Design is the application of intent— the opposite of happenstance, and an antidote to accident. - Robert L. Peters
Sesshomaru stands in the corridor, stunned into silence. It takes him a moment to collect his thoughts before he begrudgingly admits that Healer Higurashi is stronger than he believed. No one— not even Bokuseno —has ever forcibly removed him. The type of power that requires is immense, especially after having been attacked.
He stares at her chamber door, contemplating knocking. Sesshomaru doubts she will answer.
What strikes him the most isn't her abilities, but her fear. She was terrified. It was the same expression she wore that day in Diagon Alley. Such a breadth of emotion cannot be faked. Healer Higurashi is telling the truth. She isn't allied with Naraku.
But someone is— someone who is capable of brewing a fast-acting poison.
Sesshomaru heads for the staff room. If any traces of the poison remain, he will find them there. As he rounds the corner of the staircase, Sesshomaru spots Kagura.
"Lacing tea leaves now?" he prompts.
She arches an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You know what I'm referring to."
Kagura glares at him. Shaking her head, she charges past him, making sure to slam her shoulder into his side as she passes.
Sesshomaru grabs her by the wrist. "Where are you going?"
She tilts her head and asks brazenly, "Why? Want to tag along?"
"Kagura."
"It's none of your business," she says, ripping her hand out of his grasp. "It hasn't been for a long time."
"If I find out you had anything to do with Higurashi—."
Kagura's eyes go wide. "What? What happened to her?"
"Don't play coy. You were the one who warned me to stay away from her," he snaps.
"And you didn't listen," she retorts. Sesshomaru holds her gaze. Kagura is the first to look away. When she speaks, her voice is softer but full of bitterness. "I guess some things never change."
He watches her saunter away. She may appear confident but Sesshomaru knows it's all a facade. He doesn't need to use Occlumency to know how upset she is. Her stiff posture says it all.
The strange thing is that Kagura isn't mad with him. She's worried about Higurashi. He hadn't expected that.
Kagura has been closed off since their seventh year. Sesshomaru is uncertain what happened the summer before but it changed her.
She used to be his best friend. They'd started at Hogwarts together, both being sorted into Slytherin and both trying to find their way in a world without their parents. Kagura never told him about hers but he confided in her about his. He shared his childhood with her, the memories he cherished of his mother and Touga. She was his first real friend.
Until she changed.
That fall, Kagura stopped hanging out in the Common Room. She sat holed up in the Girl's Dormitory with her younger sister. She didn't join in any school activities, not even Quidditch. Up until her seventh year, Kagura had been on the team. She was set to be Captain. Then she quit, without giving a reason to anyone, not even to him.
When Sesshomaru confronted her about it, Kagura lashed out at him. She hexed him so badly that he spent the better part of a week in the Hospital Wing. After that day, they didn't speak. It wasn't until she joined the Hogwarts staff that they shared a conversation, albeit a brief one. Since then, she's kept her distance.
Sesshomaru suspects Kagura knew about the poison, though it doesn't appear she was aware of who the intended target was. He sighs and massages the bridge of his nose.
This night is not turning out the way Sesshomaru anticipated. Instead of discovering answers, he has unearthed more questions. The most pressing is who poisoned Healer Higurashi.
It is the reason why he goes into the staff room. The hearth is lit as it always is with one small addition; there is a kettle hook hanging over the flames. A copper pot sits on the end table along with a loose-leaf container. About a meter away is a damp spot on the carpet. The remnants of the teacup may have been cleaned up but one piece of evidence still lingers— untouched by the house-elves.
He waves his wand over the stain. A few measly droplets rise out of the rug. They have a light amber tint to them along with a greenish hue. Sesshomaru separates those particles and deposits them into a small glass vial. He isn't a Potions Master like Hitomi but Sesshomaru has his Auror fieldset.
In a few hours, he can distill the added ingredients to determine the source of the poison. Once Sesshomaru knows the cause, he can track down the culprit.
It has to be someone within the castle. No outsider could have penetrated their defenses, at least not without raising the alarm. Sesshomaru has always suspected one of his fellow staff members yet this is the first time he's ever had proof. He may not trust Higurashi but he doesn't want her dead. He's not a monster like Naraku.
