Chance encounters are what keep us going. - Haruki Murakami
The morning comes much too soon. Kagome glares at the beam of sunlight trickling through her curtains. She knows she only has herself to blame but, honestly, does it have to shine so bright first thing in the morning? With a groan, she tosses her covers aside and staggers toward her wardrobe.
Last night, Kagome planned to craft her new wand. Midoriko's instructions were clearly written and easy to follow. After all, Kagome was there when Midoriko crafted her original wand. She remembers how to prepare the ruse.
She just hadn't planned on Professor Taisho— Sesshomaru —still being up.
Really, Kagome should have expected him. He has an uncanny way of always knowing when she's alone. It would scare her if she wasn't convinced that he has good intentions. He may be an arrogant jerk, but he's an arrogant jerk who cares.
She smiles recalling how his eyes softened when he spoke about Rin. Any man who cares for his daughter as much as Sesshomaru does, can't be all bad.
Kagome suspects that Rin has learned through observation. It's common in children who have suffered trauma. They tend to take stock of a situation before interjecting. Since Sesshomaru never makes any effort to be part of the staff, Rin doesn't see the value in trying to establish a bond with her peers. Maybe this dueling club will give them both a chance to make new friends.
She wonders if she can talk Kagura into joining. It might give the witch the confidence she needs to mend her friendship with Sesshomaru. Plus, it would be nice to spend time with Kagura outside of her chambers. It would give Kagome a break from constantly hanging out with the Wolf Pack, as Kouga has so aptly named his trio.
It's not that Kagome minds venturing down to the boys' cabin. She enjoys being included in their antics, even if they do tend to push boundaries. For instance, Kouga has no sense of personal space. Every time he's around Kagome, he has his hand on her shoulder or he sits so close that their legs are pressed against each other.
She knows he doesn't mean to make her uncomfortable. Kouga is just a very assertive person— not unlike some other professors Kagome knows.
Sometimes she thinks the reason that Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin didn't get along was because they were too similar. Gryffindor applauded bravery. Salazaar valued ambition. At their core, the two attributes are alike. Many who possess one are also capable of the other.
Prejudice aside, Kagome thinks Kouga and Kagura have a lot in common. Both are fiercely competitive, extremely short-tempered, and yet each of them is trying to overcome adversity. For Kouga, his designation makes him an outcast. For Kagura, the reason is less clear but no less impactful. She has excluded herself from others as a defensive mechanism. In time, Kagome hopes to find out why.
She dresses for her class, selecting a charcoal gray skirt, a white button-down blouse, and a vest. Traditional wizarding robes are cumbersome. Kagome tends to wear them only for special occasions. She prefers modern attire, though slacks would be more practical than a skirt. To complete her ensemble, Kagome digs her old Hufflepuff tie out of her trunk.
Saturday is the first Quidditch match of the term. Even though it's only a preliminary match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, Kagome is compelled to show her house pride. Hufflepuff has a lot to be proud of— just not in terms of Quidditch. Sporting events are not their strong suit.
A few flicks of her wand and a well-executed swish of her wrist are all she requires to finish her daily routine. Her long hair is combed through and her face freshly cleansed. She is ready to head downstairs for breakfast.
She lets down her wards and steps over her threshold.
The corridor isn't empty. Someone is waiting for her. "Healer Higurashi."
"It's Kag— oh!" She swats at the air in front of her, desperately trying to remove the spider's web that she just walked through.
Long fingers card through her hair. With ease, Sesshomaru plucks the spider free and tosses the creature aside.
"Thanks," she says gratefully. "I don't remember there being so many of those little guys in the castle but every time I turn around a new one is trying to get in my room."
"Perhaps they are attracted to you," he returns.
Kagome stares at him. It takes a moment but she catches the way his lips tilt upward. "Was that a joke? I didn't realize you knew how to make one of those, Professor Taisho."
"Sesshomaru," he corrects before turning towards the staircase. "Shall we?"
She isn't sure what prompted him to escort her to the Great Hall this morning. Enough students are milling around that the risk of being attacked is minimal. She doubts Naraku is lurking on the second-floor landing. The portraits would have alerted the headmaster.
Even more surprising is how his presence makes Kagome feel. She's been interested in guys before— silly school girl crushes that came and went with the changing of the seasons.
