Hello all! I try not to go longer than a year without updating... Welll... Here's a chapter for y'all. Third year is not complete, but I know the opening stuff isn't going to change.
Love, love, love! To my beta breather. They're on FF, so check 'em out!
Infinite gratitude to: RedHeadsRock1010, Guest (11/29/16), Ender the multiverse Detective, DoctorKnight, Guest (11/29/16), BLADE OF ILLUSIONS, poemado, loveliveread, Bluejay Blaze, Zaralann, The Keeper of Worlds, Guest (11/29/16), Thisisarealtagwhy, Azurii, Guest 2, Guest (11/29/16), lusians, nigishikoi (longggg one!), Jo Anna Grace, FireD. Rion, Reithandina, JadeNoRyuu, Allykrau, Speed Reader, of Serendip, Matt, chiharuSAICHI, Guest (12/2/16), Riddle-Snape, The Mightier Pen, Spyrkle10, OrganicAI, FreeFan1412, Guest (12/06/16), Guest (12/06/16), Guest (12/06/16), Guest (12/06/16), SeanHicks4, tanithlipsky, NinjaFoodLover, Xu-zuw, Guest (12/11/16), Minaworldcup, detractis, Key Shinigami, .3950 {4 reviews}, almp15, annea101, Guest (12/30/16), i'm iam, Karen Killa, busaikosensei, LiTtLeVoIcEs, goat99, Crystal Rose Serenity, vampireharry the 2, Wildwoode, Anmak, The Whimsical Ermine, Sylnodel, thedragondemigod123, Tarume, claire nunnaly, ninuhuju, Ruina Nicco, Gamma Cavy, CharmingButIrrational, Guest (03/21/17), soratomoyo-chan, PurplePoltergeist, Kitteninthemoonlight (longgg one!), fierycloud, aggy's mangopulp, weebster, NivMizzet6977, Momma Lici, TheWickedTruth89, Li, Fireblaze-kun, goat99 [again, hello], Gillome, az31r4, joebob323, FanfictionWriterandReader, The Fall of Spring, SilentLadyMusic1002, Guest (11/13/17), Guest (11/13/17), Guest (11/13/17), nequam-tenshi, Hanzo of the Salamander 2.0, Elliot23, FairyAlchemist400, Rin-isobu-walker, kasterbeus [longg one!], Cho-No-Iro, and Mezuri [with a long one!]. Thank you all so very much for your continual support and feedback! Ya'll keep me coming back here.
Tune in after for my notes on why Ace is Ron and Luffy is Harry.
Chapter 11: Beyond the Point of Being Surprised
Ace is skimming an article in The Daily Prophet about the results of the most recent quidditch match between the Chudly Cannons and the Holyhead Harpies, when his mother interrupts him.
"Ron! Ginny! You have a letter from Harry!" Molly Weasley calls from the kitchen.
The younger two redheads are at her side so suddenly, they may have well apparated.
Ace doesn't think either of them can help the smiles on their faces. It would be a lie to say that Luffy's stupid and charming letters aren't a highlight of their summer. Mrs. Weasley gives the letter to Ace with an amused smile. Ace knows the enthusiasm of her young children still seems sweet to their mother. If she knew they were both full-grown adults mentally, she'd probably me more exasperated than anything— but Ace thinks everyone would agree that it's for the best if she never finds out. Ever.
"Thanks, Mum," Ginny says.
"Yeah, thank you," Ace says. The two of the immediately head to the couches to read the letter in a habit formed over the past month and a half. Once seated, Ginny turns towards Ace with a hint of concern.
"This is a bit fast for him, isn't it?" she says. "He usually takes two or three days to get back to us."
"I was thinking the same thing." Ace's brow furrows as he opens the letter and notices the unusual shortness of the letter. Luffy tends to write long letters because of his rambling sentences. Evidently it takes him a day or two to complete because he gets distracted by something or other, and by that point he has even more to say. Not that Ace or Ginny will ever complain about the length.
Both of them bend their heads to read the letter.
Hi Ace and Nami,
I'm craving feast food, but otherwise I'm alright. There are a lot of muggles and stuff around here 'cause it's the suburbs so I can't really practice fighting or anything. It sucks so much! I'm gonna get out of practice. Haki I can still practice sort of, but still. Hey Nami, do you think we could enchant a ship to fly?! That would be the coolest thing ever!
I'm not lonely or anything, I told you I have a friend now so things are fine. And I already said that my new friend is good! You both worry too much. He's awesome, and I'm excited for you two to meet him. You'll both like him, I'm sure.
Love,
Luffy
P.S. I almost forgot. I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron at the moment because I was kicked out of my house. My other aunt, she's reaaaalllyy mean and she has this super ugly dog. And she started saying mean things so I blew her up like a balloon, not on purpose or anything. Sorry.
"What?!" Ace shouts.
"That isn't the sort of thing you put at the end of a letter in the post script!" Ginny exclaims.
"What is it, you two?" Their mother bustles into the living room, looking at them with concern.
"Mum, Harry got kicked out of his house!" Ginny cries.
"Merlin!" the Weasley matriarch utters. "Where is he? We best pick him up right away! Is he at Privet Drive?! I'll apparate right over—"
"He's at the Leakey Cauldron," Ace explains. "Can we come?"
"Oh. Well… If he's at the Leakey Cauldron then I'm sure he's alright," Mrs. Weasley says, calming down. "I bet Dumbledore has already met up with Harry and gotten things squared away."
"What? But we should still visit him!" Ginny cries.
