Chapter 4: Back in the Castle Again

The carriage pulled up to the iron gates guarding Hogwarts, the horse-creatures whimpering as they stopped to wait. Gohan noted this, and looked around for what they were so afraid of; his eyes narrowed intriguingly.

Those things were patrolling over the entrance. Their dark forms glided over the stone columns, causing the air to freeze in their presence. Dementors.

As the gates opened, creaking ever forebodingly, the dementors cast their hoods over to the coaches as they went through. Another icy sensation pierced Gohan, but this time he was prepared. He knew to not sense these things, and simply fought off the minor feeling of cold and despondency that invaded him. After traveling down the winding pathway towards the castle, the dementors became out of range. Their disheartening ability began wearing off, warmth flowing into the young witches and wizards' bodies.

Gohan cast the dementor guards one last glance before they became out of view, shuddering uncomfortably. He could have sworn that they were still watching them, their hoods billowing in the wind.

What were they doing here? If these things were what made Azkaban impassable from the inside, what could be dangerous enough to use them? Could the Ministry have considered Gohan a threat to the students— wait a minute. Of course, Sirius Black! Didn't Hermione say that Professor Lupin mentioned Sirius Black to them? Yeah; he said that no one was 'hiding Sirius Black under their cloaks'. So, the Ministry wasn't worried about the second Boy Who Lived; they were worried about the first. So much so, that they were willing to lease the dementors to Hogwarts to catch Black.

Finally, they arrived at the front of Hogwarts, the castle even more extraordinary and imposing than the last time he saw. They pulled to a stop, Hermione and Ron getting out first. Then Harry made his way down the—

"You fainted, Potter?" Malfoy sneered jubilantly, pushing his way through Hermione to Harry. "Is Longbottom telling the truth? You actually fainted?"

Harry tried making his way around the other wizard, but Malfoy blocked his path up the stairway.

"Shove off Malfoy," Ron threatened, gritting his teeth at the snobby boy.

"Did you faint as well, Weasley?" Malfoy asked loudly, garnering the attention of passerby's. "Did the scary old dementor frighten you too, Weasley?"

"Get out of here Malfoy," Gohan said angrily, stepping off the carriage to the wizard. "You should think about what you're doing right now."

Strangely, instead of the whimpering plea Gohan expected from the slimy snake, Malfoy smirked nastily.

"Ah Son, I heard something about you from Longbottom too. He said you froze up when it came; to think the big bad saiyan wet his pants. Ha!"

Gohan gritted his teeth, tensing his hand as bullion energy began to swirl within it.

"Is there a problem?" A soft voice asked; Professor Lupin started towards them from his carriage.

Malfoy glowered lightly at the professor, obviously disapproving of his tattered appearance.

"Oh, no – er – Professor," Malfoy replied innocently, sarcasm coating the statement. He then nodded darkly to Crabbe and Goyle, walking before them up the stairs into the castle.

Gohan, coming to his senses from his momentary anger, flexed his fingers gingerly, extinguishing the ki. He allowed Hermione to prod him forward, walking in-between her and Harry as they entered Hogwarts.

Gohan took the sight of the ancient castle in deeply, admiring every inch of the info structure with pleasure. He couldn't believe that he'd have missed going to school so much; but then again, he was going back with his friends, who he missed a great deal since then.

They continued into the castle's corridors until they reached the doors of the Great Hall, the enchanted roof shining over past them with the dark sky and bright stars. Thankfully, the full moon had already passed, so any chance of him magically transforming as a result of the artificial sky was unlikely (he didn't know if that was a problem for true, but why risk it?). However, before the group could pass through, an all too familiar voice sounded through the hallway.

"Potter! Granger! Son! I want to see you three!"

They all turned, surprised to find Professor McGonagall motioning to them from the crowd of students, towering over the heads of the (much) younger witches and wizards. Gohan noticed the apprehensive looks on his friends' faces, but he simply grinned to his Transfiguration teacher. Unlike his friends, Gohan knew that inside McGonagall was actually nice… somewhere inside… deep inside. They made their way through the sea of students, finally halting in front of her.

"There's no need to look so worried," She told Harry and Hermione, "I just want a word in my office." She then turned, giving her pointed stare to Gohan. "You, however, I do not need Mr. Son."

Gohan blinked, "Then why did you—"

"Because," Professor McGonagall interrupted briskly, "the Headmaster has requested that you come by his office before the Welcoming Feast begins. You have twenty minutes. I assume you remember where it is?"

Gohan grinned, "I might remember how as I get closer. Thanks Professor."

And with that, he nodded to her and his friends enthusiastically. He then jogged down the hallway to Professor Dumbledore's office; his tail uncoiled itself from his waist, swaying happily as it was free to move.

Once a good distance away, he kicked it up a notch and phased to Dumbledore's tower. Shortly he arrived just outside Dumbledore's office, the usual stone gargoyle posted outside, guarding the entrance.

