A/N: Hi guys, I'm back sorry its been such a long time. I've been working more on some of my original work and that has kind of taken over for a while, plus life in general. Than to everyone who has continued to read and post reviews for the story, I love hearing from you and getting to know what you think. Anyway I hope you enjoy this latest chapter. Thanks guys D.S x
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Bleach
Italics: Hyorinmaru's and Toshiro's mind speech/ spells
Chapter 13
The Cave
Adjusting his eyes in order to see in the darkening gloom Toshiro was surprised to find himself stood on an out cropping of rock, with water foaming underneath him as it clashed against the side. Taking a glance behind him a cliff towered over the top of him, the droop sheer and faceless, with other small rocks dotting its surface to create crevices much like the one the Shinigami stood upon. The fresh smell of salt assaulted his nose and a spray licked his face making his lips moist and the cool breeze freeze it into place on his skin. There were no trees that Toshiro could see, the place was desolate and devoid of any form of life, it made the Captain shiver slightly and he gripped Hyorinmaru tighter.
"What do you think?" Toshiro heard Dumbledore ask.
"They brought kids from the orphanage here?" Potter replied with a question of his own. Toshiro wandered closer to the pair, listening to their conversation with a detached air. He did not want to be there, he would much rather be with Draco, back at Hogwarts tracking the pull. The Shinigami wondered for a moment if the Quincy would be alright, of course Toshiro trusted in Draco's skill, but this pull was an unknown source to him, it could be something the blonde couldn't handle.
"But his final destination – and ours – lies a little further on. Come."
Toshiro shook his head to bring himself out of his own thoughts, he followed the wizards until they were stood at the edge of the rock. Toshiro was surprised when the old professor lowered himself over the edge and began to climb down, using the small, almost unnoticeable hand holds in the side of the cliff. Potter followed him, their pace slowed by Dumbledore's withered looking hand. Toshiro hand no such issues using his shunpo to keep himself air born while he waited for the wizards to lead the way. Soon they reached the bottom where the wizards tried to balance themselves upon the slippery rocks, Toshiro alighted himself and followed behind, grateful when Dumbledore mutter lumos so the end of his wand lit up, casting the rocks around them into shadow.
"You see?" the professor held his wand aloft, Potter and Toshiro watching him. Toshiro narrowed his eyes as a fissure in the cliff came into view, the water of the sea whirling in its depth's as it continued to who knew where.
"You will not object to getting a little wet?"
"No," Toshiro heard Potter reply. The Shinigami watched as Dumbledore instructed the boy to remove his invisibility cloak, Toshiro watched in interest as the young wizard became once more corporal, stuffing the long silver like cloak away into his pocket. Keeping his distance Toshiro kept behind the pair as they descended into the water, not wanting to put up with the damp Toshiro walked across the top, shumpo was a very useful skill to master he thought with a smug smile as he watched Potter's clothes become waterlogged and pull him down into the icy sea.
It is most unbecoming to be so vindictive Master.
You can't find the humour in this Hyorinmaru?
The dragon snorted, what you seem to find amusing I find a waste of time and energy. Besides it is not that funny.
Speak for yourself Hyorinmaru, Toshiro scoffed as he continued to follow in the wake of the wizards. Soon enough the fissure opened up into a tunnel, the only light the glimmer of Dumbledore's wand. Further in the passageway turned to the left and Toshiro was surprised at how far it extended into the cliff.
Do you think it goes straight through?
If it did would they not have just used a drier entrance?
Maybe, what do you think they are after?
I do not know Master, the Headmaster is a mysterious person, he plays things close to his chest, much like the Head Captain.
Toshiro frowned, he could not help but agree with the comparison, the Head Captain kept many things to himself, moving fellow Captain's into positions in order to take out threats even they were not aware of. That is a disturbing thought Hyorinmaru.
Indeed Master.
The sound of dripping water pulled Toshiro from his thoughts, he caught up with the two wizards who had pulled themselves from the water and into what looked to be a large cave like area. Steam rose from the clothes as they dried by magic but still Potter shivered as the cold air surrounding them pushed into his skin. Dumbledore examined the space, his wand extended as he looked over the walls and ceiling.
"Yes, this is the place."
"How can you tell?" Potter replied.
"It has known magic."
Toshiro looked around himself at Dumbledore's words, taking a breath he reached out with his senses, trying to detract any form of reistue. A powerful wave rushed to meet him, almost like a coiled net ready to trap any who came across its path. Toshiro winced but withstood its force, but he couldn't help but admire the intricate nature of the reistue that had been woven in the walls around them. Layer upon layer they sat, enchantments if he was to guess, with his limited time he could not discern what type of magic had been placed around them, but the dark feeling of malice indicated that it was nothing of good nature.
The Shinigami shook himself as he heard Dumbledore speak again, opening his eyes he watched as the old wizard touched the walls and muttered under his breathe, walking round the cave twice before finally pausing at one of the many spots he had first touched.
"Here," he said. "We go through here. The entrance is concealed."
Toshiro came closer in order to see better, Dumbledore stepped back and pointed his wand to the wall. After a moment an arched outline appeared in a blaze of white light that seemed to be seeping out from behind the stone. Toshiro came closer in order to look at the arch way as Potter chattered behind him. He touched it with his fingers, it was not carved, and the magic coming from it was enough that Toshiro didn't even need to try and sense it. He pushed harder, but the stone would not yield. Toshiro huffed and stepped away as Dumbledore came back staring intently through Toshiro which made the Shinigami uncomfortable. All was quiet as the Headmaster stared, not even Potter spoke, as though afraid to break the old wizards concentration, Toshiro huffed and waited for the wizards to move on, he thought for a moment about leaving the two, but in the end dismissed it, he was a Captain of the Gotai thirteen, he would not abandon a mission he had took on himself.
"Oh, surely not. So crude."
"What is it, Professor?"
Toshiro leaned forward to hear the answer, himself intrigued as to what had been discovered.
"I rather think," said Dumbledore, putting his uninjured hand inside his robes and drawing out a short silver knife of the kind Toshiro had used to chop potion ingredients, "that we are required to make payment to pass."
