CHAPTER EIGHT: One Piece Of Your Need is the Key To Be Free, Keep, What You Believe and See
NOTE: No need for me to translate this title, but it comes from the song Pieces, by w-inds., from their Ageha album.
Piece of my wish
Messages to be free, we run deep
Piece of my wish… hope to be grown up and keep
Piece of my wish, time for imagination only
---
One piece of your need is the key to be free
Keep, what you believe and see
One piece of your heart, you know, your brave heart,
Hold it, and take it soft.
The whole song is absolutely precious.
REVIEWS:
New Dye: Yo, thanks for your questions!
1) No. Gohan doesn't like brooms.
2) Yeah, I think so. I'm not telling you when, though.
3) Yep, of course!
4) Hadn't really thought of it, but now that you bring it up, it's a good idea. Only problem is, Voldie hasn't been resurrected yet. (secretive smile)
5) Ummm….maybe.
6) I have no clue. Wherever this story takes me, I suppose.
7) Of course! No way is Siri gonna die in this one! At least, if things turn out that way. (smug smirk)
8) Not sure.
9) Not sure.
10) Don't know.
TheShadowPanther: Thank you for remembering this time to review! (hug) I was wondering where you were last chapter. Maybe I should spam your guestbook for updates… (evil laugh) Yep, Padfoot was shocked! (laugh) Gohan-chan's such a softie. Big baby.
Yeah, I like Snape. Don't tell anyone, but I like that he was how he was in HBP. But still, some things aren't adding up with him, I can't wait for book 7! Only about four more years… (looks depressed) I'm officially taking two AP classes (AP bio and AP English lit.), Spanish 3 honors, Creative Writing, Intermezzo choir, Pre-calculus, Economics honors, and American gov. honors. That's a lot, considering the rest of my friends.
Yeah, I'm glad I had Leon and Rettile learn Gohan's story, otherwise more and more fights would start happening and they'd find out in a much more unpleasant way. Gohan's nickname is Eternità. It's eternity in Italian. I think I have it listed at the end of one of my chapters. (laughs) They actually don't use it much, mostly it's for the purpose of signing prank notices. What they normally use for him, though, is Flame, used by Harry, and Ice, by Draco. There's actually a lot of symbolism in the names dealing with Houses, but I don't really want to get into that.
Gohan doesn't like flying!
This story should be fairly large, but hey, you never know with me. The rest of your review response is completely confidential, and a big secret. You'll find out eventually.
Okay, what are your new fics about? If I know, it'll be easier for me to help you.
And I do like the fact that I am your inspiration for your site. Now, all you need is a livejournal. (grin) It would be so much easier.
MarshmellowDragon: I know, I was crying at the end too! (cries with you) By the way, in case you didn't realize….. Siri was lying.
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By the way, people, Czardarin is pronounced like this: Sar- (as in, the Russian king, like czar) ee-in.
And Kiriai is KEE-ree-ai.
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"Is there any way that I can convince you not to bring things to this?"
Draco stood in a large field, utterly confused. Okay, this was weird. Or at least very, very different. The shout had startled him, and he whirled, to face two combatants, who were standing face-to-face, glaring in hatred at each other. The blonde was shocked to see that one of them was the normally mild mannered Gohan, only never as he had ever seen him before.
This Gohan looked about a year younger, and was attired in a black and green fighting gi. His ebony eyes were blazing with inner fire, though the clothing was soaked in blood, and his hair was slicked down with the crimson liquid that was dripping onto the grass in pools.
However, the boy's stance never wavered. His gaze never left the man's face in front of him. And he seemed to take no notice of his injuries.
"Last chance. I refuse to hold back after this. Whatever comes next will come, and I won't back down."
There was no response from the man but a sudden movement and a frenzied fist shooting out.
"There's my answer, then."
Gohan's face was unnervingly blank, but Draco could see pain unlike any other sorting burning in his eyes as he raised a hand and light violet ropes of…something flew out and bound the man around the neck, holding him still. Then an ice blue sword formed in his right hand
"You bastard. You bastard!" Goku shouted incoherently in rage. Shaking, Gohan pulled back his sword, emotionless and blissfully blank.
"Father, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you forced me into this. I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you that you didn't deserve. I'm sorry that this is the way that you'll see me and think of me when you go and see mom. The one who killed you."
