Take Ten: The September Woes (…round and round and round.)
Kakashi pretended to read his little dirty novella.
Snape pretended to ignore the 'intruder'.
Kakashi couldn't care less.
The students as they filed into the dungeon – because surely, this atmosphere was not a classroom – did an almost comical double take when they spotted him snug up against the corner of the room. Eavesdropping on the Gryffindors and Slytherins, both sides were expressing amazement that their Potions Master had yet to dropkick him out the door.
Kakashi would like to see Snape try.
"Attention," commanded Snape, voice slick. Unsurprisingly, the second years were silenced immediately. With a careless flick of a wand, the chalkboard displayed information about the Wiggenweld Potion except… "Today is review. Have this potion finished by the end of class today."
The students made a mad scramble and started to prepare the potion brewing process.
Sitting in his corner of the classroom, Kakashi circumspectly read through the instructions, trying to understand it with his limited knowledge. All he had to work with was the research on botany he did for Tsunade-sama and his conversations with Professor Sprout as well as the quick skim he did on a first year potions text. Looking at the list of ingredients for the potion, Kakashi cautiously concluded that it was a few ingredients short.
It was definitely a test to check for the competence level of the second years and it appears that few have caught on. Judging by Snape's expression, he was definitely displeased.
Kakashi rubbed at his neck in thought. To him, potion making was almost akin to medical arts and he was abysmal at medical arts. In fact, it was the one art he never succeeded in perfecting. Individuals with natural lightning chakra were never meant to heal and Kakashi Hatake was not a man patient enough to brew potions. But with the way his luck was going, he would probably need to know how to brew a potion of sorts to activate the Mangekyou Sharingan.
And if that ever happened, he did not look forward to the prospect of 'convincing' the man named Severus Snape into brewing the potion for him.
When the students finally settled, Snape made his rounds and provided snide commentary. Snape was making a great show of ignoring Kakashi at every turn and Kakashi? He was perfectly fine with that. In fact, he would love to see how long he could ignore him for and test his self-restraint…
He advised, "I wouldn't add that if I were you."
The mousy Gryffindor student jumped at his voice. Turning her head around, she stuttered, "Why?"
"Because the potion would explode," said Kakashi genially. That was a blatant lie.
She dropped the wrong ingredient like a hot potato. Snape, who was two benches away, shifted his eyes to glower at him before barking at another poor student for their ineptitude.
"Maaa…Your Professor always sound so angry," he said.
The mousy haired girl ducked her head. The boy beside her puffed up. "Snape likes to pick on us Gryffindors."
"Two points from Gryffindor for not doing your work in class," interrupted a smoothly dangerous voice. "And it's Professor Snape, boy."
"Y-Yes Professor."
Kakashi met this challenge head on and decided to destroy Snape's lesson to see how he would handle it. He announced loudly, "Professor Snape, I believe the potion written out at the front is wrong."
All the students paused and turned to look at them. Snape gave him an unreadable expression before scoffing, "Of course it is wrong. Any potion maker worth their grain would know it is wrong."
"Touché." Kakashi noted that Snape admitted it was wrong yet he managed not to reveal where it was wrong.
The students were decidedly more nervous now, hearing this, with a few frantic as they flipped through the pages of their potions text.
Snape growled at him, "If you'll excuse me."
Casually waving away the pleasantry ("You're excused again, Professor!"), Kakashi waltzed away first. Ambling towards the front of the classroom under Snape's watchful eyes, he lingered near the chalkboard. Quick eyes analyzed the jars lined up in rows at the back of the bench. There were many ingredients on display and he recognized that a few of them were actually listed as 'rare' in the botany texts he had read earlier.
To the side of this bench on the table, he spotted a tattered copy of an advanced potions text. Surprisingly it was opened to a page describing a love potion called the Amortentia-
"W-Watch out Mr. Hatake!" yelped a pre-pubescent Gryffindor student.
A sputtering potion boiled into an angry red before it exploded and it almost splattered on him except he managed to evade in time with a kneejerk reaction. His evasion technique, though, drew unwanted attention. Everyone stopped their actions and stared, flabbergasted.
"You…" Snape's face morphed into one of disgust. "Get off of my walls, Hatake."
Bowing almost comically on the vertical surface, Kakashi spoke past his violet scarf, "Certainly, Professor." He landed in a graceful crouch, much to the students' amazement.
