Author's Note:
It took me a while, but I managed to write this chapter; I hope you enjoy it.
Harry, Hermione and Ron will appear in the next chapter.
XXX
Story Arc: Welcome to Hogwarts
Episode 2: The Co-Teachers have arrived (II)
Chapter 6: Office, Accommodation and Yacht
Plot: Bruce, Adeline, Mash and Levi meet with Headmaster Dumbledore, then go to Professor 'DADA's' office and finally decide where to stay for the entire school year.
XXX
POV Narrator
The journey across the lake was uneventful. Hagrid had his own boat, while the others split into groups of two.
Bruce and Levi were together. Strangely enough, throughout the entire journey, Levi never let go of his boatmate's hand.
The Occult Detective, meanwhile, moved his fingers on the surface of the lake: using his affinity for the element of water, he lifted a sphere and held it in mid-air with several fish inside.
On the other boat, Adeline had stuck to Mash, pressing her chest against her back without leaving her any room.
Mash was pink in the face from the embarrassment of the situation and from the shame of feeling pleasure, but she remained still and composed, like a guard at the entrance to the royal palace.
The lavender-haired woman knew it was the best choice: if the twins ended up in the same boat, Bruce would most likely lose his temper over Adeline's sly talk.
The Occult Detective would have thrown the Golden Diva into the water and she, out of spite, would have entered Hogwarts soaking wet or even in a bikini, just to create a scandal and for pure exhibitionist pleasure.
'Why did Senpai have to have such a beautiful and clingy twin sister?' Mash thought, looking at the Occult Detective as Adeline tightened her grip on her.
XXX
The group reached the Boathouse, the underground port that opened right at the foot of the Hogwarts cliff.
From there, the four strangers followed Hagrid up the steep stone steps that led up to the castle's main gate.
"I hope you enjoyed the boat trip," said Hagrid, enjoying the company of his new colleagues and the mysterious kimono-clad guest.
"Very pleasant and relaxing," Mash replied with a forced smile, her cheeks still red, as she walked away from Adeline.
"Are you talking about me or the lake?" Adeline asked with a knowing smile.
Without hesitation, the Golden Diva grabbed tightly onto Mash's arm, as he carried a heavy metal suitcase with no apparent effort.
'If she weren't Senpai's twin, everything would be simpler,' thought Mash, once again struck by the pleasant and naughty sensation offered by Adeline's breasts.
The lavender-haired woman had no problem dealing with flirtations or "affectionate friendships" from some women, but Adeline was a feminine, and decidedly more shameless, version of the man she loved. Adeline, thanks to the twin factor, was able to greatly influence Mash.
Here's the text correction, where I've fixed the punctuation of the dialogues, the verb tenses, and the articles, while keeping the English terms:
"Adeline, be quiet. You've played enough with Mash," Bruce interjected, uncharacteristically in good spirits; he'd clearly enjoyed the short boat ride.
The Detective held his walking stick in his left hand, while Levi had not yet let go of his right hand.
The ninja decided to make herself useful and keep one of the detective's precious objects under her right armpit: a glass bottle that contained a tiny luxury yacht.
"Mash was talking about the lake, of course. It seems like a great place to fish on the weekends," said Bruce, who has several hobbies related to the water.
Above the Detective's head, a perfectly circular sphere of water floated in the air, with a dozen fish swimming obliviously inside.
"You're boring, brother," Adeline pouted, though she gave Mash some space, who sighed with relief.
"Nice trip, but I would have preferred a bigger boat," Levi commented, turning to Bruce with an unusually soft look.
"But I have to admit, there's a certain romance to being two on a small boat. Perhaps we could take a ride alone tonight?" Levi asked, longing for a little romance; a newborn baby had taken away many of the moments of pure pleasure.
"Is this a subtle attempt to ask me out on a date?" Bruce asked, seeking confirmation; despite his keen deductive skills, women and what they want can remain a puzzle.
"Let's add a fish dinner to that. And no alcohol, obviously, since you're a teetotaler and would never touch a woman who's been drinking," Levi replied, knowing the Detective's habits all too well.
In some ways, he was comparable to a monk when it came to training, studying, and avoiding certain excesses and transgressions.
'Such a lovely love to see. I hope nothing bad happens this year. It would be a tragedy if Mrs. Levi were to be a widow,' thought Hagrid, feeling moved by what he saw.
Mash watched the scene in silence. She wasn't jealous; she was happy for Levi and knew that her time with Senpai would soon come.
"If you're jealous, you can have dinner with me... and do other things too," Adeline offered flirtatiously, still resting her breasts against Mash's arm.
"I'll think about it," Mash replied, remaining vague with her Senpai's twin as she took steps to put some distance between herself and Adeline.
The Golden Diva covered her mouth with a hand, holding back a giggle, delighted by Mash's exaggerated reactions to her touch.
"Come on, let's not keep Headmaster Dumbledore waiting," the half-giant concluded, pushing open the great doors and entering the castle.
Adeline let out a small sigh of disappointment, wanting to play with Mash a little longer, but it didn't last long: after all, she had a whole year to have fun with her, her brother, and the witches of the Black Cabal.
XXX
The four strangers walked along the corridors of Hogwarts, walking close together out of habit. Ahead of them, Hagrid was leading them through the corridors.
