Selling Stuff from the Room of Lost Things
darthcourt10
Well worn.
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Harry Leferts
Jane was looking around the crowded Common Room when she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Harry there along with Natsumi. "Cuz? Where the heck were you?"
Grumbling, Natsumi gave Harry a look and scowled a bit. "That was what I was wondering myself. But this guy..." She jerked her thumb at the amused Harry who grinned. "Won't tell me where he disappeared off to except..."
With a small sip of the drink in one of the goblets, Harry shrugged. "Except for the fact that I was talking with the Headmaster about something. Like I told you, Natsumi-Chan, I'll tell you later."
It went without saying that her glare only made him more amused. Same with the pout that she gave him moments later. "Mou, come on, Harry-Chan! Tell me!"
A grin on his face, Harry reached up and tapped her on the tip of her nose which caused her to scrunch it some. Much to snickers from Jane. "I'll tell you about it later, Natsumi-Chan. Besides... it has to do with you."
The whine that came from her made him chuckle some. "Harry-Chan, you big meanie. One of these days..."
Smirking, Harry only shook his head before looking at Jane as he held out a goblet to her. "Here, this is for you." Once the curious girl took said drink, he sipped his own. "Anyways, enjoying the party?"
Only nodding as she looked around, Jane grinned. "It's pretty awesome actually." Head tilted to the side, Jane blinked some. "Though this group they're playing, the Weird Sisters?" Getting a nod from Harry, she continued. "They're a bit odd. Not bad, but... really different."
Harry gave a small nod at that while humming. "Yeah, they're that though I sort of like them." Considering the music, he shook his head. "Naka-Nee shrugged when she heard some of their songs and called them really alternative."
Eyebrow raised, Jane gave a snort at that. "You can say that again... They're actually using bagpipes along with guitars and the rest." Finally turning her attention to the goblet which had foam at the top, she sniffed it. "By the way, what is this?"
Glancing at her, Harry looked at the goblet and shrugged. "Butterbeer." At her look, he rolled his eyes. "What? You wanted to try some."
Just as Jan was about to say something though, a voice behind her caused her to jump. "Beer? Please do not tell me that you're giving Jane alcohol, Harry." Quickly turning, Jane gave a sheepish smile at an unamused Arizona who crossed her arms. "Jane..."
Nervously scratching her neck, Jane gave a small chuckle. "Um, it's sold in the Wizarding World to kids, Ari-Mama. Nothing bad about it." Seeing her slowly raise an eyebrow, she gave another nervous chuckle and glanced at Harry who only sipped his own drink. "Really, Aunt Nagato lets Cuz drink it after all."
When Arizona glanced at Harry, the black haired boy gave her a small shake of the head. "Um... while there's some alcohol in it, there's not much?"
Before the American Battleship could say anything though, Yamashiro walked over and cleared her throat. Once Arizona turned and regarded her, the Japanese Battleship gave her a smile. "Arizona-San? I couldn't help overhearing what you were stating but if I may make an observation?"
Slowly, Arizona nodded some. "You may."
Yamashiro gave Jane a smile and then gestured at the butterbeer in the unsure Jane's hands. "It's not very strong. In fact, my crew once had some American root beer that was about the same strength."
All of a sudden Arizona relaxed and gave a chuckle. "Well now, that's rather different then what I was thinking." She then turned and gave Jane a nod. "Then it's perfectly okay for you to have some, Jane."
Relaxing herself, Jane was about to take a sip of her drink when she paused and looked up at Arizona in surprise as the words fully sunk in. "Wait, root beer had alcohol in it? And... because of that you don't mind?"
With a soft snort, Arizona shook her head. "Jane, I'm from a different time." Leaning in, she gave the twelve year old a smile and ruffled her hair. "And when I was starting out after being commissioned, root beer sometimes did have alcohol, but not much. If this... Butterbeer is like that, then it is perfectly fine."
Expression brightening, Jane took her first sip of the concoction and her eyes widened some as she smacked her lips. "Hey, this stuff isn't really all that bad." Taking another sip, she tilted her head to the side. "Tastes almost like butterscotch."
