Gundam Wing Fan Fiction / Fan Fiction ❯ Peace, Love, and Family: The Story of the Vanuli Three ❯ The Date ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I do not own any things Harry Potter-the characters, setting, plot, everything belongs to the wonderful J. K. Rowling and whomever else she decides. I do not own anything Gundam Wing-the characters, setting, plot, everything belongs to (I think) Bandai and Sunrise.

Spoilers: This fic contains spoilers for books 1-5 of Harry Potter and all of the episodes of Gundam Wing. This fic does not include Endless Waltz.

Rating: NC17

Pairings: Neville/Harry, 2x1

Summary: Two years ago, the One Year War ended. At this time, the five heroes-the Gundam pilots-disappeared from the Muggle world. Three of them-pilots 02, 03, and 05-reappeared shortly after in the Wizarding world, as students at Hogwarts School of Witchraft and Wizardry. Now, twenty months after the fact, Heero Yuy and Quatre Winner are coming to Hogwarts, and they're bringing all of their secrets with them. The world-especially one Harry Potter-will never be the same.

Peace, Love, and Family:

The Story of the Vanuli Three

Chapter 8: The Date

It was Saturday. A short thirty minutes before Harry was supposed to meet Neville for their date. He was getting ready in the Prefect's bathroom. Ron had told him the password-and had proceeded to follow Harry in. The entire time Harry was getting ready, Ron kept telling him he could back out of the date any time he wanted. And that if Neville tried to get Harry to do anything he didn't want to do, all Harry had to do was tell Ron. He would take care of it. Normally, Harry would've been close to snapping at Ron. Today, though, he was too nervous to even listen to his friend with more than half an ear. Harry couldn't even begin to get mad at him.

Somebody vomited in the hall last night. Harry saw it this morning before breakfast. It was cleaned up by the time breakfast was over. Harry's stomach felt like he imagined that guy's did. He had only gone on one date in his entire life, with his longtime crush, Cho Chang. It was an undeniable disaster. Harry hoped his date with Neville was better than that one.

And maybe it would be if Ron would just butt out! After Ron said one entirely untrue, insulting thing about Neville involving Canary Creams and dung beetles, Harry turned to his best friend. "Ron," Harry said, slowly, calmly, "you know I love you, right?" Ron nodded. "Okay. And since you've known me for over six years, I think, by now, you know that I can take care of myself. And if I can't, I promise to come to you. Now, tell me if I look okay. Is my hair too messy?"

Ron sighed but did as Harry asked. He looked Harry up and down. He had him turn in a circle. Finally, he gave Harry the okay. "You look great, mate," Ron said. Harry got the feeling that Ron wasn't too happy about that. And, of course, he had to add, "If Neville doesn't want you, there's always this certain brother of mine who'd love to date you."

This time, Harry just laughed as he walked out the door. He walked to the Gryffindor Common Room, butterflies coming to next in his stomach. He tried to dispel his nerves by telling himself that it was only Neville. The guy he'd been friends with almost as long as Ron. The guy whose Remembrall he had rescued in first year. The guy who always messed up his potions, shared Harry's birthday, and followed him (along with several others) to the Department of Mysteries. The guy with whom he spent most of yesterday in a major snogging session.

That last was what had Harry really worried. What if they didn't like each other for the non-physical stuff? What if they weren't compatible, emotionally? Could their friendship survive a failed relationship? With Cho, Harry really didn't have to worry about that. They weren't really good friends to begin with, and by the time it ended, Harry had other stuff to deal with.

But Harry really didn't have time to be nervous anymore. Neville was in sight, and Harry didn't want to look worried, didn't want Neville to think he wasn't happy. He tried to put a smile on his face. It got there, but Harry was sure a couple of butterflies escaped while it was getting.

Neville was standing next to Dean and Seamus. Apparently, they helped him get ready-Harry really couldn't see a difference in his appearance. Neville was wringing his hands and looking around. Harry looked at his watch. He was late again. Harry didn't even know why he wore his watch. He never used it until he was late. Knowing he was late, Harry gave himself one last check. He felt fine, so he took a deep breath and walked over to Neville.

