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As for the pairings in this piece, let it be known that the only original pairs from the epilogue that I ship are Ron/Hermione and Neville/Hannah. Everyone else is fair game. ;D
Chapter 3: Damage Control! Avert the Ministry Crisis
Present, Wednesday at Noon, September 2, 1998
McGonagall led Kagome through the castle, passed a few loitering students and ghosts, and finally stopped at the end an unoccupied corridor. The older woman lifted her wand and tapped the centermost brick on the wall. It and the other surrounding bricks began to wiggle and moved to create an opening the size of a large doorway. Kagome saw most of the faculty assembled beyond it, Mimiru included. The neko was reclining against the opposite wall with her arms folded over her chest. She appeared completely innocent, but Kagome knew better.
'Such a guilty stance,' Kagome thought as she eyed her partner, 'I should have known she had something to do with this.'
When she and McGonagall walked inside the hidden alcove, the magical barrier returned to its previous position and sealed everyone inside.
"Well then," McGonagall began, calling all attention, "The reason we're all here is to address the current situation in the Infirmary brought on by the eighth year Defense Against the Dark Arts class."
"Excuse me," Kagome politely interrupted, "but what happened exactly?"
"Indeed!" Slughorn agreed, "We need all of the details."
"Our students are frantic!" Sprout added, "What in Merlin's name happened?"
Everyone's eyes turned to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, searching for answers. Kagome shifted closer to her silent partner, claiming a spot by her side. Even if Mimiru was the one at fault, she would still stand in her defense if needed.
Mimiru took a deep breath before she answered, "What the students are currently experiencing is a mild curse that was triggered when they tried to spell away the effects of the seals I used during my lesson."
McGonagall cleared her throat when everyone began to speak in a loud uproar, protesting the drastic action.
"Everyone, please settle down," she stated calmly, "For those of you who weren't aware, Professor Asakawa arranged a practical exam for all upperclassmen to assess their current abilities and skills in Defense Against the Dark Arts. The students were given wearable seals that served as portkeys to transport them to the test field which also absorbed any damaged the students sustained. The seals were sent here prior to the beginning of this term to be bewitched for such purposes.
"However, there is an additional bewitchment she failed to inform me of. Apparently after each student was struck down, the cause of their defeat appeared their foreheads in black letters. In attempts to remove the lettering, the students activated the curse causing the formation of large boils in their place."
Kagome laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her neck as the rest of the faculty murmured amongst themselves. She couldn't understand what they were saying but suspected it was nothing good.
"I see," she uttered, "So, all things considered, what's the protocol for something like this?"
"According to the terms of your employment, such an incident should be reported directly to the Hogwarts Board of Governors and the Ministry of Magic," McGonagall continued, looking at both foreign professors, "More importantly, such actions will not be tolerated in this castle or on its grounds. Any unauthorized commission of magical acts especially those that serve as punishment to students will be swiftly dealt with."
"I understand why you're upset, but I don't think it's necessary to report this incident," Kagome interjected, "Mimiru may have made a slight miscalculation in her planning, but she shouldn't be punished so harshly. I mean, it's not like she planned on leaving them like this, right?" She looked at Mimiru expectantly.
"I have a remedy for it in my office," Mimiru replied, "The effects will be immediately nullified after it is administered. I planned to administer it at the conclusion of today's classes."
"Very well," McGonagall assessed, "Kagome, I want you to distribute it during you next class period. I'll make an announcement to ensure that every eighth year attends it."
"Yes, McGonagall-sama," she replied with a nod.
"Heads of Houses, try to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible," McGonagall continued to give out orders, "Make sure that word of this does not leave the castle."
Despite the reservations they had about this predicament, Slughorn, Flitwick, and Sprout agreed. The last thing the school needed after reopening so soon after the close of the war was more bad publicity.
"And Mimiru."
The girl nodded as her name was called, standing unafraid before her superior.
The Headmistress sighed before addressing her as though she were speaking to one of her students.
"I commend your efforts, but do not make a habit of this behavior. No one else here wants the Ministry here anymore than you do. No more foul ups, and no more secrets. Is that understood?"
Mimiru nodded. "Yes. I apologize and will strive to be more informative in the future."
"We'll take care of this right away, McGonagall-sama," Kagome added.
McGonagall nodded and reopened the pathway. The two girls quickly left their colleagues behind in the hidden room and ventured down the corridor.
"Geez, that really scared me! I thought we were fired for sure!" Kagome exclaimed after deeply exhaling.
"You get the antidote and meet me in my office before class starts," she told Mimiru as she walked by her side.
"I got it," Mimiru replied with a nod.
"And try to be more careful," Kagome warned her, "I don't want you to change anything you've already planned, but keep in mind that McGonagall-sama's really sticking her neck out for us. Any mistake we make from now on can reflect badly on her and the school."
"Again, I got it," Mimiru iterated.
Kagome smiled. For someone who knew Mimiru as well as she did, she could tell that as sarcastic and dry as her words sounded that she was being sincere.
"And we are going to have a little heart-to-heart chat after you get there" Kagome quipped, jokingly wagging her finger, "No more secrets between partners."
"It wasn't a secret," Mimiru remarked, "The information was just revealed prematurely."
Kagome sighed and shook her head as her partner went in the opposite direction to her classroom. She began walking to hers, her head clouded with all recent events.
'With all the commotion, I bet no one from our Ministry will stay after all of the tests are over with,' she mused in disappointment, 'Too bad. I would have enjoyed catching up with everyone.'
Due to her inattention, Kagome collided with another person and landed backward onto the cold, stone floor.
"Itai!" she whimpered, wincing from the pain in her bottom. She fully opened her eyes when pale, masculine hand appeared in her view leading up to a familiar, blond face.