"Did you see that-?"
"So the rumours are true!"
"Settle down." Anger striking, Snape disciplined, "Ten points from Gryffindor for the mess. Another five points for rowdiness."
"Hey-!"
"-Shut up."
"Another five points for language."
Effectively silenced, the Gryffindors collectively glared at their Professor.
A Slytherin sitting at the front took the quiet opportunity to ask rudely, catching everyone's attention, "How'd you do that?"
His friend who sat beside him egged on, "What kind of spell did you use?"
A single grey eye stared down at them and they sweated bullets before he relented, his eye crinkling – a signature sign of his smile. "It's a secret. Ask Professor Snape. He might know."
Snape glared at him but said nothing, much to the students' shock.
Checkmate. Kakashi knew Snape would not admit to weakness. He was done here for today.
"If you'll excuse me, I have a dog to feed." The shinobi waved. "Bye, Professor Snape. Consider the footprints on the wall as a thank you gift for your welcome."
The Owlery was warm when he called his messenger hawk from her perch. Without a greeting, Kakashi began to slip the heavy missive into her claw. Awaji nipped at his fingers reprovingly.
"Yes. I know. Another flight already. You can take it out on our Hokage-sama for being such a slave driver, neh," grumbled Kakashi when his bird showed sass.
With a loud cry as if in agreement, the bird shifted her foot out further, letting him tie the mission statement to the appendage with deft hands…
A portkey vortex appeared high in the air. A swift shape flew out of the portal just as it collapsed on itself. Swooping, Awaji caught the air current under the large span of her wings, sensing the familiar change in atmosphere.
Home.
Tilting, she flew off at a moderate pace, carrying her master's important messages. Greenscape rushed by underneath her belly. And as she neared her destination, she began noticing the thinning of trees, signalling the start of expansive training fields.
As she soared by, there were two girls below, one pink-haired the other blond-headed, sparring.
"Just give up!" One of them taunted.
"Not a chance-!"
As she flew further into the Village Hidden in the Leaves, it became more and more populated. Shinobi and civilian milled around, going about their activities. In the far distance was her roost, the Hokage Tower, and the Hokage Monument. Twirling in midair, pin wheeling, she spotted one boy lazing on the hill while another one snacked away.
Preparing to fly away, the breeze managed to carry their loud, outraged, voices upwards.
"…Pheref 'rhat warsh clrosh."
"Stupid bird…"
The boy swallowed his food. "You're lucky I'm here. Lost a chip but blocked that for you."
"Yea…Yea…Thanks Chouji…"
…She may have accidentally released a 'gift' for the young shinobi when she flew away.
Kakashi sneezed once.
"Bless you boss."
"Thank you Uhei."
Idling minutes away, he sneezed again when he flipped a page of his precious Icha Icha Paradise.
009720
Mission: C-rank
Mission Objective(s): Complete.
Items obtained. See enclosed.
Additional Notes: Instructor profiles updated.
In the privacy of her office, Tsunade unrolled the second scroll attached to Kakashi's messenger bird. A mist of smoke revealed the mission statement – neat, precise words aligned in columns – and the mission objectives.
A smirk appeared. With delicate handling, she examined the seeds carefully and scrutinized the soft rose-like flowers.
"Ah…So you did succeed."
Grumbling under her breath, she twirled the delicate flower between her fingers and read the mission statement.
Hokage-sama,
09-02. Mission start. Morning after "Sorting Ceremony Feast". 0230 hour. Trap was set in Greenhouse Three (Refer to "Blueprint of Hogwarts Castle"). Encountered no resistance. On your order, will likely advise Headmaster Dumbledore to increase Greenhouse security.
09-02. 0800 hour. Herbology Class start. Students: Fourth Year Gryffindors and Fourth Year Hufflepuffs (Refer to "Social System of Hogwarts"). At 0815 hour, trap was sprung. Professor Pomona Sprout and myself were the only casualties. Injuries that occurred were minor and self-afflicted. No harm to bystanders. Bisuke was guard.
09-02. 0830 to 1200 hour. Brought to Infirmary (Refer to "Blueprint of Hogwarts Castle") under accompaniment of Bisuke and Sprout. Medic Poppy Pomfrey was at standby.
Two of three mission objectives completed.
One: Trust of resident Herbologist and Medic obtained (09-12. Current trust status is questionable. Refer to "Student Unification Project: Saturday Mission").
