Summary: Three years after the Shaman Fight ends, Yoh gets invited to attend Hogwarts. On the way he befriends Hermione and Blaise, and finds out that Hao isn't quite as dead as anyone thought. HaoxYoh.
Warning: Major Anna bashing. If you like her, get the hell out of this story, since my dislike of her shows quite a bit. There will also be twincest, but not for a while. I think that's all. THIS ALSO FOLLOWS THE PLOTLINE OF THE ANIME, BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF MANGA SPOILERS.
Untitled, as of Yet Chapter One
Three years after the Shaman FightYoh was lying on his futon in the guest room along with all his other friends (who were visiting), listening to music and staring at the ceiling.
Three years to the day… he mused to himself. It haunts me so much more during this time of year. The image of his brother, with that horrible streak of blood exactly down the center of his body, kept persistently popping up into his mind, no matter how hard he tried to dispel it.
Tap, tap, tap, tap… came from outside his window. He turned towards it curiously.
Startled out of his self-pity, he turned towards the window.
"That's odd," he said to himself, lines of confusion creasing his forehead. "What's an owl doing tapping at my window?"
A few moments later, Ren opened his eyes from the next futon over. "Go see what the hell it wants before it wakes up everyone else."
Yoh got up to obey his friend's command, laughing at the grimace that was no doubt gracing the Tao's face.
The owl flew in and circled around the room before perching on Ren's head. It ruffled its feathers imperiously, beak curling into a sort-of-smirk.
Shink. Shing!
Ren grabbed his sword from under his pillow and whipped it open. (For any confusion, I'm referring to the weapon he uses in the manga, which I don't think is in the anime. It's called the Jeweled Thunder in English, but I can't find my 9th book, where the actual name is…) He swung it madly at the bird perched in his hair, which managed to jump and dodge away from every offending swipe.
Yoh flinched and stopped laughing when the sword came too close and cut off a handful of feather tips . He snatched the sword out of his Chinese friend's hand, where he slid it shut. "See what it wants before killing it, please."
Ren sighed, letting the owl stay on its perch. It smugly ruffled its feathers and then offered out its leg, which had a letter attached to it. Yoh untied it and, at his friend's urging, read the front out loud.
Yoh Asakura
Guest Room
Funbari Onsen
Tokyo
The two raised an eyebrow at each other curiously. "It sounds like some weird stalker…"
Yoh shrugged. He ripped the envelope open, revealing a letter written in the same green, spidery ink as the address was.
"HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY"?
Yoh read the letter out loud.
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc. Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Asakura,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please pardon the fact that this letter is many years delayed. You will find enclosed a list of all your necessary books and equipment.
Term begins of September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Yoh stared at the letter in shock. "This is a little weird…" he stated.
Ren nodded in agreement, eyeing the parchment with suspicion. "How do you know if it's real or not?"
"No idea." Shrugging, Yoh pulled out a second piece of parchment and started reading: (Rather quickly at that, since there was a lot of writing on it with the length of the parchment)
"HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
All students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for daywear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothing should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners" Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
SECOND YEAR
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 2)
by Miranda Goshawk
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holiday with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
(The list went on in that manner nearly forever)
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS"
The only thing Yoh could think of to say after reading the letter was, "I'll need a lot of books."
Ren cautiously examined the text. "I'd suspect Hao if he weren't d-" He cut himself off abruptly. "I'm sorry. I forgot, with the letter and all…"
Yoh shrugged. "Fine." However, his newly downcast expression showed otherwise.
"Maybe it's that idiot Chocolove and a lame attempt to cheer you up?"
"…Err... I don't think so. It's a little too elaborate for him. But there's only one way to find out." He took a pen and scribbled a note at the bottom of the paper.
If any of this is real, then come to my house tomorrow
morning. Bring some sort of proof.
Yoh Asakura.
He stuck it in a fresh envelope and tied it to the leg of the owl, which was still on Ren's head. It clucked once before flying out the open window.
The two sat on their futon in companionable silence until Ren stood. (No, they are not sharing a single futon. The singular and plural forms are the same in Japanese).
Yoh looked at him, his head tilted to the side in a quiet question. Ren took his wrist and pulled him up. He led the way out of the room without so much as an explanation.
"Where're we going?"
"Outside. I know you never sleep on this night, so I've decided to stay awake with you."
Yoh smiled warmly. "Thank you."
