Disclaimer: HP belongs to J.K. Rowling; OP belongs to Oda
3.33 Hope
Despite what everybody says, Ron could be observant when he wanted.
Like in these past few days. He had noticed how the days after Harry lost the map, the boy was slowly losing his mind. It took the combined forces of both him and Hermione to calm him down when he was searching for it the first day. That was one of the good things when they all made up. Hermione and Ron could work together to calm down an anxious-filled Harry.
Of course, it was just for that one day.
Unfortunately for Ron, Hermione was still busy. Ridiculously busy. What with her schedule being filled to the brim, it was no wonder! And not only that. Once they reconnected with Hermione, the two boys found out about how Hermione was not only working on schoolwork but she was also helping Hagrid with his appeal for Buckbeak. Something that brought guilt to the two boys and they immediately jumped on to help, something that Hagrid accepted gladly. He had even pulled both boys to the side, saying how happy he was that the three reconciled while sobbing all the while.
So, in the end, it wasn't just Harry being anxious, but Hermione as well (and Hagrid but they don't get to see him as often, especially with him heading out for Buckbeak's hearing in London). And now, Ron was now the only person who could try and calm both of them down.
Well, Luffy could too but he kept sneaking away somewhere. Harry noticed it himself but it slipped his mind back during the time both he and Harry weren't on speaking terms with Hermione. And Hermione certainly didn't notice. Ron had asked her about it before. All Hermione did was,
"What? Why would Luffy be sneaking about?"
"I don't know, that's why I asked if you might know something about it."
"Well, I certainly don't. However, it's Luffy; I'm sure it's nothing."
And that was that. Ron wanted to drop it but whenever he saw both Luffy, Crookshanks, and Professor Nico sneak off together, he would get curious. And confused. Because he could understand if Luffy was with Crookshanks or with Professor Nico separately. But together was a bit odd.
So here was Ron, wondering about what was going on with Luffy. At the same time, he was being a constant support for his two best friends.
The next morning certainly wasn't any different from the past few days. Hermione was in her books, researching on possible ways to help Buckbeak, especially if the trial ran long, any information was helpful for Hagrid, but under the warning of Ron (and Percy when Ron resorted to tattling on her) Hermione was eating at the same time. Mealtime was supposed to be a rest for at least 30 mins but Hermione had insisted on continuing researching for Buckbeak. At one point she nearly split her food in her lap if Ron hadn't stopped her. It resulted in her giving him a small grateful look. Hermione hated food stains on paper after all. As for Harry, he was eating as normal but as he and Ron respected the mealtime break (Hermione didn't), he was just eating while deep in his mind. Ron had no idea whether the other was thinking the case or about the missing map. But Harry was snapped out of his thoughts as the owls arrived and he gave a sigh.
"You okay, mate?"
"Yeah, just worried about Buckbeak and all. I mean, we found some good stuff to help him out but is that enough?"
"That's why I'm still looking over the books!" Hermione suddenly pitched in, ignoring Ron's look and ducked back down in her books, only to stop when two owls landed next to her, one with a letter and the other with the news.
Harry had a look as he began to reach into his own pack, no doubt ready to grab another history book about the unfair executions of Hippogriffs. Only to stop at the look Ron gave him. And the boy sighed again before stuffing his mouth with a bunch of scrambled eggs.
Both paused in their eating when Hermione put her book down. The two boys looked over at her, the girl looking at a letter in her hands with a hard frown on her lips. She immediately opened up the letter which, to Ron, looked oddly damp. As soon as she opened the letter, her eyes speed through the letter and it wasn't long before the girl gave a soft gasp as tears gathered at the edge of her eyes. "No…"
"Hermione?" Hermione only shook her head, one hand over her mouth as she stifled any sobs, before passing over the letter to the two boys. Ron immediately grabbed it and Harry looked over. A small gasp left Harry and Ron nearly ripped the paper from the grip he had.
