The Pairings have been decided! By a landslide, Hermione is being paired with Harry. The other one was close, but it ended up with Joker/Noir! This chapter will be a slice-of-life(ish) chapter with no real plot progress. Just character growth. Hopefully. I should mention, that this is the first kinda of slice of life thing I've done, so if it's bad or lacking please let me know what things I would be able to add or fix!
Italics are used for emphasis on words or for spells in general
Bold is used for Persona related terms such as Arcana or Skills
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
It became been a week since Hermione had awoken her Persona, and Ren decided that it would be best for them to take some time off. "There's no point in running yourself ragged, Hermione. Take your time, go hang out with friends. Maybe take a nap. You can't save the universe if you don't try to save yourself." He had told her when she entered the Crimson Room the day after Hypatia came into existence.
When Hermione commented on her being able to understand him perfectly again this morning, he just frowned. "Apparently Igor -the Master of the Velvet Room- placed a Charm on me to allow me to speak your language fluently and it wore off. When I first showed up, I was perplexed but impressed that an entire school that had next to no Asian students or staff and still spoke fluent Japanese. But then to find out that we're in Scotland and that I was under a spell the whole time that translated my Japanese into English and all the English I heard into Japanese made a whole lot more sense. Dumbledore actually cast a spell on me that made me fluent in English so I can switch to Japanese at any time. For example, Ohayō! Chosi wa dou? {1} Or 'Morning! How's it going?'" Hermione had never seen him so excited. He almost flung his -admittedly huge, there was at least 5 different meats and 3 slices of bread- sandwich across the courtyard that they were talking in, letting go of it and grabbing it without even noticing. "English used to be my worst subject back in High School. Now that I can speak it fluently, though? Oh, I can surprise Noir when I go back during the summer! It would do wonders for our coffee shop. We could even get tourists to come in, and help them in their language! It'd be great for business."
"You own a coffee shop?" Ren had taken Hermione by surprise once again.
"Yeah! Well, kinda. Me and Noir, One of the Phantom Thieves, are going to open up a cafe and eventually make it into a chain. I'll make the Coffee and Noir will make the food. She has her own garden and grows her own food. Noir is the current President of Okumura Foods, and is going to University to get more experience with running businesses."
"Okumura Foods? I don't think I've heard of them."
"Yeah, I didn't know the name of the company other, but they own Big Bang Burger."
Hermione thought for a moment, trying to remember of all the times her parents had taken her to London and shook her head. "I can't remember any of those."
"That's understandable." Ren nodded. "I am in a different universe, after all. And they did just started expanding to England back in 2010."
The young Wild Card started a coughing fit. "2-2010!?"
"It was only around 6 or 7 years ago?" He said as if that was the problem here.
"Mr. Amamiya? 2010 is 17 years from now!"
Ren's eyes widened, and he actually did drop his big sandwich this time. "W-what?"
"It's October 20th, 1993!"
"Nani kore!?"{2}
"You traveled to a different Universe, but this is what trips you up?" Hermione asked.
"This is different! I'm not even born yet. Hell, I might not even be an idea! I was born in 1998, Noir and Queen in 1997. Oh man! I could prevent me from existing in this universe! I could prevent them from existing in this universe!" He staggered off, assumedly trying to come to terms with the time difference.
Hermione sighed before banishing the sandwich that was carelessly destroyed. At least the Sunday was peaceful, and the weather was beautiful. She might read a book while outside, enjoy the sun before humidity would change, or it got colder out. There wasn't much she could do to help someone going through an existential crisis, but maybe one of the other teachers would. Ren was an adult, he'd be able to sort out his own problems.
Ren was not able to sort out his own problems. As he ascended the steps for the Headmaster's office, his head was a storm of thoughts. Ren could theoretically, as Joker, change Shido's heart after Akechi was born, and prevent any of his struggles from happening in the first place. He could do the same with Kamoshida, Maderame, Kaneshiro, Mr. Okumura. If Shido's heart were changed, he wouldn't need to change Futaba's heart. But what about Yaldabaoth? Would he just pick different people? Would other people be stuck in their suffering? Would they fail and leave the entirety of Tokyo -Or any other city, or country- under the Demiurge's Will?