Seemingly unaware of the tears that were beginning to overflow and slip down his cheeks, Gohan raised the sword and plunged it down to the hilt, sending it straight through to the other side, hot, sticky blood welling up from the wound and around his hand that wedged halfway between his spine and his lungs. Time stood still.
In what felt like hours, the man fell and slumped over onto the other, who sank to the ground, looking stunned with what he had just done.
Smiling weakly, Goku blinked up at Gohan, who held him in his arms and was beginning to sob quietly.
"I'm so sorry. I'M SORRY!"
The man's response couldn't be heard, and suddenly Gohan collapsed, crying brokenly into his hands, curling up into a ball as his father's body disappeared from that world. Eventually, two figures touched down on the grass.
One was quite tall. And green. Can't forget green. He was dressed in a gi, and wore a turban. Also no eyebrows. The other was a short but dominating man in blue spandex with a black, flame style hairdo. Without a word, they walked over to the shuddering figure on the ground, and the green guy stayed back, but continued to look on protectively as the other set a hand on the chibi saiyan's shoulder.
The ebony eyes that had seen too much blood were dripping tears without his consent, and he tried to shy away from the saiyan no Ouji-sama's touch. The man, Vegeta, paid him no heed, and in a rare show of caring wrapped an arm around the youngest's shoulders and pulled him close; almost as if to try and shield him. Then, Gohan leant into the touch of the prince, and only then did he let himself cry.
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Far away in the Gryffindor dorms, Harry jolted up with a start, almost scaring the other Gryffindors half to death. The majority of the House was leaning over the couch, faces drawn, and Harry propped himself up, now uncomfortably aware of the tremors running through his body.
"Mate, you okay?" Ron asked from his side in concern, and Harry nodded, before burying his head in his hands, shocked at his own and current vulnerability, "Hermione went to get Madam Pomfrey." Fred (or was it George? No, it was Fred.) informed him, before leaning closer and touching a hand lightly to the third year's face.
"Really, are you okay? Not to be rude, but you look like hell."
Harry sighed. Was he okay? After witnessing one of his friend's most personal memories (if that was what it was), was he okay? One look at his own shaking hands, he had his answer.
No.
For the next two minutes, Harry sat silently, ignoring all questions from his peers, but keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the door.
"I swear, mate, that was scary as hell." Ron was telling him. "It was all quiet, then all of a sudden there was this horrible scream! Scary as hell, I tell you! I woke up and ran down here, and you were out like a light, but every so often you would just start to have these freak outs!"
That was weird. Harry didn't remember making a sound during the dream, but of course he had been too shocked and appalled to notice anything that was going on in front of him. It was at this moment that Hermione returned, face pale.
"I couldn't find her," she declared. That did it. Harry, ignoring Ron's protests, slid out of bed and bolted out the portrait hole, heading straight for the door disguised as a wall in the dungeons.
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Draco jolted awake with a start, as if being doused with a glass of ice water, and was shocked to find himself shivering. He glanced down at his hands.
They were shaking right along with the rest of him.
"You alright?" Blaise Zabini inquired blandly, and Draco nodded absently before turning to the body in a bed on the other side of the room. The body that was lying unnervingly still. Draco's eyes widened and he leapt to his feet, dashing over to his friend's bed. Gohan lay there motionless. With Kira, Aoi, and Pikachu hovering over his in worry, and little Hikaru on his pillow looking as if she were about to cry. Draco scooped her up.
"It's okay, little one," he muttered quietly, holding the little Charmander to his chest.
"I sent Daphne to go get the nurse and Professor Snape," Blaise informed him, "They should be here any minute."
Speak of the devil…er, bat.
Severus slid open the portrait hole, dressed in a red tunic and black pants and holding a candle, followed by an irate Madam Pomfrey. The nurse swooped over to Draco first and began checking his temperature and doing all sorts of medical things, before turning to Gohan, who seemed to be refusing to wake. Pomfrey sighed.
"Severus, I swear it, the only child I know who gets into more trouble than him is Harry Potter!" She ranted, making hand gestures at Draco. "Shaky with the after-effects of a panic attack, honestly! And him!" She turned to Gohan. "I don't know what to do with. He's in a bad way. Far too pale. I suggest that they both stay in the hospital tonight." The blonde's jaw dropped.