Two: Has been given common immunity potions and advanced antitoxin potions (Refer to attached list). Pomfrey asserts consumption promotes health. My professional opinion lands on the other side of the spectrum. Obtained "Blood Replenishing Potion" recipe.
Additional Notes: Chakra and magic do not mix internally (Tsunade-sama, the use of red ink asserts my strong opinion). I do not recommend field medical treatment via magical potion means.
"Che. Figures he'd play up the melodrama..." Tsunade shuffled the papers and found the list of potions, reading the magical jargon.
Tsunade knew he disliked medical treatment which was why she forced him, under a guise of a mission, to suffer through a minor injury so as to receive medical treatment from the wizards. Not only that, but it was also done to raise his nonexistent magical immunity in case he became afflicted with a magical disease of sorts.
She rolled her eyes. Heaven forbid he would go willingly.
09-09. First encounter with Sprout after 09-06 "Student Unification Project: Saturday Mission".
Third of three mission objectives completed.
Three: Obtained rare floral specimen and seed, Gui Fa.
(Back on September 09)
Today was a good day.
Humming happily, Pomona Sprout tended to the last of the squalling Mandrake for the Second Years. She then patted down the loose soil gently with her hand shovel, careful and mindful in her ministrations. Bustling to the next table over, she grabbed a pair of clippers and began pruning a magical decorative cherry tree. The violet fire flowers had begun blooming again, burning brightly on the branches in an everlasting blaze.
She was in deep concentration when she was interrupted by a sudden knock on the greenhouse door.
Thinking it was a student, she bade them entry without looking. "Come in, come in."
Knob rattling briefly, the door squeaked open. "…Professor Sprout?"
Sprout immediately turned, the voice much too deep and accented to be a student. Warily, she placed her clippers down and greeted, "Hullo, Mr. Hatake, out of the hole you buried yourself into? What can I do for you?"
Rubbing the back of his neck in an almost nervous manner, Kakashi intoned hesitatingly, "I have a little problem…" His other hand was curiously behind his back, as if hiding something from view.
Sprout paused. On the one hand, he did single-handedly embarrass the staff of Hogwarts. On the other hand, he saved her from the falling rack of pots that one time. He was also a generally secretive colleague who tended to not socialize so it was a definite oddity for him to reach out for help.
As if taking her silence as a 'yes', Mr. Hatake walked into the greenhouse and presented a pitiful potted plant. The sparse leaves were wilted to a dreadful yellow-brown and speckled black from disease. "Ahh…I have a problem with this."
Taking the clay pot into her hands, Sprout turned the plant in circles and tsked. "I'm sorry to say this, Mr. Hatake, but this plant has seen better days." Here her brows furrowed. "Though, I must ask, this plant-?"
"-This plant is a family heirloom," interrupted the Mediator.
"A family heirloom you say?" Sprout schooled her features to minimize the surprise she felt.
"Yes, he has been passed down from generation to generation." Kakashi grinned, eye curving. "You see, my great-great-great grandfather was a farmer of sorts, cultivating rice from rice paddies and one day a samurai-"
"Your family history is fine and dandy, Mr. Hatake, but I think I will need more related information to help you." Sprout sighed, "And perhaps I am mistaken…but…What is this?"
Because to her, it looked like a weed.
Kakashi explained with a note of sadness, "He was a Dandy Lion."
By Jove, it was a dandelion weed.
"My family believed that if tended properly, he can become the legendary Wish Flower."
A wish flower. Imagine that. "That sounds…astounding." She gestured at the diseased weed. "How did this happen?"
"He was growing just fine back home but for some reason at Hogwarts he became…What you say in English? Droopy?" The man shuffled a careless hand through dark hair, looking at her imploringly.
"There is only so much I can do for an unfortunately dead plant," said Sprout apologetically.
"Ah…" His shoulders fell. "No magical potions?"
"No magical potions," confirmed the Herbology Professor. "I am quite sorry about your…heirloom."
He stared at his pet plant. "Then maybe you can help me with something else?"
Sprout, taking in his pitiful expression and feeling her heartstrings pulled, sighed, "I'll do my best."
A dichotomy. He sighed but his visible eye regarded her steadily, brightly. "Would you happen to know anything about the Gui Fa?"
Tsunade looked at the bouquet of Gui Fa. The Gui Fa, noted for its healing properties, will be an asset to the Fire Country's medical team.
