Title: Home
Author: Miaka Kennyuuki
Category: Gundam Wing/Harry Potter X-over
Genre: Action/Adventure, Humor
Pairings: None this time, only bonds of close friendship (but if you are one of my usual readers, you know what to expect eventually. Watch out for hints!)
Warnings: language, Shounen ai hints
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own Shin Kodousenki Gundam Wing or Harry Potter. Both are the property of Hajime Yatate and J.K. Rowlings respectively. Copyright infringement not intended.
Prologue: A Place to Call Home
The Scottish Highlands in late summer were quite a site to behold. Hundred year old trees rose up high in the sky, just turning the rustic brown, yellow and red colors in preparation for autumn. Hidden from the view of any close by Scottish towns, a beautiful stone castle stood. It rose eight stories up on its main floors, and even higher in its many towers and turrets. The grounds surrounding it were slightly neglected but still vibrant and beautiful.
"We'll take it," said the young oriental boy leaning against one of the large trees on the grounds. The Realtor of the estate, Marcus Redwall, sputtered. The castle was easily worth millions.
"You sure, Wu-man? Looks like it'll need a lot of work to get it back to its former glory," said a boy with long chestnut brown hair braided tightly and bright cobalt blue eyes.
"I am sure. It will occupy us. And maybe even keep you busy for a bit, Duo," the oriental boy said with a smirk, onyx eyes warm. The braided boy, Duo, pouted, and then grinned happily.
"Finally, a place to call our own. I'm so excited!" he cried, spinning in a circle. "I'm gonna love it here. And you will too, ne, Hee-chan?"
"Hn," answered a shorter boy with unruly brown hair wearing a green tank top and black spandex shorts. "It is acceptable."
"Glad you approve, Heero. I wouldn't buy it otherwise," piped up a cute boy with feather light blond hair and big aquamarine eyes. "I want us to have a place where we can be happy, a place to call home."
"Hopefully this is that place, Quatre," said a tall auburn haired boy beside the blond. The boy had oddly styled hair that fell in a thick bang over his green eyes, leaving one visible. "I also want a place to call home."
"And once we're done, everyone can come visit!" Duo yelled happily. "Your sister, Iria, Q-man, or maybe even Hee-chan's main squeeze, Relena-san."
Heero growled. "Relena is not my "main squeeze", Duo," he snapped. "Our relationship is purely professional."
"Pull the other one, buddy. She's so in love with you I'm surprised you guys aren't picking out wedding china together right at this moment," Duo grumbled, annoyed at being snapped at.
"So you are purchasing it, Mr. Winner?" asked the Realtor, anxious to sell the place and get away from the strange group of teens.
"I think I would like to hear more about this place, Mr. Redwall," Quatre said, nodding his head toward the castle. "I understand it has quite a history?"
"Yes, Mr. Winner. According to our documents, this castle has stood here for over 400 years, before the After Colony calendar started. For about 200 years no one knew it was even here. About 50 years ago a farmer from Hogermed stumbled across it. It was like it suddenly appeared. It also is almost invisible to radar, though we do not know how.
"It was originally named Hogwarts, back when Hogermed was called Hogsmeade. Now it is simply called Castle. No one knows why the owners, the Pottiers, haven't renamed it. Something to do with a legend about magic and evil dark wizards and some such nonsense.
"Back then, Hogwarts was a school for children 11-18 years of age, a very exclusive boarding school. From what people have said, they aren't sure what exactly the exclusion was. Some of the children who went to Hogwarts were homeless or orphaned, most were regular children, and some where from the highest families in European society.
"Eventually there was some war or other, and Hogwarts closed down. Several people died and the castle was given to the Pottiers through several legal loops," Marcus finished.
"Wow," Duo said, awed at the story and the castle itself. "So why are the owners selling it?"
"Ms. Pottier and her family have fallen on hard times, Mr. Maxwell. Though they love this place dearly, they intend to sell it to relieve their financial burden," Marcus said.
"Oh, how terrible!" Quatre cried. "Those poor people." Trowa patted him on the shoulder. A determined look came over the blond's face. "I want to meet with these Pottiers."
"Mr. Winner, this is unusual in the case of selling a place such as this-- ."
"I wish to meet with the Pottiers, Mr. Redwall. You will contact them for me. Understood?" Quatre snapped.
