Harry Potter and the Two Halves of the Jewel

Circa 2010 - 2012

Summary: Hogwarts is being honored with the presence of two highly advanced transfer students. However, trouble follows them like the plague, and Harry Potter finds himself sucked into a web of mystery and powerful magic. [HP/Inuyasha Crossover]

Genre: General / Implied Romance

Rating: T

Prologue

The Hogwarts Express

"Harry, you're never going to believe it!" Hermione smiled.

Harry scowled slightly, wondering what the great news could be. He had been in the pursuit of Blaise Zabini when his friend had caught sight of him—drat, if only he had pulled out his invisibility cloak sooner—and dragged him back to their compartment. Really, how could she be so happy when it was clear that Malfoy was plotting something sinister? How could they all ignore the signs, even after he had explained Draco's time in Knockturn Alley?

However, despite the fact that everyone had obviously gone nuts, and Neville was looking at him as if he was the crazy one, he found himself lightening up with Hermione's overly happy tone. He had wanted to find out more about Malfoy's time with the shopkeeper, Borgin, but he supposed that he could find that out later. He had an entire school year to figure out what Malfoy was plotting, since the Slytherin was not the smartest wizard in the world. So, perhaps he should enjoy himself, and turn his thoughts less on yelling at Hermione, but listening to the news she brought.

Ron sighed.

"Well," Hermione stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "as you know, Ronald and I were allowed away from our prefect duties when I saw you. The reason is because the Head Boy, Norman Fickler from Ravenclaw, wanted only a select few to patrol the corridors."

Ron began muttering about Norman being a miniature version of his brother, Percy. Harry cast him a glance, since it had become a silent agreement in the Weasley family not to speak Percy's name after he joined the Ministry. He could understand, since Percy had turned his back on his family, but to hear Ron muttering about him was a bit odd.

Neville frowned in confusion, "Why in the world would he do that?"

Luna spoke up, her voice her usual dream-like tone. "He probably only wanted the most highly advanced prefects to keep watch over the students. After all, one can never be too careful nowadays."

Hermione nodded, despite the fact that Luna was probably referencing Crumple-Horned Snorkack, which no one other than Luna or her father felt existed. "Oh, yes. He was being extra careful, because this year, Hogwarts is being honored by two very special guests!"

Ron finally scowled, "Just get on with it, Hermione. There's no reason to make them all beg for the information."

Hermione bristled, casting a glare at him, "Just because you were asleep during the meeting, Ronald…"

Ron gulped as she trailed off.

"Anyway, before Ron decided to so rudely interrupt, I was going to say that this year," Hermione beamed once again, "Hogwarts is being graced with the presence of transfers!"

Luna smiled, clasping her hands together, "Transfer students?"

"Yes," Hermione replied.

From the way Neville and Ron glanced over at him, Harry was sure that none of them knew what was so important about that. For a moment, he thought that it might be some secret girl thing that could only be understood by one of the female gender. However, when Hermione turned to glare at them, obviously thinking they should be excited about it, it became clear that it was probably commonly known information.

"Oh, really now," Hermione sighed, "don't tell me that none of you have any idea what we're talking about."

Neville stroked the toad in his lap. "Well…" he said after a moment, "My gran knows a lot of stuff about Hogwarts, and she says that it isn't often that you see students from far away countries transferring there. I think she was reading out of the Daily Prophet when she decided to tell me about it."

"Exactly, Neville," Hermione smiled at him. "It is a very rare occurrence for Hogwarts to receive transfers from other magical schools, and when we do, they are mostly from Beautaxtons and sometimes from Durmstrang. However, these transfers are coming from the Magic Academy in Japan! It is so rare that I heard Professor Dumbledore has spoken with them about doing some type of magical display before they're sorted."

"Japan?" Ron blinked. "Do they know any English?"

"Of course they know English, Ronald!" Hermione snapped. "And, if they didn't, I am sure that Professor Dumbledore would have already handled the problem. After all, there has to be a spell somewhere that can allow one to speak another language—in fact, I believe I read about such a spell. It allowed one to understand and speak the most common language around them—"

Harry ignored her as she continued, "So, transfer students, huh? What house do you think they'll end up in?"