Hearing a throat being cleared, she glanced at Arizona who tapped her upper lip. "You have some foam there, Jane." As the girl licked it off, the Battleship chuckled some. "But it's good then?" At the nod from Jane, Arizona only nodded and smiled as she mused some. "Then that is good to hear, though I do wonder now if they call it Butterbeer due to the taste?"
At seeing Harry scratch the back of his head, she turned to him. "Um, actually Aunt Arizona? It's because the drink was called 'Buttered Beer' centuries ago." When she raised an eyebrow, he continued. "The recipe calls for ale, eggs, butter and sugar among other things. But since it's boiled while being made there's pretty much no alcohol left..." Having noticed Natsumi and Jane give him surprised looks, he shrugged. "I looked it up in case I ever wanted to make some."
Finger tapping against her arm, Arizona only nodded some as she hummed. "Interesting..." Sighing, she gave Jane a small smile. "Just don't drink too much of it then. Even if it's for children and those of your age... Though perhaps I'll try some myself just in case."
Arizona, having said that, then walked off and left the three young teens there with Natsumi finally shaking her head. "Hopefully she doesn't drink any firewhiskey if people give that out."
That only caused Harry to snort and grin. "Nah, that's not until the end of the year when NEWTs are done. Now that's a real party." With another sip of his own drink, Harry turned to Jane and asked the real question on his mind. "So... what did you think of the game?"
Widely grinning, Jane threw one hand to the side. "It was so awesome! Seriously, I can see why you enjoy it." Sighing a little though, she shook her head. "Sort of wish that I could play myself though. Even if Ari-Mama, Jinstuu-Mama, Hiei-Mama, and Mutsu-Mama would freak."
In reply, Harry patted her shoulder. "Yeah, I can imagine. I mean, those Bludgers really hurt when they hit. Even the body armor doesn't help much with that..." Seeing the look on Jane's face, he raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking, Jane?"
Frowning, Jane had a focused look on her face. "Just... some thoughts, Cuz. Something that might work out."
A glance to the side though nearly made her snort out her Butterbeer though. Mainly due to the image of Smolzona waving around a thimble of Butterbeer as twirled around. If that was not a clue to her state, the fact that she had a red face was another. "Zooooona~"
However, that was not to say that the other Smols were much better. Minmu and Smallbacore both had similar blushes while swaying. Minagato though only nodded some as she sipped her own thimble of drink. Though there was a small bit of redness to her cheeks that could just be seen. "Gato."
Shaking off her laughter, Jane turned to Harry who was also grinning. "So, Cuz? What are we doing tomorrow? Because Ari-Mama and I aren't leaving until tomorrow night, so..."
With a thoughtful look, Harry considered the question before draining the rest of his goblet. "Well, tomorrow morning we can go and have a tour of the school if you want. I mean, we covered some of it already but..." Jane nodded at that which made Harry smile. "Afternoon though besides the time after lunch is free. So if you want, I can take you flying."
Eyes practically sparkling, Jane stared at him. "Wait, you mean flying around in daylight? No joke?" At his nod, her grin seemed to become even larger. "I can't wait!"
With the evening wearing on, the party continued though it did slow down some. Walking away from where he had been dancing with Verniy, Harry could only shake his head as Gangut was doing a dance of her own to the enjoyment of several First Years. The fact that the Battleship looked like she was enjoying herself only increased the smile on his face. Suddenly, there were several bangs and Harry glanced over to one of the tables and blinked before laughing at the sight that met him.
Mainly that of Yamashiro, Fusou, and Willie D blinking with soot stained faces as the Exploding Snap cards they were using to build a card tower smoked from where they laid ontop of an drunk Minimu. Obviously the Smol had stumbled into it and knocked it down while setting off the cards. Even though she was not laughing, Shigure had trembling lips as she patted both Fusou and Yamashiro, with the elder of the two sighing. "Such misfortune..."
Tapping on his shoulder caused him to turn and find Natsumi there behind him. "Natsumi-Chan? Is something wrong?"
Natsumi though only shook her head. "No, nothing is wrong... I'm just wondering if we can have that talk now." Just glancing around, Harry nodded before gesturing for her to follow him. Soon, the two were in the Second Year Boy's dorm with Harry sitting on his bed as Natsumi looked around curiously. "Huh... it's way less messy then I expected it to be."