It was unfortunate that the flora went extinct thirty years ago within the borders of the Land of Fire, wiped away by a crippling disease and poor weather conditions. Now that there were advancements in botany, they were capable of cultivating the Gui Fa once more. Perhaps they can even make advancements in certain growth drugs with its essence.
Setting the flora aside, she read the last of his missive. It was an update on three of the professors that she previously asked about.
Professor Hagrid, Rubeus.
Title: Keeper of Keys and Grounds.
Teaching Subject: Care of Magical Creatures.
New Comments: Limited interaction. Holds a fascination with magical creatures of all shapes, sizes, and risk levels (from harmless to death-inducing). Commented that he once had a pet dragon – INADVISABLE.
As mentioned previously, large in stature but relatively docile. Will need to do further observations.
Professor Snape, Severus.
Title: Potions Master.
Teaching Subject: Potions.
New Comments: Dour. Possibly had a wizard-standard bad childhood – explains treatment of persons under eighteen. Does not explain away general oversensitive defensive mechanism (Side note: Negative reaction often geared towards Moody's appearance. Moody appears to be aware of this development. Will investigate further).
Appears to be in Headmaster Dumbledore's confidence. Knows more than he lets on. Hokage-sama, will not pry unless order is given to do so.
Current situation prevents collaboration with Snape unless one or all of three objectives are met:
One: Blackmail.
Two: Order was given from Headmaster Dumbledore.
Three: Change in situation and he owes me a favour – will consider a strategy to obtain favour if absolutely necessary. Owing him a favour – INADVISABLE.
Professor Moody, Alastor.
Title: Retired Auror.
Teaching Subject: Defence Against the Dark Arts.
New Comments: Rumored and confirmed by Dumbledore that Moody accepted the position at Hogwarts to fulfill a longstanding favour to Dumbledore. Two weeks into the school year and he has 'enchanted' the students. Is a curious man with curious behaviour. This is confirmed via tracking.
Moody is known to stalk my movements around the castle. Is known to keep tabs on other Professors as well…
Tsunade squinted her eyes, trying to read the scratched out (unprofessional, childish) scrawl at the end of Moody's description. When she did, she snorted a quiet "hypocrite" under her breath.
It read, "In short, Moody is a paranoid bastard."
(Elsewhere in the Hokage Tower)
"Shizune-san…Is something the matter?"
Startled, Shizune jolted in her seat, laughing nervously. "Ah Iruka-san! I didn't notice you."
Iruka, with a bemused smile, went towards his desk at the mission office. Airily, he said over his shoulder, "I think the red ink is running through the paper and into your desk."
"Oh?" Looking down at the paperwork in front of her and then noticing that she had been circling the same word over and over again, she cringed. "Umm…"
"Actually, you seem more distracted than anything else," he commented patiently.
Shizune tapped the pen against the desk in an upbeat rhythm. "Is it really that obvious?" she asked, wry.
Iruka nodded while grinning boyishly. "A little, Shizune-san." He sat in his seat.
Tsunade's assistant bit her lip before sidling up to Iruka's desk. She whispered conspiratorially, "I have a question, Iruka-san, that needs to be answered truthfully."
"What is it?" Suddenly nervous, Iruka scratched at his cheek. "You sound very serious."
"I am very serious." Shizune cleared her throat and said, "Have you noticed anything strange recently? Strange behaviours or…?" She trailed off, looking at him expectantly.
"Well…We live in a Hidden Village," said Iruka as if that explained everything. And indeed, it was a good blanket statement to cover all the eccentricities of their shinobi and kunoichi.
"Yes but, nothing really out of place?" pried Shizune.
"Now that you mention it…" Iruka shrugged, "You."
The reaction was immediate. "Ah Iruka-san!" Shizune slapped the poor teacher roughly on the shoulder. "That's too mean!"
Turning a bit red from embarrassment, Iruka laughed, "Sorry."
"So you haven't noticed anything strange…" muttered Shizune almost to herself. "And I haven't either…Hmm…."
Iruka inquired curiously, sensing the underlying reason to be an interesting one, "Why do you ask?"
Shizune seemed to pause and size him up. Just as the situation took a turn towards uncomfortable, she said, "Maybe you can help me…"
"What is it, Shizune-san?"
"You see…That is…" She fumbled for the words. "I saw flowers today. On her desk."
