Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Harry Potter... I'm not making any money either.. :-P
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Kagome was woken up early-five o' clock to be exact. She groaned as she pushed back the covers and rolled out of bed. Kagome walked to her window and peered out the curtain, the sun hadn't even risen yet.
"Kagome, are you up yet?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, knocking on her door.
"Yeah, Mom, I'm getting ready." Kagome called sleepily.
"All right dear, we're leaving for Diagon Alley in a half hour," her mom explained, "so hurry up."
Kagome walked over to her dresser and pulled out a white baby T and her favorite dark blue mini skirt. 'I wonder...what do witches wear??' Her mother had never mentioned what people in the wizarding world wore for clothes. 'I hope I don't stand out too much, but I guess this is fine for now.' She thought while checking her reflection in the mirror. Kagome ran a brush through her hair and pulled on a pair of white sandals before going downstairs. She walked into the kitchen and found her mom frying some eggs on the stove.
"Kagome, could you please pop up the toast before it burns?" Mrs. Higurashi asked while nodding her head at the toaster.
"Yeah, sure."
"Mom, do I look all right?" Kagome asked as she buttered the toast. "I mean, I don't know what witches and wizards wear."
"Don't worry, Kagome, you'll be just fine." Mrs. Higurashi replied gently. "Here, now sit down and eat good, we have a lot to get done today." Mrs. Higurashi urged as she set two plates on the table.
Kagome ate quickly, she wanted to see Diagon Alley for herself. Her mom had told her there were tons of shops full of all sorts of magic and curious items. 'Of all the things I've seen in the Sengoku Jidai, I've never seen any wizards or witches.' She realized. 'I wonder if there are any here in Tokyo...'
"All done, Kagome?"
Kagome nodded. Mrs. Higurashi stood and hurried to the sink, where she quickly washed the breakfast dishes. When she had finished she walked out of the room, and disappeared upstairs. Kagome rested her chin in her hand, she was still half asleep. She looked at the clock, it was now quarter to six.
"Ah, here we go!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed as she hurried back into the kitchen. Mrs. Higurashi held two, what looked like, robes in her arms. They were very nice-looked like they were made of silk or satin.
"What are those for?" Kagome asked curiously.
"These," Mrs.Higurashi explained as she held a soft colored blue robe to Kagome, "are robes that witches and wizards usually wear."
Kagome took it, and carefully examined it.
"How pretty..." Kagome murmured.
"Yes, I've had these for awhile now, I've been waiting to wear them." Mrs. Higurashi said as she pulled it over her turtleneck.
Kagome stood up from the table and pulled hers on. She looked at her reflection in the toaster oven, admiring the shimmering color of her robe.
"Thanks, Mom!" Kagome exclaimed. She turned around to see her Mom examining what looked like a polished stick.
"Umm, what's that? Kagome asked perplexed.
"My wand" Mrs. Higurashi told her, "All witches and wizards have one, it's very useful." Mrs. Higurashi continued while wiping the dust off it on a paper towel. "I haven't used this in years," she murmured.
"Stand back, Kagome" Mrs. Higurashi warned. "I want to check and make sure it still works properly."
Kagome immediately went and stood behind her mother, not knowing what to expect. Mrs. Higurashi raised her wand and flicked her wrist. A shower of white and pink roses burst in a flash of bright light from the tip of the wand. Kagome gasped and took a step back.
"Perfect!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed, "I was worried it needed replacing."
"A-Amazing" Kagome stuttered. 'I wonder if I'll learn to do that.' she thought hopefully.
Mrs. Higurashi gently placed her wand in a hidden pocket on the inside of her robe.
"Here, Kagome, have one." Mrs. Higurashi offered picking one of the pink roses up and holding it out to Kagome. Kagome took it cautiously, she wasn't sure what would happen when she touched it. Nothing happened. It was nothing but a regular pink rose. Kagome placed it in her hair.
"Are we ready? All right then, follow me." Mrs. Higurashi said as she strode out of the kitchen.
"Mom, how are we getting to Diagon Alley, isn't it in Britain?" Kagome asked, she had been wondering about this, Britain was very far away-on the other side of Europe.
"We're going by floo powder." Mrs. Higurashi said simply.
Kagome had no clue to what her mother was talking about.
"Floo powder? What is that??" Kagome asked confused.
"Well, It's powder that well, transports you to places magically..." Her mother began with great difficulty, "It's hard to explain, you'll see."
Mrs. Higurashi turned into the living room. She pulled out her wand and again, gave it a quick wave. Right in front of where they stood, in the wall appeared a massive fireplace made of smooth marble and stone. It looked completely out of place in the Higurashi's small living room. Kagome just stared wide-eyed at it.
'A fireplace? How is this going to get us to Diagon Alley?' Kagome thought puzzled.
Mrs. Higurashi took a step towards it and pulled from her pocket a small, cloth bag.
"Kagome listen carefully, take a handful of this floo powder." Mrs. Higurashi instructed. Kagome walked over and carefully cupped some in her hand. "Good," Mrs. Higurashi said encouragingly, "Now, step into the fireplace." Kagome did so, she was starting to get extremely nervous about what was going to happen. "Now when I say so, throw down your floo powder and say "Diagon Alley". Make sure you say it very clearly, it's extremely important that you do." Mrs. Higurashi cautioned. "And don't worry, I'll be right behind you."
