The Boy-Who-Lived and the Boy-Who-Broke
Chapter 53: That Will Teach You!

Please Read and Review. I'd like to know what I'm doing right (to keep doing it), and what I'm I doing wrong (to correct it).

Hogwarts
Hospital Wing

Rei took Shinji's hand. "I'll need you to focus on your memory of Harry's scar. Size, color, texture. In as much detail as you can. If I'm right, our blood bond will help me copy the scar in my own body."

Shinji nodded, and closed his eyes. His lips moved as if he was reading to himself.

A moment later, Rei winced. A faint line appeared on her own forehead. "It... hurts." She whispered. "Irrelevant. Keep focusing."

Harry's mouth hung open in amazement. He was intimately familiar with his scar. At first, he thought it was cool, but once he knew how he had acquired it, he began to hate it. It became a symbol of his loss, of everything bad in his life.

The scar appearing on Rei's pale skin looked strange, there was something wrong. It was almost an exact replica. It even bled a little. Her blood was a deep, rich red. The edges of the scar were just as he remembered his own. Even the skin around it had changed colour, matching Harry's own, instead of her natural paleness.

"Harry?"

It took him a second to react, "How are you doing that? Are you a metamorphmagus?"

"No. From what I've been told, a metamorphmagus can alter their body according to their wishes. Even to non-human features, limited within a set margin of weigh and volume. So far, I found my changes are limited to the human form. I am able to change only into humans. Partial or complete changes."

Harry scratched his nose. "Why that limit?"

"I have a working theory. I'll discuss it later when Major Katsuragi is present, her insight could prove, once more, very valuable. And the possible cause is complicated. Long to tell and hard to explain without the pertinent background data." She released Shinji's hand. "We need time, and the current priority is to keep the Headmaster's attention away from any unforeseen change that could clue him to our objective."

Shinji examined her scar carefully. "It looks right to me, Harry?"

"Almost, it's backwards." Harry said after a few seconds.

"Like a mirror image?" Rei asked, direct as ever.

"Yeah..." Harry facepalmed. "Of course. I have only seen it in mirrors."

"Understandable." Rei extended her hand towards the boy. Harry hesitated for a second, before putting his own hand on hers. "I have the reference, I will try to copy it into your body. This might hurt." She said. "If it even works."

Harry shrugged. "Don't worry. I can take it."

They looked at each other's eyes, green on blue, emerald and sapphire.

It did hurt. But not on the level of being poisoned by a basilisk. To Harry's amazement, Rei's eyes flickered to scarlet as the pain in his scar grew. He was almost hypnotized by her gaze, so he never noticed as her scar vanished, almost as if it was being transferred to his own skin.

The three were so focused on the moment that neither noticed as the door opened, and a bushy haired girl stood on the threshold.

A gasp escaped from her lips.

Slowly, she closed the door, and ran to the Gryffindor Tower.

By the time Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower, Hermione was nowhere in sight.

Dobby waited for him at the room he shared with other students. "Great Master Harry Potter! Dogfather sending his regards and a letter!"

Harry smiled at the house elf. Things we're looking better!

Hogwarts Hospital Wing
Next day.

Madame Pomphrey checked on Shinji's condition early morning "You're doing well, Mr. Ikari. Normally, I would release you now, but due to your petition, I won't. Not without your guardian's agreement."

"Somebody called me?" The purple haired woman barged in the Hospital Wing before Shinji could answer.

He smiled at the newcomer."Hi, Misato!"

"Shinji, are you Okay?"

Madame Pomphrey extended her right hand. "Ah, You must be Madame Katsuragi, welcome to Hogwarts. Your ward here has a somewhat unusual thing to ask for."

"I can guess. A scar." She nodded towards Shinji. "Okay, kid; what happened? I need to know."

Shinji told the story in few words. Misato sighed. "You could have died."

"I... I didn't think, Mi-Misato." He lowered his eyes.

"I know. That's so... you." She patted his hand. "I'm just glad you're okay."

"Very well, indeed," Madame Pomphrey noted her readings on a sheet of parchment. "Mr. Ikari, you can go. I'll talk with Madame Katsuragi. Make sure to eat a lot of meat, you'll need it. Keep on with your treatment and come see me after classes or if you feel more pain than you do right now."

Shinji dressed himself with only minimal help, and bowed deeply to the medi-witch. "Thank you, Madame Pomphrey, I'll do so."

"Go with your friends, Shinji." Misato pushed him towards the door.

Once he was gone, Misato sighed. "He's a good kid, a bit foolish at times, I know."

"Jumping in front of a raging hippogriff certainly qualifies. He got three deep slashes in his arm and lost a good amount of blood. Hagrid brought here right in time. Does he have a death wish?"

The question shook Misato to her very core. She took her time to answer. "I can't talk about it in detail. But until very recently, he didn't have much to live for. In part, that's why we are here in England."

"Family stuff?"

"Family stuff." Misato sighed sadly, lowering her eyes. "He... he needs to believe he has worth. I hope he can make friends here. Back in Japan... well... as I said, I can't say much."

