Harry Potter, the Half Blood Prince, and the Order of the Shadows

Summary: (HPxYGO) Based on the sixth book (Slight AU). Yugi, Ryou and Malik have been transferred to Hogwarts from Japan's Takazumiryu Magic School to be representatives of Japan in Hogwarts. As the members of the OotS they plan to find out more about Voldemort...

Disclaimer: I do not own any thing of YGO and HP in this fic (or food/drink merchandise or anything that are commonly known)...only part of the plot and OCs...parts of the text truly belong to J.K.Rowling from the book of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (I'll tell which parts)...

I'll put this note on every chapter:

Yamis mind link -((text))-

Hirkaris mind link -(text)-

Parts form the 6th book or any HP book -text-

Upcoming paragraph (s) to do with emails, articles or flashbacks Text

Writing Xx … Text … xX

Status of Duel Monster: (No. Of Stars or Level /ATK/DEF)

Any Japanese will have a translation next to it or somewhere in the same chapter.

AU Note:

Well… what do you know… another long wait? Gomen! (Sorry) But as promised long update longer chapter! I've been collecting duel card info lately and character info and spell info… tons of info… ah… well… that's why crossovers are fickle… Another reason why it's late… a FREAKING WORM (virus) ATE ALL OF MY FOLDERS IN MY USB! That includes my fic update… I had to start again from the middle of the chapter T.T (that's 7500/15000 gone!)… darn…

And the answer is yes for those who have noticed that Axel is indeed from Kingdom Hearts 2 (and will look like in the game). Yeah, I admit… I'm a fan of KH2. BUT strictly the story will stay in the YGO/HP area; he's just for a character reference and will play a more supportive role. So he won't have anything to do with KH2 okay? So for people who haven't played the game, don't worry, he's a cameo. No need to know anything about him from the game (unless, you're interested in looks). For those who know and like him, good for you; those who don't like, I'm not sure what to say…

I'm writing another xover fan fiction (quality one) so it has taken some of my time from this fic (most likely shorter chapters)… but… this fic still will be my main focus so don't worry, it will end. At what chapter? Pretty much towards the end of the Hogwarts school year (and definitely before the 7th book is relesed)… Yeah, you could say I'll be writing a sequel. Looks like I'm becoming a xover author: an author who focuses on crossovers (is that something weird?) I'm wondering if there are other xover authors too… Well, here's another thick juicy chapter for everyone who's been waiting… 15,700 words!

P.S. Err… just to warn sensitive readers, there's a lot of swearing in this chapter… sorry about that, but it was necessary for the plot (sweat drops)… and err… not so nice to look or imagine scenes (you'll find out in the fic)… forgive this maniac author…

Enjoy!

Chapter 13: 'The Society of Order of the Shadows.' (Part 2)

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Unknown Country

Unknown Location

Beginning of October

Nightfall (Local Time)

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A very tall and thin man walked calmly in a place that seemed to be an office corridor. His features were that of a young looking 30-year-old person, though if you looked into his sharp green eyes you'd feel he's been around since… who knows? If you had a staring competition with him… he'd most definitely win, considering he did had all that time in the world. His dark brown greasy hair that was combed to the back of his head indicated the man held himself in a very proud and neat manner, as this person was indeed someone who was a high ranking member. Silently, the tall figure made his way to a large mahogany door and knocked it gently.

"Come in," a stern yet cheerful voice said from inside.

The tall man simply turned the doorknob and went inside. The room was spacious, there were plenty of old ancient books on the bookshelves, and the owner of the room was standing and leaning against the window just opposite of his desk. The face of the owner was blurred; the shadows simply hindered the stranger's identity from anyone's view. On the large office desk there seemed to be a lot of papers lying around, many were memos the owner was making, while a few others had to do with schedules.

"Please, have a seat. So Dimitri Vladimir, what business do we have this time? International relations or… does this concern the Order?" the man asked.

"The Order, thank you very much." Dimitri said as he clicked his fingers and summoned the chair next to him. The chair's legs moved, walked towards the tall Russian wizard and its then legs sprouted to the comfortable position that Dimitri could sit.

The other man chuckled, "Sorry for that, I'll remember to alter it next time when you come around Dimitri, not all chairs suit your height."

"Too few Föin Etesian, more than a thousand years I lived, I only found that bar stools could compare to my height." He commented. "Shall we get to important matters?" Dimitri added.

"About the visions Seto Kaiba had experienced?" Föin asked.

"As I informed you earlier."

"The Millennium Items are the warning. The wizards' war may already have started a year ago, and certainly isn't our business, but now ours' is just around the corner." Föin said.

"…"

"As much as you want to avoid any conflict as I do, I have a feeling we can't run away this time." Föin advised. "Too many lost their lives then."

"Just as the leader of the Balancers should say." Dimitri said quietly. "I thought you hated being chosen to lead us Balancers."

Föin was silent at the moment and then replied, "I used to, until someone made me realize I shouldn't give up half way. The blood in my veins doesn't control me, so I might as well choose my own fate."

Dimitri then looked at the empty perching stand that evidently was empty, "Where's your phoenix? It hasn't come back yet?"

"With a friend, and the very one who told me not to give up halfway." Föin replied. "Anything anomalous about Seto's past?"

"Voldemort showed up, and so did Scrimgeour." Dimitri stated. "Voldemort of course shouldn't have been in the memory… he was looking for the Items."

"He won't find them nor will the other wizards of the Ministry. Unless the Item Holders wish to… but I doubt that would be a problem."

"You seem to be very sure." Dimitri said unsatisfied. "I'm still having doubts about the Millennium Charm, how could there an eighth Item? Ninety-nine lives were sacrificed just to create seven."

"You're right about that, there are only seven. There was never an eighth Millennium Item and there never will be one, as you know I had said it was and still is a Seal." Föin corrected.

"And yet it had the soul of Kisara." Dimitri countered.

Föin grumbled as he scratched his head, "How should I explain it then?"

"In the simplest of words that would make anyone understand would be best."

"Well…"

"Alright," Dimitri thought out aloud. "How about the reason for its existence? Each Item has a reason for its source of powers; mainly the seven original ones were created and practiced on governing the law and unifying Ancient Egypt. What of the Millennium Charm?"

"The Millennium Charm has no power whatsoever in governing law or unifying in Ancient Egypt because it was created after Atemu's dominion fell. After the Pharaoh had died, the country was in chaos. Apparently, the remaining priests who survived foresaw that the Millennium Items were magnets for those who were greedy for power." The leader of the OotS explained.

"And so it was created. With…dare I ask how many lives?" Dimitri looked at Föin skeptically.

"None…from any villages of course, they didn't want to make a second Kul Eruna and face another dark lord. Instead, the life of the creator himself, he made it as a magical seal, which acted as a barrier that protected the original seven items. Hence the name 'Millennium Charm', a charm that took care of the other Items magically."

"Could you define the term magically a bit more?" Dimitri asked. "Ah, and who is he?"

"Magically as muggles would term them as… Ancient Egyptian curses." Föin pointed out.

"I thought the seven Millennium Items themselves already had security for themselves. Say for example, the Ring wouldn't let anyone wear it or should I say it would burn the victim unless that person happened to be its destined owner or another Millennium Items holder."

Föin shook his head, "The Egyptians were very intelligent considering humanity was at its primary level in developing ancient societies, not did they only see those who were hungry for power are muggles, but they also foresaw wizards happen to have the same desire for power. So the term magically was used to define the Millennium Charm act as a barrier so wizards won't know or detect where the seven original Items are. So even if the thickest Shadow magic was used say for example the Shadow game they had in Battle City, as long the Millennium Charm was not found or destroyed then there's no reason the original seven would be found."

"I see… It's a wonder why the Ministry hasn't detected them all these years or found the owners who possessed them at all. Even if the thickest amount of Shadow magic was used… The Millennium Charm has protected the seven original ones while the item itself wasn't detected at all." Dimitri said surprised. "Now I'm curious where you get all this information from, as you and I know the Millennium Items are something that are not lightly to be talked about, even among us Balancers."

"Shadi."

Dimitri's eyes went wide, "What! Hasn't he gone to the afterlife?"

"Technically, he told me this information 50 years ago. However, he reminded me before he left and went to the afterlife." Föin added. "He was the ghost of one of the Pharaoh's priests that had seen the making of the Millennium Charm, if I remember… he said something on the lines it was created incase 'fate took another road'… or so he said."

"Can you say that in English? Or Russian preferably?" Dimitri sweat dropped.

"English." Föin agreed. "All of us Balancers knows destiny has one arrival point, but countless of ways in getting there. The Nameless Pharaoh was to be revived from deep sleep into the world to stop Zork from escaping, destroy him, and will go back to the afterlife. However, in order to go back to the afterlife doesn't necessary mean that the duel with Yugi was the only way… if 'fate had took another road' as Shadi had said then dying naturally at the same time with his incarnation would had also been another alternative way."

Dimitri then said, "Out of all the people on this planet, he entrusted this information to you? You're not the convincing type as I remembered."

Föin chuckled, "I asked the same thing to Shadi when he shared me this information. I doubted the fact he thought I looked trusting, but when he told me he knew of my family bloodline, I was convinced he wasn't joking."

"Your family has been the leaders for the Balancers through each generation for a reason. It's because your family has all associated blood within them, from the matter of Muggle born, Half-Blood to Pure Blood to Alter-Matters, Soul Summoners, Element Masters and even the Shadow Casters."

"A cocktail mix you could say." Föin said with a sad smile. "At least that's what Axel used to say…"

"You haven't given up looking for him, have you?"

The mixed blood Balancer sighed, "Not at all. I wonder where he went all those centuries, even with all this links in the Order I still can't find him."

"You'll find him." Dimitri said. "And when you do, make sure you douse him with a flood. His fiery attitude could use some cooling down."

"Aye." Föin smiled.

"So… back to our topic…" Dimitri started. "Who was the creator of the Millennium Charm? There's got to be some sort of reason Kisara got inside it in the first place."

"I'll give three clues. First, he must have some detailed knowledge about ancient magic and know how the Millennium Items work. Obviously you could say he's a Shadow Caster. Second, with such magical knowledge it's presumably true that he wasn't a commoner in Egypt , but an elite or a royal. Three, most likely he had ties to the Pharaoh's battle with Zork but more precisely the only person who had close relations with Kisara. Is it clear enough who?"