"Ginny, use an inside-voice," Mrs. Weasley warns. "There is a lot of work to be done around the house. Harry can wait a week or so until we all go down for our supplies."
"Can I floo there alone?" Ace asks. "I'll get some of my shopping done early. Please, Mum! He's probably all alone."
"What?! You can't go without me!" Ginny snaps. "If Ron's going, I'm coming too."
Ace keeps his pleading eyes on his mother. "I don't want Harry to be alone for two whole weeks until we go and do our shopping."
"You have been very responsible recently." Mrs. Weasley pauses for a moment. "Yes, very well. I suppose you're old enough to visit Diagon Alley alone." There's a certain mistiness to her words like she can barely believe how old he's gotten, and Ace shifts awkwardly.
"But Mum!" Ginny says.
"Ginny, you're a bit too young, I'm afraid. Why don't you go collect some eggs from the hen-house?"
Ginny crosses her arms and her eyes sharpen into something wily. Ace can sense the rising tide of discontent.
"Mum, I—"
She barely makes it two words in.
"Don't take that tone with me, young lady!" Mrs. Weasley adopts a stern look. "You agreed to help around the house a little more if we bought you that book on maps, now are you going to keep up your side of the bargain, or not?"
"Yes," Ginny mutters. She turns to Ace with a look of dislike and he shrugs. It isn't his fault she can't come. "Tell Harry 'hi' for me, and not to do anything else too stupid."
Ace nods. "I will, but you know him..."
Ginny sighs but heads towards the back door to obey their mother. Mrs. Weasley then goes to the kitchen, leaving Ace to go to the fireplace and impatiently wait for his mother to return. When she does, she's carrying the brown pouch where they store their family's spending money.
"Take care of a few things on your school list dear," she says as she gives him both his list, which has the items they already have crossed off, and handful of coins which he carefully tucks into his pockets. She levels him with a very serious look. "Now I'm trusting you to spend this money appropriately, Ronald. If I hear you bought something frivolous I will have you scrubbing the house with a toothbrush for a month, I don't care if you start the school year late!"
Ace is nearly stricken with the thought of misspending his parents' limited and hard earned money. Maybe if he was thirteen, he wouldn't realize the extent of their poverty, but being older he has a grim understanding of the situation.
"I won't buy anything I don't need, I promise," he presses solemnly. Her eyes soften at the look on his face and she cups his cheek with one hand.
"I believe you," she says. "Now, do be careful. If you get into any trouble, floo me immediately. Don't go into Knockturn Alley again, and try not to start a ruckus over anything."
"I'll be careful, and when have I ever made a ruckus?" Ace asks.
"Cheeky." His mother gives him a small smile and a sigh. "Alright then, you'd best be off before it gets too late. I want you back before nightfall; some very strange wizards tend to loiter around Diagon Alley at night."
"Okay, I'll see you later, Mum." He picks up a pinch of floo powder and steps into the fire. After taking a breath, he throws down the fine, black particles. "The Leakey Cauldron!"
The world spins for a moment and then Ace finds himself standing in the green flames of the fireplace in the Leakey Cauldron. He quickly steps out to prevent being knocked over by another incoming wizard or witch.
After scanning the tavern, Ace makes a b-line to the counter where Tom is sneezing up a veritable storm. Ace blinks as the barkeep sneezes two or three more times before the fit finally calms and he notices the teen.
"What can I do for you, young man?" Tom asks.
"Er, hello. Can you tell what room Harry Potter is staying in? I'm his friend."
"I'm afraid that I'm not allowed to tell others where guests are staying," Tom tells him. "I can send a knock on his door and tell him you're here if you'd like."
"Do that then, please," Ace requests.
Tom nods. "What—" A violent sneeze cuts him off. "What is your name, young man?"
"Ron Weasley."
"A Weasley, eh? I probably should have guessed that one." Tom chuckles lightly.
Ace's hand raises to his red locks, and he idly wonders if he can grow his hair out like he did before...
The barkeep pulls out his wand and gives a few flicks before another fit of sneezing overwhelms him.
"Thank you," Ace says. The teen doesn't have to wait for long before he hears a door slam open. Seconds after, he sees Luffy running down the stairs.
"Ace!" His brother practically flies at him.
"L— Harry." Ace smiles and embraces his hyper brother.
"You came to visit me! I wasn't expecting you to come. And I only sent that letter like yesterday!"
"You expect me to stay at home when I find out you got kicked out of your house? Not bloody likely." Ace snorts. It's then that Ace notices the other patrons (few though they may be) watching the brothers. As Luffy rambles, Ace subtly pulls him closer to a corner.
"Is your mom here? Did she bring sandwiches? Do they have meat in them?"
"No, she let me come alone as long as I get a little shopping done. Ginny was pretty pissed she couldn't come too." Ace makes a short, dismissive gesture. "But Lu, what happened? You said you blew your other aunt up? I didn't even know you had another aunt!"
"She's my uncle's sister," Luffy explains. "I said it was an accident in my letter, didn't I?"
"That doesn't really explain much," Ace says.
"She was saying mean things and I didn't like it! I don't really know what happened, but I felt like I was using magic, even though I didn't have my wand or anything. And then she was blowing up like a balloon. It was pretty funny actually, 'cause she floated on the ceiling for a long time." Luffy laughs at the remembrance.
"And you got kicked out then?"
"Not exactly. I sort of decided not to stick around."
Ace thinks that's pretty fair, all things considered. If his aunt and uncle already treated him like dirt before he inflated a family member, Ace hates to think about what they'll do after. He hopes that Dumbledore will finally realize that this set-up isn't even remotely a good idea. Like he should have three years ago, in Ace's opinion. Or even earlier, if all the things Luffy's never said are as serious as Ace suspects.
