Chapter 5 Breaker of Chains.
Pine farms.
Emily Pine was sitting at her kitchen table, tapping her fingers while she was observing the men sitting across from her. She noticed the man in the suit but couldn't remember where she had seen him before.
"Excuse me have we met before?" she asked, eyeing the man with suspicion.
"Not directly, Mrs. Pine. I'm Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy in Vale," the man introduced himself. "And this is Sirius Black, a colleague of mine."
Emily's eyes narrowed. "You said you know where my kid is. Do you?"
"At the moment, he's safe. He's with some of my students. But there's something else you should know. Oscar is not his real name," Ozpin said.
Emily bristled. "It's been his name ever since he's lived with me. And it's been much better than whoever was raising him."
"It's not like they had a chance to raise Harry," Sirius muttered. Only Emily heard him as she aimed her weapon at him and disconnected the safety.
"What did you say, boy?" Emily asked, pressing a switch on her weapon and revealing three blades that spun around the barrel. The blades seemed to charge with electricity, making the two gulp.
"Easy miss, let's not do anything we will regret. It came to my attention that Oscar was involved in a kidnapping case 13 years ago," Ozpin said urgently, which luckily made Emily reconnect the safety on her weapon powering it down.
"Start talking, and if I detect even a single lie from any of you, I'll know," Emily warned, demonstrating her seismic sense ability."Very impressive," Sirius muttered under his breath.
"Thirteen years ago, a civil war broke out in Mr. Black's world. A group believed they should be in charge because of their magical bloodline. They thought that anyone who did not have magic in their bloodline within three generations should be eliminated," explained Ozpin.
" Magic? Aren't you a little old to be believing in that Mr, Ozpin? I mean, come on, you're saying this scruffy-looking fellow is from another world and is a magician, it seems a little hard to believe," Emily said before Sirius changed into Padfoot which caused Emily to shut her jaw before Sirius shifted back.
"Oscar's birth father and I were part of a resistance that was designed to fight against them. It was a losing battle. Whenever we managed to capture one of them, they would break out and kill a dozen more. Eventually, their leader targeted James's family before he vanished.
" Luckily, James and his wife were out on a date night when Voldemort attacked one of their friends who was babysitting their boys. Unfortunately, she didn't make it, leaving Oscar's brother alive as it seemed," Ozpin said.
"Then how did I end up with an abused boy who thought his name was Freak?" Emily asked.
"I'm getting there, according to a witness, Oscar was seen alive by someone before a third party approached. The witness then saw Oscar being taken away by the third party, who brought him to James's sister-in-law, Petunia Dursley. Ozpin shared this information.
" And you have no idea who this third party was," Emily asked.
" I don't have enough evidence to convince their government to arrest him," Ozpin said, which got Sirius's attention.
" You know who took him! Then why didn't you say anything?" Sirius said.
" As I said I don't technically have any evidence besides my word, which from what I heard of your government won't be enough to arrest a war hero," Ozpin said which got Sirius thinking about narrowing down his list of suspects that knew Petunia Dursley which didn't look good.
" So this kidnapper is someone of high status. I take it," Emily said, to which Ozpin nodded. " Then where is my boy?"
" At the moment in the school where his birth parents went, a tournament is being hosted with two other schools and I wouldn't advise taking him out of it as doing so will cause more harm than good," Ozpin said.
" And why is that?" Emily asked.
" Well outside of the contract that would rip Oscar's soul apart if he doesn't compete, and he made some friends closer to his age group," Ozpin said.
" Oscar made friends," Emily whispered, knowing outside of a few cousins and some of the older farmhands Oscar never interacted with anyone else.
" Why yes and a few of them found out what his life was like before he met you and let's say if they knew where the Dursleys are well, it's a good thing I know a cleanup crew or two," Ozpin said.
" Do you know where these Dursleys are?" Emily asked in a demanding tone.
" At this moment, even if I did, I think you will still have a long wait as a few others, as the young generation say it dibs," Ozpin said, making Emily quite proud of her nephew for making good friends.
" Tell me, Mr. Ozpin, why are you here?" Emily asked.
" Well outside of giving you the news of your nephew, Sirius here wanted to meet with you," Ozpin said, waving over the wizard who looked over at him like he just threw him under a bus.
" Well, Emily, you don't mind me calling you that? I'm here to get to know my godson's guardian and wanted to know what his life was like here," Sirius said peacefully as Emily's chocolate-brown eyes looked up at him.
" Why do you want to know, planning on taking him away from me," Emily snarled.
"I just want to learn about his life here and discuss the possibility of setting up visitation rights," Sirius explained nervously. Emily responded with an intrigued hum.
Sirius listened intently as Emily shared her memories of the first year they spent with Oscar. It had been a challenging period as they worked to repair the damage that had been inflicted on him. During that time, Oscar had formed a strong bond with one of the senior farmhands, Tony Gale.
As he healed, Oscar blossomed into a caring young man with a bit of a sassy attitude and a desire to make a positive impact. Emily fondly remembered the first time Oscar had talked back to her; initially, she had been disappointed, but ultimately, she was thrilled to see him coming out of his shell.
