Here is the next chapter, sorry for the wait but there was a lot of work to do and few staff to do it, so I didn't have time to translate as much as I would have liked. Hope you like it. And please review.
Nami let herself fall in a compartment, greeting the young Ravenclaw sitting in front of her.
-Interested to giving your version of the Shabaody's incident.
-Eh? Nami asked, surprised.
-My dad own the Quibbler.
The Quibbler. One of the rares magical paper writing about the Grand Line and what happened there. Sabo had implied that the owner was a sympathizer of Dragon.
-Oh… Iie, I prefer to not remember what happened at Shabaody.
-I understand. Sorry for asking.
Nami shook her head to show her that it was nothing.
She closed her eyes, trying to forget the panic she had felt when she was parted from her nakamas. She looked at the letters between her hands, from Sanji, Chopper and Zoro. The three had succeeded in sending it to her with some difficulties, so that she could give them to Luffy.
Nami sighed and let her head lean against the window, staring at the crowd outside, hoping to see a sign of Luffy.
-Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish ladies,
Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain…
For we have received orders,
For to sail to old England…
Nami sighed and closed her eyes full of sadness for a bit. They had been so closed from their departure…
-And we may ne'er see you fair ladies again…!
The hard reality.
-We'll rant and we'll roar, like true British sailors!
We'll range and we'll roam all on the salt seas…!
Until we strike soundings,
In the Channel of old England!
From Ushant to Scilly 'tis thirty-five leagues!
The door of the compartment opened brusquely, surprising Nami. Harry, Neville and Ginny entered.
-Hello, we can sit here? Asked Ginny.
Luna nodded.
Neville and Ginny sat down. The redhead introduced Luna to the two boys but the little blond stayed in her world, smiling airily. Nami had wondered more than once what had the parents of the kids, put in her feeding bottle, for her to always make this face. Worse than if she had smoked.
Harry stayed a moment irresolute before Nami, surprising her.
-I… I read the papers… Sabo gave me a subscription for a translated version of the Grand Line's Voice…
Nami gave a poor smile.
-If Luffy hadn't hit Carlos-sei, another one of our crew would have done it… We couldn't let them sell Keimi-chan, nor attack Hachi… We're still alive… don't worry about us, we survived the first part of the Grand Line. The Shin Sekai won't see us before we really are prepared…
Harry nodded and sat down.
-Luffy isn't here yet… I know that Ace is with him, but nothing more, Nami told him.
-They seemed badly injured in the paper, murmured Harry.
-They're robust. Once, I fell sick and I was dying. Wanting to find a doctor for me, Sanji got badly hurt. Luffy escalated a huge vertical peak of ice, with me and Sanji on his back, to find the only doctor of the island… So, you see, you don't have to worry!
Nami smiled closing he eyes to not show her worry.
-What happened? asked Neville.
-Hermione was infernal during a few days because of the newspaper, but Bill refused to translate it for me, sighed Ginny.
-To tell a long story short… Ace got caught and escaped barely from death. But in exchange, we lost an admirable Yonkou, one of the witness of the pre golden age, resumed Nami.
-What is a Yonkou? Asked Ginny.
Nami though an instant, then told her.
-The second part of the Grand Line is unstable, rich and dangerous. To bear with this, some islands search a way to protect themselves from the dangers coming from others countries or intruders. Some are rich enough to form their own police, making the island be what is known has neutral. Other receive the protection from the marine. The other option, is to pass a deal with a pirate who has the striking strength important enough and a big reputation. There are four of them. Akagami no Shanks, Kaidou, Big Mum and Shirohige. Each of these pirates had a territory composed of numerous islands. Their flag is exposed at the entry of the islands as a warning. Whoever make something foolish will have to face this crew. This give some stability to the Shin Sekai. But…
-But? asked Neville.
-Shirohige was the strongest man in the world. The Lord of the Seas, this era of Piracy even had his name. In killing him, Marshall D. Teach lead the Grand Line in chaos. Entire islands razed. The Shin Sekai fall with this man. For a lot of people, it was only a despicable man, a criminal who got what he deserved, but to have met him, I know that they're wrong. For a part of the population in the world, he was a protector. And for other… a father. A father ready to die for the survival of his own… And who died to make sure that a boy who he was calling a son would survive a little while more.
Ginny stared at Nami with a horrified gaze.