'Right behind me?' Kagome wondered.
"Ready? One...two...three,"
"Diagon Alley!" Kagome exclaimed while throwing down her floo powder. Suddenly Kagome felt herself being engulfed in green flames and her living room had disappeared from sight. She closed her eyes and mouth trying not to inhale smoke and ash. She was spinning and the heat was so intense; she felt like she was going to be sick. She opened her eyes in time to see a swirl of bright colors before she was thrown down suddenly. She landed with a thud, everything had stopped spinning, the ash, smoke, and heat had disappeared and she was left laying on her back. She coughed and sputtered before chancing sitting up. She did, and as she opened her eyes she realized she was not in her house anymore. She wiped her face and looked around.
'Where, where am I? What is this?' She thought as she stood up. It appeared to be some kind of store-unlike any she had seen before. 'I'm...in Diagon Alley!' She realized. Kagome turned as the fireplace behind her erupted again in green flame and Mrs. Higurashi stepped out.
"Kagome, I'm glad you made it all right." Mrs. Higurashi said cheerfully. Kagome's mother looked around for a moment.
"I see we made it to Flourish and Blots all right." Mrs. Higurashi said brightly as she helped brush the ash and soot from Kagome's back. Flourish and Blotts turned out to be a book store. But not just any ordinary book store, as Kagome realized. There were thick books bound in leather as large as sidewalk slabs piled high to the ceiling and books bound in satin the size of matchboxes. Some books contained bizarre symbols and others were completely blank. Mrs. Higurashi pulled out Kagome's list and went about finding the right books. Meanwhile, Kagome enjoyed flipping through spell books, especially Curses and Counter Curses, by Professor Vindictus Viridian; explaining how to jinx and curse your friends and enemies.
'Hmm maybe I could try a few of these on, Inuyasha.' Kagome thought mischievously.
As she flipped through the pages, Kagome noticed that the pictures in all the books moved.
'I'm definitely bringing a book back with me to the Sengoku Jidai, wait until the others see this.' Kagome thought still gaping at the peculiar books. There were some that sang to her when she opened to a certain page, and others that yelled obscenities when she closed them.
"Kagome! I got all your books, but we need to go to Gringotts Bank, I've run out of money for the rest of your supplies." her mother explained as she gathered the pile of books into a brown sack.
"There's a bank too?"
"Of course now let's go, its starting to get crowded, here" Mrs. Higurashi replied.
Kagome looked around, there were many people coming in now. Kagome looked at them some were wearing robes, others long capes. Some wore bright colors and others wore bland colored clothes. Kagome couldn't help but giggle softly as a little man with a tall green top-twice the size of him-strode into the store.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled and ushered her out of the door. Kagome stepped outside into the bright sunlight. She looked around, there were stores lining the streets of all sorts. The nearest shop featured cauldrons of all kinds and sizes; some made of copper, brass, pewter, and silver.
'This is amazing...it's nothing I've ever seen before...' Kagome thought in wondrous silence. Her eyes hungrily roamed over everything and anything, she wanted to learn everything about this world; it was completely foreign, like something one would only find in a child's fantasy book. Kagome whirled around to face her mother who was standing and also taking in the busy street that was Diagon Alley. Her mother's face was graced with a soft smile, she had a dreamy expression as she took in the sights before her. She was not aware of her daughters questioning look, she was lost in a bitter sweet reverie...
"It's been so long...I had almost forgotten, I guess I never realized how much I loved this world... and still do." Mrs. Higurashi murmured wistfully.
"Mom?" Kagome asked questioningly, 'It must have been difficult for her, to have lived in one world your entire life, and then to be thrown into a completely different one. Then not to mention living in fear of a lurking danger...'
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head gently, coming out of her reverie, and returned her gaze back to Kagome. "Well we should get going, we still need to get your money out of Gringotts and buy the rest of your supplies."
Kagome nodded in response to this and they began walking down the crowded cobblestone streets. Everywhere Kagome looked there was something unusual to look at, one store had a single broom hovering in the air on display in the window. Curious, Kagome wandered over to the display and looked closely at the broom. It's mahogany handle was polished to a gleaming perfection and not a single twig was out of place in its tail. Kagome pressed her face against the glass to read a small inscription at the top of the handle. In neat, silver cursive was etched, 'QuickSilver'. 'Quicksilver?' Kagome wondered. But a sign next to the broom on display answered her question, 'Quicksilver, can reach speeds of 85 miles per hour in under 6.3 seconds. Is the newest broomstick used by professional quidditch players, best known for its accuracy and handling.' Kagome stood back from the display, now even more confused than before, 'I must know absolutely nothing about this world,' she realized.
