Hello again everyone. So here's the next Chapter of Hakken. Thanks again for all your reviews and favs and follows. Enjoy XXX

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Bleach

Italics: Hyorinmaru and Toshiro's mind speech/spells

Chapter 4

Kendo Club

The weeks continued in the same pattern as the first day. Toshiro would get up, head to breakfast early before going to his first class. He had not been bothered by Granger again, but that didn't stop the girl from glaring at him when he answered questions correctly every time he was asked. Honestly the girl must have had no life if she was watching him all the time.

The classes were interesting in their own way and did serve as a distraction for Toshiro. He particularly enjoyed Ancient Runes. The deciphering of the runes and weaving them together to create incantations reminded him of kido in its simplest form. He had never been part of the Kido Corps back in Seireitei, but he had heard that they had similar methods when working with kido spells to create new ones. Plus it was time consuming and required a lot of organisation, something Toshiro had in spades. Arithmancy was fun if a little redundant, the calculations were a pain to get through but the effects were interesting. Transfiguration was rather strange to witness; Toshiro had never thought of transforming a hedgehog into a pin cushion before and didn't really see the point of the magic. The transfigured objects always turned back after a while anyway, so it was easier simply to get the real thing. Herbolgy was not one of Toshiro's favourite subjects, surrounded by plants and foliage that seemed to come alive when you touched it was not something Toshiro could readily agree was suitable for children to learn about. But the properties of the plants were interesting and Toshiro filed them away in his reports to take back to Seireitei, Unohana may have a use for them. Care of Magical Creatures was a pain; Toshiro was now one hundred percent sure that Urahara had put the class down simply to annoy him. Toshiro didn't get along with animals in the first place, Hyorinmaru not really counting, but the creatures Hagrid had them to study, well they could be consider more like monsters. Honestly Toshiro thought one time that Hagrid had brought a Hollow to class and was inches away from getting out his zanpakuto until he was told it was some form of nocturnal beast that lived in swamps and marshes. But Toshiro's favourite class by far was Charms and the reason was simple, Flitwick taught it. The little half Goblin ran a tight ship but the classes were always fun. He learnt something new every class and they always ended on a practical. Flitwick didn't push Toshiro either, he had an understanding that, though Toshiro was smart, he didn't want it put about, so he only let him answer questions he put his hand up for and never mentioned the high marks he got in his homework, only giving out his usual well done when he gave them back at the beginning and end of classes.

Toshiro filled out a report every week. It took Yoru two days to return from her first trip back to Japan, complaining about the wind and the rain and the sleet, Toshiro had to agree that she did look rather wet when she arrived back in his bedroom in the dungeons. Toshiro kept his reports short and concise, only putting down what he deemed important, which so far was not a lot. He had deemed these wizards to be non-threating so far, but he had yet to gather all data on them and their history. Plus he had read a great amount on something called the Ministry of Magic, which seemed to be these wizards governing body. Toshiro thought he would have to research more on this Ministry, only then would he be completely satisfied with his non-threatening assessment. On his second day at Hogwarts Toshiro had discovered the library, much to his joy, and had checked out some of the books. Not one mentioned Shinigami and Toshiro could only let out a sigh of relive that their existence was still a secret from the humans. But even though he had deemed these wizards none threating the same did not go for some of the creatures.

For instances the Dementor's. Snape had mentioned them in his first class and Toshiro had set about researching them. It turned out they were creatures that caused humans to relive the worst memories of their lives and caused them to suffer. If they got to close they could kiss their victim, which meant they sucked the human's soul out of their mouth and eat it. This greatly disturb Toshiro, it sounded all too much like a Hollow for his tastes. He sent his report back immediately after he had made the discovery, much to the annoyance of Yoru, detailing his findings and asking for what he should do, he could not leave a situation like that unattended if these Dementor's truly were some form of Hollow .

The other thing that bothered Toshiro was the war. Rumours about this Lord Voldemort seemed to circulate daily and it wasn't helped by the reports in the newspaper that every student seemed to be receiving in morning. It was mostly just rumours but on occasion there were a few accurate reports. Such as attacks on muggle houses and some families that had been targeted by the Death Eaters. Toshiro always scanned the stories, it turned out that this Voldemort left a calling card over is kills, something called the Dark Mark. Toshiro found that rather ridiculous and if he didn't think this Voldemort was a terrorist before than he certainly did then. Only terrorists came forward to claim murders or acts of violence. But the reports were few and far between, other than that it was silent on the war front, much to the fear of the students.

