Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Frowning, Hermione glanced between the book and the box in front of her before turning to Harry. "Well, I must admit Harry, I am impressed. Miss Haru managed to get everything that we asked for... How much did it cost?"

With a frown, Harry shrugged after a moment. "Not too much actually. Though she asked for the favor to be returned as she's looking for some jet."

That caused Ron and Neville to blink in confusion before the red head spoke up. "Jet? You mean that black gemstone thing? Whatever could she want that for?"

Only humming, Harry scratched his chin before shaking his head. "Apparently it can be used for protective magic according to her. Especially against spirits." Seeing them look at him, Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Something about how since it was once alive and now is dead."

Becoming thoughtful, Hermione slowly nodded. "I think that I can ask one of my sisters when they go by Whitby to have a look. There's plenty of jet on the beaches there." Turning back to her potion book and ingredients, she nodded. "Anyways, since we have everything that we need here, I think that it'll only take a month or so to brew."

Eyebrows raising, Neville sat up a bit more. "That little of a time?"

Lips twitching, Hermione looked over at him. "Roughly that really. It's really the most complicated potion that I've brewed. And it takes a month to brew anyways, so it's probably good that we're doing it here since no one comes here... No offence, Myrtle."

The ghost only shook her head with a small smile. "None taken, Hermione. I've known for a long time that people don't like my bathroom. And I'll make sure that no one bothers it."

Scratching her chin, Hermione then sighed. "Of course, once the potion is done we'll need a part of the person that we want to transform into."

With a grimace, Ron shook his head. "Uh-uh. I am not drinking something with Crabbe's toenails in it. No way in hell."

Simply rolling her eyes, Hermione sighed. "Honestly, Ron. We don't need his toenails or something like that. In fact, a hair would do as would other things such a piece of skin, some blood, that sort of thing." Then she frowned. "But I think that hair might be our best bet here."

Despite how disgusting it sounded, she only got nods from the others. In order to distract himself as Hermione began the process to make the potion, Neville turned to Harry who was looking in a book. "So... um, Harry? What are you doing over there with Myrtle? It looked like you were doing some spells..."

Harry glanced over at Neville and then nodded. "Well, Myrtle's teaching me things from ahead in classes. Like... showing me transfiguration stuff, Dess."

At the looks, the ghost blushed some but smiled. "That's right. I was a few years ahead after all you know. It might not be much, but I've been helping Harry get ahead in some subjects like transfiguration and potions. Um, it sort of helps that being a ghost for so long means that I've sometimes gotten bored and snuck into classes as well, if only to learn. So I've sort of seen all the classes over and over."

With a nod, Harry turned back to the book that Ron recognized as being the book left for Harry by Lily. "Yeah, I've been getting plenty of practice. Well, besides seeing some of the things that my biological Mum left in this book."

Equal parts interested and disturbed, Ron coughed a bit. "Um, Mate? What sort of spell are you looking at the moment?"

Frowning, Harry tilted his head to the side. "What spell? Well..." It went without saying that him trailing off only increased the amoung of unease. "You know that spell that you said your sister knows? That thing with the bats?"

It took a moment, but then Ron nodded. "Oh yeah, the Bat Bogey Hex." At the looks, he shrugged. "It causes your boogies to fly out of your nose and turn into bats. Nasty."

For almost a minute there was nothing but coughs before Harry turned away. "Um, yeah... Nasty, like that."

Slowly, Hermione turned to look at him. "Harry... How bad are we talking about?"

Wincing, Harry chuckled weakly. "Um, you know the term 'Buttmonkey', right?" It only took a moment for Hermione and the others to clue in before their expressions turned to one of disgust. "Yeah... I don't know if my biological Mum invented it, or just found the spell, but..."

Just shuddering, Myrtle shook her head. "That is just plain wrong on a number of different levels, Harry. And on many levels at that."

Quickly changing the subject, Ron turned to Harry with a frown. "By the way, you ready for the game against Slytherin? Because that's next week you know."

Only nodding, the black haired wizard nodded some. "Wood thinks that we're about ready for it... I just hope that it will be enough."
__________________________________________________________________

The muscles in Nagato's cheeks tightened as she watched through the rain as Harry dodged this way and that. Close behind him was a Bludger that seemed to be following him and only him. Watching as Fred knocked it away, Nagato's eyes narrowed as it changed direction once more in midair to go after Harry again. "What is going on up there?"

From where she sat beside the Battleship, Hermione shook her head with a frown while ignoring how the wood of the bench that Hibiki was sitting on splintered as the Destroyer gripped it tightly. Something that got her a glance from Ikazuchi as her sister knew that Hibiki was under a lot of stress lately. "I don't know, but this is not normal behavior for a Bludger. Someone's done something to it."

Eyes tracking Harry, Tenryuu growled a bit as she glared at the ball. "Is there anything that you can do?"

However, Hermione only shook her head as she tracked Harry in a dive before he flung himself into the support structure for the stands. Just behind him, the Bludger continued. "No. If they stop the game, Gryffindor will forfeit. And if someone outside the game does something, the same will happen..." Her voice then dropped to where only her fellow shipgirls and Ron could hear. "Besides, even if I had a good firing solution on it, I couldn't take it. Not with both teams flying through the air, one wrong move and at least one would die if not more."

Wincing, Nagato snarled softly. "Then when I get my hands on whoever is doing then, then they will regret angering one of the Big Seven."

Only glancing to the side, though she kept one eye on Harry, Hermione cleared her throat. "I am rather surprised to see you. Considering the current battle going on over at Iwo Jima, I would have thought that you would be back in Yokosuka."

Nagato only shook her head. "There is not too much need for me in regards to the current fighting. And I would never miss one of Harry's games unless there was no other choice."

Beside her, Akatsuki quickly nodded some before flinching at a close call as the Bludger nearly hit Harry in the head. "Besides, true ladies always support their friends!"

Suddenly, Tatsuta's head whipped around and she smiled thinly. "It seems that the game will be over soon, Harry-Chan spotted the Snitch. Right there near to the other Seeker I think that they're call-"

Then her eyes widened as the Bludger smashed into Harry's arm from behind and at the elbow. Even from here she could easily tell that it had practically shattered Harry's arm from the impact. Her eyes widening, Hibiki's breath stopped as Harry went into a dive. "No..."

She barely heard the swears coming from her mother's mouth as she ran towards the pitch. Not caring about the height, Hibiki placed one hand on the railing and hopped over, dropping to the ground in a crouch as Harry hit the ground, one hand around the Snitch. Spotting Harry roll out of the way of the rogue Bludger, she put on speed and before Harry knew it, she was standing above him. "Hibiki-Chan?"

However, all Hibiki did was growl as she pulled back one arm as the Bludger came back before punching it with all the power she could muster. "Po'shyol 'na hui!"

More then one eye widened as the Bludger ceased to exist. Hidden nearby, two large eyes widened and the owner gulped a bit. But before Hibiki could unleash her anger on something else, Lockhart was right there and looking down at Harry. "Right then, I would ask if you are okay but I don't think that you are, Harry my boy."

At seeing him pull his wand, Hibiki grabbed him by the wrist and growled. "What are you doing?"

Only glancing at her, Lockhart gave her a nervous smile as people began to crowd around. "Nothing bad, just a quick mending spell to prevent any bone shards from piercing blood vessels! Any too close will get vanished, that's all. Now just give me some room."

Eyes narrowed, Hibiki slowly nodded some and let go of his wrist as Lockhart went through the motions for the spell. After all, he was a teacher and should know basic first aid. Of course, that was when Murphy showed his face and Colin tried to get a picture of Harry as Lockhart cast his spell, bumping into the teacher. Everyone there stared as instead of mending the bones, instead Harry's arm seemed to deflate. It was also at that point that both Lockhart and Colin felt a shiver run up their backs as a low growl, almost like a bear, made itself known.

Slowly, they turned to see Hibiki glaring at them both. Thankfully, that was when Madam Pomfrey reached them as did the rest of DesDiv 6, Tenryuu, Tatsuta, and Nagato. None of whom were pleased with what met them.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

On Ikazuchi's face there was amazement as she played with Harry's boneless arm. "Wow... this is just so wierd! I mean, look at it."

There was a blank expression on Harry's face as he slowly blinked. "Yes, I know."

However, the Destroyer ignored that as she held Harry's elbow and gently gave the lower arm taps to make it move back and forth. Then she squeezed it. "Can you move it any?"

Closing his eyes, Harry shook his head as he laid back. "No, I can't move it, Ikazuchi-Chan. There's no bones in it for the muscles to use." Watching, he rolled his eyes as Ikazuchi held his lower arm in her hands, the middle slumping downwards. "Um, do you really need to play with it?"

Beside him, Inazuma nodded. "Hwawawa! Harry-Chan's right, Aki-Chan." She then cringed a bit as Ikazuchi twisted the boneless arm in a way that would not have been possible with bones in it. "That's disturbing, Aki-Chan! Nanodesu!"

With a glance at her, Ikazuchi raised an eyebrow. "Well, does it hurt any, Harry-Chan?"

Scratching his cheek, Harry glanced to where Hibiki was watching him quietly. "Well, no... but it's still pretty wierd. I mean, that's my arm and..."

Just continuing, Ikazuchi nodded. "Well, if it's not hurting then that's okay, right?" Before Harry could say anything though, the Destroyer hung her head. "And... it's better to get some laughs out of this. Because otherwise, I would be going hunting with my anchor."

Everyone within earshot winced at that. Eyes softening, Tenryuu shook her head. 'Aki...' Then she sighed and pinched her nose. "At least don't try and tie his fingers in knots!"

Blinking, Ikazuchi blinked and then turned towards her mother. "But I wasn't! I was just twisting them around each other."

Almost as one, everyone gave her looks, the same thought running through their minds. 'That does not make it any better, you know.'

It was then that Madam Pomfery came out with a potion in her hands and took in what was going on before sighing. "If you would please stop so that I can treat Mister Potter, that would be rather appreciated." As the sheepish Ikazuchi stopped and untangled Harry's boneless fingers, the nurse nodded. "Thank you."

Glancing between her and her son, Nagato took a deep breath. "How... how are you going to treat him? Without the bones in his arm the only thing that I can think of is..." Internally, she winced at the opinion of her own medical fairies at what would need to be done. 'Please have something that does not mean my son loses his arm because of this...'

With a small smile, Madam Pomfrey placed the potion onto the end table and then began to do some scans. "It is really quite simple, Miss Nagato. All we need to do is regrow his missing bones using skele-gro."

For a moment there was silence before Tatsuta wiggled a finger in her ear and then gave the witch a look. "Ara, ara. I'm sorry, but... it sounded like you said that you were going to regrow Harry-Chan's bone?"

Simply nodding, Madam Pomfrey. "That is quite correct. The Skele-gro potion will regrow his missing bones overnight." She then gave Harry a look. "However, it won't be pleasant I'm afraid. You won't be able to get any sleep while it is going on due to how... uncomfortable, it is."

Confused, Nagato frowned and moved closer though she was relieved. "Uncomfortable? How so?"

Pausing, Pomfrey considered the question before looking first at Harry and then at Nagato. "The potion is rather foul tasting and will leave behind a burning sensation. However, it's rather painful regrowing bone I'm sorry to say and it's akin to having splinters inside your flesh moving around. But there is nothing else that can be done I'm afraid."

Beside Harry, Hibiki grasped his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "We will be right here with Harry-Chan then. He won't be alone."

Quickly nodding, Akatsuki puffed out her chest some. "That's right! Harry-Chan's our friend and we won't leave him to suffer any. Just like real ladies would!"

Lips twitching, Tenryuu walked over and ruffled Akatsuki's hair. "Heh, I wouldn't expect any less out of my kids."

Softly smiling as Inazuma and Ikazuchi chimed in that they wouldn't be leaving, Nagato turned to Madam Pomfrey with a considering look in her eyes. "May I ask you a question, Madam Pomfrey?" Getting a nod, she continued. "I've been wondering what Professor Lockhart was trying to do?"

For several seconds, Madam Pomfrey was quiet before shaking her head. "It's a rather unusual spell, I'm afraid. Not very common except for those who venture out into the wilderness. It fuses the main section of bone together while vanishing any splinters. The person would still need Skele-Gro at the end though. But it will get you through to civilization at least. Perhaps it might have worked in Mister Potter's case, though I suspect that his arm was far too shattered by the Bludger to have worked correctly. I cannot fault Gilderoy though in this case."

Tapping one finger against her bicep, Nagato slowly nodded. "I see... That does take some weight off my shoulders I suppose." Glancing at the bottle, which had what looked like a human ribcage on it now that she looked, Nagato frowned. "Would it be possible to know more about it before you administer it?"

With a hum, Pomfrey slowly chuckled. "I don't see the harm. But if you're wondering if it's safe, it has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, Mister Potter's ancestor invented the potion. Though there was a time roughly thirty years ago when the potion was misused by a rather large amount of witches..."

Raising an eyebrow, Tatsuta frowned. "Misused? How so?"

As she chuckled, Pomfrey shook her head. "Tall witches were considered extremely attractive at the time. So some witches would vanish their leg bones and then stretch out their legs a little bit just to gain a few inches after imbibing the potion. Not something that I would suggest, mind you. Such a silly thing too."

Utter silence met that pronouncement as all of them tried to figure out why someone would do that. Out of them though, only Tenryuu had an idea and she could only shake her head at it. 'Yeah, that's not silly... that's moronic.'

Looking down at the potion, Harry gulped a bit. "Um... will I be able to eat something after this? Or... do I need to wait until it's done?"

That got him a small shake of the head from the Mediwitch. "As a matter of fact, you'll be able to eat. I would suggest dairy products in particular as you'll be low in calcium and so on."

Several minutes later, Harry was laying back with a hiss as he felt splinters inside his arm just like Madam Pomfrey suggested. Feeling a hand on his good arm though, he turned to see Hibiki giving him a small smile. "Don't worry, Harry-Chan. Soon... it'll be Khorosho."

With a chuckle, Harry shrugged a bit. "Yeah, I guess so, huh?" Sighing, Harry shifted a bit into a more comfortable position and then frowned. "By the way, Hibiki-Chan? Can I ask you something?"

A little confused, Hibiki nodded. "Of course you can, Harry-Chan."

Only scratching his neck, Harry tilted his head a bit. "Well... you seemed... off today?" Seeing her look at his boneless arm, he shook his head. "I mean, before this? And at the game I never seen you that angry before..."

Tenryuu looked between Harry and Hibiki before clearing his throat. "Akatsuki-Chan? Aki-Chan? Ami-Chan? Could you and Akatsuki-Chan go and get Harry-Chan some food? You know the way to the kitchens, right?"

It took a few moments, but Inazuma then nodded as it clicked in her head. "Uh, right! Right, Kaa-San!"

When they were gone, Tenryuu tilted her head towards where Madam Pomfrey's office was. "How about we go and have a talk with the nurse? I want to know a few things about some potions?"

Needless to say, Harry was more then a little confused and, soon enough, him and Hibiki were the only two in the room. Frowning, he turned towards Hibiki who was looking down at their clasped hands. "Hibiki-Chan? What's wrong?"

Chewing her lip, Hibiki was silent for several seconds before she let out a soft sigh. "I... I recently got word." With another deep breath, she swallowed. "I'm supposed to get my Kai-Ni as I'm ready for it."

Eyes widening, Harry gave her a smile. "That's great news, Hibiki-Chan!"

Much to his surprise though, she shook her head. "Nyet. Not to me, Harry-Chan..."

 

[darthcourt10]

smthng

On the screen a trio of bumbling teenagers were trying to chase after a nimble ghost, without having much success. After leading them on a merry chase, the ghost trapped the trio using a bucket of paint, a net, some duct tape and a well-placed wrap of plastic wrapping. Then ghost winked at the screen, and the picture cut to the trio staggering out of the house, as the credits started to roll.

After the newest episode of her favorite anime ended Hanako, the resident toilet ghost of the Yokosuka third district school, continued to chuckle at the incompetent antics of the wannabe ghost chasers. Then, just when the next episode was about to begin, the girl sudden sat up straight. There was a powerful – and thankfully very familiar – presence in her bathroom. Quickly Hanako shot up from her chair and dashed towards the door of the school library.

Only to just as quickly stop, and dash back to the computer. She quickly closed the browser and logged out before again dashing towards her toilet in the third floor of the school.

In her hurry the ghostly yokai went through a number of shortcuts, such as foregoing opening some doors, and jumping up the staircase through the stairs. She dashed out around the corner to the third floor hallway just as a young woman exited the girls' toilet, a thoughtful look on her face.

"Tenryuu-saaaan! I'm here!" Hanako hollered and waved her hand. The older girl's troubled look was quickly replaced by a relieved smile, as she returned the ghost's wave.

"Yo, Hanako-san! How's things?"

Hanako stopped just before the ship girl, and grinned up at the taller women. "All's well, Tenryuu-san! No yokai have tried to enter the school premises!"

Tenryuu's smile widened into a teasing grin, as she ruffled the small ghost's hair. "None, Hanako-chan? You certain about that?"

"Ummm….?"

Tenryuu leaned down to Hanako's level, the grin still splitting her face. "'Cause Haru-san told to me that she had heard a report about a pair of yokai on the campus. A kitsune and a hebi-onna. You didn't notice them?"

The happy smile that had graced Hanako's features ever since she had felt Tenryuu's approach poofed into nothingness as her joy quickly turned into apprehension.

"Oh, um, errr, hat is..."

Tenryuu chuckled, her grin melting into a friendly smile, and ruffled Hanako's hair again. "Sorry Hanako-chan, I shouldn't have teased you. But I just couldn't resist the opening, yanno."

Hanako's features, that had just before turned dead white, quickly reddened from embarrassment. "Ah, you heard about that, Tenryuu-san..."

Tenryuu nodded, and stood up. "Yeah, from what I gathered Haru-san sicked Natsumi and Shiromizu at you without bothering to inform me, or anyone else for that matter. I came to check that you're all right. And that you have enough hot chocolate, still."

For a few moments the two girls stood there, unmoving, and looking at each other. Then Tenryuu quirked an eyebrow. "You are okay, aren'tcha Hanako-chan."

The young ghost let out an otherworldly wail and buried her head in her hands. "I'm so sorry, Tenryuu-san! I didn't mean to fail like that, please don't take it out on me!!"

For fraction of a second, Tenryuu just stared at the small yokai. Then a number of expressions flashed on her face, before she quickly kneeled down and hugged the girl.



A moment later the ghost's wail petered into a confused squeak, and she peeked from between her fingers. Tenryuu held the hug for a few seconds more, before moving back enough to look at Hanako in the eye. "Shit, Hanako, I'm sorry! If I had known you'd take it that hard I never would have teased you like that, okay? Please forgive me!"

For a few moments Hanako could only blink at the concerned-looking ship girl. Then she slowly, hesitantly lowered her hands. "You're not angry at me, Tenryuu-san?"

"Of course not!" Tenryuu barked out. "Why on earth would I be?"

"Because..." Hanako blinked a few times, still giving the older woman a flabbergasted look. "Because I was ambushed by a two yokai much stronger than I? Because the only reason I'm still here is because they happened to be friendly instead of the type that would suck me through a straw and take over the school? Because I failed as a guardian?"

Tenryy let out a long sigh, before summoning a reassuring smile on her face. "The important thing is that you're alive, Hanako-chan. Much better that Natsumi and Shiromizu managed to sneak up on you than a nAka Manto or an oni, or something like that, right?"

Hesitantly, Hanako nodded. "So… you're not angry with me?"

"Of course not, Hanako-chan!"

"Even though… Even though they got me since I was looking at internet and wasn't paying attention?" the young ghost hesitantly asked, giving her benefactor a wary look.

Tenryuu blinked upon hearing the revelation. "You what?" she asked, the side of her mouth twitching for just a bit.

Hanako's eyes grew big as she realized what she had just done. She quickly slapped her hands on her mouth, and a look of utter mortification appeared on her face.

"You..." Tenryuu had again hard time keeping a straight face. "You… They managed to surprise you because you were surfing the web…?"

For a few moments Hanako stood there, frozen. Then, her face quickly turning into white as snow, she gave a hesitant nod.

For a few moments Tenryuu looked at the small yokai. The twitching on the side of her mouth slowly stopped, and her eyes again reflected concern instead of concealed mirth. Slowly, tenderly, she embraced Hanako. "Thankfully nothing happened, Hanako-chan."

For a few moments Hanako stood there, frozen, as the ship girl's incredibly powerful arms tenderly circled her. Then, she melted into the embrace. "Yes! Thankfully nothing happened, Tenryuu-san!"

For several minutes the pair embraced each other. Then Hanako carefully extracted herself from the ship girl's arms, and wiped her eyes to her sleeve. "So you really aren't angry with me, Tenryuu-san?"

Tenryuu shook her head. "I'm just happy nothing happened, Hanako-chan. If that had been an Aka Manto..."

Hesitantly, Hanako nodded. Tenryuu gave Hanako a relieved smile, and clambered back up to her feet. "Anyway, I hope you've taken steps that this won't happen again?"

Hanako nodded her head almost frantically. "Yes I have Tenryuu-san! I'm paying a lot more attention, now! Like, I wasn't even near my toilet and I still recognized you when you entered it! That way I was able to come here so fast! I'm not going to be surprised like that, again!"

Tenryuu ruffled the small girl's hair, and gestured towards the vague direction of the teachers' lounge with her other hand. "Glad to hear that, Hanako-chan. Now how about that hot chocolate? Then you can tell me all you now do better than before, okay? Then we can cook up a plan what to do if the next yokai to stumble into here are hostile and not the local priestess' niece and one of Nagato's house guests!"

Hanako blinked. "You're going to teach me how to defeat yokai stronger than than me?"

Tenryuu shrugged and made a face. "I'd like to, but I dunno how much help I can be. My approach tends to consist of a combination of 'torpedo it', 'cannon it' and 'stab it'. I kinda doubt we can adapt those to your needs, to be honest. But let's see what we can do."

Hanako nodded, as the pair started walking towards the teacher's room. And hot cocoa.

"Oh and Hanako-chan,"

"Yes, Tenryuu-san?"

The light cruiser gave the small yokai a very serious look. "Sorry I didn't think about this earlier. We really should thought more detailed plans what to do when a yokai appears at the school. But I never thought they'd get the drop on you!"

"It's… It's okay, Tenryuu-san. Neither did I."

* * *

Due to a slight case of business trip I was not able to comment on the parts with Hanako. However, while I personally would have solved it with a lot more Yakety sax involved, I cannot fault the scene as written. It was very good!

No, the anime Hanako watches does not exist. If it did, it'd be a kind of reverse Scooby Doo-ish thing, where the supernatural investigators are outsmarted by the supernatural in every episode. Of course Hanako would like that!

Also, I couldn't remember what shiromizu was supposed to be. That 'snake woman' part is again smthng being lazy and not doing any sort of research.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry leferts

Furrowing his eyebrows, Harry puzzled over what he had just been told by one of his oldest, and closest, friends. "Hibiki-Chan? What do you mean that it's not a good thing?" As she hung her head and began to shake, Harry reached up with his hand and placed it on her head. "Hibiki-Chan?"

Several seconds passed without comment as Hibiki closed her eyes. When she did speak though, it was in a low whisper. "Harry-Chan... do you remember years ago? When my screws were damaged and you carried me back to the Docks?"

It took a bit of thought, but Harry remembered that. "I do, but why..." Then Harry remembered the rest of the conversation and his eyes widened a bit. "Hibiki-Chan? Is it because of what happened after World War Two?" Very slowly, Hibiki nodded some. Feeling a tap, she opened her eyes to see Harry holding open his good arm. "Come here, Hibiki-Chan."

Almost immediatly, Hibiki climbed up onto the bed and cuddled into his side. "Thank you, Harry-Chan."

Only nodding, Harry wrapped his arm around her before moving some of her hair to the side. "I'm here, Hibiki-Chan. Go on and tell me what's wrong."

To the side, the clock ticked before Hibiki took a deep breath. "The last time that I became Verniy... it was after the others sank. Becoming her again, it scares me, Harry-Chan. I know that it is silly, but I can't help but think that it's an omen."

Frowning, Harry put it together in his head. "You think that when you become Verniy, that we'll disappear?" Not able to speak, Hibiki buried her face in his neck and gave a small nod. "But that's silly, Hibiki-Chan. Of course we won't disappear!"

