Chapter 35: Discussing the stone

Hogwarts: Winter 1992

Winter has passed at Hogwarts, after learning who Nicolas Flamel, who happens to be a very old wizard who obtained his longevity by using the famed Philosopher's Stone, Harry owl'ed Hermione about his findings, albeit discreetly in case the letter was intercepted, call Harry paranoid but he wanted to be safe than sorry since the existence of the philosopher's stone was considered a legend, and for good reason. The concept of its creation was indeed disturbing, especially the fact that Nicolas Flamel used the souls of the dying plague victims during the Black Death, and then used the Stone to end the plague saving half the world.

Instead of telling Hermione of the stone... yet, he only stated he learned about the "subject they were researching", which was Hermione's preferred way to say that the information concerning Nicolas Flamel has been found. He sent that letter to Hermione on boxing day, only to get a response a few days later.

Harry,

Well done on learning what we need to learn, we'll discuss about it when I get back to school. And concerning Belle, she's having fun with me at my house, my parents are happy to see me make friends in Hogwarts, they were at first worried that I wouldn't fit in, looks like they were wrong when I talk about you.

I hope you had a good Christmas since I guess it would be the first one according to Belle. I was surprised that you never celebrated Christmas, then again it would make sense since you and the Straw Hats are pirates and have to be on the run from the officials constantly, not to mention surviving the dangers at that mystic equator called the Grand Line. The more I hear of it, the more intrigue I am to know what it's like. Perhaps, with my parent's permission, that I could join you on a short voyage with you and the Straw Hats. Belle said that Captain Luffy said he's fine with it, but knowing my parent's, it'll take some time to convince them for that privilege.

I'll see you soon

Hermione

P.S

Belle got more curious about the subject ever since Hagrid unintentionally spoke about it and wanted to help. Sorry, I know you didn't want her involved in this but she's too convincing to refuse.

Harry scoffed when Belle stuck her nose into this, but it's inevitable for she is very curious as Luffy is, so he might as well let her know what he learned about the Wizard such as Nicolas Flamel. In the following winter, he spends every day having fun with his friends, playing in the snow, sitting by the fire with hot cocoa, playing with their new toys (and games for the SNES and Sega Mega Drive which Yassop got for Christmas) and playing board games throughout December until New Years where the Straw Hats throw a party in the Three Broomsticks.

Come January, School resumes on the first week, students who went to spend the holidays with their parents came back on train. Harry greets Hermione and Belle at the Hogsmeade Station. Ron stayed at School for it's too cold for him, which is an excuse to be honest but it didn't bother Harry, Hermione is annoyed slightly that Ron isn't here but she pays it no mind to the selfish ginger, she's just glad that Harry is there to welcome her.

Next, Seamus, Dean and Neville are welcomed as they emerge the train car, Harry didn't just owled Hermione but to his fellow Gryffindors too. They received Harry's welcome and each are holding a small heap of presents, which one of each are for Harry, but decided to open them later once they get back to the common room. They, along with the rest of the returning students take the thestral-drawn carriages (only Harry knows about the thestrals due to the requirements of seeing them while the others assume the carriages are enchanted).

After returning to the castle, Harry, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindors head back to the dormitories. Ron was just sitting by a lit fireplace, with a blanket over him and holding a mug of hot chocolate. He turns to see his fellow Gryffindors coming back to the common room, along with Harry and Hermione.

"Hey, welcome back, Hermione," Ron waves to the mousey haired girl.

Hermione noticed Ron waving at her, only for her to turn away and scoffs angrily at him, this made Harry deadpan and sigh.

"What, what did I do wrong?" said Ron

"You didn't bother to see me when I left the train," said Hermione. "Harry came to the station to welcome me back while you stayed here and drink hot chocolate."

"Well, it is cold," said Ron with a confused look.

"You have a scarf and that woolly jumper your mum made you for Christmas," Said Harry. "Plus, a thermos would've help you warm up if you want a cuppa."

Ron groaned by this until a wrapped gift was tossed to him by Hermione. Ron was caught by surprised when Hermione threw that gift at him and looks up to her with a baffled look.

