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Chapter Text

Beck furrowed his brows and tilted his head slightly. The dim light from the floating candles cast flickering shadows on the stone walls of Rayleigh’s office, where ancient books and peculiar artifacts cluttered the shelves. “You want me to investigate a…kid?” He leaned back, fingers laced in his lap, wand stuck between them.
The other man nodded once, making his glasses flash. “Yes. I have some doubts about her. Nothing nefarious, mind you, but nothing about her adds up. Her name matches with some records I found, but not much else.”
Beck's lips pressed into a thin line. “Sir, with all due respect, it might not be the best idea for me to follow her around school.” His gaze shifted to the painting above, where a man with black hair, a large mustache, and a robe of gold and red observed him with a stern yet jovial expression.
The man behind the desk closed his eyes briefly, then stood up. His purple cloak provided a striking contrast to the man above him, despite their similar air of authority. “You could use a cover story, if it would help. Be here as a guest for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Be available to help the OWL and NEWT students.”
Beck felt a heaviness settle in his chest. “As much as I don’t mind, Headmaster Rayleigh, are you sure that’s a good idea?” he asked, trying not to grimace.
Rayleigh laughed. “Yes, it will be fine. Professor Shanks can stay professional when he wants to. And you would be in a unique position to help the students who would like to hear more about what it’s like to be an auror now instead of previously.”
Beck nodded slowly. “You have a point…” He paused. “I’ll talk to Shanks about that, see what he thinks.”
Rayleigh grinned. “You know he’ll be fine with it.”
Beck cocked an eyebrow. “I know, but I also need him to understand I’m here because I was hired, not to watch him work.” Not that he would mind, seeing as Shanks was a natural teacher. The man had a way with kids and was a showoff with his wand work, even if he had to relearn some movements.
Rayleigh shook his head, still grinning. “He’ll get the message, Beck. I suggest you get yourself settled however. The first years will be arriving soon. Whichever house Bonney gets sorted into, I will make sure you are nearby during her classes. You’ll be given various tasks, mainly helping the other teachers, so it shouldn’t arouse any suspicion from her or the other students.”
A small smile tugged at Beck's lips. “Anything specific I should look for?” He thought of the teachers he had met through Shanks over the years, imagining their welcoming faces and the likely appreciation for his assistance.
Rayleigh paused, then shook his head. “Just anything that would make her stand out among the students. I’ve already told Franky that you have permission to roam the castle at night, just in case you would need to.” He glanced up at the painting above him. “Headmaster Roger will let you know if I need you, or if I hear anything. Similarly, you are to send messages through him if you can. The password for the statue below is ‘Dark King’ if you need to come to my office.” He inclined his head, glasses flashing, and made up the stairs to the right. “I’ll be down in a few moments with the Sorting Hat. Go ahead and talk to Shanks if you have time, then wait for me to introduce you to the students.”
“Yes sir,” Beck responded, making for the door immediately. He frowned as the door clicked shut behind him. Rayleigh’s instructions were as vague as ever, leaving him to piece together the puzzle on his own. He descended the spiral staircase, mulling over the peculiar task at hand. He almost wanted to go back up and ask Rayleigh for more information.
Not likely, as Rayleigh was the type of man who gave out half of what was necessary at the best of times. He did have an uncanny ability to see if there was trouble however, so if he wasn’t worried, then Beck wouldn’t be.
Beck stepped out into the hallway and paused, wondering if he should ask the ghosts for help.
“Beck!” a man called out, making him jump slightly. He hadn’t realized he’d been caught up in thoughts so much to miss the sharp footsteps against the marble flooring.
Beck’s eyes narrowed as the red-headed man hurried towards him. “Shanks, I thought you were in the Great Hall already,” he said, only a little surprised that Shanks hadn’t waited at the teachers' table.
Shanks gave him a sheepish smile. “You and Headmaster Rayleigh hadn’t arrived yet, so I offered to come get you.” He grabbed Beck’s hand and pulled him down, landing a peck on his cheek. “So did Rayleigh give you your job yet?”
Beck smiled softly and kissed Shanks on the forehead. “Yes. There’s a first year he wants me to watch.” A first year who he only knew the name of, but nothing else. Beck mentally grumbled at that again, but pushed the thoughts away.
Shanks frowned. “A first year?”
Beck shrugged. “He didn’t give me a lot to work with. Just that there’s something odd about her.” He turned as a grating sound caught his attention; it was the spiral staircase moving down.
Rayleigh stepped out a moment later, the Sorting Hat tucked under his arm. “The first years should be arriving any moment now. Let’s make sure we’re there before Professor Yasopp gets impatient.”
Beck chuckled as they walked. “He’s always impatient.”
Shanks snorted. “More like always looking for a way to move through anything he considers boring.” Beck couldn’t disagree with that. The former quidditch player still kept up his habit of speed, an instinct from years as a seeker.
Beck’s attention drifted as Shanks chatted with Rayleigh. His eyes roamed the paintings on the wall, exchanging a nod with Edward Newgate, the only giant ever hired as a teacher at Hogwarts. He then met the intense gaze of Marco Phoenix, the famed alchemist rumored to have discovered immortality through a philosopher's stone, though Beck remained skeptical. Marco cocked an eyebrow at him, but said nothing.
Many of the others were familiar from his time here, though he couldn’t remember all the names he had known. Their shoes tapping sharply against the floors, it didn’t take long to reach the corridor behind the Great Hall.
Shanks followed Rayleigh through the side door and disappeared while Beck stood just outside. The chatter of students drifted through and he waited patiently as Rayleigh welcomed the students. Beck eyed the floating candles, the stormy sky above, took notice of a few cats roaming the spaces between the tables, and sighed as he spotted someone carrying a snake around their shoulders.
Various ghosts floated over the students, some sitting among them. He recognized most of them, or at the very least, he knew the house ghosts.
A few moments later, the doors to the Great Hall opened and a crowd of first years walked in, led by Professor Yasopp; As usual, he wore his yellow-gold cloak, though this year his hair had been styled in dreadlocks.
Beck’s eyes flicked over the new students, but only one stood out. A boy with curly hair styled in an afro, a headband keeping it out of his eyes. Beck gave a quiet snort. So Usopp got his letter this year. He glanced around nervously, his eyes darting around each of the four tables; probably wondering if he’d be Hufflepuff like his dad or sorted elsewhere, Beck mused.
He waited as each kid was sorted, chuckling softly when Usopp was sent to Gryffindor. Yasopp still clapped along with everyone else, but Beck thought he seemed a little down that his son wasn’t in his father's house. When Bonney was mentioned though, Beck narrowed his eyes and watched her, twirling his wand slowly in one hand.
Small, with pink hair and…was that a piercing in her cheek? Her clothes seemed big on her, but then again, that was true with most first years. She looked scared, but Beck couldn’t help but smile when she went to Gryffindor’s table and saw the black-haired boy there greet her enthusiastically.
Beck shook his head, still smiling, as he watched Luffy introduce her to a few of the surrounding people. The kid could make friends with the stubbornest people. When Rayleigh held his hands up though, the entire room went quiet. Even now, Beck was still impressed at the quick respect this man got from the students.
“First off, I’m happy to see our new first years settle into their houses so quickly,” he said, his glasses flashing in the light of the floating candles. “And second, we have a change in staff this year.”
Muttering broke out from the students as Rayleigh waved for Beck. He stepped out and stood next to the table. Normally he didn’t mind being stared at, but it was never by this many people. He could also feel the surprise from most of the teachers behind him.
Had Rayleigh not mentioned he would be here this year?
“This is Senior Auror Beckman, who will be helping out with Defense Against the Dark Arts this year,” Rayleigh continued. “He’ll be open to answering questions from the fifth and seventh years wanting to pursue a career as an Auror.”
Beck sat down at the end of the table, giving a nod to Professor Roux next to him. The larger man grinned, then turned back to the headmaster. Beck's mind wandered as the clatter of cutlery and murmur of conversations signaled the start of the welcoming feast.
Beck chatted with Roux, and sometimes Hongo on Roux’s other side, while discreetly watching Bonney. He barely paid attention to the spread in front of him; the house-elves had obviously been working hard for the first feast as usual.
Aside from being timid, which was expected of a first year, she didn’t seem much different from the other first years. The piercing was odd, but not the strangest thing here. He knew there was a sixth year who had sharpened teeth from trying to become an animagus and failing, and there was a fourth year with a prosthetic arm; Beck could see him sitting among the Slytherins with a blond kid wearing a mask. There were other students that were just as strange, scattered throughout the houses.
Most were due to accidents from potions or spell experiments, though he knew some were because the kid had no sense.
He waited until the feast was over, then joined the teachers not heading a house. He watched Shanks lead the Gryffindor’s to their tower, Hongo leading the Ravenclaw’s to theirs, Yasopp leading the Hufflepuff’s to the dungeons, and Rockstar taking the Slytherin’s to a different section of the dungeons.
The rest of the teachers split off almost immediately, each heading for their classrooms or their chambers.
Rayleigh fell into step as Beck walked through the corridors. “I saw you watching Bonney.”
Beck glanced at him. “I’m curious about the piercing, but I saw nothing abnormal just from there.”
Rayleigh glanced back. “It’s a fake. Gab asked her on the way over the lake. She said it’s stuck on with a spell.” He chuckled. “He offered to remove it for her, but she refused.”
Beck hummed. “What are her classes? I can try to follow her tomorrow, though I know the fifth and seventh years will be interested in talking to me.”
Rayleigh handed him a piece of parchment, tapping it with his wand briefly. “If anything changes, this will let you know.” He stepped into a hallway leading back to the Headmaster’s tower.
Back watched him for a moment, then made his way towards the teachers' lounge. He knew Shanks would find him there sooner or later.
It wasn’t even fifteen minutes when Shanks appeared, grinning. “The first years are interesting. And Luffy’s already made friends with one of the girls. Bonney Jewelry? The one with the ring on her cheek.”
Beck couldn’t help but grin at Shanks’ enthusiasm. “Glad this year is already off to a better start.”
Shanks’ grin slipped. “Not much that could’ve been worse than being scratched by a hippogriff, Beck.”
Beck sighed and nodded once. “Bonney’s the kid I’m supposed to watch. Might ask Luffy about her some time.” The kid was bound to get overly excited about his new friend within the next few days. Beck shook his head. “The other teachers have already headed for their rooms. Why don’t we?”
Shanks eagerly led them down the corridors. There were a couple prefects out, as well as of the new head boys.
“Trafalgar, you should head to your dormitory,” Shanks said as they walked past.
The tall black-haired boy muttered something under his breath, sounding annoyed, but he didn’t protest as he turned around and headed back for the Ravenclaw tower. His hands in his pockets, he didn’t seem like an almost 17-year-old. Tall for his age, he looked more like a twenty-year-old.
Beck chuckled. “That’s the kid who wants to work as a healer, right?” He recalled Hongo telling him about a student who had badgered him a lot over the last five years, but Beck couldn’t recall the name.
Shanks laughed. “He’s just as good as Hongo already! Even for a Ravenclaw, he’s dedicated. Hongo’s already taught him just about everything he knows, and yet Law still surpasses him in most areas. Apparently, he got special permission from Rayleigh to help in the infirmary this year.”
Impressive. Beck glanced after the teen, but he was already gone. He turned as a ghost drifted by. “Evening Ace,” he said, heaviness creeping into his chest.
Ace smiled. “Beck. I spotted Luffy, but didn’t expect to see you here.” He hadn’t changed from the last time Beck saw him. Tousled hair, bead necklace, a once-orange cowboy hat Luffy had gotten him for Christmas.
Beck tilted his head. “Rayleigh hired me to investigate one of the first years,” he explained.
The teen laughed. “Good luck with that, Beck! But if you need any help, I’d be willing to lend a hand.”
Beck hesitated, then nodded. “Keep an eye on Bonney for me, would you? I saw she was friends with Luffy. Just tell me if she does anything strange.” He knew Ace could spot anything Beck missed by not being there. And Ace was a friendly kid, ghost or not, and might be able to help Bonney if she needed it. Some of the first years got lost in the first few months and Ace had the castle memorized before his second year.
Ace frowned, then shook his head. “Sure. I’ll let you know if I notice anything.” With that, he flew through the wall with a laugh.
Shanks sighed. “Can’t believe he’s a ghost here.”
Beck nudged him, hearing the sadness etched in his voice. “Least this means Luffy will get to see his brother. Even if he won’t grow up with him.” While not biological brothers, Luffy had attached himself to the fourth year quickly until the accident.
Shanks took Beck’s hand and made him follow. “Still though. It won’t be easy seeing Ace like this though,” he murmured, opening the door to his chambers. Beck followed quickly, shutting the door behind him. Shanks sighed and set his wand down. “I’m glad Ace saved Luffy from the hippogriff, but it’s almost not worth seeing him like that.”
Beck’s thoughts mirrored Shanks’ sadness, but he shook his head. “Let’s get some sleep, Shanks. You have classes to teach, and I have work to do.” He didn’t voice the one thought that would make Shanks’ mood worse; if Ace hadn’t saved Luffy, Luffy would’ve been the ghost, not Ace. And they couldn’t lose their son like that.
Shanks pouted. “Alright, fine.” He eyed Beck briefly, then grabbed him. “But we aren’t working the entire year, alright? I finally get to see you more than the occasional visit.”
Beck groaned a bit. “Shanks…” Instead of pushing him away however, he pulled the shorter man to him. “Not tonight, alright?” Shanks’ pout grew and Beck chuckled. “I promise, some other night, but not tonight.”
“Better keep that promise…” Shanks muttered, shooting him a glare.
Beck just gave his husband a smirk and shook his head.

