Chosha's notes

Sorry for the long wait. I'm afraid I had coursework for biology that needed to be handed in… the first half at least. So, I'm free for a little bit and can now update on this once more! Thank you all who have reviewed. The biggest showdown is finally here!

PUNX13: to answer the questions, yes, I will be. I held a vote a while ago, and everyone who voted wanted me to continue the series. I even had someone say they would finish it off if I didn't! The other question? Well, though it may take a little time, the fic will be KK, but they are slightly young at the moment, so don't expect a lot until, perhaps 3rd year.

Anyway, here we go!

Disclaimer: (raises eyebrow and drums fingers on table) …

Last time on RKatPS

Kenshin, Sano and Kaoru went after Harry, Hermione and Ron to the third floor, but now they find out Harry is alone facing the dark lord. Kenshin races ahead through the flames, dreading what could be on the other side…

Chapter Nineteen

Scarlet Eyes

Kenshin skidded to a halt as he entered the next chamber and almost had to stare at the picture in front of him. Harry was standing; his back to the door, his arms tied tightly with thick ropes, which he was struggling fruitlessly against. A little in front of Harry was a large, magnificent mirror, as high as the ceiling with a large, ornate golden frame standing on clawed feet. Kenshin stifled a gasp as he recognised it. It was the Mirror of Erised! But, he had thought it was in that unused room. He hadn't realised it had move – then again, he had avoided it. Perhaps this was the last defense…

A movement caused Kenshin to tense and grip the hilt of his sakabato, dropping into Battojutsu stance with practised ease. He glared towards Quirrell as he moved from behind the mirror. Both ki he had seemed to blaze. When he saw Kenshin, his face flickered in surprise, before settling into a smirk. At no point, however, did he twitch at all.

'So, I was right,' Kenshin said slowly, causing Harry to jump at the sound. 'It was you.'

Quirrell almost fell over. However, he recovered with surprising swiftness. 'Well, you are a cleaver little boy, aren't you, Himura. You and Potter are just too nosy for your own good!' He snapped his fingers.

Kenshin's eyes widened as ropes flew out of nowhere. Kenshin drew out his sakabato at god-like speed, flipping it in the air and slashed the ropes, darting out the way, but the ropes caught up from another direction, yanking his arms above his head painfully. Kenshin gritted his teeth, narrowing his eyes against the stress in his arms.

He didn't scream. He never made a sound.

He didn't drop his sword.

'You should never have come here.' Quirrell growled. Kenshin almost rolled his eyes. He sounded like a villain off the old comics he remembered having at the orphanage – and a rather pathetic cliché one to boot. 'Now, be a good little boy while I examine this interesting mirror.'

Seeing as he wasn't about to get any answers out of Mr-insane-villain, Kenshin turned to Harry. 'Are you okay?'

Harry gritted his teeth. 'As well as I can be under the circumstances, yeah.'

Kenshin sighed in relief. Well, now he knew he was okay… 'What were you thinking, coming down here on your own! You could have got killed!'

Harry would have fell over if he could. He was expecting something along the lines of, 'Harry, what's going on', or 'Harry, what's Quirrell trying to do?' He certainly didn't expect Kenshin to yell at him about being stupid enough to go into there in the first place. Quirrell must have thought so too, because he was just staring at the redhead as if he was nuts. Kenshin ignored him, sending a cool glare back at the teacher.

'I will not just stand by and let you, or whichever one you are, just get the stone.'

Quirrell's glare deepened as he looked back at him. However, his glare was nothing compared to Hiko's glare-that-could-kill-you-with-one-look. He met it head on.

Harry saw his chance. While Quirrell was preoccupied with Kenshin, Harry inched closer and closer to the mirror. He had to stop Quirrell from getting the stone. All he wanted to do was to protect the stone so that Quirrell didn't get it. If the mirror really showed his heart's desire, he should be able to see where the stone is hidden and prevent Quirrell from using it.

Harry froze when Quirrell turned back around, having had enough with Kenshin's stare-out contest. Kenshin, however, caught sight of what Harry was doing and guessed immediately what was going on. He had to keep Quirrell's attention away from Harry!

