Chapter 9: Arrival
Two hours into the journey, the door to their compartment slid open and a third-year girl entered already dressed in her school robes. She breathlessly extended three scrolls toward the occupants. "I was told to deliver these to Neville Longbottom, Mahaad Ishtar and Yugi Muto." The girl retreated, closing the door behind her.
Luna lowered her magazine, and cocked her head. "What are those for?" she asked.
"I don't know yet," Neville replied.
Mahaad's brows knit together in confusion, as he untied the purple ribbon and unrolled the scroll. As soon as he finished reading, he looked up. Yugi's eyes were glazed over, while Neville looked perplexed.
"It's an invitation to have lunch with Professor Slughorn," Yugi answered.
"Who's that?" Luna asked, setting her magazine on her lap.
"He's a new teacher," Mahaad said evenly.
"I suppose we should go, but why would he invite us?" Yugi asked.
"Good question," Neville said, swallowing as he glanced from Mahaad to Yugi.
They bid Luna farewell and set off for compartment C. The hall was packed with people, anxiously waiting for the lunch trolley. When they arrived at the indicated compartment, Mahaad glanced around at the faces surrounding the table.
There were several faces Mahaad knew and some that surprised him. Harry was already seated next to Slughorn who was offering him a tray of rolls.
Ryou's eyes widened as he looked up and noticed the newcomers. "Hi Yugi!" he greeted, clearly relieved at the sight of his friend.
"Ryou-kun!" Yugi greeted. Yugi made his way over and sat next to the albino. Mahaad took a seat on the other side of him.
Slughorn grinned as his eyes swept over his guests. The professor introduced everyone at the table starting with Harry. As he introduced Neville, Yugi leaned over to Ryou and whispered, "Where is Marik?"
"He didn't want to come," Ryou whispered back.
"And this is Mahaad Ishtar, a gifted student in Ancient Runes—" one of the seventh year Slytherin boys snorted. "—and this is Yugi Muto a world-renowned card player."
Ryou and Yugi exchanged glances. Mahaad's expression remained neutral. He obviously is referring to Duel Monsters, but how did he find out?
Slughorn introduced Ryou the same way he did Yugi. They found out Ginny had been invited because she cast a really good hex on another student earlier that day.
The rest of the meal passed slowly for Mahaad. Their professor talked about all of his connections with famous witches and wizards and the hand he had played in their successes. Mahaad allowed his mind to wander to his first day of classes tomorrow.
As time passed the light outside faded. Slughorn interrupted himself in the middle of a fine tale. "Is that the time? You all had better get changed into robes," he advised as he waved them out of the compartment.
/Pharaoh, I thought we were never going to get out of there./ Yugi complained as he walked back to their compartment to change.
/Me either Yugi./
Mahaad was already half way dressed by the time Yugi entered the cramped compartment. He quickly buttoned up his white shirt and began tying his tie.
At long last the train slowed down as it pulled into the station. As the students filed out on to the platform, Mahaad glanced around. Ryou and Marik climbed into a carriage in front of him, laughing.
Mahaad joined Neville, Luna and Yugi in a carriage as it slowly made its way to the castle.
Mahaad took his usual seat part-way down the Gryffindor table. Hermione and Ron joined them. "Where's Harry?" Hermione asked. Mahaad shook his head. "I haven't seen him since Professor Slughorn's gathering."
After the sorting hat's song, Professor McGonagall unrolled her scroll and started reading off the names of the first year students.
Yugi froze and tapped on Mahaad's shoulder. The magician turned to follow where Yugi was discreetly pointing. A wave of shock coursed up his spine.
Seto Kaiba.
Mahaad raised his eyebrows. I thought Kaiba's modern day self didn't believe in magic. Why is he here?
Mahaad heard Yugi's explanation of how he knew Kaiba, but didn't pay much attention. He was all too aware of the details of their rivalry.
"Kaiba, Seto!"
The tall, brown haired CEO strode forward and sat down on the stool. Mahaad stared at him awaiting the hat's decision. The hat took longer with him that it did with most of the first years. He stole a glance at Ryou and Marik at the Slytherin table, they were just as shocked as Yugi was.
"Better be GRYFFINDOR!"
The table around Mahaad applauded as Kaiba made his way over and took a seat at the table. Yugi waved at the CEO, but Kaiba ignored his attempts other than give his rival a curt nod.
Dumbledore took the stand and the usual chatter died.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I would like to go over some start of the year notices. As you are all aware, Voldemort has returned—" he ignored the shudders around the room at the Dark Lord's name. "—that means we have some additional security measures in place this year. All students are to be in their dormitories by nine pm. The castle will have Aruors on staff to aid in security matters.
"See a list of banned items on Mr. Filch's door which includes all products from the joke shop in Diagon Alley," his eyes twinkled mischievously.
"We have a change in staffing this year. My old associate Professor Horace Slughorn has agreed to resume his position as Potions Master!" There was a smattering of applause spread thought the Hall.
"And by extension Professor Severus Snape will be taking over as our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!"
The Slytherins clapped for him, but hardly no one else did. Dumbledore took his seat with the other teachers and the feast began.
Harry walked in a few minutes later his robes splattered with mud and blood on his face. Hermione gasped as he took a seat beside her. "Harry! What happened?" She asked covering her mouth with her hand.
Harry told them about how he had followed Malfoy and that the blonde had told his friends that he had an important assignment to carry out this year.
"Harry, I'm sure he was just boasting in front of his friends."
Harry shook his head and shoveled some potatoes on his plate. "Well when he found me, he froze me, broke my nose and left me on the train."
"How did you escape mate?" Ron asked.
"Tonks found me."
Shortly afterward Dumbledore released them to go to their dormitories. Hermione marched to the front of the line. "First years! First years, this way! Follow me!" Ron shook his head. "She sounds just like Percy," he told Harry as he reluctantly walked forward to help Hermione.
Harry smiled as he followed the newest students out of the Hall before veering down another hallway and taking a short cut to get to the Tower. Mahaad and the others not far behind. Upon his arrival in the common room, Yugi made his way over to Kaiba.
"What are you doing here?" Yugi asked, panting slightly from the half-walk, half-jog he had done to catch him.
Kaiba rolled his eyes. "I'm here to learn obviously," his lips curled into a smirk.
Yugi stopped short. The Puzzle flashed and Yami folded his arms across his chest. "I thought you didn't believe in magic Kaiba."
"I didn't."
Yami narrowed his eyes. "What made you change your mind?"
"The Ishtar's harassment over the summer. I'll tell you about it later," his eyes swept the room. That would be a conversation for another time. Yami opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it. Kaiba took his leave and entered the dormitory.
"Master?" Mahaad asked softly.
Yami turned and found Mahaad inkling his head respectfully, but fortunately wasn't kneeling.
"Yes?"
"May I remind you, we have some…business to attend to before you retire."
The Pharaoh blinked a couple of times before it hit him.
"Thank you. Let's go."
While other students were milling about in the common room, Mahaad and Yami slipped out the portrait hole.
Author's Notes:
I'm alive! Sorry this is almost two months late. But since it is summer now, I should be able to update more regularly.
Review Responses:
FallingToast: Thanks for your support and feedback. I will fix those typos, thank you for pointing them out! :)
Fireking492: Thanks for your support! I'm glad you were able to get back on track.
