Chapter 12
The next month passed in a blur for Gohan, between school and training with Piccolo the young boy didn't have much time to think about the good news that the kids in his year, well most everyone besides Eddie, had finally stopped whispering around him and had instead moved onto the next topic of gossip. He was relegated to just being ignored in general which was more than fine for the wild haired boy.
It was the last Saturday in November, Gohan had found himself following the usual path he took down from his dormitory towards the forest. The young saiyan was preoccupied thinking about Piccolo's training and where they had last left off, wondering whether the pair would practice again down on Earth as opposed to the Lookout because all of the various energies of the world made him have to concentrate even harder on his magic. Not paying attention resulted in the young warrior almost bumping into someone rounding the staircase into the Front Hall. The dark blur of messy black hair caught Gohan's attention and he realized that it was in fact his friend who was also up at the crack of dawn.
"Al, what are you doing up this early?" Gohan asked startling his young friend. When the other boy turned around Gohan noticed that the young wizard looked very disheveled, rumpled clothes obviously hastily thrown on under his robes. Red rimmed the boy's green eyes which quickly averted their gaze once he saw who was talking to him.
"Oh, hi Gohan, didn't think anyone would be up this early on a Saturday." Albus' voice barely made it out of his own mouth not that it stopped Gohan from hearing him loud and clear. Gohan had told his friends that he spent Saturday's sleeping in and doing homework in the dorm. It was an easier explanation than the actual truth and made it so them not seeing the half-saiyan boy all day until dinner wasn't unexpected. Gohan however was immediately regretting his lie as his observant friend looked him up and down, Gohan was wearing his training Gi again to visit Piccolo, the last time they ended up sparring a bit before practicing Gohan's new technique which had helped him to focus on drawing out his magic later.
"Woah Gohan you're jacked!" The other dark haired boy exclaimed, it was the loudest by far he had spoken that morning. Gohan rubbed the back of his head, his sleeveless Gi allowed for nice range of motion, but the climate at Hogwarts, especially this time of year wasn't typical for sleeveless shirts.
"What're you wearing?" Al asked drawing his attention away from his friends crazily defined muscles to the rest of the strange get up. Albus self-consciously grabbed at his own robes that hid his own gangly childish physique.
"Oh, it's some training clothes, I like to go out and do some meditation and stuff in the mornings." Gohan said not wishing to completely lie to his friend who despite having a slightly cheerier tone to his voice still exuded misery. The boys continued walking together through the entrance hall, both seeming to have the same destination of the outdoors in mind.
"That's cool, though you might be cold." Albus replied in honesty wrapping his own green scarf more securely to protect against the morning frost they had just emerged out into. "I'm just er going to see Hagrid, he invited me to morning tea and so um that's where I'm headed." The dark haired boy rambled much less honestly to his friend. Gohan thought that his excuse had something to do with his disheveled appearance but didn't want to pry if his friend didn't want to talk about it.
"That's nice, um well I'm going to go do my training," Gohan gestured somewhere to the grounds on his left, "Tell Hagrid hi for me." The polite boy finished with a smile. Albus obviously didn't seem to want to elaborate and the young saiyan didn't want to make the other boy any more uncomfortable so they parted ways about halfway between the castle and Hagrid's cabin, with a farewell and wave.
Gohan made his way in the direction he had randomly pointed to which happened to be towards the lake, taking his time while he concentrated on his friends energy. After he was sure that Al was tucked safely inside of Hagrid's cabin, and checking that he was also far enough away not to be seen, Gohan flew into the air and set his usual course towards the Lookout for the day.
During his short flight Gohan thought about his friend. Albus clearly was upset that morning and seeking refuge with Hagrid when they ran into one another. The half-saiyan knew that the other boy was having a hard time in some of his classes and his roommates steered clear of the messy haired boy as much as they could. The rest of the school besides Gohan and Scorpius had given the quiet boy a wide berth as well, except for the boy's many family members who seemed to be cordial enough. Gohan had thought many times that perhaps being friends with the delinquent from East District wasn't helping Albus make other friends. He had voiced his concern a few times over the past month, only for his friend to quickly dismiss his trepidation on the matter. It filled Gohan with warmth that Albus liked him enough to stick by him despite dealing with his own rumors and gossip, but it also made him feel guilty as well. Nearing the Lookout Gohan changed his focus to his training knowing his mentor never appreciated anything but his full concentration.