"Priest Seth?" Dimitri said incredulously.

"Correct, it also explains why he inhabits the Millennium Rod. A Horcrux that the Egyptians created are only worthy for those who have knowledge of advanced Shadow magic. One does not have to kill another to make a Horcrux, but one can sacrifice their own life to protect or support the journey of others to the afterlife. It's very similar to the methods Element Masters, Soul Summoners and even Alter-Matters use. I have a feeling he did this for Septi as well, it would explain why she's in the Scales."

"It makes me wonder why he hasn't told us all of this."

"Well, I don't think it's our right to force him to tell us. Though, truthfully I had a feeling Seth did it for safety measures."

"I'd like to hear more of it."

"If the information of the Millennium Charm had leaked out, then most likely everyone on the face of world would be searching for it. It was better not to proclaim any existence of the Charm since it could also prove to be a weakness for the other seven items. Seth was aware of this, and in turn had deliberately said it was normal treasure to his subjects."

"It's funny no one has ever try to melt it." Dimitri commented.

"Again, it has to do with Ancient Egyptian curses. The Millennium Charm was also protected heavily with undetectable magic to ensure the safety of the original seven, but unlike the other Items that were dangerous to possess while it was passed down through different hands… the Millennium Charm worked more in making its owner prosperous. Every owner that has been recorded of owning the Charm is rich. A very smart way of getting away from getting melted I might add."

"Truly, it works more as if it was a lucky charm. Too bad no wizards knew about this."

"Unlike the seven the Ministry knows about, the Charm, which had a mind of its own, carefully chooses its owner to be passed on to. It only has been in the hands of muggles or Balancers ever since its creation, can you imagine for nearly 5000 years it never got into the hands of half-blood or pure blood wizards? We only found it quite recently, but I dare say we shouldn't share its existence to other wizards so freely."

"Humph, it seems they had their own way in getting through the centuries." Dimitri smiled.

"I'd wish the five of us were here… you, me, Kyle, Jade and Axel. Pity, Axel is not with us now. Old habits die hard… don't they?" Föin sighed.

"Yet it bothers me who our real enemy is. From what I'm hearing from Seto's past it seems our war is more than just around the corner. I feel it's right on our doorstep." The Russian said darkly.

Föin frowned, "Did the Voldemort in the memory speak in Parseltongue?"

"Perfect to the last letter from what I heard from Seth."

"We'll have to find out who it really is. In the meantime, we'll need to wait what the memory of the other item holders bare."

"Are you saying it's happening to all the items?" Dimitri said unconvinced.

"The seven are evidently made as though they are pieces of a puzzle. One will affect the other."

"Drat, the enemy is always unclear…we haven't even found our opponent!"

This time Föin said slowly, "Actually, we have… for some reason I have a hunch it may be the person who exiled and nearly destroyed us Balancers those thousand years ago…"

"What! Ugh… Does the world have to go through that again?" Dimitri gritted his teeth.

"I hope not. I don't want that to be repeated over again." Föin sternly said.

"Him or not… the war might turn out worse if we're not careful. Damn… things always mess up when you finally got somewhere…"

Föin looked at the sad face of his friend. Unlike him or the other Balancers who were immortal, Dimitri was the only one who kept an eye of his family tree. This time when he finally had traced the last of his descendants, another war was about to begin.

"Have you told him who you really are?" Föin asked.

"No." Dimitri said with a sad gaze. "I wouldn't think the great Seto Kaiba, CEO of Kaiba Corp would think I'm his great, great, great, great times seven grandfather. Though the bloodline spread to Japan , I still kept an eye."

Föin gave his friend a pat on the back, "I think Seto feels and knows you are related to him somehow."

"All in good time I guess."

Föin was about to comment on his friend when…

A polyphonic Nokia Ring tone rang out through the room…

"Sorry, it's mine." Föin said as he flipped his mobile phone out and put it to his ear.

Cell phones always ring when you don't want them to…

"Hello? Ah, the preparation for it is finished? Great, I'll meet you there in a few minutes." Föin said.

"What was that about?"

"Our Masters' meeting for the Order, Lenny the house elf said he already secured a good location."

Dimitri sweat dropped, "Why do I have a feeling it's apart of your crazy plans again?"

"You know me."

"Far too well…" Dimitri said sarcastically.

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Inside the Millennium Ring

Beginning of October

Local Time (?)

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Bakura frowned as he looked around the place inside the Millennium Ring; it never had acted this weird before. The amount of passageways inside it had doubled to or quadrupled to a degree and what had bothered the thief was the thickness of the shadows was obscuring his thief vision. The Ring was now similar to the puzzle as the entrances to the two soul rooms were fogged, the place had become a labyrinth. As one of the few who could control the Shadows, Bakura felt uneasy why the shadows were acting this way.

-((The shadows seem tense.))- Yami said as he walked through the portal and closed it behind him.

-((You two took your precious time.))- Bakura growled.

Seth simply cocked eyebrow as if he would say, 'It's personal'.

Marik on the other hand seemed rather pissed why he was dragged into this when it had nothing to do with him.

-((Can we get to the real info, then having a glaring contest?))- Malik said getting all of the yamis attention.

Seth sighed, -((You may have noticed the shadows are uneasy.))-

-((We're pretty aware of that priest.))- Marik said irritably. –((It's that other feeling that's making me chill. It's as if the Shadows were…were…))-

-((Scared?))- Yami said softly. –((The Shadows are bunching up like this because something frightens them.))-

Even now Malik shivered, -((What on earth would scare the Shadows? I-I mean, all this time it was the Shadows that lead us here.))-

The tomb robber was wide eyed as the realization that something frightened had the Shadows. Bakura had a feeling that behind all of this wasn't Voldemort, but a far stronger enemy. He knew far too well what Voldemort's minions were like, the Shadows had no difficulty in taking care of the Death Eaters, and yet right now the Shadows were anxious. Being a strategist as well, Bakura figured that the Shadows weren't bunching up like this because they were only scared… but they were protecting their masters, they were worried sick anything might happen.

-((Now what?))- Marik asked.

-((We'll follow Bakura.))- Yami answered. –((Lead the way tomb robber; you're the one who's connected with Ryou.))-

Bakura didn't say anything but only gave the pharaoh a nod and ran into the direction he felt where Ryou might be. The others followed behind with their Millennium Items shinning the way, which gave slight comfort to the Shadows to calm down and disperse making their vision and path clearer to follow. While they were running, Bakura only gave glances at the four behind him. For this thief, it was probably the last thing on his mind about joining the pharaoh a year ago or the fact he was so… human had never occurred to him. The only thing that had fueled him all these years was revenge on the pharaoh and trying to steal the Items for himself. 'Why the heck am I thinking about this?' Bakura thought. Fate was harsh in the past (his memories of the massacre in Kul Eruna) and Bakura always had known it would be in the future, he just never thought at times it would be so forgiving, even if it meant it was a moment.

The moment that Bakura referred to was the time he had stolen from the Ministry of Magic. It was that moment he realized that he wasn't the only one who loved to steal and the excitement of not trying to get caught. It was funny, really. All those times the thief stole something he never really shared his feelings openly about what he felt when he stole something, not even in the ancient times when he was labeled as the King of Thieves. And yet with Ethan… it was different, he felt no pressure at all. Bakura then raised an eyebrow, 'That's odd… I always had closed up because I never wanted to show it in front of… wait… Ryou?' It seemed that the memories of Battle City were coming up in his memory again. During those times he realized how violent he was to his host. Bakura always had taken over Ryou's body with force and yet at the Ministry…

Ryou had voluntarily given his body without a doubt to control for Bakura…

Bakura nearly tripped in his tracks as that went through his head, but quickly disguised it in front of the others. Truth to be told, Bakura never felt as happy in his whole life then the days they were preparing to steal from the Ministry and on the day that Bakura's 7 had succeeded in making the history of Scrimgeour's worst parts in his career. As a thief, he had accomplished far more than that… and yet when he looked at everything he had done before (like challenging the pharaoh those 5000 years ago) and what he felt at the Ministry… seemed as if the feelings past nearly meant nothing to him now. Bakura cursed to himself why all of a sudden he was thinking all of those things. 'Feelings are ridiculous.' Bakura convinced himself. And yet the tomb robber still questioned in his head why were those 'emotions' were driving him mad.

'Damn it hikari… why do you have to cause me so much trouble…' Bakura thought as he gritted his teeth.

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Ryou's Soul Room

Beginning of October

Local Time (?)

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After the yamis and Malik had found the right door to Ryou soul room, they couldn't believe their eyes, as there was a portal that had ripped through one of its walls. Seth was even nervous looking at the situation, since he didn't recall about going into Seto's soul room and seeing a large scar within it. The priest and his light had been immediately transported to the memory, which only meant one thing…

War was upon them.

The items couldn't afford to risk their magic being exposed too much and were putting up their defensive mechanisms to the maximum. The Ring had taken high security measures to do this, but the thief was not happy at all about the Ring's hostile behavior. And who'd of thought Zork was bad… the enemy they were going to face next was worrying the Shadows… it didn't take long to make the Items go crazy.

Instinctively Bakura raced towards the portal followed by Yami, Seth, Malik and Marik…

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Somewhere in the United Kingdom

A small town near Glasgow

Midnight (Local Time)

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The five nearly toppled to the ground and shuddered when they saw what was in front of them…

The smell of greenish red rotted corpses had filled their lungs and it was hard to breathe in any air. In front of them were the dead bodies of men, women, and children that clearly had been killed, tortured, and even worse cases some of the bodies had been mutilated. The conditions of the bodies were gruesome that most of them had been infested with maggots clearly showing the odd and yet rapid inhuman decay.

The stench was so thick in the air that it sent Malik shivering uncontrollably and he was trying hard not to throw up. Marik was trying to control himself… trying not to turn into a killer. Those emotions of hatred and vengeance were starting to swell inside of him again. The darker tomb keeper was very sure if he took another step into this memory he'd go mad. 'Shit…' Marik gritted his teeth and held his forehead while he tried to suppress the urge to kill. The last thing he wanted was to become mad because of his surroundings, but the bloodlust inside of him was clearly trying to make it's was out.