"Password?" The Gargoyle said hoarsely.

"I'm here to see Professor Dumbledore." Gohan replied. "He said he wanted to see me."

The gargoyle cackled, "Oh well, in that case… password please."

"So this is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object," Gohan muttered under his breath. "Look, either let me in, or one of two things will happen. I read your mind for the password and I go in (It's alive, so therefore the password's programmed into it in my opinion), or I rip you from the wall and walk in. Either way, I'll be going in."

"…" The Gargoyle huffed, sliding to the side. Dumbledore's office came into view.

"I hate gargoyles," Gohan muttered heatedly, walking past the statue into the hidden office.

It hadn't changed at all since the last time Gohan was in it; however brief a period it was. The portrait, the furniture, all of it was still there. Even the weirdly intricate silver and gold objects Dumbledore had on his desk were still scattered about it. Actually, what did those things even do? Even Dumbledore probably doesn't know what half the stuff he has actually does.

"I see you managed to get in without my assistance," an elderly voice spoke amusingly.

Gohan turned his head, not surprised to hear him. Dumbledore strode down his spiraled staircase, his half-moon glasses shining in the light. The man always did seem to possess the same aura his dad had, that 'quiet before the storm' façade.

"I suggest you replace that statue," Gohan answered austerely. "It's likely to cause you problems in the future."

"Ah, perhaps, but why redecorate when everything still looks pleasant?" Dumbledore cheerfully responded. He made his way top his desk, sitting before it. He gestured to a nearby chair, "Care to sit down?"

Gohan wordlessly sat, looking around the room curiously for a moment.

"Where's Fawkes?" Gohan asked, noting his cage was empty.

"About," Dumbledore told him. "He seemed restless, so I let him wander the Tower."

"Ah… tell him I say hi," Gohan told Dumbledore contentedly.

"Oh I'm sure Fawkes will be delighted to hear it," Dumbledore merrily responded. "However, I must get to why I asked to see you. How is everything at home for you?"

"Do you mean the wards you placed everywhere I go," Gohan retorted, "or how I'm dealing with my exposure?"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled humorously, "Actually, I was referring to your schoolwork, but if you like we can touch on those subjects as well."

Gohan sighed, "Well, all in all, it's alright. Kind of scary since Cell could be anywhere waiting to kill me, but you and Piccolo seem confident he won't try for some time. Schoolwork's well… easy. Having my mom as a tutor all my life kind of prepared me for a tough education at an early age, so it isn't bad."

"And your exposure?" Dumbledore questioned lightly.

"Actually, not that bad," Gohan admitted. "I was kind of weaned into the spotlight since I came here, so it really isn't as bad as it sounds. It didn't even last as long as I thought. Only problem is, everyone I know wasn't ready for it (from wizards) on a world-wide scale. All of that made everything kind of unload on me. I'm sure you heard about Vegeta and some Daily Prophet reporter."

Dumbledore laughed, "Ah yes, of course! Rita Skeeter. Such an interestingly scathing woman; I've had the discontentment of crossing paths with her myself you know. Baba informed me she had tried reaching all of your friends; I am sincerely sympathetic."

Gohan shook his head, "I never actually met her, but Bulma had a lot to say."

"I'm quite sure. And how was the Hogwarts Express?" Dumbledore continued nonchalantly.

"…It was alright," Gohan evenly replied. He grinned, "The trolley had some good candy. Not like trains I know of, but it was enjoyable for the most part."

"For the most part?" Dumbledore inquired.

"… Why were those things here?" Gohan asked, eyes narrowing a millimeter.

"The dementors?" Dumbledore lost the twinkle in his eyes. "You know, I assume, about Sirius Black, correct?" Gohan nodded in reply. "And you also know about him and Harry?" Gohan repeated the previous motion. "The Ministry is concerned Sirius Black will attempt to break into Hogwarts for Harry. Minister Fudge has ordered some of the guards of Azkaban to lookout for Black; should he appear, they are to capture and deal with him accordingly."

"Do you think… do you think they'll find him?" Gohan asked hesitantly.

"Bah, who knows?" Dumbledore waved the question off. "The dementors have never lost a prey; then again, they have never had one escape from their midst either."

"Prey?" Gohan repeated, disturbed at the Headmaster's word choice. "You make them sound like they're monsters."

"They are," Dumbledore callously replied. "Dementors are likely the coldest, gratuitous, and malicious creatures that walk this Earth. They inhabit the darkest corners of the filthiest places. They thrive on the happiness and good feelings people emit from them, leaving people with their worst memories and experiences. I assume you know of what I speak of?"

