Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts Omake: "Speedbump"

Since I'm not going to have time for a full chapter, and we were talking history... have a little something:
___________________________

Sighting the approaching shipgirls, the Abyssal grinned in glee. Sharp, bloody canines glinted in the dying light as it came closer and closer. It's dark furred body blended with the dark waters and it targeted the smallest of them. Eyes aglow, it raised it's hand up with it's chosen weapon as the incoming shipgirl was nearly close enough. It was just about to attack when...

*Crunch*

Blinking, Sammy frowned and looked around which caused Jersey to look at her. "Something wrong, kiddo?"

Quickly, the Destroyer-Escort shook her head. "Nope! I think that I ran something over though."

Jersey just shrugged a bit. "Probably just a log or something. There's a lot of them around." There was another crunch as she ran one over. "See?"

Meanwhile, behind them, the Abyssal sank back into the ocean, all life gone from it's broken body, a rock clenched in one clawed hand.
--------------------------
Because humans have been sailing on the open sea for at least 800,000 years, maybe longer (with some evidence pointing at more then a million years ago). In other words, before Homo Sapiens even arose.

And now I cannot help but imagine the girls on vacation somewhere heading out due to reports of Abyssal sightings. Finding nothing, and grumbling about missed vacation time, they return to find Harry, Rose, Natsumi, Shiromizu, Goto, Yonehara, and maybe Richardson as well as Jane standing on a pile of the Abyssals from above.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

In the field around the old Potter manor, there was quiet under the cloak of the night. The only sounds that could be heard was the rustle of wind across the grass and brush and the normal night time noises. If an artist was there, they would have likely put it to paper as it was a beautiful desolation of sorts. Where they stood, the ruins of the old manor stood guard still, silent but giving a feeling, if one could feel it, of hope. For the last of it's line of Masters had visited it and more then once commented on how it would be rebuilt. At long last, feet would roam it's corridors, the sounds of laughter and merriment echoing past the walls. One could be forgiven that it would be another peaceful night.

Until, that is, that is, two shadowy shapes crossed over into the boundary of the property.

With the use of magic, the two snuck across the grounds quietly. Both of them sure in both experience and pride that none would come across them. After all, they were old hats at this sort of thing. More then one owner had arrived home to find all their valuables gone at the hands of these two. Coming to a stop, one of them looked at the ruins of the manor, now seemingly looming above the grass with a quiet menace. "Blimey, will you look at that? Place is nearly gone, it is."

Grunting his companion looked before shrugging. "Aye. And so what? Mighty stupid of them Potters not to be more ready for You-Know-Who."

Just humming, the first man considered that before shrugging. "What do you think, Sean? Anything left taking in there?"

Only scowling, Sean turned and glared. "Don't be using my name, you daft fool! And as to your question, I doubt it. If there was anything it is long gone. Ain't like it was during the war."

That got him chuckles. "I remember. It was so easy to get past those spells the Aurors put up at places the Death Eaters attacked."

Softly snorting, Sean shook his head. "Agreed. And it ain't like the dead were needing what they had while alive! Now let's get a move on, I want to get at least one or maybe two hauls out by the time the morning comes. We'll return another night... maybe check the grounds to see if the rumours be true."

Raising an eyebrow, the other thief blinked some. "Rumours? What sort of rumours?"

Now grinning, Sean turned to look at his companion, greed shining in his eyes. "Of treasure! You see... The Potters never really trusted anyone, Geoff. Especially not them money grubbing goblins. According to th' stories told, the Potters made sure to bury gold and silver around here in these large, iron cauldrons. A real fortune for the taking just in case the goblins rebelled again."

Eyes wide, Geoff shook his head in disbelief. "Can't be true! The goblins would notice, they would! I heard that they keep track of all their coins somehow."

Laughing, Sean shook his head. "Oh, it's possible. Just a little bit at a time and it all adds up. But the goblin gold and silver was a trick! A distraction for the goblins from the real treasure. Way I heard it, the real treasure was in Muggle gold and silver. Stuff they called 'Dabloons' and 'Pieces of eight'."

That got him a scoff from Geoff as they passed the one remaining part of the manor. "Pieces of eight? Now I know that your pulling my leg you are. Even I know that you can't break an eight into pieces!"

All Sean did was shrug though. "Tha's how I heard about it. 'Sides, we can come back and look later, we were just lucky enough to overhear that giant woman with Harry Potter. And a small tracking charm on the kid and bam! We know where the bloody place was, didn' we?"

Inside the tower, impaled upon a spike, the skull of Catherine sat. Then, slowly, two small flames appeared in it's empty eye sockets. With a grating sound, it then turned in the direction of the thieves as mist began to pour out it's open mouth and a glow filled the room. Outside, Geoff shuddered and rubbed his arms. "You feel that just now, mate?"
Nodding, Sean frowned as they reached within eyesight of the stone building. "Aye, I did. Nothin' that worry about though, probably just some old spells. Let's just hurry up with this."

Unnerved, the two kept close to the small hill beside them as they crept closer and closer. Just as they reached it though, they stopped at a giggle. Turning, they blinked at the sight of a green haired woman, vines and leaves entwined with her hair. "My, my, and what do we have here? Two would be thieves who would steal from those of my blood?"
Pulling out their wands, the two glared with Sean sneering. "Blood huh? Relative of the Potters?"

Much to their confusion, the woman seemed more amused then anything else and shifted. "Oh, more like they are mine. For one of theirs gave Me and Mine a home away from the Courts. And for that, they only asked that we protect their treasures from those like you. I did gift the one who gave us such a gift with a grandson as his son could bear no heir and yet was of agreeable sort to Mine. And My blood had run true for they have made much mischief." Then her expression turned stern as fog began to drift across the grounds from the ruined manor. "And here you are, trying to take what belongs to Ours. But what fun we shall have!"

A yowl caused them both to turn to the side where a cat now sat in front of the doors to the storage shed. It was black of fur except for a spot of white upon it's chest. However, it was not a normal cat if the flames trailing from it's eyes had anything to say about it. The cat's stare fixed the two thieves in place for several seconds before the clopping of hooves caused them to turn back to the woman.

Except now, there were small globes of light around her just floating there. Orbs which the two men could see were not being generated by anything, though every once in a while, there seemed to be laughing faces in them. Suddenly, Sean whipped out his wand and sent a red spell at the woman. Chuckling, she caught the spell in one hand, the energy gathering there. Then in a flash, it was replaced by a brilliant red apple that she sniffed and then took a bite out of. "Mmm, wonderful. I must thank you for such a lovely snack before we begin our merriment."

Shaking his head, Geoff gulped and then began to run back the way that they came. Upon seeing that, Sean snarled at him while keeping an eye on the woman. "You coward! Get back here!"

However, Geoff only shook his head as he continued to run, unable to apparate. "I ain't dying for the likes of you!"

Moments later, he entered the bank of fog and the woman only giggled a bit. "Well now, just you and I now." At a blood curdling scream, she shook her head. "Seems that your friend has met lovely Catherine. My, my, I suppose that we shall need to scratch him off the guest list, for he has another appointment that he must get to."

Just shuddering as the scream suddenly cut off, Geoff swallowed as he began to back up. 'Just need to reach that hill. Once I got to the top, I can get out of sight of the likes of her.' Picking up on her amusement, he grimaced a bit before sending another spell that she caught, and then turned into a piece of fruit. 'Lucky me, the Moon being behind gives me plenty... of...'

Everything for him froze as he glanced up to see that the Moon was obscured by the clouds in front of him. Eyes widening, he turned and let out a scream as he was pulled off his feet and dragged away. Childish giggles could be heard all around.

Not even several minutes later, the fog dissipated and the Moon and stars once more shone down upon the grounds of the ruined manor. All once more at peace with the only oddity being the large crack in the hill that slowly closed with an odd glow deep in it and what sounded like giggles.

Then it, too, vanished. Just like the signs of the two men...
___________________________________________________________________

Blinking, Harry suddenly stopped and frowned a bit. Slightly ahead of him, Hamakaze paused and turned to look at him. "Is something wrong, Harry-San?"

Still standing there, Harry scratched the side of his head in confusion. "You ever get an odd feeling? Like something happened that kind of involves you, but at the same time doesn't? That sort of thing?"

Frowning, Hamakaze shook her head with an expression of slight confusion on her face. "I... Can't say that I have, no."

After a few more seconds, Harry just shook his head. "Probably my imagination or something." It was then that he spotted several shipgirls with a Canadian Destroyer at the head of the group. A grin sprang up on his face as he began to wave. "Miss Haida! Miss Haida! Over here!?

Only chuckling, the shipgirl Haida made her way over with a slight smile as her red hair moved in the breeze. "Hey there, Harry. Been a while, hmm?" Reaching land, she stepped onto the nearby boat ramp with her rigging vanishing in sparkles of light. With a stretch, she sighed before spotting Hamakaze and giving a smile as she held out a hand. "Hello there, I'm the Destroyer Haida, of the Royal Canadian Navy. Tribal class, of course."

Hamakaze slowly nodded and then shook the offered hand with a slightly interested look. "I am the Destroyer Hamakaze, of the JMSDF and of the Kagerou class." As they let go of each other's hands, Hamakaze raised an eyebrow at the large ship flying the Canadian ensign. "That is a rather odd Carrier."

Looking over her shoulder, Haida just shrugged a bit before chuckling, "Maybe, but Little Maggie there does her job well. Converted Container Ship or no."

Interested, Hamakaze looked over at her. "Little Maggie? Container ship?"

Slowly, Haida nodded some. "Yeah, her name's Magnificent and she's named after a Carrier we had. But we like to call her Little Maggie. As to the Container Ship? She was converted from one at the start of the war. Mostly for helicopters for ASW though we can fly Harriers off her as well..." Frowning thoughtfully, the Canadian Destroyer finally shrugged. "We're not the only ones with ships like that. A number of other nations did the same like the Irish, the New Zealanders, and so on."

Just considering that, the white haired Destroyer slowly nodded. "I see... that's rather interesting."

With a chuckle, Haida then turned back to Harry and winked. "By the way, kiddo, I got something for you." She made a show of looking around before leaning in. "I remember what you asked me the last time I was here. So I got you some maple syrup, right from Canada."

Now surprised himself, Harry looked at her. "Really? You did?"

Unable to help herself, Haida laughed. "Yup! Sure did. The real stuff, not that sugar water shit that Jersey keeps going on about."

All Harry did was laugh at that while he began planning for a group of three Destroyers.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 7: S0ngD0g13

Another Houshou omake
.......................................

James shivered as every dog in the house howled as one, and nearly dropped his phone. "Louise, I've got to go; call me if you hear anything, or if you See anything. I love you too, Louie. Bye."

After he'd sat down, Houshou asked him, "James? What just happened? What's wrong; you're shaking..."

The wiry Tennessean took a shaking breath before he spoke. "That was my cousin Louise, back in the States. She's... She ain't full-blowed Magical like Harry; truth to tell she's just shy of what MACUSA would call a 'No-Maj'. But she does have the Sight."

The Carrier reached over and gripped his hand gently. "She saw something?"

He nodded. "My family's Scottish on Dad's side; Louise saw our family Bean Nighe. Our Washer-Woman, down at the ford of the creek below her parents' house."

Houshou quirked her head in question. "This is... not a good thing, I imagine?"

James let out a short chuckle; it wasn't a happy one. "Not by any stretch. A Bean Nighe is also called a 'Washer at the Ford'; they're the Scots version of the Irish Bean Sidhe. They're seen at river fords washing blood from the clothes of people soon to die."

Houshou started and her eyes grew wide. "Oh, James... Who?"

"Louie said she saw two body-armor vests with nametapes. McAmis, E. and McAmis, K." He clenched his right fist and relaxed it as he continued. "My younger brother Eric and his wife, Kate. They're both cops back home, SWAT operators for the Knoxville Police Department."

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

The pair sat a while longer, trying to talk and distract James from his worry, until the storm finally broke around six that night. Houshou thanked James for his hospitality and he drove her home in his Jeep.

When he returned, his son was sitting against the wall next to the front door, eyes red from crying. "Dad... There's a message on the answering machine. It's... Uncle Do-Wop and Aunt Katie... They're gone..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Some sweat beading on his brow, Harry glanced to the side. "Hamakaze-Chan? Status of targets?"

The white haired Destroyer frowned and sent out an inquiry. Moments later she received a reply and gave a small nod. "They've entered the harbor, Harry-San. We still got some time left before they come within range."

With a breath, Harry slowly nodded and made a gesture with one hand. "Hai, understood. But we still need to hurry if Operation FTD is to succeed with it's mission goals. We don't have that much time."

Eyes hardening, Hamakaze's expression turned serious. "Indeed, you're right as per usual, Harry-San."

From where she sat nearby, Haida looked rather amused as she leaned her cheek against her hand. "Heh. Pancakes are serious business with you two, aren't they?"

Blinking, Harry glanced over from where he flipped yet another pancake off the frying pan before opening the door to the warm oven. With practiced ease, he slipped it onto the large pile of pancakes inside of the oven and then closed the door. "Of course! This is very serious business!"

Her own expression one of seriousness, Hamakaze nodded from her position beside Harry. "Harry-San is right, especially with Operation FTD."

Slowly raising an eyebrow in amusement, Haida cleared her throat. "'Operation FTD?' And what would that be?"

Almost as one, Harry and Hamakaze looked over at her and blinked as they spoke as one. "Operation Feed The Duckies."

For a moment, Haida stared at them before shaking her head as they went back to work. Hamakaze, in her apron, mixed the pancake batter, sometimes adding berries and dried fruit, other times not. Once mixed, she passed it to Harry who poured it out into the pan and went to work. Just watching though, Haida came to a realization and turned gave a burst of radio static which attracted Hamakaze's attention. Once the Japanese Destroyer came close, Haida leaned over to whisper. "So... is Harry there using magic?"

That only got her an odd look from Hamakaze as she frowned slightly. "You think that Harry-San is using magic?" At the nod, she quirked an eyebrow. "Why?"

Rolling her eyes, Haida gestured at Harry. "Look at the size of the pancakes that he's flipping. He's filling the entire bottom of the pan and then flipping a pancake the same size and catching it on the opposite side. I'm no expert in cooking, but I am pretty sure that some sort of magic is needed there to manage that."

Much to her bemusement though, there was a small tinge of pink on Hamakaze's cheeks as well as a soft smile. Then the Japanese Destroyer answered her question. "If there is magic, then it is Harry-San's special magic. As Shinano-Sama said, he's... special."

Now extremely amused, Haida hummed a bit. "Hmm... Is that right?" Getting an nod, her lips curled up some in a knowing smile. "I see. Special, eh?"

All she got from Hamakaze was the slight pink tinge on her cheeks to darken just a touch. Several minutes later though, the confused Duckies walked into the cafeteria having gotten a radio call from Hamakaze. Clutching her belly some as a soft growl echoed from it, Hatsuzuki grimaced a bit as she looked around at the food. "I wonder what Harry-Chan wanted..."

Excited, Teruzuki also looked around though she swallowed a bit. "I... I don't know... Do you think that he has something for us to eat?"

Chewing her lip, Akizuki shook her head a bit. "Maybe? B-but I don't know why he would, it's not lunch yet." Eyes widening, she looked around again. "Unless... maybe he made some food for the Battleships? Or a Carrier and has some extra?"

Suddenly, there was a tap on Akizuki's shoulder and she jumped a bit before turning. For a moment, she blinked at the red haired, teenaged girl standing there. She wore a long, blue sweater that stopped mid thigh and was watching the three Akizuki with warm, golden eyes. "You three are the Akizuki sisters, right?" At their nods, the teen held out her hand. "I'm Haida, HMCS Haida of the Royal Canadian Navy, pleased to meet you."

Blinking, Akizuki took the hand and shook it as she gave a slight bow. "Ah! You must have come in with the Convoy! Welcome to Japan."

Only chuckling, Haida gave a small nod. "Good to be back in Japan." Seeing their confusion, she gave a smile to them. "I was around for Korea and did trips to Japan. And now with the Abyssals, I've escorted a few convoys, though I'm mainly in the Atlantic."

Eyes widening, Hatsuzuki shook the hand offered to her. "Do you mean the war after... Or, um, what happened..."

For a moment, Haida's smile disappeared into a grimace as she shook her head. "I... was around for the war after World War Two, I wasn't summoned yet when the current mess in Korea went down after Blood Week." Taking Teruzuki's hand and shaking it, the Canadian's smile returned. "Anyways, enough of that. It's a real pleasure meeting the famous Japanese Akizuki sisters. Heard all about how you three are experts at Anti-Air."

Blushing, Terizuki shook her head and waved her hands in the air. "A-ah, we're not that great. Not really, we just do our best."

Softly snorting, Haida shook her head. "And that is all that can be asked. Besides, from what I hear your best is pretty damn good." Rather amused at the blushing from the three as well as how happy they looked, Haida grinned a little bit. At the growls from their stomaches though, she jerked her thumb at a table set up with a pitcher of orange juice and and several small items. "Anyways, I've taken up enough of your time eh. Harry asked me if I could have you three take a seat at that table."

With confused expressions, the three Destroyers did as asked and then noticed a note on the able. Reading it, Hatsuzuki frowned some. "Harry-Chan wants us to... cover our eyes?"

Looking at her sisters, Akizuki shrugged some before doing as asked. "If Harry-Chan wants us to, I guess. I don't think that it would be that bad."

Just blinking as they looked between themselves, Teruzuki shrugged at her sister and they soon followed Akizuki's lead. To their curiosity, not long after they could hear dishes being set down as well as the clink of silverware. Then they felt a tap on their shoulders and could hear Harry's voice. "You can open your eyes now." Doing so, all three Destroyers felt their jaws drop as Harry threw out his arms to the side from his position behind three plates stacked high with massive pancakes. "PANPAKAPAN!"

For a few seconds, Akizuki worked her jaw before she looked up at Harry. "A-are all these... for us? Really?"

Only nodding, Harry grinned a bit before gesturing at Hamakaze. "Yup! Hamakaze-Chan and I made them." Seeing them about to say something, Harry leaned in and narrowed his eyes. "You three deserve it. After all, you had the early morning patrol and I know that you didn't have breakfast before going out."

All three Destroyers were about to deny it when their stomaches grumbled. The same thought went through their minds as they grabbed at their bellies. 'Traitor!'

Meanwhile, Harry only had a triumphant look on his face before nodding as he set down a jug in front of them. "Exactly. And now you get to eat some breakfast! Not to mention that you're all in for a real treat. Haida brought maple syrup from Canada! Real maple syrup!"

Eyes widening, the Destroyers looked towards Haida who smirked a bit and leaned back. "He's right, it's right from the Canadian forests to your breakfast. One hundred percent pure, maple syrup. The real good stuff, no matter what that bull headed Battleship Jersey says." Narrowing her gaze, Haida huffed a bit. "Call our stuff crap, will she. Communist... bah! That sugar water of hers probably rotted her bridge."

Not quite sure what was going on, the Akizuki sisters focused on one thing. Mainly what Hatsuzuki was now pointing at. "This... is maple syrup? S-should we even have some? I mean, this seems more like what the more important shipgirls, like Yamato-Sama should get..."

Placing his hands on his hips, Harry just gave them all looks. "Yes, it is maple syrup. Now go ahead and use it! After all, you three are just as important as Yamato-Oba!"

With one final shared look, the three poured just a little onto their pancakes before Haida reached over and poured more. "Take as much as you want, we got plenty more where that came from!"

Softly smiling, Teruzuki was the first one to take a small bite and her eyes fluttered close as she hummed in bliss. Soon, Akizuki and Hatsuzuki were doing the same before they dug in with large smiles and happy noises as a grinning Harry looked on.

 

[darthcourt10]

Snippet 439: Harry Leferts

Coming out of the fog, the USCGC Eagle appeared almost mystical as tendrils of mist clung to her hull. On her decks, various United States Coast Guard cadets were scambling here and there while at her bow, one teenager who wore the uniform of an Instructor looked out upon the waves with narrowed eyes. Soon, she was followed by other boats and sailing ships, all of them following the Eagle like cygnets following a mother swan. With her video camera, one of the cadets, Claire, panned it back to the fog they had just come through. There, just barely visible, was the silhouette of the island they had come across.

An island that, even as she recorded, seemed to vanish little by little within the fog until it was no longer visible. Once it was gone, she shivered a little bit and looked away. Part of her mind was still on that village that they had investigated. Not just what they had found, but later after night had fallen as they made their way back, they had turned towards the village.

Said village had motes of light, almost like flame, that just drifted along it's abandoned streets. Almost like torches held by people who were not there. But the worst was the main hall, the one where they had found the skeletons. Light streamed out the windows and, even where they were, they could just hear music and the sound of merriment over the wind.

Each of them were happy when they got back to the ships.

But now, the island was behind them and all that was in front of them was open sea until they reached the coast of Ireland. All of the cadets, as well as the officers, instructors, and those on the other boats and ships were tense. None of them forgot the monsters that had chased them through the rain and waves. Monsters of flesh and steel which sank at least two of their number. Closing her eyes for a moment, Claire tried not to look at the trail of holes in the superstructure beside her... Or the large, brownish red stain at her feet.

Just before her thoughts could spiral downward much more, a hand came down and clasped her on the shoulder and a voice tinged with a German accent spoke up. "Fräulein... I mean, Miss Claire?" Opening her eyes, Claire could see the teenaged girl who claimed to be the Eagle herself. "Are you..." With a glance to the side, Eagle closed her eyes and took a breath. "I am sorry that I was not able to protect her."

