AN Happy November! It's snowing here, damn the snow! I HATE COLD WEATHER! Anyway, here's your chapter for you. It is right on time - that is to say, I'm posting this right after I finish writing this authors note. Perhaps I should just draw this out to torment you... nah! Enjoy the chap, let me know what you think! JA!
===
Chapter 12
"Wufei," Draco asked, peering carefully at the book sitting in front of himself and his friends. "How exactly did you read this book?"
"Yeah," Quatre frowned. "It's written in ancient *ancient* ...something. And I know for a fact, that you cannot read... what ever it is."
Wufei rolled his eyes and pulled out his glasses. "I put a translating charm on my glasses." He informed them. Draco looked surprised that Wufei wore glasses, even for reading. With a grin, Wufei grabbed the book and began flipping through the pages like a pro. Locating the one he wanted the boy began reading it out loud. His glasses translating the old Egyptian writing to Chinese, and his brain doing the rest, allowing him to speak in English.
"Although it is very rare, some wizards when they are very young can develop what it called the Imaginary Friend Syndrome. This is sometimes a side effect of when the young wizard has been diagnosed with Multiple Personalities, his psyche splits appropriately. In the case that the child is powerful enough to expel one form from his mind, and that form is equally strong enough to survive the expulsion, a sort of mental link is formed between the two. And a imaginary friend is created, having the ability to venture away from the original body and speak telepathically. In very rare cases the second personality or imaginary friend will 'grow' its own body. The body will sometimes grow in power as the original does and simply solidify, or the two will 'share' the first, one psyche remaining as a 'spirt' the other in the body. There can only be one explosion of Imaginary Friends, regardless of the amount of personalities for the original body can only handle the split once. The expelled personality will never take the identical form of the original witch or wizard. Instead, it will take on a similar form with the added qualities of recessive genetic traits and traits found in the life style or mind of the original."
"That explains my eyes." Heero said softly. "They're my father's eyes."
"But that doesn't explain Heero's Japanese traits," Duo objected. "I've seen pictures of the Potter family, and none of them were even remotely Japanese."
There was a silence before Harry surfaced. "My relatives were very against Asian people," he said with a smirk. "That was just my way of acting against them. They absolutely hated it when I began speaking Japanese."
Duo giggled, "sounds like something you would do."
"Anyway," Trowa cut in. "About the spilt personalities." He prompted Wufei to continue reading.
"In some rare cases," Wufei continued, "the two halves will try to reform into one when the power level is somehow disturbed by an outside force. This can include shared dreams with a third party, added links or even memory loss. If any of the above happen - the two halves will either be absorbed into only one form, or one of the two bodies will die, and the souls will be joined in the body still living. The original body will die because it had expelled the second personality and wouldn't be either strong enough, or adapted enough for the return."
There was a pause, all of them glancing first at Heero and then at the fire place where Harry was hidden. Well, that explained Harry's death...
Wufei cleared his throat importantly while the others rolled their eyes at him. "In the case that the two forms have absorbed into only one, they can be separated again." Wufei looked up, "there's a spell and a potion listed there." He told them before skipping over that part and continuing with his reading. "But if one form dies, in order for the two to separate again the body must be returned to life and the link between the two reestablished. After that, the two forms will be returned to one body until they are powerful enough to expel themselves completely. Although, the differences in the two personalities will be harder to define, after spending even a few hours as one single person." Wufei grinned again. "And here's the spell we need, and the potion."
"Thank Allah!" Quatre cried, clapping his hands together. The other's cheered as well, Duo going so far as to glomp each and every person in the room and treat them all with a noogie. He was running from the enraged Chinese boy for nearly an hour after that, which the other's watched from their tower window.
Duo was *very* lucky that Wufei couldn't handle a weapon when running at the speed of sound. The Chinese boy jogged, while Duo did as he did best - ran and hid.
===
It turned out that the potion they would need to revive Harry's body would take nearly three weeks to complete, to compensate that his body had been dead for over a month. The potion itself could be made in about an hour or so, but it needed to sit undisturbed for three weeks near the body to absorb the magical properties and adapt for the correct way of revival and then the absorption of Harry's body into Heero's.
The pilots didn't even begin to understand the concept of the potion, and Draco took over the project. Quatre managed to swipe the ingredients they would need from Filch's private stores, a cupboard that rivaled even Snape's. So, while Draco brewed the potion, the boys wisely stayed out of his way. Except for Heero, who was needed to cast the spell because none of the other boys were powerful enough.
The four remaining boys went to the training room for a long work-out session. After a bout of target practice, they all moved to work on their individual skills. After that, when Heero and Draco returned, they would have a series of one on one, hand to hand matches. But for now, they waited for the two to return, and practiced their own abilities.
Duo sat, leaning against his "Magical Wall Of Shit" creating more weapons. The great thing about his 'talent' was that he could create anything he knew the inner workings of. That being a great joy because with one look at something the long haired boy had it mesmerized. He had decided to test his powers by printing off pictures of random objects (like, toasters for example) from his computer and trying to create them. So, Duo was surrounded not only by weapons, but also house-hold appliances like toasters and vacuums and blenders, as well as other things like spray-paints, and hair-spray. And then violins and flutes and such because he got bored. Quatre and Trowa took great pleasure of testing out *those* creations.
Trowa, who had just managed to get a hold on his 'special skill' was pacing around and shifting forms every few moments. One minute the boy was a small cat, and the next he was a darting mouse and next again he was some other random animal. The acrobatic teen had some sort of connection with all the animals he encountered and by simply petting them he could not only tame them but, in a sense, learn their shape. With a little practice, Trowa managed to take the learned forms and turn them into forms *he* could take. He was like an Animagus with endless transformations.
Quatre, quite simply was an empath. With his abilities he could 'read' so to say, peoples emotions and even broadcast some of his own. If he was close enough to the other emotionally, he could very nearly read their mind. In a way, anticipating the response from their emotions. Not only could the Arabian read *people*, but also inanimate objects. He could learn the histories of things that had someone's emotions tied into them. Like at Draco's house, for example. So he was taking Duo's creations and 'reading' them, trying to identify what emotion he used while creating them.
And Wufei, much to the other's amusement, was practicing his use of speed. The proud boy would stand absolutely still, before suddenly vanishing. A second later, a dull THUD! would be heard from the other side of the room and they would turn to watch as Wufei got back to his feet to try again. The speed wasn't the problem so much as stopping, which Wufei had yet to master... much to his displeasure. In addition to Wufei's speed, he could also transfer his magic into other objects and attack that way. Somewhat like using a wand except much less controlled.
Heero was simply a normal wizard. Having grown up in the environment that he had, Heero and Harry both, had the ability to learn quickly. To adapt quickly. That would most likely explain the perfection learned with everything they did. More or less - if you excluded potions.
The door to the training room opened the two missing boys walked in, wiping their hands on robes. "Alright," Draco grinned, "the potion is done. And the spell has been set to Harry's properties. All we need to do now is wait."
His smile grew as Duo abandoned his Magical Wall Of Shit and erupted into cheers.
===
There was a feeling of relief and satisfaction when the boys left the training room later that afternoon. Their muscles were tingling with exhaustion and over-use, but in a pleasant way. Even Draco thought it felt great, considering his body had gone pretty much numb some time before. The six boys flopped bonelessly on the scattered pieces of furniture around the common room with sighs. Quatre and Trowa curled up together, while Duo threw his head into Heero's lap. Heero accepted this and silently began massaging his koibito's scalp.
However, when they spotted a small brown owl fluttering in that very same common room, the good feeling faded. With bewildered and suspicious eyes, they watched as the small owl flew into first, the window pane, and then into Trowa's head. Finally, the little thing took refuge in Duo's hair, only the letter it carried visible.
"Pig," Heero muttered, watching with well hidden humor as Duo violently grabbed the bird and angrily threw it across the room, annoyed that his massage was over so quickly.
'Pig' hooted in indigence and shock as he hit the wall. Then the bird hooted again, this time in anger before dropping the letter on the table and disappearing which ever way he came from. Or trying to. The small owl hit the chandelier above their heads, two portraits and flew smack into Trowa's chest. Wufei pulled out his katana, ready to slice the thing to bits, before the thing finally managed to get away.
