Here it's been a while some problems at home but now it's alright so I should be able to translate more. Good reading and please review.
-I don't know how to dance… and I have to open a ball… mumbled Harry in a dead voice.
-Sabo can teach you, if you want, proposed Luffy.
-Sabo know how to dance? Wondered Ron and Harry.
As Luffy nodded, Hermione sighed seeming to say 'of course'.
-He learned how to dance at the same age as he learned how to walk. He would like to do without, but he knows how. He tried to teach me, but I always get mixed up!
-He would accept to teach me? Harry asked with hope.
-If you find a partner, I can ask him, assured Luffy.
-You're my savior!
Luffy giggled.
-You know with who you're going to go? Hermione asked Luffy.
-Nami!
Nami who was passing in the hallway with some classmate came to a stop, to the biggest horror of the marines guarding it. She stared at Luffy with curious eyes.
-You could reserve me a dance for the ball, please?
-I'll do the first one with you for free because you are my captain, Luffy. I have to dance with Zoro and Sanji too. You will dance with Robin, also?
-Aye!
-Well, since you are my captain, I'll reserve my first dance for you, with one condition!
-Which one?
-That you wore clothes as tasteful as the time when you came to save me from Shiki!
-Shihihi! Count on me!
-Then, I'll see you at the ball!
And she walked away.
-I have my partner for the first dance! Smiled Luffy. Have fun with Marco!
And Luffy went on his way.
-Your idea is stupid, commented Sabo.
-I want to prove something, so, what I have planned is perfect, rejected Ace walking with big steps toward the Great Hall.
Someone will be jealous.
-I already told him, baka!
-I'm not responsible for your death, Ace.
-Yes, yes…
Sabo went to join Luffy (the blond was trying to avoid Fleur) and looked at Ace walking briskly toward the Head Table. Common thing, since he was often talking to Marco before or after the meal. Except that now, instead of walking to the left toward the pirates, he went on the right toward the Marines. He came to a halt in front of Hina, clicking his heels joining his feets and bowing before the pink, his hat on his heart.
-Kuro Ori no Hina-taïsa, I am searching for a partner for the opening of the ball. Would you accept to give me the first dance of the night?
You could hear a fly in the Great Hall. Rayleigh was looking at his godson like he just saw a second head come out, before glancing at Marco with an interrogating air who nodded to confirm that they had talked about it.
-Hina must have misheard you, kaizoku, said the pink. You just asked Hina to dance with her?
-Exact, stated Ace, calmly straightening.
-If I didn't know it from the start, I would have the confirmation that you are a complete nutcase, Portgas, growled Smoker, beside his friend.
-I would have asked Tashigi, but I think that a marimo I will not name would like to invite her!
-Stop saying bullshit, Portgas! Roared a red Zoro, embarassed at the table.
-Why? Asked Hina.
-Like that. Just a dance. I don't ask you to go out with me. Just to open the ball with me.
-And the Grey?
-Kal? Kennichi has her first dance. He asked me this morning.
-Hina is puzzled.
-Don't look further. It's just a dance. Nothing more, nothing less. No tentative of corruption, or assassination. So?
Hina looked at Ace in the eyes who waited for her answer without removing his serous face. The pink looked away and accepted.
-Hina keeps an eye on you…
Ace smiled brightly and bowed.
-Thank you very much.
He straightened up and reassured Smoker:
-I won't eat your friend, Kemuri-chan. Don't put your panties in a twist !
And Ace went to see Marco, leaving a Smoker red with embarrass and shame behind him.
Marco took out a packet from under his chair and held it to Ace.
-Oyaji send this for you, for the ball, yoi.
Ace opened the box and his eyes opened wide seeing what was in it.
-I can't.
-Oyaji insist.
-But…
Marco looked at him raising an eyebrow and Ace sighed. He nodded tightly and went to the table, where the twins monopolized him with Sabo, about a Verpey who was refusing to pay his debts.
-Your brother is crazy, Dean commented to Luffy.
-About what?
-By asking this scary woman to the ball, but also because he walk around shirtless in winter.
Luffy snickered, but said nothing more.
Harry had just been turned down by Cho when he entered the common room to see Ron totally depressed.
-He was blown off by Fleur, explained Luffy.
