Harry turned and fixed her with a look. "{And what did you eat?}" At the hisses that he knew was her version of a laugh, he sighed. "{Shiromizu...}"

Finally, she shook her head from side to side. "{If you really must know... Do you remember earlier in the Common Room, with Jess?}"

A frown on his face, Harry nodded though he was confused as to the direction that this conversation was going. "{Yes? She was doing her potions homework for her OWLs, right?"

Nodding, Shiromizu nodded. "{And what happened while she was studying?}"

It took a few moments, but Harry suddenly remembered. "{Oh, yeah... the Weasley Twins surprised her, right? And caused her potion to spill into the Common Room fire. It was kind of neat what happened with it.}"

Rather amused, Shiromizu nodded some. "{Yes, the fire turning bright pink was rather hilarious. Anyways, well, earlier I was down there and noticed a house elf put the fire out so that I can presume they could clean the fireplace. And something slithered out of the fire.}"

Having read his textbooks, Harry was easily able to guess where this was going. "{An ashwinder, right? Don't tell me that you...}" Upon seeing her tail flick, Harry sighed and shook his head. "{Because of course you did...}"

Once more hissing in laughter, Shiromizu shook her head. "{Well, I was able to find it just as it laid it's eggs and ate both it and the eggs. You should be thanking me for doing so as it might have caused a fire if left unchecked. Anyways... wasn't nearly as bad as I thought and quite warm in my stomach."

As he raised an eyebrow, Harry looked at Shiromizu's body more closely and frowned a little bit. "{... Don't those turn to ash shortly after they lay their eggs though?}"

Simply giving her version of a shrug, Shiromizu's eyes seemed to twinkle a bit. "{Perhaps normally, though it does not feel like there is ash in my stomach.}" To Harry's amusement, she gave a burp from which smoke and sparks issued. "{Excuse me!}"

Even as he shook his head, Harry chuckled at that. "{What am I ever going to do with you, Shiromizu? Seriously, I don't know of any other snake that would eat salamanders of the magical kind or ashwinders.}"

Humming, she flicked her tail from side to side. "{You know that you love me.}" Tilting her head back, she puffed as best as she could. "{After all, I am the best Onee-Sama you have, Fufufufufu.}"

Bemused, Harry cupped his chin in thought. "{Do I?}" Then he nodded. "{Why yes, yes I do.}"

With a slight smile on her face, Shiromizu watched as he shrugged on his flight coat. "{Don't tell me that you're...}"

For a moment, Harry paused. Then he sighed and continued to get his coat on. "{Sorry, it's just that I find that flying a bit relaxes me and I can sleep easier if I do some after one of those dreams.}"

A hiss caused him to turn and look down to see Shiromizu slowly slithering up his leg. "{I suppose that I might as well come with you then. Just to make sure that you don't get into any trouble.}"

Looking down at her as he pulled out his invisibility cloak, Harry shook his head. "{You just want to go for a ride, don't you?}" Not bothering to deny it, Shiromizu just gave her hissing laugh which made Harry shake his head at her. "{I don't mind, besides some company might be nice.}"

When he put on the cloak, of course, Shiromizu felt a shiver down her spine. No matter how many times she had been around it, for some reason the cloak always felt off. And she knew that she was not the only one as Haru and Natsumi were both antsy around it. 'What is it with that cloak...?'

It was about a half hour later when Harry and Shiromizu were through the air after retrieving the broom from the Quidditch supply closet for Gryffindor. Suddenly, Harry spotted a light moving along the ground and frowned before bringing a rangefinder up to his eye. Moments later, he frowned. "What the heck is Hagrid doing out and about at this hour and... with a crossbow?"

Somewhat intrigued herself, Shiromizu moved so that she could better see. "{Hmm... curiouser and curiouser... and it seems that he's heading into the forest. Perhaps he's doing a bit of night time hunting?}"
That got her a look from Harry. "{Hunting, in the Forbidden Forest at night?}"

All he got from her was a snake version of a shrug. "{Perhaps.}" Then Shiromizu turned towards him. "{Anyways, best to avoid him just in case.}"

Nodding, Harry angled his broom in another direction and was soon above the trees. However, not even ten minutes after losing sight of Hagrid, Harry spotted a flash of silver down below. "{Did you see that?}"

Her head bobbing, Shiromizu hissed. "{I did.}" Then she caught sight of the flash again only to blink as she could spot what it was through a opening in the canopy. "{It's a unicorn running? But where...}"

Suddenly, she stiffened and Harry looked at her. "{Shiromizu? Is something wrong?}" After her tongue flickering out rapidly, she opened her mouth in a hiss. "{Shiromizu?}"

Whipping her head towards him, she let out another hiss. "{I smell blood, and a lot of it! Something hurt it and badly!}"

Eyes widening, Harry then narrowed them before he began to speed along the treetops. "{Okay, let's go and save it. Tell me where it is}"

Following Shiromizu's direction, Harry soon noticed that the unicorn was staggering as it slowed and landed close by. It gave him a look as if searching his face as he held up his hands. "Whoa there... I'm not going to hurt you."

It was then that he noticed that the unicorn had turned slightly away from him and he could hear something on the ground. Turning, he could see something slithering on the ground and making a sniffing sound before it stopped and turned towards him. All of a sudden, his scar burst into agony and he could hear Shiromizu shouting something at him as the creature began to rush along the ground. However, suddenly Shiromizu was holding one of the ofudas that Haru had given him in his face and he grabbed it before channeling magic into it just as the creature lunged.

For a brief moment, it was as if a flashbulb had gone off in his face and he could feel some heat before everything was dark. Off into the distance, Harry could hear a screech that sent a shiver down his back. The black haired boy though could only blink as spots continued to fill his vision. "What in bloody blustering gales was that!?"

There was silence before Shiromizu gave a nervous chuckle. "{Um... that would have been one of the ofuda that Haru made to repel evil beings?}"

Once more, there was silence before Harry took a deep breath. "{One of the Ofuda that Haru gave me to repel evil beings, just in case Peeves tried something...?}"

Weirdly enough, Shiromizu coughed. "{Yeah...}"

His vision slowly coming back, Harry closed his eyes for a few moments. "{The Ofuda that are just supposed to create a somewhat bright light. A bright light that would drive off evil beings... that Ofuda?}"

Becoming amused slowly, Shiromizu chuckled as she began to see the humor in what happened. "{Yes, that Ofuda. The one that Haru gave to you before you left for Hogwarts after New Year's.}"

Unknown to Harry, she continued in her head. 'And the one that she made with the brush that you gave her...'

Finally able to see again, Harry shook his head. "{Right... that was not what I was expecting.}" The sound of something hitting the ground caused him to turn to see the Unicorn there on it's side breathing heavily. "Oh no..."

Briefly, Shiromizu felt her heart clench inside her chest before she shook her head. "{I... think that we're too late for her, Harry.}"

Turning, he looked into the serpent's ruby gaze. "{There has to be something that we can do! We...}" Harry then gestured to the dying Unicorn. "{We can't just let her die!}"

Suddenly, Shiromizu sucked in a breath. "{Harry... do you have one of those healing Ofuda that Haru also gave you? Just in case you got badly hurt?}"

Confused, Harry shrugged. "{Yeah, but those won't help here, they're only for small wounds.}"

As she chuckled, the snake on his shoulder turned towards him. "{Like how the evil repelling one should only make a slightly bright light when used?}"

Eyes widening, Harry clued in and began to dig around in his pockets before he pulled out the slip in question. Looking from it to the Unicorn, he gulped. "{I hope that this works, Shiromizu...}"

With a slow bob of her head, Shiromizu nodded. "{I hope so too...}" Moments later when he placed it onto the Unicorn, Shiromizu stretched out her tail and placed it onto the Ofuda alongside Harry's fingers. When he looked at her, she gave a hiss. "{I can help, some. After all, I got some magic of my own you know.}"

Blinking, Harry accepted that and pumped magic into it at the same time as Shiromizu. Then his eyes widened as the symbols on it began to glow brightly even as the paper began to smoulder. At the same time though, the Unicorn's wounds smoked as they slowly closed and, by the time the Ofuda was finished, there was no real sign that the Unicorn was hurt. Backing away, Harry and Shiromizu let the equine being get to it's hooves only to blink as it turned to them and then nuzzled the two of them. "Um... you're welcome?"

A look at Shiromizu let Harry know that she was just as confused before they turned at the sounds of hooves.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Just watching as the small dot that was Harry Potter vanished into the night sky, Firenze sighed as Bane continued to glare at him. "I do not see what issue you may have with what I am doing-"

Growling, Bane got up into Firenze's face as Ronan backed away some. "You have read the same signs in the heavens, Firenze! What you are doing-"

Now glaring himself, Firenze straightened his back. "What I am doing is right! I will stand against the darkness, Bane, as we all should!"

It was then that a voice made itself known. "And as you should, Firenze, Son of Blaze."

All three Centaurs turned to see what looked like an old man in a cloak with a staff in front of them and who seemed to be glaring at Bane in particular. For a brief few seconds, Bane backed up from the shiver of fear that went down his back before he glared back at the old man. "You dare-"

The man's eyes seemed to light up as he snarled, somehow sounding like a hundred wild beasts. "Yes, Bane, Son of Oakan! I dare as you have ignored your duty! In fact, only Firenze has not among your entire herd!"

Reeling as if struck, Bane pulled his bow from his back. "I shall not be spoken to like this by a human!"

Before he could do much more though, the trees around them came alive and wrapped their branches around both Bane and Ronan, trapping them. Unable to move, both Centaurs watched as the man stalked forward. "Human..." To both of them, he seemed to grow even as the shadows inside his hood deepened while his eyes glowed malevolently at the two. "HUMAN! IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK THAT I AM YOU FOAL OF AN ASS!?"

Much to their surprise, Firenze gave the man a small bow. "They do not mean to insult you, Ancient One."

Shocked, Bane soon shook it off as he glared at his fellow Centaur. "What do you think-"

However, he was soon muzzled as branches covered his mouth and the old man turned and glared at him. "Be quiet. It is only because of Firenze that I have allowed for your herd to continue." Looking toward Firenze, he tilted his head a little. "Please, enlighten these two, Firenze."

With a nervous swallow, Firenze knew that they were all in danger. "Before us stand the Spirit of the Forest. The one whom is the true ruler of all the woods and with whom our ancestors once spoke to."

Eyes wide, Ronan looked from Firenze to the old man. Then he glanced down at his feet only to boggle at how plants grew around them. Even now, a small tree sprouted. "Impossible... that was only an old mare's tale..."

Just snorting, the old man grunted. "You have all forgotten much. Long ago, your ancestors made an... agreement with me. In exchange for being allowed to live under my shade and within my clearings, they would act as protectors for the forest. The creatures here would need not fear for the Centaurs would protect them from the depravations of the outside. And yet, what has happened this year? That... creature has been preying upon my Unicorns! And with you and your herd simply standing by and allowing it! Even with what I have done to protect them, I have still had my soil stained with their blood!"

Glancing from Firenze who seemed frozen and the furious man, Ronan felt the branches around him tighten for a moment. With a flash of insight, he realized that they could easily break every bone in his body, crushing him to a pulp. "The stars-"

The man just waved his hands in the air. "The stars, the bloody stars! THEY ARE NOT WHAT DECIDES WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CREATURES IN MY FOREST!" Growling, he stalked forward. "Know this, it is only because of Firenze that the deal continues. Honor the deal that your ancestors made with me..."

Having turned, the man stopped as Bane freed his head enough to speak. "And if we do not?"

Not bothering to turn, the spirit snorted. "Have you not noticed that your herd is slowly losing more and more ground? That is because you do not honor the deal you made, too concerned with stargazing and following what you believe is written within the sky. Continue with that, and eventually your herd shall lose all. Mayhap one of your foals shall trip upon a root and break their legs... Or stumble upon one of the acrumantula. As much as I hate them, they can be used. Truly, it is a shame that Hagrid has lost his dragon, a fine protector it would have made. Much better then you mules have been in recent centuries." Then he began to walk away, until he reached a tree and walked into it, his voice echoing around them. "I shall talk with your elders though, this shall be your only warning from me."

