Harry was not ashamed to say that being with Nasrin made him feel safe.
Watching Dusknoir float around, red eyes staring, he was bolstered by her steady glare and solid strength, as if she was projecting that out to counteract the unease those Ghosts were exuding.
Their Pokemon had been recalled, a sign of good faith Remus had explained, but Nasrin had shown the storage compartments hidden in her new leather jacket that could release them in an instant if necessary, smile blade-sharp.
Only the Eggs were still out, cradled in his arms now, as they watched Remus talk with a young Auror a few yards away, a pink-haired woman in black leather pants, a puffy white shirt and long red leather jacket that seemed more like a gang member than an officer.
Her Rotom cackled as he gave poor Mooney shocks, but Harry was distracted when an email came into his Pokedex from Hermione with a link to a guide on Ghost Pokemon.
The article explained that there were three subspecies of Ghosts, each with their own training quirks and dangers for inexperienced trainers.
First, and most well-known, were Formless Ghosts like the Gastly line, who had a standard shape but had the loosest molecular structure, allowing them to stretch and squish or inflate themselves at will.
They were most known for being horrible pranksters, their biology making it hard for them to stay still, and often tormented trainers.
The pair looked up to see Rotom making faces behind Remus' back and silently agreed with this assessment.
Next were the Possessed Ghosts, who had completely solid bodies animated with ghostly energy, and were thus the exact opposite of their Formless brethren.
This made it easier for them to focus, and thus easier to train, but this did not necessarily make them any safer, since most 'haunting' could be attributed to them.
Nasrin knew that Ludwig, and eventually Robin, would be this type.
The most dangerous of all, however, and most pertinent to their situation, were the Shelled Ghosts.
A blend of the former two, they had the same loose molecular structure while using solid matter as a focal point, hiding their true forms behind a casing before dragging some unsuspecting prey in.
These were known to be unpredictable and hard to train because of this, and Dusknoir were a prime example.
Amethyst's Mimikyu also was one such Ghost, and was certainly dangerous when properly riled, so Nasrin had no doubts about that.
Shuffling closer, the pair read a section that Hermione had highlighted.
Duskull and their evolved form, Dusclops, are not overly dangerous to trainers. Duskull is too small to do much to even a child, while Dusclops' wrappings, while frightening to some, make it hard for it to draw in a trainer. Studies have found that Dusclops are only able to open their fabric cases a few inches due to the unstable nature of their inner ectoplasmic forms. This means that any attempts to draw in large prey would result in the Dusclops disintegrating. It is Dusknoir that poses the greatest threat to a trainer. When a Dusclops is able to gather enough energy (such as when traded) and have in their possession certain fabrics that contain the proper molecular structure (what is now referred to as a 'Reaper Cloth'), they are able to stabilize their ectoplasmic forms and evolve into Dusknoir. This new, stable body allows Dusknoir to hold its shape even when opening its mouth, which is located on what many mistake for their stomachs. Dusknoir is, in fact, a large head with arms-Impatient, Harry skipped down a few paragraphs to something relevant to their current situation. The Dusknoir of Sevii Island are the most dangerous of all the Dusknoir variants due to their possession of the ability Emotion Manipulation. Sevii Dusknoir are able to project auras that alter the emotions of Pokemon and humans. While they have been known to cause victims of this aura to fall into fits of laughter or become enraged, fear is the most common emotion the Dusknoir will create. This is a type of hunting tactic, as it allows Dusknoir to paralyze their prey so they might consume it. This consumption, known as the Dusknoir's Kiss, results in Dusknoir drawing their victim into their cloth shell and draining them of all emotion and thought, leaving them in a blank, emotionless state that ancient Avalonians equated to the destruction of one's soul. There are some that believe these shells are the origins of the zombie myth-
An unexpected touch on the shoulder, and Nasrin nearly brained Remus in her surprise, Harry practically jumping out of his skin with a yelp.
Concerned, the man backed up a few steps with hands raised.
"Fine." The Potter gasped out, embarrassed.
"We're fine."
After a moment, Remus nodded and plowed on.
"I'm sorry, Harry, Nazz. I tried to talk to Auror Tonks, but she refuses to budge. Apparently, the Lord of Sevii is throwing his weight around, and demands to talk to you at once."
"Why us?" Nasrin asked, squeezing his hand in comfort.
"He claims that since your mother defeated Voldemort, and Sevii is holding several of Team Nocturne's lieutenants, that he should speak with Harry."
"Then why Nazz?" Harry wondered, brow furrowing.
"Even the Lord of Sevii knows that trying to separate the Heir of Rose Quartz from her Fusion partner would be a declaration of war."
Said half-Gem shrugged in agreement, and a smile flickered across Harry's face despite the uncertain situation.
"But you don't think that's the real reason, do you?" They echoed, sensing that there was more.
"No." Remus admitted, teeth grinding. "And I want you to be on your guard. If you think for even a moment he's trying anything funny, you get Dobby to port you out. If he can't, fight like hell and run. I'm already contacting a few people that owe me favors. I don't have the pull the Lord has, but if he wants to try us, I'll give him a war."
