Chapter 3

"You don't have to do this."

Sakura sighed, "We have already had this conversation, Li. You know I will go. I can't stay here, knowing that I could have done something. What would you have done in my situation?"

Li sighed, obviously reluctant to answer the question, "What you are doing. But it doesn't make this any worse for me. We'll be apart for a year." Sakura glared at him, "don't make this worse. And since you agree with what I am doing, there is no use arguing"

Tomoyo looked at the woeful couple, "Sakura, come and help me pack." Sighing, Sakura came over, looking wearily at the piles of clothes being heaped into the suitcase. "It's a good thing we did some shopping for you. Japanese style of dressing is different from European style. But still, you have enough clothes."

The day of their departure had come all too soon. Everything had been arranged. They had all once again assembled in Tomoyo's house to do the final packing. Sakura sighed, "Do you think everything will turn out okay? Will we actually help or hinder?" Tomoyo held her hand reassuringly, "You'll do as much as you can. Wizards can't save sorcerers because they don't know we exist. Other sorcerers are helping in their own way. This will be your contribution. Besides, I think it will be good for Riya."

"How so?"

"I don't know yet. You can tell me."

The polite knock bought everyone's attention to the door. Tomoyo opened the door, allowing two people to step in. They looked at their stunned audience with enjoyment. While the people in this group knew them, none of them knew the two as well as Riya, who was also watching them in surprise. Gabriel smiled disarmingly, "What? We can't come to say goodbye?"

"No, no, no, this looks okay, no, no, no good, fine, fine, fine, yes, no, yes, yes, YES! Who bought you this?" Gabriel held up a blue top. "You did," responded Riya dully. Gabriel beamed, "I have fabulous taste." "Good for you," replied Riya, rolling her eyes, "What are you doing anyway?" She once again looked at the two messy piles of clothes, horrified. "I thought you came to say goodbye, not to see what clothes I am taking."

"We couldn't let you leave knowing that your wardrobe would be consisting of so many oversized t-shirts," Gabriel replied plaintively, pointing at one of the piles, "I am allowing you some of the better ones, seeing as you use them for training."

"You must train everyday," said Michael," Practice martial arts everyday. We have not been training you, for you to lose your touch in a year." Riya rolled her eyes, "You know you don't have to tell me. I would do it weather or not you tell me to." Michael grinned, "I know, but it is a teacher prerogative to lecture its protégé once a while. Here," he handed her a samurai sword, "this should do. For the moment."

Gabriel looked at Riya, "Mum and dad send their love and blessings. Pilchards says best of luck." Riya looked at the two bewildered, "Why do you still insist on calling him 'Pilchard'?"

Riya pictured 'Pilchards' in her mind- a handsome, suave vampire whose actual name was Heath, who accepted the nickname with the same panache who accepted the more flattering names given to him by his countless admirers. Gabriel shrugged, "It's fun. And it's better than sardines. Now its my turn."

(Sardines!)

"For what?" Riya looked around her warily.

"To give you the lecture. You have two teachers, remember? Two teachers, two lectures."

"Oh joy."

" Don't take that tone with me! Anyway, since Michael has given you most of the lecture, I will just say the things he forgot."

Michael looked at Gabriel curiously "What did I forget?"

"For one, you must try and do meditation daily." At the response, Michael nodded his head seriously.

"Why?"

"Because you can otherwise bite someone's head off. And the last thing we need is a headless student. Or teacher."

"That. Was. Not. Funny."

"Yes, it was. I am a very witty person. So I have been told."

Riya smirked at Michael who in turn blushed and shrugged. Riya knew Michael was mad about Gabriel and took in all his idiosyncrasies. She looked on as Gabriel waved his hand and there stood neatly packed suitcases, next to which was a bag containing all the smaller weapons- daggers, knives etc. and also some muggle weapons, courtesy of Michael.

"Thank you for helping me pack up. Is this it then?"

Gabriel's maniacal expression and Michael laughter was replaced with mild sobriety. "Actually no, we need to talk to you about something else. Can we go to another room?"

