Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

Cyberbeta

_______________________________________________________________​

Hogwarts blinked from where she was silently watching Peeves plan on how to go after the Hufflepuffs for his next "prank". The feeling of Hoppou Manifesting her Rigging inside the castle halls sent a noteable thrum thoughout her that only Black and Forbidden (and possibly Hogsmead if what Hoppou had said about those other Cities and Bases slowly manifesting could be independently verified) could detect. Splitting her attention to look in on why the little one had powered up, she nearly manifested on the spot to join Tenryuu in laughing at seeing Harry (who was swiftly joining the ranks of her favorites from the Gryffindor section) getting hosed down like a naughty child caught playing in a mud puddle.

Seeing him give up the fight and start trying to run for Gryffindor tower, she took a little pity on him, and only gave him a slighty longer route than normal with ramps instead of stairs and few portraits (so they would not get hosed and damaged by accident.) Seeing him almost slide past the Fat Lady while gasping out the password again almost had her manifestiing where she could watch and laugh.

Seeing the rest of the "Brave Gryffindors" scramble for the limited cover in the common room from Hoppou's hoses while Harry sprinted for the relative safety of the showers had her manifest rolling on the floor laughing while the Fat Lady chortled and simply shut her portrait behind Hoppou.

When she finally calmed down a few minutes later she went back to keeping an eye on Peeves, all while planning to tell Revenge all about the descendant of her Co-Captains and his wild chase from his adopted sister.

Revenge would almost commit the heresy of spit-taking her ration of alcohol at dinner when she was later informed.

The House elves meanwhile enjoyed the quick work of cleaning up the muddy water since they did not need to worry about the School shutting down earlier than expected.

 

Snippet 43: S0ngD0g13

Old Ghosts...
..................................

The moon was high and bright over Kure, and the stars shone like infinite jewels in the cloudless sky...

Kaylee Virginia McAmis walked with a rolling gait back from the base BOQ, her pockets flush with cash from the weekly Poker Night and her cheeks flushed with whiskey roses; her uncle had told her not long after her Awakening that in his eyes if she was able to fight for her country then she was able to drink a little, provided she didn't get sloppy.

"Oh, I'm a good ol' Rebel; now that's just what I am..." she sang softly as she headed back to her house, only to stop short when a voice spoke very near her.

"Evenin', Kay..."

Kaylee whipped around and saw the speaker; her eyes widened and her breath caught. No. No no no...

..........................................

Aso was humming to herself as she walked back from the base theater's late-night showing of The Wind Rises, when she heard a sound from an alley nearby. The carrier turned to look and saw Virginia, backed against a wall with a man talking to her in a low voice. The man was American, heavyset, and his massive right hand was against the wall over the ironclad's shoulder while the left teased her hair. He was smiling, a soft, pleasant smile that somehow still made Aso uneasy...

Virginia's expression, on the other hand, was anything but pleasant. Aso had seen Virginia smiling happily, and seen her enraged, had seen her bored and annoyed and many other expressions between, but the look on her face then was the first time Aso had ever seen Virginia frozen in place with panic.

Afterward, Aso would never say what precisely prompted her to act, but act she did. The Unryu-Class closed the distance in a half-dozen long strides and seized the man by the arm, pulling him away from Virginia; when he whirled to swing at her Aso twisted and threw him to the concrete, then knelt and wrenched his arm up between his shoulders behind his back. "Virginia? Virginia? Baka Gaijin!" she shouted in an attempt to snap Virginia out of her panic. The ironclad shook herself, then was suddenly clinging to Aso, sobbing uncontrollably.

Aso laid a knee on the man's back to hold him while she awkwardly held Virginia, and one of her Radio-Fairies called for MPs...

..........................................

A long two hours later, Aso was sitting on a bench outside the Military Police Office, getting fresh air. She had seen the Dog Trainer, Virginia's uncle, rush into the office not long after she had arrived, Houshou-Okaasama a half-step behind. The two had conversed in low voices, Houshou's face going bloodless-pale as she heard his words. Aso hadn't overheard much of that conversation, but what she had, she wished she hadn't.

"Johnnie Stegman... Her uncle, mine and Eric's stepbrother... She was eight... Birthday party... Soda... Ketamine..."

"Miss Aso?"

She looked up into James's face. "Mister McAmis?"

"Thank you. I heard how you stepped in tonight. You rescued my niece tonight, and I owe you more'n I can..." he swallowed thickly, fighting down a shiver as he thought of what might have happened. "Thank you."

"Who was he?"

"An old ghost, a nightmare from years ago who came back to haunt us, haunt Kaylee. Aso, thank you. I'm in your debt."

Afterward, Aso never knew what prompted her to respond as she did. She held the American dog-trainer's hand, and shook her head. "There are no debts between family."

 

Harry Leferts

Pouring tea into a cup, Haru looked up at the running footsteps to see her niece standing there panting. "I-is it true, Oba-Chan? That Harry-Chan nearly... nearly..."

A calm expression on her face, Haru folded her hands into her lap. "Nearly died? Yes." Seeing Natsumi nearly collapse, she held up a hand. "However, it was only just, Natsumi-Chan. Harry-Chan is fine now, so come and calm your nerves with some tea."

Natsumi was about to tell her aunt exactly what she thought fo calming down, but held her tongue and walked over. "Hai, Oba-Chan." Once the cup of tea was in her hands, she stared down at it for several seconds as Haru waited. The clock on the wall ticked by the seconds one by one until finally, Natsumi closed her eyes. "What happened?"

Gently blowing on her tea, Haru gave it a small sip and nodded. "You know of the attacks at Harry-Chan's school. As it turned out it was a Basilisk performing them."

Blinking, Natsumi looked up in confusion. "Basilisk? That's a magical snake, right?"

With a chuckle, Haru shook her head in amusement. "While that is an description of one, it is so much more. They can grow to be quite large and kill with their gaze or apparently petrify someone who sees one's eyes indirectly such as a reflection. They also have an extremely deadly venom."

Face pale, Natsumi swallowed nervously. "That's... bad."

Only nodding, Haru hummed. "That is putting it rather mildly. Even I, for all my power and experience would hesitate before trying to face off against one. This one was a thousand years old and was of a size comparible to Uwabami."

Eyes wide, Natsumi grimaced as her hands shook. "Harry-Chan faced off with it, didn't he? I... why?"

Sighing, Haru placed her tea down. "It was not all planned, Natsumi-Chan. I am getting my information piecemeal from Goto-San, you must understand. However, it seems that Harry-Chan found some paper on Hermione-San and brought it to the attention of one of his Sensei's, Lockhart Gilderoy. He also figured out that the entrance was located in Myrtle-San's washroom, which he confirmed after speaking with her about the circumstances of her death. At that point, they located the exact entrance and he opened it to see if it truly was it. Verify it, in other words so that the rest of the school staff could handle it."

Her eyebrows furrowing, Natsumi slowly nodded. "Okay? I mean, I can see why Harry-Chan would do that, it makes sense to do so. But why go down there? He should have gone to the staff!"

Much to Natsumi's surprise, Haru's expression darkened. "Because he had not meant to go down there." At seeing her niece's confusion, the older kitsune sighed. "While they were examining the open entrance way, a troublesome spirit named 'Peeves', whom Harry-Chan has informed the both of us of, showed up. He threw stink pellets into the washroom and while Harry-Chan was disorientated, pushed him into the entrance which ended up causing the others there to also go in."

Snarling, Natsumi's fox features popped up and her face began to stretch into a muzzle. "He what!? Was he trying to kill Harry-Chan!?"

With a sigh, Haru gave Natsumi a narrowed eyed look. "Calm yourself, Natsumi. Peeves will be dealt with, you can be sure of that. Even if we cannot be rid of him fully, we can certainly make it where it may take him quite some time to... be fully back together. Something that would make the lesson stick one way or another." She suddenly grinned in a way that showed far too many sharp teeth. "I and several others will make sure of it."

Calming down some, Natsumi's face went back to normal though her ears and tail were still out. "Sorry, Oba-Chan."

Only chuckling, Haru reached over and ruffled her hair, which made Natsumi swat said hand away. "All is forgive, Natsumi-Chan. After all, you are still young and I remember Onee-Chan being much the same way at your age. However, as it affected someone close to you, I shall allow for you to help."

That got her a grin similar to the one that she had worn seconds earlier on Natsumi's face. "Thank you, Oba-Chan. I will do you proud."

Slowly nodding, Haru shook her head. "I think that there is little question of that." Taking another sip of tea, the kitsune hummed. "Now, once Harry-Chan was down in what appears to be a series of tunnels leading to the chamber, they found themselves on what seems to have been previous meals if the sheer amout of bones reported are true. After that, apparently they were attacked by..." Quickly checking the notes she had, Haru raised an eyebrow. "Undead abominations formed by stitching together parts of various animals."

For several moments, Natsumi stared at her aunt and blinked. Finally, she managed to say the one word on her mind. "What."

In reply, Haru slid over a picture which Natsumi recoiled from as it showed what looked like cat that had extra heads sewed on as well as a snake for a tail. Looking at the picture herself, Haru grimaced a bit. "Not exactly a pretty picture. It would seem that the 'Heir' was using these as guardians for the Chamber. The teacher apparently fired off a spell at one, which caused a cave-in by accident and separated them all from each other. Maruyu-San ended up in one tunnel with, what she described as yet more undead monsters who had tentacles for lower halfs like something from Lovecraft."

Natsumi stared at her for several moments. "Undead monsters... with tentacles. I... I, just what?"

All Haru did was shrug. "I have no idea. But she killed them, which is the good part. Harry-Chan meanwhile continued onto the Chamber and entered it as there was no apparent way out beside that. Once there though, he found Ron-San's younger sister as there was a message in the school stating that she had been taken into the chamber to be killed and left to rot. Thankfully, she was still alive, if barely. And that was when Harry-Chan encountered the heir which seemed to be the memory inside of that Diary he wrote to us about. One which was feeding off Weasley-San to become able to fully manifest."

Rubbing her brow, Natsumi searched through all her lessons and then shook her head. "I... don't recall anything like that happening. Have you heard of anything like that? At all, Oba-Chan?"

With a frown, Haru shook her head. "No, not offhand. But it may be European magic at work, and I am supposed to find out more about it in a few weeks when I perform some consultations with Dumbledore-San." Shaking off her thoughts, she sighed. "Anyways, the... onryō then released the Basilisk and Harry-Chan had to fight it. The gun that Maruyu-San gave him did not work, but then Fawkes-Dono, Dumbledore-San's Pheonix, arrived with the Sorting Hat. Harry-Chan then pulled the magic sword of Gryffindor from it."

Banging her head on the table, Natsumi groaned. "A giant snake and a magic sword while rescuing a maiden... The Kami have an odd sense of humor."

Just chuckling, Haru nodded. "Though I do not think that Weasley-San is Kushinadahime material." Frowning, she leaned forward some. "Harry-Chan proceeded to fight it and eventually slew the monster by driving the sword through the weak point in it's mouth... but he also got bit in the process which is what brought him close to death. Thankfully for all of us, Fawkes-Dono cried on the wound and healed him." The Miko's lips curled a bit upwards. "Harry-Chan then used the fang that had nearly killed him to destroy the Diary, and thus kill the onryō. Weasley-San soon woke up, okay but frightened."

Her aunt sliding another picture, Natsumi felt her eyes widen and jaw drop as she took in the picture of said fang with a ruler beside it. Choking a bit, she looked up at Haru. "H-Harry-Chan got bit by... that!?"

Slowly noddng, Haru had a thoughtful look on her face. "He certainly did. More interestingly was that the onryō seems to have been a young version of Voldemort-Baka. The Fates certainly have a rather odd sense of humor here it would seem. One could say that this is right out of the days of mythic heroes and monsters. I have to wonder what this means for Harry-Chan in the future as he's performing legendary feats already." Chuckling, she leaned against her hand. "Why, if this was a few centuries ago, he would be considered a Great Warrior for such a feat. Someone that no one would complain about joining their family."

At the sly, knowing look that Haru was giving her, Natsumi coughed and shifted a bit. Part of her though was cursing her aunt for giving her the image of a Samurai Harry marrying her as a noblewoman. The rest knew that Haru likely knew her thoughts and what would be in her dreams for a while. "Um, so... what next?"

Waiting yet another moment, Haru gave a nod. "Tomorrow, Natsumi-Chan, several shipgirls will be going to Hogwarts. Their mission is to investigate the Chamber itself and make sure that it is fully clean and to examine the Basilisk. As I will be busy talking with some people, I am sending you are my representative to this."

Head shooting straight, Natsumi stared at her in disbelief. "I... really? You're sending me, Oba-Chan? To represent you and the Shrine?"

Rather amused, Haru nodded with a snicker. "That is what I said, is it not?" Her expression softening, the older kitsune reached over and placed her hand on Natsumi's shoulder. "I do trust you, Natsumi-Chan to do so. In fact, your training and missions have been going quite well and so I am giving you a bit more responsiblity. This is but one example of that. It may, after all, still be dangerous down in those tunnels, so do be careful and not give your Haha-ue an excuse to kick my ass, will you?"

Snickering, Natsumi gave a nod. "Hai, Oba-Chan! I'll try not to."

There was a small smile on Haru's face as she waved Natsumi off. "Now go on and get ready for your trip. You have some packing to do as I expect you will want to stay there for some time if only to make sure that Harry-Chan is still in good health."

Quickly gulping down her tea, Natsumi rushed around the table before giving her aunt a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Oba-Chan!"

And then she was gone, the last thing that Haru saw being her wagging tail. Several seconds passed before she reached for the photos and looked down at them. "A giant serpent, a hoard of undead, an evil sorcerer coming back from the grave twice now with you defeating them, giant spiders... I truly wonder what the Kami have in mind for you, Harry-Chan. And what your story will be like..." With a chuckle, she sipped her tea in silence. "In either case, I think that it will be rather interesting as I will be seeing it first hand."

 

Snippet 44: S0ngD0g13

Virginia: FISHDO...
........................................

Virginia looked at her reflection in the mirror the morning of the mission to Hogwarts and sighed. She hadn't slept the night before, and she looked...

"Like the frightened girl I was. I ain't her no more," she growled softly as she braided her hair and got ready. "FISHDO, Kaylee. Gotta remember, FISHDO."

She pulled on her blue trousers, the black boots, the butternut-linen shirt, then armed herself. She was clearing a castle; that meant tight confines and short distances, so she was leaving Sting in storage. Instead Virginia was arming herself with revolvers, a brace of .44-caliber Army Colts in crossdraw holsters at her hips, a third at the small of her back, and two LeMat revolvers in skeleton-rig holsters under her arms, along with a cutlass and her Green-River Skinner on her belt. She wasn't looking for trouble, but if trouble found her...

"FISHDO. I just gotta remember, FISHDO and focus on the mission," she told herself as she pulled on her coat and kepi...

Her cousin was waiting for her out front, the minesweeper Rebel on a leather leash. "You okay, Kaylee? You look like Hell."

"I feel like Hell, Jaw, but them's the breaks. FISHDO, ya know?" she responded after taking a long drink of strong coffee from her travel-mug, emblazoned with the flag of Virginia and the motto Sic Semper Tyrannis.

Jaw chuckled and nodded, but he and Kaylee both could tell it was only half-hearted. "Yeah, I know what you mean. FISHDO." He handed her the leash and hugged her. "Stay safe, watch your six, and keep your powder dry, Kaylee. I'll be waitin' right here for you when you get back."

As Kaylee's Jeep pulled away to head for the rendezvous point, Jaw couldn't help but think...

You're not that same scared girl from seven years ago, Kaylee... At least not on the outside. You're trying to stay strong, act strong, but there's some things you just can't deal with by saying FISHDO...

Kaylee shivered momentarily as she drove, remembering the stench of Johnnie's breath and the feeling of his hand in her hair, then marshalled herself with her mantra. FISHDO. FISHDO.

"Fuck It, Shit Happens; Drive On."

 

Shaithan

Elder

The Abyssals. Sea monsters spawned from the depth. A foe that had struck humanity with a suddenness that left them reeling. Few places felt it as dearly as the United States.

For the first time in well over a century, War had come to their homes. They had felt secure behind their moats, outside of small surprise attacks, the only thing that could truly harm them would be total thermonuclear war. And in such a case everyone had lost already.

In Boston, an old Frigate looked out over a burning city. She had seen war, but what she saw today reminded her of what some of her crew had talked about over fifty years ago.

At dawn the first bombers had appeared and dropped their payload. And over the day, they had returned again and again. She had seen skyscrapers toppling, uncontrolled fires propagating and over it all, the bombers droned on.

With a sad shake of her head, the old frigate looked down at her hands. A mobile hooking her up to the internet and telling her exactly how badly things were. The various news stations had stopped listing every single city that was hit and simply focussed on the big cities. And it wasn't just here in the States. France, Britain, Russia, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, Ireland, the reports of attacks piled up from everywhere. Mumbay had been described as a burning hell, contact with Singapore had been lost completely, Hong Kong and Shanghai reported massive damage, Tokyo had been hit. It didn't stop there, by far not. Hundreds of planes had been reported as lost, some having managed to report coming under fire. All around the world, shipping had been hit with a metaphorical sledge hammer. Same for the navies themselves.

Constitution had to hold back tears when she felt new fairies form, boys and girls that had served aboard her and who now brought back memories of their ship getting torn asunder. And those weren't just the tin can sailors, who expected such a fate even now. She knew of five carriers that had definitely been sunk.

The news brought no relief, only more reports of lost lives and devastation. She didn't need to hear the simpering anchor call it the worst attack on America. She knew it. Five carriers. An airforce that would give most nations on this planet a sound thrashing, extinguished by monster women and monsters. At least two submarines had been lost by now.

And the death toll estimates kept rising. They had for the US alone cranked it to double digit millions. For the whole world the dread was there that it would reach Gigadeath.

But even now, the people would not bow. National guard units from beyond the affected areas, firefighters, police, they all moved towards the burning coastal cities.

Near Washington D.C. the various service branches fought heroically to defend the capital. The government had been evacuated to Colorado.

News anchors and reporters stayed at their stations, reporting even as around them their cities experienced what war truly was like.

A daring traffic reporter brought live pictures of the monsters and monster women, going in close and showing them as they were shelling New York.

And to Constitution's eyes, these beings were something more. Not just monsters with guns that hit far harder than they should, but she could see the corrupted forms of ships and planes. Several of her guys looked over the sketches of the corrupted planes and pointed out what kinds they could identify. A very eclectic mix of 30ies and 40ies planes. Allied, Axis, neutral, all kinds of planes were there. Same with the monsters. Some of the monsters had the ghostly outlines of corrupted American ships, others were Italian, British, French, Japanes, German and Russian.

With a determined scowl, Constitution went to her ship's bell. She pulled the cord and rang her ship's bell. The sound ringing far further than it should feasibly have been able to. "Action Stations! Action Stations! All hands man your posts! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!" she called out loudly.

"Everyone! America has been attacked in a truly unprecedented manner! We can not let this stand! My daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, all of you, we are needed once more! War has come and many of your younger siblings and daughters have been slain! If you can, please, come and help your countrymen!" Constitution asked her family.

Around the old frigate, it felt like something was stretched, something fighting to break free.

Within Constitution's hull, radio equipment sprang to life. "USS Indiana BB-1! First of the American Battleships! Hearing you loud and clear. I've brought as many of my immediate daughters and sisters as I could!" USS Indiana reported.

"USS Wickes here! We four-stackers may not be the newest, but we're still cruisin' for a bruisin'!" Wickes reported.

"USS Maine ACR-1! I really like this radio thing! Also, Spain did nothing wrong!" the old armored cruiser reported.

"Hallo? U-505 hier. Die Kriegsmarine ist hier um zu helfen! Zumindest sobald ich ein Auto habe! Ich komm so schnell es geht zur See!" a new voice promised.

"What's the Hun doing here?" another new voice demanded to know.

"Helping. She needs a car, though. Don't know why that, though," yet another voice piped in.

"Ha, I remember her. I captured her!" a third voice piped up. "After the war, she was brought to Chicago and made a museum ship there," she explained. "My Captain really likes her," she added.

"Chicago? Why doesn't she take the train, a car is slow!" Indiana wanted to know.

"Hah, this is a German driving. Wouldn't surprise me if she needs at most eight hours to New York. Source, some of my crew who got from Wilhelmshaven to Munich in eight hours without trouble!" a fourth new voice declared.

Constitution smiled. Her girls were coming. Sure, a whole lot of them were old or even obsolete, but they came. They had heeded her call.

"Girls, please, stay as safe as rational," she ordered. "It would be bad for you to throw your lives away. Focus on defending where you can. We can not defend everywhere, anyhow," she explained.

"Wait, we have 50 states now?" Indiana suddenly asked. "Why did no one tell me that? My flag isn't accurate!" she bemoaned.

"Tempo 100? Auf solchen schnurgeraden Straßen? FREIE FAHRT FÜR FREIE BÜRGER!" U-505 suddenly broadcasted.

"Oh that one is going to end in hilarity," the one that had explained German driving before broadcasted. "Illinois is going to have kittens that she can't be there," she continued.

Constitution smiled happily. So much was happening. There were reports from Washington, the group of monsters on the Chesapeake Bay that had been sending planes to bomb Washington D.C. had been engaged by some girls wearing what looked like parts of ships. When the first pictures came in, the old frigate felt elated. The corrupted carriers had been dropped into a close quarters brawl with ships that had still believed that the naval engagements of the future would be fought with many guns at close ranges.

She herself set her sights on the few destroyers and cruisers that had assembled around her hull. "Girls, find the carriers! That's the most important thing. The carriers are doing the worst damage, once we have begun to destroy them, we can breathe more freely!" she ordered.

"Aye, ma'am!" the girls around her chorussed before moving out towards the sea.

What wouldn't she give for a carrier of her own. No use wishing for things, she needed to focus on what she could do right now. And maybe then she could also find a way to deal with the horror of knowing that this day and the days to come would see deaths in numbers that would make the great wars seem small. And they would have to settle down for the long haul. But, and that was the most important thing, there was still hope. Even against these odds, America did not bow. They fought back, they did not surrender. "The old cigar smoker was right. We shall never surrender!" Constitution stated proudly.

 

MWKillKenny84

Little omake, done without WP and thus with many grammatical errors inside, on the 'CitySpirits' side of HatSG.



The Abyssal force was vast. Vast and strong. But it was a shadow of what it was in the beginning, in the cold waters of the Atlantic.

Many of them had sacrified their lives to let them reach that point.

To break the bottleneck that were Gibraltar and her defences. To engage the Mediterrean's navies away from their formation.

They need to fullfill their mission. To break the Humans' spirit and will, by destroying the city they never managed to truly damage during what the humans called the Blood Week.

The locals, the Italians, had fought tooth and nail to defend the place. Even the civilian crafts opposed them, using their own unarmed hulls as ad hoc shields for the City and ramming their bows into the Abyssals to sunk their foes.

But this time, there would be no defences.

This time, the City would burn.

The forces of the Abyss came... only to stop themselves.

A woman stood in front of them, standing on the water as it was solid stone. Old, long hair damaged by untold years, the colors long decaded into a dull grey. Brown eyes glared at them from behind red rimmed glasses, ancient beyond measure and burning with an eternal and unyelding will.

Her clothes were as old and greyed as her hair, and a crooked staff made of a dark brown wood, like a shepherd's staff, rested in her hands.