"Well," Draco said finally after nearly ten minutes of his friends glaring at the defenceless piece of paper. "Whose it for then?"
Nobody moved to take the letter to find out.
"It could be cursed," Quatre explained to Draco, finally standing up and kneeling down next to the note. Though, that was *his* excuse. The other's just didn't want to stand up. The small blond boy cupped his hands over the paper, 'reading' the emotions linked to it. He also took a moment to read the name written in plain writing on the front. "It's clean." The blond announced, picking it up. "And it's for you, Heero. It's a duel challenge, with someone who wants some kind of revenge on you."
Heero snorted and took the note. He took one look at the handwriting and softly said a name, though the note was unsigned. "Hermione."
Inside the note were instructions as to where to meet and what time. There was no option for backing out. Unless of course, they just didn't show up.
===
At precisely 11:58 pm, Heero and Duo stalked into the appointed room, with Wufei, Quatre, Trowa and Draco hidden behind them under the Invisibility cloak. They were two minutes early. Just two steps in, Heero was assaulted with memories of his fifth year - of Dumbledore's Army. The Room of Requirement really hadn't changed for the use they had for it now. Large and pretty much empty. Hermione and her dueling second, Ron, were already there. Both teens were scowling at the two pilots. Duo took a quick look around the room, taking in its pros, cons and escape routes by pure instinct.
"You're late." Ron bit out at them, interrupting the glaring contest Heero and Hermione were involved in, and Duo's assessment of the room.
Duo lifted an eyebrow at him, causing Ron to flush red enough to match his hair, but otherwise said nothing. Heero increased the intensity of his Death Glare, and Hermione shivered while she pulled out her wand. She suddenly smirked.
Under the cloak, the four hidden boys rolled their eyes.
"Draw your wand." Hermione commanded, still smirking. She clearly knew that neither boy standing in front of her had a wand. And if they did, she would simply report it to Dumbledore and get them kicked out of school. Without a wand, they lose. With a wand, they're expelled. Win-win situation.
"Draco lent you his wand, didn't he Hee-chan?" Duo asked rhetorically, sitting himself in a corner with a large/fake yawn. Actually, Heero would be using his own wand - Harry's wand - though Draco had offered his.
Still, Heero nodded and pulled the wand from his spandex shorts. He gave it a quick twirl, as if getting a good feel of the magic it held. He was also very smug that Hermione's plan had been offset. It meant she was now committed to duel him, no matter what.
Ron bristled. "That *traitor*!" He snarled.
Under the cloak, Quatre placed a calming hand on Draco's shoulder while the wizard took a deep but silent breath to keep his emotions under control. If he knew Duo, the boy would rant at Ron for insulting his friend. Nobody insulted a friend in front of Duo Maxwell and got away with it.
Sure enough, Duo's rant was abruptly finished about seven minutes later - Ron having been reduced to a wide-eyed, fish-mouthed, red-faced shell - when Hermione finally cast her first spell, aimed at Heero. The Perfect Soldier, having been anticipating this for about six minutes, didn't bother to block. Instead, he let the hex hit him to see the strength of Hermione's power. The effects of the Jelly-legs were easily fought off, while Heero fired his own spell. It was minor, considering what he could have done, but still effected the witch greatly. She staggered as one arm, the one hit, took on the added weight of about a hundred pounds. Using that distraction of distress, Heero hit her other arm, and both legs with that same curse.
Hermione hit the ground with a grunt of pain.
"Weakling," Duo muttered, watching her with scorn. He then turned to cheer on Heero.
Ron stood in shock before pulling out his own wand. He looked absolutely livid and with a hand shaking in anger pointed the wand at Heero. He opened his mouth to shout a very damaging curse.
"No, no, no~o," Duo sing-songed, waving a taunting finger. "The second only duels when the first has died. Cast a spell now and we win, try telling that to all your pompous anal sidekicks." He was naturally referring to the Gryffindors. His insult had the effect of pissing Hermione off enough to fight her curse off. Duo was surprised that Heero didn't attack her while she was down. It was always a smart move for a soldier to finish off his opponent while he - or in this cast, she - was distracted. Then again, this was Hermione, Harry's best friend of six years.
Which gave the boy another advantage.
"SHE *LIVES*!" Duo shouted.
He then watched in amusement as the girl tried to gather her bearings. She was disoriented from the weight she had to forcefully expel with her own magic. A taxing job because she had had to do it four separate times. And also because Heero's magic was twice as strong, which caused the spell to require doubled power and nearly as much concentration, which made the job even more taxing. The girl gathered her bearings and straightened up, glaring heatedly at her opponent.
Heero, gladly and almost happily returned the look. Though, his was much more intense. The ever powerful "Death Glare."
In the next two seconds, the air space between Heero and Hermione was full of streaking spells. Gray flashes, red streaks and even glimpses of blue. Most of the hexes and curses missed the intended targets to smash against the walls. Duo quickly erected a protective barrier to shield himself incase a curse went astray.
At that moment, one of Hermione's spells broke through Heero's defences. With a shocked gasp, it took effect. And a billowy white cloud misted off of Heero's skin, similar looking to Dumbledore's memory strange for the Pensive. Even as Heero struggled to fight off the curse, the cloud grew larger and soon enveloped the entire room.
"What is this?" Duo shouted, trying to tighten his barrier spell. But the mist crept past it as though there was no spell and quickly enveloped him as well.
"It's a Defining Moment's spell," Hermione said in a weak but extremely smug voice. That voice spoke volumes about the amount of time she spent researching the spell and perfecting it. "It displays every moment of extreme importance of the victim. All the moments that changed your life drastically..." her voice trailed off as the mist receded slightly to display a group of images in the middle of the room. "We'll learn your secrets yet," she said in that same smug voice.
Heero closed his eyes, both forcing Harry's memories as far from his mind as possible and fighting off the curse at the same time. Hopefully none of his moments were from being Harry.
Duo watched, completely terrified at what might be shown. And the others, still under the Invisibility cloak were too shocked to even move.
At first, there were only a few images. Fleeting glimpses of a dark street and a yelling, over-sized man. Presumably this was the moment in Heero's life that he was sent to the Colonies time. Sure enough, the next thing the mist showed the group of terrified and/or eager teenagers was a small, eight year old Heero walking down a deserted road.
"Hey," a voice echoed around the room, causing little Heero to whip around, gun drawn. "Good eyes," the voice continued, perfectly calm. An old man leaning against a building was revealed through the mist. There was a brief silence as boy and man stared each other down.
"Want to be a Gundam pilot?"
Young Heero nodded after a brief moment of thought, and the mist swirled again. This time however, there were no voices. Instead, there was a hum of machines and Heero, this time as a teen, was revealed strapped down to a medical bed, blood dripping from two bullet wounds - one on his arm, the other in his leg. The scene continued as Duo appeared on one of the monitors, going further to display Heero leaping out of a fifty-floor hole in a wall and *not* deploying his parachute.
Duo's frantic shouting could barely be heard through the mist. The scene ended at Duo's declaration of friendship.
Scene after scene. All from the war. Some included Relena, most had Duo. Until finally Heero managed to overthrow the curse. Lucky for him, it was just before he had almost shot Marimaya. That would be very hard to explain - considering they couldn't erase Hermione's memory first. Which Draco was already getting ready to do.
"You..." Hermione sputtered, completely baffled. "You're a murderer!" She was white faced with terror and quickly began backing away.
Draco's first spell missed her, though had the added bonus of hitting Ron instead. The boy collapsed, his mind successfully altered to change his perspective of the night.
Heero, looking white-faced and exhausted from the strain of the effort used to overthrow the curse, didn't say anything. Duo took that as his que. The long haired boy jumped to his feet. Hermione locked her eyes on him, wide and definitely not trusting.
"Get away from me!" She shrieked. Clearly she now remembered him and Harry sparing on the front lawns. Clearly she remembered Ron's story of his being able to create weapons at will. Clearly she remembered the disturbance he had caused at the Welcoming Feast.
"You talk," Duo threatened, in a rare moment of seriousness. "And you die. It's that simple."
Draco's memory spell hit the girl next moment and she fell over as though having fainted. Heero followed her to the floor a moment later.