"It's you, Malfoy-kun," Kagome remarked as she grabbed the younger boy's hand.
"Yeah," Draco said as he helped her stand to her feet, "Sorry about that."
"It's okay," Kagome replied with a smile, dusting off her skirt, "I wasn't watching were I was going anyway."
Before the conversation could continue, a hunchbacked man with bulging eyes who Kagome recognized as Argus Filch, one of the faculty members she met during the welcoming feast, walked over to Draco and grabbed him by his arm.
"There you are, Malfoy!" he sneered, "You won't be getting away from me that easily!"
"Let go of me, you stupid Squib!" Draco snarled, trying to jerk away.
"How dare you? You filthy Death Eater!"
"Hold on, Filch-san!" Kagome interjected harshly, "Malfoy-kun is with me." She grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him to her side when Filch loosened his grip.
"Are you sure, professor? I'm certain I saw him trespassing in the restricted section of the school," Filch asked; he almost sounded disappointed that he wouldn't get to discipline a student.
"Yes, I am," Kagome iterated in a hard tone, "I told Malfoy-kun to report to me after the faculty meeting regarding the incident in the eighth year DADA class. Do you have a problem with that?"
Filch shook his head. "No, professor. I understand completely. I apologize for the misunderstanding."
When the caretaker began to walk away, Kagome began her trek in the opposing direction, pulling Draco behind her. After walking a few feet, she stopped and let go of his hand.
"Thank you," Draco said gratefully. He wasn't expecting to escape punishment from Filch with such little difficulty, but it won't matter much later. It won't be long before him or someone else found another excuse to chastise him.
"I was just getting us both out of an unpleasant situation. No harm done," Kagome said with a smile. She didn't mention the fact that he insulted Filch and antagonized him further especially since the much older caretaker did the same thing himself.
'Why in the world would he call Malfoy-kun a "Death Eater" of all things? It must be a British term. I wonder what it means.'
Kagome was brought out of her reverie when she noticed Draco rub his forehead from the corner of her eye before pulling out his wand and pointing it toward his face.
"Hold it! I wouldn't recommend that," Kagome suggested.
She placed her hand over Draco's to stop him from casting a spell. Slowly, he pulled his hand away and put his wand back in the folds of his robes. Once it was safely withdrawn, he looked at Kagome with an unreadable look in his piercing grey eyes. It seemed as though he wasn't used to experiencing such a gentle touch like hers for a very long time.
"Malfoy-kun, why don't you come with me, so my partner can help us remove that nasty mark?" Kagome asked kindly, "You are in my next class after all."
Draco shrugged. "Sure, Professor Higurashi."
Kagome beamed and grabbed Draco's hand again and began walking once more. As he obediently followed by her side, he tried to ignore the pleasant sensation of his hand completely engulfed by the warmth of the smaller, softer appendage that led him.
'She's such an insistent woman,' he thought and decided that, for the moment, he didn't mind.
The duo stopped in front of a classroom on the third floor on the east wing of the castle. Kagome let go of Draco's hand and announced as she opened the door, "Here we are!"
As Kagome expected, Mimiru was standing inside the room by her desk with a leather bag over her shoulder.
"Did you bring it?" Kagome asked as she approached her.
"Of course," she answered.
The young girl briefly raised an eyebrow at Draco but said nothing about his presence. He was noticeably irritated with her company and glared at her heatedly.
Mimiru reached into the bag and withdrew a small vial. She held it in her hand for a few seconds before tossing it across the room. Instinctively, Kagome quickly reached up and caught it in her fist. She lowered her hand and opened it to observe the contents of the vial, curiously regarding the clear liquid it contained.
"So if our eighth years drink this, it will remedy those little facial markings of yours?" she questioned.
Mimiru shrugged her shoulders. "Who can say?"
She walked toward the door with the leather bag still on her shoulder. Kagome looked at the girl quizzically as she bypassed her and approached Draco. Without pausing in her stride, she thrust the bag into Draco's chest. He reacted quickly and wrapped his arms around it before it could hit the ground.
"I'd stay with you," she began, pausing in the doorway, "but I still have a class to teach, and I have to meet McGonagall-sama immediately afterward."
"Don't worry about it," Kagome remarked, "I'll see you later, and we'll talk then."
Mimiru nodded before closing the door behind her.
As soon as she left, Kagome turned and watched as Draco took it upon himself to remove a vial from the bag to examine the contents of it. He meticulously turned it over in one of his hands while he supported the leather bag with the other.
There wasn't much Draco could tell about the strange potion by sight alone, but Severus Snape, his late godfather and dear friend, taught him to always examine any foreign potion given to him no matter what the circumstances where. The antidote had no distinct color, so he couldn't conclude anything from it. Using his teeth, he pulled the cork from the vial and took a delicate sniff of the potion; there was no questionable odor he could detect.
'I guess it's safe,' he thought with a slight sneer on his face, 'I seriously doubt that she'd give us anything lethal after all she put us through.'
Draco quickly downed the contents of the vial in a single gulp. Within seconds, he could feel a warming sensation on his forehead and assumed the potion was working.
Kagome couldn't help but admire Draco as he carefully examined the potion before ingesting it. Granted there was no need to perform such a check and Draco's attempts were novice at best, it was worth noting his knowledge of potions.
'He just seems so unpassionate about being here. You wouldn't expect him to show such dedication to Potions with that kind of attitude,' she mused, 'And there's still the presence of that dark aura on his arm. He's wearing long sleeves again, so I can't see what's causing it.'
She decided to let the matter drop for now; the weak aura wasn't strong enough to harm him or anyone else.
"Looks like everything's as good as new!" she exclaimed with grin, looking at Draco's unblemished forehead.