"Come in, Mr. Amamiya!" He heard faintly from behind the door. Ren entered to see Albus sitting at his desk, signing a few documents. He glanced up to witness the Groundskeeper looking frayed. "What seems to be the problem, dear boy?"
"Albus, I… I seem to have come across some knowledge that… worries me." Ren had felt a twinge in his chest, and his heartbeat was pulsing. He felt his gloved hands twitch. Albus seemed to notice.
"Fawkes!" The wizened man called out, and an explosion of fire appeared above the Headmaster. Out of the flames came a Phoenix, which gently flew to Ren, before resting on his shoulder. Fawkes cooed and trilled, and Ren felt himself calm down enough to stop shaking and to breathe naturally instead of a forced quick speed. "What was this knowledge, Ren?"
"I know it shouldn't bother me, considering that I am in a different Universe, but I was just speaking with Ms. Granger. I… I'm in a different time. I am from the year 2017."
The only expression Ren noticed was the eyebrow that Albus rose. "I can see how that can be disconcerting. That's 25 years into the future." He stated before falling silent. Albus glanced into Ren's eyes, and the World noticed the Judgement's eyes start to twinkle. "You are worried about the outcome of your actions on this universe. Whether if you will cease to exist here in this place or not. Whether the False God will choose you again, or someone else. Whether your friends will suffer the same fate as they did before." typically, Ren would be mad that Albus read his mind without asking, but just coming down from a panic attack and having a magically soothing bird on his shoulder kept him calm and logical.
"Yes! I know thousands of things that happen that wouldn't need to happen. I wouldn't be falsely charged with a crime I didn't commit. Ryuji wouldn't have a broken leg. Ann wouldn't be subjected to sexual harassment. Makoto would have a father, Yusuke would have a mother. Haru's father wouldn't be trash, and marry her off to a scumbag. Goro wouldn't be manipulated into being a killer. Shiho wouldn't be raped and try to kill herself! Sadayo wouldn't be run ragged trying to make ends meet from a guilt trip, Tae could create medicine that could save lives, Iwai wouldn't be watched by the Yakuza! There are so many lives I could save from heartbreak and struggle! But there are so much more I could doom for their sake." His face felt hot, his chest tightening uncomfortably again. "And I can't find myself to care that I would. In a heartbeat." It was out in the open now, the main thing that was bothering him. He felt ashamed that he admitted e would do such a thing, force people, through strife that they didn't need to go through, and not care that he would. He wanted to protect his friends, his family. Ren sobbed unable to hold back the dam of feelings behind his mask.
The next thing he knew, Albus was hugging him. He never noticed the man stand up, so absorbed in his own storm of emotions. It was cliche, but the hug felt magical. Like his very soul was being soothed, the storm inside him dulling down to weak gusts of wind. "You are very young to have to go through this, my boy. I went through something similar in my youth, back when my own time as a Persona User was just over. I ran across a Time-Turner, one not unlike the one Ms. Granger has. I was alone with my thoughts, about how with 8760 turns, I could go back a year and prevent Grindelwald from losing himself in the Dark Arts, and use the time to warn Philemon of what was going to happen, and then return to my own time."
"Why didn't you?" Ren asked, desperate to stop this feeling in him. Headmaster pulled away from the comforting embrace.
"I didn't," Albus answered with a smile on his face that did not match the sadness in his eyes. "I went back in time and appeared in front of Philemon. I warned him of the fate that was in store for him and for us. And he said to me, 'I know, young Albus. I have existed beyond this construct of time. This is the best reality. Now please, go and enjoy it while you can.'"
"Best Reality!?" Ren blurted out, "But what about all the suffering!? What about all the pain that those we care about go through!? Tobokenaide !{3}" Ren stomped one of his feet, an echoing boom sounding as his boot connected with the stone cracking the floor he was standing on. Fawkes trilled again, calming him back down.