Tucking the vial into his robes, Sesshomaru leaves the staff room to return to his chambers. He has a long night ahead of him.
Kagome rushes into the Great Hall, internally chiding herself for sleeping in. If she doesn't hurry, she'll be late to the Hospital Wing— not exactly the impression she wants to give Kaede on her first full day of shadowing. The current matron already is displeased with her lack of professionalism towards Professor Taisho. Kagome doesn't see her opinion of the man changing anytime soon.
She is so busy rushing down the corridor that she fails to notice who is waiting for her.
"Kags!" An arm loops through hers.
Kouga stands there, giving her a wolfish grin. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"Breakfast," she answers.
"I've got you." He presents her with a covered plate. Kagome removes the cloth napkin to reveal eggs, fried vegetables, and a slice of toast.
"Oh, Kouga! Thank you."
Kagome has never been happier to count him as her friend. Out of all her peers, Kouga is the most welcoming. When she arrived, he helped her with her trunk and showed her the most direct route to her chambers. He even snuck her into the kitchens for a quick bite to hold her over until the Start of Term feast.
"You're the best," Kagome says, hugging him.
"I know," he smirks.
"I owe you one"
"Yeah, you do," Kouga agrees with a wink.
She laughs, swatting him playfully.
"Go on, Healer Higurashi. Don't keep the matron waiting."
"Thanks again," Kagome says as she recovers the plate so she can take it with her to the Infirmary.
There is a bonus to Kouga scoring her a meal. Now she won't run the risk of seeing any other staff members, namely one wizard with silver-white hair.
Dodging students, Kagome manages to make it inside before the first bell.
Made it, she thinks gratefully.
Kagome glances around, surprised to find the wing empty. Perhaps Kaede overslept this morning too.
With a shrug, she sets her meal down and takes a seat at her desk. She transfigures one of her quills into a fork. Just as she brings the first bite to her lips, the matron strolls into the room.
"Eating in the Hospital Wing?" the elderly witch questions.
"I missed breakfast," Kagome confesses.
Kaede makes a disapproving sound in the back of her throat. "Well, finish up. I'd like to get started with the daily inventory."
"You mean this?" Kagome asks, holding up a listing of the Infirmary's supplies.
The matron nods.
"I took care of it last night," Kagome informs her, "including the raw ingredients in the office cupboard."
Kaede blinks. "Alright. Then we will review the medical records. Everyone here is under your care— staff and students. You need to be familiar with all of them so you can provide an accurate diagnosis as efficiently as possible."
"Okay." Kagome sandwiches her eggs and vegetables in between her toast.
As she munches, she scans the first-year files. The majority of the students are healthy and don't show any signs of existing conditions or health risks. Then, Kagome comes across Rin's file.
She reviews the details of the witch's St. Mungo's visit, along with notes from her private healer. Nowhere is there any indication that Rin has been diagnosed with lycanthropy. In fact, the only time the girl has been hospitalized was following her attack. There are no other entries in her file.
Kagome is relieved. Considering Professor Taisho's teaching methods, she was worried about Rin's care. Though he was unexpectedly gentle with her last night. She had been afraid and Professor Taisho did as she asked. He escorted Kagome to her chambers, assisted her with the medical kit, and stayed with her until she could see.
But he also invaded my mind, Kagome reminds herself
One good deed doesn't absolve a bad one. Professor Taisho violated her privacy. He entered her head without permission. It's a line that witches and wizards do not cross, unless granted permission. Even magical users under trial are not dealt with using Occlumency. That's what Veritaserum is for.
The truth potion is an Auror staple for interrogations. Though it takes a full month to brew, the serum is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. The potent cocktail is nearly impossible to distinguish when mixed into any food or beverage which is why its usage is carefully monitored by the Ministry. As such, Veritaserum is banned from being used on all students attending magical institutions, including Hogwarts.
Kagome almost would have preferred Professor Taisho dose her with the potion instead of forcing himself into her mind. At least then she could have gone to Bokuseno. Since he used Occlumency, Kagome has no way of proving that he manipulated her.