Riya nodded and walked over to Tomoyo, whispering something into her ear. Tomoyo's startled expression vanished after a moment and she nodded, whispering something back to Riya, who then walked back to Gabriel and Michael. "Lets go."

She led them down the corridor into a spacious, airy room. Locking the door behind her, she turned around crossing her arms, "What's going on?" Gabriel motioned to one of the couches, "Sit down." Riya sat down, concern faintly flickering in her gaze for a moment before vanishing so quickly that Michael almost wondered if he had imagined it. Almost. After all, he was her teacher and he was the one who taught her how to veil her emotions completely. She could never hide herself completely from him.

Riya couldn't help feel tension as she sat down. When Gabriel became like this, there was a high chance that the news was not good. Gabriel knelt down in front of her. Riya flinched, "What are you doing?"

"Shhh," soothed Gabriel, "I have to talk to you. You know the bonding ritual you performed with both me and Michael?"

"Yes." Mild nervousness laced Riya's voice.

Gabriel pulled out a slim leather box. He gently unlocked the clasp, turning the box to exhibit its content to Riya. Riya gasped. Inside, on a bed of black silk lay a delicate chain made of a strange black metal with a single, large tear drop diamond through which was another chain ending with a single massive green-black pearl. She traced the necklace faintly with her index finger. "It's beautiful."

"It's for you," stated Gabriel.

Riya stared at him as if he had grown another head, "What?"

"It had been in the family for thousands of years. Since you are leaving under such circumstances, it was the request of the clan and the family that you take this. We would also love for you to accept it."

"But why? I'm only your student."

"It is a bond the vampires take greater than that of a brother and sister. Please accept this."

"So if anyone saw this and they knew vampiric protocol, for them this would mean that I belong to your clan?"

"Yes, but also that you belong to the de Rossi family."

"WHAT? But I am not!"

Gabriel gave an exasperated sigh. "Riya when we became your mentors, you became part of our family."

"So I belong to a royal vampire family."

"Yes. Your name is actually Riya Samara Morgaine de Rossi. If you take Li's family name it would come between you middle name and Morgaine. Of course," Gabriel voice became slightly cooler. Michael looked at him warningly. "If it is against your wishes-"

Riya suddenly got up and hugged both Gabriel and Michael. "Thank you. So much. Although the royal family…"

Gabriel and smiled and nodded towards the box, "So you accept?"

Riya gave a small nod, sighing. Michael picked up the necklace and gently put it around Riya's neck. As the clasp clicked into place, Riya felt something warm seep into her body.

Gabriel looked at her approvingly, "It's perfect for you."

Riya rubbed her arms. "I felt something when Michael put the necklace on."

"That would be its magic. Now it belongs to you. For ever."

"Lovely."

Michael pulled a smaller box, opening it to show a simple ring made of the black metal as the chain. "It's a family ring. You can't see the engravings on the ring because your identity is supposed to be hidden."

"I sense Yue."

Michael nodded, "He wasn't going to let you go unprotected. He can sense when the Cardcaptor is in danger, but with you he has no magical connection. So he weaved some of his magic on the ring. Also unless it's an extremely, extremely, extremely major emergency, you do not remove either the ring or the necklace. You should explain some of this to Sakura, since you two are in this together. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

Gabriel straightened up, looking at Riya sadly, "That's it. You are all ready to go."

Michael nodded sadly, "I can't believe you are leaving us."

"Cheer up, you two. I'll bring you some food from your native country."

"Yorkshire puddings, please."

"Sure," replied Riya soothingly as if talking to petulant children, "Whatever you want."

It was a dilapidated house. There was no doubt about it. In fact, dilapidated was very kind way to describe it. An apt way to describe the house was dieing. Its garden was dead. The poison ivy that ran all over the outside walls of the house was also slowly dieing. It was one of those houses that had the potential to pull even the most cheerful, the most positive people into the depths of depression.

