Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or Harry Potter
Warnings: Mild Language and Suggestive Themes
Chapter13:
Harry lay in his four-poster bed, furious. The second he had been freed, he had stomped towards the dormitory. He was even too fumed to yell at them, because words were not enough. They had had no right to jinx him. If they had been anyone else, he would have been sure to hex them on the spot.
Harry savored the thought, and sighed. Taking another deep breath to calm himself, Harry plunged into his thoughts. Even as angered thoughts buzzed about him, in the back of his mind, Harry knew they were only trying to protect him. He sighed again, allowing himself to fall into deep slumber, and into the clutches of his unwanted dreams.
-
Harry sat, again on his high chair, looking down upon a cowering Death Eater, and sighed. "Why do I allow you to live, Rookwood? You are hardly of any use, providing me with information I already possess. I have long known the demon Reiko had departed against my wishes, and the order has long ago been sent from Shigure to the girl. She played her part, and exterminated the demon. No one crosses Lord Voldemort."
"Indeed, my Lord." Rookwood murmured. "Did I ask you to speak?" Voldemort snapped. "No, I-I, master, spare m-" Voldemort sneered. "Leave my sight Rookwood." The Death Eater bowed low, and backed out of the room. Voldemort sighed, allowing his head to tilt back on the chair.
"This is taking far longer than I would have liked. No matter. If I must wait, I must wait. I've waited fifteen years, a few more will certainly not kill me." Voldemort unleashed a mirthless laugh.
"Your time draws near, Harry Potter. How foolish, of the boy to not know, the truth lies before him. The answer to all his questions. Of course, I suppose it wouldn't matter." Voldmort toyed with his wand. "After all, what good are secrets to a dead boy?"
-
Hiei wrenched himself free of his captor's grasp, veering around with his fists clenched, to see a kitsune looking him in the eyes. "Kurama?" Hiei said, uncertain. A sly, almost human-like, grin creeped acorss the face of the enchanted fox.
"Glad to see you can still recognize me in demon form." Kuram said sarcastically, assuming a human form. "What just happened?" Hiei questioned, allowing his hands to fall to his sides.
"I just saved your bacon." Kurama grimaced. "While you were pumping Reiko for information, Raven was gathering an aura of spirit energy into arrow form. That-" Kurama nodded towards the crater. "-is what made that crater."
"Reiko?"
"Dead."
"Good."
Kurama turned and headed deeper into the forest. "We'd best get going." He called behind him. "WHy?" Hiei inquired, following the Youko. "Because it's only a matter of time before before they search the forest for us. It would be best to go into hiding." Hiei snorted. "Why run, when we can fight?"
"Because Hiei, my wild little friend, we're on an undercover mission, and you've already caused enough damage for the night. Furthermore, we're here to protect them, not murder them. My, fighting Reiko has either made you reckless or dimwitted."
"You're hilarious." Hiei commented dryly. The duo trudged deeper into the forest, taking care to cover their tracks.
-
They had been walking for a good half hour when Kurama suddenly stopped. "Do you hear that?" he whispered warily. Hiei nodded. "Voices, and loud footsteps too. It seems the professors have finally begun their search."
kuram looked upwards towards an entanglement of vines. Luring one two him, he climbed up it quietly. Upon reaching the top, Kurama threw the vine done for Hiei. "Hurry up, someone is coming!"
Working quickly, Hiei grabbed the vine and pulled himself up into the canopy, pulling the vine after him. The two demons lay waiting in the plant-life.
The sounds of footsteps grew louder as Dumbledore's silver beard flashed under the vines. The wizard glaned upwatd, unable to detect Hiei, his green tinged skin serving as perfect camoflauge. It was the small swish of Kurama's tail that alerted him.
"Come down here." The voice was a harsh command. The two demons dropped calmly to the floor, straightening to face Dumbledore. His face was livid.
"Good evening, Headmaster." Kurama said casually. "How dare you?" Dumbledore murmured angrily. "How dare you endanger the staff and student body of my school, and greet me as casually as if you were taking a stroll?"
He pinted his wand at Hiei. "You behaved like an animal. Unleashing demonic energy of such proportions!" Hiei shrugged. "You're blowing this out of proportion. No one was hurt. In fact, if it weren't for me, Reiko would have ran amock the school undetected, and there would be quite a few missing students."