"Quidditch," Mrs. Higurashi began as she stepped beside her daughter, "is a game played in the wizarding world and its very popular." Kagome turned to look at her mother smiling. Mrs. Higurashi looked over the broom behind the glass. "I had a Comet once, but my brother used it for bludger practice and, well, lets just say it ended being used for kindling after that." Mrs. Higurashi said with a smile tugging the corners of her lips. Kagome didn't know what a 'bludger' was, but knew what kindling was and couldn't help but smile back. Mrs. Higurashi took a glance at her watch and gasped, "Oh, look at the time! We can look at all the shops after we get to Gringotts." Mrs. Higurashi urged as she dragged Kagome from the broomstick shop. Mrs. Higurashi had quickened her pace, and Kagome had to weave in out of groups of people before she finally caught up. Kagome looked up in time to see a big, white building looming over the other shops on the street. It was three stories tall and looked like it could collapse at any minute. "Ah, Gringotts!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed triumphantly.
"This is it?" Kagome asked, "It looks like its about to topple over."
"Don't worry, it won't, its supported by magic." Mrs. Higurashi reassured her.
Mrs. Higurashi walked up the stairs, followed closely by Kagome, who had just noticed the little creature standing beside the bronze doors. Mrs. Higurashi bowed respectfully to him as he did the same, before opening the doors for them. Kagome bowed also and then stepped beyond the threshold. They came to another set of doors, silver and etched upon them was this:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
"Gringotts is one of the most safest places in the wizarding world, that is, besides Hogwarts." Mrs. Higurashi informed her. Kagome nodded at this, wondering what else was down there besides treasure... A second pair of goblins bowed them through the silver doors and they entered a large marble hall. This room was filled with goblins, sitting at a long counter writing into ledgers, counting coins, and examining jewels with eye glasses. Mrs. Higurashi approached one of the goblins.
"Hello," said Mrs. Higurashi expertly in English, "Miss Kagome Higurashi would like to make a withdrawal."
The goblin raised his head and nodded asking, "Does Miss Higurashi have her key?"
"Oh, why yes, here it is," Mrs. Higurashi replied pulling a golden key from her robes and handing it to the goblin.
The goblin examined it, looked up, and waved another goblin over.
"Mindralp will take you down to your vault," the goblin replied as Mindralp walked over to them.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Two cart rides later, a very dizzy Kagome emerged from Gringotts with a sack load of wizard money.
"Now, where should we head to firs-" But Mrs. Higurashi had stopped short of her sentence. She was watching a man with long platinum blonde hair approach them.
"Hello, Lucius," Mrs. Higurashi said with a faint smile. The man she had just addressed nodded in reply.
"It's been awhile hasn't it, Fuhjiko?" The man had a drawling voice and Kagome was sensing an odd presence radiating from him, almost like a demons, but not quite. The man's eyes glanced away from Mrs. Higurashi, and came to rest on Kagome.
"And who might this be?" He asked in the same calm tone.
"Oh, I'm sorry, this is my daughter, Kagome." Mrs. Higurashi replied with a smile.
"Nice to meet you," Kagome said politely while slightly bowing her head.
"Likewise." Lucius replied still eyeing her, "And this is my son, Draco." A sixteen year old boy stepped forward with blonde hair neatly slicked back, he had pale skin and gray eyes. "I assume you two are old acquaintances?" Lucius questioned in a dull tone.
"Umm, actually..." Kagome began but Mrs. Higurashi cut in for her.
"Actually this will be Kagome's first year at Hogwarts, she doesn't know anyone from there yet."
"Ah, well then, Miss Higurashi comes from a... strong background," Lucius paused, "I'm sure she will make fast friends."
Kagome flashed Draco a brilliant smile, she had noticed he had been staring at her during the conversation.
Draco smirked at her in return. Kagome was extremely pretty, and even Draco had to admit this... 'Not to mention she isn't some dirty mudblood...that's a plus...'
Mrs. Higurashi and Lucius had gone into a deep conversation. They were talking about the on-goings of the wizarding world in the past fifteen years...
"So," the boy Draco began, like his father he too had a drawling, bored voice, "do you have any idea what house you might be in?"
"Umm..." Kagome had no clue to what the boy was talking about, but luckily he had answered before she could.
"I'm in Slytherin, of course, my family has been in Slyherin for generations." He informed her.
"Oh," Was all Kagome said. Deciding to ask while she had the chance she boldly began, "What are the other houses?"
The boy raised his eyebrows, "You mean you don't know?" He gave her an arrogant smirk and sneered, "And here I thought I was talking to a witch not some ignorant mudblood."
Kagome glared back at him, 'why the change in mood, why is he being rude now?'
"What did you just call me?" She demanded hotly.
"A mudblood, good lord, you don't know what that is either?" The boy asked incredulously.
The fact that she knew nothing about the wizarding world had hit her. But now she was just plain angry, 'Who does this boy think he is?' Kagome glanced over at her mother, she was still talking to Lucius, not noticing the developing argument between Draco and her.
"Listen you little Albino," Kagome began bearing down on the smirking boy in front of her, "you don't know me, you know nothing, so maybe you should get to know someone before judging them." Kagome stood back from him, glaring. The boy was no longer smirking, but instead he had a look of surprise written on his handsome, pale face. Not many dared to speak that way to him-or to any Malfoy. Kagome seemed to have calmed down before speaking again, "all I want is an apology, okay? I don't know you very well, and I'd like for us to not start the year as enemies." Kagome added softer this time.