There was a lull in the conversation as Iruka digested her words. Tonton ambled over and took that opportunity to nibble on the hem of Iruka's pants.
Iruka nodded slowly, trying to process the information. "On whose desk, exactly?"
She whispered quietly, "Lady Tsunade's."
His eyebrows rose. "Really?"
Encouraged, Shizune said, "…I think Lady Tsunade might have a secret admirer."
"A what?"
"Shh-!"
"A secret admirer?" continued Iruka, yelping out loudly.
Shizune made frantic hand movements trying to calm the surprised teacher but it was too late. She laughed nervously, voice trailing as all eyes in the mission room ogled them with interest.
She whispered despairingly, "Iruka-san!"
"…Sorry?" he squeaked.
The spell was broken when-
"-SHIZUNE!"
– their reverent Hokage called for her aide.
In the mission room filled to the brim with supposedly mature shinobi and kunoichi of the Leaf, their peers erupted into giggles, elbows digging into ribs, fingers pointing at Shizune and Iruka in an arcing link. Whispers of 'secret admirer' swirled around the pair. Ignoring his fellows, Iruka sank into the seat deeply with belated dread while he watched the gossip exchange.
"I knew something was going on between you two!" chortled Anko, leering at Shizune.
She looked absolutely scandalized. "Anko!" With a burning face, Shizune answered pitifully, "Yes, Lady Tsunade!" She scurried out of the mission office, chased by the rumours.
What no one noticed, however, was the sly look Kotetsu and Izumo shared between them…
So Hokage-sama had a secret admirer…?
With the necessary tasks delegated to a strangely red-faced Shizune (the young woman, from time to time, would stray her eyes onto the bouquet of Gui Fa, seemingly fascinated), Tsunade dismissed her aide. Alone in her office with files upon files of missions stacked on almost every available square inch of the desk, Tsunade contemplated the next step for Kakashi.
But she was interrupted.
"Hokage-sama!"
She issued a curt statement demanding an answer. "What is it."
ANBU Cat emerged through the window, shadows still languidly hanging off their limbs in the bright noon sunlight.
"A new hawk just arrived at 1351. We managed to confirm that the scroll stolen from Sand was transported to a new location - a top grade stronghold within the Land of Earth territory."
"…So it might be the Rock-nin…" speculated Tsunade. "And the stronghold – a remnant from the war?"
"Yes. It has been confirmed by the scouts in Squad Delta." Cat added, "We have triangulated the coordinates."
Without another word, Cat gave Tsunade the information scroll. Unfurling it, she quickly scanned through the contents, pursed her lips together, and barked out another command, "ANBU Sparrow."
ANBU Sparrow appeared in a swirl of smoke. "Yes, Hokage-sama."
"I want you to find all information listed in our archives on this stronghold. Check for information about Rock activity in the area." She tossed the scroll to Sparrow, who caught it easily. "Report back immediately with your findings."
"Understood, Hokage-sama." The ANBU agent bowed.
"Dismissed, Sparrow."
With another swirl of smoke, the agent was gone. Tsunade then addressed Cat, "Take these seeds and deliver them to our botany department, along with this letter containing the instructions." She handed Cat the package and letter that was from Kakashi. "Tell them that this contains an extremely rare specimen so handle with care."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Good. And when you get back, I have another task for you…" Tsunade trailed off, twirling a fully bloomed Gui Fa between her thumb and index finger.
Dumbledore might have metaphorical avenues of escape planned out but Tsunade made sure to secure exit routes for her shinobi too. It would not do at all for Kakashi to be ensconced tightly by Wizardry politics.
No…It would not do at all.
Tsunade glanced at Cat sharply, "Understood, Cat?"
"Understood."
"Dismissed."
When ANBU Cat disappeared from her office in a flicker, she placed the Gui Fa back onto her desk and began drafting a letter.
Kakashi sneezed again.
Limpid pools trained on him imploringly. "I hope you're not sick."
"Of course not."
Uhei snuffed disbelievingly.
The silver instruments in Dumbledore's office clicked away in steady motion, hard at work for reasons only the owner knew of. The steam sporadically released fogged the windows in smatterings of blues and purples. Fawkes watched on in boredom, head drooping towards his crest.
Dumbledore sat behind his desk in contemplation. In front of him, laid out on the flat surface, was a muggle map of London with magical London superimposed on top of the image. With various little silver flags, he decorated the map with locations for ideal sightseeing and history learning.