===
It took about two minutes for Duo to completely shake off his initial shock. Finally clearing his head, he slowly walked over to Heero's prone form. The dark haired boy was just waking up. He shook his head slightly, as though clearing his thoughts and attempted to get to his feet. He groaned and settled for lying on the floor.
Quatre appeared, pulling the cloak off of himself and the others. "We should leave before they wake up." The blond suggested. "I can take Draco back to his dorm under the cloak. You all will be okay getting back right?"
They all nodded, Heero said, slowly getting to his feet with the help of Duo. "Filch tends to patrol the main floors," he said, his voice think with exhaustion. "Stick to the unused passages and you should remain undetected."
The boys nodded again. Trowa shifted into a form that resembled Professor McGonagall's tabby-cat animagus form. Wufei opened the door for his friend and they both vanished. Quatre and Draco donned the Invisibility cloak and the door creaked shut a moment later. Duo carefully slung Heero's arm over his shoulders, offering a smile.
"Mission," he tried to joke. "Return to the dormitories undetected."
Heero nodded, glad to have something to focus his attention on other then his internal suffering and depleted magic supply. That curse really had been something else. They took a few unsteady steps, Heero leaning heavily against his koibito. They finally found a balance and began moving more quickly out of the door and down the hall. They met no resistance, not another soul was out. Which was logical, seeing as it was about one thirty in the morning. A Saturday morning to boot.
"What about Ron and Hermione?" Duo finally asked about two hallways away from the Room of Requirement.
"They'll be out of it for a while, Draco subdued them pretty thoroughly." Heero said curtly. He stopped the two of them at a corner and Duo silently conjured a mirror to peer around it. "And they know the way back to their dorm. It's most likely they won't be missed until breakfast."
Duo nodded, taking another glance around the corner as a reflex. "We're clear." He said absently.
They continued on their way, stopping at corners and peering around them with Duo's mirror. Twice it came in handy. The first time because Snape was patrolling at the far end of the next hall... and the second because Sir Nearly Headless Nick was drifting down the corridor, peering into the shadows. It was obvious that something had alerted the Hogwarts staff of night crawlers.
It was only when they were going down a deserted hallway about two minutes away from the entrance to their dormitory that they were found. Peeves, the Poltergeist, was floating in the air, slowly flipping himself in a very long series of summer-salts. To tell the truth, the colorfully dressed ghost looked board out of his mind. It suddenly occurred to Duo that he hadn't seen the mischief maker since the day before Heero had been attacked out at the lake. And then Duo was stuck in the hospital wing, where Peeves was forbidden to go, no matter what. Peeves suddenly spotted the two boys, halfway through a summer salt.
The ghost grinned at Duo, and opened his mouth to bellow out a greeting. His breath was held when Duo quickly put a finger to his lips, pleading with his dead friend to stay silent.
"Please Peeves," Duo whispered urgently. "The staff is this close to kicking us out of Hogwarts. If Heero and I are caught out of the dorm, we're gone for good!" He held his thumb and index finger a fraction apart to prove his point. Heero gazed silently at the floating figure in the air.
Peeves didn't look very happy about that news flash. Dammit! He and Duo had become quite good friends before their abrupt separation. Their minds worked in the same twisted way when it came to humor and jokes. Peeves had helped plant many a joke in various parts of the castle. And enjoyed doing it immensely. Besides the Bloody Baron, Duo was the only other person that Peeves would listen to. And the only person that he respected.
"Please help us," Heero said softly, gazing imploringly at Peeves. "We just need to get back to our dorm."
Peeves seemed unsure, looking from one boy to the other. They both continued to watch him with that pleading, hopeful look in their eyes. Finally, the ghost consented. With a nod, he preformed one more flip and zoomed through the floor. A few seconds later various crashes could be heard from the floor below them.
"Come on," Duo said softly, "let's get you to bed."
The rest of the trip to the dormitory was in safe silence.
===
The next morning was quiet. It was the day before Christmas Holidays were to start and most of the school was down in Hogsmeade buying gifts for friends and family. And everyone else was packing for the vacation away from school. Draco had gone tot he village in the company of the Slytherins. Heero had slept until noon, and then was forced to remain bedridden for the rest of the afternoon. Trowa, Wufei and Quatre had all gone for a walk on the lawns, while Duo disappeared into the fireplace to test a few of his new magical gadgets.
They really were quite clever, Duo's gadgets. One was what looked somewhat like a hearing aid. But Duo had modified it with magic and top of the line electronics to become a mental Communication Device. If the thing worked correctly, it would allow whoever was wearing one to speak telepathically with any body else who was wearing one. He had also come up with a sort of Battle Staff, which changed shape into what would be most needed. So far, the Battle Staff worked perfectly, being able to shift from a two-sided ax, to a scythe, to a knife and so on. Wufei had been most pleased with the weapon, as it was suited for his type of magic almost perfectly. The long haired boy planed to give it to his friend as a Christmas gift. But Duo needed to find somebody to help test out his Communication Device.
And Heero and the others were most definitely out of the question. Too bad Relena wasn't around, it might be nice to be able to test things on her. Then again, Duo wasn't quite so sure he wanted an insight to the inner workings of his koi's stalkers mind. That just might be a little too much for him to handle.
Back in their shared bedroom, Harry was working patiently on his lap-top. With skill only he and Heero had, he had finished writing the report on the night before, his latest session with Dumbledore and his latest insights to Voldemort's plans. The snakeish thing was really quite determined to have him and the others on his team. Oh, the irony of Voldemort wanting Harry Potter's second personality on his side. Harry shook his head and closed the lap-top if he didn't rest, Quatre would go for his head. Or worse, his computer.
And anyway, if he and Heero didn't get some rest, their chance at splitting apart might pass them by. After all, they would be cutting it very close with the day Voldemort had planned to attack. New Years Eve.
=HARRY'S DREAM=
"We will attack," Lord Voldemort declared, looking down at his minions, "during the Hogwarts New Years Party. This will be crucial as it will show out strength and convince those five boys to join our side."
The group of Death Eaters all nodded their heads in one slow up-down movement. Voldemort looked pleased.
"I have also received word that the boys will be traveling to Japan and China during the Christmas holidays. Spread out in those areas, in the largest towns to try and find them."
Another uniformed nod.
"And this time," Voldemort said, now resting one hand against his face to hide his exasperation. "Don't wear you robes. It will be better if they can't identify you easily."
One last nod.
=END DREAM=
Harry chuckled. It seemed as though his foe was having some difficulties controlling his brainless oafs. If anything, the man needed the Gundam Pilots to bring life back into the troops. Well, troop really - as there were only about twenty Death Eaters in all. Five each, Harry mused. As easy as destroying a space port. Or even five.
"Hee-chan," Duo sing-songed, skipping into their shared room. "Wanna play a game called Guinea pig?"
Harry and Heero abruptly switched and Heero cast the long haired boy a suspicious look. "No." He said evenly.
Duo pouted. "Why not?" He whined, planting himself on the bed next to his koi. "It's such a fun game!"
Heero rolled his eyes. "Because the last time I was forced to play that game, I was ticked into being a standing dummy for your throwing knives. And let me tell you, you didn't have any aim back them." One hand moved down to finger the small thin scar on the outer thigh of his left leg. The knife wound had been very slight, but it had managed to leave its mark regardless.
"It's not my fault that Trowa ran away from me!" Duo protested, still guilty he had actually hurt Heero with one of his knives.
"And the time before that I was stuck playing pin-cusion while you tried to sew a dress for Hilde." Heero said, now ticking these occurrences off his fingers.
"Quatre wouldn't stand still." Duo defended himself. "That wasn't my fault either."
"Actually Maxwell, I'm pretty sure it was entirely your fault." Came Wufei's voice from the doorway. "Stop pestering Heero, we have other problems right now."
Duo turned around, still pouting. "Like what?" He demanded.
"Draco's hurt." Wufei informed them bluntly. "Weasley challenged him to a duel because Draco 'lent' Heero his wand last night. Draco won, but Weasley managed to hit him with a hex that somehow involves locking his senses inside. Draco can't hear, taste, see, or smell. He has no clue where he is."
"You're the only other one with the type of knowledge to break the hex, koibito," Heero said gently, extremely glad that he wasn't going to be forced into another rousing game of Guinea pig.
