Chereads / The Gaunt Legacy / Chapter 84 - A Welcome Return

Chapter 84 - A Welcome Return

Professor McGonagall stood in her office, preparing for the start of a new school term. As she arranged her desk, a familiar and distinct ripple of magic swept through the air. It was a feeling she had come to recognize—the telltale sign of the void opening. Her heart quickened with anticipation.

"Gwendolyn," she whispered to herself, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She knew that Gwen had returned.

Quickly making her way through the corridors of Hogwarts, McGonagall's thoughts raced. It had been quite some time since she last saw Gwendolyn, and she was eager to see how her former student was doing. As she neared the main entrance, she prepared to welcome her back.

The large oak doors creaked open, revealing Gwendolyn standing there, looking just as vibrant and determined as McGonagall remembered. But it wasn't just Gwen who caught her eye—there was another woman beside her, holding her hand. The two of them looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings with a mix of awe and fondness.

McGonagall approached them, her smile warm and welcoming. "Gwendolyn, welcome back. It's so good to see you."

Gwendolyn's face lit up at the sight of her former professor. "Professor McGonagall! It's wonderful to be back. I've missed this place."

McGonagall's eyes shifted to the woman beside Gwen, taking in her confident stance and the gentle way she held Gwen's hand. "And who might this be?"

Gwendolyn turned to Coco, her smile growing even brighter. "Professor, this is Coco Adel. She's my girlfriend and my partner in this journey."

Coco extended her hand, a polite and friendly smile on her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor McGonagall. Gwen's told me so much about you and Hogwarts."

McGonagall shook Coco's hand, her gaze filled with curiosity and approval. "The pleasure is mine, Coco. Any friend of Gwendolyn's is welcome here. I'm glad to see she's found someone to share her adventures with."

Gwendolyn squeezed Coco's hand, feeling a wave of happiness. "We have a lot to catch up on, Professor. I can't wait to show Coco around and introduce her to everyone."

McGonagall nodded, her eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and affection. "I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to see you again, Gwendolyn. And I'm looking forward to meeting your companion."

As they made their way through the castle, Gwen and Coco took in the grandeur of Hogwarts. Gwen pointed out various landmarks, sharing stories of her time at the school. McGonagall listened with interest, noting the strong bond between the two women.

They arrived at the Great Hall, where a few professors and students had gathered, drawn by the news of Gwendolyn's return. The hall buzzed with excitement as they entered, all eyes turning to the pair.

Professor Flitwick, his eyes sparkling, approached them first. "Gwendolyn! It's wonderful to see you again. And who is this with you?"

Gwendolyn introduced Coco, and the room quickly filled with greetings and questions. The warmth of the welcome was palpable, and Coco found herself embraced by the Hogwarts community as if she had always been a part of it.

After the initial excitement settled, McGonagall turned to address the gathering. "Everyone, let us give Gwendolyn and her companion some time to rest and settle in. They've had a long journey."

Gwendolyn and Coco were shown to a comfortable guest room, where they could relax and refresh themselves. As they unpacked, Coco turned to Gwen, her eyes filled with wonder. "This place is incredible, Gwen. I can see why you love it so much."

Gwendolyn smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "I'm glad you're here to share it with me, Coco. There's so much more to see and do."

The next few days were a whirlwind of reunions and explorations. Gwendolyn introduced Coco to the professors and students, each interaction filled with warmth and curiosity. They visited the library, the common rooms, and even took a stroll by the Black Lake.

Through it all, Coco's admiration for Gwen grew even deeper. She saw the respect and affection the Hogwarts community had for her, and she felt honored to be a part of this chapter in Gwen's life.

As their time at Hogwarts continued, Gwendolyn and Coco found themselves growing even closer, their bond strengthened by the shared experiences and the magical world they were exploring together. The adventure had only just begun, and they both looked forward to what lay ahead, knowing that they had each other to rely on.

