Chapter Eight: Gohan Restrained and Harry Bludgered

Ron shook Gohan. "Gohan, wake up! Quidditch is today. It's Gryffindor and Slytherin!"

Gohan suddenly yelled, knocking Ron off the bed. "Ahhhhhh! Oh, sorry, Ron. I thought you were someone else." Gohan rubbed the sleep from his eyes and yawned loudly. "What's up?"

Ron rubbed the back of his head, his eyes watering. He opened his mouth to say something but suddenly appeared shocked. He pointed past Gohan. "There's a green man outside the window!"

Gohan turned. The moment he saw him, his whole face lit up. "Hey, Piccolo!" Gohan shoved the window open and rushed to him. Piccolo raised his hands in defense.

"No, Gohan!" But the young Saiyan tackled him, locking him with a fierce hug.

"I missed you, Piccolo," Gohan choked. Blushing, Piccolo sighed resignedly. I'll never get used to the humans' fluidity in expressing emotion. Piccolo gently extracted himself from Gohan.

"What sentimental dopes!" a voice sneered from behind.

"Oh, hey, Vegeta! Wow. It's so great to see you! So, what's up?"

Vegeta smirked. "The old geezer invited us. He said something about talking to us after some stupid game."

Ron bristled. "Quidditch isn't stupid!"

Vegeta looked at the tall red-haired child. He grinned. "It is if I say it is, boy! My opinion holds far more gravity than yours, little human!"

Piccolo cleared his throat, clearly irritated. "If you two children (Vegeta growled angrily) are finished bickering, perhaps we could get down to business. Your headmaster sent for us. He says that he may need us in the future, so it would be a good idea for the students to become acclimated to our presence. So for now, we're going to be attending the games. Your headmaster also gave some indications that he wanted to teach me some things. I may be able to create some new techniques."

Vegeta scoffed. "Whatever." Piccolo glanced at Vegeta and scowled.

"Anyways, I guess we should land soon and walk in; we don't want to arouse too much suspicion. We'll meet you in ten minutes?"

Gohan nodded. "This is great! I can't wait for you to meet all my new friends!" Vegeta and Piccolo dropped to the ground as Gohan entered the window.

Ten minutes later, Gohan, Ron, and Hermione entered the courtyard. The two strangers were already drawing a small crowd. Gohan ignored the others, pulling his friends with him.

"Hey you guys, I guess you already met Ron. This is Hermione Granger. She's really smart."

Smiling, Hermione extended her hand to Vegeta first. He looked at it and scoffed. She shrugged and offered it to Piccolo instead, who took it. As they shook, Hermione said, "Pikkonot parrai, Piccolo-san. Porkulu nafis casacha kayla." Piccolo started with astonishment. He chuckled.

"I guess that means that you know about us. You were right, Gohan. Although I wouldn't use the word smart. The term is not descriptive enough."

Hermione blushed from the compliment. She'd have to thank Gohan for teaching her the words. The night before, Hermione, completely fascinated with the thought of a race of green-skinned peace lovers, had taken Gohan aside and asked him if he could tell her more about the Nameks. Gohan complied with unrivaled enthusiasm. He taught her many things, and even began teaching her some of the language that Nameks used.

'I can barely remember a time I couldn't speak Namek," Gohan had explained. "When Piccolo trained me for the arrival of the Saiyans, he sometimes switched to a funny language. At first, I don't even think he realized he was doing it. Eventually, we started speaking it on a regular basis. It came in handy sometimes…at least it gave us a small tactical advantage when we were fighting the Saiyan."

She compared the clothing styles of the two. Gohan must really respect him; their style of clothing is identical.

Suddenly, a tall man with long, whitish-blond hair approached, wearing an unpleasant sneer. "Well, well, if it isn't the Harry Potter fan club."

Gohan scowled. "You're Draco Malfoy's Daddy, aren't you?"

The man's lips curled, his eyes found their way to Gohan's midsection where his tail was carefully wrapped. "You might want to be careful. My son could make a monkey out of you." Vegeta frowned angrily.

Hermione glared. "Leave him alone!"

Lucius Malfoy smirked. "How sweet. Personally, I think you make a perfect couple: monkey and mudblood."

Vegeta cracked his knuckles as he glared. "I'd move away if I were you, you pitiable weak human twerp."

Gohan stared. Vegeta had never stood up for him before, unless it was for his own gain. Lucius Malfoy chuckled darkly. "What can a wandless fool like you possibly do to me?"

Vegeta grinned evilly. "I could kill you without even touching you. After all, what's the point of getting myself dirty?"

"That's enough, Vegeta. We aren't here to cause trouble."

"Mind your own business, Namek! Your pacifism makes me nauseous!" Vegeta spat as he moved closer to Malfoy. Hermione gasped. He was really going to hurt him. Horrified, she stepped between them.

