"Hmm, so, Hogsmeade?" Luffy asks curiously eyeing the permission note he was supposed to have signed.
"Idiot, you forgot to get it signed." Zoro says swiping at his captain.
They're quite squished into the one compartments, some of them have been starting to bulk up and gain muscle mass, thanks to Sanji's careful preparation of meals and their dedication to training, they've all started to gain muscles.
Especially Robin, she multi-tasks while reading between flicking the pages of the book and lifting weights, it's really easy for her to accomplish.
"Eh, I can just sneak out anyway." Luffy points out.
"Probably." Usopp agrees.
The sunny day unfortunately turns to a terribly cloudy day, wind and rain howling amongst blackened clouds, sucking any light out of the sky save for when lightning flashes down, illuminating the hillside.
"Those patronus' are so cool." Chopper declares with his face pressed against the cold window.
"Yeah, they are." Luffy agrees with a smile.
"I wonder whether there is anything they can be used for." Robin ponders. "Can they become corporeal?"
"Who knows?" Chopper says.
"One way to find out." Nami adds and with a whispered word her patronus appears, with a flick of her wrist, part of her sorcery clima-tact sails through the patronus harmlessly.
"Cool!"
"It's not very useful cos it can't touch anyone." Zoro says, eyeing the piece of Nami's weaponry, he wisely steers clear.
"True, although, it can be used as a signal." Robin says, giving another wistful look at the creature. "By the way Luffy, pass that will you?" she gestures to his permission slip, he passes it over compliantly and without another thought Robin reaches into her bag and signs the sheet for him.
"Thanks Robin!" Luffy grins.
"No problem, Luffy, although I fear that they might detect that it was not the intended target's signature."
Hermione leans forward, pulling out her wand, "I'm not sure… but I think that you can obscure the writer with something like…" she mutters softly and taps the parchment, it glows in agreement before fading back to inky black.
"Cool!"
Brook began to play, he always kept a violin on his very person, he did so to alleviate his friends' boredom, even so, the train-trip was rather miserable, gloomy with rain pouring down in sheets and buckets. But it also probably didn't help that every few minutes Luffy would complain of hunger pains, Sanji had prepared lunch but they were forced to buy the entire trolley when she walked past.
"Ahh, that was delicious." Luffy pats his rotund stomach in content, Chopper is in the same kind of pure bliss.
Suddenly the train begins to slow down, "We can't be there yet." Sanji murmurs quietly, glancing out the pitch black window.
As the sounds of the pistons died, the weather sounded much louder in the sudden silence, they shuddered to a halt, causing several trunks and such to fall to the ground, Usopp, being closest to the door, stuck his head out, similarly to the other students.
"What's goin' on Usopp?" Luffy asks curiously.
"Don't know, oh no I hope we haven't broken down." Usopp whines, and suddenly the lamps cut out causing several shrieks in the complete void.
In the next moments of chaos when students attempted to leave their dorms the Mugiwara stood, the feeling of the disgusting presence was lingering on the edges of their haki, "Let me deal with this." Luffy pushes to the front and comes out into the corridor where he can feel the cold radiating from the being.
As it approaches Suteki lights without a word, illuminating the soul, haoshoku haki spills out of his frame, the dementor freezes, desperately clawing at its' hood before the bane of its' existence is peeled back.
The dementor lights up like a patronus and it feels like the air has been superheated in tandem with the creature.
Thank you, young sir. It seems to bow and speak, though no lips move.
"No problem." He grins.
Is it true that I am not the first you have saved? The being asks with curiosity.
"Yeah, there were two others, I'm not sure where they are but you're free to go find them." He grins again and tips his straw hat to the creature.
Then as a parting gift may I advise you of who has been sending us after you? I fear I cannot speak his name for enchantments cast on us, however I can describe him as best as I can.
"Sure, go for it."
He is under the guise of another, controlling the dementors. The guise he has taken works for the Ministry of Magic. He has a devious plan that will place your life in danger. But more so, he, himself is being controlled by one of the beings so vile that none shall speak of it. I hope that the warning heeds you well.
"Thank you, good luck." That was the polite thing to say right?
The being disappears, floating through the ceiling of the train, almost immediately the hallway is flooded with light, revealing crowded corridors looking on in utter awe and shock.
As the train rumbles into action again Luffy returns to his friends. "Well then, that's quite the shock." Robin smiled lightly, all of them having heard the creature's conversation with Luffy.
Chopper silently hands pieces of chocolate to their group, chocolate is the best medicine for everything. Because despite the fact that the ex-dementor had all but taken away any misery it had caused, it was still frightening in the beginning, thus chocolate was necessary.