"But it's pretty nice here. And I'm not lonely! My friend, remember the one I told you about in my letters, he's here too!" Luffy cheers.
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum of Luffy's glee, Ace's stomach clenches anxiously. They followed his brother here? What kind of person does that?! That's creepy. Not that he says that.
"I'd love to meet him. Is he in your room? Let's go," Ace rushes.
Luffy nods eagerly before pulling the older brother to his room on the second floor and opening the door. And Ace sees—
Nothing. There's no one in here.
"Did the person leave?" Ace asks. Very suspicious. If they knew Ace was coming up and they ran away, then his distrust is incredibly well placed.
Luffy blinks. "He isn't a person. He's an animal."
Ace pauses for a moment as he lets that sink in before letting out a long sigh. He was worried for nothing. It's so typical for Luffy to get attached to an animal and never clarify that they aren't actually human.
Although now... Ace braces himself for whatever strange kind of creature his brother has managed to find and befriend now.
After making sure no one's around to witness whatever it is that Luffy's about to show Ace, his little brother kneels on the ground by the bed.
"You can come out now!"
A medium sized black-haired dog with brown, intelligent eyes wiggles its way out of the narrow area below the bed. And— and that's it. No scales, feathers, horns, or any combination of the three. It's a dog.
Ace blinks. It's utterly bizarre how normal it is.
"This is Boshi! Boshi, meet Ace." Luffy gestures towards Ace with a wide grin. "He's my older brother."
Boshi tilts his head, and Ace has the strangest sensation that the dog is examining him.
"...You named it Boshi?" Ace doesn't know what he expected. After naming the bloody basilisk Sabo 2, he really should just stop trying to figure out the logic with which his brother names things.
"Yeah. Good name for him, huh?"
Ace rolls his eyes but gives a half-smile. He's glad that it's only a dog, something normal for once and not something weird and dangerous like usual.
Seeming to approve of Ace, Boshi begins stretching on the floor. Still kneeling, Luffy starts scratching Boshi's head and ears. The dog quickly slackens under his ministrations and lies on the floor, boneless. Ace takes in the thinness of the creature and the matted fur.
"Where did you find him?" Ace asks curiously. He settles himself on the floor and slowly pets Boshi's back, well-aware that while relaxed in body language, the dog's eyes follow his hands closely. The wariness of strangers coupled with the malnourished appearance explains it all for Ace— definitely a stray.
"Well, I take a lot of walks in the summertime."
No doubt to escape his borderline abusive relatives, but Ace stays his tongue. No need to ruin the moment by mentioning something his brother is already well aware of.
"I noticed Boshi was following when I was practicing Observation. I tried to talk to him, but he kept running away from me. After a while, I noticed how hungry he looked, so I started bringing food out with me." Luffy grins. "Then we became friends!"
"Don't suppose the Dursley's liked him too much," Ace comments dryly.
Luffy shrugs. "Never tried to bring him back. Whenever I'd go outside though, Boshi'd find me and we'd go exploring!"
"And he followed you from Privet Drive?" Ace asks.
"He came on the Knight Bus with me." Luffy smiles.
"I see." Noting the fondness in his brother's eyes, Ace knows that Boshi will be with them at least for the remainder of their time in Diagon Alley. So, with an open expression he dips his head towards the dog. "Thank you for taking care of my little brother, I know he's a handful."
The dog blinks before a strange coughing laugh escapes its throat. At least it has a sense of humor, Ace supposes.
"Well, shall we get going?" Ace asks, gesturing outside. "I have to get some shopping done before it gets dark and I have to go home."
Though there's subtle disappointment in Luffy's eyes because he won't be staying, his brother still grins at him. "Yeah!" After which he makes a short whistling sound, letting Boshi know to follow as they head out the door.
Luffy slowly edges to the top of the stairs and takes a peek down. After a moment he snaps his fingers, and Boshi darts down the steps and hides beneath the coat rack lying at the foot of the stairs. Luffy proceeds to casually descend the staircase, but Ace can see his eyes calculating. Another low whistle, and Boshi darts under one of the unclaimed chairs. Ace slowly walks down, taking in their little scheme with amusement. After two more dashes, Boshi is pretty close to the door, and after ensuring no one is looking, Luffy opens the door and Boshi runs out into the open air.
"No dogs allowed in the Leakey Calderon?" Ace guesses with amusement.
Luffy shakes his head. "Tom's allergic. He's been sneezing up a fit, but I can't make Boshi sleep outside all the time!"
Well that explains a lot. "Of course. Where would you like to go first?"
"Well, Flourish and Blotts is right there," Luffy says with a shrug. He's not overly excited, which is no surprise to Ace. First off, books aren't really Luffy's thing, and secondly, they can see a rather big crowd bustling inside. There's always a crowd at Flourish and Blotts, considering it's one of the few stores that has all the necessary school book. He and Luffy are here rather early, so they aren't facing the big rush which always comes the week before school starts, but the line is enough to set them off.
"Let's get it over with," Ace says grimly.
The pair force their way into the shop as gently as they can. Too much strength and people will go flying— it's hard though with everyone else pushing and pulling. They try and make it as quick an event as possible, and once they both have the necessary books (for Ace, the ones that were a new requirement and his family didn't have hand-me-downs for) they wait impatiently in the line to check out. Despite the cramped space and the eager children with sticky fingers, Boshi is an incredibly good sport about the whole thing, keeping close to Luffy and Ace and doing his best to stay out of the way. All three of them exhale with relief though when they reach the front of the line.
