Disclaimer – Harry Potter and all associated characters are property of J.K. Rowling. Bleach is the property of Kubo Tite.
To Love Even In Death: Chapter Four
Graduations and Apprenticeships
Having not turned to face Michuru yet, Genryuusai focused his eyes back on the two boys, who were now looking in the opposite direction. "And their year?" he asked. Michuru smiled. "They're just about to finish their 1st year…" While not showing any form of outward surprise, Genryuusai was inwardly shocked. 'This is interesting…The last two young men I met who possessed such natural talent are now Captains of the Gotei 13…If it is true that these boys possess the same natural talent, then it may be wise to look further into it…'
"I see" replied Genryuusai. "I take it the final examinations should be taking place soon?" Michuru nodded. "Yes, Sir. They will be taking place starting at the beginning of the following week" replied the head of the academy. Genryuusai nodded slightly before beginning to take his leave. "Very well. Tomorrow, you shall receive a package from me. I want you to follow the instructions that accompany it."
Curious as to what the package would
contain, but not wanting to hold up any more of her superior's
time, Michuru replied with a "I understand, Sir." Seeing this,
Genryuusai slowly began walking towards the gates of the academy.
However, before doing so, he took one last glance at the two boys
which reminded him so much of his old students.
The grounds of the central spirit technique institute were empty the following week. Normally, the grounds would be filled with academy students of all years, laughing and enjoying their time at the institute. Some would be found out in the open, gossiping about rumours being spread around the academy and other socially related topics. Other more serious students would be found discussing academy related topics, such as the upcoming tests and lessons.
Other individuals would be found sparring in the training grounds, where there were supervisors watching them to ensure that none of the matches got out of hand. Some, mainly the really, really lazy ones, would be found under a shady area, gazing up at the clouds before falling asleep. Other individuals who could not be found on the grounds could be found in the library or in their dormitories…
But not this day…
Silence reigned throughout the grounds of the academy. Even the hallways of the school were empty. Gone were the students who could normally be found strolling throughout the hallways or the grounds of the academy. There was only one possible explanation for such a disturbing atmosphere…
Examinations…A concept created by an individual who died so long ago that he/she could no longer be found, even in Soul Society…
God, how many people would wish for the chance to meet this man/woman just once in their life…or in their afterlife.
The Year of 1969, Soul Society, Shinigami Academy, Freshman Number One Class
Harry Potter yawned as he took his assigned seat. It was examination day, one which he found no different than any other normal day at the academy. Sure, he had to write a test which would determine whether or not he would advance to the following year, but he really did not care. If he could not succeed on the exam, that was okay by him. He would just find something else to occupy his time.
However, his fellow classmates must have thought differently. They were like demons possessed, muttering to themselves as they scanned through their notes and snapping at anyone who dared to disturb them. Ruffling of paper could be heard throughout the lecture all, as students tried to cram in as much information before the start of the examination. Some students had their eyes closed, and seemed to be trying to recall information that they studied the night before.
"Where's the blasted examiner?" demanded an extremely ticked off and impatient voice beside Harry, though a hint of boredom could be found if you had as much experience as Harry for listening to the individual. Harry lazily turned his head towards his white haired friend and was about to say something before he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Seeing what it was, Harry pointed towards the object with his index finger, forcing Hitsugaya to turn around. "Finally…"
While showing no sign of surprise on their face at what they saw, both were inwardly shocked at who the individual overlooking their exams was. Michuru Kagurazaku, head of the academy in which they attended, stepped into the room with a swift and confident stride. Students around the hall immediately took their seats and shut up as the headmistress arrived at the front of the hall.
"In a matter of minutes, all of you shall be receiving an exam from one of my assistants. I'm confident to say that I do not have to remind any of you of the consequences if you are caught cheating…" reminded Michuru as she looked around the classroom with a stern expression on her face. "You have three hours to write this exam. I wish you all the best of luck."
The aforementioned assistants than began handing out the examinations to the students. As they waited for their exams, both Harry and Hitsugaya were surprised as the headmistress appeared before them with two bundles of paper in her hands. "Harry James Potter. Hitsugaya Toushirou. I wish you both the best of luck" whispered a smiling Michuru Kagurazaku.
As the exam was laid down in front of him, Harry immediately turned past the first page of instructions. As he did so, he quickly flipped to the next page, and the page after that, and the one after that…until he arrived at the last page. 'This can't be right…These questions are not for this year level…I'm not even sure if they teach some of this stuff here!' thought Harry.