Next Day
It had been an hour since all the stars disappeared for the day when Yoh finally climbed down from the branch he had been perching in. If he doesn't start breakfast for Anna soon, she'd be pissed beyond belief.
Besides, if she found out he had pulled another all-nighter on account of his dead brother, he'd probably be slapped.
A couple minutes before breakfast was ready, said fiancée walked in.
"I see you weren't in your bed last night, Yoh."
He flinched. "I was for most of it…"
"You don't sleep at all."
Busted.
"Anna, why can't you understand that he was my brother?! The other half of my soul!"
She scowled. "It makes no sense why you feel so guilty for killing someone that would've killed you otherwise. Besides, he was trash. Filthy garbage that deserved what he got."
Yoh felt his normally well-contained anger break free. He pointed towards the door, face shadowed. The wooden spoon in his other hand snapped, and his fingernails bit into his palm instead. "Out. Of. My. House."
By now, everyone was in the kitchen, varying degrees of shock written on their faces as they watched the drama unfold.
Anna remained impassive. Just like always. "I wouldn't want to live with a man that's beating himself up for killing a murderer."
He grabbed the front of her shirt and brought their faces together. "I never would've done what I did if he was in his right mind. Remember that!"
"And since when have you become an expert on Hao!"
" "How do I know"? We share a soul, for God's sake! He does what he does because he was betrayed twice! He's only following his dream."
Yoh would've continued his berating if a loud pop hadn't interrupted him. He turned to see what it was and released his fiancée at the same time.
An old man with a long, white beard, half moon spectacles and colorful robes had appeared near the counter where the rice was horribly burning. He waved his hand and the fire went out, stopping the food from getting any worse.
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
The shock the entire group was under was broken. Ren, Jun, Faust, Horo Horo, Pirika, Manta, Ryu, Chocolove, Tamao and Lyserg all looked back and forth between Anna and Yoh, and the newcomer.
Well, all but Manta. He was still frightened by the little-seen rage Yoh had shown. "A-are you really going to kick her out?"
When he got no answer, the man began to speak. "My name is Albus Dumbledore, and I'm here to give you proof of the existence of magic, as requested by Mr. Asakura."
Yoh bowed in respect. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, but I have no reason not to believe anymore."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, but remaining otherwise unfazed. "Oh? And why is that?"
"The owl apparently reached you, you just appeared out of thin air, and you stopped breakfast from overly burning with just a wave."
The old man smiled serenely. "I see that I have not made a mistake in inviting you to Hogwarts."
Anna stepped in. "What's going on here?" she asked rudely.
"He didn't tell you?"
She glared at her husband-to-be.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I take that as a "no", then. Well, I'm the headmaster at a school for witchcraft and wizardry, and have invited Mr. Asakura to join us for a year."
"He's not going," she snapped without missing a beat.
"That's not for you to decide."
She scowled. "As his fiancée, I have every right to say where he's allowed to go."
Yoh shrugged. "You can think like that all you'd like, but I'm free to do what I want."
"Oh really?" She cocked an eyebrow as she reached for her prayer beads.
"You want me here this badly?" Yoh asked nervously. When it was clear she wasn't going to back down he muttered to Amidamaru, who was behind him: "Into your tablet, now!"
The same instant that he did, Ren rushed forward to punch Anna across the face, and Horo Horo threw her beads against the wall. Yoh disappeared up the stairs.
Shards bounced around the fallen itako, who stared up at the two incredulously. "What was that about? How can you get mad at me for trying to keep him here?"
Ren glared darkly. "He's old enough to decide his own future. You've no right to be a part of it if you can't see that for yourself."
"B-but…" She put on her best pathetic face while opening her mouth to retort. She was cut off by Yoh's reappearance.
"Is there any way I can leave right away?" He came back down the stairs with his sword in hand, his appearance effectively redirecting Anna's focus. He had just been in his room, collecting a few things so he could be ready to go.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "I hadn't intended to let you stay here much longer. Do you have everything you need?"
Yoh shrugged. "I've got money."
At those words, Anna's stood up, previous shock turning to disbelief. "You're taking all the money?"
"I never said anything about that, but, yes, I'm taking everything."
"No!" Eyes blazing, she stomped over to Yoh until she was practically in his face. "No! You can't do that! What will I do?"
"Work, I guess," he said nonchalantly with an innocent face.
