We make choices but are constantly foiled by happenstance. - Penelope Lively
With a sharp intake of breath, Sesshomaru abruptly withdraws his hand. He feels as though his limb is on fire. Raw power floods his senses, causing him to succumb to sensory overload for a brief moment. A feminine voice draws him out of his stupor.
"Sorry."
Before him stands a woman with hair the color of a starless night and skin as smooth as moonstone. She's too busy looking around to see if anyone has noticed her fall to catch him staring.
Someone shouts across the street, startling her. She apologizes to Sesshomaru again, avoiding eye contact. That's when he realizes there is something familiar about her. He recognizes her mannerisms and her tone of voice. Before he can respond, she darts off.
He stares after the witch as she dodges busy patrons to cross the street. The man who summoned her waits on the doorstep of the local apothecary shop. He places his hand on her back and guides her inside, glancing around before closing the door behind them. Sesshomaru considers visiting the store, under the guise of needing ingredients for his classes, when a voice interrupts his thoughts.
"Papa, look!"
He glances down to find his daughter holding a green toad. The creature's bulbous yellow eyes gaze up at him.
"I named him Jaken," Rin announces.
Sesshomaru purses his lips. "I thought you wanted an owl."
Rin rolls her eyes. "Everyone has an owl, Papa. Hardly anyone brings a toad as a pet. Besides," she adds, "who do I need to owl? You and I both live at the castle."
He frowns. His daughter isn't wrong. The only people Rin associates with are those who live at Hogwarts and even then she can be rather particular.
Sesshomaru knows she's struggled with trust since her attack five years ago. Apart from himself, Rin just speaks to the headmaster and a handful of professors. She doesn't engage with the first year students or even the children her age who live in Hogsmeade. Rin tends to keep to herself. She mimics his solitary behavior down to her choice of a companion.
He glares at the toad. Everything from his squat body to his webbed feet irritates Sesshomaru.
"Toads make valuable potion ingredients; they are not suitable pets."
Rin cradles her new acquisition to her chest. "They are intelligent," she argues. "They don't shed like a kneazle or leave droppings everywhere like an owl. Plus, their skin secretion can be used in healing draughts. I just have to learn how to gather it. I'm sure Madam Kaede can teach me."
"You better ask soon. She is retiring," Sesshomaru reminds Rin.
"Do you know who Headmaster Bokuseno selected as her replacement?" his daughter asks as they stroll away from the Magical Menagerie.
"No," he answers. "Bokuseno has not sought my counsel on staff candidates since I made my opinion known on the last batch."
"Professor Matsuno is well-liked," Rin points out.
"Matsuno and his companions are a liability, one that I feel is too risky for the institution to take. The headmaster disagrees. For his sake, I hope he has chosen the newest staff member with more care."
"Headmaster Bokuseno knows what he's doing," Rin assures him, wrapping her small hand around his.
"Hn."
While he doesn't agree with her, Sesshomaru is glad Rin feels confident enough to form her own opinion.
When he adopted her, she was skittish and mute. It had taken her months to become comfortable sharing space with him— even longer for her to begin speaking.
Sesshomaru had taken a year-long sabbatical from the Auror's Office to tend to her. He took Rin to weekly appointments with a private Healer, turned his home office into a second bedroom, and called in a favor from Hachi in the Records department. The wizard sealed Rin's case file, ensuring no one outside of top-tier Ministry officials had access to her records.
Since Sesshomaru suspected Naraku had moles within the government, he took precautions. He enhanced his wards, preparing extra defenses in case one of the dark wizard's followers came after Rin. The Aurors had never been able to determine why Rin's village had been attacked. Based on the other raids in the surrounding areas, Sesshomaru suspected Naraku was searching for someone.
Perhaps the same witch he'd gone after in Japan, though it is unlikely she is still alive. After all, his father isn't.
Before the fall of the Japanese Ministry of Magic, Touga Taisho was their best Auror. Sesshomaru's father still holds the record for the most dark wizard arrests. The acclaimed dueler achieved Order of Merlin First Class for his efforts to eradicate illegal magic in Japan. After that, he was assigned to lead the hunt for Naraku.
Sesshomaru remembers the mission brief. He recalls the day it arrived, every word within the scroll, and how quickly his father penned a response. The details leading up to his father's demise are clear because of how often Sesshomaru revisits them.
