Gohan Son and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 1: Home Sweet Home

The now famous wizard Gohan Son sighed, relaxed and composed in the top of a tree ½ mile from his house. He sat cross-legged balanced on a tree limb, which neither moved nor bent under his weight.

A book in one hand and a quill bitten down in his teeth, a piece of parchment acting as a book mark incase the wind blew his page away, Gohan looked like a typical student. Gohan peered into the pages amusingly, twirling his wand in-between his fingers with ease as he did so. Doing homework over the summer wasn't something he had wanted, but it beat trumping Piccolo and Vegeta in unfair fights over and over and over again. He still had two days before school started anyways, and this was the last of his school work he had to finish.

Ever since the whole 'Cell returning with magic and bent on destroying Gohan and the world' episode down in the Chamber of Secrets, Vegeta and Piccolo insisted that Gohan train every day with multiple opponents. They wouldn't risk Gohan falling into a rut, and had his mother tell him he was never allowed to hold back. Unfortunately this clashed with the other aspects of his life, like work and play. Even Chi-Chi agreed that education wasn't important when your brain no longer works.

His mother, Gohan smiled; now that had been an interesting conversation. He was, of course, thinking of when he returned from Hogwarts and they were back at their house… where no one else could see or hear them. It wasn't that she yelled at him about Cell; quite the opposite actually. She nearly broke down in hysterics to find her 'eldest baby' almost died again.

After the heart-to-heart, though, did Chi-Chi actually show her 'true feelings'; apparently, although she had been told Gohan would tell everyone about their life (she was okay with it) she didn't realize exactly what that meant. And that means she didn't know this would be talked about everywhere for months, and after that it would still be brought up a lot.

She also didn't realize so many witches and wizards lived in West City, and that so many were on vacation there too; this meant whenever they went outside people would either gawk, gasp, gap, every other G word used to describe it. Some people would randomly come up to them say how excited they were to see, let alone meet, the boy who killed Cell. Others backed away in fear, although this only happened like every dozen times.

And Capsule Corp. was not an option to get away from the madness either; somehow the Ministry figured out that was the 'hotspot' for the Z Fighters, and in turn the Daily Prophet just had to publish that knowledge also. It was only bad the first two weeks though, and only because the press continuously hounded them. Those who were employed at Capsule Corp. were always told weird things would happen there, and they always expected it.

That being said, the workers there didn't freak out or question the fact that people in funny looking outfits and cloaks walked through the building every other day. It was especially funny when they asked for Vegeta the seventh time; he came down, and when they asked for a quote he replied "You have five seconds to leave" darkly to the reporters. To further emphasis the point he took the camera one of them was holding, held it in one hand, and then released a sphere of energy into his hand. This resulted in the camera disintegrating instantly, the reporters freaking out, and Bulma running over to the frantically saying she would pay for the damages.

As a sign of good faith, and permission from Chi-Chi and Gohan (she didn't ask Vegeta), she gave the reporters an exclusive about some of the exploits of Goku and Gohan (since she was around Gohan during the 'Frieza' incident). A brief overview of what they did for the world so they wouldn't be considered monsters.

But, everyone agreed to not mention the Dragonballs; if Voldemort (Piccolo stated he wasn't dead or alive) or someone discovered the secret to real immortality, that would be a bad thing. As far as the public knew, the one hanging around Gohan's neck was just a memento his father gave him.

This was but a taste of the treatment given to Gohan and his friends/ family over the course of the summer. Magic dominated his entire time home, whether as homework or dodging questions from witches and wizards. That is how it came to be known as the 'Summer of Magic' by Krillin jokingly. Fro that moment, unfortunately, it was how everyone referred to it as well.

Most of the time, if it got too hassling at home, his mom would let Gohan spend the day at the Lookout to get away. But he either had to do homework or train while there; she didn't want her son wasting time. So, instead of what he would have done a year ago and train, Gohan decided homework would be a suitable alternative. Especially since the modifications made by Piccolo and Dende, the Lookout had become a favorite place of the Z-Fighters. Because of the threat of Cell, it had been highlighted with new defenses and systems of protection both by Dende's hands and Dumbledore's.

