Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Harry Potter, they belong to Noriaki "Tite" Kubo and J.K. Rowling respectively. I make no profit from this fanfiction, well, besides the joy I find in writing it. =3

Key:

Taking in English- "I'm speaking."

Thinking - 'I am thinking'

Talking in Japanese - "I am speaking Japanese."

~ CH 21 - Complications ~

"No." Ichigo stood with his arms crossed and his jaw set in a determined way.

Harry narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. "I do not understand your reluctance. Is it merely because I am the one to ask you? You seem to have the irritating habit of refusing me even the simplest of requests."

Ichigo gave him a half hearted smirk. "As much as I like pissing you off, it's not always about you."

"I care not for your sense of honor. Your honor be damned for all I care. Your actions could save or condemn them." His voice was raising in anger, which seemed to perplex Ichigo into dropping his smirk into a frown.

"It's not just about me either dumb ass."

Harry paused at that. "Orihime," he said quietly.

"Yeah," Ichigo scoffed. "I don't know what it is she sees in you, but she'd never forgive me."

"The girl is in love with you, I do not matter enough to her for it to damage that." If Harry's voice sounded even a bit resentful of that fact he wouldn't acknowledge it to himself.

Ichigo spluttered. "She... she what?! Orihime doesn't..."

"You are an idiot if you have not noticed her affections for you," Harry deadpanned.

"That's funny," Ichigo retorted angrily, "That's what I was about to say to you."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb with me Ulquiorra," seethed the teen. "I don't know what you did to her back in Las Noches, but she obviously feels something about you. Do you even notice the way she looks at you?!"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"You're the one that's being ridiculous!"

"All of this is besides the point," Harry waved his assumptions away. Ichigo looked ready to argue. "Let me ask you another question."

"Fine, what?" Ichigo spat out.

"Do you care for her?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course I care about her. I wouldn't have dragged my happy ass all the way through Hueco Mundo to save her if I didn't."

"Then would you see her die for your actions or lack there of?"

"That's not fair..." Ichigo's argument faltered, so Harry pushed his point.

"She was easily branded a traitor once before. What would they do this time, I wonder?"

"It won't come to that," Ichigo denied with a frown.

"But if it does... Do I have your word?" Harry stared him strait in the eyes and would not relent until he had the answer he desired.

The staring contest went on for a stretch of time before Ichigo finally relented his gaze. "I still don't see why I have to be the one."

Harry thought the boy was to old to be pouting, but since Ichigo was beginning to ware down he didn't comment. Instead, the ex-Espada played on the young man's own 'saving people thing', as Hermione would put it. "Because, I refuse to leave it up to them and it would go a long way to help you and Orihime distance yourself from all of this. But most of all, you are my best chance." He didn't meet the boy's eyes when he said this, for in his own mind he was still unsure of his chances.

"But, like I said before, it shouldn't even come to that," Ichigo protested once again.

"And I will ask once again," he caught the boys gaze and held it again, "if it does... Do I have your word?"

Ichigo sighed in defeat and ran a hand through his hair. He turned away from the paler man as he thought it over for one last moment. "Fine."

"I'll have you say it."

Ichigo whipped around with an angry expression. "You're an idiotic bastard, but you have my word," he seethed.

"Thank you Kurosaki Ichigo."

"You know," Ichigo said, still in a temper, "I'm beginning to dread your thank you's." Peace spoken, Ichigo stormed out of the room.

Harry didn't even turn to watch him leave. He didn't move a muscle until the door slammed behind him. It was after that final note of departure that the pale man allowed his stiff shoulders to drop. He knew it was a lot to ask of the boy who had demanded him to cut off his arm and leg to be fair, but Harry had to have this contingency plan. It was not ideal for anyone, but it was a necessary back up should the worst case scenario come to be.

He took some time to gather his thoughts as he walked over to the drawing room's window and glanced out at the cheery morning. As his mind went back over their discussion, one concerning matter stuck out to him. Kurosaki had said that Orihime cared for him... more than just her common kindness for all things, if Ichigo were to be believed. Was it possible for the girl to feel such things for him? How could she feel for him the same way she appeared to feel for the Substitute Soul Reaper? He had wronged her so many times.

Harry scoffed at himself and turned away from the window to gaze upon the gloom within the room. The boy was blind to the girls near devotion, why should Harry take his word on the matter? The boy obviously had no observation skills... But, then again, was it really so far fetched now that he thought about it?

Past visions of conversations about the heart, ashes on the wind, and tears flew threw his mind, tears for him. At his 'death' as an Espada, he had thought her an amazing woman to have made it past his second mask. Her kindness had accomplished a feat that no other had in that cruel place. He had allowed himself to enjoy the feeling of it briefly, believing that if he had only reached out, he could have had her for himself. That thought had been walled away quickly and buried deep within himself. It was an emotion he couldn't afford to dwell on at that time.

