Chapter Text
I squint in disbelief, but the kid sitting next to me doesn’t move an inch — what was his name again ?
I’m pretty sure the freckled boy didn’t mean to fall asleep. He just… dropped head first on our desk. I would have assumed he died, had he not started drooling all over the place — disgusting.
Well, at least he can’t fuck our potion up now, there’s that. Or whine. He definitely looks like the kind of kid who would complain for hours about the smallest things. No doubts being forced to pair up with the creepy looking Slytherin kid warranted a lot of whining, but I suppose he didn’t have the time, since he fell asleep almost instantly after sitting down next to me.
If the teacher notices the sleeping Gryffindor, he says nothing.
The damn kid is not even wearing his Potions robes ! Why the hell was he assigned to me — what am I, a fucking baby-sitter ?
Thankfully, today’s practical lesson is a common herbicide we studied last week, nothing too serious. So the kid stays asleep, the teacher says nothing, and I manage to brew a decent potion just in time.
Mihawk is even satisfied enough to give me a couple House points with a sharp nod — still ignoring the damn sleeping kid.
I’m free at last !
…
Unfortunately for me, Freckles wakes up just as everyone is leaving the classroom, catches up to me in the hallway and keeps babbling. Another annoying Gryffindor joins in, and apparently they have to thank me for their lives or something — what did I do to deserve this ?
I end up running into Slytherin’s common room to escape the two pests. I’m going to be late ! Not that Aokiji would notice, though.
I wait for another ten minutes before peeking out of the common room — oh fuck me ! They’re still here, really ?
I have to go to Charms though !
My unexpected and unwanted Potions partner immediately attaches himself to me as soon as I step out of the Common room, and effectively prevents me from going back. Or from moving at all.
« Hey, I didn’t know your common room’s entrance was there ! It’s like a secret passageway, that’s pretty neat ! » says the blond pest as he runs his hands on the dungeon’s wall. Oh no, you are not getting in Slytherin’s quarters, you gremlin.
« Yeah ! Hey, d’you think you could get us in ? » asks the freckled menace, still wrapped around me. « I heard a fifth year say you could see into the lake !
— Even if I could, I wouldn’t ! You’re Gryffindors ! » I hiss.
— So what ? Oh wait… What’s your name ? I’m Ace ! » He points at his blond sidekick.
« And he’s Sabo !
— I don’t care ! Let go of me ! I’m Law ! » I hiss, again. I’m definitely late for Charms.
⁂
⁂
They only want to be your friends. You could use some friends, Law.
Corazon’s not even in the room, yet he’s still pestering me.
I can’t trust him anymore. Last time I hid in the library, he fooled me, and guided the two idiots straight to my hideout. Traitor !
And as if two idiotic Gryffindors weren’t enough, I also have two Hufflepuffs following me around too. I suppose I helped them in Herbology last week, but really ? What is this ? How did it happen ?
I want to go back to Dressrosa. At least Doflamingo doesn’t try to force me into unneeded friendships. I could honestly just steal some floo powder and use Corazon’s fireplace to get the fuck out of here.
But I won’t, because it would only disappoint Corazon. Cora-sad.
Well, he’s not around to betray me today — I’ve learned my lesson, no hiding in the Library.
Thank god I spent summer reading all the textbooks they asked us to buy. How are the two gremlins going to open the door now, uh ?
I slowly crawl under a table — do they even clean those empty classrooms once in a while ? I swear, you could build a castle in this amount of dust.
But at least they won’t find me here, even if they happen to know the unlocking charm — which I’m sure isn’t the case. We still haven’t learnt it in class. Those two really don’t look the smartest… I doubt they even opened any of their books once before a teacher asked them to.
« Alohomora ! »
The door creaks open.
« It worked ! » a kid yells. Another one shushes him.
I stop breathing. My heartbeat is deafening. Multiple floorboards squeak around me.
I cannot get out. My heart drums. They are coming.
I sneeze.
« There you are !
— You’re getting better ! We almost couldn’t find you this time ! »
I try to stand up without looking too humiliated.
« Come on, dinner’s ready ! » chuckles the blond imp.
« Don’t you have someone else to bother ? I don’t know, someone from your house maybe ? » I grouch, to no avail. Freckles grabs my hand, and doesn’t let go. Surely, they have plenty of friends, right ? Why does it have to be me ?
It all started when the damn Potions teacher paired me with Freckles last month. School had only started a month ago, and already the two Gryffindors had earned themselves a reputation.
They had to be separated whenever something could go wrong, because apparently they had some magical way of finding trouble. Or creating it. Sometimes both. They’ll probably be expelled before Christmas.
Please let them be expelled before Christmas.
They drag me to the Great Hall, and force me to sit at Gryffindor’s table. Some students give me nasty glares, but no one moves to kick me out. Sadly, they got used to it at some point. I probably will too.
I sigh. Dramatically, which causes the blonde to roll his eyes, while Freckles playfully throws a salad leaf in my general direction.
« You could at least sit at my table from time to time.
— We outnumber you two to one—
— So Gryffindor it is ! » says the blonde with a satisfied grin.
I can’t help but sigh again, while eyeing the Slytherin table. It’s not like I have any friends there anyway, but still. My roommates aren’t the most infuriating people on earth (when they’re awake, at least). Maybe they’d be willing to forgive me for the few, harmless jinxes and hexxes I’ve cast at them ? They deserved it anyway. The sleepwalking fucker for being a sleepwalking fucker, and the blonde creep… for being… I don’t know, he annoyed me.
Corazon is waving at me from the teachers table with a stupid grin — oh god, he’s going to poke his own eye out with his fork. Thank Merlin for the professor sitting next to him, who’s definitely used to Corazon’s clumsiness.
« Hey, who’s that teacher sitting next to the librarian ? » Freckles asks —had the little pest been following my eyes ?
But before his sidekick can even open his mouth, an older Gryffindor close to us beats him to the draw.
« It’s Crocodile — Care of Magical Creatures. Bit of an ass, if you ask me. » the white-haired kid grouches, before focusing his attention back onto dinner. Freckles squints at him with suspicion, or maybe puzzlement at the older kid’s garbs — Quidditch robes — but he stays quiet.
Oh, so Portgas D. Ace does know how to keep it shut. I’ll need to ask the white haired boy what his trick is, because I could definitely use that.
The rest of dinner goes without any major hitch — I glance at Cora every now and then to make sure he’s not setting fire to the teachers’s table, and Freckles only falls asleep once. In his mashed potatoes.
When he wakes up and tries to clean himself, he whines about two bumps he has on his head — I knew he was a whiny kid.
« That’s probably the result of falling asleep head first into everything, including walls and stairs. » I say, but they’ve already stopped paying attention to their latest toy (me). Whatever.
Dinner is over, I’ll soon be free from the two gremlins — except they grab me once again, and it better not become a habit, I swear.
We quickly hide in an empty closet close to the Great Hall — I have a bad feeling about this.
