"He is Taiyoukai, lord of the western territories" Kagome answered seriously, "my brother." She sent a wave of calm to the boys through her bond, and they gradually relaxed. Draco went back to arranging the pillows just so and Harry gave a slight nod to the taiyoukai. Receiving a chill hnn in return.
Kagome rolled her eyes and followed her brother out of the room to a side chamber. Sesshoumaru seated himself behind a small table, gracefully folding his legs and remaining in the stiff posture that made Kagome slouch just thinking about it. He waited calmly as she arranged herself and allowed the hiss of the tea's steam to hold the silence.
She twitched. Waited. Fidgeted.
Finally she burst out, "Well?"
"Little sister. Patience was never one of your virtues" Sesshoumaru admonished.
Kagome hmphed. "And beating around the bush was never one of your faults" she replied in amusement.
His eyes creased at their familiar bantering, but quickly became serious once more.
"You are, I take it, aware of what you are stepping into."
She remained quiet for a moment. "Yes."
"Good."
They sat across from each other, sipping their tea in silence. Enough said.
After a few minutes, Sesshoumaru carefully placed his cup on the table and got up. At the door he looked back at the still seated Kagome. "Your training will be stepped up to include your mates. At dawn" he smirked slightly as he swept out of the room.
Kagome carefully placed her tea on the far side of the table. Then proceeded to bang her head on the wood while muttering darkly about sadistic older brothers who did not understand the concept of vacation.
The next morning, bright and early she was still grumbling and glaring about, albeit a bit blearily. Draco and Harry were a bit more awake, hyped up on nerves and adrenaline for the upcoming training. They had magic and their creature abilities true, but Sesshoumaru had centuries of experience.
Kagome tensed suddenly and the boys reacted a millisecond later to a flair of youkai. And suddenly Sesshoumaru was there, forcing them to go on the defensive. He sped between them singling out one and then the other, not using his swords but relying solely on his claws.
It soon became obvious that individual fighting would only exhaust them, and the trio gradually began to work together. Bouncing their attacks off each other or using one as shield while the others attacked.
After about an hour, just as they began to breach the point of collapse, things stopped suddenly. Sesshoumaru nodded, "good."
Then the real work began.
The days continues in a similar manner every morning and after a short lunch Sesshoumaru let them go to sight-see or just relax. Claiming he had work to do.
Severus dragged Lucius around the countryside hoarding herbs and potion ingredients. Having intense arguments with some of the youkai healers over the proper use of potions as medicine and enjoying what Kagome described as "the weirdest second honeymoon ever."
Before they knew it, it was the day of departure and they found themselves in Sesshoumaru's study once more, standing in front of the imposing desk.
Lucius was in the corner minimizing the large bags of ingredients Severus had accumulated over the course of the week. He was slightly darker; the sunlight and the outdoor hikes effecting even his pristine Malfoy paleness. Severus, well one couldn't really tell with Severus. His black clothing made everything else look pale regardless.
Kagome was exchanging enthusiastic hugs with all the friends she was leaving once more, even gaining a jump on Sesshoumaru which he allowed for a small moment and then straightened, telling her silently that it was time to go.
She smiled up at him. "Don't work too hard, Fluffy!"
He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
As Kagome rejoined the two boys, Sesshoumaru looked at them sternly.
"Harm her and die" he stated bluntly.
They nodded back seriously. They would never let any harm fall on their mate.
With a pop the portkey went into effect and they were once more in the cold and wet fields of Hogwarts, just beyond the gates. However, instead of the welcome they had received from Kagome's regal brother, they got an irate headmaster in outrageous orange robes.
"Crap" Harry said succinctly.
Author's Note: I know, I know, this was not up to my usual level. I struggle with filler chapters... Fortunately I have a great scene coming up that makes even me giggle.