Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½, DBZ or Harry Potter.
Author's Notes: Sorry that this is taking so long but I've been lazy. Wait...... let me rephrase that...... ahhh screw it. I can't, it's true, I'm just lazy.
Now that my obvious faults are out of the way...... the poll.
Whom should I pair with whom? (I will only accept answers listed for the specific characters.)
Ranma: a) Nabiki b) Kim (OC) c) Hermione,
Harry: a) Hermione, b) Ginny, c) Videl
Gohan: a) Videl, b) Shampoo, c) Hikari (OC)
Also, another poll: Should I have Mirai Trunks come back when he's close to the same age as Ranma and Gohan? Yes/No
If yes, who should I pair him with: a) Akane, b) Shampoo, c) Hikari, d) Kim (True Friend or Magical Destiny, please specify)
Lessee, anything I forgot?
Oh yeah. The dragon scene is changed in the last chapter after thinking about it a bit. Happy now? If you don't like something you don't have to be rude about it. Next time it won't get changed whether it is reasonable or not.
Posted: 4/13/04
"/English/"
Three Young Heroes Chapter 5
Harry could feel the anticipation throughout the neighborhood. Something important was happening in the world, and he wasn't allowed to know what. His Aunt and Uncle weren't letting him or Dudley watch TV anymore, which was making Dudley scream.
Harry sighed, things weren't looking too good. He snuck a look around and then crept into the family room where the TV was. There was no one in there. He crept to the TV, only to be seized by the collar. "Well, well, well. You'll be stuck in the cupboard for a week for this!" Vernon roared.
Harry gulped and moaned as he was bodily thrown into the closet, only seeing Petunia's frightened face as the door was shut tight.
Petunia sighed, wishing Rose could have kept the boy. He had gotten into trouble recently with school. She HATED magic, and anything to do with it, but even her nephew deserved a little better treatment. Her hand twitched a bit and she smiled at the irony. They might not even be around tomorrow. Not even magic would be able to save them from this particular threat.
***********************************
Dumbledore sighed as Fudge organized his small army of wizards to send to Japan against the green monster. Japan had tried numerous times to dispatch the green thing but they were thwarted each time, and killed. There had been too many casualties. 'Voldemort is going to have an easier time of taking over if this keeps up,' Dumbledore thought. He had no doubt that Voldemort would be back, for the prophecy had not yet been fulfilled.
***********************************
Ranma tensed as he watched his Uncle be beaten, Cell not even breaking a sweat. He tugged at his collar slightly, and turned to watch his father.
Radditz was standing with his arms crossed and jaw clenched as he watched the fight. He looked down at his son, "If we could all combine our powers then we could easily beat him. However, he's prevented us from doing that with the tournament."
Ranma nodded, biting his lip, it would have been so easy if not for the tournament, unless Cell had good skills against many opponents. The green man seemed confident enough.
Ranma's eyes wandered over to his first sensei and cousin. Gohan seemed confident that his father could win, though Ranma could see that Cell was toying with him. 'Something happened in the chamber that makes Uncle Goku confident,' Ranma thought as he watched his cousin.
Everyone was surprised when Goku stepped down. Cell was astonished, thinking Goku was the best chance that the humans had. He smirked, "Very well then."
Goku flew up next to Gohan, and smiled kindly. "Go get him."
"Aunt ChiChi's not going to like this," Ranma said underneath his breath.
Radditz also shook his head as he watched Gohan float down to the arena and get ready to fight.
***********************************
The Tendo family watched the TV with wide eyes as they viewed live footage of the Cell Games. Nabiki gasped, "They're making Gohan fight!"
Soun grimaced slightly, decked out in his heavy armor in case anything threatened to come and destroy his girls. They were all he had left. "ChiChi is not going to be happy with that one," he said, remembering his own encounter with the woman's temper.
Kasumi bit her lip as she watched, praying that things would be alright.
Akane cheered Gohan on, telling him to, "Get the evil green thing!"
Everyone groaned as the TV went blank, and a new screen came on claiming technical difficulties.
Akane pouted, "They were getting to the best part!"
Nabiki blinked at her sister, 'I don't think she understands the reality of our situation yet.'
Akane then brightened, "I can get a play by play account from Ranma! He's there also!"
Nabiki shook slightly, her hand grasping the hem of her dress tightly. "Yeah, Akane. He'll be back with a grand tale of this wild adventure."
Kasumi's face softened slightly, and she pulled her sisters into a hug. Akane didn't know what was wrong with Nabiki or Kasumi, but the hug was nice.
A few minutes later, the TV changed once more, announcing that Hercule had defeated Cell.
Akane screamed her fury, "THERE'S NO WAY THAT SOB BEAT CELL! HE WAS ELIMINATED EARLY! HE'S NOT A GOOD FIGHTER ANYHOW, I CAN BEAT HIM!"
Nabiki turned off the television, and turned with an adamant look on her face, "We're going to wait for Ranma at his house."
Soun gulped at the look on Nabiki's face and nodded. Maybe they could get a free meal to help the budget.
***********************************
Gohan headed home with a heavy heart, Radditz going with him to offer their home as Ranma said Rose would want. Ranma, for his part, was sent home, to tell his mother what was going on. He was surprised to see the Tendos waiting for him.
"Huh, wha-?" was all he got out before he was tackled to the ground by four worried females, three children, one adult.
Akane looked excited as she asked over and over again about the tournament. Nabiki looked just content to cut off his air supply as Kasumi and his mother looked him over for injuries. Nodoka then looked around, letting her son go. "Where is your father?"
Ranma took a deep breath as he slowly disentangled himself from the three girls. "Uncle Goku died, and isn't being brought back like last time. He said he didn't want to be brought back, which I think is a mistake. Dad went to see if ChiChi would like to live with us for a time instead of out in the woods."
Rose smiled softly, "I didn't realize he would be so concerned. I must prepare a feast for his sensitivity."
Ranma sweatdropped as his mom went on about how manly her husband was. 'Did she even hear me about Uncle Goku?' he wondered.
Nabiki ran up and hugged him again, and Akane got in his face, eyes a bit calmer now, though she still rocked with energy. "What happened?"
"What do you mean he could have been brought back?" Kasumi asked softly.
Ranma looked down guiltily before explaining the Cell Games, and then the Dragonballs including their limitations. It was a good thing Soun was inside the house helping Rose.
***********************************
*One Month Later*
Ranma-chan watched the clouds go by listening to Gohan snore lightly nearby. They were waiting for the Tendo girls to arrive at the park to discuss the new turn of events. Hercule had appointed Tokyo as his new home and city officials agreed to change the name of a subdivision for him. He was slightly put out that they wouldn't name the whole city after him, but they didn't want to make their capital Satan City.
Thus, Nerima was now, Satan district. He was buying out property to build his house, and he was offering a generous sum for the Tendo home and dojo. Soun, had been forced to sell, as they were about to go bankrupt. Akane was angry at the loss of the dojo and the fact that they were moving. Nabiki was neutral on the subject, and Kasumi was understandably upset, though she did her best to support her father.
Ranma-chan rolled as Akane attacked from above. Akane attacked fast and furious, using a few ki blasts as she worked out her frustration on her older friend. Ranma just dodged, blocking when necessary, but watching Akane's actions and frowning. After a few moments she ended the fight, putting Akane painfully on her rear.
"You need to control your temper," she said, reaching down with a hand to help her up.
"THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY TEMPER!" Akane shouted, tears forming in her eyes.
Ranma-chan bit her lip, and looked around to see Gohan, Nabiki, and Kasumi watching them. She then sighed and knelt next to the girl. "I know you're upset Akane, but getting angry and not telling people what you feel is going to get you in trouble. It's ok to cry."
Akane curled herself up into a small ball, sniffling. Ranma sat down helplessly. Kasumi walked up to her sister, sure that Akane's anger was worked out. She knelt down and hugged her sister, "Now Akane, Ranma's right. We haven't lost everything so it's best to just let it go and move on. We can help with that but only if you talk to us."
Akane just nodded and Nabiki stepped up to stand next to her best friend. Ranma looked up to speak when three owls swooped down and dropped three letters, one going to Gohan, one going to Nabiki, and one going to Ranma. Kasumi and Akane watched, eyes wide.
