DISCLAIMER: Aya has an excellent grasp of legalese speak which is displayed on her fanfic on this site. A side fic for Chaos Chronicles. One of its characters. The lovable Aya (grins) http:www!fanfiction!net#s#2583908#1# Just replace the # with the proper slash, and the ! with a period.
KoHi: Waiii! Our first CC chapter written by both Dragon Lady and me! My beta reader turned co-authoress (goes to poke DL) Go on…introduce yourself!
DL: …..
KoHi: But…but what about what we talked in YM? (whines)
DL: Hellooooo….
KoHi: That's it? (looks incredulous) What happened to the hyperness and stuff? I should be the one keeling over with work and fanfic and other stuff….
DL: Sleeeeeepppppp….
KoHi: Oh…Ok…What about your fanfic which is linked to Chaos Chronicles?
DL: http:www!fanfiction!net#s#2583908#1# And you still hadn't beta-ed my next chapter you know...
KoHi: Hai...(goes to slink away and finish beta-reading)
WARNING: Looooonnnng Chapter.
Other notes: I will update the Review Replies in my blog soon enough. Work and crappy net is making it difficult for me to think and work. (mournful look)
Chapter 21: First Day Funk
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Hogwarts awoke to a gray morning. Last night's storm had not yet abated. Thunder rolled and lightning lit up the dull skies, zigzagging through the air. A dead tree in the Forbidden Forest was the lone casualty from those strikes. A ferocious wind raged, turning the rain into a sharp curtain of needles.
All outdoor classes were suspended or if possible, moved indoors. Classes held on the turrets were moved lower while those on the outer shell of the castle were moved closer to the center. The reasoning was that not a few students and teachers yelped with each thunder clap that shook the outer walls despite repeated assurances that they really are safe. That and it was getting hard to hear each other in the classroom with each thunder roll and shrieking frightened humans.
The dining hall mood was subdued, with the sound of heavy rain providing most of the ambient noise. Even the students were unnaturally less talkative.
Harry poked at his breakfast, pushing the bacon this way and that as he thought about his unopened envelope containing his OWL results. Sooner or later he was going to have to open that and face the truth. Then there was Miriya's unexpected placement in the House of Slytherin. Were Hermione and Ginny right then in saying not all Slytherins are bad? Speaking of Ginny… she dated a what!
Beside him was Ron, also lost in his thoughts about the events on the train, and how it felt to have all those other students looking to him for leadership. Because of that, the boy's appetite was in no way diminished as he was happily stuffing himself with croissants and sausages and eggs and…well you get the idea.
"Aaaaahhh! But that's mine!"
The loud exclamation was followed by cutlery jumping from the table as the owner of the outrage voice slammed a fist down the banquet table.
"Heh! I don't see your name on this dumpling!" Yusuke shot back from the opposite side of the table, waving a dumpling held between his chopsticks.
Kurama, who was watching from another table with some of the Slytherins, hung his head in resignation. Trust Yusuke and Kuwabara to liven up a dreary morning. Not that his morning was boring to begin with. Aya had dropped in on him during his morning bath. Good thing a prefect wandered in and ordered her off. The girl was about to argue the point when that deceptively frail looking companion of Miriya called her to join them for breakfast. He glanced to where Hiei was seated with the Ravenclaws. He couldn't help but grin at the sight of his old friend. The fire demon looked smaller in the school robes and was sitting stiffly, eyeing the other Ravenclaw newbie-the one called Raul. Raul too looked on alert and seemed to be aware of Hiei's attention on him.
In a way, the Rei Tantei was both grateful and annoyed at the standard robes. For one…it allowed them to easily hide their weapons-something Hiei was very happy of since he didn't want to part with his katana. Unfortunately, it also meant that other people could hide stuff under their robes too. And the Rei Tantei doubted that old wizard caretaker's, named Filch, ability to detect a malicious item if the one bringing it was determined enough to sneak it in.
Kurama looked around the dining hall. He spotted Miriya heading towards the Gryffindor table. How she fit in this puzzle he had no idea.
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It wasn't just the student's dining hall that was relatively quiet. The faculty and staff mess hall was also somber. Everyone was talking to each other in hushed voices or eating quietly. Snape and Mizuki were on a separate table discussing the day's lesson. Judging from Snape's scowl he disagreed with her on quite a few topics. Professor Sprout was trying to strike up a conversation with Firenze. On another side of the room, Touya excused himself from where the loopy Ms. Trelawney was asking him questions about himself and then trying to divine his future. He wasn't too impressed really and wasn't that interested in the woman's flirting attempts. He scanned the room and found the other new teacher sipping his coffee and reading the day's newspaper which some poor owl had apparently managed to deliver despite the storm.
Touya sat down on the vacant chair opposite Tatsumi and continued his breakfast silently. Tatsumi raised an eyebrow at the younger man then resumed his reading. A few minutes later, Tatsumi's alert senses brought him to look up from his newspaper and regard the other man with another raised eyebrow. Touya was looking at him from the rim of his glass of orange juice, apparently studying him.