After a few days at Hogwarts, Gwendolyn had seamlessly integrated back into the life of the school, assisting in various classes and sharing her knowledge with the students. Her presence was a delight, bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience that captivated both students and faculty alike. Coco, too, found herself welcomed into the Hogwarts community, appreciating the unique charm of the magical school.

One evening, as Gwendolyn and Coco sat in their guest quarters, enjoying a quiet meal together, there was a soft knock on the door. Gwendolyn looked up, surprised, and called out, "Come in!"

The door opened to reveal Professor McGonagall, her expression warm but curious. "Good evening, Gwendolyn. Coco. May I have a word?"

Gwendolyn nodded, gesturing for McGonagall to join them. "Of course, Professor. Please, have a seat."

McGonagall sat down, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I've been meaning to ask, Gwendolyn. Do you intend to leave again soon?"

Gwendolyn exchanged a glance with Coco, who gave her a supportive nod. Turning back to McGonagall, Gwendolyn sighed softly. "Yes, Professor. We do plan to leave soon. There are other places we want to visit, other adventures waiting for us. But... I want you to know that this isn't goodbye forever. We will be back sooner or later, if that's okay."

McGonagall's face softened with understanding. "Of course, Gwendolyn. Hogwarts will always be a home for you, and you are welcome here anytime. Your journey is important, and I'm glad you've found someone to share it with."

Coco smiled, appreciating the professor's kind words. "Thank you, Professor. It means a lot to us."

Gwendolyn reached across the table, taking McGonagall's hand in hers. "Thank you for everything, Professor. Your support has always meant the world to me."

McGonagall patted Gwendolyn's hand gently. "It's been a pleasure having you here, Gwendolyn. You've brought so much to this school, and we're grateful for every moment. I look forward to hearing about your adventures when you return."

They spent the rest of the evening talking about Gwendolyn's plans and the places she and Coco intended to visit next. The conversation was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a sense of anticipation for the future.

The next morning, Gwendolyn and Coco prepared to leave Hogwarts. As they stood at the entrance, ready to step into the void once more, they were joined by several professors and students who had come to see them off.

Professor Flitwick waved enthusiastically. "Safe travels, Gwendolyn! We'll miss you!"

Professor Sprout added, "Take care, both of you. And come back with more stories!"

Even Hagrid, towering over the crowd, called out, "Don't be strangers, yeh hear? Hogwarts is always 'ere fer yeh."

Gwendolyn felt a swell of emotion as she looked at the familiar faces. "Thank you all. We'll be back, I promise."

With one last look at the castle that had been her home, Gwendolyn took Coco's hand. She focused her magic, feeling the energy of the void swirl around them. The air shimmered and twisted, forming the portal that would take them to their next destination.

As they stepped into the void together, Gwendolyn felt a mix of excitement and reassurance. They were embarking on a new adventure, but she knew that Hogwarts would always be a part of her, a place she could return to whenever she needed.

Their journey through the void was smooth, their connection making the passage easier and more controlled. Moments later, they emerged into a new world, ready to explore and discover what lay ahead.

The adventure continued, with Gwendolyn and Coco facing new challenges and experiencing the wonders of different worlds. And no matter where their journey took them, they carried with them the love and support of the Hogwarts community, knowing that they always had a home to return to.

And so, their story unfolded, filled with excitement, discovery, and the unbreakable bond that kept them strong.

-

As Gwendolyn and Coco emerged from the void, they found themselves standing in a bustling city. Tall buildings, crowded streets, and a lively atmosphere surrounded them. Coco took a deep breath, taking in the new sights and sounds. Her eyes quickly caught sight of several individuals with animal traits—ears, tails, and other features—much like the Faunus in their world.

"Gwen," Coco began, her curiosity piqued, "are those Faunus here too?"

Gwendolyn smiled, shaking her head slightly. "Not exactly, Coco. In this world, they're called Beast Humans. They're similar to Faunus but have different cultural and societal roles. Welcome to Orario, the city of adventurers."

Coco's eyes widened with excitement. "Orario? This place is amazing! And you said we're visiting the Loki Familia, right?"