Ranma puzzled over the letter in her hand before opening it. It was in English, but studying with Gohan and Nabiki had made him rather fluent in the language, as well as a couple others. Even then, Nabiki was closer to Gohan's genius level than he was. He was just two grades ahead most students his age with a multitude of languages under his belt. It was suggested that Nabiki skip three or four grades in school, and Gohan was close to seven grades ahead, learning college level things already.
"/Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,/" Ranma read out loud. She looked up in confusion, "What's that?"
Nabiki shrugged as she opened her own and looked to Gohan, who had also had opened his. Nabiki bit her lip, "Maybe we should ask our parents."
Akane was looking up interestedly, "Can I see? I wanna know too!"
A few moments later Radditz, Soun, Rose, and ChiChi walked into the clearing where their children were. "What do you have there Ranma-chan?" Rose asked, seeing her child staring at something.
Ranma wordlessly handed up her letter. Nodoka's eyes widened and she squealed with joy, hugging her, currently, daughter. "Oh this is wonderful news!"
Nabiki and Gohan exchanged looks, "What is it?"
The other adults looked on curiously as well, and Rose grinned at Gohan and Nabiki, seeing they had letters as well. "My sister went to Hogwarts. It's a wonderful school but only those gifted may be enrolled. It is wonderful that you three have letters!"
ChiChi snatched Gohan's letter, "What kind of school is it?"
"A school of magic. They will learn to control the magic they have," Rose said, stopping at ChiChi's frown.
"What about a real education!?" ChiChi screeched much to the saiyans dismay.
Nodoka sighed, "It is a real education. Just a different one. If it really bothers you I'm sure you can send some regular books with him but I really recommend Hogwarts. I'm sending Ranma, and I'm sure Soun will send Nabiki."
Nabiki bit her lip, "We don't have enou......"
"Nonsense dear," Soun said, "You may go. We'll manage. I'm sure there are a few tournaments Akane may enter that we may get money from. I can get a job."
Nabiki bit her lip, and then looked down to see Ranma's pleading eyes. It was obvious that he didn't want to go alone.
She nodded her head, smiling a bit. Kasumi's eyes were wide with joy as her father began to get himself together once again. Radditz scowled, "What about his training?"
Rose gave him a cold, level look, "You promised he would study more anyways. He can train when he comes home for the summers. They need to get ready to go to England right now though so we may get their supplies."
Radditz groaned and Soun's eyes widened, "England?"
"Of course," Rose said primly, "It's a boarding school so they'll be taken care of. They'll come home for the summer. Don't change your mind now."
She then got up and whispered in his ear, "Especially if you want Ranma to marry one of your daughters."
Soun's eyes widened and then he nodded, "Of course! It's alright if Nabiki goes! And when Akane gets her letter she'll go as well."
"Father, she might not get one," Kasumi said before turning to Akane, "Please don't expect one and get your hopes too high. Like Auntie said, it's only for those with magic."
Akane nodded, though you could see in her eyes that she expected to get one.
Ranma looked around him, and wondered if Harry was going to Hogwarts as well.
*********************************
Harry jumped trying to catch one of the letters. Vernon shoved both boys out the door and locked it, keeping both Harry and Dudley from getting a look at the letters.
Harry groaned as he heard Uncle Vernon yell that they were leaving. Petunia walked into the room, resigned, and Harry wondered if she knew what all this was about.
********************************
Radditz groaned as he watched the metal planes. Amazingly, Bulma said she, Vegeta, and Trunks were going with them. She had her own private jet for them waiting at the airport for them. Bulma hadn't the slightest clue about Hogwarts, but was happy to supply them with a free ride.
They were on their way, Akane grumbling because she wanted to fly herself. Nabiki was playing cards with Ranma, Gohan, Vegeta, and Bulma. Ranma was losing badly, with Vegeta in a close second. Bulma and Nabiki were tied with Gohan only slightly behind them.
Ranma groaned as he lost another hand, "I give up. I need to blast something."
"Not while in the plane," Bulma said sharply, fixing her eyes on both Ranma and Vegeta.
Both scowled, and Ranma got up to go talk to his father, who was sitting against the wall. Ranma then noticed a chess game, and picked it up. "Hey dad, do you want to play?"
Radditz studied a moment before raising an eyebrow.
Ranma grinned, "I'll teach you how to play. Gohan taught me."
Radditz sighed and sat down, figuring there was nothing else to do.
Radditz proved a quick study for the game and they were soon deep in the game of strategy, not noticing that they had an audience. Ranma grinned and made his move, "Checkmate!"
Radditz groaned, and studied it a moment before conceding defeat. They reset the board and began again. "What are you doing?" Akane asked from the side.
"Playing chess," Ranma said, making a move.
Akane crept closer and sat down to watch, having grown tired of the other women's fussing over Trunks. She watched as they traded victories, eventually falling asleep.
**************************************
They made it to England and to the provided hotel. Nabiki was obviously enjoying living in the lap of luxury, as were Akane and Soun. Kasumi looked a little lost with nothing to do. Nodoka quickly took her in hand as she and ChiChi promised to teach the girl to sew. Gohan was studying a book while Ranma, Vegeta, and Radditz looked around, agitated slightly.
Bulma quickly pulled her husband to their room, handing Trunks off to ChiChi, who had promised to watch him. Soun shared a room with Ranma and Radditz while ChiChi, Nodoka and the girls shared another. Little Trunks went with them.
The next morning, Bulma dragged Vegeta and Trunks off to see about the deal to expand Capsule Corp in England while Ranma, Rose, Nabiki, Gohan and ChiChi went to find Diagon Alley.
"/How are we supposed to get to Diagon Alley?/" Ranma asked his mother, who looked around worriedly.
"I'm.........not sure," she said, frowning.
ChiChi was about to open her mouth when a loud voice interrupted them. "/Do ya need help?/"
The group turned around and Nabiki automatically clung to Ranma. The giant of the man behind them had a long scraggly beard. ChiChi just looked up at the man thoughtfully, "/You wouldn't happen to be related to Gyuu Maou would you?/"
"/Who?/" the large man asked.
ChiChi shook her head, "/Sorry. Never mind. We're looking for Diagon Alley?/"
Hagrid nodded as Harry came up behind him, "/Me n'........./"
"/Harry!/" Ranma, Nabiki, and Gohan shouted, running up to the boy.
Harry grinned, "/Wow! I didn't think I'd see you all here!/"
Ranma held up his letter, "/We all got one./"
Nabiki and Gohan nodded in agreement. "/Looks like we'll be attending with you/" Nabiki said with a smile.
Harry grinned and introduced Hagrid to his friends and cousin. Hagrid puzzled a moment at Ranma, "/I thought Harry had only one set of family./"
Rose sighed, "/I'd rather not explain at the moment, but Dumbledore sees fit that Harry stay with my sister Petunia./"
Harry and Ranma blinked, that was the first they had heard of it. Ranma then thought of recent events and decided he agreed. It was better that Harry had stayed with the Dursleys.
Moments later everyone was awed by Diagon Alley as Hagrid led the way to Gringotts so they could get money exchanged and open an account.
Radditz's eyes widened a bit and he began to pace the hotel room as he felt his wife's ki disappear and his child's become muffled, in a manner of speaking. Something was covering them from his senses and it worried him.
"Is something wrong?" Soun asked, a little startled by the other man's antics.
Radditz snorted, but stopped pacing to stand by the window.
Meanwhile, Ranma waved as Harry got to go on one of the carts with Hagrid. Nabiki and ChiChi were already talking to one of the tellers, trying to find out what the exchange rates were and seeing if there was a way to take out a loan for this bank. Gohan sighed from behind Ranma, "When do you think they'll stop asking questions and start exchanging money?"
"When Harry returns," Ranma said, looking for a bench to sit on. He was bored. He wanted to go out and look for things, not sit at a bank while Aunt ChiChi and Nabiki argued with the teller.
Gohan sighed and walked up to his mother to see if he could get them started doing things. Ranma, however, finally found a place to sit and gave an exasperated sigh as the only person he could talk to started arguing with the rest. He then looked at his mother, who wasn't arguing, but listening intently as the others asked questions.
Ranma closed his eyes and leaned back, letting his senses run over the area. There were numerous energies that he couldn't identify readily though they felt kind of familiar. 'Wonder if that's magic energy,' Ranma thought to himself as he felt someone walk up and sit down next to him on the bench. He lazily opened an eye and looked next to him to see woman and a boy with pale blond hair and rather stuck up looks sitting there. They were looking disapprovingly around them at people.