There was a lump in Claire's throat and she could feel a burning in her eyes before shaking her head. Suddenly, Eagle was holding out a hankerchief which Claire took and wiped at her eyes with. "Sorry... and you got nothing to be sorry about, um... Eagle. Angie wouldn't want that."

Eyes closed for a moment, Eagle's lips moved before she opened two eyes that were as blue as the sea. Eyes that turned as hard as diamond as she glare at the ocean. "I am still sorry. Believe me when I say that I will do my best to get you all home. Even if I should sink at the docks in Ireland, I will make sure that you make it."

Weakly chuckling, Claire shook her head. "No offense, but even if you are our ship, somehow... I don't think that there's much that you can do."

For a moment, Eagle stared at her before looking around with thoughtful eyes. "Perhaps... but perhaps not. There may be one thing that I can do, but... It relies on my past which I wish to forget."

Blinking, Claire furrowed her eyebrows before her eyes went wide as she remembered one piece of history. "Wait, you mean when you were a ship of the Kriegsmarine? B-but what does that have to do with anything?"

Simply tapping her finger against her rails, Eagle frowned. "Maybe nothing... but if needs must, I suppose that it could help..." After a moment, she shook her head and then looked at Claire directly. "Tell me, have you had training with firearms?"

At this point being rather confused, Claire only nodded. "I... do. Why?" Moments later, Eagle reached into her coat and then pulled out a handgun before checking it. Having made sure it was in working order and that the safeties were on, she handed it to Claire. "Here, use this if you need to. I must go and talk with the Captain."

Then Claire blinked and Eagle was gone as if she had never been there. Whipping around, the cadet could only stare as other cadets were also staring. 'Where did she... how did she... What?'

It was several minutes later that Captain Granger leaned out a window and stared at the Eagle. Mainly at the guns that seemed to have manifest on her hull and the shadows that manned them. Ignoring how one of his crew was muttering and crossing himself, he only shook his head. "Don't see that everyday."

Knocking on the window distracted him though and he turned to the opposite side of the bridge where one of his crew with binoculars stood. Opening that window, he raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

Utterly lost looking, the fisherman just pointed upwards towards the sky. "Well, um, Captain... It's just that I decided to look for any aircraft when..." Seeing the raised eyebrow, he took a deep breath and continued. "I saw a chubby bunny girl being chased by a somewhat chubby doggirl. Both of them had the funniest backpacks you ever did see."

Silence met him before Jack Granger cleared his throat. "Tell me, man. Have you been drinking on the job? Or perhaps partaking of something that you shouldn't be."

Just shaking his head, though the man's ears turned red, the fisherman handed him his binoculars and pointed at a spot in the sky. "Just... Just look at those two dots there. You'll see what I mean."

Deciding to take pity on him, Captain Granger raised the binoculars and looked. After several moments though, he put them down and frowned. "Well, I'd be. You're correct, it really does look like a bunnygirl." After a few seconds, he shrugged and made his way over to the radio. "Best inform the Eagle then of what we've seen. And keep an eye out! We're not safe until we reach land!"

And, as it turned out, Captain Granger was correct as forty minutes later, the skies above turned dark. At the same time, the sea, which was already choppy, was whipped up by winds. Then similar beings to the monsters from before arrived and the lookout ducked into the bridge and then dove to the floor as bullets punched through the walls and shattered the windows. Wincing, he looked over at Jack Granger even as answering fire from the Eagle could be heard, challenging the monsters. "Captain! What do we do!?"

Eyes going back and forth, the Captain chewed his lip in a way familiar to those who knew his granddaughter. Finally, he took a deep breath. "Boys, we're one of the slower vessels and we're not armed. But there is one thing that we can do and that is help those boys and girls over on the Eagle! Man the searchlights!" When they paused, he got to his feet and grabbed one of the high powered flashlights. "Quick as you can! They can at least fire if they can see in this murk!"

Moments later, the others scrambled and on the Eagle, Jeff looked over the rail close to one of the gun turrets and stared as one of the fishing trawlers suddenly lit up with lights as it shone them towards the creatures attacking. "What are those guys doing!? They're making themselves targets!"

Grimacing, Eagle nodded before motioning for all guns on her to begin fire. Besides the 20mm guns, other shadows brought up rifles and sidearms which they began firing at the distant ships, items they had used during their lives. "They know that, but they're giving us a chance. One that we must take!"

Across the waters, various Abyssals snarled as 20mm shells and bullets bit deep into them. However, the Heavy Cruiser at the back snorted as she spotted the two Abyssal Submarines surface near to the fishing trawler. Just outside the bridge, Captain Granger watched as she raised a gun and took aim...

Which was right when a brown haired girl appeared out of nowhere on the water and brought up one foot as she skidded across the water. "GET THE BLOODY HELL AWAY FROM HIM, YOU BITCH!" Eyes widening, the Abyssal just managed to turn in time for Hermione to slam her foot down upon the Submarine's face, her propellers chewing deep. Twisting in place, Hermione grabbed the other by her hair and bodily lifted her from the water before flinging her into the air. At the height of the throw, Hermione took aim with one of her turrets and fired, the Abyssal blowing apart. "NOW DIE!"

Jaw dropping, the Abyssal Heavy Cruiser boggled at what had just happened before growling and raising her own guns. However, she didn't get a chance to fire as 15 inch shells slammed into her, ending her existence. Several miles away, Vanguard smiled and pumped a fist into the air. "I did it!"

Chuckling as she also fired, Dreadnought gave the much younger Battleship a smile. "Indeed you did, deary. Lovely shot, a true credit to the Royal Navy." Then a cheeky smile crossed her face. "Your mother should be proud."

Only blushing, Vanguard nodded before taking aim at a Destroyer and letting loose. Meanwhile, Captain Granger could only stare in disbelief as the young girl on the waves turned and stared at him with a brilliant smile. "Grandpa!"

Mouth working, Jack Granger just blinked before finally being able to speak. "Her-Hermione? Love? Is that you?" Smiling, Hermione was about to say something when there was an explosion that seemed to consume her and knocked Captain Granger off his feet. "HERMIONE!" Getting back to his feet, he looked around and spotted a whale-like beast that had popped up and fired. "No..."

Suddenly, there was an explosion inside the cloud and the monster exploded into pieces. From inside, Hermione skated out with a snarl on her face and a cut on face that bled freely. "Gah! I can't believe that I was distracted like a rookie!" Taking aim, she brought down her arm. "FIRE!"

There was a boom as smoke obscured her for a moment and then several other Abyssal Destroyers vanished. Behind Captain Granger and inside the bridge, Smith raised his head and blinked at the sight of the girl. "Uh, Captain? Is... is that your granddaughter? Walking on the water as if she was Jesus Christ, Almighty? And blowing apart those monsters with whatever that is around her?"

Very slowly, Captain Granger nodded as he boggled. "Aye... that is my little Anemone..." He then scratched his head. "Perhaps we're in Fiddler's Green? And all this is some sort of dream..."

Over on the Eagle, both Eagle herself and the Cadets could only stare at the hull of the massive Battleship pulled up alongside them, her guns speaking as they fired. At least one of them recognized her and pointed. "Holy shit! That's the Texas!"

Chuckling, Texas stood and waved her hat in the air where they could see her on her deck. "HOWDY! NOW YOU BUNCH JUST HOLD TIGHT NOW AND WE'LL TAKE CARE OF THIS AND GET YOU LOT HOME!"

A shout though caused the Battleship to blush as South Carolina gave her glare. "What are you doing, Texas! I know that I taught you better then that! Keep your attention on what you are fighting!"

With a sigh, Texas scratched her cheek. "Aw, come on, Ma. I know what I'm doing."

Even as the two bickered, the last of the Abyssals sank beneath the waves and the weather cleared up. Looking around and spotting the various girls and young women that were skating on the water around them, Claire summed up the thought running through everyone's mind.

"What the hell is going on!?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

Cross post from SV

The Once and Future Ship, Part 1

_____________

When first she had opened her eyes to look upon the stars above, she was confused. Had she not drifted down into the depths beneath the waves? And yet there she was, lying with her back on the surface of the sea. She had sat up and searched the horizon for land or sails, halting when she took note of what she did, for moving like this was not something she was supposed to be able to.

Even more confused she took in her new form, this in itself was not confusing, as shifting forms was what she did often, but never before had she been human. She wore an undercoat of royal blue and trimmed with white and black, at least where it was not hidden under silver mail of chains or plate. Curiously her armor had no helmet, but merely a hood of black and white.
From her shoulders hung a cape in the same blue as her undercoat but adorned with golden thread.

On her left side hung a sword with silver hilt, it's blade hidden by the scabbard fastened to her belt. On her right was a quiver of blue with a frame of silver, filled with arrows using feathers white as snow glued and bound to shafts of black.
On her back and under her cape she knew there was a great bow made from the same wood as her arrows as well as a shield, whose blue form accented with golden lines, she knew well.

While her form was concealed by her armor,it could not hide her small height. In the corner of her eyes she could see strands of hair in a lighter shade than the color of her cape's adornments, yet golden all the same.

It would be some time before she resumed to check the horizon for signs of others. But she did, and all around was the sea under a night sky clear of clouds. And so she looked upon the stars a second time this night, to divine her location as well as the way home. And so she started towards the east, to home, to Albion.

_________________


Her journey was swift and without obstacles, as such she arrived at the castle of her king at dawn. Yet she felt no joy upon arrival, only despair and grief, for her eyes showed her no mighty walls manned with guards and topped with banners of her king, but ruins besieged by greenery.

As she walked into them to search for clues as to how this could have happened, she lost more hope to succeed the more she witnessed the decay of her king's dream, of the missing coats of arms, the broken furniture. The looted treasury was the breaking point and where she fell to her knees, head held in her hands and allowed herself to cry.

Unknown to her, her sorrow for the fate of her king and his dream awoke the slumbering spirit of the castle. And SHE saw her, and SHE felt hope, that with her return not all was lost. So SHE reached out to the crying girl within HER empty walls. And as the girl looked up in wonder, hope once more blossoming in her heart, SHE told her to take all that SHE was into herself, HER walls, HER halls, HER memory, HER magic, and HER life.

As SHE saw the joy on the young spirit's face fade once more, SHE tasked her to find all that was stolen, to gather it once more, so that when their king returns, he will have everything he needs to save Albion in its darkest hour.

And as the young spirit heard the plea of the castle, she understood, and she accepted, determined to help her king once more, no matter how far away that day would be.

As SHE saw the girl's eyes, the same green as their king's, strengthen with determination, SHE started to slowly push HER essence towards the young spirit. Over the course of the day the girl would take HER all and shift her form to accommodate the new.

At dusk the last SHE would see of this world was the young spirit, no more a girl, but a woman a fifth taller than before, standing proud and with a will of steel.


And as Prydwen felt the last of Camelot fade away, swearing to honor her comrade's sacrifice by succeeding in her task and to survive until Arthur's return, she let her guard down and was ambushed by her greatest enemy for the next one and a half millennia.

Her stomach growled.

______________


AN:
In the first part she has the body of Teenturia but has ProtoArthur's armor. The sword is for charging/melee, the bow is a ballistae, the shield is her old form.
The cape is her sail.

In the second part she turns into Boobturia and her armor is just modified to fit her new frame.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

In the distance, once could just about see the green coast of Ireland ahead even as they the group of shipgirls and vessels moved through the waves. Destroyers and Cutters encircled the group while inside, the Battleships kept an eye out on the distant horizon. Inside, Cobb kept pace as well as she could, even with helicopters being sent out and landing for refueling as they kept an eye out in a inner circle, the outer one being various scout planes. However, by one fishing trawler, Hermione let out a sigh as she could spot the distant shore before turning to the boat beside her. "Won't be long, Grandpa. We'll be in Ireland and in safe waters."

Leaning slightly over the rail, the old fisherman only nodded silently in agreement. Every once in a while he glanced at a crew member who had paused slightly too long to watch before they headed off to various duties. At the amusement in his granddaughter's eyes, he coughed a bit and pulled out a piece of gum. "I don't suppose that you couldn't feed an old man's curiosity, my little Anemone..."

Much to his surprise, even though she blushed a bit, his granddaughter looked rather happy. Which was rather different from the young girl he could remember huffing before telling him that she was not an anemone. Then Captain Granger was snapped out of his thoughts as Hermione chewed her lip with a small chuckle. "It's... a rather long and complicated story. The long story should wait until we reach land but..."

With a small laugh, Jack Granger shook his head. "Aye, I think that would be for the best. So then... what can you tell this old salt about..." He waved a hand at her feet, even now moving across the surface of the ocean. "This?"

Head tilted to the side, Hermione considered this for a few moments before slowly nodding. "Well... I'm a Natural Born Shipgirl. HMS Hermione of the Dido class Light Cruisers."

That caused the old man to raise his eyebrow a bit. "I hope that you don't mind me saying this, Love, but you don't look the first bit like a warship to me."

Lightly laughing, Hermione shook her head, eyes sparkling in the late afternoon light. "No, I don't suppose that I do look like a warship. But I am." After a few seconds, she examined him closely. "Grandpa, do you believe that ships have souls?"

It did not take very long for Captain Granger to snort. "Anemone, I don't believe that ships have souls. I know that they do. Ask anyone who has been out on the waves as often as I and they will tell you the same thing." Before Hermione could say anything, he showed one of the places that she got her keen intellect from. "Are you saying that is what you are? Or that it's become part of you? Like a Possession?"

Quickly shaking her head, Hermione made sure to cut that train of thought off. "Not a possession, not in the slightest. But you're right, ships have souls. And it's been found how to summon them from wherever they rest to this world where they take the form of... well... girls and young women. Some, though, have gotten reborn as what one would think was normal humans and can be woken up."

Rubbing his chin in thought, Captain Granger hummed before narrowing his eyes. "That's rather interesting. But it does not explain what you are doing here, a... shipgirl or not. I don't much like the thought of you fighting, Anemone."

Her lips twitching into a smile, Hermione shook her head as her expression turned serious. "Because we're the only thing that can fight the Abyssals on a even level. You saw it earlier... if those shells had hit your ship instead of me, you would be dead."

For several moments, he considered that fact and nodded. "I suppose so." Captain Granger glanced at the large cut on Hermione's head that even now oozed blood and what looked like oil. "Abyssals then? I suppose that those are the monsters that chased us to that island and attacked after we left it?"

At the mention of an island, Hermione blinked and had her navigation check. But there was nothing about an island in the area where they had found the Eagle. Shaking that off though, Hermione let out a breath. "That's what they're called for most of the world. Some of the Mediterrean nations call them Sirens and I know that some Asian countries call them 'The Deep Sea Fleet', but Abyssals are the most common. As to what they are... they're the anger, hate, and negative emotions of warfare on the seas given form. For the most part, they hate humanity and just want to kill us, but since they're spiritual in nature..."

The Captain grunted a bit. "Can't really be harmed by us humans, and so we need to fight fire with fire. That's why these shipgirls exist then? Because they're also spiritual."

Somewhat surprised at how easy this was, Hermione nodded. "Well, yes. That is the reason why we've been awakened and summoned." She then turned away. "The war has been going on for seven years and... Grandpa, you and the others disappeared during Blood Week, when the Abyssals revealed themselves. They attacked everywhere and... I still remember parts of London burning. For months, the navies fought a holding action, but it was not until the first shipgirls appeared that we could really fight back."

Feeling a tightness in his chest, Captain Granger swallowed. "Your parents?"

Much to his relief, Hermione smiled and shook her head. "We made it through so far. They worry about me, but also know that I'm as safe as can be."

When he noticed her smile brighten as she watched him, he chuckled a bit. "And what seems to have gotten you so excited, Anemone?"

If anything, Hermione only smiled brighter before shaking her head. "I just can't wait for Dad and Mum to see you alive! We thought... we thought that you were dead, Grandpa, killed by the Abyssals." Taking a breath, she allowed herself a moment to calm down before her smile came back. "And I just know that my sisters will love their grandpa too!"

Eyebrows raising, Captain Granger gave a laugh. "Huh, so your Mum and Dad gave you some sisters, eh? Good for them! Your Mum was right torn up when they told her... No matter. So how many of the little tykes? That way I know how many to expect to bounce on my knee."

Amusement sparkling in her eyes, Hermione only waited a second or two to drop the bombshell she had been waiting to. At the same time, she had one of her fairies prepare to take a picture that she knew her father would love to have. "Just fifteen of them."

Chuckling, Captain Granger nodded. "Fifteen, eh? A nice... number..."

Much to Hermione's internal laughter, her grandfather trailed off as it actually hit him and she had to swallow the giggles that threatened to escape at the expression on his face. "Might be a bit hard considering that they're all shipgirls like me, except summoned. They're also all look like teenagers."

This time she did laugh at the expression on her grandfather's face.
____________________________________________________________________

Getting ready for bed, Harry yawned a bit as he stretched some. However, when he glanced to the side he had to raise an eyebrow. Mainly due to the sight of Shiromizu reading some manga. However, that was not the oddest thing he had ever seen and he looked over her head to see what she was reading. That however caused him to blink. "{... Is that a T-Rex in a school uniform?}"

Only looking back at him, Shiromizu gave him a snake's version of a smirk. "{Yes? After all, they do go to a school.}"

Yet again, Harry blinked and looked down at her. "{Should I even ask you what you are reading?}"

That just made the snake more amused. "{Of course! It's 'A Young Maiden in Love is a Carnivore!' Not too bad really.}"

Now really confused, Harry frowned a bit and looked back down at her. "{I see... So where did you get this? Akigumo-Nee?}" At the hissing laughter, he raised an eyebrow. "{Did I say something funny?}"
Shaking her head, Shiromizu let out a pleased sigh. "{No, I got it from the nearby store. Hedwig helped.}"

For several moments, Harry digested what he had just been told before turning to his owl. Said owl only stared back at him before he shook his head. "{Right then... never mind. I need to head to bed anyways, so see you in the morning and don't stay up too late.}"

He had the impression that if she could have, Shiromizu would have rolled her eyes at him. "{Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself." She had just flipped a page as Harry laid down when Hedwig flew down to stand beside her and gave a bark. In reply, Shiromizu looked over at her. "{You want to read this too?}"

In reply, Hedwig bobbed her head. "Bark!"

Rubbing her chin with her tail, Shiromizu seemed to consider this before turning back to her. "{Can you even read this? We're not talking English here after all.}"

All Hedwig did though was close eyes halfway before blinking. Then she fixed her with a stare. "Bark! Bark!"

Finally, Shiromizu nodded some. "{Well, you are a post owl, true enough. And I suppose that this would interest you since birds are dinosaurs... I think.}" Giving Hedwig her version of a shrug, Shiromizu flipped back to the beginning. "{Just sit down and let me know when to turn the page.}"

When she got a bark in return, Harry only shook his head and laid down on his futon and closed his eyes. 'Man... wonder what the others would think of Hedwig reading...'

Before he could get to sleep though, there was a series of barks from Hedwig and his eyes flew open at Shiromizu's next words. "{A Sailor fuku, huh? Don't know where we could get one that would fit you... Maybe ask Rose if she could make you one? It would certainly draw some looks at Hogwarts, Fufufufufufu..."

For what seemed like a minute, Harry just stared at his wall with wide eyes at the image placed into his head. Then he internally grumbled and soon fell asleep though his dreams were haunted by things such as Shiromizu and Hedwig in sailor fukus, often with the owl shouting "In the name of Bacon, I will punish you!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Standing outside a room in one of the tunnels, Haru had her eyes closed before suddenly opening them as she heard footsteps. Moments later, Kurosawa walked around the corner talking softly with Mikasa who was sipping some tea. "... I still don't understand what happened the other day. After all, I was only dressing up nice and yet someone asked me if they could take my picture for my Readman Yomiko cosplay! But I wasn't dressed up as her."

If anything though, Mikasa just gave her a small smile and a pat on the head. "I'm sure that they had their reasons, Dess. But you should take it as a compliment as I believe she is a rather popular character."

Kurosawa adjusted her glasses and then frowned some. "Well, I suppose that is true in a way. And I like the character myself..." At the look of amusement, she blushed some. "I read various things when I was younger and it inspired me to become an archiviest... Though I wish that I did better at my job."

For a brief moment, there was a stern look on MIkasa's face as she placed her hand on Kurosawa's shoulder. "Trust me when I say that you did nothing wrong. In fact, you did a very good job which is why I picked you to handle the archives here in Yokosuka."

Blushing slightly, the black haired woman gave her a small, thankful smile as she nodded. "You say that, but..." Quickly shaking her head, she sighed. "I'm still not sure that you made the right choice... Anyways, I'm still confused as to why they thought that I was cosplaying as Readman Yomiko!"

However, all Mikasa did was give her a look of amusement before coming to a stop before a similarly amused Haru. Giving the Miko a slight bow, Mikasa smiled slightly. "Good morning, Haru-San. And how are you?"

With a small chuckle, Haru returned the small bow and then nodded towards Kurosawa. "I've been well. And let me thank you for taking time out of your busy day to help me out."

All Kurosawa did though was wave her hands around. "Well, I wasn't too busy as most of the archives here are sorted and Daigo can handle them for now."

Beside her, Mikasa gave a small chuckle. "And this old Battlewagon doesn't have much to do anyways. Being bored never ends well for anyone as well."

Meanwhile, Kurosawa shifted a bit from side to side before frowning a bit. "Um, can we head in? I really want to see what you might have for us... You gave me the impression of it being really, really important."

