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Chapter 4
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Bakura padded down the spiral staircase of Gryffindor house, silent as a thief as he made his way toward the portrait hole. Ryou was asleep in his soul room but Bakura was restless.
"Where do you think you are going, Tomb Robber?"
Bakura glared at the figure that detached itself from the shadows of an armchair by the fire, which had burned down to glowing coals. He had forgotten Yugi hadn'' gone to bed with the others.
"Not that it's any of your business, Pharaoh, but Ryou promised I could explore the castle if I didn't make a mess of the Sorting ceremony."
Yami's crimson eyes glittered with amusement. "So that's how he got you to leave him alone . . ."
The thief ignored him, pushing the portrait aside and stepping out into the dark hallway. It was several steps before he noticed that Yami was following him.
"What do you want now, Pharaoh?" he snapped, annoyed.
"I'm coming with you."
"What?!"
"Keep your voice down," Yami hissed.
Bakura shot him a hot glare. "Fine, come along if you wish, but don't try to order me around. I'm not one of your subjects."
"Who would want you for a subject?"
The thief ignored the last remark and they started down the stairs in silence.
*********************
Malik stood fuming before the hearth of the Slytherin common room. Who did these people think they were? The Egyptian's hand strayed into a hidden pocket of his robes, clenching around the handle of his Millenium Rod. Being cast into this lot of idiots was a personal insult.
// Malik, I'm bored. Can we go outside? //
/ You go ahead. I'm going to my soul room. /
Ishtar took the front seat eagerly and immediately headed for the first exit that met his eyes.
/ You could just use the door, yami. / Malik said, raising a mental eyebrow as Ishtar pushed the window up and climbed gingerly onto the sill.
The yami merely grinned and edged out into the night.
**************
Yami and Bakura had gone halfway down the staircase when the robber landed on one of the steps and he sank into it like water. He cursed, attempting to pull himself free and only succeeding in falling deeper.
"Well, lend a hand, will you?" he snapped at the other who was watching with unconcealed amusement.
"Give me a good reason why I should."
Bakura opened his mouth to reply but they were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Yami grabbed the tomb robber by the shoulder and yanked him from the step's clutches, dragging him down the stairs and into a side room. The owner of the footsteps paused at the base of the stairs, then continued on its way.
"Who else could be wondering around at this time?"
Bakura shrugged. "Who cares as long as they didn't catch us?"
"You would make a terrible detective."
"Says you."
A sudden burst of maniacal giggles brought their attention to the large windows. Crouched on the opposite side of the glass was an all too familiar figure. The two darkers exchanged looks.
"What was Malik thinking letting Ishtar run loose in a place like this?"
Yami unlatched the window and Bakura hauled Ishtar through it, still chortling.
"What have you been up to?" Yami asked.
The lavender-eyed Egyptian spirit grinned widely up at them and began babbling in rapid Egyptian.
"Slow down," Yami told him. "What wizard?"
Instead of answering, Ishtar pushed himself to his feet and motioned for them to follow.
*********
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore peered through his half moon spectacles at the teachers seated around the staff table. "I apologize for calling you all out of your beds at this unholy hour but this is too important to wait. Severus?"
Severus Snape produced a scroll from within the folds of his black robes and spread it out on the polished tabletop. The other teachers leaned forward to get a better look at the map and the inscriptions that bordered its yellowing edges.
"As I am sure you are all aware, there have been many recent 'accidents' caused by the random appearance of strange, unidentified monsters. The source of these accidents have been traced to the land of Egypt by some of our most experienced wizards and witches. During the ancient times, this land was home to some of the most powerful and mysterious magicians known throughout the history of the magical world."
"There are said in several texts that there was once another realm, a dark realm where resided creatures of incredible strength and undetermined origin, used by the pharaohs and various others to play in the Shadow Games. How these games were played and the use of this magic has long been lost."
"There has, however, been mentioned that near the end of their era, this realm was sealed away using seven, enchanted artifacts. Inside these items was locked all the power of their time. We believe that the current disturbances have to do with the bindings on the realm becoming unstable. But there is a more infinite danger closer at hand."
"The Dark Lord has also gotten wind of this and is sending out his servants in search of these artifacts. I need not remind you that if indeed he succeeds, we will all be in very deep danger. Please keep alert and report any unusual happenings. We must take the utmost precautions to keep the school and its students safe."
"Professor, may I make a suggestion?"