"No way!" He exclaimed, jolting up before being shoved down. The nurse shot him a steely glare.
"Really now?"
"Really! I don't need to stay in the hospital, I just need some air and to calm down! I'm fine!"
"Fine, are you? Could have fooled me. And what about Mr. Son? Hmm? He isn't even conscious!"
Silver eyes frowned and looked over again at his friend, before Draco sighed. Then, the tense facial features of the saiyan relaxed suddenly, and without warning Gohan opened his eyes and shot up like a light, breathing heavy and ebony eyes wide. Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes skyward and made to examine the shuddering and shivering saiyan, but the second she touched him Gohan violently cringed away. His eyes were even huger than they usually were, and dazed with disorientation. Madam Pomfrey recoiled slightly, startled, and sighed, muttering something that sounded like,
"Bedlam, the entire job." Before leaving the room with a backwards glance; knowing that she wouldn't be able to get any work done and that Severus could handle his Slytherins better than she could..
"Will you two be okay?" the man inquired, eyeing the saiyan in concern. Draco nodded.
"I think we'll be okay." He reassured him, and he nodded before following the nurse.
Without thinking about it, Draco darted forward and, much like Vegeta in the dream drew an arm around the younger and brought him close. Gohan's entire frame was shivering, and absently the wizard muttered quietly from memory,
"It's gonna be okay, it's alright…"
He never had been good at the whole comforting thing.
The hybrid sniffed slightly, and eventually calmed, leaning into the touch. Draco sighed. So much of the time, Gohan was so mature seeming, and it was unnerving to see someone like him behaving like the child he was. The younger boy tilted his head upwards and slowly relaxed, all resistance leaving his body.
Suddenly, the door to the dorm opened with a slam and a black-haired blur burst in and immediately collapsed on the bed, panting.
"Leon?" Draco inquired, "What are you doing here? Are you okay?"
Harry glanced up and shook his head, green eyes startlingly blank.
"What is it?"
"Did you…, Rettile, just have a really, really freaky dream?" The Gryffindor asked, his answer in the widening of Draco's steel colored eyes, not needing the nod the other boy granted him. "Me too. It wasn't just you."
With a whine, Kira pawed lightly at Gohan's knee and Pikachu chirped and climbed over Draco's leg to grab onto the saiyan's shirtsleeve, tugging at it. Using his practiced telepathy, the blonde asked a question, startling the electric pokemon into staring at the both of them.
Will he be okay? He asked, and it was Aoi who answered him, sitting beside the wizard and nudging his cheek.
He should be okay. She responded. The nightmares always scare him, and he kinda acts really weird afterwards. Really.. just weird.
I don't blame him. said Draco firmly. If I had dreams like he does... At least it was only the once.
What! Aoi shrieked suddenly, jolting her head up in surprise. What do you mean, only the once? What the hell do you mean?
I mean, I saw it. I'm telling you, I saw it. Harry insisted, entering the conversation with a bang of irritated defiance.
Aoi shook her head.
That is impossible. People can't share dreams, it's unheard of! And I would know, I'm older than I look. It goes against all laws of the Kais; Yumi and Sasshi made sure of that. Dreams are some of the few truly sacred things, to intrude on them is to disobey the iron rules of the gods. Aoi shook her head.
But I saw everything! Give me one good reason why I would see a memory of Gohan's if I wasn't there! Huh, what do you say to that? If she had to tell the truth, Aoi was at loss for words. She knew it was impossible for two people to share dreams, unless it was a memory that they both shared, but Harry and Draco both just seemed too sure of themselves. She couldn't answer, but Pikachu did.
Okay. She stated, tilting her head. Tell us, we were all there; what happened? Harry sighed, and began to speak vocally; everyone had cleared out of the room, now that they were sure there was no imminent danger. Every so often, Draco would insert something, a tidbit, of his own, but mostly he just nodded in agreement, settling for watching over the unconscious hybrid.
"Well, when it started out, I was in this field I didn't know, and Flame and this guy I assumed was his dad were standing face-to-face..." Harry went on to describe the vivid dream that refused to leave his mind and when he finished, Aoi was staring at him in disbelief, Pikachu looked mildly surprised, and Kira was outright flabbergasted.
Im-impossible! Aoi stammered, The laws- it's impossible! Pikachu shot the water canine a Look.
