A/N: Thank you all for your lovely reviews! It really makes me happy to see so many lovely people liking my story. Puzzleshipping? I don't know what you are talking about *whistles innocently*. I'm trying to build up their relationship. No rushing things here.
Lady Avotil: didn't you know that all her stories have been removed. When you click on her profile she has a lovely goodbye note.
Hope you all like this chapter. Read and review! And if anyone is willing to make me some cover art *puppy dog eyes* pretty please.
Warning for this chapter: I could say some OOC but most of my characters turn out slightly OOC.
Chapter 8
The One Who Killed
Haruto sucked in a breath before entering the classroom. The moment his eyes landed on his teacher Haruto lowered his eyes, all courage gone from his system once more. He gave the professor a silent apology and took his seat next to Neville. The blonde was looking at him, worry etched on his round face.
The raven head withdrew himself slightly, not even trying to pay attention to the class. He didn't really care if this meant he would get a detention or points taken away. Haruto kept his hands under his desk, clenching them into fists before unclenching them. He rubbed his slightly sweaty hands on his trousers, trying to get the tingling feeling to stop. Haruto could still feel the older man's breath on his face, those horrid red eyes staring menacingly into his own and hissing out all the threats a dead man could possibly give.
…flashback…
Haruto shivered at the cold and tried not to flinch when another Shadow brushed past him. He really just wanted to turn back and get out of this corridor, but something drew him in. The cold whispers that spoke of a lost treasure and power such as no one had ever seen before. The raven head followed those whispered conversations against his better judgement, but something deep inside of him told the eleven year old that this was important. That it was something he had too see for himself. All the students and teachers were down in the Great Hall for lunch, so he wouldn't be disturbed in his wandering around the school unless he would bump into the Weasley twins and their friend Jordan again. Even Filch would leave him alone because Mrs Norris seemed to like him enough. Haruto would often talk with the animals in the castle. They sometimes flocked around him, some demanding attention while others were simply happy to accompany him wherever he was going at that moment.
The little raven head turned into a corridor which was rarely used and described by most students as creepy. Even the ghosts avoided this corridor and they had advised Haruto to do the same. When the raven head had asked why, Nick had replied that there was a classroom in that particular corridor which should be left alone.
Haruto peered into the darkened corridor, one of the few which weren't lit by candles or torches. The suits of armour seemed to rattle a little as a cold wind swept through them. Curious Haruto stepped into the abandoned corridor, trying to stay in the middle so he wouldn't have to touch the Shadowy walls. His footsteps echoed along the corridor, disturbing the pressing silence which had cloaked the hallway. Haruto wondered if he should ask Kuriboh to accompany him, but he shook his head. It didn't seem too scary and he had promised his Onii-san in his last letter that he would be brave.
So his little feet guided the way down the darkened corridor, passing empty walls and shaking suits of armour. Haruto had thought that there were portraits and tapestries every where at Hogwarts, but this hallway was completely void. He passed a single door which was left slightly opened and Haruto, giving in completely to his curiosity, opened it a little further. The sound of whispers followed the raven head into the abandoned classroom. The Shadows rushed past him, leaving the little Gryffindor shaking from cold and fear. His green gaze followed the restless Shadows as they moved over the walls and floor, past the rude comments on the blackboard and the creaking chairs and tables only to stop and circle the immense mirror in the middle. They hummed and danced, bouncing back as they tried to move through the old mirror. The Shadows hissed and turned before whispering about ancient and delicious magic.
Haruto frowned and took a deep breath before moving forward. It looked like an ordinary mirror, decorated in an ancient frame which hummed a little, almost telling him to take a look. Keeping a safe distance, Haruto squinted at the decorative letters. Realising he couldn't make any sense of them he stepped a little closer, mouthing the words on the frame. "Erised stra ehru oy tube cafru oyt on wohsi."
The raven head tilted his head slightly as he tried to figure out what it could mean, when the surface of the mirror shimmered slightly. Startled, Haruto took a step back, not wanting to get in trouble for unleashing some strange and ancient magic. His eyes were glued onto the reflection of the mirror the moment it released its magic into the glass. He recognised those people. "Jii-chan," the raven head whispered. "Onii-chan." His two only and favourite family members first looked at each other and then up at him, smiling and waving cheerfully.