Toshiro sighed as he took a bite of his morning toast, trying his best to listen to Blaise's chatter. The boy had stuck with him from day one, showing him around the castle and being rather annoying. He had taken him to the Quidditch pitch, the lake, the Owlery and even up the Astromny Tower, which according to Blaise was the best place to bring a girl to. Toshiro had not bothered to say anything to that statement and instead had only shrugged. Blaise's tours were useful though, it allow Toshiro to map out the castle, for when he continued his investigations at night. Toshiro hadn't been sure if he would have been able to investigate after curfew but he discovered that if he removed his gigai it was relatively simple to walk around the castle. These wizards, even though they had and used reiatsu, could not see him in soul form and their spells were useless against him, as far as tracking and trapping went anyway. All the traps and precautions ignored him, so it was quiet easy for him to conduct his investigation, though Toshiro would not like to try his luck with some of the curses and jinxes, even though the detections may not notice him, which he put down mainly because he was a spirit, spells were still formed from reiatsu and were similar to kido, Toshiro had a feeling they would affect him even in soul form.

"Hey Draco where have you been, you look tired?"

Toshiro looked up to see Blaise talking to the Malfoy kid. The blonde haired boy did look tired, his usual pristine hair was in disarray and he had bags under his grey eyes as though he hadn't been sleeping. Toshiro eyed the boy as he took his seat.

"I've been busy."

"Doing what? It's like you to turn into a recluse."

Malfoy frowned but didn't answer Blaise's accusation; instead he poured himself a cup of coffee and ignored him.

Toshiro watched him for a moment longer before dismissing him, who was he to get involved with the lives of these students; they had nothing to do with his mission.

You could try making a few friends.

That would be pointless.

Hyorinmaru fell silent and Toshiro couldn't help but get the feeling the dragon was ignoring him. Hyorinmaru had been pushing for Toshiro to make more friends, but the young Captain didn't see the point, once the mission was over he would not be staying here and would return to Seireitei, what use was it getting involved in the lives of humans when he just had to leave anyway.

Something brushed past Toshiro's arm and he looked up just in time to see a transparent like figure look at him in fear before vanishing.

"What is it with you and the ghosts Hitsugaya? It's like they're scared of you."

Toshiro sighed; yes they did look rather scared of him. Ever since he had run into one outside the Transfiguration classroom, it had touched him, well not touched him, more brushed through him, before backing away in fear and seeming to run away as fast as its spectral legs could carry it. Toshiro had been so surprised to see a soul there that he had not been able to react, it hadn't look like a regular soul, for one there was no soul chain, and they seemed rather faded even to his eyes. He had asked Blaise about it who had told him it was one of the Hogwarts ghosts, witches and wizards who had died and decided not to pass on and stay in the world of the living, or more accurately, Hogwarts, for whatever reason. That had rather concerned Toshiro, what if they turned into Hollows? But he had no proof of that and Blaise said most of the ghost had been in the castle for hundreds of years. Toshiro sat one night in his room trying to puzzle out the mystery until he landed on a theory. With the castle being compromised of so much reiatsu, perhaps it was stabilising the souls and allowing them to survive as though they were in Seireitei, hence why they had no soul chain. But until Toshiro spoke to a ghost he would never know and since then he had rarely seen one, even on his nightly tours around the castle, he had yet to run across another ghost, they probably were avoiding him.

"Mr Hitsugaya?"

Toshiro looked up to see Professor Snape looming over him.

"Yes Professor?"

"Headmaster Dumbledore would like to see you before class."

Toshiro looked up at the teachers table and fixed his gaze on the old man in the middle. Since the feast the Headmaster had not given any more speeches, in fact Toshiro had not seen him much; he had not been attending many morning meals, or lunches. Toshiro wondered what the man did with his time, he didn't run any classes and it wasn't like the school was a division, perhaps he had lots of paperwork.

"I'll speak to him now Professor."

Toshiro stood and picked up his bag and walked to the teachers table. He made his way behind the chairs until he was stood beside the Headmasters. Dumbledore turned to him and gave him a twinkly eyed smile.

"Mr Hitsugaya, I hope you are settling in well."

"Yes thank you sir."

"You are not finding the classes to challenging? I know your guardian said to put you in the sixth year but I can't help but be concerned. You are coping well?"

"Yes I am fine sir, the work is hard but I manage."

Dumbledore smiled and placed a hand on the young Captain's arm.

"Good, now the reason I called you up here was to speak to you about the Kendo club."