Gwendolyn nodded, her smile widening. "Yes. The Loki Familia is one of the strongest adventurer groups here. I think you'll love meeting them. They've been like a second family to me."

They made their way through the crowded streets, Gwendolyn leading the way with confidence. The city was vibrant and full of life, with market stalls selling various goods, adventurers discussing their latest quests, and children playing in the alleys. Coco found herself enchanted by the energy of the place.

As they approached the grand mansion of the Loki Familia, Gwendolyn felt a rush of nostalgia and excitement. She knocked on the large wooden doors, and a moment later, they swung open to reveal a familiar face.

"Gwendolyn!" Lefiya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy. "You're back!"

Gwendolyn grinned, embracing the young elf. "Lefiya! It's so good to see you. I've missed everyone."

Lefiya's gaze shifted to Coco, curiosity and friendliness in her eyes. "And who's this?"

Gwendolyn took Coco's hand, introducing her proudly. "Lefiya, this is Coco Adel. She's my girlfriend and partner in our adventures."

Lefiya smiled warmly, extending her hand to Coco. "Welcome, Coco. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Coco shook Lefiya's hand, returning the smile. "Thank you, Lefiya. I've heard so much about the Loki Familia. I'm excited to be here."

They were quickly ushered inside, where the rest of the Loki Familia members gathered to greet Gwendolyn and meet Coco. The reunion was filled with laughter, hugs, and a few happy tears. Gwendolyn introduced Coco to everyone, from the formidable Finn to the ever-cautious Bete.

Loki herself appeared, her usual mischievous grin plastered on her face. "Gwendolyn! You're back, and you've brought a friend. This must be the famous Coco I've heard so much about."

Coco chuckled, feeling instantly welcomed by Loki's playful demeanor. "That's me. It's great to meet you, Loki."

Loki winked at them both. "Well, any friend of Gwen's is a friend of ours. Make yourselves at home."

As the day went on, Coco found herself fascinated by the tales of adventures and battles shared by the Loki Familia members. She admired their strength and camaraderie, feeling honored to be in their company.

That evening, as they sat down to a hearty meal prepared by the Familia's cooks, Gwendolyn and Coco shared stories of their own adventures, captivating their audience with tales of Remnant.

Finn raised his glass in a toast. "To Gwendolyn and Coco, may their adventures continue to be filled with excitement and discovery. And may they always find a home here with us."

The room echoed with cheers and laughter, the bond of friendship and family stronger than ever. Gwendolyn felt a deep sense of gratitude and joy, knowing that she had brought two important parts of her life together.

As the night wore on and the stars twinkled above Orario, Gwendolyn and Coco sat together, reflecting on the day. Coco leaned her head on Gwendolyn's shoulder, her heart full.

"Thank you for bringing me here, Gwen," Coco said softly. "This place, these people... they're amazing. And so are you."

Gwendolyn smiled, wrapping her arm around Coco. "I'm glad you're here with me, Coco. There's so much more to see and do. Our adventure is just beginning."

After spending a week in Orario, Gwendolyn and Coco had experienced the warmth and camaraderie of the Loki Familia. They had shared adventures, tales, and created memories that would last a lifetime. But now, it was time to move on to their next destination—the Clover Kingdom, home to the Black Bulls.

Gwendolyn and Coco stood in the courtyard of the Loki Familia mansion, their belongings packed and ready for the journey ahead. The Familia members had gathered to see them off, their expressions a mix of pride and sadness.

Loki stepped forward, her usual mischievous grin softened by genuine affection. "You two have been a joy to have around. Don't be strangers, okay?"

Gwendolyn nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Thank you, Loki. We'll be back. This isn't goodbye forever."

Finn placed a hand on Gwendolyn's shoulder. "Take care, both of you. And good luck with your adventures. You always have a home here."

With final hugs and farewells exchanged, Gwendolyn and Coco turned to each other, their hands clasped tightly. Gwendolyn focused her energy, summoning the familiar pull of the void. The air shimmered and twisted, forming the portal that would take them to their next destination.

"Ready?" Gwendolyn asked, her voice steady but filled with anticipation.