But it didn't matter. Because it was invisible. It could only be seen by a few people who mattered. And while the people who mattered weren't too happy about its external appearance, they weren't too affected by it.

Inside, the house in Grimmauld Place had been given a makeover. Mouldy walls had been scrubbed and whitewashed. The vermin infested carpets had been removed and in the their place remained gleaming, polished wooden floors. According to the wishes of the current owner, Mr. Harry Potter, the walls had nothing hanging on them. No portraits, no pictures of friends and loved ones. Nothing except some black and white cityscapes and an old tapestry which had refused to come down.

Everyone was assembled in the kitchen, most of whom sat around the kitchen table, whispering between themselves. They were the Order of the Phoenix.

On one side sat tall, pale man with intense black eyes, a hooked nose and had greasy black hair framing his face. He was Severus Snape, the potions master of Hogwarts. Snape looked around him, sneering. Next to him sat Remus Lupin. Once upon a time he would have never sat next to him, perhaps preferring to drown himself in bile. But time changed everything. They had put their differences aside and were what could loosely be defined as 'friends'. Then came Minerva Macgonagall, Alastor Moody and Nymphadora Tonks. Then came the waste of space known as Mudungus Fletcher. And then came Arthur, Molly, Bill and Charlie Weasley. Severus couldn't help give a disdainful snort as he thought about the Weasleys. While they were ardent supporters of Dumbledore and his cause against Voldemort, they had an annoyingly narrow minded view of the world. For them all Dark magic was evil. How could anyone explain to them that even Voldemort hardly ever used Dark Magic. That it was not evil. Which was perhaps exactly why Dumbledore wanted them. They wouldn't question anything; never have second thoughts about Dumbledore's tactics. They would never realise how Dumbledore used everyone as pawns. It wasn't that they weren't intelligent, just that they were too blinded.

Then came Dumbledore. Every time Severus looked at him, he realised why he was sitting on this table, why he was a spy, why he was even involved. He also realised how Dumbledore remained unaware of the fact that his showpiece was breaking away, finding his own feet and allowing Snape to gain some respect for Potter. His thoughts were broken when Dumbledore stood up clearing his throat, "This meeting of the Order of the Phoenix has begun."

It was like another meeting. Reports were given and Mrs. Weasley gave her usual list of worries. Finally twinkling blue eyes rested on Snape. Snape sighed, "There was nothing much. Except –"

"Except?"

"Few weeks ago, something happened which has put Avery and Halstead in a bad position. They were chasing an Order member when they ended up in Japan."

Fletcher cleared his throat, "That would be me."

Dumbledore frowned, "Why didn't you inform us of this?"

"I didn't think it would matter. The whole thing lasted only a few minutes. I apparated, ran for bit- nearly ran into a girl, apparated and then I lost them."

Bill Weasley looked curious, "Japan?"

Mudungus looked sheepish, "I was panicking and ended up apprating in the wrong place."

Lupin frowned, "Did you say ran into a girl?"

"Yeah. There were some muggle girls there."

Lupin looked furious, "Do you realise, because of you those girls could have been killed?"

Horrified silence stilled the room. Mudungus became as white as a sheet. Snape smirked. Molly Weasley shrieked. "How can you find this funny? Even a Slytherin can't think that the deaths of innocent girls as funny." Snape cocked an eyebrow, "I think you are over reacting."

"And why is that?"

When Avery and Halstead arrived back, they were questioned under Veritaserum. There were three muggle girls. But they weren't harmed. Instead while Avery was busy terrorising one of the girls, the other broke Halstead's nose, Avery's wand and his wrist." Snape smirked at the stunned group, "It was actually quite funny at the time."

Charlie Weasley looked shocked, "You mean three muggle girls took care of two death eaters? How?"

Dumbledore smiled, "I am not too surprised." Snape inwardly rolled his eyes. "Many people in that part of the world practise martial arts. They were also very lucky."

Mrs.Weasley looked a little breathless after her recent rant. "They? You mean those girls? Of course they were. If the deatheaters hadn't been so under shock, they could have been seriously injured."