Dear Hermione, Ron, Harry
We lost. I'm allowed to bring him back to Hogwarts.
Execution date to be fixed.
Beaky has enjoyed London.
I won't forget all the help you three gave us.
Hagrid
"But…" Harry started before looking away from the letter, tears in his eyes. "They can't! They can't do this! Buckbeak isn't dangerous!" He whispered angrily.
Ron scowled as Hermione sniffed. The girl then whispers, "I know that Malfoy's dad was there at the case. He probably had a hand at that decision. And unfortunately, once a decision is made, it is set…"
"He's a git; he probably scared the Committee into it," Ron grumbled as he clenched the letter tightly in his hands.
Hermione lips trembled as she stared at the letter, face set to a hard look. "You know what they're like. They're a bunch of doddery old fools. And they're scared. And Malfoy's dad is sneaky. He probably knew how to play everything into his favor…there'll be an appeal though. There always is. But…" She sniffed again, wiping away tears. "I can't see any hope. Nothing will have changed…"
"Yes, it will!" Hermione and Harry looked at Ron as he passed over the letter back to Hermione. He could see despair in their eyes and he never thought he could hate a look on either of them. "We have to change our perspective just a bit. We can't give up on Buckbeak!" Both looked back at each other and nodded, their eyes hardening with determination.
They won't give up on their friend.
"Hey," Ron turns to see Ace right behind him. The older 6th year held an unreadable look on his face. "Did you guys get a letter too?" He asks, holding up a paper in his hand, writing on it. Behind him was Sabo, the boy frowning. The trio nodded and Ace groans. "Fuck, Buckbeak is really…" A sigh left him and he looks over at Sabo. "We should probably find Luffy and let him know too."
Sabo nods and with a goodbye, the two 6th years left the Great Hall.
It struck Ron as odd. Luffy not being in the Great Hall. It reminded him of that day back in their first year when Luffy was gone from the Great Hall and everybody was in a panic. Nowadays, Luffy would either be in the Great Hall or had grabbed food and gone elsewhere to eat with his friends so it wasn't too strange for the rest of the school now.
So perhaps Ron shouldn't be surprised…
It was still odd though, especially considering Luffy's behavior as of late…
It was later in the day though that they find Luffy.
The three were on their way to visit Hagrid, intent on encouraging the man to not give up. The appeal would still happen. They had a chance, no matter how slim it was.
Just as they move to push pass the doors and onto the castle's grounds to head over to Hagrid's, Harry pauses. He immediately shushes his friends and while the two gave him confusing looks, the boy beckons them over quietly and they push the doors just slightly, seeing a group of Slytherins looking down at the Forbidden Forest.
Or more accurately, Hagrid's hut.
Some were snickering. Others were silent and most of them began to disperse. All of them, however, were speaking of one topic only. And the three Gryffindors bristled as the Slytherins continued to talk, most in low voices. Until one voice stood out and Ron felt that urge to march right over and give the owner a good whack.
Hermione and Harry were both seething besides the redhead, Hermione whispering harshly, "Oh, that awful, awful brat!" Ron had a few more choice words he wanted to say but was sure Hermione wouldn't approve.
Though by the way she was fuming, perhaps she would happily agree with him.
Then before any of them could step forward, a loud voice was heard and the Slytherins turned silent.
"Nah, I don't need to go to class,"
"Luffy," An exasperated voice says, belonging to one Ace as the he and his brothers rounded the corner. The golden trio stepped to the side as Sabo waves a small hi at them. They waved back, though it was halfhearted as all three had noticed how Luffy completely ignores everybody, even the trio, and just walked past the group of Slytherins, making his way through the grounds and towards Hagrid's hut. They could hear Ace give a big sigh before saying, "Alright whatever, we're coming with you," as he trails after his younger brother, Sabo snickering behind him before agreeing.