-It's the day… muttered Harry. Cho is going with Cedric Diggory…
-If Ron had questioned me, he would have know that Sabo accepted to go with her in the hope that after, she will leave him alone.
-Only your brother would reject the advances of a Veela, Luffy.
Luffy shrugged and went back to reading his letter.
-Brook will come sing with the Weird Sisters.
Harry had finally a date in the person of Parvati Patil. He was going to the dinner when he sensed a hand touch his arm.
-A word for you kid… murmured a girl in his ear. I learn that one of the twins was neglect for this evening, and I'll eviscerate you. It's a serious warning.
And she continued on her way toward who knew where, ignoring the marines calling her.
-Is everything alright?
Harry had a start and turn around to see Tashigi talking to him.
-She seemed threatening, explained the marine.
-It's fine, assured Harry. I'm going to eat while there is still something.
And he ran toward the Great Hall to slid on a bench, falling beside Sabo, in front of Kennichi and Zoro who were talking about dress robes.
-So, you found a date? Sabo asked.
-Yes… is it true that you accept to go with Fleur, just so she leave you alone?
-Yes, unfortunately… sighed Sabo.
Kennichi stared at Harry and asked him, surprising hm:
-What did the Grey want with you?
-Why do you call this girl the Grey?
-Other than the fact she always wear grey? Asked Sabo.
Logic.
-So? Asked the Shirohige.
-She… She told me that she would rip my intestines if Ron and me neglect the Patils twins during the ball.
-Oooh! Said the men.
-That's strange, but I had the impression that she had bad relations with them…
-Kali is a kuudere. She is cynical, brutal, cold and won't-give-a-damn, but sometimes, she show that she is in truth… someone affectionate… explained Kennichi.
Harry looked at him with a closed expression.
-On the Grand Line, your affection for someone can kill you, explained Sabo. It's a weapon. Show publicly that you like someone, and if you are someone to kill, this person will be used against you. If this person is powerful, it'll be alright, but in the contrary… the twins won't survive against any enemies of the Grey. If she is distant with them, that for them to not be involved.
-And since Kali is our Nakama, if she fell, Ace-san will probably fall with her. You touch one of us and it's our crew you attack.
-We can only trust our nakama, muttered Zoro taking some noodles on his plate. The entire world is our enemy. If we can't trust our comrades, we're dead.
-I see… breathed Harry.
And he took some food.
-Now that you have a date, I will be able to teach you, in the hope that you will do better than Luffy, smiled Sabo.
-Why did you learn to dance, Sabo?
Sabo's smile melt like snow under the sun.
-Liking it or no, I come from a family of Lord. The moment I knew how to walk and talk, the codes to respect during socials events were forced into my throat, like balls, cocktails and others… Everything to be well see by influential people… I was five when my father promised me to the daughter of a rich noble who had the favors of a parent of the Queen. It's not that wonderful, the life of a Lord. From my point of view, at least. But these years in the upper class gave me the weapons needed to change the world.
-Oh no, the Revolutionary is in his delirium again! Commented Zoro with a smile.
Sabo stuck his tongue at him.
-What do you have as a dress robe, Potter? Asked Sabo.
-A simple bottle green robe, answered Harry. And you?
-Suit and tie, answered Zoro. Nami told me that she would triple my debt if I put on a traditional clothe.
-I'll do in the sober, too. My working clothes will go well, snickered Sabo.
The snorts of the two pirates told him that he was missing something.
-Kimono and hakama for me. Ace is indecisive between that and a suit with tie. Taishou will put on a simple kimono. I'll see to it personally, I bet this with Izou-san!
Kennichi had a smirk when his eyes followed his commander go out of the Hall with Rayleigh. Marco turned for an instant, looking suspiciously his comrade, before following his way.
-And Kali, she will put what? A classic dress? Asked Zoro.
-Kali? A dress? Heaven will fall the day it happen! She will put a sari above a sarouel, that's all.
-I'm ridiculous… Ace stated loud and clear when Sabo put him before a mirror. It's your style, not mine!
-Thanks God, we took all day to dress you, sighed the blond, ignoring Rayleigh and Luffy rolling on the ground laughing in a corner of the room. Don't touch the hair!