"Done?" Kaede inquires, finding Kagome paused over Rin's record.
"Just about."
"Good. You have six more years to review and then the staff," the matron tells her.
"I'm on it," Kagome replies.
Kaede gives her a curt nod and goes back to tidying up the Infirmary.
Kagome resumes her review. She flags the files of several older students— all of whom have suffered injuries during their careers at Hogwarts. Some are from Quidditch but the majority are from the classroom.
There is a sixth year who is almost deaf due to an explosion he caused in his first Charms lesson. Another suffered a fractured arm in his second year during a Quidditch match, along with a shattered femur in his fourth year and a bout of exhaustion in fifth.
All of the prior injuries have been sufficiently dealt with. None of them should cause any issues for her, yet Kagome highlights them. She wants to be aware of any preexisting conditions. It will enable her to treat them better.
Without a word to Kaede, she moves onto the staff records. Kagome flags these files as well.
She marks Kouga, Hakkaku, and Ginta's records first. As werewolves, they require constant attention to maintain control of their diagnosis. Kagome will need to keep a steady supply of Wolfsbane potion at the ready for them.
The trio is close. Kouga and his friends are a couple of years older than Kagome but she still recalls how they strutted through the corridors. As typical Gryffindors, they were full of confidence. Some might say they had too much confidence.
Maybe that's why they decided to go after Juromaro on their own.
It happened about a year after they had graduated. Kagome remembers reading about it in the Daily Prophet, the wizarding newspaper. Kouga and his friends crossed paths with the werewolf on their way home from a pub. They tried to capture him, intending to turn him over to the Ministry, but one of his pack got the drop on them.
Instead of killing the trio, Juromaro bit them. There are some in wizarding society that consider this a fate worse than death. Kagome isn't one of them. She doesn't believe Kouga, Hakkaku, or Ginta are monsters. Their monthly transformation is a change of appearance, not a change of heart. They are still good people. Nothing Juromaro did to them can change that.
She only wishes she could. Kagome wonders if she could have reversed their infection the way she did for Rin. Could she have saved them from being ostracized from society? She was only sixteen at the time, not even old enough to Apparate yet. Still, if she had seen them lying in St. Mungo's fighting for their lives, Kagome knows she would have done something.
Sighing, she turns over their files. The next one belongs to Kagura Nogami.
Kagome takes her time reviewing every line of Kagura's record. There is not a single mention of hospitalization or any attacks. She knows Kagura's burns are too severe to be an accident but Kagome thought the witch would have sought treatment. Perhaps she wasn't allowed. Her stomach churns unpleasantly.
Forgetting herself, Kagome addresses the matron. "Kaede, I think some notes are missing from this one."
The elderly Healer glances at the file Kagome is holding. She snorts. "Don't waste your time on that one. She'd sooner hex you than let you help her."
"What do you mean?"
"Nogami always fancied herself better than anyone here. Even before she won all those Quidditch Cups, the girl thought highly of herself, so much in fact that she attacked her best friend. She has a goddess complex. I think that's why she prefers to be up amongst the clouds. Us, mere mortals, are nothing compared to her," Kaede grumbles.
Kagome frowns. Kagura may be a little rough around the edges but she isn't as arrogant as Kaede claims. The only person Kagome knows who is that full of themselves is Professor Taisho. Plus if Kagura hexed someone, Kagome believes she had a good reason. Maybe it was the same person who burned her. After all, the scars look several years old.
She makes a mental note to ask Kagura about it. Chances are, the witch will be as tight-lipped as she was on Sunday night, but Kagome is nothing if not persistent. She'll discover what happened to her new friend and find a way to make it right.
Kagome turns Kagura's record over to reveal her younger sister, Kanna. The Divination Professor's file is practically non-existent. The only notable dates mentioned are her birthday, graduation, and the day she signed her contract to join the Hogwarts staff. Not a single illness, accident, or hospitalization is documented.
Odd.
