Pirate Prince Harry Potter
Book 1: The Philosopher's Stone
A/N: This fic is inspired by the Monkey D Haru series written by EmmaIveli, which has been a delight and fun read. I do recommend reading them.
Chapter 13: Meeting the Straw Hats
Dumbledore's Office
The old wizard yawned tiringly at his desk while he continues on with the paperwork this morning, the office is somewhat calm when the portraits of past headmasters resume with their naps between their frames, Fawkes the Phoenix perched on his golden perch preening himself so to keep his wings and tail neat and tidy, and the morning sun beams out from the high tower window which display beautiful warm sunbeams shooting diagonally onto the floor where specks of fine dust swirl around in a gentle breeze.
All is quiet in the school as there are only a few present at the moment, McGonagall is at her Transfiguration class room, preparing lessons for this year's terms, the grouchy caretaker Filch is dusting and mopping the interior of the castle while his skinny mean-looking cat Mrs. Norris walks beside him, Hagrid tends to the castle grounds such as trimming the hedges and topiaries, mowing the lawn with a scythe and pruning off wilted flowers on the many flowerbeds displaying in the grounds. As for the castle's permanent residents, the Ghosts, well you can see them floating all around haunting the castle which they've been doing for centuries, not to mention the mischievous poltergeist Peeves plotting to make so much mishap on the returning pupils as well as the new first years.
It's been going on like this all summer, so when Dumbledore yawns out loud, it shows not only is he tired, he is bored as well. As headmaster, he needs to be in Hogwarts to supervise the school and make sure it is ready for the returning students, as well as the first years.
"Uh, this is getting rather boring," said Dumbledore with a exhaused expression while he continues to scrawl onto the unrolled parchment on his desk. "Would give for a holiday right about now, or perhaps some excitement to liven up this dreary summer."
Suddenly the sound of loud splashing is heard, catching the headmaster be surprise as he accidently dragged his quill across to make a jagged line on the parchment. He stands up from the desk and heads for the window to have a look.
To his astonishment, he sees a lion headed Brigantine-class ship bobbing on the surface of the black lake, and when he looked at the jolly roger flying on top of the main mast, followed with it plainted on the main sails, he knew exactly who they are.
"Well I'll be," siad Dumbledore with a smile and a twinkle in his left eye. "They're here"
With the Straw Hats
The Sunny has finally appeared right in the middle of the Black Lake next to Hogwarts, only to get attacked by the giant squid residing in the murky depths. Usopp and Chopper screamed in terror while hudding together when the large tentacles emerge from the surface and starts wrapping around and attempting to grab everyone. the monster trio of the crew, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, are ready to make their move on the squid, punching, slashing and kicking the tentacles off, forcing them to retreat back into the water. Franky adjust his hands so he can start firing buckshot at the tentacles and Brook pulls out his cane sword and starts stroking it on his violins which gave out a haunting melancholic tune that literally freezes the tentacles with ice and frost.
But it wasn't until Jimbei diving down that stopped the Squid's attack for good. The fishman dove down into the water to give the squid a hell of a talking to its assault on his crew. The lake bubbled violently around the ship for 10 minutes, with tentacles wave and flap uncontrollably out from the surface for everyone to see. It goes on for a while until the cephalopod finally stops and is now floating on the surface completely stunned, with a dizzy and teary expression in it's eyes and a mother of all bump on it's head. Jimbei climbed back up on the Sunny, panting with exhaustion as he earned himself some bruises and cuts from his "talk" with the squid as well as ink stains all over his Gi.
"That has to be the RUDEST squid I've ever met, the mouth on her" said Jimbei
"Since when does a lake have a GIANT SQUID?!" Usopp in disbelief at what he just saw. "Aren't squids sea creatures."
"They are, but apparently this one ain't, which explains the foul temper" said Jimbei as he takes off his heads off for his quarters. "Now if you excuse me, I need to change and TRY to get the stains out."
"So...can we eat it?"
BONK
Nami whacked Luffy on the back of the head for thinking about the eating the knocked out giant squid.
"Ow...Nami!" Luffy exclaimed while he holds where Nami hit him.
"Luffy! Now is not the time for eating" said Nami "Besides, the squid could be important to Hogwarts."
"What can this overgrown calamari be important for a wizard school" said Zoro as he then looks at the castle. "and are you sure we're at the right place."
"Are you, someone who has no sense of direction, questioning MY navigational skills?" said Nami
"No, I just don't understand how an old castle ruins can be a school?" sad Zoro as he points at the castle.
"Oh right, you weren't there with us," said Nami with the realisation that Hogwarts is bewitched to appear as ruins to the eyes of Muggles.
"It's a magic school, Zoro" said Luffy "Only people with magic like witches and wizards can see it as a school"
"Ahoy there, permission to come aboard!"
The Straw Hats head towards the broadside and look to see Dumbledore and McGonagall standing by the banks. The old wizard waves in a friendly manner while the deputy head-mistress remains calm and silent as she stands beside him. Luffy smiles and returns the wave while Nami tells Usopp and Zoro to deploy the Gangplank so that the witch and ward can come aboard the ship.