A Pensive is an expensive investment but he plans to purchase one at the end of this term. It will enable him to view his memories with clarity. There has to be something he missed back then— a clue, a minor detail— anything — that can point him in the direction of the wizard who murdered Touga. Even though it has been years since anyone has seen Naraku, Sesshomaru knows he is still out there.
The attacks on English country towns started a couple of months after the fall of Japan's magical community. Initially, the British Ministry labeled them as random but Sesshomaru knew better. Each strike was meticulously planned— something the Ministry refused to believe until Sesshomaru proved it to them.
During his first week as an Auror, he predicted the assault outside Halifax. He listed it along with a few other potential targets in a report to his superior, Taimei Bokuseno. The Head Auror had agreed with his theory. It was the reason they were able to arrive outside the village in time to catch several of Juromaro's pack. Their sudden appearance caused the werewolves to scatter. Sesshomaru had gone after their leader. That was how he found Rin.
Her clothes had been in tatters, the color unrecognizable from the amount of blood staining them. Sesshomaru hadn't known she was alive until he saw her hand twitch. Immediately, he thought of his father and the last words Touga spoke to him.
"Don't make the same mistakes I did. Find someone to protect and hold onto them for as long as you can."
At the time, Sesshomaru assumed Touga meant a wife but when he saw Rin, he knew he had found his purpose. He forgot about Juromaro. Scooping the little girl up, he Apparated them to London.
The lobby of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries had been empty except for the witch behind the check-in desk. The instant she saw Rin, she called for a healer.
A young woman, who couldn't have been more than a month out of Hogwarts, appeared. She levitated Rin's unconscious form up to the first floor for Creature-Induced Injuries. He never even told her what happened. She just knew.
While the Healer ran a preliminary diagnostic check, Sesshomaru waited in the corridor. There were necessary scrolls for admission he was required to fill out. When he saw the section for guardians, Sesshomaru entered the address of his flat, along with his Ministry badge number.
Just as he was handing in the paperwork, Bokuseno arrived. The Head Auror updated Sesshomaru on the details of the evening, including the names of each werewolf they had in custody. Juromaro had escaped, along with two others. Wanted posters were being printed for circulation throughout the London suburbs.
Sesshomaru hadn't been able to focus on the details, too concerned about the child lying upstairs. He feared she was infected. There was entirely too much blood for her not to be.
Yet, when he returned to her room, she showed no signs of having been bitten.
A nurse was cleaning her up. Rin's wounds all appeared superficial. The nurse had called it luck. Sesshomaru didn't believe in luck. He requested to speak with Rin's Healer but the woman was gone. When he inquired about her whereabouts, the nurse informed him that she had left for the day.
Healers, like Aurors, are expected to take a mandatory rest period between shifts. Rin's Healer had been on shift since yesterday and was due to take hers.
Sesshomaru found it convenient— too convenient. Her mysterious disappearance made him suspicious. He had Rin's records sealed and moved her to private care. Sesshomaru had never seen the woman again.
Until today.
He freezes in the street, glancing behind as if expecting her to be there.
She isn't.
"Papa?"
Sesshomaru finds Rin staring up at him quizzically.
"Are you alright?"
"Fine," he lies. "Are we going to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions next?"
"Yep! Which house do you think I'll be sorted into?" Rin questions.
"Which house do you want to be sorted into?" he counters, gazing at the various faces in the crowd, searching for those haunting blue eyes and dark hair.
"Not Slytherin," she answers.
He frowns. "That's my house."
"Exactly. I can't be sorted into your house," Rin points out. "Besides, I'm not ambitious or cunning." She taps her chin thoughtfully. "I'll probably end up in Hufflepuff or Gryffindor."
"You think you're brave?" Sesshomaru inquires.
"Everyone at the castle is terrified of you except for the Headmaster and me," Rin responds.
"Terrified is a strong word," a low voice remarks.
Rin comes to a halt. Her grip on his hand tightens.
"Professor Hitomi," Sesshomaru greets the Hogwarts Potions Master.
"Professor Taisho," the man says, bowing his head. "I thought you would have finished your shopping weeks ago."
"My daughter hit a growth spurt over the summer. I thought it best to wait until closer to the start of term to acquire her supplies," he replies evenly. "What brings you to Diagon Alley?"