The boy had caught sight of ChiChi, Nabiki, Gohan, and Ranma's mother. "/It looks like they'll let anyone in here,/" he sniffed disdainfully, "/Those mudbloods aren't even from around here./"
Ranma tensed a bit, not quite sure what he meant but knowing it was an insult. He opened both eyes and began to turn when ChiChi yelled out in rapid fire Japanese at the teller. He blushed at a few of the explicative words as Gohan, Rose and Nabiki tried to calm the furious woman down.
Nabiki gave up a moment later and walked over to where Ranma was sitting, "I give up."
"What's wrong?" Ranma said, ignoring the fact that the two sitting next to him scooted away.
Nabiki shrugged, "They wouldn't give her a loan for school things. I think she's really overreacting though."
Ranma nodded as he watched his aunt before sighing. He stood, and stretched a moment, before gesturing to the bench, "Have a seat."
Nabiki blinked, "But it's your seat."
Ranma shook his head, "Its ok. I'll stand."
Nabiki blushed a moment before sitting as Ranma took to leaning against the wall. Both watched as Rose and Gohan got ChiChi to calm down. Nabiki suddenly reached up and grabbed his hand, tugging on his arm slightly.
Ranma looked down at her curiously and she pointed over to where Harry had disappeared. Harry was running through at top speed, making his way to Ranma.
Ranma grinned, "/Hi Harry. Have fun?/"
Harry laughed, "/It was like a roller coaster ride! You wouldn't believe the stuff down there!/"
Ranma idly noticed the woman and boy getting up and leaving with an older man before turning back to Harry, "/Are you coming shopping with us then?/"
Hagrid ambled up behind Harry, "/If yeh wouldn't mind it. I need a pick me up at thuh Leaky Cauldron./"
Ranma grinned and nodded, "/He's family. It'd be rude not to./"
Hagrid nodded and left, "/I'll meet yeh later then Harry./"
Harry nodded and waved as Hagrid left. Moments later, Rose, Gohan, and ChiChi walked back to where they were standing.
"Are we ready now?" ChiChi asked.
Ranma mentally rolled his eyes and nodded, helping Nabiki up. The small group then left. They found themselves at the robe shop first.
Madame Malkin each brought them to the back and stood them on stools before leaving to get materials. Already back there was the boy Ranma had seen in the bank. Apparently, the boy had a bad short term memory as he began talking to them.
"/Hello,/" he said, "/Hogwarts also?/"
They all nodded, and the boy continued without allowing them to speak. "/My father's next door buying my books and my mother's up the street looking at wands. Then I'm going to drag them off to look at racing brooms. I don't see why first years can't have their own. I think I'll bully father into getting me one and smuggle it in somehow./"
"/Rules are there for a reason,/" Gohan said.
"/Yeah,/" Ranma said with a grin, "/For bending and breaking!/"
Nabiki giggled while Harry laughed outright. Even Gohan had to grin as he shook his head, "/Ranma, you know better./"
Ranma just stood straight with a trademark smirk on his face and his arms crossed over his chest.
The kid smirked a bit before continuing, "/Play Quidditch at all?/"
"/No/" the four answered in unison and the boy smirked some more, "/I do – Father says it's a crime if I'm not picked to play for my house, and I must say I agree. Know what house you'll be in yet? I'm sure I'll be in Slytherin, though no one really knows until they get there. Imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?/"
The four blinked and exchanged glances, not knowing what this other person was talking about. Just then, Madam Malkin walked in with her arms full. She quickly fitted Malfoy and then sent him off. He left with a, "/I guess I'll see you at Hogwarts./"
Harry sighed in relief as Ranma tried to hold in his temper. One by one they were fitted and walked out to greet ChiChi and Rose.
Ranma was the last to be fitted and ran out as soon as the seamstress was done. They quickly left and met Hagrid outside, who stated that he would show them around. ChiChi soon engaged him in a conversation concerning her father. Hagrid was finding it rather informative while Rose listened in with half an ear. Gohan, Nabiki, Ranma, and Harry all stayed to the back, looking over their letters for what they would need for the coming year.
They had soon picked up everything except their wands and were headed to Ollivanders when Hagrid backed off with a vague excuse for not heading to the store.
They entered, and Ollivander soon walked up to them, silver eyes glinting in the dim light.
*****************************
Nabiki stared at her wand, wondering what made the small stick so important to her learning. Her gaze wandered to Ranma, who was boredly twirling his about his fingers while his mother fussed with his clothing. 'Pity the robes hide so much of him,' Nabiki thought as she put her wand down and stood.
She stretched a moment to see Akane heading towards her trunk. "Akane, what are you doing?"
Akane froze, and then automatically turned to face her sister, "I just wanted a head start."
Nabiki shook her head, "No."
Akane scowled, "Oh Come on Nabiki!"
Nabiki shook her head again, "We don't even know if you have magic. Besides, it won't help you since you can't use it in public."
Akane scowled and turned to stomp off and sulk. Ranma walked over to where Nabiki was standing, "She wants to learn?"
Nabiki nodded, and studied her best friend for a moment. "What do you think?"
"I don't think she has it at all," Ranma said, shrugging off his robe to show the gi he had on underneath.
Radditz snorted, and said nothing as he watched his child. He then looked at his wife who was fondly folding Ranma's clothes as she placed them in his trunk. 'Maybe another child,' Radditz thought as he breathed deeply. She was nearly ready to conceive.
He was brought out of his reverie by Ranma tugging on his shirt, "Hey dad...... can we go spar?"
Rose looked up, startled, and watched her husband and Ranma silently as Radditz gave his son a smirk. She then looked at Gohan, who had his head in an advanced physics book.
"Gohan, why don't you go with them? And invite Soun along. I'd like some time to spend just us girls before Kasumi, Akane and Soun leave."
Radditz nodded and scooped his eleven year old child up over one shoulder and doing the same to his eleven year old cousin. Nabiki giggled at Gohan's surprised look and brought out a camera she always had hidden on her. Snapping the picture, she quickly stowed it with a smug grin on her face.
Gohan groaned as he was carried off, looking forlornly at his forgotten book. It was just so interesting.
Ranma grinned as he knocked on the door where Soun was talking with ChiChi and his other two children. The 'talk' sounded more like a screaming match though.
Radditz kicked the door open with his foot, being careful not to damage it. The yelling stopped as ChiChi glared at them, ready to lecture on proper manners.
Radditz interrupted, "Rose wants to see the girls in the other room. Soun, you're with us."
When Soun looked ready to protest, Radditz glared at him. Soun eeped, and followed without a word. Radditz grinned, "That is definitely more effective than his so called demon head."
Ranma laughed and banged on his father's back again. Radditz tossed him up again and caught him, settling him on his shoulder and doing the same for Gohan. Gohan smiled shyly at his uncle as a faint memory of that happening with his father glimmered to the surface.
Radditz ducked the door and walked outside, "Let's go. Light sparring, remember that. Rose would kill me if what we were got out."
Ranma and Gohan nodded solemnly, knowing much of the populace would react badly if someone convinced them that saiyans were invaders.
'Course, we were invaders,' Radditz thought privately as they headed out.
***************************
Nabiki waved goodbye to her family as they boarded the Brief's jet for Japan. Bulma looked quite satisfied that the market for capsules would be uninhibited and she was ready to move out. She promised to send a jet for ChiChi, Rose, and Radditz when the time came for them to get home.
Now all that was left was getting to platform 9 ¾ the next day.
***************************
They met Harry at the train station, who was frowning at his ticket. Rose gave him a curious look, "/Harry dear, what's wrong?/"
Harry showed her the ticket, "/There is no platform 9 ¾./"
Rose frowned as she studied Ranma's ticket. Radditz groaned from underneath Nabiki's trunk and grabbed a convenient dolly. He then piled the three trunks on top of it. Harry shook his head, knowing his uncle would be able to push the dolly easily. Ranma just grinned at his father while Gohan gave polite thanks. Nabiki gave Radditz a shy smile and walked up to Ranma, grasping his hand.
'Sorry Akane, Ranma's mine!' she thought as she smiled at Ranma's confused look.
