Here the next chapter, don't except the next one to be so soon because I have to continue working on my portuguese. I wish you all a good reading and remind that I don't own anything and please review.
The following day, the Patil twins gathered before the Great Hall and talked animatedly, before going purposely toward Ace, who had just went through the age line and put his candidature down in the Goblet of Fire.
-Portgas!
-Hun?
Ace joined the twins and stared at them, hands in his pockets, waiting to know what they wanted.
-We want to talk to Kali.
-What do you want with her?
-It's not your business, hissed Padma.
-If you say so…
He made a gesture with his finger and lead them in the levels until Marco's office. He knocked briefly and opened the door to pass his head in the opening.
-Wari, Marco. Kal', there are two kids who want to talk to you.
-I find the exit of my sarouel and I'm coming, assured Kali.
She stopped sitting crossed leg on her chair, fought a instant to make her foot exit her sarouel and stood up to walk out.
-I'm outside with Sab' and Lu', if you want to find me, he said throwing a knowing look to his nakama.
-Vete de aqui. Me sirves de nada ahora.
Ace chuckled and went away whistling.
-What? Kali asked the twins.
-That's all you have to say after all this time?! Accused Parvati.
-What do you want I say? I have nothing to tell you!
-You went away without a word! You imagine the reaction of big brother when you disappeared! Him and Uncle killed each others because of you!
-I went away because of your dear uncle! I have nothing more to do with the Patil! I was only an error of an old wedding! A mixed blood! I found another life, that's all!
The Golden Trio stayed in the corner of a corridor, not daring to move unless they find themselves taken in the argument.
-She is hard, no? Asked Hermione with hesitation.
-Girls are strange, muttered Ron.
-On this, I agree with you, mate, confessed Harry.
And the two of them took an elbow in the stomach.
Luffy was making a funny head at dinner, like Ace. They were at the Head Tables, talking with animation to Marco and Ace.
-Oi, Roronoa! Called Kidd.
-Nanda, Kidd?
-From where Mugiwara knows the Mei-ô.
Zoro was going to answer but Sabo crushed his foot when he sit at the table, refusing to stick with the girls of Beauxbâtons.
-It's not your business, Kidd; Sabo told him.
-Ah so, and why is that?
-Because as Luffy's nii-cha, I decide that the relations he has with Silver-san don't concern you.
-What is your family name, again, angel face?
-Silver. You will know that it doesn't mean anything, seeing the sheer number of people who have this name, in London alone.
-Filthy Revolutionary.
-With pleasure, Pirate.
-Doggy of Dragon.
-I regret, I must be the only one who allow himself to put himself in his place without any shame.
The two D. ended coming back to sit, the strange faces still in place.
-Let me guess… bad feeling? Sensed Sabo.
Ace sighed and rubbed his face, making Sabo frown. He looked at the two other Shirohige and Kennichi said silently "Nightmare", explaining a part of the tired state of the young commander.
-Ace… there is enough space for a panther in the dormitory of the Ravenclaw sixth years, proposed Sabo.
-There is some in the Gryffindor's fourth, pointed Luffy.
-Thanks you two, but it's alright.
The meal began, and continue for a long while.
When he finally ended, there were some tension in the air. Dumbledore stood up. We could see that Karkaroff and Maxime were tense, while Rayleigh was the definition of relaxation itself, and seemed to almost be bored. When Dumbledore signaled it, the candle shut off, which made the only light coming from the Goblet and his blue Fire. Brusquely the flames became red and a parchment came out. Dumbledore caught it from the end of his fingers and read:
-Durmstrang's champion is… Victor Krum!
A thunder of applause followed in the Great Hall. The champion stood up and went toward the Head table as he marched along it to pass in a neighboring room at the signal of Dumbledore.
The silence came back and everyone drag their attention back to the Goblet of Fire when the flames turned once again red.
-The second parchment who came out announce this:
-Fleur Delacour!
Fleur stood up setting aside her silver hair with elegance in her back, and her graceful steps, joined the other room.
Once again, the Goblet turned red.
-The champion of the pirate… is Portgas D. Ace!
-HEEEEEEHAAAAA! Yelled Ace at the Gryffindor table.
