Snape looks like Kaneki. So when imagining Snape, imagine Black Reaper Kaneki but without the glasses. Although I may change it, idk. If I do I'll inform you all and edit previous chapters.
It seemed only yesterday that Kaneki had asked for his friends to keep an extra watch on the Golden Trio's little private lessons, now with shocking speeds Kaneki finds himself and the rest of his friends back inside the Order for the Christmas holidays. Kaneki, for the most part, didn't know how to feel about the holidays. On one hand he's away from school which means being away from Umbridge, on the other he's somewhat stuck at Headquarters for Christmas but on the downside, that also means spending more time around Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Kaneki also didn't know how to feel with the Weasley family's cheerful atmosphere and bright smiles as they exchanged gifts; the sight bringing a dull ach to his heart. When was the last time he ever celebrated Christmas? He remembers vividly the times he and Hide attended University, Hide barging into his apartment early in the morning and celebrating Christmas together. Sure, he, Hide, Tsukiyama, Touka, Hinami and Ayato spend quality time together, but nothing quite like what the Weasley family organise.
However, while the Christmas break is quite lively at the Order Headquarters, it can't be said the same for Voldemort. The Malfoy Manor is dull, dark and cold, the very definition of those who live there. But in all honesty, Kaneki would take spending Christmas with the Order of the Phoenix over spending it with Death Eaters anytime. Especially with the ever watchful eyes of Draco Malfoy. Yes, Draco has started to develop a taste for delving deeper into his affairs ever since the start of the schooling year. So now Kaneki has no safe haven to relax fully in, having to be ever so careful with his surroundings and who's nearby. Especially with those Extendable Ears he's caught Fred and George carry around at Headquarters.
Unfortunately, he has been called upon by Voldemort for a meeting, something deep down telling him he knows exactly what will be brought up during the meeting, and pain will most likely be involved. So as Kaneki's feet touched solid ground, completing his Floo transportation inside the Malfoy Manor, Kaneki quietly took his seat amongst Voldemort's most loyal Death Eaters, avoiding the gazes of many within the room. Once seated, waiting for a few other Death Eaters to arrive, Kaneki felt a sick sense of anticipation surge in his gut, similar to what he felt before his duel with Umbridge, but much more potent.
"Just follow the plan," Thought Kaneki, his head still bowed. "Follow the plan, and maybe everything will go smoothly." But somehow something deep down, in the far reaches of his mind, doesn't wish for everything to go as plan.
The plan is something Kaneki, Hide, Dumbledore and Touka thought up before school left for holidays. Kaneki, having expressed his concern about Voldemort showing interest in the guards assigned to Hogwarts, and to the little detail that Kaneki is their leader. This could become deadly depending on which way the meeting turns. If Voldemort deems Kaneki a threat, than worst case scenario is that he'll lose his occupation as a spy and his secret as a Ghoul will come to light. The positive outcome would be Kaneki remaining by Voldemort's side and no one is harmed or in danger. Somehow, neither Kaneki, Hide, Touka nor Dumbledore believe that the positive outcome is even possible; but Dumbledore and Hide like to remain optimistic about the dire situation.
"Glad you could all make it," Spoke Voldemort, his voice void of true pleasantness and instead replaced with a cold cheerfulness. "As most of you are probably well aware, Albus has hired some bodyguards." Not a single murmur was spoken at the information, the most that occurred were looks being exchanged across the table. "Bodyguards who specialise in not magic, but Muggle fighting." At this, laughter echoed throughout the room, Bellatrix being the most boisterous of the group. Soon, the laughter died down, although smiles were still broad on many faces when Voldemort continued.
"Although, I heard some very bizarre news on the matter." At this, Voldemort's head turned ever so slowly, locking his piercing red gaze onto Kaneki's, his smile slipping from his features. "That you, Severus, are their leader. That you trained them personally and command them." Silence stretched, suffocating the table as Death Eaters send Kaneki subtle bemused and distrustful looks. "Is this true?"