The eccentric headmaster of Hogwarts chuckled, "Of course, Molly. I'm sure those girls were very lucky. But actually I meant the deatheaters. They could have come back with worse injuries. The Chinese and the Japanese are very competent in their martial arts. Of course the could have also been killed by Voldemort."

The room winced in unison.

Snape scowled. He always got a feeling that Dumbledore got a major kick everytime he called the Dark Lord by his name. After all it would go hand in hand with that sadist streak that ran deep within Dumbledore. Ran deep, VERY DEEP. Which is why it was so hard to convince others of his theory. Not many believed that behind the mad, twinkling eyes and the easy smile was a shrewd and manipulative mind. Thankfully the said mind didn't do TOO many nasty things.

"I'm certain you are all wondering where Lucius is," said Dumbledore. Lucius Malfoy was another member of the order. And no one had realised that he was a spy. NO one had been more surprised than Severus Snape when the news came that Lucius had been a spy for Dumbledore even before Severus himself had become one. Only a few members of the order knew Malfoy's true allegiance. Until last year, when due something that was major secret and the main fodder for the Order rumour mill, happened concluding with Narcissa Malfoy's death and Lucius Malfoy going underground. And while he still wasn't very much liked, no one, not even Mrs. Weasley could fault him.

"Actually no one cared that much," mumbled Bill Weasley. Charlie and Mudungus snickered while Severus started shooting death glares.

Albus Dumbledore, laughed heartily, eyes twinkling away, as the expression on the face of Severus Snape continued to intensify, "Now, now Severus! You must have a better temper."

The potions master continued to glower, while Remus Lupin spoke up, even as he continued unsuccessfully to stifle his own laughter, "So where is Lucius?"

Dumbledore clapped his hands, "Coincidentally, in the place we were just talking about. Lucius is in Japan!"

The sniping and the bickering stopped. Dumbledore beamed at the pin-drop silence.

"JAPAN? JAPAN!"

"Yes, it is a country in the Pacific region, quite close to Russia. It consists of several small islands and-"

"I know where Japan is! What I want to know is what Lucius Malfoy is doing there?"

"Quite simple. He is negotiating with the vampires."

Mrs. Weasley gasped. Severus Snape rolled his eyes. I'll bet five galleons that in five seconds that woman will start shrieking.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

"WHAT? VAMPIRES!" One.

"How can you do this, Albus? You know how dangerous vampires are! They drink blood! How can you even think about negotiating anything with creatures so, so, so… dangerous!"

" Actually vampires are not so bad," Lupin said mildly. All eyes shifted to him. Lupin shifted uncomfortably at the sudden, absolute transfer of attention. Molly Weasley looked at him indignantly. "Well, they are not!", huffed Lupin defensively "They drink human blood but only with permission. They don't go creeping around in the night, trying to find an innocent to kill. They are intelligent, powerful people!"

All eyes turned to Mrs. Weasley, who then shrugged "We didn't have vampires in our Defense Against the Dark Arts when I was in Hogwarts."

Dumbledore chuckled. Charlie Weasley looked confused, "But why Japan? There are vampires in Britain as well." Dumbledore steepled his fingers together, "I'll explain the vampire hierarchy in simple terms for those who remain unaware."

"Vampires belong to clans. Each clan is made of families. A certain family heads each clan. This family is basically vampire royalty. All clans are part of any five of the vampire council. Each council is headed by a certain family."

"So heading the council is a family business?", Moody asked, curiously.

"Actually the council is headed by a single person. Each clan send a few of their representatives and the head has to be impartial and unbiased. He may or may not belong the most powerful clan. He may or may not belong to any of the ruling families."

" Sounds good. Does it actually work?"

"Very well, in fact. They are chosen on basis of their ability to take on the responsibility. There are some complicated, sacred magics at work and the decision is unanimous. The vampires are very loyal. So they all live in relative peace"

Severus sneered, "Once again, why is Lucius in Japan?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Don't be so impatient Severus! All things will be explained in good time. While the vampires will not ally themselves with Voldemort…"A wince rang in the room and many people flinched. The secondary reaction was of immense relief. Severus smirked as he watched Bill Weasley mopping his brow, from the corner of his eye. "…Most of them have chosen to remain neutral. Independently, of course."