Once they are on board the Sunny, Dumbledore takes a look around curiously while Mcgonagall offers the Straw Hat her welcome at Hogwarts.
"This quite a beautiful ship you have," said Dumbledore after getting an eyeful on the Sunny. "A geniune pirate ship, fascinating." Dumbledore then turns to the Straw Hats and gives them a welcoming smile. "And this is your crew then, Captain?"
"Aye, let me introduce them to you" said Luffy as he takes Dumbledore around to introduce his crew and the children, the headmaster is amazed when he saw a living skeleton, a humanoid reindeer, a cyborg and a whale shark fishman among the crew. He gave each a hand shake and a warm welcome, with the exception of Zoro who only nodded and Hancock which Luffy explained that she come from an island entirely populated with women and has a burning hatred of men, with the exception of himself and Harry.
Dumbledore understands and welcomes her regardless, albiet be one-sided. And while Dumbledore greets the crew, Professor McGonagall suddenly realised something amiss among the Straw Hat Crew.
"Pardon for asking but where is Harry?" said McGonagall with concern when she doesn't see him at the deck with the others.
"Oh, he's taking a nap at his quarters, bringing the ship here does tire him up when using our Devil Fruit Drive," Usopp told the old witch while offering his hand to her. "I am Usopp, ship's gunner and inventor."
"Minerva McGonagall, Head of Griffindor House, Tranfigurations Proffessor and Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwarts," Mcgonagall politely accept Usopp's hand and shakes. "I'm sorry, but could you explain, please.
Usoop start explaining the deputy headmistress that Harry needs to use the Devil Fruit Drive while explaining what the machine does during said explanation.
"I see, well it would make sense since this ship would be too big for Harry to teleport all on his own," said McGonagall with an intregued and facinated look, considering how ingenious the Devil Fruit Drive is.
"Well I can't take all the credit since the invention was thought of by one of the greatest minds in our world," said Usopp rubbing the back of his neck when felt flattered from the compliment. "It did take us 5 years of updates and modifications to ensure it works without any issues."
"Well as long it's safe for Harry to use, then I'm fine with it" said McGonagall with an approved nod and turns to greet with the other crewmates.
The Deputy Headmistress welcomes the crew one by one in turn, and once the introductions are delt with, Dumbledore helps the crew on where to dock their ship as he points at the boat house near the castle.
"You are more welcome to use it as a form of accomodations while you're all settled, of course" said Dumbledore until he comes to a realisation and starts to rummage though his robes. "Which reminds me, I have a letter for you, Mrs. Monkey D."
"For me?" said Nami when Dumbledore offers her the a letter, the envelope reads
Nami Monkey D
HOGWARTS BOATHOUSE
SCOTLAND
Nami was taken back by this when the envelope is accuately addressed to her in the precise location, she opens the letter and starts reading it.
Mrs. Monkey D
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am quite sure that Albus Dumbledore had arranged for you an appointment at our department, so rest assure that you are in no form of danger and trouble for arriving here in our world. I was about originally bring you to our department after you've finished up shopping for Harry Potter's school things at Diagon Alley, but it seems Rufus was too late to reach you before you have left.
Nevertheless, it would be grateful if you would come quite soon after you read this letter. Please enclose a reply by Owl and I'll see you whenever time is appropriate.
We'll he hearing from you soon.
Madame Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
DMLE office
British Ministry of Magic
London
"Only here for a few minutes and I'm wanted by the authorities?" said Nami finishing with the letter in her hand. "Typical, not a moment of peace for us pirates."
Nami gave out a whistle, and Hedwig flies out from the open porthole of the childrens' quarters and perches on the broadside of the ship. She approaches the owl and gives her a stroke which she appreciated.
"No rest with the wicked, then," said Nami as she pulls out a piece of paper from inside her bag, along with a quill and bottle of ink. She scrolls the paper, and then folds it up for Hedwig to hold in her beak. "Take this to this Amelia Bones person, please."
Hedwig nods at the Navigator and takes of to deliver the letter, everyone watches the owl soar into the sky and takes off into the southern horizon.
"I'll meet see her tomorrow, for now...we need a break,"
Understood," said Dumbledore when suddenly the doors of the Children's' quarters start to open and Harry exits them, yawning and rubbing the sleep off his eyes. He looks ahead and noticed Dumbledore and McGonagall on board and smiled sleepily at them.
"'Ullo," Harry said in a sleepy tone. "When did you get here, I'm not late, am I"
Dumbledore chuckles at Harry and shook his head.
"No Harry, school's not until September, it's still August," said Dumbledore
"Oh, thank Oda," said Harry with a sigh of relief when he noticed the old castle towering over him and the ship. "That took a lot out of me, not like the last trips on that thing."
"I think it derives on the distance of the destination," said Usopp, when he took Harry out of the DFD, he noticed that Harry was out cold on the seat and looked completely exhausted. "But I assure you, you won't be doing it again for quite some time."
"Oh good," said Harry until he gave out a big yawn and makes his way back to the children's quarters. "If you don't mind, I need to sleep, that loud noise woke me up."