"I've been in the market for a rather rare piece. I was told I could find it here. Unfortunately, I ran into a complication and was unable to acquire it."
He can tell the wizard is lying. Hitomi's gaze is transparent— a subtle sign of someone actively practicing Occlumency. Though the magical skill of closing off one's mind is difficult to master, it has many benefits. This is not the first time Sesshomaru has witnessed Professor Hitomi employ this tactic.
Sesshomaru has kept a close eye on the Potions Master ever since he arrived at Hogwarts. He suspects the wizard of illegal magic, though he's never been able to prove anything. Witnesses and evidence supporting Sesshomaru's theories always conveniently disappear before he can present his findings to the headmaster.
"I should be on my way," Hitomi says. "I'll see you at the feast tomorrow."
"Indeed," Sesshomaru returns. He watches Hitomi drift into the crowd until the wizard is no longer visible.
"I don't like him," Rin says.
"You don't have to like him but you will need to show him respect. Starting tomorrow, he will be your professor," Sesshomaru reminds her.
"I know," she mutters dejectedly.
"Come. Robes are the final item on our list. If the wait isn't too long, I may be persuaded to purchase you an ice cream before we depart for home."
It's an obvious attempt to improve her mood but it works. Rin beams at him. "Strawberry and Peanut Butter?"
Sesshomaru stares at her. He will never understand her fascination with the strange and unusual. "If that is what you want."
"Brilliant!"
Shaking his head, he follows her into the seamstress's shop. Sesshomaru counts the minutes until they can return to the castle.
He has had more than enough surprises for one day.
LINE BREAK
"Do you have everything?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? How about a snack for the ride? I bought a couple of Pumpkin Pasties on my way home last night just in case."
"Sango."
"If you get there and you need anything, send an owl. I don't care what time it is. We'll be up. Hisui doesn't normally fall asleep until after—."
" Sango, " Kagome interrupts. "I'll be fine. It's not like this is my first time taking the train."
Her friend exhales slowly and nods. "I know, I know. Sorry."
Miroku puts his arm around his wife's shoulders. "Have a safe trip, Kagome. When you have time, send us an owl. Tell us all about your first day as an esteemed Hogwarts Professor."
She laughs. "Esteemed?"
"You've got to be the youngest one teaching there," he points out.
Kagome shakes her head. "Not quite. The new Divination Professor, Kanna Nogami, is only seventeen. I heard she's a prodigy."
Miroku's reply is interrupted by a burst of fake crying.
"Take me with you," Gyokuto pleads, clinging to Kagome's left leg, while her twin clings to her right.
"Me too," Kinu whines.
"Girls," Miroku says sternly. "Say goodbye to Aunt Kagome. You'll see her at Christmas."
"But Papa, we want to go to Hogwarts too!"
He chuckles. "You will. When you get your owl, you'll get to board the train with Aunt Kagome. Maybe then your mother and I will finally have some peace."'
"With this one?" Sango prompts, propping Hisui up on her hip. "I doubt it. He takes after you."
Kagome laughs. "I'll miss you all."
Miroku collects his daughters so she can hug Sango.
"We'll miss you too," her friend says, wrapping one arm around her. "Take care of yourself."
"I will," Kagome promises.
A whistle sounds. "Last call," the porter cries.
Kagome releases Sango. Nervously, she adjusts the strap of her monogrammed satchel— a parting gift from her co-workers at St. Mungo's. "I guess this is it. I'll see you soon." She gives her friends one final wave and steps up onto the train car.
The first few compartments are full of excited students reuniting with friends after a summer spent apart. She spots Kohaku with the other Prefects gathering for their initial meeting. Kagome gives him a wave and continues down the hallway.
She has to walk to an adjoining car to find an unoccupied room. Carefully, she removes her satchel and places it on the bench before sitting down.
In the hall, greetings are exchanged. Kagome sees a myriad of happy faces through the window. The atmosphere eases her anxiety.
She has been on edge since yesterday. Miroku and Sango noticed. Kagome suspects that's what prompted Sango's behavior at the station. She assured her friends that she was fine. Kagome blamed her demeanor on the upcoming anniversary of her family's death.
The autumn equinox is always a difficult time of year but it has nothing to do with her present condition. Nightmares prevent her from being well-rested. They linger on the edge of her subconscious. They don't follow her into the daylight and stalk her on the street.
Kagome knows who was in that alley with her. What she doesn't know is how Naraku managed to find her.
