Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Tristar

Tsu was a coward and she knew it even as she sailed with the supply battle group, she kept her head on swivel as they entered a thick fog bank around near one the lost islands. Consulting her chart she shuddered thinking about how close they where to Hawaii and how stupid group leader a battle hardened Tsu known as the butcher had been for sailing this close. Tsu couldn't blame the destroyers for how much they fidgeted around this place unfortunately the butcher insisted they keep going delivering the supplies to the Oni. Tsu remembered though remembered this particular demon, fearing and hating her in equal measure. Her massive hands ached as she remembered how she had surrender and the torture to ensure her loyal to her new princess the scars hidden inside of her closed fist.

It was the sound of drums that caught her attention first. "Ma'am I'm picking..."

"I have ears!" The Tsu in the lead snapped causing the scarred Tsu to flinch, all to much reminded of her place in the pecking order that even the destroyers ranked higher than her. "We're approaching the rocks stay close these supplies are important."

The sound of drums where soon joined by rythmic chanting and Tsu could have swore she saw flickering blue flames in the fog. Of course her visuals almost caused her to smash into a large rock. Of course this earned her a tongue lashing from the Butcher causing the poor Tsu to whimper. Of course there was a small silver lining as one of the Ro's nudged her almost purring she gave the scared destroyer a head pat with her massive hand.

The primitive almost primal drum beat quickly grew far to loud to ignore as figure appeared ahead of the convoy a ragged cloak figure. The butcher growled in annoyance as the cloaked abyssal appeared she didn't bother to take in it's appearance. "Out of the way Battleship this a supply convoy head for....." The angry abyssal didn't get to finish as her head disappeared from her shoulders splattering the cloaked abyssal in black ichor.

Tsu could only whimper as she took in the appearence of the battleship as the radar signature clearly indicated, she whimpered trying not to think about how a battleship had just gotten ahead of them. Radar clearly picked up now as a battleship ta class but, unlike a normal Ta's who's cloaks only covered on side this one enshrouded its entire body including a hood that left only the eyes visible. Tsu audibly whimpered as she saw the weapon the cloaked Ta-class wielded, a massive sword crafted from a Ru-class's battery it's jagged edges covered in battle scars and blood.

"ALL SHIPS FIRE!"

The screeching order came from the other remaining Tsu with the escorts answered with there guns blaring on the battleship. The Said battleship MOVED using it's massive weapon to created a destroyer kabob using them like shields. It was a slaughter that Tsu had only seen once before causing her to whimper faltering as the last of the escort fleet aside from herself fell. "Princess I'll join you soon." Then there was pain and all she saw was army of spirits joining the slaughter.

It was the heat of the morning sun that next woke her that and the sound of digging. Contrary to what might be known Tsu class abyssals did have eyes and what she saw was a battered and somewhat broken battleship working a garden and muttering to herself. She tried to move and just winced catching the attention of the battleship.

"Don't....bother....moving...." The words the way they came out it was like the battleship hadn't talked to anyone in a long time, what was worse though Tsu almost thought that she recognized the voice. "Broke.....batteries."

Tsu then looked down realizing why she was in pain, her guns had been smashed, no smashed wasn't the right word they had been carved. "W-w-w-hy didn't you kill me."

"Don't know....Could have used scrap" WIth those words the Battleship got back to work using it's massive weapon like a trowel.

There it was things lapsed into a uncomfortable silence as the battleship continued to till the field. It was in that silence in the day light that Tsu finally got a got a good look at the battleship shuddering as she realized the implications of the abyssals body. Her entire right arm and some of her shoulder looked to be grafted on from a Ru class indeed a entire chunk of the battleships conn tower looked like it had been repaired from a Ru streaks of black joining thick mass of silvery white. The infamous breathing mask of a Ka class submarine hung just below the Battleships chin and it was very much attached. Her legs from the knees down looked to have been wielded from an aircraft carrier water demon a patch job at best, see these things caused Tsu to whimper was she going to become part of this cannibalistic monster?

"Pieces of Ohana..." The battleship rubbed it's replacement arm. "pieces saved me.....made me....different....There crews part....of....me.....THose that MArch....in...the....night make....all work......Teach new....words....." As the battleship chimera spoke the Tsu could have sworn she saw ghostly images of warriors. "You....Familiar.....you ohana......" The battleship nodded like it was most correct thing in the world.

"The...others.....?"

"Took cargo....use to fix......Sent away destroy rest.....the....smell....of blood of Ohana......needed revenge.....still....." The battleship stopped in her work as she heard the growl of hunger. "Get...Food."

As the chimeric ship left the Tsu finally looked around and realized that she was in the remains of a burnt village. She shuddered recognizing the work of her fellow abyssals though it was old and partly over grown. In the distance she could see a hillside covered in freshly dug graves leaving her to wonder if the chimera battleship had dug them herself. Though as her attention was drawn closer she could see how the battleship had thrown together a small farm using available materials. As she turned her gaze from that she saw them....The Killing fields.

Dead Abyssals mounted metal pikes each and everyone of them familiar to the Tsu, aggressors each and everyone. They where the ones from that terrible night, the night where Tsu ran and begged on her hands to be spared, the night she was a Coward. She began to sob this creature it continued to fight even now while Tsu just ran and kept running right into the arms of the ones who had did it.

"Why crying?"

She looked up seeing the chimeric battleship holding a train of food and this brought another fit of tears and sobbing. Confused by this the chimeric battleship patted the light cruiser on the head. "There....There...."



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

Whelp that was a thing....

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

So... originally I was going to end the whole Christmas Vacation arc in the last snippet, even though I was not quite happy with the ending. But after some discussion over on SV, I decided to... end it appropriately. Enjoy.
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Having set out a blanket on the ground, Nagato laid down and pulled out a large basket. Almost immediately, Hoppou and Harry were at her side as they began to pull out various things from inside. From where he stood behind Warspite's wheelchair, Ron tilted his head a bit at the boxes. "Uh, mate? What's with all that stuff?"

With a blink, Harry looked up at him and chuckled. "They're Osechi-ryōri, traditional New Year's foods... each one has a meaning... a wish for the new year to come."

More then a little interested, and feeling somewhat hungry, Ron leaned forward. "Really?"

Pointing at a bowl filled with red and white strips of what looked like vegetables, Harry nodded. "This for example is kohaku namasu. It's daikon and carrots and symbolises celebration."

Slightly confused, Ron continued to listen as Harry pointed to different foods and explained their meanings as Warspite watched with a slight smile. Tilting her head back, she looked up at the starry sky with soft sigh. 'Another year over and everyone is still here...' Glancing at Ron, her smile grew just a touch. 'And hopefully will be for a long time yet.'

Meanwhile, a bemused Supply Depot Princess was looking around in curiosity between snatches of conversation with Ooyodo. To most people, the conversation would have been rather boring as it dealt with mostly supplies. Frowning, Supply Depot Princess blinked at what Ooyodo had just told her. "So... you mean to tell me that the humans have somehow packed a farm into a shipping container?"

Nodding, Ooyodo showed her something on a tablet and tapped it. "See? Most of these are usually hydroponics in shipping containers that need a power source for it. Useful for padding out supplies, but can cause issues unless you set up a solar power for it. As it is though, I still have to stop others from raiding them every so often."

As she nodded, Supply Depot Princess hummed. "Yes... I can see how that would work out actually. Genius really as you can fit a number into a place that normally couldn't have them. Though I'll have to look up more about these... hydroponics you called them?"

Ooyodo just gave a sound of agreement. "That's right. They've come pretty far from my day. However, then you have this..." Swiping her finger, she brought up another page. "The shipping container just contains everything needed to set up a farm quickly and easily with the container becoming a building afterwards." Thoughtful, Supply Depot Princess only brought one finger against her lower lip. For some odd reason, Ooyodo had to blink as she felt a bit of heat rise to her cheeks. '... Why does that look so cute?'

Meanwhile, Supply Depot Princess was thinking of something else. 'The humans have come with such interesting ways to create supplies... though I wonder if I could get some of these hydroponics?' A smell then reached her nose and she turned her head to see Percy there with a tray that had to large cups and one much smaller one. In one of his hands were several sticks of dango. "... Percy?"

With his head, he motioned towards the cups. "I got these since I thought some nice hot drinks would be nice."

Grateful, Ooyodo gave him a slight bow before taking one of the larger cups. "Thank you." Taking a deep whiff, Ooyodo let out a sigh. "Ah... coffee, whatever would I do without you? And the shipgirl version as well."

Percy then nodded towards the dango. "Same with these..." He winkled his nose a little bit but shook it off before looking at a smaller container. "I got some for us poor humans."

Eyes twinkling, Ooyodo took some of the dango sticks and bit into one with a hum of enjoyment which caused Percy to blush. "Mmm... diesel sauce..."

Blinking, Supply Depot Princess took the other large cup and sniffed it before her eyes went wide. 'Refined oil...' Tearing up, she sniffled a bit and took a small sip. "Thank you... so much..." Moments later, she took the other dangos and bit into one, this time a tear running down her cheek as she let out a moan. 'So... good...'

Now heavily blushing, Percy just coughed and began to sip his own coffee, taking a moment to sniff it to make sure that there was no oil in it before nodding after giving it a testing sip. "Not bad."

Still chewing, Ooyodo raised an eyebrow before swallowing her bite of food down with a swing of coffee as she tried hard not to pay attention to the sounds of the Abyssal Princess enjoying her food and coffee. "Wait... you like coffee as well?" At his nod, she blinked with a frown. "But from how Kongou is always going on about as well as some of the Royal Navy ships, I was under the impression that tea would have been more likely?"

Just shrugging, Percy opened up the container of his dango with one hand in a feat of dexterity. "I enjoy tea and black tea is good for keeping awake... but I do like coffee for when I need to burn the midnight oil, which is happening more this year then others."

A shudder ran up both girls backs as they remembered when he showed them his daily schedule for studying at school, and it was not a bad shiver. Shoving those thoughts to the back of her head, Ooyodo nodded. "I-I see... Perhaps I should introduce you to Black Blood of the Earth at some point, or navy coffee."

Thoughtful, Percy just nodded though he wondered why Ooyodo suddenly filled her mouth with some dango with her face red. "I think that I might like that." He only got a nod from the Cruiser. 'I wonder what that was all about...'

Some distance away on a small hill, Haruna watched as Rose poured some tea out of a thermos before handing it to her. "Thank you, Rose-Chan."

As Rose passed her one, Kirishima smiled. "Yes, thank you for the tea."

Gently smiling, Rose only shook her head not noticing that Haruna was staring as her auburn hair, normally bound tightly in a bun and under her hat was now free and moving gently in the breeze. It didn't help that she was wearing a kimono that kept drawing Haruna's attention to it. "Oh, you're both quite welcome. It does make me happy that you're enjoying it."

Having shaken herself free of her thoughts, Haruna giggled lightly. "However could we say no to Rose-Chan's tea?" Taking a deep whiff of the drink, Haruna allowed herself to simply savour the warmth that was seeping into her hands. Not all the warmth was a physical one though. "Rose-Chan makes her tea with love like Onee-Sama after all."

Even as Kirishima nodded, Rose flushed with a pleased look on her face. "Thank you, Haruna, Kirishima, that is very high praise to be compared to Kongou in such a manner."

Adjusting the backrest, created specifically for shipgirls by Akashi (and something that said shipgirl got a lot of money for), Haruna pulled out a pillow that looked like an onigiri and put it on the backrest. Sighing, Haruna looked up at an amused Rose and smiled back. "Haruna brought her special pillow."

Softly giggling, Rose only nodded even as Kirishima watched in silence. "I can see that." However, a moment later, Haruna held one arm out and Rose blinked. "Hmm?"

Haruna tilted her head towards the arm and giggled. "Come here, Rose-Chan, and lay back with Haruna."

Needless to say, the shipgirl didn't have to say things twice as Rose quickly made her way over and snuggled into Haruna's side, the arm wrapping itself around her waist. "Mmm... this is rather comfy." After a moment of hesitation, Rose kissed Haruna on the cheek which made the shipgirl blink and then brightly smile, even as Kirishima raised her eyebrows at what she had just seen. "Thank you, Haruna."

A smile that could have lit up the night on her face, Haruna only nodded. "You're welcome, Rose-Chan!"

From where she was, Kongou gave a slight giggle. "Oh my, dess."