Looking up from his exam, he turned towards his long-time friend and saw that he too had a confused expression on his face before looking upwards. Their eyes met, and both could imagine the other one asking 'What the hell is this?' Both youths (according to Soul Society anyways) looked up at the headmistress and were surprised to see her smiling at them in an encouraging manner. After looking at each other one last time, each of them took a deep breathe before starting to answers the questions. Neither noticed the still smiling yet thoughtful expression on the headmistress' face.
'Let's now see if the Old man is
correct about these two…'
A week after the examinations, the grounds of the academy were full of individuals once again. With the tests now done and classes being over, the various students of the academy were finally able to relax. Two months…two months of absolute freedom before they were forced to work and study again. During this break, some students normally decided to go home, to visit their family and friends which they normally do not have the chance to see during the course of the school year. Other students decide to stay at the academy during the course of the break with their friends for the purposes of either having some sort of fun or working on some project…
Harry James Potter and Hitsugaya Toushirou were of the latter.
It's not that they did not have a home to go back to. On the contrary, there was an empty house in North Rukongai, District Thirty in which they had lived in for the majority of their lives. However, with Hinamori now a shinigami, she did not have the time to go back home and visit them due to the fact that she had duties to fulfill. Without Hinamori there, their home just did not feel like…home. As a result, the two boys decided to just remain at the academy.
Most students take the chance to relax during this break, laughing and joking around with their friends. If someone were to look over the courtyard for a moment, that someone would be able to see various students running around or lying on the grass staring at the clouds in a peaceful slumber. It would be completely strange to see any students doing any work whatsoever and would be even strange to see students in the library…
Harry James Potter and Hitsugaya Toushirou were, as a result, definitely classified under "strange."
Of course, nobody would openly call either of them strange. They were believed to be the most talented individuals that had ever attended the academy in awhile, and angering either them would lead to…disastrous…results. Actually, most believed it to be safer to say something to Harry. He was the more helpful one of the duo, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Saying anything insulting to his face would result in him looking at the individual in a strange manner, making it seem as is he/she was a complete idiot. Hitsugaya, on the other hand, was the one with the legendary temper. Asking him for aid was considered to be suicide.
"God damn it. It's so boring around here!" shouted an extremely bored Hitsugaya. The librarian, who was rearranging some scrolls nearby, glared at Hitsugaya and told him to be quiet. Hitsugaya simply glared back. As anyone with a speck of intelligence could see, Hitsugaya was NOT popular with the librarians.
Neither Harry nor Hitsugaya had really discussed their experience with the strange exam they had written the previous week. The questions which had appeared on it were far beyond their grade level, and both were curious as to why they were the only two students to have written it. They had pondered about it, and had shared their thoughts with each other, but neither of them could figure out a reason for it.
"Geez, Hitsugaya. They're going to kick you out of here very soon at this rate" said Harry exasperatingly as he examined a very old and battered scroll. Hitsugaya scoffed in response.
"On a completely different note, the exam results should be up later today" stated Hitsugaya. Putting down the scroll and looking at his long-time friend, Harry nodded in response. "Yeah, I know…I'm still curious about the exam we wrote though. Why were we the only ones forced to write it?" Hitsugaya laughed as a ridiculous idea began forming in his head.
"Maybe Kagurazaku is trying to fail us on purpose?" wondered a chuckling Hitsugaya. A coughing sound from behind him caused Hitsugaya to freeze. His eyes widened and if anyone were to look at his face, they would know that it belonged to an individual who knew that he was going to be in trouble. "I can assure you, Mr. Hitsugaya, that I am doing no such thing."
As Hitsugaya slowly turned his head around, his worst fears became reality as the form of Headmistress Michuru Kagurazaku stood before him. While the comment she made mere seconds ago was a serious one, she was smiling and looked to be quite amused at the situation. "Heh…Headmistress, I didn't hear you come in…" said Hitsugaya as he tried to worm himself out of his current situation.
Harry rolled his eyes at his friends before standing up and giving a slight bow towards the Headmistress. "Headmistress Kagurazaku, we were not expecting you. Would you like to take a seat?" asked Harry in a formal and polite tone as he got off his chair and pulled one out for the Headmistress. Michuru nodded in appreciation while Hitsugaya scowled at his extremely polite friend. Hinamori had taught them manners at a young age, but Hitsugaya had never been one to listen. Obviously, Harry had listened to her.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. That's very considerate of you" said Michuru as she took her seat. She waited for Harry to take his seat before beginning to speak. "I presume you're both wondering what I am doing here?" asked Michuru. The two boys nodded in response.