"Yeah," he remarked as he walked to her. He handed Kagome the bag full of antidote which she readily received and placed on the floor by her desk.
"Well then, I suppose we have nothing else to do other than wait for everyone else to show up," Kagome stated and looked at Draco hopefully, "Do you mind keeping me company until then?"
Draco snorted before he replied as politely as possible, "I might as well. I doubt that they're doing anything worthwhile in the common room."
"Arigato, Malfoy-kun!" Kagome replied, undeterred from his response.
As Draco took a seat in the front row, Kagome sat on top of her desk and began talking to him enthusiastically, asking questions about the school, his House, and anything else she could think of. He grumbled but answered her queries as he watched the petite professor wearing a bright smile on her face while a small one began to grow on his.
-O0o0O-
Hidden in the eighth years' common room, students loudly swore as the curse tied to the markings on their forehead persisted. Pus from their spewing boils pooled on the stone floors leaving sticky, foul-smelling puddles of yellow-green fluid. The students who didn't attempt to remove the writing retreated to their dormitories or the castle hallways to avoid being caught laughing at their unlucky peers. The Slytherins were nowhere in sight.
"I told you not to mess with it," Hermione said matter-of-factly as she watched Ron with a frown on her face. The redhead was holding the sleeve of his robes to his forehead in an attempt to stop the streams of pus.
"Well, how in blazes was I supposed to know that something like this would happen?" Ron sneered.
Harry fought the urge to chuckle. As infuriating as the whole situation was, he was glad he didn't attempt to remove his markings like the others did, and it was hard not to find the humor in watching everyone else try.
Abruptly, Professor McGonagall's voice resounded within the walls of the common room, cutting through the harsh words flying back and forth between the marked students.
"All eighth year students who attended Professor Asakawa's class, please report to Professor Higurashi's classroom for the regularly scheduled instruction period. Absences will not be tolerated."
As soon as McGonagall finished, a few students—mostly Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs who didn't bother to spell away their markings—began walking toward the portrait hole. Hermione quickly took the lead amongst her fellow Gryffindors. She paused when she noticed several of her other peers had not moved and Harry and Ron weren't by her side.
"Well?" she questioned as she turned to the two boys, clearly irritated.
Harry sighed and stood up to join her, as did Ron several seconds later. Within minutes, all of the eighth year Gryffindors were on their way to Higurashi's classroom regardless of their cursed state.
"Hey, Potter, Weasley," Seamus called out.
Harry inclined his head slightly in Seamus's direction while Ron kept his eyes facing forward to avoid spraying pus around the hall.
"Higurashi's got a nice pair on her, don't you think?" Seamus said slyly, "How bout it? C or D-cup? Maybe even bigger?"
How he managed to smirk like that with pus sliding down his face was beyond Harry.
"Idiots!" Hermione harshly commented before walking ahead of the group with the other girls who thought the same. She didn't leave earshot before Seamus coughed something that sounded suspiciously like "A".
-O0o0O-
Kagome sighed as she waited for her class minus Draco to arrive. As expected, she was extremely anxious about her upcoming class period and the recent developments didn't help. Although McGonagall made the formal announcement about ten minutes ago, no one has arrived. She leaned against her desk as she repeatedly tossed one of the antidote-containing vials up in the air and caught it.
"Do you think everyone will show up, Malfoy-kun?" Kagome asked the silent boy sitting in front of her.
Draco shrugged his shoulders before he replied, "I don't know for sure."
'I bet there would have been better results if McGonagall-sama mentioned the antidote,' Kagome thought before placing the vial on her desktop.
After a few more minutes of waiting, Hermione was the first to arrive in the classroom. Kagome noticed she was slightly out of breath, and her face was flushed.
"Hello, Granger-chan," she cheerfully greeted the young student; "I should have known you would get here first."
The blush on Hermione's face deepened when she took a seat on the front row, making sure she was on the opposite side of the room from Draco's seat. She cast a curious look in his direction before turning her attention to the new professor.
"Well, I'm afraid the pace everyone else set was a little too slow for me! I wanted to get here as soon as possible," Hermione said while pulling out a few rolls of parchment, an ink well, and a fresh quill from her bag.
"So everyone is coming?" Kagome asked excitedly.
"Of course," Hermione answered, "They're just lagging behind."
Soon after they spoke, more students began to arrive, each having various stages of the curse on their foreheads and all Gryffindors distinguished by the red of their robes. Kagome cringed when she heard pus splashing onto the floor as they walked inside. She immediately recognized Harry and Ron entering the classroom with a group of other boys. They sat toward the middle of the classroom on the same side that Hermione did.
As more students filed into the room, Kagome noticed the other Houses were finally making an appearance. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs flocked to the area occupied by the Gryffindors. When Blaise and Pansy entered, they took the unoccupied seats next to Draco as the other Slytherins that gathered around them. Kagome frowned; the class was noticeably divided.
After about five or ten minutes, the classroom was filled with students in their seats and pus accumulating on the floor. Kagome grew more and more nervous at seeing the room so full with everyone wearing scornful expressions on their faces.
'Talk about a tough crowd,' she thought wryly, 'At least they're not mad at me.' As much as she supported her partner, she did not envy her situation.
Before calling the class to order, Kagome retrieved the bag that contained the antidote from her desktop. She then began to speak, turning to face her students holding the bag comfortably in her arms.
"Hello, everyone. I'm so glad you all decided to attend my class despite the circumstances," she stated with a cheerful grin, "There are a lot of things we need to take care of for our first class, but let's take care of your foreheads before that."
She started walking down the aisles in front of each bench and deposited a vial in front of each student. The pus puddles were problematic to maneuver around, but she managed to do so without staining her shoes with the infectious secretions. When she finished, everyone eagerly took the potion and were relieved when all of their markings began to disappear.
