OooOoOooO
AN: Thank you for the reviews! I love you all! :* I've given some hints about the current situation now and I hoped it would be more gradual as I write. I've gotten a little carried away in writing so the chapter was much ealier than I had anticipated, I'm actually halfway through the fourth chapter! Wow. Yeah. I've been too excited about this story. If it's any interest to some, would you like to read my other story entitled "Vendetta"? It's something co-written with someone, and I would like to hear more opinions about it.
Now responding to reviews:
Maginas: Thanks, but I'm sure no one had anticipated his appearance! :)
bunch1: So that answers at least some of your speculation about Gin, I hoped. *laughs nervously* As for Ichigo, I was just thinking... well, brainstorming. He's a Shinigami, right? As in, his own powers. His chain of fate had already been severed so that technically meant he's dead and only using his body as a gigai. Shinigamis do aged slowly. Just a passing theory, anyway.
Jiyle: Yep! Gin's here! Maybe you'll get some hint here. And yes, Japan is the country of the rising sun. Quite dramatic, I know. ;) Thanks!
Maverick14th: Thanks! You make me swell with joy. Of course, Shiro's not going to like Malfoy. He's from Junrinan and "technically" a muggleborn, so he wouldn't take his attitude lying down, he's still a prideful fellow. As for Ichigo, I could also imagine that happening. He's reckless but I like his character!
HarryPotterForLife7: Thanks for reviewing, glad you liked it. And yeah, I instructed him to hang there. Kiddin' :D
Ziya Hitsugaya: Again, thanks for the review. And I hoped this was soon enough for you? :)
reality deviant: You're welcome. As for that, it would be revealed some time later on. It might ruin the surprise or suspense.
GenoBeast: Thank you for your honest speculation. I really appreciate that. But before you even commented on that, I already got it covered. Han and Mimi are blending in with the people here so they are honest-to-gods kids in the eyes of every adult in England right now. They needed someone who had the power to help overcome the stubborn and resentful relatives of Harry (something Larissa or Raul couldn't be). And Gin creeping them up was just too good to pass up, it's really amazing how he could intimidate someone just by being in the same room as them. Thanks again.
Ume-han: Wow, you got that one right! I also like their bond and it was mostly Aizen's fault that drove them apart and Momo's innocence to blind her. It would be a waste if it just broke and disappears. Thanks for liking it. :)
asredwer: Thanks for the compliment! I bet no one really suspected Gin. I wouldn't if I were a reader. Anyways, as for your concern, I had already thought it up several times. But I can't tell yet. Shiro's got an intelligent mind on him, he could reason with them.
And yes, they are now eventually going to Hogwarts in the next chapter! Hooray! There, I hoped I had answered enough. I don't want to give all the main points away, there would be no anticipation at all. I don't know if the chapter is to your liking but I really hope it is.
Please enjoy the story!
First Step Towards Another Day
Chapter Three
"New possibilities are open to everyone."
The journey to Privet Drive was short.
Throughout the trip, Harry had fallen asleep somewhere along the middle with his head resting on Mimi's shoulder at the back while Han had opted in taking the front seat beside Ichimaru Gin. He was good in masking his surprise in seeing the silver haired man since his fellow ex-captain was supposed to be somewhere in Japan on an important business trip. Hell, the man had just been at the pizza bar waving his goodbyes to the staff a week ago.
Han knew it was risky to go back in Japan but who was he to stop Gin from building a place for himself in the future?
As the car was parked in front Number 4 Privet Drive, Han crossed his arms as he faced away from the humming Ichimaru.
He vaguely heard Mimi gently waking Harry up into the state of consciousness. The boy did so groggily and they could all understand the exhaustion he exuded, they had been purchasing things in the alley for the most part of seven hours straight. Add to the fact that they had to be discreet around people because they wanted to shake the hands of the Boy-Who-Lived.
Looking over his seat, Han peered at the other two and let his blue eyes gazed at Harry grimly.
"You would have to leave your things with us. Just to be on the safe side." The white haired boy instructed, remembering Vernon and Petunia's apparent dislike for magic.
Harry jolted in his seat.
"But Gin's here!" He protested as he gazed at the silver haired man.
"Better safe than sorry, eh Han?" Gin's grin widened, he had taken a particular liking for the white haired boy's new name. "This magic business is really somethin' else, first time I've ever heard of it."
"Yes, now would you two dim-witted fools move it?" Han demanded as he levelled them with a glare.
Harry visibly gulped but returned it with a defiant stare of his own.
"Let 'im, Harry. I'm sure Han knows what he's doin'." Gin placated as he ruffled Harry's hair.
"But, it's my stuff. With you here…"
"It's alright, at least we'll be rest assured, ne kiddo?" The silver haired man's playful tone made Harry frown but soon gave in as he sighed defeatedly. Taking off his seatbelt, Gin jerked his head at the direction of the Dursley's house to Harry who nodded sullenly.
As they got out of the car, Han's eye followed after them silently as did Mimi's.
Ringing the doorbell, Gin continued his humming earlier, looking quite excited himself while Harry appeared to be extremely relieved. The door opened as Vernon Dursley's face greeted them. His face then twisted with rage as soon as he saw Gin, he tried slamming the door to their face but the silver haired man's hand was faster as it shot out and pushed the door with surprising strength misguided by his lanky and quite bony frame. Despite the anger visible in his Uncle's face, Harry wasn't stupid enough not to recognize the terror in the man's eyes. Even Harry felt the same thing when he first met Ichimaru Gin those six months ago.
