Was just gonna update Sunday, but er… I did a quick scan and realized I did a piss poor job at proofing so I went over it. Sorry! Anyways, this chapter might not be my best, it's been a while since I wrote for this story, but I tried and hopefully it's enjoyable lol. It was pretty hard to write.

Anyways, read, review, and as always enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own, nor claim to own, anything pertaining to Inuyasha nor Harry Potter. Just the ideas that pop into my mind ;) And if you do recognize anything—well, you know where I got it from by now lol ^^

—Boy Troubles, Girl Troubles—

Over the next couple of days, Kagome had a grand time of ignoring Draco and Harry—especially the latter. At least with Draco they were in different houses and rarely saw each other aside from a couple of shared classes and the occasional impromptu encounters; it was rather easy to do away with those when she put her mind to it.

Harry, however, was another story entirely… Kagome never knew until after their fight that they saw each other a lot even without one purposefully going out looking for the other.

Obviously there were classes—the only one she didn't have with him was Ancient Runes—as well as meal times, but they also bumped into each other constantly in the Common Room, the Library, and just generally around the castle. It was as if he was following her or keeping an eye on her, but that was just impossible.

It was just at the most random times they'd cross paths, and each time Harry looked like he wanted to say something...until his eyes just cut away from hers quickly and he turned on his heels, fists buried in his pants pockets and lips pursed or scowling. It depended, she guessed, on his mood.

Kagome had half a mind to apologize just to end the torture...until she remembered their fight—honestly, where'd he get off on telling her who to be friends with?

…Though, he did really seem concerned…

But still! That didn't excuse him from going off on her, trying to choose her friends! She happened to be a great judge of character!

…

Kagome grimaced to herself. Sometimes, she amended silently, thinking back to the Feudal Era when her naivety got her in danger more than once, like when an elderly, sweet old man lured her to a demon owned whore house on the premise of leading her to this 'charming little inn' he and his wife ran together with 'rooms at a great, low price!'. Sometimes I'm a great judge of character…

And yet, Harry had known Draco longer than she. He would know, and despite their rivalry, she had a hard to believing Harry would go so far as to lie about the things he'd done. And if that was the case, then… It would seem pretty odd that he would treat her any differently, a muggleborn Gryffindor…

But! Draco was different! She could sense he wasn't evil! And he acted as if he genuinely liked her. Besides, they had met and clicked even before he knew who her friends were—before she was sorted. She wasn't going to let house loyalties get in the way if he wasn't. And obviously she didn't know Draco the way Harry did. He never treated her badly—he was rather nice and polite, if not prone to sarcasm. He was also pretty charming and sort of cute to boot, which flattered her already wounded self-esteem with the attention he paid her.

And fucking damn it! It was not ridiculous! She was not ridiculous! Maybe she wasn't anything special, but the idea of Draco liking her wasn't completely otherworldly! It was possible, unlikely maybe because she didn't feel that way towards him and she was pretty sure it was vice versa, but still entirely in the realm of possibility!

If Harry thought the mere idea of someone, even if it was Draco, liking her ridiculous, then how could he ever possibly like h—

Woah. No.

Stop right there.

She was getting way off track. She was mad at Harry for trying to get to choose between him and Draco, which honestly wasn't his right nor was it fair. Not because he indirectly insulted her desirability as a potential girlfriend, in general, and for him personally. Really.

Kagome huffed. Knowing she wouldn't be able to get any studying done, she swept up all her books, dumped them into her bag, and angrily stomped out of the library.

Quietly, mind you. Even she didn't want to challenge Madam Pinch's temper on proper Library decorum in the woman's own domain.

Once she stepped out however, she stomped as loudly as she pleased. And right into another student too.

"Merlin!"

"Oof. "

Not again! she silently groaned as her shoulder crashed into another's. She stumbled back, hands grasping at her biceps as if to help steady her, and she regained her balance. It was only a minor relief that this time she didn't end up ass over kettle on the floor. Landing on the cobblestones hurt, dammit.

"Harry was right, you really are clumsy."

The mere mention of Harry's name had Kagome scowling. but upon recognizing the voice it had her do so even more. "Oh, it's you..." Kagome muttered as she peered up into the honeyed eyes of one Cedric Diggory.

Said boy raised an eyebrow, lips quirking in not quite a smile, but neither a frown either. "I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that," he murmured, releasing her arms once he was sure she was steadied. "Have I done something I should apologize for?" he wondered, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly as he furrowed his eyebrows, as if trying to think back.