"Of course, Mr. Winner. Right away," Marcus gulped.
"Good. We will be returning to our lodgings in Hogermed. Have the Pottiers contact us there. Good day, Mr. Redwall," Quatre said, giving the nervous man a slight nod.
"And to you, Mr. Winner, Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Yuy, Mr. Barton, Mr. Chang," the Realtor said, bowing to each in turn. Formalities over with, the poor man dashed to his silver Honda Accord and sped off.
"Jeez, Quat, something wrong?" Duo asked, moving over to the blond and adding his own hand to Quatre's free shoulder. "You really blew up at that Redwall guy."
Quatre simply sighed. "I just feel so sorry for those poor Pottiers. They have to sell this beautiful home so that they may become financially stable. I really want this castle, but I feel bad about taking it from them."
"It is their decision what happens to their castle, Winner. I am sure they have already cut all emotional ties with the place as soon as they even considered selling. It is common sense not to be too affected by a sale such as this," Wufei added. "Do not worry yourself overmuch."
"Thank you, Wufei. I will try to remember that," Quatre said, sighing. He smiled softly at the group. "Who wants to come with me to meet the Pottiers tomorrow?"
"I shall accompany you," Wufei said, gaze toward the looming castle.
"As will I," said Trowa. Quatre nodded to both.
"In that case, why don't you and Heero explore the countryside and the town a bit, Duo?" he said, smiling. Duo grinned back and nodded. "All right, then. Let's head back to the hotel for some dinner."
The group agreed and headed to where their limo was parked in the shadow of an oak tree. No one noticed the shape hiding in the shadows, watching them intently as they left.
The next afternoon found the three of the five former Gundam pilots sitting in a local restaurant awaiting the arrival of the Pottier family. Wufei was his usual tense and bored self, Trowa didn't make a single sound, and Quatre stirred his Earl Grey tea distractedly.
"Is this really a good idea?" he asked aloud, drawing the attention of his companions. "Buying this castle, I mean. I know we all want a place of our own to call home after the war, someplace that will always be there, but I just don't feel right about taking it from this family."
"Relax, Winner. We all agreed that this is the place for us. We all like it, which is rare. Even Yuy expressed his approval, in his own way. We will get this house, regardless," Wufei said. "Deal with the Pottiers however you wish; feel sympathy for them, but you will buy that castle."
Quatre nodded. "Alright Wufei, I understand. I just want to assess them for myself. I apologize."
"No need, Winner. You did nothing wrong," Wufei said, giving the blond a small smile. Quatre was most likely the only person he ever smiled for, aside from Duo. Something about the two boys begged indulgence. Even Heero occasionally gave Quatre or Duo a half-smile.
"Quatre Winner?" a quiet, feminine voice said, interrupting their conversation. Quatre turned to the young black haired girl before them. She was short, unremarkable features, grey eyes, and an air about her that suggested she was raised with wealth.
"Yes, I am Quatre Raberba Winner. These are my associates, Trowa Barton and Chang Wufei. Who might you be?" Quatre said.
"My name is Arina Celestia Pottier, Mr. Winner. I own the Castle," the girl said. The three boys stared. This young girl was the Lady Pottier? They were under the impression that the Pottiers' were a large family. Quatre voiced this opinion. "No, Mr. Winner. We were a large family. Recently, a strange disease passed through the Pottier family and several of my relatives died. All that is left is my younger brother, Ryan and I."
Tears welled up in Quatre's eyes and Trowa sent him a supportive look. Wufei touched his hand under the table, giving him some small comfort. They knew how much situations such as this affected the blond. He hated the thought of anyone in pain, in any way.
"You are now the Lady Pottier?" he asked, knowing any condolences he passed would not do much to alleviate the pain she must feel at the loss of her family. The girl nodded. "Why must you sell your estate, then?"
Arina took a seat and folded her hands in her lap. "The obvious reason is that my brother and I have no use for a home with more than 200 rooms. It is much too big for us, and we'd rather rent an apartment here in Hogermed or move away," she began. "But the truth is, my father left quite a lot of debts, as well as my seven uncles, four aunts, and various older cousins. I am only sixteen and have not worked a day in my life. I have no money. Ryan is barely eight, so he can't work for several years."
"Isn't there a way for you to keep your home?" Quatre asked, receiving muted glares from Trowa and Wufei. He knew there weren't exactly appreciating his current line of questioning, since they wanted the castle badly themselves.
