Bonzai! I only had my story up for a few hours, less than a day, and
already I got ELEVEN reviews. I love you people! And to answer all
questions: SS? Depends on which view you are looking from. Since there are
different people who see different views in this story it may not always
seem so, but I think this chapter will make the truth obvious. So read.
NOTE: The CCS characters will go back and forth between speaking English and Japanese. I won't usually state it because that just gets monotonous. However, it will be shown by the usage of '-chan' '-san' and other such Japanese words (with the exception of Oniichan occasionally) If it gets too confusing just tell me and I'll make effort to make it m ore obvious.
Shameless Plug: My dearest friend, Narukami Aiko, is writing a Hp/CCS crossover as well, entitled Harry Potter and the Order of Sorcerers. We both started writing ours at the same time, though admittedly she writes more than I do since I was juggling DotS,SotM. It's a really good read and I suggest that everyone go read it if they like my story. Some of the events in our stories are almost identical...but weirdly enough this was almost completely coincidental. We just think along really similar lines. Friends do that. Anyway, Shameless plug over.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Card Captor Sakura. But meh, I'll write something that'll make me just as much money. . I hope.
The Sorting of Sourcerers
When the train pulled to a stop evening had already fallen and the castle that was their new school awed the four new students. Hermione had informed them that their luggage would be dealt with and so to leave it where it was and just exit the train normally. But normal wasn't what Sakura felt and she found herself unconsciously gripping the pocket sewn into the inside of her skirt where her Cards were hidden.
Syaoran noticed how nervous she was and tried to reassure her but he wasn't very calm himself when he stepped out onto the pavement. Nevertheless he felt obligated to comfort the girl he loved and whispered in her ear, "Remember your spell, Sakura."
She turned and smiled up at him. It marveled her at how much he had grown in the past year and more. She herself had grown a few inches but he was almost as tall as her brother now. The four stood for a moment wondering which direction they were supposed to be heading, with the first years or with the older students and were at last informed by the Head Girl to go with the carriages.
As she drew closer Sakura marveled at the creatures harnessed to the carriages. She was about to ask someone about them when she heard Harry discussing them. Despite the fact that he kept pointing directly at them, it appeared that he was the only one who could see them. It was obvious from the look on his face that he was afraid that they were either playing a joke on him or that he really was going insane.
After a moment she noticed a girl whisper something to Harry and he looked around nervously, obviously more worried than before. When he began to look around nervously, she made effort to catch his eye and finally did. She smiled at him and deliberately reached out to pet the creature for a moment before smiling again. She waved at him again before hearing Meilin gripe at her and turning to join them in the carriage.
Harry watched the girl get in the carriage smiling at him. The beautiful girl had so obviously heard the conversation he had been having and was trying to reassure him. Harry knew then that the girl couldn't be too evil when she did something so nice for someone she didn't know. He would have stood there staring for much longer if Hermione and Ron hadn't started bickering again and forced his attention elsewhere. With a sigh he got in and sat beside Ginny who looked at him and rolled her eyes in a significant way at her elder brother and friend. He whole heartedly agreed.
As the four new students walked up to the castle they could hear many whispered conversations about them. Mostly they were able to ignore it since it wasn't the first time they had been whispered about and it wouldn't be the last, but it was an inauspicious way to begin the school year. Most especially when a stern lady in emerald robes and brown glasses with her hair tied tightly in a bun walked directly up to them.
"Misses Kinomoto, Daidouji, Li and Mr. Li," she said nodding to them each in turn. "I am Professor McGonagall, if you would please follow me. The Headmaster wishes to speak with you."
Sakura swallowed nervously as the whispers increased in volume. They had barely arrived and already they were in trouble? She was already nervous and this just topped it. Nervously she looked at Syaoran as if the world was collapsing and she needed his help to survive.
Syaoran looked at her and wanted to laugh but instead rolled his eyes. "Sakura, he probably wants to speak to us about our transfer. We aren't in trouble. If we were we wouldn't be here to begin with."
"Oh, I hadn't thought about that." She laughed nervously at her obvious stupidity and her three friends rolled their eyes in familiar exasperation.
They followed the professor until she stopped in front of an imposing griffin statue that looked so real it made Sakura's skin crawl. She heard the lady crisply say, "Bertie Botts," causing the statue to jump into life, turning like a screw reveal a stairwell. Turning to them Professor McGonagall smiled tightly, seeming more like she was reprimanding them than welcoming.
"Up you go. Knock on the door politely and he'll let you in. I myself need to see to the first years or I would see you up." She quickly walked away leaving the four looking at each other as if asking what they had gotten themselves into.
"Xiao Lang, you get to go first," Meilin smiled, shoving him up the stairs.
"Meiling! Wait a second!" he grumbled as his cousin pushed him forward, causing him to misstep. Regaining his balance with a sigh he began climb the stairs, followed quickly by Meilin then a very nervous Sakura, who was herself being pushed by Tomoyo. When they reached the landing, Tomoyo reached forward and, as instructed, politely knocked three times before waiting. After a moment, an amused voice called out to them through it.
"Come in, come in children."
Syaoran cautiously opened the sturdy oak door and revealed a room full of strange curiosities, including a number of portraits that not only had moving and speaking people in them, but some that were completely lacking a subject all together. Wide eyed, Sakura huddled against him reacting similarly to the strange room as she would have the sudden appearance of a ghost, if slightly less loud. After a minute the strange atmosphere broke when an extremely old looking man strode towards them, with all the bounce of someone in their twenties.
"Ah, I'm so glad to have all four of you here. I was afraid you might not come and visit such a strange place on so little notice. Please come in and sit down. And don't worry Miss Kinomoto, nothing here will harm you."
She laughed nervously, feeling more than a little foolish and took a seat in between Meilin and Tomoyo, who themselves sighed at her behavior.
"Perhaps I should introduce myself. I am Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster here at Hogwarts. I can't tell you how glad I am to personally be able to welcome you to this wonderful school."
There was an unmistakable glimmer of mockery in the man's eyes as he praised his own school. The humour of the man set everyone at ease and caused an instant likeability to the Headmaster. He paused a moment as he resumed his seat and neatly crossed his hands before him.
"Now it is my job to answer all the questions you have. I'm sure all of you wished to know why you have been brought here, so I'll answer that one first." His expression grew serious. "It is true that our school has been founded to help witches and wizards harness and hone their magical abilities. It is also, one might say, a way of orienting them to their new society and the way of life they will be expected to follow. However, normally we do not accept students who live in other countries so far away since there are schools in Asia which are perfectly good themselves as well as much closer. However, we had our reasons for inviting you to Hogwarts specifically."
"Why?" Syaoran asked succinctly.
"Because, Mr. Li, we have need of you here. You may not know, but your friend Mr. Hiiragizawa has been in contact with Hogwarts since he was invited here himself many years ago. He has told us much about the four of you. We actually first heard word about the grand adventures you would be having at least a year before they started. It is assumed that he did so because normally schooling for witches and wizardry starts at eleven, when you were only in the middle of all of it."
Dumbledore turned his eyes most specifically on Sakura at this point, causing her to blush and look away in embarrassment that someone she didn't know at all knew the events of her life so well. "That is why you are much older than the rest of the first years. Mr. Hiiragizawa was very specific in telling us when you would be ready to come, having not only mastered your magic but also mastered the English language."