"Sorry about that," said Jimbei "The black lake apparently has a giant squid down below, a rather RUDE one."
"Uh huh," said Harry before closing the doors and heads back to sleep.
"I hope you didn't harm the squid too much," said Dumbledore at Jimbei
"She's only got a few bruises on her arms and tentacles," said Jimbei crossing his arms and pulling a stern look. "But if she thinks of going at us again, I'll won't guarantee that she'll keep all her 10 tentacles."
The squid regained conscious and heart what Jimbei said, she sprays would water at them though her jet before diving down. The water splashes all over Jimbei when everyone got out of the way in time, the fishman grumbled at this but kept his arms crossed.
"As I said, rude!"
Next: DMLE (Amelia's Office)
Things in the passing days for the Straw Hats got harder for them, on the next day Dumbledore brought Nami to the Ministry though their other mode of transport known as the Floo Network. Basically it turns a fireplace or any fire moderate firesource into a portal when a handful of floo power is thrown into the flames until they turn emerald green, the flames are harmless to walk in but when you address the location, the sensation is unusual unlike Harry's Blink-Blink Fruit powers.
The floo network took Nami to the part of the Ministry known as the Atrium, a vast lobby located deep below London with a large fountain decorated with bronze statues of witches and wizards with their wands out which water sprays out. The walls of the atrium comprised of columns of context bay windows, each containing various and individual offices for members of the ministry to work in.
Dumbledore leads Nami to where the elevators are and which leads them to the DMLE. The DMLE is a large room comprised of office desks piled with paperwork which are either sent by or given through enchanted paper airplanes that either fold or unfold from/onto the piles.
"Normally we use owls for that, but you can imagine the smell and mess they make"
"Aye" Nami with a grimace as she wouldn't like the idea of walking in a room that stunk and pasted in owl waste. "It's the same for News Coos when they deliver our papers."
The head of the department's office at the other side of the department which the navigator has to go through the labyrinth of desks to reach. When entering, Nami is immediately greeted by Madame Bones herself, a woman who is in her late 20s, with shoulder length chestnut hair and is dressed in black ministry witches robes. The appointment is about the consideration of granting the Straw Hats citizenship into the Wizarding Community, but in order to that, Amelia Bones has to interview the crew individually, this gave Nami a headache as this may turn ugly and perhaps deny them from even living in this world.
Nami is obviously first for she is the more responsible member of the crew and the one that raised Harry in those past 10 years. The questions are indeed personal, which could be intnetional as the head of the DMLE is somewhat curious about the life of a pirate and also to learn why Nami is a pirate to begin with.
Nami explained that she didn't become a pirate by choice as she was forced to join when a crew derived of misanthropic Fishmen caught interest in her mapmaking talents. Next, she explained that she made a deal with the Captain to free her village if she pay him a ridiculously amount of money regardless on how long it will take or how she gets it. During that, she met Luffy while she was a about to steal from a circus themed pirate crew captained named Buggy the Clown who ate a Devil Fruit called the Chop-Chop Fruit which grants him to the power to disassemble his entire body while granting him immunity to slashing attacks.
"Back then, I wasn't officially a member of the Straw Hats since Luffy only started with his then onley crewmate, Zoro." Said Nami
"I see," said Amelia listening to Nami carefully while a quill magically scrolls the entire interview. "So why did Luffy want to become a pirate?"
Luffy
"Shanks has told all about the adventures he went on back when he was only a swabbie on Gol D Roger's crew" said Luffy during his interview. "I was about...5 at the time when he first boarded Fuusha Village, the mayor and the villagers were terrified at first but Shanks eased with assurance that he isn't there to cause trouble, only to rest from their month long voyages."
"And it's because of this Pirate King that you wanted to become a pirate yourself?" said Amelia
"Aye, plus I could also remove any doubt from Shanks when he doesn't believe me that I would become a great pirate, which this straw hat represents when he gave it to me."
"And later, it became a symbol that represents you."
"Well, I can't take all the credit." Said Luffy "The Navy started to call me that, when I got my first bounty."
"A bounty which a corrupt naval colonel...Nezumi placed on you because you liberated Nami's home island and herself from Arlong?" said Amelia
"That's right, I would've gotten it earlier if I hadn't beaten that ax-handed captain, oh well." Said Luffy with a shug.
"R-Right, so tell me about your first crew mate, Zoro Roronoa?" said Amelia "How did you meet?"
"Well..." said Luffy with a smile as he loves telling this tale about he and Zoro met.
With Zoro
"The captain and I first met when I was tied up to a post in the middle of a Naval fort courtyard," Zoro said as he is next to be interviewed. He is not happy, not one bit because he has to come without his swords as it's illegal to be in possession of weapons in a puplic place. Confused and angry about this, he went anyway as he'll get fined by Nami if he doesn't...plus, Nami has to take him there since he'll be late due to his terrible sense of direction...which he still denies of. "I was just eating and drinking at a tavern, minding my own business when the Marine Captain's spoilt idiot son barged in with a feral wolf as a pet."
