Three familiar faces stared down, into the hospital bed. Finally, Draco reached out and prodded the furry little creature in the bed. He cringed and drew back his hand.

"What the hell is that?"

"A creativity demon," Legolas said quietly. He stared at the creature sadly.

"A WHAT?"

"How stupid are you?" Kaiba said with some agitation. "A creativity demon is the spark of inspiration and imagination an author uses to create a fanfiction. They're become endangered in Kaitourei's mind due to the rabid plotbunies and the numerous plotholes – not to mention, Mary Sues often hunt them..."

Draco turned back to creature; "Don't tell me, this is the demon for 'Turmoil'…"

Legolas looked downcast as the furry creature let out a weak cough. The heart monitor beeped every few ten seconds. All the while stereotypical violin music began to play from somewhere around them.

"It's in intensive care."

I'm back. Nothing's new or unusual in my exciting life and as usual I have no clue when the next update will be. Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter. BTW, Sorry about the grammatical error in the last chapter, I hope this one's better.

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Turmoil

By Kaitourei

Chapter Thirteen: The Second Encounter

"Cornelius, you'll be surprised to find out there are a few things I have yet to know. The Book of Sennen Magic is one, although I do believe someone may be able to shed light on it. He should be arriving soon."

- Albus Dumbledore

Dumbledore's blue eyes had lost their brilliance. The older man leaned back in his chair, which in the twins' opinion seemed too large for the shriveled man. Around the office were many books and portraits of previous Hogwarts Headmasters. Many portraits were empty and near the window there was a gold and red phoenix sitting contently on its perch.

Near the Headmaster sat a smaller man, graying and dressed in a green cardigan. He was Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. The little man's eyes darted toward the twins and his face looked as if he'd eaten something sour. They returned his gaze with innocent smiles until the little man looked away.

The Headmaster searched the boys in front of him with a gaze, both grim and solemn, before beginning. He turned to Fudge, "I expect to know why you've pulled my students from their classes, Cornelius."

"Dumbledore," the leprechaun began. "I have reason to believe that these boys are aiding the Dark Arts - "

"Us?" George asked incredulously. "You're the one who's sent Lucius Malfoy here!"

"What makes you so certain that he hasn't killed off those Aurors?" Fred added, standing up.

"Lucius Malfoy is a respected member of the Wizarding community!" Fudge said, he face reddening. "You should watch what you say, Mr. Weasly!"

"Gentlemen," Dumbledore said simply, addressing the three as if they were toddlers. Fred sat down. "Hogwarts has been attacked, this is not the time to argue. We must take imitate action to fortify the school, there is not time for blame." Dumbledore's eyes grew darker, "Who ever killed those Aurors is gone, Cornelius, they've gotten what they wanted."

Fred and George exchanged confused looks.

"I see," Fudge eyed the twins, "But, what were you boys doing in that passage way?"

 "Listen," George explained. "The only reason we were there was because we were avoiding History of Magic - "

" – Goblin wars bore us - "

" – So we snuck out to explore the passage, it was a dead end - "

" – But when we got back we knew something was wrong. You see the passage splits into two tunnels about twelve meters from the entrance, but the tunnel to the right was supposed to be collapsed. It wasn't when we got back. It wasn't until we got into the bathroom that we noticed the bodies…" Fred finished with a haunted expression. "Then we called you."

Dumbledore nodded, "Was there anything else?"

"There was," George said. "The bathroom smelt really bad, like someone let it rip. But it always smelt that way – every time we were in there. I always thought it was a Slytherin. Crabbe or Goyle, maybe."

Dumbledore nodded again, a thoughtful hand on his chin. "I see," he said softly. "I suggest you get back to your dormitory, Professor McGonagall is waiting outside, she will escort you." There was faint gleam in his eyes. "And don't think you will be getting off that easily. I expect the good Professor will assign you a few rightfully earned detentions."

"Hold on a minute!" Fudge interjected as the twins stood up simultaneously. "Dumbledore, they are suspects!"

"You and I both know they did nothing," the older man said calmly, before either of the two red heads verbally bashed Fudge. "And as long as they are in Hogwarts they will be safe – you have no evidence that they murdered those Aurors."

"You're excused," Dumbledore said to the boys, who obediently nodded and exited the room quickly, muttering quick thanks.