What about now though? Surely it was an even less convenient time for such thoughts with all that rested on his shoulders, wasn't it? Still, his thoughts clouded with doubt against his own rebuttal of Kurosaki's bold declaration. Was there something he was missing? He replayed his and the woman's interactions since she had been taken for the second time by him. What he found made his doubt even stronger.

Her blushes of late were not ones of angry embarrassment, they were directed at him in... different settings. And when he caught her hand on the Soul Reaper's arm that morning, she had seemed almost guilty? Now he was shaking his head at himself. He was associating the word 'caught' with her actions as if he too were accusing her of some transgression against himself.

And now he was doubting his actions yet again. Had he made the decision to get Kurosaki released for her and her alone? Had he demanded that she stay this morning so that he would not lose her to whatever whims the Soul Reapers might have about her placement or just to keep her to himself?

He needed to leave this room, this isolation. He was dwelling far to much on it. It would be good for him to have a sit down with one of the other Order members and go over strategies or anything really. So long as his thoughts were not occupied by Kurosaki's ridiculous insinuations... or what he had asked of the teen. Then he would be content, wouldn't he? Or he could always make use of the time that the boy was away... No, that was what he should be avoiding. Whatever the case, he was rather sure that all he needed for a distraction was to walk out the door if the two presences he detected were any thing to go by.

He opened the door and waited for a second before actually stepping into the hall. Sure enough, a rainbow cloud of magically launched powder plumed up before him. A swish of his wand sent a gust to blow the lingering dust out of the air and away from him. He stepped into the hall and then directly to the right as a floating bucket of some unpleasantly smelling green slime was dumped upon the very spot he had just vacated. He spun gracefully around the wizarding firework that zoomed towards him, snatched it out of mid air, and flung it back in the direction it had come from.

A split moment later there was a rather bright flash of light followed immediately by two surprised yelps. Coughing followed shortly there after and the Weasley twins staggered out from around the edge of the hall. The corner of Harry's lip actually turned up in amusement at the site of them. The two redheads were both looking a bit singed around the edges, but the most amusing part was that both were completely covered, from head to toe, in sparkling glitter.

"Uhg, how do you always..." Fred was cut off by his own cough.

"...know?" George wheezed, sending out a puff of sparkles with his breath.

Harry just allowed them to get a good look at his smirk before leaving them to ponder where they had gone wrong this time. He did throw one parting comment over his shoulder though. "I do hope you can come up with better than this next time. I'm beginning to wonder if my investment was a poor one."

The two puffed up like a couple of ruffled hens, sending showers of glitter down upon the carpet. They were playing at being utterly offended by his comment, but they didn't fooling him. He was a tough new challenge for them and they were a random, yet welcome, diversion for Harry over the last few days. When they did manage to show up, they would begin their visit by trying to prank Harry before he knew they were there. Harry didn't see the need to tell them that this tactic was useless against him since he could sense their approach. Let them keep guessing. Their bamboozled looks were always a pleasant end to their attempts, for Harry at least.

He returned to the dinning room, where some of the others still lingered, with a straight face. "Mrs. Weasley," Harry said to gain the woman's attention, "I believe the twins have something to show you in the hall. It seemed quite urgent."

"Alright dear, I'll go have a look," she replied absentmindedly as she gathered up the last couple of dishes and made her way out the door.

Hermione looked over to him as he stood by the door. "You've just missed Ichigo, Moody and Professor Lupin," she began, but he held up a hand to stall her.

A muffled screech of surprise echoed through the house causing most of those present to jump. Harry smirked, "You were saying Hermione?"

Orihime fidgeted as she snuck another glance at the pale man beside her. Why did he want to talk with her? Did he need her for something or did he just want to spend time with her? She saw his face turn towards her and she quickly focused on where they were walking. Her cheeks felt warm and she was sure he wouldn't miss the blush.

"You don't need to be worried Orihime."

"I'm not worried," she protested and turned to look at him.

He seemed to study her as they came to a stop. Apparently seeing what he needed, Harry nodded. "That's good, this conversation would be more difficult if you were afraid to be alone with me. I'd rather it be just you and me."

Orihime gave him a funny look. "Why would I be afraid to be alone with you silly?"

He gave her a deadpan look. "My treatment of you does not have the best track record."

She laughed. "I get it, you know. I mean, I already figured out why you did what you did in Las Noches if that's what's bothering you. You never really hurt me, but you couldn't be seen being nice to me either. Besides..."

"Orihime," he cut her rapid speech off mid sentence with a serious expression. He laid a hand on her shoulder. "What I did to you... It wasn't right." He looked at his hand on her shoulder as if just noticing its placement for the first time.

He quickly withdrew his hand and Orihime felt a small longing for the lost contact. "Harry-kun, it's alright."