"But at least we know that there's traitors in the ministry." Zoro grunts.
"Yes, not really a surprise given how far Voldemort has his roots into the very earth." Brook says calmly.
"We have to report this." Hermione says, almost angrily, "They can't just take over a government that way and destroy its' people."
The crew look at her in surprise at her outburst, she didn't know why she responded that way… it just happened.
"We can't, there'll be wards in place and too many agents," Nami replies, shaking her head.
"Nami-swan is right." Sanji adds, while Germa 66 had primarily been a 'go in guns blazing' style of mercenaries, there had also been a few infiltration jobs that had taken the better part of a decade, before he was born. He knew that there were hundreds, if not millions, of troops stationed within the country, blending in with its' country life, when the order was give, bam, the entire order crumbled and Judge had taken the information he needed for super soldiers and was payed handsomely by his contractor.
"Mm, Crocodile was similarly prepared, he had 'spook' agents everywhere, however, his downfall was overconfidence. It is quite curious why he ended up as an ally." Robin adds thoughtful.
"Maybe he wanted to watch the world collapse without the current World Government." Usopp says with a grim grin, "He even said so."
"Seems like a Croc thing to do." Luffy agrees.
"Nami, can you tell how far we are from Hogwarts?" Zoro asks, he just wants to be off this damn train.
She unhelpfully shrugs, "I guess about half hour? Judging by how long we've been on here plus the time it took for the dementor to stop the train and restart we've probably been delayed by 20 minutes therefore probably half an hour."
"Incidentally, I believe Nami is correct, it's too dark for me to see out too far, but, I did see one of the lightning struck trees that marks 15 minutes." Robin says, uncrossing her arms.
"Hmm." Luffy concentrates, he doesn't notice Sanji or Zoro mimicking his movements, feeling out with their sixth senses. "The castle isn't that far away."
"No, there is a whole lot of dementors around though." Zoro mutters.
"Moss-head's right, they're stationed all around the school," Sanji adds.
"And Hogsmeade." Luffy says.
"You can sense Hogsmeade?" Hermione asks in awe.
"Yeah, it's not much farther than Hogwarts." Luffy shrugs, it's not that far, he knows that if he really tried, then he could go a lot further, he doesn't want to though, so he stays as is.
" How are we gonna change?" Brook asks, standing up.
"Ouch, Brook that's my foot."
"Quite sorry Hermione-san, but that just proves my point, how will we all fit?"
Suteki hums at his wishes, conceding that because Luffy is using them, they might as well fulfil his wishes, and without another motion, he is clad in the black robes, shirt, pants and thongs, as casual as ever.
"Damn, I wish I could do that." Sanji mutters, it would save so much time dedicated to layering himself in his suit and dress shoes.
Luffy shrugs, it's just something Suteki does.
"Why don't the rest of us take turns?" Hermione suggests but realises that in those few moments, the rest of the crew are changed. She splutters, "H-h... how?"
Nami shrugs, "Sometimes you gotta be speedy when changing so…"
"Do you want us to go outside Hermione?" Usopp asks, he was probably the most conscious of them all when it came to body, but he never really did care because they were more like siblings than anything.
"If that's quite alright." Hermione liked them a lot but still… it would be far too improper for a young lady like herself to do such an act.
With a shrug the pirates file out of the carriage, the hallway is still full to the brim with students, probably gossiping, in fact, Robin, Zoro and Nami know that they are, they've been listening to them for a while, one ear on their captain, the other on the gossip.
A mousy looking kid tentatively approaches their group, a group of second years watch on eagerly and asks, "What did you do to that Dementor?"
"It doesn't matter what he did." Nami interjects smoothly, nobody needs to know what happened, she knows that the majority of them are in agreement, from the approving glances she receives.
When the kids shoulders slump and he returns to his group Nami whispers, "Luffy, as much as you don't care about these kinds of secrets, it would be beneficial for them not to know."
He nods, he understands… he thinks.
Hermione pushes the sliding door across and says, "You can all come back in."
Not long after the train begins to slide into the Hogsmeade station and it suddenly becomes pandemonium for the students to be leaving, and when they do make it outside amidst the mewling, barking and hooting of animals, it was still raining.
Nami huffs, it's harder to tell the weather in this country but she suspects that it will not ease off for a few days. "Damn, I'm glad we won't be in those tiny boats." Usopp mutters, watching the bedraggled first years make their way over to Hagrids' frame.
They followed the masses of students to carriages led by Threstrals, the darkened creatures whinnying gently, "I think we'll have to split." Chopper points out.
They just pile into wherever they can until Luffy, Zoro, Brook and Chopper move to the next carriage.