Gohan nodded, shocked at his Headmaster's response. He'd heard of course that Professor Dumbledore's power was something to fear, and that when the need came he was rather intimidating. But this was the wizard who probably had more of a sweet tooth and happy-go-lucky personality than his father; who'd have thought Dumbledore could switch his behavior on and off like that?

"But, on the subject of the dementors," Dumbledore continued, "how are you feeling? I heard one of them entered your compartment."

"How did you—"

"I have my sources," He replied cryptically.

"… Well… I'm fine now," Gohan said thoughtfully. His brow furrowed as he tried to describe what happened. "When it came in, I turned Super Saiyan to scare it off. But, it seemed to force me out of it. And then…"

"Yes?" Dumbledore inquired, looking at the boy acutely.

"… I remembered when my friends and I fought Nappa and Vegeta," Gohan finished lamely. His skin was pale and his eyes wide, memories flooding him again.

"But," Gohan added feverishly, "it was so much more than that. It was like I was there, watching everything from where I was at the time. I saw… a lot of my friends had—"

"No need to explain Gohan," Dumbledore interrupted. His voice was soothing and gentle, calming Gohan before he became hysterical. Gohan gave him a thankful smile; his eyes wandered the room anxiously.

"… So… you um, wanted to see me Professor?" Gohan motioned to a clock behind Dumbledore's desk. "You're cutting it a little close to the Sorting."

"Quite right," Dumbledore agreed, "so on to the point. Piccolo wanted me to inform you of a few things when you got here. He wanted to make sure you were ready for this year, after everything that's happened."

Gohan frowned, "Why couldn't Piccolo tell me any of this before I left?"

It wasn't that he was angry, quite the opposite; Gohan couldn't think of any reason why he'd be mad at Piccolo. He just didn't understand why Piccolo wouldn't tell him anything himself.

"Piccolo wanted to," Dumbledore told the boy, "but I insisted that once you arrived here you would understand more than had he told you earlier. Now, onto the first order of business; you cannot use Instant Transmission on Hogwarts' grounds."

"What?" Gohan cried out. "Why not?"

"Cell," Dumbledore gravely responded. "He's changed things. As you yourself have stated, Cell can use Instant Transmission like your father. Therefore, Hogwarts would be vulnerable to him if he chose to show himself and attack. Because of this we, myself and Piccolo and Dende, have placed various protective charms and spells over the area. It is now impossible to travel or appear using Instant Transmission anywhere on the grounds."

"… Good point." Gohan sighed, "Anything else."

"Two more," Dumbledore said. "Now, ever since I learned you were secretly training last year, I wanted you to continue it only during the day. Although you are powerful, you are still a student here under my watch, and I needed to make sure you would be safe after hours. However, Piccolo insisted that you would need to train now that certain events have transpired; that and you would need time in the day to complete schoolwork (which of course I understand). So, we decided on a compromise."

Gohan raised an eyebrow, "Piccolo compromised?"

"In retrospect, it was more of my agreement to his terms, but we agreed to two things. You may train in the evening, but only until eleven. Also… this concurrence is only official to you, me, and Piccolo. If you are caught sneaking in by anyone else, I must punish you accordingly."

Gohan grinned, "I don't think that'll be a problem."

"And finally," Dumbledore continued, "about the dementors. You see, when the decision of dementors being placed around Hogwarts was made, I contacted Piccolo to inform him. I wanted to see if he could locate Black for us so I may rid the school of these fiendish ghouls."

"But he couldn't," Gohan replied warily, remembering the conversation with Mr. Weasley. "He tried, but him and Dende said he was shielding himself from them."

"Correct," Dumbledore said. "But when I mentioned the dementors, Piccolo frowned. It seems that he's studied up on the magical community since you arrived last year, much to my enjoyment."

"What did he say?" Gohan asked curiously.

"He was afraid of what effect they might have on you Gohan," Dumbledore told him.

"But doesn't everyone have the same—"

"Gohan, you are not thinking realistically," Dumbledore interrupted. "You have been trained to control your mind and emotions from attack, which would normally allow you to deal with dementors easier than others. However because they feed on happiness and leave painful memories, you should also be much more susceptible to them too. And then there's your experience on the train…"

"What about it?" Gohan questioned defensively, uncomfortable where this was going.

"Have you ever been forced out of Super Saiyan by an external strength?"

Gohan's eyes widened, and he furrowed his brow thoughtfully. No, I haven't!

"You see my point," Dumbledore stated observantly. "Dementors feed on happiness because it is a form of food, or energy, for them that they enjoy. Gohan, after you returned to normal you felt particularly cold, while before you were perfectly fine."

"So they, what, they can feed on my Super Saiyan energy?"

"Possibly," Dumbledore responded, "anything is possible. It is possible your unique and abnormally abundant ki can serve as another source of food for them. It is also possible that they fed on the high emotions you use to transform into a Super Saiyan, thereby relieving you of it until their affects wear off. There are a number of theories and reasons, but all of them could be the most accurate reason."