"Well, that's taken care of. If only all of this pus was cleaned up," Kagome thought aloud. With a grimace on her face, she looked down at the large, sticky yellow-green oozes from the back of the classroom.
After she spoke, she heard several students utter the scouring incantation, Scourge, and the pus puddles were quickly cleansed away. Kagome recognized Hermione, Harry, Blaise, and Draco among those who took the initiative to cast the spell along with other students she didn't know. She smiled when the room was completely spotless and made her way back to the head of the classroom to address them again.
"For starters," Kagome began, "My name is Higurashi Kagome. You may call me Professor Higurashi or Higurashi-sensei. As you already know, I'm new here, so please treat me kindly."
She turned around and picked up a piece of parchment from her desk. "I'd like to start today by calling roll. I know I may be your professor and not many of your other professors do this, but I hope to get to know everyone personally and have an enjoyable year together. If you would, please raise your hand or say 'here' to let me know who you are."
Kagome opened the parchment and began to read off the names.
"Hannah Abbott," she announced. A pretty blonde Hufflepuff raised her hand and smiled. Kagome returned it before she continued.
Next on the list was Susan Bones, another Hufflepuff who sat beside Hannah who raised her hand. Kagome remembered hearing that name around the Ministry after arriving in London. Many of her family members were government officials who were killed just before the start of the war.
'Just another example of the war's many casualties.'
Terry Boot, a Ravenclaw, uttered "here" when Kagome called his name. The next name was Lavender Brown, a curly haired Gryffindor. She was followed by Michael Corner, another Ravenclaw with unkempt shoulder length hair. Tracey Davis, the first Slytherin on the list, delicately raised her hand before slowly lowering it.
The next three on the roster were boys: a Hufflepuff seated on Hannah's other side named Justin Finch-Fletchley, an Irish Gryffindor at the back of the class named Seamus Finnigan, and a blond Ravenclaw sitting in between Michael and Terry called Anthony Goldstein.
"Hermione Granger," Kagome read of the list with little error. The eager student raised her hand while saying "here", smiling. Kagome nodded in her direction before moving on.
Daphne Greengrass, a pale, dark-haired Slytherin raised her hand in the same manner Tracey did. Next on the list were Sue Li, Neville Longbottom, and Ernest Macmillan, a Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff, respectively.
"Draco Malfoy," Kagome read. Draco responded with an uninterested "here". She smiled briefly at the blond boy before continuing down the list.
Theodore Nott, a tall and frail boy, and Pansy Parkinson both in Slytherin came next. Pansy briefly smirked in Kagome's direction, obviously recalling their first meeting on the train, before she continued reading.
The next names on the roll, Padma and Parvati Patil, gave Kagome a little trouble pronouncing them properly, but the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor twins gladly said their name for her, which she proudly repeated.
"Harry Potter," Kagome read off the list but didn't receive an immediate reply. Looking over at him, Kagome noticed he seemed to be deep in thought.
"Potter-kun?" Kagome repeated but still no answer.
With a wide grin, Ron elbowed his classmate in the arm and broke the boy from his daze. Startled, he jerked his head in Kagome's direction.
"H-he-here!" Harry stammered, his peers laughing at his absentmindedness.
Kagome held the list of names directly in front of her face to hide the shaking from her stifled giggles. The messy haired boy was definitely cute with his expressive eyes of brilliant green and other equally handsome features. The blush that lit up his pale cheeks was notably adorable.
'But I wonder what has him so distracted,' she thought. Kagome sent the embarrassed Gryffindor a reassuring smile before continuing.
"Za…chair…as Smith."
"You can call me Zach," he, a Hufflepuff, told her gruffly from his seat. Kagome nodded and continued, disregarding his unpleasant attitude.
Dean Thomas was the next name on the list followed by Ron Weasley who both answered with a short "hey".
"Blaise Zabini," she read the last name on her roll, pronouncing it correctly because of their previous encounter.
Instead of raising his hand, he winked in Kagome's direction causing a small tint of pink to highlight her cheeks.
"I'm here, professor," he uttered in a slow, sensual drawl.
"I see," Kagome quietly replied with a slight roll of her eyes as she placed the parchment back on her desk.
"Let me explain a few things about this course," she stated, "All of the material can be broken down into two main parts. The first is a conceptual portion where you will be responsible for knowing certain information about the subject matter, being able to apply that information, and making necessary conclusions. The second is a practical portion where you'll get some real life experience with the material.
"Because this course is relatively new outside of Asia, there aren't any required texts you need to bring to class. I will provide you with exerts from translated works for class discussion and homework. If you would like to read further, I have a few books on hand that you might like." She chuckled when she heard murmurs of disappointment from her students.
"Also," Kagome began anew, "I'll have regular tutoring hours scheduled throughout the term and will be open for any additional help outside of class or these office hours. I want you all to do well in this course and am willing to work as hard as you are to make that happen."
She looked around the classroom thoughtfully before speaking again.
"And, since you all had a rough day so far, I'll end class early, but be sure you're here next time ready to work!" Kagome declared.
The classroom cheered and applauded before quickly scrambling out of the classroom. The only students who remained were Hermione, who regretfully packed away all of her things; Ron and Harry, who were both waiting for her; and a group of Slytherins made of Draco, Blaise, Theo, and Pansy approaching the petite professor. Blaise took the lead and brazenly leaned against Kagome's desk, looking at her with a smug expression.
"So, Kagome—"
"That's Professor Higurashi to you, Zabini-kun," Kagome quickly cut off the smooth talker, crossing her arms over her chest, "As your teacher, I can't have you calling me by my first name."