"A wolf?" said Amelia
"Aye, it was so annoying that I killed it, or else it would've mauled anyone in the tavern." Said Zoro "the idiot took offensive of that and threatens to arrest me for "assault"...that is when he offered me a deal, if I remain tied to the post for a month, he'll drop the charges."
"Let me guess, he was lying," said Amelia as know how dishonest people can be, especially pompous spoilt sons who use their father's status to do or get what they want. Like a certain blonde haired brat she has the displeasure of meeting once.
"Aye," said Zoro "With only a few days left and he had to gall to arrange my execution, that is until Luffy came."
"And how did he know you're there, tied into a post, I mean."
"He was told by Koby, a boy he travelled for a short while." Said Zoro "He told Luffy about me and came to recruit me. I refused at first as I had no intention of being a pirate since I had a profession of hunting them for money I use for food, drink and rest. But it all changed when I helped the idiot fight against the Marines, which immediately branded me a criminal, so I had no choice but never regretted it."
"Why is that?" said Amelia
"Luffy may be an idiot, but he is the strongest and honourable captain I served with," said Zoro with a proud smile. "He helped fulfil my dream as the world's greatest swordsman and I am forever indebted to him."
"And the other crew?" said Amelia "What's their thought of your captain?"
"To be honest, despite trying to tolerate his idiocy, I think they also share my opinion of him...maybe."
With Ussop
"Luffy? After helping me defend my home island against the Black Cats, I couldn't help but be inspired by him to become a pirate myself." Said Usopp with a smile "Sure, I wanted to be a pirate because of my dad, but it's Luffy that pushed me to become one.
Normally I was about to go on my own, perhaps form a crew of my own, but Luffy invited me to his for he and I are friends...friends which I sometimes take for granted."
"What do you mean?" said Amelia
"There was a time, when he and I had a falling out," said Usopp with a regretful. "It was at Water Seven, we were about to have our first ship, the Going Merry, repaired so we can continue on with our voyage on the Grand Line. But when the ship was looked at, she can't be repaired...her Keel is badly damaged and there is nothing we can do about it."
"Keel?" said Amelia
"Think of it as the backbone of the ship, the main structure which keeps her together and afloat." Said Usopp with a sad frown as he still misses that caravel. "I didn't take the news well and denied it, accused Luffy of being a liar despite him beging a terrible liar...then it got worse and, we went our seperate ways."
"But you returned?"
"Deep down, I knew the Merry sailed her last but when you had loving memories and fun (and scary) adventures...it's hard to accept it. And you know what's the worse thing about lying?"
"What?"
"It's lying to yourself, lying so to keep your stubborness, your pride in check, even if it keeps on hurting you." Said Usopp. "And, believing that Luffy would easily forgive me, I thought I could worm my way back into the crew and forget our fight never happened. But it didn't, so I did what my stubborness and pride was trying to prevent me from doing...I apologised. I swollowed my pride and apologised to my captain for fighting him, accusing him, for hurting him. I cherished our friendship more than the riches of the world as I enjoyed being in his crew."
"And he welcomed you back,"
"Aye, that fight we had in Water Seven still played in my mind for 10 years, reminding me of the mistake which almost destroyed our friendship and the crew. Mind you, I wasn't the one who regretted betraying Luffy. Sanji, Robin, even Nami when she took the Merry to sail back with Arlong, and with a heavy heart."
Sanji
"What Usopp said is, for once, the truth." Said Sanji as he takes a puff from his cigarette so to steel himself as he doesn't want to talk about everything, including his dysfunctional family, the Germa 66. "To lie with the Captain, it hurts me more as I enjoyed sailing with that idiot, to tell him that he means nothing to me...I wish I could kick myself for that."
"So how did you join the crew?" said Amelia
"Much like Usopp's village, the floating restaurant Baratie was under attack by the surviving remnant of Don Krieg's armada." Said Sanji "A storm batted galleon with 100 starving pirates, all fed by me and the Shitty old man Zeff."
"You fed those who would do you harm?" said Amelia in shock and disbelief. "Why on earth would you do that?"
"I'm a cook, it's my duty to feed who are hungry, no matter who." Said Sanji taking another puff of smoke. "It maybe stupid, but I am a man who sticks to my vows, as a cook and a gentleman."
"Oh right, they did say you wouldn't strike a woman, even if she's an enemy" said Amelia
"And if it means that I die by her had, I will not attack any woman" said Sanji as he stands up from his seat and place his hand on his heart."
"R-Right" said Amelia now feeling awkward around. "So, tell me about your wife, Pudding VinSmoke"
"Could you not say my family name, I REFUSE to acknowledge them as such" said Sanji turning his head in disgust as he has to be reminded of being the son of that bastard Judge Vinsmoke.
"Sorry, I'll make a sidenote on that" said Amelia as the enchanted quill writes:
"To NOT refer Sanji as Sanji Vinsmoke"
Chopper
"Er...are you ok?" said Amelia when she is now interviewing Chopper, who is hiding behind the chair...emphasis on hiding as he only hid half his face and antler while the rest of him is exposed. "There is no need to be afraid me, Dr. Tony"
Chopper take out of hiding and nervously sat on his seat. He is in his Hybrid form so not to appear intimidating which his human form happens to be.