Kagome's lips pursed, her eyes narrowing. "Ah, thanks for reminding me," she drawled out sarcastically, reaching around to fish in her bag and pull out the desired object. She flicked it at Cedric in a toss. "I believe that is yours –trust me, I don't want it," she huffed before turning on her heel.

She missed how Cedric winced upon recognizing the shifting button. "Kagome, wait!" he called out, jogging after her. Kagome never broke her stride, intent on resolutely staring ahead of her. "Hey, please, just listen. I'm really sorry –I didn't know these were made until it was too late."

The sincerity in his tone seemed genuine and it made her slow in her steps. Glancing at him through narrowed eyes, she gave him a suspiciously look. "Really?" she asked, skeptical.

Cedric nodded, looking at her with pleading eyes as he shook his bangs out of his face. "I told them to stop passing them out as soon as I found out, but it was too late and they'd already spread them. They're stupid, I know, and completely untrue. I've never had a problem with either of you guys."

Kagome blinked, her steps coming to a stop. "Really?" she murmured, this time a little surprised.

Cedric nodded empathically. "Yes, really. I've been meaning to apologize to Harry as well, but I haven't seen him."

Kagome blinked yet again. "Oh..."

Rocking on his heels, Cedric scanned the hall, suddenly noticing how quiet it had gotten and how some students had stopped to watch them, whispers reaching their ears in a hushed hum. "Walk with me?" he asked in a low voice.

Kagome's eyebrows furrowed at the request, but she shrugged nonetheless. "Sure," she murmured.

They walked together silently through the hall, Kagome sneaking curious glances his way as he stared ahead steadily. He must have caught her looking once though, from the corner of his eyes, as his lips twitched into a lopsided smile before disappearing.

Kagome bit her lip from laughing, and turned her eyes ahead as well.

When they were finally away from prying eyes they took a detour, Cedric eventually leading her into an open corridor, a lightly placed hand at the small of her back to help guide her where he wanted to go. He strode over to the columns, sitting on the stone edge overlooking the Hogwarts grounds. Kagome settled beside him, smiling gently as she gazed at the beautiful grounds.

"This school, honestly," Cedric chuckled with a rueful grin.

Kagome tried not to grin back, but she couldn't help it. "Honestly, they're like vultures, an eye out for any sign of gossip," she commented.

Cedric snorted, the noise wry, but otherwise said nothing for a moment. Eventually, he rubbed at the back of his neck, shifting. "Like I was saying, I wanted to apologize for my Housemates," he eventually said. "They've gotten a bit… enthusiastic with defending Hufflepuff and myself," he confessed with an air of resigned embarrassment. He rolled his eyes. "They've also… got wrapped up with the idea of a there being a Gryffindor conspiracy to take over all the fame, with you and Harry becoming champions."

A snort of laughter escaped Kagome, before she forewent it and just let out a long laugh, unable to help herself.

Cedric chuckled along with her. "Yeah, I know, pretty ridiculous isn't it?" he murmured dryly.

Kagome nodded deeply, still laughing. As she calmed, she glanced on it. "Obviously, you don't feel the same. Because really, you're the true Hogwart's champion, not Hufflepuff. I mean, if anyone should feel cheated or insulted, it ought to be you."

Cedric looked thoughtful for a moment as he studied her. Then, he just shrugged. "Not really, no. I know both of you didn't mean to be entered. When you guys came in the room that night, you both looked as if death warmed over." His mouth twitched, and he bit his lip. "Not to mention that you also had a pretty strong, negative reaction…" he worded carefully, unable to help his grin.

Kagome snickered, remembering that night.

"Besides, I'm not sure if you already know but Harry… every year something happens to him. Trouble isn't something he looks for. It finds him. And he has this insane amount of luck – it's a debate whether it's good or bad – and an incredible ability to not die. I think that bad luck won out this year."

Kagome snorted.

"You on the other hand," Cedric murmured thoughtfully. "While I don't know you very well at all, you're new here. Well, to be blunt, you probably don't stand a very good chance." He shrugged a bit helplessly as he added, "At all."

Kagome exploded into laughter. "See! Finally, someone sees it my way!"

Cedric grinned. "I mean really. You'd have to have a death wish to enter—though, from some of the things I've heard…" he trailed off, his tone picking up a teasing edge. "Do you really want a pet dragon?"

Kagome gave him a wild grin. "Well, why not!" she exclaimed with mock-indignation. "You train one up to be your best friend and you're pretty much set for life. I'd like to see one person go against another who has a dragon as a loyal pet."

Cedric threw his head back and laughed. "Well, I can't disagree with you there."

