Mystic Knight Online: Worlds to Sow
Chapter 13: Planting For Summer
June 22, 2025 - Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office
Albus heard the floo give the normal whoosh of a traveler arriving active and turned to see Molly step out of it and idly banish the little soot that ended up on her clothes with an easy flick of her wand. She had mentioned to him that the fireplace was beginning to need cleaning last week. Perhaps it was time to request the house elves do so a couple of weeks early; it was on the summer schedule but, well… he was using it more than most summers.
Give it to Molly to notice and mention something like that before it became a potential issue. It usually took him smelling the smell of burnt hair from his beard getting singed before he requested the house elves to do an early cleaning. Something he knew that she was aware of and tried to head off when she could.
Just because he was a hundred and forty-five years old this year didn't mean that he didn't know how to take care of things like this. Albus was well aware that he wore perhaps too many metaphorical hats (his actual hat game was beyond reproach), so having someone remind him was always appreciated.
"Molly, welcome!" The headmaster greeted from his desk. "I apologize for calling the meeting this early in the day. Please, sit and have some tea."
"It's no problem, Albus," she replied. "While I would have liked to prepare breakfast before flooing over, Arthur can whip up something for himself this morning if this meeting isn't done with by the time he wakes up. He does enjoy being able to have a lie in on days when he doesn't have to be at work, though he will likely floo over to the Ministry later in order to keep up with his paperwork before coming home to putter around in his shed and play with his toys."
Albus chuckled at the fond exasperation Molly had placed in her voice towards the end. She may not fully approve of Arthur's obsession with muggle devices, but she wouldn't have married him if she was unable to tolerate that quirk of his. Of course, after the vacuum incident Arthur quite willingly kept it to the shed.
Albus couldn't restrain that grin he knew made his eyes twinkle. He recalled it seldom, but when he did it still felt fresh. The slightly-more-stained than now look of fond exasperation on Molly's face when he and Severus had arrived, Severus' look of absolute bafflement at the Weasley family room ("How in the name of the Lesser Key did you get that candle…?"). Arthur's embarrassed smile. The look on Molly's face that clearly said if he were anyone else, Arthur would be at the very least subjected to forced disapparition.
She knew he was trying to be helpful, but she also knew that he didn't know as much about muggle tools as he thought he did. Albus kept meaning to suggest he accompany her to a muggle book store and see if there were any books that could explain muggle devices to her husband. At the very least, they would make for a nice Christmas or Birthday gift for him and a measure of sanity for his wife.
"I'm surprised that Harry isn't here, yet," she said as she took her seat and poured some tea.
"I sent Fawkes to pick up Emma, and after he drops her off, he will then pop over to Japan," Albus replied. "There will be a slight delay in Harry's arrival nonetheless, though."
Molly gave him a curious look.
"He will be bringing Miss Ayano with him," Albus explained. "Due to her status as Lady Potter, regardless of whether the two of them are legally married or not, she is fully aware of his plan simply because he is covering part of the cost. He would have to visit the Ministry regardless, even though it is for a brief formality. The proper forms should be followed." He paused, then nodded. "I would have had this meeting where you could properly entertain us but… well. It is perhaps for the best that young Ginny isn't present, even if she has a bit more perspective."
Molly nodded, clearly knowing why he said that. Young Miss Weasley's infatuation with Harry was still there. Tempered, due to the knowledge of his clear intent to make the marriage he had in Sword Art Online every bit as real outside of it, but still there. All based on the echo of those ridiculous "unauthorized biographies" and Harry's own chronic heroics. It would take time for it to fade.
The fact that no less than three publishers had been milking the years it took the courts to drag them out from behind that "unauthorized" label was rather vexing, Albus allowed. He was tempted to take Filius' offer to address it on Harry's behalf in the dueling ring. Even with Victoria Fitzmilton using Fitz and Adams's financial pressure, people got ideas.
Still, he found himself empathizing with Molly's youngest. Merlin knew Albus had been through that too many times himself. He knew it was not as simple as a finite incantatem.
"Finite Incrushem?" He mused just loud enough, and Molly laughed in a manner that would have her children checking for polyjuice. When he very deliberately muttered, "Endcrushem Absoluto," she outright chortled.
And well, yes. That was pushing Modern Spell Latin a little far.
"What we wouldn't all have given for that when we were younger," the matriarch agreed. Albus smiled back. It was nice to have an adult conversation about such things. Given that he was often having conversations with students or politicians (and he would place the students as the more mature group in that particular grading) it was a nice change.
The sound of a burst of fire and Fawke's trilling heralded the next arrival.
"Emma, welcome!" Albus greeted. "Please, take a seat and have some tea."
"Thank you, Headmaster," the woman said as she walked over and took a seat. She glanced around briefly and also took note of what was available. Notably the fact that there were six cups for tea out. "Enough cups for six people, so Mister Potter is bringing others?" She asked.
"Indeed, Emma," Albus said. "Sirius was planning to come with him anyway, as much as to coordinate with you and Molly about his handling some of the expenses. He has decided to take the responsibility of handling the costs of any others who came with Hermione and Ronald. It will be hard to convince him otherwise. Stubbornness is the bane of the Black family, for good or ill. Harry sent word ahead that Miss Ayano is also coming along. She does have an interest in everything due to her position as Lady Potter. Harry wouldn't have made it this far in the planning of the trip without her knowledge."