Ranma just shrugged and followed his mother, still holding Nabiki's hand. Rose gave a secret grin as she moved to ask a guard for help. ChiChi waited impatiently as it was decided she didn't have the disposition to ask for help patiently.
Gohan frowned at his mother, and she stilled a bit, giving a forlorn sigh. She then looked around until she spotted a family that looked a little oddly dressed for normal muggles. Seeing Rose still occupied with the guard, she went to ask them for help.
"That was pointless," Rose said, looking around the group, "Where's ChiChi?"
Harry looked at her, confused, still not understanding a whole lot of Japanese. Gohan and the rest looked around until he saw ChiChi chatting with another woman. ChiChi noticed them looking and waved them over. As soon as they reached the area, ChiChi introduced them, "/This is Mrs. Weasley and her children. They're going to Hogwarts as well. They'll show us how to get to the platform./"
Rose smiled and nodded, "/Thank you./"
"/Oh it's not a problem dearie, just follow us/" Mrs. Weasley said as she led the way. She chatted with the other adult women about random things until they reached the platforms of 9 and 10. At the barrier between them, she instructed them on what to do.
"/Now all you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between these two platforms. If you're nervous its best if you do it at a bit of a run. Here, Percy, you go first./"
Percy ran right at the barrier. Gohan and Harry winced while Ranma watched calmly. Nabiki's eyes widened as Percy disappeared. Ranma grinned and then scooped up Nabiki, running straight at the barrier. Nabiki squeaked in fright as they went right through.
Ron blinked, "/He's brave./"
Harry shook his head, "/He just likes to run headlong into things./"
Rose shook her head and ushered Harry through and then Radditz with the carts. The Weasley twins and Ron went next as Gohan, ChiChi, and Mrs. Weasley brought up the rear.
Harry picked up Hedwig, his gift from Hagrid, and then looked at his trunk as he tried to get on the train. The Weasley twins, already on, came by after a moment, "/Need help?/"
Harry was about to nod when Ranma jumped out of the train and picked his trunk up easily.
The Weasley twins' jaws dropped as Ranma easily leapt back up on the train, "/No I think we've got it./"
Harry followed Ranma down the train but not before the twins caught sight of his scar. Fred and George exchanged a look as they ran to say goodbye to their mother. Ranma and Gohan also ran out of the train to give their mothers a kiss on the cheek while Harry and Nabiki watched from the window.
The four sat down in a car not saying anything as the train got moving. Ron walked in a moment later, "/All the other cars are full, mind if I sit with you?/"
Ranma shrugged stiffly, growing slightly uncomfortable as his tail wanted to come out from around his waist. Ron walked in and sat himself down next to Gohan, across from Harry, Ranma and Nabiki.
"/Are you really Harry Potter?/" he asked suddenly.
Harry removed his bangs to show his scar, and Ron's eyes widened. Ranma said nothing and looked out the window.
'It's just a scar,' Ranma thought watching the scenery pass by. Ron was apparently about to say something else when the sweets cart came by. Ranma's eyes widened at all the different sweets and he licked his chops. Nabiki giggled at him as he began pulling out a bit of money.
Ron sighed sadly as he said he was good. Harry frowned and then smiled at the witch pushing the cart, "/We'll take the lot!/"
After the cart left, Ron was amazed by how much Ranma and Gohan were eating in the short space of a few minutes. "/You'll be more amazed when we get to Hogwarts,/" Nabiki said, watching her two best friends with a grin.
Ron blinked, "/You mean they're always like that?/"
"/We've yet to figure out what can fill them up,/" Harry said teasingly as Ranma and Gohan glared at him.
"/Is it true you're related?/"
Ranma gulped and nodded, "/Harry's my cousin on my mother's side as is Dudley who's all muggle. Gohan's my cousin on my father's side. Nabiki's my best friend./"
Harry nodded, "/It's true. I'm sure he gets his stomach from his father though./"
Gohan said nothing as he finished his snacks and picked up one of his books. Ranma shook his head at his cousin and leaned back in his seat, by all appearances falling asleep.
Nabiki studied him a moment before laying her head on his shoulder and closing her own eyes. She smiled as his arm automatically came up around her waist. Harry, Gohan and Ron made small talk for a few hours until trouble came around.
Draco Malfoy quickly located the cart Harry Potter was rumored to be in. Barging in, he quickly located him via the scar and the glasses, "/So it is true, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts. I'm Draco Malfoy. These here are Crabbe and Goyle./"
Ron chuckled and Draco turned to the redheaded boy, "/Think my names funny do you? Don't need to ask who you are. Red hair, second hand robes, you must be a Weasley./"
He turned back to Harry, "/You'll find there are some wizarding families that are better than others. You don't want to go associating yourself with the wrong sort. I can help you with that./"
"/I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thank you,/" Harry said.
Draco scowled and then noticed the treats, "/Well, it looks like you have plenty of treats. We'll just help ourselves as a sign of your good will./"
Goyle plunged his hand towards the snacks, only to be stopped by Ranma, who had one eye open. He yawned, and casually got up, being careful to lay Nabiki back on the seat. "/Lay off/" he said, accent showing clearly since he was tired. He then pushed Goyle, Crabbe and Malfoy, out the door and shut it.
Ron watched wide-eyed as Ranma casually held the door shut.
"I'm proud of you Ranma, you did that with minimal violence," Gohan said, not looking up from his book.
Ranma stuck his tongue out at Gohan while Ron watched the exchange confused.
"/Don't ask they won't tell you/" Harry said with a resigned sigh.
Ron shrugged, but said nothing. He was just glad the three were gone.
A few moments later, a boy with a pale, round face poked his head in, "/Have any of you seen my frog?/"
Everyone shook their heads, and the boy frowned a moment before heading back out the door.
Ranma sighed as he closed his eyes again, wanting to sleep some more. Gohan was also falling asleep to the lull of the train. Ron watched his pet rat Scabbers for a moment before picking him up out of the every flavor jelly beans.
"/Are you sure he should be eating those? Won't they make him sick?/" Harry asked.
"/He can eat just about anything, and you wouldn't be able to tell if he died or not. He's extremely lazy and boring. I tried to turn him yellow a few days ago, to make him interesting. It didn't work though.... Here I'll show you/" Ron said, pulling out his wand.
Just then a girl poked her head into the cabin. "/Have any of you seen a toad? Neville's lost one/" she said loudly.
Ranma and Gohan groaned softly as the loud voice as they turned to glare at her reproachfully.
The girl ignored them, staring at Ron's wand, "/Are you doing magic? Let's see it then./"
Ron and Harry exchanged looks while Ranma and Gohan raised their eyebrows. Ron shrugged and recited the spell on Scabbers who didn't change at all. Ron groaned in defeat as the girl began speaking again. "/Are you sure that's a real spell? It's not very good is it? I've tried a few simple spells myself and they've all worked for me. No one in my family is magic at all so I was so surprised when I got my letter. I was ever so pleased of course, I mean, it's the best school for witchcraft and wizardry there is, I've heard – I've learned all our course books by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough – I'm Hermione Granger by the way, who are you?/"
Ranma choked slightly, waking up Nabiki, who stretched and rubbed her eyes. Harry's thoughts finally caught up with him and he answered, "/That's Ron Weasley. I'm Harry Potter..../"
"/Are you really? I know all about you, of course – I got a few extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century./"
Ranma snorted and Harry turned to grin at his cousin. Hermione then made ready to leave, "/You had better get your robes on, you know, I expect we'll be there soon./"
Harry just turned and stared after her, as did Ron. Ron threw his wand in his trunk before slamming the lid. Nabiki watched with mild interest before opening her trunk and pulling out her robes. "/Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be fine. Just ignore her for the moment, she'll learn that no one likes know it alls./"
With that everyone changed into their robes, watching as the sky grew dark outside.
***************************
*Omake*
Radditz snorted, and said nothing as he watched his child. He then looked at his wife who was fondly folding Ranma's clothes as she placed them in his trunk. 'Maybe another child,' Radditz thought as he breathed deeply. She was nearly ready to conceive, her scent overwhelming his senses.
He suddenly strode up to his wife and picked her up into his arms, breathing deeply as she clung to his shirt. He then strode to the unused room while Nabiki and Ranma sweatdropped.
Ranma turned a deep red as noises were heard from the other room while Nabiki giggled nervously. About five minutes later Ranma had to stop security from barging in on his parents, as doing that would be detrimental to their health.