Most of the students have records of getting vaccines for dragon pox, mumblemumps, and the black cat flu. Regular immunizations for magical illnesses are usually dispensed by a private healer or through one of St. Mungo's clinics. They even offer testing and treatment for cerebrumous spattergriot. The highly infectious fungi cause extreme memory loss and confusion. Without treatment, it can cause a witch or wizard to lose their mind.
Quite literally.
In Kanna's case, there is no record of her ever receiving any of the vaccines. There are no notes that she has ever been to see a healer, including the Hogwarts' matron.
"Kaede, has Kanna Nogami ever been sick?" Kagome inquires.
"No," the healer responds, stroking her chin pensively, "no, I don't believe she has. At least not while she was in school here. Why?"
"She's never received any immunizations or undergone any treatment at all."
"And?" Kaede prompts.
"Don't you find that strange? Even healthy witches suffer some form of illness or accident before they reach adulthood," Kagome points out.
Kaede shrugs. "Maybe she's never been sick because she has the Sight. She probably knows about an outbreak before it happens and keeps her distance."
"Maybe," Kagome says, unconvinced.
She moves through the remainder of the files, purposely skipping over the one labeled S. Taisho. Kagome doesn't need to know anything more about that man. She already has all the information she needs.
The last record is for Professor Kagewaki Hitomi. The Hogwarts Potions Master's file is almost as sparse as Kanna's, with one variance. Kagewaki received all his vaccinations before attending Hogwarts. Since he is from a prestigious family, it is likely that his immunizations were administered by a private family healer. Kagome searches for a name but none is listed. However, there is one under 'Next of Kin'.
Nagasaki Hitomi, Kagewaki's father.
Kagome rips off a small piece of parchment and scribbles the name down. Her instincts tell her that this man is important. While Kagome has no reason to suspect Hitomi, it's a little too convenient that he's the Potions Professor and last night someone tried to poison her.
She stuffs the paper into her robe pocket and closes the file before Kaede notices her hesitation.
"Finished," Kagome announces cheerfully.
The matron approaches her desk. She eyes the carefully stacked files and nods. "Alright, come with me. We are going to brew Mandrake Restorative Draught."
"Has someone been petrified?" Kagome asks, following her into the storeroom.
"No, but since Professor Egawa has a healthy patch of Mandrake ready for stewing, I suggest we get to work." Kaede hands her a pair of earmuffs.
Kagome grimaces.
It's going to be a long day.
"You're certain?" Bokuseno questions as he reviews the scroll before him.
"Absolutely. I ran the test twice," Sesshomaru confirms.
Bokuseno sighs. "This is troubling, indeed. Acquiring Manticore venom is no small feat. Even for one of Naraku's inner circle, it would require extensive training and weeks of planning."
"All assets that Muso possesses," Sesshomaru reminds the headmaster.
Bokuseno nods. "True."
"It has a long shelf-life. Naraku could have had it for months. The potency would decrease over time, of course, but it doesn't take much to incapacitate a human," Sesshomaru tells him.
"Also true," Bokuseno agrees. "What led you to this disturbing discovery, Sesshomaru? Do not misunderstand. I am grateful to you for uncovering the danger, but I must admit that I'm curious. I've never known you to make a habit of frequenting the staff room. You've always preferred to linger in your private quarters."
Sesshomaru stares at the headmaster. He expected Higurashi to report him yet it appears that Bokuseno does not know about the incident.
"I couldn't sleep and I was out of tea. I came across the poison when I went there to find some," he lies.
Bokuseno regards him silently for a moment. Sesshomaru is uncomfortable under his gaze. The wizard always did have a knack for discerning the truth, even if it was well-concealed.
"A spot of good karma then," the headmaster decides. "Quite timely too, I might add."
"Why?"
"Because I have heard things," Bokuseno reveals. "Illegal use of magic is on a rise. Attacks are increasing across the country. It is not limited to Juromaro and his pack. There are others, some more vicious than the feral werewolf leader."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrow. "You suspect Naraku is collecting followers?"
"Indeed."
"Do you think he is planning another coup? Will he attack the same three pillars?" Sesshomaru asks.
"Perhaps, eventually," Bokuseno answers, rising from his desk. "This time, though, things are different. He will not make the same mistakes twice. In order to overthrow the government, he'll require absolute power. To procure that, he first needs someone. His attacks are all a diversion while he attempts to capture a single target."