Ren smirked in approval.
"How are we getting there?" the youngest Asakura calmly asked, not seeming to notice his fiancée's fuming.
" How I arrived here: apparition. Now, go say your good-byes. We'll leave in five minutes."
Yoh left Anna to walk over to Ren, Horo Horo and Manta's section of the large group gathered in the kitchen. "Thanks, you two," he said to the shamans. "For standing up for me and all."
Horo Horo grinned. "Anything for a friend. Besides, did you think we'd just let it lie?"
"I'm going to miss you guys so much." He looked down. "You too, Manta. We'll all keep in touch?"
When Yoh was content with their answers he turned to leave again. Except…he didn't go far. Ryu swept him up into a huge bear hug, sobbing hysterically. "I'm going to miss you so much, danna!"
"Yeah, I'll miss you too," Yoh said sadly, patting the towering man on the shoulder, as he couldn't quite reach his back.
Everyone had a hug for Yoh and their own parting words.
"I can't believe you're leaving just like that," Lyserg commented.
Yoh laughed. "I know, it is kind of spur of the moment, isn't it?" He looked at his friend awkwardly, not knowing if he was supposed to hug him or not.
His problem was solved when Lyserg latched onto him tightly. "It'll be weird not having you around."
"I can imagine." After a moment, Yoh disentangled himself and looked over the whole group. "Well, bye, you guys. I'll probably be back in December for the holidays." He was about to go for good, but then paused. "Oh, and Anna?" Yoh looked back over his shoulder at the girl silently seething. "I'm breaking off the marriage."
Before his words sunk in, Dumbledore took him by the shoulder and said something under his breath. Everything seemed to condense into one, small spot with rib-crushing pressure.
As soon as it started, it finished, and Yoh and the Professor were in a busy pub. "Sorry about that, Mr. Asakura. The feeling takes some time to get accustomed to."
Yoh laughed good-naturedly and waved it off. " Perfectly fine. I've experienced worse."
"I'm sure you have," Dumbledore answered absently as he searched the busy pub. "This is strange, they said they'd they would be here."
"Who, sir?"
"Oh, just some people…" he said and scratched his beard. "Ah, there they are."
He swept regally through the busy tables, giving a nod of thanks when people moved out of their way. He quickly came to a table in the back corner. It was all Yoh could do to keep up.
"These will be your guides today, picked because of their outstanding academic achievements in Hogwarts, so don't worry, you'll be in capable hands. And because I have other matters to handle, I'll leave you three to take care of introductions." With that, Professor Dumbledore deapparated.
"…So…" Yoh started, looking over his guides for the day. The girl on the left had long, brown, curly hair and was very tall, while the man was a little shorter with dark, olive skin and black hair.
"I'm Yoh Asakura, from Japan." He took one of his hands off the hilt of his sword where it rested before him and held it out to the woman.
"I'm Hermione Granger from England."
"Nice to meet you."
"And I'm Blaise Zabini, from Greece," the other said in a dark, alluring voice.
"Good to meet you, too."
Hermione pulled out a…stick?…and waved it. Instantly a chair popped up from out of nowhere. "Have a seat," she offered.
Yoh sat down. "What's this place called?" he asked conversationally. "It seems a big shady for people our age."
They chuckled. " The Leaky Cauldron," Hermione answered. "Only the most popular meeting spot in the Wizarding World!"
As she began to ramble on about its history and significance, Yoh placed the Harusame on the table so he could better get comfortable in his chair.
Blaise leaned forward to get a closer look at the sword. "Holy shit, is that what I think it is?"
"Um…a katana?" Hermione stopped her rambling to ogle at it, before launching into a lecture about "potentially dangerous objects".
"No! I mean…can I look at it closer?" At the shaman's nod, he slid it over and began to examine it from every angle. "It is!" Blaise raised an eyebrow at Yoh. "How did you get the Harusame?"
Yoh had the decency to look embarrassed. "Well…I…needed it more than the local museum, so…I kind of just took it."
"Why on earth did you need a famous sword so much that you'd steal it?"
He smiled. "Before I give a semi-full explanation, I want you to meet someone." He called his spirit ally out from the memorial tablet.
"Yoh-dono! Is everything okay? Did Anna try to hurt you? Did you get away?" Amidamaru asked, hysterically pouncing on Yoh.