A sad chuckle escaped from the Destroyer along with a sniffle. "Da, I know that Harry-Chan. It is silly, and yet, yet... the last time... My Nee-Sans were all sunk, Kaa-San and Oba-San were also sunk and I was all alone. Then I was torn from my home and..." Shudders passed through her as she buried her face even more into Harry's neck. "I do not want to go through that again. I don't want to lose everyone again... My mind knows better, but my heart of hearts is still afraid. When my eyes close, I imagine myself as Verniy but the others are gone, again, and I am once more all alone."

Biting his lip, Harry tried to figure out a solution. Then he blinked as a figurative lightbulb turned on above his head. "I think that I know how to make things better, Hibiki-Chan!" At her confused look, he grinned. "When are you supposed to go for your rebuild?"

Still frowning, Hibiki furrowed her eyebrows some. "According to Akashi-San, I can go for it anytime. Why do you ask, Harry-Chan?"

If anything though, Harry's grin widened some. "Because, Hibiki-Chan, if you hold off until Christmas Holidays then I'll be right there!"

Just blinking, Hibiki stared at him for a moment as she tried to figure out what he meant. "Da, I know that you would be there. After all, you'll be off school for the holidays."

However, Harry only shook his head. "No, I'll be there, for your rebuild. Right in the same room, holding your hand!"

Cheeks flushing as she realized what he meant, Hibiki's eyes widened at him and she felt her boilers sputter some from her shock. "I-in there? In the same room as Akashi-San is working on me and... holding my hand?"

All Harry did was nod. "Yup! I'll be holding your hand and not letting go. That way when you wake up, I'll be there for you to see and know that nothing has changed and we're still here." Then he scratched his chin and smiled. "I'll even transfigure steel that Akashi-Oba can use for your rebuild since maybe my magic might help."

Hibiki's jaw dropped a bit at that as she stared. At th same time though, she felt extremely warm. "Harry-Chan, Akashi-San stated that my rebuild would take most of the day though."

Giving it some thought, Harry then shrugged a bit. "Then I'll have to pack a lunch or something I guess. I'll stay right there though."

Much to Harry's confusion though, Hibiki pulled him into a hug. "Thank you, Harry-Chan."

In return, the black haired boy only shrugged and hugged her back as he stroked her hair. "Not a problem, Hibiki-Chan." Then the Destroyer froze as Harry kissed her head. "I don't mind at all."

Blushing, Hibiki just closed her eyes as she laid her head on his shoulder.
_________________________________________________________________________

Somehow, despite the pain, Harry managed to fall asleep several hours later. But then he was woken up as Hibiki shifted from where she had been cuddled up beside him and hissed. "Who are you and what are you doing here?!"

His eyes snapping open, Harry's head turned to see a familiar house elf there. "Dobby? Wait, what are you doing here?"

The house elf sniffled a bit and shook his head. "Dobby hoped that Miss Hibiki would not wake up before Dobby put her into a deeper sleep like others."

Needless to say, both Harry's and Hibiki's gazes snapped to where the other shipgirls were laying. But then each of them caught a glint between their eyelids and knew that they were awake and listening, but just observing for the moment. After that, Harry narrowed his eyes at Dobby. "You put them to sleep?"

Rapidly nodding, Dobby gulped. "Oh yes, Dobby has done that before. But Dobby is most sorry that Miss Hibiki did not go to sleep like others." He then sniffled a bit and a tear ran down one side of his face. "Oh, Dobby warned and warned Harry Potter not to come to Hogwarts. Why did Harry Potter not heed Dobby's warnings? Why didn't Harry Potter go home when he missed the train?"

Confused, Harry frowned some. 'How did he...' Then it clicked in place and he hissed a bit. "It was you, wasn't it? You blocked off the entry way!"

After a moment, Dobby nodded his head vigorously. "Indeed yes, Sir. Dobby hid and watchd for Harry Potter and sealed the gateway. Dobby then had to iron his hands afterwards for causing Harry Potter so much trouble." With that, he showed his hands which were still bandaged and from the small gaps they could see some burns. Mistaking the horror on Harry's face that he did so for something else, Dobby grabbed his ear and tugged a bit. "Dobby didn't care as he thought that Harry Potter was safe and never expected Harry Potter to find other way to Hogwarts, or else Dobby would have punished himself more. Dobby was so shocked when he found out that Harry Potter had gotten to Hogwarts, he burned Master's dinner. Oh, Master has not given Dobby such a flogging for such a long time."

Unseen by Dobby, the other shipgirls expressions shifted to hard ones though Inazuma had tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. Hibiki meanwhile clenched her fists. "This Master of yours... He flogged you? For burning dinner?"

Not knowing why she was reacting the way she was, Dobby only nodded. "Oh yes, but Dobby did deserve it for burning dinner."

Wanting to change the subject, Harry then nodded his head towards the dirty pillow case that Dobby was now using to wipe his eyes and nose on. "Why do you wear that thing?"

Dobby blinked in confusion and then played with the pillowcase a bit. "'Tis a mark of house elf enslavement, Sir. Dobby can only be freed by Masters presenting Dobby with clothes, Sir. The Family is careful not even to pass Dobby a Sock, Sir, for then Dobby would be free to leave their house forever."

Grimacing as, once more, the subject change did not go in the way he wanted, Harry took a deep breath. But it was Hibiki who spoke up with narrowed eyes. "I'm surprised that you even bothered showing up considering Arizona-San threatening you."

The answer they got, and the nonchalant tone they got it in, caused all of them to twitch though as Dobby only shrugged. "Dobby not worried. 'Tis a good day for Dobby when he only gets five death threats and hurt once! Usually Master only kicks Dobby and not chokes him." Giving it a moment of thought, Dobby then shook his head and wagged a finger at Harry. "But Harry Potter must go home! Dobby thought that his Bludger would be enough to convince Harry Potter and Harry Potter's family that he must leave Hogwarts!"

It said something how shocked Harry and Hibiki were with that pronouncement that it took them several seconds to react. "That was you!? That nearly killed me/him and you made it do that!?"

However, Dobby seemed shocked at the accusation and shook his head. "Not kill you, Sir! Dobby would never kill you! Dobby wants to save Harry Potter's life! Better sent home grieviously injured then stay in Hogwarts! Dobby only wanted Harry Potter hurt enough to be sent home for good!"

Wincing, Dobby whimpered a bit. "Dobby will punish himself, Sir. Dobby will place his toe in a Muggle electrical socket as Dobby knows how much that hurts. But Harry Potter does not understand!" As he went on about how horrible things were when Voldemort was around, all Harry and Hibiki could do was stare at him in disbelief. Then he said something that caught their attention. "... And now terrible things will happen at Hogwarts, are perhaps happening already and Dobby cannot let Harry Potter stay here now that History is to repeat itself, now that the Chamber of Secrets is open once more..."

A gasp escaped from Dobby as he realized what he had just said and, before they could do anything, he grabbed the water jug from beside Harry's bed and smashed it into his own head before toppling out of sight. Knowing just how tough said jug was as it was supposed to be able to survive falling to the floor, Hibiki flinched. As the house elf slowly climbed back to his feet with blood dripping from his forehead, Hibiki was unable to help herself and had her fairies bring some bandages out. "Are you okay?"

Slowly, Dobby nodded. "Oh yes, Dobby is fine. Dobby just being a very bad Dobby and need punishing self. So Dobby do so..."

Gulping, Harry leaned forward. "There's a Chamber of Secrets, Dobby? And it's been opened before? By who? Who opened it before and why would I be in danger?"

With whimpers, Dobby backed away and wrung his hands before he slowly inched his hands towards another water jug. "Ah, Sir, ask no more of poor Dobby! Dobby must punish himself again-"

Before he could get any further though, a hand shot out and grabbed his wrist and prevented him from reaching the jug. "Ara, ara~ No need of such things, little one." Turning, Dobby stared with wide eyes as Tatsuta gave him a smile as one eye opened a crack. "But we do have some questions for you..."

However, Dobby only shook his head rapidly. "Dobby cannot say! Dobby can't! Dark deeds are planned in this place, so Harry Potter must go home! Take Harry Potter away from here, Dobby pleads! Don't meddle, 'tis too dangerous!"

Shaking his head, Harry growled a bit. "I'm not going to leave, Dobby. I got friends here! One of them is a muggleborn and is threatened by... whatever this is! And you know it!"

There was an awed look, but a miserable one on Dobby's face. "So noble and so valiant! But he must save himself! He must! Harry Potter must leave and-" He froze and then gulped. "Dobby must go now."

And then he vanished and Tatsuta looked around in confusion. "Where did he go?"

Meanwhile, Ikazuchi was just staring where the elf was and then at the droplets of blood on the ground. "That... was messed up... No, it was beyond fucked up."

Only reaching over, Tenryuu flicked her in the ear as she was also in stunned disbelief at what happened. "Language, Aki-Chan." Then she ran one hand through her hair. "Though, yeah, you're right that it's messed up."

Wringing her hands, Inazuma sniffled a bit. "What happened to him that he would do that to himself? That's so horrible..."

For her part, Nagato was looking at Harry with a small frown. "But what did he mean by what he said though..."

Then her head whipped to the door as it opened to reveal Dumbledore in a wooly dressing gown and night cap. Spotting Nagato, he nodded. "Ah, sorry for waking you up. We have a bit of an issue here though..."

Getting up as he walked the rest of the way in and hurried past with McGonagall holding what looked like at first to be a statue, Nagato's eyes widened some. "British understatement."

Her eyes widened the rest of the way as Harry recognized who the statue was. "Colin! What happened to him?"

With a look at Dumbledore, McGonagall pursed her lips some. "We don't know, but it seems that he must have met whatever petrified Miss Norris. There was a bowl of grapes on the floor beside him so we think that he must have been coming to visit Mister Potter and then spotted something." Her eyes then gazed at the camera held up in the boy's frozen hands. "He must have tried to take a picture and..."

Frowning, Tenryuu walked over and examined the camera with a frown. While neither of her daughters had seen one, she had when growing up and worked at the back latch. "Mind if I open it?" At the nod and gesture from Dumbledore, she unlocked it. "Hopefully he took a picture and-WHOA!" Almost as soon as she opened it, acrid smoke poured out and she waved her hand around. Once it was clear, she looked inside and blinked before flipping up her eyepatch. "What the hell? The inside is all melted."

Now looking at Dumbledore who had a pensive look on his face, Nagato grimaced some. "Albus, what could have done that?"

However, Dumbledore only shook his head with a sigh. "I'm afraid that I do not know. But this does mean that I shall do what we had discussed earlier this year, I think, as soon as I can convince the Board." His eyes narrowed some as he shifted his gaze to Colin's frozen face. "As it seems that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened once more..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 13: smthng

Harry Leferts said:
Can I just say how much I love how motherly Tenryuu's become towards Hanako?
*-*-*--*-*-​

Christmases in the Matsuda household were odd. Even by Japanese standards. Ever since Aki and Ami had realized that Christmas was an American holiday, they had demanded that they celebrated the holiday in American style. With all the pathos that a pair of five-year-olds could manage they had sworn their mother into arranging a "real, American Christmas" instead of a Japanese one. Because if their (missing) dad was from America, they should celebrate the biggest American holiday in his honor.

Ryoko had given the two her word, and had tried to find out what a 'real' Christmas was like. In the end, in addition to a Christmas cake and takeout KFC, they Matsuda traditions had come to include a Christmas tree, a fireplace for stockings, a glass of Calpis and cookies left for Santa-san, and tofu casserole baked using Ryoko's own recipe.

The tree was plastic, Aki and Ami crafted the fireplace out of paper and cardboard every year, Calpis was considered an acceptable substitute for milk that'd otherwise be wasted as nobody in the family would drink it, and Ryoko honestly had no clue whether the dish she cooked had anything to do with casseroles.

Much later, the Matsudas met captain Nathan Drake and learned at Aki and Ami were actually half-British. Therefore, when the first Christmas after that meeting started approaching, Ryoko quickly turned to the local experts to ask about British Christmas.

After a long and confusing discussion with Kongo, Ryoko decided that the best approach was to leave well enough alone. Americans originally came from Britain, so what they had was probably close enough. And she really didn't have a clue how to try and incorporate flying snowmen into the celebration. Except as decorations, which all four girls were more than happy to draw.

Thus, when Ryoko finally accepted Nathan as a hang around member of the family, and he was allowed to participate with his lady mother, the results were quite the mess. Lady Drake later described her first family Christmas with the Matsudas as "rather peculiar, but enjoyable". The next year she coordinated with Ryoko's mother in order to bring a bit of order into the party. It had taken a bit of negotiation, but the end result was something everybody was more or less happy with.

Thus, the morning of December 25th found the Matsuda and Drake families around a new plastic tree of significantly higher quality than before, opening presents that Santa-san had brought in during the night. Ryoko raised an eyebrow as Nathan dropped a smallish, soft present into her waiting hand. Giving her boyfriend a meaningful look, she quickly unwrapped the present.

Inside was an oversized, dark purple T-shirt. On the shirt was a relatively simple, but very realistic-looking and beautiful drawing of her holding both Aki and Ami, one girl on each hip. Akatsuki and Hibiki stood in the foreground, both clutching Ryoko's shirt.

Beneath the picture was a text "momship's gonna mom".

For a few moments Ryoko could do nothing but stare at the picture, and the text beneath. Then she turned towards Nathan, and asked with a catch in her voice. "Where did you get this, Nate?"

The good captain gave Ryoko a lopsided smile and shrug. "I had it commissioned, actually. I saw this pretty damn good street artist in Philippines some months back."

"And you had them do me a T-shirt?" Ryoko asked, her voice incredulous.

Still grinning, Nathan shook his head. "Of course not! I had him draw the picture, and then had it printed there."

Ryoko put the shirt down and turned to fully face Drake. "And where's the original, if all I get is a T-shirt?"

The grin in Nathan's face disappeared in a flash, and he replied in all seriousness. "In my cabin aboard the Albion. You know, to remind me about you all whenever we're apart."

It was hard to see which spread faster: Tatsuta's devilish grin or the blush on Ryoko's face. That, however, became a moot point as Ryoko noticed her sister's mood and realized she had perhaps three seconds before the teasing began.

"Oh fuck it!" Ryoko lunged forward and captured Nathan's mouth with her own.

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

Because momship's gonna mom, and Ryoko had about a decade of momming under her belt before she became a ship.

Harry Leferts said:
Thanks, though I was not too sure about the tsunami part. I remember you saying her school was destroyed in the earthquake and tsunami, so I figured that she would have been there when it happened.​

Well, I hadn't really thought that much what exactly happened to Hanako during the tsunami, but it worked.

In my my original idea had the danger of the tsunami being a bit more spiritual in nature. A Hanako simply needs a school in order to exist, otherwise she'd fade away. Not immediately, but kinda like how a human would starve without food. Or something to that effect. I hadn't even thought about any sort of immediate danger the actual tsunami could cause.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts Omake: "Indianapolis Vs. Shark Week"

Don't got time for a snippet... so I modified an old bit as an omake, enjoy:
______________________________________________________________________________

Fourth Year was turning out to be pretty bad what with the tournament and everything else. In fact, Harry was close to snapping at some people with everything which was what found him in front of a laptop in the Great Hall as several shipgirls clustered close to him. Hermione raised an eyebrow and looked over his shoulder before giving him a disbelieving look. "Really, Harry? Indianapolis doing Shark Week?! Who the hell came up with that bright idea?"

Sipping his drink, Harry shrugged a bit, but it was Iowa who answered. "Believe it or not? Indy did herself, she was... kind of pissed off that everyone was walking on eggshells around her and did this to prove that she could handle it."

Now looking between them, Hermione frowned and turned to Harry. "How bad?"

With a shrug, Harry grinned a bit sheepishly. "Apparently she sent a letter to the executives at Discovery about one of their documentaries... This one as a matter of fact."

That only got him a frown before Hermione sat down. "Fine, let's see how bad this is..."

Just smiling, Harry then clicked play as everyone sat back to watch as Indianapolis began to talk...
___________________________________________________________________

Sitting back in her chair, Indianapolis waved at the webcam on her computer. "Hey everyone, USS Indianapolis here. After so many people trying to hide this... 'Shark Week' from me, because they've got this idea that I'd freak out or something, I've had enough. Now, don't get me wrong, I dislike sharks. A lot. But they're still better then other bloodthirsty monsters that would tear you apart alive and leave you maimed... Such as certain Admirals that will remain unnamed." Waving at the screen, Indianapolis sighed. "Now, to that end, I've decided to record myself watching a documentary from this Shark Week, just to show the others just how much I don't care about their opinions."

Moving the mouse, leaned forward. "And the choice I'm going with is... Something called 'Shark of Darkness: Wrath of Submarine'. Looks interesting." Clicking, Indianapolis leaned back and watched for a minute and then looked up at the sky. "... Something that involves a ship sinking and shark attacks. All I got is one response."

One hand raised toward the ceiling before she clinched it into a fist with the middle finger extended. "Fuck you, just fuck you."

*********************************************

Her finger clicking the mouse, Indianapolis took a deep breath before letting it out. "Oh... My... Fucking... God. Seriously? Just fucking seriously?!." One hand extended toward the screen as she shook her head. "Let me get this straight. There's more then a dozen panicked people in the water, thrashing about. You also got a lot of blood in the water because this one person got bitten. Said water is infested with sharks, great whites. Most of which are..." Going back a bit, she went back over it. "Between twelve and sixteen footers. They're going into a frenzy when they stop and suddenly take off. The excuse being given that sharks have a hierarchy and something bigger just showed up?"

Turning toward the webcam, she just gave it a stink eye. "Bullshit." Indianapolis waved her hand at the screen with a scowl that would cause Noncoms to flinch. "Utter fucking bullshit."

With her face filling the webcam's field, Indianapolis glared. "If sharks are entering a feeding frenzy, they don't fucking give a shit if there's a bigger predator there or nearby. They will attack. You will get small and big sharks." Once more leaning away from the webcam, Indianapolis breathed deeply before releasing. "My God, what the hell am I getting into... What the fuck, Discovery."

*************************************************

Utter silence filled the air as the video was paused and Indianapolis just stared at the screen. Seconds later, she went back and rewatched it twice more. Slowly, she turned and looked at the webcam and then pointed at the screen. "... Okay, ignoring for a moment it's 'attack', and I'll be getting back to that in a moment, these fuckers expect me to believe that a thirty foot plus great white didn't show up on the fish finder sonar because... It stayed perfectly still and vertical for at least ten minutes. And that this is how it normally hunts? I'm... I'm speechless. Goddamn speechless."

Eyes narrowed, the Shipgirl growled. "Maybe the shits that made this think that you're being cute, or smart. But here's the thing." Moving quickly, her face filled the webcam's view. "You sons of bitches are neither!. I'm far from a shark expert but great whites, no matter what, need to fucking move in order to breath. Even fucking Hollywood does a better job. No shark is going to stop in the ocean and then float along still and vertical. None." Holding her hands up, Indianapolis stared at them. "So, we got this great white that's over thirty feet long. Real mean fucker. But it's so big that it's prey somehow knows it's there and flees before it can attack. So... it goes and learns that all it needs to do is hang motionless in the water and let the prey come to it." Once more, she stared at the webcam. "So much bullshit there. Especially as..." Quickly, she checked her smartphone and nodded. "Great whites do need to swim to breath. So it's going to suffocate itself just to catch prey, all righty then."

Shaking it off, she sighed. "Now let's get to the attack shown. It comes up below this one woman, grabs her, and drags her down. But because she's tied herself to a massive floatation device, used to keep small boats from sinking, it drags it down as well. Despite said floatation device needing I think they said 4,100 pounds of force just to keep it under. Now, here's the thing. On one end of this woman, you got a massive shark, on the other tied to her you got the floatation device pulling in the opposite direction. The floatation device should have never gone under for more then a few seconds because it would have ripped through her. And if it was tied to her arm? Said arm would have been ripped off. Basic goddamn fucking physics..."

Her hand on the mouse, Indianapolis shook her head. "I just can't wait to see the rest..." Looking at the webcam, she snorted. "That was sarcasm by the way, just in case you didn't realize."

******************************************************************************

Pinching her nose, Indianapolis bit her lip until finally she shook her head and threw her hands up in the air. "Nope! NOPE! NOPE! I give up, this is now officially beyond being bullshit! Because now we got a shark who apparently will now try to keep it's food around by pushing a struggling person away from rescuers for several minutes until it's hungry enough to eat them. Because, for whatever reason, humans are the goddamn Chinese food of the animal kingdom and sharks can digest enough of a full grown human fast enough that they'll actually be hungry again in thirty minutes and actually knows this so it'll try to keep a meal with it until that time is up." Her eyebrow twitching, Indianapolis picked up a pillow and screamed into it before dropping it and picking up a book. Moments later, she smashed the book into her face over and over. "OH MY JESUS FUCKING CHRIST IN THE NAME OF CNO! WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING FUCK AM I WATCHING?!"

The book slammed down and the shipgirl gestured with her hands as she began to rant. "A human is too damn fucking bony to be digested enough within thirty goddamn minutes that the stomach would empty. Even in regards to a giant shark like this. Hell, a human would be enough food that the shark would not need to eat anything for several days most likely. A day or two, I wouldn't give as much of a fuck. But thirty fucking minutes!?"

For a moment, she slumped back and stared at the ceiling before waving a hand around. "And that would not be counting the bullshit of a great white deciding that it should push one person away from anyone else so that it has something to eat later. Sharks are not that fucking smart outside of bad shark movies. And this was made by people who want to educate? What in the ever loving fuck is wrong with people nowadays!? Not to mention the bullshit of none of the rescuers going to save the guy. You mean to honestly fucking tell me that rescuers in boats, seeing that guy get pushed, would not kick one of them into high gear and sweep in to pull him out? What the fuck... WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK IN GOD'S NAME IS FUCKING WRONG WITH THIS SHIT FILLED SACK OF CRAP!?"

Just shaking her head, she pointed at the screen and looked at the webcam. "I am seriously considering hunting down the dumb motherfuckers who made this, and then beating them with one of the motherfuckers. Yes, I am considering beating motherfuckers with other motherfuckers."

**********************************************************************************

Head cradled in hands, Indianapolis just shook it from side to side. "I give up, I just give up. The shark, for some odd reason, is willing to stick around for an hour to try and get at people inside the upside down wreck of the ship who are surviving in an air pocket. And it just circles the wreck over and over. But instead of, say, getting some explosives to drop on the shark's head, instead the rescuers grab a shark cage, drop it close to the wreck, and then swim a distance inside the wreck to drag the people out. People who then have to swim about thirty feet to the cage and be brought back to the surface."

One eye then glared before her fingers and seemed to glow. "Fucking motherfuckers."

Turning back to the screen, Indianapolis shook her head. "And then, to make it even better... despite having multiple videos of said giant shark, a thirty eight footer, including video from the local coast guard, it's existence is still 'Inconclusive'." With a sigh, Indianapolis just shook her head. "Fuck you, whoever made this. Just... fuck you. Because if this is seriously stuff used for education, then I fucking weep. Now excuse me..." Getting up, Indianapolis reached toward the webcam. "Because I really need to go and get utterly sloshed to try and make myself forget this stupidity..."
________________________________________________________________

There was silence and then Hermione summed up all their thoughts as she just facepalmed.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"What do you mean that you don't know what the monster inside this Chamber of Secrets is?"

Leaning back in his chair, Dumbledore considered the Battleship in front of him as well as the Light Cruiser beside her. While there was some anger in her tone, it was more a statement of fact which he slowly nodded at. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid that the list of possible creatures is quite large, even with several factors narrowing it down."

A frown on her face, Tenryuu glanced around the room in thought before turning back to him. "Yeah, but you're the Headmaster, right? Couldn't you use school magic or somethin' to find out?"

His lips thinning, Dumbledore sighed. "I only wish that it was that simple." Looking out his window at the Hogwarts grounds, he frowned. "While many protections have been added to the school, they have all be... hooked up, I believe the term is, to the original spells put in place by the Founders themselves. Salazar was no fool and must have created a hole in the protections so that they would be unable to notice either his Chamber or his... pet, as it were."

Fingers tapping against the armrest, Nagato rolled that statement around in her head before groaning. "I suppose that makes sense. And it would also affect the portraits then?" When Dumbledore nodded and explained that said paintings were connected to the school's magic, Nagato growled. "Dammit."

Beside them, Victory sipped at her tea beside another sailshipgirl. "Most disappointing that it seems that Salazar thought of everything. Though not unexpected I suppose." Glancing at the shipgirl who was looking curiously at some of the silver in the room, she held back a sigh. "Behave yourself, Hind."