Beside her, Goto raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

Shaking her head, Kongou just turned her head. "Oh, nothing is wrong. Just watching Rose-Chan and Haruna." Not answering his unasked question, she turned back to the harbour where she could see various shipgirls on her radar setting up for the fireworks display. Part of her wished that Hiei was there, but knew that since her sister spent Christmas with them, she was going to spend New Year's in Sasebo with the rest of the Richardson household. "Hmm... I wonder what Kaga and Akagi shall have for us this year?"

Goto shook his head and softly snorted. "Considering each year? It's a sure thing." Internally though he grimaced. Some of the Carriers kept ending up with Ohkas despite everything, which both pissed off and mortified people. Shinano especially was beside herself and no one knew what to do with them and so just handed them off to Akashi and others for disposal. That was until Akagi had overheard Midway grumbling about the 'Damn flying firecrackers' which had given her an idea.

Turn them into giant, unpiloted fireworks.

At the time, Goto had only stared at her in complete befuddlement. Then, after giving it sometime and asking Akashi for her input, he decided to allow for it. After all, it got rid of the stupid things and was strangely much safer as well as surprisingly simple. Besides, it was rather spectacular and Iowa had laughed her ass off when told. Speaking of said Battleship, Goto knew that Wisconsin was somewhere out there with various other gunned ships ready to start throwing coloured illumination rounds into the air, this time one of South Dakota's inventions.

Quickly, Goto shook off his ruminations and glanced towards Kongou as he felt for a certain weight. "Kongou." Having gotten her attention, he continued. "I am sorry about how we've been keeping our relationship as quiet as we have."

For several moments, Kongou shook her head before smiling kindly and then moving until she was leaning against him. "I don't mind at all, Teitoku~" At his cough, she softly chuckled before placing her head against his shoulder as she continued to watch the preparations even as the horn sounded to let everyone know to stay out of the restricted area around the fireworks. "Besides... I know that we may be pushing things as it is. And this is enough for me, Dess."

Grunting, Goto narrowed his eyes. "It shouldn't be."

However, Kongou only shrugged. "And yet it is. Such things happen and perhaps one day..."

With a slight glance, Goto slipped his hand into a hidden pocket. "Hmm... You know, I have been asking around, quietly. Things are still up in the air and there is discussion as there are a number of couples serving..."

Not quite sure what he was speaking about, Kongou frowned. "I see..."

Lips twitching as he could feel the curiosity from her, Goto for a moment imagined her with a cat ears and tail, with said tail twitching to show her feelings. Then he shook off the image. 'Where the hell did that come from...' With a slight smirk, Goto turned towards the water. "However, I did find out that some things can be allowed as a matter of fact."

Tilting her head, Kongou put her finger on her chin. "What?"

Suddenly, the horn blared again starting the five minute countdown to Midnight and the New Year. "Oh yes, and it was pretty interesting... Kind of like New Year's itself really. The old year may be gone... but the new one is here. One full of promise and hope, though we don't forget the previous year."

Her boilers pounding, Kongou blinked. 'Wait...'

Goto waited until the timer reached one minute and pulled out a small box that he flipped open to reveal a small ring. "Yonehara may think that I'm copying him, but I already thought of this. So... will you take my promise, Kongou-Chan? And start the new year with that promise for all to see?"

Looking from the ring to Goto and back several times, Kongou only nodded as she felt choked up. "I-I-I... Yes, Dess!"

With a smile replacing his smirk, the Admiral removed the ring from the box and took Kongou's hand before slipping the ring into place just as Midnight hit and the fireworks were launched to cheers. But Goto didn't pay much attention to that as he was staring at Kongou's face looking at the ring in shock. Inside, Kongou could feel as if something gave way and she could feel her veins running with power.

And then Goto's vision was blocked by brown hair as the Battleship leapt onto him and kissed him firmly as massive fireworks went off in the background. There was only one thought in Goto's mind the whole time.

'Worth it.'

 

[darthcourt10]

Year One - The Power of Magicite Part 3

START
​

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Hermione looked up as a smiling Harry and an exhausted Ron entered the cabin, both of them waving to her and Neville. "So... how was it in Japan?"

All Harry did though was smile. "It was a lot of fun and I loved seeing Mum and the others again." Then he blinked and grinned. "Did you get the gifts I sent you?"

Chuckling, Hermione nodded. "The book on Yokai? I did, thanks."

Where he sat, Neville nodded. "And I got your book on prehistoric plants."

Just rubbing the back of his neck, Harry grinned. "Well... you like plants and I wasn't sure what you might have in regards to how muggles see them, so..."

The normally shy boy only shook his head before turning to Ron. "Um... so how was the holidays for you?"

Several moments passed before Ron groaned. "Weird. That's all that can be said." Then he brightened a bit. "Though I saw Warspite again, so that was bloody great."

A grin on his face, Harry only shook his head. "It was hilarious to see you actually boss her around a bit though."

That bit of information caused Hermione to pause in opening her book and look up. The shipgirl could feel every one of her crew freeze and stare. "You... bossed around Warspite?"

Crossing his arms, Ron looked annoyed before Harry answered. "Warspite showed up for New Year's because some Royal Navy ships got summoned and to visit him. But as soon as he saw her walking around with a cane and going to do so for the rest of the night, he dragged her back inside and had her sit in her wheelchair. All of us were grinning at it and how she was pouting at being unable to win."

When Ron spoke up with a scowl on his face, a silent Hermione turned toward him. "Yeah, and? She knows what spending too much time on her feet will do to her. I don't want to see her in pain because she's stubborn."

Unknown to Ron, Hermione was stunned at this. '... Okay, I'm going to need to reassess some things then...' Suddenly a thought occurred to her and she had to sit back a bit. "Um... I've heard second hand that she hates her wheelchair and even her sisters can't get her to use it unless she's in a lot of pain..."

Ron only shrugged after a moment. "Yeah, but she knows that I won't take that."

Expression deadpan, Harry just looked at his red haired friend. "Mainly because you're even more stubborn then she is in regards to it."

Not saying anything to that, Ron only shrugged. "I don't like to see her hurt is all... and one day, maybe I'll be able to fix her legs so she won't be in pain. Don't know how yet."

Her expression being thoughtful, Hermione only narrowed her eyes a bit. 'I wonder...'

Meanwhile, the train just continued on it's trip when the doors suddenly opened to reveal a grinning Seamus. "Hey, did you hear the news?"

Sharing a look among them, Harry shook his head. "No, what news?"

If anything though, Seamus' grin grew and both Neville's and Ron's jaws dropped at his next words. "Fenrir Grayback and his pack are dead! They've finally been put down!"

More then a little confused, Harry looked towards his friends. "Uh... Fenrir Grayback?"

Looking toward him, Neville gave a nod. "He's a werewolf and a rather, um... infamous one at that. He was one of You-Know-Who's followers and Gran told me once that he liked to attack children to turn them."

From where he sat, Ron looked stunned. "Uh, yeah, dad told us the same thing actually. Said that he also killed a lot of wizards and witches sent to bring him in..." Suddenly narrowing his eyes, Ron turned towards Seamus. "Where'd you hear this now?"

Not put out at all, Seamus jerked his thumb behind him. "Just came over the Wizarding Wireless in a press conference held by Amelia Bones. Ha! Hope whoever did it made damn sure that the bastard hurt." At their looks, he scowled. "Got one of my favorite cousins on my Mum's side of the family... she didn't survive."

Wincing, Hermione only nodded. "My condolences."

Just waving her off, Seamus shrugged. "Don't worry about it, I'm just glad that he's dead and gone. Though I would like to shake the hand of whoever did it."

Simply frowning, Harry nodded. "When did it happen by the way?"

Blinking at the odd question, the Irish boy gave it some thought. "Sometime back in early December I think that they said. Some female squib was the one who took him out, though how I don't know. Don't really care either and I know me family won't. Mum's probably raising a drink to whoever it was right now."

Thoughtful, Harry slowly nodded as he frowned some. In the silence though, Ron scratched his head. "I wonder if that's why I heard Dad tell Mum and Ginny that he had to head off to some sort of meeting." Seeing them turn to him, he shrugged. "It's the kind of thing that happens I think when big news happens, Dad has to head in because of work."

After sharing some looks, everyone just shrugged and continued to talk.
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Admiral Cunningham leaned back in his chair and narrowed his eyes at the sight of the two wizards that sat at the conference table. One of them, a red haired man, looked nervous while the older one looked at ease. On the opposite side of the wizards sat Warspite, who kept giving the red haired wizard by the name of Arthur Weasley looks that helped calm him down. Victory, who was beside Warspite, was more interested in flicking water from her glass at Dumbledore. Behind Cunningham stood the Battleship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, or "Lizzie" to some. Clearing his throat, Cunningham set down his glass of water. "Now then..." Having caught their attention, he frowned. "What seems to be the issue?"

Glancing at Dumbledore who gave the barest of nods, Arthur coughed a bit. "We... have need of your assistance regarding something."

That, if anything, caused Cunningham's eyebrow to raise while behind him, Queen Elizabeth snorted. "Odd that you would come to us for assistance. I would have thought that you would be more then capable of handling any issues."

With a wince, Arthur shook his head. "I deserved that I suppose."

However, Warspite fixed her sister with a look. "No, you did not Arthur."

Much to Queen Elizabeth's surprise, Cunningham nodded. "Perhaps not, you are a good sort after all from what I have seen and heard. However... that does beg the question of what you need help with."

Leaning back in his chair, Dumbledore sighed. "What do you know of Saint Brendan's Isle?"

Just blinking, Queen Elizabeth frowned. "The legendary island in the Atlantic?"

Once he nodded, Queen Elizabeth turned toward her Admiral and was about to speak when Cunningham chuckled and held up a hand. "Discovered by an Irish monk and his followers centuries ago, is supposed to be a paradise of sorts, and has been seen several times even though it does not actually exist. Though I suppose that since you brought it up, it does in fact exist."

Slowly, Dumbledore nodded. "I can confirm that it does exist, and more then that, it's populated. The anti-muggle and unplottable spells are more recent then the original ancient magic that hid the island from being seen, though in the past few hundred years that has been failing on it's own anyways."

At that Arthur stared at him. "I did not know that there was ancient magic involved..."

Lips twitching, Dumbledore gave his fellow wizard a shake of the head. "Very old magic indeed and to this day, I do not believe that anyone knows who cast it. Though at least one theory is that whoever hid Avalon from mortal eyes did much the same to Saint Brendan's Isle as the magics involved are very similar."

Eyes wide, Cunningham stared at him. "You mean to tell me that Avalon... is an actual real place?!" When Dumbledore nodded and opened his mouth, the Admiral shook his head. "Never mind, later." Taking a deep breath, he looked directly at Dumbledore. "Do you know why it was hidden at least?"

Thoughtful, Dumbledore leaned back. "That is much harder to determine unfortunately. We have found some ruins on the island hundreds of years older then when Saint Brendan discovered it, but no sign of the inhabitants. The local merfolk just stated that according to legend they all left for the mainland and those that remained behind died off over decades. We have searched the island many, many times over the centuries, but nothing else has come to light."

Clearing her throat, Queen Elizabeth frowned. "As fascinating as this is... I fail to understand why you would involve us in a... internal matter if there is indeed a settlement on the island."

Just reaching up to his forehead, Arthur rubbed the side of his head. "We have need of your help in protecting those on the island. I hope that maybe you can airdrop some supplies to them or even send some shipgirls to protect them."

Utter silence met him as everyone besides Dumbledore, who nodded, stared at him. Looking between them, Warspite blinked but before she could say anything, Victory spoke up. "What in all the Bloody Hell is wrong with you bunch, Albus!? If they're in that much danger, then you should have evacuated them!"

Knowing by the usage of his actual name that Victory was rather pissed, Dumbledore sighed and seemed to age several years. "I only wish that was possible. But the ICW as well as the various governments involved have decided to let them be. Partially because of the resources being taken up to keep them safe could be used... elsewhere." Everyone understood he meant keeping the magical world secret as well as what few fights were going on between magicals and Abyssals. "And that bringing them to the mainland could threaten the Statute. It has taken a lot to keep support going for this long I'm afraid."

Once more silence descended onto everyone there before Cunningham spoke up, his voice soft but carrying an edge. "Why would they decide not to evacuate them, Albus? How could they possibly threaten the Statute?"

For a few moments, Dumbledore was silent before he slowly spoke up. "I assume that you know about animagi by this point?"