Toshiro resisted the urge to roll his eyes, how is it he always got into these things? Oh yes Urahara.

"I spoke to your guardian and he said you would have no trouble running the club, he gave me a list of your accomplishments and must say your record is rather impressive. You are considered a master."

Toshiro nodded his head. He had no idea Urahara had supplied paperwork to vet his story, but he guessed, being who he was it was easy to fake papers.

"He also gave me a list of all the materials you would need. I have to say I did have some reservations, he says you'll be requiring real swords."

"Katana's"

"Excuse me?"

Toshiro sighed, "the swords, they're called Katana's."

"Oh of course, but you will be needing one for every student?"

"Once the students have progressed yes they will need one of their own."

"Wouldn't that be dangerous?"

"All weapons are dangerous Headmaster."

"But they are only children…"

Toshiro sighed as he felt a headache start to take shape at his temples.

"Then better to teach them the consequences of being stupid by having them face them in reality, threat can only do so much."

Dumbledore feel silent for a moment before continuing.

"You guardian's letter also mentioned you will be using wooden…"

"Bokken."

"What?"

"The wooden swords are called Bokken."

"Right Bokken. You will need those as well. Tell me why can't the children just continue to use the Bokken, why graduate to a real sword?"

Toshiro wanted to run a hand across his face, this was worse than dealing with Matsumoto.

"Because the Bokken has a different weight to a Katana. A Katana is heavier and is sometimes longer, plus it has a thinner blade. Fighting with a Katana is very different than fighting with a Bokken, it is better to graduate from one to the other once you have mastered them."

Dumbledore stared at Toshiro in confusion.

"Fight with a Bokken? Why would the students fight with a toy sword?"

Toshiro gritted his teeth. These westerners didn't know anything.

"A Bokken is not a toy," Toshiro answer slowly, voice cold and distant, "it is just as capable of killing a man as a Katana if you know how to use it properly. There was once a man that killed over a hundred men with just a Bokken back in my home county, his skill was legendary and one that most masters aspire to recreate."

Dumbledore was shocked for a moment before he gathered himself.

"Very well. You will have the materials you need to start the club by tomorrow, when do you think you will be ready to begin teaching?"

"Are there students interested?"

"Oh yes, the Head's of Houses announced the club at the beginning of term, of course we only opened the club to fifth year and above, but there has been plenty of interest."

Toshiro thought for a moment before nodding.

"Then I will schedule the first class for Saturday."

Dumbledore frowned, "but that is only two days away, are you sure that is enough time to prepare."

"Yes Headmaster. Please ask the Head's of House to announce the day. The class will start at 1pm after dinner and will be held outside."

"Saturday? But the students…"

"It is the best day," Toshiro said cutting the Headmaster off, "the training will be difficult and taxing, they will need Sunday to rest and recuperate, and I had guessed you would rather not have crippled students complaining during the week."

Dumbledore eyed the boy carefully. Never before had he come across such a young man. He reminded him almost of Tom, Dumbledore wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, but he could sense no malice from the child and he did speak sense.

"Very well, Saturday it shall be. I shall spell a protection over the Quidditch pitch just in case it happens to rain, you can never predict the English weather."

The Headmaster smiled and Toshiro raised an eyebrow, he was about to dismiss himself when he stopped.

"If you don't mind my asking sir but, why did you want me to start a Kendo club? According to my Uncle it was you that asked for the club to start."

It was something that had been bothering Toshiro for a while. According to what Urahara had told him once the Headmaster had looked at Toshiro's reports and seen he was a Kendo master, it was he that had asked Urahara about setting up a Kendo club.

Dumbledore stroked his beard before aiming a twinkly eyed grin at the small Captain.

"In truth I had hoped your Uncle would run the club, as I assume it was from him that you gained your skill, he declined and said you would be more than capable of running an after school club, plus he said it would be good for you."

Toshiro scowled and balled his fists, trust Urahara to say something like that, it wasn't as though Toshiro didn't have enough to do.

"As for the club itself well, we are at war," the sparkle seemed to vanish from the Headmasters eyes as he regarded Toshiro with a serious expression. "I believe the children will need more than just their wands in the battles I feel are ahead for them. When I saw you knew Kendo I just could not resist the opportunity for the students to learn more defence. Blame it on an old man's worry, but I just wanted the students to be as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead."

Toshiro stared at the man for a moment, he seemed to have become smaller the more he talked as though he was shrinking in on himself. The lines on his face became more pronounced and for the first time Toshiro noted how old the Headmaster was, his time was coming to a close soon.