All Harry did though was snort at that. "I always keep my area neat." Seeing her raised eyebrow, he scowled a bit. "What? I do and you know it. So does Ron as well... though I think that the House Elves do the rest here."
Considering that, Natsumi finally chuckled some and then sat down beside him. "I guess so..." Within a few moments though, the disguised Kitsune looked over at him in thought. "So what happened between you and the Headmaster? You said that you needed to talk with him after the game about something?"
Only nodding, Harry frowned. "Well, it was due to a thought that struck me while the team was waiting for the game. Um, you're staying for a while, right?"
Eyebrow raising, Natsumi nodded. "At least for another week or so. School just let out so that I got about a month until we go back and I'm top of the class anyways."
As always, she preened a bit as he gave her a thumbs up. "That's great, Natsumi-Chan. Though you're really smart anyways so it'a not like it would be too hard for you anyways."
While she would never tell him, it made Natsumi happy to hear him say stuff like that. Unlike some of the boys, and most of the girls, he just accepted her as it was. Not just her looks, but also her other aspects he would give her a compliment in such a way it sounded more like a fact of life. Like the sky being blue. "Thanks, Harry-Chan."
Glancing around, Harry shifted until he was laying on the bed and patted the spot beside him. Not needing anything more, Natsumi moved until she was laying down with her head on his shoulder and was looking at him as he smiled at her. "Comfy?"
Slowly, Natsumi nodded. "Very much so. Now..." Her eyes narrowed a bit into a playful glare. "Stop beating around the bush, Harry-Chan. What did you talk about?"
Lips twitching, Harry put his hands behind his head as he thought over his response. "Well, I also know that you mentioned going back to that room filled with all the stuff, right?" The girl laying her head on the shoulder had an interested look, but rather then say anything she just nodded. "Well, I asked him about the things in there. About who owns them. Dumbledore stated that they weren't really owned by anyone at all, so anything not obviously school property is up for grabs. I mean, sure, some of that stuff is sort of neat but you could sell a lot of it..."
Eyes wide, Natsumi stared at him before slowly shaking her head. "Harry-Chan... I can't. I mean, I would love to since I'm going to be looking through everything there anyways since it's interesting, but... My family, um, really avoids the limelight. You know that and selling all that stuff would attract attention."
Much to her surprise though, Harry just smirked. "Yes? But what if it was not you that sold what you wanted to sell? I can ask Daphne and Tracy if they could sell stuff that you find as if I was selling it to them as their families are merchants. And as it would be coming through me, they would assume that I was the one finding it and then I give the money to you."
If anything, Natsumi's eyes went wider. Most kitsune would be stunned at just the thought and from her, admittedly brief, look over the room, there was a lot of money. "How much would you...?"
Harry only shook his head. "None."
Frozen, Natsumi barely dared to breath. Eventually, she turned and stared Harry right in the eye. "Nothing?" When he nodded, she licked her lips. "You're serious about this... You really would do this and give me all the money for what I find without taking any for yourself..."
Scratching his cheek, Harry slowly nodded. "Yup. I mean, this would give you some funds, especially if we exchange it for normal money instead of wizarding. After all, I don't need it and if you're going to be sorting through it, you might as well get something, right? And this way no one will realize a thing about you as they'll stop and assume it was me. Especially as apparently it's known that my family has a lot of stuff anyways that could be sold."
Several moments passed as Natsumi stared at him in disbelief. 'He's serious... he would do that just for me... Oh Kami...' Moments later to Harry's confusion, she buried her face in his shoulder and pounded her fist on his chest lightly. "Harry no baka..."
Utterly confused, Harry blinked and looked down at her. "Um, did I do something wrong there? Because I thought that you might be happy, especially since it gives you some money."
With a sniffle, Natsumi raised her head and gave him a smile. "Because I am happy, you baka. That sort of thing is just so... you, I guess. Harry-Chan no baka." Then she moved up and gave him a kiss right on the corner of the lips which made Harry freeze. "Chu~"
Pulling away, Natsumi had to grin a bit at the bright blush that crossed Harry's face as well as the deer in the headlight's expression. There was a part of her that was happy that she was in her human form though. Mainly because otherwise her tail would be wagging rapidly from side to side.
