Vita Magicis (HP SI-WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 50: Gathering the Party

After saying goodbye to everyone once the Express arrived at King’s Cross, with promises to keep in touch and plenty of excitement for our upcoming trip to the Pokémon world, we all went our separate ways.

I still hadn’t quite figured out how I was going to convince Mrs. Weasley to let Ginny stay over for at least a couple of days, but I’d find a way… somehow. I hoped.

With the sound of the train fading into the background, I called Ilulu over, and she appeared promptly as always.

Once Ilulu teleported us home, I didn’t even get the chance to breathe before being ambushed by the girls waiting inside. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, the evening had spiraled into chaos, the affectionate, exhausting kind. Between the girls who’d stayed behind and the ever-demanding trio of Rin, Sakura, and Illya, sleep wasn’t something I was allowed that night.

By the time I finally woke up, the sun was high in the sky. Midday already. My whole body ached in the kind of way that could only be described as “mission accomplished.”

And wouldn’t you know it, the first thing on the day’s agenda was none other than a shopping trip.

Getting ready for the long day ahead, I asked the girls if they wanted to join me, which, of course, they did. What girl would turn down shopping? Together, we made our way to Diagon Alley.

It had to be a record. Not even a full day back from school, and I was already being dragged back to the Alley.

‘Well, at least it’s for a good reason this time,’ I thought as the girls pulled me along, glints of excitement in their eyes.

=====

That Evening

It had taken quite a while, not helped by Rin and Illya wanting to buy everything in sight, before we were finally done with our shopping in the Alley, having bought enough tents for everyone and just about anything that might prove useful.

Unfortunately for me, after getting everything from camping materials to potion ingredients, our trip continued into Muggle London, where we shopped for everything else. Food, clothes, snacks, games, even furniture, all somehow made it into our haul after much “input” from the girls.

By the time we were done, the day had long passed and the moon was already high in the sky, a silent witness to my suffering.

When we got home, I dragged myself to the nearest chair and dropped into it, mentally and physically exhausted.

“I think I experienced hell today,” I muttered in a dead tone, staring blankly at the ceiling.

“Stop exaggerating, Onii-chan~” Illya chirped cheerfully as she plopped herself onto my lap and got comfortable. “If you ask me, doing homework is way more exhausting than shopping.”

Too tired to even move, I let her sit there without complaint, only managing a faint grunt in reply.

Sakura then took the seat beside me, holding a glass of cold water as she looked at me with gentle concern. “Here, Senpai. Ice-cold, just the way you like it.”

I turned my head toward her like a dying man finding salvation. “You’re a lifesaver, Sakura.” Too bad the white gremlin on my lap had my limbs occupied and didn’t seem willing to let me go anytime soon.

“Would you like me to feed you?” she asked, smiling sweetly.

“…Please.”

Instead of being bothered, Sakura’s smile only widened as she brought the glass to my lips, letting me drink.

“Haah, thanks again, Sakura,” I sighed, feeling life return to my body.

“It’s my pleasure, Senpai~” she said brightly.

My bliss didn’t last long, though.

“Stop being a baby, Aether, and help us pack,” Rin said from across the room, hands on her hips and a dangerous glint in her eyes. “You’re the only one with an infinite inventory, or have you forgotten?”

My eyes went dead again.

‘Next time, I’m hiring someone to do the shopping for me.’

=====

Following Day

After the hellish marathon that was yesterday, I was relieved to see today shaping up to be much calmer.

We were gathered around the table enjoying a delicious breakfast made by Ilulu, discussing ways to convince Mrs. Weasley to let Ginny spend a few days at my place, something that felt borderline impossible, given how overbearing the woman could be. Ginny might be nearly sixteen, but to Mrs. Weasley, she was still twelve.

“Mind control?” Illya suggested innocently, happily devouring her chocolate-chip waffles drowned in syrup.

“I don’t think Ginny would be too happy with us if we do that,” I said dryly, poking at my eggs and bacon.

“We can just lie to her and say Ginny’s doing something else,” Rin added, looking up from her plate.

I thought about it for a second, then nodded. “Could work. Let’s shelve that as a last resort.”

“…We could just not tell her,” Sakura said, tilting her head.

‘I see her trust in parental figures is still pretty low,’ I thought, hiding my amusement. “Let’s also leave that as plan Z.”

“I’m guessing forcing her is off the table?” Bella asked casually, not even looking up from her tea uninterested in the conversation but wanting to contribute something for my sake.

“Yep,” I said simply. No explanation needed.