Just giving her a small, amused smile, Haru turned to the clock and hummed. "Actually, I'm just waiting on someone to arrive." If she was in her fox form, her ears would have perked up as she heard feet. "Ah, and here he comes."

Not even three seconds later a slightly portly man walked around the corner with a small smile on his face. Around his eyes were dark circles almost as if he didn't get enough sleep, but upon catching sight of Haru his expression brightened. "Haru-San, you old fox! How are you doing!"

Only chuckling, Haru gave him a smile back as he gave her a hug. "I've been doing well for myself, Daichi-Kun." At his look, she gave him a smile. "Much better these past few years as a matter of fact."

Tilting his head to the side, he gave a small smile. "I see. Perhaps we should meet over some tea one of these days?"

Lips twitching, Haru gave a nod. "I think that I would like that, maybe introduce my niece, Natsumi, to you." She then spotted someone behind Daichi and blinked. "And who is this?"

With a glance back, Daichi smiled and patted the seemingly young man on the back. "This is my current student, Osamu. He's learning more in regards to antiquities under me at the moment."

Much to Haru's and Mikasa's amusement, he bowed deeply to them both. "Haru-Sama, Mikasa-Sama, it is an honor to meet the both of you. My Sensei thought that I might be of some use."

Snorting, Daichi shook his head. "Of course you'll be of use! Another eye is always a good thing after all."

As the young man blushed, Mikasa raised an eyebrow as she could see what looked like ghostly deer antlers coming from his head as well as a translucent tail. "Hmm. Well, I for one look forward to working with you." Turning to Haru, she gave a small nod. "Shall we?"

In reply, Haru just opened the door to reveal a room with various wooden tables set up and a large chest. There were some various items scattered around and she waited until the door was closed before clearing her throat. "Now then, I know that all of us know about the magical side of things, so I won't go into too much detail regarding that." Part of her noted that Osamu looked surprise and looked at Kurosawa in interest at that. "As Mikasa-Sama knows, a few days ago I journeyed with several others to England. The trip was mainly so that Potter Harry could pick up school supplies for his upcoming year at Hogwarts."

Daichi hummed as he stroked his chin. "Potter Harry-San? As in Nagato's adopted son and..." At Haru's nod, he frowned. "I see..."

Clearing her throat, Haru continued. "Now then, I was not there to accompany Harry for either his shopping trip or for the small visit he performed later. Mainly, I was there to investigate something my Niece told me. It seems that Harry-Chan has, upon his property, a large stone building. Said building is used to store various odds and ends that his family has picked up... Some of which even I can tell are extremely old and valuable. For example, there is a group of what looks like handwritten books in what looks like a Medieval style."

Eyes widening slightly, Kurosawa frowned in thought. "I wonder if they might have come from the Dissolution of the Monastaries..."

Somewhat interested, Haru just stored away her questions for later. "What I was interested in was a collection from Japan. It seems that starting in the 1860s, one of Harry-Chan's relatives lived here in Japan for some time and, as a result, compiled quite the collection of various items. I've brought back some of the more interesting ones for you to examine and authenticate, though there are still some there. Goto-San has already did what he could to make things move smoothly, including backtracking some paperwork."

Taking the backpack from Osamu, Daichi hummed as he opened it up and began pulling out surgical masks and gloves. Items that he began to hand out to the others. "Hmm... And what exactly are you hoping to do with said items?"

With a nod, Haru took the offered mask and gloves. "At the time, I was hoping to display them close to the Shrine. Something to draw in the visitors and such as well as provide a small amount of income. However... I underestimated both the size and value of the collection. Now? Now I think that plans need to be changed, though Harry-Chan has given me full permission to deal with the collection. It is my hope that at least one problem will be solved by it, but no matter what, I will be giving full acknowledgements to him."

Now highly intrigued, Mikasa gave her a look over her mask before slowly nodding. "Well now, isn't this interesting, Dess? Let's see what our Harry-Chan has for us, hmm?"
Opening the chest, Haru pulled out what looked like a pile of bristol board and then set it down on one of the tables. Gently, she separated them revealing the various woodcuts and such. "These are the Ukiyo-e that were in the collection. There are also other wall scrolls as well."

Quickly walking over, Kurosawa let out a small squee of glee as she saw what was in front of them. "These are amazing! And they're so well preserved!"

Just chuckling, Daichi nodded as he pulled out a hand lens and began more closely examining one. "They are, though I suppose that would be due to the preservation charms cast upon them. Still, these are exquiste examples from the time in question. While they were sold to tourists and such, they are still very much valuable pieces of our history."

Reaching in, Haru then pulled out a few wood blocks. "We even have several of the original wood blocks used. Apparently, the Potter in question bought them."

With reverence, Osamu took one and examined it with Kurosawa leaning against him. "This is... amazing." Looking up, he blinked at the kitsune. "What else?"

Haru seemed amused before she reached in and began placing small figurines on another table. "Harry-Chan's collection also includes a... collection of netsuke." With chuckles, she looked at one in particular which took the form of a small wolf. "They do come with the accompanying inrō and ojime. We also have some Okimono... but one in particular should catch your eye."

Everyone turned to watch as Haru reverently took out a box and placed it on a table all by itself. Opening it, she pulled out a wrapped object and slowly revealed it to be a kitsune made out of iron. Jaw dropping, Daichi seemed unable to breath as did Mikasa. Then the Battleship walked over and looked at it more closely. "I do not believe it... one of Sōbi-Sama's works... This is..."

Now with her own jaw dropping, Kurosawa gasped a bit. "Amazing..." She then turned to Haru and looked at her with wide eyes. "And Harry-Chan is just... letting you display it?" At Haru's nod, the bookish woman shook her head. "I don't believe it..."

All Haru could do as she brought out another item was chuckle. "Well, you should."

Meanwhile, Osamu began jotting down notes as Daichi looked more and more excited. "It seems that we should be at this for while... Excellent!"

With that, they began to get to work.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Laying on her back, Isokaze was just watching the clouds drift by when suddenly Harry's face appeared above her. For several moments the two stared at each other before the Destroyer cracked a small smile. "Something wrong, Harry-San?"

Only shrugging, Harry raised an eyebrow at her. "I was just wondering what you were doing laying here, that's all."

Humming, Isokaze watched him for a moment before finally patting the ground next to her. "Lay down here for a moment. Okay?"

Just doing as she asked, Harry was not in the least bit surprised when Isokaze shifted and placed her head on his stomach. "Is my stomach really that comfy? Because it seems like everyone lays on it."

With a slight smirk, Isokaze nodded some as she folded her hands onto her own stomach. "It's actually pretty comfy, almost as good as Shinano-Sama's. And it's a bit better then your boney shoulder."

A frown on his face, Harry gave her a playful glare. "My what? My shoulder is not bony!"

In reply, Isokaze chuckled and gave a shrug. "Sorry, Harry-San, but it is sort of bony. But you should grow out of that soon enough." Simply ignoring his confusion, she let out a sigh. "As for what I'm thinking off... I'm just thinking about my Nee-Sans."

That caused Harry to blink as he looked down at her in confusion. Almost automatically, he placed his hand on her head and began to stroke her hair. "Um, you mean the rest of the Kagerou class?"

Sighing from the headpats, Isokaze continued to look up at the fluffy white clouds above. "Hai. Right now, the only ones of us are... Myself, Hamakaze-Chan, and Yukikaze-Chan. I miss the others and kind of wish that they would show up soon."

Harry considered that for a moment before he slowly nodded. "Huh... I'm sure that they will show up eventually." Then he tilted his head to the side as he watched Isokaze's eyes close partway. "Which ones would you want the most to show up?"

Much to his interest, Isokaze didn't answer right away for a few moments. Right when he was about to make sure that she had not fallen asleep, she spoke up again. "I think... I think that I would like to see Urakaze-Chan again. We got along pretty well."

Not quite sure what to say to that, Harry looked up at the sky in thought. "Urakaze-Chan? I think that Mum mentioned her." His eyes widened a moment later. "Oh yeah! Mum said that she took a torpedo meant for her!"

There was a bittersweet smile on Isokaze's face as she nodded. "Hai, that was how she sank. Your Kaa-San had noticed Kongou-Sama get torpedoed and was trying to avoid it when Urakaze-Chan got hit." Seeing Harry's expression, she frowned. "No, I don't blame her, Harry-San. Not in the very least."

Leaning back, Harry let out a sigh. "I guess..." After a few seconds, he spoke up a bit. "Um, I don't know if it helps, but... I remember hearing about something that Professor Crowning over in America said." Seeing Isokaze look over at him, Harry gave her a shrug. "Aunt Jersey was going on about it. Anyways... It was something about how it becomes far more likely to be able to summon a ship if they have shipgirls who had historical connections with them."

Interested, Isokaze sat up a bit. "Really? Crowning-Sensei thinks that you can get a better chance to summon a shipgirl by using connections?"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "Yeah, like with Aunt Jersey and the Taffies. They're connected and share history, so..."

Tapping her chin, Isokaze narrowed her eyes. "Hmm... That's pretty interesting, Harry-Chan. So... Maybe Kongou-Sama and your Kaa-San might help get Urakaze-Chan? I guess that makes sense. Though if I help and so does Hamakaze-Chan and Yukikaze-Chan as well..." Eyes sparkling, she turned and gave Harry a tight hug. "Thank you!"

Only blinking, Harry nodded and hugged her back. "You're welcome, Isokaze-Chan. I just hope that you get one of your Nee-Sans back soon."

With a nod, Isokaze relaxed a bit as she laid there with her head on Harry's chest. "Yeah... me too. I hope so too and can't wait." As Harry went back to patting her head, she closed her eyes and relaxed.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A pout on their faces, Ume and Sakura glanced at a nearby group of ruins. Kicking a stone, Ume turned towards Akatsuki who had a slight smile on her face. "Why won't you tell us what Harry-San is up to?"

Softly giggling, the purple haired Destroyer scratched her cheek. "Um, well, because it wouldn't be Lady-like to spoil the surprise that Harry-Chan is up to! But you'll really like it, I know!"

Despite her assurances, the two spirits huffed a bit and then crossed their arms. They had been happy when they saw Harry visiting with the Akatsuki sisters accompanying them, but had become confused as the black haired boy had said he had a surprised that needed some time to set up. "We still don't like it or how Harry-San asked us to keep away from the spot he's at. It makes no sense... though we don't mind speaking to you."

Only humming, Akatsuki slowly shrugged with a smile on her face. "That's part of the surprise!" Coming to a stop close to where the wrecked ships were, her smile disappeared a bit. "Um, how are they by the way?"

Glancing at her, the two spirits turned to the flooded drydocks and stood there for a few moments silently. Then they nodded. "They are doing well, though it may be a short time longer before they're free from the darkness and can come into this world as you did. But the rest of the spirits here should be leaving and moving on soon."

With a look around at the spiritual mist, Akatsuki nodded. "I see." Moments later, she waved at the ships. "I can't wait to meet you all!"

Unseen by her, that caused the two spirits to smile. They didn't mention that the spirits of the ships were waving back at Akatsuki though. A half hour later, three after they arrived, Akatsuki suddenly stiffened and they looked over at her in curiosity. "Is something wrong, Akatsuki-San?"

Now grinning, Akatsuki grabbed them both by the hand and began to lead them back to where Harry and the others were. "They're done with the surprise! Come on, they're waiting for us to get there!" Ume and Sakura blinked as they were easily pulled along, giving each other confused glances. When they reached a corner of a ruined building close to where Harry was though, they found said black haired boy there. "Harry-Chan!"

Smiling back at her, Harry waved back at them. "Akatsuki-Chan! Ume-San! Sakura-San! Are you ready for the surprise?"

Very slowly, the two spirits nodded some as they spoke at the same time. "Hai, we're ready for the surprise, Harry-San. Though we don't understand what sort of surprise it may be... Or why you asked for us not to observe you in any way..."

In reply, Harry grinned a bit and put his hands behind his back. "You'll see~" He then looked around the corner and took a deep breath. "Um, this might seem a bit silly, but... do you trust me?" That got him a look from the twins, but they nodded with Harry's grin widening. Walking over, Harry stood between them and looked from one to the other. "I kind of need you both to cover your eyes. But I can lead you over."

Amused, the twins shared a look between them before Ume nodded with a slight bow. "Of course" Placing a hand over her eyes at the same time her sister did the same, she placed the other hand on Harry's shoulder. Much to the boy's surprise, it didn't go through his shoulder and he could just feel a hint of pressure. "Please be careful with us."

On Harry's other side, Sakura also nodded. "We're placing our trust in you, Harry-San."

Moments later, Harry reached up with both hands and placed them on the hands of the twins. They felt cool, but not clammy as he had expected. "Sure. Now... let's walk a bit."

Unknown to Harry, the twins were still communicating with each other as they walked along, though they kept their eyes shut and hand over them. 'What do you think Harry-San has for us, Sakura-Chan?'

The connection between them was practically vibrating as Sakura held back giggles as it would not be proper. 'I don't know, Ume-Chan. But I am so excited! It's been so long since someone made a surprise just for us! In fact... since we were little girls!'

Sakura could feel the same excitement she had building in her twin as they allowed Harry to guide them along. Neither mentioned though that they liked the warmth they felt from both Harry's shoulder and from his hands on theirs though. It was... nice. Finally though, Harry came to a stop and took their hands off his shoulders. They could hear him moving in front of them and waited until he spoke up. "Okay, you can look now!" When they did so, Harry threw his hands up into the air. "Panpakapan!"

For several seconds, the two spirits were quiet as they looked at the painted wooden box in front of them that sort of looked like a large shipping crate. They were about to ask what it was when they noticed it sat on cinder blocks and there was a door and window. Eyes widening, they turned towards Harry who grinned back having been joined by Inazuma, Ikazuchi, and Hibiki. "T-this is... What is this?"

Not insulted in the slightest, Harry walked over and took both their hands in his again as he lead them over. "It's a surprise for both of you." Upon reaching the door, he opened it and stepped inside. "Come on and have a look!"

Curious, they followed him in and their eyes widened with a gasp escaping their lips as they saw what was there. While the former shipping crate was not much larger then a large shed, they had modified the inside. From where they stood, they could see a magical lantern hung from the ceiling. Even though they had been on the island for decades, things had not changed so much that Sakura and Ume did not recognize that the lantern would use the ambient magic to light the small building when it got too dark. And it would do so automatically. But that was not all that was done.

On the small shelf by the window, there was an odd device that had a wire to a black square in front of the window. Also, along one wall there was a bookshelf filled with books. Standing in front of it, Harry gestured at it. "I didn't know what sort of books you might like, so I asked Kongou-Oba and she made some suggestions. There's also some other ones that I thought that you might like to read, like Ruroni Kenshin. Oh!" He then pointed at the device as Sakura and Ume silently stared at him. "That's a radio I bought, had to order it online. It can run off either solar power, like the panel there. Or you can crank the arm there and it'll power it up for several hours at night. So that you can listen to the radio. They became popular with the war."

While he continued explaining about how it could also play CDs and they had gotten the twins some music that they could recognize from the 1920s and 1930s, Harry failed to notice that they had become silent. 'He... He went and did this? For us?'

Finally nodding at some cushions on the floor, Harry smiled and turned. "And those should give you a great spot to sit, though I hope that it won't get too cold in here with the small magic heater." Then his smile fell at seeing the twins hanging their heads, their faces hidden by their hair. "Um... Sakura-San? Ume-San?" Not getting a response, he moved forward a bit and noticed that they were shaking. "D-don't you like it? I thought that you would since I am heading back to school in a few days and can't visit, you'd like something like this..."

To his confusion, Sakura spoke in a very odd tone. "H-how long have you been planning this for, H-Harry-San?"

Unsure, Harry glanced at the door where DesDiv6 were looking in before he cleared his throat. "Um, actually I've been sort of planning it all summer now." Biting his lip, he shuffled a bit. "I-if you don't like it..."

Everything seemed to still for several seconds before the twins raised their heads and revealed their faces. To Harry's shock, both of them had tears streaming from their eyes as both happiness and disbelief warred on their faces, though the tears vanished midair before they touched the floor. "You did this... for us? Spent money and time and effort just so that we... We could have some joy? To not be isolated and alone?"

Completely lost, Harry slowly nodded. "Well... yes? I mean, I can't imagine how things are for you here and I thought that you would like a bit of comfort..."

If anything though, that increased the tears from their eyes and they turned to each other. Silent communication passed between them before next thing Harry knew, they were hugging him tightly. "T-Thank you, Harry-San. Thank you so very much... This... This is the nicest thing that anyone has done for us since we took this burden." Harry could feel them squeezing him as they sobbed. "A-all this and for us..."

Bringing up his arms, Harry hugged them both back. "You're welcome and, well? Why wouldn't I do this? You're friends after all."

When that only made them both sob harder, Harry shot a slightly panicked look at DesDiv6. He only became confused though as they gave him slightly teary smiles back. Eventually though, Hibiki walked in and gently nudged them towards the cushions. "Have a seat, we have some treats to share as a welcome party. And they are very Khorosho."

Only nodding, the twins did so, though they didn't let go of the confused Harry. Less then a minute later, Inazuma set down some plates in front of Sakura and Ume with slices of cake on them as Akatsuki poured some tea into plastic cups. Taking a sip from theirs, the twins gave watery smiles before Sakura spoke up. "I-it's no wonder that it took you so long to do this."

Glancing up at them, Ikazuchi gave a chuckle. "Yeah, it took a bit to set up the anchors." At their confusion, she shook her head. "We dug holes at each corner, places some normal boat anchors with the tops poking out of the ground. The chains are inside the cinderblocks and inside cement with the whole place anchored to them. No storm is going to move this place!"

Quickly nodding, Inazuma smiled at them. "It wasn't no trouble because like Harry-Chan said, you're friends. And stuff like this is what friends do, Nanodesu!"

With a sniffle, Ume and Sakura nodded some as they wiped at their eyes with handkerchiefs given to them by Akatsuki. "It's... nice, having friends."

All they got was smiles and nods from Harry and the others. That night, when they left, after the twins seeing them off, Ume and Sakura entered their home and placed the deadbolt to shut the door and keep it in place. Not that it was needed to keep out the other spirits as none of them would dare do anything to the gift that Sakura and Ume were given, nor would they be able to as the twins would not allow them. Then, following the instructions, they cranked the radio and turned it on as they settled down with a book for the first time in decades.

Happy smiles on their faces and tears prickling at the corners of their eyes as they did so.

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

Didn't think I'd have a continuation, did you?


The Once and Future Ship, Part 2


__________________



Three days of hunting the local wildlife later, Prydwen had filled her reserves somewhat as well as gathered a small stockpile of timber. Ready to set out on her quest for stolen property, she came again to the shore to travel south for now.


Confident, that from now on it could only get better, she strode onto the waves.


At least she tried, for instead of staying on top of the water her feet sank to the shallow ground beneath. Stopping to look down at the waves breaking against her shins, Prydwen was contemplating why she had lost her ability to ride over the sea like the wind itself.


"Hey!Hey!"


She gave a nod, it was indeed logical for Camelot to exceed her carrying capacity.


…


"What?!" Snapping her head around to look at the source of the voice on her left shoulder, Prydwen nearly lost her composure upon seeing what looked and felt like some sort of small Fae creature standing on her shoulder giving her a salute.


__________________



Walking along what once had been a road through hilly plains, but now more resembled an animal trail through woods, was a good indicator of time's passing even if Prydwen did not know how long ago the battle at Camlann was in relation to now.


Even this thought was merely a distraction from knowing that she housed Fae who claimed to be the souls of her crew and Camelot's inhabitants reborn and in exchange for shelter gave her access to skills they had learned in life. It still sounded ridiculous, friendly Fae, who would ever believe her?


At least they had given her good advice, even if she was looking for the trap that had surely lain within. Searching for the nearest village or town to get more information on this era seemed sensible, doing so wearing a used cloak from one of her sailors to draw less attention? Understandable caution. Taking only coins made of silver instead of Camelot's gold? Paranoid but solid advice.


________________



And so Prydwen found herself to be sitting in some tavern in a town whose name she didn't know waiting for food and listening to the other customers half a week later.


She was still waiting for the Fae's cleverly hidden trap to close itself on her.


While her coinage had been foreign, it had still been silver and as such weighting it and paying like that had worked. She had even received a discount when she had repaired the scale that had tipped slightly more than it should. The owner was a kind man.


Her attention was drawn to the door, where she heard a man outside loudly complain to someone else.


"...ell you Stone, that snake Crumditch has been insufferable ever since getting his hands on 'Merlin's ' staff!"


As he and Stone entered, she saw them with their robes, both brown with deep green trims under hooded overcoats of gray. The one speaking looked to be maybe forty, Stone was harder to pin down since she couldn't see his face.


"It's not like any staff will help him become less incompetent, even more so since we all know he uses a wand like most of us."


Wands were widespread? Did they manage to make workable ones then? While Merlin had one, he had still used staves most of the time since wandcrafting had been in its infancy and it took twice as much time to learn to use a wand. Hmm, it had been pretty new at the time, introduced by some wizard from the mainland sometime during Arthur's reign. Oldwanderer or something had his name been.


"Don't let it get to you Hawker, before the week is over someone will have challenged him over it and then he can't brag anymore." Stone's voice sounded younger than Hawker's."Now get something to eat and drink and let's forget him for today."


"Sure,sure. I just hope it happens soon enough that he can't represent us in the Wizardting games."


Your wish is this Prydwen's command, I shall relieve this Crumditch from 'his' staff. Now I just need to know where I can challenge him.