The first week of summer break Dumbledore requested going up to the Lookout and performing a variety of charms and spells to keep Cell away. Piccolo and Dende agreed, and without hesitation completed them by nighttime the next day. They didn't tell Gohan at the time, as he wasn't to be tempted being hurt in the complications of their working. The next week Dumbledore requested access to the Son home to do the same thing, Piccolo following his lead. This time they had Vegeta train Gohan alone on the Lookout.

"I should have known," Gohan muttered. "No way Piccolo would have left me alone with Vegeta. That, and of course Vegeta had to be less aggressive when he fought."

But, Gohan shook his head and left the musings of what has happened; he wanted to get this particular assignment done with so he could finish up Harry's birthday gift.

He looked down at his A History of Magic book, focusing on the assignment given to him by Professor Binns. He read the passage on the page, took the quill out of his mouth and wrote notes on the Middle Ages onto parchment. Did anyone else still have to do this? Hermione probably didn't, knowing her need to learn. Harry would've found it difficult to, but he'd find a way somehow. And Ron… well, Ron would know he had to do it.

"On the rare occasion they did catch a real witch or wizard," Gohan muttered, reading aloud, "burning had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wizard would perform a basic Flame Freezing Charm, and then pretend to shriek with pain while enjoying a gentle, tickling sensation."

Gohan looked up, thinking about the statement.

"So, real witches and wizards never got hurt from the persecutions," Gohan murmured, taking this down in his notes for his essay. He grinned sadly. "And the muggles (it took time, but he grew used to the term) hurt their own kind in vain too. Now that's irony."

He grabbed an ink bottle and dipped his quill in; normally he'd use a pen, but he figured he might as well get used to this since he'd be back in a few weeks. The only problem with the Wizard World was that they didn't develop technologically quickly… obviously, Gohan needed to adjust to this. Bulma was insulted that he wouldn't use anything from her to help, but he explained it wasn't her, just the lifestyle. Sometimes he wondered—

"AAAHHH!" Chi-Chi screamed, her voice piercing the forest. Gohan made a motion to fly over, but then heard something crashing and squawking hysterically. "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE, PUFF BALL!"

Several more crashing sounds were heard; his mother was throwing the silverware. He could hear Goten laughing childishly, his mother telling him to stay away. Gohan smiled.

"GOHAN!" He heard his mom shriek. "GET THIS OWL OUT OF MY KITCHEN! IT'S SLAMMING INTO EVERYTHING!"

At the word 'owl', Gohan's laughter died and his face turned to surprise, then glee. Someone had finally written back to him! Because Gohan lived just a little too far away for owls to fly across, they usually never showed up. Gohan didn't want his friends' pets over-worked, so he told them to not try. Apparently though, someone thought differently.

Immediately, he grabbed his book and quill, and gathered all his stuff together. He jumped from the tree branch and instantly phased to his front door. Gohan ran in only to find his mom with a broom chasing what appeared to be Hedwig, Harry's snowy white owl shrieked as it swerved around the bristles. Goten sat on the ground, rolling cheerfully at the sight of the beautiful bird and his mother's behavior.

"Mom!" Gohan shouted, getting between her and the bird. "Mom, mom STOP! It's alright, I know Hedwig!"

Gohan, after his mom stopped clawing for the feathered creature, hesitantly and slowly removed the broom from her clutches. Hedwig shot Gohan a thankful look, and landed on his shoulder. Even though she was an animal, the owl did look tired and exhausted.

"I told you that wizards communicate with each other using owls, mom—"

"And you also told me that we were too far away for anyone to use them!" Chi-Chi exclaimed, flustered at both her son and the owl. She went to pick up a clapping Goten.

"I guess…" Gohan smiled. "I guess that one of my friends just wanted to try it anyway."

Chi-Chi looked at the owl, then to her eldest, and sighed agitatedly.

"Why is it that that always gets to me?" She smiled back at Gohan. "I can see you also have your father's gift of 'animal magnetism' as well."

"Hey there, girl." Gohan soothed, stroking the owl's fair feathers. "You miss me?"

Hedwig hooted softly, and nibbled Gohan's ear lobe affectionately. Then, the owl extended her leg and revealed three letters strapped to it. Gohan untied them and fanned them out, looking at them separately.