Ron shrugged, "Don't know, Norman—the git—wouldn't let anyone in to see them. Hermione might think that I was asleep, but I was only napping, mate, and I heard quite a bit of his speech. Guy talks as if he's trying to follow in Percy's footsteps."

Luna smiled, "I do hope that they are in Ravenclaw. I would very much like to discuss with one of them the matter of Crumple-Horned Snorkack. You know, my father and I were very close to catching one this summer, but people demanded a new issue of The Quibbler and we were forced to return home."

Hermione nodded toward her, "I am glad you had a lovely summer, Luna."

"Yes, it was quite lovely," Luna sighed dreamily.

Harry returned his attention to Ron, sitting at his side. "So, no one's seen them yet?"

"Nope," Ron replied. "They're locked up tight in a compartment down the corridor, almost like they're criminals if you ask me. Only the Head Boy and Girl have been allowed into the compartment, but I don't think even they've seen their faces. They've got thick cloaks on, with the hoods up, and just glancing at them was creepy."

Hermione scowled, speaking up, "Ronald, it is only natural that Hogwarts would do everything in their power to keep the transfers safe. I must admit that most of the restriction is probably because of Norman, but it is for their own safety."

Ron scowled back, "And what exactly do they need to be protected from? Us?"

Hermione's eyebrows kitted together, and she thought for a moment on her response. It was quite clear that she was not quite sure how to reply, which was quite odd itself. "Well… yes," she said after a few moments. "They're coming from far away, and with how rare it is for Hogwarts to receive transfers, I am sure that all of the houses would love to get their hands on them. So, it would only be logical to keep them away from the commotion in order to make them feel more at home."

"But, what if they like being treated that way?" Neville asked.

Hermione glanced at him, and stated plainly, "Then they definitely won't be in Gryffindor."

"Ron's got a point, though, Hermione," Harry drew her attention toward him. "Why are only the transfer students being protected? I mean, everyone knows that Voldemort—"

The others winced a bit at the word.

"—has returned. So, shouldn't all the prefects be on high alert?" Harry finished. He muttered in his head about how Malfoy had not gone to the meeting, but stayed within his compartment. That alone was suspicious, especially after what he had heard in Knockturn Alley, yet he was sure the others would tell him to give it a rest. However, the fact of the matter was he would not do so, because Malfoy was up to something, and he was going to find out what it was. Just thinking about it, about how Hermione had caught him in his pursuit of Blaise Zabini, caused a bit of anger to rise in his chest again. After all they had gone through, why did they have to be so difficult? Why would they not listen to him?

"Exactly," Ron smiled. "Why are they getting such special treatment?"

"Because this is a very special occasion for Hogwarts!" Hermione huffed.

"It is a bit strange, though," Luna stated. The others turned to her, noticing that her usually unblinking eyes were staring out the window. "So, perhaps there is something else they need to be protected from?"

Harry wondered the same thing. Yes, it might be some great event for Hogwarts to receive transfer students from a country that spoke highly of its education system—though, he only knew about the muggle system. It might be a great event for Hogwarts to simply be the one chosen to take in the foreigners. However, why in the world did they need to be protected as if they were suddenly going to be attacked? Did they not carry wands to perform magic; were they not going to a school that taught magic? Did they not know how to defend themselves in the face of danger, or was the protection being formed around them truly because others were worried they might not fit in?

Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but the train began to slow as she did so. Already the scent of pine trees was wafting into the compartment, and she glanced out the window to see Hogwarts in the distance. The night was clear, giving the old castle the chance to be seen by any who would ever look upon its beauty. However, the slowing of the train was not just so she could enjoy the feel of returning to her second home, so she stood. "Come on, Ron," she said, "we've got to make sure everyone gets off the train safely."