Duo nearly swelled with pride.
"A bigger ego and his buttons would burst." Wufei muttered.
Duo ignored him for favoring Heero with a wet kiss and skipping out of the room and down the stairs. About half an hour later he had managed to fix Draco's hearing problem and fifteen minutes after that, his sight problem. Taste and smell were unlocked within an hour after that.
"So," Duo said, finally setting down his hands and sitting back in his chair. Trowa and Quatre had walked into the dormitory common room somewhere along the second sense. But they had noticed Duo's need for intense concentration and quickly left for the kitchens instead. "How did you end up winning if you were all blind and stuff?"
Draco rubbed his sore neck while he tried to sort out his memories. "I'm pretty sure that we both cast our spells at the same time." He said finally. "I know mine hit him, I heard him scream. Then every thing went quiet. I think Wufei appeared before my eyes cut out. Then it was like I was floating or something."
"What spell did you hit him with?" Wufei asked, setting down three mugs of hot chocolate he had just brought back from the kitchens. Quatre and Trowa were still there, talking to the little elves about different cooking tips.
"Sleep and Dreams," Draco told them. "It's not a spell you can find in a book. I made it up a few days ago and needed someone to test it on. If I did it right, it will make him experience his worst memories in dream form. Only after the worst has passed will he have the option of waking up."
There was silence from the two Gundam Pilots.
"What if you did it wrong?" Duo finally managed.
"The person he is the closest to," Draco said off handedly. "I'm sure Granger's dreams are just as bad as his."
But they all knew that there was a possibility that Ron would be experiencing Harry's dreams. And in that sense, Heero's as well. This spell was very dangerous to their position. And they had to find a way to keep Ron from talking about it. Of course, the boy was so frightened of them - because Duo... and Wufei... and shiny weapons... and luncheons would scare anyone - he might just keep the dreams to himself. There was a chance anyway.
To tell the truth, they were screwed.
===
Ron Weasley was being punished. His cupboard light had burnt out just a few minutes before and now the five year old boy was sitting in the dark of the small space. Not to mention that he was lonely.
"Cheer up," a little voice said from above him. "It's not like you've never been punished before."
Ron pouted. =But I don't like the dark,= he whined to his friend silently, training his eyes upward. =It's scary.= He finally picked out the boy floating above him. It was with relief that Ron took in the form of his double. Dark brown hair, slanted deep blue eyes and a body just as thin as his own. But in no was the other boy frail, he was strong, and smart too.
"I'll go get you some food," Ron's floating friend announced after they both had heard the creaking of Uncle Vernon's footsteps going up the stairs. The large man seemed to enjoy throwing all his weight onto each step and listening to the resulting THUD! Poor Ron was actually acutely aware of how many times this had happened to him. Thank goodness he finally had a friend.
Ron's stomach grumbled in agreement to his friends offer. "Be careful," he whispered to the boy before he watched him float through the door. Ron's friend simply giggled softly.
A few seconds later a soft noise sounded in the kitchen. Like two little feet coming down from a jump. A few bottles clanked together as the door to the ice-box was opened. A few more sounds, mostly dull clunks of tupawear being shifted before the cupboard door bolt was pulled and the door squeaked open. A little light came from the hallway windows, shining on the boy holding a small juice and a few scraps of food. Ron's eyes lit up and he hugged the now solid boy.
"Thanks, He-chan." He whispered.
CREEEAK
Both boys stiffened, natural instinct telling them not to move or even twitch. The master bedroom door had just opened, its hinges needing a bit of oil.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Ron trembled very slightly, and He-chan's eyes became very wide in panic as footsteps began moving down the hall in their direction. It must be Uncle Vernon looking for a midnight snack.
Click!
The light switched on with a little buzz, exposing the two boys in an almost painfully bright light. The bellow of anger was quick to follow. He-chan dropped the food he was holding with a loud thunk, and juice splashed everywhere. Ron whimpered and pulled them both into the cupboard.
"Oh no you don't boy!" Uncle Vernon bellowed, thumping loudly down the stairs. The man slipped a little on the spilled juice right outside the cupboard door but managed to wrench it open and exposed the two boys huddled on the small cot.
"Please Uncle Vernon," Ron pleaded, "don't take him away! He's my friend! I need him!"
"He's an intruder," Vernon snarled, taking a firm hold of He-chan and yanking him out of Ron's grasp. "One of those damn Asians from down the road no doubt." He dragged He-chan out of the cupboard and began hauling the fighting boy towards the front door.
"He-chan!" Ron cried, scrambling after his uncle and his double. "He-chan, come back!"
"Get back in your cupboard boy, I'll deal with you later!" Vernon growled, not looking back as he fumbled with the lock on the door. It was difficult with only one hand available, the other clutching a squirming five year old boy. Vernon's ears rang with screams and cries, his hand was beginning to bleed from being bitten by surprisingly sharp teeth. He finally achieved his goal and threw open the door, only to find that his nephew had thrown himself on his back and was pleading loudly and thumping him with his fists.
"Uncle Vernon please, please! He's my friend! He's a part of who I am! Don't throw him out! I need him!" In his mind, Ron pleaded with his friend. =He-chan,= he cried, =don't leave me here! Don't let him throw you away! Don't go-.= His mental voice was cut off as Aunt Petunia, having been drawn from the screams downstairs, smacked him over the head with a broom handle.
Ron was out cold. He-chan was thrown into the street. The poor boy was sobbing, pleading in his mind for Ron to return to him. When there was no answer, He-chan broke down further and a swirl of wind enclosed him. Minutes later, He-chan had vanished completely.
"Harry," his voice still echoed through the street as the wind continued to howl. "Bring me back..."
Ron woke up, clutching his chest and in a cold sweat.
===
Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei and Draco sat in silence as they sipped their hot chocolates. In about seven minutes Dumbledore would arrive at their dormitory to present them with their port-key to Japan. They were all silent, stewing in their own thoughts and ideas. Mostly thinking about their last Christmas together, a first real Christmas for nearly all of them.
"I've got a theory," Duo finally announced, cradling his mug in his hands and letting the warmth of the drink sink into his hands. He cast a glance at his friends before starting to explain.
"Wufei found our wands before Heero and Harry did their time spell thing, right? So what I'm thinking is that our wands are still in their shops somewhere, waiting for us to purchase them." His eyes gleamed at the though to having his wand back. "That Olivander guy told us where each of our wands was most likely to have been made, it would be easy for us to go and find them."
The others were silent, eyes closed in thought.
"That's rather intelligent of you Maxwell," Wufei finally said. "You might be onto something."
Duo frowned at the insinuation that he wasn't intelligent.
"The village idiot is going to send up to Japan anyway," Quatre reasoned, putting down his empty mug. "It won't hurt to check if Heero's wand is there before we're due in China."
Draco snickered at the description of the headmaster. "I know where the largest wizard communities are in most countries," he offered helpfully. "It was part of my summer learning experiences with my father before he died." There was no remorse in his statement. "He brought me all around the door, buying and selling different things, flaunting the Malfoy money. He also taught me the wonders of a magical thing called a Port-key, I am licensed to create them." The blond smirked.
"It you're going with a bang, its best to make it a big one," Duo quipped.
The others nodded their agreement, or shook their head in amusement.
"He's here," Quatre said softly, just before the dormitory door opened and Dumbledore strolled casually in. He was holding a slightly larger then usual chess piece, which they supposed was their means of travel. Typical that Dumbledore would choose to give them a Pawn.
"Nice try," Duo muttered, "but I prefer the Queen better."
Dumbledore ignored him. "If you'll each lay just a finger on the chess piece, I'll let you be off." He said with a wide, knowing smile. "But be quick, I've got a meeting with Mr. Weasley before he leaves for holiday. Keep the piece with you and it will reactivate when it is time for you to return."
Quatre eyed the Pawn suspiciously, his senses telling him that a well hidden tracking spell had been placed on the object. He tapped his finger gently to his ear, where Duo's perfectly working mental gadget had been placed and informed the others of this new development. They all sighed but picked up their bags and placed a finger to the chess piece none-the-less.
Seconds later there was a pull behind their navel and they stumbled in a small, cold ally way in Tokyo, Japan. Heero destroyed the Pawn with a burst of magic and they all turned to follow Draco towards their first stop. Wands in Tokyo.