"Sorry, a force of habit," said Chopper "You would thinks that 10 years would be enough to gain enough courage and confidence around people."
"I guess you have some bad expreience with us humans," said Amelia with a kind smile.
"Well, I was originally a reindeer, but even that doesn't protect from any form of discrimination as the herd I'm from shunned me because of my blue nose." Said Chopper
"Wow, I never knew animals would have the context of xenophobia," said Amelia
"Humans are technially animals themselves, you only think don't because you think, speak and wear clothes." Said Chopper with a smile. "And since I can think, speak and wear clothes like you, does that make me a human, or would they rear back in hear and hatred, and dismiss me as a monster."
"I am sorry," said Amelia as she feels a bit guilty as being a human as the idea of someone who would harm this...adorable creature sickens her. "But that is why you are here, so we can know more about you."
"And determine of we are welcome to your society, Nami told me" said Chopper as he starts to sigh with doubt. "To be honest, I don't think I'll ever be accepted, and it wouldn't matter as Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats are enough."
"It doesn't hurt to make new friends," said Amelia
"But who would be friends with a monster like me?" said Chopper lowering his head and sighed.
"Same would go for us witches and wizards," said Amelia feeling sympathy for the pirate doctor. "in the past, we were considered outcasts to the muggle due to our magic, as they believe it to be evil, granted to us by the devil."
"Wait, what?" Chopper in disbelief
"It's true, centuries of muggles fear and hating us would follow to witch trials, witch hunts and executions." Said Amelia "But when the ministry was formed, it all changed and the belief of us in the mind of muggles has ended."
"So it's illegal for you to reveal yourself to the muggles."
"Well, in some places, like America, Eastern Europe, and China, it is. But in here, along with France, Spain and Japan, it's technically legal but not recommended."
"I see," said Chopper
"But since you know that Harry is a wizard and starting his first year, I wouldn't worry about it." Said Amelia with a smile. "But enough about us witches and wizards, we are here to talk about you. When did you become a doctor of the Straw hats?"
Robin
"Chopper is a very interesting, and adorable creature that I had the pleasure being friends with," said Robin during her interview "And it feels like he and I are kindred spirits in a way."
"How so?" said Amelia
"Well, when you're on the run from the Government for 20 years, just for knowing about a taboo piece of history known as the "void Century", it's is heard to trust everyone when you have a bounty on your head." Said Robin in a calm tone, but underneath she feels uneasy when she is technically in a government department, which brought back that bad memory with the CP9 and Enies Lobby.
Amelia however can see through Robin's calm mask and knows how nervous and uneasy the archeologist is.
"I understand you have no love for any government, Ms. Nico, but I assure you that you are safe and can leave anytime." Said Amelia
"No, this is necessary," said Robin as she sits up straight and stays calm. "This is for Harry, anyway."
"Glad to hear it," said Amelia, impressed of Robin being here despite the discomfort of being inside a government building. "So, how did you become a member of the Straw Hats?"
"I was indebted to Luffy," said Robin "Back with I was working for Sir Crocodile in his organisation Baroque Works to fabricate a civial war on the Alabaster Kingdom, Crocodile backstabbed be when we found the poneglyphs beneath the Alabaster palace."
"Poneglyphs?" said Amelia
"Ancient texts from a bygone age, or rather a forbidden one." Said Robin "That was the reason for working for Crocodile because I am the only one who can read the poneglyphs, which he needed me for."
"Why is that?" said Amelia
"He is looking for the Pluton, an ancient warship with the power to destroy the entire world." Said Robin "Of course the poneglyphs does contain the location of that awful war machine, I didn't read it to him."
"Why?" said Robin
"Because it would prove the World Government right about me and why the void century should be fogotten and taboo." Said Robin with a frown. "My fellow archeologists from Ohara were eliminated by the World Government for knowing too much, and I would be damned to foul their memory by letting those ba...I'm sorry, I'm getting out of hand."
"It's ok, we can start over" said Amelia with a understanding nod. "So you said you're indebted to your captain, what do you mean by that?"
Franky
"The captain didn't just save her once, but twice," said Franky during his interview. He is forced to wear pants and button up his floral shirt so he could appear appropriate in the presence of the Head of the DMLE. He hated this but to avoid Nami's wrath, he'll behave and do what he is told. "Robin joined our crew after our captain defeated Crocodile and exposing him to the Marines for fabricating a civil war on Alabaster, he saved from despite wanting to die...which isn't the first."
"Meaning?" said Amelia
"The CP9 used her fear against her, with the threat of using the buster call on us if she doesn't surrender." Said Franky frowning under his shades as he remembered witnessing a buster call oblierating Enies Lobby to smithereens. "When you see your home destroyed by the insane firepower of the navy announced by the Buster Call, it brings back terrible memories."
"How bad is it?" said Amelia
"It's hard to imagine, but let's say that there is nothing left but smouldering piles of rock, not a speck of green left, a total wasteland covered with smoke." Said Franky "You could see the smoke far in the distance, we were lucky to be alive."