Nasrin's shoulders eased just a touch knowing that the Crystal Gems could be there in moments if need be, and Harry was comforted by the thought of a very-pissed-off Cammi Universe tearing apart anyone that dared hurt her youngest daughter and practically-adopted son.
"Where are we meeting him?"
"Luckily, you don't have to go far." Remus answered, slightly mollified. "He's using that old farmhouse over there. The owners left for the day, and he set up shop. You'll still be in sight of all of us, and Mooney will have an ear out for you."
"Come on, you two." Auror Tonks called, playfully nudging Nasrin. "Some of us aren't getting any younger."
Remus shot the woman a dirty look before placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Don't let your guard down for a second, okay? The Lord of Sevii is a powerful, dangerous man. Treat him as such. Give him respect, but never your trust."
"We will." They promised, the pinkette pulling her boyfriend in closer as if to summon a quick bubble, before turning to the Auror.
"Lead the way."
"Bye, Remus." Auror Tonks called as they started away, waiting until they were out of earshot to laugh. "Merlin, it's fun to tweak that man!"
Even tripping over a root did not faze her good mood, and Nasrin's lips twitched into a smile at the feeling.
"Don't mind me, a bit of a klutz. So, any idea why the Lord wants to see us?"
"Us?" They parroted back, confused. "Yeah, you, you and me. Can't be an us with less than two people."
"I thought the Lord of Sevii just wanted to see me and Nazz." Harry clarified.
"You honestly think my boss would send me all by myself to guard you and deal with the Lord of Sevii?" Tonks snorted. "I'm barely out of the Academy, and you're Lily Potter's kid and the Heir of Rose Quartz! I wasn't even in the top of my class! She wanted to send a whole platoon, but the Lord vetoed that, apparently. The fact that she sent me tells me he picked me out personally. So, any ideas why the big scary Lord of Sevii wants to see you two and me?"
"No idea." Nasrin answered honestly, already liking this light-hearted Auror.
"Remus thinks it's a trap." Harry added.
"Yeah, he told me that." Tonks agreed. "I told him that I can't really just shrug my shoulders and let you all go on your merry way. Not like I control the Dusknoir. Besides, I have the Minister breathing down my boss' neck, which means Madame Bones is breathing down mine. Not a good idea to piss off a member of the Elite Four, let me tell you."
As the trio approached their destination, the swarm of Dusknoir thickened, and Harry felt all the muscles in his girlfriend's body wind up.
"Hey, do you have any Pokemon that are good against Ghost-types?" Tonks shrugged at their surprised glances. "Just trying to plan ahead. Believe it or not, there's a brain in this pretty head of mine."
Harry smiled, quietly agreeing with Nasrin to like this Auror, as he juggled around the Eggs to toss up two Poke Balls.
"Eevee. Normal-type, but he knows Shadow Ball. Hedwig knows Thief."
"Pongo knows Bite, Snow knows Feint Attack, Confuse Ray and Hex, Robin knows Ominous Wind and Astonish, and Melody and Rapunzel learned Shadow Ball." Nasrin listed confidently, releasing each of them with a twist of the wrist from her jacket's sleeves.
"Wotcher, now that's brilliant!" Tonks praised, recalling Rotom to release a second Pokemon that immediately shifted to resemble a raindrop. "Castform. Trained him myself. Everyone assumes that he's just a gimmicky Pokemon, used mostly to show off or entertain kids, but me and Castie here pack some real firepower…and water power."
"Hopefully we won't need it." Harry muttered, not even believing his own words as Pongo and Eevee boxed them in on either side, Robin and Hedwig turning their heads from his shoulders to hiss at the Dusknoir quietly watching them pass.
Melody and Rapunzel watched the swarm warily, the latter wrapping her arms around the young Fairy with ears coiled tight in preparation for a fight, and Nasrin squeezed them to her chest with one arm while holding tight to Harry's hand with the other.
Stepping up onto the porch, Tonks tilted her head when faced with the closed door, unsure.
"So…You think we should knock or something?"
The door creaked open at that, and Snow growled from her place in front, eyes flashing with Psychic and Dark energy in turns.
"Okay, am I the only one getting slasher film vibes?"
"Not just you." The pair echoed, Harry's arm tightening around the incubators as all three stepped carefully inside.
Robin and Hedwig screeched when the door slammed at their backs, Pongo whipping around with bared fangs, but Nasrin's gaze snapped to a living room on their right.
"Did you come alone?" The Lord of Sevii demanded, slouched in a recliner with a skull mask and a strange black Poke Ball in hand, petting a Houndour that sat obediently at his side.
"Just the three of us." Tonks confirmed. "Just like you asked. Now, mind telling us what you want?"
Nasrin felt a wave of hope and guilt wash over her senses, old memories bringing about fondness and regret and-Tonks growled, noticing where the Lord's eyes were glued.
