Harry Potter and the Gates to Everywhere
Momorin
Chapter 1
Rented Out
Disclaimer: I really don't own Harry Potter, and most definitely not Yu Yu Hakusho.
"No."
"Hiei, now just take a moment and think about this offer-"
"I refuse."
"All we're asking is that you think about it. All of the charges against you could be lifted if you help in this one little-"
"It's a waste of my time. I'd rather do hard time in Reikai then work with dirty ningen."
Koenma sighed around the perpetually present pacifier in his mouth.
"You know, it could be fun?"
Hiei raised a thin black eyebrow, making it disappear into the starburst of hair that was his bangs.
"How do you propose working with humans could be fun?"
Racking his brains for an answer, an immediate solution popped into the deity's mind. Although it was not the most pleasant offer to make to the small fire demon, it was perhaps the only one that might even begin to tempt him into accepting.
"You'll get to kill humans. And demons. And other creatures."
The corner of Hiei's mouth twitched. Koenma, in all the experience gained through administration and business dealings in the Reikai these last few thousand years, caught it.
"Lot's of blood."
Another twitch.
"You could even torture some humans for information, depending on the case."
A more obvious movement of the lips.
"A perpetual bloodbath."
Hiei's mouth crept up into a smirk. "You said I would have free reign over my own actions and movements? No hindering humans sticking noses where they do not belong?"
A small nod agreed to the 'demands'. Small concessions for the demon's help. His aid would be invaluable to the detectives where they were going.
"When do we leave?"
Red hair reflecting the bright, florescent lights, Kurama made his way around his high school campus, attempting to find a location that would allow him to study without the interruption of other students. Regardless of his attendance at the school for the past year, many students, particularly the females, were still intent on following his every move. He had decided to allow the creation of the 'Shuichi Minamino Fan Club', as annoying as its very existence was, due to the restrictions it presented for the most avid and determined of his pursuers. Fan clubs did have their uses after all, even if it was only to fend off stalkers.
Finding a quiet corner in the second year library, Kurama pulled out a chair and sat down at the table closest to the windows, pulling out several text books and notebooks from his bag. Although he had lived as a demon for well over a 1000 years, there were still many human concepts and theories that greatly interested the fox demon, including a recently discovered theory on time manipulation. Curious by nature, his classes were a welcome burden.
It was at least an hour before he was snapped out of his focus on a particularly nasty math formula when a second boy took the seat across from his. Sweeping lazy green eyes over the newcomer, Kurama pushed his paper to the side.
"You have news for me, Kisho?" he asked, his smooth voice quiet so as not to carry to the strict librarian rearranging the books in a shelf near his table.
The boy who had interrupted, a nondescript looking student with brown hair and eyes, pulled out an envelope from his uniform jacket and slid it across the table. "This one will interest you."
Faster then a human could see, Kurama picked up the envelope, hiding it within his own jacket. No use letting the humans catch a glimpse of a letter they would not be able to read.
"Thank you," he said politely to the demon in disguise.
Kisho was one of many demons he had working under him in his intelligence network. It never hurt to prepare for his eventual return to the demon world, and Koenma had a knack for keeping important information from him. His own men did a much better job of keeping him abreast of the latest Makai news, as wells as keeping him in touch with key figures in the still new Makai regime. Not that Hiei ever wrote back.
"Sir," Kisho hesitantly began, before being encouraged by a pointed look from Kurama. "Toya-sama mentioned wanting to have a word with you. I believe it is mentioned in the missive as well, but he instructed me to inform you that should you have the time to spare, he would appreciate a meeting as soon as possible. He asked me to stress the importance of meeting in person, as quickly as possible."
Green eyes narrowed in annoyance.
"If that is all, you are dismissed. Do be careful on your return journey."
Standing up quickly, the carrier demon gave a quick bow, being sure that no humans in the vicinity were watching. "With your leave, sir."
Still watching the demon, Kurama remembered something he had been meaning to mention.
"Kisho."
The demon stopped and turned. "Sir?"
Smiling wryly, the fox demon he was briefly emerged as his eyes glinted golden for a single moment. "No matter what Chu and Rinku asked for, don't indulge their tastes for human food. They were the ones who decided to stay in the demon world. Let them suffer the dietary options."
Giving a small grin, Kisho gave an affirmative nod, turning around and quickly making his way out of the library. Kurama remained focused on following his youki out of campus, only returning to his studies when he felt the demon disappear from his radar.
"BOTAN I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW HURRY COME HELP ME RIGHT THIS INSTANT THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!"
The blue haired ferry girl hurried into the Spirit World's prince's room, hearing his demands from the ferry girls' lounge.
"Koenma-sama? What is it sir?" Straightening her pink kimono, she looked up brightly at her employer.