"Youngsters. This is your only warning. Leave." Was her only acknowlegdment of their presence.

Guns and cannons were pointed in the interloper's direction, ready to erase her.

"Fools." Said the old woman, unfazed. The Abyssals shoot at her, only for a gesture of the apparition to cause walls of water to rise in front of her, blocking their fire.

The Abyssals, scared, tried to attack again. Only for their attacks to be equally rebuffed. Ghostly shapes started to rise from around her.

"Two brothers made a city on seven hills surrounded by swamps. The city became a beacon of civilization and power. Even when the city's power waned with the passage of times, all the ones that came after her used her people's aceivements as a model for theirs." The more she talked, the more shapes apperared. Some dressed as roman legionaries, others as knights. Many others were farmers or fishermen, armed by their works' instruments wielded as improvised weapons.
"I am the Urbe, the City."
"I am Rome."
"And now, Rome answer the call of her sons, to fight for those that bleed for her."

And even more were soldiers in black uniforms. Or policemen. Even Swiss Mercenaries joined the ghosts that the apparition has called.

"It would have been better for you to ran away when you had the chance. Now come, let's see if the hate of the seas is enough to beat dear old me."

When later the Shipgirls arrived, they only found wreks and sunking Abyssals. The only hint of the identity of who had stopped them, a crooked shepherd's staff, impaled in the torso of the Princess that lead the formation sent against Rome.

 

Harry Leferts

His hair still wet from his recent shower, Harry was seated at the Gryffindor table as he watched Tenryuu across from him try and organize most of DesDiv6. Well, DesDiv6 outside of Verniy who was seated beside him as close as she could be. On Harry's otherside sat his adopted mother while Regina had her tail stretched out to lay it on his shoulder. In his lap was Hoppou who was busy taking what food she could from his plate. A boisterous laugh caused him to look over at Gangut who was sipping something likely alcoholic that one of the Pirategirls had slipped her. "This is good! Now this is what I call a victory feast for comrades!"

With a sigh, Verniy shook her head in bemusement before reaching under the table and grabbing Harry's hand. Giving it a squeeze as if to prove that he was still there, she continued to eat beside him. Leaning over, Harry whispered in her ear. "I'm still here, Hibiki-Chan."

A small blush on her cheeks, Verniy gave him a smile back. "Da, I know. And I am thankful for it."

Sharing their smiles for a moment, Harry looked up to see Ron walking over to the table. It was slightly conspicuous as none of the other Weasleys were in attendance which made Harry raise an eyebrow. Once he was in earshot, Harry cleared his throat. "What's going on, Ron?"

Ron glanced around for a moment and then shook his head as he noted that with the shipgirls, there was no one near enough to listen. "Ginny's fine according to Pomfrey, but she wants to keep her under observation for at least a day. She might send her home for a week to fully recover and get away from... you know."

Only nodding, Harry considered the normal rumor mill and shuddered a bit. "Yeah, I do know."

With a sigh, Ron ran a hand through his hair before clapping a one arm hug around Harry. "Thank you, Mate. For saving my sister and all that when I couldn't. I owe you, my family owes you more then we could ever repay."
Patting Ron's back, Harry chuckled some. "No need to thank me, Ron. I think that anyone would have gone to save her."

All the red head did was give him a look and snort. "Anyone he says. Mate, never change."

Meanwhile, Nagato turned to look at him with a small smile. "It's good news that your sister is alright, Ron. I'm happy to hear it and hope that she recovers from her ordeal."

Just shrugging, Ron shook his head. "Hopefully." He then glanced at the Slytherin table and leaned down. "By the way, guess what happened while I was in the Hospital Wing?"

Raising an eyebrow as he snatched some roast beef before Hoppou could, which got him a huff from the Abyssal, Harry chewed some and swallowed. "No clue, what happened?"

While he rolled his eyes, Ron looked first one way and then the other. Seeing no one was really listening in except for those in the immediate vicinity, he snorted. "Malfoy was petrified when Ginny was taken and they had to bring in Crabbe and Goyle."

That caused both of Harry's eyebrows to raise in surprise. "Wait, he was petrified? And what about Crabbe and Goyle? Those two are never far from him usually."

Glancing around again, Ron shook his head. "I overheard Snape telling Pomfrey that the two were under a powerful Confundus charm. It made them confused enough that they must have left Malfoy alone and wandered off. Apparently a Ravenclaw Prefect found them wandering aimlessly in the halls."

A frown on her face, Tenryuu leaned in. "You think that his father knew? Because he did leave..."

Only shrugging, Ron shook his head. "No clue at all. I asked Dad and he doesn't think he even knew, but Pansy was going on about Lucius leaving in a huff."

Suddenly the food on the table changed to dessert and Harry grabbed a cupcake and held it out to Ron. "Here, I figure that you're pretty hungry. I mean, you guys are up in the Hospital Wing."

Taking it, Ron snorted some. "Pomfrey had some of the House Elves bring us food..." For a moment he paused before shrugging. "Heard one of them where Hermione was, I think that there's a Submarine in there."

Maruyu spoke up from where she was squished between Verniy and Wanko. "Oh, that's probably Upholder-San." Spotting the looks, she blinked. "What? She's been there for some time watching over Hermione-San and making sure that no one harms her."

With a shared look, Ron shrugged as Harry sighed.

However, a few hours later there was one source of amusement when Hagrid walked in. He cuffed Harry on the shoulder with a large and then hugged him tightly with Hoppou trapped between them. But what happened next got the groundskeeper stares and more then a few whistles and catcalls as Wanko pulled him into a hug which ended up with his face buried in her chest. "I am glad... that you are... alright, Hagrid."

Flustered, Hagrid was not quite sure what to do with that and chuckled some. "Thank yeh, and I'm glad ter see yeh as well, Wanko. A sight fer sore eyes after spending time in... tha' place."

More then one person snickered as a confused Hagrid looked on as Wanko blushed and poked her claws together before he sat down beside her. As the two were lost in conversation, Harry shared a grin with Regina. Though both did not ask where the happily smiling Revina had been.
____________________________________________________________

Swallowing nervously, Shinano took a deep breath before knocking on the door to the Admiral's office. After a few moments she could hear noises before Goto spoke up. "Come in."

Once she had entered though, Shinano had to blink at the sight that met her as Hamakaze and Urakaze entered behind her. Standing by the Admiral's desk, Ryuujou was examining some Ofuda and mumbling as Natsumi looked on. Also there was Yamato, Enterprise, and Yahagi who looked rather interested in what the Light Carrier was doing. More surprising though was that Aoba was checking a camera as Iowa was chatting with Willie D while another girl she recognized as being based at Kure and usually patrolling the Inland Sea was examining a knife. Suddenly, Shinano remembered it was Natural Born called Virginia. "Um, Shinano reporting..."

With a small smile on his face, Goto nodded as he looked up. "Good, with you here we can start."

Hands behind her head, Iowa sighed a bit. "What's there to go on about? We're heading to Harry's school, right? And to see if there's another more threats in this chamber."

Glancing at her, Goto leaned back in his chair with a nod. "Yes, but there is a bit more to it then that. I want you to document everything that you find down there. While uncommon, these creatures have been used before against non-magicals, so it is best that we get as much information as possible since we have the opportunity. Now, I am sure that you have the basics of the story?"

This time, it was Hamakaze who nodded. "Hai, we've all been told about what happened in an overview. Harry-San fought and killed a Basilisk, which is a large, magical serpentine monster."

Softly snorting, Goto shook his head. "Monster is putting it mildly." Reaching into his desk, he pulled out a box and then opened it. More then one eye widened as he used a pair of heavy gloves to pull out a massive tooth. "This is the fang that pierced Harry's arm. It's still envenomed unfortunately, but it gives an idea of the size of the creature."

More then one pair of eyes widened and Kaylee walked up to take the tooth in one hand before whistling. "Woo-he, now that's a big snake. How powerful is the venom?"

Goto had his hands folded in front of him with a frown. "Unknown at this moment, we're sending samples for testing though. But if the wizarding accounts follow true... Death is usually within less then five minutes. The only reason that Harry survived was phoenix tears, so you can likely understand why we need to know more."

Placing it back into the box, Kaylee only scratched her head. "Yeah, I can see why. Something like that gets loose in a populated area..."

There were grimaces all around before Aoba gave a grin and raised her camera. "Don't sweat it, I'll get everything down. Ace reporter on the case!"

However, the Admiral gave her a stern look. "Need I remind you that everything involving the magical section of the world is to be kept secret?"

Aoba only shrugged though at that. "Yes? But it's not going to be kept secret forever and when that Statute finally falls, I'll be able to report on it. Heh, I'll get first dibs at breaking the story."

Sighing, Goto shook his head before gesturing at a chain on Nagato's desk. "Each of you will take that chain and report to Nagato upon arrival. The password to activate it is 'Pocky'." After noticing the looks, he shrugged. "Albus-San likes his candy and apparently rather enjoyed it."

Only shaking their heads and muttering about wizards and their oddities, the shipgirls gave one last salute before gripping the chain. With a final "Good luck" from Goto, Yamato spoke the password and they were swept away into a whirlwind of color. After what felt like a minute, they touched down on still snowy ground and looked around with Enterprise making a impressed sound. "So this is Hogwarts, huh?"

A chuckle made them turn to see Dumbledore there ready to greet them with a red haired woman beside him dressed as a pirate. All the shipgirls could see the ghostly outline of a Galley around her and Dumbledore held out his hand. "It is rather nice. I'm Albus Dumbledore and beside me is Golden Hind."

With a small smile, Yamato shook the offered hand and then gave a small bow towards Golden Hind who smirked. "I, Yamato, thank you for welcoming us."

Clapping her on the shoulder, Golden Hind nodded. "Aye, the same right back at you. Now let's get out of this here cold before we freeze our tits off."

With that she turned and gestured for them to follow as Dumbledore only shook his head. "Excuse her language, though I do find it refreshing. And speaking of refreshing, if you need any food the kitchens are more then happy to supply it in thanks for what you are doing. Please, follow me."

Easily matching his stride, Enterprise shared a look with Yamato before shrugging. "I think that we would rather get this done first before we sit down and eat. We pretty much refueled back in Yokosuka." Spotting someone just down the hall, she gave a grin and began to wave. "Hey there, Kiddo-"

Before she could finish though, Shinano was already running past and soon reached Harry and swept him up into a hug. "Harry-Chan! You're alright." Sobbing slightly as she kissed his cheek, she buried her face in his neck. "You're alright... I was so worried."

Moments later, she was joined by Natsumi on her other side who was also hugging Harry. "Baka! Making me worry like that! I am so angry at you right now..." Pulling away some, Natsumi gave a sniffle. "But I'm also happy that you're okay. But you better make me some of your peanut butter cookies if you want me to forgive you!"

Sheepishly smiling, Harry just nodded to her. "Hai, I'll do that when I get home for the spring holidays."

Hugging both of them for a moment, he turned to the rest who had various looks of amusement on their faces, though Urakaze had a raised eyebrow. Finally, Ryuujou cleared her throat. "Well, Harry-Chan, Ah'm glad that you're okay. Ah assume that ya are here to guide us to the entrance?"

As he pulled back from the hug some, Harry nodded. "Thanks, Ryuujou-Oba." He then lifted the broom that was on the wall beside them. "And yeah, Mum wanted me to guide you to the entrance. Once we open it, I'll fly you guys down it."

Eyebrow raising at that, Enterprise frowned. "It's some sort of pipe, right? No way down like hidden stairs?"

For a moment Harry seemed unsure, but then grimaced. "You'll see." Soon he lead them into Myrtle's washroom with said ghost talking with Tenryuu. Harry was not sure, but he was positive that Tenryuu mentioned something about a Hanako-San. What made him pause though was the sheer amount of fairies that were examining every nook and cranny of the washroom any signs. For example, he could see one pair of fairies going along the walls with a candle to see if there was any drafts. "Mum?"

Looking over from where she was taking a report from some of her fairies, Nagato gave him a smile. "Harry." She then gave a nod to the others he accompanied. "Yamato-San, Enterprise, Ryuujou-San, Shinano-San, Hamakaze-San, Urakaze-San, Iowa, Willie, Miss Kaylee. Welcome to the entrance to the Chamber."

Simply nodding as she walked in, Ryuujou muttered something while weaving a finger around with an Ofuda in one hand as the rest of Nagato's group greeted the newcomers. For a moment, ghostly flames appeared before they shot out and went over the whole room. Eventually though, they all circled around the sinks and the Light Carrier frowned. "Looks like there's only one source of magic in here."

Nagato merely grimaced as she nodded as the rest of her group greeted the newcomers. "Hai, we've looked for another entrance but there is none."

Walking forward, Iowa scratched her head as she looked over the sinks. "So how why would you be looking for another entrance? I would have thought that you would only need one."

After a glance from his mother, Harry walked towards the sinks, only pausing to pick up Shiromizu. Leaning forward, he hissed at the engraved snake that was on one of the faucets. "{Open}"

There was a grinding noise as the sinks all separated with Willie blinking. "Okay... that's sort of impressive when it comes to hiding." As the sinks came to a halt, she moved until she was looking down the pipe and then nodded. "Ah, okay, that explains why you think that there has to be another entrance."

Moving forward also, Enterprise nodded some. "Yeah, that pipe is not straight all the way down." She traced what she could see with her finger. "See? It bends right there and goes at an angle."

Iowa crouched down near the entrance and rubbed her chin in thought. "You know... we could send a floatplane down there first." At the looks, the Battleship shook her head. "Lower them down and use their floats as skies..." Holding out her arm, she manifested a crane with a floatplane. "Ready?"

The fairy in the floatplane only nodded and did a salute. "Hey!" Sititng fully down, he gave thumbs up at the shipgirls watching. "Hey, hey hey hey!"

With a nod, Iowa slowly lowered down the floatplane until it was right at the bend. Another fairy at the end worked at the hook attaching it to the crane and Iowa nodded. "Okay... and release!"

Inside the floatplane, which started to slide on the gunk, the pilot started up his engine just enough for control before it really started. The last thing anyone heard was the joyful shout of it as it slid down the pipe. "Heeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyy!"

An annoyed look on her face, Enterprise looked at Iowa with a sigh. "You know, one of my planes could have done it. And probably better."

However, Iowa just snorted at her. "Yeah, yeah." There was a far off look on her face as she saw the pipe through her fairy's eyes. It's floatplane practically flying down the pipe as she did a mental track in her head. "Huh... it's a big corkscrew pattern." Twitching as her fairy nearly flipped over as it slid a bit too far up the side, Iowa shook her head. Inside, her fairies were keeping track and calculating the depth the floatplane was going. "Jeez, this thing is already almost two thousand feet long. The hell? How'd they manage that in the Middle Ages?"

Crouching beside her, Dumbledore hummed. "Magic."

When Iowa gave him a look, she only got back a smirk. After a few minutes though, her fairy exited the tunnel and she winced as it came to a standstill. "Uh... okay, I'll admit that I should not be surprised. That is definitely a monster's lair." Clapping her hands, she stood up. "Well, it's clear at the moment all the way down anyways."

Much to their surprise though, Aoba took a step forward. "Which means that it's time to go and enter it. I'll be one of the first." Seeing the expressions, she held up her camera. "I'll be taking pictures of the pipe itself and it's exit without anyone down there first. More room."

Slowly nodding, Nagato then looked at the others only to pause as Verniy took a step forward along with Willie and Hamakaze. The white haired Destroyer looked at Tenryuu. "We'll go down first and keep watch."

Unsure, Tenryuu looked Verniy in the eye before she finally sighed. Nodding, she shook her head. "Fine, but be careful down there."

With a nod, Verniy got onto Harry's broom just in front of him with Hamakaze sitting behind. Harry's arms around her as Hamakaze hugged him close, Verniy gave a nod and a thumb's up. "Da, I will be okay."

Dumbledore also brought out a broom and waited as Aoba got on behind him and Willie in front. Then both wizards, Dumbledore in front, entered the pipe as the others waited. After a few minutes, Harry and the older wizard returned for the next group which included Akatsuki, Inazuma, Ikazuchi, and Urakaze. Eventually, they were all down there with Kawa looking down at the various bones she was stepping on in disgust. "Ick... This looks like something out of a fantasy."

Looking around, Yamato nodded as she muttered to herself. "It does indeed..."

Her attention though was taken as Natsumi shuddered and stayed close to Harry. "Harry-Chan... This whole place practically smells of darkness and death. I can literally feel it."

All Harry did was wrap an arm around her waist and nod some as he looked to see where Aoba was photographing the skull that Maruyu found when they had first come down. "Yeah, that's not too surprising." He watched as Dumbledore walked over and gave the skull a sad frown and waved his wand over it. "Professor Dumbledore?"

Standing, he looked older then he usually did and shook his head. "I did not want to believe what you told me about her, Harry. But it seems that Gilderoy was right though he did not tell me how she died. But... it was quite a bit more horrible then I thought."

Tenryuu frowned at the sight of the skull and then looked at Dumbledore. "What happened to her? I assume that it was rather bad."

With a shake of the head, Kaylee crouched by the skull and looked around before pointing with a small shudder. "Well... I think that right over there is her pelvis. Unless there are more remains in here, which I hope not."

Crouched as she was, her frown became more pronounced. "What I'm wondering though is why all these bones are here."

More then a little confused, Maruyu looked up from where she was standing and keeping watch. "What do you mean? The bones need to go somewhere after it eats something."

Looking over her shoulder, the Ironclad shipgirl shook her head. "Yes, but snakes digest bone. You don't get something like this where snakes live. In fact it reminds me... of owls."

That caused more then one look at her before Shinano frowned from where she had a hand on Natsumi's shoulder. "Owls? Why owls?"

A frown on her face, Kaylee narrowed her eyes. "They cough up indigestible parts of their prey, like hair, fur, and bone. Something that snakes don't." Standing up, she scratched her hair. "Or maybe it has something to do with magic, I don't know."

Gently guiding Natsumi, Harry gestured away from the refuse pile. "Um, anyways the Chamber is this way." Partway down, he gestured at the shed snake skins which Shiromizu was staring at in awe. "Anyways, there's the snake skins we told you about."

It was not only Shiromizu who was in awe as Enterprise summed up their thoughts. "Holy shit..."

Meanwhile, Aoba got down and took some photographs before looking at Yamato. "Mind lifting one of those up? So that I can get a decent scale?" At the unnerved look, Aoba shook her head. "You don't need to do it if you don't want to, it would just help if I had someone do so."

Iowa took a step forward but blinked as Yamato was already moving towards the snake skin. Reaching it, the Battleship shuddered a bit but picked up where the head was as Aoba took another bunch of pictures. "Is that good enough?" At the nod, she dropped it and about to wipe her hands on her uniform until she paused. Then Yamato walked over and wiped them on Enterprise. "I, Yamato, do not want to do that again."

Sputtering, Enterprise tried to smack her hands away. "Gah! Stop that, Princess!"

Rather bemused, Kaylee turned back to Harry with a raised eyebrow. "Any thoughts on what you're going to do with all that shed skin? I don't see much use, but maybe preserve it somewhere."

Only shaking his head, Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually? I'm thinking of a spell that I came across that Shiromizu asked for me to learn." Seeing the curious looks, he shrugged. "It takes multiple pieces of shed skin and can combine them until it's like actual normal hide."

That got Shiromizu looks, though she ignored it. "{I really do not like the idea of you fighting that, Harry. I really, really do not.}"

Hissing back, the black haired boy sighed. "{Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet.}" Within minutes they were at the cave-in sight which had a rough tunnel formed through it. "This was where the rock fall happened and, well... we were attacked." Glancing around, Harry listened before shaking his head. "I don't think that there's any left, but..."

With a slow nod, Dumbledore pulled out his wand and then nodded. "Very well, if you would all stand back?" Once they were a distance away, he took a deep breath and began to move it. There were wide eyes around as the rocks themselves were reshaped as if they were made of clay, some of the cave in moving to support the roof with the rest merging with each other. Finally, Dumbledore nodded as what had been a pile of lose rock now resembled a wall made of rock with a single tunnel through it that was smooth and looked well worked. "There, now that should stop any rockfalls."

Blinking, Shinano had wide eyes as she stared at it. "Wow..." Turning to a similarly awed Harry, she gestured at it. "Are you going to be able to do that someday too?"

Just chuckling, Dumbledore gave the Carrier a smile. "One day, I am sure that he could do much the same. It's just experience in such things, now... I think that we should continue?"

As she walked through, Nagato shook her head while keeping an eye on Hoppou. 'Now that was rather impressive. I wonder if he meant it to be though...'

Once they reached the closed doors to the chamber, Inazuma stared at it. "Hwawawa! That is so neat! It's like something from the Indiana Jones movies!"

Beside her, Ikazuchi nodded. "Yeah, though hopefully with less facemelting."

Seconds later, she let out a gasp as Akatsuki elbowed her. Gangut though, having kept silent and just observing, walked up and rapped the back of her fist on the door and nodded. "Is a very strong door. Could knock it down, but..." Her gaze went to the ceiling and she shook her head. "Would be very dangerous."

Walking up beside her, Harry gave her a smile. "Good thing that I don't need to worry about that. Especially as I know the password."

Meanwhile, at the back of the group, Urakaze frowned in thought as she looked at her sister. "Ah must admit... Ah'm rather impressed with him so far. This is like something from the old stories, ya know? An' if that serpent is as big as those skins suggest..."

Hamakaze only nodded as Harry hissed at the doors and the snakes began to move. "Hai, I believe Harry-San about the size." Once the door was open, she noticed Aoba take two pictures before she nearly dropped her camera. Moving until she could see into the chamber, the Destroyer's eyes widened at the sight. "I... think that Harry-San may have been underestimating it..."

Choking a bit, Yahagi turned to stare at Harry in disbelief as Verniy and Natsumi tightened their grips. "You fought... and killed that with a sword. Seriously?"

From just behind Harry, Tenryuu pulled out said sword in question. "Yeah, this one. But still..."

Eyes wide, Kaylee couldn't peel her eyes away to even look at Harry. "Holy Hannah... When you said a big snake, I thought big. That's not a big snake, that's a B-Movie monster."

With a glance to where Harry was now being held by Shinano alongside Natsumi and Verniy, with Hoppou clutching to his leg, Yamato only shook her head. "That's..." Slowly, she stepped into the chamber and walked forward to examine the massive carcass. 'Definitely a feat to be talked about.'

Crouching down next to it, Willie frowned as she examined the head and ignored Aoba practically jumping around and taking pictures. It was covered in thick scales and looked more like a dragon's head then a snake's. Especially with a crown of spikes on the head. After a few moments, she turned to the silent Iowa with a frown. "What do you think, Iowa? Five, six feet for the head?"

Only scratching her head, Iowa snorted some. "At least." Reaching into a pocket, she soon pulled out a steel rod and slipped it into the mouth. Gently, she lifted it up and gestured inside. "Hey, anyone got a flashlight?"

Moments later, Gangut was there with an old directional lantern and shone the light into the mouth. "Da, here we go." She then pointed at one spot. "There's the killing stroke."

Leaning forward, Iowa nodded at the hole in the roof of the Basilisk's mouth. "Yeah, that must of went straight through the brain." Lowering the upper jaw, the Battleship then pointed at one spot on the head itself. "And there's where the sword must of punched through from below."

From where she was circling, Tenryuu hummed a bit. "Sounds about right. What move did you use against it?"