Sabo turned around his brother who he had forced to put a three pieces set with tail. He took a brush and attacked the mane of his older brother.
-My winter clothes will be fine… grumbled Ace.
-Make an effort, it won't kill you to dress well for once;
-I won't wear this thing! Out of question!
Sabo swore and took a step back when Ace flamed himself, reducing his clothes to ashes, staying in his pants in the middle of the bedroom.
Rayleigh sighed and vanished the ashes in a wave of his wand.
-Even Luffy dressed well! So, you can put an effort too, can't you? Huffed Sabo.
It's true that in his clothes, Luffy looked like a mafiosi, with a heavy coat that he will wear with the rest and that was waiting for now on the chair, he will have style.
-Try this! Proposed Rayleigh throwing cloth to Ace.
Ace caught them and put them on.
The pants were tight around his tight before becoming larger around his feets. The clear blue shirt and the black vest went well with it. Sabo went behind Ace, closing with his hand the shirt, then the vest and shook his head.
-Keep this open. Your necklace stain.
-I keep this on… Ace said with a threatening face, his hand fingering the big red pearls around his neck.
-As you wish.
With a skillful movement of his leg, Sabo swept the feet of the oldest, making him fall on the ground, on his ass. There, he undertook to style his hair, before tying them on a short tail, making think that he may have a tassel on the back of his head.
-There it is! Now, it's potable! Claimed Sabo.
He wiped the imaginary sweet from his forehead.
He groaned when he saw the inimitable black fedora appear in the neck of his sibling, but said nothing more.
Ace straightened up and went to his original clothes. He took his hunting knife and tied it to one of his legs, before conjuring a thick belt around his waist, to which he tied a big gun and some cartridges of munitions.
-You're trying to compensate for something? Asked Sabo.
-I have everything needed, no need to compensate, Marco can confirm it, if you don't believe me… Ace muttered as he finished to tie the belt.
Rayleigh cleared his throat, making Ace raise his eyes.
-Yes, Ji-chan… I know… sighed the Commander.
-We have two hours. Sab' it's your turn.
-It's the last time I'm dressing you, Ace, Sabo stated clearly. What a drag, I swear. Worst than a kid. Oi! What are you doing, there?!
-I'm putting my logs poses… Ace answered patiently.
-You want to look like a Christmas Tree? You find that there is not enough of them in the Great Hall? Rayleigh asked smiling.
-No, I'm going as a pirate, point.
-You're sure that weapons are allowed? Asked Luffy.
-Yes, reassured Rayleigh. Who would be stupid enough to fight the day of Christmas?
-Fufufufufu! Here is a very elegant pirate… commented Robin coming in advance in front of the Great Hall with Nami.
Marco opened one eye, looking at the women from top to bottom and closed it.
-You are stunning, ojou-san tachi.
The black dress of Robin put forward her long legs covered by a purple tights and her beautiful neckline. On this, she had a rather thin coat, just as black. Nami had a sober and long dress, without sleeve and a pink boa. On her waist, on a special belt, hung her climat tact.
-Must I conclude that Kennichi-kun lost his bet with Izou-san ? smiled Nami seeing the clothes of the blond.
-The day he succeed in dressing me up, I won't be Commander anymore, yoi.
The whistle of Portgas made them raise their head to see him coming down the step with his family.
-Good clothes, Marco. You're going to a business dinner?
Marco shook his head in amusement. He did sober, just a black three pieces suit and a clear purple shirt we could see under. He had a black cardigan above it all and his golden jewel which usually hung from his belt was substituted by a sober one in silver.
-Marco! I'm sure that Ace is trying to compensate for something with his big gun, pointed Sabo passing one hand in his hair for the last time, before putting his top hat on it.
-He doesn't need to, yoi. I would worry more for Mugiwara, seeing the big toy on his shoulder.
-Eh oh! I don't need to, ore wa gomu ningen! Luffy took offense.
Rayleigh shook his head and arranged his dark cape on his shoulders.
-Your feet wil be cold, Ace pointed to his baby brother.
-Of course not! Assured Luffy wagging his toes.
-If you say so.
Slowly, the rest of the occupants of the castle ended up showing up.
As expected, the Grey had put on a grey sarouel under her purple and gold sari. She bowed before the two Commanders and waited for her date to show up in a kimono and a hakama dark blue.