"Hi," Harry said when he was standing next to Neville. He was proud of himself-his voice was much more steady and calm than he felt. "Sorry I'm late." He gave Neville a weak smile.

"It's all right," Neville said, returning Harry's smile. There was sweat on his upper lip. Neville reached for Harry's hand. It was sweaty when Harry took it. It eased Harry's nerves slightly, that Neville was flustered, too. "You ready?"

Harry definitely was ready. He thought, maybe, if they got out from under the watchful eyes of their friends, he and Neville would be fine. The nervousness would dissipate. After all, they were perfectly okay with each other yesterday. Of course, yesterday, they weren't exactly on a date.

They went to the Entrance Hall to sign out. Since they were seventh years-and legal adults in the Wizarding world-they were allowed to leave without Filch, as long as they were in groups of two or more. As Harry signed out, he felt eyes on him. Eyes of the creepy sort. Harry looked up, and the feeling was explained. Malfoy was standing behind him, peering down at the parchment.

"You leaving with your boyfriend, Potter?" Malfoy sneered. He turned his beady eyes on Harry.

Harry smiled at him-a big, shit-eating grin, known to thoroughly piss off Malfoy-as his hand crept back into Neville's. "Maybe," he said. "Why? You jealous? Want me all to yourself, do you, Malfoy?" Harry turned away, knowing it would get Malfoy all riled up. After six years of rivalry, Harry knew all of Malfoy's buttons.

The Wizarding world was much more accepting of gay and lesbian relationship than the Muggle world was. Harry guessed that, with giants and centaurs and humans and all other types of creatures intermarrying, a guy with a guy really didn't look too bad.

"Well, Potter," Malfoy spat. Literally. Harry wiped the spittle from his cheek. "Just know that I'll be watching you and your little-I mean big-friend. One would think the Boy-Who-Lived could do better than a fat clutz."

Harry barely restrained himself from pounding Malfoy's head on the floor. That was exactly the type of reaction Malfoy wanted. Instead, Harry took a deep breath. He clawed Neville's hand the entire time, but Malfoy couldn't see that. If Malfoy couldn't see it, it didn't happen.

"Malfoy, how could I do better?" Harry asked sweetly, innocently. "You, maybe? One of your entourage? Your "friends" that aren't even here to back up their esteemed leader? Are any of them really better than Neville? After all, you're the best of your group, right? It's not like Crabbe or Goyle or any of the rest are going to be anyone in the brains department, not even you. Well, as I told Neville in first year, he's worth twelve of you. And I dare say he's only gotten more valuable as the years went by, whereas you... Well, I won't get into that right now. I don't have the time to list all your faults-I have a date."

Harry grabbed Neville and shoved past Malfoy before he could say anything back. They got outside, and Harry started laughing. He skipped beside Neville. It was always so much fun insulting Malfoy

"That was great," Harry said. Temporarily, the all-encompassing nervousness went away. He felt light and free, like a bird just let out of its cage.

His gut promptly crash-landed when Neville tugged on his hand. For a minute there, Harry had forgotten that they were on a date-it was like before, when they were just friends, before Harry's crush developed. He was sharply reminded that he and Neville were more than friends, maybe much more, when he looked at their intertwined hands. Friends did not hold hands. The butterflies came back with a vengeance.

"So, uh, where do you want to go?" Neville asked. Harry was relieved to hear the hesitant tone of Neville's voice. It was oddly comforting to know that he was nervous, too.

Harry didn't know how to answer the question. He didn't know what wizards did on dates. He knew what Muggles usually did-dinner and a movie. Harry supposed they could eat. Wizards didn't have movies, though. At least, Harry didn't know about Wizard films.

"Three Broomsticks?" Harry finally suggested. He didn't really want to go there-that's where everyone would be. He didn't want a lot of people staring at them on their first date. But there was no way he was stepping foot in Madam Puddifoot's. It was an acceptable date spot. Much better than The Hog's Head, anyway. You never knew who was in there.