And with that, he was gone as the trees slowly set down both Bane and Ronan as all three felt a shiver run down their backs and it seemed that the trees were watching them judgementally. But it was the nearby Unicorn herd, which seemed to glare at them before trotting off that hit them the most.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking through the docks behind Kaga, Tosa frowned slightly before turning her head towards her sister. "Is there a reason that we're here, Kaga-Chan?"

As she chuckled slightly, Kaga shook her head. "We're here to solve a small issue that came to my notice recently and which I and Akagi have taken steps to rectify."

If anything though, that made Tosa more curious as to what was going on though it was Amagi, who turned towards her sister, that spoke up. "An issue, Akagi-Chan? What sort of issue?"

Behind her, the Battlecruiser Takao nodded. "I hope that it's not a big problem..."

Smiling, Akagi only shook her head before glancing at Kaga whose lips had turned upwards slightly. "Not a big problem, no." Hands in front of her, she regarded her sisters, the sight of which never ceased to cause her boilers to warm and for her to thank the Kami. "Have any of you gone off base recently?"

Not sure where this was going, her sister Atago frowned. "No, unless you mean the sorties out once we got our training completed."

With a sigh, Kaga only shook her head. "We don't mean the sorties. But that is why we are here." Coming to a stop in front of a door, Kaga knocked on it. "Now then..."

From the other side, an accented voice spoke up. "One moment!" After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal Rose there who smiled at the sight of the shipgirls. "Well, hello there."

Giving her a smile back, Kaga bowed slightly to the tsukumogami. "Rose-San, good afternoon. I received a message from you that our orders were completed?"

Eyes widening, Rose nodded some. "Oh, yes, I just got them done last night as a matter of fact. Please, come on in."

Once she moved away from the door, Kaga lead the group inside the room and glanced around. Having been one of the ones who were summoned that first year, Kaga knew that the Docks were built out of an old warehouse on the base with a wall separating the repair docks themselves from where Akashi set up her space. Besides Akashi's office, there were several others, one of which had been given to Rose as her own. And looking around, Kaga could see that it had been modified.

Along one wall, a countertop had been added with cupboards above and below it which likely contained pots, pans, and ingredients. Beside it, there was a fridge and, in the corner, there was a stove and oven combo that Rose used for boiling water and for baking. In another corner there was a sink. But what caught Kaga's sight was a table beside an old, worn arm chair where there were several packages that Rose walked towards. 'Those must be them.'

Picking up the packages, Rose brought them over with a smile on her face. "Here we go, three for each of you. Hopefully they'll be good enough."

Softly chuckling, Kaga shook her head as she pulled out her wallet, Akagi taking the packages from Rose. "I am certain that they are more then good enough for what we need, Rose-San. You do excellent work after all."

Flustered, Rose bit her lip a little which made Akagi smile at her before the converted Battlecruiser reached over and gave her a pat on the head. "Kaga is right, Rose-San. You do extremely good work and everyone who has come to you agrees on that."

Even as Rose thanked both Kaga and Akagi, Amagi was somewhat confused at what was going on. "May I ask what's in those packages?"

With a slight smile as she opened her wallet, Kaga nodded. "Clothes for each of you..."

Taking the hint, Rose nodded as she ticked off on her fingers. "Three sweaters, three skirts, three shirts, and a vest in each of them."

Once more bowing slightly, Kaga nodded. "Thank you. What do we owe you?"

If anything being more confused, Kana looked between them as Kaga handed over the amount asked for. "Clothes?"

Akagi turned to her and handed one of the packages over. "That's right. After all, you have not been able to go shopping since you have been summoned and... Well, you do have need for having clothing besides your uniforms."

Gently taking the offered package, Kana thanked her as Kaga continued. "There is a small market here on base with shipgirls and others, such as Rose-San here, who have certain skills make use of them in return for either barter or money. Rose-San is very good at sewing and knitting."

Blushing some, Rose shook her head. "Atago... the Cruiser that is, is much better at sewing then I am, I'm afraid. But I am quite proud of my knitting... I get it from my Mistresses."

Only shaking her head, Kaga chuckled slightly. "You do a fine job regardless. Which is why a number of us shipgirls who have issues finding... suitable clothing, often come to you or Atago-San. It can be rather troublesome finding clothing that fits us in the local area after all." Turning towards her sisters, who were around the same height as Nagato, Kaga grimace. "Trust me, you'll find very few places around who can cater to those of us above a certain size."

Nodding, Akagi sighed a little. "It can be more then a little annoying at times, but between Rose-San and Atago-San, we've managed much better recently." A smile then brightened her face some. "Which we're all thankful for."

With a slight smile, Rose shook her head. "I'm just glad to be of use, really. And it does warm myself to see everyone enjoy my work." Then she frowned some as she looked between Kaga and Akagi. "Though I don't think that I can take any extra orders for some time. I will be quite busy working on some items for Louisiana as she would have a hard time even in the colonies, I think. After all, I very much doubt that even my Masters and Mistresses have met someone of her height and build before!"

Lips twitching, Kaga barely held back a chuckle. "I think that you're probably right. Thank you though for the work that you have done, I appreciate it and I am certain that mine and Akagi-San's sisters will too, soon enough."

The smile on Rose's face brightened a little at that. "Hopefully, though it was not that much trouble, I have a lot of free time on my hands after all. Thank you though for the compliment and I hope that it works out for you all. If there's any issues, please, come and see me and I shall do my best to solve them."

Clapping a hand on the smaller woman's shoulders, Kaga nodded. "I doubt very much that it will be needed. And I hope that you have a good day, Rose-San."

Several moments later, after Rose returned the farewell, Kaga and the others walked out as they headed back to their dorms. Their sisters talking and asking questions of the two Carriers.
___________________________________________________________________

Just sitting in her usual chair in front of the fireplace, Hermione ignored the slumped form of her friend as she pulled out her work. In another chair, Ron sat down and the two of them shared a look of amusement as Hermione cleared her throat. "You know... something odd happened earlier."

Ron raised an eyebrow at her, but played along. "Oh?"

Humming, Hermione began to work on the essay that she had due in a few days. "Oh, yes." With a slight frown on her face, she raised her head. "I was looking at the House Points and Gryffindor lost twenty of them for some reason."

A frown on his face, Ron blinked. "Twenty points? Hmm..."

From where he was sitting, Harry grunted at them. "Just shut up."

Sharing a look of amusement, the two of them turned to each other and then back at Harry. "So, what happened?"

For several moments Harry was just sighing before he sat up and winced a bit as he worked his hand some. "Last night I had a nightmare..."

Being as that did not explain much, Hermione raised an eyebrow, "A nightmare?"

With a shrug, Harry launched into his story and by the time he was done, Ron was slightly pale as Hermione was intrigued. "... And then I wrote a letter to Mum. She... was not too happy with me over what happened."

Softly snorting, Hermione shook her head. "I should hope not!" Grimacing, she fixed him with a look. "What were you even thinking, Harry?"

Rubbing his face, Harry groaned. "Everything was moving fast and I was just reacting. Anyways, Mum ordered me to tell Dumbledore about what happened and... he had this odd look on his face. " Seeing the interested expression on their faces, he shrugged. "He knew from Hagrid that something was killing Unicorns, but not what. The Centaurs did not tell him anything so... he wasn't too happy. But he thinks that Voldemort likely got hurt by what I did and might not show up for a while again if it was him."

Thoughtful, Ron furrowed his eyebrows. "How badly could be hurt? I mean... it was just a burst of light, right?"

Harry shook his head. "Maybe pretty bad? It was less like a burst of light and more like... a flashbang."

Confused, Ron turned towards Hermione who rolled her eyes. "Think a really bright, and loud, firework going off in your face."

Wincing, the red haired let out a hiss. "Yeah, I can see how that might have hurt him." Then he frowned. "Okay, that explains the points but..."

At Ron looking at his hand, Harry groaned a bit and placed his head back down onto the desk. "Mum had me write up a report on what happened so that she could see it." Even though Ron gave him a slightly suspicious look, Harry did not finish the thought. 'And which she likely put into a file for Hogwarts back at Yokosuka.'

Hermione was thinking the same thing though Ron just shrugged it off. "That bad?"

Moments later, he winced as Harry nodded and explained. "Several pages for it. Not fun at all, trust me."

However, if he was looking for sympathy, he was looking in the wrong place. Both of his friends merely gave each other amused expressions before beginning their homework.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Sighing, Kongou stretched a little bit with pops coming from her joints. 'Ah... home at last.' Just as she was about to open the door, she paused as the ahago on her head went this way and that. 'Hmm...' When Kongou opened the door though, she had to smile at the sight that met her. "Hello, Haruna, Rose-Chan?"

The Battleship looked up from where she was laying back on a window seat with rain pattering against the glass. "Onee-Sama!"

Cuddled in her lap, Rose also looked up with a smile as the blanket that was covering them shifted a bit. "Good evening, Kongou."

Rather bemused at the cute sight, Kongou smiled at the two of them. "And a good evening to you too, Dess!" Walking over, she leaned over and hummed. "You look rather comfortable, may I ask what you're doing?"
Haruna only brightly smiled as she squeezed the tsukumogami in her arms a bit. "Rose-Chan and I are having a date."

Her eyebrow raising, Kongou's smile widened just a touch. "A date, you say?"

Nodding, Rose raised the book in her hands. "Quite." With a soft smile, she tilted her head back and regarded Haruna with a sigh. "We decided to try and have our first date. And so far it has gone splendedly."

Eyes closed, Haruna sighed and nuzzled Rose's hair. "We found a good book to read, a warm blanket, and a nice spot to listen and watch the rain."

Sharply nodding, Rose giggled. "And some nice tea and treats!"

Kongou only shook her head at that, rather amused at the two of them. But it did warm her on the inside at how happy the two of them looked. "I'm glad that the two of you are enjoying yourselves, Dess."

Cuddling Rose closer, Haruna placed her cheek next to Rose's. "Haruna is really liking our date, Onee-Sama." Then she had a small grin on her face. "And Rose-Chan is perfect for cuddling with."

That got a small laugh from Kongou before she shook her head as Rose blushed. "Far be it for me to interrupt it any more then, I'm just going to go and have a small nap until dinner."

Both Rose and Haruna nodded at that. "Hope that you have a nice nap, Onee-Sama."

Still blushing slightly, Rose gave a small wave. "We'll see you later then, Kongou."

Practically bouncing, the British born returnee quickly hugged the two and then left for her room. Once she closed the door, she waited a few seconds and listened. "Now where were we, Rose-Chan?"

A giggle could be heard before Rose spoke up. "Well... I was write about here and nearly finished with the page."

There was a hum and Kongou could imagine her sister nodding. "And Haruna was... right here. Rose-Chan reads rather quickly."

Hearing another giggle from Rose as she asked if Haruna wanted some more tea, Kongou smiled and then backed away from the door. Laying down on the bed, she sighed before closing her eyes, her boilers warmed by how happy her sister was.
________________________________________________________________

She had no idea how long she had floated in the ocean, drifting with the current. It might have been weeks, months, or longer. All she knew though was the pain from her wounds and the slowly developing fear that she would sink. To that very moment, she was confused as to why her fellows had attacked her most precious person. They had come in droves against the islands and she had protected the small lady as much as she could...

And she had failed.

Through their link, she had felt pain, agony, and then nothing at all.

So she drifted, wallowing in her failure even as her crew of shades tried to save her. It was then that she felt it and along with it, her hope. The small lady yet lived! But... why was she moving away? And she could barely feel her. She called out as best that she could, and yet... got no answer. Did the small lady leave her to die, due to her failure?

No... she was not that cruel, she was kind to her and the others.

Night became day, which became night once more. And so she drifted, the current carrying her. Storms washed over her and still held onto that small, burning hope to see the small lady once more. To hear her laugh and see her smile. So she drifted.

The days soon became weeks as she drifted, unable to move herself as her screws, what were her lower legs, had been destroyed in the battle.

In her boredom, she thought. She dreamed things she had never done so before. There was nothing else to do after all. With her screws gone, she could not move herself. Sometimes, a curious creature came close enough to grab, but it was never enough. Not enough to heal fully, just to continue.

And so, she drifted, bobbing on the sea like a cork.