"Yes?" Tatsumi asked.
No response except to put down his orange juice.
Tatsumi kept the raised eyebrow up, newspaper temporarily forgotten.
Only the basic of actions were performed by the young man. Butter the toast. Eat the buttered toast. Take another sip of his orange juice. More chewing. That seemed to be the routine at the moment.
Tatsumi decided that it was getting infuriating but chose to read his newspaper again and not let the other man rile him up.
A few minutes later, as he was finishing his coffee, the other man stood up.
"Don't accept any offered drinks during lunch time."
The man left before Tatsumi could ask just what the hell that was about.
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Harry's grade was better than he expected and with his new class schedules on hand he and his friends made their way down the dungeons to where Potions would be held. Miriya was talking animatedly to Hermione and Ron was saying something about Quidditch tryouts. He smiled. For once...everything felt perfect...normal. He felt happy.
Which now that he thought about it, wasn't good at all. Something bad was going to happen. He just knew it.
The sound of muted thunder reverberated in the stone walls.
And what was the deal with this freaky weather anyway?
"Don't you feel that?" Miriya had touched his arm briefly.
"Feel what?" he asked. The others had stopped to look at her.
"It feels off. Like something else is causing this."
Blank looks from the rest of them.
Hermione spoke up. "Well you did say the Commandments weakening are throwing things out of whack, right?"
Miriya shook her head, "Nope. It's something else, just taking advantage of the situation. Maybe it's nothing..." She shrugged and went in the classroom. The others followed.
The rest of Slytherin and Gryffindor, who qualified for Advanced Potions, were already mostly seated. The girls...and some of the boys were checking out Touya who looked even sterner than usual in his teacher's robe. He was standing over some books and browsing them. A few students sighed dreamily still taking in his looks.
Aya came in last and found herself a seat near him...or rather...stole a seat from another student who was unwise enough to stand up and talk to a fellow classmate. A glare from her convinced the female student to take another seat at the back.
"Making new friends, I see?" Miriya took the seat beside Aya and grinned at the girl. Aya returned a smirk at her back.
Malfoy unwisely chose that moment to make his presence known to the 2 girls.
"Hello ladies," he gave them his most winning smile.
"Bugger off," came Aya's quick retort.
"In your seats everyone," Touya ordered as he slammed a heavy book close. He almost sneezed at the dust kicked up from it. He had temporarily forgotten how dusty these books were. Eyeing his students warily, the young man shook his head.
Teenagers. A terrifying age if he recalled correctly. A time when it seemed like everything was possible and foolish enough to actually believe it so.
He didn't like the starry eyed looks either.
He heaved a deep sigh as he glanced at the teacher's subject outline that was handed to him before the class. The potion listed there as their 1st class seatwork did not sit well on him.
Someone deserved to be shot for even putting that one down.
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Hermione squirmed in her seat. She still hadn't told Miriya about loosing the cards that Eriol meant as a gift for her. She had meant to tell her during breakfast but didn't have the heart when she saw how the other girl was in such a happy mood. Her conscience was starting to bug her big time.
Ron and Harry couldn't hide a smirk when they overheard Malfoy being blown off. Yusuke noticed and slid his seat noisily towards theirs, causing the whole class to wince at the grating noise, before throwing a glare at him. He coolly returned their glare with a grin.
"So hey…what's the story on the blond?" Yusuke started to say when Touya interrupted.
"Urameshi, move your seat back unless you plan on pairing up with one of them for your seatwork partner."
Yusuke looked at the 2 boys hopefully, his demeanor that of a puppy hoping to win a new owner's affection.
Harry blinked then turned to Touya, "Uhm...I guess I won't mind pairing up with him." He was rewarded with a happy whoop from Yusuke.
The rest of the class started pairing up as well. Hermione figured now would be a good time to tell Miriya about the lost cards once she paired up with the girl. She made her way towards the girl but stopped short in her steps when Aya asked Miriya first and the girl agreed.
"You don't seem to have a partner yet," a smooth voice said to her. She whirled around and found herself face to face with Kurama.
"Oh…uhm…yeah…hi," she could feel her cheeks flush.
"Well, you won't mind if we partner up?" Kurama flashed her a winning smile.
No girl could possibly resist that smile, Hermione found herself thinking as Kurama led her to their seats.
"Alright, everyone has partners already?" Touya asked the class.
Nods and murmurs. Aya turned to where Kurama was. He returned her a cool look. Managing a faltered smirk, the teen quickly turned back to face forward again. In a word to describe that; foiled. "Gah… I'll get him soon enough," she muttered to herself. Kurama had declined her invite to pair up leaving her no choice but to invite Miriya.
"Oh you mean him?" Miriya asked. Of course, with the word 'him' one could practically feel the disinterest towards one of the newest heart throbs of the castle.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
The question caught Aya off guard. She was about to respond when Touya tapped Miriya on the head with a teacher's wand.