Piccolo had insisted on them training at one of his favorite waterfalls that day which Gohan happily obliged to, any time outdoors was a good day for the half-saiyan. On Gohan's return trip thoughts of his dark haired friend once again fleeted through the young boys mind. The kind hearted boy couldn't help but wonder if there was a way he could help cheer up his first friend. Deciding on a plan, Gohan sped up his flight and slipped into the castle unnoticed by the other students. Changing into his usual casual clothes, Gohan made his way to the library. He knew he would be able to find his studious blond friend there and he needed the wizards help. Spotting the bright haired boy in his usual study carrel, Gohan made his way toward his friend and sat down at the carrel next to the boy. Scorpius looked up not used to many people disturbing his peace in the library but upon seeing it was one of his dark haired friends his face broke into a warm smile.
"Hi Gohan! Studying up here today?" Scorpius asked, he had a standing invitation with his friends to study together, but Saturdays usually found the studious Ravenclaw boy alone.
"Hi Scorp!" Gohan replied as brightly, looking down at what the blond was working on. "Is that the Transfiguration essay?" Receiving a nod, Gohan continued, "Actually would you mind proofreading mine when I'm done, if I get another point deducted because of a missed comma my mom is going to freak out on me." Gohan laughed to himself. Despite getting out of Detention with Professor Mutatío, the stern man had been anything but pleasant to the young boy, he was spiteful if you asked Albus his opinion on the matter. Since that fateful day last month, anytime Gohan did a spell wrong Mutatío would deduct a point from Gryffindor, he was also particularly hard with his grading, deducting points for small syntax errors in his essays which most of the other Professors wouldn't even notice. It wasn't even as if the Professor was doing that because he was on the Hufflepuff boy Glassman's side. Mutatío was a stern professor that never played favorites which made the majority of the student population wary of the man. However, Gohan never wanting to cause trouble merely decided to double down and turn in perfect assignments despite his unfair treatment.
"Sure thing." Scorpius replied understanding his friends problem earning him a grin from his wild haired friend.
"So, I was thinking…" Gohan began deciding he should get straight to the point since he had already interrupted his friends studying. "Ummm...well I was actually wondering, what do wizard kids like to do in their free time?" This earned Gohan a confused look from his friend, the half-saiyan realized how awkward his question had sounded and tried to rephrase it.
"Ok well you see, I saw Al earlier today and he looked pretty down and I was hoping we could cheer him up by doing something fun." Gohan explained hoping his explanation made sense to his friend. To his delight, his tall blonde friend literally leaped at the suggestion.
"That's a great idea Gohan! Ok let's see...what should we do." Scorpius sat back down at the table chewing on the end of his pen in thought.
"Oh I know, we can get lots of candy and treats from the kitchens! Did I tell you I found out where they are?" Scorpius exclaimed realising he hadn't told his friend about his recent discovery.
"Wow Scorp, that sounds like something I would come up with!" Gohan laughed poking fun at himself. "But really if you don't tell me where the kitchens are, I won't be your friend anymore." Gohan said switching tones suddenly to a serious voice before bursting out in laughter, his Ravenclaw friend joining in. Not noticing another presence between their peels of laughter, both boys were startled when a new voice entered the mix. Peeking her head above the opposite study carrel, Rose Granger-Weasley looked at the two boys with a clear look of annoyance.
"Will you two please shut up, some of us are trying to study here!" The frizzy ginger haired girl complained.
"Oh sorry Rose," Gohan apologized rubbing the back of his head, he hadn't realized how loud they had gotten in the library which was supposed to be a quiet place. "We were just trying to come up with something fun to do with Al." Gohan admitted honestly. Rose's anger quickly diminished into a thoughtful expression.
"That sounds nice, he's been looking kinda down all week." Rose said feeling bad for her cousin, still staring across the carrel at the two boys, the smart girl's eyes suddenly lit up in thought.