"I will endeavour to try my best to teach them what I can sir."

"That is all I ask," Dumbledore said with a smile.

Toshiro bowed slightly before taking his leave, the Headmaster turning back to his breakfast.

That was interesting.

How so?

He caved easily.

You were expecting more of a fight.

Toshiro paused for a moment before shrugging.

I had expected him to be more demanding, but then I guess this is something he has no experience with.

Nor have these students. Tell me what do you have in mind for them?

Toshiro walk out of the Great Hall as he headed towards Charms. A small smirk appeared on his face, making his usual blank façade look rather frightening.

Oh nothing to hard I'm sure.

….

Toshiro headed out of class in a rather cheerful mood. He had just finished another class with Flitwick and it had been rather entertaining, they had been working on the cheering charm and for some reason it seemed the charm had a calming effect on him.

Toshiro headed out into the grounds and walked towards the lake, it was the first time he had been out there by himself and he was careful to take a good look around. He stopped by a large tree that sat just beyond the lake and offered a good view. He stared out across the large expanse of water before leaning back against the truck.

I feel quite good.

It's nice to see you so relaxed Master.

It's not as though I get a chance at the division.

I don't know I think you get plenty of chances.

Oh yeah? With Matsumoto slacking off every day? I don't think so; if I relaxed nothing would get done. None of the paper work would be filed and the division would be in shambles.

And there you go ruining the mood.

Sorry to disappoint you.

Toshiro leaned back and closed his eyes. Truth be told this was the first time he had felt truly relaxed. The division could be a hectic mess and Matsamoto didn't help any with her drinking and wild sake parties, which usually ended up with several of the division members nearly naked laying passed out on the floor. It was hell to clean up the next day. But out here Toshiro felt quiet calm.

It does seem to have that tranquil feel to it.

You like it here?

Hyorinmaru seemed to ponder the question for a moment before answering

Hogwarts is different.

No kidding.

It is made for the living, for humans, it is only natural that you feel uncomfortable here.

I don't feel uncomfortable.

If dragons could raise eyebrows Hyorinmaru would probably be doing it round about then. Toshiro knew he was lying. Yes he did feel a little uncomfortable. He didn't know if it was because he was in the world of the living and if it was the mission, though he wasn't sure why that would bother him. Maybe it was that he was surrounded by children and, even though he had tried to push and suppress the memories, they reminded him of his own academy days. Sure there had been some good days, but it had mostly been a hard slog. Trying his best to gain acceptance and never really having a place among his peers. His looks and age and intellect always setting him apart and then there was Kusaka.

That was not your fault.

I know, you always tell me that.

I tell you because it is the truth.

But Toshiro couldn't help the pain he felt at his friend's death. The boy had been his only friend in the academy, his rival in a way and Toshiro thought that if Kusaka had only stayed away from him, he would have still been alive.

A cold squeeze around his middle caught him by surprise.

You should not dwell on such thoughts Master.

Toshiro didn't say anything and a distant feel of hot breath in his hair made him close his eyes for a moment.

Foolish little Master.

Toshiro basked in Hyorimaru's comfort a moment longer before pulling away. He opened his eyes and saw a ripple on the surface of the glassy lake.

What the…

Another ripple appeared closer to the shore. Toshiro blinked his eyes to be sure he had not imagined it. He stepped away from the tree and made his way down to the edge of the lake. Toshiro peered out over the water, shielding his eyes from the sun.

I could have sworn I saw something.

Perhaps it was a bird or an insect.

But I didn't see any…

Something erupted from the water like an angry spout, causing the cool liquid to throw up into Toshiro's face. Toshiro threw up his arms and closed his eyes on reflex. Something slimy touched his face but before he could react he was pulled back and a hiss of magic went over his head.

"Stupify!"

A shriek and a bubble of water. Toshiro landed on the grassy ground rather hard. He quickly shook himself and opened his eyes. Stood in front of him was the silver haired boy. Malfoy he remembered his name was, or at least is last name. The boy was stood in front of the young Captain with his wand pointed out towards the lake. Toshiro looked beyond him and saw a slimy tentacle dancing above the surface of the water.

What is that?

I'm unsure Master.

Toshiro lifted himself to his feet and came up behind the Malfoy boy.

"What was that?"

"The giant squid," the boy spoke quietly, stowing his wand but not turning to look at Toshiro. Toshiro found that rather strange, why would you not face the person you went out of your way to help?