"Pay attention."
"Hai."
Satisfied, Touya turned to the rest of the class and directed their attention towards a covered cauldron.
"Alright… student's. That will be your first assignment for the day."
He pulled the cover off and a clear liquid that look like water was in the cauldron. It gave off a sweet aromatic scent. Before the young professor managed to question the students, and see if they could guess what the concoction was, a hand shot up. Bewildered by such promptness, the dark haired young man placed himself upon the stool to ready himself for what horrors would be unlocked over the double period. Glancing over at the roster once more, towards the Gryffindor students, a guess wasn't required with Snape's rather...helpful hints. "Yes, Miss Granger?"
Swelling up with a little pride, as usual when chosen, Hermione proved just what the other students meant with her being a braniac. "That, sir, is a love potion. Sometimes called Aphrodite's Draught, Valentine's wine, and the Draught of Adoration. It's distinguished by the sweet pungent smell, and colorless pigmentation. Able to be mixed with just about any drink, it brings the user to fall in love with the person it was directed towards. It's effects, though potent, are known to wear off after at least 24 hours."
Raising an eyebrow, one would think the professor was staring at an alien. Of course, he wasn't used to the girl's rather informative responses. "Yes, that's right. Directions are on the board... Keep talking to a minimum, and only for class work. You have plenty of time over lunch and in-between classes to chat."
It was almost as if he spoke in a different language with that last part. Immediately, a wave of sound filled the room. Many just trying to figure out who would do what, while others had been chatting on the greatest subject; all of the new students. Apparently…no one understood what it meant to keep "talking to a minimum."
"So, what's with the blond?" the dark haired Asian brought it up again, only to receive incredulous glances from the other two.
"You're kidding me, right? Draco's the biggest prat of the school," Harry muttered as he bent over the ingredients trying to prepare them for the draught.
Nodding, having been close enough to participate in the conversation, the fiery red head added in, "Should've seen him our first year. Shot down by Harry here, took a permanent grudge since then."
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"Ayia... She's too lucky," Aya commented sourly, while adding in a shredded up root to the now rogue pink concoction. According to the board, they were doing things about the right way, though it was darker and stronger smelling than Hermione and Kurama's cauldron.
"Why even bother?" It seemed a complete mystery why the tall girl had kept trying to 'get' Kurama all this time. Personally, Miriya could've cared less, and preferred to be in a House away from him.
While one's actions seemed a mystery, the question was one which seemed even more...strange. Blinking, almost as if it were obvious, the two paused long enough to hear Touya telling everyone to keep the chatter down once again. Allowing a few minutes of brewing in silence to pass by, the tall student's answer seemed to come out of nowhere. "Because I'm an American. New Yorker, to be worse, which only heightens my stubborn-ness. I can't just give up, and have to beat at least ninety-nine point nine nine nine nine nine nine nine nine percent of the school body." Flashing a grin while adding the powdered oyster shell, finally a more believable thing was said. "How's that for a humorous answer?"
Raising an eyebrow, clearly somewhat amused, Miriya finally decided to respond after changing the heat of the cauldron's flame. "So what's the real answer?"
Waiting for her partner to look up, those reddish brown eyes held something near-threatening, as the rest of her face curled up into a wide grin. Using the sweetest tone possible, Aya said, "None of your business," while moving to stir the potion counterclockwise.
Miriya was looking to say something, when another warning from Professor Kinomoto stopped the conversation short once again. This was probably best, considering the animosity which rose so quickly over a simple question. Shaking her head, the two worked in silence till the potion shifted colors once more.
Theirs was a deep crimson; while a glance back showed Hermione and Kurama's potion had already passed that color and was on an ice blue shade. Though new to the school, apparently that was the pairing of a lifetime, intelligence-wise at least.
Around the classroom, everyone else seemed to be getting along pretty well. There was no Snape, to Draco's displeasure, to scare everyone. Especially Neville, whom the Gryffindors all knew held a fear for the greasy haired professor. Though at the time, his and Ron's love potion wasn't going along the path exactly set on the board, it didn't seem to be ready to explode. Sounds of a few girls giggling at least raise some of the guys' worries. They were scary predators when given a target, and a new weapon to try out.
Though it was a double class, and Touya made sure to stop the useless chatter as much as possible, it definitely didn't seem a nightmare for the students. When reaching the end, a good amount of the potions looked and smelled to be about right. All that was required was an eyelash of who the drinker was to fall for, and it'd turn completely colorless and diminish in aromatic fragrance. For the best potion, being Kurama and Hermione's, 10 points was actually given towards both houses. With the homework given out, everyone brought up a vial of their works before 'cleaning up.' Before all dispersed, the young professor held a rather serious expression upon his face before releasing a warning. "I suggest you don't try this against me, for I will be able to tell if you have slipped some within my drink. Every time I catch you, I'll dock 5 points from your house and assign a detention."
