Hello! I've had quite the break these past two years, thank you very much for your patience. *bows* We're halfway through the school year and that much closer to discovering what lies at the end. Without further ado, please enjoy!


Christmas break had finally arrived and with it came heaps of snow that blanketed the school grounds. At the Hogsmeade station, there were crowds of students bidding each other farewell for the break under the watchful eyes of Hagrid, Harry, and Urameshi. James, Gaby, and Angie were huddled together like penguins as they waited for the Hogwarts Express to arrive. James rubbed his palms together furiously, blowing his breath on them to relieve the tingling numbness in the tips of his fingers.

"I hate the snow," Angie muttered angrily, wrapping her scarf around her neck to fight against the chilling wind.

"You've already said that a thousand times," Gaby groaned, her breath escaping from her mouth like a puff of smoke. "Aren't you wearing three layers? How are you still cold?" Angie glared at her, her eyes being the only visible part of her body. The rest of it was wrapped in a cloak, scarf, gloves, and hat.

"Because it's freezing, that's why," she hissed back. James tried to muffle his laughter, but it wasn't enough as he received a glare from her. "I'm just happy we're going back to America for the winter break."

"Are you going to be alright on your own?" Gaby asked, turning to James.

"I won't be alone, Nathan will be here to keep me company." Angie scoffed from beneath her scarf, giving James a sideways glance.

"He thinks Wizard's Chess is scary. What does that leave you?" James frowned.

"Don't be mean, there's loads of things we can do." Angie shrugged.

"You want me to leave my DS with you?"

"Your what?"

"...Never mind. I take it back." From the distance there came a rhythmic rumbling sound followed by a loud train whistle. The Hogwarts Express was finally in view, its massive cowcatcher parting the snow on the tracks and creating impressive waves of white. Its gleaming red coat glittered in the bright afternoon light as it slowed its approach, its brakes creaking painfully when it finally came to a halt in front of them. The coach cars opened their doors, inviting the students in as the brakes hissed in relief.

"All aboard!" Hagrid's booming voice cried out, and the students began crowding around the cars. Some were reluctant to leave, while others briskly made their way through the doors. James turned to Angie and Gaby, giving them both a warm hug.

"See you guys soon. Have fun in America."

"We'll send you an owl when we get back," Gaby said reassuringly, smiling wide. Angie's eyes creased at their corners, which James took for a smile beneath the scarf. They parted ways, and James stood clear of the train, watching the twins find a seat through the windows. He noticed his father walking towards him, waving good bye to the twins.

"You sure you want to stay here son?" he asked. "Your mom would really like to see you."

"If you're staying, I'm staying," James said firmly. The train whistle gave a shrill cry, a sign that it was about to depart. "Dad, um, I think I should go back to sleeping in the House dorm." Harry looked down with a raised brow.

"You think you'll be alright?" he asked. "I know you haven't been having nightmares lately, but what happens if you do?"

"I haven't even had any dreams dad," James groaned. "And Nathan's going to be all alone in the dorm, since the others went back for break." Harry sighed, rubbing his stubble chin. The doors to the Hogwarts Express snapped shut, and with a loud screech the iron wheels began to pull the train out of the station. The twins had crowded together with Brandon and Jasper at a window, waving enthusiastically while Nico sat in his seat, trying not to be included. Both Harry and James returned the gesture with a smile and waved back.

"One more night," his father finally said. "If you don't have any dreams tonight, I'll feel better letting you sleep in the dorms." James clenched his fist in a silent victorious cheer, looking around wildly for Nathan to tell him the good news. Instead he saw Urameshi and Kuwabara sauntering towards them through the snow. Kuwabara was wrapped in layers much like Angie had been, and it was obvious that he was shivering on the inside. Urameshi, however, wore the same casual outfit he always did, with the exception of a very awkwardly colored jacket that stuck out brightly against the white snow.

"Hey Pops," he called out amicably, raising a hand up. "Got a minute?"

"Sure thing," Harry said, giving James a gentle nudge. "Go on and find Nathan, I'm sure you want to tell him the good news." James eyed his father, but didn't say anything as he ran off, the snow crunching loudly beneath his feet. Something had happened between the new professors and his father, maybe even a brawl, but he couldn't say for sure. Whatever it was had certainly brought them closer since the night his father returned bruised and battered. The night's memories brought back the thought of his nightmares, and how their disappearance oddly coincided.

"James! Over here!" Nathan's high pitched voice snapped him to attention as he realized he was staring at the ground beneath his feet. Nathan gave him a questioning look, waving his hand in front of James' face. "Hey, you ok?"

"I'm fine, just thinking," James replied back.

"What about?"

"Well, you know my dad's been getting along pretty well with the Japanese professors."

"Why's that?" Nathan asked.

"I don't know," James replied, shrugging his shoulders. "But its strange, my nightmares ended the same night he came back after they had a fight."

"What do you think they were fighting about?" James grew quiet as he thought about Professor Minamino's death. That was when everything started, and though the thought of confronting his nightmares terrified him, he knew that if he wanted answers he would have to start there.

"We need to find out why Professor Minamino died," he said firmly, looking at Nathan with determined eyes. "Think about it, no one in the school knows what really happened that night, and we don't know anything about the..." His throat clogged at the sudden image brought to his head. "...the demon that killed him."

"What're you even talking about? Minamino isn't dead, he went back to Japan." Nathan said, giving James a quizzical look. James froze, suddenly realizing what he said. Nathan knew nothing about that night, nor did he know the true reason behind Minamino's disappearance. "C'mon James, it's not nice to say something like that."

"Let's talk somewhere else," he said, grabbing Nathan's sleeve and pulling him forward. Around them the students still remaining were crowding around Hagrid, following him out of the station towards the horseless carriages that would take them from Hogsmeade back to Hogwarts. James made sure they were the very last to get a carriage so that they wouldn't have to share with anyone else.