Maybe he is shy?

"What was that?" Toshiro asked ignoring Hyorinmaru's comment.

"The Giant Squid," The Malfoy boy said coldly still looking out across the lake in case the creature returned.

"Would it have hurt me?"

A shoulder shrug.

"Maybe, I'm told she's harmless though."

Toshiro looked out and saw a tentacle disappear into the water, a small ripple spreading out from where it sunk under the cold depths.

"It didn't look harmless."

"Tell that to the half giant."

Toshiro watched the boy for a moment. He didn't know why but he got the feeling that he did and didn't want to be in Toshiro's company.

That was complicated to understand Master.

Only for you.

Hey I'll have you know that my intellect is higher than any humans, I am a superior being, I am a dragon after all.

Yeah and you also have an ego.

Hyorinmaru huffed and went silent. Toshiro brought his focus back and saw the Malfoy boy had been watching him from the corner of his eye, but quickly looked the other way when Toshiro raised an eyebrow.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No," the boy said quickly placing a bit of distant between the pair of them. Toshiro couldn't help but be a little intrigued by the kid; he was the first to not openly stare at his hair and eyes.

No he just does it when you're not looking.

It's not my features that he's looking at though.

It was true, the boy wasn't looking at his features and he wasn't looking at him like they did back home. With loathing and disgust and fear, as though they wished for him to just disappear from their lives. No the kid looked at him more in curiosity.

"Why did you help me?" Toshiro asked quietly as though not to startle him.

The Malfoy boy didn't say anything for a minute or two before shrugging.

"Who knows," he mumbled.

The Malfoy boy quickly turned away and start to walk back to the castle. Toshiro watched him go with a sigh.

Well that was interesting.

You mean strange.

Whatever.

Toshiro felt Hyorinmaru uncoil in his mind as though he too was staring after the humans retreating form.

There's something about that human.

What do you mean Hyorinmaru?

I don't know, I didn't get enough of a good look, there was quiet a barrier around his mind, that's something you should research by the way. But I got a strange feeling from him.

Toshiro thought for a moment. A strange feeling from a human? It wasn't that farfetched a thought, look at Karakura town, that place was full of strange humans that liked to poke their nose into things that had nothing to do with them. But having a strange feeling about a boy in a school full of magical humans was a little different. Wouldn't all the children feel a little strange? What with all of them able to access reiatsu on one level or another? Whatever feeling Hyorinmaru got from the Malfoy boy it was not a lead Toshiro was going to follow straight away.

Toshiro stretched and started to walk back to the castle. He had homework and a report to write. He was rather looking forward to the homework.

Only you could be excited about homework Master. Most of the children hate homework with a passion.

Can I help if I find it interesting?

Hyorinmaru sighed, I guess not, but do you have to be so happy about it? Your homework gives me a head ache.

Then I will try and not let my enthusiasm annoy you.

That would be appreciated.

Sometimes I wonder if you're an old man Hyorinmaru.

The ice dragon gave a playful roar and swatted his tail against the ice causing it to groan and shake.

Insolent little Master, I'll have you know, I'm rather good for my age, not like some of those other zanpakuto spirits.

Toshiro smiled slightly as he listened to his dragon go on about how the other spirits had let themselves go. Yes he was feeling much more relaxed now.

….

That Saturday Toshiro, with Hyorinmaru strapped to his back, was stood on the Quidditch pitch that had been cleared of all the rubbish from the house team's practises. Beside Toshiro were three stands full of Bokken, ready to be used. It was a nice day and the sun was out, but the air was rather chilly. Toshiro had been forced to put on a jacket much to his displeasure. Students started to turn up as it crept closer too 1pm. Toshiro was surprised at the amount of interest, nearly all the students from fifth to seventh year were there, all looking rather excited. Toshiro spotted the Potter boy and his friends; they were talking animatedly and looking about in confusion.

"Hey Hitsugaya!"

Toshiro turned to see Blaise making his way towards him.

"Zabini."

"Good turnout isn't that? Didn't think this many people would be interested in sword lessons."

"It's called Kendo."

Blaise waved a hand.

"Kendo, sword, same thing. Anyway, who do you think will be teaching us? I bet Dumbledore got an instructor from your neck of the woods to come here. Bet it was you that gave him the idea."

Toshiro watched as the boy continued to babble on. So the teachers hadn't told the students that he would be teaching the class? Bet they thought it wouldn't gain as much interest if they did.

Now, now Master, don't lose your temper.