With so many new beautiful people in the school, at least 80 percent of the students had borrowed one of their own flasks to fill up with the potions. The guy's felt that the new girls and Miss Kaho, would be a good target to go after. Of the majority, mentions of Nefertiti came up. Malfoy knew it'd be a good method on getting the pure-blooded women on his side long enough. Being in Slytherin, it was easier to go after the female students.
Then there were the girls, who were much more cunning. They had already been working on trying to get to Kurama, and see if he'd join them for lunch. Though innocent, it was plainly obvious on the intent poorly hidden. Aya, who wanted to try something else, came up to the professor. She had already slipped in an eyelash while the crowd swarmed around the front desk. While a flask was in her bag as well, the small vial seemed to be enough. Waiting for most to have left, a small smile was given while leaning against the desk.
Glancing over to the student, Touya remained unimpressed but wasn't going to be cruel... much. "Yes?"
"Could you make sure that ours work? I mean, you said it looked somewhat right and such. It doesn't work if the eyelash isn't put in anyways, right?"
Taking the vial, a hard glance was given before vanished away. "Terrible try. You should try to leave before I dock points from Slytherin."
"That'd be going against your word! I didn't slip it in anything, or try to trick... Much." Before waiting for a reply from the irritated young man, the tall student went out to join the rest within the hall.
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The students were now making their way out of the dungeon to get to the dining hall for lunch when a particularly loud thunder clap shook the whole castle-the vibration felt all the way down, even in the depths of the dungeons.
Students screamed.
Some used the chance to latch on some cute newbies. Hiei's reflexes saved him from being glomped, but he still couldn't believe how fast the humans were actually moving just to glomp him and the others. He decided not to underestimate them in the future.
And then there was another booming thunder clap and there were the muted sounds somewhere in the castle of things exploding. Instantly all the newbies were on alert.
"What the hell was that!" Raul growled.
Miriya had bumped into him while trying to avoid an overeager hug from a male student saying he was going to comfort her, "That's no ordinary thunder…"
"No kidding." Raul shot back.
Hermione had jumped into Kurama's arms but hurriedly disentangled herself when she saw the look Ron shot her way. "Sorry… I didn't mean to…"she muttered, cheeks aflame. She honestly didn't mean to. But she was so surprised…
"Don't worry about it."
"Maybe we should," Hiei said to Kurama coming up beside the fox. "Because that last thunder claps felt a lot like when those cards…"
"Cards!" Miriya turned sharply to the 2 Rei Tantei. Hermione wilted. "What cards?" Miriya's voice was tight. Kurama saw her eyes flick towards Yukito who gave her an innocent smile.
"He meant the cards I lost," Hermione finally owned up looking utterly miserable. "Eriol gave it to me for safe-"
She never got to finish explaining. As soon as she mentioned Eriol's name Miriya had took off, almost flying up the stairs.
"Hey…" Harry called out. "Wait!"
The Heirs looked at each other and then followed. The confused students had no choice but to follow and wonder what was up. Emerging from the dungeons-a chaotic sight greeted them. The halls were drenched. The reason for the muted explosions was apparent. The water pipelines had exploded. And judging from some of the ooze and stink…so did the sewage lines.
Ron blinked, "What kind of freak thunder could do that!"
"One most likely caused by the Water Spirit and some of her friends," Yukito said calmly, still smiling like this was all normal. Sure, students trying to get out of the muck and flooding halls were normal. After all… Hogwarts had more bizarre happenings in its history right? Right.
Kuwabara shuddered and turned to Yusuke, "I don't know what he's saying, but I feel something really powerful and malicious out there…"
"No duh," Yusuke muttered.
"Miriya!" Harry looked around wildly for his sister...oh okay fine if you want to get technical about it-his magical sibling, was gone and nowhere to be seen. He turned to Yukito, "Where did she go!"
"Off to get the card."
"What! I don't understand."
The Rei Tantei looked at each other than back to Yukito. Kurama spoke up, "Cards...?"
"Uhm, guys... Is it just me or the water level is rising?" Ron muttered.
It was at that moment that Moaning Myrtle glided up to Harry complaining how her toilet was backed up with sludge and that no one was paying to attention.
It didn't take long for Kurama to put 2 and 2 together. Youko chuckled.
/Got to give the magician credit for trapping an Elemental in a card, ne Kurama/
But if Miriya is going to go get it...
"Oh shit..." was all Kurama said before following the girl.
"Now where is he going...?" Kuwabara scratched his head.
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The doors that lead outside the castle were locked up tight. Miriya had no time for pleasantries. She forced it open with her will. The heavy oak doors slammed open as she raced down the halls. Several teachers called out to her not to go out but she didn't heed their calls.
Was it possible? Were Grandpapa's little sister's cards still alive?
But then, wasn't that the only explanation she could think of at the moment? The energy bore the unmistakable mark of the Reed magical line now that she knew what it was and what to look for.