She holds her wand up, examining the wood for signs of cracking. Kagome finds none. She rotates the handle in her hand, checking to make sure the base is still intact. It is. Before she stored the grounding stones inside, Midoriko charmed them with protective wards. There is no reason for the wand to have failed. It is in perfect condition.
The car jostles as the Hogwarts Express makes its way through the English countryside. Kagome stares out the window, racking her brain for an answer.
Apart from her classroom texts, she brought along several manuscripts from Midoriko's private collection. Originally, Kagome planned on using them to see if she could identify any other natural witches. The world is too vast for her to be the only one in hiding.
Unless Naraku has already gotten to them.
Unbidden, she shivers. Her skin feels prickly as if dozens of insects are crawling over her. A chill penetrates the cabin. It replaces the warm glow of the sun with foreboding. Kagome casts a warming charm, shaking off the sensation.
She checks to make sure there are no students in the corridor before opening her satchel. Miniature books, potion equipment, and an assortment of tiny glass bottles fall out onto the seat.
Kagome bites her lower lip. She may have overpacked. Hogsmeade is within walking distance and if there is something she requires outside of town, she can use the Apparition point to visit Diagon Alley.
Her level of preparedness was a trait honed by Midoriko. The witch believed survival was ten percent luck and ninety percent diligence. She had constantly reminded Kagome to remain alert and keep her wand at the ready.
"Naraku underestimated you because you were young. He will not make that mistake a second time," Midoriko had warned.
Kagome agrees.
Naraku is a strategist. Whatever his goal was in cornering her yesterday, he clearly achieved it. Otherwise, he would have never let her get away. His only reason for letting her go must be because he was testing her. Naraku is trying to pinpoint her weakness so he can destroy her.
She swallows, thinking of Miroku, Sango, and their children. It would be foolish to attack an Auror in her own home but Naraku isn't a typical dark wizard.
He has collected a slew of followers like a curator acquires pieces of art. All of his allies are chosen for a skill Naraku prizes— each one viler than the last.
Juromaro was selected based on his ferocity and disregard for life. He attacks without a second thought. His taste for blood has turned him feral. He is in the top tier of the Ministry's Most Wanted list.
Muso is on the top tier as well. The wizard is a known metamorphmagus who was previously arrested for the illegal trading of rare magical creatures. Once he joined Naraku's ranks, his list of crimes grew to include arson, torture, and murder.
His twin brother, Byakuya, is a former Ministry employee. After he was caught attempting to break into the Department of Mysteries, Byakuya was stripped of his wand. If the Aurors know what he was searching for, they haven't shared that intel with the public.
Goshinki, a giant, was procured for his immense size and brute strength. Under Naraku's command, he leveled entire towns. His capture was one of the first steps in retaliation that the Ministry achieved after the fall of Mahoutokoro.
However, before the giant could be remanded into their custody by the arresting Aurors, Goshinki was killed, presumably by Naraku. The exact cause of death had never been discovered. There were no visible wounds on his body nor were there signs of the Killing Curse being used. It remains a mystery.
Much like Naraku himself.
No one knows where the dark wizard came from or why he began his attacks. Midoriko postulated that his interest in power turned into an undeniable fixation that eventually corrupted him.
Kagome doesn't know what to believe. She prefers not to think about Naraku. No matter his reasoning, he can never justify the countless lives he has taken. Kagome doubts he'd even try. He feels no remorse for his actions. That much is clear by how he treats his allies— if they can even be called that. He probably considers them a means to an end.
She pulls out Midoriko's journal and gingerly tucks the rest of her belongings back into her satchel. The leather-bound book is weathered. Its spine is cracked in several places and several pages are dog-eared. Of all Midoriko's possessions, this is the one Kagome loves the most.
Her mentor was a gifted spell-caster as well as a diligent scribe. The notes within offer insight into the witch's mind. When Kagome reads from these pages, it's almost as if Midoriko is still with her.
She gasps.
The journal nearly falls out of her hands. Kagome grabs her wand, staring at it in conjunction with the book. The wand isn't the problem. The one who made it is. Midoriko's passing has nullified her magic. The wards are no longer effective. Kagome's eyes brim with tears.
For the first time since she arrived in England, she feels truly alone.