"Who're they from?" Chi-Chi asked, picking up the utensils on the floor and organizing her kitchen.

"Well," Gohan replied, looking at the addresses, "the owl is my friend Harry's, and there are letters from him, Hermione and Ron. I don't know why they did this, but hey I'm not going to complain about it."

"Isn't Harry the one that those wizard reporters are comparing you to?" Chi-Chi wondered. "The magic you, I think they said. The Boy Who Lived, right?"

Gohan nodded, "Yeah. The Ministry's trying to put me on the same pedicel they got Harry on." He frowned, "They even came up with a nickname for me."

"That's right," Chi-Chi grinned, "The Boy Who Fought."

Gohan groaned. "They couldn't have come up with something remotely original. There were so many good ones! The Z Wizard, the Saiyan Mage, even Cell Slayer would have been decent enough. But I got stuck with," he made a face, "The Boy Who Fought."

Chi-Chi laughed. "Well you have fun 'Cell Slayer,' I'm going over to Bulma's so Goten and Trunks can have their play date."

"Want me to take you guys over there?" Gohan offered, flashing his mom a grin.

Chi-Chi smiled warmly. "That's sweet honey, but I don't mind driving over there. Besides," she glanced at the letters in Gohan's hand, "I think you have better things you'd want to do."

She went and picked up Goten, who gurgled happily to his older brother, and got her bag. As she opened the door she turned to her son one final time.

"Are you going to be alright while I'm gone?" She asked worriedly.

"With all the things Piccolo and Dumbledore did to this house, I'd be surprised if I wouldn't be," Gohan said dully. It was obvious that he missed his friends, and he made it no secret he found being cooped up at home irritating.

Her eyes softened on him, "I'm just… We're just worried—"

"I know," Gohan cut in, smiling at her. "And I appreciate that. But seriously, I'm fine. Go and say hi to Bulma for me. Get Goten over there before Vegeta starts taking his frustration with me out on Trunks."

Chi-Chi rolled her eyes humorously, told her son "I love you" and left the house, waving from the car as she drove away.

Gohan looked at the slowly out-of-sight moving vehicle and sighed; this whole 'Gohan needs protecting' thing was getting annoying really quickly.

Gohan looked at the counter of the kitchen and spotted his Hogwarts letter lying underneath his Hogsmeade Permission form. He'd gotten his mother to sign the permission slip rather easily, probably as a treat for not complaining about being cooped up without his friends.

Gohan walked into the living room and spotted the Daily Prophet delivered to him a couple days ago lying on a coffee table. After the whole reporters thing Gohan set up an account with the Daily Prophet so he could know some magical culture happening in the world. That, and the fact he wanted to see what it wrote about him though, but that was a definite second. The first few editions talked a lot about him, even setting up a poll to see who was freaked out about the whole thing and who wasn't (though no in those words).

In one of his later ones he read though, Gohan had a real big laugh. Apparently Ron's dad won a prize draw from the Daily Prophet and won seven hundred galleons. They were going to use the money to see Bill, another of Ron's countless siblings, in Egypt. Gohan would have joined them (it wouldn't be hard to find them) had Chi-Chi and Piccolo forbidden it. He didn't have the article now though; as a motivation for training Vegeta threw an energy blast at it.

Gohan smirked; he liked to think he got Vegeta back for that little 'incentive;' Gohan really did come through when Vegeta told him earlier "Don't hold back".

He hadn't been able to read this more recent one yet though, on account of the training and homework. Now that he was done though…

He pried his eyes from the newspaper to the letters sent from his friends; as much as he wanted to read the paper, the fact his friends had written to him touched him a lot. Deciding which to read first was torture—

Hedwig hooted loudly, tapping the kitchen table impatiently with her claw. Obviously she was hoping to go back to Harry soon.

"I know, I know," Gohan assured the bird. "Look, you're probably exhausted;, thanks for traveling so far to give these to me." The owl bobbed its head. "How about you go hang out in the forest for an hour or two to get your strength back? I'll send you back to Harry myself, so you won't have to travel across the whole way."

The owl paused, and then immediately flew out the open window and into the jungle. Gohan ran to catch Hedwig before she got out of sight.

