"Japanese" (Only used when speaking Japanese in a usually English speaking setting)

'Thoughts/Mindlink'

"Normal speak/English."

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ryou Bakura was sitting in his living room reading a passage in his History of Magic textbook. He had been rather surprised by the amount of summer homework given to them. But he couldn't really complain. After the massive amount of studying they did before the end of the year exams, the assignments weren't that difficult. Ryou had already completed the transfiguration assignment, and he was saving the potions one for last.

A pleasantly cool summer breeze in through the open window, and sunlight reflected off the Millennium Ring which lay on the Coffee table in front of him. The house was silent, unnaturally so, but it made sense in a way. Considering its only occupant was Ryou himself. His father was always away, ever since the accident. And that left Ryou alone, or as alone as one could be with the Spirit of the Ring around.

Though he had been receiving mail from his friends since the day after the summer holidays started, it came as a huge surprise when a gray owl crashed into the coffee table, spilling books and papers everywhere. The owl was an old, weak looking thing. It looked sort of like a molting feather duster actually. The owl was in fact the one that belonged to the Weasley's. There was a letter attached to its leg, which Ryou quickly took off and rushed to provide the exhausted owl with water. To Ryou's surprise the envelope was written, not in Ron's handwriting, but Hermione's. He opened it curiously.

'Dear Ryou

I know this letter came rather suddenly, and by owl. I'm aware that I usually send you letters by regular mail or Email. But I figured this particular letter deserved to be sent as quickly as possible. So I borrowed Errol, the Weasley's owl. The reason I felt this owl was so important, is due to the fact that no one has heard from Harry since he left with his family from Kings Cross Station.

Ron came up with a plan to check up on Harry, he lives in Surry I know that much. But, it's risky, and we could all get in a lot of trouble if we put it into action. Harry was always better with plans then us. But if Harry doesn't reply to one of us soon, I'm going to get desperate enough to try it. Neville agrees with me. We were just wondering if you would like to take part. We think we should have more than one person who knows the muggle world on board.

Or at least I do. Ron seems to think that I can handle everything. Though, I have no idea when I'd have the time to help enact such a plan, considering my schedule is currently completely overtaken by Duel Monsters tournaments. . . . Oh well, send your reply as soon as possible.

Hope to see you soon,

Hermione'

Ryou frowned; he reread the letter multiple times to be sure he understood. And yet, he still wasn't sure what to make of it. He knew that Harry's plans were usually very good, and made on the spot, with not much actual planning taking place. Then again, Ron was a great strategist and probably knew what he was doing. After all no one in their house could beat him in chess, that had to count for something right?

He sighed and went to get started on his reply. When Hermione asked for a reply 'as soon as possible' she usually meant reply as soon as you're decided. And Ryou was most certainly decided. If Harry really was in trouble, Ryou wanted to help. Even if they had gone and done some rash things at Hogwarts, Ryou trusted Hermione and Ron to come up with a plan that would work. And even if it didn't work exactly right, as long as the end result was the same, there wasn't any real problem.

He went to his room and dug around for some paper and a pen to write with while Errol was resting.

'Dear Hermione

After receiving your letter I must say. It's worrying that Harry hasn't contacted any of us. But there are plenty of reasons that he might not. Though, it is possible that Harry's tendency for trouble has followed him outside of school.

For that reason I will gladly assist you in whatever plan Ron has cooked up to check in on him. We all know that Harry won't ask for help, even if he needs it. You'll have to explain this plan to me in more detail, but I'll do what I can to help regardless. That reminds me, have you told Seto and Yugi about this plan yet? They'll want to know after all.

In other news, I'm glad that you're having a lot of luck in tournaments. You're a very good duelist. I hope that I can come and see you duel sometime. But I've been rather busy with my own devices. Though, I suppose I can just wait until you all come over to see you duel.

I hope to see you soon as well

Ryou'

Ryou grinned as he wrote the last paragraph. On the train ride back to the muggle world, they had all made plans to get together again before the summer ended. They had all agreed on coming over to Ryou's house. Ryou was hoping to have everyone play his favorite game, Monster World. But Duel Monsters was fun as well. Ryou like everyone else had received Duel Monster cards from Yugi that Christmas.

"Speaking of Monster world. . ." Ryou frowned and glanced at the Millennium Ring. Bakura had been quiet lately, too quiet. The Spirit usually did not leave him alone for so long, unless he was planning something. The last thing Ryou wanted was to put his friends in danger, but he was sure that with Yami there, Bakura wouldn't try anything. The Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle was a powerful foe after all.

Ryou's thought process was interrupted by a kitchen timer going off. "Oh, Lunch is done." He commented to himself, and went to go take it out of the microwave. He wondered if Errol would like something to eat as well.

Note!

And at the last possible minute, I give you, my faithful readers, a Second Christmas present!

Enjoy the chapter. ^_^ Drop me a review if you can, I always appreciate it.

I hope this fill all of you fellow Ryou-Fangirls hearts with joy!

Merry Christmas!