Neville scrunched up his face. "Well, okay," he said, "but where do you want to go after? I think Madam White's would be a good place."

"What does she sell?" Harry said. There was no Madam White's in Hogsmeade, not that he'd heard of. "Why don't I know about her place?"

"Well," Neville said, talking with his hands. He must be really excited about whatever Madam White did. Harry hoped it didn't involve plants-Neville loved them, but Harry was miserable at Herbology. "The reason you haven't heard of Madam White's is that it just came to Hogsmeade this summer. There was this huge uproar from parents. They were actually complaining about her product. Gran was one of them. She said it would, and I quote, "distort you children's minds"."

Harry was interested. He, like every other red-blooded teenager, liked to rebel from parents. But his parents were dead, as was his godfather. Harry pushed the unhappy thoughts out of his mind before they had a chance to take root. Nevertheless, Harry wanted to know what this Madam White sold. He asked Neville.

"Complecti Sigilla," Neville said.

No more explanation seemed to be forthcoming, so Harry decided to ask for one. "What's Complecti Sigilla?" he said, proud that-after six years-he said the Latin words perfectly the first time he tried.

Neville scrunched up his eyebrows in the cutest way. "You don't know what Complecti Sigilla is?" he asked. Harry shook his head. "I'm not really sure how to explain it. I've never had to before."

Harry smiled. Neville was just so cute when he was at a loss for words. Or any other time. "It's all right," Harry said. He led Neville to a bench in front of the Three Broomsticks. "Take your time. I'm sure you'll tell me exactly what I need to know."

Neville took a deep breath and smiled at Harry. For a second, Harry had to fight the urge to tackle Neville. He looked so kissable when he smiled. Shaggable, really, but neither Harry nor their relationship was ready for that.

"Okay," Neville said after he gathered his thoughts. "What happens is this. A Complecti Sigilla looks kind of like a blue Quaffle. It's slippery, a little slimey. You have to tap the Complecti Sigilla with your wand for it to work and say the name of the title. You have to pick out a title before you can rent it-they're really expensive to make, so you can usually only rent one, not buy it. After you've activated it, everyone in the room with it sort of gets sucked into it. The Complecti Sigilla picks a character for you to be, and you become that person for the entire time you're in it. It's great-you look like the character and everything. When it's over with, you get, well, you get spit out of it. Then it's over."

Harry thought about that a moment. "It's basically the Wizard equivalent of a movie," Harry said. He laughed when he thought about them going on traditional "dinner and a movie" date. "I like it. Let's go." Harry sprinted into the Three Broomsticks, Neville chasing after him.

"What's a movie?" Neville asked when he caught up with him.

"Muggle thing," Harry said. "It's like a picture, only it has a story. Sort of like this Complecti Sigilla, but nowhere near as good."

***

Quatre sighed as Heero ran from the trail. All day, Heero had been hyper and wild-like a little child hopped up on sugar. Quatre thought, maybe, going to Hogsmeade would calm him down, but Heero wasn't cooperating. He was, in fact, doing the opposite of cooperating and going in a direction that certainly did not lead to Hogsmeade. Quatre groaned in frustration as Heero entered the Forbidden Forest.

"You're not supposed to go in there!" Quatre shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth in a mock-megaphone. Heero did not heed the rules and continued to go further and further in. Quatre ran to catch up with his brother. He hated how energetic Heero was in the week before the full moon. Quatre could never keep up with him.

"Oh, no," Quatre said when he saw Heero. He was stripping. They were far into the Forbidden Forest, so there was no worry about anyone seeing Heero in his birthday suit. Vanuli had no compunctions about nudity, anyway. What Quatre objected to was what Heero would do while naked.

"Oh, yes," Heero said, taking off the last of his clothes. The only thing he wore was an anklet made from the remains of his wards. He always wore it, ever since the they were lifted. Heero did a little dance, causing the anklet to jingle prettily. He left his clothes in a pile.