Draco Malfoy did not know whether to be insulted or impressed. He had just called her one of the most foul names and she him, yet she was willing to forgive him and give him a second chance? This Kagome girl was definitley different...Draco looked down and noticed her hand held out to him. Draco stared at it, still debating. He turned his face to hers and met bright, hopeful eyes staring back at him. He looked away grudgingly and lazily grasped her hand. When he looked back at her she was smiling that bright smile of hers that had captured his interest when they had first met...Draco shook his head, 'What's wrong with me? She may be a pureblood witch, but she knows nothing about our world, how could I associate with the likes of her? I'm doing it for my father, he seems to like the Higurashis, yes, that's a perfectly good reason why I should talk to her,' Malfoy convinced himself. There was just something unusual about Kagome that he couldn't put his finger on, it interested him and he was disgusted he had no control over this.
Kagome's usual cheerful mood had returned, she had a feeling that he wasn't completely rotten. Like the first time she met Inuyasha, she had an unshakable feeling that he had a nice side...somewhere. 'Oh well, I guess I'll find out...'
"So does this mean I can ask you my question now without you insulting me?" Kagome asked teasingly.
Draco's smirk returned, "Go ahead, doesn't mean I'll answer it."
Kagome's smile faltered a little but she asked anyway, for the second time now, "What are the other houses?"
Draco raised an eyebrow and replied in a bored tone, "Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw." Seeing her puzzled expression he answered her unasked question, "when you first get to Hogwarts I expect they'll sort you into one of those houses."
Comprehension dawned on her face before she nodded. "Thanks," Kagome replied glad that he was acting civil to her now.
"Your welcome," Draco replied.
"Kagome, are you ready?" Mrs. Higurashi had just finished talking to Lucius and was calling to her, motioning to the shops, "It's getting late, come on!"
"Be right there!" Kagome called back. She turned back to Draco smiling and said, "It was really nice to meet you, I'm sorry about before, when I called you an...Albino," Kagome apologized blushing slightly.
"It's all right," He replied in his usual drawling voice, trying not to reveal any emotion on his face, "I'll see you at Hogwarts."
Kagome smiled and waved over her shoulder as she ran over to join her mother.
*~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~*
"Okay, we've got you your robes, books, cauldron, potions, and let's see...is that it?" Mrs. Higurashi questioned.
Kagome looked at her list and quickly found the last item she needed. "Mom, it says I need a wand." Kagome replied.
"Only one place for that, Ollivanders." Mrs. Higurashi said simply.
They continued down the street, which was even more crowded than before, people were out getting lunch and many students were doing some last minute shopping before leaving for Hogwarts the next day.
Mrs.Higurashi turned and entered a narrow shabby store, motioning for Kagome to follow her. Kagome entered, inside was dusty and rather cramped, hundreds of narrow boxes lined the walls on shelves.
"Good afternoon, Fuhjiko, nice to see you!...unicorn hair, mahogany, twelve inches, excellent wand, especially for transfigurations." replied a voice coming from the back of the store. An elderly man approached them smiling.
"Nice to see you too, Mr. Ollivander, and yes, always worked best for transfigurating." Mrs. Higurashi replied with a smile.
"Ahh, this must be Kagome is it?" Mr. Ollivander asked.
"Nice to meet you." Kagome replied.
"All right, now, let me just get your measurements, ah that's perfect! I have just the wand for you." Mr. Ollivander walked over to the wall of boxes and pulled one out. "Unicorn hair, oak, 7 1/2 inches, here give it wave." Mr. Ollivander urged her, while handing her the wand. Kagome was just about to wave it when he snatched it back from her. "No, no, here try this one, dragon heartstring, dogwood, 13 inches."
Kagome waved it and all the glass windows in the shop shattered and burst violently. Kagome dropped the wand and took a step back. "Hmm, suppose not then." Mr. Ollivander muttered to himself with a smile. He then began to climb a latter to the highest shelf and pulled out a dusty box. "Hopefully," he called down to Kagome, "your powers aren't too great for this wand, I'm quite fond of it and I'd hate to see it explode in your hands."
"Explode?!" Kagome squeaked. Her heart pounded against her chest.
"Yes, well, let's just hope for the best then, dog demon hair, cherry, twelve inches, rather springy." Mr. Ollivander replied nonchalantly. He handed Kagome the wand.
'Please don't let it explode!' Kagome thought as she grasped the handle. A warm tingling sensation spread through her fingers, and when she waved it red and gold sparks shot out the end.
"Perfect! I'm glad I could find someone strong enough to use that wand, had it for years I have!" Mr. Ollivander exclaimed delighted.
Kagome paid for her wand and they left the shop saying their farewells to Mr. Ollivander.
"Now we can go home, and you need to get all your things together and in front of the door." Mrs. Higurashi explained as they wove their way past the shops and through groups of people talking merrily together.
"Itai!" Kagome exclaimed, as she collided into something soft, or someone soft. Kagome had fallen to her knees and was soon pelted with many heavy books as they fell from the carriers arms. "Ughhh, I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," Kagome quickly apologized while scooping up the fallen books. The person she had collided with held out a hand and pulled her to her feet. "Here," she said as she handed over the books. She looked up and met two bright, emerald green eyes.
