Chapter 1

"As you may know," said the head captain, " Sosuke Aizen disappeared months ago, and since then we have launched an extensive investigation. We've had teams scour the Squad Five captain's room where Aizen lived, the underground assembly hall of Central 46, and the Seijuro Kurin where he hid himself after his faked death. Captains Ukitake and Kyoraku looked into Daireishio Archives, where after countless hours of sifting through all the data, Captain Ukitake discovered something."

Here, the old man drifted off into silence. The temperature of the room dipped with a flash of the younger captain's annoyance.

"The information that Captain Aizen had been looking at," prompted Toshiro. "What was it?"

"The Oken."

Hitsugaya's brilliant mind skidded to a stop, then tore into the implications of the word.

The Oken, otherwise known as the Royal Key, was the only supposed way to get to the Soul King. There was only one reason why a man such as Aizen would bother seeking out this information.

Deep within his inner world, a dragon stirred. To usurp the throne of God. Such audacity!

Toshiro only dimly registered the soutaicho confirming his own suspicions. Possibilities were already racing through his mind: Aizen could not have obtained access to the Oken before his betrayal, and he had not yet ascended to the throne. Therefore..

"What Aizen saw wasn't a book that told the whereabouts of the key."

"Exactly. The location of the royal key is a highly kept secret. There is no book detailing its location. What he saw was a reference detailing the method for creating the key."

Rangiku spoke. "So in other words.. The problem lies within the method?" Toshiro did not bother to correct his vice-captain's incorrect conclusion. The soutaicho's resounding "No," was more than enough.

"Not with the method. Aizen's understanding of the key is flawed; He intends to create it by sacrificing something of equal value. We believe that his plans are for Karakura Town." Rangiku gasped softly, and Toshiro's eyes narrowed. The loss of life would be staggering. All for the sake of one man's deranged ambitions to become a god.

"How much time do we have left?" he asked.

"It's not much," admitted the soutaicho, "But we do have some time. According to the report from Kurotsuchi, once the Hougyoku is released from its inner-soul imprisonment, it is in a dormant state. He has predicted that we have four months until the Hougyoku completely awakens; Aizen will make his movements then."

Toshiro nodded. It was a grim prognosis, and he could feel Hyorinmaru's implacable gaze weighing heavily on his shoulder. How will you respond? Aizen is no simple enemy, and you cannot afford to lose control of your emotions again.

Toshiro looked up. Yamamoto had not dismissed them yet. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes, Captain Hitsugaya. We have received reports from the Onmitsukido that Aizen and his arrancar have been sighted in an area known as Wizarding Britain. We will require you to investigate the situation."

Wizarding Britain? Toshiro's brow furrowed. "..and what of the Advance Guard?"

"Captain Kuchiki has requested to temporarily overtake your duties here at Karakura Town. I have seen fit to grant his request."

"I see." He must have offered to look after his sister. Unexpected, but from what Toshiro knew of man, the elder Kuchiki was proud and honorable. Matsumoto and the others would be safe enough when he left.

"Very well," said the soutaicho. "Captain Soi Fong has already sent details regarding your mission. You are dismissed." The screen fizzed into blackness.

Toshiro sighed into the silence that ensued. "We're going to have to tell Kurosaki, aren't we?"

.x.X.x.

"That bastard plans to do what to Karakura Town?" Toshiro suppressed a sigh. All of the shinigami were gathered at Urahara's, being served tea at the odd shopkeeper's request. Ichigo had not taken the news well, but that was to be expected. It was his home in danger, after all.

"He plans to destroy it," said Toshiro. "Wipe it off the map, along with a few layers of topsoil." Rangiku gave him a concerned look, but he brushed it aside with a small shake of his head. "I thought I made myself clear?"

"You did! But why would he do that?"

"The man wants to become a god!" yelled Renji.

Ayasegawa shook his head with a sigh. "Destroying so many souls to become god? No sense of style at all."

The three, with the addition of Madarame, soon fell to bickering, and Hitsugaya surveyed the others. The younger Kuchiki was strangely silent, perhaps still recovering from the trauma that Aizen had inflicted on her. Rangiku was looking at him again, making small gestures between himself and the others. When are you going to tell them?

Toshiro stood, only barely drawing in the attention of the arguing group. Sometimes he wished he had a more imposing stature, but at this point there was no use lamenting after things that could never be. "There's something else," he said. "I'm being sent on a reconnaissance mission in Wizarding Britain."

"What's that?" asked Renji.

"Wizarding Britain?" Kurosaki.

"Oi. Who's going to be in charge with you gone?"

"You are the only captain here," agreed Ayasegawa.

Histugaya drew in a deep breath, and the room temperature lowered a few degrees. "Captain Kuchiki," he said. "Has agreed to take over my duties here at Karakura Town. You are to obey his commands as you would mine. We can't afford to be taken unawares with Aizen now as our enemy." He looked across the table and saw Rukia setting down her cup. They were all listening now.