"That does not excuse your behavior." Dumbledore said, a bit more calmly, yet fury and power radiated from his body. "I didn't say it did." Hiei said plainly.
"Good. Then you won't be surprised with my decision. S of this moment, you and the rest of your crew are expelled from my school. I cannot have you endangering the lives of my pupils."
Kurama sighed. "I was afriad you'd say that." He looked to Hiei, who nodded, confirming Kurama's thoughts. Kurama turned, and disappeared among the vines and firms.
"Where is he going? We are not done here!" Dumbledore fumed. "Yes, we are." Hiei once again allowed his Jagan to flare fully open, gazing into the Headmaster's eyes.
The wizard froze, the silvery strand of thought gliding effortlessly from his temple to Hiei's outstretched palm, where it disappeared into his skin. Before the Headmaster had to recover, Hiei had leapt into the canopy and disappeared.
Hiei ducked and weaved his way past the black, dry branches as he followed Kurama towards the school. "Kurama, what are you doing?" he whispered harshly. "Well it's quite obvious you've 'modified' Dumbledore's memory to erase all information linking Reikai, to us, correct?" Hiei nodded ."And as far as he knows, we truely are transfers from a foreign government."
"Exactly. So wouldn't it be particularly odd if the Headmaster were to find letters from Koenma on his desk? Letters that, as far as he knows, should not exist?"
Comprehension dawned on Hiei. "Well then, fox, how do we get into the school? Chuu's set up a Demonic Barrier." Hiei could hear Kurama chuckle ahead of him.
"There has always been a fatal flaw with that shield. It is simple to enter. All you must do is assume a human form."As Kurama spoke, his silver locks faded to red. "Everything has it's faults." Hiei said grimly, the green tinge of his skin fading away as his eyes closed and dissolved into his body.
They passed unfazed through the barrier, easily climbing up the castle walls, thanks to numerous holes and ledges on the wall face. They halted outside the Headmaster's window, left foolishly open. Hiei perched himself on a ledge close to the window, allowing Kurama to clamber into the wizard's office.
The fox strode quickly towards Dumbledore's desk, shuffling through the letters, taking anything bearing Koenma's seal and stowing them in his pockets. After cleverly arranging the letters to take the place of the missing, Kurama gazed around the office calmly.
They won't be back for sometime, why not treat myself to another tour?
He paced slowly around the office, taking in the now familiar sights of the odd objects, only stopping at the basin he had noticed on his last visit. He had had to pass it then, due to limited time.
Kurama examined the stone basin, covered in runes and markings. Allowing his curiosity to overtake him, Kurama placed the basin upon the Headmaster's desk, staring into its silvery depths.
It's contents were a swirling mass, its state of being betwixt air and liquid. Intrigued, Kurama prodded the surface with a slender finger. That was his first mistake.
Before the first ripples were dispersed across the Pensive's surface, Kurama was jerked off his feet, the office swirling and dissolving around him, stopping suddenly. Kurama stood in Dumbledore's office, in the exact place he had stood before, the sky outside near twilight instead of the ebony cover of velvet it had just been.
Kurama paid little attention to this, of course, his eyes fixated on the figure seated before him, carefully reading a letter stamped with Koenma's seal: Dumbledore. Instantly excuses leaked from the half-demon's lips, chopped and stuttered.
"Professor, I did not see you there. Er, I suppose you're wondering why I am in your office, and there's a perfectly good reason why." Kurma allowed the words to spill out, thinking up whatever he could as he went along. "You see-"
The Headmaster rose, dropping the letter on his desk and makiing his way towards the Kurama. He bit his lip, knowing this would be hard to explain. He braced himself for a long shouting match, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead, as Dumbledore walked right through him. Kurama stood there, mouth hanging in confusion, as he watched the Headmaster exit the study to another part of his office.
Of course, this must be a memory.
Sighing in relief, he strode over to the Headmaster's desk, where the letter lay open. Kurama's eyes scanned the parchment, taking in the information as he read it, stopping only to ponder at the end.
Albus Dumbledore,
Your presence is requested by the Japanese Minister of Magic, on the following date and time: July 17, 12:00 a.m. In these grave times, alliances are our best hope against the impending threat of You-Know-Who. We feel it necessary to include you in this meeting to dicsuss a plan of counterattck. The enclosed pair of tweezers is a portkey that will activate on the set date. We look forward to seeing you.