That got him nods as Warspite spoke up. "People able to transform into animals I believe."

Nodding, Dumbledore took a drink of water before letting out a sigh. "Correct. The ability has been around for many, many centuries. Unfortunately, the method can be rather complicated and takes time. And as always, people try shortcuts even when warned that the consequences are dire. Then there are those who do not like their forms and try to change them, such as trying to gain a magical one like a dragon or a unicorn just to name two."

Slightly bemused, Queen Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "I believe that turns out very badly for them."

A snort escaped from Arthur before he shook his head. "To put it mildly..." He seemed lost in thought for a moment before he shook it off. "The two most common methods are either Polyjuice with part of an animal in it or using self-transfiguration. With the first, the person may find themselves trapped in a form that's part human and part animal, though thankfully they usually keep their mental faculties if not their speech. In the second though, they're often reverted to the intelligence of the form that they took. Of course, there were those that went in the opposite direction with transforming animals into people. I remember one wizard who did such with a particularly loyal dog..."

More then a little disgusted with the last part as they could guess where it was going, Cunningham coughed. "I see... and the island?" Suddenly, his eyes widened as the pieces clicked together. "Please do not tell me..."

Both Dumbledore and Arthur shared a look before the older wizard nodded. "Your suspicions are right." Taking a deep breath, he continued. "Because of how hard caring for them would be, they would be confined to home and watched, it was decided at the time to be... I would not say humanitarian I suppose, but to give them something of a life by transporting them to Saint Brendan's Isle to live out their days in peace and among others like themselves. Being human, they of course often gathered together and formed couples and families with children. Even though we're talking a handful a year worldwide, it does add up over time. Of course, their children, grandchildren, and the like often have animal features to various degrees and so have to be kept out of sight."

Rubbing his forehead, Cunningham internally cursed. "How many?"

There was a pause before Arthur spoke up. "From the last census forty years ago, about a hundred thousand at least."

Suddenly, Queen Elizabeth snapped her fingers. "Wait a second... humans into animals and animals into humans? Shoved onto an island? That sounds an awful lot like the background to the Island of Doctor Moreau."

Chuckling, Dumbledore had a far off expression on his face. "Indeed. I believe that H.G Wells was informed about the island from one of his acquaintances and took some inspiration. It caused quite a stir at the time and helped raise some issues that caused improvement for those living on Saint Brendan's. There have been other historical incidents involving the people there which can be seen in stories and the like."

Warspite meanwhile furrowed her eyebrows. "Is there truly nothing that can be done from your end?"

As he grimaced, Arthur grumbled a bit. "I wish that there was really. However, the island has always been of low priority, not much more then sending over some supplies or getting magical herbs grown there by the inhabitants back as a form of trade. I suppose that the closest that you might understand is that the island is like the magical version of the Isle of Man. Officially, British Ministry rules over the island and is responsible for it though we have little to do with it. Unofficially, they might as well be their own little country under the purview of the ICW. They even have their own rulers. At the moment though, ICW forces are mostly a skeletal crew I believe that the term would be."

Beside him, Dumbledore nodded with a dismayed expression on his face. "I have tried my best, but with the Abyssals the ICW members are pushing to abandon them 'Until such time as the current crisis is resolved and we can return to the normal situation.' As I am sure you realize what may happen then."

The armrest creaked under Cunningham's hand as he clinched it tightly. "Yes, most likely the Abyssals would wipe out all life upon the island once they realize that they're defenceless." Closing his eyes for several moments, the Admiral frowned as he rolled thoughts around in his head. "Any idea for the final pullout? As I would assume that they will not bother past that."

Leaning back, Dumbledore gave it some thought before he slowly nodded. "I believe that I can have it delayed until July. Most likely no later then that though and it may be sooner though no earlier then March I would think."

Quickly doing some calculations in his head, Cunningham nodded. "That gives us a few months. I may be able to do something though I need time to plan, so any time that you can gain for us by delaying will help."

Both wizards slumped in their seats as if a great weight was taken off their shoulders, which it might as well have. There was a smile on Arthur's face as he nodded. "I can get you a map for the location which can see through the charms around it, or perhaps place one of those radio bacons that you use for finding your way on an official visit.

Cunningham looked up at that and slowly nodded. "That would help greatly, thank you." Standing up, he thanked both Arthur and Dumbledore for their visit and waited until they left. Once he got a nod from Queen Elizabeth that they were off base, he slumped down into his chair. "Well... this is a rather big mess that they dropped into out laps."

Slowly, Victory shook her head. "They wouldn't have come to us if they had any other choice though. And while I don't know Arthur Weasley as well as Bumblebee, I do know that he would want to try his best for those who are supposed to be protected. The man has good morals if nothing else."

Raising an eyebrow, Cunningham turned toward Warspite. "You know the man and his family better, your thoughts?"

For several seconds, Warspite thought it over but nodded in the end. "Much the same as Victory actually. Arthur is a very good man who, despite some issues, does try his best to stick with his morals. I can tell that this was eating him up from inside."

Behind Cunningham, Queen Elizabeth considered her sister before looking between her and Victory. "Out of curiosity... how much trouble could the two of them get into if this ever got out?"

Sharing a look with Victory, Warspite's tone became dry. "There would be those demanding the lash be brought back just for them. At the very least their families and names would be disgraced in the view of the magical public and they would not just lose their jobs, but also be imprisoned. I wouldn't be surprised if Arthur's children became blacklisted."

That caused a thoughtful silence before Cunningham clapped his hands together and began to rub them together. "Well then, I suppose that we should get back down to work then. We have a rescue to pull off and several months in which to plan it."

With nods, all three shipgirls began to pay close attention as they slowly started to brainstorm ideas.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Looking out the window, Harry grimaced a bit. "I hate this weather..." Outside, ice cold rain pelted the windows of the castle and wind whistled past even as Harry felt his breath fog slightly in the cold, damp air of the castle. Part of him couldn't help but be thankful for the sweaters that he was wearing as he continued his morning jog, the sun not having risen yet. It was then that he heard something and frowned. 'Is that... crying?' His eyes narrowing, Harry slowed down and listened and could hear sobs before he mentally mapped where he was and frowned as he was by a girl's washroom that was always closed. 'Well... it does sound like a girl crying.'

Slowly, Harry made his way closer and grit his teeth as he heard Peeve's voice. "Aw, is little Myrtle-kins going to cry? But Peevesy was only trying to make her feel better!"

For a moment the sobs stopped as a girl yelled at him. "By throwing dung bombs into my washroom!?"

Peeves only laughed. "But Peeves was making it smell like it should! Besides, it's not like anyone visits Myrtle!"

There was a pause as Harry's jaw dropped before he heard the stuttering voice. "Th-that's not true..."

Coming around the corner, the wizard tightened his jaw as he saw Peeves continue to mock the female ghost in front of him, including how no one cared about her or wanted to be friends. Now, there was a little known fact about Harry, he had a few buttons that no one wanted to press. Bullying in front of him was one way to get him mad. Mocking someone for not having anyone was another as he went for a long time without friends. So no one who really knew him would have been surprised as he strode forward with a glare he somehow had gotten from Nagato. "PEEVES!"

Said poltergeist turned to see Harry striding towards him and just grinned. "Is Harry here to be Myrtle's knight? Ah, but she's no princess! Though she might be a frog with those spots."

It didn't take long before Harry reached Peeves and raised one finger. "Apologize to her, now."

Tilting his head, Peeves looked rather amused even though Harry's glowing eyes unnerved him slightly, and he swore that he could see blue flame flicker near the corners. "Or what? Hmm? Hehehe." Suddenly, he grinned. "Oh! Peeves knows!"

His hand in his pocket, Harry reacted as he saw Peeves reach for something behind his back and, before the spirit could react, one of the ofuda that Harry had asked for Haru to make before he came back from holidays was slapped onto Peeves face as he gave a quick chant. Unfortunately for said spirit, said ofuda had been made with the brush that Harry had gifted Haru and he found himself frozen into place with a slight glow. Grinning darkly, Harry leaned in toward his face. "I warned you... now time for you to stay in time out for some time and think about what you done and about not being a dick."

With a deep breath, Harry calmed down a bit while hoping that his mother never found out about the last word he used and turned to see Myrtle staring at Peeves in pure shock and then looking at him before going back to looking at Peeves. Then she noticed that Harry was now looking at her and jerked back some. "U-uh..."

All Harry did though was hold his hands up. "Whoa, it's okay."

More then a little nervous. "You're... not going to do what you did to..."

Glancing at the still frozen Peeves, Harry just blinked. "Why would I do that?"

Finger raising, Myrtle paused before bringing her hands down to her lap. "Um... no reason..." She then frowned a bit as she saw him more closely. 'Why does he look familiar?'

Just scratching his head, Harry looked around before he held out his hand. "Oh, I'm Harry Potter."

Eyes wide as she realized who he was, Myrtle boggled. "Ha-Harry Potter?" At his nod, she blushed. "I-I'm Myrtle Warren." Looking at his extended hand, she giggled a bit as after a moment Harry realized why she wasn't going to shake it and pulled it back, his own cheeks reddening. "Uh... thank you."

However, Harry just waved her off. "It's no problem, I hate people like him."

Moving towards Peeves, Myrtle examined him as the poltergeist's eyes followed her. Said eyes were full of both rage and fear and Myrtle leaned in to examine the piece of paper stuck to Peeve's forehead. "What did you do and... is that writing on it?"

Simply shrugging, Harry looked at the poltergeist and shrugged. "It's just an ofuda that I asked for a friend who's a Miko make. She didn't see any problem with me making a couple." A small bit of Harry took a bit of joy at the fact that the fear in Peeve's eyes suddenly increased. The poltergeist had been rubbing him the wrong way since he had arrived to Hogwarts back in September. "He'll keep as all I wanted was to freeze him."

Myrtle turned toward him with a frown. "... Does that mean that you could do more?" When Harry nodded with a smirk, Myrtle felt a slight shiver run down her back before shaking it off. 'He deserves it.' Then she turned to him and grimaced. "Um... not many talk to me, so... could we..."

With a look towards Peeves, Harry frowned. "Do you want to do so here or...?"

As she looked towards the frozen poltergeist, Myrtle shook his head. "Not within earshot of him."

Nodding, Harry gestured for her to follow him and the ghost did so. Part of it was because so few people not only talked to her, but also because he had stood up for her. Something that very few had done since she died, or even when she had lived. Just as that last thought went through her mind, she froze as a old face rose up. 'He looks like... no, that's not possible.'

The silence causing him to look over, Harry blinked as Myrtle hovered close as she examined his face. "Is... something wrong?"

Suddenly pulling back, Myrtle blushed a bit as she remembered a auburn haired boy from when she was alive. "It's... nothing, you just... remind me of someone, that's all." Her gaze became far off. "Someone that I miss a lot."

Confused, Harry soon shrugged it off and continued to walk as he cooled down from his run as Myrtle followed, the two quietly chatting. Meanwhile, back with Peeves he was internally cursing only to freeze as a teenaged girl walked into view and became thoughtful as she looked at the ofuda. "Well now, this is rather interesting... I have never seen something like this before!" After a few seconds, she looked at Peeves and snorted at his look. "No, Peeves, I am not about to free you. I warned you back when you were shooting crossbows and blunderbusses at my children and threatening them with death! That one day someone would arrive who would not take any of your crap and would be able to back it up. You did not listen to me that day."

Peeves glared at her and he knew that she could hear what he was thinking.

Snorting, she only shook her head. "Oh, no, Peeves. I know that you came with the land and that I cannot get rid of you. But by that same point, you cannot touch me either... and I do not have to help you. Yes... on thinking about it, I will let this stand and perhaps you will learn your lesson. After all, if this magic can freeze one like you, then it's likely that he knows a way, or knows someone, who can get rid of you. Permanently." Walking off, she gave a jaunty wave of her hand. "Have fun, Peeves!"

Hours would pass before the Bloody Baron came across Peeves and after several minutes laughed and left. It would not be until after dinner that Harry returned and, after telling him that if he bothered Myrtle again he would be back, removed the ofuda so that he could reuse it again and walked off as the poltergeist took off like a monster was after him.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Hearing the scraping of a chair, Hermione didn't even look up from the massive history book that she was reading. "What is it, Harry?"

A moment later, she could hear the thud of a head against the table and raised an eyebrow. "Hide me, please."