Tomoyo and Sakura glanced at each other, finally getting their answer for why Eriol bothered. They sighed while Syaoran looked irritable. Meilin however was confused and loudly so.
"But neither Daidouji nor I were directly involved in that so why were we sent letters so late? Especially me, who wasn't even there for most of it."
"To be honest, Miss Li, because Mr. Hiiragizawa told us that you two were essential to the other two here and that nothing would have been completed without your presence."
Tomoyo and Meilin stared at each other in mutual surprise. It was the first time anyone aside of Sakura had ever told them they were needed in anything magical related. They were obviously gratified, and it was plain to see that Meilin, who had never met Eriol, instantly liked the boy sight unseen.
"But we really do have magic don't we? It's not all contrived so we could be here to help again, right?" Meilin asked, still not entirely convinced that she had magic since she had been told for years that she didn't.
Dumbledore laughed with delight at the girl. "Yes, Miss Li, you and Miss Daidouji are definitely witches. We would never tear someone away from their lives just for the sake of their friends. Most especially when muggles are in danger for their lives in our world."
The four looked at each other in sudden worry. Sakura opened her mouth to ask what he meant but was cut off by the Headmaster.
"Now, I have one more thing to tell you two ladies before I have to ask you to excuse the three of us for further conversation, which I'm sure they will relate in full to you later." He grew serious again and looked at both girls in turn. "I cannot stress enough the need to keep the powers of your friends secret for as long as you can. These are unstable times and people with too much magic can find themselves in a tight spot."
The two nodded their affirmation before rising and quietly leaving the room. The three remaining occupants of the room listened to them whisper excitedly to each other until the closed door blocked the sound from them.
Sakura and Syaoran stared at the old man for a moment. It was obvious that he knew a great deal about not only their power but the level of trust between the four of them. Sakura couldn't help but be curious about why the Headmaster would demand them to leave if he was sure it wouldn't remain a secret anyway.
"Because it is directly your business how much you tell your friends," Dumbledore answered the unasked question.
"Fine, but what is the real reason you invited us here," Syaoran asked curtly.
"Syaoran be nice!" Sakura hissed, causing him to blush.
Dumbledore chuckled a little before quickly sobering. "You do not know it, or perhaps you do just not well, but there is a threat to the wizarding world, a very serious threat which threatens the very secrecy of our world and probably your own as well. I believe your family knows of it, Mr. Li."
"Voldemort," he responded quickly.
"Who?" Sakura asked. "How come you know and I don't?"
"Because mother adores you and prefers to keep you cheerful, Sakura, and told me not to tell."
Sakura frowned then looked to her new Headmaster for guidance who looked a little amused in a sad way.
"Yes, Mr. Li you are correct, I speak of Voldemort. He wreaked havoc on our world for years until the night he was defeated by unsuspecting baby. But now, through events we can only regret, he has arisen again. He is looking to not only return to the power he once held, but to kill the boy he tried to kill nearly fifteen years ago." Dumbledore sighed sadly before continuing. "This man is the reason for your being brought here. First to protect and second for protection."
"Protection?" Syaoran asked a little incredulously. It had been a long, long time since someone had said they were going to protect him.
"Now, now, I realize that the idea of someone protecting you goes against the grain but please listen. Voldemort has heard of the two of you, despite our efforts to conceal that knowledge, but most especially you Miss Kinomoto. He knows that you have great powers and that you are still so young." He paused to smile in wry amusement. "Though, only in form I think. The other wizarding schools around the world could not offer you the shelter that we could. We are one of the first wizarding schools and have the ability to protect you better than most else as well as to keep your secret better kept.
"But it is also because of your unique and strong powers that we ask you to help us protect the Boy Who Lived. They baby who defeated Voldemort fourteen years ago."
"Who is that, sir?" Sakura asked politely.
"Harry Potter."
She nodded with her mind obviously elsewhere. After a moment she focused her eyes on him again. "But, why us? We are not master witches or wizards. We don't know anything about this man or about Mr. Potter. It doesn't make sense to me. I'm sorry but could you please explain."
Syaoran looked at his girlfriend in obvious incredulity, surprised again at how slow she could be. He himself understood immediately why they had been asked, or her at least. However she always had lacked self awareness to her better qualities. "It's because you are a sourceress, Sakura. Sourcerers are far more powerful than witches and wizards."
She blinked her wide green eyes and looked back and forth between Syaoran and Dumbledore. "Really? Are you sure?"
Syaoran rolled his eyes.
"He is quite correct, Miss Kinomoto. You will quickly realize this as you start lessons here. And since Mr. Hiiragizawa has informed me that you are the most powerful sourceress in the whole of the world and that Mr. Li is only a small breath behind, it would make sense for us to beg that you assist us."
Sakura sat wide eyed for a minute, obviously reeling from this new information, until Dumbledore checked his watch and stood up.
"We need to attend the banquet now children," he said kindly as he led them through his office.
"But we still do not know much about what we need to know, professor."
Dumbledore turned to look at her with sparkling knowing eyes. "I think you can find a way to gather information, Miss Kinomoto. Indeed, I think you can do just well."
The four stood nervously with the first years, who were looking at them with a bit of curiosity mixed with awe. In fact the whole of the school had their eyes trained on Sakura and Syaoran once they had entered with the Headmaster. The unusual sight drew eyes at first but the astonishing good looks of the two students accompanying the Headmaster kept them there and more than one student found themselves wishing that the new students would be sorted into their house. Not excluding Harry who couldn't tear his eyes away from Sakura, even though Cho Chang was quite easily in sight and looking at him through teary eyes.
The students had thought to hear a speech of explanation before the Sorting started but were disappointed when Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on the stool and the hat began to sing. The song it sang was darker and longer than they were used to hearing and begged for the students to join together and to stand firm, to unite under the name of Hogwarts and not be separated by their houses. The first years and transfer students were a bit unnerved but thought nothing particularly unusual of it since they had never heard the Hat sing before. However murmurs began through the rest of the students about the dark message.
More than one gaze looked over to the long Slytherin House table and shuddered at the idea of joining up with them. Unity of the Houses at Hogwarts was not something that would come lightly or easily.
When the hat had finished Professor McGonagall began to call out names alphabetically and the nervous first years went up one by one and waited to hear which house they would belong to. It wasn't long until they heard,
"Daidouji, Tomoyo."
Tomoyo squeezed her friends' hands but smiled a little. "At least they pronounced it right." She walked slowly to the stool and sat down. The hat was only on her head for a couple moments before it cried out,
"RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table burst with applause. They had got one of the beautiful transfer students, the first one to be sorted even. Tomoyo sat down nervously, her mind clearly occupied to the placement of her best friend. The names continued for a few more minutes before reaching the K's. Once they had Sakura began to clutch Syaoran and Meilin's hands fiercely unconsciously.
"Kinomoto, you are cutting of circulation to my fingers," Meilin complained.
"Gomen!"
The Chinese girl merely rolled her eyes before both girls jumped a little when they heard McGonagall cry out, "Kinomoto, Sakura!"
Taking a deep breath the jade eyed girl slowly walked to the stool and sat on it with a thumping heart. She nearly fell off when she heard a small voice in her head.