"I'll call you back when I'm ready!" he shouted, sure that the bird heard him.

He went back into the kitchen, and picked up the paper lying on the table. Now that he could spare a couple of hours, he might as well do a quick peruse for news about himself or the other Z Fighters.

He laid the letters from his friends next to him, and ripped the string around the newspaper off.

As he opened it to the front page, he raised his eyebrows in astonish; he wasn't mentioned on the front page at all. It wasn't out of vanity or outrage he was surprised, it was just that news was pretty dull in the Magic World except for his 'appearance'.

The picture on the front was of a man (likely a wizard), though simply describing him as such was not enough. He had mess jet black hair like Gohan, but it was extremely long, hanging down to his neck and shoulders (in some places). He wore baggy clothes, ripped and ragged as though they were there for years. His eyes were the only part of him with any real emotion, his face and skin deathly pale and gaunt. And right to the side was the title BLACK STILL AT LARGE.

Gohan stopped his search for himself, strangely drawn to the article. Black… what'd this guy do? Gohan began reading the editorial, interested in this wizard that 'stole the spotlight' from Gohan.

Apparently 'Sirius Black' was a fugitive from that prison Hagrid was sent to, Azkaban. He was supposedly the worst prisoner to be held there, and managed to escape from the 'fortress' island prison. This was a big deal since he is the first ever to do it, and no one even thought it was a possibility. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic guy he saw in Hagrid's hut, apparently told the English Prime Minister about it to warn muggles. Black killed slightly more than a dozen people with one curse twelve years ago, causing a massacre that has had the whole magical community frightened of since.

"Huh." Gohan muttered, staring at the haunted face of Sirius Black. "This guy killed thirteen people with one curse… he sounds powerful. And he broke out of an impenetrable prison to boot."

Gohan wondered if he should get involved, try helping the Ministry locate this guy. But he remembered he was trying to stay out of the public eye, not in it. Besides, he wouldn't be much help; he didn't know the wizard's ki or anything. And he just because he could help, doesn't mean he should; Gohan was sure he'd have to stop himself from trying to solve everyone's problems in the Wizarding World. He looked at the next few pages, and after a couple more pieces on Black he found something about himself.

Gohan tossed the paper to the side and picked up the first letter. It looked a little more worn than the other two, crumpled in some places. Gohan opened the envelope and unfolded the parchment in it.

This first one was from Ron. As he unfolded the letter a cut up piece of newspaper fell out. Gohan grinned happily, seeing as Ron sent him a copy of the description of his dad's winnings. Now, tearing his eyes from the picture of the Weasley family, he looked to his letter. It read:

Dear Gohan,

How are you?

Sorry about not writing any sooner, but my mum and I argued about whether sending Errol across country(s) to talk. So when Harry wrote to me (I'll tell you about it later) and offered pooling his letter and Hermione's with mine, problem solved. I hope Hedwig was alright with it though, wouldn't want her trying to claw out your eyes when she arrived.

Have you seen the Daily Prophet lately? Harry hasn't subscribed to them yet and he's almost in the same boat as you. They mentioned you or your dad's friends every other page for something or another. D'you see what they call you? Sorry 'bout that, mate.

Anyway, me and my family are in Egypt, can you believe it? Our dad won the Draw made by the Daily Prophet, and won 700 galleons! Bill's given us tours of the tombs of those Egyptians, who were actually very protective of their stuff. You wouldn't believe the curses and traps these Egyptian wizards set on this stuff. Skeletons were lying everywhere, probably muggles who tried breaking in (but if you were there, there probably wouldn't be any skeletons, eh?). Most of our winnings are for the trip, but I'm supposed to get a new wand before school starts.

Gohan looked up from the letter, biting his tongue to keep from laughing hysterically. Ron's old wand was a weapon of mass destruction the last time Gohan saw it. When the wand snapped the car ride to school, it set into motion the welfare of so many. And yet… the fact it Obliviated all of that idiot Lockhart's memory made Gohan become fond of the stick. Still, Ron replacing it was probably a good decision. Gohan resumed reading:

Well be back about a week before school starts, and we'll be in London to get our books and my new wand. Think your mum'll let you up too, or are you still on 'Cell Watch'? Get that bloke (is he a bloke, or is it just Namekian) Piccolo to vouch for you. Try and come over to London!