"Payment?" Potter asked. "You have to give the door something?"
Toshiro rolled his eyes at the foolish question. What did Potter think payment meant.
Now Master do not judge the boy too harshly.
Easier said than done Hyorinmaru.
"Blood?"
Toshiro started at the exclaimed word and looked to the two wizards as Dumbledore seemed to shrug his shoulders in slight disappointment. "I said it was crude. The idea, as I am sure you will have gathered, is that your enemy must weaken him or herself to enter. Once again, Lord Voldemort fails to grasp that there are much more terrible things than physical injury."
Toshiro could not help but agree with the Headmaster, injury was a common thing within the Seireitei, it is what they signed up for when they joined the ranks of the Gotai. He looked to the arch way and raised an eyebrow disdainfully.
So it requires blood to open? How childish.
I'm sure Voldemort does not see it as so. And for most souls acquiring an injury can be a daunting experience.
Then he was a fool to think that the people who searched for this place would be put off by a little blood.
Who said he wanted them to be put off?
"Professor!"
Potter's cry cut Toshiro and Hyorinmaru's conversation, the Shinigami watched as Potter tried to persuade Dumbledore to let him cut himself instead of the old man. It did little good, a flash of silver and a spurt of scarlet and the rock was peppered with dark glistening drops.
"You are very kind, Harry," said Dumbledore, pressing the tip of the wand over the deep cut he had made in his own arm, so that it healed instantly. "But your blood is worth more than mine. Ah, that seems to have done the trick, doesn't it?"
Foolish old man.
How so Master?
No one's blood is worth more than another's. We all feel pain, we all feel loss, to put importance in blood is to separate us from each other.
Wise words Master, but I think he merely wanted the boy to not feel guilt.
Than he will have failed in that.
Where once the silver outline had been a dark opening took its place, leading into what looked to be total darkness. Dumbledore led the way inside followed quickly by Potter and Toshiro took the rear. Toshiro couldn't help but feel surprised at the sight that met his eyes, they were standing at the edge of a great black lake, in a cavern so high that the ceiling, too, was out of sight. Toshiro narrowed his eyes and saw a misty green light in the distance, it had to be near the middle of the lake though, as it cast enough shadow to light the large carven enough to see.
"Let us walk," said Dumbledore quietly. "Be very careful not to step into the water. Stay close to me."
The group set off around the edge of the lake. Toshiro ignored the old man's instruction and peered closer at the black water. It truly was black, dense and impenetrable so he could see nothing beneath it's still almost glass like surface. Toshiro withheld the urge to touch the water, he could feel the reiatsue emitting from it, as though almost enticing him to place his hand in the cool waters.
An enchantment?
Most likely Master.
Why would there be an enchantment upon the water?
I cannot say Master, however, I do feel as though something lurks in its depths.
You can sense something Hyorinmaru?
I am not sure, it is faint, search for yourself.
Toshiro did just that, stretching out his reiatsue to try and pry beneath the spelled water. It was a difficult task, the magic upon the lake was heavy and hard to push through, as though it was trying to hide something. With a final heave Toshiro managed to catch a glimpse only to recoil back in horror.
Master what…?
Somethings down there.
Hyorinmaru snorted and Toshiro felt a cold tendril snake around his waist, what did you sense?
I'm not sure, but something is down there. It doesn't feel human, more like a Hollow.
A Hollow?
I can't be sure Hyorinmaru I sensed it for only a moment, but whatever it is, it's full of malice.
We must be careful then Master.
Hai.
The Shinigami took a breath in order to calm his racing reiatsue, the small Captain jumped though at the sound of Potter's voice calling Accio Horcrux! Shaking his head Toshiro swiftly shunpo's over to the two wizards who were stood by the edge of the lake eye's trained on the glowing centre. Suddenly a noise like an explosion cut through the air. Toshiro backed away as something large and pale erupted out of the dark water. The waft of dark reiatsue washed over Toshiro's senses, a deep burning hunger and anger came with it almost knocking the small Captain breathless with its intent. Before the Shinigami could get a closer look at it though, it had disappeared beneath the black surface again, deep ripples splashing in the once glassy surface.
"What was that?" Potter asked.
"Something, I think, that is ready to respond should we attempt to seize the Horcrux."
Toshiro frowned, what was a Horcrux? He had never come across the term before. Was that what Potter and Dumbledore were searching for? What was its significance?
"Did you think that would happen, sir?"
"I thought something would happen if we made an obvious attempt to get our hands on the Horcrux. That was a very good idea Harry; much the simplest way of finding out what we are facing."
Toshiro felt the urge to scoff at the old man's words, they sounded condescending to his ears, Potter's idea was not smart, sure it saved them time and gave them information, but it was not enough to give them any real clues as to what the danger was. He just didn't want Potter to feel useless.
"But we don't know what that thing was."
"What the things are, you mean," said Dumbledore. "I doubt very much that there is only one of them. Shall we walk on?"
Toshiro barely listened to the rest of their conversation. Dumbledore was probably right that that creature, whatever it was, was not the soul thing at the bottom of that lake. The presence he had felt earlier was too strong.
I couldn't get much from it.
You were taken by surprise Master.
It felt evil though.
Most likely it will Master, it was placed there by an evil dark lord.
Toshiro huffed and rolled his eyes, I'm aware Hyorinmaru, but I'm not just talking about world of the living evil, it felt more intense.
Like a Hollow?
Like a Hollow.
What will you do Master?
Toshiro frowned then shrugged his shoulders, if it is something like a Hollow than I will have to deal with it. Also it will be evidence of wizards tampering with the cycle of rebirth, it will have to be dealt with.
You will report it?
It is my duty.
"Oho."
Dumbledore's cheerful voice brought Toshiro from his thoughts, he looked to see the professor grasp at something in mid-air, Potter stood nervously beside him as they crept closer to the water's edge. Dumbledore, lifted his wand, tapping his fist and suddenly a thick copper green chain appeared out of thin air, extending into the depths of the water. Toshiro watched as Dumbledore tapped the chain which began to slide through his fist like a snake, coiling itself on the ground with a clinking sound. Toshiro watched silently as Potter gasped as a prow of a small boat breached the water's surface, glowing as green as the chain, and floated with barely a ripple, towards the place on the bank where the trio waited.