"Please, Vegeta…please don't do it!" Vegeta glared at her while Malfoy quizzically looked at her.

"Stand aside, silly girl. I'm going to teach this fool some proper respect for a Saiya-"

"NO!" Gohan, Hermione, and Piccolo yelled, drowning out the word. Vegeta growled angrily with his fists raised.

He glared at Gohan, livid. "HOW DARE YOU BE ASHAMED OF YOUR HERITAGE, BOY?"

Gohan returned his gaze angrily. "I'M…NOT…ASHAMED!" he shouted hotly. Vegeta growled, somewhat satisfied, looking back toward Hermione. She stood her ground fearfully. Vegeta smirked at her.

"You've got nerve, girl. But I could kill you as easily at that moron behind you. Move!" Sighing, Vegeta approached her. Hermione flinched as he grabbed the front of her robes with one hand, easily lifted her feet from the ground, and casually flung her to the side. She fell to the ground with a thud. She got up, preparing to move between them again when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Piccolo.

Lucius Malfoy stared at Hermione's horror filled face as Vegeta approached. He stopped almost a foot away. Vegeta raised a finger.

"No, Vegeta!" Hermione screamed desperately as she and Gohan attempted to act, only to be restrained by Piccolo. Vegeta grinned wickedly as he knuckled the finger and tapped Malfoy on the chest with it. The effect was instantaneous; Malfoy doubled over and flew backwards over four meters, skidding two more. A silence filled the courtyard. Slowly, Malfoy struggled to sit up, coughing as his system violently sucked in air. He gasped while clutching his chest, staring at Vegeta with astonished fear. Gloating, Vegeta approached where the man had landed.

"Do you understand now? The next time you challenge Prince Vegeta, you will surely die. You have that little girl over there to thank for my sparing of you…but I will not extend the same generosity twice. I don't take any slight on my race, even if it is addressed to the spawn of Kakarot. Kakarot may be a pathetic clown, but he's still (Vegeta glared as Piccolo, Gohan, and Hermione protested) one of mine." Vegeta smirked as he turned and approached the others.

Vegeta's eyes met Hermione's, and he held her gaze. "It would be unwise to try that again," he told her quietly. Hermione looked away quickly.

Lucius Malfoy gained his bearing and watched as the group walked away. That hurt…and he only used one finger. He barely even touched me! And the mudblood appeared to know that he was capable of it! Draco must have missed something when he wrote me regarding Son. The others shouted him down when he mentioned his race…something about this has Dumbledore written all over it...

The crowd that had watched the exchange began making their way to the Quidditch arena. Piccolo grimaced as they followed. So much for entering inconspicuous, he thought dryly.

They sat in the stands; the wide berth that they had around them told them that rumors had spread. Hermione returned from the concession stand. Ron accepted his every flavor beans. Hermione handed Piccolo a bottled water; he nodded his thanks. She gave Gohan his concession treats. "Thank you," he said earnestly.

"Um, Vegeta?" Hermione solicited shyly. Vegeta grunted. "I got you some chocolate frogs." She piled them in his lap.

Vegeta looked at them. "Do they have caffeine?" he asked.

"Well, they are chocolate. I suppose they do."

Vegeta grinned. "Thanks, kid. Piccolo," he turned to the Namek.

Piccolo eyed him warily. Vegeta rarely called him by first name. "Yes?"

Vegeta held up a box, grinning. "Want a frog?"

Blushing, Piccolo spluttered. "WHAT DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?" (((If you want to know what this is about, read Piccolo and the Evil Chocolate Bar.)))

Vegeta chuckled as he bit into the frog, and Gohan laughed earnestly.

"Shut it, Gohan!"

Hermione looked at Gohan curiously. He gave her an I'll-tell-you-later look. Hermione smiled. Something told her it was going to be an interesting story.

Piccolo's eyes narrowed. He pointed at the sky. "Is that normal for this game?"

Hermione shrieked; Piccolo winced painfully. "That bludger's attacking Harry!"

Gohan stood, frowning. He attempted to climb out of the box, but was held back by Piccolo. "You can't interfere, Gohan. No one can know of your power, yet." Gohan growled in frustration as the bludger continue to follow Harry everywhere. The Gryffindors called a time out.

Hermione turned to them."Perhaps we should leave the stands. Harry's probably going to play this out, but we should be ready, just in case Harry needs us."

Piccolo nodded gravely. "All right. But I insist that you be the one to interfere when the time comes. Gohan's emotions sometimes interfere with his logic." Hermione nodded reluctantly. The group made their way downstairs. By the time they reached floor level, the game had already resumed.

