Pool of Awakening
A Harry Potter/ Ranma ½ Crossover

Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma and Co or Harry and Co. Please don't sue as this is for entertainment only.

Chapter 6

When the Weasleys, Hermione, and Harry arrived at King's Crossing, they quickly unloaded their luggage and animals. Stepping through the barrier onto the platform had by now become a familiar routine. Casually, Harry, Ron, and Hermione leaned back through the barrier. Quickly, the rest of the Weasleys followed. Already the platform was pretty busy with new and returning students, so they hurriedly said their goodbyes to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and boarded the Hogwarts Express.

Settling into their customary compartment, Harry and Ron began discussing various Quidditch teams. Hermione in the mean time began reading a book she had bought yesterday while they were in Diagon Alley. When the candy- bearing cart came around, Harry bought all of there favorites, including Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans.

"Hey Hermione, what are you reading?" Ron asked after handing her some of the candy.

"Oh, it's just a book that I picked up yesterday. It's actually quite similar to the book I bought Harry for his birthday. Speaking of which, Harry, did you like it?" Hermione asked.

"Um, yeah, it's very interesting. I started reading it before coming to the Burrow. I never knew that wizards had different styles of practice. The name of the book, Ron, is Famous Eastern Wizards and Witches through History." Harry finished with a grin. "It's actually more interesting than it sounds. There's this one wizard by the name of Wei Chi who is famous for his healing techniques and his prophetic knowledge. Here, let me find his entry." Quickly Harry thumbed through the pages until he came to it.

"Wei Chi was a renowned healer and seer during the 5th century B.C. in Tibet. He specially is known for his expertise in the art of Reiki. During his time he helped many with his techniques and pasted down his knowledge to many students. Unfortunately, his art became lost for many years. Only in comparatively recent times has the knowledge been rediscovered. Wei Chi appeared before a new disciple by the name of Mikao Usui almost 3 centuries ago. The art of Reiki while slowly increasing its number of masters remains a largely undiscovered discipline. On a side note, one of his prophecies, of which he had a high degree of accuracy, is thought to have dealt with the rise of Voldemort. This seems to be one of the few that has not been accurate. For those readers who are curious as to the actual prophecy, refer to the addendum at the back of this volume. And it goes on to cover his achievements and prophecies in greater detail."

"Wow, Harry, that is pretty cool. Hey Hermione, you actually bought Harry something that I might want to glance through sometime." Ron said with a little bit of surprise in his voice. Hermione flashed him a beaming smile in response.

"Harry, have you looked up that prophecy yet?" Hermione asked also interested.

"No, no yet, let me check it out now." Turning to the appropriate page, he began reading quickly, " The seven shall unite upon the rebirth of the soulless snake, Fire, Wind, Water, and Earth shall unite with heaven, earth's and spirit's flame To battle for life's survival in a battle against an unholy terror When the messenger, lover and warrior align Separate they will fail United they will triumph" Harry finished in a lower voice.

"United they will triumph, what rubbish is this?" Draco asked in a sneering voice. Unknown to the trio, Draco had entered the compartment as Harry recited the prophecy. "Where did you find such a forgotten, and most likely false prophecy?"

"Draco, how lovely to see you again. Does it matter where I found it? It doesn't pertain to you anyway."

"Ah well you see, even if doesn't pertain to me, it most assuredly doesn't pertain to you. You're just a scrawny scar-faced Gryffindor." Draco replied scathingly then burst out laughing at the looks of anger on the trio. Before Ron who was being restrained by Harry could attack him, Draco left smirking slightly. "Be seeing you Gryffidorks."

"Harry, why did you hold me back? I would have hexed him good." Ron exclaimed.

"We don't need to start any trouble before the school year even starts Ron. There will be plenty of time later on to get back at him. Besides, I want to talk about the prophecy more. Just reading it gave me a chill."

"Me too, Harry. I've never felt anything like it." Hermione agreed. "Yeah, it was pretty chilling, Harry, but let's talk about it later. We have to change into our robes. We're almost at Hogwarts." Harry and Hermione agreed to stop the discussion and began readying for departure.