Chapter Text

Aside from being a little immature at times, Beck had yet to see anything strange about Bonney. He pulled his silver-swirled cloak tighter, watching her rising shakily on a school broom. The other first years were chattering amongst themselves; some were excited, most were nervous, and Beck spotted a few that must’ve flown before.
Yasopp glanced at him. “Sure you don’t want to give them some help?” he asked, his lips twitching in a grin.
Beck shot him a look. “None of these kids are ready for beater lessons, Yasopp. But if someone in the second year class asks, I can give them some help.” He hadn’t played quidditch in years, since he left Hogwarts actually, but it wasn’t a skill one could forget after playing it for six years. Not to mention he still played a friendly game with Yasopp in the summer occasionally, as well as few other friends he had at the ministry.
“Auror Beck, can you give us some advice on spellwork?” came a harsh voice.
Beck turned to see the auburn-haired Slytherin with the prosthetic arm approaching, a blonde kid trailing behind him. He tried to recall their names, but failed. “Shouldn’t you two be in class?” Beck asked, mentally reviewing the schedule. These two were fourth years and should be in Defense Against the Dark Arts right now.
The auburn-haired kid shrugged, handing Beck a note. “Professor Shanks said we could ask you.”
Beck squinted at Shanks’ clumsy handwriting and nodded. “Alright, let’s step away from the first years.” He nodded at Yasopp and led the two fourth years further down the lawn, stopping in a clear space. “What kind of spellwork are you interested in?” While he was better at offensive spells, his defensive ones were better than most of the other aurors.
The blonde kid tilted his head. “Defense against curses.”
Beck’s brows rose. “Professor Shanks should’ve covered the basics. Why ask me?” And he knew they couldn’t use the excuse of ‘Shanks isn’t that good’. Despite losing his arm to a curse years ago, Shanks was better than Beck.
The blonde kid shrugged; it was almost creepy being unable to see his face. “We were told about Aurors yesterday and wanted to see what a senior auror could do compared to Professor Shanks.”
Beck frowned slightly. “I can show you some wandwork, but why not wait until I join your class? Then everyone can see the defensive spells.” He truly didn’t mind showing them some spells, but why keep it to themselves?
The auburn-haired kid grimaced. “We want to show off to the class,” he said bluntly. “Professor Shanks can teach the others, but I can’t do everything with this.” He tilted his head towards the prosthetic arm.
Beck closed his eyes briefly. “What are your names?” He could understand the kids' doubt. Even if the arm was something he was used to, that didn’t mean he could reproduce certain movements. And it made sense he wanted to show off; a lot of Slytherins seemed to share that mindset when it came to new spells. Show off first, teach later.
“Eustass, but call me Kidd,” the auburn-haired kid replied.
The blonde followed up calmly, “Kamazo.”
Beck raised an eyebrow at that, but ignored it. He didn’t think Kamazo was from Britain, but it didn’t matter. “Go back to class.” He held a hand up as Kidd opened his mouth. “I will show you defensive spells, but I’ll talk to Professor Shanks about it first. If I’m going to give a demonstration, he needs to be aware of it. And I’ll need a partner for most of what I’ll show you.” Not really, but it was better if someone was actively attacking.
Kamazo gave a nod. “Alright. Thank you, sir.” He grabbed Kidd’s arm and almost dragged him away. Beck chuckled in amusement as Kidd complained loudly briefly before jerking away.
Returning to the first years, Beck noticed a few were missing. “Yasopp, where are the others?” he asked, scanning the students. They seemed a little more nervous than before. Anxious mutterings, tense shoulders, not playing around like they normally would have.
Yasopp nodded towards a figure high above. “Bonney’s stuck up there. I was just about to go get her.” Beck could see two others; probably trying to get her to come down.
He held up a hand. “I’ll get her, you watch the others.” He knew it should be the teachers' responsibility, but this would give him an excuse to talk to her. And, considering these were first years, many of them would probably prefer their teacher around rather than a guest.
Yasopp gave him a curt nod.
Beck grabbed a broom from the rack nearby and kicked off hard. The cold wind whipped around Beck as he ascended on the broom, the handle vibrating under his firm grip. For a second he wondered if he should’ve brought this own, but even if he had, there wouldn’t have been time to get it.
Above, Bonney’s broom wobbled precariously, her knuckles white against the dark wood.
Beck motioned to the other two kids; one looked more comfortable than Beck would’ve expected this high up, while Usopp trembled but his grip was steady. “Head down. I’ll help her.”
The first kid headed down immediately, but Usopp stayed.
Beck glared at him briefly, but was surprised when Usopp glared back.
“I promised I would help her,” he said, his expression hard. He sat up straighter on his broom.
Brave kid, Beck mused. There was obviously a reason he was Gryffindor. He turned to Bonney. “How’d you get up this high?” he asked, partially curious and partially wanting to calm her down.
Bonney gulped, her eyes continuously flicking towards the ground. “Um, I don’t know,” she squeaked. “Professor Yasopp told us how to rise, but when I tried to go back down, the broom didn’t want to listen.” The broom wobbled again and she yelped, her eyes going wide before she screwed them shut.
Beck smiled. “Sometimes these brooms have a mind of their own,” he said calmly. “Just breathe, alright?” Bonney tried to sit up, inhaling deeply. Her eyes kept flicking to the ground while one hand kept changing positions on the broom.
Usopp drifted closer. “Tip it down a little too.” He demonstrated briefly, then rose back up, keeping his back straight and his grip firm but light.
Beck watched as Bonney tipped forward, but the broom didn’t do more than bob. He watched as her fingers clenched tighter around the handle. “Brooms are a little like animals, Bonney,” he said. “They know when you’re nervous.” He could still remember being terrified the first time he rode his father's broom; it had tried to buck him off several times. It wasn’t until he forced his fear down that the broom listened.
She nodded once, but Beck could see she wasn’t really getting it. Her
He drifted closer. “Bonney, do you want me to take you down?” He could grab her from the broom and carry her down himself. Her broom would follow, and so would Usopp.
Usopp smiled at her when she looked at him. “I know Auror Beck, Bonney. He won’t let you get hurt.” Beck eyed him approvingly. Despite his own fear of being up this high, he wasn’t showing it at all now. Not that he was showing much before, but still.
She looked at Beck, then gave a small nod. “Okay.”
Beck drifted as close as he could, then quickly plucked her from the broom. She stiffened as he set her in front of him. Keeping one arm around her, Beck made his way down to the ground and didn’t release her until they had landed. She shook the entire time and Beck moved quickly, but slow enough not to scare her any more than she already was.
Yasopp came over immediately. “Are you alright?”
She nodded. “I just got scared and my broom wouldn’t listen,” she explained, her voice shaking only slightly.
Usopp came over just then. “Can I help her practice?” he asked. His broom in hand, Beck mentally smiled as he remembered a first year Yasopp looking just as excited when Beck, in his 3rd year, offered to teach him quidditch.
Beck looked at Yasopp. Usopp might be the best one to help her, despite his father being the teacher. Beck recalled a few summers ago when Usopp got stuck above a tree, too terrified to come back down until Yasopp fetched him. The kid knew what it was like to be scared.
Yasopp watched Usopp for a minute, then shrugged. “If you two want to practice, I won’t stop you. But you can’t practice unless a teacher, a prefect, or one of the head boys or girls is with you.” He glared at the both of them as he continued, “If I even hear that you two are practicing alone, you’ll both have dentition for a week!”
Usopp grinned as the clock tower chimed.
Beck waited until the kids had put their brooms up, then approached Yasopp. “How’s Bonney been in class here?” He’d been asking Bonney’s teachers about her occasionally. They all knew he was there to keep an eye on her, though no one but Shanks and Rayleigh knew why.
“Nervous, but she’s a first year who’s never touched a broom before here,” Yasopp responded with a shrug. “What did Kidd and Kamazo want?”
“Wanted me to teach them some defensive spells,” Beck told him. “Speaking of, I need to speak to Shanks about that.”
Yasopp grinned at him. “So you two might have a duel?”
Beck fought the urge to smack him. “No,” he said bluntly. “You know he wouldn’t take that seriously.” And worse, if he did take it seriously…Beck was far better at controlling his aim than Shanks. He had excellent aim, but his spells tended to have more power behind them and sometimes reacted erratically.
The combination of threstral hair and elder was probably not the best when it came to toning down raw power.
Yasopp just laughed. Beck walked off, shaking his head and trying not to smile.
Dodging through the various groups of kids heading for their next class, Beck glanced at the schedule he had. First year Gryffindors and Slytherins had Defense Against the Dart Arts now.
Clenching his jaw briefly, he wondered idly if Shanks was planning on showing off for them again. Shaking his head, he knew the answer immediately. Of course.
And he would tease Beck discreetly the entire time.

Chapter Text

Beck settled into his seat in the room's corner, the wooden chair creaking under his weight as he leaned back, eyes fixed on Shanks. The red-headed man was using his wand to trace symbols in the air, ending in a spray of red sparks.
“Vermillious is a simple spell, but this is what we’ll practice for the next two weeks,” Shanks said, erasing the symbol with a flick of his wand. “Anyone know what it’s for?” His gaze roamed over the students sitting in front of him. Above them, the skeleton of a dragon hung from the ceiling.
Beck’s brow rose as Bonney raised her hand almost immediately. Sitting near the front, she had been paying attention surprisingly well for a first year.
She was pretty smart, he reflected, as she said, “It’s lets someone know if you need help. There’s a way to send up two and three sparks, too.” There was a book in front of her, but it wasn’t open. She had recited the information from memory.
For a first year, that was moderately impressive.
Shanks grinned. “Five points to Gryffindor for that answer.” Bonney had a smile on her face, and Beck couldn't help but smile too. Shanks glanced back at him. “Auror Beck can also tell you how to use them in a duel,” he said, his eyes glinting.
Beck shot him a look but explained, “Vermillious in a duel doesn’t do much, but it can distract your opponent, let an ally know you need help, and might make your opponent rethink taking you on.” He made a mental note to add that spell to what he would show the students the following weekend. He was glad Shanks agreed to showing off defensive spells, just wished he hadn’t already sent a message to Rayleigh about allowing any student to show up.
Not that Beck had any personal problems about that, but he had only agreed to come investigate Bonney, and maybe talk to the OWL and NEWT students. He hadn’t planned on anything more.
A Slytherin girl raised her hand. “Why use it in a duel then?”
Smart question. Beck opened his mouth to answer just as Shanks let out a trio of red sparks, casting a soft glow over himself and making Beck look at him. He scowled as Shanks laughed.
“That’s why,” he said, turning back to the class. “Most people will automatically look away from whatever they’re doing to see the cause of the spell. Do they need help, trying to distract, and sometimes it’s simply to light up an area without using Lumos.”
Beck took out his own wand and absently twirled it as Shanks continued the lesson. Yes, the man was a natural teacher.
Except when it came to doing any kind of paperwork.
The students were given a single length of parchment about vermillious and its uses, due in a week. And to practice the spell of course. Beck resisted smiling at his husband as he stumbled over the instructions for the parchment-work, then almost lit up as he gave them practice tips. At another student's request, Shanks shot out another trio of sparks above the class.
Beck watched the students stare and knew that, despite the rule of no magic in the corridors, at least a few of them would try it soon. Maybe even today.
“Bonney, just a moment,” Shanks called after her as the students filed out to their last class of the day.
She hesitated, her eyes wide, then walked up to his desk, books in her arms. Beck hadn’t seen her with a bag of any kind so far and almost asked why, but kept quiet. She showed none of the fear from earlier, thankfully.
“Most first years don’t know about vermillious duo or tria,” he said. “Have you read some higher books on it?” Beck didn’t see any thicker text in her hands, and she hadn’t been to the library as far as he knew.
She nodded. “Daddy sometimes brought books home from work and I got to read them with him.”
Sweet. “Sounds like he reads a lot with you,” Beck said. She also sounded proud of that too. Beck filed that away for later.
She nodded, her face lighting up. “Vegapunk doesn’t mind either. He likes when daddy reads the books to me.”
Vegapunk? Beck exchanged a look with Shanks, then looked back at Bonney. “The experimentor?” She nodded. “What kinds of thigs do you read about?” He knew she needed to get to her next class, which should be potions, but he was curious. Was she really meant to be a first year? She didn’t look any older than eleven, but that rarely meant anything.
And Vegapunk? Beck hadn’t met the man, but every auror had orders to keep an ear out for anything involving him. He dabbled in new spells, potions, looking for new magical creatures – if it was unknown, Vegapunk experimented and learned as much as he could. He was a recluse though, only letting assistants, and apparently Bonney and her father, into his workshop.
Bonney paused, her brow scrunched up for a moment. “Mostly spells, but sometimes potions and daddy helps make wands.” She held up hers. “I even got to help pick out mine.” From a glance, it looked to be aspen, or possibly light beech.
Beck smiled at her; he didn’t know wand woods that well, but he recognized both types as he had trained quite a few younger aurors with both types of wands.
Shanks grinned. “Why don’t you get to your next class, Bonney? Don’t want to be late for potions.” She turned to go, but Shanks paused her for a second. “If Professor Roux asks, tell him you were speaking with me and Auror Beck.” She nodded and ran out.
Beck chuckled as Shanks sauntered over. “Smart kid.”
Shanks pecked his cheek once, pouting when Beck pulled away. “Come on, Beck. No one’s in here.”
Beck arched an eyebrow, then nodded to the ghost who had just come through the door. “Ace,” he said in greeting; he must’ve been waiting for the students to leave. It’s not that he didn’t want to show affection, but he rarely showed it in front of anyone else.
As an auror, there was always the risk of dark wizards using loved ones against you. Hell, the only people who even knew Luffy was Beck’s son was Rayleigh and a handful of the teachers here, and even fewer people knew he was married to Shanks.
Ace grinned. “Thought I’d come let you know Rayleigh wants to talk to you, Beck. He thought you were in the teachers' lounge, but there was only Professor Limejuice.”
“No herbology last hour?” Beck would’ve thought Limejuice would’ve at least been in the greenhouses, checking on the plants and making sure a student wasn’t about to lose their hand to the tentacula again.
Ace shrugged. “No idea.”
“Learn anything about Bonney lately?” Beck asked.
Ace glanced behind him before answering. “Yeah…though I don’t think it’s the oddest thing I’ve seen.” He paused, frowning. “I know most first years get a little homesick, but it’s usually whining or writing letters then rushing to the owlery. Didn’t expect to find her full on crying the other day.”
Shanks’ brows went up. “Crying? There’s been students like that before though. What stood out?”
Ace’s frown deepened. “Because I’ve never seen a student crying into a teddy bear or down-right sobbing before.”
Shanks gave Beck a confused look. “Luffy might react like, but then again, he’s an emotional kid.”
Beck had to agree with that. “Bonney doesn’t seem emotional like he does though. When I had to get her down from the broom earlier, she was trying her best not to panic. I think if it weren’t for Usopp, she would have.” Sure, she was shaking and not listening the best, but Beck couldn’t fault her for that.
Ace shrugged. “I talked to her a bit, but all she said was she wished she could see her daddy.”
Beck felt a pang of sympathy. “That’s not a surprise. Sounds like she’s close to him.” The door opened just then, letting in a group of Ravenclaw’s and Hufflepuff’s. “Shanks, Ace, I’ll talk to you two later.”
As the students filed in, some giving Beck curious looks, he slipped past them and headed for the headmaster’s office.

“She really mentioned her father worked with Vegapunk?” Rayleigh’s eyes widened in surprise.
Beck nodded, drumming his fingers on his leg. “And that Vegapunk let him bring home books, which he sometimes read to Bonney.”
Rayleigh leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands on his desk. “This makes no sense then.”
Beck arched an eyebrow, waiting for Rayleigh to elaborate.
“When I looked up her records, the man who enrolled her was Bartholomew Kuma,” Rayleigh explained.
“The herbalist?” Beck knew of him. A healer, he helped both muggles and magic folk alike. He was a potions expert, and knew healing spells that even Hongo didn’t know. He hadn’t been heard from much since his wife died three years ago, but that wasn’t much of a surprise.
Rayleigh nodded slowly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. “And he has a child registered to him, with the same name, but a different age. His daughter is five.”
Beck snorted. “Think he forged her papers and put a spell on her to get her into school as an older kid then?” He shook his head. “Not that it’s possible. Aging potions wear off and need to be retaken. She has nothing medical registered with the school, no jewelry except that ring on her cheek. And I doubt the ring has magic, aside from whatever keeps it on her face. If it were an illusion spell, it should’ve worn off weeks ago.”
Rayleigh frowned, a deep line forming between his brows. “While that is possible,” Beck’s eyes widened a little, “no.” With a swift motion, Rayleigh stood up and approached the wall, fixing his eyes on a painting there. “Seth, I know you’re not fond of leaving here, but do you think you could check in with Vegapunk?”
The bald man scoffed, pulling his overly lavish cloak tighter. “No! There’s still a smudge on my painting there! Won’t be able to see much, and he probably has the frame buried still. Wouldn’t be able to hear much either if he’s not there anyway,” he whined.
Beck clenched his jaw, forcing a neutral expression as irritation simmered beneath the surface. He had been in this office before, many times over the years since he was a first year. Headmaster Seth had always been a whiny, lazy coward. Beck glanced at the painting, wondering how such a man had ever been headmaster before Roger. It was a mystery that never ceased to baffle him.
Rayleigh sighed. “Very well. If you get the chance though, I would appreciate if you would pop in briefly.”
Seth grumbled as Rayleigh turned around, shooting the current headmaster a scowl.
Beck shook his head, standing. “If I get the chance, I’ll try to ask about her father.”
Rayleigh held up a hand. “Don’t. I’m going to ask that you and Shanks travel to see Vegapunk, actually.”
Beck stared at him, snapping his jaw closed a second later. “Sir, why both of us?” He loved the idea of traveling with Shanks, even if it was just for a short visit like this, but was Rayleigh expecting trouble of some kind? Enough for two aurors?
“You, because you’re an auror, and assigned to keep an eye on her,” Rayleigh explained. “Shanks, because he is her teacher and I don’t want you going there alone.” He held his hand up against as Beck tried to protest. “I’ll take over his class myself while you’re gone.”
Beck took a deep breath. “Sir, are you expecting us to find some kind of trouble? Why not have me speak to Kuma?”
Rayleigh paused, then fixed his gaze on Beck. “Kuma hasn’t been heard from since Bonney was first enrolled. I had someone go talk to him, but his house was empty. Apparently, he hadn’t been there in days. If he was working for Vegapunk, it’s possible he might know where Kuma is.”
Beck nodded slowly. “But again, why the both of us?”
Rayleigh grinned. “Mostly because I don’t want you going alone, and Shanks has been begging me to let him take a weekend off with you.”
Beck ignored the groan that threatened to rise in his throat. Of course Shanks would beg for that. Despite having the entire summer together, it had been years since they’d seen each other for more than a few hours during the school year. Not since Shanks lost his arm and took up teaching, at Rayleigh’s request.
Rayleigh waved his wand and a piece of paper floated up from his desk. “This is Vegapunk’s address. It’ll be a bit of a trip unfortunately, but no more than four days. I expect you back before Saturday, as I know the entire school is eager to see your demonstration.”
“So we leave tonight?” Beck looked at the address with interest. This wasn’t even Britain! “Shanks isn’t that great at broom travel, so how do you expect us to make it to Bretbakken?” Norway was far enough that simply apparating wouldn’t be possible, not from Hogsmeade at least.
“I know he’s not, but I have a carriage waiting for you in Hogsmeade,” Rayleigh said, waving his hand.
Beck stared at him for a moment. “You’ve been planning this?”
Rayleigh gave a curt nod. “Since this morning. I don’t believe Bonney is doing anything bad, nothing that could hurt anyone at least, but I also don’t want to be dealing with something that could be a problem later on.”
Beck gazed at him thoughtfully, then said, “Understandable. Should we leave immediately?”
Rayleigh gestured towards the door. “Yes. The sooner you talk to Vegapunk, the sooner we’ll figure her out.”
Beck immediately tapped his wand along the side of his pants; a habit, developed from years of keeping himself ready as he thought ahead. Shanks would enjoy the trip, mostly, despite not having a strong stomach for apparition.
But Beck’s biggest concern was if Vegapunk would talk to them.
Beck stepped into the outer corridor, his thoughts still on the upcoming trip. He nearly walked past Law, who was watching him intently. Beck stopped, raising an eyebrow. “Do you need something, Trafalgar?”
The teen narrowed his eyes. “Sir, any particular reason you’ve been keeping an eye on Bonney?” At his feet, a black and white cat twined around him.
Beck’s brows shot up in surprise. Law was a Ravenclaw, and in his last year. How had he noticed?
Law’s lip curled up slightly. “I just ask because I overheard you, Ace, and Professor Shanks earlier. Is she in some sort of trouble?” Without looking, his hands shot out and caught the cat as she leaped at him.
Was he worried about her? Beck watched him for a moment, then decided to chance it. “No. She’s not in trouble. We’re just having a bit of trouble with contacting her family right now.” Technically true, and not revealing anything specific.
Law was silent for a moment, then shook his head. “I understand her being homesick,” he said, startling Beck; how much had he heard? “But if you’d like, I can talk to her.” The cat purred, twisting around to look at Beck.
“You aren’t in her house though,” Beck pointed out. He paused, then asked. “What did you hear?”
Instead of fidgeting, Law stood firm, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Just that she was homesick and missed her father. I dealt with the same issue when I was a first year, so I can understand how she’s feeling. And if she worries too much, it can make her sick.”
Of course, Beck remembered. This is the kid who wanted to work at St Mungo’s. It was natural for him to worry about someone getting sick, though in this case it was still a little odd. “You would have to ask Professor Shanks and Hongo though, the heads of her and your houses. I’m meeting Professor Shanks now, if you’d like to ask him first.”
Law fell into step with him as Beck headed for the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Class would be at least half over by now.
Beck waited until they had passed a group of students headed for the Ravenclaw tower. “You said you overheard us. The Ravenclaws in the next class were sixth years, so why were you there?”
Law didn’t meet his gaze, his large white and black spotted hair shadowing his face. “I was going to ask Professor Shanks about a certain curse, and if he knew a way to counter it.”
Beck glanced at him as they walked. “Which curse?”
Law paused, then muttered, “Ligdum maledictum.” His fingers tightened into his cat and she mewed, pawing his face.
Beck cast him a sympathetic look. “Professor Shanks won’t know about that one, Law,” he said softly. “I know it, but there’s no counter.” That explained his unusually strong interest in healing.
Ligdum maledictum, a bloodline curse, caused intense pain and death before the age of 30. If the person was lucky, they might live a little longer, but it caused intense pain, stiffening joints, and white spots would appear on the body over time.
Law gave a heavy, though quiet, sigh. “Worth a shot.”
Beck glanced at him again, but Law had gone quiet. Beck led them into the classroom just as Shanks finished up his lesson and signal for Shanks to wait for them before he left. Shanks gave them a mystified look, but nodded.
Beck stood against the wall and tried to think about what Rayleigh has asked them to do.
And tried not to worry about why he was sending two aurors.