Haruto took a hesitant step forward when he noticed more people gathering inside the mirror's reflective surface. Anzu-chan and Miho-san and Chiyoko-sensei, but also people who he had never met before. A lady with beautiful fiery red hair and green eyes just like his and a man with hazel eyes and black, messy hair similar to his own. He could see his resemblance in them and Haruto wondered if these were his birth parents. More people appeared the longer he stared. Neville-kun and even Hermione-chan with, which Haruto assumed, their family members. Everyone seemed to be smiling, holding hands and talking with each other as if they were friends.
Green eyes lingered a little longer on his birth parents before he turned to look at his Jii-chan and Onii-chan again. He sighed happily at the sight, seeing them smiling and carefree. Suddenly something appeared next to his older brother, something which made him blink in surprise. The silhouette of a man placing a comforting hand on Yuugi's shoulder. The shorter teenager turned and smiled up happily at the man, leaning back in the comfort of the older man's embrace. Haruto tried to focus on the stranger's face, but all he could make out were the man's eyes. They were almost crimson red.
"Iya," he muttered softly and reached for the mirror as if trying to get through, but the moment his hand touched the glass his skin burned. The Gryffindor hissed in pain and quickly pulled his hand back. "Now that is an interesting reaction," a voice said from behind him and Haruto spun around to watch professor Quirrell entering the classroom fully. The man's turban was half undone and there was an almost red gleam in his eyes. The Shadows almost seemed to multiply the moment the man entered, making Haruto take a step back towards the mirror. The stuttering professor's posture had changed from scared and timid to confident and powerful.
"S-sensei?" Haruto stuttered, blinking rapidly and clenching his fists trying not to show his fear. The older man sneered while another laughed a high cackling laugh. A sound the raven head vaguely linked to another time and place. "Look who's stuttering now," the voice hissed, the sound almost snake like. "It seems our little Harry Potter has got a sense for adventure after all."
Magic swelled inside of the classroom, making it almost impossible for Haruto to breathe and the Shadows around them whispered of painful things. Haruto flinched as another pushed against the mirror, closing the space between boy and object. "Turn Quirrell, I wish to speak with our little Harry Potter face to face."
"Are you sure my Lord?" Quirrell began, turning as if he was speaking to someone behind him.
"Yes I am quite sure Quirrell," the voice spoke in an irritated fashion and the DADA professor flinched, showing his scared side once more. "Turn us or face our wrath." The shaking man turned and completely removed his turban. Haruto sucked in a breath as another face pushed its way out of the professor's head. Blood red eyes, far colder then those he had just seen in the mirror, stared down at him. The man sneered menacingly at the Gryffindor and he hissed in displeasure, clearly not happy with the situation he was in. "Hello little Harry Potter," he hissed even if he didn't seem too interested in polite conversation. "My how you have grown these past ten years."
Quirrell silenced his sharp intake of breath with a dry cough and the man who shared the back of the professor's head didn't seem amused, but ignored it. "I wonder if you recognise me. It was you who reduced me to this state after all."
Rooted to the spot, Haruto let the man talk while the raven head focussed on the Shadows. They spoke a different story. A man of many names, claiming to be a Lord of Death and Decay, murdering his way through the magical realm while searching for immortality. They hissed and laughed at the failure before them, speaking of broken toys and corrupt leaders and followers. Insanity, hissed a few while others claimed his body had rotten with hatred. They spoke of a Riddle, but after a few seconds Haruto realised that it was a name and not a rhyme.
"Nazo?" Haruto asked in a half whisper and the Shadows around the classroom laughed, sending shivers down his spine. "Ridoru."
Blood red eyes narrowed, staring down at the raven head in a threatening manner. "What did you call me?"
"Riddle," Haruto said again and the Shadows doubled in size again as magic leaked into the room. The raven head took another half step back, nearly bumping into the mirror as the man cried out in rage. "You dare use that filthy name!" the man shouted, forcing Quirrell to step backwards to close the distance between him and the shaking Gryffindor. "He put you up to this didn't he?"