"I assume the two of you have been wondering about the exam in which you wrote last week," continued Michuru. At this, the two academy students nodded again. "I'll also assume that the two of you noticed that you were the only two individuals who wrote that examination?" asked Michuru.
Harry nodded while Hitsugaya rolled his eyes. "Not to sound overconfident and conceited, but I doubt that any other students could have answered those questions." said Hitsugaya before yelping in pain as Harry kicked him underneath the table. Michuru, noticing this, chuckled.
"Very true. There is a high possibility that most students would have failed if they had written that exam" admitted Michuru. The fact that she admitted it so easily surprised both Harry and Hitsugaya, and it took them a few seconds to recover from the admission.
"Then why did you make us write it?" asked Harry. Michuru shook her head. "It was not my idea for the two of you to write that exam" said Michuru to the two surprised adolescents before her. The two blinked in response. "Who was it then?" asked a slightly angry Hitsugaya. He did not like having secrets being kept from him, especially if they were about him or his friends. This included both.
"Captain of the Gotei 13 and founded of this institute, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni" revealed Michuru. The expression of shock and surprise on both of their faces were hilarious, and Michuru found herself smiling at their reactions. "W…Wh…Wha…What?" This was the only word the two of them were capable of forming at the moment.
"When he visited the academy, he noticed the two of you and took an interest in the two of you. The next morning, I received the two examinations from him with specific instructions to give them to the two of you" explained Michuru. "I was told that he personally wrote the examination, and only gave it to individuals who he believed to be truly talented. My instructions that if you were to pass, you to were to be declared early graduates from the academy."
Both boys were still in a state of shock. "And how did we do…?" wondered Harry. Besides him, Hitsugaya was wondering the same thing. Michuru smiled brightly at the two of them. "I am happy to tell you that the two of you performed extraordinarily well. Congratulations" said Michuru as she reached into her robes and pulled out two diplomas. She then handed one to each of the shocked boys who could do nothing but accept them. "Tomorrow, a carriage will take you both into Seireitei where Captain Yamamoto will speak to the two of you. You should both return to your dormitories and begin packing" suggested Michuru.
The two boys nodded as Michuru got up from her seat. "I wish you both the best of luck in the future" said Michuru as she began to leave. Snapping out of their stupor, the two stood up immediately from their seats and bowed. "Thank you, Headmistress" thanked the two new graduates. Michuru nodded to both of them before leaving the library. As soon as she was gone, the two boys looked at the two diplomas in their hands before turning to each other and making eye contact. There was only one word in which they could use to describe how they felt at the moment.
"Awesome!"
The Year of 1969, Soul Society, Seireitei, 1st Division Headquarters
A nervous looking and jumpy Harry Potter stood within the headquarters of the 1st division the following day. He and Hitsugaya were in the waiting room before the main chamber of the 1st division, waiting to be called in to speak to the Supreme Commander of the Gotei 13. It was a situation that could make any individual nervous, even the usually calm and collected Harry Potter. He was sweating due to his nervousness, which was also visible due to the twiddling of his thumbs behind his back as he paced the room.
While Harry was pacing around the room, Hitsugaya was seated on one of the chairs, looking like the perfect portrayal of calmness and serenity…Which would probably be true if it were not for the fact that his feet were tapping the floor repeatedly as a result of his nervousness. He had his arms crossed, and was staring at the wall in front of him, lost in his own thoughts. At times, his ice green eyes flickered toward Harry to make sure that he did not do anything stupid. Unknown to him, however, Harry was doing the same.
Suddenly, the large doors before them began to open, causing Harry to stop pacing and Hitsugaya to stand up. A moment of silence engulfed them, and they were about to return to their nervous habits until a figure suddenly appeared before them. The figure was dressed in the traditional shinigami robes, though he appeared to dress more formal than the other shinigami. He wore a white robe over his black ones, though they were not the same as the ones the Captains wore. His hair was white, and traces of a moustache could be seen forming above his mouth. It was the emblem on his left arm that indicated to Harry and Hitsugaya who the man was…
1st Division Vice-Captain and Assistant to Supreme Commander Yamamoto…Though they had no idea what his name was.
"Please come in. Captain Yamamoto is expecting you" said the man calmly as he motioned for the two young men to proceed into the main chamber. Nodding in appreciation, both Harry and Hitsugaya began to walk into the main chamber. The Vice-Captain, however, did not enter with them as the doors shut behind them.