I am not angry.

Then what are the sparks in your reiatsu all about then? Hyorinmaru said teasingly.

Toshiro scowled and huffed at the dragon.

"What do you think Hitsugaya?"

Toshiro glanced at his watch and sighed, it was 1pm, no more waiting.

"I think it's time to start."

Toshiro flicked out his wand and cast a non-verbal sonorous on himself before speaking.

"Thank you all for coming. As you are no doubt aware this is the Kendo Club, here you will receive weekly lesson on how to use a Bokken."

Toshiro motioned to the stands around him as the students turned to stare at him in shock.

"Once you have mastered the Bokken you will move on to the Katana."

Toshiro swiftly drew Hyorinmaru from his back and held the zanpakuto out in front of him with ease.

"I do not know how many of you will graduate to using a Katana, it can takes years of practise and study to be able to wield a Bokken, so I will endeavour to teach you the basics so you are not totally inept."

"Wait you're going to teach us?" a boy with a Hufflepuff badge on his uniform cried.

Toshiro fixed him with an icy stare.

"Yes."

"But your just a kid!" another yelled.

"I'm not taking sword lessons from a kid."

"This is a joke right?"

"Headmaster Dumbledore would never allow a child to teach us about swords."

"I bet this was all just a prank."

Toshiro sighed reaching for one of the Bokken. He pulled it from the stand and quickly threw the wooden sword up in the air before pulling back his arm holding his zanpakuto. In one motion as the Bokken fell Toshiro swipe upwards with his blade in a casual motion, splitting the fallen Bokken completely in two, but not across the middle, instead the blade cut straight up through the centre of the wood and right along the length so two evenly sized pieces fell to the floor.

The crowd of students could only stare in shock as Toshiro sheath Hyorinmaru on his back.

That shut them up.

It was rather impressive.

If they're impressed by that then we have a long way to go.

"As you can see I am fully capable of teaching you how to wield a Katana, as you correctly said Headmaster Dumbledore would never allow just anyone to run a club like this."

Silence met his words and Toshiro couldn't help but feel pleased.

"Now all of you stand in two lines facing each other. I don't care who you stand opposite only that it be someone of a different house."

The students whisper to each other but quickly did as Toshiro said. Toshiro watched them as they still all tried their best to stand with their houses. It was almost comical.

"Now then," Toshiro walked forward and waved his wand causing the stands to levitate behind him. "As I pass by please pick up a Bokken."

Toshiro started to walk in-between the two lines and watched as the students each stretched out their hands for a Bokken. Several of them dropped it the first time they tried to hold it. That was understandable, most people underestimated how heavy a Bokken could be, plus the length made them rather awkward to hold. But a number managed to pull them out without incident. Blaise, even though he did fumble a bit managed to keep a hold of the wooden Bokken. The Hufflepuff boy who had spoken out tried but failed miserably, plus a good few others from his house as well as a number of Ravenclaws. Potter had no trouble pulling out the Bokken. At this close range Toshiro could see that Potter despite being quiet tall was rather well defined. His shoulders were broad and suitable for lifting weights, but he was still quiet lean. The one that surprised Toshiro the most though was the Malfoy kid, he looked so comfortable holding the Bokken, almost as if he had held one before. Toshiro filed that information away and turned to face the students once he had passed everyone.

"Now," Toshiro pulled Hyorinmaru from his back, "place your right foot in front of your left." Toshiro demonstrated and waited for the students to copy him. "Your right hand should be above your left and near the top of the hilt, your left hand near the bottom."

Toshiro did as he instructed and watched the students carefully.

"Stay in that position," he said sheathing Hyorinmaru and walking down the lines. He corrected several grips along his way and altered stances. It was important that they master this stance first; it was the most basic and the one stance they would build on to perform moves and kata's.

Eventually he made it back to the front and pulled out Hyorinmaru down from his back before getting into stance.

"Now watch carefully."

Toshiro stepped forward on his right foot and as he moved his left he pulled his right arm across his body in a slashing motion so that when his left foot was in front his Katana was across the front of his body with the tip of the blade pointing over his left shoulder. He then pivoted and pulled back on his right arm and as he spun caused the blade to swipe through the air elegantly until he was facing the opposite way. He dropped his stance and turned back to the students, who all looked at him in nervous excitement.

"That is a small Kata made up of two moves, they are fairly simple and easy to perform as you do not have to release control of your Bokken and are simply moving your feet and right arm. I want you all to practice this until you have it right, then we will learn two more moves."