Hina came the moment when Marco was putting on a pouting Ace a white coat very recognizable by the huge emblem in the back. And him who was hoping that Marco hadn't realized that he had hidden it in his office, to not have to wear it.
-You stole the coat of your Oyaji? Mumbled Hina chewing on her cigarette.
-Oyaji wanted me to wear it tonight. You are very beautiful, the flower I brought will go very well with your dress.
Ace bowed above the hand of Hina who in addition with her Marine's cloak had a pink tight dress, slit on the sides. When the pirate straightened up, he showed a white flower in his hand that he slid behind the ear of the woman.
-Hina won't get tricked, the woman told him.
-Oh, but there isn't any trap, assured Ace.
He held an arm toward Hina courteous.
-Where did you learn good manners, Portgas? Asked Smoker.
-The blond with the top hat beat them into my skull with his bô.
Sabo turned toward them and offered a smile full of teeth to his brother.
-Your date is here, pointed Ace.
Sabo paled and walked toward Fleur who perched herself with delight on his arm.
-The champions, come here! Called McGonagall.
-Are we going? Asked Ace.
-Since we must.
Smoker tried not to laugh before the head of his friend seeing her walk away with Ace toward the group of the Champions.
-Ohoh! The miracles of a visit to a hair stylist! Commented Sabo seeing the date of Krum. You are lovely, Granger.
-Thank you. That is your… work clothes?
-Nothing better for society parties. Potter…
-Sabo… Ace…
Harry looked at them with a bit of surprise. Which shows that, good clothes could change everything. The two young men were well made and rather elegant. Strangely, the weapons were at their place, on Ace. Even if he didn't totally look like himself, this cloak on his should almost give him an air… princely…
Sabo was totally at ease in his clothes, as if he was born in them. He had everything of a Lord. And he corresponded to the image he had when McGonagall told him that he had to open the ball.
Parvati put a hand to her mouth when she saw them.
-Dear God… How did you do this?
-Miracles of the clothes! Smiled Sabo. I had a hard time with this one. Compardd to him, Luffy cooperated totally.
-He look like a Mafia Boss like this, Hermione pointed out.
-Just one dance, Portgas, warned Hina.
-Of Course! After, I'll find my nakama. When I said that Zoro want to invite Tashigi to the ball!
Indeed, Zoro just passed by them, totally red, with a Tashigi just as embarrassed.
-Come on, let's forget the rivalries, sighed Sabo. let's have fun! And don't forget my teachings, Potter!
Harry lowered his head trying not to blush, and Parvati giggled.
Soon, McGonagall made them enter and they walk toward a big round table in the end of the Room.
-Ace! Sabo called in a low voice.
Ace threw a rapid look toward his brother.
-Try to act correctly at the table! Honor the cloak you wear!
Ace nodded, arranging with his free hand the cloak on his shoulders. At the table, Sabo sit beside Percy who was stood in for Crouch. Everyone sat and the meal began; Hina took out the flower from her hair and observed it, while Ace talked with Rayleigh and Madam Maxime, on the other side of the table, listening distractedly Sabo talking with Percy about politic.
-Where does this flower come from? Hina finally asked.
-A variety of Hibiscus from Dawn, answered Ace. I lived some time there, before taking the sea.
-Aaah, Dawn… nostalgia, when you get us, sighed Sabo.
-You are too young to be nostalgic, young men, pointed Rayleigh with amusement. And it is vain to think that your school is so well hidden, dear Karkaroff. I prove you any day you want that I know where it is…
Igor looked at Rayleigh with hatred, but the pirate smiled peacefully to the man.
-And Hogwarts still have many mysteries… I think in particular at this strange room, on the seventh floor…
The two young men almost choked on their laughter and Ace was kind enough to explain to Hina what was this aforementioned room.
The meal went well enough. Parvati was a good company, and Harry blessed himself by remembering Kali's threat. Otherwise, he would have ignored the poor miss, and would have missed a rather interesting classmate. Madam Maxime was fascinated by the description of some islands of the Shin Sekai, that Ace, Rayleigh or Hina had seen (Hina upset. Hina already had missions in the Shin Sekai). Some pictures seemed too impossible (a rain of thunder… who would believe it), but it was interesting.