"Unfortunately, no. The only way our lawyer could see was giving all internal furniture to the bank to pay off some of the debts, and signing a release form so the bank could have half-ownership of the castle until I can pay it off," Arina said. "But I am not naïve. I know that as soon as I sign off part of the castle the bank will buy enough to have preceding ownership and take it from me, maybe even turning the place into a tourist attraction. I do not wish that for the Castle."
"I understand," Quatre murmured. He looked up into the girl's eyes. "That reminds me. Why is the Castle without a proper name?" At this the girl smiled.
"It's actually an interesting story, Mr. Winner," she began. "It all started when my ancestor Harry Potter became the owner of Hogwarts..."
Hurrying over to an impassive Heero, Duo threw his arms around the Japanese boy's neck. Heero's eyes widened slightly, and then slanted in a deadly glare. "Having fun, Hee-chan?" Duo asked. He released Heero and the Wing pilot looked down in mild surprise at the pendant fastened around his neck. "Ya like? I think it matches your eyes, even if the shade is a bit off." With a happy grin, Duo grabbed Heero's hand and headed to another stall.
This time the stall contained strange robes, much like what a witch or wizard would wear. Each robe, when donned, would conform to someone's body, showing it to its best advantage. And Duo couldn't turn down something that could show him off. "Oi, Hee-chan, let's get some of these for the guys," he said, scanning the multicolored robes. He also saw some matching cloaks, some thin for summer and some thicker for winter.
The stall owner, a tall woman with long, wavy black hair and black eyes, smiled at them. Actually, she more smirked than smiled. It seemed to suit her. "Hullo. Welcome to Severa Lupis's robe shop. I am Severa Lupis. How may I help you?" she said in a drawling, slightly oily voice.
"Hi, Miss Lupis. The name's Duo Maxwell, and me and my buddy here would like to select a few robes. Oh, and maybe some winter cloaks, too," Duo said, smiling back at the woman.
"Of course, Mr. Maxwell. Let's see about measuring you--," she began.
"No need, Miss Lupis. I know the measurements of my friends and I perfectly. Is it okay if I just tell you?" Duo interrupted.
"Not a problem, Mr. Maxwell. Right this way," she said, leading the blue- eyed boy further into the tent beside her stall. "I suggest black or dark blue robes for you. It would compliment your coloring, and look splendid on your slim figure." Duo blushed at the compliments.
Severa led him to a cordoned off section of the tent and handed him a black robe. "Try this on, sir. I'll be right--," as she was turning around she'd bumped into the solid presence of Heero. "I suppose you would like to try something on also, sir. Green would be good. Emerald green, I think. Yes, this will do perfectly. Right this way, sir." Severa pushed a glaring Heero into the dressing section beside Duo's and tossed an emerald green robe set over the top. She thought she heard some foreign curse words, but shrugged it off.
"Done!" came Duo's happy call from his own dressing room. He came out of his dressing room and Severa gasped. The boy looked like a true wizard. The robe fit snugly at his waist, flaring out when it reached his thighs and swirling around his ankles. The shoulders were tight and fell into voluminous sleeves that fell straight to his wrist. Around the wrist the sleeve tightened a bit before billowing out again. The color really set off his pale skin tone and made him glow.
"Whoa, Hee-chan, you look great!" Duo said, interrupting whatever feeble comment Severa would have attempted. She followed Duo's line of vision and almost fell over. If Duo looked like a true wizard, Heero looked like a Master wizard, the emerald green robes fitting so tightly you couldn't miss a single muscle on his wiry form. Unlike Duo's, Heero's robe flared out immediately at the waist, defining the chest and shoulders even more. The robe had no sleeves, leaving the wearer the option of either wearing a shirt or nothing at all. In Heero's case, it looked great.
"My, my, boys. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were right out of the age of Hogwarts. Those robes suit you perfectly," she said, smiling for the first time since she'd seen them. She reserved her smirks for normal costumers. These two young men were anything but normal.
"Thanks, lady," Duo said, grinning and preening a bit. He never got many compliments, especially being an ex-terrorist from L2.
"Age of Hogwarts?" Heero questioned, surprising Duo. Heero normally said as little as possible. For once he was interested in something.
"Oh, you don't know about that? Well, let me tell you," Severa said. "It all started with my great-something or other-grandfather Severus Snape. You see, he..."