Ilulu, ever the problem-solver, approached and refilled my juice with a smile. “Master, why not just have Ginny take some Felix Felicis?”

I blinked thinking on it for a moment then grinning. “You’re a genius, Ilulu!” I cheered, spinning her around before pulling her into a sudden kiss.

Still flustered from the kiss, Ilulu giggled and gave me another small peck on the lips. “I’m sure Master would’ve thought of it eventually~”

“Not to rain on your parade,” Rin interrupted, raising a brow, “but what is Felix Felicis?”

All eyes turned toward me, and a mischievous spark lit in mine already imagining her reaction. “Oh, it’s just a potion that makes the drinker lucky for a while. During that time, everything they attempt works out perfectly.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…So, this potion makes everything you attempt successful?” Illya muttered, with a grin slowly growing on her face and rubbing her hands together like a cartoon villain.

“That sounds amazing,” Sakura whispered in awe.

Rin, however, froze before standing abruptly, knocking over her drink. “What kind of bullshit are you spewing now!?” she demanded, slamming her hands on the table.

I just smiled cheekily. “You could use it for, say, buying a lottery ticket and somehow hitting the jackpot… or pulling off a spell or potion that’s normally impossible.”

The longer I spoke, the redder Rin’s eyes burned, until she stalked over, grabbed my shirt, and leaned in close with our noses touching.

“I. Want. Some. Now.”

Chuckling at Rin’s reaction, I placed my hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her back, though not before sneaking in a quick kiss that made her sputter adorably.

“A-Aether! We’re having a serious discussion right now!” she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing red.

“Down, girl,” I teased with a grin. “While the potion does exactly what I said, it’s incredibly hard to make. There’s also the face that it takes about half a year to brew, if I remember correctly. We might just have to buy some, though it’s always in demand, so finding a place that sells it could be tricky.”

At that, Rin visibly deflated and plopped herself down in my lap, practically demanding comfort after the bad news.

Amused, I rubbed her back soothingly, only for Ilulu to suddenly chime in, saving the day yet again.

“That won’t be necessary, Master,” Ilulu said brightly. “I’ve already brewed several vials and stored them in your inventory for future use. I thought they might come in handy someday… I hope I wasn’t overstepping my bounds?” Her confident smile faltered slightly near the end, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

Instead of answering, I simply pulled her in for another kiss, leaving her flushed and breathless when we parted.

“Ilulu, you are seriously an angel. I love you so much~” I grinned.

Ilulu giggled, cheeks pink. “I love you too, Master~ It makes me happy to know I was useful.”

“You’re the best maid ever, Ilulu!” Rin declared, now all smiles again as she pulled Ilulu into a hug, then grabbed her shoulders, eyes gleaming. “Now, where are they?”

“I want some too!” Illya jumped from her seat, joining the fray and pestering Ilulu immediately.

Only Sakura stayed put, calmly finishing her meal while watching the chaos unfold. “It seems the problem has been solved, Senpai,” she said with a gentle smile.

Nodding, I leaned back in my chair with a sigh of relief. “Looks that way. Now I just need to write to everyone and let them know when to meet.”

Of course, what really made me happy was something else entirely.

‘I’m so glad we don’t have to go on another shopping trip.’

=====

A Week Later

It took a few days to get in contact with all the girls and finalize our plans. It also gave them time to do their own shopping for whatever they thought they might need, mostly clothes and other “girl things,” I assumed.

I was just glad I hadn’t been dragged along. Accompanying all of them on a shopping spree would’ve been pure hell, and I wasn’t sure I’d survive the experience.

Ginny, of course, was the most excited, at least after she finished pouting about me using something as rare and expensive as Felix Felicis just to help her get permission to stay over. She promised to pay me back someday, which I agreed to mostly because arguing with her was pointless.

Ilulu had personally teleported to the Burrow to hand over the vial of Liquid Luck, which Ginny promptly hid away until the perfect moment.

That moment was now.

A full week later, I sat in the receiving room with Rin, Illya, Sakura, Bella, Asako, and the monster girls, waiting for the others to arrive, either through the Floo Network or Ilulu Express.

For the first time in days, I could finally relax. Everything was ready, and all that was left was the adventure itself. Still, part of me stayed cautious. Traveling to another world wasn’t without risk, especially one with gods and monsters like Pokémon. Thankfully, my Information and Trace Defense should keep us hidden from unwanted attention (Arceus). Creature Defense would handle the rest, keeping random encounters from turning into disasters as long as we don’t antagonize them.

My thoughts were interrupted as the fireplace flared green. A second later, Daphne and Astoria stepped out, brushing off soot.