The red haired, and rather busty, woman grinned a bit which stretched out the scar on one cheek. "Don't worry yourself, Victory. I'll behave since I might have a job of sorts for me and my group."

Of course, that caused Nagato to glance at the shipgirl with a slight frown. Said shipgirl wore what looked like a traditional pirate costume and for some odd reason it tickled something in the back of her mind. Then Nagato shook it off and frowned a bit more as she thought it was the name, Golden Hind, that was reminding her of something. "So you would be one of the shipgirls who would be taking over security then?"

Reaching over, the sailshipgirl had a roguish grin on her face as Nagato shook her hand. "That would be the long and short of it. Me and my girls, we've been sitting around rather bored. And as anyone could tell you, bored sailors are somethin' that you don't want. Idle hands doing the Devil's work and all that tosh." With a shrug once they stopped shaking hand, the girl leaned back. "Though some o' them are a bit busy at the moment over in Ireland... Don' be askin' why though."

Not quite sure why, Tenryuu felt a shiver run down her back before shaking it off. 'What the heck could be in Ireland?'

Meanwhile, Golden Hind turned a bit serious and looked over at Dumbledore with a frown. "Now then, you wouldn't have an idea as to when we could arrive or what we might be dealing with then? Either could help with plans."

Hands clasped in front of his face, Dumbledore sighed. "As much as it pains me, it might take some time before I am able to... convince... the Board to allow you to take up your contract. Perhaps no later then January. At least partially due to how I am sure that you would not want to be compared to security trolls in this case."

That got him a snort and a smirk from Hind. "Not bloody likely." A chuckle then burst from her as she shook her head. "Though perhaps some of my girls could use a good bath, they might smell like one!"

With his lips twitching, Dumbledore shook his head before becoming serious and sighing. "Quite. But it will take some time before I am able to bring you and yours in though I suppose it gives you time to prepare."

As Hind shrugged, Tenryuu frowned a bit. "Okay, that's great and everything. But any ideas about what it might be? Right now I got four worried Destroyers watching over their friend in the hospital wing and guarding him. Tatsuta is also worried even though she's not showing it and I don't blame her. You did say it was opened decades ago, right?"

Frowning, Dumbledore got up and walked over to his bookcase. "As I have said, there's a number of possibilities I'm afraid. And none of them are good." Grabbing a book, he looked it over and then blew some dust off it before walking back over. "The number of magical creatures that can petrify is rather high. Now, we might assume that Salazar went with serpentine creatures due to his love of snakes, but it would not be past him to use a non-snake creature for such. And then there's possible dark magic..."

Now raising her eyebrows, Victory frowned some. "You sound almost like you expect that it was some sort of wizard or witch doing it?"

Just pausing, Dumbledore shook his head. "I... would not discount that out of the possibility. There is certain dark magic, now thankfully lost, which could create a form of Inferi that retains intelligence and magical abilities. I believe that the creation from them was known as Draugar by the Norse. They were known in the days of the Founders, but those who knew the secret were killed in the Eleventh Century. As such, I cannot discount such a thing as being created by Slytherin, especially as one of such a being's abilities would be to swim through solid stone which would explain why it's able to travel unseen."

Really not liking what she was hearing, Golden Hind grimaced. "Undead. Ugh, if I had a Crown for all the times such things cause trouble..."

Giving her a smile, Dumbledore shook his head. "Now, not all of them are that bad. I count a few vampires among my friends after all. But when we get into living creatures, the issue becomes more troublesome."

Opening the book, he turned it so that they could see. "A limited edition of Fantastic Beasts from Newt Scamander, seeing as he was a former student of mine. It's much more informative then the normal version we use as textbooks. Now, I will admit that the last time the Chamber was open, I had considered a Basilisk as being a possible culprit, though that has become increasingly unlikely."

With a raised eyebrow, Victory looked up. "A basilisk? The King of Serpents itself?" At Dumbledore's nod, she shook her head. "And why would you think that's become more unlikely, Bumblebee?"

Several moments passed before Dumbledore spoke. "The gaze of a Basilisk is fatal, instantly. When the Chamber was last open, several muggleborn familiars were found dead. There was also an house elf found dead as well as a matter of fact. All of them were petrified. But one student also died, a young Muggleborn that your son knows, Miss Nagato."

It took a few seconds, but Nagato's eyes widened. "Myrtle..."

Only nodding, Dumbledore steepled his hands in front of himself. "Quite. Now, Miss Warren died in her bathroom, apparently killed by the beast. Before you ask, we had asked her what happened after she died but... Each time she broke down and would be distraught for hours and we were unable to make out what she was saying. Unlike most ghosts, it seems, Myrtle does not like to even mention how she died and so we stopped asking. At the time, I considered a Basilisk to be the most likely as it would fit. It was a serpent, Parselmouths who have gone dark are well known to use them, and it kills instantly."

Eyes narrowing, Nagato frowned. "But changed your mind though?"

Grimacing, the old wizard shook his head. "A few things. For one thing, a serpent of such a size would be too large to get through the corridors unnoticed. Some of the older house elves who are unable to do much, have apparently taken it upon themselves to watch the secret passageways." At the looks, he raised his hand. "I did not order them to do so and I myself only found out when I asked them if they had seen anything. But they have told me that they have not seen anything besides the odd student." Frowning, Dumbledore shook his head. "The other thing, of course, is that so far despite Miss Norris and Mister Creevey meeting the Monster, no one has died. Petrification is horrible, mind you. But a Basilisk kills and petrifies. One of them surviving would be a miracle. Two are highly unlikely. If, as I fear, the attacks continue and it happens to more then it becomes far more unlikely. That does not mention how unlikely it is for a Basilisk to survive for a thousand years without much food."

Thoughtful, Victory shook her head before scratching her chin. "Then what does that leave us, Bumblebee? How many other serpents could there be?"

Just sighing, Dumbledore shook his head. "Far too many, I am afraid. If we assume that the monster is sapient, and able to use some magic, then we could have a gorgon on our hands that Salazar placed in his chamber."

Needless to say, everyone blinked at that before Tenryuu wiggled a finger in her ear. "A gorgon? As in that Medusa person? From Greek myth?"

Amused, Dumbledore nodded. "One in the same. I will note though that she had two immortal sisters who were also gorgons. And before you ask, yes, they do exist and live upon a small island not far from Greece that's been hidden under a large amount of charms. From what I have been told, they have been ignored by the Abyssals up to this point...." He then turned to Nagato and there was a twinkle in his eye. "I would advise you to have young Mister Potter avoid said island though."

Raising an eyebrow in askance, Nagato frowned. "Why?"

If anything though, the twinkle increased. "As it turns out, the gorgons are... extremely attracted to Parselmouths. To the point where they would, I believe the term is, jump the bones of any that show up on their island. In a group. Grindlewald exchanged two for their allegiance during the magical side of the Second World War, though I am told that they did not mind much."

Utter silence met that before Nagato's expression transformed into one that made Tenryuu snort. "Kid's got enough female problems to begin with. So... since you mentioned magic, I assume that they can use magic?"

Slowly, Dumbledore nodded as he became serious once more. "They can cast some minor charms. Mainly ones for stalking prey such as silencing and disillusionment charms. Something like Miss Wanko's ring would not be out of the capabilities of Salazar either."

Curious, Golden Hind nodded some. "So then, what else do we have?"

Flipping through the pages, Dumbledore stopped at one page just past the Basilisk entry. "A Basiliskos is another possible one, and more likely then a Basilisk. One could say it's a lesser one as it's born when one has a cockerel hatch a snake's egg. It does not become large, only about five or six feet long with a white spot in the form of a crown on it's head. It has poisonous venom, and a deadly glare, but it's gaze is more likely to petrify then to kill as it takes time for the gaze to kill. It's not often seen though as most Parselmouths would rather use Basilisks instead. But size wise, it could sneak around. Another is the Cockatrice, which would also fit Salazar."

As the pages were flipped to it, Tenryuu was silent as she read over the entry. Then she gave Dumbledore a disbelieving look. "It says here that it's created... by having a rooster lay an egg that is then hatched by a snake? The fuck?"

With a chuckle, Dumbledore shook his head. "It's something that happens in nature and muggles have explained I believe. There are hens which, for some reason transform into roosters from what I have heard and it's from them that one can get a Cockatrice with some work..." Pausing, he frowned. "I have also heard of roosters becoming hens though... I am unsure how that works as I have been told that magic is not involved."

Only pinching her nose, Victory sighed. "Right, right. So any others?"

Eyebrows furrowing, Dumbledore got up and then got another book. "There is... one other. In Ancient Egypt there was a serpent known as the Ouraion. It was extremely deadly and could turn people to stone or kill them. If it focused, it's gaze could even crack stone and it's breath was said to be as deadly as a Nundu with venom that a single bite could slay an lion. Even killing it would not work as its blood was poisonous and would flow along the ground or weapon until it reached the killer, slaying them. It was supposed to be extinct by Salazar's time though after being hunted until none were left. Being as it was described as snake like, Salazar could use one. But the chances of finding one would be low though if anyone could seek one out and find it, Salazar would be one."

That caused a blink before Nagato frowned. "How? If it slew whoever killed it...?"

Grimacing, Dumbledore shook his head. "The Ancient Pharaohs of Egypt used condemned prisoners to slay them as they would die in either case. If they killed one though, they would be given full rites as befitting a hero when buried complete with mummification by the priests. The body of the Ouraion would be given to the Pharaoh to be displayed in his palace."

For several seconds there was silence before Nagato shook her head. "So in other words, until you have more information you're as in the dark as the rest of us?" At his nod, she rubbed the side of her head. "Lovely."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Harry was slowly spooning breakfast porridge into his mouth as Madam Pomfrey tested his arm before she nodded. "All your tests work out Mister Potter. Just finish up your breakfast and you may go." She then frowned and looked down with a raised eyebrow at the group of medical fairies on Harry's bed. "Unless, of course, you have your own objections?"

Looking at each other, the fairies shook their heads as the leader spoke up. "Desu, desu desu desu. Desu."

If anything though, Pomfrey's eyebrows furrowed a bit as she nodded "Thank you, I suppose." As she moved off, Harry could hear her mutter to herself. "However is it that I could understand them...?"

Only shrugging as the four members of DesDiv6 reclaimed their fairies who were observing the testing, Harry turned back to his breakfast. He did blink though as Ikazuchi reached over and began squeezing his arm. "Uh, Ikazuchi-Chan? What are you doing?"

With a grin, Ikazuchi looked up at him. "Testing. Man, this is so cool! You regrew the entire bone overnight!"

Reaching over, Inazuma frowned before flicking her twin in the ear. "Stop that, Aki-Chan!"

As Ikazuchi rubbed her head, Hibiki placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. "I am glad that you are alright, Harry-Chan. Especially after your arm."

Just smiling, Harry patted her arm before he turned to regard the section of the infirmery that was closed off with curtains. Spotting what he was looking at, Inazuma frowned. "That's not your fault, Harry-Chan. He was the one who was in the hallways."

Ikazuchi placed her hands behind her head and nodded as Harry sighed. "Yeah, I guess. But he was still coming to visit me..."

Unknown to him, Hibiki was not letting her internal thoughts show externally. 'Da, and likely to take yet more pictures of you and bother you more.'

However, Hibiki didn't voice that and simply followed Harry and her sisters as they left the infirmary with Tatsuta waiting outside. The Light Cruiser cracked one eye open slightly and smiled a bit down at Harry. "Everything alright there, Harry-Chan? Back in one piece?"

Smiling, Harry raised his formerly boneless arm and wiggled his fingers before clinching it into a fist. "Yup! Everything is back in order, Tatsuta-Oba!"

There was a smile on Tatsuta's face as she gave him a nod and then patted him on the head. "Then that is good to hear. Granted, that means that I don't need to go and have a chat with your teacher." Closing her eye, she hummed a bit. "Ara, ara~ I was rather disappointed as I wanted to let him know how little I liked what happened."

Most people would have shivered at her tone and smile. That is, most people except for Harry as it didn't bother him in the slightest. As they walked towards the Great Hall though, so that DesDiv6 could get some food themselves and meet up with the others, Harry noticed a frowning Akatsuki staring at him. "Is something wrong, Akatsuki-Chan?"

It seemed for a moment that the purple haired Destroyer was at war with herself before she huffed a bit and got in front of him. While they came to a stop, she looked over both Harry and then Hibiki was beside him. Both Harry and Hibiki looked at each other in confusion before they turned back with the white haired Destroyer raising an eyebrow. "Akatsuki-Chan?"

Suddenly, Akatsuki pointed at him in shock. "Your taller then Hibiki-Chan now, Harry-Chan!"

Eyes widening, Harry stared at Hibiki-Chan. "Ehh!? I'm taller then Hibiki-Chan? But she was taller then me just this summer!"

Coming up beside Akatsuki, Inazuma looked over Harry from head to toe and her own eyes widened some as she threw her arms out. "Hwahaha! She's right, Nanodesu! You're now taller then Hibiki-Chan!"

Only blinking, Hibiki turned Harry to the side and then stepped forward until hers and Harry's noses almost touched. Much to her surprise though, Harry's eyes were a little bit above the same level as hers. "Da, they're right."

Now examining the two herself, Tatsuta smiled a bit and patted their heads. "Well, it seems that you grew about an inch or so, Harry-Chan. Congrats, you're growing up."

Suddenly, a voice spoke up from nearby and they all turned to see an amused Tenryuu followed by a confused Nagato. "Fufufufu. And what do we have here now?"

Running over, Ikazuchi grabbed her mother's hand and pulled her over. "Look! Look, Kaa-San! Harry-Chan's grown taller then Hibiki-Chan!"

A small grin on her face, Tenryuu nodded after examining the two of them. "Well now, isn't this a surprise? And here I was thinking that the two of you were that close for another reason." It took a moment, but things clicked in Hibiki's head and her eyes widened as her cheeks blazed with color. Before she could jump away though, Tenryuu reached out and ruffled both their hair with her hands. "Heh. Won't be too long now kiddo before you might be tall enough to look down on ol' Tenryuu."

Just grinning as her hands continued to ruffle his already messy hair, Harry shook his head. "I don't think that's going to happen, Tenryuu-Oba."

Softly snorting, Tenryuu only smirked and crossed her arms. "Never say never, kid. Trust me, I got no doubt that you might one day be taller then I am." Her tone then turned dry with humor. "Of course, that just means all sorts of fun stuff is going to start happening soon."

Blinking, Ikazuchi frowned. "Oh, you mean that?" Seeing the look she was getting, Ikazuchi rolled her eyes. "I'm may not look it, but I'm sixteen, Kaa-San!" Frowning, she looked over at the confused Harry and tapped her chin. "But I don't think that this is something that Harry-Chan can rely on me for..."

Tenryuu was about to comment on that, or swat her daughter in the head, when Akatsuki pulled on her sleeve. "Um, Kaa-San? How tall do you figure that Harry-Chan will get?"

With a hum, Tenryuu looked at Harry again before chuckling. "Well, he might get taller by another inch or two this year, maybe. But once he's all grown up? He'll probably be taller then you girls by a bit."

Now grinning widely, Harry used one arm and hugged Hibiki with it. "That will be so cool, right, Hibiki-Chan?"

On Hibiki's face there was a thoughtful look as she was looking at Harry. "Da... I suppose so."

As they began walking, Tenryuu hung back for a small conversation with Nagato in regards to what she might need to do soon. Before they got too far into it, Tenryuu felt a tap on her and turned to see Inazuma there with a worried expression on her face. "Eh? Something wrong, Ami?"

Biting her lip, Inazuma looked at the others and then leaned in as much as she could. "Um, Kaa-San? Harry-Chan growing taller means that he's growing up, right?" At her mother's confused now, she continued. "And growing up means that he's growing older, right?"

It took a few moments, but then Tenryuu realized the issue. "Ah... So you figured it out then?"

Very slowly, Inazuma nodded. "Hai... I met Sato-Kun a few days ago at the store and he was shocked at how young I was. And I saw how old he was and..."

Grimacing, Tenryuu slowly nodded before giving her a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. "Yeah... I sort of realized that you girls are aging slowly. Kiddo is likely to be looking eighteen a few years before you do and... well, I've stopped aging."

Only nodding, Inazuma bit her lip again as she looked over at Harry. For a moment, the image of Harry walking beside Hibiki was replaced by that of a much older man walking beside the still young Hibiki. The man had silver hair and winkles, but his green eyes told her who he was. And then she blinked and Inazuma was back in the present. "I think that Hibiki-Chan is putting it together too, Kaa-San... What do we do?"

With a sigh, Tenryuu glanced at the quiet Nagato who was deep in her own thoughts before giving her daughter a hug. "All we can do, Ami. Be there for her and Harry as well as the others. That and take this one day at a time."

Filing that way, Inazuma only nodded. "Okay, Kaa-San... I'll be there for Hibiki-Chan and Harry-Chan as well."

That got her a headpat from Tenryuu who hummed. "Yeah, that's right, Ami. That's right."

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 10: S0ngD0g13

I haven't done a Houshou snippet in s while... Enjoy, Folks...

...................................

Houshou and James were enjoying themselves on the beach, relaxing after a long week; the minesweepers were frolicking in the surf and James had a grill set up, letting Houshou cook skewers of saury while he stirred sugar into a one-gallon pickle jar he'd used to make sun-tea.

The comfortable silence was interrupted by James' cellphone chirping that he had a new picture message. The image was of his fifteen-year-old niece, Kaylee, surrounded by luggage, including her bow-cases and the black Pelican Cases she used for her extensive airsoft-gun collection, the gray kepi she'd bought at Shiloh on her thirteenth birthday perched on her head...

The picture showed her standing on James' porch. The caption under it read, 'Surprise?'.

James chuckled and called his son. "Jaw, do me a favor if you're not real busy? Kaylee's on our porch; fetch her out here to the beach for me?"

After he'd hung up, Houshou looked at him. "Company, I take it?"

James nodded. "My niece, Kaylee. She sent me a photo of her and all her stuff sittin' on my front porch. If I'd known she was comin' to visit I'd have met her at the airport; as is, Jaw's on his way to fetch her." He showed the motherly Carrier the photo.

"Bows... And what's in the Pelican Cases?"

"Airsoft guns. Kaylee's big into archery and bowhunting, as well as airsoft. She's a crack shot, too. I oughta know; I was the one who taught her." Houshou laughed and lightly swatted him, telling him not to get a swelled head.

When Kaylee stepped out of Jaw's Lancer, James smiled widely and hugged her. "Kaylee! Welcome to Kure; it's good to see you again; if I'd known you were coming to visit I'd have met you at your plane."

He instantly was on edge when Kaylee blushed and looked away. "Um, Uncle James... I'm not really visiting... I, uh, kinda... got expelled?"

"Expelled? Okay, 'Gin, from the start an' nothin' left out. What happened?" James sat her down under the beach umbrella.

"You know how I was dating Claude Weems? We had an argument and broke up, just before Mom and Dad... Anyway, he wanted something I wasn't ready to give and we split. But he started rumors, spread it around that I wasn't just loose-moralled, but earning money flat-backing. You know North Greene High School; the football team can do no wrong, and Claude was their best Running-Back. Finally Claude cornered me by my Kia as I was getting ready for Archery Practice, said I brought all that ridicule on myself for not lettin' him get what he wanted..." She trailed off, her eyes wet with tears.

James hugged her, rubbing her back and speaking softly. "What happened, 'Gin? Talk to me, Darlin'."

"I lost it when he grabbed me. I blacked out, I was so mad with panic. When I was myself again, Claude was pinned to the wall of the field-house by the football field. One arrow, one of my field points." She laughed dryly. "It's probably a good thing Claude has a brother, or else the Weems bloodline would end with him..." She shivered. "I panicked, and I ran. Packed up, came here. The rest of the family called me somewhere around LAX to tell me not to bother coming back, that they couldn't handle me."

James held her then, just letting her cry as it all caught up to her. "Here, now, Kaylee Virginia McAmis, you're safe here; I got you, and I'm too much my father's son, Kaylee. I don't abandon family. Me an' Jaw'll clean out our spare bedroom, getcha set up proper."

Kaylee sniffled against his chest. "But I ain't... I ain't..."

"I know, 'Gin. I know you was Eric's stepdaughter, before he gave you his last name, but he never saw that 'step' part. You're Eric's daughter, and my niece. Plain'n'simple." He settled her into the hammock and told her, "You just rest now."

He turned as Houshou rounded a dune coming back from the lot with a cooler over her shoulder. "You heard?"

Houshou nodded. "I heard. That poor girl... At least she's got some family worth the name." Her eyes traced over to the girl in the hammock, kepi over her eyes, and saw a ghostly image around her. Houshou took in the long, low-slung shape and the gun-ports along her broadside with a small smile. If she hasn't told James, it's not for me to tell him; I don't think she's Awakened yet, anyway...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

As they walked into the Great Hall, Harry barely noticed the fact that him and Hibiki were still holding hands. But while he may not have noticed much, someone else did as Ginny looked up from her breakfast and seen that. For a moment, he expression turned stricken and then she sighed before getting up with a book in her hands. Tenryuu saw her walk past with a depressed look on her face and tapped Harry on the shoulder with a frown. "Yo, kiddo? Who was that?"

Looking over his shoulder, Harry blinked and frowned himself. "That's Ginny, she's Ron's sister and their youngest sibling." His frown deepened a bit. "She's been acting a bit oddly though."

With a raised eyebrow, Tenryuu looked back as the girl disappeared out the doors. "Acting oddly, huh?" She barely noted Harry's nod as she grimaced a bit. 'Going by how she just acted, I would say that she has a crush on someone.'

Meanwhile, Inazuma frowned some. "Why hasn't any of her brothers tried to help her?"

However, Harry only shook his head before shrugging. "They've been trying. Even though he's been busy, Percy keeps trying to talk to her and Ron does too. The Twins mostly have been trying to bring her mood up with jokes but... All that's done is make her try and avoid them." Frown deepening, Harry looked up at the ceiling. "We think that either she's homesick or maybe getting bullied by someone. Hermione's been keeping an eye on her though between... a project of ours."

That got him a slightly interested look from Nagato, but when he didn't elaborate on what project she only shook her head. 'I'll have to keep an eye out on things I suppose. Because I know how he gets when he has an idea...'

Once they sat down, Ikazuchi began piling food onto her plate as did the others. "Look at all this food!" Grabbing a piece of toast, she pointed at one thing in particular. "What type of sausage is that?"

Blinking, Harry glanced over at it and then shrugged. "That's a fruit pudding."

For a moment, all four Akatsukis stopped as did Tenryuu and Tatsuta. Then with an odd look on her face, Inazuma raised the sausage-like creation and frowned. "Fruit pudding? But... it doesn't look anything like pudding, Nanodesu."

All Harry did was shrug. "I guess? But we call that pudding over here in the UK... Though fruit pudding like that is more a Scottish thing."

The odd look on Inazuma's face didn't go away before she took a small bite. After chewing and swallowing, she shrugged and put it on her plate. "It's not bad, I guess." Seeing Harry's amused look, Inazuma gave him a sheepish smile. "Um, Tou-San's British, so I guess that I should try as much British food as possible, right?"

Not correcting her, Harry only sipped his tea with a chuckle. "That's pretty cool actually." Putting his tea down, he grabbed himself some eggs and other items as the porridge that Pomfrey wasn't the greatest thing to only have for breakfast. "So how are things back home?"

Harry didn't notice the smile that some of them had at him still calling Yokosuka home. Swallowing the food in her mouth, Tatsuta dabbed at her mouth but as she was about to say something, Tenryuu spoke up. "Tatsuta here has a boyfriend."

Choking a bit, Harry slowly turned to see said halo wearing Light Cruiser going slightly red before he grinned. "Tatsuta-Oba has a boyfriend? Really?"

Also grinning, Ikazuchi started to snicker. "Yeah, they met in the gym when he got into a sparring match with her and then won."

Unable to help herself, Tenryuu began laughing. "I wish that you were there, kiddo. Man, she was so red it is not even funny and-"

Face now a deep crimson, Tatsuta put her hand over Tenryuu's mouth. "Stop. H-he's not my boyfriend." Huffing a bit, she looked away. "He's just a very good friend and sparring partner..."

Muttering under her breath, Hibiki shook her head. "Who still has not clued in that Oba-San is a shipgirl or who she is."

With a blink, Harry turned to look at Tatsuta who was still looking away as she held her hand over the madly grinning Tenryuu's face. Then Inazuma, taking pity on her aunt, spoke up. "Um, also Ooi finished her course on Hanakotoba and is taking intermediate courses for Ikebana."