"Not that you care, but here's my gift to you," said Hermione, still giving the ginger the cold shoulder.

"Er...thanks?" said Ron as he caught the gift.

"Here, Harry" said Hermione as she gives Harry his gift. "Mum took Belle and I shopping after boxing day and I thought of a good gift for you."

"Aw, thank you, 'mione" said Harry with a smile as he unwraps the present to reveal a book, he reads the title "Tales of King Arthur."

"This is the Muggles perceptive on the legendary King of Britain, King Arthur of Camelot," Said Hermione. "It also tells about Merlin, who was the King's advisor at the time, where he guides him to various quests that would benefit the Kingdom of Camelot."

"Wow, thank you Hermione," said Harry as he likes his gift.

"Don't tell me you gotten him that load of rubbish," said Ron pulling a face. "It's not even accurate."

"Well of course it's not accurate, it's an Arthurian Legend, completely fictional," said Hermione with a scoff. "Written in the perceptive of Muggles."

"Fictional or not, I'll enjoy reading it," said Harry with a smile. "I mean I enjoyed reading the Odyssey and Iliad by Homer. So, whoever wrote the Tales of King Arthur, I'll also enjoy it."

Ron groaned

"Merlin help me, I'm surrounded by bookworms," said Ron rolling his eyes.

"Well at least Harry is serious about learning, unlike you," Said Hermione, scoffing at Ron for not appreciating classic literature and education.

"Knowledge is power," said Harry shrugging his shoulders. "Speaking of which, I need to tell you what I learned."

"Harry it's too early to talk about what you learned," Ron said with a continuous groan. "I just want to enjoy my hot chocolate in peace."

"No, you idiot, he means about...Nicolas Flamel" said Hermione as she whispered the last part.

"O-Oh," said Ron in realisation. "Where should we talk about it?"

"...I know just the place," said Harry as he places both hands on Ron and Hermione's shoulders before the three suddenly blinked from sight.

Room of Requirement

Harry, Ron and Hermione arrived at the Room of Requirement, but they aren't the only ones in that secret room. To their surprise, Belle was sitting at one of the chairs and reading one of the books, and her hair is frizzed and smouldering with smoke. They were confused by this when they noticed Fleamont's journal on the floor.

"Belle? What are you doing here?" said Harry in shock from seeing his sister in the Room of Requirement. "And were you trying to read my Grandfather's journal?"

"No... I couldn't. It zapped and spew fire at me before I could even look though it's pages," said Belle with a nervous chuckle, "The fire was surprisingly at low temperature so it didn't burn me, but enough to singe me to the point I am covered in soot."

The trio sweatdropped by this while Harry waved his hands to use his Blink-Blink Fruit powers to collect the journal.

"Fortunately, the journal is protected by a variety of hexes if anyone who isn't a Potter tries to read it," said Harry as he put his grandfather's journal on the side table before sitting down. "But that doesn't explain you being here, how did you find this place?"

"Daphne told me about it," said Belle

"What?" said Harry, taken back by the answer and isn't sure he heard her correctly. "Daphne told you, as in Daphne Greengrass?"

"The Ice Queen of Slytherin?" said Ron, earning strange looks from Harry and Hermione when they heard him call Daphne that nickname. "What? Everyone calls her that."

"Yeah, Daphne and I got along a couple of months ago, she told me about this place and it looked so cool. It can give you what you need."

"And what is it that you need?" said Harry

"A moment's peace, away from the crew," said Belle rubbing her head awkwardly. "Don't get me wrong, I love you and the rest of the crew but the chaos we've been dealing with, it can be overwhelming. I would tend to sneak out and find an islet or an island just so I can get some solitary time away from the madness."

"Yeah, I can imagine," Harry mumbled in agreement, "And you wonder why I sneak out and do my thing in the Grand Line. We all get cabin fever, but seriously, you have to be here?"

"Well excuse me if you don't want to share this secret room you found," said Belle crossing her arms. "But what you don't know, is I have my own issues that I need to deal with."

"Like what?" said Harry

"Well the fact that you get to be a wizard-in-training in this school and Hina's the future heir of the Kujas. So, what have I got, besides being the daughter of the Pirate King?" Said Belle. "While you two get to do something cool and exciting, I do nothing while I stay aboard the Sunny."