"Why so formal, love?" Blaise questioned, undiscouraged, "I still stand by what I said on the train. I look forward to the end of October."
"Forgive him, professor," Pansy interjected half-heartedly, "He is undoubtedly incorrigible."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "I can tell."
"Well, since we all have the time, why don't you join us, and we'll show you our favorite haunts around the castle?" Blaise continued, flashing a charming grin.
"Tempting offer, but I'll have to pass. I have some work to do before my next class," Kagome replied as she took a seat at her desk.
"See you at dinner then?" Blaise suggested, "I'll save you a seat at the Slytherin table."
"I'll see what I can do for you," Kagome remarked, "Now, if you would?"
"Take a hint, mate," Theo commented, "Let's get going already."
"Very well, Theo," Blaise stated with a sigh, "Coming, Draco?"
"Yeah," Draco answered with a nod. Before joining his friends, he turned to Kagome, his expression unreadable.
"See you, professor."
Kagome grinned. "Ja ne, Malfoy-kun."
When the Slytherins left, only the three Gryffindors remained.
"I'm sorry that I disappointed you, Granger-chan, but you all look like you could use a break," Kagome told the female Gryffindor once she finished putting her things away.
"No problem, professor. Thank you for being so considerate," Hermione replied, "But when will you start having your office hours? I would like to read some of the supplementary material you mentioned, if you don't mind that is."
Kagome chuckled. "I'll schedule them once I meet with my other classes and figure out everyone's schedule. I wouldn't want to interrupt anyone else's period."
Behind Hermione, Ron rolled his eyes and muttered, "I'll wrestle acromantulas if it meant I could miss Asakawa's class."
Although he didn't intend to let anyone hear him, Kagome did.
"You three have a good day, and try not to let Mimiru get you down too much," she said, "She may be a bit…eccentric, but her intentions are good. She wants to help you as much as I do."
Sadly, the trio before her didn't seem too convinced.
"How did you end up working with someone like her anyway?" Harry blurted.
During the class period, he couldn't help but compare the two girls which caused his earlier lapse in attention. They were completely opposite in in attitude and temperament. It was nearly inconceivable to think they could work together peacefully let alone be friends outside of work.
"Harry!" Hermione reprimanded him in a harsh whisper.
"It's fine, Granger-chan," Kagome remarked before focusing on Harry.
"The two of us have been partners since I started working for our Ministry," she answered, wearing an oddly wistful look, "Sometimes, the most unlikely pair works together the best."
Not expecting or completely comprehending the cryptic answer, Harry shrugged.
"We'll leave you to your work, professor," Hermione said, "Harry and I will see you tomorrow morning for your history class."
"I look forward to it."
Once the trio left, Kagome reclined at her desk. She really didn't have anything to take care of but didn't want to risk being late for her last session of the day or be stuck with a tenacious Blaise on her hands.
'Working here is so different from being at the Ministry,' she thought.
Back in Japan, most of her projects overlapped, and she was constantly running all over the place trying to get her work done. If she wasn't in her office or in the field in Japan, she travelled to other Asian Ministries for assignments, mostly in China or India. Moments of inactivity like this were few and far between, but, most of the time, she really enjoyed keeping active.
She snorted. 'I'm sure I'll be wishing it was this quiet around here in a few weeks.'
-O0o0O-
"Where are you going?" Draco asked Blaise. The two of them along with Theo were waiting in their dormitory for dinner to start when the dark-skinned boy stood and headed for the door.
"Nipping by Kagome's office to escort her to the Great Hall," he answered with a smirk, "Did you think I'd let her blow me off so easily?"
Realizing the double entendre, Blaise deviously chuckled. "Well, at least not in this sense."
"Oh! I have got to see this," Theo stated as he joined Blaise.
Draco sighed and stood up from his bed to walk alongside the other two Slytherins as they left.
"You know," Blaise began when they exited the portrait hole, "the two of you could use a little romantic diversion. How about Daphne's sister for you, Draco? She's pretty fit."
"Her?" he uttered incredulously.
Like her older sister, Astoria was petite, pale, and perfectly groomed to be the wife of any wealthy, pureblood male. In other words, explicably dull.
Blaise laughed at the revolted look on Draco's face. "I'm not suggesting a formal marriage proposal. A quick shag is all you need."
He snorted. "I'll pass."
"As if Pansy would let that happen anyway," Theo added, "She'd sooner drink armadillo bile than let another girl paw at you."
"Jealous?" Draco quipped, knowing Theo had a crush on their female companion. As he expected, Theo quickly clammed up.
When the three boys reached Higurashi's classroom and opened the door, she was on her feet walking toward them.
"What are you three doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"What do you think?" Blaise asked as he held out his arm to her, "Come on, love. Dinner's already started."
Higurashi rolled her eyes. "You know, girls don't appreciate it when a suitor is too forward."
He artfully smirked. "So you consider me your suitor then?"
"Well, at the very least, you're determined," Higurashi remarked with small sigh and shrugged, "I guess I could humor you for a little while."
"You can't be serious," Theo said, "I wouldn't encourage him, professor. He'll never leave you alone."
"Well," she softly admitted, "I also don't remember the way to the Great Hall. Think you guys could show me the way?"
"I'll gladly show you around as long as you'll have me," Blaise offered.
"I'll take you up on that offer, but you can put your arm down. I won't be taking it, Zabini-kun."
After the newly formed group began walking down the corridor, Theo asked, "What does that mean anyway?"
"Huh?" Higurashi replied.
"That thing you're always saying after Blaise's name," Theo clarified.
"I believe it means 'sexy'," Blaise said smugly.
Theo snorted. "If so, Professor Higurashi has a wide range of tastes. She called Draco and Potter that too."