Author's Notes: Sorry that this is taking so long but I've been lazy. Wait...... let me rephrase that...... ahhh screw it. I can't, it's true, I'm just lazy.
Now that my obvious faults are out of the way...... the poll.
Whom should I pair with whom? (I will only accept answers listed for the specific characters.)
Ranma: a) Nabiki b) Kim (OC) c) Hermione,
Harry: a) Hermione, b) Ginny, c) Videl
Gohan: a) Videl, b) Shampoo, c) Hikari (OC)
Also, another poll: Should I have Mirai Trunks come back when he's close to the same age as Ranma and Gohan? Yes/No
If yes, who should I pair him with: a) Akane, b) Shampoo, c) Hikari, d) Kim (True Friend or Magical Destiny, please specify)
Lessee, anything I forgot?
Oh yeah. The dragon scene is changed in the last chapter after thinking about it a bit. Happy now? If you don't like something you don't have to be rude about it. Next time it won't get changed whether it is reasonable or not.
Posted: 4/13/04
"/English/"
Three Young Heroes Chapter 5
Harry could feel the anticipation throughout the neighborhood. Something important was happening in the world, and he wasn't allowed to know what. His Aunt and Uncle weren't letting him or Dudley watch TV anymore, which was making Dudley scream.
Harry sighed, things weren't looking too good. He snuck a look around and then crept into the family room where the TV was. There was no one in there. He crept to the TV, only to be seized by the collar. "Well, well, well. You'll be stuck in the cupboard for a week for this!" Vernon roared.
Harry gulped and moaned as he was bodily thrown into the closet, only seeing Petunia's frightened face as the door was shut tight.
Petunia sighed, wishing Rose could have kept the boy. He had gotten into trouble recently with school. She HATED magic, and anything to do with it, but even her nephew deserved a little better treatment. Her hand twitched a bit and she smiled at the irony. They might not even be around tomorrow. Not even magic would be able to save them from this particular threat.
***********************************
Dumbledore sighed as Fudge organized his small army of wizards to send to Japan against the green monster. Japan had tried numerous times to dispatch the green thing but they were thwarted each time, and killed. There had been too many casualties. 'Voldemort is going to have an easier time of taking over if this keeps up,' Dumbledore thought. He had no doubt that Voldemort would be back, for the prophecy had not yet been fulfilled.
***********************************
Ranma tensed as he watched his Uncle be beaten, Cell not even breaking a sweat. He tugged at his collar slightly, and turned to watch his father.
Radditz was standing with his arms crossed and jaw clenched as he watched the fight. He looked down at his son, "If we could all combine our powers then we could easily beat him. However, he's prevented us from doing that with the tournament."
Ranma nodded, biting his lip, it would have been so easy if not for the tournament, unless Cell had good skills against many opponents. The green man seemed confident enough.
Ranma's eyes wandered over to his first sensei and cousin. Gohan seemed confident that his father could win, though Ranma could see that Cell was toying with him. 'Something happened in the chamber that makes Uncle Goku confident,' Ranma thought as he watched his cousin.
Everyone was surprised when Goku stepped down. Cell was astonished, thinking Goku was the best chance that the humans had. He smirked, "Very well then."
Goku flew up next to Gohan, and smiled kindly. "Go get him."
"Aunt ChiChi's not going to like this," Ranma said underneath his breath.
Radditz also shook his head as he watched Gohan float down to the arena and get ready to fight.
***********************************
The Tendo family watched the TV with wide eyes as they viewed live footage of the Cell Games. Nabiki gasped, "They're making Gohan fight!"
Soun grimaced slightly, decked out in his heavy armor in case anything threatened to come and destroy his girls. They were all he had left. "ChiChi is not going to be happy with that one," he said, remembering his own encounter with the woman's temper.
Kasumi bit her lip as she watched, praying that things would be alright.
Akane cheered Gohan on, telling him to, "Get the evil green thing!"
Everyone groaned as the TV went blank, and a new screen came on claiming technical difficulties.
Akane pouted, "They were getting to the best part!"
Nabiki blinked at her sister, 'I don't think she understands the reality of our situation yet.'
Akane then brightened, "I can get a play by play account from Ranma! He's there also!"
Nabiki shook slightly, her hand grasping the hem of her dress tightly. "Yeah, Akane. He'll be back with a grand tale of this wild adventure."
Kasumi's face softened slightly, and she pulled her sisters into a hug. Akane didn't know what was wrong with Nabiki or Kasumi, but the hug was nice.
A few minutes later, the TV changed once more, announcing that Hercule had defeated Cell.
Akane screamed her fury, "THERE'S NO WAY THAT SOB BEAT CELL! HE WAS ELIMINATED EARLY! HE'S NOT A GOOD FIGHTER ANYHOW, I CAN BEAT HIM!"
Nabiki turned off the television, and turned with an adamant look on her face, "We're going to wait for Ranma at his house."
Soun gulped at the look on Nabiki's face and nodded. Maybe they could get a free meal to help the budget.
***********************************
Gohan headed home with a heavy heart, Radditz going with him to offer their home as Ranma said Rose would want. Ranma, for his part, was sent home, to tell his mother what was going on. He was surprised to see the Tendos waiting for him.
"Huh, wha-?" was all he got out before he was tackled to the ground by four worried females, three children, one adult.
Akane looked excited as she asked over and over again about the tournament. Nabiki looked just content to cut off his air supply as Kasumi and his mother looked him over for injuries. Nodoka then looked around, letting her son go. "Where is your father?"
Ranma took a deep breath as he slowly disentangled himself from the three girls. "Uncle Goku died, and isn't being brought back like last time. He said he didn't want to be brought back, which I think is a mistake. Dad went to see if ChiChi would like to live with us for a time instead of out in the woods."
Rose smiled softly, "I didn't realize he would be so concerned. I must prepare a feast for his sensitivity."
Ranma sweatdropped as his mom went on about how manly her husband was. 'Did she even hear me about Uncle Goku?' he wondered.
Nabiki ran up and hugged him again, and Akane got in his face, eyes a bit calmer now, though she still rocked with energy. "What happened?"
"What do you mean he could have been brought back?" Kasumi asked softly.
Ranma looked down guiltily before explaining the Cell Games, and then the Dragonballs including their limitations. It was a good thing Soun was inside the house helping Rose.
***********************************
*One Month Later*
Ranma-chan watched the clouds go by listening to Gohan snore lightly nearby. They were waiting for the Tendo girls to arrive at the park to discuss the new turn of events. Hercule had appointed Tokyo as his new home and city officials agreed to change the name of a subdivision for him. He was slightly put out that they wouldn't name the whole city after him, but they didn't want to make their capital Satan City.
Thus, Nerima was now, Satan district. He was buying out property to build his house, and he was offering a generous sum for the Tendo home and dojo. Soun, had been forced to sell, as they were about to go bankrupt. Akane was angry at the loss of the dojo and the fact that they were moving. Nabiki was neutral on the subject, and Kasumi was understandably upset, though she did her best to support her father.
Ranma-chan rolled as Akane attacked from above. Akane attacked fast and furious, using a few ki blasts as she worked out her frustration on her older friend. Ranma just dodged, blocking when necessary, but watching Akane's actions and frowning. After a few moments she ended the fight, putting Akane painfully on her rear.
"You need to control your temper," she said, reaching down with a hand to help her up.
"THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY TEMPER!" Akane shouted, tears forming in her eyes.
Ranma-chan bit her lip, and looked around to see Gohan, Nabiki, and Kasumi watching them. She then sighed and knelt next to the girl. "I know you're upset Akane, but getting angry and not telling people what you feel is going to get you in trouble. It's ok to cry."
Akane curled herself up into a small ball, sniffling. Ranma sat down helplessly. Kasumi walked up to her sister, sure that Akane's anger was worked out. She knelt down and hugged her sister, "Now Akane, Ranma's right. We haven't lost everything so it's best to just let it go and move on. We can help with that but only if you talk to us."
Akane just nodded and Nabiki stepped up to stand next to her best friend. Ranma looked up to speak when three owls swooped down and dropped three letters, one going to Gohan, one going to Nabiki, and one going to Ranma. Kasumi and Akane watched, eyes wide.