Chapter Text

Shanks groaned, steadying himself against a pine. “Next time, we take brooms.”
Beck chuckled. “You hate flying. Apparating seemed easier.”
Shanks, still green-faced, grumbled, “When I’m expecting it.”
Beck bit back his laughter. His husband, one of the best aurors the ministry had ever known, the man who took down a Hebridean black on his own, and even lost his own arm protecting a kid, could still not handle apparition. Beck's lips twitched, struggling to hold back the crooked grin that finally broke free.
Shanks twitched his wand, making Beck’s cloak fly up over his head. “Next time, ask Rayleigh for brooms,” he pouted.
Beck smoothed down his cloak with a laugh. “I’ll remember that. And they would have been better than the carriage ride at least.”
Shanks gave a wry snort. “Anything was better than that black box pulled by speeding threstrals.” He’d been able to see them most of his life apparently, and Beck knew he found them creepy. Personally, Beck found them interesting and they were usually quite friendly.
He chuckled and grabbed Shanks’ hand. “We should find Vegapunk before we spend too much time here. The sooner we find him, the sooner we get back.”
Shanks grumbled under his breath, but didn’t protest as Beck led him through the forest along Feren Lake. Snow dusted the ground, sitting along the branches of the pines, coating fallen logs and stones.
Beck would’ve enjoyed it less if he hadn’t heard Shanks muttering about cold under his breath. His husband wasn’t fond of the cold, and even less fond of snow. After an hour of walking, he finally produced a bright flame and made it float in between them.
Shanks immediately navigated to it, cursing as he tripped over a snow-covered rock again. “How far away is his workshop? Surely we’d have found it by now.” He cast an annoyed look at the snow-laden branches above them.
Beck looked around. “It’s supposed to be on northwestern shore of Feren. There aren’t a lot of muggles around here, but there might be protective charms set up.” Raising his ebony wand, he muttered, “Revelio.”
A humming noise greeted him from the right, above the shoreline.
Beck flicked his wand, sending out a golden spark and extinguishing the flame. Shanks immediately straightened up from where he was rubbing his leg, his wand in position. With another flick, Beck cast a nonverbal spell. A moment later, a faint, golden outline appeared not far off.
Beck carefully approached the tree, halting when it melted back to reveal a squat house made of iron. The bark formed into the door, which opened after a second.
“Come in, come in!” came a loud, excited voice. “For Merlin’s sake, it’s cold out today!”
Exchanging a look with Shanks, Beck cautiously entered the doorway. It closed the second Shanks stepped inside and there was a fluttering breeze that warmed Beck down to his bones. He waited until it was gone, then gazed around, unable to hide his curiosity.
Strange objects were set on shelves along the wall, in cabinets, sitting on boxes, leaning against the wall, and a few were even suspended from the ceiling with…wires? That was more of a muggle thing to do, but then again, Vegapunk was an experimenter. Maybe the wires were better than constant magic to make things float.
A tall man emerged from the shadows at the end of the hallway, his presence almost startling. Beck hadn’t seen the doorway. “Ah, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit gentlemen?”
Beck took in the man quickly; white hair, glasses on his forehead, white coat and pants with heavy looking shoes. “Are you by chance Vegapunk?”
The man nodded. “Yes. I’m the magic experimenter, Stella Vegapunk.”
Beck lowered his wand, but didn’t pocket it. “Sorry for the lack of warning, but we were sent by Headmaster Rayleigh to ask about something.”
Vegapunk blinked, then whirled around. “Come sit. I think I know why.” He motioned for them, then lead them to a surprisingly posh and clutter-free living room. Compared to the hallway, it almost seemed empty. Three chairs, a couch, a fireplace, and a wide coffee table made the room fell rather homey.
Beck took residence on the overstuffed couch, where Shanks joined him after shortly examining an iridescent vase that had a pair of dragons chasing each other as he watched. “We heard Kuma works for you…” Beck began.
Vegapunk rose a hand, cutting him off. “So you’ve come to ask about Bonney.” Shanks nodded and Vegapunk continued, “I know that she’s aged…drastically, but I have no idea as to why.”
So the records were correct. She was really five years old.
Shanks let out a little huff. “Surely you must have some idea.”
Vegapunk shook his head. “No. I know Kuma brought her here one day, unable to find a sitter, but then she came racing from into the room at the age of eleven!” He waved a slender wand and a tea set came floating into the room. Beck accepted the offered cup, as did Shanks. “I asked her what happened, but she had no idea. Said there was a flash of light, but heard nothing. She was scared, but that was to be expected.”
Beck ignored the drop of disappointment in his chest. “Does her father know anything? I’ve spoken to Bonney some and they seem pretty close.”
Vegapunk shook his head sadly. “Unfortunately, that isn’t possible.”
“Why not?” Beck asked. He recalled Rayleigh saying that Kuma had been missing for a while. About a month now.
Vegapunk glanced at the doorway they had come through. “Well…there was an incident a few weeks ago and I am trying to reverse it. Until that is done, he won’t be able to answer anything about Bonney.”
Shanks sat up straighter, his face a neutral mask. “What happened?” His hand clenched around his wand, which sent up a small trickle of smoke from the tip.
Vegapunk waved his wand and a piece of parchment came flying into the room, landing in Beck’s hand. “I was attempting a new spell, and he offered to be the test subject, but it backfired.”
“Backfired?” Beck echoed. He glanced over the paper. “An obliviate charm? But the spell is known already. Why work on this?” He scanned the page, but there was little he could make out. Some due to handwriting, most due to unfamiliar words. A different language?
Vegapunk sighed. “Memoria memento is a counter to obliviate. It’s meant to help people recall things they’ve forgotten due to trauma or magical accidents.”
Shanks glanced at the paper. “And did Kuma fit that for the test?”
“Yes,” Vegapunk said. “He had memories from his childhood he had forgotten because something terrible happened. He wasn’t fond of remembering them, but he offered to be the test for that spell. Instead of remembering his family, as was his intention, he forgot Bonney.”
“Forgot his own daughter?” Beck struggled to wrap his mind around that. Forgetting a daughter... Could he ever risk forgetting Shanks or Luffy like that? Even if it meant remembering something important?
Vegapunk dipped his head sadly. “Yes. I’ve been trying to reverse it for two weeks, but nothing has worked.”
Shanks gave him a sympathetic look, loosening his grip. “Other than that, is he alright?”
“Yes,” Vegapunk said immediately. “Completely fine, but has no idea he has a daughter. He just remembers his wife getting sick and dying, but not their child.” He stood. “Where is Bonney, by the way?”
Beck exchanged a look with Shanks, who nodded, then turned to Vegapunk. “She’s a first year in Gryffindor right now.”
Vegapunk’s eyes went wide and he staggered back a step. “A…she’s at Hogwarts?!”
Beck hid his alarm at the man's reaction. “Yes, and bright, despite her age.” Especially considering she was really five. “She’s doing well in her classes, and made friends with other students, but…”
Vegapunk stared at the two men. “Kuma must have found a way to get her into school then, but he said nothing to me about it. Just that she was safe for the time being. I assumed she was with a sitter.”
Shanks glanced at Beck before continuing. “Headmaster Rayleigh said her records were incorrect, but he couldn’t understand why. That’s why we were sent here. We were hoping to find an answer.”
They did, Beck reflected. Just not anything overly helpful. And sad, too. “Do you happen to have any assistants?”
Vegapunk paused, then flicked his wand. A bell chimed through the house. “I have two, though both are currently on leave. One to help Kuma, and the other was due for some personal time. I do have a pet however, who might be able to help. But he might not have been awake then.”
“Why does Kuma need help?” Beck asked. Vegapunk said the only thing wrong was missing the memories of his daughter.
Vegapunk turned to him. “He’s an herbalist, and needed someone to help him find something I requested him to look for. I’m hoping to make a potion to bring back his memory, but the plant is difficult to find.”
There was a heavy, thumping noise then, and a large kneazle sauntered into the room. He was large, a little on the heavy side, and had thick grey fur. His whiskers were frazzled badly, but he seemed healthy otherwise.
“This is Gin,” Vegapunk introduced him. “He usually stays with my assistants when they work. He’s smart, even compared to other kneazles.”
Shanks grinned. “I had a kneazle who used to follow me around school. He never got after me because I used to sneak him treats.”
Beck smiled at the image. “Kneazles don’t talk however, so how can he answer?”
Vegapunk kneeled in front of Gin. “You were here when Bonney changed, right?” Gin twitched his whiskers. “Did you see what happened?”
Gin paused, then flicked his tail. He nudged Vegapunk’s wand, then trotted out of the room before he could ask the kneazle any more.
Beck arched an eyebrow at Vegapunk. “Guessing he knows?”
“Yes, and unfortunately I won’t be able to find out more until my assistants return,” Vegapunk explained. “By nudging my wand, he indicated it was a spell. But until the assistants are back, there’s no way of knowing which one, or if it was a new spell or not.”
Beck fought the urge to groan at this. “How long until they’re back?” he asked.
Vegapunk gazes outside the window behind the couch for a moment. “Cyril should be back in a week, Eline…well, I’m not sure. She’s with Kuma, so it might be awhile. Might be a week, could be a month.”
Shanks frowned, but stood. “Then we should get back to Rayleigh for now. Can you ask Cyril when they’re back?”
Vegapunk nodded as Beck stood. “Of course. I would love to figure out what happened, and if possible, reverse it.”
Beck paused, then looked at him. “Might want to ask Bonney if she wants that, first. She’s been doing good in her classes, keeping up with the first years well.”
“I’m glad to hear that, and of course I’ll ask her,” Vegapunk said. “Accident or on purpose, a child should not undergo anything like that without being asked first.” He walked with them to the front door. “If you would like, I have a special portkey than can get you back to Britain.”
Shanks brightened immediately. “As long as it’s not brooms!”
Beck chuckled. “Where would it take us?” he asked. He wasn’t fond of portkey’s however, preferring even the carriage ride over here to them. But if it meant getting back sooner, it was worth the nausea.
Vegapunk waved his wand and a comb flew over to hover between the two men. “Glasgow, Scottland. I have a contact there who helps me with research. We always keep a few portkey’s set up in case we need some help.”
Beck looked at Shanks, who nodded. “Alright. We appreciate the portkey, Vegapunk.”
Vega gives them a little bow. “Please, call me Stella. And I’ll send a message as soon as the assistants return.”
Beck touches the comb at the same moment as Shanks, felt the jerk behind his navel, and the workshop spun out of sight.

