Disclaimer: All rights for Bleach and Harry Potter go to their respective owners.

Toshiro followed Professor McGonagall out of the hospital wing and through the winding castle corridors. Apparently breakfast had ended, as students were flooding the halls.

"Won't I be late to class?" he called up to the Professor, not at all eager to talk to the Headmaster.

"You'll be excused." The answer was curt and delivered with a speed that made Toshiro suspect the woman was not happy with him. He sighed. This was not looking good.

Excused? Toshiro suddenly thought in confusion. That makes it seem like I won't be in class the entire day.

Eventually they reached a quieter part of the castle, and the two continued to walk in silence. Toshiro followed the Professor - something he didn't normally like to do, but he had a feeling that he shouldn't make her any angrier than she already was. When they stopped before a statue of a gargoyle, McGonagall faced it and said in a strong, clear voice, "Fizzing whizbees."

Toshiro raised an eyebrow, but was then distracted by the statue that started turning and sliding upward. A staircase was attached to its base, and it spiraled with the statue's movements. "The Headmaster's office is at the top," McGonagall said, turning without looking at him. "Be respectful and answer his questions truthfully."

Toshiro watched the witch leave, curious as to her sudden animosity towards him. Then he shook his head, deciding to put that off for later. He started making his way up the staircase, finding a plain wooden door at the top. He had barely knocked before a familiar voice called him in. He opened the door and stepped into a large, round office filled with random objects, many bookcases filled with dusty tomes, and a bird stand next to the desk. There was a large bird perched there, gold and red feathers dull. Its dark eyes were dry, and it kept making coughing sounds.

He doesn't take care of his pets, Toshiro thought disapprovingly. He made it a point to visit Athena every few days.

"Ah, Mr. Hitsugaya." His attention was drawn to the old Headmaster sitting behind a large, ornate desk with many papers sitting atop it. There was also a globe in the corner, which was continually spinning on its own. "Please, sit."

Toshiro cautiously sat in one of the two chairs before the desk, irritated to find that if he sat back, his feet wouldn't touch the floor. Wonderful. What a great way to make an impression. There was a reason he had gotten a new chair when he had become Captain.

His mind wandered back to his division. How were they doing with just Rangiku there? He assumed they would contact him if they had any serious problems, but Rangiku had stopped sending him paperwork after the reprimand he had given her, so she might be too scared to ask for help. Or perhaps they were simply too drunk to do anything other than lie around and sleep all day.

It was at this point that he realized Dumbledore was talking, taking Toshiro's silence as his cue to begin. Toshiro tuned in in the middle of the man's apparently long speech. "...events several days ago at the Quidditch game between Slytherin house and Gryffindor house, at which Mr. Harry Potter was injured by a rogue Bludger that had been targeting him throughout the match..."

Wow, this guy could talk. It was almost as bad as when Yamamoto rambled on during Captains' meetings in the atrociously stuffy meeting hall. At least Toshiro was able to sit for this.

"I would suggest you start paying attention," Hyourinmaru rumbled. "He seems to be nearing the end of his speech."

Toshiro tuned in again. "...reported that you were sitting with friends in the Gryffindor house section of the bleachers. However, a few moments later when Harry Potter was knocked unconscious by the Bludger and consequently fell from his broom..."

Toshiro mentally sighed.

"...you were at the field and disintegrated the rogue Bludger that was attempting to finish its mission in seriously hurting or even killing Harry Potter. You then rushed to the boy's side and, from the accounts of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, gave Harry Potter a field examination. You declared that he was alive, and soon after Mr. Potter was removed from the field by stretcher and taken to the hospital wing, from where he was given medical attention. In your opinion, is this account correct?"

"Yes, it is," Toshiro said, forcibly putting a polite tone into his voice. Sound like you're talking to Yamamoto, sound like you're talking to Yamamoto, sound like you're talking to Yamamoto...

"Then kindly explain, in your own words and to the best of your ability, how you were able to reach the field in what was seemingly moments, when it would have taken a person your age and size at the very least five minutes to emerge on the field."

