Snap, Crackle, Bang!

Chapter 7

Kagome smiled as they arrived at the larger yard located at the back of the shrine. It was hidden by trees that surrounded the property, the remnants of the once colossal 'Inuyasha's Forest'.

Dumbledore, by now, had pulled out his wand, which Kagome noted was larger and more ornate than hers.

"Well, Miss Higurashi, how about we start with the basics?"

She nodded, "I've never done anything like this before."

"It should all come naturally to you with a little practice. I've never before met a witch that learnt wandless magic before even touching a wand." Dumbledore mused.

"I'm not a witch, I'm a priestess," Kagome reminded him.

"Ah, yes. But, for all intents and purposes, at Hogwarts, you are a witch. I implore you, Miss Higurashi, not to tell a soul about the jewel around your neck. Slytherin's are known to have family members that work with Voldemort himself," Dumbledore explained ominously.

Kagome understood, having now read 'Hogwarts: A History', she could remember what the four houses stood for; Gryffindoor, the brave; Slytherin, the cunning (the house had silently become synonymous with evil over the years, which Kagome didn't understand); Ravenclaw, the smart; and Hufflepuff, the kind.

"I understand," She nodded.

"Very well, Miss Higurashi," He paused, "We shall start with something I learnt very early on. Intent is very important in magic, and it is vital that you channel your intentions through the wand when performing a spell."

Kagome understood this, too. It was important when she was learning to form a barrier, or to make an arrow.

"Let us start with the first spell I showed you," He lifted his wand into the air, "Lumos," he said loudly. The tip of his wand started to emit a soft white light. "Channel your intentions through the wand."

Kagome raised her wand, copying his movement, "Lumos," She commanded, staring at the tip of her wand as it started to emit the same soft white light. A smile broke out across her face as she looked up at the professor.

"Well done, Miss Higurashi. I suggest you try the counter-spell now, to turn the light off," Dumbledore praised, "Nox." And with that, the light dissipated.

Kagome mimicked him again, "Nox," She said channeling her energy through the mahogany wand in her hand. The light went out, earning another smile from Kagome.

"Very good, Miss Higurashi. I suggest we move onto some spells you will be learning this year, in defence against the dark arts."

"Of course, Professor," She grinned. Kagome practically felt giddy, knowing that she would in fact be able to do magic, with some more practice of course.

"This spell is a shield spell, with some training it is capable of blocking even the killing curse," He explained, "Protego," He called out, a translucent blue wall appearing before him.

Kagome raised her wand, absentmindedly wondering if her barriers of spiritual energy could do the same, "Protego!" A similar shield to Dumbledore's sprung forth from the tip of the wand, hers being slightly less opaque than his.

"Now, Miss Higurashi. This spell stops, or diminishes all spell effects," He paused, pointing his wand at the shield he had just created, "Finite!" The shield dispersed, as if it had just evaporated.

"Finite," Kagome ordered, watching with wide eyes as her shield, too, just disappeared.

"You're doing exceptionally well, Miss Higurashi. I have no doubts you will easily pick up the rest of the spells. For now, I recommend we try a few charms, and perhaps the patronus charm."


Sirius looked around, narrowing his eyes as he searched for his air-borne target, "James, where the hell's it gone?"

"Come on, Padfoot, at least try to give me a challenge," The Potter boy smirked.

With a huff, Sirius was scanning the air around the Potter's garden, from his broomstick, with a scowl, deciding to help James practice his role as Gryffindoor's seeker was not his brightest idea, "I can't see it!"

James started laughing manically, holding his palm up to reveal the snitch caught in between his thumb and first finger, "That's because I've had it for the last twenty minutes, mate."

Sirius rolled his eyes, "You know what, I'm going to go for commentator this year, and since I'm McGonagall's favourite she'll let me have it. And let me tell you, when I get the job, I won't be talking you up."

"Pfft, sure," James said, between bouts of laughter.


In the secluded Black family manor, Bellatrix bowed before the man that her father had declared his allegiance to just a few months prior. The dark lord. Her dark, curly hair hid her eyes from the view of the man she was bowing to.

"Rise," He hissed, and she met his gaze for the first time.

He had blood-shot eyes, and pale, cracking skin, and a face somewhat similar to a snake.

"My Lord," She nodded, taking in an unsteady breath. The man had started out seven years ago, reaching out to pureblood families to join him in his use of the Dark Arts, which she was particularly skilled with, to eradicate muggles, and mudbloods, to purify the magical world.

"Bellatrix Black, daughter of Cygnus and Druella Black, pureblood witch," The dark lord rasped.

"My Lord, I know you have been looking for the sacred jewel for some time now," She paused, strengthening her resolve to seem as loyal to the dark lord as possible, "I know that the raids in Asia have been unsuccessful, but I believe I can help fix that."

"How, child?" He took a step closer, his blue eyes narrowing to slits.

"I was in Diagon Alley yesterday, My Lord. I saw a girl matching the description you gave of the jewel's protector, and she was with Dumbledore." Bellatrix explained, looking to her father before looking back at the dark lord.

"I see, so she shall be attending Hogwarts? I have a special plan for you, Bellatrix Black. The Slytherins that are loyal to me, must also be involved. I want that jewel. Give it to me, and you shall be rewarded greatly. Fail me, and you shall face the consequences," Voldemort hissed threateningly.

"I shall not fail you, My Lord."


Kagome had been struggling with one spell in particular, 'the patronus charm' Dumbledore called it.

"I find it best to think of a happy memory, and channel it through the wand," Dumbledore remarked.

Kagome nodded, having seen Dumbledore's magnificent Pheonix patronus several times already, she felt mildly put out that this was the only spell she couldn't do. She thought this time of the last time her and her second family had been together before the final battle. The group was settled under the Sacred Tree, Kirara and Shippou were running around, the small fox demon was laughing as he ran from her, Inuyasha was being friendly for once, and Sango and Miroku were sitting peacefully. That was the last time, before that battle, that she truly spent time with them.

A lone tear spilled down her face as she thought about them, and as she opened her eyes to wipe it away, blue wisps started coming out of her wand, forming a mighty dog, which was bounding around the shrine yard.

Dumbledore smiled, "Very well done, Kagome. I'm confident you'll adapt to Hogwarts well. It is getting late, I should be going. Remember, you can't use magic outside of Hogwarts, I will be seeing you again in three days."

"Goodbye, Professor," She waved, as he gave his wand a 'swish', and disappeared from the yard.


Please review, it really keeps me motivated. What's your patronus? Mine is an Ocicat, apparently. They're quite cute, but they're not exactly the most epic animals ever. Warning: There will be a time skip for the next chapter, it will take place the day before she goes to Hogwarts.