Through the entire trip back he told Nathan everything about that night, how the Quidditch Pitch had been destroyed, and that a terrifying demon had killed Minamino. Nathan had a difficult time accepting it and would constantly shake his head in bewilderment.

"I still don't understand," he muttered as James finished his story. "Professor Minamino was only a replacement for Longbottom, the Headmistress even said so! He couldn't have just... died like that."

"Nathan you have to believe me," James persisted hotly. "You've seen the Pitch for yourself, who else but a demon or powerful wizard could do that?"

"But why would the Headmistress hire demons to be professors, especially now that we know how dangerous they can be? It doesn't make sense!"

"That doesn't matter!" James shouted angrily. "I'm telling you that Minamino is dead! Don't you care about that!?" His words echoed through the cold wind, resounding off the tall pine trees that surrounded them. James realized he was standing in the carriage, looking down at Nathan who cowered in his seat. He took a deep breath before awkwardly sitting back down. The wind whistled past their pink cheeks.

"Is that what's been going on?" Nathan asked quietly. "Your nightmares-"

"I don't want to talk about it," James muttered, crossing his arms. An awkward silence fell between the two of them. James refused to look at Nathan, ashamed for yelling at him but too afraid to admit it. Out of the corner of his eye he could see him squirming in his seat.

"I'm sorry," Nathan said suddenly. "It's not that I don't believe you, it just doesn't make sense."

"I know," James retorted back in a low voice.

"If you say that's what happened, then I believe you." James looked at him abruptly with a confused expression.

"You do? I mean, you should," he corrected himself. Nathan gave him a half smile, and James couldn't help but grin back at his friend. "I'm sorry that I yelled at you."

"Its ok," he replied back cheerfully. "Man, you're scary when you're angry."

"Trust me, be glad you weren't there that night. It was awful." A shiver ran up James' spine as he remembered the ghoulishly gray face of the imp that smiled at him. "We have to find the demon that killed the professor," he said gravely.

"How are we even going to find him?" Nathan said with a sigh. "He couldn't have possibly stayed, not after doing what he did."

"He has to be here," James muttered, his eyes closed. "Why else would the Japanese professors still be here?"

"James, why are you really doing this?" Nathan asked seriously, crossing his arms. "We're eleven years old, barely becoming wizards, and you want to take on a full fledged demon?" The thought did sound ridiculous now that it was spelled out like that. His shoulders slumped, and he held his head in his hands.

"I don't know, Nathan," he said. "But I have to try."


Harry trudged into his office late that night, feeling every bruise and cut that Yusuke had given him during their practice. Setting his wand at his bedpost, he quickly changed clothes, but in the dimly lit room he couldn't see the packed suitcase, and in moments his foot swelled with an agonizing pain. Cursing under his breath he grabbed at it, squeezing tight in hopes the pain would die quickly. Once it had become tolerable, he limped over to the bed and slithered beneath the covers beside James, who was sound asleep.

He let out a deep, relaxing sigh. letting all the stress of the day go. Turning his head over, he looked over James to make sure he wasn't having any nightmares. After explaining everything to Yusuke, the spirit detective had been nice enough to let Harry keep Shuichi's jar in his office for his son, though now that he had promised James he could go back to the dorms, the worry that they would return crept into his thoughts. Turning back again, he persisted in believing it was the right thing to do. He couldn't rely on Shuichi forever.

His eyes began to close, and the blissful blanket of sleep had him drifting in and out of his dreams. He was home, watching Ginny in the kitchen as she prepared him breakfast. He was to be at the Ministry that day for some very important work, but everything she made ended up burnt, filling his nostrils with a pungent smoke. He never raised a hand to tell her to stop, or to say that her food was burning, so she constantly scraped at her pan, the high-pitched rattling sound becoming louder and louder until it nearly tore him apart.

His eyes shot open, but the rattling wouldn't stop. Blind in the dark, he grasped for his glasses and wand by the bedside. "Lumos!" The room was aglow with light, and Harry could see the distorted light around the space where the jar was hidden suddenly burst into wild purple flames, glass flying everywhere. Instinctively he covered his son beside him with the blanket, waking him up in the process."Dad, what's going on?!"

"Stay down," Harry said, keeping him under the blankets as he peered over. The bright purple fire had vanished, and holding up his lit wand all he could see was the ghostly shape of a body. The figure disappeared through his window, so he jumped out of bed to dash towards it. Craning his body out the window, he tried vainly to find whatever had been in their room, but the figure was long gone, having disappeared in the crescent moonlight.

"What was that?" James asked, joining Harry by the windowsill. He was completely awake now. "Did you get it?"

"No," Harry said with a sigh, giving up as he closed the window firmly. "Go back to bed, I need to speak with McGonagall about this." His wand still lit, he reached for a robe to wear over his pajamas, but there was nothing there. Letting out a frustrated sigh he ditched the robe idea and made for the door.

"I want to come with-"

"No, James," Harry interrupted firmly. "I need to you to go back to bed."

"But dad!"

"But nothing," he said, opening the door. The torchlight from the halls filled the room with a warm fiery glow. "Get back to bed, or you'll be sleeping with me for the rest of the year!" This had James shutting his mouth and obeying as he returned to his spot, pulling the covers over his head. "I'll be back."

"Ok." Harry shut the wooden door behind him, hoping James would listen well enough to stay. He didn't have time to worry about it though, as he briskly walked down the halls towards Yusuke's room.


But James had no intention of staying in bed, and the moment his father shut the door he practically leaped as he flipped over the covers. Shards of broken glass littered the floor, and so with care he tiptoed to his wand. "Wingardium Leviosa," he whispered, levitating his shoes high enough that they would fall close enough for him to reach. Not bothering to tie his laces he began to explore. The broken jar that suddenly appeared in the room was oozing with a dark purple gel, and he gingerly poked it with his wand.