Jane was looking around the crowded Common Room when she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Harry there along with Natsumi. "Cuz? Where the heck were you?"
Grumbling, Natsumi gave Harry a look and scowled a bit. "That was what I was wondering myself. But this guy..." She jerked her thumb at the amused Harry who grinned. "Won't tell me where he disappeared off to except..."
With a small sip of the drink in one of the goblets, Harry shrugged. "Except for the fact that I was talking with the Headmaster about something. Like I told you, Natsumi-Chan, I'll tell you later."
It went without saying that her glare only made him more amused. Same with the pout that she gave him moments later. "Mou, come on, Harry-Chan! Tell me!"
A grin on his face, Harry reached up and tapped her on the tip of her nose which caused her to scrunch it some. Much to snickers from Jane. "I'll tell you about it later, Natsumi-Chan. Besides... it has to do with you."
The whine that came from her made him chuckle some. "Harry-Chan, you big meanie. One of these days..."
Smirking, Harry only shook his head before looking at Jane as he held out a goblet to her. "Here, this is for you." Once the curious girl took said drink, he sipped his own. "Anyways, enjoying the party?"
Only nodding as she looked around, Jane grinned. "It's pretty awesome actually." Head tilted to the side, Jane blinked some. "Though this group they're playing, the Weird Sisters?" Getting a nod from Harry, she continued. "They're a bit odd. Not bad, but... really different."
Harry gave a small nod at that while humming. "Yeah, they're that though I sort of like them." Considering the music, he shook his head. "Naka-Nee shrugged when she heard some of their songs and called them really alternative."
Eyebrow raised, Jane gave a snort at that. "You can say that again... They're actually using bagpipes along with guitars and the rest." Finally turning her attention to the goblet which had foam at the top, she sniffed it. "By the way, what is this?"
Glancing at her, Harry looked at the goblet and shrugged. "Butterbeer." At her look, he rolled his eyes. "What? You wanted to try some."
Just as Jan was about to say something though, a voice behind her caused her to jump. "Beer? Please do not tell me that you're giving Jane alcohol, Harry." Quickly turning, Jane gave a sheepish smile at an unamused Arizona who crossed her arms. "Jane..."
Nervously scratching her neck, Jane gave a small chuckle. "Um, it's sold in the Wizarding World to kids, Ari-Mama. Nothing bad about it." Seeing her slowly raise an eyebrow, she gave another nervous chuckle and glanced at Harry who only sipped his own drink. "Really, Aunt Nagato lets Cuz drink it after all."
When Arizona glanced at Harry, the black haired boy gave her a small shake of the head. "Um... while there's some alcohol in it, there's not much?"
Before the American Battleship could say anything though, Yamashiro walked over and cleared her throat. Once Arizona turned and regarded her, the Japanese Battleship gave her a smile. "Arizona-San? I couldn't help overhearing what you were stating but if I may make an observation?"
Slowly, Arizona nodded some. "You may."
Yamashiro gave Jane a smile and then gestured at the butterbeer in the unsure Jane's hands. "It's not very strong. In fact, my crew once had some American root beer that was about the same strength."
All of a sudden Arizona relaxed and gave a chuckle. "Well now, that's rather different then what I was thinking." She then turned and gave Jane a nod. "Then it's perfectly okay for you to have some, Jane."
Relaxing herself, Jane was about to take a sip of her drink when she paused and looked up at Arizona in surprise as the words fully sunk in. "Wait, root beer had alcohol in it? And... because of that you don't mind?"
With a soft snort, Arizona shook her head. "Jane, I'm from a different time." Leaning in, she gave the twelve year old a smile and ruffled her hair. "And when I was starting out after being commissioned, root beer sometimes did have alcohol, but not much. If this... Butterbeer is like that, then it is perfectly fine."
Expression brightening, Jane took her first sip of the concoction and her eyes widened some as she smacked her lips. "Hey, this stuff isn't really all that bad." Taking another sip, she tilted her head to the side. "Tastes almost like butterscotch."