Quickly snapping out of his thoughts, Harry blinked. "Hmm, what?" Seeing the raised eyebrow, he blushed some and shook his head. "Well... I kept slashing at it with my hands on the sword like you do." Harry got a nod for that before he continued. "But then Riddle froze some water and made me slip. By the time I was getting back onto my feet it was already striking forward, so... I threw my weight behind a thrust and hoped for the best while aiming for the mouth."

A frown on her face, Tenryuu considered that before shaking her head. "I'll be frank, kiddo. You were not just lucky, but damn lucky that you managed to strike in just the right place. Still..." The Light Cruiser walked over and ruffled his hair. "Good job all the same. But next time? Leave the monster slaying to professionals like me."

Lips curling upwards into a smile, Harry nodded. "Hai, Tenryuu-Oba."

Suddenly, Aoba called out. "Hey, Harry-Chan! Come over here for a moment." Confused, he did so only for her to gesture for the sword. "I've got plenty of pictures of the head, but I want one with you beside it. With that sword you used as well, try and get some good poses."

Everyone rolled their eyes while Harry did so with Verniy, Shinano, Natsumi, and Hoppou standing off to the side, but close enough to make sure that he was safe. They were taking no chances.

While Aoba was taking her pictures, Enterprise was softly talking with Iowa and Gangut about pulling it out to fully measure it. Then she turned to a thoughtful Ironclad beside her and raised an eyebrow. "So, what do you think?"

Kaylee just looked at her. "I'm thinking that I'm going to need something more then a skinning knife for this..."

That got her a snort of amusement from the Carrier.

 

Snippet 45: S0ngD0g13

Big Snake, Part One...
.........................................

Virginia looked at Enterprise. "I'm thinking I'm going to need more than just a skinning knife for this. I'm also going to need some extra hands. In the meantime, let me get my tools set up."

The Ironclad took her kepi and coat off, baring the five pistols she was wearing, then removed the scabbarded cutlass from her belt; all of this she tucked away in her hull before rolling her sleeves up and pulling out empty barrels and chests. "Okay, first thing's first; Catesby, take notes." One of her Fairies climbed out onto her shoulder with a pen and inkwell. "Date it. Location is 'Chamber of Secrets', Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Initial Analysis and Rendering of Basilisk killed by Potter-Nagato, Harry, by USN Shipgirl Virginia." She whistled Inazuma and Willie over and directed them to help her pull the serpent out straight, then used a knotted cord to take measurements.

"Head, six feet-four inches in length, three feet-two inches across at the base; structure of the head suggests an Elapid rather than a Crotalid. Overall length one hundred seventy-five feet and eleven inches, and eight feet in circumference at the middle of the body. Coloration is a vivid emerald green, scales non-keeled, and the head is crested with reddish-green spikes. Specimen is reported to be at minimum one thousand years of age, and Harry reported that the scales resisted four rounds of milspec 8mm x 22mm Nambu fired by a Type 14 handgun, range undetermined; fatal blow was a sword-thrust..."

After the measurements and observations were done, Virginia laid her hand on the basilisk's head and spoke softly. "By all accounts you were hard-used, Basilisk, and I can only hope that your end came as a mercy to you. Know that it was need and not wantonness that made Harry take your life..." She and her two conscripted assistants rolled the serpent onto its back and Virginia plunged her knife in to start butchering...

First, the head was removed, the spine severed with careful application of a cutlass between the vertebrae; that was set aside for later removal of the fangs and venom. Next, Virginia split the skin down the middle of the belly, working the edges loose, noting for her Fairy that the hide was loosely-connected, much like smaller mundane vipers.

The carcass was rolled over again, onto tarps, and Virginia stationed the Destroyers on either side. "Okay, girls, here's the plan. You two are going to take the hide and peel it back while I use my knife to help work it loose. Slow, easy pulls, so we don't risk tearing it. Okay?"

The two Tin-Cans nodded, deferring to the Ironclad's expertise. "Understood, Miss Virginia," said Willie.

It took the three Shipgirls nearly ten minutes to get the skin removed and dusted with borax to preserve it, then they rolled the carcass over onto its side. "Now for the messy part. Gutting it's going to be all sorts o' fun... Willie, my hands are occupied; drag a chest over close and go fetch Iowa, Yamato, or Enterprise; we're going to need ice. Inazuma, there's gloves in one of the barrels if you want them; I need you to hold the gut-cavity open while I work."

Virginia removed the lungs and packed them in barrels, then the heart. The intestines were removed and put on ice next, but when Virginia removed the stomach she paused. "There's something inside... Willie, lay out a spare tarp and step back; this isn't likely to smell good." She covered her nose and mouth with a bandanna soaked in rum, then slit the stomach open.

When the contents spilled out onto the tarp, Virginia immediately whipped the edge of the tarp up to cover the partially-digested body. "Mother o' Mares... Harry! I need you to ID something for me! No, don't come over here and don't look; trust me, you don't want to see this. There was a body in the basilisk's stomach. About three, three-and-a half feet tall, humanoid, brown skin, bat-wing ears."

Harry swallowed thickly. "That sounds like a House Elf, Miss Virginia. Mom, we should let Professor Dumbledore know."

Kaylee carefully wrapped the Elf in the tarp and gently carried the tiny bundle away from the basilisk's carcass. "Willie, Inazuma, once we get the rest of the entrails out and on ice, let's pack the gut-cavity with ice so the meat'll keep, then take a break. I think we could all three use one..."

 

Harry Leferts

Harry watched as his mother softly talked with Dumbledore about the house elf that Kaylee had just found inside the Basilisk's stomach as she rendered it. He could see grief on the old wizard's face as he closed his eyes and nodded with a sigh. 'Poor thing... I really hope that it was quick.'

Meanwhile, Ryuujou walked over to look at the statue of Slytherin in deep thought before she turned to Harry. "Harry-Chan, ya said that the snake came from inside here, right? That it came out somehow."

Blinking, Harry gave a nod as he turned towards her, thankful for something to distract hm. "Yes? I mean, it came out of his mouth." For a moment there was utter silence as all the shipgirls outside of Shinano turned and looked at him. Confused, Harry looked around. "Um, is something wrong?"

Slowly, Enterprise grinned wider and wider with Yamato spotting her. "Enterprise, do not dare say what you are thinking!"

Only shaking her head from side to side, Enterprise held her hands up and shrugged. "What? I was just going to say that he obviously liked big and long snakes in his mouth."

Almost simultaneously there was the sound of flesh meeting flesh and steel hitting steel as various shipgirls facepalmed. Dumbledore turned away with a coughing fit which sounded like choked off laughter as Yamato slapped Enterprise upside the head. Rolling her eyes and muttering about childishness, Ryuujou turned back to the statue with a frown. "If ya would mind... Ah'd like to see the inside of this space. Just to make sure there's nothing hiding that we should know about."

With a blink, Harry shrugged. "I guess? But, um... the password is a bit arrogant." At the looks, he sighed. "It's 'Speak to me, Slytherin, the Greatest of the Hogwarts Four.'"

Dumbledore only shook his head with a frown. "That does indeed sound like Salazar from all accounts. The man was rather arrogant after all."

In reply, Harry just shrugged some. "I guess? Hogwarts: A History does not really go into it much after all." Turning towards the statue, he concentrated for a moment. "{Speak to me, Slytherin, the Greatest of the Hogwarts Four.}"

There was a grinding noise as the mouth slowly opened wide until it stopped. With a nod, Ryuujou began to climb up the statue until she reached the mouth and looked inside. "Hmm... there's another chamber back here." Looking over her shoulder, she gave a nod. "Ah'm going inside to take a look around. Harry-Chan? Keep an eye out and if that mouth closes... Say the password again to let me out."

Moments later though, she was joined by Urakaze who quickly scrambled up the statue. "Ah'm coming to." At the look, she shrugged. "Ya a Carrier right? Then ya don't go anywhere without a Destroyer along."

Softly smiling, Ryuujou tipped the brim of her hat before crawling inside followed by Urakaze. Both of them held out searchlights to show the inside of the chamber with Ryuujou crouching. "Not much to see here." Slowly tracing it back a bit, they came to a large, circular one. Everywhere they looked, the walls had been worn smooth with the Carrier examining them. Bringing her hand up, she laid it onto the stone and closed her eyes. Minutes passed before she opened them and frowned. "Now ain' that interesting?"

interested, Urakaze looked over from where she was examining one of the spots. "What's interesting, Ryuujou-San? Ya found something?"

Tapping her chin, Ryuujou nodded as she looked around. "Ah did, but head back and ask for Aoba to come here right quick. She'll want to see this."

Outside, everyone looked away from whatever they were doing to see Urakaze waving. "Aoba-San! Come right on over here! Ryuujou-San needs ya help."

As Urakaze ducked back in, Aoba gave a shrug before she climbed the statue and slipped inside. Several more minutes passed before first Aoba, then Urakaze exited the mouth followed by Ryuujou. But what caught everyone's attention was that Ryuujou had something cradled to her with Dumbledore's eyebrows raising. "Is that an egg?"

Roughly the size of a football and leathery, was what looked like an egg in Ryuujou's arms. Nodding as she looked down at it, the Carrier frowned. "Ya right about that, an egg from the Basilisk. But don' be panicking, it's unfertilized and part of the spell."

That caused Harry's eyebrows to raise. "So it's a slug? And what sort of spell would cause it to lay an egg?"

Glancing at the black haired boy, Ryuujou frowned. "A slug?"

Slowly, Harry nodded. "That's what you call an unfertilized egg laid by a female snake. It happens from time to time." Seeing the looks, he grinned and stroked Shiromizu's head. "When I got Shiromizu here I spent a lot of time looking up stuff."

Only shaking her head at that, the Light Carrier snorted. "Right. Anyways from what Ah know, Basilisks don't live quite as long as this one did, correct?"

Pulling his gaze away from the egg, Dumbledore nodded. "That would be correct, Miss Ryuujou. The oldest Basilisk on record was one that lived to be eight hundred years old."

Hand on the egg, Ryuujou nodded. "That is what Ah thought. Anyways, this here is a rather elegant solution to that issue. Ya see, the spell inside the chamber at the back would force the Basilisk to lay an egg, one unfertilized. It would absorb magic until the Basilisk was put back to sleep until the Chamber was opened again. At which point, the Basilisk would eat the egg and absorb the magic to sustain it during it's sleep. But it was all willing."

Much to her surprise, Shiromizu jerked back and started hissing angrily. Looking back and forth between Harry who was calmly hissing, and Shiromizu who seemed angry, Nagato frowned. "What seems to be the problem?"

With a cough, Harry rubbed the back of his head. "Well... apparently the idea of a mother snake laying eggs only to eat them on purpose... doesn't sit well on her." There was another bunch of angry hisses and he winced. "To say the least, anyways."

Natsumi raised an eyebrow and looked at him in confusion before looking at Shiromizu. "Don't snakes eat other snakes? Or eggs? I wouldn't think that it would matter much."

If anything, that seemed to anger Shiromizu even more if her hisses were anything to go by which made Harry flinch. Unnoticed by him, Natsumi did the same before he answered. "Um, apparently that's quite a bit different. Even cannibalism is different because at least they've hatched and had a chance to get away. But a mother eating her own eggs not out of despiration, but because she wants to so that she can stick around one place? That's a lot different."

After a few more hisses, Harry extended his arm and Shiromizu slithered down until she reached the egg and then rubbed against it. "{Fertilized or not, a mother should never do that. She was a true monster.}"

Pulling back, she watched as Ryuujou had Dumbledore conjure an suitcase that could hold it carefully inside. At her glance, Harry coughed a bit and gestured to one of the side tunnels. "Um, we're just going to go and have a look in the tunnels, okay?"

Nagato looked at the tunnels and then at Natsumi, Verniy, and Shinano who were with him before nodding. "Very well, try and map them out. That would be a good help."

Once he was gone, Kaylee shook her head. "I know a lot about nature, but that is messed up."

With a nod, Dumbledore sighed heavily. "I agree, but it is the sort of thing that Salazar would do. While he likely cared for his creation, he most likely saw it as more a means to an end then anything else I'm afraid." Looking towards the now skinned Basilisk, Dumbledore frowned some. "If you could, would you mind saving as much blood as possible?" At the looks, the old wizard gave a very small smile. "Basilisk blood is useful as an alchemical reagent."

Eyebrow raising, Kaylee looked at him in thought before turning back to the basilisk. "Alchemy? Like those old scientists trying to discover how to turn lead into gold?"

Chuckling, Dumbledore nodded some. "Quite." He then turned towards Nagato. "As a matter of fact, I'm quite good at alchemy and I believe that your son has shown some interest in the subject. Perhaps suggest he join up for the class next year? If anything, it might just be enough to have the class happen, which I would be rather happy about."

Intrigued, Nagato raised her eyebrow. "May I ask who might be teaching the class? Just out of curiosity sake?"

As he stroked his beard, Dumbledore gave a small nod. "A rather interesting woman I met by the name of Cleo once in Greece would be my personal choice if I could track her down. She was quite knowledgable in the subject after all. There are several other choices of course, such as one particular man who goes by the title of 'Count', though I would rather avoid him as he is..." Everyone could see Dumbledore trying to find something to say before he shrugged. "Eccentric, let us just say." Shaking his head, he gave a small smile. "Of course, this is all just a thought if enough do sign up for the class even if it's only introductory."

Only nodding, Nagato glanced first to where Ryuujou was examining more of the chamber and then towards the tunnels that lead off where she knew that Harry was in thought.

 

Shaithan

Doctor, Doctor

Tirpitz generally speaking was not accustomed to destroyers following her around with any degree of enthusiasm. For all that destroyers, and cruisers for that matter, were escorts to battleships, the Lonely Queen preferred distance to them.

Bismarck won the little ones over by force of personality and the willingness to give praise and headpats. Bayern provided food and entertaining stories and wouldn't look too closely at what exactly the destroyers in her company were drinking, as long as things stayed relatively sane. Baden would play with them and teach them various card shark's tricks, and the Scharnhorst twins were always good for a laugh. And they were also good at hunting things that thought of hunting destroyers, as more than one light or heavy cruiser had found out.

Tirpitz was there, was reasonably cordial with the girls, but she didn't go out of her way to interact with them. Something that had been found to be detrimental when working with various fleet destroyers, especially American ones. To them a battleship not doting on them was anathema. Even the most prickly ones still had a soft spot for destroyers. Fletcher, Nicholas and O'Bannon had been downright spooked at the end of Tirpitz' first sortie during her first stay in America. A battleship that barely interacted with them on sortie and strenuously objected to joining a cuddlepile. But the worst had been the utter lack of ice cream during sortie. They understood why Tirpitz had no such machine aboard, being based in Norway didn't scream "We need ice cream for our sailors!" after all. But still, it had definitely been a rude awakening to the Fletchers. And no one had thought to tell Tirpitz that American fleet destroyers liked to be close to the battleships they escorted.

Overall, it had been a learning experience for both sides. Tirpitz would spring for some ice cream for the destroyers when returning from sortie and they gave her the space she desired.

But now this comfortable arrangement was being jeopardized. By five abyssal destroyers that were following in her wake while talking about how happy they were to have a flagship. She desperately wished that the seas were a bit calmer, so she could light up a cigarette. This was a headache. Randomly spawning abyssals had long been suspected and accepted and were one reason why the Baltic, regardless of the lack of any abyssal activity there in the last years, was still regularly sweeped for abyssal forces and had a constant presence of a lot of older shipgirls. She knew that other cleared or "cleared" seas were also constantly patrolled. Because no matter what Britain or the USA told the civilians, there were semi-regular abyssal attacks in the Caribbean and the Irish Sea. They just tended to get found quickly and subsequently die to the various ships training there instead of having time to do damage.

And even then there were gaffes. Like the two Royal Navy cutters that had allowed a non-allied abyssal passage in the English Channel. Granted, they had come off a very long shift and there were other extenuating circumstances like said abyssal not immediately firing upon them and acting in an odd enough manner that they could be forgiven for mistaking that Re-class for the incredibly odd one following Wanko. Still, a Princess-class having gotten through the Channel was a big embarassment to the Royal Navy.

The destroyers behind her were very excited and it grated on her nerves. She preferred peace and quiet for herself, keeping a distance from things. And with those girls, she couldn't. They were very insistent on protecting her to prove their mettle to their new flagship.

And she couldn't really tell them to leave her alone. Their story of being hunted as either food or for sport by the bad princess to the south said that there were abyssals that might be able to threaten Spain or Portugal. Plus the fact that they were actually afraid when not close to her.

Contacting her sister had been spectacularly unhelpful, first she was treated to spates of laughter before her sister puked her guts out. Tirpitz had her captain make a note in the memo book she kept, Bismarck's prospective daughters were to be given extra fuel rations before being sent home.

Admiral Hartmann had ordered her to bring the destroyers to Wilhelmshaven and to ensure they didn't want to leave her. It had been supremely unhelpful.

Right now she was pulling up to Brest, the first stop on her voyage back to Germany. The convoy would stop here for a night, while the various girls would visit HMS Artifex. The repair ship had also called ahead and let Tirpitz know that she really wanted to take a look at the destroyers.

Coming up to the port entrance, Tirpitz saw the repair ship already waiting. "Girls, this is the repair ship HMS Artifex. She will check you over," she stated while pointing towards the repair ship.

She evidently had not expected the destroyer's reactions. "Not leave us!" one sent, another added "Stay with us!" and all chorussed "Flagship! Please stay!" with considerable urgency and outright fear, while hiding behind the groaning battleship.

"Huh, seems like they understated how much the little ones flocked to you," Artifex commented the byplay.

Tirpitz gave the grinning repair ship a very unamused glare. Then she turned towards the destroyers. "Girls, stay calm. She won't hurt you," she explained. "She's a repair ship, it's her job to help those who are hurt," she added.

"We protect flagship and flagship protects us," the I-class destroyer explained.

"You do not feel secure here?" Tirpitz asked.

"Yes. Need flagship. Flagship protects us," the Ro-class explained.

Tirpitz felt a headache coming. Especially because one of the French girls was recording the whole ordeal. With a deep sigh she turned to Artifex. "Well then, lead the way," she said while the destroyers happily circled around her.

The boathouse they finally entered had a lot of equipment stashed there, most of it of a nature completely alien to Tirpitz.

The repair ship left the water and prepared some of the equipment while Tirpitz and her destroyers idled in the water.

After a few minutes Artifex came out behind the folding screen. "Okay, I've got my equipment set up. Which of you girls wants to go first?" she wanted to know with a smile.

The reaction was immediate, the destroyers hid behind Tirpitz.

Artifex gave Tirpitz a silent prompt. Unfortunately for her, her silent prompts were not even acknowledged or perceived as happening. With a grimace, Artifex decided to be blunt. "You're going to need to reassure your daughters here, Tirpitz," she stated.

"Daughters?" Tirpitz gave back, jumping exactly on the point that was not pertinent.

"Yes, they are for all intents and purposes your daughters," Artifex declared, throwing back a bang.

"Oh damn it!" Tirpitz groaned. "I can't be a mom! I don't WANT to be one! I failed a course on momboating by simply turning up!" she explained.

Artifex looked up at the sky, asking silently why she had to be here. "Then be the big sister or the aunt. What counts is that they need you to be there for them, to reassure them that you will take their protection seriously," she stated forcefully.

"I'll try," Tirpitz said sulkily. "Girls, I am here. If you need me there, just call. But now you have to go with Artifex, who will want to check your health status. You can trust her, she has checked me over before, and unike some other repair ships, she doesn't have cold hands," she said in an attempt to reassure the destroyers.

"Flagship not come with us?" the Ha-class asked sadly.

"Do you want me to be there?" Tirpitz gave back. "It's not as confidential as a visit to the doctor, but most of it will be something between her and you," she added.

"Flagship can know," the I-class gave back. "Flagship cares for us, must know our status," she continued.

Tirpitz caved. "Oh well, I'll come with you," she grumbled.

As she stepped up the ramp, the destroyers followed behind her, leading to a first frown on Artifex' features. "They look a bit frail," she muttered, before descending upon the destroyers with measuring tape and various other measuring instruments.

The next two hours were spent checking over the destroyers to a degree Tirpitz considered overblown. Everything was checked. Guns, Sonar, Radar, Radio, fire directors and everything else.

Finally, Artifex compiled her findings. "Mind you, this is preliminary," she stated cautiously. "Anyway. The girls are malnourished and will need to be fed rations more akin to what a light cruiser or an armored cruiser would need. Maybe even heavy cruiser meals. Their equipment is showing some signs of wear, but nothing that some time in the baths can't fix. The equipment itself is comparable to early Pacific War equipment," she explained. "Also, my preliminary estimation of them due to their interaction with you? They will not want to be separated from you or someone close to you they implicitly trust for the time being," she added. "Take good care of your girls," she said. "And if you need help, we repair ships will gladly give you tips," she promised.

Tirpitz looked at the destroyers that were currently busy devouring a meal brought over by one of the French destroyers. "To chose someone like me as their new flagship. They truly must have been desperate," she muttered. "Hopefully I can find a good home for them," she continued.

 

NotHimAgain

Shaithan said:
Doctor, Doctor​

Someone's a mom, whether they want it or not~

And now, for other stuff.
Thought And Manta

-----

Nemo cuts a path across the blue, newspaper clutched in her fingers and head spinning.

“Excuse me,” she said, momentarily freezing in her backwards course. “This is—”

“It’s a non-aggression treaty, between humans and Abyssals,” Hiei confirmed, holding the newspaper out closer to Nemo. “The kind of thing we thought your Princesses might want to know.”

By which she meant that they were interested in opening negotiations. Why? She and her sisters had never struck at the humans—she would never do that, now that she had encountered Takumi and all he had shown her.

“You… want me to bring this to them,” she said out loud, in as flat and unimpressed a voice as she could muster.

“It would be great if you would do that,” Hiei replied, scooting forward a short distance. Much to her consternation, Nemo realized that she had noticed the increasing distance between them. “We just want to make sure that everyone is safe and happy, you know?”

“If you say so,” she said, calculating the distance to home, to safety—too far. They had gotten to her before she could reach “make a break for it” distance. If she tried it now, she was dead in the water. The only way out was to—

“Here you go, then!” Hiei chirped, pressing the newspaper into her hands.

“Wait, what?”

“All we need you to do is to help that paper get to your bosses,” Hiei explained. “If nothing else, it’ll make for some interesting reading for them. Make sure it doesn’t get too wet.” She paused. “… I don’t think there was anything else… Goodwill gesture, possible benefits… Fubuki?”

“I think you’re scaring her,” one of the destroyers deadpanned. Hiei paused, then dramatically clapped a hand over the side of her face.

“Hieeeiii! I’m sorry!”

“Hey there, squirt,” a voice says at Nemo’s side. The cruiser spares a glance to see the Re-class battleship pulling up at her side. “Whaddya got there?”

“Newspaper,” Nemo replies flatly. “Need to take it to the Princesses. Don’t you have somewhere you need to be?”

“Maybe,” Renata admits, pirouetting and backing water in front of Nemo. “But I’m blowing it off. I like to live free as the wind, riding into the sunset, eking out that final burst of speed that puts me over the edge—”

“In other words, accomplishing nothing?” Nemo asks. She doesn’t have much room to talk, she knows, what with going to the beach as often as she does. But Renata likes to live her relaxed lifestyle in a way that gives those around her no option but to take notice—devoting any free time and a fair bit of her work time to alternatively pushing herself to her absolute limit or napping. Maybe Nemo has no room to talk, but failing to do so is the hardest thing in the world.