"But why won't they help us?"

"There are many other problems in the world, Molly, not just Voldemort. We are taking care of one thing, they have something else to consider."

"You said 'most', Albus. I presume those who are willing are in Japan?"

"Something like that. Alexandra Khan, who heads the European council in Paris, said that only council that will be able to help us in this war is the Asian Council. It is headed by the de Rossis. Along with the Khans and the Ravens, de Rossi is the most powerful family. They are also the most respected and revered. It heads their clan and the Council."

"De Rossi. Sounds European."

"They probably are. Vampires don't give too much importance to where you are from originally when they allow you to lead them. A Japanese family, the Takaiishis head the Australian Council. Also, de Rossi's clan are full of deadly warriors. It is one of the things they are infamous for. If they help us it may give us a great advantage."

"So what happens?"

" I doubt they want to get too involved. If the clan think we need help, they will help us. If they think that the situation is too large, they will approach the council."

"And this depends on?"

"Weather or not the de Rossi's are willing to listen to Lucius Malfoy."

"This is it," stated Eriol. Riya and Sakura eyed the place sceptically. The entrance was small, but the light coming from inside was enough to give an idea about the age of the dingy pub. It seemed that they were the only ones who were noticing the pub, known as Leaky Cauldron (as indicated by the seriously lopsided sign). At least it was original. The rest of the world passed by, not even acknowledging the pub. Perhaps they couldn't, mused Riya. After all, this was one of the entrances to this wizarding world. They wouldn't want to take any chances, despite the fact that with its appearance, no one would too eager to enter.

The three of them stepped inside. Riya swept a trained eye over the whole place. It wasn't bad. Not bad at all. Gabriel and Michael had dragged her to much worse places. And sometimes she dragged them. Meanwhile Sakura took in the whole scene with widened eyes. The floor was made of stone while the ceiling had massive wooden beams running across it. A counter ran along one side stacked with bottles and what not. A grizzly old man, who was obviously the bartender, served drinks Riya had never even heard of. Tables of various sizes were scattered all over the room and most of them were occupied. Many families were also there having their lunches. Someone poked the dieing fire and the room was bathed in warmth and a golden glow. The whole place was warm, cosy and relaxed. It wasn't exactly a scene that would be associated with potential hardship and tragedy. Under the hood of her cloak, Riya smiled. If nothing, human beings were tenacious. At times, they would do anything to make sure that life would go on as normal, as if everything was alright, if only for a moment. Sometimes it was their salvation.

"Follow me," muttered Eriol, leading the way, weaving through all the tables easily. Riya followed him with fluid grace. As Sakura walked she noticed how curious eyes settled on her for a moment before sliding away. Apparently people walking inside buildings, with their hoods still up, was somewhat of a regular incident.

They exited the pub through the back door. Both the girls made their way gingerly through the stench and the rubbish to the brick wall where Eriol was waiting for them. Eyes filled with mild disdain mixed with amusement and mockery, Riya curled her lips. "Someone had some brains. No one in their right mind would think about coming here unless they had to."

Standing among the rubbish bins with absolute ease, Eriol smirked at Riya's comment. "These wizards use wands to channel and focus their magic. Usually they would go and buy one, but we can't do that since neither of you are witches."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Figures. So what do we do?"

"You call for them. Picture them in your hands and voila!

"Yay- sticks with sparkly stars."

Eriol looked at Riya sternly, who managed to look contrite. Barely. Riya grinned at Sakura who was trying desperately to hold back her laughter. "Leave him alone, Riya. Lets get this over with. I want to move before someone comes or this stanch permeates my clothes, giving Tomoyo a reason to kill me." Riya relented and both girls closed their eyes, their arms forward, and palms skywards. A burst of light engulfed the hands, leaving a wand in each hand. "Ash and phoenix feather," stated Sakura, twirling her wand with authority and walking closer to the wall. She paused in mid-step, turning around to see Riya and Eriol looking at her with speculative amusement. "Umm… how did I know that?