Her musings were cut short by a servant setting a plate of food in front of her. And so Prydwen performed an admirable first strike against her enemy, forcing him from the field of battle before he had arrived in force.


But he would bide his time to strike when she would let down her guard, relentless in his pursuit of his fight with her. Hunger would return...

__________________

AN:
Sadly the particulars of the dreaded Wizardting Games are lost to the annals of history.

But hey its a rule that all great Quests start in a tavern or an inn, so I guess we have that covered right?

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

If Tenryuu had known that her Chuunibyo tendencies could influence her own children picking them up, she never would have hammed it up so much to spare herself the horror and embarrassment.

Unfortunately, hindsight was always 20-20, and now Tenryuu was forced to sit at a dinner table with her children while trying not to stare at them in open mouthed horror.

"Mother dearest, this dinner you cooked for us tonight is absolutely splendid!" The elegant lady that was Akatsuki praised in a dainty, elegant voice, "I would expect nothing less from a proper lady such as yourself, dear matriarch."

Although those words were of genuine praise, Tenryuu felt like someone had taken a shiv and run it right into her gut. Akatsuki said that without even flubbing her words once. Gone was the childish daughter Tenryuu and so many others loved to tease – in Akatsuki's place was a 'proper' lady who looked like she walked off the set of a European period drama. An actual elegant lady.

Elegant Lady Chunnibyo.

But the insanity didn't end there.

"Borsh is Horosho." Hibiki, or rather 'Verniy' as she was now calling herself, gave her own thumbs up in approval "Is good. Like in Soviet Russia."

Then Hibiki whipped out her personal drinking flask, which she insisted was filled with 'Russian Vodka, from Vladivostok', but which Tenryuu knew definitively to be filled with plain distilled water, and proceeded to drink from it like a fish.

"How uncouth!" Akatsuki put a dainty hand to her cheek and gave a soft, gentle sigh, "Dear sister, must you drink liquor at the table? This is a family dinner, you know."

"Nonsense! Is good Vodka. In Soviet Russia, Real ladies Drink Vodka." Hibiki declared, and then proceeded to drink more of it just to spite her older sister.

"How rude!"

"Ara, Ara, just leave her be Akatsuki-chan," Tatsuta said happily, clearly enjoying this all too much, "She's a Proper Soviet Ship girl and needs Vodka to live. Isn't that right, Verniy-chan?"

"In Soviet Russia, Vodka is Blood." Hibiki confirmed. "Not like Fat Imperialist Capitalist Beer. Is bad for health, not like true Soviet Russia Vodka. Make ship girl strong!"

Tenryuu dropped her forehead onto the table's surface with a thump and let out a groan.

Soviet Russian Chuunibyo.

Where on Earth had Tenryuu gone wrong with raising her kids... other than setting them a really, really bad example, that is?

"Mummph Muffle, Muuuumph, Nanodesu?"

"No, Inazuma, I am okay," Tenryuu said as she raised her head to look at the gas-mask wearing, fire retardant suit wearing ship girl that had come over to her side in concern, "I am just a little tired today."

"Muuuuuuph Muuuuum, Muffle Murmph Murm, Nanodesu!"

"I'm fine Inazuma. Just... pregnant, that's all."

"Mummph, Mu-Muffle Murrrmph Muffle Murrmph, Nanodesu?"

"Um, just don't set anything on fire, okay? That won't be... good for the baby." Tenryuu said, eliciting a happy nod from Inazuma. The youngest Matsuda cheerfully shuffled back to her spot on the table and resumed listening and humming along with her music player.

'Do you believe in Magic' could be clearly heard, even through the headphones.

Pyromaniac Chuunibyo... Nanodesu.

"Mum, this stuff is seriously starting to freak me out," Ikazuchi shuddered, eyes slowly going from sister to sister to see varying degrees of weirdness, "What are we gonna do? The whole family has gone crazy!"

"You're one to talk, Miss Kamina-Re." Tenryuu muttered before she could help herself.

She almost instantly regretted it.

"How can you say that! Who do hell do you think I am!?" Ikazuchi exclaimed, leaping onto the table and thrusting an outstretched index finger heroically into the air.

"Oh, how rude!" Akatsuki tutted.

"Nyet. This is not Horosho." Hibiki grunted.

"Muffle, Nanodesu." Inazuma chimed in.

"Ara, Ara!" Tatsuta said, recording the whole thing on her smartphone.

"My name is Kamina-Re, Re-Class battleship and defector from the Abyssal fleet!" Ikazuchi, declared, her red hooded long coat of her outfit, based off a Re-class but color coordinated to be more eye-catching and capped off with the inclusion a rather fetching pair of sunglasses, fluttered in the non-existent breeze, "My cannons will be the cannons that will pierce the heavens!!!"

Re-Class Gurren-Dan Chuunibyo.

Revina would be proud.

Tenryuu dropped her head into her hands.

All of them.

Damn it, ALL of them were now Chuunibyos... all because they had seen Tenryuu hamming it up and thought it would be a good idea to follow suit.

"Ara, ara, this is all really good fun, right, Tenryuu-chan?" Tatsuta giggled.

Tenryuu could only respond with another, embarrassed groan.

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 3


__________



"It was in the year of 547 that first appeared the tale of a wandering knight who walked the Isle of Britain slaying all beasts in his path, who challenged all he came across. Sources seem divided if it was possible to deflect his challenges with gifts, or if he was a murderer who took all that belonged to those upstanding citizens he killed.

The rumors were confirmed in the year of 573, when a lone knight appeared in front of and challenged the Wizengamot of the Highlands for all of their authentic items once belonging to the great wizard Merlin.

It is unclear what exactly happened that day, but from the year of 574 onwards the highlands had joined the Briton Wizards Gathering, which had until then only been responsible for the southern part of the Isle.

The items that had been the source of this event remain unfound to this day."

- Abraxas Crawfoot, Historian of the Wizard's Council, in his book 'How History really happened' written 1287.

__________



Almost three decades after setting out on her quest, Prydwen felt that she had made good progress. Just yesterday she had acquired one staff and half a wardrobe of Merlin's, while she didn't wish to take the lives of others, she was a shield after all, those obstructionist old coots had it coming. Well look who was a "delusional bedwarmer who doesn't know her place" now.

And it was with thoughts like these, that she made camp for the evening, believing she had struck a great blow for all maidens everywhere. She would not notice till morning that something had changed within her walls.


__________



He walked through the halls of Camelot with determination, for from his conversations with others he knew that there was something to do, something of the utmost importance. It was information that he needed to verify. And so he went onwards, his steps bringing him ever close to the castle gate.


__________



When Prydwen stirred, it was not from the sun striking her face with the fury of a slighted star, but from a small pressure against her chest and a muffled 'eyeyeyey!' from beneath.

As she opened her eyes to take a glance at what had disturbed her slumber, she saw a suddenly still fairy looking up at her from between her breasts.

While she could feel her connection with it, for some reason she could not access whatever skills and knowledge this one had. But she knew that white hair with its rainbow coloration wherever the light would strike and she knew those robes, she had retrieved them just two days ago after all.

Prydwen slowly sat up, scowling at her passenger while her face started to tinge red.
It was when she started to visibly gnash her teeth with rage, that the fairy moved to scramble away from her, he even tried to distract her by giving her a greeting.

"Hey!"

"MERLIIIIIN!"

Alas, it was not to be, and so Prydwen chased him around the camp for some time, knowing that by reviving him she had stuck a great blow to all maidens everywhere.

His salvation came when she fell to an unhonorable sneak attack by her great enemy.

She would in the future hold to the rule of "Even if you wish to rage, wait long enough to finish breakfast."

__________


AN:
26 years of timeskip? This will be pretty normal if I ever want to get close to the happenings of Harry's main story.

I hope I can get across at least the base personality of Prydwen and anyone important to this series.

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

Here we go again.

The Once and Future Ship, Part 4


__________


"While many argue how the split actually came about, inspection of all historic evidence suggests that over the course of 500 years magical species all over the world independent of each other choose to become more secluded. This change came about gradually in most cases where first one species would recede from human civilization and then the rest would follow over an extended period of time, most often centuries. Take Greece, where most centaurs left the forests near human settlements and migrated deeper into the wilderness or to new lands altogether.

The case of the British Isles is most curious that while it had the same pattern, it happened earlier and far more rapidly than anywhere else. It was first noticed in the year 587 when sightings of horned lyndworms in the entirety of the Isles was recorded as 'none' the second time in as many years."

- Trumiw Grant in his book 'Origin of the Statute', published 1697.

__________


Prydwen cursed Merlin once again as she was working to pry loose the lyndworm's horn. He wished to modify and strengthen the Wards of her walls? Sure. He made her wear an enchanted robe over her armor so she didn't feel like a great Fae to those who could notice? Acceptable. He talked endlessly about different magics and how to perform them? Everyone wants to learn magic.

But did he really need hundreds of lyndworm horns? He seemed to think so. Merlin had also given her a rather long list of magical reagents he wished to have a stockpile of. When she had questioned why he would need that many things, he had assured her that it was all to teach her magic as fast as possible as well as creating devices that would let her track, say, the biggest piece of a knight's armor if she had even the smallest piece of it.

And so she was pausing her main quest to gather resources to craft and enchant various talismans and to further the magical education Merlin forced on her, even if she liked to solve most her problems with applied swords. Prydwen would still make detours if she heard of someone holding on to her stolen property.

__________


"A exact date of the first ward being laid may never be found, but the prominence and importance of expert warders in Britain rose suddenly and found itself at a since that time not once reached high as a campaign of burglaries swept over the Isles during the years 612 to 621.

It is not known who the culprit was or how many there were or even what their objective was, since in only a small part of the burglaries were valuable items lost. It is suspected by many that the warders themselves performed this crime in order to advertise their skills."

- Duncan Phine in 'Wards and their evolution through the Ages', published 1867.

__________


While the dull brown of her overrobe wasn't a color she favored, it's enchantment did help immensely when trying not be be caught rummaging through other people's houses. Checking the small object in her hand to see if she was on the right floor, Prydwen once more marvelled at what she had accomplished with Merlin's instruction. It's was a flat stone, polished into a circular form with a small gem inlaid into its center. As long as she placed it on a piece of anything, it would shine a light in the direction of the biggest part of the whole.

Sadly it only worked over small distances of at most a day's march. To first get into that range she would have to perform a series of rituals that showed her the right direction, before she could triangulate her goal's rough location.

As she entered the next room, Prydwen's eyes latched onto the armor placed off to one side.

It was what she came here for, even if the greaves and gauntlets were obviously made to match the rest, they gave of a slightly different impression. She reached for Safir's armor and stored it within her armory. Nothing else in this house belonged to her, so it was time to go.

As Prydwen left through a window, she contemplated what strategy she would use against her enemy this evening.

__________

AN:
Hope you all appreciate how I have literally nothing to do right now exept to write.

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 5


__________


"During the 7th and 8th centuries the muggles kept to warring over minor matters, while the Briton Wizards Gathering tried to help all wizards and witches unjustly endangered by these wars.

While there were no major upheavals from internal factions, the roman New Senate of Magic exerted constant pressure on the BWG to once again come under roman rule. This was of course bound to fail in face of unified resistance against outsiders by valiant British citizens.

The infamous 685 London raid was repelled under the leadership of…"

- Hoturic Crumbritche in 'Magical Britain - Mighty through the Ages', written 1492.

__________


With all divinations guiding her view to the mainland, Prydwen could no longer put off figuring out how to make a castle seaworthy. It was possible that stolen property was still out on the Isle, but if so it was always under Wards and for more than two years now she couldn't find anything.

While her studies under Merlin had progressed admirably, she seemed to be unable to fling about fireballs or to strike anything with lightning. Instead her proficiency and talent had arisen in divination, shields of all sorts, and calling forth favorable winds to sail, if it were possible for her to sail.

On top of that it had appeared that her passengers had sorted into camps and started vying for dominance within her halls. It was more things she needed to sort out.

It would possibly be best to make a more permanent residence at some shoreline, to have quick access to the sea in order to test whatever she and Merlin could come up with.

__________


"...resulted in increased numbers of aquatic skilters on fishing boats.

There have also been signs of merfolk migrations leading away from Britain's western coasts. While possible causes could be shifting currents or a scarcity of hunting grounds, nothing conclusive can be determined at this time.

Normally an increase of storms over statistical average in these seas does have no bearing for our responses, but it may have had some influence on the above incidents."

- Yearly report on incidents caused by magical creatures of aquatic nature, presented the Briton Wizards Gathering, 7th sitting of the year 703.

__________


As she walked back onto the shore, Prydwen knew they had managed to make progress, somewhere. Having a water repelling shield cover the entire castle had worked, until her feet had sunken into the muddy seabed and she had trouble getting loose.

Remodeling her outer walls to resemble an ovoid had taken a good 13 years, which had increased her speed while walking in shallow water. But her achievements had not come without setbacks as a castlefull of wet fairys and furniture could attest. Merlin had spent weeks making sure nothing was destroyed in any of the several flash floodings of her halls.

Channeling her frustration into the winds helped relieve stress from time to time, but never long enough as her passengers would sooner or later start quarreling over something new. Prydwen could not even try to mediate most of the time since she was far too deep involved with the Arthur camp of her crew, even if he himself wasn't there.

Entering the outpost she had constructed in front of a cave entrance, she wondered how long it would be this time to think of and then implement a new change to her structure or wards scheme.

__________

AN: Nothing to see here, move along.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The mountain top was rather windy and cold, but the woman now looking out from it didn't notice it in the slightest despite what she wore. Her white dress whipped too and fro in the wind while a thick belt around her waist kept it in place, the darker cloak that hung on her back doing the same, heavily embroidered as it was. Upon her head, a gold circlet glinted in the light which also did the same with the various necklaces that she wore as her reddish gold hair floated behind her. On her brow, there was a sheen of sweat as she raised her hands, bracelets jangling against each other as she wordlessly sang.

But the woman's lips curled upwards some in a smile which showed that despite all her effort, she was happy. And that source of happiness was readily apparent as she continued to watch the small fleet of boats and ships on the sea. A fleet lead by the USCG Eagle as they moved away from the island that she was a spirit of.

Said island being that of the mystical Hy-Brasil, an island lost within the mists of time.

Every so often, the Spirit could see bits of driftwood on her shores vanish into motes of light. And from the waters around the small fleet, young girls in ancient Celtic garb appeared and were soon pulled aboard. The Spirit of the Island could only smile more at the sight as she focused. Just a short time before for her, her island had reappeared in the Land of the Mortals once more, but this time she could sense something was wrong. It had not taken long for her to realize what was wrong as, a short distance away, she could see a fleet fleeing what spirits of darkness and hate. Spirits who took forms of flesh and corrupted metal as they chased the ships in front of them with bloodlust.

Despite the pull back to the Otherworld, the Spirit had done what she could to just hold on long enough for the ships to reach the safety of her waters. For the first time in centuries, she had held open the Way through her near iron will until the last of the boats had reached her. No accident was their arrival. And then she allowed the Way to slam shut, and rejoiced in the howls of anger and hate she had heard from those dark beings upon the waves.

And now, she was once more straining to give the fleet time to escape from her waters. To not be bound by the same fate that was hers, cursed to be apart from her world except for short periods. While it was still dangerous, she could sense protectors for them in the Mortal Realm. Beings that had journeyed from the Otherworld to fight the darkness. Her song rose up and carried from her mountain. A song of farewell and good sailing, and one of hope.

For perhaps, one day, her curse would be lifted and they would meet once more.

On one of the fishing trawlers, a fisherman blinked and looked back at the slowly vanishing island. Eyes wide, he turned to one of his fellows. "You hear that? Some sort of song?"

Behind him, where he had placed a blanket around a girl that popped up near their boat, Captain Granger paused and frowned. For several moments he listened closely to the song upon the wind and his eyes tracked across the island. It was then that he spotted glints of light on top of the main mountain and frowned. "Aye, I hear her. She's singing us a song of goodbye."

Frowning, the fisherman who had spoken turned and looked at him confusion. "You can understand that?"

In reply, Captain Granger stared at him. "If one does not listen with the ears." With a glance at the small girl who was now staring at the island and humming, Captain Granger took his cap from his head and placed it to his chest. "Just listen."

The rest of his crew followed his lead where they took off their hats and placed them against their chests. And they were not the only ones as others on the rest of the ships and boats did the same. Before them, a hole formed in the still clinging fog, a tunnel through the mists. A tunnel that they entered into, keeping their eyes on the slowly disappearing island...
_______________________________________________________________________

High above the waters off the coast of Ireland, R31 blinked before shaking her head as her long ears flopped this way and that. "I say, rather dreadful weather we're having around here."

From her position beside her, R32 her sister nodded. "Agreed. Dreadful, positively dreadful. Can't see a thing though this fog, wot?"

A groan though caused them to turn to see a third girl following close behind. "Gott save me from you two." Narrowing her eyes, the girl growled as wolf ears twitched. "Why I was asked to join you..."

Smiling brightly, R31 chuckled. "Because you need the experience, of course! Why else?"

Eyebrow twitching, the wolfgirl muttered various German obscenities under her breath before adjusting her uniform. With a huff, LZ 41 only turned back to observing the ocean from several thousand feet above the surface. Having been the first of the German Zeppelins summoned, she had been extremely annoyed at the British having been the first to figure it out. It hit her German pride that they were not the ones to figure out how to summon airships.

That, and the fact that she had a damn wolf ears on her head. How and why that happened to each airship that got summoned, she did not know and neither did anyone else. It didn't stop her from joining in on the betting as to what the Japanese airships would look like. Though who and why someone bet tentacles would be involved was beyond her.

However, she was suddenly broken from her thoughts as one of her fairies had spotted something and turned in the direction given. There, below her, she could see a disturbance in the fog and frowned. "Do you see that?"

Looking in the same direction, the two British Airships slowly nodded with R32 putting a finger into the air. "I say! The game is afoot! Jolly good!"

All that LZ 41 did was facepalm and grumble.

Roughly forty miles away, Hermione frowned through the seaspray off the choppy seas as she stared ahead at the distant horizon. When a shipgirl in what looked like clothing from around the time of the American Revolutionary War pulled up, Hermione gave her a nod. "Alex, a bit anxious are we?"

The returned Coast Guard Cutter, Alexander Hamilton just gave her a small smile. "Well, considering what's been turning up, can you blame me?" Her smile then fell away as she continued to scan the ocean. "While she was after my time, the Eagle is still Coast Guard. And we'll be damned if we leave her behind."

Eyebrow raising, Hermione nodded some before her radar picked up a small airborne target. A glance though showed her it was a WWII helicopter flying above the waves. "I've been wondering about that. Your Coast Guard sent nearly all it's shipgirls including Cobb. Kind of soon to be sending her out, isn't it?"

With a glance in the same direction, Alex shook her head. "No, she was biting at the bit as the rest of us." Her gaze turning distant, the Cutter sighed. "We're all hands on deck for this, Hermione. This is one of ours after all and... If you had seen the reactions from our human counterparts at the mention that she might be afloat..."

Hermione only nodded at that quietly. "I can imagine." Closing her eyes, she gave a soft sigh. "I actually lost my grandfather in these waters during Blood Week after all. And if I thought that there was a chance..." Quickly shaking her head, the witch let out a breath. "So they think that it's her?"

Placing her hand on her fellow shipgirl's shoulders, Alex gave it a soft squeeze in comfort before clearing her throat. "Um, yeah, it might be I suppose. No one is sure, but Texas checked and... According to her contacts, there's a lot of wierd time things that happened around here, so it's not that impossible. But if it's a trap and instead the Abyssals are either pretending to be her, or one of their damn Q-ships using her hull..."

At the sight of Alex clenching her hand, Hermione nodded some. "We got Vanguard not far off as well as Dreadnought. From what I have been told, you also got a bunch of USN shipgirls with Coast Guard fairies behind us lead by South Carolina and Texas herself. If it's a trap, we'll make them regret it."

Suddenly, both shipgirls whipped around and stared towards the north and blinked. Eyebrows furrowing, Alex frowned. "That's odd... some Abyssals just showed up? And they seem to be looking for something."
Only sharing a look with her, Hermione chewed her lip some. "If this was a trap, then they would be using Submarines to keep an eye out. Not Destroyers being lead by a Cruiser. You don't think that they're also looking for the Eagle, do you?"

Frowning, Alex only shook her head. "I... don't know. But if she's somehow still afloat, then it's likely."

It was then that they received a signal from the Airships and turned towards the Southwest. Eyes widening some, Hermione began to turn. "They found something!"

Beside her, Alex also began to turn in the same direction. No matter what, the mystery of what was happening was about to be solved.

One way or the other.

 

[darthcourt10]

Year Two - Secrets and Shipgirls Part 1

START

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Having gotten changed into her pajamas for the sleepover, Natsumi watched as Harry examined some water he had in a cauldron over a Bunsen burner. "So... tonight is the last night that you'll be here? Huh, Harry-Chan?"

Slowly, Harry nodded some and gave her the best smile that he could. "Yeah, tomorrow I'm heading back to England the day before I head to Hogwarts."

In reply, Natsumi was quiet before she sniffled a little. "I hate this, Harry-Chan. Another year without you being here and... Gah! This sucks."

With a sigh, Harry nodded as he tried his best not to sniffle either. "I know, I feel the same way, Dess. But I got to learn magic and stuff. Besides, I'll be back for holidays too, just like last year! And... And maybe you can visit as well!"

Blinking, Natsumi considered that before turning to the side. "I don't know if I can, Harry-Chan. Um, I'd love to, but..."