Renata gives her an unimpressed look. “Really? That’s your best material, squirt?”

“If I gave you my best material, would you care?” Renata pondered this a second and shrugged, conceding the point.

“So, Princesses. Sounds like a special news thing,” she says, shifting the subject away from herself and her habits. Nemo is honestly a little past caring right now.

“Yes, very,” she replies. “Actually, maybe you could take this to them? I don’t think my rank is high enough—”

“Oh, that's fine,” a new voice cuts in, from directly behind her, tone cool, “you can give it to me directly.”

Nemo spins, leaping away in a panic. Standing in her place is what resembles nothing so much as a young woman in a black one-piece bathing suit. She raises an eyebrow at Nemo’s shock—where did she come from? Her radar-she hadn’t checked that since she re-entered her own territory! Idiot! Why was everything happening all at once all of a sudden?

“M-my Princess! I—that is, I was—I’m sorry, I mean… Paper! Important! Treaty! Yes!” she babbles, holding out the newspaper and bowing at a ninety-degree angle.

“It helps if you breathe when you talk,” the Black Princess says, accepting the paper and holding it up to her face. She sucks in a breath, and murmurs “well this is interesting.” Lowering the paper, she looks Nemo directly in the eyes. “Where did you get this?”

“The… the border,” Nemo explains, feeling the Princess’s gaze burning into her. “There was a Shipgirl right outside it, just waiting, and…”

“And you went to investigate, and she gave you this?” The Princess’s words are only just short of bitingly sarcastic, and Nemo knows that she doesn’t believe her in the slightest. “Yes, I’m sure.” Nemo’s eyes begin to go down towards her toes, but on the way, she catches sight of Renata. The battleship is looking over the Princess’s shoulder, brow furrowed and reading out the headline.

“… landmark… treaty…” she says slowly, and she leans back to avoid getting headbutted as the Princess turns to give her a wholly unimpressed look. “That does sound interesting. What do you think about it, Ladyship?”

“Well,” the Princess replies, folding the paper, “it’s interesting to read about, but I fail to see what it has to do with us. After all, we are uninterested in this war. I see no—”

“Ku-taaaaaan!”

The Black Princess turns staring as a girl identical to her except in her white locks appears. Destroyers mill about her in a panic and she waves enthusiastically. Nemo and Renata stare along with her, up at the sight of what she is carrying, and “Ku-tan” grinds the heel of her palm into her forehead in frustration.

“Shi-chi,” she says in the voice of one who has suffered too many indignities to let this latest one get to her—but only barely. “What is that you’re carrying?”

“It followed me home!” The White Princess replies enthusiastically. “Hey, we can keep it, right? I’ll feed it, and take it on walks, and be its best friend ever! Can I keep it? Pleeeaaase?”

“It’s a manta ray,” “Ku-Tan” responds. “Why did you run off and go looking for a manta ray? What could we possibly want with a manta ray?”

“Boo!” “Shi-chi” replies, sticking her tongue out. “You’re no fun—hey, what’s that?”

“What—you mean this?” the Black Princess holds up the folded newspaper. “This one—” she nodded at Nemo, who this time bowed so far she thought her forehead would touch her knees and almost pitched headfirst into the water, “—brought it to me. Apparently, she met a shipgirl at the border, who asked her to give it to us.”

“Met at the border…” the White Princess puzzles, raising her free hand to her chin, “Ah, so that’s what we’re supposed to call it!”

“Is that thing supposed to be in the air for so long?” Renata hisses under her breath, staring at the ray--the ray which is longer than the White Princess is tall. Nemo doesn’t think so, but her face is flushing such a burning red that she can’t bring herself to respond.

“Shi-chi,” the Black Princess replies, grimacing as if she were an unending humiliation, “Could you please?”

“Oh, dear Ku-tan,” the White Princess giggles, drifting in closer, “you’re being so silly. Do you think I could see that? Thank you,” she accepts the paper from her twin, flicking it open with a motion that Nemo could almost swear had been practiced. The destroyers begin to dodge in and out around her and Renata's feet, which sets the battleship stumbling and cursing. “Hmm, I see. That is interesting. We’ll have to look further…”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Shi-chi,” her counterpart exclaims, throwing a hand wide. “We aren’t a part of this war! This has nothing to do with us—”

“But,” “Shi-chi” replies, deftly refolding the paper and whapping her lightly over the head with it, “it has everything to do with the world around us. And the difference between those can be a bit smaller than you may think.” “Ku-tan” looks away, making a face. “Don’t be like that. We should have time around… the end of the month, I’d say.” She looks up at her captive manta and hums. “I should probably put you back in the water… need to make an enclosure of some kind…”

“You SAW the picture!” the Black Princess almost shrieks. “You saw who signed that thing!”

“Does that change whether or not we can afford it?” the White Princess snaps back. “You might not be happy with it, I know that I’m not, but it doesn’t change the fact that we might need this, and you know why.”

Nemo watches the back and forth with fear growing hotter in her stomach. This, she feels, might not be something she was supposed to see. The White Princess catches her eye, and she turns, eyes softening. “Don’t worry,” she says, letting her captive fish drop into the water. “you can go now. But the next time you’re, ah… ‘down by the border,’” and Nemo feels embarrassment join her fear again, “could you tell them to be at the edge of our territory on the last day of the month? We’ll be there, I’ll make certain.”

Nemo bows one more time and scurries away. She doesn’t dare look back—if she does, the White Princess may change her mind and punish her, keep her from seeing Takumi…

It’s an embittering kind of hilarious, she thinks. The problem that has troubled them the past few days seems to be taunting them—or possibly pulling them in even deeper into trouble. What, she wonders, should she tell him of this?

-----

Takumi stands beside his desk, looking down into the pool of biohazard yellow paint where he would usually be sitting by now. He looks up to see Tachibana and her friend, Uzu-something-or-other, giving him the stink eye. Sakurada is staring at them in abject horror. He palms his face.

“Oh yeah,” he grumbles snidely, “very mature.”
-----
And thus they reach the stage where the Princesses and the Navy have months and months of talks, hammering everything out... Maybe a little too easily. Oh well, these don't always turn out the way I want them to.

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

NotHimAgain

They were all dead.

The destroyer sped through the water stained black with ichor, through bodies that floated broken and torn apart, desperately searching. There had to be someone who survived. Anyone.

The attack had been sudden, with a ferocity that she had never seen before. The Re-classes had been at the head, the one laughing and mocking, the one a lethal dervish that leapt at her companions and tore them apart directly. She had gotten a glimpse of the Princess they served under, glaring down at the battlefield as her cannons roared. And in so short a time, everyone was gone.

"Please," she pleaded, begging anything that might be listening. "Please!"

Movement.

She spun in the water, desperate to make her way over. It was another destroyer, barely alive, torn nearly in half by whatever had hit it. She gunned her engines, and nearly froze at the pain that hit her amidships, nearly slipped underneath the water, but held herself together. It was a mad dash with fading strength, and she barely managed to reach the other's side.

"You're not sinking!" she hissed, planting herself against the listing destroyer. She could feel her breaths rattle against her skin, and she pushed up as best she could. "You will not sink! I won't let you! You're all I have left! WE'RE ALL THAT'S LEFT!"

"Ku-tan?"

Shi-chi's voice parted the fog that clouded her head. She opened her eyes to see her looking down at her. "Ku-tan," she repeated, "Are you alright? You looked like you were about to scream."

"I'm alright," she replied, rubbing at her eyes. Her fingers came away wet. "Just a memory is all.
-----
Is this a workable answer?

 

Harry Leferts

The group of adults were softly talking when a voice from the Chamber's entrance caused them to turn. "Dammit, Bumblebee, you started without me."

Rather bemused, Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at the annoyed Victory who walked into the Chamber while glancing around. "So we have. But then, you did tell me that you had business down at Hagrid's hut. And none of the other Royal Navy girls here wanted to leave you, Vicky."

Grumbling, Victory shook her head. "For some odd reason that bunch seemed to think that I could not take care of myself. Bah! It was just a Princess." The curl of her lip though betrayed her true thoughts until she glared at Dumbledore. "And don't call me Vicky!"

Only raising an eyebrow in reply, Dumbledore shook his head. "Then don't call me Bumblebee."

That just got him a snort though as she walked past and came to a stop near the head. "Never going to happen, Bumblebee. And you know it."

Humming, there was a twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes as he shook his head. As he watched the old shipgirl place a hand on the head, Albus came to stand beside her. "Rather impressive, isn't it?"

Voice soft, Victory shook her head. "Impressive does not even begin to describe it. Makes me sorry that I handled the Royal Navy business with Miss Wanko before coming here... If only to have seen this in its full glory and not already partially taken apart."

Aoba smiled a bit and held up her camera. "I got plenty of pictures if you want. Teitoku is already going to send a bunch and a report to both the Royal Navy and USN."

Softly snorting, Victory shook her head. "Not the same, young one. Not the same at all." And with a sigh, she stepped away. "No, not the same. But what is done is done and a monster that took down one of our own has been dealt with... speaking of..." Turning, Victory narrowed her eye some. "What sort of reward could young Master Potter be looking forward to?"

For a moment, Dumbledore stroked his beard and hummed in thought. "I have already given the three students a hundred and fifty points each, something that Severus is not happy about. They will also be getting an award for Special Services to the School with Riddle's removed. I suppose once everything calms down the Minister may give them a Order of Merlin, I suspect at least Third Class if not Second. After all, I have made no attempt to keep the basics of what happened secret and he does want to mend bridges."

Off to the side, Nagato raised an eyebrow at what she was being told. After all, this was something of a surprise. 'Though... on second thought perhaps it shouldn't be. The political ramifications not withstanding.' Suddenly a thought occurred to her and she frowned at Victory. "I suppose seeing that one of the Royal Navy shipgirls was a victim that perhaps there may be something coming from them?"

Chuckling, Victory shook her head. "No, not from the Royal Navy, Nagato. Despite everything this was not a declared combat situation. However... Her Majesty's Government may be looking at some ideas for once the Statute has fallen. The only question being what would be appropriate." Tapping her chin as she frowned, the Sailshipgirl gained an odd smile. "Us shipgirls of the Royal Navy have our own thoughts on the matter. Tell me, from what Bumblebee has told me your son owns a rather nice parcel of land, correct?"

Somewhat confused as to where this was going, Nagato nodded with a glance to Kaylee who seemed interested. "That's correct. Apparently it's been in his family for centuries, though a large chunk is in ruins due to the last magical war."

Nodding in thought, Victory had a far off look in her eye. "Ruins you say? From what I have been told there are several buildings there as well? And young Master Potter wishes to have them rebuilt one day?"

Rapidly nodding, Inazuma smiled from where she was as she spoke up. "Hai, Harry-Chan wants to do that. Mainly so that he has some place to stay. And he thinks that it could be some place to stay for shipgirls who want to or need to get away from the war for a bit, Nanodesu." Blinking at the look she was given by the sailshipgirl, Inazuma shook her head. "It's really peaceful, like some place out of a storybook."

A smile slowly bloomed on Victory's weathered face as she nodded. "I see... that I had not been told but it makes my idea all the better."

Intrigued, Dumbledore gave her a look. "And what idea would that be, my friend? I fail to see what this line of questioning would be going..."

With a chuckle, Victory turned and regarded the group in front of her. "No? Bumblebee, us shipgirls have a lot of... variety, let us say, in what skills our crew had. I, myself, can call upon all those who did not serve in ships in the Royal Navy as I am their ship. Many were carpenters, woodworkers of various kinds, stonemasons, people who worked in construction. And I am not the only one." There serious expression on Victory's face as she looked at Nagato. "We of the Royal Navy do not forget those who have helped us, or avenged those of us who have been harmed. It shall take some time, but give us the plans and I will promise you that your son's ancestral home will be rebuilt. It is the least that we can do, especially if he is as willing to open it to those of us that need a place to unwind as it sounds."

Eyebrows raising, Tenryuu stared at her. "Won't the Royal Navy have an issue with that? It would need a number of shipgirls there after all."

In reply, Victory smirked a bit and shrugged. "Not as many as you might think. And for those of us too old and obsolete to fight in this war, it would give us something to do." Tipping her head slightly in Nagato's direction, she smiled. "We can talk later, if you wish."

Thoughtful, Nagato only nodded slowly. "I think that I will take you up on that. Thank you." Already there was several thoughts going through her mind. 'I wonder...'

As Nagato was lost in her thoughts, Iowa cleared her throat. "By the way, what sort of thing were you doing down at Hagrid's? Don't get me wrong or anything, the guy's great. But what sort of business would the Royal Navy have with him unless it had to do with his rockcakes?"

Even as Kaylee blinked and muttered 'Rockcakes' in confusion, Victory was shaking her head. "Not so much Hagrid this time as one of his guests there. The Royal Navy has need for some help from Miss Wanko."

Yamato was now looking at Victory with a knowing gaze. "It would not have anything to do with how a Princess slipped through the Channel by being mistaken for Revina-San, would it? As that is what is most likely."

Her eyes widening, Kawa looked between Yamato and Victory, who looked like she had bitten into a lemon. "Wait, an Abyssal slipped through the Channel? And... an Princess at that?!"

Off to the side, Kaylee was now staring at how. "How in... Mother of Mares, how did that happen?"

With a suffering sigh, Victory lowered her hat some. "Some very tired shipgirls, the fact that said Abyssal did not fire upon them at all, and the fact that it was a Re-Class Princess and so looked like an larger, odder Re-Class. Needless to say, we have taken measures to ensue that such an incident does not happen again." Fixing Yamato with a look, the Flagship of the Royal Navy scowled. "And much thanks for bringing that up."

Beside the blushing Yamato, Enterprise smirked and spoke up before the Battleship could. "No worries, Victory. You're very welcome."

That got her an elbow to the side from the now embarrassed Yamato. Meanwhile, Victory shook her head. "But yes, it does have to do with that. After several events, there was an incident at Scapa Flow which has resulted in a group of Abyssals in our... hospitality. There is need of Wanko's expertise there."

Slowly, Ryuujou turned away from where she was examining one of the pillars and nodded. "Ya, I can see where you might have need for Wanko. Ya need her for advice."

Much to her confusion, Victory flushed some and coughed. "Actually... it is not us that is in need of her advice. Rather... it is the Abyssal Princess, the main one that needs her help in regards to what is happening."

For almost a minute there was silence before Dumbledore spoke up. "I... think that perhaps you should explain what is going on..."

Sighing, Victory shook her head. "This... may take a while..."
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Inside of the tunnels just wandering around, Harry kept one arm around Natsumi's shoulders as he tried to walk with Hoppou clinging to one leg. "There, any better, Natsumi-Chan?"

With a blink, Natsumi took a deep breath and then nodded. "A bit." Blushing, she looked down at her feet in some embarrassment. "Sorry about that, I should be doing a lot better. I'm training to be a Shrine Maiden and Oba-Chan sent me to represent the Shrine... And yet..."

Harry only chuckled weakly. "Yeah, I know. It's pretty creepy down here all said and... well, I can imagine that the Basilisk is kind of scary."

Beside him, Verniy gave a snort while she shook her head. "Kind of scary."

That got her an amused look from Harry, but his attention was soon pulled back to Natsumi who was shaking her head. "That's just it, Harry-Chan. Sure, the Basilisk is scary, but that's not the problem." Coming to a stop, she looked him right in the eyes and sniffled. "It's more the fact that you fought that monster. Just thinking about it is utterly terrifying! I... I hate how frightened that makes me feel."

Gently, Harry reached up and stroked her hair with a small smile on his face. "Heh, I guess. Um, if it helps it scared the heck out of me as well."

Hugging him tightly, Natsumi buried her face into the crook of his neck and took a deep breath before shaking her head. "No, it really doesn't help. I... I just keep seeing you fight it, practically alone."

Only hugging her back, Harry closed his eyes for a moment before opening them as Shinano hugged him from behind. "It... It scares me too, Harry-Chan." Whimpering some, Shinano shook her head. "I keep imagining it too. But... but then I keep thinking what if and I really can't get it out of my head."

With a blink, Harry turned and looked at Verniy with a small frown. "I guess that you keep thinking the same thing, Hibiki-Chan? What could have happened?"

Slowly, Verniy gave a small nod. "Da, I keep thinking of it as well." When Harry opened that arm, she joined in the hug, though she spotted Hoppou nodding from her position hugging Harry's leg. "It's our job to fight monsters, Harry-Chan. Not yours. You're supposed to be safe where they can't get you."

Expression softening, Harry sighed and laid his head on Verniy's and Natsumi's, Shinano's on his. "Sometimes I guess, the monsters can show up where you don't expect it. But you want to know something?" When they made various sounds of curiosity, he smiled. "While I was fighting I had one thought running through my mind. And that was that I was going to fight, win, and survive. So that I could see all my family and friends again."

Hoppou looked up at him in surprise. "Really, Big Brother? Even Hoppou?"

Looking down at her, Harry gave a nod and chuckle. "Yes, even Hoppou. You're my Little Sister after all." He then turned at each of the girls hugging him and shrugged. "All of you helped."

With sniffle, Verniy held him close as if worried that if she let go he would disappear. This was after all the first time she got to spend some time with him alone since arriving at Hogwarts. "You scared me so much, Harry-Chan. I felt you as a Fairy begin to manifest in my hull." That caused Harry to stiffen and stare at her in shock. "I... You came so close to dying down here. And I never want to feel that way again."

As he sighed, Harry leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "I'm sorry about that, Hibiki-Chan, I never meant to scare you like that. Never, ever. Forgive me?"

Verniy looked up at him before giving a very small smile. "Always, Harry-Chan." She followed that up with a kiss to his cheek which made him blink. "Chu."

Nuzzling his hair from behind, Shinano hugged the other three to her and nodded. "I forgive you too, Harry-Chan, Just please try not to do this again."

Weakly chuckling, Harry nodded some. "Hai, I'll try not to." Frowning, he looked back the way that they came. "Do you want to head back, or..."

However, he got a shake of the head from the others with Natsumi speaking up. "No, Harry-Chan. Let the adults do whatever it is that they're doing. I... I just want to stay like this for a bit. Where they can't bother us and we can just talk. Is... is that okay?"

All Harry did was nod at that with a small smile as he rubbed her back. "Sure thing, Natsumi-Chan. Sure thing."

 

Snippet 46: S0ngD0g13

Big Snake, Part Two...
...........................................

After a ten-minute break (and a fortifying shot of Sailor Jerry's; that House Elf had looked entirely too child-like for Kaylee's nerves), she, Inazuma and Willie went back to the basilisk carcass. The ice was removed and Kaylee looked it over. "Hmm... Okay, I know how we'll do the meat." She pulled two more knives, long wood-handled Old-Hickory butcher-knives, honed razor-keen, out, and handed one each to the destroyers. "I'm going to slice in sections, about every three ribs, and then separate the meat from the backbone. Your jobs are to use those knives to peel the meat off the ribs like filleting a fish. Get as close to the bone as you can, but err on the side of caution; the bones will turn the knives' edges and those blades are family heirlooms from my granddaddy's kitchen, and for the love of SECNAV be careful, because they're sharp. Like, 'stare at it too hard and you start bleeding' sharp."

Virginia suited deed to word and the trio started taking slabs of meat off the carcass, laying them in barrels and icing them down. After the fillets were packed, the trio went over the skeleton with their blades, haggling the remaining meat off the bones and tossing it in a barrel marked 'Stew Meat'.

After that, it was a cake-walk to separate the bones for preservation, and Virginia started on the head, extracting fangs and venom before using an auger to bore into the base of the skull and remove the brain.

"Hot Da-" She cut herself off at the sight of Hoppou before she swore. "It's done. Anything else with the head is a taxidermist's problem. She's pieced down and ready for the table."

..........................................

After Virginia, Willie, and Inazuma had cleaned up, the ironclad put her kepi back on and shrugged back into her coat while Victory explained what had happened at Scapa Flow. "Inazuma, Willie; thank you both for your help rendering that basilisk. Without you two helping me, I'd still be elbow-deep in innards, so next chance I get, y'all get a double-ration of ice-cream."

"Thank you, Virginia-San," said Inazuma. "Wasn't any trouble, really; you're very skilled at this."

Virginia smiled happily. "I grew up a farm kid, and a lot of my family hunt, so I learned early and well. So, while the others are talkin', you two wanna hear some stories?" At their enthusiastic nods, Virginia grinned and sat down on a chest full of bones, and felt around in her hull until she withdrew a tall tin coffee pot and three tin mugs. She filled the cups and passed them out. "There was this one hunt I'll never forget; I was ten and a coyote had gotten into my Aunt Stephanie's lambs..."

Inazuma took a sip of her coffee and coughed. "This is strong coffee," she gasped.

"Black-Gang Coffee," the Ironclad replied. "Beans dark-roasted in a cast-iron pan over the firebox and ground by wrapping them in a bandanna and crushing them with the flat of a stoker's shovel. Brewed right, it's strong enough to dissolve an iron horseshoe and black as a harbor-bottom on a moonless night. If ya want, I've got some creamer and sugar." Kaylee took a sip of her own cup.

.........................................

As Kaylee told the story of her and her first coyote hunt, she also scratched out a letter; once she'd finished and sealed it, Virginia whistled Barghast over and asked the Abyssal fighter to carry the letter to Professor Snape and await a reply.

When Severus received the letter, he read the precise handwriting with curiosity...

Professor Snape;

My name is Kaylee McAmis, also known as the Shipgirl USS Virginia. I have heard from Harry that you have helped him facilitate the sale of the Acromantula products I harvested not long ago; thank you for that.

Harry speaks highly of your skill and knowledge of both potions and their components, and I find myself in need of that knowledge. I would, at the time and place of your convenience, like to meet with you in order to solicit your knowledge as regards Basilisk Venom. If your schedule precludes a face-to-face meeting, I can be reached by letter, care of my uncle, James McAmis, at 3189 Kinser Street, JMSDF Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,
Kaylee V. McAmis

 

Record the Recording

NotHimAgain said:
And you... left Hagrid and Wanko alone?
**-*-*-*-**​

The witch screamed as she fell back, her terror as sudden as her surprise. The archway did nothing to help her regain her balance.

For right in front of her was Cedric Diggory, not harmed or scared in any way or form. And two small Abyssal Princesses who each clung to either of his leg like limpets.

Mrs. Diggory recovered, paused as she gathered her wits about her, and then finally asked one question.

"Cedric, what are those things on you? Why are they here?"

...okay, two questions. Cedric at least had the self-awareness to look sheepish as he replied.

"I went to Hagrid's, and when I left both of these followed me home."

Both Cedric and the two Princesses then put on their best Destroyer eyes.

"Can I keep them, Mum? I promise that I'll take really good care of them, feed and water and walk them every day, and make sure they get their vaccinations."

"...why does Hagrid have these two... little ones," Mrs. Diggory had not forgotten how to use tact, "In the first place?" Nor has she been without enough strength of mind to withstand the most charismatic of wide eyes and pouts.

"You don't want to know, Mum."

The mother shot her son a withering look. "In that case, may I suggest giving them back? He may be wondering where they are."

"This is a man who puts his hand inside the maws of crocodiles, Mum."

"That is a rather good point. Still, better to be safe than sorry. I shall contact him and explain what happened. He must be worried sick."

Meanwhile...

"Wonder wha ta wee ones will bring back?"