Without hesitating, locking eyes with Voldemort, he spoke his answer clearly with confidence. "Yes." Immediately the table was in an uproar; many Pureblood extremists shouting their disbelief and personal opinions on that matter, many directed at Kaneki. Kaneki, however, didn't bow down to the many words shouted his way and instead let his gaze sweep around the table. Voldemort's face was impassive, but Kaneki could detect displeasure and curiosity hidden beneath his piercing red orbs. Bellatrix was shouting fiercely at him, her face contorted into an ugly frown. Many other Death Eaters were glaring holes into Kaneki while some decided to remain silent in fear of their master's anger. A quick glance across from him show Lucius glancing curiously at Kaneki, his expression giving off an air of unsureness and puzzlement; as if unsure what to believe. His wife didn't make any eye contact, instead deciding that staring into the polished wood of the table be wiser than contributing to the outrage of the table. Draco, however, took on both his parents, switching from staring at the table in front of him to staring at Kaneki with confusion.
"Silence!" Roared Voldemort, the table going dead quiet instantaneously. Many flinched at the harsh tone of voice and the anger behind his words, but Kaneki remained strong, knowing not to show weakness in this situation. He's dealt with worse. Fighting against Arima is far more frightening than standing up to Voldemort in his opinion.
"Explain." He ordered, his tone of voice clipped and harsh. Kaneki didn't hold eye contact, instead opting to stare at the table in front of him, not wanting to give Voldemort easy access to his mind through eye contact.
"They are friends of mine," began Kaneki. "Dumbledore asked the Professor's if we knew anyone that could act as body guards for Potter, wanting to keep it under wraps. I offered, saying that I knew some people that would do well in protecting the brat. I've also managed to get him to agree into allowing some to be stationed around Hogwarts, giving us more eyes inside of Hogwarts."
"Spy's." Spoke Voldemort, leaning back in his chair as realisation dawned on him. Kaneki nodded. "Why didn't you inform me beforehand?" Kaneki inwardly cringed, anticipation coursing through his gut as multiple possibilities run through his mind, assessing each possible exit, who possess the most danger and what to do once out of the room.
"I apologise. But with looking after the guards, making sure they didn't do anything stupid, Dumbledore watching me and having the Ministry breathing down our necks I could not find the time without casting suspicion. I deemed it best to wait till the holidays before informing, rather than acting early and the whole plan fall to shambles. Umbridge has also been intercepting letters; I didn't want to take any risks."
"That's very wise of you, Severus." Spoke Voldemort after a few tense seconds, "Very well, you will be spared for your actions. But next time, inform either myself or a fellow Death Eater as soon as possible. Least I be displeased." Kaneki nodded, the action more like a bow than anything, before returning his gaze back to the table in front of him as the meeting continued. The meeting continued on without further disruptions, fellow Death Eaters going through reports and updates on spying tasks they were assigned, some were on the receiving end of pain for their failures while others weren't ordered to speak at all. Within the hour the meeting was over, Death Eaters allowed to leave the Malfoy Manor and to join their families or loved ones, while some were given orders for either new tasks or to continue with their current task. These orders were all met with deep nods of confirmation before they all silently stood and left the Manor; Kaneki being one of many.
Once outside of the Malfoy Manor gates and a good distance away, Kaneki Apparaite; quickly being assaulted with an array of senses, making him nauseous for the briefest of seconds before his feet touched the ground, the dingy apartment complex hiding Headquarters within his sight. Kaneki, as he gains his senses, double checks his surroundings before approaching the complex; watching as Headquarters slides from behind the apartments, becoming visible. Swiftly, Kaneki approaches the rundown apartment, knocking thrice as he waits for someone to answer. Not long after the door opens a margin, enough for him to see the face of Mad-Eye Moody, but the scent of Ayato directly behind him could be smelt.
"What happened to me in Harry's fourth year?" Questioned Moody gruffly.
"You were locked inside a chest." Answered Kaneki flatly.
"Anyone could have guessed that," Began Moody, causing Kaneki to internally roll his eyes and groan at the never ending suspicion the man holds.
"I know you're there, shitty Ayato. Let me in." Spoke Kaneki, cutting in from Moody's rant of suspicion and distrust. A scoff could be heard from behind Moody, the door suddenly pulled wide open as Ayato came into view.
"It's him." He stated, holding the door open for Kaneki. Kaneki quickly walked in, the two of them ignoring Moody's stuttering protests, which soon turned into shouting all the way into the kitchen; drawing the attention of all the Order members, guards and Order children.