The forced proximity brutally highlighted their height differences. Mash and Levi looked petite next to the twins.
Mash, at 5'2", and Levi, just five feet tall, seemed to almost disappear next to Bruce, who was 5'9", and Adeline, who was 6'11", counting the two-inch heels of her boots.
Without assistance, Levi would have barely reached the middle of Bruce's chest, just above his armpit.
To look into each other's eyes or exchange a kiss, he would have had to bend down deeply and she would have had to stretch herself as far as possible on her toes.
This is precisely why Levi wore okobo. Those traditional sandals, carved from a single block of wood, lifted her off the ground with a high, massive wedge, hollowed out in the front.
Thanks to those shoes, Levi gained eleven centimeters, reaching 161. Now his gaze met Bruce's chin and mouth perfectly, making every contact much more natural.
Mash, on the other hand, was basically at shoulder height with Bruce, a position that allowed her to comfortably rest her head against him.
However, in her low heels, she also stood at 5'4", matching Levi's height and giving the group a more balanced profile as they made their way through the aisles.
Here is the correction of the text, with the correct punctuation and verbs aligned with the past tense:
Hagrid stopped at the foot of a flight of steps; Minerva McGonagall was waiting at the top.
"Good morning, ma'am. I was escorting the new members of staff and their guest to the Headmaster's office," Hagrid announced politely.
Minerva was a stern-looking fifty-nine-year-old woman, 5'8" tall and stiff as marble. Her authority was palpable, the kind of strength that silences with a single glance. Her dark hair, streaked with gray, was pulled into an impeccable bun beneath her pointed hat, while the square lenses of her glasses reflected the torchlight on her emerald green tunic.
"Good morning, Hagrid. I can take care of this from here. You'll no doubt have other important matters to attend to, seeing as you're going on holiday soon," said Minerva, throwing a not-so-veiled suggestion to the half-giant.
"All right. Lord Belmont, Lady Jones, and ladies, I'll leave you in the hands of Professor McGonagall," Hagrid replied with a gentle nod.
He started to walk away, but Bruce's cane snapped aside, blocking his path with a sharp movement.
"Bear, you did a decent job. Here's your tip," said Bruce. Above his head, the sphere of water instantly crystallized into a block of pure ice containing the fish, dropping it neatly into Hagrid's massive hands.
"Thank you very much, Lord Belmont. I haven't had good fish in a long time. Good luck with your lessons and with your companion," said Hagrid, walking away in high spirits.
'He's not a tramp, but a bear through and through,' Bruce thought stoically, shifting his gaze to the old hag.
"Good morning. I am Minerva McGonagall, Professor of Transfiguration, Head of House of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts," Minerva introduced herself, studying the small group with a steady gaze.
The Occult Detective stepped forward first, released Levi's hand, and drew all attention to himself.
This was no surprise to the girls: he always acted first, being technically the 'leader' of the group, even if Adeline only listened to him when she wanted to.
"I am Bruce Bel Bahamut Belmont," said the one-eyed man, introducing himself calmly and with a certain charm.
'If I hadn't been warned by Albus beforehand, I could have sworn it was a woman; Americans are strange,' thought Minerva, trying not to show her puzzlement.
"I am a High Sorcerer, Forgemaster, Occult Detective of Boston, Chief Investigator of the B&L Investigative Agency, and the head of three noble magical houses." Bruce concluded his introduction with a dramatic bow, as fluid and flawless as an actor on stage.
'Theatrics definitely run in the family,' Levi thought, looking first at the Occult Detective and then at the Golden Diva.
"I forgot to add: Co-Teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts for this year at Hogwarts," Bruce said, standing up, planting his staff in front of him and gripping the hilt with both hands.
Minerva remained still and speechless for a moment, processing the information gleaned from that theatrical greeting, delivered with the right attitude.
"Albus warned me that one of them would be out of the ordinary. Dressed like a wealthy Muggle, but with the bearing of a Pureblood, yet without the theatrical contempt. Eccentric, yet exuding something I can't quite put my finger on," Minerva thought, keeping her expression serious.
Mash stepped forward, positioning himself to the right of his Senpai.
"I'm Mash Kyrielight. I'll be serving as Bruce and Adeline's assistant, but consider me Bruce's bodyguard and personal assistant. If you have any problems or questions about him, come to me," Mash said, projecting an air of absolute trustworthiness.
"Lavender hair? A little eccentric, but she seems down-to-earth and kind. And definitely beautiful; she'll be popular with the students," Minerva considered in her mind, approvingly.
Adeline stepped abruptly between Bruce and Mash, pushing them aside to gain the spotlight.
"I'm Adeline Wu Jones, Hollywood's brightest star! And for this year, I'm the Co-Teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts," Adeline exclaimed, raising a hand in the air and freezing in a model pose.
Theatricality and drama were undoubtedly in their genes.
'He reminds me of Gilderoy Lockhart... and that way of dressing? We're in a school, not some disreputable establishment,' thought Minerva, eyeing the blonde woman and her daring dress disapprovingly.
"Adeline, we're not on a stage. There's no audience worshipping you like a fallen angel," Bruce said stoically, interrupting the Diva's little show.
Then, without flinching an inch, Bruce pressed the tip of his stick into his sister's foot, forcing her back.