The main chamber was nothing special. It was simply a large room with wooden floors where the 13 Captains of the Gotei 13 met when necessary. At the front of the chamber was a chair in which the Supreme Commander of the Gotei 13 sat in. At the moment, there were three other individuals in the room other than Harry and Hitsugaya…Three very intimidating and powerful individuals…
Standing on the right side of the chair (which was to Harry and Hitsugaya's left) was a "scruffy" looking individual, who Hitsugaya believed needed to shave. On his head was a straw hat which, together with his large pink overcoat, gave both Harry and Hitsugaya the impression that he was a carefree individual. This may be due to the fact that the aforementioned overcoat consisted of flower designs, never mind the fact that it was pink. His brown eyes scanned the both of them as he smiled goofily at them. Harry and Hitsugaya may have thought this guy to be an idiot, if it was not for the fact that between his pink overcoat and black shinigami robe lay a white robe…The robe which indicated the position of Captain.
Standing on the left side of the chair (which was to Harry and Hitsugaya's right) was a calm and welcoming individual with white hair. Unlike with the previous individual, both Harry and Hitsugaya knew this man to be a Captain at first glance since there was nothing to hide his white Captain robe. He appeared to be someone who both youths knew that they would come to respect, since he had an air around him that seemed to make others respect him. His grey eyes looked at the two of them in a thoughtful expression, as if he was pondering over something he previously heard about the two of then,
It was the man in the middle, however, that caught both their attention. After all, it was the man they came to see. Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni, Captain of the 1st Division of the Gotei 13; Supreme Commander of the entire Gotei 13; Founder of the Shinigami Academy in which they attended and believed to be the most powerful individual to have ever existed within Soul Society. This man was sitting before them now, and both youths were rendered speechless by his presence.
At first glance, many would consider him to simply be a weak old man. With his wrinkly skin, bald head, white moustache and long white beard, he actually would be considered an old man. No one would deny that. However, there was no way in hell that the man before them could be considered weak. Any individual who can sense another's spirit force would know that the man was the complete opposite of what defined weak. Simply by sitting there, he exuded an almighty and ferocious pressure which caused Harry and Hitsugaya to feel intimidated…very intimidated.
As Genryuusai lifted his head upward, his eyes met Harry's once again. Immediately, Harry felt as if he was being attacked by an invisible force that seemed to want crush all the parts of his body all at once. His breathing rate increased as he fought to adjust to the spiritual pressure which was assaulting him. His own emerald green eyes stared back at the coal black eyes of the 1st Division Captain, which seemed to possess an infinite pool of knowledge. Suddenly, as if pleased with something he found, Genryuusai smiled and the spiritual pressure dropped back to normal. Besides him, the two unknown Captains raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Welcome, Harry James Potter, Hitsugaya Toushirou" welcomed the wise old man before them. "I can not put into words how happy I am to see you two before me. For the fact that you two do indeed stand before me means that you succeeded in my little test and have graduated from the academy. Am I correct?" asked Genryuusai. The two boys nodded in response. Harry then hesitantly asked a question that was plaguing his mind ever since yesterday. "Sir…Why did you choose us?"
Neither Harry nor Hitsugaya expected the man before them to begin laughing. "Please excuse me, the two of you. Your question simply brings back many memories" chuckled Genryuusai. He motioned to the two Captains beside him. "For you see, the last time I was asked that question, the two individuals besides me were standing in the position you two are in now. Isn't that right, Juushiro?" directed Genryuusai to the Captain with the white hair who chuckled in response.
"Indeed, Sensei. It was a very long time ago" answered the Captain. The other Captain nodded and grinned in response. Genryuusai then focused his attention back on the two boys before him, who seemed more relaxed after their discussion.
"I chose you two because I sense a strong and powerful force within the two of you, one which may only be found every few generations or so. Even then, the potential I sense in each of you is astounding. It would be an absolute waste if that strength is not brought to its full potential" explained Genryuusai to the two shocked boys. "The fact that you succeeded in the examinations confirmed my theory that you two are truly two of the brightest minds I have had the fortune of meeting in recent years."
"That is why I called you before me, in order to reach an agreement with the two of you" stated a serious Genryuusai. Both boys suddenly became very interested at what could possibly be in store for them. "What kind of agreement, Sir?" asked Hitsugaya in a serious tone which did not normally suit his lazy nature.