Shivering in the sudden temperature change, they shuffle into the carriage, the scent of mold and straw invading their noses.
"Damn, there's dementors stationed at the gates too…" Zoro mutters in the stillness.
"It appears so." Brook says, he pulls out his thermal and begins to sip his tea.
"They're pulling out all of the stops." Luffy whispers, involuntarily shuddering as they pass the gates, but it's fine, they're fine, everything is fine.
Because, as much as he'd like to liberate the dementors now, he can't do it without drawing attention to himself and his crew, and apparently that's something they want to avoid.
And he was going to owl Ace and Sabo as soon as he got a chance, they needed to be made aware of certain… changes.
As soon as they walked up the stone steps a voice sounded from behind their group, "Potter! Granger! A quick word in my office now." Professor McGonagall looked very stressed, a strand of her hair was misplaced for crying out loud!
"What's this for?" Luffy asks.
"You're not in trouble don't worry." She ushers them into her office and says, "Poppy just wants to make sure you're fine."
Madam Pomfrey strides towards him and with a wave of her hand the pair float closer to privacy, he can still hear what Hermione is talking about but she probably can't hear him. "Have you finished the jar?"
"Mm, I finished it a while ago actually." Luffy says sheepishly.
"Why didn't you say something sooner? Now, I still want an evaluation before I give it to you to look for improvements but that can wait, they've allowed dementors to patrol everywhere haven't they?"
"Yeah, but my brothers taught me how to defend myself against them." He says, joyed that they had taught him.
"Hmph," She feels his clammy skin and pulse. "Did you have to use a patronus?"
"Nah, we were fine."
"At the very least, take some chocolate." She presses it into his hands and with that hasty explanation he and Hermione are pushed out of the office.
Hermione looks much too pleased with herself, like a cat that got the cream, but she doesn't comment so he doesn't.
He finishes off the chocolate, licking his fingers clean, the reminder of food makes him groan in anticipation.
When they arrive at the Great Hall it's to their displeasure that they have missed the sorting. They move along to their table, ignoring the piercing stare of the Headmaster.
There's been a change of staff, evident from the doll sitting up with the teachers, neither Snape nor McGonagall look entirely pleased with the new arrangement sitting between them.
None of the straw hats asks about what McGonagall wanted, it was their captain's business, if he wanted to share then so be it.
Dumbledore stands, drawing attention and silence to them all, "Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, some of them quite serious, I think them best to not soil the delicious food however… As you all are aware by now, our school is presently host to some of Azkaban's dementors who are here on Ministry business.
"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are here, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave the school ground without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled with tricks or disguises. It is not in a dementors nature to be pleaded with or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy's and Girls to ensure students do not run afoul.
"On another note, Filch would like me to remind you all for what he tells me is the 367th time, that magic is not permitted in the corridors between classes, nor are a certainly extensive list of things that may be found on Filch's door."
His eyes twinkled in amusement, "And finally, we have two new appointments within our staff, firstly, I am sorry to tell you all that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year to enjoy his remaining time. However, I am delighted to inform you that his place will be filled with none other than Rubeus Hagrid who has agreed to take this position as well as his gamekeeper duties."
For a few seconds nobody moved before the hall erupted into celebration, none clapping as loud as the Straw Hats who whooped for their friend. Hagrid gave an awkward little wave, moving the table a little too keenly.
They were clearly the last group to finish clapping and Luffy can definitely see Hagrid wiping his eyes on the tablecloth, "Yes, and Hagrid is not the only change of staff, to replace Professor Lockhart, Miss Dolores Umbridge has kindly agreed to take his place."
As the clapping died down, Dumbledore continued, "Now, I believe-" He abruptly broke off, looking inquiringly at Professor Umbridge. There was a moment when not many realised why Dumbledore had stopped but then she said, "Hem hem," it became clear she wanted to speak by the way she stood up.
Dumbledore only looked confused for a second before smartly sitting down. Luffy was amused, this woman quite quickly put Dumbledore in his place without doing much. He could tell that the teachers did not feel the same by the way that Hagrid was clenching his cutlery tightly enough that it wouldn't take much for them to snap. Professor McGonagall's lips were non-existent and Professor Sprout's eyebrows had disappeared into her greying hair.
"Well, she's clearly new." Usopp mutters, cringing at the sight of her.
"Thank you, headmaster." She simpers, "For those warm words of welcome,"
None of the straw hats liked her, there was something… indescribable about her, from her girly, breathy voice to the fluffy pink cardigan slung around her shoulders, or perhaps it was the fact that she had a pair of sea prism stone cuffs hidden inside her dress.