Ron shuffled to his feet, his robes swishing as he stood. "I'm coming," he complained. However, a moment later he followed Hermione out of the compartment door in order to make sure all the first years knew where they were supposed to go. As he went, he muttered about how his job would not be so hard if he was not stuck with his female friend.

Having already changed some time ago, the remaining trio moved to make sure everything they had was in order. When the train came to a complete stop, they rose in order to join the many students already piling into the corridor to retreat to the doors. Excitement and happiness could be heard and felt from every student surrounding them, and it soaked into their bones, because even though they knew trouble could be around the corner, they were returning home to Hogwarts.

Chapter One

Sorting Gone Amiss

The Sorting Hat's song ended in a round of cheers from the students, while the first years stood tentatively waiting for what would happen next. Harry watched them in amusement, since he could already see similarities within the new students that had been in the sixth years when they first arrived. There were those that seemed to know exactly where they were going, others that stood quietly with intelligent eyes, and the students that appeared delighted, yet confused with the new world around them. He could almost guess where each student was going to be placed, though he did not believe he would always be correct, because only the Sorting Hat could truly know the Hogwarts House they belonged to.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, a list of names on the scroll within her hand. She began to call forth the first years, allowing them to take a seat on the stool where the Sorting Hat sat. Within moments the Sorting Hat yelled out its first decision. Allen, Jacob went to Hufflepuff, causing the table of Hufflepuff students to let out loud cheers. The process continued, Harry barely remembering any of the names—Moon, James slid over to the Slytherin table with a smug smirk—except for the first years that were lucky enough to be settled into the awaiting arms of Gryffindor. They gained several new first years, some of which did not look like they had a single Gryffindor quality in their bones, but Harry knew from experience that not everything was how it seemed.

The familiarity of the school washed over him once again, and he found a temporary peace while watching the new faces step forward and place the Sorting Hat upon their head. There were not many more to go, the process had always been rather quick when the Hat did not have to pause and decide between several qualities that could be honed in different houses. However, as the number of first years shrank more and more, Harry began to realize that no odd, unusual names had been called as of yet. He supposed that he could have missed them, but he decided to turn his attention to Hermione as the Ravenclaw table burst into applause.

"Where are the transfers, Hermione?"

Hermione blinked, turning her attention to him, before saying, "They haven't been called yet, Harry. I suppose that Professor Dumbledore wants to keep them till the end, most likely because of how historic the event will be. Two students from Japan's Magic Academy coming to grace the walls of Hogwarts."

Harry ignored the bright, pleased light that entered his friend's eye. He noticed from the corner of his eye that Ron had rolled his eyes at Hermione's tone, since he supposed only she would truly know how historic the event would be. She was still talking about how wonderful the event was, but he merely nodded, saying, "That makes sense."

"Let's just hope they hurry up soon, mate," Ron said beside him. "I'm not sure how much longer I can wait."

Hermione scowled, "Is that all you can think about, Ronald?"

"What?" he asked, a bit of red coloring his face. "I'm hungry. I haven't gotten anything to eat since Mum put us on the train this morning because of Norman. I had to sit through that stupid meeting for nothing and then afterward you had to run off when you saw Harry. Just when I was about to suggest we find the trolley, too."

"Yes, well," Hermione replied, "that might be true, but you could at least take a bit of pride in the fact that Hogwarts is being allowed such an honor. It has been years since the last transfer student walked Hogwarts, and you should try to at least be happy that this time it is happening while you're here. It is a wonderful opportunity to make distant friends and learn more about the wizarding community in other countries—"

"That's great and all," Ron said, "but it doesn't help my hunger pangs, Hermione."

Hermione scowled, a mixture of disgust and amusement crossing her face for a brief moment. However, she dropped the subject and returned her attention to the front of the Great Hall. She was excited to find out where the transfer students would be placed, but she knew that it was useless to argue with Ron when the only thing on his mind was food. She would have suggested a spell to help him if she knew of one, but as the thought crossed her mind, she had to quickly remind herself that it was because he was her friend. She would have done the same thing for Harry if she was able.