Somewhat interested, Hermione raised an eyebrow and slowly stood up enough to see a wet haired Harry with his head on the table. Several moments of silence passed before Hermione gave a cough. "Let me guess... Wood?"

Groaning, Harry nodded. "Wood."

Rather amused, Hermione barely held back some snickers at her friend's exhaustion as she considered her choices. Part of her couldn't help but wonder how she would have dealt with this before she became a shipgirl but then shook it off. "And so you come to hide in the library?"

Harry only rolled his head a bit and looked up at her hopefully. "Don't you know of a way to hide me? I mean, there has to be come sort of secret rooms or something in the library that you found, right?"

Softly snorting, Hermione shook her head. "It's not L-Space, Harry. And there's certainly no orangutans around."

That caused Harry to blink and look at her oddly. "What do orangutans have to do with libraries? And L-Space?"

For almost a minute there was silence before Hermione sighed and shook her head. "Worse then I thought... remind me to show you some good books at some point." When he gave her an odd look though, she ignored it. "As to hiding you... you can stay here I suppose."

His answer, if anything, made her more amused as he bowed his head and ended up hitting the table. "Thank you."

Leaning her head against one palm, Hermione considered her friend and rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Harry, I'm surprised that you haven't tried to stop him somehow."

Sitting back up, Harry glanced around and then leaned toward her. "Yeah... but then I would have to also go after the rest of the team."

Now intrigued, Hermione gave him her full attention and put her book down. "The whole team? You're certain of that, Harry?"

Once more glancing around, Harry only nodded. "Yeah, I'm pretty certain of that. I mean... when they heard that Snape is going to referee the next match, they all went kind of nuts over it. Almost as if they think that he's going to try something right there in front of the crowd."

Humming, Hermione considered the question before shaking her head. "Well... I guess with his attitude they got some reason to worry from their point of view." Shaking off her thoughts, she gestured at the seat. "Anyways... just relax."

With one final look around, Harry pulled out his notebook as well as a book. "Ah..."

Several moments later, Hermione looked up only to do a double take at the book and frown. "'One hundred and one Convenient Cantrips for Crafting'?"

Looking up, Harry nodded as he made some notes. "They're mostly small spells that have use for crafting things for the most part. One of them creates a small, heated spot at the end of your wand that you can use to etch burn into wood without harming your wand. Another one can be used to harvest spider silk... that sort of thing. You can't really do anything big with them. Heck, there's one here that is used with the spider silk one to make into fabric."

Thoughtful, Hermione looked at the book in interest. "Huh... any ideas of what you're going to do with them?"

Just glancing at her, Harry soon turned his head back to the book. "Not quite yet, though it gives me a few ideas for gifts... but I found this neat potion that can be used for wood to both stain and preserve it. Apparently it can also repel dust and grime."

Now blinking, Hermione frowned a bit. "I... can see how that would be useful." Turning back to her own book, she gave a hum. "Any others?"

Unseen by her, Harry slowly nodded. "Yeah... there's one that will put a hole into a shell for a string without breaking it though it can also be used for things like sea glass. They're not anything really complicated, but..."

Hermione only chuckled. "Yeah." Pausing in her own reading for a few moments, Hermione looked over at him. "What about your homework though? Don't tell me that you're done all of it already?"

All that Harry did was nod some as he made a few notes. "Yeah... I already got it all done." He then looked up and raised an eyebrow. "How about you?"

In reply, Hermione snorted some. "Of course I got it all done." Part of it really amused her though. After all if she was who she was before becoming a shipgirl then it would be likely that she would be continuously panicking over everything regarding school work. But she didn't feel the real need to have to prove herself she did before. Odd that having become something that fought on the open seas would give her an odd peace with herself. 'I wonder how the old me would have reacted to the new...'
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Coming to a stop on the wharf at the end of her route, Fubuki took a few moments to take some deep breaths and slow her boilers down. She knew that her morning jog amused various shipgirls who sometimes watched her head out, but she found it rather enjoyable. For some odd reason, the Destroyer always found that it cleared her head and, by supressing her ship side, the run always felt pretty good. The one time that she had mentioned such to Goto, the Admiral had just nodded and stated that she was feeling a 'Runner's high'. More then that though, it gave her time to think by herself and sort out her thoughts for the day. And, as she stood there sipping at the bottle of water in her hands, Fubuki just smiled as she could just catch the light from the coming dawn coloring the sky. 'Beautiful...'

Suddenly she was brought out of her thoughts by the sounds of footsteps and turned around in time to see Kaga's twin walk into view with a slight nervousness. "Um... Fubuki-San?"

Like the other shipgirls, Fubuki was still not quite sure what to make of the Battleship. She seemed... softer, somehow, in personality then Kaga. It certainly did not help that she sometimes had a soft smile on her face at times and missed the bite that the Carrier had at times. Nonetheless though, Fubuki just smiled at her. "Ah, Kana-San, how are you this morning?"

With a blink at the name she had been given, a shortened version of Kanazawa, before giving Fubuki a nervous smile. As much as she wished that she did not need the name change, she had accepted it by now that it could have become very confusing between her and her twin. Seeing Fubuki raise an eyebrow as she waited for a response, Kana coughed. "Um, I'm actually doing quite well for myself, Fubuki-San."

Expression lighting up, Fubuki gave her a small grin. "That's great to hear!" That brought a smile to Kana's face as she nodded before she became somewhat nervous again which made Fubuki frown. "Is there something the matter, Kana-San?"

Quickly snapping out of her thoughts, Kana glanced around only to find that no one else was there. "Could we... have a talk, Fubuki-San?"

Raising an eyebrow, Fubuki dabbed at her forehead and placed the towel in her hands around her neck. "Sure, we can do it as we walk, hmm?" At the nod, the two of them began to walk along the path with Fubuki frowning somewhat. "What would you like to talk about?"

For several moments, Kana just looked around before she sighed. "I... things are so different now from what I remember and not just that I'm..."

At her trailing off, Fubuki gave a nod before looking at her hand. "Believe it or not, I understand." Knowing that Kana was paying attention, Fubuki continued. "I don't remember much after I sank but before I was summoned. But I do remember hearing voices crying out to me. Tens of thousands asking, praying for someone to come and save them. I know that I was unsure at the time, but I still answered for various reasons..." Fubuki didn't finish her internal thought out loud. 'Such as never really doing anything notable.'

Kana slowly nodded at that. "But after?"

Blinking, Fubuki turned to her and smiled. "Well... it was really odd when I realized that I had the body of a teenaged girl. Especially as I still had my spirits of my crew on me and they were all men. However, I would like to think that I grasped this second chance with both hands." Softly giggling, she shook her head. "I think that the culture shock was a bit worse though. Going from the 1940s to... well... this."

As she gave a sweeping gesture, Kana realized that she meant Japan and the world at large. "That's part of what I am having some trouble with."

With a small smile, Fubuki only nodded. "I'm not surprised really. It was bad enough for myself and I sank in 1942, you only remember the 1920s so I can't imagine how things are for you."

Eyes widening, Kana smiled back. "Exactly. Which is why I... want to ask you if you would help me adapt to this new world of ours."

That caused the Destroyer to stop and turn to regard Kana with an odd look on her face. "Wouldn't Kaga-San be better for that?"

On Kana's face there was a slight blush as she played with her fingers. "Nee-San has helped and is willing, but she stated that you would be one of the better ones to help when I asked..." Frowning, she cleared her throat and spoke in a voice that was identical to Kaga's. "'You can trust Fubuki-San when she speaks, for she is quite experienced in many ways.'"

It took a few moments as Fubuki parsed what was just said and the tone before she flushed a bit at the double meaning there as she also realized that the infamous 'Troll of CarDiv1' struck again. Then she smirked a bit as she realized the opening. "I suppose so, though I would say that you should tell Kaga-San that thanks to Akagi-Sempai, she is probably far more experienced in some ways then myself. Such as in night battles. In fact, just to avoid needing to say it more then once, it might be best to pass on my message when Tosa-San is there so that she'll know that she can speak to Kaga-San about such things if needed."

Quickly, Kana made a note in her logbook and nodded. "I see, I will pass on the message to Nee-San as you ask. In fact, I will be meeting with Nee-San and Onee-Sama for breakfast and will do so then." With a thoughtful look, she looked towards the Dorms and thus missed the evil grin that crossed Fubuki's face before it vanished. "Though... you do have more experience as a ship then I do, such as in battle. And also as a shipgirl... would it be possible for you to teach me?"

For several moments, Fubuki just blinked before she smiled and nodded. "Hai, Kana-San, it would be my honor."

Bowing, Kana let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Fubuki-Sempai, I will be in your care then."

Just chuckling, Fubuki rubbed the back of her head. "You're very welcome..." Trailing off, she raised a finger as her words fully filtered in. 'Wait... did she just...'

Unsure of the silence, Kana tilted her head to the side some. "Is something wrong, Fubuki-Sempai?"

An odd, strangled noise escaped from Fubuki at that. 'Fubuki-Sempai... a Battleship just called me sempai... a Battleship who looks like Kaga-San just called me Sempai...'

Not quite sure what was going on, Kana looked around to see if there was anyone who could help as Fubuki just kept staring into nothing before turning back to the Destroyer. After a few moments, Kana tilted her head as she felt herself blush a bit. 'Sempai is... kind of cute like that... Though I wonder if she could explain this Valentine's Day that so many are talking about...'

 

[darthcourt10]

MagisterAurelieus

Woot. Nice job at warping Fubuki's reality Harry. So I'm going to post up all the Ship of Fools omake posts that I wrote over on SV.

Starting here with Episode 1 of Ship of Fools:

Part One - Just before Harry's Third Year

August 21st – Outside the entrance to Diagon Alley - just before the start of third year

-0-

The American destroyers USS Johnston and USS William D Porter stood outside the entrance to Diagon Alley with Hermione Granger, each girl with small shopping bags in hand.

"Thanks for taking the time to go shopping at Selfridge's with us Hermione. Especially since you still have to do your school shopping."

"It's the least I could do for you two for all the AA training Willie D." And two weeks free from the Diving Duo was a bonus. "It's fun to be able to just do girl stuff once in awhile." It had been fun too. Even Willie D's falling down the upward bound escalator resulted in nothing more than slight embarrassment. What had taken Hermione aback was Johnston's interest in make-up. The woman at the cosmetics counter had helped and taught the tomboy destroyer how a light touch was best. Still, Johnston had not only bought make-up and several shades of lipstick, she had also bought and was wearing a navy blue blouse with a plaid burberry skirt. Only her respect for her friends kept Hermione from taking a picture. And especially not sending said picture to Akatsuki with a caption of 'A New Challenger Appears'. But the next time she and her sisters were able to have a slumber party she would have to remember to invite Johnston and Willie D.

"Well now, if it isn't Hermione Granger, loitering. I have to wonder if that's the only statute you enjoy breaking." The smug voice broke Hermione's internal thoughts, followed by the appearance of Draco Malfoy, the blonde boy dressed in all black save the silver necktie.

"There is no statute about shopping with ship-girls Malfoy. Who are also friends of Harry. I have to wonder why you are out and about with nary a henchman or your father in sight?"

"I am quite capable without my henchmen" Draco retorted with a grimace, "and I don't need my father's permission to do what I want."

During this exchange, Johnston merely observed the boy but then she piped in, "What do you think Willie D? A little too try hard?"

"Yeah kinda."

"Too bad, his beginning salvo had promise but he just wasn't prepared for counter battery fire. He probably just needs lessons in badass."

"What are you two talk..." Draco sputtered until he was interrupted by Johnston as she stretched her arms behind her head and then pointed at him.

"You need lessons in badass and must..." Pausing she looked down the street and grinned, "Unlearn what you have learned. And that will be a good start!" Johnston grabbed Draco's wrist and began pulling him down the street to a movie theater. A marquis sign advertising a double billing of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. "Hey Willie D, hold my stuff for me and I'll find you later!"

As the two left, Hermione and Willie D looked at each other, mouths agape.

"Did that just happen Willie D?"

"Uh huh."

"I don't understand... Johnston is going to see a movie with Draco Malfoy, one of the biggest prats at Hogwarts."

"Maybe Johnston thinks he's cute or something Hermione."

Both girls then did a double take at each other and replied at the same time, "OmigodOmigodOmigod!"