It sparked, causing James to jump back in fright, and as he caught himself with his hands a sharp pain shot up his arm. "Ow!" he cried out, gripping his wrist in his hand. Looking closely, he could see the glass poking out of his skin, blood dripping from the cuts. It didn't look too bad despite the pain, so he grabbed the nearest sock, pulled out the glass and wrapped it around the cut. He'd worry about it later.

James was convinced that it all had to do with the demon that killed Minamino. He stumbled to his father's desk, grabbing an empty vial, then returned to the jar. Carefully so as not to touch it, he filled the vial with the purple ooze, almost expecting it to explode in his face. When he stuffed the cork inside, he breathed a sigh of relief. He would have to ask Nathan about it later.


Once Harry reached Yusuke's door, which was covered in very obscene words written by students (the room had once belonged to Umbridge, if Harry remembered correctly), he pounded on it with his fists.

"Yusuke! Open up!" he said loudly. Even from outside he could hear the boy's rambunctious snoring. "Yusuke! It's Harry!" he shouted again, this time louder as he kicked the door.

"Urusai yo ne, baka yarou!" was the response he was given. Impatient as he was, Harry jabbed his wand at the door.

"Alohamora!" The door burst open with a shower of green light, revealing Yusuke's room. Scattered clothes blanketed almost everything he owned, even the bed he was sleeping on, to which he didn't even bother sleeping under. Rather, the bed had become one giant cesspool of clothing that Yusuke was now sitting upon, rubbing his eyes with annoyance. "Lingua Verto."

"Better be important, Pops," was the grumbled response he received. Not determined enough to step into Yusuke's world, Harry kept himself at the door.

"It's Shuichi. I think he's woken up." This woke up the detective as he snapped to attention.

"You're kidding! Where's foxboy at then?" he said energetically, jumping off his bed to pull his shoes on over his bare feet.

"I don't know, he ran out of my room," Harry told him, stepping out of the way to allow Yusuke through.

"That's alright," he said, shutting the door behind him. "I have a pretty good guess where he's at."

"You do?"

"Yeah, can't you sense him?" Harry paused for a moment. "C'mon Pops, don't tell me we've been training you for nothing!" Yusuke clasped a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Try to concentrate. Feel anything around you that's different?" Harry shrugged him off.

"We don't have time for any lessons right now," he replied curtly. "Let's just find him and make sure he's ok." Yusuke raised his hands up, backing off.

"Whatever you say Pops. This way." Harry followed Yusuke through the corridors and hallways of Hogwarts. He was surprised at how remarkably well the boy did finding his way through the castle. As they turned another corner he recognized their path, and looked around bewildered.

"He's at the greenhouses?" he asked as they passed beneath the arches and out into the fields.

"Guess so."

"Oi, nani o tsumorida?" came Kuwabara's thick voice. Harry pointed his wand towards him as he yawned. "What're you guys doing all the way out here?"

"You felt it too, Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked. Kuwabara looked at him with small, bleary eyes.

"Felt what? All I know is one minute I'm dreaming about Eikichi and I, next thing I know she runs off and I wake up here," he mumbled. Tucked underneath his large arm was a cat pillow he usually slept with, evidence of his sleepwalking.

"Kurama's awake, we're going to see if he's ok."

"He is?" Kuwabara asked through another yawn. "Well, let's go see him." The three of them trudged together through the practice fields, finally reaching the greenhouses. Yusuke made his way to Greenhouse C, where the doors were already open.

"Took you long enough," Hiei scoffed at them as they entered through. Yusuke waved him off.

"Yeah yeah, some of us actually like to sleep," he shot back, yawning as he fell into a chair. Kuwabara did the same as he hugged his cat pillow, his head wobbling slightly as he tried to keep himself awake. "So where's foxboy? Don't tell me I woke up for nothing."

"Right here." The sudden deep, unfamiliar voice from behind him made Harry jump, and he whipped around quickly. What stood there in the doorway was a tall, lanky man, and while the dark silver hair was enough to astound Harry he was even more baffled by the long, elegant fox ears that swiveled about, no doubt picking up all the sounds surrounding them. His amber gold eyes were narrowed slits that glanced over them quickly, and Harry was reminded of Hermione's cat Crookshanks. One thing was for sure, this man in no way resembled Shuichi. Harry turned to Yusuke, then Kuwabara for an explanation, but the two of them paid him little attention. Yusuke grinned, holding up a thumb in support.

"Liking the threads, Kurama," he said, pointing out the wizarding cloak he had wrapped around him. It was rather short on him, as his bare shins were exposed. Harry couldn't help but noticed it was constantly shifting, as if something were squirming underneath.

"Ahh, yes, sorry about that Harry," he said. "I grabbed whatever was closest, I hope you don't mind." Harry stood in shock.

"You're... Shuichi?" Shuichi gave a small smile, which looked more like a gloating smirk.

"I'm hardly fit to use that name anymore," he said. "Please, call me Kurama now."

"This is how you should be," Hiei interjected, returning the fox demon's smirk with his own. "That ridiculous human body of yours was dragging you down."

"It was certainly useful," Kurama said, gliding across the floor with elegant strides.

"I don't understand," Harry managed to say. "You're Shuichi, but you're Kurama now? And how did you change so much?" Kurama motioned him to a chair.

"Sit first," he said, waiting for Harry to do so. "I've told you before, haven't I? I was a demon residing in a human body." He reached up, pulling at some silver strands that got into his face. His large ears twitched, and Harry couldn't stop staring at them. "Crucias has my human body now, and the potion my friends retrieved have allowed me to regenerate back into what I was."

"So this is your real self? You as a... demon?" He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Shuichi- rather, Kurama, could look so unearthly.

"Who cares?" Yusuke rebuked loudly, trying not to yawn again. The greenhouse was beginning to light up with the first rays of morning. "Kurama's back at full power and we're ready to face Crucias now. You got any dirt on the guy, Kurama?" The fox demon nodded.

"I do."

