Trick 82: Sharing Kindness with Aunt Peggy

Dolores came to assess Ace in the library, however she found him to be perfect. He had no flaws at all. The library was extremely neat and clean, all the books were in order, and Ace passed every test question she threw at him.

She looked at the crack on his face and frowned "Makeup is prohibited. As well as your casual dress." Ace touched the crack and smiled "It's a definition trait on my face. I usually wear makeup to cover it. Also, I am within the rules for Professor Dress Code. As stated in the 4th paragraph, section 16 of the Professors handbook; 'Professors may dress however they like within reason. Excessive nudity or vulgar clothing will not be tolerated.'"

He smiled with his hands behind his back, tilting his head at Dolores, asking "Will that be all, High Inquisitor? Or would you like to witness a study session? You may even learn something."

Dolores looked him up and down with a scowl, marking on her clipboard before walking away.

The students watching snickered silently as Ace winked at them, turning back to his books.

A few weeks passed and snow rolled in, coating the outside world in a beautiful white.

Ace stood outside and drank from a mug, humming to himself as he read from a book in silence.

His peace was disturbed as Hermione and the usual group passed by. She walked over and asked "Master, can I ask you for something?" Ace looked up and smiled, "Sure. What's the problem?"

Hermione looked around and whispered "Could you teach us how to defend ourselves. Harry can do it but-" Ace interrupted her, smiling "Private practice is forbidden. Didn't you see the latest decree?"

Hermione frowned and replied "Yes, but-" Ace smiled gently, saying "Being exposed for privately practicing is punishable by expulsion. Hence, I cannot help you." Hermione turned around and walked away as Ace continued "However, Hermione. You should already have a teacher, no?"

Hermione turned back and Ace winked at her, adding "I'm sure you'll find that when you require it most, even Hogwarts itself will lend a helping hand." Hermione frowned and turned back slowly, walking into the castle with the group.

Harry asked "What did he say?" Hermione looked up at the rafters to see Umbridge watching over them as she replied softly "He said 'You'll find that when you require it most, even Hogwarts itself will lend a helping hand.'" Ron was confused and said "What does that mean?"

Harry asked with a sigh, "He won't help? A shame." Hermione muttered "I wonder about that…" as they disappearing into the castle going their separate ways.

Ace looked up at Umbridge and toasted with his mug, smiling. Umbridge scowled and turned around, walking into the castle. Ace chuckled and drank from his mug, humming "Hmm~ So sweet~"

Time passed as days flowed by.

Ace was walking the halls, seeing Fred and George hiding behind a pillar, staring at Filch.

He walked over and said "Roaming the halls?" Fred and George jumped before sighing "You nearly killed us, Mate! Honest! Though you were the old hag!" Ace looked over at Filch eating chocolates before chuckling "I recommend a love powder…"

He rubbed his chin and added "Filch has been growing lonely recently…" before walking away, muttering loudly "I heard Umbridge has quite the sweet tooth, she does put 5 lumps of sugar in her tea…"

Fred and George's eyes lit up and they chuckled, running off.

Another few days passed

Ace was sitting in the Library, texting and reading when Hermione came over, saying "You knew about the room of requirement?!" Ace didn't even look up, saying "A bit slow, are we?"

Hermione let out a breath, saying "Why didn't you just say that? You could teach just as easily as you do during study sessions!" Ace looked at her and smiled, "Hermione, I have no idea what you're talking about." as he pointed his thumb in the air.

Hermione looked around as the cat pictures everywhere. She sucked in a breath, looking at Ace, who continued "They're quite cute, aren't they? They say cats have extremely good vision and hearing."

He looked at Hermione, smiling "As well as a good sense of smell." Hermione's eyes widened and she ran off, shouting "Thank you, Professor Brand!" Ace shook his head and smiled "What a strange girl, spouting nonsense all day long." as he tapped on a cat picture, scratching the cat's head.

The cat rolled around and purred as Ace smiled gently.

The week passed and the Holiday came.

Ace was waiting at the airport, rubbing his hands together, sort of nervous. He paced outside, waiting for Sharon to land. He didn't know why, but his heart was beating, his palms were sweaty, his knees weak, arms heavy…

Well you know, he was nervous!