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Kagome was woken up early-five o' clock to be exact. She groaned as she pushed back the covers and rolled out of bed. Kagome walked to her window and peered out the curtain, the sun hadn't even risen yet.
"Kagome, are you up yet?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, knocking on her door.
"Yeah, Mom, I'm getting ready." Kagome called sleepily.
"All right dear, we're leaving for Diagon Alley in a half hour," her mom explained, "so hurry up."
Kagome walked over to her dresser and pulled out a white baby T and her favorite dark blue mini skirt. 'I wonder...what do witches wear??' Her mother had never mentioned what people in the wizarding world wore for clothes. 'I hope I don't stand out too much, but I guess this is fine for now.' She thought while checking her reflection in the mirror. Kagome ran a brush through her hair and pulled on a pair of white sandals before going downstairs. She walked into the kitchen and found her mom frying some eggs on the stove.
"Kagome, could you please pop up the toast before it burns?" Mrs. Higurashi asked while nodding her head at the toaster.
"Yeah, sure."
"Mom, do I look all right?" Kagome asked as she buttered the toast. "I mean, I don't know what witches and wizards wear."
"Don't worry, Kagome, you'll be just fine." Mrs. Higurashi replied gently. "Here, now sit down and eat good, we have a lot to get done today." Mrs. Higurashi urged as she set two plates on the table.
Kagome ate quickly, she wanted to see Diagon Alley for herself. Her mom had told her there were tons of shops full of all sorts of magic and curious items. 'Of all the things I've seen in the Sengoku Jidai, I've never seen any wizards or witches.' She realized. 'I wonder if there are any here in Tokyo...'
"All done, Kagome?"
Kagome nodded. Mrs. Higurashi stood and hurried to the sink, where she quickly washed the breakfast dishes. When she had finished she walked out of the room, and disappeared upstairs. Kagome rested her chin in her hand, she was still half asleep. She looked at the clock, it was now quarter to six.
"Ah, here we go!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed as she hurried back into the kitchen. Mrs. Higurashi held two, what looked like, robes in her arms. They were very nice-looked like they were made of silk or satin.
"What are those for?" Kagome asked curiously.
"These," Mrs.Higurashi explained as she held a soft colored blue robe to Kagome, "are robes that witches and wizards usually wear."
Kagome took it, and carefully examined it.
"How pretty..." Kagome murmured.
"Yes, I've had these for awhile now, I've been waiting to wear them." Mrs. Higurashi said as she pulled it over her turtleneck.
Kagome stood up from the table and pulled hers on. She looked at her reflection in the toaster oven, admiring the shimmering color of her robe.
"Thanks, Mom!" Kagome exclaimed. She turned around to see her Mom examining what looked like a polished stick.
"Umm, what's that? Kagome asked perplexed.
"My wand" Mrs. Higurashi told her, "All witches and wizards have one, it's very useful." Mrs. Higurashi continued while wiping the dust off it on a paper towel. "I haven't used this in years," she murmured.
"Stand back, Kagome" Mrs. Higurashi warned. "I want to check and make sure it still works properly."
Kagome immediately went and stood behind her mother, not knowing what to expect. Mrs. Higurashi raised her wand and flicked her wrist. A shower of white and pink roses burst in a flash of bright light from the tip of the wand. Kagome gasped and took a step back.
"Perfect!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed, "I was worried it needed replacing."
"A-Amazing" Kagome stuttered. 'I wonder if I'll learn to do that.' she thought hopefully.
Mrs. Higurashi gently placed her wand in a hidden pocket on the inside of her robe.
"Here, Kagome, have one." Mrs. Higurashi offered picking one of the pink roses up and holding it out to Kagome. Kagome took it cautiously, she wasn't sure what would happen when she touched it. Nothing happened. It was nothing but a regular pink rose. Kagome placed it in her hair.
"Are we ready? All right then, follow me." Mrs. Higurashi said as she strode out of the kitchen.
"Mom, how are we getting to Diagon Alley, isn't it in Britain?" Kagome asked, she had been wondering about this, Britain was very far away-on the other side of Europe.
"We're going by floo powder." Mrs. Higurashi said simply.
Kagome had no clue to what her mother was talking about.
"Floo powder? What is that??" Kagome asked confused.
"Well, It's powder that well, transports you to places magically..." Her mother began with great difficulty, "It's hard to explain, you'll see."
Mrs. Higurashi turned into the living room. She pulled out her wand and again, gave it a quick wave. Right in front of where they stood, in the wall appeared a massive fireplace made of smooth marble and stone. It looked completely out of place in the Higurashi's small living room. Kagome just stared wide-eyed at it.
'A fireplace? How is this going to get us to Diagon Alley?' Kagome thought puzzled.
Mrs. Higurashi took a step towards it and pulled from her pocket a small, cloth bag.
"Kagome listen carefully, take a handful of this floo powder." Mrs. Higurashi instructed. Kagome walked over and carefully cupped some in her hand. "Good," Mrs. Higurashi said encouragingly, "Now, step into the fireplace." Kagome did so, she was starting to get extremely nervous about what was going to happen. "Now when I say so, throw down your floo powder and say "Diagon Alley". Make sure you say it very clearly, it's extremely important that you do." Mrs. Higurashi cautioned. "And don't worry, I'll be right behind you."