« Hey, so Halloween’s in two days right ? » whispers Freckles.
I frown. What in the name of Merlin…
« Have you ever done pumpkin carving ? » asks the blonde one, grinning widely. Missing some teeth I see.
« No. Corazon and knives don’t really get along.
— Well, we’ve got you covered for this year’s Halloween !
— Yeah, the school’s Groundskeeper is growing some giant pumpkins ! »
I try not to sigh dramatically, and fail.
« These pumpkins are for the Feast and the overall decoration. You can’t just—
— Yes we can !
— We’re going to steal one ! » squeals Freckles.
And… there goes my peace and quiet for tonight. Down the slippery hole of stupidity.
⁂
That’s it. I’m an outlaw. I’m only eleven though, so maybe no Azkaban for me just yet. Oh, but the disappointed look on Corazon’s face if he ever finds out… I think I might just have damned myself for an eternity of regret.
Why ? Why am I even doing this ?
Because of course the two idiots didn’t plan it through. I swear I had decided to go on with my life as if I didn’t hear anything in that nefarious closet, but then I foolishly asked how exactly they intended to bring and conceal a giant pumpkin in the castle. And they had no idea, but “improvising usually works”, they said.
If we get any more detentions, we might get expelled they also said earlier this week. I know, because I was there, and I tried to hide my excitement at the news.
And if they got expelled, I guess — I guess I would go back to being an alone, but mentally stable kid. I could befriend my roommates. Or threaten them into befriending me, more likely.
Did the two pests actually grow on me ?
That’s probably not the best reason to damn my soul. Butif I put it that way, I know Corazon won’t look too sad at least.
I’ve never been out on the school’s grounds after curfew — as a student at least. There’s a first for everything I guess…
… Oh Merlin, I can’t even cheer myself up. There’s no way this is going to end well.
The Whomping Willow looms over there. Behind it, a black mass covers the horizon — the Forbidden Forest. Best avoid both of them, for now. Corazon wouldn’t be happy. And I don’t want to be whomped anyway.
We slowly make our way down to the Groundskeeper’s shabby hut, the lack of lumos making it pretty hard to not slip on pointy rocks — but we have to stay in the dark, because…
Something blue suddenly bobs up and down ahead of us. Ah, shit, there he is.
I grab Freckles’ shirt — because someone never gets cold, apparently — and yank him out of the way. Before he can protest, I put my hand over his mouth. Thank Merlin, Sabo seems to understand what is happening and quickly hides with us behind the tall rock.
I try to peek from the side, to get a clear view of the threat, but…
« Ewwww Portgas ! » I shriek. Sabo hurriedly jumps on top of me and pulls my robes over my mouth.
I flip Freckles off. Dirty, nasty kid. He’s smirking, the little shit.
He’s not getting away with it, I swear ! I shove Sabo out of my way and wipe my hand on the little shit’s cheek.
« Ewww !
— What do you mean, “eww”, it’s your drool !
— Well, keep it on your hand !
— It’s not supposed to be on my hand !
— Guys ! » Sabo snaps.
Damn it.
I stick my head out. Looks like Merlin is on our side tonight, because despite our little argument, the school’s Groundskeeper didn’t notice us.
I mean, he’s an idiot, so we’re probably safe anyway.
But we still need to be cautious — hence the lack of lumos.
I gesture to the two troublemakers to follow me in silence, and we take the long way around the shabby hut. It gets us dangerously close to the thankfully asleep Whomping Willow, and right into the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
I can’t help but look at the two brave Gryffindors smugly, as they hesitate to enter the Forest.
It’s only the edge.
« Chickening out already ? » I tease them. Portgas instantly frowns, takes a deep breath, and follows my steps. Sabo takes a bit longer, but we finally manage to get on our merry way towards the pumpkins. I’m doing this for pumpkins.
« They say a wolf pack lives in the Forbidden Forest… » whispers Portgas.
« And monstrous spiders…
— Blood-sucking bugbears…
— Trolls… » squeaks Sabo, his voice increasingly getting higher.
« Hey, enough of that ! We’re fine, we’re only on the outskirts of the forest, you idiots ! » I scold them, and roll my eyes. So much for being the bravest House, eh.
We advance carefully but surely towards the pumpkin patch. Still no lumos, which again, makes everything tenfold harder to do and notice. I’m only guessing these are pumpkins, really.
And, well, it means the two Gryffindors keep stumbling on stupid tree roots and cursing in hushed voices.
« You know Trafalgar, we could have taken a straight path from the castle to the hut… » sighs Portgas.
« Where’s the adventure in a straight path ? » I retort.
Sabo jabs me in the side and playfully asks :
« Since when does Mr. I’m-a-future-prefect like adventure ?
— Yeah, last I checked, you thought reading for hours was the most exciting thing to do ever ! » cackles Freckles. These little gremlins.
« Well, you didn’t have to follow me you know. Besides, I never said this was the way to your pumpk… »
Ace almost manages to make me trip before I can finish teasing them. For Merlin’s sake. Sabo, as usual, is laughing so much he’s crying. He’s never of much help in such cases anyway.
« Shhh, there they are, you bloody idiots ! »
I point at some distinctively round forms ahead of us, shadowed by the hut’s silhouette. We made it, we actually did it.
Now we need to actually do it.
We creep behind the giants pumpkins, and I whip out my wand to light up our next actions — the Groundskeeper is on the other side of the hut, so we should be fine.
Portgas immediately goes for one of the biggest pumpkins, of course, and tries to move it. With his damn arms.
Is there even a brain under this scruffy hair ?
« It’s not budging… not even an inch ! » he whines after a few seconds. Duh !
Sabo slightly pulls on my arm to get my attention. He’s determined. And mischievous. Merlin, what did I get myself into again ?
« Alright Trafalgar, we brought you for that. Now do your thing ! »
I cringe and lower my wand.
« You didn’t bring me, I brought myself ! A-and I don’t know either !
— Drat ! That puts a spoke in our wheel.
— You don’t say ! You sure you can’t think of anything Trafalgar ? » asks Portgas tentatively. As I shake my head, the two boys simply shrug, and try to move the pumpkin with their bare hands again. They don’t look angry or disappointed.
Dammit, I risked it all without a single hint of a plan either, didn’t I ? Way to go, Trafalgar Law. Very smart.
Come on, the two idiots are usually the reckless and improvising ones. Surely, I can think of something…
Maybe… ?
« Aer calidus ! »
A stream of hot air surges out of my wand, and I direct it on the vines.
« It’ll take the whole night… » sighs Sabo.
« Got a better idea ? » I ask him without any malice. I kind of don’t want to spend the night with my arm outstretched like that.
« I don’t know, maybe there’s a very specific spell to detach pumpkins from their patch ? » Sabo says, holding his chin as if he were an old and respected philosopher.
I bite my lips. I do have some bases of latin, so maybe…
« Eripio cucurbitam ! »
As nothing happens, I shrug and frown.