"Whatever it is... I know that... they will make... me proud."

"No argument 'ere!"

 

Harry Leferts

After walking through the various tunnels in the back, Harry re-entered the Chamber with Natsumi, Verniy, and Shinano before blinking. "Huh? You guys are all done?"

From where she was, Kaylee chuckles some and tipped her kepi some. "We are at that, Harry. In fact, we just finished a bit ago and were waiting on you."

Blushing, Harry scratched the back of his neck and chuckled some. "Um, sorry... we were just going through tunnels and mapping them." Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. "Oh! We think that we found another entrance to the Chamber back there. It looks like a door similar to the one you come in."

A small smile on his face, Dumbledore nodded some at that. "Yes, I very much doubt that Slytherin would go sliding down a pipe. Hence, there likely was another entrance. Well done."

That only made Harry chuckle some while beside him, Natsumi was grumbling. At the looks she got though, she only shrugged. "Kind of disappointed I guess, a little anyways. I mean, 'Chamber of Secrets?' Why call it that if the only secrets are the Basilisk and the ways in and out?"

Frowning, Ryuujou shook her head some and narrowed her eyes a little. "Ya know, I was just thinkin' that myself. A bit odd for that to be all there was. Maybe there is something else here that we're just missing. Question is... what?"

On Nagato's face was a frown as she looked around the room with her eyebrows furrowed. "I don't see anything odd. And I would have thought that you would have noticed something with how you were examining the room, Ryuujou-San."

Ryuujou just scowled. "Ya would be right about that, Nagato-San. Just one small problem... I don' know enough about European magic to make a guess and this whole chamber is just soaked in it." Turning thoughtful, she turned towards Dumbledore with a frown on her face. "What about you, Albus-San? Can you think of anything?"

Stroking his beard, he hummed a bit as he stared at Slytherin's statue. "Not off hand, no..." He then frowned and blinked before turning to Harry. "Perhaps though, Harry here might be able to bring something. After all, Salazar was a Parselmouth. It would stand to reason that it would need a Parselmouth to find any secrets."

With a shrug, Harry glanced around before calling out in Parseltongue towards the statue. "{Share with me your knowledge, Slytherin, Greatest of the Hogwarts Four!}" However, there was absolutely nothing. "Okay... let's try something a bit different." Taking a deep breath, Harry called out again. "{Reveal to me your Secrets, Slytherin, Greatest of the Hogwarts Four.}"

It was Gangut who spoke up from where she was leaning against a wall with her arms crossed. Looking around, she shrugged. "Nothing has happened, Comrades."

Eyes rolling, Enterprise gave her a look. "Really? Never would have guessed."

Simply ignoring the yelp from the Carrier as Yamato gave her a swat to the back of the head, Harry continued to try. "{Tell me your Secrets, Slytherin, the Greatest Sorcerer!}

More and more combinations were tried until Harry asked how to cleanse the school and could hear a hiss from Slytherin's statue which gave him the password that Riddle had used. Finally, he just gave them all shakes of the head and told them he was stumped. Where she stood though, Ryuujou frowned and cupped her chin in thought. "There has to be more here then just that. We're missing somethin', we got to be."

Raising an eyebrow at her, Dumbledore hummed a bit. "Perhaps, or perhaps we are not. It could be that the secrets are simply how to get here and the Basilisk itself as well as how to awaken it."

A scowl on her face, Ryuujou shook her head. "No, I doubt it." After a few moments of pacing, she looked at the Headmaster and hummed. "What do we know of Slytherin? Besides the obvious hate for those born to non-magicals."

Dumbledore became thoughtful as he thought back. "Salazar was a brilliant wizard, of that there can be no doubt. There was a reason after all that the other Founders accepted him among their number until their falling out. Besides a mastery of dark magic, he was also a potion's master of sorts and an alchemist. Oddly, snakes have a symbolism in alchemy..."

When the Headmaster trailed off, Ryuujou stepped beside him. "What are you thinking? Did something make sense?"

Very slowly, Dumbledore turned and stared down the chamber towards the entrance. "Quite possibly. But it could not be that simple, could it?"

Blinking as she looked at her similarly confused friends and family, Tenryuu cleared her throat. "What could be that simple?"

Thoughtful, Dumbledore just tapped his chin as his eyebrows furrowed over his eyes. "Hmm... Salazar was a parselmouth, hence everyone would assume that any secret would be accessed by using it. But one could only enter the chamber by either being Parselmouth or by accompanying one. However... what if to access the other secrets one had to be more then a parselmouth? Us alchemists often write in code or use symbols and cyphers to hide our research. Being one himself, Salazar would very likely do the same for the chamber."

Simply scratching her head in confusion, Iowa frowned. "So... like something from that National Treasure movie? Or the Da Vinci Code?"

Facepalming, Willie shook her head. "I don't think that he means that. Iowa. And those movies were so damn stupid."

Meanwhile, Dumbledore took several steps forward and glanced around him not paying attention to the argument between the Battleship and the Destroyer. "I cannot believe that I missed it, but then... it is not surprising." Turning, he regarded the silent statue of Salazar with some respect. "I must admit, rather sly and cunning."

Behind Harry, Shinano looked around but could not see anything. "Um, Dumbledore-Sensei? What did we miss? Because... I'm kind of confused."

Off to the side, Hamakaze nodded along with her sister as Urakaze spoke up. "Ya, I'm pretty confused myself, Shinano-Sama. What are we missing."

A smile on her face, Dumbledore pointed down the chamber. "There are sixteen statues of the heads of snakes. But eight of them are open, almost as if they want something placed into them."

Looking them over, Harry's eyes widened some. "Wait, they're open to receive the four elements, right? Though which ones go where...?"

Much to his confusion, Dumbledore shook his head. "Not four elements, my dear boy. But the eight elements in alchemy."

That got him a look from Enterprise who scratched her head. "Eight elements? I thought that there was only four?" Ticking them off on her fingers for show, she nodded. "Yeah, there's only four... unless the fifth element is man or something like that movie that was on movie night back in San Diego was right."

Frowning, Yamato shook her head. "No, the fifth element would be wood, I believe."

Chuckles though caused them to turn and blink at Dumbledore who shook his head. "Not quite. In Salazar's time, the ones most knowledgeable about alchemy were the Arabians. Salazar would have learned from them and their writings. In their system, there were eight elements. The five classical ones of Fire, Earth, Water, Air, and Aether or magic along with three chemical ones. Sulphur giving combustion, Mercury giving stability and volatility, and Salt to give solidity. Fawkes!"

Moments later, the Phoenix arrived and Dumbledore raised an arm before vanishing in a burst of flame. Not long after, he returned with three vials filled with something. Shaking her head, Victory sighed as she watched Dumbledore practically prance. "You seem to be enjoying yourself, Bumblebee."

Eyes twinkling, Dumbledore nodded some as he stared at the head of the Sea Serpent before placing salt on it's tongue. "Quite. This is rather exciting and I have not had this much fun in decades! A rather interesting puzzle to say the least, Vicky." Moving to another, he examined it before nodding and placing a bluebell flame within the open mouth. "Yes... a Ashwinder, a creature of fire."

One by one, Dumbledore placed a sample of the element in each one until he came to the last, the Basilisk with Ryuujou following along. "A Basilisk, a creature created only through magic, or aether."

Simply nodding, Dumbledore placed what could only be described as a ball of magic inside the mouth and everyone waited. A moment later there was a glow and everyone looked down to watch as the glowing symbol of a snake eating it's tail appeared on the floor which made Dumbledore nod. "The Ouroboros. Eternity... life and death..." Bringing out a knife, Dumbledore cut his hand while ignoring the winces. "Blood shed, which leads to death as blood is the fluid of life."

Moments later, the symbol began to glow brighter and brighter before there was a loud click and the floor slid out and everyone stared. Finally, it was Ikazuchi who spoke up as she pointed at what was in the hole. "Uh... is that a bronze version of Salazar's head?"

The sound of clapping though made them all stare at Dumbledore who was practically bouncing in place out of joy. Something that made each of them blink. "A Brazen Head! Of course! Salazar would not allow his secrets to be so easily lost. Books can rot even with magic trying to preserve them. But a Brazen head... That would last and he could claim that he was speaking to whoever found it. Brilliant..."

Head tilting to the side as Dumbledore cast spell after spell to check, Ryuujou frowned some. "A Brazen Head? What is a Brazen Head now?"

Unable to help himself, Dumbledore just grinned. "Something made with lost magic, Miss Ryuujou. The method has been lost for centuries and most have been lost. But consider them an... interactive repository of knowledge. Now we should hurry along and get back so that I can more closely examine this..."

 

Harry Leferts

Glancing at Dumbledore who was holding the Brazen Head as they walked through the tunnels behind the statue with a tarp covered stretcher in the middle of the group, Victory frowned for a moment. Then she glanced at Ryuujou in concern and muttered under her breath. "There's not some sort of... magic... that could be affecting Bumblebee, could there?"

Bemused, Dumbledore chuckled and turned in her direction. "I did perform a scan of it, and I promise you that nothing came up."

Lips twitching, Ryuujou brought out an ofuda and concentrated while muttering. Moments later it glowed a light blue as did Dumbledore which made the Light Carrier chuckle. "There is nothing to worry about, Victory-Sama. Albus-Sensei here is perfectly safe."

That got her a slow nod from Victory, though the sailshipgirl promised herself to keep a close eye on her friend just the same. Eventually, they reached one of the torches in the tunnels and Harry gestured at it. "See? Right here is the entrance."

Her eyebrow raising, Urakaze scratched her head in confusion. "Now why would ya think that this is another entrance? And how did you find out?"

Shrugging, Harry jerked his thumb at the torch. "Well, in all the old movies and stuff, torches could hide hidden passages, right? So when we found one, I would jiggle them around and when I did so to this one..." He reached up and grabbed it, and with a squeak it pulled free from the wall to reveal a carving of a snake. "See"

The sound of flesh meeting steel caused him to look to see Iowa muttering to herself as Ryuujou just pinched her nose. "I do not believe that... I cannot believe that..."

Eyes wide and sparkling, Akatsuki clapped her hands. "Just like in one of those old detective stories! That is so amazing!"

Verniy then crouched down and pulled out a match. "We started to look for any cracks and found this." Striking the match on one of the rocks, she brought it down and once it got to a certain height, it was blowing in a small breeze. "There's a crack here in the rock with air coming through."

A smile on her face, Yamato gave them all a nod. "Very good work, all of you."

Meanwhile, Harry leaned up towards the torch and stared at the snake. "{Open...}"

Before their eyes, a portion of the wall slid back and then to the side with a grinding noise. Once it was finished, it revealed a staircase heading upwards and out of sight. Frowning thoughtfully, Dumbledore handed the Brazen Head to Victory who blinked before pulling out his wand. "Hmm... did you go into it far?"

In reply, Harry shook his head. "No, we know better then that." Looking at the staircase that made it's way out of sight, he shrugged. "Might be traps or something."

Humming, Dumbledore slowly nodded. "Yes, I would suspect that as well. Tom would not want anyone using this staircase but him..." Narrowing his eyes, he waved his wand and then nodded as one of the steps glowed. "Ah, now that is a rather nasty spell." At the looks, the Headmaster gave a thin smile. "Anyone not keyed in would find the stone under their feet transfiguring into spikes and impaling them through the feet. A second spell would then pull the blood from the wounds causing them to die of blood loss."

With a shudder, Willie pulled back some. "Okay... that's nasty. Really, really nasty."

Just nodding, Hamakaze looked up the staircase with a frown. "Yes, then again considering who we are talking about..."

Slowly, very slowly, they made their way up the staircase with Dumbledore and Ryuujou. Eventually though, they stopped with Ryuujou staring at the landing in complete and utter befuddlement. "What in the..." Turning to look at Dumbledore, she frowned. "Now why do ya think he did that now?"

Running his hand along his beard, Dumbledore frowned as he cast more spells at the landing with various colors coming back. "Now that, I don't really know. Rather odd for him..."

Only looking from one to the other, Hoppou blinked. "What's odd? Hoppou wants to know what Silly Meanie did."

Thoughtful, Dumbledore gave her a small smile before shaking his head. "He cast a heavily modified sticking charm on this landing. Quite difficult and will take some time before we can past it, however... there's two alarm spells also tied in. One would activate once anyone stepped on it, while the other would sound if someone tried to escape using magic. Yet... those are the only spells here. Looking up the dark staircase to where it went around the corner, he turned to Ryuujou. "What do you think? Set it off to see?"

Also thoughtful, Ryuujou glanced at him and nodded. "That might be wise. If it's to set off something ahead, we should know. I would guess it would set off something behind us as I don't think that Riddle would expect someone to come up this way.. Though we disabled all the traps behind us."

Nodding, Dumbledore nodded some. "Yes, I suppose so. The alarm would sound and cause the person to panic. Thus they would run forwards..."

Several moments passed before Ryuujou and Dumbledore cast some spells that activated the trap. Everyone winced at the high pitched whine that sounded, and which changed tone as the Headmaster began to undo the sticking charm. The Light Carrier then grunted as she disabled the alarm before blinking as all the torches went out. "Hmm... make it harder to see?"

Various fairies came out on the shipgirls to light the area with their lanterns as Dumbledore only nodded while working carefully. Several times, the sticking charm reactivated as he worked through the levels of the magic. "Most likely. You would need to work in the dark as you normally one could not cast enough light."

Where she was in the back of the group, Natsumi blinked and frowned as she looked towards a crack in the ceiling further down. "Do you guys hear that? Sounds like... soft scraping?"

Blinking as well, Harry turned back and nodded some. "Yeah... sounds like someone trying to squeeze through something? Hey, Akatsuki-Chan, mind giving us some light?"

Only nodding, Akatsuki brought her searchlight out and shone it down the staircase. "Sure thing, Harry-Chan!" Sweeping it from side to side, she shook her head. "Um... I'm not seeing anything."

At the front of the group, Tenryuu had pulled her eyepatch up to also provide some light. "I'm not seeing anything either... Oi! Ryuujou! Headmaster, mind hurrying up?"

Dumbledore only nodded as he frowned. "It will take a small bit of time, the spell is interwoven with several other sticking charms... Fascinating. Undoing one just sets off another and then another. Almost as if..."

He then turned and looked at Ryuujou whose own eyes had widened. "As if he wanted someone stuck here. The other spells below us were far more simple, as if it was set up that the person, or persons, would be hurrying from here and was merely to buy time."

From the back, Ikazuchi pointed at the ceiling. "Look! Akatsuki-Chan, point at that crack right there!"

Searchlight swining around, Akatsuki blinked as a tiny, nearly tin solder arm poked out from the crack before the thing there fell to the ground. All of them just stared with the purple haired Destroyer blinking. "Um... is that a toy-"

Right as she said that, the tin soldier sized beind enlarged until it was human sized and all of them reoiled from it. Whoever it was, it was dead and obviously had been for a long time from how rotted it was. More then that, there was nails driven through the flesh of the arms and hands creating rusing spikes and clawed gauntlets. More plops could be heard as various far more rotted versions of the creatures that Gilderoy and the others crawled out of cracks and then enlarged on both sides of the group. Looking from one side to the other, Kaylee shook her head before locking in on the Grindelow at the head of the group in front. "Holy... Zombies? And that one right there looks like something Cthulhu spat up!"

Head tilting to the side, Dumbledore only nodded some. "Yes, I suppose that it does at that. Poor boy, I heard he had an encounter with several creatures that left an impact on him. A grindelow and boggart I believe. Voldemort was well known during the war for having inferi as shock troops. Nothing quite like facing the rotting corpse of a loved one attacking you to cause and sew terror. Though in this case, it seems that he created these when he went to school here judging by what I can see."

With a shudder, Yamato glared at the undead abominations as they began to bound down the staircase or up it. "The more that I hear about this Tom Riddle, the more that I hope he is bound for Jigoku."

Taking a step forward until she was right beside Akatsuki, Natsumi narrowed her eyes before pulling out an Ofuda. Whispering to it, she slapped it onto the air which caused a shimmer which the undead on their end smashed into as if it was a wall. Grunting a bit, she looked over her shoulder and was stunned as Dumbledore made a flick of his wrist and wrapped a whip of fire around several of the undead and burnt them to ash. 'Oh... wow...'

A frown on his face, Dumbledore glared at the creatures before making several jabs with his wand and swishing it. More of the animated corpses burnt to ash while others were flung away with bone crushing force. "Normally I would not wish such on anyone from my understanding, Miss Yamato. But in Voldemort's case, I would make an exception... if I thought that he was going to have the chance to go there."

Despite getting odd looks, Dumbledore didn't say anymore as he continued to decimate the various abominations with ease. For her part, Kaylee took aim with one of her guns and shot one of the creatures in the head. However, she blinked as the hit only blew out the back of the head, snapping it back while the creature ignored it. "Well now... that just isn't fair, now is it? Zombies are supposed to die from headshots."

Meanwhile, Natsumi glanced at Harry who pulled out an ofuda. "Harry-Chan, you said that the anti-evil ones killed the ones you fought before, right?"

Glancing at her, Harry nodded. "That's right, Natsumi-Chan. Went off like a flashbang and reduced them to dust when I used it."

Just chuckling, Natsumi ignored the sweat on her forehead before she pulled out another Ofuda and held it between her fingers. "Then let us see what this will do... Oba-Chan taught me it and its supposed to harm the restless dead." Closing her eyes, she began muttering under her breath as she split her attention between the shield keeping the undead out, and the charm in her hands which suddenly lit at the top with a flame that burned first orange, then red, then turning to green, and finally blue before becoming white. Gritting her teeth, the kitsune continued her chant as she ignored everything until she felt a hand on one shoulder. Cracking open one eye, she spotted Harry holding her steady and him smiling.

That caused her to feel a surge inside her and she knew that she could do this.

Moments later, the Ofuda glowed brighter as it was consumed by the flame entirely, somehow with the flame taking it's shape. On the flame, the symbols from the Ofuda could be seen as if made from smoke before Natsumi's eyes snapped open and she thrust her hand forward. "BEGONE, BACK TO THE GRAVE!"

It was not just Harry who had to look away and close their eyes from the flash of light with a muffled 'WHOMP!" sound. When the light had faded, they all looked and stared with Natsumi's jaw dropping even as she stumbled back into Harry's arms, her energy drained. Not even dust remained of the abominations, all there was in fact was small streams of smoke rising from where the creatures had been. Eyes wide, Inazuma slowly turned and stared at the shocked kitsune. "Nanodesu..."

Rapidly blinking, Ikazuchi nodded some. "Yeah... Guess with this sort of thing we can rely on her..."

Looking down at her hand, Natsumi blinked. "Okay... I guess that writing those with unicorn hair brushes really powers them up."

Up at the front, Dumbledore only hummed as he finished off the last one on his side. "Quite impressive, I believe that I shall have to speak with your aunt about some things then." Turning back to the landing, he made a few more waves and nodded some as did Ryuujou. "And there we go, the trap is gone."

Softly snorting, Ryuujou shook her head. "Ya, about time too. Still though..."

Chuckling, Dumbledore walked forward as he continued to make scans for more traps. "Yes, a bit of excitement there. But nothing that we cannot handle."

With a booming laugh, Gangut shook her head. "A little bit of excitement, Comrade! Then i wonder what a lot of excitement would be for you." Grinning a bit, she made her way beside him. "Perhaps one day I shall see. Though I shall show you the strength of the Russian Bear on such a day!"

A smile on his face, Dumbledore disabled another trap rather quickly. "I have no doubt that it would be impressive. After all, the magical side of Stalingrad was... quite something to see." Humming as he continued to climb, he sighed. "This rather reminds me of my younger days somewhat. I was rather... wild, in some ways and there were still some ruins here in Britain and Ireland that had not been explored in centuries. Why, there was this one time under an abandoned churchyard in some catacombs..."

Ryuujou listened with some interest as did the others while they continued their climb, but with no more problems. Once the Headmaster was finished, the Light Carrier shook her head. "Now that was quite the tale, Dumbledore-Sensei."

Happy with the fact that people were listening to one of his old stories with an open mind, Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you, it was a rather intriguing adventure. No one even suspected what was being hidden there. In fact, it was where I found my Pensieve. Now, Fillius, he has some stories. Perhaps he might even tell you of this one time in some jungles. Apparently there was this group of warrior Veela being threatened by some rather nasty agents of Grindlewald during the 1930s who he defeated. Of course, they were quite happy with him and... Ah, it seems that we have come to the end of the staircase." Standing in front of the stone door, he nodded some and looked back while ignoring the confused and thoughtful looks. "Would it be much trouble for you to open the door for us?"

Making his way through, and putting a mental note to ask his Charms Professor more about what Dumbledore described, Harry looked up at the door and cleared his throat. "{Open.}"

There was a grinding noise and a door opened up with them walking through it after one last check for traps. Looking around, Dumbledore slowly nodded. "Hmm, it seems that we are in the basement of the castle. Two levels down from the Dungeons as a matter of fact. Excellent! Now we know where both entrances are, though we should hurry back and see if the one in Miss Warren's washroom has closed..." He looked back at the tarp coverd stretcher and his smile fell. "And to return our small friend to the House Elves so that they can perform a proper burial."

Slowly, they followed the Headmaster as he lead them out of the depths of the Castle, the entry to the chamber closing after a word from Harry.

 

Harry Leferts

Having checked in with Myrtle, and discovering that the entrance in her washroom was closed, the group left said washroom with the ghost in tow just listening in. As they walked, Harry listened in with half an ear while looking around until he noticed Kaylee looking at some of the portraits in interest. "So, what are you going to do first, Miss Kaylee?"

With a blink, the Ironclad gave him a raised eyebrow and an amused uptilt of her lips. "Do?"

Slowly nodding, Harry gave a shrug. "Well... I'm guessing that you'll stay for a while anyways. And I know that Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis are supposed to meet us." At her frown, he shook his head. "I guess their parents want them to talk with us first before coming to see about the Acromantula stuff. Professor Snape said something about it teaching them networking."

Only shaking her head, Kaylee snorted. "If you don't mind me saying, Harry, I've never heard of parents having their children meet with other kids for business deals. But I suppose that I've heard of odder things." Looking at a portrait of what was a manticore sleeping on top of a struggling knight, snores and the knight's shouts actually able to be heard, she shook her head. Taking a whiff, the Natural Born scrunched up her nose some. "But first, I'm thinking that a bath would be in order."

That got a laugh from Harry and he dodged the playful swipe at his head. Having overheard, Dumbledore gave them a smile. "Well, if it's a bath then Hogwarts can provide." Giving a nod to Nagato, he smiled a bit. "As everything was a bit hectic, it was only this morning that the House Elves managed to get fix up the Head Boy's and Head Girl's quarters in Gryffindor. I hope that it's not much trouble to share them?"

A snort escaped from Nagato and she seemed more amused then anything else. "No, Headmaster, I don't think that it will be much trouble at all." Becoming thoughtful, she looked over at Harry who smiled back. "If it was not much trouble though, would it be any issue to have Harry stay with us. Some of us may... worry about him."

Looking into her eyes, Dumbledore only nodded. "It would be no trouble at all, Nagato. In fact, it's completely understandable considering what happened. There should be plenty of room, though you will need to sort things out yourself." He glanced at the covered stretcher floating alongside and closed his eyes. "Meanwhile, I am afraid that I must break some news to the elves."

Beside him, Victory just shook her head. "I'll come along with you, Bumblebee."