That's not what this is.
The fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach doesn't remind her of butterflies. It is akin to how Kagome felt the first time she flew on a broom. It's as though her center of gravity has shifted. He has thrown her off-balance and Kagome doesn't know how to react.
Such a large part of who she is has been kept hidden for years. The only people who know are her best friends and her worst enemy. It seems strange to think about it in those terms but Kagome supposes that is why people say that the truth is stranger than fiction.
Still, the idea of opening up to someone new, after all this time, is scary. Sharing her secret is merely a part of the problem. Once she tells Sesshomaru who she is— what she is —there is no going back. He'll be at risk just the same as Sango and Miroku. Kagome isn't sure if she's ready to take that step.
For now, she resolves not to overthink it. She is content to simply be friends.
"I have considered a few options for the club," Sesshomaru says as they descend to the ground floor. "The most obvious choice would be the Great Hall. The weather would never be an issue."
"But the timing would," Kagome points out. "Organizing meetings around classes and meal times gives us a limited window. Plus in the spring, the seventh years will begin Apparition lessons with a Ministry official."
"Indeed, which is why I'm also proposing the use of the courtyards and training grounds," Sesshomaru informs her.
"The training grounds work well, even if the dummies are a bit worse for wear," Kagome comments.
Sesshomaru smirks. "Why am I not surprised you have snuck off to duel alone?"
"I thought you'd be pleased. Practice makes perfect and all that," she retorts.
"Dark wizards are not the same as metal dummies."
"No, but per our Code of Conduct, offensive magic isn't allowed against students or staff," Kagome responds.
"Unless a threat warrants it," Sesshomaru points out.
"Or express permission is given by the headmaster," Kagome says with a smile."I'll work on the proposal for Bokuseno. I can bring it along tomorrow morning if you plan on walking me down to breakfast again."
Sesshomaru doesn't respond right away. Kagome thinks that she must have misread the situation. Then he clears his throat. "We could craft the document together. Then, there would be no need to incorporate additional notes or make revisions. It would be more efficient."
Her heart stutters as the world shifts on its axis. "We could do that," she manages to reply.
"Ten o'clock in my office?" he prompts as they stop outside the entrance to the Great Hall.
Kagome feels her cheeks heat. Even though they are working on a joint task, the idea of going to his office after curfew sounds intimate. So much for not overthinking things! "What about the staff room?" she counters.
He frowns, probably wondering why she wants to meet in the place she was poisoned. "I suppose that will do."
"Great!" Kagome cheers, relieved. "I think I can snag a couple of biscuits at dinner in case we need to pull an all-nighter."
"Who's pulling an all-nighter?" a familiar voice asks as an arm loops around her shoulders.
Sesshomaru's frown deepens. "Matsuno."'
"Taisho, I didn't realize you and Kags were so close."
"There are a great number of things you fail to realize, Matsuno. Among them being basic social etiquette. Were you unaware that it's rude to interrupt a conversation?" Sesshomaru quips.
Kagome stumbles backward as Kouga's arm tightens possessively around her. Sesshomaru's golden eyes narrow. "I don't see any conversation here— just a loner and a witch who's too nice to tell him off."
"Kouga!" she scolds.
He drops his arm. "Come on, Kags. The guys and I saved you a seat," he says, turning away.
"I'll be right there," Kagome tells him.
He glares past her at Sesshomaru but eventually stalks off toward the head table.
"I'm sorry about Kouga," she apologizes. "That was uncalled for."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from a mongrel like him," Sesshomaru says scathingly.
"Hey! Just because Kouga was a jerk doesn't mean you need to be one too."
"Werewolves are a menace to our society. They cause fear and mayhem everywhere they go. I'll never understand why the headmaster took those three in," he grumbles.
"Probably the same reason he offered me a post. I had nowhere else to go," she replies softly.
Sesshomaru stares at her.
She shakes her head, disappointed. "Maybe it's better if we work on the proposal separately."
"If that's what you want," he returns in a solemn tone.
"I—."
"Kags! Hurry up before the eggs are gone," Ginta hollers over the students' chattering.
Kagome sighs. "I have to go."
He doesn't say anything or try to stop her.
She doesn't know what stings more. His poor behavior or his silence.