Ron

P.S. Percy's Head Boy (lovely), so watch yourself at school.

Gohan smiled, amused at the letter from his red-haired friend. Ron always reminded him a bit of Krillin, never afraid to express himself in front of anyone. That was probably why he thought of Ron as the only one who could amuse him in dark times. Unlike Krillin, however, his red-headed friend had yet to learn patience.

If there was any possibility of meeting him or anyone else, Gohan would immediately act. But it was two days before school started, so the chances of going were pretty slim. Would they even be there if he went?

He put the letter beside him, on top of the newspaper, and reached for the second envelope. Gohan knew right away, as he tore it open, this was from Hermione. The small lettering and feminine style of handwriting couldn't have been anyone else's. Did Hermione know Ron would be back the week before term? Of course that was a rhetorical question, knowing of the closeness between the two friends (could they… no).

Dear Gohan,

I'm very sorry for not writing you sooner, I can only imagine how lonely you must feel. But, if you haven't opened Ron or Harry's letter, we decided on sharing Hedwig to deliver our letters.

I'm in France right now with my parents, and it is absolutely gorgeous! There's a lot of interesting history on local witchcraft here (I know you will be somewhat interested, unlike Harry and Ron); I'm actually thinking of rewriting my History of Magic Essay to include some of the things here. It's a little longer than Professor Binns asked for; I really hope he doesn't mind two extra rolls of parchment.

Is your summer fine? How are you dealing with everything? To be honest, I'm actually anxious when I get news because I want to know what you're up to. Ron is as well and we've even sent Harry clippings of you with our birthday presents. I read in the Daily Prophet that whenever they approached Capsule Corp. they had to deal with that Vegeta character (the Prince right?). I do hope you'll try to persuade him to calm down a bit; that isn't really helping you winning the magical community over.

Gohan snorted; right, he could get Vegeta to calm down. He'd get right on that as soon as Snape started being nice to Harry and Master Roshi became a devout feminist.

How's your training coming along? Vegeta and Piccolo aren't being too rough with you are they? I know that you have to prepare for Cell, but ganging up on you is so… unfair. Not that you couldn't take them, but still.

Ron says he'll be in London a week before the holidays end; I'll be there. Can you make it? Will your mom let you come? I really hope she does; we've already asked Harry, and you should come as well. If I can add, say you need to get your books anyway, you could kill two birds with one stone.

Love from

Hermione

P.S. Ron told me Percy was made Head Boy. Percy must be pleased with himself (though Ron was peculiarly unhappy).

Gohan put this second letter down now, grinning mischievously as he stared at the signature. Hermione actually wanted Gohan to manipulate his mother? France must be helping Hermione adjust a little. Well now that he knew two out of three of his friends were going, Gohan might actually have to take Hermione's advice and play the guilt card.

Then again, the witch did have a point. He hadn't gone to pick up his supplies yet for school, and it was almost too late. He'd definitely be going tomorrow now that he thought about it; Chi-Chi may have cared about Gohan but once he was at Hogwarts he was pretty much guaranteed safety.

Gohan picked up the final letter, and through process of elimination already knew who it was from. This one looked the messiest, probably from having to write it secretly without his relatives knowing. Gohan frowned; the Dursleys had better be treating Harry like he actually was their family, or else he'd have Vegeta have another talk with them. Gohan chuckled; that was quite a meeting, from what he heard. He had Bulma convince the Prince to listen to Gohan, and watch over Harry for a few. Gohan ripped the envelope open and unfolded the parchment. It read:

Dear Gohan;

What's going on? If you haven't opened Hermione or Ron's letters yet (I highly doubt you haven't), we got tired of wondering how you are and sent Hedwig over with our letters. Take your time sending her back, I kind of need her away for a while; the Dursleys said they'd sign my Hogsmeade permission slip if I mixed magic for a while. Then again, Hedwig knows where you live so I wouldn't be surprised if she rushed over and got to you in a week or so (I gave her a Senzu Bean I saved from last year, so that should give her a boost).