Delirious, she would speak to her crew. Telling them tales of her battles against the Others. Not that she had many of those.

Where the current carried her, she did not know. Hunger gnawed at her, but she could ignore that. All for the small hope of seeing her precious lady. To serve her once more in whatever means she wanted.

Slowly, ever so slowly, she could feel more of the connection with the small lady as the current carried her. At one point, she bumped into what remained of a whale, sharks ripping into it. And as if sensing her weakness, they turned to tear into her as well. Sleek, grey bodies and gnashing teeth that would rip and tear flesh with ease.

How she feasted on those foolish creatures and the remains of the whale. It was not enough to fully repair her, but it was enough to keep her going further, and that was all she needed.

At once point, snow fell on her face and she blinked it away. It was... beautiful, in a strange way. Pure, in a way that she was not.

Onwards, she drifted, always onwards.

Her eyes, pointed to the heavens watched the clouds go by, the stars cross the sky and the Moon go through it's phases. Sometimes streaks ran across the sky as she watched. Little balls of fire that flickered and died. Brilliant, but brief. Other times, lights danced across her vision, curtains of otherworldly beauty. Here and there, a dance that she could not tear her eyes from even if she had wanted to.

And so she thought.

Thus she dreamed.

So she told to her crew.

Her experiences changed her.

Drifting, drifting without end on the sea.

The snow came yet again, and then left. She could tell that the current was carrying her southwards though now. Where it was taking her, she did not know. Her screws, though finally repaired, did not turn. She was...

Content.

Thoughtful.

At peace.

Meanwhile, that feeling of the small lady increased, as if she was coming closer. Softly crooning in her mind.

Calling her... home.

Still... she kept drifting.

Not even nearby sounds that she identified as the Others roused her. All she did was continue to stare up at the bright Sun above, the blue skies with it's puffy, white clouds. At last, she could see land. One by one, she drifted past islands large and small. And when the current changed direction, heading westwards, she used some power, she was near empty after all, to push herself towards the shore. Not much, and not fast, but she entered the nearshore currents and that was enough to continue her journey.

Drift... drift on.

Then a large storm rose up and she was pushed around by the wind and waves. At some point, she must have blacked out became when she awoke, she realized that she was no longer drifting. Beneath her, she felt sand and pebbles shift with each small wave and her own weight. How long passed as she laid there, she could not tell you. And then, she heard it.

Birds, two of them, singing to each other. Sitting up, she looked around and noticed that she was on a small island. Off to the west, she could just make out a much larger island. One where the Others sometimes came from. Now standing though, she walked around and found a path up a cliff to where there were berry bushes, just barely ripe with fruit. And she gorged herself on them, the sweetness and the tanginess bursting across her tongue. It didn't take her long, but she found the birds, building themselves a small nest. She watched them do so, still feeling... peace. Perhaps it was how long she spent adrift, but she no longer felt anger. Just... calm, and happiness.

Eventually, she explored more of the island. And then she found it. Someone had made an odd metal home in the cliff. It took some effort, but she opened it and found that whoever had used it was long gone. At least that was what the layers of dust told her. Closing the door behind her as she spotted water rising, she waited and looked around. It was in a backroom that she found it.

A small, little thing. Mummified where it had laid up against the wall, a small smile on it's face. Two large ears extended from it's head and a hook-like nose. It's large eyes were closed. Time passed as she looked at it. The little thing had died there, forgotten by all. In her chest, she felt something and narrowed her eyes.

Later that day, she placed the last stone on a pile on the highest part of the island. Around the small hill, past the bushes and the trees, one could see the ocean and the far off island. Slowly, she nodded to herself.

It was a good place for the little thing. Because now it could see the sky, the sun, and see the ocean, just drifting by. Placing one hand on the pile, she let out a slight smile as she felt a kinship with the little thing. It had died alone like she had almost had. No one was there for it, yet it found peace, like her. It did not have a name, just like she did not. Looking up at the sky, she let out a soft sigh as she decided to tell it so. That now she would watch over the island as it must have. And that now it could feel peace, just drifting as time passed it by.

"Wokyuu."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Sitting on the shore of the lake, Harry was practicing with the flute that Hagrid had given him for Christmas and enjoying the warm, May weather for a change. After a short ditty, Harry pulled the flute away and frowned as he looked down at it. 'Hmm... still not right.'

What he did not expect was for there to be a giggle which raised the hairs on his neck. "Harry, Harry, quite contrary. Such an interesting boy."

Just blinking, Harry took in the young woman watching him as she leaned against a rock, chin propped up by one closed fist. Something her eyes though sent a shiver down his back due to a cruelty there. But what caught Harry's attention was that she was dripping water everywhere with what looked like seaweed in her hair. If he had been older, of course, he would have also noticed how her dress clung to her body as if it was a second skin. And it didn't help that anyone would boggle at the diaphanous material that her clothing was made up of. "Are you alright? Need some help?"

For a moment she blinked and then smiled showing what seemed like too many teeth to fit in a human mouth before she threw her head back and laughed. Somehow, the laugh put Harry into the mind of the deep, dark cold at the bottom of lakes and streams. Places where the dead slept and knew nothing more. Then she stopped laughing and hummed. "Oh, Little One, I do not have need of your help." Standing up, she twirled as she walked closer and then placed a hand on Harry's cheek. A shiver went through him as it felt cold and clammy. Then she yanked her hand away and blinked. "My, my, you are interesting, aren't you? Not quite a sibling, but close enough I suppose..."

Not really liking the glint in her eyes, Harry cleared his throat. "I see..."

With a hum, she sat next to him and examined him. "A shame though that I am here on business and..." Laying out, she placed a hand on her legs as her eyes became hooded. "Not pleasure. Truly such sights and experiences I could show you, Little One. But! There are others with a claim upon you. Quite saddening."

Becoming more and more uncomfortable, Harry shifted a little. "Uh, right... Sorry?"

Laughing, the young woman grinned at him. And for the first time Harry noticed that she had green eyes much like his own. "No need to be such, Little One. Your future will be interesting. Things that should have been will not not be and things that were not will. Lovely chaos I can see..." Then she straightened and crossed her legs in front of her. "But I suppose that such fun shall wait, for there are more important matters to be at hand. A fortnight ago, you saved one of the beloved of the Summer and Winter."

It took a few moments, but Harry blinked and then frowned. "You mean the Unicorn?"

Head tilting to the side, the woman had a mischivious look on her face. "Yes, I believe that is what some may call them. However, you did come and save it, did you not?" At his slow nod, her smile widened. "Ah, very good. And while the Beloved may have their own methods of payment, there are those who would like to grant thee a boon, Harry Potter, son of Lily and James."

Now really suspicious, Harry narrowed his eyes slightly. "And what sort of boon would we be speaking of?"

Giggling, she got up and seemed to sweep around him. "Ah, perhaps the wisest are fools and the most foolish are wise. Are you smart? Wise? Or a fool to ask such of me?" Coming to a stop in front of him, she leaned toward him. "But there is much that you may ask of as a boon. Perhaps information, or a gift of luck? A small token of our esteem, or a foe brought low..." Then she moved behind him and Harry felt her press her body into his back as she whispered into his ear. "Or a life of plenty and merriment. All this or more could be yours..."

When he turned though, Harry only blinked as she was no longer there. Then hearing her laugh, he looked back and found himself looking at her laying at his feet. "I... don't suppose that I can think this over...?"

Her expression tightened and she moved until their noses were nearly touching. "One should not hold onto a debt too long, Little One. Lest the debtor becomes indebted. In fact, one may consider it quite rude to do so..."

Even as his instincts screamed at him, Harry gave a shaky smile. "Ah, I see..."

Rather amused, the woman hummed a bit as she tilted her head. "Do you have a dream perhaps? A goal?"

Blinking, Harry glanced around before he decided to take a chance. "I... want to become an Admiral one day, that is my dream."

It seemed for several moments that all was quiet around them, as if all the sounds ceased and then the woman laughed. "Oh my! You are most interesting, Little One. Yes... I think that I know of a boon for you."

Suddenly, and before Harry could react, she placed one hand on top of his head and slowly dragged it down as he was frozen in place. Much to his discomfort, it felt as if a thin film was applied to his face before it vanished. Once she was done and he was able to move again, Harry blinked rapidly. "Um, what was that?"

The woman just grinned yet again. "Returning something that you were born with upon your brow in such a way that it shall never be away from you. One that would be a good thing for those who ply the seas to have. And may your feet be ever steady upon the waves you rise above."

As she stood up, something told Harry to do the same and he swallowed nervously. "Well, thank you for you gift and... I hope that you have a good day, Ma'am, in case we don't see each other again."

Once more, she grinned in a way that was too wide and held far too many teeth. "It may be for the best that we do not, Harry Potter. For as interesting as you are, and as amusing, there mayhaps be too much of such." Several minutes later, Harry glanced back at her from on top of a hill and then vanished over it. Chuckling, the woman seemed to blur into a wet horse with a mane of seaweed. A horse that then turned and dove into the Black Lake with barely a splash.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Several days later, Hermione was frowning when she stirred her cup of tea. 'I wonder where Harry is?' Quickly shaking it off, Hermione sighed and turned back into the conversation only to blink at something Hagrid said. "The Headmaster is out?"

Nodding, Hagrid poured some more tea for Ron before offering a rock cake. "Aye, tha' be about righ'. The 'Eadmaster is at some important meeting or sommat and is supposed ta get back later."

A frown on her face, Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. "Huh..."

Ron suddenly snapped his fingers and then looked up. "Oh! By the way, Charlie sent a message for you. Apparently Norbert is settling in fine in the reserve and for you not to worry... though, um, Norbert is actually Norberta seeing as he's actually a she."

That bit of information caused Hagrid to blink in surprise. "A she yeh say? Never expected tha'!"

Blowing on his tea, Ron shrugged. "He also wants to know more about the guy you got it from. Just in case he stole the egg from a reserve or something."

Just frowning, Hagrid considered that before shaking his head. "Not much ta tell, really. Got it durin' a card game down at the pub. Though... he wasn' about ta give it ter me until I told him I had experience. Why, I even told 'im about Fluffy! Seemed a bit interested."

Sipping her tea, Hermione raised an eyebrow. "He did?"

The massive man only nodded with a chuckle. "Aye, I'm thinkin' tha' he wanted ta make sure tha' I could take care for it. Told him that Fluffy was easy. Bit o' music and goes righ' ta sleep..." Having realized what he just said, Hagrid shook his head. "Shouldn' 'ave said that..."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione was about to say something when a knock at the door caused them all to turn. 'That must be Harry and Neville.'

However, instead it was the male Sixth Year Prefect who was rather out of breath. "H-Hagrid, we need some help back at the castle. Professor McGonagall... asked for you... to come up."

Confused, Hagrid furrowed his eyebrows in thought. "Asked fer me? Why?"

Even as he gulped down some air, the Prefect shook his head. "Some idiot... released a bunch of ashwinders... and used an engorgement charm... on them. Teachers and Prefects... are trying to find them all..."
Surprised, Hagrid straightened up. "I'll be righ' there." He then turned to Hermione and Ron who were packing up. "Sorry, you two, but I can' stay."

All Hermione did was shake her head before chuckling. "Can't be helped... Anyways, we'll just go and find where Harry and Neville went off to."

It went without saying that when they found Neville several minutes later that the last thing that they had expected was to find him slumped against a wall unconscious. Several shakes later, Neville awoke with a start. "What the heck!?"
Leaning down, Ron checked him over. "Uh, Mate? Why were you sleeping?"

Softly groaning, Neville held his hand against his forehead. "Ugh..." Then his eyes shot fully open as he gasped. "Harry!"

With a glance toward each other, Hermione and Ron frowned before the female of the two spoke up. "Did something happen to Harry, Neville?"

Even as the boy began to get to his feet, he nodded and then winced. "Yeah, we were walking along and there was a red light and... then you guys came and woke me up."

Narrowing her eyes, Hermione helped the brown haired boy to his feet. "A red light?"

Meanwhile, Ron was looking around the hallway. "That sounds like a stunning spell, but why would someone use that on you? And if they also hit Harry then..."

Both Hermione and Ron paled a moment before things clicked into place for Neville. "Someone kidnapped him!"