« T’was worth a try. » smiles Sabo, obviously trying to cheer everyone up.
— Yeah, at least you didn’t blow yourself up. They say it can happen when you try to make up a spell like that.
— Oh, that’s it, Ace you’re a genius ! » suddenly exclaims Sabo. « Blow it up ! You know you can do it, just wave your wand randomly as you always do ! »
Oh. Oh, that doesn’t sound good. I take a few steps back. Portgas’ impish smile is blinding, and I know better.
He gets his own wand out, waves it menacingly in the air, before finally pointing it to the vine. Which instantly catches fire.
« Merlin’s beard, remind me to never, ever get close to your wand Portgas ! » I gasp. Bloody witchcraft. This boy is even more of a walking hazard than I thought.
The fire is rapidly growing, and has already eaten up the part of the vine that was causing us problems. We need to extinguish it before Buggy notices — a quick finite incantatem thankfully does the job.
And now is finally my time to shine.
« Wingardium leviosa ! »
The huge pumpkin slowly rises in the air, before stopping approximately fifty centimetres above the ground — about as high as the two gremlins’ waists.
« Wicked ! » the two boys exclaim in unison.
I can’t help but grin all the way back to the castle. I am… almost lighter than ever, my hands are slightly trembling — but not from fear. This is different. It’s a victory.
I did a thing.
It’s now rather late at night, and the castle is eerily quiet. The corridors are empty of life, dark and mysterious. The Caretaker is probably checking another part of the castle, thank Merlin.
It is quickly decided to hide the damn loot in the Astronomy tower, where no one goes unless they really have to. On our way, we only have to shush the paintings we accidentally wake up because of our lightened wands, and hide a couple times from patrolling Prefects — it really looks like we’re going to get away with it. I can’t believe it.
We settle for an unused classroom right at the top of the Astronomy tower, and carefully hide our precious prize behind knocked down chairs and tables.
This is it. We’ve done it. And tomorrow, after a good night’s rest, we’ll carve it !
Who am I kidding, a good night’s rest ? I’ll never be able to fall asleep tonight.
⁂
« You know… you could have simply asked. I would have bought us one, no problem. Heck, Doffy would have probably sent hundreds of them through the Floo.
— What in the name of Merlin are you talking about ? »
Corazon sighs. I wince. What is he rambling about anyway ? What did I do ? Why…
Oh.
Oh god.
Feign ignorance.
« You never liked pumpkins, and you just came back reeking of it, Law. »
Critical failure.
« Errr… » I answer very smartly.
Oh, why did I have to visit him tonight, I swear.
We spent the last couple hours carving that damn pumpkin with Sabo and Ace in the empty classroom all the way up the Astronomy tower.
Of fucking course my clothes would smell of pumpkin. And Corazon’s condition definitely makes smelling easier anyway. I could have changed clothes, he still would have known the minute I would have walked in.
What was I thinking ?
Can I ever redeem my soul ?
« I… have a good reason. S-sort of… » I stutter. Corazon rolls his eyes, and simply pulls me to the sofa.
« I don’t need a “good reason”, Law. I don’t actually care : if anything, it made Shanks laugh so hard he fell on the floor. Hard. »
So that’s why there was no Transfiguration class today — Ace and Sabo will love this piece of information.
Corazon grins while gently tousles my hair. I know I’m not a kid anymore, but it stills makes me pout : why do people feel the need to tousle my damn hair all day ? I’ve had to hex Ace at least three times this week because he couldn’t stop doing it. Nothing serious of course : some half-arsed impediment, because I still need to master it, a pepper-breath hex which had no effect whatsoever, because Ace already breathes fire on a daily basis, and a titillando which backfired and left us all wheezing.
« But for real now. I am actually curious. » Corazon startles me out of my train of thought.
— You won’t tell Newgate, you promise ? Or anyone else, really. »
He solemnly nods, which is enough for me to start explaining how my life became a literal Hell because of two Gryffindor idiots.
At the end of my speech, Corazon excitedly claps.
« That — was not the reaction I expected. » I grunt, crossing my arms.
« Aw, come on, you’ve made some friends ! That’s awesome ! » he laughs.
In conclusion to today’s twists and turns : Corazon is even worse than Sabo and Ace put together.
Also, I should definitely get better at casting jinxes and hexes, because Merlin knows I’m going to need them.
Not to mention pumpkin carving was actually good fun.
⁂
I would love to say Halloween Feast went smoothly, but nothing ever does when the two idiots are involved.
Although the beast rampaging the Astronomy Tower was probably was their fault — I’m not entirely sure.
But they still had to risk dying — or worse, being expelled — just to sneak a peek at said beast ! When I finally managed to dissuade them and convinced them to hide in the dungeons with the rest of the students, of course, we then stumbled upon something they had to find suspicious.
They have been bothering me about it ever since.
And you know what ? They’re just overthinking it. They need to imagine stuff and live “adventures”. Because stealing “coffee” (whatever that was), or trying to find the Kitchens — or spying on another kid — are “adventures”, mind you.
We’ve spent the last three hours sitting behind a bookshelf in the Library, glancing at the target (an older Slytherin kid) from time to time, and I can’t take any more of this bullshit.
They can’t protest too loudly, lest they alert said target, or use force to make me stay — Corazon is only a few meters away. So I grab a random book, flip the two pests off, and make my way towards my favourite spot. They know where to find me, when they stop being fucking delusional.
As I walk past another tall bookshelf, two silhouettes scramble behind a pile of books. I sigh.
I’m also a source of delusion for these two Hufflepuffs apparently. They’re still following me around, thinking themselves so smart and invisible. What the hell.
Oh — and my favourite spot is taken — again. I mean, one corner of it. I can probably share one corner. Especially since it’s always the same girl who sits and reads there for hours.
I swear she flinched when I moved past her — or am I also starting to make things up ?
⁂
Oh Merlin, why am I paired with Portgas D. Ace in Potions again ?
Ah, right. Because I wasn’t given any choice. Great.
« Can’t you just fall asleep ? » I hiss. « Maybe you’d stop messing things up !
— I can’t do it on purpose, that’s the point of being narcoleptic, Trafalgar ! » he hisses back.
We keep our voices low as to not alert the roaming teacher, but I swear I’m within an ace of snapping my partner’s neck.
« Besides, it’s the right colour !
— It’s a shade darker than it needs to be !
— Why does everything needs to be perfect with you !
— I can’t just improvise everything like you two idiots ! Potions is a very important course alright, so just… do something else with your hands ! »
Ace sticks his tongue out and crosses his arms. You petulant child !
I have but half an hour to save what can be saved.
He doesn’t understand, I need to be the best at potion-making. It’s a matter of life or death. I need to be able to take care of Corazon myself.
I slice some more foxglove and add it to the mixture, then begin to stir it clockwise. In theory, this should work.
And just as the teacher asks the class to stop brewing, our potion finally takes the adequate shade of orange.