"I know what you should do! Al likes movies, you should see if the Room of Requirement will work!" The red headed girl exclaimed clearly proud of her idea. Her triumph diminished some when she noticed the blank look on the two boys' faces.
"You know, the Room of Hidden Things?" Confused expressions still present on the two boys, Rose tried again. "My parents used the room to train the DA during the war..." upon receiving blank stares the girl continued, "Huh. I thought everyone knew about it now. Anyway, my mom said that the room can conjure anything the user wants, maybe it could make a movie room for you guys?" Gohan lit up at the suggestion, he had known Albus had liked movies, he often talked about them to a completely clueless Gohan and an occasionally informed Scorpius.
"That sounds awesome!" The boys blurted out at the same time, looking back at one another they burst into laughter once again.
"So where is the room?" Scorpius asked after the boys had calmed down, clearly neither was going to get much more studying in before dinner. Rose was nice enough to show them where the room supposedly was on the Seventh floor near a tapestry of dancing trolls. The bright young girl proceeded to pace in front of the wall three times before suddenly a door appeared in the wall. The ginger haired girl smiled to herself before approaching the door and opening it into what was once a solid wall. Inside the trio found a dimly lit room with a large screen TV recessed into the wall. A huge comfortable couch with recliner seats sat in front of the large screen creating the perfect movie viewing experience.
"Yes, I did it!" Rose congratulated herself on the accomplishment with a fist pump. The boys were filled with awe.
"This is so great Rose!" Scorpius exclaimed, his voice rising with his delight.
"Thank you, it's perfect!" Gohan said, Scorpius soon repeating the same exact phrase.
"No prob, I'm just excited it worked! I have to tell my mom, she didn't know if they rebuilt it after the war." Rose smiled at the two boys. Rose then proceeded to give the two boys a short run down on what she did to summon the room before the trio left to go down to the Great Hall for dinner.
"Are you sure you don't want to watch the movie with us too, Scorpius is bringing treats from the kitchens?" Gohan offered again not knowing how else he could express his gratitude towards the girl.
"I'm sure, but thanks. I don't want to get in the middle of boy time, plus Albus has atrocious taste in movies anyway." Rose made a face before smirking, "Consider this a favor Son, I still plan on getting you to tell me all about East District you know." The redhead smiled before making her way to sit with her friends for dinner leaving the two grinning boys in her wake.
"I just don't get her." Gohan simply stated before shaking his head and turning to Scorpius, the pair deciding on a spot at the Ravenclaw table. Shortly after they were joined by their green-eyed friend who looked considerably more put together since Gohan's impromptu meeting that morning. Gohan thought tea with Hagrid must have cheered the other boy up some, but he was hoping their plan for tonight would ease the obvious tension in the other boys frame and help him relax a bit more.
After finishing dinner, Scorpius and Gohan convinced Albus to follow them for a surprise. Albus looked suspicious as the group started their way up the staircase towards the upper floors. Before they got halfway up the stairs Scorpius suddenly stopped and shook his head.
"Ack, I forgot the treats, I'll meet you guys up there ok?" Scorpius said quickly before skipping back down the stairs leaving the two dark haired boys.
"That was weird. Gohan what's going on?" Albus asked again this time hoping for a straight answer. Gohan only responded with a smile towards his friend and continued up the stairway.
"It's a surprise, honestly I didn't think anyone could be worse about trying to ruin surprises than my dad." Gohan laughed while Albus sighed but continued following his odd friend. Soon the pair were standing in front of the tapestry from earlier. Gohan started to pace back and forth thinking about the room Rose had made a few hours prior. Looking up, Gohan grinned when the door had appeared. Gesturing towards the door Gohan indicated for the other boy to open it up. Nudging the newly formed door open Gohan waited in suspense to see his friends reaction.
"No freaking way!" Albus pushed his way further into the room taking in the scene. "This is so cool Gohan!" Gohan followed his friend inside the room noticing the decor looked almost completely the same as the first time they had entered with Rose. "Is this the Room of Requirement?" The green eyed boy asked plopping himself down onto the cushy sofa eyes wide as he took in the rest of the room.