Hearing a throat being cleared, she glanced at Arizona who tapped her upper lip. "You have some foam there, Jane." As the girl licked it off, the Battleship chuckled some. "But it's good then?" At the nod from Jane, Arizona only nodded and smiled as she mused some. "Then that is good to hear, though I do wonder now if they call it Butterbeer due to the taste?"
At seeing Harry scratch the back of his head, she turned to him. "Um, actually Aunt Arizona? It's because the drink was called 'Buttered Beer' centuries ago." When she raised an eyebrow, he continued. "The recipe calls for ale, eggs, butter and sugar among other things. But since it's boiled while being made there's pretty much no alcohol left..." Having noticed Natsumi and Jane give him surprised looks, he shrugged. "I looked it up in case I ever wanted to make some."
Finger tapping against her arm, Arizona only nodded some as she hummed. "Interesting..." Sighing, she gave Jane a small smile. "Just don't drink too much of it then. Even if it's for children and those of your age... Though perhaps I'll try some myself just in case."
Arizona, having said that, then walked off and left the three young teens there with Natsumi finally shaking her head. "Hopefully she doesn't drink any firewhiskey if people give that out."
That only caused Harry to snort and grin. "Nah, that's not until the end of the year when NEWTs are done. Now that's a real party." With another sip of his own drink, Harry turned to Jane and asked the real question on his mind. "So... what did you think of the game?"
Widely grinning, Jane threw one hand to the side. "It was so awesome! Seriously, I can see why you enjoy it." Sighing a little though, she shook her head. "Sort of wish that I could play myself though. Even if Ari-Mama, Jinstuu-Mama, Hiei-Mama, and Mutsu-Mama would freak."
In reply, Harry patted her shoulder. "Yeah, I can imagine. I mean, those Bludgers really hurt when they hit. Even the body armor doesn't help much with that..." Seeing the look on Jane's face, he raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking, Jane?"
Frowning, Jane had a focused look on her face. "Just... some thoughts, Cuz. Something that might work out."
A glance to the side though nearly made her snort out her Butterbeer though. Mainly due to the image of Smolzona waving around a thimble of Butterbeer as twirled around. If that was not a clue to her state, the fact that she had a red face was another. "Zooooona~"
However, that was not to say that the other Smols were much better. Minmu and Smallbacore both had similar blushes while swaying. Minagato though only nodded some as she sipped her own thimble of drink. Though there was a small bit of redness to her cheeks that could just be seen. "Gato."
Shaking off her laughter, Jane turned to Harry who was also grinning. "So, Cuz? What are we doing tomorrow? Because Ari-Mama and I aren't leaving until tomorrow night, so..."
With a thoughtful look, Harry considered the question before draining the rest of his goblet. "Well, tomorrow morning we can go and have a tour of the school if you want. I mean, we covered some of it already but..." Jane nodded at that which made Harry smile. "Afternoon though besides the time after lunch is free. So if you want, I can take you flying."
Eyes practically sparkling, Jane stared at him. "Wait, you mean flying around in daylight? No joke?" At his nod, her grin seemed to become even larger. "I can't wait!"
With the evening wearing on, the party continued though it did slow down some. Walking away from where he had been dancing with Verniy, Harry could only shake his head as Gangut was doing a dance of her own to the enjoyment of several First Years. The fact that the Battleship looked like she was enjoying herself only increased the smile on his face. Suddenly, there were several bangs and Harry glanced over to one of the tables and blinked before laughing at the sight that met him.
Mainly that of Yamashiro, Fusou, and Willie D blinking with soot stained faces as the Exploding Snap cards they were using to build a card tower smoked from where they laid ontop of an drunk Minimu. Obviously the Smol had stumbled into it and knocked it down while setting off the cards. Even though she was not laughing, Shigure had trembling lips as she patted both Fusou and Yamashiro, with the elder of the two sighing. "Such misfortune..."
Tapping on his shoulder caused him to turn and find Natsumi there behind him. "Natsumi-Chan? Is something wrong?"
Natsumi though only shook her head. "No, nothing is wrong... I'm just wondering if we can have that talk now." Just glancing around, Harry nodded before gesturing for her to follow him. Soon, the two were in the Second Year Boy's dorm with Harry sitting on his bed as Natsumi looked around curiously. "Huh... it's way less messy then I expected it to be."