Albus stuck his hand out, and in it was a small wrapped candy. "Lemon Drop?" Ren took a step back and was about to lay into Dumbledore for changing the subject when the Headmaster continued. "They are laced with a mild calming draught. It does wonders for the first and second years who are homesick, or scared about visiting the Headmasters office." The Wild Card took a breath, and then the offered candy.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be snapping at you." The old man waved him off.
"It is quite alright young man. You are not even twenty yet and are given the option to right the wrongs that were done to you and yours. I was just a few years younger than you back then. It was why I took up the position of Headmaster, and of Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. So that I can fight that fate and make sure that new generations would not have to experience the turmoil we did."
"A question of the Devil you know than the Devil you don't, then." Ren determined after a moment. "It's always easier for the Devil that you know, but would it be right to choose it?"
"Alas, that is a question only you can answer. I suggest you go think on it."
Ren did think on it, for the better part of the day. He sat at the head table, staring at his empty plate. It was dinner time, and most of the entire school was there. He glanced around the hall, looking for anything to take his mind off of his self that doesn't exist in this universe yet. On his right, he spotted Draco Malfoy sitting alone, quietly eating his meal. As he cast his vision through the room, he, unfortunately, made eye contact with a group of older students, both male and female leering at him. While he was used to stares and glares from Shujin, being a student with a criminal record and all, he was not used to these looks being sent his way. Ren was barely able to handle it when Haru, his girlfriend- and man did that thought send his heart racing- glanced at him that way. He didn't want to encourage them, nor break their hearts, so he ignored them. Eventually, The Wild Card saw his pupil with her friends, Potter, and Mr. Weasley, the trio getting heated over something, drawing attention from the students around them. "Are they always like that?" He asks Minerva who had just finished sipping her tea.
"Well, you are an attractive young man. We've had a few students already jump into broom closets between classes."
Ren was glad he wasn't eating, as he started coughing. "I uh, think we aren't on the same page."
"You weren't talking about Ms. Thompson and Mr. Grant staring at you as if you spiked their pumpkin juice with a love potion?"
Is that their names? Ren thought, glancing to them quickly before returning his gaze to his colleague. "Not that, but do you have any idea why that's happening too?"
"Surely, you're joking Mr. Amamiya?" Minerva gazed deep in his eyes, before looking shocked. "You're serious." The Guard nodded. "Mr. Amamiya... Ren, you are an attractive young man who holds immense power. If I were a betting woman, I'd bet a Galleon on you being approached by the end of the next week by some student hoping to get in a broom closet with you."
"You've mentioned that before, 'in broom closets,' what does that mean?" He must have either said that too loud, or Professor Snape was invested in this conversation as well.
"It means they have sex." The Potions Master said, turning his head slightly to show him engaging in the conversation.
"W-what!?" Ren's outburst drew a few eyes to the head table, so he tried to make it seem like it wasn't super important. "But, what about the age of consent? I know it's not as low as Japan's which is 13, but surely it can't be that low right?"
"It's 16 in Muggle law, but in Magical law, it's as low as 14," Severus answered. "Usually that age, or around 4th year, is when they get interested. I've just finished brewing the contraceptive potions that Madam Pomfrey gives out. I'll have to end up brewing another batch come early December."
"Is it really that casual around here?" Ren was all for the being more casual in public, but to just go up to someone and engage in something as private as sex in a closet?
"Not really," Minerva chimed back in. "It's usually only done between couples, at least until 7th year. The N.E.W.T.s is a really stressful time with the students, and that's when the students not in a relationship tend to get some -ahem- stress relief. However, with there being a powerful and handsome young wizard roaming these halls, you might draw attention from the 6th and 5th years."
"I'd suggest a screening charm to see if any of your food is potioned, now that you are noticing their attention on you. There are quite a few Purebloods who might want to have you in their thrall as a political powerplay. None can say that they can ride a unicorn, nor slay the previously indestructible Dementors. Whoever would have you would be a powerhouse in the Wizengamot." Severus suggested.