The Card Mistress is at Hogwarts. I am honoured.
Don't mention it, Sakura thought back a little nonplused. She noticed that other students were looking at her eagerly since the Hat was taking it's time, which it hadn't done so far with any of the other students.
I know easily where to put you with all your courage and strength, though perhaps I should place you where you would do the most good to the school. No, well then...
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Sakura stood a little shakily and replaced the hat. She barely heard the mountain of applause coming from the Gryffindor table, mostly from the guys not excluding Harry or any of the Weasleys. She looked regretfully at Tomoyo, sad that she would be separated from her best friend for the first time since they met, but sat with a smile beside Hermione who was looking at her gleefully along with the rest of her friends. Sakura was happy she knew some people but still looked nervously to Meilin and Syaoran, hoping that one would be placed in her own house.
"Li, Meiling."
Meilin sauntered over to the stool and sat for a few moments before the hat cried out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" She smiled and went to go sit at her new table quickly but kept her eye on her cousin who was looking a little green with apprehension.
"Li, Xiao Lang."
Syaoran calmly walked to the stool and let the hat be placed on his head. It was obvious to Sakura that the hat was talking to him too from his barely changed facial expression. She gripped the table nervously and waited for the decision to be made.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Both sighed in relief as Syaoran made his way to a seat beside Sakura who hugged him. "Yatta! I thought I we would each be in separate houses!"
Syaoran rolled his eyes, but still managed a smile, the special kind he reserved only for her. They waited patiently for the rest of the first years to be sorted and watched as Dumbledore stood to make a speech.
"I think I'll spare the curiosity of our students before I start the banquet instead of making you wait until its finish. Though, now that I think about it perhaps it would be quicker that way. No? Well you have all undoubtedly noticed our four new students who are just a little taller than the rest of the first years." Sakura rolled her eyes since she was only a little taller than the younger students and Syaoran grinned at her appreciatively.
"These new students are transferring from Japan and Hong Kong to join our studies but not as first years. The three ladies will be joining the Fourth Years and Mr. Li will be joining the Fifth Years. Now, I think that will do for now and everyone can eat their fill. Enjoy!"
Sakura stared as food magically appeared before her on the plates. It was mostly unfamiliar looking food but she tried some and found it enjoyable.
"So that means you'll be in my class, Sakura!" Ginny squealed. "And don't worry about your friends, we have Herbology with Ravenclaw and you'll see them here and there in the halls."
"You are also free to associate between the Houses," Hermione chimed in.
"Though I recommend you stay away from Slytherin," Harry added with a cold voice and glare to a certain blonde prefect.
"And the three of you will have class with Syaoran, right? Isn't that great?" she asked turning to the quiet amber eyed boy. He gave her a significant look and she sighed. He didn't always have to be so anti- social. Though, she remembered that he had finally warmed up to their class in Tomoeda, despite Yamazaki's pranks, and smiled.
"Smhfa cylt..." Ron began before he finished chewing.
"Ron, swallow your food," Hermione sighed.
"Yeah, uh, so they called you Xiao Lang but she calls you Siarawn, which do you prefer?"
"Li," he said wincing at the horrible mispronunciation.
Sakura giggled. "He doesn't mean to be rude, but he prefers that most people call him by his last name. Also its Syao-ran," she said stressing the pronunciation.
Ron blinked, not noticing the difference in what she had said and what he had. Sakura caught the blank stare and giggled.
"He's horrible, Sakura. I wouldn't bother if I were you," Ginny laughed.
She just smiled with a shrug and began to teach him to pronounce all of their names correctly.
"Sa-koo-rah Key-no-moe-toe."
"Sakura Kinomoto," he pronounced correctly.
She smiled and said, "Toe-moe-yo Die-doe-gee."
They went on until he managed each of their names. Harry stared at her all the long while. When she had finished teaching him he asked her, "Are you always so patient?"
"Huh?" she asked dumbly.
"Yes, she is. And she trusts anyone that talks."
"Syaoran!" she yelled angrily.
Everyone laughed and conversed genially, discussing the differences between their different countries. Sakura found herself liking the four a lot. She was even put to a blush when Fred and George made a point of standing up and dramatically kissing her hand in welcome. Students throughout the Hall laughed.
Nearing the end of the banquet, the large doors into the hall opened noisily and startled everyone out of their conversation. A figure stood in the door wearing dark blue robes that matched his hair and eyes, covered in thin framed glasses. After a second, he began to stride in sure steps towards the Head Table.
"Must be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Harry muttered. He was still harbouring feelings of betrayal at the action of last year's and wasn't very comfortable with the idea of a new teacher who most likely would either be evil or horrible at teaching. That was how the luck always ran.
But most oddly of all the mutterings and stares was of the jade eyed new transfer student who was staring in disbelief.
"Clow-san?" she asked a little loudly when he neared her, drawing Syaoran's attention as well as Tomoyo's who had been watching her carefully, as usual.
The man paused and bowed in greeting to her. "Sakura-chan."
Everyone in the hall grew quiet, wondering what the relationship between the new teacher and the new student was. Syaoran stared desperately at the man who Sakura obviously took to be Clow Reed. He had never seen him but recognized the strong aura from having experienced it many times in the past.
When the blue haired man reached the table, Dumbledore rose again, indicating the end of the banquet. No one seemed to notice at first, amusing the elder man greatly. When after a minute he began to speak, everyone turned their eyes to him finally.
"Allow me to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who was, unfortunately, running a little behind schedule, perhaps so that he might make such an entrance." When the man sighed quietly, Dumbledore laughed softly before introducing him. "Students meet Professor Eriol Hiiragizawa."
Immediately the four exchanged looks in silent shock. On the dais, it was quite clear that Eriol was trying desperately not to laugh out loud though he knew he'd be getting an earful later.
"Do you know him?" Harry whispered to Sakura and Syaoran who nodded without looking at him.
"Evil bastard, he didn't tell us anything!" Syaoran muttered just loudly enough for his table mates to hear and get worried over.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny exchanged looks. Not incompetence apparently, just evil. Status quo.
"Now for a few start of year announcements. Mr. Filch has a new list outside his door of forbidden items which will be confiscated if found in the corridors. The first years are reminded, as well as a few older students," he said giving a significant look at the Gryffindor table, "who would do well to remember that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to students. With that said I suggest we all head to bed so we can rise early and refill some of those emptied brains."
The students began to rise and disperse. Sakura grabbed at Hermione. "What is the pass word to get into the dorms?"
"Why?" the older girl asked a little confused.
"Because I'm not going there directly and don't know if I can catch up."
"Oh, well it's Mimbulus mimbletonia."
Sakura nodded and thanked her before grabbing Syaoran's hand and heading to the head table. Eriol was already standing in front of it and was obviously waiting for them. They reached him approximately at the same time as Meilin and Tomoyo. Most of the students had filed out by then but a few of the teachers remained at the table and were watching the gathering with curiosity.
"Hiiragizawa you bastard why didn't you tell anyone?" Syaoran asked furiously.
Professor Snape stood up quickly and glared at the new student. "Mr. Li, I suggest you clean up your language while you are speaking to a professor who requires a higher level of respect than what you are showing."