"Lady Potter?" Emma asked. "How would that be so? From what Hermione told me when the two of them came by after a bit of a trip to the Ministry to sort out some matter she is engaged to him, not married."
"Legally, it is an engagement; it can be more appropriately thought of along the lines of a betrothal," Albus admitted. "Married in all but name, in other words. But she bears the ring of Lady Potter, and has since the day she and Harry were wedded in Sword Art Online. For all that event is rightfully not recognized legally outside it, there are (admittedly poorly understood at best by myself and many others) magics on the rings of the Lord and Lady of the Potter family that recognized her as such. Even with the millennium of passing knowledge and teaching on that this school represents, much has still been forgotten. Over the centuries, as times and practices change, even as new discoveries are made, many old ones go unrecorded, or confined to private knowledge. I have consulted with a colleague who is quite knowledgeable in more esoteric magics, for all that she claims to have but a passing curiosity in such at best. That has left us at best to determine that it is a true sign the two were quite serious about their intentions."
"Hermione did mention that intent plays a strong role with magic." Emma said after a moment. She turned as she heard Fawkes flame away. "And how long do you think it will take before they arrive?"
"It shouldn't take overly long," Albus said. "They have to stop by the Ministry to handle the paperwork for Miss Ayano's presence, which shouldn't take too much time." An amount of time that should be shorter due to his flooing ahead and informing that particular office of the Department of International Cooperation which handled such matters that they were coming.
"Overly long?" Molly asked. "Unless Harry, or more likely Sirius, puts some actual fear into them, I would think that is unlikely." At her knowing look, Albus let his eyes do the twinkling. She knew him well.
"Let me guess, bureaucratic games?" Emma asked. At Molly's nod, she sighed. "Seems that some things remain the same regardless of whether magic is involved or not. I can tell you stories about how much… yes, bullshit is the politest apt term that I can think of. Bullshit that Dan and I had to deal with when it came to setting up our practice. I wouldn't be surprised if when they arrive they give off the impression that they were seriously considering violence as a viable option, especially with their experiences in SAO."
It would be close to twenty minutes before Fawkes flamed in with Harry, Sirius, and Miss Ayano, all three of them looking irate.
"Next time we have to deal with that office, I am bringing the means to pointedly not be polite," Miss Ayano said in English before muttering something in Japanese under her breath.
"Now, now, dear, think of who that would inconvenience," Harry interjected. "And no, I am not talking about them."
"The cleaning staff?"
"You know a restaurant owner. You know how it is in service."
"I'm sure they would understand," came the response back.
"Even so, no need to give them more work," Harry said. "Now, using the various things around that office and shoving them in various uncomfortable places is a better use of one's time. Not to mention every bit as cathartic. Though I never thought I would be happy to see Percy being an officious arse. Got them to speed things up right quick."
"Nothing like having someone come in and tell them to get their business taken care of as an audit team was going to be there soon," Sirius said with some amusement. "Wonder who they managed to get on the wrong side of to warrant a surprise audit, though. Also Harry, that's not nice to say. Those various things didn't do anything to deserve being used in such an uncouth manner."
Harry snorted. "Get 'uncouth' from a dictionary, Sirius?" He asked before looking around. "And ah, we are at Hogwarts. Headmaster, Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Granger, my apologies for that. It's just that the Transit Office was being a slight bit… recalcitrant to be polite, in getting things done in a timely manner and we are a little peeved with them right now."
"Only a little?" Emma asked with a hint of dry sarcasm. "Considering what you both said… though I didn't understand what Miss Ayano said in Japanese, I can tell a lot from tone. One or both of you was seriously considering on acting upon an urge to do violence. Granted, if they were the kind of self-important and officious cunts like what I've had to deal with in the past, I can see how that would be an attractive thought."
Molly raised her brows at the use of the c-word, but didn't protest anymore than she had Arthur's use of it while helping the Dowager Longbottom deal with certain elements of the Ministry regarding Neville's parents. Now that had deserved the kind of British punctuation that had Ms. Blake reminding her people about the cultural gap.
"Quite, and trust me, ma'am, calling it an attractive thought is an understatement," Harry said easily. "SAO had some bad influences on those of us who didn't do the smart, sane, unlikely to kill us, sane, safe, sane, boring- and I do believe I said it would be sane- thing and stay put in Hajimari no Machi. But where are my manners?" He turned to his companion. "Keiko-chan, this is Mrs. Emma Granger. She's Hermione's mother. And the other lady is Mrs. Molly Weasley, Ron's mother."
Keiko looked at them and bowed in greeting. "Ohayo-gozaimashita," she said. "Namae wa Ayano Keiko deshita." She blinked and blushed as she realized that she had (rather formally at that if Albus was any judge) introduced herself in Japanese rather than English. "I mean, hello. I am Keiko Ayano, Weasley-san, Granger-san." She shot a glare at both Harry and Sirius, the latter of whom's shoulders were shaking with suppressed laughter, obviously daring them to openly show amusement.
Albus decided to consciously ignore the observable fact that her right hand had was twitching at her waist, as if she was consciously trying to not grab a weapon that was not there to threaten them with.