Chapter Text

Beck leaned against the cool stones of the castle as students milled around the large space roped off for the demonstration. His fingers dug into his arms briefly as he cast a glance at Shanks.
“Why are you nervous?” Luffy’s voice distracted him.
Turning, Beck answered, “I’m not nervous, Luffy. Just didn’t expect this many students to be interested.” He expected the entire school, actually. What he didn’t expect was Shanks looking more serious than expected.
Shanks was with Yasopp and Snake, the astrology teacher. Considering the laughter coming from them, they were probably talking about the demonstration and what Shanks might do.
Rayleigh approached a moment later, grinning. “He’s probably worried Shanks won’t go easy on him.”
Luffy pouted at him briefly, then looked at Beck. “Dad never goes easy on you, Mom.”
A warm smile crept onto Beck’s face at the nickname; Luffy rarely called him that outside of home. He ruffled his son’s hair, his eyes softening briefly. “No, he doesn’t. But we’ve never done something like this around kids, and I want to make sure he remembers that.”
Rayleigh chuckled, looking over his shoulder at Shanks. “He will. Nothing could make him forget that, Beck.”
Shanks looked over at that moment and gave them a wide grin. When Rayleigh nodded, he made for the space, dodging between students easily.
Beck ran a hand through his hair before letting it fall, his fingers tapping against his leg. He walked through a crowd of Ravenclaws. Law gave him a sharp look, which Beck acknowledged with a nod. Stepping over the rope, Beck approached Shanks, already standing in the middle.
Shanks was still grinning. “Which spells are we doing?” His stance was already showing his excitement; leaning back, thumb hooked into his sash, eyes wide.
A smirk tugged at the corners of Beck’s mouth. “We went over this last night. Just send expelliarmus at me, or stupefy. Nothing that could be too dangerous if it goes off course. I’m just showing them how to defend, not attack.” Shanks’ grin widened, if that were possible, and Beck glared. “I’m serious, Shanks.”
The grin faded some. “Alright, fine.”
Beck arched an eyebrow, but Shanks didn’t meet his gaze.
Rayleigh stepped into the ring, his wand to his throat. When he spoke, his voice echoed easily over the students. “Auror Beck has asked Professor Shanks to help with the demonstration. No student is allowed past the rope at any point, barring an emergency.”
Beck scanned the students, who were buzzing with energy, their eager chatter filling the air like a swarm of excited bees, anticipation radiating from their wide eyes.
“They have agreed for Professor Shanks to stick to common attacks, while Auror Beck will defend himself however he sees fit,” Rayleigh continued.
Shanks looked almost a little disappointed.
Beck gave him a sympathetic smile. He knew how much Shanks missed being an auror, but the ministry were the ones to let him go when he lost his arm. Not because he lost it, but because he disobeyed the orders they gave. The result had been losing his arm, his job, one person killed, and a child left without their mother.
Beck couldn’t blame him however. If he hadn’t saved Luffy that night, many more people would have died.
He forced the heavy thoughts from his mind, shaking his head slightly as he darted a quick glance at Rayleigh, who stepped back.
Rayleigh looked around the students and finished, “If there are questions you have, save them until after.” He stepped to the rope and sent up a red spark.
Beck barely had time to throw up a weak protego shield, deflecting Shanks’ attack just in time. There was a gasp from the students. Stepping back, Beck eyed Shanks warily. He was taking this a little more seriously than he expected, despite the grin still plastered on his face.
Beck raised his wand once, sending out golden ropes; technically still defense. Shanks made them vanish in an instant. A red light shot out a moment later.
Beck flicked his wand. A wall of stone rose, then went back down at another flick.
In the corner of his eye, he saw Kidd and Kamazo watching, or Kidd at least, with open mouths. Gasps rippled through the crowd, eyes widening in disbelief, as students exchanged incredulous glances, their whispers barely audible over the din.
Shanks sent a white light at him, but Beck deflected it back. Shanks’ wand flew from his hand as the man gave him a friendly glare.
Beck chuckled, waiting for Shanks to retrieve his wand. He managed another protego as Shanks shot a quick white flash in his direction, but hissed as a quickly cast stupefy hit him in the leg.
Shanks’ grin faltered as Beck dropped to one knee, a flicker of regret crossing the red-haired man’s face like a shadow.
Beck, despite knowing better, got him back with a well-timed impedimenta.
He didn’t know Rayleigh had raised his wand until he and Shanks both froze. He couldn’t move, and Shanks was stuck with one foot raised. The students looked excited though. Rayleigh walked up to them. “That’s enough. I think you’ve shown them how to defend well.” And how to be petty; Beck could almost hear the words, but he knew the headmaster wouldn’t say those words in front of anyone but his son and son-in-law. With another flick of Rayleigh’s wand, Beck stood and caught Shanks as he fell forward.
“You alright?” Beck murmured. Shanks nodded, shooting him a glare. He stayed quiet however.
Rayleigh pressed his wand to his throat again. “The demonstration is over, and I hope you all enjoyed seeing how to react to unexpected attacks.” His glasses flashed as his gaze darted to Beck and Shanks briefly; disappointment and amusement danced in the depths, noticeable even from here. “For those interested in pursuing a career as aurors, feel free to ask questions.”
Beck sighed, his shoulders sagging as a tide of eager students surged toward him, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. A few Slytherins; he recognized Kidd and Kamazo, as expected, though the fourth year Zoro was interesting. Luffy didn’t surprise him, though Usopp did, from Gryffindor. Nami, a third year from Ravenclaw, hadn’t struck him as interested, but she came over with a blue-haired girl from the same house. Sanji, a fifth year from Hufflepuff, sauntered over with a few others from his house. Beck met Law’s gaze as the head boy stood to the side.
Luffy came running up first, launching himself at Beck. “That was so cool!”
Beck chuckled but nudged him away discreetly; none of the students knew he was Luffy’s father, or Shanks’ husband. “Are you all interested in becoming aurors?” he asked the small crowd. Behind them, the other students slowly left to enjoy their Saturday afternoon.
Sanji shook his head. “I’m more interested in becoming a potions master, but how did you cast without speaking?”
Shanks grinned, answering him. “In your sixth year, you’ll learn how to cast nonverbal spells. It’s the spells you’re learning now, but they tend to be weaker when you don’t say them. It takes practice to do what we just did.”
“Are there ways of protecting against dark curses?” Kamazo called out from behind the Hufflepuffs.
Beck glanced at Shanks, noting the downslope of his shoulder, the twitch where the stump of his arm was, and turned back to the students. “Yes. Protego horribilis, a more advanced form of protego, is typically what you would use against a dark curse. Your best bet is to use expelliarmus, disarm your opponent before they can attack.”
Bonney stepped out from behind Luffy; Beck hadn’t seen her. “Is being an auror hard?”
Beck smiled at her. “Not as hard as you’d expect, but harder than you think.” He eyed each of the older students, those in their fourth year and up. “Being an auror means having high marks. For your OWLs, you need at least an Exceeds Expectations, and NEWTs need the same. If you can out Outstanding, it’s much better.”
Zoro narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, while Kidd and Kamazo whispered to each other next to him.
The blue-haired girl stepped forward; Beck recalled her name a second later. Vivi. Her father was the current head of Egypt's Magical Bureau. “Is it dangerous?”
Shanks nodded, his face grim. “Very. Dark wizards are no joke. While there are wizards out there like Marco, pursuing knowledge or protecting magical creatures or working to keep both wizards and muggles safe, there are others like Teach.”
“Who is Teach?” a Hufflepuff asked.
Shanks looked at Beck.
Beck saw the pain there and gave a tiny nod before answering. “A dark wizard who cares not for the ministry or those in it.” His tone made it clear he would not answer any more about Teach, and thankfully, the students listened.
Law cocked his head, his white cat in his arms now; Beck hadn’t seen her approach. “What happens if an auror gets hit by a curse? Is there a way to reverse it?”
While an unusual question, Beck wasn’t surprised it came from Law. “I wouldn’t know too much about that, Trafalgar. Hongo might know, and Rayleigh knows far more than us about curses,” he said, nodding towards the headmaster. “He was a curse-breaker while I was a student here.”
As anticipated, Law made a beeline for Rayleigh, who immediately fell into a conversation with the teen as they walked away.
Usopp watched him for a moment, then looked at Beck, his arms crossed. “Why did you become an auror?”
A personal question was not something Beck saw coming. Without looking, he felt Shanks grinning at him. “I wasn’t an auror until almost fifteen years ago. Before that, I was an Unspeakable.”
Silence fell over the students. Zoro’s eyes were wide, Luffy’s were shining, and the rest ranged from impressed to confused.
Kamazo spoke hesitantly. “What’s an Unspeakable?”
Beck shrugged. “As the name says, I cannot speak about exactly what I did. But what I can say is I explored unusual magic and knowledge.”
“So how’d you become an auror then?” Usopp asked, a slight frown crossing his features.
Beck tried to ignore Shanks’s grin; he knew it was getting wider. “I met someone who learned about me through the ministry and wanted a partner. Despite the difference in careers, I don’t regret it.”
Nami’s eyes flicked to Shanks, hands on her hips. “You know who got him to be an auror, don’t you?” Beck was both annoyed and impressed by her boldness. Most students wouldn’t dare talk to a teacher like that. But he also knew that the students knew how laid-back Shanks was compared to the others.
Shanks laughed. “I was the one who convinced Beck to leave his job as an Unspeakable and help me round up dark wizards,” he told her.
Beck internally sighed and cursed Shanks as the students either laughed, looked shocked, or kept looking between him and Shanks.
However, he didn’t expect Sanji to remark, “Does Professor Shanks still help with auror work, however? I’ve noticed you talking to him in the teachers' quarters. I saw you leaving there yesterday morning.”
A weight settled in Beck’s stomach as he caught Rayleigh’s eager gaze, his grin as wide as Shanks’. Law leaned in closer, curiosity glinting in his eyes. Shanks’ nearly silent snickers only added to Beck’s discomfort, and he discreetly flicked his hand behind his back, sending Shanks’ cloak fluttering over his head. If he said a single word about this, Beck would ensure Shanks paid for it in some way.
“Yes. Occasionally I still ask for his help with specific assignments,” Beck said, forcing his tone to remain even as warmth crept up his cheeks. “Considering the time, however, I think it’s time for you to head to dinner.”
The sun dipped lower, casting elongated shadows that danced across the grounds, mirroring the embarrassment brewing in his chest.
Beck tried to ignore the looks some students exchanged, the curious gazes flicking between him and Shanks, the smirks from a few of them. Luffy was the only one not reacting to the question, or Beck’s face, but the others certainly were. Stepping away from the students, he pointedly ignored Shanks and made his way towards the castle.
Footsteps behind him announced Law’s arrival. “Interesting reaction back there,” he said, a knowing grin spreading across his face.
Beck shot a sidelong glance but kept his mouth shut.
Law’s smirk widened, his voice a teasing whisper, “You know that’s going to spread now.” He picked up his pace, leaving Beck behind.
The urge to cast obliviate on everyone who heard Sanji’s question was strong, but Beck merely sighed, opting to dodge the Great Hall altogether and seek refuge in the teachers' lounge instead, quickly moving through the small clusters of students heading for dinner.
As he stepped into the empty space, heat flushed his cheeks. He sank into a chair, the familiar scent of old books and polished wood offering little comfort. By morning, rumors would be swirling. He could already picture Nami’s cheshire-cat grin, a sure sign she would be at the heart of it all. Sanji, despite being a prefect, couldn’t resist a good story, and Law? Beck wouldn’t put it past him to join in the fun.
Groaning, he tipped his head back and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow was shaping up to be a headache he was hoping to avoid.

Chapter Text

Not just the next day, but the next week. Beck stepped through students on their way between classes, sat at the teachers' table, helped in various classrooms, or showed students a few spells in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and every day there were whispers.
“Think there’s something big going down? Why else would an auror need help?”
“Do you think Professor Shanks is going to stop being a teacher?”
“Maybe Auror Beck is giving extra lessons to Professor Shanks.”
“Maybe there’s a dark wizard nearby. Maybe Headmaster Rayleigh thought we needed an extra auror to drive them off?”
“Professor Shanks mentioned a partner once…do you think he’s having an affair?”
Beck almost laughed at that one.
Shanks used every rumor to tease Beck, however. Shot him meaningful looks in the corridors, teased him just enough to notice in class, wouldn’t give a student a straight answer if they asked outright; Nami had done that, as had Zoro, surprisingly.
It didn’t help that the teachers who knew teased him too. If the affair rumor was heard between students in class, whichever teacher was there would give Beck a look that made the students' heads turn.
Those who actually gossiped, that is. Which was most of them.
Beck tried to find time to talk to Bonney, but it didn’t happen until Friday during the Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff’s quidditch practice. He found her sitting on the stands when he went to check practice, as some kids had asked him for beater help, and sat by her. “Hey Bonney, do you mind if I ask you something?” As Beck scanned the stands, he noticed Law sitting nearby, his sharp gaze flicking between Bonney and the players in the air.
Beck was beginning to think the teen was attaching himself to both him and Bonney, but remembered a second later that quidditch practice had to be supervised by either a teacher or head boy or girl. It made sense he was here then.
Though that didn’t explain why he was sitting so close.
She glanced at Beck, her eyes on the students in the air. “Sure.” Her eyes were glued to the chasers; from the excitement in her gaze, he guessed she wanted to try that. Laughter echoed around the pitch, shouts as someone got hit with a bludger, a triumphant yell from Vivi.
“I know about, or at least a little, about when you went with your father to Vegapunk,” he began.
Her eyes snapped to him immediately, arms crossed tight across her chest. “Are you going to make me leave school?” Bonney’s voice wavered, her eyes wide and glassy as she bit her lip, a hint of distress lurking beneath her brave facade.
Law sat a few feet away, Kikoku in his lap as usual.
Beck lowered his voice a little. “No, not unless you want to.”
“I don’t!” she said immediately, interrupting him. Her gaze darted to him for a second. Her eyes were wide, but unreadable.
Beck cocked an eyebrow, fighting a smile. “I didn’t think so. But…I also wanted to make sure you were okay, considering what happened.” With Law nearby, as well as the students practicing on their brooms, he didn’t want to say it aloud.
Bonney finally tore her gaze away from the chasers. “I’m fine with it. It took a bit to get used to it, but I was okay before school started.” Beck noticed Bonney’s hands trembling slightly, her fingers twisting around each other as her gaze flitted nervously between him and her lap.
“If it could be reversed, would you do that?” Beck couldn’t help but ask. Law stiffened, Kikoku mewing as his grip tightened. Beck almost said something, but held it back.
Bonney’s gaze fell to her lap, hands clenching her robes tightly. Finally, she looked back at him. “Would I still have my friends?” she asked quietly.
A smile broke across Beck's face, warmth radiating from him. “Yes. If they’re really your friends, they won’t care how old you are.” He kept his voice steady. There was no other way to say it, even with another student near, but Bonney needed to hear it. Luffy had been worried about that too after he got his scar.
Law came over in that moment. “Excuse me, Bonney, are you really eleven?” Beck nearly said something about his bluntness.
But he couldn’t deny that Law might actually be helpful for this. Already, Beck had seen the seventh year help in the infirmary many times in the past week, the most notable being Kamazo after getting hit with a jinx that left him smiling continuously. It wasn’t painful, but jinxes gone wrong were tricky to reverse; for Kamazo, the jinx was unfortunately permanent.
Bonney glanced at Beck, who nodded once, and turned back to Law. “No, I’m younger than that. But something happened and my daddy sent me here so I wouldn’t be alone.”
That was…interesting. While something that should be worried about, why had Bonney worded it like that? Wouldn’t she have had a sitter if she hadn’t come here?
Law sat down next to her. “Do you know what happened?”
Bonney shook her head, her fingers twisting again. “No. There was a flash, which scared me, and I ran to get daddy. I didn’t know how old I was until he said something.”
Law hummed thoughtfully. “A flash…” he muttered. “Where were you when that happened?”
Bonney closed her eyes for a moment. “Um…oh!” She opened her eyes, looking at him. “Cyril was working on spells. I wanted to see what he was doing. Daddy and Stella were talking and I was bored. I thought maybe I could find Gin and play with him if Cyril was busy, and that’s when there was a flash.”
Most likely a spell then. Beck met Law’s eyes, giving him a significant look. He wanted to talk to Law about this, as aside from Hongo and Vegapunk himself, Law would probably be their best bet to figure out how to reverse this.
Even if Bonney didn’t want it reversed, they needed to know in case it happened again.
Law blinked, turning his attention back to Bonney. “Did anything hurt?”
Bonney paused, watching the chasers briefly, before answering. “No…but it was strange being bigger.” She started when Kikoku climbed into her lap. “But daddy helped me get used to things while we waited for school to start,” she said, petting the black and white cat.
Law watched them for a moment. “Bonney, can you watch Kikoku for a few minutes?” She nodded, watching the chasers again. Law jerked his head at Beck and immediately headed for the top of the stands.
Vaguely annoyed at the teen's attitude, Beck ignored the rudeness and followed.
Law finally sat down, far enough away that Bonney wouldn’t be able to hear them. “There’s no spell that can age people. Do you know what Cyril or his boss were doing?”
Beck shrugged, watching the quidditch players as they talked. “No. I know Vegapunk experiments in various areas, but I’m waiting on a message from him.” He watched Sanji block the quaffle from a teammate. “When Cyril gets back, which he should be soon, if he’s not back already, Vegapunk was going to ask him about it.”
Law tapped his fingers on his leg, his gaze on the quidditch pitch but not paying attention to it. After a few moments, he stopped. “There might be a potion to reverse the spell, if that’s what it is, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for Bonney to go through with it.”
“Sounds like she doesn’t though,” Beck commented, glancing at him.
Law darted his eyes towards the pink-haired girl, frowning for a second. “Even if she did, it wouldn’t be a good idea. It’s not pleasant, and only used in primitive cultures where special people are given it as a ritual.”
Only years of practice kept Beck's surprise hidden. Law was probably the most well-read teen he’d ever met. Once again, he wondered if Law was really seventeen.
Law’s sharp gaze met his. “I know this is a question for Headmaster Rayleigh, as well as Hongo,” Beck didn’t miss the lack of Hongo’s title, “But when you see Vegapunk again, I’d like to come with you. Do you think that would be possible?”
Beck didn’t answer immediately. He wanted to say yes. Have Law listen to whatever Vegapunk learned, and possibly have a response to how to reverse it. He was sure Law could figure it out. Instead, he said, “After practice, I’ll take you to see Headmaster Rayleigh. I’ll fetch Hongo, as well as Professor Shanks. We’ll meet you in the headmasters office.”
A smirk appeared on Law's lips. “Why Professor Shanks?”
Beck’s eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line as he shot Law a warning glance, silently daring him to push that further. “Because he went with me to see Vegapunk, and he’s the head of Bonney’s house.” Those stupid rumors…
Law’s smirk grew. “I have a question, if you don’t mind.”
Beck certainly did, but he said nothing.
“Why are you here this year?” Not quite the question he was expecting, but close enough.
Beck didn’t look away, keeping his voice even. “Because of Bonney. Headmaster Rayleigh asked me to keep an eye on her while we learned about what’s going on.” The truth, no matter what else. “And while I’m here, he thought it would be good for students to hear from a current auror, since Shanks hasn’t been one for some time.”
Law’s eyes glittered. “But why spend so much time with Professor Shanks? I understand he’s head of Gryffindor, but I’ve noticed the way he talks to you.” His smirk hadn’t left. If anything, it grew.
Beck’s eyes widened slightly at Law’s perceptiveness. He couldn’t help but admire the teen’s sharp observations, a mix of surprise and a hint of respect creeping into his thoughts.
Law continued with a chuckle. “Just a guess, but I feel as if the most…unusual of the rumors is true.” He stood just then. “If you’ll excuse me, Auror Beck, I see the Ravenclaw’s landing.” He clicked his tongue once and Kikoku came running over, leaping into his arms easily.
Sure enough, Hufflepuff’s were still flying in a loose circle around Sanji, while Ravenclaw’s were already headed off the pitch.
Beck watched Law leave and felt warmth creeping across his face again. If he understood what Law had said, the ‘affair’ rumor was what he assumed to be true. It wasn’t, obviously, but it wasn’t too far from the truth.
Beck internally sighed. Maybe he should say something, but Shanks knew how comfortable Beck was revealing that, even if he teased him. Not only because Beck was an auror, but he was twelve years older. The age difference usually got him funny looks, and he had never liked that.
Bonney came over to him, breaking his thoughts. “Auror Beck, do you think I should get it reversed?”
The question caught him off guard for a moment. It took him a few seconds to recover, then he asked, “Do you want to go back to your real age?”
Bonney looked at the ground, then shook her head. “No. I don’t want to leave school. Or my friends.”
Beck let out a silent sigh, relief settling on his shoulders. He was glad, as he wasn’t sure it would’ve been a good idea. Who knew what reversing it could do to her? Even if she went back to being five, what if she forgot what she learned here and had to start over? Not the worst thing, but it could be frustrating. And sometimes kids could be brutal. How many, aside from Luffy, would want to stay friends with someone more than half their age younger?
“But what about daddy?” she asked.
“What about him?” Beck responded.
Tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “What if daddy doesn’t get his memory back?”
Oh.
So she knew.
Beck gestured for her to sit. “Bonney, you know Vegapunk is working hard to fix that, right?” She nodded, sitting with her hands in her lap. “Did Vegapunk ever talk to you about what could happen if…if it doesn’t work?” He hated asking her, but he knew this was important. And when had she and Vegapunk talked about this? By owl? Or was there more they were unaware of?
Bonney scuffed her foot, not looking at him. “No. He said daddy would still take care of me, but it wouldn’t be the same.” She sniffed. “I don’t know what will happen.” Without warning, she cried and flung her arms around Beck.
Beck’s breath caught in his throat at the unexpected outburst, his heart racing as he instinctively pulled her close, feeling the warmth of her small frame trembling against him. He felt a little awkward since Bonney wasn’t his own kid, but he wouldn’t push her away.
He kept his hold while she cried into his cloak, and after a few minutes flicked his wand. A handkerchief flew from his pocket to his hand. “Bonney, it’ll be alright.” He held it out to her.
She sniffed again and took it, wiping her nose. “Sorry…”
“Don’t be sorry,” Beck told her. “Anyone would be upset over this. We’re waiting to hear from Vegapunk right now. When we go see him, I’ll ask Rayleigh if you can’t come with us. If you want to, of course.” There was a brief holiday coming up, four days where the students and teachers wouldn’t have class.
Bonney nodded. “I want to.” Footsteps made them both look up.
Law approached. “Bonney, Auror Beck, Headmaster Rayleigh wants to see us.” Kikoku had her tail bushed, wrapped around Law’s neck protectively, eyes like saucers. Someone must have been sent – Shanks appeared at the top of the stairs, answering his unspoken question.
Bonney grabbed Beck’s hand; he could feel her trembling.
From the look on Shanks’ face, Beck had an idea why.
Vegapunk had answers.