The door clicked shut and Fudge squirmed in his seat. "You know you're overstepping your authority, Albus," he muttered. "The community will want a explanation and an arrest…"

Dumbledore took off his half-moon spectacles and wiped them with a cloth he produced from his desk. Fudge frowned, "You know what this attack proves… Hogwarts is not safe, parents will not allow their children to attend unless the culprit is arrested."

"So what do you propose," Dumbledore said faintly mocking the Minister. "Arrest two innocent students who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?"

"Do you have a better idea?" Fudge shot back.

"The culprit or culprits have taken what they came here for, The Book of Sennen Magic. They won't be back…"

"How do you know?"

"Those Aurors died near one o'clock, the Hogwarts express stops for passengers at one twenty-five," Dumbledore said calmly. "I have already requested and inquiry about any rail users boarding at that time."

"How would He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named know about the Book? What is this Book, anyway?" Fudge asked restlessly.

Dumbledore finished his task, "Cornelius, you'll be surprised to find out there are a few things I have yet to know. The Book of Sennen Magic is one, although I do believe someone may be able to shed light on it. He should be arriving soon."

---

Mou hitori no Yugi watched the white haired impale his steak with a plastic fork. Then Yami Bakura stuffed the bloody piece of meat in his mouth. Yami glanced at his plastic looking salad – Yugi's choice – and back to Yami Bakura's meal. The meat still looked frozen but the Tomb Robber had harassed three flight attendants and one co-pilot to get it that way, so he must have wanted it like that. Yami no Yugi felt his stomach turn as the white haired yami turned his way and intentionally let the cow blood trail down his chin.

"What?" Yami Bakura asked, narrowing his crimson eyes.

"Ever heard of Mad Cow Disease?" Yami said, rephrasing a comment Yugi had made earlier that dinner.

"I have, in fact," he took another bite. "Although Ryou's the only one in danger. As long as his body is functional, I am too. His mind is an added bonus." Something cracked under the yami's teeth. "…Crunchy."

"You disgust me."

"Well excuse me," Yami Bakura said dully. "I'm sorry I never learned proper table manners. I think I was to busy fight for survival."

"You and I know you were to busy killing innocents," Yami retorted.

"Yes, but, it makes everything so much more interesting when I'm the rebellious soul suppressed under you and your father's tyrannizing reigns. And of course I've sold my soul to the Ring in order to fulfill the revenge I was unable to perform thousands of years ago. Mortals cannot just except I'm the ultimate darkness."

"You are one twisted soul, Yami no Bakura," Yami turned back to salad. Did it just move a few inches? He might as well just have the desert, after all the cookies didn't look as threatening.

"Hey you," a chirpy voice called. Both yami's turn toward he source. In the isle next to them stood one of Cindy's many flunkies. This one, though, resembled Anzu slightly. She frowned and crossed her arms.

"Dear Ra," Yami no Bakura groaned. "Not during dinner. Didn't your alpha get the picture?"

"Cindy's not our 'alpha'," the Anzu look alike said and pointed to the 'Capitan' patch on her jacket. "I am. And I think you owe Cindy an apology."

Yami watched with mild interest, as Yami Bakura took another bit of the half cooked beef. More blood ram from his lips, which he licked off while staring down the brunette. She stuttered.

"Listen, buddy, Cindy doesn't deserve to be treated that way. She was just being nice and you have to go crush her."

"I did, did I? Good, I was hoping for that effect."

The girl fumed. Behind her three more cheerleaders appeared. Yami raised an eyebrow; they were popping up like weeds. "Next time," he hissed to Yami Bakura. "Steal first class tickets."

"I told you before," the white haired spirit whispered back. "I didn't steal the tickets."

"This guy giving you a hard time too, Tea? [1]" ditz number one asked.

"No," Tea sweat-drooped. "I think he hit on me!"

Yami chuckled, while Yami no Bakura coughed. Regaining his composure, he turned to Tea. "Actually, I wasn't. You see…" the white haired spirit, through his arm around Yami and grinned back at the group of girls, his red eyes glinting. "Let's just say you're really not my type. None of you are."

"What? Your…?"

"Hai," Bakura continued his façade, whilst choking Yami in a one armed head lock. "But even if I wasn't, you're boyfriend over there still looks better than any of you."

"Boyfriend? Ew! No, he's our coach!" ditz number two screeched.