All eyes turned to the speaker. He was a tall man, pale as a ghost and so thin it was hard to believe he was still alive. Pale eyes stared out from a mask like face, lending confirmation to the wizard's eerie aura.
"Certainly, Tekris."
A half smile stretched his thin lips. "What would happen if we were to search for these items ourselves? Would it not be wise to get a hold of such artifacts before the Dark Lord can make use of them?"
Outside the staff room, unknown to the teachers, the three yamis were crouched, listening intently to every word spoken by the conference.
Bakura smirked. Those wizarding fools had no idea who they were dealing with. Any one of them could have put the entire meeting out of commission with a flick of their power. Their skill could not hold a candle to the knowledge gained by over five millennia of existence.
Yami's eyes narrowed in thought. It appeared their hikaris were going to have several more worries added to their rapidly growing list.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*
"Yugi! Hurry up or we'll be late for breakfast!"
"Hold on a sec, Ryou! I'll be there in a minute!"
Harry and Ron stood at the dormitory door, watching the spiky-haired new student rummage through his trunk. Professor McGonagall had called them to her office after dinner and asked if they were willing to show the two Griffindors around, seeing as they would have the same schedule. It was no trouble and they were perfectly happy to oblige.
"There it is, got it." Yugi turned back to them smiling, simultaneously slipping something into his pocket. "Let's go!"
The Great Hall was already bustling, and the tables were laden with platters of scrambled eggs and sausages. Before taking his seat, Ryou glanced over at the Slytherins. Malik wasn't hard to spot. He sat in stony silence at the end of the table, ignoring everyone around him. All the other members of the House were wisely giving him a wide berth-all except one.
A tug on his sleeve drew his attention back to Yugi. "What do you have first?"
"I don't know. I haven't got a schedule yet."
"Oh, sorry about that." Fred handed him his schedule with a flourish.
"It's Herbology."
"What a coincidence."
The five of them turned to see a very disgruntled Malik with a leaf of parchment in his hand and a look in his eyes that informed the other two item holders that he was in an extremely foul temper.
"Professor Snape said that I am to attend lessons with you," he said shortly.
"All right," Harry accepted this, only slightly surprised. "Let's get going."
Outside it was a beautiful day, but Malik was too preoccupied to enjoy it. As they approached the greenhouses his mood was not improved by the sight of a very familiar figure waiting among the Hufflepuffs gathered before the three buildings. Violet eyes narrowed in suspicion. It couldn't be who he thought it was . . . could it?
All through Professor Sprout's introductions and explanations of the plants they would be working with, he watched the other student carefully. The longish brown hair and cloudy green eyes were almost unmistakable. Then the object of his scrutiny turned, laughing at some joke made by a fellow classmate, and the left sleeve of his robes slid aside to reveal a gold band with the Eye of Ra itched deep into the soft mettle. It was identical to the one-
"Malik!"
The blonde Egyptian started at Yugi's shout. "Ra, you didn't have to yell!"
[[Sure,]] Yami snorted. [[My hikari has only been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes.]]
"Do you want to work with Ryou, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and me? It's six per plant."
"Sure, why not."
The plants turned out to be giant, eight-peddled, brilliantly colored flowers with razor sharp leaves and a serious attitude. The Egyptian cursed as the vicious vegetation launched an attack on his unprotected hands. He flicked his wrist reflexively, catching the slashes on his golden bracers. His 'jewelry' wasn't only good for decoration. Rearing back, it spread its orange and red petals and hissed at him through a set of needle-thin fangs.
Malik brandished a formidable set of sheers. "Watch it, plant."
The flower pulled away, folding into itself as if it had heard.
Yugi chuckled. "Even the wildlife is afraid of you when you're irritated."
"Hm . . ."
Malik straightened suddenly, turning to stare at the boy that had moved in behind them. As the teen straightened with a pot of fertilized soil in his hands, he caught sight of the Egyptian and started, green eyes widening in shock and-fear?
"M-Master Malik!" he stuttered, nearly dropping his fragile burden.
Ron and Hermione were too far away to hear, but Harry's brows shot up as he listened.
"What the heck are you doing here, Laer?"
"I-I've been coming here for the last five years-" he quailed under Malik's icy glare.
"And you never told me?!"
Laer gulped. "I-I-"
"Is there a problem?" Professor Sprout had come over to see what was going on.
"No, Professor," Laer answered quickly.