-0-

 

[darthcourt10]

MagisterAurelius

Ship of Fools - Part 2

August 21st – just before the start of third year – A movie theater in London

-0-

Draco Malfoy had approached the ever annoying Miss-Head-of-the-Class Hermione Granger and her obvious group of muggle friends for a bit of sport and embarrassment at Granger's expense. He had not expected his plan to backfire so thoroughly however. Now he was being dragged through the streets of London and the muggle hordes by a ship-girl friend of that Potter of all people to one of those muggle movie picture things. Draco's throat went slightly dry. If Father finds out about this he'll blow a blood vessel.

"What do you think you are doing? And who are you anyway?" After sputtering this out, the girl turned to regard Draco.

"My name is Johnston. You need lessons in how to be badass. Hermione burned you back hard and your comeback was... lame. So what's your name or do I have to act like a Drill Instructor and just call you maggot or shit-stain or something?"

"What?! I'm Draco Malfoy, of the House Malfoy, a house ancient with wealth and power beyond your wildest muggle dreams and you would dare...."

"Ummm..." Johnston pointed to herself, "American. Destroyer. Ship-girl. Member of Taffy 3. The only thing I wouldn't dare is switch the mess hall coffee to all decaf. That's a summary scuttling." She shivered briefly at the thought. Then like a switch being thrown her mood returned to hyperactive. "But Draco is a kinda cool name. And you are kinda cute."

As Johnston continued to chat happily away, Draco's mental processes focused solely on what she had described herself as. Ship-girl. She's a bloody ship-girl. Did she just say I'm cute? I am so dead. They're going to burn my picture from the family tree. Draco was so wrapped up in his internal monologue he failed to hear Johnston stop talking.

Did I break his brain? Did I say something wrong? Is he even breathing? Johnston pursed her lips and wondered. What would Musashi do? A very Taffy 3 grin broke out on Johnston's face. She crossed her arms under her bust and pushed up to attempt as much jiggle as her destroyer fuel tanks could muster. "I, Johnston am offended! What causes you to ignore the goddess before you!"

"Wha?" Draco blinked several times, not believing what his vision beheld. "What ARE you doing that for?" But as his eyes lingered on Johnston's bust his face slowly flushed crimson.

"To mess with you of course!" Johnston turned and looked to the clock in the ticket booth. "OH! Movie time now! Ogling time later!" She quickly paid for two tickets, grabbed the stunned and blushing Draco by the hand and dragged him into the double feature of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Draco exited the theatre with much on his nearly overwhelmed mind. Alright that was pretty cool. Darth Vader gives me ideas. So how am I going to pull off that force choke thing without a wand? Oh, and I'm going to have to ask Johnston about the whole Sith thing. That could be a neat little secret society to start.. with myself as... Slyth Lord Draco Malfoy. Yes, I like the sound of that... As he broke into a grin at his cleverness, the mental reverie was interrupted by the chirping voice of Johnston right next to him.

"So, what did you think? Is that not the best movie you have ever seen?"

"Umm.. to be honest Johnston. Those are the first muggle movies I've ever seen. My family doesn't approve of the muggle world much." Draco shook his head and grinned at Johnston. "I liked them though. So is Darth Vader what you mean by badass?"

"Ooohhh.... so you like the Dark Side of the force then. Oh yeah, and the three original movies only really hint at how badass Vader was. You need read some of the books that fill in details. And watch Return of the Jedi but just... no." Johnston stopped and shivered. "Spoiling Star Wars movies makes Haunted Hornet come and drag you to Hell."

"Haunted Hornet?"

"USS Hornet is the most haunted ship in the US Navy. And she can do really scary weird stuff when she gets annoyed, like when someone spoils the Star Wars movies to someone who hasn't seen them. She's the one the admirals call in to discipline the battleships when they get out of line."

The conversation was stopped by the loud growl from Johnston's tummy. "Rationing sucks... that wasn't nearly enough popcorn. Oh I know! Hermione said something about an ice cream parlor in the Diagonal Alley or something. Will you take me there? Please?"

Draco Malfoy had always thought himself immune to the methods of female persuasion. Johnston's antics kept confusing things though. Especially with the way she was now leaning forward towards him, face close to his, eyes shiny and pleading, with her lips pursed and.. and... and.. DANGER DANGER DRACO MALFOY! Jumping back a step, he stammered out, "Florean's.... yes, Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor! I'll take you there." Draco felt his sense of self preservation face-palm itself as Johnston sqee'ed, thrust her arm in his and half frog marched him to the entrance to Diagon Alley.

-0-

While the two got seated and ordered a party sized sundae at Florean's, in Draco's subconscious a mighty debate raged. Upon the metaphorical right hand shoulder, a well dressed Draco exuding supreme arcane power and nobility held forth on reasons many to disregard the ship-girl and end this farce. Family, prestige, power, punishment, and to not have a distraction in pursuit of becoming like Darth Vader. All these things the right hand Draco presented.

The Draco on the left shoulder, slovenly dressed with the light musk of brimstone about him, only sighed and got to his cloven feet. Dispensing with all eloquence he made only a single word as reply while pointing at Johnston. "Boobies." Thunder cracked as the decision was made. The left Draco grinned victoriously and went back to his newpaper to the wailing and gnashing of teeth of the other.

-0-

"And we really got chewed out for the snow sculpture diorama last year. Ok, depicting Battleship Row during mid-attack might not have been the best idea at the time. I mean, no one knew that Arizona and Pennsylvania were going to be visiting! And Cassin and Downes even helped us to get it historically accurate....."

As Johnston prattled on, Draco continued to listen and even got to eat a normal human sized portion of the sundae. Only having to contribute the occasional nod or 'uh huh' made things easier. He wasn't sure if he could even come up with something coherent to say. Some part of his brain was processing what Johnston was saying, and that made his new friend that was female dangerous to the extreme but also fascinating. The other part was just enjoying watching the girl sitting beside him. She's interesting... and... pretty.

Johnston was feeling warm and happy. She was having a lot of fun without the usual carnage and property destruction that she and her sisters usually got up to. Wearing a skirt and make-up was still new and kind of weird, but being able to make someone nervous without summoning her rigging but just by acting like a girl was interesting. It's nice to be able to just talk about everything without Hoel or somebody interrupting all the time. He seems to be a really good listener. And he's actually kinda cute too..

Looking over at Draco, Johnston's eyes slitted with mischief as she noticed a blob of whipped cream on his cheek. "Hey Draco, don't move." She leaned over, putting her face as close to his as possible, and licked the errant whipped cream dollop from his cheek. As Draco stiffened in shock, she laughed. "Whipped cream is too precious to waste on a napkin.... what's wrong?" Her eyes followed Draco's slowly rising finger, and her face drained of color, as it pointed to...

Hermione Granger, hand to her mouth, in a futile attempt to hold back laughter. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley who were staring at Draco Malfoy with neutral expressions. But worst of all, there was William D Porter, holding up her camera phone with a grin befitting Mutsu in maximum tease mode.
"Ara~ Johnston, sorry if we're interrupting your cuddle time with your boyfriend."

Johnston's tone was pleading, "Willie, please please delete any pictures. It isn't what you think. I was just licking some whipped cream off Draco...."

"Oh wow, Johnston. You're such a lewd woman. Now I have to email Jersey...."

Johnston just went even paler. Her eyes watered, lips quivered, and then she burst into tears and ran off. "I'M NOT LEWD! I HATE YOU WILLIE!"

"But... Johnston... I was just joking. I'm deleting it now! I swear.... Oopsie."

"Oopsie, Willie?" asked Harry as Hermione went in pursuit of the weeping destroyer. "Don't tell me you hit 'send' instead of 'delete'?" At the ringing of his own phone, Harry answered it and looked at the message. "Oh no. How much is the all in Send All, Willie?"

"The whole US Navy and a big chunk of the Yokosuka and Sasebo girls..."

"Oh my."

-0-0-0-

August 21st Twitter feeds

@jerseyblackdragon re: Johnston+bf!

Satan's Sweaty Ballsack! I am not dealing with this!

@heavenlydragon re: all personnel

Not it. I mean it. I already have to worry about DesDiv6 any day now.

@lewdoflewds re: Johnston+bf

I Iku will instruct Johnston!

@Goto re: Iku

OH HELL NO.

@pruderager re: Johnston+bf

sighs. I'll do it. Jane's getting close to that age anyway. And Jersey would only make things worse.

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

 

[darthcourt10]

MagisterAurelius

Ship of Fools part 3

Harry's Third Year at Hogwart's – sometime mid-October

Harry sighed as he sat down at his desk to finish some letters home. Ever since Johnston had left Britain, Harry had to be the letter carrier of hers and Draco's correspondence. His suggestion to Malfoy to get his own set of owl boxes had been rejected out of hand. Apparently Draco did not have any direct access to his father's money other than a small allowance of petty crescents per month.

He had at least convinced Johnston to save up her letters and send them one batch at a time. Draco had accepted that condition after Harry told him that constantly showing up in the Slytherin dorms with perfumed and lipstick bedecked packages for Draco might start rumors. So it was just after delivering one of Johnston's care packages to her boyfriend that Harry finally felt he could get something done.

Not one hour later, Draco Malfoy burst into the dorm room. "Potter! Help me... you've got to..."

Harry was about to make an exasperated annoyed remark, but his mood changed when he saw Malfoy's expression. Gone was all superiority, snark and smug condescension. Draco looked panicked and scared. "Wait wait... slow down. What's wrong?"

After taking a minute to slow his breathing the blond boy held out a letter for Harry to take. "I was reading Johnston's letters and was admiring the Darth Vader poster she sent me, when I got to that letter. The last letter she wrote was from a week ago. But that telegram thing is dated just after her last letter! Potter you have to get me to Japan to see her. She's dying!"

"WHAT?" Harry looked disbelievingly at Draco and then started to read the telegram.

-0-0-
-From: USS Hoel
-To: Draco Malfoy

Dear Mr Malfoy, it is with regret that the United States Navy must inform you that USS Johnston DD557 suffered a tragic, disastrous, regrettable and unfortunate training accident. As the designated significant other, you may wish to visit Johnston at the Yokosuka Naval Base to ease her suffering in parting. In these times every moment is precious. Do not wait until it is too late.

For access to the base it may be necessary to coordinate with Mr Harry Potter regarding travel arrangements and security passes.

Sincerely in these troubled times,
USS Hoel
USS Heermann
USS Samuel B Roberts
-0-0-

Harry facepalmed and sighed. "Draco, I think you're being pranked. Hoel and Heermann are Johnston's sisters and fellow Taffy 3 members along with Sammy B. And they're infamous for pranks and mayhem."

"But would they fake an accident Potter? I don't know that. I have to know that she's alright." Draco stopped and grimaced. "I will beg if I must for your help Potter."

"Draco, seriously that isn't..." and Harry stopped as Draco Malfoy of all people dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

"Please."

"Alright get up. I'll help. I can't get you to Yokosuka that's just not possible. But I can do the next best thing." Harry went and rummaged around in his chest and pulled out a decent sized tablet computer and metal flyswatter looking thing with a usb cable. Checking the charge on the tablet and humming positively, Harry turned to Draco. "So now we need to find a place outside the castle where I can get a strong enough signal."

-0-0-

Draco looked at Harry with raised eyebrows. "Here?"

"Yup. With the signal booster Yuubari made for the tablet, I'm able to get a wifi connection here." Harry internally chuckled at Hagrid's shack being a wifi hotspot, and the other app showed quite a few Pokemon as well. "Okay, calling home."

On the screen of the tablet, Harry's Skype connection went active and in a few moments an orange traffic cone appeared on the screen. Naka yawned. "Ohayo Harry-chan... what's up?"

"Hi Naka, sorry to wake you.."

"Oh no problem chibi. I was just marathoning a Growlanser IV stream. Oh, whose your friend?" Naka leaned into her camera.

"This is Draco, and the reason I called. He's worried about Johnston because of a letter that Hoel and her sisters sent him."

"Johnston? Worried? The only worry he'll have to do is if he comes over to Japan. Seriously, Draco-san. Over here you would have girls all over you. And then Johnston might go yandere and no one wants to clean up that mess."

"Wait so Johnston is not dying?" Draco leaned forward towards the screen.

"Dying? Pfft!" Naka leaned over and reached for something. As she rose back up, she drug the sleeping black haired form of Johnston into view of the camera. "Sleeping yes, dead, no."

"Johnston! You're alright!" Draco nearly tore the tablet out of Harry's hands.