"Can't imagine your government would do this," said Amelia in total shock by this. "Why would they administer this...atrocity."
"Their ideology of justice is strict, they'll enforce it with supreme prejudice and they show no mercy." Said Franky "it wonder who is much worse, us pirates or the government."
"I'm sorry you'd think that, but I assure you that we would go that extreme," said Amelia
"I hope so, we could use a brack without the Navy on our tail" said Franky with a sigh. "Plus, with kids on board, it's best that we settle down without worrying for their safety."
"You're a father?" said Amelia
"Aye, to a handsome lad I call Tom," said Franky as he pulls out a photo to show Amelia "Me and Robin were in a relationship once, but it didn't work between us. However, it did give us a son."
"He is handsome," said Amelia with a smile after she sees the unmoving photo of Tom, knowing that muggle photos don't move she isn't fazed by it while returning it to the shipwright. "So anyway, when did you join the crew?"
Brook
Frank joined somewhat by force when his former gang, the Franky Family nicked his trucks and gave them to Luffy so to take him to the newly crafted Thousand Sunny. Just days before I joined." Said Brook during his interview. Amelia was taken by surprise when Brook walked into her office, especially when the aurors pulled out their wands when a walking skeleton entered their department. It wasn't until Brook starts to huddle in fear to reassure the aurors that he is no threat explains that he is here for his interview with the Head of the DMLE.
Still uneasy about speaking to the skeleton, Amelia nervously smiles at Brook while she listens to him answerher questions.
"So you were around when Harry appeared onboard the ship,"
"That's right, cute little thing he was" said Brook as he blushed at that memory, despite not having any cheeks. "He just appeared when the Sunny sailed inside the Florian Triangle, where I was stranded on a drifting ship which I formally captained before my old crew perished from the poison."
"So you survived, because of the Devil Fruit." Said Amelia as she learned so much about devil fruits from the past interviews from the previous straw hats. "And you came back...as a skeleton."
"Y-Yeah, well I revived too soon that the flesh from my body rotted away, leaving only bones behind." Said Brooking rubbing the back of his afro'ed skull. "But not all back, as least I don't to diet anymore, YOHOHOHO!"
Amelia nervous laughed while Brook makes his usual Bone Jokes.
"R-Right, so...during the seperation, you were first believed to a demon summoned by cultists, later kidnapped by a group of Long arm pirates who turned you into a sideshow, then became a rock star before uniting back with the crew."
"That's right, they call me Soul King, 2 years on tour all across the world, playing gigs to all my fans." Said Brook. "Then again I was still technically the longarms' prisoner as they take most of my well earned profits...but what can you do eh? Pirates will always be pirates, which goes the same for me."
"So you played your last gig prior the reunion and sailed off to...the New World." Said Amelia
"That's right, you see the Grand Line was divided in two by a looped land mass known as the Red Line. The first half we sailed was ironically called Paradise and the second half is called the New World, which is more dangerous with it's more unpredictable weathers, abundance of sea monster of any kind, and it's also where the Four Emperors made base on."
"Four Emperors?" said Amelia
Jimbei
"Beast King Kaido, Charlotte "Big Mom" Linlin, Red Haired Shanks, and Marshell D "Blackbeard" Teach," Jimbei explains the Four Emperors during his interview. His arrival is to be expected from the Fishman, the aurors were taken back by his appearance and let free get the best of them. Fortunately Jimbei evaded their spells and tries to calm them down, luckily Nami and Robin were there to help to explain that he is part of the Straw Hat few.
After asking if there is anyone else who isn't human in the crew, the aurors let Jimbei through and heads for the office. Amelia was also shocked by Jimbei, but after interviewing Chopper and Brook, the surprise is immediately short and she welcomes him.
"The four emperors are called to the world's strongest and feared pirates, there was once another who is far most the greatest and concidered a worthy rival to the former Pirate King." Said Jimbei "Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate, the mightiest of all pirates who not only ate the Tremor Tremor Fruit which grants him to cause earthquakes, but his strength is to great that he won so many battles and earned even the respect to all of his enemies...most to be precise."
"And you're the one who respect this Whitebeard, I reckon?" said Amelia
"He was like a father to me, and he sees me as a son like all under his command." Said Jimbei "So when the Navy told me that they are planning to go to war with by using Ace as bait, I refused to assist them and they threw me in prison for insubordination. I didn't care, I refuse to betray Pops despite working for Navy as their Warlord."
"Why did you become a warlord?"
"The relationship between the fishman and humans is hostile, still is to be honest, so to keep the navy from attacking my home in fishman Island, I begrudgingly accept the position under the condition that they release Arlong from prison...which I still regret especially when he sailed to the East Blue where Nami lives."
"How did she take that news?"
"She holds no grudge, nor blame me for letting him go free." Said Jimbei "But deep down, I still feel guilty about it, but Nami has been so kind to me, and is happy that I decided to join their crew."
"When did you join?"
"It was during the incident with Sanji and Pudding's first wedding, my old crew and I were under the servitude of Big Mom after Whitebeard's death. She even contreted the alliance by marrying off one of her daughters to my successor Aladdin, but Praline is more loyal to the Sunny Pirates than her mother and family that she offically joined the crew with her husband and helped us escape Big Mom after saving Sanji and his estranged family."
