A/N I've been sick recently, so I don't feel that this chapter is up to my usual standards. The character interaction just wasn't working too well in my fuzzed-out head. But your reviews made me feel a little better, so thank you for that.
Btw, I've figured out where in the Bleach timeline this is taking place: between the Soul Society Arc and the Hueco Mundo Arc. Kind of during the Bount storyline, but the Bount don't have any part in this story. But I'm still not sure what year we're in in the Harry Potter universe, so please take the poll on my profile page. Thanks!
I've also pretty much figured out what Houses I want the three to be in, so thank you for all your suggestions, especially a rather intriguing one sent in by missyJuliette (I'm definitely considering it! Thank you!)
This story is made all the better for all of your input, thank you!
I do not own Bleach or Harry Potter. I make no money from writing this fanfiction.
Hitsugaya had somehow managed to extricate himself from the group. He'd never really been a social person, and he felt he had to cool his temper before continuing to pretend to be an 11 year old.
He shifted uncomfortably. He never really felt comfortable in a gigai, and he missed the familiar weight of Hyorinmaru on his back. He knew, intellectually, that Hyorinmaru was no further from him than in Soul Society, that all it would take was a piece of Soul Candy and he'd be able to draw the zanpakuto, but it was hard to convince his body that it wasn't armed. Therefore he felt tense- more so than usual. At least the school robes reminded him of his Shinigami robes. He felt more comfortable in them than any of the other real world clothes Matsumoto had bought for him.
He had to admit, though, the school was impressive. The large stone castle was like nothing Hitsugaya had ever seen before, and the grounds were peaceful and beautiful. Still, he felt a sort of unease being here that was entirely unconnected to his (supposed) weaponless state. There was a sense of foreboding that belied the current serenity of the grounds.
Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed. Kurosaki had been right to worry about his sisters' safety while attending this school. Something was going to happen here. And if Urahara was right about the overlap between wizardry and reiatsu, that something might very well effect Soul Society.
"You may not want to travel too far from the group," a silky voice said behind him. Hitsugaya didn't jump; he wasn't surprised. He had known that this man had been approaching him and had in fact stopped to wait for him. He suspected, though, that the man had wished to surprised him. Well, Hitsugaya was sorry to disappoint him.
"Oh?" Hitsugaya asked delicately, turning to face the tall, black-haired man.
"There are certain- dangers on the grounds that a new student would not know how to avoid," the man said coolly, openly studying Hitsugaya.
Hitsugaya did not snort in disbelief, although he really, really wanted to. He doubted that there could be anything dangerous enough on these school grounds that he, one of the captains of the Gotei 13, couldn't handle. But there was no way this man could know about Hitsugaya's standing in Soul Society. "Really," was all he said.
The man's eyes narrowed in an unconscious imitation of Hitsugaya's expression from only moments ago. "You should head back to the group."
Hitsugaya could feel himself bristling at the implied order. It was clear that this man was used to being obeyed. Well, so was Hitsugaya. "Excuse me, are you a teacher here?"
The man blinked in almost-surprise. "Yes. I am Professor Severus Snape."
Hitsugaya nodded to himself. He'd had teachers like this one before. Teachers who assumed that they could bully him because of his age and supposed inexperience. "And what do you teach, Snape-sensei?"
"I am the Potions Master."
"Tai-choooooo!" Matsumoto bounded towards them before Hitsugaya could say anything else, waving one arm. "Did you get lost?"
Hitsugaya rubbed his furiously twitching eyebrow. So much for allowing his temper to cool.
Dumbledore showed them their temporary sleeping quarters, explaining that once they were Sorted into Houses, they'd move into their permanent dormitories. He left in order to let them get settled, gesturing discretely to Hitsugaya to follow him out. Matsumoto, of course, followed her Captain.
Dumbledore chatted pleasantly as they walked down the hallways, politely answering Matsumoto's numerous questions about their surroundings, the living paintings, and especially the ghosts.
The ghosts unsettled the two Shinigami. The first time they saw one float through the walls, waving at them cheerfully, they both automatically reached for their zanpakuto which were not there, suddenly realizing that they'd left the soul candy back in their bags. "It's all right," Dumbledore told them. "These ghosts have been at Hogwarts for a very long time."