Sakura-chan, was this how it felt like for the first time?
Her own knees were shaking. And to think Sakura was younger than her for the first card capture.
The rain and wind almost push her back. She stretch out her senses trying to get a sense of what was out there... Wind card?
And then a wave of water crashed into the castle, pouring from the open door. Almost instantly her own magic and skills kicked in to protect herself. The Heir's came running just in time to see her jump up and land lightly on higher ground. The water started to flood the lower floors of the castle and teachers and students hurriedly evacuated the area.
Spells to contain the damage and push back the flood water were bouncing off it and only seemed to enrage the now seemingly alive water. The Rei Tantei skidded to a halt just behind the Heirs.
A column of water rose up and headed directly for them. Everyone scattered. Harry who was following close to the Tantei's heels would have been hit, if it weren't for Yusuke who got to him just in time and pulled him to higher level.
Nefertiti uttered a spell to calm the waters. It had the opposite effect. A water sprite rose up and attacked her.
"The Element doesn't recognize you," a calm voice said from the sidelines.
Yukito.
"It only recognizes power and yields to a power that can defeat her," he continued. "She only recognizes the next worthy Master or Mistress."
Ashlar was staring at the opposite ledge, "Look... look at Reed's Heir."
"She is not an Heir and there is no House of Reed!" Zshar yelled at the boy.
Raul shook his head unbelievingly, "You guys are unbelievable... We're having a problem and you're still being prissy!"
But the Rei Tantei had noticed what Ashlar was saying. On the ledge that Miriya had taken her refuge she was standing there looking intently into the turbulent murky water that had come from the lake. Moments later, she looked up and the water spirit attacking Nefertiti stopped. It then slowly turned to Miriya who now looked a bit different. The girl's aura was glowing. Her dark hair was being blown by the energy called up by her aura.
The spirit shrieked at her. Kurama noticed the strange eyes on Miriya...it had turned white-almost glowing. And then the flow of chi...So powerful even its subdue state that it almost made him want to genuflect to it.
The lady has the manner of an Olden Queen.
That was Youko musing. Kurama looked around and saw that the others had the same stunned look that he must have worn. And then the water spirit attacked-throwing off energy that blasted a hole on the thick stone walls.
"Oh god!" Harry screamed as he only saw a gaping hole where the ledge once was.
"She's fine," Yusuke said tightly.
She was.
Outside, the spirit and Miriya were locked in battle. Each time they met- a loud clap of thunder was heard. The water spirit flew this way or that or sent parts of itself to attack Miriya. The girl held her ground, deflecting with her own psychic shield but still getting drenched.
Students had finally come out to watch as the water receded, sucked up in the fight. Kurama watched helplessly, mind racing. How the hell do you defeat pure water elemental? Would Hiei's fire be enough?
A first year had wandered way too far from the group. The spirit saw its chance to distract Miriya. It went for the kid. The magical lines groaned as Miriya pulled at it to halt the spirit. As a result she was unaware that a part of it had snuck up behind her. She found herself drowning in a water bubble.
Before anyone could help her, the water spirit lifted up its prey and together they both fell in the middle of the lake and sunk. The lake boiled with the 2 magical combatants.
I must... get free... or I'm done for...!
She was starting to lose her breath. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Fire, the natural enemy of water...
Her mental scream tore a hole through the water bubble, shooting up a pillar of pure energy up. The Water screamed. She'd hurt it badly enough, but... No, she had lost precious air. No, she was...
Something black and huge glided under her, pushing her up for air.
Wha...? Huh...?
The spirit was not done. It was hurt but determined to win. It attacked again, intent on drowning her finally. A column of fire shot at it. It screamed again in pain.
She opened her eyes. Wait a minute... that was... familiar...
Open your eyes Miriya! You can defeat it!
That voice...!
Yes Miriya... I'm back. You've hurt it. Finish it.
Cray!
Yes... I'm here... my love.
Light surrounded her as she was finally able to tap into her true power. She no longer had to worry about losing control.
Cray was here.
She curled up, knowing what to do now. The knowledge was in her all along. She touched the silver necklace...and it turned into a silver staff. She rose from the lake...a simple flying spell.
"Hey... you. We're not done yet." she addressed the spirit gravely, voice ringing over the wind.
It shrieked at her defiantly.
"You're going back into the card like or not, and you'll recognize me as your mistress!"
"You are not Reed's sister!" It spoke for the first time.
"No, but I'm his Descendant."
The Water attacked again. The staff blocked it. A twist and she drove it straight into its core. The Water started to dissolve. The angry expression started to soften and then finally... "Lady Reed," it whispered before returning to its card form. The card floated into her hand. The weather suddenly cleared up. The students who had gathered on the banks cheered, but Miriya didn't hear them. She was looking for Cray. As her eyes found him standing at the lake's edge, just out of the Forbidden Forest, she smiled and allowed herself to drop her guard.