Ren paled considerably, once more glancing throughout the Great Hall. He was glad he didn't have Mara equipped or in his arsenal; otherwise, Ren would already lose what little self-control he had. He indeed was thrilled just being with Haru, but again, being a teenage boy who had gone through so much stress and then informed that some beautiful students -he wasn't blind okay? Ren could tell that the main catches of Hogwarts right now in just terms of looks were Mr. Wood over in Gryffindor, and Ms. Clearwater in Ravenclaw.- were interested in him? Along with the fact that contraceptives were widely and freely available, and that after three years he would be gone and never see them again, the prospect was possible. If he were a lesser man and a sack of shit, he would consider it. Haru had left him hanging the last time they were together, leaving him all built up.
His thoughts weren't usually like this, even if he hadn't 'de-stressed' lately. His self-control was normally much better than this. "Severus, can you escort me to the infirmary, please? I think I might have already been dosed." Uriel, his current Persona equipped to help his wayward thoughts, wasn't immune to mental effects like 'charm' so even if he were to switch to Satanael, he was already inflicted. Satanael only prevented it from happening, not fixing it after it happened. When did this happen? He shook his head to get his mind off of it. Right now was the time to fix it, not let himself get distracted. Hopefully, this charm was only for love and lust and didn't affect him like the other Persona/Shadow induced charms. He'd rather not Megidolaon the Great Hall. Snape's visage did not show the signs of shock or concern like he expected he would. The Slytherin head of house simply nodded and stood up.
Ren quickly followed in his footsteps, making his way out of the Great Hall as carefully as he could. The last thing he wanted was for someone to know what was going on. Just before Ren left however, he turned his head back to the head table, something urging him to. He saw a Ravenclaw girl look at him, before winking towards the Guard. Ren had to fight hard against the desire to wink back. Severus did indeed take him all the way to the infirmary, even going as far as to tell Madam Pomfrey what was happening. Ren decided to make him some coffee as thanks. It was the least he could do.
Hermione was upset with Ron again but for a new reason this time. Her Persona. "I just don't understand what's so important about this dead woman from thousands of years ago."
"It wasn't thousands Ron, it was 1500 years. Hypatia of Alexandria was a woman who was widely known for her generosity, love of learning, and expertise in teaching in the subjects of Neo-Platonism, mathematics, science, and philosophy in general. She was one of, if not the first female professor in the history of human life, Ronald! At least 400 years before Hogwarts, the Oldest Wizarding School in Europe, even existed!"
"If she's so great and all, why haven't I heard of her?" Ron asked.
"Most likely because she was a Muggle in Rome who was killed because the Catholic Church accused her of being a witch!"
"Let's stop fighting, please." Harry jumped in. "If Hermione wants to read about one of the first female professors Ron, let her. It's not hurting you."
"But she could have at least watched you practice!"
"It's not that important to me, mate. Yeah, I'd be hurt if she didn't watch one of my games, I mean she is one of my best friends. But if you've seen one practice, you've seen them all. Oliver has us run the same drills over and over until we can do them with our eyes closed." Harry tried to joke. "'Sides, the weather outside was amazing. As long as she wasn't cooped up in the common room or the library on a day like today, it doesn't matter much to me."
Hermione smiled, grateful for the topic change. Ron was a good friend, he just didn't bother with anything but Quidditch, Chess, and having fun. Not there was anything wrong with that, just that someone else's joy didn't flow well with Ron's, like enjoying a book outside. "You know I wouldn't miss any of your games, Harry. I'll always have your back!"
The smile that Harry sent her in response did something to her chest that she wasn't expecting. She tucked a bit of hair behind her ear that was tickling her cheek. Maybe Hermione should send a letter to her Mom and ask her about that. Or Maybe Ren? He is certainly young enough for it to not be awkward, and he seems unbiased. Hopefully.
"Hey, what do you think is going on with Mr. Amamiya and Snape?" Ron asked, an eyebrow quirked. Hermione turned around to see that while Snape was walking at a regulated pace, Ren was walking faster, his eyes glancing around. When he got to the entrance, he stopped and looked behind him. She saw his gloved hand twitch, before twirling around and leaving. Hermione would have to ask him at class, once she went back in time after Dinner.