He stood up with a big grin, and put his hat back on his head. He ruffled his siblings hair and, with an apologizing smile to the pirates, he joined the Head Table to shake hand with Rayleigh beaming proud and a smiling Marco who whispered something in his ear which made Ace smile two time wilder, before he went to the room.
Sabo and Luffy shared a look trying not to laugh. Something was telling them that the panther had found a place to stay for the night in the quarter of the professor of Natural Magic.
A last time, the Cup turned red and a parchment float toward Dumbledore.
Sabo tighten his fist, prying… and…
-Cedric Diggory!
Cedric stood up, sending a contrite smile toward Sabo and joined, under the acclamations of his school, the other room.
-Well, one thing is sure… the pirates will win… muttered Kidd.
-Aren't you going a little too fast here? Asked Hermione.
-Listen kid, Portgas is a Commander of Shirohige. There isn't a lot who can pretend to be at the same level as Portgas, be it in classical fight or in magic… without counting-
Kidd said no more. Like everyone else, he had just remarked that the Cup was turning redder once more.
A last parchment was spit out.
-Harry Potter.
The silence fell on the Great Hall.
Luffy stared at Harry who had a totally stunned look.
-You put your name in the Goblet?
-No! Harry defend himself.
-Go, Potter, we'll talk later, said Sabo.
-Oooh. Groaned Ace when he saw Diggory enter in the room.
-Sorry, Portgas, I know that you hoped to go against your brother… smiled the Hufflepuff. Try to not break me too much during the tasks.
-I will be nice to you.
And Ace hissed himself on his seat, waiting for what happen next. Cedric went in a corner of the room to wait for the next event, like everyone else. Soon after, Harry came, air panicked and anxious. Frowning, ace went toward him.
-What is happening to you?
Harry glanced nervously at Ace, facing him, then the others champions.
-The… the Goblet of Fire chose a fifth champion… me.
Ace raised his eyebrows high and tried not to laugh.
-It's not funny, Ace! Snapped Harry.
-It's just… so… predictable! You are unable to have a normal school year! Ooh, the head they must all do!
-But I didn't even put my name!
-I know, Potter, I know… don't worry, we will clear up the situation.
Marco let himself lean into an armchair of his room with a tired sigh. Ace came behind him and removed his shirt to massage him.
-What did I do that deserves a massage, yoi? Asked Marco without a fight.
-You are a little too on edge to my state, that's all… answered Ace. Potter assured me that he didn't put his name in the Cup.
-I should have done something to make sure that this Goblet was monitored. Someone want for Potter to participate to this Tournament… why, I don't know yet.
-And the who?
-I have a little idea about that.
-Mad-Eye?
-You find his voice strange, too?
-Aye. You want for me to keep an eye on him?
-Try to stay discreet, yoi.
Ace kissed him on the forehead for all answer, making the blond smile.
-Let's go to bed, a long day await us tomorrow.
Tashigi, Smoker and Hina were in the room that were assigned to them for the event.
-Hina has a bad feeling for the Tournament, mumbled the pink girl.
-Why put this Harry Potter in the event… he is what… fourteen, said Tashigi.
-Potter is the one who survived the Dark Lord Voldemort, when the all the Aurors in England was failing. He lived and, that night, this son of a bitch is supposed to have died.
-He isn't dead.
The marines turned around to see Rayleigh sitting in a chair, drinking from his flask of alcohol.
-Oh, calm yourselves, by Davy Jones, I won't kill you, sighed the pirate seeing their suspicious eyes.
-Then what do you want? Asked Smoker.
-You sincerely think that a one year old baby can kill an adult? No, I think that Voldemort's body was destroyed, but that his spirit is still here. Marco signaled me that he already destroyed two Hocruxes, that can only be this Dark Lord's soul. I hope that you know what it is…
-We learned of this sort of thing, yeah… grunted Smoker.
-Hina wants to know why you tell us this, said Hina, distrustful.
-Simply because a boy I care for is friend with Potter. And that this boy still has three year to pass here. I would like for him to pass them in relative peace, and, if Voldemort stay around, it won't work.
Rayleigh stood up.
-Good night.
And he disappeared in the shadows.
The marines sighed. The mission won't be easy.
-Luffy fought with Ron? Wondered Harry, the next day.