"Now, now, Verny. That wasn' very nice." Gin pouted as he tilted his head. "I just came ta drop by lil' Harry here, out with some friends. Ya know, youth these days." He patted the boy on the head as Vernon scowled.
"I don't care! The freak had been gone long enough and that left no one doing the chores here!" The man complained and ranted as he glared at the boy who returned it, feeling more confident with Gin by his side.
"Eh?" The silver haired man's grin widened and it seemed to have unsettled Vernon greatly. "I wasn' aware that ya have a maid instead of a nephew 'ere." His tone was underlying with scorn and mockery.
"H-He's paying his keep here!" Vernon was now intimidated as he took a step back.
"Darling, who is it?" A female voice rang and Gin found Petunia Dursley looking over the obese man's shoulder. Her light-hearted expression turned rigid as fear sprang in her eyes readily.
"Hey Pet! How ya doin'?" Gin called cheerfully, waving at her like a kid.
"You!" Her jaw had gone slacked.
"Don't you dare call her that, you miserable vermin!" Vernon shouted as he put himself in front of his wife, shielding her from this scary man.
Gin shrugged unrepentantly.
"Just wanted ta know how ya's doin' is all." He then leaned to the man, sneering. "And Harry has earned his keep 'ere more than 'nough, just being with ya is the most vile torture anyone had ta be endurin'. Han and his lil' band of workers made sure of tha'." He whispered before pulling back as he beamed.
"How did you know about that?" The man questioned as his eyes widened in panic.
"Told ya that I would be keepin' an eye on 'im." Gin scratched the back of his head in mock-humbleness. "'Sides, I've warned ya, didn' I? It doesn' matter if I wasn' here, I have eyes everywhere. Ya just can't listen." He chided patronizingly, opening his eyes wider for emphasis to reveal silvery teal orbs before closing them again.
"You're one of them, aren't you? Admit it!" Vernon raged as he accused.
The silver haired man shook his head with pity.
"Again, I dunno what the heck ya're yappin' about." He denied but with the amusement present in his tone, even Harry found himself questioning that. "So I'mma drop the kid 'ere. And if I don' hear good things and see improvement, I'll know. I have friends in high places, ya know?" Vernon paled at the obvious threat. "Trust me, I'll know. I've already told ya last time. Otherwise, Mr. Rochester would be one short employee if I discover ya're mistreatin' kids again. 'Kay?"
"You can't do that!" Petunia protested as she scowled up at the tall man.
"Pet!" Vernon hissed as he kept the warning in mind, this man meant no jokes.
"Just like ya can't take advantage anyone just cuz' ya feel he's different." Gin's voice had gotten colder, edgier as his demeanor changed from the playful individual a while ago, his back straightening. "We've talked 'bout this six months ago and I'm glad ya toned down. I've only been gone for a week and ya're already treatin' ya selves for a servant out of the poor boy 'ere. Last warning, ya know I'll do it just like before."
Remembering six months ago hadn't been pretty. And the couple paled.
"Alright, just get out of here! We won't touch the boy." Vernon grudgingly conceded as he glared hatefully at Gin while Harry grinned, then the man pulled his wife inside and away from the two males on their door.
Gin's grin transformed into a smile as he ruffled Harry's hair.
"Now take care, I've made sure they aren' doin' anythin' ta ya while ya're in this house again. Han and Mimi already made sure ya spent as lil' time here as possible anyway. So good luck, kiddo." Gin added thoughtfully as Harry hugged him around the waist.
The man had been surprised about this those cloudy six months ago but now, he just awkwardly patted the young boy's shoulder.
"Thanks." Harry murmured before hurrying inside.
Gin watched as the boy scurried inside, the house starkly quiet compared to Vernon's loud complaints a while ago. He shrugged as he moved back to the car, aside from the amusement he got from scaring the piss out of those stupid people, he had been keeping an eye on Harry. The wards here were sure tough and as Harry entered the lawn, he could feel the area pulsing with energy. He remembered his earlier days in Rukongai. The only downside in Harry's was that he had no escape from the two adults.
He entered the car again and started the engine without a word.
"You should have dropped us off first. Considering you live just next door to the boy." Han remarked as he eyed Gin from the corner of his eye.
"Where's the fun in tha'?" Was the cheerful reply Han got for his attempt.
"So? Will Harry be alright?" Mimi instantly fired off the question that Gin had no doubt had been eating at them.
He nodded after a moment of tensed silence.
"Yeah, those stupid idiots thought tha' just cuz' I'm not 'ere, they could go back ta how they want. I just reminded them the error of their ways, ya know? The kiddo looks really happy so I wouldn' worry 'bout 'im." He assured Mimi who sighed in relief.
Han remembered Harry's dilemma with his relatives since Gin's absence a week ago. He and Mimi had tried their best in making the boy's life as comfortable as possible but could only do so much. They were here to start a new life so they were only children in the eyes of every adult. That's where Gin's position came in as a great help. The silver haired ex-captain had met Harry six months ago (Han had to frown at Gin's dramatic tendencies, oddly enough, it reminded him of Kaname) and had been the one really looking out for him since Gin moved in Privet Drive as their neighbor those six months ago.
If Han wasn't so prideful, he would've admitted that Gin was a blessing in disguise. But as it was, he'd settle for beneficial associate.