Luffy eagerly places his books on the countertop first. After ringing them up, the sales assistant finally produces a number. It's rather a lot to Ace, but it doesn't seem to phase Luffy until he reaches in his money pouch.
"Ahhh," Luffy says slowly. "I forgot."
"What?" Ace asks with concern.
"I spent most of my money on our room at the Leakey Calderon," Luffy says sheepishly. "I don't have enough."
Ace's hands are full, so he facepalms inwardly.
Luffy shrugs. "Oh well. Guess we have to come back—"
"No," Ace says dangerously. "I am not waiting in that line again."
"But I don't have any money."
"I think I have enough to cover us both. You can pay me back after we go to the bank, okay?" Ace sighs in relief when he finds that he does have enough money for both of their stuff if he uses all of what his mother gave him for school supplies.
"Shrinking charm?" the salesclerk asks after everything's squared away.
Ace nods. Hermione can unshrink them when they find her again. Not like they're going to crack them open any time soon anyways. Both boys pocket their now-small stack of books and head out of the shop.
"So Gringotts then?" Ace says, gesturing to the large white building in the center of Diagon Alley.
"Why don't you go get your potions stuff while I go to the bank?" Luffy suggests. He's shuffling a little and worrying the hem at the bottom of his shirt.
"Because I don't have any money?" Ace answers, raising a brow at his brother's behavior. "Besides I'd have to go back with you anyways for your ingredients."
"Oh. Right."
"Lu?"
"I'm fine. Let's hurry, yeah?" Luffy says, shaking off whatever is bothering him.
It doesn't take them long to reach the stone steps of the bank. Ace hesitates at the entrance though.
"I don't think they'll let Boshi in, Luffy," Ace says.
Luffy frowns for a moment, clearly trying to think of a way around it. Thankfully, Boshi saves them both the trouble by walking over to a nearby tree and planting himself beside it, silently telling them to just go on.
"We'll be back soon!" Luffy calls.
Ace rolls his eyes. "Come on then."
Though Ace has been to the bank plenty of times with his parents, watching Luffy go through the process of confirming his identity and providing a small golden key that Ace is frankly surprised he hasn't lost by now, is sort of odd. Even odder, is Luffy's strangely muted mood. Ace prods him about it, but his brother just shifts and shrugs or answers with complete non-answers. Ace can't make heads or tails of it until the reach the Potter vault and the goblin opens the hatch.
Ace can only blink as he stares at the mountains of coins. Luffy could buy a house in Diagon Alley, three Nimbus 2000s, and the Chudley Cannon quidditch team and only make a dent in his funds. He knew Luffy was rich, but he had no clue it was this rich.
He looks towards his brother to say exactly that, but finds Luffy is kneeling at the piles and quickly shoving money in his brown leather pouch. His eyes are studiously set on his task, and Luffy's mood suddenly makes sense to Ace.
Luffy's unhappy with his wealth. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact he saw the Weasley vault last year. Comparatively, Ace's parents' funds are utterly meager. Which in reality they are, but the difference is stunning. He remembers how Luffy quickly explained that he had enough money from last year left over (and getting a free set of Lockhart's books which were easily the most expensive things on the list helped), and that they should just head home. Now Ace understands why. Though he is always aware of the poverty he and everyone at the Burrow experiences and he's occasionally gotten anxious when he really considers the extent of it, Ace would never swap situations with Luffy.
Luffy might be richer in this world, but Ace would never trade having parents for all the gold in Gringotts... Ace is sure Luffy has noticed the trade off as well. But none of this is his brother's fault. If he was given the choice, Ace knows what Luffy would have chosen.
Ace thinks that actually having so much money makes his little brother feel worse.
And Luffy shouldn't feel bad for what he cannot control, so Ace kneels besides the younger boy and picks up a gold piece before examining it idly.
"You know," he begins, quiet enough to prevent the goblin at the front of the vault from hearing. "Pops' treasury looked a lot like this."
Luffy slowly looks up from his mountain of galleons.
"Once, Marco, Thatch, Izou, and I were assigned to tally up the funds from the recent raid. We got pretty bored and decided to take a break. Thatch came up with the brilliant idea to play Marco-Polo in a room full of sharp, hard treasure."
Luffy's eyes grow warmer. "Do you—"
"I'll be it first," he says. "No Observation, okay?"
"Yeah!" Luffy jumps away from Ace as the older closes his eyes.
"Marco!" Ace calls.
"Polo!" Luffy's giddy cry calls. Ace rushes forward and promptly knocks over a stack of knuts.
Over the next twenty minutes the two brothers end up utterly destroying the once neat mountains of coins. They slip and slide on the coins on the floor and fall over into the mountains of gold, silver, and bronze. After they finish playing due to Ace's reminder of their time-limit for shopping, they view the results of their game and laugh long and hard while the goblin at the entrance stares at them, dumbfounded.
Needless to say, the pair leave the bank in much higher spirits.
"Boshi!" Luffy cries the moment they exit the doors. The dog leaps to his feet and happily meets Luffy halfway for a long petting and scratching session. Ace smiles and joins Luffy in his mission of showering the dog in affection.
Once that's taken care of, the three start down the main road of Diagon Alley.
"What should we get now? Potions supplies?"
"Oh! Let's get Ace a wand!" Luffy suddenly says.
"What? No!" Ace protests. "Wands are too expensive!"
"But yours is broken," Luffy counters.