A laugh leaves Luffy before his laugh dies down as he bounds through the grounds, Ace hot on his heels, and it takes a moment before the group of students still at the castle hears Luffy's loud voice calling out, "Hagrid! Haggie! You here?"
There was soft whispering from the Slytherins before most dispersed, not wanting to get caught up in any more. A few stayed behind, curious. They left soon. Eventually, the golden trio finally caught sight of that loud voice that was speaking ill of Hagrid. And while Hermione's anger had returned full and Harry was huffing angrily at the sight of the blond, Ron saw a look on Malfoy's face that was only ever there when Luffy was around. It was a look with his lips set to a thin line and his brows furrowed. But before Ron could figure out what that look could possibly mean, Hermione was stomping over to the Slytherin boy, yelling out angrily at him, "You awful twat!"
And that broke the moment.
Malfoy immediately turned to them and sneered.
Hermione looked livid (and it both scared and impressed Ron) as she stopped right in front of him. "How dare you!?"
Malfoy only raised brow at her and smirked. "What could you possibly be on about now, Granger?" He drawled.
The girl looked as though she were considering throwing a punch. In fact, she was clenching her fist tightly, eyes burning with anger, but before she could even do anything, a hand was on her shoulder and she tenses. Everybody sees Sabo, nobody realizing that he had stayed with them, looking at Malfoy with a look of annoyance himself before he says softly, "Don't 'Mione. He's not worth it." His voice was passive, as if he certainly didn't care what Malfoy could do. And it worked because it made Malfoy turn to the older Ravenclaw with a flushed face and lips turned to a scowl.
"Come on; I think Buck would love to see you guys again. You especially Harry. Hagrid said you were probably one of the few Buck actually likes." And without a word to the rest of the Slytherins that had lingered, he gently pulls Hermione along with him, the girl looking a bit flustered at what had just happened.
Harry and Ron shared a bewildered look before Harry followed along, not sparing a glance at Malfoy who looked even angrier as Harry left. Ron let his gaze linger on that. Malfoy's angered look. And he snorted, catching the attention of the blond. "What!?" The other spat out.
Ron just shook his head, snorting again before trailing after his friends. That was a funny look he saw. He was tempted to say that to Malfoy but quite frankly, Buckbeak mattered more.
It was later in Hagrid's hut that he brings this up with the rest of the group while Hagrid stepped out so that Fang could go for a restroom break. The weird and funny look Malfoy would always have whenever Luffy was nearby. Luffy gives him a blank look before he returns back to drinking the tea Hagrid served them, quiet as he looked outside where Buckbeak was tied down. Hermione and Harry both simply scowled, the girl had been hating on Malfoy more and more lately, and for valid reasons. He was a git after all. Ron shouldn't really talk considering how stupid he himself could be (he never liked admitting this out loud but even he knew that he spoke without thinking and he often let his emotions control his actions. It never ends well), but Malfoy was being especially obnoxious with the whole Buckbeak situation. Harry already had his own hatred towards the blond git and this just made it flare even more. Ace just frowned but didn't say much. Sabo himself had a blank look, similar to that of Luffy's.
(It surprised Ron sometimes, how similar Ace, Sabo, and Luffy could be when they weren't even blood brothers. It certainly shocked him the day the three brothers informed the trio of that information. Harry and he were shocked while Hermione regarded them with a look that clearly said that she thought the two were idiots.)
"I probably would've ended up like Malfoy if I never met you, Ace." Sabo suddenly says and everybody turns to him, eyes wide. Even Luffy shot his head over to him, his mouth open to a small 'o' as the sentence processed in everybody's mind.
Then with a scowl, Ace reaches over and smacks Sabo's head, the blond laughing. "Don't say stupid stuff like that, 'Bo!" He growls. "Just so you know, if you had ended up like him, I would've punched you to the next century!"
Sabo laughs harder at that. "With your punches?" He mocks gleefully as he jumps up and away from Ace, "Please, Koala hits harder than you!"