===
AN Review and I'll update.
.
===
Chapter 12
"Wufei," Draco asked, peering carefully at the book sitting in front of himself and his friends. "How exactly did you read this book?"
"Yeah," Quatre frowned. "It's written in ancient *ancient* ...something. And I know for a fact, that you cannot read... what ever it is."
Wufei rolled his eyes and pulled out his glasses. "I put a translating charm on my glasses." He informed them. Draco looked surprised that Wufei wore glasses, even for reading. With a grin, Wufei grabbed the book and began flipping through the pages like a pro. Locating the one he wanted the boy began reading it out loud. His glasses translating the old Egyptian writing to Chinese, and his brain doing the rest, allowing him to speak in English.
"Although it is very rare, some wizards when they are very young can develop what it called the Imaginary Friend Syndrome. This is sometimes a side effect of when the young wizard has been diagnosed with Multiple Personalities, his psyche splits appropriately. In the case that the child is powerful enough to expel one form from his mind, and that form is equally strong enough to survive the expulsion, a sort of mental link is formed between the two. And a imaginary friend is created, having the ability to venture away from the original body and speak telepathically. In very rare cases the second personality or imaginary friend will 'grow' its own body. The body will sometimes grow in power as the original does and simply solidify, or the two will 'share' the first, one psyche remaining as a 'spirt' the other in the body. There can only be one explosion of Imaginary Friends, regardless of the amount of personalities for the original body can only handle the split once. The expelled personality will never take the identical form of the original witch or wizard. Instead, it will take on a similar form with the added qualities of recessive genetic traits and traits found in the life style or mind of the original."
"That explains my eyes." Heero said softly. "They're my father's eyes."
"But that doesn't explain Heero's Japanese traits," Duo objected. "I've seen pictures of the Potter family, and none of them were even remotely Japanese."
There was a silence before Harry surfaced. "My relatives were very against Asian people," he said with a smirk. "That was just my way of acting against them. They absolutely hated it when I began speaking Japanese."
Duo giggled, "sounds like something you would do."
"Anyway," Trowa cut in. "About the spilt personalities." He prompted Wufei to continue reading.
"In some rare cases," Wufei continued, "the two halves will try to reform into one when the power level is somehow disturbed by an outside force. This can include shared dreams with a third party, added links or even memory loss. If any of the above happen - the two halves will either be absorbed into only one form, or one of the two bodies will die, and the souls will be joined in the body still living. The original body will die because it had expelled the second personality and wouldn't be either strong enough, or adapted enough for the return."
There was a pause, all of them glancing first at Heero and then at the fire place where Harry was hidden. Well, that explained Harry's death...
Wufei cleared his throat importantly while the others rolled their eyes at him. "In the case that the two forms have absorbed into only one, they can be separated again." Wufei looked up, "there's a spell and a potion listed there." He told them before skipping over that part and continuing with his reading. "But if one form dies, in order for the two to separate again the body must be returned to life and the link between the two reestablished. After that, the two forms will be returned to one body until they are powerful enough to expel themselves completely. Although, the differences in the two personalities will be harder to define, after spending even a few hours as one single person." Wufei grinned again. "And here's the spell we need, and the potion."
"Thank Allah!" Quatre cried, clapping his hands together. The other's cheered as well, Duo going so far as to glomp each and every person in the room and treat them all with a noogie. He was running from the enraged Chinese boy for nearly an hour after that, which the other's watched from their tower window.
Duo was *very* lucky that Wufei couldn't handle a weapon when running at the speed of sound. The Chinese boy jogged, while Duo did as he did best - ran and hid.
===
It turned out that the potion they would need to revive Harry's body would take nearly three weeks to complete, to compensate that his body had been dead for over a month. The potion itself could be made in about an hour or so, but it needed to sit undisturbed for three weeks near the body to absorb the magical properties and adapt for the correct way of revival and then the absorption of Harry's body into Heero's.
The pilots didn't even begin to understand the concept of the potion, and Draco took over the project. Quatre managed to swipe the ingredients they would need from Filch's private stores, a cupboard that rivaled even Snape's. So, while Draco brewed the potion, the boys wisely stayed out of his way. Except for Heero, who was needed to cast the spell because none of the other boys were powerful enough.
The four remaining boys went to the training room for a long work-out session. After a bout of target practice, they all moved to work on their individual skills. After that, when Heero and Draco returned, they would have a series of one on one, hand to hand matches. But for now, they waited for the two to return, and practiced their own abilities.
Duo sat, leaning against his "Magical Wall Of Shit" creating more weapons. The great thing about his 'talent' was that he could create anything he knew the inner workings of. That being a great joy because with one look at something the long haired boy had it mesmerized. He had decided to test his powers by printing off pictures of random objects (like, toasters for example) from his computer and trying to create them. So, Duo was surrounded not only by weapons, but also house-hold appliances like toasters and vacuums and blenders, as well as other things like spray-paints, and hair-spray. And then violins and flutes and such because he got bored. Quatre and Trowa took great pleasure of testing out *those* creations.
Trowa, who had just managed to get a hold on his 'special skill' was pacing around and shifting forms every few moments. One minute the boy was a small cat, and the next he was a darting mouse and next again he was some other random animal. The acrobatic teen had some sort of connection with all the animals he encountered and by simply petting them he could not only tame them but, in a sense, learn their shape. With a little practice, Trowa managed to take the learned forms and turn them into forms *he* could take. He was like an Animagus with endless transformations.
Quatre, quite simply was an empath. With his abilities he could 'read' so to say, peoples emotions and even broadcast some of his own. If he was close enough to the other emotionally, he could very nearly read their mind. In a way, anticipating the response from their emotions. Not only could the Arabian read *people*, but also inanimate objects. He could learn the histories of things that had someone's emotions tied into them. Like at Draco's house, for example. So he was taking Duo's creations and 'reading' them, trying to identify what emotion he used while creating them.
And Wufei, much to the other's amusement, was practicing his use of speed. The proud boy would stand absolutely still, before suddenly vanishing. A second later, a dull THUD! would be heard from the other side of the room and they would turn to watch as Wufei got back to his feet to try again. The speed wasn't the problem so much as stopping, which Wufei had yet to master... much to his displeasure. In addition to Wufei's speed, he could also transfer his magic into other objects and attack that way. Somewhat like using a wand except much less controlled.
Heero was simply a normal wizard. Having grown up in the environment that he had, Heero and Harry both, had the ability to learn quickly. To adapt quickly. That would most likely explain the perfection learned with everything they did. More or less - if you excluded potions.
The door to the training room opened the two missing boys walked in, wiping their hands on robes. "Alright," Draco grinned, "the potion is done. And the spell has been set to Harry's properties. All we need to do now is wait."
His smile grew as Duo abandoned his Magical Wall Of Shit and erupted into cheers.
===
There was a feeling of relief and satisfaction when the boys left the training room later that afternoon. Their muscles were tingling with exhaustion and over-use, but in a pleasant way. Even Draco thought it felt great, considering his body had gone pretty much numb some time before. The six boys flopped bonelessly on the scattered pieces of furniture around the common room with sighs. Quatre and Trowa curled up together, while Duo threw his head into Heero's lap. Heero accepted this and silently began massaging his koibito's scalp.
However, when they spotted a small brown owl fluttering in that very same common room, the good feeling faded. With bewildered and suspicious eyes, they watched as the small owl flew into first, the window pane, and then into Trowa's head. Finally, the little thing took refuge in Duo's hair, only the letter it carried visible.
"Pig," Heero muttered, watching with well hidden humor as Duo violently grabbed the bird and angrily threw it across the room, annoyed that his massage was over so quickly.
'Pig' hooted in indigence and shock as he hit the wall. Then the bird hooted again, this time in anger before dropping the letter on the table and disappearing which ever way he came from. Or trying to. The small owl hit the chandelier above their heads, two portraits and flew smack into Trowa's chest. Wufei pulled out his katana, ready to slice the thing to bits, before the thing finally managed to get away.
"Well," Draco said finally after nearly ten minutes of his friends glaring at the defenceless piece of paper. "Whose it for then?"