"No," he said sharply. "The things I put you through were wrong. Do not make excuses for me. I ordered your death woman! How can you simply brush it all aside?" He seemed angry now, but she didn't feel an ounce of fear. She realized from nearly the beginning of his outburst that he wasn't mad at her. He was mad with himself.

"Hermione explained to me what you said about that. I told you, I understand." She began to reach out to him, but he turned away from her.

"Don't." He said sharply. She stood, staring at his back and waiting for him to make a move. "This is not the way I meant for this conversation to go." He eventually said in a monotone to the door they stood before.

She hesitated for a second before reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder. "Then why don't we start again," she suggested softly. She worried her lip as she waited for his reaction.

He turned his face so that he could see her and his gaze softened. He shook his head and placed his hand of the door knob. "Let me show you what I had intended for this trip." He turned the knob and pushed the door open gently. "I have a feeling you'll do splendidly with him."

Orihime wanted to continue with their conversation because something was obviously bothering him, but she went along with what he wanted for now. She allowed her hand to drop from his shoulder as he moved into the room and to the side. What she saw nearly dropped her jaw. It was beautiful, unreal even.

"His name is Buckbeak."

"He's beautiful," she intoned softly as she looked over the amazing creature. It cocked its grey eagle head in a very birdlike manner as it observed her.

"He is a hippogriff. They are very proud creatures. Though I don't think you'll have a problem befriending him in that regard." He explained as she began to approach it. "Give a bow to greet him."

She did as he said, giving the creature a respectful bow. "It's very nice to meet you Buckbeak-san." She was delighted when Buckbeak bowed back. She smiled to Harry, "Can I pet him?" At his nod she reached a hand forward. The hippogriff nuzzled into her hand and she felt a small wave of awe pass though her. His feathers were so soft and this was sooo unreal, just like everything else in Harry's world.

Her smile faded ever so slightly as she looked over to him. She had not meant to be distracted from their rather serious conversation, but she had a feeling he had done it on purpose. Maybe Harry had just needed time to gather his thoughts. She didn't want to push him, but she was worried about him. Before she could say anything though, he walked forward to join her in petting the soft plumage. Buckbeak seemed to be enjoying the attention if the purr-like chirp was anything to go by.

Orihime couldn't help herself, she giggled. She noticed Harry's eyes on her then and she felt the blush rise up unbidden again. She wasn't going to shy away this time though. She met his eyes and willed him to continue what he had started in the hallway, trying desperately to ignore the heat in her cheeks.

His soft gaze edged into somber as they stared at one another, absently petting Buckbeak. Harry was the first to turn away. His attention was fully focused on his hand running across the creatures neck. "Orihime," he began, still not meeting her gaze, "what I did to you in the past..." Orihime took a breath to voice her protest, but he caught her intent. "Do not interrupt," he said as he met her eyes again. "I need to say this."

She nodded and waited for him to continue.

Satisfied that he would not be interrupted again he turned back to his hippogriff petting. "As I was saying, I have treated you wrongly in the past and, no matter the reason, it was not right. You can make all the excuses you want to try and paint me in a better light, but the fact that I did wrong you still remains." He squared his shoulders and turned to her fully.

The fairy mistress stilled in her own petting and faced him as well. She waited for him to continue, unsure if he was done yet and not wanting to upset him further if he wasn't.

"I am not a good man Orihime." She wanted to protest, but bit her lip again to keep it in. "Before I even knew you, I ordered your death. I stole you from your friends, played with your mind, frightened you purposefully and killed your best friend before your very eyes... and for what ever reason, you are still kind to me." He took a slow, deep breath, "I am glad that Kurosaki was there to save you. It was because of him that I had the chance to experience that kindness, your kindness. Your heart." He looked to the floor. "I do not deserve your kindness, Orihime. I do not understand how you can give it to me so freely, but... I am deeply grateful for it." He bowed low to her then, taking her off guard. "I am so very sorry for what I have put you through. Could you find it in your overly large heart to truly forgive me for how I have treated you and for everything I've done to you?"

Her wide eyed surprise turned into a sad smile. Didn't he realize there was nothing to forgive in her eyes? It didn't matter though, he wouldn't take that as an answer. She knew that now from his reaction in the hall. He needed her to forgive him and that's exactly what she would do. "I forgive you," she began, "I forgive you as Ulquiorra and as Harry and what ever other name you've gone by." She bowed deeply to him in return.

They rose simultaneously, eyes meeting. "Thank you Orihime."

She smiled at him briefly, "My turn to ask you something." He nodded for her to continue. "Why do you think you don't deserve kindness Harry-kun."

"Were the things I mentioned not enough? I was not joking when I said I am not a good man. The things I have done as Ulquiorra," he paused, "you don't even know the half of it." he looked away from her again.