"What's going on?" Questioned Molly as they entered.
"This boy just let in a possible enemy without doing the security question!"
"I did the security thing, he passed. Plus, you questioned him but you continued to deem him suspicious." Rebuked Ayato.
"What was your security question?" Asked Remus.
"I didn't ask anything. The shitty Kaneki I know would be able to sense me, he did, so therefore he passed."
"What do you mean sense him? How?" Asked Moody. His mechanical eye swishing quickly between Kaneki and Ayato in suspicion.
"None of your damn business." Growled Ayato.
"That's enough, Ayato." Spoke Touka sternly, halting any further arguments and fights from arising. But the Order, oblivious to the growing tension arising between them, speaks up again.
"None of our business!? We know next to nothing about you lot! You could be Death Eaters for all we know!"
"Don't give me that bullshit!" Shouted Ayato, his sister's warning forgotten. "I've seen you. Even when someone gives the correct answer you still suspect them for days! I doubt that anything we tell you will make you shut up!"
"How about you tell us how you know Severus Snape, hmm? How about you tell us about your history? Who you really are." He challenged. The kitchen was silent, tension evident as the kitchen's occupants stare intently between Moody and Ayato. Some occupants, such as Hermione, Harry, Dumbledore, Sirius, Moody and Remus notice the sudden change in atmosphere and posture in the guards. Touka and Hinami edge closer towards Ayato; Touka standing behind him while Hinami lays a gentle hand on his bicep. Kaneki sends messages to Tsukiyama and Hide, the two slowly and silently moving into position, closer to some Order members who look ready to draw their wands. Kaneki, amidst the rising tension, got ready to take action from his spot in the kitchen, slowly exhales; catching everyone's attention.
"That's enough you two." He says, walking to the two so that he now stands between Moody and Ayato. "Ayato, how about you and the others go upstairs? I'll deal with Moody and the others." It wasn't a suggestion. Touka and Hinami stood on either side of Ayato, grabbing his arms and leading him out of the kitchen and upstairs. Before Tsukiyama and Hide could leave as well, Kaneki spoke up, halting their movements.
"Hide, could you stay back? Tsukiyama, would it be too much hassle to ask for you to continue your rounds?"
"Non. It is no problem at all." Smiled Tsukiyama, exiting the room without further word and disappearing down the darkening corridor. Hide shut the kitchen door before making his way to Kaneki's side, the pair of them taking a seat at the table; quickly followed by the rest of the Order members.
"What would you like to know?" Asked Kaneki suddenly once everyone was seated.
"Just like that? You'll answer our questions?" Questioned Tonks, looking between Kaneki and Hide as if expecting one of them to laugh and say "just joking!". Hide shared a look with Kaneki, a silent message passing between the two as Hide looks towards the Order members, his gaze locking with Dumbledore as if for confirmation before leaning forward.
"Well, you do deserve some answers, especially when during times like these when war is looming over the horizon." Answered Hide. Of course, they left out the fact that due to privacy reasons they won't be telling them everything. "Shoot."
"How did you all meet?" Asked Sirius straight away, he too leaning forward, elbows on table as he listens intently. "Your friends, I mean." He clarified.
"In Japan. Tokyo to be specific." Answered Kaneki as he leans back in his chair. "Hide and I are childhood friends,"
"Best friends really." Cut in Hide with a grin.
"When I was a teenager I worked at a place called Anteiku. That's where we met Touka. She was a waitress there." Continued Kaneki without hesitation.
"Anteiku?" Questioned Tonks.
"A café." Answered Hide. Sirius snorted, a hand covering his mouth as he stifles a laugh.
"You worked at a café?" Laughed Sirius, causing some Order members to smile at the comment.
"Anteiku wasn't just a café," Spoke Kaneki over Sirius, ignoring the man. "The café was mainly a front act. Underneath, Anteiku helps others in need."
"In need?" Inquired Molly.
Hide nodded, "You see, Tokyo has a very high crime rate, something which even Japan's law enforcement have trouble controlling. So Anteiku, while disguised as an ordinary café, help people in need. Whether it be a place to hide, needing food or clothing, need to be relocated, etc." Explained Hide.