-You can't ask too much of him, Hermione, he must pronounce something in a way that he isn't familiar with, pointed Sabo to Hermione who was trying to teach Krum how to say her name.
Hermione looked suspiciously at him, but remembered that someone named Roronoa Zoro was unable to pronounce 'si' by anything other than 'shi'. It was very funny when he called Sabo by his surname saying : Shirubazu. And Ace relished in reminding her that he didn't care if someone used the English way to say his name, but he wasn't named 'Ace' but 'Eisu'.
The mysteries of a foreign language.
When everyone was done with their meal, the table were pulled aside and everyone took to the dance floor.
The Weird Sisters and Brook took the floor under the applauses.
-Good evening everyone! Yohohoho! I see some lovely ladies in the room! I will avoid asking some panties, I don't want to be killed by the marines… Even if I'm already dead! Yohohoho! Skull Joke! Saa minna-san, I hope we will have a wonderful evening together and I wish you all a Merry Christmas!
-And one more, mumbled Hina following Ace on the piste.
-Soul King Brook is here to make us pass a good moment, that's all, assured Ace with a smile. Shall we go ?
He took one hand of the Marine and passed an arm around her waist, respecting some distance between them. Hina put a hand on his shoulder and said:
-Step on Hina's feet and Hina kick your nuts.
-Aye! Grinned Ace.
He lead Hina in the waltz.
Sabo looked at Harry and nodded to himself. He didn't do too bad.
-Where does your scar come from? Fleur asked when Sabo made her whirl.
-I prefer not to talk about it. It's a bad memory. Why do you stick to me since your arrival, Delacour-san?
-I don't know, you intrigue me. And you are one of the rare to act like an adult, in the middle of those kids.
-I learned to grow up quickly.
He sensed with his Haki Fred pass not far from his elder with Angelina and put something in his pocket, before leading his date out of Mad-Eye's way who was dancing with the Professor Sinistra.
-A kilt, sensei?! Who do you want to shock like that? Mocked Sabo.
Before Moody could answer, Sabo had lead his date further away.
They passed Rayleigh dancing with McGonagall. A Japanese comment made the old pirate chuckle.
-There is a lot of things you ignore about the Mei-Ô, young man, smiled Rayleigh.
The Professor Sprout was laughing dancing with Marco, still as phlegmatic as ever, and Robin was dancing with Sanji not far from the couple Nami/Luffy.
When the dance was over, Ace, like a gentleman, accompanied Hina to Smoker and kissed her hand.
-Thank you for according me this dance.
And in a fly majestic of his white coat, he went in a search for a new dance partner.
-So? Asked Smoker.
Hina smiled at him, shining eyes behind her glasses.
-Hina had fun.
Smoker looked at her with surprise, but already, she was going back to the dance floor.
Kali stumbled on Ace, with murdering eyes.
-Wait tomorrow, okay, before killing anyone, Ace asked recognizing the look.
-This foolish ginger head will pay. Look at her! He does even take care of her!
Padma was surprised when a well clothed and a little embarrassed Kidd came to invite her to a dance, but accepted, leaving Ron to brood alone.
-Pav', on her side, has fun. I won't finish Snake Face's work for him.
Ace followed her eyes and indeed saw Parvati laughing while dancing with Harry. The intensives courses of Sabo had paid.
Ace searched his pockets, taping with his foot a rhythm with the music played by Brook and the Whitches. He took out a chewing-gum in a paper message.
-"For the Sleeping Beauty, until midnight, with her prince charming. Immediate effect, chewing-gum Ivankov." Oh…
-You will be able to dance with him, whispered Kali.
Ace blushed and put the chewing-gum back in his pocket.
-Come on!
-Oi!
Without having the time to protest, he was pulled by his nakama out of the Great Hall. Some minutes later, a blushing young girl with long ebony hair, in an orange kimono asked Marco if he wanted to dance with her.
The Phoenix raised an eyebrow recognizing the black and silver eyes of a commander, accepted and didn't change of partner during all the evening, until midnight. Although before midnight, he disappeared, but that, nobody realized it.
-/-
Nami halted Hermione when she saw her rush out of the room, angry.