"Then let's get you some proper clothes. You're creeping me out with your peepshow there." Kurama laughed, a low reverberating sound that echoed in the greenhouse.

"Clothes would be nice."


Besides the jar, there was nothing much else of interest, which gave James the time to reflect on everything that happened. The jar could only have been two things: either his father was protecting something important, or it was a trap set up by the demon. But even though it was dangerous, the jar hardly did any damage, thus proving to be a rather sloppy trap. Then what was his father protecting? Was it possibly a creature that could beat a demon? He shook his head in frustration. There was so much that he still didn't know, and he couldn't even begin to think of where to find the right source.

There was a soft knock at the door, and James' heart rose to his throat as he scrambled back into bed, pulling the covers high over his head. He expected the door to open, but instead he heard footsteps approaching the door, which then swung open to reveal his father's broad figure. James tucked his feet in slowly, realizing in horror that he had left his shoes on.

Thankfully it didn't seem like his father had noticed, since he was moving about rather quickly. There was a loud clattering as things fell to the floor, followed by a string of whispered curses from his father.

"Where the bloody hell is my sock?" James froze, his eyes darting to the sock that was clenched in his wounded hand. Oops. He then heard his father sigh, having given up on the sock and instead grabbed his new broom, quietly closing the door behind him.


"Is he asleep?" Kurama's voice came from behind Harry, causing him to drop his broom as he nearly slammed the door out of sheer panic. "Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you."

"Well, you did," Harry hissed, picking up his broom from the floor. "And yes, he's sleeping just fine."

"Good," the smooth voice replied, causing shivers to run down his neck. There was so much to Kurama that he didn't even know what to think anymore. Sighing, he gathered his things in his arms and trudged down the hall. "Is he doing better?" Harry suddenly remembered that it was Kurama who had 'eaten' his son's nightmares, and that he owed a lot to the demon.

"Yes, much better," was the curt response he gave. Kurama strode beside him, clutching the cloak with a clawed hand so as to not reveal anything. "I guess I have you to thank for that."

"No need," Kurama replied. "Your son's nightmares were, shall we say, delicious?"

"You actually ate them?" Harry asked incredulously.

"In a way," he dodged the question. "Your son's spirit energy is quite fulfilling, and it helped to further my recovery." Harry stopped short, staring hard at Kurama.

"My son has spirit energy?" Kurama looked back to him with a smile.

"Quite a lot, actually. If he trained hard enough, he could reach Kuwabara's level in no time." Harry frowned.

"I don't want him to have it," he muttered angrily, pushing past Kurama as he walked away briskly. Kurama followed quietly behind him.

"You forget, Harry, all humans have spirit energy. Your son is no exception." Harry turned on his heel, glaring up directly at Kurama.

"No. My son will not be involved in this anymore," he threatened, his green eyes burning. "I had no choice, I had to grow up without a father to protect me." His voice was raising into a shout. "But James, he has me to stand by his side and protect him. And I'll make damn sure nothing happens to him ever again!" Kurama observed Harry with calm eyes, letting him turn to walk away without a word. They approached an open balcony, where Harry began to tie his things down. Swinging a leg over the handle, he looked up to Kurama. "You need a ride on my broom?" he asked gruffly, wanting him to say no.

"No, I shall meet you there." Harry's heart rose in relief, and he kicked off, hovering over the balcony. Kurama stepped out into the sun, his hair glowing brightly in the morning light.

"See you there, I guess." He looked up at the sky so he wouldn't have to look at him.

"See you there."


"Nathan! Nathan, wake up!" His friend groaned, rolling over in an attempt to escape reality.

"Why are you awake? It's not even Christmas," he mumbled through the covers of his blanket.

"It's important!" James argued. "It's about the demons." Nathan opened one eye to look at him.

"I don't want anything to do with that. It's too dangerous." James gave a forced sigh, then pounced on Nathan's bed. "Ow!" Nathan shouted, turning sharply to avoid being crushed. His elbow swung around, hitting James in the face and knocking him to the floor. "I'm so sorry!"

"The bloody hell!" James exclaimed, holding his head. "I thought you wanted to help me!" Nathan jumped back, his eyes creased with worry.

"I didn't mean-" he tried to say, but James stood up and walked away, not bothering to listen to what he had to say.

"Whatever. I'll do this on my own," he mumbled, rubbing the spot where Nathan had hit him.

"James stop!" Nathan shouted, grabbing his hand. "I-I'll help you alright? Just, please don't get us killed?" James whipped around, glaring. "I-I mean, we have to be careful right? Demons and all." Nathan's voice was meek, like he almost didn't want to say that.

"You shouldn't be helping me because you have to," James said forcefully, pulling his hand away. "You should be helping because you want to."

"Well I don't want to die," Nathan replied hotly. "But I do want to help. I'm not gonna let you go alone." James was quiet for a moment.

"Sorry," he finally said. "I didn't mean to blow up on you." Nathan smiled.

"Don't mention it. What did you want to tell me?" James pulled the vial from his cloak.

"I wanted to show you this." Nathan rubbed the sleep from his eyes to peer into the vial. James gingerly set it into the palm of his hand. "There was a jar in my dad's room that exploded last night, and this was inside."

"Woah, it's warm!" his friend exclaimed, his eyes wide with curiosity. His brow suddenly furrowed. "Are you sure this isn't dangerous stuff?"

"That's why I brought it to you. You're good at this potions stuff." Nathan frowned.

"Not nearly as good as Angie," he said, handing the vial back to James. "You''ll have to wait until break is over and see what she thinks. Did you ask your dad about it?" James huffed at the question.

"My dad is keeping secrets of his own," he replied bitterly. "So now it's my turn to be the one with secrets." Nathan gave a disapproving look that James pointedly ignored, and the subject was dropped. "We can't wait for the twins to get back, we have to send it to them now!"