Mash touched her forehead with her fingers, already exhausted at the thought of having to manage this exhibitionism for an entire year.
"I'm Levi, a ninja on vacation," the Japanese woman said very briefly, limiting herself to a small wave of her hand.
'At least there's someone halfway normal,' Minerva thought, accepting Levi as the most level-headed member of the group, despite the shuriken holding her hair back.
"I hate to admit it, but Adeline is my younger twin. For now, we're a package deal: where I go, she goes. Although I'd prefer it the other way around," Bruce explained disgruntledly, unable to deny his blood bond.
"Then why did you insist so much on me being your Co-Teacher?" Adeline asked, crossing her arms under her breasts to further emphasize it.
"For two reasons. One: I needed a factor who guaranteed a high enough standard of service to justify the price I demanded," Bruce replied, turning to her and raising a finger.
"Two: If I hadn't brought you with me, who knows what you would have done. Better to have you happy and under my watch than sad and far away," Bruce explained, holding up his second finger.
The information revealed had a rather positive effect on the Hollywood Diva.
"So you did it just to make me happy, not because you actually needed me!" Adeline exclaimed, throwing herself into a hug.
"She's a... lively lady," Minerva commented, trying to remain civil, which was difficult with a woman like Adeline: brash, bold, and sexy.
"She has no idea," Levi muttered with a hint of a smile, knowing what Adeline might be like.
"A third of my job will be keeping her in line," Mash confessed with a sigh, already tired and the school year hadn't even started.
"If you need a cup of tea, just stop by my office. We'll have an informal chat among colleagues," Minerva replied, feeling a sudden sympathy for her.
No one could understand the difficulty of dealing with people with strong personalities like the Transfiguration professor.
Bruce had just freed himself from Adeline's embrace, though she would have preferred to hold him tight a little longer; she was undoubtedly a clingy woman.
"Mrs. McGonagall, shall we go to Dumbledore? I'm sure he's eager to see me again," said Bruce, never turning his back on his twin.
"Certainly. After the long journey from America, I imagine you would like to complete the administrative formalities, settle into your quarters, and rest," Minerva replied with professional courtesy.
"He read my mind," Adeline commented with an amused expression, as if she were sharing a secret with a select few.
Mash held back a sigh: she knew all too well the cutting irony hidden behind the blonde's words.
Minerva began leading them toward the Headmaster's office. Before Bruce could take a step, Levi grabbed his hand again, squeezing it tightly.
"You know, you vaguely remind me of Lilith," Bruce commented, eyeing the Transfiguration professor with a sense of familiarity.
"Which Lilith? The one from hell? The one who hates Mash? The one who lives with us... or your aunt?" the Japanese woman asked, listing the many Liliths in their lives.
"My aunt," Bruce replied, referring to Lilith 'Lily' Clawthorne.
"I understand. Strict and law-abiding on the outside, but good on the inside," added Adeline, who knew her brother's adoptive aunt well.
"I don't mean to be rude, but we're prepared to receive three people, not four," the Transfiguration professor said, while shooting a quick glance at Levi.
"I just came to speak to the Principal. Knowing that he offered a job to my daughter's father without warning him that the position was cursed... it worried me a little," Levi stated, revealing his intent.
Minerva tried to reassure her: "For the last thirty-eight years, the Defense chair has brought a bit of bad luck, and no one has stayed more than a year. But only one teacher has died, and that from extraordinary circumstances completely unrelated to teaching."
"A mortality rate of one in thirty-eight would be acceptable, if this big guy weren't a trouble magnet capable of overturning all odds," Levi retorted. She didn't look at all calm; on the contrary, her shoulders suddenly tensed.
"I understand the concern, given the rumors circulating, but Hogwarts is the safest place in the world and Albus Dumbledore is the greatest wizard alive," Minerva declared proudly.
'The most powerful Wizard in this world... I'm not sure that title can still belong to Dumbledore. I'm sure I, Adeline, or one of the Seven Witches of the Black Cabal could steal the title from him. Although, what would 'the most powerful' mean to these people? The amount of magical energy? The ability?' thought the Occult Detective, reflecting on the title of the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
The one-eyed man was eagerly awaiting the end-of-year duel to test the worth of this so-called modern Merlin.
"I just want my man to be okay," Levi confessed softly, looking down as if struck by a sudden attack of shyness.
Bruce froze instantly, as if his brain had just detected a fatal system error.
"Is everything okay?" asked Minerva, turning in surprise to the group of strangers.
"Good question. I'll have the answer only after we talk in private," Bruce stated, keeping an eye on Levi.
"You're being paranoid again, aren't you? Do you think I'm under mind control or perhaps an automaton in my guise?" the Japanese woman whispered, reading his thoughts like an open book; after all, they had known each other for sixteen years.
"Let's talk about this in private," Bruce cut him off, not letting anything slip.
Without further interruption, the group resumed their march towards the Hogwarts Headmaster's office.
Minerva took the opportunity to give a brief summary of the history of Hogwarts, explaining the characteristics of the four Houses and the legends about the Founders.
On the way there, he mentioned with particular emphasis the names of three students they would surely meet: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
XXX
Albus Dumbledore's office was a large, welcoming circular room nestled in one of the tallest towers at Hogwarts.