"I didn't…," the raven head started, this time not caring that the Shadows closed ranks around him as long as the DADA professor with the mad red eyes in the back of his head stayed away.
"What has he told you? Has he filled your pretty head with lies? Well let me tell you something child, if it hadn't been for your mother you would have died. But your mother isn't here to safe you now. Kill him Quirrell and be done with it."
The DADA professor rushed forwards, launching himself on the trembling teen who squeaked before taking off. Quirrell crashed into the mirror, breaking it into tiny fragments of smiling hope as he fell onto the floor with it. Haruto scattered around the classroom, trying to get back to the door but a blast of magic forced him to hide underneath the turned over tables and chairs. "Kuriboh!" he screamed, forcing his friend to surface and multiply, creating a barrier of hairy puffballs between Haruto and the mad professor.
"What is this?" Riddle screamed and when Quirrell couldn't come up with a satisfying answer the DADA professor screamed in agony. "Then blast it away and get to the boy. He has lived long enough and I will have my body returned once the child is dead."
It didn't make a lot of sense what was happening but Haruto didn't plan on finding out any time soon. He quickly summoned Chaos Command Magician and asked for help. "How may I be of service?" the impressive magician asked, taking a defensive position in front of Haruto as a hole was created in the Kuriboh wall. It was quickly filled but Haruto knew that it wouldn't last much longer. "There is a man with a spirit attached to his body. The spirit has taken possession of the sensei and is now trying to harm me."
Another magic blast washed over Haruto and the Gryffindor shivered at the painful blast. He felt a little dizzy when Kuriboh forced more energy from him. "La Jinn will be able to seal the spirit within his lamp once the spirit is detached from the man," the green magician spoke, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Chanel your magic into me Haruto-sama and call back the Kuriboh so I can separate the two."
The raven head nodded and sat on the floor with his legs folded underneath him, his arms stretched out in front of him. He closed his eyes and searched the darkness which linked to that realm until he found the Shadow Spirit he was looking for. "I summon you La Jinn, Mystical Genie of the Lamp!" The darker Spirit appeared before him and Haruto quickly pushed his magic towards the Chaos Command Magician.
The room hummed with a different type of magic and Kuriboh disappeared when another blast of the professor's magic pushed past the barrier. Haruto could hear the insane man scream at him as well as at Quirrell, telling the professor to hurry up and kill the raven head. The Gryffindor tried to focus, pushing all his available magic at his trusted Magician. He didn't dare open his eyes to see what was happening in case his concentration messed up the attempt the Magician made at separating the man from the red eyed spirit.
"What are you doing?" the spirit hissed. "Blast him, kill him." But the professor didn't seem to be able to and the raven head could no longer resist. The moment Haruto opened his green eyes the Magician stopped chanting. A magical circled had spread around the DADA professor and while it glowed both man and spirit screamed. It was as if an invisible hand was trying to pull the spirit out of Quirrell. First the head, then the shoulders and torso followed. The hands clawed at the body the Hogwarts professor, leaving deep cashed and tares in the man's body and clothes.
Quirrell screamed in pain as the last of Riddle was pulled out of his body. The man fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes, a look of pure agony fixed on his face. Once on the floor the DADA professor twitched a little before stopping all movement completely. "La Jinn, seal that spirit into the lamp!" Haruto commanded before Riddle could flee the classroom.
Riddle howled in anger and was dragged cursing and screaming into the lamp. "I will get you for this Potter," he screamed just before he disappeared. "Just you wait."
…end flashback…
Haruto had woken up an hour later after fainting from exhaustion. He quickly escaped the classroom, only briefly wondering if he should tell the nurse about what had happened to professor Quirrell and where to find him, but had decided against it. What if they thought he was dangerous and should be locked up into a prison? No, if he simply denied ever being there…
And so the raven head had simply rushed to his afternoon class, not really paying attention to anything which was being said. Everything just kept replaying inside his head and he couldn't shake the feeling that he might have actually killed Quirrell in the process. "Just leave us alone Malfoy," Neville suddenly said from next to Haruto but the image of the lifeless figure of the DADA professor plagued him enough to not really care what was being said.