James rushed to his desk, grabbing the loose parchment from a drawer and pulling out a quill and ink. He set his wand on the desk to weight the parchment corners down.

To Angie and Gaby, he began to write. To his utter disbelief the letters disappeared into the parchment. Eyes squinted suspiciously, he tried once again. To Angie and Gaby-

The ink began to swirl and shift like dancing water drops along the parchment, forming new words and sentences in finely woven calligraphy.

Mr. Moony would like to clarify that we, the Mauraders, are most certainly not whom you seek.

Mr. Wormtail implores that you also consider taking up calligraphy classes, as your penmanship is beneath appalling.

Mr. Padfoot demands recompense for defiling such a beautiful work of art.

Mr. Prongs would like to add that you are butting into our business, and should kindly keep your dirty mophead out of it.

"Uhh, Nathan? Did you slip another Weasley product in my drawer?" James asked, peering at the paper.

"No, why?"

"Come look at this." But before Nathan had a chance, the letters disappeared into the parchment. "Wait, hold on, they disappeared."

"Are you trying to pull my leg?" Nathan asked dejectedly.

"No!" he insisted. "I can make them do it again! Just watch." He grabbed his quill and began scribbling furiously.

Sorry, I didn't know this was an enchanted parchment.

Before their eyes the ink swirled once again into new sentences.

Mr. Moony is aghast with horror to think that you believe this to be just 'enchanted parchment.'

Mr. Wormtail kindly asks that you expel yourself from Hogwarts for such blatant idiocy.

Mr. Padfoot is wondering why you continue to disgrace our fine work of art with your primitive scribbled ink when it is completely unnecessary to do so.

Mr. Prongs would like to clarify that we taught the Weasley twins everything that they know.

"Unbelievable..." Nathan gasped as the words faded to nothing. "James, where did you get this?"

"I don't know," he replied exasperatedly. "I was trying to write a letter to Angie and Gaby, and this happened!" He set down the quill, not wanting to hear another jab at his poor penmanship. "You can hear us, right? Who are you?"

Mr. Moony does not wish to repeat himself to such simple buffoons.

Mr. Wormtail asks that you get your eyes checked for blindness.

Mr. Padfoot is disgusted to even think that you haven't heard of us.

Mr. Prongs would like to say that we are, quite simply, the best of the best troublemakers at Hogwarts.

James was beginning to like the parchment's comments less and less. "How do we know any of this is true?" he argued. "I know George, he's my uncle! For all we know you could be just some silly piece of paper enchanted to make fun of people!"

Mr. Moony admires your undeterred potential for getting into trouble.

Mr. Wormtail is of the same opinion as Mr. Moony and asks that it be put to better use.

Mr. Padfoot is willing to prove you wrong on multiple accounts.

Mr. Prongs agrees, so long as you solemnly swear that you're up to no good.

"What does that even mean?" Nathan asked. "Why would we be up to no good?" James eagerly watched the parchment, but no words appeared.

"It stopped," he said with a sigh, flopping back into his chair. He didn't dare write anything more on the paper.

"Have you ever heard about the Marauders from your dad?" James shook his head, shrugging. "What about Freddie? They mentioned his dad." James was quiet for a moment, but thinking about it just made him more confused. With a frustrated sigh he stood up from his chair abruptly, grabbing his wand and pointing it at the parchment. "James what are you doing?!"

"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!" The parchment shimmered as lines of ink formed on the parchment, ever growing and tracing into more lines upon lines. It took but a moment for James to recognize it as a map. More specifically, a map of Hogwarts.

Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers

are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP

James couldn't believe what he was seeing. Before his eyes was not just the entirety of Hogwarts but every single person inside, their exact location marked by two ink-filled footprints. He could see his and Nathan's footsteps in their bedroom, and glancing down further he could see a few other students lounging in the common room. "I can't believe it..." he murmured softly. "This... this is incredible!" He jumped from his spot, clutching the map in his hands. "With this we can find the demons!" Nathan swallowed hard, a clear audible sign he didn't like the idea.


Harry, Yusuke, and Kurama sat patiently at McGonagall's door until she was ready to let them in. The gargoyle statue twisted on its own, inviting them up the stairwell to her office. When they arrived, Harry could see that most of the office was practically covered in an assortment of parchments and books. "Please explain to me how this guest has managed to elude me, despite my very clear terms that no one be permitted without my permission?" Her sharp eyes glanced menacingly at Kurama, who gave a smile in return.

"Professor, I am Shuichi, merely in my true form," he purred low, bowing respectively. The trip to Hogsmeade had provided him with a dress shirt, vest, and slacks. The tight-fighting white shirt and slacks accentuated his hair, while the brimming gold vest brought out the almost cruel amber gold in his eyes. Harry, to his discontent, was the one who had to pay for them, though Kurama had promised to pay him back. He didn't care how pretty the man looked in his new garb.

McGonagall wasn't buying it however, as she eyed his ever twitching silver tail. "Do all demons hide their true forms like you?" she then asked. Kurama shook his head.

"Circumstances led me to hide in a human's body. I assure you that most demons appear very much themselves." McGonagall nodded, satisfied with the answer.

"All the same, Shuichi, I'm glad to see that you have recovered, new body or not."

"Please, call me Kurama," the fox demon interjected. "I will no longer be teaching, and it's best for the students and staff to believe that I am not here." The Headmistress gritted her teeth at the obvious fact, but obliged all the same.

"I will try my best," she replied icily. "Now then, to the matter at hand; what are we going to do about Crucias?"

"It seems our demon friend has an aversion to silver," Kurama said, stepping forward. "He is driven by fear to avoid it at all costs. I believe we can use this to our advantage." Yusuke grinned with mischievous charm, clapping his hands together.

"Foxboy's got a plan!" he said with hooting glee. McGonagall glanced at Harry, who only shrugged in annoyance. "It's about time we got the jump on him for once. What I wouldn't do to rip him a brand-spanking new ass-"

"Ahem!" His words were cut off by McGonagall's rather harsh interjection. "Language, please!"

