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Hesitantly, wondering if this was some sort of joke, Kagome untied the letter, and to her surprise, it was addressed to her. There was no return address, just a red wax seal and an emblem with Hogwarts on it.
"Hmm. It's in English. Hahg-worts," said Kagome. This was getting more interesting by the second. An owl, an old fashioned wax seal, and something in English?
Kagome carefully ripped the envelope open, and out took a couple pieces of parchment, unfolding it. Her mom leaned over her, wondering what it would say.
The letter was handwritten, but all in English. Kagome frowned. She had been taking English classes in high school, but she wasn't quite proficient at it yet…
"Let's see. Hahg-worts school of wit-cha karaf… I think this is a letter from a school. I don't know what the first word means… Although I think warts is some kind of disease..."
Perhaps a medical school advertisement? Although, how in the world they got a bird to deliver it is beyond me.
Kagome leaned in to try and decipher the writing, when suddenly, the piece of parchment she had been holding floated away from her hands, suspended in space in front of her. Her mom shrieked a little, as the papers flashed a white light, and then drifted onto the floor.
"What was that?" her mom said, wide-eyed. Her mom carefully poked the pieces of paper with a chopstick, as if it was a deadly animal. Kagome snorted at the image that popped into her head.
Well, that would be great. I can imagine the headline now – After Five Years of Battling Vicious Demons, Shikon Miko is Killed By Piece of Paper.
When the paper didn't do anything else – Of course, I mean, it's a piece of paper… – Kagome poked it with her toe, – Well, can't be too safe. It did just float. – and then picked it up.
"Mom! The letters are in Japanese now!" Kagome's mouth hung open a little. This had to be some sort of magic. Papers didn't just randomly translate themselves!
And if they did, my English homework wouldn't take hours.
Kagome read the first piece of paper, her mom looking over her shoulder.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Higurashi,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours Sincerely.
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
There was another letter addressed to her on a separate piece of parchment.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Higurashi,
Hogwarts is a magical school in Great Britain that trains young witches and wizards to use their magic. For some reason, your magic has been recognized rather late. If you are to accept, you will be transferring in later than most students.
However, there are special circumstances that surround your case. I would like to meet you in person, Ms. Higurashi, and explain them, as well as to answer any questions you have.
Please send your reply by the owl. If you accept, I will arrive at your home tonight at 7, Japanese time.
Yours Sincerely.
Albus Dumbledore,
Headmaster
There was also a list of equipment and books, along with another sheet which specified books that had been used in 1st – 4th year, in case she wanted to study up.
Witchcraft and Wizardry? Cauldrons? This could be a joke. A very elaborately planned joke.
Let's see. Souta's away at camp, he couldn't do this. Hojo wouldn't play pranks on me. He's too wimp-I mean nice- for that. Yuki, Eri, and Ayumi… I can't imagine one of them doing this kind of thing.
I don't know anyone who speaks English fluently enough to write letters like this either.
So, I guess this could be real. Well, a magical school. I've seen stranger things.
"I think magic's real, mom," Kagome said quietly. A couple moments passed as the two took in that statement.
"Yes, I do believe so," her mother replied. It wasn't all that hard to believe actually. They lived in a shrine, for heaven's sake. And what else was the explanation for Kagome's adventure? What else could explain the pure light that enveloped Kagome's arrows as she practiced archery?
The letter, however, was more surprising. There's a school for this kind of stuff? There were others who could use magic? Where you wear witch hats and robes and wave around wands?
Kagome giggled. Maybe they rode around on broomsticks and looked into crystal balls too!
"Do you think you want to go?" her mother asked Kagome.
Kagome's mother had been initially shocked when the paper started to float, and when she saw the words Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, it was a small surprise compared to when she had found out that her daughter was a legendary priestess a few months ago.
If Kagome could travel through time and defeat demons, than she surely could have magical powers. Honestly, the magic thing was more believable than the Kagome's journey! Kagome was already her mother's childhood hero, the girl in her beloved fairytale who purified monsters and saved lives.