It was then that Hitsugaya noticed that this ghost had neither a chain nor a hole in his chest. He wondered if the Soul Burial would even work.
After a short while they arrived at Dumbledore's office. "Let me get to the point," Dumbledore said after gesturing they sit down in front of his enormous, claw-footed desk. "I understand that you are here by Ichigo's request, Toshirou, to look after his sisters."
Oddly, Hitsugaya didn't mind the wizard's use of his given name. He somehow understood that Dumbledore didn't mean any disrespect by using it. "Yes."
Dumbledore smiled. "That was very kind of you, but I'll be frank. I do not accept students to this school who cannot learn here. Not even at the request of an old friend."
"You want us to leave."
Dumbledore shook his head. "Not at all. I want you to become a real student here, Toshirou. You have the capacity for it, otherwise I would not have agreed to this in the first place." Dumbledore steepled his fingers together. "I won't pretend to truly understand what it is you do, Toshirou, even though Kisuke has tried to explain it to me. But from what I do understand, learning the mastery of another kind of power can't really hurt, can it?
"Students attend school at Hogwarts for seven years. I understand that you have other responsibilities, and that is a long time to be away, but please consider it. I'll give you until the Sorting Ceremony to decide."
"What happens if I say no?"
Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "I cannot let you stay. I'm sorry, Toshirou."
Hitsugaya recognized the dismissal and left, Matsumoto scurrying after him. "Taicho-"
"Matsumoto, I can't leave Soul Society for seven years."
Matsumoto looked at him in surprise. "Taicho, do you really think it will take you seven years?"
"What do you mean?"
Matsumoto smiled brightly at him. "Taicho, you entered the academy young, you graduated young and you became the youngest captain in Soul Society history. They don't call you a prodigy for nothing." She tapped her lips thoughtfully. "I give it four years. Three, if taicho works really hard."
Hitsugaya almost blushed at his vice-captain's praise. Almost. "That's still a long time to be away."
Matsumoto's eyes filled with tears. "Taicho, don't you trust me to look after the squad?"
"Being in charge means doing paperwork, Matsumoto. On time."
Matsumoto suddenly turned serious. "Taicho, can't you see how a new kind of power could help us? One he doesn't know about and can't use?"
Hitsugaya contemplated that for a moment. Yes, he could certainly see the benefit in that. "But we definitely don't have three years."
"That's why you have to learn as much as you can in the time we have. And why you're the best one for the job." Matsumoto smiled once again. "Nobody learns quicker than you do taicho."
This time Hitsugaya couldn't suppress his blush. His vice-captain of course noticed this, and Hitsugaya had to dodge her hug so that he wouldn't be suffocated.
Review Responses:
girlx901: That's definitely something to consider, although it might take a more dedicated writer than me. ^_^;;; But who knows? There's always the possibility of sequels.
Chillis: Well, I'm definitely considering it, but it's just so hard to decide! That's why I started the poll. I'll just go with the majority vote.
missyJuliette: Your review made me smile and want to update as soon as possible! It makes me happy that you enjoyed my fic that much. And depending on the year I put Yuzu, Karin, and Hitsu into, there may be some minor ocs. I also want to thank you for your very intriguing suggestion. If I think I'm up to it, I'm definitely going to try it out.
kuaispeed: Now you see my dilemma. All three years have great potential. And don't worry, I'm easily amused as well! I just hope you didn't hurt yourself. ^_^
Xandre: I really just thought that that was what Karin would think! But I'm glad you liked it.
Son of Kalas: Thanks for your review. I'm glad you liked it, and thank you for your suggestion!
totalnarutofangirl85: I actually did consider that, but Ichigo does have the substitute Shinigami badge, and it always seemed to me that he preferred to use that over Kon anyway. Besides, Kon is one more person who can look after his sisters, and I think Ichigo would consider that the bigger issue.
RedSnowFalls: Aww, that makes me really happy. I'm glad you liked the last chapter! And I really appreciate you pointing out any errors. That's how we get better.
Much love to you all. ~Dii