"Listen, I get lusting after me, but keep looking at the boy-"
"You look just like him." The Lord of Sevii admitted quietly, and Nasrin felt tears at the pain and longing that poured through. "Except the eyes. You have Lily-Flower's eyes."
"What…" Harry whispered, fingers trembling in her grip as Hedwig and Robin fell quiet. "What did you say?"
In response, the man tore off his mask, and the vague memory of safety filled Harry's body to dispel the fear.
"To hell with Jack, I can't play this game anymore!"
Shock exploded from Tonks, whose eyes were already streaming disbelieving tears, rage and sorrow and relief warring inside like clashing lightning.
"Merlin, look at you two. You were barely able to stand up the last time I saw you, Harry, and Nymphie! I kept expecting to see the same little tyke that loved piggyback rides to come in here, but time's moved on and you've changed…But I suppose so have I. You've become such a beautiful young woman. But still have to dye your hair, I see! Must give Andy fits!"
"You…You can't be here…This…This is a trick, or a lie…" She forced out, halting. "I…I don't…"
With a flick of the wrist, he released an Empoleon.
"Is that proof enough for you, Nymphie?"
A short step, and then Tonks threw herself into the man's arms, leaving Nasrin to wipe away a waterfall of tears, sniffling.
"Sh, it's okay, baby girl, it's okay…"
"Sirius…"
"Sirius?" Harry parroted, Robin and Hedwig taking flight as their Pokemon retreated a step to watch the proceedings.
"In name, but hardly ever in personality!" The Lord replied with a laugh, though he seemed unable to get out the words he wanted when faced with his intended audience. "I've been trying to prepare myself for this for weeks now, and still I'm getting tongue-tied!"
"Let me." Tonks offered with a hiccup. "Harry Potter, Nasrin Universe, allow me to present, as impossible as it is…Sirius Black."
"Back from the dead, big as life, and twice as pretty." He joked.
The world seemed to tilt dangerously for a moment, but then there was a bright pink light and Harin was able to regain equilibrium, stumbling onto the couch and taking deep breaths as Sirius and Tonks sandwiched them in, Eggs hugged tight to their chest.
It's okay, I'm here, I'm right here, everything's alright-
Looking over at the unmasked Lord of Sevii, they could see the man in all those photographs Remus had shared, older certainly, with a beard and shorter hair, but the same dark eyes that eased away the last of their disbelief.
Sirius yelped when he was suddenly embraced by a half-Gem Fusion even taller than he was, but he returned the embrace whole-heartedly, even when they separated back into Harry and Nasrin, tears wavering in his eyes.
"By Merlin…I don't even know what to say."
"That's a first!" Tonks retorted with a laugh, Sirius and Harry and Nasrin falling like dominos after her.
Snow sat down with a sigh, sharing a commiserating look with Pongo and Eevee while Hedwig and Robin landed on the arm of a chair to watch the proceedings, Rapunzel and Melody plopping down to watch as their trainer was once again swept away by emotions.
Eventually, the humans settled, unable to help little bubbles of giggles that burst forth as each gasped for breath.
"You have no idea how wonderful it feels to laugh!" Sirius voiced, breathless. "I haven't truly laughed since…"
The mood dimmed then, and Harry knew exactly what he meant.
"There is so much I need to make up for." He said after a few beats of silence. "So many promises I've longed to fulfill, but was too afraid to do."
His gaze dropped to Harry, haunted.
"They told me you were dead. I wallowed in self-pity and despair for six years thinking that bastard Voldemort had killed you. When the Sons invaded and Jack made me the new Lord of Sevii, I just threw myself into the job to try and hide from the pain. Merlin bless Jack…If he hadn't seen that copy of the Galahad Gazette about you and the Chamber, I might never have left Sevii."
Sirius turned to Tonks then, ruffling her hair.
"The thought of you almost had me come back, Nymphie. I want you to know that. I was a coward, though, and was so ashamed of failing James and Lily that I just couldn't do it. But I came close, baby girl, I came real close."
Tonks sniffled, and Nasrin kept rubbing at her eyes, unused to such an emotionally-charged atmosphere when there was no battle to focus on.
"What matters is that you're here now. We all thought you dead, so no one isn't without blame."
"How did you survive, uh…?"
"Don't even think of calling me Mister Black, Harry." Sirius assured. "It's Sirius to you, and it always will be Sirius."
"Sirius." Harry agreed, testing the name. "How did you survive? Every report said you died fighting Peter Pettigrew-"
The mood shifted to disbelief and horror and anger, and Sirius straightened from his slouch immediately.
"What? Why would I be fighting Peter?"
"Because he betrayed my parents?" The Potter replied, uncertain.
"He was the traitor…Wasn't he?" Nasrin added, heart starting to pound.
"Peter…They think that…"
Sirius had to swallow down his temper before speaking again, voice controlled.
"Harry, Peter Pettigrew was my friend. Your father's, too. He didn't betray your parents…He died trying to bring the traitor to justice."