Looking at the condition of Malik and Marik, Yami was positive they couldn't go forward with the memory. Even Yami himself was having difficulty in standing and trying not to get affected with his surroundings. This was just as worse as his own memory in Egypt . Yami's senses were overwhelming him. But Ryou was somewhere within the memory, and maybe something far worse had happen to him. The pharaoh then started to walk slowly over to Bakura who also had the same idea in mind. They had to find Ryou ASAP.

Seth had the same difficulty as the pharaoh in avoiding staying in one place. It was hard to get all the thoughts of the dead bodies out of your mind when they surrounded you by 360 degrees. For some reason, he felt rather glad he wasn't one of those corpses. As sick as that sounded when he should feel pity, even the human brain is selfish in many ways at times when we don't realize it. He only glanced at the tomb keeper and psycho before followed the pharaoh, reassuring them that they will end the memory quickly.

Bakura indeed never looked into Yami's or Seth's gaze as his condition was not as good as Malik's. Something inside of him was driving him mad. Instantly, the thief broke into a run… the only thing he had in mind was finding Ryou. He wanted to end all of this quickly; he didn't want to see anymore of this. Truthfully he wanted to puke on the spot… his heart was beating rapidly… his adrenaline spilled out of him in waves… his senses were going insane…

FLASH

Screams had filled the air of his village… people running for their lives…

'MOM! DAD!' The younger version of him shouted helplessly as he saw them succumb to the ground lifeless. Blood was everywhere… the ground, the walls… his whole village… All that mattered to him… his life… his family… his friends… Everything… was destroyed.

FLASH

Bakura halted abruptly as his knees fell to the ground and stared in horror.

'Shit'.

The whole town that night was the in the same state as his village… In front of him was the one who caused all of this… Voldemort…

Just a few feet away, the real Ryou was screaming madly in pain holding his head as the traumatic experience of the past was playing over and over in front of him…

'The smaller child Ryou was hiding in one of the ruins of the house not too far off, witnessing the interrogation of his own mother. He was trembling in fear, crying quietly, trying to gaze away from the scene… trying not to heed the cry and yells of his tortured mother. Sadly, his methods were useless… echoes of cracking bones, blood vessels exploding, and skin ripping… and a voice of merciless dark lord…'

"WHERE IS THE MILLENIUM ITEM?" the dark lord seethed.

The mother only smiled at her attacker mockingly only to receive another blow. She tumbled to the ground, but gave the most lovingly smile at her son who was hidden that she knew would be her last. With all the effort she could do, she sent out her last wish…

-((Live Ryou, take care of the Ring for me. It was entrusted to you. Whatever happens, I'll be with you… always…))-

The next scene was far beyond anything that killing was meant to do… Bakura even shuddered, cursed, and closed his eyes as the sound of instant ripping and blood spurting… the second he opened his eyes he saw hundreds of pieces of ragged cut flesh in a pool of blood on the ground replacing the figure that was alive…

He broke.

He lost it.

He went berserk.

Without even thinking Bakura was launching an attack with shadow magic, his mind was elsewhere… his instincts of hatred were controlling him. He screamed like a maniac… He didn't even care what was going to happen to the man in front of him, all he wanted to do was kill him in the most torturous way possible…

"Bakura! Stop!" Yami shouted as he held the thief from going further with his actions.

"LET ME GO PHARAOH!" Bakura yelled. "I'M GOING TO KILL HIM! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT STOPPING ME!"

"You baka thief! Get a grip! This is a memory! Wake up Bakura!" The pharaoh countered. Yami mentally would have agreed to kill the dark lord on spot if this scene weren't a mere memory. However, if Bakura launched any shadow magic attack of any kind would result disastrous to his hikari's memory and well being. Thankfully, the priest had come to the scene.

"Seth! Get Ryou out of here!" Yami ordered.

Seth obediently knocked Ryou out and carried the teen's limp body away back towards the portal they entered. He didn't seem to want to look at the scene that was looping itself, seeing it once was enough… he retreated quickly from the memory with Malik and Marik that was near the portal entrance. All that was left now was the pharaoh and the thief…

Yami was struggling to keep Bakura on hold; for one thing, holding down an angered thief was not easy. "Bakura! Do I have to blast you with a spell? Wake-"

'WHACK!'

A punch had landed squarely on Yami's face forcing him to the ground. He groaned as the pain as was real, he looked up at startled on how the thief was now lost in his emotions.

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW? WHAT DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LOSE EVERYTHING RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU? " Bakura cried out.

Yami could only cast aside a sympathetic glance at the thief.

"YOUR ROYAL FAMILY TOOK IT AWAY FROM ME! IF YOU EVEN CARED, YOU'D AT LEAST LET ME TAKE THIS GUY OUT!"

"Bakura… I…"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Bakura raged. "Why… Why…"

Yami stared at the thief concerned and in shock, for the first time, tears went down the thief's eyes. However, the Pharaoh stood there silently in front of the scene of the memory that replayed itself over and over.

"DON'T STOP ME! WHY WOULD YOU EVEN KNOW HOW IT FEELS-"

"I don't know anything." Yami cut the thief in mid sentence curtly and stood up from his spot.

"You-You-"

"I don't know anything, Bakura." Yami repeated himself as he raised his voice.

"THEN STAY OUT OF MY FUCKING WAY!"

At first glance another punch from Bakura was going to hit Yami again, but this time the pharaoh had beaten him to it. The thief was sent a few feet away, though he remained standing. Yami was aware Bakura's killing intent was swelling inside him, but his own anger was rising to the surface as well.

"YOU NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHAT HAPPENED!" Bakura flared. "THEN WHY BOTHER ME!"

"HOW WOULD I UNDERSTAND-, THEIF-, IF YOU WON'T EVEN TELL ME! YOU KNOW WHY I'M BOTHERING YOU? WHY I'M STOPPING YOU?" Yami roared.

Silence…

"It's because I want to help you, damn it."

'What?', the thief stared in disbelief.

"I know perfectly well how much torture that dark lord should get as much as you do, but this is Ryou's memory." Yami said intently. "If you really want revenge on him for what he reminded you of your worst past, and the harming of your host… I will help you, you needn't ask. All I ask you now is to trust me."

Bakura only looked at Yami long and hard. "After everything that's happened? After I tried to kill you, torture you, and kill everyone that was related to you? Why should I trust you pharaoh? And what reason you want to trust me?"

"What's a matter thief? Haven't learned your history? It was a simple matter of distrust amongst the priests that Egypt fell into chaos. And what I'm seeing it may happen to us right now." Yami stated. "I don't want to regret that something I couldn't do in the past right now, regret it for the last 5000 years or in the future; it'll most likely kill me mentally."

"And what if I betray you?" Bakura asked carefully.

"I wouldn't regret it; or more correctly," Yami paused. "Even though you do betray me we won't become sworn enemies again because I trust you."

Bakura growled. "Stop that! Now you're making me guilty."

Yami chuckled. "It's called being human, Bakura. The darkest part of the heart of humans is distrust. Once it takes you, it's hard to come back."

"…"

"And since we're given a chance to live in the mortal realm again why not forge that trust? It's never too late to try, seeing we're given another chance."

'…………………………………'

'…………………………………'

'…………………………………'

'…………………………………'

'…………………………………'

There was about a good five minutes silence between them before Bakura gave up and snorted. "Fine, you win this time… Keh… since when did I go all soft?"

"Maybe Ryou's antics are finally rubbing you in." Yami joked. "It's so unlike you being all quiet and reserved."

"SHUT UP!" the thief snapped instantly.

"That's the spirit, or at least the spirit of the King of Thieves I know of." Yami grinned. "Let's get away from this blasted memory then."

-------------------------------------------

Ryou's Soul Room

Beginning of October

Local Time (?)

--------------------------------------------

When the last two yamis arrived from what they were seeing only the priest was left beside Ryou's soul room bed. The other two were nowhere to be seen.

"Where are Malik and Marik?" Yami asked.

"It seems they won't be joining us to rescue Yugi." Seth sighed. For a moment the priest looked towards the pharaoh and the thief since there were clear markings they had somehow managed to punch each other during his absence. "I take it things are taken care of?"

"Yes, Seth. We should hurry then." Yami said and pointed his finger on a wall, opening a portal leading to the puzzle. "Go ahead to secure the place, I'll join you in a moment."

Seth didn't say anything; he simply obeyed and went through the portal… though the priest did have a hunch it was meant something was important only between his pharaoh and the thief.

"So, your business is yours, and his business is his?" Bakura asked. "I'll take it as trust?"

Yami nodded. "And what ever secret that happened between in the memory between us stays with me. Are you coming?"

This time Bakura finally made his decision without a doubt. "Nah, I got to take care of a certain landlord." Bakura said eyeing his host.

"I understand." Yami agreed and walked towards the portal.

Bakura cut in before he entered. "And- Pharaoh-"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks… for trusting me."

Yami gave the thief a rather rare smile. "Your welcome, and… do invite me on your pranking nights… the castle seems to be rather gloomy these days…"

"That, you can trust in me." Bakura smirked as he saw Yami disappeared into portal.

Bakura couldn't help feeling a whole wave of gladness washing over him. 'So that's the feeling that gave me happiness during the robbing at the ministry… to trust someone without a doubt…'

-------------------------------------------

Inside the Millennium Puzzle

Beginning of October

Local Time (?)

-------------------------------------------

Yami entered the portal with a shock on his face… The puzzle was in turmoil…

"I had the same face as you did when I first saw it." Seth commented.

"What's the situation?" the pharaoh asked.

"The shadows are wild." Seth said as a bead of sweat trickled down his face. "What memory that's in stored, might not be too appealing for us."

Yami couldn't agree more. It seemed as if an earthquake hit the whole place; most of the stairways and door was blocked by rubble. The shadows themselves were swirling all over; panicked, out of place and out of control. The pharaoh immediately called forth light to shine from the puzzle around his neck while the priest helped with the power of the rod. They managed to calm down a fraction of the shadows; at least it was passable and went in the search of Yugi. The pharaoh's mind was racing; one thing that had worried him the most was that all the memories were related to the hikaris, not the yamis. Apparently those who were affected were the ones that had two souls. First Kaiba, than Ryou and then Yugi; could've Yuri and Minori have been affected as well?