Harry shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Keiko-chan," he said to her. "You know how long it took me to get used to using Japanese on a daily basis and I still tend to default to English at times. And even after six months, with me regularly using English at the apartment I share with this old dog." He pointed his thumb at Sirius, who gave a mocking bow. "I'm still not quite used to transitioning between English and Japanese on the regular. I wouldn't be surprised if Gus has a similar problem."
"Gus?" Molly asked.
"August, to be proper," Harry said. "An American who we semi-regularly associated with. He picked a gaming name— think of it as an alias?" At Molly's nod, he went on. "-that was close to his given name."
"You did the same thing," Keiko said.
"Not quite," Harry said. "Harry actually isn't a diminutive for Hadrian, though I have seen it used that way often enough that I didn't realize it when I picked the name." He shrugged.
"It stems from the fact that Harry is derived from Harold which has either Germanic or Nordic roots, if not both," Albus said. "You would need to ask someone who specializes in languages to know for sure. It is also used as a diminutive for Henry which has French roots, if I recall. Hadrian actually originated from the Roman name, Hadrianus, which was the male cognomen for 'dark-haired'."
He sipped his tea.
"I swear, you bloody read so much just so you can spout on about anything," Sirius grumbled, shaking his head.
Once again, Albus let the twinkle do the talking. He then looked at Harry. "And… do you mean Mr. August Blake?"
"The son of Eden Blake— and yes, she's that Eden Blake," Keiko said before Harry could speak. Albus noted that both Molly and Emma looked confused, though he wasn't surprised. Eden Blake in her actual position within the American magical government was not a well known figure to the average person even in her own country, let alone internationally, which suited the woman just fine.
She was, however, quite well known in certain circles; the circles William Gravel traveled in. Usually because those who had reason to be aware of her knew full well what her having more than an at most passing attention on them meant for whatever they were planning or doing.
He had no doubts that the Wainwrights were fully cooperative the moment they realized that Eden Blake or her husband took an interest in things, even if it was only to notify the Shiba Clan.
"I am surprised that you're familiar with her," Albus said. "Given that she does respect the boundaries that the Statute imposes."
"Given my wi- fianceé's family and some interesting family friends of theirs, I am less surprised," Harry said. "Heard that she is in Japan, though. Haven't met her yet, but I don't doubt that Gus will introduce us at some point."
Albus blinked and looked at Harry. "Given her job and her role within the American's government, I find that surprising," he said. "Though a meeting by chance is certainly possible."
Harry shrugged. "He has openly told all of us who ended Sword Art Online that he feels he owes us for ending it," he said. "If introducing us to his mother with the potential for expanding our networks is the extent of it, I will be happy he left it at that. I've dealt with enough of people fawning over me, as well as their unrealistic expectations, for surviving my first encounter with Tom Riddle to want nothing of it. The fact that I am merely an SAO Survivor in Japan, albeit one who has a mixed reputation among those who didn't go through SAO for understandable reasons, is a nice change. I don't get any special treatment or have expectations to be someone I'm not."
"Tom Riddle?" Emma asked.
"Tom Marvolo Riddle, who was also known as Lord Voldemort," Harry said, shooting a look at Molly as she looked ready to chastise him for saying that name. "Mrs. Weasley, he's dead, and good riddance."
Albus wasn't surprised at all by the satisfied undertone in Harry's emphasis on saying that Tom being dead was a good thing. He also didn't blame the young man. For all it hurt, or that the end result had not been his intent, there was satisfaction after dealing with Gellert.
Molly gave Harry a slightly abashed look, but nodded. "Yes, he is," she admitted. "But we have had the habit of calling him You-Know-Who for years, as well as chastising those who used the name he was known by and it became ingrained. There were… reasons for that, magical and social. Though they don't really apply now, do they?"
Harry nodded. "Anyway, we're all here for a reason, so we should get to it," he said and made his way to Dumbledore's desk.
##
Emma took in Harry Potter's appearance, as well as the appearances of his companions. Harry was, admittedly, wearing a robe, though how it was clasped at the throat but otherwise open made it seem a bit more like a cloak, albeit one with sleeves. His clothing under it was more a business casual type, collared shirt and slacks, with decent shoes. Not formal, but something that would be somewhat appropriate for a meeting.
More a recognition that this wasn't just a visit, if anything. Much like how Ms. Ayano's decision to wear a simple, if admittedly professional enough, set consisting of a blouse, skirt, tights and flats, was serving the same purpose. Oh, and the earrings she was wearing were nicely understated as well. No robe for her, but then, she wasn't a witch needing or seeming to need to at least make a nod to that fact.
Mr. Black was more casual in appearance than either of his two younger companions.
She idly wondered if it was Ms. Ayano who got Mr. Potter to dress in the manner he did, considering their last meeting had him in more casual wear. Maybe, maybe not. It could also simply be a means of using their clothing to get themselves in the proper mindset. She had done so often enough.
It was definitely not to make an impression, Hermione had shared how the two had been initially dressed during their visit due to something going on at the Ministry. That, had clearly been formal, as appropriate for a formal visit, and specifically designed to impress. Or perhaps it was the magical military escort they had escorting them. According to what Hermione mentioned from the articles in the Daily Prophet that followed the following days, those soldiers were normally tasked with being the magical bodyguards for the Royal Family.
Was Mister Potter that connected, or was there a different reason? It could easily be both, or neither, for that matter. She also wondered how aware Her Majesty was of magic. It hadn't come up yet, though Hermione had related that each nation's Minister of Magic reported to their respective nation's Prime Minister. The actual titles may differ, but the generalities were more or less the same.