« Perfect, Trafalgar, Portgas. Five points each. »
Ace makes faces at me behind the teacher's back, and I have to bite my own cheek to not laugh out loud. The stupid Gryffindor will be pissed off for a couple hours, and will have forgotten all about it for dinner anyway. I did get him five points, for Merlin’s sake !
« You can all leave, Miss Boa and her partner will clean the room themselves, since they found the need to paint it purple in the first place. »
Sabo catches up with me in the hallway.
« You know, you’re a real life saver Law ! I wish I was paired with you, too. »
I roll my eyes.
« Hey, I heard you two bickering… You know, Ace is trying his best to get better at Potions.
— Yes, well, he doesn’t need you to be his knight in shining armour. If he’s trying his best, then let him show it through his actions — not through your words. »
The blonde pouts, but has no time to argue, since Ace calls him from the other end of the corridor — and pointedly ignores my presence.
I ignore him harder, and take the shortest way to Charms.
As I expected, when dinner comes Ace has all but forgotten why he was angry at me in the first place. Sure looks great to have a monkey brain, even if he’s always breathing fire for the smallest things.
He smiles and excitedly waves at me from their table — he apparently wants me to know he loves chicken nuggets. And… he falls asleep. I can’t help but giggle at the jaded look on Sabo’s face while he explains something to a concerned kid with a weird hairdo — Ah, Marco Newgate. I hadn’t seen him in a while. He did start school a year ago, that’s probably why.
The white-haired grouchy kid is also sitting next to them, again, listening to Sabo. I squint. I don’t remember them mentioning becoming friends with anyone else — and you can be sure they would boast about having friends from second or third year — especially someone from the “Newgate Lost Boys”.
I don’t think I like that white-haired boy. Marco could be a simple coincidence — he doesn’t look too used to Ace’s condition.
⁂
The Ravenclaw girl is still here. She’s always here. She would probably sleep here if she could — does she even eat ?
I take a peek at her, hiding myself behind the huge book on Common Potion Ingredients I just picked.
She does look rather frail. I don’t remember seeing her in the Great Hall, but I don’t usually look at the Ravenclaw table anyway.
Maybe she knows where the kitchens are, and eats there.
I mean, it’s none of my damn business. So what if she’s creepy and doesn’t have any friends ? That’s my case as well after all.
Or rather, it used to be. Had Ace and Sabo not made the first step, I would be in the exact same situation as that Ravenclaw girl. Always alone. Minding my own business. Not making any friends.
But reading books in the library is a nice situation after all. Who am I to judge ? Maybe she likes her life without trouble. People always bring trouble.
As I take another quick peek at her, I meet two big blue eyes.
Ah shit. Now, I’m the creepy one.
I hide back behind my book. Act casual.
She doesn’t say anything or make a move — and for the next couple hours, I make sure to not look in her direction at all. The book I picked is interesting anyway, and I quickly get engrossed in it.
Until the quiet squeaking of a chair breaks my concentration.
She’s gone. She left her pile of books in her usual place, to come back later probably — no one goes there but her anyway. And me.
And Corazon, but that’s his job.
We’re surrounded by huge bookshelves, in a secluded corner of the Library. The only light comes out of glass jars Corazon enchanted — they give a nice warm light and slowly float around. I remember eating most of the jam that used to be inside it… I want to believe Corazon set up this area for us, even though it’s open to all the students.
Did I really look that sad and lonely before meeting Sabo and Ace ?
I grab my schoolbag and rummage through it with one hand.
What I received, I can give. I’m probably being too bold, and will regret everything later, but right now there’s a weird heaviness in my chest whenever I think about those big blue eyes.
Maybe she will stay at Hogwarts during the Christmas break. I know the two idiots won’t stay, they have even packed their things already. Said something about a younger sibling of theirs — that made me shiver, because can you imagine ? A third one ?
I finally grab the small bag of sweets Corazon bought for my birthday. It was back in October, but I have been carefully rationing it, so that it would last till Christmas.
As I quietly approach the girl’s pile of books, the back of my neck weirdly tingles.
Like I’m being observed.
I check around, before going back to the books — no one’s around, it’s dinner time. It’s still weird though. Is Corazon up to something ?
She left the book she was reading wide open, so I carefully hide my bag of sweets underneath.
Well, here goes nothing. She won’t even know it was from me. And I’m not doing it to be nice or anything, it’s really for pure egotistical reasons, to stop feeling so bad about her.
It hurts, and I don’t even know her name.
⁂
It’s not my first Christmas at Hogwarts. Ever since Corazon took me in, we’ve always spent Christmas in the castle, with the blessing of Newgate. I’ve always helped the old Herbology teacher cleaning around the trees, and each and every year I witness Shanks pull some childish trick on Buggy, most often with the help of one of the Newgate Boys.
But there’s something different this time. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
Maybe it’s the snow, which fell later than usual. Ace and Sabo were already gone — thank Merlin, or else they would most definitely have started an all-out snowball brawl.
Or maybe it’s my Slytherin robes. Right, I’m a big guy now ! I deserve to proudly strut in the near empty Great Hall.
No, there’s something weird, always in the back of my mind, but I can’t grasp it. Am I being observed again ?
No, it’s not the same sensation than in the Library a few days ago.
Marco is staying here for Christmas, obviously.
I don’t think I like him. I mean, he was okay while we were growing up in Hogsmeade, I guess. A lot less disagreeable than the rest of his adoptive siblings.
But he’s a Gryffindor now, and he must have spent some time with my two gremlins in their Common Room.
He’s usually surrounded by a flock of Lost Boys, but surprisingly, he’s reading alone right now. It could be my only chance to try and chat with him.
Wait, no.
Trafalgar Law, are you actually actively trying to be sociable ? What is wrong with me ? It’s literally the second time in only a week. I need to calm down. I might have a fever — wouldn’t be the first time, winter has never been my friend.
I don’t get it. Everything is going on as usual, minus the fact that I’m now an actual student and not just some lost kid hiding behind the librarian’s robes.
Maybe I should go check on Corazon. I’m pretty sure I’m simply developing a spider sense, and it’s tingling because he’s about to do something stupid. And wherever he is, I also have to ask about the Ravenclaw girl. I haven’t seen her since I dropped my sweets under her book — did she even find them ?
He’ll know : nothing goes past him in the Library.
⁂
I sometimes really wish I had a magical map of this stupid place, with a huge shining dot always showing me where Corazon is at all times. Because it literally took me around an hour to find him in this god-forsaken castle.
He wasn’t in the Library, or in his apartments. In the end, I had to go knock on Shanks’ door to ask for his help, because I had no idea, and my newfound spider senses kept tingling.
And guess what ?
Cora was simply reading something over a cup of tea in the damn kitchens. Shanks kept laughing and calling me a mother hen — I’ll never hear the end of this nickname, because this idiot is the Head of Ace and Sabo’s House, and apparently they know him personally as well ? Bloody hell.