"It is alright, Severus. I expected him to say worse and with good reason. Allow me to deal with them."
Snape looked a bit irritated but stepped to the side, only leaving reluctantly when he realized nothing further would be said while he was still present.
"Really, Li, you should watch yourself."
Sakura nodded emphatically. "You are going to get in trouble if you don't. But, Eriol! I agree with him!"
"Yes, Hiiragizawa-san, why didn't you tell any of us that you were coming and that, well, you were acting your age for once."
Eriol's lips quivered at Tomoyo's phraseology. "Simply because I didn't know until very recently. Apparently the Ministry of Magic passed an educational degree, twenty something or another, that said they could replace a teacher if one couldn't be found quickly enough. Dumbledore came to me the instant it was passed so that they could not have authority where they should not."
Sakura nodded, characteristically believing him instantly. Then she rushed forward to give him a hug. "Eriol it's so nice to see you again. You look just like Clow-san! I knew you would, but wow! You have a lot to talk to us about later!"
"Yes I do. Now why don't all of you go to your dorms before you get lost, which is much easier to do than you might imagine since the stairwells move."
"What?!"
Sakura and Syaoran stepped out of the doors, following the way they had seen the Gryffindors walking last. They were startled when the saw Harry standing not to far away from them. When he noticed that they had finally seen him he strode over to them quickly with an ironic smile.
"Hermione thought you would need a hand getting to the dormitory."
"Thank you, Harry!" Sakura grinned.
Harry blushed and muttered something along the order of, "She made me do it," before turning to lead them. Eriol had been quite correct and Sakura realized that they would have gotten really lost if they hadn't had help. She looked around at her surroundings, trying to memorize the way there. She also noted how different this place looked from what she was used to. It reminded her of when she had once wished to live in a giant mansion.
Harry was amused at Sakura's obvious awe of her surroundings. Li didn't seem quite as captivated, almost as if he had seen similar things before. He was very curious about both of them, mostly Sakura, and strove for the courage to ask them questions. Finally, when they were close to their dorms he finally asked, "Uh, how do you know Professor Hiiragizawa? And why did you call him an evil bastard?"
He noticed significant look that passed between the two, as if they were deciding how much to was safe to tell. Feeling a little bitter, he muttered, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Just curious."
"No! Actually, it's just a complicated answer," Sakura began. "Eriol helped me out when I was younger and we've all known him for years. In a way he's a friend of the family." The green eyed girl broke off, hesitantly and Harry wondered just what she was concealing. "He's also the one who taught me and Tomoyo English."
"So that's why your accent is British. But why is yours," he asked Li.
"I come from Hong Kong," he said, as if stating something obvious. The tone of voice reminded Harry that it had been a state of England for sometime and that most people there spoke both languages. Irritably he nodded. The man didn't have to be rude about it.
"Yep, and Eriol isn't really evil," Sakura continued.
"That is a matter of opinion," Li muttered causing Sakura to elbow him.
"He is not! He's nice!" She turned back to Harry with a pleading smile. "Really he is very nice and he acts our age most of the time. Syaoran doesn't like him for some reason though. I guess it's a guy thing."
Li remained mute.
Harry nodded. "Reminds me of my godfather. He's a great mate and seems more like my friend than an adult. Oh, here we are," he broke off pointing to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Mimbulus mimbletonia," he said clearly before the painting swung open. They stepped through the portrait hole and instantly the two new students were pounced upon by the rest of the Gryffindors. Everyone began asking them questions and talking loudly around them. Most people introduced themselves from the First Years to the Seventh Years. However Sakura found it hard to remember most of the names and only remembered a few here and there. After a few minutes she was finally allowed to join Ginny on the couch.
"Hoe," she groaned, as the red-haired giggled. Syaoran was still engulfed in a gaggle of girls who were drooling over him and for a moment she was reminded of his sisters who acted in the very same way.
"Your friend is very popular, Sakura," Ginny giggled. "Oh, I was meaning to ask: you said that you came from Japan and that Li and his cousin came from Hong Kong so how do you know each other?"
Sakura blushed a little, revealing something to Ginny and Hermione who was listening to the conversation intently. "They were transfer students at my primary school for awhile. We became really good friends and write to each other. Actually, today was the first time I'd seen Syaoran or Meilin in a couple years."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Really? It looks as if none of you had ever parted from the way you speak to each other."
Sakura shrugged a little self-consciously. "That is just the way we are I guess. I'm sure if you, Harry and Ron were separated for a few years you would act as if no time had passed." She didn't notice the look that passed between the two girls who knew that wasn't true from the reaction Harry had had when they had reunited that summer only a month after they had all been together. "Anyway, I'm exhausted. Where do we sleep?"
"Oh, I was going to bed in a moment myself so I'll show you the way if you wish," Ginny answered with a smile.
"Thank you, just let me say goodnight to Syaoran first."
Harry watched as the beautiful foreign girl smiled up at her friend and gave him a quick hug before following Ginny up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. For a minute he wondered if they were dating but he brushed the idea aside. They acted like good friends but not like any couple he had ever seen. Perhaps there was more to the relationship than they were willing to say but he didn't now what it was. With a sigh he went over to Ron who was about to go up to the dorms himself.
"Come on, Harry, I heard that Monday was the hardest day of the week for fifth years. We should get some sleep." He looked around and noticed Li. "Oi, Li, need to know where you sleep?"
Li nodded. "That would be nice," he said a little ironically. Ron didn't notice though and motioned for him to follow. Harry felt a little disconcerted with this boy. There was something about him that made him feel a little uneasy but he couldn't say what precisely. When they reached the dorm Harry changed his clothes quietly before sliding into bed. He watched the foreign boy stare out the window restlessly, clutching something in his hand. Eventually he realized it was a small pink teddy bear with wings. It looked especially odd in such a masculine boy's arms, but also right.
However, if nothing else it cheered Harry up for two reasons. First, no one could hold a teddy bear, much less a pink, winged teddy bear so sincerely and be evil. Secondly, it proved that Syaoran already had a girlfriend who had given him that bear and it couldn't be Sakura because he would hug her instead of the teddy bear like that. With a happy sigh, Harry went to sleep.
Which just proves how illogical an adolescent mind could be.
Sakura waited patiently for everyone to go to sleep before pulling the heavy curtains around her bed closed and drawing out her Cards. She prayed that Syaoran was at least laying down before taking a deep breath and singling out the Dream Card. She was afraid to use the wand since it was so long when Yue and Kero were kept in it so she concentrated and took a deep breath. The familiar symbol appeared beneath her, shining brightly in the dim bed.
"I seek knowledge of the Boy Who Lived. Give a dream to Syaoran and I that gives us knowledge of his past, I call upon thee DREAM!"
A brighter light flashed before Sakura fell back into her pillows, already asleep. For a moment there was nothing as the Card strived to achieve information and send it to two different sources. Then, in a flash, the two sourcerers dreamt through the story of Harry Potter's life. It took some time and covered everything of importance from the brutal murder of his parents, the way he was treated by the Dursleys, his years at Hogwarts, facing Voldemort again and again in different ways, his godfather, Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, everything passed into their knowledge. At last the dream ended and both were allowed to pass into real sleep, forever memorizing the information they were just given. As Sakura rolled to her side, tears streamed down her face for the last Potter.