Eyes widening, Harry smiled a bit. "That's great! I know that Ooi-Nee wants to eventually open a flower shop with Kitakami-Nee in the future." On Harry's face there was a small, thoughtful look on his face. "I know that Kitakami-Nee has been taking business classes."

Nagato then spoke up at that. "She actually finished her first year college courses for that from what I have been told. I believe that they may also start up a small business of providing flower arraigements for those on the base."

Tilting his head to the side, Harry suddenly smiled a bit. 'Maybe I'll have her send Mum one for Mother's Day...'

Suddenly, Akatsuki's eyes brightened a bit and she pulled out a book, none of them noticing Myrtle appear close to them. Having sighted Harry, the ghost made her way over only to freeze at the next thing to come out of Akatsuki's mouth. "Akigumo came out with a new issue of Yūrei no kōkan gakusei, Myrtle-Chan! It's really good! And the others would be so jealous if I meet her."

A gasp though caused her to turn to see Myrtle there with a shocked look. Then the ghost zoomed over and stared at the book. "U-uh... could I see that?"

While Akatsuki showed her the book, Harry chuckled weakly as he scratched the back of his head. "Um... sorry about this, Myrtle. I told a bunch of people back home about you and Akigumo made a manga based on you..." At her look of disbelief, Harry winced. "I've been meaning to tell you, but, um..."

Looking back and forth between Harry and the manga, Myrtle tried several times to say something before she finally managed it. "O-oh, that's... okay, I guess? It's just... I never thought..." Then she turned back to the manga and sighed. "Now I wish that I could read it..."

Before Harry could say anything though, Tenryuu spoke up. "Uh, pretty sure that it's gotten translated, right?"

Quickly nodding, Inazuma was on a tablet before she showed it to Myrtle. "Yeah, Nanodesu! See, some people online have already translated it to English." Reading the summary, Myrtle began to blush some, not even noticing that other ghosts were also trying to look unobtrusively. "It's pretty popular."

From where she sat beside her sister, Ikazuchi grinned. "Heck yeah! It was a smash hit at Comikat! And there's cosplayers!"

Voice rather weak, Myrtle slowly turned to her. "Cosplayer... L-like those people who dress up as characters...?"

With nods, Ikazuchi laughed as she pulled out her own phone and showed a picture. "Yup! I can't wait for the next con to see some there."

Myrtle, for her part, just froze at the sight of an attractive young woman in a uniform not unlike her own with glasses. While she didn't really look like Myrtle, it was obvious to the ghost that she was trying to appear like her. 'People are dressing up as me... people are dressing up as me... people are dressing up like me...' Then it hit her. 'Lots of people are dressing up as me... And I'm popular...'

Just as Hibiki was about to say something, she paused at an odd sound. "What is that? Does anyone else hear that?'

It took a few moments, but eventually they turned to see Myrtle just staring ahead with a shocked look on her face as an odd sound escaped from her mouth. "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..."

Frowning, Harry got up. "Myrtle? is something wrong?" Not getting a response, he snapped his fingers in front of her face as various people just stared at the odd sight. "Myrtle? Earth to Myrtle..."

Still not getting a response, he just shrugged in confusion. Meanwhile, Nagato just sighed and placed one hand over her eyes. 'Only you, Harry, would figure out how to utterly break a ghost...'

Oddly, it took almost an hour to get any response from Myrtle, at which she rapidly flew away and dove into her toilet, hyperventalating all the way. Watching her go. Akatsuki scratched her head. "Um... does this mean that she won't show up for the 'Yūrei no kōkan gakusei, Myrtle-Chan!' fanclub that's appeared at the local middle school?"

That just got her stares from not just students, but also the other ghosts.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Opening letters as Hermione continued working on the potion, Harry hummed as Ron looked over at him staring at one. "So... any clue what your Mum is going to do? She went back to Yokosuka a few days ago after all."

All Harry did was blink and look up. "Mum? I really don't know at the moment in all honesty. She did say something about some favors and stuff."

With a raised eyebrow, Hermione looked over her shoulder at him. "What's so interesting about that letter, Harry? You've been staring at it for several minutes after all."

Shaking off his shock, Harry chuckled a bit. "It's from Louisiana. According to her, New Hampshire, her fellow Montana, got summoned a few days ago at Norfolk."

That caused them all to blink with Hermione now giving him her undivided attention. "Wait, New Hampshire? Harry, how? I mean, she was never built so how did she turn up now?"

For a moment, Harry scratched his chin before finally shrugging. "No clue. But apparently she just showed up in the newest summoning down there... Something that the Americans there are very happy over, though she does need training."

On Hermione's face there was a frown before she shook it off. "I wonder how they're going to handle that now." Turning back to the potion, she continued to work it. "What about Mutsu? I heard that she's been placed on light duties right now."

Glancing at her, Harry raised an eyebrow in amusement. "The Light Cruiser Information Network?" As he got a grunt, he shook his head. "Anyways, yeah, she's been placed on light duties right now due to the twins. From what Mum says, she's investigating some... um... possible islands close to Sasebo."

Briefly pausing, Hermione tried to remember what Harry meant before she clued in and her eyes widened slightly. "Ah, I see then."

Just ignoring what was being said, Neville looked towards Myrtle's toilet with a small frown. "Uh, Harry? What's going on with Myrtle? I mean... she really hasn't come out from her toilet in some time after all."

Harry himself turned to the toilet and noted some bubbles coming to the surface before shaking it off. "She's a bit embarrassed by the fact that she has a manga based on her back in Japan. One that's gotten pretty popular as a matter of fact."

A groan caused him to look over to see Myrtle's head now above the rim of the toilet enough to stare at him in disbelief. "Why did you not tell me that people were drawing comics about me, Harry! I... I had no idea!"

Shrugging, the black haired boy scratched the back of his neck. "Um, actually? Kind of slipped my mind. Sorry about that... but it's really popular and it's not making fun of you!"

However, all he got was Myrtle staring at him before she shook her head. "That is just so strange though..."

With a snort, Hermone shook her head in amusement. "That's Japan for you, the whole place is strange." She then winkled her nose some and pointed at Harry. "He actually eats Natto and likes it. Natto."

Frowning, Harry only gave her a look. "I don't why that is an issue, Hermione. Natto is actually pretty good."

All he got though was a shake of the head while Ron grimaced. "Harry? Mate? That stuff looks like troll snot."

Yet again, Harry gave one of his friends a look. Not long after, he shook it off and turned back to Hermione. "By the way, I've been wondering... is it safe for you to have that potion?" Seeing Hermione give him a questioning look, he waved a hand at it. "Well, you are a shipgirl, so..."

Suddenly, Hermione began to chuckle before she turned to Myrtle. "You want to field this one?"

Briefly, Myrtle blinked before nodding with a smile. "I can." Turning to Harry, she took a deep breath. "She's perfectly safe, Harry. Polyjuice is safe to be used by not just normal humans, but also werewolves, vampires, veela, and others. Even half-humans can use it safely and without anything going wrong. And vice versa."

Crossing his arms, Harry frowned in thought. "Huh..."

Neville glanced at him and then shook it off. "Anyways, um, how much do you figure that we'll get from Malfoy? I mean, he can't really know a whole lot, right?"

With a snort, Ron shook his head. "Nah, but he knows something. I heard him bragging to some other students and hinting that he knows what's going on."

That only got him a frown from Harry. "Seriously? Isn't that sort of stupid? I mean... doing that is going to make those with a bone to grind against him think that they can use it."

Only shrugging, Ron shook his head. "I know, right? But he's doing that sort of thing anyways. Best to cross him off the list and all that stuff."

It said something that none of the others had any comments on it.
____________________________________________________________________________

Natsumi had her hands in her jeans as she looked up at the high ceiling above and just waited. After a short period of time, there was the sounds of a struggle and then with a bang, Shiromizu hit the ground. However, she was not alone as a rather ugly humanoid with what looked like clothes made from pieces of paper was trapped in her coils. Grunting, the snake woman glared at her partner. "Hurry up, I don't know how long I can hold him!"

Moving quickly, Natsumi grabbed the being's tongue and stretched it out before holding it above a vial. For several seconds, sliva dripped into the vial before she nodded and then gave the thumbs up. "Okay, you can let him go now."

With a sigh, Shiromizu uncoiled herself and the two watched as the being scrambled up the wall and back into the darkened rafters of the old, abandoned building. A look of disgust on her face, Shiromizu grumbled as she pulled a cloth from the fanny pack she wore. "Ugh, that was gross."

Bemused, Natsumi raised an eyebrow at her. "How so?"

In reply, Shiromizu only pointed up at the ceiling before shuddering. "Do you have any idea how dirty and grimy it is up there? It's disgusting, no wonder a Tenjōname moved in. And what does Haru-San even need spit from one for anyways?"

Just shrugging, Natsumi placed the vials into a backpack. "Not a clue. Oba-Chan mentioned potions though so who knows?" She then frowned some as they began walking. "Though Oba-Chan was really happy the other day."

Even though she was not really all that interested, Shiromizu still gestured for Natsumi to continue. After all, they really didn't have much to do in the old mansion. "So? What was she happy about?"

Rolling her eyes, Natsumi snorted a bit. "Remember the German girls?" Getting a nod, she continued. "Oba-Chan talked with them and got them to agree to send her some amber. She was making some oil of amber and that was why she couldn't come."

More then a little surprised, Shiromizu gave it some thought before nodding. "I suppose that makes sense... Though she could be less lazy and just do it herself."

Natsumi was about to say something when she felt the hairs on her neck rise up. And then Shiromizu jumped a bit and Natsumi went for her knife. "What is it?"

Calming down some, Shiromizu pointed to the side. "I think there's someone behind that screen..."

With a frown, Natsumi turned to regard the silhouette of a woman on the screen. Slowly, she moved forward until she could look into the room behind and sighed before shaking her head. "Never mind, it's just a Kage Onna. Anyways, we've got one last bit to do before we leave."

Interested, Shiromizu followed Natsumi along, though she kept an eye on the Kage Onna who had turned to regard them. Eventually though, they entered one room and Shiromizu stopped at the sight of the decaying room. It wasn't the state of the room though that had caused her to stop, but rather the eyes looking through holes in the shōji screen. "Mokumokuren? That's what we're here for?"

Humming, Natsumi set down a jar filled with some sort of fluid and nodded. "Yeah, though these are for Ryuujou-San, Junyou-San, and Hiyou-San." Reaching out, she plucked one of the eyeballs from the screen and dropped it into the jar. With a splash, it entered the fluid and then sunk to the bottom before rotating to look at Shiromizu who shuddered. "Anyways, this is the last one of the night. Just be careful."

With a grimace, Shiromizu did as Natsumi did and plucked an eyeball before dropping it into the jar. "Why? Mokumokuren aren't dangerous."

That got her a snort from the kitsune beside her. "Not dangerous? I thought so too until Chichiue told me an old story. Long ago, there was a home with a room that had Mokumokuren in it. None could stay there for very long. But one day, a foolish and prideful samurai arrived and claimed he would do so. And so, he went into the room and laid down to sleep with the eyes of the Mokumokuren watching him. However, it was so unnerving, he could not sleep and so rolled over and placed his mat over his head to hide it from their unblinking gaze."

Dropping another eyeball into the jar, Shiromizu turned to her. "So what happened then? He died?"

Only chuckling, Natsumi shook her head. "No, he did not. He actually managed to sleep, but when he woke up, he found that he was somehow staring at a man under a mat... A man he soon realized was himself as he no longer had eyes." Holding one of the eyeballs, Natsumi grinned a bit. "During the night, the Mokumokuren took the eyes from his head and placed them among them."

Now looking at the eyeball in her hands, the snake woman blinked before grimacing and dropping it in the jar with the others. "Lovely... By the way, are you sure that this won't harm them?"

Shaking her head, Natsumi hummed a bit. "Not really. Mokumokuren regenerate their eyes each night. So all of these eyes will be replaced by this time tomorrow at the earliest, next month at the latest. And it doesn't hurt them. There was a merchant who once came across a shōji filled with them. So he just plucked them out and sold them to an eye surgeon who used them to replace actual people's eyes. I think that some wizards and witches here in Japan if they go blind replace their original eyes with ones from Mokumokuren.

Just blinking, Shiromizu looked at the eye held between two fingers and grimaced. "Lovely..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 11: S0ngD0g13

A Houshou snippet...

.................................

"Afternoon, Miz Houshou," Kaylee said as the Carrier walked up to James' front porch the next day. Kaylee was in one of her uncle's wooden straight-backed chairs, her honey-blonde hair up in a messy bun and the bill of her kepi shading her eyes. "Uncle James is at the school getting the paperwork settled for me to transfer in, if you were looking for him."

"Actually," Japan's first Aircraft Carrier said, "I was hoping to talk with you, see how you were doing."

"You want the honest answer, or the polite one?" Kaylee drew her airsoft Navy Colt from the crossdraw holster on her hip and started spinning it nervously. "Truth is I'm..." She trailed off for a moment and then snorted softly. "You ever read The Lord of the Rings? Bilbo Baggins makes a comment in the first book about 'feeling like too little butter, spread thin over too much bread'. That's how I feel right now. Spread too thin and all outta my depth..."

Houshou nodded. "I know the feeling. And with your uncle and cousin so busy today, it can't be helping you to be here by yourself, can it?" An idea hit her and she smiled. "Do you have a spare sheet of paper to leave a note with? James said you were an archer; I happen to find archery meditative. How about you and I go shoot for a while?"

Kaylee looked up from her pistol and met Houshou's eyes. "Sure," she said after a long moment. "Let me leave a note and grab my bow." She holstered her Navy with a flourish and darted inside, emerging with a note that she pinned to the door with a tack, and a long leather case, her quiver over her shoulder.

........................................

After the pair had arrived at, not the Main Archery Range but the Carrier-Training Range, Houshou took her practice bow out and strung the long bamboo yumi before turning to see Kaylee step through and use her hips to bend and string an English-style longbow. "A longbow..."

Kaylee nodded. "Yup. Pacific Yew; draws eighty pounds at thirty-two inches and shoots a true cloth-yard shaft." The teen twisted her kepi to the left to keep the bill out of the way and slipped her bracer on. "So, this is the Carrier Range?"

Houshou stretched her arms and loosened her shoulders. "Yes. It's usually busier, but with no practices scheduled today I figured it would be a quiet spot to shoot." She looked out at the miniature ship-silhouette targets downrange and frowned slightly. "If you want, we could move the targets closer..."

She would have continued, but Kaylee nocked and drew in one fluid motion, the teen's muscles flexing like iron cables under her tank-top, and loosed. The arrow whipped off the string and arced gracefully upward, then down to strike a steel battleship on the hundred-yard mark with a metallic gonging sound. "I shot competitively at Target, and Clout Archery."

Houshou chuckled and drew her own bow, then loosed....

The hours passed as the pair shot in companionable silence. Periodically Houshou would sail out and retrieve their arrows, before they went back to shooting. As the sun sank Kaylee unstrung her bow and collected her arrows, smiling happily. "Thank you, Miz Houshou; I really enjoyed myself."

The Carrier smiled warmly and responded, half-distracted while she cleaned up the area. "No trouble at all; James is a dear friend, and I'd like to think you and I can be friends, too."

Kaylee chuckled and started to say something when the wind picked up, shaking the branches of the tree that shaded the shooting line. A limb, weakened by rot, broke and fell toward Kaylee, who had turned when she heard the cracking sound.

Houshou watched as if frozen while James' niece reflexively swept her arm up to block the heavy branch and deflected it off her forearm as the bang of wood striking iron rang out...

Kaylee stared at her arm, then at Houshou. "Did I-? How did I-? What the Hell?"

Houshou hugged her. "I'd assume you never knew you were an Unawakened Natural-Born? It turns out your middle name is more fitting than one might think."

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 12: S0ngD0g13

Another Houshou snippet for y'all

.....................................

James and Houshou were sitting on his porch, sipping tea after her walk and his jog. Houshou could tell something was on her friend's mind, despite his usual smile. "James? Is something the matter? You seem a bit distracted today..."

James started for a moment as if shaken from a daydream, then blushed. "Sorry, Houshou; I've had a song stuck in my head most of the day, and well..." He trailed off.

"I remember Jaw mentioning once that you used to sing in school; maybe if you sing it, it will be unstuck?" Houshou teased with a smile, and James blushed even redder.

"Well, okay. But just the first verse and chorus, since that's all I've got for an earworm." He cleared his throat and sang in a soft tenor...

"Look at you, Girl...
Standing here beside me,
Starlight on your hair,
Lookin' like a Dream
I Dreamed somewhere...
And look at me, Girl;
Ya got me actin' just like a lover
In an old-time picture-show,
And how I got the part,
I just don't know...
But it's written all across your face,
Plain as it can be;
You're the one that I was lookin' for;
Now you're all that I can see...

And you mean everything,
To me;
And I'd do anything,
To have you stay forever;
I'm an ordinary man,
But I feel like I could do
anything in the world...
When I look at you, Girl..."

When James opened his eyes and looked up, Houshou's eyes were listed with tears, tears that matched the ones in his own eyes. "Houshou?"

"Y- Yes, James?"

"Houshou, ain't neither one of us hot-blooded, pantin' teenagers," he began, his accent thick as blackstrap, "though Lord Above an' Davy Jones Below know you make me feel like one when you're around. I ain't gonna ask to be your boyfriend; I left boyhood behind long ago. I ain't gonna ask you to be my girlfriend, either; you're many things, Houshou, but a girl ain't one of'em."

Their eyes met, and Houshou felt James take her hand gently in his. "James..."

He continued, his voice soft. "You ain't a girl, all giggles an' pigtails. You're a woman grown, a mother, sweet as sugar-candy and fierce as a mama bear; you're silk and steel and you turn my head an' tangle my feet like clear-corn liquor. You're a Lady, and that's certain as the sunrise." He drew in a breath and finished pouring his heart out. "Miss Houshou, I'd count it an honor worth more'n all the jewels in Araby an' all the calves in Christendom, if you'd consent to me courtin' you, the way a Lady like you deserves to be courted..."

He gently kissed the knuckles of Houshou's hand...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Waves lapped at the lonely shore of the uninhabited Aleutian island as fog clung to it. This late in the year, some of that fog was also freezing in place due to the cold air. Not a sound except for the odd seabird's call could be heard on the island or the sound of wind against the grass.

That was, until with a splash I-351 and I-371. At the giggles beside her, I-371 gave her fellow Submarine a look. "What has you so happy, hmm?"

Grinning, I-351 bounced a bit which showed off how her swimsuit was straining against her chest before coming to a stop in front of I-371. "Well~ We're now halfway done and soon can head back to base." Her tongue flicked out a bit before her grin changed slightly. "And maybe we'll have done a good enough job this time that Captain Tanaka might give little ol' us a reward~"

Another splash could be heard as I-362 climbed out of the surf and gave her fellow Submarines a look. "I pity Captain Tanaka then if he deals with you all the time." At the grins from the two, she shuddered a bit. 'Seriously, the other countries might call us "Lewdmarines", but they have never met this bunch...'

Suddenly, she felt a finger circling around her collarbone and her eyes widened as I-371 gave her a lecherous grin. "Why would you pity him? All the good Captain needs to do is ask." Then she leaned in some. "And he's not the only one~"

Next thing the two Lewdmarines knew, I-362 was jogging across the ground towards their destination. "Right! Let's hurry up then." It did not take her long to cross the area of the island needed and soon reached what looked like a small knoll covered in grass. Moving around it, she nodded at the chunk of granite which had an anchor carved into it. A short distance way was a small opening lined with concrete. "And we're here." Reaching the opening, she blinked and then furrowed her eyebrows before turning to her fellow Submarines. "Why is the door open?"

Coming to a stop, I-351 glanced to I-371 who only shrugged before speaking up. "No clue, might have been one of the patrols leaving it open again. Or one of the local fishermen have been using it for shelter."

That caused I-362 to boggle at the two. "Say what now? This isn't the first time?!"

With a roll of her eyes, I-351 crossed her arms under her chest. "No, of course not! The USN does send long range patrols and so do we now that Hoppou's fleet were sunk. Sometimes when they leave after refueling here they forget to close the door and since there's not much in there..."

For several moments, I-362 stared at her before pinching her nose as I-371 continued. "And during bad storms, fishermen come here to take shelter just in case. Besides, it's not used as an observation post anymore."

Just sighing, I-362 turned back to the bunker in front of her whose door was open a crack. Shortly after Hoppou took control of the Aleutians, the USN used one of it's Submarines and built a bunker on the island by hand. It took several days as they needed to keep an eye out for patrols, but soon enough the small observation post was complete. After that, small groups of watchers were stationed on the island while keeping an eye on Hoppou and her fleet.

And then other Abyssals had attacked Hoppou and in the aftermath, the USN retook control. Due to that, the bunker's purpose was shifted to a resting station for USN shipgirls as well as long range Japanese ones. Every so often, there would be resupply missions sent and that was what the three Submarines were there for. Slowly, I-362 opened the door and then peered in before flicking a light switch to the side. All of a sudden, the rooms were bathed in low, red light. Seeing nothing besides food wrappers here and there, she relaxed some before pulling out a clipboard. "Well... it seems that the RTGs are still providing auxiliary power."

Walking past her, I-371 blew some of her bangs out of her eye. "Of course they are." Then she grinned and practically bounced off. "I'll go check to see if the fuel tanks need refueling~"

Seconds passed as I-362 watched her fellow Submarine disappear before blinking and shaking it off. 'I am suddenly reminded of that old American show... Baywatch, I think.'

Then I-351 walked in front of her and leaned forward with her arms squishing her chest. "We should check the rest of what is here." Just as I-362 was about to agree, she continued. "Maybe the cots first~"

Closing her eyes, I-362 took a deep breath before shaking her head. 'Keep calm, keep calm...' Somewhere in the bunker, there was a rumble as the generator was brought on line and then the main lights came on. Ignoring her fellow Submarines, I-362 made her way to the back where the storage area was and blinked at the sight that met her. "What in the world?"

Behind her, I-351 only blinked. "Huh, wonder who cleared it out?"

Right in front of them, the whole storage room was empty. All that was left of weeks worth of supplies were ripped cardboard and paper. Not even tin cans remained of what had been in the room. Narrowing her eyes, I-362 walked further in and frowned a bit as she looked around. "Whoever it was has a lot to answer for. These were for two months worth of patrols stopping by!"

Finger against her chin, I-371 shook her head, "That's if it was a patrol who did it. The door is left unlocked after all, so it could have been one of the fishermen in the area grabbing what they could. Some of them are very fearful of the Abyssals coming back after all."

Still frowning, I-362 shook her head with a small frown. "Whatever." Reaching into her swimsuit, she began to pull out more and more supplies which the other two began placing on the empty shelves. Once her hull was empty, she then switched to her backpack and began to empty that as well while the other two began to also empty their own supplies. Eventually, she nodded some and sighed. "There, all filled back to capacity. Hopefully it stays that way."

With a small smile, I-371 reached into her swimsuit and then pulled out a stack of magazines that she placed on a table to the side. At the look she got, she shrugged a bit. "So that whoever comes here has something to read."

Considering that a good chunk was porn, I-362 rolled her eyes before some other magazines caught her eye. One in particular at the top, which she picked up. "Is this the TIME issue on the signing of the treaty with the Allied Abyssals?"

Only blinking, I-351 looked over her shoulder to see the TIME cover which had Wanko, Supprin, and Hoppou on the cover in front of Admiral Goto and Richardson. "Yeah, we picked it up on a trip to Wake Island and since we've already read it." She then shrugged. "There's some other magazines on that as well."

For several moments, I-362 looked over the magazine before putting it down. "Well, hope whoever shows up likes to read. Don't think that there's much more to do here... Anyways, let's head back out now that we've done everything." Unsaid, was the rest of her thoughts. 'So that I can get away from you two even quicker...'

All too soon, they closed the door behind them and then dove back into the sea, heading southwest towards Japan leaving the island behind them.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Leaning back on one of the couches in the Common Room, Harry was slowly stroking Shiromizu's head with one finger much to the enjoyment of said snake. Suddenly, his field of vision was taken up by a familiar face that was surrounded by bushy, brown hair. "Harry."

Only raising an eyebrow, Harry smiled back at her. "Hermione."

Her eyebrow twitching, the girl took a deep breath before letting it out. "Harry..." Eyes narrowing a little, she continued. "Harry, I am sure that you have noticed all the business involving good luck charms and such going around, correct?"