"That was how we met Hinami." Continued Kaneki, picking up after Hide. "Her and her mum came in one day, her dad having been caught up with some bad people, puting Hinami and her mum in danger. So, until everything was sorted out, her and her mum came to Anteiku to hide."
"What happened?" Asked McGonagall, her voice tight and soft, as if afraid of what might've happened.
"Her dad was killed," Answered Hide sadly, his gaze downcast. "Her mum was killed soon after when she and Hinami were out. Kaneki managed to find Hinami and get her to safety and ever since then Anteiku has looked after Hinami."
Soft intakes of breath could be heard from the females of the group, Molly and Tonks quickly wiping away stray tears while McGonagall held strong, not letting a single tear be shed.
"Tsukiyama was a customer at Anteiku. We weren't really friends with him then, more acquaintances. But after some events involving criminals we became closer acquainted with each other." Spoke Kaneki, changing the topic.
"You said some events involving criminals, what do you mean by that?" Asked Moody.
Kaneki and Hide shared a brief look, Kaneki turning to them before answering slowly. "Anteiku didn't just help those in need, we also took action in areas the law couldn't. Those who work at Anteiku learn how to fight, for we, in a sense, establish a territory."
"What do you mean?" Spoke McGonagall.
"Tokyo have sections called Wards. Anteiku is in the 20th Ward, which is also known as the most docile of the Wards." Explained Hide, "For that to of happened, Anteiku established a territory. Basically, establishing their dominance throughout the criminal world and give them a warning; cross us and you'll regret it. Whenever a criminal group cross paths with Anteiku and harm innocents, or those who are part of Anteiku, there will be harm done."
"So especially, those "criminal events" that we mentioned are criminal groups who decided to challenge Anteiku by trying to take over the 20th Ward, we retaliated."
"So that's how you lot know how to fight, isn't it?" Said Moody in realisation. Kaneki and Hide nodded.
"But Hinami! She would've been a child! How could you let her participate in such things!?" Screeched Molly in disbelief, Arthur placing a calming hand on her own.
"We did not force Hinami into this, she chose to be a part of this on her own accord. So we trained her until she could hold her own well against one of us." Rebuked Kaneki sternly.
"So then why are you here, in England?" Asked McGonagall suddenly in the attempt to halt Molly in her protective rant. "I doubt you knew Albus from all the way in Japan."
"You're right, we didn't." Answered Kaneki, "Anteiku…for lack of better words, disbanded. Two large organisations fought against each other on Anteiku territory. One going after Anteiku while the other went after the one going for Anteiku. It was chaos, for lack of better wording. But it ended, with Anteiku loosing and disbanding."
"What happened then?" Asked Arthur.
"…we went our separate ways. Touka and some others from Anteiku opened up another café in place of Anteiku. Hinami and Ayato banned together, Tsukiyama went back with his family while Hide and myself joined Japan's law enforcement." A small smile stretched upon Kaneki's face, startling some Order members. "It was like that for a few years, everything being peaceful despite our different pathways. But after a few years it changed. Hinami was capture and sent to prison, Ayato, Touka, Hide and some other workers from Anteiku joined together to break Hinami out while Tsukiyama laid in the background, waiting. When I found out Hinami was in prison I helped out too, distracting some of the Investigators as they escaped. We barely escaped."
"Yeah. If it wasn't for Tsukiyama we wouldn't be here. You see, Tsukiyama is from a wealthy family, so he had no problem getting us onto a private jet and leaving the country. We figured that we're too far gone. Anteiku cannot be repaired again, we've lost our dominance and are practically wanted by not only Japan's law enforcement but also by Aogiri Tree; the largest criminal organisation in Japan. We were weak and defenceless. So we came to England. And that's when Kaneki dropped the massive bomb shell on us, finally revealing to us he's a freaking Wizard!" Exclaimed Hide, grinning widely. Kaneki remained impassive, appearing as if his friends comment hadn't affected him.