Ranma puzzled over the letter in her hand before opening it. It was in English, but studying with Gohan and Nabiki had made him rather fluent in the language, as well as a couple others. Even then, Nabiki was closer to Gohan's genius level than he was. He was just two grades ahead most students his age with a multitude of languages under his belt. It was suggested that Nabiki skip three or four grades in school, and Gohan was close to seven grades ahead, learning college level things already.
"/Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,/" Ranma read out loud. She looked up in confusion, "What's that?"
Nabiki shrugged as she opened her own and looked to Gohan, who had also had opened his. Nabiki bit her lip, "Maybe we should ask our parents."
Akane was looking up interestedly, "Can I see? I wanna know too!"
A few moments later Radditz, Soun, Rose, and ChiChi walked into the clearing where their children were. "What do you have there Ranma-chan?" Rose asked, seeing her child staring at something.
Ranma wordlessly handed up her letter. Nodoka's eyes widened and she squealed with joy, hugging her, currently, daughter. "Oh this is wonderful news!"
Nabiki and Gohan exchanged looks, "What is it?"
The other adults looked on curiously as well, and Rose grinned at Gohan and Nabiki, seeing they had letters as well. "My sister went to Hogwarts. It's a wonderful school but only those gifted may be enrolled. It is wonderful that you three have letters!"
ChiChi snatched Gohan's letter, "What kind of school is it?"
"A school of magic. They will learn to control the magic they have," Rose said, stopping at ChiChi's frown.
"What about a real education!?" ChiChi screeched much to the saiyans dismay.
Nodoka sighed, "It is a real education. Just a different one. If it really bothers you I'm sure you can send some regular books with him but I really recommend Hogwarts. I'm sending Ranma, and I'm sure Soun will send Nabiki."
Nabiki bit her lip, "We don't have enou......"
"Nonsense dear," Soun said, "You may go. We'll manage. I'm sure there are a few tournaments Akane may enter that we may get money from. I can get a job."
Nabiki bit her lip, and then looked down to see Ranma's pleading eyes. It was obvious that he didn't want to go alone.
She nodded her head, smiling a bit. Kasumi's eyes were wide with joy as her father began to get himself together once again. Radditz scowled, "What about his training?"
Rose gave him a cold, level look, "You promised he would study more anyways. He can train when he comes home for the summers. They need to get ready to go to England right now though so we may get their supplies."
Radditz groaned and Soun's eyes widened, "England?"
"Of course," Rose said primly, "It's a boarding school so they'll be taken care of. They'll come home for the summer. Don't change your mind now."
She then got up and whispered in his ear, "Especially if you want Ranma to marry one of your daughters."
Soun's eyes widened and then he nodded, "Of course! It's alright if Nabiki goes! And when Akane gets her letter she'll go as well."
"Father, she might not get one," Kasumi said before turning to Akane, "Please don't expect one and get your hopes too high. Like Auntie said, it's only for those with magic."
Akane nodded, though you could see in her eyes that she expected to get one.
Ranma looked around him, and wondered if Harry was going to Hogwarts as well.
*********************************
Harry jumped trying to catch one of the letters. Vernon shoved both boys out the door and locked it, keeping both Harry and Dudley from getting a look at the letters.
Harry groaned as he heard Uncle Vernon yell that they were leaving. Petunia walked into the room, resigned, and Harry wondered if she knew what all this was about.
********************************
Radditz groaned as he watched the metal planes. Amazingly, Bulma said she, Vegeta, and Trunks were going with them. She had her own private jet for them waiting at the airport for them. Bulma hadn't the slightest clue about Hogwarts, but was happy to supply them with a free ride.
They were on their way, Akane grumbling because she wanted to fly herself. Nabiki was playing cards with Ranma, Gohan, Vegeta, and Bulma. Ranma was losing badly, with Vegeta in a close second. Bulma and Nabiki were tied with Gohan only slightly behind them.
Ranma groaned as he lost another hand, "I give up. I need to blast something."
"Not while in the plane," Bulma said sharply, fixing her eyes on both Ranma and Vegeta.
Both scowled, and Ranma got up to go talk to his father, who was sitting against the wall. Ranma then noticed a chess game, and picked it up. "Hey dad, do you want to play?"
Radditz studied a moment before raising an eyebrow.
Ranma grinned, "I'll teach you how to play. Gohan taught me."
Radditz sighed and sat down, figuring there was nothing else to do.
Radditz proved a quick study for the game and they were soon deep in the game of strategy, not noticing that they had an audience. Ranma grinned and made his move, "Checkmate!"
Radditz groaned, and studied it a moment before conceding defeat. They reset the board and began again. "What are you doing?" Akane asked from the side.
"Playing chess," Ranma said, making a move.
Akane crept closer and sat down to watch, having grown tired of the other women's fussing over Trunks. She watched as they traded victories, eventually falling asleep.
**************************************
They made it to England and to the provided hotel. Nabiki was obviously enjoying living in the lap of luxury, as were Akane and Soun. Kasumi looked a little lost with nothing to do. Nodoka quickly took her in hand as she and ChiChi promised to teach the girl to sew. Gohan was studying a book while Ranma, Vegeta, and Radditz looked around, agitated slightly.
Bulma quickly pulled her husband to their room, handing Trunks off to ChiChi, who had promised to watch him. Soun shared a room with Ranma and Radditz while ChiChi, Nodoka and the girls shared another. Little Trunks went with them.
The next morning, Bulma dragged Vegeta and Trunks off to see about the deal to expand Capsule Corp in England while Ranma, Rose, Nabiki, Gohan and ChiChi went to find Diagon Alley.
"/How are we supposed to get to Diagon Alley?/" Ranma asked his mother, who looked around worriedly.
"I'm.........not sure," she said, frowning.
ChiChi was about to open her mouth when a loud voice interrupted them. "/Do ya need help?/"
The group turned around and Nabiki automatically clung to Ranma. The giant of the man behind them had a long scraggly beard. ChiChi just looked up at the man thoughtfully, "/You wouldn't happen to be related to Gyuu Maou would you?/"
"/Who?/" the large man asked.
ChiChi shook her head, "/Sorry. Never mind. We're looking for Diagon Alley?/"
Hagrid nodded as Harry came up behind him, "/Me n'........./"
"/Harry!/" Ranma, Nabiki, and Gohan shouted, running up to the boy.
Harry grinned, "/Wow! I didn't think I'd see you all here!/"
Ranma held up his letter, "/We all got one./"
Nabiki and Gohan nodded in agreement. "/Looks like we'll be attending with you/" Nabiki said with a smile.
Harry grinned and introduced Hagrid to his friends and cousin. Hagrid puzzled a moment at Ranma, "/I thought Harry had only one set of family./"
Rose sighed, "/I'd rather not explain at the moment, but Dumbledore sees fit that Harry stay with my sister Petunia./"
Harry and Ranma blinked, that was the first they had heard of it. Ranma then thought of recent events and decided he agreed. It was better that Harry had stayed with the Dursleys.
Moments later everyone was awed by Diagon Alley as Hagrid led the way to Gringotts so they could get money exchanged and open an account.
Radditz's eyes widened a bit and he began to pace the hotel room as he felt his wife's ki disappear and his child's become muffled, in a manner of speaking. Something was covering them from his senses and it worried him.
"Is something wrong?" Soun asked, a little startled by the other man's antics.
Radditz snorted, but stopped pacing to stand by the window.
Meanwhile, Ranma waved as Harry got to go on one of the carts with Hagrid. Nabiki and ChiChi were already talking to one of the tellers, trying to find out what the exchange rates were and seeing if there was a way to take out a loan for this bank. Gohan sighed from behind Ranma, "When do you think they'll stop asking questions and start exchanging money?"
"When Harry returns," Ranma said, looking for a bench to sit on. He was bored. He wanted to go out and look for things, not sit at a bank while Aunt ChiChi and Nabiki argued with the teller.
Gohan sighed and walked up to his mother to see if he could get them started doing things. Ranma, however, finally found a place to sit and gave an exasperated sigh as the only person he could talk to started arguing with the rest. He then looked at his mother, who wasn't arguing, but listening intently as the others asked questions.
Ranma closed his eyes and leaned back, letting his senses run over the area. There were numerous energies that he couldn't identify readily though they felt kind of familiar. 'Wonder if that's magic energy,' Ranma thought to himself as he felt someone walk up and sit down next to him on the bench. He lazily opened an eye and looked next to him to see woman and a boy with pale blond hair and rather stuck up looks sitting there. They were looking disapprovingly around them at people.