(A/N: I'll post the next chapter after I get done editing it. There still are a few rewrites needed and I want to make sure I catch everything.
NOTE: The CCS characters will go back and forth between speaking English and Japanese. I won't usually state it because that just gets monotonous. However, it will be shown by the usage of '-chan' '-san' and other such Japanese words (with the exception of Oniichan occasionally) If it gets too confusing just tell me and I'll make effort to make it m ore obvious.
Shameless Plug: My dearest friend, Narukami Aiko, is writing a Hp/CCS crossover as well, entitled Harry Potter and the Order of Sorcerers. We both started writing ours at the same time, though admittedly she writes more than I do since I was juggling DotS,SotM. It's a really good read and I suggest that everyone go read it if they like my story. Some of the events in our stories are almost identical...but weirdly enough this was almost completely coincidental. We just think along really similar lines. Friends do that. Anyway, Shameless plug over.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Card Captor Sakura. But meh, I'll write something that'll make me just as much money. . I hope.
The Sorting of Sourcerers
When the train pulled to a stop evening had already fallen and the castle that was their new school awed the four new students. Hermione had informed them that their luggage would be dealt with and so to leave it where it was and just exit the train normally. But normal wasn't what Sakura felt and she found herself unconsciously gripping the pocket sewn into the inside of her skirt where her Cards were hidden.
Syaoran noticed how nervous she was and tried to reassure her but he wasn't very calm himself when he stepped out onto the pavement. Nevertheless he felt obligated to comfort the girl he loved and whispered in her ear, "Remember your spell, Sakura."
She turned and smiled up at him. It marveled her at how much he had grown in the past year and more. She herself had grown a few inches but he was almost as tall as her brother now. The four stood for a moment wondering which direction they were supposed to be heading, with the first years or with the older students and were at last informed by the Head Girl to go with the carriages.
As she drew closer Sakura marveled at the creatures harnessed to the carriages. She was about to ask someone about them when she heard Harry discussing them. Despite the fact that he kept pointing directly at them, it appeared that he was the only one who could see them. It was obvious from the look on his face that he was afraid that they were either playing a joke on him or that he really was going insane.
After a moment she noticed a girl whisper something to Harry and he looked around nervously, obviously more worried than before. When he began to look around nervously, she made effort to catch his eye and finally did. She smiled at him and deliberately reached out to pet the creature for a moment before smiling again. She waved at him again before hearing Meilin gripe at her and turning to join them in the carriage.
Harry watched the girl get in the carriage smiling at him. The beautiful girl had so obviously heard the conversation he had been having and was trying to reassure him. Harry knew then that the girl couldn't be too evil when she did something so nice for someone she didn't know. He would have stood there staring for much longer if Hermione and Ron hadn't started bickering again and forced his attention elsewhere. With a sigh he got in and sat beside Ginny who looked at him and rolled her eyes in a significant way at her elder brother and friend. He whole heartedly agreed.
As the four new students walked up to the castle they could hear many whispered conversations about them. Mostly they were able to ignore it since it wasn't the first time they had been whispered about and it wouldn't be the last, but it was an inauspicious way to begin the school year. Most especially when a stern lady in emerald robes and brown glasses with her hair tied tightly in a bun walked directly up to them.
"Misses Kinomoto, Daidouji, Li and Mr. Li," she said nodding to them each in turn. "I am Professor McGonagall, if you would please follow me. The Headmaster wishes to speak with you."
Sakura swallowed nervously as the whispers increased in volume. They had barely arrived and already they were in trouble? She was already nervous and this just topped it. Nervously she looked at Syaoran as if the world was collapsing and she needed his help to survive.
Syaoran looked at her and wanted to laugh but instead rolled his eyes. "Sakura, he probably wants to speak to us about our transfer. We aren't in trouble. If we were we wouldn't be here to begin with."
"Oh, I hadn't thought about that." She laughed nervously at her obvious stupidity and her three friends rolled their eyes in familiar exasperation.
They followed the professor until she stopped in front of an imposing griffin statue that looked so real it made Sakura's skin crawl. She heard the lady crisply say, "Bertie Botts," causing the statue to jump into life, turning like a screw reveal a stairwell. Turning to them Professor McGonagall smiled tightly, seeming more like she was reprimanding them than welcoming.
"Up you go. Knock on the door politely and he'll let you in. I myself need to see to the first years or I would see you up." She quickly walked away leaving the four looking at each other as if asking what they had gotten themselves into.
"Xiao Lang, you get to go first," Meilin smiled, shoving him up the stairs.
"Meiling! Wait a second!" he grumbled as his cousin pushed him forward, causing him to misstep. Regaining his balance with a sigh he began climb the stairs, followed quickly by Meilin then a very nervous Sakura, who was herself being pushed by Tomoyo. When they reached the landing, Tomoyo reached forward and, as instructed, politely knocked three times before waiting. After a moment, an amused voice called out to them through it.
"Come in, come in children."
Syaoran cautiously opened the sturdy oak door and revealed a room full of strange curiosities, including a number of portraits that not only had moving and speaking people in them, but some that were completely lacking a subject all together. Wide eyed, Sakura huddled against him reacting similarly to the strange room as she would have the sudden appearance of a ghost, if slightly less loud. After a minute the strange atmosphere broke when an extremely old looking man strode towards them, with all the bounce of someone in their twenties.
"Ah, I'm so glad to have all four of you here. I was afraid you might not come and visit such a strange place on so little notice. Please come in and sit down. And don't worry Miss Kinomoto, nothing here will harm you."
She laughed nervously, feeling more than a little foolish and took a seat in between Meilin and Tomoyo, who themselves sighed at her behavior.
"Perhaps I should introduce myself. I am Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster here at Hogwarts. I can't tell you how glad I am to personally be able to welcome you to this wonderful school."
There was an unmistakable glimmer of mockery in the man's eyes as he praised his own school. The humour of the man set everyone at ease and caused an instant likeability to the Headmaster. He paused a moment as he resumed his seat and neatly crossed his hands before him.
"Now it is my job to answer all the questions you have. I'm sure all of you wished to know why you have been brought here, so I'll answer that one first." His expression grew serious. "It is true that our school has been founded to help witches and wizards harness and hone their magical abilities. It is also, one might say, a way of orienting them to their new society and the way of life they will be expected to follow. However, normally we do not accept students who live in other countries so far away since there are schools in Asia which are perfectly good themselves as well as much closer. However, we had our reasons for inviting you to Hogwarts specifically."
"Why?" Syaoran asked succinctly.
"Because, Mr. Li, we have need of you here. You may not know, but your friend Mr. Hiiragizawa has been in contact with Hogwarts since he was invited here himself many years ago. He has told us much about the four of you. We actually first heard word about the grand adventures you would be having at least a year before they started. It is assumed that he did so because normally schooling for witches and wizardry starts at eleven, when you were only in the middle of all of it."
Dumbledore turned his eyes most specifically on Sakura at this point, causing her to blush and look away in embarrassment that someone she didn't know at all knew the events of her life so well. "That is why you are much older than the rest of the first years. Mr. Hiiragizawa was very specific in telling us when you would be ready to come, having not only mastered your magic but also mastered the English language."