"Have you noticed anything magical happening around him, has he ever shown any abilities that didn't look like the semblance?" Sirius said.
"Well, he suddenly appeared close to my deck with a loud snap, and that's how I found him. At first, I thought it was a semblance, but when I checked to see his aura levels, I realized they weren't unlocked after unlocking it, he hasn't shown any abilities like that again." Emily explained while Ozpin pondered over the information.
"Sirius, can the magic in your world be suppressed or bound?" Ozpin inquired, noticing Sirius wince as if he had heard the question several times before.
"I have heard a theory that many Pure-Bloods believe in, which suggests that we have a hypothetical organ that enables us to perform magic. However, it has not been proven to be true. The magic community has developed pediatrician-suppressing bands, which are believed to limit accidental magic. However, they should have broken off when the individual turns five years old. There is another band that has been illegal for centuries," Sirius explained as he realized that Ozpin might be implying something with his question.
As he spoke, a young man with work overalls and noticeable dog ears, similar to a Yorkie or terrier breed, walked in carrying a tote of mason jars. " I believe this is the last of the fruit you wanted, boss," Tony said before he realized they had some guests quickly wiping his hands on his pants with an apologetic look.
" That will be all Tony and you might tell the others I'm going to be on a trip for a few days," Emily said Tony nodded as he went out probably to inform the other farm hands.
" Now, would you be a gentleman and take me to my boy?" Emily said with a look in her eye that she was not taking a no for an answer.
" Miss Pine, not sure if you're aware but it is a bit of a long trip," Ozpin said.
" Good, we have plenty to talk about, like how you ended up possessing my boy," Emily said Ozpin gave a nervous smile as he tried to think of how to explain that without getting shot.
#
Hogwarts Great Hall courtyard
The Remnants eagerly stepped out into the courtyard, happy to escape their current residence. "I know we were planning on becoming Hunters and getting fans, but I wasn't expecting this type of paparazzi," Jaune said, turning back to see a few onlookers sharing glances at them. Before noticing that they were missing a few people. "Does anyone know where Oscar is?"
Meanwhile, near the training grounds.
Oscar needed to escape from the stares and murmurs, so he found a large willow tree and leaned against its trunk. He thought, 'Ever since I moved in with Auntie Em, there has been a hole in my heart. Now I understand that it was because of Jacob, my brother.' As he sat there, he noticed that the tree he was leaning on had a few cuts on it. He reached out his hands, and a green aura surrounded them, healing the damage. Suddenly, he saw Ruby standing next to him, looking concerned. "Hey," he said.
"Are you alright you seem to be upset about something back there before you took off," Ruby said.
" Sorry, it's just all this got a little bit too much," Oscar said as he slumped back against the trunk with Ruby an awkward silence developed between them.
Ruby held Oscar's hand and squeezed it unconsciously, saying, "Oscar, I thought I told you that you could always come to us when you're feeling like this."
Oscar replied with a sigh, "I know, it's just that I need someplace to think." He gazed at Ruby, his eyes filled with both longing and confusion.
" Come on, you owe a few people an apology," Ruby said, taking his hand and pulling him up as her scroll rang, pulling it out to see a text message.
{Is Oscar with you?} Weiss texted
{Yes, I got him,} Ruby texted.
{ Good because the Headmaster has returned,} Weiss texted.
{We are on our way.} Ruby texted putting away her scroll as she turned to her companion.
" Ozpin is back," Ruby said as the couple made their way back to their camp only for Oscar to find a branch wrapped around his shoulder looking back to see the tree was moving as it removed the branch from his shoulder.
'Whoa,' Oscar thought before noticing Ruby reaching for Crescent Rose and moving in front of her either to protect her or stop her from doing something that would get them both hurt, the tree swans its limbs around before flicking one of its branches off before grabbing it and handing it to Oscar.
" Thank you?" Oscar said as he reached to grab the dark-gray-colored branch before taking it.
Oscar and Ruby were on their way back to their camp when they unexpectedly met someone. As Oscar gazed into the distance, Ruby noticed his body tense up. When she followed his gaze, she saw a large woman with tanned skin, brown eyes, a white dress shirt, black jeans, and work boots.
"Hey, auntie?" Oscar greeted the woman nervously with a smile. The woman's name was Emily Pine. She was surprised to see Oscar with a girl who had quickly lifted him out of his bad mood. Emily felt a slight nostalgic feeling as she remembered her brother, Oak, and his partner, Daisy.
" You have a name Red?" Emily asked.
" It's Ruby, Ruby Rose, ma'am," Ruby said unknowingly, reaching for Oscar's hand which made Emily chuckle lightly.
" I take it, Miss Rose, you have been taking care of my nephew for the last few months," Emily said as the couple realized she was looking at their entwined hands before hastily separating them.
" Oh well we have been taking care of each other actually," Ruby said, flushing, finding her shoes more fascinating than the conversation. Fortunately, their embarrassment ended when they noticed someone approaching them while wearing yellow robes.