-Yes, Hermione assured him. He doesn't like his comportment. Luffy is worried for you. He believe that someone want ot kill you, and… and I think that he is scared of not being able to protect you.
-He doesn't have to protect me!
-Harry! You still don't understand how Luffy work?! Luffy see you as a friend! If you are his friend, it's normal that he does what he can to help you, and if you are in trouble, he will protect you the best he can.
Harry sighed and stared at the giant squid profit of the sunlight of November paddling on the surface of the water.
-Why does this sort of thing only happen to me…
-You should get us to this, you are the Boy-Who-Lived!
The two youngster jumped to see Sanji, leaning against a tree behind them.
-You are the Boy-Who-Lived, so, of course, we except that you don't go a quiet year. Don't worry, you're not alone.
-You also believe that I put my name into the Cup?
Sanji smiled.
-Oh no. Coming from Luffy, I wouldn't have been surprised at all, but you, you're not like that… well, you do some idiocies, but that's all. It's not your thing to search for troubles like that. Oh, and I though that you may like to avoid the Great Hall for lunch.
Sanji hold a basket full of food that he had with him.
-I prepared you something, I hope it will be to the taste of the Lady.
-Thank you Sanji, smiled the two young students.
Sanji nodded and walked away, leaving them alone.
Days passed, and the situation quickly became hard to endure for Harry. Almost all Hogwarts though that he had stolen the prestige from Hufflepuff and they made him clearly sense it. Even the professor Sprout was less nice than usual.
Which didn't help with the jealousy crisis that Ronald Weasley was continuing to do. His siblings found this so ridiculous that a good number of pranks were done to him.
More than that, there were the Blasting-End Screwts who had found an unknown mean to enter in the castle (Harry was suspecting that Chopper was for something in this, since he had surprised him close to a window near the cages) and were making the life difficult for whoever criticized Harry.
Then, some badge began to circulate, invention of some Slytherins, saying "Support Cedric Diggory – the real champion of Hogwarts" and "Potter Stinks".
But there was something else in the air.
Several pirates found themselves in the infirmary after some strange incidents. Nobody seemed to understand what was happening, other than a Ravenclaw who was protecting the back of his brother, to keep some jealous people to go after him.
The press conference for the Weighting of the Wands didn't help anything, even less with Skeeter around.
-Oi!
Rita rose her nose from the interview she was making of Harry in a broom closet to see Ace opening the door wide.
-Back off from Potter. Potter, you come out?
Harry blessed the pirate and ran out of the cupboard.
-Portgas D. Ace! The pirate champion! So, tell me, my boy! You are from the which school primarily? What does your family think of your way and of this nomination?
And Rita fired question after question, unconscious of the fact that the little she had done of Harry's interview was turning to ash in her back. Ace royally ignored her and, taking Harry by a shoulder, ead him toward the classroom reserved for the weighing of the wands.
-Thank you… whispered Harry.
-Don't worry.
When they went back in the room, this time, there was all the champions, Ludo Verpey and their Headmaster. Rayleigh was sitting at a table, looking suspiciously at the cameraman accompanying Skeeter. He still addressed a reassuring smile and a wink to Harry. Mister Ollivander was still the same as the only time Harry saw him. There was Smoker, too, who was keeping an eye on Ace.
-I introduce to you Mr Ollivander, stated Dumbledore to the champions. He will look over your wands to assure that they are in a good state for the Tournament.
Harry would have sworn that he heard Ace snorted saying "no shit Sherlock" but he wasn't sure.
Fleur Delacour was the first to pass.
-Mmmmh… murmured Ollivander.
He made the wand turn between his long fingers, like the stick of a cheerleader. The wand projected some pink and gold sparks.
-Yes, he said in a low voice, examining it rigorously. Nine inches thirty five… very rigid… rose wood… with inside… oh, yes…
-A hair of a Veela, said Fleur. It is my grandmother's.
-Damn, I owe Sabo one thousand berrys now… muttered Ace.
-That should give you a lesson, Rayleigh told him.
-Aye, Rayleigh-san.
Harry glanced at Ace in interest. Rayleigh was his godfather! He had heard him call the man 'Ji-chan' on numerous occasions during the summer break of third year… why this sudden change?