"It came with the wand I suppose."

" 'I suppose.' Really solid theory, Eriol. Truly."

"No need to be sarcastic. I'm speculating."

"Someone is getting defensive."

"What's yours, Riya?"

"Why do you do this? You always do this. Just when we were having fun!"

"Do what?"

"You know what?"

"No I don't. Pray tell."

"You change the subject."

"I do not!"

"Do."

"Do not."

Sakura cut in with, "Actually you do. Usually when we ask you if you ever had a girlfriend."

"SEE! I told you so! By the way, mine is willow with unicorn hair and basilisk fang. Why do I have three when Sakura has two? And so do the rest of the wands?"

"Don't know."

"Fine. Whatever."

Eriol tapped a few bricks with his index finger. The central part of the wall began rearranging itself. "Wizards do this using their wands. Try not to use your fingers." The bricks parted to from an archway. "Welcome to Diagon Alley."

Sakura and Riya quietly gawked. It was a strange yet wonderful street. Shops of different sizes sprang up next to each other, like mushrooms. Like magic. Eriol handed them a velvet pouch each. Riya tossed hers experimentally. It felt heavy in her hand and she could hear soft clinking of gold. Eriol looked at both of them, "This is your money for the whole year. Sakura, I have lent you some of my money, since it is my prerogative as Clow incarnate. Riya, yours comes from your account." Riya nodded. Her biological parents didn't have a chance to do any parenting but they did leave her very, very rich.

Eriol pulled out two sheets of parchment paper, looking at them thoughtfully. "We have to get you your school robes first." Riya caught hold of her hand, "Wait a minute. How did we get admission into this school in the first place?" Eriol looked at her with amusement, "You are two witches from Japan. You have been taught your magic at home, since your parents didn't want to let you leave. Unfortunately due to an emergency involving both your families, it was thought best that you were sent to Hogwarts."

Riya nodded approvingly. "Very nice. Simple. Precise. No fuss. No potential for getting anything wrong."

"What is your family emergency?"

"We don't want to talk about it," Sakura and Riya replied in unison. The two grinning girls high fived each other, laughing. Eriol rolled his eyes. "You two go get your uniforms. I'll go get the books."

The girls entered a shop called 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'. A bell tinkled as stepped inside. No one could be seen. No staff, no customers. "Excuse me," Sakura called out. A plump with appeared from a corner, smiling kindly. "How can I help you, dears?"

"We need school robes," replied Riya, "For Hogwarts." The woman clicked her tongue, "Bit late aren't you? The train will leave in a few days." "There was a family emergency," lied Riya smoothly. Sakura bit back her laughter. How could people not notice when Riya lied? Didn't anyone notice that wicked glint in her eye? She shot Riya an amused and exasperated look. Riya gave a disarming grin. As the measuring tapes began measuring them, Riya shook her head. "Its not for me, but for her," she said pointing to Sakura. The woman looked up from the notes she was making. "What is you house?" "House?" repeated Riya, puzzled. The woman looked at them strangely, suspicion and distrust clouding the previously friendly expression. Sakura, immediately noticing the change, hurriedly intervened, "We are transfer students. We don't have a house yet." The suspicion was replaced by surprise, "You look to be seventh years. Why are you changing schools now?" "Family emergency," replied Sakura glibly.