The boy had caught sight of ChiChi, Nabiki, Gohan, and Ranma's mother. "/It looks like they'll let anyone in here,/" he sniffed disdainfully, "/Those mudbloods aren't even from around here./"
Ranma tensed a bit, not quite sure what he meant but knowing it was an insult. He opened both eyes and began to turn when ChiChi yelled out in rapid fire Japanese at the teller. He blushed at a few of the explicative words as Gohan, Rose and Nabiki tried to calm the furious woman down.
Nabiki gave up a moment later and walked over to where Ranma was sitting, "I give up."
"What's wrong?" Ranma said, ignoring the fact that the two sitting next to him scooted away.
Nabiki shrugged, "They wouldn't give her a loan for school things. I think she's really overreacting though."
Ranma nodded as he watched his aunt before sighing. He stood, and stretched a moment, before gesturing to the bench, "Have a seat."
Nabiki blinked, "But it's your seat."
Ranma shook his head, "Its ok. I'll stand."
Nabiki blushed a moment before sitting as Ranma took to leaning against the wall. Both watched as Rose and Gohan got ChiChi to calm down. Nabiki suddenly reached up and grabbed his hand, tugging on his arm slightly.
Ranma looked down at her curiously and she pointed over to where Harry had disappeared. Harry was running through at top speed, making his way to Ranma.
Ranma grinned, "/Hi Harry. Have fun?/"
Harry laughed, "/It was like a roller coaster ride! You wouldn't believe the stuff down there!/"
Ranma idly noticed the woman and boy getting up and leaving with an older man before turning back to Harry, "/Are you coming shopping with us then?/"
Hagrid ambled up behind Harry, "/If yeh wouldn't mind it. I need a pick me up at thuh Leaky Cauldron./"
Ranma grinned and nodded, "/He's family. It'd be rude not to./"
Hagrid nodded and left, "/I'll meet yeh later then Harry./"
Harry nodded and waved as Hagrid left. Moments later, Rose, Gohan, and ChiChi walked back to where they were standing.
"Are we ready now?" ChiChi asked.
Ranma mentally rolled his eyes and nodded, helping Nabiki up. The small group then left. They found themselves at the robe shop first.
Madame Malkin each brought them to the back and stood them on stools before leaving to get materials. Already back there was the boy Ranma had seen in the bank. Apparently, the boy had a bad short term memory as he began talking to them.
"/Hello,/" he said, "/Hogwarts also?/"
They all nodded, and the boy continued without allowing them to speak. "/My father's next door buying my books and my mother's up the street looking at wands. Then I'm going to drag them off to look at racing brooms. I don't see why first years can't have their own. I think I'll bully father into getting me one and smuggle it in somehow./"
"/Rules are there for a reason,/" Gohan said.
"/Yeah,/" Ranma said with a grin, "/For bending and breaking!/"
Nabiki giggled while Harry laughed outright. Even Gohan had to grin as he shook his head, "/Ranma, you know better./"
Ranma just stood straight with a trademark smirk on his face and his arms crossed over his chest.
The kid smirked a bit before continuing, "/Play Quidditch at all?/"
"/No/" the four answered in unison and the boy smirked some more, "/I do – Father says it's a crime if I'm not picked to play for my house, and I must say I agree. Know what house you'll be in yet? I'm sure I'll be in Slytherin, though no one really knows until they get there. Imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?/"
The four blinked and exchanged glances, not knowing what this other person was talking about. Just then, Madam Malkin walked in with her arms full. She quickly fitted Malfoy and then sent him off. He left with a, "/I guess I'll see you at Hogwarts./"
Harry sighed in relief as Ranma tried to hold in his temper. One by one they were fitted and walked out to greet ChiChi and Rose.
Ranma was the last to be fitted and ran out as soon as the seamstress was done. They quickly left and met Hagrid outside, who stated that he would show them around. ChiChi soon engaged him in a conversation concerning her father. Hagrid was finding it rather informative while Rose listened in with half an ear. Gohan, Nabiki, Ranma, and Harry all stayed to the back, looking over their letters for what they would need for the coming year.
They had soon picked up everything except their wands and were headed to Ollivanders when Hagrid backed off with a vague excuse for not heading to the store.
They entered, and Ollivander soon walked up to them, silver eyes glinting in the dim light.
*****************************
Nabiki stared at her wand, wondering what made the small stick so important to her learning. Her gaze wandered to Ranma, who was boredly twirling his about his fingers while his mother fussed with his clothing. 'Pity the robes hide so much of him,' Nabiki thought as she put her wand down and stood.
She stretched a moment to see Akane heading towards her trunk. "Akane, what are you doing?"
Akane froze, and then automatically turned to face her sister, "I just wanted a head start."
Nabiki shook her head, "No."
Akane scowled, "Oh Come on Nabiki!"
Nabiki shook her head again, "We don't even know if you have magic. Besides, it won't help you since you can't use it in public."
Akane scowled and turned to stomp off and sulk. Ranma walked over to where Nabiki was standing, "She wants to learn?"
Nabiki nodded, and studied her best friend for a moment. "What do you think?"
"I don't think she has it at all," Ranma said, shrugging off his robe to show the gi he had on underneath.
Radditz snorted, and said nothing as he watched his child. He then looked at his wife who was fondly folding Ranma's clothes as she placed them in his trunk. 'Maybe another child,' Radditz thought as he breathed deeply. She was nearly ready to conceive.
He was brought out of his reverie by Ranma tugging on his shirt, "Hey dad...... can we go spar?"
Rose looked up, startled, and watched her husband and Ranma silently as Radditz gave his son a smirk. She then looked at Gohan, who had his head in an advanced physics book.
"Gohan, why don't you go with them? And invite Soun along. I'd like some time to spend just us girls before Kasumi, Akane and Soun leave."
Radditz nodded and scooped his eleven year old child up over one shoulder and doing the same to his eleven year old cousin. Nabiki giggled at Gohan's surprised look and brought out a camera she always had hidden on her. Snapping the picture, she quickly stowed it with a smug grin on her face.
Gohan groaned as he was carried off, looking forlornly at his forgotten book. It was just so interesting.
Ranma grinned as he knocked on the door where Soun was talking with ChiChi and his other two children. The 'talk' sounded more like a screaming match though.
Radditz kicked the door open with his foot, being careful not to damage it. The yelling stopped as ChiChi glared at them, ready to lecture on proper manners.
Radditz interrupted, "Rose wants to see the girls in the other room. Soun, you're with us."
When Soun looked ready to protest, Radditz glared at him. Soun eeped, and followed without a word. Radditz grinned, "That is definitely more effective than his so called demon head."
Ranma laughed and banged on his father's back again. Radditz tossed him up again and caught him, settling him on his shoulder and doing the same for Gohan. Gohan smiled shyly at his uncle as a faint memory of that happening with his father glimmered to the surface.
Radditz ducked the door and walked outside, "Let's go. Light sparring, remember that. Rose would kill me if what we were got out."
Ranma and Gohan nodded solemnly, knowing much of the populace would react badly if someone convinced them that saiyans were invaders.
'Course, we were invaders,' Radditz thought privately as they headed out.
***************************
Nabiki waved goodbye to her family as they boarded the Brief's jet for Japan. Bulma looked quite satisfied that the market for capsules would be uninhibited and she was ready to move out. She promised to send a jet for ChiChi, Rose, and Radditz when the time came for them to get home.
Now all that was left was getting to platform 9 ¾ the next day.
***************************
They met Harry at the train station, who was frowning at his ticket. Rose gave him a curious look, "/Harry dear, what's wrong?/"
Harry showed her the ticket, "/There is no platform 9 ¾./"
Rose frowned as she studied Ranma's ticket. Radditz groaned from underneath Nabiki's trunk and grabbed a convenient dolly. He then piled the three trunks on top of it. Harry shook his head, knowing his uncle would be able to push the dolly easily. Ranma just grinned at his father while Gohan gave polite thanks. Nabiki gave Radditz a shy smile and walked up to Ranma, grasping his hand.
'Sorry Akane, Ranma's mine!' she thought as she smiled at Ranma's confused look.
Ranma just shrugged and followed his mother, still holding Nabiki's hand. Rose gave a secret grin as she moved to ask a guard for help. ChiChi waited impatiently as it was decided she didn't have the disposition to ask for help patiently.