Nobody moved to take the letter to find out.
"It could be cursed," Quatre explained to Draco, finally standing up and kneeling down next to the note. Though, that was *his* excuse. The other's just didn't want to stand up. The small blond boy cupped his hands over the paper, 'reading' the emotions linked to it. He also took a moment to read the name written in plain writing on the front. "It's clean." The blond announced, picking it up. "And it's for you, Heero. It's a duel challenge, with someone who wants some kind of revenge on you."
Heero snorted and took the note. He took one look at the handwriting and softly said a name, though the note was unsigned. "Hermione."
Inside the note were instructions as to where to meet and what time. There was no option for backing out. Unless of course, they just didn't show up.
===
At precisely 11:58 pm, Heero and Duo stalked into the appointed room, with Wufei, Quatre, Trowa and Draco hidden behind them under the Invisibility cloak. They were two minutes early. Just two steps in, Heero was assaulted with memories of his fifth year - of Dumbledore's Army. The Room of Requirement really hadn't changed for the use they had for it now. Large and pretty much empty. Hermione and her dueling second, Ron, were already there. Both teens were scowling at the two pilots. Duo took a quick look around the room, taking in its pros, cons and escape routes by pure instinct.
"You're late." Ron bit out at them, interrupting the glaring contest Heero and Hermione were involved in, and Duo's assessment of the room.
Duo lifted an eyebrow at him, causing Ron to flush red enough to match his hair, but otherwise said nothing. Heero increased the intensity of his Death Glare, and Hermione shivered while she pulled out her wand. She suddenly smirked.
Under the cloak, the four hidden boys rolled their eyes.
"Draw your wand." Hermione commanded, still smirking. She clearly knew that neither boy standing in front of her had a wand. And if they did, she would simply report it to Dumbledore and get them kicked out of school. Without a wand, they lose. With a wand, they're expelled. Win-win situation.
"Draco lent you his wand, didn't he Hee-chan?" Duo asked rhetorically, sitting himself in a corner with a large/fake yawn. Actually, Heero would be using his own wand - Harry's wand - though Draco had offered his.
Still, Heero nodded and pulled the wand from his spandex shorts. He gave it a quick twirl, as if getting a good feel of the magic it held. He was also very smug that Hermione's plan had been offset. It meant she was now committed to duel him, no matter what.
Ron bristled. "That *traitor*!" He snarled.
Under the cloak, Quatre placed a calming hand on Draco's shoulder while the wizard took a deep but silent breath to keep his emotions under control. If he knew Duo, the boy would rant at Ron for insulting his friend. Nobody insulted a friend in front of Duo Maxwell and got away with it.
Sure enough, Duo's rant was abruptly finished about seven minutes later - Ron having been reduced to a wide-eyed, fish-mouthed, red-faced shell - when Hermione finally cast her first spell, aimed at Heero. The Perfect Soldier, having been anticipating this for about six minutes, didn't bother to block. Instead, he let the hex hit him to see the strength of Hermione's power. The effects of the Jelly-legs were easily fought off, while Heero fired his own spell. It was minor, considering what he could have done, but still effected the witch greatly. She staggered as one arm, the one hit, took on the added weight of about a hundred pounds. Using that distraction of distress, Heero hit her other arm, and both legs with that same curse.
Hermione hit the ground with a grunt of pain.
"Weakling," Duo muttered, watching her with scorn. He then turned to cheer on Heero.
Ron stood in shock before pulling out his own wand. He looked absolutely livid and with a hand shaking in anger pointed the wand at Heero. He opened his mouth to shout a very damaging curse.
"No, no, no~o," Duo sing-songed, waving a taunting finger. "The second only duels when the first has died. Cast a spell now and we win, try telling that to all your pompous anal sidekicks." He was naturally referring to the Gryffindors. His insult had the effect of pissing Hermione off enough to fight her curse off. Duo was surprised that Heero didn't attack her while she was down. It was always a smart move for a soldier to finish off his opponent while he - or in this cast, she - was distracted. Then again, this was Hermione, Harry's best friend of six years.
Which gave the boy another advantage.
"SHE *LIVES*!" Duo shouted.
He then watched in amusement as the girl tried to gather her bearings. She was disoriented from the weight she had to forcefully expel with her own magic. A taxing job because she had had to do it four separate times. And also because Heero's magic was twice as strong, which caused the spell to require doubled power and nearly as much concentration, which made the job even more taxing. The girl gathered her bearings and straightened up, glaring heatedly at her opponent.
Heero, gladly and almost happily returned the look. Though, his was much more intense. The ever powerful "Death Glare."
In the next two seconds, the air space between Heero and Hermione was full of streaking spells. Gray flashes, red streaks and even glimpses of blue. Most of the hexes and curses missed the intended targets to smash against the walls. Duo quickly erected a protective barrier to shield himself incase a curse went astray.
At that moment, one of Hermione's spells broke through Heero's defences. With a shocked gasp, it took effect. And a billowy white cloud misted off of Heero's skin, similar looking to Dumbledore's memory strange for the Pensive. Even as Heero struggled to fight off the curse, the cloud grew larger and soon enveloped the entire room.
"What is this?" Duo shouted, trying to tighten his barrier spell. But the mist crept past it as though there was no spell and quickly enveloped him as well.
"It's a Defining Moment's spell," Hermione said in a weak but extremely smug voice. That voice spoke volumes about the amount of time she spent researching the spell and perfecting it. "It displays every moment of extreme importance of the victim. All the moments that changed your life drastically..." her voice trailed off as the mist receded slightly to display a group of images in the middle of the room. "We'll learn your secrets yet," she said in that same smug voice.
Heero closed his eyes, both forcing Harry's memories as far from his mind as possible and fighting off the curse at the same time. Hopefully none of his moments were from being Harry.
Duo watched, completely terrified at what might be shown. And the others, still under the Invisibility cloak were too shocked to even move.
At first, there were only a few images. Fleeting glimpses of a dark street and a yelling, over-sized man. Presumably this was the moment in Heero's life that he was sent to the Colonies time. Sure enough, the next thing the mist showed the group of terrified and/or eager teenagers was a small, eight year old Heero walking down a deserted road.
"Hey," a voice echoed around the room, causing little Heero to whip around, gun drawn. "Good eyes," the voice continued, perfectly calm. An old man leaning against a building was revealed through the mist. There was a brief silence as boy and man stared each other down.
"Want to be a Gundam pilot?"
Young Heero nodded after a brief moment of thought, and the mist swirled again. This time however, there were no voices. Instead, there was a hum of machines and Heero, this time as a teen, was revealed strapped down to a medical bed, blood dripping from two bullet wounds - one on his arm, the other in his leg. The scene continued as Duo appeared on one of the monitors, going further to display Heero leaping out of a fifty-floor hole in a wall and *not* deploying his parachute.
Duo's frantic shouting could barely be heard through the mist. The scene ended at Duo's declaration of friendship.
Scene after scene. All from the war. Some included Relena, most had Duo. Until finally Heero managed to overthrow the curse. Lucky for him, it was just before he had almost shot Marimaya. That would be very hard to explain - considering they couldn't erase Hermione's memory first. Which Draco was already getting ready to do.
"You..." Hermione sputtered, completely baffled. "You're a murderer!" She was white faced with terror and quickly began backing away.
Draco's first spell missed her, though had the added bonus of hitting Ron instead. The boy collapsed, his mind successfully altered to change his perspective of the night.
Heero, looking white-faced and exhausted from the strain of the effort used to overthrow the curse, didn't say anything. Duo took that as his que. The long haired boy jumped to his feet. Hermione locked her eyes on him, wide and definitely not trusting.
"Get away from me!" She shrieked. Clearly she now remembered him and Harry sparing on the front lawns. Clearly she remembered Ron's story of his being able to create weapons at will. Clearly she remembered the disturbance he had caused at the Welcoming Feast.
"You talk," Duo threatened, in a rare moment of seriousness. "And you die. It's that simple."
Draco's memory spell hit the girl next moment and she fell over as though having fainted. Heero followed her to the floor a moment later.
===
It took about two minutes for Duo to completely shake off his initial shock. Finally clearing his head, he slowly walked over to Heero's prone form. The dark haired boy was just waking up. He shook his head slightly, as though clearing his thoughts and attempted to get to his feet. He groaned and settled for lying on the floor.