-Ron! He say that to dance with Viktor, it's to fraternize with the enemy!
-Then, to talk with Luffy in class, it's also to fraternize with the enemy. Don't listen to him! Come! Sanji-kun!
Nami lead Hermione to the table of the pirates. Chopper, in a suit, was sitting on the table, drinking a soda with a straw, talking with Sanji and Luffy, Robin was on the floor with Zoro. They were commenting Brook's performance with huge smiles and laughs, completing the Skull Jokes of the star before he did them himself.
-Sanji-kun? Would you like to dance with Hermion?
-But of course! Assured Sanji.
He stood up and lead Hermione on the dance floor.
-Luffy, you should tell Ace that there is a strange girl dancing with Marco, pointed Nami.
-It's Ace. I smelled him when they passed not far away from me, Chopper noted. What will you do?
-Put an idiot in his place.
-Not need, the Grey is on the case! Smiled Luffy.
CLACK!
The monumental slap that Ron took from Kali resonated (résonna pas raisonna) in a good part of the room.
-On one side you neglect Padma! And on the other, you make your best friend cry, big fool! But who do you think you are, moron!?
This night, undetected by anyone, another pirate entered in the castle. When Bagman went back to his rooms for the night, he found sitting on a chair a man with a pompadour who was twirling a sword in his hand with a neglecting gesture.
-Konbanwa, Bagman-san. I learned that you refused to pay the money due to two of my friends…
The smile of the Pirate was scary.
-/-/
-Ah, I can't keep up anymore! I'm going to sleep! Thank you for tonight!
Harry found himself with a kiss on the cheek from Parvati who went to find her twin sister. Tired, but happy with his evening, Cho totally forgotten, Harry found Ron who was still pouting by himself and mumbling something which sound like: fraternization with the enemy.
-We pass our time fraternizing with the enemy, Ron.
Wha ! Said very smartly the red head.
-We share our every days with Luffy who support his brother, much more than he support me or Cedric. It's the Professor Fushisho and the Professor Robin who manage our study group, and they are too in the pirate camp. And Sabo taught me to dance and act well during parties, when you preferred to play cards on your side. Even the pirates make an effort and open themselves to others. Ace opened the ball with a Marine at his arms. And it's a pirate who gave you the slap of the century for neglecting one of us. True, we all want to see our respective champion win, but we can also learn to know the others.
-You're talking like Hermione, commented Ron looking gobsmacked his comrade drinking his butterbeer.
-I danced with the professor Nico and had fun. I even had a dance with Fleur, while Sabo danced with Parvati.
Harry sighed and stood up. He remarked the strange girl who was dancing from some time already with Marco, but didn't comment. It must be a pirate, since their were the only ones wearing kimonos.
-The night was good? Sabo asked with a knowing smirk finding his oldest brother with Luffy in the hall, the next day.
Ace just smiled, trying to not walk too stiffly.
-Hello Taîshou, greeted Kali in a dark mood joining them.
Ace just greeted her with his hand.
-Are you alright, Nii-chan?
All had to make an effort to understand Ace. Even without understanding him, it was easy to guess the problem. Voice extinction.
The pleased smile on a Phoenix who was reading a newspaper at the Head Table completed the equation.
-Ace? Can I talk to you an instant?
Everyone turned around to see Harry.
-You can have him, but he has a voice extinction! Snickered Sabo, while Luffy fell against the Revolutionary holding his ribs.
Ace glared at his brothers and signaled the park with his head to Harry.
The two Champions went out and Harry told Cedric's advise.
Ace searched in his cloak (Harry found that he looked like a vampire hunter in these clothes), and took out a notebook and a pen. He wrote something, scrapped it, and did it again, before putting it under Harry's nose. The scrapped lines were in japanese characters, but the rest was in english.
"Cedric's advice is good, but not full. Put the head under water to better hear."
-You're serious?
Ace nodded with a smile.
-You deciphered the riddle?
Another nod.
-Don't say anything !
Ace inwardly rolled his eyes. He didn't risk to say a lot because of a Phoenix.
-So, I put the egg and my head under water to decrypt everything?
Another nod.
-Thanks, Ace!
"It's the least I can do, for the dragons."
Harry had an embarrassed laugh and rushed to lunch.