Ace threw him a brief glance telling him clearly "later". He didn't pick on the hand taking furtively his wand.
- Yes, continued Ollivander, yes, I never myself used any Veela's hair, of course. I find that they give the wand a very bad character… but to each his preference, and if this one is good for you…
From the end of his finger, Mr Ollivander stroked the wand on all the length, checking that it didn't posses any bump, or scratch. And then he murmured:
-Orchideus!
And a bouquet of flower appeared from the extremity.
-Very well, very well, she work perfectly, Mr Ollivander said taking the bouquet and give it to Feur at the same time as the wand. Mr Diggory, your turn please.
Rayleigh chuckled when he saw Ollivander give the bouquet to Fleur. What a charmer…
Cedric stepped forward and gave his wand.
-Ah, this one is one of mine, isn't it? Said Mr Ollivander, on a more enthusiastic tone, when Cedric held his wand to him. Yes, I remember very well. She contain a sole unicorn hair, a particularly beautiful male… An animal measuring more than four meter in length. He almost gut me with his horn when I took a hair of his tail. Let's see this wand… twelve inches… in ash wood… a very agreeable flexibility. She is in an excellent state… you maintain it regularly?
-I polished it ast night, said Cedric with a smile.
Harry look at him with wide eyes realizing that his wand never received any maintenance. He searched it, wondering where she was, when he sensed it slid in one of his pocket. He threw a suspicious look to Ace, who gave him innocent eyes, and took his wand… and was surprised to see it as new as the first day.
-What are you playing at?
-Me? But I didn't do anything, Ace answered him.
He let himself lean against the chair and crossed his arms on his chest, inclining his hat on his face.
Ollivander made silver circles come out of Cedric's wand, before giving it back to his owner, stating that it was in a perfect state, before calling Krum.
Viktor Krum stood up and walked toward Mr Ollivander in his left gait, the shoulders vaulted, splayed-foot. He held his wand and stayed there, sullen air, hand in the pockets of his robe.
-Hmm… murmured Mr Ollivander. Unless I'm mistaking, it is one of Gregorovitch? An excellent wand maker, even if his style never was what I… well…
He raised the wand and examined it thoroughly turning it slowly before his eyes.
-Yes… hornbeam wood with a dragon heartstrings? He guessed toward Krum who nodded in approval. Sticker then the norm… very rigid… ten inches… Avis!
With a sound alike to a gun, the hornbeam wand projected a fly of little birds flyign as they cried and escaped by the opened window in the humid sky, where an autumn sun was shining.
-Good, said Mr Ollivander giving back to Krum his wand. Let's continue in the order, now. I think that Portgas come before Potter.
No answer.
-Mister Portgas? Called Dumbledore, perplex.
Rayleigh had an extremely amused face. Harry leaned to see under Ace's hat znd turned toward everyone.
-He is asleep.
-Narcolepsy… smiled peacefully Rayleigh.
-No, but who are you trying to fool, there? Growled Smoker, biting in one of his cigar in frustration.
Rayleigh stood up and slightly flick his fingers in Ace's neck, who jumped awake. He threw a startled glare to Rayleigh.
-Nanda yo?
-Ollivander said that it was your turn, Harry told him.
-Oh. Sumane na.
-No problem… smiled Ollivander. It's always better than your mother who had an attack the day she bought hers.
-Thank you for the info, I know fro who I have this damn thing, now.
Ace stood up groaning and pulled his wand out from his left fingerless glove, before holding it to Ollivander.
-Another one of my creation… a very good job… recognized the man. The longest I ever sold, with his sixteen and half inches. Are you trying to compensate for something else young man?
-No need! Snickered Ace. I have everything at this level.
The lady blushed hearing that, except Rita who raised an eyebrow, interested. The others hid their hilarity behind a prudent cough, and Harry chose the option Smoker taking his face in his hands.
-Oh, I know that the pirates in general make more than one happy woman, for that…
-Hum-hum… coughed Smoker. The mode of reproduction of the pirates isn't the subject of the day.
-My apologizes, I like to laugh a little with them! Hmm… lithe and flexible, like on the first day and even more nervous. You fought with her, no?
-More than once, confirmed Ace.
-Always as ideal for everything with fire. Still as nonflammable?
-Aye.