"It works enough." A bit of an exaggeration, but that isn't the point. He meant to steal enough money to buy a wand, but with the whole Chamber of Secrets mess, he rather forgot to get sufficient funds. But it's still his burden to do so, not Luffy's
"Think of it as a second birthday gift," his brother suggests.
"No. You got me all that candy and meat, remember? And last year we got those tattoos! I'm not letting you spend more money on me."
Boshi suddenly stumbles, making Ace look towards him in concern. Both brothers stop to see if the dog is somehow injured, but after a moment Boshi slowly stands back up, seemingly unharmed. Ace wonders if the summer heat is getting to him.
"Ace. I don't like money. I like people," Luffy states. "Let me spend my money in a way that makes me happy."
Ace pauses, stymied by the statement. That's incredibly true. Luffy truly has no fondness for money. Ace doesn't either. It isn't something either of them have ever actively pursued as a goal. And like Luffy stated, money isn't people. Ace gets the sentiment perfectly... Ace would probably do the same in Luffy's situation. But Ace wants to make sure his brother remains taken care of in every way possible— financially included (though based on everything Ace has seen, things tend to just work out for his brother, regardless of circumstance). When he thinks about it, he knows he shouldn't tell Luffy how to spend his money since he is an adult, but Luffy doesn't really do mature unless the situation calls for it. Looking more closely at the matter though, the only pricey things Luffy has offered to buy were the tattoos that both of them got last year, too-expensive meat and candy for Ace's birthday, and now a wand. It isn't like Luffy's been spending it left and right without consideration. So Ace's overbearingness might not be incredibly necessary. So perhaps he should take a step back and close his mouth... he'll still keep an eye out for Luffy though. After all, it's an older brother's job to.
"Alright," he agrees slowly. "You can buy me a wand and spend a bit here and there, but not a lot! Luffy, you need to be careful. Money is important in this world!"
Luffy opens his mouth.
"Even if you do have an honest to god fortune."
Luffy crosses his arms and mutters. "I don't want a fortune."
"We have to deal the hand that's dealt to us." Ace lightly pats his brother's head. "Now come on, let's go to Ollivander's. Ah, but let's get Boshi some water first. I don't think he looks very well. The heat might not be agreeing with him."
"Let's go to that ice-cream place!" Luffy says, eagerly leading the way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.
After three large scoops of ice cream (half-off. Apparently Luffy's been around the shop a couple times already and the owner absolutely adores him) which Ace allows Luffy to pay for due to his new resolve and his promise to his mother, and some water for Boshi, the brothers and the black-haired dog head to Ollivander's. They have to wait in the chairs for a bit as the wandmaker is thoroughly entrenched in helping what looks like a first-year find the right wand.
"What do you think the next Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will be like?" Luffy wonders aloud as he kicks his slightly too-short legs beneath the chair.
"I have no idea. I just hope they aren't complete frauds." On paper, Defense Against the Dark Arts should be Ace's favorite class. Based on empirics, it's been one of his most frustrating and disappointing.
"Squirrel and Locked Cart were pretty awful," Luffy says. That's an understatement to say the least.
Lockhart disappeared overnight, vanishing from the school unnoticed in the complete chaos the fallout from the Chamber of Secrets brought. Of course, compared to finding out about the Chamber of Secrets and hearing about how the great 'Harry Potter' beat up a basilisk, Lockhart seemed pretty subpar. If anyone doubted that he was a complete hack, there was plenty of proof in his absence alone. The only one who really minded was Hermione, who still valiantly defended the teacher in their conversation about him. Then Ace asked her what spells she learned that year and she refused to speak to him for the rest of the day.
Ace grins and doesn't even bother correcting his brother. Before Ace can say anything in reply, Ollivander finally turns to their party.
"Mmm, Mr. Potter. 11 inch holly with a phoenix feather core. From the rumors I've heard, you've already done great things with that wand," the old wizard murmurs.
Ace glances at his brother curiously, but Luffy merely shrugs in response.
"And I haven't seen you before, but I do know a Weasley when I see one. I remember every wand I've ever sold to your family. My, the list is too long to go through. Now I suppose I'm adding you to the collection." Ollivander gestures Ace forward. "Let's see what we can find."
In a time-tested tradition, Ollivander pushes wand after wand into Ace's hand before snatching them away in a fit of energy and disappearing back into the shelves. This continues for longer than Ace cares to say.
"Ah, I thought I had you with the willow and unicorn hair, but apparently not. Perhaps with a different core..."
A pale wand is shoved into his hands, and an inexplicably good feeling overtakes him. He feels suddenly like he's back on the Moby Dick, riding along with the gentle waves. The wand is warm and comforting in his hands. And if Ollivander attempts to take it away, Ace isn't going to let him without giving a fight.
As it is, the wandmaker smiles.
"Fourteen inches, willow, containing two phoenix feathers," Ollivander says. "These were the feathers of an especially old phoenix. It was one of the oldest alive. It says much of rebirth and legacy."
Ace shifts a little but grins at the words. He likes the phoenix core. It makes him think of Marco... no wonder it's so comforting to him.
"Cast something!" Luffy urges from behind him.
Ace has to catch himself. "No, I can't yet. It's still summer, remember?" The moment he gets to the castle though...
Luffy easily forks over a staggering seven galleons, which makes Ace a little light-headed. He didn't know wands actually cost that much. He has to admit to himself that it likely would have taken him a few years to steal seven galleons worth of pocket change from the Slytherins. He suddenly realizes that his mother and father are going to wonder about his wand, and now Ace is panicking about what he's actually going to say. Bloody hell.