"Oh don't give me that, I recall you planning many hustles and cons whenever we visit an island," Harry roll his eyes when he heard what Belle said. He's not falling for that self-pity his sister is pulling. "It's a wonder you're not on any wanted poster for your constant tricks."

"I always make sure I don't get caught," said Belle with a proud smile.

"Yeah, that's the problem," said Harry with a deadpan. "You're one of the trickiest of tricksters that even Usopp would be considered the most honest compare to you, and it's because of that, you managed to fool the World Government so much that they never consider you a threat to their society. So don't give me all that sea bull and say you're overshadowed by me and Hina. We among the Straw Hats have our own renown and infamy, no one is ever the underdog aboard the Sunny."

Belle only scoffs at this, even if what Harry said is true.

"If it makes you feel better, I'll share the Room of Requirement," said Harry. "I'm planning to tell anyone I trust fully about it anyway."

"Even me?" said Belle with disbelief.

"Of course, despite me not trusting you given your tricky nature, you're my sister," said Harry. "Anyway, seeing that you can't read my grandfather's journal, I'm not worried."

Belle scoffed at Harry and remains seated.

"But there is something you're planning to say to Ron and Hermione, so what is it?" said Belle

Harry groaned by this and turns to Hermione, he recalls what she wrote on the letter, of course Belle got herself involved in the investigation on Nicolas Flamel, despite him not wanting her getting involved for nothing good ever comes in her involvement.

Hermione smiles nervously and silently apologises to Harry, but Belle did well in learning about the aforementioned wizard, too well Hermione has to admit.

"It's about the Philosopher's Stone, right?" said Belle with a grin.

"Might as well tell you about it since the cat's out of he bag" said Harry as he takes a seat and pulls out a book which titles The Rise and Fall of Amestris. "I loaned this from the library, it's due until this Friday."

"Amestris, what's that?" said Belle.

"It was Magical Prussia's capital, where Alchemy was the prime subject of study," Said Harry. "almost a century ago, a conspiracy was brewed by the Amestrian Government to create the Philosopher's Stone so that the members of Parliament could obtain immortality like Nicolas Flamel. But in order to do that, they need to... sacrifice their capital's, And Europe's population of 50 million."

"What!" said Hermione in shock by this. "Is that what happened to city of Amestris, Harry?"

"No, it was thwarted by a duo of Alchemists named Edward and Alphonse Elric, who ironically were searching for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their broken bodies after their failed attempt on Human Transmutation, which was considered the taboo art of Alchemy."

"Why is that?" said Ron

"Think about it, Ron," said Hermione rolling her eyes at Ron, "Bringing back someone from the dead, that's nothing but necromancy, dark magic. There are consequences in practicing such magic."

"Indeed, and the Elrics paid for it," said Harry. "Even if they managed to restore their bodies, even without the stone, they stopped the creation and saved the state and possible All of Europe from total destruction."

"So what's that got to do with Nicolas Flamel?" said Belle in confusion

"When Nicolas Flamel created the stone, it was during the Black Death," said Harry frowning when he learned at how that wizard created that stone. "He used the souls of the sick and dying who fell victim to the plague, only for him to use it eradicate it later."

"So that's how the Black Death ended," said Hermione with amazement "He saved all of Europe and most of Asia..."

"With the sacrifice of millions," said Harry. "Nicolas Flamel knew how dangerous the creation of the stone was so he didn't report his findings to anyone, but one of his apprentices stole his findings and attempted to create the stone, only to fail until one day the Kingdom of Xerxes was wiped out from the face of the earth, resulted in the creation of the Homunculi, man-made humans powered by the stone. The same Homunculi who ruled Amestris in the shadows in the hopes to create the Philosopher's stone again."

"So... that's what's hidden in Hogwarts now?" said Ron

"That's right," said Harry. "The only known Philosopher's Stone is here, hidden in Hogwarts. For it's, just as Hagrid said, the safest place other than Gringotts."