"How did you know that was there?" Potter asked.
"Magic always leaves traces. Sometimes very distinctive traces. I taught Tom Riddle, I know his style."
Toshiro huffed, slightly impressed by the old man, he was not aware of how in tune he was with magic if he could sense things like that.
He is old for a living soul Master.
Still I would not have expected it from him, he comes across as a fool.
The dragon snorted a laugh as Toshiro waited for the two wizard's conversation to finish. Finally they entered the boat, Toshiro perched himself on the prow, perfectly balanced and at ease. He did not trust himself to shunpo over the water, if the creatures beneath could sense magic, it was possible they could sense his reitsue and react, he did not want to chance that. Once the wizards were squashed into place the boat began to move soundlessly across the water, ripples following in its wake. Toshiro took another closer inspection of the cave, it truly was large, he didn't think it had been made naturally though, the ceiling was too high, it wold have surely collapsed by now, it had to be held up magically. The shape was to designed also, most natural caves were not as round as this one appeared to be, maybe, once upon a time it had been a small natural cave, but magical tampering had altered what it could have once been.
"Professor!" Potter's started cry echoed in the gloom.
"Harry?"
"I think I saw a hand in the water – a human hand!"
Toshiro paled and immediately looked to where Potter was staring, only to find nothing there.
"Yes I'm sure you did," Dumbledore said calmly.
"So that thing that jumped out of the water -?"
Potter did not finish his sentence, nor did Dumbledore reply as the boat slid over a fresh patch of water and showed them the answer. It was a dead man, lying face up inches beneath the surface: his open eyes misted as though with cobwebs, his hair and his robes swirling around him like smoke. Toshiro recoiled, almost losing his balance on the prow as he stared at the body beneath him.
"There are bodies in here!"
"Yes," said Dumbledore placidly, "but we do not need to worry about them at the moment."
"At the moment?" Harry repeated, Toshiro nodding along beside him looking for more of an explanation.
"Not while they are merely drifting peacefully below us. There is nothing to be feared from a body Harry, any more than there is anything to be feared from the darkness. Lord Voldemort, who of course secretly fears both, disagrees. But once again he reveals his own lack of wisdom. It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more."
Toshiro grunted, he did not answer the question.
Perhaps he thinks it will be too much for the boy.
He's being cryptic.
"But one of them jumped," Potter said. "When I tried to Summon the Horcrux, a body leapt out of the lake."
"Yes, I am sure that once we take the Horcrux we shall find them less peaceable. However, like many creatures that dwell in cold and darkness, they fear light and warmth, which we shall therefore call to our aid should the need arise. Fire, Harry," Dumbledore added with a smile at Potter's bewildered expression.
Toshiro resisted the urge to rap the Headmaster on top of the head and demand a better explanation. The old mad still hadn't said what the damn things were.
At least we know fire will be effective Master, Hyorinmaru said.
That does nothing for me, I did not bring my wand.
Than my ice will have to be enough.
What if it isn't Hyorinmaru?
The dragon growled and a sharp sting of cold pieced Toshiro's cheek. Are you suggesting I am not strong enough to take down a few dead bodies Master?
Of course not Hyorinmaru, Toshiro said calmly hoping the dragon wouldn't start snarling. I merely meant that what if we cut them down, or freeze them but they still advance?
If they are dead they will not be able to stand up to the might of your zanpakuto, it will send any lingering spirits on.
What if they have no spirits?
A body needs a spirit within it to move Master, it cannot just be pushed around like a puppet, it needs life to be sustained or the body will simply crumble. Not even magic can stop a body from decaying once it's spirit has fled.
Toshiro nodded in understanding as the boat bumped against the small island in the middle of the lake. Toshiro jumped from the prow, careful not to touch the water, more focused than he had even been since tagging along with Dumbledore and Potter. If there were trapped souls with in those bodies, it was his duty as a Shinigami to send them on, he would not allow them to be kept in darkness.
The two wizards made their way to the centre of the island, Toshiro kept beside them and saw they were approaching what looked to be a basin, set atop of a pedestal. They came up next to it and Toshiro saw the bowl was full of emerald liquid that emitted a phosphorescent glow.
"What is it?" asked Potter.
"I'm not sure," said Dumbledore. "Something more worrisome than blood and bodies, however."
Toshiro watched as Dumbledore pulled back the sleeve of his robe, revealing his burned and withered hand, stretching the tips towards the surface of the potion. He watched in mild fascination as the old professor, having not so much as flinched at Potter's cry of alarm, continued to get closer, only to stop abruptly as though he had run into a wall. Toshiro frowned as the two talked, studying the liquid for himself; leaning forward between the two wizards.
It looks most sinister.
You think so master?
No liquid should be that colour.
Why do you think the professor could not touch it?
Toshiro frowned, shaking his head, a spell maybe? But if you cannot touch the liquid then what is its purpose?
To conceal something?
In such an obvious way?
We cannot understand the minds of all men master.
Toshiro shook his head as he focused back on the water, stretching out his sensors he tried to feel anything he could from the liquid, but it came back with nothing. Frowning he turned his attention back to the two wizards, who seemed to be in a rather intense debate with one another.
"But what if – what if it kills you?" he heard Potter ask, a slight fission of fear seeping into his tone.
"Oh, I doubt it would work like that," Dumbledore said easily. "Lord Voldemort would not want to kill the person who reached this island."
Toshiro watched the professor deliver this line to the young wizard before him and was pleased to see even Potter felt that what he was being told was a lie. Voldemort was a sadistic mortal, Toshiro had not doubt that he would want the person that discovered a place he had took great pains to conceal killed. The manner in which they were killed however was up to debate. Toshiro had the impression that a man such as Voldemort was the type to draw out torture, he did not end things swiftly.