Sesshomaru glowers at his class. His students are attempting to perform the hex deflection incantation, Salvio hexia. They are paired up in different areas of the room to practice. Though Sesshomaru hears their continuous chanting of the spell, he has yet to see anyone successfully counter a curse.
He clenches his jaw. His students' ineffectiveness is only partially to blame for his sour disposition. After his argument with Healer Higurashi, he had abandoned breakfast to complete his reply to the A-Un twins. Sesshomaru meant to owl his response before class but was interrupted by Whittle.
"Miss Rin summoned Whittle, she did. Asked Whittle to brings Professor Taisho his morning meal."
Sesshomaru thanked the elf, who immediately provided an update on his surveillance. So far, Whittle hadn't observed anything noteworthy about Professor Hitomi's routine. The house-elf was discouraged but Sesshomaru instructed him to be patient.
Naraku has never acted brazenly. His plans are thought-out and carefully executed. If Hitomi is one of Naraku's followers, he will wait for the precise moment to attack. When he does, Sesshomaru intends to be there. He will take down Hitomi and be one step closer to capturing Naraku.
Once Whittle returned to his post, Sesshomaru was due in his classroom. The letter remains on his desk, incomplete.
"Locomotor Wibbly!"
Sesshomaru glances up to find Souten Mizutani hexing Shippo Watanabe. Ms. Mizutani's strike is successful and her partner collapses to the floor.
"A well-timed use of the Jelly-Legs Jinx, Ms. Mizutani. However, your partner failed to correctly deflect it. Ten points from Gryffindor," he announces.
The Slytherins in his class snicker.
Mr. Watanabe starts to respond but is hindered by his inability to stand.
Ms. Mizutani tries to argue with him. "Professor Taisho, I—."
"This is Defense Against the Dark Arts, is it not?" he inquires.
She nods. "Yes, but—."
"And you are here to learn how to repeal curses, jinxes, and hexes, are you not?"
"Yes, but, sir—."
"Then do it," he instructs sternly.
Ms. Mizutani falls silent. She helps Mr. Watanabe reverse the jinx, though he still requires her support to stand. There is another round of snickering.
Sesshomaru glares at his entire class. "All of you, back to work!"
He doesn't have to repeat himself.
Between class and her shift in the Hospital Wing, Kagome ventures into the library. She bids good morning to Madam Margoyles, the librarian, and navigates through the stacks to the ancestral heritage section.
Hogwarts has a robust collection of texts that extend beyond the different classifications of magic to include books on law, society, and history. She hopes to find information on the Hitomi family tree, specifically if they have any records of keeping private healers.
Since her review of Professor Hitomi's medical files, Kagome has been wondering why such an established family would have incomplete records. She keeps the scrap of parchment with Nagasaki Hitomi's name tucked away in Midoriko's journal. To anyone else, it looks like a bookmark. To Kagome, that piece of information is just as crucial as the spells her guardian crafted.
There is something off about the lack of detail in Professor Hitomi's folder. When Kagome saw it, she felt strange. It wasn't the same as the concern she experienced when she read Kanna's file or the suspicion she felt reviewing Kagura's record. With Hitomi, her instinct is to run. Her power flared, warning her of danger.
She can't take the matter to the headmaster. Kagome has no proof of misconduct or illegal activity. She can't explain how she knows. She isn't even aware herself.
Normally, Kagome reads people's auras but with Hitomi, he is closed off. Kouga mentioned he's an accomplished Occlumens, which explains the hollowed appearance of his eyes but not why she can't get a read on him. Occlumency is for shielding your mind. It doesn't extend beyond the mental plane to a person's energy. Something else is at work here.
As she rounds the corner, Kagome overhears a pair of students talking.
"I mean, he's never in a good mood but, blimey, who spit in his pumpkin juice?"
"Shippo!" the girl chides.
"What? You were there. You saw him. He's a bloody terror!" the boy continues.
"Maybe he just wants you to take the class seriously," the boy's friend insists.
"Or maybe he needs to get his quill inked, if you know what I mean."
"No," drawls the girl sarcastically. "I haven't the foggiest."
"Merlin, Souten, you have two older brothers. How could you not know what—."
The slap of skin on skin echoes in the quiet chamber.
"Ow! Whatcha do that for?"
"Don't be daft," Souten grumbles. "Of course I know! That doesn't mean I want to talk about it."