"And Gringotts was broken in and almost robbed," said Belle, recalling that news she read on the paper. "Damn, I learned about Nicolas Flamel in the muggle library, but him being the one who tried to create the philosopher's stone, but turns out to be a lie to keep the knowledge in creating it a secret."

"Yeah... we did our research too, since Nicolas Flamel is also known in Muggle history" said Hermione to Harry. "But what you learned, is much greater compared to our research."

"Tell me, Belle," said Harry as he turns to his sister. "What were your intentions for knowing about the Philosopher's Stone?"

"Well, when I heard it can turn any metal into gold, so..."

"You just want to use it to get rich?" Harry exclaimed.

"Hello! Daughter of Cat Burglar Nami here!" said Belle gesturing herself. "Can you imagine what I can do with that stone."

"Make the global economy suffer with the hyper-inflation, rendering gold useless?" said Harry with a deadpan.

All went quiet for a second there, but Belle went pale and shudder from the thought of worthless gold.

"On second thought, forget about that," said Belle laughing nervously as she reconsidered in thinking of using the stone. "I'll stick with treasure hunting and conning rubes of their money."

She's definitely my sister, thought Harry with a sweatdrop.

"So what are we going to do?" said Hermione

"At the moment, nothing," said Harry. "We know what the Philosopher's Stone is in Hogwarts, and heavily protected, so that's reassuring. Plus, I doubt Dumbledore would leave it for it to get stolen."

"What about the Troll diversion on Halloween?" said Ron

"It was an attempt to distract Dumbledore, but I think Dumbledore is aware of that and wouldn't fall for another trick... I hope" said Harry

"You're worried about Snape, huh?" said Hermione

"Always, Snape's an expert in potions, I suspect he dabbles in Alchemy too," said Harry. "If he learns how to create the philosopher's stone, it'll be chaos when the millions of lives die simutantiously. So we must keep an watchful eye on him and keep him away from the out of bounds corridor where Fluffy guards."

"I still can't believe they have a three-headed dog somewhere in the castle," said Belle, her love of beasts is immediately showing and turns to leer jealously at Harry. "How the devil did you manage to meet one?"

"It wasn't intentional," said Harry. "In fact, it was Ron's fault that we learned about it."

"Hey," Ron said in an exasperated groan. Regardless, Harry explained.

"Months ago, just after I joined the Quidditch team, Malfoy thought I was expelled for my unauthorised flying, only for him to try and get me expelled by goading me in accepting a wizard's duel, which Ron foolishly took."

Ron groaned from that as Harry isn't gonna let him live that down.

"When Hermione and I left the common room to get him before he gets caught by Filch, which Malfoy tipped off by this set-up. We unintentionally entered that out-of-bounds corridor where we met Fluffy. He got angry when he saw us, believing us to be intruders, but I calmed him down and let him get back to sleep."

"Just like Dad, you have a way with beasts," said Belle crossing her arms and pouts in jealousy. "Damn it, I always wanted to meet a Cerberus, and not the fake zombie one that Dad tamed in Thriller Bark."

"Huh?" said Ron in confusion.

"It's a long story, I'll tell you about it later," said Harry to Ron before he returns to Belle. "If it makes you feel any better, you can always visit Hagrid and his new pet Norbert."

"Norberta, she's actually female," said Belle. "I always visit her whenever I'm with Dad to domesticate and train her by using Haki."

"He can do that?" said Ron

"Yeah, spending 2 years in an island inhabited with giant beasts can grant that skill," said Harry. "He once tamed a Kraken, and a Fighting Bull. So, taming a dragon is no issue for him."

"Unless he decides to eat Norberta," Belle mutters under her breath.

The 4 would go on talking amongst themselves in the Room of Requirement, but not for too long for they had to go back to their lessons for their winter holidays are over.

Months later: March

Now in the season of Spring, on the month of March, things are quiet and normal as normal Hogwarts can be. The trio, along with the Straw Hat's new generation are keeping a watchful eye on Snape now that Harry and the rest now know what hides within the school. And seeing that Snape is plotting to steal it for his own, they need to be vigilant around him so he wouldn't pull another attempted heist to claim it. But for a while, Snape is being his spiteful self, fortunately it doesn't distract Harry and Hermione of their studies, Ron got lazy on the first few weeks spying on Snape and got himself in trouble for slacking off with his work, resulting him in Gryffindor losing points, only for Harry and Hermione to regain them in the same classes... almost for it's the usual points deduction from Snape himself for any minor excuse he can think of.