Coco squeezed her hand, a confident smile on her face. "Ready."

Together, they stepped into the void, the world around them dissolving into a swirl of colors and sensations. The journey through the void was smoother this time, their combined energy guiding them with precision and control. Gwendolyn could feel Coco's presence beside her, a steady anchor in the shifting chaos.

Moments later, they emerged from the void, landing softly on the outskirts of the Clover Kingdom. The landscape was lush and vibrant, with rolling hills and dense forests stretching out before them. In the distance, the towering silhouette of the Black Bulls' hideout came into view.

Coco looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place is beautiful, Gwen. It's so different from Orario."

Gwendolyn nodded, her heart swelling with nostalgia. "Yes, it is. And the Black Bulls are an amazing group. I can't wait for you to meet them."

They made their way towards the hideout, the familiar path bringing back memories for Gwendolyn. As they approached, the imposing figure of Yami Sukehiro, the captain of the Black Bulls, came into view. He was standing outside, smoking a cigarette and looking as laid-back as ever.

Yami's eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized Gwendolyn. "Well, well, if it isn't Gwen. Took you long enough to come back."

Gwendolyn grinned, her heart lifting at the sight of her old mentor. "Good to see you too, Yami."

Yami's gaze shifted to Coco, a curious glint in his eyes. "And who's this?"

Gwendolyn took Coco's hand, introducing her proudly. "Yami, this is Coco Adel. She's my girlfriend and partner in our travels."

Yami raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Girlfriend, huh? Nice to meet you, Coco. Any friend of Gwen's is a friend of ours."

Coco smiled, shaking Yami's hand. "It's great to meet you, Yami. Gwen's told me a lot about you and the Black Bulls."

Yami chuckled, releasing her hand. "All good things, I hope."

As they entered the hideout, the rest of the Black Bulls gathered to greet them. The air was filled with excitement and curiosity, as Gwendolyn introduced Coco to each member. Asta, Noelle, Magna, and the others welcomed her with open arms, their camaraderie and energy infectious.

They spent the next few days immersed in the chaotic and lively environment of the Black Bulls. Coco marveled at the unique abilities and personalities of each member, and she quickly found herself fitting in with the group. Gwendolyn felt a deep sense of joy seeing Coco embrace her old family, the bonds of friendship growing stronger with each passing day.

One evening, as they sat around a bonfire with the Black Bulls, sharing stories and laughter, Gwendolyn felt a profound sense of contentment. She had brought together the people she loved, creating a bridge between the worlds she had traveled.

Coco leaned in, whispering in her ear. "Thank you for bringing me here, Gwen. This has been incredible."

Gwendolyn smiled, her heart full. "I'm glad you're here, Coco. There's one more stop on our journey, but I think you're going to love it just as much."

With the promise of more adventures ahead, they looked forward to their final destination, knowing that their bond and the memories they had created would carry them through whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they were unstoppable, ready to face the world and beyond, hand in hand.

After another week of excitement and camaraderie with the Black Bulls, Gwendolyn and Coco found themselves preparing for their next journey. This time, their destination was the world of One Piece, specifically Foosha Village. Gwendolyn had a plan in mind, hoping to reunite with the Red-Haired Pirates, who were known to frequent the village.

As they stepped through the void once more, the familiar sensation of the swirling colors and shifting energies enveloped them. Moments later, they landed softly on the outskirts of Foosha Village, the warm sun and gentle sea breeze greeting them.

Gwendolyn took a deep breath, the scent of the ocean filling her senses. "We're here, Coco. This is Foosha Village."

Coco looked around, taking in the quaint village with its charming houses and peaceful atmosphere. "It's lovely, Gwen. I can see why you like it here."

They made their way towards the tavern, a place where Gwendolyn knew the Red-Haired Pirates often gathered. As they walked through the village, the locals greeted them warmly, recognizing Gwendolyn and welcoming her back.

When they reached the tavern, Gwendolyn hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding with anticipation. She hoped that Shanks and his crew would be there. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door, and the lively sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air.