"Well, I now know where Hermione gets her 'I'm puzzling something out' look from." She heard Mister Potter say. "So, Mrs. Granger, what conundrum are you pondering?"
"Several," she replied almost absently. "How connected you may be, whether those connections are related to other things, and wondering just how aware Her Majesty is of magic."
"Hmm, deep thoughts and musings indeed," Harry said, getting her to focus her attention on him and she blushed in embarrassment. Which only seemed to amuse him, the brat.
The others too, if the restrained giggles from Miss Ayano and Molly, not to mention the chuckles from Headmaster Dumbledore and Mister Black, were any indication.
"As for the first, I don't really know," Harry said. "The second is, again, a case of me not really knowing much. As for the third, you could ask Professor Dumbledore, given that he is old enough to probably have been there when Father Time was still in his nappies."
"No, that was Nicholas Flamel," Albus said. "His wife, Pernelle, of course, was perpetually a youthful seventeen. And she would hex, traumatize, and humiliate anyone who said otherwise. Not necessarily in that order."
Harry nodded. "You would know," he said. "Have they…?" He paused, and Emma wondered why. She could tell that there was something there.
And that name sounded naggingly familiar. Flamel.
"They put their affairs in order and lived the last of their days out peacefully, Harry," Albus replied. "Do not blame yourself for the destruction of the Stone, it was their choice to have it destroyed after that incident in your first year. And Nicholas implied that he and Pernelle had already been considering it before Tom's actions that year cemented it. But I don't think it is something to discuss at this time."
Harry nodded. "You're right, this isn't the time," he said. "Professor, you keep the flyers and brochures? Best to have something to look over while we discuss everything. Yes, we hashed out quite a bit during our last meeting, but best to go over all the options again in case we see anything that may give us some new ideas. The main place is still going to be the Nemureru Kitsune no Su in the Furinkan District of the Nerima Ward of Tokyo. Also, Keiko, being Japanese, can chime in on some things." He looked to her. "While you did give ideas for ryokan, you said something about them being best saved for the end of any trips within Japan, correct?"
Keiko nodded. "Hai, I mean, yes," she said, shooting a look at both Harry and Sirius that dared them to show amusement.
Both simply raised their hands in a placating manner.
"It has more to do with how they're structured," Ayano continued, eyes lingering on the duo. "While not necessarily a bad thing for longer stays, some do find some aspects a bit more… frustrating? Yes, frustrating, over longer stays. Things like how meals are scheduled for exact times, the fact that you're limited to what they provide, things like that. There is a reason I recommended ones that were set in areas like Hakone, where they are a nice way to spend the night during a trip there. For the last night there. They're a bit more exacting on how we should clean up after ourselves than regular hotels, even the ones used to dealing with foreign tourists, but they have a nice traditional feel to them that many in Japan, not just tourists, like to indulge in some times. It may be a bit difficult to arrange a reservation at some of the more well known ones given that it will be summer and those periods tend to be booked months in advance, but I know of a few smaller ones that can be arranged on much shorter notice if they are available."
"Clean up after ourselves?" Emma asked.
"It's a Japanese thing," Harry said. "You would be shocked at how clean things generally are in Japan, even in the cities. And that includes outside. It's not too onerous from what I've heard, seen, and experienced. Mostly, don't leave trash lying around and clean up after yourself, for the most part, stand off to the side when eating snacks and such. Ryokan probably expect you to do a bit more, like stowing futons away properly and making sure the bathrooms are properly clean. Things like that. Can be right annoying at times, considering that a good number of us are tasked with cleaning our classrooms when in school. Fortunately, it's a rotating list, so long as you don't annoy the Class Rep, which, thankfully, none of us are. Either being prone annoying the Class Rep, or being the Class Rep, though why they haven't tried with Asuna is beyond me."
"Or they did try, and she refused in that overly polite way that says that they will stop or she will be cross with them, Harry." Keiko noted. "Do keep in mind that she usually prefers to not be in a leadership position, despite how often she found herself in one. And no, your basically talking her into riding herd on all of us doesn't count."
"I'm fairly sure we wouldn't have broken Aincrad while we were still trapped in it," Harry said.
"You think she would have taken the risk?" Keiko asked with a raised eyebrow.
"... That's fair." Harry admitted.
"Well, I suppose I will have to remind my children to clean up after themselves," Molly said. She looked at Emma. "Hermione probably only has to be told of such once, from what I've seen and heard. Not to mention an interesting aside about how you made the one I think was in charge of you, well, in charge of you. Also, cleaning classrooms?"
Harry shrugged. "Basically sweeping and mopping, along with other general cleanup, of your classroom at the end of the school day," he said. "As I said, it can be right annoying at times, but it usually doesn't take more than half an hour. Keiko's grandfather has us training under him a couple hours after school lets out for a reason when our training falls on a school day. And don't think I didn't hear the unsaid bit about you being interested in meeting Asuna. There will likely be an opportunity for you to meet her." He blinked for a moment and got thoughtful. "I really don't know whether I should find that idea amusing or terrifying, really." He shrugged. "Might as well arrange it anyway, if only so I can see her, and the others for that matter, react to you."
"Well, I doubt any of you are worse than the twin hellions that are Fred and George," Molly noted.