Things aboard the Thousand Sunny are normal as usual, students come to visit the ship, sail around the black Lake, some of the crew spend their days at Hogsmede, either be they Zoro piling up his tab at the Three Broomsticks with Luffy, Sanji and/or Usopp. Chopper gathering medicinal herbs from Dogweed and Deathcaps before getting a bag of Doxie Floss from Honeydukes.

Nami, along with Hancock, Robin, Kaya and Pudding are getting their hairs done at the Wizarding Hairdressing Saloon, which they would go frequently, much to Sanji's dismay for he would style the women's hair as the ship's unofficial barber for years, so it's a nice change of pace for the women pirates to get their hairs done without Sanji discreetly stroking and sniffing it, not that Pudding minded since he is her husband, but Nami and Hancock doesn't for it would resulted in the cook being bruised, bloodied, zapped or turned to stone by the two pirate queens.

And during that month in Hogwarts, Harry played against Ravenclaw at this season's Quidditch match, also televised by Denden Mushi for all in the Three Broomsticks to view. Clearly Madam Rosmerta loved the concept of televised Quidditch matches in the tavern for it brings up so much profit and customers than the usual days. Fortunately, no attempt on his life was made when Harry plays at the pitch, especially when Ron, Hermione and Belle kept a sharp eye on Snape up on the spectator towers.

Harry showed promise as always when he plays, catching the snitch to receive victory for his team. The rival seeker, a girl of Asian descent and slightly older than him was considered a formidable opponent unlike Higgs. Cho Chang was her name and she was a fair player, she even congratulated Harry at such a good match despite her team losing, but was amazed how skilled Harry was for his short time on a broom unlike she and the other players.

Hogsmede: Three Broomsticks

Luffy and few of his Straw Hats cheer at Harry as they watch the match back in the Three Broomsticks. Ever since the First Match with Slytherin, and the Match against Hufflepuff in Feburary, the Straw Hats are beginning to like watching Quidditch quite a lot, so much that Luffy and most of the Straw Hats were invited by their new friends Oscar Wood and Archie Johnson to a British Quiddich Match in Hampshire, where Lancashire and Yorkshire are playing, Oscar once joked about the match being the "second war of the Roses" -only Robin got the joke for she understood the historic reference of the original War of the Roses. Nevertheless, that Quiddich match was fun and sparked the Pirate's love for the sport so much that Luffy wished he would fly a broom himself and play the sport.

But he's more content in watching the sport, which he and his crewmates are now doing in the Three Broomsticks. He is glad that Oscar and Archie took him and some of his crew to their first ever Quidditch match and is happy to watch another one in the future.

"Ha, Ha, get in, my son!" Luffy exclaimed in triumph as he is glad to see Harry playing well and again achieving victory for his team on the School match. "He'll no doubt gonna give his House that win for the Quidditch Cup."

"Indeed" said Usopp as he pats his captain's back in agreement

'He plays way better than that time we played sport," said Sanji, recalling the Davy Back fight against Foxy and his crew of Foxy Pirates. "Boy, was that a nightmare."

"What are you talking about?" said Zoro, who didn't see the problem with playing that game of Groggy Ring. "We all had a good time."

"Easy for you to say, Marimo!" Sanji scoffed angrily at Zoro. "You weren't the ball!"

"You agreed to be one," said Zoro

"Only because Nami persuaded him," said Usopp with an amusing scoff, followed with a bad impersonation of Nami. "Oh Sanji, that ball looks good on your head."

This caused the Straw Hats, minus Sanji, to laugh when they were referring to the second game of the Davy Back Fight against Foxy and his Foxy crew.

"You wanna start, Pinocchio?" exclaimed Sanji angrily at Usopp before he gets the back of his head smacked. He turns to face an angry Rosmerta which he suddenly backs off. "S-Sorry, Madam."