"Yes, I'm fine. Anna's probably weeping more at the loss of her precious money and of her future title as the wife of the Shaman King than me." He turned his attention back to Blaise and Hermione. "You guys, this is Amidamaru. Yes, Blaise, the Amidamaru. I'm a shaman, and he's my spirit ally. Harusame is the medium I use for channeling him in battles."
"That's really cool!" Hermione gushed, conveniently glancing over the topic of her previous tirade. "But wait…battles? You fight?"
Before Yoh could say anything, Blaise cut in. "Didn't the Shaman Fight end not too long ago?"
He sighed. "Three years ago yesterday. Please, can we talk about this later? I have really bad memories associated with that."
"Oh, Yoh-dono!" Amidamaru wailed tragically. "Can you ever forgive me for the part I played?.!"
Yoh smiled sadly. "You were just doing what I forced you to do. Now shush, your outburst is making them even more curious."
"Indeed," Blaise inputted.
"I'll talk about it when we're in school, if you still want to know then." He stood. "Why don't you show me how to get to wherever we're getting our things, and tell me a little bit about Hogwarts and yourselves while you're at it? Rock, paper, scissors for who goes first."
Once Hermione had opened the doorway into Diagon Alley, she had to give Blaise a lengthy explanation on how to play Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Surprisingly, he won.
"We need to go to Gringotts to get you money before we buy anything," Blaise casually stated. "Hey, are you listening to me?"
Yoh slowly shook his head "no", entranced by the busy street.
"Whatever." Zabini took him by the arm and led him through the crowds. "So…you already know who I am, but I'm guessing that's it. I come from a pureblooded line, which means I've got no non-magic blood in me."
"What's the point in that?" He broke his arm out of Blaise's firm hold.
"Hard to explain without sitting down and having a lot of time on our hands. Anyhow, I'm a Slytherin at Hogwarts-do you know about the Houses?"
Yoh had to shake his head.
"Hogwarts has four Houses, and you're placed in the one that best fits your personality. Slytherin is for the cunning; Ravenclaw, the smart; Hufflepuff, the loyal; and Gryffindor…the brave." The last word was said with disdain. At Yoh's look, he elaborated. "Slytherins and Gryffindors don't get along well. They especially think we're all Death Eaters in training."
Yoh looked strangely at a woman selling dried earlobes and then asked, "What're Death Eaters?"
"They're the "bad guys"."
"Ah. I know that type. There were plenty in the Shaman Fight."
Blaise grimaced. "Um…somehow I doubt they were as bad as the Death Eaters."
"Does almost succeeding in getting the power to become supreme dictator of a shaman-only world count?"
"Ah. Maybe they were."
Yoh shrugged. "Except they really weren't that awful. The leader and I…would've been friends if he didn't have such messed-up ideals, and some of his followers made interesting conversationalists. Oh, it's hard to put into words."
Hermione pushed him on. "No, try please try. It's so interesting to hear about the conflicts in other areas."
"I…It's something that I really don't really want to talk about. The memory of the last battle is painful for me. I'm sorry." Yoh bit his lip as he tried to think of something to say. "So…um…Hermione, what House are you in?"
"I'm a Gryffindor," she answered proudly.
Blaise rolled his eyes.
"Wait…that doesn't make any sense." Yoh stopped in the middle of the street.
"Why not?" she asked, stopping with him.
"Well, from what he said," the Asakura pointed to Blaise, "I was under the impression that Gryffindors and Slytherins don't get along. So…why haven't there been any arguments, or…" Yoh trailed off in confusion.
"We made a truce this morning so we wouldn't scare you off. Besides, we both tend to stay out of sight in the arguments, so it's not that difficult," Blaise said and started to walk again. "Come on. Gringotts is right in front of us, and we're wasting time standing around and chatting."
They had no choice but to follow.
Yoh was about to ask what the strange creatures were when the three reached one of the desks. "Hello and welcome to Gringotts. My name is Ironfist, and how may I help you today?" the thing said.
"Um…well…I was wondering if I could change my money in for the currency you use here? If it's not too much of a problem…"
"Of course I can. Put it on the counter here and I'll change it over."
Yoh looked relieved as he dug through his pockets and pulled out wads of money.
"Ah, Japanese. We don't see much of your type around here."
Two minutes later, Ironfist gave back a small, leather sack stuffed with coins and a receipt. "That's a charmed purse to hold more than it looks it can, and you have seven thousand five hundred sixty-two galleons, twelve sickles and five knuts in there. Have a nice day."