"I'm going to this 'Wizarding Britain' because the soutaicho has requested it, and because Aizen was spotted there. According to the Onmitsukidou's reports, it's a place where a number of spiritually gifted humans are gathered. It's never really mattered to the Gotei before now, but there were a few incidents a decade or so ago.."

He trailed off. Twenty years ago, Captain Shiba had gone on a mission to Wizarding Britain to investigate a few strange readings reported by the Twelfth. He hadn't come back, and afterwards it was Toshiro who was left to deal with the aftermath.

He'd never gotten past the idea that Captain Shiba wouldn't have been a better leader. His plans were insane, half the time, but there was always a sense of leadership and control that Toshiro had never been able to emulate, even after twenty years of captaincy.

Rangiku seemed to have noticed his discomfort and picked up where he'd left off. "..but nothing ever really came out of it," she said. "All you need to know is that taichou will be leaving in a few days and is being replaced by Captain Flower Boy." She raised a jug of sake produced from under the table and shoved it in front of Abarai's nose. "We should have a party! Besides," she said, as she leaned closer. "There's not going to be any more chances after Mr. Stick-in-the-Mud gets here."

Renji frowned, distracted by both the sake and the close proximity of her chest. "I guess it couldn't hurt.."

"Oi," shouted Madarame. "You'd better be sharing that! Yumichika and I call first!"

"Only if you can catch me~!" Rangiku disappeared out the door, leaving Renji and the other 11th division members in hot pursuit. Toshiro looked around and saw Kuchiki and Kurosaki. Had that really worked? Drinking alcohol on the job, was, of course, against the rules, but perhaps he could make an exception this time. His lieutenant probably deserved the break. Rangiku's thoughtfulness could be endearing, at times.

Kuchiki looked up from her cup of tea. "Nii-sama is coming back?"

Hitsugaya nodded. "Yes. I assume it's to look after you."

She looked down, taking a deep breath and then met Toshiro's eyes. "I'm going to leave now," she said. "Find somewhere to practice before he gets here."

"That's fine."

She left with a more determined step than she had coming in, and then there was only Kurosaki. He looked uncomfortable. "This Aizen guy," he said. "He's the real deal, isn't he?"

"He is." The place where the scar had been on Toshiro's collarbone itched. "Aizen.. is a dangerous opponent to go up against. He fooled everyone, and for so long.." He let out a breath. I shouldn't have taken Hinamori's word before.

"So the guy's a manipulative lying bastard. But hey," said Ichigo. "I think we'll have a shot to make it through this. We just have to work together."

Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah, I do." Ichigo stood a little straighter, stance a little more confident. "Power of friendship and all that. Aizen—he's alone. Even his allies probably don't trust him. That's what makes us different." He paused and looked away, embarrassed. "At least, I hope we're not keeping secrets anymore. Are there any.. laws I should try to avoid breaking, this time?"

Toshiro laughed. It was a small laugh, but laughter all the same. "No, I don't think so. Just remember to call me Captain Histugaya and we'll get along fine."

"Alright then! I'm going after Rukia now. Bye Toshiro!"

"What did you call me?" Hitsugaya made a halfhearted move to follow but the boy was already gone. He sighed and walked out of the kitchen. "Urahara-san. I know you're here."

"How observant, Toshiro!" The man in question popped out of a corner in the hallway, still strange as ever. Rangiku had been horrified at the man's choice of fashion. The hat and clogs were as eccentric as the owner, though also less annoying.

Histugaya scowled. "Don't call me that."

"I'm afraid I didn't hear that. What was that Shiro-chan?" Toshiro stiffened. The temperature in the hallway plummeted, sending curls of frost creeping up along the walls.

"Touchy then," observed Urahara. "Away with the pleasantries it is." He gestured towards the end of the hallway. "If you could come with me, captain. We have a few things to discuss."

.x.X.x.

"..and this here is the gigai that you'll be using for your mission." Toshiro looked upon his doppelgänger with a slight sense of unease. Gigai had always disturbed him for some reason. Part of him was convinced that it would only be a matter of time before they went rogue. Considering the dubious practices of the 12th, it wouldn't be all that unlikely that they would one day slowly infiltrate the Seireitei as a bid to replace their original selves.

Of course, that was only a possibility. For now, there were much more pressing urgencies to discuss. He studied the white hair and delicate features of his other self. "Is there anything special about this model that I should know?"

"Why, yes. There is." Urahara twirled his cane and pointed it toward Hyorinmaru. "You'll be able to use your Zanpakuto, should the need arise, and this series of gigai can be worn or discarded without the use of a mod soul. It's an empty shell, essentially, but better for missions where you don't want a different personality to give you away."

"..and the hair?"

Urahara shrugged. "You can dye it if you want, but I have it on a trusted word that you wouldn't want to do that. In the case that these wizards can see you without the help of a gigai, you won't even need it."

Histugaya nodded, a little distracted by the sense of reiatsu in the room. Someone had made a concerted effort to clear it away, but traces of a distinctly fiery presence still remained, intermingled with a few others. It shouldn't have bothered him that much, but it felt so familiar..

Hyorinmaru stirred, eyes once again burning a hole through the back of Toshiro's haori. Focus.