"You better, I did say no fighting in here." Said Rosmerta before she turns to Luffy. "Your next rounds ready Cap'n"

"Cheers," said Luffy as he heads for the counter to collect his fresh pint, but just as he picks it up, it suddenly cracks and shatters. "What the..."

"Sorry, I'll pour you another, no charge," Rosmerta apologised as she cleans up the shattered pint and spilled Butterbeer.

But Luffy isn't shocked by that one bit, what he's shocked about is he has a bad feeling, he reaches for his hat and pulls out a piece of paper from behind the hat's ribbon band. The paper is a vivre card, a special piece of paper that links to a certain person's life force. Luffy has few of these stored in his hat, each for his children and the one he took out belongs to Hinagiku. The paper is named so he can tell which is which, but when he took it out, he didn't like what he's seeing. One of the corners is slowly burning, which symbolizes that Hinagiku is in danger.

"Luffy?" Zoro noticed his captain's uneasy expression on his face. "What's wrong?"

"We need to go, now," said Luffy as he places some silver coins on the counter and leaves the tavern.

The rest of the Straw Hats took notice of this and they also leave to follow their captain.

Transfigurations Class

After the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw, we now find Harry in the Transfigurations Class Room with the others, currently they are practicing a spell called Avifors, a spell that can turn anything into birds. Each student is practicing on a wooden bird figurine. Harry and the others are learning and practicing this spell all throughout Spring, and most of the class has showed much progress. With a wave of their wands, Harry, Hermione, Daphne and Malfoy successfully transfigured their figurines into birds, (Harry's is a red macaw, Hermione's a sparrow, Daphne's a White Dove and Malfoy's a Raven). The rest, such as Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus has much catching up to do. Neville managed to give the figurine real feathers and a beak which calls out, but it's still incomplete, Ron's figurine became animate but it remains it's wooden self, Dean made it into a bird, but it doesn't move as it's still immobile and inanimate. As for Seamus...

BOOM

...his figurine blew up in his face, covering his face in soot and his robes smouldering as always. McGonagall saw this, sighed and shook her head at Seamus.

"You need to enunciate the spell clearly, Mr. Finnigan," said McGonagall. "I know it's hard given your accent, believe me I know for I once struggled with my own heavy Scottish accent long ago. Just keep practicing... and try not to blow more figurines, we're in a budget."

"Sorry, Professor," said Seamus when McGonagall conjures another replacement figurine for Seamus.

"GAH, shut the hell up!" exclaimed Ron when his next attempt has the Figurine having a real bird head chirping angrily at the ginger. "Don't take on me, you damn bird!"

"Please try again, Mr. Weasley," said McGonagall as she reverts the failed Transfigured figurine to it's original form. "You're getting there"

Ron nods and continues to practice his Avifors spell, he looks beside him to see Harry and Hermione showing much progress with their spell.

"You want help?" asked Hermione

"No, I'm fine," said Ron as he waves at his wand again and shouted "Avifors"

Ron's attempt foiled again for the figurine's wings are now animate and tries to fly off but it's inanimate body prevents this. Ron's ears went pink in embarrassment as he failed again. McGonagall reverts the figurine to it's original form.

"Fine, what do you suggest I do?" said Ron, gritting his teeth as he has to swallow his pride for asking Hermione for help.

"First, take a deep breath and relax, spells are affected when the flow of magic is disturbed by stress," said Hermione. "Then slow down your wand waving a bit so that you can shape it easy. Like so."

Hermione demonstrates to Ron her wand waving and casting Avifors at her figurine to transfigure it into a sparrow.

"See, it's quite simple once you remain calm and patient," said Hermione

Ron grumbled but decided to take her advice, he calms himself down, points his wand at his figurine waves calmly and slowly to shape it's runic form before saying "Avifors"

The spell is cast, and this time the figurine transfigured into a bird, a starling to be exact.

"I did it?" said Ron in shock before he starts to laugh in delight. "I did it!"

"Indeed, you have, 10 points to Gryffindor," said McGonagall with a small smile. "I'm glad to see that Ms. Granger's advice was taken, unlike last time when she offered it before Halloween."