The space was filled with curious silver instruments that hummed and puffed smoke, arranged on thin-legged tables.
Everywhere you looked, there were collections of books and, in the center, a massive desk with claw feet.
On the walls, portraits of previous Headmasters pretended to sleep in their gilded frames, ready to spy on new arrivals.
"Lord Belmont, Lady Jones, and guests, welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore began, nodding.
"See you again, Gandalf. This time in your domain," replied the Occult Detective, his good eye scanning the many magical objects on display.
Minerva didn't say anything, but her look betrayed her annoyance at such an informal nickname addressed to the Headmaster.
"How do you like Hogwarts?" asked Dumbledore, trying to break the ice.
"Too early for a verdict," Bruce cut him short, choosing the diplomatic route to avoid admitting that his old school, the Ars Magus Academy, was a hundred times superior to that castle.
"My brother loves old buildings, but I'm a modern woman. I prefer villas with beach views or huge pools.
However, as an archaeologist, Hogwarts is a pearl that deserves to be studied," replied Adeline, without holding back her criticism.
"It seems like a nice place, if a little empty right now. It has the feel of a magic school out of a book," Mash commented, offering the most cordial opinion of the group.
"And that would be you?" Dumbledore asked, looking up at her.
"Mash Kyrielight. Professor Belmont and Jones' assistant," Mash replied for the third time that day.
The Headmaster then turned his attention to the woman in the red kimono.
"You've seen one magical castle, you've seen them all," Levi commented casually.
Minerva shifted her gaze to the Japanese woman, not liking her words, but she was aware that everyone has their own personal tastes.
"I prefer Bahamut Castle. Bruce's ancestors were fun people: secret passages, hidden chambers, and stashes of valuables everywhere," Levi said, preferring his man's ancestral home.
"And who are you?" Dumbledore asked again, intrigued by the Japanese woman who looked vaguely familiar.
"The mother of my newborn daughter. When she found out the Defense Against the Dark Arts chair was cursed, she insisted on coming with me," Bruce explained, feeling Levi's grip on his hand tighten.
"That's where I've seen her before. You had a picture of her and the little girl on the desk in your mobile office," Dumbledore realized, remembering where he'd seen the woman in the red kimono before.
Levi turned to Bruce, visibly moved.
"Do you have a photograph of me on your desk?" asked the Kunoichi, as if she had witnessed a great gesture of love.
"Isn't it natural to keep pictures of loved ones close by to lift our spirits and remind ourselves that someone is waiting for our return?" Bruce asked, tilting his head like an alien explaining a newly learned logic.
"This is perhaps one of the most humane things you've ever done. Don't change," Levi replied with a sincere smile.
'Such a sweet moment,' thought Mash, rarely witnessing such an expression on the 'ninja's' face.
"Mrs. Levi, may I ask what you wish to tell me?" Dumbledore intervened, breaking the spell between the 'Sorcerer' and the 'Kunoichi'.
Levi seemed to snap out of it, abruptly returning to reality.
"Just a warning: if my man stops breathing during his term, I'll cut off your head and raze this school to the ground," Levi declared seriously. To emphasize the threat, he calmly placed his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
Dumbledore didn't flinch; he simply nodded, taking those words as the outburst of a worried woman.
Minerva, however, moved her hand closer to her wand, torn between understanding Levi's feelings and irritation at his effrontery.
"I'm curious to know how you would destroy such a castle. You specialize in melee, not large-scale attacks," Bruce commented, genuinely interested in the topic.
"I'm a Kunoichi. I know Ninjutsu, I've mastered Senjutsu, and I'm on good terms with a Kitsune clan. I'll figure something out," Levi replied, planting his hands on his hips to appear more imposing.
"Kitsune?" asked Minerva, confused by the Eastern terminology.
"Japanese magical creatures, multi-tailed foxes. The oldest ones have nine. They can transform into beautiful women and have a tendency to seduce men and play various mischief. If a kind-hearted Kitsune finds a good man, she ends up fathering a bunch of daughters with strong magical abilities," Bruce explained, knowing a lot about the subject, partly from Levi and partly from some adventures he'd had in Japan.
"Our mutual friend wasn't joking: you truly are a man who has traveled far and wide," Dumbledore admitted, admitting that he didn't know as much about certain magical creatures as he'd like.
"My Senpai is a seasoned traveler," Mash added, a euphemism that belied a much deeper truth.
"And I am no less, though my travels have been decidedly less dangerous than my brother's. But I have set foot in the globe's greatest cities and the world's most ancient and well-hidden ruins," Adeline said, feeling her pride.
"Anyway, Gandalf, you needn't worry about your beard or the integrity of the school. I won't die that easily," the Occult Detective declared with absolute certainty.
"I'm worse than a cat crossed with a hydra and cancer. If you want me dead, you have to kill me seven times in a row. And even then, I might rise again as the Revenant," Bruce said as if it were all a joke, slapping his chest seven times with his right hand.
Adeline smiled, sharing that sense of humor.
"He speaks like it's a joke, but Senpai is completely serious about it. Unlike Adeline, who considers her body perfect and in need of no enhancements, Senpai has modified, altered, and improved himself in a invasive way, especially when he created his own version of Jester Karture's Six-Hearted Revolver technique," Mash thought, knowing her Senpai was close to being the quintessential Magus.