Tomoyo and Sakura glanced at each other, finally getting their answer for why Eriol bothered. They sighed while Syaoran looked irritable. Meilin however was confused and loudly so.
"But neither Daidouji nor I were directly involved in that so why were we sent letters so late? Especially me, who wasn't even there for most of it."
"To be honest, Miss Li, because Mr. Hiiragizawa told us that you two were essential to the other two here and that nothing would have been completed without your presence."
Tomoyo and Meilin stared at each other in mutual surprise. It was the first time anyone aside of Sakura had ever told them they were needed in anything magical related. They were obviously gratified, and it was plain to see that Meilin, who had never met Eriol, instantly liked the boy sight unseen.
"But we really do have magic don't we? It's not all contrived so we could be here to help again, right?" Meilin asked, still not entirely convinced that she had magic since she had been told for years that she didn't.
Dumbledore laughed with delight at the girl. "Yes, Miss Li, you and Miss Daidouji are definitely witches. We would never tear someone away from their lives just for the sake of their friends. Most especially when muggles are in danger for their lives in our world."
The four looked at each other in sudden worry. Sakura opened her mouth to ask what he meant but was cut off by the Headmaster.
"Now, I have one more thing to tell you two ladies before I have to ask you to excuse the three of us for further conversation, which I'm sure they will relate in full to you later." He grew serious again and looked at both girls in turn. "I cannot stress enough the need to keep the powers of your friends secret for as long as you can. These are unstable times and people with too much magic can find themselves in a tight spot."
The two nodded their affirmation before rising and quietly leaving the room. The three remaining occupants of the room listened to them whisper excitedly to each other until the closed door blocked the sound from them.
Sakura and Syaoran stared at the old man for a moment. It was obvious that he knew a great deal about not only their power but the level of trust between the four of them. Sakura couldn't help but be curious about why the Headmaster would demand them to leave if he was sure it wouldn't remain a secret anyway.
"Because it is directly your business how much you tell your friends," Dumbledore answered the unasked question.
"Fine, but what is the real reason you invited us here," Syaoran asked curtly.
"Syaoran be nice!" Sakura hissed, causing him to blush.
Dumbledore chuckled a little before quickly sobering. "You do not know it, or perhaps you do just not well, but there is a threat to the wizarding world, a very serious threat which threatens the very secrecy of our world and probably your own as well. I believe your family knows of it, Mr. Li."
"Voldemort," he responded quickly.
"Who?" Sakura asked. "How come you know and I don't?"
"Because mother adores you and prefers to keep you cheerful, Sakura, and told me not to tell."
Sakura frowned then looked to her new Headmaster for guidance who looked a little amused in a sad way.
"Yes, Mr. Li you are correct, I speak of Voldemort. He wreaked havoc on our world for years until the night he was defeated by unsuspecting baby. But now, through events we can only regret, he has arisen again. He is looking to not only return to the power he once held, but to kill the boy he tried to kill nearly fifteen years ago." Dumbledore sighed sadly before continuing. "This man is the reason for your being brought here. First to protect and second for protection."
"Protection?" Syaoran asked a little incredulously. It had been a long, long time since someone had said they were going to protect him.
"Now, now, I realize that the idea of someone protecting you goes against the grain but please listen. Voldemort has heard of the two of you, despite our efforts to conceal that knowledge, but most especially you Miss Kinomoto. He knows that you have great powers and that you are still so young." He paused to smile in wry amusement. "Though, only in form I think. The other wizarding schools around the world could not offer you the shelter that we could. We are one of the first wizarding schools and have the ability to protect you better than most else as well as to keep your secret better kept.
"But it is also because of your unique and strong powers that we ask you to help us protect the Boy Who Lived. They baby who defeated Voldemort fourteen years ago."
"Who is that, sir?" Sakura asked politely.
"Harry Potter."
She nodded with her mind obviously elsewhere. After a moment she focused her eyes on him again. "But, why us? We are not master witches or wizards. We don't know anything about this man or about Mr. Potter. It doesn't make sense to me. I'm sorry but could you please explain."
Syaoran looked at his girlfriend in obvious incredulity, surprised again at how slow she could be. He himself understood immediately why they had been asked, or her at least. However she always had lacked self awareness to her better qualities. "It's because you are a sourceress, Sakura. Sourcerers are far more powerful than witches and wizards."
She blinked her wide green eyes and looked back and forth between Syaoran and Dumbledore. "Really? Are you sure?"
Syaoran rolled his eyes.
"He is quite correct, Miss Kinomoto. You will quickly realize this as you start lessons here. And since Mr. Hiiragizawa has informed me that you are the most powerful sourceress in the whole of the world and that Mr. Li is only a small breath behind, it would make sense for us to beg that you assist us."
Sakura sat wide eyed for a minute, obviously reeling from this new information, until Dumbledore checked his watch and stood up.
"We need to attend the banquet now children," he said kindly as he led them through his office.
"But we still do not know much about what we need to know, professor."
Dumbledore turned to look at her with sparkling knowing eyes. "I think you can find a way to gather information, Miss Kinomoto. Indeed, I think you can do just well."
The four stood nervously with the first years, who were looking at them with a bit of curiosity mixed with awe. In fact the whole of the school had their eyes trained on Sakura and Syaoran once they had entered with the Headmaster. The unusual sight drew eyes at first but the astonishing good looks of the two students accompanying the Headmaster kept them there and more than one student found themselves wishing that the new students would be sorted into their house. Not excluding Harry who couldn't tear his eyes away from Sakura, even though Cho Chang was quite easily in sight and looking at him through teary eyes.
The students had thought to hear a speech of explanation before the Sorting started but were disappointed when Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on the stool and the hat began to sing. The song it sang was darker and longer than they were used to hearing and begged for the students to join together and to stand firm, to unite under the name of Hogwarts and not be separated by their houses. The first years and transfer students were a bit unnerved but thought nothing particularly unusual of it since they had never heard the Hat sing before. However murmurs began through the rest of the students about the dark message.
More than one gaze looked over to the long Slytherin House table and shuddered at the idea of joining up with them. Unity of the Houses at Hogwarts was not something that would come lightly or easily.
When the hat had finished Professor McGonagall began to call out names alphabetically and the nervous first years went up one by one and waited to hear which house they would belong to. It wasn't long until they heard,
"Daidouji, Tomoyo."
Tomoyo squeezed her friends' hands but smiled a little. "At least they pronounced it right." She walked slowly to the stool and sat down. The hat was only on her head for a couple moments before it cried out,
"RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table burst with applause. They had got one of the beautiful transfer students, the first one to be sorted even. Tomoyo sat down nervously, her mind clearly occupied to the placement of her best friend. The names continued for a few more minutes before reaching the K's. Once they had Sakura began to clutch Syaoran and Meilin's hands fiercely unconsciously.
"Kinomoto, you are cutting of circulation to my fingers," Meilin complained.
"Gomen!"
The Chinese girl merely rolled her eyes before both girls jumped a little when they heard McGonagall cry out, "Kinomoto, Sakura!"
Taking a deep breath the jade eyed girl slowly walked to the stool and sat on it with a thumping heart. She nearly fell off when she heard a small voice in her head.
The Card Mistress is at Hogwarts. I am honoured.