"C'est une belle soirée, Han." Gin murmured as they drove off. ("It's a beautiful evening, Han.")
"Pardon?" Han raised an eyebrow as he glanced at the silver haired man. "Pourquoi le français?" He questioned back in the same language. ("Why French?")
"Eh? Parce que je l'ai dit." The man smirked as Mimi giggled while Han steadily glowered at him. ("Because I said so.")
"Est-il à leur sujet?" Han relented with a sigh. ("Is it about them?")
Gin chuckled at the disgruntled tone in Han's voice, still enjoying the fact on how he could get under that skin all the time without even really trying.
"Oui." The man nodded. ("It seems that there's quite some commotion back in Soul Society–")
Han pursed his lips as he cut the man off.
("No, I don't want to hear it. Mimi and I have been starting a new life. We don't want to get involve with Shinigami business.") The boy gritted out as he avoided Mimi's intense gaze or how Gin's grin seemed to falter.
It was a requirement back in the Academy to learn several languages in order to make the soul burials as smooth as possible by communicating to foreign souls. Especially the captains who were personally taught to at least master sixteen languages during their first six years in captaincy. Han, Mimi, and Gin had made a habit of talking in different languages all the time when they were talking about spirit issues. And now was no exception.
("You know, I heard that Rangiku made it as the captain of your previous division.") Gin started as if he wasn't just told to stop. ("She seemed to have inherited your attitude, I think it's cute.") He snickered to himself as he resolutely avoided staring at the boy's reaction.
Han crossed his arms as he clenched his fists. Gin really knew how to breach the subject without effort, his former lieutenant was a sore spot to him and the man knew it. It was a low blow but somehow, Han hadn't been surprised.
("Ichimaru, just stop.") The white haired boy uttered quietly.
("But it doesn't end there, the Captain Commander ordered the restoration of powers of one Ichigo Kurosaki just a month after you disappeared. A couple of Vizards also took the captain's posts. Even though your… absence was a large blow to their ranks, Soul Society had been enjoying their peace for quite some time. Until now.") His voice had gained a sinister tone as his bony hands tightened around the steering wheel.
("Stop…") Han argued weakly, scowling deeply.
("They are in a bit of a bind right now. According to Kisuke, another batch of enemies has shown themselves. I heard that it has disrupted their so-called tranquillity since they lost their primary investigator–")
"STOP! Just fucking stop!" Han finally exploded as he stared, wide-eyed at the silver haired man.
The car jerked into a halt.
Han barely realized that they had reached his and Mimi's place, his lips twisted in pain as he jerkily opened the door. The white haired boy didn't spare them another glance as he angrily stalked inside the pizza bar. Charles, who had been snoozing on Mimi's lap for some time, jumped out as well to follow his master.
"We're leading a normal life now, Gin." Mimi hesitantly murmured. "I think it's unfair of Han now, don't you think?"
The man sighed heavily as he leaned back.
"Mimi, I understand ya. I've also done ma' best ta make mine normal too since Kisuke-kun rescued and helped me. Just like how he helped ya two. Only his consideration of what we wan' for ourselves had him shuttin' his mouth agains' the Gotei." Gin reminded her but she just looked away. "But ya also have ta acknowledge the fact tha' once a Shinigami, always a Shinigami."
Her eyes widened in realization.
"You don't mean…"
("That's exactly what I want Han to understand, we may look like these humans but we don't belong here.") He reverted back to French as he watched Mimi flinched at the blunt assessment.
They couldn't exactly hide in Soul Society, the Twelfth Division would have tracked them down easily. Hueco Mundo was just impractical for any Shinigami. The Human World had been their only option – their only chance. But what she couldn't understand was why Gin was bringing it up now, why now when things were beginning to look up for them?
"Ah." She stated faintly. "Merci. I'll talk to Han about it." She gave a small smile.
Mimi then proceeded to get out of the car and looked at Gin with question. She silently calmed down her and Harry's owls' hoots. Gin shook his head wryly as he shooed the girl away.
"Ya should rest, I'll have Larissa and Raul help me in loadin' your things inside." He told the girl who nodded gratefully. "Bonne nuit, Mademoiselle." Gin waved jovially as he grinned. ("Goodnight, Miss.")
Mimi's smile broadened.
"Bonne nuit, Gin."
"Where's Han?" Harry asked as he looked around the pizza bar.
"Buongiorno, Harry!" Larissa practically sang in Italian as she skipped to him. ("Good morning, Harry!")
She was dressed in the usual employee's uniform. A cream-colored blouse, brown skirt (slacks for the guys) and a forest green apron over it with the name of their bar embroidered on it in golden letters. Her shoulder length brown hair was tightly and carefully tied in a low bun while the strands that escaped framed her face.
The raven haired boy was already late for half an hour and he had already made up an excuse for it. He had been watching his favorite television program and hadn't noticed the time (his relatives had backed off his case since Gin's warning, Harry was slightly wary but all the more thankful of the man). He had been famous amongst his co-workers for making great and hilarious excuses. This time, he had concocted a story about a man-eating dog that escaped a nearby animal pound and how he barely eluded from being its victim.
Of course, Han could always check the local news to check if he was telling the truth.
They still had two hours before they needed to open anyway. Harry was sure Han wouldn't take it personally.