-Imagine that Ace, Marco… as well as The Gray and Kennichi that you met last year, plus some hundreds of others, come to lose the man that was a father to them, and you won't be far off. Luffy saw him a little like an uncle, I even believe… I don't know in what state he will be. Zoro, Sanji and Chopper warned me that they wouldn't come back this year. I have to make sure to look after my captain now.
The silence fell in the compartment.
Harry was sitting between Ginny and Nami, facing Neville, looking at the platform, more precisely the black dog that was making Moody complain.
-You have news from the professor Fushisho? asked Neville, suddenly.
-Not a lot, I was a little cut from the world, this summer. Weatheria isn't very well deserved by the news. But I'm sure we won't see him again, sighed Nami.
-He was a super teacher, like the professor Nico… it's the first time I had good grades.
-She will come back? inquired Harry. I never found history as interesting than with her…
-She would be happy to hear you say that, smiled Nami. I don't know if she will come back. I received her patronus to reassure me of her survival. She didn't tell me where she was, nor with whom. Robin like to do mysteries.
It was then that the train started, rather slowly, to go his way.
And Padfoot began to run along it, followed by…
-A panther? Wondered Ginny.
-Ace… breathed out Nami.
She opened the window and leaned outside to greet the panther with the train which was speeding up.
-Ja ne Hiken!
The panther yowled an instant, then flared.
The next instant, she had disappeared, leaving a surprised Padfoot behind.
Nami came back to her seat and closed the window.
-Well, this year won't be relaxing, commented Ginny. We won't be bored!
-You already lived through a boring year ? Neville asked Ginny with a skeptical.
-Thinking about it… no, confessed Ginny.
-I would like to have a boring live sometimes, sighed Harry.
-Welcome to the club. Since Luffy decided that I would be his nakama, I dream of finding back my ordinary and boring life. To cultivate Belmer-san's tangerines with Nojiko at Cocoyashi… When I will have sailed all around the world and made the maps of everything there is to see, maybe I'll go back there…
-Who is Nojiko? asked Neville, curious. A pirate?
Nami gave a bright smile which surprised Harry. They watched her search in her bag that she had put on her laps and take out a pouch from where she took out a rather old photography. Nami was there, when she was a child, showing off a tangerine in her hand with a huge smile, with another girl with blue hair and an adult with her head almost shaved.
-Nojiko is my sister. Belmer-san, she is the woman who raised us as her daughters. She gave up the marine to raise us… she died some time after this photo was taken. Killed by gyojins. Fishmen. Arlong's group. For this reason, I hated the pirates for a long time.
-And yet, you are one, pointed Harry out.
-Luffy is a miracle maker! softly laughed Nami.
A resounding sneeze behind the door made them raise their head. The door was just opened that Nami threw herself to choke the boy on the doorstep in her arms, before moving away and give him a powerful punch on the top of his head.
-I should make a knot with your neck and kick your ass for the scare you gave us all! Dumb fool! Impel Down and Marine Ford! And why not Ennies Lobby, when you're at it?!
-We already did it for Robin, Nami. And I'm happy to see you! Shihihihihi!
-Hello Luffy, greeted Neville.
-I can sit? asked Luffy.
Harry moved to sit beside Neville to let his seat to Luffy, since Nami didn't really have the intention of letting him go. Luffy hadn't changed a lot during summer. He had taken some centimeters, still staying taller than Harry, but his appearance was still as small and scrawny. Even Nami was taller than him. However, his muscles, particularly his neck, seemed more marked. After, he had a hooded sweat-shirt and a baggy. Rather classic to pass unseen. Not what he wore usually. His eternal hat wasn't even seen.
The most chocking was his eyes. They had darkened. The carefree light that he still had was diminished.
The conversation that he was making gave the impression of a performance to make them believe that everything was alright, and that nothing had changed, but Luffy was darker, Harry was sure of it. A look toward Nami told him that the redhead had perceived it. Nami, by the way, gave him the letters that she had to pass to, and Luffy read them. He had a small smile saying that he understood. The conversation continued, even if he had a trace of sadness, there was a strange determination in him. Luffy looked an instant toward Luna, probably wondering why she hadn't said anything, but she raise a moment her head from her paper and smiled, before going back into her reading. Understanding the message, Luffy turned away from her. The exchange was noticed by none of the others.
-How did you came out of this shit alive? asked Harry.
-A miracle, I suppose. Or chance. I though I had lost Ace, honestly. If Fawkes hadn't been there… Ace… Ace would have died for me…
Luffy lowered his eyes sighing.
-Luffy… we will become strong, to reach the top. We will be so strong that your brothers won't need to protect you, and it will be you who will do it for them, promised Nami.