Sincerley,
Ministry of Magic, Deparment of Notifiction
As Kurama gazed up from the letter, Dumbledore walked into the room, disposed of his night-gown and dressed for travel. He reached for the letter, fitting his moon-spectacles onto his crooked nose and quickly re-reading it. After glancing at the clock, he stuffed the letter into his robe sleeve, and reached for the tweezers on his desk.
"Three, two..one."
Immediately, Kurama felt himself being yanked forwad by his navel, the scence rushing past him and stopping at the Gates of Judgement. Kurama had no need to ponder when he realized who must have sent the old warlock the letter. There annoying employer seemed to have business with Dumbledore.
Dumbledore's eyes flickered across the massive wall structure, taking in every deatil, before his attention was drawn to the buzzer before him. At first, he was surpirsed, knowing well that any electronical muggle device would malfunction around magic. This did nothing but raise his suspicion. He tapped the button lightly, speaking clearly into the microphone.
"Yes?
"Albus Dumbledore. I believe I am here to see the Japanese Minister of Magic?"
There was a pause.
"Yes. Just a moment, I'll buzz you in."
The large doors opened, grating loudly against the stone which held them. Dumbledore stepped through the doors, which led him down a short passage, leading him to a much small pair of doors. He pressed the buzzer again, immediately recieving acknowledgement.
The thin doors slid open onto a strange scence. At once, Dumbledore knew that this meeting was abouit more than alliances. Before him, a room full to its compacity of bustling ogres, shouting and yelling at the top of their lungs, reminding the old wizard particularly of a muggle stock exchange.
Kurama stood beside him, watching Dubmledore's futile attempts to gain directions from the hostile ogres. He suppressed a chucke. The baffled expression upon the wizard's face was hard to ignore. What he did next, however, Kurama found a bit immature for his age, but none the less comical.
The wizard sighed in annoyance and jutted his foot forward, making sure it made contact with an ogre's legs. The ogre exclaimed in surprise, tripping face first onto the floor, the stack of papers he was carrying scattering into the air and gliding down gently to meet his upturned bottom.
Instanly the creature was up on its elbows, rubbing it nose sorely. "My apologies. I've always been a bit clumsy. Can't see my own two feet past my crooked nose." Dumbledore said airily.
The ogre sighed as he began to pick up his papers. "No, no, it's alright. I can tell you're a new arrival. Did you just die, or have you been roaming?" Dumbledore threw the demon an akward look. "I'm happy to say I'm still quite alive, and hopefully remain that way for another ten-twenty years. I'm actually here because I recieved this letter to meet the Japanese Minister of Magic. You couldn't help, by any chance?" The ogre paused.
"You wouldn't happen to be Albus Dumbledore?"
The wizard smiled jocundly. "The one and only."
The ogre sighed. "You'll find the 'Minister' over there in the Conference Room."
"Thank you." the wizard said cheerily. The ogre's response was a grumbled "whatever".
The wizard turned, heading in the direction the ogre had directed him, leading him, predictably, to two large crafted maple doors. The sign atop the doors, reading 'Conference Room', was highlighted in yellow light, indicating a conference was in progress. Ignoring the sign, the wizard pushed the doors open, strolling in on the meeting. What he found, was six ogres, an empty desk, and a long conference table.
"Can't you see!" A purple ogre shouted. "We cannot simply allow him to continue! We must take action!"
His opposing candidate, a maroon ogre, sat opposite him, a moue upon his face. "Can't you see? Why should we meddle in mortal affairs? It is not our problem. It is not our place to stop their wars. We simple guard the barrier. Let the wizards kill each other!"
Another ogre joined the fray. "Because, you fool, it might affect all three planes of existence, not just the Human plane alone!"
The room broke out into frenzied arguement. Amid the flurry of speech and spatter of spit, Kurama could make out the small, untensed voiced of another being. He could not help but smile, the child's height unquestionably small compared to the quarelling ogres.
"Alright, alright! Didn't they teach you guys some manners? Atleast try to be respectful to our guest."
Dumbledore waved cheerily as the room turned to face him. "I suppose I'm not here to speak to the Japanese Minister of Magic."