Aoi-girl, get over it. I don't understand it either, but somehow these guys are connected. I don't know how, but they are, and all we can do it try to understand it. Are we in agreement? She remarked, sounding strangely logical; the complete opposite of her usual demeanor. The world is ending. Aoi blinked, then a light smile spread upon her face, before she glanced to Harry. The boy was looking elsewhere, green eyes pensive and distant. He stared out the window out into the distance, watching the stars shimmer and sparkle in the night sky over the lake. A tentacle wiggled above the water's surface, the squid drifted through the gentle waves.
Aoi followed his gaze, then stood and placed a paw on Harry's leg, getting his attention, and whining soflty.
"Yes?" the wizard asked, and she nudged him.
You should get some sleep. The water type advised, before curling up at Gohan's side, Kira, Pikachu, and Hikaru following her lead. We will watch over him tonight. You too. She told Draco, who shook his head.
"No way, I'm staying here."
At least just go back to bed. Pikachu ordered, You guys have class tomorrow.
That was a dismissal if Harry had ever heard one, and he had, and he got up to walk down the stairs to go back to his own end of the castle. But before his figure disappeared, he called lightly back,
"When he wakes up, please tell him that the three of us are going to see Dumbledore first thing in the morning. Gotta sort out that damn dream thing." The last part was spoken quietly, almost as a sleepy afterthought, before his frame disappeared through the door.
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Kira sat up soon after to turn an accusing glare to Aoi, making sure that Draco was completely asleep.
You know something, don't you? She asked, and Pikachu lifted her head to listen. Aoi raised an eyebrow ridge.
I have no idea of what you are going on about.
Yeah right! The Delcatty snapped, violet eyes narrowed. Come off it, I can tell when someone is lying. Now, what is going on? She demanded recklessly before anyone could stop her. Suddenly, Aoi's eyes went blank and a glazed over blue, and she spoke in a monotone very unlike her own.
When the Storm crashes in the 2nd month,
The Three of Three will rise with the Lightning.
Of Emerald, Steel, and Ebony they rise to quell the fighting.
Emerald with flecks of white, with secrets kept within.
Element of brightest Light , PowerName of Kiriai.
Of purest light and feathers.
---
Steel of Ice and Glacier, expectations to uphold.
PowerName of Czarian, Element of deepest dark
Black with hidden beauty.
Ebony with Sterling and Sapphire, with power concealed inside,
Element of Shadow, PowerName of Ashura
Of Flame and Ice of Emotion.
---
They will rise on the Full, when the light of night shines.
When each is most alone.
Lost within oneself, and shattering pretenses.
They dispel the darkness only working as a team.
Until the great event, only time tells.
After that, the water type's eyes returned to normal, and Aoi slumped over, in a dead faint. Pikachu, Kira, and Hikaru stared at each other.
Did she just. Prophesize something! Kira exclaimed, with a concerned glance at the saiyan she was sitting on. Pikachu nodded and sat up, meeting Kira's eyes easily.
Yes, apparently so. One of the abilities of being a legendary. Without another word, Pikachu yawned and curled up on Gohan's chest, rising and falling with every breath. Hikaru joined her and soon the two fell asleep. Kira however, remained awake, and glanced at them pensively, before shaking her head and snuggling up to Aoi; drifting into slumber.
Gohan yawned the next morning as he awoke, then blinked, noticing he was on a couch in the Gryffindor common room. He rubbed his eyes. His pokemon were all curled up next to him, still sound asleep.
What happened?Huh. He must have fallen asleep, he assumed. Then, bits and pieces came back to him and his ebony eyes widened. He remembered falling asleep, then having another nightmare.. then, when he woke up..!
With a start, he whirled and poked Pikachu awake, then got right in her face when she opened her eyes, still sleepy.
"What happened last night!" asked Gohan urgently, and Pikachu blinked blurrily at him.
Huh?
"What happened last night!" he questioned again. Pikachu sat up on her haunches and promptly glared at him.
You wake me up horribly, then want something? Geez, what's wrong with you?
"Pika-chan, please! Onegai, I need to know what happened last night. Please tell me." At the pleading tone in his voice, the electric type looked up.
What's to tell? You had a nightmare.
"There has to be more. I know when you hide things from me. You get all fidgety and start playing with your tail. Like you are now." Gohan accused, and Pikachu sighed.
