Spirit Magic

WARNING: This story takes place in Harry's sixth year, which means there are spoilers to the fifth book!!!!!!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or Harry Potter.

Part Twenty Seven: A Plan

Snape stared at the beautiful creature in fear and awe. Never had he seen such a magical creature, and if it wasn't for the Japanese legends that was a part of his mother's heritage, he never would have thought such a creature existed. But no matter how entrancing the silver creature was, Snape still moved in front of his nephew defensively. He kneeled, preparing to spring if the fox made even the smallest offensive movement. Every sense was prepared to attack, his concentration fully on the creature, so when Kurama spoke from behind him in an unfamiliar tongue, Snape couldn't help but cry out startled.

Spinning around, the older man stared at the boy oddly. The tongue was rough, and almost as evil sounding as the language of the snakes.

"Shuuichi?" Snape sputtered, unsure of how to react. He felt as shocked as the day Potter had started talking to snakes.

Kurama seemed to ignore him, as his attention remained fully on the silver fox. More words from that vile language continued to pour out of his mouth. Snape felt like screaming, unsure of what the boy was saying.

"Kurama…"

Snape fell backwards as the once fox like creature transformed into an almost human looking women. Fear overcame him. Never had he seen a women so intoxicating. Every movement flowed with grace, and every feature was so flawless. Snape quivered feeling almost like he was looking at a Goddess.

Again Kurama spoke in that strange tongue, and the women, or whatever she was, started talking back to him. Before Snape knew what was happening, the women had pushed him aside, and was now kneeling besides the sick boy.

A smile graced Kurama's lips, as he pulled out a small seed from the inside of his robe.

"No, get away from him!" Snape demanded finally snapping out of his trance, and pushing himself in between his nephew and the women.

"Please Professor, I need her help," Kurama begged gasping as his green eyes stared at Snape.

Snape stared into the green pleading pools, and he felt his heart melt. The boy had an irresistible charm. But Snape had a stubborn streak, and a logical mind that controlled his every decision. And suddenly realization hit him, and he was filled with a sudden fear.

"She's a demon," Snape spat starring at the fair maiden like she was a deadly plague. "She's the demon that the ghosts are afraid of," Snape accused wishing greatly that his wand was still working.

"No, she isn't Youko!" Kurama yelled putting a shaky hand on the man's shoulder, and lowering his head as he was hit by an overwhelming dizzy spell. "She is a fox spirit…Youko is a fox demon," Kurama gasped out his grip on Snape's shoulder becoming weaker.

"I don't understand," Snape admitted watching a sad smile cross Kurama's face.

"Let her help me, and then I will explain," Kurama begged.

"No, I need to know first…"

"There isn't enough time!" Kurama yelled stopping anymore protest from the older wizard. "Please trust me," Kurama begged.

Snape pulled his gaze away from the boy, to the maiden, who was watching the whole exchange with an unreadable expression. "If you harm him, I will kill you," Snape threatened, before he took the seed out of Kurama's weak grasp, and handed it to the fox maiden.

Meí nü took the seed, and with a little coaxing the seed grew to a beautiful silver flower. The flower was the same shade as Meí nü 's hair, and it was shaped almost like a small bowl. As soon as the flower was finished growing, Meí nü made her way back to Kurama's side, and cupped Kurama's face in her hands. Tilting his head, Meí nü coaxed the boy to sip the bitter nectar.

Almost instantly, the pain left Kurama. He leaned forward, cherishing his sister's supporting touch.

"You've grown soft Kurama," Meí nü teased. Kurama only smiled at the comment.

"Shuuichi?"

"The silly human wants something," Meí nü whispered listening with amusement as Kurama groaned, and reluctantly pulled away.

"He's not silly," Kurama objected before turning to Snape's concerned face.

"Let's go back to the castle," Kurama said smiling to show the professor that he was going to be alright.

"Very well," Snape said picking the boy up.

"I can walk," Kurama objected when Snape tried to carry him like he had down in the caverns in the bank. Snape looked like he wanted to object, but Kurama was already starting to show a notable improvement. Reluctantly, Snape settled the boy on his feet, but kept a secure hand around the boy's waist.