« Hey, Corazon. You know, there’s always this Ravenclaw girl reading in the jam corner, right ? »
He absentmindedly nods. He’s not listening at all, but sipping his tea as if I wasn’t even there. Talk about a father figure.
I can’t help but roll my eyes as he sets fire to his hat when he tries to light his cigarette. The closest house elf hands me a bucket of water, as usual, and I dump it on the tall idiot.
He freezes in place and finally looks up to me, teeth chattering.
« Serves you right. Now, about the Ravenclaw girl.
— Wait, wait, a girl, what girl ? » he gasps. « Law, aren’t you a bit young for that ? Oh, no no no, I’m not ready for that conversation yet ! Go find someone else !
— Eww ! » I shriek. « It’s not what you think, you bloody idiot ! I just— I left her some sweets, and I wanted to know if she found them. You’ve probably seen it, right ? »
Cora’s eyes widen.
He stands up on the bloody table.
« Ha ! Hahaha, you gave her sweets, didn’t you ! And it’s not what I think, right ? Ha ha ! » he cackles childishly.
« See, this is exactly why you were never meant to be a dad. I mean, sure, you’re definitely embarrassing enough, but Merlin’s beard, how old are you ?!
— Aww, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, little one… » he grins while sitting down again.
I shake my head in disbelief. I can’t believe I’m the eleven year old in this room.
But Corazon quickly becomes serious again, as he notices I’m not smiling at all. Thank Merlin he can be a responsible adult from time to time.
« She’s always reading in the jam corner. Long black hair, blue eyes ?
— Oh… This Ravenclaw girl, right… » he grimaces. « Poor girl. Her mother was lost at sea a few years ago… »
He pauses, his face suddenly turning grim. Wait, but why ? I understand that the girl’s backstory isn’t the happiest, but why does Corazon look like… he’s reminiscing about a lost friend ?
« Anyway, the girl’s name is Robin. » he finally sighs. « And from what I’ve heard, and seen, her life isn’t… well, it doesn’t look good. »
He fondly smiles, even if it’s still tinted by a dark sadness I can’t explain.
« It was very nice of you to give her your sweets, Law.
— I didn’t do it to be congratulated !
— I know, I know ! But no doubt she appreciated the gesture, and you know what ? She could use some friends. »
And he doesn’t even wink or make it uncomfortable. He means it, in the purest way.
I think he’s right, too.
⁂
I spent Christmas Eve in Corazon’s private apartments. Technically, since I still have a room here, they’re my private apartments too. There’s nothing against it in the school’s Rules, and Corazon would never ever kick me out.
Ah, I never thought about it this way. He he, wait ‘till I boast about it to the two little idiots from Gryffindor.
Alright, they got me a gift, so they’re sweet little idiots I guess.
I hope they won’t mind getting only one gift for two — hey, they’re pretty much Siamese twins anyway, right ? And it’s unfair, there’s two of them and only one of me.
I wonder what they got me. I know Corazon probably knitted me something ridiculous as always, and I’ll wear it proudly for the rest of winter.
Ah… the familiar room and bed have an unexpected soothing effect. Maybe it’s because the sleepwalking fucker is nowhere to be seen. And my other, creepy roommate either.
Or maybe it’s because all my posters, favourite books, precious trinkets, and cat cuddly toys are here, instead of my dorm. It feels like a cocoon. Nothing green around — Corazon loves his pinks, oranges and reds too much.
And there’s also his reassuring presence. He’s only two doorknobs away from me, definitely snoring behind his silencing spell. It feels like home.
⁂
I rarely fall asleep this quickly. And now that I’m awake, I can’t stop fidgeting.
Is it too early to open the gifts ?
I quietly tip-toe my way to the living room, where Corazon has set up a small Christmas tree. We only decorated it last night, because we both had forgotten about it.
I light up the fireplace with a quick Incendio, which works on the first try, before settling on the couch.
Doffy’s gifts arrived during the night, I see. He’ll probably want to talk to us from the fireplace now that I think about it. He does that every year, and then we usually see each others in person during summer.
It’s the first time in forever a Christmas morning sees me this excited.
Cora won’t mind if I open the gifts now, surely ? He’ll take hours before waking up anyway, he shouldn’t expect me to wait this long.
I start with Ace and Sabo’s haphazardly wrapped gift — at least I know it’s definitely from them. They went out of their way to secretly hand it out to Cora at some point during December, and I had no idea until Ace accidentally blurted something about it.
Anyway, it’s rectangular, and heavy. I’d say it’s a book ? It’s a book.
So they got me a book. It’s a good start.
Except… really, guys ?
It’s a book about Quidditch. Why do I feel like I’m being sent signals ? Quidditch through the ages, as if I cared !
I’ll read it anyway, but the little imps better not hope to see me cheering in the terraces during a match anytime soon.
I smile and shake my head. Well, at least now I’ll understand all their sports gabbling. Once I made it clear that I wasn’t interested, they stopped talking about it with me around. Most of the time. But this certainly gives them an excuse to start talking about Quidditch again.
Oh well, I might enjoy reading it, who knows ? Not to mention Uncle Doffy sure would be delighted to see me getting interested in the sport — he’s tried for years to get me into it, since he’s the owner of a decent team himself.
But being tossed around by Diamante while flying ten meters above the ground was, unexpectedly, never my thing. I’m even surprised Doffy didn’t get me a broomstick, actually. Because from the looks of it, bless Merlin, it looks like a book too ! But Corazon comes first.
As expected; he knitted me the ugliest hat I’ve ever seen.
I put in on nevertheless. I owe him that. It’s bright pink, disgustingly fluffy, not that greatly knitted, with heart shaped dangling things on each side of my face — but it’s coming from Corazon, and I know it must have taken him a couple painful weeks of poking himself with the knitting needles. Not wearing it would be like spitting on his face.
Now Doffy — Doffy gifted me a broomstick servicing kit.
I knew I shouldn’t have set my hopes too high. Oh well, I don’t know when Ace or Sabo’s birthdays are, but this kit will definitely come in handy.
How is it that whatever I’m doing, I always end up thinking about those two ? It’s like a weird background noise, always creeping at the edges of my mind — ooooh, the tingles.
I get it now. The tingling — it’s not about Cora, it’s about them.
So either I’m missing them, or they’re about to get in trouble, wherever they are right now.
Knowing them, I’d say it’s a bit of both. There’s no way they’re not getting in any trouble before coming back.
⁂
Right as I’m about to not enter the Great Hall, but go straight to the Library, I spot her.
Alright.
Trafalgar Law, you got this. No turning back.
She’s hunched over her plate, and doesn’t notice me at all when I sit beside her. I gently wave in front of her, she flinches, almost drops her fork and chokes on her scrambled eggs.
« Heyyyy… » I tentatively start.
She’s frozen in place, her wide eyes glued on me. Aw come on, Law, you can do better !
« So, uh, I noticed you liked the Library ? »
I can’t do better.
She slowly puts her fork down, her eyes not leaving my face; just as I start to feel uncomfortable, she finally speaks.
