Chapter 7: Conversations


Ack! How long has it been? A month? A year? Oh dear!

A thousand apologies but it seems I won't be able to update as frequently as I did over the summer.

The real world can suck like that. So the next update probably won't be until winter break

Any way to my dear fans

Kudos to Albino-Yaoi for guessing the language it was Quenya from JRR Tolkein. Cookie for you

TeeDee and Marcella Jole' Mercilee: nice try. You get a chocolate chip for taking a guess

Twin Tails Speed : thanks for your support

Peter Kim: thanks for all the info about Malik's deck. I'll try to use it but no guarantees. Bandit Keith? Hmm. Forgot about him. We'll see if he makes an appearance. As far as Malfoy goes, he probably won't show up till much later which makes me sad because I love Malfoy.

Drama Queen Girl: To all your questions and more: Wait and see. Even I don't know where this story is going

Chi Chan Lurks: Thanks for the positive input

Legende Heroique: Thanks. You're so nice

Avi Chant: Thanks. We'll see a little more of the 'dad and son' thing next chapter

KuramaKitsueRyu: Thanks. Will do

shadowkitsune-chan: Thanks and as far as wizards not noticing, it's necessary for plot development

Thanks again for being so patient now on with the story.

Oh disclaimer first: I don't own it. Nothing, nada, zip. Okay I am poor

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"I never asked you your name," the boy said stirring in the arms of his protector.

"I told you, I am you. That's all you need to know," the spirit said adjusting himself around his young charge.

"That's not good enough. You need a name," the boy said stubbornly.

"Call me whatever you like," the darkness answered. "I gave up my true name a long time ago."

"Well what have you been called before?" the boy asked.

"Many names, I've lost count. King of Thieves, Soul Stealer, Ring Bearer, Vampire, Phantom, Demon, Devil." The boy turned and faced his spirit, a mirror image of himself with a few changes, the features sharper, the body stronger, the eyes darker, the mouth twisted into a feral grin.

"I don't think you're a devil. You grant my wishes, you give me power, you deal out justice, you damn the guilty, you're…you're a dark angel," the boy said with a smile. "My angel."

The spirit laughed, a sound that resembled more animal than human. "That is a new one. I can't say I like the name, but we'll see if you change your mind."

The boy giggled. "Goodnight Angel."

"Goodnight little one."

0.0.0

Bill and Fleur walked hand in hand down the aisle, shortly followed by everyone else looking forward to a good meal.

On the other side of the house, there was at least twenty round tables set out, each with golden plates and goblets. Harry, Ron Hermione and Ginny found a table of eight.

"Do you mind if we join you?" a soft voice asked. They looked up to see Ryou and his three Egyptian friends.

"Of course," Hermione said with a smile. "Who are your friends?"

"This is Rashid, Isis, and Malik Ishtar. Apparently they know Bill, and Isis has worked with him in Egypt. And this," Ryou said introducing the two girls to the Ishtars, "is Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley. And you already met Ron and Harry."

"A pleasure," Isis said speaking for her silent brothers.

Shortly after the dinner was served, magically appearing on the plates.

"Wow, this is even better than a Hogworts feast," Ron said eagerly digging in.

"Hogworts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy?" Isis asked

"Uh-huh. Best bloody school in history," Ron said over a mouthful of lasagna.

"Yes I am familiar with it," Isis said with a knowing smile.

"And Professor Dumbledore? He was the greatest." But he looked troubled and shoved more food in his mouth so he wouldn't have to talk.

Isis nodded understandingly and dropped the subject. After dinner, the music started . A single wizard, stood as conductor, and directed instruments without musicians. "That must take a lot of talent." Isis murmured, watching as the man controlled string and brass in perfect harmony.

"Come on Ron, let's dance," Hermione said, grabbing Ron by the arm. Ron turned a deep shade of red and stumbled after her. Fortunately he remembered enough from his fourth year dance lesson, not to make a complete fool of himself.

"Will you dance with me, Harry?" Ginny asked. Harry hesitated for a few seconds before he relented and led Ginny to the dance floor.

Malik turned toward Ryou, prepared to have a heart to heart with the tomb robber. The spirit had switched places with his host sometime during the ceremony. Apparently the spirit was kind enough to think it would be a waste for Ryou to miss his first wedding.

But before Malik could even ask for Bakura , they were joined by none other than Bill and Fleur.

"Isis, I'm so glad you came," Bill said sitting in Harry's empty seat.

"Oh Bill, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," Isis said with a smile. "I'm so happy for you. You were always were the type to find joy when everyone else saw sorrow."