Ollivander continued his examination and directed it to his nose.
-I recognize this smell… you treated it with Kairoseki oil, didn't you?
-It's the best coating existing for wood under the conditions of the Grand Line. It's a common practice. I even saw Marines with wand possessing the same coating.
-But it's still Kairouseki…
Ollivander gave Ace a knowing look.
- I know how to adapt, smiled mysteriously Ace.
Ollivander nodded and with a rapid gesture mad a whirlpool, making a fire bird come out.
-In perfect working state! And I give it back to you.
-Domo arigatou, bowed Ace.
He took his wand back and slid it in his fingerless glove. Harry noticed that he put it in a sort of lining, not in direct contact with his skin. Strange.
-There is only Mister Potter left.
Harry stood up and walked toward Mr Ollivander, to who he held his wand.
-Aaah, yes, said Ollivander, his pale eyes shining with a sudden spark. Yes, yes, yes, I remember very well.
Harry remembered too. Like it was yesterday…
Ollivander passed more time examining Harry's wand than the others. Finally, he made a fountain of wine come out and gave it back to Harry declaring that it was in a perfect state.
-Thank you everyone, said Dumbledore standing from the table of the judges. You can go back to your class, now… or maybe it would be better to go straight to diner, since class are almost over…
Relieved that at least one thing went well this day, Harry prepared to go away, but the man with the camera in his hand stood up and caught.
-The photos, Dumbledore, the photos! Verpey exclaimed hastily. The judges and the champions together. What do you think Rita?
-Hum… yes, okay, let's begin with the photo in group, said Rita Skeeter, whose stare was again on Harry. And then, we will take some individual photos.
The growl of Ace let everyone hear what he though of her ideas.
The seance of posing took a long time. Madam Maxime was projecting her shadow on everyone, from anywhere she was, and the photograph couldn't take enough steps backward to have her filling completely the frame. Finally she had to sit in the middle of the others who stayed standing. Karkaroff never stopped to twist his beard around his finger to make her do a neat loop. Krum, which Harry though he must be used to this sort of thing, was trying to hide behind the others. The photograph really wanted for Fleur to be in the front, but Rita didn't stop pushing Harry to be sure to highlight him. Ace had another attack of Narcolepsy and Rayleigh refused to be placed beside Karkaroff and Dumbledore. Then Rita insisted that they must take individuals shot of each champions. Then, they were released, after Ace, who had woken up, said that if they didn't take this photo soon, he would put the device where the photograph really didn't want to have it.
-Thank god it's over, groaned Ace stretching as they went to the diner.
He walked with Harry, imposing them a rather slow rhythm to keep them behind the group. Brusquely, Ace caught Harry's shoulder and lead him in an empty classroom.
-What is it? Asked Harry.
Ace signaled him to be silent, the Haki alert, and then relaxed. He passed a hand before the door to keep anyone from overhearing them, and then made a wall of flames before it, before turning toward Harry.
-Sorry, Potter, but I had two things to tell you, and I preferred for it to be far from indiscreet ears, Ace apologized.
-Oh?
Ace signaled him to sit and Harry let himself fall on a chair, imitated by Ace who sit backwards on another chair.
-The first thing, it's personal. I know that you find that me and my brothers we are acting strangely with Rayleigh, since he came here.
-True. Seeing you, it's like you're acting with an outsider.
-Nobody can know that Rayleigh is my godfather. Nobody. I count on you to tell Hermione.
-Why?
-Because when someone is chosen as godfather of a child, it means that we have a relationship with said godfather. And I don't want for anybody to search to know who is my father. We spend our time lying to hide that, Potter, so, I'm begging you, don't let the cat out of the bag.
-Okay, I'll be careful.
Ace sighed and Harry noticed that the young man was nervous.
-Will you be alright?
-I think that I'll be better when Ji-chan will be gone. No more risk to talk too fast and to drop a dangerous information. Other point Potter. It will seem weird, but there is more than one people you need to be careful with like the plague. Karkaroff, for one, and Mad-Eye on the other.
- why should I? Wondered Harry.
-Karkaroff is an ex-Death Eater. He sold a lot of Voldemort's men to stay out of Azkaban. Mad-Eye… is weird… very weird. I think he is an impostor, but it's hard to prove.