"We've exchanged enough pleasantries. I'm here to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts," Bruce concluded, with a fluid gesture, pulling out three different files.
"This file contains my magical diplomas: Royal Biblia Academy, Nevermore Academy, and the Clock Tower's El-Melloi Hall," Bruce listed, sliding a red binder onto Dumbledore's desk.
"Actually, Senpai should hand over a file on his studies conducted off-Earth and learned from non-human entities. But those documents would only cause problems," thought Mash, knowing a lot about Bruce's educational background, having attended his university studies.
"This one is about my normal education, a GED among the Babani as you call it, a double major at Northeastern University in Forensic Science and Criminology, and finally a degree from Harvard Medical School with a specialization in Pathology," Bruce explained, adding a black file to the pile.
"Finally, here are Adeline's degrees: Saint James Middle School, Harvard-Westlake, a Harvard degree in Anthropology and Genetic Engineering, and a diploma from El-Melloi Hall," Bruce concluded, handing over a blue folder decorated with glitter and musical notes.
"Did you go to Muggle schools?" asked Minerva, genuinely impressed.
"The greatest absurdity for a wizard is to believe that magic solves everything. Science has its place; I'm just smart enough to study both fields," Bruce replied with cold conviction.
"Honestly, magic isn't my passion. I enjoy practicing it, but I'm an artist with a Lara Croft streak at heart. What I learned at Harvard was more useful to me than what I learned at the Clock Tower," Adeline said in a relaxed voice, being someone who used magic without studying it academically.
"When you talk like that, it makes me doubt we're of the same blood," Bruce commented, having a completely different perspective on the matter. He lived for the arcane arts; she considered them an accessory.
"You're a workaholic who accomplishes in a year what others do in a lifetime. I know how to enjoy life," Adeline retorted, finding fault with her brother's research-minded passion.
"I will examine your qualifications. I appreciate it, even if your position is already confirmed," Dumbledore said, leafing through the documents; he would study them carefully later.
"Here's the syllabus and the textbook. It's the draft; I'll bring the final version after I've done more research," Bruce said. From his coat pockets he pulled out seven pads of paper containing hundreds of pages and a huge black tome, the size of a dictionary.
"You prepared all this in three days? At such a moment's notice, with a family moving and nine daughters to care for?" Dumbledore asked, staring at the mountain of paper cluttering his desk.
"Nine daughters?!" Minerva muttered, astonished.
"My man is a workaholic with chronic insomnia and a pathological need to always be doing something. To keep him still, I had to literally handcuff him to the bed and use every feminine wile to restrain him," Levi explained with extreme seriousness.
An embarrassed blush appeared on Minerva and Dumbledore's faces, who looked away so as not to visualize the scene.
"And that's why I've become an aunt to nine adorable nieces. And I'm sure there will be more to come," Adeline concluded with a mischievous smile.
"Girls, these English wizards are more modest than we are. Try to keep certain information to yourselves: no one in this school must know that I enjoy being tied up or handcuffed," Bruce declared seriously, crossing his arms.
"Are we in a magic school or a convent?" Adeline muttered, pouting. Fairy and Incubus blood ran through her veins; malice was her natural instinct, unlike Bruce, who, despite sharing the same blood, seemed to have manifested different impulses, more tied to Wrath than Lust.
Bruce moved from the desk to the shelves filled with precious objects.
"So, this would be the original Gryffindor sword," Bruce said abruptly, changing the subject, his gaze fixed on the ancient weapon kept in the glass case.
"It certainly has considerable historical value," Adeline commented, her face turning serious for a moment.
Despite her exhibitionism, Adeline was a certified archaeologist.
On Earth-2126, she had been a Hollywood 'star' for over ten years, but had used half of her earnings to finance expeditions around the world, behaving like a more brazen version of Lara Croft.
His greatest achievement was the discovery of the ten Makluan temples, from which came the ten rings that he never took off, not even in the shower or in moments of lust.
"Our mutual friend left me speechless when he produced the replica he intends to offer me as payment. For a moment I feared he had gone rogue," said Dumbledore, adjusting his spectacles.
"I see the briefcase you received as a welcome gift is gathering dust," Bruce observed, gesturing to the bag in a corner of the office, the standard gift for those accepting his patronage.
"I appreciate the gift, but I'm too old for such things," Dumbledore replied. He didn't want to admit he didn't understand how to use half of those tools.
"Then give it to someone younger. Better to donate a kit than let it rot," Bruce said with his usual stoicism.
"I think I'll give it to Harry. After what he's been through, a present can't hurt," Dumbledore decided, making a mental note to look for some wrapping paper.
Suddenly, the ferret around Bruce's neck snapped back, no longer looking like a simple fur scarf.
"Aniki, I'm starving. Can we speak to the old wizard later? I want to go to our quarters and devour the provisions we've prepared," Vritra croaked without restraint; when he's hungry, he thinks of nothing else.
"Is that... a magical talking animal?" asked Minerva, her eyes widening as if she were looking at a rare, but not impossible, animal like a zebra or a giraffe.
"Yes, unfortunately. He only speaks when he has to demand food or complain that the noise is keeping him awake," Levi replied, shooting the little pseudo-demon an irritated look.