Don't mention it, Sakura thought back a little nonplused. She noticed that other students were looking at her eagerly since the Hat was taking it's time, which it hadn't done so far with any of the other students.
I know easily where to put you with all your courage and strength, though perhaps I should place you where you would do the most good to the school. No, well then...
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Sakura stood a little shakily and replaced the hat. She barely heard the mountain of applause coming from the Gryffindor table, mostly from the guys not excluding Harry or any of the Weasleys. She looked regretfully at Tomoyo, sad that she would be separated from her best friend for the first time since they met, but sat with a smile beside Hermione who was looking at her gleefully along with the rest of her friends. Sakura was happy she knew some people but still looked nervously to Meilin and Syaoran, hoping that one would be placed in her own house.
"Li, Meiling."
Meilin sauntered over to the stool and sat for a few moments before the hat cried out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" She smiled and went to go sit at her new table quickly but kept her eye on her cousin who was looking a little green with apprehension.
"Li, Xiao Lang."
Syaoran calmly walked to the stool and let the hat be placed on his head. It was obvious to Sakura that the hat was talking to him too from his barely changed facial expression. She gripped the table nervously and waited for the decision to be made.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Both sighed in relief as Syaoran made his way to a seat beside Sakura who hugged him. "Yatta! I thought I we would each be in separate houses!"
Syaoran rolled his eyes, but still managed a smile, the special kind he reserved only for her. They waited patiently for the rest of the first years to be sorted and watched as Dumbledore stood to make a speech.
"I think I'll spare the curiosity of our students before I start the banquet instead of making you wait until its finish. Though, now that I think about it perhaps it would be quicker that way. No? Well you have all undoubtedly noticed our four new students who are just a little taller than the rest of the first years." Sakura rolled her eyes since she was only a little taller than the younger students and Syaoran grinned at her appreciatively.
"These new students are transferring from Japan and Hong Kong to join our studies but not as first years. The three ladies will be joining the Fourth Years and Mr. Li will be joining the Fifth Years. Now, I think that will do for now and everyone can eat their fill. Enjoy!"
Sakura stared as food magically appeared before her on the plates. It was mostly unfamiliar looking food but she tried some and found it enjoyable.
"So that means you'll be in my class, Sakura!" Ginny squealed. "And don't worry about your friends, we have Herbology with Ravenclaw and you'll see them here and there in the halls."
"You are also free to associate between the Houses," Hermione chimed in.
"Though I recommend you stay away from Slytherin," Harry added with a cold voice and glare to a certain blonde prefect.
"And the three of you will have class with Syaoran, right? Isn't that great?" she asked turning to the quiet amber eyed boy. He gave her a significant look and she sighed. He didn't always have to be so anti- social. Though, she remembered that he had finally warmed up to their class in Tomoeda, despite Yamazaki's pranks, and smiled.
"Smhfa cylt..." Ron began before he finished chewing.
"Ron, swallow your food," Hermione sighed.
"Yeah, uh, so they called you Xiao Lang but she calls you Siarawn, which do you prefer?"
"Li," he said wincing at the horrible mispronunciation.
Sakura giggled. "He doesn't mean to be rude, but he prefers that most people call him by his last name. Also its Syao-ran," she said stressing the pronunciation.
Ron blinked, not noticing the difference in what she had said and what he had. Sakura caught the blank stare and giggled.
"He's horrible, Sakura. I wouldn't bother if I were you," Ginny laughed.
She just smiled with a shrug and began to teach him to pronounce all of their names correctly.
"Sa-koo-rah Key-no-moe-toe."
"Sakura Kinomoto," he pronounced correctly.
She smiled and said, "Toe-moe-yo Die-doe-gee."
They went on until he managed each of their names. Harry stared at her all the long while. When she had finished teaching him he asked her, "Are you always so patient?"
"Huh?" she asked dumbly.
"Yes, she is. And she trusts anyone that talks."
"Syaoran!" she yelled angrily.
Everyone laughed and conversed genially, discussing the differences between their different countries. Sakura found herself liking the four a lot. She was even put to a blush when Fred and George made a point of standing up and dramatically kissing her hand in welcome. Students throughout the Hall laughed.
Nearing the end of the banquet, the large doors into the hall opened noisily and startled everyone out of their conversation. A figure stood in the door wearing dark blue robes that matched his hair and eyes, covered in thin framed glasses. After a second, he began to stride in sure steps towards the Head Table.
"Must be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Harry muttered. He was still harbouring feelings of betrayal at the action of last year's and wasn't very comfortable with the idea of a new teacher who most likely would either be evil or horrible at teaching. That was how the luck always ran.
But most oddly of all the mutterings and stares was of the jade eyed new transfer student who was staring in disbelief.
"Clow-san?" she asked a little loudly when he neared her, drawing Syaoran's attention as well as Tomoyo's who had been watching her carefully, as usual.
The man paused and bowed in greeting to her. "Sakura-chan."
Everyone in the hall grew quiet, wondering what the relationship between the new teacher and the new student was. Syaoran stared desperately at the man who Sakura obviously took to be Clow Reed. He had never seen him but recognized the strong aura from having experienced it many times in the past.
When the blue haired man reached the table, Dumbledore rose again, indicating the end of the banquet. No one seemed to notice at first, amusing the elder man greatly. When after a minute he began to speak, everyone turned their eyes to him finally.
"Allow me to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who was, unfortunately, running a little behind schedule, perhaps so that he might make such an entrance." When the man sighed quietly, Dumbledore laughed softly before introducing him. "Students meet Professor Eriol Hiiragizawa."
Immediately the four exchanged looks in silent shock. On the dais, it was quite clear that Eriol was trying desperately not to laugh out loud though he knew he'd be getting an earful later.
"Do you know him?" Harry whispered to Sakura and Syaoran who nodded without looking at him.
"Evil bastard, he didn't tell us anything!" Syaoran muttered just loudly enough for his table mates to hear and get worried over.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny exchanged looks. Not incompetence apparently, just evil. Status quo.
"Now for a few start of year announcements. Mr. Filch has a new list outside his door of forbidden items which will be confiscated if found in the corridors. The first years are reminded, as well as a few older students," he said giving a significant look at the Gryffindor table, "who would do well to remember that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to students. With that said I suggest we all head to bed so we can rise early and refill some of those emptied brains."
The students began to rise and disperse. Sakura grabbed at Hermione. "What is the pass word to get into the dorms?"
"Why?" the older girl asked a little confused.
"Because I'm not going there directly and don't know if I can catch up."
"Oh, well it's Mimbulus mimbletonia."
Sakura nodded and thanked her before grabbing Syaoran's hand and heading to the head table. Eriol was already standing in front of it and was obviously waiting for them. They reached him approximately at the same time as Meilin and Tomoyo. Most of the students had filed out by then but a few of the teachers remained at the table and were watching the gathering with curiosity.
"Hiiragizawa you bastard why didn't you tell anyone?" Syaoran asked furiously.
Professor Snape stood up quickly and glared at the new student. "Mr. Li, I suggest you clean up your language while you are speaking to a professor who requires a higher level of respect than what you are showing."
"It is alright, Severus. I expected him to say worse and with good reason. Allow me to deal with them."
Snape looked a bit irritated but stepped to the side, only leaving reluctantly when he realized nothing further would be said while he was still present.