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Kurama hesitated at knee deep water as a figure dove in for Miriya and minutes later was swimming, with her unconscious body, towards the shore. He sensed the man's strength and saw the tender look he cast on the girl huddled in his arms.
"Cray!"
The man turned his head at the sound of his name. The eyes were the color of sky blue.
"Zshar."
It was a statement.
The girl seemed to wilt a bit as Kurama saw the boy's face harden. Miriya stirred in his arms and then opened her eyes. Their eyes met and it seemed like the rest of them wasn't there, the boy's face instantly softening at the sight of her.
"Eherm..." Harry cleared his throat. Nope, he didn't like his sister falling in love with strangers. Okay... His magical sister. But so what?
The 2 turned to look at him and Miriya started to get down. Cray let her on her feet, a raised eyebrow at her.
"Cray... Harry, my... Magical brother. Harry... Cray... my, uh..." she blushed.
"Fiancé," Cray finished for her.
A buzz rose up from the crowd. And to think the day wasn't done yet.
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It was way past lunch and they were late for DADA. Miriya had been sent to the Hospital wing for a check up. Cray was with her, and while there, was being interviewed by McGonagall. The rest had no choice but to trudge their way to DADA-but not after making a quick side trip on the mess hall which made them even later, even if it was just to grab a sandwich and juice to calm rumbling stomachs.
They entered just in time though to catch the tail end of Snape's rant that magical disasters did not count for a valid excuse for lateness. Of course, that just made it easy for Snape to zero in on Harry again who was trying to slink in at the back.
The DADA room was altered a bit for this year. It was set up like a Roman stadium with most of the room as open space. It didn't take much to figure out that there were going to be duels held in that room. Much like the other students, the late ones moved to sit along the edge of the sphere. It didn't occur to any of them that it was possible to make a room larger, but apparently it was, considering there was no way this much room could be available.
Finally, everyone was quiet, sitting, and paying attention. Deciding it was best, the young lithe woman stepped forward. Not only to gain their eyes, but also to emphasize the flat ground's purpose. "Before Snape had interrupted, pointing out the importance of punctuality, I was going through our year's schedule. This will be unlike most of your years, most relating to Professor Lupin's teachings. It seems that he was the only one that actually took on a physical defense as well. With Eastern teachings, the 'sensei,' or teacher in your terms, makes sure their student has a balance of physical as well as mental knowledge and strength. This is where you are lacking, having the scales towards the mental end. Through the year, you'll participate in duels, and learn how to fight using what you will and have already learned."
Clearing her throat, one would think satisfaction was growing in those eyes at seeing some of the students sweating out the possibilities. About to continue, the interruption of Professor Snape's throat brought attention to focus on him. While Mizuki had natural charisma for people to listen gladly, the former Potions master held something, a deadly silence within his voice. Though soft, it struck into most peoples hearts, and only irked the newer students. "Perhaps, Miss Kaho, it's best to show a demonstration of what exactly you plan on having our students learns."
"Hm? Oh, yes! I was thinking of doing so..." Right away she went into the papers about the new students. Definitely the exchange students would suit this best; it was just a matter of which one. "Okay... How about Raul and Aya. Keep it clean, and stop when I call it."
Glancing at the two, the girl suddenly flashed a smile before getting up. As they both reached the center of the space, the two shed the layer of uniform to reveal a pair of pants and comfortable shirt upon both. The two obviously made sure to never be unprepared for a fight. "I wanted to test you out since yesterday. Pity the stiffs had to stop us," Aya said happily.
Instead of getting some kind of verbal response, which looked to be what the tall girl was waiting for, the pierced and tattooed young man decided to keep up a smirk before getting ready. Of course, it took till everyone was backed up as much as possible and the go-ahead from Miss Kaho before the two were able to release some of their energy. Not too much, considering the 'small' space. Immediately, the two seemed to disappear before the clash of auras swept across the two. One marking intense training and instinct, while the other held the darkness of experience. Separating both ended up in position across from each other.
Immediately, Raul knew what would happen. If he was able to defeat this girl, he'd gain the strength from her and all those people she had defeated enough to stain her aura. Slipping into a stance, words of his own native language came through as the right tattooed hand started on the single symbol which would immobilize movement. Normally, it would work; if he wasn't up against someone who looked like they knew just was going on.
Then it showed how much of a mistake Raul had made. Immediately, the aura around Aya lashed out across the room to create a wave of cold air, which immediately dissipated as quickly as it had come. Instead of the work Raul put into his charm, it had only angered the messy-haired teen.
It quickly turned from a friendly duel to a deadly battle.
The rules of proper dueling diminished, as the instinct of self-preservation kicked in. Crude moves and methods of fighting were used. Though well trained, and taught extreme discipline, the tattooed young man had to resort to hair pulling to use the momentum and throw the raging dark haired girl off from him. Cuts and gashes line his skin, as more talismans were thrown out at Aya. At first, they looked to work, to only fade away as if the girl was used to much worse, and have the tall student attack once more.