“Glad you could make it, Daph. Tori.” I greeted, waving my wand to banish the ash from their clothes.

“Aether~!” Astoria squealed before I could say more, launching herself at me and wrapping her legs around my waist. She kissed me eagerly, laughing when we parted. “Hihihi, I can’t wait to go to the Pokémon world! I barely slept last night!”

“Hahaha, that sounds like you,” I said, setting her down with a grin before turning to Daphne. She stood nearby, trying to hide a small jealous pout, one that vanished the moment our eyes met.

With a chuckle, I stepped forward and hugged her close, feeling her melt slightly into my chest. “I’m glad you’re here, Daph,” I whispered near her ear.

“…Me too,” she murmured, blushing.

Before pulling away, I pressed a quick kiss to her lips, earning a frozen stare and a shade of red I didn’t know humans could turn.

“I knew your lips would be soft,” I teased.

“A-Aether!” she stammered, while Astoria grinned and slung an arm around her sister in mock triumph.

“Fufufu~ Aren’t you happy, Sis? You’ve been waiting years for Aether to make a move!”

“S-Shut up, Astoria!” Daphne yelped, face glowing.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy their bickering long. The fireplace roared again, and this time Luna stepped out, dressed in short brown explorer’s shorts, a faded tan shirt and tie, and matching boots and hat.

For a moment, I just grinned. She looked like she’d walked straight out of an adventure film, adorable, confident, and completely Luna.

“Luna, you look amazing,” I said as I lifted her into a quick spin, earning a soft squeal before setting her down and kissing her gently. “The outfit suits you perfectly.”

She smiled dreamily, cheeks pink. “I’m glad you think so. I wasn’t sure if it was too much…”

“It’s perfect,” I assured her with another quick peck before the fire flared again, signaling the next arrival.

Luna quickly catching on, moved to the side where she got into a conversation with the girls already present as I greeted my next guest who happened to be Hermione.

Luna, quick to catch on, moved to the side and joined the girls already chatting as I turned to greet our next arrival, Hermione.

“Welcome, Hermione.”

She shook off the ash from her clothes, then immediately ran up to me and pulled me into a tight hug, eyes sparkling. “Aether~ I can’t believe this is really happening! Oh my gosh, I wonder what we’ll find when we get there—maybe—”

And there she went, rambling about every possibility under the sun.

Shaking my head fondly, I couldn’t help but smile mischievously before giving her a light pinch on the rear. She squeaked, freezing mid-rant, and turned a brilliant shade of red before glaring at me. “What was that for?”

“Because I felt like it~” I grinned, earning an even deeper blush. When I went in for another playful pinch, she let out a muffled “Stooop~” and buried her face into my chest.

“Alright, alright. I’ll behave, for now,” I said with a chuckle, patting her head. “Go on, talk with the others while I greet the next person.”

Hermione grumbled but obeyed, cheeks still pink as she retreated toward the others.

The fireplace flared again, and a blur of red shot out, straight toward the floor. I reacted quickly, stepping forward just in time to catch her.

“Got you,” I said, steadying Rose before she could fall. She blinked up at me, cheeks pink with embarrassment.

“T-Thanks, Aether. I hate the Floo,” she muttered, smoothing her robes. “Have you thought of a better way to travel? Something less… spinny?” she added sheepishly before leaning up to peck me on the lips.

“I’m working on it,” I said with a chuckle. “You and your brother must share a gene that rejects normal transportation.”

“I think so too,” Rose said seriously, making me laugh.

“Anyway, only Ginny’s left. Why don’t you join the others while I wait for her?” I suggested.

“Alright,” she said with a smile, walking off just as the fireplace blazed green again.

This time, another redhead, more ginger than crimson, stumbled out. Ginny took one look at me, grinned, and launched herself forward with a delighted squeal.

I absently noticed as Ilulu teleported in with a few bags and quickly set them down before my vision was full of red.

“Aether~ I love you! I never thought Mum would actually let me come, but she didn’t even blink when I asked! You’re the best~” she said breathlessly before pulling me into a kiss that lasted several seconds.

When we finally pulled apart, I smiled and hugged her close. “You’re very welcome. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Ginny flushed up to her ears and giggled before tugging me into another kiss, shorter but just as sweet.

It took a bit before she calmed down, still clearly riding the effects of the Felix Felicis. When she finally let go, I turned toward the group, all of them smiling and buzzing with anticipation.

“Well,” I said with a grin, “are all of you ready for an adventure literally out of this world?”

“Yeah!!” came the unified chorus.

‘Pokémon world, here we come.’