Luffy offered a grateful smile to Nami.
-I received news from Vivi. She was worried about you, you should write to her, stated the redhead.
Perfect change of subject.
-Ace send Spade to me at Hogwarts. He doesn't need him anymore, so he said. And I will need you, Harry.
-Why? Wondered the Boy-Who-Lived.
Luffy moved away his collar, showing the rings of a sleeping snake around his neck.
-Sabo wants me to keep Shayna for some times.
Harry immediately understood. Luffy would need him to make the translation for him, even if he had proven to Harry that he didn't need it, when he confirmed to him after the incident with Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem that he understands perfectly when he was talking in parseltongue, and so, that he could understand the snakes.
-It's Ron who will like that, commented Neville.
-Oh, he will have another reason to be happy… smiled Nami in an evil way.
-Nami, I know this smile… it's the one you give to Zoro to remind him of his debt… whispered Luffy moving a little away from his nakama in fear.
-Oh, it isn't about a debt… I just promised everyone that I would keep an eye on you. So, I took the time to ask McGonagall-sensei and Flitwick-sensei if I could be transferred to Gryffindor for my last two years, to be able to keep an eye on you.
This made all the Gryffindor pale.
A little after that, Ron and Hermione arrived. Hermione didn't hesitate and threw herself on Luffy while crying of relief to hug him close to her chest.
-'Mione… said Luffy. If… if you really want to hug me, try my arm or my neck. Please.
Hermion took one step back and watched how Luffy rubbed cautiously his chest.
-Luffy, everything is alright? Nami asked worriedly.
-Yes, I'm just a little numb… eh, nothing bad!
Again this smile that said that everything was alright. A smile that sound so wrong.
Nami looked at him with her eyes saying that he wouldn't get out of this like that, but left the subject alone. Anyway, the boy pulled down the hood of his sweatshirt on his head and settled the best he could on the seat to sleep. Nami sighed and when Luffy was asleep, with Hermione's help who had taken the other side of Luffy, she moved the sleeping boy so he could have his head on the laps of his nakama. Harry watched as Nami couldn't keep herself from glancing at him from time to time to assure herself that he was alright, that he was really here. Whatever had happened before Marine Ford, had marked the redhead.
He continued to sleep, even during Draco's visit, who didn't even notice him, and even less Nami (a redhead, why search further and tell himself that she was a pirate and not a Weasley).
The Golden Trio arrived at the table and immediately noticed Robin at the Head Table, talking with someone at the seat that Marco occupied all the years before. The person was turning his back to them, standing against the table.
Either, it was their new professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, either Dumbledore had found a replacement for one of the best teacher Hogwarts ever had.
- I was so worried when I saw the news… breathed Hermione letting herself fall on her seat.
-And yet, I heard that we had the sweetened news, muttered Harry trying to ignore the stares he was getting and the whispers.
-Of course they were sweetened, Nami told them joining them.
-Where is Luffy? Asked Ron.
-Madam Pomfrey wanted to see him a moment.
Nami looked around them one instant, then leaned toward the group to whisper:
-You know why we though that Ace was dead?
-No? I heard that he had a grave injury, that's all, answered Hermione.
-Akainu was one of the Admiral of the Marine. Well, until the end of August. He just passed Chief Admiral. Gensui. Before that, the three admirals were known to be logias. All three of them. Kizaru had the pika pika no mi. Aokiji, the hie hie no mi and Akainu the magu magu no mi.
-The light, the ice, and the magma? Breathed Hermione.
-Exact. And Akainu was the one who hurt Ace. I… I think I heard they were going to evacuate the battle field, Luffy stumbled. Akainu wanted to break Ace and tried to kill Luffy.
Nami gulped, the throat dry thinking about what could have happened.
-It… it's told that Ace put himself in the middle. He… took a blow destined to Luffy. A punch of magma the size of Hagrid's, in the chest.
Hermione put her hand to her mouth to not cry out. Harry fell sick. He didn't have the possibility to linger on the subject as he was mobbed by twins.
-Hello Harry!
Padma glared at Ron, greeting warmly Hermione then came back to Harry.
-Hm… hello…
Nami tried not to laugh in front of the expression completely flabbergasted on the poor Boy-Who-Lived. To change the subjet, that changed drastically the subject.
-We wanted to tell you that we didn't believe one word of the newspapers, said Padma.
-Lavander doesn't think so, but me, I think I know you enough to know that you aren't like what they say, continued Parvati.
-We believe the tell of You-Know-Who's return.