Sea prism stone has a particular aura to it, especially because Luffy had some pretty supernatural senses when it came to kenbunshoku haki, it wasn't a surprise that he was able to feel it. It was because of those cuffs that they actually payed attention to her speech.
"Well it certainly is lovely to be back at Hogwarts and see all of those smiling faces back at me." Nobody was smiling, Luffy decides that she was like a toad, and not the good kind either. Her teeth were small but pointy, adding further evidence to his belief.
Robin was frowning firmly, and Zoro outwardly was scowling at the witch, she seemed to notice because the smile became smaller, less tangible, "I am very much looking forward to getting to know all of you, I'm sure we'll get become the bestest of friends."
Whispers and grins broke out at her speech, it seemed like she was one of those teachers. The ones that pretended to be your friend but at the end of the day taught you little and refused to bend at all. And to top it off, the 'addressing five-year-olds' speech was going to get real old, real quick.
She 'hem, hem'd again and when she spoke, it was without the breathiness, more of a business like turn to it. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young wizards and witches to be of vital importance. It is why the gifts that may run rampant are carefully nurtured through the knowledge handed down from our ancestors. It is through our professors that have taken up such a noble position that this trove of magical knowledge is appropriated for yourselves."
She turned to the teachers and gave the teachers a little bow, and Luffy almost laughed at the livid look between Cat-lady and Snake-guy.
"Every new headmaster and headmistress has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this prestigious, historic school. And that is at it should be, for without progress there would be stagnation and decay. That being said, progress for progress sake is to be discouraged as it will only interfere with the carefully chosen methods we have deemed appropriate for your sakes."
At this point, most of the students had moved on to other tasks, for they were all quite hungry, and hearing this teacher rant on about progress this and magic that was boring. But he noticed that a few of his nakama were eagerly drinking in her words with the same attentiveness of the teachers.
None of them looked happy about it though. If he was being real, he didn't get it all, just that the teacher thought progress was bad? In his musings he didn't realise that the toad finished, he didn't applaud her, not many did.
"Merlin's beard! It appears that took far longer than anticipated," with a clap of Dumbledore's hands, food appeared on everyone's plates.
"That was the most boring thing I've ever heard in my life." Luffy complained, cheeks bulging at the food.
A few seemed to disagree, "No, it was certainly dull in taste but, it certainly helped explain a few things." Brook says, cutting into a piece of beef, he had grown up in a fencing country where etiquette was essential. Obviously, the lessons didn't carry to his manners, but he knew what someone meant when they were masquerading it as something else.
"Did it?" Chopper asks curiously.
"Why yes, Brook is right," Robin adds, eyes blazing in a controlled fury, "it means that the Ministry is interfering at school. I have an inkling as to why as well."
"Because Luffy got cocky and screwed the dementors over." Zoro cuts in.
"And she must know things because of those sea prism cuffs." Sanji adds, barely even glancing at moss-head.
"It means that we have to be careful." Nami says, jabbing a piece of broccoli harder than necessary. "We can't just go around as we usually do, while I would definitely love to take on the Ministry, they took down your brother, Luffy. They're stronger than people give them credit for."
"They took down Ace-san?" Hermione claps a hand over her mouth, alright, what was that?
The pirates look at her in curiosity, mostly from the way she seems to be turning redder by the moment. "Yes, they did." Robin says, eyeing Hermione in a new light.
After eating to their content and watching the remaining teachers trickle out, they found Hagrid gloomily stabbing at some treacle, "Congratulations Hagrid!" Luffy yelled, giving the man a big hug.
"Thanks you lot." He seems a little bit happier but not by much.
"You angry at the Ministry woman too?" Robin asks with a knowing smile.
"Of course!" They almost jump as he slams his spoon down. "The damn Ministry have no business stickin' their noses into the school that Dumbledore has made into a safe haven from you-know-who!"
"We know." Hermione says sadly. "You best be ready for anything."
"Of course! I've bin gettin' my first lesson prepared all these 'olidays." Hagrid says proudly.
"Shishi, whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be interesting!"
"Yeah, I just hope whatever it is doesn't try to kill us." Usopp mutters quietly.
Zoro laughs and claps the sniper on the back, "Don't worry Usopp, it's probably not strong enough to kill us."
Sanji smirks, "Yeah, although it would probably spit moss-head out when it realises how bad he tastes."
"Yeah you'd know all about that wouldn't you." Zoro leers. "Always knew you were a pervert just didn't know how much."
Sanji splutters for a moment before screeching, "Like anyone would ever want that!" He gestures to the man's body.
Zoro shrugs, "Probably get more than you."
"Boys, let's just go back to the room." Nami says, her tone brooking no arguments.
The toad was already inside her room and they stayed the hell away from her, she was currently messing with sea prism stone inside the classroom.