"I understand. Family can impose heavy burdens on people." She rang a little bell, and a house-elf appeared, "Teppy, tea for two, please." The elf bowed, and a moment later, a full service appeared in the table.

"According to Mr. Ikari, traditionally, his family keeps scars as..."

"As a kind of badge of honour. Yes. Wounds received honorably. As a reminder of worthy feats."

"Sounds a bit..."

"Barbaric?" Misato smiled sweetly. "Might be, but it is a very old and very respected tradition for the whole Ikari Clan. Even for families associated by old oaths. Like mine."

Misato put her cup in the saucer, and stood up. She opened her robes, showing a pale, ragged scar at the right side of her torso, running diagonally from under her right breast to the middle of her chest. It was the one she had received during Second Impact. The previous night, she had delved into the memories of this reality's Misato Katsuragi. Warden of the two children of the late Gendo Rokubungi-Ikari, and Yui Ikari. The story was different, but the scar was the same.

"I received this one during an assasination attempt. My father was Yui Ikari's Yojimbo (1). In English terms, her bodyguard. He died in a... gang attack meant to kill Mistress Ikari. I was wounded by a piece of metal, shrapnel from the very same Bombarda that killed him (2), just as I tackled Mistress Ikari to the ground. She was pregnant with Shinji then. So, my father and I saved two lives that day. Though the cost was terrible, he fulfilled his duty to the very end. I was practically adopted by Clan Ikari afterwards. They gave me the best education available for my social standing. And since I graduated, I've been fulfilling the same role for them. I'm not only the Guardian of both the Heir of the Clan, Shinji, and his half-sister, Rei here in England. I am responsible for their safety. So, you see, scars are a serious thing for us. Even away from our lands." She closed her robes. "After hearing the whole story, I consider Shinji did receive his wounds honourably, and has won the right to keep the scars. The Clan Elders will back my decision in this."

Madame Pomphrey stared at her for long seconds, "Very well... It goes against our regular procedures, but traditions must be respected, I guess. I will make sure Mr. Ikari heals satisfactorily, scars included."

"I thank you for your prompt healing of my ward." Misato stood up and bowed. "If there is something I can do to correspond, please let me know."

"Um... well... I was just doing my job. There is no need."

"There is every need. We take our debts seriously. There might be a time of need in the future. When it comes, remember us."

"Just make sure Mr. Ikari stays healthy, and I will consider is even."

"That might be somewhat difficult. He has a... need to help other people, risking himself in the moment."

"Sounds like a certain other student here. And as it happens, it seems they are friends already. I hope they will keep each other safe, instead of the other way."

Misato raised an eyebrow, knowing perfectly well who was said student. She poured a bit of tea in her cup as she sat down again. "Really? Tell me more. I will have to talk to Hagrid again, to hear his version, but that can wait for a few minutes."

Hogwarts Castle

Shinji's classes were a bit uncomfortable, due to having to take notes with his left hand. To his amazement, his kanji were more readable than he expected.

Though he was and expecting the next class.

This would be the first test of their plan.

Hogwarts
Potions Classroom

Shinji checked his satchel. The particular items he needed were duly shrunk, and waiting to be returned to their original size.

To the amazement of his fellow students, he arrived to the dungeons covered by strange garments.

"What… is the meaning of… that?" Professor Snape sneered as Shinji crossed the threshold.

"Mahoutokoro standard protective equipment, sir."

"What?"

"Protective equipment. In case of any accident. Googles, gloves, full suit of kappa skin, treated to repel liquids."

"And why, pray tell us, did you feel the need to grace us with that… eyesore?"

"Um… sir… it is the required equipment for Potions class…" Shinji said, cowering just a bit more than he would have felt necessary, if this scene was not part of the plan.

"Ten points from Gryffindor for implying a professor allows accidents in his classroom."

The Slytherins laughed openly, except for Draco Malfoy. He didn't really know what to think of the foreign student. His father still had not replied to his letter. The young Slytherin decided to study how the boy reacted.

"But, sir… I'm just obeying Professor McGonagall's instructions."

'Stupid, very stupid.' Draco thought, 'Weren't you warned?'

"Ten more points from Gryffindor for arguing. Take that ridiculous thing off, and sit down. With Longbottom." Snape growled. "That will teach you to actually expect accidents."

"But, sir..." Shinji obeyed. Looking crushed, but inside he was quite satisfied. "Professor McGonagall told me…"

"Enough! Another twenty points from Gryffindor and two detentions with Filch!" Shinji could almost hear the man's teeth grinding, lowering his eyes, he sat down while the rest of the Gryffs kept silent.

Snape swept the classroom with a heavy lidded look, challenging the students to do anything. He held his pose for almost a minute, letting the room grow into an uncomfortable silence.

"Today," he finally said, "You will prepare Shrinking Solution. Instructions are on the board. Begin!"

Neville whispered, "You are not going to be popular today, Ikari."

"I know," Shinji groaned. "I'll make it up later on. I'll get the ingredients, you start the cauldron."