Yoh took it and graciously bowed his head. "Thank you, you too."
"Where did you get so much money?!" Hermione stage-whispered once they were out of hearing range of the goblins.
Yoh laughed nervously.
THIS IS A PAGE BREAK
Blaise, Hermione and Yoh were just leaving Flourish and Blotts with their books when Yoh felt something he hadn't felt in three years.
The presence was faint, but unmistakable: fiery, intense, and angry.
Hao.
Yoh dropped his bags and shakily raised a hand to his mouth. He was on the verge of tears.
"Are you alright?"
Tears of joy.
"Yoh-dono? Did you feel that?"
He slowly nodded his head, ignoring the worried words of his new friends.
"That's impossible! He's not supposed to be back yet! Not for five hundred years. But…" Yoh grinned and threw his arms around his ghostly companion. "He's back! I don't know where or how or why, but…he's back!
THIS IS ANOTHER PAGE BREAK
A couple hours later, the four could be found in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor eating ice cream. The whole incident in front of Flourish and Blotts had put Yoh into one of the best moods he had experienced in a few years.
Blaise and Hermione had come to an unspoken agreement not to mention it until later.
"What are you doing until school starts?" Blaise asked before taking a bite of tiramisu.
Yoh winced. "Crap, I hadn't exactly thought about that yet."
"Good. You'll be staying with me," he replied, cool as a cucumber. It was as if inviting someone you just met that day to live at your house for two weeks was perfectly normal.
Yoh froze with his spoon halfway to his mouth. "Are you serious?"
"Of course I am! Mother told me I should ask you over if you were even halfway decent."
"I suppose I should take that as a compliment," he said with a grin. "And…thanks. It's nice of you two to invite me."
"Ah, no problem. Greeks, especially my family, absolutely adore guests." He glanced at his watch and then at his empty dessert place. "We really shouldn't be eating sweets before lunch."
With nothing to do for the moment, they leisurely soaked in the warm sunlight and took turns pointing out people with crazy outfits.
"Look, there's one! Oh my god, who wears their hair like that nowadays?" Blaise tried to muffle his laughter with his hand in vain.
Yoh almost fell out of his chair in mirth. "The sad thing is…is I know someone with their hair exactly like that!"
Blaise gaped. "That's horrible!" he said in shock.
"I know," he chortled. "Speaking of…" Yoh looked next to him where Hermione was sitting. "You mentioned your friends earlier. Out of curiosity, what are they like?"
Blaise huffed. "Pompous buffoons who act like they own the school."
He got punched in the arm. "No they aren't! Harry's a sweet boy who survived the Killing Curse when he was a year old, and is now famous for it, but none of it has ever gone to his head. Ron can be a prat sometimes, but he's loyal beyond a doubt. They're both really nice, even if…they can be quite vocal in their dislike towards Slytherins."
"They don't even know any of us! It's all Draco's fault for egging them on."
"Draco?"
"Harry Potter's rival and the "leader" of Slytherin. They're always getting into brawls around the school."
"You don't like Draco?"
"No, it's not that. He just doesn't like Potter."
Yoh waved his spoon at Blaise. "What're your friends like?"
He shrugged. "I drift around, and mostly keep to myself. Draco's an ass sometimes, but we'll sit and chat when there isn't any other interesting conversation around, which is most of the time, but that's beside the point."
"That's sad."
Blaise grinned. "No, no, no. I like my solitude. So, what about you? The only thing I've heard is that one of them has an out-of-style hairdo." Hermione giggled at the muggle term.
"Erg, where to begin?" Yoh asked himself. "Um…Ren! Tao Re- Well, I guess it'd be Ren Tao here, is a complete hothead, used to be a creepy, psycho killer until I made him see the error of his ways, and…he's cool. He's good to have around when you need a shoulder to cry on. Horo Horo is, to put it bluntly, one of those crazy environmentalists you see on TV. He's got naturally blue hair and likes to snowboard. Chocolove tells too many stupid jokes. Ren actually thought my Hogwarts letter was something he sent. Ryu's the one with the creepy hair and used to be a gang leader, but now he's a mushy, sentimental guy that bear hugs people too much. Lyserg had his parents killed by the leader of Hoshi -the bad guys- when he was really young, so was all revenge-filled until he saw him die. Faust's a doctor who lost his wife when they were newly married and keeps her skeleton inside his coat, and Manta's a three-foot-tall midget with a dictionary."