"Huh? Whuzatt? Eh, ah OH! Draco!" It took Johnston about 30 seconds to fall out of Naka's grasp, slam her forehead into the table and then sit on a computer chair. "Ow... wait, why wouldn't I be alright?" As Draco told her the contents of the letter, Harry saw Johnston's face glower with rage.

"Oooo... I'm going to have to ask Tatsuta for ideas on revenge. Well, okay there was a minor accident. But that's because some dummy gave Willie Dee 55 gallon drums of napalm instead of depth charges for ASW training. And because Willie Dee just happens one of the drums landed on my head and burnt up my feather headdress. But that was it. A hour in the baths and I'm back to 100% badass." Johnston's grin lit up the screen more than the backlighting. Naka off screen was merely holding her hand to her mouth, suppressing her laughter.

"Well, I'm just really glad you're alright. I... I was concerned."

Harry realizing the opportunity for mischief leaned back into the picture. "He was so worried Johnston that he begged me to get him to Yokosuka to see you~"

"Potter!" Malfoy croaked, turning beet red in the process. Which was matched by Johnston's radiant blush.

Naka fell over, crowing, "Ohohohohoho... Johnston... for that sort of devotion you'll have to do more than just a lick the next time. Maybe let him get to second base, yes~?" As Johnston looked over with confusion at Naka, the traffic cone got up and whispered in her ear.

With an eep, Johnston shot up, blew Malfoy a kiss, and said, "OhcrapitslateIloveyousweetiegottagobye!" And promptly ran out of the room to Naka's howling laughter.

"But I didn't get to ask her what she wanted for her commissioning day..." Draco half mumbled.

Naka perked up with a cat like expression. "Oh...well Johnston-chan did lose her favorite headdress. Maybe something for her hair Malfoy-san." She then winked. "It is late Harry and Naka-chan is tired. It was nice meeting you Malfoy-san. If you ever come over to Japan, I'll make sure to have you and Johnston on my podcast. But good night, morning, afternoon I think."

"Thanks Naka." Then Harry shut down the Skype channel and looked over at Draco. "I wonder what she meant about second base?" Draco shrugged equally confused.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

This was a freaking blast to write. Hope you all enjoy!

 

[darthcourt10]

MagisterAurelius

episode 4 of Ship of Fools.

-0-
Once again Harry's third year at Hogwart's, the second day of Christmas break, the Malfoy manor.

"So, ummm, why do you need us to go with you to Japan Draco?" Henchman #2, otherwise known as Crabbe asked as he watched Draco finish packing his suitcase. Draco looked up to reply as he snapped the final latch on the suitcase shut but was pre-empted by Henchman #1 Goyle.

"He wants to have some privacy with his girlfriend, so we have been selected for wingman duty and keep her sisters occupied."

Crabbe looked dubiously at Draco. "How suicidal is this wingman mission? Some things are beyond even the bro code. How fugly or crazy are they?"

Goyle snorted. "Crabbe you git. Draco's dating a shipgirl. That means her sisters are shipgirls. Shipgirls just don't come in fugly. After seeing all the ones that hang around Potter?" He purposefully avoided the second part of the question however. "The main issue is going to be how many sisters we will have to deal with. Because that will determine just how much Draco'll be needing to repay us when we get back." He turned to Draco, "How many sisters?"

"As far as I know right now just Hoel and Heermann are with her in Yokosuka." Draco sighed. "So just two."

"Okay, now why is Potter okay with this? I mean you and he aren't exactly friends Draco. And what about your par..." Crabbe cut off as he watched Draco raise his arm towards his throat, hand acting like it was attempting to choke empty air. "What in Merlin's name are you doing?"

Draco dropped his arm to his side and muttered, "Still need more practice." He turned his back on his friends to pick up his suitcase, not noticing the movement of the door knob to his room behind them. "Potter is alright with things because Johnston is his friend and asked him if I could spend Christmas there. And because he has been decent about helping Johnston and I keep up correspondence, I am not about to antagonize him and screw up things with Johnston. Now what I told my parents....."

A sweet lilting voice interjected behind Crabbe and Goyle, interrupting Draco. "Yes Draco dear, do please tell your mother the real reason you want to spend Christmas away from the family~"

-0-

Crabbe and Goyle looked on at Draco's expression, something between mortification and a drenched cat, as he was trapped in his mother's embrace, sputtering as she mussed his hair. Narcissa Malfoy looked up at the two and smiled. "You boys do know that a mother always knows what her son is up to right?" As the two exchanged looks of confusion with Draco she continued, "Did you even think that Harry Potter would invite you to his home without his mother's permission? And that she wouldn't talk to all the mothers of the invited boys to make sure that everything was alright and had permission to stay in a foreign country over the holidays?" She giggled softly as all three boys winced.

"Mother...so just how much do you... " Draco trailed off as realization dawned upon him.

"Do I know? One, my son is dating. Two, he is dating a shipgirl. Three, he has already been licked by said shipgirl..." As Draco turned crimson, Narcissa twisted the knife, "Oh Draco, to deny your dear mother such a golden memory is almost unforgivable. At least Nagato was kind enough to send me several copies, so I will be able regale my grandchildren with tales and pictures of how their parents met."

"MOTHER!"

Narcissa's expression then turned from playful to completely serious. "Now Draco, your father and I have known you've been in a relationship with this girl for awhile now. But since you are going to be in close physical proximity to her without us being around. Well, it is a year or two sooner than he would have liked, but it's time. So young man, make your way to your father's study. You and your father need to have The Talk." Her smile then came back like sunshine. "Before you go Draco, have you gotten your girlfriend a Christmas present yet?"

"No, I haven't had a chance to yet. I need to find something special though. I want it to be for Christmas and her Commissioning Day gift."

"Any ideas on what she likes?"

"Umm... she did lose her favorite hair band thing a bit ago I think." He scratched his head. "Something about feathers too..."

Narcissa's lips pursed together in thought and a small grin came to them. "Hmmmm... I think I can help dear. Let Mother take care of that for you. Now off you go, and while you and your father chat, I'll hunt it down so then you boys can get going." Narcissa stood up and left Draco's room.

Leaving two very confused henchmen to watch their leader trudge his way to his father's study. Turning to Goyle, Crabbe opined, "His mum is one scary lady."

Raising an eyebrow, Goyle merely replied. "Mate, mothers are all scary."

-0-

 

[darthcourt10]

MagisterAurelius

Ship of Fools Part 5

Once again the Malfoy manor, Christmas break of Harry's 3rd year at Hogwarts.

-0-

Draco and his father sat facing each other, Lucius behind his desk, yet with eyes deliberately avoiding each other. The silence continued until Lucius coughed.

"Well, now, do you have any questions Draco?"

"No... no.... I think you explained everything. There can't be more can there?" Draco finally looked his father in the eye, his expression a mix of embarrassment, confusion and incredulity.

Lucius sighed. "I had to be thorough Draco. No one deserves to experience the talk the way your grandfather imparted it to me. There are some things that even Obliviation cannot erase." In his mind Lucius recoiled from the memory of a scarring enchanted puppet show.

"I do have one question though." Draco steeled himself. "Mother mentioned that you both know about Johnston and me. You haven't hit the roof yet and I'm wondering why not."

Lucius steepled his hands and gazed sternly at his son. "It is true that the Malfoy bloodline is Pureblood, Draco, and if Johnston were a muggle I indeed would be enraged." Holding his hand up to forestall his son from objecting he continued, "Johnston is not a muggle but a shipgirl and thus a magical being. She has great power available to her therefore, which is useful to be on the right side of. Finally, her influence on you seems to be positive. She seems to have sparked ambition and a desire for power in you, and I approve."

Draco stepped back, ran his fingers through his hair in a nervous tic and was about to speak. Only for his jaw to drop open as his father continued with a smirk.

"Oh and one more thing. If you need to practice the Force Choke that's fine. Just try not to kill the House Elves."

"WHAT? You've seen....?"

Lucius shrugged. "Of course Draco. I saw the original with your mother before I married her. Oh, and if you are in one of those arguments, just take it from your father. Han shot first."

-0-

"Well Draco did you and your father have a good talk?~"

Draco shifted his feet. "Yes mother. It was very informative and complete."

Narcissa stifled the giggle in her throat at the sight of her son's growing embarrassed blush. She motioned to a side table where a dizzying array of hair ornaments in various degress of bejewelment and gilding lay. "Pick something nice for your girlfriend dear."

Draco took his time and slowly sorted through the various clips, bands, pins and broaches. Eventually he selected two from the throng and set them aside. His mother came up behind him and examined his choices.

"Both of them are beautiful pieces Draco. So have you decided which one to give her?"

"This one." Draco held up the less ornate of the two. It was a simple gold comb to be worn around the temple, with an array of four silver feathers sweeping up and to the back. Each feather was limned in gold with gold striations in black onyx. The feather tips were of white onyx and over the center of the comb was silver and turquoise inlay. "It was the closest to her hairpiece that she lost."

"Very thoughtful Draco. But why not the other?"

"It just seemed too much for right now, I think. And I mean it's covered in all those stones. It's too much to be real jewelry even though it looks really nice."

"Well, you are very perspective Draco. This heirloom is too much too soon for young love." Narcissa smiled sweetly with utter mischief. "But when you are ready to propose to dear little Johnston let me know Draco. A genuine Faberge piece does make for a wonderful engagement gift."

"MOTHER!"

-0-

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Grimacing as he looked down at his newspaper, Remus sighed and rubbed his face as he just wanted to throw it into the fire. Life as a werewolf was hard at the best of times, and with how things were both in the muggle world with the war and in the magical one, he was just barely afloat. He couldn't even set up a chicken farm or such thing as the animals would panic some at his scent. Thankfully, he was able to live as a handyman by secretly using his magic to fix things. Add in the money that he was pulling in from fixing up various items and then selling them at flea markets and he was just able to stay afloat.

That did not mean though that he was prospering by any extent of the word.

As Remus looked around, his eyes fell on the mostly empty bottle of fire whiskey on his mantle place. Despite his money situation, he had bought it using some of his meagre savings at hearing Fenrir was dead at last. Something that still brought a slightly savage smile to his face every time he thought about it. With a sigh though, he put the newspaper down and picked up another one as he began to read the classifieds to see if there was some work out there. Before he could get too far though, there was a knock on the door which made him blink and then look up in confusion. 'Odd...'

Putting the newspaper down, he walked to his door with his wand hidden in one hand. Even though the world was supposed to be peaceful outside of the Abyssals, Remus had learned long ago not to take such things for granted. Undoing the locks on the door, he opened it a crack to see a woman there who was dressed right out of a muggle history book. "Remus Lupin, I presume?"

With a quick sniff, Remus paled. He may not have been the most informed in regards to various things thanks to his near hermit-like existence, even he recognized Victory if only due to the clothes plus the empty sleeve and eyepatch. The smell of timber, seawater, and gunpowder only reinforced it. "Yes... that's me. How may I help you?"

In reply, Victory only pulled out a letter and handed it to him in silence which he took. "I have an offer for you. A job, if you will."

More then somewhat suspicious, Remus brought up the envelope to his eye level and frowned at the loopy writing on it. He very recognized Dumbledore's writing on it as well as scent. Then he realized that Fawkes was on his fence post and relaxed. If Dumbledore was somehow involved in this... Fully opening the door, he gestured for her to come in. "Thank you, Miss Victory."

Simply walking in, Victory quickly scanned the small cottage with her eye and internally frowned. 'I know that Bumblebee said that it might be bad, but I did not expect this...' When Remus pulled out a chair at his table, Victory gave him a small grin before sitting down. At his offer of tea, she only nodded. "A nice cup would be lovely, thank you."

Taking the time he had making the tea, Remus tried to figure out what was going on as well as calm himself. Inside him, the wolf was whimpering and wanting to both submit and run as fast as possible from the shipgirl at his table. Every bit of his instincts just screamed that she could easily end him. But Remus was nothing if not used to such things and soon placed the cup of tea in front of Victory who took it gratefully. Sitting down with one of his one, he cleared his throat. "How... may I be of assistance?"

Gently blowing on her tea, Victory placed several sheets of parchment onto the table and a quill and ink pot. "I'm afraid that before we can get to that, I will need you to sign these... and please read them carefully before you do so."