"Yep, that's what Rose called it too!" Gohan exclaimed excited that he didn't have to do much explaining to his friend.
"This is so awesome!" Albus had gotten up to go through the small cupboard at the back of the room which looked to have movies stored inside. Browsing for a few minutes Albus turned around with a strange expression on his face.
"I have literally never heard of any of these movies Gohan." The half-saiyan quizzically joined his friend at the cupboard and looked inside.
"You've never seen Mr. Satan's Final Smackdown?" Asked Gohan confused, he had seen the posters and ads constantly during the summer, apparently it was a huge hit not that the half-saiyan had gone to see it. He remembered Krillin and Yamcha cracking jokes about the movie during his going away party though.
"Nooo never heard of it, also what's this, Tenkaichi Budokai: Greatest KOs of All Time?" Albus asked absolutely butchering the pronunciation. At that title Gohan blushed, it had been a guilty pleasure he had watched back home, it was fun for him to see some of his Dad's old fights and he had even borrowed the tape from Kame House on occasion to watch at home. Apparently a lightbulb went off in the other dark haired boys brain however because Albus suddenly exclaimed.
"Oh I get it, the Room conjures things that the person summoning it envisions. Those must all be East District movies because that's what you know Gohan!" Albus said with a huge grin, "This is so cool, though not sure I quite get your taste in movies, sorry no offense Gohan." Albus added but Gohan just laughed rubbing his neck.
"Guess that makes sense, can't say I watch too many movies back home, so my selection is pretty limited." Gohan admitted, before another thought came into his head."Hey why don't we go back out and you make the room with some good movies and stuff." Announced the half-saiyan eager to make the night a success.
"Ok, let's do it!" The boys left the room keen to test their hypothesis. Once they were outside they were abruptly met by a grinning Scorpius with his hands and arms full of all sorts of snacks and treats.
"Oh hey guys, something wrong?" Scorpius asked his grin slightly falling in worry.
"No, not really, we're testing a theory about the room though, and how it changes depending on who conjures it." Gohan explained while Albus got to work pacing. The green eyed boy was obviously as informed about the room as his cousin because a moment later the door formed again and the boys entered eager to see what happened.
Again the Room looked almost exactly the same minus a few minor details, Scorpius grinned happy to see the room again and proceeded to dump all the food he had collected on the small coffee table in front of the sofa. While the blond was doing this the two dark haired boys went to the cabinet which to Gohan's surprise looked a lot more modern than the cupboard he had thought of. Glancing through the movies Gohan realized he didn't recognize any of the titles but looking down at Albus he could obviously tell that the other boy did. Albus looked up to his friend with a grin clearly pleased which made Gohan smile back. Albus continued browsing while Gohan made his way to the comfy sofa to sit eyeing the snacks that Scorpius had brought.
"These are all from the kitchens?" Gohan had to ask because the assortment of treats looked delicious.
"Yep, super cool right! Hey Al you better pick a movie quick before Gohan downs all the food!" The blond hollarded to the boy behind them. Soon enough, the room was dark with three boys pigging out on sweets while watching the film Albus had put on. Gohan enjoyed the movie which was much different than anything he had seen, but the thing that he liked seeing the most was the grin plastered on his friends face. It was a wonderful contrast to the sullen boy from that morning and Gohan smiled to himself before focusing his attention back to the film and enjoying the rest of the night with his two friends.
The next morning found Gohan preparing for a meeting with his Head of House. Gohan glanced down at the note he had received Friday morning from Professor Longbottom inviting him to midmorning tea on Sunday. Apparently the Professor made it a point to get to know all of the students in his house individually, and Gohan assumed that it was finally his turn. Not that he wasn't looking forward to it, Gohan liked Professor Longbottom, but he was disappointed that he wouldn't be able to work on more of his training that day instead. He had made really good progress with Piccolo the day before and really wanted to see how it would go on his own, but he would have to wait for another day.