Harry only shrugged at that before giving her a smile. "Not a problem, Natsumi-Chan."

Unnoticed by him, Natsumi had bit her lip and was looking down at her hands. 'Sorry, Harry-Chan, I would love to but I'm not sure that I could keep my secret with so many wizards and witches around. And if they found out...' For a brief moment, she had the image of her being grabbed by the Japanese magicals to be placed in a reserve, just like she had been warned about since a little kit. And with her was Haru and the rest of her family. 'I can't risk them.' Then Natsumi internally sighed. 'I wish that the Statute would break soon, so that I don't need to worry about that and... and...'

As she blushed, Harry blinked and frowned a bit. "Is something wrong, Natsumi-Chan? You're looking kind of hot.

If anything though, that caused her blush to deep and her eyes to widen. However, then Natsumi realized what he meant as the room was a little warm due to being late August, not helped by the Bunsen burner which he was now turning off. "N-nah, I'm okay, Harry-Chan." Wanting to change the subject, she coughed and looked to the side where Shiromizu was watching amused. "I have to admit though, you spoil her."

Having hissed, Harry blinked and turned to look at her as poured the steaming water from the cauldron into a large, enamaled wash basin. "Uh, what do you mean by that, Natsumi-Chan?"

Just raising her eyebrow in reply, Natsumi pointingly looked to where he was now running a wash cloth over Shiromizu's body much to the snake's happiness before she slithered into a bucket with the bottom part filled with water. Water that she swished all over herself. "Oh, I don't know, Harry-Chan. Maybe because what you are doing?"

Confused, Harry tilted his head and glanced at Shiromizu who hissed at him. As he tested the water in the wash basin, he frowned. "I'm just giving her a wash."

As he transferred Shiromizu to the basin, Natsumi gave him a disbelieving look before gesturing. "Harry-Chan, you bought her a wash basin just for her to soak in. A wash basin that you hand painted to look good."

Frowning, Harry tilted his head to the side as Shiromizu eased herself into the wash basin with a soft hiss. "{Ah... Now this is lovely..."

Only shrugging, Harry chuckled a bit. "Well, she wanted something to bathe in for her hatching day, so... And I found it for cheap, so why not make it look good?"

Slowly blinking, the kitsune gave him a sigh before pinching her nose. "Harry-Chan, you also gathered up water from one of the hot springs on that island. Water that you just heated and placed in that basin for her to soak in."

Yet again, Harry shrugged. "She says that it's good for her scales and the water is just warm enough for her. Besides, she's shedding a little so it should help with that." He then waved at her, not noticing as she had extended a tail to grab the wash cloth. Moments later, Shiromizu had folded it and placed it upon her head. "And it's not really that big of a deal, especially as we're going back to Hogwarts." That though caused Natsumi to facepalm and grumble to herself, which made Harry tilt his head. "Poi?"

Hissing caused him to turn to Shiromizu who was watching the whole proceedings in high amusement. "{Fufufufufu. Perhaps, Harry, she wishes for you to treat her to something like this? Especially as you are a close and dear friend of hers.}"

For a moment, Harry blinked before raising his eyebrows. "{Wait, seriously? She wants something like that?}" At the bob of her head, Harry tilted his head back to look at the ceiling. "Huh."

Looking between them, Natsumi narrowed her eyes. "What did she just say, Harry-Chan."

In reply, Harry focused back on her. "She said that you want me to treat you to something like her, Natsumi-Chan. I didn't know that." Eyes widening, Natsumi suddenly blushed so much it extended down her neck. Harry nodded as he took that in. 'I guess that Shiromizu is right.'

Unknown to him, Natsumi was blushing for another reason. Mainly for the fact that she suddenly had the image of an older version of her in her fox form being bathed and pampered by a similarly older Harry. Slapping her hands to her cheeks, she scowled at the thoughts in her head. 'Dammit! Dammit! Get out! Gah!' Quickly shaking it off, Natsumi huffed and looked away with a blush still on her cheeks. "I-I don't want something like that, Harry-Chan!" A glance at Shiromizu, who was giving her a snake version of a smirk, caused Natsumi to scowl. 'She's enjoying it far too much.'

Head tilting to the side, Harry frowned. "So... You don't want to visit a hot spring?"

Perking up a bit, Natsumi turned her full attention back onto him. "Wait, you're suggesting a hot spring trip?" After she got a nod, she bit her lip and seriously considered the offer. "I... I wouldn't be against that. But... where? Here in Yokosuka? Or somewhere else like Kinugawa...? They've got some places for cheap with the war going on."

Now grinning, Harry laid back with his hands behind his head. "Nah, I'm thinking that when I come home for either Christmas holidays or for Easter Break that we spend a day at the wizarding side of Bath."

It was now Natsumi's turn to be confused as she tilted her head. "Uh, bath? Why would we want to have a bath on a wizard side when we can just use the normal onsen?"

Roughly a minute passed as Harry stared at her before coughing. "Natsumi-Chan? I, um... mean Bath, England. It's a town with hot springs."

Eyes widening, the kitsune stared in disbelief. "Wait, there's hot springs in England?!" When Harry nodded, she blinked and scratched her cheek. "Huh... I didn't know that. But the wizarding side? I take it that means they're hidden?"

Slowly, Harry nodded some. "Yeah, non-magicals don't know about them, only the non-magical ones. The waters come direct from the spring and apparently there's old magic that prevents any illnesses coming from the water unlike the non-magical side where they used metal piping or something. They're really, really old too, but my family can reserve one of the baths according to what Mum found out from Neville's grandmother." At Natsumi's look, he shrugged. "Apparently a bunch of old families got together and set up protection for the springs. The Potters were one, the Blacks, Bones, Longbottoms, and Abbots were others. Due to that, the oldest section can be reserved by any of them as thanks from the family that takes care of them."

Natsumi considered what she had just been told before slowly nodding. "That... might not be too bad. And there's a family that takes care of them? And how old? Three hundred? Four hundred?"

Only shrugging, Harry frowned. "I guess? Apparently the ones who take care of the springs are Druidesses from the same family. There's always just one and they take care of any needs. When they get too old, they're hand it off to a younger one they've trained in secret." Then Harry glanced as he looked at Shiromizu who was basically a small puddle of happy serpent in her bath. "As for how old? Um... Really old, I guess."

That caused Natsumi to furrow her eyebrows before turning to Harry. "Uh, Harry-Chan? How old is old? I mean... There's a few onsen here in Japan that are hundreds of years old."

With a hum, Harry tilted his head from side to side. "From what Madame Longbottom told us? These ones been in use since the Celts." The curious kitsune was about to comment about how that did not narrow things down when Harry continued and her thoughts screeched to a halt. "And then the Romans made use of them when they invaded, so pretty old. The oldest ones are basically Roman baths."

Very slowly, Natsumi grabbed her cell phone and types furiously as Harry just watched. After a few minutes, she froze before slowly tilting her head back. "Harry-Chan... The Romans invaded England almost two thousand years ago. Are you telling me that you have private access to hot springs that have been in use for almost two thousand years!?"

Grimacing as her voice had become high pitched at the end, Harry wiggled a finger in his ear. "Yes? I mean, wizards and witches have apparently been using them since before the Romans even arrived, so..."

Slightly concerned as Natsumi was now twitching something fierce, Harry was about to ask when Nagato poked her head in. It said something that Shiromizu being in her bath barely registered. "Is something wrong, Harry? I heard shouting from Natsumi-San."

All Harry did was point at the twitching girl. "She's acting a bit wierd because I said maybe I can take her to the hot springs at Bath. You know, the ones that Neville's grandmother told us about and that I can reserve one? I was thinking either the day I come back from Hogwarts for either Christmas or Easter... or the day before I go."

There was a considering look on Nagato's face as she nodded some. "Hmm.... That does sound like a rather wonderful idea. Perhaps make it a family trip and invite Natsumi's family as well?"

Expression brightening, Harry turned towards Natsumi. "Hey, yeah! That sounds great, what do you think, Natsumi-Chan? Think that Haru-San and the others would like to go?" Several moments later though, he blinked and turned back to his adopted mother who looked extremely amused while he ignored the snickers from Shiromizu. "Mum? Why is Natsumi-Chan twitching like that?"

Lips twitching, Nagato only hummed a bit. "I don't really know, Harry. But I wouldn't worry about it too much." Then she shook her head. "Oh, by the way, the others will be here soon enough and I got some snacks made up."

Harry just nodded and gave her thumbs up. "Cool!"

Closing the door behind her, Nagato was internally laughing. 'Now I wonder how Haru will react when told. I'll need to be ready to take a picture...'
__________________________________________________________________________

As per usual, King's Cross was rather crazy the day that students returned to Hogwarts. Internally, part of Harry was grimacing as he glanced at the clock and noticed that they were running a bit late, not that it was anyone's fault in particular. Him and Ron were at the back of the group catching up some. Upon hearing about what happened, Ron gave a snort. "She reacted like that to talk about the Roman Baths?"

Scratching the back of his head, Harry gave a nod. "Yeah, and Haru-San also reacted in a similar way too. Don't really know why, I mean... Hot springs are great to go to and everything, but still."

Ron just shook his head with a snort. "Bloody crazy, that is. Hot springs are great, but I don't see why they're so into it." The only response from Harry was to shrug when Ron decided to ask something. "By the way, what was with Rose and, er... Haruna, right?" At the nod, he continued. "Right, Haruna. They mentioned something about a mobile home?"

Only chuckling, Harry shook his head. "Haruna-Oba did a lot of work so that she got a lot of leave right now. Kirishima-Oba also took her duty of heading over to America on Convoy escort so Haruna could take a week off with Rose and head up to my family's property to harvest fruit and make preserves. They're going to camp out in one while there." Glancing around, Harry leaned towards Ron. "But between me and you, I think that Kirishima-Oba was more interested in seeing Aunt Washington and Miss Gale again."

For a moment, Ron furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought, even as he saw Hermione pass through the Barrier with her parents, Vanguard, and an old man with a curious expression on his face. "Wait, Washington? I think that Warspite mentioned something about her..." Shaking his head, Ron then shrugged. "It was something about her being lady-like or something."

That got him a nod from Harry as the other Weasleys began to pass through the Barrier. "That sounds about right. Aunt Washington is pretty lady-like and Akatsuki-Chan really looks up to her."

Snorting, Ron shook his head. "Anyways, so Haruna and Rose are going to be harvesting fruit together, huh? Well, I don't see why they would volunteer for it, but whatever. I know that Warspite loves the fruit from our orchard and so does her sisters. Mum likes selling some to the base Warspite lives at for the other shipgirls."

A tap on Harry's shoulder caused him to look up at his mother who was glancing around. "Harry, I'll be going first with the others. Then you and Ron come through, I want to make sure that nothing happens." She then gave a look at the three shipgirls behind Harry. "Naka, Hamakaze, Isokaze... Then you go through behind them."

Naka, who had left her hair down and out of her usual buns as well as in normal civilian clothing gave the Battleship a wink. "No worries about us. We'll make sure that no one gets through on our end and hurts Chibi."

Grinning as Naka ruffled his hair, Harry snickered a bit. "Don't worry, Mum. We'll be right through."

Still frowning, Nagato gave a sigh before turning to the portal to 9 3/4. "I'll see you over there then."

With that, she briskly walked and just before she reached it, a group of people blocked their view. Then they were past revealing that Nagato was gone, which made Naka frown in thought as she glanced at the group that just passed. "Now that is rather neat, I'll admit. And really useful for keeping people from noticing."

After a few seconds, Hamakaze nodded and patted Harry on the shoulder. "Okay, Harry-San. It's clear on the other side so you can go through."

Just nodding, Harry and Ron began to quickly make their way over to the portal. However, instead of going through, they hit a solid wall with a crash and screeching from Hedwig. Within moments, Naka was right there beside them as was Isokaze and Hamakaze. Scowling, the Light Cruiser was gesturing at them. "I told you two to pay attention when we're heading for our trains!" Turning, she shook her head a bit. "Sorry about that folks, you know how little brothers can be."

There were nods and such as people went back to their business. Meanwhile, Isokaze moved until she had her back against the wall and leaned back. Grimacing, all she felt was a solid wall as she shook her head. "What the heck just happened? Is there a timer?"

Confused, Ron shook his head and frowned as he looked at the wall in utter befuddlement. "No, it's always open according to Dad. So I don't know what's going on here."

Eyes narrowed, Hamakaze scanned their surroundings and shook her head. "Nagato-Sama is stating that it's also blocked off from the other side as well. Some of the parents are starting to panic over it and Arthur-San is trying to get the portal working..." She then grimaced. "And they think it might be a few hours before they do so, but they're still putting students on the train."

Groaning, Ron rubbed his face. "Bloody hell, we'll miss the train!" Then he paused and straightened up a bit. "Wait, we can take my Dad's car! We can fly to Hogwarts with it!"
However, he cringed a bit at the raised eyebrow that Naka gave him. Then she shook her head. "No. We'll stay right here until everything is sorted out and find another way to Hogwarts." Spotting some other families who were looking confused at the group standing in front of the portal, she became thoughtful before knocking her fist against the portal. One family, who had three girls with them narrowed their eyes and nodded. Naka noted that the two blondes looked like sisters while the black haired girl must have been a friend or other relative. "There's still some people on this side, so maybe they might come up with something for them that we can use as well."

With a sigh, Harry closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. "The perfect way to start the school year..."

There were only nods of agreement from the others.

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 6

__________


"The Briton Wizards Gathering met it's end over the years of 765 to 782, as the outside pressure of the then collapsed New Senate of Magic had been the justification to pressure all british wizards and witches into a unified front. As such over those 17 years small groups broke away from the BWG more and more, until all these 'circles' no longer acknowledged the BWG's authority, it would remain this way up to the danish invasions, where a lack of centralised government meant that no concentrated resistance could be brought to bear against the invaders."

- Abraxas Crawfoot, Historian of the Wizard's Council, in his book 'How History really happened' written 1287.


__________


Prydwen felt like it wouldn't be much more until she flooded her halls out of spite.

Mordred quarreled with Arthur's faction, led by Percival, Guinevere tried to mediate between them, Lancelot quarreled at Guinevere for not choosing either his or Arthur's faction, Tristan's faction protected Guinevere's for also being neutral, Mordred was accusing Lancelot of being a traitor for leaving his faction, Merlin was doing his own thing and Guinevere had declared Merlin her enemy on principle for being an enemy to maidens everywhere.

It was madness, and she really needed some respite, which meant leaving her current place of residence and seeing if there was anywhere on the Isle that would allow her to just not care for a few years.

So she spent one month gathering supplies to fight her enemy as well as hiding the gatehouse to her furnished cave. It had helped that some of her crew had been carpenters or masons when she had build it.

She hoped she remembered the way to those springs her liege and his knights had enjoyed at one point, they had told her how it had helped them before. Maybe a miracle would occur and they'd stop feuding when she flooded herself with hot water. Time to march south.

__________


"I am in good health, friend Slythin, and hope the same for you, I had a recent encounter with an interesting traveler looking for warm water springs in our area, while I couldn't help her, it is indeed a marvellous idea. And so I wish to invite you and your family to join me and mine, when we too will hunt for springs of warmth next month.

And I do hope you can convince your wife to bring some of her exquisite pumpkin pies."

- excerpt from a letter from George Gryff to Sebastian Slythin, assumed to be written sometime around 780.

__________


Soaking in the hot water really had helped, even if it had taken time. Under the pressure of Prydwen's silent but certainly wet and hot protests, the factions within her walls had actually sat down and talked with each other while forced to see if she would leave the water within the next decade or not.

The hostesses had been slightly disturbed when she had wished to book their most lavish bath for an entire decade and then asked if they could be convinced to bring her food while she disciplined unruly passengers. They had looked at her like she was a madwoman, a rich madwoman, but a madwoman nonetheless. They had however accepted her gold, and here she was.

Time was moving and Prydwen was already into the fifth year of bathing when the confessions had begun. Mordred had been tired of not being acknowledged by his father, which was expertly exploited by Morgan to push him into rebellion via magical compulsion and apparent support from others (also facilated by Morgan, she wondered how Merlin never noticed and then remembered that he had been busy chasing skirts).

Guinevere and Lancelot's affair came about by Guinevere being a bit too needy for a reigning king to entertain her most of the time, at which point he had come to his close friend Lancelot for help. When this state of affairs became known to the public however, Lancelot claimed it as his own doing to preserve Arthur's honor. All in all the court of her liege seemed to consist of madness. Which could mean the hostesses had been right to think her a madwoman.

__________

AN:
Much madness was had this snip.

Ok this is the 3rd time in a row that my snip started a new page. Maybe it was the Illuminati.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts Omake: "Kids today"

Have a small omake:
______________________________

Sitting behind his desk, Harry tried to keep a serious expression on his face. Tried being the keyword and something he was failing at due to the slight upturn of his lips and the twinkle in his eyes. Glancing at the other the two on either side of his son, Harry soon turned his attention back onto his son. "Daisuke, I have to say that I am rather disappointed in you. Your mother and I did give you money to backpack across the world and this happens. In all honesty, I suppose that I should have expected something when you have spent the last three years in Egypt."

Feeling rather small, Daisuke's fox ears pressed against his head and he began to slump in his seat. "Sorry, Tou-San..."

His descent though stopped as Harry sighed. "Honestly, I would have thought that you would at least have been respectful enough to come forward and introduce us as soon as you were dating. Not wait until the last moment before deciding to tie the knot." At the blush on his son's face, Harry smirked as he knew Daisuke caught the double meaning. Turning to the the father of his son's girlfriend, he sighed. "Kids these days, huh?"

There was a rumble of deep laughter before the giant person nodded. "Yes, tell me about it." Said person then turned to his daughter and shook his head. "I suppose that she was afraid that I would have frightened him off."

All Harry did was nod in agreement. "Oh, no doubt. My son was probably thinking the same thing." Seeing the look Daisuke gave him. "Don't give me that look, Daisuke. You know what my love life is like to say the least. I'm the last person to have an issue with this."

Relaxing, Daisuke reached over and took his girlfriend's hand in his. "Sorry, Tou-San. And thanks for being so accepting of Kabe-Chan and I."

However, a moment later he regretted it as Harry smirked. "Don't thank me yet, Dai-Chan. You still need to explain to your Okaa-San about this. And I'm guessing that your girlfriend has to do the same for hers. Then we got your grandmother and the others."

Face pale, Daisuke slumped in his seat as did his girlfriend. "Kill me now?"

All he got was laughter from his soon to be Father-In-Law. "Not for a long time, Pup!" A grin on his face, he held out a massive hand to Harry. "I think that I'm going to like to call you brother, Mister Potter."

Snorting, Harry clasped his hand on the others arm. "Same here, but call me Harry. We're going to be part of the same, strange family after all!"

With a howl of laughter, and a grin on his black furred muzzle, the man nodded as he glanced at his snake headed daughter. "And call me Anubis, please. And Kabechet, don't slouch."

As Harry said the same to his son, all the two fathers got were groans.

 

[darthcourt10]

mikelima777

Some may wonder about Daphne Greengrass, and her involvement in the story. Here is my idea of what that looks like:

(End of First Year)

Daphne Greengrass sighed in relief as she stepped out of the floo to the foyer, dragging her school trunk. Looking around the cosy room, she breathed deeply, glad to be home. The grandfather clock in one corner of the foyer chimed away. Then, she heard a couple pops as Tilly and Wally, her family's house elves appeared, "Welcome back, Mistress Daphne," Tilly trilled. Daphne smiled at them. Unlike certain families (cough)Malfoy(cough), Daphne's family didn't treat their elves like vermin. As grandfather Paulus once said, "Happy elves don't spill family secrets, or sabotage the beds."

"Hello Tilly and Wally. Can you take this to my room?"

Wally bowed, "At once, Mistress Daphne." Wally quickly took her trunk and popped away with it to her room.

Her mother soon followed through the floo, holding Astoria's hand as the youngest Greengrass babbled endlessly about her day. While Daphne was the quiet, studious one, Astoria was the louder, livelier of the siblings. Then, Daphne heard footsteps down the main staircase, with Astoria rushing past her.

"Father! We're home!"

Daphne heard a grunt as Astoria glomped her father, still talking non-stop. Soon, her father, with Astoria wrapped around him, stepped into the foyer, smiling warmly. Daphne went and hugged her father.

"I missed you, father."

"So did we, Daphne," her mother replied. Her father nodded, "I'm sorry about not picking you up at King's Cross. I had to deal with certain people," he grumbled, muttering under his breath about bureaucrats and ignorant politicians. Daphne heard him though and mentally nodded. Over the years, she had heard his... dissatisfaction with the Ministry repeatedly.

Astoria quickly got bored and ran off to the games room for entertainment. Daphne and her parents went to the sitting room, where Tilly popped in with afternoon tea. Daphne and her parents sat together, enjoying scones and tea before talking about her time at Hogwarts.

"Well, Daphne, you've certainly done well," her father spoke. "Top in your house and among the top students in your year. Well done," he smiled.

Daphne shrugged at that. She wasn't an overachiever by any means, but she had kept up her schoolwork, and avoided getting into trouble.

"I listened to your advice. Don't get caught up in-house rivalries, and stay out of the spotlight. Unlike a certain classmate of mine."

His father sighed, "Ah Yes... Mr Malfoy. You are lucky you didn't have to deal with his father." While Cyrus Greengrass was good with politicking and negotiations, there was always something about Lucius that made Cyrus want to wash his hands after interacting with the senior Malfoy.

"Fortunately, Malfoy was too distracted to notice my own hobbies and activities outside class."