Some of the students were freaking out, trying to get out of the locked doors. Not even the Alohomora spell was effective against the door. Why weren't the professors doing anything!
Well, Snape had tried, to find that the lack of knowledge on the Eastern branch of magic was his downfall. The spells he was allowed to cast upon the students hadn't even caught their attention. Growling in frustration, those black cold eyes focused on his partner in this subject. "Well, this is your branch. Do something!"
Yet she didn't. Instead, the kind teacher just gave Snape a smile before watching over the scene. Not a shred of worry yet on her face. "Considering how many powerful students are here, I'm positive they can handle this."
"You'll trust those brats!"
"Yes, I will." Her voice held a finality, knowing that no one would challenge her beliefs at the time.
Of course, the Tantei really weren't the kind to sit around and do nothing. This didn't have those rules like back in the tournament. Especially after one of the combatant's attacks almost hit the group. Getting up, Yusuke was obviously pissed off, "I'm not about to let someone turn me into ribbons, dammit!"
Aiming for the body pummeling into the other, a sphere of ice blue energy gathered at Yusuke's index finger. Not a deadly shot, but considering the two, it'd only be enough to shake the crazed girl out of the Killer's state of mind. Releasing the Spirit Gun's bullet, the energy landed right in the back of the dark haired girl's neck base. Though it'd cause a little disorientation and a slightly bloodied nose from her impact against the ground, it was better than that rather a death.
As the girl's body fell forward several feet over Raul's unconscious state, Yusuke went in between the two to make sure the battle doesn't continue, "Oi, shouldn't someone get him over to that hospital wing place or something?"
"Of course. I'm sure Snape would be glad to do so," Mizuki said, still smiling despite the glare she received from the other professor. "You don't want to be around still if they lose control again, I'm sure, Severus."
One would think that the vein popping out of the man's temple was about to explode. Silently fuming, Raul's body was floated up as Snape unlocked and left through the door, to head up to Madame Pomfrey's.
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Miriya met Harry and the others as they exited DADA.
"Huh? Why is class over so soon?" she looked surprised.
Ron groaned, "Long story."
Harry placed an arm around her shoulder and steered her towards History. "Look at the bright side…next up would be History of Magic…maybe the new guy will put us to sleep like Professor Binns," Harry mused. "So…where's uh…Cray?"
"Mhmm? Oh…Professor McGonagall is interviewing him." She blushed again.
Hermione came up to her and looked at her worriedly,"I'm sorry about the cards."
Miriya waved her off,"It's ok. I would have still fought it even if you hadn't lost it. That's how they are…you have to win their respect."
Ron bumped up to them and said in a stage whisper, "Did you see what Urameshi did?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah…he made his finger all glowy"
"Forget that…" Neville added. "Did you see what Aya and Raul did?"
And all of a sudden the students were now asking the newbies to explain their particular magic. The more stuck up of the Heirs refused to say anything…while the Rei Tantei wracked their brains up for some believable explanation and not give the demon part away.
Miriya was being overwhelmed with questions especially from Hermione. She put a stop to it and muttered, "Look…I'm sure our new History teacher can answer your questions better than me…okay?"
There were a few nods and grumbling but at last they made it to the History class. There were also surprised remarks when Aya joined them.
"Heh. See… I didn't hit her so badly,"Yusuke said to another student.
Aya came up to him and glared, "You do realize that this means I'll have to get even with you."
Yusuke just grinned. But the tension was there…and the air was starting to crackle again.
Hiei groaned, "Just…great…"
"Defense Arts class is over," an authoritative voice said. "So I will not tolerate fighting in my classroom."
"Technically," Aya shot back. "It's still DADA time."
"Ms. Shinimori… if you want me to dock more points from Slytherin to add to the other points you lost by lining my cup with love potion then feel free to be a smart ass."
"Woah! " Kuwabara exclaimed. "You! Slipped love potion to Sei-san?"
Tatsumi tried not to blush at the memory of that. He shuddered instead and thanked Touya in his mind for the antidote. He kept his stern mask on though for the class.
But damn…how long till that antidote work anyway? Shoot…is it reacting to his being…eherm…shinigami? Though when casting a glance to the student, the brunette froze in his tracks. She actually held those same eyes... Enma, I thought only Tsuzuki could pull off that look...
"In my class, I expect all of you to take notes, as I do not waste my time explaining historical facts. Chatting is to remain minimal, and questions to be saved till I open up the floor. I don't know how your previous professor pulled this class off, but now participation will include a huge role. Discussions will happen most, if not all, periods, relating to the most recent subject. You don't do your homework, then you not only won't understand the lesson's subject, but will lose house points. I don't allow any room for slackers."
Waiting the moans, groans, and complaints from the mass to quiet down, those blue eyes focused on every student. Well, almost every student. Something within the young-looking shinigami kept telling him to set at least a small glance on the slightly beaten up girl. Focusing once again, Tatsumi held a clear strict voice, though definitely not monotone. Today's lesson was all about the 12 houses of Man, their relation to Hogwarts, and especially the 10 Commandments.