Keiko snorted. "Individually, probably not," she said.
"Considering the stories Hermione has told me of them, topping them would be a tall order," Emma found herself saying.
"In terms of pranks?" Harry asked. "I don't doubt it. In terms of the general chaos we can get up to?" He grinned. "I do believe that we can be worse some times."
"Only in the virtual world, though," Keiko said. "Not so much in the real world, and this lout." She gestured at Harry. "Has told me some stories of them, like the one thing they did that has him planning a prank on them that my uncles will make sure to get him in since he will be there and all."
"Already got Akira and Ko to agree to it, they find the idea funny," Harry said. "And I already expect that they will get me in the splash. We will discuss outfit ideas later, dear. Maybe get your great-grandmother involved as well. I think she might find it amusing."
"I don't doubt it," Keiko agreed. "And you would look good in a yukata that's in the right colors." She looked at both Emma and Molly. "Hmm, she might have see if there are places that do yukata rentals nearby. While I have no doubt that she already has Harry's measurements- don't ask, she is good at doing it by eye- the others may require us to go to one. Might be a good idea even if she doesn't go along with it, anyway."
"Oh?" Molly asked.
Keiko gave a small smile. "Well, you're taking a trip to Japan, so trying on some traditional wear is something that is popular with foreign tourists. And yes, they do kimono and yukata for men. Different cut for the clothing and darker coloring, but it might be a fun idea depending on what we can work out for trip ideas. And the prices to rent them are more than reasonable."
"Well, we have plenty of time to discuss all these matters, so let's get to it," Harry said. "The arrangements for the stay in Tokyo, as we will be largely there, has already been arranged. If we go elsewhere, such as Hakone, as Keiko hinted at, we would need to work out the best idea of where to stay. As well as whether the place will have its own hot springs, bathhouse, or not. So, let's go over everything."
Emma watched as the various flyers, brochures, and even booklets flew to set in the middle of the table, courtesy of Headmaster Dumbledore. And due to the ideas Ms. Ayano put into everyone's heads, as well as the young woman asking some questions to her and Molly, the discussion was likely to take more time than she initially expected.
It was clear that Mr. Potter, Ms. Ayano, and Mr. Black had a basic plan, but it was also clear that they wanted the input of both her and Molly as to what they thought they wanted to get out of such a trip, as well as what they thought their children would like to do. Probably not to make a detailed plan for the entire trip, but to have ideas to work off of to further refine it and to make sure they had a way to work with or around the inevitable derailing of any plan.
Fairly few trips she had been on had ever gone exactly to plan, as there was always something to distract them with.
Unplottable Location, Shiba Compound
Eden blinked as she saw a phoenix make its entrance in a burst of fire from where she was watching her grandaughter play a game of 'Find the Kuroka' with the Shiba household's staff, trilling an uplifting song as it arrived.
"Fawkes!" Alice cheered, causing the phoenix to trill a greeting.
"Flaming Feather Duster," Eden greeted. The trill in reply was just as happy.
A chuckle drew her attention to three others, two youths and one grown man. She already knew who they were, of course. Harry Potter and Keiko Ayano were two who she knew the appearance of simply because they associated with her son in Sword Art Online, and the fact that the former's presence there meant that she would have looked into how he had ended up there were it necessary. Or just ask August in case Mr. Potter revealed to her son how and she hadn't already known. Keiko Ayano was one she had met, if only due to being present when a meeting between herself and Ranma Saotome over a minor kerfluffle involving Gordon "Alf" Shumway happened. Nothing overly significant, but simple chance.
Sirius Black was known to her as well, if only due to the story of his arrest, unjust imprisonment, escape from one of the most secure - and competitor for the title of being the most hellish- magical prisons in the world, and everything else that was learned giving their diplomats in the Bureau of Foreign Magical Relations plenty of ammunition against the British Ministry of Magic. Minor though the effect such ammunition would have, given the Department of Magic and the Arcane's own history having provided plenty of ammunition to Britain (not to mention the rest of the ICW) to use in response.
"Calling Fawkes a Flaming Feather Duster is quite apt, ma'am," Harry Potter said. "But where are my manners? Harry Potter at your service." He gave a small bow. "And sorry, Alice, Hedwig is still in England."
Keiko shook her head and gave a small bow of her own, ignoring the pout Alice sent Harry's way. "Director Blake, what idiocy has my grandfather or his friends gotten up to that has forced you to come all the way out here this time?" She asked.
"And why do you think it was their idiocy, or some idiocy in general?" Harry asked. "I am fairly sure the good director could be here for some innocuous reason."
"Better to assume something my family, or those we are friends with -likely Uncle Ryoga-, did something to pull her all the way from America," Keiko replied. "It's more likely to be true, tough Uncle Gordon isn't around, so it can't be because of him. This time, at least."
"I'm lucky I have magic, or your alien honorary uncle would weird me out more," Potter reflected.
"And the gender changing?"
"Hardly of note, yes."
"You have been turned into a girl."
"It's not permanent and as I said, hardly of note. Besides it's the instant version of it."
Eden chuckled at the byplay. "To be fair, Mister Potter, I have heard that the Instant Jusenkyo Powder does have a chance to give you a Jusenkyo Curse on a permanent basis," she said.