Toshiro took a moment to strip the question of all it's unnecessary words - which ended up being most of them. This posed a problem. He hadn't thought about what it had looked like to the people around him when he had shunpoed down to the field, but it must have looked like he was moving far too quickly for any normal person to move. He needed to come up with a good lie, and quickly. Dumbledore was resting his elbows on the desk and tenting his fingers all while smiling and staring intently at Toshiro. It was very unnerving.

"I was not in the bleachers for the entire game," Toshiro answered, a possible lie having just popped into his head. He hadn't properly formulated all his responses yet, but he was hoping that he would be able to make them up as he went along. "I could tell that something was wrong with the Bludger, and once it broke Potter's arm, I figured that it wouldn't stop there. I left the bleachers and was making my way down as the game continued. I doubt anyone saw me leave because they were all focused on the match. I am also not very talkative, so it is quite easy for people to overlook me."

Dumbledore was silent for some time, most likely scanning his story for flaws. Toshiro sat still in his chair, back straight and chin raised. He would not act guilty. He had lied before, and he could do it now.

"Why did you feel the need to help Harry Potter if you are not close to him?" Dumbledore sat back in his chair, not losing his smile. Toshiro supposed it was supposed to be comforting, but it reminded him too much of Ichimaru's smile - it never left his face.

"I did not say I was not close to him," Toshiro said, rephrasing the question to give him more time to come up with an answer. "I do not know if we are called friends, but I felt a responsibility to not let him die. I was able to prevent that from happening, so I decided that I must act."

Again Dumbledore paused, and again Toshiro maintained eye contact. He was a Captain. He would not be intimidated by a human - one that he was likely older than. Despite how old and wise the man appeared, Toshiro knew that humans could only live up until a certain point, and he was past that. This human was probably younger than him.

"You are aware of the consequences of lying to the Headmaster, are you not?" Dumbledore said suddenly. Toshiro narrowed his eyes. Was he threatening him?

"I am aware," Toshiro answered. "But I do not see how that is relevant, as I am not lying."

Hyourinmaru nodded and stirred his wings. "Technically, you are not. You did want to protect the youngling, you did go down to the field as the game was being played, the humans were concentrated on the game, and people do tend not to notice you if you want them to. You are not lying."

"Thank you, for summarizing everything," Toshiro said dryly. "I was not aware of any of that."

Hyourinmaru grumbled, raking his claws through the snow. "There's no need to snap at me."

"I didn't snap at you."

Hyourinmaru was silent, and if he could, Toshiro knew he'd be raising his eyebrow.

"Fine. I'm sorry. Happy?"

"Better," the zanpakuto muttered.

Toshiro resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His zanpakuto could act like such a little kid sometimes.

"I heard that," the dragon called. "And just remember, I am a part of your soul. If I act like a youngling, then so do you."

Stupid dragon and his logic.

"Mr. Hitsugaya?"

Toshiro started, snapping his gaze back to the Headmaster, who was watching him with no little concern. Toshiro realized he must have been zoning out. "My apologizes, Heamaster," Toshiro said, dipping his head slightly. "Could you repeat that?"

Dumbledore regarded him with carefully guarded blue eyes for a long moment before speaking. "I asked, what kind of education did you have before coming to Hogwarts?"

Toshiro paused. Out of all the possibilities that he thought he'd be questioned on, that hadn't even made the list. Why did Dumbledore want to know that?

"Answer carefully," Hyourinmaru advised, sounding worried. "He must be up to something."

"The usual," Toshiro answered. "I had just finished primary school." Despite hating how young he looked, he decided that it would be best to answer based on what he should have been in, considering he was supposed to be twelve.

Dumbledore nodded and looked down at his desk, then slid a paper over to Toshiro. "You did not skip any years? Your grades here suggest you are far above the average in intelligence."

Toshiro looked down at the paper. It was a transcript of last years' grades. They were the highest one could get.

"No," Toshiro answered finally. "My grandmother wanted me to stay with children my age." Oh, how he hated saying that. But Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully.

"With marks such as these, I find myself questioning why you were sorted into Gryffindor. Ravenclaw might have been the best fit for you."