There was a creak as the chair behind the desk turned, allowing a small toddler with a pacifier in his mouth to saunter over, extending his hand to the wizard.
"Good evening, Dumbledore. I am Koenma."
-
Hiei sat on the ledge outside the window. To his discomfort, his legs were beginning to cramp and the mosquitoes were annoying him. He sighed, watching the wildfire consume the forest, the flames flaring against the night sky, as another small section of the forest was doused. A small draft of ash floated upon the wind, blowing away the mosquitoes, yet annoying him further.
He clenched his teeth, at the same time noticing movement in his peripheral field of vision. The youkai turned, watching as the Headmaster ascended the front steps of the castle, accompanied by professor McGonagall.
"Kurama," Hiei growled under his breath. "Hurry up, the ningens are coming!" Glancing into the Headmaster's office, Hiei saw... nothing. The room was anything but empty, but it was void of the human youko.
Hiei, shook his head in disbelief.
Kurama, you fool, where are you?
No response. He once again forced the lids of his Jagan open, despite his low amount of ki.
Kurama, can you hear me? They're coming!
Still there was no response to his mental cry.
Hiei would have tried a further urge, but he began to sway. The re-opening of his Jagan had taken the rest of his energy, draining him, adding to the strain the barrier was putting upon his Jagan. His world began to swirl dizzily, his vision blurring, and he felt himself losing balance, losing control. He could feel himself falling slowly, plunging into darkness. He could do nothing but fall as the treetops rushed up to meet him, calling out his companion's name in distress.
"Kurama... fool."
His mind went blank.
-
Dumbledore took a seat across the long conference table from Koenma. The room was quiet for a moment as the tiny rulker shuffled through his document papers. He finished, laying his papers flat on the table.
"Ahem. Now, as you all know, Voldemort has been revived to a complete body. This of course, presents dangers for your world, Dumbledore. And though we are able to oversee your world, his whereabouts are unknown.
"What's more, we are baffled and have little no none clues as to what he is planning, but thanks to various resources, we do know that he seems to be after several stones, including the Stone of Mordrid."
Dumbledore quirked an eyebrow. "I was always under the impression it had been destroyed." Koenma shook his head in denial.
"If that were possible. It is too powerful to simply destroy or discard, so we've kept it under lock and key in vault, here in Rekai."
"Rekai?"
"The plane of existence between the Mortal and Demonic Planes. We act as a balance between them, as well as their overseers, listing and checking deaths and births." the maroon ogre stated, rather bored.
"Well, there's something to throw world order for a loop." Dumbledore said, stroking his long, snowy beard. "And there are more planes of existence?"
"It is possible, but not probable. If there are others, then they are most likely remote and unstable realms made by mortal or demonic beings. Only the three planes listed are actually considered planes of existence. The others are simply realms, or differnt 'dimensions'."
"That is quite a bit to ponder." Dumbledore said pensively.
"But," Koenma said, interjecting the converstion, "if you must ponder it, ponder it later. There are more important matters at hand."
"Of course, Koenma. Continue."
"As I was saying, Voldemorts movements for the majority of the summer have been withdrawn. As of late, he has been continuously traversing between the barrier seperating the Demonic and Mortal Planes. This has, unfortunately, made it unstable."
Koenma paused, allowing the wizard to ingest the information, who nodded politely as a sign to continue.
"Yes, well, as you can imagine, this has allowed Voldemort to introduce an immense amount of demons to your plane, which he could use as a threat, or worse, as a vicious army.
"One demon I am refering to in particular goes by the name of Shigure. We have never truely been able to maintain full control over him, and he has once again lost our trail. He reappeared, however, near the summer's mid at Voldemort's side. From there, people started disappearing, leaking knowledge, and even the most unlikely people joined his army and cause."
"But why?"
There was a momment's silence as Koenma sucked on his pacifier, attempting to moisten his lips.
"Shigure is a mercenary, but he would gain nothing in helping wizards. So we can only conclude that Voldemort has full mind control upon him. This puts multiple people at risk. Shigure is unique. Though he often only implants it, it is said that Shigure is able to, if he wishes, corrupt the Jagan he infixes, allowing him to exert full control over the possessor. It would do well to pay especial attention to this part, Albus."