"RAVENCLAW!" burst from the Sorting Hat, distracting Harry for a second. A small, auburn haired boy slid from the stool shyly and shuffled to the Ravenclaw table. The students there greeted him happily, though as he reached up to adjust his robes, it became clear he was becoming overwhelmed by the attention. Harry noticed that he took a seat beside Luna Lovegood, and the two seemed to fall into a strange staring contest that neither appeared to be winning anytime soon.

The small, auburn haired boy was the last to be sorted, and Harry turned his attention back to the front of the Great Hall. Dumbledore had already rose from his seat and moved to stand before the table of teachers, his eyes twinkling over his half-moon spectacles. Harry was not quite sure if the twinkle in his eye was from amusement or delight, but he straightened a bit when he felt Dumbledore's eyes skim over him. He paid more attention, knowing that whatever Dumbledore had to say, he would say it, and it would have meaning.

"Greetings, Hogwarts students," he spoke. "I am sure that many of you are now aware that there are still two more students that need to be sorted. They have come from the Magic Academy in Japan and have agreed to perform a bit of magic before we begin our feast. I trust you to show them the respect they deserve and give them your full attention as they begin."

Harry twisted his head around, looking toward the door that the first year students were usually held within. However, as the candles floating above his head began to dim, a loud creak filled the silence that had settled after Dumbledore's speech. It drew his attention to the large, main doors entering the Great Hall, and he watched, as they swung open until a single person was able to slip through. And someone did after a few moments. A girl stepped through the opening, her eyes upright and alert, but glimmered with a silent happiness and light that was easily seen.

The students watched, on edge for what might happen, as the girl took a single step forward. She stopped for a second, cast her eyes over the majority of the Great Hall, and continued forward. There was nothing out of the ordinary with her. Her eyes were blue and kind; her hair was black and gathered up in the hood of her cloak; her skin was white; and her frame was small. The only thing that appeared a bit odd was the large, unneeded cloak that she wore about her shoulders. It gave the students pause, because each and every one of them knew it was required that a student wear robes, yet the cloak isolated whatever clothes she wore within.

Harry watched her, as she began to move between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables. She smiled at people and gave small bows of the head whenever she locked eyes with someone that she appeared to like. However, Harry's attention did not remain on her for long, because the sound of clicking entered his ears and he knew the sound had not come from the soft-footed girl. He turned his head in time to see the large, white animal streak into the Great Hall through the main doors and race toward the girl. He almost shouted, though he doubted the animal was wild or feral, because it stood at an impressive height and could have toppled the girl to the ground if it felt the need.

The animal came to a stop behind the girl, and nudged what appeared to be her hand with its snout. She smiled a bit more and allowed her hand to slip out of the fabric to settle onto the animal's head. It took Harry a moment, but he realized through the growing silence that the animal was a dog. A large, white dog that turned golden eyes around until it had taken a good look at the entire area. The dog seemed to sneer, or snort at them and then turned its head to push at the girl's back, pressing her onward.

"Mr. Hayashi, if you would please," McGonagall's voice rose over the silence.

The dog's ears lifted at her voice and appeared amused with her demand. The students cast their eyes about and began to whisper, wondering why the Transfiguration teacher had addressed the creature in such a way. However, it became apparent when the dog gave a chilling bark.

It began slowly at first, its back arching upward and its front legs beginning to lift off the ground, but the process quickened until the dog had shifted until a dog no longer stood in its place. Instead, a silver haired boy that stood well over his female companion—many girls' suddenly sighed when they noticed his handsome features—looked upon them, a pair of cold golden eyes shifting over the crowd of students. It became clear within moments what the boy was exactly.

An Animagus.

Hayashi, as Harry suddenly labeled him, placed a large hand on the girl's shoulder and once again pressed her forward. She smiled up at him brightly, a small giggle escaping her throat, allowing him to push her forward to the point she was taking extremely long steps to match his stride. She did not chastise him for the action, merely smiled as if it was the most natural thing to happen in the world. And perhaps it was, Harry was not quite sure. He did not know this Hayashi boy, so he could not say that he knew anything about him.