"So, you are my cousin's 'chérie'…"

The moment the heavily accented voice registered to her ears and her mind recognized its owner, Kagome froze as an instinctual shiver of alarm and danger clawed up her spine. Slowly, she looked up from her book to see narrowed hazel eyes studying her with intensity.

The boy, Jac, drew up his nose in a haughty sniff. "I do not see anyzing special," he huffed.

"His 'chérie?" Kagome repeated slowly, expression blank with the lack of comprehension, and shook her head, mind backtracking to Jakotsu's—Jac's earlier words. "Wait, your cousin? Who's you cousin?"

Jac smirked. "Banimir," he murmured slyly. "'e is from Durmstang—ze pretty boy wiz blue eyes, no? 'e is a friend of zat lovely specimen, Viktor," he all but purred.

Kagome's lips twitched, not disagreeing with Jac on that front, but focused on what was important. "Oh, Banimir, alright. I haven't seen him for quite a while—ever since the day Viktor entered his name."

Jac let out a small sigh. "Not for ze lack of trying, I assure you. You, chérie, are a 'ard women to find."

For some reason unknown, Kagome felt rather flattered. "I…" she trailed off, not knowing what to say, but knowing she ought to keep talking, if only to figure e out if "Jac" and "Banimir" were really reincarnations or just playing her. "Why is he so intent on finding me?" she wondered, genuinely curious as well as a hint suspicious. "I mean, we've only met just once, during his obvious attempt at flirting," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.

Jac blinked down at her, and then promptly laughed. "Ah, chérie, you are simply adorable!" he exclaimed. "So naïve."

Kagome squeaked at that, indignant. "Hey!"

Jac tutted. "Now, chérie, my cousin—'e is interested in you, don't you see? You are not 'ard on ze eyes, I guess, and c'est not often that a girl ignores my cousin's advances. But zen again, maybe c'est just the students at zis school, not receptive at all to anyone's advances," he shook his head, and there was something about his voice that made Kagome think he was talking from experience. "In any case, I will tell 'im to meet you—say, in ze library? Tomorrow? You do not 'ave classes on Saturdays, am I correct?"

Kagome's mouth worked open and closed repeatedly. "I, uh, no, but—"

Jac grinned, and a shiver washed down Kagome's body at the feral edge it had. "Splendid. 'e will meet you, after lunch? And do bring zat red'ead friend of yours, if you can? I would not mind getting to know 'im," he told her, before turning on his heel and briskly walking away before she could protest.

By herself under the shade of the tree, Kagome blinked.

"What the hell just happened…?"

"Hey, haven't seen you all day," Hermione commented the next day as Kagome dropped into the bench across from her, sitting beside Ron and using him as a buffer from Harry—since it was impossible to avoid the male completely, she took to studiously ignoring him. If it wasn't for the fact that Luna was busy, she would have taken up a seat in the kitchens—apparently the pear did like to be tickled, she just didn't know Luna had actually meant the pear on the portrait that was actually an entrance to the kitchens. "Haven't seen much of you this week, come to think."

Kagome, who had already nabbed a sandwich and was in the process of taking a bite, paused. "Ah," she muttered, and faced with Hermione's arched eyebrow as she patiently waited for explanation, she placed the sandwich down with a wistful glance. "Been busy, y'know," she murmured awkwardly with a shrug.

In her attempts to avoid Harry, she had been inadvertently avoiding Hermione and Ron as well, which wasn't very fun. It couldn't be helped, because they were his best friends, but she couldn't just go up and say that.

Hermione didn't seem to believe her anyway, if her pursed lips were any sign.

She wasn't the only one as Fred, who was sitting between Hermione and George, shared a wry look with his twin, their eyebrows kicked up. "Right," he drawled, skeptic. Stretching out his lanky form, he leaned over the table, his lips curled in a smirk. "Busy. Funny that, seeing as rumor has it that a certain Durmstrang has been fishing around about you."

For a split-second Kagome went ram-rod straight and she snatched the sandwich, taking a hasty bite. "Dunno 'at 'er 'alking 'bout," she mumbled as she chewed, missing the significant look Ron shot Harry, who had frozen.

Hermione's nose crinkled in distaste and glanced not-so-subtly in Harry's direction as well. "Kagome, is Banimir bothering you? I overheard Lavender talking to Padma about him looking for you as well."

Kagome choked, eyes bulging as a chunk of meat and bread was lodged firmly in her throat.

Ron reached over and firmly patted Kagome on the back to help. "Blimey, you all right?"

Kagome blinked rapidly, her eyes red and wet. "Yeah, I'm good, thanks," she muttered hoarsely after she managed to clear her throat, shooting Hermione a glare. And then she remembered their conversation and she sunk down in her seat. "Seriously, does everyone know that?" she moaned.