Quatre appeared, pulling the cloak off of himself and the others. "We should leave before they wake up." The blond suggested. "I can take Draco back to his dorm under the cloak. You all will be okay getting back right?"
They all nodded, Heero said, slowly getting to his feet with the help of Duo. "Filch tends to patrol the main floors," he said, his voice think with exhaustion. "Stick to the unused passages and you should remain undetected."
The boys nodded again. Trowa shifted into a form that resembled Professor McGonagall's tabby-cat animagus form. Wufei opened the door for his friend and they both vanished. Quatre and Draco donned the Invisibility cloak and the door creaked shut a moment later. Duo carefully slung Heero's arm over his shoulders, offering a smile.
"Mission," he tried to joke. "Return to the dormitories undetected."
Heero nodded, glad to have something to focus his attention on other then his internal suffering and depleted magic supply. That curse really had been something else. They took a few unsteady steps, Heero leaning heavily against his koibito. They finally found a balance and began moving more quickly out of the door and down the hall. They met no resistance, not another soul was out. Which was logical, seeing as it was about one thirty in the morning. A Saturday morning to boot.
"What about Ron and Hermione?" Duo finally asked about two hallways away from the Room of Requirement.
"They'll be out of it for a while, Draco subdued them pretty thoroughly." Heero said curtly. He stopped the two of them at a corner and Duo silently conjured a mirror to peer around it. "And they know the way back to their dorm. It's most likely they won't be missed until breakfast."
Duo nodded, taking another glance around the corner as a reflex. "We're clear." He said absently.
They continued on their way, stopping at corners and peering around them with Duo's mirror. Twice it came in handy. The first time because Snape was patrolling at the far end of the next hall... and the second because Sir Nearly Headless Nick was drifting down the corridor, peering into the shadows. It was obvious that something had alerted the Hogwarts staff of night crawlers.
It was only when they were going down a deserted hallway about two minutes away from the entrance to their dormitory that they were found. Peeves, the Poltergeist, was floating in the air, slowly flipping himself in a very long series of summer-salts. To tell the truth, the colorfully dressed ghost looked board out of his mind. It suddenly occurred to Duo that he hadn't seen the mischief maker since the day before Heero had been attacked out at the lake. And then Duo was stuck in the hospital wing, where Peeves was forbidden to go, no matter what. Peeves suddenly spotted the two boys, halfway through a summer salt.
The ghost grinned at Duo, and opened his mouth to bellow out a greeting. His breath was held when Duo quickly put a finger to his lips, pleading with his dead friend to stay silent.
"Please Peeves," Duo whispered urgently. "The staff is this close to kicking us out of Hogwarts. If Heero and I are caught out of the dorm, we're gone for good!" He held his thumb and index finger a fraction apart to prove his point. Heero gazed silently at the floating figure in the air.
Peeves didn't look very happy about that news flash. Dammit! He and Duo had become quite good friends before their abrupt separation. Their minds worked in the same twisted way when it came to humor and jokes. Peeves had helped plant many a joke in various parts of the castle. And enjoyed doing it immensely. Besides the Bloody Baron, Duo was the only other person that Peeves would listen to. And the only person that he respected.
"Please help us," Heero said softly, gazing imploringly at Peeves. "We just need to get back to our dorm."
Peeves seemed unsure, looking from one boy to the other. They both continued to watch him with that pleading, hopeful look in their eyes. Finally, the ghost consented. With a nod, he preformed one more flip and zoomed through the floor. A few seconds later various crashes could be heard from the floor below them.
"Come on," Duo said softly, "let's get you to bed."
The rest of the trip to the dormitory was in safe silence.
===
The next morning was quiet. It was the day before Christmas Holidays were to start and most of the school was down in Hogsmeade buying gifts for friends and family. And everyone else was packing for the vacation away from school. Draco had gone tot he village in the company of the Slytherins. Heero had slept until noon, and then was forced to remain bedridden for the rest of the afternoon. Trowa, Wufei and Quatre had all gone for a walk on the lawns, while Duo disappeared into the fireplace to test a few of his new magical gadgets.
They really were quite clever, Duo's gadgets. One was what looked somewhat like a hearing aid. But Duo had modified it with magic and top of the line electronics to become a mental Communication Device. If the thing worked correctly, it would allow whoever was wearing one to speak telepathically with any body else who was wearing one. He had also come up with a sort of Battle Staff, which changed shape into what would be most needed. So far, the Battle Staff worked perfectly, being able to shift from a two-sided ax, to a scythe, to a knife and so on. Wufei had been most pleased with the weapon, as it was suited for his type of magic almost perfectly. The long haired boy planed to give it to his friend as a Christmas gift. But Duo needed to find somebody to help test out his Communication Device.
And Heero and the others were most definitely out of the question. Too bad Relena wasn't around, it might be nice to be able to test things on her. Then again, Duo wasn't quite so sure he wanted an insight to the inner workings of his koi's stalkers mind. That just might be a little too much for him to handle.
Back in their shared bedroom, Harry was working patiently on his lap-top. With skill only he and Heero had, he had finished writing the report on the night before, his latest session with Dumbledore and his latest insights to Voldemort's plans. The snakeish thing was really quite determined to have him and the others on his team. Oh, the irony of Voldemort wanting Harry Potter's second personality on his side. Harry shook his head and closed the lap-top if he didn't rest, Quatre would go for his head. Or worse, his computer.
And anyway, if he and Heero didn't get some rest, their chance at splitting apart might pass them by. After all, they would be cutting it very close with the day Voldemort had planned to attack. New Years Eve.
=HARRY'S DREAM=
"We will attack," Lord Voldemort declared, looking down at his minions, "during the Hogwarts New Years Party. This will be crucial as it will show out strength and convince those five boys to join our side."
The group of Death Eaters all nodded their heads in one slow up-down movement. Voldemort looked pleased.
"I have also received word that the boys will be traveling to Japan and China during the Christmas holidays. Spread out in those areas, in the largest towns to try and find them."
Another uniformed nod.
"And this time," Voldemort said, now resting one hand against his face to hide his exasperation. "Don't wear you robes. It will be better if they can't identify you easily."
One last nod.
=END DREAM=
Harry chuckled. It seemed as though his foe was having some difficulties controlling his brainless oafs. If anything, the man needed the Gundam Pilots to bring life back into the troops. Well, troop really - as there were only about twenty Death Eaters in all. Five each, Harry mused. As easy as destroying a space port. Or even five.
"Hee-chan," Duo sing-songed, skipping into their shared room. "Wanna play a game called Guinea pig?"
Harry and Heero abruptly switched and Heero cast the long haired boy a suspicious look. "No." He said evenly.
Duo pouted. "Why not?" He whined, planting himself on the bed next to his koi. "It's such a fun game!"
Heero rolled his eyes. "Because the last time I was forced to play that game, I was ticked into being a standing dummy for your throwing knives. And let me tell you, you didn't have any aim back them." One hand moved down to finger the small thin scar on the outer thigh of his left leg. The knife wound had been very slight, but it had managed to leave its mark regardless.
"It's not my fault that Trowa ran away from me!" Duo protested, still guilty he had actually hurt Heero with one of his knives.
"And the time before that I was stuck playing pin-cusion while you tried to sew a dress for Hilde." Heero said, now ticking these occurrences off his fingers.
"Quatre wouldn't stand still." Duo defended himself. "That wasn't my fault either."
"Actually Maxwell, I'm pretty sure it was entirely your fault." Came Wufei's voice from the doorway. "Stop pestering Heero, we have other problems right now."
Duo turned around, still pouting. "Like what?" He demanded.
"Draco's hurt." Wufei informed them bluntly. "Weasley challenged him to a duel because Draco 'lent' Heero his wand last night. Draco won, but Weasley managed to hit him with a hex that somehow involves locking his senses inside. Draco can't hear, taste, see, or smell. He has no clue where he is."
"You're the only other one with the type of knowledge to break the hex, koibito," Heero said gently, extremely glad that he wasn't going to be forced into another rousing game of Guinea pig.
Duo nearly swelled with pride.
"A bigger ego and his buttons would burst." Wufei muttered.