Sesshomaru feels a chill in the air. The sense of foreboding cuts deep like a dagger of ice being lodged between his ribs. Cold seeps through him from that singular spot, stretching forth until his entire form is on edge.
"Higurashi."
Bokuseno grins. "You catch on quick."
"Is that why she's here? For your protection?" Sesshomaru inquires.
"I'm sure she believes that but, in truth, I owed her late mother— well, guardian —and I always repay my debts. It is the mark of an honorable man," Bokuseno says, crossing his office to where his Pensieve sits on an end table between his massive bookshelves.
Upon first glance, the item appears to be a stone basin filled with water. To a Muggle, it isn't worth a second thought but for those in the magical community, the device is a rare commodity. The liquid inside is not water. It is like fire— operating in a state between two types of matter: gas and liquid. The silvery substance holds memories so the owner or a trusted companion can view them.
Sesshomaru has only ever used a Pensieve during Auror training. He has never been invited to share in another's private thoughts.
A pang of guilt catches him off-guard. Bokuseno is offering him a chance to see. He is welcoming Sesshomaru to share in his most trusted memories. Higurashi did not. Sesshomaru forced his way into her mind without permission or warning.
The chill in his bones intensifies. He is no better than the wizard hunting her.
"Sesshomaru?" Bokuseno beckons from the basin.
"Headmaster, please excuse me. There is something I must take care of." He gives Bokuseno a polite bow and exits the office.
His oxfords click against the stone steps as Sesshomaru descends to the main floor. His next class is set to begin at quarter past, giving him roughly thirty minutes to find the witch. Luckily, he knows exactly where to start.
The castle is quiet as they near mid-day. Sesshomaru passes a handful of students meandering through the corridors between classes. They all scurry off as soon as they see him coming. His reputation for assigning detentions works as effectively as his threatening glare.
He enters the Hospital Wing. It is even quieter than the hallways. The matron's office door is cracked open but Kaede isn't the one he has come to see. Finding her isn't difficult. She's humming to herself, a tune that sounds vaguely familiar. Sesshomaru peers into the storage cupboard. Healer Higurashi is perched on top of a footstool, arms laden with bottles of restorative draught.
She strains to line them neatly along the top shelf. Sesshomaru watches her work. Higurashi is careful to keep each of the bottles' labels facing forward. There will be no confusion about what they hold inside. As she sets the final one down, her tune ends and her shoulders stiffen.
"Unless you're sick or injured, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"I would like the opportunity to explain," Sesshomaru replies.
Higurashi scoffs. "Explain. Like anything you say will change what you did."
"I said explain, not justify."
She pivots around, half-hovering, half-standing on the footstool. With its added height, the healer is taller than him, but Sesshomaru still catches the way her lips part when she takes in his full size. He might consider it alluring if he wasn't convinced that she wants to hex him seven ways to Sunday.
Higurashi crosses her arms over her chest and fixes him with a glare. "Well? Explain ."
Sesshomaru steps closer but before he can speak a throat clears behind him.
"If you two are going to get into another tiff, I suggest you take it outside. We treat injuries here, not inflict them," the elderly witch admonishes them.
Sesshomaru faces her, bowing as he speaks. "My apologies, matron. I merely wanted to have a brief word with Healer Higurashi"
"I don't care if all you wanted to do was say 'good morning.'" Kaede grouses, placing her hands on her hips. "After your conduct yesterday, I don't want you in here. Is that understood, Professor Taisho?"
"Yes."
The matron leans to the side, looking past him at Higurashi. "Kagome, you may take your lunch. Be back this afternoon. We are going to review the ordering process."
"Orders?"
"Yes, I don't have time to brew all the potions we need here. There are too many students to tend to," Kaede explains with a wave of her hand.
Sesshomaru notes a hint of disappointment from Higurashi, but she doesn't protest. She simply nods and agrees to be back on time.
"No food this time," the matron adds.
Higurashi's cheeks color. "Yes, ma'am."