"For a ninja, you're a surprisingly loud woman," Vritra retorted dryly.
"I can barely sleep when you're mating with Aniki, and the pregnancy has made you even worse." The pseudo-demon continued speaking with his voracious appetite.
Levi snorted, wisely deciding not to dignify him with an answer in front of the teachers.
"Vritra, can't you wait? I haven't mentioned the Modern Magic lessons yet," Bruce interjected, absentmindedly stroking his little head.
"No. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I want to fill my stomach and take a nap until you need me again," Vritra declared, displaying a laziness worthy of a magical Garfield.
"I think the ferret is right. I never thought I'd agree with a ferret, but the situation demands it," Dumbledore admitted with an amused smile.
"This man is certainly a wise magician," Vritra commented, waving one of his little paws in approval.
"I agree with Vritra, a moment of relaxation is always welcome," added Adeline, nodding with a smile.
"Anego, you and I are on the same wavelength," the pseudo-demon smiled at Bruce's twin, with whom he shared a bond that went beyond the simple relationship of animal and owner.
"School starts in several weeks, we have plenty of time for details," Dumbledore reiterated, casting an almost fearful glance at the pile of papers on his desk.
He didn't even want to imagine how much space the Modern Magic files would take up.
"Minerva, please escort our new colleagues and their friends to their quarters," the Headmaster concluded kindly.
"With pleasure. Follow me," she replied, resuming the leadership of the group.
"Hurray! To the beds and the food!" exclaimed Vritra, raising his little paws to the sky.
'Nice to see some things never change,' thought Mash with a small smile.
'The only good thing about having Adeline and Vritra as aunt and uncle is that the girls aren't at risk of becoming workaholics like Bruce,' Levi mused, looking at the bright side of his 'brothers-in-law.'
'Vritra, I'll talk to Levi first, then I'll deal with you,' Bruce transmitted through their mental link.
"You can talk all you want, Aniki. I just want to eat," Vritra replied, hanging up and preparing for the feast.
XXX
After a short walk, the group reached the third-floor corridor, right near the stairs leading down to the first floor. They stopped in front of the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor's office.
Minerva quickly explained how the magical security system worked, handed Bruce the key, and officially invited them to dinner with the rest of the faculty.
Having done this, he nodded and walked away down the corridor.
"Let's go in. Let's see what this place is like," Bruce said. He inserted the old key into the lock and, with a metallic clang, swung the door open.
The office was a medium-sized room, dominated by a large stone fireplace and large windows that let in the twilight.
In the center of the space stood a massive desk and a pair of antique-style chairs.
To the left, a heavy wooden door hid the staircase that led directly to the Defense classroom below.
On the right, however, another opening revealed access to the upper floor: the private area reserved for teachers' accommodation.
"This place sucks," Adeline declared, leaving no room for doubt.
Bruce took the glass bottle with a miniature luxury yacht inside.
"You don't complain about the mud on a pyramid, but does dust on a few old pieces of furniture disgust you?" Bruce asked. He sat on the edge of his desk, set down the bottle, and gazed critically around the room.
"The pyramids are ancient monuments, steeped in mystery and the teachings of those who came before us. This office is simply... ready for demolition," she retorted. As she spoke, one of the gems set in her rings began to glow with an ominous light. Mash leaped forward, gripping the Golden Diva's wrist with an iron grip.
"Adeline, we just got here. I don't think it's in our best interest for you to start one of your wild renovation projects," Mash said, releasing her grip only when the ring stopped pulsing.
"As you wish. But in the meantime, I'll choose furniture, paint, and new curtains from the catalog for my other half," Adeline replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Suddenly, a thin white line, like a chalk line, cut the office in two, running along the floor, walls, and ceiling.
"I'll take the left side," Bruce declared, moving toward the part of the desk that fell into his territory.
"And I'm the right one," Adeline concluded, dragging a chair into her area and then sinking into it with a defiant expression.
"Very mature," Levi commented, leaning against the wall next to the Occult Detective. Mash stood exactly on the border between the two halves, silently agreeing with the ninja's opinion.
"Before you speak..." Bruce began. With a quick flick of his hand, he flung open the office window. In an instant, a female crow darted in. She had ice-blue eyes and a silver beak and legs; she wore some sort of metal armor that reflected the dim light of the room.
"Hello, Carmen Senpai," Vritra murmured, greeting her with a lazy wave of a paw.
The bird landed neatly on Mash's shoulder, exchanging a knowing look with Adeline and Levi.
With another gesture, Bruce snapped the window shut. Then he slammed his cane on the floor: a translucent barrier instantly enveloped the doors, windows, and fireplace, sealing even the walls in an insulating shell.
"Now we can talk in peace," Bruce said, standing up. He let go of the staff, which, instead of falling, remained floating in midair, motionless as a sentry.
Vritra, sensing the impending tension, made a nimble leap and landed on the desk, making himself comfortable to watch the scene.
Without a second warning, Bruce turned to Levi. He grabbed her shoulders with a firm grip, pulled her roughly toward him, and pinned her with the cold, piercing gaze of his good eye.
The kunoichi didn't appear frightened; she almost seemed bored, though there was a subtle pleasure in her eyes. It was rare for the Detective to take the physical initiative.