Stamping furiously at a stack his own height, the ruler, in his appearance as a toddler, gestured imperiously at his flat screen television, which served as both a device to observe (spy) on happenings in the Ningenkai, Reikai, and Makai, as well as to communicate with various employees and detectives.
"Kurama's not answering his communication device again."
The ferry girl sighed, knowing exactly why Kurama hesitated to answer any calls from Reikai.
"I'm sure he's just in school, or somewhere with humans, sir. I know he's not ignoring you or anything!" she cheerfully said, knowing fully well that Kurama was still annoyed at the deity due to an attempt at disabling the vast network of spies the fox demon had created within the Makai during the past couple of years. He had even turned down a few missions due to his annoyance at the toddler prince.
Oblivious as always, Koenma put down his stamp with a large clatter, crossing his arms.
Suck.
Suck.
Suck.
"Sir?" Botan asked, attempting to distract Koenma from his focus on the pacifier.
"Yes, well, I'll need you to fetch him then. There's an important meeting I'm requiring him to attend at my side about his newest mission. And tell him he can't refuse this one, or I'll throw him in the worst dungeon here!"
Another sigh. Working with Koenma was often like working with a three year old.
Wait a minute… Hmmm….
"I need you to meet us at a location in the Ningenkai, so be sure to change into appropriate clothe. Saotome will give you details."
With a flip of his small hand, Koenma returned to stamping papers that he didn't even bother to look over. If he had not already, he was going to regret his inattention to details one of these days…
"Yes, Koenma-sama!" Giving a smart salute, Botan bowed out of the office, walking towards where she knew George had his desk.
It took Botan less then an hour to be briefed by the blue oni and make her way to the Ningenkai on her trusty oar.
It took Kurama less then five seconds to realize that the ferry girl, if she continued on her path, would fly straight into his bedroom's balcony doors.
Quickly sliding open the doors, the handsome red head stepped out of the way as Botan came to a complete stop in the center of his room.
"Have you grown more plants, Kurama? They're beautiful!"
Yes, it was just like Botan to ignore the fact that she was almost injured and nearly broke his window.
"Good evening, Botan," Kurama politely greeted, shutting out the sweltering August heat. The heat was hardly bearable at best during the evenings. "May I ask why I have the pleasure of your company tonight?"
The blue haired ferry girl blushed at his smooth voice, a reaction Kurama had not exactly expected. She quickly put her oar away, looking away from him to a nearby rose plant. He had to remember to tone it down a notch. No use being more charming then he already was.
Quickly going back to her usual bubbly and, if Kurama was being completely honest, annoying self, Botan looked up and scratched her head sheepishly. "Oh ho ho ho! I've been instructed to take you to a meeting!"
Raising an eyebrow, he resisted the urge to groan at her laugh. Demonic hearing tended to make one sensitive to high pitched laughter, and Botan's laugh was among those he could barely tolerate.
"A meeting? I was not informed of any upcoming missions or responsibilities which would necessitate a meeting in the Reikai." Of course that was true. He had refused every mission sent his way the past month and a half. Let that teach the toddler prince a lesson to never meddle in his affairs.
"Oh that's right!" Botan fumbled for a moment within the sleeve of her kimono before pulling out a sheet of paper. "Let's see… It says here that we're to be meeting the Prime Minister of Japan and the leader of the wizarding population of the East Asian Alliance in an hour."
Even Kurama's mouth dropped at that statement.
"Th-the Prime Minister of Japan, Botan? What exactly is this all about?" He didn't bother to mention how ridiculous her other claim sounded.
Botan frowned slightly. "Well, thats all I really now. Koenma didn't tell me much, just told me to fetch you or something." She thought for a moment, tapping her chin with her finger. "Oh! And he said you can't refused or he'd throw you in a Reikai dungeon. He sounded serious." She smiled brightly up at the inwardly seething demon in disguise.
"Oh, did he?"
"Yup! I'm sure he'll explain much more at the meeting though!"
Kurama sighed, realizing that he would actually have to participate in this so-called meeting. It was difficult enough for him already, without adding in breaking out of a Reikai cell. Although the break out itself would be rather easy, evading the various Spirit police would be an annoyance, distracting him from his studies and dealings with the Makai.
"If you would please wait a moment for me, I'll change and be ready shortly."
There were already several other people in the meeting room when Kurama opened the double doors. Attempting to not stare at the various strange outfits he saw (not that he could talk; Kurama was wearing a chinese style green tunic over a long sleeve white shirt and pants), the taller then average Japanese walked into the room, standing a good hand length above the other occupants.
"Koenma-sama."
Short bow. He was still mad.
"Prime Minister, sir. It's an honor."
Deep bow. After all, he was the leader of the ningen country he currently inhabited.
"Madam, I do not believe I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance yet. I hope that shall be rectified soon."
