-Disclaimer: See chapter one. A quick note, this story is a crossover and AU. Books 6 and 7 don't apply. Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't --GF

Chapter 11: Snow Child

"A challenge? What do you have in mind?" Severus said softly, in a deep silkly voice that few ever heard. "I must warn you, I play to win."

Reaching a hand between Severus' legs, Yoko leaned forward. "As do I, little wizard. However, with the little kit here. . . ?"

Severus took his wand and with a flick of his wrist, a silencing as well as a sleep charm went up around Yukiko's nest. "You were saying?"

0o0o0o0

The day after Yukiko's moonlight run with his grandfather, Severus woke to find himself alone in bed, sore and satiated. The sex had been very different from what he was used to. Yoko, it seemed, was a plant master. He hadn't thought using plants as sex toys could have been so . . .stimulating. Add to that the fact that Yoko was definitely a dominant, it was a small wonder that he could even walk!

With school now in full swing, Severus didn't know how he ever managed his schedule. Yukiko was becoming more active. Sleeping mostly in the mornings and wanting to play in the afternoons and evenings. Professor Minamino had taken to openly flirting with the snarky potions master on more than one occassion.

It was a brisk day. The castle grounds were covered with a blanket of new fallen snow. Severus had decided that Yukiko needed to let off a bit of his pent up energy if he was to make it through the afternoon classes. The little kit seemed excited at the prospect of being outdoors in the snow. He firmly re-enforced the instructions that the child needed to stay in kit form outside their 'den'.

Yukiko was off and running as soon as his paws hit the ground. Snow! Yippee! It was too bad that the snow was only a few inches deep. After all, it was one of the first snowfalls of the year.

Severus smirked as he made himself comfortable on a marble bench. The kit lunged into a snow bank piled where Hagrid had swept the pathway. Casting a warming charm, he settled in to watch the kit pop up with snow clinging to off the top of his head. Shaking his head, Yukiko burst out of the bank and was off again.

Yukiko's silver coat blended almost perfectly with the snow. He soon lost sight of his kit again. He silently congratulated himself for an excellent idea. The kit would be very sleepy for the afternoon classes.

"Impressive," came a lilting voice behind him.

"Minamino."

The read-haired professor joined Severus on the bench. "I hope I'm not intruding?"

"You are."

"Indeed. Yukiko has come a long ways. You are to be commended, few humans would even consider taking on a demon child," Minamino said, making no move to leave. His attention was on the kit who was busy flicking bits of snow into the air and then snapping in mock attack as it came down.

"Your point?" Severus shifted a bit uncomfortably away from the DADA Professor. There was something about Minamino that attracted him as well as puzzling. He didn't need more complications in his life. Yoko didn't strike him as a being who would share his partner.

Shuichi smiled, not moving closer, but remaining to watch Yukiko play. "Do I need a point?" He remained silent for a moment then said, "Do you know the history of Yoko Kurama?"

Yukiko, on hearing his grandfather's name, stopped playing to look up at the red-haired professor.

Holding out his hands, Severus commanded, "Yukiko come." Turning to Minamino, he said darkly, "I think this conversation would do better inside and in private."

0o0o0o0

The three made themselves comfortable in Severus' rooms. Yukiko reverted to his demon boy form, curling in his father's lap.

"Twinkle, a bottle please," Severus ordered. Yukiko gave a look of disgust up at his father but didn't protest. He was getting sleepy and a bottle sounded nice.

Shuichi smiled at the boy. "Fatherhood suits you, Severus. However, back to Yoko. As you know Yoko Kurama was a famous kitsune thief in the Makai until he lost his mate and partner in crime, Kuronue. After that, he got bored and started to steal in Spirit World which was a dangerous game at best. They sent a bounty hunter after him. Using one of his tails and the last of his demon energy, Yoko left his dying eight thousand year old body behind and came to Human World, seeking a refuge. He found it in the womb of a woman. She had just conceived. He merged his soul with that unformed one; hoping that upon reaching the age of 10, he would regain enough energy to return to Demon World. At least, that was the plan."

"Indeed?" Severus ran his fingers through Yukiko's hair as he listened. The boy snuggled sleepily against his father's chest, nibbling on the nipple of his now empty bottle.

Shuichi smirked. "You have to understand. Demons have no concept of human love. They know lust, desire, passion, but love, it eludes them."

Severus' eyes narrowed slightly as he mulled over the information Minamino was giving him. "Continue."

"Shiori Minamino taught the ancient kitsune the meaning of a mother's love," Shuichi said as he slowly morphed into Yoko. "Yoko and I share the same body but we are two different souls. This isn't a possession but a merger."

Jumping up, backing away, Severus whipped out his wand. Yukiko who had been half asleep whimpered as he fought to escape his father¢s grasp.

Yoko stood, moving non-threateningly towards Severus. "Red rarely lets me out. However, he and I both agreed that you deserved to know the truth. He is as attracted to you as I am."

Yoko purred in Makai. "Relax little kit. Your father had a shock. There is no danger."

"Fatttherrr. . . You'rrrrrrr hurrrting me. . . ."

Seeing Yoko wasn't going to attack, Severus relaxed. Yukiko whimpered and wiggled once more as Severus¢ protective arms loosened. "Hush child. I didn't mean to startle you." It took a few moments to calm the boy down.

Yoko seeing that he wasn't needed, relinquished control back to Shuichi. "There is more. Please be seated and I will continue."

0o0o0o0

Albus Dumbledore was at a bit of a loss. There still hadn't been any sign of Harry. The Ministry was still pushing to declare the boy dead so that they could seize the boy's estates. They needed the funds to help rebuild the Wizarding World. However, the goblins refused. They insisted that the boy was still alive. They weren't about to allow the Ministry to take what wasn't rightfully or legally theirs.

"Harry, my boy where are you?" Albus muttered, stroking his beard as his mind wandered from Harry to Severus. Or more to the point, Severus' familiar. What a strange animal. It wasn't a muggle animal or magical creature. His research into kitsune had turned up pretty much what Shuichi Minamino had been saying all along and the young professor was positive the kit meant no harm to the students. Still, the aura the kit was emitting was something he hadn't seen since his last trip to Japan. Should he be worried? It was just a kit, a baby, but babies grow. What would he be like as an adult?

Speaking of Shuichi Minamino, he mused. That boy has a lot of secrets, but he had to admit the boy knows his DADA. He wondered if he would be the one that broke the curse.

A knock on the door disrupted the old wizard's thoughts. "Ah, Remus. Just on time. That time of month, again?"

"Hello Head master."

0o0o0o0

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful reviews. As for Yukiko's element, I've decided it doesn't matter. The story would be finished before it can be revealed. Yes, I'm sorry. I think there are maybe 2 or 3 chapters left in this tale. Yoko's fox form is silver. It appears blue in the anime because it's in a flashback and in shadows. As for Harry and Yukiko's relationship, that's coming up soon. Be patient. I'll get to it.

Thanks again for the reviews. Remember they are always welcomed. Flames aren't. Until next time. --GF