While he wasn't one to allow rest, like Professor Binns was, the subject and intonations were enough to hook the students in. They've been wondering about this for a long time... Well, since they had all arrived at Hogwarts. So once he had opened up the floor, questions littered the air. In fact, only one seemed to cause laughter from being off subject.
"How long's your wand?" it came, a moment before the inquirer started to suck along her index finger.
That type of thing should be illegal... the professor thought to himself, while shaking under the desk, where none could see him. Touya did mention that in classes they may have made the potion a little stronger than it should have. Either that, or the antidote was taking it's time a lot longer than it should due to his lack of life. If class continued... he'd surely end up losing control. A frightening thought.
"Homework is to read up chapters 1 through 3, and give me at least 15 inches worth of a summary along with personal opinions. Extra credit is providing your own theory on today's subject, what you think is going to happen, and the key to it all. To be handed by the end of the week, or else it wont be accepted. Amount of credit will be delivered on a case by case basis."
Slowly, everyone pushed themselves up and out of the class room, chatting about what they were thinking about. Mostly the card capture and the fight in DADA. Aya, who was about to leave as well, held a slight grin while turning around to reenter the History room. Just before she was able to enter though…
"Shinimori, the headmaster is to speak with you," came the voice of a very irritated House Head. More specifically, Professor Snape. Those who were nearby muttered, already starting rumors, while watching the tall student led by the most hated professor of Hogwarts.
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Rumors, speculations and assumptions flew thick and fast all through out dinner and way into the sitting rooms where the students had finally retired themselves to socialize or do homework. Some were not sure how to treat the new students.
A lot of them were scared by the power the newbies seemed to possess. A lot more were fascinated and thought it was way cool. A few thought that they can get that powerful and some of them might in actuality.
One of them that had the potential was now huddled over a thick book.
"Wow…" a feminine voice said amusedly. "Is my brother and Harry actually studying?"
Ron raised a hurt look at his younger sister," Hey! We do study!"
"I don't think copying Hermione's work count as studying," Ginny stuck her tongue out at Ron. Harry watch at the exchange and hadn't realize he was already staring at Ginny.
"Yes?" she asked him, noticing his gaze.
Shoot. Think fast, Harry. Think fast.
"Err…nothing…" he muttered, trying his best not to blush. "It's just that…uhm…well…since Miriya came along…well uhm…I kinda know now what it felt like to have a sister…."
He blabbered on till he realized the room had fallen quiet. He look up and stared.
The tall dark and handsome man with the piercing blue eyes was standing near the portrait hole….apparently he had just come in. He looked at them all and coolly made his way to where the boys apartment where-totally unconcerned at their reaction.
That is until Yusuke blocked his way.
"Konnichiwa!"
Cray blinked.
Yusuke grinned again and extended a hand in greeting. "Hi! Name's Urameshi Yusuke. I said good evening in Japanese."
A slow cautious smile appeared on the boy's face as he took Yusuke's hands," Cray Fenume, from the House of the Dragon Clan. And yes I know. My fiancée is half Japanese."
"Oh cool!" Yusuke pumped the young man's hand firmly and gladly. "Always nice to meet powerful people."
Kuwabara overheard and groaned, "Puhleeze, Yusuke! The day has been long enough already."
"What?" Yusuke turned to Kazuma. "I'm not going to challenge him now…geeze…what do you think of me?" He pouted and feigned a hurt look.
"Err…you would?" Ron blinked.
"Eh…don't you want to know how you rate up against the others?" Yusuke blinked too.
"Uh…no."
That was incomprehensible to Yusuke. He was the type to test out his skills against other persons who had those same skills in order to check how much he had improved and needs improving. And here was this kid…and not only is he not testing his own skills against other…he seemed content not to have any sort of specialty.
"Wow…that type of thinking could get you killed in Ma..."
A hand clapped on his mouth stopped him. The 2 exchanged looks.
"Err..what Yusuke meant," Kuwabara grinned sheepishly. "He meant the Ma district where he grew up…ahehehe."
"Uhm…yeah…hehehe…like what he said."
Cray look at them both oldly but then seemed to shrug and smiled anyway, "Well it was nice meeting you…but I must go get some rest myself…I have a day to catch up on what happened."
He bowed formally to the group and went up.
Harry was left staring at his retreating form.
Dang…and I was thinking of asking him a few questions…
And so the first day of school in Hogwarts closed with another mystery in the form of Cray Fenuma, the 7th of the Houses of Man.
Kuwabara was right. It was a looooonnnng day indeed.
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TBC
Scene: Author and co-author falls asleep from instruction. Poster at the back says read and review.
Zzzzzzz…. (sleep talks) No...there is no Ma district in Japan. But they didn't know that...bet you didn't know that either...mwahahahaha (zonks out again)