Abruptly, chair legs drag across the wooden floor, causing Madam Margoyles to rush over.
"This is the library. It is a place for study and silent reflection— emphasis on the term silent, Mr. Watanabe," she says.
Kagome peers around the bookcase to watch the librarian flick her wand over the auburn-haired boy. He is expelled from the library, leaving a trail of personal effects in his wake.
"I'm sorry, Madam Margoyles," his friend, Souten apologizes.
She's an athletic girl with piercing eyes and short black hair that she wears pulled back.
"It takes two to converse," Madam Margoyles snaps. "You would do well to remember the rules as well, Ms. Mizutani, unless you wish to join your friend in the corridor."
"It won't happen again," Souten insists.
"Make sure that it doesn't," the librarian responds. She gives a little huff and returns to her desk.
Souten kneels and begins gathering her friend's belongings.
"Here, let me help you," Kagome offers.
"I'm good; thanks," Souten mutters, brushing her off without looking up.
"Are you having trouble with one of your upperclassmen?" she inquires.
"Not exactly."
"A professor, then," Kagome surmises.
Souten glances up to reply and gasps. "Healer Higurashi, I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
"That's perfectly alright...Ms. Mizutani, was it?"
"Yeah, Souten Mizutani, Gryffindor fourth year," the girl introduces herself.
"I think I can guess who's bad side you and your friend got on," Kagome tells her with a knowing smile.
"Shippo's actually a great wizard— really, he is. He's just not the best at taking constructive criticism," Souten explains.
"Neither is Professor Taisho," Kagome says.
Souten smirks. "Can't argue there."
"Regardless, you shouldn't discuss his personal life or, any of your teachers for that matter. What we choose to do with our time outside of class is private and I'm sure Professor Taisho would appreciate you keeping it that way. Is that understood?" Kagome prompts.
Souten's grin falls away. "Yes, ma'am."
"Good. I'm sure I'll be seeing you both again soon," Kagome comments.
"Huh?"
"You two are on your house Quidditch team, aren't you?" Kagome asks. When Souten gawks at her, she laughs. "I can tell by your posture— fairly common in Beaters. And your friend, Mr. Watanabe, I assume he's a Chaser?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"They tend to favor their dominant shooting arm. I noticed when Madam Margoyles tossed him out that he cradled his right arm to his chest. He was worried about injuring it before your match this weekend," Kagome explains.
"You're a proper healer, you are," Souten praises.
"Thank you. Good luck at the match this Saturday, Ms. Mizutani."
"Thanks, Healer Higurashi."
The witch exits the library, carrying not one but two satchels.
Kagome watches her go, unsurprised to find the red-haired boy waiting for her. She can sense the romantic feelings brewing between the two. Blotches of pink and red light up their auras. It won't be long before they are forced to confront the change in their relationship. The same thing happened with Miroku and Sango.
She remembers those days. Sango and Miroku would argue throughout their entire Hogsmeade trip. Kagome would content herself with catching up on homework or writing to Midoriko— anything to drown out the noise. She would curl up in a corner booth at the Three Broomsticks with a hot mug of Butterbeer while her friends bickered.
Over time, the noise stopped bothering Kagome. There is comfort in consistency. That's what Sango and Miroku are— steady, unfailing friends who are always there for her. They are her family.
Kagome wonders if they reflect on those lazy weekends with the same fondness she does. She decides to ask them about it in her next owl.
Smiling to herself, she finds the correct stack of books and begins to drag her finger across their spines. There is a text on Britain's Sacred Twenty-Eight, one on the ten Scottish clans, and another on the Kingdom of Breifne, a collection of nineteen wizarding families that originated in Gaelic Ireland.
She glides past Western Europe to a section of smaller, worn books. The first is titled, Kuge: The Four Eldest and Most Elite Wizarding Families in Japan. Kagome yanks the book off the shelf and flips through its pages. She doesn't stop until her eyes read a single word: Hitomi.
Kagome snaps the book closed, earning a hissed, "Shhhh," from the librarian at the front.
Quietly, she approaches Madam Margoyles with her find.
"The borrowing period is one fortnight, after which you must either return the book or renew it," the witch informs her. "Any late returns will result in an overdue fine that will be automatically removed from your wages. Is that clear?"