-Snake Face.
Nami had interrupted them.
-Calling him Snake Face, you hide that you fear him by insulting him, while removing all the possible misunderstandings. If you tell me "you-know-who", I can think of a lot of people, it's a little ambiguous. Before, I could have told myself that those people are in prison, but with a lot of Baroques Works agents with Sir Crocodile, out of Impel Down… you-know-who can mean this man, for me.
The twins shared a glance and nodded.
-Thank you for the advice, Nami, smiled Padma. Well, that's all we wanted to tell you, Harry
-Thank you a lot, girls… I… I don't know what to tell you… confessed Harry.
The twins kissed his cheeks and turned toward Nami.
-We heard something about a war involving Whitebeard… you or Luffy, you know something? inquired Padma.
-Why do you want to know? Wondered Nami.
-Other than the fact that our older sister was probably on the battlefield? Asked Parvati. We argued with our father this summer about Kali. He didn't like that we contacted her again, he told us that all that had happened to her, she had deserved it.
-But we don't think so. She is our sister, and we are worried about her. That she isn't a part of the family because our father is an idiot, won't change anything.
-Whitebeard is dead, apparently, said Ron.
-Ron! A little of tact! Scolded Hermione.
-I didn't know this guy… the redhead defended himself.
-You're talking about an ex Lord of Grand Line who had the power of destroying the world, Ronald Weasley! Respect him! hissed Nami. He was a living legend! The strongest man in the world! He gave his name to an Era!
-This man was important for our sister! Said the twins outraged.
Ron turned red to be put back in his place like that. Nami gave an indignant huff. Thankfully, there wasn't any Shirohige around, or, it would have badly turned for him.
-I got a letter from the Professor Fushisho during the break, intervened Harry. He… he told me that your sister had survived to the war.
The twins let a relieved sigh escape.
-Thank you Harry. You don't have any idea of the worth of what you just told us… sighed Parvati.
-Ace entrusted Spade to Luffy, said Nami. It's probable for Marco to tighten the ranks to not lose anyone else. So, if you want, ask Luffy if when he send his next letter to Ace, it would be possible to pass a letter to Haiiro at the same time.
-A problem with Haiiro? Luffy asked coming near.
-Just a question, Haiiro, you write it with which kanji? Hermione asked.
-The kanji ash, Nami answered her. Ask him, girls.
The twins shared a glance and Parvati asked Luffy:
-Your brother, he is Kali's supervisor, right?
-I don't know how it is right now, but it was the case before the break, said Luffy sitting down beside Padma and Nami.
-Do you think he could pass a letter to her for us? Asked Padma.
-Yes, tell me when you want to send it, and I'll arrange myself with Spades.
-Thank you Luffy!
And the twins stood up after having kissed Luffy on his cheeks. Parvati joined Lavander and Padma went back to Ravenclaw, leaving Luffy beside Harry. Except that the pirate was staring quite persistently at the Head Table.
-Who is the woman in pink? Asked Ron.
-She looks like a toad! Ne, Nami! You think that she is from the same family as Kokoro-baa-san?! Asked Luffy when his eyes fell on the awful thing in pink at the Table.
-I doubt it, Luffy, commented Nami.
-I know her! She was at my disciplinary hearing! Her name is Umbridge! Recognized Harry.
-Disciplinary Hearing? Why? Wondered Luffy.
While Hermione was updating Luffy on the incident during summer at Privet Drive, Nami was scraping her brain.
-I remember that name! It's Fudge Undersecretary! She spends her time passing laws against half-breeds! If the revolutionaries hadn't acted, we would still have a law prohibiting the Gyojins and zoan to use a wand! Recognized Nami. But… shit!
-You too? Guessed Hermione who was biting her lip.
-There is only two jobs which are free, and this woman is too old to have received classes of Natural Magic, so to teach it…
-What are you talking about? Questioned Ron.
-She is our new Defense professor, Ron, understood Harry, darkly.
-I'll skip her class, then, stated clearly Luffy. I have to train, and what my Haki tell me about her, even with my rather low level, I already can say that it would only be a waste of time…
-It would probably be a good idea, I have the impression that she isn't her by charity, noted Nami. She is here to, for the Ministry, dabble in our education.
-Who is the blond at Marco's seat? Asked Ron.
-He is hiding his voice, but I know who it is, as if I couldn't recognize him…
And for the first time since the train, Luffy's smile became true. Robin at the Head Table waved at them, making her interlocutor turn around. And more than one found their jaw falling on the ground.