"Sano and I heard you and Snape arguing after the Quidditch match." Kenshin said mockingly, sounding surprisingly like his shishou. As predicted, Quirrell snapped round angrily. Kenshin smirked, feeling Quirrell's ki spike with annoyance. Guess I'll have to thank Hiko for his arrogant attitude, then.

Almost subconsciously, Quirrell answered. "Yes. Snape was on to me by that time. He suspected me all along. He tried to frighten me… but I had Lord Voldemort on my side…"

Kenshin glared a little. 'So, You and Snape never were in this together, were you?'

Quirrell smirked. 'Yes, Snape does seem the type, doesn't he? So useful to have around, swooping around like an overgrown bat.' Kenshin's eye twitched. He did have a point about the bat thing. If the situation weren't so serious, Kenshin would have laughed. 'Next to him, who would have suspected p-p-poor st-stuttering p-professor Quirrell?'

Kenshin smirked back. 'Oh, you mean besides a first-year and a muggle?'

Quirrell opened his mouth to counter Kenshin's statement. However, before Quirrell could say anything, a low cold voice came out of nowhere. Kenshin froze as the sound made his blood run cold. "Use Potter… use Potter… to get the stone…"

Quirrell snapped around and clapped his hands. The ropes around Harry fell off and disappeared. "Come here," ordered Quirrell.

Not knowing what to do, Harry walked towards him.

Kenshin clenched his teeth in anger. He opened his mouth to shout, "If you hurt Harry, I swear you will regret it!" But stopped himself as inspiration struck. He was still tied up by the ropes, but since Quirrell had all his attention on Harry and the Mirror of Erised, Kenshin might be able to get out of the ropes just in time to stop Quirrell from getting the information out of the boy. The sword was still loosely gripped in his hand. Ignoring the pain of the ropes as they cut into his skin, Kenshin flipped the blade and began sawing at the ropes.

"What do you see in the mirror?" asked Quirrell.

Harry peered into the mirror. At first he saw his reflection, pale, dirty, scared-looking. But a moment later it smiled at him, putting its hand into its pocket and pulled out a blood-red stone. It winked and put it back into its pocket – but, as it did so, Harry felt something heavy in his real pocket. Somehow, incredibly, He'd got the stone…

Kenshin saw Harry's expression change for a split second. He then noticed that there was something in Harry's pocket. Everything seemed to click together in Kenshin's head. He understood. Harry had somehow got the stone, against all odds, even when Quirrell had not. Now all Harry had to do was hide it from Quirrell.

"I see… myself shaking hands with Dumbledore. I just won the house cup," stammered Harry as he made up what he saw in the mirror. He HAD to prevent Quirrell from getting the stone. He was shaking as his courage wavered back and forth. Next to him, Quirrell cursed again.

Kenshin winced as he heard Harry's lie. Note to self, get Sano to teach Harry to Lie properly, Kenshin groaned mentally. Even he could tell that was a big lie and Hiko had always said he was extremely gullible at times. Yet it seemed Quirrell was more gullible still – he never noticed a thing.

"Get out of the way," he snarled, pushing Harry away.

Harry quickly ran over to help Kenshin untie himself. However, before Harry could even touch the rope, the voice spoke again. "He lies… He lies…"

Quirrell twirled around. The usually frightened professor had an odd, fierce look in his eyes. "Potter, come back here!" he shouted. "What did you see!"

Again the high voice spoke, yet Kenshin and Harry couldn't tell where it was coming from. Quirrell wasn't moving his lips and no one else was in the room. Were they invisible? Still, it made the hair on the back of Kenshin's neck stand on end.

"Let me speak to them… face to face," whispered the voice in a dangerous tone.

"Master, you are not strong enough!" protested Quirrell in a feeble attempt.

The second ki suddenly flared to intense ferocity. "I have strength enough… for this…"

Danger alarms went off in Kenshin's head. Something told him the owner of that voice was very dangerous. Somehow, Kenshin knew instinctively, the second ki and this cold, cruel voice were one. Next to him, Harry stood there as if he was rooted to the ground.

Meanwhile, Quirrell slowly began to unwrap his turban. It was almost like he was unwrapping a gift; however, inside was nothing pretty or friendly. As the turban fell away, Quirrell's head seemed to get smaller and smaller. Finally, Quirrell turned around slowly on the spot.