Blinking, Harry shrugged a bit as he gave a look towards Shiromizu. "Yes? What about it? I mean, it's not that surprising considering the attacks."

There was a frown on Hermione's face before she shook her head. "No, I suppose not. But I wanted to ask you about something-"

Eyes widening a bit, Harry shook his head. "You'll have to buy good luck charms directly from Haru-San at the shrine back in Yokosuka, Hermione." Utter silence met him as Hermione stared at him. Eventually, Harry coughed. "That's... what you were going to ask, right? For me to get you good luck charms?"

Very slowly, Hermione shook her head. "No... I was going to ask if you are the one selling them and taking advantage of how fearful people are."

Snorting, the black haired wizard shook his head. "No, Hermione, I got nothing to do with that. I haven't sold any charms to anyone at all, why?"

On Hermione's face there was a small frown as she looked around and narrowed her eyes some. "Hmm... If it's not you selling the Japanese charms, then who would it be?"

Now that caused Harry to sit up and narrow his eyes a bit. He had known about the sort of black market going on behind the scenes in Hogwarts after the attack on Colin became more well known. A number of them were supposed to guard against things such as evil and such, though Harry himself didn't give them much thought. However, now... "What do you mean someone is selling Japanese charms, Hermione?"

With a blink at the odd tone in Harry's voice, she looked down and froze a bit at the look in her friend's eyes. "Someone's been selling what's being claimed for Japanese charms against darkness and monsters? I thought that it was you who was selling them, but if you're not selling them..."

Eyebrow twitching, Harry took a deep breath. "Where? And what's an example?" Hermione told him and Harry pinched his nose. 'I am going to have to find out who is doing this and quick. Because they work if they're the ones that she just described.' Just then, his attention was grabbed by a tired looking Ginny who rushed across the Common Room and ran up to the girls dormitory. "Is she alright?"

Frowning, Hermione slowly shook her head a bit. "I'm not sure, Harry. I mean, the Twins have been trying to cheer her up-" A snort caused her to roll her eyes. "In their own way, I mean."

Once more, Harry snorted a bit. "They've been transfiguring parts of themselves to look covered in fur and leaping out at her from behind things and acting silly. Once they did that around me... once."

That caused Hermione to wince as she remembered how Harry threw out something in his shock that acted like a flash bang and left everyone dazed. Fred and George, being back to normal, were laying on their backs blinking stars from their eyes. Shaking off the thoughts, Hermione frowned. "Percy already spoke with them, apparently he threatened them with getting in touch with his mother and stating that they're giving Ginny nightmares."

Narrowing his eyes, Harry frowned up at her. "Are they?"

Upon Hermione's face was a thoughtful look as she slowly shook her head. "I'm not quite sure... She has been looking somewhat tired almost every day now after all. But I'm not sure if that's from stress or not. Ron is trying to get her to talk with him though, so maybe it's best to leave it up to him."

Slowly, Harry nodded at that before he looked back up at her. "So, are you going to that Dueling Club thing that's happening?"

All Hermione did was chuckle before replying. "I am. In fact, I am rather interested in what it might be like..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

There was a saddened look on Albus' face as he looked down at the sight that met him, Flitwick, and McGonagall. With a small sigh, he pulled his gaze away to stare at the two red headed twins beside him. Two twins that looked extremely uncomfortable. "You say that you found Wilma here?"

Shifting from one foot to another, Fred nodded with a small gulp. "Um, yes. We were heading through one of the hidden passageways when we heard crashes and came out here. And... there she was. We came and got you as soon as we found her here!"

With a slow nod, Dumbledore looked down at the small body of the house elf, several others from the school around her with their heads bowed. One of them he recognized as the elderly elf's daughter who was sniffling. Reaching down, he placed his hand onto the elf's shoulder. "She must have come across the monster and tried to fight it."

A frown on his face, Flitwick shook his head as he looked down the hall towards a particular corner. "And not too far from the Ravenclaw dorms." Having glanced around, the Charms master didn't need to see the various weapons once held by the suits of armor, now embedded in the walls. "She put up a fight though."

Only nodding, McGonagall nodded. "Wilma loved the students, especially those in Ravenclaw."

Head bobbing up and down, Missy, Wilma's daughter sniffled. "Mummy did love kidsies, she did. Loved Ravens. But Mummy was old and could not do much magics anymore. Thats is why she was here, Missus McGonagall Ma'am. Mummy wantings to help protect against mean nasty monster even if she coulds not be doings much."

Raising an eyebrow, McGonagall looked at the embedded weapons and thinned her lips some. "Quite, not able to do much." Sighing, she then turned back to Missy. "I am still sorry for your loss."

Even though her ears were lowered, Missy gave her a watery smile. "I's be thankings you. But I's also be very proud of Mummy, she fight monster to protect her masters and mistresses! Best way for elf to die."

Shifting a bit, she glanced at her mother's body and sniffled again. "Needs to take Mummy though now..."

Slowly, Dumbledore bowed his head some. "Of course. May she rest knowing that she's done a great service to the school."

With a pop, all the house elves disappeared and the Headmaster sighed as George turned to him. "So, uh, since she fought whatever the monster is, she's going to get something, right? I mean, because that was really brave and everything."

His expression becoming one of deep regret, Dumbledore shook his head. "Alas, while I wish otherwise, things as they stand mean she will not. To the Board and others, she was just a house elf and it does not matter that she died protecting students. I shall still commission a small plaque as a personal thanks, but that is unfortunately all I can do. Perhaps, one day, her and other house elves will get more recognition..."

Beside him, Flitwick had an odd look on his face. "You can count me in, Albus. She might have saved some of the Muggleborns in Ravenclaw from... whatever beast is roaming the school."

Placing a hand on Fred's shoulders, Dumbledore slowly nodded as he guided the still slightly shocked teen along, McGonagall doing the same for George. "I think that I shall take you up on that, my old friend. In the meantime though Misters Weasley, perhaps it might be best that you wait for some time before using secret passages for pranks and keep to the more travelled areas..."

Three nights later found Albus and several of the teachers standing in the cold, late November air under the Moon waiting with the Hogwarts ghosts on the other side of the path. Despite the late hour, they all stood there as they waited. As it turned out, they did not need to wait long as the clocks rang out midnight and then the doors to Hogwarts opened. Slowly, a procession of house elves walked out with Missy at their head as the house elves held torches in the air as they softly sang about work and duty. And there, in the middle was a small wagon carrying the even smaller body of Wilma who was dressed in white dress made by the house elves. Upon her head was a crown of flowers with others covering the wagon.

As they passed the teachers, each one bowed their heads and held their hats to their chests. Soon enough, the procession disappeared into the woods behind Hogwarts with none of the teachers following. Eventually, they made their way along the winding path to a large oak tree with the oldest of the remaining house elves waving a hand which caused the roots to move out of the way to reveal a tunnel that went deep into the mountain itself.

Soon, the procession entered the tunnel and continued down it. Hard packed earth soon gave way to rock. The corridor widened some with hallways splitting off from the main one. Not long after, they small alcoves cut into the rock appeared, each one containing small bones of house elves but with clear quartz sealing them, Above each was a name and dates.

It did not take long for them to reach an empty one deep within the mountain. Walking up to her mother, Missy kissed her upon the brow and sniffled. "Yous did good, Mummy. Yous did real good. I's is being so proud and I's always be loving you and missing you, Missy will."

Pulling away, she gently laid her mother in the alcove before placing the two plaques given by Dumbledore and Flitwick inside. Stepping back, she watched as the school's Head House Elf spread his arm from where he stood in front of the alcove. "We's be here to be sayings goodbye to Wilma, Good House Elf of Hogwartsies. She is being now in the Great Castle of After where she is being of happy with lotsa good work! She is done with duty to Hogwartsies and she did well! Wilma be of living best life elves can be getting and died in best way! She is hero! But now she is of moving on to greater work and duty! We be missings her, but should also be happy! Now she is being with ancestors and those before us!" Turning to the small body, he clapped his hands before raising them as did every other house elf there. Slowly, crystals gathered in the opening to the alcove before they sealed it off with a flash. "We is sayings goodbye, but we's be seeings her again one day! We will! Then we's all be working together! But until then, we's be working here and doing our duties and beings good house elves."

With that, they all bowed their heads to the old house elf as her name appeared in the rock. After several more songs, the house elves slowly left with Missy the last to go as she placed her hand on the cool crystal and kissed it. Then she walked away with a final goodbye to leave her mother resting with the other house elves of Hogwarts who had passed away. Each one buried in the mountain that overlooked the castle, almost watching over it as the years would pass by.

A tradition dating back to when Hogwarts was first founded so many centuries ago...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

As they entered the room set aside for the "Dueling Club", Ron glanced to Harry who had a bit of a scowl on his face. "No luck finding who might be selling those charms?"

Shaking his head, Harry's scowl if anything grew. "No, which is getting on my nerves." The black haired boy barely noted two Slytherin girls nearby as he continued. "Sure, some of those Japanese style ofuda won't work or do anything. But some of them are just skirting the line and able to do something.... Just not what the person wants."

With a blink, Neville frowned and looked over at him. "What do you mean? Ofuda? I thought that they were good luck charms?"

Only sighing, Harry ran a hand over his face. "Charms and Ofuda are kinda different. Ofuda are commonly used in Onmyoudo for spells. Think wand movements I guess. The writing on them determines the spell. Meanwhile, Omamori, or charms, have a very specific ofuda placed into a cloth bag which shouldn't be opened or else all your luck will escape. There's also a whole bunch of other things such as how they need to be given back to the Shrine you received them at when one year passes so that they can be burned in a sacred flame. There's also all sorts of different ones depending on what you want."

That caused Neville to blink and Hermione now turned her attention onto him with the brown haired shipgirl raising an eyebrow. "What sort of ones would be useful here then?"

Humming, Harry waved a hand in the air. "Yaku-Yoke Omamori would be best as those help wth the avoidance of evil. Though..." With a slightly embarrassed look, Harry scratched his cheek. "I have some gakugyō-jōju as those help with school work."

In reply, Hermione rolled her eyes at that. "You don't honestly believe that, do you? That it helps with your school work?"

Much to her surprise, Harry gave her a look. "Yes, yes I do. Especially as I trust Haru-San when she tells me that they would."

Eyebrows furrowing, Neville frowned some. "Haru... That's the, um... Miko that works at the Shrine back at Yokosuka, right?"

Smiling, the black haired wizard nodded. "That's right, Neville." It was then that he glanced over the room as he frowned. "The ones being sold though... at best, they don't do anything which is not good anyways. And at worst..."

Now frowning, Ron looked between his other two friends before giving Harry a confused look. "Uh, I can sort of see how them not doing anything could be bad. I mean, it would make the real stuff look fake... But, um, what's the worst that could happen?"

His tone one that was dry as a desert, Harry gave his red haired friend a look. "At worst, it does the exact opposite. So instead of attracting good luck, it instead drives it away while attracting bad luck. Or, instead of driving away evil and danger..."

With a wince, Hermione shook her head. "Instead of driving away evil and danger, it attracts it. I suppose that while I don't really see it as working, you would be the expert since you know onmyoudo."

Only nodding, Harry frowned. "I've been taught it by Haru-San, Junyou-Oba, and Ryuujou-Oba since before Hogwarts. Being what I know, I have nothing but the greatest respect for it, which is why I need to figure out who is selling the charms and stop them before something bad happens."

Before the conversation could continue though, Neville pointed at the raised stage with had Lockhart and Snape on it. "Uh, guys? I think that they're starting..."

Minutes later though, and as somewhat expected after Snape paired them off, the room had descended into chaos which he had to break up. With a sigh, the Professor glanced at Lockhart and then pointed at the platform. "Potter, Draco, up onto the dueling platform. Let us do this correctly please."

When they were on the platform, Lockhart looked between the two of them and nodded. "Now then, if the two of you would please bow to each other. And then we'll begin."

Harry had barely straightened when Draco shot off his first spell. "Locomotor Wibbly!"

Rolling to the side, and dodging another spell which this time was a hex, Harry shot off his own spell before leaping out of the way of another. Off to the side, Snape was rubbing his chin in thought as the "Duel" continued in front of him. 'Interesting. I suppose that I must give it to Potter, he at least knows to actually dodge then to stand in place.'

Eyes narrowing, Harry grimaced while dodging another hex. 'I can't keep this up, there's not enough room. But how...' Then his eyes widened some as he remembered one of the Ofuda in his pockets he had brought. 'I was just going to send it back to Haru-San and the others, but I don't think that they'll mind some.'

Quickly, Harry stuck his off hand into his pocket and more then one eyebrow raised at the sight of him pulling out a small piece of paper with odd symbols on it before he muttered. As he did so, said symbols glowed and marble sized globes of light shot out in front of Harry. Even though they just hung there, Draco took a step back and stopped firing. "What in the world, Pot-"

Then it was his turn to dodge as Harry shot off a spell at him. Soon enough, he was on the back foot as he tried to dodge both Harry's spells and keep an eye on the globes of light which were moving back and forth. Something he was sure was an attack.

Unknown to him, the spell that Harry had used was only to create dancing lights that hung in the air and nothing else. But it served as a distraction and to split Draco's attention, which was all that Harry really wanted in the end. Moments later, a Disarming Charm from Harry hit his Slytherin opponent and sent him flying to the end of the platform. Wincing a bit from the sound of Draco's body hitting the ground, Harry kept an eye on him as the blond haired boy staggered to his feet. "Had enough, Draco?"

However, then Harry watched as Snape muttered something to Draco and the boy snarled before grabbing his wand and leaping to his feet. Whatever Harry expected though, it was not for Draco to sweep his wand from side to side and then jab it while shouting out his spell. "Serpentsortia!"

From Draco's wand, a giant black snake shot out in a flash of light and Harry froze a bit. When Harry had first gotten Shiromizu, he had learned as much as he could about different snakes. Something which meant that Harry recognized the snake now hissing at him on the platform.

A cottonmouth.

By the time it began to reared up to strike, Harry was already on the move. He was not the only one to recognize the snake though as Lockhart did too from one of his trips to the American south. 'Got to stun it and quickly!'

Snape meanwhile was about to vanish the snake when Lockhart's spell hit it and made it fly into the air. When it hit the ground again, it did so with a loud smack and everyone winced, though Harry was heading right for it. Before he reached it, the snake began heading towards Justin, only to be stopped as Harry grabbed it by the tail and began to pull it back, hissing all the time. "{Stop that! Stop that right there!}" For several seconds, Harry kept pulling it towards the center of the platform, hissing the whole time at it as it now tried to bite him. Looking up, he noticed horrified expressions on various people's faces and growled. "Could someone take care of this before it bites someone! Because I really doubt we got the anti-venom for a bloody cottonmouth!"

Quickly shaking off his shock, Snape finally vanished the snake and gave Harry a look. Meanwhile, the boy just wiped his forehead with a sigh. Then he stopped as he noticed some people looking at him with fear or shock. The only ones not staring at him being the Gryffindors who were nodding. It was Hannah Abbot who spoke up as she backed away from where he was. "Y-you're a parselmouth!"

Just as Harry was about to say something, Snape shouted over the noise. "Okay, dueling club is now dismissed!"

With a blink, Harry turned and stared at him in confusion. 'Okay... Wonder what that is all about...'
_________________________________________________________________________

Bored, and with Hermione and the others working on the potion in her washroom, Myrtle left for elsewhere. Something which brought her to a place that had brought her comfort when she was alive. And a place which brought her more comfort then her own washroom at times now that she was dead though usually she roamed it invisibly.

The Library.

As she drifted among the bookshelves above people's heads, examining books, her mind drifted back to what Harry had told her about the dueling club. 'Honestly, back in my day that Draco would have had points taken for the snake summoning spell. It was a good thing that Harry is used to snakes or else that could have ended badly!'

However, she paused above a group of Hufflepuffs who were huddled behind some of the shelves. Normally, she would have continued on, but upon hearing Harry's name, her eyes narrowed. Turning invisible, she drifted down until she above their heads as one of them spoke up. "I told Justin to hide up in my Dorm, especially with Potter going for him. Hell, he painted a target for Potter to send Slytherin's monster after him when he told him he was a Muggleborn and was supposed to go to Eton!"

For a moment, Myrtle froze as the conversation continued with one of the others shaking her head. "Ernie, how can you even be sure that it's Potter who is sending it after Muggleborns? I mean, you know that his mum was a Muggleborn and his adopted one is a shipgirl, right? And he did defeat You-Know-Who when he was a baby."

Ernie snorted a bit and shook his head. "Yeah, and? Potter's a Parselmouth. That's dark magic, it is. And you know that they say that Slytherin was one too, so he has to be the Heir! Slytherins are sneaky too, so that might be why those shipgirls don't know that he's a dark lord." Crossing his arms over his chest, he snorted. "I bet you that Potter destroyed You-Know-Who so that he wouldn't have any competition! Dark lords are like that after all. Heck, does anyone know how he beat You-Know-Who? Or survive the Killing Curse? Could have been dark magic he used!"

Puffing herself up in rage, Myrtle was about to appear and give the Hufflepuff Second Year a piece of her mind when Susan snorted and shook her head. "You're being an idiot, Ernie." Just as Ernie was about to continue, Susan continued. "He was a year old when it happened! Besides which, he was dragging the snake away from Justin!"

A black haired boy then spoke up, who Myrtle recognized as being Wayne Hopkins. "And I wouldn't be speaking of that sort of thing around the Gryffindors, Ernie. They're likely to punch your lights out for even suggesting it!"

Confused, Hannah turned to him with a frown. "What are you talking about?"

With a look around, Wayne leaned in. "Just before lunch, I saw a Ravenclaw saying that to his friend. But one of the Gryffindors Chasers, Katie, hexed him something bad. She was shouting that her and the other Gryffindors knew about Potter being a Parselmouth since last year and that he has a pet snake that sometimes visits him through his box. Apparently, he found her injured and took her in... And that in Japan, Parselmouths are seen as something light wizards have."

That caused him to get disbelieving looks with Ernie shaking his head with a snort. "That can't be right! Everyone knows that Parselmouths are dark! Everyone!"

Only shaking his head, Wayne frowned. "That's what I thought, but I asked Percy. And he's gone to Japan where he met something called a Miko, some sort of priestess or something. According to him, in Japan snakes are seen as the messengers of gods and stuff, with white snakes being lucky and a sign of fertility!'

Slowly nodding, Susan huffed a bit and pointed at Wayne. "See, Ernie? Besides, that's from Percy and he's a Weasley. No one's ever accused a Weasley of being dark."

Upon Ernie's face though was a stubborn expression. "I don't believe that bunk in the slightest! Potter's going dark, let me tell you that!"

Myrtle only scowled down at the Hufflepuffs before they moved on. Once they did so though, her scowl became a frown and she began to drift back in the direction of her washroom. 'This is not good... not good at all. If something does happen to Justin, then they'll see that as confirmation of Harry being at fault.' Suddenly, something caught her eye and an idea occurred to her. Slowly, a smile grew on her face before she changed direction. After all, she was a Ravenclaw which meant that she did have intelligence and if her idea worked. 'Hopefully, they listen...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 13: S0ngD0g13

A Houshou snippet... How many's this make now?
.....................................

James sipped his coffee as he pulled through the main gate at Yokosuka; he was there, just like every three months, to rotate the minesweepers. Each division spent three months in Yoko', three in Sasebo, then came back to Kure for rest and refresher-course training until their time came back up to rotate to Yoko' again. This time, Assail, Hazard, and Bombard were headed to Yokosuka, while Pinnacle, Rampart, and Prowess were rotating to Sasebo. After that he had to pick up the three 'problem children' of the minesweeper fleet, Pirate, Rebel, and Scuffle, to go back to Kure...

.....................................

"So, Shina, is that him?" asked White, pointing toward the middle-aged man leading the hounds into the Kennels. "Is that the guy?"

Shinano nodded. "That's him; I heard about how he asked Houshou-okaasan out; so romantic... Do I really have to? I mean, he looks like a really nice person, White..."

The tiny Carrier nodded solemnly and patted Shinano's arm. "The Formalities have to be observed, Shinano. It is traditional." She smiled brightly. "Now, go get'em, Shina."

The tall Carrier nodded again, steeling herself. "Hai, haha-ue." She strode forward toward James, mentally reminding herself that Carrier though she was, she was also still a Yamato, and that Yamatos don't back down...

......................................

In Kure, Kaylee looked across her cup at Houshou as the two sat in a cafe just off-base. "So, Miz Houshou, I hear you and Uncle James are an item now. Congratulations, and I wish y'all both all the best." She smiled sweetly. "Now, that said, I'd like you to understand something, Houshou..." Kaylee set her cup of tea down with a soft click and her smile morphed into one that wouldn't be out of place on Tatsuta's visage...

.........................................

James looked up when he heard Shinano approach. "McAmis-san?"

"That's me, James McAmis, at your service. You'd be Shinano, I'd wager?" He smiled warmly up at the tall Shipgirl. "How can I help you?"

Shinano looked back at White Plains, who gave her a look and pointed toward her forearm before flashing a thumbs-up. Shinano glanced at her forearm where she'd jotted the notes of what she wanted to say with a Sharpie, then took a breath.

"McAmis-san-"

"Please, just call me James; I was never much for titles or honorifics."

"James, you're aware of how we Aircraft Carriers view Houshou-sama?"

"I'm aware, though more from the other side of the equation. Houshou views you all as her daughters, and y'all see her as a mother."

Shina did her best to give James a look, and continued her speech after consulting her notes. "Then you're also aware of how much we all love her." James nodded, smiling slightly. "I've heard how you asked Houshou-sama out, and there will be Rules."

James watched her, smiling a bit more, his hazel eyes bright with laughter.

"Foremost is that you will not break her heart. The consequences would be... Unpleasant."

James nodded solemnly. "Define 'Unpleasant', Miss Shinano. A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend, after all."

Shinano followed White's advice from that morning, took the most vicious threat she could think of and condensed it to three words. "Kaga at Midway."

......................................

Kaylee met Houshou's eyes squarely. "Understand, Miz Houshou, that Uncle James means a lot to me; he's the only one besides Jaw who ain't left me out in the cold. You two seem to be good for each other, and you have my blessing, but So Help Me, Houshou, if you break my uncle's heart I'll Awaken as a Shipgirl just for the purpose of making you regret it. By the time I got done, you'd think being dumped in an Abyssal's lair without any fuel or ammo to be a mercy. Understood?"

Houshou smiled and nodded. "I understand completely, Kaylee-chan. You have my word, I'll do my best not to hurt him."

The teen nodded sharply and grinned wide. "Good. Now that the Formalities are taken care of, would you like another cup of tea?"

.....................................

James chuckled, distracting Shinano from her attempt to continue her warning. "I see your notes there, Miss Shinano; may I?" He gestured toward the markings. She extended her arm, blushing, and he read it. "Hmm... That's pretty good... The part with the anchor-chain is especially inventive; I'll have to remember that for if Kaylee finds a boyfriend..." He looked up at Shinano and smiled brightly. "I understand your points, Miss Shinano, and as far as Shovel Speeches go, I'd rate it eight out of ten; very good for a first-time speech. That said, you've got my word, sworn on my Family Name, that while I'll do my dead-level best to do right by your mother, if Gods Forbid I screw up and hurt her, I'll hand you the knife from my own hand and bare my throat for the stroke." He patted her on the head gently and grinned. "Houshou'd be right proud of you, Shina, if she could be here to see how much her Tall Daughter cares for her. Now, the Formalities are done; how bout you, me, and White Plains over there go get us some ice cream? My treat; it's payday for me."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

There was a frustrated look on Harry's face as he walked along the hallway while he tried to ignore the stares pointed at him. Finally, he sighed and turned to Katie who was beside him with her hands in her pockets with Angelina and Alicia on his other. "I still don't know why I need you or anyone else to escort me around."

All the older girl did was shrug and jerk her thumb at Myrtle who was also floating alongside. "Ask her, she was the one who asked Percy to get us older students to escort you around between and after classes."

Suddenly, her grin became one that reminded Harry oddly of Haru when the Miko was extremely amused. "And we get to hang with a cute little teammate at the same time."

Even as the others giggled, Harry frowned and turned to Myrtle who sighed. "Harry, I asked them because I am extremely worried. Especially with some of the rumors going around."

Raising an eyebrow, Harry snorted some. "You mean the ones such as how I'm supposed to be a Dark Lord or the Heir of Slytherin? Because I'm not too worried."