"You don't have to tell me," she began, drawing back his attention, "because I already think I know something even more important." She touched a hand to his chest. "I don't have to know all the things you've done in life to know your heart. Harry-kun, if you were truly a bad man, you would not feel the way you do." He made to interrupt her. "No Harry-kun, it's your turn to let me speak," she said sternly. "You did bad things, yes, but they had to be done so that you could help us. What's more, you regret those necessary evils now. I'll say it again. If you were truly a bad man, you would not feel that regret."

He placed his hand over hers. "You are a remarkable woman Orihime Inoue."

That darn blush was back. He hadn't looked at her in quite that way before and it sent butterflies to her stomach. She giggled nervously and looked away, no longer able to meet his eyes. "Is this the real reason you wanted me to stay behind? Did you just want to talk to me."

His lips quirked into a small smirk. "That was part of it, but I would never object to spending more time in your company."

She gathered back her courage to look at him. "As long as we can do something fun now. No more serious stuff, ok?" It was then she noticed their hands were still clasped together over his heart. Buckbeak chose that moment to butt his head against hers like a cat trying to get more attention. The anticipatory tension dissolved as she laughed easily. "I don't think Buckbeak-san likes being ignored." Their joined hands dropped away from one another and she began petting him again, much to the hippogriffs delight.

Harry was still just watching her for the moment. She looked to him in question before he spoke up. "I think I have something fun for us to do." He was giving her that smirk again, hinting at a mischievous side she had never seen of him before. "Ever ridden an animal that could fly before?"

"Where have you two been?!" Shouted Moody as the windswept duo entered the sitting room after their impromptu flight.

Harry's heart, which had felt lighter than he could remember in a long time, sank into his gut. Something had gone wrong and he had been off playing around like a school boy.

Orihime answered the veteran's question. "Harry-kun was showing me to Buckbeack." Moody threw his arms up in frustration.

Harry glanced around the room at the worried faces of the Order members. "What has happened?"

"Oh, now you're concerned. Wouldn't you rather go play with your oversized buzzard?"

Orihime looked guilty and it angered Harry that the man was doing that to her. "Get on with it Alastor Moody. If you have a point, make it."

Dumbledore stepped in before the two could begin yet another fight. "Remus has been taken into custody."

"Custody?" Harry asked, "As in, he has been taken in by aurors, not death eaters?"

"Precisely," The aged wizard answered.

Orihime spoke up after glancing about, "Where is Kurosaki-kun?"

The old man motioned toward the doors leading out. "With Poppy I'm afraid. Nothing serious, but he was caught in the crossfire without means to protect himself." She looked worried none the less.

"Go to him Orihime," Harry voiced softly. With a quick nod she was gone. Harry turned back to the others. "Why would the aurors want Remus?"

"My guess," said Dumbledore, "it was an order from Voldemort to one or more of his followers in the ministry."

"What about Kingsley? Do we not have him positioned to inform us of such plots?"

Moody spoke up in a gruff voice. "He wasn't aware that there was a warrant out for Lupin until it he was already in custody. Oh, and not that you'll care, but I am technically wanted now to." He smirked grimly. "Attacking aurors in broad daylight will do that."

"This is bad," Ron voiced from further back in the room.

"That's an understatement," scoffed Hermione. "This is ridiculously horrid. Harry," she said as she walked over to him, "What if they use veritaserum on him? He knows to much about, well, everything! The order, the afterlife, and you."

"This is a bloody disaster," Draco chipped in.

Harry turned his gaze to the blond. "You heard nothing of such plans while you served under the man?"

"Nothing. This is either very new or he didn't trust me with the information."

Harry nodded. "The question is, what could be the reason behind this?"

Moody spoke next. "He has to know Remus wouldn't be the secret keeper."

Albus stroked his beard thoughtfully. "What purpose would he have for using the aurors to bring him in. Remus has broken no laws, they'll have to release him. There has to be something more to this arrest and I think miss Granger was on to something." He gave her a brief kindly smile, but resumed his explanation. "Remus may not be able to divulge our headquarter location, but he is not without pertinent information."

"But what can we do?" Asked Hermione. "We can't just let this happen without a fight, but if we break him out we will be openly defying the ministry."

"I already have Kingsley working on it. We should be receiving word from him shortly, but I'm afraid the damage may have already been done by then."

"Then we must wait for his report before we act." Harry turned back to Moody. "Was Kurosaki able to make contact with another soul reaper at least?"

"No, there was no time. The mission was a complete failure."

"I have a feeling all of our planning will be for not after today," intoned the headmaster.

"Oh, I think it will be much worse than that," was Harry's reply.

IVX: I said I was gonna finish this story and gosh darn it, that's what I'm gonna do. I had a minute to spit this out and I have the rest planned. We're near the end now. Sorry about the wait, but such is life. Thanks for all your support. I hope you enjoyed it...^_~