Okay. there was more. Leon and Rettile had the same dream as you. Pikachu said this quickly, and Gohan blinked rapidly.
"Nani! That's impossible!"
Nope. I had them describe it, and word for word they matched it.
Gohan's reaction was to bury his face in his hands and groan softly.
"It did? Oh my Kami... he saw it all?"
Every bit. Pikachu confirmed, and the saiyan shook his head.
"Oh God. Oh God oh God oh God oh God..."
Gohan? It's okay, he just seemed really shaken.. I don't think-Pikachu was cut off.
Oh, just shut up. Kira snapped suddenly, before leaning over and nudging Gohan's cheek. You know you're no good at being mushy. Even as upset as he was Gohan had to smile slightly as Pikachu glowered darkly at the cat. Are you okay? The Delcatty inquired, tilting her head to the side. The saiyan nodded slightly.
"I think I'll be alright. He confirmed.
You sure? Both adult pokemon asked in unison. Despite himself, Gohan threw his hands up in exasperation and began laughing.
"What is this, the Spanish Inquisition!" Kira smirked.
No one ever expects the Spanish Inquisition. The cat informed him seriously, and was promptly hit in the face with a pillow. Suddenly, Gohan jolted up and stared at the clock, jaw dropping.
"I need to make sure you lay off the Monty Python- Eeks! Oh God!" He shouted, and dressed in a rush. Kira blinked at him.
What's your hurry? You were excused from classes today since no one expected you to wake up. Her statement was met with no response.
" Crap! I gotta feed Padfoot! What class do I have now?"
History.
Gohan pulled on his robes hurriedly, not noticing that in his panic tiny black kitty ears popped out of his ebony locks as he pulled his hair into a harried ponytail before rushing out the door in a mad rush. Kira and Pikachu stared, then smirked at each other, both thinking the same thing.
Do we tell him? ...
Nah.
-------
Gohan skidded into History Of Magic five minutes later, soles of his boots causing a squeak and making the class look up. The silvery form of Professor Binns floated over and scowled at him. Gohan squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze.
"And what is your excuse?" Binns inquired. Gohan shrugged sheepishly.
"Um.. overslept?" was the response, and Binns sighed.
"Just go to your seat."
With a sheepish backwards smile behind him, Gohan made his way to a table by the window, kitty ears perked up cutely from his hair. Snickers followed him, but a sudden icy death glare shut them up. Gohan, though not knowing about the ears knew that they were laughing at him but didn't know why, and therefore played the Slytherin and glared. Vegeta would be proud. Shaking his head, Binns floated back to the head of the classroom and began to speak in a monotone, for once something not about Goblin rebellions. Shocking.
"Today, I am going to talk to you all about prophecies." Gohan felt his eyelids begin to droop. However interesting the topic was, the ghost's voice simply made him sleepy. The only person who seemed to be relatively awake was Granger, who was avidly taking notes. From her side, Harry took his book and set it under his head, to take a catnap.
"Now, for those of you who take divination, you know that true Seers are very rare. But every once in awhile a True one will pop up, and we get prophecies. Hogwarts has had many told about it, some have come true, and some haven't. One of the most famous though, is the Three of Three. Every teacher at Hogwarts knows of this, and we are required to tell it to you." Binns made a disgruntled face. Obviously, he wanted to get back to his Goblin wars.
"We know not of the true meaning behind it, and Albus Dumbledore has no proof that it is of any relevance. So please, do not take this to heart.
When the Storm crashes in the second month
The Three of Three will rise with the Lightning.
Of Emerald, Steel, and Ebony they rise to quell the fighting.
- - -
Emerald with flecks of white, with secrets kept within
Element of brightest light, PowerName of Kiriai.
Of purest Light and Feathers.
- - -
Steel of Ice and Glacier, expectations to uphold
PowerName of Czarian, Element of deepest Dark.
Black with hidden beauty.
- - - -
Ebony of Sterling and Sapphire with power concealed inside,
Element of Shadow, PowerName of Ashura.
Of Flame and Ice of Emotion.
- - -
They rise on the full, when the light of Night shines
When each is most alone
Lost within oneself and shattering pretenses.
They dispel the Darkness only working as a team.
Until the great event, only Time tells."