In return, he gave her an amused tilt of the head before with a final nod, he walked off. Glancing around, Kaylee frowned some as they reached a staircase only to be stopped by Harry. "Something wrong?"

Harry only shook his head and snickered some. "This way won't lead to Gryffindor for about five more minutes. But we can wait for that."

For a moment, Kaylee stared at him and then the stairs. "So it won't... Wait, what do you mean it won't lead to Gryffindor for five minutes? If it doesn't lead somewhere, then it doesn't lead somewhere."

Shaking his head, Harry pointed up at an empty spot in the railing several floors up. "Um, that hallway leads to Gryffindor. But the stairs only go there after fifteen hundred hours on weekdays and sixteen hundred on weekends and... it's about one minute we got to wait."

If anything though, that caused Kaylee to stare at him in utter confusion. "You still did not answer my..." Trailing off as she spotted movement out of the corner of her eye, Kaylee blinked and then stared at the sight of the entire staircase moving as one massive unit mostly across the empty area. In fact, part of it grew to reach the new end point where it stopped. "Question... What in the..."

Just shrugging, Harry began to climb the staircase. "The castle is alive and likes moving things around. Some doors lead to other parts of the castle on certain hours or days while otherwise opening to bare walls, the hallways sometimes change depending on the week of the month, and the staircases move every few hours. Oh, sometimes it will just move about on it's own randomly. Heck, there's a bunch of secret passages and cubbies around as well as a room that changes it's form depending on what you want. But you get used to it."

Looking at him, Natsumi only shook her head as she joined him walking up. "Wizards and witches are just strange, Harry-Chan. Really, really strange at times."

Bemused, Harry snorted some. "Well, in this case I don't think that you can blame wizards and stuff for everything. Like I said, Hogwarts is alive. Or at least that's what I believe." Head tilting up to the ceiling, he smiled some. "And I'm pretty sure of it."

A frown on her face, Natsumi considered that while much to her amusement she noted that Hoppou was still clinging to Harry's leg. She also ignored the mutters from Kaylee. "So Hogwarts has a spirit then, Harry-Chan?"
Thoughtful, Harry considered the question before nodding. "I don't think that anyone who has stayed in the castle for even the shortest of time would deny that, Natsumi-Chan. I know that I don't... though would it be a spirit, or an actual Kami of the school?"

Now it was Natsumi's turn to consider the question and much to her surprise, she could feel something. Something that was watching her in amusement as if it knew exactly what she was. "I think... that you might be right, Harry-Chan. It might be a Kami." Yawning some, the disguised kitsune blinked some before smiling as she could feel Harry's arm around her. "Maybe tomorrow you can show me around though. I'm a bit tired right now."
Her stomach grumbling caused Natsumi to blush as Harry grinned. "And a bit hungry, right?"

Sheepish, Natsumi gave him a small grin. "Yeah, a little bit anyways. It's been a few hours since I last ate after all."

Chuckling, Kaylee spoke up from where she was in a conversation with Gangut about the Pirategirls and Poker. "Ya know, that sounds like a fine idea, Natsumi. Hey, Harry, when's dinner?"

Only rubbing the back of his head, Harry hummed for a moment. "It starts at about eighteen hundred hours, though you can start getting food at around seventeen-thirty. Don't worry about needing to limit how much you eat though, there's a lot." Looking around, he leaned back some. "Akagi-Oba was actually full alongside Kaga-Oba and Mum the last time they came here and there was still plenty to go around."

That made Kaylee's eyes widen some as she thought it over and then shook her head. She knew as well as anyone just how much food a Carrier could pack away when needed. It was only fifteen minutes later that they reached Gryffindor Tower and entered. Almost as soon as they did, Gangut spread her arms out with a grin. "MY FELLOW RED COMRADES! I, THE RUSSIAN BATTLESHIP GANGUT HAVE RETURNED!" Then she blinked at how everyone else as staring at something. "Comrade Garri, what is Revina doing to the Twins?"

With a blink, Harry turned and looked and then shrugged. Revina having jumped onto George's back in a cowboy outfit, saddle included somehow, was not even in the top ten oddest sights that week. "Um, Revina things, I guess?" Though he did have to tilt his head some. "I wonder where she found that bonnet for her tail though."

Beside him, Inazuma watched as Revina began to swing a lasso around while Fred made a break for it. George cursing his twin. "TRAITOR! CAD! BAS-OUCH! YOU GOT ACTUAL SPURS ON WOMAN!?"

Grinning, Revina only nodded before she tossed the lasso, it coming down neatly around Fred and catching him. "Of course I do! I'm a cowgirl... Wizardgirl? Wizardabyssal? Hmm... I'll have to think about that."

Slowly, Inazuma nodded with a small frown. "Um, I think that calling it a Revina thing is right, Harry-Chan. Nanodesu..."

Also frowning, Urakaze turned to regard Harry who was just watching. "Shouldn't we, ya know, do something? Ah mean... besides just watching."

Nearly as one, Harry and the other Gryffindors looked at each other before shrugging and shaking their heads. "Nah."

Katie then popped up with a cauldron filled with a familiar snack food. "I got popcorn! Who wants some popcorn!?"

Sputtering from where Revina had tied him to her back, Fred first boggled at his fellow Quidditch teammate and then glared. "Katie! Aren't you going to give us a hand here!? Come on, we're teammates!"

For a brief second, there was an unsure look on Katie's face before shaking her head. "Nope!" She grabbed some popcorn and tossed it into her mouth as others also grabbed some. "This is too entertaining to stop."

Only shaking his head and ignoring the madness, Harry gestured for the others to follow him. "Anyways, I'll take you to where you're staying. Come on!"

Ignoring the cries from downstairs and the laughter, the group made their way up the flights of stairs. It did not take them long to go past the Seventh Year Dorm level and reach the highest one where Nagato opened the door revealing what looked like an two room apartment. Slowly, she nodded some. "This is the Gryffindor Head Boy's and Head Girl's quarters. From what the Headmaster told me it has two bedrooms in case both Head Boy and Head Girl are Gryffindor, such as what happened with Harry's parents."

Eyes wide, Akatsuki took in the sight of the room. It resembled, somewhat, the Common Room downstairs. But the furniture looked more... elaborate for lack of a better word. Twirling in place, there was a massive smile on the Destroyer's face. "Look at this place! It's so elephant! A place for real ladies and gentlemen!"

Lips twitching, Nagato walked over and opened the door to one of the bedrooms and watched as Akatsuki's jaw dropped. Hers was not the only one as the others did as well. Inside, there were three beds that looked right out of a Victorian era noval description of a noble's bedroom. In fact, the whole room just screamed 'RICH' in a way that stunned them. Slowly looking in and spotting the full length mirror, Tenryuu blinked. "Okay... call me impressed. So this is for Head Boys and Head Girls?"

Amused, Nagato nodded some. "For Gryffindor anyways." She gave her son a glance and leaned in as she noticed him whispering about how he was going to aim for getting good enough to have this place. 'I suspect that you will, Harry."

Rushing in, Hoppou leapt into the air before coming down on one of the beds. Then she bounced off it and disappeared on the other side for a few seconds before popping up. "PO! Hoppou likes really bouncy beds!"

Just sighing, Nagato frowned at her. "Behave, Hoppou. You know better, don't you?"

Chastased, Hoppou nodded as she played with the hem of her dressed. "Yes, Mommy. Hoppou knows not to be bouncing on the bed."

Turning, Nagato pretended to ignore the laughter in her son's voice as he whispered to his adopted sister. "Or at least not when Mum is around. Maybe later though."

With a shared look with Tenryuu, Nagato guided them over to a door and opened it before gesturing inside. "And this... is the bathroom, separate from the washroom."

Once they stepped in, they just stopped and stared. The floors were all polished rock, with various nautical artwork around. One corner was a walk in shower with various nozzles at different heights as well as different knobs. It was blocked off from the rest by crystal glass. Then Kaylee's gaze caught sight of the bath and her jaw dropped. "Mother o' Mares... Is that a bathtub!? It's the size of a Swimming Pool back home!"

Chuckling, Nagato nodded some as she walked up to the sunken tub, which was surrounded in black marble. "It is the bathtub as a matter of fact. Now, this room is more then big enough to share, so I hope that there will be no problems. As to the bathtub itself... different faucets here have different effects. There is the normal hot and cold water, but also a warm water one. Scented water, bubble bath, water with bath salts... there's quite a bit to chose from." Really amused, she shook her head. "And don't worry about needing to wait, it fills up quickly and never overflows for some reason. Water temperature also doesn't change and will come out at the proper temperature right away."

Enterprise just stared some before snorting and jabbing Yamato in the side. "Now this is your sort of bathroom, isn't it Princess? Just perfect for you."

In reply, Yamato gave her a look. "But the question is, Enterprise, would the bath be large enough for both you and your Ego? I, Yamato, am not so sure about that."

Seeing the conflicted look on Gangut's face, Verniy walked over and stood beside her. "If it helps, this is a reward for hard work. Should not one be rewarded for hard work no matter their background? And magic helps making such things more accessible to those who otherwise would not be able to get it."

Gangut glanced at her before slowly nodding. "Da, I suppose that makes sense. Hard work should get a reward though... this is a bit much."

All she got was a shrug from Verniy.

 

Snippet 47: S0ngD0g13

Kaylee sunk up to her neck in the bath, sighing happily, and smiled relaxedly. "Gods, I needed this..." She soaked for a few minutes, having already showered and gotten the clean, then climbed out and dried off.

Once she was dressed again, the ironclad padded on bare feet to a desk and drew the LeMat she'd fired at the Inferius in the tunnel. "Just ain't right, a zombie that can take a headshot without stayin' down..." she murmured as she swabbed the bore of the pistol's lower barrel.

"What kind of pistol is that, Miss Kaylee?" asked Ikazuchi from the doorway.

"It's a LeMat. A cap-and-ball revolver from my old war; it's unique, 'cause it's got two barrels, see?" She gestured the Japanese Destroyer over and showed her how the bottom barrel of the pistol was what the cylinder for the top barrel revolved around. "The top barrel is a nine-shot .44-caliber revolver, but flip the hinged nose of the hammer down like so, and it'll strike the cap for the bottom barrel, which is a muzzle-loading twenty-gauge shotgun."

After Kaylee finished cleaning and reloading the LeMat, she wandered down to the Common Room, humming a tune to herself. "Comrade Virginia," said Gangut from by the fireside, "what's that tune you're humming?"

Kaylee walked over, threading between the chairs. "It's Jamestown Homeward Bound. Just an old shanty I picked up from somewhere. Back ho..." She trailed off for a moment, "Back in Tennessee, I was on my high-school glee club. Alto."

The Russian battleship smiled. "You sing? I've never been to America; would you sing an American song for me? Pazhalsta, Tovarisch?"

Kaylee smiled back. "Sure, Comrade Gangut. Here's a good one called A Mountaineer is Always Free." She cleared her throat as other Shipgirls came down into the Common Room, and her voice rang out clear and strong...

"I'm one of the few,
An' I'm proud to be standing;
I walked up the Pier
From the Coffin-Ships' Landing;
My clothes were just rags,
No use for this weather,
But my back it was strong
An' my hands tough as leather;
I climbed these Hills,
Till I came to the spot
Where I stand,
Cleared these Fields,
An' I pulled out the Stumps
With my hands...

No More a Wanderer,
No More a Refugee...
A Mountaineer is Always Free..."

............................................

In trade for Kaylee singing, Gangut sang Katyusha, and then Hoppou asked for a song. Kaylee sang a Heather Dale song called Sedna.

"Sedna roamed the Deep,
The Cold Forgotten Deep;
No One wants to be Alone...

From her hands they fell,
Children of the Ocean-Swell,
With Ice's twinkle given sight;
She offered them a name,
And Seals they all became,
And laughing took a coat,
Of dappled light..."

Kaylee smiled when Hoppou hugged her in thanks. Kaylee saw Natsumi and Shinano, and met their eyes with a roguish wink before glancing at Harry, who they stood near. "One more song, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Weasley Twins, and then I'm done with singin' for a while."

"Once a Fair and Handsome Seal-Lord
Lay his foot upon the sand,
For to woo the Fisher's Daughter,
And to claim her Marriage-Hand.
"I have come in from the Ocean;
I have come in from the Sea,
And I'll not go to the Waves, Love,
Lest ye come along with me..."

"Lord, long have I loved you,
As a Selkie on the Foam;
I would gladly go and wed ye,
And be Lady of your Home;
But I cannot go into the Ocean;
I cannot go into the Sea;
I would Drown beneath the Waves, Love,
If I went along with Thee..."

"Lady, long have I loved ye;
I would have you for my Wife;
I'll stay upon your shore-land,
Though it robs me of my Life;
I'll stay one night beside you,
Never go back to the Sea;
I'll stay and be thy Husband,
Though it means the Death of me..."

"Lord, I cannot go and wed thee
All to watch my lover die;
Since I'll not be left a widow
I have a plan for us to try:
Let us speak with my Grandmother
Who has ever dwelt beside the Sea;
She may know some trick or treasure
That I may wed my fair Selkie..."

All the while she sang, Kaylee held the eyes of a lightly-blushing miko and Support-Carrier...

 

Snippet 48: S0ngD0g13

Meanwhile, in Kure...
.........................................

Johnnie Stegman sat, his hands cuffed to a u-bolt on the interrogation-room table, his ankles shackled, and watched two officers walk in. "Mister Stegman, my name is Commander Martin Gripzack," the tall, heavily-built man said, then gestured to his companion, an elfin young lady with hard eyes of Siberian-Husky Blue, "and this is my partner, Lieutenant-Commander Gwendolyn Twist; we're from the Judge Advocate General's Office, and we're here to inform you of the charges you're facing. You've been informed of your rights, and understand them?" Johnnie nodded.

The pair sat down. "Good," said Gripzack. "The first charge is Attempted Sexual Assault of US Navy Personnel. Your niece, Kaylee V. McAmis, is a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserve."

Johnnie spluttered in shock. "That's bullshit! She's only fifteen!"

Twist nodded. "Hence the Reserve Commission. She's a Shipgirl, stationed here at Kure; that means she's Navy Personnel, Stegman. The second charge against you is Attempted Assault of Allied Military Personnel in the form of the young lady who apprehended you. She's another Shipgirl, a Japanese one, and a JMSDF officer."

Gripzack took up the thread again. "NCIS and local law-enforcement are investigating how you came to have the Contractor's credentials you used to gain access to the base; depending on whether you lied to the company and they bungled your background-check, or you fabricated them from whole cloth, that is a charge of either Falsifying Government Documents or Forgery, respectively. You shouldn't have been able to get credentials like that in the first place, owing to the previous charges on your record from seven years ago."

"Hey, the judge threw my case out!"

Twist snapped back, "For lack of evidence because Kaylee was too scared to testify!" Johnnie recoiled, the glare from the lights overhead making the female JAG's eyes almost seem to turn amber...

Gripzack held her shoulder to calm her. She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Sorry, Martin. It's that time of the month; makes me irritable. Won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't, Gwen." He turned back to Stegman. "All those previous charges, though, Mister Stegman? They pale in comparison to the last couple. However you acquired credentials, you used them to gain access to a restricted area of this base, where you were apprehended while in a contractor's uniform you were not, legally, authorized to wear. Since I highly doubt you planned to just have your way with Lieutenant McAmis right there in the alley, you're being charged with Attempted Abduction of US Navy Personnel, and since you were in a restricted area, accessed by false pretence, and in a false uniform... We're charging you with Espionage."

"What?! I wasn't spying! I'm not a fucking spy!"

Twist's voice was calm, but Johnnie Stegman could hear the predatory growl in it. "That remains to be determined. In the meantime, you will be remanded to the Base Brig aboard JMSDF Sasebo until your trial. This move is for your own safety as Lieutenant McAmis is both well-known and well-liked here in Kure." She stood, opened the door, and nodded to the pair of women in the corridor. "Arizona, Pennsylvania, the Prisoner is in your Custody."

Arizona nodded. "We have Custody, Lieutenant-Commander." As Gripzack and Twist walked out, two Standards walked in...

 

Harry Leferts

Steaming into slowly being rebuilt harbour at Chichijima, Fubuki hissed as she tried not to move her arm too much. Beside her, Kana glanced down at Kisaragi who was currently being held in her arms. "Okay, it won't be much further until we reach the emergency docks. Then we'll patch you up some before getting you home."

Weakly smiling up at her, Kisaragi nodded some. "Thank you... though I also hope to get a good shower as well. After all, I can't leave all this on my skin or else it'll ruin it."

There was a small wry look on Mutsuki's face as she glanced down to where Kisaragi was missing part of her right leg from the middle of the shin down. The victim of a torpedo. "I think that tis the least of your worries."

Chuckling, Kisaragi played with the ends of her hair. "Yeah... my hair is just terrible after that battle. Look at all these split ends."

It brought a smile to Kana's face to see the two trying to lighten the mood. And glancing at Fubuki, the Battleship felt her cheeks warm a bit as the Destroyer gave a nod before wincing. That caused Kana to flinch a bit as her eyes involuntarily went to where Fubuki was missing most of her left arm. Gone when an extremely quick PT Imp had literally bitten it off and ran. "Um, how are you feeling Fubuki-Sempai?"

Frowning, Fubuki considered the question before shrugging some. "Better then I was at least I suppose. But..."

Her eyebrow raising, Yuudachi frowned at her. "But what, Poi?"

Fubuki was quiet as she tilted her head back some. "What just happened bothers me. Those Abyssals were acting rather... oddly."

Tilting her head to the side, Kana furrowed her eyebrows as she thought back. "Oddly? How so?"

Several moments passed as Fubuki went back over what had happened while the others waited. She was the flagship of their group, in the small escort to bring supplies to Chichijima. Chewing her lip, she gestured at the two ships following with various equipment for the base that was still being rebuilt after the island was retaken just a few months ago. "Don't you find it odd that the Abyssals instead of going after the cargo ships... were instead going after me? Kisaragi-Chan just got in the way of that spread. But as soon as I lost my arm, they disappeared."

Each of them considered that before Kana blinked. "I know that Wanko-San and Hoppou-Chan stated that you are well known among the Abyssals due to being among the first shipgirls... But then, if that was why, then why didn't they..."

It was Mutsuki who finished the question. "Press the attack and try to actually sink Fubuki-Chan? You're right, that is odd..." Watching as the two ships they were protecting made their way towards the anchorage, Mutsuki furiously worked at what might have been going on. "So why...?"

On Fubuki's face was a frown as she looked towards the shore. "That's the question..." Eyes narrowing, her frown deepened. 'And I get the feeling that when we get the answer, we might not like it.' Then she shook it off as the conversation turned towards the odd instance that happened the previous month, rather then the more recent incident at Hogwarts as they did not want to think about how close they came to losing their "Little Brother. Hence why they were talking about what they were to distract themselves. In regards to the "Valentine's Day Incident of 2013" though? None of them still quite knew what to think of the sight of dwarves in what looked like diapers going around and singing pun filled valentines to each of them. There was also an extremely amusing video on Shipgirls Online which showed Jersey receiving one along with Gale.

More then one of them had described the sheer confusion and befuddlement as being "Beautiful".

Needless to say, with the lighter conversation came laughter as well. A release of stress now that their portion of the mission was over and they were all looking forward to a small soak in the Docks. In the back of their minds though, they wondered.

All the while not knowing of events a few thousand miles away on an island long hidden via magic.

For more then two centuries, it had been a way point. A place for the odd ship to reach and then move on. Located west of the Marshells, the islands were named 'Los Jardines', the gardens. Uninhabited, it was home to both magical and non magical plant and animal life. But then things changed in 1836 when Radolphus LeStrange attempted to close down the British Department of Mysteries unless they told him what they were doing and what they knew. Unfortunately, he was ignored by both the DoM and the rest of the Ministry.

The fact that he resigned five years later due to health issues was never commented on.

However, it did cause a reaction in the Department of Mysteries as they began to worry about how a Minister might force them to shut down or even manipulate him. So great the worry was that they decided to look for a "Black Site" where if they were shut down they could relocate. At first, they looked close to home in the Atlantic and in Europe. That was soon dropped though as was somewhere in the Americas. Mainly because they were certain that any other Ministry might look askance to them. But one of them found information about a small group of islands out in the Pacific. Islands that were far from the nearest land, isolated, and would be easily made to disappear as it were.

And those islands were the Los Jardines.

Thus, one night in 1869, the DoM sent out an expediation to the island and what they found was beyond their wildest dreams. A perfect place to perform experiments that could not be done in London for fear of perhaps them going wrong. Soon after, an outpost was created and a floo connection between the Department of Mysteries and the island was made. The island was then warded with the strongest ones possible, all except the Unplottable charm. Mainly due to the fact that unknown to most people, governments could tell when it was cast on large pieces of land.

While the decades passed, work continued on the island with Unspeakables spending months at a time plumbing various magical mysteries. Some of them would have turned some stomaches, others would have horrified some people. Not that the Unspeakables cared much since they had no oversight. The very idea was one that caused them to roll their eyes. No, they were after the greatest goal of all, knowledge. Wonderful, powerful... and sometimes terrible knowledge.

Knowledge that, nonetheless, they never shared with anyone as the simpletons outside the DoM could not be entrusted with such things in their view and thus not worthy of it.

All the while the world continued to turn, years into decades, then the century turned over. Two World Wars came and went, and still the DoM continued their research, their experiments. When they Abyssals began to show up, it was one of the places that the Department of Mysteries used to examine them. Dead ones, to be sure. But it was still a major research center.

So it was little surprising that during Blood Week, the Abyssals targeted the facility. Only one Unspeakable managed to make it out before the surprise attack overwhelmed the Los Jardines. It was something that embarrassed and angered the Unspeakables. All that knowledge lost. If only they knew...

On the shore of the island, in the small cove, stood a figure. Cloaked in tattered robes and rail thin enough that one could count her ribs, she stared out at the horizon through a pair of spectacles perched on her nose. Though those could not hide the light of madness that was hidden there. Suddenly her head snapped up and she smiled at the sight of an Abyssal floatplane that was making it's way towards her. It landed on the water and slowed down before gently touching down on the shore of the island.

What came out from it was... not human. Or perhaps it had been human once, it was rather hard to tell as it was cloaked in robes nearly as tattered as the woman's. But instead of a face, there was a smooth mask formed of Abyssal metal, no holes or anything. Eyes narrowing, the woman growled at it. "Well? Where is it? Did you manage to get what I ordered?"

For several moments the being stood there before shuddering. Reaching inside the robes, it pulled out a box of silver etched with various symbols which it gave her. Grabbing it, the woman opened it and her eyes lit up in unholy glee as she looked at the slightly mangled arm and foot in it. "Excellent... excellent. This will do nicely indeed for what I need. Magically preserved almost as soon as they were removed."

Turning, she did not wait for her minion to start moving before she was doing so herself. With quick strides, she made her way past the beach and the various emplacements before stepping into a cave. It was roughly an hour later that she was before a tank of darkned glass. Inside, things bumped into the sides and she chuckled before shaking her head. "You would be proud, my mothers and fathers. Because now all my work will come to a pinnacle that you could only imagine! And you helped me..."