"What… what do you think I should do?" Gohan requested politely. The fact these things could seriously hurt him didn't frighten Gohan, but it made him edgy and guarded.

"The best advice anyone could give is to quite simply avoid them," Dumbledore informed the saiyan. "You may be able to handle one or of them now that you are aware of their capabilities, but they do not usually go anywhere alone unless told to. That is why I strongly advise you to not train at night so much; they may somehow find their way towards you."

"But," Dumbledore rose from his seat, "let us not dwell on this any longer. We need to head down for the Sorting, or we'll be late!"

He began ushering Gohan from his seat two, as they both strode down to the Great Hall.

"Woo-hoo," Gohan muttered, grinning from ear to ear; finally, the feast!

…

"Well, let's hope Hagrid doesn't decide to give a field trip into the Forbidden Forest for our class," Gohan said. "Otherwise, we might run into some of his eight-legged pals."

"I'm sure Hagrid won't do anything dangerous," Hermione insisted. "He knows better than to do anything rash and hazardous on his first day."

Ron frowned, "Hermione, this is the same Hagrid that felt finding what was killing unicorns was a good way for First Years to spend detention. Not to mention, splitting up at night in a Forest filled with creatures that know multiple ways of maiming wizards wasn't ideal either."

Harry gave Ron a disenchanted look, and then turned to Hermione as they walked into the Great Hall.

"Hagrid's not going to do anything risky," He told his friends, "but it's not in him to give a plain lesson. We'll just have to wait and see."

As they passed the Slytherin table(s), Malfoy caught their attention as they passed. He pretended to faint against the table, resulting in deafening laughter from the Slytherins.

"Ignore him," Hermione told Harry cautiously. "Just ignore him, it's not worth it…"

"Hey, Potter!" Pansy Parkinson shrilled; her face scrunched up as she did so. "The dementors are coming, Potter! Whoooooo!"

Gohan rolled his eyes, "If Kami had made anything uglier in his time as Guardian, he must have gotten inspiration from her."

They all sat down at the Gryffindor table, next to the Weasley twins. George was holding a sheet of parchment, giving it a once-over.

"New third-year schedules," George passed them to Gohan. "What's up with you Harry?"

"What else?" Gohan grumbled dully, slowly passing the schedules to their owners.

"Malfoy," Ron spat heatedly.

They all looked behind them, and saw Malfoy pretending to collapse once more.

"That little git," George said coolly. "He wasn't so cocky last night when the dementors were down at our end of the train. Came running into our compartment, didn't he, Fred?"

"Malfoy really must have been scared to have come running into a Weasley's section," Gohan commented, his eyes flashing mischievously. They all chuckled at the observation. "How out of his mind was he?"

"Nearly wet himself," George replied, glancing over at Malfoy placidly.

"I wasn't too happy myself," George stated. "They're horrible things, those dementors…"

"Sort of freeze your insides, don't they?" Fred added, shuddering at the thought.

"You didn't pass out, though, did you?" Harry remarked bitterly. He looked back to the Slytherins, who were laughing up a storm as they saw him looking.

"Forget it, Harry," Gohan advised, glaring at the Slytherins with repugnance. "To them, you're just a freak; like me."

George grinned, "Yep, you certainly are freakish, my ape-like companion. But nothing like the dementors; dad had to go out to Azkaban one time, remember, Fred? And he said it was the worst place he'd ever been, he came back all weak and shaking… They suck the happiness out of a place, dementors. Most of the prisoners go mad in there."

"Hard to believe," Gohan noted sarcastically, taking a gulp of orange juice (as much as he tried, pumpkin juice just wasn't what others made it out to be).

"Anyway," Fred added cheerfully, "we'll see how happy Malfoy looks after our first Quidditch match. Gryffindor versus Slytherin, first game of the season, remember?"

This significantly uplifted the mood of the group, the thought of Malfoy being pummeled into the dirt off his broom enough for Harry to start eating. Gohan decided, now that all the gloom was over, to begin his saiyan habits and just chow down and gorge. Between foods though, he passed over one of the schedules to an eager Hermione.

"Ooh, good," Hermione delightfully exclaimed, "we're starting some new subjects today."

"Hermione," Ron started slowly, looking over the paper in Hermione's hands, "they've messed up your schedule. Look— they've got you down for ten subjects a day. There isn't enough time."

"I'll manage," Hermione replied airily. "I've fixed it all with Professor McGonagall."

"But look," Ron insisted, "see this morning? Nine o'clock, Divination. And underneath, nine o'clock, Muggle Studies. And—look—underneath that, Arithmancy, nine o'clock.

"No one said she wasn't driven," Gohan muttered to no one in particular, resuming his breakfast with much enthusiasm.

"Exactly," Ron agreed, drawing himself away from the schedule. "I mean, we know you're good, Hermione, but no one's that good. How're you supposed to be in three classes at once?"