Now really suspicious, Remus picked up the parchment and began to read them over. After he was done, he read them a second time and furrowed his eyebrows before looking up at Victory with a frown on his face. "These are magical contracts..."

Slowly nodding, Victory hummed. "They are, they're the basic non-disclosure contracts for certain lines of work."

Eyes narrowed, Remus finally opened the envelope from Dumbledore and read it a few times and then set it down as he frowned in thought. "May I ask what would happen if I don't sign these?"

Victory sipped her tea carefully and then smiled. "I shall enjoy my tea and then leave, that is all. Nothing else would happen besides that. If you sign them, then I shall give the offer that I carry and you can decide whether you wish to have anything to do with it or not. If you decide not to, then I will leave and it shall not be mentioned again as it is rather secret."

For several moments Remus stared at her before his curiosity finally got the better of himself and he quickly signed the contracts and slid them back over to Victory. "Okay, you have my attention."

There was a slight smile on Victory's face as she set down her cup. "Firstly, I'm sure that you have heard about the demise of a werewolf by the name of Fenrir Greyback?"

Narrowing his eyes, Remus only nodded. "I have as have probably every other werewolf in Britain. There were quite a number shocked by his death though there were also those who celebrated it. But why..."

When he trailed off and gave the shipgirl a piercing look, Victory only grinned. "Bumblebee did say that you were quite an intelligent fellow."

However, Remus frowned. "But every one reported that it was a squib that killed him and his pack... Not a shipgirl."

Victory only hummed. "Would it be surprising if I was to say that the young woman involved was both?"

Slowly, Remus' eyes widened as he put it together. "I thought that it was only a rumour that normal people could become shipgirls..."

Just shaking her head, Victory chuckled. "Oh no, I can confirm to you that it is not a rumour, but the truth. Of course, you can understand why this must be kept secret from certain people."

With a snort, Remus shook his head. "I can... but what does this have to do with me?"

Her expression becoming saddened, Victory shook her head. "Now we get to the real meat of the conversation. I am sure that being a victim of Fenrir, you understand who he targets the most?"

Feeling his breath catch in his throat, Remus swallowed. "Children..."

Turning towards Remus' window, Victory frowned. "The reason why we acted when we did was he began to really push matters. Due to the Aurors being often too busy, he had been using their distraction to attack more and more children. He even attacked a sibling to an American Natural Born. We don't quite know why, but..."

A snort caused her to look towards Remus who growled. "I can guess why. The various packs have been making noises about shipgirls for a while and there's fear about their power to where some have been suggesting approaching them. I have no doubt that Fenrir, hearing the same thing decided to prove his superiority... While I am not sorry it was what got him killed, I am sorry about all those he harmed."

Eye searching Remus', the shipgirl nodded. "That was what our intelligence group suspected, though we couldn't be sure. That said... our strike has seemed to wipe out his pack."

Raising an eyebrow, Remus frowned. "'Seemed'?

However, Victory waved her hand. "One can never be certain of these things, but we do think that we got them all with a few having been captured. That is all beside the point." Placing her hand on the table, Victory fixed him with a look. "Along with the adults, we found at least a fifteen children between the ages of two and twelve... Only five of whom have living relatives."

For several moments, Remus stared at her and then ran his hand down his face. "Merlin... how bad...?"

Grimacing, Victory shook her head. "One of them, a five year old, was badly beaten and might have died. From what we could get, Fenrir was trying to break them. All are recovering and we are bringing in specialists to help, especially those who have been involved in... deprograming children of cults. But that still leaves the issue of what to do with them which is where you come in."

That caused Remus to freeze before he slowly turned towards Victory with narrowed eyes. "What do you mean...?"

Most would have been somewhat frightened by the expression on Remus' face, but Victory took it in stride and sipped her tea. Though those who knew her would have been able to tell there was a slight approval on her face. "There is an old boarding school in the Welsh countryside which was converted from a manor. There's a wide area around it with full facilities. it has been empty though for a number of years now. Her Majesty's government is going to buy it and fix it up."

Now thoughtful, Remus leaned back in thought. "For maybe ten children? That is a bit much..."

Clearing her throat, Victory shook her head. "At first, we were going to set up a large house... but then we were told that there were a number of children in the Wizarding World who, after being bitten, were tossed out of their homes."

For several moments, Remus stared at her and then sighed. 'It's... an unfortunate fact, yes. Sometimes, they find a pack to take them in, but far too often they don't last long." It was then that he realized what she was suggesting and turned to boggle at her. "You cannot be serious..."

Her lips quirking upwards a bit, Victory raised an eyebrow. "I am, and don't call me Shirley."

At his confused expression, she shook her head and muttered about spending too much time talking with Constitution. Coughing, Remus brought her attention back to him. "You're suggesting somewhere for young werewolves to... stay?"

Leaning back, Victory nodded some. "That's right. And also to teach them."

Several minutes passed as Remus rolled that around in his head before he finally shook his head. "Why?"

If one looked closely, one could see that there was sadness in Victory's eyes that he had to ask that question. "So that they have a future and can be used as an example for the rest of the werewolf community to follow when the Statute finally falls."

There was silence as Remus looked at her and then shook his head. "So it's really going to happen then?"

Knowing what he meant, Victory nodded. "It's too far gone by this point. Some in the Ministry believe that it'll last a decade. However..."

Silent, Remus frowned as he looked into the distance. "How long do you think?"

Taking a deep breath, Victory let it out. "Five, maybe six years if we're lucky before something happens that will blow it all out into the open."

All that could be heard was the ticking of the clock on the mantle and the crackle of the flames before Remus let out a sigh. "I see... so why come to me? And how does this all tie into an offer?"

Having shaken off her melancholy, Victory smiled slightly. "We would like to hire you on as a consultant for a time. To help us set it all up and get it running. I assure you, neither the project nor yourself will have need of money. Though... there is another reason as well."

Just raising an eyebrow, Remus frowned. "Oh?"

Slowly, Victory nodded though she internally braced herself. "Considering that a number of those who will first arrive will be victims of Fenrir Greyback, you can act as a role model for them. Someone who understands what they went through to a better then average extent and be there for them. Albus suggested this as a matter of fact."

Frozen, Remus' thoughts raced in his mind. "You... want me to work there..."

Once more, Victory waved a hand. "As a matter of fact, yes. Only if you want, of course, but I have been told that having someone there to support them and went through the same general thing is best."

Glancing at her, Remus frowned. "You do realize that I am dangerous to have around children... or anyone, really."

However, Victory only nodded. "Then I suppose that it is a good thing then that these children are already werewolves and that we shall be setting up a spot for transforming on the night of the full Moon."

Eyes narrowing, Remus grunted. "That will help, some, but there is still the danger of escape."

Much to his surprise, Victory spread out her arms. "There will be several shipgirls available to provide security. Mostly ones such as myself who use sails instead of boilers, but we have a few ironclads who would be willing to help out. We'll also be assigning a hospital shipgirl as well for injury treatment." She then frowned. "We are looking for a potion's master to produce the Wolfsbane potion mind you, but-"

Remus then cut her off to her surprise. "I think that I know of someone." At the raised eyebrow, he grinned sheepishly. "Sorry... anyways, he's a Half-blood who's sister was turned by Fenrir's pack but escaped. I know that him and his sister are relieved that Fenrir is dead as the bastard kept trying to hunt her down. Even came close a few times... Anyways, he tries to provide her with the potion when he can, but..."

Softly snorting, Victory shook her head. "Get us in touch with him and I will personally make sure that he gets the needed funds to supply it to all of the children, his sister, and yourself."

Frowning, Remus raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that I would join... but I can consult I suppose and use some of my connections."

Just smiling, Victory nodded. "That is all that I can ask."
_________________________________________________________________________

Looking up as Kana sat down, Kaga noted that Fubuki seemed a little out of it. "How did your talk with Fubuki-San go?"

What she did not expect though were the next words out of her twin's mouth. "Ah, the conversation went really well with Fubuki-Sempai. She promised to teach me as much as I wanted to know about being a shipgirl."

Beside her, Akagi choked a bit before she grabbed a glass of water to wash it down as kaga only blinked. "I... see..."

Then Kana continued as she took a bite of the muffin on her plate. "Mm-hm! You were right, Nee-San, Fubuki-Sempai knows all sorts of things due to being so experienced, especially with being a shipgirl."

Kaga felt some sweat on her neck as Akagi gave her a disapproving glare. '...'

After a few seconds, Akagi turned to give Fubuki an apologetic look, only to find that Fubuki was giving her one instead. 'Now why would she be...?'

She soon found out though as Kana took a sip of her tea with a thoughtful look on her face. "Fubuki-Sempai was kind of surprised that you suggested her though."

Eating, Kaga missed Yuudachi raising a phone and pointing the camera towards her. "Oh?"

Her twin's next words caused her to choke though as Kana crossed her arms and nodded. "Hai, according to Fubuki-Sempai, thanks to Akagi-San you're very experienced and know a lot of things. Like night battles!"

Around them, most conversations ceased as everyone turned their heads towards the train wreck. Akagi meanwhile had a red face and cleared her throat before speaking in a almost whisper as she glanced to where Amagi and her other sisters were listening in. "Sh-she did... and about night battles?"

Not having really taken note of the reactions, Kana continued. "That's right, I was sort of interested and asked her to explain a bit later. Fubuki-Sempai said that the two of you practiced a lot at night battles and that the ones that you were involved in together were long, drawn out affairs with lots of explosions as bombs went off inside hulls."

Face utterly red, Kaga was about to shoot a glare at the Destroyer when Tosa spoke up and caused her to freeze. "Night battles, hmm?" Slowly, the Battleship nodded and turned towards her sister with a smile. "Maybe you can teach me as well so that I can join you and Akagi-San in your night battles."

Things then went from bad to worse as Amagi nodded as did Akagi's other Battlecruiser sisters. "That's actually a good idea! We can all join in on the night battles then." Amagi was about to say something else when she took note of something and blinked. "Um... Akagi-Chan? Is something wrong? You're making a bit of an odd noise and why is your face so red..."

Eyebrow twitching, Kaga didn't even need to look to know that Akagi was likely living up to her name of 'Red Castle'. Especially if the odd, high pitched noise drifting out of her mouth said anything. Slowly, and ignoring that her own face likely could be mistaken for a tomato despite her stoic expression, Kaga turned to where Fubuki was. All the Destroyer did though was smirk... actually smirk, at Kaga and bow her head a bit before raising a glass in a salute. 'Touché, Fubuki... touché.'

However, Kaga had just gotten her blush under control about three minutes later when she received a text. Looking at it, she could see that it was from Zuikaku. Then her blush came back full force as she read the text. '{Hey, Kaga-San, so I just saw the video... going to have your Nee-Chans and Akagi's join you two in night battles, huh? How forward...}'

All anyone could hear was the sound of steel against steel as Kaga banged her head on the table while Fubuki just grinned widely.

 

[darthcourt10]

Tiypo

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

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

"Happy Valentines Harry!" She said cheerfully.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They really liked to party.

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

Most likely that last one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes."

"What about-"

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

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

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

And then banged her head back down onto the table.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just swallowing, Rose nodded. "I am."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Poi, poi, poi!"

"Poooooi~!"

"Pooi? Poipoipoipoi?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And they loved it.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or silk that covered a sword.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That got her smiles from everyone and nods of agreement.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eyes closing, Yuudachi nodded. "Poi!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Come on Natsumi!
Come on Natsumi!

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one there could figure out the answer to that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big. Mistake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Matroslvan

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

"Is something wrong?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

He held the red orb up.

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

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

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

Neville drawn a deep breath, and started listing.

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

Ron's face flashed red with anger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The realization struck Malfoy like a lightning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

"Riiight."

---

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

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

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

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

Seeing destroyers puzzled expression, he signed, and explained.

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

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

"And that's the list."

---

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

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

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

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

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

---

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

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

-=-

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

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

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

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

The winners, of course, would win house points.

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

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

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

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

Their imaginations, and their magical talents.

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

-=-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-=-

"MALFOY IS DRESSING UP AS NAZI?!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Make that three." Harry agreed.

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

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

-=-

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

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

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

Something was very different, indeed.

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

What was Draco Malfoy up to?

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My friends… I. LOVE. VAR!"

-=-

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

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

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

Hope you all enjoyed this.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curious, Harry looked over at the red head with a confused expression before it turned into one that was understanding. "Because it's magic?"