BREAK
The Start of Term Feast is an event that Sesshomaru usually considers to be a ridiculous waste of time. The level of chatter in the Great Hall is irritating. The amount of food the house-elves prepare borderlines on glutinous. He cannot understand why the Headmaster insists on keeping up with the tradition.
Each year, he attempts to find an excuse not to attend— he can't leave Rin alone for that long, his latest experiment requires constant observation, the Nargles stole his left boot. That one was a particularly desperate attempt, not that it mattered. Bokuseno never permits him to be absent.
When he took the post as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Sesshomaru accepted on the grounds that Rin be allowed to accompany him. She required a safe, stable environment as part of her recovery. He could think of no better place.
The fact that Bokuseno had chosen to retire from the Ministry to accept the role of Headmaster had also helped. There was no one Sesshomaru trusted more.
A former colleague of his father, Bokuseno raised Sesshomaru following Touga's death. The wizard assisted in his transfer from Mahoutokoro to Hogwarts and coached him on how to interview at the Ministry for the Auror Office. Sesshomaru owes the old man a great deal.
But that doesn't make sitting through verse after verse of the Sorting Hat's inane singing anymore bearable.
Sesshomaru glares at the enhanced object's frayed brim. Each year, its songs sound more superfluous. He hoped this year's selection would be more concise. Unfortunately, the hat's tale is as lengthy as it is verbose.
Scowling, Sesshomaru glances down the head table. The other professors appear delighted by the introductory song. They are leaning forward, tuned into the tale with rapt attention.
There are the usual faces of the tenured professors— Davis, Margoyles, Bradley, Kasper, Branagh, Thewlis, and Tena — along with professors who came from Mahoutokoro such as Totosai and Jinenji. A couple of new faces have joined the fold. Professor Kanna Nogami was a student last year. This year, she has accepted a teaching post for Divination. Then there is the matron's replacement, who is seated at the end of the table next to Professor Matsuno.
His lips part in surprise. He knows the new healer. Sesshomaru recognizes her instantly. It's the woman from Diagon Alley, the same one who was assigned to Rin's case at St. Mungo's. Even though there are dark circles under her eyes, the blue color is significantly brighter than yesterday. Sesshomaru doesn't have time to speculate why she hasn't slept. His concern is where her attention is centered.
The witch's unblinking focus is on Rin.
Sesshomaru flexes his powers. He attempts to use Legilimency against the unsuspecting healer. Considering their location, he suspects to find her mind at rest. Yet, Sesshomaru comes up against one of the strongest barriers he has ever encountered.
He presses against it, attempting to penetrate through. Her shield doesn't budge. Neither does the witch. If she knows he's trying to invade her mind, she doesn't let it show. Her expression is mystified as though she finds Rin's presence confusing.
Sesshomaru doesn't hear the end of the hat's song. He ignores the transition to the long-awaited Sorting Ceremony until his daughter's name is called.
"Rin Taisho."
His attention is drawn away from the healer to his ward. She steps forward, smiling nervously at the Deputy Headmistress, Professor Smith. The Transfiguration teacher holds up the hat, allowing Rin a moment to orient herself on the stool.
Along with the rest of the Great Hall, Sesshomaru waits for its decision.
"Hufflepuff!"
Cheers sound from the second table. Several older students stand and clap.
With a smile, Rin slides off the chair and joins her housemates.
Sesshomaru doesn't know how many students have been sorted in any of the houses, including his daughter's but he sees her exchanging words with a girl who appears to be her age. He breathes a sigh of relief, glad she seems to be taking the change well.
For years, he has worried about this moment. It is a huge adjustment for Rin to move out of his private quarters and into one of the Common Rooms. She has never had to share a bedroom before.
He is concerned about how she will fare around others. Rin is still shy around new people, especially those whom she feels intimidated by. Sesshomaru hopes none of the older students upset her.
After dinner, he'll speak to Jinenji about Rin's placement. The Herbology Professor is head of Hufflepuff house. He is sure to know which students Sesshomaru should watch out for.
Glancing to his left, Sesshomaru notices that Professor Matsuno is still talking to the new healer. She smiles and nods as he drones on about the numerous beasts he keeps on the grounds. It may appear as though she's listening but Sesshomaru catches her gaze flickering to the Hufflepuff table before returning to Professor Matsuno.
Sesshomaru clenches his jaw. Whatever the woman's interest is in his daughter, he will make it abundantly clear that she drops it.