Truly a man that could rival even Aizen.
Never Hyorinmaru, Aizen is of his own brand of insanity. Toshiro growled at the reminder of the traitorous ex-captain.
Aizen is not the only evil soul in the world master. You would do well not to become too focused on him alone, or you will fall to a foe that would have ended up downed by your blade.
I do not need a lecture Hyorinmaru, Toshiro snorted, crossing his arms in irritation, as Hyorinmaru snickered softly.
" - That being the case, Harry, it will be your job to make sure I keep drinking, even if you have to tip the potion into my protesting mouth. You understand?"
Toshiro could see the reluctance upon Potter's face clearly. He frowned as he watched the pair stare at each other over the green glow of the basin. Dumbledore's face appeared set, as though he was resigned to something, be it pain or death, Toshiro knew not which.
He is ready to die.
It appears so master, Hyorinmaru spoke over the words of the two wizards as they began to argue. Potter's complete reluctance to allow the old professor to drink the potion would have aggravated Toshiro once, before he had come to Hogwarts, back in the Seireitie, but now, he believed he had a vague understanding.
He respects him.
I would think so master, more than likely he is a mentor figure to young Potter. A man he can go to for advice and help. To young Potter, allowing Dumbledore to do this will most likely be like watching a parent die.
Toshiro shuddered, the thought of death did not scare him, he was after all, already dead. But the thought of losing a loved one. His grandmother or Hinamori, even though it would seem as though he had already lost his sister to Aizen a long time ago. That caused a chill to wrap around his chest and squeeze painfully.
"Your word Harry."
"I – all right, but –"
Potter did not get the chance to protest further, dipping a crystal goblet, which Dumbledore had previously conjured, into the potion, which did not protest its entrance. Dumbledore allowed the liquid to brim the glass before pulling it free and lifting it to his mouth.
"Your good health, Harry."
Toshiro waited with bated breath as the professor drained the liquid quickly. He stretched out with his raistue, but nothing came back to him. Potter tried to question Dumbledore, but the old man merely shook his head and closed his eyes, before blindly plunging the glass back into the liquid to refill it, taking another drink of the foul mixture. The wizard and Shinigami watched in silence as the headmaster of Hogwarts drank three more gobletfuls of potion, but half way through the fourth the professor staggered, falling forward into the basin, eyes shut and breathing heavy.
Should you not help them?" Hyorinmaru asked with slight concern as Toshiro stood watching the scene unfold before him.
I cannot.
Why?
This is not my business.
Master, you said you would watch for the headmaster, you gave your word to the ghost.
I will not stop the man from doing what he believes to be right. After all I do not understand what is happening in this situation, all could turn out well for all that I am aware.
Hyorinmaru snorted his disbelief, but it did not move Toshiro. He kept his gaze focused forward as the wise professor began to babble and cry, asking for it to stop, as Potter forced glass after glass of potion down his neck; offering him promises that the tainted liquid would do as the old man wished. It was harder than the captain thought it would be, it was not within his nature to ignore those in need. Ever since he had joined the ranks of the Gotai thirteen, he had believed that it was their duty as Shinigami to guide and protect the living, at whatever cost. Seeing the mortals before him, knowing that he could possibly end the man's suffering with a flick of his hand or sword, it wracked at Toshiro's consciousness. But he would not, he would respect the professor's wishes and would not step in, that would be spitting on the sacrifice he was making.
"KILL ME!" The pained scream echoed around the cavern, almost shaking the glass like water surrounding them.
"This – this one will!" Potter gasped. "Just drink this … It'll be over … all over!"
Dumbledore did as instructed, once all the liquid was gone he gave a rattled gasp before rolling over onto his face and laying deathly still.
"No," shouted Potter, discarding the goblet to fling himself down beside the broken professor.
Is he dead? Hyorinmaru asked.
I cannot feel a soul.
Perhaps the potion was not meant to cause death, maybe madness?
A possibility, Toshiro agreed, watching intently as Potter waved his wand, chanting words and mutterings Toshiro did not have the heart to eaves drop on. Suddenly Dumbledore's eyes flickered open, startling both the young wizard and Captain.
"Sir, are you -?"
"Water," was Dumbledore's croak of a response.
"Water," Potter panted back, eyes wild as he took in the words, " – yes –"
He leapt to his feet, grabbing the discarded goblet and waved his wand quickly. "Argumenti!" The goblet did fill with water, but by the time Potter was back beside Dumbledore, it had vanished, as though it had never been.
The water vanished as soon as it had finished being conjured, Hyorinmaru spoke quietly calculation clear in his tone. You think the goblet is designed to do that master?
Most likely.
This is a trap.
Of that we can be certain.
Toshiro did not have time to think of much else before Potter plunged the goblet into the still surface of the lake, shattering its glass face and sending ripples out through the water in small waves. Toshiro jumped as a dark wash of raistue swirled around the cavern, focused and strong, knocking him off balance at its unexpectedness.
Master?!
I am fine, Toshiro gasped, steadying himself as he regained focus. He turned his attention to the lake, watched the white had now attached to Potter's wrist try it's best to pull him into the lakes depths.
The dead are moving.
This is hollows work.
What do we do master?
Potter pulled himself free, women, men and children all rose from the lake, like an undead army, ready to rip and claw at the two mortals, trapped on the small island with nowhere to run. Toshiro sighed and pulled his zanpakuto from his back, positioning it across his body.
I do my duty.
Of course master.
Toshiro shunpoed, tracking the nearest of the creatures that was taking a step onto the dry land, wet and ragged from its time in the water. Toshiro struck at it, slashing his zanpakuto across its chest with practised ease. The dead mortal wailed, taking a step back, shaking its head as it withered from the damaged Toshiro had caused.
My zanpakuto has an effect it. Toshiro analysed, as the cut he had caused opened and slowly began to bleed, but it was not the red of a mortal or soul, instead it was dark deep black.
This is good master, though I would think we could try performing a konso once we have brought the creatures down before attempting anything else.
Hai, we do not want to endanger any souls that may linger inside these beasts.