There was, really, only one response to that in the end and it came from Hermione's mouth. "Shite."

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

Hey all. I'm kinda busy this week, so I can't write as much as I normally do.

-=-

USS Johnston slammed both hands down on the table, the normally jovial and eager young destroyer's face grim and serious. Hoel, Heermann and Samuel B Roberts, who were in the middle of a game of Munchkin, turned to look at their fellow Taffy member in surprise at the interruption.

"Sisters, it has come to my attention that we may have a serious problem on our hands, one that could have potentially disastrous consequences for not just us, but the entire fleet." Johnston stated bluntly.

"What is it, Johnston. P-Please don't tell me that fleet logistics is having another shortage of ice cream!" Hoel asked worriedly the poor girl shivering as horrible memories of the last time the Navy had run out of ice cream came flooding back, "I… I can still remember the last time it happened. It was horrible!"

Heermann reached over and gave her sister a comforting hug. Some Fletchers were more addicted to ice cream than others, and Hoel was one of the worst cases they had. Ice cream deprivation had hit her particularly hard, leaving scars deeper than any Samar had inflicted on the poor destroyer's soul.

Being outnumbered by the Japanese and facing down battleships, Hoel could handle. No ice cream? Now that was a horror that Hoel would not soon forget!

"No, no, no… Don't worry Hoel. Our ice cream situation is still in the green," Johnston said hastily to stop her sister from having another breakdown, "Unfortunately, while the ice cream is not a problem, we have another issue we need to urgently discuss."

"Please don't tell me it's to do with some yahoo in congress trying to get the Navy to switch coffee suppliers again," Samuel B. Roberts grumbled, "You'd think the politicians would have learned to lay off our shit after our peaceful demonstration."

"It's not the coffee either, Sammie," Johnston informed the smaller Destroyer Escort, "Besides, I don't think the President will be so forgiving if Capitol Hill caught fire again."

"It was an accident! I sneezed!" Samuel B. Roberts protested.

"And that's why we weren't court martialed… but anyway, back on point, problem," Johnston said, quickly reorienting the conversation to where she needed it to be, "Our zombie apocalypse plan is urgently out of date."

The three other ship girls turned to look at Johnston in utter shock.

"What? How can it be out of date? We just reviewed the damn thing a week ago!" Samuel B. Roberts complained, setting her cards down and folding her arms over her chest, "We incorporated contingencies for fungus zombies, mold zombies, mold mind control zombies…"

"Don't forget the plans for a Zombie Redneck Torture Family I submitted." Heermann supplied.

"…and Zombie Redneck Torture Family… zombies… so it was as up to date that we could make it. How can you say it is out of date so quickly?" Samuel B. Roberts finished.

Johnston gave a loud sigh and then held up a small, green book for her fellow tin can warships to see.

"I just received a copy of the latest edition of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' from a wizarding friend. When I was perusing it, I discovered that there is a variety of zombie in this book that we haven't properly accounted for," Quickly flipping through pages of the book towards the entry she was looking for, Johnston presented the what she had found to the other ship girls, "Behold, the Infernus. Nigh un-killable magic necromantic zombie puppets."

"Wait, what?" Samuel B. Roberts blurted out as her eyes scanned the entry in the book. "Super strength and speed? Resistant to attacks? Does not die instantly if attacked in the head?"

"That can't be right! Zombies always die when you hit them in the head." Heermann exclaimed.

"Not this one, apparently. Trust the wizards to throw us something completely out of left field," Johnston shook her head in annoyance, wondering how things had gotten so bad.

The four ship girls has initially only devised their zombie apocalypse plan as one of their many, many contingency plans. After their shared experience off Samar, the foursome had been determined to never again be caught off guard by anything, and thus had a whole host of contingency plans that would make even the most hardened prepper bow to them in respect.

Never again would they be caught unawares, by anything or anyone!

Be it nuclear war, a new ice age, global pandemics, alien invasions, the return of the dinosaurs and, of course, zombie apocalypses, Taffy 3 had a plan in place to tackle the problem. In fact, the revelation that the Wizarding World existed had resulted in one set of the plans that small gaggle of tin can destroyers had devised, namely their contingency plan for the unveiling of a global secret society that had manipulated the course of human history, being adopted and adapted by the United States Navy as their official response to a possible conflict with wizarding society. It wasn't entirely accurate since they had originally made it for an Illuminati scenario, but their contingency plan was so well thought out and detailed Naval Intelligence had taken their draft anyway and run away with it.

And Louisville had called them all crazy.

Ha.

Unfortunately, Tarry 3 couldn't rest on their laurels for too long. The discovery of the existence of the Wizarding World had resulted in a large influx of new information that resulted in the four ship girls having to revise a lot of their previous plans. The existence of magic meant that thousands of new threats and other problematic variables had to be accounted for, and this resulted in quite a bit of work for the four girls… like now.

"It's bad enough now we know zombies actually exist thanks to magic, but now we know that any random dark wizard can grab a bunch of corpses and make a nigh un-killable magic necromantic zombie puppets army with them," Johnston complained with a growl, "I thought we had the zombie apocalypse angle handled better than than our plans to lock down the San Bernadio straight... then this thing shows up."

"No shit. Doesn't die when you blow their brains out? Bullshit." Samuel B. Roberts said with a grunt.

"Does napalm work on them?" Hoel added, having recovered from her slight bout with ice cream depravation related PTSD, "If napalm still works, then we should use it. Nigh unkillable doesn't mean totally unkillable. Napalm should wipe them out well enough."

"Cleanse them with fire. Now that's an idea I can get behind," Samuel B. Roberts agreed, "Lemme contact Inazuma. See what she has to say about this."

"True. This is a huge problem," Heermann said thoughtfully as she continued to read Johnston's new book, "Should we consider this part of the zombie apocalypse scenario though? It seems like you only can make Infernus through magic, and they aren't infectious."

That caused Johnston, Samuel B. Roberts and Hoel to pause as they processed Heermann's observation.

"Huh, good point," Johnston nodded after some thought, "I may have been a little hasty in thinking the Infernus could cause a zombie outbreak. Let's put this under 'evil necromancer raises undead army to take over the world' contingency plan instead."

"Agreed." Heermann nodded, and with that slight change soon Taffy 3 was back to their planning.

-=-

A/N – Essentially, I figured that one possible interpretation of Taffy 3 could be disaster preppers. After getting completely blindsided at Samar, the tin can warships declare 'NEVER AGAIN'. Thus, they get a hobby of devising plans to counter every conceivable disaster that could possibly come their way.

Although they were initially thought to be eccentric, and a tad bit paranoid, children, the revelation that the Magical world exists results in several of their more fantastical plans suddenly becoming very relevant to the Navy's interests.

What is the US Military's MO if a Dragon suddenly showed up in New York and started breathing fire on everything? Taffy 3 had a plan for that. What should the US Navy do if invisible, teleporting assassins attempted to decapitate the chain of command in a surprise attack? Taffy 3 had a plan for that as well. What about giant robot doom lobsters that shoot laser beams? Taffy 3 hasn't see one yet, but they've scrounged up enough depth charges to sink the entire U-Boat service in case they ever had to face a doom lobster that shot laser beams.

What if there was a secret society, an entirely separate government, operating inside the borders of the United States of America? What if that separate society was to reveal itself to the United States and integrate itself into the Federal government? How would America deal with that transition? By golly, you mean to say Taffy 3 had a draft contingency for that too?

Tin cans be brilliant! Huzzah!

Things naturally go on from there as Taffy 3's 'ridiculous' plans all suddenly become very real possibilities. Dragons, teleporting wizard assassins, doom lobsters (okay maybe not this one, but there are other sea monsters out there)… who knows what else the Wizarding World has that could pose a threat to the US of A? Thank goodness someone came up with plans before this!

Whelp, that's it for this snippet. I hope you all enjoyed it. Cheers.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Kind of rough, but...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Slightly panicked, Neville gulped a little as he looked around. "So we should go and find a teacher then?"

Pinching the bridge of her nose between her fingers as she thought and talked with her crew, Hermione finally shook her head with a sigh. "No, because we might not have the time to search for them. If we come across a teacher, sure, but we might not be able to find them in time."

Confused, the brown haired boy looked between his red haired friend and Hermione. "Wait, why not?"

Ron grunted a little bit. "Someone let loose a bunch of ashwinders that they made bigger with magic. The teachers are looking all over the place for them."

When Neville looked towards her, Hermione grimaced. "Um... according to Hogwarts: A History, there used to be a annual play here at Hogwarts until 1939, when Professor Kettleburn used an Ashwinder that he had used an engorgement charm on as the worm in play of 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune'... it kind of exploded, set fire to the entire Great Hall, and sent a large number of the staff and students to the Hospital Wing."

Utter silence met her as both Ron and Neville stared at her. Then both wizards shared a look before the red head nodded. "Yeah... so I don't think that we can count on the teachers for help..."

Frowning, Hermione took a deep breath. "Especially if all we got as proof is that Neville was knocked out... no offense." Then she began to chew her lip a bit. "What we need though is a way to find Harry as we look for the teachers... but-"

A hissing sound caused her to turn to see a fattened Shiromizu slither the best that she could with a bulge in her body. The white snake then let out a belch that sent sparks and smoke from her mouth. "{Ugh... that's the last time I eat something that big in this form...}" Hearing a gasp, she blinked at the sight of Hermione rushing over. "{Hmm?}"

Once she reached her, Hermione crouched down. "Shiromizu, can you understand me?"

The snake just gave her a look that said quite a bit of what she thought the shipgirl's intelligence was before bobbing her head. "{Of course I can understand you.}"

Blinking, Hermione shook her head. "Right... I can't understand you... anyways, we need your help! Harry's missing and we need to find him, ASAP!" She then pointed at Neville. "He was knocked out and we can guess that Harry was as well. Can you help us find him? Harry said that your sense of smell is great."

In reply, Shiromizu only shot forward and within less then a second was perched on Hermione's shoulders. "{What are we waiting for!?}" Her tongue flicking out a bit, she turned her head and pointed with her tail. "{He went that way!}"

With a frown on her face, Hermione blinked. "I take it that Harry went that way?" At the look she got, the shipgirl winced a bit. "Right... heading that way."

As she passed though, she glanced at her pant leg in time to see some of her fairies fall out and then scramble off as Ron and Neville were distracted in rushing down the corridor. Sure, they might not run into any of the teachers on their way to wherever, but that did not mean that her fairies would not. Several minutes later though, she was thankful for her foresight as she stared at the door in front of them. "The third floor corridor..."

Eyes widening, Ron turned to her with a pale expression. "If you were going to hide some place with someone..."

Even as they could hear the music inside cease, Neville gulped at the growl. "Then go hiding someplace no one would look or it would be hard to check..."

When Hermione pulled out a flute, Ron stared at her. "What the heck are you doing?"

Glancing at him, she gave a weak smile. "I'm going after them, Harry's a friend and would do the same for any of us after all."

Ron glanced at Neville who looked terrified, but nodded. "Okay, but we're going with you."

With a final nod, Hermione brought the flute to her lips and began a small ditty as they waited for the growls inside to subside before heading in.
____________________________________________________________

Grimacing at a head splitting headache, Harry took a slow breath before he opened his eyes barely as it felt like his body was bound. The last thing he remembered was a red light and then nothing. As he glanced around though, he internally frowned as he was in some sort of class room and he could hear mutters. It was then that he could see someone standing in front of a mirror before the mutters stopped. "Ah, I see that our... guest... is now awake."

Another, more familiar voice then spoke up. "Don't bother faking it, Potter."

Just grunting, Harry opened his eyes fully only to boggle at the sight that met him. "Professor Quirrel?"

Slowly smiling in a way that was not friendly at all, Quirrel chuckled. "Surprised, Potter? That p-p-poor old s-s-stu-stuttering P-Professor Q-Quirrel is here?" Then his smile dropped. "Don't be. In fact, if my Master did not have need of you right now, I'd kill you this time now that you don't have any of those... beings here to catch you."

Eyes widening, the pieces clicked into place. "It was you who was messing with my broom!"