Kurama took a few wobbly steps forward before turning to face his sister. "Thanks Meí nü , I owe you one," Kurama said before the fox maiden transformed into her beast form, and disappeared into the forest.

Draco Malfoy cautiously approached the hidden bed. His mind was racing with images too frightening to have been a side affect of the backfired spell. Blood, demons, pain and even beauty were mingled together in a confusing array of pictures, almost too hard to understand. But the young Slytherine had figured it out. He knew that what he had seen were Shuuichi's memories, and he had to understand what they all meant.

Taking a deep breath, the blonde boy pushed aside the curtains, and slipped inside before the nurse could tell that something was askew. After checking to make sure that he was alone, Draco made his way to the chair beside the bed, and waited for Kurama to wake up.

It didn't take long for the Japanese beauty to open those breathtaking eyes. Draco watched him carefully as the eyes roamed around the unfamiliar setting in confusion, before resting on him.

Almost instantly the eyes seemed to flash golden in anger, before the boy groaned, and lowered his head into his hands.

"You shouldn't let him out, it drains you of you precious energy," Draco said causing Kurama's head to snap up in surprise. Draco smirked slightly, before leaning back and continuing his speech. "Professor Snape brought you in here a few minutes ago. Apparently both of you had forgotten about that wound in your abdomen, and the blood loss became too much for your human body," Draco explained seeing suspicion cross Kurama's face.

"You talk in hints," Kurama stated watching Draco carefully, feeling dread, but refusing to let it seep through on his facial expressions.

"True, I know some secrets about you. In fact, I have seen your whole life in a sort of fast forward mode," Draco gloated.

"How?" Kurama demanded regretting the fact that he didn't have enough energy to use a plant to destroy this annoyance. An annoyance that could prove to be a great obstacle in his mission, so an annoyance that must be destroyed.

"When the spell backfired, I was instantly plunged into a coma that revealed the memories that resided in the core of your wand. It took me almost three hours to figure out what it all meant, and what exactly I was seeing," Draco explained.

"It is notable that you had the intellect to draw such a hypothesis, but I'm afraid it wont help you. If you have seen the event of my past, then you are well aware of what I must do next," Kurama said watching as Draco paled, and started shaking.

"I wont expose your secret, I came because I wanted to ask you a favor," Draco said glad to see some interest flash briefly across Kurama's face.

"A favor?" Kurama asked watching Draco in some amusement. The boy had guts, but Kurama figured he was just very foolish and didn't understand were he really stood on the power scale.

"I…I saw about that other magic that Professor Minamino has been talking about, and I was wondering if you can teach me on how to harness my power," Draco said softly, his eyes staring at Kurama's with a silent beg.

Kurama stared at him, a frown crossing his face as he thought about the request. "Tell me Mr. Malfoy, why do you want to learn how to tap into your spirit energy?" Kurama asked listening as the boy groaned.

"Because I'm tired of living the Malfoy legacy, and I don't want to be in Potter's shadow anymore," Draco pleaded.

"Rivalry is good, but I'm not sure that I like your reasoning," Kurama pointed out watching the crest fallen look on the boy's face.

"I want to change. I've seen how you lived as a demon. So wild, so free. I want that. To get away from the silly laws that constrict our magical capabilities. I want to be a part of something bigger then what I've been raised to become. And… I want to help you," Draco admitted turning red in embarrassment as he finally admitted what he had been containing so long from everybody.

Kurama smiled, liking the new answer so much more. He wanted to help the boy change, he felt firmly in the belief that one could always change their life, and redeem themselves for past mistakes. To help Draco change would help his own search for forgiveness. To become free from his bloodstained past.

"Alright, I'll teach you. Be in the Slytherine common room at midnight on Friday, and make sure we wont be interrupted," Kurama said smiling as Draco beamed in happiness.

"Thank you," Draco said getting up and throwing Kurama one more grateful smile before slipping behind the curtain drawn around the bed.