Seth as though he read the pharaoh's mind said, "Their memories were shown long before our hosts."

"You mean Minori and Yuri?" Said Yami in revelation. "How long ago?"

"The last two to three weeks. I wasn't aware of it either until Kisara told me after what happened to Seto." Said Seth worried. "Possibly there's something behind those memories. What it is I'm not so sure of it yet."

"It's something to do with the 'Voldemorts' in all the memories. They all possibly can't be Horcruxes by any chance. He's our enemy, the enemy that we've been looking for."

"He couldn't be…"

"The same enemy that nearly wiped out all of the Balancers a thousand years ago," Yami stated. "And he's very much alive."

"But what could he possibly want with the Items? Wasn't destroying nearly all the Balancers enough to get us Shadow Casters out of the way?" Seth asked.

"I don't know, but we might find out more if we keep searching. Hurry, we still need to find Yugi!"

The pharaoh and the priest both hastily pressed on forward to where the hikari's soul room was. It wouldn't have been quite a distance if it weren't for the rubble and destroyed walls that were in the way. The moment they reached the soul room door, both of the ancient spirits could only gape not trusting what they saw. The whole room was now a portal and the portal was spreading.

"And I thought Ryou's was bad." Seth commented. "I thought too soon."

"Here goes nothing." Yami said as he hopped into the portal.

---------------------------------------

Tokyo, Japan

A small house in the Suburbs

Nighttime (Local Time)

----------------------------------------

The two ex-rulers of ancient Egypt landed in a suburban area of Japan they did not know. Certainly it wasn't Domino but in Tokyo . Yami frantically looked around the area in search of his hikari. It was odd to find the area deserted as if that night no one was at home.

"The place seems to quiet for a suburban area in Tokyo ." Yami commented.

Seto then pointed to a local newspaper on the ground. "I doubt it, look at the date."

Apparently it was the 31st of December. "New Years Eve huh? I thought the memories were supposed to be on the same date. "

"The Items must have manipulated people's minds or anyone that had contact with our hikaris. I don't think manipulating dates is that hard."

Yami nodded gravely. "Right, we have to find Yugi."

Yami and Seth walked around the neighborhood quickly scanning any indication of an attack or killings around the place. However to their disappointment, they had found none. It was as if the whole memory was just an ordinary memory. Seth gritted his teeth, as they found nothing, he wasn't satisfied… hell no. Not when the puzzle's insides were clearly showing a far worse condition then the Ring. Yami on the other hand was getting frustrated in searching his hikari. The pharaoh truthfully didn't want his hikari to see the memory; no memory so cruel should be remembered by anyone. Finally, around another two blocks they found the real Yugi standing in front of a park, policemen and medical workers were about trying to secure the location. His eyes were hollow, stoned, tears freely flowing down his cheeks… he was empty, void of emotions.

"Yugi!" Yami shouted in relief to find his partner. "Yugi, are you all right?" the darker half repeated as he walked.

Seth followed cautiously behind Yami.

Yugi didn't even answer.

They both turned to where Yugi was staring.

On the night of New Years Eve where families should be seen celebrating, was replaced by a massacre. Just at the time when they were looking forward to a new and happy year, everything these people hoped for was destroyed with the end their lives. Bodies had littered the ground; their eyes empty of life and the sakura trees were tainted with blood of the people who were slaughtered mercilessly. Yet out of all the people who died, two had survived. They both looked like Yugi.

"Yami… my parentsalive… but… but…" Yugi choked, as he was unwilling to finish the sentence. The hikari shivered uncontrollably; Yami had gone to Yugi's side immediately to support him.

The pharaoh stared at Yugi's parents sick. They both had lost their souls; both of them were just empty shells. They moved as if nothing controlled them, they were puppets without any strings of life. There was now a new heat of anger that was growing inside him. He never felt this angry before. He seethed as he tried to keep his temper down. 'I'll make that person pay.' Yami vowed to himself. 'I'll make sure that person will get the worst torture as possible.'

Seth also had that same feeling inside. He could never have thought how someone easily slaughters so many people without a thought. His host, the pharaoh's hikari, and every balancer that were related to them… everything… because of him.

"We should return." The priest suggested.

"Right." Yami agreed.

----------------------------------------------

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogwarts Castle , The Astronomy Tower

Sieg Innes Sinistra's Office

Mid-October

That Night… (Local Time)

-----------------------------------------------

After the incident, Seth had left them quickly since he was only able to stay far from his host for two hours. With the pharaoh's permission, he would tell Föin personally what happen in the memories. After all the intrusion, it seemed their dorm was quiet that night. Bakura and Yami were busy taking care of their hikaris. As for Malik and Marik, they both stayed silent lost in their own thoughts. The next few days, the three transfers didn't talk much to one another… it was a moment they all needed time alone.

The transfers finally made the decision to see Sieg and consult him about what had happened inside the memories. Though they had told him the week before, the transfers couldn't meet up privately due to Sieg's academic courses, schedules and even detentions with students and the teacher's meetings at Hogwarts. It may have sounded time consuming to meet up much later then anticipated, but it was important to keep their guard up and not to attract any wanted attention. Getting chased by fans was already proving the fact how hard enough to speak privately; the last thing they wanted was to get heard by the staff of Hogwarts or the other occupants of the castle. That of course meant the members of the OotP; though mostly the main ones they were keeping their watch on were Dumbledore and more importantly, Snape. Dumbledore at times was found not present at school during most of the week so it wasn't something to worry about; however, Snape however, was on the constant watch on what was happening around the school. The transfers of course were not an exception, considering that they were new to the Order of the Phoenix . Being new also meant that Snape hardly knew anything about them, which meant he definitely had an eye on them since they were close to Harry Potter. Not because the transfers can be said as potential threats to the Death Eaters, but they (Yugi and co.) were very aware that the Dark Lord's underlings might want recruit them being so-called duellists that had strategic minds in controlling an army that was sure to win.

After the incident of the memory, Yami had taken care most of Yugi's classes during the day. The mental fatigue in Yugi was still there as Yami felt often a rather soft groan from his mind link. Though if Yugi were well enough, Yami would let his hikari come out on a limited basis. Well… as long as Yugi could go without passing out. Yami sighed in relief that they finally had a chance to meet Sieg again. Since Sieg knew about Hogwarts the most, Yami was comforted by the presence of the Element Master. Not just because they were both Balancers, but Yami found that whatever problem they were having at Hogwarts he could discuss the matter freely, without worry and trust. Or one could quite say having a decent conversation was that hard since his duellist status leaked out without anyone trying to make a gossip out of it.

Luckily, Ryou's memory seizure didn't give affects as bad as the pharaoh's hikari. Though Bakura would literally force his was way controlling Ryou's body if the white haired hikari was stubborn. Bakura snorted how his hikari was trying to show how he didn't needed help from the yami when it was dead obvious in front of the thief's eyes he was struggling in trying to maintain his footsteps. 'Sure… try to look strong.' Bakura rolled his eyes thinking. 'The next thing you know it, I'll be doing DADA homework,' Bakura scoffed. The thief wished very badly to stop his hikari from forcing himself while at the same time, maintain his patience for the critter. Of course everyone had a limit in patience, and the thief's was thinning out pretty quickly over the week. There were even times, the tomb robber was tempted to knock out cold his hikari so that he wouldn't have to be so stubborn… yet if the thief did so, he was going to risk doing all of Ryou's school work. Despite being a fully-fledged strategist and a person who easily digested information, he wasn't the academic type like the pharaoh or literate like Malik. What Bakura had hoped was the next meeting with Sieg would calm down his hikari a bit.

Marik was having the same problem as Bakura with his hikari. Except… on a higher level… There were in many cases where Malik seemed to be reluctant to talk to the psycho as if he was the one was holding something back. Marik couldn't quite put a finger on why the hell his hikari went quiet and locked his mouth shut on him since they entered Ryou's memory of the past. Wanting a straight answer from his hikari, it wasn't an odd thing to see Marik and Malik fighting over who was going to take over the body (say if they were the pharaoh and thief) while he was in one of the ends of the corridors. Though some ghosts who had heard him speculated he was fighting with himself (which… he was) and even the fans were spread an outrageous rumour of Malik doing it to enhance his mentality for duelling (which sent the tomb robber rolling on the floor with laughter and Yami in a bored sigh). Marik was frustrated with his hikari's attitude, though made a very LARGE mental note in his head to not fully explode… If that happened, most likely the pharaoh and the thief would not hesitate to kill him or send him to the Shadow Realm being in his cruellest form. The last thing he wanted was turning back into the psycho killer he was in Battle City… he actually didn't know why he still had those feelings of revenge, malice and even hatred inside of him… yet it was compressed to a degree by his hikari and not aimed towards the pharaoh anymore. Who the person or group was, Marik had no idea. 'Why is he not telling me the truth?' Marik snarled thinking to himself.

When the six finally met Sieg, they were given an impression the element master wasn't in good health either. His face was rather pale; he had dark round corners around the eyes, and seemed tired to say the least.

-((And I thought we had it bad.))- Bakura commented on the element master.

"Quite right." Sieg said tiredly. "Just been collecting Dumbledore's memory about Voldemort, seeing you guys needed a break. We don't have to discuss it now, but there's a Masters meeting soon."

-((When?))- Yami asked.

"This week." Sieg replied.

Marik gaped. -((WHAT? Ra! What would cause the whole Order to want a meeting so quickly?))-

"Does it have anything to do with our memories, Sieg?" Yugi asked quietly.

"…Yeah, it does." He nodded nervously.

"I wonder why we couldn't remember our memories from before." Ryou said to no one in particular.

Sieg rubbed his chin, "I'm not exactly sure. But it may be the items were aware they were in peril. It makes sense they would make their destined bearer forget until it's the right time to know."

"Still Scrimgeour appearing in our memories is bothering me… or the Items are telling us…" Yugi trailed off.

"War will come sooner then we have expected."

"How long is soon?" asked Malik looking at Sieg intently.

"I can't say for sure, but… probably at the end of this school year." Said Sieg. "Even if the school is reopened for the next year, I doubt we'll have a chance to come back here. We certainly don't have much of a choice; our lives depend on what we could do here and now. The more we know about those Horcruxes, the better… but even then we have little chance in using that information against our main enemy."