While on the subject, I'd like to mention an 'incident' with my relatives. It seems that the Dursleys weren't proud of my 'escapade' with Ron and the twins last summer. Funny thing though; right before my uncle could grab me your friend Vegeta showed up at our house. Apparently, he followed me home and had a 'talk' with them, whether I'd agree to it or not.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he showed up, but what did you think would happen if you set him on my aunt and uncle? Right when my uncle demanded he leave Vegeta tossed a blast thing, at my aunt's vase. And don't even pull that "it wasn't my fault" thing. Vegeta told them that on behalf of a friend, they had to treat me right or else. Then he did that power up thing he did in McGonagall's office, and took off through the roof! But between you and me Gohan, it was hilarious! They called a repairman to fix the roof and got it finished about 9 hours later, while they looked at me like I was intimidating. But anyway, thanks for the concern and help. How'd you even get Vegeta to follow your orders anyway?

Gohan outright laughed; like that would ever happen! Bulma threatened Vegeta with her and Chi-Chi's wrath if he didn't help Harry. Vegeta didn't mind much, as it was only about fifteen minutes out of his way if he hurried. But it seemed unfitting for a Prince to be manipulated by an underling. That's how Vegeta saw it anyway.

Gohan read on:

But how's the whole 'coming out' thing going for you? Ron and Hermione sent some pictures and stuff from the Daily Prophet, and I have to admit it looks like fun over on your end. Did Android 18 (she goes by Eighteen now, right?) literally kick some Skeeter lady off her island for getting too close to her daughter? And Yamcha, THE baseball playing Yamcha, is actually a friend of your and your dads? Why didn't you mention that when you went on about Friezas and Death Zones; I would have understood what that meant!

But anyway, I have to go soon; my Aunt Marge (who isn't really my aunt at all, I'm glad to say) is coming by soon and I have to send off Hedwig since she doesn't know I'm a wizard. Are you going to London like Hermione and Ron are too? If I had it my way I'd go right now, but I can't annoy my uncle if I want to go to Hogsmeade (Vegeta's stunt didn't help me with it either!)

Hope to see you soon!

Harry

Gohan put this final letter down, a look of excitement and delight spreading across his features. So Harry might be going off to London too? That was it; Gohan definitely had to get to England soon.

Wait a minute; Hedwig just arrived today with the letters. So that meant… well, his brain was too tired to really think, but the short answer was he wasn't too late. Two days till school started, and it was still the week before school. If anything he'd probably see Harry; his aunt and uncle wouldn't go out of their way to take him shopping with them.

Gohan got up, and headed out towards the door, his wand in his pocket. He didn't want to simply wait and ask his mom tomorrow, he wasn't like that.

He got out the front door, looking into the azure sky with calm tranquility. He couldn't believe how routine magic seemed to him at this point. One year ago he couldn't tell the difference between a hex and a curse; now he knew almost every spell, charm, hex, and curse imaginable. Gohan basked in the knowledge he learned at Hogwarts, eager to absorb as much magical culture as possible; now if he had to listen to Professor Binn's droning voice one more time he'd turn Super Saiyan 2 and let the adrenaline rush keep him awake.

"I guess I'm just getting tired of this new toy," Gohan sighed.

He looked at his pocket, and reached in to feel the warm contact of his wand, the low energy emitting from it pulsing. Though no matter how old this habitual lifestyle got, he'd never get tired of his wand; that was the exception.

"So," Gohan began, a smile playfully forming, "should I fly over or just Instant Transmission myself there?"

Gohan could have imagined it, but he swore he felt his wand grow warmer in his hand.

"Yeah," Gohan agreed, "that seems a bit rude. Besides, flying over there'll feel a lot better anyway."

Without another thought of hesitation, Gohan took off into the air, halfway into it powering up and skyrocketing to Capsule Corp. in a blast of fiery white. A look of cheerful determination arose into Gohan's teenage features and heart; he knew he was going to Diagon Alley tomorrow. There was no doubt in his mind about it; he'd go whether by agreement, guilt from his mother, getting supplies, he'd even be willing to sneaking there.

But aside from how, Gohan would be in Diagon Alley. He would get his stuff for school. And we definitely would get to see his friends.

Gohan smiled brightly, the world below him passing by as he soared in the heavens, "After all, they were there for me. I'm sure as hell going to be there for them.