"Weeeell," George drew it, trying not to smile. "Just the Hogwart's gossip grapevine…" he trailed off, leaving Fred to pick with a, "Meaning, yes, they most certainly do."

Kagome made a disgusted noise. "Can't keep a bit a privacy to save my own life, can I?" she muttered, and their eyes widened at the amount of bitterness she let slip out. Harry, however, winced at the thinly-veiled jab directed at him. "Yeah, his cousin Jac found me yesterday, asked me to meet Banimir today—after lunch actually."

Ron raised his eyebrows at her. "You're not going, are you?" He shook his head. "He's friends with Krum. He might be trying to get to know you—scope out the competition and all that!"

Harry, wisely, remained silent but mentally echoed the question. Fred and George both snorted though.

"Oh, I bet he is."

"Yeah; doubt it has anything to do with the tournament though."

Kagome happily ignored them aside from throwing a crumpled napkin in their direction, to which Fred caught with a smug grin. "I am, actually," she replied. "If he's been looking to talk to me for this long, might as well see what he wants."

"A bit old though, isn't he?" George commented neutrally.

Hermione sniffed. "It's only three years," she commented, garnering looks from the boys. "Kagome's rather mature for our age; dating an older boy isn't such a big deal," she went on, oblivious.

Fred let out an interested hum. "Sounds like you put a bit of thought on that, dear Hermione," he murmured slyly as he scooted closer to her.

George leaned in to peer at her around Fred and cheekily chipped in. "You like your blokes older, do you?"

Hermione's cheeks flushed but she refused to back down. "Maybe I do," she replied, chin jutting out stubbornly.

Ron let out a moan. "Why are we even talking about this? I'm trying to eat."

Fred ignored his younger brother in favor of nudging Hermione playfully. "Now what's this?" he said, waggling his eyebrows. "Our little Hermione growing up?"

Kagome rolled her eyes, finding the claim ridiculous, as did Hermione who twitched in irritation. The brunette huffed, pointedly turning away from him. "I am not little , nor am I growing up. That makes me sounds as if I'm ten or something," she muttered, word dripping with distaste.

Fred blinked and let out an amused huff. "You're right," he murmured quietly. "What am I saying? You're the most intelligent, mature girl I've ever met." Hermione's head snapped up to face him in shock, lips parted in surprise, but Fred just broke out with a grin. "If anyone's still growing up, it's us, ain't it Georgie?" he said, nudging at his brother.

George barked out a laugh. "Can't deny that!"

Hermione, who was still staring at Fred, shook her head suddenly and faced Kagome. "Anyway," she said, "You're meeting him?"

Kagome nodded, "Yup," she said, picking up her sandwich once again now that her appetite had returned and taking a bite. "Actually," Kagome said once she had finished chewing and swallowing, and a wicked smirk crossed her face. "Jac wanted me to extend the invitation to include you as well, Ron," she murmured coyly. "He told me he'd like to get to know you as well. Interested?"

George choked and spat out his water right into Harry's face. Fred burst out in uncontrollable laughter as Harry sputtered and snatched a napkin to wipe himself down. The girls shared a giggle.

Ron's face flushed an interesting mix of red and purple. "Ah, right, I actually have to pass on that. Lots of work to catch up on, right Harry?"

Harry pulled the napkin from his face, pausing in his ministrations. "Yeah, right," he muttered.

When Kagome did arrive at the library, Jac wasn't too heartbroken on Ron's refusal to come.

"Oh, I do love zem shy," Jac had murmured but he took the rejection in stride. "Adorable, really. But alas, I know when I'm not wanted. Not many are able to 'andle zis," he said as he gestured to himself with a wink.

Kagome couldn't help but smile back. Jac certainly had a bit a flare to his personality, just like his previous self, but there was more to him underneath all that and she was beginning to like him now. It also really helped that he wasn't swinging around a crazy snake sword in what could be considered a jealous fit.

"They don't know what they're missing out on," she commented, and she meant it. If Jac really was Jakotsu's reincarnation and didn't remember anything about his past life, Kagome could see him as a really fun friend to have. She still had her reservations about him, and Banimir as well, but until they proved to know more she would treat them as normally as she could.

Jac peered at her, before grinning and giving her a wink. "Not just a pretty face zen," he murmured in reply and he turned to Banimir. "I approve."

Banimir, who was grinning at Kagome, snorted gently at his cousin's word. "My mate, Stefan, might be interested?" he told him. "He's actually been asking about you since ve've came."

