"English"

"Japanese"

'Thoughts'

'Zanpakuto'

Not Really Living

"A Shinigami? Really?!" Horace Slughorn grinned so widely that Toshiro believed it would consume his entire face. Dumbledore had just finished explaining about the incident with the Vail; he hadn't gone into great detail, such as how old the Captain was. Toshiro truly believed that the elderly was in serious denial over the fact.

The headmaster had only informed the walrus-man of the interesting and exciting facts for some reason, this only coursed Slughorn to become more and more gleeful by the second.

"Yes, my dear friend" Dumbledore smiled knowingly at the shorter man's excitement "Toshiro is a Shinigami, not only that, but he also Captains his own squad." watching as Slughorn reacted to the statement, Dumbledore knew that it was the perfect time to spring his trap as Horace stared at Toshiro with utter fixation and interest "Now Horace, the reason we came-"

"No" Slughorn stated bluntly, startling Toshiro from his musings. What was the man objecting to? He wondered, glancing between the two mortals.

"I am an old man, Albus. A tired old man who's earned the right to a quiet life and a few creature comforts; not a Professor."

'Oh' Toshiro thought as it clicked; he didn't wish to return to his old teaching position at Hogwarts. What he still didn't understand was why he had to be here?

"You're not yet as old as I am, Horace" Dumbledore said causing the short Captain to roll his eyes.

'I'm nearly three-times his age yet I still don't get any respect from him and I don't even get to retire like Slughorn' Toshiro thought, pouting mentally at the last part.

'He probably doesn't like the idea of someone being older' Hyorinmaru suggested calmly. 'Its most likely been decades since he's met someone who was older than he.'

The Captain nodded silently in agreement before turning his attention back to the two mortals conversation.

"-been on the move for a year. Never stay in one place more than a week. Move from Muggle house to Muggle house. the owners of this place are on holiday in the Canary Islands" Slughorn stated, taking a sip of his fire-whisky.

"It sounds a rather tiring existence for a 'tired old man' searching for a quiet life. Now, if you were to return to Hogwarts-"

"If you're going to tell me my life would be more peaceful at that school, you can save your breath, Albus!" Slughorn scolded "I may be in hiding, but I've heard the rumors of Dolores Umbridge! If that's how you treat your staff these days-"

"Professor Umbridge ran afoul of our centaur herd" Dumbledore interrupted "I believe you would know better than to stride into the Forest and call a herd of angry centaurs 'Filthy half-breeds'"

"That's what she did? Idiotic woman. Never liked her."

At the comment, Toshiro chuckled deeply; shocking himself enough to slap a hand over his own mouth. Why had he laughed? What Slughorn had said wasn't amusing. Maybe it was a subconscious reaction from Harry's memories of the woman. Removing his hand, Toshiro looked up to Dumbledore and Slughorn who were staring at him.

"I apologize" he stated calmly "My response was due to Harry's dislike for the woman; it won't happen again"

Slughorn nodded in understanding while Dumbledore smiled sharply before standing suddenly from his seat. "May I use your bathroom?" he asked politely.

"Second door on the left down the hall" Slughorn stated, turning his attention back to Toshiro, much to Dumbledore's pleasure as he left the room. After a few moments Slughorn also stood from his seat. Toshiro watched as the man looked around, fidgeting; uncertain what to do with himself under the Captains cold stare.

"Don't think I don't know why he's brought you here" he stated abruptly, breaking the silence.

"Please share with me, because I wasn't informed" Toshiro muttered to himself under his breath.

Slughorn's watery eyes glanced at Toshiro's while fringe that hid his scar before looking into his eyes "Your eyes are a mixture of your parents" he stated.

"When I was Harry, people said I had my mother's eyes" Toshiro informed blankly.

"Humph. Yes, well. You shouldn't have favorites as a teacher, but your mother was one of mine" Horace smiled "Lily Evans. One of the brightest I ever taught. Charming girl." Smiling, the elderly man motioned for Toshiro to follow him as he walked over to the dresser, it was covered in framed photographs. Standing, the young Captain walked over and peered at the photos.

"All ex-students" Slughorn explained "You'll notice Barnabas Cuffe, editor of the Daily Prophet. And Ambrosius Flume, of Honeydukes - a hamper every birthday! And at the back, that's Gwenog Jones, Captain of the Holyhead Harpies…people are always astonished to hear I'm on first name terms with the Harpies, and free tickets whenever I want them!"

"And… all these people know where to find you?" Toshiro asked with a raised eyebrow "…So they are able to send you all those gifts?" that didn't seem wise while in hiding.

The smile dropped from the old man's face as he stared sadly at the photographs. "No. Of course not, I have been out of touch with everyone for a year"

"Cutting all personal ties to live…isn't really living at all" Toshiro stated seriously, staring blankly at the man "Don't you agree?"

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