'Right behind me?' Kagome wondered.
"Ready? One...two...three,"
"Diagon Alley!" Kagome exclaimed while throwing down her floo powder. Suddenly Kagome felt herself being engulfed in green flames and her living room had disappeared from sight. She closed her eyes and mouth trying not to inhale smoke and ash. She was spinning and the heat was so intense; she felt like she was going to be sick. She opened her eyes in time to see a swirl of bright colors before she was thrown down suddenly. She landed with a thud, everything had stopped spinning, the ash, smoke, and heat had disappeared and she was left laying on her back. She coughed and sputtered before chancing sitting up. She did, and as she opened her eyes she realized she was not in her house anymore. She wiped her face and looked around.
'Where, where am I? What is this?' She thought as she stood up. It appeared to be some kind of store-unlike any she had seen before. 'I'm...in Diagon Alley!' She realized. Kagome turned as the fireplace behind her erupted again in green flame and Mrs. Higurashi stepped out.
"Kagome, I'm glad you made it all right." Mrs. Higurashi said cheerfully. Kagome's mother looked around for a moment.
"I see we made it to Flourish and Blots all right." Mrs. Higurashi said brightly as she helped brush the ash and soot from Kagome's back. Flourish and Blotts turned out to be a book store. But not just any ordinary book store, as Kagome realized. There were thick books bound in leather as large as sidewalk slabs piled high to the ceiling and books bound in satin the size of matchboxes. Some books contained bizarre symbols and others were completely blank. Mrs. Higurashi pulled out Kagome's list and went about finding the right books. Meanwhile, Kagome enjoyed flipping through spell books, especially Curses and Counter Curses, by Professor Vindictus Viridian; explaining how to jinx and curse your friends and enemies.
'Hmm maybe I could try a few of these on, Inuyasha.' Kagome thought mischievously.
As she flipped through the pages, Kagome noticed that the pictures in all the books moved.
'I'm definitely bringing a book back with me to the Sengoku Jidai, wait until the others see this.' Kagome thought still gaping at the peculiar books. There were some that sang to her when she opened to a certain page, and others that yelled obscenities when she closed them.
"Kagome! I got all your books, but we need to go to Gringotts Bank, I've run out of money for the rest of your supplies." her mother explained as she gathered the pile of books into a brown sack.
"There's a bank too?"
"Of course now let's go, its starting to get crowded, here" Mrs. Higurashi replied.
Kagome looked around, there were many people coming in now. Kagome looked at them some were wearing robes, others long capes. Some wore bright colors and others wore bland colored clothes. Kagome couldn't help but giggle softly as a little man with a tall green top-twice the size of him-strode into the store.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled and ushered her out of the door. Kagome stepped outside into the bright sunlight. She looked around, there were stores lining the streets of all sorts. The nearest shop featured cauldrons of all kinds and sizes; some made of copper, brass, pewter, and silver.
'This is amazing...it's nothing I've ever seen before...' Kagome thought in wondrous silence. Her eyes hungrily roamed over everything and anything, she wanted to learn everything about this world; it was completely foreign, like something one would only find in a child's fantasy book. Kagome whirled around to face her mother who was standing and also taking in the busy street that was Diagon Alley. Her mother's face was graced with a soft smile, she had a dreamy expression as she took in the sights before her. She was not aware of her daughters questioning look, she was lost in a bitter sweet reverie...
"It's been so long...I had almost forgotten, I guess I never realized how much I loved this world... and still do." Mrs. Higurashi murmured wistfully.
"Mom?" Kagome asked questioningly, 'It must have been difficult for her, to have lived in one world your entire life, and then to be thrown into a completely different one. Then not to mention living in fear of a lurking danger...'
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head gently, coming out of her reverie, and returned her gaze back to Kagome. "Well we should get going, we still need to get your money out of Gringotts and buy the rest of your supplies."
Kagome nodded in response to this and they began walking down the crowded cobblestone streets. Everywhere Kagome looked there was something unusual to look at, one store had a single broom hovering in the air on display in the window. Curious, Kagome wandered over to the display and looked closely at the broom. It's mahogany handle was polished to a gleaming perfection and not a single twig was out of place in its tail. Kagome pressed her face against the glass to read a small inscription at the top of the handle. In neat, silver cursive was etched, 'QuickSilver'. 'Quicksilver?' Kagome wondered. But a sign next to the broom on display answered her question, 'Quicksilver, can reach speeds of 85 miles per hour in under 6.3 seconds. Is the newest broomstick used by professional quidditch players, best known for its accuracy and handling.' Kagome stood back from the display, now even more confused than before, 'I must know absolutely nothing about this world,' she realized.