They neared the table of teachers within moments, and Hayashi fell back behind the girl as she stepped toward Dumbledore. The headmaster was gazing down upon her with a small smile, and she bowed at the waist toward him. A custom from their country. She rose a moment later, still smiling, and stepped to the side to allow Hayashi the honor of bowing to the headmaster. The silver haired boy did so, but when he rose, he allowed the heavy material of his sleeve to slip down his arm and reveal a striking white wand.

The girl took this as her cue and brought her arms up, only to begin moving them in small jerks. A tiny sound began to fill the silence, rising upward like a chant that sucked in many more voices the longer it lasted, until it became apparent that it was the sound of bells. The girl's sleeves fell to her elbows, revealing the small, silver bells that were creating the soft noise. It was a peaceful sound, and caught attention from many students who had decided to look away as they grew bored. And those students turned to watch as she jerked the bells into action again and again, creating a gentle rhythm that began to wash over the Great Hall.

Her body moved in time with the sound of the bells, as she danced around the silver haired boy until she had her back to his. She continued to shake the bells around her wrists, her eyes closing as her head bobbed with each tinkling the bells gave. Yet she stopped the moment the silver haired boy raised his arm, as if she knew his movements, before suddenly bringing her hands above her head and beginning to shake the bells with more intensity. The sleeves fell to her shoulders, revealing the length of her slender arms, but it was the color that the fabric surrounding her began to take on that drew more attention.

Hayashi swung his wand, the white wood arching through the air as he stared at the headmaster. His clothing began to change in color, as well, glowing a soft yellow, but allowing the black underneath to still be seen. He tipped his wand with each shake of the bells, before he suddenly arched his arm back down. A stream of light followed the tip, and he appeared calm and emotionless as he made the action, allowing the magic to take hold.

The girl brought her arms down the moment the silver haired boy did, and thrust them out toward the crowd of students. They watched in curiosity as her clothing began to glow with more intensity, to the point that it almost hurt to continue watching her. Yet they did, until finally the girl stopped shaking the bells altogether and spread her arms wide. Not a moment later it seemed that her cloak began to disappear, but when she thrust her arms back out toward the crowd of students, hundreds of tiny black dots followed her movements until her Hogwarts robes were revealed.

The dots filled the air, taking shape within moments of spreading. They changed into tiny, black butterflies that gave off the ominous yellow glow, as they swarmed out between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables. The girl followed them, leaving her companion behind, as she raced into the center of the mass. The sound of bells began again, while she danced among the massive amounts of butterflies. More joined them as they began to pick their way off the silver haired boy not far away, gently lifting from his body and flying to join the others.

Harry blinked at the number of butterflies, wondering how in the world the transfers had come up with this display. However, he watched as they swarmed with each chime from the girl's bells, moving about as if they were under her control. And perhaps they were, as she climbed up onto the Hufflepuff table and continued to shake her body to a silent song she could hear. Her dance continued, even as she stepped over dishes and ducked her head beneath the floating candles above her head, until she had reached the center of the table. Harry noticed that the Hufflepuff students were gaping up at her, and he was sure that if she was standing on the Slytherin table they would be trying to sneak a peek up her skirt.

She twisted her arms around one another, and a small swarm of the butterflies moved to her command. They gathered above the Hufflepuff table, mixing together until it appeared that there was only a black, glowing sphere hanging there. She then turned and did the same with her body facing the Slytherin table. Another swarm of butterflies filled the space above the Slytherin table, and a few people cringed or sighed at the creatures.

Hayashi turned on his heel, as his female companion jumped from the Hufflepuff table to the Ravenclaw table. She danced atop the table as she had done above the Hufflepuff one, and a mass of butterflies moved at her command. Once they had gathered, his golden eyes watched her as she paused and then jumped to the Gryffindor table. She performed the same little dance, gathering together the remaining butterflies above the table, but it appeared that his lips tugged upward as she reached up.