But the hominess of the wand persists, and he finds he can't feel too much regret.
Ace wakes in a cold sweat. He's afraid to open his eyes because in his mind's eye, all he sees is Akainu and his little brother bleeding out. That isn't happening, he recognizes this on some level. But his chest has an ache in the shape of a hole. On the off chance that Luffy and he are bleeding out and dying, Ace is going to keep his eyes closed so he can avoid seeing it again. He can't see it again. He might go mad. So he keeps his eyes shut. He might keep them closed for the next year if he has to.
"Ron, Ronald," a voice calls.
Ace shakes his head. He won't.
"Rennervate!" another voice casts, and the rush of adrenaline and energy is so sudden, Ace's eyes pop open rebelliously. In his immediate line of vision is Hermione, brow furrowed and face tense. He dizzily sits up and stares around the cabin in a fit of anxiety. There's the strange man who was asleep in their cabin earlier, but Ace barely registers him. On the seat across is Ginny, who's holding Luffy's head on her lap. She slaps him and calls his name, but Luffy doesn't stir. There's no hole. Which is good. No blood. But the pain on Luffy's face, usually so deeply hidden, is on complete display in his sleepless fit of unconsciousness. If he's imagining what Ace was...
The older brother staggers to his feet, ignoring the muted sounds of Hermione's words. He goes to Luffy and kneels beside him. Ace places a hand on Luffy's chest, the same place where Ace himself still feels an ache and leans in close to his ear.
"Luffy. I'm alive. Luffy. Wake up. Luffy. Please." He mutters like that for a while until his little brother slowly opens his eyes. Like Ace, he's sweating and dazed. Ginny helps him sit up and Ace slumps back in his seat, utterly exhausted mentally. Despite the fit of energy the spell gave him, inwardly he feels utterly empty and bereft of life.
Luffy's face is incredibly solemn. More than he wagers Hermione has ever seen before. Ace is sure he doesn't look much better. But Luffy just isn't supposed to look like that. The older brother reaches down deep, but can't seem to manage a single scrap of lightheartedness to soothe the sudden emptiness.
"What happened?" he manages eventually. And it's only now he realizes that he's still panting. Ace forces himself to take deep breaths and calm his rapidly beating heart.
"There was a Dementor," the older man in the cabin explains— Professor Lupin, if he remembers what Hermione said earlier right. He keeps a concerned eye on Ace and Luffy as he digs through his bags.
"What the bloody hell is a Dementor?"
"They're dark creatures. They feed off happiness, sucking it away from their victims," the man continues.
"So that was what it was, then? It sucks all the happiness away until you pass out?" Ace asks.
"Well, no." Lupin pauses. "It's rather rare for people to pass out. It's usually only due to very... traumatic events."
"Oh," he utters.
Ace's eyes fall to the ground. Something traumatic. Something like a war. Something like being murdered. Something like watching his brother bleed out. Yes, all of the above. And all the same apply to Luffy. It's Ace's fault. If he hadn't gotten captured, Luffy would never have had to be in that position to begin with. He wouldn't have the dreams or the terrible flashbacks both of them are still suffering from right now. Ace fucked up. He fucked up so much.
"Ace." Luffy is leaning over the gap. His eyes are serious, and Ace can barely meet his gaze. "Stop it."
Worrying about what he's done is only going to stress his brother out more, so Ace shoves it down, bottling it for another occasion when he can own up to his mistakes alone. Lupin seems to have found what he was looking for, but after watching them his eyes have only become more troubled. Ace hates it when people see things like this. It isn't any of their business.
"Here, eat this chocolate, it's the quickest way to combat the effects." Lupin snaps off a square before hesitating and simply breaking the bar in half and giving one part to each brother. "You have had, admittedly, rather serious reactions. You may want to visit Madam Pomfrey when you get to the castle. She'll have more chocolate for you."
"Thanks," Ace mutters. Both brothers accept the food before half-heartedly nibbling on the edges. Luffy's hands are visibly trembling.
Lupin hesitates for a moment before standing. "I need to have a word with the conductor. I will return quickly." With that, the older wizard leaves the cabin.
In his wake there is only silence, and neither brother seems to be capable of filling it.
"I— are you two okay?" Hermione asks in a small voice.
And Ace has a weary urge to snap at her and ask if they bloody look okay. But he doesn't want to take this out on Hermione.
"Sort of." He answers more honestly than usual.
There's another beat of tense silence.
"Nami," Luffy says, and extends his largely uneaten chocolate chunk to Ace's sister. Looking closer, Ace can see the pinched lines of pain in her face. He distantly appreciates her strength in being the calm, put-together one in the face of his and Luffy's dissemble.
"I'm alright," Ginny replies. But Luffy isn't taking it. He snaps off a row and pushes it into his navigator's hands. His green eyes are intent, and so Ginny slowly curls her fingers around the candy and eats it before it melts. After the first few bites, she already looks better. Ace feels warmer too, but it takes a good half of the chunk to get there. Even then though, the memory of the emptiness is incredibly poignant, it's too close to feel truly warm or content.
All Ace wants to do is curl up with his brother and go lie down until the pain stops. He doesn't want to be around Ginny or Hermione or anyone except for Luffy. Because with Luffy he can let part of himself go. Or better yet, he can comfort Luffy, which soothes Ace's soul more than he can say. In this moment, the fact that he can't gnaws at him greatly. It's so stupid.