Harry continued to twirl, duck, and weave as the large, merciless bullet continued to follow his every move.

"Impressive," Vegeta smirked. But time was on the ball's side. A resounding crack told everyone that the Bludger hit its mark. Clearly injured, the boy made one last ditch effort. He charged toward the Slytherin seeker and shot out his hand, which enclosed on a small, gleaming object.

Madam Hooch blew her whistle; Piccolo covered his ears, wincing. "Gryffindor wins!" Harry hit the ground with a thud and passed out. It quickly became obvious that the bludger wasn't going to quit.

Hermione pointed her wand. "I'm not sure I can hit it from here!" she said frantically as she swished her wrist. As she spoke the incantation, Piccolo grabbed her hand. She felt a tingling sensation as a gold jet bore down on the bludger, causing it to explode.

Hermione stared at her hand, and then looked up at Piccolo in wonder. He smirked. "I doubt you'll have that problem anymore."

Ron grabbed Hermione's shoulders and shook her. "Snap out of it! We have to get to Harry." A few moments later, Gohan, Ron, and Hermione had made their way to Harry. Harry began to stir. Gohan, noting Harry's broken arm, reached into his gi and pulled out a tiny oblong object.

"Gohan-"Piccolo began warningly.

"Come on, Piccolo. Can't I even give him a sensu-"

"Be Quiet!" He snarled harshly, making Ron and Hermione jump.

Professor Lockhart was approached. Gohan groaned. "Everyone, please stand back!" He said with a pompous grin. "I'll handle this."

This guy's an amateur, Piccolo thought. He could actually do more harm than good.

Vegeta sneered in disgust as he watched Lockhart. What a moron!

Harry's eyes slid open. He groaned. "Oh, no, not you," he said weakly.

"Poor boy, doesn't know what he's saying. Don't worry, Harry. This won't hurt one bit."

Harry's eyes shot open in wild alertness. "No! I'll keep it like this…achhh! I don't want pictures of this, Colin."

Piccolo looked at the blond-haired kid taking pictures. Normally, he destroyed countless cameras by telekinesis with no remorse. But as he continued to stare at the kid, he found he couldn't. Gohan, Piccolo began quietly.

Gohan started at the sound of Piccolo's voice. Huh? Piccolo?

Listen. Do you see that kid taking pictures?

Gohan looked. Yeah. That's Colin Creevey. Boy, is he annoying!

Never mind that. I want you to keep an eye on him tonight. His life may be in danger.

Gohan nodded assuredly. Okay!

"No, don't," Harry said, but it was too late. Piccolo gasped loudly as he saw him. The boy had lost all the bones in his arm.

Lockhart waved, dismissively. "Oh…well, that can sometimes happen. But the point is, the bones are no longer broken-"

Vegeta laughed derisively, but Piccolo said, "Enough!" Picking up Harry, he said. "Hermione, lead me to the hospital wing."

Vegeta stood outside of the hospital, leaning against a nearby wall, purposefully ignoring a pale-faced wizard boy who was staring at him, the same one that the one called Harry Potter had lunged at. He approached cautiously.

"Are you Vegeta?"

Vegeta examined his green colors. "So what if I am?" He said rudely.

The boy grinned. "Wicked. I saw what you did to…that man. You were awesome."

Vegeta smirked, his mouth twitched. "Well, I am very powerful. I am one of the strongest fighters in the universe."

"How does a person come by such power?"

Vegeta opened his mouth to tell the boy that he wasn't human when another boy wearing scarlet robes approached. "Quit sucking up, Malfoy."

The boy jumped and smirked. "Please don't stand too close. I don't want your filthy mudblood slime all over me."

Vegeta frowned. Mudblood…that's the second time I've heard that word today.

The other boy scowled at the pale one, before extending a hand at Vegeta. Surprising himself, Vegeta took it.

"I am Dean Thomas. This charming fellow," he said, jerking his head in Malfoy's direction. "Is Draco Malfoy. You may not recognize him. He's the son of the man you gave the little love tap to earlier."

Noticing the resemblance for the first time, Vegeta glared at the boy. Malfoy, seeing that he had been discovered, scowled at Dean and left.

The boy called Dean chuckled. "His dad probably sent him over here to get information out of you. Gohan told me that for privacy reasons, he decided not to tell anyone about his...er, stuff."

Vegeta raised a brow. "And you know?"

Dean lowered his voice. "No. I don't know anything about gold fighters, Cell Games, or Super Saiyans." He raised his voice, winking. "I don't know anything about that at all." Dean turned and left.

As people filed into visit Harry, Hermione approached Piccolo. "Thanks for helping me earlier."

Piccolo looked down at her. "What's on your mind?"

Hermione was startled by his directness. Maybe that explains why Gohan is so direct. "Well, I wanted to ask you something. When you grabbed my hand, something happened."