"Quidditch," Mrs. Higurashi began as she stepped beside her daughter, "is a game played in the wizarding world and its very popular." Kagome turned to look at her mother smiling. Mrs. Higurashi looked over the broom behind the glass. "I had a Comet once, but my brother used it for bludger practice and, well, lets just say it ended being used for kindling after that." Mrs. Higurashi said with a smile tugging the corners of her lips. Kagome didn't know what a 'bludger' was, but knew what kindling was and couldn't help but smile back. Mrs. Higurashi took a glance at her watch and gasped, "Oh, look at the time! We can look at all the shops after we get to Gringotts." Mrs. Higurashi urged as she dragged Kagome from the broomstick shop. Mrs. Higurashi had quickened her pace, and Kagome had to weave in out of groups of people before she finally caught up. Kagome looked up in time to see a big, white building looming over the other shops on the street. It was three stories tall and looked like it could collapse at any minute. "Ah, Gringotts!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed triumphantly.
"This is it?" Kagome asked, "It looks like its about to topple over."
"Don't worry, it won't, its supported by magic." Mrs. Higurashi reassured her.
Mrs. Higurashi walked up the stairs, followed closely by Kagome, who had just noticed the little creature standing beside the bronze doors. Mrs. Higurashi bowed respectfully to him as he did the same, before opening the doors for them. Kagome bowed also and then stepped beyond the threshold. They came to another set of doors, silver and etched upon them was this:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
"Gringotts is one of the most safest places in the wizarding world, that is, besides Hogwarts." Mrs. Higurashi informed her. Kagome nodded at this, wondering what else was down there besides treasure... A second pair of goblins bowed them through the silver doors and they entered a large marble hall. This room was filled with goblins, sitting at a long counter writing into ledgers, counting coins, and examining jewels with eye glasses. Mrs. Higurashi approached one of the goblins.
"Hello," said Mrs. Higurashi expertly in English, "Miss Kagome Higurashi would like to make a withdrawal."
The goblin raised his head and nodded asking, "Does Miss Higurashi have her key?"
"Oh, why yes, here it is," Mrs. Higurashi replied pulling a golden key from her robes and handing it to the goblin.
The goblin examined it, looked up, and waved another goblin over.
"Mindralp will take you down to your vault," the goblin replied as Mindralp walked over to them.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Two cart rides later, a very dizzy Kagome emerged from Gringotts with a sack load of wizard money.
"Now, where should we head to firs-" But Mrs. Higurashi had stopped short of her sentence. She was watching a man with long platinum blonde hair approach them.
"Hello, Lucius," Mrs. Higurashi said with a faint smile. The man she had just addressed nodded in reply.
"It's been awhile hasn't it, Fuhjiko?" The man had a drawling voice and Kagome was sensing an odd presence radiating from him, almost like a demons, but not quite. The man's eyes glanced away from Mrs. Higurashi, and came to rest on Kagome.
"And who might this be?" He asked in the same calm tone.
"Oh, I'm sorry, this is my daughter, Kagome." Mrs. Higurashi replied with a smile.
"Nice to meet you," Kagome said politely while slightly bowing her head.
"Likewise." Lucius replied still eyeing her, "And this is my son, Draco." A sixteen year old boy stepped forward with blonde hair neatly slicked back, he had pale skin and gray eyes. "I assume you two are old acquaintances?" Lucius questioned in a dull tone.
"Umm, actually..." Kagome began but Mrs. Higurashi cut in for her.
"Actually this will be Kagome's first year at Hogwarts, she doesn't know anyone from there yet."
"Ah, well then, Miss Higurashi comes from a... strong background," Lucius paused, "I'm sure she will make fast friends."
Kagome flashed Draco a brilliant smile, she had noticed he had been staring at her during the conversation.
Draco smirked at her in return. Kagome was extremely pretty, and even Draco had to admit this... 'Not to mention she isn't some dirty mudblood...that's a plus...'
Mrs. Higurashi and Lucius had gone into a deep conversation. They were talking about the on-goings of the wizarding world in the past fifteen years...
"So," the boy Draco began, like his father he too had a drawling, bored voice, "do you have any idea what house you might be in?"
"Umm..." Kagome had no clue to what the boy was talking about, but luckily he had answered before she could.
"I'm in Slytherin, of course, my family has been in Slyherin for generations." He informed her.
"Oh," Was all Kagome said. Deciding to ask while she had the chance she boldly began, "What are the other houses?"
The boy raised his eyebrows, "You mean you don't know?" He gave her an arrogant smirk and sneered, "And here I thought I was talking to a witch not some ignorant mudblood."
Kagome glared back at him, 'why the change in mood, why is he being rude now?'
"What did you just call me?" She demanded hotly.
"A mudblood, good lord, you don't know what that is either?" The boy asked incredulously.
The fact that she knew nothing about the wizarding world had hit her. But now she was just plain angry, 'Who does this boy think he is?' Kagome glanced over at her mother, she was still talking to Lucius, not noticing the developing argument between Draco and her.
"Listen you little Albino," Kagome began bearing down on the smirking boy in front of her, "you don't know me, you know nothing, so maybe you should get to know someone before judging them." Kagome stood back from him, glaring. The boy was no longer smirking, but instead he had a look of surprise written on his handsome, pale face. Not many dared to speak that way to him-or to any Malfoy. Kagome seemed to have calmed down before speaking again, "all I want is an apology, okay? I don't know you very well, and I'd like for us to not start the year as enemies." Kagome added softer this time.