"I don't know. Mr. Amamiya seems worried. Maybe he needs a potion from Professor Snape?" Harry shrugged.
"Possibly. Are you guys ready for Professor Lupin's class tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded. "It'll be interesting to see what we fear most. A shame that we only got through half the class last time."
"Oh yeah, what was yours, Hermione? I thought it would be something like getting expelled." Ron asked.
"I'm not that shallow, Ron." She responded.
"But what was it?" Harry popped in, also intrigued.
The Wild Card was silent, thinking of the class that took place just a few days ago. "Its name is Erebus. And it's only reason for existing is to bring about the End of the World."
*flashback starts*
Hermione was next in line to face the Boggart. After witnessing Neville's and Ron's, she was getting apprehensive. She didn't want to find out, because she thought she already knew. "Next!" Professor Lupin called.
Gathering her Gryffindor courage, she stepped forward and watched as the Jack-in-a-box Clown morphed into a giant dual-faced monstrosity. Its body was wrapped in darkness, wispy but solid. At its feet lay Ren, Harry, Ron, and her parents. And sitting just a few meters away was Hermione, her body broken, but alive. She wasn't dying. Just existing in this hell, where everyone she ever loved or cared about dead. Because she couldn't stop it. Faintly, Hermione heard someone vomit. She was trembling, watching herself in physical and emotional agony, but not being killed from the grand manifestation of humanity's grief and negative emotion. It was feeding off of her. Why wasn't she fighting? Where was Hypatia?
"Show them your strength, Seeker!" She heard Hypatia, her Persona, who was real and here, ring through her head.
"Riddikulus!" Hermione cast, thrusting her wand forward at the image being projected by the Boggart. The projected Hermione stood up, her body now healed. The dead Harry and Ren stood up, with Ron and her Parents disappearing. The three of them flipped off the monstrosity, with projected Harry spelling a giant middle finger to appear above them and also flip it off. With the manifestation being blocked by the three of them and a giant middle finger, the class started cheering, and Professor Lupin banished the Boggart back into the cabinet.
"And that's all the time we have for today class. Next time the rest of you will come forward." Hermione quickly gathered her bags and left.
*flashback ends*
"I'd rather not talk about it right now." Hermione finished, leaving her memories of the beast behind.
Harry nodded. "I wouldn't either. Facing down the End of the World? That was pretty impressive, even if it wasn't really them."
"Don't worry Hermione, we got your back too. The Golden Trio until the end!" Ron chimed in. The three of them raised their glasses of pumpkin juice and clinked them all together. "All for one!"
"And one for all!" Harry continued the cheer.
Hermione smiled. "Forever!" They all drank their juice, unknowingly causing a ritual to take place, sealing their bond for eternity.
"Um, Mr. Amamiya?"
Ren looked up from his notepad, taken out of his trance. "Ah, Hermione! What's wrong?"
Hermione glanced around. "What makes you think that something is wrong?" She asked in return.
The World rose his eyebrow at the High Priestess. "Since you referred to me as Mr. Amamiya and not Ren." Hermione had the decency to look embarrassed. "So what's up my young and only student?"
"Uh, was everything okay? Earlier, you and Professor Snape left the Great Hall pretty early, and you looked concerned."
Ren winced. "Should've expected you to notice that. Apparently one of the older students potioned my juice with a mild lust potion. Severus escorted me to the Hospital Wing to get it flushed out of my system."
"A mild lust potion!?" Hermione looked alarmed. "How… um… how did you find out?"
"I didn't sleep with anyone, if that's what you're asking. My thoughts were getting more open until the thought of cheating was okay because I wouldn't be coming back here again. I'm not going to betray Haru's trust like that."
So many more questions were brought up from that, but Hermione narrowed it down to just one. "But you are okay now, right?"
To her relief, Ren nodded. "Yeah, good to go. But you still look as if something is bothering you."
Hermione winced. "Uh, yeah. I -uh. Felt something earlier today."
"Felt what?" The experienced Persona user asked. "Can you describe it?"