"Don't be silly," Hermione told them brusquely. "Of course I won't be in three classes at once."

"Well, then—"

"Pass the marmalade," Hermione responded boorishly.

"But—"

"Oh, Ron, what's it to you if my schedule's a bit full?" Hermione glared at the red-head. "I told you, I've fixed it all with Professor McGonagall."

Gohan laughed nervously, earning glares from both Ron and Hermione.

"What is so funny, Gohan?" Hermione whispered venomously.

Gohan gulped, "Well…" he grinned uneasily, "I just missed you guys… I missed these moments… a lot—"

"Shut up!" Ron and Hermione yelled, Gohan jumping out of his seat at the volume.

He stumbled backward and fell out from the table, landing on his keester roughly. A frown appeared on his face, rubbing his tail soothingly as it twitched anxiously.

"Yep," Gohan sighed sullenly as Hagrid approached them gleefully, "I really missed these moments."

…

"That guy really needs help," Ron said exasperatingly, walking up the steps of the North Tower. "I swear to God, if there had been anymore portraits he could walk through—"

"I'd incinerate them," Gohan assured. "But trust me, he could have been worse."

After their encounter with the portrait knight Sir Cadogan, they began to walk the steps of the castle tower. It had taken them a while before Gohan suggested taking directions from the portrait, which he seriously regretted.

"How much worse could a pompous, annoying, overambitious and delusional knight stuck in a portrait, who speaks like we're all still in the Middle Ages and challenges people only to fall on his arse, possibly get?"

"… Have I ever told you about the Ginyu Force?"

Before Ron could respond, they had finally made it to the top of the last flight, and found a landing full of students, all probably waiting to get into the class as well. Ron pointed out to the teens a trap door on the ceiling, with a bronze plaque right below it.

"'Sibyll Trelawney, Divination teacher'," Harry read aloud. "How're we supposed to get up there?"

"I could crash through the roof," Gohan suggested lightly.

However, before a response could be spoken, the trapdoor seemed to spring open, allowing a silver ladder to drop to the floor at their feet. Everyone froze at this.

Good timing, Gohan thought.

"After you," Ron said to Harry.

As Harry climbed and got to the top, Gohan allowed Hermione and Ron to go up next before climbing himself.

When he reached the end, Gohan wasn't surprised the classroom had a Seer's touch. The most noticeable thing was the arid heat in the air, coupled with a sour perfume stench coming from a kettle over the lit fireplace. A couple dozen circular tables with armchairs and small poufs, lit with a faint red light. Gohan looked closer and noticed the curtains were shut, and all the lamps were covered with red scarves. What Gohan noticed then were the materials in the bookshelves, as he had seen them at Baba's place a few times; feathers, crystal balls (of course Baba only had one), tarot cards, teacups for tealeaves, candle stubs, and every other thing imaginable.

Gohan closed his eyes irritably, the half-light/half-dark luminosity of the lamps giving him a headache; he was just going to have to get used to it. Instantly, Gohan's hearing and ki sensing kicked in to make up for lack of sight.

"Where is she?" He heard Ron ask Harry.

The hoard of students gathered together as they came up, obviously intimidated as they looked around the mysterious room.

"She's here," Gohan replied, not bothering to open his eyes. Their teacher's ki was so obvious in comparison to the kids'. "To the right of the fireplace… our right."

"Indeed," a mystified voice spoke. Everyone, save Gohan, jumped at the voice.

"Welcome," the voice continued. "How nice to see you all in the physical world at last."

A shadowy form stepped into the firelight, and Gohan had to constrict his chest from laughing hard. She was abnormally thin, but proportionally tall. With big thick glasses adorned on her face, her eyes were enlarged to look like they barely fit the spectacles. She had all sorts of beads on her and was draped in various shawl colors. Basically, a typical fortune teller outfit.

"Sit, my children, sit," She told them lightly, gesturing to the armchairs and poufs.

At this, everyone climbed into a chair or onto a pouf; Hermione, Harry, Gohan, and Ron all sat around a table. Professor Trelawney sat in a fancy winged armchair by the fireplace.

"Welcome to Divination," Professor Trelawney said. "My name is Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me before. I find that descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the school clouds my Inner Eye."

The sides of Gohan's mouth twitched, fighting to form a smile. Inner Eye? Was Baba the only Seer who acted normally?

"So you have chosen to study Divination," She resumed, "the most difficult of all magical arts. I must warn you at the outset that if you do not have the Sight, there is very little I will be able to teach you. Books can take you only so far in this field…"

Gohan snorted; this woman reeked of arrogance. He wasn't trying to think of her badly, it was just… well, Lockhart and Hercule both had problems with smugness and pride, and look where it got them. Then again, he didn't even know this teacher yet. He had to give her a chance.