"Yes because you are doing such a great job at getting your little friend to respond Longbottom," the Malfoy heir responded but in a friendlier tone then his usual sneer. "Wake up Mutou."
The use of Japanese shocked Haruto into action. It might have only been a few hesitant words and his pronunciation really needed work, but hearing it made Haruto seek out those grey eyes of the Slytherin. "Nani? Ano… Malfoy-san," Haruto hesitated before rambling on in Japanese. "I didn't know you could speak Japanese? Who taught you that? Why are you speaking it now and not before? You've always been so forceful to me, calling me by my birth name, but not anymore. Why are you doing this?"
Malfoy looked slightly panicky as he watched the raven head ramble on in Japanese and Neville looked a little amused even if he still had his frown in place. "There's really no point in talking so much Mutou," the blonde said in a half sneer and his eyes darted around the room as if he expected to be caught doing something stupid. "I only know a few words so I really don't know what you were trying to say. Anyway, Longbottom was worried about you and didn't seem to be able to get you to snap out of it. I think you might want to visit the Hospital Wing."
Green eyes widened. "But I don't…"
"Yeah well sometimes we have to do things we don't want to," Malfoy interrupted and the Slytherin gestured towards the door. "It's pathetic to watch you mutter a sad excuse to the professor only to zone out for the rest of the class. Looking at you, you either need a good Calming Draft or a Mind Healer. If you won't go to the Hospital Wing I'll escort you there myself."
Haruto blinked, but remained where he was. Neville tugged on his robes, trying to get his friend to stand without directly touching him. "I may not like Malfoy very much, but he's right in this instance. Come on Haruto-kun, we can ask Madam Pomfrey for a Calming Draft and then see what my gran wrote about this weekend."
The raven head stood, stumbling a little to get out from behind his desk. "There's nothing wrong with me," he protested weakly as he was escorted out of the classroom by his best friend and the blonde Slytherin.
"Of course Mutou," Malfoy said sarcastically, rolling his eyes before walking out in front of them making it look as if the two Gryffindors were following the Slytherin. "That is why your hands haven't stopped shaking. Now stop protesting and let Longbottom help you for once."
Haruto blushed and followed meekly causing Neville to smile. The blonde grabbed his hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. The older Gryffindor quickly fell into the roll he had assumed the best part of the last few months, talking about the class and random things as they neared the Hospital Wing. Malfoy rolled his eyes at them, but neither Gryffindor paid the blonde much mind. This was how they functioned and if it seemed strange to the outside world then that was their problem, not that of Neville or Haruto.
The moment they neared the Hospital Wing Haruto was as calm as he could be, but he felt slightly detached from the world. It was as if he was awake but asleep at the same time, floating outside of his body and looking in on the scene. His hands were still shaking and his body was shivering almost uncontrollably. Something about the Hospital Wing made everything which had happened all the more real. His body tensed every now and then, ready to flee should the need arise. The moment they entered the Hospital Wing and discovered it was empty, some of the tension disappeared. Haruto's legs still cramped up slightly and he felt strangely exhausted.
"Madam Pomfrey," Draco called out into the Wing. "We need some assistance."
It took a few seconds before she responded, a slightly confused expression on her usually serious face. It was probably because, when someone needed her help, people would enter with a lot more noise. She noticed the three first years and stepped out of her office, towel in her hands. "Yes Mr Malfoy, Mr Longbottom, Mr Mutou," she said, clearly surprised to see a Slytherin standing so calmly near the two Gryffindors. "What can I do for you today?"
"Nothing for me Madam Pomfrey just Mutou here," Draco said gesturing towards the raven head. "I merely accompanied them to ensure they would get to the Hospital Wing. Now that I've done my good deed for today I will join my fellow classmates in the common room. Take care you two and Longbottom, make sure to keep me posted on his recovery."
The blonde Slytherin turned to leave the Hospital Wing. "Wait Malfoy," Neville called towards the Malfoy heir and looked from his friend to the out-of-character Slytherin. The blonde turned back with a raised eyebrow. "Madam Pomfrey, I think my friend needs a Calming Draft." And acting very much out of character as well, left Haruto's side to confront the Slytherin Prince.