She's clearly destined for great things…
"I'm not sure. I think I'll wait for the headmaster to come and explain all this to me. But, wait – you'll let me go? To school? In Great Britian? It's so far away "
"Yes, it's really up you. You're a very responsible girl, and I'm sure you want to learn about magic, right? It'll be good for you to do something different and get away from the shrine a little bit." Kagome's mother was well aware of Kagome's lingering depression and knew that this might be just the thing to make Kagome's smile not so sad anymore. She also knew that Kagome sometimes spent nights out sitting in front of the well, staring.
"Okay," Kagome said, excited.
"Well, you better feed that owl. I think it's pecking away at your breakfast."
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After Kagome had scrawled a reply "Yes" on a sheet of paper and sent it off with the owl, she impatiently waited for seven o' clock.
This magic stuff, a school – it was all horribly fascinating to her so far, and she wanted to know more. The endless possibilities of magic.
Questions about her acceptance rose in her mind, and she resolved to find out as much as possible about this magic school.
Finally, Kagome grew tired of wondering and to distract herself, she set off to sweep the shrine and polish the statues and carvings. Grandpa was extremely pleased as he commended her on being an 'industrious youngling'.
Numerous shiny statues and hours later, Kagome walked around the shrine. There were still 10 minutes before the headmaster of the magic school was supposed to arrive.
The letters had piqued her interest, but the list of books and equipment, even more so. It was like straight out of a kid's fantasy novel. It had been an intriguing day so far, and Kagome was more excited since… well, since she had turned 15 once more.
Mom was right… Maybe it is better for me to get away from here.
She sighed. It was hard to talk with her modern-day friends sometimes. They were obsessed with boys, kept pushing her toward Hojo, and all their conversations were a little lacking in substance. It was just… awkward sometimes, when Kagome realized she no longer fitted in with them. They would turn to her expectantly, but she had no tidbit of gossip or a new crush to swoon over.
In all honesty, however, it wasn't really their fault. She had changed, and they were just as they had always been.
They were perplexed by the new Kagome, who had, for them, literally changed overnight. One day, it was cheerful, talkative Kagome who drooled over dreamy boys and complained about her family.
Then, she had fallen into the old well and climbed out, seconds later in this re-winded modern world, but five years later in her mind. Oh sure, she was still somewhat cheerful and talkative, but now there were years of her life who had made her essentially who she was, that her modern day friends would never know about. Her friends wondered why she threw herself into school, and when did she mature so much. They wondered why Kagome's smile was so sad sometimes, and why she seemed so far away sometimes.
Kagome missed her best friends terribly. Often, her mind would drift off when she encountered something that reminded her of the past. She desperately wanted to know what had happened to each of them, hoping that they got their happy endings.
I just want to know what happened to them. How many children did Miroku and Sango have? What happened to little Rin? How did Shippo grow up?
A sharp cracking sound interrupted Kagome's train of thoughts, and she instantly became alert. It had come from around the corner of the house.
She took a quick glance, and it was… a thinner, taller version of Santa Claus. Wearing a pointy black hat instead of a red one. At the moment, skinny tall Santa Claus was looking at the shrine curiously from under his spectacles.
Whoever this man was, he looked extremely out of place, with his purple-wait, is that a dress? – and long twirly beard.
Perhaps this is the headmaster? Well… those Europeans do have rather unusual fashion trends.
Kagome stepped out of the shadows and into plain sight of the man.
"Err… Hello? Can I help you with something?" The old man turned around, looking at her, smiling with crinkled eyes. He murmured and took out a stick, giving it a swish as he said something. A faint blue glow came from the stick, and then quickly vanished. The old man looked at her and smiled.
"Hello, you must be Kagome Higurashi." Kagome blinked rapidly. She was hearing two voices as he spoke! A trace of his voice was in English, and then more loudly overlaid with Japanese, with a strange accent.
"Ah, yes, that would be the language translation spell," he said, chuckling, "It is a little bothersome, and will never be quite as good as learning the language, I'm afraid. However, it must do for now, as I've yet to learn Japanese."
"My name is Albus Dumbledore, and I am the headmaster of Hogwarts. I have much to explain and discuss with you; perhaps we should step inside your lovely home?" He gestured toward the house.
"Yes yes, sorry about that, I'm just a little surprised," Kagome said to the headmaster, walking up to the house.
Kagome closed the door behind the headmaster and lead him into the living room. Her mother looked up from the book she was reading, eyes widening as she took in the old man's eccentric appearance.