Harry looked at her. "That would be an annoyance." he admitted. "But something I would have to learn to live with if it happens." He said. "At least I favor Mum in appearance when changed, so I have the better side of it all in looks. I would have to ask the Kuonjs for some tips for how to do it in case of surprise hot or cold water, dependent on my gender at the time, though."
"If that happens and you still want kids after the third one, you're having the fourth," Keiko said. "Might as well follow family tradition there, as I have heard that Grandpa is the biological mother of Aunt Ayane."
"How does that work?" Sirius asked.
"He begs us not to think about it," Keiko related.
"We have one in Aladdin who has a Jusenkyo Curse," Eden noted. "And he has told me how complete the change is, as have several of our researchers. Who have acquired the Instant Powder to mix with water and then had fun with it. In all ways you can care to think. I can't talk, my husband and I have swapped bodies for fun a few times."
Keiko blinked. "Ah, that's why he said not to think about it," She said. "Shouldn't be surprised he and Grandma had some fun. Also explains why they stopped at four, she showed that she would carry out the threat of him having the next one after a certain point." She gave Harry a pointed look.
"Duly noted dear," Harry said with a straight face, though Eden noticed a flash of panicked resignation in his eyes. "I dare say, a lot of people back in England might find that weird, even by our standards. What with me having to be a woman for around a year or so. And pregnant for a good part of it, at that."
"Dat's not weird," Alice noted, looking puzzled.
"They were raised in a more sensitive environment," Eden said, even as a panicking Fawkes tried and failed to cover Alice's ears with his wings. The little girl took it as a game, laughing and dodging and running. The look the Phoenix shot them as he followed was going to amuse Eden for days.
"Has Gus had any issues regarding Ami and Alice?" Harry wondered, easily ignoring the antics of the toddler and phoenix. "Legally, I mean. I think… Ami and her friends, Serena and the others… are American, but it's such a mess…"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself about," Eden said. "Both in the secrets to keep and the it's being handled sense. I'm here in regards to you. Somewhat, and not as my top priority. Given that I have been distracted. And getting increasingly worried at how quiet Mr. Black is being."
Sirius just smiled at her.
"That is a concern." Harry admitted. "And here for me?"
"Well you, your wife -or fianceé, to use the current legal term-, your friends, and to finally have a chance to both meet and spend time with my granddaughter." Eden clarified.
"The latter of which, regardless of what any politician or one with delusions of political power would say, is more important in my mind, as in yours, apparently," Harry said with a nod. "I have no doubt that an august personage such as Albus Dumbledore would agree with me."
"Given what I know of him, and having met him, he would say that and I agree," Eden said. "Family should come first. I nearly learned the full cost of thinking otherwise before I learned better. I will not make that mistake again."
Harry nodded. "You probably know more than most, but what is not known to the general public is his story to tell, no one else's," he said, clearly hearing the unstated part that Albus Dumbledore had not been so fortunate. "I wouldn't be surprised if he learned that particular lesson the hard way, with all its tragic consequences."
Eden nodded. He certainly did learn that lesson the hard way, and with the tragic consequences that could arise, she thought to herself. Being the director of Aladdin meant that she had been read onto many secrets, some greater and more terrible than others. Albus Dumbledore's history was barely a blip on that radar, the record of a note of caution that had been rescinded after Gellert Grindlewald's death at the man's wand being only slightly concerning. Though his now being in possession of the Elder Wand, one of the Deathly Hallows, was noted. More concerning would have been the fact that he had taught Voldemort, though that was in his capacity as the Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts, not that Voldemort was personally Albus Dumbledore's student.
Not that such would be a concern now, given that Voldemort's death had been attested to by August, who had witnessed that events. Not to mention the numerous other methods of verification that had been used by various groups and authorities.
She didn't doubt that Harry Potter was very satisfied with being the one who put a permanent end to his parents' killer. She had watched the recording, and had seen the clear hatred in the young man's eyes when he glared at the Dark Wizard.
Yes, there would be satisfaction in being the one who killed him.
She had no idea how the man had managed to cheat death, given that he should have died on that Halloween night almost fifteen years ago, though she wasn't without suspicions. Some worse than others. And if he had been so foolish as to make a Horcrux, well, he was now finding that the realm of the dead tended to look poorly, to put it mildly, on those who tried such methods.
She remembered a necromancer in Aladdin's employ mention what would happen to the one who made one. And that making one of those was not the provider of immortality that many who delved so deeply into the Dark Arts thought. And the cost to the person who did so? It wasn't paid until after the person died. Someone who made a Horcrux would be hard to kill, but they could still be killed. And the realm of the dead always collected its due.
The realm of the dead, not including those who ran it- whether they be gods in actuality or not-, did not take kindly to those who used that method. Metaphorically being nailed to a pillar of salt with molten spikes and chains that carried the weight and knowledge of one's sins at the confluence of the rivers of the dead, with it slowly eroding away until the soul was fully submerged into the waters to be worn away into nothingness. A process that would take countless years and the soul not able to get a respite even into the abyss of madness through the entire process… Hell would be considered merciful in comparison.
Herpo the Foul and Koschei the Deathless were two well known names who were among the list of those who did such. And who were paying the price for it now.
"Indeed," she said with a nod. "I, too, had to learn that lesson, though the consequences were fortunately less tragic."