Darting forward, Toshiro pushed his reiatsue out and cut at the creature's limbs, severing them with ease, so the monster lay sprawled at his feet.
"That is one," Toshiro muttered before moving on quickly. He shunpoed to his next foe, flicking his sword quickly and precisely, leaving only a pile of withered black and white mess behind. But the dead just kept on coming, though they moved slow they were numerous, and there was only one of him.
"Byakuri!" Toshiro raised his hand and bright white bolts of electricity sailed force, striking several of the creatures as they lumbered their way forward. They wailed and beat their hands against their chests as they fell back into the water, where they continued to burn.
"Shakaho!" Toshiro shouted, flinging his hand out as he shunpoed passed another, not even watching as the orb of red energy crashed into another of the dead, exploding in a rain of fire, leaving the creature screaming in his wake.
You should be more careful where you fling kido spells master, Hyorimaru huffed. I thought we were going to use konso?
I got distracted, Toshiro answer as he hacked more limbs, with fell to the water where they splashed to disappear beneath the surface.
"Sectumsempra!"
Toshiro had barely enough time to doge as a spell came barrelling his way. He shunpoed aside, allowing it to hit the creature before him. It slashed the chest open, but aside from that had no impact upon the creature whatsoever.
"Kuso!" Toshiro cursed, shunpoing down to Potter to stand beside him. "Watch where you are aiming Potter!"
Potter gave a start, turning to stare wide eyed at the Shinigami before him, as though he had only just realised he was there. "Toshiro?! What -?"
"I have no time for this," Toshiro hissed, darting once more back into the fray. The number of creatures considerably less now, it did not take too long to remove the parts that enabled them to move, leaving them withering in the water or by the edge of the island. Toshiro came to a stop beside his first quarry, kneeling to peer into the creature's eyes, which did not appear to stare back. Toshiro lifting his zanpakuto, turning so the hilt was facing down before placing it firmly on the moaning creatures forehead. Light erupted immediately at the point of contact, encompassing the still crying creature before finally it went still. Toshiro watched as a soul pulled itself free from the dead weight that held it to the mortal world, its soul chain still intact even after all the torment it had been placed through.
"Go," Toshiro told the soul of the man, as it stood in confusion, a black butterfly hovering around its head, batting its wings to encourage the soul to follow. "You're free now."
The man stared at him for a moment before bowing his head, turning to follow the butterfly, allowing both to vanish from sight and the light to fade.
The souls are undamaged then, that is a relief.
We will have to get a squad down here to clear up the remains. Toshiro said as he looked around the cavern with mild disgust. I won't have time to deal with them all.
Call it in then master.
Before Toshiro could do anything though, he felt the tip of a wand point tickling his neck. "Don't move," came Potter's voice, wavering slightly in trepidation.
Toshiro sighed, "I'd put that thing away if I was you Potter, it will do you no good." The Shinigami shifted causing the wand to be jabbed sharply into his skin.
"I said don't move, Hitsugaya, if that even is your name. By merlin are you even human?"
"Enough of this," Toshiro quickly spun, faster than Potter's eyes could possibly see, snatching the wand from his grasp in a fluid motion before shunpoing behind the boy to stand over Dumbledore, who was shifting and moaning in obvious pain.
"Get away from him!"
This does not look good master.
Indeed Hyorinmaru, the potion, whatever it is, is causing him severe pain, he could die.
Will you leave it be?
Toshiro frowned, looking down at the old professor, with his blackened hand that twitched as he groaned. Huffing the Shinigami extended his hand, turning the old man over onto his back he placed his palm over his chest and called upon his limited knowledge of healing kido. His hand lit with a soft green light, flooding over the headmaster's chest, halting his withering and pain filled pants.
"What are you doing to him?! You get away from Professor Dumbledore right now or I swear -?"
"If you want your professor to live than I suggest you remain silent," Toshiro snapped, his little patience running out as the wizard continued to scream at him. Glad for the momentary quiet Toshiro focused his attention back to the dying man, he would have to flush the potion from his system, or purge it enough until they could get back to the school and have him tended properly. Toshiro was limited to battle healing, the very basics of keeping someone at the brink, hopefully it would be enough in this case. Steeling his reiatsue Toshiro pushed, trying to pinpoint the potion in the wizards system, it was not hard to trace, the effects were strong and lingering, mainly in the stomach. Without much thought Toshiro pushed a little harder, swirling his reiatsue in a harsh manner, the professor sputter, turning quickly on reflex to vomit out some of the ghastly green concoction.
"Professor!"
Toshiro frowned in concentration, he would only be able to purge so much, the rest would have to pass through naturally. His reistsue found and burned up as much as it could, until he felt the old man's own pressure flutter, a sign of distress before pulling away. The Shinigami stood to his feet, backing away as Potter rushed forward to cradle the man to him, checking him over with panicked eyes.
"He will survive, for now, though we must return him to Hogwarts quickly, as the healing kido I gave will not be enough to halt the progress of the potion he ingested."
Potter fussed over the professor a moment more, seeming to ignore Toshiro's words before turning to the Shinigami captain, confused fear written across every line of his face.
"Hitsugaya? It is you? What are you doing here? How did you kill those inferi? Why are you dressed like that?"
Toshiro pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. Can he not focus for one moment?
He is in shock master.
No excuse.
"I will answer your question later," Toshiro snapped, halting Potter's babble of questions. He sheathed his zanpakuto across his back, the ice forming its casing chilling the air all the more. Delving a hand into his shihaksho he pulled free his soul phone, glancing at the screen he couldn't stop a curse.
No signal.
We are underground master.
That has no importance, Kurotsuchi makes such a fuss about his souls phones you'd think he would at least have them work in any environment.
Ah but who are we to tell a mad man what to do master?
Toshiro huffed, stuffing the useless phone away, instead he stalked to the pair of wizards, reaching out a hand to grab the professor, which Potter quickly objected to.
"Don't touch -"
"If you want to get out of this cave in one piece then you will let me help you with him. Unless you think you can carry him alone, in that I case I will leave you."