Jac's eyes lit up, lips curling. "Gruff blonde wiz the five'o'clock shadow? Green eyes?"

Banimir smiled fondly. "That's him. Vant me to let him know?"

Jac smirked and nodded. "Please do." In a smooth movement, Jac stood and pushed the chair under the table. "I will leave you two alone to chat. Until later dear cousin, cherie."

Shaking her head, Kagome took a seat across from Banimir. "So," she began, an eyebrow raised.

Ban peered at her. "I feel as if I know you, is that veird?"

She blinked, surprised at the statement that seemed to come out of nowhere. If Kagome didn't know better, she would have taken that as a pick up line. Yet, all things considered, who knew? "Not really. Perhaps we've met in a past life?" she half-joked.

Banimir didn't grin though—his expression was actually contemplative. "Not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Reincarnation, I mean."

Kagome tensed lightly, and she managed a wry smile. "True," was all she said.

They spent time chatting, just getting to know each other as Banimir slipped a line in just to keep her on her toes.

Well, that's what he meant to do. In actuality, that idea of Bankotsu's reincarnation flirting with her seriously was still so surreal to her that she just couldn't take it as such.

It was flattering though that much was for certain. To have a handsome guy like him pay attention would be soothing to any girl's ego.

It also didn't take long for Banimir to realize that, for whatever reason, Kagome wasn't completely receptive to his attempts. Like his cousin he took it in stride, but it didn't stop him. If anything, it just had him becoming more determined to make her blush at the very least. After all, nothing was wrong with a little friendly flirting. And if it turned to be more than that and successful to boot…well, he certainly wouldn't complain.

"You are hurting my pride, dove," Banimir bemoaned dramatically. "Anyone else vould be swooning by now. Those vere my best lines!"

Laughing softly under her breath, Kagome shook her head. "Perhaps I'm just immune." She smirked, her tongue poking out between her teeth. "Or perhaps you're not as good as you'd like to think."

Chuckling lowly, Banimir reached over to tuck a tendril of hair that had fallen behind her ear, and Kagome went wide eye and still. He didn't comment as he pulled his hand away, thumb brushing along the curve of her cheek as he gave her an easy, charming grin that had her stomach fluttering a hint.

She was able to compose herself in a few seconds, and when she did she shot him a half-hearted dirty look. "I will admit that you have your moments of being entirely too charming for your own good, however."

Banimir waggled his eyebrows. "Vell, that's something at least."

Rolling her eyes at him, Kagome saw something in the corner of her sight. She paused and did a double-check, eyebrows furrowed.

Banimir peered at Kagome curiously and glanced over his shoulder. Seeing nothing, he raised an eyebrow at her. "Something vrong dove?"

Kagome blinked suddenly at the question, and she turned to stare at him for a moment. She snuck another glance down the aisle before shaking her head. "Nah," she muttered, "Just thought I saw someone…"

Shoving down a frustrated sigh, Harry's shoulders slumped as he ducked into an empty alcove and leant heavily against the wall, shutting his eyes and shoving the Marauder's map into his pocket.

Beside him, someone let out a disapproving tut that had Harry all but jumping out of his skin. His eyes flew open, heart racing, before he slumped a moment later. "Hermione!" he hissed, his whispered words taking on a whining edge. "You scared the shit out of me!"

Unimpressed by his cursing, Hermione stood there and remained silent, arms crossed primly around a couple of thick tomes and tapping her foot in what could only be stern disappointment.

Harry straightened, shoulders stiffening. "What?"

Still, she said nothing, but she did give a pointed look to the pocket where he had stuffed the map earlier. Fidgeting, Harry swallowed lightly, feeling his ear heat up. Hurriedly changing the subject, he reached into another pocket to pluck out a smaller, folded piece of parchment. "I got a letter this morning," he announced hopefully, handing it over. "From Snuffles. Here, read it."

Her eyes narrowed as she ignored the letter, and Harry shook his hand, as if to make it enticing, as he gave her a sheepish smile. Eventually Hermione rolled her eyes and took it, but not without sending him a meaningful look and shoving her books into his hands for him to hold. She sighed at she unfolded it, eyes scanning the words as she read. Her eyebrows furrowed lightly. "Hm," she murmured. "He must have read the Daily Prophet and saw that article Rita Skeeter wrote on you."

Harry paled, jaw clenching. "The what?"

Hermione winced with sympathy. "Ah, you haven't read it yet? It came out yesterday. It… it wasn't flattering," she admitted before quickly moving on. "But I'm more talking about how the Prophet announced the champions." Her eyebrows furrowed. "Isn't the Common Room a bit dangerous to have a meeting, though?" she muttered worriedly.