The woman gave them both a puzzled look before nodding and turning away.
"What house are you in? How could you have been her five years?"
"I'm in Gryffindor," he replied, pulling himself together to answer without stuttering. "I'm a little behind in herbology so I'm taking this class with the fifth-years."
"Are there any others here that I don't know about?"
"One in Hufflepuff-she's a sixth-year, a fourth-year in Ravenclaw, and two seventh-years in Slytherin."
Malik nodded and turned away. Dismissed, Laer went back to his group with his pot and an expression of profound relief.
What was that about? Harry wondered. What did he mean by 'master'?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What do you think we'll be working with?"
Ron snorted. "Seeing as the teacher's Hagrid, you'd better be prepared."
Yugi gave the redhead a curious look. "What do you mean?"
Harry grinned. "Ignore him. Hagrid has a strange fondness for deadly monsters with fangs and claws, but he'd never bring anything in that will be a danger to the students."
"Oh, and I suppose those disgusting blast-ended-screwts weren't dangerous enough for you?" Ron said sarcastically.
"Shh," Hermione hissed. "Here comes trouble."
"What have we here? More muggle-borns?" The annoyingly familiar voice could only belong to one person.
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
The blonde-haired Slytherin cast an amused eye over Yugi, Ryou, and Malik.
"Are you sure you shouldn't be with the first-years back at the castle?" he drawled, sneering down at the shortest boy.
Yugi ignored him; he was used to nasty comments on his height from school bullies. Yami on the other hand was indignant.
// That was uncalled for! What have we ever done to him? //
/ Just ignore him, Yami. Let him say what he likes. /
The ancient pharaoh glared from his soul room but said nothing more.
[[Having trouble swallowing your pride?]] Bakura snickered. [[We all know how hard it is for the King of Games to avoid a challenge.]]
[[Shut up, Tomb Robber.]]
[[Oh, no need to be snappy. I'm sure you'll get another chance at him sometime.]]
[[Don't judge people too quickly,]] Ishtar cut in unexpectedly.
[[What do you mean by that, assassin?]]
The other yami gave a mental shrug and grinned. [[Just a thought. Things aren't always the way they seem.]]
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AN: Thanks for reading, please review!
Chapter 4
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Bakura padded down the spiral staircase of Gryffindor house, silent as a thief as he made his way toward the portrait hole. Ryou was asleep in his soul room but Bakura was restless.
"Where do you think you are going, Tomb Robber?"
Bakura glared at the figure that detached itself from the shadows of an armchair by the fire, which had burned down to glowing coals. He had forgotten Yugi hadn'' gone to bed with the others.
"Not that it's any of your business, Pharaoh, but Ryou promised I could explore the castle if I didn't make a mess of the Sorting ceremony."
Yami's crimson eyes glittered with amusement. "So that's how he got you to leave him alone . . ."
The thief ignored him, pushing the portrait aside and stepping out into the dark hallway. It was several steps before he noticed that Yami was following him.
"What do you want now, Pharaoh?" he snapped, annoyed.
"I'm coming with you."
"What?!"
"Keep your voice down," Yami hissed.
Bakura shot him a hot glare. "Fine, come along if you wish, but don't try to order me around. I'm not one of your subjects."
"Who would want you for a subject?"
The thief ignored the last remark and they started down the stairs in silence.
*********************
Malik stood fuming before the hearth of the Slytherin common room. Who did these people think they were? The Egyptian's hand strayed into a hidden pocket of his robes, clenching around the handle of his Millenium Rod. Being cast into this lot of idiots was a personal insult.
// Malik, I'm bored. Can we go outside? //
/ You go ahead. I'm going to my soul room. /
Ishtar took the front seat eagerly and immediately headed for the first exit that met his eyes.
/ You could just use the door, yami. / Malik said, raising a mental eyebrow as Ishtar pushed the window up and climbed gingerly onto the sill.
The yami merely grinned and edged out into the night.
**************
Yami and Bakura had gone halfway down the staircase when the robber landed on one of the steps and he sank into it like water. He cursed, attempting to pull himself free and only succeeding in falling deeper.
"Well, lend a hand, will you?" he snapped at the other who was watching with unconcealed amusement.
"Give me a good reason why I should."
Bakura opened his mouth to reply but they were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Yami grabbed the tomb robber by the shoulder and yanked him from the step's clutches, dragging him down the stairs and into a side room. The owner of the footsteps paused at the base of the stairs, then continued on its way.