"He's like thirty! And ugly!" ditz number three said in the same mortified voice.

Bakura snorted, "My point exactly."

Tea rolled her eyes and turned away. They would get nothing out of him. "Whatever, we have more important thing to be doing. C'mon girls…"

Yami Bakura watched them go triumphantly. "You should be glad I didn't decide to snap your neck, Pharaoh," he said releasing Yami.

"Keep your hands off me, Thief!" Yami said, disgusted the Tomb robber had touched him. "I don't want to have to track down a laundry mat in London."

"Nani? You wanted me to get rid of them, so I did. You just happen to be wearing tight leather pants."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yami raised an eyebrow.

"You know exactly what it means," Yami Bakura said smugly.

"You shouldn't be talking," Yami retorted pointing to Ryou Bakura's choice of clothes. The hikari had chosen a white sweater, similar to the one he'd worn to Duelist Kingdom, and a pair of blue slacks. "You look like a school fashion show reject."

Yami no Bakura shrugged, "Personally, I'd have worn something dark, perhaps some red to match my eyes. But I think this radiates a sense of false innocence."

Above them the pilot greeted the passengers over the intercom, telling everyone it would be another four and a half hours before the landing. Yami wished the plush seat were a little harder, so he could properly bash his head against them.

---

There was a sharp knock on the door that causing Fudge to jump slightly. He looked around in shock before composing his small frame. Dumbledore was serene.

"Come in," he called and a greasy haired professor Snape did so, followed by a less enthusiastic Seto Kaiba. The tall brunette stared down at the occupants of the room with guarded curiosity.

"Sit down, sit down," Dumbledore said offering Fred and George's vacated seats to both the student and professor.

"Care to tell me why I've been dragged up here?" Kaiba asked casually his trademark smirk plastered on his lips.

"Mr. Kaiba I recall you know something, if not anything, about a 'Shadow Realm'?" Dumbledore said somberly. "Today men lost their lives for a book containing text on this 'Shadow Realm'. I've asked you before, what is it?"

Kaiba surveyed the occupants with a swift, scrutinizing gaze. He could feel the tension in the room. Even Dumbledore had become increasingly grim, his eyes darker. Severus Snape, next to him, looked as dark and aloof as usual, while the small man was now vigorously rubbing a handkerchief over his head. Kaiba thought he looked like a balding leprechaun.

"To put it simply," Kaiba said casually. "The Shadow Realm isn't something Voldemort should tamper with, but rather visit… permanently." Kaiba watched Fudge flinch; he was the only one to do so.

"That doesn't answer the question," the leprechaun-like man interjected.

"I did answer it," Kaiba said smoothly. "Just not directly. Now tell me, what exactly was stolen? Was it gold?"

"'Gold'?" Fudge echoed suspiciously.

Dumbledore stared intently at the CEO, his eyes regaining some of their previous mischievous sparkle. Kaiba met his gaze defiantly; he raised an eyebrow.

"You've been there, haven't you Mr. Kaiba?" Dumbledore said calmly. "To the Shadow Realm."

The words struck the CEO like a poisoned arrow. Quickly he masked his surprise and decided to mark mind reading up on his ever-growing list of Wizarding abilities to watch out for. He met the Headmaster's gaze, "I have."

"How?" Fudge asked quickly.

"A man, Pegasus J. Crawford, sent me there," he decided it would be unwise to reveal exactly why he'd been sent there. "He used some form of magic."

"A magic, like yours," Snape asked, speaking to the CEO for the first time since he had pulled him from the crowd.

"No, dark magic," Kaiba said simply. "And don't think you can contact Pegasus, he's dead. [2]" He couldn't resist a thin smirk at the statement.

Dumbledore continued to gaze at Kaiba with his all-knowing stare, although the CEO wasn't fazed. "You haven't answered my question," Kaiba said coolly. "What exactly was stolen, 'a book' doesn't specify."

"Mr. Kaiba," Fudge said with authority. "You are being questioned for the Ministry of Magic. Leave the asking to us."

"Do you think I honestly care what a bunch of bathrobe wearing idiots believe," Kaiba snapped. "I gave you my best answer, now I expect you to do the same. Tell me, what exactly was stolen?"

Fudge sputtered, but Dumbledore spoke before the red-faced leprechaun could. "It is called The Book of Sennen Magic. Have ever heard of it?"