Then, as Quatre dreaded/predicted/did not want, Heero began to climb a tree. Yes, Heero Yuy, former pilot of the Gundam Wing, all-around bad ass terrorist, climbed a tree. Naked. He was quite proficient at it. He should be, as he did it before every full moon. At least it wasn't yet time for the other thing Heero did before every full moon.

Quatre gathered Heero's clothes and sat on the ground to watch what Heero would become this time. It was damp, still wet from the morning dew, even though it was early afternoon. His robe was getting muddy, but Quatre was fine with it. The mud would come out, the robe would get clean.

Heero reached the topmost limb that would hold his weight. He looked down at Quatre and waved at him. "Come on up!" Heero offered as he did every month.

"No, thank you!" Quatre yelled back, as he did every month. He was no good at Transfigurations, especially on himself. He preferred to not be turned into some freaky looking something or other. Give him a potion any day of the week. But it was still fascinating-however nerve-wracking-to see what beautiful creature Heero would become.

Quatre didn't have long to wait. He never did; Heero was always quick to change. Heero took a deep breath and jumped. Then there was nothing-it was like he disappeared. Quatre quickly rose to his feet, looking for his brother. It was difficult because he wasn't sure what creature Heero became.

A butterfly flitted in front of his eyes. One with quite distinctive colorings, including a jagged stripe of dark blue running over both wings. A silver ring went around the bottom of the left wing. Heero. He would be the only asymmetric butterfly in existence.

Quatre reached out to grab Heero, but he flew away. Quatre chased after him. He loved it when they played like this. That was one of the reasons he didn't fly with Heero; the other, of course, was that he wasn't good at Transfigurations. He liked being able to run around and chase butterflies (or birds or beetles or amphisbaena) like he should have done as a child.

Quatre dropped Heero's clothes by a stream. He put Heero's wand in his pocket, with his own wand. He would remember about where the clothes were and be able to find them later. If he couldn't, it really wasn't a big deal-either Heero could fly back to Hogwarts as a butterfly or he could turn back into human form and wear Quatre's robe. Quatre was wearing clothes underneath, so neither of them would offend their classmates' delicate sensibilities.

Heero flew away as Quatre was memorizing the terrain.

"Hey, no fair!" Quatre shouted and took off after him.

They ran and flew, flew and ran, for hours. They got deeper and deeper into the forest and farther and farther from safety. It was dark where they were-the trees blocked out most o the sun. Quatre stopped and told Heero to become human again.

"What's wrong?" Heero asked when he could speak. He looked around, trying to sense danger.

"I think we should go back," Quatre said. It was too quiet in this part of the forest. It was creepy, and Quatre didn't like it. "We've come in too deep. We need to go back."

"Okay," Heero agreed. He slipped, his hand in Quatre's. Quatre wasn't exactly sure how to get back, but he knew he'd figure it out. First, though, he made Heero put on his robe and gave Heero his wand back. Vanuli didn't need wands to do magic, but it certainly gave them the advantage against species who did need to use wands.

It was a good thing he did because, as soon as the wand touched Heero's hand, centaurs surrounded them. There was an entire tribe-at least fourty. They were to the front of Quatre and Heero, to the left of them, the front, the back. Quatre let go of Heero's hand. They had a better chance of survival if their hands were unencumbered. The centaurs advanced, and Quatre steeled himself to start throwing hexes. Quatre looked to Heero, to make sure he was all right, but he appeared unconcerned about the new happenings.

"Dona Maya," Heero said, calmly and with self-assurance.

Quatre didn't know what he was doing, but he decided to follow Heero's lead. He stood up straight and echoed Heero. "Dona Maya."

The centaurs stopped, confused. Several young centaurs whispered to an older one. Quatre decided he was the leader and would treat him as such until told otherwise. In other words, as soon as Heero was threatened, that one was going to die.

The white-haired centaur turned to Heero and Quatre, and the others backed off. "Dona Maya," he said with a smile on his face. "We welcome you who have wished upon my family a long life and much happiness. Come to our village, and we shall break bread."

Quatre looked to Heero. Neither of them knew much of the centaurs, but Heero knew the most about politeness in the non-human world. Heero nodded, so they went.

Selune