Humming, Quirrel just raised an eyebrow in amusement. "My, my, you should be in Ravenclaw with that mind. A shame though that Snape tried to stop me with the countercurse, if not for that..." At seeing Harry's hand move, he smirked. "And don't look for those papers of yours, I already took all the ones that you had." Raising a hand, Quirrel looked at an ofuda with a scowl. "Such... nasty little things you have." Suddenly, it caught fire and burned to ash. "No matter."

As his eyes tracked the ashes floating down, Harry tried to ignore both the ache in his scar and the lump in his throat. "How..."

Moments later, he was hauled to his feet by Quirrel who glared at him with a snarl. "After seeing them first hand, boy, I would be a fool to let you have them."

Remembering how Quirrel had looked for several days like he had been sunburned, Harry gave a small smirk. "So... Spell accident, hmm?"

In response, Quirrel's expression darkened and he threw Harry to the side. "Remember, you are only alive because my Master has need of you right now."

Coughing from where he laid, Harry grimaced a bit at the pain in his back. "Considering that you already said that you are going to kill me anyways... I'm not going to help you or Voldemort."

Eyes wide, Quirrel growled at him. "Do not speak his name!" Then he scowled as he turned. "You shall not sully it with those lips." Walking up to the mirror, Quirrel examined his reflection in it. "As to living... as long as you have use, you shall live. And then, when my Master does not need you anymore, then I shall end you for him. So do try to be of use."

From a distance away, there was a boom and they both turned towards a door with Harry blinking. 'What was that?'
______________________________________________________________________________

Looking between the keys flying above and the brooms, Hermione groaned. "Don't tell me..."

Meanwhile, Ron scratched his head with a grimace. "Right... this is going to be tough..." Shaking his head, Ron let out a sigh. "Wish that Harry was here, this would be perfect for him." Then he noticed Hermione striding towards the door. "What are you doing?"

Her hand coming up, Hermione rapped the door with the back of her hand. "Testing something." Rapping her knucked against various other points, she tried to unlock the door with a spell, only for nothing to happen. "Hmm... the spell is on the lock, not on the door..."

Walking up, Neville examined it and then the keys flying above them. "Guess that we need to... go flying, huh?"

A soft sigh though caused him to turn towards Hermione who shook her head. "I didn't want to reveal this, but... guess we got no choice. Neville, move away from the door."

Confused, Neville could see realization on Ron's face as Hermione began to take deep breaths. "Uh, what-" Then he scrambled away as motes of light gathered around Hermione's form, forming into shipgirl rigging. "What the hell!?"

On Hermione's face there was an apologetic look. "Um, yeah... I'm a shipgirl..." Mouth working, but nothing coming out, the brown haired wizard just stared. It was then that Hermione noticed that Ron was just rolling his eyes. "Ron?"

Shrugging, Ron cleared his throat. "Yeah... me and Harry both knew about this."

Now it was Hermione's turn to be shocked. "It's Harry and I... wait, you knew!?" Ron slowly nodded which caused Hermione to stare at him for a few seconds. "How long...?"

Embarrassed, Ron scratched the back of his head. "Um... since before Christmas?" Seeing her expression, he chuckled weakly. "You, uh... weren't really fooling anyone who knows shipgirls, Hermione... not really." When he spotted her eyebrow twitching, he winced. "Sorry?"

With a deep breath, Hermione then let it out. "No, nevermind that." Turning towards the door, she shoved her fingers into the doorframe with ease. "We'll deal with that once we got to Harry."

Before Neville's astonished eyes, Hermione proceeded to practically rip the door, frame and all, from the wall. He was about to say something when Ron grabbed him and began to pull him towards the door. "RUN!"

A simple glance back showed Neville all he needed to know as the keys had stopped mid-flight and were now aimed at them. The three of them had just gotten through the door when Hermione slammed it back into place, the keys striking the other side. Weakly smiling, Hermione shrugged a bit. "Whoops?"

It was then that they spotted the room that they were in was a giant chess set which they walked across, only to stop when the Pawns at the other side pulled their swords out of sheaths and crossed them. Looking towards a exasperated Hermione, Ron blinked. "Don't think that you could just, you know, blast them?"

The chess pieces looked slightly insulted at that, even as Hermione shook her head. "My guns are too powerful, Ron. I fire them in here and both you and Neville... well, it won't be pretty for either of you."

Sighing, Ron only shook his head as he began to walk back to the other side. "Nothing for it, I guess."

Just following, Hermione raised her eyebrow. "You're not seriously going to play a game, are you?"

In reply, Ron gestured with his head at the door. "Unless you can keep both the pieces off us while opening that door." When she didn't say anything, he grunted. "Yeah... pretty much."
_____________________________________________________________________

Having waited for several moments, Quirrel finally just grunted before turning back to the mirror. "Now how to get it... I see myself giving the Stone to Master, but not where!"

A frown on his face, Quirrel continued to gaze into the mirror, not seeing Harry's eyes widen as it all clicked as to why he would want a stone. 'He's... after the Philosopher's Stone!?'

Growling, Quirrel clenched a fist. "It may be a good thing that Dumbledore is gone, but all the time and tries in the world does not help if there's no way to succeed!"

Simply laying where he was, Harry did his best to come up with a way out when a voice spoke up. "Use the boy, you fool. We don't have much time despite what you may think."

With a scowl, Quirrel turned towards Harry and snarled. "Guess that we shall be needing your help after all, Potter. Congratulations."

Gesturing with his hand, Harry shot off the ground and came to rest by the mirror as the breath was knocked out of him. Sucking in a breath as he was hauled to his feet, Harry glared best that he could at Quirrel. "What the blue blistering barnacles do you think that I can do!?"

For several moments, the teacher glared at him before snorting. "Dumbledore has obviously trained you going by the magic that you used in the forest. Or the other wandless magic that I have seen you use."

It took a moment, but Harry realized that he had seen him practicing onmyodo. 'He... thinks that I learned that from Dumbledore?'

Before he could do anything else though, Quirrel shoved him forward. "Now... what do you see?! Where is the Stone!?"

Harry was then shoved in front of the mirror and blinked at his reflection. Then, before his eyes, the reflection aged until it was an adult version of himself in a JMSDF uniform with the rank insignia of an Admiral. On one side of him, a proud looking Nagato stood, but on the other... the sight of his birth parents also looking at him in pride caused his breath to catch. 'I... is this...?'

The view then expanded and Harry could see Shinano, Iku, Louisiana, and other shipgirls there, all clustered around him with similar happy looks. All the normally teenaged shipgirls though looked like they were twenty. Also at his side was an adult Natsumi with two tails behind her as she stood there in her Miko clothing. Suddenly though, Harry was snapped back to the present as Quirrel grabbed his shoulder and jerked him, his voice a hiss. "What. Do. You. See. Potter!?"

Almost distracted by another fact, Harry swallowed a bit as he continued to think. 'I can't let him get the Stone! I need to keep it out of his hands.' Outwardly, he spoke up. "I... see myself, when I'm, older. I'm an Admiral and Mum is there as I'm being presented an award."

In the mirror, his reflection winked at him before pulling a red stone from his pocket. Letting it catch the light, he dropped it back into said pocket. Meanwhile, in the real world, Harry could feel a weight drop into his pocket as Quirrel threw him to the side. "Useless!"

Wincing, Harry just closed his eyes as he concentrated and felt his finger tips heat up as he tried to create a flame like Ryuujou and Junyou had taught him. It took a moment, but he could feel the flame form and then start burning through the ropes as he moved it along his body out of sight. Just about free, he froze as that whispering voice spoke again. "He lies... the boy saw something!"

Face red, Quirrel whipped around with a glare. "What did you see!?"

Suddenly he stopped as the voice spoke up again. "Let me... speak to him..."

Eyes wide, Quirrel gulped. "B-but Master, your strength-"

He was cut off and he shuddered as if in pain as the voice spoke again. "I... have strength enough for this... Now let me speak to him." In reply, Quirrel turned around and unwrapped his turban. Once it fell away though, Harry felt sick to his stomach as there was a face in the back of the teacher's head. It was deathly pale with two red eyes and a skull-like nose. "Harry Potter... we meet at last. Do you now see what you have done to me? I am a being of mere shadow and vapor, who has form only when sharing the body of another."

Narrowing his eyes, Harry snorted a bit. 'Just got to buy time and keep him talking...' A slight smirk crossed his face that some would have said resembled Kaga's. "Well, from what I heard you were always a boil on society."

For a brief moment, the red eyes widened before they narrowed in a glare. "Do not be a fool, boy. I am feeling rather merciful and if you wish to live, you will join me, Harry Potter. After all, there is no real good or evil in this world, merely power and those willing to use it. And it is best to live under me..." Voldemort then curled his lip a bit. "Then to die like your parents, begging for their miserable lives."

That hit Harry in the stomach, but instead of making him cave, it instead made Harry pissed and he gave the possessed teacher a glare that was similar to the ones his mother might give an Abyssal. "Firstly, living under you? Lewd. Secondly... My parents died on their feet with honor, something that you know nothing about." Then Harry smirked. "And my birth Mum kicked your pale, inbred ass."

Around them, the world seemed to pause before Voldemort snarled. "So be it... SEIZE HIM!"

Quirrel turned around and went to grab Harry, only for the ropes surrounding him to give way at the last moment with the eleven year old's arm shooting out. Before he could react, Harry punched him in the throat and grabbed his extended arm in a flip. Then Harry was running for the door, only for the hairs on the back of his neck to raise and for him to dive to the side at the last second.

Which was a good thing as a bolt of light hit the door and detonated, sending flames everywhere. "POTTER!"

Just wincing as another blast hit the pillar that he was behind, Harry hissed a bit. 'Great... now he's pissed off... any kamis that may be listening, please let someone show up any time now!'
________________________________________________________________________________

Looking away from the dead toll, even as it tried to move the with anchor chain around it's legs and body, Hermione took a deep breath. "A zombie troll... lovely, just lovely. What's next..." She then looked upwards. "And that was not an invitation."

More then a little wierded out, Neville looked at her. "Who the heck are you talking to?"

However, to his surprise it wasn't Hermione who answered but Ron. "She's talking to Murphy, though now that she's called on him..." As he glanced at the troll though, he shuddered. "Inferi... why would someone make a troll into an inferi!?"

All Hermione did though was shake her head as Shiromizu flicked her tongue out. "Who knows... but we need to keep going." Walking through the next door though, she blinked at the room which had a table with several potions on it. 'Odd...' Hermione though held a hand up to block the other two. "After the last room... let me go first."

She had not gotten far though before flames shot up behind her splitting her off from Ron and Neville, and then other colored flames shot up just beyond the table. Very slowly, Shiromizu turned to her and let out a hiss. "{You just had to ask the kami to do something, didn't you?}"

With a blink, Hermione sighed a little bit and pinched her nose. "Maybe it's for the best that I don't understand you..." Still shaking her head, she walked up to the table and began to examine it. "Hmm..."

One of ther fairies then chose to pop up on her shoulder and also examine it. "Oi? Oi! Oi oi oi oi oi oi oi!"

That caused Hermione to just stare at him before turning to the potions on the table with a thoughtful look. "Huh... you're right. It is like Alice in Wonderland, though hopefully there's not an opium smoking caterpillar around..." Leaning forward, she examined the potions in front of her before blinking. "Clever."

Scratching it's head, the fairy on her shoulder frowned. "Oi?"

Even as she chuckled, Hermione gestured at the bottles. "None of this besides the obvious is magic, it's all logic! And wizards as a whole don't have a lot of logic, so they'd be stuck here forever." It seemed like hours, but was only a few minutes before she pointed at the smallest bottle. "Okay, that one will let someone go forward, and... that one." Hermione pointed at another. "Will let someone go back."

Arms crossed against it's chest, the fairy nodded some even as it noticed Shiromizu slither onto the table. "Oi?"

Grimacing, Hermione had to nod. "You're right, it might not work for me. But... maybe some of you guys? Though that does leave me having to go back and explain things to Ron and Neville, so that they don't need to worry..." The clink of glass caused her to slowly turn and her eyes to widen as Shiromizu gulped down the potion to go forward before dropping the bottle and lunging forward, into the flames. "DAMMIT!"