He reached for the remote placed besides him, pointing it at the wall behind him, clicking a red button so that a screen materialized upon it. There was a small -beep!- as Koenma clicked through the variuous lives of human beings, stoppin only at a dark-violet haired teenager. Kurama recognized her name before Koenma had time to utter it.
"Raven Obversin. As I'm sure you know, she is a student at your school. Just last week she, along with her family, disappeared from our records during a family vacation, which only happens when mortals come in contact with beings from other planes. All their document papers, their history, all the papers were blank."
Kurama could not help but notice the troubled expression upon Dumbledore's face.
"Why have they taken her?" His voice was full of concern.
"We don't know why. But, strangely enough, they've returned. Just last night all their paperwork filled again, but with one slight problem. It was encrypted in some sort of language. No one here is familiar with it, or even knows what it says. But what we do know is that her parents are under basic mind control. Raven however, has been implanted with the Jagan.
"To what degree Shigure has control over her, we don't know. The junction between them is far too complex to comprehend. The summer is drawing to a close, and Voldemort has already become more active. As I'm sure you know. Raven will be returning to your school by its end."
"And you wish me to deny her admission into the school?" Dumbledore said, attempting to guess the toddler's plan.
"No, just the opposite. Allow her to enter the school, and perhaps we may be able to obtain valuable information from her. Though we could easily moniter her from here, we would not be able to intervene or protect anyone from her. It is for this reason that I have decided to send an elite team of Rekai specialist to your school. We call them the Tantei."
The contents of the room swirled about him, as Kurama was jerked out of the memory, landing abrubtly on his feet. He was in the Headmaster's office. Allowing himself to readjust to his surrounding, Kurama dug through his robes, searching for his wand. Removing the beautifully crafted wand, Kurama plucked a thread of memory from the pensive.
Shuffling through his clothes again, Kurama produced a small, clear vile, smiling as he placed the memory fragment into it. Knowing there was more, Kurama allowed his sixth sense to direct him through the silvery mass, removing the remaining memory fragments, safely corking the vile and tucking it within his pocket.
Removing the basin from the desk, he placed it in its original spot, glad that he had been curious of its contents. The memories it held would have risen some serious questions. He turned from the desk, walking slowly across the vast office towards the window. It was unfortunate he did not walk faster. A small -click!- echoed throughout the room and Kurama's eyes flew to the door knob. The handle was slowly turning.
Without time to think and acting upon instinct, Kurama broke into a wild sprint, rushing towards the window. Flinging himself over the ledge, he was bale to escape the prying eyes of the entering professors. He was not, however, able to escape the massive plunge from the window to the forest below.
-
Kuwabara sat in his dorm, filled with his chattering roommates, discussing the day's surprising events. Naturally, their conversation was centered around the battle which had taken place on the grounds. Kuwabara ignored them, subconsciously scratching Okari's ears. He looked down at the kitten, purring with pleasure. Smiling, Kuwabara reached into his trunk, removing a yellow ball of yarn.
"Here, play with this Okari."
No sooner had he said it, then it had been done. The kitten jumped upon the yarn, rolling and entangling herself. Kuwabara chuckled. He was amazed that such terror and disorder could envelope three worlds, and yet somehow manage to miss a simple kitten.
I'm not simple.
Kuwabara remained silent, slight taken after forgetting Okari could 'talk'. He let out a sigh of amusement.
Of course you aren't. You're too special.
The kitten mewed it approval of the statement and continued playing. Kuwabara sighed, cold sweat forming along his back. He was uneasy. A feeling of dread consumed him, as he stared dully out the windows, dimly illuminated by the forest's dying fires.
This mission had begun as a simple 'supervise and protect' operation. Now it had emerged full blown as something so much more. Were they really ready to take on something they barely understood?
There was a small -thump!- and Kuwabara looked down to see Okari resting at his foot. Smiling, he picked the kitten off the ground, stroking her affectionately. He placed her in the small, pine crafted basket beside his bed. She mewed softly, and made no other sound.
Kuwabara followed her example, kicking off his shoes and changing into his pajamas. Pulling the four-posters around his bed closed, he slipped between the crisp, warm bedsheets and his bed, allowing much need sleep to overcome his tired mind.