Cyrus ruffled his daughter's hair affectionately, who playfully rolled her eyes despite smiling. Like her mother Evelyn, Daphne was far more affectionate in private. Few of her Slytherin classmates, aside from Tracey, knew that Daphne was helping muggle borns and others who had family coping with the rationing. For a half dozen sickles and two knuts, she provided hampers of produce from her parent's farm to families, supplementing leftovers that students were taking home from the school kitchens. She also sold packets of fertiliser and seeds to students whose families were trying to grow their own food at home. While helping those families, Daphne was also getting a little more pocket change for her own use.

To most wizarding families in Britain, the Greengrass family were the traditional purebloods, with a formal, aristocratic air around them. While they weren't aligned with any faction in the Wizengamot, they were respected for being objective. It had helped that the Greengrass family had dealings with various sides in the past. Being owners of several farms and tree nurseries, the Greengrasses earned a living supplying potions ingredients, food, and magic-compatible wood to families and businesses.

However, while some members of the family went into dubious work, or in the case of Leonard Greengrass, dying disgracefully as a Death Eater in the last war, the Greengrasses generally steered away from risk. The less said about Uncle Nigel and his involvement in the 1992 riots in Montreal, Canada, the better. Risks, like getting caught up when the outside world becomes aware of magic and the abuses of power by ignorant wizards.

The Greengrass family motto was "Survival By Any Means," and now it meant surviving the inevitable collapse of the Statute of Secrecy. If it meant adapting to the outside world and its technology, then so be it. If it meant not voting for further enforcement of the Statue? Fine. If it meant quietly helping the muggles while bending the Statute? Good, plus it might lead to further long-term business once the Statue fell.

Ever since taking headship of the family, Cyrus had seen the writing on the wall for traditional Pureblood ideology and had done what he could to secure his family's future. With the war with the Abyssals, several of his farms were supplying food to Muggleborns and their families, urging them to quietly help their neighbours deal with the rationing. Evelyn, who was talented at Arithmancy and runes, worked with a half-blood expatriate from Japan in making alarms systems to alert families of threats like dementors or other dark creatures, though no one was sure if it could detect Abyssals.

Indeed, there was muggle technology at the Greengrass residences, though all were kept away from public areas of their home, to avoid nosy visitors from the Ministry and comments from prejudiced Purebloods. Cyrus privately chuckled that he may be the first pureblood head to have internet access, not that anyone knew better. Of course, Astoria had taken to the internet perhaps too quickly and was addicted to playing a game called World of Warships.

Cyrus had kept links with the Squibs in the extended family, many of whom had left Britain for greener pastures and better prospects. In contrast to families like the Blacks, who tended to cast out squibs and other undesirables, the Greengrasses kept ties with their squib members, who were their eyes and ears to the outside world. One even joined the Royal Canadian Navy, and it was through that relative that he and his family became aware of the Shipgirls.

"So, Daphne," her father continued, "You wrote that you've met Harry Potter, right?"

Daphne nodded, "I haven't really talked to him, but we are on decent terms." While they rarely spoke to one another, Harry was aware that she wasn't a female Malfoy in personality. "And yes, he apparently got adopted by the battleship Nagato."

Cyrus took out the latest copy of "Janes's Shipgirls," a gift from his Canadian Squib relative, which featured profiles of the shipgirls and their original hull forms. He soon turned to the page on the Battleship Nagato and read. He whistled at the appearance of Nagato, both her human form and ship form. His wife was reading out the battleship's specification, also impressed by Harry's mother.

"I guess he lives in Japan, then," Evelyn remarked.

"At Yokosuka Naval Base," Daphne answered, "he's good friends with alot of shipgirls." Ah yes, all those shipgirls that visited, plus another one that lived closer to home.

Cyrus frowned, "And you said he is the brother of two abyssals?"

Daphne nodded again. "Remember that Abyssal Princess that Uncle Daniel said was recovered in the Aleutians? Apparently she was named "Hoppou" and got adopted by Nagato."

"What about the other one?" Daphne's mother asked.

"I overheard something about her being sister to Hoppou, and thus considering Harry as a brother. I heard rumours that Hagrid was attracted to her."

Daphne's parents thought about that for a moment, then shrugged while trying to avoid imagining Hagrid kissing an Abyssal. Having encountered Hagrid during their Hogwarts years, they weren't surprised that the gameskeeper would be enamoured with a dangerous being.

Daphne then spoke up, "Oh, and I believe one of my classmates is a shipgirl herself."

Her parents looked very interested at that. "Who?" asked her father.

"Hermione Granger, or possibly HMS Hermione Granger," Daphne replied. "She kinda gave it away throughout the year, but very few people noticed the signs." She started to count. "First, when we floated to the castle across the lake, her boat fell behind, like it was carrying something really heavy. Then, I noticed she ate a lot at mealtime. It wasn't all at once like Ronald Weasley, but she ate constantly throughout the feast. Then, I overheard her talking about teaching her fifteen sisters how to ski."

Cyrus quirked an eyebrow, "I'm guessing you kept this to yourself?"

"Of course. It's her choice to tell people she is a shipgirl. Besides, part of me wants to see if Draco is stupid enough to piss her off."

"Language, dear," chided Evelyn.

"But anyways, I felt it's more entertaining to her see try to hide that side of her at school."

Cyrus then asked, "Are you thinking of being open friends with Harry and his companions?"

Daphne shook her head, "Not for now. I think it's better to keep things quiet. I don't need Malfoy mouthing out about house traitors and other nonsense in the dorms. Besides, Harry gets into way too many shenanigans, especially when shipgirls are around," She grimaced. Having some experience on the internet, she learned about memes, as well as anime; needless to say, she was bemused when Harry got several Seventh years to make that... evil rabbit thing. "Especially when he is bored."

Cyrus chuckled at that, remembering some of the stories Daniel mentioned about bored sailors in Canada.

 

[darthcourt10]

mikelima777

If anyone is wondering what Nigel was doing...

_____________________

Mrs. Samantha Greengrass was fuming as she paced back and forth in the detention centre, while the Auror on duty looked bemused. The Auror who accompanied Mrs. Greengrass was amused by the situation. A muggleborn, the Auror had grown up watching hockey, and knew how seriously the sport was taken by Canada's muggle population.

Mrs. Greengrass stopped pacing as a familiar face was dragged out by two guards, still inebriated as he stumbled forwards. Nigel Greengrass was dressed in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, stained by beer and some blood

She strode forward looking more like a raging bull. Nigel meanwhile started to realize the trouble he was in, but couldn't get away. She grabbed his jersey and held him firmly.

"Let me get this straight: you're still depressed the Leafs lost to the Kings, so you got drunk watching the Canadiens win the Finals. Then, you apparated to Montreal despite being drunk, where you met some drunk Habs fans and insulted their team. Then, a fight broke out, and that became the riots we saw on the news."

Nigel winced.

"Not so loud!"

Then he winced as his wife dragged him by the ear.

"Okay, mister, you are going to sleep on the couch until I say otherwise. And you are going have to fix the backyard, without Magic! AND SEND AN APOLOGY TO THE WIZARDING MAYOR OF MONTREAL AND THE WIZENGAMOT FOR THIS EMBARASSMENT!!!"

The Aurors simply walked away to do other tasks, all thinking, Nope, nope, I'm not paid enough to listen to this trainwreck!

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 7


__________


When a hostess had come to tell her that the end of her reserved time would come a week later, Prydwen felt the temptation to extend her stay. It was unfortunate that she was a responsible vassal of her king and that she had progress to achieve to further the path of her quest. To ready herself for the long march home, she requested for provisions to be prepared.

So it was that when she left to return to her emplacement on the western shore, Prydwen was sent off with a promise that an engraving featuring her likeness would be placed within the bath she had used. They had even given her a 'honored customer' certificate and seen her off at their door. And as well wishes of "Come back sometime and spend more!" and "Next time bring some friends along!" came from behind her, Prydwen smiled, knowing there were such nice people in the world.

Even her inhabitants were unified in joy, though she didn't know that it was because they didn't possess the patience of a castle and had had enough of hotsprings for a lifetime instead of being happy to be on the quest again.
__________

While there were still factions within her walls, their positions and principles had shifted somewhat.
Mordred wished to lead his group to show Arthur upon his return, that he had what it took to be worthy of kingship.
Percival was willing to let this state of things be while judging and criticising Mordred's decisions.
Guinevere was seasonally decorating the castle.
Lancelot was arranging tournaments to train soldiers and knights alike.
Tristan was happy that the quarreling would no longer distract Prydwen from her quest.
Merlin was still doing his own thing, while also staying an enemy to all maidens everywhere.
__________

"The next topic I wish to speak about is the great migration of 822, where the western parts of Britain were almost deserted by magical creatures in their entirety. While many suspect a hidden conspiracy by some wizard circle to drive away competitors by way of resource deprivation, it might also have been a natural disaster of great proportions. It's true source may never be determined and in itself is not important, but it was the way this tragedy deprived potion brewers of common ingredients via raising their prices to intolerable levels, that forced them to develop new and cheaper ways to brew replacements for potions that were now unsustainable by the current markets."

- Bartholow Davis in 'Progression of Potions - how scarcity brewed evolution', published 1678.
__________

It was some years of unsuccessful tests later, that Sir Kay remarked on the problem seeming to be that any castle would sink to the bottom of the sea like fruits fell from trees. His proposed solution of just putting Camelot on something that fell upward instead of downward was met with silence, then Merlin stole her shield and locked himself inside his rooms.

Prydwen was notably distressed about losing the Prydwen part of Prydwen/Camelot. Despite Tristan's efforts to console and comfort her, she fell into a slump she only left when her great enemy fell upon her. And if she went on a great hunt with maybe a bit more zeal than necessary, it lifted her mood greatly to imagine her prey as Merlin.

Her renewed stockpile of preserved meat and magical reagents was greater than anytime for the next 100 years.
__________

AN:

Anyone else notice how Prydwen is an irresponsible hypocrite? It's going to keep happening.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Much to various peoples dismay, it took the better part of two hours, and about a half-dozen wizards and witches, to disable whatever spell had blocked access to 9 3/4. By the time that all was said and done, the train had long gone by the time that Nagato had exited back on the Kings Cross section of the Station. Quickly making her way over, she pulled her son into a hug. "I'm glad that you're alright, Harry." As Molly was doing the same beside her, Nagato looked up at Naka who stood there with a slight smirk. "Thank you, Naka, for taking care of them."

Molly also looked up then and gave a nod. "Yes, thank you for that dearie." She then frowned down at her youngest son. "Honestly, Ron! Taking your father's car to Hogwarts? Whatever were you thinking!?"

Embarrassed, Ron looked away with a small huff. "I wasn't actually going to, I was just thinking of ways we could get to school."

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the raised eyebrow that Warspite was giving him and felt his ears burn as he knew she was not fooled in the slightest. However, then the Battleship gave a nod before patting Molly on the back. "I suppose that we should be happy that he only considered it before discarding it, right, Ronald?" At his nod, she continued. "Besides, he was coming up with plans which is something that we should be thankful for."

Frowning, Molly turned her attention onto Warspite. After a moment though, the red haired witch gave a sigh. "I suppose so. But now we need to figure out how to get you two to Hogwarts." Giving it some thought, she turned to where her husband was talking with another Ministry worker. "I suppose that if the Ministry doesn't come up with a way, we could take the Floo."

Due to being turned away, she missed the wince from not just Harry, but also Nagato at that. Clearing her throat, Nagato grabbed Molly's attention. "I'm not too comfortable with that after what happened last time, and especially after what just happened now." Seeing the look on Molly's face though, she shook her head. "But maybe later I can speak to whoever makes the Floo powder? Just to settle some worries."

Much to Nagato's confusion though, Molly gave a chuckle. At the confusion from her and the others, the Weasley Matriarch shook her head. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Nagato. Floo powder is made by Floo Pow here with their headquarters in Diagon. But no one ever answers the door and no one knows anyone who works there. It's also secret how they make it."

Several moments passed as they stared at her with even Warspite seeming to be surprised. Clearing her throat, Isokaze gave Molly a unsure smile. "Um, wait. You mean that no one knows who actually makes it, or how? They've never met or even talked to anyone that makes it?"

With a hum, Molly nodded some. "That's right. You would not believe how many people get hurt trying to make their own Floo powder. Honestly! It's just two Sickles a scoop and all you need to do is send a order through the mail and they'll mail you what you need! And there's never been a shortage, either."

That got her stares, but before they could say anything Arthur walked over and rubbed his hands together with a small grin. "Right then! I got some good news for everyone, apparently someone got in contact with the Ministry and they've sent a number of cars for us all to take to Hogwarts."

Needless to say, the shipgirls shared a look before Nagato turned towards Arthur with a small smile. "So then, I don't suppose that we couldn't go with them? Just to make sure that they're safe?"

Somewhat surprised, Arthur finally chuckled a bit. "I don't think that anyone will have a problem with that, Nagato. Quite the opposite in fact! And as it will give you a chance to get home a bit quicker as well I suppose."

As she nodded, Nagato took up position beside her son as Warspite did the same with Ron as the two boys began to push their carts. As they continued, the other shipgirls fell in much to Arthur's amusement, though Molly only nodded as Haruna took up the back with Rose, and Naka at the front and the Destroyers at either side. She was never going to say no to her son being more protected. While Molly and Arthur hurried on ahead a bit, Naka muttered to low enough for the others to hear. "So... I guess that is a thing with Floo powder..."

Pinching her nose, Nagato gave a small nod. "It makes it less likely for me to use it in the future. Not only do they not know what is in it or how it's made, but no one has ever seen whoever it is that makes it. A complete mystery... I will never understand these people."

Confused, Ron looked between them before looking up at Warspite. "Uh... what's the problem?"

Warspite just gave him a smile as she patted his shoulder. "Just a matter of security, Ronald. Perhaps we're all just a bit paranoid about such things."

Seeing Harry nod in agreement, Ron finally just shrugged. After all, if Warspite said so, then he believed her and that was that. Upon reaching the cars though, Haruna gave a happy gasp. "Look, Rose-Chan! Those are Rolls-Royce Phantoms!"

Eyes wide, the tsukumogami only nodded in astonishment as a man in an emerald, velvet suit got out and opened one of the doors. At another car, a similarly dressed man was helping a muggleborn student with his luggage and getting it into the trunk. "O-oh my! I didn't expect to be riding in such a fine vehicle, Haruna!"

In front of them, Harry scratched his cheek as he listened to the two go on about the cars they were going to use. 'Huh. You know, I wonder how Haruna-Oba and Rose will react when they see the cars in that garage I own?'

Reaching the car, Naka gave a nod as the valet took Harry's luggage and began putting it away alongside Ron's. Poking her head into the car, the Light Cruiser blinked and then smiled widely. "Okay, I am now officially impressed." Still chuckling, she got inside and sat down, partially spawled out over one of the seats. "You know what? Now this is what I call travelling in style. Perfect for an Idol."

With a slight smirk, Nagato shook her head. "Don't get too used to it, Naka."

Meanwhile, Ron helped Warspite into the car not noticing the small blush on her face. However, there was also a pleased smile there as well. "Thank you, Ronald."

As Ron just shrugged, Molly looked on from the side with some pride shown on her face. 'Arthur was right to allow this. Oh Ron, I am so glad that you met her with the man you are becoming.'

Once they were all inside, with the doors shut, they were off to Hogwarts. It didn't take long for the cars to exit London since they were able to fit through spaces that even bicycles found impossible, something that made Isokaze shake her head. "This is amazing. Can you imagine if we could get this on something else? Such as an armored vehicle?"

Slowly, Nagato gave a small nod as she watched Ron doze off and lean against Warspite. "Perhaps, but that doesn't, matter at the moment."

Placing an arm around Ron, Warspite could only smile though she had some redness in her cheeks. "Quite. Let's just enjoy our ride, shall we?"

With a yawn, Harry nodded some as exhaustion began to creep up on him. "Yeah, that sounds good." Blinking, the black haired boy turned to the Destroyer next to him with a small frown. "Um, Hamakaze-Chan? Is it okay if I lean against you."

There was a light dusting of a blush on Hamakaze's cheeks as she nodded. "Of course, Harry-San. I don't mind if you need to do so." Several minutes later though, she pointingly ignored the small grin on Isokaze's face as Harry slept on her shoulder.
_______________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, over in Washington, Gale was rubbing her eyes tiredly as Kirishima closed the door to her quarters. "They gone yet?"

Kirishima grimaced a bit before nodding as she adjusted her glasses. "Hai, they're gone and they took those two with them." Eyes softening as she turned her attention onto Gale, Kirishima walked over to her. "How are you doing?"

A humourless chuckle escaped from the woman as she shook her head. "How am I doing? Two idiot wizards just popped into my quarters with plans to drug me in order to make me break up with Wash. All out of some dumb fucking idea that doing so and making Wash think I hated her would make her more likely to listen to them about that piece of shit they call the Statute of Secrecy... If you didn't show up... Fuck!" The Battleship jumped a bit as Gale snarled. "Fuck, fuck, fuck! I am so not fucking okay it's not even funny."

Only nodding, Kirishima walked over to the coffee machine and paused for a moment. Looking between the water in the machine and the coffee, she sighed a bit. "Would you like some tea?"

Looking up, Gale followed her gaze and stared at the machine for several moments. "Great, now I can't be sure that they didn't fuck with anything. Shit... I don't need tea, I need something to get shitfaced on and try to forget this for a while."

Moments later though, she smelt something and looked up to find Kirishima standing in front of her with a cup of tea. "Well then, Gale-San, I think that I can do both."

Just blinking, the woman stared at her before chuckling weakly and taking the offered drink. "Thanks, but I think that I'll have just one. The Admiral is going to want to know what happened and I know that's something that I am not looking forward to."

Watching as Gale took a sip, Kirishima sat down close to her and shifted a bit. "Do..." When Gale turned towards her, the Battleship took a deep breath. "Would you like for me to accompany you? Just in case."

Eyebrows raising some in surprise, Gale gave a thin smile before nodding. "Thanks, I appreciate it and I'll take you up on it." Taking another sip of her drink and feeling herself calm down some, Gale hummed. "You know... I'd like to know some things about what just happened."

In reply, Kirishima glanced away. "Ah, well, if it's about the two hooligans, they'll not going to have a fun time. The American magicals frown deeply on messing with non-magicals and I would not like to be them. Even though what they had planned would have no doubt failed."

Snorting, Gale shook her head. "I only wish that I could believe that."

On the Battleship's face there was just a small smirk. "Well, I do and by my calculations you would have overcome any effects. The Aurors believed much the same thing as the potion they were using works only on those with weak wills to begin with, something that you do not have."

Lips twitching a bit, Gale rolled her eyes. "Sure, what the fuck ever." Sipping a bit more, she let out a sigh. "But not really what I wanted to know, Kirishima." A frown on her face, Gale turned towards Kirishima. "Rather, what the heck were you doing here in the first place that you caught them. Not that I mind, but..."

Much to her bemusement, Kirishima blushed some and coughed. "I... had a bad feeling that something was going to happen to you. So I decided to place a guard and be nearby."

Humming, Gale turned her head towards a nearby window where she could see two of Kirishima's fairies watching her back. "I see. Thank you." Due to both her exhaustion and emotional state, Gale was unable to stop the next words that tumbled out of her mouth. "I guess that a small part of me is surprised that you did so."

Within seconds, the woman cringed as she realized what she had said. Despite knowing already, she looked at Kirishima who was not staring at her with an expression that was a mixture of shock and more then a little bit of hurt. "I... how could you think such a thing of me?"

Quickly, Gale reached over and grabbed the Kongou's arm. "I didn't mean it like that, Kirishima. I mean, fuck..." Looking at the cup, she sighed and drained the rest before setting it aside. "Okay, right now I am a bit messed up. I'm tired, in a state of shock and... fucking hell, I'm scared, Kirishima. I just had my home broken into by two chucklefucks who wanted to mess with my head. Just..."

Expression softening, Kirishima only nodded as she leaned down some. "Take your time, Gale-San."

Taking a deep breath, Gale soon let it out and looked at her directly. "Okay... Kirishima, I'm not stupid. I've seen the looks that you've given Wash and I know for a fact that you care for her as much as I do. Maybe it says something about me, but I don't know if I was in your place that I wouldn't have considered, even for a moment, letting it happen. If only so that I could have a chance myself."

Much to Gale's surprise, Kirishima shook her head and her eyeglasses glinted. "No, I know that you wouldn't have done that, Gale-San. You're too good a person to allow such a thing to happen."

Weakly chuckling, Gale waved her off. "That makes one of us, I guess." A small smile on her face, she shook her head. "So you didn't consider it? At all?"

Blushing, Kirishima shook her head. "No, of course not! I could never do that to Wash-Chan, or to you." Taking her glasses off, she began to clean them as she looked away. "I... have far too much respect for you both and I also care for you..." Suddenly stiffening, Kirishima gave her a smile and put her glasses back on. "Heh, I mean, you are a friend after all."

Slowly, Gale raised an eyebrow. "A friend, huh?" Only shaking her head, Gale sighed. "Heh, thanks I guess. You're a friend as well." Getting to her feet, she walked over to her dresser and began to pull out some clothes. "Anyways, I'm need to get dressed for when I meet with Williams."

Also getting to her feet, Kirishima nodded some even though there was a faint blush on her cheeks. "Of course, I'll leave you to it then, Gale-San."

Just as she was walking past Gale, the woman reached out and grabbed Kirishima's wrist. "Look, uh, Kirishima? Mind waiting just on the other side of the door?"