"Who would have thought Voldemort was just a pebble…" Ryou commented. "Our enemy is a mountain!"

Yugi looked worried, "Is there anything we could do now to improve our magic? Though we won't have too many problems with the Death Eaters, our main enemy would most likely have a higher class of spells."

-((I'd have to agree with you, abiou. We certainly won't have the luxury of time when the war starts; it's a better possibility to start now then regret later. Do you happen to know any spells that are in level to our main enemy?))- Yami questioned.

Sieg was silent for the moment looking at the other balancers in front of him. From their faces, they certainly were serious in wanting to win the war. "… I do. If you wish to learn them, I'll let Föin know." The element master paused before he continued, "But the spells are highly dangerous. Not to just to others, but mainly to yourselves; if you don't do it right then just expect your life to last in a matter of seconds."

Bakura's eyes popped out, -((It's that lethal?))-

Malik seemed to have a bored look on his face at the thief, "… they are called 'high class' spells for a reason. Larger power, the larger the risk in using it."

-((No large amount of power comes without a sacrifice.))- Marik added.

"Correct." Sieg agreed. "They're the strongest and greatest spells being created by our kind. Each of the four clans of the Balancers had their own highest magic spell and each of them considerably powerful to cause an imbalance on our world if used carelessly."

"What are they?" Ryou asked curiously.

"For us Elemental Masters, our strongest spell is called 'Time Compression'. It requires a lot of energy and vast control of all eight elements. Literally meaning by using the spell we have the ability to compress time itself or you could say a spell that nearly causes time to stop. Should it be conjured incorrectly the user is forever stuck in that period of time or everything around you will never move."

"For Soul Summoners, their strongest spell is called 'the Grand Summon'. Unlike the ordinary summons that can only summon spirits around us, this summon can summon the dead in spirit form from the afterlife as an army. This spell requires the user to have a strong will and mentality, if not they would be driven insane by the dead spirits."

"For the Alter-matters, it's called 'Turn to Nothingness'. This spell literally makes the victim non-existent, and because of that… it needs a great deal of skill in controlling matter. Consequences in lost of control will wipe out its user's mind, or you could say similar to a dementor's kiss."

"As for the Shadow Casters, which has the most fatal spell is called 'the Coming of Dawn & Twilight'. It's-"

-((Wait! Time out, how come we don't know this spell?))- Bakura interrupted. –((I mean; it wasn't there in Egypt 5000 years ago.))-

-((Simple, it was created after Ancient Egypt, thief.))- Yami answered. –((Though I would argue that the basics of the spell was already there during our time. Am I right Sieg?))-

"That's one way to put it."

-((What makes it so fatal? I mean the other three are already as strong as they are.))- Marik protested. –((…Don't tell me… you're seriously saying that spell-))-

"-is the combination of the other three spells in addition of combining the powers of true light and darkness", Sieg finished. "The risks of the other spells are also carried on and with another risk adding to it, that you could create local nature hazards such as tsunamis, tornadoes, and earthquakes due to lack of control in balancing light and darkness."

"Shit! That's WAY too overboard." Malik exclaimed. "First you need to control the Three Realms ('Nature Elements', 'Change' and 'Life and Death') that are highly unstable, and if you don't die because of the user negative status… you'll be killed by the nature hazards anyway due to the lack of control with the last Realm (Light and Darkness)."

"I find the spell a bit too suicidal." Ryou agreed. "Come to think of it… has anyone ever survived using that spell?"

"Err… the last person who cast it wasn't lucky enough. Still died though." The elemental master said nervously.

Yugi raised his hand, "Hold on, that means there was someone who had survived. Whoever it was… it wasn't the last caster."

"Though I wouldn't count himof being 'alive'." Sieg shrugged.

-((Well, all we need to know now is how that person managed to pull it off))- Marik suggested.

Yami then asked, -((Who was this person?))-

"… You …" Sieg said simply.

"………………………………………………" the whole room went silent.

-((WHAT? You're joking! THE PHARAOH? The one right here?))- The thief pointed at Yami in bewilderment.

Sieg sweat dropped, "Didn't I say he wasn't quite 'alive'?"

-((The battle I had with Zork…))- Yami realized. –((But didn't I create a Horcrux?))-

Sieg smiled. "Precisely, Zork was defeated using that spell and you escaped death by using a Horcrux to ensure should Zork threaten the future, you would be there to stop him."

-((But I thought Yami only managed sealed Zork. Not kill him.))- Marik disagreed.

"That's because the spell was created after." Yugi stated.

Ryou appeared to be lost and looked to Sieg, "Uh…explanation?"

"Again, it was what Yami and Yugi said: 'the spell was created after'. It means, Yami only created the main concept of the spell of fusing something that were opposites of each other. However since the spell was incomplete and was used at near death point, thus it ended up only sealing Zork in the puzzle. It was not until later the next generations of Shadow Casters perfected the spell to combine all Four Realms at once. This happened when our kind were at its peaks, and the result of our downfall."

"So, the Ministry of Magic was the one who knew about the spell." Malik said.

Sieg nodded gravely. "Hmm, I would have to agree it's too dangerous to use but I just don't like the fact they hunted all of us down like wild animals. As you all know the culprit who started it all is now alive. We could say if he does the same thing again we'll have to be prepared for a bumpy ride."

-((All the players are on the chessboard waiting for their roles to come… so what of the spells? Which do we learn?))- Bakura asked intently.

"For Ryou and Yugi, you both should stick to the same realm. Ryou, you'll learn the Grand Summoning with Ethan's help. Yugi, I'll teach to you personally. As for Malik, I know you can't learn the spell since it would be far too risky. In exchange, I could teach you other dark arts that would prove useful in handling those spells to defend others or yourself."

The three hikaris nodded and soon Sieg turned his attention to the yamis.

-((What do we do in the meantime?))- The pharaoh asked.

"I want you three to try and control Light magic. It maybe your opposing element, yet, if you're able to control both Light and Darkness at the same time and combine them in an attack… it would parry off most lethal attacks like the Avada Kedavra instantly without using too much power."

-((Sounds fair))- Yami agreed.

-((Great… more homework to do…))- Bakura mumbled.

-((No use in complaining, I'd rather get it over and done with. Plus, I'm not going to die happy regretting I didn't learn enough.))- Marik told the thief.

-((I'm not the academic type you know.))- The thief said annoyed.

Then the pharaoh said, -((But you are the strategist type. Be more 'strategic' thief…))-

-((Do you always have to beat me in an argument, your highness?))- Bakura pouted back.

-((Well… he does win nearly in everything…))- Marik added with a smirk.

-((Shut up Marik! One of these days I'll beat the pharaoh!))- Bakura snapped.

-((Not until doomsday you will!))- The pharaoh mocked.

Meanwhile the hikaris and the element master only chuckled at the three and secretly speaking in their own private link.

-(You have to admit; even after five thousand years, you'd have to question their maturity.)- Malik commented.

Ryou shook his head. -(Doubt it. You imagine being by yourself inside an item and thrust into boredom for those 5000 years? It's normal enough to want some else to talk to… even if they do annoy that person.)-

-(To 'annoy' is the understatement of the century for your yamis. It's more of a boxing ring for 'mockery' by the looks of it.)- Sieg said.

Yugi grinned widely, -(Nah, I think it's because they're yamis. They're meant to be deadly and mischievous at the same time.)-

----------------------------------------

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogwarts Castle, The Quidditch Pitch

Mid-October

The Next Morning (Local Time)

---------------------------------------

Finally, the day of the Quidditch match came. From what it looked from the hall, Harry seemed to be under a lot of pressure seeing that the students of Hogwarts (minus Slytherin) were betting high on Gryffindor. Though he had a hunch it was mainly because of the transfers. Hopefully Ron had believed he put the Felix Felicis into his pumpkin juice, with that, his team would be confident in beating Slytherin. Not that Harry was totally worried, to Harry's surprise the duellists were very great flyers and handled the trainings well. He was just trying to make sure if they won the game then people would at least didn't care about Dean coming into the Quidditch team, which many people were accusing him of picking his friends for the team.

The pitch was filled with supporters from the other houses. Though… if one stood from the staff's stand, you could point out a couple of fan clubs from the house stands. Ryou and Malik had an equal amount of fans, while Yugi's fans had the largest population. The only stand that had no fan clubs were the Slytherins… 'A bunch of egoistic bakas' Bakura commented. It seem as though since the most renowned duellists were in Gryffindor, they didn't have any fan clubs, nonetheless Malik argued that maybe that was because of Snape. Still some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs have taken sides anyway, seeing that not all Hogwarts students were into Duel Monsters. One of the notable things you could hear was Luna Lovegood's roaring lion hat in the distance.

They knew all too well how the ex-potions master hated their guts. Snape must have not allowed at all of any Slytherins in siding with any fan club for that matter. Yugi was pretty sure they would be hunted down like road kill by Snape if they won the match. Ryou sweat dropped hoping their DADA grades didn't go on a down turn. Marik was on the other hand a bit- wait scrap that… EXTREMELY disappointed Malfoy couldn't play; the tomb keeper's twin kept on mumbling about something on the lines of '…damn, I could have tortured the kid with bludgers…'. Yami in contrast was enjoying himself on getting his mind off from things like the OotS, the Ministry, a new dark lord… he really needed a vacation mentally, even if it meant it was a brief Quidditch match.

The sky was clear that day, some of the main Slytherin players couldn't play and it seemed as though luck was on the Gryffindor's house that day. Or so one would think. Soon the match had started…

As the captains (Harry and Urquhart) shook hands, the balls were released from the trunk and on the sound of the whistle everyone was off the ground. Harry was mainly on the perimeter of the grounds searching for the snitch while keeping an eye on Harper, the Slytherin Seeker. Then there was a sound from the commentator's podium….

"Well, there they go, and I think we're all surprised to see the team that Potter's put together this year. Many thought, given Ronald Weasley's patchy performance as Keeper last year that he might be off the team, but of course, a close personal friendship with the Captain does help… Not to mention the amount of sixth years on the team all have a close relationship with the Captain added with the amount of Firebolts on the field…" said Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff player whom Harry disliked.