Meanwhile, Shiromizu just continued to rush through the fire, ignoring how it tickled her sides. 'I'm coming, Harry!'
_________________________________________________________________________

Having been grabbed around the neck by Quirrel, Harry could only wince in agony as it felt like his skull was splitting open, but at the same time he could hear the older man doing the same. Pulling away, Quirrel stared at his hands where the skin was starting to blacken while he whimpered. "M-my hands.. M-Master..."

With a snarl, Voldemort continued to shout. "THEN USE YOUR MAGIC, YOU FOOL! KILL HIM AND BE DONE WITH IT!"

In his dazed state, Harry could see Quirrel raise his want as he began to cast. "AVADA-"

Right then, in that moment, the image of Nagato flashed across his mind, soon followed by Hoppou, Wanko, Shinano, Iku, and the others. And one thought settled into Harry's pain filled mind. A thought that gave him the strength to reach out and grab his former teacher around the neck and onto his face even through the pain it caused him.

He was going to see his family again and he was not going to die here. Not in this place, and not this time. Slowly, using the images of his loved ones to push past the pain, Harry ignored how his voice had joined Quirrel's and Voldemort's in their screams of agony. For some odd reason, a small part of him wondered why someone was burning pork as he pushed back against the weight above him.

Eventually, Harry managed to get to his feet and then give his teacher a shove, which caused them to stumble apart. As he blinked away the spots in his vision and the darkness around the edges, Harry froze as he could now see Quirrel. The teacher's skin had turned black as if charred and, even now, Harry could see it turning grey as smoke wafted upwards from it. With a stumble, Quirrel raised one arm towards Harry and tried to reach for him...

Only for said arm to crumble to dust as it fell apart under it's own weight.

Then one of Quirrel's legs gave way followed by the other. At the same time, part of his head also caved in on itself, steam and smoke issuing from the hole. Making an odd, almost sigh, Quirrel fell forward and practically burst into smoking ash even as Harry fell back against the stairs in shock as the black cloud at the edges of his vision crept towards the center. 'He... he just... he's...'

Unable to tear his eyes from what remained of something that was once a human being, one could forgive Harry for missing the hissing sound. But then he noticed some of the ashes moving until they burst upwards into a cloud that was roughly human shaped with two glowing red eyes. "POTTTTER!"

Collapsing against the stairs, Harry found himself unable to move as he began to lose the battle against unconsciousness. 'So... this is how it ends... sorry, Mum... Hoppou... guys...'

His last sight was the shade of Voldemort lunging towards him only for it to be blocked by something white. "YOU GET AWAY FROM HIM YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

Just before the darkness claimed him, Harry internally chuckled as one last thought crossed his mind. 'That... sounded like Shiromizu...'

Externally, Voldemort's shade gaped at the sight of the half human, half snake woman that was glaring at him in a way that promised pain. "What-"

Then Shiromizu lunged for him with one hand outstretched. "I'M GOING TO RIP YOU APART YOU BASTARD!"

Normally, anything that tried to grab the shade would have gone right through it. After all, it was a being of smoke and shadows, something both less then and more then a ghost. Insubstantial at best.

An absolutely pissed off Shiromizu was not one of those things as she grabbed him and yanked him towards her only to punch him through what was his head. As it reformed, she swung the spirit around and brought it down onto the unforgiving tiled floor. Upon impact, Voldemort's shade burst apart like a water balloon as the smoke it was made up of scattered. Even as the shade reformed, it was met with the serpent woman's tail heading right for it and smacking it to the side even as chunks were ripped from the main mass. Sure, Shiromizu could not kill him in such a state. Nor could she actually harm him...

But it did hurt him with each blow as if it was physically harming him.

It went without saying that after a few blows from the enraged Shiromizu, he took the first chance to escape that he could and rushed through a crack in the wall near the door. Breathing heavily, Shiromizu glared at it hatefully, her eyes glowing before they turned to Harry and they widened. "No..." Rushing over, she slumped down and placed her ear against his chest before she sighed in relief. "He's alive... he's alive, thank the kami..."

Gently, Shiromizu gathered him into her arms and held him close as she sniffled and buried her nose in his hair. Then, unable to help herself, a sob escaped from her followed by another and then another as she started to rock him back and forth. "I'm sorry, Harry... I am so, so sorry that I wasn't there..."

Sobbing as she was, and her anger drained away, Shiromizu did not notice the door open to reveal a winded Dumbledore and Hermione as they caught sight of her. Not that she would have cared much as she continued to hold her best friend and someone she had come to care for as a brother close. Later, she would get angry at herself and everything. But right now?

Right now the only thing on her mind was that Harry was safe.

"I'm so sorry."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Inside the modified emergency life pod, there was a rapid tapping sound as Regina waited in front of the computer screen. On the screen were the words stating it was trying to connect a Skype call, but nothing was happening. As it continued, Regina bit her lip and looked outside the small window to the outside where it was early morning on the Timor Sea. She could just see the small, elevated rig where the satellite dishes and such were as it stood in the lagoon. Around it, there were rocks acting as a seawall to protect it from any waves that washed across the lagoon.

Regina could still remember how, shortly after their group of Abyssals had ceased hostilities, that Wanko had asked for a way to communicate with the humans. The Abyssal Princess had understood that the humans would not have felt comfortable with meeting her face to face every time. And so, the humans had set up a satellite coms for her. Which, unfortunately, had one side effect that they had not expected.

Mainly that it had given the Abyssals access to the internet.

Within weeks, they had gotten word from the Timor Sea Abyssals that the connection they had could not keep up with the amount of Abyssals that wanted to use it. Some of them wanted to play games (there was a rivalry currently going on between those Abyssals on World of Warships and the shipgirls on the same). Others wanted to read stories and some were just fascinated by various videos they saw on YouTube. Needless to say, it had caught the humans and shipgirls by surprise. But rather then cut off access, they set it up so that the Abyssals could more fully experience human society. The fact that it made it easier to interact with them was something that all appreciated.

However, more important to some of them was that they could now talk with those they met up in Yokosuka. Before Harry had gone to Hogwarts, Wanko had talked with him and Hoppou rather often. And more recently, Supply Depot Princess had used the connection to talk with Ooyodo as well as Naka and Ashigara. Granted, the last two were mainly for music. Regina though used it to talk with Shinano and Louisiana and, once a week, she would contact Harry for at least an hour to chat.

A fact which brought to mind the current issue that for some odd reason, Harry had not shown. Hours later, Regina was still waiting for him to contact her and was slowly becoming more and more nervous until she finally sighed and hung her head with a sniffle. 'He... he isn't going to talk to me, is he?' Biting her lip, she crossed her legs under her even as her tail nuzzled her cheek. 'Did... did I say something to him that made him angry? Did something happen? O-or is it because I'm an Abyssal and he realized that... I-I'm not really that liked? O-or is he afraid of me?'

Swallowing, Regina quickly disconnected the Skype call from her end and took a deep breath before making another. Like the first, there were several minutes except this one connected and Shinano's face could be seen on the other side. Said Carrier blinked a bit at the Abyssal on the other end. "Regina-Chan...?"

Quickly nodding, Regina glanced around. "S-Shinano, I was trying to c-call Harry, b-but he didn't answer. I... I don't know why because we were, um, supposed to talk with each other today and..." Having spotted the flinch, Regina blinked only to notice that Shinano's eyes were slightly red. "S-Shinano... Were you crying?"

Upon seeing Shinano look down, something inside of Regina felt colder then the deepest abyss. "Um, yes... R-Regina-Chan?" Hanging her head, Shinano looked down at her feet. "About Harry-Chan... something... something happened at his school."

Feeling as if her boilers had dropped and were now in her hooves, Regina let out an odd noise. "Something happened... to Harry? I-is he okay?"

Shinano shook her head a little bit. "N-no, he's not." Reaching up, she wiped at her eyes some. "He was attacked by someone who tried to kill him. A-and now he's in a coma-"

Not known to her, every Abyssal in the lagoon suddenly shuddered and looked around as the feeling of death walking over their wrecks washed over them. Meanwhile, Shinano was cut off as Regina spoke. "Someone tried... to kill Harry..." Fingers that could tear apart armor plating clenched tightly and Shinano looked up to see Regina's eyes glowing blood red as blue flames leaked from the sides and her voice changed. "Tell me who it is so that I can rip out their still beating heart and choke them with it before I tear out the spine that they should no longer need and hang them on it..."

Eyes wide, a small whine came from Shinano's throat as Regina looked utterly terrifying at that moment, which was not helped that flames were also leaking from the mouth on her tail. It was only the fact that her rage was pointed at the people who hurt Harry which made Shinano less frightened. Another thing that helped was that Shinano could see what looked like bloody tears prickling at the corners of Regina's eyes. "T-the man that killed his parents and... a teacher at his school. The teacher who did it is dead though..."

Breathing heavily through the rage and hate that rushed through her fuel lines, Regina fought to control herself. "Good..." Moments later, she shuddered a little as rage receeded. "G-good..."

Then she looked to the east and was silent for a minute or two and all the Abyssals in the Timor Sea felt an even greater source of rage become apparent. However, that was unknown to Shinano who cleared her throat. "Regina-Chan...?" Whipping her head around, Regina shuddered and Shinano could see one, ruby tear of blood run over the pale skin of the Abyssal's cheek. "Oh, Regina-Chan..."

Swallowing, Regina took a deep breath. "S-Shinano... I just told Lady Wanko about what happened..." That got a wince from the Aircraft Carrier who could remember how Hoppou had reacted. "She's bring both Revina and m-myself with her. W-we need to see Harry and... protect him..."

With a frown, Shinano chewed her lip before she nodded. "Some of us are going to go and..." She looked to the side thoughtfully. "One of the wizards, Dumbledore was coming to pick us up with a Portkey. I... If you stay there for a little bit, we might be able to convince him to pick you up. T-that way you don't need to spend several days coming here first..."

Blinking away the tears still prickling at the corners of her eyes, Regina nodded. "T-thank you..."

All Shinano did was nod. "You're welcome... you're a very good friend after all, Regina-Chan... I got to go now but I'll contact you once I know more..."

Once the call was disconnected, Regina just stared at the screen. "You're a good friend too... Shinano. Like Harry..."

Granted, she still wanted to brutally murder something at that moment.
_________________________________________________________________________

Sighing, Richardson rubbed his face at the other end of the call. "Let me get this straight... Harry got attacked and kidnapped by the man who killed his parents. Who it seems was possessing a teacher? But the teacher went along willingly. Am I understanding this correctly?"

Just grunting, Goto leaned back in his chair and rubbed the side of his head. "Yes."

For a moment, Richardson considered this before shaking his head. "They're not reacting well to this, are they?"

That got a dry laugh from Goto as he shook his head. "No they really aren't. Nagato found out an hour ago from McGonagall herself as Dumbledore is trying to figure out what exactly happened. Which means, of course, the rest of the base found out soon after."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Richardson let out an explosive breath at that. "Christ. How bad?"
Goto hummed for several moments as if considering before he shrugged. "At least half want to head out to hunt down Voldemort and kill him, another half wants to head to Hogwarts and protect Harry. And another half wants to head to Hogwarts, protect Harry, and perform a search of the area for Voldemort in order to kill him. I've already had to stop several attempts at getting to the airport to board some planes from those who have leave."

Only shaking his head, Richardson could only feel pity for his fellow Admiral. "I don't envy you... though I know that I'll have to be dealing with my own issues here. Jane is going to want to go to make sure her 'Cousin' is alright, Mutsu will be beside herself and... I really am not looking forward to how Arizona is going to react to someone she knows having been jumped and nearly killed in a sneak attack. Fuck..." He sighed with a grimace. "I don't want to think about what their reactions would have been if it was Jane instead of Harry. Hell, I want to strangle something."

Darkly laughing, Goto nodded. "You're not the only one, John. One of ours has been hurt and we all want blood to be paid." Then he frowned. "Though I am thankful that things have settled down since I stated that I would be sending a force to Hogwarts to keep an eye over Harry."

Considering that, Richardson frowned a bit but nodded. "So who are you sending then?"

In reply, Goto held up one hand. "It was something of a fight among them, but..." He began to tick off on his fingers. "Nagato as well as Hoppou, of course. The last I am not going to be keeping here while her 'Big Brother' is hurt badly."