The following morning, they trudged into the Great Hall, weary as ever, they had stayed up all night training because the Mystery Room could repair itself without interference.
Luffy had also composed a letter to his brothers, telling them of the situation.
They sat together as per usual, Fred and George passing them their schedules, but, before they could begin eating the Toad herself made their way over to them. Blinking up at her in surprise she says as cheerily as saccharine, "Why good morning students, may I ask why you lot aren't at your correct tables?"
"I don't believe there are any rules against this, Miss Umbridge." Robin says frostily.
The fake smile dims, "It is for uniformity, you must understand-"
"You're encouraging the segregation of houses for what purpose Miss, to uniformly manage us?" Nami asks, sweetly as her mikan.
"If I do not see you at your correct house tables then there will be detention-"
"I do not believe that is up to you." Another voice said from behind the woman, Professor McGonagall stood, stiff as an iron.
Professor Umbridge clearly didn't like being interrupted if the barely hidden scowl was any indication. "As you wish Professor, good day."
"Thanks Professor-san." Brook acknowledges as he drinks his tea.
She smiles knowingly before saying, "I have no idea what you are talking about, now get back to your breakfast."
The twins barely refrain from laughing, "Oo, you'll be starting electives this year."
"Yeah, oi, Hermione, your timetable is wrong." Zoro says, glancing at it. "Look, as quick as you are, you can't be in three places at once."
She blushes slightly, "I'll tell you later." It would be wrong of her to not tell them after everything…
They eat the rest of their breakfast and begin the arduous trek up to the North Tower – well, it was mostly a trek for Hermione who was sweating and panting. "Ooh, look at the knight Brook!"
Luffy pointed at a stout man adorned with silver armour, a scabbard at his hip. His fat pony stood beside him chewing at some of the grass. The knight seemed to take stock of his audience and with a chink his sword was withdrawn, and he cried "Aha! What villains are these? Who dares to pass on my private lands?"
However, the sword was too long for him and he overbalanced, the sword landing in the soft grass and despite his best attempts, was unable to withdraw it.
"Shishishi! You're cool sir Knight!" That seemed to further enrage the Knight as he tried his very best to withdraw the sword, but to no avail.
He hurled himself at the frame, "For the love of Camelot!"
"Ah, you are a Knight of the Round Table?" Brook asks politely.
"Of course! The only man I will ever bow to is King Arthur! Now you heathens, en garde!"
"Hmm, we're probably gonna be late." Sanji mutters, and withdraws a cigarette, after making sure that no-one was near he lit up.
"You are far too young to be smoking that young man." The Knight admonished.
"Damn you, I'll smoke whatever I want." Sanji says and takes a long drag, puffing it into the painting's face.
"Why! The manners of young people these days!" The Knight says with anger.
"Sorry, but I believe we should leave now, Sanji-san?" Brook says to the painting. "May I ask for your name as well?"
"I'm Sir Cadogan of the Round Table, my loyalty lies only to King Arthur!"
"Ahaha you're a funny guy Sir Cadogan." Luffy laughs and turns to the North Tower.
"Dammit, just when I thought I'd be rid of stairs." Hermione pants and groans at the sight of the spiralling staircase.
"It'll be fun Hermione!" Luffy laughs and begins jumping up the stairs and then decides, stairs are overrated and geppo's the remainder of the way.
Hermione's jaw is literally on the ground and huffs and puffs about stupid pirates and their stupid abilities the whole time she walks.
Luffy's the only one to geppo, Sanji and Brook believing it impolite to abandon a lady, especially one unable to learn geppo so early on.
He glances around at the rest of the class already assembled, they're mostly puffing and trying to catch their breath. When the rest of the Gryffindor group ascends the stairs the trapdoor opens, and a ladder slides down for them.
"Cool!" And he immediately jumps for the ladder, reaching the landing without any difficulties.
The interior of the classroom was quite… casual? Tacky? Hipster? It looked like something straight out of a book with its' old tea shop vs attic kind of feel. Twenty or so round tables were crammed inside, accompanied by fat poufs and chintz armchairs.
It was easily 25⁰C inside the room – which was very hot, in London at least, and the fire was burning a sweet musky scent.
The shelves that curved along the bends of the room sagged under the weight of dusty feathers, dozens of sparkling crystal balls and an array of teacups.
From the shadows Ms Trelawney finally decided to announce her presence, "Welcome, how nice it is to meet you all in the physical world."
As the shadows fell away Luffy couldn't help but think 'She looks like a pirate' Sanji and Brook snort in amusement at his observation and Brook whispers back, "I think she looks more like an under stuffed peacock."