Kurama sank back into his pillow allowing a content sigh to escape. These magical humans were interesting. Far more understanding in the supernatural than he had expected. With the knowledge that Draco had seen, he could have easily ruined everything, but instead he had excepted it and found a way to better himself. It was encouraging. Kurama couldn't help but grin at the thought of his new ally, with the proper training, the Slytherine boy could become a great asset. But before Kurama could broad on the matter further, the curtains around his bed were thrown back to reveal an agitated potion master.

"The Headmaster wants to speak with you Shuuichi," Snape said looking angered at the thought.

"Of course," Kurama said slipping out of the bed, and taking confident strides toward the older man, hoping to relieve some of the worry by demonstrating his recovered strength.

The walk was made in silence. Kurama was frantically trying to figure out what the headmaster wanted him for. All he could think was that it wasn't going to be a pleasant experience.

By the time they reached the stone gargoyle, Kurama's confident stride had faded into a nervous shuffle. Snape looked at him in concern before muttering the password, and leading him the rest of the way into the office.

"Just take a seat, and make yourself comfortable. I'm going to go get the headmaster," Snape said giving an explanation when Kurama threw him a confused look. "He had matters to deal with. Apparently the ghosts have started acting up. Just wait here. It shouldn't take too long," Snape said making sure Kurama was comfortable before exiting the office.

Kurama leaned back in the chair, his eyes taking in the many treasures displayed around him in more detail then his first time. A wave of dizziness overcame him, as the Youko inside of him stirred. Draco was correct with his assumptions that his demon form drained him of his little energy.

/Back so soon?/

Kurama nearly fell out of his chair at the sound of a voice in his head.

An amused chuckle echoed in his mind, as Kurama searched for the source. It didn't take long to find the cause was sitting in the corner of the large bookshelf. A smile lit up Kurama's face as he made his way to the sorting hat, and allowed the overly large object to cover his eyes.

/Something troubles you,/ the hat said not needing a response to know that he was correct.

Yes, the mission is too much for me,Kurama admitted.

/I feared as much from the start. When I searched the minds of this years young Slytherines, I was able to learn a lot of rumors about an evil demon that has partnered up with the dark lord. That is the root of your worry, right?/

If it was just any demon, then I wouldn't be so worried. But it had to be Karasu,Kurama mumbled, his fear evident in his voice.

/Why do you fear that demon so much. Surely the great thief has more dangerous enemies?/

Yes, if you are talking about brute strength. The problem is Karasu doesn't depend on power like my other enemies. His games of the mind, and power together makes him a very powerful foe. I can't face him alone, along with the dark lord and all of his minions,Kurama pointed out.

/So why don't you gather reinforcements?/ the hat asked innocently.

Kurama gave off a mental chuckle. I wish I could get the rest of the Rekai Tantai over here, but Koenma wont allow it. He had cut off all transmission I have to the rest of the spirit detectives. I have no way of contacting them. Every letter I try sending out has been sent back with a note talking about the importance of secrecy. And I know that my sister, and the few allies I have made here, will not be enough for Karasu's ultimate plan,Kurama reasoned.

/There are other forms of communications. Sometimes you have to look to the basics in a hard problem,/ the hat pointed out.

Kurama's eyes widened as an idea came to him. I have to go, thank you,Kurama said before taking the hat off, and putting it back at its perspective perch.

After the hat was put away, Kurama headed toward the headmasters desk, and began shifting through the items until he found what he needed. Using a large quill, and an old parchment, Kurama scribbled a quick letter to Yusuke, and put it in an envelope that was stamped with the headmaster's seal. Not even Koenma would go through the letter Dumbledore sends out. And instead of addressing it to the Urameshi residence, he addressed it to Yusuke's school with strict instructions inside, to give it to Yusuke. Kurama smiled, feeling a little bit more relieved, before he slipped it into his robes.

He had just finished putting everything away when Dumbledore entered the office, followed closely by an agitated potion master.