-Sabo?
The name was on a lot of lips, but before anything could be said, the first years entered. Sabo winked at them and sit on his chair, preparing to watch the sorting, and the song of the Sorting Hat.
Luffy put his head in his arms.
-Wake me up when the food is here, he mumbled.
The Golden Trio threw a worried glance toward Luffy. Nami put a finger to her lips to show them to not bother him and passed absentmindedly her finger in his hair.
-He was like that after Ennies Lobby… let him rest. Ray-san must have worked him very hard the last few weeks.
And Nami shut up to better listen to the Sorting Hat.
When the song was over, there was a lot of agitation.
-Well, that's something new, commented Ron, his brows high.
-That's strange, indeed, approved Harry.
-He never gave warning before? Wondered Nami.
-He already did, Nick told them. Lady Helena is sad to not see you in her house anymore, young lady.
-My captain need me.
-The Sorting Hat already gave warning before, really? Inquired Hermione.
-Yes, it already happened.
He was going to begin the explanation but the sorting ceremony began, with McGonagall glare. Nami then noticed someone in the back of the hall, as if waiting to be sorted. Someone with blue hair.
-Luffy…
-Mmm… keep me a part… mumbled Luffy.
-Wake up, now!
Luffy opened an eye to see his nakama looking at something with excitation.
He turned his head in the same direction and saw the girl with blue hair.
It was at this instant that the youngster's sorting was over. Dumbledore stood up and announced:
-This year, we have a new transfer student, I would like for you to welcome warmly your new classmate Vivi Nefertari who will join the fourth years!
-Vivi! Exclaimed Luffy and Nami.
They watched the young girl step forward with an assurance toward the stool. She shared a nod with Sabo who gave it back, tipping an invisible hat on his head, then a smile toward Robin who waved at her. The miss sat then on the stool and before the hat was put on her head, she waved discreetly to Nami and Luffy.
-You know her? Asked Ron.
-And how! Shihihihi!
Luffy was in a shining mood for the occasion.
He said nothing more, then the Hat began to talk.
-Hoho… well… my dear…
Vivi was almost fold in two with her laughter.
And it was then that the Hat began to talk in Arabic, making her laugh even more.
-I didn't know that the hat was polyglot, commented Hermione.
-He communicated with me in Japanese for my sorting, pointed Nami.
Luffy said something that didn't sound like English, nor Japanese.
-I'm Brazilian, Luffy translated for them. English isn't my native language, and Garp spoke more English than anything else, before Ji-chan took us in. With the pirates, the Japanese was almost the rule. For Vivi, the Japanese and Arabic are the two languages spoken in Alabasta, the kingdom where she is from.
-GRYFFINDOR!
Nami and Luffy stood up to clap like crazy Vivi who bowed smiling in front of the Sorting Hat and went to join her friends leaping.
-Kyyyaaa! Vivi!
-Nami! Hisashiburi!
And the two girls hugged each other.
-Luffy!
Luffy was given a kiss on the cheek and some words of encouragements from his friend, making him smile.
-I'm happy to see you too, Vivi! Where is Karu?
Vivi took the seat on Luffy other side with a smile, before replying:
-He stayed at Alabasta.
-Oh…
Luffy seemed disappointed.
-Vivi, this is Luffy's classmates, pointed Nami. We have Granger Hermione, Potter Harry and Weasley Ron.
-Nice meeting you! Smiled Vivi.
-How did you meet? Asked Ron.
-We were kids at the time… they helped me save my country.
-Ne, Vivi… will you be alright with Robin? Inquired Luffy with some reluctance.
-Yes, assured Vivi.
-Honto?
-Baka, if Vivi says that it will be alright, it will be! Scolded Nami.
The food appeared on the tables and everyone took some.
-So, you come from Alabasta? Inquired Hermione.
-Yes.
-It's on the Grand Line, Nami elaborated. Not very high, but neither too low, in relation to the Twin Cape.
-Your English is very good, in any case.
-Thank you, blushed Vivi. I have to, because I'm called to very important responsibilities, at the death of my father. But I know that if I want to give everything up one day, and travel, I will have a place with the Mugiwara!
Nami giggled.
-Merry is dead… whispered Luffy sadly.
-Uso!
-He went through Ennies Lobby before dying. But Sunny kept a part of his spirit.
Vivi seemed shocked.
Nami murmured the word ship to the Golden Trio. Hermione and Harry nodded, but Ron didn't seem to understand the importance of the thing.
To not change.