Walking down to the Greenhouse Professor Longbottom had claimed as his personal office Gohan adjusted his tie before gently knocking on the door. Gohan figured it seemed appropriate to dress in his uniform to talk with his Professor even though it was the weekend. Hearing the affirmative to enter, Gohan opened the door and made his way into the office.
"Gohan thanks for coming, tea?" Professor Longbottom offered the wild haired boy gesturing towards a comfy looking chair on the opposite side of a messy desk for Gohan to sit. Receiving a nod the man proceeded to pour tea for them while taking a seat on his own end of the desk.
"Now Gohan, as your Head of House I have the duty and the responsibility to keep my students safe and happy. I may not always succeed but I like to think I try." Gohan nodded not sure what Professor Longbottom what getting at yet.
"For example when you got into a scuffle with Mr. Glassman last month a few students who saw the fight came to me to explain your innocence. I made sure that Professor Mutatío let you off because if there's one thing I've learned over my time here at Hogwarts is that the truth should always prevail." Judging by his professors facial expression, Gohan had the feeling his Herbology professor didn't much like his Transfiguration teacher. "Bullies in particular I cannot tolerate." The professor emphasised.
"Um thanks Professor for that I mean, I really didn't hit him I swear!" Gohan said to reassure his professor, he did the right thing in supporting him.
"I know Gohan. Now what I also know is that you have been sneaking off alone into the forest…" Professor Longbottom's eyes focused into the boys dark ones relating to his student that he wasn't going to get away with a lie. Sensing his young students hesitation Neville continued. "Gohan, I know that where you come from is very different to here. However as I said before, when you're here I'm afraid that you are my responsibility and I can't have you running off into the dangerous forest whenever you want."
Gohan gulped, shame filling his entire face and chest, he hadn't thought about his Professors job which was to keep his students safe when he went away to train. Even though Gohan knew he could adequately defend himself, he hadn't thought about what would happen to his Professor if something ever did happen, not that it would. Despite the feelings of guilt Gohan was mostly surprised because the young boy thought for sure he was being sneaky enough to not be spotted. There must be some sort of silent alarm that goes to the teachers when kids are out of bed, thought the bright young boy. Seeing that his Professor was waiting for an answer from his student, Gohan cleared his throat and tried to explain.
"I'm sorry Professor, really." Gohan apologized. "It's just, I've just been working with my mentor back home to help get better at my magic, I'm not trying to get into danger." Gohan tried to honestly explain to the older man.
"Gohan, you know if you need help you can always come to me or your other Professor's for extra tutoring." Neville smiled hoping to find an easy solution to Gohan's disappearing problem.
"Um Professor, thanks, I wish that it were that easy, you see um, it's not that I can't do the magic it's that it's dangerous when I do it. You know me blowing up things. It's getting better now that I've been training to channel my energy, but I'm afraid I'll hurt people without it." Gohan tried to explain. Describing energy to anyone who didn't know what it was was always confusing, even his mom still had trouble grasping all of the things her husband and son could do despite living with two Saiyans for more than a decade.
"My old teacher Piccolo has been helping me, and he can't exactly come here for a visit, so I go there instead." Gohan said trying to explain his situation. As if saying his name was a magic word in itself, much to his surprise, the young saiyan suddenly felt the huge presence of his mentor appear close by. Before he had much of a chance to look around, Professor Longbottom had noticed the new presence enter his office through the door behind Gohan's chair. The wizard quickly got to his feet brandishing his wand and stepping in front of his young student in a protective stance.
"Who are you?" Neville demanded of the mysterious figure, now close enough to tower over the professor. Gohan felt like he had to be dreaming, this couldn't be real but pinching himself failed to awaken the young warrior. Glancing between his concerned professor and his intimidating mentor, Gohan knew he was the only one that could diffuse this situation.
"Piccolo what are you doing here?" Gohan stammered out not knowing what else to say.
"You need to come with me kid." Piccolo's deep voice spoke with authority, fear suddenly overcame the young boy, there was only one reason Piccolo would come here and that meant something was wrong.
"What's wrong Piccolo?" Gohan asked while making his way from behind his Herbology professors protective stance to stand by his mentor. Neville seemed shocked, glancing between his young student and the towering figure in front of him.