He waits until the meal has concluded.
Bokuseno requests that the House Prefects escort the first years to their dorms. While the older students mingle, four lines form in the aisles. One of ruby and gold, one of emerald and silver, one of sapphire and bronze, and one of onyx and citrine.
His daughter brings up the end of the fourth line, standing on her tiptoes as she tries to hear what her Prefects are saying.
Sesshomaru is momentarily distracted by the sight. He misses the healer's exit from the Great Hall.
When he glances over at her seat, the chair is empty. Instantly, Sesshomaru stands, scanning the room.
He finds her at the rear corner of the Gryffindor table, speaking with a fifth-year Prefect. The wizard is grinning and gesturing to a few of his peers who are also wearing ruby and gold.
The healer bows her head to each of them. She's too young to have gone to Mahoutokoro. Sesshomaru wonders if she received private instruction at home. Maybe her parents taught her after they fled Japan. Or perhaps she had another teacher— one with a penchant for the dark arts.
Naraku always has a contingency plan. If any of his followers are captured, they are incapacitated before they have the opportunity to speak. No plea bargains are arranged. No cells are ever allocated. Any witch or wizard caught by the Aurors never makes it through the Ministry's doors.
Over the years, there have only been a handful of survivors. Sesshomaru was one of a half-dozen students who survived the fall of Mahoutokoro. One of his professors had pulled him free of the rubble. Fewer survived the raid on Amaterasu. No one made it out of the Japanese Ministry, including his mother.
The collapse of their society had been strategized for years. It involved numerous followers and the use of Unforgivable Curses. To be successful, Naraku had placed several of his most skilled allies in the Ministry. He positioned them close to the Minister so when the attack began, there was no stopping it.
Sesshomaru suspects that when Naraku resurfaces, he will employ the same tactics. Hogwarts is a prime target.
This woman— with her superb Occlumency abilities —would be exactly the type of asset Naraku would use. She has a slim build, which many mistake as non-threatening. Her attractiveness has already charmed Professor Matsuno. Sesshomaru imagines he isn't the only one. The fifth-year Gryffindors look positively smitten.
His eyes narrow.
He has never allowed himself to fall victim to a witch's wiles before. That will not change. If this woman has an ulterior motive for coming here, Sesshomaru will find it.
She bids the young wizards goodnight and heads for the double doors.
Sesshomaru follows.
As the healer walks out, she turns in the direction of the Infirmary. That's when he grabs her by her wrist.
"What—."
Her wand clatters to the ground, landing somewhere between their feet.
"I don't know who you are but let me make one thing clear. Stay away from my—."
"Papa?"
Sesshomaru releases the woman. He straightens up and sees Rin standing there.
She bends down to retrieve the witch's wand.
"Thank you, Rin," the woman says. Her tone is warm but when her eyes rise to meet his, they turn cold.
"You're welcome," his daughter chirps, oblivious to the tension in the air. "I'm glad you're here."
"You know her?" Sesshomaru directs the question to his daughter, but it is the healer who answers.
Her voice wavers slightly as she speaks. "I never knew— her case files were sealed —I just assumed…" She turns away, attempting to hide her misty eyes from Rin.
"Papa, Healer Higurashi treated me at St. Mungo's."
"I remember," Sesshomaru responds flatly. "Though that doesn't explain what you're doing out here talking to her. The Hufflepuff Prefects are escorting all the first years down to the kitchens. Why aren't you with them?"
"I wanted to say hello to Healer Higurashi. Besides, it's not like I don't know where the Hufflepuff Common Room is," she points out.
"Rin, you are a student now. You will not receive any special treatment because I'm a professor. You need to follow the rules just like everyone else. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Papa."
"Good. It's time you turned in. You have classes tomorrow," Sesshomaru reminds her.
"Alright," she relents. "I'll see you around, Healer Higurashi. Night, Papa."
"Straight to the Common Room," he says sternly.
She gives them a wave and skips off.
Sesshomaru watches her until she disappears down the stairs. He doesn't want his daughter to know how unsettled he is by the woman's sudden reappearance in their lives. It can't be a coincidence.
Sesshomaru doesn't believe in coincidence.
He does believe in meddling. Only one person within the castle walls would be foolish enough to interfere. Without a word to the blue-eyed witch, Sesshomaru storms off in the direction of the headmaster's office.