"Who else could be wondering around at this time?"
Bakura shrugged. "Who cares as long as they didn't catch us?"
"You would make a terrible detective."
"Says you."
A sudden burst of maniacal giggles brought their attention to the large windows. Crouched on the opposite side of the glass was an all too familiar figure. The two darkers exchanged looks.
"What was Malik thinking letting Ishtar run loose in a place like this?"
Yami unlatched the window and Bakura hauled Ishtar through it, still chortling.
"What have you been up to?" Yami asked.
The lavender-eyed Egyptian spirit grinned widely up at them and began babbling in rapid Egyptian.
"Slow down," Yami told him. "What wizard?"
Instead of answering, Ishtar pushed himself to his feet and motioned for them to follow.
*********
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore peered through his half moon spectacles at the teachers seated around the staff table. "I apologize for calling you all out of your beds at this unholy hour but this is too important to wait. Severus?"
Severus Snape produced a scroll from within the folds of his black robes and spread it out on the polished tabletop. The other teachers leaned forward to get a better look at the map and the inscriptions that bordered its yellowing edges.
"As I am sure you are all aware, there have been many recent 'accidents' caused by the random appearance of strange, unidentified monsters. The source of these accidents have been traced to the land of Egypt by some of our most experienced wizards and witches. During the ancient times, this land was home to some of the most powerful and mysterious magicians known throughout the history of the magical world."
"There are said in several texts that there was once another realm, a dark realm where resided creatures of incredible strength and undetermined origin, used by the pharaohs and various others to play in the Shadow Games. How these games were played and the use of this magic has long been lost."
"There has, however, been mentioned that near the end of their era, this realm was sealed away using seven, enchanted artifacts. Inside these items was locked all the power of their time. We believe that the current disturbances have to do with the bindings on the realm becoming unstable. But there is a more infinite danger closer at hand."
"The Dark Lord has also gotten wind of this and is sending out his servants in search of these artifacts. I need not remind you that if indeed he succeeds, we will all be in very deep danger. Please keep alert and report any unusual happenings. We must take the utmost precautions to keep the school and its students safe."
"Professor, may I make a suggestion?"
All eyes turned to the speaker. He was a tall man, pale as a ghost and so thin it was hard to believe he was still alive. Pale eyes stared out from a mask like face, lending confirmation to the wizard's eerie aura.
"Certainly, Tekris."
A half smile stretched his thin lips. "What would happen if we were to search for these items ourselves? Would it not be wise to get a hold of such artifacts before the Dark Lord can make use of them?"
Outside the staff room, unknown to the teachers, the three yamis were crouched, listening intently to every word spoken by the conference.
Bakura smirked. Those wizarding fools had no idea who they were dealing with. Any one of them could have put the entire meeting out of commission with a flick of their power. Their skill could not hold a candle to the knowledge gained by over five millennia of existence.
Yami's eyes narrowed in thought. It appeared their hikaris were going to have several more worries added to their rapidly growing list.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*
"Yugi! Hurry up or we'll be late for breakfast!"
"Hold on a sec, Ryou! I'll be there in a minute!"
Harry and Ron stood at the dormitory door, watching the spiky-haired new student rummage through his trunk. Professor McGonagall had called them to her office after dinner and asked if they were willing to show the two Griffindors around, seeing as they would have the same schedule. It was no trouble and they were perfectly happy to oblige.
"There it is, got it." Yugi turned back to them smiling, simultaneously slipping something into his pocket. "Let's go!"
The Great Hall was already bustling, and the tables were laden with platters of scrambled eggs and sausages. Before taking his seat, Ryou glanced over at the Slytherins. Malik wasn't hard to spot. He sat in stony silence at the end of the table, ignoring everyone around him. All the other members of the House were wisely giving him a wide berth-all except one.
A tug on his sleeve drew his attention back to Yugi. "What do you have first?"
"I don't know. I haven't got a schedule yet."
"Oh, sorry about that." Fred handed him his schedule with a flourish.
"It's Herbology."
"What a coincidence."
The five of them turned to see a very disgruntled Malik with a leaf of parchment in his hand and a look in his eyes that informed the other two item holders that he was in an extremely foul temper.
"Professor Snape said that I am to attend lessons with you," he said shortly.
"All right," Harry accepted this, only slightly surprised. "Let's get going."