Toshiro walked away and sat near the stands as the students broke their lines and started working on the two moves. Toshiro watched carefully. Now was when he would see who had talent and who had not.

You're being rather cruel.

Hmm? What did you say Hyorinmaru?

I said you're being rather cruel, those are not simple moves and you only demonstrated once.

That was how it was for me.

Yes but you had talent.

So let's see if anyone here dose.

Truth be told Toshiro new the moves were difficult despite there simplicity, especially for beginners, he could have just focused on moving forward while swinging the Bokken left and right, then retreating and learning to block, but instead he had thrown them in at the deep end just to see what they could do. And it wasn't turning out to be much. They had started enthusiastically, getting into stance before trying out the motions, and then things went wrong. They hit their hands, they over balance, they dropped the Bokken time after time. Of course they tried again, but each time was no better than the last. Some had looked towards Toshiro for help, but the young Captain was unmoved and continued to watch the group. Soon enough people started to leave, throwing down their Bokken's and storming off. Toshiro wasn't surprised, learning this type of art was difficult and he wanted to be rid of those who would drop out straight away, he had no time for them.

He's rather persistent.

Who?

Toshiro glanced around and saw the red haired boy, the friend of the Potter boy, picking up his Bokken again and trying the move once more.

That has to be the thirtieth time.

You've been counting?

It is rather fun to watch.

Toshiro turned back to the group and notice the Granger girl was still there much to his shock. She was glaring at the Bokken and looked as though she wanted to break it as it sat on the floor. She took a deep breath before picking it up and trying again. From what Toshiro could see she had the first move down. It was the pivot that was causing her trouble, she was being to cautious, she needed more speed, that's what made her drop the Bokken mid move.

"Damn!"

Toshiro turned his eyes to the Potter boy, who was walking over to his Bokken that had just gone flying out of his hands.

He finished the moves.

Then why did he drop it?

He didn't, his grip is to lose, it came out of his hands as he pivoted. His speed is good but he has a bad grip. He'll need to work on that.

Toshiro nodded and continued his assessment of the remaining students. Blaise was doing rather well if a little tentative, Toshiro would have to have him work on that. The Malfoy boy Toshiro spotted at the back of the group. He was in stance and looked comfortable. He moved forward and performed the two moves quiet well, he had good speed, but the power wasn't there.

He's quick though.

Hmm.

Finally seeing enough Toshiro came to his feet. He walked to the remaining students and called for them to stop.

"That was good, you didn't do to terribly."

"That was hard! Why did you set us something that we couldn't do?"

"Because I knew you couldn't do it."

"Hugh?"

Toshiro looked around the group, less than half had remained and all were looking at him in confusion.

"I needed to know who could stick it out, who had the will to keep going even if it was hard and impossible to do. You all passed."

Mutters went through the group and Toshiro saw a few looking rather pleased with themselves.

"So it was all a trick?!"

"Toshiro raised an eyebrow at a boy who pushed himself forward and through the remains of the crowd; he had a Slytherin badge on his robes and was rather tall.

"All this was just to test to see if we were good enough to be taught by the ever so smart Japanese transfer? Was it funny to you?!"

"Nott," Blaise said quietly trying to calm him down.

"No it was not funny, I was merely …"

"You were playing a game with us! Seeing how long we could last before we cracked, well I'm not having that!"

Toshiro sighed, it seems as though he ended the exercise too early, he still had a drop out to get rid of.

"If you don't like it, you can go," Toshiro said coldly.

The boy, Nott Toshiro thought Blaise had called him, went red in the face before bringing out his wand and yelling at him sending off a rather powerful curse.

Toshiro was quick to jump to the side and pull out his own wand, his zanpakuto would be no use here. The curse went sailing past him and several students just managed to get out of the way in time as it went crashing into the side of the Quidditch stands.

"Please can we all just calm down!" the Granger girl cried but Nott ignored her and instead sent off several more jinx's and curses.

Toshiro threw up a Protego to block the spells before sending his own barrage. During Snape's class he had become rather good at casting non-verbally and did so in nearly every class, it caused him quite a few stares, but in a battle like this it was worth its weight in gold.

Nott just managed to dodge and started to run forward. Toshiro retreated and ran to the stands.

"Why are you running?! Not so good without your little sword are you?!"