Hermione kicks them on the back of the legs and gives them a meaningful glare, they shrug.
"Sit, my children, sit." They manage to squeeze into one of the tables with the five of them, shoulders brushing up against one another.
Professor Trelawney seats herself on a winged armchair by the fire, "My name is Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me around, I find that by descending into the melee, it clouds my inner eye."
She rearranges her shawl before continuing, "So, you have decided upon Divination, the hardest magic to be learned, I'm afraid books will only help you so far. You need to have the Sight to progress in this class.
"Many witches and wizards are quite talented in the arts of loud bangs, smells and teleportation, however the veil covering Divination remains sealed to them forever. It is a gift granted to few. You. How well do your siblings fair?" She asks Luffy, he stiffens but answers,
"Not sure, but I haven't found anything that would cause them harm."
"I wouldn't be so sure that they were safe my dear." She says with pity in her insect eyes.
He doesn't think, doesn't think, instead, both vivre cards are almost ripped violently out of the brim of his hat, thankfully, the pair are crisp white, unhindered by the smouldering flames burning a hole through-
"Luffy." Sanji grips his arm tightly, his own muscles coated in armament.
The blank expression disappears and he blinks, Professor Trelawney is finished speaking and he's stuck gripping the vivre cards as if they're about to disappear.
"Sanji." It's steady, as calm as the waves of the sea.
"Let's go grab a cup." He allows himself to be steered by the cook, watching with hooded eyelids as Hermione excuses herself to go find a partner. "We're doing tea leaf reading."
They returned with a for each other and drank the tea as quickly as possible, Brook looking affronted at the calibre of the tea leaves.
They swilled the tea leaves as per instruction in silence, then drained the cups and swapped.
"What do you see?" Luffy asks, the vivre cards tucked in the band of boshi.
"Not a whole lot." Sanji admits, "Maybe a bowler hat? Considering what we learned, we could be in for a run with the ministry. And maybe an animal of some sort?"
"Shishi, probably Chopper."
Sanji grins in return but Trelawney snatches up the tea cup at his words, turning the tea cup this way and that, muttering about grim omens. "It seems that you have a toad in your path boy, I would be immensely careful about how you tread."
However, Professor Trelawney fixes her eyes on him, "Yes, you have a troubling path dear, but a free one it will be, it will be wrought with anguish I'm afraid. A dark destiny indeed. Well… I think that will do us for today." She says mistily, "Pack away the tea cups and I wish you fair-fortune."
The next class was with Professor McGonagall who did not look any happier than what she had last night during Umbridge's 'welcoming speech'. In fact, it seemed to carry over into her attitude, she was far much snappier when instructing about their class aims for the year.
When the class ended they were far too happy to get out of there from her near-detention misses and point-losses for being too 'snarky'.
"Thankfully we have Care of Magical Creatures after lunchtime." Sanji mutters as they pile into the Room of Requirement.
"Yes, well, we had a certainly ill-fortuned lesson with Ms Umbridge who took it upon herself to put sea-prism stone on the chairs we sit on." Robin says, looking quite pale, she slips into Sunny's dining room and eagerly eats the food Sanji has prepared.
Chopper joins her, slouching onto the table, barely lifting his head to take a bit out of Sanji's delicious food, "I could feel it through my robes." He moans.
"It seems that the Ministry is restricting our knowledge to basic text-book, they are here to conquer." Robin says, looking better now that she's drunk sugar.
The rest of the straw hats take seats, not quite snapping out of their shock, but hungry enough to eat.
"So… she not only has sea-prism cuffs, but she knows how to make it into… chairs? The question is whether she is a marine." Brook says, not looking forward to the lessons with the dreaded teacher.
They wander outside of the Room of Requirement and begin the freshening walk to Hagrid's cabin.
Hagrid stands outside, moleskin overcoat on, Fang hounding his heels. "C'mon now, get a move on!" He calls as the class approaches, "Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me."
For one exciting moment Luffy thought Hagrid was going to lead them into the forest but then he veers around the Forbidden Forest, coming upon a sort of paddock. "Everyone gather 'round the fence here. Make sure yeh can see! Now, yeh'll want ter open your books-"
"How?" Pavarti Patil asks, genuine confusion in her voice, she pulls out her book, snapping away in chains.
Similarly, others from both classes bring out their books, bound in belts, rope and the occasional chains. "Hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?"
Luffy grins, and their quadlet open up their books, watching in amusement as the classes jaws drop in astonishment. "How did you do that?" One of the Slytherins demand.
Zoro shrugs, "We just asked it to."
Hagrid clears his throat awkwardly, "Erm, if yeh'll stroke the spines they'll be sure ta open."