There was jeers and applause on the side of the Slytherins while the other side was booing (most came from the fan clubs). That comment of course had snapped the yamis patience immediately. Apparently not everyone could see their hikaris in spirit form, but they didn't seem to be too happy about that comment either. The yamis didn't even hesitate at all giving their most dangerous-murderous-intent-killing-glares towards the commentator.

The yamis looked at their hikaris for a rather lame 'permission'.

-(What? You think we like that insult!)- Malik growled.

Yugi and Ryou only gave a look, 'We're leaving it to you yamis.'

-((Let's kill him and those supporters!))- Bakura said grinning happily.

-((Thief, you're too merciful. Torture them!))- Yami ordered.

Marik grinned, -((Well, you heard our highness' order, Bakura. Let's do this while we're in a good mood!))-

Since they were too busy disturbed by the Hufflepuff's comment. The Slytherin team was advancing into the Gryffindor territory. The three transfers zoomed after the Slytherins in hopes to stop their opponent's first goal.

"Oh, and here comes Slytherin's first attempt on goal, its Urquhart streaking down the pitch and-"

"- Weasley saves it, well, he's bound to get lucky sometimes, I suppose …"

'WHACK!'

Urquhart was spinning but recovered just in time before he hit the Slytherin's podium. There was a loud cheer from Ryou's fans on the ground and the thief waved to them making a couple of girls faint while more were cheering him on. Bakura wasn't satisfied with the hit, but it did manage to break apart one of his shoulder bones that was for sure. At least he won't be bothering the Pharaoh or any of the other Chasers for a while. At least not injured like that he could.

With half an hour of the game gone, Gryffindor were leading the game sixty to zero. Ron who made spectacular saves and Ginny who had scored four out of six goals made the commentator silent in wanting to further mock the two. Though Yugi/Yami who had swapped their bodies time to time only scored one of the goals, Zacharias couldn't comment on him since he was like a pivot for scoring goals; readily when needed and always moving into the most strategic place that the Quidditch grounds could offer.

Seeing he couldn't toy with the Chasers, the Keeper or the Seeker of Gryffindor… Zacharias Smith started on Bakura and Marik instead.

"Of course, Bakura and Marik isn't really the usual build for a Beater," Zacharias said loftily, "they've generally got a bit more muscle-'

Anyone who knew of what yamis were capable of would not even think about any way to harass them… let alone saying 'brawns' were better then 'brains'…

Big Mistake…

Bakura and Marik already had that evil glint in their eyes. No one was stopping them now.

Harry even ordered Marik to shoot a bludger at the commentator. Bakura of course had gone in advance to carry out his plan.

"Aye, Aye! Captain!" Marik thrust a bludger straight towards the commentator podium.

This time Zacharias was screaming, "WHAT! WHAT'S GOING ON? IT'S A FAULT I TELL YOU! FAULT-"

Just as it was going to hit the Hufflepuff by a few millimetres of his nose, it made a sharp turn and hit a Slytherin Beater that was aiming for the other bludger to Dean.

Marik smiled proudly, "Whoops, I think I over did it."

"Ehem, okay it wasn't a fault…" which was greeted by laughter amongst the stands.

Bakura was already in place for that beater and hit another bludger aiming at the Hufflepuff commentator again.

"AAHHH! ANOTHER FAULT! FAULT! FAULT-" This time Zacharias' Hufflepuff scarf was clean cut by the bludger into two but the bludger that was aimed very accurately and beautifully made an impact on the Slytherin Seeker, Harper instead.

"Double whoops," Bakura made the most angelically face he could ever muster of Ryou scratching his head.

Then both yamis gave a smile towards the commentator that was saying, 'You do that again and you'll know what will happen.'

It was as though Gryffindor could do no wrong; more goals being score in courtesy from Ginny, Yami/Yugi and Dean… untouchable bludgers for the Slytherin beaters because of Bakura and Marik (even their hikaris joined in mid point of the game and managed to hit some of the other Chasers off their brooms) and nice saves from Ron. Now the Snitch was sighted and Harry was fighting with Harper for it. Yami, who trusted that Harry would get the golden ball, smirked with a plan in mind, gave a glance at the thief plus the psycho who were smiling too broadly, and flew over to Ginny who still had a Quaffle in her hand.

"Ginny?"

"What's up?"

"Did you know there is a rule of broom flying about accidents that happen… unintentionally?" Yami emphasised on the last word.

Ginny looked at the duellist in mild interest. "I'm listening…"

"That's right… you see…"

The next minute of the scene, Harry had caught the Snitch, the whistle ended the game, and the stands erupted into cheers. Gryffindor had won; Harry was soon pounded by Ron, Yugi, Ryou, Malik, and Dean for their victory.

-----------------------

"Ginny, where're you going?" yelled Harry, who saw Ginny fly past them until, with an almighty crash; she collided with the commentator's podium. As the crowed shrieked and laughed, the Gryffindor team landed beside the wreckage of wood under which Zacharias was feebly stirring; Harry heard Ginny saying blithely to an irate Professor McGonagall, "Forgot to brake Professor, sorry."

HP & H-BP, Chapter 14 Felix Felicis, Pg.278-279, British cover version-

-----------------------

However Madam Hooch didn't think too highly of this act. That's when Yami came in…

"Flying Broom Rule 256, Professor," Yami said calmly. "When a player forgets to break with a broom due happiness in winning a match, it isn't considered as a foul for the next proceeding matches." Though mentally Yami had added, 'Pity they aren't familiar with rules of soccer. I doubt they would even know who David Beckman is. His curve type kicks were sure useful in making an impression for the thief and psycho that's one thing for sure.'

The professor looked at Yami first then the rulebook. "It seems we have no problems then."

'BANG!'

'BANG!'

This time Zacharias woke up quickly to avoid being hit by the two bludgers that were… trying to get acquainted with him …

The Gryffindor only looked at the coach confusedly. Though three of them (six to be exact) were behind it anyway. Seeing that her students had won the match, Professor McGonagall said, "Well, if they were bewitched… the user would have eye contact. I think everyone is waiting for all you at the Gryffindor Common room." She gave a small wink, dismissed them off the podium. They changed in the changing room and after were instantly greeted by a cheering crowd saying their congratulations.

The Quidditch coach looked at the Hufflepuff running like a mad chicken on the field. It was true; all of their wands were locked up in the changing room. Too bad the coach wasn't aware that the transfers we capable of wand-less magic. She looked to his watch; apparently, she had an appointment to attend and she was not allowed to be late. She took a small glance to the pitch again at the commentator…

"He could use a few laps…" Madam Hooch decided and went on with her business.

Meanwhile the Gryffindor Common Room was crowded as a party for the winners of the match. Sadly Yugi, Ryou, and Malik were too busy with the crowd to notice that Hermione, Ron and Harry were in a fight again…

-------------------------------------------

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogwarts Castle, The Library

Mid-October

Another Morning in Hogwarts… (Local Time)

---------------------------------------------

Hermione Granger was in a grumpy mood, nose in the air… striding in an angry walk… a snort from her face… could one say more? The girl was just annoyed of the act of a certain Weasley, how dared the red head boy say she was… well… for being such a snob.

She went to her reading books again, ignoring the empty library due to the lack of students. It was a Sunday and many of the other students would be outside. Hermione sat at the most hidden and far corner table sighed as she flipped a large thick book in front of her that literally covered her face from view. She took another few books from her bag, and dumped them on the desk. Without even caring she took a random book and opened the cover, but before she even read anything, tear spilled from her eyes to her cheeks and landed on the page.

Hermione never had felt hurt in her entire life. She had done everything so she could help Ron out. But what did the Weasley do? Turn back on her that's what. He went straight into Lavender Brown's lap.

Xx … Hey, are you okay Hermione? … xX , a familiar writing came out of the book she had just open. Xx … Why are you crying? … xX

Hermione was startled and realized she had opened the book about the Balancers by mistake. Axel had written to her, and she found it impolite not to reply back.

'It's nothing, really.' Hermione wrote back trying to shrug her sadness.

Xx … Nothing? I doubt that. But… I won't push it if you don't want to talk about it. How about we talk about something else? Hobbies, games or well you know…fun stuff? … xX , the reply came back.

The brainy girl smiled as the book in front of her was trying to cheer her up. Who would have thought a book would cheer you up in a middle of a library?

Xx … See? You look nicer when you smile, y'know. … xX, the book added

'How can you exactly see me if you don't have eyes?' Hermione joked.

Then the writing came up pretty quickly as if the person inside the book was enthusiastic…

Xx … This book has a charm on it that let's me see the outside world. I'm not dead in any way; 'I'm only concealed inside here. Similar on what you guys say a transfiguration spell kind of thing … xX.

This of course had caught Hermione's interest as she wrote quickly, 'Why can't you change back? I mean, can't you?'

Xx … I could. But… I need to have made contact with another person for a few months before I can get out. Its how the spell works. … xX

It was then it occurred to Hermione that maybe she could ask more about the Balancers, 'What type of Balancer are you? Element Master, Alter Matter, Soul Summoner or Shadow Caster?'

Xx … A cocktail mix my dear; every one of them. … xX the writing flowed in smoothly as though Axel seemed to smirk.

'But I thought you were a muggle born!'

Xx … 'Muggle born doesn't mean we can't get special abilities or talents right? Those who are mix blood aren't rare in the Balancers. Though I'm more of a natural Element Master and Shadow Caster, then Soul Summoner or Alter Matter. … xX

'You mean the abilities depend on the Balancer?' Hermione asked.

Xx … Right you are brainy girl. … xX

'I'm not that brainy.' Hermione pouted as she wrote with a tiny bit of force.

Xx … Admit it honey. You are B-R-A-I-N-Y with a capital 'B'. You've read at least one hundred and sixty thick books from this library since you first step into Hogwarts. Plus another two hundred lesser books… I've counted; you can't fool me. He he. …xX

Hermione's eyes went wide, 'How do you know how much I read?'

Xx … From every book you touch. My ability as an Alter Matter lets me know who has touched what in this library. … xX

This made Hermione thinking, was it possible this book had existed since the Four Founders came to school? If she wasn't wrong, Professor Slughorn had said that they separated just at the same time as the Balancers were being hunted down. Was there a possibility that Axel knew the Four Founders? Or was he even a student who used to go Hogwarts? One thing for sure, Axel had lived during that time… the time where magic had began to erupt in Europe .