Toshiro ignored him and instead climbed the stands, talking in a battle only caused distraction to yourself not your opponent and right now Toshiro was in the middle of conducting a plan. Toshiro felt several spells whizz past his ears and head, if it wasn't for his sense of reiatsu telling him where to duck and dodge, he would have been hit quite a while ago. Once he was high enough Toshiro spun and quickly sent Nott a wordless stunner. The red light went streaming towards the boy who had no time to duck and was hit in the chest. He went down like a sack of potatoes and all went quiet.

Toshiro watched for a moment to be sure the kid wasn't faking before he descended the stands. Getting the high ground gave the opportunity to shoot down and it was more likely his spells would hit, he just didn't think it would be the first one.

"Hitsugaya!" Blaise called as soon as Toshiro was on the ground.

"I'm fine," Toshiro said as the group gathered around him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah he was firing some pretty nasty stuff."

"Weren't you scared?"

Toshiro sighed and shook his head.

"No I am not injured, yes I was rather scared but I came up with a strategy in order to gain the upper hand, looks like it worked."

Toshiro nodded his head at Nott who was still out cold on the ground. The students stared at him before Granger pushed herself to the front.

"We should report this."

"There is really no need."

Granger shot him a disbelieving look.

"But he attacked you."

"Because I pushed him, you cannot say you all didn't feel the same way?"

Some students nodded, others looked a little shame faced. Toshiro wasn't concerned, he knew that he had pushed quite a few of their buttons, of course it had been for a reason, but he was surprised he had gotten away with only being attacked once.

"But still…" Granger continued but Toshiro raised his hand.

"There is no need to bring this to any one else's attention, it will just cause trouble. He lost his temper today, it happens to all of us."

Granger fell silent and Toshiro looked around the crowd. Potter and his friends were staring at him in open awe, probably because he had attacked a fellow Slytherin. The others just looked confused and rather frightened. Toshiro saw the Malfoy boy at the back who was staring at him in curiosity before turning away once he caught Toshiro's gaze.

"Now let's get back to work. I promised to show you two more moves once you had mastered the first two."

A groan went up from the crowd and Toshiro couldn't help but smirk.

…...

That night Toshiro sat in his room at his desk with Yoru perched on the table top.

"Another report?" she said with a sigh.

Toshiro nodded and continued to write.

"I send one every week."

"But I'm tired," she whined.

"Not my problem."

"You're such a sadist."

Toshiro didn't answer and continued to write. He had documented most of the lessons and his observations of the students thus far. He had placed his concerns about the ghosts in his latest report but he didn't mention much else, there wasn't much else for him to mention. Toshiro placed his pen down with a sigh and rubbed the back of his neck to ease the tension.

This is pointless

You're following orders.

Pointless orders! These wizards aren't a threat.

That we know of. We have yet to discover anything about this Ministry of these, there is a Department of Mystery's according to your books from the library, and we have yet to know if they have developed anything that could be dangerous to us.

Toshiro snorted. Doubt it, theses wizards had a god complex, they think that no one in the world is more powerful or secretive than themselves, I doubt they have anything that could be a threat to soul society.

Then you should focus on your other mission.

Excuse me?

Hyorinmaru groaned. Did you forget about the increased Hollow activity? It is the main reason for your involvement here.

Toshiro tried to hide his embarrassment but Hyorinmaru caught it any way. He had forgotten about that part of the mission. The Hollow activity that had increased in England dramatically over the past year or so and that which the Head Captain had expressed his concern about.

I will look into it tomorrow.

Toshiro stood up and stretched his back before lying back on the bed. He concentrated a moment and suddenly he was outside his gigai and stood over the bed looking at a rather pale white hair boy with his eyes shut that appeared not to be breathing.

Another nightly stroll?

I haven't finished mapping the building yet.

How much more time do you need?

I should be finished tonight. There's so many secret passages and rooms in this place, I'm lucky I don't get lost. I'll start on the grounds tomorrow.

And hopefully we can start to spread further afield, I don't know about you but I have yet to feel a Hollow even though the reports to the Head Captain had said they had increased.

Toshiro frowned, that was true. In all the time he's been at Hogwarts he had not once sensed a Hollow. One night he thought he had for a moment but it was quickly gone and he had dismissed it. Plus his soul phone had not once paged.

Toshiro sighed and pulled at his sash that strapped Hyorinmaru to his back before making his way out of the door.

"Bring me back some owl treats while you're out, the things taste delicious and I'm due some if I'm heading out tomorrow!" Yoru called from her perch on his desk. Toshiro sighed and quickly shunpoed from the room, why did he always get the demanding co-workers?

Please read and review xxxxx