Potter suddenly looked torn, glancing at the moaning headmaster then at Toshiro. With reluctance he pulled his hand away, gripping one of Dumbledore's arms and pulling it over his shoulder. Toshiro didn't hesitate to take the other, steadying the old wizard with care and practise. They made their way to the boat, all the while the screams and groans of the broken inferi echoed around them. Toshiro snorted as they came upon what remained of the vessel, it looked as though the creatures had been first to it, as it had large pieces missing and thrown about without a care.
"How are we going to get across the lake now?" Potter asked, voice laced with despair.
"Hold tight," Toshiro muttered, twisting his own grip on Dumbledore before shunpoeing quickly before Potter could ask any more questions. It was instantaneous, they stumbled as they reached the other side, Potter being the first to lose his balance, almost taking them all down in a large heap by the side of the lake. Potter coughed and wheezed as he tried to regain his breath.
"W – what – w – w – was that?"
"Shunpoe. Pull yourself together and grip back on, we have further to go."
Potter said nothing, shaking his head as he came to his feet unsteadily. With blind eyes he reached for Dumbledore, pulling his arm around his neck before holding on. Toshiro nodded and shunpoed once again, darting quickly through the cave and out into the sea air in a flash that no mortal would be able to see. With more care than he normally would he jumped into the air, moving up, up and up until they were once again stood on top of the cliff face, looking down at the churning black sea below.
"You will have to take us back to Hogwarts," Toshiro uttered, checking his zanpakuto was still in place, looking at Potter with expectation.
Potter stared at the Shinigami in uncomprehending amazement.
"He is right dear - dear boy, f - for all of - M - Mr Hitsugaya's - talents I do not - believe he has learnt to apperate – y - yet."
Potter jumped and even Toshiro raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Professor," Potter said, relief washing over his face. "You're alright."
"Well – I – I could be – better."
"Don't try to speak," Potter soothed.
"Do you feel any lasting effects?" Toshiro asked, stepping closer to the pair.
Potter offered him a dirty look, though when the professor turned his gaze on him, a small smile was playing around his mouth. "No – I – I do not believe – s – so," he cleared his throated with a hacking cough as he waved at Potter to let go of him. "I am fine - Harry."
"You'll still need some attention, my healing kido won't be enough to get rid of all that is ailing you."
It was Dumbledore's turn to raise an eyebrow as he seemed to register Toshiro fully for the first time, taking in the zanpkauto, his Shinigami clothes and the reiatsu, or magic as he would think of it that surround Toshiro in a heavy cloud. "It appears that you have been keeping secrets, Mr Hitsugaya."
"No more than you have professor. Now I believe we should return to Hogwarts."
"Indeed. Harry."
Potter looked startled at being addressed by the old wizard, but he quickly shook himself, a determined expression making its way on to his face. "Yes. Yes of course."
He took hold of Dumbledore's arm before hesitantly offering his other to Toshiro. The little captain sighed, but took it, closing his eyes as the sensation of being squeezed took over. He did not have to open them to know they had made it back. The sea air was gone, replaced with the more homey scent of cooking meals and smoke.
"We did it!" Potter exclaimed, letting go of Toshiro's hand to steady the professor once more. "We did it! We got the Horcrux!"
Toshiro frowned, there was that word again. But before he could question the pair footsteps could be heard making their way towards the three. Toshiro took a step back, further into the shadows, hoping not to be noticed. Toshiro was surprised to see Madam Rosmerta come barrelling into view dressed in her night gown and a pair of fluffy slippers.
"I saw you Apperate as I was pulling my bedroom curtains! Thank goodness, thank goodness, I couldn't think what to – but what's wrong with Albus?"
"He's hurt," Potter said quickly. "Madam Rosmerta, can he come into the Three Broomsticks while I go up to the school and get help for him?"
"You can't go up there alone! Don't you realise – haven't you seen -?"
"What has happened?" Dumbledore asked and Toshiro could sense that he was forcing himself not to pant with exhaustion in order to not frighten the poor woman. "Rosmerta, what's wrong?"
"The – the Dark Mark, Albus."
She pointed onto the sky, all three following her finger as she did in the direction of Hogwarts. Toshiro could not stop the flood of dread that came through him as he looked towards the school. There hanging in the sky, blazing a sickly green was a skull with a serpent tongue. Toshiro had never seen the mark before, though Draco had spoken of it at length when he was describing the Death Eaters. How they were branded like cattle for the master to summon whenever he wished. Toshiro was for once thankful of Draco's quick wit, as he would have been disgusted to think that such a mark had been carved into his friends flesh. Toshiro shivered, he could feel the reiatsue in the mark from where he stood. It was dark and menacing, he could sense malice.
"When did it appear?" Dumbledore asked, seeming to lose colour as he stared at the mark, while Potter gaped in shock.
"Must have been minuets ago, it wasn't there when I put the cat out, but when I went upstairs -"
"We need to return to the castle at once," said Dumbledore and for once Toshiro completely agreed with the man. Stepping out from the shadows he made his presence known.
"I agree headmaster, we must see what has happened, I have a feeling it will not be good whatever it is."
Rosmerta jumped and turned wide eyes to Toshiro, having only just noticed that the Shinigami was there when the small captain had flared his reiatsue alerting her otherwise dulled sensors.
"By merlin, where did you come from?"
"Are you able to make it to the castle alone?" Toshiro asked ignoring the woman.
"We could take brooms," Potter said, "but we don't -"
"You could take mine," Rosmerta suggested but Toshiro cut her off.
"I can simply shunpoe you to where you want. Though he will have to leave you to meet up with Draco. Hopefully he will have some insight into what has happened."
"Malfoy?" Potter asked in surprise. "What could he possibly know? Unless he's behind all -"
"Do not even finish that thought," Toshiro growled cutting across Potter with venom on his tongue. "I know for a fact that Draco has nothing to do with Death Eaters or this Lord Voldemort, he does not even have the mark."
Potter frowned in disbelief but Dumbledore, having regained some of his strength, placed a hand on his shoulder, stilling him. "Thank you Mr Hitsugaya, your help would be much appreciated."