"Is there a reason to join Luffy's crew," said Amelia
"There is, Ace is a good friend of mine and I believe it in my best interest to help his brother and protect him, especially when...forgive if I am hesitant in saying this." Said Jimbei as he took a deep breath to collect his thoughts before speaking again. "After Ace died protecting Luffy from Admiral Akainu, it broke him...to have his own brother die in his arms...it's nothing people would want in their lives, to see a loved one die."
"I see," said Amelia feeling sympathetic.
"Luffy was so distraught and angry at himself that he lost the will to life as he failed to protect not only his brother, but his own crew when they were assaulted by the marines in the Sabody Archipelago... those failures broke him completely, haunted him exact. But it also made him stronger as he still has his own crew out there, each of them getting stronger when the news of Ace's death reached them."
"Where was Harry during this?" said Amelia
"He was with Nami when the crew was seperated, it was at the same time when he ate the Blink Blink Fruit that grant him the power to teleport anywhere he wants." Said Jimbei
"Curious that he managed to do what should be difficult for us so easily," said Amelia "Apparition is not only difficult but extremely dangerous if not used carefully. Especially with the splinching.
"Splinching?" said Jimbei
"dismemberments caused by incomplete apparition," Amelia explained "There are times when some leaves a finger or toe behind, on rare occasions an arm. Some would end up lucky with losing pieces of their flesh or an eye, but Harry...Harry can do it with ease, and still in one piece."
"Devil fruits are facinating things, each with their own unique abilities and extremely rare to find" said Jimbei "so rare that people would give up their entire fortune to eat them and possess their powers, if you're willing to sacrifice your ability to swim."
"Giving your situation, it's not worth the powers if you can't swim," said Amelia knowing that swimming is important to a fishman.
"Correct, but there are time when a fruit was eaten accidently, and Luffy's a very good example...along with Harry."
Hancock
After interviewing the crew, Amelia next talked to their children and their wives. Hearing about how good friends they've been for Harry pleases the Head of the DMLE which proves that Harry is indeed in good hands and the change of them earning citizenship is moving up to likely. And when talking to Kaya and Pudding next, she learns who good husbands and fathers Usopp and Sanji are, which parallels what people thinks and believe pirates should act like uncivilized brutes motivated by violence and greed.
But when it if comes to Hancock's interview, the head of the DMLE did not prepare for what was going to her. When Hancock enters the office, Amelia was suddenly entranced by who gourgeous the Pirate Empress is, a tall goddess with the allue that would put even the Veela to shame, hell perhaps the infamous Succubae heard and read from books.
Speechless by Hancock's unrivalled beauty, Amelia mentally compose herself and add a reminder that she is straight. But she doubt that even men who are gay are immune to this considered illegal beauty which Hancock displays.
"T-Thank you for coming, Mrs. Boa," said Amelia as she tries to focus and not get distracted by how beautiful Hancock is. "So...you kept your maiden name instead of taking your husband's."
"Our wedding is matrilineal as it's traditional to the Kuja," said Hancock "My darling Luffy didn't mind as he like my maiden name and respect my wishes...mmm, he is so considerate that it's impossible for me to love him even more."
Hancock blushed while holding her rosy cheeks with deep affection, even love hearts starts to float all around her while she starts day dreaming about her husband. Amelia took this as a moment to maintain focus and collect her thoughts.
"Tradition is indeed important, and respecting it is very much appreciated especially when its supported by the your spouse." Said Amelia
"I take it that you're not married yourself?" said Hancock.
"No, my work here is too important to start a family, but it isn't the care for you, I suppose." Said Amelia "So tell me, what's the story between you and Captain Monkey D."
"Surely my darling told you at how we met," said Hancock
"True, but I want to hear your side of the story," said Amelia "so that there are no contraditions which could affect your changes of earning citizenship."
"Fair enough," said Hancock shrugging her shoulders and starts from the top.
Hancock told her side of the story on how she and Luffy met, at first it didn't go well as she still view men as filth and Luffy is no exception, that is during his execution he shocked her when he resisted her charms which all men would fall for, but not Luffy. But that wasn't the last time that shocked her, when her sisters were on the verge of killing Luffy, Sandersonia has a wardrobe misfuction which exposed her back where she had that dreaded brand of the Celetial Dragons and Luffy covered it up so no one would see it, sparing the sister of the shame.
"Out of all the men I had the displeasure of being around, Luffy not only proved to me that not all men are selfish brutes who lust on beautiful women, but make it possible for me to fall in love with one." Said Hancock "Of course, being in love is new to me and I couldn't understand it. I tried to deny these feelings for Luffy, but that only got me suffering and fallen ill."
"You got ill be denying your feelings?" said Amelia
"In Amazon Lily, there is an ailment known as Love Sickness." Said Hancock "It occurs when you repress your feelings to someone, only for it to fest and poison you until die. My conflicted feelins at the time caused my to suffer from that ailment until I couldn't resist it anymore and admit being in love with Luffy. Luffy of course, was oblivious at the time and we're only friends, but my love for him grows every day, I couldn't stop being around with him."