-Otherwise, you were in which school, before, inquired Harry while he gave a plate to Luffy so that he didn't stretch his arm beyond what was normal.
-I didn't go to school. I got private tutors, explained Vivi. Igaram-san and Otou-sama cried for hours when I told them that I wanted to come study here.
-There isn't closer?
-Not really. The Politicals tension on the Grand Line between the different islands make it so that few would accept to send their kid to a shared school with the others islands. So, we send them to the Blues.
-Political tensions? How do you know this sort of things? Your country is in a war? Inquire Ron.
-No… but my source are a secret.
Luffy and Nami tried not to laugh.
When all the plates were empty, Dumbledore stood up and made his usual welcoming speech.
-… The first years must know that the Forbidden Forest is, how its name say, Forbidden. And some of our old students should remember that, too.
Dumbledore looked in particular toward Luffy and the Golden Trio. Sabo had a hint of a smile on his lips from his seat and leaned toward Robin to talk to her, making her laugh softly.
-Some wild beast, resumed Nami to Vivi, Not worse than Little Garden.
Vivi giggled with Nami to the comparison.
-With some perspective and what we went through after… it's almost funny, sighed Vivi.
-Our Caretaker, Mr Flitch, asked me to remind you for the four hundred and sixty second time, according to him, that the usage of magic is forbidden in the corridors, between two classes, and many other things in which the complete list is displayed on the door of his office.
-It isn't over yet with his speech?
Shayna let her head out from Luffy's collar and stared sleepily at the Great Hall, before Luffy took her head and put it back in his collar.
-She is bored, whispered Harry in front of his friend's look.
-Arigatou, thanked Luffy.
-This year, we also have three change of professors. Because of some events which some of you heard more or less about, the Professor Fushisho saw himself with the obligation to resign to be able to take the place of his captain unfortunately dead in some tragic circumstances…
-Shirohige ossan died as a pirate, murmured Luffy.
-… Fortunately, we have the chance of having one of your old classmate free to take the post. So I would like you to wish our new professor of Natural Magic,, mister Sabo Silver, some good luck!
There was a warm applause from the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws.
-Next, I have the pleasure to tell you that we host once again the professor Grubbly-Plank who will take once more the class of Care of Magical Creatures. And to finish, I ask you to welcome the Professor Umbridge who will teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts.
The clappings were lukewarm. Dumbledore was going to speak to announce how the try-out of the Quidditch teams was going too happen, when Umbridge cut him without a shame.
Luffy fell asleep during the speech, but Nami stayed perfectly awake, like Vivi. The two misses exchanged an almost horrified look with Hermione.
Robin sensed Sabo lean toward her at the table:
-By any way, we have to make sure that she is expulsed. You agree to work on this with me, Robin?
-With pleasure, Sabo, assured Robin. I don't like her either. Her goal is written in letters as big as Oars and as pink as her.
Finally, the speech ended, and Dumbledore continued to speak.
-Well, it was enlightening, commented bitterly Hermione.
-You won't tell me that you liked it! Choked Ron.
-She said 'enlightening', Ronny-kun, pointed out Nami. It may not have been a good idea for you to come here, in the end, Vivi
.
-Luffy is a friend! You want for me to remain idly after what happened this summer? Huffed Vivi. I'll certainly not speak of this to Otou-sama, or he would take me from this school faster than you can say.
-You listened? Wondered Harry.
-I'm used to this sort of speech… and to read between the line of those, Viv stated darkly. I saw more boring speeches.
-I find that the intentions are very clear… bigger, and it the size of Shayna's mother… commented Nami.
-She used some interesting words, pointed Hermione. Stagnation, innovation, error of judgment…
-The progress for the progress must be discouraged… added darkly Nami. To protect what must be protected.
-To cut into the flesh each time that we are in front of the practice which the interdiction is need, muttered Luffy, head in his arms. From Robin.
-What do you mean, from her? Asked Ron.
Hermione gave him the stink eyes.
Akuma no mi. It was easy to guess once Luffy raised a little his hands. In one of them, there was a ear, in the other, a mouth which smiled sadly at them.
-I fear that I foresee what is going to be prohibited… or who they will prohibit. The Ministry of Magic in all his paranoid glory, came Robin's voice rather softly to only be heard by friends.
-I know Fudge-san, he is one of the reasons why Otou-sama didn't like my coming to Hogwarts, sighed Vivi.
-Be careful, Vivi-ojou.
-Same for you.
And the mouth and ear disappeared.
-You know? Inquired Hermione.