"When we arrived and were somewhat healed and rested Kaneki set out in search of Dumbledore and asked for help." Continued Hide, "Dumbledore agreed, but in return Kaneki had to take up the position of Potions Professor while also acting as a spy for Voldemort. Dumbledore, being the kind man he is, also said that the rest of us could stay at Hogwarts and lay low, but in return, we must protect Hogwarts and guard from the shadows. We accepted."
"And so, here we are." Concluded Kaneki. The Order was silent as they registered the information they were fed, each expression varies expressions upon their faces. Some held fascination while others expressed amazement.
"So, does that throw some of the suspicion and curiosity you held for us out the window?" Asked Hide casually.
"I suppose." Grunted Moody, seemingly as if not wanting to admit to them.
"Well then that settles things!" Grinned Hide before turning to face Kaneki, "I'll go and get Touka and the others. You have some news to share about your latest meeting with Voldemort?" Kaneki nodded, watching after Hide as he exits the kitchen and out of sight. Moments later he reappears, Touka, Hinami, Tsukiyama and Ayato trailing behind him before shutting the door behind them.
"Well, lets get started." Spoke Dumbledore as they took their seats, "Kaneki, what happened?"
"So far, everything went well. Voldemort believes that the guards are spies for him. I managed to come up with an excuse as to why I hadn't replied, so I got off the hook this time." Replied Kaneki. Dumbledore nodded.
"Anything else worth mentioning?" Asked Remus.
"No."
"How about the rest of you? Any news?"
"Umbridge doesn't suspect Harry and the others yet of constructing his private lessons." Answered Tsukiyama, "although I have noticed her and her little group of Slytherins attempting to catch them red handed, along with that filth of a caretaker and his cat." Cringed Tsukiyama, a look of disgust on his features.
"I see."
"Nothing new on my end either." Replied Touka, a nod from Ayato confirming the same.
"Um, Harry has come back, along with a few others, with writing carved into his hand after detentions with Umbridge." Spoke Hinami softly. "His hand is always bleeding heavily. He says that Umbridge makes him write lines using a specific quill, the quill carving the lines he writes into his hand."
"A Blood Quill!?" Shouts Sirius in outrage. Dumbledore leans back into his seat, his face slightly pale.
"Albus, you must fire her!" Exclaims McGonagall, "you cannot allow her to continue teaching at Hogwarts when she's harming the students! I don't care if the Ministry is breathing down out necks. This cannot continue!"
"I am well aware of the seriousness of the situation." Spoke Dumbledore. "I will speak to her when school is back."
"But will that be enough?" Asks Hide, "we know how stubborn and naïve the Ministry is. What will you do if they retaliate? Your name is already being dragged through the mud. Perhaps it'd be best if we took a different approach?"
"What do you suggest?"
Hide quietened, his hand placed on his chin in deep thought. "It be redundant to take the fight to the Ministry, because they'll fight tooth and nail to cover up the whole thing." Hide stopped again, his gaze hardening as he bore holes into the table. "Perhaps it's not us, the Professors, who should make the first move. But the students?"
"What are you suggesting?" Said McGonagall.
"Who has the most power at Hogwarts?" Questioned Hide suddenly, switching his piercing gaze to the other Order members.
"Why, Dumbledore!" Stated Molly.
"No." Said Hide bluntly.
"What do you mean?" Said Kingsly.
"Realistically, the students have the most power. There are far more students than there are Professors. So, why not give them some power over the Ministry?" Answered Kaneki.
"Are you suggesting we start a rebellion?" Gasped Molly.
"No! Of course not! What I'm saying is for the Professors to speak to their students, inform them to report to them if anything happens. And then we, as the Professors, will write to their families."
"But that'd mean students will be pulled out of Hogwarts!" Said Sirius.
"Not if you word the letter the right way." Replied Hide, "depending with how it's worded, we could turn the parents of the students against the Ministry."
"That's brilliant!" Exclaimed Tonks, smiling brightly.
"That just may work, Hide." Smiled Dumbledore, causing Hide to grin. "Than from now on we shall work over what the letter should say. Hide, seeing as you're the mastermind behind this idea, I'll allow you to gather what you need."
"Sure thing!"
"If there is nothing else, this meeting is over."
One thing is for sure, and that's that they manage to get away without having to answer Moody's earlier question from Ayato's slip-up. Something both Kaneki and Hide are relieved about.
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