"Whoops, sorry." She gave another sigh, and waved them off with a hand.

"Do what you must. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know." Kurama bowed politely whilst the other two simply walked out without acknowledgment. Yusuke led the way, followed by Kurama and Harry, who couldn't stop staring at the constantly swiveling ears placed on Kurama's head.

"They're very much real, in case you're wondering." Kurama casually mentioned. Harry expression froze, how could he have known? He didn't even turn around! Frustrated, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and trudged down the staircase. Once at the bottom, Yusuke swiveled around to face Harry with a determined grin.

"So Pops, ready to start your training for the day?" Harry groaned inwardly. He didn't even want to be near the spirit detective, let alone practice with him for the entire day. But the threat of Crucias loomed over him, and with a begrudging sigh he nodded his head. "Alright, let's go! We've got places to be and cliffs to climb!"

"Wait what!?" Harry had no time to argue as Yusuke grabbed his wrist with surprising grip and practically dragged him through the corridor. "Ouch! You're hurting my wrist!"

"Then keep up Pops!"

"Have fun you two," Kurama said cordially, waving with an impassive smile.

"Bloody hell-! Wait! I said WAIT!" His protests echoed in the halls but were left unanswered.


James and Nathan devoted the entire day to the map, using it to explore the castle's less frequented corridors and rooms. They found their way to the kitchens, where the house elves were happily preparing for midday lunch. One of the house elves by the name of Winky was particularly enthusiastic at their visit, and proceeded to shovel exorbitant amounts of food into their cloak pockets. "Master James is needing to eat well and grow up to be like his father! Winky shall be sure to take good care of Master James!" she would say repeatedly as she fussed over them. Once finally free of the kitchen, and weighing a bit more heavy than when they arrived, the two boys continued their explorations. At one point they found themselves at the entrance of the Slytherin dormitory, but quickly traced their way back before being discovered.

They found themselves in a long winding corridor that seemed to just go in circles with no end, when James abruptly stopped in his tracks. Nathan's face landed into his back with finality as the poor boy toppled over and onto the floor.

"Don't just stop like that!" he objected, holding his sore nose. James muttered a quick, "sorry," before spinning on his heels and showing Nathan the map.

"Look!" he said in a hushed whisper. "It's my dad!"

"Oh, you finally found him?" Nathan asked, grabbing at the other edge of the large map. "Why're you so worked up?"

"Look who's following him." Sure enough, there on the map was his father, following Urameshi's quick-paced steps. But just a few feet past them, another set of prints followed with careful precision. James traced a finger along the name. "Youko Kurama," he pronounced slowly. "Where have I heard that name before?" Nathan swallowed hard.

"Please don't tell me that's the demon we're looking for." James' head snapped to attention.

"It must be! We have to warn my father!" James dug his shoes into the carpet, taking off down one of the doors.

"Wait for me!" he cried. "James, I don't know how to get back!" But James was far too determined to wait. His heart was racing in his chest, and the stone he felt in his stomach grew to an unimaginable force of pressure. He slowed as he reached the moving staircases, eyes wide with wild anticipation. Desperately, he glanced at the map, only to find that Youko Kurama's name had disappeared from behind his father's footsteps.

And reappeared above his own.

His fingers went white as they clutched the parchment in his hands. Fear seized his heart in a tight grip as his chest froze. His knees became weak, and he fell painfully to the floor. With a slow, deliberate movement he looked up, locking eyes with the creature above him.

He expected to see the haunting putrid yellow eyes staring back at him like his nightmares, but instead he found bright, amber gold orbs radiating with a warm glow. He took a sharp intake of breath, realizing that he had indeed forgotten to breathe. This shifted his attention long enough to notice that the creature standing on the railings above him was a gray- no, silver he corrected- fox with two tails. It was the size of a large dog, much bigger than expected for any sort of fox.

A sudden clattering sound in front of him made him jump in alarm, eyes quickly shifting to the object in front of him. It was a Chocolate Frog box with a delicately wrapped ribbon on it. James quickly looked back to the fox, but it was already gone from sight. He grabbed the map that he didn't remember dropping, eyes scanning the entire parchment to find where he had gone. But the name had completely disappeared from the map.

With the passing of danger came new life into his body, and James shot up from the floor with a frustrated shout. Once again his body had become completely powerless. "Bloody hell! Shit! Fuck!" He shouted every curse he knew as he slammed his foot on the ground.

"Mind your tone!" A lady from a nearby portrait screeched, and the others began to murmur in agreement. It caught him off guard to say the least, quelling the sudden rage that came over him. Breathing a sigh, he finally dropped his hands to his side. He glanced at the Chocolate Frog from the corner of his eyes with apprehension.

He suddenly felt the urge to look at the map, and his eyes widened as the name reappeared again, this time at the bottom of the stairwell. James grit his teeth and gripped at the railings hard, taking off with renewed vigor. He was skipping two, three steps at a time until one of his ankles rolled unexpectedly. His body twisted forward with momentum, his face moments away from colliding with the stone steps below. But the pain never came, rather he felt an odd sensation of being held by his robes. Looking up he saw the fox, now the size of a horse, with the cloth clenched between his powerful, massive jaws. James even dared believe the fox was smirking at him, its eyes aglow with mischievous glee.

"Uh..." was all that came out of his mouth before the fox leaped into the center of the hallway, where there were no stairs at all. James screamed at the sudden rush of falling, instinctively grabbing at its fur. In moments they were no longer falling, and the force of the landing made him let go of the fur. But the fox's jaws remained tight, so other than the slight choking at the throat James was relatively unharmed.

"Let me go," he managed to rasp weakly, but the fox continued running through the corridors at breakneck speed. The snacks Winky had given him were threatening to return, but he fought back the urge. Suddenly they were no longer in the castle, and the fox was leaping through the days old snow. James closed his eyes before he lost whatever food he had in his stomach.