All Harry did though was snort at that. "I always keep my area neat." Seeing her raised eyebrow, he scowled a bit. "What? I do and you know it. So does Ron as well... though I think that the House Elves do the rest here."
Considering that, Natsumi finally chuckled some and then sat down beside him. "I guess so..." Within a few moments though, the disguised Kitsune looked over at him in thought. "So what happened between you and the Headmaster? You said that you needed to talk with him after the game about something?"
Only nodding, Harry frowned. "Well, it was due to a thought that struck me while the team was waiting for the game. Um, you're staying for a while, right?"
Eyebrow raising, Natsumi nodded. "At least for another week or so. School just let out so that I got about a month until we go back and I'm top of the class anyways."
As always, she preened a bit as he gave her a thumbs up. "That's great, Natsumi-Chan. Though you're really smart anyways so it'a not like it would be too hard for you anyways."
While she would never tell him, it made Natsumi happy to hear him say stuff like that. Unlike some of the boys, and most of the girls, he just accepted her as it was. Not just her looks, but also her other aspects he would give her a compliment in such a way it sounded more like a fact of life. Like the sky being blue. "Thanks, Harry-Chan."
Glancing around, Harry shifted until he was laying on the bed and patted the spot beside him. Not needing anything more, Natsumi moved until she was laying down with her head on his shoulder and was looking at him as he smiled at her. "Comfy?"
Slowly, Natsumi nodded. "Very much so. Now..." Her eyes narrowed a bit into a playful glare. "Stop beating around the bush, Harry-Chan. What did you talk about?"
Lips twitching, Harry put his hands behind his head as he thought over his response. "Well, I also know that you mentioned going back to that room filled with all the stuff, right?" The girl laying her head on the shoulder had an interested look, but rather then say anything she just nodded. "Well, I asked him about the things in there. About who owns them. Dumbledore stated that they weren't really owned by anyone at all, so anything not obviously school property is up for grabs. I mean, sure, some of that stuff is sort of neat but you could sell a lot of it..."
Eyes wide, Natsumi stared at him before slowly shaking her head. "Harry-Chan... I can't. I mean, I would love to since I'm going to be looking through everything there anyways since it's interesting, but... My family, um, really avoids the limelight. You know that and selling all that stuff would attract attention."
Much to her surprise though, Harry just smirked. "Yes? But what if it was not you that sold what you wanted to sell? I can ask Daphne and Tracy if they could sell stuff that you find as if I was selling it to them as their families are merchants. And as it would be coming through me, they would assume that I was the one finding it and then I give the money to you."
If anything, Natsumi's eyes went wider. Most kitsune would be stunned at just the thought and from her, admittedly brief, look over the room, there was a lot of money. "How much would you...?"
Harry only shook his head. "None."
Frozen, Natsumi barely dared to breath. Eventually, she turned and stared Harry right in the eye. "Nothing?" When he nodded, she licked her lips. "You're serious about this... You really would do this and give me all the money for what I find without taking any for yourself..."
Scratching his cheek, Harry slowly nodded. "Yup. I mean, this would give you some funds, especially if we exchange it for normal money instead of wizarding. After all, I don't need it and if you're going to be sorting through it, you might as well get something, right? And this way no one will realize a thing about you as they'll stop and assume it was me. Especially as apparently it's known that my family has a lot of stuff anyways that could be sold."
Several moments passed as Natsumi stared at him in disbelief. 'He's serious... he would do that just for me... Oh Kami...' Moments later to Harry's confusion, she buried her face in his shoulder and pounded her fist on his chest lightly. "Harry no baka..."
Utterly confused, Harry blinked and looked down at her. "Um, did I do something wrong there? Because I thought that you might be happy, especially since it gives you some money."
With a sniffle, Natsumi raised her head and gave him a smile. "Because I am happy, you baka. That sort of thing is just so... you, I guess. Harry-Chan no baka." Then she moved up and gave him a kiss right on the corner of the lips which made Harry freeze. "Chu~"
Pulling away, Natsumi had to grin a bit at the bright blush that crossed Harry's face as well as the deer in the headlight's expression. There was a part of her that was happy that she was in her human form though. Mainly because otherwise her tail would be wagging rapidly from side to side.