-
Hiei awoke, his head filled with pain and his vision blurred by tears. He whipped them off his face promptly, attempting to sit up, falling back down again rapidly as pain seared through his body.
"It would be wise not to put strain on yourself. Your wound is worse than it appears."
Hiei turned his head to the side to find Kurama sitting besides him cross-legged.
"How long have I been unconscious?" Hiei questioned softly, his crimson eyes gazing up at the treetops.
Kurama paused a moment before responding. "About twenty minutes. Just enough time for me to apply some herbs to your wound. It won't help for long though. The flesh surrounding it is infected with Reiko's poison. It's already spread. You need and antidote, and it's one I can't make from plant juice."
"Just as well. The antidotes you make taste like shit."
"And you would be one to know what shit taste like?"
"Baka."
Kurama put on a mock frown, attempting to seem injured. "That hurt, Hiei."
Ignoring his companion's annoying statement, and the pain of his wound, Hiei forced himself into a sitting position. "I'll assume the professors didn't catch you. What did you find?"
Kurama pulled the corked vile from under his robe pocket. "Pensive."
Seeing the confused look upon Hiei's face, Kurama explained. "A collective gathering of thought and memory held together in a silvery mass, usually in some sort of basin."
Hiei grunted. "You sound like a textbook."
Kurama ignored him and continued. "These, are a few strands of stray memory. They contain memories of the Headmaster's conferences with Koenma, possibly valuable information. I could possibly persuade Koenma to purchase a containment basin so that we can view them. A trip to Dumbledore's office every week seems unfavorable."
Hiei rose to his feet painfully. "We'd better get going. If we wait any longer covering our tracks will be nearly impossible."
"And a nearly impaling gash across your abdomen won't help matters. I believe our potions master's cabinet may be of some use. Can you make the trip, or would you rather wait for my return?"
Hiei threw Kurama a scowl. "Since when have I been one to wait?"
Kurama smiled. "There's a window on the opposite side of the school, near the lake. It would be the most favorable point of entry, being closet to the dungeons. We'll have to be able to maintain a constant speed if we don't want to be seen. Sure you can make it?"
Hiei failed to suppress a smirk. "Watch me."
He was off across the grounds before another word could be uttered.
-
It had not taken the duo long to reach the said window, easily climbing in undetected. The halls were virtually empty with the majority of the teachers in the forest. To their slight surprise (and preference) the halls were dimly lit, so they had no need to hide.
They walked in silence until coming upon the bolted iron door of Snape's dungeon classroom. Kurama slipped his wand from his sleeve, whispering a basic spell he had taken great care to learn on the train.
"Alohamora."
There was a small -click!- as the door creaked open, allowing them entrance into the potion master's domain. Kurama immediately made his way to the Slytherin head's cabinet, shuffling through the potion ingredients and supplies. Kurama did not have to ravage the cabinet long, quickly finding what he was looking for: a bezoar.
"What is that?" Hiei said, his face contorting in disgust.
"It's a bezoar. It's mentioned several times in our potions textbook. Shriveled stone from goat's stomach. It should cure almost any poison."
Hiei looked appalled. "I'm not rubbing that on my stomach."
Kurama chuckled. "Of course not. You're going to eat it."
Hiei's face went blank. "You're not serious."
"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I?"
Hiei glanced back down at the brown stone, resembling a withered kidney. "I'd rather take me chances with your potion."
He turned, making his way to the door, before Kurama was upon him, prying open his jaws before he had time to think and shoved the bezoar down his throat. Hiei sputtered disgustedly, attempting to eject the bezoar already entering his stomach.
There was an audible hiss as the poison evaporated, escaping into the air in green mist. Kurama did not attempt to cover his mouth; the poison was harmless in gas form. Instead he watched Hiei in amusement as the youkai pulled a face.
"I was right." he said panting. "Your antidotes do taste better."
Kurama smiled sweetly. "Thank you for the complement."
Hiei stood upright, looking down at his wound as it slowly sealed. "At least that's taken care of. What about our story? Our clothes are filthy, ragged, covered in ash and soot, and they're torn all over. No one will believe this happened to us during a trip to the bathroom."
Kurama stared down momentarily at his ragged clothes. "I suppose you're right. Reparo."