"What do you suggest, Fawkes?" murmured the old Headmaster.
His loyal bird cooed softly.
"I believe a jaunt out of Hogwarts will do our guest some good."
He shifted his feathers.
"Yes, I agree with your assessment. Mr. Hatake is becoming mighty restless."
Trilling sweetly, the phoenix left his perch to stand on the map. Fawkes tilted his head from side to side.
"Yes, I'm sure you're wondering about the guide." Gently stroking the bird's feathers, he said mildly, "I am thinking through the likely candidates."
Fawkes blinked.
"All the Professors are tied up at the moment with classes…" Dumbledore suggested, "Maybe Shacklebolt?"
Fawkes blinked again.
"No, no, you're right. He had enough trouble from Dolores last time."
Cooing, the phoenix picked at his feathers, grooming himself.
"Mr. Hatake does have an affinity towards canine." Dumbledore considered deeply, a gnarled hand sweeping through his white beard. Perhaps maybe…
Fawkes ruffled his feathers again, fluff drifting.
Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling, "I believe that will be a wonderful idea too."
Shuffling across the desk, the bird hummed curiously.
"Yes, I'm sure Remus Lupin will agree to help." Peering at the bird from above the rim of his spectacles, he announced, "Now to tell Mr. Hatake about the arrangements."
Another sneeze.
"Boss…"
"I'm just popular with the masses," said Kakashi, deadpanned. "I'm on the thoughts of everyone."
Utterly unconvinced, Uhei sighed, dragging a blanket towards Kakashi and throwing it over his head.
Kakashi stayed silent, letting the world filter through the heavy material. At that moment, though, the door creaked open, admitting in another one of his furry companions.
There was a pause in their step before Kakashi heard Akino ask Uhei, "…Why does Master Kakashi have a blanket over his head?"
It was the last week of September with October inching just around the corner. The Thursday evening was relatively uneventful with the majority of the student body milling in the dining hall – a mixture of hungry, half-full, and sated individuals.
However, like all fourth-week-in-a-month Thursdays, calculated Professor Vector, there was a higher than normal chance of a strange occurrence. Vector bit into her bean sprouts rather triumphantly when Professor Dumbledore stood up at the end of dinner, hands raised to gather attention.
Professor Charity Burbage of Muggle Studies fiddled with the rice bits on her plate as she discreetly whispered to her, "What do you suppose he is announcing?"
Flitwick, who sat on her other side, must have heard Burbage for he heaved a great sigh in response. The Charms Professor smiled wanly, "I believe our Headmaster has a very interesting proclamation."
Before Burbage could ask for more information, Dumbledore started his speech and Vector listened with the rest of Hogwarts.
"As you all know, the current points system is divided to four houses. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff each have their own point tallies and the one house with the highest points at the end of the year will receive the House Cup," said Dumbledore.
"I will also like to take this opportunity to remind you that we will not be holding the inter-house Quidditch competition due to the Triwizard Tournament and that means fewer chances to add House points." Smiling genially, Dumbledore continued, a mite excited, "Therefore, this year I have decided to add a different twist in your quest for the House Cup."
This caught the students' attention.
"This will be a test run, if you will. Taking into consideration various opinions-"
Vector had a feeling 'various opinions' included the strange Hogwarts Mediator.
"-I am happy to announce the new 4000 Points Rule."
Chatter amongst the students erupted. At her elbow, Flitwick rubbed at his forehead, uncharacteristically sighing, "Oh, Philosopher's Stone."
Glancing around, Vector noted that the other Head of Houses, save for Sprout, must have shared Flitwick's sentiments for their expressions were strained.
"Attention, attention," said Dumbledore, quieting down the voices. "This 4000 Points Rule was initially suggested by Mr. Hatake-"
I knew it. Vector did not feel reassured by her correct assumption though.
"-to unite Hogwarts under one cause. At the end of the school year, we will tally up the points from all four houses and if the points surpass 4000, an award will be given to the entire student body."
The students perked up at the mention of an award.
"Yes, this award, however, will be issued by Mr. Hatake and for now, shall remain secret." Here, Dumbledore joked good-naturedly, "Even I, the Headmaster, am not privy to this information!"