He turned to the others, wondering what they thought. Harry and Ron were grinning uncontrollably, looking at Hermione's expression. It was shocked, appalled that her books would have virtually no importance here. Gohan smiled; that must have been upsetting for her.

"—penetrate the veil of mysteries of the future," He heard Professor Trelawney continue on. "It is a Gift granted to few." She pointed melodramatically at Neville, "You, boy. Is your grandmother well?"

"I— I think so," Neville hesitated, nervous at the directness.

"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear," Professor Trelawney declared gravely. Neville paled at this, shaking ever so slightly. "We will be covering the basics of Divination this year. The first term will be devoted to reading the tealeaves. Next term we shall progress to palmistry." She halted, and then turned to Parvati Patil, "By the way, my dear, beware a red-haired man."

Parvati cast a frightened glance in their direction, looking at Ron tensely. Then. She quickly edged her chair away from them. Gohan laughed silently; was this woman for real?

"In the second term, we shall progress to the crystal ball—if we have finished with fire omens, that is. Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice. And around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever."

At this rate it'll probably be me, Gohan humorously thought. Was this what the magical world considered 'The Gift'? They had a different name for it back home… supposition.

She began the lesson of the day, before this predicting some about October 16th to a distraught Lavender Brown, which involved partnering up and using tealeaves.

"You will interpret the patterns using pages five and six of Unfogging the Future," She informed them. "I shall move among you, helping and instructing. Oh, and dear," She caught Neville by the arm as he passed her, "after you've broken your first cup, would you be so kind as to select one of the blue patterned ones? I'm rather attached to the pink."

The next minute, Neville was standing over broken china as Professor Trelawney rushed over to remind him of the blue ones.

With Ron and Harry instantly partnering up, Gohan flashed the Son Grin at Hermione.

"Guess it's just you and me," he said, chuckling cordially. "Want me to go fill up the cups?"

Hermione smiled, "If you don't mind. It'll be nice being paired with someone who knows what they're doing for once." She cast a glance at their two wizard friends, who had almost burned their tongues as they drank the tea down immediately after being poured.

Gohan shook his head, "They make a good pair."

Minutes later, they were both set up and ready.

"Well," Gohan started as he took a quick swig of his tea, "she seems nice."

"Who?" Hermione asked, sipping her own cup slowly.

"Trelawney," Gohan answered.

Hermione frowned, "Nice isn't the word I'd use."

Gohan cocked his head to the side, "Then what?"

"Fake."

"Ah," Gohan laughed. "And what makes you say that?"

"Do you need to ask?" Hermione whispered incredulously, casting a quick glance at Professor Trelawney (who was observing Harry and Ron). "She's fake in every sense of the word in every manner to be used."

"The falcon…" They heard Professor Trelawney tell Harry, reading his tealeaves, "my dear, you have a deadly enemy."

"But everyone knows that," Hermione murmured heatedly.

Trelawney and her wizard friends stared at her in disbelief. Gohan slapped his forehead; would she tone down the insolence at the person who's grading them?

"Well, they do," Hermione declared. "Everybody knows about You-Know-Who."

Professor Trelawney went on, but Hermione wasn't listening at the moment.

"That is exactly what I'm talking about!" Hermione whispered lowly. "I mean, do you really think has real Seer abilities after that?"

"You're asking the wrong person Hermione," Gohan informed her serenely. They watched the scene between Harry, Ron, and Professor Trelawney escalates to include the entire class staring in silence. "People like Hercule thought I was a fake at the Cell Games, remember? But," Gohan added, seeing Hermione about to argue, "if you're asking me if I believe what she's been doing were Seer abilities, then no. I'd say what she was doing was classic cold reading… but…"

"But what?" Hermione inquired curiously.

"…Dumbledore wouldn't have hired her if he didn't think she was worth it," he replied confidently. He looked at Trelawney, "Which is why we should get to work so we get good grades. Remember them Hermione? Grades?"

However, any chance of them resuming was crushed by what transpired next; Professor Trelawney, after glancing into Harry's cup further, sank into her armchair and started getting hysterically grave.

"What is it, Professor?" Dean Thomas asked directly, concern and fear spreading into the students in the room.

"My dear," Professor Trelawney's eyes widened, terror and drama filling them, "you have the Grim."

"The what?" Gohan and Harry asked instantaneously. Dean Thomas shrugged and Lavender Brown looked baffled.

Apparently, the muggle-borns in the room were the only ones who weren't wide eyed and terrified, gawking or gasping in fright.

"The Grim, my dear, the Grim!" exclaimed Professor Trelawney, looking at Harry wretchedly. "The giant, spectral dog that haunts churchyards! My dear boy, it is an omen—the worst omen—of death!"