Bruce's good eye began to glow dimly. Levi felt the familiar shiver down his spine: the unmistakable sign that his man was scanning his very soul.
"What's your name?" Bruce asked, sounding like an inquisitor checking evidence he's already acquired.
"Levi Kazama," she replied. Her expression was neutral, but a small, ghostly smile curled her lips.
"Truth," Bruce declared. Thanks to his Fairy heritage, he could literally see through lies, a gift shared with Adeline and all their offspring.
The Detective began sniffing the Japanese woman with methodical precision, like a bloodhound. He even licked her cheek to verify... something. Then, in an instant, he leaned in and kissed her passionately. Levi immediately returned the kiss, closing his hands on Bruce's waist to erase any distance between their bodies.
Mash blushed visibly, but didn't look away; the thought of joining them crossed her mind, but she knew it wasn't the time for such distractions.
Adeline, on the other hand, observed the scene with the amused detachment of someone watching a successful soap opera.
The two magical animals had unreadable expressions, having seen much more compromising things.
"You're not possessed, you're not a clone, you're not drugged, and you don't hate me," Bruce declared, abruptly breaking the kiss. He loosened his grip on her shoulders and stepped back, avoiding the contact.
The ninja woman let out a small sigh of disappointment: she would have preferred that the interrogation had lasted much longer.
"Why are you acting strange, Levi?" Bruce asked, without resorting to any Sherlock Holmes tricks or turns of phrase.
"It was one thing when you were pregnant, and it was still one thing in the first few weeks after giving birth. But it's been two months, and you're still clingy and possessive. You insist on holding my hand, and you've started calling me 'your man.' Normally, you're detached, poised, and calm," Bruce observed, pointing out every anomaly.
"Did I really do all these things?" Levi asked, almost surprised by her own actions.
"Yes," came the unanimous response from Bruce, Adeline, Mash, and Vritra. Even Carmen the raven nodded on Mash's shoulder.
"There's nothing strange about it. When a woman loves, she behaves like this. You've been doing it for years," Levi retorted, crossing his arms, looking defensive.
The Kunoichi's words made the Detective's eyes widen, and he needed to sit down for a moment.
"I haven't seen him like this since you announced your pregnancy," Vritra commented, stretching out across the desk like a cat.
"We've known each other for sixteen years. We've been through everything and formed all kinds of bonds; a daughter was just the icing on the cake. But in sixteen years, you've never told me you loved me. You've said so many nice things to me, but you've never used that word," Bruce said, deadly serious.
Levi felt the heat rise to her face.
"It just means we've grown even closer. After all, since I was a little girl, I used your house as a refuge between missions for the Mage Association. As an adult, I started living with you and the others, raising all the little girls you had. The love was always there, I just didn't express it openly." Levi explained, blushing.
"As a wise man once said: All women are naturally crazy. Some show it immediately, others when they fall in love, get married, or give birth. You clearly belong to the latter category," Bruce said. He ran a hand through his hair, briefly revealing the red crystal eye in his left socket.
"I'm not crazy. Not by ninja standards," Levi replied, confident she was the sanest member of the family.
"If you're in love with me, you're crazy. If you continue to be crazy knowing my problems, you're even more crazy. If you had a child with me and you're staying here, you're at the height of insanity," Bruce concluded, more critical of himself than of her.
"We get it: we're a big, messed-up family of lunatics and sexual deviants. Now can we call it a day and go eat?" Vritra barked.
"For once, Vritra says something intelligent," Levi agreed.
"I don't agree with the deviant part, but I do agree with the family part," Mash added, nodding.
Bruce pulled out two chocolate bars: he tossed one to Vritra and unwrapped the second for himself.
"Congratulations, brother. It took you sixteen years, but you've completed the journey with Levi Kazama. You've conquered all the Trinity Seven and made them pregnant," Adeline taunted with a mischievous smile.
"Let's go see the second floor," Bruce cut him short, standing up while munching on his chocolate.
XXX
The accommodation above the office was definitely more comfortable than the one downstairs.
A small private sitting room with velvet armchairs welcomed guests, leading to a sleeping area dominated by a four-poster bed and a circular window with panoramic views of the Forbidden Forest.
"We only have one bed, it'll be cramped," Adeline commented with a seductive smile, sitting down on the single mattress.
"We'll all sleep aboard the Solstice. Everyone will have their own suite," Bruce cut him short. He preferred everyone to have their own space, especially to keep Adeline at a safe distance.
"What if we don't want a suite all to ourselves?" Levi asked with a mischievous smile. The previous conversation had made her decidedly more brazen.
"My door will be open if you have any needs or if you can't sleep," Bruce replied, accustomed to nightly visits from his witches or Mash.
"Couldn't we do something different than usual?" Mash suggested, seeming inclined to share a room.
"Brother, you won't have peaceful nights at this school. But if you need a change of clothes or security, I'm always here," added Adeline, ready to offer her services for any need.
"I'm sure Mash would appreciate it," Levi added, siding with the Golden Diva.
Mash instantly blushed, turning as scarlet as a chili pepper.
"I don't understand why you're embarrassed. "We've had numerous sexual encounters, including with Adeline, often simultaneously or with multiple people. This is nothing new," Bruce observed, regarding her with clinical detachment.
Mash's face went up in flames and her hair, in a play of light, seemed to return to its original pink.