-Akuma no mi? Of course, assured Vivi. I come from the Grand Line, it's common there. Two of my close friends are zoan. They are the representation of our protector gods themselves. The hawk and the jackal.
They were finally dismissed.
-I'm going to give Shayna back to Sabo and I'm coming, stated Luffy standing up.
-We're waiting for you, assured Harry.
-Mmm… Ron and I have to lead the first years, stated Hermione with hesitation.
-Oh, understood Nami. We can have the password, then?
Hermione gave it to her before rushing with Ron to join the first years.
During that time, Luffy had joined his brother who had raised from the table.
-I hate you Sabo.
-I know Luffy, smiled Sabo. You like my surprise?
Luffy snickered. Sabo hugged him, surprising him a little.
-I would have liked to be here, whispered Sabo.
-You wouldn't have changed a lot in this shit, answered Luffy hugging him back. Here, take back Shayna.
-No, keep her. She will protect you when I'm not here. Good night, little brother.
There was something in the air when Harry and Luffy reached the dormitory. Neville was putting on his pajamas after he had gently put his plant on his bedside. Dean and Seamus were chatting between themselves. Ron hadn't arrived yet.
-Happy to see you alive, Luffy, smiled Dean. My parents almost had a heart attack when I found the number of Sengoku in the phone book and that I called to yell at him. Your brother may have been a little hard to apprehend, but he was a nice guy, and he helped me more than once when I need it with my transfiguration.
-Thanks, Dean, smiled Luffy.
-How did you survive?
-Lady Luck. That or, Davy Jones didn't want to see my face in hell yet.
-Why would you go to hell? Neville got offended.
-I'm not under any illusion. I know since I'm a kid that it is my destination.
Luffy had said this in an equal voice as he began to take out his things in a search of his sleeping clothes.
-Anyway, your break? Asked Harry.
-Decent, other than the fear that Luffy gave me. Seamus, less good. He was telling me, in fact, answered Dean.
-What happened to you? Inquired Luffy putting Shayna on his bed.
-What are you doing with this snake? Asked Seamus seeing the reptile.
-Sabo wants me to keep her.
He shrugged, seeming to say 'what can I do?'.
-Anyway, your break, what happened?
Luffy turned his back to remove his shirt, then put on his t-shirt, without ever looking back.
-My mother didn't want me to come back, stated Seamus with hesitation.
-Alright… why?
Seamus took a deep breath and told them:
-Because of you two.
Luffy continued as if nothing was amiss to put on his pajama, but an observing eye would have taken in his shaking hands.
-Before you say anything, let me speak, asked Luffy in a low voice, before Harry could open his mouth to attack.
Luffy arranged his t-shirt and turned toward Seamus, crossing his arms on his chest.
-Cedric Diggory is dead. That you believe or not that Hebi no Kao is back, it's not my problem. Honestly, I don't care, I have enough enemy like that. One thing is sure. They were three to touch the Cup, and only Harry and Ace came back alive. Harry was in shock and Ace had just received a Cruciatus. However, they came back, and with Cedric's body. Make all the conclusions you want, but the facts are there. But I forbid you to treat Harry or Ace of liar. They have their flaws and their character, more so Ace, but they are not liars. I won't tolerate it, more so coming from one of our classmate. It's true for you Dean and all those who agree. Neville, I know that you aren't the type to judge people that quickly.
Neville couldn't stop the blush from the compliment, as Ron entered the dormitory.
-What's going on here?
Luffy raised an authoritative hand, not being done yet. Harry was almost surprised. He had never noticed that Luffy could have such authority in him, to oblige Ron to stay calm, the time to finish, just with a move; Or having this thing that made it so that everyone shut up just to listen to him speak.
-And as for my implication for what could have made it so that you wouldn't come back, I can easily guess what it is about. I certainly never asked to be born, and even less with Dragon's blood. I saw this man only once in all my life, and I didn't even know who he was at that time. I decide of few important things about me, until today. The main ones of which are that I had to be a pirate and to choose my own path, and my family. For my family, it's simple, I refuse to considerate this man as my father. I don't have a father. I have an adoptive uncle in the person of Rayleigh, and two brothers. That Sabo is a noble and Ace Roger's son, I don't give a damn. They are my brothers, they were here when I needed them and I know that if I ask it of them, they would be ready to die for me. Ace almost died trying to save me and it's only because of Fawkes that he is still alive. I chose each member of my nakamas because they had unfathomable potential, still untapped, and I knew that there wouldn't have any reject from them, whatever would happen. Next, for the fact that I chose the piracy, let me ask you one question.