Harry shrugged. "He knows what he's doing." And for the most part, he believed it.

Hermione, if the look on her face was any clue, didn't but Harry ignored that. He straightened. "I gotta go, see you later?"

"Oh, not going to say hi to Kagome? Maybe apologize?" Hermione commented nonchalantly, an eyebrow arched. "Or maybe spy on her a little more? You know, since you've went as far as to follow her on the Maruader's Map."

Harry felt his ears heat up once again, and he was happy that his hair was long enough to save him from the embarrassment of Hermione pointing it out. "I was just checking it for something. I wasn't going to apologize." Harry paused, and peered at her curiously. "Did you get the chance to talk to her again? She still won't even look at me."

Hermione grimaced. "No. Look Harry, I've already told her you're inept when it comes to girls and emotions just like Ron and that the way she took what you said wasn't how you meant it, but I don't think she'll accept anything other than an apology, which," she added when it looked as if Harry was about to protest. "I don't blame her for it, because she honestly deserves one instead of excuses, especially ones from me. Just…" She trailed off and made a frustrated noise. "Just man up, set the record straight, and apologize already!" she exclaimed in exasperation. The she left, shaking her head all the way, handing him back the letter and claiming her books before she walked away.

With a lingering glance back at Kagome and her new 'friend,' Harry followed her out of the library.

Just as Sirius asked in his letter, Harry snuck down to the Common Room just as the clock was about to hit one in the morning, muffled footsteps echoing out as he carefully tiptoed down the staircase. The room was vacant and dark, lit up only by the fire going in the mantle and the moonlight shining outside through the windows.

To his confusion, he found no one, nor nothing to tip off anything relating to Sirius. He stepped further into the room. "Sirius!" Harry hissed under his breath as he paced the room. "Sirius?"

There was no answer.

Harry sighed. Figuring his godfather must be running late or something, Harry roamed the room. Movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he approached a stand with a newspaper folded upon it, pictures flickering on the page.

It was the Daily Prophet, and the picture was of him.

Remembering Hermione's words from earlier, Harry scowled and snatched it up to read. His scowl deepened with every word he read, every 'fact' he saw a lie, meant to grab the reader's attention and milk it for all its worth. It was a sob story that set him up as a young boy at a fork in the road, fated as either a tragic hero or an attention-seeker. He balled up the story and chucked it into the fire, taking an immense amount of pleasure as he watched it burn to cinders.

And when the newspaper was burnt to a crisp, the fire jumped high and crackled. Confused, Harry approached the fire, only to jump when a face formed.

"Harry! You came!"

His eyes widened at the gravelly, yet oh so familiar voice. "Sirius!" Harry blurted out in surprise, and he winced and lowered his voice. "How?"

"I managed to get in through the floo. We don't have much time though. I heard about the tournament. I have to ask—you didn't enter yourself in, right?"

"No! Of course not!" Harry exclaimed in a whisper. "I don't know how it got in there!"

"I believe you; I'm sorry, but I had to ask, just to make sure. Someone placed it in there, then. That's the only other way."

Harry dropped back to sit on the floor, slumping in front of the fire. "But who? And why ?"

The face in the embers gave a pensive frown. "To your first question, Harry, it could be anyone. It's not like last year—Hogwart's walls isn't safe anymore. With this tournament, they all but opened up the bloody doors. Why, they've even welcomed Death Eaters with open arms."

Harry froze, his stomach sinking at the thought. Flashbacks of the World Cup months ago flickered through his mind—the heavy air of fear and panic, the glowing embers of the fire, the flashes of spells. But what came to mind most poignantly were the manic, chilling laughter and the weighty silence the first few moments when the the Voldemort's symbol took to the skies.

"What?" he said quietly, voice as hollow as his bones felt at the moment. "There are Death Eaters at Hogwarts? Right now?"

Sirius' head made a sort of bobbing movement, which Harry took as a nod. "Well, aside from its resident Death Eater, Snivellus, yes. The Durmstrang headmaster? He took the mark. The only reason why he's not locked up in Azkaban with the others is because he sold out a few of them. So keep away from that one. Now, the tournament's not going to be easy, love. Are you preparing? The others, they have experience over you."

Harry gave a weak nod. "Hermione's helping me loads, and one of the Professors, Moody? He's an ex-Auror and he's been trying to nudge me in the right direction without actually directly helping me."

Sirius chuckled wryly. "Mad-eye Moody. Mad as a hatter, that one, but damn good man and an even better Auror back in the day. Not much for rules, so that doesn't surprise me."