She has a quiet voice, is the first thing I notice about Nico Robin.
« Thank you for the sweets…
— Oh, so you’ve found them — wait, how did you know it was me ?! »
She smiles warmly, and it brightens her whole face.
« Well, you just confirmed it.
— Right. Smart move. »
She laughs quietly, as if she didn’t want to be heard.
« So… what’s going on with your hat ? » she then shyly asks just before the silence could become uncomfortable.
« Oh. Oh right, I actually forgot I had it on. Please… just, ignore it ? My d—eeeh, Corazon knitted this for me. »
She squints and visibly ponders over what I said — but ends up looking a bit confused.
« I… I heard Professor Aokiji call the Librarian “Corazon”, is he…?
— Yes, my legal tutor, the blonde as tall as a bloody giant, is the Librarian — even though he literally is the last person you’d want around flammable objects. »
And she finally laughs for real this time. She loosened up. A huge victory.
We chat peacefully about this and that for a while. I have to admit it went better than I thought it would.
I ask her about her favourite books, we both fangirl over A History of Hogwarts, and I very carefully avoid the subject of her family. It turns out we actually have a lot in common, so I leave her with a promise to bring my copy of Curses and Counter-curses next time we meet each other at the Library.
See ? Wasn’t that hard. I nailed it. I can be perfectly sociable on my own.
⁂
Damn that Potions assignment. Who gives papers to write during Christmas break ? I’ll tell you who, heartless pricks like Dracule Mihawk.
Well, I may have forgotten about it. But it’s still a heartless thing to do to eleven year old students.
I yawn. I have to finish this for tomorrow. Or today. There’s also a great chance that Forgetfulness potion will be the subject of the First Year examination in June. I really need to do this now.
A door quietly wakes me up. I wasn’t sleeping though, I swear. Only giving my eyes a break. It’s probably one of my roommates anyway — that blond sleepwalking muppet, surely.
Someone crosses the Common Room. They’re coming from the boy’s dorms. By the way they’re tip-toeing, they’re up to no good. No sleepwalking, then.
I keep my eyes partially open, and my breath even. I need to look like I’m sleeping — now is not the time to get in some older year’s way.
Because it’s definitely not one of my roommates.
And when they slowly walk in front of me on their way towards the entrance, I bite my cheeks.
It’s him. The kid Sabo and Ace have been obsessing about since Halloween !
I can’t believe it. And the two idiots had all but forgotten about him since early December. Are you kidding me ?
I can’t tell them. They would only make a fuss about it. I shouldn’t feed their delusion.
⁂
I managed to finish the paper in time.
Days have passed, and I still don’t think re-igniting the two Gryffindor’s fantasies about the damn Slytherin kid is a good idea.
But I keep thinking about it though. What if they were right ? What if there actually was something dodgy about this guy ?
No, I’ve been seeing them less and less these days, I’m not going to waste our time with their useless spying.
But then… we’re not doing anything exciting either.
We mostly just chat, or complain about assignments, or try to come up with prank ideas we’ll never pull.
The snow has been slowly melting these days, but we managed to have one last snowball fight today.
I’m exhausted, lying in the schoolyard. The two pests ganged up on me !
Sabo’s still laughing over there. A group of muggleborns are playing a weird ball game somewhere behind him, keeping the yard busy and loud.
Ace then drops down next to me, out of breath — serves you right.
He suddenly asks why I speak like “that”. Like what ? I have a normal speech pattern.
« No, but, you know, the “ya” you add to everyone’s name.
— Oh. I don’t know. It’s a thing my parents, and the people in my village, did. »
Sabo joins us on the floor, and we’re all going to regret it later. My back is slowly freezing, and my robes are irredeemably wet.
« Really ? But Mr Donquixote speaks normally though. Maybe it’s because he lives in Hogwarts now ?
—… You do realise that Corazon is not my actual dad, do you ? » And it hurts to say it.
They look absolutely confused.
« He’s a ten feet tall, blonde Pureblood, from Marijois. » I gesture to myself, frowning. « I mean, it’s pretty obvious. »
Ace then awkwardly smiles, running a hand through his hair :
« I just assumed you took it all from your mum.
— But that they probably divorced and he managed to keep you because he’s the coolest dad ever ? » quickly adds Sabo. I roll my eyes, but smile nevertheless. They’re idiots, but good-meaning ones. And Corazon really is a nice… dad. Not that I would ever tell him that.
They’re giving each other worried looks though. What now ? What did I say ? Or did they notice an angry griffin behind me ?
« So, uuuh… He, like, adopted you ?
— Yes, how very observant of you. »
Ace squints and glances at his sidekick — clearly, there’s something about this topic that’s upsetting them. I know they’re probably curious. They’re the definition of curious. But I’ve made sure to never broach that specific subject, and hopefully they understood the signs. Right ?
« What happened to your parents ? » candidly asks the blond one.
Hey, I thought I was sending clear signals here, why aren’t they getting it ?
« … It’s none of your business. »
Ace frowns, and crosses his arms. Oooh, he’s about to do it. He’s looking indignant, and it’s coming for me.
I don’t even wait for it to start, and immediately stand up and grab my bag.
« And where are you going now ?
— Away from you for the time being. Let me know when you’re done throwing a wobbly. »
Sabo gasps, and Ace really looks like he’s about to implode. He’ll breathe fire all day.
I do that to people.
But then again, it really is none of their business.
⁂
Yesterday was a weird day.
I didn’t get to speak with the two gremlins at all — and would you look at that, that’s my definition of a weird day now, I’m really fucking losing it.
I mean, I get it. They’ve made some friends in their House, and it’s only normal to spend time with them.
I get it, really.
It has nothing to do with me accidentally pouring the whole cauldron of Forgetfulness potion on Ace earlier today. I only tripped, and he was just… standing there, looking dumb as usual.
Deserved.
The school’s Head Nurse, Monsieur Crocus, will get him back in form in no time anyway. The bloody idiot won’t even remember a thing — there’s nothing to remember, it was an accident.
Yet here I am, pacing in front of the Hospital Wing, trying not to look too worried. I skipped Charms. If that bloody caretaker finds me here, I’ll get a detention.
« What happened ?! »
Well, Sabo skipped their class too, apparently.
I shrug, and pointedly look the other way.
« Hey, you’re looking all weird today… something’s up ?
— I’m fine. » I hiss. Sabo steps back.
Thank Merlin he’s the smartest of the two. He gets the memo and stays quiet while we wait.
I feel kind of bad. Or terrible. Bit of both. Mostly terrible.
⁂
He was asking for it. I only politely obliged.
Besides, that stupid hairdo needed some fresh h-air.
I’m a terrible human being. And Ace didn’t fail to notice it, since he’s yelling at me from the other end of the Great Hall. Nice. Well, at least now we both have a reason to avoid each other, I guess : he hates me and I hate myself.
It’s been a rough week.