Ron couldn't help but grimace by that and turns to Hermione.

"Thanks" said Ron

"It's no problem, we are friends, right?" said Hermione with a simple smile.

"Keep on practicing, everyone, we've got plenty of time before the bell tolls," said McGonagall as she patrols around the desks, reverting every transfigured figurine so that they can keep on their spell practice.

KNOCK

KNOCK

McGongall stops when a knocking on the door is heard, she stops her patrols and heads for the door. She opens it, and on the other side is Luffy.

"Captain Luffy, can I help you?" said McGonagall in surprise to see the Pirate King.

"Forgive me for interrupting your class, Professor," said Luffy as he takes off his hat and bows apologetic. "But I need my son, it's important."

"Can it wait?" said McGonagall with a raised brow. "We are in a middle, if you notice."

"Normally I'd ask this after school, but I'm afraid it's important and I must ask for Harry right about now," Said Luffy as he presents a letter to McGonagall. "Dumbledore asked me to give you this when I came to ask him for Harry."

McGonagall took the letter and reads it; she sighs with annoyance and looks back at Luffy.

"If it's important, then I'll dismiss him from the rest of the lessons and the rest that follows," said McGonagall, frowning at this inconvenience.

"Thank you," said Luffy bowing at McGonagall and smiled at the witch.

"Mr. Potter, you are needed," McGonagall shouts out to Harry. "You're dismissed of this class and the rest that follows on this day."

"May I ask why?" said Harry

"You're needed aboard the Sunny, Son. We're picking up your sister," said Luffy as he calls out. "It's time for her to come home."

"Already?" said Harry as he realised immediately. "6 months has past? Wow, time does fly."

"Leave your stuff here, Mr. Potter," said McGonagall. "Ms. Granger will take it back to the common Room."

"It's alright, Professor," said Harry as he snaps his fingers and his school things on his deck starts to vanish on sight. "See, my Blink-Blink Fruit powers are very handy."

"Indeed, you can go now," said McGonagall. "I'll inform the other professors of your absence."

"It's a good thing I don't have potions," said Harry as he walks off. "Snape would just use this as an excuse to take away house points for being late."

As Harry exits the classroom, he vanishes with Luffy, no doubt returning to the Sunny so that he can prepare to collect Hinagiku in Amazon Lily.

Thousand Sunny

The Straw Hats are getting ready to shore off, they aren't leaving entirely for it will be a brief voyage, one trip and back in just a short while. Luffy explained the reason of this departure when Harry's school term is still on, he showed the crew Hinagiku's Vivre Card which they were shocked when they saw that one of the corners is burning. Despite this, the New Generation aren't coming with, for Luffy has a nagging feeling that something is wrong. He doesn't know why but he doesn't want to risk the safety of the children, so he asked Hagrid to look after them while they're gone.

"Are you sure about this?" said Hagrid when Luffy asked the Half-Giant to babysit the New generation. "I mean, if it's gonna be quick."

"I'm sure, I don't know why but I have a bad feeling that something's wrong when we arrive at Amazon Lily." Said Luffy rubbing the back of his neck. "Call me Paranoid, but I must go and see if my little girl's alright."

"...Alright, I'll watch the children for you 'til you get back," said Hagrid. "I mean, it's for just a moment, right?"

"Dad, please let me come," said Belle "Hina's my sister"

"I'm sorry, Belle" said Luffy as he kneel down to his daughter's level, "but I can't worry about the both of you if something id happen."

"is it your Haki, Dad?" said Belle

"Perhaps, or it could be my father's intuition," said Luffy "Last time I felt this was when..."

"...I understand," said Belle, albeit disgruntled with staying at Hogwarts with the others of the New Generation. "Just don't take long, alright?"

"I promise" said Luffy as he presents his pinky finger to his daughter. "I promise to not take long, if possible."

Belle hooks her pinky finger to her father's before she pulls herself to hug Luffy which Luffy hugged back.

"Alright, it's time we're off." Said Luffy as he walks up the gangplank to come aboard the Sunny "Is everything ready?"