"Aha, Mr. Potter, there are a few things we need to discuss," Bagman said as he continued to approach them. However, his approach came to a halt when he saw the barrel of a shotgun pointed at him.
"I suggest you back up, little man," Emily said, as Ludo was not too bothered by the muggle toy, but instead took note of Emily's appearance.
"Why, hello madam! What brings you to these parts?" Bagman asked, pushing the weapon downward.
"As far as you're concerned, checking on my nephew, it seems like he has a lot going on at the moment. Now, if you excuse us, Oscar here has to meet up with some friends of his who are no doubt worried about him," Emily said, about to make her leave, only to stop as a hand met her shoulder.
"So, is there a husband waiting back home?" Ludo asked, not noticing the look in Emily's eye which Oscar took note of as he backed up, taking Ruby with him.
"Mrs. Pine, did you say the Headmaster wanted to see us?" Ruby asked, trying to defuse the situation before it got nasty.
"Little girl, the adults are talking here. So keep your mouth shut, as children should be seen, not heard," Ludo said, which enraged Emily even further as she saw the crushed look on Ruby's face.
"Do not talk to my kid and his friends like that again, little man, or you won't like the consequences," Emily warned shoving Bagman back and then looking the man up and down in disgust.
"I've had enough of your attitude, Bitch," Ludo said, reaching for his wand, Emily pressed a few switches on Muerte Pino, popping out its triple prawns and electrified, then struck Bagmen between the legs, eliciting a high-pitched scream that echoed through the Highlands and made every male who heard it flinch.
" Is there a problem here?" Ozpin said as he and Sirius came to investigate, catching sight of a down Bagman who was holding his crotch.
" He had his hands on me," Emily quickly said as she retracted the blades on her weapon before flinging it back into its holster.
Sirius looked over at Bagman with a pitiful look. " Did you shoot him?" he asked.
" No, I tased him," Emily said in a matter-of-fact tone as local wizards came by to see what was going on.
" What's going on here," Dumbledore asked in a demanding tone, taking note of Bagman on the ground.
"This one was harassing our student counselor," Ozpin said as Oscar and Ruby looked over at him before he gave them a look that he would explain later.
"I knew I heard a pig getting castrated," Goodwitch said to herself as her fellow deputy headmistress gave her a look.
" That may be so but it's going to be her word against his, so unless anyone has anyone has the evidence that Bagmen started it she's going to have to leave," Dumbledore said, only for Ruby to reveal her scroll which recorded the confrontation.
" Well, that looks like evidence to me," Moody said as he dragged off the whimpering Bagman.
Dumbledore pinched his nose in frustration before he noticed the remnants disappear as the crowd dispersed.
#
Hogwarts history classroom
Meanwhile, in history of magic, Jacob was half listening to Binn's drone on Goblin rebellions the other half was on the scroll he had 'borrowed' that was nestled in between his books looking up at a different sort of history as his other hand was over to a piece of parchment which he had a few notes on crossing out Atlas and marking Mistral what's the question mark.
" Those don't look like notes on a goblin rebellion," Hermione said,
" I believe it's called multitasking, perhaps you can try it, Hermione," Jacob said in response just pulling said note closer to himself as Daphne leaned over his books catching a glimpse of the device as the bell rang quickly grabbing her stuff before snatching the scroll out of the book as Jacob followed after her with Hermione right behind.
" All right Greengrass headed over," Jacob said as he cornered her in one of the unused classrooms.
" What is this thing anyway?" Daphne asked as she held the device.
" Some type of trinket that my brother's friends use, now give it back before you drop it," Jacob said.
" How did you end up with this thing?" Daphne said accidentally pressing a button which caused a bright flash to envelop the room, causing her to drop the scroll luckily Jacob jumped down to catch it.
" You know Princess, for someone having such a high lifestyle I would think you take better care of your stuff," Jacobs said checking the scroll before turning it on to show the photo Daphne just laughed to himself getting the girl's attention as they noticed the photo.
" Potter! You give me that thing right now or so help me," Daphne shouted as she tried to grab the scroll only for Jacob to raise his hand above her using his new height advantage.
" You got to say the magic word, princess," Jacob said with a smug smirk, finding her attempts cute only for Daphne to pull out her wand.
" Aculeo,"
Only for the Stinging Jinx to bounce off a blue barrier hitting Hermione as Daphne and Jacob gave her apologetic looks only for Hermione to summon the scroll to her and cast an overpowered stinking charm to the both of them.
" I think you two need to sort out your differences," Hermione said, walking across the room and sitting. Her two friends asked her to let them go as she looked over the scroll on some type of page with information on Faunus, revealing they were humanoids with animal-like features like ears or tails.
Looking back up at the couple to see Jacob's hair and noticeable spots in it when it was under some light, turning back to the page to see their basic biology and revealed they were treated similarly to those of African descent or non-magical blood.
" What were you doing with this Jacob?" Hermione asked.
"I was researching to determine the origin of our new companions," Jacob said, finally reaching for his wand.
"Why are some of these names crossed out?" Hermione asked about the investigation, as Jacob attempted to undo the spell which failed only for Daphne to undo it.