"No," Kaiba answered truthfully. But I will soon find out about it, he thought as he remembered the Egyptian woman from Battle City. "No, I've never heard of it. Is that all you need to know."

"Yes," Dumbledore said. Both he and Kaiba knew there was more to the CEO's answer, but Dumbledore knew Kaiba wouldn't give up the information. "Cornelius could you please escort Mr. Kaiba to the Great Hall? Filch will take him to his dormitory."

The leprechaun nodded numbly and stood, "Expect publicity, controversy, and contempt, Albus. Things wont be easy from here on."

"I never expect this job any other way," Dumbledore said less gravely.

Kaiba pulled himself out of the chair and followed the Minister out of the room. The doors closed behind him with a disconcerting bang, causing the little man to shiver. Kaiba couldn't help wonder how many years he had left as Minister. Not many, he presumed as the man waddled down the stairs.

"Don't bother escorting me," Kaiba said convincingly. "I'm quite capable of finding my way, and you'll need to get to your paperwork, no doubt."

Fudge eyes the CEO with suspicion, "I suppose… But after the attack…"

Kaiba's book bag slipped from his shoulders sending papers and a loose inkbottle crashing to the ground. Red ink spilled down the steps like blood and Kaiba saw the Minister shiver even more so. The CEO grimaced, he hadn't done it intentionally but it was one way to elude the Minister.

"This will take all night," Kaiba said with a vexed expression.

Fudge looked torn, "Perhaps I shall be going. Good luck with that, Mr. Kaiba."

Kaiba didn't bother answering.

Fudge blinked and turned away, muttering to himself about the youth of today. Kaiba continued to stuff the papers together. When the sound of the gargoyle door opening and Fudge's footsteps faded, he roughly shoved the papers into the book bag. He would have taken his leave, but the sound of voiced caught his attention. Kaiba glanced at the Headmaster's office and curiosity got the better of him.

Silently, Kaiba retraced his steps, heading for Dumbledore's office. He quickly glanced at the torched and then to the frame of the door. Walking directly in front of the door would give him away. Casually the CEO leaned against the section of wall, hoping to hear the conversation. Kaiba knew it involved the Book of Sennen Magic, why else would Snape be included in his conversation with Dumbledore. Kaiba didn't like thinks being kept from him.

"…Everyone knows," Snape was saying in his usual venomous voice. "He ordered two low class Death Eaters to steal the Book. I found out just last evening. I wish I would have known they would attack today." There was a pang of regret in the man's voice. "There are rumors he has muggles enlisted to translate it."

"How certain are these rumors?"

"Not quite certain, I'm afraid," Snape replied. "But there is more pressing news, Headmaster, he's not in Britain anymore."

Dumbledore seemed to think for a moment. Snape continued, "All his attention is focused on Egypt – the raids, the Book. I fear he's after some magical object or form of magic."

"I believe Seto Kaiba's story was more enlightening than he thought," Dumbledore said. "This Shadow Realm is his newest interest…"

"No, headmaster," Snape said darkly. "He's after someone – a person. The Shadow Realm is only half of his plot. I believe we hold the finishing piece."

Kaiba pulled away from the wall and gritted his teeth. He had a vague idea of what Voldemort was after, but it wasn't him. There was only one person who the Dark Lord would have any interest in. Yugi Motou.

Kaiba slipped down the stairs silently, picking up his bag along the way. As he exited, the gargoyle closed loudly. Kaiba half expected Snape to bound down the stairs after him, but no such attack came. Instead a new idea formed in the prodigy's mind; what if Dumbledore had meant for him to hear?

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[1] I'm not a fan of Tea. Anzu, on the other hand, rocks. I'm really going against what I stand for by bashing her [Tea], but her character's been annoying me this past week for some reason.

[2] Pegasus makes no appearance in the manga after his misfortunes in Duelist Kingdom. So I'm assuming he's gone, although he may not be. I prefer to think he's alive, but his death was required in this fic. Gomen.

Next Chapter: Eye Of The Storm

Kaiba sets to work finding Yugi Motou and Isis Ishtar, while the Hogwarts faces another school closing crisis. In Domino, Jou and Honda contact the proper authorities, who tell them some surprising news: Mokuba's threatening them with a restraining order?