"D-Dov'è Han?" Harry queried back in his sloppy Italian knowledge, Larissa was an Italian at her mother's side who taught him some basics. ("Where is Han?")
Larissa giggled at his effort before she deflated as she translated the words.
"Oh, Harry." The teenager sighed. "Han's not feeling well according to Mimi. He didn't even come down and greeted us!" She cried dramatically as she sagged in a nearby chair where she pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Really?" Harry blinked as he recalled yesterday. "But he was just fine when we went to get our school supplies. What happened?" His concern was almost palpable as his green eyes stared directly at Larissa who got an uncomfortable look on her face.
It was no secret amongst workers on how Harry really felt about the small white haired boy. Han Smith was Harry's first real friend that was his own age. So Larissa could understand the attachment Harry had with the Smith siblings, even she adored them (or loved annoying Han). And usually, you would see the two (most of the time, with Mimi) just talking about random things or unorthodox stories. Mimi was the most animated of the three, Harry was the story-maker, and Han was the one who balanced their inane babblings with his crude logic.
As much as it disgruntled her since she was not old, Larissa and Raul were the proxy parents for the three brats.
But she could tell that Mimi and Han were forced to grow older than their age stated, it was written in their eyes. Those eyes that seemed to scream that they had seen everything, no child-like innocence. Han even seemed to be on the stiff side of social and emotional flow of things, he had a hard time adjusting around people.
Larissa made sure to always force the boy to just let go and inform him subtly that it was alright, no one would judge him for being him. It was difficult but she wanted to believe that she was making progress.
"Non lo so." The brown haired teenager frowned thoughtfully, not even realizing she had stuck with her Italian ("I don't know."). "He was extremely mad last night, really, really furious. You should've seen him for yourself. He didn't even go down for dinner and… Gin!" She suddenly exclaimed as her gaze zeroed on Harry.
"Gin?" Harry parroted confusedly.
"Yes, that infuriating, despicable, vexing fox-guy! Did they fight or anything? Han gave him The Glare! The thing where his eyes are shooting lasers! What happened?" Larissa babbled rapidly, her amber eyes wide as she stared at Harry.
The Glare, as Larissa had so fondly named it with capital letters, was the look Han would give to a person when he wanted to strangle the life out of them. Harry and Larissa had only seen that look once when a drunken old man stormed to their pizza bar and forcibly dragged his daughter out for slipping out of her "job". When the man's hand intentionally slipped to the woman's posterior, Han had given him The Glare and proceeded to slap a metal tray at the man's head, then called for the local police.
It wasn't an attractive scene to watch. Han had been silent but his eyes conveyed all the disgust and aggravation he felt for the man.
At least, Mimi said lightly, her brother didn't verbally bash their unexpected visitor. At that, Harry, Raul, and even Larissa winced simultaneously.
"Really? Everything seemed alright when they dropped me off last night." Harry murmured faintly as he looked at the brunette female skeptically, frowning slightly as he did so.
"Must be something fox-guy said then!" Larissa assumed with a resolute nod.
"How the bloody hell could you think that? Gin is what–their uncle, right? Bad news?" Harry reluctantly speculated as he looked at Larissa with a reprimanding expression. He knew that the teenager didn't really take to Gin well.
How would she when the silver haired man made it his past time to aggravate the living daylights out of her?
"Yeah, maybe he delivered bad news. That guy looked like the perfect messenger for that." She didn't hesitate in strengthening her theory of Gin.
"'Riss!" The raven haired boy hissed as his eyes narrowed exasperatedly.
"Aww, is lil' Jamie touchy now?" Larissa poked the boy who blushed at the nickname (Harry James). Everyone had their own nicknames in the pizza bar. It was just a matter of courage if you had the gall to use it in front of its owner.
So far, only Milanee had no qualms about letting people call her 'Mimi'. It stuck to most by now.
"Don't call me that!" Harry indignantly protested.
"What?" Larissa blinked innocently. "I think it's spectacularly lovely! Are you saying you're all grown up now from Larissa's pampering, lil' Jamie?"
Harry's face resembled a tomato now in embarrassment.
Larissa laughed out loud.
"Oh, you're so easy to tease, Harry. Maybe 'Shiro would appreciate it more–"
"Call me that again and I'll make sure you would be assigned cleaning duty for a whole month." An ominous voice warned quietly and both Larissa and Harry yelped in surprise at the sudden voice that cut through behind them.
They whirled around to see Han standing there with an annoyed scowl, his arms crossed over his chest.
It was Gin who told them that Shiro means 'Whitey' in Japanese. It clung to all the workers and they started teasing Han about it. Until they met his temper very vividly, since then no one dared to utter it in front of the boy's face.
Larissa chuckled nervously at the threat.
"I won't! Holy, you shouldn't sneak up on us like that!" She pointed accusingly at the white haired boy.
"I didn't, you were too involved in your discussion to notice my approach." Han retaliated calmly, arching an eyebrow at Larissa's splutters of denial. "Mimi's asleep upstairs. Larissa, could you fix up some green tea for me?"
At that, Larissa jolted up in her seat.
She squinted her eyes and saw the almost imperceptible dark lining just beneath Han's eyes, his clammy and pallid complexion, his irritable mood, and his slightly quivering hands. She frowned, this was something she and Raul had feared. From the first few months they had known Han, nightmares haunted his sleep (from their past or experience, he refused to tell). It wasn't until Mimi had made it a point to purchase green tea did those dark dreams calmed down, maybe the air conditioner that Raul installed helped too.