"Why would you care what happens to Haruto?" Neville whispered, watching out of the corner of his eye as Madam Pomfrey took his friend to the first empty bed. "All you've tried so far is cause trouble, why the sudden interest?"
Draco sneered at first before sighing and rolling his eyes. "I might have been blinded at first Longbottom, but even I can tell that there is something seriously wrong with Mutou. Seeing the way your little friend reacted to a simple set of magical sparks…" a dark look passed across the Slytherin's face. "If Weasley hadn't intervened I would have probably left, but that red head just doesn't seem to be able to keep his anger in check."
Neville raised an eyebrow. "If I remember correctly you were baiting him enough to send him over the edge."
The blonde Slytherin shrugged his shoulders. "Not my problem that the Weasel can't keep his temper. Anyway, I noticed his odd behaviour before. I've tried to ask Uncle Sev but he won't say anything. He's probably the wrong person to ask though the way he's been going at it. My father told me that it would have been good for politics to befriend Harry Potter but as far as I can tell, Harry Potter never entered this castle."
Neville couldn't help it. He stared at the Slytherin Prince with a slightly open mouth. "Flies Longbottom, flies!" With an audible click the blonde Gryffindor snapped his mouth shut. "Anyway if that's all then I'll take my leave. Have a good winter break Longbottom." And with that the Malfoy heir turned gracefully and left the Hospital Wing.
…
Haruto was excited and a little nervous when he exited the Hogwarts Express. Ever since he had announced to professor McGonagall that he would not be staying at Hogwarts over the Christmas Holidays, some professors had tried to convince him to stay. But he had shown them the invitation Lady Longbottom had sent him to spend the next two weeks with them, so all they could do was nod and wish him a good holiday.
Snape had been assigned with escorting him to the Longbottom estate, something Neville had protested about at first until the blonde Gryffindor seemed to have been struck by an idea of some kind. He would not say anything about the subject, just a 'wait and see' with a smile which made Haruto shiver slightly. So when they finally unloaded their trunks onto a pushcart and wheeled it across the station floor, professor Snape joined them with a neutral expression. This caused a lot of people to stop and turn. It didn't happen often that a Hogwarts professor would escort a student, certainly not during the holidays.
Neville guided them through the people to the far end of the station where an impressive Lady was waiting for them. She was wearing what Haruto considered old fashioned clothes, a long green dress with a heavy coat lined with fur and silver buttons. Her eyes were hidden underneath her large red hat and she was leaning casually but regally on a walking stick. "It is good to see you Neville," she said, her stern face softening as a kind smile graced her wrinkled mouth. "And you must be dear Haruto." She held out an impressive looking hand which held two sets of rings. One which was obviously a wedding ring and the other with a crest on it. "Augusta Longbottom."
Haruto took the hand and bowed low enough to almost kiss it. "It's a pleasure to meet you Longbottom Obaa-san and thank you so much for doing this."
She waved her hand in a dismissive manner and turned to look at the Potions Master. "I'm happy to see the dedication Hogwarts professors these days have that they would escort their students until London, but I don't think we'll need your services much longer Mr Snape. I'm sure you would like to return to Hogwarts before nightfall."
Snape didn't even bat an eyelash. "I must insist on accompanying Mr Potter all the way to Longbottom Manor, Lady Longbottom. The Headmaster had asked…"
"Yes well," Lady Longbottom interrupted, clearly unimpressed by the whole situation. "Dumbledore might be lord and master inside his school but not outside. Had he been Mr Mutou's guardian it would have been a different matter but he clearly is not. If you wish to press this matter then take it up with Madam Bones. Since she is Head of Law Enforcement she will be happy to tell you about this matter. Good day Mr Snape." And she turned to walk away.
"Goodbye professor Snape," Neville said, gesturing for Haruto to follow him. The raven head bowed a short bow towards the Potions Master. "Sayonara Snape-sensei!" And Haruto quickly followed his friend and Lady Longbottom.
A/N: If anyone has any questions about what I did let me know and I will explain. I hope you liked this and look forward to a reunion in the next chapter!
Updated 22-07-2013
