Disclaimer: Inuyasha and Harry Potter belong to their respective authors/owners.
A/N: So what was Kagome doing during Tom's play?
Thank you to everyone who reviewed and shared their input, each one helped! LM Kitsune, HalfBlackWolfDemon, Lovelywitch and futilelives for helping me clear up a few things that might've strayed into a plot-hole XD
Just A Riddle Away
-Chapter 8-
..:IX:..
When Kagome had been alerted by her Souta-indicator during Tom's first possession of Souta, she had made a note to see her brother afterward. The feeling of intense concentration had rushed through her and while not impossible, it wasn't exactly usual. She trusted Tom to help Souta out with his problems; difficult homework or anything else, but there was also the possibility that the young First Year was being bullied and as the older sister, Kagome wouldn't sit idly by.
The latter thought had come during mid-day and bothered the Apprentice. Kagome had glared at a group of older students who were mocking Souta about something. They wisely ceased, head bowed and left. Her younger brother had genuinely smiled at her and reassured her that he was fine. He even laughed at how the 'sweet Apprentice' could wordlessly command even the superior Slytherins and stubborn Gryffindors. She did have more than enough past experience.
Of course, that was on that occasion. Throughout the month, the Shikon didn't react but Kagome's miko side felt more protective over Souta. The magical orb was only an empty indicator now, something her battled-scarred experience highlighted. She gave her younger brother more hugs and affection along with insistent reminders to Tom to help Souta when and if he needed it. Although Kagome spoke less to Tom, she felt he was often a little tired and sometimes pushed some extra magic into him.
The feelings of caution and protectiveness also made Kagome aware of Draco Malfoy. If she hugged or ruffled Souta's hair and the Second Year was nearby, he looked…envious. Just paying more attention to him and Professor Snape, without resorting to eavesdropping, she discovered he lacked an openly affectionate childhood. He did have parents who loved and spoiled him, but pureblood upbringing discouraged such behaviour. Noticing him came about as a surprise, but she was aware of other students from all Houses. With her nature and smiles, Miss Higurashi became the preferred person who was approached for Potion-related help. Thus, Kagome was kept steadily busy.
…o…o…
For a Potion Apprentice, choosing ingredients and equipment was part of the training. Simply buying from a catalogue was disgraceful, unless of course, she had enough past experience to know that that particular order-by-owl apothecary was exceptional and still, that was the last resort for when there wasn't enough time. Fortunately, Kagome already knew a great deal of gathering the materials herself, so every now and then, Apprentice Higurashi was assigned to visit some apothecaries to restock the private potion laboratory.
Evidently, having a younger brother and his friends, she'd be making rounds to the confectionery shops. Kagome was glad that her Diagon Alley excursion wasn't broadcast further because, looking at her potion list, it would take a while. This was after Professor Snape had spread the list over multiple visits too. She glanced again at the Muggle photograph Colin had given her, since that would guarantee the pet rat wouldn't move from sight, she'd have to keep an eye out for that too. Apparently, a Gryffindor's pet had gone missing and Colin volunteered to produce some posters and Kagome got involved along the way. She didn't mind even if she never met the pet or owner, but she didn't like it how her, or Souta's, success of finding the creature would 'prove that they're not the typical Slytherins'. Surely the opposition could argue that they'd captured the pet in the first place and then gave it back to show fake goodwill.
Kagome sighed, but was brought out from her thoughts when she felt a tingle of something familiar. She blocked out the outside noise and concentrated, the feeling was very faint and moving. Pocketing the photograph in between the folded list and in her robe, she curiously walked towards the tingle. It wasn't like Tom's; this was in a living body.
She followed the sensation to one of the apothecaries along the border, but probably more in Knockturn Alley than Diagon Alley. Shadows cast from the wobbly weathervane made the entrance a little more ominous, nevertheless Kagome pushed the heavy door further aside and walked in. The usual smell of apothecary was layered with large amounts of old blood and Kagome was starting to doubt coming into this place when she was able to pinpoint the insistent tingling; in the form of a man.