But when they did resurface, Larissa knew that the dreams were vicious and relentless.
She had the opportunity to wake up Han from sleep one December morning for early Christmas celebration. From the pained grunts, sweaty features, and suffering expression only did she understand the true extent of it. Han had seemed so grateful when she woke him up, the kid looked so shaken that Larissa's heart subconsciously reached out for him.
It was an unspoken thing amongst the four of them. Han still wasn't ready to relay it to Harry so the explaining was left to them.
Han made it a point to never bring it up to discussions, preferring to let Mimi take care of things in his place.
"Alright, I'll get to it." She agreed as she stood up, heaving a small sigh before wiping her hands on her apron.
Before she even reached the counter, Larissa enveloped the white haired boy in a tight hug–ignoring how his whole body became tensed and taut in her hold. She didn't hesitate in strengthening her embrace.
"It's fine, Han. Don't worry about it, alright?" She murmured to his ear as he slowly and extremely reluctantly relaxed in her grip.
Larissa patted his back one last time before pulling back, kissing his forehead as she did so and stepped back. She grinned at the pink tinge that crept up his cheeks but he gave her a barely-there smile, a subtle curl at the end of his lips.
"Thanks." Han replied softly, a thankful undertone in it.
"Oh, I feel so appreciated!" Larissa exclaimed dramatically before going to the kitchens for Han's tea, winking at him as she went.
Han had to remember that there were times the teenager wasn't a sloth of a worker as he made her out to be.
The white haired boy then turned to Harry who had an inquisitive look.
"Let's go at the back, I'm sure your owl would appreciate the company." Han beckoned to the raven haired boy who smiled.
"I think I already know what to name him." Harry informed as he stepped beside the smaller boy.
"Oh?"
Han raised an eyebrow but wasn't really too interested.
"Yeah, 'Riss gave me the idea. I'll name him 'Shiro'." Harry wisely decided to run ahead of the twitching Han.
He chuckled as he heard the inevitable outburst.
"HARRY!"
The next few weeks had been a blur to the three aspiring students of Hogwarts. McGonagall did arrive at the allotted day she had surmised. Only, she had a fellow professor with her. It was a grisly man in black robes with dark greasy hair, dark glaring eyes, hooked nose, and a sneer so potent it made Mimi cringe. He was introduced as Professor Severus Snape – the one responsible for their Potions subject (since this subject would need a hands-on approach to be graded properly).
The two professors had dedicated their time in getting Mimi to get a hang on her subjects. Fortunately, the girl had a strong hold on basic studies and it hadn't been a problem for the two teachers to pour on the knowledge she should have known two years ago. Even Snape seemed grudgingly impressed at her dedication although he loathed her attitude, saying something about being perfectly Gryffindor material. Han spent most of his time observing this 'magic'. The Potions Professor seemed to dislike him too but didn't voice it outright since Han's glaring blue eyes were intensely boring on Snape's dark orbs–guarding them in how they handle Mimi.
But by far, Harry's meeting with the man was the most interesting. The raven haired boy had bumped into the man accidentally when he entered the bar. For some odd reason, the man had recognized the boy at first glance.
"Harry Potter?" Snape had spat the surname with such venom that Harry shrunk to himself.
The man was quite intimidating in his billowing dark robes but Han and Mimi had seen and met Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni's stern wrath to be even slightly affected by it.
"Uhm–is there something you need, Professor?" Harry mumbled quietly as he met Snape's gaze reluctantly.
"No," Snape sneered slightly. "Hogwarts aspiring celebrity, the boy-who-lived, what do you have to say for yourself, Potter?" He narrowed his eyes at the boy, Han looked up from the counter but rolled his eyes at the legendary name Harry had unintentionally earned for himself.
Harry saw his friend's reaction and sniggered.
Snape glared.
"Well? Is there something funny, boy?" The man scowled at the boy, apparently not appreciating the reaction.
"No, Professor." Harry shook his head.
The raven haired boy had yet to start attending the school but he was already calling them by their title. The man's eyes then shifted around the pizza bar, then settled on Harry's uniform. The boy just straightened as he smoothed out some wrinkles from his apron.
"Tch, you work at this grim and shady food establishment, how unbefitting." The man remarked snidely, turning his nose up in disdain.
Raul, who had been in the middle of serving an order to a customer, glared at the wizard.
While Harry's expression became devoid of anything as he simply opted to stare at the professor blankly. Larissa had been right, Han was rubbing off on him in several ways he had been oblivious to admit.
"I can assure you that this bar isn't a 'shady establishment', I could perfectly tell that for myself, thanks." Harry replied lowly, his eyes unblinking as he stared at the professor.
"The golden boy in the wizardry community, degraded into a lowly server. What a shame, Potter." Snape further antagonized as he smirked.
"It is a humble profession, sir. At least, this place knows how to treat people kindly unlike some others I can name who enjoy speaking down on kids for their own superior amusement." Harry quipped back angrily as he glared, his green eyes seemingly vivid.
Snape looked like he swallowed a sour lemon and pursed his lips.
Unfortunately for him, McGonagall chose that time to arrive. She seemed exasperated when she saw the familiar scorn and derision in Severus's face that only appeared at the mention of the late Marauders.
Since then, Harry avoided Snape as much as possible.
When they did see each other, Harry would glare while Snape would give a sneer of distaste.