Moments later, Alicia shivered as Myrtle moved through her to better face Harry. "But you really should, Harry." Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair as she thought about what to say next. "Harry, everyone knows that You-Know-Who was supposed to be Slytherin's Heir. So you being a Parselmouth paints a large target on you, but not just because you beat him and so the current Heir would see you as a threat." Myrtle then gestured with one finger at him. "There's likely going to be another attack soon, because whoever is doing this would be a fool not to do so after you revealed yourself to the whole school as a Parselmouth."

It took a few moments of deep thought before Harry's eyes widened some. "Because then fingers would be pointed at me directly."

Nodding, the ghost crossed her arms. "Exactly, Harry. Which would muddy the waters and pull attention to you. Which is why I asked the upper years to escort you around! Because as long as you're not alone when the next attack happens, no one can blame you for it. You'll have witnesses!"

Beside him, Angelina ruffled his hair some. "Yeah, so don't worry any. We got your back." It was then that she spotted something and raised her eyebrow. "Uh, hello Hagrid..." Seeing what was in his hand, she frowned. "Why do you have a... um... dead rooster? Or what looks like what's left of one?"

Just pulling the balvacalva away from his face, Hagrid let out a deep breath. "Reportin' this to Professor Dumbledore." Looking down at the savaged remains and not noticing the slightly green looks of the three girls, he shook his head. "Second rooster this term and fifth chicken! Somethin' with teeth has been gettin' into th' hen house. Think it's either a fox or a blood suckin' bugbear. Maybe one o' them wildcats too."

Shifting a bit away from the dead rooster, Katie nodded some. "Um, right... And you're bringing that to Dumbledore why?"

With a grimace, Hagrid shook his head. "Wantin' someone to be putting a spell around the henhouse to make it stop. Can' be doin' it myself after all." Clapping a hand on Harry's shoulders, Hagrid began to walk off when all of a sudden shouts of an attack rang out and everyone ran towards them, Hagrid in front as they climbed several stairs and came to a stop. There, on a landing, was Justin laying on the ground petrified with Nick above him. However, the ghost himself was no longer his normal pearly white but a smoky grey with his expression frozen in a state of shock. Adding to it was how a nearby window was open with the wind blowing in from outside along with snow.

And then things got worse as Ernie and several Hufflepuffs came around the corner. At seeing Harry there, they pointed at him which made Peeves grin with glee. "HA! CAUGHT RIGHT IN THE ACT, POTTER!"

Looking between Harry and Justin, the other Hufflepuffs looked unsure...

Right up until Katie stomped up and grabbed Ernie by his shirt and lifted him off the ground with a growl which made the Second Year pale. "Now listen here you bloody moron, Harry just arrived here with us! In fact, we've been with him for the past half hour and other upper years have been around for the past two days! Harry's not involved at all!"

Only gulping, Ernie looked back and forth. "B-but, he's a Parselmouth an-and after the Dueling Club, he's had to be after Justin! He's just had to be!"

Moments later he regretted it as Katie shook him. "What part of us Gryffindors have been around him the whole time don't you understand! Harry's in just as much danger from the Heir as you bunch are, maybe more!"

Even though she was unnerved by what she was seeing, Susan bit her lip and looked back and forth. "Harry's not been left alone? At all?"

Angelina snorted and rolled her eyes. "Except when he's needed to go to the washroom. Unless you want someone to eye him when he goes to the loo."

That caused a blush to break out on not just Harry's face, but also the other girls there while Hagrid snorted and examined the area. Shaking that off, Susan frowned as she examined it even as other students arrived. "I... guess it looks like a setup?"

With a blink, Hannah turned to Susan with a confused look on her face. "A set up? For Potter?"

Giving her friend a look, Susan nodded some as she thought back over conversations with her Aunt Amelia regarding crimes. She also started to think back to books she read when her Aunt had sent her to Muggle elementary school. While she would never admit it to other Purebloods, she loved the Sherlock Holmes books she found in the library there. "Yeah... I mean, everyone was at the Dueling Club knows what happened, right? So Harry would be the first suspect."

A grimace on his face, Hagrid straightened up from where he was examining things and then turned to the window closing it. Shaking his head, he grumbled to himself. "Ain' no one going to be happy abou' this."
____________________________________________________________________________

"No one is happy regarding this new attack."

From where she sat sipping tea, Victory snorted and shook her head. "I would hope not, Bumblebee. But then, I am rather unsurprised about that fact."

Leaning back in his chair, Dumbledore sighed as he popped a lemon sherbert into his mouth. Rolling it around for a moment, he shook his head. "Quite. And it does not help that Lucius is using what is going on to try and erode my position here. I suspect he's aiming for my removal."

Eyes narrowing, Victory frowned a bit. "He is, hmm? Troublesome... Any particular reason why?"

While he unwrapped another candy, Dumbledore gave a thin smile. "Seeing as I have a particular relationship with shipgirls, there is a faction who sees me as an issue, I'm afraid. Others just dislike me on principal."

Frowning, Victory grumbled a bit. "Wish that it was like in the olden days then." That got her a laugh from the old wizard in front of her before she turned thoughtful. "So I suppose that the idea for shipgirls to provide security is dead then? Because I will tell you that the Royal Navy, while not officially involved, is rather annoyed at what is going on and the roadblocks. Especially considering some connections we have... And it has taken a rather lot to prevent the Orion Sisters from coming of their own volition."

Several moments passed as Dumbledore imagined what might happen then before he shook it off. "Alas, as much as I would enjoy their presence, it may perhaps be more trouble then it would be worth to have them. However... the Board has given me leeway for a limited shipgirl presence on the grounds. Especially after I mentioned how young Mister Potter's mother might use some old laws in the charter regarding heirs being in danger. Mister Longbottom's grandmother then took advantage of those laws herself and demanded a presence of sorts even if she must pay herself."

Gently setting her cup down, Victory hummed as she looked around the office before turning her attention back to Dumbledore. "Just how limited of a presence are we speaking of at the moment, Bumblebee? I do have a number who are rather itching to come and have a go at any monsters."

Rather bemused, Dumbledore gestured with one hand. "At least one shipgirl at each House Dormatory outside of Slytherin and two for the Great Hall at all times. It is sadly the best that I can do at this time I'm afraid. I will, of course, provide room and board for them as well as the agreed amount of payment."

That got him a snort from Victory. "Just the room and board would be enough for that bunch" Her expression became one of amusement at that point. "Well... that and the bragging rights if they do manage to kill the monster." A thought suddenly occurred to Victory and she gave Dumbledore a look. "Do you think that Nagato might use those old laws you mentioned?"

On Dumbledore's face there was a very thin smile. "I suppose that she just might do so. In fact, I believe that she somehow came across a copy of the rulebook which contained exactly those laws from the school charter. Rather odd that considering how hard it can be to come across."

Bringing the cup to her lips, Victory smirked. "Yes, rather odd that she managed to come across such a book. Perhaps in one of the Potter properties?"

Just humming, Dumbledore nodded some. "Oh yes, I do believe that's a possibility as Mister Potter's grandfather sat on the Board and thus would have gotten a copy of his own when alive. Somewhat troublesome to certain parties I'm afraid."

There was a twinkle in both Dumbledore's and Victory's eyes at that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

In the past week since the last attack, the mood had plumeted in Hogwarts. Before, people were frightened of the monster, but now with two attacks so close to each other as well as how it could affect ghosts... The fear in the air was practically palatable. There were rumours of course floating around. Rumors that Dumbledore had some solution to make students safer. But until he revealed what it was, people were extremely nervous. Most of the Muggleborns were usually in groups nervously glancing around, the older ones with hexes or curses on their lips.

As something of an aside, it was said that Peeves got frozen by Harry no less then six times for doing things like leaping out in front of a group of Muggleborns and scaring them. Something that enraged the spirit even as he continued to try and come back with a way to get at Harry... Which he had not found a way quite yet.

But the worst off were the First Years who did not know many spells... well, until a solution presented itself.

Outside it was early morning with a good portion of the spirits of Hogwarts having a meeting as they drifted through the castle. As per usual this year, the main point of discussion among the remaining House Ghosts and some of the others was the Monster of Slytherin. By this point, the Bloody Baron was rather annoyed by them continually bothering him as if he somehow knew what it was. At this point, he had lost count of how many times he had told them all that, no, he did not know what it was and to stop bothering him. Even though he could understand why they were doing it, it still annoyed him greatly. And it was a sad fact that the only ones not bothering him was Helena... And one of the other Hogwarts ghosts.

Said ghost could be heard talking to someone around the corner.

Holding up his hand, he watched as Myrtle poked her head out from the corner and looked down the hallway first one way, and then the other. She blinked at them before nodding and ducking back around. One hurried conversation, and Myrtle came back around but this time with a bunch of first years behind her. All of them were clustered close together while in front of them, Myrtle held her arms out to the side to spread out her robes as wide as they could go. Even though he was quite curious, it was not the Baron who asked the question on all their minds, but the Friar instead. "My dear child, as good as it is to see you out of your bathroom... may I ask what you are doing?"

Much to the Baron's amusement, Myrtle gave the Friar a look as if he was an idiot. "I'm helping to protect the First Year Muggleborns of course while they head from class to class."

Utter silence met that as the other ghosts tried to digest what she had just said with the Friar furrowing his eyebrows. "But... We're ghosts. However could you protect them?"

Beside him, the Grey Lady silently nodded though the Baron could see the curiosity in her eyes. She always had a soft spot for the much younger ghost from her House, though with her silence it seemed otherwise. Myrtle meanwhile looked between them in confusion. "You did see what happened with Sir Nick, didn't you?"

That got her a scoff from one of the other ghosts. "Of course we did, Myrtle. How could we not." Said ghost then gave a sniff. "Poor Nicholas being petrified... who would have thought!"
However, the glare he got from the Grey Lady silenced him though and made him cringe. After all, over the centuries the ghost had come up with ways of silently communicating with others though body language. At the same time, Myrtle just blinked. "Yesss? And the person behind him was also petrified instead of killed. We don't need to be worried about dying, but if the Monster comes up, then I can protect them. They'll see it through me and be petrified, but they won't die. And I don't need to worry as I'll just be petrified myself." Glancing back, Myrtle felt herself warm a bit at how thankful the children looked at her. Then she turned back to the other ghosts. "If you'll excuse me though, I need to get them to their classes."

With that, she floated past with the Muggleborns quickly walking behind her. The other ghosts were utterly silent in surprise before they looked at each other. Unnoticed by many except for the Baron, there was a small smile on Helena's face as she nodded her head. At the same time, he could hear one of the First Years talking to the ghost. "Thank you, Miss Myrtle for protecting us. We really do feel a lot safer."

Before they got out of ear shot, Myrtle continued. "Think nothing of it, Laura. It's my pleasure and whatever wants to get to you... will need to get through me first."

If anything, that made the Baron's lip curl upwards a bit. 'She has grown these past few years.' Shaking it off, he sighed as once more, the Frier brought up the monster and asked if he had found anything else regarding it. 'One of these days... I shall have to see if my sword can still affect others.'

At dinner of course, Myrtle attracted attention as she guided Muggleborn First Years to the Great Hall before heading out to get yet more. Back and forth the ghost went, though she did so with a large smile on her face as each group thanked her for something that she didn't consider to be a huge problem. Inside, she was thanking whoever was listening that she had met Rose and Harry the year before as her unlife had turned around. No longer was she the disliked spirit of a girl's washroom...

Now she was a Guardian who got thanked for what she did.

Something that she thanked Harry for as without his friendship she would never have left that washroom often nor would she have mustered up the courage to do what she was doing. And speaking of Harry, he was the other source of stares from most of the school, though most of that was from First Years. The stares were partially due to Barghast now having once more taken up home in Hogwarts and staying by Harry as ordered by Hoppou. As various older years explained the Abyssal aircraft to various First Years, Hermione was frowning at it. "Are you sure that's a good idea to have Barghast around, Harry?" When Barghast hissed at her, the Light Cruiser held up her hands. "I don't mean anything by it, but... You must admit, considering some people seem to think that you're going dark..."

Rolling his eyes, Harry gave a snort. "And they can think that if they want. Besides, you know Hoppou, she wants to protect me anyway that she can."

Upon seeing the look on Harry's face, Neville frowned some. "Uh, Harry? You got a bit of an odd look on your face..."

Quickly shaking off his thoughts, Harry sighed a bit. "Just thinking about some stuff Mum told me in a letter. She said that Hoppou has been shutting herself in her room saying she's going to be working on something to protect me. No idea what... but Mum made her promise that it would be run past her and Goto first. Mum also said to expect some visits soon."

About to ask what he meant by that, Ron was interrupted as he opened his mouth by Dumbledore clicking a spoon against a glass. Somehow, the sound carried through the room and the Headmaster stood up and surveyed the room. "I won't bother you too long as I know that you need your bellies full before bed. However, I do have some important news for all of you. As you well know, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened and there is danger stalking our great halls. Some of you fear for your lives or that of your friends and so it is with great pleasure that I announce that after quite some work, I have hired people to protect you."

Gesturing to a side door, he smiled as it opened and a red haired woman stepped through with a small smirk. One of the things that stood out most about her was a scar on one cheek. However, it was more her clothing, that of the stereotypical pirate outfit, which caught more attention. Whether that was due to how it looked, or how it hugged her body depended on who one asked. From where she sat, Hermione paled a bit as the woman was soon followed by a second one. This one having wild, black hair with dark eyes that almost literally smouldered as they took in the room.

Yet again, it was up in the air whether it was her pirate outfit or the body it hid that captured the most attention before she grinned. Something about that grin caused hairs to prickle as she chuckled and small wisps of smoke drifted out of her hair. With her smirk firmly planted, the red haired woman only nodded some as she surveyed the quiet students. From where she sat, Hermione set her head onto the table with a groan. "Oh God no... please no, not them..."

Almost as if she had heard her, the red haired woman shot where Hermione was with a grin. Planting her hands on her hips, she gave a nod as she surveyed the room. "Hello, one and all! Thanks be to Dumbledore for having us here at this wonderful place o' learning. I be the good shipgirl-" She gave the black haired woman a look as she snorted before turning back to the students. "The Good shipgirl Golden Hind, ship of Sir Francis Drake himself! And beside me is me good friend and second in command of our little group, Queen Anne's Revenge!'

The now identified Queen Anne's Revenge gave a wink to the students. "Aye, but call me Anne. Call me Queenie and I'll keel haul yeh unless I like yeh. An I mean really like yeh."

Getting a nod from Golden Hind, Dumbledore smiled a bit. "Miss Hind and Miss Anne are representatives of a group who's services have been rendered to the school. While there's sadly not enough of them to cover everywhere, they shall be guarding the Dormatories and the Great Hall from whatever danger there may be."

When he said that, the room exploded into whispers as Harry pinched his nose and Ron just stared at the two shipgirls who seemed extremely amused with all the chaos going on. "Bloody Hell, Dumbledore got that bunch to guard Hogwarts? This will not end well..."

Needless to say, that only got him confused expressions from people.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 14: S0ngD0g13

Houshou's First Date, pt. 1...
.......................................

"Kaylee-chan?"

"Yes, Miz Houshou?"

"I need a favor, if it's at all possible."

Kaylee unfolded herself from the sitting position she'd bent herself into in James' backyard and stretched as she stood, propping her airsoft rifle against the wall. The teen looked and saw that Houshou had an uncharacteristically-nervous look on her face... "How can I help?"

The Mother of Japanese Carriers blushed. "James asked me out for dinner and dancing this weekend, but... I don't have anything to wear."

Kaylee nodded. "Okay, two questions; what do you already have, and did he say where you were going?"

"The Black Butterfly, and other than kyudo-gi, I really only have kimono, certainly nothing suitable for dancing in."

Kaylee nodded again. "I'd loan you some of my stuff, but our sizes are too different..." She smiled. "Which means we get to shop."

Kaylee quickly put her airsoft M-16 away and pulled out her phone. "Jaw? Gotta question, Cousin. What can you tell me bout a waterhole called the Black Butterfly? I'm helpin' Miz Houshou get her outfit picked out. Seriously? That's either gonna be awesome, or a disaster. Alright, thanks Jimmy. Bye."

Houshou looked at Kaylee, who was straightening her ever-present kepi and pulling a gray denim jacket on. The youngest McAmis in Kure made sure the house was locked up before she spoke. "Okay, Miz Houshou, according to Jaw the Black Butterfly's a Thirties/Forties-theme dance club, live band. So I'm thinking..." The teen explained her idea on the way to her cousin's Mitsubishi.

Houshou smiled warmly. "I believe I like the idea, Kaylee."

.......................................

"I don't think I quite like the color on this one, Kaylee," commented Houshou a few hours later. "It's nice, but..."

"But it don't feel right," Kaylee finished the thought. "I know what you mean. Besides, that shade of red is more suited to... Other Things than a first-date. How about this blue one? Houshou? Hello..." Kaylee followed the Carrier's gaze and grinned. "Found the one that's right for you?

"I believe I have. Shoes next?"

.......................................

That weekend, Kaylee rushed to Houshou's house to help her get ready. The teenager was a whirlwind of motion, helping to fix Houshou's hair and makeup, until finally, she was ready.

Houshou was dressed in a blue dress to mid-calf with a white floral pattern, low heels of deep Navy blue, and the only makeup she wore was a light dusting of eye-shadow, and lipstick in a shade of pale red that Kaylee found worked well with Houshou's looks. Her hair was styled in a simple, yet elegant chignon.

Precisely at seven, a car pulled up and a knocking came from the front door. When Kaylee answered it, her uncle was standing on the porch in his Service Alphas, the green trousers starched and pressed, his blouse bearing his ribbons, the hash-marks on his sleeves that denoted his twenty years in the Corps, and the three chevrons-up, three rockers-down, and crossed rifles rank insignia of a Master Sergeant. His green barracks cover was tilted at a rakish angle on his head. Parked by the curb was a vintage car and not James' Jeep.

"Holy Cow, Uncle James, you clean up real nice," said Kaylee in surprise. "But wait till you see Miz Houshou."

When his date stepped into view, James could feel his heart pounding like the drum section playing 'Sing, Sing, Sing'...

................................
A/N: This is Houshou's dress: 1940s Style Rita Hayworth Evening Dress in Art Deco

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 15: S0ngD0g13

A Kure Snippet starring Jaw...
......................................

James A.W. 'Jaw' McAmis, seventeen-year-old High-School Senior and youngest son of James C.M. McAmis, Lead Dog-Handler (Kure), was not a happy man. "Mister Oda, I don't think I heard you correctly. You said stray dogs killed your Akita and her pups? Yes, Sir, if you could bring me photographs or casts of the tracks and any hair you find, it would help greatly. I'm very sorry for your loss." He hung up the phone and sighed. Mr. Oda's Akita was the fifth pet attack that month, all attributed to stray- or feral dogs. Canny ones, too; no one had been able to get more than a glimpse of the pack...

When Old Man Oda arrived at the combined Small-Boat Kennels and Base Animal Shelter, with photos and a tuft of fur, Jaw immediately got to work. Just by the size of the tracks he could tell there were two animals, and the shape was wrong for a pair of domestic dogs... If it's what I think it is, there's gonna be Hell to Pay...

He looked at the fur under a magnifying glass, and then under a microscope, comparing it to known samples... "Fuck..."

The pet-killers weren't feral dogs. Not Canis Lupus Familiaris. They were Canis Latrans...

Jaw started making phone calls, the first of which was to the Base CO. "Good morning, Sir. This is James McAmis, at the Kennels. No, Sir, the younger one; Dad's in Yokosuka right now rotating minesweepers. We have a problem, Sir. You're aware of the recent spate of pets being killed? I'm very sorry to hear about Mitzi, Sir. She was one of the few Pomeranians I actually liked. Mister Oda from the SDF Military Police lost his dog and her litter this morning, but he managed to get a hair sample along with photos of the tracks. It's not feral dogs doing it, Sir. Somehow we have a pair of coyotes loose on base. I know, Sir. Trust me, whichever poor fuck is responsible for this mess is gonna be hating life. In the meantime I'm going to take a couple of the hounds for a run. Yes, Sir, I'm aware that I'm just a civilian volunteer, and technically a minor. I'm not hunting them... Just exercising the hounds. Understood, Sir. Thank you."

Jaw flipped the sign in the window to 'Closed' and stepped into the Kennels, releasing four of the minesweepers. "Admirable, Skirmish, Palisade, Nimble; Follow." They exited and jogged toward the site of the last attack. Once there, the four minesweepers sat down on command. Jaw ran the tuft of coyote fur under their noses with a firm command of 'Scent'.

He stood and made sure the tranq pistol on his belt was loaded, and whistled sharply. "Alright, pups, Seek! Hunt'em up!"

The four Admirable-Class Minesweepers, in the form of four Treeing Walker Hounds, cast about briefly for the trail before suddenly bolting into the brush, bawling thunderously...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking into his office with a yawn, Goto only sighed as he noticed Yonehara sitting in a chair in front of his desk flipping through a folder. Simply ignoring that, he turned to Ooyodo who was sipping from her massive mug of coffee. "Morning, Ooyodo. Anything on the docket?"

As she sipped her coffee, Ooyodo pretended that Yonehara was not there as she flipped through the clipboard. "Hmm... there's a few things this morning that could use your attention."

Only sighing, Goto shook his head. "When isn't there something?"

Rather amused, Yonehara smirked as he raised his own coffee mug. "What? No welcome to me? And here I thought that you would be happy to see me."

Goto nodded with his tone turning dry. "And I am... About as happy as I would be if I was up on Asahi-Dake in the middle of winter while a blizzard was going on completely naked."

Before Yonehara could comment any, Ooyodo snorted. "Kongou might be happy with such a thing though. If only for the sight."

That got her smirks before Yonehara grabbed his chest. "Ouch, that hurts Isoroku. It kills me to think that an old friend of mine such as yourself thinks such."

Shaking his head as he booted up his computer, Goto let out a breath. "Good, maybe it gets you out of my hair faster." He then raised an eyebrow at the folder in Yonehara's hands. "Is that one of mine?"

With a hum, the Captain nodded as he flipped through it. "As a matter of fact, yes. It's a report regarding Kushiro and your little friend up there." Smirking a bit, he waved the folder around in the air. "It seems that the good Captain pulled something out of his ass regarding the defense of his base."

Interested, Goto leaned forward a bit. "Oh? And what has Tanaka-Kun done now? Because I know that he was making complaints about how little his base was defended."
Now raising an eyebrow, Yonehara tossed the folder to Goto who began looking through it with a slowly raised eyebrow. "I still don't understand why the heck he hasn't gotten anything for that up to now."

Reaching over for his mug, Goto snorted some. "That makes two of us. But he's considered lower priority then most places. Hell, I've been getting issues with my own defenses here."

Just snorting, Yonehara leaned back. "I don't know how he did it, Isoroku, but he somehow got his hands on three American M-198s which he's placed in bunkers. And if that was not enough, six Abrams he's encased in reinforced concrete and steel emplacements."

However, Goto only flipped through the pages with hum. "The artillery is not that off. But the Abrams... I remember hearing that the Americans had a lot of them just sitting out in the desert and even with the losses, they went for newer built ones. Probably got his hands on some of those using connections and favors... But the Admiralty did give him some free reign to do as needed."

Chuckling, Yonehara shook his head in amusement. "Somehow, I doubt very much that the Admiralty meant that when they told him to scrounge up what he could. Still, that plus the guns he scrounged up from crashed Fighters for use for AA, his base is pretty secure." Sipping his coffee, Yonehara grinned. "Wonder what the reactions will be to that."
All he got was a snort from Goto who then signed the paperwork. Closing the folder, Goto regarded his old friend for several moments. "I doubt very much that you came here just for this though. Despite the fact that you enjoy whenever it is when certain people get their noses tweaked."

Simply raising his mug, the Captain nodded. "And you would be right. I may have a solution to an issue that you may be having."

Waiting for several moments, but not getting a response, Goto finally sighed. "Go on, you have my attention."

Lips turning upwards into a smirk, Yonehara chuckled. "Well, recently one of my own summonings netted us five Ha-101 Submarines. Right now, we're calling them the Yosenko Sisters though."

There was a frown on Goto's face as he leaned back. "Ha-101? Those were Transport Submarines, right?"

Yet again, Yonehara chuckled. "Yes. In fact, they were the IJN counterpart to Maruyu and her sisters. However, she's actually better armed then they are even though she's smaller then them. Considering her successes, I was thinking that she could train them in her form of combat. Granted, that would mean that she would get pulled off for the most part of her route..."

Softly scoffing, Goto shook his head. "She does well enough that I don't see an issue with it. Might actually be good if we get them half as trained as her."