Genryuusai smiled at the two of them. "The opportunity to train with me for five years as my apprentices, just as the two besides me did before you" explained Genryuusai as he motioned to the two Captains once again. "Do you accept?" Both boys' jaws nearly hit the ground as their eyes widened at the sudden opportunity. An opportunity to learn for a day under the legendary Yamamoto Genryuusai was considered to be rare and desired by many. A full apprenticeship existed only in dreams! "Of course!" exclaimed both Harry and Hitsugaya in a hurry. It still felt like a dream to the both of them, and they were not going to let it slip out of their grasp.
The old man before them nodded. "Very well. Seeing as how you two are now graduates of the academy, you are also both considered fully trained shinigami, despite the training which you may receive. Normally, the Captains or Vice-Captain choose the new recruits themselves but, seeing as you two are special cases, I have taken the liberty of having already done that for you" explained Genryuusai before he focused his attention on Hitsugaya.
"Hitsugaya Toushirou, I would like you to meet Ukitake Juushirou, a former student of mine and Captain of the 13th Division" introduced Genryuusai as he motioned toward the white-haired Captain who nodded and smiled at Hitsugaya. Hitsugaya smiled and nodded back, which normally would freak Harry out since he did not make some form of stupid remark. Genryuusai then focused his attention on Harry.
"Harry James Potter, I would like you to meet Kyouraku Shunsui, another former student of mine and Captain of the 8th Division, even though he may not look like one" introduced Genryuusai as he shook his head. "Old man Yama, I'm hurt" said Kyouraku sarcastically before turning to Harry and waving. "Yo!" Harry grinned and bowed in return. 'This guy seems to be pretty interesting'
Genryuusai then coughed to get their attention, which caused their eyes to focus back on him. "Now, as I mentioned previously, the examination was to test your knowledge. Succeeding in that allowed you to come here. However, there is another task you must fulfill before we may start." Seeing there curious expressions, he continued.
"As you may already know, the most important weapon to a shinigami is his/her zanpakutoh. Not only is it an important asset, but the bond formed between shinigami and the spirit of the zanpakutoh is directly proportional to the shinigami's strength. Learning to trust it, to understand it, and to become one with it is the most important step in a shinigami's life. Each spirit is unique to the individual and, as a result, the method in which everyone attains their zanpakutoh is unique to them as well" explained Genryuusai as he saw understanding begin to form on their faces.
"Your task is to attain your zanpakutohs within the week. Failure to complete this task will result in the negation of the apprenticeship" finished Genryuusai. "One WEEK?" exclaimed a shocked Hitsugaya. Besides him, Harry was also showing signs of shock. Some shinigami never even attained their zanpakutohs throughout their lives and even those who do take ears. They had one WEEK!
Seeing Genryuusai nod with no hint of changing his mind on his face, Harry and Hitsugaya turned to look at one another as if in silent communication, both sighed and then both nodded. Seeing this, Genryuusai clapped his hand a couple of times in response. "I'm happy to see that both of you still have that determined look in your eyes. Shunsui and Juushirou shall take the two of you to your respective quarters momentarily after I speak to them" said Genryuusai calmly. Seeing this as a dismissal, Harry and Hitsugaya bowed before stepping out of the room. The giant doors closed softly behind them as they left.
"So, what do you think of them?" asked Genryuusai, seeking their impressions of the two youths from his former pupils. "They definitely have potential…" muttered Ukitake.
"There's definitely potential there, especially in that Harry boy…Though do you really think that they'll fulfill their task by the end of this week, old man?" asked a serious Kyouraku, completely different from the goof whom Harry and Hitsugaya saw.
"We shall see…" said Genryuusai in a low voice. Kyouraku shrugged and grinned at the 1st Division Captain. "I'll bet you a full round of sake (Japanese Alcohol) that they'll somehow manage it."
"Shunsui, should you really be betting on your own subordinate's future?" demanded Ukitake in an exasperated tone as he rolled his eyes at his friend. "You're too serious sometimes, Ukitake" responded Kyouraku as he laughed.
"And you're not serious enough!"
Genryuusai shook his head in
exasperation. 'Indeed…We shall see soon enough what those two
boys are capable of…'
Author's Note:
1) I'm not dead
2) I might regularly update my profile so check regularly
3) Writing all this stuff before Hogwarts and all is really really boring
4) Harry/Susan!
5) I need ideas for a zanpakutoh / soul slayer for Harry
6) Tell me who you want to go to Hogwarts when I finally get there