Blaise Zabini snorts, "Of course! How obvious would that be? You've just got to stroke them!"
"Back off," Sanji growls as Hagrid mutters that he thought it would be funny.
"I'll be back." And he hurries off into the paddock.
"Or what, Malfoy." Blaise replies heatedly, "You'll 'invoke the power of your name', your name means nothing to any Slytherin, especially after rumours travelling around that you don't even live in the Manor anymore."
"Why do you care so much? It matters little of whether I live with Lucius and Narcissa, it is none of your damn business Zabini." Sanji snaps.
Blaise snarls at him but before Sanji can kick him to high hell, Hagrid returns, being tugged by some pretty bizarre creatures, not as weird as sea kings but still. They had the torso, hind legs and tails of horses however, that's where the semblance stopped, their front legs were equipped with wicked looking talons, attributing to the 'eagle side' of themselves.
"Gee up here!" He growls at them, tethering to the fence where the class stand.
A few students take some generous steps away from the fence. "Hippogriffs! Beau'iful aren' they?"
Luffy laughs, they would be awesome to ride, their feathers changing to hair and back, of every colour, shimmering.
"So, if yeh'll wan' ter come a bit nearer."
No-one besides them and Hermione were fine with being this close, "Now, the very firs' thing yeh'll wan' ter know abou' Hippogriffs is tha' they're proud, easily offended. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the las' thing yeh'll do. Now, yeh gotta bow ter him firs' see? If he bows back then yeh can pa' 'im, if he doesn't, then get away from him, 'cause those talons hurt."
"Right, who wants ter go firs'?"
"Hell yeah!" Luffy immediately yells with an exuberant laugh, only just beating Sanji and Zoro to it.
"Good man Harry!" Hagrid roars in approval as Luffy jumps the fence with ease, "Let's see how yeh'll go with Buckbeak."
He untethers the grey one from the others and slips off its' collar.
Hermione holds her breath in anticipation, she knew he'd be fine, but… Hippogriffs were terrifying.
"Now, easy there Harry, yeh've got eye-contact, now try not ter blink…"
Luffy grins again, and maintains eye contact with the beautifully orange eagle eyes, the intelligence… he wasn't going to force it into submission cos a. rude, b. it would undermine Hagrid's entire speech.
Regardless, it seemed to realise that he was of significant value for as soon as he bowed, Buckbeak descends to his scaly forelegs, in an unmistakable bow.
"Well done Harry." Hagrid says, ecstatic, "Right – yeh can pat him."
Luffy laughs a little, stroking Buckbeak, feeling the undeniable bulge of barely concealed muscles, "Hello Bucky, I'm Luffy, the ex-King of the Pirates." He whispers to the magnificent creature, it ruffles its feathers and snorts.
"Righ' then, Harry," said Hagrid. "I reckon he might' let yeh ride him!"
"Cool! Thank you so much Hagrid! Hear that Bucky? We're gonna go flying?"
"Damn, I wish I'd been quicker." Zoro murmurs softly.
Sanji silently agrees – not that he'd ever tell the idiot that – the chance to ride one of those… that'd be almost as good and terrifying as the Knock Up Stream. Actually, nothing could be that terrifying.
"Climb up there, jus' behind the wing joint…"
Like a pro, Luffy swings his legs over Buckbeaks' flanks, careful not to disturb his wings.
"Go on then!" And Hagrid slaps Buckbeak's rear, with a mighty flap of twelve feet wings, they lift upwards into the sky.
"Woohoo!" The wind whips between his hair, flinging off his straw hat onto his neck.
He looks down at the paddock as they circle it, one lap and they begin to dive down to the ground. Luffy flings up his hands into the air, relishing at the adrenaline rush, then a heavy thud signalled the end.
He pouts even as the class cheers for him, it wasn't long enough, they were just getting started.
Zoro, Sanji and Brook race over, quite eager to ride one of the creatures, and the class, emboldened by his success, crawl over the fence.
Luffy pats Buckbeak with his free hand, smiling at the creature as he nuzzles his beak into Luffy's hand.
Blaise ends up with Buckbeak, he's smirking, in a way that makes Zoro's skin crawl as he pairs up with Stormwing.
He manages to impress Buckbeak into a bow, but smirks, "See? Not that hard Malfoy, he's just a stupid-"
In a flash of wings and feathers, Buckbeak swipes at the boy, Blaise falls backwards onto the ground, hands out in front of himself as a feeble form of protection. Waiting for a blow that never comes.
In front of Blaise, Sanji blocks the sharp talons with his leg, most of them never even saw him move.
Hagrid appears gobsmacked before he slips the collar back onto Buckbeak's neck, "Ge' away Malfoy!"
