Hillevi had expected James to come along with her to Avalon, very much set in remaining her 'bodyguard' while in Avalon, but not for Steve to whip out the Puppy-Dog Eyes and come along.
Not that she would have denied him anyway, with or without The Eyes, but she had not expected him to ask.
"These people are your friends." The super soldier had explained as the trio boarded a quinjet. "I want to see what got a gal like you to like them so much."
"Levi!"
Shaking the memory away-even if her cheeks stayed a touch pink-, Levi brightened as Cloudjumper chirruped in glee.
"Hermione!"
Said girl nearly bowled her over with the force of her hug, Cloudjumper squeaking as her Levitate activated, unable to hold back a laugh.
"There you are, Lev!" Harry called, smiling, as the groups converged.
"Took you long enough!" Ron teased as Hermione released her hold, and Hillevi rolled her eyes playfully.
"You all actually live in Avalon, you know. I had to fly a bit farther."
"It's great to see you." Neville greeted, Flora barking in agreement.
"You too, Neville, Flora."
Her bag jerked as Dexter pulled himself free, taking a picture of a startled Flora before she could protest.
"Photo captured!" The Rotom Pokedex chirped as everyone stared, dumbstruck. "Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokemon. The bulb-like pouch on its back grows larger as it ages. The pouch is filled with numerous seeds."
"Dexter, what have I said about taking pictures without asking first?" Hillevi scolded gently, earning a sheepish look from the Rotom-infused device.
"To first introduce myself, and ask for permission…"
"And did you?"
"No…"
"Then apologize."
The only ones not staring like they had seen a Politoed put on a top hat and start singing showtunes was Steve and James, and Dexter wringed his 'hands', contrite.
"I am sorry for taking a picture of you without asking first. I was very excited."
Flora eyed the Pokemon-machine and grunted in acceptance, in a good mood at the moment.
"I am Dexter, the Rotom Pokedex!" Dexter continued, smiling at the surprised humans with a salute. "My objective is to help Levi while she is at school! It is nice to meet all of you!"
"It's…nice to meet you, too." Harry replied as Hermione started bouncing excitedly on her tiptoes.
"Now back in the bag with you." Hillevi ordered, lifting the flap of her messenger bag as Cloudjumper whistled. "No one was supposed to see you until Hogwarts."
"Aw…"
Dexter did as told nonetheless, and she gave the group a sheepish smile.
"Sorry, Dexter's a little excitable around new Pokemon."
"Was that a Rotom…in a Pokedex?" Remus wondered, intrigued.
"That's the basic concept, I think." Steve answered, rubbing at the back of his neck as Eva shrugged from her perch on one massive shoulder. "But Tony's never been one to do things halfway."
The adults visibly swallowed any further questions-while the children became excited for school so they could get the full story-, and everyone quickly introduced themselves, also pointedly ignoring exactly who Steve and James were.
As the group started towards Diagon Alley, which had yet to be hit by the lunchtime rush or the flood of students coming to get their supplies last-minute, the conversation returned to its original track.
"Maybe one of you will decide to research Pokemon evolution after you get out of Hogwarts." Remus voiced, leading them through the rows of specialized shops.
"Hermione or Harry or Ron might, but I already know what's in store for me." Neville answered. "The Longbottoms have been running the Lucan City Gym for centuries, and Longbottom Gardens for even longer. My gran has been watching it for me, but Flora and I are going to be training junior gym leaders and working greenhouses the moment I get out of Hogwarts."
"Count me out, too." Ron agreed. "I don't think I could handle being cooped up in a library all day thumbing through old books."
"Then what do you want to do?" Harry wondered as the group entered Madam Malkin's Gear For All Environments, Cloudjumper cooing at all the colors and patterns.
Percy and the twins had split off, old enough to get their own supplies, but Hillevi hardly noticed as she looked over the jackets on offer.
"I honestly don't know." Ron acknowledged, looking over the newest trainer jackets. "Isn't that why we're at Hogwarts in the first place?"
"That's a rather mature response, Ron." Hermione replied, eyebrow raised as she tried on a new cap.
Before the Weasley could possibly decipher that as an insult, Hillevi jumped in, tone purposely light.
"I'll probably head back home by then. Take over the family business, like Neville."
"I'm in the same boat as Ron, actually." Hermione admitted, setting aside the cap and moving on to headbands. "My parents never went to Hogwarts and are doing real fine. But I don't want to spend seven years learning everything, only to pick a job I could have gotten if I had just gone to a normal school. That would be a waste."
"Oh, it wouldn't be a waste." Molly Weasley said, standing next to Madam Malkin as Ginny was being measured. "You could know exactly what you want to do in life, and then suddenly find yourself on a new path. I was going to be like my sisters and go into Pokemon medicine until I met your father. Scoff all you will and say that I wasted my education, but I think I've done just as much good volunteering at our local Pokemon Center and dealing with scraped knees. What you learn can always be put into use, no matter what you decide to do."