'How long have you been here anyway? I mean in Hogwarts?' Hermione asked the book carefully.

This time the writing was slower, as if Axel was hesitating or unsure what to say, Xx … since it was built. I used to teach here, but well… it changed after us Balancers had been hunted down as you might guess. … xX

'But why would the ministry want to hunt you down? I know you had abilities that scared them-'

Just as she was about to write another word, Axel had seeped in her writing and immediately replaced it with his. Xx … One of our ultimate spells had freaked out the Ministry of course… but what also scared the ministry was because some of us were immortal. … xX

Hermione raised an eyebrow at this. Voldemort himself was able to live till now by using dozens of dark spells that required countless of victims who had died in the most tragic ways. She then started to realize that maybe the Ministry of Magic was afraid of the Balancers for those who were immortal. Maybe they thought how the Balancers gained immortality was the same by killing others. While the girl was figuring this out, sentences came out of the book.

Xx … Immortality to what normal wizarding folk think is different actually. It's quite normal to see an immortal in our kind; we're the ones who are chosen to make sure everything goes in balance. Whether we like it or not… it happens. Only a select few who could gain immortality; and even then it's not something that everyone has the strength or will to face with. … xX

'Strength or will to face with?' Hermione questioned.

Xx … Seeing your friends, family, things that matter to you fade away and die in front of your eyes. And as for you… you just… have to stand there saying to yourself 'It's gonna be all right' when you know its hell. Some experience huh? … xX

There was a tinge of sadness that Hermione had felt emitting from the book. It was as though the Balancer was looking at her enviously that she had a shorter life then his. Now she felt rather foolish for thinking how Ron was making her life miserable. Axel on the other hand had gone through something that not anyone could understand with. Then an idea came out in her head.

'Axel, how long do I need to contact you to get you out?'

Xx … What's with the sudden question lady? You've got something cooked, what are you going to do anyway? … xX, the book replied indicating its surprise.

'Get you out silly! Besides, I could use someone to write/talk to who understands me.' Hermione added a smiley as she wrote it down.

Xx … You mean it? For real? It'll take about six months at least and you'd have to contact me everyday, can you sure about that? … xX

'Yes.'

Xx … How can I ever repay you? … xX

'Fight with us against Voldemort; I'm sure you could at least teach me and my friends something with you being a Balancer.'

Xx … I can't fight your war for you … xX

'Why not?'

Xx … It's not for me to interfere. I got rules to stick to. But… there maybe a few things I could to do to help. I can't take part in it myself directly… unless it has to do with the fate of my kind … xX, Axel explained.

'I see… Sorry for bringing a personal subject in.'

Xx … Nah, don't take it into heart. So how about it brainy girl? Is it a deal? … xX

'Deal.'

Hermione smiled as the book was swarming into different shades of colours as if were happy. Then something appeared onto the page, it was a picture of a young man in his mid-twenties waving at Hermione and giving her a 'thumbs up'. He was clad in black and his hair was long, spiky and red. His face could have been mistaken for a punk but it seemed to fit in with his cool and cocky personality.

Xx … I'm Axel. At your service brainy girl! … xX, the picture gave a peace sign towards the now chuckling girl.

'That's Hermione from now on.' She declared.

Xx … Okay, okay. I was just kiddin'… no hard feelings right? So anything going on in Hogwarts? … xX

'Well, there is a Christmas party with Professor Slughorn.'

Xx … Looks like he did become one of the staff in the end. Excelled pretty well when he was a student when he was in Hogwarts. … xX

'You know his school life?'

Xx … All of the staff, really; McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, Flitwick, Dumbledore, Sirius Black; name them and I'll know them. What's a matter? CuRiOuS? … xX, the picture of Axel was now batting mocking eyelids at the girl.

'You know, you look a bit off for someone who's lived for more then a couple of centuries.' Hermione commented.

Xx … Just say I'm getting back all that time I've been stuck in this book. It's been AGES I haven't had a decent conversation like this. … xX, the picture now looked like Axel was very proud of himself.

'Okay… let's start with Professor Slughorn!' She wrote excitedly.

Xx … You had just had to start with him? Out off all the staff, it just had to be him? … xX

'Well you were the one who said 'name them' and I only followed your orders.'

Xx … You could at least start with someone decent. But what the heck… I shouldn't have challenge this brainy girl anyway … xX

'Hey!'

Xx … Kidding. You should lower down your temper a bit. So… victim No. 1 is… Slughorn. AKA the king of slugs … xX

Hermione chuckled as she read what Axel had told her about Professor Slughorn's childhood within the castle walls. For the first time in her life, she didn't regret at all in befriending a book. When in the past it made her far from getting any friends, this time she made a friend without gaining sympathy at first like with Ron or Harry. She was eager to try her best in getting Axel out, and she would do her best.

--------------------------------------

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogwarts Castle, Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom

End of October

Nighttime… (Local Time)

-----------------------------------------

It was the time for the Slug party of course; the night which Yugi, Harry, Ryou, and Malik was not looking forward to. No more Quidditch practices to try and cancel out… and no Dumbledore's meetings to avoid the Walrus. Oh yes, they were going to be the spotlight of that Christmas party. Yugi, Ryou and even Malik didn't have a single clue of who to bring along with. In the end they couldn't choose anyone because there were a lot of people who were pleading them to get them to the party. Harry had taken Luna Lovegood with him… As they reached Slughorn's office the sounds of laughter, music and loud conversation were growing louder with every step they took.

----------------------

Whether it had been built that way, or because he (Slughorn) had used magical trickery to make it so, Slughorn's office was much larger than the usual teacher's study. The ceiling and the walls had been draped with emerald, crimson, and gold hangings, so it looked as though it was inside a vast tent. The room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the center of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering, each with a brilliant spec of light. Loud singing accompanied by what sounded like mandolins issued from a distant corner; a haze if pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation, and a number of house-elves were negotiating their way squeakily through a forest of knees, obscured by the heavy sliver platters of food they were bearing, so that they looked like little moving roving tables.

HP & H-BP, Chapter 15, The Unbreakable Vow, Pg.295, British cover version-

----------------------

In a flash as Slughorn saw the Chosen One and the Duelists, he grabbed them all into the crowd and introduced them to his finest links. One of them was a biographer and a couple of others who were also famous know people came around them. Harry was lucky enough to make an escape of talking to other people… the three transfers were hounded by the Walrus. It wasn't until later Malfoy who came to the party uninvited interrupted them and a bossy Snape steering the blond boy back to his office. Both Malik and Yugi were in the middle of the crowd so they couldn't follow the potions master. Giving a hint to Ryou they would stall him time, the white haired teen excused himself he was going to the toilet and followed Harry who was also spying as well.

Ryou had reverted into soul form now and was invisible as well airless. For Harry, he had to press his ear to the door… but for Ryou it wasn't a problem. He simply slid his way through the wall to see Snape and Malfoy's conversation.

'Who suspects me?' Malfoy said angrily. 'For the last time, I didn't do it, OK? That Bell girl must've had some enemy no one knows about – don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work – I can stop you!'

The thief joined in with his hikari, forming beside him. They both looked at each other at first and listened to the conversation that was on hand.

-((What a lousy liar. Looks like Malfoy was the one who randomly sent that necklace.))- Bakura commented.

-(Snape seems desperate… I wonder why…)-

-((What? You never heard he was under an Unbreakable vow?))-

-(Really? I only heard rumors.)-

"I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco –"

"Looks like you'll have to break it, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it. I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I though it would!"

"What is your plan?"

"It's none of you business!"

-(I think he got a job from Voldemort, but what's he saying about something taking a bit longer?)-

Bakura slapped himself on the head, -((You know that Vanishing Cabinet I broke that Malfoy was caring around?))-

-(He's going to use it against us to get Death Eaters here right?)-

-((Exactly. We've only managed to delay him for a year. I couldn't use all my magic to break it then since it'll attract too much attention.))-

The conversation soon ended with Malfoy leaving the room. They both pondered for a moment taking in of what they just heard.

-((We should keep an eye on him… who knows he'll try to kill someone randomly again.))-

-(I… I just don't get the part where Malik has done some sort of spell that that can break the vow. It's called an Unbreakable vow for the reason you can't break it. Seriously, breaking it means you're mental… you would have to die first.)-

Bakura heaved a sigh, -((Hikari, if you paid a lot more attention to your history classes more often you would have known by now.))-

-(What? He'll have to be resurrected from the dead?)-

Bakura whacked his hikari on the head, -((No, baka! That there isn't anything that's 'Unbreakable' or even impossible.))-

Ryou only gazed his yami with a dubious look.

-((Heh… you never fully pay attention do you? Listen, if you're saying there's something 'unbreakable', then you're saying the same thing, as the Titanic is 'unsinkable'. And where is the blasted ship now? On the bottom of the sea floor… and what was proven? Like duh…. It's pretty sinkable…))-

-(So what does the spell do?)-

-((It's an anti spell. Or a reverse spell, whenever the user does a deed… the unbreakable vow becomes weaker. To a point, it'll inflict damage on the one who breaks it… therefore not killing him permanently. It takes a while to get it into that stage though.))-

-(You mean the stage where the vow isn't lethal? How long does it take?)-

-((Who knows? Depends on what Snape does to help Malfoy.))-

-(I wonder why Yami insisted in the first place…)- Ryou wondered.

-((Well… I'm not telling you any more. You got to find it on your own.))- Bakura took over Ryou's body forcibly.

-(Hey! I want to know more!)-

-((We don't have the time Ryou; we'll be on Potter's or even the OotP's suspicion list if we don't move. Plus, I need to report this to the Pharaoh.))-

-----------------------------------------

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Hogwarts Castle, Gryffindor Common Room

Beginning of November

Morning… (Local Time)

-----------------------------------------

With the Quidditch match and Slughorn's Christmas party gone, the duelists had become more infamous as ever. Not to mention Yugi who had helped with scoring in the Quidditch match, plus with two havoc beaters of Ryou and Malik to make Gryffindor a one hell of an unbeatable team. Though what really most of the students wanted in Hogwarts was to see the three in a Duel Monsters Tournament. Everyone was on very high alert about seeing special 'letters' that Professor Slughorn had mentioned in his slug party, that there was a tournament being held in a Russian magic school that invited all schools from abroad. Hogwarts, being one of the best wizarding schools was on the top list (according to Slughorn's links) and would let about twenty of its representatives participate for the main preliminaries. Where the transfers fit in they did not know.