Sanji gracefully stands up, unharmed by such a kick. "What is your damn problem Zabini?"
Shaking off his shock, Zabini stumbles away, clearly terrified by such a display of power. "N-n-nothing."
Disappointed that it had to be ended in a display of power, Sanji sighs, "So much for a peaceful first day."
"Peace never suited us anyway." Luffy says with a smirk.
"Yeah, Luffy-san has a habit of picking fights with everyone, even unintentionally." Brook grins.
"Tch, dumb curly-brow, you weren't that fast, a dead grandmother could move quicker than that." Zoro comments, flicking a ball of fluff at the cook.
"I'm sorry kiwi for brains? I didn't see you moving to defend him?" Sanji growls back.
Zoro grins ferally, "That's because he'd get what he'd deserve if he was cut by Buckbeak."
"Are you really that stupid? They would've had Buckbeak put down!" Sanji shouts back.
Zoro shrugs noncommittedly, "They can try."
"Alrigh', I think tha's 'nough for taday." Hagrid says, clearly shaken from the turns of events. "You lo', stay behind will ya?"
"Of course Hagrid-san." Brook says politely.
They wait for the class to disperse back onto the path to the castle before following Hagrid into his hut, it's a bit of a tight squeeze between four muscly boys and one girl looking like she'd rather be elsewhere.
"Tea?" It's not really a question as Hagrid moves around the small hut, putting the water to boil, Fang slobbers his way up to them, Luffy patting him enthusiastically.
After they're all settled, Hagrid seats himself on a chair and states, "Wha' yeh did taday was, impossible."
Sanji shrugs and takes a sip of the tea – the kettle needs to be cleaned, perhaps some quality water? And the tealeaves tasted almost stale – "I've been taught my entire life how to use my legs in a way that would defend me against anything."
It's not a lie per say, but rather a bending of the truth.
"Poppycock! I never seen anyone move like tha'." He says.
"It's the truth." Luffy pipes up, "I can move faster, but we're all really strong, 'cept for Hermione."
"How come though?" Hagrid asks, and it's in a moment that Luffy decides he is trustworthy, perhaps he won't believe them, but, Hagrid's eyes are earnest and he's always been there for them.
"If you want the truth, you have to have an open mind Hagrid." Luffy says bluntly.
"Open mind? Why…?"
"Because, whether you believe us or not, it's the real reason why we're so strong." Sanji says, craving a cigarette at the moment.
"We used to be pirates, well, I think we still are." Luffy says, side-eying the others. "And not just any pirates, I was the King of the Pirates, and as such, my crew had to be the strongest."
"I know it's crazy but please Hagrid-sa-"
"I believe yeh's." Hagrid cuts Brook off abruptly. "Tha strength of yeh all is too much ta be 11-year-olds."
"Huh, that was easy." Luffy comments.
"Now off with ya's." Hagrid shoos at them. "Lunch'll almos' be over."
"Stop looking like your owl died Luffy, if we miss it, I'll cook something for you." Sanji says, watching the look of horror and sadness transcend upon his captain's face.
They do, in fact, miss lunch, and as such, miss much of the next lesson, which is History of Magic, but Professor Binns doesn't really care as they come into class so late, he barely blinks from his tirade of history.
Hermione looks absolutely crushed that they missed part of the period and tells them as such, but, like clockwork, Luffy falls onto the desk, face-first and begins to snore, Brook following suit.
Sanji huffs about bad manners but agrees with the pair and ends up sleeping too.
"Where did you guys go?" Usopp all but whines.
"There was an… incident in Care of Magical Creatures." Brook says lightly.
"Blaise Zabini thought it best to insult a Hippogriff." Sanji puffs on his cigarette angrily.
"I presume one of you stopped it?" Robin asks.
"Yeah, Sanji kicked it." Luffy says.
"What about your day Robin-chan, Nami-chan?" Sanji asks.
"I spent it looking for ways to counteract the sea-prism stone." Robin says, "It appears that if you do not have direct contact with it, then it does not affect you. Perhaps putting pillows in your robes would soften the power?"
"We'll give it a go, who wants to fight?" Luffy grins.
Zoro smirks and the pair move away so they don't destroy anything when they really let loose.
Yikes, a month passes like that doesn't it? Well, here it is, the last 'happy' chapter. God i've been watching Torchwood and i honestly feel like im dissociating when i watch it, like, how is it a real show? how? It's a shittier, British version of Supernatural. Oh, and i wrote like 13k worth of fanfiction for a gay LWA AU, so there's that. I'm on holidays now (finafuckingly) and i have a job! And i'm going to Japan next year! Wow, a lot happens in a month doesn't it?