The joke was met with a lukewarm reception as the students deflated at the mention of Mr. Hatake. Not disheartened in the least, Dumbledore ended his announcement, "The official announcement of the 4000 Points Rule will be posted in the Great Hall by tomorrow morning. And its implementation will start at midnight tonight." Clapping twice, he concluded, "Thank you and good night."
In the uproar caused by Dumbledore's announcement, the Head Boy and Head Girl searched for each other across the hall and shared eye contact. Nodding simultaneously, they were both thinking of the same thing.
It was time for an Emergency Meeting.
Cross-legged on the ground, Cedric leaned forward attentively, watching as the other prefects enter the secret Prefects' bathroom. To his left perched on a settee was quiet Mary, a nice, agreeable girl who was his Hufflepuff peer.
"Where are the others?" grumbled Amelia, the Gryffindor prefect.
"Now, now Amelia," placated Marc, her counterpart. "I'm sure they'll be here soon." He kicked back in his seat, looking at ease.
The one who just entered, the French Ravenclaw prefect, exclaimed loudly as he sat down on the couch beside Marc. Philippe exclaimed, "Incroyable! 4000 Points Rule?"
His partner, Natasia, was stone-faced as she leaned against the sofa. "…Where is Slytherin?"
Picking at the carpet lint, Cedric glanced up at the Head Boy, Bradley of Ravenclaw, when he spoke coolly, "Heard they're helping Snape with an errand."
Sari, the Head Girl from Gryffindor, turned her head when the portrait to the entrance inched open. Marc called out, "Pip pip! Let's get this meeting started."
Catharine, one of two Slytherin prefects, rolled her eyes sarcastically at the Gryffindor and sat down on the seat Natasia was leaning against. Jakob, burly and large but offset by a rather soft, glasses-adorned face, nodded at Bradley tersely.
As everyone settled, it was Sari who started the meeting. "As everyone knows, Dumbledore just instated a new 4000 Points Rule."
Philippe growled in disgust.
"And how are we supposed to achieve something like this? The yearly average is about 400 points per house with a total average of about 1600 points altogether. C'est horrible!"
Cedric echoed his sentiments. "We also don't have Quidditch to get the extra points either."
Scratching at her freckled cheeks, Mary pointed out, "It's Saturday in two days."
At the mention of Saturday, the group of student leaders felt disheartened and frustrated.
"Humph." Catharine tapped her fingers against the arm of the chair. "Saturday," she sneered. "The squib makes all these weak excuses to deduct points."
Marc swept back his brown hair. "Well we can't afford to lose 37 points each like last week."
"And whose fault was that, Gryffindor?" scoffed the female Slytherin.
Jakob rumbled, "Only because of McGonagall those 150 points were divided onto us."
"Whatever." Amelia waved away the glares from the other houses. "So what's the game plan?"
Bradley spoke calmly, "Sari and I have discussed. There is no going around the new rule except to be cautious and avoid losing points for…frivolous reasons."
Sari added, "As for Saturday, we have a plan but we will need the cooperation of all four Houses."
"Mr. Hatake can't possibly deduct points if everyone shows up on Saturday morning."
It was Friday evening. Outside, the half-moon provided a wane glow, leaving multiple angles in the school library untouched. Dark save for the dim flickering candlelight, Kakashi was alone (Madam Pince was long gone at his persistent insistence), sitting in an isolated corner by the large bay windows.
Hairs raising along his nape, he rolled his shoulders to relieve the tension. He was researching again. Books were piled around him on the floor and on the desk, papers overflowing with his cursive script. Currently he was perusing a second year potions text to cover the basics of that part of wizardry art. Resting a cheek on one hand, Kakashi was about to casually flip to the next page when a rustling noise caught his attention.
Absolutely still, he listened, concentrating, and then relaxed. Kakashi's dark eye roved through the new page in front of him as he waited for his visitor to arrive.
And arrive she did – a silent shadow fluttering through the rows of books. Alighting onto the table, her claws skittered across polished wood for purchase before finally grabbing onto his arm in a firm grip. Awaji raised her other dainty foot at Kakashi, waiting for him to untie the message.
"Hello to you too."
Detaching the missive, Kakashi unfurled the scroll and read through the contents. The blazing red stamp that sealed the mission as 'C-rank' caught his attention first.
"But a long distance C-rank mission for ANBU…?"
That was new.