"Is there anything else that I'll be needing?"

Urahara's grin, if possible, grew even wider. It was disturbingly reminiscent of a scarecrow. Toshiro blinked, and suddenly there was a cat perched on his left shoulder. It was black and surprisingly heavy, but otherwise it seemed like just an ordinary cat.

Except the fact that no ordinary cat could hope to outmaneuver a captain. He made a move to brush the feline off, but a suspiciously masculine voice spoke out against his ear instead. "My, how rude. Don't they teach you manners in the Seireitei anymore?"

A talking cat, then. Definitely not normal. And why..? "I don't see how a talking cat is relevant to my mission."

"Why Hitsu-chan! How unobservant of you." Urahara leaned forwards to lift the creature off Toshiro's shoulder. "This is no ordinary talking cat, you see. Her name is Yoruichi."

Her? Well that was certainly strange. Urahara seemed to be expecting something though, so Toshiro made a respectful nod to the cat in question. "Yoruichi Shihoin? It's a.. pleasure to meet you."

"Aw, isn't this one cute, Kisuke?" The cat made a small batting motion in his direction. "He even remembered my name."

Hitsugaya leveled a flat look at Urahara. He still didn't see how a talking cat was relevant to his mission, even if it was a former stealth captain, but all the shopkeeper did was laugh. "Lighten up a little Toushou chan! Yoruichi is here is going to be your backup and guide. She knows a little more about the Wizarding Word than you might think."

"That's right, little captain. You're talking to the resident expert on all things magic." Yoruichi lifted a paw and leapt down onto the floor. "Now let's get started, shall we?"

.x.X.x.

Yoruichi sighed. "Wizards are really just spiritually aware humans," she said. "They're not all that powerful, but what they lack in power they make up in precision. Their spells, for example, are a little like kido, but on a smaller scale."

"So I should be able to blend in?"

"Sure. You'll do fine." Yoruichi attempted to find a more comfortable position on Toshiro's lap and stretched. "Personally speaking, I've never been all that fond of spell work. So complicated. It's like playing around with threads when you could just be throwing around kido. The only upside is that they come up with lots of unconventional ways to to use what they do have."

Toshiro raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're able to turn into a cat?"

"Mmhm. I see you have more questions, though."

"This.. Voldemort. You said that he might be a problem."

The cat nodded. "He was apparently a pretty big deal a few years ago, but the Onmitsukidou haven't been able to look into it too closely since all the strange activity recently."

"Do you think that Aizen would want to make allies with him? Maybe there's something that he wants in Britain."

"Not bad idea," said Yoruichi. "But that's why you and I are going there. To find out."

"Captain Soifon also mentioned a contact that I would be meeting: Dumbledore. Can you tell me anything about him?"

"Hm. A pretty powerful wizard, that one. He was just starting as headmaster at Hogwarts last I heard of him. The deal is that you can 'attend Hogwarts' to blend in, but he might have a few requests to make of you in return. He's pretty wily, so you might want to watch out."

Frost started to swirl out from where Hitsugaya was sitting, but Yoruichi seemed unperturbed by the cold. "The soutaicho agreed to send me on a reconnaissance mission at a school?"

"Apparently. I thought that this was in the report."

"He didn't say that I would have to go undercover as a student. In fact-"

A high pitched squealing interrupted Hitsugaya before he could continue. There was a distinct sound of a photo being taken before his Vice captain leapt in through the the window. "Oh my my goodness, taicho! Where did you get that cat? That's so adorable!"

"Matsumoto.."

"Hold on a second. I need to send this to the other girls at the Shinigami Women's Association. They're going to be so excited~!"

"Matsumoto!" At this point Hitsugaya was beginning to form a vivid picture of what would happened once that photo got out. If it was anything like the Komomura incident, he would be pestered for weeks, and the photos would soon be harder to confiscate than sake.

Matsumoto looked at him with faux confusion, but it looked like the damage was already done. Yoruichi started chuckling.

Toshiro slowly let out an exasperated sigh and briefly reconsidered his view on the soutaicho's assignment. Going to Britain meant that, at the very least, he wouldn't be around to witness the fallout. He might even learn something new while attending school.

Could going to 'Hogwarts' really be that bad?

Part of him was unconvinced, but either way, he was still going. He might as well go into it with some optimism.

Captain Shiba would have liked it that way, he thought.

Well, I am clearly insane.

I started planning this piece almost.. two years ago. Recently, I stumbled across my original outline and decided that enough was enough. I might as well get started now.

There are a lot of inspirations that led to the creation of this work, but I would like to give credit to CrazyTeddyBear's Order of the Shinigami for the original spark, as well as honorable mentions to all of Silvermoon42's Years_ series and her newest work To Survive the Gathering Storm for keeping me invested in the concept.

I still don't know exactly how this is going to end, but I have everything from the beginning to the Battle of the Ministry of Magic outlined, so we'll see whether or not I pick up any ideas on the way.

I'll continue this either way, but reviews are definitely appreciated. Every writer worries over how their work is going to be perceived, and I'm no different in this respect.

Trust me, your words mean more than you think they do.