With her lips twitching, she walked away until she reached a spot where there was an something that looked like a cross between a giant egg, and a black coral encrusted orb. It's shell was made of nearly grey, scaly flesh with bands ribbons of spiky black coral crisscrossing it. Beside it was a twin version and the Abyssal, for that was what she was, known as Research Princess hummed as she looked them over before shrugging. "Waste not, want not." She also looked over at a much larger version with a fourth egg nearby. And a good experimenter always duplicates the experiments. But if this works... then the shipgirls will find themselves facing their deadliest foes..." Lips twitching, Research Princess snickered some and looked at the Fourth egg. "And bring back those who were lost."

Her hands waved and then the two eggs split open at the top in a way that would remind most humans of similar objects from a group of horror films. But inside these were nothing like that and the Princess gave another silent command and faceless minions with cauldrons came out only to pour their glowing contents into the eggs. Walking up, the Research Princess pulled out the box and opened it. Into one egg went the arm and into the other went the leg. With another wave of her arm, the eggs closed and red glowing veins began to pulse on the flesh of the eggs while her subordinates raised their arms and she did the same. Chants in a glutterial tongue slipped from her lips for the next few hours before she turned. "Bring forth the final ingredients!"

Several more faceless beings walked up, but this time they dragged several humans and mermaids with them. None of the captives were in a good shape and reaching down, the Princess stroked the glaring face of one of them. "Be happy... your sacrifice will bring about great knowledge! And change. For now I have come to the time of my greatest triumph!"

As the captives were dragged to the bottom of the eggs, the Princess raised her hands and began to chant as her minions walked forward, wicked daggers coming out from their robes...

 

NotHimAgain

And once more unto the void! Or into. I've honestly forgotten.
Difficulty Speaking

-----

Takumi is actually sitting down when Nemo arrives. Normally he would be standing to greet her, share a hug, whatever they end up doing. Tonight…

“Hey,” he says, “Sorry I didn’t bring anything. This weekend’s been kind of long.” She smiles, and flops down bonelessly beside him.

“Heh,” she chuckles humorlessly, “you have no idea. What’s your story?”

“Well, you know how I had to let a girl down easy?” he says. Nemo furrows her brow, then nods. “Well, somehow her friends have taken it as a personal insult or something.”

“What did they do?” she demands, pushing herself upright. They both know that she can’t really do anything—going after human bullies would spiral into more trouble than it would ultimately be worth—but it’s comforting knowing that she wants to have his back.

“Well, at first it was just putting wet paint on my desk,” he recalls, “but after they did that…”
-----

“Inoue-san!” Sakurada shouted, bowing deeply. “I’m sorry that Tachibana and Uzukawa put paint on your seat!”

“It’s okay, really,” Takumi reassured her.
-----

“So she apologized?” Nemo says, raising an eyebrow, “Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, not at all,” Takumi replies. And really, there wasn’t. It’s nice to know that Sakurada is so close to her friends. “It’s just that… They didn’t like that she apologized to me, I guess. Only way to explain what happened next.”

“What happened next?”
-----

“Inoue-san! I’m sorry that Tachibana and Uzukawa spread thumbtacks all over your doorstep and rang your doorbell!”
-----

“Inoue-san! I’m sorry that Tachibana and Uzukawa tried to remove the wheels from your bicycle and only stopped because Uzukawa got her hair stuck in the bike chain!”
-----

“Inoue-san! I’m sorry that Tachibana and Uzukawa threw your lunch in the toilet in the girl’s bathroom!”
-----

Nemo presses her palm to her mouth, but she’s fairly obviously giggling. “You can stop,” she said, “I think I get the picture.” Takumi sighs and slumps, staring at the little patch of sand between his knees.

“She keeps apologizing,” he says, “And they keep getting mad and pulling crazy stunts to get back at me.” He doesn’t want to be the reason their friendship collapses, but he doesn’t know how long Sakurada can limit herself to simply apologizing on her friends’ behalf. “I don’t know how to get them to stop the whole thing.”

Nemo sobers quickly. “But then,” she says contemplatively, “do you think she should really be friends with them? What they’re trying to do to you… It’s horribly mean-spirited.”

“I don’t think they’re this way normally,” Takumi replies. “I’ve never heard of them doing anything like this before I turned Sakurada down.” At least, he’s reasonably sure that they haven’t. If they have, it’s strange that Sakurada would ever have become friends with them in the first place.

He misses whatever Nemo says next, because he reflects that he’s speaking with Nemo and hey! “Say,” he adds, turning to look at her critically, “Didn’t you say that you had a strange weekend?”

Nemo grimaces. “Yeah,” she admits. “You know that problem we’ve been talking about? It followed me home.”

Takumi blinks, not entirely sure he heard that correctly. “Come again?” he asks.
-----

Sakurada Yakumo stares at her cell phone. She doesn’t think that, if she continues staring intently, the messages on it will go away. But she can hope.

Over the past few days, she has pleaded and cajoled, cried and yelled, done everything she can to get the friends who she’s stood by the past two years to stop their attempted reign of terror. All for nothing.

Uzukawa had summed up their view on the matter quite nicely— “He doesn’t deserve you, Sakurada.” Loooong sip of coffee, generally unimpressed expression.

“How does that justify what you’re doing?” she had demanded, and they had simply given her a flat look and set back to scheming. Every time they had spoken of it, they had just repeated “He doesn’t deserve you” and gone about their business.

Yakumo’s glad to be their friend, really, she was. They had helped her come out of her shell after middle school, helped her to gain a sense of self-worth, helped her stand. But now, she’s afraid that they would stick an angry cat in his shoe locker, or get their hands on some cigarettes and stick them in his school bag while he wasn’t looking or something, and she would REALLY have to get a teacher. Do they even know how lucky they are that Inoue has been willing to let their antics slide so far?

She rolls onto her stomach, letting her phone drop onto her sheets.

“I want off this ride,” she says to her pillow. Her pillow does not respond, which makes sense because it is a pillow.

-----

“So, did you see Hiei-sama when you came here?” Takumi asks thoughtfully. Nemo shakes her head, and he shrugs. “How are you supposed to get into contact with them, anyhow?”

“No idea,” Nemo replies glumly. She folds her knees under her chin and slumps against his arm. She's being silly again, so Takumi brings his other hand over to ruffle her hair and she squeaks in indignation. “Hey! Let me finish!”

“You can’t just go up to someone on patrol and ask?” he says, freeing his arm and wrapping it over her shoulders.

“They probably won’t know that it’s me,” she says. “I’d get blasted out of the water before I was able to say anything.”

“Well, something’ll probably happen,” Takumi says, thinking back to something his cousin once told him. “God doesn’t always answer your prayers, but when he does he works fast.”

“Huh?”

“My cousin. She’s a Christian, was in a really bad place in her life a few years back. Then, suddenly, everything went right for her. It was kind of weird, really.”

“You think that all this business will just roll our way, just like that?” Nemo asks skeptically. He supposes that he can't fault her for being worried about this, but things do seem to be working out for them, on the surface if anything.

“You never know,” Takumi replies. “It’s the kind of thing… do you hear something?”

It's a low, droning noise, that he had barely missed for how quiet it had started out. He’d thought it was a jet liner of some kind for a moment before realizing that the sound was wrong, though it was still coming from above. He and Nemo look each other in the eyes, then as one turn their gazes skyward. Above them is a World War II era plane, hard to judge, but he thinks it the size of a small model at best. It waggles its wings, and arcs away.

“I really hope that's a good thing,” Nemo says. Takumi agrees with the sentiment.
-----

“I believe Akagi has found her,” Kirishima says. She turns to look at the carrier, who is standing with hands clasped and face angelic, cooing adoringly at something Kirishima honestly can't see. “I think. It’s… She’s being weird.”
-----

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

: Maes

Hm, here's a little something inspired by much earlier snippets of shenanigans and wizards attempting summoning. The quality and flow may leave much to be desired, but I make no claim of being any good at this and english isn't my native language.


*-*-*-*-*-*

~A few days after spring break~

A harried Harry finally comes to a stop at the entrance of the Headmasters' office, catching his breath.

"Headmaster? One of the house elves said there was another incident? I came as fast as I could."

Dumbledore, massaging the bridge of his nose, gives Harry a sign to take a seat next to Hermione, the latter sporting an air of miserable resignation. In another seat professor Snape is slowly banging a book against his forehead as McGonnagal, resting against one of the columns, is rubbing her temples, eyes closed.

"There has, Harry. Fortunately it wasn't as serious as the earlier unpleasantness, but there will still be headaches."

Mumbles regarding pushing the limits of stupidity can be heard between two book impacts. It was the deputy headmistress who next spoke.

"At the very least, those involved will likely never see the light of day again... after their recovery, that is. Multiple fractured jaws, crushed windpipes and missing teeth take time to heal with muggle medicine, from what I understand."

"Just got the news over the Light Cruiser Network a little while ago and came here first, so you will probably hear it from your own sources soon enough."

"Hermione? What happened?"

"I'll... I'll leave that one to the Headmaster, if you don't mind."

"Thank you, Miss Granger.

Mister Potter... let's just say, it appears there is, or at least was, an unfortunate overlap between the american wizarding community and those referred to as... what's the term... ah, yes, 'conspiracy theorists'."

"Now that can't bring anything good."

"Remarkable gift for understatement. Suffice to say, a group of such individuals desired to bring to light the 'truth' of events which occurred slightly more than forty years ago. As such, they procured sacrificial supplies, kidnapped two elderly muggle gentlemen, placed them under Imperius to keep them compliant, and moved to what they believed would be a suitable location to attempt a summoning... a small pond by the coast, on the eastern side of Florida.

The muggle gentlemen were to be 'foci', in hope to bring forth the one they wished to summon. I understand you're quite familiar with the principle."

"Well, yeah. Having people or shipgirls closely related to a specific ship makes it more likely for a summoning attempt to result in that specific shipgirl appearing."

"Interesting sympathetic reaction, that. I would rather enjoy a chance to observe such an event."

"Huh. I'll... ask mum? She might be okay with it, if the Admiral allows it? So... I mean, I know Imperius is seriously nasty, but what happened?"

"Ah, that. Their attempt was actually a success. Those wizards, in fact, did manage to summon exactly who they were hoping for. Trying to force her to confess the 'truth', however, didn't quite go as expected. The shock of the apparition was enough for the two 'foci' to break the will-binding curse. They-"


That's when the teacher of potions began chuckling.
"Hell of a reputation they'll have to carry. Beaten to a bloody pulp, by hand, by two geriatric muggles, what looked like a young child of five at most, and a spectacularly angry fairy. Serves them right, I say. Bloody idiots."

". . . who exactly did-"

"Eagle, Harry. They summoned Eagle."

"What? I thought she was already on her hull? You're the one who told me about her, Hermione!"

"The other Eagle. LM-5? 'One small step' and all that? Seems Mr Aldrin and Mr Collins were pissed when they saw those wizards try to hurt her. Mr. Armstrong wanted a piece of the action too."

"The oth... oh. Oh. Oh kami."


The headmaster must clear his throat to regain their attention.
"I'm afraid that's not all that happened. I'm sure you can imagine, Harry, that a summoning driven by such ... hrm... less-than-noble thoughts must have attracted some unwanted attention?"

"That... yeah, that would probably make the whole setup the Abyssal equivalent of catnip. Is everyone okay?"

"Quite fortunately, yes. Miss Granger?"

"It attracted Abyssals, alright, and there wasn't much in the way of coastal patrols in that area to intercept them, but when they got close to shore they... didn't last long. Do the words 'static firing test' bring anything to mind?"

". . . Ouch. Barbecued Abyssals?"

"Very much so," Dumbledore said. "The security footage Miss Granger here was able to obtain and share was rather eye-opening. I would have appreciated to learn earlier that Muggles had something that could give even fiendfyre stiff competition."

"From what I heard, Headmaster, she wasn't using all five."

". . . Sweet Merlin that's a lot of fire."


"Security foota-... I really hope some people back home don't see that."

**************************

Meanwhile, in the Matsuda and Richardson households, two destroyers could be seen vibrating in place in front of computer screens, both showing wide grins of manic glee for different reasons and any vocal sign of excitement having long passed beyond the audible, the glass-shattering and the irritating-to-canines.

 

Harry Leferts

Head leaning back against the chair, Harry had his eyes closed while one arm was around Natsumi who was sharing said chair. Said kitsune though was currently dozing with her head nestled in the crook of his shoulder after the meal they had for dinner. Despite her usual comments of it being heavy, part of Harry was still amused that she still ate as much meat as she did, especially rabbit which was suspiciously present. Needless to say, he had gotten a small smack to the shoulder when he asked why she didn't have a large belly with her reply of being a growing girl.

Granted, Harry knew exactly why she enjoyed all the meat, but he was never going to say that.

Currently though, the disguised kitsune was in that state of half awake, half asleep as she laid against him in a food coma of sorts. As a whole though, she was curled up against him as he just thought over the past few days. However, Harry was soon brought out of his thoughts as he heard pages flipping and opened his eyes to see Kaylee across from him with his copy of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" open. Beside the book was a notepad that she was making notes in. "Having fun?"

With a glance up at him, Kaylee nodded some before turning back to the book. "It's pretty interesting, I never knew there was this many magical creatures out there." Picking up the large textbook, she shook her head. "To hide this much..."

All Harry did though was shrug. "Yeah, it's sort of incredible when you think about it. And that's just the textbook version. I saw a Seventh Year last year who did Care of Magical Creatures with a much thicker version. Apparently it's got more magical creatures in it then that one and is more detailed as it's not a textbook."

That caused Kaylee to look up at him in interest. "Really?" At his look, she frowned some in thought. "Is there any way to get one of those for me? Or any books on Acromantula?"

For several moments, Harry considered the question before frowning. "Hmm... I can put in an order to Flourish and Blotts I guess? Though I heard that there's a bookstore in Hogsmeade from some of the higher years." Seeing her interest, he shrugged. "It's called Tomes and Scrolls. You might want to ask someone else though... Fred and George apparently know a way there outside the normal trips."

Raising her eyebrow, Kaylee had an amused tilt to her head. "Oh?"

Harry glanced around to see if Nagato was around before leaning forward some. "Yeah, they usually get candies and chocolates for the younger years at the parties in the tower. And alcohol like firewhiskey for the older years."

Suddenly a voice behind him caused him to jump a bit. "Which I am sure that you will not try for quite some time, correct Harry?" Turning, Harry noticed his adopted mother behind his chair giving him a look and a raised eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Ignoring the grumbling Natsumi who shifted a bit, Harry gave her a sheepish smile. "Of course, Mum. I know your rules." In reply, Nagato raised her eyebrow even more before walking away. Watching her, Harry blinked and frowned in confusion. "How does Mum do that?"

Now extremely amused, Kaylee chuckled some. "You ever find out, explain that to me. Uncle James does that all the time to Jaw back home and Houshou does it too. There was this one time tha' the two of them did it to Jaw and Zuikaku. Scared some years out of the two and made them jump into each other." Her grin became much more predatory. "Both of them ended up on the floor holdin' onto each other tighter then a ball of garter snakes in spring. Got some pictures of them too." That got a snicker from Harry as he imagined what happened. After some thought though, Kaylee nodded. "An' I might just as those two friends of yours about this Hogsmeade place. Uncle James might like some of that whiskey you mentioned."

The conversation drifted off some as Kaylee glanced back at the book before taking a sip of the mug of butterbeer. Still watching him, Harry raised an eyebrow as she facepalmed and shook her head. "Something wrong?"

Looking up at him, she groaned a bit. "Not much, just that this here book mentions that there's an actual Hidebehind..." Quickly flipping back to the table of contents, she snorted some as she used her finger to go down the list. "As well as the Wampus Cat and Hodag. Hot dang, I remember being told stories of them around the fire by some of the old timers. Uncle James will be tickled to find out that they exist." Snickering, Kaylee shook her head at some of what her crew was saying. "I know that some of my crew are."

With a small snicker, Harry shook his head some before he frowned. "So, um..." At her turning her attention back to him, he gave her an unsure look. "How are you feeling after those house elves came to see you?"

For several seconds, Kaylee was silent before frowning. "I don't really know what to think about them. When I found their friend and family member, I thought that it looked too much like a child and meeting them..." Looking out the window at the darkened sky, she frowned even more. "Not to mention the rest. But I know that I will be there to observe them see their fellow off. Nothing deserves to die like that."

All Harry did was nod as he looked at the clock and noticed it was still a few hours left before midnight when they were going to head outside as a sort of honor guard with the Professors. The sound of the door opening brought him out of his thoughts to see Regina walk in with Wanko. Part of Harry was rather amused at the small smile on Wanko's face and the blush on her cheeks. Of course, she had spent the entire day with Hagrid though he had no idea what the two of them did. The fact that his "Big Sister" was happy and he had noticed Hagrid looking much better at dinner was all Harry cared about. It was then that he noticed Regina and gave the Re-Class a smile. "Hey, Regina."

Where she was on her own chair, Kaylee only shook her head in amusement as she watched the Abyssal blush and walk over. "Um, hello Harry." Glancing around, she grabbed a footrest and brought it over to Harry's chair so that she could sit there. "Did you have a good day? You said that you would tell me more about what happened after dinner... Not that you have to or anything."

Gently petting her tail which was now laying it's own head on his shoulder, Harry didn't pay much attention to the blush on Regina's face increasing. "It was... interesting." At her confusion, he retold what had happened earlier that day and noticed Regina's eyes widen at some parts. When he got to where they were attacked, he noticed her clench her fists tightly and her eyes glow. But then Harry mentioned how Natsumi got rid of the ones threatening him, the Abyssal turned a thankful gaze onto the dozing Miko in training. "... And then we basically hung out and relaxed some. How about you?"

Regina frowned in thought before shaking off the last bit of anger she had before shrugging. "Um, after Revina left to do... something... I mostly played with Hagrid's dog. His name is Fang and Hagrid said he was a Boarhound." There was a brief moment before she frowned. "Though why it's called a Boarhound I don't know. It looks nothing like a boar."

That got cut off chuckle from Kaylee who shook her head. "They're called Boarhounds because they were used to hunt them. They're big dogs..." On her face there was a considering look before slowly nodding. "I might head on down to have a look tomorrow at this Fang."

Slowly nodding, Harry chuckled some. "Hagrid uses him for when they go into the Forbidden Forest to track things. Though according to him, he's a bit of a coward." Frowning, he then shrugged. "Though considering some of what's in there, I don't blame him. Hagrid would never let anything actually threaten Fang though."

Only nodding, Regina hummed a bit. "Um, I saw that myself." At the interested looks from Harry and Kaylee, she hung her head some. "Hagrid was not happy when Lady Wanko told him about what happened with the Acromantula in the forest." Unnoticed by either Harry or Regina, Kaylee twitched some. "So he lead us into the forest to talk with Aragog. This creature he called a Red Cap tried to jump Fang, but Hagrid smacked to the ground and then gave it a kick... it went pretty far and I heard it hit a tree and not get up. Lady Wanko was impressed."

Giving Kaylee a look, Harry could only shake his head. "So Hagrid and Big Sis had a talk with Aragog, huh? How did that go?"

With a blink, Regina shook her head. "I did not know that Hagrid could get that angry. Aragog and the other spiders backed off some as he was yelling he sent you to talk with Aragog to find out what was going on. The spider said that the little one, I think that he meant Maruyu?" At Harry's nod, she continued. "Killed a number of his children that attacked though he did not seem very saddened about it. He had asked them not to attack any friends of Hagrid, but could not control them that much. Hagrid was not very happy with that reply. Lady Wanko was very impressed though they were scared of Lady Wanko and myself as well."

As he softly snorted, Harry shook his head. "I'm not surprised, Regina. After all, you're really strong so it makes sense for them to be scared of you."

Twiddling her fingers, Regina looked down at her hooves even as she blushed at being called 'Strong' by the boy before her. "Oh... Um, does that mean that I scare you, Harry?"

Moments later, she felt his hand on her shoulder and lifted her head up to see Harry giving her a smile. "Of course not, Regina. After all you're super nice and friendly..." He gave it a moment of thought before shrugging. "Well, unless it's someone who threatened someone you care about. Then you just become really cool and awesome."

Deeply blushing, much to the amusement of the Ironclad partially observing, Regina pulled her scarf up some. Everyone could see that she was smiling though. "Really?" When Harry nodded, she ducked her head some but her eyes were practically sparkling. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry just reached over and gently patted her on the head which made her smile even more. "You're welcome, Regina. Besides, it's all true." Spotting her shift her legs some, he narrowed his eyes. "Regina, is something wrong with your legs?"

Eyes widening some, Regina glanced away some. "Before we left home, I, um, got into a fight with an enemy Re-Class. She managed to get my leg with a shell, but Lady Wanko repaired it. It's just a bit tender is all..."

That only made Harry narrow his eyes at her. "And it could not have helped all the standing around you did or playing with Fang. Not to mention tramping around in the Forbidden Forest. Did you let Wanko know?" When she shifted her gaze away, he sighed some and shook his head. "Regina..."

Flushing some, Regina glanced down. "Um... it was not that bad and still isn't..."

After a few seconds, Harry sighed and shook his head. "Okay, put them here." Seeing her confusion, he patted his legs. "Your legs, put them up here."

Now more then a little confused, Regina slowly did so while leaning back some. Most guys would have stared some but Harry was more focused on her legs and then set them onto his lap before rubbing his hands together while the Abyssal blinked. "What are you going to do, Harry?"

Glancing at her, Harry shook his head in amusement. "I'm going to give you a bit of a hand with a leg massage." Part of him wanted to snicker as she tilted her head to the side cutely. "Just sit there and let me work."

Really curious, Regina watched as Harry gently gripped her legs though she felt her cheeks heat up a bit more at feeling his hands on her skin. Then her eyes widened some as he went to work. 'O-oh... that's... really nice...'

Meanwhile, Harry was only shaking his head with a frown. 'Man, her muscles are all tight. That could not have been comfortable in the least... Oh well, I'll loosen them up.'

Kaylee was just shaking in silent laughter as she watched what was going on in front of her. Especially when Regina shifted and closed her eyes, a soft purr coming from her and her tail. Which was also when she got up with the excuse of needing something to drink.

 

Snippet 49: S0ngD0g13

Kaylee wandered the halls of Hogwarts, only mildly lost; she'd gotten turned around looking for the Kitchens...

As she passed by a set of double-doors, she paused. She heard... Crying... Kaylee opened the doors quietly and peeked inside, the faint antiseptic smell that drifted out announcing that it was the Hospital Wing well before the ironclad saw the beds inside. On one bed sat a small red-headed girl, who barely reacted when Kaylee gasped, realizing who she must be.

The look on Ginny Weasley's face was one that Kaylee McAmis knew all too well; she'd seen it looking back from the mirror after bad nights all too often... Kaylee stepped inside on silent feet and looked around, seeing no one. "Evening," she said softly.

Ginny startled and reached for her wand, but Kaylee held her hands up. "Don't shoot; I ain't here to hurt you. Just heard you cryin' and stepped in to see if I could help. I'm Virginia, but when I'm among friends I go by Kaylee, McAmis. I'm one o' the Shipgirls that came in today to investigate the Chamber." Her voice was soft, soothing.

"Oh," said Ginny simply, lowering her wand. "Sorry..."

Kaylee shook her head. "It's nothing; I'd be skittish too, in your shoes. Have been, really." She sat down next to Ginny's bed. "Wanna talk about it? My dad, Gods Rest Him, always said a burden shared was a burden lessened, an' if you mind my saying so, you look like the world's on your shoulders."

"I'm Ginny. Ginevra Weasley."

"Kaylee McAmis; pleased to make you're acquaintance, Miss Ginny."