There was an understanding look in Kirishima's eyes as she nodded. "Of course, no need to even ask."

Unknown to the Battleship, Gale was giving her a look while in her head several pieces began to slide into place. 'I wonder... I suppose that I will be needing to have a talk with Wash when she gets back from patrol.'

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 8

__________

Merlin knew he would in due time regret taking the shield and running off with it, while not saying anything. It was however not now and as such he felt confident that future him could handle it. Sir Kay's idea had merit, but the upwards falling object would also need to be able to withstand the weight of Camelot, which meant that it was imperative to produce it out of the most durable material at hand, and that was whatever metal Prydwen was made out of.

It was most certainly magical in nature, as no normal metal had an undyed color of a deep blue that was found on swords like Excalibur and Arondight or the shield that was Prydwen. While he didn't know how to possibly replicate it yet, Merlin certainly loved a good riddle. He assumed the magical part was of Fae nature, but you could never be too sure with them. For all he knew they could have cribbed the knowledge of how to make this metal from the dwarves or gnomes and then laughed at anyone trying to make it with Fae magic.
__________

Merlin wasn't quite sure how much time had passed, but at least he had made progress. He confirmed the magic in the metal to be Fae based when it's tinge was distinctly the same one he now possessed, even if it was changed somewhat compared to when he had lived. He could also say with surety that the magic was applied before the metal was forged into shape.
__________

The revelation that the creation started by infusing Fae magic into the ore even before smelting it came after extensive testing proved that doing so after smelting failed for all metals except gold. This meant that it had to be some sort of alloy, but there were many possibilities of metals and ratios. Thankfully it wasn't iron based, as the ore had refused to be infused with Fae magic, so he could cross everything related to that off his list.
__________

Progress had halted somewhat when no alloy he tried to make had even slightly different coloration compared to its non magical counterpart. So he looked over his sample and decided that he should probably test if the golden lines on it where important beyond mere decorations, Merlin could admit that it was possible he should have considered this sooner.
__________

Filling the depressions he had carved into his test alloys with infused gold changed the metal's color all right, into black so dark it shined as if it were glowing, he didn't know how something like that could even work, but here it was. The gold had interestingly enough turned a glowing and pulsing red. All in all that test gave off a bad enough feeling, that he had destroyed it without hesitation. When it happened for all his tests, Merlin admitted that this might not be how it was done.
__________

His success came when he made forms that included depressed lines from the beginning and then filled those with gold. Seeing which alloys changed to a blue coloration allowed him to soon enough narrow Prydwen's metal down to some variation of bronze. It didn't take him long until he found the exact ratios he needed to replicate the blue he wanted.

Armed with achieving something great, Merlin left his rooms to rub his genius in the faces of everybody else. The sight he saw after leaving his rooms however forced him to question how much time he had spent on this, that it allowed his apprentice's mind to regress so deep into idiocy. And so he asked Prydwen what she hoped to accomplish by hard boiling the egg of a dragon, a species that hatched it's eggs in blazing flames too hot for most to be even near.

When she 'Ohh!'ed in enlightenment and said that "It seemed like a good idea at the time", he felt something, and while he couldn't describe exactly what he felt, Merlin just knew it was that feeling Arthur gave off after some of his own admittedly bad decisions.
__________

AN:
Prydwen, no!

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

At what he was just told, Harry looked up from the book he was reading as Nagato was reading beside him with her arm over his shoulders. "We're nearly there?"

Chuckling, Arthur shut the small window to the driver's area with a small squelch sound being heard from it. "We're about an hour away from Hogwarts, yes." Getting a nod from Nagato, he raised an eyebrow as he watched Harry turn back to his book. "What sort of book are you reading."

Eyes still on the page, Harry smiled a bit. "It's something that my biological Mum left for me. Right now I am looking at a spell she modified for the war called Aguamenti."

It took a few moments, but Arthur winced a bit as he guess what it likely was. "Ah, yes... that spell."

That got him a raised eyebrow from Isokaze from where her and Hamakaze had been talking. "Aguamenti? What sort of spell is that?"

With a sigh, Arthur leaned back and glanced at Molly who shook her head. "Aguamenti is a charm normally taught in NEWT classes. What it does is create a jet of water, somewhat like a Muggle firehose. It's often used to douse fires, especially out of control ones which it was designed to do."

Harry gave a nod as he pushed his reading glasses up his nose. "Yeah, my biological Mum wrote that it was used to extinguish fires set by Death Eaters. But she also used it during fighting."

Now interested, Ron looked up. "Wait, she used in fights? How? I mean, I've seen Mum use it for watering and stuff. And Dad used it to clean the car once when it was really muddy, but still."

Frowning, Warspite hummed as she looked up at the car ceiling from the game of chess that her and Ron were playing. "If it acts like a firehose, then I suppose that it could be used for non-lethal take downs. Use the strength of the water to knock an opponent off their feet and such."

A grimace on his face, Arthur shook his head. "While true, Lily... took it to higher levels." Seeing the interested looks, he sighed a bit. "Now, this is all second hand as I did not see her use said spell myself. Lily was able to do something to the stream. Instead of the normal spray, it came out as a... jet, I suppose. A very thin one that could be as big around as one's finger. Somehow, it was able to drill and carve through obstacles or... even other things." Once more, he shook his head. "Lily once used it on a giant with... rather disturbing results as it bypassed their normal magical resistance."

It was not Nagato's turn to grimace as did other shipgirls at the image they got as they could well imagine what. After a few moments, Naka shook her head. "Is that normal?"

Leaning back, Arthur ignored the looks that Molly was giving him and frowned. "Most wizards and witches, I suppose, lack creativity to use more... mundane spells in such a way, thankfully. But someone who has taken a spell, and mastered it, can manipulate it in ways that can be quite dangerous. There was a Muggleborn who worked as a cleaning lady in the Ministry at the time. One day, the Death Eaters attacked her at her home and she managed to buy enough time for her grandchildren to get out before they killed her. When I arrived though, we discovered she also killed a number of the Death Eaters in return using cleaning charms." At their looks, a shudder ran through him. "Some of them were nothing more then clean robes and masks... and clean, polished bone. She also used Tergeo to suck all the liquid out of others. Inventive... but horrifying."

With a frown, Harry looked down at the book and cleared his throat. "Um, Mr. Weasley? But that version of the spell you mention my biological Mum as using isn't the one listed here."

Only sighing, Arthur nodded slowly. "I was rather afraid of that and would ask that you don't use it until you are much more experienced."

Eyes narrowing, Nagato looked between them and frowned. "What sort of spell is it? Harry?"

Shifting a bit, the black haired boy scratched the back of his neck. "Um, she was able to find a way to spray more then water from her wand? Such as... er..." At the raised eyebrow, he chuckled weakly. "Jet fuel she used to spray down Inferi with? With my Dad hitting them after with an explosive charm or firestarting one?"

For several moments there was utter silence before every shipgirl there winced. Even Ron flinched a bit as he had an idea how bad that would be. "Mate? Your birth Mum was bloody insane."

All Harry did though was shrug as Warspite flicked Ron in the ear while chiding him for his language. "Yeah, but kind of cool I guess."

Meanwhile, Nagato was taking a few breaths to calm herself. She wasn't about to take away said books as they were one of the few connections he had with his birth mother, but she was going to lay down some ground rules. Such as waiting until he was older, hopefully much older, before doing so. Another was to never, ever let Inazuma even see said spell if she could, somehow, learn magic. Mainly because she did not want to deal with Tenryuu afterwards.
____________________________________________________________________

The snake portion of her body coiled around into a seat, Shiromizu smiled a bit at Natsumi who kept shifting and muttering. Currently in her normal form, Natsumi's ears kept twitching as did her tail while glancing at the owl box on the floor of Harry's room. "You know that Harry said that he was going to send you a letter as soon as he got to Hogwarts. And Harry never breaks promises like that."

Frowning, Natsumi gave a small glare at the lamia-like being across from her before huffing. "I know, I know. But still. I just want to make sure that Harry-Chan got to Hogwarts okay."

With a small hum, Shiromizu took a drink of her tea (while internally frowning as it was nothing compared to Rose's tea) before moving her piece on the Backgammon Board. "I'm sure that he did make it just fine, Natsumi-San. Harry will be perfectly alright."

Eyes narrowing a bit, Natsumi huffed. "Considering last year? And what's already happened? I think that I have every right to be worried."

Slowly, the snake woman nodded some. "Hmm... I suppose that you do have a point, Natsumi-San. But I trust my Otouto to get through anything that comes his way. Even this, and so should you."

That got her an odd look from Natsumi who shook her head as she rolled her dice. "You have no idea how wierd it is that you see him as a Otouto."

Chuckling, Shiromizu smiled softly with a warm look in her eyes. "Perhaps, but then is it so unexpected? Harry has taken care of me for so long, gifted me so much in the years that I've known him. He is my best friend in the world outside my Onee-Sama back where I was born, but like her, he's more then that. Far more, because somehow he's become the Otouto that I've always wanted."

Interested, Natsumi leaned against one closed fist as she watched Shiromizu make her move. "You really do believe that, don't you? That's... wow."

Shiromizu paused for a moment and then shrugged. "There was really only two ways that things could have gone. Unless..." Looking up, there was a twinkle in Shiromizu's eyes. "You would rather that I fell in love with him as a woman does a man?"

Much to her amusement, a scowl crossed Natsumi's face before the kitsune glared at her and snarked a bit. "No, thank you. Though I think that you wouldn't be much of a rival."

With a smirk, Shiromizu placed one hand on her chest in a gesture that had no need for explanation. "Oh, I don't know about that, Natsumi-San. I feel like I could be far... bigger, a rival then you might expect if things had gone that way." At the scowl growing, she laughed a bit. "But you don't need to worry about that from me. I'm not in the least bit interested in him besides the normal way a Onee-San would be."

Expression softening, Natsumi sighed. "I suppose so... And you did prove it last year with the whole..."

As Natsumi waved around a hand, it was now Shiromizu's turn to scowl. "And trust me, next time we meet this 'Voldemort' will regret threatening Harry far more then he has. Because that time, I won't let him escape." Eyes now hard and cold as rubies. Shiromizu hissed in a way which made a shiver go down Natsumi's back. "No one harms him and gets away with it, no one."

Holding up her hands, Natsumi gave a nod. "Agreed. Just calm down a bit, after all that is why Oba-Chan is training the both of us. So that we can stand beside Harry-Chan when the day comes."

Slowly relaxing as asked, Shiromizu nodded some. "Of course, pardon me." A number of more minutes passed before the snake woman noticed that Natsumi was once more glancing towards the owl box and smirked. "You know..." She waited until the twelve year old across from her looked up. "You could just shift to your fox form one of these times. Then you could go through there and cuddle up to him, Harry wouldn't mind a furry little cuddlebuddy after all."

Face now completely red, Natsumi sputtered at the images that ran through her mind. "You... He... That is..."

Grinning, Shiromizu's eyes seemed to glow in amusement. "Of course, that is assuming that you don't just sneak through and then get back before he wakes up. All in the hopes that he does not notice a rather lovely fox keeping an eye on him. Or snuggling up to him in his bed in the cold nights of the Scottish Highlands, keeping him warm..." By now, the blush had spread past Natsumi's face and down her neck. Shiromizu was sure that if she could see it, it likely was turning into a full body one. "My, my, I only meant as friends. You wouldn't happen to be having... naughty thoughts, about poor, sweet, pure Harry-Chan? Then again, you are at that age I suppose that one starts having such thoughts and so it should be expected. Yet another thing for his Onee-Sama to protect him from."

Only sputtering and stuttering, it took a bit before Natsumi could respond. Which involved her pointing a shaking finger at Shiromizu. "Ero-Hebi!"

In reply, all Shiromizu did was shake her head before smirking. "My, my, what is the saying in English? 'I Think that the Lady doth protest too much'?" Getting more sputters, she pulled out a fan from somewhere and flipped it open to hide much of her face. "Fufufufufu."

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 9

__________

For reasons Prydwen honestly couldn't name, she felt that Merlin had no right to lecture her about needing some sort of responsible caretaker for times he wouldn't be able to watch over her. And so he had claimed that it was time to find her a familiar that could keep her 'trouble-making nature' in check, at this point Guinevere chimed in and demanded that it had to be a fitting companion for a lady, like a cat or something. Lancelot allied with Percival and argued that it had to be a mount to ride into battle or a helper for the hunt, like a dog or something. Merlin however advised her to make it something magical with enough of a mind to help her in rituals and to search for reagents, like an elder beast or something.

Prydwen herself didn't know where to look for something that could possibly be a compromise all of them would accept, and as such decided that she would travel the Isle in search for a familiar that would let her shut Merlin up at will, even if she fully expected to be disappointed in regards to this.
__________

As she considered the cowering creature in front of her, Prydwen decided that despite Guinevere's wishes she would not make a cait sith into a familiar. It was a Fae after all and thus incredibly untrustworthy. When she preempted Lancelot that no, she would also not look for cu sith, she could feel his lowered spirits. Oh well, it was merely half a year yet, and she had already searched the south in its entirety, so she turned northward and continued her search.

Behind her the shivering Fae cat wondered why a daughter of the Great one was walking the land instead of riding the waves. The most disturbing thing in this encounter had been when she shifted her eyes between him and the piece of grilled meat in her hands in a contemplating manner. Yes, best to forget this ever happened.
__________

It was in a forest clearing in an enclosed valley, that Prydwen encountered her future familiar. It was a majestic beast with pristine fur the color of fresh snow, with a lush mane and a voluminous tail that flew in the wind like the banner of a great king, with black eyes that spoke of wisdom, claws that showed its nature as a hunter. It rested on the body of the dragon it had slayn, guarding it's prey with vigilance against any that would claim its prize.

While it's size may limit its usefulness as a mount, it had the elegance Guinevere asked for, the grace of a hunter Lancelot and Percival had sought, the intelligence it used to consider her clearly marking it as a beast of great mind and magic, and as such Merlin could not claim it wasn't fit to be his apprentice's familiar. As a bonus it was also some sort of cat...dog...rabbit...thing.

And so she laid out her desire, her quest, and the rewards the beast could receive if it followed her as her familiar. Merlin was kind enough to translate for her until she would bond with the beast, so that she could hear it's answers and it's demands. When it challenged her to a contest of strength, she obliged it.

And so they battled, it was a fight of legends, of myth made manifest, lasting for 3 days and nights, during which both combatants would be covered in an ever increasing number of cuts and bruises. It was truly a shame, that no traveling bardsman witnessed what happened in this struggle of wills. And as the fourth dawn peeked over the horizon, they came under attack by a third party, and over the ensuing battle against her recurring enemy, they made a pact. The beast would travel with her for a time, so that it could judge her to be worthy to become it's master, and in recognition of the strength she had shown in their battle, it would take the title of 'Beast of the Fourth Dawn' or 'Fou'.

And so it was, that when Prydwen left with her new companion riding on her head, that for the first time in time immemorial, peace would come to the Valley of Caerbannog.
__________

AN:
Yes, I went there.

Edit: Fou from Fate/Grand Order
Spoiler

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The first thing that Harry was aware of was a shaking before he finally woke up with a massive yawn. For a few moments he blinked and then frowned a bit as he noticed who was there. "Hermione? What the heck are you doing here? Why?"

Not even stopping once she saw he was sitting up, Hermione hurried over to Ron's bed and started waking the red head up. "No time, you two need to get up and now! Harry, you know the password to the Headmaster's office, right?"

Slowly, Harry nodded as he rolled out of bed and closed his bed's curtains as he pulled in his clothes to get changed. "Yeah, I do. Mum visited him last night and I was with her... But what does that have to do with anything?"

Finally, Ron woke up and sat up with a grunt. "Okay, I'm up, I'm up. What;s the big deal?"

Moments later, he got his pants thrown into his face by Hermione. "Ron, we need to get to the Headmaster's office , now. Something happened and he needs to know. So does your dad, like right now... If neither of them know and I don't think that they'll have been told yet."

That caught both Harry's and Ron's attention and within a few minutes, the two of them were outside the tower and heading towards the Headmaster's office. Having noticed the nervous look on Hermione's face, Harry felt something settle in his stomach. "What happened and how bad?"

Chewing her lip, Hermione took a moment before she answered. "You both know how I'm a shipgirl, right?" After they nodded, she continued. "I also have radio which means that I can contact other shipgirls even from Hogwarts. And... I just got news of something that happened."

Harry raised an eyebrow and nodded as he crossed his arms. "The Light Cruiser Chat Network, right?" Seeing the look he got from her, Harry gave a snort. "I know more then I let on, Hermione. And gossip travels through that network at faster then light speeds."

Just frowning, Hermione grimaced and her next words caused Harry and Ron to stare in disbelief. "There was an attack on a USN military member by some wizards that targetted her specifically. Mainly because she was involved with a shipgirl, so..."

Eyes widening, Harry began to hurry up. "Okay, screw this. We got to get to Dumbledore yesterday! Hopefully he's awake."

It was only minutes later that they reached the Headmaster's office and gave the password. They were about to knock when Dumbledore's voice called out. "Come in." Opening the door, the three students blinked as they were greeted with not just Dumbledore, but the Heads of the Houses. A small smile on his face, Dumbledore leaned forward. "Is something wrong?"

Glancing between them, Harry cleared his throat. "Um, Headmaster? Something happened that you really should know about. I'll probably be getting word in a bit myself but..."

Only raising an eyebrow, Snape gave him a piercing look as his voice was rather dry. "And I suppose that you felt that this... information... was important enough that the Headmaster must listen to it? Or to interrupt a meeting to give it."

Unfazed, Harry just nodded. "Yes, Professor, it is that important. Especially as it's going to be a huge problem."

Snape glanced at Albus and huffed a bit as his expression turned grave. But the Headmaster nodded and Ron raised a hand. "Um, Headmaster? I need to use the Floo as Dad needs to know this too, right now."

That, if anything, told Dumbledore that he was not going to like what he was about to hear. Nodding, he gestured at the small container of Floo powder and Ron took a pinch before tossing it in and putting his head into the flames. He pulled his head out and, several minutes later, Arthur Weasley stepped through and gave a nod to Dumbledore. "Albus, good morning to you."

In reply, Dumbledore gave a nod and then frowned. "I wish that I could say the same, Arthur. But I am afraid that whatever has happened will make sure that it isn't." He then turned his attention onto the three students. "Now then, what seems to be the issue."

Stepping forward, Hermione took a deep breath and then released it. "As I'm sure that you know, I'm a shipgirl, a Natural Born one." While Arthur seemed surprised, he soon relaxed as he noticed how the others reacted. "I've... gotten information from the others over the wireless and it's not good. Victory would have been here, but being as she's among the best experts the Royal Navy has on magic, she was needed elsewhere and we really needed to pass this on."

With a snort, Snape leaned back in the chair. "I must say, Miss Granger, you should be a politician. Never have I heard a student say so much and yet so little."

Blinking, Hermione then shook her head and dropped the bombshell. "Sorry, it's just... Right, the problem is that some wizards targeted a member of the United States Navy due to her relationship with a shipgirl. And, well, the other navies are not reacting well."

For several moments there was utter silence as even the portraits were now staring at her. Finally, Dumbledore took off his glasses and sighed as he pinched his nose. "I was afraid of this happening at some point with someone involved with shipgirls. May I ask what occurred, Miss Granger?"

Unknown to Hermione, she was unconsciously standing at attention which was followed by Harry. Ron though was more at ease as the bushy haired shipgirl began. "I can't give names, but the woman in question is dating a USN Battleship. Apparently the wizards in question were going to, among other things, douse her in potions to manipulate her into breaking up with said Battleship. Mainly in a way to cause distress and then they were going to approach the Battleship and try and convince her to follow the rules of the Statute."

Closing his eyes, Arthur hissed. "Those bloody, fucking morons. I know that the Americans are more obsessed with secrecy then we are, but that..."

Meanwhile, Dumbledore kept his gaze on Hermione. "Did they manage it?"

They relaxed a bit as Hermione shook her head only to groan with her next words. "No, but they were caught in her quarters with her there. It was a rather close thing."

Rubbing the side of his head, Arthur softly sighed. "It's too early for this, but at least it wasn't worse." It was then he spotted the wince and felt the floor drop out from beneath him metaphorically. "How..."

Only rubbing her arm, Hermione took a deep breath. "There's rumors that one of them, the Battleship or the woman, are pregnant with the other's child. I don't know the truth, but..."

Dumbledore frowned in thought before humming. "I was unaware such a thing was possible. There are potions that can allow for such, but I doubt that they were used here." At the surprised looks he got from the three students, he chuckled. "They were created originally to help those couples unable to conceive through normal ways. It was discovered though that they also allowed for such things as two witches to have a child together." That only got Dumbledore small nods before he turned towards Harry. "Mister Potter, if I am allowed to know, what sort of reactions might I be seeing from your home?"

Scratching his head, Harry frowned as he considered what he could tell before finally shrugging. "There's going to be a lot more security for a while and anyone you send will likely get watched. I think that those more knowledgable would set something up, so, um... best not try to sneak in or surprise anyone there by showing up unannounced. Not that it would have been a good idea anyways."

The Headmaster considered that for a few moments before turning to the teachers with a grave expression. "I'm afraid that I need to end our meeting here. There's much that needs to be done at the moment."

All Fillius did was wave him off. "Not a problem, Headmaster. We have the schdules all sorted out after all and that was the major thing."

Nodding, Sprout gave a small smile to her old friend. "As Fillius said, we're done as it were. We can talk more at the next staff meeting."