"You wanna go, Sabo!?" Ace yells, jumping up and fully turning to his blond brother who gives him a cheeky grin, only for both to be knocked down when Luffy tackles them to the floor, laughing. "Luffy, what the heck!?"
"I can totally beat both of you!" Luffy immediately declares, making both of his brothers yell back at their laughing younger brother who had only dashed outside, leaving his tea and cakes inside. Both chased after, Sabo laughing himself while Ace was yelling at Luffy. The youngest brother had immediately ducked under Buckbeak's wings, giving out small shishishi's as Ace attempted to pull his brother out. Buckbeak only held Luffy tighter, but even from where the trio were from inside the hut, they could see amusement in the hippogriff's eyes.
Eventually, Ron manages to say, "What…did Sabo mean?"
He wasn't expecting an answer or anything, maybe similar shrugs from his two friends, but to his surprise, Hermione says in a soft voice that was full of anger, "Sabo's parents are like Malfoy's; pretentious, egotistical, awful people. I heard…well, Ace told me about it last year, back when he was trying to find out what the Slytherin monster was and Sabo was…" The two boys went silent at the reminder of what happened to their Ravenclaw friend. All three looked back out of the hut. Hagrid had returned from the walk with Fang, the massive dog bounding his way towards the three brothers and knocking Ace down. They were gifted with the sight of Sabo laughing loudly, clutching his stomach as Ace flailed underneath the massive weight of Fang before Hagrid pulled the dog off of Ace. Luffy was laughing alongside Sabo until he was hit by Fang as well, making Sabo throw his head back, laughing harder and nearly falling down. Ace had begun laughing himself while Hagrid was reprimanding Fang who was licking Luffy happily, the boy laughing himself, causing a smile to come across Hagrid's face as he then began his own booming laughter.
"Sabo is a muggleborn. But even in the muggle world…there are many people who have the same mindset as the Malfoy's. They think of themselves better and look down on everybody else. Sabo is from a family like that…" Hermione says softly.
Harry had a hard look on his face as he asks, "How is that possible? Sabo acts nothing like those people!"
"Didn't he mention something about meeting Ace?" Ron immediately questions and Hermione only shrugs.
"Ace just mentioned that Sabo's muggle parents were awful people who didn't love Sabo. They only saw him as a tool rather than their own son. That Sabo was born to listen to them, to do whatever they say." Hermione says sadly. "He only mentioned this because I asked why Ace and Luffy were so adamant on not letting Sabo's parents know about his petrification. Ace said that if they found out, it would give them more reason to get better custody of Sabo and he could end up separated from them."
"Custody?" Ron asks, the unfamiliar term catching his attention.
The girl just shakes her head. "I'm not sure. I think Luffy's family is doing some sort of legal battle with Sabo's parents over who would be his legal guardians and whether they'd be able to legally adopt Sabo? I don't know much about child custody laws but it is possible for children to be taken away from their birth parents if they are unable to care for their children. Ace kind of just glossed over it. He ended up falling asleep while he was talking and when he woke back up, he was more aware to stop talking about it." Hermione says. "I wanted to ask more but…" She gave a helpless shrug. "When I tried, he wouldn't say anything. It's a sensitive topic for Sabo."
Both boys looked at each other. Neither knew what to say.
Soon the three brothers and Hagrid return to the hut, the boys still giggling like idiots. Luffy was, amusingly enough, hanging off the back of his eldest brother. Ace easily held him up, arms holding Luffy's bottom as he swung his legs back and forth. Sabo was holding onto Luffy's hat that had fallen off before any of them returned to the hut. Seeing them looking so carefree, so happy, it made Ron's questions disappear and all he could do was laugh as Ace suddenly let Luffy fall to the ground, the young teen making a loud oomph before he jumped up and clambered up on his brother.
It reminded him of his younger years when he actually got along well with his own brothers.
A part of him wondered when he last laughed so freely like this with his own siblings.