It wasn't until a particular morning did Yugi, Ryou and Malik received their invitation to the Duel Monster Tournament. Luckily for the transfers only the sixth years were able to see it since the other years were in lessons. Three ravens had come into the Gryffindor common room with thin feathers. Shay the phoenix was looking at one Raven with mild interest as if trying to befriend them or communicate with them. So Yugi and Atemu like. The other two pets… were pretty hostile looking. Mont the falcon was looking at one of the Ravens thinking as it was its dinner, wanting to kill it and staring in a drooling fashion, much like the psycho's behavior. Apophis on the other hand was already pecking Raven that was twice as tall the black midget, which could be interpreted as a way to catch his master's attention ever since the golden egg laying chicken came into existence. It wasn't odd at all to see the midget black owl being jealous and latched on to Ryou when Ryou was in control of his own body.

Most of the sixth year Gryffindors were now cheering the transfers on in wanting to open the invitation letters. However, if you looked at the faces of Yugi, Ryou and Malik, they seemed to be hesitating whether to open the letter or not… as if the invitation had some sort of detonator wrapped inside that would explode if they had opened it.

"Come on then! Open it!" said Dean Thomas who eagerly looked at the letter if it were some Easter egg.

Seamus was also excited, "You guys sure know how to build up the suspense!"

Parvati Patil was also thrilled to see this event, "I heard that all invitations were from the Prime Minister of their respecting countries right? Hogwarts received one for the Dueling Club from Rufus Scrimgeour. Let's see it."

The three transfers sweat dropped as if they wanted to go on to their lessons without opening the letter. Of course the Hogwarts students were not aware of what the Japanese Prime Minister was like.

-(Do we have to?)- Yugi asked through his mind link.

-(Well, I don't want to.)- Malik said truthfully making an emphasis.

Ryou interrupted, -(But they do; let's give them the honor of opening it.)- the thief's hikari said quickly.

Thinking it was a good idea; the three transfers gave the honor of the sixth years to open the invitation letters together and stood back at a good and safe distance. Everyone surely was happy enough to open it for them. The yamis of course, were now out of their respectful items wanting to watch was going to happen to the invitation letters.

At first glance, the students were disappointed to find the invitations were blank. Nothing was written on it. But not for long…

'SPLASH!'

There was suddenly gush of red blood that spurted out of the invitations. Some of the students screamed and ran away from the three invitations and dropped it onto the floor. The blood on the floor immediately aligned itself into Japanese letters. Thankfully Malik calmed them down saying it was only red paint. The other students couldn't read it of course, but Yugi had translated it for them.

--------------------

Letter

--------------------

Hello my faithful Duelists!

You've been invited to the one and only 'Wizarding World Schools Tournament'! (There was a smiley of a 'grin' that could move after this sentence… the very same people would usually see on a Yahoo messenger). Elite Duelists Malik and Ryou are selected to be the final match up for who ever win the finals. As for the King of Duelists, will be the judge of the final round and of course help in the tutorial round of round of a 2 VS 2 duel. I will wait for you fair arrival! (Pasted with a batting eyelashes smiley). YOU MUST COME!

Faithfully waiting,

Masao Shinoda

Japanese Prime Minister for the Japanese Ministry of Magic. (A smiley with black sunglasses and flashing teeth was pasted here)

--------------------

-(What's with the dude and writing messages as if were from a serial killer horror movie? It's like a message from someone who's already dead!)- Malik exclaimed.

-(He didn't have to make it that obvious, or littering the whole floor with red bloody paint!)- Ryou added.

Yugi sweat dropped, -(I knew something like this was coming up. He's a LOT worse and a whole different level then Pegasus when it comes to freak you out.)-

The other students then were pointing at an added text that came into view uncertainly as they were still afraid.

"Nah, he said something about getting ready and all." Yugi lied, though… it didn't seem that Yugi liked the message from the expression on his face. Malik, Ryou, and the yamis read the newly created words on the floor.

--------------------

Added Note

--------------------

P.S. If there's anyone who thinks this message is from a dead person, then they have NO sense of humor. (Sticking a tongue out smiley pasted here)

--------------------

The hikaris were on the verge of their veins popping from their heads. (Anime style!)

The yamis were already laughing it out on the floor.

"What kind of Prime Minister would send bloody invitations and expect that to be some kind of joke?" Hermione said disapprovingly.

"Oh don't mind our Prime Minister, he only has an SSoH." Malik bit in.

"SSoH?" Harry asked in confusion.

Ryou scratched his head nervously, "Heh… Meaning, Sick-Sense-of-Humor."

"I'd bet Fred and George would like the invitation card no doubt." Ron said indifferently.

"That's Masao Shinoda for you." Yugi commented. –(Hey, you guys… you're still going to meet him anyway.)- the hikari said to the yamis.

That clamped the yamis laughter up…

-((Do we have to have handshakes with him?))- Bakura groaned.

-((And receive a buzzer shock? No thank you.))- Marik added in quickly.

Yami sighed, -((Why do I have a tiny feeling he's going to make a fool out of us?))-

-((Coz he did before. You remember when he visited the school in Japan with bizarre clothing?))- Marik argued.

-((Face it Pharaoh, I mean who the hell wears the BARNEY costume and still gets respected! The Daily Prophet is going to make a fool out of him in the European wizarding world!))- Bakura exclaimed.

-((Masao Shinoda…))- Yami answered looking as if had a headache.

The transfers were certainly looking forward to the tournament, but seeing their Prime Minister was something that they would want to avoid. They positively couldn't back off from the invitation…

-((Oh Ra help us….))- Marik pleaded.

-((Hey, what's that?))- Bakura looked at the tiny slip of paper that fell to the floor.

Yugi had made a grab for it and kept it hidden from the other students in front of them.

-((It's a quiz.))- Yami stated simply. –((A message.))-

MsgaltYiaM1rliovse1pBnuateA.egrletmWWFAriseaor'nh'irr

-((Smart. Placing a note hidden in a tournament invitation, huh? You just got to love the OotS. Wizards are bakas when it comes to muggle logic.))- Bakura commented already knowing the intended message from the code.

Marik agreed. -((Looks like we got our own preparations to do is to just preparing our decks.))-

-((We should start on our reports of the school then.))- Yami nodded.

TO BE CONTINUED…

------------------------------------------

Summary Chapter:

Memories interesting are they? No, I haven't mentioned how they linked with one another yet…later on in the story…

Four ultimate spells huh? I took some of the names out of videogames so don't sue…

Quidditch scene was fun to do! Poor Hufflepuff commentator…

Axel was Hogwarts teacher! And a bit of Hermione's feelings…

And yeah, nothing is unbreakable! Or is impossible… it just takes a slow time to process…

That's right, our Japanese Prime Minister for the Japanese Ministry of Magic has some sick sense of humor… what other sick things he could do? Don't know myself though… What's on that quiz? You work it out! Refer to chapter 11… it's something that's gonna happen in the next chapter! Take a good guess… (grins)

Phew! Another lengthy chapter… Done! I can't believe I wrote a lot of emotion shifting in the chapter… phew… that's over… next chapter would be my biggest challenge yet… a tournament… (Whistles low) has anyone actually gone to an YGO tournament before? May I have your interview? Or any other tournaments in card trading? Please share the experience if you have and I might get it into the fic. I know people have suddenly been pointing out of Malik's past to me, to tell you the truth I'm saving it for later. Makes it more curious no?

Plus…

I'm trying to find cards statuses of strong and weak monsters or even trap or magic cards that do exist and people do own them … so…

For the next chapter I'm offering to ALL my reviewers to get a chance to have their favorite card from their own decks to make an appearance! That's right, YOUR FAV duel monster/trap/magic/ritual card and from YOUR DECK in my fic (just one, max 2)! Weak or strong, it doesn't matter… When you review just post it in this way:

For Monster Cards:

Name: (DM name)
Stars: (How many stars does it have?)
ATK/DEF: (X000/X000)
Type: (Element/what type of card (normal/ritual monster/effect))
Family: (Spellcaster/dragon/fiend/etc.)
Effect: (explain effects if it has any or what it says on the card.)
Description: (What does your DM look like?)

For Trap/Magic/Ritual(quick summoning) Cards:

Name: (the card's name)
Type 1: (Trap/Magic/ritual)
Type 2: (permanent/continuous/instant/normal)
Effect: (what does the card do?)
Description: (What does the trap/magic/ritual look like?)

What are you waiting for? Click that button down there if you want to see your fav card in action in the next chapter! Hehehehe….

Is anyone up for more quality crossover fics? I made one more! You could say that was one of my reasons for the delay of this chapter. So actual fact was… I updated 2 fics at once… (sweat drops)… I'm working too hard… Hopefully this chapter paid off… T.T … I really need a boost… The new fic is called, 'The Leaf that Found its Way' …a Naruto x LotR fic. Kakashi Hatake is the main character of this fic; it's lengthy but not as this YGO fic. I plan to make it a great fic though. So if you happen to like LotR or Naruto… try checking it out! I'll be really grateful! Hopefully they turn out well like this fic!

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS REVIEWED! (Huge hugs to everyone!)

This fic has officially reached 100,000+ words! Woo hoo! No AU Notes included!

11,000+ HITS ON THIS FIC! THANK YOU AGAIN! (Gives YGO character(s) plushies to everyone)

Credits for two of my new Betas: to Seithr-Kairy for helping me getting ideas for the Quidditch match plus the encouragement I need for this chapter and a HUGE thanks to Shadow-Huntress-Mage for helping me edit this chapter!

PS: I'm still looking for Betas for spelling & grammar mistakes plus ideas (like another two more people). Send me a message if you think you are capable and wanting the job!

Next on HP, HBP, and the OotS…

A small dueling tournament begins…

We'll meet the Japanese Prime Minister from the Ministry of Magic in Japan…

AND our REAL villain is finally revealed…Can you guess who our real villain is?

The next chapter:

Chapter 14: 'The Dominion.'

Update 13/10/2006: The code is only missing an 'i' (thanks to Seithr-Kairy for mentioning this!) But overall it's correct. I decoded it over and over, so it's been fixed and waiting to be solved...