Toshiro glanced at the old Sorting Hat, which was sitting on a shelf in a bookcase. It was still and silent, but he knew it was listening intently. "I cannot tell you its reasons for putting me in Gryffindor, as I do not know myself."

Dumbledore sat back in his chair, folding his hands on the desk. "It is unorthodox, and we have rarely done it since the opening of Hogwarts, but what would you say to switching Houses?"

This man was full of surprises. Toshiro sat staring at him, contemplating the offer. He had to admit, it was attractive. Ever since he'd heard that the Ravenclaw common room was a library, he had half wanted to switch, but that notion had been pushed aside since it had seemed impossible. Now that the opportunity was before him, he found himself unsure of what to do.

Had Dumbledore offered this at the beginning of the year, he would have gladly accepted. But now, with the Polyjuice Potion and Harry's condition, he felt that he was needed far more in Gryffindor. It would be infinitely more difficult to plan with the trio if he was in another class. The Gryffindors rarely had class with the Ravenclaws, so he might not even see the three.

There was also the fact that if he switched, he would draw unnecessary attention to himself. From what he understood, changing Houses was rare, if nonexistent. He had never heard of someone doing this, and he preferred to stay in the background.

Despite all this, the offer was very tempting. He would be among intelligent people - even if they were children and very young - but they were likely to be much better behaved than the Gryffindors. He might be able to have an intellectual conversation with someone, instead of reading by the window and attempting to ignore the chatter of the other children.

And yet...he would miss them. For some reason, he would miss Ron and Harry's intense discussions about Quidditch, Hermione's frantic studying before tests, and even Neville's forgetfulness. They were what made Gryffindor unique, and he wasn't sure that he wanted to give that up. He had a strange attachment to the House.

Looking up, he saw that Dumbledore was waiting patiently for his answer. The thought suddenly struck him that this must have been why Professor McGonagall was so angry with him before. Changing Houses might upset the Heads, especially if the student in question was such a high academic achiever such as himself. He brought the Gryffindor average IQ up considerably, and probably provided something for the witch to take pride in. If he switched to Ravenclaw, she was likely to dislike him for the rest of his time here, however limited that hopefully was.

Still, this decision shouldn't be based on anyone's feelings but his own. In the end, they did not matter. It was his choice, and his alone.

Toshiro sat straight and met Professor Dumbledore's gaze. "Thank you for the offer," he said firmly, proud that his voice didn't hold any of the worry he was currently feeling. "But I am afraid I must decline. I am content in Gryffindor, and I would like to remain there."

Dumbledore nodded, something sparking in his eyes. Toshiro vaguely remembered that the man had been in Gryffindor himself, and so probably thought of the House and its students fondly. "If that is your decision, then I will respect that."

"Thank you, sir."

Dumbledore leaned forward and set Toshiro's transcript back into his folder. Then he waved his wand and the folder lifted into the air, sorting itself onto a shelf amongst many other folders. They were probably every students' information. When it was situated, Dumbledore leaned back and smiled again. Toshiro really wished he wouldn't do that. It reminded him too much of Ichimaru.

"Now, then, we still have the issue of your intellect."

What? It was a problem that he was smarter than the other students? It took all of Toshiro's self-control not to glare at the Headmaster. He sat silently, hoping that the man would ready his body language and know that he was angry.

"You are far above the other students in your grade," Dumbledore continued cheerfully, either not noticing or deciding to ignore Toshiro's anger. "We have considered moving you up a year."

Toshiro froze. It was the Academy all over again. "With all due respect, sir," he hurriedly said, forcing his tone to be polite. "I do not wish to move up a year. I am happy where I am."

"Perhaps, but wouldn't you like to be challenged more? All of your professors have reported that you can sleep during class and will still achieve top marks."

"Yes, but I don't want to leave my friends." Toshiro was scrambling to put together an argument that Dumbledore would accept. After all, the school couldn't do anything without his consent, and probably his guardian's consent as well. Yamamoto was acting as his official guardian - Toshiro would take this information to the grave before letting anyone, particularly Rangiku, know - and probably wouldn't want him moving up. Based on recent events, they had decided that Toshiro needed to stick close to Harry. The boy seemed to be a magnet for trouble, and Voldemort had an unhealthy desire to kill him. Since Toshiro's mission was to ultimately destroy Voldemort, then it made sense to be around Harry.