When they left Hagrid's hut, it was with higher spirits and the trio hoping that they had given Hagrid more hope on Buckbeak's appeal. The man had looked at them with a sad smile behind his fuzzy beard and merely said thank you before he shooed all of them away, Luffy giving Buckbeak one more unreadable look before he was soon pulled away by Sabo.
~.~.~
As Hermione stomped out of the classroom, Ron could only gape after her.
First Luffy who, after the first few days of the class, snorted and never showed up again; when asked, he merely said, in a moment of wisdom that he rarely ever shown, that the future should stay as it is. Mysterious. Unexpected. An adventure for people to head into. He didn't say much more on that topic. And now Hermione, who had been skeptical about this class and it's professor from the very beginning, had been not so subtly insulted by the very professor for not having the skills nor patience for divination, had immediately declared that she would rather be anywhere else than this class that had nothing for her anyway.
Ron wasn't sure what to think other than that it was surprising Hermione had managed to last this long what with her schedule as well as the obvious animosity she was growing towards this class.
Both he and Harry shared twin looks of concern, uncertain whether they should leave and go comfort her, or stay and not get in trouble.
But then thoughts of back when they refused to talk to Hermione came to mind and Ron looked down, ugly feelings of shame returning. He was then nudged and he looked up to see a small smile on Harry who then stood up, gathering his things. He looked towards their professor who watched him curiously and apologized, saying, "I'm sorry professor; Ron and I will go check up on Hermione." Ron immediately followed after Harry, gathering his things, and together, the two left the classroom with students staring after them with whispers and the professor looking shocked that three students had left her classroom all in one day.
It took Ron a while to remember that she had predicted how one student would leave the classroom "forever" back in the beginning. Luffy had left first and students thought that'd be it.
Ron snorted, gaining himself a curious look from Harry. So he grins and says, "Professor predicted one student would leave forever. We all thought it'd just be Luffy but…"
Harry laughs himself.
When they found Hermione, it was to the girl ranting to an amused Luffy. He had left Divination long ago after all so instead he had this free period. Nobody knew what he did really. They had arrived just in time to hear Luffy propose, "Why don't 'cha join me with Brook then? He's been teaching me some cool things." And the boys give a pause at that as Hermione stopped her ranting as well, interested to hear about what the assistant DADA teacher had been teaching their friend. Luffy grins and waves Harry and Ron over, this making Hermione look over and she physically took a step back at the sight of them.
"Harry? Ron? What are you two doing?"
"Following you," Ron says easily. "Maybe we should all leave divination." He and Harry exchanged amused looks. "Prove her wrong that it'd only be one person leaving her class "forever,"" he says the word forever mockingly and this causes Hermione to burst out in fits of giggles. Luffy himself snorted before bursting into amused laughter.
"And what is Professor Bones teaching you, Luffy?" Harry asks as Luffy's laughs calms to giggles.
The other teen brightens and says, "Come with me! I was gunna meet Brook actually! I always meet him at this time." And the four set off, a bit happier than earlier. A bit more excited and curious and learning about how Professor Bones had been teaching Luffy tricks for DADA and the Patronus charm makes all three gain an appreciation for the skeleton professor who only laughs and accepts their thanks graciously.
Only to make a skeleton pun, causing Harry to snicker, Luffy to openly laugh, and Ron to groan because no. Looks like his brothers aren't the only ones to make puns randomly. Hermione just grins and nudges Ron, who continues to groan. Professor Bones merely pulls out another pun after declaring that he had no heart to burst from the joy he received from their precious compliments of his teaching methods, screaming, "SKULL JOKE~" causing Harry to cover his mouth and Luffy smacking the other's back, cackling.
"Oh, come on, Ronald. It's not so bad."
"Those puns are just as bad as Fred and George." Ron deadpans. Hermione just laughs in response.