Binns finished his long quote and stared at his class, the entirety of which was staring at him in rapt fascination. Huh, The Ghost thought to himself. Maybe he should tell prophecies more often. Gohan's eyebrow was quirked down, and he blinked in confusion. Something about that struck something in him, but the saiyan had no idea of what it could be. In a way, he was extremely vexed, when it came down to it. Needless to say, Gohan did NOT like not knowing something. After all, he knew from experience, that not knowing something could get you killed. Or worse.
The saiyan shook his head. Ah, well, now to find out why everyone was laughing at him...
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"Padfoot? What do you know about prophecies?" Gohan asked the huge dog late that night. Sirius lowered his head and blinked at him.
I tell you nothing until you tell me why you aren't sleeping right now. was the animagus' blunt response. Gohan scowled at him.
"Because I can't sleep. I couldn't bring myself to talk to Aoi or anyone about that dream thing all day (Well, Aoi was sleeping.) so I came here. I can't sleep, I don't know if I'll dream, and if I do, if they'll see it. I can't risk that."
Why not?
The saiyan's expression was somber, and Sirius had to wonder why exactly this child kept his past so tightly shielded.
"Padfoot, some things, other people just shouldn't see. I hate the majority of my life, and the people in it, save a few; and no one needs to see my memories."
Is that so? Or are you just scared? Padfoot asked, tilting his head. Gohan looked away.
"Some of both, I think." Padfoot woofed and shook his head. Suddenly, Gohan whirled and had the dog pinned to the ground, not painfully, but Padfoot was well aware that he was stuck. "Okay Padfoot-san, now that I've spilled my guts, what's your story?"
Huh!
"Come off it! I've met a lot of canines, none of them by any means stupid, but none of then seem so human as you. There's something about your aura that I can't figure out. It's like you're almost human." The saiyan ordered. He didn't mean to sound hostile, it was just that when he got riled up his entire manner was affected by his attitude, and that included voice. "But mostly, what gave you away was this: Dogs don't lie. You lied to me that first night I realized I could understand you. I didn't know what it was then, but now I understand. Aoi told me, and I never met one who would."
In truth, that was the difference from what he sensed in Padfoot and what he sensed in Remus. Remus seemed altogether more canine, and Padfoot didn't seem…. well, dog enough. His way of thinking was completely different from the general mannerisms of dogs, and it was enough to send Gohan for a loop. He wasn't angry, just excited and curious. Dogs simply didn't lie, it was against their very natures.
Let me go, and I'll tell you. Padfoot stated, twisting around so that he stared Gohan in the face. But I need your word.
"On what?"
That you tell no one about me. Gohan huffed in slight amusement.
"Padfoot-san, honestly, who am I going to tell? If I told anyone about whatever you are, they would ask how I knew, and that means I would have to tell them about sneaking into the forest. I know that nothing in here would harm me, but Dumbledore doesn't. So the fact that I am here is enough, isn't it?"
Nope. An oath, or nothing. Padfoot insisted. He was beginning to think that the saiyan would refuse, and that he would have to make a run for it, but after a moments consideration Gohan lifted his head and nodded.
"A formal oath? A formal wizard's oath?"
Yes.
"Okay then. I, Son Gohan, son of Son Chichi and Son Goku, solemnly swear to tell no one of what is about to be shown or told to me. Should I blab, may my tail be chopped off and used in soup for a fat politician." Gohan swore, crossing his hand over his heart. "Good enough for you, Inu-san?"
I guess. The Grim conceded, and Gohan released him, sitting on the soft leaves to watch the (pseudo) dog. Now, have you ever heard of an animagus?
"A what? Not a clue."
An Animagus is a wizard who can turn into an animal at will. Any animal. There is no time limit. Comprehension was beginning to appear in Gohan's expression, and he leaned forward.
"Ah, I see where this is going. You're a wizard in the form of a Grim! But why-?"
I'm getting to that. But I have to show you.. Slowly, Sirius backed away. He couldn't believe he was going to do this, especially in front of a student! But, Gohan had given his oath, and a wizard's oath was binding. With an intake of breath, Sirius concentrated and his features began to shift, until a tall, gaunt man stood in front of the dark-haired Gryffindor. Gohan's eyes went wide, and he stared up at Sirius, until he stood and began to stalk around the older man in a circle like a cat, looking him over.