"Yes," Kagome replies, fighting to keep her voice from squeaking.
Madam Margoyles' strict policy hasn't changed one bit. Neither has her demeanor.
Kagome takes her book and hurries out before the librarian realizes that she was the one to slam it shut.
The Hospital Wing is empty. Not even Kaede appears to be around. Strange, Kagome thinks, peering into the matron's office. There are several scrolls of parchment on her desk but no sign of the elderly witch. Kagome checks the storeroom but finds it is also empty.
Since there are no patients to address, Kagome reviews the files. Everything is in order, just the way she left it. She chews on her lower lip. Would it be wrong to do personal research during work hours?
She peeks into the hallway. A few students are mingling at the intersection, chatting in between classes. None of them require a healer.
Kagome returns inside. As she sits, she places Kuge: The Four Eldest and Most Elite Wizarding Families in Japan on top of her desk. The section on the Hitomi family line is about halfway through. Earlier, Kagome was tempted to dog-ear the page but she doesn't want to incur Madam Margoyles wrath. Any form of marking pages in one of her books is a serious offense— one she punishes students and staff for. So Kagome is forced to pass through until she rediscovers the segment.
Descended from the Fujiwara clan, the Hitomi line has ties to nobility as well as prominent members of the Japanese Ministry of Magic. In the 13th century, Tokugawa Hitomi was the first from their family tree to be sworn in as the Minister for Magic.
His most important contribution to Japan's wizarding society was the establishment of Bayonnaise Prison. The detainment facility was built to hold witches and wizards who failed their white cloak test.
Here there is a footnote. At the bottom of the page, Kagome sees a line of subscript.
White cloak tests are conducted upon graduation from Mahoutokoro. If a witch or wizard's graduation cloak turns white, it means they are guilty of practicing illegal magic. They are tried and sentenced accordingly. All proceedings are carried out by the Ministry of Magic. This practice is unique to Japan.
Kagome grabs a spare piece of parchment and scribbles down, White cloak test. She's never heard of this type of examination. It could be used as a less invasive alternative to Veritaserum or Occlumency.
She continues reading.
Bayonnaise Prison is located on a group of uninhabited islands off the southern coast of Japan. It is shielded from Muggles by dangerous waters and a submerged reef. For added protection, the Ministry charmed the prison to appear as a caldera. If Muggles draw too near the facility, the waters discolor, signaling an impending volcanic eruption.
In 1850, a Muggle ship sailed ignored these signs, resulting in a controlled volcanic explosion by the Bayonnaise Prison guards. Since then, there has not been another single incident. The prison remains safely concealed from the non-magical world.
Tokugawa Hitomi's great-great-grandson, Hirohito Hitomi founded Amaterasu in the 15th century after a miraculous recovery from spattergroit.
Kagome pauses, her pointer finger resting on the last word in the sentence. Spattergroit is infectious but completely treatable. She wonders why the author chose to label Hirohito's recovery as miraculous. Surely a family as wealthy as the Hitomis would have had a private healer on staff. The remedy, though tedious to complete, is well-known and was documented as far back as the early 12th century.
She is scanning the pages for mention of Hirohito's healer when someone calls to her, "Healer Higurashi?"
Kagome glances up to find a young witch standing in the archway. "Rin, please come in. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to bring Jaken by," the girl replies, holding up her toad.
"Well, I'm glad you did," Kagome tells her, stowing away her book for later. "Why don't you bring Jaken over here?" She gestures to a stool situated near the first bed.
Rin deposits her pet on the wooden seat. Kagome circles the creature, examining him. He has grown since last week. Soon, he won't be able to fit in Rin's tiny hands. Briefly, Kagome wonders what the witch has been feeding him.
"Alright," she begins, "this spell will remove any excess secretions from Jaken."
Rin looks worried. "Without hurting him?"
"Without hurting him," Kagome confirms.
The girl grins. "Okay."
Kagome draws her wand over the creature in a half-circle fashion. "Orem digestionem," she recites the incantation slowly for Rin's benefit.
Slowly, the toad's secretions lift away from his body. Kagome holds up a glass vial. With a flick of her wrist, she directs the secretions into the tube.
"There you are," she says as she hands the container over to Rin. "Take this," Kagome adds, giving her a cork as a stopper.