While nodding, Richardson let out a grunt. "That would be wise. I would not want an Abyssal Installation running around with a temper tantrum because she was not allowed to go and make sure a family member was okay."

Rolling his eyes, Goto snorted. "The thought did occur to me... Besides them, Shinano and Lousiana are also going." At the look, Goto shrugged. "Louisana made a good point that she is not ready for the open sea yet, but she is able to protect Harry. Shinano... made the argument that she's not needed for at least two weeks until her turn comes up in rotation for patrols. Hamakaze and Isokaze are also going as they would not take no for an answer... And RO."

That last one caused Richardson's eyebrows to raise a bit. "RO? Why her if I may ask? I would have thought that the others would be arguing over it."

A shudder passed through Goto as he shook his head. "The others did. But you ever see a pissed off U-Boat?" When Richardson shook his head, Goto grimaced. "I did, she silenced them with a look. The only one that she might take with her is Maruyu depending on when she shows up. Mainly because Maruyu is army and so can handle herself well out of the water."

Leaning back, Richardson considered this and then nodded. "That... makes a lot of sense." Hearing a ding, he looked to see Goto groan and facepalm on the other end of the call. "Something happen?"

Slowly shaking his head, Goto sighed. "When doesn't something happen?" Ignoring the snort of amusement, the Japanese Admiral continued. "Apparently Wanko now knows and wants to head out with Regina and Revina. And I know that she won't take no for an answer. Kami... I almost pity Dumbledore now."

Richardson raised an eyebrow. "What about if this Voldemort tries again?"

All of a sudden, Goto grinned in a manner that was rather bloodthirsty. "I almost hope that he does and the thought of what might happen to him is something that is about the only thing that is not making me do something else."

Just looking at the clock, Richardson grimaced. "Anyways, if you need any help, just contact me. Right now, I need to go and talk with Jane and I'm going to need all the luck that I can get there..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Madam Pomfrey sighed as she continued to sort the various potions in her cabinet while internally thinking. A lot of people seemed to think that her job consisted of just waving a wand or shoving a potion down a throat. But it was actually so much more then that. She had to know how each spell or potion worked on the human body, the dosages needed in terms of potions, which spells and at what power they were needed. And then there was the paperwork as well and keeping track which of her stored potions were still good and which needed to be disposed of.

All in all, a mostly thankless task which contributed to her no nonsense attitude at times.

It certainly did not help all the things that she had seen over the years involving what young wizards and witches could get up to while learning magic. Or experimenting with it, as that lead to problems more often then not. There was a very good reason why when she walked into Saint Mungos she was given instant respect. And it was not due to her experiences during the War.

Suddenly hearing footsteps hurrying towards the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey glanced towards the black haired boy laying on one of the beds. Only shaking her head, she made her way toward the door with a sigh. 'It seems, Mister Potter, that your popularity is going to get you some more visitors.' Walking up to the door, she waited until she knew that the people on the other side were about to open the door and put on her best "Annoyed Medical professional" expression on and opened it. "May I help you..."

Looking straight ahead into a sweater covering a stomach, Poppy blinked before slowly tilting her head back to see an Abyssal staring down at her. Besides a slight widening of the eyes, Pomfrey's expression didn't truly change much. Clearing her throat, she raised an eyebrow as she took a deep breath. 'If I am going to die then...' Poppy then pursed her lips. "I ask again, may I help you?"

Part of Wanko was rather bemused by the much smaller human staring up at her with a level glare, but another part of her was scanning the room. "Where is... Little Brother..."

That caused Poppy to frown a little bit. "Little Brother...?"

Before she could really ask though, a white blur shot between Wanko's and her legs and turning, she could see a small, white haired girl running until she spotted Harry. Then she made a beeline for the bed. "Big Brother...?" Not getting a response, she gently shook him. "B-Big Brother? Wake up, Hoppou wants to talk to you..."

A throat clearing caused Pomfrey to turn back in time to see Dumbledore poking his head out beside Wanko. "Ah, Poppy, there's several members of Mister Potter's family here to see him."

Slowly glancing up at Wanko's face and then over at Hoppou who looked nearly in tears, Pomfrey sighed. "I see... very well then. Do keep it down just in case I receive any other patients. Or else I shall see you all out if you disturb them."

Glaring at her, Wanko only received back a even look before the Mediwitch turned and began to walk towards a cabinet. 'Brave... or foolish...'

However, her attention was caught by Hoppou and she strode over to the bedside and looked down at the boy there. Unconscious and pale, he looked so much smaller then normal. At both the sight of him laying there and Hoppou trying desperately to wake him up, Wanko once more had to shove the down the feelings of pure rage. It would not do to let them loose here. Especially, she reminded herself, when she had other duties as Hoppou looked up at her and over at Nagato who also entered the infirmary. "Big Sister... Mommy... why won't Big Brother wake up?"

With a deep breath as the sight of her son laying there affected her, Nagato crouched down and placed her hand onto Hoppou's shoulder. "Harry is... in a coma, Hoppou." At her blink, she continued. "Think of it as being a very, very deep sleep that one needs to wake up from on their own." Then Nagato glanced towards Pomfrey who was watching and frowned. "He will be waking up soon, won't he?"

The Mediwitch only nodded as she smiled slightly. "No later then a week from yesterday, I would think. His magical exhaustion is the worst aspect of it all."

Nodding as she took that in, the Battleship stood up as Hoppou climbed onto the bed and then laid down beside Harry best that she could. "Would it be an issue if some of my medical fairies looked over your files?" Seeing her slowly raising eyebrow, Nagato continued. "That way they can add it to our files back at the base."

After a glance at Dumbledore who nodded, Pomfrey sighed. "Very well, give me a moment or two and I shall retrieve the notes I made."

Each of the shipgirls who overheard that only blinked and looked at each other in utter confusion. 'Notes?'

Meanwhile, Hamakaze walked up to Harry and stroked his head before sitting down. "Rest, Harry-San. We'll watch over you during your time of healing."

Taking up a spot where she could easily cover the door, Isokaze nodded. "Yup, no one is going to be able to come in here and hurt you. Not with us around."

When Pomfrey came out though, she had to blink at the sight that met her. Two of the girls that had come in had swimsuits of all things and the tanned one was talking to one who had a swimming mask on top of her head. That was not what was the most surprising part though. The smaller of the two was placing a sword of some kind beside her while also pulling out guns and showing them to the other and then putting them away when the taller one shook her head. One Pomfrey recognized as a muggle shotgun of some sort, another was a rather large handgun, which the taller girl nodded and took. Then both Pomfrey's and the taller girl's eyes widened as a massive gun bigger then both girls were pulled out.

Deciding not to say anything, Pomfrey turned towards the bed as her ears caught part of the conversation. "... It's a Browning..."

As she walked towards the group by the bed, she tried to ignore how one of the Abyssals had a massive tail laying across Harry's legs. However, next to her one of the two tallest of the seemingly normal looking girls had an arm around the Abyssal's shoulders. Due to her experience though, Pomfrey knew that said shipgirl, or at least what she assumed was one, was only barely holding it together herself. Walking up to Nagato though, Pomfrey held out the sheet of parchment to her. "Here's my notes on Mister Potter's current condition."

Nagato blinked for a moment and then took the small sheet of parchment before setting it down on the table. Within seconds, some of her medical fairies were out and looking at the notes while she could tell they wanted to say something. However, they kept it quiet. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey for this. It's much appreciated."

Only nodding, Pomfrey turned when she heard a sniffle and blinked as one of the tall girls, this one with brown hair, cleared her throat. "Doc, what happened to his hands?"

Despite some annoyance at being called a doctor, Pomfrey shoved it down and looked to where Harry's hands were tightly wrapped up. After a moment's thought, she turned towards Nagato and frowned. "Would you like me to explain Mister Potter's injuries or..."

Shaking her head, Nagato grimaced. "No, we're all close to Harry so it would be best to inform us all here and now."

Just using a few seconds to gather her thoughts, Madam Pomfrey hummed. "Well, the major isssue that Mister Potter has had is due to exhaustion, it's why he's currently unconscious. Other then that, when he came in he had various cuts, abrasions, and bruises from what happened, but I have healed those. I also treated him for bruised and cracked ribs as it seems he impacted something quite hard. As for his hands... his palms and fingers had suffered second degree burns across them. How he got them is beyond me as it looked as if he had been holding onto something extremely hot when he got them."

It was not just Nagato who winced as most of the shipgirls were familiar one way or the other with how burns could affect a person. Swallowing, Shinano slowly nodded. "W-we'll do our best then to care for his burns and change the wrappings each day... though I... guess we'll need to see about painkillers..."

More then a little amused, Pomfrey shook her head. "There will be no need of that. The burns shall be healed by either tomorrow or the next day so long term treatment is not needed."

That got her blinked before Shinano frowned. "But I thought that you said he had second degree...?"

Slowly, Pomfrey nodded. "I did, but with magic it is much easier to heal such wounds. In fact, Mister Potter likely can brew his own burn cream to heal it quickly as it is a rather simple potion."

On the table where they were reading the notes, Nagato's medical fairies paused before looking at each other. And they were not the only one as the medical fairies on the other shipgirls were also talking with each other over what they heard. Clearing her throat, Hamakaze frowned. "What about his ribs?"

Chuckling, Pomfrey shook her head. "They'll be healed by tonight, though he should take it easier for the next few days." Glancing at the clock, she blinked and then sighed. "If you'll excuse me, Headmaster, I must continue my inventory checks."

With a final nod at the group, she walked off towards her office and then closed the door behind her. Gently taking Harry's hand, though there was no response, Regina smiled a little bit. "At least he won't be hurt for much longer... and he'll wake up soon. Right?"

Smiling, Shinano tightened the one armed hug she had. "Y-yeah, that's right. Harry-Chan is going to wake up soon enough." Reaching out, she placed her hand over Regina's and on Harry's. "And we'll be here for him to see when he does."

Just squeezing Shinano's shoulder with her hand, Lousiana then turned to Dumbledore with a frown on her face as she spoke up for the first time. "What I want to know is exactly how this happened."
Her own smile gone, Nagato turned towards Dumbledore who sighed before shaking his head. "It seems that Quirinus had come across Voldemort's shade while in Romania I suspect. From there, he became a follower of Voldemort's and, when he found out that I was hiding something his Master would want here-"

Arms crossed against her chest, RO frowned. "The Philosopher's Stone."

Eyes twinkling, Dumbledore looked at her. "Well now, so you did do it proper then."

What he did not expect was for Nagato to narrow her own eyes. "Later, I would like for you to explain why you were hiding such a dangerous artifact in the school..." It was then that something occurred to her. "Unless it was not the real thing to begin with."

That only caused the twinkle to fade from Dumbledore's eyes. "No, it was not and I would prefer if you kept that to yourselves. Nicholas and his wife were going to use the excuse that after all the attention given to the Stone, that they destroyed it and then decided to die at last."

Frowning, Wanko only glanced at him. "Humans though... fear death."

Simply nodding, Dumbledore smiled. "Perhaps, but after so long alive to them it would be like going to sleep after a long day."

Her eyes still narrowed, Nagato frowned. "But why hide a fake Stone here?"

Letting out a breath, Dumbledore looked at the window. "It was to be... a learning experience." Feeling their eyes on his back, he sadly smiled. "All the traps and protections could only be overcome if one worked together, as a group. Each person bringing different specialty. And, at the end, they would find the Stone there waiting. But just out of reach no matter what they tried as it was with so many others who tried to create it before Nicholas managed. An apt description of the pursuit of Alchemy. And some of those younger students may become interested enough to actually learn the ancient art, one which is to my sadness slowly dying."

Eyebrows furrowed, Isokaze blinked. "Wait... so that whole thing was just... a training exercise?"

Suddenly smiling, Dumbledore turned to her and nodded. "Exactly, a practical one rather then the usual assignments done on paper. The fact that they would pursue it themselves made it all the better for them to learn from it as well as a life lesson that sometimes, the greatest of prizes may be just out of our reach."

Laughing, Revina had to clutch at her stomach. "Holy shit! That's amaze-balls!"