At the supplies boards, Shinji collected the ingredients in a small basket. Ron Weasley doing the same next to him.

"Now you done it, Ikari. Not even my brothers had lost so many points in one go." He pushed Shinji to one side, making sure to make him spill part of his supplies. Then, he studiously ignored the former pilot, while he gathered his own supplies.

Shinji knew the rest of the group would be angry at him.

He would have to endure until their contingency was activated.

In the meanwhile, he had managed to achieve his first objective. Get Snape to focus on him, instead of Harry, Hermione, or Neville.

And speaking of Neville…

Once he had returned to their desk, Shinji checked on the cauldron the shy boy had prepared. "Okay, a bit less heat and we will be ready. I'll skin the caterpillars, while you cut the daisy roots, okay?"

"Um… yes. Don't you need help with that?"

"I don't think so. It's just like peeling garlic, you just have to know how to pinch the caterpillar. See?" As he talked, Shinji took a caterpillar between his fingers, and pinched the tail end with practiced ease. The skin remained between his fingers, while the rest of the body came out from the other end. "Be sure to clean your knife before skinning the shrivelfig."

"What?"

"Here, use my knife, I can't use it correctly anyway. With two knives it will be easier to keep the ingredients clean and separate."

Meanwhile, Snape walked between the lines of desks, advising the Slytherins and mocking the Gryffindors. As the potions Professor closed on to them, Neville began to tremble.

"Longbottom, breathe." Shinji hissed, grabbing Neville's arm for a moment. "Easy. Don't hurry. You are doing well."

Neville looked at him for a moment, and breathed.

"Well? What are you waiting for?" Snape sneered at them. "Put the daisy roots in the water!"

"Sir, the water is not s-s-settled enough, yet. Adding the daisy roots now would weaken the effect. Sir." Shinji spoke, gathering his courage. Snape was a bully, but months of living with Asuka had sharpened his instincts, he was almost sure Snape would simply try to intimidate them into making a mistake.

The greasy haired man held his gaze on Shinji for a long time. Until he proceeded to the next desk.

Neville exhaled in relief. He was about to say something, but Shinji shook his head and tilted it minutely towards Snape. Neville closed his mouth.

Three lines behind, Hermione Granger deliberately focused on her own work. Lavender Brown whispered at her, "What's wrong with him?"

"I don't know, but we better concentrate on our own work!" Hermione hissed back.

"You don't have to get snippy at me, Granger."

"Sorry, I… I couldn't sleep last night."

"Now That you mention it, you don't look so good, your eyes are a bit red… Maybe you should take a nap later..?"

"No time, I'll have to endure until classes are over."

The Forbidded Forest
Outer Edge

"I am very ashamed, Miss Ka'suragi. It was my fault. I tak full responsiblity for it. Please, let Buckbeak alone." Even though they were far from the area patrolled by the Dementors, both Hagrid and Misato kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings. Fang, the boar hound, sniffed at the ground, happily.

Misato accompanied the Half-giant in his rounds. His first class of the day was still a couple of hours later. And he was very tense about it. He had a few boxes off lubber worms ready, as the kids had suggested, but wasn't sure the harmless animals would be interesting enough. But, as they were the First Year groups of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, he didn't expect trouble.

Misato's voice brought him back from his musings, "Relax, Hagrid. I have no intention to harm your hippogriff. You might have erred in your choice of creature for a first lesson, but from what I've heard from Shinji, the incident was the Heir Malfoy's fault. It was he who disregarded your warnings."

Hagrid looked like a mountainside after an avalanche as he relaxed. "Thank you, Miss Ka'suragi. It means a lo'tta me."

"Well, if you don't mind me saying, I think you could get some help in watching the kids during lessons, check if Headmaster Dumbledore agrees to let you have one or two very responsible Seventh Years as helpers, for extra credit. They wouldn't even have to be the same for every lesson. You could have a group and rotate them as they are available. That's how it's done at Mahoutokoro."

"Good idea. Dumbledore will surely know who. Great man he is. I'll ask him... shh..." Hagrid raised a hand and whispered as he knelt, "be quiet... I jus' found me some tracks..."

Misato had her wand in hand, looking around, "Dangerous animal?", she whispered.

"Mite' be... never had seen tracks like dis..." he pointed down. (3) "though it seems fam'liar..."

"Oh, I have. " Misato smiled. "I know these tracks very well."

Hagrid scratched his bulbous nose. "Wha' kinda crechur leaves long zigzag tracks?" (4)

Fang sniffed around the tracks, wagging his tail.

Author Notes:

(1) I'm not really sure if the word Yojimbo is the correct one, got it from the Wikipedia entry about the movie. If you know of a better one, especially for a female bodyguard, please let me know.

(2) Things at Japan were not exactly peaceful for the original local versions of Shinji, Rei and Misato. Though Professor Katsuragi was a very different person from the parent of alternate Misato, both had a similar relationship with their respective daughters. Both were workaholics, they threw themselves into their work, were distant to their families, and both took their daughters to work in the worst possible day.

(3) He would have, but he was flying then.

(4) One with rubber wheels, of course.