With a snap of his fingers, Yonehara pointed at him. "Exactly. But training them is hard as we need somewhere to do it. So, I was thinking that we send them all to a certain lake to get trained. Far enough away not to worry about Abyssals interrupting her training them, but we can quickly contact her needed."

For several moments there was silence as Goto considered what he had just been told before he slowly chuckled. "Now that, right there is a rather interesting idea... I'll consider it, though nothing will probably come of it until after December."

That only got him a small shrug from Yonehara who sipped his mug agai. "I know, I thought that you might go along with it..."

Waiting until Yonehara was sipping his coffee, Goto continued. "Rather good idea actually, suprised it is coming from you."

In reply, Yonehara only gave him a salute known world wide.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 1: Custodator Pacis

The Hunt - Part 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She looked back to the shore, where her captain stood along with all the people in white uniform.

They were sending her off, to let her sleep forever with her secrets, so far away from her home.

She watched her captain, watched him as he hung his head in sorrow. It wasn't fair, she were only commissioned for only two short years before, and as soon as she finished fitting her new propulsion system, he had set her off to never return to her home ever again.

But then again, she knew, she knew why it has to end this way. For as soon as she had set sail out of her port that day, hew fate had been sealed. She will be called as the monster that would ignited the world aflames with her own hands. If not because of his action.

She noticed that the men in white has raised the flags of their homeland, which is to be expected.

What she didn't expected is that they raised the flag of her own navy right next to theirs.

She sees her captain raised his head, his eyes tearing up at the honor that they gave to such a ship that belongs to their enemy. Even she felt herself swelled with gratitude.

As they towed her to the designated area, she wished upon the blue seas that has forever been her familiar sight.

Wished that she will have a chance to apologize her sisters that she had...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She came to her sense again in a dimly lit room, with a strange sensation as she stood on the water.

'Wait, on the water?'

She looked down to the stilled water, and got confused even more.

'Is that my legs?'

She raised her right leg, satisfied and somewhat confused as they moved to her will.

She tried to move her arm when a figure made himself known with a cough. She turned her periscope (Head?) to the person on her direct front to see a man in black navy officer with the emblem of her nation on his hat stood just at the edge of the pond.

"Welcome back," he said sternly. "I'm afraid that we're on a very tight schedule so I don't have time for politeness. Now, tell me your identification."

Eyes hardened as she straighted her body before she saluted. "Radio silence protocol. Identification code needed to confirm an affiliation."

Annoyed, he looked behind him and conversed with his compatriot for a couple of minute before turned back to her.

"Okay, the code is..." He told her the code.

Her frown deepened, their codes didn't matched with what she had onboard. "Identification code not recognized, strike one. I repeat, identification code needed."

The man turned back to his friend again, speaking in a brisk and mild panic. Turned back to her again with an annoyed expression before he said another code.

"Identification code not recognized, strike two. Repeat, identification code needed," the officers onboard her now worked in an overdrive to cross-reference with every codes they have.

The man turned back from his conversation with an apologizing look. "We have some trouble to find your code you see, it has been a while since your time," he said in a somewhat caged manner.

Someone came and whispered to him, with a sour expression he turned back to her and gave another password.

"Identification code not recognized, strike three," she, for the lack of a better term to describe, partially materialized her own hull.

"Wait, wait!" Hurriedly, he raised his hands and fired more codes at her.

He went on for several codes as she armed her own torpedo, with full safeties on of course, she didn't want to ended up like her sister who she...

She didn't let it be shown, but a stab of pain in her metaphorical heart was hurting her so bad that she missed the man sputted some more codes at her.

Until she recognized the last and longest code that he had let it out of his mouth. Her officers froze as some of them recognized the password that they just heard.

She has a matching code for that one. And that one was the last thing that she wanted to hear.

The man started to come to his sense as he noticed that she didn't fired upon him yet and lowered his hands.

"C-code recognized..." she stammered out, willed her hull to disappear before saluted. "Akula-class submarine, at your service."

The man regained his composure again, sighed tiredly he spoke out. "No name?"

"Classified information, required another code before declassification," she informed him.

Still nodded in satisfaction, he beckoned her out of the pool. "We need to brief you of our current situation, please follow me to my quarter."

'Sir." She obediently followed him out of the pool and followed him out of the room.

She would follow their orders, for the moment. Got all her identification codes wrong was one thing, but she will never trust anyone who gave up a launch code for her payload that easily with just a death-threat.

"Hey!" her sonar operator warned her as she was about to step on some sort of power line on the floor.

"Sorry about that, this place is quite new," the man said before he continued ahead of her casually.

She frowned slightly before she followed him again. He was either a new officer, or someone with a very good connection with the Party to be this slouch without any reprimation.

Her captain grumbled a bit, he was never fond of this kind of people either.

Then her mind stopped at a screecing halt as she became aware of the most recent fatality in her hull and the reason.

"The cook slips on his tea?!" she asked in bewilderment.

"Da," her captain answered, wiping blood out of his hands.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Guess who is this mysterious submarine was will ya?

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A frown on her face, Arizona turned to look at Jane who seemed rather embarrassed. "Are you okay now, Jane? You're not going to try and jump off?"

More then a little sheepish, Jane shook her head before weakly chuckling. "No, I'm not, Ari-Mama. Um... could you please untie the ropes?"

Slowly raising her eyebrows, Arizona looked down at the ropes that had secured Jane to her rigging before sighing. "Very well, it seems that you have stopped trying to jump off." Ignoring the blush on Jane's face as Smolzona began to untie her, Arizona turned to regard Zuihou beside her before a small smile crossed her face. The tiny Light Carrier was keeping an eye out with a small flight of planes as she made her way alongside Arizona. Much the same as she had done on any number of patrols she had shared with the Battleship since becoming part of her escort. "Any sign of Louisiana?"

Frowning, Zuihou narrowed her eyes before pointing in a direction. "She's inside a cove on that island in front of us. Louisiana-San's also with Hoel-Ni and Urakaze."

Grumbles caused Arizona to raise an amused eyebrow as Shimakaze sped around her, with the Destroyers sisters Karakaze and Kiyokaze. "So slow! Come on, let's go and get there to meet her!"

With a sigh, Arizona only shook her head before slowing down just a touch more. "We will get there when we get there." She knew that Shimakaze had noticed her slow down, but all the Destroyer did was huff. Meanwhile, Arizona kept an eye on the approaching island, examining it. From what she could see, it was not a very big island with a forested volcanic cone rising up. However, she could see what looked like a compound becoming overgrown by the forest, which made the Battleship wonder what was there.

It was several minutes later that she came within sight of Louisiana who was waiting beside what looked like a jetty that looked both rough and new. At the sight of her fellow American, Lousiana smiled a bit and tilted her cap. "Miz Arizona, welcome to Rappaport Island."

That name caused Arizona to turn and frown at Lousiana. "Is that it's actual name?"

Sighing, Louisiana shook her head. "Non, but it's the only name that we found for it." There was a grimace on her face as she looked up at the island. "It was the name MACUSA gave it when they took control back in the 1850s to help with the 'Enforcement' of the SoS. They retook it after the War during and occupied it during the fifties."

At the reminder of said government, Arizona's lips thinned. While she didn't have issues with the odd magical such as Harry, she did have the issue with the magical side of America. While most thought it was due to recent happenings, only the Richardson household knew the real reason. A reason that was a crewmember who was forced to forget his younger brother due to said boy being magical and a certain law. Family was important and the idea of the government tearing one apart like that really got under her skin.
Quickly shaking off that thought off, Arizona turned back to the beach and frowned. "I see..."

Having sensed her mood, Louisiana shook her head. "So how has my sister been doing at Sasebo since being transferred? According to her, things have been going good, but..."

Now smiling, Jane laughed a bit from where she was perched on Arizona's rigging. "She's doing really awesome! Mutsu-Mama said that she's a lot more relaxed now that she's been transferred to Sasebo and can take her place."

Slowly nodding, Arizona continued to scan the forest before humming. "Indeed, your sister is doing rather well. And it is nice to have her firepower around..." Raising an eyebrow, she frowned slightly. "I hope that you did not have us come all the way out here just to discuss your sister. Especially after the trouble that it caused Jane."

Apologetic expression on her face, Louisiana swept off her cover and shook her head. "Non, and I do apologize for any problems. But I did have a reason to bring you here and Miz Jane especially. It has to do with Miz Mutsu's wedding to your father."

Perking up some, the twelve, nearly thirteen year old grinned. "What about it? Is there something on the island?"

Only humming, Louisiana chuckled a bit. "I was thinking, Miz Jane, perhaps I could make some southern style barbecue."

That caused Zuihou to speak up with a small frown as she ticked off numbers on her hand. "Wouldn't that be a lot of meat? I don't think that we would have enough on hand for such a thing."

Despite wanting to disagree, Arizona crossed her arms and sighed. "She does have a point." It was then that one of her fairies spotted something and looked to see some of the bushes shudder. 'What in the world...?'

Having spotted the same thing, Lousiana chuckled and turned. "Oui, normally that would be true. But... I have a way."

With the sounds of brush being put aside, something came out from behind the foilage and Jane's eyerbrows raised. "Is that... a pig? On an island?"

Just chuckling, Louisiana nodded some. "It is, Miz Jane. A feral pig and one of dozens on the island." Seeing the look on Arizona's face as the pig dug into a pile of old refuse that Lousiana herself had placed there, the larger Battleship shook her head. "MACUSA had a small pig sty on the island for food. When they left, they simply let the pigs go wild. I do not think that anyone would complain if we were... to thin it out, oui?"

Fingers tapping against one turret, Arizona considered what was in front of her and narrowed her eyes some. "No, I don't think that would be an issue..." Looking around, she frowned even more. "Though eventually it will need to be opened up..." At the grimace on Louisiana's face, Arizona narrowed her eyes. "What is the issue?"

Looking around, Lousiana let out a sigh. "Zis place... MACUSA when they placed the spells to keep non-magicals away tied them to the volcano. They are, how do you say, drawing off the power of the mountain to power them."

Several moments passed before Arizona took a deep breath. "And what, exactly, would be the result of the spells failing?"

There was silence for a little bit before Louisiana sighed. "This is what I was told by Haru, you must understand, Miz Arizona, places such as Hogwarts use more then just magic to power their spells. Hogwarts, she uses lightning that strikes her from storms and somehow transforms the electricity into magic. Magic that then powers the spells protecting the area and strenghtening them. Here, they are using the power of the volcano that it would use to erupt..."

Grimacing, Arizona scowled. "Which means that taking them down would be a not be a good idea."

Urakaze snorted as she glared at the island. "No, it wouldn't. Haru-San was... quite angry when she realized what was going on..."

At the Destroyer trailing off, Shimakaze came to a stop and blinked. "How bad?"

With a slight snort of amusement, Louisiana smiled a bit. "I learned quite a few new and rather inventive Japanese curses. Haru... was not pleased."

Just watching as the pig finished it's meal, Jane had a considering look on her face as she changed the subject. "Hmm... so you want to use the pigs for barbecue?" When Louisiana nodded, Jane smiled a bit. "I'll think about it, but I remember when you cooked up some for Cuz's birthday that it was really good. And Dad might like it too."

Unknown to her, Arizona's mouth watered a bit as she thought back to said birthday. No matter how much the memories of her crew said it was good, the Battleship enjoyed a taste of home. Though at least part of her was considering what she should bring to hunt said feral pigs and how it could be a bonding experience for her sister as well as maybe Jane...
__________________________________________________________________________________

Watching as Hermione stirred the potion before pulling out the stick she was using, Harry frowned some. "How much longer?"

Hermione shrugged and worked her shoulder. "Maybe a couple more days?"

A voice suddenly spoke up and caused the four students to freeze in place. "Hmm, a couple more days, ye say? For what? To cause a bit O' trouble?" Slowly, they turned to see one of the sailshipgirls standing there with her hands on her hips. From beneath her hat, black, messy hair extended down her back in waves as she chuckled. "Well?"

Looking towards Hermione, Ron gulped and gave a unsure smile. "Uh... well, you see..."

Now chuckling, the woman shook her head with a small grin and walked around them. "A group of troublemakers, eh?" Then she came to a stop in front of Harry and there was a flash of something that crossed her face. "Well, the name's Revenge, no relation to either the Battleship or Anne. 'Bout time we met though, Harry Potter." Leaning down, her expression shifted into one of near longing. "After all, it is because of you that I came here and I have been looking forward to this."

Blinking in confusion, Harry glanced at his friends and cleared his throat. "Because of me? Sorry but... I don't think that I know you."

Grinning easily, Revenge sat down on one of the toilets and leaned forward. "Aye, I'm not surprised about that. But I know of ye family and owe them a great deal."

Even more confused, Harry frowned some. "My family?"

Slowly nodding, Revenge hummed. "Tell me, child. Have ye ever heard of Mary Read and Anne Bonny?"

Eyebrows furrowing, it took some time before something drifted up from his memories. From a time that he was with Alabama and the others and they were telling tales of piracy. "You mean the two women pirates? The famous ones?"

There was a twinkle in the sailshipgirl's eyes as she nodded. But then Hermione frowned and looked between them. "What do they have to do with Harry's family though? I don't think that there's any connection between them."

However, Harry was thinking before he remembered something. "I think that Mum mentioned them though... something about my family history?"

Widely grinning, Revenge slapped her knee. "Exactly! But let me tell ye something. It's known that Mary was born from an affair that Mary's mother had. And that after her half-brother died, her Mum had her dress up as her brother to fool his grandmother, rest her soul in order to continue receiving funds... But did ye ever wonder who her father was?"

It only took moments before Harry took in Revenge's features, which seemed so familiar to him and his jaw dropped. "A Potter... A Potter was her father!"

Chuckling, Revenge winked at him. "Aye, that be about right. But he did not know about her for years and thought she died. Right up until he met her in the Carribean and recognized her. She also recognized him from the tales her mother had told her when drunk..." Hand cupping her chin, she shook her head. "O'course, at the time she tried to kill 'im. After all, he wasn't there when she grew... But she failed due to him being magical since even though she was as well, she never went to ol' Hogwarts. Mother tore up her letter after all and since she was dressed as a boy, they figured there was a mistake."

Always wanting to know more about his family, Harry leaned forward. After all, he could always confirm what he was being told by asking Nagato. "What happened next?"

On Revenge's face there was an odd look. "Harold was his name, ye see. But even though he beat her in their fight, he did not kill her. Tried even to convince her to come back to England where he could protect her as his daughter, and that he would claim her as such. But no luck, Ol' Mary loved the pirate life. Accepting that, he gave her a gift, a way to contact him if she ever needed to and that he would come to her aid. Guess what happened?"

Eyes widening, Neville looked between the stunned Hermione and the pirate shipgirl. "What happened?"

Humming, Revenge shook her head. "Well, after she was captured by a pirate hunter, an' that only happened because the rest o' me crew were drunk and cowards, Mary was sentenced ta death by hanging along with her best friend, Anne Bonny. Both o' them were with child though, and so were spared until the babes were born. The rest o' the crew were hung of course, with Mary calling her lover a coward before 'is death. Accordin' ta the history, she died in prison o' a fever along with her unborn child. And Anne disappeared..."

It was Ron who fit it all together first. "Her death was faked, wasn't it? And her father brought her back to England!"

Slowly nodding, Revenge ruffled his hair. "Aye, that be what happened lad. But she also convinced her father to bring her Anne with her as well with Mary taking the name o' Potter. Both o' them gave birth. Mary ta a son and Anne to a daughter. Years later, both children married each other." Leaning forward, she looked Harry in the eye. "An' they were ye many great grandparents, Harry. Mary and Anne, they be me captains now. Beat the others and Calico and I would rather no others. And they remember the Potters, lad. They know and I know you have their blood in your veins."

Now confused himself, Neville looked between Harry and Revenge. "So... um, does that mean that you're not going to get us in trouble?"

Moments passed as Revenge turned her attention onto him before laughing and slapping her knee. "Get ye in trouble? No, lad! I be wanting a piece o' the action, I be." Rubbing her hands together, she grinned. "Now, tell ol' Revenge what ye be doin' and I be more then willin' ta help some fellow troublemakers..."

If anything, her grin widened as eventually, the four explained what they were doing.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 16: S0ngD0g13

The Kure Coyote Hunt, Part 2...
..........................................

Jaw McAmis leapt over a fallen log as he chased after the four minesweeper hounds he'd loosed on the track of the coyotes that had been plaguing Kure Naval Base. When I find out who brought fucking coyotes on base and let them get loose, they'll wish they were never born; it oughta be considered a crime against humanity to introduce coyotes to a place they ain't native...

The timbre of the hounds' barking changed to indicate a fresher trail; Skirmish and Palisade grew louder and their voices quicker, more chop-mouthed, while Admirable and Nimble bawled slower while they focused on the scent...

The coyotes burst out of the brush half a jump ahead of the hounds and onto the Carrier Range, wove around Shoukaku and Zuikaku, and broke hard-left toward the parking lot. The hounds, not half so nimble as their prey, bowled into the Crane Sisters and sent them sprawling before continuing their pursuit; Jaw ran past and threw a hasty "Sorry!" over his shoulder.

Zuikaku snarled. "The nerve of that twerp! Come back here!" The hot-headed Carrier followed Jaw, who followed the hounds...

....................................

Jaw looked over his shoulder at the apoplectic Carrier behind him an hour later. The chase had led across most of the base, and while the teen was still relatively clean, if sweaty, Zuikaku looked, as his dad would put it, like she'd been dragged through a knot-hole by her ankles. There were leaves and twigs in her hair and mud across her outfit, and she was breathing hard as she pursued him.

In his haste to get away from Zuikaku, Jaw didn't notice the figure on the trail ahead of him until he plowed into her.

"Jaw, you ass, get offa me!" shouted Kaylee from the ground, shoving her cousin off of her. "Look where you're going!" she snapped. Once they were upright, Zuikaku caught up.

"You, Boy," she growled. "What's the deal with you? You turn loose those damned dogs, who ran over my sister and me, and just run past with nothing but a 'Sorry'? What the Hell?!"

When Zuikaku started to speak again, Kaylee shushed her. "Listen, the dogs..."

Jaw grinned maniacally. "They're bayed. Listen, Zuikaku, you can kick my ass, or keel-haul me, or whatever, later. Those hounds were after the animals responsible for the recent pet-killings. Now, I need to go deal with a pair of coyotes."

"Coyotes? What the Hell, Jaw?" asked Kaylee. "What dumb SOB decided to bring coyotes into Japan?"

Zuikaku snorted. "Go. Deal with the coyotes but I will want a better apology after you're done, Boy."

Jaw nodded. "You'll get it. And my name ain't 'Boy', it's 'James', or 'Jaw'. Understood?"

When the trio approached the dry riverbed where the hounds were bayed, Jaw drew the tranquilizer pistol from his belt and knelt to look into the burrow over Palisade's back. "Palisade, spotlight." The hound summoned rigging and illuminated the den's interior. Jaw snapped a shot at one coyote, then quickly reloaded and shot the second.

After the Ketamine took effect, Jaw phoned the Animal Shelter and requested a truck and two cages, only to see a set of eyes deeper in the den. He looked closer and met the eyes of four fuzzy pups...

......................................

The Officer-in-Charge of the Military Police on-base looked across his desk at the two men standing there. "Privates Murphy, why on God's Green Earth did you bring in coyotes to Japan? What possessed you to do such a thing?!"

Private Alan Murphy swallowed thickly. "I... I don't rightly recall, Sir. According to our journals, Jacob and I were looking to bring in a couple of German Shepherds, and then the next thing we knew we were standing over four empty crates. Thing is, Jake and I can't remember anything between the day prior to the journal entries, and the day after the entries when we were over those crates. Nothing at all..."

The Major nodded. "I see... Neither of you are drinkers, according to your service jackets..."

.....................................

In the forest near Kure City, two coyotes lifted their heads and stretched as their mates returned from hunting, the two Honshu Wolves dragging a deer haunch apiece. It was good that they'd been lucky hunting; their litters were nearly big enough for solid food...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Watching over the bubbling cauldron, Hermione slowly nodded some as she examined the potion inside. Meanwhile, Neville was looking at Harry who was going over some non-magical school work. "So, uh... any idea when you're going to the baths in, um... Bath?"

Just looking up, Harry adjusted his reading glasses and frowned. "Yeah, I talked it over with Mum, Haru-San, and Natsumi-Chan. They agreed that we should do it the day after the Hogwarts Express drops us off at Kings Cross. Mum was thinking about maybe visiting Stonehenge too since the Winter Solstice is that day too. But she's not quite sure yet."

There was a thoughtful look on Neville's face as he slowly nodded. "That... would be a good time for it. I remember Gran telling me that the Winter Solistice is pretty important among some of the older witches and wizards. And that's not counting all the parties and balls up to Christmas. So it should be easy for them to fit you in."

At the grimace, Ron shook his head in some amusement. "Better you then me, Nev. I wouldn't know what to do at one of those events... Probably need to invite Warspite to give me a hand." Hearing snickers from Harry, he blinked. "What's with you, Mate?"

However, Harry only shook his head and waved him. "Nothing, nothing at all, Ron." Internally, he was grinning. 'I wonder when he's going to figure it out?'

Looking between the two of them, Neville frowned and then shrugged before turning back to Ron. "I'd be careful though." When Ron gave him a confusion, the young heir grinned some. "According to Gran, your Dad might be invited to some of the balls and stuff later on. He's becoming something of a force in the Ministry due to the whole war going on."

Much to Neville's amusement, Ron had a grimace on his face. "Bloody hell."

All Harry did was pat him on the shoulder and smirk, after all he could still remember Ron laughing at how he described having to go to all sorts of events as his mother's son. Several seconds later, the black haired boy let out a sigh and turned to Ron. "So... you're not coming to Yokosuka this year?"

Ron shook his head and frowned. "No, not this year, Mate." Frowning, he leaned back some. "The bunch of us are going to use the fact that no one is around to try and help Ginny. Something wierd is going on there and we want to find out."

Considering it, Harry slowly nodded some. "Yeah, I can see why. Good luck there." Once Ron nodded, Harry turned towards Hermione who was giving Ron a proud look. "So... how much longer?"

With a hum, Hermione looked into the cauldron and nodded. "It's almost done... and good thing is that tomorrow is the weekend before we head home. So we can get it all done tonight. However... we do need one thing." Seeing the looks, she sighed and pulled out a vial. "We need a hair from each person. Just Crabbe and Goyle as Neville will be here watching the potion for us and keeping an eye on things."

For several moments there was silence before Harry coughed a bit. "So... how are we going to do that then?"

Still smiling, Hermione pulled out two cupcakes and chuckled. "I filled these with enough sleeping draught to knock out a troll."

As they took the cupcakes, Ron frowned a bit. "And... how are we supposed to get them to eat these? They won't just take them if we offer after all."

Hermione only shrugged a but. "Not really my problem. After all, I already got my hair from Bulstrode when we were wrestling during the dueling club."

Turning to each other, Harry and Ron only sighed. Which is what found them an hour after dinner in a hallway not too far from where the Slytherins descended to the Dungeons. It was rather well known that both Crabbe and Goyle were among those who were always the last out from the Great Hall. And after having gotten the Twins to prank Draco, which made said Slytherin stomp off, the two were alone as they travelled back to the dorms. Looking at Harry, Ron shook his head in disbelief. "This cannot possibly work, Harry. There's no way that it can work!"

Only shrugging, Harry gave Ron a look. "You got any better ideas?" At the shake of his head, he pulled out his invisibility cloak and flung it over both him and Ron. Then the two took out their wands and levitated the plate with the cupcakes on it into the air. On it, completing the look, was a small sign stating it was for Crabbe and Goyle. "And now we just wait."

Several moments passed before Ron noticed something and blinked. "Harry..."

Focused on what he was doing, Harry only raised his eyebrow. "Yeah, Ron? What is it?"

With a disbelieving stare on his face, the red head frowned. "Are you actually taping this? Really?"

In reply, Harry shrugged some. "Mm-hm, yes? I mean, if they actually fall for it then it will be worth it for laughs if nothing else."

That got a facepalm from Ron. But before said wizard could say anything, Crabbe and Goyle stepped around the corner and came to a stop in front of the plate of cupcakes. For several moments, the two stared at it in disbelief before Goyle leaned down. "Uh, Crabbe? The note says it's for us?"

Head tilting to the side, Crabbe blinked and then suddenly grinned. "Probably one of the girls from the year above us. Look, there's even some hearts on it!"