" Faunus like Ms, Belladonna I believe are portrayed differently depending on where they are in some places she might get at minimum a second look, elsewhere well she might want to avoid going too," Jacob said as he finally got separated from Daphne before rushing to grab the scroll only to find a wand pointed at him.
" Sit," Hermione pointed her wand towards a seat as Jacob gave her an annoyed look.
" You know I'm not a dog," Jacob said only for Hermione to glare at him before taking the seat Hermione pulled up a map with five continents.
" I take it this is what your brother's world looks like," Hermione said, taking note of the geometry.
" Yes, according to his friends, their school is here," Jacob said, pointing to the biggest continent as a thought crossed his mind.
" What is it?" Daphne asked if she noticed his look.
" Is just a gut feeling I think outside of the Headmaster and Oscar no one else can use what we call magic," Jacob said, getting shocked looks from his friends.
" What! But how do you explain that ice statue that the white-haired girl made?" Daphne asked.
" I said what we call magic like I don't believe they can get anything out of a wand but If anything from what I heard their magic is more alchemy and spiritual base," Jacob said.
" Spiritual?" Hermione asked as Jacob flexed his aura.
"This little energy barrier of theirs comes from the soul and is the cause of my new look," Jacob explained but before he could explain anymore a small pine came from the scroll as a message appeared.
{ Mr. Potter if you would be so kind as to join us at camp, Professor Ozpin, p,s also bring some spell books with you as well.}
" Well, it looks like I have to leave, ladies," Jacob said, quickly grabbing the scroll and making his way back to his common room only to bump into his father.
" Oh, sorry about that, Jacob!" James said as he realized who he had bumped into.
" Hey Pops," Jacob said nervously as James looked at him up and down.
" Merlin's beard Kit, what did you find to dye your hair and get it this smooth," James asked.
" Long story short, I had a taste of the magic that Oscar's friends use and I'm starting to like it," Jacob said.
" I heard a rumor that Oscar's Aunt is here," James said.
" Yeah, I think everyone in the highlands heard that," Jacob said with a nervous chuckle only to realize he might be mean to her today.
"Kit, Are you alright?" James asked.
"It's nothing pops well I had classes see you later," Jacob said making his way back towards the Common room to scoop up a few spell books before turning into Mlinzi and making his way over into the forest.
'Hello, Mrs. Pine, my name is Jacob Potter Oscar's twin brother now I know you heard some rumors,' Jacob rehearsed only for it to make him more nervous as he made his way to Beacon's camp only to smell a new scent.
Jacob turned to see a young man with greenish-dark hair dressed in a military-like uniform before deciding to give him a greeting.
Marrow turned to see a black Jaglion only for it to squeal at him which made him jump in the air landing in a mud puddle, looking back up to see the panther seemed to be laughing taking note of the bag around its neck.
" Oh, there you are Jay, I was about to come looking for you," Sirius said as he stepped out of one of the train cars while Jacob shifted back before making his way over to him.
" What?" Jacob said as he noticed Sirius's look. "Blame the marauder genes,"
Sirius in response smacked his godson in the back of the head before dragging him into the train. Marrow picked himself up feeling grateful for the mud on his pants which hid an even bigger mess.
Meanwhile, Ozpin was mixing a batch of hot cocoa as Jacob and Sirius came in.
" Hey, Ozzy did you order a panther," Sirius said.
" Did you bring the spell books with you, Mr. Potter?" Ozpin asked as Jacob raised the books that were in the bag up.
" Why did you ask for them anyway? You probably know more magic than these," Jacob said.
" It doesn't hurt to have more options open and my particular magic only works for me," Ozpin explained before waving over to a tray of coffee cups. "Now why don't you be a gentleman and carry these for a moment,"
Jacob walked inside to another part of the car balancing two trays and looking up to see his brother and Ruby on the couch while Oscar's aunt was sitting on a chair giving them a knowing look only for her to turn to see them.
" Black," Emily greeted only for her eyes to turn on Jacob.
" Good afternoon Em, this is my godson Jacob Potter Oscar's brother," Sirius introduced as Jacob felt her glaze intensify.
" Is there a reason why you called us here Professor?" Emily asked eagerly to get to the point of this.
" Yes, according to my research, it seems like in this tournament the champions are supposed to be on their own, so no assistance from their classmates or teachers but they also have a habit of cheating, like if I wanted to I could point ms, Rose here where to look to research with the next challenge will be," Ozpin explained.
" So I'll take it, you know what the first challenge will be?" Ruby asked.
" Can't say I do, but in the past, they've been using creatures that they classify as a rank four or higher in the tournament," Ozpin said as they considered that information as Ozpin passed the mugs of cocoa to them. " But, there's something else we need to discuss, Oscar. Do you mind lifting your arms out for a moment?"
" Ok," Oscar did what he was told as Sirius waved his wand over them a cluster of runes appeared before placing his wand's tip on them turning it counterclockwise which made Oscar tense his arms.
" Omega suppressors," Sirius snarled.