Both of them then got up as Albus turned to McGonagall with a sigh. "I hate to do this with such short notice, but I shall need you to handle affairs here at Hogwarts until further notice, Minerva. As I am unsure how long it may take, I may be in and out for some time in the near future. Severus, I may need to consult with you about possible potions that were used." Getting nods, he stood up and frowned. "Arthur, I need you to get in contact with Amelia and inform her of what happened. She will not be pleased I am sure. Meanwhile, I shall be getting in contact with a few people I know in both the Wizengamot and the ICW. Some will be of help in making sure this does not happen here in Britain and the other will be needed on the international level. We need to make sure that nothing exacerbates the situation on our side until everything settles."

Knowing that they were also dismissed, Ron cleared his throat. "Um, well... sorry about you know, dropping this on you."

However, they were waved off by Arthur who sighed. "Much better that we know now, before the news breaks publically. At least we have time to put together a response. Ron, please remind your brothers to keep an eye on Ginny. She's been rather distant recently."

That got him a nod and soon Harry and them were walking back to the tower. Running his hand through his hair, Harry shook his head. "Bloody heck, this is beyond a screw up."

Snorting, Ron shook his head. "Mate, you don't know the half of it. I'd be surprised if heads are not going to roll over this." When Harry shook his head though, Ron blinked. "What? You know something that I don't?"

Just grimacing, Harry sighed. "Yeah... I think that I do." Turning towards Hermione, the Light Cruiser was surprised about Harry's next words. "The woman they attacked... it was Miss Gale, wasn't it?"

Eyes wide, Hermione nodded. "That is the word. But how did you know?"

Rolling his eyes, Harry began to tick off on his fingers. "There's few people dating USN Battleships who are also in the USN. Even fewer are women... in fact I think that Gale is the only one. And it's no secret that everyone has been expecting one of them to get a keel laid in their slipway at some point." At the surprise, he shrugged with a small smirk. "Call me 'Sherlock Holmes', Watson."

That got him a poke from Hermione as Ron was racking his brain trying to figure out what Harry was getting at. "So, um, how bad?"

Harry turned to him and grimaced."Kirishima-Oba likes them both, which means that Kongou-Oba, Hiei-Oba, and Haruna-Oba are also going to be getting involved somehow. Then you have how Aunt Washington is sort of a half-sister I think to the Iowa sisters... or was that the South Dakota sisters?" Tilting his head to the side for a moment, Harry shook his head. "Anyways, this is beyond messed up."

Chewing her lip, Hermione narrowed her eyes as she glared down at the floor. "That's putting it mildly. This is not going to be settled for months."

There were nods from the two boys beside her before they became silent, each with their own thoughts.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Breakfast between the three was rather quiet as each one thought over what had happened. Even when McGonagall gave them their schdules, they only nodded to her before heading to Herbology first period, though Ron did have a quiet word with Ginny. However, he only got a shrug from her in return. None of the three noticed how Ginny was watching Harry as they left though. Walking across the lawn towards the greenhouses, Ron ran his fingers through his hair. "So, uh... that happened. I'm not about to see black helicopters or something around here, am I Hermione?"

Understanding it was a joke, even if there was an undertone of worry, Hermione gave a thin smile. "Sorry, Ron. That's not about to happen." She pretended not to see the relief that flowed through him at her answer. It was then that Hermione spotted something and raised her eyebrows. "There's Professor Sprout."

Within moments, they were at the greenhouse with the plump teacher smiling at the gathered Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. There was some unease there, but she wasn't letting it bother her any as she chuckled. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Let me say that it is a pleasure that I am your first lesson for the year." Opening the door, she gestured for them to enter the warm, humid greenhouse. "Now, come on, don't be shy."

Not having been in this greenhouse before, Harry looked around in interest. Then Professor Sprout began to speak and Harry listened intently. And not just because he was interested in gardening, but also because he knew that more then a few magical plants were extremely dangerous. Especially to the unwary. What he did not expect though was what the subject was. 'Mandrakes?'

At the front of the class, Sprout nodded some at what Hermione just stated. "Miss Granger is quite right. The cry of the actual mandrakes can be quite deadly, though these are currently too young to do much more then knock you out for a few hours. When you would wake up though, you would have the worst headaches of your life. And it would be best if you did not miss your first day back." Clapping her hands, she then gestured towards the earmuffs off to one side. "Now then, each of you need to take one of these..."

Part of Harry was amused that he got a pair of bright pink, fluffy ones and hung them around his neck as he continued to look at the deep trays with had small, spiky shaped leaves sticking out of the soil. 'Do they actually look like what they do in the book? Because that would be weird.'

Having finished her explanation, Sprout then nodded. "Okay everyone, put on your earmuffs now and make sure that they are secured!"

Quickly, Harry did exactly that and blinked as suddenly all sound just vanished from around him. A total absence of sound which made him blink for a moment and he couldn't help the thought that maybe he should get a pair for Jane as she had told him that Arizona had started to teach her the basics of shooting. If he could, he would definitely get her the hot pink, fuzzy ones.

Meanwhile, he if had looked, he would have seen Hermione's fairies slam all doors and windows on her shut. And just in time as Sprout picked up one of the plants and pulled it out to reveal what looked like the ugliest baby that one ever saw. Then Harry noticed that the fingers and toes were enlongated into roots and blinked. 'Huh, so that's a mandrake?'

Sprout though brought it over to a pot and quickly buried it into the soil as eveyone took mental notes before checking. That done, she gave them all a thumbs up and then took off her earmuffs. Once they had them off, she smiled and cleared her throat. "Now then, we'll first prepare the pots for the transplants. Those are them right over there along with the dragon compost. And do be careful about the Venomous Tentacula, it's teething."

With that, she gave a sharp smack to a spiky, dark red plant that was sneaking a tendril over her shoulder. Quickly shaking off any thoughts in regards to that, Harry turned his attention to what needed to be done. Something not helped as a Hufflepuff boy that he recognized, but didn't know the name of joined him, Hermione, and Ron at their tray. Grinning widely, he held out a hand. "Justin Finch-Fletchley. Know who you are, of course, the famous Harry Potter." Then he tilted his head towards Hermione and then Ron. "I also know about you, Hermione Granger. Top of our year in marks and you're Ron Weasley. Your father is in the Ministry, right?"

Glancing at Harry, Ron slowly nodded as he shook the offered hand. "Um, yeah, he works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office."

Only nodding, Justin began working a bit. "Quite, heard all about it from Susan Bones. She's a fellow Hufflepuff you know and her Aunt is the head of the Department of Law Enforcement. Pretty important all said."

Harry narrowed his eyes as he caught Susan Bones, who was within earshot, twitch at her name being mentioned. 'Right, so this is one of those people then. Somehow, I don't see him getting along with her.'

Now smiling, Justin was shaking his head. "Also, your mother is an impressive woman, Harry. Did you know that? And also rather well highly regarded." He didn't notice Harry twitch at that though both Ron and Hermione did before Justin went on about Lockhart. "... I was originally down for Eton, you know. But I am rather glad that I came here in the end. Mother was slightly disappointed you know, but ever since she read some of Professor Lockhart's books she's begun to see how useful a fully trained wizard in the family could be. And it helps that your own mother sent you here as we're sure that you would be in some exclusive school otherwise."

Yet again, Harry twitched and it he had to call upon years of experience of dealing with the children of various politicians and high level corporate types at various events not to show his annoyance. Especially as he knew his mother's opinion of said "Exclusive schools", there being a very good reason why he was just going to the on-base school like the other children. Then an idea struck him and he internally smirked a bit. "You know, I got to wonder..."

Blinking, Justin frowned some. "Wonder what?"

In reply, Harry pointed at the dragon dung compost they were using. "If this stuff is good for gardens, then I have to wonder about unicorn dung. Is it just as good? Because if so then maybe I can ship some back to Japan for Haru-San to use around the Shrine for the various plants."

Lips twitching as she caught on, especially due to the befuddlement on Justin's face, Hermione hummed. "Maybe? You would need to look it up in regards to laws, I would suppose. But it may be something to look at, I guess."

Slowly nodding, Harry shrugged a bit. "Might do that anyways."

Not much more talking took place as soon they needed to use their earmuffs again as it was time to transplant the Mandrakes. Something that Harry was still weirded out by. Mainly due to how they didn't like being taken out of the soil. And yet, at the same time, did not want to be put back in. Harry had to avoid being kicked or punched by their sharp little hands and legs, or bitten as they gnashed their teeth. Eventually though, it was done and the class broke up for the next lesson of the day, which was transfiguration. Looking down at the beetle on his desk, Harry frowned as he tried to keep track of it. "Do you ever wonder if they know?"

Glancing at him, Hermione frowned a bit. "Know what?"

All Harry did was point at the beetle. "That they're about to be turned into buttons? Do they feel anything when it happens? Do they even remember it?"

Somewhat bemused, Hermione transifigured her beetle into a shiny button and got a nod from McGonagall and some points. Then, once the Professor moved on, Hermione continued their conversation. "I don't think that they can remember it, Harry. After all, they're buttons."

Looking up from his own beetle, Ron nodded some. "She's right, Mate. They can't remember anything."

With a snort, Harry shook his head. "And neither should a tea pot, but Rose can remember everything in her long life. So who is to say that a beetle can't?"

That caused both Hermione and Ron to pause for a moment before they blinked. Then Hermione furrowed her eyebrows as she thought back to when she was a ship and frowned. "That's... I would say that it is not quite the same thing, but I don't know if I can."

Simply shrugging, Harry turned back to the beetle and waved his wand, the insect turning silvery. On Ron's other side, Neville, who had been following the conversation, scratched his head. "It would be pretty wierd though, when you think about it. I mean, Gran has some stories about transfiguration accidents and needing to be be turned back. Stuff like the wizards and witches not really remembering what happened and such."

Interested, Hermione frowned a little bit. "I read something about that... Is it because the brain is unable to handle everything anymore, or some other reason?" Getting shrugs, Hermione shook her head and then turned to helping Harry and the others with the lesson. By the end of the class, Harry and Ron both managed to turn their beetles into buttons and back. Neville meanwhile only got his to look like a metallic beetle. Then it was off to lunch and, after, their first DADA class of the year.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Leaning back as he watched Hermione flipping through a small binder, Harry raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong, Hermione?"

Very slowly, the bushy haired witch turned to him and pointed at it. "What... the heck... is this, Harry? Seriously, what am I reading here?"

Now grinning, Harry snickered a bit. "Pure and utter brilliance! That's what it is." He nodded with a hum. "I'm just thankful that I managed to print it off before the original was lost when the forum first crashed. Someone else did, but it just was not the same, especially the comments."

Once more, Hermione turned back to the binder and frowned as she flipped through it. "Harry? This an analysis of the Battle of Denmark Strait. And the way it is written is... well..."

Neville frowned a bit before looking between them. "Battle of Demark Strait?"

Much to his surprise, it was Ron who answered as he munched a bit on a sandwich he had grabbed from the table in the Great Hall. "It was the battle where Bismarck sank Hood back during World War Two." Seeing the looks, he rolled his eyes. "Warspite told me all about it and made it interesting, okay." About to take another bite of his sandwich, Ron paused and frowned. "Wait, isn't that the fanfic from Shipgirls Online which sounds like, um what did that American shipgirl call it?" Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. "Right. 'An examination of a naval battle which made it simulataneously sound like a tragic tryst between a gender confused lesbian and her older rival.'"

Almost immediately, Hermione facepalmed and did so hard enough that the clang of steel against steel could be heard. "Ron... How do you..."

The red head only shrugged. "Malaya said that it was pretty much on the dot description."

Yet again, Hermione only sighed a bit as Harry snickered. Seeing her turn towards him, he held up his hands. "What? It's hilarious. Besides... you really should join the site."

Humming, the Light Cruiser shook her head. "I'm not sure of that, Harry. Dido goes on it all the time as do some of the others, but still. The staff on these kind of sites can be hit or miss."

In reply, Harry snickered. "Don't worry, us Mods are pretty good." At the surprise, Harry pointed at himself. "I'm one of the Moderati on the site."

Tone dry, Hermione gave him a look. "That actually worries me." Then she turned towards Ron. "And since when do you have a internet connection?"

Ron only shook his head. "I don't, but sometimes when I'm with Warspite we go online. There's all sorts of chess things out there."

Just as Hermione was about to say something, Harry frowned and gave Ron a searching look. "Bloody_ChessMaster, right?" Simply grinning, Ron nodded and Harry shook his head. "Right, should have expected that as you share the same IP as Warspite. Thought that it might have been a sock once, but Hood said it wasn't."

Rolling his eyes, Ron scoffed. "Though I guess that sometimes you make bad staff decisions. Like that time you made New Jersey a mod as a joke."

Wincing, the green eyed wizard let out a breath. "Yeah, that was stupid of us. Though we're still not sure how the heck she managed to delete an entire subforum. That should not have been even possible."

Confused, Neville just looked between the three. 'Internet? Forum? Moderati? What are they talking about?'

Meanwhile, Harry shrugged as he continued. "Anyways, we get all sorts on it. Shiromizu has her own account after all. Though she mostly uses it to post pics of her and other snakes wearing hats or scarves. Once she even posted a pic of her wearing a sweater..." He then frowned in thought. "I think that she's even trying to teach Hedwig how to use it."

All the shipgirl of the group did was stare at him. "... Please, please Harry, tell me that you are not serious." Seeing Harry shake his head, her expression became one of disbelief. "How the heck does that even work!? For one thing, Shiromizu is a snake! How is she even posting pictures!? And how would Hedwig manage it!?"

Several moments later, Hermione's eyebrow began to twitch as Harry shrugged. "Shipgirls Online prides ourselves on our diverse population across various countries and races. So you shouldn't be speciest."

Eyebrow twitching something fierce, Hermione took a deep breath. "Harry? I mean, how the heck is she able to work a computer to post due to being a snake. And how does she think that she can manage it with Hedwig."

Blinking, Harry stared at her for a second. "Why didn't you just say so?" Ignoring the grinding, he shook his head. "Anyways, she uses her tail and such to post. And I think she's teaching Hedwig because I've seen both of them in front of the computer... Though I will admit that the picture of Hedwig with a top hat and cloak along with a mask was amazing. Won the recent cosplay contest."

For a while, even Ron and Neville stared at him before Ron only shook his head. It was about then that they all felt themselves being watched and turned to see a mousey haired boy clutching a camera and staring at them. Just as they were about to ask, he swallowed and took a step forward as he turned bright red. "Alright, Harry? I'm Colin Creevey and I;m in Gryffindor too, just a first year but still!"

Nodding, Harry gave him a thumbs up. "Cool. I think that I've seen you at the Sorting last night."

If anything, the boy turned more red and started to stutter. "O-oh, um, right. A-anyways, I was wondering if, maybe, I could take a picture of you?"

Blankly, Harry stared at him for a moment before raising an eyebrow. "You want to take a picture of me?" Leaning forward, he frowned a bit. "Why?"

Eyes bright, Colin smiled. "So that I can prove that I met you! I know all about you, everyone's told me about how you survived You-Know-Who. And that you got a scar from it and everything!" His eyes shot to Harry's forehead and continued on about it. "You're also around shipgirls all the time and your Mum is one too! And a boy in my Dormatory told me that if I use the right potion, that the pictures would move! It's so awesome here, you know? Never knew about magic besides shipgirl, so it was a huge surprise when we got my letter! My Dad's just a milkman, so he couldn't believe it either. So I'm taking loads of photographs home to him." Turning towards the other amused Second Years, he gave a shy smile. "Maybe one of your friends could take one of me standing beside you? A-and maybe you could sign it?"

A loud and scathing voice then rang out. "Signed photos, Potter? Your giving out signed photos?" Just as usual, he had Crabbe and Goyle at either side of him as he sneered. "Hey, everyone! Potter is giving out signed photos!"

Chuckling, Harry shook his head and waved him off. "Sorry, Draco, you'll have to talk with Naka-Nee if you want to set something up like that. She takes care of my PR after all. Also, this isn't a Con, but if you really want one, I am sure that we can make some room for you." He then stuck his tongue out some and made a victory sign in front of his face as he winked. "Hi, hi, Harry-Chan Desu, Little Brother of the Fleet always makes time for his fans!"

Several moments passed as everyone just stared a him in various degrees of exasperation or befuddlement. Mainly Hermione for the first and Draco as well as Crabbe and Goyle for the second while Ron and Neville were simply bemused. Turning towards him, Hermione gave him a glare. "How many times must I tell you not to do that?"

Giving her a wink, Harry grinned. "At least once more!"

Eyebrow raising, Neville gave him a look. "So... wait, you don't actually sign photos? Do you?"

Harry just shrugged in reply and shook his head. "I have before, but that's usually when I'm with Naka-Nee at some Con she's at. Mainly because I'm a common Co-Host for her and do my own things on her channel and on livestream. The Shotacons are sometimes a problem though."

By this point, it was not just Draco who looked utterly lost by the conversation, but a nearby knot of Fifth Year Slytherins that Draco had been using as an audience. Eventually shaking it off, Draco was about to say something when Gilderoy walked up with a bright smile. "Well, hello there everyone! And Harry, we meet again."

Spotting an oppotunity, Draco smirked for a moment. "Professor, Potter here was giving out signed photographs!"

Gilderoy blinked and then gave Harry an interested look. "Really now? Is this true, Harry?" There was a brilliant smile on his face which Harry swore sparkled. "Well, if you want I can give you some tips then, never start too early after all!"

However, Harry only shook his head. "Nope, not giving out signed photographs, Professor. As I told Draco here, if he wants one so badly then he can wait until an official event."

Just as Draco was about to say something, Lockhart nodded and placed his arm around the shoulders of the blonde Slytherin. "Quite right, Harry my dear boy. Smart lad, but here." Reaching into his cloak, he pulled out a signed piece of parchment and gave it to Draco who just stared at it. "If you are collecting autpgraphs, might as well get it out of the way." Patting the Slytherin on the back, he slowly pushed him away. "Looking forward to seeing you all in class after lunch you know."

As Lockhart continued to walk off with Draco, Royal Sovereign walked over to Harry and gave him a small wink. "Nice technique. It takes some time to learn such skills."

Winking, Harry smirked a bit. "Thanks, Naka-Nee taught me all I need to know."

There was a rueful smile on the Battleship's face as she gave a glance at a narrowed eyed Hermione and then walked off with a wave. Looking back and forth, Colin blinked and frowned. "Um..."

Patting him on the back, Harry leaned in. "Ask me later, okay? And I'll see what I can do."

Quickly nodding, Colin noticed the time and began to run off. Behind him, Harry snickered a bit and followed with Hermione and the others alongside him. All of them somewhat interested in what the DADA class was going to be like.

 

[darthcourt10]

Azzaciel

The Once and Future Ship, Part 10

__________

Prydwen faced a serious problem, namely if her honor allowed to take more than just what she had come here for. Curtana already in her armory she contemplated the weapon in front of her.It was a spear, it's shaft made from fine yew and a length of five feet with a width of three fingers. On one end was attached a lengthwise thinning blade two feet long and shining with a silver hue, which was not quite natural. It's other end featured a blade in the same style, but merely a single foot in length. Both blades had a short inscription.

While it was true that she had often taken more than just her own possessions, that had always been after an honorable battle without deceit as spoils of war, never when she had simply entered the housing of another in secrecy. But the Lord of this mansion collected treasures to posses them and brag about them, he had even dared to ask her if she would sell her armor, and yet he was too cowardly to show 'his' collection to others.

Which was why this was such a conundrum, he clearly wasn't worthy to have this spear, but it was not something she had claims to either. It was without doubt a weapon of a great warrior on par with her knights of the round table, but she didn't know who he might be.

Her eyes fell once more on the blades' inscriptions, 'Athibar' and 'Ibar' respectively on the longer and shorter one. They were fairly distinct and could maybe used to determine the spear's true owner. And if the warrior was already dead, so were her knights, but they were amongst the living nonetheless. Maybe he had a ship himself, which could have almost as much majesty as herself. If he had, then that ship and Prydwen would meet eventually, at which time he could prove himself this spear's true owner. Yes. She would merely safeguard it until that time.

And so she reached for the spear and took her first step down the mental disorder of many an adventurer: kleptomania.

__________

While she had used a sword against Fou, if only to have the reach to strike at him when he was on the ground in front of her without having to overbalance herself, he still wished to so how she fared by only using her own body. He understood, that battling against him would not showcase her true prowess, so he told Prydwen his first test: to subdue a dragon with her bare hands and without armor, while also not killing it. Confident that she would have no trouble with this, she set out to find a dragon that would tower over her the way she towered over Fou.

__________

She would end up searching the Isle over and over for the better part of three decades until she found a suitably large specimen. Prydwen's troubles continued as she failed to gain a good hold on her quarry for most of the fight and was forced to dodge and deflect gusts of flame, claw swipes and whipping tailstrikes.

She eventually managed to close the distance by jumping over the dragon's tail and landing in a roll to glide beneath a claw so that she found herself in front of it's belly. And it was here that she first used what would over a millennia later be called 'Magical Sparkly Shipgirl Bullshit' and grabbed the dragon with arms spread wide. Prydwen followed this up by lifting the dragon and then bent backwards at her knees while keeping her feet solidly on the ground, and as she hauled it over herself headfirst into the ground, she knew that she had struck the finishing blow of this match in a single move.

Fou had been suitably impressed.

__________

AN:
I keep getting ideas for later in her travels, but can barely come up with things for her to do until she leaves the Isle.