And at the end of the day with their lessons done and a quick word from Professor McGonagall who had searched for them after finding out all three left Divinations (she looked amused for all of three seconds before her eyes hardened and all amusement left her face before she tells them that they are very lucky that Professor Trelawney didn't give them detention, but she had refused to allow them back into her classroom so they can instead have that free period and instead use it as a study hall), Ron found himself back into books, along with Harry and Hermione. Though they were all doing their homework, only Ron had stopped to just browse the many books they had to research for Buckbeak's appeal. However, he paused at a name that appeared: Newt Scamander. It was a recent book, talking about discrimination towards many magical creatures and how they have all been studied by famed Magizoologist Scamander who was known for his eccentric love for magical creatures.
"Hey, do you think this guy might know anything? To help with Buckbeak's appeal?" Ron asks, pointing to the portrait accompanied with the brief mention of Scamander. Hermione peered over while Harry lifted his head, blinking before yawning a bit. "Magizoologist Scamander?"
"Magizoologist?" Harry repeats questioningly.
Hermione waves her hand dismissively towards Harry, saying, "They're wizards and witches who study magical creatures." A thoughtful look came across her face as she considers what Ron said, adding, "He is the author of Magical Creatures and Where to Find Them. He may have some knowledge about Hippogriff's that we don't already know. He might even be able to help us create a plead for Buckbeak's appeal." Her eyes shone with determination that had slowly been losing their strength over the past few days and the trio all exchanged grins before they set out to create a letter and mail the Magizoologist.
They never considered the fact that by the time the letter reached Newt Scamander and he reaches back to them, it would be too late.
All they had were hope in their hearts to save a friend.
I just want to say this real quick. I have not lost interest in this story. You'd be surprised how much I actually think about this weird AU I've created. At least once a day, I end up with some sort of idea of how I want certain things to go. Sometimes I forget them (as I never get good chances to write them all down…) However, lately, I've been thinking to myself that I'd like to rewrite a lot of the earlier oneshots/chapters I've made. I think, as I look back on my old writing, that I really could've done better with many of them. When I first created this thing, it was simply just to have fun with the idea of Luffy and the others being in Hogwarts as students. But years later after starting this, it has become something more. It's an actual AU I created and I really want to flesh out.
I know that rewriting them will take a while…a very long while. As a result, I just want to say that the ones I rewrite, there will be no set date on when I change them. I also plan to change my writing habits. For now, I know that my writing whims come and go. But I want to push myself to change that and to be more proactive in it. It'll take me a while to get back onto track like I had been before. I think after this one, I'll have myself to try and update once a month. At the very least. It's the same with drawing for me now actually. I want to make myself do it because if I don't, then I'll never get anywhere.
Sigh…anyway, so from now on, my update dates will be the end of every month. Well, more specifically, the 30th of each month (February will be 29th or 28th, depending) If I'm able to, I'll try get something up by January 30th but if I don't, I assure you, I will get something up by February 28th.
As for the rewrites though, they'll be randomly changed. But I'll do it at the same time as regular updates so it'll be during the 30th of the month. I'll always make a note of it on the top of the latest update so that you'll all know just in case.
I know that I rarely ever manage to stick to my update dates before. So, I understand if you all are skeptical about this. All I can do is just try and stick with my goals for now. Like a resolution really.
In any case, I hope you all are doing well, staying safe and as happy as you can be. My last day of 2020 ended up being kinda shitty (what a way to end 2020, am I right?) but after midnight, my cat just curled in my lap after hiding all night cause of the fireworks and my friends had been messaging me encouraging notes and saying that they hope this next year will be better. I love them. I'm kinda looking at that as a sign that 2021 will hopefully be better than 2020. Also, I love my cat to the point that anything she does instantly cheers me up. Kinda silly but meh (^w^)
Everybody, please stay safe and happy during this new year! To all of you who has been drastically affected by the past year, I wish you all the best and hope that 2021 will be kinder to you.