"This is the headmaster of Hogwarts, Mom." Her mom quickly stood up and greeted the headmaster. He took out his stick again, muttered the same word, and the blue light came and went. Kagome watched carefully through the process, while her mom looked confused. Understanding flickered into her eyes as the headmaster began to introduce himself. All three of them sat down.
"As far as I'm aware, your family is not a wizarding one. Do you both believe in magic?"
"Yes, we do live at a shrine and I have always believed some sort of magic existed." Kagome's mother replied.
"Excellent!" The headmaster said, "That will make my job easier."
"As the letters said, Hogwarts is a school for young witches and wizards. Our school is located in Scotland. The students go through seven years of schooling, graduating at age 17. Kagome, you would be transferring in as a fifth year."
"I don't know anything about magic though, why wouldn't I start as a first year?" Kagome said, confusion evident on her face.
"Well, Hogwarts' term does not start until September 1st. You could catch up by studying with a teacher over the summer. The professors could give you extra lessons over the school year also."
"And of course, I believe you have used your magic before?" said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling. Kagome's brain grasped at the implications. Did he know..?
Past of this present or 500 years ago?
"Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I believe you have had some rather interesting adventures in the past?" She gasped, and her mother stared at Dumbledore.
"Y-you… How?"
"I am aware of the Japanese legends, and one can feel the old magic surrounding this place, and coupled with your name... well, am I right?" Kagome nodded.
There's a whole lot of leaps to that conclusion though. Though, maybe wizards would know things that regular people wouldn't know.
"I believe that you will learn much before term starts. Of course, you must travel to Britain then, for the summer. Could you leave in two days? The earlier, the better, as there is much to cover. Five years of schooling is an awful lot."
Kagome looked at her mother, who said, nodding, "It's your choice Kagome."
"Alright. I have a question though. Aren't there Japanese magic schools? Why is an English school accepting me?"
Dumbledore blinked. He hadn't anticipated that question. Most children would be too awed by the fact that magic was real to be able to catch these things. This girl was certainly a fast one…
"I am not quite sure why other magic schools have not contacted you. Perhaps it is because it appears that your magic has appeared at a rather late age. However, your name appeared on the Hogwarts roster, and any student whose name appears on it must be informed about the opportunity to attend Hogwarts." There. That answer was certainly true. However, there was more to it-the prophecy-but she didn't know that… Kagome nodded, accepting the reply.
"If you could, a demonstration of your magic skills would help in placing your level of magic and what you would need to learn."
"Okay," Kagome said, thinking for a minute.
"Mom, why don't you take the Headmaster out by the woods. I have to grab something from my room."
Why do we have to move outside? Dumbledore wondered as he followed Kagome's mother outside. Perhaps her magic is a little unstable, since she does not have a wand. Although, it also could be a different type of magic from the feudal era. Sibyll did say "ancient magic" in the prophecy.
For the first time in a long time, Albus Dumbledore did not know what to expect. Sure, Voldemort obtaining a body had taken him by surprise, but was hardly unexpected, when he knew Sibyll's prophecy. And the war ahead- he knew what to expect- terror, sorrow, and death. This girl, however, was something entirely unexpected.
Sibyll's prophecy had introduced a new player in this battlefield-an old legend appearing in the present. And, this new, unknown player, according to the prophecy, would be an integral part in defeating Voldemort. The Shikon Miko, a girl named Kagome Higurashi.
Truth to be told, Dumbledore had not been very familiar with the girl's tale. He had asked Minerva and Filius about it, and while Minerva had not heard of it, Filius certainly had.
The teacher, with a high squeaky voice piqued by excitement, told them that the Shikon Miko was a woman who had traveled with several companions, some of whom which were demons. She had been the keeper of an extremely powerful jewel, and along with her companions, defeated an evil demon.
Unfortunately, that was all Filius knew of her. He pointed Albus in the direction of Professor Binns, the History of Magic ghost. And, although Albus had searched for Binns, it had turned out he was gone, to wherever ghosts went in their free time.
Kagome certainly hadn't been what Albus had expected. A petite girl, only 15. She had helped defeat an evil demon?