Chapter Text

Rayleigh pursed his lips, meeting Law’s gaze evenly. Finally, he said, “I’m appreciative of the help, Trafalgar, but this is really a matter between us teachers and Vegapunk.”
Law stood in the center of the Headmaster’s office, his back ramrod straight. Kikoku curled around his neck, her tail twitching across his chest. “But sir-”
Rayleigh raised his hand, cutting him off. “Let me ask you something.” His glasses flashed in the candlelight, hiding his expression.
Beck exchanged a curious look with Shanks and Hongo. Between him and Shanks, Bonney stood, her hand still in Beck’s. She had refused to let go, and he knew she wanted comfort for the moment.
“Why do you want to help her so badly?” Rayleigh asked. “I understand your interest in becoming a Healer, and you’ve been helping in the infirmary this year, but you’ve been unusually involved with Bonney.” Rayleigh shot Bonney a brief smile.
Law took a deep breath, his fingers clenching around his wand. “I overheard Auror Beck talking with her during my houses quidditch practice.”
Shanks shot Beck a look. He ignored it. Bonney shrank closer to him. Beck gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and she pressed closer to him.
“I understand she’s not eleven, that she’s much younger,” Law continued. “Being hit with a spell has lasting effects,” Beck felt a pang of sympathy for him, remembering what Law told him a couple weeks ago, “And I would like to make sure she’s okay. I would also like to ask Vegapunk about whatever Cyril was testing.” His expression was hard, but Beck could make out the trembling in his arms.
Rayleigh shot Beck a look; he was clearly not pleased with how much Law had overheard, but he knew there was no reversing time. Pausing briefly, Rayleigh looked at Law before speaking. “While that’s understandable, and noble, wanting to make sure she’s alright, that still doesn’t answer why you’ve been so interested in her this year. Specifically, a couple weeks ago.”
Law lowered his gaze, his hat's brim shading his face. He was quiet for a few moments. “At first it was because she was homesick,” he said quietly. “I understood that well.”
Beck glanced at Hongo, who just shook his head slowly. Shanks gave him a curious look, but Hongo watched Law intently. Beck realized Hongo must know why Law understood that so well.
“But then…I heard Auror Beck ask her about what might happen if…if her father cannot remember her,” Law said. Kikoku mewed and rubbed against his head. He reached up and gripped her fur. “I would like to ask Vegapunk about that, and help.” Kikoku didn’t protest, though Law’s fingers must have been tight.
Beck blinked. “Law,” he paused briefly, unsure if he should continue, but at a look from Rayleigh, he did. “It sounds as if you understand clearly what it could be like…if you can’t.” He glanced at Bonney. One hand was gripping her robes tightly, the other clenching around his. He looked at Hongo.
Hongo nodded and stepped behind them. “Bonney, why don’t we wait just outside for a few minutes?” He held out his hand for her.
She hesitated, then took his hand, reluctantly letting go of Beck. Hongo quickly led her outside the office.
Shanks watched her, the pain in his eyes palpable. When the door closed, he turned to Law. “This is about Corazon, isn’t it?” he asked. His hand fluttered against his side, fingers curling into claws briefly.
Beck sighed and closed his eyes. He knew that name, but had no idea the man was connected to Law. An auror from MACUSA, the North American ministry, he had infiltrated a dark wizard group years ago. Apparently mute, Beck had heard about how he had tricked them, leading them away from something important they were searching for, and ended up dead during the last fight.
Law’s voice was steady, but the pain was unmistakable. “Yes. After my parents died, and my little sister, he took me in.” Kikoku mewed and he pulled her into his arms.
Beck gazed at Law in a new light. It explained a lot about him. He acted older because he had been forced to. No parents, his caregiver gone, it was no wonder he didn’t act his age.
“He raised me for a year, and is the reason I came here,” he said, almost bitterly. His eyes blazed with a shocking intensity.
Beck wanted to ask what he meant, but now was not the time.
Law looked back at Rayleigh. “If there’s a chance I can help her get her father back, I want to keep her from losing her family. He’s all she has left.”
Shanks stepped closer to Beck, twining their fingers together. He pressed against Beck’s shoulder discreetly.
Beck didn’t move away. He knew Shanks had lost his foster father, Roger, a couple years before they met, and while he had Rayleigh, it wasn’t quite the same. Losing a parent was never easy. And Beck had no one until Shanks.
Rayleigh watched Law for a moment, then met Beck’s gaze. He gave Rayleigh a curt nod. Rayleigh snapped his gaze back to Law. “Very well. I’ll let you help with this.”
This face stayed expressionless, but Beck noticed how Law’s shoulders lowered, his grip on Kikoku softening.
“Hongo has spoken highly of your abilities, and I believe you’ll be able to understand whatever happened. But I suggest you head back to your dormitory for now. I’ll let you know when you’re leaving,” Rayleigh finished, dismissing Law.
Beck would’ve done his best to talk Rayleigh into letting Law help after hearing that, but relief settled in his chest as Rayleigh agreed.
Law dipped his head. “Thank you, sir.” He spun around on one heel and was out the door before anyone could say anything.
Rayleigh turned and sat at his desk. “Beck, Shanks, he is your responsibility when you leave. I know he is an adult, but he is still a student here.”
Beck cocked an eyebrow. “While we would’ve looked out for him anyway, I’m not too worried. He doesn’t act 17.” And for, unfortunately, good reason.
Shanks scoffed. “Seriously! Have you heard the way he talks? He sounds like he’s in his twenties already!” He hadn’t let go of Beck and pulled him along as he approached the desk. “But I’m worried about Bonney.” He glanced behind them.
Beck followed his gaze, but the door was still shut. Hongo and Bonney had stayed outside when Law left.
Rayleigh clasped his hands on the desk, leaning forward a bit. “I am too,” he said. “But until we understand the full extent of what’s happened to both her and Kuma, there’s not much we can do.”
Beck had an idea, but hesitated. He hadn’t told Shanks about it. There’d been no chance between the quidditch pitch and here, but it hadn’t left his head since Bonney’s reaction.
Rayleigh’s gaze bore into him. “I’m guessing you have an idea, Beck?” How did he always know when someone had an idea?
Shanks squeezed his hand lightly. “I noticed you were thinking pretty hard about something on the way here,” he said lightly, though his eyes were dark with curiosity and worry.
“I was thinking that if Kuma’s memories can’t come back, and I don’t believe Bonney will be okay staying with him if he can’t remember her,” he hesitated, but continued when Shanks squeezed his hand again. “She could stay with us. That way, she can continue her schooling. And she won’t be alone.”
Shanks grinned.
Rayleigh's grin was wider, if that were possible. “I’m sure that’s a good idea, but let’s talk to Vegapunk first. Even if Kuma, without his memories, would be alright watching Bonney, I don’t believe their relationship would be fine considering she can remember him.”
Beck agreed. It would be awkward for them both, and he couldn’t imagine how distressing that would be for Bonney. “When do we speak to Vegapunk?”
Rayleigh twitched his wand. A small, broken teacup floated over. “I got Vegapunk’s message yesterday and he suggested I set up a portkey straight for his workshop.” The cup settled on his desk. There was a quiet scoff from Seth, but no one acknowledged him.
Shanks’ grin didn’t fade. “That’s not a bad idea. For something this important, it’s better if we get there quickly.” Beck tried not to make a face as he thought about traveling back and forth via portkey. He’d rather take the carriage again.
Rayleigh stood, folding his hands behind his back. “You two and Law are to come to my office in two days, before breakfast.”
Shanks pouted a little. “Why can’t we eat before we go?” he said, a bit of a whine creeping into his voice. Not surprising; like Luffy, Shanks’ appetite was large and the man hated missing meals almost as much as their kid.
Beck nudged him. “You really want to take a portkey on a full stomach?” He certainly didn’t.
Shanks’ pout deepened. “Alright, you’ve got a point.” He knew just as well as Beck that it made vomiting more likely.
“We’ll go to the Three Broomsticks this weekend,” Beck promised with a warm smile. Shanks brightened a little. There might be students in Hogsmeade, but a small date night wouldn’t hurt.
Rayleigh chuckled. “The sooner we get this figured out, the better it will be. And while I’m not entirely fond of including Trafalgar, he’s probably the better choice of someone who can work with Vegapunk to find a fix for Kuma’s memory.”
Beck reluctantly agreed with that. Despite having Outstanding in both his OWLs and NEWTs, the only person to get O’s from every class in the last fifty years, he wasn’t much for experimenting with anything new. Not unless it was something that helped directly with his work.
“Ray, you sure you want to send the kid?” Roger called down from his portrait. He was frowning, his arms crossed and brow furrowed.
Rayleigh looked up at him. “Yes. I don’t like that he was eavesdropping, but it’s clear he’d be an excellent help to this.” He turned back to Beck and Shanks. “I suggest you two head to dinner. Send Bonney and Hongo in. I want to talk to her before she joins the others.”
Beck internally winced at the idea of listening to possibly even more rumors swirling around in the Great Hall’s chatter. Maybe he could convince Shanks to eat in the teachers' lounge tonight, or at least let Beck eat there while Shanks joined the Gryffindors at their table again.
Rayleigh’s cough caught his attention. “Also, I’ve heard about some rumors of you two about the school.” His glasses flashed, but Beck caught the amusement on his face easily.
Shanks grinned, giving him a significant look. “I’ve had a few students ask me about a few of them.”
Heat creeped up the back of Beck’s neck. “You’d think kids would forget them by now,” he muttered. Fat chance. Kids were worse at gossip than some of the older people working at the ministry.
Rayleigh shook his head, waving his wand at a cabinet across the room. A silver platter came flying out. “You know you can just tell them, Beck,” he remarked. “I know your auror training is important, but I doubt anyone at the school would use that against you.”
No, they wouldn’t, but Beck was a little more concerned about the talk of their age gap. Call him old-fashioned, it was clear he was much older than Shanks. He knew it shouldn’t bug him so much, but it always had.
Even when his hair started showing silver streaks, Shanks had always said it didn’t matter to him. It didn’t matter to Beck either, not truly, but it felt awkward to admit it aloud.
Shanks nudged him again. “Rayleigh’s right. But if you don’t want to say anything, I don’t mind teasing you some more,” he grinned.
Beck shot him a half-hearted glare.
Rayleigh laughed. “Get going, you two. Send Hongo and Bonney in on your way out.”
Beck turned and left before Shanks moved, pausing only to tell Hongo and Bonney to speak to Rayleigh. Shanks grabbed his hand as they descended the spiral staircase and Beck didn’t protest.
Shanks stopped him before they left the entrance. “Are you alright?”
Beck ran a hand through his hair. “Just worried about Bonney in all this,” he said. He wasn’t lying, but he also wasn’t saying everything.
Shanks watched him for a moment, silent for once. When he finally spoke, Beck recognized the rare seriousness Shanks could show when he wanted. “You know the students won’t care if they find out. And Rayleigh’s right. None of them are going to use that against you, or me. Or Luffy.” They knew Luffy was Shanks’ son, just not Beck’s.
He met Shanks’ gaze. “You know my response to that, Shanks,” he said with a slight groan.
Shanks scoffed, the corner of his mouth twitching up. “Yes, and you know mine.” He leaned up and kissed Beck. “Such an insecure old man,” he teased.
Beck raised one eyebrow as high as it could go. With a flick of his wand, he took off down the hallway before Shanks could get free of the cloak which kept him trapped him place. Biting back his laughter, Beck knew Shanks would get him back.
But it was worth it for that tease.