Coco followed closely behind, her curiosity piqued. As they entered, Gwendolyn's eyes scanned the room, and she sighed in relief when she spotted a familiar figure at the bar—a man with striking red hair and a confident smile.

"Shanks!" Gwendolyn called out, her voice filled with excitement.

Shanks turned, his eyes lighting up with recognition and joy. "Gwen! You're back!"

He stood up, making his way over to her with a wide grin. "It's good to see you again, kid."

Gwendolyn rushed forward, embracing Shanks tightly. "I missed you, Shanks. It's so good to be back."

Shanks chuckled, patting her back. "We missed you too. And who's this with you?"

Gwendolyn pulled back, taking Coco's hand and introducing her proudly. "This is Coco Adel. She's my girlfriend and my partner in our travels."

Shanks extended his hand to Coco, his smile warm and welcoming. "Nice to meet you, Coco. Any friend of Gwen's is a friend of ours."

Coco shook his hand, feeling the strength and friendliness in his grip. "Thank you, Shanks. It's great to meet you."

The rest of the Red-Haired Pirates quickly gathered around, eager to greet Gwendolyn and meet Coco. The atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie, as stories and laughter flowed freely.

As the evening wore on, they found themselves sitting around a large table, sharing tales of their adventures. Shanks listened intently, his interest piqued by Gwendolyn's stories of the different worlds she had visited.

"You've had quite the journey, Gwen," Shanks said, his eyes twinkling with admiration. "I'm glad you're doing well."

Gwendolyn smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "It's been an incredible journey, Shanks. And it's even better now that I can share it with Coco."

Coco nodded, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'm grateful to be a part of it. And I'm excited to see more of this world."

Shanks raised his glass, a playful grin on his face. "To Gwendolyn and Coco, may their adventures be endless and their bond unbreakable."

The room echoed with cheers and laughter, the bond between friends old and new strengthening with each passing moment.

That night, as they sat on the deck of the Red Force, looking out at the starry sky, Gwendolyn felt a profound sense of fulfillment. She had brought together the people she loved, creating a bridge between the worlds she had traveled.

Coco leaned against her, a contented smile on her face. "Thank you for bringing me here, Gwen. This has been incredible."

Gwendolyn wrapped her arm around Coco, her heart full. "I'm glad you're here, Coco. Our journey is just beginning, and there's so much more to see and do."

With the promise of more adventures ahead, they looked forward to the future with hope and excitement, ready to face whatever came their way together. And no matter where their journey took them, they knew that they would always have each other, their love and bond growing stronger with each passing day.

As the days passed in Foosha Village, Gwendolyn and Coco enjoyed the warmth and camaraderie of the Red-Haired Pirates. They shared stories, laughed, and built memories that would stay with them forever. But Gwendolyn knew that their journey had to continue, and she had a difficult decision to discuss with Coco.

One evening, as they sat together on the beach, watching the sun set over the ocean, Gwendolyn turned to Coco, her expression serious yet loving.

"Coco, there's something I need to talk to you about," Gwendolyn began, her voice steady but tinged with concern.

Coco looked at her, sensing the gravity of the conversation. "What is it, Gwen?"

Gwendolyn took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I've been thinking about our travels and the dangers we've faced. I want to take you back to Remnant, where you'll be safe. Some of the worlds I end up in can be unpredictable and dangerous, and I don't want to put you at risk."

Coco frowned slightly, her eyes searching Gwendolyn's. "Gwen, I chose to be here with you. I knew the risks when I decided to travel with you."

Gwendolyn nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "I know, Coco. And I'm so grateful for your support and love. But I need to know that you're safe. Remnant is your home, and I don't want to take that away from you. If you want to stay there, I'll understand. We can still be together, even if it's from different worlds."

Coco reached out, taking Gwendolyn's hand in hers. "Gwen, I love you. And I want to be with you, wherever you go. But I also understand your concerns. Maybe it's a good idea for me to stay in Remnant for a while, especially if things get too dangerous. We can make it work, no matter what."