In the scattered lighting, she could reasonably make out his appearance. His clothes had seen better days, but he wore them comfortably. At this distance, Kagome could also distinguish more of the tingle; it felt like magic, European magic, and diluted wolf youkai, but not quite. The owner was arguing with the man, disagreeing with the price or something. She took another step closer and saw his back straighten, hardly noticeably if she wasn't observing. The argument ceased with the man abruptly deciding to leave, but making a wide circle away from Kagome to the exit.
…
"Excuse me, sir!" Kagome called after him, he sped up, obviously having heard her. She increased her pace too; trekking around the Feudal Era wasn't for nothing. "Excuse me, please!" This reaction was similar to the ones back then, youkai either turned aggressive or fled when they felt her power or presence, but Kagome was determined. "I'm not here to hurt you," She said it softer than her earlier cries, hoping he'd still hear her and realise that she was sincere.
His pace slowed down until it came to a halt, "What do you want from me?" He was still turned away from her when she caught up to stand beside him.
She hadn't thought of that yet, "I…I'm Kagome Higurashi and I just wanted to talk to you."
He finally faced her, his face seemed tired, so she smiled hopefully at him. "Fine."
…
They sat down in a quiet café, both with Butterbeer and in silence. Kagome didn't want to rush things and waited for the man to drink some of the cheery drink.
"I'm Remus Lupin," he finally began, "I don't know why you'd want to talk to me."
"Well, Mr. Lupin, I know you're different…" Kagome answered, hesitantly watching his face, "but I've met and made friends with people similar to you. I honestly just wanted to talk."
Mr. Lupin nodded slowly, "What do you know about me exactly?"
"Not much," she replied truthfully, "but I think I might know why you'd feel the need to run from me."
"Oh really? That was the part where I acted on instinct; I don't know the reason behind it. Is it something you can tell me, or is it best to keep me in the dark?" He tried to hide it, but Kagome thought he seemed a little bitter.
"It is my secret to keep, but I can tell you if you promise to hold it safe," Kagome continued after receiving a nod, "I have slightly different magic that, traditionally, was used to fight against…"
"My kind?" Mr. Lupin interrupted in a low voice.
"More like trouble-makers who took full advantage of their superior abilities," she had to be careful, things might be different in Europe and she didn't want to spill everything.
"Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Well, no, I also wanted to ask if you've met anyone who seemed…more…," Kagome struggled to find an appropriate word, dropping her voice down, "wolf-life?"
Mr. Lupin moved to stand up, looking insulted, "I don't associate with…"
Kagome grabbed at his wrist, "Don't you dare…I have friends very dear to me and don't you dare insult them. I'm sorry if you've had a harsh life, but blaming it on others will get you nowhere. Excuse me if I've wasted your time."
…
"I'm sorry! Wait, please," he ran after her when she exited the café.
"Yes?" She inquired neutrally.
"Sorry, I just…I just never met anyone so passionate about 'that'. I was a little defensive, but I didn't mean to be rude. Shall we start again? Hello, I'm Remus Lupin, currently on odd jobs." He stuck out his hand for her to shake.
She glanced at his earnest eyes, took the offered hand and smiled, "Kagome Higurashi, Potion Apprentice, nice to meet you."
"So Miss Higurashi," he pronounced the name slowly and carefully that it brought laughter from Kagome, "what are you here for in Diagon Alley?"
"Shopping for potion ingredients actually, along with a dozen different types of candy, I have a whole list from my brother and his friends." He chuckled as Kagome pulled out the list to show him, but it quickly died when he caught sight of the photograph.
Mr. Lupin pointed towards it, calmly asking, "Where did you get this?"
"Oh, my brother's friend had taken this earlier in the year. A Gryffindor's pet rat had been missing for a while, so I was given a still photograph to help look for it," Kagome explained.
"Mind if I keep this? I can help find this rat."
"Sure," Kagome watched him cautiously put away the photograph, "I'll owl you if we've found it first." Kagome looked directly at him and he knew, that she knew, this was his secret.
"Thanks."