Mimi seemed torn between reprimanding Harry and pitying him. Although she could understand, the man had become more vicious in his teachings since that day. But Mimi never back down, if anything, she seemed more determined to show a thing or two to the professor. She excelled in Charms and Herbology – something she seemed so delighted about. Though there was that one time when she attempted a tickling charm on Harry, only to have Raul accidentally shoved in the way.
The man couldn't stop laughing himself all day and Mimi had panicked about cancelling it. Raul and Larissa seemed cool about this wizardry business when they witnessed it but had been protectively watching over the three and made the point clear to the Deputy Headmistress.
Harry's birthday had passed since her tutorials–though Larissa and Mimi planned to have the celebration two days before they had to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had been insisting that they didn't need to bother but it only strengthened the girls' resolve to do so.
The one-on-one approach had been a great help in letting Mimi soak up the knowledge needed for her advancement. Though McGonagall had used a special device to make the three months remaining to its fullest by a stretch, something called a Time-Turner. Making the three months of lessons long enough to enclose seven months of teaching and studying (the Professor would even use portkey sometimes to bring the girl in Hogwarts–for Astronomy and Herbology subjects–and sorted her earlier to alleviate confusion amongst students). Mimi's commitment to achieve her immediate advancement to third year was also a great help. By the last week of August, Mimi had already finished her studies with three O's, a couple of E's and A's. McGonagall seemed to be the most proud of the results.
Unfortunately, McGonagall only had one slip (for Mimi) from the Ministry of Magic to allow the usage of underage magic outside of Hogwarts. Harry and particularly Han had been disgruntled by this since they wanted to try their hands on it.
Both had seen what Mimi had learned and were eager. Though Mimi refused to admit what house she had been placed in and declined about telling them how she got sorted.
Now, only three days were left and they would have to get to Hogwarts. The raven haired girl had been excited about the prospect and couldn't stop her excited chatters to Han, Harry, Raul, and Larissa about it, almost jumping up and down to show her enthusiasm.
"It looks like a castle and is so big! Oh Han, you would love it!" Mimi gushed as she turned sparkling blue eyes at her brother.
A warm feeling spread on Han's chest. He was reminded of the time she had been so eager to start the Academy.
"It's a school, Mimi, and you're its student. You'll see it soon so stop acting like a kid on sugar high." Han rolled his eyes good-naturedly, a slight smirk blooming on his lips.
"You're excited too, right?" The girl queried happily. "We're going to be wizards!"
"Harry and I are going to be wizards. You are going to be a witch." Han idly corrected as he sighed, tiredly rubbing his eyes. The action didn't go unnoticed to everyone, even to Harry who was usually oblivious, the dark bags under Han's eyes were more pronounced. His complexion was still pale and exhausted.
"I'll go to sleep. So clean up, alright?" Han ordered, his blue eyes sweeping to everyone sternly before nodding and moving.
Then Mimi turned to Harry to divert attention, Han was more irritable lately.
"Did you pack your things?" She asked with an expectant stare, hand on her hips.
Harry smiled.
"I did, they're on the guestroom next to Raul's. And yes," He rolled his eyes at Mimi's arched eyebrows. "I already told them I would be staying here for the remaining days before we go to Hogwarts. They didn't seem happy but they were very keen on sending me away." He informed his friends dryly.
"Don't tell me Gin had scared them away again." Even for his relatives, Mimi appeared to be genuinely worried. Harry knew they didn't deserve the girl's concern or sympathy.
"Ha! Told you that guy is a total creep. But those bigots deserve him anyway." Larissa snorted as she huffed, Raul snickering beside her.
"Uncle values his work more than anything else. Gin could destroy that anytime, according to him." Harry shrugged carelessly, not really concerned to begin with.
"Harry, how could you say that?" Mimi reprimanded but as Harry just tilted his head, she couldn't stop the incessant twitching of her lips. The next thing she knew, they were all laughing at her badly stern act.
"Oh, I really love that guy!" Raul snickered but coughed as Larissa elbowed him.
"How could you!"
Raul raised an eyebrow at his cousin.
"How can you not?"
At that, Harry chuckled as Larissa glowered at Raul. She really didn't like Gin but Harry would like to think that she was more annoyed than really aggravated. Or more in between. As he laughed with them, Harry suddenly realized that he wouldn't trade this people for anyone else (they saved him from his personal hell), he just wished that these moments would last forever.
But nothing good lasted, Harry would learn the hard way.
Han breathed in deeply into his pillow, scrunching up his brows to force himself to sleep.
He shifted uncomfortably to his side, he still couldn't sleep. His nightmares had started to steadily get worse as time passed by. Normally, it would only end with Aizen saying how it was needed for the white haired captain to die. But as the dreams grew broader, it ended in those parts. The ones he would rather forget or leave behind. The scenes where he felt extreme humiliation and how Aizen had easily chipped off his dignity away as one of the captains in the Gotei 13.
It was something he never admitted to anyone, not even Mimi. No, he couldn't tell her of his own shame and disgrace. It was a result of his weakness.
They were starting a new life now. Mimi didn't need to find out. She'll only get hurt. She already blamed herself for blinding her eyes from Aizen's treachery. He didn't need to add another burden. He couldn't. He promised he would never hurt her.
Han sighed resignedly.