Despite the care and food, Padfoot was still very thin, and his face was gaunt; he had dark circles under his eyes. Eventually, Gohan found something to say.
"Okay, now I highly doubt that your name is Padfoot. What is it, really?" Padfoot looked uncomfortable at the question.
"Um.." His voice was raspy and hoarse. "Sirius Black." The saiyan delicately raised an eyebrow.
"And… does that mean anything to me at all?" He asked curiously. Sirius facefaulted.
"Sirius Black? Convicted criminal? Only escapee of Azkaban ever, in all history of the world?"
Gohan hesitated, then beamed. "Nope, doesn't ring a bell! So, Black-san-"
"Sirius."
"Right, Sirius. Well, Sirius-san, why were you in Azkaban if you didn't do anything?" The look upon Sirius' face was priceless. Gohan smirked. How he loved surprising people! However, to treasure the moment, he arched a brow and tilted his head in mock confusion, then understanding. "Oh, I must have forgotten to tell you! It's a side effect from being around a herd of Rapidark for so long. Rapidark have the ability to cause fear and terror to those near them, if they have even the slightest hesitation around them. Basically they amplify every little fear you have for them. I have long since gotten over any hesitation when it comes to Rapidark, so they don't effect me like they should. But, they did have an interesting effect on me. You see, I can tell who my enemies are, just by the way they act around me.
Basically, I mimic the effects, only it only causes fear to those who I shouldn't trust or who want to do me harm, not to those who fear me. It works out much better that way, I've found. Understand?" Gohan finished his little tirade and grinned. Dumbly, Sirius nodded.
"So... Since you don't scare me, you could tell I'm not your enemy?"
Gohan nodded brightly.
"That's about the gist of it, yes." Then, the saiyan flopped down onto the soft green grass, arms spread out. The ebony eyes were fixed on the night sky, then he sat up abruptly as a black flash shot across the sky. Automatically, he looked to Sirius, who raised an eyebrow.
"Did-did you see that?" the hybrid inquired, and the animagus nodded.
"You mean the thestral? Yeah. Not many can these days."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because, in order to see thestrals, you have to have seen death. " Sirius answered, and Gohan's already dark eyes shadowed. He lowered his head and stared into the inky blackness.
"Oh. I understand." The saiyan said slowly, watching the thestral soar. "I understand." As if sensing his depression, Sirius looked over and said,
"You should probably get some sleep. It's late." Gohan blinked at the change of subject, then sat up, nodding.
"Hai, I suppose you're right." Then he stood, then bowed. "Oyasumi nasai, Sirius Black. Take care of yourself, and I'll see you tomorrow. Then we can continue this conversation where we left off." Sirius nodded.
"You too." The saiyan child left, and Sirius lay back on the soft grass. Then, he pulled out a battered magazine picture, and stared into the eyes of a very flustered looking Harry in a moving photograph. He was so anxious to see him again.…..
-------
"Seriously, what the hell's wrong with you?" Draco asked the next morning. Gohan sleepily rubbed at his eyes, and yawned again.
"I'm not Sirius.." The saiyan muttered, before dropping off to sleep in his oatmeal. The blonde sweatdropped.
"Gohan.. wake up. Double Potions first thing!" He exclaimed. The saiyan merely blew a raspberry at him in his sleep.
"Go away..." Draco made an exasperated noise and turned to Harry (why he had suddenly decided to migrate over to the Slytherin table was a complete mystery), who shrugged helplessly. The older wizard scowled and crossed his arms over his chest, scowling, before picking up a glass of ice water and flinging it onto the hybrid. Gohan sat up with a furious gasp and a shout.
"Farking hell!" The saiyan yelled, and Harry smirked.
"Got you up, didn't it?"
"Oh, go photosynthesize." Was the response and everyone but Draco and Harry looked confused. As it was, the older Slytherin snickered, and Harry huffed.
"Oh, you're real mature. Go respirate or something."
"Protist."
"Moneran."
"Mollusk."
"Crustacean."
"Pansy."
"Daffodil."
"Violet."
Things only spiraled out from there. All the way to Potions, the two continued to not-quite insult each other, but the comments got stupider by the minute; ranging from toilet seat to shot glass. (I'm serious -Not Sirius!- , me and my friend Sarah really do this. One time we spent over a half hour not-quite insulting each other. It was funny.) As they sat down in their desks, Gohan silently mouthed, 'cockroach!' before Severus swooped into the dungeon, scaring the living crap out of them all.