Blaise and Hermione blinked owlishly.
"What?" Yoh looked up at Amidamaru, who was floating above his offering of melted ice cream. "Did I say something wrong?"
"I think you gave them the wrong impressions of your friends, Yoh-dono."
Yoh grinned apologetically at them. "Sorry? Come on, it's all right, they're great! They'll probably visit during the year, and you'll see what I mean."
"Sure, Yoh, whatever you say," Blaise said with a sigh. "Oh, hey! I've just got a really good idea! Hermione, what time are you expected back?"
She shrugged. "Probably around five or six, why?"
Blaise grinned for the first time that day. "Let's go check out Muggle London."
THIS IS THE LAST PAGE BREAK OF THE CHAPTER!
The sky was beginning to grow dark when Yoh, Hermione and Blaise (Amidamaru trailing behind) re-entered the smoky tavern, laughing their heads off. The few hours had been more than enough to ease all tensions as they loosened up, lightened up and opened up.
Maybe it had something to do with Yoh forcing Blaise and Hermione to try sushi, or perhaps it was them venturing into a condom shop, and then getting kicked out for immature behavior.
Whatever it was, they had formed a tight friendship, and it was sad to have to part ways.
"There you are, Blaise!" yelled a tall woman over the din, and hurried over. Her black curls bounced in time with her springy step and the blue frills of her short dress. "Oh, you must introduce me to your friends!" She had a sunny disposition that brought cheer to the room.
Blaise blushed at her over-enthusiasm. "Mother, this is Hermione Granger, the top witch at Hogwarts, and Yoh Asakura from Japan."
"How marvelous!" She swooped in to kiss the cheeks of both of them. "You'll be staying with us in Greece, right, dear?" she asked with a tap to Yoh's nose.
He grinned, already liking this woman. "Of course. I couldn't think of turning down such a kind offer."
"Oh, what a polite young man! You can call me Josephine!" She spotted Amidamaru. "And who might you be?"
"I am Amidamaru, Josephine-san, Yoh-dono's friend." He bowed.
"A pleasure to meet you," she answered and bowed back.
"Err…sorry to cut in like this, but my parents are expecting me soon," Hermione said. She looked back and forth between her two new friends. "So, bye, I guess. See you in a couple weeks."
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
They grinned at each other, and she turned and left.
"Do you know how to use Floo, dear?" Josephine asked after a few moments.
Yoh shook his head.
"Okay. Take a pinch of this powder," she held out a pot, "throw it into the fire and clearly state your destination, then step in. To get to our place, just say "Blaise's Floo Room". Does that make sense?"
""Blaise's Floo Room"?" he asked with a laugh.
She smiled back. "We all have our own fireplaces. Now come on, we don't have all day! Dinner starts in an hour."
"Okay." Yoh juggled his numerous bags in one hand, the other trying to get a pinch of the green powder. He gave a victorious smile when he succeeded, and tossed it into the fire. "Blaise's Floo Room!" He took a deep breath and stepped in.
The spinning was a shock, but he'd had worse surprises. A few seconds later he was spat out, and it was all he could do to stay on his feet.
Amidamaru looked a little dizzy.
With a green flash, Blaise stumbled through, trying to keep track of his bags. He immediately dropped them in favor of the mirror. "I hate the Floo," he complained. "I always get so sooty."
Yoh rolled his eyes and laughed. "So, where should I put my stuff?"
"The house elves will take care of it. Come on, I'll show you around!" Blaise led him out of the small, undecorated Floo Room and into a library. "This is where I do all my work and keep my personal books." He waved his hand unceremoniously. "And you know what? I'll give you a tour after dinner. For now, I want to show you what it's like outside." He dashed out the door. "Come on!"
Yoh followed him through a couple rooms when Blaise suddenly stopped in front of a tall, wooden door.
"My friend, I give you GREECE!" He swung the door open with a large show of drama, revealing the sparkling Mediterranean.
……
End of Chap. One! I'm going to be deleting the other chapters, but if anybody wants them, give me a heads-up and your email, and I'll send them over!
Does anybody want me to do a one-shot with Blaise, Hermione and Yoh in muggle London? If I get enough interest I might write one.
Bye for now!
p.s. REVIEW!