Bill smiled. "Yeah that's what you told me after you rescued me from that tomb of shadows."

Isis nodded. "Yes. Most people would have gone insane with despair but you kept your cool. I was truly impressed."

Bill shook his head. "I think if I had spent a few more minutes in that place, I really would have gone insane."

Isis noticed Ryou's questioning stare.

"What exactly did he get himself into?" Ryou asked, curious.

"Well, as you know our family guards many forbidden treasures and secret tombs. But sometimes things that should have not been forgotten are lost. One of these lost places was the Shrine of Wedju, a house for the ka of priests, peasants, and even gods. Over the millennia the sands of time had buried its secrets. Recently it was partially excavated by Pegasus J Crawford. Gringotts had reason to suppose that the shrine was of wizard origin and sent Bill to investigate." Isis explained.

Bill nodded, "Well, I went deeper than I should have gone and ran into some trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Ryou asked even though he had a good idea of what Bill meant.

"There were the usual traps and protection spells, but a lot of darker things I wasn't familiar with, monsters I had never seen before. And the whole time it felt like dementors were sucking me dry but my patronus wouldn't work," Bill said gravely.

"As fate would have it, I was also there investigating. Rumors had crept down to us that Shadi had made contact with Pegasus. Knowing that it is impossible to find Shadi when he doesn't want to be found, I decided to check in on Pegasus. At the very least, I thought I could reinforce the barriers to prevent Pegasus from awakening something best left alone." Isis said, a small smile beginning to form. "One could say I was guided to Bill. I gave him a hand with the guardians and led him out."

"Really Isis, you're being modest. When you say it, it sounds like I had everything under control. You can be so dramatic in foretelling the future or a tale from the past but you were never very good at telling your own story," Bill said fondly.

"Bill I think you're the one not giving yourself credit," Isis said "The way you would tell it, I would be the knight in shinning armor and you would be the damsel in distress."

"I wouldn't take it that far. But I am man enough to admit I have never been so scared in my life. One thing for sure. I will never set foot in another shadow temple again," Bill said firmly.

"That is a path I do not see before you. The shadows have been known to call to our hearts. We run but we always return. Let's say that I look forward to working with you again," Isis said smoothly.

"I really do love Egypt," Bill said demurely.

Fleur gave a slight cough and muttered something that sounded like, "As long as that's all you love down zere." Throughout the whole conversation she was feeling a little left out and though she was not jealous, (Fleur Delacour was never jealous) it did make her pout. Isis smiled politely and took the hint.

"Well Bill all this reminiscing is fine but I think you have a hundred other guest who would like the same honor," she said taking a sip of her punch.

"I guess you're right. Come on Fleur. We're the most popular people here. I think we're in for a long busy night," Bill said standing up and offering Fleur his hand.

Fleur nodded placing her hand in her husband's. "Goodbye Isis dear," with a wave, all resentment forgotten as she gazed into Bill's loving eyes.

"I still can't believe you're related to her," Malik said to Ryou, his eyes still on Fleur. "I mean I know you look alike but I'd never guess you had witches and veelas in your family."

"I always suspected it. I sensed the magic in his blood," a sharp voice said. Once again the tomb robber had dropped in unannounced. Malik chose to show his disapproval by ignoring the spirit. Bakura continued on anyway. "I saw his mother once before she died. She was special." His tone was neutral and his eyes were distant.

Malik frowned slightly. "Kinda strange how the mom and the sister died right after you showed up."

"What are you trying to imply?" Bakura's voice was dangerous It was a tone Malik had never heard before; an anger that the tomb robber didn't even display to those he was about to kill. Malik felt a slight chill run through him. There was a deadly warning in that voice and Malik knew immediately that he had overstepped his bounds.

"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it," Malik said quickly.

"Yes you did. But I feel generous so I'll ignore it," Bakura said returning to his usual moody self.

Malik nodded, a wave of relief washing over him. But he also cursed himself. He had never given in to the tomb robber so quickly, but it was a low blow. He should know that however much the spirit liked to give Ryou a hard time, he would never hurt him that deeply.

"I know you want to talk about certain things. Come let's take a walk," Bakura said getting up.

"Yeah all right," Malik agreed.

"Where are you two going?" Isis said suspiciously.

"No where," they both answered at the same time.

Isis eyes narrowed. "I don't trust either of you. But I'll let you go. There's no point trying to stop the inevitable. Sooner or later the two of you will start trouble."

Both boys, gratefully for Isis good mood., quickly found a place to themselves .

"All right start talking," Malik said leaning against an oak tree. "When did you get my rod?"

