Chapter Sixty-Two - But You

The magic didn't vanish the following hours, leaving them with a problem. Fred didn't want to be isolated at the country house. He wanted to see his shop, his old flat, the dirty streets of London, eat food just for the joy of eating, because he needed no nourishing but magic to 'survive'. The problem was: Fred Weasley was quite a known celebrity. Even now, people still asked for him when passing through the joke shop. If the situation was different, he could easily go disguised as George, as they had done so many times. They had to come up with a cover that won't blow out if he suddenly disappeared.

"If you had the chance to be anyone in this world, who would you be?" asked Kagome.

"I don't want to be anyone else, I like to be me."

"You can be anyone else-"

"But me. I know, I understand. But who can I be? I only know how to be myself. And George, when it was needed."

"We can change your face just a little for people don't mistake you for… yourself," said Shippou. "A new haircut, the skin a few shades darker with makeup, or lighter, your choice. With green lenses, you can easily go as my relative. We put on some beard to hide the shape of your face and shazam! I guess that's the closest we can do to change you without having to resort to magic. Or I can make a charm and get it done."

"Magic. This is it." They all agreed. "It's so exciting! Breaking the rules again, that's my thing. And you know what's the best? They can't arrest me because, well, I'm dead."

"You have the whole world of death-related humor before you, you go for this?"

Kagome, George, and Fred cracked upon Shippou's statement. Shippou's face told them he didn't understand the reason for their laughter. George imagined how would it be to have Kagome and Shippou with him and Fred back in his Hogwarts time. He could see himself and Kagome sneaking out on empty classrooms; Shippou using his illusions on pranks. Would she be jealous of the girls of his Quidditch Team? He knew he would be of any other male who dared to hit on her.

"We are not getting you a Green Card, so just pick up a name and we will tell anyone who asks that's who you are. From my experience, people grow suspicious only when you try too hard for things to make sense. Real life doesn't make sense."

"And it makes even less when some kitsune decides to just meddle." a not so new voice said. Where she came from, George didn't know, but right in the same room as them was the old Mrs. Hallewell. But not the OLD Mrs. Hallewell that checked upon Kagome a few weeks ago. She was standing with her back straight, her eyes no longer tired from many years of living.

"Great- Great Grandmother," muttered Shippou. "What a surprise having you here. I thought dinosaurs were extinct."

"Your favors with me are running low, fox. Are you sure you want to test your luck?"

"Of-Of course not, Great Grandmother. I apologize." the tails that a few moments before were swinging happily on his back was now laid down and stiff.

George wondered more about who this lady was because he couldn't imagine Shippou withdrawn so much under someone's presence.

"I am the mother of all Kitsunes if that answers your question. I came to this place in the minds and hearts of my sons and daughters many generations ago. In other lands, I was called Inari-sama. Here, you may call me Great Grandmother or Mrs. Hallewell." her expression softened when she turned to Kagome. "And it's always a pleasure to visit such a faithful servant."

When her face changed, the atmosphere of the room changed too, as if a weight he didn't know that was on his shoulders was lifted. Even the birds outside started to chirp again.

"Mrs. Hall- Great Grandmother, what brings your holy self here?" asked Kagome.

"You know this answer, my child. What you did, what the three of you did is very serious. I cannot overlook such a profanity done by my servants. One of the reasons for my staying among the wizards is to prevent them from learning this kind of powerful and dangerous art. However, I'm a caring mother and I'll always look after my children, no matter the shape they have. I'll give you time, Fred Weasley, but this privilege will have a price."

Thank you for your lovely words!

Fred cannot stay forever, unfortunately :'(

I hope you liked it! Please, tell me what you think.

See you soon!