Kenshin's hair stood on end and he drew in a sharp breath. Where there should have been a back to Quirrell's head, there was a face, the most terrible face he had ever seen. It was white as chalk with glaring scarlet eyes, like a cat, slits for nostrils, like a snake.

'Voldemort,' Kenshin hissed.

The face glared at Harry, a look of anger dancing brightly in the crimson red eyes. 'See what I have become?' Voldemort hissed at Harry. 'Mere shadow and vapour… I have form only when I can share another's body… But there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds… Unicorn blood has strengthened me, these past weeks… you saw faithful Quirrell drinking it for me in the forest… and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own…'

'So it was you!' Kenshin hissed as realisation sank in. 'It was you who were drinking from the unicorn. You cursed your own life! It is better to die than to live such a half-life!'

The eyes turned to Kenshin and bloodless lips smiled. 'Ah, Battosai… That sounds exactly like something you would have said…'

Kenshin's eyes widened. W-what…? Battosai? Master of Battojutsu? But why would he call him that?

The scarlet eyes slid to Kenshin's left cheek and the face smirked. 'You haven't woken yet, I see… No matter, for now… now, Potter… why don't you give me that Stone in your pocket?'

Harry stumbled backwards, fear jumping in his ki, finally compelling him to move. 'Don't be a fool,' snarled the face. 'Better save your own life and join me… or you'll meet the same end as your parents… they died begging me for mercy…' Kenshin gritted his teeth, shoving Voldemort's words away, sawing at the ropes. He had to get free; or else Harry might die! Almost…there…

'LIAR!' Harry shouted suddenly. He had to get away!

Quirrell was walking backward towards him, so that Voldemort could still see him. The evil face was now smiling.

'How touching…' he hissed. 'I always valued bravery… yes, boy, your parents were brave… I killed your father first, and he put up a courageous fight… but your mother needn't have died… she was trying to protect you… now give me the Stone, unless you want her to have died in vain.'

'NEVER!'

Harry made a break for it. Voldemort yelled, 'Seize him!' Quirrell leapt forward. At that moment, Kenshin's sword sliced through the last of the rope. He leapt at Quirrell, bringing the sakabato down with all his might onto the man's outstretched hand with a sickening crack. He screamed, stumbling away, his wrist cradled in his arms.

Kenshin fell into stance. 'I will not let you hurt Harry!'

Quirrell growled at Kenshin and shot a red light in his direction, Kenshin dodged it, but it gave Quirrell long enough to leap at Harry once more.

'Harry!' Kenshin yelled in horror, dashing towards them again.

…That was when the strangest thing happened. As soon as Quirrell touched Harry's skin, he let out a loud howl of pain. At the same time, Harry touched his scar, pain laced through his body.

Kenshin's eyes widened as he watched Quirrell hunch over in agony. The hand he touched Harry with was red, shiny, blistering before his eyes. It looked as if it had been burned; it even smoked a little. What the! thought Kenshin. But…how? Harry has never been able to do that before!

'Master! I can't touch him! His skin burns me!' howled Quirrell.

'Then kill him!' shouted Voldemort unmercifully. Quirrell jumped toward Harry, only to have Kenshin jump forward, sweeping Harry of the ground and skidded away.

'Seize him! SEIZE HIM!' screeched Voldemort. Quirrell lunged at them again. Kenshin dropped Harry and shot forward, catching the man off guard.

"Ryushosen!"

The sword slashed upwards, crashing against Quirrell's chest, throwing him back with a scream. He fell, skidding across the floor. If Quirrell were any normal person, he would have stayed down after the hit that broke ribs. But this man was possessed by Voldemort's spirit. He climbed to his feet again, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He flicked a hand. A strange force shot his way, too fast for Kenshin to dodge. He yelled as he was thrown off his feet, sent crashing into the far wall.

However, in his distraction with Kenshin, Harry had ran forward and, seconds after Kenshin crashed into the wall in a cloud of debris, grabbed the man's face with his bare hands.

Quirrell screamed in pain. As Voldemort screamed, 'KILL HIM! KILL HIM!' Harry fully realised that Quirrell couldn't touch him; not without experiencing excruciating pain first. Kenshin staggered to his feet again, gripping his arm. His gi was rather tattered and blood was oozing up under his fingers, his breathing was rather laboured – he guessed he had at least bruised his ribs. Quirrell stumbled away from the other boy, clawing at his burned face to try and stem the suffering. Kenshin saw their chance

'Run, Harry!' yelled Kenshin. Harry ran towards Kenshin and the doorway.