Everything stopped, and James felt the cold snow against his skin as he was dropped to the ground abruptly. He lay there for a moment a little frightened but plenty sick. The cold bit into his cheeks and stung his nerves, so he finally decided to get up from the snow. "Where am I?" He looked up, surprised to see he was at the greenhouses. His body tensed up at the darkened rooms littered with green foliage.

He had never stepped into the greenhouses alone, not since Minamino had died. Even when he was with the class everything was familiar but too distant. The ferns he used to tend to, though still thriving, didn't hold the same radiance they once did when Minamino was there. Without Minamino, there was no life and purpose to the greenhouses.

The fur of the silver fox glimmered behind the glass panels, and James was quickly brought back to reality. The fox was going to ruin the plants! He pushed at the door, but it wouldn't budge. Angrily he whipped out his wand. "Alohamora!" The lock burst open with a loud CLANK! James secretly hoped no one had heard and quickly slipped inside, shutting out the cold.

Inside the greenhouses the temperature was mildly warm, and James had to shed a few layers just to be comfortable. He tossed his robes to the side, wand at the ready. Through squinted eyes he could faintly make out the path ahead of him. Professor Longbottom had rearranged some of the plants, but for the most part things were as he remembered them. Gently easing his way down the glass corridor, he kept his wand in front of him, carefully inspecting each room as he passed. Up ahead, he saw the fox, now just as small as a cat, slip through the office doors of Professor Longbottom.

James didn't think, he just simply rushed in, slamming the door behind him and latching it shut. "I have you!" he cried out, raising his wand tip with shaky hands. But there was no fox. Only a tall, well dressed man with long, silver hair. His eyes glowed just like the fox's as they stared down his wand with a thin smile.

"Congratulations," he hummed in a deep voice, extending a large clawed hand to James. James gritted his teeth, forcing his hand to steady.

"I'm not afraid of you!" he shouted at him, more determined this time. "You won't get away with killing Minamino!" The corner of his eyes swelled slightly with forming tears. "I won't let you!" The man's smile disappeared as he dropped his hand to his side. Was that concern on his face? It was difficult for James to tell in the dim lighting.

"James, you don't need to be afraid of me." This surprised James, and his hand slightly faltered. "I wanted to make sure you knew I was ok. That I hadn't died that night."

"Liar!" he hissed, his knuckles white from the grip. "Minamino is dead because of you! I have to-" he choked. "Have to..." The man knelt to the ground, making himself eye level to James.

"James. It's me, Shuichi Minamino," he said quietly.

"You're not!"

"I am," he said, more persistently. He reached behind his back.

"Not another move!" James threatened. He frantically went through the spells he knew in his head. Thank god his father had taught him useful counter curses, unlike Professor Periwinkle. But the man didn't stop, and from his back pulled yet another Chocolate Frog.

"You know, that new professor hasn't even discovered my secret stash. I can tell you where it is, but you've known since way before where I keep them," he said with a small grin, holding out the candy to James. "I already knew you had found them. And you thought you were sly, grabbing an extra chocolate for yourself." He chuckled low.

James didn't know what to think. How did this strange man know all of this? What reason did he have to lie about being Shuichi, when clearly he was an entirely different person?

"You're a demon," James stated matter-of-factly. Whether it was Shuichi or not, the person before him was a demon. The man sighed, and before James' eyes two tall, furry ears seemingly popped out from his head. A long, single silver tail swished silently along the floorboards.

"I am." The tone was definitive, and held no room for secrecy. "I am known as Youko Kurama. My friends, however, call me Kurama."

"You're so lucky to be working here Kurama. Oops!" He suddenly remembered where he had heard the name before. And yet he didn't know what to think. Why was Minamino different? How did he survive? Where has he been this whole time!? Why didn't he say anything!

"I couldn't, James, not until it was safe." James bit his lip, not realizing he had said his last thought out loud. Kurama reached out for James' wand hand, slowly lowering it to his side. "Believe me, if it were up to me I would never have let you see this side of, well, me. I would never have you put in danger, but it seems you have a knack for getting into it on your own." James let his hand fall to his side, and with his free arm he wiped his face with his sleeves. "But I'm alive. Remember that, alright? No more nightmares."

"How did you know I was having nightmares?" the question suddenly burst from his lips. Kurama gave a knowing smile and stood back up. The Chocolate Frog was still in his hand, and James gingerly accepted it, eyeing the sharp claws at the end of his fingers. "Did my dad tell you?"

"No," was the simple reply. He reached up to the ceiling of the office, pushing aside the ceiling boards with quick movements. James could see the faint lining of a Bertie Bott's box in his hands. "Ahh, I certainly missed these," he said contently, throwing a bean into his mouth. James shifted uncomfortably in his spot, still not entirely convinced.

"You've been a demon this whole time?" he asked, finally getting his mouth and brain to work together. "Is that why you look different? Is that why you survived? I thought all demons were bad." Kurama chuckled, tossing another bean.

"You have lots of questions, just like your father. But first and foremost, not all demons are bad, but not very many are good either." He pointed at the candy in James' hand. "Aren't you going to eat it?" James jumped slightly, then with fervor began to tear open the box. So wrapped up in the conversation he had forgotten about the frog inside, which quickly jumped from its home and onto the wall. He eyed the frog anxiously, unsure of whether to chase it or not. Kurama's eyes darted to the frog, then back to James as he gave a sigh.

"I won't push you. You are your own person, James, and what you believe to be true is not something I can force upon you." He deftly grabbed the frog, and handed it back to James, who cupped his hands together to keep the frog from launching towards freedom. "Think about it, alright? But don't tell anyone." He raised a finger over his cunning smile. "I might be here to protect Hogwarts and its people, but if the students were to find out that demons were here, there would be consequences." James gave a silent nod, shoving the frog into his mouth for good measure.