His lips twitching a bit, Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I rather liked it myself."

Confused, Maruyu looked over from her spot with a frown. "But... the Philosopher's Stone? Why use the greatest goal in alchemy?" Getting a chuckle from Dumbledore, she blinked and looked at the others. "Was it something that I said?"

Shaking his head, Dumbledore smiled at her. "No, it is just that the Philosopher's Stone is not the greatest goal in alchemy. It may, perhaps, be the most common goal. But the immortality and riches given by it is only considered by many as the stepping stones to the true greatest goal of any alchemist... creating the Angelcall Stone. Something that not even dear Nicholas, despite seven hundred years of trying, has managed." Despite the confusion on the shipgirls' and Abyssals' faces, Dumbledore didn't expand on that last point. Instead, he turned back to Nagato. "As to what happened... I'm afraid it was a convergence of circumstances and I believe that I have an rough idea of what happened. Though it will remain such until Harry has awoken and I have spoken to him about it."

Even though she wanted to know more about what he had been talking about, Nagato slowly nodded. "Very well."

After clearing his throat, Dumbledore put his hands behind his back. "Now, for the last week I have been in... political meetings. In fact, when Harry was kidnapped, I was at a magical community to the South-West meeting with their leaders. Meanwhile, it seems that Professor Quirrel and Voldemort released a group of ashwinders in the school after using the Engorgio charm on them. Needless to say, for the safety of the students the teachers and Prefects were all busy hunting them down."

Crossing her arms, RO frowned and then nodded. "That was quite clever of him." Opening her eyes, RO gave him a piercing look. After hearing what happened to Harry, RO had once more become Yuu in personality. "But why did they not suspect anything?"

With a sigh, Dumbledore shook his head. "It is not, sadly, uncommon for students to be... messing around at this time of year as the last exam had happened. And some of the older students have been known to unwind as it were with alcohol as much as we try to prevent it. The issue with the ashwinders would not be the first time something like this has happened I'm afraid."

All that did though was cause Nagato to rub her forehead as she was reminded of times that shipgirls had done much the same. "Right, so it seems that up to that point it looked like an unfortunate series of events."

Nodding, Dumbledore grimaced slightly. "As they say, hindsight is 20/20. But from what I have pieced together, Voldemort kidnapped Harry to try and get to the Stone. I can only assume that he believed that Harry had information regarding it. I suspect that perhaps he may have believed that I had told Harry something regarding it as some think I may be mentoring him at some point due to being the Boy-Who-Lived."

Simply pinching her nose, Nagato held back a groan. 'Of course, it all leads back to that...'

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

Quick one since I am on the move again. Enjoy!

-=-

The door to the Submarine Rec Room in Portsmouth Naval Base (considering how the 'so called silent service' normally acted, it had been necessary to give them one of their own) slammed open with the force of a rampaging rhinoceros as HMS Upholder, KNIGHT OF THE UNDERSEA, gallantly strode in.

"SISTERS, I BRING GRAVE NEWS!" Upholder bellowed at the top of her lungs, interrupting a game of Warhammer Fantasy Battle, a Guitar Hero Rock Off, one viewing of the blessed Monty Python and the Flying Circus, two simultaneously running LARPs of Exalted Modern, a twelve person Nerf War... and HMS Thrasher's attempt to cook up a SPAM flavored sponge cake.

Yes, all this was happening in the same room, at the same time. No, no one but the submarines themselves could have gotten this to work. But chaotic mess aside, Upholder's announcement drew the attention every submarine in the room, whereupon she delivered to the the gravest of news...

"OUR DEAREST DAUGHTER OF TROY, HER GALLANT INFILTRATION OF THE CASTLE MOST ANCIENT... COMPROMISED!" Upholder's words were met with a loud, and overly dramatic, gasp of horror and dismay from the other submarines. "YES, WHAT WE HAVE FEARED AS COME TO PASS... HER DEAR FRIEND RONALD HAS REVEALED THAT HE HAS KNOWN OF HER TRUE NATURE FOR A TIME UNDISCLOSED!"

"WOT?!" Was the thunderous response from the other submarines.

"INDEED! IT IS AS I HAVE SAID!" Upholder nodded gravely, "RONALD WEASLEY AND HARRY POTTER HAVE KNOWN OF OUR FAIR MAIDEN'S TRUE NATURE FOR SOME TIME WITHOUT HER KNOWING. IT IS A MOST CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT!"

"OUR PRINCESS IS IN DANGER!" HMS Thorn declared as she heroically leapt onto the table, scattering dozens of war-gaming miniatures in the process, and pointed a finger valiantly into the air, "WE MUST AWAY TO HER SIDE WITH UTMOST HASTE AND TAKE HER TO ANOTHER CASTLE BEFORE HARM COMES TO HER!"

With that declaration, the rest of the submarines erupted into cheers of agreement, before the immediately began preparations to go rescue their fair maiden. In fact, the submarines were almost out the door when Upholder rushed over to the Guitar Hero set and smashed out a spot on rendition of 'Through the Fire and the Flames' to regain their attention.

"CALM THYSELVES, FELLOW KNIGHTS!" Upholder declared as she unslung the guitar, "THE SITUATION IS NOT AS BAD AS IT COULD BE, FOR THOSE THAT KNOW OF OUR LADY'S TRUE IDENTITY WISH HER NO HARM!"

"...so we don't get to launch a daring rescue by storming an ancient castle and fighting hordes of evil dark wizards to save a princess?" HMS Urge pouted as she lowered the giant (foam) claymore she was wielding to a rest position.

"UNFORTUNATELY, NOT, URGE. YOU SHALL HAVE TO FIND YOUR SATISFACTION ELSEWHERE." Upholder nodded in confirmation, "NO... WHILE OUR DEAR DAUGHTER OF TROY'S COVER HAS MIRACULOUSLY MANAGED TO SURVIVE, THE FACT TWO OF HER CLOSE FRIENDS HAVE MANAGED TO DISCOVER HER TRUE NATURE HAVE REVEALED A MOST CONCERNING PROBLEM..."

Upholder paused for dramatic effect, causing the other submarines leaning in towards the legendary submarine in anticipation.

"...THAT THE LADY HERMIONE IS UTTER RUBBISH AT INFILTRATION!"

A shocked and dismayed gasp went around the room as the terrible truth was revealed to them. Their beloved HMS Hermione, their fair lady, had no idea how to stealth. The submarines had known that, as a cruiser, Hermione wasn't as stealthy or as quiet (lies!) as they were, but to hear that she was so blind as to fail in realizing that her two closest friends had uncovered her identity made Hermione's situation even worse than they could have imagined!

"SISTERS, COMRADES, FELLOW KNIGHTS OF THE UNDERSEA!" Upholder threw her arms out dramatically, "AS THE silent SERVICE OF HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL NAVY, IT FALLS TO US TO HELP OUR DEAR DAUGHTER OF TROY CORRECT THIS SHORT COMING! WE MUST TEACH HER HOW TO BE STEALTHY, SUAVE AND QUIET... A MASTER SPY!"

"LIKE JAMES BOND!" Thorn nodded understandingly despite having named one of the loudest, most obvious secret agents in fiction.

Bond was more of an assassin than an infiltrator anyway.

"YES, THORN! LIKE JAMES BOND!" Upholder said in full agreement, a self satisfied smirk finding it's way onto her confident features. "NOW, GATHER CLOSE DEAR SISTERS, FOR I HAVE A PLAN MOST CUNNING AND DEVIOUS TO ASSIST OUR DEAR HERMIONE GRANGER IN HER TIME OF NEED..."

Thus Upholder began to educate her fellow submarines in her scheme to help Hermione become a master spy.

Miles away, in a certain old magical castle in Scotland, a certain young witch that was also a Dido class cruiser in disguise felt a terrifying chill go down her back... a dark omen if she ever knew one.

...Those crazy submarines had better not be planning something stupid.

-=-

Naturally, the ham and cheese subs are planning something stupid based entirely around her. Good luck to ye, o' fair Daughter of Troy. May you blood pressure remain low, and your temper remain calm as the deep blue sea!

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Something a little quick.
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While they were all digesting that, it was then that Maruyu spoke up and pointed at something off to the side. "Um... what is with all the items on that bedside drawer beside Harry?"

Nearly as one, all the shipgirls turned and blinked at the sight of the massive pile of items. Frowning a little bit, Shinano tilted her head to the side. "Um... how did we miss that?"

Looks were shared before finally Nagato coughed into her fist, a light blush on her face. Turning towards the slightly amused Dumbledore, she raised an eyebrow. "You do know where all those items came from, correct?"

There was a twinkle in the old wizard's eye as he nodded. "I do as a matter of fact." Softly smiling, he shook his head. "The only people who know what happened were those directly involved, therefore, naturally everyone else in the school also knows."

Her lips twitching, Louisiana tried to keep from laughing. "Guess that it's not only on military bases that gossip travels at the speed of light."

If anything, the twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes grew at this. "No, it is not." He then gestured towards the items piled on the top of the drawer. "Gifts, from many of Harry's admirers. Though not all are here..." A chuckle then escaped from the Headmaster's lips. "Fred and George Weasley tried to sneak in a toilet seat of all things. But Madam Pomfrey for some odd reason did not allow them to leave it here."

Closing her eyes, Nagato shook her head though there was an amused expression on her face. "Those two."

A whistle then caught their attention as Revina began walking around her hands clasped behind her back. "Right then, kiddo is okay but Imma just going to have a look around. Make sure that there's no threats nearby... seeya in a bit!"

For a moment, Dumbledore blinked before he turned towards Wanko who had a long suffering expression on her face. "Revina... likes those... two you named..."

Parsing this, Dumbledore suddenly grinned a little bit. "I see... that should be rather interesting."

Her eyebrow raised as she regarded him, Nagato soon shook her head and then looked around with a frown. In particular, the windows. "Hmm..."

Before she could say anything though, Maruyu crouched down and held out an arm. Various fairies slid down her arm and then gathered onto the floor in front of her before saluting her with "Desu"s. At the looks, she gave a small smile. "Um... I am fortifying this position."

It took a moment, but RO began to laugh. "Oh my God, Maru! You're into that?"

Slightly blushing, the small Subgirl slowly nodded as she rubbed her arm. "Um, yes? Kiso-Nee-San got me into it..."

Even as she shook with barely supressed laughter, RO hugged her. "We have got to get you involved in some of our games." Then she looked at the fairies and shook her head. "I don't think I need to ask who you play as though."

Rubbing her chin, Louisiana slowly nodded. "You know... that's a good idea." Placing her hand onto the bed, various Marine fairies slid out and down her arm before coming to attention. Some of them gave the stink eye to Maruyu's fairies, only to snap to at Louisiana's finger snap. "Enough of that, you bunch. We're all allies now and I expect you to work together."

With various "Hey"s, they nodded and with a salute, made their way to the floor. Soon, they were joined by some of the fairies from the other shipgirls. However, they stilled as the Abyssals added what looked like tiny, person shaped shadows that looked like a cross between a shipgirl fairy and some sort of insect with spikes coming from them. All of them were looking at each other before they began to go to work. Some of the Marines began digging out the soft mortar between the floor stones to create trenches while various others climbed up onto the windowsills and started to make sandbag emplacements alongside Maruyu's fairies and those of the other shipgirls. The Abyssal Shades though went to the walls and seemed to slip between the cracks.

As this as happening, Dumbledore just watched in amusement and interest. "Hmm..."

Moments later though, he turned at an odd sound and spotted Shinano and Regina taking the beds on either side of Harry and placing them beside his. It took several seconds, but they found the latch that allowed the rails at the bottoms to be moved down and so give them some more room. At his look, Regina blushed some and pulled her scarf up. "U-um... just in case we need to lay down... s-so that we can still protect him."

Dumbledore only nodded with a small smile. "Of course. Just be careful as Harry's... snake... is also there." With a blink, they turned to the end table and noticed that one of the drawers were still open before Shiromizu poked her head out. After nodding, she slipped back in. "I'm rather sorry, but I have to be going. I will be informing the house elves to be bringing you all something to eat while you stay."

With a final nod, Dumbledore left the medical wing, though Pomfrey looked out and rolled her eyes before ducking back into her office.