"I understand your feelings, but you mustn't hold yourself back because of them. Your life is your own, and it is best if you do all you can to succeed." Dumbledore's eyes glittered in the light. The bird a few feet away coughed weakly.

"I assure you, Headmaster, this decision was my own. I am not holding back because of my friends."

Dumbledore studied him for a few seconds before nodding. "Very well. If that is your choice, then we will have to respect that. Have a good day, Mr. Hitsugaya."

"And you, Professor Dumbledore." Toshiro stood and bowed, then left. As he made his way to his first class, there was no one in the halls. Then a realization hit him and he stopped dead.

He had called them his friends. He thought of them as friends. When had that happened?! Toshiro swallowed nervously. What did this mean? What was going to happen now?

"Calm down, Master," Hyourinmaru said, sounding faintly amused. "This is a good thing."

"Good?!" Toshiro practically screamed at his zanpakuto. "Good?! This could ruin the whole mission!"

"How?"

Toshiro took a deep breath and started walking again. "Nothing."

"Master-"

"Nothing! Just leave it alone."

"This isn't something that you should allow to fester."

"I know. I'll deal with it."

"How?" He sounded wary. Toshiro didn't answer. He continued walking to class, which was Transfiguration. Great. He got to deal with an annoyed McGonagall.

Pushing open the door, he slipped in and wanted to take his seat quietly, but McGonagall noticed him. Luckily she wasn't giving a lecture, but she was helping a student turn a carved frog into a real one when he came in. She looked over at him, sharp eyes widening in surprise. She straightened and marched right over to him.

"You're still here?"

She spoke quietly, but the students near them could easily hear. And they weren't even bothering to hide the fact that they were listening.

"Yes, Professor." Toshiro attempted to get past her to his seat, but she didn't move.

"Why?"

Anger stirred in his chest, and the room's temperature dropped. He was a Captain; he didn't need to explain himself to her!

"I decided not to change," he said, voice low and eyes dark. He was in no mood to defend himself to anyone, and was starting to regret his decision to come to class. It might have been better if he'd just gone to the Chamber.

McGonagall must have misread the anger in his eyes, as she said, "Do you regret that decision?"

Toshiro shook his head, not looking at her. "No."

He wasn't sure if he was convincing her or himself.

Once classes ended that day, Toshiro fled to the Chamber and busied himself in doing what he'd promised he'd do a couple weeks ago - make it more livable. He was determined not to think about school and his mission for at least several hours, and so decided that this was a good way to distract himself.

After some exploring Toshiro found a back room that seemed ideal for what he wanted. It was not overly large, but was big enough for bookcases, a chair, and Sigruna, if she wanted to be there while he stayed. With a goal in mind, Toshiro sat with his back to the wall and a piece of paper to plan. He knew that if he borrowed supplies from the school, they would investigate, and he couldn't go back to Soul Society until winter break, which was six weeks away. So, he was stuck.

While he was thinking, Sigruna slithered in and coiled her body around the room, resting her head by his knees. She looked at his paper, which was annoyingly blank. "What is the problem?"

"If I take stuff from the school, they're going to look for it," Toshiro sighed, tapping his quill against his chin. "I've already gotten noticed by them, so I'd like to stay off their radar from now on."

Sigruna flicked out her tongue, catching the edge of the paper and launching it into the air. He lunged for it and gave her a glare. She simply curled her upper lip in what he guessed was supposed to be a grin. "You made my statue," she said thoughtfully, raising her head slightly. "Why can't you just make more things?"

Toshiro stared at her for a moment. "You know, that's actually a good idea. Why didn't I think of that?"

He frowned and Sigruna opened her mouth to say something when they heard the distant rumbling of stone sliding on stone. Toshiro and the basilisk looked at each other in confusion for a moment before panic set in and they scrambled for the door.