'No! I will not let you escape!' Hissed Voldemort. Quirrell tackled Harry and pinned him down the ground with his legs. Quirrell went flying as Kenshin used the Battojutsu on him, sending him crashing to the floor once more. Kenshin dashed to Harry's side. He was lying still now, pale and unmoving. Kenshin's pupils contracted in fear. Kami-sama… he's not…he can't be… Kenshin touched his throat, searching for a pulse, any sign of life. He almost fell unconscious with relief when he felt the steady pulse of the comatose, but very much alive.

Suddenly, Ki flared and Kenshin's head snapped up and stared at the motionless form of Quirrell at the other side of the room. The body shuddered and convulsed and a shapeless spirit rose from the body. Slowly, it turned round and scarlet glowing eyes fixed on Kenshin.

Voldemort…

Voldemort opened what looked like a mouth and screamed, flying towards them at terrifying speed.

Kenshin did the only thing he could think of to defend himself. He gathered up his Kenki and roared, pushing it out with tremendous force. The spirit found itself unable to get close enough to Kenshin and, it must have hurt, because it screamed and veered away, shooting upwards and vanishing as it fazed through the roof. Kenshin gasped for breath as an immense wiriness overtook him and he slumped at Harry's side, panting, wincing a little at the sharp pain in his side.

'Kenshin! Harry!'

Kenshin glanced up blearily at the newcomers and his heart jumped. There, in the doorway was Dumbledore, behind him was Ron - looking rather dazed, being held up by Hermione - Kaoru and Sanosuke, who looked a little worse for wear. His shirt was torn to shreds and it was now being used for some sort of makeshift sling for his arm, which, Kenshin guessed, must be broken. But none of it mattered just then. They were safe! Kami-sama, they were safe!

Kaoru dashed to Kenshin's side, staring at the blood. "Kami, Kenshin no Baka, what did you do? You're bleeding!" Kenshin chose not to comment on that.

'I'm fine, I'll be okay. But Harry – you need to check on him.'

Dumbledore came to Harry's side, took out his wand and mumbled a few words. The wand glowed green. He sighed, smiling - though clearly still worried that Harry hadn't stirred when he touched him. 'Harry should be fine, but he needs to see Madam Pomfrey straight away, as do you, Kenshin.'

Kenshin blinked as he looked into the man's soft blue eyes, surprised how with just one look it could make you feel so… well, safe and calmed. Dumbledore picked up Harry – who knew the old man had such strength in him? – and began to leave the chamber. Kenshin staggered to his feet, but was shocked when Kaoru caught him by the shoulder and helped support him. He flashed her a small smile in thanks. Slowly, they began walking towards the door, back towards the exit again. Kenshin limped a little – he guessed he did more damage than he had thought when Quirrell threw him in the wall – and now the adrenaline was working its way out of his system, he was trembling.

Sanosuke looked at him worriedly. 'Oi, Kenshin, You're hurt. Let me carry you back.'

Kenshin mock-glared at him. Okay, he was hurt, but he wasn't an invalid. Hiko had done much worse and he had made him walk back with no help at all. His Shishou would be laughing his head off if Kenshin had to be carried back now. Plus, he didn't think his pride could stand getting any more bruised.

'Sano, you're hurt as well,' Kenshin pointed out, 'it'd just strain your arm if you tried. Plus, I won't be carried round like a bucket of rice. I can and will walk de gozaru yo!'

Sanosuke laughed a little as they walked towards through the door. Kenshin paused a little. '…What about Quirrell?'

Sanosuke followed Kenshin's line of sight and shrugged. 'Dunno. Dumbledore'll sort it out now, I bet.'

Kaoru shuddered as she glanced back too. 'Kami, I hope so…'

To be continued…

Chosha's notes

Well, I couldn't have the main characters of the fic both unconscious! Besides, Kenshin is way too stubborn. Anyway, this means We can see what happened in those 3 days Harry was unconscious.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Please review!

Next time on RKatPS

Kenshin and Harry are both in the hospital wing. Will Harry pull through? Can Kenshin survive the overly zealous madam Pomfrey? Next episode: hospital wing