I shouldn’t have acted as I did, but, it’s been a rough week. Corazon is still bedridden. And the two muppets are still on a stupid crusade against that “shady” Slytherin boy.
I’m probably the next one on their list, because they really don’t know when to stop sticking their noses in people’s business, and I’ve probably sparked their interest now. They haven’t mentioned it anymore, at least to my face, but I know they’ve been thinking about that weird night in the hallway.
In short, I really didn’t need Portgas D. fucking Ace trying to force awkward friendships down my throat today.
I know exactly where to run and hide from the commotion — because yes, on top of that I’m a coward.
No one will find me here. Well, Corazon might.
I’m hiding in a deserted hallway, perched on the dusty windowsill of a huge window. The first time I hid up there, Corazon only took about an hour to find me. And I’m pretty sure he took so long only to give me some space.
« Hey, Trafalgar… You okay ? »
I look up, and sigh. Really ?
« You’re the last person I want to talk to right now. » I mumble, hiding my face in my knees.
« Ace can be a bit… harsh with his words, but-
— And you’re also the last person I wanna hear advice from on dealing with Ace ! »
Marco raises his hands in defence. Or defeat. He only smiles and bemusedly snorts.
Before sitting right beside me.
The audacity.
He’s sitting in my self-loathing corner, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I’m really tempted to hex him, again, but maybe with something worse than a Crinus Muto this time.
As I’m going through all the hexes and curses I know, he opens up again :
« I thought it was funny. And I did ask for it. » He calmly smiles at me, without a single hint of sarcasm.
I shrug, and sniffle miserably.
« He’s a bit on the edge right now. Even Sabo’s been treading carefully.
— Yes, well, I’m probably the cause. »
He looks at me expectantly. Oh, and to hell with it. I might as well reveal my darkest secrets now that I’m at it.
« I’ve been nothing but an arsehole to him ever since the end of Christmas break. »
Damn my shaky voice. I really sound like the eleven year old that I am.
But Marco patiently listens, and for that, he deserves my respect. Maybe one day we’ll even get along, who knows.
⁂
During Potions, Ace and Sabo asked me if I wanted to eat with them tonight — they never bothered to ask before. That probably caught me off-guard, and is the reason why I instantly replied « No » without even thinking about it.
So when they asked why, my empty brain could only stutter that I promised my friends from Hufflepuff to spend some time with them.
I’ve never wanted to facepalm myself so hard before. Or ever.
I was never good at lying, how did I get myself into this mess so easily ?
« Hey… » I awkwardly croak as I sit next to the two Hufflepuffs boys. I’ve shared a couple Herbology lessons with them, but I never bothered to ask their names.
No one at their table makes a move to kick me out, although a few inquisitive stares are thrown in my direction. I take a few calming breaths.
The two boys still haven’t uttered a single word and are looking at me, their mouths agape.
« Err… Oh wow, mashed potatoes ! » I try to sound casually excited. But who the fuck gets excited for mashed potatoe… Ace. Ace does.
I surrender, and let my head drop low, pinching the bridge of my nose hard enough to fight back the tears. I’m just humiliating myself.
« Hell yeah, look at that, mashed potatoes ! »
The red-haired boy waves his fork in the air with a mad grin. His friend shyly smiles and presents me a plate full of sausages.
Oh. I don’t deserve them.
⁂
Shachi and Penguin are actually surprisingly nice to hang out with. I can’t believe it took me so long to figure it out.
They’re mostly quiet, and very Irish. We love reading and talking about the same things — Potions, fantastic beasts, Merlin… They talk a lot about muggle stuff too, which I know nothing about, but I can always nod and take mental notes.
They’re a breath of fresh air.
Robin as well. We mostly meet in the Library, and we never talk that much, but it always feels nice. Recently we’ve been chatting about enchanted objects, and how it opens up infinite possibilities. Think about it, a walking leash for your daily dog walk.
Alright, maybe it’s not the best idea we came up with. I am keeping it in the back of my mind though, should the need to put a leash on some troublemakers arise.
Speaking of which, I haven’t gotten into trouble a single time since I started hanging out with the Hufflepuff boys.
I also haven’t argued, or even gotten into a sassy quips tournament once.
It feels… peaceful. Yes, peaceful. Not boring. Spending time in the Library and studying is never boring.
Am I actually regretting the two imps and their fast-paced friendship ? It’s not like we’re not friends anymore. I can still spend time with them, should I ever want to. Do I want to ?
Do they want to ? They’ve made more friends now. I was only interesting for a while — I get it, really I do. They moved on to other toys — the Newgate boys, for starters.
I’m not jealous or anything.
(Fuck the Newgate Boys)
At least I’m still paired up with Ace in Potions. He’s acting as if everything was normal. I’m acting as if he was made out of porcelain — maybe he is, with how easily he can get offended.
⁂
Shachi and Penguin are slowly but surely educating me on muggle stuff.
I mean, it’s not like I have any choice, since they’re always saying obscure things that don’t make any sense.
Just the other day, they spent a good hour talking about fantastical beasts I had never heard of, and when I finally decided to ask, they said they were “pokemons”. I still have no idea what these are, and where to find them. Corazon was very confused when I asked him about it — he couldn’t find a single book mentioning them.
While looking over my shoulder to check on my essay, Shachi then drops a « Sweet Yoda » — okay, is this one Irish, or muggle ?
They keep saying such weird things, I should start taking Irish classes. That’s what Newgate should have offered, instead of French lessons (why would anyone want to learn french anyway).
I let Shachi get a closer look while asking about his newest variation of “sweet Merlin”.
« What ? You’re all always talking about Merlin this, and Merlin that !
— But who’s “Yoda” ? » I frown.
« He’s the greatest Jedi ever ! » loudly exclaims Shachi, looking about ready to jump on the table. An group of older students loudly shush him up.
« … What’s a Jedi ? » I whisper.
« Dia ár sábháil — you’re beyond redemption. »
I pinch my lips, not amused.
« Well, you could also explain, instead of cussing at me.
— Hey ! » says Shachi. « That wasn’t cussing ! I would never !
— Yeah, his mum would have his skin. » cackles Penguin. « How come your mum lets you go away with such a foul mouth anyway ? » he then asks with a cheeky grin, pointing at me.
I hesitate.
It makes Penguin’s grin drop from his face; Shachi straightens himself a bit, gives an awkward cough — then points at my essay without giving the tension a chance to thicken :
« So what did you mean by “interesting results when combined with aconite” ? I’m all for copying your work, thank you by the way, but I’d like to understand what the feck I’m copying. »
Penguin giggles at that.
I let a heavy sigh out I didn’t even notice I had been holding.
Yeah, they’re nice to hang out with.
⁂
We’ve drifted away in the last couple months. We barely even speak anymore. I spend most of my time with my two “Padawans” — whatever a “padawan” is. We’ve been having a great time; I think we’re even friends.
But as much as it pains me to admit it, I miss them. The other two. The troublemakers. The Stupidors.