Chapter Text

Vegapunk waved his hand dismissively at Cyril. “I understand it was an accident, but always check the room before you cast. You know the rule.” Despite the calm tone, his expression bordered between disappointment and anger.
Beck almost felt sorry for the assistant.
Cyril, a balding man dressed in an ugly green and yellow cloak, hung his head. Without another word, he swiftly left the room. A few seconds later, the door leading outside snapped shut.
Bonney, sitting with Shanks and Luffy, watched Beck with wide eyes.
Law, who had watched Cyril silently, snapped his eyes to Vegapunk. “And what was the spell supposed to do, had it worked?” He stood to the side of the couch, wearing a black winter cloak with a yellow trim and his usual hat.
Vegapunk didn’t answer immediately, only summoned a tea tray. When it landed on the table, he finally spoke. “It was meant to be a healing spell. Tempus Senare was supposed to help those with serious wounds. Close up the flesh and hold it together long enough to get the area bandaged, and as an after effect, it was designed to make the flesh glow around the wound if there was infection.”
Beck knew that there was no keeping Law quiet after hearing this. He exchanged an amused look with Shanks, who shook his head, smiling. Shanks flicked his wand at the stack of biscuits on a plate; one landed in Bonney’s lap, another in Luffy’s.
Law brightened up, more than Beck would have expected. “How did you design that? There are spells to close wounds, but none for something large than a knife cut.” His eyes wide, it was obvious he was keeping himself in check. Barely.
Vegapunk looked just as amused as Beck. “I’ll explain later. But now that we know what spell he was working on,” he paused, turning to Bonney, “Would you want to go back to your original age?”
She shook her head immediately. “No. I want to stay at school.” Luffy grinned at her. “But…what about daddy?” She brought her legs to her chest and sat her chin on her knees.
“Ah, well, he’s still not back yet, I’m afraid,” Vegapunk said. “But I’ve been trying to find a way to restore memories for some time and might have a potion that will work.” He clasped his hands behind his back and looked at Law. “I understand you’re looking to be a healer. If you would like to help, I’d welcome it.”
Law glanced at Shanks, who was technically the only teacher here. Shanks nodded once and Law turned back to Vegapunk. “What ingredients are you using?”
Beck chuckled to himself as Vegapunk led Law to one of the other rooms. The two were already in a complicated discussion and Beck understood maybe every third word until they were too far away and it became indistinct.
He sat on Luffy’s other side, reclining back with one arm draped over the back. “Have fun getting Law to leave,” he said to Shanks.
Shanks laughed. “No way I’m doing that alone!” Beck grinned. Getting the healer to leave might be impossible after that.
Luffy climbed onto Beck’s lap after a moment. “Will Vegapunk be able to help Bonney’s dad?” Beck knew most other kids this age wouldn’t do this, but Luffy was…well, the kid had no concept of personal space most of the time. And Beck didn’t mind.
He wrapped an arm around Luffy, glancing at Bonney. She had pressed herself to Shanks’ side, but her eyes were on Beck still. “Hopefully. Between him and Law, they should be able to figure out something.”
Shanks smiled at Bonney. “Considering how smart Law is, and how much Vegapunk’s done already, I don’t doubt they can.”
She looked up at him, a smile tugging on her lips. “When do you think he’ll be back?”
Shanks shrugged, hugging her to him briefly. “Hard to say.” He arched an eyebrow at Beck. “Any idea what plant they’re searching for?”
“Something Vegapunk called ‘moon gutweed’, something that blooms during the full moon,” Beck told him. Vegapunk had mentioned it briefly, when Beck asked shortly after arriving.
Luffy looked at him. “Is it hard to find?” Beck knew he didn’t have the biggest interest in plants, but it was nice he seemed curious about this for once. Usually Luffy only got interested, or excited occasionally, about beetles and spellwork.
Law and Vegapunk came in, and the teen answered him, “It’s not as rare as you’d think, but it’s hard to spot even if you’re in the right place.” Law stood to the side of the couch again, his arms crossed, tapping his wand thoughtfully against his shoulder.
Vegapunk nodded in agreement, hands behind his back again. “It only blooms three nights a month, and the second night it glows. It’s been used in the past for strengthening potions, but there’s none that grows around here. Law has my notes for the potion, and instructions to talk to the school's potions master about the ingredients needed.”
“Will he be making it at school?” Shanks asked, darting a look at Law.
“No,” Law said, his expression almost sour. “Once started, the potion needs constant attention and I can’t do that. If this isn’t prepared right, it could fail, and moving it while brewing might change something and we can’t risk that. But I need to talk to Professor Roux about some of the more volatile ingredients.”
Bonney and Luffy gave Beck identical confused looks.
He shook his head. “Means it could be dangerous,” he explained.
Bonney’s fingers fidgeted with the hem of her robe, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, “Do you know where daddy is?”
Vegapunk sat down in his chair, elbows on his knees and hands clasped in front of his face as he leaned forward. “I know of three locations where moon gutweed is found. Edge Island, an island up in Svalbard, is the first location I sent them to.”
Must be a cold-loving plant then, Beck mused. And not all that far either.
“If it’s not there, they are to head to the Kuril Islands,” the experimenter continued.
Or maybe not. Beck knew the islands were volcanic, with a tundra in the north and a dense forest to the south. And an entire continent away.
“And if they can’t find it in the Kuril Islands, the only place left is Alderfall Isle,” Vegapunk finished. An island chain stretching from northern Russia to Japan.
Beck glanced at Shanks when he felt a nudge, only to see him nod in Law’s direction. Looking, Beck was surprised to see his hands were fisted against his sides, a slight tremor to his shoulders, and his expression was that of a person trying to keep everything in.
Making Luffy sit back on the couch, Beck stood and touched Law’s shoulder. “Come with me for a minute.”
Feeling Vegapunk’s surprised stare on his back, Beck led Law outside. It was cold, but he wanted to ask Law without the teen being worried about someone overhearing him. And Beck didn’t think he did. Not what Beck was going to ask about.
Law didn’t protest, staying on his heels. When Beck finally faced him, Law snapped out, “What?” The door melted back into bark as they moved further away.
“Strong reaction to the mention of Alderfall Isle,” Beck said evenly, meeting the glare. He had an idea why, but wanted to hear it. A light dusting of snow fell on their shoulders, speckling Beck’s hair with white.
Law tipped his hat down, hiding his face. “Just…” He paused and took a deep breath, letting it out in a white cloud. “That was my home. I’m surprised to hear Vegapunk thinks it’s safe to send anyone there,” he muttered.
Beck watched him, saying nothing. Yet.
Alderfall Isle was a small islet that once existed at the southern tip of New Zealand. Finding it was tricky. One of the few all-magical communities in the world, they were renowned for their healing prowess. Before Beck’s time, most medical knowledge came from their healers.
Until a curse fell over the entire island, wiping out the majority of adults within a few years. The children who survived usually died not long after reaching twenty –
Oh.
A heavy sigh escaped Beck as he pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, feeling the weight of realization settle in his chest like a stone. “Your curse…it came from there.”
Law’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched tightly as if fighting a bitter retort, the muscles in his neck taut. “I grew up there. We never knew where the curse came from.” He was clearly expecting a hostile reaction and prepared to respond just as harshly if he needed to.
“How did you get out?” Beck heard the stories of how the few survivors, those known at least, were exiled from any community they tried to enter. There was a lot of superstition about how the isles residents died, and many thought they were contagious. Himself included.
But he had already spent enough time around Law, and been told of the curse on the teen, so he wasn’t worried.
Law shrugged. “Got to the mainland, found myself in the lands of the Don Quixote family. Corazon took me in, helped me find a way to keep the curse from getting worse, and you’re the only person who knows where I’m from now.”
Beck didn’t miss the implied words of ‘and I hate you for guessing that’, but didn’t comment on that. But Law’s strong interest in healing made even more sense. And the mention of the Don Quixote family was a surprise. That was the group Corazon had infiltrated, but Beck thought they had been based in North America.
Law glared at him, his face carefully devoid of any emotion. “I understand Headmaster Rayleigh is going to let me help with this…issue now, but do you know what will happen to Bonney if we fail?”
Beck gave him a curt nod, unsurprised at the sudden change in topic. “Me and Shanks have talked about taking her in with us.” A second later, he closed his eyes as Law grinned. He’d been so wrapped up in his thoughts about Law and Bonney, he slipped up. Damn him for getting bothered by this.
“So you two are together.” Amusement curled through the air. “Guess one rumor was sort of true.”
Beck sighed, sending out a large cloud. “Yes.”
Law chuckled. “Why hide it?”
Beck glared at him, unconsciously gripping his wand tighter. “I’m an auror. Not the best idea to let it known I have family.” True.
“And you’re embarrassed because of your age, aren’t you?” Law said, shocking him. When Beck didn’t respond, Law shrugged, crossing his arms. “I honestly guessed you two were together a few weeks into the school year.”
Beck stared at him. A few weeks? Respect for Law’s observation skills and annoyance warred in his head.
Law laughed. “I’m a healer. I need to be able to read people. And Shanks isn’t nearly as subtle as you.”
And there was the missing title for Shanks now. Beck arched an eyebrow. “Surprised you didn’t put a stop to the rumors then.” He should have, being Head Boy. While it could sometimes be fun, Beck knew rumors could get out of hand if people weren’t careful.
Law’s grin grew. “It’s too much fun watching you get embarrassed,” he said, turning back to the door.
Before Beck could think of a response, the teen disappeared inside. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair and kept it there for a moment. It was obvious Law wouldn’t stop the rumors.
And Beck had the feeling he would just make them worse now.

Chapter Text

Shanks shivered, pulling his cloak tighter. His breath came out in little puffs as he glared at Beck.
Beck just smiled and led him inside the Three Broomsticks. Inside, the pub was warm and bright and cheery. The decorated tree in the corner flickered as tiny, glowing fairy ornaments danced around the branches. The rich scent of butterbeer permeated the air as always, but Beck could detect cinnamon and peppermint underneath it.
The pub was mostly full. A fair amount of students were scattered around, and some locals Beck recognized. He thought he saw a few teachers, but spotted what looked like a vacant table and headed for it immediately.
Sitting down in a corner booth, Shanks leaned against Beck, his brow furrowed as he grumbled under his breath. He sniffled, rubbing his nose with his gloved hand. Beck caught himself biting the inside of his cheek, his heart racing at the sight of Shanks’s pink cheeks and the way he shivered slightly. He almost wrapped his arm around Shanks, but was too conscious of the surrounding students.
Beck looked up as a black-haired man approached with two tankards. “Mihawk. Handling the students alright?” He smiled, leaning back into the booth.
The golden-eyed man glared at him. “Would be better if they didn’t badger me about wanting lessons,” he said, setting the drinks down. As always, he had their favorite drinks before either man even had the chance to order.
Shanks took a long draught of the firewhiskey, but Beck caught the corner of his mouth twitching upwards despite his best efforts to hide his grin. The way he was avoiding Mihawk’s sharp gaze was even more obvious.
Mihawk saw the grin too, apparently. “Red-hair, kindly refrain from mentioning my spellwork from future students. Zoro alone is bad enough,” he growled, his voice barely concealing the warning hidden within.
Beck snorted as he walked off. “Shanks, you know he’s just itching to get you back for that.” He couldn’t hide his amusement as Zoro appeared, sitting at the counter and already pestering Mihawk.
To his credit, Mihawk seemed to be answering Zoro’s questions without delay.
“I know, and I’m hoping he’ll agree to a duel again one day,” Shanks responded, leaning against Beck heavily. “But until then, I can’t help it when a student asks about the strongest duelist I know.”
Beck took a drink of his ale, gaze roaming around the pub. Decorated for Christmas, it still managed a nice but quiet atmosphere. The fireplace flickered against the nearby wall, a group of older students sitting around it.
A few of the other teachers sat across the pub. Limejuice’s cheeks were red, even from here, and Beck wondered how much he had already drank. Yasopp, next to him, would probably have to make sure he got back to the castle alright. Snake laughed loudly, easily heard from where Beck sat, from something Hongo must’ve said.
A sharp bark of laughter caught Beck’s attention, drawing him to the group of students sitting in a booth not far off.
He tried to ignore Law’s smirk as Beck met his gaze briefly. Since coming back from Vegapunk’s almost two months ago, his suspicions had been correct.
The rumors were worse.
And he was pretty sure Law was to blame.
Shanks chuckled, apparently noticing. “You have to admit, it’s been fun lately.”
Beck almost snorted into his drink, leaning back as he struggled to contain his laughter. His shoulders shook slightly, and he had to take a moment to compose himself. “Fun? Only you would find this fun,” he finally said, grinning at his husband.
Shanks mirrored his grin, taking another long drink. “What, you don’t like hearing what the students are saying now?”
Beck rolled his eyes, giving Shanks a gentle shove that only earned him a deeper chuckle. Yeah, Beck was not enjoying this nearly as much as his partner.
Whispers of Shanks having a partner, yet apparently sleeping with Beck, were circulating through the older students like a gale in a dense forest. Every time Beck walked through the hallways, he felt the weight of curious eyes on him. A quick glance revealed grinning faces and stifled giggles, whispers dancing just out of earshot.
Some students, mainly the younger ones, still speculated about dark wizards being near or Shanks helping Beck with a job, but twice in the past week Beck almost said something.
First, Nami asked Beck what he and Shanks were doing for Valentine's Day. While he admired the girl's boldness, he just told her to focus on her studies and not worry about the teachers or guests. She had only laughed while walking off.
Then Law asked, while tutoring a group of fifth years, “Auror Beck, it must be nice having someone like Professor Shanks around to work with. Do you two exchange ideas often?” The smirk on his face was enough to almost make Beck’s eye twitch, and the gleefully curious faces around him made it worse.
Despite his growing fondness for Law, the annoyance he felt couldn’t be denied.
Shanks tapped his tankard once with a finger, sending it floating back to the bar. Mihawk’s glare scorched them from here and Shanks chuckled.
Beck resisted the urge to wrap an arm around him. “Must you antagonize him?” Despite knowing Shanks was adept enough to use wandless magic, he was still surprised each time.
Mihawk walked over, setting the refreshed drink down. “You’re lucky it’s calm in here for once, or that would have been more foolish than what it was.” He turned and left abruptly, leaving Shanks to pout.
Beck took another drink, smiling and staying quiet.
Shanks looked after Mihawk. “Not like it was a full tankard…” he muttered, taking a drink.
Beck rested his hand on the table, drumming his fingers for a moment. Glancing around at the nearby students, he lowered his voice and asked, “Rayleigh gave us the night to stay outside the castle if we wanted. Would you want to?”
Shanks brightened. “Yes.” He downed the rest of his drink. In record time, Beck noted. “Where to?”
Beck darted his gaze to the stairs. “Already paid Mihawk for a room. And it’s got spells in place to keep it private,” he said lowly. “Head up there. I’ll be there soon.”
Shanks pouted for a second, but when Beck nudged him, he darted up the stairs.
Standing, Beck returned the tankards to the bar, avoiding the knowing smirk on Law’s face, and headed upstairs before anyone saw.

Chapter Text

Beck’s jaw tightened, muscles straining as he fought to keep calm and closed his eyes.
He would not tell Bonney about this.
He couldn’t.
He refused.
Shanks gripped his hand, grounding him amidst his swirling thoughts. “Rayleigh, what do you suggest?”
“I’m not sure,” came the reply.
Beck snapped his eyes open. “How are we going to tell Bonney?” Energy crackled from his wand, gripped in his fist. Shanks’ hand disappeared from his.
Before Beck understood what had happened, Shanks forced Beck to look at him, his fingers digging almost painfully into Beck’s jaw.
“Nothing until we know more.” His eyes were like chips of obsidian.
Beck met his gaze, but said nothing. After a few moments, Shanks released him. The energy died down. Beck’s fingers wrapped loosely around his wand, barely keeping his grip.
Rayleigh waited another moment before speaking. “Shanks is right. Whatever is going on…there’s no good way to describe it to her.”
Beck groaned and closed his eyes.
The potion finished brewing a week ago, after Kuma finally returned just after the holidays, but it hadn’t worked.
Instead of restoring his memories, the man now remembered nothing.
He could take orders, but that was it.
He could talk, if asked.
But there was no emotion. No responsiveness. Nothing.
It was almost as if he were a shell.
Vegapunk was disappointed, understandably, but was not upset. Law was distressed, and in the week since the failure, had run himself ragged in the Restricted Section. Hongo and Beck finally dragged him out when Robin came to tell them Law had collapsed from exhaustion two days ago.
Rayleigh had forbidden Law to continue his research. When he protested, despite still being in an infirmary bed, Rayleigh told him it was only because the NEWT exams were getting closer. After they were done, he could continue if he wished.
Beck knew he would. It was obvious he would. Only the threat of barring him from the library completely kept him from going against the headmaster. Beck had never felt more sympathy for someone, other than Shanks and Luffy the night Shanks saved him, than that moment.
And that was without even knowing the full extent of what happened. Law only knew the potion failed.
Rayleigh looked up at Roger. “You were much better with kids than I ever was. Did you ever have something like this happen?”
Roger paced around his painting a bit, his cloak fluttering as he did. Finally, he stopped and answered. “Once. Remember Buggy?”
Rayleigh sighed, dropping his head wearily. “I had forgotten about that.”
Beck glanced at Shanks. His brother? He had heard a bit about him, but Shanks usually got uncomfortable. Apparently, they hadn’t spoken since Roger died.
“Buggy’s parents were sent to St Mungo’s in our first year,” Shanks explained. “No one really knows what happened, but they both lost their minds and went catatonic.”
Beck made a noise of sympathy in the back of his throat.
Roger coughed. “While not exactly the same, it’s close enough.” He gave Rayleigh a sheepish smile. “Bonney’s just as bright as Buggy was at that age. She’ll be upset, but as long as she knows she has family, she’ll be alright. But it might not be easy dealing with this for a while.”
That was an understatement. Beck ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. He’d seen plenty of magical accidents over the years.
People hit with curses and losing a limb or something like their sight. Spells gone wrong in a fight that nearly killed the caster. Environmental spell effects that swallowed up people into the ground or stone walls or trees if they got too close. Diseases that cropped up because someone exploded a potion mid-fight. Wounds that took years to heal because a spell kept them open.
But to tell a kid that her father didn’t just forget her, but everything?
Shanks’s arm slid around Beck’s waist, pulling him close as he leaned in, his warmth breaking through the chill of Beck’s spiraling thoughts. “What did Vegapunk say exactly?” he asked Rayleigh.
Rayleigh paused, then went over to a large cabinet. Tapping it once with his wand, it opened to reveal a pensieve. Beck waited as he drew a silver strand from his temple, then dropped it in the liquid there.
After a moment, the liquid trickled upwards and took the form of an ethereal fox – a patronus.
When it spoke, it was in Vegapunk’s voice. “I don’t understand,” he said. “We brewed the potion well. There were no accidents, no drops spilled, each ingredient measured out carefully. But when he took it, it was as if something left him.”
Beck exchanged a worried look with Shanks.
“He listens, he gives basic answers when asked anything, but he doesn’t respond to any other stimuli,” the fox continued. “At this point, I’m afraid to try anything else.”
Beck couldn’t blame him.
“But he’s in no condition to take care of Bonney,” the fox said. “I noticed how she was with Shanks and Beck, as well as Luffy, and I suggest you talk with her about staying with them outside of school.”
Rayleigh tapped the pensieve and the fox melted into it. “There is more, but it’s just about Kuma and how he is now.” From the look on his face, Beck wasn’t sure he wanted to know and was glad Rayleigh was keeping it from them.
Shanks glanced at Beck. “So what should we do?”
Rayleigh moved to his desk, flicking his wand towards a shelf across the room. A thick volume came floating over. “For now, just keep an eye on Bonney. We’ll give Vegapunk some time to see if there’s a chance this might be temporary. If nothing changes within a month, we’ll talk to her.” Grabbing the book, he sat down and peered at them over the rim of his glasses. “I’ll let you know if anything changes. And if Bonney asks, tell her we’re waiting on an answer still.”
Beck nodded once and left the room quickly.
Shanks stopped him at the top of the spiral staircase. “Beck.” He grabbed Beck’s hand, forcing him to a stop. Beck turned to him slowly. Shanks’ expression was careful. “She’ll be okay. It’s…” he paused, closing his eyes briefly. “It’s difficult losing a parent, and I can imagine it will be worse in this case, but she’ll be okay.”
Beck’s shoulders slumped, a deep furrow creasing his brow. “I hope you’re right.”
Shanks leaned up and kissed him. “I’m always right.” Beck raised his brows at that and Shanks laughed. “But seriously. She won’t be alone like I was.” Beck recalled what Shanks told him about what happened to Roger.
Sick, and looking for a cure, he and Shanks had traveled to a secluded location somewhere in Canada. Roger had thought the natives there might know how to help. Instead, he got progressively worse and sent Shanks back alone when it came time for his fifth year to start. It was three months before Roger appeared, alone, and quickly retired to everyone’s surprise. He died within a month.
No one had expected Shanks to go missing for several years, only reappearing when Beck hauled him back to Britain, looking for the then eighteen-year-old red-heads family. Sick, still grieving, and with a fresh scar across his face, Beck was still surprised Shanks managed to stay alive by the time they reached a wizarding village in the United States.
Sometimes Beck still had nightmares about what might have happened had he not gotten between Shanks and the wampus cat.
And it had been hard enough helping a man in his late teens cope. But someone who wasn’t even twelve? Who was even younger than she seemed?
Beck rested his forehead against Shanks’, closing his eyes. “I know. She won’t be alone. But I’m still worried about how she’s going to take this.” He’d worry about how any kid could take something like this.
Shanks chuckled. “You’re cute when you get like this.”
Beck leaned back, a smile tugging at his lips.
Shanks was grinning. “Why don’t we go see if Luffy wants to eat dinner by the lake? We’ll invite Bonney.”
Beck stopped him before he hurried down the stairs, giving him a deep kiss. When he released Shanks, there was almost a dazed look in the younger mans eyes. Beck chuckled. “I’m more than fine with that, but I’ll meet you on the shore near the Whomping Willow. You can get the kids.” Anything to avoid the stares and whispers from the students.
Shanks shook his head, still grinning, and disappeared down the steps. Beck heard him mutter, “This’ll just make it worse for him,” and sighed.
He was probably right, but Beck just wanted a bit of a break. A heaviness sat on his shoulders, weighing him down. Trying to ignore it, he headed down the steps and tried not to dwell on everything he just heard from Rayleigh.
And tried not to think about what they would tell Bonney.