Harry's face paled gradually, his eyes widening as if it hit him dead on. Gohan felt sorry for him; he had to do something to lighten the mood, something to help out and take attention from Harry…

"Did you switch cups with me Harry?" Gohan pointed an accusing finger at his friend, wagging it disapprovingly. "That particular Grim is probably mine. It follows me around wherever I go—" Gohan paused, thinking for a moment. "Maybe it showed up with my Uncle; that's when it all started anyway."

Ron barked out a laugh, Hermione smiled warmly at the comment, and everyone else didn't know how to respond. Some people giggled, others chortled, and some people just looked surprised.

Hermione got up from their spot, and walked over to Professor Trelawney to look into the cup.

"I don't think it looks like a Grim," She asserted loudly. Now, the focus was on her.

Professor Trelawney looked from Gohan with mixed emotions, to Hermione with obvious distaste and aversion.

"You'll forgive me for saying so, my dear, but I perceive very little aura around you. Very little receptivity to the resonances of the future."

The class went on to see if it really was a Grim, until Harry had obviously had enough.

"When you've all finished deciding whether I'm going to die or not!" Harry shouted angrily. Gohan approved while everyone else (aside from Ron and Hermione) cast their looks away from him.

"I think we will leave the lesson here for today," Professor Trelawney softy said, carrying the gloom and air of secrecy that was there. "Yes… please pack away your things…"

Gohan lazily got up, thanked the teacher for an 'exhilarating' lesson, and hurried off with his friends to Transfiguration in silence. He didn't want it to be silent, but he thought he'd be stepping over his boundaries if he was the one to begin a conversation.

As they entered the room, Professor McGonagall called Gohan over to her desk. As he came over, she glanced at his wand held in hand approvingly.

"I see you've grown into life here," She said amusingly.

Gohan shrugged innocently, "What can I say? I'm a quick study."

"I've noticed," she replied. "Which reminds me; I'm assuming that you are all caught up and up to par with everyone else?"

Gohan nodded, "Yes Professor."

She gave her own curt nod, "Good. Because, as one of my top students, I'm expecting much more from you now that you are settled in. You may actually enjoy today's lesson more than others. You're going to be learning about Animagi." The confused look on his face prompted her to add, "Wizards and witches with the ability to change into their own unique animal."

"Sounds like fun," Gohan answered cheerfully. His tail swayed from around his waist as it moved happily on its own accord.

However, Gohan appeared to be the only one in the class (aside from Hermione of course) who was paying any attention to the lesson. Even when Professor McGonagall changed into a tabby cat for demonstration, no one really made any response; except for Gohan. His was gapping in awe, and then started laughing as he began to clap in approval.

However, when he noticed no one was following and he was the only one, he slowly stopped as he laughed nervously, ruffling his hair as his face blushed.

"Stupid," Gohan muttered, "why couldn't there be a clapping montage?"

Harry decided to sit in the back, and considering everyone was occasionally turning around and looking in his direction, they must have been thinking about his 'Grim'.

However, Hermione quickly explained to Professor McGonagall they had just done tealeaves in Divination, and she nodded, frowning in understanding.

"Ah, of course," Professor McGonagall said to herself, scowling. "There is no need to say anymore, Miss Granger. Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?"

Gohan had to laugh, it was just so perfect!

It appears that Professor Trelawney does this every year to every class she has, and that no one she said saw the Grim has died. Not only that, but apparently McGonagall didn't like Divination; she told the whole class that it was a fruitless art and very, very few people could actually do it correctly with the actual 'Gift'. However, Gohan was not surprised to find that McGonagall liked Professor Trelawney about as much as the subject she taught.

"You look in excellent health to me, Potter," She concluded with finality. "so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."

A lot of the people in the room felt better, mainly Harry, and continued with the lesson in a better tone. However, Ron was still doubtful with worry, as were a few other people.

When lessons were over for lunch, the Quartet walked from the class, each one feeling different. Ron, in particular, was the gloomiest and negative.

As they sat down, Ron's attitude was bothering the other three deeply. He wasn't eating, just sitting in deep thought as he looked at Harry every other time.

"Ron, cheer up," Hermione urged. "You heard what Professor McGonagall said."

"Yeah," Gohan agreed, "why so serious?"

However, as soon as food appeared on his plate, Gohan no longer cared, momentarily going into a state of insatiable hunger. He started wolfing down everything in sight, catching the eyes of his friends and others.

They all sighed; even if he was half saiyan, they would just never understand why he had to eat so much that way.

"Harry, you haven't seen a great black dog anywhere, have you?" Ron's voice was deathly somber, not even raised in the slightest.

Harry nodded slowly, "Yeah, I have. I saw one the night I left the Dursleys."

Ron's fork fell to the floor. Gohan stopped eating, raising his eyebrows.

"Probably a stray," Hermione reasoned evenly.