A creaking sound reached his ears but he was too worn out to look. Besides, he already felt Mimi's reiatsu just outside his door so he was sure that it was her. A weight settled on the side of his bed and groggy blue eyes peered up just to see Mimi's concerned visage staring down at him.
"Han?" She called gently.
"Wha' d'you wan?" His words came out slightly slurred but he didn't stop her hand from combing through his white hair. His eyes subconsciously closed at the comfort it brought him.
"It's been three hours and you're not asleep yet." He didn't need his eyes to hear the frown in her tone.
"Can't…" He murmured, sighing contently as her fingers continued their work.
Mimi sighed.
"Or won't." She protested quietly. Without a word, she lightly pushed Han's small body to the side to make room for herself. Han's eyes snapped open as he stared at her in surprise. She just continued pushing until she could lie down beside him.
"Wha–Hinamori, I – y'don' need…"
He must've been really out of it if he consciously called her that. But the girl just smiled as she wrapped an arm around Han's shoulders and pulled him to her chest in a hug, his head buried at the crook of her neck while her chin rested on top of the soft white spikes.
"Ssh," Mimi shushed him, tenderly rubbing the boy's back just like during their childhood days in Rukongai. "Just go to sleep, okay? I'll be beside you so don't worry about it. Let me help, please, Shiro-chan?"
It had been a long time since both of them heard her say that. Han grunted as he wriggled and attempted to get out of her hold but Mimi just held him down to her.
"Don' call me tha'." He complained sleepily, his eyes now closing as unconsciousness called to him.
"I won't, but you really should sleep. I'll stay with you, alright?" Mimi continued to reassure as she rubbed his back.
The white haired boy sighed almost inaudibly but didn't open his eyes again.
Mimi smiled as he relaxed.
"Jus' don' wet the bed again." Han finally muttered before surrendering to the fatigue and rest his body craved for.
The girl pouted but beamed as his even breathing lastly signalled his slumber. Han should've known by now that she had outgrown being bed-wetter Momo. Her concerns for his lack of sleep slowly ebbed away as she reminisced during their childhood years. Their grandmother, the watermelons, the memories…
If only they stayed as they were and didn't become Shinigamis, everything would have been the same.
Then she wondered about Gin's words, Mimi suddenly came to a sad realization that the man was right, once a Shinigami, always a Shinigami. As much as they loved and watched over their friends, they didn't belong here.
A tear escaped her eye as she hugged the white haired boy closer to her, burying her face on his hair.
For Han, she would endure it.
"What is the status, Kurotsuchi-taichou?" Yamamoto asked gravely as he stared at the Twelfth Division Captain.
"Well, Urahara," The name was underlined with scorn. "stated that he hadn't sensed anything. But our systems definitely tracked it just at the town next to Karakura. There is something that fool isn't telling us." Mayuri sneered as he scoffed loudly.
Ukitake stepped forward as he stared at the scientist.
"Don't forget that it was Kisuke who had helped us greatly in the war." The white haired man defended as he stood straight in defiance to his fellow captain.
"But you overlooked the fact that it was his fault we had a war in our hands to begin with." Mayuri retorted instantly, the room went still at the declaration. "If you failed to remember, then I shall enlighten you. It was the very same war that drove off that small captain you are so enamoured with." He spat out angrily as the Thirteenth Division Captain practically doubted his work, something he never fell behind.
The tension was now palpable in the air. Ukitake looked away as his hands clenched, refusing to meet the disdainful gaze of Kurotsuchi.
"That was out of line, Kurotsuchi-taichou." Kyouraku murmured as he glanced sharply at the bespectacled man.
"I was only stating a fact." Mayuri shrugged unconcernedly. "Don't go all dramatic on me just because I told you the truth."
"I trust Urahara. You're only making a bigger issue out of this, Kurotsuchi." Shinji yawned as he tried to stir the subject away from the former chibi-taichou and slouched, eliciting a reprimanding glare from the Sixth Division Captain, Kuchiki Byakuya.
"That's what we did last time, right? And it drove off several captains and lieutenants a century ago. Now after the war he had designed, it drove off that small coward brat and delusional girl away somewhere in the human world." The odd captain continued to raved and rant as he glowered at the lined up captains.
Shinji now glared back, as did Kensei and Rose from their posts.
"We all make mistakes, don't you dare act like some saint–" Kensei started to reprimand angrily only to be cut off. Only, it wasn't the Soutaichou like they had expected.
"Would you all just STOP! You're all supposed to be captains, not rookies to be arguing like this!" Matsumoto-taichou sent spine-chilling looks to every captain involved in said argument. Most looked away from her icy silvery blue-eyed stare.
Most noted the change in her person. Her Shinigami robes were still in the same revealing state. She chose the long-sleeved haori instead of the sleeveless ones and the pink scarf was now looped around her neck loosely while her zanpakutō still rested horizontally across her back. While her long strawberry blonde curls were pinned into a high ponytail, leaving shorter strands to frame her now frowning visage.
Not only was her former captain a sore topic to her, the current subject of their meeting was making her frustrated.
"So says the lieutenant who slacks in her work and drinks her head off before." Mayuri huffed only to be silenced as the blade of Haineko suddenly found its way beside his throat.
"I can assure you that I have outgrown that. And you will never badmouth taichou in my presence again, do you hear me?" The woman growled as she pressed the blade deeper, her eyes now a lustrous and shimmering pair of ashen gray.