"Yeah…" Harry fidgeted, lips pressed tight in a frown as his mind drifted towards thoughts that weren't particularly tournament-related.

"Hey, Love, what's got you so torn up?" Sirius asked him, a fiery, charcoal eyebrow arched at him. "I do believe you're pouting."

Harry quickly scowled. "It's just… do you remember that girl? The one that met you, Kagome?"

Sirius' face smoothed, eyes blinking with bemusement. "Girl troubles?" he tried joking.

Harry grimaced, cheeks flaming as he ducked his head. "Er, kinda?" he mumbled awkwardly.

"What, really? " Sirius blinked, eyes wide. "You're dating her?" he blurted out, a mix of pride, incredulity, and something else Harry couldn't describe in his voice.

Harry's head shot up, eyes wide, gaping. "What? No!" he exclaimed in a whispered shout. "She was entered in the tournament as well. Didn't you know? It was in the Prophet."

Sirius stared at Harry, the fire of his eyes burning brightly more so than the rest of him. "No, I didn't read the paper," his godfather replied in a strangely quiet tone. "No, Remus was the one who told me, and he failed to inform me of that…" There was an odd quality to his words. "This…this is not good," the animagus mumbled mostly to himself.

Harry stiffened. "What do you mean?" he asked urgently. "Do you know something?"

Sirius opened his mouth, about to answer reflexively, before he snapped it shut. His expression could only be described as deep in thought. "Keep a close eye on that girl, Harry," he warned his godson, looking at him straight in the eye in a manner that paid tribute to his name. "The same person who has it out for you, has it out for her as well. I have an idea of what they want from you, but her… With what happened to Hogsmeade, they don't want her dead, they want her. And I have no idea whatever for but it's nothing good, that's for sure, and we can't let it happen."

Harry swallowed thickly. "And, what do they want from me?" he asked carefully, having an idea but not sure he'd want to know.

Sirius froze, and he shot his godson a sheepish grimace. "Er…" he tried stalling, before sighing. "Look, Harry, people die in this tournament," he told Harry, his voice solemn but honest. "Whoever entered you and Kagome, they're not your friends. So… be very careful, and keep your friends close. And keep that girl closer—I have a feeling she might have some answers."

Harry snorted. "Easier said than done," he muttered dryly. "That's part of the problem—she's not talking to me at the moment," he admitted, and he quickly explained what happened. "I've tried to explain that I'm just worried, really, I have, but whenever I get the chance I just… can't! I don't know what to say! I really didn't mean to—"

"Put your foot in your mouth?" Sirius finished for him, gracing the boy a look of barely veiled pity. "It seems as if you inherited your father's Merlin-awful skills with the fairer sex." The man shook his head. "Look, Harry, know this: girls—they're smarter than us. Especially when we're you're age—the hormones muddle with our brains and we don't get sorted out till we're adults, and until then, we have to learn from experience. Hermione has the right of it, and you know what to do—go to her and just say sorry." When Harry opened his mouth to protest, Sirius decided to cut it short. "You insinuated that she wasn't good enough to be someone that Draco," the name was spat out in distaste, "would date, and therefore insulted her. "

"But, but that's ridiculous!" Harry sputtered. "I'd never—!"

Sirius smirked. "No, mate. That's hormones. You'll understand when you're older. Just explain to her that you didn't mean it like that, that you take back what you said, tell her it's not your place to choose her friends, and say that you're sorry." There was a movement akin to a shrug. "If necessary, beg for forgiveness, even if you don't mean it. It's the principle of the thing."

Opening his mouth to reply, Harry jumped, startled, when he heard a door creak from upstairs. Leaning back and peering up, he saw a shadow dance against the wall, moving downstairs. Whipping back to the fire place, his eyes wide, Harry hissed. "Someone's coming,"

"And that would be my cue," Sirius muttered very quietly. "Remember Harry, be careful and keep an eye out. And apologize to that girl! I'll find you on your next Hogsmeade trip!" The imprint of Sirius' face melted away, his voice draining out into a muted hiss of crackling embers.

Harry jumped up just as someone stepped off the staircase to the girl's dormitories, and he tried to look as if he wasn't just crouching down, talking to the fire.

"Oh," came a startled mutter. "It's you."

Harry turned, surprised to find Kagome wringing her fingers before her, standing in front of him in a baggy, long sleeved shirt that almost covered the pair of pajama shorts she was wearing. "Kagome," he blurted out, swallowing nervously. As if they had a will of their own, Harry's eyes dipped down, skimming the length of her bare legs, before he realized what was happening and tore them away, flushing in mortification as he glanced away and shuffled on his feet. "Er, w-what are you doing up?" he stammered.