"Wow," Rin breathes in awe. "That was so cool!"
"You think so? I guess it kind of is," Kagome muses.
Rin tucks the vial into the pocket of her uniform robes. "Thanks, Healer Higurashi," she says, picking Jaken up.
"You're welcome, Rin. He'll probably need to have this done once a week, if not more often," Kagome informs her as she returns to her desk.
"Can I keep bringing him up here to you?" Rin asks, trailing behind her.
"Don't you want to learn how to do the spell yourself?" Kagome inquires.
"Yeah, but then I won't have a reason to come visit," Rin responds.
Kagome smiles. "You're welcome to visit me whenever you want."
Her eyes grow wide. "Really?"
"Of course."
"Papa too? I saw you two talking this morning," Rin shares.
Kagome feels her cheeks heat. She hadn't considered how her conversation with Sesshomaru would look to Rin. Or anyone else in the castle...
"Are you friends?" the young witch asks.
"I'm not sure," Kagome admits.
"Oh." Rin's face falls. "I was hoping you were."
"Why is that?"
"Papa doesn't have many friends. He only ever talks to the headmaster and Professor Egawa," Rin reveals, drooping like a flower without sunshine.
"We were discussing launching a club together," Kagome says, not wanting to disappoint the girl.
"A club? Like the Frog Choir?" Rin asks, picking her head up.
Kagome laughs. "Not exactly. We were thinking of starting a dueling club to promote inter-house relations."
"Can first years sign up?" Rin questions, leaning in.
"Yes, everyone is welcome."
"Then I'm going to be the first one on the list," the young witch decides.
"I'm sure your Papa would like that," Kagome tells her.
It's then that Kaede strolls into the Hospital Wing. Her gaze flickers between Rin, the toad in her hands, and Kagome. For a strained moment, Kagome thinks she'll scold them, but Kaede merely says, "Carry on," and goes into her office.
Rin leans forward so Kagome can hear her whisper, "She must like you."
Kagome laughs again. "I don't know about that."
"Well, she should. I like you and Papa too. I can tell," Rin says.
Given their rendezvous this morning, Kagome doubts that is the case. That doesn't stop her from hoping it's true.
Sesshomaru stalks the corridors as silent as stone. At his sides, his hands flex. He can't seem to stop making a fist but it's better than checking that damn Sneakoscope again. His jaw hurts from clenching it too much. He blames his insufferable students. Perhaps if they paid more attention to their course material instead of the upcoming Quidditch match their marks would be higher.
Beside him, Jinenji strolls along at a leisurely pace, wearing a content smile. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" he remarks as they pass through the quad.
"Hn."
The Herbology Professor chuckles. "I don't understand why you let Kouga get under your skin. After all this time, I thought you two could at least be civil to each other."
Sesshomaru remains quiet.
"Unless this isn't about him but about who he takes his meals with."
"What are you on about?" Sesshomaru snaps.
"Right, that's what I thought," Jinenji says.
Sesshomaru catches himself clenching his jaw again. His nostrils flare as he attempts to take a calming breath— as if breathing ever cured anything.
"Have you tried apologizing?" his partner inquires.
"For what?"
"Whatever you did to upset her," Jinenji elaborates.
It doesn't escape his attention that Jinenji didn't clarify which her he means. The Herbology Professor has always been rather observant. It annoys Sesshomaru how easily the half-giant can read him.
"If anyone is owed an apology it is me," he insists.
Jinenji doesn't flinch at his harsh tone. He continues through the courtyard entrance which is conveniently located next to the Hospital Wing.
Sesshomaru forces himself not to hesitate as he passes the double doors. They're closed anyway. It's not as if he can check to see if she's in there. His hands ball into fists and he increases his pace to turn down the northern passage.
"What prompted the disagreement?" Jinenji questions.
"What does it matter?" he grouses as they pass the caretaker's office.
"I haven't known Kagome very long but she doesn't appear to be unreasonable. I find her ideas rather inspiring. For instance, the cross-educational class she proposed opens a lot of doors for students who enjoy Herbology but aren't familiar with its practical application," Jinenji explains.
Sesshomaru grinds his teeth as he listens to his partner go on about how well-thought-out Higurashi's lesson plan is and how receptive she is to feedback. He doesn't understand how she can be one of the most intriguing witches he has ever met— and the most infuriating.