"Correction it was the pharaoh's rod when you gave it to him and now it is mine. You're just borrowing it," Bakura responded.

"That still doesn't answer my question. When did you get it? How?" Malik said a little annoyed.

"It was so simple it was rather disappointing," Bakura said with a short laugh. "Did you know that when the Pharaoh left for America he left the items in the care of a single old man?"

Malik narrowed his eyes. "What did you do?" he asked suspiciously, just the barest hint of alarm in his voice.

"Really Malik, I'm almost offended. Did you really think I would kill Yugi's grandfather? It would have been pointless."

"It would have angered the pharaoh. Ra knows you're always looking for some way to piss him off." Malik said, his voice still tense.

"True but to cause the pharaoh true anguish, it would be far better to kill the old in man in front of him. There's nothing that hurts more than being unable to protect the ones you love, to be completely helpless," the spirit said in a cold, hollow voice He gazed at Malik, his face blank and impassive.

Malik was silent for a long time. At times, he still didn't know what to make of the ancient tomb robber. Although they shared many similarities, it was still difficult to know what the other was thinking. Finally he asked "Why give it to me?"

"Because now you're useful," Bakura said with a smirk.

"Useful?" Malik said eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Yes an item holder is a far more useful accomplice than some hotheaded punk," Bakura replied.

"Why would I help you?" Malik demanded.

"Because you'll like it better than the alternative," the tomb robber said with a mischievous grin.

"Oh, and what's that?" Malik said sourly.

"Three alternatives actually. One: returning to Egypt under the constant scrutiny of your clan," Bakura said holding up one finger.

Malik flinched at this suggestion. Most of his relatives still had not forgiven him for his betrayal, constantly talking behind his back, shooting disapproving glares, and generally making his life miserable. It was actually somewhat a relief when they went to England.

"Alternative two: you can travel with your sister's exhibit. I hear they're going to launch a tour of Europe." Bakura continued holding up a second finger.

Malik shook his head at this. He already knew that exhibit inside an out. Even Isis had grown weary of duel monsters and apocalyptic visions. She had relinquished control of the pieces to a cousin, a cousin Malik did not like.

"And finally alternative three: you can join your sister at her new job in Hogwarts," Bakura said with a very wicked grin holding up the third finger.

Malik stared at the tomb robber, mouth slightly open, until he finally found his voice. "What did you say?"

"Your sister was offered a job at Hogwarts. Transfiguration teacher." Bakura said as if it was common knowledge. "Don't tell me she didn't tell you?"

"How do you know?" Malik asked, still not ready to believe it was true.

"I'm a thief. Knowledge is a precious commodity in my line of work. It's my job to know," Bakura said with a positively evil grin.

Malik spluttered, speechless. He couldn't get the words out of his mouth.

"I see you are troubled. Talk it over with your sister if you don't believe me. My offer will still stand in the morning." Bakura said still smirking.

"What exactly is your offer?"

"A road trip of sorts. One that promises to be quite entertaining. First stop: Godric's Hollow."

0.0.0.

Harry looked on the merrymaking with an expression similar to nostalgia, as if this moment was already in the past and he was far, far away. He was reserved and silent, knowing a dark path lay before him and a heavy burden was on his shoulders. He still wasn't sure if the prospect of Ron and Hermione accompanying him oh his doomsday mission was a good idea or not. There was a good chance (a very good chance) they might all die. He knew he could never live with himself if anything happened to his friends. It would be wise to leave them at Godric's Hollow. But would he be able to do it? Given his own desperate need for his friends and Ron and Hermione's stubbornness, leaving them behind might prove impossible. He gave a mental shrug. Que será será. All he could do was face it and hope for the best.

It was starting to get dark and the bride and groom were turning in for the night. A luxurious tent was set up outside the house. The colors and structure made it resemble more of a castle than a tent and knowing wizard tents, Harry knew that if the outside was this lavish, the inside would be pure magic. The bride and groom bid their adieus and thanked everyone, then went to enjoy a more intimate setting. With a few choice spells, the mess was cleaned up, the decorations vanished, and the illusions lifted. Harry crept away to his bedroom, hoping to avoid everyone, but was surprised to see Ryou already in bed. 'But then again, he doesn't seem to be the social type,' Harry thought to himself.

"Hello Harry," Ryou said looking up. He was reading a letter.

"Oh hi. Er…great wedding huh?" Harry said trying to be friendly. For some reason Ryou struck him as creepy. Especially when he was among the shadows.

"I suppose. It was magical."

Harry couldn't tell if he said it with humor or sarcasm. Harry was about to turn to his own bed when Ryou's voice called out to him. "Harry." In fact it was almost hypnotic. Harry turned, not knowing what to expect.