At that, one of her eyebrows rose unconsciously, and her eyes, which were a dark blue-gray in the low light, narrowed at him in suspicion. "I could ask you the same thing," she murmured as she searched the room. "I thought I heard whispering…" Trailing off, she looked at him pointedly.

Harry cleared his throat out a bit, rocking on his heels. He offered a shrug. "Wind maybe?"

Her eyebrows furrowed. "Maybe…" she said, and though her eyes were undoubtedly skeptic, she let the issue go.

Which also undoubtedly made him think of their fight, and how he didn't let the issue go.

Shaking her head, Kagome turned on her heel to leave, mumbling. "I guess I'll just be going back to bed then. Night."

Eyes widening, Harry took a step forward. "No, wait!"

Kagome paused mid-step.

"I'm sorry!" Harry blurted out suddenly, and cheeks heating up a bit when Kagome whirled about and her eyes widened in surprise. "About… you know…"

Kagome blinked at him, looking a bit stunned. "Really?" she whispered, her voice taking on a vulnerable edge.

Harry nodded as he took a couple steps closer to her. "Look, when I said that, I didn't mean it the way you thought I did…" He rubbed the back of his neck, bashful. "It's just, I've known Malfoy for years . And I know I can't tell you who to be friends with but it's just that, he's a pureblood and he's been known to discriminate against those that aren't, so the idea that he'd date anyone who isn't from some long line of purebloods just sounds ridiculous to me. Not because it would be you."

By then, his cheeks were certainly on fire, even If neither of them could tell, and his voice dropped to a whisper as he continued…

"Anyone with the chance to go on a date with you would be one lucky bloke."

This is admittedly not the best thing I've ever written, so sorry about that :/ I think it's been so long that I still need to get back into writing for this story. Regardless, I did have fun writing some of these scenes XD. My favorite in particular is the one when Jac finds Kagome. And when Hermione finds Harry spying on Kagome, lol.

Anyway, it's been almost a year since I last updated this fic, so here are a few announcements of some things that happened.

First and foremost, you may or may not have noticed that IWD has a cover! The brilliantly talented sweetlessly has drawn this gorgeous piece of fanart, and I still squee on the inside every time I look at it—it has the layout of one freaking awesome movie poster. If you want to get a better look at it, which I implore you to do, go to my profile and there should be a link to the art itself as well as to sweetlessly's profile on deviantArt.

Secondly, I just graduated college and got my AA degree (yay!). I'm also taking a year break for personal reasons, but this means I'll have more time on my hands to write, so you may be happy to know that hopefully this story as well as all of my others may see some updates.

And thirdly, I have a tumblr. ;) For the most part I do fandom reblogging, but as I get back into writing fanfics I'll be posting extra stuff as well, like status updates, teasers, future snippets, deleted scenes, etc. I have already done a little bit so far (future scene for Domino Effect, some Elementary drabbles/oneshots, teasers), so if you're interested, check it out and follow me. There's a link and more information on my profile.

Anyways, tell me what you think please! Till laters!

RainLily^^

A big huge honking thanks to these awesome reviewers!

kakashixangela, MoonPrincess1989, KEdakumio, Peaceful Dragon Rose, ForgottenOncePromise, Bunny.W.K, Spastic Freak, ArmyWife22079, Guest, Wicken25, Jade Riddle 19, Venas, DarkLilyAndRose, Anti-Social Otaku, Aryabloodlust, Mimiru, Valleygoat, StuffedCupcakes, Binnybai, xXiforeverXx, Tenshi' Gome, xXKillorbeKilledXx, punkish furball, Mango Supreme, fierynightangel, Bishonen'sFoxyMiko, Azumigurl, GiggleboxGirlie, Fan person 12345, Touko Heartfilled Higurashi, The Path of Supreme Conquest, Kanai16, Tigeresssa, SapphireYuki-Sama, Jayne, xXCrossoverLoverXx, Sailor2311, SevLoverKat, Guest, AngelofDarkness95, Kisa, Guest, NekoGurl98, CroOkedTwiSted, New Moon Promise, Runa henshin, Speedykitten1643, Makimum Immortality, BlytheHope, Tenshi Kagome1312, Sugar0o, Purplediamon, leslie2132, bur bur, Avarianna

kenzkitty- hullo there! As for your question, the pairing for this fic is definitely Kagome/Harry, so no worries there! I'm happy to hear you're enjoying this, thank you for your review! I'm also really glad you liked the coverart for this story! sweetlessly is really talented, isn't she? XD I dunno whether or not there'll be more, depends on if she gets inspired to or not, but we can always hope, haha!