Harry nodded. "A lesson I hope I will not have to learn," he said. "But enough of such depressing talk. Shall we rescue Fawkes from Alice, or should we just see if we can get one of the kuroka to fetch Gus and have him do so while we watch in amusement?"
Eden chuckled as Fawkes shot Harry a baleful look before squawking and darting higher into the air as Alice almost grabbed his tail feathers. "August would probably just take pictures," she noted.
"If he isn't already," Keiko said with a giggle as she looked just past them. "And with an actual camera, not a smartphone."
"He would do that, but… he's behind me," Eden said before turning to see her amused son lowering a camera and shooting her a grin.
"Not often I manage to be around and you not notice for a bit, mom," he said. "Harry, Ayano-san," he said with a nod to the two of them. "And Mr. Black, if you're getting bored from making my mom nervous, Lupin is around, as is Tsuboi. We were having a nice conversation when I heard Alice's cheer that a certain phoenix is around."
"How much of it was you telling Remus of Klein's failures to pick up ladies?" Keiko asked. "Because that's always fun to talk about, especially when he's around." Eden saw August look at her and she shrugged. "I know he's one of Harry's tutors in magic, and how he set up the reveal to Harry in ALO is something you would get a laugh out of."
Harry snorted. "Revealing he gets a tutoring job to an English kid and asking me if I knew him to us should have raised some red flags," he said drily. He shot Keiko an amused look. "I was half tempted to find a handy bucket to douse you with to get you out of your laughing fit as well."
"Anyone else know?" August asked.
"Oh, not too many," Harry said. "Just the rest of our guild. They do know about magic, after all. As well as both Keiko and I getting told off by Lord Takeru for accidentally revealing it, though we both agree that it was partly because he lost the bet the Shibas had amongst themselves about when the rest figured it out. They aren't stupid. Reckless and crazy in the way only a member of the Assault Team can be, but not stupid. On an unrelated note, Mr. Tani won it."
"Chiaki?" August asked and then nodded. "About when, or how?"
"Yes."
August snorted. "Have you all told them about the bo- I mean, Mizore?"
"They know, and weren't all that surprised when they found out," Keiko said. "We've all called her a trolling kitsune enough times. Well, not Harry, he's not Japanese, but he did get the reference of a spirit associated with mischief being linked to foxes."
"And Mizore, nice try," Harry said to apparently thin air. His hand lashed out and grabbed, albeit gently, a wrist from apparently nowhere. "And don't think that your illusions and ability to sneak about quietly means that Keiko and I can't sometimes tell where you are." A slight jerk brought a flustered kitsune out, who was staring at him in shock.
"How?" Mizore Yasaka asked.
"Yes, Mr. Potter, how did you notice her?" Eden asked. "I have enough training and experience that a kitsune who is less than twenty years old would usually be noticeable enough under most circumstances, though I will admit that I would have missed her presence had you not reacted in the way you did. Which says a great deal about her skill, since I believe it is your familiarity with her and her tells that allowed you to notice her."
Harry let go of Mizore and looked at Keiko, who nodded back, before turning to Eden. "It's a bit complicated to explain in detail, but… our SA followed us out, tuned to the real world," he said. "Nowhere near as sensitive as it is in ALO, let alone SAO, but it did."
"How wou-" Mizore started and then paused. "No way, no way. Keiko I can understand, her grandfather is Ranma Saotome and he would have at least taught her the most basic aspects of it, but you mean to tell me that SA out here is… oh man, I really hope you guys are getting some training there."
"Training in using it, or training in how to keep ourselves centered so we don't do something we will regret?" Harry asked.
"Yes."
"We're getting training in how to keep centered and not automatically go for the lethal or crippling option when it comes to dealing with a threat," Keiko said. "Using it is… something I doubt we will get to."
"That's not a bad thing," Harry noted. "And for you, I wouldn't be surprised if you get taught it, dear. Aside from being there with us to learn, or re-learn in your case, control, you are also helping with us learning how to use your school of martial arts. That and for some strange reason I still don't fully understand, you seem to be sweet on me. Who can use magic, however ineptly. You need some way to keep me in line besides threatening to kick me in the arse when slapping me over the head doesn't work."
"You're good with your hands," Keiko said before shooting a glance at Mizore. "And not that way, you dirty minded kitsune."
"You do know who you're telling that to, right?" August asked.
"I do, and if anyone from SAO would know where we stand on the confirm or deny scale without us telling them, it would be her," Keiko replied. "The only ones we have been upfront on that are the ones doing our psychological counseling, and that was because they needed to know."
"You mean you didn't tell your family?" Eden asked.
"She didn't need to," Harry said. "Not that they make much of an issue over whether we did or not. Well, aside from the mandatory and expected threats her father gave me." He shuddered. "Bloke knows too many ways to use stuff around the house to make things go 'boom' or 'fwoosh' with me at the center of it and on fire. I am not eager to give him reason to start considering them. At any rate, they are confident that we waited until after we got married if we did. Just as they said that if we wanted to get back to doing that, keep it online, or wait until after we are old enough to get legally married. And they will know if we try."
"Oh?" Eden asked. "For all that I wouldn't doubt that their own abilities would give them the means, that seems to be a bit far fetched."
Both Harry and Keiko snorted. "Not even that," the former said. "In Furinkan alone, we have several watching us aside from the Shibas and whoever the Japanese Government and others may or may not have watching us. It's best to assume that they would know if we did."