"Sorry about the wait Mr. Minamino," Dumbledore said as Kurama stood and bowed in courtesy and respect. Dumbledore waved a hand dismissing the action, before he sat behind his desk, and rested his head in his hands. An exhausted sigh escaped his old lips, before the old wizard looked up with very tired light blue eyes. "Professor McGonagall has explained what she suspects happened today in defense, and she told me what she had already done. Professor Snape has informed me that you will be receiving a new wand, and that he will be picking it up at the end of this week. Along with the broom he had left at the bank for safe keeping, and a replacement wand for himself. But other then that, he really hasn't mentioned too much more," Dumbledore said watching the relieved look on Kurama's face.

"I have you here because I want to know what sort of punishment you think will be appropriate for Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said.

"Punishment?" Kurama asked confused. "Why would the headmaster be coming to him about such a thing. Isn't that something that the head of the house be doing?

"It is obvious that Mr. Malfoy should be punished for messing around with your wand. I suggested that you should come up with the proper punishment. Expulsion, detention, deduction of points, whatever you think is appropriate," Snape said not bothering to hide his resentment.

"Actually professors, I have already talked to Malfoy, there really isn't anything else that needs to be done," Kurama said getting an exaggerated gasp from his uncle.

"Very well Mr. Minamino, if there is nothing else that you would like to talk about, then you are free to go," Dumbledore said smiling in what Kurama guessed was a small hint of pride. Kurama shook his head as he stood up. The headmaster was one confusing individual.

As soon as Kurama and Snape were out in the hall again, Kurama faced his uncle, and gave him a grateful hug. "Thank you for not telling him about the fox spirit," Kurama said pulling back in embarrassment when he realized what he had done.

"I didn't tell him, because I didn't think you were well enough deal with an interrogation. But I will tell him if you don't give me a good reason why I should keep it secret. And that means, I want some answers," Snape said sternly seeing the happy look fade from Kurama's face.

"I can't tell you, not yet anyways. Please understand that I do have good reasons for keeping my secrets, and I beg that you wont force me to expose them before I'm ready," Kurama said softly.

"I want to, I really do, but I can't. Not until I know that that creature is harmless. You promised you would explain if I let 'it' help you," Snape pointed out.

Kurama cast his gaze to the ground and sighed deeply. "She is a fox spirit, a Kitsune. In the Japanese legends, those creatures were considered tricksters, but if a shrine is built for the fox, then the family will be blessed with good fortune. A fox demon is different. A fox demon is normally a corrupted fox spirit. In other words, a fox spirit that has become obsessed with blood. Fox spirits are rare, even though all fox spirit are originally born from fox demons, they come from a world where they are constantly surrounded by violence. A world where you kill or be killed. But fox spirit you saw in the forest is special. She has been able to remain innocent, and kind; even if many have already assumed that she is a fox demon," Kurama explained, his facial expression soft as he talked proudly about his sister, but his face grew dark as he started talking about himself. "Youko on the other hand was corrupted early in life. Ever since the moment he stole his first demonic artifact. Believe me Professor, if you met Youko, you would know. You would no longer fear for your own life, but the life of your loved ones, and for your very own soul. That is why the ghosts fear him so much," Kurama said.

Snape stared at the boy opened mouthed. There was no way such a creature could possibly exist. But then again, he knew well about the Japanese legends of animal spirits and demons. It was too horrible to believe, but not impossible, and that was even more frightening. "Shuuichi, how do you know so much about this?" Snape asked suspiciously.

"My Sensei, Master Genkai often has to deal with demons, and it wasn't hard to meet the creatures of legends," Kurama lied, hoping that it would explain enough to keep Snape satisfied.

"So the fox spirit…"

"Was a comrade of Master Genkai who offered her services when she was dealing with demons," Kurama finished for him.

Snape stared at the boy for a second, still having some doubts, but dismissing them. "Alright, now go to your friends, I'm sure they want to know that you are okay," Snape said smiling at the boy before turning around, and stalking back toward the dungeons.

Kurama watched him go, sighing in relief before he made his own way toward the Gryffindor tower.