Sakura cornered Riya as soon as they left the shop. "I presume there was a reason you didn't buy robes for yourself?" Riya shrugged uncomfortably, "Gabriel provided me with robes." Sakura cocked an eyebrow, "Was it part of the whole 'you must look good while you are at Hogwarts since you are part of the family?" Sakura was the only one Riya had informed about the whole thing. Riya nodded, "Yep. His mother's idea. It just feels strange when you are buying your robes." Sakura shook her head, "Don't worry about it. And if your robes and cloaks are anything like the fabulous cloak the Gabriel gave me, you are one lucky girl." Riya smiled in response. Sakura frowned, "So what do you think about this houses thing? I have never heard anything like it." Riya shrugged, "I have. They had the system in the school I used to go to." Sakura stared. Sometimes it easy to forget that Riya wasn't Japanese. Riya leaned casually against the wall unaware of all the looks she was getting. "The whole school was split into four houses. Each person belonged to a house. In events like Sports Day everyone would cheer for their own house. It wasn't exactly my thing. In some boarding houses, members of each house lived separately. I think Hogwarts comes in the latter category. And since it a magical school, the selection is likely to be magical and they must be implementing it strictly." Sakura looked concerned, "What if we get separated? I don't want to be there on my own." Riya sighed, "You won't. Even if we end up in different houses, we will still be friends. Openly."

"No doubt about it."

Riya's smile faded slightly as she spotted Eriol walking over to them, "Lets change the topic. I really don't want anyone else to know about this." Just then Eriol came and both girls pasted bright smiles on their faces. Eriol looked at them suspiciously.

"Bought the uniforms?"

"Yep. And I see you bought the books. So what next?"

"Next you two are going to go and meet with the Headmaster of Hogwarts."

It was carnage. Utter carnage.

The mossy green grass of the village green had turned a sick purple as it leeched the blood that flowed freely, mixing itself with the soil. There was a full moon. In its pale glow, the corpses merged even more fluidly into the shadows.

Not too many people had died. The Order members had fought bravely and the damage done by the death eaters was relative. But both the Death eaters and the order members had long gone. And now only the confused people of Little Hangleton remained, wondering what they had done to deserve such a terrible tragedy. The police cars and vans were scattered all over the tiny village as the policemen questioned the people. Ambulances surrounded the area, the paramedics doing the best they could to help the wounded, even they pronounced some of the unfortunate with deep gashes all over their body, dead. A medical team was carefully checking the corpses even as the wails of distraught families resounded through the velvet night sky.

Three figures watched the whole scene from the edge of a cliff overlooking the village. Dressed in black, they still managed to stand out from the grim background. A faint breeze blew into their faces, bringing the stanch of death with it.

They did not flinch.

The first figure was a girl. She was shorter than the other two. Her face was composed of seemingly delicate features. Her mouth was set on a firm line as pale green eyes surveyed. Sadness and tears battled with fury and rage. Fury and rage won, even as her eyes glimmered. Maturity and warmth could be seen in her face, if one wished to see it.

Her companion was taller than her. With broad shoulders, dark hair, velvet brown eyes and a laughing mouth, he was very popular with the ladies. Unlike the girl, he watched the scene with relative calmness, the only indication of his inner state being his white knuckles and his tense jaw. The third figure was taller and leaner. With one look at his face the single word that came to mind was beautiful. Beyond compare. His body stood with absolute grace and poise, his aristocratic face giving nothing way. Hair of palest blonde partially hid the narrowed grey eyes watching everything.

"That could have been us. We could have been there." The voice was beyond frozen. It was glacial.

The girl's already pale complexion turned waxen at the thought.

The dark haired boy shook his head. "I don't think so. We would have never done it."

"What if there had been no choice?"

"Time changes everything, Draco."

Draco Malfoy gave Blaise Zabini a chilling smile. "Yes, it does. Sometimes for the better."

With that the three figures disappeared.

Riya faced her reflection squarely. A young woman whose hair had been pulled back into a neat ponytail looked back at her. She smoothed her arms over her body. Just to give herself reassurance that she looked…. nothing out of ordinary. She was armed, she knew that, Sakura would know by experience but that didn't mean she wanted everyone else to know. Usually she would not have to in front of a mirror- her training had instilled in her enough confidence that she could arm herself discreetly enough that no one without some level of training would have been able to spot the weapons. But for some reason she wanted reassurance and so here she stood in front of the talking mirror that had been silenced because the last thing Riya wanted was some commentary along with her thoughts.