If anything, Ron's grin widened as he clapped his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Yup! I mean, walking sticks aren't wands so unless they're masterwork stuff you can't do much with them. But ones like this? They're kind of... what's the word? Passive?" Slightly confused, Ron frowned before he shook it off. "Anyways, it'll help Warspite get around and stuff. Like, she won't ache nearly as much and it'll pass quicker if she uses it. Aunt Muriel says it lowers the strain on the legs through magic or something."

Even though he was really curious now, Harry only nodded before smiling. "She'll love it."

The red haired boy only chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I hope so anyways. I don't like seeing her in pain."

All Harry did was nod at that.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"FUCK!"

Inside the Range Rover, the group of soldiers scowled at the man driving. "WHAT THE BLOODY FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?"

Glancing at them, and hitting another hole, the man only snarled back. "Oh, go fuck yourselves. I'd like to see any of you bunch manage to drive better!"

Softly snorting, the only woman smirked. "Is that an invitation?"

The man though just gave her a glare before the vehicle hit yet another bump, this time nearly bottoming out as water splashed against the windshield and windows. "Go fuck yourself!"

If anything though, the woman seemed rather amused. "With or without you watching?"

With a twitch, the man gripped the steering wheel even tighter even there were chuckles. In the back though, the youngest of them looked out the windows nervously. Outside the vehicle it was nearly pitch black, though he could see some far off lights of other vehicles or helicopters in the air. "Are they sure that... you know?"

Beside him, another soldier shrugged. "Well, the shipgirls did see some of the remaining Abyssals in the area hit the shore. Our job? Try and see if any of the blighters are still around before letting arty drive them out. We're a small enough group that they shouldn't notice us if we stumble across them."

Grimacing, the young man gripped his rifle a bit tighter. "Yay, us against the Abyssals."

As he leaned forward, the driver shrugged. "At least the storm's breaking up. Can see some slivers of the moon. So that should give us some visibility."

Sure enough, the clouds that had covered the sky had begun to break up some. It was then that they entered an area with ruined buildings a few miles from the shore. One of the places hit during "Bloody Week" as a matter of fact. Even now, almost a decade after, it was only inhabited by animals and ghosts of those that had died there. Suddenly, a long, piercing howl could be heard somehow through the Range Rover's engine noise which caused them to stop the care. "Lord Almighty, what was that?"

The youngest gulped a bit and looked around. "That was nothing created by God... I... I think that was Shuck."

Eyerolls met that pronouncement with one of the other soldiers laughing. "Sure, big ol' scary ghost dog. Heh, don't worry, mate, we'll protect you."

However, the youngest of the group only glared. "Don't go mocking Shuck, I grew up in the area and East Anglia has always known about him." Then he looked around as the howl sounded closer. "He's about tonight, I remember hearing a howl just like this when I was seven, Gran, God bless her soul, told me that it was Shuck..."

With a snort, the driver turned off the engine. "Just you're imagination making out a stray dog for something it's not." Opening the door, he got out. "Anyways, we got a job to do and no phantom is going to stop us." He then began to point at some of the ruins. "Ash, you take point. I don't want us caught off guard if we come across a hiding Abyssal. We're just lucky that they mostly think our bunch ain't worth using their main guns."

One of the guys grumbled a bit. "Yeah, not when they can just tear us limb from limb."

Growling, the driver turned to glare at the soldier. "Stow i-"

Suddenly, the howl from before could be heard again, this time accompanied by booms from Abyssal guns which caused them to whip their heads around with all of them crouching down as the radio crackled and demanded explanations. The driver was just about to answer when a wall down the street exploded outwards and an Abyssal leapt through.

A Ru-Class Battleship.

The squad could only freeze as she turned towards them, and then dismissed them as she began to fire back the way she came while running. It wasn't the fact that she was ignoring them though that caused them to boggle though. Rather it was the look of pure terror on her face. Then there were explosions nearby as her fire slammed into something, but that something ignored the shells hitting it.

Eyes wide, the Abyssal just screamed as she fired even more shells. "Die! Die! DIE! DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDI-"

Something then leapt through the smoke, dust, and explosions and slammed into her. As she hit the ground, screams sounding like hoards of dammed souls ripped out of her throat as she began to slam her fists into whatever was on her. But it was for nought as it lunged and closed it's jaws on her throat and tore it out, silencing her screams. Then the jaws came down on her head and with the crunch and squeal of metal snapping and bending, the Abyssal died as her head was crushed.

Frozen, the squad could only stare as a growl that rumbled through their bones echoed in the air while, on top of the now dead Abyssal, a massive dog slowly turned towards them. Said dog, if it could be called such, was at least the size of a large bear and as it turned, more details could be picked out in the darkness. Such as the glowing eyes or the liquid flames that dripped from it's maw along with Abyssal blood and gore. From the hits that the Abyssal had scored, little remained except a few scratches and some slight scorch marks. One name though echoed through the minds of the soldiers as they stared.

Black Shuck, the Phantom Hound of East Anglia.

Very slowly, the squad began to back away as Black Shuck continued to watch them and got back into their vehicle, turning it on. All any of them knew was that they had to get the hell out of there. Yet another growl got rid of any thoughts of sticking around as they threw the vehicle into reverse as hard as they could and swung it around before speeding out. Meanwhile, behind them, Black Shuck threw his head back and let out a long, howl of victory that caused hairs to stand on end and chills down to the bone. Some part of human instinct letting everyone who heard it know one simple fact: There were predators greater then any natural ones on the hunt.

All that squad knew though was there were things that went bump in the night as that howl haunted them in their dreams for many years afterwards.
____________________________________________________________________________

Coming to, the first thing that Haruna felt was aches and pains all over her body even as she felt water lapping at her skin, slowly causing said pains to disappear. The next thing that she felt was an odd feeling of peace. Which was strange as she regarded her last memories and winced before opening her eyes some. "Uh..." Blinking, Haruna caught sight of Kongou playing some in the water of the docks before suddenly smiling as she saw her sister was awake. "Onee-Sama?"

A smile on her face, Kongou moved somewhat closer. "Haruna, you're awake, Dess."

Still slightly out of it, the Battleship only nodded. "What... happened?"

Kongou frowned some and then let out a sigh. "Your group was ambushed by who we think was a Destroyer Princess, Dess. You took three torpedoes to your side."

That caused Haruna's eyes to widen. "Th-three?"

With a slow nod, Kongou sighed and reached out. "Hai, you were badly damaged when one hit your stern."

Looking down, Haruna winced as she noticed that she was unable to feel her toes or, really, any of her feet. Slowly, she brought her lower legs and barely held back a whimper at the flash of pain before bringing them to the surface only to gasp slightly as most of her feet from the ankle down were gone. "Ha-Haruna sees."

Gently, Kongou reached over and pushed the legs back under the water where they could heal better. "You were lucky though, Dess. You managed to reach Okinawa before you could sink and they flew you back here, working on you the whole way." There was a slight smile on Kongou's face as she shook her head. "But then, you always have endured anything that came your way."

Blushing slightly, Haruna looked down at the water and then blinked as she caught sight of something reflected in the water. At the same time, she heard a snort and a mumble before turning her head to see someone sitting in a chair beside the docks that made her eyes widen. "Rose-Chan..."

There was a slight smile on Kongou's face as she turned to regard the tsukumogami a look of fondness. "Hai." Suddenly, the smile became a slight smirk as she looked towards Haruna. "She hasn't left your side since you arrived."

For some odd reason beyond Haruna, she could feel her boilers thudding in her chest and heat rising to her cheeks. "She... hasn't?"

Slowly, Kongou shook her head. "No, Rose-Chan has not left your side at all and stood watch over you."

Her eyes shifted to her sister's. "H-how long has Haruna been out for?"

On Kongou's face there was a frown. "You've been out for four days as Akashi worked on you."

Even though part of her could not believe that she had been unconscious for that long, one look told Haruna that it had been that long. However, the fuel in her lines pumped a little bit quicker at the idea that Rose had not left her side even as she was warmed from the inside that Rose cared so much about her. It was then that Haruna noticed something that caused her boilers to come to a halt and feel like something had gripped them and squeezed.

The dried tear tracks that streaked Rose's face.

Reaching up, Haruna bit her lip before bringing her hand to her chest and clinching it. "Rose-Chan was... crying? Over me?"

With a glance at her, Kongou nodded some. "Hai, but she wasn't the only one." A look at Kongou showed that the eldest of the four sisters had bags under her eyes. "You did come close to sinking."

That told Haruna everything to say about her state when she came in. "Haruna sees..."

Another snort could be heard and Haruna looked back to Rose to see the tsukumogami blinking her eyes open. For a moment, Rose yawned and then stretched before rubbing her eyes to get any sleepiness out. "Mmm, Kongou? Did something happen?"

On Kongou's face was a smile. "Dess! Look who's awake.

Blinking, Rose turned and then spotted Haruna. "You woke up..." Then she stood up and kneeled as close to Haruna as she could and gently hugged the Battleship. "You're awake..."

Not quite sure what to do, Haruna reached up and hugged Rose back, neither of them caring that Rose's uniform was getting wet. "Hai, Haruna is awake now, Rose-Chan."

While sniffling, Rose pulled back and rubbed at her eye before giving Haruna a bright smile. "I'm ever so glad."

Feeling a hand cup her cheek though, Rose blinked and looked down at Haruna who had an expression full of sorrow. "Haruna is sorry that she made Rose-Chan cry."

Even though she was heavily blushing, Rose reached up and placed her hand over Haruna's. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Haruna. We are in a war and such things happen after all." Closing her eyes, Rose leaned into Haruna's hand. "I'm just happy that you're okay."

Neither of the two noticed the smiling Kongou get up and leave. Meanwhile, Haruna just rubbed her thumb under Rose's eye. "Hai, Haruna is as well." A thought then occurred to Haruna and she frowned. "Does it bother Rose-Chan?"

Opening her eyes at the odd question, Rose blinked. "Does it bother me?" At Haruna's nod, she frowned. "What a silly question, Haruna. Of course it bother's me." Before the Battleship could say anything, Rose continued. "However, I understand that you are needed and that this may happen again, though I dearly hope that it does not. And until the day when this horrible war is over, and you can enjoy the peace, I can only do what I can to support you, Haruna. Even if all I can do is wait here with some tea or snacks."

Much to her surprise, Haruna brought herself as much out of pool as she could and threw her arms around Rose's neck. "To Haruna, that is more then enough." Internally, Haruna was utterly shining. 'Haruna has someone waiting other then Onee-Sama, Hiei-Onee-San, and Kirishima-Onee-Chan now after all...'

For several moments, the two just stayed like that, enjoying the embrace. And then Rose's hand slipped. "Eep!"

Pushing the door open at the splash and grunt of pain, Kongou was pushing a tea cart and blinked at the sight that met her. Mainly because Rose was now in the water with Haruna, but from her position Kongou knew that she was in her sister's lap with legs on either side. The fall had also knocked Rose's hat from her head and the tsukumogami had her hands on Haruna's shoulders. Slowly, Kongou raised an eyebrow. "Hmm..."

If anything though, that caused the blushes on both Haruna's and Rose's faces to increase. Haruna glanced between Rose and Kongou. "Onee-Sama...?"

Lips twitching upwards, Kongou just hummed before shaking her head. "I'll just leave the two of you alone, Dess."

With that, she slipped back out of the docks and left Rose still in the same position with steam coming out of her ears. At the same time, Haruna also had steam coming out of hers as she glanced up at Rose. Then Rose turned back to Haruna and stopped as she realized that their faces were inches away from each other. "U-uh... I..."

Swallowing, Haruna only had one thought in her head as she looked from Rose's eyes to her lips and back. 'Too close, too close, too close... she's too close!'

At the same time, Rose was also looking from Haruna's eyes to her mouth. "Well, I... I suppose that I should move..."

Haruna nodded a little bit, though part of her noted that the gap between their lips were closing. "H-hai, you should..."

Licking her lips some, Rose could feel Haruna's breath on hers and a shudder ran through her. "But, well... it is rather comfortable..."

Very slowly, Haruna nodded. "It is... Haruna doesn't mind it..."

Neither of them noticed that Enterprise was about to enter the docks, only for a slender arm to reach out as quick as a striking serpent and grab the Carrier by the neck and yank her back out of view. Trembles ran through both Rose and Haruna as both felt nervous, and yet expectant. And then both of their eyes locked onto each other and they began to relax. Then they moved slightly...