…
Kagome later found out that the pet rat had reappeared, bitten Harry Potter and left again, with surprising vigor. Kagome kept her promise and wrote to Remus Lupin about the incident. Then Professor Snape had suddenly become increasingly busy and Kagome's workload increased as well. That Tom-like feeling on Professor Snape's arm fluctuated, from becoming fuzzier to more distinct, normal, and back again. The Apprentice worked to exhaustion and spoke less to Tom since they both seemed tired. It was an overwhelming month.
…o…o…
It was October 31st, Halloween and Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's Deathday Party. Kagome had been invited but Professor Snape had assigned her a potion requiring continuous supervision. She would have still made it early to the Feast or Deathday Party if she didn't have a lengthy discussion with the man beforehand. Having insisted on finishing the potion, she was running late.
On her way there, Kagome met the Potions Master but he didn't stop when she greeted him. Seeing his purposeful stride towards the mass of people, she decided to briefly inspect the commotion. As she neared, she heard Lockhart's distinct voice, then the Headmaster's reply. Professor Dumbledore led the way through the parting crowd as the other professors and three Gryffindors followed. Kagome asked a few students nearby; they remained eerily quiet but pointed to the wall.
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.
ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.
Professor Snape caught her eye and motioned her to follow.
"Bits of information are more dangerous than the whole or nothing," he told her softly, "You are my apprentice; I trust you will think wisely before leaping to conclusions." Kagome nodded in response and he seemed satisfied.
…
They arrived in a place not resembling an office. A few pictures of Lockhart winked at her and most were playing hairdressers. The Headmaster placed down an unmoving cat and was closely examining it, with Lockhart unhelpfully distracting. Professor Snape stood back behind the small crowd and inquired her view.
"Lifeless, not moving, but still alive so it's not due to a lack of soul…Mrs. Norris is probably Petrified."
"Quite right, Kagome," Professor Dumbledore straightened up, surprising them with his hearing, "Argus, she's still alive, not dead."
Filch's fingers were minutely trembling as he held them in front of his face. Kagome's face softened, the man was so caring towards Mrs. Norris and had reluctantly accepted her because the cat did. When he started shrieking at Mr. Potter, she decided to try and soothe the Caretaker.
"Argus Filch," Kagome said softly, but managed to obtain his attention. She walked over and stroked Mrs. Norris' motionless head, "Petrified, which means a Mandrake Restorative Draught can cure her, right Professor Snape?"
"Indeed, but perhaps Potter and his friends can enlighten us about the circumstances that led them to the corridor…" The edges of his mouth curled as he continued fracturing the students' defence, in which Filch agreed and vocally demanded punishment. Meanwhile the Headmaster peered intently at Mr. Potter, almost as if reading his mind…
"Severus, innocent until proven guilty," he said firmly, cutting off Kagome's train of thought, "Argus, as Kagome and Severus said, a potion can be made to revive Mrs. Norris. Professor Sprout recently managed to procure some Mandrakes and I will have the potion made when they reach their full size."
"I'll make it," Lockhart piped up, probably desiring attention, "I can also give you a few pointers," he leered at Kagome, "I could whip up a Mandrake Restorative Draught in my sleep…" Not the best idea, considering who Lockhart was.
"Excuse me," Professor Snape interrupted icily, "but I believe I am the Potions Master at this school. Failing that, my apprentice is perfectly capable, by herself."
The Headmaster excused the students and they hurried off, just short of running. The other occupants returned to their duties soon after, exiting the room with slight relief. When Kagome made back to her room, she absentmindedly smiled, Professor Snape had complimented her.
..:IX:..
A/N: I went back to the original/canon book for help on the last scene, so did include a few lines of dialogue from there, though slightly altered.
Has anyone noticed that the Headmaster refers to some professors by their first name and others more formally?
.
Appreciate everyone who has read this far! And those who voted in the poll!
Airily
P.S. A few one-shots are being written and on their way to getting submitted! Finally. XD
Edited: 04/07/09
Many thanks to my beta for this project, aislin94!