"Your mother is having the baby, she's asked for you." Piccolo explained with a wince, his ears still ringing from the screeching the woman had done not long ago. Gohan noticed his mentor's pained expression and realised that this was an order straight from his mother. Nodding Gohan gathered the cloak he had worn on his trek down to the greenhouse earlier preparing to leave. At that same moment Neville seemed to regain his composure.
"Hold on right there, I was just telling Mr. Son he can't just go leaving Hogwarts whenever he wants to. How did you even get here?" Neville finally asked determined to do his duty to keep his students safe, no matter how intimidating this man in front of him was. Things weren't adding up, after the war and reconstruction of Hogwarts, the wards around the castle were reinforced two-fold, no outsider could enter by themselves.
"I know people in high places wizard. Come on kid, I'm not waiting around here all day." Piccolo spat clearly annoyed at how long this exchange was taking. Gohan flushed in embarrassment at how his longtime friend had just spoken to his Professor. Neville proceeded to take a closer look at the huge man in front before speaking again. His eyes finally noticing the green skin beneath the intimidating interior of the cape and hat. Making eye contact with the stranger sent a jolt through the wizards body, and as if out of nowhere the phrase A higher Authority slipped through the Professor's mind. Neville's eyes suddenly opened wide in comprehension.
"Are you Kami?" Neville rasped out not quite believing what was happening. Piccolo in turn lowered his head to gaze at the man in front of him.
"Yes, in a way, but I am no longer guardian of Earth. How could you have obtained such information wizard?" Piccolo turned back to the other man questioning. Not many people in the whole world knew about Earth's hierarchy nor would they casually throw around the name of God.
"I er, I was the one to contact East District authority to get Gohan here." Neville said and Gohan's brain suddenly stopped it's spin at that phrase. He had been thinking about how much trouble he was going to be in between Professor Longbottom, Piccolo and his mother, but now he knew, his sometimes bumbling professor was the one who found him to admit him to Hogwarts?
"I don't know much, like no one here knows much about East District but, well, I was told to contact Kami. After that the owl would know what to do, and the rest is history obviously." Neville explained gesturing towards his student refusing to cow under the green man's intensity. He was brave he told himself, after all, he had come toe to toe with Voldemort as a teenager and lived to tell the tale.
"Yes, well now that you understand wizard, Gohan has to come with me." Piccolo said, demanding not asking. Neville sighed knowing he had lost this battle, he didn't want to endanger Hogwarts burgeoning relationship with the East District by refusing a simple request so the Herbology teacher relented.
"I expect us to continue tea at a later date Gohan. However, take this as permission from your Head of House to leave Hogwarts to see your mom and new brother or sister." Neville smiled, he wasn't going to go against a mother's wishes and if what Harry and Ginny had told him about the boy's mother was anything close to true, he didn't want to mess with her either.
"Right of course Professor, thank you." Gohan smiled glad he wouldn't have to fight nor sneak away to see his mom. Neville spoke up once more before the duo left the office.
"It was an honor to meet you." Although not the ideal circumstances nor conversation, Neville realized that getting to meet the former guardian of Earth was amazing in itself. Piccolo simply nodded to the wizard before turning around with his pupil and leaving the greenhouse.
Neville wasn't sure what he was expecting, he supposed it would probably be his student and his daunting friend walking down to Hogsmeade to take a Portkey home, or maybe apparate away. Neville didn't know what sort of powers the East District authority possess. Brooms weren't likely but he wouldn't rule that out as a possibility either. However what did happen hadn't even started to cross the herbology Professor's mind.
As he watched his first year student rise up into the air unassisted after his green mentor and then both of them fly away in a flash, Neville couldn't help but think to himself what in the heck did I get myself involved with here? This more than calls for a drink with Hannah. Neville promptly turned around and walked down to Hogsmead to apparate to the Leaky Cauldron to see his wife and take advantage of their generous family discount.
Thanks for reading! This chapter is fluff I know, but I missed the kids and wanted to develop their friendships some more. I actually really enjoy how it turned out despite not advancing the plot much. I swear there is one I promise! So anyway, let me know what you think. :)