Toshiro snorted, grabbing a hold of the two wizards and quickly shunpoeing towards the castle. He only hoped that when he reached it, he would find answer to what had happened in in absence.
Draco, where are you?
With Draco and Nearly headless Nick once Toshiro had left with the Fat Friar
"Well, let's get on then," Draco ordered, once Toshiro and the Friar were out of sight.
The Gryffindor ghost just stared perplexed at him, as though he could not believe he was being spoken to by the young Malfoy in such a way. "You could see him," he said.
"Of course I can, I am a Quincy," Draco snorted, pulling at his black clothes with pride before levelling a disgusted look at the ghost. "And I can send you on to the Seireitei just as well as he can, so I suggested if you want to stay in the world of the living that you get to showing me where this pull is coming from."
Nick gulped but nodded, sailing out of the window, Draco sighed, forced to open the thing before he could follow, pulling his cowl up to cover his face, using Hirenkyaku to keep up with the fleeing ghost. They moved across the grounds silently, until they disappeared into the thickness of the forbidden forest. Nick stopped, Draco pulling up next to him, "can you still feel it?" He asked.
"Yes, it feels strong, already I can sense several ghosts making their way out to the grounds."
Draco frowned, peering into the trees, he could faintly feel some light reiatsu, making their way further from the castle and deep into the forbidden forest.
"We're still inside of the barrier though," Draco mused.
"Yes, but it makes little difference to us ghosts, magic has no real effect on us, we are dead after all."
Draco nodded as Nick started to walk, taking his time and stopping every now and then as though to collect himself. "Are you alright?" Draco asked in slight concern.
"I have to keep myself in check, it is hard not to lose myself to the pull," Nick breathed out.
"Lose yourself?"
"Yes, it is almost like imperious, it makes you want to follow it. If I did not have so much will I do believe I would be lost to it."
Draco frowned, taking a scan of the area, pushing out with his own reiatsu. The faint trail of another ghost was close. Without thought the Quincy took off after it, Nick protesting behind. With light steps he made his way deeper into the forest until he was almost upon his intended target. Coming to a halt high on one of the tree branches, Draco looked below. It was the Grey Lady, he had not seen much of the ghost around Hogwarts, but he did recognise her. He watched as she glided through the forest, face a blank relaxed mask, a small smile playing at her mouth. Deliberately Draco dropped down before her, a few paces ahead in order to catch her notice.
"Hey!" Draco called, stepping closer. "Where are you …?" but the Quincy got no further, as the ghost passed easily through him, sending a chill running through his bones and an ache to creep up his neck and chest.
"Damn," Draco gasped, clutching at his chest with his hand, as he took in a breath to steady himself.
"Are you alright?" Nick said as he glided up next to him, eyes darting between Draco and the rapidly disappearing Grey Lady.
"Ah, just wasn't expecting to be passed through," Draco shivered. "I didn't think ghosts liked passing through the living?"
"We do not, which is what makes this stranger."
Draco shook himself, gathering his thoughts together as he turned back in the direction the Grey Lady was headed. "It seems it is as you said. She did not seem to even see me, let alone hear me. What could cause a ghost to be effected like that?"
"I do not know, but I fear it," Nick trembled.
Draco said nothing, only moved ahead with Nick at his side. They wandered deeper into the forest, the blonde Quincy keeping an ear out for any sounds, be they ghosts, Hollows or creatures of the forest, all the while his mind worked. Being a Quincy he had come into contact with many strange things that wizards were not exposed to. His family had delved deep and wide in their pursuit of knowledge of their heritage. But in all the journals and dairies held with in his manor, Draco had never once come across something that could affect a ghost so, be it magic or reiatsu. A shudder beneath his feet had Draco stilling.
"We are near the barrier," he said, narrowing his eyes as he peered further ahead. "But we're still in the forest, I can't see anything ahead. Nick, is the pull still intact?"
When no answer was forth coming Draco snapped, "oi you useless ghost, is the …?" the Quincy was not able to finish his words as a wave of ice cold engulfed him. His breath caught and he had to steady himself against a tree to stop himself falling to his knees. He could only watch as Nick glided away, a dazed look in his eyes and a smile playing at his lips.
"Damn it," Draco barely managed to curse, vainly filling his lungs with as much air as he could. He tried to gather himself as he watched helplessly as the ghost moved further away. With effort Draco launched himself after Nick, slipping easily into Hirenkyaku in order to keep pace with the rapidly fleeing spirit. Draco could sense the barrier around the Hogwarts grounds growing closer, with grunt he took to the trees, jumping from branch to branch so he could still keep watch on Nick below. The chase kept on, Draco being sure not to lose sight of his dazed companion, ahead the Quincy could feel the pulse of the barrier and if he had had the time to look and concentrate he would have seen the unearthly blue haze that marked where it rested. Just before the ghost would have crossed its path Nick changed direction, so he was gliding along the barrier, taking him further from Hogwarts. Draco followed, stretching out his own reiatsu, but what he felt had him recoiling, causing him to stumble and nearly fall from his perch. Halting his progress Draco gasped. The reiatsu that he had felt was strong, stronger than anything he had ever felt. In his mind it even surpassed Toshiro's reiatsu, but the Shinigami had always been careful not to divulge his full strength to the Quincy. Steeling himself Draco stretched out his sensors again, being careful to only lightly brush what was around him. A dark heavy reiatsu was quick to come to him, Draco frowned as he tried to dissect it, if felt like a Hollow, but also a wizard and a Shinigami. The last puzzled the Quincy, Toshiro would have told him if there was other Shinigami near the school. Carefully Draco moved forward, keeping to the trees as he moved silently. A faint hum came to his ears, bending his knees Draco thrust himself higher into the tree, stepping along the long branches, while he used the leaves as a cover. Suddenly a mumble of voices shattered the quiet.
"More have come tonight."
"Think it will be enough?"
"It better be the Dark Lord won't be pleased if we can't get through. The others will need us when the plan starts."