Harry blinked at the girl dancing in his face, the end of her robes brushing his hands and Ron's face as he leaned forward. However, he was surprised when she suddenly knelt down. She was facing Hermione, who had sat across from them, and he could only watch as she reached out toward his friend. The girl giggled, stood, and leapt down from the table to continue dancing and shaking her bells as she went to return to her companion, but his eyes were on Hermione. She was cross-eyed, staring at the tiny black creature that was situated on the end of her nose. He smiled in good humor, and he was sure that Hermione was absolutely delighted that the female transfer had acknowledged her in such a way.

After Hermione turned to glare at him and Ron as the butterfly moved to sit in her hair near her temple, Harry returned his gaze to the transfers. Hayashi had wrapped his arms around the girl, his wand poised toward the massive ball hanging over the Slytherin table. The girl's wand was also revealed, the crisp, blood red color pointed toward the ball swirling above the Gryffindor table. Harry blinked, as quite suddenly, they both gave a wave of their wands and a jet of light shot out toward their targets. Harry was forced to close his eyes when the jet of light hit the ball above them, and blinked the spots out of his eyes a few moments after it dispersed.

Ron was pulling on his sleeve, and Harry turned to ask him what he wanted when Ron's hand shot up to point at what was sitting above them. He tilted his head upward, and awe filled him as the beast shook its large mane and gave an impressive roar. He quickly glanced at Hermione to find her mouth slightly open, her eyes bright, before turning his gaze back up to the lion above his head. The lion stared proudly forward, while Harry examined its golden coat and scarlet mane. However, Harry was only given a few moments to look, before Ron was pulling at his sleeve again.

"Holy—look, mate," Ron breathed in his ear.

Harry turned his head, and noticed that the other flashes of light had come from the transformation of the other butterflies. Across from him, over the Ravenclaw table, a large navy blue eagle circled. Its wings were spread out while it appeared to fly above them, which tucked the silver talons underneath its body, but Harry noticed the piercing silver eyes that searched the area. His eyes moved onward, taking notice of the black creature that stood over the Hufflepuff table. Its nose appeared to sniff the air, giving him a nice view of the golden stripes along its back, and he knew the creature to be a badger. Then his eyes shifted to the Slytherin table and he found himself looking at the back of Draco Malfoy's head as the boy looked up at the creature sitting above him. It was an impressive thing, its head lifted above the coils of its massive green body marked with silver, giving them all an evil glare with its silver eyes. The snake gave a chilling hiss, as it moved to slither over the length of the Slytherin table, its forked tongue continuing to taste the air.

The sound of bells echoed over the light whispers the students began to give, drawing their attention back to the front of the Great Hall. The girl was moving again, dancing out a few feet away from her male companion, before she pointed her wand toward the badger twisting its head about over the Hufflepuff table. She muttered something under her breath, and a jet of silver shot from the tip of her wand to strike the animal. Another followed afterward, striking the raven hovering over the Ravenclaw table, while she moved her wand to point at the snake slithering above the head of the Slytherin students. Another shot out from behind her, from the silver haired boy's wand, and struck the lion that reared back its head to roar once more.

All at once, the show ended as the four animals burst into clouds of silver dust. It rained down upon the students of Hogwarts, disappearing without a trace as it landed softly on them. The girl stopped dancing, and the sound of bells stopped as she laced her fingers together in front of her body, before she gave a bow. The silver haired boy tucked his wand into his robes, and also gave a bow, but the fun was done and over with as McGonagall stepped forward from her spot clapping. Others soon followed, until finally the Great Hall was filled with noise, as the transfers rose from their bent positions.

Dumbledore smiled, before raising his wand to bring the dimmed candles back to life. The noise began to die down, as he waved his hand toward the Sorting Hat. "Hayashi Sesshoumaru," he said, "if you would please place the Sorting Hat upon your head, you may soon join your new house."