"This morning at breakfast, she couldn't stop talking about your proposal. She seemed quite excited to be working with you."
"What?" Sesshomaru freezes. As he replays his partner's words, his hands unclench and his jaw loosens.
Jinenji stills, taking in his expression. "You and Kagome— you're writing a proposal to start a dueling club, are you not?"
"Yes," he responds automatically.
"Right," Jinenji says, glancing down at his watch. "Well, it's half ten. You should probably head over to the staff room to assist her. I can finish the rest of our patrol by myself. It's a quiet night anyway."
Sesshomaru nods. He starts to head to the right, then pauses. "Thank you," he mutters.
Jinenji smiles, as calm as ever. "You're late. Best get going if you want that apology."
Sesshomaru doesn't linger. He all but runs past the Transfiguration classrooms to the staff room. Part of him thinks she won't be there— that he's misheard Jinenji and Higurashi is in her chambers alone. Another, smaller, more vulnerable part of him, hopes that his friend is right.
He stops just outside the door, staring at the handle as if it will prepare him for what awaits inside.
For a moment, Sesshomaru considers returning to his private rooms. He contemplates ignoring this strange pull Higurashi has over him. Avoiding her would be challenging but he has faced far more demanding trials. The issue isn't whether he is capable of keeping his distance from her; it's whether he wants to.
Sesshomaru grasps the handle firmly and pushes the door open. The room is dimly lit due to the dying fire at the center of the room. A few floating candles have been arranged near the hearth. As he approaches, he notices a scroll-littered tabletop. There are several pieces of spare parchment, a couple of quills, and an open inkwell.
He snaps the lid on the glass bottle shut, preserving the black liquid inside. The scrolls are full of notes and diagrams on proper dueling forms. There is also an outline of potential schedule dates. Where the locations should be listed, there is a blank space. In the corner sits an abandoned plate of biscuits along with a pair of teacups that have gone cold.
Glancing over his shoulder, he finds her slumped over on the couch. Kagome is half-sitting, half-lying on the settee. Her blouse is rumpled and her tie askew.
Sesshomaru frowns. She was waiting for him. Stubborn witch.
Carefully, he collects all of her work and tucks the papers gently into her satchel. A quick cleaning spell clears the tabletop of any excess ink droplets. A vanishing spell disposes of the stale treats and chilled tea. Sesshomaru extinguishes the candles, setting them along the mantle.
He places his hand on her shoulder. "Kagome."
She doesn't rouse.
"Kagome," he tries again, with a tad more force.
She doesn't even blink. He runs his hand through his hair, trying to figure out how to proceed.
Sesshomaru is certain he will not be able to get past Kagome's wards. They are far too complex. Even an experienced Curse-Breaker would need weeks to undo them all.
If he can't wake her, he'll stay with her. Sesshomaru isn't about to let her spend the night outside the safety of her chambers alone, especially not after last week's incident.
Her position appears extremely uncomfortable and her legs are dimpling from the cold. Sesshomaru shrugs out of his cloak, draping it over her. With her body fully covered, he repositions her so she is stretched out on the couch.
"Watch those hands!" a voice shouts from the wall.
Sesshomaru glares at the nosy portrait. "Keep quiet," he snaps.
The former headmaster meets his withering stare with one of her own. "I'll have you know that this witch waited up half the night for you. You could have at least sent an owl."
"I was on duty," Sesshomaru hisses.
"A Patronus then," Headmaster Imjanees persists.
"If you wake her, I'll move you to the second floor Boys' Lavatories," he threatens.
The portrait falls silent.
Sesshomaru reignites the fire for warmth. Then, he transfigures a few chairs and a couple of throw pillows into a bed for himself. Finally, he locks the door. It's as much for their protection against dark magic as it is against the castle's rumor mill.
As Sesshomaru settles beneath the sheets, he realizes he never did finish his reply to the A-Un twins.
Author's Note: I know a few of you have asked about Reference Notes. doesn't allow you to link or share, but if you're interested in the source context or the Easter eggs, please visit the story on A03. I have notes at the end of each chapter. Ongoing thanks to originalone73 for betaing. And thank you to imjaneees for this chapter's artwork, which you can view on my tumblr.