Chapter Text

Beck did his best to ignore today. He really did. But Shanks was not making it easy with the looks he kept shooting him. And the students in each class seemed to notice every look.
Leaning against the front of his desk, Shanks was grinning as he taught. “Revelio Elixir. Can anyone tell me what that tricky little spell might do?”
Sanji raised his hand, then answered when Shanks nodded at him. “That would reveal a hidden potion, wouldn’t it?”
“Ten points to Hufflepuff for that correct answer,” Shanks said. “It reveals any foreign substance in food or drink.” He gestured to two glasses of pumpkin juice on his desk. “One of these has a harmless potion in it, the other hasn’t been touched.” He waved his wand, and the cup on the right glowed.
A Ravenclaw girl frowned. “Does it always show if something’s been added?”
Beck narrowed his eyes. Shanks, as well as Hongo and Roux, had told him about how every year, several students ended up in the infirmary because of love potions. Beck hoped this girl wouldn’t try slipping one to someone.
It was barely noon and Beck had already helped five students to the infirmary.
Shanks pinned her with his gaze; Beck secretly enjoyed the uneasy look on her face. “Yes. And I encourage everyone in here to cast this spell over anything they’re given. The food in the Great Hall is fine, but anything outside of that?” He looked around the room. “Test it. Ask Auror Beck how many students have already fallen for love potions today that he’s seen. Ask Medic Hongo how many have been brought to him, and he’ll have a higher number.”
Some students' gazes flitted to Beck, who chuckled, and went back to Shanks. He didn’t think any of them were willing to try slipping a love potion to someone this year. At least from this class specifically.
“Does it have the same effect if it’s in food?” Sanji asked.
Shanks waved his wand and two pastries flew from the table beside Beck. “The effects are a tad different for food, and it varies between kinds. Soups will react like drinks, but solids might do this.” He flicked his wand and the pastry on the left had a deep glow coming from the center. It also shook.
Beck shook his head, his chair creaking slightly as he leaned back. “Solid foods can also send up smoke, sparks, and I’ve seen some kinds of sweets melt,” he added. “Sometimes it depends on the potion too, but amortentia usually has a much milder reaction than others.”
Sanji exchanged a glance with the boy next to him. “Sir, how often do you encounter something like this?”
Beck kept a straight face as he answered, “Far too often.” He wanted to both laugh and sigh, but kept his expression controlled. He didn’t add that poisons had a far worse reaction; considering it was Valentine’s Day, this was not a day to mention that unless asked.
Shanks’ gaze flicked to the clock above the doorway to his office. “Since we have only a few minutes, I have only a small piece of homework for you.” A few students groaned. “Don’t worry, it’s not hard. And due tomorrow. Test Revelio Elixir on any food you receive from someone else, and if you encounter any food tampered with, I’ll give ten points to whoever brings it in. If you can’t find any, which I hope you don’t, just read up on the different uses of Revelio and we’ll talk about them tomorrow.”
The students quickly packed up. When someone opened the door, Beck shook his head as a flood of flying pink notes spread through the room. Sanji looked disappointed when only a few landed on him, while Nami was coated in them.
Beck still didn’t understand how a third year got to take advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts, but he didn’t question it.
Giggling, Nami left with a few of the Ravenclaw girls trying to peel them off of her. Sanji stared after her for a second, then raced out when she disappeared.
Beck couldn’t hide his grin as he heard the boy calling for her, his voice echoing in the hall.
Shanks laughed and walked over. “He reminds me of you.”
Beck widened his eyes. “Me? He’s more like you!” He grabbed Shanks and pulled him tight to his chest. “You were the one who insisted he help with everything that happened to me when we first started dating.”
Shanks looked up at him with a wide grin. “That’s right. You were the one who kept sending love notes to my desk.”
Heat raced up the back of Beck’s neck and he looked away. Yeah, he did that. Did that for almost two years before he got the nerve to tell Shanks how he felt. And he knew Shanks kept every one in a box under their bed at home.
Laughing, Shanks kissed his cheek. “Let’s head to lunch. I guess the house-elves made something special.”
Beck squared his shoulders as he stepped outside the classroom, and immediately a few students, some coming from the stairs leading to the charms classroom and some heading for the stairs leading to the floor below, started whispering as Shanks joined him.
Aware of Shanks's grinning presence behind him, he attempted to ignore it. Moving through the corridors together, the whispers and giggles from various students were making him a little self conscious for once. They seemed worse today.
Maybe because it was Valentine’s Day and the only rumor left was about him and Shanks being together somehow.
Luffy broke the tension before they reached the Great Hall. Bonney at his side, as she usually was lately when they weren’t in class. He tugged Shanks’ cloak, which made him grab Beck’s, and they followed him to a quiet spot out of sight.
Ace, floating through a wall nearby, noticed and came over. Beck hadn’t seen him much lately, but he was glad the teen was here.
Bonney was giggling quietly, but for once Luffy looked…shy.
Beck exchanged a look with Shanks, who looked just as confused, and turned to Luffy. “Is something wrong?” Taking a better look at his son, he noticed a pink envelope in his hands. Had someone given him a valentine?
Luffy glanced at Bonney, who just giggled again, then look at Beck and Shanks. “Can…can you help me give this to someone?” Behind him, Ace slapped a hand to his mouth, though it did little to hide his snorting laughter. Luffy glared at him briefly.
Ace choked it back with visible effort, though Beck could tell it was difficult for him.
Beck fought the grin that threatened to break across his face. “Of course. Who’s it for?” The urge to grin got worse when Luffy’s face grew bright red.
Shanks’ shoulders were shaking in an effort not to laugh.
Ace floated at Luffy’s side, his voice strained as he clearly fought to stay calm. “Lu, you can tell us. No one’s going to laugh, we promise.” He shot a look at Beck and Shanks.
Beck’s brows rose high. As if Ace wouldn’t bust out laughing when Luffy finally said who it was for.
Luffy handed the note to Beck. “It’s for…” The name was lost in a mumble.
Beck looked at the letter.
Law was scribbled clumsily across the envelope.
Shanks peeked at it and let out a loud laugh. “Don’t you want to give this to him yourself?” Ace floated behind Beck and looked over his shoulder.
Luffy glared at Shanks, but Beck nearly lost it as his face grew even brighter. “Well…what if it doesn’t take it?”
Ignoring Ace’s near howling laughter behind him, Beck sighed with a smile. “I’m sure he will, Luffy. I think he’s in the Great Hall right now. Do you want me to take it to him while you and Shanks go sit with your house?” This wasn’t like Luffy to be so shy, so this might be a pretty big crush.
Luffy nodded. Ace’s laughter grew.
Bonney giggled. “He’s been working on it all week.” The laughter bubbling in Beck’s chest was difficult to hold back, but he managed it.
It was almost painful, but Beck forced it down.
Shanks hugged Luffy tight. “He’ll like it Luffy. Do you want Beck to sit with us today?”
Bonney smiled and Beck knew he would have to now. There was no excuse that could throw off two kids and his husband.
Beck bit back a groan as Luffy brightened immediately and nodded. “Yeah!” He looked at Ace. “Can you come with us?”
Ace, finally having fell into nonstop giggles, nodded. “Of course, Lu.”
Beck shook his head and headed for the Great Hall, tossing his next words over his shoulder. “Just sit. I’ll be there soon.” A few seconds later, Luffy was nearly racing into the Great Hall ahead of Beck, Bonney at his heels, and Beck was sure he would’ve been dragging Shanks had the man not been taking long strides to keep up with him. Ace, still giggling, floated through the wall after them.
Beck nearly jumped when Rayleigh appeared at his side.
The headmaster shot him an amused look. “Any reason I could hear the five of you laughing almost halfway across the castle?”
“Shanks and Ace were the loud ones, not me and Bonney,” Beck told him. “Luffy’s got a crush.”
Rayleigh’s eyes widened. “Who?” he asked, smiling.
Beck shrugged. “Just…you’ll see when I give them Luffy’s Valentine.” He showed Rayleigh the backside of the envelope, keeping the name hidden.
Rayleigh’s glasses flashed as they entered the Great Hall. “I look forward to hearing who my grandson likes,” he said with a wide grin. He made his way to the teachers' table while Beck paused, scanning the Ravenclaw table.
The Great Hall was almost smothered, for there was no better word, in pink and red. Pink and white sparkles showered down from the ceiling, which showed a pink and red tinted sky. The clouds were shaped like hearts and Beck thought he saw a few cherubs darting in and out of them. Bows hung above each fireplace, and each table had a pink or red tablecloth, trimmed with the colors of whatever house sat there.
It was loud, but that was typical. Pink, white, and red letters soared around the room as they were sent to a specific student. Whenever one landed, there was an answering squeal or groan or laugh or shriek. Beck hoped Roux and Hongo were keeping an eye on them. He really didn’t want to see anyone else needing help from a love potion attempt.
He spotted Law sitting with two sixth years, Shachi and Percival, who preferred to be called Penguin for some reason. Beck quickly dodged between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables, stopping when he reached Law almost near the far end.
Law looked at him warily. “Can I help you Auror Beck?” On either side of him, Shachi and Penguin exchanged grins as they spotted the letter in Beck’s hands.
Beck handed it to Law. “Someone asked me to give this to you.”
Law took it carefully, his eyes narrowing at Luffy’s handwriting. “Who’s it from?” he asked cautiously, his voice curious but tight.
Shachi and Penguin were both shaking from the effort of keeping quiet while Bepo, a fifth year who Hongo had been helping recover from his failed animagus transformation, looked confused.
Beck kept his expression blank as he answered, “You’ll see when you open it.”
Law frowned.
Beck stepped away before Law could ask anything else. He could feel him watching him curiously, but sat down next to Luffy. The surrounding Gryffindors stared at him, but he ignored them for the moment.
“Did you give it to him?” Luffy asked, tugging his sleeve. Across the table, Usopp grinned. A few others snickered as they ate, exchanging glances. They must know.
Beck grabbed a pastry. “Yes.” He nodded to where Law was sitting.
Law hadn’t opened the letter yet. Shachi kept nudging him, and Penguin kept laughing. While Beck watched, some Ravenclaws seemed to be teasing him. He responded by glaring at them, which immediately made them stop, and then opened it.
Even from here, Beck could see his skin turn the brightest red he’d ever seen, and he quickly shoved the letter up his sleeve before shoving his hat over his face.
Shanks laughed. “I think he’s embarrassed, Beck.”
Ace, floating above them, was already laughing, his arms wrapped around his sides.
Beck couldn’t hide his grin. “Yeah, I’d have to agree.”
One of the third years spoke up from a couple seats away from Usopp. “Why aren’t you sitting with the teachers, Auror Beck?”
Beck paused, though he had been expecting this question. He could feel more Gryffindors watching him. “Well, I thought I’d sit with some of the students today.” A weak response.
Luffy and Bonney giggled. Luffy, his plate piled high with various sweets that kept disappearing at an alarming rate before being refilled, looked at him with wide eyes. “And sit with dad, right?”
That the cheeky kid. Sometimes Luffy was as dense as a brick, but other times he was just as sharp as Shanks.
And Shanks always had to encourage that. “I’d be a little hurt if he didn’t, Luffy,” he said, his eyes gleaming at Beck. Ace watched him, floating upside down now. A grin split across his face and he was shaking with effort to keep quiet for the moment.
A few of the students gawked at them and he heard the whispers starting again. Bonney snickered while Luffy avoided meeting his eyes; he couldn’t hide his shoulders shaking from laughter though.
Beck relented. He didn’t have a choice now. “Yes, Luffy. Because I can’t recall the last time I got to spend Valentine’s with my husband.”
The surrounding students went silent, then laughter broke out. Now the surrounding sounds were more than deafening.
Shanks’s laugh was the loudest. When he could finally speak, and Beck knew the truth to the rumors had reached through Ravenclaw’s table and was well on its way through Hufflepuffs by then, if the looks they were getting meant anything, he said, “Well, I guess everyone knows now! Sorry, Beck, but you knew it would come out eventually.”
Beck rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “Just remember, Shanks, you owe me for this one.”
Shanks grinned wider, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
At the teachers' table, Beck could make out the teachers laughing and watching them. Yasopp just shook his head when Beck caught his eyes, and Rayleigh was grinning as wide as Shanks.
Beck didn’t regret saying something finally, but right now he didn’t get to care. He hadn’t been kidding when he told Luffy he couldn’t remember when he last had Valentine's Day with Shanks. He knew it had been at least eleven years, and probably a few more than that.
And he also couldn’t remember the last time it had been fun either, embarrassment or not. As a bonus, it kept him from worrying about how to talk to Bonney the next day.