"I never really got the chance to go to school." Steve voiced, shrugging his shoulders and earning a squeak from his tiny Eevee. "I figure, whatever you want to do, learning new things can't hurt."
"Kids, why don't you go next door to the Pokemon Emporium and see about getting treats for your Pokemon?" Remus suggested. "Arthur and I need to discuss some things, and I'm sure Ginny will be a while getting her jacket measured."
Sharing a look with James and Steve, Hillevi followed the others, Cloudjumper trilling reassurance.
"Maybe I should pick up more of that potion Mister Lupin gave Flora." Neville voiced as they entered the store, Flora squawking in delight.
"I'm sure Remus can give you what you need." Harry replied, inspecting a Ghost Light.
The shelves were full of items for Pokemon to hold and bags of treats, and Hillevi studied the assortment of elemental Gems on display, Cloudjumper leaning forward to sniff the Psychic Gem.
"They have Evolution Stones." Hermione noted, looking at a case near the back where the unpolished stones sat on white pillows.
"Sweet." Ron replied, pressing his nose to the glass. "I should get one and use it on Cubchoo! Imagine it, a fire-ice super bear!"
"Cubchoos aren't effected by Evolution Stones." The bushy-haired girl shot down with a dismissive sniff. "Their DNA is completely stable, and thus can't be mutated by the stone's radiation."
"At least you'll save money on that, since Cubchoo evolves with experience." Hillevi pointed out, smiling. "Just like mine."
Neville nodded as he moved to a small bin full of clear orbs, which seemed to contain mushrooms and various seeds.
"We have a few Sun Stones and Leaf Stones at our Gym, but I don't think anyone in the family's used one since my grandad was a little boy."
"Maybe you should stock up on some, Harry." Hermione suggested, picking out an Ice Crystal for Snorunt.
"Why?" The boy wondered.
"Because all your Pokemon can evolve with use of a Stone."
At his blank look, Hermione sighed.
"Ludwig will evolve into a Lampent, and if you use a Dusk Stone on him, he can reach his final form, Chandelure. Same with Togepi. She'll evolve into a Togetic when she feels utterly safe and secure with you, and if you give her a Shiny Stone, she'll be able to evolve into a Togekiss."
"Oh, I knew that." Harry replied, waving the thought off as Hillevi tested a couple of rope toys.
"I just meant I don't see why I should stock up now. It could take Ludwig for more years to evolve, and who knows when Togepi will. Even if they both evolved tomorrow, it wouldn't be right to force them to change again right away. It should be their choice."
"I'm with him on this one." Hillevi agreed, rubbing under Cloudjumper's chin as she grabbed a couple bags of treats to go with the chew toys she had accumulated. "Sharpshot and Meatlug evolved when they wanted, and I'm going to let the others do that, too. It's not me that's evolving."
"What about Eevee?" Ron wondered, reaching into a small minifridge. "You decided what-YEEOW!"
"Can't you read the sign?" The owner, Mister Tolmon, scolded with a glare. "NeverMeltIce: DO NOT TOUCH! You're lucky you didn't freeze your fingers off!"
"And you give that to Pokemon?" The Weasley retorted. "Yeesh, no thanks! Cubchoo with stick with his Tauros Hat, thank you!"
"Have you thought about it, Harry?" Neville wondered, selecting a large green and red seed from the bin.
"Thought about what?" The Potter wondered, snagging a box of treats himself.
"About what you want Eevee to evolve into." Hermione elaborated, debating several different focus items for her Ralts. "You probably have it the hardest of any trainer. Twisted Spoon or Moon Mirror?"
"Moon Mirror." Ron answered. "It's always weird to see any Pokemon other than a Kadabra or an Alakazam with a Twisted Spoon."
As Mister Tolman bagged up their things, Harry scratched his chin in thought.
"I honestly don't know, Hermione. I mean, I haven't had Eevee that long, and when he evolves, that's it. He's stuck with that form. I'd hate to evolve him, and then realize a day later that I'd made a mistake."
He released said Pokemon, kneeling to scratch between the fluffy Pokemon's ears.
"Besides, I think you should have a say in the matter, right buddy? It is your body that's being altered."
"Leave it to you, Potter, to let your Pokemon lead you around."
Hillevi sighed at the intruding voice, a little huff escaping Cloudjumper as she bristled.
"Draco."
Said Slytherin stood a few feet back from them, arms crossed, wearing a brand new purple jacket with black trim and Arboks embossed on the buttons, his hair even more slicked back with gel than Hillevi remembered.
"Tell me, Potter, who goes to sleep in that little ball at night, you or the Eevee? I honestly can't tell."
"Piss off, Malfoy." Ron snapped.
"Who's gonna make me, Weasley?" Draco challenged, stepping forward. "You? You think you can beat me? You can't even control that little rat of yours, what makes you think you can face me down?"
"Back off." Hillevi cut in, and the blond faltered at her glare, Cloudjumper mantling her wings threateningly. "Or you'll be facing me instead."
It was Hermione that stepped between the two instead, making a physical barrier.
"Knock it off, all of you."