"What happened?"

Hermione fidgeted."Well, I started knowing some stuff."

Piccolo smiled. "What kind of stuff?"

Hermione frowned. "I don't know how to explain it."

"Try," he said calmly.

"Well, I started feeling things…things from other people and objects."

"What 'things?'"

"I don't know."

"Yes, you do."

"Mmm…movement…flow…power…energy?"

Piccolo nodded. "Nameks have the ability to pass knowledge telepathically. I passed you the knowledge of detecting movement of energy. You used the knowledge to shoot down the target."

Hermione was shocked. "You didn't do it?"

"You already know the answer to that. Your linear thinking allowed you quick recall of the knowledge, as I knew it would."

Hermione stared at him. Why would he do that? She stood and watched her friends. After a while, she looked nauseous, her eyes slowly widening.

Piccolo observed her strange behavior. He gasped in realization. "Hey, stop focusing on my power! It'll make you-"

Thud.

"-pass out," he finished flatly.

After reviving Hermione from her fainting spell, Madam Pomfrey chased everyone from the ward.

Hermione, Ron, and Gohan were coming from the library. Hermione and Ron were bickering about the time she had spent in the library. Not realizing that he had stopped, Hermione bumped into Gohan.

"Gohan-"she stopped. She saw that look, the one she had seen when they were on the stairs. In fact, they were standing in almost the exact same spot. But Gohan was looking at a lower flight. Hermione focused in the vicinity that Gohan was looking. Her eyes widened.

"What is that?" She said loudly. Whatever it was, it was long and powerful.

The silence was deadly. Suddenly, he bellowed. "SHUT YOUR EYES!" Hermione obeyed immediately. Grabbing both Ron and Hermione, he shot up into the air. Sailing two more flights, Hermione heard him say something, heard a door open. Then she felt herself landing on top of Ron.

"Stay here. Make sure no one leaves!" Hermione opened her eyes. They were in Gryffindor common room.

"Gohan, no!" she exclaimed as the portrait closed between them.

Gohan jumped the staircase, falling gracefully down and landing unnaturally soft. He sensed it as it continued to glide its strong smooth body down the steps. He followed, sensing a ki approach.

Oh no! Piccolo was right. Gohan used his super speed to pass the beast. He landed right in front of Colin, who was crouching excitedly.

"Colin?"

"I'm gonna get a picture of it!" Colin whispered excitedly.

"No, Colin! You can't! You should leave…don't look it in the eyes. Go-"

But the snake had chosen that moment to strike at Gohan. As he dodged away, he saw Colin raise the camera to his face as the beast turned his head to look at him-

"NOOO!" It happened as if in slow motion. Unable to stop it, Gohan watched in horror as the energy beam struck the lens in the camera. For a second, Colin's body lurched from shock. The strange energy encircled his Ki and squeezed it. The power managed to repress Colin's energy; the energy embedded itself into Colin's skin, forming an incasing barrier. Colin's stiff body collapsed to the floor like a heavy statue. Clearly not satisfied, the monster lunged at the body. Its mouth clamped shut on air.

...

Gohan sped down the corridor to the teacher's lounge with the petrified body, tears streaming down his face. He skidded before the Gargoyle.

"Vegeta!" he choked. The gargoyle moved. Gohan didn't wait for the rotating steps. He flew up the hole and opened the door, breaking the lock.

"Son!" Snape said sharply.

"Gohan?" Piccolo said in surprise. Vegeta stared at Colin in horrified silence.

Gohan spotted Dumbledore sitting behind the desk. Gohan trembled angrily. "WE HAVE TO STOP THIS!" He yelled hotly. A fierce wind shot through the office as Gohan's anger surfaced. His hair shot up and gleamed yellow fire; his eyes became bright, green coals. Piccolo jumped, Snape flinched, and Vegeta rolled his eyes.

"Mr. Son," Professor Dumbledore said calmly, "that isn't necessary." But Gohan didn't power down; he glared haughtily at him.

"Gohan!" Piccolo said firmly. "Calm down!" Gohan stabilized, but maintained his transformed state. He looked away from Dumbledore, focusing on Colin's hair instead. Besides his hair and clothes, Colin felt completely rigid. Gohan knew immediately that it was a mistake to look at him. He choked on a sob, but it escaped anyways. Sinking to his knees, he buried his head beside Colin's camera and cried silently.

Vegeta stared at the boy. "That kid's energy is weird! Namek, is it just me, or am I sensing two different powers?"

"It's not just you, Vegeta."

Vegeta stared at the sobbing half Saiyan. "Well, is anyone going to bother telling me what the hell is going on?

Piccolo nodded in agreement. "That's what I'd like to know."