" I thought those were banned," Jacob ground his teeth and his eyes turned cat-like at the thought of someone putting those on his brother.
" Can someone tell me what an Omega suppressor is?" Emily asked.
" Think of magic as a CCT tower while the wizards act like the scroll who absorbed the magic fields there are around them. What is going on with Oscar here is something or someone interfering with his, and something is stopping us from removing it," Ozpin said.
" So what is doing it?" Ruby asked as she gave said farm boy a concerned glance who avoided her look as he took a sip of his cocoa.
" Luckily It's not the one who placed him in his situation, as I believe when Oscar here transported himself to our world he placed his magic under a hibernated state," Ozpin said.
"So you're saying Oscar is the one that's keeping those bands on him but why," Sirius said only to remember where Oscar was raised before cursing a storm in French.
" Can you understand that? Ruby asked when she noticed Jacob flinch.
"You don't want to know," Jacob said, luckily keeping his rage in check.
" Oz, You better tell that overgrown pigeon the Dursleys are not to be touched, Ils sont à moi," Sirius said.
" I already told Qrow to observe for the moment, but knowing his semblance they are already having a bad day," Ozpin said as Sirius realized what Qrow's semblance was and gave a dark chuckle.
" Well as good as that sounds, we're getting off point here. What does this have to do with Oscar's Magic and why does Mr. Black seem upset about it?" Ruby asked.
"According to the rule book, the only items the champions are allowed to bring with them are a wand or a magical focuser unless stated otherwise. In regards to your other question, Ms. Rose, for those who reject magic, it could be quite explosive." Ozpin explained.
" Perhaps, it may not hurt to at least get those suppressors off," Emily said, looking over to her nephew to notice his hesitant look.
" Oscar," Ozpin called, getting the young farmhand's attention. " I may have a good idea of what those meat bags have done to you, but the people in this room aren't like them and deep down you know they would do anything in their power to make sure you come out of this alive,"
Oscar's heart was racing as he surveyed the room. His friends had gathered around him, their encouraging looks urging him to go ahead. Steeling his nerves, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for what was to come. Suddenly, Ruby came forward and took his hand, lending him the support he needed to feel steadier on his feet.
"Alright, get these things off," Oscar said, his voice unwavering as he gestured to the power suppressors that had been keeping his abilities in check. But as he spoke, a sudden wave of drowsiness washed over him, He fought to keep his eyes open, but the drowsiness was overwhelming, and before he knew it, he was falling back onto Ruby's lap, causing her to let out a startled cry.
"Well, that went better than I thought," Ozpin said, his tone light, though the looks on his friends' faces were serious. "Mrs. Pine, you know Oscar can be as stubborn as a bull. It took me weeks to convince him to leave the safety of his home."
"How fortunate for you that you weren't lying about the dangers of suppressing Oscar's powers," Emily said, a hint of anger in her voice. "Otherwise, we'd be having a very different conversation right now."
Ozpin swallowed hard, his eyes darting around the room as he tried to regain his composure. Walking over to Oscar's prone form, he placed his hand on the floor, and a ring of glowing runes appeared around him. "Can you four please help me set him down in the circle?" he asked, his voice low.
As the others lowered Oscar into the circle, Ozpin placed his hand on the young man's forehead and began muttering in a language that none of them could understand. Oscar began to thrash and struggle, and Emily, Sirius, Ruby, and Jacob had to hold him down to keep him from hurting himself. their auras began to glow as they channeled their energy into the suppression runes that were materializing into metallic bands around Oscar's wrists and ankles. With a loud clang, the bands snapped off and fell to the floor, and Oscar's body went limp, his breathing shallow and uneven and his aura seemed to pulsate and briefly turn into the same colors as Emily, Sirius, Ruby, and Jacob's aura. ' Interesting, It looked like these things were also suppressing Oscar's aura,' Ozpin thought before picking the bands up. " Sirius, do you mind if I hang on to these?"
"Actually Oz I was going to study those, to see if I can identify who put them on him," Sirius said which got Ozpin thinking for a moment before he tossed the bands to Sirius. Ozpin then turned to the branch Oscar had with him sensing a familiar energy signal.
" Where did this come from?"
"Oh, some tree gave us that," Ruby answered, not taking her eyes off Oscar who had a peaceful expression.
" A tree gave it to you?" Jacob asked.
" Yeah, a large Window tree that is about southwest of here. Are you all right?" Ruby asked when she noticed Jacob paled as he recognized that tree.
" Well, it looks like Oscar found his focuser," Ozpin said, which got the room's attention, especially those who know about the tree.
" Sirius, has anyone ever created a wand out of that tree?" Jacob whispered to his godfather.
" No one could have gotten close to it," Sirius said before he turned to Beacon Headmaster. " Um, Ozzy, do you even know how to make a wand?"
"I don't think it will be too different from a staff," Ozpin said, twirling the branch around in his hand and inspecting it, sensing it still needed a few things.
" Professor Ozpin, I think there's a wand shop in the village just down the hill. Perhaps they can help you with your little project," Jacob suggested, not wanting the Headmaster to blow himself up and most likely take everyone with him.