Hermione watched Harry as the boy paced the room for what felt like the thousandth time. "Come on Harry, I'm sure that he is fine," Hermione tried to coax trying not to show her own worry. Over at the other end of the room, Ron snorted, and received an angered glare from Harry.

"Honestly Harry, I don't understand what you see in that guy," Ron stated playing with the black knight in his hand.

"There are lots of stuff to like about Kurama, he's sweet, polite…"

"And another pretty face," Ron mocked Hermione receiving two angry glares in return.

"Why do you have to be so bloody stubborn?" Harry demanded.

"I'm not being the stubborn!" Ron yelled back getting to his feet, and gripping the chess piece in his hand so hard that his knuckles were turning white. The small truce that he and Harry had created was slowly starting to break.

"Stop it you two!" Hermione yelled here eyes growing moist as the two boys began fighting again. It just wasn't right, she hated to see the two getting into each other's throats like that.

Harry and Ron threw each other one more annoyed look before turning around and resuming their prior activities like nothing had happened. Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry resumed his pacing, and Ron continued to play with the small object in his hand. She felt like she was going to scream from all the tension in the room, thankfully, at the moment, the door opened, and a very tired Kurama entered the dorm room.

"Kurama," Harry said in relief, his pacing coming to an immediate stop. Kurama threw him a calm smile before heading to his bed, and flopping down on it. His body sprawled out in exhaustion. Hermione blushed at the sight of the boy laying in the bed.

"So…Kurama, where have you been since the…um…accident in defense?" Hermione asked as Kurama lifted his head up to look at her.

"I spent most of the day in Diagon Alley," Kurama said real bluntly, but it was enough to catch everyone's attention.

"Diagon Alley, why the bloody hell would you go there?" Ron demanded getting a startled look from Kurama, it was the first time that the red head had talked to him.

"Professor McGonagall wanted my wand checked out by Olivanders. So Professor Snape took me to Diagon Alley," Kurama explained.

"I'm sorry," Harry said feeling sympathetic toward the boy.

"Why Snape?" Hermione asked at the same time.

Kurama turned toward her and smiled. "Professor had an errand at the bank, so it was practical to send him with me," Kurama explained answering Hermione's question.

"And it took all day?" Ron asked doubtfully.

"We ran across some problems," Kurama said not wanting to explain more.

"So what was it like spending all day with the greasy git?" Harry asked still looking at Kurama in pity. He couldn't think of anything worse then being forced to stay in the potion master's presence. Or in other thought, he could, but it was still very high on his "things he despised to do" list.

"It wasn't too bad. It was actually very enlightening. He really isn't too bad of a person once you get to know him," Kurama said smiling fondly as he thought about his uncle.

"Are you crazy?" Ron demanded throwing his arms up in the air. "Never mind. I don't care," Ron said getting up and leaving the room.

Harry just stared at Kurama like he was crazy before moving to Kurama's side and looking closely into the boy's eyes. "I think you're hiding something from me," Harry said watching Kurama's action very carefully.

Kurama stared back at Harry blankly, but his heart was racing. He couldn't tell Harry about Snape being his uncle, and he definitely couldn't tell Harry that Sirius Black was his father.

"Snape knows that the core of my wand is from a fox demon," Kurama said looking worried. "I think he is suspicious about Youko, and the other Professor's are beginning to take actions to find out about my demon form. I'm just a little worried that he might make a connection, so I had to gain Snape's trust. I needed to throw the suspicion off of me," Kurama said getting a satisfied look from Harry.

"Don't worry, we wont let him do anything to you," Harry promised getting a small thanks from Kurama.

Hermione watched the two boy's with a small smile on her face. Finally she walked over to Harry and put a firm hand on his shoulder. "I think you two should go to bed. Too day has been a long day," Hermione said yawning as if to prove her point.

Kurama smiled thankfully at the girl as he laid his head on the pillow, and slowly fell asleep. The last thought he had was just how long of a day it really had been before he slipped into a peaceful bliss.

TBC.

Author's endnote: Well, no cliff hanger this time. Be happy, I could have easily made one. Ha ha ha…um yeah, well anyways, please review. -