Outside it was a beautiful day, but Malik was too preoccupied to enjoy it. As they approached the greenhouses his mood was not improved by the sight of a very familiar figure waiting among the Hufflepuffs gathered before the three buildings. Violet eyes narrowed in suspicion. It couldn't be who he thought it was . . . could it?
All through Professor Sprout's introductions and explanations of the plants they would be working with, he watched the other student carefully. The longish brown hair and cloudy green eyes were almost unmistakable. Then the object of his scrutiny turned, laughing at some joke made by a fellow classmate, and the left sleeve of his robes slid aside to reveal a gold band with the Eye of Ra itched deep into the soft mettle. It was identical to the one-
"Malik!"
The blonde Egyptian started at Yugi's shout. "Ra, you didn't have to yell!"
[[Sure,]] Yami snorted. [[My hikari has only been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes.]]
"Do you want to work with Ryou, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and me? It's six per plant."
"Sure, why not."
The plants turned out to be giant, eight-peddled, brilliantly colored flowers with razor sharp leaves and a serious attitude. The Egyptian cursed as the vicious vegetation launched an attack on his unprotected hands. He flicked his wrist reflexively, catching the slashes on his golden bracers. His 'jewelry' wasn't only good for decoration. Rearing back, it spread its orange and red petals and hissed at him through a set of needle-thin fangs.
Malik brandished a formidable set of sheers. "Watch it, plant."
The flower pulled away, folding into itself as if it had heard.
Yugi chuckled. "Even the wildlife is afraid of you when you're irritated."
"Hm . . ."
Malik straightened suddenly, turning to stare at the boy that had moved in behind them. As the teen straightened with a pot of fertilized soil in his hands, he caught sight of the Egyptian and started, green eyes widening in shock and-fear?
"M-Master Malik!" he stuttered, nearly dropping his fragile burden.
Ron and Hermione were too far away to hear, but Harry's brows shot up as he listened.
"What the heck are you doing here, Laer?"
"I-I've been coming here for the last five years-" he quailed under Malik's icy glare.
"And you never told me?!"
Laer gulped. "I-I-"
"Is there a problem?" Professor Sprout had come over to see what was going on.
"No, Professor," Laer answered quickly.
The woman gave them both a puzzled look before nodding and turning away.
"What house are you in? How could you have been her five years?"
"I'm in Gryffindor," he replied, pulling himself together to answer without stuttering. "I'm a little behind in herbology so I'm taking this class with the fifth-years."
"Are there any others here that I don't know about?"
"One in Hufflepuff-she's a sixth-year, a fourth-year in Ravenclaw, and two seventh-years in Slytherin."
Malik nodded and turned away. Dismissed, Laer went back to his group with his pot and an expression of profound relief.
What was that about? Harry wondered. What did he mean by 'master'?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What do you think we'll be working with?"
Ron snorted. "Seeing as the teacher's Hagrid, you'd better be prepared."
Yugi gave the redhead a curious look. "What do you mean?"
Harry grinned. "Ignore him. Hagrid has a strange fondness for deadly monsters with fangs and claws, but he'd never bring anything in that will be a danger to the students."
"Oh, and I suppose those disgusting blast-ended-screwts weren't dangerous enough for you?" Ron said sarcastically.
"Shh," Hermione hissed. "Here comes trouble."
"What have we here? More muggle-borns?" The annoyingly familiar voice could only belong to one person.
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
The blonde-haired Slytherin cast an amused eye over Yugi, Ryou, and Malik.
"Are you sure you shouldn't be with the first-years back at the castle?" he drawled, sneering down at the shortest boy.
Yugi ignored him; he was used to nasty comments on his height from school bullies. Yami on the other hand was indignant.
// That was uncalled for! What have we ever done to him? //
/ Just ignore him, Yami. Let him say what he likes. /
The ancient pharaoh glared from his soul room but said nothing more.
[[Having trouble swallowing your pride?]] Bakura snickered. [[We all know how hard it is for the King of Games to avoid a challenge.]]
[[Shut up, Tomb Robber.]]
[[Oh, no need to be snappy. I'm sure you'll get another chance at him sometime.]]
[[Don't judge people too quickly,]] Ishtar cut in unexpectedly.
[[What do you mean by that, assassin?]]
The other yami gave a mental shrug and grinned. [[Just a thought. Things aren't always the way they seem.]]
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
AN: Thanks for reading, please review!