"Where did you get this," Ryou asked softly.

At first Harry didn't even know what he was talking about. Then he saw the letter, saw it was a small fragment of ancient parchment and recognized it. Anger boiled in him and he glared at Ryou. "That's mine," he said through gritted teeth. Ryou didn't seem fazed at all. In fact, he looked rather amused.

" 'To the dark lord.' Had a career change eh, Harry?" Ryou said with a dark smile.

"Give it back!" Harry yelled. He didn't know why he was so angry. Maybe it was his only clue, but it was more likely because Dumbledore died for that scrap of paper. And Dumbledore dying in vain was more than Harry could handle.

"Now why should I do that?" Ryou said with a slow smile. "And unless you really are the dark lord, it seems that you have stolen this. Now I have stolen it from you fair and square."

"Why would you want it? It's no use to you!" Harry said trying to bring his temper in check.

"And you find use in it? Do you even know who R.A.B is?" Ryou said with a strange glint in his eye.

Hary glanced warily at Ryou. Could this even be the same quiet boy that he had been sharing a room with?

"No? I didn't think so," Ryou smirked. "Did you think that if you stared at it long enough, the answer would come to you? Ha!"

Harry lunged at the silver haired boy trying to get the paper when before he knew what happened, he was pinned on his back. His arms held down, his legs trapped, with Ryou's face mere centimeters away from his own. He felt the other boy's hot steady breath and saw his cold smile.

"Relax Harry. I'm not here for a fight. At least, not yet," Ryou said calmly.

"What do you want then?" Harry said with narrowed eyes. He didn't trust Ryou right now.

"Just answer this question. How did a baby defeat one of the greatest wizards of all time?"

Harry's mouth opened slightly. He was experiencing a strange sense of devajvu.

"My mother," Harry said after a pause. "She died to save me." He didn't know why he was telling the truth, but he was tired of explaining.

"Protection magic?" Ryou murmured. "Ancient, very ancient. Was it just a fluke? Or could she have intentionally preformed it? I had heard rumors, but I was skeptically to believe that a modern day witch could do such a thing, or that the dark lord would have fallen to something so simple." He laughed harshly. "That was quite pathetic of him."

Harry stared at the other boy, speechless. He didn't know what to make of him. The Japanese boy couldn't have been a death eater. He was too bold, yet spoke of Voldemort with almost a familiarity. Who could he be?

"I'll tell you what Harry," Ryou said with a teasing smile. "I won't kill you. In fact I'll let you continue on until your final confrontation with the dark lord. I think a battle will be good for the both of you. If sources are correct, the two of you seem gravitate toward each other and will continue to do so until one kills the other. So far be it for me to interrupt."

Harry glared still not knowing what to make of all this.

"So instead Harry Potter. I will watch you. I confess, you intrigue me. Understand I do not offer my allegiance, but I promise you will not die until you face the dark lord. Then all bets are off."

Harry stared at Ryou uncomprehending "Why are you doing this?"

"Let's just say I made a promise to a little brat prince. So I will see this through." His eyes became almost gentle as if remembering something cherished and sad at the same time. "Relax, Harry." Ryou said soothingly, finally getting up off the boy-who-lived and guiding him toward his own bed. Ryou placed a hand on Harry forehead. "Sleep. Let the shadows of dreams embrace you." Harry found himself compliant, and submitted himself to sleep. Harry felt his eyes close under that hypnotic voice and he gave way to darkness. He dreamed of shadows and red eyes.

0.0.0

/What did you talk to Harry about?/ Ryou asked after finding the mental block lifted. He was in control of his body now.

/This and that/ his yami said playfully

/Come on, no secrets. Just tell me why at least/ Ryou said

/Two reasons. One I had to confirm some suspisions. And two: to plant an idea in his head/ /Bakura said.

/Which was?/ Ryou asked.

/Something between an encouragement and a warning/

/Yami. Please don't tease me/ Ryou said with a pout.

/But its so much fun. Very well. I merely conveyed to Harry that interested third parties are watching/

/He won't hate me in the morning. Will he?/ Ryou asked cautiously. Too often had his yami ended a friendship without Ryou's knowledge. It always made for a sad and awkward morning.

/Unlikely. He probably will think the whole encounter was a dream anyway/

/Thank you yami/ Ryou said smiling.

/Bah I didn't do it for you. It's just more convenient if he doesn't suspect us/ Bakura growled

/Okay. Oyasuminasai/

/Good night hikari/

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End of chapter 7

Review please

Criticism welcome