Draco frowned, moving closer to the sound of the voices, a light breeze touched his skin and as he reached the end of the branch he stood upon, he delicately moved the leaves aside so he could look below him. The barrier was there, pulsing blue, but not faint and almost invisible to the eye as it should, instead it flared brightly. But it was not that which took up Draco's attention, it was the ghost that were piled before it, crowded together around on area as they moved in a heaving mass against the barrier. Draco peered closer, he could see Nick and the Grey Lady, still as out of it as before, though their smiles seemed larger. The Quincy leaned forward to look beyond the crowd and barrier. Dark hooded shapes stood nearby, watching the display dispassionately, one close enough to the barrier that if he reached out a hand they could touch the ghosts before them.
Death Eaters, Draco thought as he fixed his eyes on them, he stared at the closest one, noticing something held within his hands. It glowed a faint white, but Draco could make out no clearer details.
"It's taking too long," one of the Death Eaters said. "We should have been done by now."
"Hey I don't control this thing," the Death Eater closest to the ghosts muttered angrily, waving his hands with the object clasped within it.
"Be careful with that thing," another snapped. "Do you have any idea what the Dark Lord will do to us if you break it."
"Give us over to his new circle probably, you know how he fawns over them."
"Shh, don't speak about that."
"Why not?" the Death Eater clutching the object spat angrily. "We might as well throw ourselves at their feet. You know the Dark Lord favours them above all else, ever since that man came the dark Lord has only favoured them. You know some of the inner circle have vanished to."
Draco frowned at that, Snape had not mentioned anything like that in their meetings, then again Draco had not exactly been for filling his end of the deal.
"We are not supposed to talk of that," one of the other Death Eaters said.
"And do you wonder why? We might as well just get it over with than wait for the inevitable. Sometimes I wonder I should just switch sides, throw my lot in with Dumbledore, better than getting fed to whatever those things are."
"You would do well to mind your words human."
Draco stiffened, a harsh reiatsu caressed his skin, shooting through him like a shock of electricity. Shaking off the feeling Draco peered out between the leaves, stood to the side of the gathered Death Eaters stood two other shapes. One was tall with pale skin and aqua like eyes, with black hair coming to his shoulders, one side was covered in what looked to Draco's eyes a white helmet. He was dressed in a white coat and pants, held by a black belt with a sword at his side. But what caught Draco's interest was the hole in his throat.
Like a Hollow, the Quincy thought. Beside him stood another, this one was not so tall, and almost hunched over. Draco could not see his face and his head was covered in wild hair. He was not dressed in white, instead a black rove covered his form, but Draco could still see the shape of a sword at his hip.
The Death Eaters twittered, all bowing as the two stared at them. "We said nothing," one whispered.
"So you were watching us," the angry Death Eater spat. "Figures the Dark Lord would send his dogs."
"I am no such animal human," the white one spoke monotonously.
The Death Eater huffed, "you have no place to question me, you're not even a Death Eater, your just here to see the end of the deal with the Dark Lord and your master. Why don't you just leave before I …" but the Death Eater didn't get a chance to finish before a sword was roughly shoved through his chest from the back. He gasped and chocked, blood spilling passed his lips as he struggled to breath, the glowing object within his hand falling to the grass.
"Can I eat him?" the gruff voice of the black robed one spoke, as he pushed his sword in further, all the while taking a long sniff at the air.
The white one waved a dismissive hand, "do as you like, I am only here to watch."
The dark one laughed, pulling free his sword he set on the dying Death Eater in a frenzy. Draco could do nothing but watch as he covered the dying man from view, but the Quincy knew what was happening, having seen countless Hollows devour their prey during his early years traveling with his father. As the Dark one fed the one in white crossed to where the glowing object was still on the grass, he picked it up before tossing it to one of the shell shocked Death Eaters. "You would do well to keep this safe my master does not give gifts out of kindness. And I am sure your own would not be pleased to see you have ruined his hard work."
The Death Eater unfortunate enough to caught the object shivered, moving closer to the barrier, where the horde of ghost waited. He held out his hand and instantly the ghosts flocked to him, eyes intent on what he held.
"You should finish with that," the white one directed at the dark one. "It is nearly time."
The Dark one huffed, lifting his head so his hair was thrown back off his face. Draco nearly gasped out loud as the face of Fenirir Greyback greeted him, a hole in his throat just like his companion and his face even more feral than Draco remember from the pictures his father had once shown him. "Don't give me orders Ulquiorra."
Ulquiorra shrugged, eyes on the ghosts, "do as you wish then, though I will be sure to claim the watcher that lurks in the trees."
Draco froze as those aqua eyes turned to him, Fenirir jumped to his feet, gaze following his companion as the Death Eaters muttered and reached for their wands. "What is that?" Fenirir asked as he sniffed the air.
"A Quincy," Ulquiorra answered tilting his head to one side. "Why don't you come down?"
Draco didn't hesitate, pulling forth his bow he shot off an arrow with the ease of practise right at the head of Ulquiorra. The creature didn't flinch as it came at him, merely moving easily to one side so the bright bolt hammered into the ground. Fenirir gasped and back away, hand on the hilt of his sword. "What was that?"
"So you like to play little Quincy? I do hope you do, I like a chase."
Before Draco could shot off another a bright green light flared, Draco turned and to his horror in the distance could see the Dark Mark, shining over one of Hogwarts towers.
"And so it begins," Ulquiorra said. "Do it now."
"But there might not be …"
"Now human."
The Death Eater squeaked and quickly threw the object within his hand at the ghost. As it came into contact with the blur barrier it exploded, blinding Draco briefly, one the stars were shook from his sight and he could see once more the Quincy gasped. The ghosts were gone, disappeared as though they had not existed, instead all that remained was a hole right in the barrier. Ulquiorra stepped forward, crossing over the and into Hogwarts grounds with ease. "It begins now." He said with a slight upturning of his lips. "Run little Quincy, run."
Draco did, uncaring if the creatures and Death Eaters behind him were giving chase, he had to get back to Hogwarts, he had to find Toshiro. They had to defend themselves or they were all dead.
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