Blaise shrugged. "I suppose it's a variable term. I'll accept Draco as being reasonably close to my sex appeal, but Potter is too much of a tosser."
Draco sighed when Higurashi began to loudly laugh. His two classmates were getting far too comfortable with her.
'Wankers.'
"That's not even close!" Higurashi stated, "I guess you could say it's the equivalent of Mr. in English. In my language, it's called an honorific. –Kun is used for boys and –chan is the female equivalent. Both of those are usually used among friends. –san is another common honorific that's more formal than the other two." She paused and looked at the three expectantly.
"Does it bother you to be addressed like that? I can stop if you like."
"It's fine," Draco replied.
Theo shrugged. "Doesn't bother me. I just thought you were calling them 'arseholes' or something."
Once again, Higurashi began to chuckle. "I could never do something that underhanded!"
"I think they're darling, love," Blaise added, "but, if it would make you more comfortable, you can stop using them with me."
"No way!" Higurashi exclaimed, growing slightly pink in her cheeks, "That's far too intimate."
Draco fought the urge to plant his face in his palm. Higurashi unintentionally gave Blaise another goal in his mental checklist as he tried to woo her.
He looked at her from the corner of his eye. 'Not that she'll fall for it.'
As he observed the Asian woman, Draco could partly see why Blaise was so insistent about pursuing her. Higurashi was clearly beautiful, seemingly intelligent, pleasant to be around, and explicably unattainable. More than enough to whet a cunning and ambitious Slytherin's appetite.
'There's more to her than that,' he thought in hindsight.
Her current appearance gave no indication that she would have defended him in front of Filch so earnestly. For someone so small and carefree, Higurashi could be intimidating when she wanted to be. He decided to put the incident in the back of his mind. As far as Draco was concerned, he didn't want or need anyone to jump to his rescue. He was also sure that whatever concern Higurashi showed him wouldn't last long.
When the group entered the dining hall, Higurashi walked ahead to the faculty table.
"Are you sure you don't want to sit with us?" Blaise questioned her.
Turning over her shoulder with a smirk, she said, "I'll pass. See you around."
When the boys took a seat, Pansy began to giggle.
"Looks like you've been bested again," she told Blaise, "You might want to give her up, Blaise dear."
"I thought you of all people would enjoy seeing him make an arse of himself," Theo quipped.
"I would and do, but he clearly isn't a competent opponent," Pansy replied, "If there isn't a little more action in this exchange, it'll get boring. And you know how much I despise boring."
"Trust me, you won't have to wait long for action," Blaise remarked.
Draco began to ignore the ongoing conversation, which was the second one at the Slytherin table to discuss Higurashi, and ate his meal as fast as he could.
-O0o0O-
When Kagome walked to the front of the dining hall, she took an empty seat next to Hagrid. The half giant greeted her cheerfully before returning to his food, making conversation with her in between bites. Kagome was fully engaged but noticed McGonagall and Mimiru were absent.
'They must still be doing damage control.'
After finishing her meal, Kagome left to find her partner. It didn't take long for her to reach her classroom since the hallways were clearer than they were earlier. She opened the door to see the small black neko passed out on top of her desk next to several opened chocolate containers. Kagome rushed over to her when she heard a sickly sounding mew.
"Look at all this! You ate too many sweets again," Kagome scolded the kitten as she gently stroked her fur.
The kitten mewed and pressed her head against Kagome's palm, seeking comfort. She sighed before carefully picking up the cat and left the classroom, heading to the nearest exit to the castle.
"I guess this incident with McGonagall-sama affected you more than I thought," Kagome assessed, "Let's hope Hagrid-senpai has something to help you feel better; he is in Care of Magical Creatures after all."
Kagome quickly reached Hagrid's small dwelling on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, knocking on the door with one hand and carefully balancing the limp neko in her arms.
"Higurashi!" Hagrid exclaimed upon opening the door, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Hello, Hagrid-senpai. I was hoping you could help me with this," Kagome said and gestured to the neko snuggled securely in her arms, "She has a stomachache, and I don't have any medical supplies on me. Do you have any remedies lying around?"
"O' course I do!" Hagrid answered and moved away from the entrance, "Come right on in."
Kagome bowed slightly before entering the small hut. Though it small in size, she couldn't help but feel the warmth the home radiated and immediately felt comfortable.
"Just set 'er down on the table there," Hagrid instructed.
Kagome quickly complied, standing by the kitten's side and tenderly stroking her head to make her more relaxed.
"I've never seen a feline quite like this," Hagrid commented as he observed the cat, "A beautiful creature, innit she."
Kagome chuckled quietly before replying, "Don't flatter her too much; Mimiru can't handle such an inflated ego."
The feline weakly opened her eyes and snorted before closing them, but that only made Kagome laugh louder.
"Asakawa, is that you?" Hagrid asked the cat and was answered with a small nod, "Merlin, what did you do to yerself?"
"After what happened earlier, she got in a little funk and ate too much chocolate," Kagome answered for her, "Eating European sweets has always been a habit of hers, but they're much heavier than the ones we have in Japan. It'll make her sick if she eats too much at once, and she reverts to this nekomata form when she becomes ill."
"I got just the thing. Fang gets into me treacle fudge, so I keep dis homemade brew 'round. Poor thing just needs to drink this and rest a while," Hagrid said and began rummaging through his cabinets, "Would you like some tea, Higurashi? Just brewed a fresh pot."
"Yes, please," Kagome answered and pulled up a stool, taking a seat at the table.
-O0o0O-
"Did you see Zabini pawing at Professor Higurashi?" Hermione exclaimed, irritated. The Golden Trio had finished supper and started walking to Hagrid's soon after for their usual visit.
"It's completely unbelievable!"