The limits of what is appropriate and not appropriate in this world are beyond idiotic. And the fact that he and Luffy can't claim to be brothers and have anyone, even strangers, believe them is more irritating still. Why couldn't Luffy just have been born his blood brother this time? Maybe they could have gotten away with their closeness. As it is, neither of them can without weird looks and whispers, even Dean, Seamus, and Neville still whisper. Ace wants to scream at the murmurers to go away. This is between Ace and Luffy, no one else can understand...
His frustration isn't helping the swirling murky emotions in his stomach at all, and he forces himself to redirect his thoughts.
"Here, Hermione." Ace gives the leftover quarter of chocolate to their third friend. While she isn't close to Nami's shape, she still looks considerably shaken. She had her happiness sucked away same as the rest of them; it's just the memories that came with it that are still wracking Ace's and Luffy's minds.
"Ron, oh, you still don't look well at all. If Professor Lupin said—"
"I might throw up if I eat any more." And isn't that utterly disturbing.
Though normally she'd argue, after looking in his eyes she concedes.
"Ace."
The older boy turns to his brother, whose expression is still too dark.
"Gin, can you—" Ace makes an abortive gesture. The red-haired girl reluctantly stands and releases her grip on the younger brother, making a space that Ace quickly claims. Once seated, he leans against his brother.
No one understands how necessary it is sometimes to feel someone living.
Luffy presses their foreheads together and they rest there for a moment, staring into each other. And when Lupin comes back and awkwardly retakes his seat, neither of them move.
Hundreds of eyes track Luffy, Ace, and Hermione as they enter the already-full Great Hall. Whispers follow them and their feet seem to echo with each step.
"Ron!" Ginny waves them down to a spot near the front where she's saved them some seats. Her voice is like a shout compared to the murmurs.
Luffy takes a seat beside Ginny, and Ace claims the other side, leaving Hermione to sit across from them with Neville, Dean, and Seamus on either side. The other boys utter hellos, but other than a dip of the head, that's all they get from the brothers.
"Hello," Hermione says, fidgeting slightly. "I suppose we've missed the sorting, haven't we?"
"Er, yeah." Seamus' eyes keep flicking towards Ace and his brother. "Lot of Hufflepuffs this year."
"Probably a good thing. The world could do with more Hufflepuffs," Ginny says. "The world can only handle so many Gryffindors."
That earns her a few chuckles despite the atmosphere. Silence ensues after though.
"Um, are you two okay?" It's timid Neville who works up the courage to ask. "We all heard about the Dementor and, well."
Luffy, who was looking nowhere particular, suddenly levels his gaze on Neville who physically flinches along with Seamus and Dean.
Ace understands why. Though his own stoic face is nothing to scoff at, Luffy's is exceptionally harsh. Perhaps because of how soft and easy-going it normally is, flipping expressions at the slightest of breezes. But Luffy's face hasn't twitched since the Dementor attack. It's startling for sure. Even Professor McGonagall was taken aback when she shepherded Hermione, Ace, and Luffy to Madam Pomfrey after they got off the train.
"We're okay," Ace says for the two of them. The only thing as disturbing as Luffy's smileless face is his silence. Luffy chatters nonstop. He always has something to say. Except when there's nothing good to say.
Dumbledore stands and cuts off the uncomfortable silence.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore begins. "Before we begin the feast, I have a few announcements to make. There will be two changes to the staff this year. Let us welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly agreed to assume the position of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"That explains how he dealt with the Dementor," Hermione says, connecting the dots as she and everyone else applauds. "And how he knew chocolate would help."
Dumbledore continues, "Next, seeing as Professor Kettleburn, our previous Care of Magical Creatures teacher, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs, please help me welcome our very own Rubeus Hagrid to the position."
The entire school body seems to blink as one before steady applause builds, led by the Gryffindor table most especially. Ace and Luffy muster the energy to add to the loud burst of noise.
Once the applause tapers, Dumbledore starts again, but with a much more sober tone. "It is my duty to inform you that the Ministry of Magic has decided it best to have Hogwarts play host to the Dementors of Azkaban."
Any energy Luffy and Ace received from Hagrid's unexpected promotion vanishes. Luffy sighs and places his head on the table.
"The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. While they are under strict orders not to enter the castle itself, you will on occasion see them as you go about your daily activities. Under no circumstances are you to approach them."
Ace scoffs and mutters, "Like I'd bloody want to."
"Now that that unhappy matter has been dealt with, it's time to move on to brighter topics. For this, I contribute 'Let the feast begin.'"
Gasps come from the first years who stare with wonder at the sudden bounty of food. Normally the food wouldn't have fully appeared on the plates before Ace and Luffy were digging in. As it is neither of them move at first. Ace leads by example, serving himself a bit of potatoes and roast beef. Luffy sighs again, but he does lift his head and take some pork and shepherd's pie. Seeing as Ace can't cheer his brother up, at the very least he should make sure Luffy eats. Their lack of vigor offsets everyone else, but Ace can't bring himself to care.
"Luffy," Ginny begins. People stare at her strange utterance, but Luffy looks up. "I did some research on what you asked about in your last letter."
Luffy stares for a moment, clearly trying to remember what it was he last wrote about. Then his eyes light up in realization.
"You did? What did you find?" Luffy speaks— finally. And it's with interest too.
"I think it's possible," Ginny goes on to say. "But you should ask Hermione. I bet she knows more about the subject."
"Hermione," Luffy says.
"Yes?" their third friend answers attentively, clearly trying to perpetuate the process of drawing Luffy out.
"Can you enchant a ship to fly?!"
Ah, Ace remembers now. He forgot, what with Luffy blowing up his aunt and everything. The older brother is glad that Ginny was paying attention at least.