"It was like a pang in my chest. Or a throb? Maybe a flutter?"
"And when did this happen? Did you have any other feelings in your body?" Ren's gained a focus, like he was trying to recall something.
"It was just before Professor Snape and you left. The three of us, Harry, Ron and I, were talking. Harry um… smiled at me."
There was a pause, and Ren breathed out a heavy sigh. "I thought it was something serious like a heart attack. Hermione, you have a crush on a certain Boy-Who-Lived."
Hermione's eyes widened. "That's what I thought. I just… wanted to make sure. How do you know for sure? I mean, how did you know with- what was her name- Haru?"
Ren's expression fell into a fond smile. "It was a strange thing. She had to beat it into my head, and she didn't even know. We were in this ball, run by the Velvet Room for complicated reasons. We weren't supposed to remember anything, but for some reason I did. She was talking to one of the other Phantom Thieves who found out that Haru loved someone. Haru said, 'I don't want to say it, it's the perfect thing to express with dance!' and then stared me dead in the eyes. 'I want to put my heart and soul in the routine… and let my feelings speak for themselves.' The other Thief said she would love to see her dance. Then whenever the two left, Haru giggled 'Sorry. I will tell you another time, okay?'" Ren made a gesture with his arms, showing his exasperation. "'Another time? I wanna know now!' I thought back then, but eventually came to a different conclusion. 'Wait, why would she tell me? ' At first I just assumed it was because she was open with her friends. But later, with Mona, another Thief, there was a different interaction. 'I have another reason for being happy because of this ball.' She again looked at me, blushing this time. 'Well… I used to dream of having a dashing prince escort me to the stage and dance with me. As I grew up, that dream fell to the wayside, but now it's actually come true.' And guess who had figured out who was the prince, from being the only one who had danced with her a considerable amount of times? She sees my face gain one of understanding and she blushes super hard. 'I wish this didn't have to end. I'd love to have more time with my prince… you know?' And you know what she did next? She effin' winked at me! I almost died. And somehow, Mona didn't even comprehend the whole thing! Just went and took her dancing. 'I'm off to practice with Mona-chan. I'll see you next time… on stage.' And as Mona left the room, she followed him and turned to me before leaving. 'My Prince.' Oh man, she left me in her room- which is a big deal in Japan, by the way- after calling me her Prince? Oof. I had to step up my flirting game after that, once the ball ended and she didn't remember any of that flirting she did either. One thing leads to another and then we're dating, and spending Christmas Eve together, and making plans on opening a Cafe together.
"Love is a slippery slope, Hermione. One day you're just hanging out with someone, and next thing you know, you never wanna be without them." Ren sighed, full of contentment. "Should you have any other questions, ask me and I'll be as blunt as possible with you. Love isn't something you should be around the bush with."
Hermione watched how animated Ren was in nearly the first time since he was teaching her. It was heartwarming. "Can you tell me more about Haru?" Witnessing Ren light up was the best thing to happen all day.
Points of interest for this chapter:
A:Translations: Once again, these are run through at least 3 different translators.
1{Morning! How's it going?}
2{What the hell!?}
3{Don't give me that crap!}
B: Ren is 19 in this fic, around one week since graduation of High School. Noir is 20, and just finished with her first year of University.
C: Because of small plot points, and because of smut all over the place, I personally feel is it important to note that: ****The Legal Age of Consent in Japan is actually 13, and The Legal Age of Consent in Europe is 16. It is not explicitly stated in any books or movies about the Magical Age of Consent, so I made it 14 for Pureblood and Political reasons. HOWEVER, I WILL ONLY IMPLY RELATIONSHIPS AT THIS POINT FOR THAT AGE TYPE. MOST WILL ONLY START DATING AT THIS YEAR, AND MOVE ON TO FRISKIER PASTURES LATER, SUCH AS 5TH YEAR.**** I also do not feel comfortable writing smut at this point so do not expect it.
C.1: For the above, 3rd year is 13-14, 4th is 14-15, 5th is 15-16, 6th is 16-17, and 7th is 17-18.
SpesAeterna