"And he never returned that love?" said Amelia
"Not at first, he was more concerned for the wellbeing of his brother Ace scheduled to be executed." Said Hancock with a sad frown. "Desperate and determined to save him, he asked me to help him break in the prison so he can get to Ace and rescue him. As Warlord at the time, I had the authority to visit such places."
"So when did he return the love?" said Amelia
"It's was...after the death of Ace, 6 months later to be precise" said Hancock with a sad frown. "I snuck into the island of Rusukaina where he trained for 2 years to hone in his Haki and increase his strength, but despite all that training, it doesn't do for healing his wounded hear and vulnerable mind." Said Hancock crossing her arms to hug herself. "Every day, he was having nightmares, scenes of Ace's death by the hand of Akainu plays into his mind, haunting him, making him feel weak and useless.
I came to see Luffy as I couldn't be away from for so long, yearning to be by his side, when in truth he needed to be with someone after Rayleigh left him to fend for himself and train. Our visits were discreet, making sure that Rayliegh doesn't know when he occasionally comes back to check Luffy's progress, but when I visit, he more happy to see me and waits for more."
"And that's when he starts to fall in love?" said Amelia
"Aye, but by doing do, he felt guilty when he remembered that he is also in love with his navigator," said Hancock "Of course I was angry by this, but I could never blame him for it, especially when he was honest to me tries to politely reject his love for me...which was a mistake."
"He suffered from love sickness?" said Amelia
"Given the state he was after the war and failed attempt on rescuing Ace, the aliment which plagued the Kuja has also affected my darling Luffy." Said Hancock "Rayleigh took notice and is not happy with me for taking him back to Amazon Lily, but given the situation...I had no choice."
Tears start to seep out from Hancock's eyes and starts wiping them off, she sighs to calm herself and resumes her tale.
"I never left Luffy's side when he is fallen ill by that accursed ailment, especially when his mind is at a constant battle between the love of myself and Nami. Nami is special, which I understand, but when I came to visit and mentally support him, that's something else. He fears that his heart isn't big enough for the both of us, but reassured him that his heart is bigger than he believe to be, it's big enough to hold the love for his family, his friends and for those truly special to him."
Hancock sighed again but a smile forms on her lips.
"It took a while, but knowing what I said was true to him, he no longer repressed that love and recovered miraculously and went back to Rusukaina to resume his training with Rayleigh." Said Hancock "but it didn't stop him from visiting me which surprised and delight me, especially when out nights together was so...haahh 3"
Hancock blushed and hug herself deeply when the memories of her passion nights with Luffy starts to form in her mind. She regain her focus and her attention to Amelia who felt awkward when Hancock was lost in her fantast for a breif moment.
"But...like all good things, it doesn't last when his 2 years are up and has to go back to his crew so he can pursue his dream of being the Pirate King." Said Hancock. "But he did leave me something to remember him by, a beautiful daughter."
"And where is your daughter?" said Amelia when she recall not speaking to her among the children in the crew.
"She's stay at her aunts," said Hancock "as heir of the Kuja, she needs to learn of our ways and train to fight like the Kuja. She'll be coming back to us once we were settled here...hopefully."
Amelia nods at this with understanding.
Back with Nami
"I must say, Mrs. Monkey D that you crew are quite fascinating," said Amelia
Nami couldn't help but give an anxious groan while holding her head and leaning on the other side of the desk. She has a very bad feeling about the interviews and hope that they didn't offend the head of the DMLE with anything...illegal to mention.
"Aye, they're all one of a kind" said Nami before sitting up from the desk and resumes facing Madame Bones. "So, what now?"
"When the interviews in hand, I will have to call for the Wizengamot to a meeting, to determine of you are eligible for citizenship." Said Amelia as she stands up from her desk. "There is just one more thing I need to ask?"
"And that is?"
"Your crew mentioned another, but I never interviewed her," said Amelia "Why is that?"
"She left the crew to serve as a retainer for the Shogun in Wano," said Nami "She joined our crew after we defeated Kaido's crew in Onigashima, but after sailing with us for 5 years, she decided to leave and return to Wano help Shogun Kozuki maintain order after the damage caused by both Kaido and for previous Shogun. Luffy and I weren't happy about this, but respect her wishes and promised to keep us in touch."
"I see, in that case," said Amelia as she heads for the door. "That concludes our business here, you'll hear from me tomorrow when the Wizengamot meeting is arranged."
"Thank you, Madame Bones," said Nami as she shake the witch's hand and takes her leave.
Amelia closes the door ad returns to her desk, she turns to face the window overlooking the Atrium and sighed with exhaustion.
"Merlin's beard, that has got to be the most exhausting appointment I have done in my entire career." Said Amelia "But despite their quirks, they so appear to be good piece and Harry has done well."
Amelia frowns when the large banner with the moving portait of the minister caught her attention.
"Let's hope that I can convince everyone in the Wizengamot" said Amelia "I wouldn't want to separate Harry from his family, just because they're pirates."
End of Chapter