"I thought I could trust him," Ginny said after a long silence. "He was nice, and kind; he listened to my fears and worries and never judged me. I thought he was my friend and I trusted him..." She trailed off with a sniffle and Kaylee offered the bandanna from her coat-pocket as a handkerchief.

"According to Dumbledore, ol' Tom was always a canny one. Still, betrayal hurts, even without possession. Not sure what's worse, the betrayal itself, or the wondering afterward. Why didn't I see it beforehand? Why'd he do it? Why'd he hurt me like that? That sawing, biting Why that keeps you up nights wondering if maybe some of the blame's your own, that drags that betrayal up to haunt you every time you close your eyes. But there's no blame can be laid at your feet, Ginny. None."

Ginny shivered. "I keep seeing... seeing what I did, when he was in control. That's the worst. It started with blackouts, lost time, but toward the end? He was keeping me awake, making me watch. It was like, like..."

"Like your body wasn't your own," Kaylee said quietly. "Like you're trapped and can't move, can't fight, can't scream for help, like all control's been stolen. And after... After, it's like you'll never really feel clean again, like you could bathe in scalding water and scour your skin clear down to bone and not feel clean..."

Ginny looked at Kaylee and saw the haunted look on her face. "Who?"

"Dad's stepbrother. When I was eight. There's a muggle drug called Ketamine; it's an anaesthetic. I was at a cousin's birthday party, and he slipped some into my drink..."

..........................................

The two sat and talked until Ginny finally fell asleep. When the girl awoke, a slip of paper lay on her bedside table, with Kaylee's address and an invitation to write anytime for any reason.

Kaylee was waiting by the doors when Dumbledore and the others arrived, spinning a revolver while she looked out across the grounds. She felt... Lighter. Unburdened.

A Burden Shared is a Burden Lessened...

 

Snippet 50: S0ngD0g13

In Yokosuka...
..........................................

Jaw watched as Fubuki, Mutsuki, Yuudachi, and Akizuki wheeled their mounts onto the field, each girl walking alongside their chosen dirt-bike. On the opposite end of the field entered Taffy 3, grinning widely.

Sendai stood in the center of the field, and Naka was announcing as she livestreamed the game. "Hai, hai, Naka-Chan desu~~! Yes, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Naka-Fans, welcome to the first ever game of Destroyer Polo, between the JSDF's own local team, and the brave American challengers! Introducing the home team, Akizuki, Yuudachi, Mutsuki, and Team Captain, Fubuki!" The spectators in the stands cheered and clapped. "And their opponents, all the way from Everett, Washington, Taffy 3! Give it up for Johnston, Hoel, Heermann, and Samuel B. Roberts!"

Naka continued after the applause died down. "Now, Sports-Fans, Destroyer Polo isn't quite like your normal Sport of Kings; for one it's played on dirt-bikes instead of horses, and the equipment's a bit more robust. The mallets you see are sixteen-pound sledgehammer heads welded onto steel bars for handles, and the ball is a twelve-pounder round-shot donated by an Ironclad Shipgirl from Kure. Yes, you heard me right, folks; they're playing polo with sledgehammers and a cannonball."

Jaw grinned as Sendai explained the rules, then tossed the ball into play. Akizuki immediately took possession, sending the ball down-field with a strike that rang loud. As Mutsuki roared up to continue driving the ball, Sammy cut across and stole the ball, passing it to Hoel who sent it up-field to Johnston...

"Johnston to Heermann, Heermann to Sammy, Sammy shoots-- Oh! Good block by Yuudachi, and she shoots it back into the field to Mutsuki! Mutsuki passes to Akizuki, who dodges Johnston only to be hooked by Hoel mid-pass, and Sammy steals the ball! Just like in regulation Polo, a player's allowed to hook an opponent's mallet with their own, provided they're not reaching across their opponent's mount to do so. And Sammy passes to Hoel, who shoots! The shot is good! Goal!" Naka was certainly getting into the match, Jaw noticed.

He listened with half an ear as the game continued; the Yokosuka team scored, tying the score, and from there the game really got interesting. The ride-offs to force offensive players off the line of the ball got closer, the hooks harder, and more than one penalty-shot was called by Sendai. Destroyers tumbled and rolled after bumps that unseated them, but rose smiling and got right back into the game. The air was filled with the sound of cheers, the roar of engines, the crash of mallets striking the ball, and after one spectacular goal by Yuudachi, the crowd roared, "POI~~!!!"

Next to Jaw, Zuikaku suddenly snapped her hand out to catch a flying hammerhead after Johnston's mallet broke, the welds tearing loose during a particularly-hard strike. Jaw saw the back of the carrier's hand a few inches from his nose when she caught it, stopping him from getting hit.

"Thanks, Zui. Many thanks." Jaw smiled, thankful for her quick reflexes, and suddenly chuckled, recalling a line from a poem.

"... And the game was so terrific that ere half the time was gone, a spectator's leg was broken just from merely looking on..."

He had to admit, Banjo Patterson's words about the Geebung Polo Club certainly fit Destroyer Polo; there was 'mighty-little science, but a mighty-lot of dash'.

............................................

The fourth and final chukkar of the game ended with a tied score and a wild final shot by Sammy that sent the ball over the goal, out of the field, and toward who-knew-where...

..........................................

Kongou and Admiral Goto were sitting at an outdoor table, enjoying a cup of tea together, when a whistling sound came to their ears, growing louder until it registered and Goto tackled Kongou aside, shouting, "Incoming!" as a very dented cannonball crashed down through their table, flattening a Tiffin-carrier filled with pastries on its way into the ground.

As Goto rose, wiping dirt and Devonshire Cream off his face, he commented, "My Admiral-Senses are tingling; there's probably going to be another entry for The List..."

 

Jhosmer1: Information about the Apollo Girls and their Momboats

Here's my ideas for the various Apollo Shipgirls

Apollo 7: A rebellious ship girl who does her own thing, probably gets along well with Akebono. Momboat: USS Guadalcanal.

Apollo 8: Loves to take really, really long walks alone with a camera. Momboat: USS Yorktown.

Apollo 9: Gumdrop/Spider. Kinda like Ooi/Kitakami, they hate to be separated from each other. Gumdrop always chews candy. Momboat: USS Guadalcanal.

Apollo 10: Charlie Brown/Snoopy. Work in reconnaissance, with Snoopy popping out to get really close to targets and report back to Charlie. Momboat: USS Princeton.

Apollo 11: Columbia/Eagle. Quiet professionals who get their work done. Momboat: USS Hornet.

Apollo 12: Yankee Clipper/Intrepid. The most navy-like of the Apollo Girls, foul-mouthed and love to go fast (All-navy crew of astronauts). Momboat: USS Hornet.

Apollo 13: Odyssey/Aquarius. Odyssey is in a wheelchair, and Aquarius helps her get around. Momboat: USS Iwo Jima.

Apollo 14: Kitty Hawk/Antares. Kitty Hawk prefers to work alone, and Antares wears thick glasses and likes to golf (Kitty Hawk refused to dock with Antares at first, and Antares had recurring sensor problems). Momboat: USS New Orleans

Apollo 15: Endeavor/Falcon. Consistently root for the Air Force and are Science!Girls. Falcon has a RC rover (All-Air Force crew and first lunar rover mission, found the "genesis rock"). Momboat: USS Okinawa

Apollo 16: Casper/Orion. Casper likes to play with explosives (she suffered an explosion while being decomissioned) and they both are usually late (they had constant delays due to technical problems in their schedule. Momboat: USS Ticonderoga.

Apollo 17: America/Challenger. Like a certain Yasen-baka, they love the night (only Apollo night launch). Challenger loves rocks as much as Archie loves fish (scientist in the crew). Momboat: USS Ticonderoga.

Cape Canaveral Installation Girl: When it comes to heavy lifting, no one else comes close (VAB and the Crawlers). When the Guenter Wendt fairy speaks, it's the Word of God to Apollo Shipgirls.

 

Harry Leferts

Standing by the path out of Hogwarts, Shinano glanced down at Natsumi who was bundled up pretty heavily. "You're not cold, are you Natsumi-Chan? Because it sort of is, I guess."

Only glancing up at her, Natsumi shook her head some. "Not really that cold. Harry-Chan did lend me one of his sweaters and a cloak. Along with my coat and stuff? I'm plenty warm right now..." Looking up at the stars, she blinked some. "Though I did underestimate how cold it could get here in the Highlands."

A small frown on her face, Shinano gave a nod to that. "It is rather chilly, though at least it's March? So it's kind of close to spring."

There was a rather bemused look on Natsumi's face as she glanced over to see Verniy adjust a scarf. 'Spring, right. What I would do to be able to just warm up with a scarf.'

Moments later though, she noticed the doors begin to open and her and Shinano straightened. Tenryuu spoke up some which wasn't needed. "Here they come."

Everyone watched as the door opened to reveal the House Elves of Hogwarts slowly leave the castle with a wagon in the middle of them. The body that was in the wagon though was covered due to it's state, but they could see the flowers scatted around it as well as covering the head hidden under the blanket. All the House Elves walked by singing softly of duty and work. And at the front, a female House Elf walked holding the hand of a child, both of them with tears in their eyes as they lead the procession. When they were passing, all the teachers as well as Harry and Natsumi bowed their heads and held their hats to their chest. The shipgirls though, gave a salute to the passing Elves some of whom showed some surprise.

Part of that could have also had to do with the Abyssals there also standing to the side and saluting as well.

But then they just nodded and continued on. Soon, they were passed and had begun to climb the mountain behind the school. As everyone watched, their voices faded and the lights of their torches vanished one by one, though the shipgirls could see it was about the same place. Several more minutes went by before Dumbledore nodded and placed his hat onto his head. "Thank you."

Nagato simply shook her head with a frown on her face. "You don't need to thank us, Headmaster. Piney lost his life defending the students including my son here after all, being here is the least that we can do."

Looking up the mountain, Flitwick sighed. "The day before Mister Potter slew it as a matter of fact. Some First Years were heading back to Ravenclaw when there was a commotion behind them and they ran all the way back at the Dorms scared out of their minds. I went and checked and found scorch marks and a rather large impact site. The House Elves only found him missing some time later with everything that happened next though it... fell to the wayside."

Her lips thinned, McGonagall nodded. "Unfortunately. But if it was not for him and the other House Elves that gave their lives this year things might have turned out far worse." Sighing, she closed her eyes and shook her head. "And a shame that we're the only ones that really care."

With a grunt, Gangut looked over at her. "Da, perhaps in time the Small Comrades will find their sacrifices fully recognized. Small, but with large hearts, ready to defend their homeland! Bears in their own right."

Slowly, the group re-entered the castle with Akatsuki looking back over her shoulder. "You know, I wonder where they went? They disappeared on that mountain..."

Glancing at her, Dumbledore smiled a bit. "Something of a mystery I'm afraid. Though enough of the Headmasters and Headmistresses have pieced together bits and pieces. One Headmaster noted where they disappeared and found a tunnel going deep inside the mountain." At their looks, he sighed. "He was a bit of a busybody, I'm afraid. Just the same, he suspected that the House Elves buried their dead deep within the mountain. Other then that... I'm at a bit of a loss, I'm afraid."

As he turned away from looking at where Kaylee was talking with Professor Snape in low tones, Harry looked at Natsumi. He barely noted how Shinano, Verniy, and Regina along with Maruyu had taken up positions around them. "You okay, Natsumi-Chan? Not too cold?"

Only shaking her head, Natsumi gave a sigh. "I'm okay, Harry-Chan." There was a small frown as she thought back to what she had seen. As a yokai she knew of House Elves, though in Japan they were rare. But she had never known what the glimpse she had that night told her. "I'm just thinking about some things, that's all."

Simply nodding, Harry scratched his cheek some not noticing Natsumi's bemused look at the shipgirls and one Abyssal around them. "Yeah, I know the feeling. Though I wonder where House Elves come from..."

Chuckles from nearby caused him to turn and look at a rather scarred man. The fact he was missing at least a hand, and maybe a foot due to his lip made Harry blink. "Lots of theories there, Mister Potter. Most can be tossed out as the garbage they are." Holding out a fake hand, which Harry shook, the Professor nodded. "Professor Silvanus Kettleburn, Care of Magical Creatures."

There was a small smile on Harry's face. "Nice to meet you, Professor. I've been thinking of having that class next year since Percy suggested it." Long experience with both Yuubari and Akashi told him that the Professor was about to go into delighted speel about his subject. "Um, so what do you know about House Elves then?"

Blinking, Kettleburn frowned for a moment and then nodded. "Well, despite how much a part of life they are, there's not a whole lot known about them. They are quite powerful, more so then many wizards and witches. However, they prefer to serve humans for some reason and from a few conversations I have held it seems that they need to bond with a Household or organization. I don't know if it's a matter of life or death, but they do not seem to enjoy not being bound. As to where they come from... Now that is a question as they have been around for centuries. There is a very, very old story that they were originally from a group of fae known as farfadet, from France. They arrived in England and served the family of Sir Lancelot."

More then one eyebrow rose at that with Hamakaze blinking. "As in the Knight of the Round Table, Lancelot?"

With a hum, Kettleburn nodded. "The very same as a matter of fact. According to the old legend, they had come with Lancelot's family or some of the nobles and families who followed them whom they served, which brought them into conflict with local fae such as the Hobs and Brownies. When King Arthur fell, partially due to Lancelot's actions, the conflict exploded. A sort of Fae War occurred as both sides felt wronged and terrible things occurred with both attacking the humans the other side helped. In an rare show of unity, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts stepped in and put an end to it. Using the magic of their Kings and Queens, the two Courts then levied punishment on those who had fought and laid a curse which forced them to serve humanity. Where before they could chose who they could help, now they could be forced to serve whoever wanted them to and could not leave no matter how they were treated. In time, House Elves came from from both groups mixing with clothes being given to them being the only way to 'Free' them, at least until they are bound again."

Horrified, and not alone in that, Natsumi stared at the teacher. "I... I... Why? Why would they do that!?"

Sharing a look with Harry, Kettleburn shrugged. "Because they're the Fair Folk?"

Only nodding, Harry grimaced a bit. "It does sound like the sort of thing that the two Courts would do if they were really pissed off at someone... Or just wanted to screw with some one."

For several seconds, Urakaze stared at him before she blinked. "Ah... Seriously? That sounds a bit much..."

Just snorting, Harry shook his head. "Tell that to King Herla." At the looks of confusion on most of the faces, except for Nagato, Shinano, and Hoppou, the black haired boy shrugged. "King Herla was an ancient Briton King who one day met a Fairy King, though sometimes it's a dwarf, riding a goat. After some talking they make a pact, if the Fairy King came to Herla's wedding, they would in one year reciprocate by going to the Fairy King's. And so, Herla's wedding came and the Fairy Host arrived with gifts and helping out to the extent that Herla's men needed to do nothing as it turned out. One year after, the Fairies came with the invite for Herla according to the Pact and Herla rode out with his own host bearing gifts aplenty. Riding through a cliff to the Otherworld, they stayed at the wedding for three days before they had to leave. The King of the Fairies gave Herla gifts when he left such as hunting animals and a bloodhound he set upon Herla's horse. He told the human King that none should dismount until they reached home when the bloodhound would dismount. Herla and his men then return to the human world where they come upon a elderly man and he asks of news of his wife."

Tilting her head, Maruyu slowly nodded in agreement. "Well, it doesn't sound so bad. They honored their pact after all and the Fairy King was nice to give them gifts..." At seeing the look on Harry's face, the Submarine blinked. "Right?"

Lips a thin line, Harry shook his head. "Not so nice. See, the old man was surprised to hear that name from Herla and stated that he could barely understand the King as he was a Briton and the old man was a Saxon. But he did recognize the name as an ancient queen who died centuries ago, years after her husband had vanished near where they were. And that for the past two hundred years the Saxons had ruled over the land they were in. Herla nearly fell from his saddle at the news in disbelief. Some of his men did jump down and turned to dust as they aged centuries. Herla then began to ride and has ever since as the bloodhound has yet to jump down. That's the sort of thing that the Fae would pull."

Several of those there stared at him before Yamato shuddered some. "I, Yamato, do not like that. Doing such a thing is..."

Beside her, Enterprise shrugged some. "Yeah, I know Princess. But... that's the sort of thing that they pulled." At the looks, she jerked her thumb at herself. "Spent some time in Britain." Glancing over her shoulder, she furrowed her eyebrows some. "Just a question, Mister Kettleburn... but are you okay? You're limping a bit."

Laughing, the Professor knocked on one leg making a sound like it was wood before doing the same for the other which had the same sound and made eyebrows raise. "Just the cold, I'm afaid. Makes my limb replacements a bit stiff.

Willie blinked and then voiced her question weakly. "Replacements...?"

Once more laughing, Kettleburn only nodded. "Oh yes! I've had some injuries over the years as teacher for Care of Magical Creatures. As much as I hate to say it, I was a bit... uncareful in my younger years. But none of my students have been really that harmed." Frowning thoughtfully, he hummed a bit. "Though I have been considering retiring so I can spend some time with my remaining limbs. Only got one arm and half a leg after all!"

Unnoticed by him, the various shipgirls and even the Abyssals stared at him while Natsumi's eyebrow began to twitch.

 

Snippet 51: S0ngD0g13

Kaylee watched the caisson and procession go by, bearing Piney the House Elf to be interred, and came smartly to Attention, saluting crisply. I heard you fought to the last, Piney; Human or House Elf, I can respect that. Your Watch is Ended here, and I hope you find plenty o' good work to do on the other side...

After the procession had passed, she heard a deep, rich voice speak next to her. "Miss Virginia, I assume?" She turned and saw the professor standing by her. He was tall and sallow-complected with a nose the teen could tell at a glance had been broken and reset before, and dark eyes that held intelligence.

"I am she. You'd be Professor Snape, I'd wager?" Kaylee extended her hand to shake.

Snape nodded. "I am he," he said, shaking her hand. "I received your letter; I have the rest of the evening free, if you're available to speak?"

"I am. You being the Potions Professor, I'd imagine you're familiar with poisons and their toxicology; I was hoping to see if you knew much about Basilisk Venom. Part of my task here, alongside rendering the carcass, is documenting what I can about it, and local knowledge would help."

Snape gestured toward the doors and smiled slightly. "I confess to little firsthand knowledge of Basilisk Venom, but I believe I have several texts in my personal library that mention such. If you would accompany me, Miss Virginia?"

"I'd be delighted, Professor." One of her Fairies used a lamp to signal Enterprise that she was detaching to speak with Snape, and the pair walked inside.

As they walked, Snape commented, "While I have some knowledge of poisons, if you wish to know more of basilisks as a species, the resident expert of sorts would be my colleague, Professor Kettleburn, who teaches Care of Magical Creatures; he was the man speaking to Mister Potter-Nagato when we entered."

Kaylee nodded. "I'll have to speak with him, then, Professor Snape."

The pair arrived at Snape's office, and he hung his robes up by the door, revealing his black trousers and button-down shirt. Kaylee hung her coat and the shoulder-holsters with her LeMats on the stand next to Snape's robes. As he moved toward his bookshelf, Snape asked, "Would you care for refreshments? Tea, coffee?"

Kaylee nodded as she joined him, reading the titles of the books. "Coffee, please. I've got a feeling it's going to be an all-nighter tonight."

Snape smiled. "Mufti!" he called.

A House Elf appeared by the desk. "Yes, Per'fessor Sevvie?"

"Be a dear and bring a pot of coffee, my 'research' blend, if you please. And some snacks. Thank you."

"At once, Per'fessor!" The elf popped away.

Kaylee tilted her head. "A school elf?"

"Formerly, but Mufti is currently bonded to me as a personal elf. Ah, thank you, Mufti," he said as the House Elf reappeared with a pot of coffee, two mugs, and a large box marked 'Krispy Creme'. "Just leave them on my desk. Virginia, do you take cream or sugar?"

Kaylee shook her head. "Black, thank you, Sir." She accepted the mug and sipped at the rich dark-roast. "This is excellent coffee."

......................................

"Professor?" asked Kaylee, looking up from her notes and a copy of Venoms Most Vile, by Crotalus Prince, several hours later.

"Yes?"

"This volume cites another text, Storia delle Famiglie Nobili Fiorentine, by Rodrigo Borgia, regarding an incident involving use of Basilisk Venom in a homicide."

Snape shook his head. "I'm afraid I lack a copy." He watched Kaylee stand and stretch before gathering her notes.

"Well," said the ironclad, "I seem to have gotten much of the information I was after. Thank you very kindly for your assistance, Professor Snape. I greatly enjoyed working with you."

Snape shook Kaylee's hand. "It was my pleasure, Miss Virginia. Working with a professional such as yourself is refreshing, after some of the dunderheads I normally have to deal with. And it's 'Severus', among colleagues."

Kaylee smiled. "Kaylee."

Snape escorted her to the door and helped her with her coat. "I trust you'll be present when Mister Potter meets with Miss Greengrass and Miss Davies about the Acromantula products?"

"I will. Good Morning to you, Severus, and thank you again for your help."

....................................

Kaylee walked down the corridor, smiling faintly as she made her way toward the Great Hall. She checked her chronometer and saw it was nearly six in the morning...

"Well, I reckon I'll sit and read while I wait on breakfast. I still ain't finished Changing Destiny yet..."

 

Snippet 52: S0ngD0g13

In the aftermath of the Destroyer Polo Game...
......................................

Zuikaku picked up a skewer of dango and gestured with it. "You're surpringly calm about that near-miss earlier, Jaw. Most folks would be a nervous wreck in your shoes."

Jaw nodded. "Make no mistake, Zuikaku, I'm almost certainly going to have a panic attack later once it fully sinks in; I'm still a bit in shock, really. Thanks again for the save."

"It was reflex, mostly."

Jaw chuckled. "Good to know you care, Turkey." He picked up a skewer of his own and took a bite.

"You're an asshole, Jaw McAmis," said Zuikaku as she listened to one of her pilots orbiting above them report no one else around. "But you're my asshole. No one gets to kill you but me. Understand?"

Jaw raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying what I think you are?"

The carrier shrugged. "You croak, and I'm stuck with no one to swap barbs with. Life would get dull."

Jaw laughed. "Well far be it from me to deprive a lady of entertainment; I also juggle and ride the unicycle, though not both at the same time, I'm afraid. Pleasant conversation is only one of my many talents."

Zui snorted. "And self-preservation isn't one of your talents, or else your dad lied about all your adventures growing up."

"He didn't..."

"He did. The Knoxville Zoo, when you were six, the Camel Ride."

"I didn't get bucked off, and the fence damage was minimal."

"Your grandfather's farm, age ten, the twelve-gauge and the rooster."

"I paid Ray Thompson back for that ewe, and it's not like Dad didn't laugh while he picked the birdshot outta my ass..."

"Miley Gass, Eighth-Grade Homecoming."

"Low Blow, Turkey. Seriously below the belt." Jaw was blushing.

Zui sighed theatrically. "Face it, you draw trouble like chum draws sharks. You need a girl to keep you out of trouble, and you know what they say, if you want it done right..." She smirked.

Jaw smirked right back. "So you're saying I'm your boyfriend now? Don't I get a say? Maybe I've already got a girl, back in the States or up in Tokyo..."

Zuikaku grinned and grabbed Jaw by the shirt. "Then they're SOL; I'm press-ganging you."

Jaw smiled. "So ya are, Zui..."

"Shut up and kiss me, Jaw."