Gwendolyn's eyes filled with emotion. "Thank you, Coco. I also want to make sure you're happy. If you ever want an open relationship, or if you prefer to stay just the two of us, I'll support your decision."

Coco smiled, leaning in to kiss Gwendolyn softly. "Let's take it one step at a time, Gwen. We'll figure it out together. For now, let's enjoy our time here and then head back to Remnant. We'll always have each other, no matter what."

Gwendolyn nodded, feeling a sense of relief and contentment. "I love you, Coco."

"I love you too, Gwen," Coco replied, her voice filled with warmth.

They sat together, watching the sun dip below the horizon, their hearts connected by an unbreakable bond. The future was uncertain, but they knew they would face it together, no matter where their journey took them.

A few days later, after heartfelt goodbyes with Shanks and the Red-Haired Pirates, Gwendolyn and Coco prepared to return to Remnant. Standing on the beach, with the sound of waves crashing in the background, Gwendolyn focused her magic, creating a portal to the void.

Hand in hand, they stepped through, the world around them dissolving into a swirl of colors and sensations. Moments later, they landed softly in Remnant, the familiar sights and sounds of Beacon Academy welcoming them back.

As they stood at the entrance of the academy, Gwendolyn turned to Coco, her heart full of love and determination. "We're home, Coco. And no matter what happens, we'll always find our way back to each other."

Coco smiled, squeezing Gwendolyn's hand. "Together, Gwen. Always together."

With the promise of more adventures ahead and the strength of their bond guiding them, Gwendolyn and Coco looked to the future with hope and excitement, ready to face whatever came their way, hand in hand.

They were greeted by Velvet, Fox, and Yatsuhashi, who had been waiting for them near the main entrance. Velvet's face lit up with joy as she rushed forward to hug them both.

"Gwen! Coco! You're back!" Velvet exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Gwendolyn hugged Velvet tightly, feeling the warmth of her friend's embrace. "We're back, Velvet. And it's so good to see you."

Fox and Yatsuhashi approached with wide smiles, giving them both welcoming hugs. "We missed you guys," Fox said, his voice filled with genuine affection.

"We were starting to get worried," Yatsuhashi added, his tone calm and reassuring.

Gwendolyn glanced at Coco, who returned her smile. "We missed you all too. But it's good to know that not much time passed here. We were only gone for four days in your time."

Velvet's eyes widened in surprise. "Only four days? It felt like weeks!"

Gwendolyn nodded. "Time flows differently in the void. It's one of the reasons I wanted to make sure Coco was safe. Even if I'm gone for what feels like a long time to me, it won't be too long for all of you."

Coco squeezed Gwendolyn's hand, her smile reassuring. "That's a relief. It means I won't have to worry as much when you're traveling. And I'll always be here waiting for you."

The group made their way to the common room, where they settled in and caught up on everything that had happened in their absence. Coco shared stories of their adventures in Orario and Foosha Village, captivating their friends with tales of different worlds and new experiences.

As the evening wore on, Gwendolyn found herself feeling a deep sense of contentment. She had brought Coco back to Remnant, where she could be safe and surrounded by friends. And with the knowledge that time flowed differently in the void, she felt more at ease about her future travels.

Later that night, Gwendolyn and Coco sat together in Gwendolyn's room, enjoying a quiet moment. Gwendolyn turned to Coco, her expression filled with love and determination.

"Coco, thank you for everything. For coming with me, for understanding, and for being my rock. I couldn't have done this without you."

Coco smiled, leaning in to kiss Gwendolyn softly. "I love you, Gwen. And I'll always support you, no matter what. We'll make this work, together."

Gwendolyn felt a surge of gratitude and love. "I love you too, Coco. And I promise, no matter where I go, I'll always come back to you."

With the promise of more adventures ahead and the strength of their bond guiding them, Gwendolyn and Coco looked to the future with hope and excitement, ready to face whatever came their way, hand in hand. They knew that their love and the support of their friends would carry them through any challenge, and that together, they were unstoppable.

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