"It wasn't hard to miss," Ron commented, "He was foaming at the mouth to get her attention. Not that I blame the bloke."
Hermione narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "And just want are you implying?"
Ron held up his hands, surrendering. "I wasn't talking about me! But you heard Seamus on the way to her class, right? And almost every other bloke in our class. They're head over heels!"
"True," she answered, "At least you and Harry had the decency not to openly gawk at her."
Ron let out a relived breath and lowered his hands, relieved to still be in his girlfriend's good graces. He looked at Harry from the corner of his eye. He silently walked between him and Hermione, lost in thought again.
"What's up, mate?" he asked.
Harry lifted his head and looked at Hermione.
"Hermione," he began, "Was Malfoy in the classroom before you?"
"I think so," Hermione answered, "Why?"
"The writing on his forehead," Harry mentioned, "It was gone before anyone else's."
"You don't think the git spelled it away, do you?" Ron asked, his tone full of disgust.
"Not likely," Hermione muttered under her breath.
"It's nothing like that," Harry clarified, "But I think that Higurashi gave him the potion before everyone else came to class."
He really hoped that she hadn't, but there couldn't be any other explanation. On top of that, he seemed to be getting rather comfortable with her even if it was always with Blaise in tow.
"Do you think he got her in his slimy grip already?" Ron asked and sighed, "It's a shame really. She seemed pretty smart too."
"Oh stuff it, Ron," Hermione countered, "Professor Higurashi has more sense than that. So what if she gave Malfoy the antidote first? That just means he arrived to class long before any of us did." Even though she didn't suspect Malfoy was guilty of any wrongdoing, she was noticeably annoyed by that fact.
"She is perfectly nice to everyone, and I don't think she's the type to play favorites," Hermione continued to deduce, "It would be best if we don't read into it too much."
Harry wasn't completely dissuaded from the assumption that something happened between Malfoy and Higurashi. Malfoy hadn't so much as smirked when Harry embarrassed himself during the roll call, remaining silent when the Slytherins made their usual snide remarks. It was completely out of his character. Harry couldn't help but wonder if Higurashi had something to do with it. Was Malfoy trying to get the Japanese professor on his good side? He hoped that his new professor was smart enough to see through the likely façade.
As he continued to speculate, Harry inwardly sighed. Hermione was on the mark about one thing. Thinking about Higurashi and any Malfoy devised plots was not a good start to the semester, but that was all he could do especially when Malfoy was starting to get close to the Asian teacher.
'I'll just have to get close to her too,' Harry thought firmly, puzzled at the warm, tickling feeling that grew in his chest.
When they finally reached Hagrid's hut, Ron placed his hand on the door knob to open the door. Abruptly, Harry grabbed his arm and pulled it away.
"What the hell?" he asked, curious.
"Listen," Harry told him, "Hagrid's speaking to someone."
Knowing from experience that it wouldn't be wise to intrude on Hagrid's company, Harry crept to the window with Ron following behind him. Hermione sighed and folded her arms across her chest at the boys' behavior, refusing to take part.
"Higurashi's in here!" Ron whispered in her direction. Hermione couldn't resist and joined them by the window—it was strictly to learn information about her professor, of course.
Inside, Higurashi was sitting at the table, drinking tea and speaking with Hagrid. Harry's cheeks grew scarlet at the sight of her full pink lips sipping from the delicate little teacup she held with one hand while pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear with the other. Luckily, Hermione didn't notice. The last thing he needed was to be added on her shit list under Zabini.
"So how are you taking to Hogwarts?" they overheard Hagrid ask.
Higurashi sighed and placed her cup down on the table.
"Okay I suppose, but I'm worried about the eighth year students," she answered, "I ended class early, so I didn't get a chance to start the material yet. I'm not sure if they'll actually listen to me when I'm just a few years older than they are."
"Just give it time," Hagrid reassuringly told her, "They'll take to you for sure."
"I hope so," Higurashi replied. She stood up and put her teacup in the sink.
"I should get going, Hagrid-senpai. Sorry that I can't stay longer. I'll have to visit you again."
"You're certainly welcome to," the large man said with a warm smile on his shaggy face. He got up to walk Higurashi to the door. The two paused and continued to talk before opening it.
"Are you certain you'll be able to watch her for the night? She can be a bit of a handful," Higurashi asked, confusing the trio spying from the window. They only saw Higurashi and Hagrid with no other person present.
"O' course," Hagrid answered, "Some rest an' fresh air is all the girl needs after she drank the brew I made. Maybe a run or two in the forest to get 'er color back."
"I'll leave her in your hands then," Higurashi said with a grin, "I'll come retrieve her in the morning if she hasn't left already."
"No need to rush," Hagrid said reassuringly, "I don' mind an extra 'ousemate."
As Hagrid opened the door for Higurashi, the trio stepped away from the window, diving for the row of large pumpkins permanently displayed on Hagrid's front yard.
"Arigato, Hagrid-senpai," Higurashi said before she walked onto the path heading to the castle. Without warning, she paused and looked to the vegetable patch.
"Is there a problem, Higurashi?" Hagrid questioned.
"Not at all," she replied as she knelt down and picked up a few stones off the ground.
"What's she doing?" Ron whispered to Hermione.
"I don't know. I can't get a good look."
"Quiet!" Harry scolded. He yelped when a smooth black stone hit him on top of the head.
Before Ron could laugh, one hit him as well. Then another and another.
"You three should come out before I get some more rocks!" Higurashi called out in jest.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione shuffled from behind the pumpkins as Hagrid guffawed and Higurashi giggled, tossing two stones in the air.
"They're just 'ere to visit me, professor," Hagrid stated, "No rule breakin' 'ere!"