Under the invisibility cloak, Ron gave Harry a look that got him a grin back. Meanwhile, Goyle chuckled some and grabbed the cupcake. "Awesome. Told you that they were looking at us."

With a final smile, the two took a big bite out of their cupcakes and then continued to eat it as Harry and Ron waited. There was triumphant looks on their faces as they finished and then swallowed. And then, without their expressions changing, the two toppled backwards completely knocked out. Pulling the cloak off, Harry walked over and smirked at Ron who groaned. "I don't believe it... How the bloody hell did that work..."

Raising one finger, Harry chuckled. "Told you. If it's stupid, and it works, then it's not stupid." All he got from Ron was grumbles before the two pulled out some hairs and placed them into vials. Pocketing them away, Harry tilted his head some and then nodded. "We should probably grab their shoes too."

Slowly, Ron turned and stared at him. "What."

Waving one hand around, Harry shrugged. "Our shoes aren't going to be big enough, you know? Might as well grab theirs like we're going to be grabbing their cloaks and stuff."
Just pinching his nose, Ron shook his head and sighed. "We better get some answers we can nail on Malfoy for this..."

Minutes later found them both walking away from where they had stuffed the two unconscious Slytherins into a broom closet. Nearby, Harry spotted Revenge and gave her a thumbs up, the Sailshipgirl taking a position nearby and whistling as if she was watching the hall leading to the Slytherin dorms. If they looked, there was an amused look on her face as she sent a fairy with a camera the way the two came.

Like hell she was going to miss getting evidence for this.

Once they were both back into Myrtle's washroom, Hermione looked between the two of them. "Well? Did you manage it?"

In reply, Harry held up his own vial. "We did. Stuffed the two into a broom closet after grabbing their cloaks and stuff since sneaking into the Slytherin Dorms with Gryffindor uniforms wouldn't work out well."

After a moment, Hermione began to nod with a frown. "That is a good point, I suppose. I was going to use a spell and..." Then she blinked and gave the two an odd look. "Wait... you took a bunch of their clothes to disguise yourself with and then stuffed the two into a broom closet."

There was a proud look on Harry's face as he nodded some. "Yup! That we did."

Needless to say, while Ron looked confused about the issue, Harry's grin only widened as Hermione rolled her eyes. She knew that he understood the issue. Quickly shaking that off, she turned back to the potion which had a cloud of black smoke rising from it. "Well, in any case, the potion is ready. I followed the steps in the book exactly, which means that we got one hour after we drink it before we start to transform back..." She looked in the direction of the stalls and nodded. "We'll each take a stall with you and Harry leaving separately from me. Bulstrode's got detention tonight with Lockhart, so she won't be showing up for a while."

Looking down at the potion in the tumbler, Harry then looked at the cauldron which still had about three quarters full. "What about the rest of the potion? Are we doing anything else with it?"

A frown on her face, Hermione turned to look at it and then furrowed her eyebrows. "I didn't have any real plans for it... In fact, I was just going to vanish it."

There was a grin on Harry's face as he raised a hand. "Can I have it? I'll place it in stasis so that it'll last for a while and everything."

For several seconds, Hermione stared at him and everyone there could see that she was having an internal argument. Finally, she sighed and shook her head. "As long as you don't use it here in school, I don't have any problems." Inside her head, she sighed. 'Especially as it won't be my problem.'

Harry just grinned a bit at that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Once he had the door shut, Harry took several deep breaths before he got changed into Goyle's clothes. They simply hung off his frame with he frowned at before he then looked down at the small bit of potion in his hands before grimacing as he dropped one hair into it before taking a deep breath. "Nothing to help it, I suppose... Bottoms up!" Gulping down the potion, Harry scrunched up his nose. 'Tastes like overcooked cabbage...'

Then his eyes widened and he bent over as his insides shifted and it felt like he was going to be sick. Before Harry could hurl though, an itchy, burning sensation moved across his skin. Falling to his knees as it felt like he was melting, Harry let out a gasp as his skin seemed to bubble like hot wax even as he saw his fingers growing along with his hands changed. His shoulders stretched painfully and there was a prickling on his forehead that told him his hair was growing towards his eyebrows, even as said eyebrows thickened. At the same time his chest expanded into a more barrel-like shape and his feet grew several sizes as one thought went through his mind. 'I am... so glad... I am not... wearing my normal... clothes...'

It, thankfully, was over soon enough and Harry stumbled to his now much larger feet. Opening the door, he trudged out and head shuffling to see Neville staring at him. "Blimey, Harry! You look just like Goyle!"

With a blink, Harry turned to the mirror and felt his eyebrows raise as he spoke in Goyle's voice. "Huh... so I do." Leaning in some, he frowned with a hum. "Wasn't pleasant... but it worked."

A sound of another stall opening caused him to turn and he blinked at seeing Crabbe stumbled out. For several moments the two stared at each other before smiles broke out on their faces and Ron chuckled in Crabbe's voice. "Bloody hell."

Both of them turned though as they heard Hermione's voice speak up. "Oh, bloody shite."

Sharing a look, Harry walked up to the stall. "Uh, Hermione? Is something wrong?"

There was a weak chuckle before Hermione answered them. "Uh, no, nothing's... wrong, per say. But, um... just go ahead. I just realized something."

Eyebrows furrowing, Harry then nodded his head. "Your clothes, right? I mean, Bulstrode's form is way too big for yours."

Utter silence met him before Hermione spoke up. "Um, heh... yeah, among other things. Anyways, you two head on ahead and I'll try and catch up as soon as I can, okay?"

When Harry looked towards Ron, he shrugged a bit. "She's right. I mean, we got to get going if we're going to find anything else out."

Grimacing, Harry nodded some. "I guess... Right, by the way Ron?" Having gotten his attention, Harry continued. "Don't be swinging your arms, Crabbe holds them somewhat stiff."

Only nodding, Ron gave a grunt. "Right, right..."

Soon enough, the two were walking down the corridors right past where Revenge was standing. As they passed her, she did a double take and then laughed, giving the two a thumbs up. Walking along, Harry frowned a bit as he muttered towards Ron. "Right, just follow me."

Frowning, Ron glanced at him and muttered back. "What do you mean? You know the way?"

A chuckle escaped Harry and he allowed himself a small smirk. "I followed a bunch of Slytherins back to their Dorms under my Invisibility cloak. Um... Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis, I think were two of their names. You know, the quiet ones in class."

For a moment, Ron considered that before nodding. "Oh." Eventually, they came to a stop in front of the Slytherin Dormitory door and Ron frowned a bit at the patch of damp wall. "Uh... is this it?"

Before Harry could answer, another voice did. "Of course it is, Crabbe!" Coming up beside them, Draco scowled at them both. "Honestly, if I did not help you out..." Eyes narrowing, he scoffed a bit as neither moved. "Don't tell me, you forgot the password again."

Slowly blinking, Harry frowned. "Uh..."

Rolling his eyes, Draco sighed before turning to the wall. "Pureblood!" There was the sound of stone shifting and he walked in. "What took you so long? Stuffing your faces in the Great Hall, I suppose."

While he looked around and took note of everything, Harry grunted as Ron shook his head. "Uh, it was those Hufflepuffs. Something about Potter being Heir of Slytherin."

As he snarled, Draco motioned for them to follow. reaching a chair, he sat down. "Potter's not the Heir. He's too damn goody-two-boots or something. Besides, he's always hanging out with that blasted Mudblood, Granger... Not to mention being a Half-Blood himself! Like the Heir of Slytherin would be a dirty Halfblood."

Now confused, a look which fit on Goyle's face, Harry blinked. "So... You're the Heir?"

Scoffing, Draco crossed his arms. "Don't I wish, no, I'm not as I've told you many times before. If I knew who it was I would be giving them a hand with cleansing this school of the Mudblood trash in it's halls."

With a frown, Harry scratched his head. "But I thought that you were with how you were acting? Or that you know who it was?"

Only smirking, Draco snorted some. "Fooled you, didn't I? Bah!" Waving a hand, he looked around before leaning forward. "We're Slytherins, after all. And I want people to think that I know or that I'm the Heir. But I'm not." A sigh escaped from Draco and he shook his head. "Father has told me to just keep my head down and that things will be over with soon... And that the damn Weasleys will get theirs."

Clenching his fists, Ron growled a bit. "The Weasleys?"

If Draco took much notice, he shrugged it off. "Heh, I know how you feel, Crabbe. That blasted Arthur... Did you know that he headed yet another raid on my family's mansion? This time with that bastard, Mad-Eye. They found Father's secret compartment somehow... All they could find was that there was dark objects there at some time. Thank Merlin that Father got rid of all that. Still... he'll get his just like the rest of the Blood traitors."

Already seeing the danger signs in Ron's face, despite it being Crabbe's at the moment, Harry scrunched up his eyebrows. "Uh... but does that mean that he knows?"

With light laughter, Draco grinned. "Father? Of course he probably knows." His expression then darkened. "Not that he will tell me. All I know from him is that the Chamber was opened fifty years ago and some Mudblood died. Hopefully some more die this time, like that Granger... or even Potter as he's about as good as a Mudblood." Then Draco blinked and looked at Ron with a frown. "What's wrong with you?"

Knowing that Ron was close to exploding, Harry groaned and clutched at his stomach. "Ooh... I don't feel so good..."

Just grimacing, Draco waved them off. "Get out of here then... Probably from stuffing your faces or those damn Weasley twins. Hope they get theirs too."

Unnoticed by the blonde haired Slytherin, Harry grabbed Ron's arm and yanked it. Soon, the two of them were heading into the Slytherin Second Year Dorms. As soon as they closed the door, Ron scowled at Harry. "You shouldn't have pulled me away, Mate."

Harry only shrugged before spotting the closet door. "Had to, after all why would Crabbe punch Malfoy? Besides... we found out enough. His Father seems to know something about what is going on after all."

Grumbling, Ron scowled before he noticed Harry heading towards a trunk with Crabbe's name on it. "Now what are you doing?"

A smirk on his face, Harry pulled out two small glass containers and then created an ice cube in a nearby glass of water. "You wanted to get Malfoy back? Well... I got the perfect way before we head out."

Watching as Harry lifted the trunk up a bit and then placed the ice cube under it, Ron raised an eyebrow as his friend then placed the two containers under the trunk, a distance back. "Uh... what are those?"

Unable to help himself, Harry cackled a bit. "US Government Standard Bathroom Malodor and something the French came up with called 'Who me?' Trust me, these make Dungbombs look pathetic."

Only blinking, Ron frowned a bit. "Um, right. So never let Fred or George know about them..." He then gave Harry a look. "Where did you get that stuff?"

Smirking back, Harry tapped the side of his nose. "Never ask me to tell you something like this and I will not tell you no lies." With a small sigh, he placed the end of the trunk on the ice cube and it took Ron only moments to figure out that as the ice melted, the weight of the trunk would come down on the two containers, eventually breaking them. Clapping his hands, Harry then pulled out his Invisibility cloak. "Let's head out then before anyone notices us and gets suspicious."

Neither of the two noticed that Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis were softly talking with each other in view of the door to the dorms when it opened. Both girls noticed though that there was no one on either side as it closed.

They did notice though sometime later when Draco stomped up to his dormitory and opened the door, only to stumble away with coughs and wheezes. It did not take long for the Dorms to run out into the hall outside either from the smell.

Crabbe and Goyle being found in an awkward position sometime later though was, thankfully for them, barely noted.
_________________________________________________________________________

A miserable Hermione was sitting on the edge of the bed glaring balefully at where Madam Pomfrey had gone the next morning before a cough from Neville caught her attention. "So, um... a cat hair caused..."

When he waved a hand, Hermione sighed. "Yes, it gave me feline attributes such as a tail, ear, fur, and the like. It was never made for human to animal transformations after all." Shuddering, she shook her head. "I'm just thankful that Madam Pomfrey is going to be able to reverse it... Though she said that there might be some side effects."

Tilting his head to the side, Ron frowned a bit. "Side effects? Like what?"

Simply scowling, Hermione ignored how her tail swished from side to side. "Stuff like how I might like fish more in the future as well as milk. Or have a rough tongue like a cat's with it's sensitivity. Don't mind the slightly improved night vision though... or the slightly improved sense of smell." Then placing her face in her paws, Hermione ignored the feelings that her whiskers were giving off. "And all that for nothing."

Ron scratched his neck a bit and then hummed. "Well, we found out some things? I mean, it's not Draco, but his dad might know something? And the Chamber was opened fifty years ago..."

With a sigh, Hermione nodded some. "I suppose so." It was then that the shipgirl realized something and furrowed her eyebrows before turning to Harry. "I am thankful that you didn't say anything... yet..." Blinking, Hermione frowned a bit. "Uh, Harry? Mind not staring at me like that?" Sure enough, when both of them turned, Neville and Ron could see Harry staring at Hermione. Then, very slowly, he reached over and rubbed her ears which got a purr out of Hermione. Well, until she snapped out of it and then smacked him. "Harry!"

Quickly shaking it off, Harry grinned a bit. "Sorry, Hermione, but you're a catgirl! A real life catgirl!"

Furrowing her eyebrows, Hermione blinked. "Yes, and? What does that have to do with anything?"

In reply, Harry pointed at himself. "Raised in Japan, hello!"

After a moment, Ron then got Hermione's attention as he nodded. "He does have a point, you know."

Then before she could do anything, her messy haired friend whipped out a camera and took several pictures. "The others back in Yokosuka won't believe this! A real life catgirl! Outside the American airships I mean."

Now, if Hermione's skin was visible, it would have been bright red. As it was? She growled as she got to her feet and slowly started to stalk towards her grinning friend who backed away. "Harry. James. Potter..." Part of Harry did become worried though as he noticed that her nails had extended into claws. "When I get my hands on you, and after destroying that camera..."

Unable to help himself, Harry hummed a bit. "But Hermione, it's purrfect! In fact, you're the cat's meow. To be honest, there's nyaa problem with taking these pictures for posterity. It's a tail that when I tell it to any daughters will whisker away."

It took only moments for Hermione to put it together and with a yowl, she launched herself at Harry who then took off cackling. "GET BACK HERE POTTER! I'LL MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DEATH IS SLOW AND PAINFUL TO STAND AS A WARNING TO OTHERS!"

At that moment, as Hermione was chasing Harry around the infirmary, the door burst in to reveal Upholder holding a thermos and cup while wearing a Hogwarts uniform to help her infiltration. "HUZZAH! LADY HERMIONE, MOST BEAUTIFUL SINCE TROY HERSELF! I HAVE HEARD OF THY NOT FEELING WELL AND BROUGHT A MOST SPECIAL BREW OF TEA-!"

Before she could continue much further, Harry rushed past and then Hermione slammed into the Submarine, spilling her tea all over Upholder. As groaned, Hermione slowly pushed herself off Upholder. "Dammit, you know..." Taking a deep sniff, she blinked. "You know..."

While Hermione took another deep breath, Upholder only blinked at the catgirl on her. "... Lady Hermione?" Then the Submarine felt a small thrill of fear as Hermione's eyes fixed on her, the pupils dilating. "..."

Seeing that, Harry came to a stop and stared between the two. Then as Hermione took a deeper sniff, her tail swishing, he raised an eyebrow. "What sort of tea was that?"

Confused, it said something that Upholder spoke in a normal tone of voice. "Catnip tea, of course! It helps one relax..." Very slowly, she looked down at the tea now soaked into her clothes. "... Oh, this could be a spot of bother I think."

Only nodding, Harry pulled out his phone and began to tape what was happening with a grin. Beside him as they watched a happy Hermione finally react, Ron blinked. "Uh, Mate? You know that Hermione is going to kill you once she comes down from this... right?"

All Harry did was shrug. "And I'll have the video somewhere she can't get to. Worth it."

Looking out her window, Pomfrey blinked and then shook her head as she then shut the blinds. 'Albus does not pay me nearly enough for this.' With a sigh, she sat down and ignored the sounds of struggle and Upholder calling for help from being crushed to death which soon turned into squeaks, she opened a book and began to read. 'Might as well catch up on some reading... Though I do wish that Minnie would suggest other bodice rippers besides ones with magical Highland Lairds in them...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Tristar

the misadventures of young Dudley as he deals with the supernatural in his own angry way.

Dudley Dursley was not a happy camper, least of which was probably because he wasn't actually camping, again though he despised going camping, then again he'd never actually been camping not properly any way. None of that really mattered though as he was actually just walking the mutts that his aunt raised. Could have been worse though, after his parents got arrested he could have ended up in a boys home though he supposed that might have been a better alternative considering how his aunt went back and forth between trying to spoil him and pushing him to become a right proper naval man like that man she was smitten with. A man that Dudley noted wanted nothing to do with his overbearing aunt, not that the young Dursley blamed him.


As he walked the mutts or more accurately to say they dragged him his eye he spotted a girl sitting in carriage helping clean the horse. If he had to say anything he would have noted that the horse looked a bit frail and carriage proper reminded him far to much of an old hearse that in saw in the old picture books complete with lamps and candles. As the mutts got back to dragging him along he barely noticed that girl seemed to have all to pale skin and hair.


His attention was taken though as he was splashed with something from a basin. "Bloody hell!" He groused as the mutts yapped away, he couldn't help but taste the coppery substance on his lips. He didn't know why but something about it was familiar as if he'd recently tasted it, that didn't really register to Dudley as he looked around saw a man.


He was unnaturally tall, or at least in Dudley's eyes anyway, his manner of dress reminded him somewhat of an undertaker his skin seemed to be pulled ever to tightly on his face, his hair stringy and white. That grin though, to Dudley it seemed to stretch across far to much across his face, it unnerve him far to much to admit. All of that though, all of the unnaturalness of the man burned away in Dudley's mind as he saw the basin dripping from the man's hand. "What the hell! Do you just go around just splashing people in the face!"

The man chuckled for anyone else it might have been unnerving, even somewhat bone chilling, not Dudley, no all it did was light a fire in the boys heart. "Oh I'm sorry boy I simply JUST had to get your attention!"


Dudley more annoyed than before ignored the baying of the hounds as he brushed the congealing substance off. "That's not how you get someone attention!"


"Oh Dear boy you are interesting!" Anyone else, any other creature if they where around this man they would have cringed even gone out of there way to avoid him, Dudley…..was not most people.


"Father!" The girl now having finally noticed what was going on dashed over to the man, her father and kicked him in the shin. "You know very well you aren't supposed to splash people with Pigs blood! You'll get in trouble!"

"Pigs blood…." Dudley muttered as if he was trying to process what the girl had said.


"Oh but, Abby dear I just couldn't help myself! It's been far to long!"


"pigs blood….."


The girl kicked the man in the shin again causing him to laugh. "Bad father! Bad Bad!" The girl repeatedly kicked her father's shin.


With each kick Dudley might have noticed a slight wobble to the girls head of course Dudley did not notice this. As the thought of the pig's blood only farther stoked the fire in the young Dursley's stomach. "Where do you get off SPLASHING People with Blood!" The young man roared as he released the hounds to grab the collar man with his meaty fingers. "I should give you a right socking! Splashing people with blood! What normal person that!?! WHat gives you the right! Hell I was minding my own business!"


The man's grin only stoked the fire inside Dudley's gut more as was his flippant tone. "Dear, boy you and I both know that you where watching my Daughter work."


"Eh?" Dudley tilted his head more in annoyance than confusion, "You have you're carriage parked in the middle of the walk how was supposed not notice!"


The man laughed while his daughter looked more than a little mortified at the exchange between the seemingly grown man and the child. "Here, here." Dudley turned his head watching as the girl rifled through her coat before pulling out she came with some money. "Look this should take care of the shirt my father ruined."


Dudley looked at the moment mentally debating if he should take his frustration out on the man or not in the end though he took money. "Stupid pig's blood splashing." He walked away missing the evil glare that the girl sent her father stuffing the money in his pocket. "Were are those mutts." Even as he found them the dogs where whimpering at the sight of carriage as it drove away. "Come on mutts Walkies."

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Thanks a lot! And now, I don't know how this will hold up, but I believe someone asked for a follow up?
-----
(Darthcourt note - was never entirely sure about this one)
------

Her mashed potatoes are getting cold.

Enterprise jabs a fork into the offending mash and swirls it around listlessly. She's heard about "comfort foods" before, and had hit upon the idea of eating something to help herself feel better. She scoops up a bite and slides it into her mouth. A sliver of revulsion works its way from her stomach to the back of her throat, protesting as she forces the offending food down.

At least at this hour, the cafeteria has no other costumers. Otherwise, she'd have broadcasted "Bad Day" vibes to every Shipgirl in the building and a tail of destroyers and cruisers would have tried to either comfort her or find out her problem for the rest of the day. Problem…

"Maybe it'd work better with hamburgers," she mumbles to the empty space in front of her.

The door to the cafeteria opens and closes. Familiar voices laugh somewhere behind her, and Enterprise begins spiritedly shoveling potatoes into her mouth. Right, just me, Enterprise, the Big E. Everything's fine here, move along—

"Enterprise?" Yamato exclaims. 'E' bites back a curse, looking up to see the famed battleship attended by Akagi and Kaga, the carriers. Company that she would be fine with any other time than tonight, after what she talked about with Harry today.

"Princess," she replies, keeping her tone as natural as possible. "Burning the midnight oil, are we?"

Yamato gives her a look that said 'something happened here and I am going to pester you until I find out what it is.' Enterprise briefly considers calling her "Hotel" a few times, but discards it. All that would do is leave her with a stinging handprint on her face. Wouldn't solve anything.

"Just got in from patrol," Akagi confirms chirpily. Enterprise turns to her, only to realize that she is eying the counter greedily. Ah. Finished their patrol, stopped by for a midnight snack while the sleepy destroyers went straight to bed. Tale as old as time and all that. Dammit, she should have seen it coming.

"You haven't been by here this late in a while," Kaga says observantly. "Is something wrong?"

"No. It's all fine." And this sends Enterprise cursing internally again when she realizes it was EXACTLY the sort of thing that indicated it was not all fine. "I'm okay, really."

And then plop Yamato is sitting at her shoulder and whoosh Kaga is across from her, and Akagi is at the counter, probably getting something big and cold and sweet. The carrier seems to be convinced that ice cream makes everything better. Not what Enterprise was hoping for at all. For the love of God, why did they have to come back now?

They aren't even saying anything. Just sitting there and looking at her.

"Did you have that talk with Harry-kun?" Yamato asks. "The one you were so worried about?" Oh for—target the jugular why don't you?

"Maybe I did," Enterprise says curtly. "Why are you so interested?"

Go away go away leave me alone stop asking questions

"Talk?" Kaga asks. "That's the first I've heard of it." Oh no. Please.

"She was worried that Harry-kun might have trouble knowing about the man who betrayed his birth parents," Yamato clarifies. "I, Yamato, was asked for advice."

Which hadn't worked at all, thanks for asking. As she'd spoke, she'd been pulled back into those halcyon days. The ones where she'd pushed herself to her limits to hurt them hurt them make them bleed make them pay pay with blood. The ones where she'd drifted almost lifeless from day to day, unable to give a damn about whether or not she sank today or tomorrow. Silence and, finally, something like peace.

She actually hadn't wanted to come back. They'd finally ended up cheating by having Yorktown and Hornet sing the anthem, and she'd torn herself from whatever nebulous afterlife Shipgirls inhabited to see if it was them, if her baby sisters had somehow come back.

The men had applauded, given her a target, and stepped out of the way.

There's a crash, the table buckles, and Enterprise realizes that she's staring at a mountain of chocolate. "What the—" she begins, and then she notices Akagi smiling beatifically at her from next to Kaga, who has vanished from sight entirely due to how mountainous the ice cream is.

"E," Kaga says (from behind the ice cream), "are you sure we shouldn't be worried?" It suddenly clicks that Enterprise's escape routes are being cut off, little by little.

"Where are my mashed potatoes?" she asks sullenly, scanning the table. She feels Yamato's hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. No. No. She's over this. She's COMPLETELY over this. She is Okay, with a capital Oh-Kay. She's

"Enterprise," Yamato says. Every bit of Yamato whatever-it-was is gone from her voice, leaving behind something gentle and affectionate, so much so that she might as well be hugging you with her words. "There's a place for you here."

She's not okay.

dammit

"He looked like me, when he came back. Like the way I felt, back before it all started." she says quietly. No, she can't cry. She can't. "I... I... I don't want..." Akagi pushes the ice cream closer, and Yamato begins to wrap her arms around her. "... I don't want him TO BE ME!"

Why can't she stop crying?
-----
What do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

Year Two - Secrets and Shipgirls Part 2 Christmas

START