A charming smile that could make even demons weak at the knees, regardless of gender, and a deep bow. Women were always the easiest.
The others looked incidental. Kurama smiled at each in turn, nodding his head and giving small bows, making no verbal acknowledgments or greetings. He had learned in his long life to stop wasting effort on underlings. It rarely mattered. They all looked to be secretaries and assistants anyway.
"Ehem," Koenma cleared his through bringing Kurama's attention back to the spirit ruler, currently in his more adult appearance. The demon graced the prince with pointed look, before selecting a seat around the round table, sitting closest to the windows. (it never hurt to be ready in case of emergencies)
'That look should have taught the prince better then to order me around like some stupid ningen.'
"Now that we are all present, I'd like to begin by making introductions," Koenma continued, uneasily glancing at the fox demon, knowing he was angry. No use in thinking about the painful death reflecting in those usually innocent looking green eyes now. "As most of you should already be aware, I am Koenma, Prince of the Spirit World."
With a nod, a gray haired man in a classic business suit stood, running one hand over his short hair, making sure not a hair was misplaced. "I am Hajime Okita, current Prime Minister of Japan." The man gestured slightly to the few people directly to his right and left wearing similar suits. "My assistants and secretaries. They are all trusted employees."
Even as the elder man sat, a women dressed in what looked, to Kurama, like a purple ninja costume stood up, dark blue hair shorn to just under chin length swinging slightly at the motion. "I am known as Tomoe Suzuki. I am the interim Minister of the East Asian Alliance of Magic. Although I am unworthy, I hope I can be of use during this trying time." Similarly dressed men and women sitting beside her made a synchronized small bow while in their seats. "My staff. Not to worry, they have all taken the Unbreakable Vow, and if I could take the initiative, I believe we should similarly bind your staff members as well, Prime Minister Okita."
The gray haired man nodded, thoughtfully stroking his small goatee. "That would be appreciated, Minister Suzuki." A respectful nod, and the women had returned to her seat.
Kurama looked skeptically at the women who looked no more then 35 to him. There she was, claiming to be some leader of the magical population of Asia, in a ninja costume, no less. But of course, he had seen stranger things.
A tug on his sleeve from Botan, who had taken the seat directly to his left, notified him that he should stand as well. "Honored leaders, although I am unworthy, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shuichi Minamino, and I am a simple second year student at Akihi First District High School here in Tokyo." A second tug on his sleeve prompted him from breaking eye contact with the strange women across from him, to look at Botan.
"You have to tell them who you really are," the ferry girl whispered quickly.
Raising an eyebrow, he looked over at the Spirit World prince, receiving a grave nod.
"But, of course, that it what I am simply known as in the human world. I am also know as Youko Kurama, former Makai thief, a silver kitsune of the eighth level, currently serving as a Spirit Detective with the Reikai while I fulfill my remaining duties in the human world before permanently resettling in the Makai after this human lifespan ends." An elegant bow ended his short introduction with a flourish. Kurama did not, however, miss the widening eyes of the aides and secretaries, as well as the knowing and unsurprised expressions on Minister Suzuki and Prime Minister Okita. "I do have to admit, I am slightly at a disadvantage. I hardly understand the reasoning behind my presence here at this meeting between three great powers." Yes, that was Kurama, always humble, putting the unwary at rest.
Of course, that was before he pounced and tore their throats out.
Koenma looked decidedly scared as the former thief's eyes glinted golden for a moment. "Er, Kurama, yes, you were invited here today because, well, er, frankly, we're loaning you out."
No, the tearing of throats was a much too kind fate for the prince of the spirit realm.
"Loaning out?" he repeated, voice deceptively cool.
"Er, well, to be more exact," a shifty glance with the other two leaders was exchanged before continuing, "we need you to spy on the British magical government."
"The magical government, sir?"
"Yes, you wouldn't know about that, would you." Nervous laughter filled the room, as Kurama's steely eyes studied them all. "I trust you are aware of what has come to be known as magic?"
Kurama gave a kurt nod. "Of course. Its hardly a threat to youkai, however, compared with Reiki. What has come to be known as magic today is simply the use of a human's powers on a more mentally evolved way. It hardly scratches the surface of what can be done through Reiki or Youki, but I assume it works for those few who practice it." At the looks on the faces of those present, Kurama gave an almost imperceptible grimace. "There are not simply a few, are there?"
Minister Suzuki, at that point, stepping in to aid the shaking Koenma. "There are witches and wizards all over the world, hidden from the rest of the human world. Only those in great power in the countries we inhabit are informed of our existence. We have governments and structures in place to regulate magic, as well as laws that protect what we think of as normal people from being harmed by magic. Of course, more practiced users of magic are aware of the limitations our brand of power has, but used by masters… even our magic may be a threat to the world."