Kagome walked out of the house, and she was holding a bow and quiver full of arrows. She stopped several meters away from a tree, and motioned for her mother and the headmaster to walk over. It was getting dark outside, and a sliver moon was visible.
"I'll be using this to demonstrate."
She held up her bow, and took out an arrow, notched it, and aimed for the tree. Breathing in deeply, Kagome closed her eyes and let the arrow fly, as her power surged through her.
As the arrow flew, it shimmered pink and glowed more and more strongly as it whistled toward the target. With a resounding crack, it hit the tree dead center, the entire tree inflamed with power.
"How was that?" Kagome said, turning toward her mother and the headmaster. Both stared at the tree, and slowly turned toward her. And then, the headmaster's jaw dropped. She found Dumbledore staring at her, rigid. Both her mother and the headmaster were silent.
The sheer power… Conducted with only an ordinary bow and arrow.
"What? Did I do something wrong?"
"K-Kagome… Look at yourself," said her mother quietly.
Glancing down at herself, Kagome found herself glowing in the twilight. She realized that she was looking through large halos of pulsing pink spiraling around her body, forming a perfect sphere encasing her.
"Well. This is new," she said to herself, looking at her glowing hands. She didn't remember this part from when she fired arrows in the feudal era.
She willed the aura to go away, and it slowly dissipated. After a little bit, the tree she hit had also stopped glowing pink.
"Kagome," said Dumbledore slowly, "I think you will have no trouble catching up. You will do very well at Hogwarts."
Kagome smiled. She was looking forward to going to Hogwarts all of a sudden. The familiar feeling of the power surging throughout her body had reassured her.
Suddenly, a rustling came through the trees, as if something or someone was running.
"Someone is approaching," said Dumbledore quietly, with his wand in his hand before either of them could blink.
Kagome nodded, taking out an arrow. Her demonstration had attracted someone-or something.
Without warning, a young man ran out of the woods in front of them. He was wearing a dark suit, almost blending into the night. Strangely, he was barefoot. Long black hair was tied back into a ponytail. His eyes immediately zoomed in at the wand pointed at him.
"Who are you? What do you want?" said Dumbledore, quietly. The young man looked at him, slightly confused.
Ah. We're in Japan. He won't understand English. Dumbledore started to cast the spell, when he was interrupted by the man's voice.
"I thought I saw something," said the young man in perfect English. He even had a British accent. He looked curiously at the old man.
It did not go unnoticed to either Dumbledore or Kagome that he had evaded the first question.
"Are you Albus Dumbledore?" he asked.
"Yes, I am. I'm afraid I don't know who you are. I assume you are a wizard then?" said Dumbledore.
"Well, yes, kind of. But what are you doing outside of Europe? In this shrine?"
"I am on Hogwarts business."
"Well, a student then?" the long-haired man, for the first time, looked closely at Kagome. And then, he stiffened, and paled as he took in her appearance. He stared at her. The intensity in his eyes caused Kagome to step back.
"Kagome?" he whispered hoarsely. He looked stunned.
"Do I know you?" she asked, curiously, looking at him. Kagome was pretty sure she had never seen this man before-she would've remembered a man with such long hair. Although, his face did seem a little familiar.
"By gods, Kagome, you were thirty years off," he said, still staring into her eyes.
Wait, what? Confusion flooded her mind.
The young man suddenly enveloped her in a hug. She recoiled as this stranger hugged her, but then something clicked.
Her mother and Dumbledore were alarmed, and as Dumbledore started to step toward them, he heard Kagome say something, her voice unnaturally high pitched.
"Shippo?" The man released her from the embrace, and took a couple steps back, never taking his eyes off her.
Then, a blue fire quickly rose up around him. Dumbledore and Kagome's mother blinked in the bright light, and when they opened their eyes, the fire was gone. The young man was still there, but now he could hardly be called a man.
His hair was an orange color, his eyes, glowing green. His feet were now large, strong paws. And, the feature which most defined him as decidedly not human were the five tails behind him.
"Shippo!" Kagome cried out, stunned. She sank to her knees.
"You're here. You're alive. You're all grown up." The words came out in a rush.
"Kagome, I have so much to tell you! I can't believe it-you're here in front of me," Shippo said, hugging her again. This time, she warmly accepted the hug, holding him tight, as she burst into tears.