Baka. Harry grumbled, and Gohan shot him a rather hurt look that Harry blinked at in confusion. That certainly wasn't expected! You okay? The older wizard asked, and the saiyan tilted his head.
Me? I'm fine, don't worry.
You seem depressed, did you get your fight yesterday? said Harry firmly, watching as his friend whispered,
Yeah, I'm sure it's nothing, I was just up later than I'm used to. All three of them knew that that was a load of bull crap, but they let it slide.
Nothing my ass. We'll talk later. Harry stopped then, because Severus suddenly said something that made all in the classroom gape.
"Alright, today you'll be making, or attempting to make, in most of you idiots' cases, the a potion called the Wakeflower Serum." Severus' voice was low and silky, almost a purr, "Those of you who thoroughly read the information on this potion last night will know that the directions on the board are not completely accurate; it is up to you to brew it correctly." A vicious smirk grew upon the man's features, "And if I see one cauldron explode, that person's going to get it." Automatically, Draco rolled his eyes. Despite being favored shamelessly by the potions master, the boy really did have an affinity for potions, and he knew full well that there was nothing in that potion that would make anything explode. Give off noxious fumes, yes, but explosions were not on Severus' agenda at the moment.
They were surprised to see Gohan drop his head and slip off to sleep for a nap. Shaking his head at the bewildered look on Harry's face the blonde quietly helped him get started, before smirking and transfiguring Gohan's textbook that he was sleeping on into a fluffy green pillow. Normally he wouldn't dare, but Severus met his glance, raised an eyebrow, then looked away, telling Draco that he would ignore it, but not to push it again.
When the teacher began to prowl around the room, he inconspicuously slipped a piece of parchment into Draco's soft-skinned hand. The boy nodded and unfolded it under the desk as Severus continued on his way.
Tell Gohan that I expect to see him after dinner tonight so that he can make up this assignment. Was all it said, and Draco nodded slightly at his teacher, indicating to him that he would.
By now, Harry had noticed that the saiyan was sleeping and glowered, wishing he had thought of it. Of course, Severus would absolutely kill him!
--------
"Should he be sleeping this long?" Draco asked in concern, eyeing the rather pale and still in slumber saiyan. Harry shrugged.
"I don't know, think we should try waking him again?"
"Let's wait an hour. If he doesn't wake by then, something is seriously wrong." Draco stated, not sure where this information came from; it just came to him. After potions, they had tried to wake him but couldn't, and somehow they had managed to carry him haphazardly across the castle to the Slytherin common room. Draco was the only one who had a class, and he didn't seem to care if he skipped, so that was that, and now both lay splayed out in thick plushy armchairs.
"You know," said Draco, a strange, sleepy tone drifting into his voice, "I like kittens, don't you?"
"Ummm... kittens?" Harry inquired, tone telling full well that he thought the Slytherin had completely lost his mind. Draco nodded.
"Yeah, kittens. They're soft and fluffy and cuddly. They make me think of flowers and sunlight and meadows and sleep and beds and sleeping and hearts and more sleeping and.." The boy would have gone on further had Harry not suddenly leapt forward and grabbed him by his collar, shaking him hard. "Wha-?" The boy muttered woozily.
"Reptile, don't you dare go to sleep!" Harry shouted, dragging the blonde to his feet in a wild panic. "You can't go to sleep!"
"Why not, Hero?" The serpent's voice was almost stupid sounding and thick with sleep settling in, and Harry began backing away as Draco slumped to the floor, out like a light. The Gryffindor was paler than a baby seahorse as he shoved out of the dorm, running through the hallway like a bat out of hell. Suddenly, he felt his pace slowing and he felt his limbs go so numb and tingly that he couldn't control them as he collapsed to the floor. Harry was sure that this was what it was like to be drunk, as he couldn't seem to think coherently or feel worried at all at the moment. A fluffy, warm feeling washed over him, and Harry's head sank down, and his eyes fluttered shut, and he drifted into a warm state of nothingness.
END CHAPTER
I know, you're all going to want to kill me. Call it revenge for all the times someone kept killing everyone with cliffhangers. (looks triumphant) But, I think this is the quickest I've ever updated with this!
Anyway, please R and R, and tell this author what you all think!