Luffy walked toward Seamus and pushed his finger in the chest of his roommate, staring directly in his eyes without blinking. Finningan couldn't look away from the black ones, of Luffy.
-You think that I would have had a chance to live peacefully when Akainu wanted to kill us, Ace and me, just because we had the misfortune of having our respective fathers? As pirates, I want to prove to the world that I'm not my father, that they are all mistaken about me. And for this, I'll exist as myself, I'll be the most free man on the seas. I'll be the Pirate King. If it's understood, I'm going to wish a good night to Nami and Vivi, before going to bed.
Luffy turned around, finished putting on his pajama and went down silently.
-I think that Luffy was clear, commented Neville. Harry, can you see with Shayna so that she doesn't come to slid in my bed during my sleep?
Harry stayed a moment surprised.
-I thought that seeing me speak Parseltongue was a bad thing?
-I never said that. It's a gift like any other, to speak to snake, blushed Neville.
Harry shrugged and turned toward the snake.
-Shayna, Neville, the boy there, would like to avoid having you slipping in his bed during the night, translated Harry.
-Can I eat his toad? Asked the snake with hope.
-I doubt it. I'll find you some mice, if you leave the boys alone.
-We have a deal, Potter.
If a snake could smile, Shayna would have done so.
Harry turned toward Seamus and told him calmly and sadly:
-I don't have the intention of forcing you to believe me. It's your choice. Even if what I say was false, by precaution, I would stay on my guard. Voldemort isn't the only bastard in this world.
-Sorry… apologized Seamus lowering his eyes.
-You didn't say anything yet.
Harry gave him a poor smile who melt when he heard a yell coming from a girl.
Vivi had just screamed angrily. She was all wound up. Parvati and Hermione was staring at her in surprise, while Nami and Luffy (how he did to climb into their dormitory stayed a mystery) showed up. The scenery showed a Lavender Brown facing a furious Vivi Nefertari. Worse than furious. She was beyond herself.
-I won't let you insult Luffy and Ace-san without reacting!
-But who does she think she is the little newbie? Go back with the fourth years! You don't know anything about Luffy!
-It's you who doesn't know anything! Luffy saved my country! It's not your aurors who would have prevented the destruction of Alabasta by the hands of Sir Crocodile!
-Hai, hai, calm yourself Vivi… Let it go, Luffy told him taking her in his arms.
-What is a boy doing here? Lavender said offended.
Clac!
Nami had just gave the whack of the century to Lavender.
-I saw nothing, whistled Hermione staring at the ceiling.
Parvati snickered.
-Don't talk without knowing, more than one person lost their life for a mistake like that, hissed venomously Nami, guessing easily what it was about. Luffy may be an idiot and a pirate, but he has a good heart. I won't let you say anything bad about him without consequence, under the justification of the circumstance around his birth.
-Nami, yamete! Called Luffy.
-Sorry, Luffy, but I can't stay without doing anything when this girl attack you! Not after everything we went through! Not after the blood, the sweat and the tears…
-Nami, drop it, it's not worth it. Ignore all of this, girls… it's like trying to change Garp.
Vivi took a deep breath, trying to gather her calm, then turned toward Luffy to hug him, biting her lip to not cry.
-You are strong Vivi. Very strong. So, don't let all of this reach you. I'm unmoved by it, myself, Luffy cheered her up.
He hugged her an instant close, then took Nami by her arms to drag her out of the room. He escorted her to her dorm, and went back to lead Vivi to hers, giving her to the good care of Ginny, before going back to the side of the boys.
-Pav'… said Lavender, searching for support.
-Not this time, Lavender. You should be ashamed. It's been five years that we know them and even with that, you have a despicable behavior. I'm sorry, but there is no way for me to support you on this subject.
Parvati went to place herself beside Hermione, showing her side.
-What happened? Asked Ron.
-The girls had a fight. I forgot that Vivi could be as vocal as Nami when she was angry, sighed Luffy. If one of you succeed in understanding the girls, could you tell me? Even with the time I sailed with Nami and Robin, I still can't understand them. Well, good night.
He opened his bed and slid under the covers, closing the curtains behind him. They shone an instant when Luffy charmed them, and the silence fell.
Harry sighed. He was going to hate this year at Hogwarts.
The Shanty that Nami sang is named 'Spanish Ladies / Farewell and adieu'. The version from Kee Sith on Youtube reflect very well the feeling of melancholy of this scene.