Kaede steps aside to allow them to pass. Sesshomaru exits into the corridor first, followed by her young apprentice.
He follows the hall out into the Clock Tower Courtyard. Higurashi wordlessly trails along at his side. Her fiery temper has been extinguished by Kaede's stern reprimand.
Sesshomaru is surprised. He expected a distinguished healer like Higurashi to be the one making demands, not the elderly matron. It appears that, unlike so many of their colleagues, Higurashi respects experience and age.
Interesting.
He pauses at the center of the cloister by the fountain. There are a couple of students across the courtyard, studying in open-air windows the stone arches create.
Sesshomaru has no interest in eavesdroppers. He withdraws his wand and invokes the Muffliato charm to ensure their conversation isn't heard. His spellcasting catches Higurashi's attention. She glances up from the pavers to meet his gaze.
"Do you have children, Healer Higurashi?" he inquires.
She shakes her head.
"Then I am uncertain how to explain the lengths I am willing to go in order to protect mine. Rin may be adopted but she's still my daughter. My main prerogative is to keep her safe. That is why I retired from the Auror Office to start teaching. But that doesn't mean I ever stopped hunting for Naraku."
"Because of his involvement in Rin's attack?" Higurashi surmises.
"I have my reasons," he says in a clipped manner. "Naraku is a gifted manipulator. Apart from his immense power, he possesses a level of charisma that many find inviting."
She makes a face. "Most sociopaths do."
"Indeed. I'm sure you are aware that his initial behavior is a lure. He captivates those he intends to leverage for his own personal gain. Once he has them under his control, the only way they are permitted to leave his service is through death."
"What does this have to do with last night?" Higurashi demands, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I have no compassion for those who fall victim to Naraku's charms. However unfortunate their circumstances may be, I do not believe it warrants their choice to serve him. When I come across one of his allies, I deal with them the same way I did when I worked for the Ministry," he explains.
"The Ministry doesn't allow the use of Occlumency," she retorts, scathingly.
"Not officially," Sesshomaru reveals, "but Aurors have been known to operate in areas of grey."
She glares at him. "Then you're no better than Naraku."
Sesshomaru feels the impact of her words as acutely as he did his revelation in Bokuseno's office. His reply takes a moment to form and but when he speaks, his voice doesn't waver.
"I agree."
Her eyes go wide and her arms drop to her sides. "What?"
"When I discovered you had been poisoned, I was overcome with terror. I worried that if an educated witch, such as yourself, could succumb to such an attack, what chance did my daughter stand? Rin is only eleven. She hasn't even learned basic defensive spells yet. I allowed my concern to outweigh my reason. In my search for answers, I crossed a line. For that, I apologize."
Higurashi stares at him.
He continues. "I managed to identify the poison. It was Manticore venom— very rare and extremely potent. Until we are able to apprehend the culprit, you shouldn't wander around alone."
"Excuse me?"
"For safety. Even Aurors go on duty in pairs," Sesshomaru points out.
"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself," she insists.
"How many bezoars do you have to swallow to admit that I'm right?" he counters.
Higurashi deflates slightly. "My wards are extremely well-crafted. I doubt anyone can pass through."
"Then while you're anywhere else," Sesshomaru concedes. "It shouldn't be difficult if you take your meals in the Great Hall and spend your days shadowing the matron."
"I also teach," she reminds him but her tone isn't as sharp as it was earlier.
"Perhaps you should invest in a companion," he suggests.
Her eyebrows rise into her bangs.
"A pet," Sesshomaru clarifies.
"Oh." Her face relaxes and she laughs nervously. "Sorry, I thought you meant— never mind." She waves him off.
"Surely St. Mungo's paid you well enough to support whatever creature you deem appropriate?"
"Do you know any Fenghuang breeders?" she asks.
"No."
"Then, I guess I'll have to settle for a dog," Higurashi laments.
He frowns. "What's wrong with dogs?"
"Nothing!" she says quickly. "I'd just feel bad having to leave one cooped up all day while I'm in the Hospital Wing. I doubt Kaede would allow one in the Infirmary, even if he was stationed under my desk."
"You'll be the new matron soon. Then you'll be able to create your own rules," he mentions.