" Perhaps that might be a good idea, Mr. Potter, it wouldn't hurt to have a second opinion," Ozpin said, walking out of the cabin with a branch in hand as Jacob followed his godfather out leaving Ruby, Oscar, and his aunt alone.
" So, what's your relationship with my nephew Ms, Rose?" Emily asked, hands on her lap as she looked at the couple.
" Well, I considered him a friend, and he held his ground despite being thrown into all this. And on the day I discovered what happened to him, I was going to ask him about something a friend of ours Nora said that he went over to my aid despite another friend of ours who was in worse shape than I was," Ruby said unconsciously brushing a hair out of Oscar's face.
" I can see you deeply care for him, but know this Rose hurt him and there won't be anywhere you'll be able to hide," Emily promised.
" I wouldn't dream of it, Oscar's aunt," Ruby said determinately, which Emily smiled at.
" Call me Emily Ms. Rose," Emily said as Oscar woke up groggily.
" What did Ozpin put in that cup," Oscar groaned, only to notice Ruby staring at him.
"Hey," Ruby said with a slight smile before helping Oscar up only for him to slip resting his head on her shoulder.
" Are you alright kid?" Emily asked.
" Can you be tired and energized at the same time? " Oscar joked getting Ruby to laugh, causing her shoulders to shake before getting the cough from Emily who used her hand to hide a smile.
" Well I'll be going now," Ruby said, getting the message to leave as she fixed Oscar so he was lying back on the couch pressing her lips on his forehead as she made her way out.
" I like her," Emily commented, which got Oscar's attention. "I'm glad you found some wonderful friends, but tell me something, just how close are you to that Ruby girl? Don't say you're just friends because clearly, you're not,"
" Well, um we're not technically public. But, outside the appropriate cuddle we haven't gone past first base," Oscar said flustered.
" Good, because I'm too old to be a grandaunt," Emily said.
" Those gray hairs say otherwise," Oscar said cheekily only to regret that as he got pulled into her lap as Emily tickled his sides. " I miss you too," He said between laughs.
" Now tell me my little cinnamon roll, what have you been up to since you've been gone?" Emily asked as Oscar explained his wild story.
#
Later that evening. The Remnants were making their way out of the courtyard.
" Is there a reason we are getting dragged alone, Headmaster?" Weiss asked the Headmaster who led Oscar and the rest of her team toward the horse-drawn carriages.
" Well we are in another world, don't you want to see some of the sites?" Ruby asked like her team is now sporting civilian clothes.
" And it gives you a chance to spend some time with a certain farm boy," Blake whispered to the girl in the red hood who elbowed her as Ruby's attention drew towards the creatures pulling the carriages.
" Easy, despite their looks Thestrals are no threat to us," Ozpin calmed his students' nerves as they climbed into the carriages. " Miss Rose, do you mind if I have a moment alone with Oscar?"
Ruby nodded and climbed into the other carriage with her friends. " Oscar, I just want to apologize for the whole sedating you, I just know you can be quite stubborn at times but do know I have your best interests at heart," Ozipn said as Oscar waved it off.
" It's fine Headmaster though it would have been nice to have a heads up," Oscar said.
" How are you holding up with all this?" Ozpin asked.
" With what, having to compete in a tournament that is known for leaving its contestants at best critically injured, or finding out the people who mistreated you, in reality, didn't, and having a brother on top of that, " Oscar summarized only to notice the Headmaster was looking outside turning to see said brother walking his way down. " What's he doing here?"
" Oh yes, Sirius told me Mr. Potter has business in Hogsmeade, is that a problem Oscar?" Ozpin asked only to notice their carriage took off.
" Hey! Need a lift?" Ruby called waving over to Jacob who noticed the rest of her team before climbing into their carriage and taking a seat between Ruby and Blake.
"Um, Hi," Jacob greeted nervously as he noticed Weiss and Yang's look. " So what do you four do for a living?"
" Well, we are Huntresses or training to be. Think of them as the equivalent of Aurors," Blake said as Jacob nodded in interest.
" What are you doing here?" Weiss asked.
" I have had some business with Ollivanders recently. My wand has been non-responsive," Jacob said, turning his arm to show his wand in his wrist holster. " From what I understand your business it's pretty similar to it,"
" Well that might be true, I doubt Ollivanders is as clean as it says it is," Weiss defended her company unconsciously.
" If you say so, Snow. Blake right, do you happen to be related to someone named Ghira Belladonna the chief of Menagerie? " Jacob asked as Blake groaned like she was asked to do that a dozen times.
" Yes he's my father," Blake said in a blan tone as her friends jokingly bowed and chanted. "Princess," but if you look closely you can see her lips twitched.
" What about you two?" Jacob looked over and Ruby and Yang. " Are you two secretly royalty? "
" Not really outside of our parents being Hunters themselves, I'm nothing too special compared to these guys," Ruby said.
" Ruby, you know that's not true you were invited to one of the top schools two years early by the headmaster himself, while you're not academically the top student, you are one of the best in the field and the leader of one of the top teams of their year," Weiss said only to notice the scenery change to snowy plains.