-Why should he be an impostor?
-Other than the fact that Marco know him personally and that this man didn't do any referance of this fact?
-Point given. I'll be careful.
-Then, let's eat.
The two dark haired boys came out of the room and walked again.
-Is it normal that I fear the article that will come out? Asked Harry.
-No risk! Smiled Ace, with this mischievous smile that show he did a prank.
-What have I to add to your long list of crime, Portgas?
They had just came to a junction where Smoker was standing.
-Oooh. You were waiting for me, Kemuri-chan? Ace asked with a big grin.
-I'm doing my work. Hina and Tashigi can take care of the others, and the thugs can be beaten by the marines. But you, you are another level altogether.
-You want to test, maybe?
Ace turned toward Smoker with a huge grin, an eyebrow raised in defy, a fist flaming brusquely.
Harry saw in response the fist of Smoker, who were in black gloves, become white, before taking back their original color.
-I still remember Alabasta ans the way you played with me. I don't do the same mistake two times, Portgas.
Ace shrugged and the flames disappeared from his hand.
-You don't have any charge to add. Thief is already on the list and I believe it is followed by the mention multiples.
-I remark that you use your power in a very open way. Even your brother isn't that careless.
-Potter knows, Kemuri-chan. Are we going to eat?
He had addressed the question to Harry who nodded.
They resume their way toward the Great Hall and Harry noted that Ace was juggling with some cigars.
-When did you steal them?
-The strong point of a pickpocket, Potter, is to not make yourself be noticed! Smiled Ace.
He opened the helmet of an armor and put the cigars in it, before throwing one lighten and go back to walking.
-You know why we nickname this man Kemuri, Potter?
-No. Is it a thing like Hiken?
-Not really. Hiken, it's my technique signature and the nickname I'm given on the seas. Kemuri is an affectionate nickname that we gave him to mock him. In the same genre, I have the right to undisciplined Matchstick and Marco has something like Roasted Chicken or Flying Pine apple. It's a reference to our power who target the laughter.
-So, this man…
-Smoker. The name say everything. Moku moku no mi, a logia. This guy is the smoke like I am the fire.
Ace stopped before the entry of the Hall and show Hina with his shin, who was observing the pirates in the room with distrust.
-Her power allow her to… lock in some way, all the things she touches. You pass through her arm, and you find yourself with black cuffs. That's why she can't fight me without magic. If my power make all conflicts useless with Smoker, Hina's, it's sticking a sword in the water. I dematerialize and it's like she did nothing.
He then gestured toward Kidd.
-This guy is a walking magnet. He attract and repulse everything with metal.
-It's possible?
-Yep. Everything is possible. Kal' is a mythical Zoan. Kami Kami no mi, model Quetzalcoatl, the famous winged snake. We found it recently. She still has some problems controlling his power. But it's the duty of a school. We are there to learn.
Ace gestured to Luffy stil at the table and pushed Harry in the back.
-Go join him, I need to see my revolutionary of a brother.
And Ace walked toward Ravenclaw. He lean beside Sabo, saving him from Fleur, who seemed very interested in him.
-Ace?
-Gift.
Ace took out of his pocket a roll of magical picture and a tone dial.
-Don't let Skeeter do a rag. And you will know what to do when you'll see the picture.
Sabo took everything and put it in his pocket. Ace was going to walk away when his brother caught up with him. With a gesture of his head, he showed a third year girl in Ravenclaw.
-What with her?
- [I think she know something…]
Ace raised a puzzled eyebrow. He had never talked to this kid. How could she know anything?
- [What do you know about her?]
-[It's Luna Lovegood. The daughter of the director of the Quibbler which you love so much.]
-[I'll see with Marco, thank you bro'.]
And Ace went to join Luffy, leaving again Sabo to eat while reading who know what book that he had put against a carafe of water. Every Ravenclaw had left him this carafe.
Fleur slid in the seat beside him.
-You seem to get along well with him. Hogwarts has two champions. Why the pirate?
With a heartbreaking sigh, Sabo closed his book with a clack and glanced at the girl with Veela blood trying to make her charm work on him.
-Fuck off.
He took his plate, his fork and knife, and his book to join the Gryffindor, making a place for himself between his brothers.