Duo ignored him for favoring Heero with a wet kiss and skipping out of the room and down the stairs. About half an hour later he had managed to fix Draco's hearing problem and fifteen minutes after that, his sight problem. Taste and smell were unlocked within an hour after that.
"So," Duo said, finally setting down his hands and sitting back in his chair. Trowa and Quatre had walked into the dormitory common room somewhere along the second sense. But they had noticed Duo's need for intense concentration and quickly left for the kitchens instead. "How did you end up winning if you were all blind and stuff?"
Draco rubbed his sore neck while he tried to sort out his memories. "I'm pretty sure that we both cast our spells at the same time." He said finally. "I know mine hit him, I heard him scream. Then every thing went quiet. I think Wufei appeared before my eyes cut out. Then it was like I was floating or something."
"What spell did you hit him with?" Wufei asked, setting down three mugs of hot chocolate he had just brought back from the kitchens. Quatre and Trowa were still there, talking to the little elves about different cooking tips.
"Sleep and Dreams," Draco told them. "It's not a spell you can find in a book. I made it up a few days ago and needed someone to test it on. If I did it right, it will make him experience his worst memories in dream form. Only after the worst has passed will he have the option of waking up."
There was silence from the two Gundam Pilots.
"What if you did it wrong?" Duo finally managed.
"The person he is the closest to," Draco said off handedly. "I'm sure Granger's dreams are just as bad as his."
But they all knew that there was a possibility that Ron would be experiencing Harry's dreams. And in that sense, Heero's as well. This spell was very dangerous to their position. And they had to find a way to keep Ron from talking about it. Of course, the boy was so frightened of them - because Duo... and Wufei... and shiny weapons... and luncheons would scare anyone - he might just keep the dreams to himself. There was a chance anyway.
To tell the truth, they were screwed.
===
Ron Weasley was being punished. His cupboard light had burnt out just a few minutes before and now the five year old boy was sitting in the dark of the small space. Not to mention that he was lonely.
"Cheer up," a little voice said from above him. "It's not like you've never been punished before."
Ron pouted. =But I don't like the dark,= he whined to his friend silently, training his eyes upward. =It's scary.= He finally picked out the boy floating above him. It was with relief that Ron took in the form of his double. Dark brown hair, slanted deep blue eyes and a body just as thin as his own. But in no was the other boy frail, he was strong, and smart too.
"I'll go get you some food," Ron's floating friend announced after they both had heard the creaking of Uncle Vernon's footsteps going up the stairs. The large man seemed to enjoy throwing all his weight onto each step and listening to the resulting THUD! Poor Ron was actually acutely aware of how many times this had happened to him. Thank goodness he finally had a friend.
Ron's stomach grumbled in agreement to his friends offer. "Be careful," he whispered to the boy before he watched him float through the door. Ron's friend simply giggled softly.
A few seconds later a soft noise sounded in the kitchen. Like two little feet coming down from a jump. A few bottles clanked together as the door to the ice-box was opened. A few more sounds, mostly dull clunks of tupawear being shifted before the cupboard door bolt was pulled and the door squeaked open. A little light came from the hallway windows, shining on the boy holding a small juice and a few scraps of food. Ron's eyes lit up and he hugged the now solid boy.
"Thanks, He-chan." He whispered.
CREEEAK
Both boys stiffened, natural instinct telling them not to move or even twitch. The master bedroom door had just opened, its hinges needing a bit of oil.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Ron trembled very slightly, and He-chan's eyes became very wide in panic as footsteps began moving down the hall in their direction. It must be Uncle Vernon looking for a midnight snack.
Click!
The light switched on with a little buzz, exposing the two boys in an almost painfully bright light. The bellow of anger was quick to follow. He-chan dropped the food he was holding with a loud thunk, and juice splashed everywhere. Ron whimpered and pulled them both into the cupboard.
"Oh no you don't boy!" Uncle Vernon bellowed, thumping loudly down the stairs. The man slipped a little on the spilled juice right outside the cupboard door but managed to wrench it open and exposed the two boys huddled on the small cot.
"Please Uncle Vernon," Ron pleaded, "don't take him away! He's my friend! I need him!"
"He's an intruder," Vernon snarled, taking a firm hold of He-chan and yanking him out of Ron's grasp. "One of those damn Asians from down the road no doubt." He dragged He-chan out of the cupboard and began hauling the fighting boy towards the front door.
"He-chan!" Ron cried, scrambling after his uncle and his double. "He-chan, come back!"
"Get back in your cupboard boy, I'll deal with you later!" Vernon growled, not looking back as he fumbled with the lock on the door. It was difficult with only one hand available, the other clutching a squirming five year old boy. Vernon's ears rang with screams and cries, his hand was beginning to bleed from being bitten by surprisingly sharp teeth. He finally achieved his goal and threw open the door, only to find that his nephew had thrown himself on his back and was pleading loudly and thumping him with his fists.
"Uncle Vernon please, please! He's my friend! He's a part of who I am! Don't throw him out! I need him!" In his mind, Ron pleaded with his friend. =He-chan,= he cried, =don't leave me here! Don't let him throw you away! Don't go-.= His mental voice was cut off as Aunt Petunia, having been drawn from the screams downstairs, smacked him over the head with a broom handle.
Ron was out cold. He-chan was thrown into the street. The poor boy was sobbing, pleading in his mind for Ron to return to him. When there was no answer, He-chan broke down further and a swirl of wind enclosed him. Minutes later, He-chan had vanished completely.
"Harry," his voice still echoed through the street as the wind continued to howl. "Bring me back..."
Ron woke up, clutching his chest and in a cold sweat.
===
Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei and Draco sat in silence as they sipped their hot chocolates. In about seven minutes Dumbledore would arrive at their dormitory to present them with their port-key to Japan. They were all silent, stewing in their own thoughts and ideas. Mostly thinking about their last Christmas together, a first real Christmas for nearly all of them.
"I've got a theory," Duo finally announced, cradling his mug in his hands and letting the warmth of the drink sink into his hands. He cast a glance at his friends before starting to explain.
"Wufei found our wands before Heero and Harry did their time spell thing, right? So what I'm thinking is that our wands are still in their shops somewhere, waiting for us to purchase them." His eyes gleamed at the though to having his wand back. "That Olivander guy told us where each of our wands was most likely to have been made, it would be easy for us to go and find them."
The others were silent, eyes closed in thought.
"That's rather intelligent of you Maxwell," Wufei finally said. "You might be onto something."
Duo frowned at the insinuation that he wasn't intelligent.
"The village idiot is going to send up to Japan anyway," Quatre reasoned, putting down his empty mug. "It won't hurt to check if Heero's wand is there before we're due in China."
Draco snickered at the description of the headmaster. "I know where the largest wizard communities are in most countries," he offered helpfully. "It was part of my summer learning experiences with my father before he died." There was no remorse in his statement. "He brought me all around the door, buying and selling different things, flaunting the Malfoy money. He also taught me the wonders of a magical thing called a Port-key, I am licensed to create them." The blond smirked.
"It you're going with a bang, its best to make it a big one," Duo quipped.
The others nodded their agreement, or shook their head in amusement.
"He's here," Quatre said softly, just before the dormitory door opened and Dumbledore strolled casually in. He was holding a slightly larger then usual chess piece, which they supposed was their means of travel. Typical that Dumbledore would choose to give them a Pawn.
"Nice try," Duo muttered, "but I prefer the Queen better."
Dumbledore ignored him. "If you'll each lay just a finger on the chess piece, I'll let you be off." He said with a wide, knowing smile. "But be quick, I've got a meeting with Mr. Weasley before he leaves for holiday. Keep the piece with you and it will reactivate when it is time for you to return."
Quatre eyed the Pawn suspiciously, his senses telling him that a well hidden tracking spell had been placed on the object. He tapped his finger gently to his ear, where Duo's perfectly working mental gadget had been placed and informed the others of this new development. They all sighed but picked up their bags and placed a finger to the chess piece none-the-less.
Seconds later there was a pull behind their navel and they stumbled in a small, cold ally way in Tokyo, Japan. Heero destroyed the Pawn with a burst of magic and they all turned to follow Draco towards their first stop. Wands in Tokyo.
===
AN Review and I'll update.
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