The boy turned on his heel and stepped forward to lift the Hat from its position. He seated himself with a grace acquired only through lineage, and then raised the Sorting Hat to place it upon his head. However, as he began to let the Hat fall onto his mass of silver hair, it appeared to give a very noticeable shudder, and cried out its decision.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Harry blinked, because he had only ever seen the Sorting Hat make a decision that quickly when it had almost been placed upon the head of Draco Malfoy. However, he watched as Hayashi Sesshoumaru moved to sit at the Slytherin table, giving no response to any of the students that leered hungrily at him. Then Harry returned his attention to the front, as Dumbledore coughed over the cheer of the Slytherin students. They were very excited, and Harry could only roll his eyes at the reason that popped into his head.

"Higurashi Kagome," Dumbledore began again, "if you would please."

The girl nodded and smiled, walking up to where the stool sat. She allowed Dumbledore to grab the tip of the Hat as she neared and pull it up so that she could sit, and she did with a little less grace than her companion. She continued smiling even after the Sorting Hat was dropped around her eyes, appearing quite happy with the world around her. She looked to mutter softly underneath her breath, as if she was speaking with the Sorting Hat, and it was well known that she could be. For the first time, they heard one of them speak. "I don't think," she said over the silence, "that that will be a very good idea."

The Sorting Hat appeared to blink, but did not seem to reply to the girl again. Instead, it began to speak, "GRYF—"

Harry turned to smile at Hermione, because no doubt she was very excited by the news, but found her to be frowning deeply. The tiny butterfly still in her hair moved until it rested on her shoulder, but Hermione was staring toward the Sorting Hat with a darkening look in her eye. Harry was confused, but he was sure, as he swung his head back around to watch, that Hermione would tell them the reason she was worrying later on.

The Gryffindor table rose in loud cheers, but were stunned into silence when something hit them, the Sorting Hat had paused in its decision. It had stopped, as if rethinking the house it was about to place her in. And indeed the Gryffindor students were shocked, as the girl did not move to take the Hat from her head or come join them, instead merely sitting there as if she would not do so. So, their eyes sought out Dumbledore's, and saw that the headmaster was watching the exchange between the girl and the Sorting Hat in silence, his eyes watchful.

The Sorting Hat tried to cry out again, "GRY—"

Again, the Gryffindor table appeared excited, though they did not rise to cheer until they heard the entire name pass from the Sorting Hat. However, the word did not come, as the Hat stopped once more. It appeared to be trying to speak, but no words were filling the Great Hall, and that sent worry and fear through many Hogwarts students.

The Hat visibly shuddered upon the girl's head; the old fabric straightening until it looked to be quite shocked itself. The tears that made up the eyes and mouth became more jagged, as the mouth opened once more to speak. "The two halves of the jewel cannot be separated," it spoke. Two voices rose from the Hat, one dark, low and masculine, another light, cheerful and feminine. "This we will not accept."

Many students leaned toward one another to begin whispering. However, none of them could find the answer among each other and they drew silent once more.

Confusion shot through the hearts of the people at Hogwarts, while all eyes were drawn to the Sorting Hat. This had never happened in the course of Hogwarts history. No one had ever seen such a thing happen and it frightened many as the girl beneath the Sorting Hat continued to smile that carefree smile of hers. The Hat upon her head appeared to choke a few times, and they watched as it once more tried to place the girl into the Gryffindor house.

"GR—"

"The jewel," came from the Hat a moment later, "cannot be parted. Our magic will not allow it."

The Sorting Hat relaxed once more, and it looked as if it was panting lightly. Then, in a voice that sounded exhausted, but had an underlying darkness, it spoke. "Slytherin," the word came out in a soft hiss, one that was recognized as something that did not come from the Hat. The features of the Sorting Hat became jagged once more, a feral smile barely seen before it disappeared.

Higurashi Kagome rose from the stool she sat upon with the eyes of all the students upon her. Her smile had not faded, even through the strange event that just took place—the Slytherin table finally rose to cheer. She moved to join the Slytherin table, eyes following her, and she sat beside Sesshoumaru. Almost instantly she leaned her head upon his shoulder, and he allowed it, as Dumbledore gave a cough to catch their attention again.

"Before we begin," he said, "there are a few things that must be announced. First, I would like to introduce