"Really, Li, you should watch yourself."
Sakura nodded emphatically. "You are going to get in trouble if you don't. But, Eriol! I agree with him!"
"Yes, Hiiragizawa-san, why didn't you tell any of us that you were coming and that, well, you were acting your age for once."
Eriol's lips quivered at Tomoyo's phraseology. "Simply because I didn't know until very recently. Apparently the Ministry of Magic passed an educational degree, twenty something or another, that said they could replace a teacher if one couldn't be found quickly enough. Dumbledore came to me the instant it was passed so that they could not have authority where they should not."
Sakura nodded, characteristically believing him instantly. Then she rushed forward to give him a hug. "Eriol it's so nice to see you again. You look just like Clow-san! I knew you would, but wow! You have a lot to talk to us about later!"
"Yes I do. Now why don't all of you go to your dorms before you get lost, which is much easier to do than you might imagine since the stairwells move."
"What?!"
Sakura and Syaoran stepped out of the doors, following the way they had seen the Gryffindors walking last. They were startled when the saw Harry standing not to far away from them. When he noticed that they had finally seen him he strode over to them quickly with an ironic smile.
"Hermione thought you would need a hand getting to the dormitory."
"Thank you, Harry!" Sakura grinned.
Harry blushed and muttered something along the order of, "She made me do it," before turning to lead them. Eriol had been quite correct and Sakura realized that they would have gotten really lost if they hadn't had help. She looked around at her surroundings, trying to memorize the way there. She also noted how different this place looked from what she was used to. It reminded her of when she had once wished to live in a giant mansion.
Harry was amused at Sakura's obvious awe of her surroundings. Li didn't seem quite as captivated, almost as if he had seen similar things before. He was very curious about both of them, mostly Sakura, and strove for the courage to ask them questions. Finally, when they were close to their dorms he finally asked, "Uh, how do you know Professor Hiiragizawa? And why did you call him an evil bastard?"
He noticed significant look that passed between the two, as if they were deciding how much to was safe to tell. Feeling a little bitter, he muttered, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Just curious."
"No! Actually, it's just a complicated answer," Sakura began. "Eriol helped me out when I was younger and we've all known him for years. In a way he's a friend of the family." The green eyed girl broke off, hesitantly and Harry wondered just what she was concealing. "He's also the one who taught me and Tomoyo English."
"So that's why your accent is British. But why is yours," he asked Li.
"I come from Hong Kong," he said, as if stating something obvious. The tone of voice reminded Harry that it had been a state of England for sometime and that most people there spoke both languages. Irritably he nodded. The man didn't have to be rude about it.
"Yep, and Eriol isn't really evil," Sakura continued.
"That is a matter of opinion," Li muttered causing Sakura to elbow him.
"He is not! He's nice!" She turned back to Harry with a pleading smile. "Really he is very nice and he acts our age most of the time. Syaoran doesn't like him for some reason though. I guess it's a guy thing."
Li remained mute.
Harry nodded. "Reminds me of my godfather. He's a great mate and seems more like my friend than an adult. Oh, here we are," he broke off pointing to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Mimbulus mimbletonia," he said clearly before the painting swung open. They stepped through the portrait hole and instantly the two new students were pounced upon by the rest of the Gryffindors. Everyone began asking them questions and talking loudly around them. Most people introduced themselves from the First Years to the Seventh Years. However Sakura found it hard to remember most of the names and only remembered a few here and there. After a few minutes she was finally allowed to join Ginny on the couch.
"Hoe," she groaned, as the red-haired giggled. Syaoran was still engulfed in a gaggle of girls who were drooling over him and for a moment she was reminded of his sisters who acted in the very same way.
"Your friend is very popular, Sakura," Ginny giggled. "Oh, I was meaning to ask: you said that you came from Japan and that Li and his cousin came from Hong Kong so how do you know each other?"
Sakura blushed a little, revealing something to Ginny and Hermione who was listening to the conversation intently. "They were transfer students at my primary school for awhile. We became really good friends and write to each other. Actually, today was the first time I'd seen Syaoran or Meilin in a couple years."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Really? It looks as if none of you had ever parted from the way you speak to each other."
Sakura shrugged a little self-consciously. "That is just the way we are I guess. I'm sure if you, Harry and Ron were separated for a few years you would act as if no time had passed." She didn't notice the look that passed between the two girls who knew that wasn't true from the reaction Harry had had when they had reunited that summer only a month after they had all been together. "Anyway, I'm exhausted. Where do we sleep?"
"Oh, I was going to bed in a moment myself so I'll show you the way if you wish," Ginny answered with a smile.
"Thank you, just let me say goodnight to Syaoran first."
Harry watched as the beautiful foreign girl smiled up at her friend and gave him a quick hug before following Ginny up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. For a minute he wondered if they were dating but he brushed the idea aside. They acted like good friends but not like any couple he had ever seen. Perhaps there was more to the relationship than they were willing to say but he didn't now what it was. With a sigh he went over to Ron who was about to go up to the dorms himself.
"Come on, Harry, I heard that Monday was the hardest day of the week for fifth years. We should get some sleep." He looked around and noticed Li. "Oi, Li, need to know where you sleep?"
Li nodded. "That would be nice," he said a little ironically. Ron didn't notice though and motioned for him to follow. Harry felt a little disconcerted with this boy. There was something about him that made him feel a little uneasy but he couldn't say what precisely. When they reached the dorm Harry changed his clothes quietly before sliding into bed. He watched the foreign boy stare out the window restlessly, clutching something in his hand. Eventually he realized it was a small pink teddy bear with wings. It looked especially odd in such a masculine boy's arms, but also right.
However, if nothing else it cheered Harry up for two reasons. First, no one could hold a teddy bear, much less a pink, winged teddy bear so sincerely and be evil. Secondly, it proved that Syaoran already had a girlfriend who had given him that bear and it couldn't be Sakura because he would hug her instead of the teddy bear like that. With a happy sigh, Harry went to sleep.
Which just proves how illogical an adolescent mind could be.
Sakura waited patiently for everyone to go to sleep before pulling the heavy curtains around her bed closed and drawing out her Cards. She prayed that Syaoran was at least laying down before taking a deep breath and singling out the Dream Card. She was afraid to use the wand since it was so long when Yue and Kero were kept in it so she concentrated and took a deep breath. The familiar symbol appeared beneath her, shining brightly in the dim bed.
"I seek knowledge of the Boy Who Lived. Give a dream to Syaoran and I that gives us knowledge of his past, I call upon thee DREAM!"
A brighter light flashed before Sakura fell back into her pillows, already asleep. For a moment there was nothing as the Card strived to achieve information and send it to two different sources. Then, in a flash, the two sourcerers dreamt through the story of Harry Potter's life. It took some time and covered everything of importance from the brutal murder of his parents, the way he was treated by the Dursleys, his years at Hogwarts, facing Voldemort again and again in different ways, his godfather, Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, everything passed into their knowledge. At last the dream ended and both were allowed to pass into real sleep, forever memorizing the information they were just given. As Sakura rolled to her side, tears streamed down her face for the last Potter.
(A/N: I'll post the next chapter after I get done editing it. There still are a few rewrites needed and I want to make sure I catch everything.