Sakura entered the room and noted with amusement the gagged mirror. "I know you wanted to be alone, but isn't this a bit extreme?" Riya shrugged, "The enchantment is temporary. I am not in the mood for talking mirrors." Sakura's eyebrow arched, "Aren't you a bit too tense just for a meeting with the headmaster?"

Riya rolled her eyes, "I'm learning not to underestimate. Albus Dumbledore might look the wizarding world mix of eccentric grandfather and Santa Claus does not mean he's harmless. He defeated the last Dark Lord the wizarding world had. He is the centre of the resistance. I'll bet you that beneath that façade is a very shrewd, clever and manipulative mind."

Sakura's eyes narrowed, "Well there is only one way we are going out aren't we? If we actually go.

Ten minutes later, Riya rolled her eyes as she watched Sakura fidget uneasily in her jeans for what could have been the hundredth time." Sakura, you look fine." Getting used to the western style of clothing was taking Sakura a surprising amount of time. They sat in the Leaky Cauldron surrounded by wizards who had no idea who sat in their midst. Sakura, who was now looking more settled, was dressed in jeans and white top in complete contrast to Riya who dressed, once again entirely in black. Her hair was pulled back and held up by a green jade pin which had been part of Yue's parting gift. On the surface, Riya looked calm and collected in her seemingly thoughtful isolation. But the warrior, which sometimes deeply intimidated Sakura was just beneath the surface and the signs that showed her actual state, was an uncharacteristically pale face and the eerily bright eyes which gave a fleeting doe-like impression.

Sakura nearly yelped when she felt the finger tapping her shoulder briefly. Both girls turned around. A tall woman of around sixty, dressed in black robes looked back at them analytically. Her mouth was set in a thin narrow line and her hair was scraped back into a severe bun. Clever eyes scrutinised them from behind their glasses.

Minerva McGonagall got a better look at the two girls as they stood up. The girl she had tapped was tall-ish, with large green eyes, her features sweet and innocent. "Sakura Kinomoto and Riya Morgaine?" The girl nodded her head cheerfully and politely, "I'm Sakura!" A quiet voice acknowledged, "Riya Morgaine." The Transfiguration professor turned her gaze to the other girl and wondered how could she have missed her before. Tall and slim, she stood with a deceptive grace, powerful, eerie blue eyes looking at her in a way that made her falter. It was not deliberate, Minerva knew. But something about those eyes affected her in a way that Dumbledore's never could. The strange beauty didn't look out of place on that face and she definitely didn't look Japanese. Understanding the expression Riya smiled politely, "I have lived in Japan for a long time even though I am not Japanese by birth." Professor McGonagall nodded briskly, not letting her surprise at the astute observation show.

She then introduced herself, "My name is Minerva McGonagall. I am the Deputy Headmistress and the Transfiguration professor in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Riya nodded politely, "Pleased to meet you." Professor McGonagall nodded, "We will be travelling today by portkey." As she turned to talk to the bartender, Sakura giggled and turned to Riya, "These British people have funny names. No offence, Riya. McGonagall? Although I have heard the name 'Minerva' somewhere." "It is the name of the Roman counterpart to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom," replied Riya absently, as she pushed away a drunken letch who had come too close. The professor looked at the stumbling man strangely, her eyes then shifting to the pair. Something speculative flickered to life for a moment in the teacher's eyes, before holding out a tankard. "This is our portkey for today. I hope you are not too averse to this mode of travelling. Two muted ' no m'ams' came out in response. Riya and Sakura looked at each other. They didn't even know what it was, but they had no choice. Although it didn't look like a terribly efficient means of travel (tankard!). McGonagall nodded, "Take this." Sakura held the tankard gingerly between two fingers, looking at it as if it was going to explode or bite her any minute. Riya smirked the absurd scene. "Hold it properly.", she hissed. She gripped the handle steadily, while looking at Sakura. Sakura glared back at her as she tightened her grip.

"Off we go."

Neither of them had any time before the world disappeared from underneath their feet.