Gohan frowned at his mother, and she stilled a bit, giving a forlorn sigh. She then looked around until she spotted a family that looked a little oddly dressed for normal muggles. Seeing Rose still occupied with the guard, she went to ask them for help.
"That was pointless," Rose said, looking around the group, "Where's ChiChi?"
Harry looked at her, confused, still not understanding a whole lot of Japanese. Gohan and the rest looked around until he saw ChiChi chatting with another woman. ChiChi noticed them looking and waved them over. As soon as they reached the area, ChiChi introduced them, "/This is Mrs. Weasley and her children. They're going to Hogwarts as well. They'll show us how to get to the platform./"
Rose smiled and nodded, "/Thank you./"
"/Oh it's not a problem dearie, just follow us/" Mrs. Weasley said as she led the way. She chatted with the other adult women about random things until they reached the platforms of 9 and 10. At the barrier between them, she instructed them on what to do.
"/Now all you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between these two platforms. If you're nervous its best if you do it at a bit of a run. Here, Percy, you go first./"
Percy ran right at the barrier. Gohan and Harry winced while Ranma watched calmly. Nabiki's eyes widened as Percy disappeared. Ranma grinned and then scooped up Nabiki, running straight at the barrier. Nabiki squeaked in fright as they went right through.
Ron blinked, "/He's brave./"
Harry shook his head, "/He just likes to run headlong into things./"
Rose shook her head and ushered Harry through and then Radditz with the carts. The Weasley twins and Ron went next as Gohan, ChiChi, and Mrs. Weasley brought up the rear.
Harry picked up Hedwig, his gift from Hagrid, and then looked at his trunk as he tried to get on the train. The Weasley twins, already on, came by after a moment, "/Need help?/"
Harry was about to nod when Ranma jumped out of the train and picked his trunk up easily.
The Weasley twins' jaws dropped as Ranma easily leapt back up on the train, "/No I think we've got it./"
Harry followed Ranma down the train but not before the twins caught sight of his scar. Fred and George exchanged a look as they ran to say goodbye to their mother. Ranma and Gohan also ran out of the train to give their mothers a kiss on the cheek while Harry and Nabiki watched from the window.
The four sat down in a car not saying anything as the train got moving. Ron walked in a moment later, "/All the other cars are full, mind if I sit with you?/"
Ranma shrugged stiffly, growing slightly uncomfortable as his tail wanted to come out from around his waist. Ron walked in and sat himself down next to Gohan, across from Harry, Ranma and Nabiki.
"/Are you really Harry Potter?/" he asked suddenly.
Harry removed his bangs to show his scar, and Ron's eyes widened. Ranma said nothing and looked out the window.
'It's just a scar,' Ranma thought watching the scenery pass by. Ron was apparently about to say something else when the sweets cart came by. Ranma's eyes widened at all the different sweets and he licked his chops. Nabiki giggled at him as he began pulling out a bit of money.
Ron sighed sadly as he said he was good. Harry frowned and then smiled at the witch pushing the cart, "/We'll take the lot!/"
After the cart left, Ron was amazed by how much Ranma and Gohan were eating in the short space of a few minutes. "/You'll be more amazed when we get to Hogwarts,/" Nabiki said, watching her two best friends with a grin.
Ron blinked, "/You mean they're always like that?/"
"/We've yet to figure out what can fill them up,/" Harry said teasingly as Ranma and Gohan glared at him.
"/Is it true you're related?/"
Ranma gulped and nodded, "/Harry's my cousin on my mother's side as is Dudley who's all muggle. Gohan's my cousin on my father's side. Nabiki's my best friend./"
Harry nodded, "/It's true. I'm sure he gets his stomach from his father though./"
Gohan said nothing as he finished his snacks and picked up one of his books. Ranma shook his head at his cousin and leaned back in his seat, by all appearances falling asleep.
Nabiki studied him a moment before laying her head on his shoulder and closing her own eyes. She smiled as his arm automatically came up around her waist. Harry, Gohan and Ron made small talk for a few hours until trouble came around.
Draco Malfoy quickly located the cart Harry Potter was rumored to be in. Barging in, he quickly located him via the scar and the glasses, "/So it is true, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts. I'm Draco Malfoy. These here are Crabbe and Goyle./"
Ron chuckled and Draco turned to the redheaded boy, "/Think my names funny do you? Don't need to ask who you are. Red hair, second hand robes, you must be a Weasley./"
He turned back to Harry, "/You'll find there are some wizarding families that are better than others. You don't want to go associating yourself with the wrong sort. I can help you with that./"
"/I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thank you,/" Harry said.
Draco scowled and then noticed the treats, "/Well, it looks like you have plenty of treats. We'll just help ourselves as a sign of your good will./"
Goyle plunged his hand towards the snacks, only to be stopped by Ranma, who had one eye open. He yawned, and casually got up, being careful to lay Nabiki back on the seat. "/Lay off/" he said, accent showing clearly since he was tired. He then pushed Goyle, Crabbe and Malfoy, out the door and shut it.
Ron watched wide-eyed as Ranma casually held the door shut.
"I'm proud of you Ranma, you did that with minimal violence," Gohan said, not looking up from his book.
Ranma stuck his tongue out at Gohan while Ron watched the exchange confused.
"/Don't ask they won't tell you/" Harry said with a resigned sigh.
Ron shrugged, but said nothing. He was just glad the three were gone.
A few moments later, a boy with a pale, round face poked his head in, "/Have any of you seen my frog?/"
Everyone shook their heads, and the boy frowned a moment before heading back out the door.
Ranma sighed as he closed his eyes again, wanting to sleep some more. Gohan was also falling asleep to the lull of the train. Ron watched his pet rat Scabbers for a moment before picking him up out of the every flavor jelly beans.
"/Are you sure he should be eating those? Won't they make him sick?/" Harry asked.
"/He can eat just about anything, and you wouldn't be able to tell if he died or not. He's extremely lazy and boring. I tried to turn him yellow a few days ago, to make him interesting. It didn't work though.... Here I'll show you/" Ron said, pulling out his wand.
Just then a girl poked her head into the cabin. "/Have any of you seen a toad? Neville's lost one/" she said loudly.
Ranma and Gohan groaned softly as the loud voice as they turned to glare at her reproachfully.
The girl ignored them, staring at Ron's wand, "/Are you doing magic? Let's see it then./"
Ron and Harry exchanged looks while Ranma and Gohan raised their eyebrows. Ron shrugged and recited the spell on Scabbers who didn't change at all. Ron groaned in defeat as the girl began speaking again. "/Are you sure that's a real spell? It's not very good is it? I've tried a few simple spells myself and they've all worked for me. No one in my family is magic at all so I was so surprised when I got my letter. I was ever so pleased of course, I mean, it's the best school for witchcraft and wizardry there is, I've heard – I've learned all our course books by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough – I'm Hermione Granger by the way, who are you?/"
Ranma choked slightly, waking up Nabiki, who stretched and rubbed her eyes. Harry's thoughts finally caught up with him and he answered, "/That's Ron Weasley. I'm Harry Potter..../"
"/Are you really? I know all about you, of course – I got a few extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century./"
Ranma snorted and Harry turned to grin at his cousin. Hermione then made ready to leave, "/You had better get your robes on, you know, I expect we'll be there soon./"
Harry just turned and stared after her, as did Ron. Ron threw his wand in his trunk before slamming the lid. Nabiki watched with mild interest before opening her trunk and pulling out her robes. "/Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be fine. Just ignore her for the moment, she'll learn that no one likes know it alls./"
With that everyone changed into their robes, watching as the sky grew dark outside.
***************************
*Omake*
Radditz snorted, and said nothing as he watched his child. He then looked at his wife who was fondly folding Ranma's clothes as she placed them in his trunk. 'Maybe another child,' Radditz thought as he breathed deeply. She was nearly ready to conceive, her scent overwhelming his senses.
He suddenly strode up to his wife and picked her up into his arms, breathing deeply as she clung to his shirt. He then strode to the unused room while Nabiki and Ranma sweatdropped.
Ranma turned a deep red as noises were heard from the other room while Nabiki giggled nervously. About five minutes later Ranma had to stop security from barging in on his parents, as doing that would be detrimental to their health.