"Matsumoto-taichou, stand down!" The Soutaichou finally bellowed as he slammed his cane on the floor, his reiatsu filling the room. "You're all acting like children! All of you stand down as we venture back to the original nature of our discussion. No more insults from you, Kurotsuchi-taichou." He warned the captain who only growled lowly under his breath.
The Tenth Division Captain sheathed Haineko as she swiftly turned around (almost slapping Mayuri in the face with her blonde locks) and went back to her assigned place.
"Very well," Mayuri grudgingly conceded. "Our systems had tracked down traces of Ichimaru Gin's reiatsu in the town next to Karakura two days ago. It hadn't been sensed really well until it flared two days ago. You treat that idiot Urahara like some omniscient being. So how could he have missed that? Or at least, he had to have some idea. The Soutaichou authorized some Shinigamis to trail those traces but it disappeared yesterday evening."
Mayuri's dislike for Urahara was so great that it couldn't be expressed in mere words and they were getting tired of it.
"But has it been confirmed that it was really Ichimaru?" Byakuya posed the question as he raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," The scientist hissed angrily. "I had Matsumoto-taichou confirm its signature the moment it appeared in our screens."
The woman just faced the Soutaichou.
"Hai, it's Gin's reiatsu. I would recognize it at first feel, just like with–" She cut herself off as she lowered her head. Just like with taichou was left unsaid but it was expressed.
"Now, do you believe me? There's something that man isn't telling us. And why would Ichimaru resurfaced now and near Karakura of all times?" The Twelfth Division Captain crossed his arms as he levelled a sinister stare the Soutaichou's way.
Yamamoto's slitted eyes opened slightly as he shared a meaningful glance with Unohana who imperceptibly nodded.
Harry excitedly rode the vehicle with Han and Mimi.
They were going to school now and he was very excited, especially remembering Mimi's enthusiastic chatter. They had celebrated his birthday two days ago and that was easily the happiest day of his life. Han and Mimi had given him some kind of necklace – a protective charm or something. Larissa had made the cake while Raul had gotten him a scooter (something he had been saving money for, he had already thanked the man profusely), Gin had also come (resulting into a banter between him and a particular brunette teenager) and gave him a blade, something called a tantō from his previous trip in Japan–something Harry had secretly brought with him to Hogwarts.
The raven haired boy could hardly contain his eagerness while at the same time, he was a little sombre and unhappy about leaving. He had gotten used to their usual routines in the pizza bar these past eight months and he would definitely miss it. Though there was an exasperated part of him that was not looking forward to going to Hogwarts–meaning, he had to see Professor Snape again. He was very sure the man had it in for him, only Mimi would like to think otherwise.
But on the plus side, it seemed that Han had gotten some few good night sleep. He seemed to be less ill-tempered and cross lately and that's an improvement in his book.
Larissa and Raul were standing outside the bar. The former was busy glaring at their driver, Gin who just grinned, and the latter was waving sadly.
"Take care, alright?" Raul stated as he looked at each of them.
"Yes, Raul. You'll see us for the Christmas holidays." Han rolled his eyes at him as he idly petted the dozing Charles on his lap.
"It won't be Raul if he didn't get to mother-hen us for the last time." Harry offered as he shrugged at Han's incredulous gaze.
The man frowned at the white haired boy.
"Don't forget to write letters every week?" The man attempted as he turned hopeful eyes to Mimi who giggled.
"Of course! We'll inform you of every happening, deal?" Mimi brought out a hand through the window, raising her pinky finger.
Raul happily hooked his pinky with hers.
"Deal. Don't starve yourselves, make sure to consume food three times a day." He instructed sternly.
"Yes, can we go now?" Han grouched as he crossed his arms.
"So mean!" Larissa pouted as she appeared beside Raul. Then glared at Gin again. "Drive safely, you git. If something happens to them before they even got on the train…"
At that, Han looked at their tickets again. McGonagall had mentioned some barrier against muggles' eyes. And he knew very well that Platform 9 and ¾ didn't exist in the station given to them. So they now also had to find the passage. Great.
"I won', Rissa. Ya worry too much." Gin smirked at Larissa's now twitching eyebrow.
"You don't worry enough. I'm serious, you fox-guy! I'll bloody castrate you if something happens to them." She warned as she narrowed her amber eyes at him.
"Hey, I looked out fo' the kids too, ya know." The man frowned at her.
Larissa smirked as she crossed her arms.
"Of course. Because you're that kind of guy." She retaliated smugly at him.
"Ichimaru, we're going to be late." Han sighed beside Gin who turned to him with mock surprise.
"Really? Well, whaddya' know?" The silver haired man started the engine. "Bye, Rissa. See you soon!" Gin then started to drive the car before the aforementioned female could throw something at his windows, the repairs were expensive after all.
"Wha–" Larissa blinked in surprise. "Hey, wait a minute! I didn't get to say my goodbyes yet!" She complained loudly.
But one of Gin's arm just shot out of the window and waved at her jovially.
"Arrgh! And don't call me that again! You bloody fox-guy!"
Gin smirked as he subtly glanced at the three children (or what looked like children in Han and Mimi's case). At least, for now, the little former taichou would be safe together with his sister in that unexpected school he had never heard of (making the process of tracking them more difficult). It's just a matter of time who will find the two first. Though he hoped, Soul Society got to them first. If not, another war he didn't want to get into would be formed again. He could only do so much and he's a tired man.
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