I miss them a lot actually. It ebbs and flows. Most of the time, I don’t even notice I miss them. I’m fine, I have plenty of things to do and worry about — like finals for example. Then I remember I care about them, and their absence hurts.
It ebbs and flows, but never really goes away.
I miss them but don’t know how to make things go back to the way they were.
« You can’t — that’s the thing. Things happened, and there’s nothing you can do about it. » quietly sighs Robin.
She’s a great listener. I told her about what happened with Marco, and Ace — it seems to have been the last straw on our tumultuous relationship’s back. But I also told her about everything else; the Forgetfulness Potion incident, all the spying on a weird but probably innocent Slytherin, the insomnia, Ace’s nosiness about every little thing… What I had to keep secret, I vaguely alluded to. But since that one night, when they found me crying in the hallway, I know Ace has been talking about monsters in the Forbidden Forest, and how Teach might even be one of them.
His instinct is a scary thing — although it’s a wee bit off beam here.
« You can, however, go and talk it out with them. Heart to heart. Like you just did with me — it’s not that hard. » she gently smiles and cocks her head to the side.
Hm… I guess I could write them an apology, and pray they forgive me for being an arse.
Even though they definitely share part of the blame, they look perfectly okay without me — I’m the only one in pain here. Which means it’s on me to make the first step.
I can do it. I can write the perfect apology letter.
⁂
The first Year Exams are finally over. I’m pretty sure I aced all of them — speaking of the devil, the Freckled Menace and his blond brother are excitedly chatting a few meters away from me, paying no attention to the rest of the world.
I quietly sneak up on them.
« Hey, you know the pineapple we had to make dance across the desk ? Really reminded me of Marco. I was biting my cheeks the whole time — I don’t think Aokiji would have liked me making fun of his exam. »
They give each other a confused look — but the image suddenly hits them.
Ace bursts out laughing, so much he has to sit on the floor, holding his belly with teary eyes. Sabo’s openly cackling too, and locks his arm around my shoulder.
I smugly smile. Marco does look like a pineapple, they can’t deny it.
Would you look at that, though ? My first year is over, Sabo and Ace don’t actually hate me, and we’ll even part on good terms. Shachi and Penguin are great. Nico Robin too, surprisingly. Summer’s looking great, for a change. I might even send some postcards — can you believe it ? I can’t believe it.
⁂
Something happened. Or is being prepared.
Corazon doesn’t want to tell me, but I can tell by the way everyone looks extra tensed. And also because he spent the last three days at Hogwarts, leaving me alone in our cottage — he never does that. It has to be the first time in years.
But if he doesn’t want to talk about it, well, we live near Hogsmeade anyway. I can just drop by Shakky’s Bar and ask her.
Which is exactly what I’m doing. I feel weird in my plain clothes, but I still walk with what I hope is confidence. I’ve seen uncle Doffy do it, surely it can’t be that hard.
I miss my Slytherin uniform. I’m pretty sure I only look like an awkward goose, and not a flamboyant flamingo at all.
It’s a rather short walk to the village, but the summer heat makes it uncomfortable. My hair’s definitely getting all sweaty under Corazon’s knitted hat — there’s gotta be a spell for that. I can’t stop wearing it during warmer days simply because it’s made of wool. It’s annoying enough that I can’t wear it in lieu of Hogwarts pointy hats during class !
Shakky’s bar is empty, save for her plastered husband snoring on the counter. And Shakky herself of course, casually wiping a mug behind said counter.
« Law, now that’s a surprise. Are you actually allowed to be here ?
— You have milk, right ? Then I’m allowed in here. »
She laughs and reaches for my cheek, slightly pinching it.
« You know exactly what I meant, little one. Does your Dad know you’re here ? »
I pout and climb with difficulty on a bar stool right next to the sleeping drunkard.
He was supposed to teach us flying this year, but never came to the first lesson — Shanks had to substitute for him at the last second. And during the next lesson, he fell asleep in the broomshed.
I pointedly stick out my tongue towards him, and then answer the ever giggling Shakky.
« Well, what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Besides, he spent the last three days at Hogwarts, because of you-know-what, so I don’t think he cares. »
She shakes her head.
« Little one, Corazon cares more than you might think. »
I pout.
« And nice try, but I’m not telling you anything about you-know-what. » She playfully winks, and gives me a glass of milk.
Damn it.
« Don’t you think I deserve to know ? I’m actually studying there now, which means I’m automatically involved. » I protest.
She shakes her head and grabs another glass to wipe, smiling as always.
Mission failed. I’ll get them next time.
⁂
A black owl is waiting on the porch when I come back home. I don’t think I’ve seen it before — it extends a talon towards me, a postcard poorly attached to it.
« There’s water and food in the owlery over there. » I point the small circular structure down in the garden. I don’t know why wizard’s owls are so smart, but they seem to always understand what we say to them. This one makes no exception, and takes off to the promised refreshments as soon as I grab the card.
It’s surprisingly not addressed to Cora. Someone wrote me — very messily.
A smile slowly creeps up my face. I make myself comfortable on the swing-seat uncle Doffy gifted us last year.
Ace and Sabo are spending a hellish summer. Their infamous grandfather — may I never cross his path — took them on a boat to travel the world and train them, whatever that means. Probably not spell casting, because they’re not allowed to.
They’re sorry to send a muggle postcard, but it was all they could find where they’re currently anchored. Ace also asks if I could take care of Spade — I suppose it’s the black owl — for the rest of summer since he hates being on the boat. I can understand that. I can always send Corazon’s owl to answer them.
They then mention a “Luffy” who is apparently eager to meet me, and boy oh boy, does that sound ominous. The postcard ends with some rambling about having to look for a lost kid or something.
Do I answer them ? Do I even have anything to say ? Let’s be real, I don’t. Nothing is happening, and I’m just reading next year’s books over and over.
⁂
Dear Freckles&Sabo
You have no idea how much fun I’m having.
Spade likes it here.
Please don’t drown. But thank you for the muggle card, Corazon insisted to stick it to the fridge and it looks ridiculous. He also forced me to answer you, in case you’re wondering, because I had no intention to. It’s not like we’re friends or anything, right ?
Buggy is growing gigantic eggplants for some reason, next to the pumpkins.
My uncle came by and gave me a broomstick I have no use for. I’m still better than Corazon at flying though — I sometimes don’t understand how he stayed alive for so long, with how clumsy he is.
Don’t. Ask me to play Quidditch with you, I won’t.
Also, no school trip for us next year sadly. Something unexpected came up. Cora says they’ll make it up to us with a bigger trip in third year. Please don’t send another stupid postcard to ask me what happened, we’ll talk about it when school starts again (I don’t have any actual information).
I think it looks long enough — Corazon kept bothering me to keep writing. I’ll end it here. Thanks again for your card, enjoy the rest of summer and please don’t drown. I believe I already asked that, but I can never be too cautious with you two idiots.
Can you even swim ?
Trafalgar Law