Chapter Text

Beck eyed Law and Hongo, while Rayleigh sat at his desk with his eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him. Law was quietly asking Hongo about a spell for healing, but Beck hardly paid attention. In his portrait, Roger was fidgeting, his eyes flicking from Rayleigh to the door and back every few seconds.
Beck didn’t react when the fireplace roared green for a second, then Vegapunk stepped out.
“Sorry I’m late. It took some time to get this floo network set up for today,” he said in greeting. He looked around. “Is she still in class?” He wore his familiar white pants and coat, with a blue shirt underneath. A few stains showed on his cuff, but they were faded.
Beck gave him a curt nod. “Shanks went to fetch her. She should be in potions right now.” His gaze flicked to the door briefly. His wand tapped against his side. “Any change in Kuma?”
Vegapunk sighed and shook his head; Law and Hongo stopped their conversation to look at him. “The best I could do was get him to make simple decisions on his own.”
“What do you mean by simple decisions?” Law asked. His wand sparked, and Kikoku bristled on his shoulders. Hongo laid a hand on his shoulder. Law glanced at him, then shoved his wand in his pocket and crossed his arms; his fingers alternated between clenching his arm and tapping.
Beck was more than glad they kept the extent of the damage from him sooner.
Vegapunk turned to Law. “He can get dressed on his own, eat by himself, and generally take care of his own personal needs, but that’s it. I tried asking him to help me brew a potion, but I had to keep reminding him of what to do. When I asked if he could tend to my indoor garden, the only thing he remembered to do was just water them. I have to replace my tentacula now.”
Hongo exchanged a glance with Law, then spoke. “He won’t be able to take care of Bonney, will he?”
Rayleigh snapped his eyes open. “I already guessed that a few days ago.” He stood as the door opened; Beck hadn’t heard any footsteps.
Shanks walked in, Bonney and Luffy at his heels. “Luffy insisted he come,” he said before anyone could ask. Luffy stood at Bonney’s side, her hand in his. Beck recognized the determined slope to his shoulders, the gleam in his eye.
If the circumstances had been better, Beck would tell Luffy how proud he was of sticking by his friend. But he would do that later. For now, everyone had to focus on Bonney, and Luffy was probably the best person to support her right now.
Rayleigh paused for a heartbeat, then looked at Luffy. “You have Care of Magical Creatures right now. How did you know Shanks was getting Bonney?” Not mad, no judgement, and barely perceptible curiosity.
Luffy met his gaze evenly, only a hint of stubbornness visible. “I saw Law and Hongo heading for the castle. Whenever I see them talking like that, I know it’s got to be important. Then I saw dad heading for the dungeons.”
Beck couldn’t resist a chuckle when Law’s face went pink. He was probably going to be vigilant of Luffy being anywhere nearby from now on. “Does Professor Gab know you’re here?” he asked Luffy.
He nodded. “I told him I needed to talk to dad and I’m supposed to talk to Professor Gab after classes are done. And he promised to watch Chopper for me until then.”
The little reindeer that appeared a few weeks ago, dazed and stumbling out of the Forbidden Forest, had attached himself to Luffy. Gab had, thankfully, got the calf to stay in the pen by his cabin, but if Luffy was outside and within sight, he was glued to the kid's side. If Luffy wasn’t there, he attached himself to either Nami, Zoro, or Sanji.
Beck pushed the thoughts away. “But how did you guess Shanks was getting Bonney?”
“Because I followed him,” Luffy responded. Beck raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Rayleigh looked both amused and slightly annoyed, but didn’t comment on that. “Vegapunk finished the potion and…” He trailed off, looking at the experimenter.
Vegapunk looked at Bonney, who Beck could see was already looking upset. “I’m afraid we couldn’t help him.”
Tears streaked down her face. “But…the potion was supposed to work.”
Shanks glanced at Beck, his gaze flicking between him, Rayleigh, and Roger. Finally, it settled on Law. “You researched each of the ingredients used for the potion with Professor Roux, right?”
Law nodded.
“Each ingredient used matched with the others without conflicting effects?” Shanks asked.
Law hesitated briefly. “The moon gutweed was the only anomaly. The other ingredients have all been used with another ingredient in other potions, though never more than with one other at a time.”
Vegapunk clasped his hands behind his back, looking at Law. “There’s a chance we may have used the incorrect amount of moon gutweed, but the potion showed no signs of failure until Kuma took it.”
Beck raised his hand at Kuma when Bonney sniffed, and looked at her. “Bonney, it sounds like you won’t be able to stay with him when school is over.”
Everyone fell silent.
Bonney looked at her feet, scuffing them slightly. “But my home was with daddy.”
Shanks kneeled next to her. “But you won’t be able to go home with him,” he said carefully. “We still have a few months until the end of school, but do you want to continue right now?”
Beck heard the question: Did she feel okay enough to continue?
After a moment, she nodded. “Yes. I like my classes. But…” She looked at Rayleigh. “What will I do when school’s done?”
“Stay with us,” Luffy interjected before Rayleigh could respond.
Bonney stared at him.
Vegapunk met Beck’s eyes. “Bonney, that might be the best idea. Where did you stay when Kuma was away from home?”
Bonney paused, closing her eyes, then shook her head. “Someone came to the house and watched me. Sometimes it was Hans, but sometimes it was someone else.”
“Bonney, it might be better for you to have a home,” Rayleigh told her gently.
Beck had to agree. He knew some students, like Kidd, Kamazo, Law, and Zoro, all lived in various orphanages during the summer. But Bonney? She might look eleven, but Beck had to keep in mind that she was really five. Mature for her age, and smart, but still a little kid inside.
Bonney looked from Luffy to Shanks to Beck. “Would you really take me in?”
Shanks grinned at her. “Of course.” His grin faded a bit as he said, “But only if you want to.”
She watched him for a minute, then looked at Vegapunk. “Can daddy ever get better?”
Hongo whispered something to Law, who looked at Vegapunk.
“I can work on something to help, but it might take a while,” he said. “After school is done, I’ll be looking for work at places like St Mungo’s, but could I come help you conduct research for this?”
Rayleigh spoke up. “It’s not a bad prospect, and Law is the top student from every house.”
Vegapunk gave him a nod. “I’d welcome the help.” Beck didn’t miss the tight look in his eyes, however. Turning back to Bonney, he said, “We’ll keep trying to help Kuma, but for now, why don’t you plan to stay with the Benn household?”
Beck was surprised when Bonney came over to him.
“Can I still see Kuma sometimes?” she asked him.
Beck looked at Vegapunk, who shook his head. “I don’t think you’ll be able to, Bonney,” he told her.
She hung her head for a minute, then looked at Vegapunk. “Promise you’ll help daddy?”
“Of course,” Vegapunk smiled. “Not only because he’s your father, but he’s also been a friend of mine for years now. And this whole thing is my fault, so it’s only right I fix it.”
Hongo cleared his throat. “Headmaster, I think Bonney should take the rest of the day off from classes.” He stood straight, steady, but Beck saw the worry etched into his face.
Rayleigh regarded him for a moment, then turned to Shanks. “Why don’t you take Bonney and Luffy back to Gryffindor Tower for now? Tomorrow, I’ll give both kids a special pass to go into Hogsmeade for both Saturday and Sunday with you and Beck.”
Luffy’s face lit up while Shanks met Beck’s eyes.
Beck gave Shanks a small smile, silently promising to tell him anything he missed. He could see Bonney tried to be excited, but failed. He made a mental note to ask Vegapunk at some point where Bonney lived so he could get some of her things.
Shanks smiled back. “Bonney, Luffy, come on. I’ll take you two to the Common Room, then I’ll go see your teachers about where you are.”
“I’ll let them know,” Roger told him before disappearing from the side of his portrait.
Beck chuckled dryly. It was rare for the headmasters to travel into the portraits of Hogwarts, usually staying within their own or to a connected one in another location. He couldn’t imagine Seth doing that, though Nikolai might.
Provided he ever returned to the portrait that sat at the very top of the wall on its own. The first headmaster of Hogwarts hadn’t been seen in decades. Beck shook his head; this wasn’t the time to think about that.
Rayleigh waited until the door was shut, then spoke to Vegapunk. “There’s no reversing this, is there?”
“No,” Vegapunk said. “I don’t like the idea of giving her false hope, but I think the truth would be too much for her right now.”
Law glared at him. “So what will Kuma be doing then?” He wasn’t upset about the loss of a potential career, Beck noted, but rather that Kuma couldn’t be helped.
Beck couldn’t blame him. He just hoped Law wouldn’t see this as a failure of his own abilities, but just an accident of nature. Granted, it was Vegapunk’s spell, but surely Kuma had known the risk beforehand? He frowned. “Vegapunk, did Kuma know what could happen if this went badly? Any of this?”
Vegapunk hummed thoughtfully. “Well, we did plan for a caretaker if Kuma was unable to care for her temporarily, but not permanently.”
Law groaned. “And you didn’t think to mention that before?” he snapped. Kikoku nuzzled against his head, but he just glared at Vegapunk.
“Law.” Beck said. “No one expected this to happen. And you alone have been running yourself ragged,” he admonished the teen. Law glared at the floor while Hongo patted his back sympathetically.
Vegapunk blinked. “We thought the effects would be temporary. Either they’d fade over time, or I’d be able to reverse it,” he explained. “Hans was set to care for Bonney for up to six months before we thought Kuma would be able to.”
Movement from the portrait let them know Roger was back. “Her teachers know,” he said.
Rayleigh glanced at him, then looked at Vegapunk. “With Kuma unable to care for her entirely, we’ll have to talk to the ministry about her.”
Beck straightened. “They already know some of what’s been going on, though all I explained was she’s older because of a spell and Kuma may be unable to take care of her. I didn’t give any specifics beyond that, but I’ll talk to them about her staying with us when the school year ends.”
Vegapunk gave him a nervous look. “Do they know I’m involved?”
Beck shook his head. “No. I didn’t mention you. The aurors have been ordered to keep an eye on your experiments, but I don’t count this as dangerous, so I didn’t need to bring you up.”
Vegapunk smiled a bit, then spoke to Rayleigh. “If you don’t need me any longer, I need to get back to the workshop.” When Rayleigh nodded, Vegapunk went to the fireplace and took some powder from a pouch at his waist. In less than a heartbeat, he had disappeared.
Beck waited until the green flames went down before speaking. “Rayleigh, do you need me here anymore this year?” He had initially been hired to investigate Bonney, but now they knew what happened, so there was no real reason to keep him from the ministry.
Personally, he wanted to stay and finish the year. But if there was a specific task waiting for him, he would need to leave.
Rayleigh didn’t answer him at first. “Law, what class do you have now?”
“Astronomy. Professor Snake excused me from the test today, but I have a study period after this, so I’d like to make it up,” he replied.
Rayleigh flicked his wand and the door opened. “I suggest you get to class. Hongo, I understand you’re still helping Bepo, correct?”
Beck chuckled as Law muttered something along the lines of ‘that idiot still hasn’t listened?’
Hongo sighed. “Yes. Hopefully I can get his fur to recede, but since he got stuck halfway through his animagi form, I’m afraid it might end up being permanent. He keeps regressing and I don’t know why.”
Law grumbled under his breath, “Because he keeps trying to make it work.”
Beck couldn’t help his snort. So the kid was stuck looking like a human-shaped polar bear? Despite the challenges that would arise, he had to admit it was a little funny. The kid hadn’t thought the whole thing through, but at least he didn’t seem too bothered by it. So far.
Law shot him a glare as he left, and Hongo just sighed quietly and trailed after him.
When the door was shut, Beck looked at Rayleigh expectantly. He knew the older man had sent everyone out for good reasons, but it also indicated he wanted to speak to Beck alone.
“I know you and Shanks are raising Luffy, but are you sure about taking in another kid?” Rayleigh asked.
Beck smiled. “Yes. She gets along with Luffy, and she’s shown interest in a lot of things that I know Shanks has books on at the house.” She didn’t seem to be any more of a reader than Luffy was, but Beck noticed her interest in transfiguration early on. Shanks used to be more than adept at that, though he eventually turned to more combat-based spells. Beck knew more by this point.
Roger let out a loud laugh. “But can you raise two kids about the same age together?”
Rayleigh grinned. “It’s more difficult than it seems.”
Beck shook his head. “As long as they don’t act like Shanks and Buggy, at least what I’ve heard from him, I don’t think we’ll have any problems.”
Rayleigh laughed as he twitched his wand. A stack of papers flew over. “I checked with the divination professor a few days ago and he saw this coming, so I had the liberty of getting the documents together for you.”
Of course he did… Hawkins was the youngest professor Hogwarts had ever seen, starting last year at eighteen, and probably the best divinator Britain had seen in decades. Possibly even centuries.
Beck grabbed the papers. “What should we tell Bonney?” He knew Rayleigh would know he didn’t mean about Kuma this time.
Rayleigh shrugged. “I’ll leave that up to you. But you and Shanks can take her and Luffy to Hogsmeade tonight if you want. This will be a hard weekend for her, and I know she’ll appreciate having you three with her.”
Beck dipped his head and left the office. Stepping down the spiral staircase slowly, he tried to think of how to tell Bonney this. It was one thing to not be able to go back to her father, and another to move in with another family. He glanced at the portraits as he passed; Newgate and Marco were in the same portrait for the moment, apparently laughing at something the smaller man said. Ace waved to Beck from across the hall and disappeared into the wall for the History of Magic class; knowing Brook, he’d send Ace right back out.
Beck stopped for a moment as Franky came racing past, chasing after Shachi and Penguin. Considering their laughter, they had probably tried pulling off another prank and Franky got caught in it. Why they weren’t in class, Beck wasn’t sure, but it didn’t matter.
With the small stack of papers tucked under his arm, he dodged between students crossing the corridors. Glancing out the windows, he realized the last class of the day should start soon. Finally approaching Gryffindor Tower, he slowed as he saw a group of students gathered there. Shanks stood to the side, but motioned for him.
Beck stood at his side. “Everything alright?” The portraits here were watching the kids curiously, whispering to each other between their darting glances. Linlin, a small giantess known as the only full-blooded giant to ever have a wand, scowled at them from her portrait guarding the entrance to Gryffindor.
Shanks tilted his head towards the students. “I think so. Luffy got his friends together and they’ve been talking to Bonney for a few minutes.”
Beck glanced at each student and was surprised to spot Nami, Vivi, Sanji, Usopp, and Zoro. Luffy was talking excitedly, while Bonney just looked nervous. “Trying to help her?” They weren’t being quiet exactly, but they were keeping their voices low enough that Beck couldn’t make out what they were saying.
Shanks gave a shrug. “Not sure. I think so, but Luffy won’t let me near right now,” he chuckled.
Beck scoffed, but waited as the group of kids kept talking.
Luffy looked over and grinned widely. “Hey dad, mom,” the others gave Luffy or Beck a startled look and Beck hid his amusement, “Bonney wants to stay with us but she wasn’t sure so my friends said they’d talk to her.”
“You all wanted to help her?” Shanks asked the others.
Zoro nodded. “We’ve all been like her at some point,” he said.
Beck exchanged a look with Shanks, whose expression mirrored his own. “What do you mean?” he asked them.
Sanji spoke up. “My father’s an asshole, but I got adopted by Zeff when I was younger than Bonney,” he said.
Zeff? Red Chef Zeff? Beck thought the dark wizard had died years ago, but it sounded as if he just retired and became a parent. He couldn’t recall when Zeff had last been seen, but maybe that’s why Sanji was so interested in potions; Zeff was said to be one of the best potioneer’s in recent history, dark wizard or not.
Nami nodded, Vivi at her side. “And me and Nojiko have been living with our mom's friend Genso for years.” Vivi hugged her when Nami’s face fell a little.
Nojiko, Beck recognized. She had left school in her sixth year to become a herbologist. She didn’t care for any more education surprisingly, but the past summer Beck had already seen her plants in various stores around Britain. But not Genso.
Vivi smiled at Bonney. “I still have my dad, but I lost my mom when I was little.” Beck recalled Cobra had a wife, but wasn’t sure when she had died.
Usopp shrugged, his lips twisting in a grimace. “I still have my dad, but I lost my mom years ago.”
Luffy wrapped an arm around Bonney’s shoulders. “And Bonney knows I don’t remember my mom at all.”
And Beck and Shanks both knew Luffy didn’t know his birth father. A rogue dark wizard hunter, they only knew of Draco ‘Dragon’ because a year after adopting Luffy, the kid's grandfather had shown up. Garp, the Vice President of MACUSA, showed up on their doorstep, almost in the middle of the night.
He had heard of his grandson going missing, but because there had been no identifying records with Luffy’s mother, no one had any idea the kid was the grandkid of the second most powerful wizard in the United States. He’d asked about Luffy’s mom, and mentioned Dragon once, then left Luffy with them because he didn’t have time to take care of a kid who was clearly attached to Shanks.
He never explained how he found out Luffy was with him though.
Beck was still a bit bitter that Dragon had never tried to contact them outside of the one letter he sent, telling them to take care of his son.
Bonney, her hands twisting into her robe, looked up at Beck and Shanks. “If daddy can’t remember me, can I stay with you?”
Beck handed Shanks the papers with a grin. “As long as you want to, we can talk about that this weekend. You and Luffy are coming with us to Hogsmeade tonight. And we’ll come back to the castle on Sunday. Headmaster Rayleigh let us have the weekend to talk to you.”
The two under-aged kids lit up, while the third years and up students laughed. Shanks handed the papers back to Beck, and he tried not laugh at the other mans clear distaste for anything paperwork related.
Usopp pouted, but Shanks went over and ruffled his hair. “I’ll see if you can’t come with your dad tomorrow. Just this once.” Usopp still had a pout when Shanks stepped back, but seemed slightly mollified.
Bonney ran forward and launched herself at Beck, who only caught her from years of doing the same with Luffy. “Thank you.”
Shanks waited a moment, then looked at the others. “Head to your last classes, but thank you all for talking to her.” The kids all grinned at Bonney, but hurried down the corridor.
Beck waited as Shanks, Luffy, and Bonney went through the portrait serving as the door, and shook his head. He hated what Bonney had gone through, but he was glad she seemed to be taking it well.