"Hermione, if Harry's seen a Grim, that's – that's bad," Ron looked at Hermione, the usual playful gleam gone. His eyes were narrowed, trying to emphasis his point. "My—my Uncle Bilius saw one and—and he died twenty-hour hours later!"

Soon, that sparked an argument between the two over omens and Grims, much to Harry and Gohan's jargon. Ron then pointed out Trelawney said Hermione didn't have the right aura and was probably going to do badly in Divination, and she just stormed off, saying Arithmancy was better.

"Why do you do that?" Gohan asked Ron, sighing deeply. "You know talking about grades is a sensitive thing for her."

"Well—she shouldn't have said it couldn't happen! That the Grim is something to laugh at."

"You're right," Gohan said, "she shouldn't have said that. But you've got to understand that you're the only one of us who actually grew up with all this stuff."

"So…" Gohan and Ron turned to face Harry, who was grinning sheepishly, trying to think of something to say. "Um… who are the Ginyu Force again?"

…

After thirty minutes of explaining in great detail the Ginyu Force and his adventures with them, Ron and Harry finally managed to stop laughing. Their eyes were sore from keeping back tears as he told them about Captain Ginyu switching bodies, and his idiotic defeat.

"So," Ron laughed, wiping his eyes, "He switched bodies with a frog? That's pathetic!"

"He's on Earth too," Gohan told them gleefully, "And because he can't say anything, he's stuck like that forever!"

They laughed at this, but then Gohan calmed then down for the ending.

"But the best part," Gohan continued, loving the way Harry and Ron eagerly waited for his words, "the best part is right now, he's living… he's living with Bulma and Vegeta at Capsule Corp IN A FROG POND!"

All three of them howled with laughter, only calming down after no one said anything for several minutes. Several people looked curiously at them, wondering what they were laughing about. Others, Slytherins mainly, were annoyed and shot them unpleasant looks.

"If—If you're about done gorging Gohan," Harry grinned, his stomach hurting from laughing, "We've got to hurry or we'll miss Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid! And we've got to find Hermione too!"

Gohan smirked, "Fine, I'll hurry."

He grabbed both of his friends by their shoulders, and then phased them out of the Great Hall. Now, they were right in front of Hermione, who shrieked and dropped her books as they appeared.

"What are you—?"

She didn't have time to finish, because Gohan took her hand and then phased them all out in front of Hagrid's hut.

Harry and Ron grinned, looking at Gohan in amazement.

"Fast enough for you?" Gohan amusingly inquired.

"Wicked!"

Hermione, however, glowered at the saiyan wizard.

"Why did you do that?" She shouted furiously, stalking towards her friend. Gohan backed up nervously, knowing what happened when girls were mad.

"I—um—I thought it would be faster to—"

"But what about my books? YOU LEFT THEM THERE!"

"Oh… OH!" Gohan said, realization hitting him.

"Be right back!" He assured her. He phased out again, and seconds later reappeared with her books in his arms.

"Everything's there," he told her, handing them to her carefully. "I made sure of it."

"Thank you," she said shortly, slowly smiling as she saw him squirm uncomfortably.

Then, Gohan heard a loud, barking laughter, "Well Gohan, yeh seem ter be gettin' the hang o' using yer powers in public."

Slowly, the form that was Gohan Son grasped what was being said, and looked around him. The entire class was looking at him as if he had burst into flames, their faces in so many shapes he thought he could see every emotion capable of being seen.

"Hehehehe," Gohan grinned nervously, "how you guys doing?"

Then, Gohan noticed a shadow pass over him, and smiled as he saw the beaming form of Hagrid over him.

"… Ready for class?" Gohan asked lightheartedly.

Hagrid nodded, "C'mon, now, get a move on! Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!"

However, just as the group began to move behind Hagrid, Gohan halted in place. His eyes widened, his face forming a genuine smile. That… was it… could it be?

"Gohan?" Hermione asked distressingly, catching the attention of Harry and Ron. "Are you alright?"

Now, Gohan could hear the flap of wings cutting through air, racing through clouds. He could see a small dot beginning to form, getting closer with each second.

Gohan grinned happily; it was him! Who else could it be?

"Yes!" Gohan cried out racing forward, lifting himself into the air, trying to see better. "He's here!"

"Wait Gohan!" Harry called out, watching everyone stopping now. Even Hagrid had stopped, concern flooding his face. "Who's here?"

Now, though, Harry could see something where Gohan was looking. It was big, and it was flying towards them. It was purple, probably about his size, with fairly large wings.

As the creature got even closer, Gohan floated into the air higher, now going to meet whatever it was.

Wait a minute, Harry thought. He squinted for several seconds, and then opened his eyes abruptly.

Harry turned to Hermione and Ron, curiosity plaguing their minds.

"What is it?" Ron asked.

"I think…" Harry tried responding, "… I think I saw… I saw… a dragon?"

"ICARUS!"