"It's part of her charm. She's like Mira and Lilith: pure women who are embarrassed to talk about how they're being corrupted by you... or us." Levi explained, with a mischievous smile.
"It's a shame I'm not invited to every birthday orgy," Adeline complained, pouting.
"Some things stay in the family," Levi retorted, breaking his alliance with the blonde.
"I am the biological aunt of all the Black Cabal children," Adeline reiterated, asserting her status.
"Family is those who live under the same roof, not extended relatives," Bruce clarified, getting to the heart of the matter.
Adeline sighed, her gaze suddenly melancholy.
"You're right. Sharing is nice, but it's better when everyone is in their own home with their companions." The Golden Diva admitted.
"I love you, but I'd love you more easily if you'd stop being such a stupid succubus all the time," Bruce commented, knowing full well who his sister was thinking.
"I am me, you are you. Let's not change. By the way, you won't see me much at Hogwarts on 'weekends,'" added Adeline, undoubtedly wanting to make up for lost time during the weekdays.
"We'll see what to do with this room later. Now let's go get the Solstice out of the bottle," Bruce ordered, exiting the quarters.
"I was right to wear my bathing suit under my clothes," Adeline exclaimed, chasing after him.
Levi turned to Mash.
"The two of us have chosen to join a family that is nothing short of unique," said the Japanese woman, aware that they are not in a normal relationship.
"Believe me, I know. I'm the one who has to keep him grounded," Mash replied. Her role as bodyguard afforded her extra time with Senpai, for better or worse.
Because the time at home and the time away from home is very different, because the Occult Detective changes his attitude a lot.
On the outside he's a bloodhound always looking for someone or something, on the inside he's more like an eccentric puppy.
"But we wouldn't change it for the world," Levi concluded, knowing she was in love with an eccentric cross between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty.
"There's a reason I dressed up as Harley Quinn for 'Halloween' last year. And it wasn't just to get 'Senpai's' attention," Mash admitted with a small smile.
The two women sprinted, chasing the mad twins outside.
XXX
The half-giant had just put the frozen fish away in his shed.
He was supposed to leave for his secret assignment the next day, but it was still afternoon; so he decided to take a short walk along the lakeside before preparing dinner. It was then that he caught sight of the new staff members.
"Hello! How was your conversation with Dumbledore?" Hagrid asked in a friendly tone.
"All is well. Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster seem like nice people," replied Mash, welcoming the giant's unexpected arrival with a smile.
"A little modest for my taste, but I think we'll get along," Adeline added. She definitely preferred the company of younger, more unprejudiced people.
"Glad to hear that. But what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be unpacking? It's a long way from Boston to Hogwarts," Hagrid observed, trying to make some conversation to ease the anxiety of leaving.
"There are four of us, with two animals and only one room. You do the math," Levi replied curtly, laying out the logistical problem.
"Oh, that's easily remedied! Hogwarts has plenty of rooms to spare," offered Hagrid, eager to be of assistance.
"There's no need. Aniki already has the solution," Vritra intervened, turning to the half-giant.
"He can talk?! Wonderful!" said Hagrid, his face lighting up like a child with a new toy.
Mash motioned for him to be quiet.
"Senpai is preparing some complex magic. Wait a few minutes, then you can ask him all the questions you want," Mash explained with subtle but firm authority.
The Occult Detective clutched in his hands the glass bottle that held the small luxury yacht.
First he removed the cap, then began to recite a formula in a low voice in an arcane and incomprehensible language.
He continued for a full minute, until he let out a deep sigh and blew into the bottle. In an instant, the container filled with thick, colorful smoke.
Bruce pointed the bottle toward the center of the lake and tightened his grip, crushing it between his fingers like an eggshell.
The glass turned to fine dust and the smoke came out violently, expanding on the surface of the water in an enormous chromatic cloud.
When the fog cleared, a white and gold megayacht floated in its place. It was a vessel of extreme luxury, 123 meters long and weighing 7,000 tons, its exterior shape reminiscent of the imposing Al Lusail.
"Hagrid, meet Solstice. One of Senpai's most expensive toys," announced Mash.
"I had to travel to the ends of the earth. I descended to the bottom of the ocean, faced sea monsters, and kissed a mermaid princess. I lived in a cave for two weeks, eating nothing but seaweed, to ingratiate myself with a deep-sea shaman who was essentially a 'milf' octopus woman. But in the end, I learned the ancient magic of the water," the High Sorcerer said, shaking off the remnants of glass dust.
"That's the most impressive thing I've ever seen," muttered Hagrid, overwhelmed by the sight, both in terms of magic and of the vessel.
"Since you're here, why don't you come aboard and have lunch with us? You could tell us a little about Hogwarts and its students," Bruce suggested, taking the opportunity to gather useful information.
"If you insist, it would be rude to refuse the invitation... Captain!" replied Hagrid, grinning from ear to ear.
The half-giant spent a memorable afternoon, telling them everything he knew about the castle and the adventures of the Golden Trio of Gryffindor, unaware that that lunch was only the beginning of a very special year.
Continues...
XXX
Author's Note:
Speaking of boats, I got one of my favorite Waifus in the last few days, Navia from Genshin Impact.
Ps. The Al Lusail is a real yacht.