The sliding door opened and Sharon walked out, looking back and forth before spotting Ace pacing and rubbing his hands. She curled her lips and walked over, saying "Dummy!" Ace spun around and said "Sharon! You came."

She rolled her eyes and patted his chest, smiling "Why are you so nervous now?" Ace blurted out, "You might throw me in jail at any moment." Sharon slapped his arm and laughed "That's not funny!"

Ace chuckled and picked up her bag, walking to a car as he replied "You're right, it's true!" Sharon rolled her eyes and turned saying, "Where's the taxi?" Ace threw her stuff in the trunk, chuckling "Have fun without a change of clothes."

As he got in the driver's seat.

She looked at him and smiled, getting in as Ace drove off.

Sharon grabbed the handle, saying "Have you ever driven before?" Ace laughed and replied "Are you kidding? I stole this car." as he drifted around a corner. Sharon shouted, "Damn it, Ace!"

A while later, they arrived at the Hospital.

Sharon got out of the car, saying seriously "Last time I let you drive! Seriously!" Ace tossed the keys in his hands, chuckling "You're alive aren't you?" Sharon snatched the keys mid air, retorting angrily "Barely! You can't cook and drive, I don't see a good future for your love life."

Ace put his hands in his pockets, walking backwards into the hospital, smiling at Sharon as he replied "Doesn't matter. I have you, right?" Sharon paused and looked at him, smiling "You're such a loser."

Ace grinned and turned around as they walked to a certain room.

Sharon smiled, "Aunt Peggy, I'm here." Peggy looked over and smiled "Sharon! When did you get so big?" Sharon sat next to her, holding her hand as she replied "Just the other day, Aunty… How are you?"

Ace watched Sharon and Peggy talk, frowning to himself. It seemed like Peggy was really in bad shape… He hesitated but never said anything, just sighing and looking at Sharon sadly.

Peggy looked over and smiled "Are you Sharon's husband?" Sharon froze and Ace smiled, sitting next to Peggy as he replied "Yes. Pleasure to meet you, Aunty. How are the nurses treating you?"

Peggy smiled, "Oh you're so cute. Reminds me of someone else. The old days…" before sighing. Sharon glared at Ace, who ignored her, patting Peggy's hand as he said "Oh? I would love to hear stories."

Peggy smiled happily telling Ace about the time she first met Steve Rogers. Ace waved behind him and the cameras fell limp as the door closed and the shutters collapsed.

A picture of Steve appeared in the room as Peggy said "It's him! Just like that, he was such a scrawny boy back then, you know?" Ace smiled and Steve became a scrawny boy, looking around awkwardly as Peggy described scenes and Ace recreated them in the room like a movie.

Sharon sat on the side and wiped away her tears, looking at Ace silently.

The room fell apart as the three were on a military base, Peggy returning to her former beauty as Ace held her hand listening to her speak.

Sharon covered her mouth and sniffed, turning to the side. Peggy looked at her and smiled "Sharon, dear. Are you quite alright?" Sharon nodded and smiled "So touching. I couldn't help myself."

Peggy smiled reminiscing, "Yes, Steve was quite the charmer. I recall one instance where I fell in love with him. It was during a role call, he jumped on a grenade to save his comrades, however the grenade was a dud on purpose." she laughed as the scene replayed all around them.

Peggy cried, continuing "Then Steve became Captain Rogers… He looked so out of place in that monkey suit they made for him… And then… and then… he disappeared…"

The scenes slowly disappeared, returning to normal.

Peggy cried "I looked for him, you know? I could never find him…" Sharon held Peggy's hand, smiling "He's here, Aunty. Look." as Steve appeared, smiling "Peggy." Peggy sobbed, smiling "Steve! You're back!"

Steve walked over and held her hand, smiling "Well, I couldn't leave my best girl, could I?" Peggy's lips trembled and she cried while laughing, "I missed you… for so long…" Steve just smiled and held her hand gently.

Ace didn't know what Steve would say, so it was better to say nothing.

And they stayed like that, until Peggy fell asleep and the duo left.

They were silent, even driving to wherever Sharon was staying.