All five boys reached their hotel at about the same time, walking into the lobby together. Quatre, Trowa and Wufei looked sad and intrigued at the same time, Duo looked excited, and Heero looked...well, like Heero.
When they reached their common sitting room (their five rooms connected to this room), Quatre smiled at Duo and Heero. "How'd your shopping trip go?"
"Great, Kitkat!" Duo said happily. "I bought Heero that pendant he's wearing," he began. The three boys looked closely at Heero's new acquisition. "And we met this stall lady who owned, of all things, a robe shop! I bought some for each of you. Heero helped me out, since I'd already used my weekly allowance for the pendant."
Duo reached into a bag beside him and pulled out a sky blue set of robes. He tossed it to Quatre. "Kittykat....." He rustled around and brought out a dark brown set. "Tro tro...." He pulled out a dark red set. "Wu-chan..." He brought out the emerald set they'd tried on earlier. "Hee-man...he looked fantastic in these." He pulled out the final set, a black set of robes. "And me! Oh, and I got you all winter cloaks too! I figure if we're gonna end up living here, we might as well wear the cloaks this winter." He passed around a set of black winter cloaks with silver clamps for everyone.
Quatre had already shrugged off his shirt and slipped the sky blue robes on over his jeans. It fit snugly, if not as tightly as Duo's. The cut was much the same, flaring at the thighs. The sleeves were thin and stopped at the wrist. The color made Quatre's eyes all the more prominent.
Knowing it would please Duo if he tried his on; Trowa followed Quatre's lead and threw off his shirt. He slipped into the dark brown robes, the color of freshly turned earth. The cut was completely different from Quatre's. Instead of fitting snugly, it fell in a straight line all the way to the floor. His sleeves were also different. They were wide and loose, falling past his wrists, and had a wide slit on the front of each so his entire forearm showed.
Wufei had already donned his robe while everyone was distracted with Trowa and Quatre. Finally Heero noticed and nudged Duo to look at the red clad boy. Duo wolf whistled and Wufei's face darkened a noticeable red. The robe Wufei wore was tight like the others, but when it reached his waist, flared slightly and fell straight to the ground. Folds Duo hadn't noticed before revealed that the robes were red and black mixed together. Black trim covered the arms in an intricate, barely noticeable design. The red was so dark you could hardly see it. The robe sleeves fell like that of a regular t-shirt, stopping halfway down his upper arm. Wufei's usual black arm bands actually enhanced the look, giving a small hint of why the sleeves were so short.
"Wow, Wuffie, you clean up good," Duo said, grinning. Wufei's blush deepened.
"Whatever, Maxwell," he said. All three took of their robes and lay them on the sofa. "Anything else?"
"Nope. How 'bout you guys?" Duo asked.
"We met up with the Pottiers," Quatre began, refastening his shirt as was Wufei and Trowa. "Or should I say, the Pottier. There are only two left, the new Lady, who is sixteen like us, and her younger brother. All the other Pottier's died from some disease she wouldn't go into detail about."
"Sheesh! Tough luck," Duo muttered.
"She's selling the house because her family left her some large debts," Trowa said.
"Did you ever find out why the castle's name got changed? I really wanna know," Duo said.
"As a matter of fact, we did. Miss Arina told us a story," Quatre began.
"Really? So did Miss Lupis, the shop owner. Tell us your story, and we'll tell you ours," Duo said, grinning.
"Alright. Well, it went like this. It all started when Miss Arina's ancestor, Harry Potter, became owner of Hogwarts..."
TBC
Ha!!! Cliffhanger on the first chapter!!! Three times!!! I am GOOD! Hey hey, gang. Sorry for the long wait on Circle of five, but this is more important. My idiot little brother actually thinks he can write better than me. ME! I almost died laughing. But we started up this contest where we write a story loosely based on the main idea of the GW gang buying Hogwarts in their time and being sucked into Harry Potter's time. Everything else is fair game. Soooo, this story should be at chapter six in three weeks. Expect frequent postings! Ja, loves!
Miaka (A Better Writer Than Her Bro) Kennyuuki
P.S. Also, anyone reading DrkNuriko's stuff, something happened, we're not sure what, and deleted her account. She's not back from vacation yet, so she can't do anything about it, soooo shrug More news later. Ja ne.