"Wow," they exclaimed as their carriages came to a stop. The Remnants gazed out, taking in their surroundings.
" Team RWBY this way!" Ozpin called out as said team turned to see Ozpin and Oscar making their way inside the village before they caught up to them and made their way up to a rundown store.
" These won't be long girls," Ozpin said as he ushered Oscar and Jacob inside the shop, noticing the many boxes some of which were covered in dust.
" I'll be with you in a moment," An employee called as they stepped out. "Ah, I remember you, you're the one that brought in that unusual donation. the name Johnson Smith,"
" Evening, Mr. Smith, I believe my order is ready," Ozpin asked.
" Yes, yes, gave the boss some grief but he managed to get a few prototypes, and you know even if what you said was true and the tree chose your student it doesn't mean he will end up with a wand made from it as the boss said ' the wand chooses its master,' " John said before you notice Jacob.
" Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Potter?"
" Oh, yes it seems my wand is not responding to me," Jacob said, passing his wand over to the store clerk who looked it over.
" Were you mistreating it?" John asks and Jacob reveals it was working just fine the day before as the clerks gave the wand back to him and asked Jacob to perform a spell.
" Lumos," Jacob cast only to produce a few sparks and a dim light as the store clerk hummed before he walked back into the store. moments later John came back with Garrick Ollivander.
" Evening Mr. Potter, I heard you're having trouble with your wand," Garrick said as he set a pedestal down before having Jacob place his one on it he waved his hand over the wand as it came apart before muttering another spell as the dark red feather started to glow a golden color before flickering out.
" Strange, it seems to be working in good condition but the core is not syncing up. I see this happening with unicorn hair but never Phoenix feathers," Garrick muttered.
" Mr. Potter I want to run some more tests on this wand, unfortunately, you might not be able to get this back until the tournament is over, but not to worry we'll be able to find you another wand, or at least temporarily for the moment," Garrick said.
" Thank you sir but I think I can wait a few more moments there's another person here who needs a wand," Jacob said as he waved over to Oscar.
"I was expecting you four years ago, but better late than never I suppose. But tell me, Mr. Potter, how did you get a hold of that wood? Not even Dumbledore was able to get a piece when I asked him to," Garrick asked.
"It's Pine. Well, I'm not sure how I did it either. I noticed it seemed to be scratched up and I healed it," Oscar explained, getting interested from Ozpin and Garrick.
"Tell me, Mr. Pine, which hand is your dominant?" Garrick asked, catching the young farmhand off guard.
"Well, it depends on what I'm doing. I usually write with my right hand," Oscar said, as Ollivander picked up one of the boxes and presented him with a wand.
"While the tree might have chosen you, it doesn't mean any wand from it may work. Here, give this maple, phoenix feather a wave," Garrick said, as Oscar took the wand and the tip started to smoke.
"Drop it!" John shouted, as Oscar immediately did before a red cape obstructed his view. A loud firecracker-like explosion was heard, frightening anyone who walked past.
"Everything's all right. Go back to your business," John called, shooing any nosy passersby as he walked back into the store and the others followed him in.
"Have you heard of something like that happening, boss?"
"No, it seems like the wand couldn't handle Mr. Pine's power," Garrick said, as he gave Oscar an intrigued look before he went back behind the counter and pulled out a tray with three ones on it.
"It seems Mr. Pine, your unique challenge. These three wands were made from the wood that your Headmaster brought in, and I fitted them with the cores that we use: Dragon heartstring, Unicorn hair, and Phoenix Feather," Garrick explained.
"Mr. Ollivander, why those three in particular?" Ruby asked.
"Out of all of the wand combinations my family has tried, we found out those three are, as the young generation says it, well-rounded. While there are rumors that the strongest wand has Thestral hair, from personal experience, I find the hair too fragile to work with. As some of the other "exotic cores" are either too rare or only work under certain circumstances," Garrick explained as Ruby listened in interest.
"What makes these three so special? And where do you get these materials? As the name implies, the heartstring comes from an actual heart?" Weiss asked, getting a hiss from Ruby. John raised a hand.
"We get asked that quite a lot. The heartstrings came from the many dragon reserves that the specimens had passed from old age, sometimes the occasional rogue. But I can assure you that all the of the wand cores in Ollivanders were collected humanely."
"Do you have any books or pamphlets on wand lore?" Ruby asked as John threw her a pamphlet. Ruby gave John a small smile as Oscar glared at the shop assistant, and approached the counter to examine the dark-colored wands, which varied in length from 10 to 13 inches.
"How do I know which one?" Oscar asked.
"You don't. The wand chooses you," Garrick answered, as Oscar lifted his arm. His aura flashed as it drew over to the one on the left before picking it up. The dust around the room swirled around him, coating the wand, forming several metallic rings and a green gemstone infused into the handle.
"I take it he found his wand," Weiss said, as Ozpin looked over at his former host and realized the wand looked like a mineralized version of his staff during his first life.
"Why, yes, and looks like a perfect match. Whomping Widow, 11", dragon heartstring, quite rigid," Garrick explained, as Oscar turned to the two other wands.