The only acknowledgment Kurama gave them was a delicately arched eyebrow.
"I assume there is a current threat to the world, and I am to fix this problem?"
None of the leaders could look directly into the cold gaze of the former legendary thief of the Makai.
Kami help the next person to talk. because the great thief was not very please about the fact that he could be rented out like a piece of machinery half way across the world.
"I'm honored to have been selected for this mission, Koenma-sama. I do hope I will be of use to both the human world and the spirit world during this trying time. Now, if someone could please take the time to explain the situation in more detail, I would love to begin preparations for this mission."
None missed the promise of death in his smile.
Botan shivered in her place next to the kitsune oozing youki. She was not as stupid as she looked at times. Botan knew that the demon was prone to bouts of anger too, and with the treatment he had recently been receiving from Koenma, it was not completely unexpected.
"Ehem, well, to put things simply..." It was the Prime Minister of Japan, the one Kurama least expected to speak, who took the challenge. "A man who has previously laid waste to both the magical and non-magical community in Western Europe has risen from the dead, so to speak. The ministry in Britain has refused to awknoledge his return for the last year, resulting in delayed reactions from us, and now he, with his followers, are once more terrorizing people. It won't be long before he sets his sights here in Asia." Okita exchanged a glance with Suzuki, to confirm that what he had explained was correct.
"Kurama-san, that is the basic gist of it," Minister Suzuki stated. "We will certainly be providing you with all intelligence reports as well as any other information required of you, and our own witches and wizards in Japan will be at your disposal, to do with and deploy as you like." She stopped there, as Kurama gravely gave a short bow while still seated. "We... I... No, the entire world will be in danger, if this man is allowed to continue. We have recent reports that show he is now turning his sights onto things outside of the normal magical community, and beginning his own research into youkai."
"Kurama, you of all people understand the gravity behind a mad man like him gaining any sort of leverage with the demon community. Nothing on the level of Toguro or Sensui will ever compare with someone like him gaining power like that. He is no regular wizard, and his magic is a force even youkai will have to reckon with." The level of seriousness in the Reikai prince's words actually surprised Kurama.
"Of course, I understand the level of priority this missions must have," Kurama started, choosing words carefully. "I do not understand, however, why I am the one being chose for this mission, when others must be available. Yusuke himself is back from the demon realm..."
"This missions requires... stealth. Perhaps common sense and knowledge, and we all know Yusuke does not possess those things. Kami knows he doesn't..." A cough from Botan snapped Koenma from his reverie. "We believe you are best fit to oversee and carry out this mission. Of course, we will provide you with as much backup and resources as you see needed, as well as Hiei."
"Hiei?"
"Yes, Hiei. You get Hiei."
Kurama didn't bother mentioning the way the fire demon was thrown into the package like an object. Like a machine gun, or a new knife.
"So I must watch over Hiei to make sure he doesn't kill too many humans, while carrying out an extremely dangerous, possibly life-threatening mission, at ground zero, where a mad wizard thinks he can rule the world, and on the side, play with demons?"
Minister Suzuki, Prime Minister Okita, and Prince Koenma all smiled as Kurama.
"Well, i'm glad you understand now! Good luck, Kurama!"
Kurama made a promise to himself deep inside his heart to kill them all after his life in the human realm ended.
A/N: Yes, my first story, and its a crossover... Wow, what have I got myself into? Anyway, onto several key points I'd like to clarify before continuing with the story.
Yes, if you can't guess by now, my story is beginning very centered around Kurama. Not to worry though, as in the next few chapters, we'll be establishing the plot lines around several other key characters as well. It's just the beginning, so please try to be understanding. And on that note, I'd like to point out that you may have a problem with my Kurama, but I like him. I think that Kurama thinks a whole lot more then what he says, and sometimes, what he thinks is not all that nice. Of course, when we get to other character view points, Kurama will appear to be his perfect gentleman self... Maybe, I don't know yet. I like to think that being a former legendary thief has given him a rather warped sense of humour and a view of the world that might border on insane. I'm not saying he's a psycopath, but he can't live for hundreds of years killing and stealing and doing generally bad things without at least becoming a little twisted. I'd also like to show the mental workings of the great Makai bandit through this story, so that'll be fun.
No, I'm not going have Hiei and Kurama fall in love. Right now, love isn't super up there on my list of priorities, but we'll see where we can fit that in. I have more important things to write, like burglary, killings, and fun stuff like that.
Yusuke and Kuwa-chan will be appearing in this story, as well as Yukina and Keiko and Shizuru. I don't know how large their characters will be, as it'll depend on the turns the plots take. For now, though, let's stick to our two favorite demon baddies, Kurama and Hiei, and see how they get along with our fav characters from Hogwarts.
COMING UP NEXT: Things on Privet Drive are not exactly as pretty as they might appear to be.