Within an instant tiny pieces of cloth from from the crack of the dungeon door, filling into their places on the kitsune's clothes. He pointed his wand at Hiei, and the process repeated. With another wave of his wand, the ash and soot disappeared.
"That helps," Hiei started, "but it doesn't exactly explain where we've been."
Kurama pulled back his sleeve to glance at his silver watch, the hands glowing a pale blue in the darkness of the dungeons.
"At this hour the Ravenclaw common room should be deserted and everyone asleep. I should be able to waltz right in. I do have an alibi, to some extent. When I went to change to kitsune form Harry and his friends saw me dashing madly through the Great Hall. As far as they know I could have been running scared.
"As for you, I think you should be able to slip in easily enough. You usually tend to stay up on the roof anyway. It would seem strange at all if you entered your dormitory through the window at midnight. Well, entering through the window might be strange, but no big complication."
Hiei stared at his accomplice momentarily.
"I think you enjoy being in that class."
"Perhaps, though I'm sure Youko would have preferred Slytherin."
Hiei shook his head in disbelief. "That would be just like him."
Kurama smiled cheerily and turned making his way out of the classroom, locking it after both he and Hiei had exited it. They ascended the stairs back up to the main corridor, flooded in the moonlight, as they walked together till they came upon the fork in their path.
"Good night, Hiei." Kurama yawned sleepily. "Don't expect to see up at dawn tomorrow. I plan to sleep in." He waved farewell and took the right path up to North Tower. Hiei watched his companion depart, watching him drag his feet up the first flight of stairs before vaulting out the window.
-
Exhausted, Kurama reached the North Tower, slipping silently into a dusty room full of books. Turning to a musty bookcase, he yawned the password.
"Bimbata Limfuago."
The bookcase slipped to the side, granting him entrance to the common room. As he had predicted, it was empty. Without a sound, he climbed the stairs to the boys dormitory, opening the door to his own dorm and walking silently past his roommates' beds. They were all asleep.
Relieved, Kurama changed into his pajamas, flopping down on his bed wearily before pulling the covers about him tightly and allowing his exhaustion to take effect.
-
Hiei leapt onto the ledge outside his dormitory, tucking in his katana before entering through the window. As Kurama had predicted the room was mainly empty, say for two people, one he had expected to see anyway: Harry Potter and Yuusuke Urameshi. Thankfully, Harry was sleeping.
He crossed the room straight to his bed next to Yuuske, for the second time that year, sitting on it. he stowed his atana in his trunk, looking up to see Yuuske's eyes upon him. Hiei matched his stare, noticing that Puu lay resting upon his head, snoozing softly.
"So you gonna tell me what happened out there or not?" Yuusuke said quietly, breaking the silence.
The youkai remained silent.
"I know you were lying, Hiei. You couldn't possibly hate Reiko just because he tried to kill you." Yuusuke said, indignation present in his voice. "Hell, even I was tempted to kill you when we first met."
Still, Hiei remained silent.
"Hiei," Yuusuke removed Puu from his head, a serious expression upon his face. "You can't expect to just walk away from this without an explanation. You gotta own up ma-"
"It was several hundred years ago, right after I had been cast into Makai from the Koorime Village." Yuusuke fell silent.
"They were the first to care..."
Yuusuke could not believe his eyes, but he was sure it was not an illusion. He could see Hiei's eyes glaze over in the moonlight as they filled with water, yet still, tears did not escape his eyes; the detective could tell the youkai was intent on not letting him see him cry.
"The first person to show me affection. To me, they were the sole most precious things in this world."
-End Chapter-
A:N:
-Surprise, surprise. The asshole left another cliffhanger. :) Sorry I haven't updated for forever, but I've been extremely busy, what with the rebooting of my files and what not. It's thanks to Winter Break that I typed the majority of this chapter within the past day and a half.
-I know I originally promised to explain who Kuina was in Chapter thirteen, but I just couldn't fit it all into one chapter. It'd be too long. No worries, though, chapter fourteen is underway!
-Yes, I am going to write out the rest of the memory fragments later.
-I forgot to post this last chapter. Kuina is pronounced 'Koo-e-nuh."
-Baka is japanese for idiot, fool or moron.
-Many of you would have noticed that the name Kuina has been replaced with 'they'. If you notice it hasn't been changed, please let me know. The reasons will be explained in Chapter14.