" What will happen to those?" Oscar asked.
"I'll likely transport these back to my main shop where they will eventually find their masters. Now, Mr. Potter, I believe it's your turn," Garrick said, bringing out a few other wands.
some time later.
" Choosing a stick shouldn't take this long," Weiss said to herself, and Jacob finished testing his 24th wand.
" Well I did suggest you guys go and check out the sites," Jacob said as John came over with more wands Jacob picked up a light red one Garrick told them it was reed and unicorn hair seemed to glow for a second before a puff of smoke came out of it.
" Right wood wrong core," Garrick hummed as he picked it up and handed Jacob a moss green wand A yew and dragon heartstring which had a similar effect." Wrong species,"
Garrick turned back to look over at the other wand Jacob just tried "I wonder," He mused as he went back to grab a few test tubes with some string in them.
" Mr. Potter, do any of these seem to be calling to you?" John asked as Jacob looked over the vials before sensing the one with the golden cap.
" This one," Jacob said.
"Are you sure?" Garrick asked only for Jacob to nod as he took the sample and the two other wands back to the Workshop with the sounds of a few cracks as Ollivander came back out a wand that looked like the two other ones were just twisted around each other.
" Yew and Reed, 13 ", dragon heartstring, unyielding,"
Jacob, took the wand in hand as the tip glowed a dark blue color along with his Aura flashing as a primal rumble sounded.
" Curious," Garrick whispered, getting a glare from Jacob.
" You know the last time you said that my last wand was related to the scumbag that nearly took everything from me," Jacob growled, his hazel eyes briefly turned cat-like.
" I wouldn't say scumbag as I sold its twin just a few moments ago," Garrick said. Jacob gave an apology and looked over to Oscar.
"This core is from a rare dragon called the Romanian Longhorn. In the past, the dragons were nearly hunted to extinction because their horns were a valuable ingredient for high-grade potions. However, a breeding program was established, and hunting them became illegal. As the program progressed, the species became more aware and started avoiding human villages and conflicts. However, according to the story, a group of poachers attacked a small village searching for the dragon. The Longhorn fought back and managed to drive off the invaders, but it was heavily injured and eventually died.
The audience was surprised and touched by the story before they paid for the wands and a holster for Oscar which he fastened over his right wrist.
" Hey, are you all right?" Ruby asked as she noticed Oscar fell behind.
" I'm fine Ruby," Oscar said, avoiding looking in her direction.
" Did you know they have a horoscope with wands, do you want to know what yours says about you?" Ruby asked knowing she had Oscar's attention as he shifted his head towards her. " Those chosen by Widow travel far and excel in healing and nonverbal spells.
" Nonverbal?" Oscar asked.
" She means Oscar, most magic users here have to say an incantation when they use spells, you on the other hand will have an easier time casting the mental," Ozpin said glaring over at them over his shoulder.
" What he said, also they're known to choose those with great potential and unwarranted insecurities," Ruby said, only to notice Oscar's shoulders slumped knowing he couldn't hide it from her anymore.
" It's just that I don't know who I am. How am I supposed to be someone that the only memories I have we're not good?" Oscar said only to feel Ruby's hand slip into his.
" You are a brave young man who traveled from his home looking for adventure," Ruby said, sharing a smile with him. Their interaction didn't go unnoticed, as their companions' lips twitched, except for Yang who just noticed the couple.
"When did this start?" Yang asked.
Blake answered, "Since the train ride to Argus," which made Yang glare over at the two.
"Don't you start anything, Xiao Long! Not sure if you noticed, but I can see they are happier about it," Weiss hissed.
" Hey, Ruby, what does my horoscope say? Jacob asked, causing the couple to separate when they noticed their audience.
"Those with Reed are known to be bold and eloquent speakers," Ruby said, scratching the back of her neck. "And those with dragon heartstrings are loyal to those they opened their hearts to. With yours being part yew as well, let's say anyone who attempts to harm those friends is going to be in a world of hurt."
Jacob furrowed his brow. "So you're saying I'm a chatterbox with a dark side?"
"No, your wand is telling you that," Ruby explained. "It also tells me that you both can be pretty stubborn and, according to your cores, quite bullheaded as well." After Ruby finished speaking, she noticed Oscar and Jacob exchange a smile. The smile was playful.
"Get her!" Jacob exclaimed, and he and Oscar began to chase after Ruby.
Ozpin, who was watching the scene unfold from a distance, had a slight smirk on his face. He was happy to see that his previous host was now behaving according to his age and getting along with his brother. However, his aura was triggered, indicating that he was being watched. He scanned his surroundings but saw only to see citizens engrossed in their business. Ozpin then turned back to see the brothers caught up to Ruby and carrying her by her arms and legs, bringing her over to a nearby pond in an attempt to throw her in.
Meanwhile, on the cliffside near the village, Ozpin's instincts were right as a toad hop around the rocks only to be skewered by a metallic stinger which revealed a young man with a pale complexion and yellow eyes followed by a few of his associates as they looked down at the village.