Draco Malfoy did not know whether to be insulted or impressed. He had just called her one of the most foul names and she him, yet she was willing to forgive him and give him a second chance? This Kagome girl was definitley different...Draco looked down and noticed her hand held out to him. Draco stared at it, still debating. He turned his face to hers and met bright, hopeful eyes staring back at him. He looked away grudgingly and lazily grasped her hand. When he looked back at her she was smiling that bright smile of hers that had captured his interest when they had first met...Draco shook his head, 'What's wrong with me? She may be a pureblood witch, but she knows nothing about our world, how could I associate with the likes of her? I'm doing it for my father, he seems to like the Higurashis, yes, that's a perfectly good reason why I should talk to her,' Malfoy convinced himself. There was just something unusual about Kagome that he couldn't put his finger on, it interested him and he was disgusted he had no control over this.
Kagome's usual cheerful mood had returned, she had a feeling that he wasn't completely rotten. Like the first time she met Inuyasha, she had an unshakable feeling that he had a nice side...somewhere. 'Oh well, I guess I'll find out...'
"So does this mean I can ask you my question now without you insulting me?" Kagome asked teasingly.
Draco's smirk returned, "Go ahead, doesn't mean I'll answer it."
Kagome's smile faltered a little but she asked anyway, for the second time now, "What are the other houses?"
Draco raised an eyebrow and replied in a bored tone, "Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw." Seeing her puzzled expression he answered her unasked question, "when you first get to Hogwarts I expect they'll sort you into one of those houses."
Comprehension dawned on her face before she nodded. "Thanks," Kagome replied glad that he was acting civil to her now.
"Your welcome," Draco replied.
"Kagome, are you ready?" Mrs. Higurashi had just finished talking to Lucius and was calling to her, motioning to the shops, "It's getting late, come on!"
"Be right there!" Kagome called back. She turned back to Draco smiling and said, "It was really nice to meet you, I'm sorry about before, when I called you an...Albino," Kagome apologized blushing slightly.
"It's all right," He replied in his usual drawling voice, trying not to reveal any emotion on his face, "I'll see you at Hogwarts."
Kagome smiled and waved over her shoulder as she ran over to join her mother.
*~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~*
"Okay, we've got you your robes, books, cauldron, potions, and let's see...is that it?" Mrs. Higurashi questioned.
Kagome looked at her list and quickly found the last item she needed. "Mom, it says I need a wand." Kagome replied.
"Only one place for that, Ollivanders." Mrs. Higurashi said simply.
They continued down the street, which was even more crowded than before, people were out getting lunch and many students were doing some last minute shopping before leaving for Hogwarts the next day.
Mrs.Higurashi turned and entered a narrow shabby store, motioning for Kagome to follow her. Kagome entered, inside was dusty and rather cramped, hundreds of narrow boxes lined the walls on shelves.
"Good afternoon, Fuhjiko, nice to see you!...unicorn hair, mahogany, twelve inches, excellent wand, especially for transfigurations." replied a voice coming from the back of the store. An elderly man approached them smiling.
"Nice to see you too, Mr. Ollivander, and yes, always worked best for transfigurating." Mrs. Higurashi replied with a smile.
"Ahh, this must be Kagome is it?" Mr. Ollivander asked.
"Nice to meet you." Kagome replied.
"All right, now, let me just get your measurements, ah that's perfect! I have just the wand for you." Mr. Ollivander walked over to the wall of boxes and pulled one out. "Unicorn hair, oak, 7 1/2 inches, here give it wave." Mr. Ollivander urged her, while handing her the wand. Kagome was just about to wave it when he snatched it back from her. "No, no, here try this one, dragon heartstring, dogwood, 13 inches."
Kagome waved it and all the glass windows in the shop shattered and burst violently. Kagome dropped the wand and took a step back. "Hmm, suppose not then." Mr. Ollivander muttered to himself with a smile. He then began to climb a latter to the highest shelf and pulled out a dusty box. "Hopefully," he called down to Kagome, "your powers aren't too great for this wand, I'm quite fond of it and I'd hate to see it explode in your hands."
"Explode?!" Kagome squeaked. Her heart pounded against her chest.
"Yes, well, let's just hope for the best then, dog demon hair, cherry, twelve inches, rather springy." Mr. Ollivander replied nonchalantly. He handed Kagome the wand.
'Please don't let it explode!' Kagome thought as she grasped the handle. A warm tingling sensation spread through her fingers, and when she waved it red and gold sparks shot out the end.
"Perfect! I'm glad I could find someone strong enough to use that wand, had it for years I have!" Mr. Ollivander exclaimed delighted.
Kagome paid for her wand and they left the shop saying their farewells to Mr. Ollivander.
"Now we can go home, and you need to get all your things together and in front of the door." Mrs. Higurashi explained as they wove their way past the shops and through groups of people talking merrily together.
"Itai!" Kagome exclaimed, as she collided into something soft, or someone soft. Kagome had fallen to her knees and was soon pelted with many heavy books as they fell from the carriers arms. "Ughhh, I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," Kagome quickly apologized while scooping up the fallen books. The person she had collided with held out a hand and pulled her to her feet. "Here," she said as she handed over the books. She looked up and met two bright, emerald green eyes.