"True."
A group of students enters the courtyard. When they spot him, they rush past, heading through the covered bridge toward the Sundial Garden.
Once they are gone, Sesshomaru adds. "Thank you."
"For what?" Higurashi asks.
"You didn't report my misconduct to the headmaster," he says.
"How do you know I don't intend to go there during my break?" she quips.
"You would be within your rights to," Sesshomaru acknowledges evenly.
She purses her lips, then sighs. "I'm not going to report you. That won't solve anything."
"It would certainly entertain the students, especially the Gryffindors," he remarks.
Her lips twitch upward in the hint of a smile. "Their crystals looked awfully low this morning. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
"Perhaps," he responds.
"That's what I thought."
They fall silent, neither knowing how to navigate the awkward lull the conversation has fallen into.
Sesshomaru clears his throat. "My daughter doesn't make friends easily. She's very selective about who she lets get close to her. When Rin reached out to you, I mistook it for appreciation. I thought she was simply being polite. I rose to a hasty judgment. Rin looks up to you. She values your company."
"I like her too," Higurashi returns.
"Not many people understand her quirks,— her toad, for example —yet you didn't seem surprised by her choice. You rallied her."
"I think it's great that she hasn't been affected by peer pressure. Not many students her age are confident enough in themselves to stand on their own," Higurashi states.
"Indeed," Sesshomaru returns. "Rin has always been astute. You are among the select few that she feels comfortable with trusting. I hope, in time, to do the same."
Higurashi opens her mouth to respond when a hand claps her on the shoulder. "Kags, there you are!
"Matsuno," Sesshomaru greets the black-haired werewolf stiffly.
"Taisho," he acknowledges him with the same flat tone before turning to Higurashi. "I went by the Infirmary looking for you but Kaede said you'd already gone on break. I thought I better check on you since you almost missed breakfast this morning."
"Thanks, Kouga."
The Care of Magical Creatures Professor glances between them. "Are you two done?"
Higurashi looks at him. "I think so."
Sesshomaru nods.
"Great!" cheers Matsuno, leading her away. "Hakkaku and Ginta are already back. Let's go."
"Go where?" Higurashi asks.
"To our place. Bokuseno let us build a cottage down by the forest."
"You get to live outside the castle? That's awesome!" Higurashi cries delightedly.
"It's, uh, safer that way," he explains, sheepishly.
Sesshomaru resists saying something rude. He's on thin ice with the healer as is. He doesn't intend to give her a reason to reconsider going to the headmaster.
"Yeah, well," Matsuno recovers with a nervous laugh, "the guys will be excited you're joining us for lunch today. Usually, it's just the three of us bachelors. It will be nice to have a witch around."
Sesshomaru scoffs. He bets five sickles that Matsuno has Higurashi cleaning his hut by dinner time. He pivots on his heel and proceeds toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
"Wait, Professor Taisho!"
He glances over his shoulder to find Healer Higurashi running over to him. He pauses to wait for her. Professor Matsuno stands at the edge of the courtyard, watching them warily.
"Look, I may not have any kids of my own, but I do have twin goddaughters and a godson. If anything ever happened to them, I wouldn't wait for the Ministry to get involved. I'd act," she says with conviction.
Sesshomaru nods in understanding.
"I'll see you around," Higurashi tells him.
Again, he nods.
She gives him a small smile and hurries off to join her friend.
Professor Matsuno drapes his arm over her shoulder, guiding her out of the courtyard as they make their way down to his hut. Sesshomaru observes how at ease she is with the werewolf, smiling and laughing at his jokes. No witch has ever looked at him that way before.
He frowns.
Bokuseno seeks to uphold the traits of an honorable man. Perhaps it is time that Sesshomaru do the same. He has made many mistakes in his life, many of which have long since passed, but this one he can still atone for. Sesshomaru has a chance to repay Higurashi's kindness.
And he will— by catching her assailant.
Author's Note: Thanks to originalone73 for betaing. Just a friendly reminder: Harry Potter, and the Potter universe, belong to J.K. Rowling and no money is being made from the use of anything associated with said universe.