"Almost, Franky's setting Harry in the DFD," said Usopp "We'll be ready to shore off in a few minutes.

"Good, the sooner we get there the better" said Luffy, his face is still showing worry unlike his usual excitement whenever he shores off.

The Straw Hats are starting to notice this unusual worried expression from their Captain, normally they are the ones who are worried but to see Luffy worried...then something must be very wrong.

"Is something the matter, darling?" said Hancock

"I don't know, but I've got a nagging impression that when we get to Amazon Lily, something is wrong," Said Luffy "As if...

"As if what?" said Hancock until Frank emerges from the concealed hatch beneath the lawn covered deck.

"DFD's primed and ready, Cap'n" said Franky as he gives Luffy the thumbs up.

"Good" said Luffy as he heads for the helm and pulls out the Den Den Mushi's receiver. "Take us there, Harry!"

"Roger!" said Harry through the speaker at his end in the DFD

"Belle, you behave while we're gone, no gambling you hear!" said Nami as she says her goodbyes to her daughter.

"Ok, mum," said Belle

"And no Cons, No swindles and no hustles either!" said Nami

"Mom!" Bell groaned. "You're only leaving for a day. I'll behave."

Nami grunted and frowned suspiciously before turning to Hagrid.

"Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid, Hagrid" said Nami to the Half-Giant. "Frisk her if you must if she's out of your sight more than a couple of hours."

"A'ight" said Hagrid

The rest of the New Generation waves their goodbyes to their parents as the Sunny starts to shimmer in green and vanish before their very eyes.

"A'right, kids, time to head back to the hut," said Hagrid "I could use some extra hands with gardens- er... where did Belle go?"

The New Generation turns to see Belle is no longer with them, they groaned simutantiously and palmed their faces with worry.

"She's gone and left while we're saying our goodbyes" said Tom

"Where could've she gone to?" said Hagrid as he recently noticed Belle missing from the group.

"...Oh no" said Yassop in a dreadful realisation.

"WHoo hoo!" exclaimed Belle for she's currently joyriding on the Shiro Mokuba 1 at the Black Lake.

"She nicked the Shiro Mokuba?" said Sora. "How did she do that?

"That's not the only thing she nicked," said Tom as he points out the Mini Merry 2 mooring by the Jetty. "Dad's gonna go mental when he notice it gone."

"I'm more worried that Nami would think when she noticed the Shiro Mokuba is gone." Said Yassop with a cold chill down his spine. "You remember the last time one of us took it for a joy-ride?"

This caused the New Generation to shiver immensely that not even the warm summer sun could help them.

"Let's hope that no one decides to use either the Shiro Mokuba or the Mini Merry to get to Amazon Lily," said Tom as he continues to watch Belle drive the Shiro Mokuba.

"COWABUNGA!" exclaimed Belle when she's now driving on land and accidently drove over Snape and Malfoy who was just walking along the lake beaches.

"POTTER!" Snape and Malfoy shouted angrily at Belle, instinctively mistook Belle for Harry.

"I'm not Harry, you gloomy git!" exclaimed Belle before she dives off, now playing Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC through a Tone Dial.

"Hey, that's my Tone Dial!" said Mick when he heard that song playing from the dial. "It took me months to make that mixtape."

"She must've planned this from the start," said Tom with a deadpan expression when he saw Belle put on a pair of shades. "She even nicked my spare shades."

"At least she didn't take- of come on!" said Yasopp when suddenly saw Belle set off Filibuster fireworks. "I was saving those!"

"Is she gonna be like this all day?" said Hagrid to the New Generation.

"Yes," said the New Generation simutantiously, and all with a deadpan expression.

"What do you expect from the daughter of Monkey D. Luffy and Cat Burglar Nami," said Yassop

"If you think Harry's bad, you're mistaken," said Sora "Without her parents to keep her in check, she's impossible to stop."

"So... who's gonna tell?" said Tom before he immedieately exclaimed "1,2,3 not it!

"Not it!" said Sora

"Not it!" said Banchina

"Not it!" said Mick

"Not it...damn it!" said Yassop as he was too slow to save himself in time. "She's gonna pay for this, I swear!"

End of Chapter