As they stepped off the train and boarded the horseless carriages, conversation turned towards the coming welcoming ceremony. They all agreed it would be something to see, as the new exchange students would be sorted also.

The Great Hall was splendorous in its current state, ready to welcome a new year in its halls. Candles were aglow, and banners boldly proclaimed their houses. When the Japanese teens first entered it, the view of the enchanted sky and glittering lights of the evening stars struck them dumb. Early that day, they had toured the classrooms, hallways and grounds of Hogwarts, but hadn't been allowed to enter the Great Hall as it was being prepared for the evening feast. They were astonished by its magnificence. After greeting the Headmaster, they quickly settled themselves in the table that had been set up for them until they were sorted. It was covered with all of the Hogwart colors and crests. All ready present were the teachers except for Professor McGonagall. As they waited, they speculated amongst themselves about which house each would be sorted into. As part of there lessons by the Headmaster, they knew which qualities represented which house. Before they could decide which they would prefer, the doors of the Great Hall swept inward and revealed a flood of students chatting and gossiping amongst themselves. These were the 2nd through 7th year students. Quickly they began to settle themselves at their respective tables, with curious glances at the new students seated apart from them. Whispers of speculation circulated around the room. Harry and his friends also noticed the students and recognized them as they settled into their own seats. Quickly he waved when he saw their gazes were on him. Hermione and Ron quickly added their greetings too. Very soon afterwards, the doors swept open again to reveal Professor McGonagall leading the first years to the front where they waited to be sorted. McGonagall swept forward and placed a ragged hat on a stool. After a moment the Sorting Hat began it's annual song. The new students watched in amazement as the hat sang of the founders and the qualities of each. Once the song ended McGonagall stepped forward again. "Good evening, as most of you may be aware, 1st years must be sorted into a house. These houses include Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. During your stay at Hogwarts, these houses will be your family. You will earn points and lose points as a whole. When I call your name, come forward and place the Sorting Hat on your head."
When Professor McGonagall had finished sorting all the first years. She called up the new exchange students. Ranma and the others approached the hat with some trepidation. This hat, a bit of ragged cloth infused with magic would determine the next part of their journey. Which house would they be in?

"Ranma Saotome" Ranma walked forward quickly and lowered the hat onto his head. "Well, well, well..Where to put you. Hmm, I see a great deal of courage and a great deal of confidence. Not Ravenclaw, and not Hufflepuff either, although you have a great deal of loyalty to your friends. Yes, GRYFFINDOR is the place for you."

Grinning, Ranma stepped down and approached Harry and his friends. "May I sit with you? Harry nodded, wondering about the fluency Ranma was exhibiting.

"How did you learn English so fast?" he asked curiously.

"Professor Dumbledore cast a spell so that anyone hearing us speak Japanese will hear English."

Akane was called next, as Ranma and Harry spoke. "Gryffindor " they heard the hat shout. Quickly she joined Ranma. Kasumi walked forward next upon hearing her name called. Several moments passed as the Sorting Hat deliberated. Finally it announced Hufflepuff.

"Nabiki Tendo" McGonagall finished. Nabiki calmly strode to the hat and placed it on her head. Put me in Slytherin she thought immediately. I see a great deal of ambition but that's not my first choice of where I would put you. You have a tremendous amount of shrewdness and intellect. Ravenclaw would help you achieve your potential. I'm also ambitious and the only one in my family that is capable of spying on the Slytherins without being caught. I need to keep an eye on certain people. The hat pondered for a moment and agreed. SLYTHERIN it is, but be sure you don't waste that fine mind of yours. Use it well in the days to come. Amidst stares and whispers, she calmly descended and approached the Slytherin table.

Akane sighed with regret. She had hoped to be together with her sisters. At least Ranma was with her though.

AN: I went back and changed the name of the book Hermione got Harry in chapter 1. I thought this fit better with what I was doing.

Thanks once again to my reviewers for kicking me in the butt to update. I beg forgiveness to all those that have been waiting patiently (or impatiently) for the next chapter. Hopefully the next chapter will be out within the next two weeks.

Let me know what you think, if I made any mistakes. Thanks again everyone. Till next time.