"Thank you," was the muffled response he gave, opening the door and practically bolting out into the hallway. The sun was just barely peeking through the layers of snow over the greenhouses, giving a faint light to guide his way to the doors. He threw his robes over his shoulders and pushed them open, not bothering to reset the lock he broke apart.

There was so much to process, so many new things to consider, and way too many questions that needed answers. He knew he had to get back to Nathan and- oh. His heart was struck with a pang of guilt as he realized he didn't even have the Map to help find him. It was regretful, but he figured the Map had been found by some other student now.

He rummaged through his pockets for the personal map he had been keeping for himself since his last adventure to the library. His fingers brushed against old parchment, and to his utter surprise he pulled out the Marauder's Map that had been neatly tucked into his inner pocket. He glanced back at the greenhouses, then back at the map. He couldn't have...

He didn't have time to worry about it now, he thought, and forced himself on the task of finding Nathan as soon as possible. "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!" The blank parchment came alive, and with a click glance over of the map he found Nathan right in the heart of the kitchens. "Thank god," he breathed with relief. Stuffing the map back into his pockets, he returned to the castle, being sure that he wasn't seen.


A few days had passed since then, until finally Christmas was upon them. "Nathan! Wake up!" James excited shouting rang through the nearly empty room. "It's Christmas!" Christmas was James' most favorite holiday, as it was the only holiday his father got a lot of time off from work. Even though many things had happened since he first started at Hogwarts, his nerves were still on edge with the excitement of the holiday. "Nathan, come on! Let's open the presents!"

Nathan groaned. "Why do you keep doing this to me?" he whined pathetically. "I was up all night reading and right now I just want to sleep."

"Why would you be up all night reading before Christmas?" James asked exasperatedly. But Nathan refused to budge.

"Not this time, please, I'll meet you down there," he mumbled, turning over in bed and away from James. James sighed, but let the poor boy be as he went downstairs to the common room, alone. A tree had been set in the corner of the common room, decorated with beautiful red and gold ornaments and ribbons. Someone had enchanted a cloud over the tree that snowed beautifully onto its branches without a single flake falling to the floor.

"Morning," Teddy greeted him from the couch. His hair was a flamboyant red for the occasion, and upon closer inspection James could see bright green eyes glinting with the light from the fireplace. He raised his mug in the air as a toast, grinning like an idiot. "Merry Christmas, James."

"Merry Christmas, Teddy," James responded back happily, skipping down the stairs. The company did wonders to brighten his mood. "Got anything for me?"

"Not really," he managed to say with fake sincerity, glancing over the array of wrapped boxes under the tree.

"Don't tell me you opened mine already!" Is was a Potter tradition that if you weren't there to open your gifts first thing in the morning, someone else would open them for you. But Teddy gave a laugh.

"Relax, I didn't open them," he reassured him, passing a mug from the nearby coffee table to him. "Winky wanted me to be sure you received this." James took the warm mug in his hands and brought it to his nose, breathing in the rich smell of dark hot chocolate. He took a sip, relishing the bittersweet taste that had an odd aftertaste.

"Is that...?" Teddy raised a hand.

"Let's not go there. I won't tell if you won't tell." James nodded, and proceeded to open his gifts. Rummaging through the boxes, he found the gifts from his mom and siblings. He also found a box poorly wrapped and crudely labeled, "From Angie and Gaby to James." He tore open the wrapping, revealing a huge assortment of American wizarding joke products piled haphazardly on top of two very thick books. A note stuck out from the folds of the books, which he hastily opened.

Here are some stories that I think you would like.

And here are some fun things to do when you get bored of the books.

It wasn't difficult to tell the intentions behind each gift, and James couldn't help but grin. He glanced at Teddy, who eyed his trouble-making set with scrutiny. He gave a nervous laugh, setting them aside safely out of harm before continuing.

He was halfway through his gifts when Nathan practically stumbled down the stairwell, yawning profusely. "Nathan, come on! There's a gift from Angie and Gaby for you," James encouraged him. Nathan plopped down on the carpet beside him, offering Teddy a meek holiday greeting.

"Just hand me something," he managed to say through another yawn. James put a present in his hand, and once again returned to his presents. "Hey James, I think this one's for you." He handed over a small box with green holly wrapping. Written at the top with a silver pen was simply the letter K. "Who's it from?"

"One of my family," James whispered low, trying not to sound suspicious. It was hard lying to Nathan again, after everything he had confessed to him. But Kurama had been pretty clear he didn't want anyone knowing, and James shuddered at the thought of what would happen if he broke that trust.

Setting his guilt aside, he tore open the finely wrapped gift, revealing a pack of seeds. Carefully placed behind the pack was a simple note.

For when you are lost and cannot find your way in the dark.

These seeds shall grow and light your way home.

K.

"Well? What is it?" Nathan asked, already eating the candy his family had sent him.

"Seeds." James checked the box thoroughly, but there was nothing else. "Just seeds." Nathan shrugged.

"Guess your dad told them you're into herbology."

"Yeah, guess so."


Later that day, James made the long trek up to the Owlery, note and vial placed safely in his pocket. The steps were becoming more and more slippery as he pressed on, but he knew he was getting close as the evidence of bird excrement became more and more apparent.

Once he reached the top, he clicked his tongue twice to call Wiggles. The Great Gray Owl fluttered to his side, eagerly inspecting his hands for treats. "You got me," James said with a laugh, pulling out some owl treats. Wiggles gave a small screech of approval and gobbled them down quickly. He eyed James, hoping for some more, then huffed when it was apparent he wouldn't get any. "Come on, I need your help with this, ok? You're the only one I can depend on." He tied the vial and note to Wiggles' foot. "Take this to America, they'll know what to do with it then."

Wiggles clicked and screeched, nuzzling his head in James' hands before taking off into the sky. James watched him fly for a few moments, then decided it was best to head back down, lest he become part of the icy stone tower itself.