He looked at the details. A stronghold in the Land of Earth. In fact, it was a stronghold that he conquered in a mission nearly fifteen years ago. ANBU needed a blueprint of the area…"And it has to be finished…By tomorrow morning?"
Glancing at Awaji almost accusingly, the messenger bird in response cooed with sympathy. Kakashi sighed and spread a blank piece of parchment paper out in front of him.
He muttered to himself, ("I may be the Copy Ninja but I'm not one of those muggle 'photocopying machines' Dumbledore rambled about…And it's been fifteen years…What is Hokage-sama asking from me…?")
Behind him, the sand in the hourglass sitting by the desk continued to trickle to zero.
"Attention. Attention."
The common room within the Hufflepuff dormitories were packed with students but the students were not enjoying the Friday night. No games of chess or exploding snaps were being played. Instead an anxious energy was thrumming in the air.
The students were uneasy.
Cedric calmly waited as the students settled down for his speech. Once quiet, the prefect started, "Tonight is Friday. Tomorrow is-"
"-tomorrow is Saturday." Murmurs erupted from the crowd of Ravenclaws. At this time, the Ravenclaws were simultaneously holding their meeting within their dormitory. "Now I know our House has been good about attending the morning gatherings. But this time, we need the solidarity of the entire House."
"Tomorrow. We will gain back the House points we lost. If every single soul is present, Mr. Hatake will have no choice but to give 150 points tomorrow to the four Houses and –"
"-and if that damned squib still deduct points, we'll make his life a living hell," heckled Catharine. "Things have changed since Dumbledore decided to cater to the squib's whims."
"Disgusting," piped a voice at the back.
"Especially the 4000 point tally."
The lot grumbled.
"Which is exactly why we have to show the strength of Slytherin and not fall behind the other Houses-"
"-because it's Gryffindor pride. Gryffindor strength. Gryffindor family. And we're all gonna go because, one, we don't want to hurt Gryffindor pride and two, Slytherins are just pain in the asses-"
"-Here, here!"
"Yea, and these pain in the asses will be jeering at us 'til our dying days if we don't show."
One student pumped an arm into the air. "Let's show that Mediator that we can't be bossed around in our home, Hogwarts."
There was a loud agreement to that statement.
The prefect clapped her hands sharply for attention. "Then hop to it, boys and girls."
"Bedtime."
As if an omen, the clock tower in the distance near the Quidditch pitch chimed ominously. It struck midnight. The onset of Saturday placed everyone on edge as each heavy chime was the mimic of an imagined war drum…
Will Kakashi Hatake's messengers arrive?
And arrive they did. At oh-one-hundred hour, they came swooping into their rooms with aplomb. Black shadows of the night dropped slips of parchment paper onto each prefects' 'sleeping' faces.
…But they were ready…
It was five-fifty-eight in the morning. The prefects, stoic, stood at the front of their representative House. The Head Boy and Head Girl, their unofficial leaders, stared unwaveringly at the Quidditch Pitch bleachers, waiting.
The students, a single unit, a complete representation of the Hogwarts army, had their collective breaths held in-
Five-fifty-nine.
They waited.
Seconds ticked by.
…And waited.
Six-zero-zero.
…
Six-zero-one.
Murmurs floated. "I'm sure he'll be here soon…"
"…But it's already…"
…
Six-twenty-one.
And…
Guess what?
Waited.
(If a Team by the name of Seven existed in Hogwarts, they would've laughed long and hard.
Yes. Long and hard because for once, they were not the victims of Kakashi Hatake's infamous lateness.)
The tension broke at seven-thirty in the morning.
A chorus of student voices, loud and shrill, reverberated throughout the entire castle, demanding a quick, decisive explanation (blood, even).
"Where is he?"
The 'he' in question, face planted between a stack of books and his rolled up makeshift blueprint, snorted and woke up with a start. Kakashi rubbed the back of his aching neck and muttered, "Must have fallen asleep in the library…"
To Be Continued
A/N: To all the reviewers who previously left lovely reviews – thank you. I'm sorry if you didn't receive a response (though I do respond to reviews on the first few weeks after a new chapter is released lol).
As for the students…All will be revealed next chapter – the actual events that took place (Ah the slowly becoming infamous Saturdays). There's nothing particularly groundbreaking about this chapter but events mentioned in this chapter are necessary for the setup of other activities sooo…
Have fun kids :) Can't you hear the "You're late!" already?
~Phoenyxx