"Get your hands off me, Granger." Draco sneered, regaining his bravado. "This jacket costs more than your worthless parents probably make in a year."
The boy leaned in, voice menacing and slick.
"Or maybe they could afford it. I hear your kind sells their daughters off all the time to make a bit of extra-"
Hermione's fist cracked into Draco's nose in a gush of blood, and Hillevi rushed into the fray as he stumbled back, cupping his face.
"You bitch! I'll see your family run out of this region!"
Hillevi seemed to bristle herself at the threat, her pupils almost seeming to slit-
"Draco."
A silky voice intoned, and the boy's pain was forgotten as he went ramrod straight, turning to face the newest arrival as he strolled in.
Hillevi could tell on first glance that this man was Draco's father, with the same features and whitish-blonde hair, though his expression was cool and his hair longer, wearing a simple suit and wielding an opulent cane that had an Ultra Ball as the head.
This, without a doubt, was Lucius Malfoy.
"Are you okay, my dear boy?" Lucius asked, not a note of caring in his sweet-sounding words. "It seems you've broken your own nose."
"I did no such thing, father!" Draco screeched. "It was that filthy new blood girl!"
Lucius glanced at her, and Hermione shrank behind her smaller Valhallan friend.
"Well, if that is the case, then I will bring the full might of the Malfoy family upon her. I will see her family's business shut down, their home taken from them, and all their wealth added to our coffers."
Hillevi bit back a growl, her rage feeding back from Cloudjumper and amplifying.
"Of course, before I can do that, I will be forced to examine you and your standing."
"Father?"
"How could I not? You are Draco Malfoy, the future head of the Dagonet City Gym, heir to the House of Malfoy. You are the Prince of Slytherin-"
There was clear mocking in the man's tone while accenting this title.
"And, by your own words, the greatest of Hogwart's students. And yet…And yet you stand here, and claim that you foolishly provoked this girl, mocking her in public with a room full of witnesses, with no plan or strategy. And then, instead of handling her yourself, you allow her to strike you, and do nothing more than whine?"
Lucius shrugged his shoulders in an almost helpless gesture.
"Can you not see that the two personas I paint do not match? I refuse to have a foolish, stupid boy be my heir. So I ask you now…"
He leaned in, dark eyes gleaming with a cold fire.
"What. Happened?"
Draco curled into himself, shoulders slumping and blood-stained hands flopping to his sides.
"I wasn't looking where I was going and I bumped into a shelf, father."
"My poor Draco. We will have your nose looked at by a doctor, and your mother will take you shopping for new clothes later this week."
That gaze turned on the other Hogwarts students, along with his cane.
"Thank you for not mocking Draco about this."
"Of course, Mister Malfoy." Neville stuttered out. "And thank you."
Lucius glanced to Harry and Hillevi, who glared right back at him, and the man gave an almost imperceptible flinch.
"Lilly Potter's heir and the Tamer of Dragons…" He whispered, more to himself than to the children. "Of all the wonders…"
"Kids!"
James appeared between them like a shadow, gaze cool and calculating, as Steve jogged up with Arthur Weasley.
"I know you're having fun, but we need to…"
The Tor Town Gym Leader trailed off, taking in his fellow as Lucius glanced between the pair of Super Soldiers.
"Lucius."
"Arthur." The Malfoy replied, looking over the Weasley's worn polo shirt and frayed khakis with a sigh. "You do realize you are representing all Gym Leaders when you walk about? We must present an image of respect and strength when out and about."
Arthur squared his shoulders, taking added strength from the tension suddenly going through Steve's body.
"Oh, I know, Lucius. You and I just have different interpretations of respectable."
Lucius hummed, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder to lead his blood-spattered son out.
"History will tell which of us is right."
"History is written by the winners." Arthur reminded him, earning a cunning smile.
"We also have different definitions of 'winning'."
"Just a grown bully." Steve grumbled, glaring after the pair before looking over the group. "Are you all okay?"
Ron was practically bouncing up and down with delight, now that Lucius was gone.
"Draco said some nasty things to Hermione, and she popped him in that pointy nose of his! Was bloody brilliant!"
"Ron." Arthur warned.
"I mean, it was brilliant."
Hillevi rolled her eyes at that, patting Jame's arm to show she was fine, and turned to Hermione, who was staring at her hand as if it belonged to someone else.
"Hermione?" She worried, Cloudjumper cooing softly.
"I've never hit anyone before." The girl admitted in a whisper. "I kinda liked it…"
"Well, don't make a habit of it." Arthur reminded them. "Especially Draco. Lucius might appear nice, but he's one of the most vicious trainers in Avalon. People that upset him tend to end up with heaps of trouble, and no way to prove he had anything to do with it."
"So, everything he said about my parents?" Hermione fretted, worry growing in her eyes.
"He won't do anything to your parents." Hillevi promised.
"I wouldn't worry about that." Arthur agreed distractedly as James and Steve shared a look. "Come on, we still need to get you kids your Dex upgrades."
No one said anything as the super soldiers flanked the group, silent guardians, for the rest of their trip.