"I'll take your word for it," she replied, "Just don't keep them out too long. There'll be no sleeping in my class tomorrow morning!"
With a cheerful wave, Higurashi began walking back to the castle.
"Come on in," Hagrid told the three students, "I'll put on another pot of tea."
"So what was up with Higurashi, eh?" Ron asked Hagrid while the three of them made their selves comfortable, "Don't tell me you were putting the moves on her?"
Hermione smacked him on the back of the head when he suggestively waggled his eyebrows.
"Don't be daft!" Hagrid exclaimed, "What could she do with an old geezer like me? She just needed me to take care of an animal is all. She's better off with one of you!"
He gulped after he realized what he said; this wasn't the best group give any ideas to.
"Don't you go thinking about that!" he warned harshly, "You'll get that poor thing sacked!"
"It was just a joke," Ron replied, "Besides, Higurashi knows how to handle any bloke who'd try something."
"So what animal did Professor Higurashi ask you to look after?" Hermione asked, changing the topic.
"Oh, she's right 'ere!" Hagrid excitedly said and pointed to Fang sleeping by the fireplace. Upon closer examination, the trio saw a small black cat with two tails and cream-colored markings snuggled against the bloodhound's side as she slept.
"That's the same cat from the bookstore!" Hermione exclaimed happily, "I knew she had to bring her here."
"Beautiful, innit she? Poor thing got into some chocolate and made 'erself sick," Hagrid commented.
"Serves it right," Ron muttered, "Damn chocolate thief!"
"Did Professor Higurashi say what kind of cat she is?" Hermione asked earnestly.
"She's a nekomata, she is. You'll be learning all 'bout them from Higurashi no doubt," Hagrid answered with a nod.
"So that would make it a demon, right?" Hermione inferred in awe.
"Bloody hell," Ron remarked, "This is it?"
Harry shrugged. "I pictured great big brutes with claws and fangs, snarling all over the place."
"A demonic cat," Hermione said to herself, "A nekomata. Simply amazing!"
With all of the noise, the cat awakened and stretched its lithe body before leaving her place by Fang's side. She padded across the wooden floor and jumped onto the window sill, several feet from the floor. The curious little creature looked back at Hagrid then at the window expectantly.
"Oh o', course," Hagrid said. He rushed over and opened the window for the kitten.
"You still need your rest so try not to stay out for too long!" Hagrid playfully warned the cat.
The cat nodded once, obviously comprehending what Hagrid said like she did with Higurashi. She looked back at the trio of students and blinked her large luminous eyes, one golden yellow and the other blood red.
'Just like Asakawa's eyes,' Harry thought absently.
Without a second thought, the kitten jumped out of the window and dashed toward the Forbidden Forest, disappearing into the dense flora.
"Is she going to be okay in there by herself?" Hermione asked, concerned about the small creature.
"For sure!" Hagrid assured, "She's a demon after all; they're made of tougher stuff than ordinary cats. Helluva lot smarter too."
He sighed when he looked at the forgotten tea he had made; it was cold now.
"You lot better be off. Don't wanna get detention on your first day," Hagrid said as he ushered the trio out of his hut. Without much of a fight, they left and made their way back to the castle to retire to their dorms.
"I hope Professor Higurashi will come to like Hogwarts soon," Hermione commented on their way back, "We should try to make the transition easier for her to handle."
"It's not like she isn't popular with everyone already," Harry countered, "Loads more than Asakawa. I think she might be sacked soon."
Hermione pursed her lips together in thought. "Her methods might be a bit unorthodox, but I have to agree with Professor Higurashi. She's a brilliant witch but still very young, so she might need some guidance. She must have been with Professor McGonagall during dinner."
"Yeah," Ron agreed with a nod, "Getting sacked."
Hermione shook her head and said nothing more on the subject, clearly knowing it would have no effect on their opinions.
The eighth year common room was pretty empty by the time they entered it. Everyone must have gone off to bed or were still hanging around other corridors of the castle. The trio told each other good night and separated to go to their dormitories.
"Harry?" Hermione called out to the boy careful not to let Ron hear her.
Harry turned around when Ron disappeared up the stairway. "What is it?"
Hermione sighed before speaking. "I'm going to be frank. You and I both know that you're not one to always follow the rules, but this is seriously one you do not want to go breaking."
"What are you talking about?" Harry questioned, truly confused.
"You've been thinking about Professor Higurashi this whole time, haven't you?" she accused, "You can't have that kind of relationship with a professor, Harry, and you know it."
"It's not like that! It's only because of Malfoy," Harry retorted. However, given his history of Malfoy stalking—even though it ended up being completely justified—it wasn't the best excuse. Despite his response, he inwardly gulped. If anyone was bound to catch on to what was going on in his head, it was Hermione.
"Don't get yourself in trouble because of a little crush or you'll put Professor Higurashi's career at stake," Hermione continued, disregarding the weak defense, "There are more important things to worry about now that we're in our last year at Hogwarts. And consider Ginny's feelings. If she finds out about this, she'll be absolutely devastated."
Harry narrowed his eyes. Hermione certainly wasn't this defensive when Blaise was lapping at Higurashi's heels. If anything, he was the one dangerously close to crossing the line not him.
"I know that," he said coolly, "I'm not going to try anything. Besides, I am dating Ginny, and I'd never do anything like that to her."
"Just be careful," Hermione said in parting and retreated to her dorm room. After watching her leave, Harry did the same.
-O0o0O-
punkish furball – You gotta love that Blaise; I wish we saw more of him in the books.
Those of you who have read the previous version of this story probably recognized a few familiar scenes in this and the previous chapters. As the precursor only had four chapters, the rest of this story (minus one or two scenes) will be completely original content.
Until next time, TCB! X3
(revised 12.02.2013)