When he arrives at the tower, he mutters the password to the gargoyle guarding the door, "Magnolia."
The stone statue moves aside to permit him entry. Sesshomaru flings the door open. The noise startles the headmaster, who is reviewing a scroll. Sesshomaru crosses the chamber and slams his hands down on the headmaster's desk.
"Bokuseno."
"Ah, Sesshomaru, to what do I owe the pleasure," the headmaster greets him cordially. He sets the parchment aside.
"That woman— Higurashi —why is she here?" Sesshomaru demands.
Bokuseno's eyebrows rise slightly. "I was unaware that my staff selection process was privy to your scrutiny. Is there a particular reason why you feel Healer Higurashi is unqualified to fulfill her role at Hogwarts?"
His calm tone annoys Sesshomaru.
"She's an accomplished Occlumens," Sesshomaru replies.
"I fail to see how that makes her unsuited for her post," Bokuseno retorts, coming around his desk to stand beside Sesshomaru.
"Why would a healer need such a skill? What is she hiding?"
"Oh, a great many things, I'm sure. Healer Higurashi is a mystery, but then again, most women are," Bokuseno chuckles and pats him on the shoulder.
"This isn't a joke! You can't keep allowing these liabilities access to your school," Sesshomaru argues.
"Ah, you are once again referring to Professor Matsuno and his friends," the headmaster surmises.
"One werewolf is bad enough, but three!"
"Kouga, Ginta, and Hakkaku are refugees, same as you. Should they not be given the same assistance that you yourself profited from?" Bokuseno challenges.
"I am in control. They are not," Sesshomaru insists.
Bokuseno shakes his head, returning to his seat. "As long as they receive their monthly dose of Wolfsbane potion, they are not a threat."
"You better hope not because if anything happens to Rin—."
The headmaster holds up his hand, silencing Sesshomaru. "Our students' safety is my utmost concern. By now, I trust that you know that though I suppose this evening's events may have brought up some uncomfortable emotions for you."
"Uncomfortable?"
"Healer Higurashi was the one who treated Rin. I suspect she was just as affected by that night as you were— perhaps even more so," Bokuseno tells him.
Sesshomaru glares at the elderly wizard. "I doubt that."
"You doubt her compassion for those under her care?"
"I doubt she cares at all. How do you know she wasn't sent here by Naraku?" Sesshomaru inquires.
Bokuseno laughs. "My dear boy, it is a rare occurrence that you are wrong but when you are it is amusing to witness."
"There is something about her— something she is hiding —and I intend to find out."
"By all means," the headmaster waves approvingly.
"Mark my words, Bokuseno, if that witch uses even an ounce of illegal magic, there will be nothing you can do to protect her."
"Is that so?" the headmaster quips with a smirk.
Sesshomaru follows the old man's gaze to the door, which he left hanging open.
Healer Higurashi stands there, her gaze hard and her wand in hand.
"You don't know me, Professor Taisho, so let me clear the air. Occlumency is a helpful skill to have when practicing healing so you can guard your emotions. You need to keep a level head when treating patients. You can't do that if their trauma affects you," she explains.
"I won't even begin to discuss the cruel treatment of werewolves. I know a lost cause when I see one. In regards to your daughter, I was unaware she had survived. When I saw her this evening, I was shocked. After her records were sealed, I assumed the worst. I thought I made a mistake that cost Rin's life. I was beyond relieved to find her here."
Sesshomaru starts to speak but she continues.
"As for your threat, don't bother the headmaster. He has enough on his plate." Healer Higurashi pauses to stroll up to him. When she resumes speaking, she is less than a meter away. "If you have a problem with me, feel free to come by during my office hours. I think you'll find that I'm more than capable of protecting myself. Goodnight."
She turns on her heel and exits, slamming the door behind her.
Sesshomaru stares after her while Bokuseno chuckles.
"It's a good thing you work at a school because you have a lot to learn."
Author's Note: Happy Earth Day, all! My continued thanks to everyone who is reading/kudo-ing/commenting/reblogging and all-around supporting this story. Seriously, each time I get a new note on it, I am filled with so much joy.
For those who were reading on Dokuga, there were some issues with the hosting site, which is why it was down. It has since been restored thanks to the amazing efforts of the Mods. You can read the full detail on my tumblr.
Ongoing thanks to my beta, originalone73.