"Oh." Hermione pauses and thinks for a moment. "I think so. If you can enchant a car, then you should be able to do a boat too. It would have to have some kind of propulsion system I think, though."
"That would be the best thing ever!" Luffy turns to his brother. "What should we name it, Ace?"
"I don't know, it's your flying ship," Ace points out.
"It should be the 'flying' something. Like the Flying Dutchman, but more awesome," Luffy continues.
"The Flying Eagle?" Seamus puts forth.
"It shouldn't be something that can already fly, that doesn't make sense," Luffy decides. That earns him some bemused and exasperated looks, and Ace grins a little.
"If you're enchanting an object that isn't supposed to fly, it should be named after something that also isn't supposed to fly," Ace translates for the rest of them.
"Like the Flying Beetle or the Flying Caterpillar!" Luffy says.
"Those are butterflies, Lu." Ace can't help but laugh, and it spreads down the table. "And don't beetles already fly?
"Not tiger beetles," Luffy retorts knowledgably, earning him several stares of dumb surprise.
Luffy laughs. Ace ruffles his brother's hair and Luffy offers a smile, made only brighter by quickly dispersing grey clouds. All of their friends seem to relax at the sight, and Ace does too. All's how it should be.
"Why not just name it the Flying Ship? That works, doesn't it? Since ships aren't supposed to fly in the first place," Hermione points out.
More chuckles ensue, Ace meets Ginny's eyes over Luffy when his brother leans forward to gesture dramatically to Dean. Her gaze is very knowing. And Ace realizes that she knows that the only way to cheer Ace himself up is to get Luffy happy again. She is clever... He mouths a thank you which she merely smirks at.
The rest of the feast is filled with meaningless discussion on a flying ship that doesn't exist yet. Ace makes sure to tease his brother a lot and Hermione offers her two cents when the relative logic of the matter skews too far off path.
All of them are smiling by the end of the feast, and Luffy is bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement on the subject. They never found a name, but Ace is sure Luffy will think of a good one eventually.
"Ne, Nami, will you be my navigator when I get my flying ship?" Luffy asks. Ginny gives him a wide smile and a wink.
"Depends on how much you'll pay me," she replies.
Luffy frowns. "I guess I could bring you some meat..."
"That doesn't count as payment for anyone but you, idiot!" Ginny replies. "Besides, meat is free here!"
"But money's stupid, Nami," Luffy pouts.
"Wave?" Seamus asks. "Is that a new nickname?"
"Yeah! 'Cause Nami's like a wave!" Luffy clarifies with frantic arm motions. Ace just stares as everyone seems to slowly nod to themselves and accept Luffy-logic just like before.
"He's going to get away with it, isn't he?" Ace utters to Ginny as he watches Luffy continue explaining to Neville, Seamus, and Dean. "He's going to call you Nami without anyone giving a second look."
"That's Luffy for you." Ginny grins.
"It sucks though! Luffy doesn't mean anything; I can't explain it away like he can."
His sister bores into him with an exasperated look.
"What?" Ace asks.
"A 'luff' is the leading edge of a ship's sail," she explains. "Just say he's a good flier, like he's catching the wind."
Ace is quiet for a few moments before he facepalms. "I'm an idiot." He knows that word! It's rarely used on the sea, but still. That's blow to his sailor's pride.
"Yes, yes you are." Ginny grins, smug.
"Ace, Nami, come on!" Luffy says from a little down the table. "I heard the Fat Lady's gonna sing again tonight and I wanna see the first years' faces!"
After exchanging looks with Ginny, he calls back. "Coming, Luffy!"
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So, there we are, the start of year three!
Such gratitude to my beta breather who thought of how to integrate Luffy's name so seemlessly.
On why Luffy is Harry and Ace is Ron.
I've had a lot of people comment, wondering why Luffy is Harry and Ron is Ace when their attitudes seem better suited if swapped- The long and short is that Luffy is the main character in OP, so that's really it, everyone. I'll go on, but it's going to be analysis and reiteration of that point, so abandon now if you want. So, Oda 100% could have written a series with Ace as a main-characcter. He's got all the elements- traumatic past, exxtreme strength that only grows with his story and character arc, precious people to care about, and limitless hunger. Hell, from certain standpoints, Ace would be a better main character than Luffy! But Oda didn't make him the main character. Luffy, the airhead, comic relief is the main character, who the plot pivots around. Ace may have made some key moments happen in the series, but I'm willing to argue that Luffy does to a more serious extent, and he perpetuates them. For the sheer amount of action that Luffy starts/perpetuates, that has his character arcs lining up more with Harry Potter than Ron Weasley, who is often just trying to cope with all the shit. While I'll also say, Harry and Ace line up more cleanly than Harry and Luffy, Ron and Luffy definitely don't in my opinion. Also, it was more interesting for me to investigate Ace with the Weasley family than Luffy who honestly probably gives less of a damn because he's such a lovable... Also, as to why more poeple haven't noticed the extremeness of their character changes, the only ones who would notice for Luffy are the Dursley's and Hagrid. The Dursley's a) don't give a damn, and b) I'll be addressing how Luffy behaves when he's in their abusive clutches during this year arc, so that should offer some insight. Also, Hagrid did notice it in First Year, but he really only had minimal interaction with a kid whp seemed awkward and scxared of all this magic shit anyways even as he was slowly warming up. Also, Ace is just maturing. Weird shit happens at Hogwarts.
Be sure to let me know if that logic is sound enough to y'all. I'll probably add more as comments come in.
Feel free to review just 'cause too. :}