Eden blinked. Others looking out…?
"Don't think too hard on it, mom," August said. "They're just operating on the assumption that if they engage in certain activities out in the real world, it will be found out quickly."
Eden shot a look at her son.
"It's not a bad assumption to make," Harry noted. "And even if they don't, there are certain… consequences that can result that would make it very apparent what we have been up to." He gave a wry smile. "Both of us, at least in this matter at least, know that we aren't ready for at this time."
Ah, Eden thought, clearly understanding what he was implying. They are assuming that they would likely become parents well before they are ready. Which, she would admit, was not a bad assumption to make. Too many youths made the assumption that contraception always worked, only to learn the hard way that wasn't the case. Even with magic, it was known to fail, and often at the most inopportune times.
A mature outlook, and one she knew merely delayed the realization that they would never be ready. The first time, at least. New parents were never truly prepared, as she had learned, but they could hopefully draw on family and friends who have been there to guide them.
"And alternatives, like online?" She asked.
Keiko snorted. "Who in charge of it would we trust to respect our privacy there?" She asked before shrugging.
Eden had to admit that she had a point there.
June 24, 2025 - Alfheim, Yggdrasil City
Asuna looked around the Sword's Rest Tavern as she waited for everyone to log in. It was rare that she was the first one online, but there were times when it came to pass even on a school day. And with the exams that took place before the summer coming up next week, she knew that everyone was hitting the books to make sure they knew enough of the material to do well enough to at least maintain their class standings.
Though aside from herself and maybe Kirito, none of them were near the top. Comfortably in the middle of the pack, academically speaking, at least, but not near the top.
Even Harry, who admitted that he wasn't studious by nature unless the subject matter was within his interests. Which was to say, he would do what was required of him scholastically and no more if he could get away with it. Something she hounded him on, much to his exasperation.
He wasn't be top of the class material, but she knew he wasn't stupid. One didn't get to a conversational level of proficiency with a second language if they were. Yes, she suspected magic was involved in getting him there initially, and being in SAO and having to use the language on a near daily basis since certainly played a role, but she knew that he still had put in the effort to refine what he started with.
His reading proficiency was admittedly lacking, but that was more the fact that he was behind all of them with regards to being able to read kanji. Hiragana and katakana? He was perfectly fine, their syllabric nature was simple enough. Kanji, however, was a different story, though he was applying himself there. He was catching up to where he should be at his age, at least.
She saw the door open with both Harry and Silica walking in. A quick glance around by the two had them soon heading to where she was and taking a seat at her table.
"I will tell you right now that I am going to busy after classes let out on Saturday," Harry said before sighing. "And I should have waited for the others, as I now have to tell them when they log in."
Asuna blinked. "What will be keeping you busy?" She asked, curious. As far as she knew, his plans for the Summer had already been largely worked out, so further work on them shouldn't occupy much of his time.
"Sakimura-sensei pulled me aside this morning and informed me that she plans to go over some things with me that are a part of my other education track," he said. "As well as ensure that my tutors are covering the requisite subjects properly. It's expected to possibly take all afternoon, so don't be surprised if I don't get online until later." He sighed. "Didn't take her long to do so since she informed me last week that she was going to schedule this before we were let out for the Summer next month"
Ah, Asuna thought. So the one responsible for ensuring that the magical students are meeting their specific education requirements is going to test them. Maybe not all of them at once, depending on how many are students at the school, which can't be many. But it would be wiser for her sort them into groups based on age or something along those lines. Not that she knew much in the way of details on what the magical students at the SAO Survivor School, not even Harry, would need to cover on top of their more conventional studies at the school.
It wasn't like she needed to know that information, with her being unable to use magic Outside, after all. She did wonder about the differences in magic between Outside and in ALO, though. Well, aside from the fact that Outside magic is more flexible, that is.
She had heard Harry comment on that, at least.
"I see," she said in reply. "Well, you would know what needs to be covered, so I will leave it to you then. Don't try to cram it all in at the last minute though."
Harry nodded. "Don't worry, I won't," he said. "Honestly, I doubt there will be overly much testing of my knowledge or ability to put it into practice this time, but it may be the case. If anything, she is going to have Klein and my other tutor present and we are likely to go over what has been covered, what they plan on covering until the next meeting, and any subjects they haven't been able to cover for various reasons. Either way. It's likely to take a good portion of the afternoon once we get let out of classes."
Asuna nodded. "Well, it's nice to be informed of it," she said. "By the way, those plans of yours for the Summer, anything I and the others need to know?"
Harry smirked. "Well, aside from the day I am planning on welcoming a couple of friends and their family members to Japan, and dealing with the necessary paperwork for tourists, how about meeting us all at the Saotome-Tendo Dojo? He asked. "I have a couple of jokers I owe a retaliatory prank on, and I think you will enjoy the show."
"Not to mention watching as he gets caught up in it as well," Silica said with a grin.
"That too," Harry admitted. "Will be worth it to get those two, though. And once the shock wears off, I'm sure they will see the humor in it."
"We're going to have to find something appropriate for you to wear," Asuna said, already thinking of how he would. It wasn't hard, after all. "I think I can come up with ideas."
Harry pointed to Silica. "She's in charge of that part of the wardrobe," he said.
"I already have a few ideas," Silica said with a smirk.