Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!
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2nd year – Teiko – continued from last time…
To say that Newt was surprised when he stepped out of the forest on his way back to the lovely Inn he and Tina were staying at during their visit in Japan and saw the young girl sitting underneath a tree, would be an understatement. He had been out to explore the magical creatures living around Tokyo, it was surprisingly many. It didn't occur to him that he might stumble upon anyone this late in the afternoon, at least not a young girl who looked to be around the same age as his oldest grandson.
It was clear she was crying even if the rain was hiding the tears, he could still see the shoulders shaking and he picked up on the soft cries leaving her. Though, she was rather quiet like she had learned how to cry silently. He could tell she wasn't aware he was there yet, so he deliberately made a noise and saw how her head snapped up and wide emerald green eyes hidden behind glasses. Her reddish dark hair was wet from the rain, and from what he could see she was wearing some sort of training clothes.
"O-oh, who are you?" he asked curiously and also worried, she looked cold and so…alone. No girl that young should look so alone and sad, it was like she had lost something. He wasn't the best at reading human emotions, but he did believe he had gotten better over the years. "What are a young girl doing sitting outside in the rain?"
She just stared at him for another minute before looking away and getting to her feet, a hand brushing over her eyes pushing her glasses out of the way as she tried to dry her tears away. He watched her in silence for a moment trying to decide what to say, if this had been an animal he would know how to proceed but this…this needed his wife's touch. She was the good one at handling kids, like when their son and daughter had been little or with their grandkids. He was good at showing them animals and talk about the different creatures he had but taking care of their hurts and worries…no, that was best left to his wife.
"I didn't mean to scare you, miss," he said deciding to tread carefully like she was a scared animal, he could see her shift and her eyes darted around like she was looking for a way out. "I was just on my way back to the Inn I stay at with my wife; I was out looking for animals. Animals here in Japan is really fascinating, they're different from the ones I've studied in England or Europe or Africa. I've never really been much in Japan, was in China once. But that was many, many years ago."
The girl frowned slightly like she struggled to follow his ramble, he winced slightly, he always rambled when he got nervous. You would think being retired and, well, old would have cured him of that nervous habit.
"Are you alright, miss?" he finally asked deciding to be more direct since she was yet to say a word, her eyes warily watching him.
"I'm…fine," she said quietly, "sorry for startling you, Sir."
He arched a bushy brow but didn't question her. He didn't have the right to press her.
"I…" she startled but stopped and he noticed for the first time just how pale she was. She swayed on her feet and he was barely warned before she started to tilt and barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground.
"Miss?" he called concerned. "Miss?"
There was no response and he stood there holding her for a moment trying to decide what to do. Making a decision he levitated the girl while walking to his old trusted suitcase that he had placed it when he spotted her. He opened it and with some difficulties seeing as he was not a young man anymore managed to get her down and into the dry room of his expanded suitcase. He wasn't sure how he would explain this, though…
"Tina!" He called into a mirror and soon his wife's face looked back at him.
...
"She looks so pale."
"…I hope I did the right thing…"
"…of course you did, honey, she clearly needs help…"
"…but the magic…"
Mac could hear muffled voices that seemed to be coming from far away, almost as if it was through a thick fog or something. She felt herself lying on something soft and she was warm and dry, in her mind she knew she should be wet…she had been outside in the rain. She wasn't outside anymore, she realised and paid more attention to the voices. They talked about magic… who was it? She still hadn't opened her eyes, not wanting to reveal that she was awake yet.
She tried to remember what happened, she had the fight with Daiki and had run off and then…then she had met the old man coming out of the forest. She realised that he must be one of those who was talking.
Deciding she wouldn't learn anything new by pretending to sleep she opened her eyes to look at the room she was lying in. It looked like a wooden cabin or something, she was on a sofa in the corner of the room and a bench stretched along a wall on the opposite side of the room, from what she could tell it was cluttered with different plants and small bottles from what she could see from her position on the sofa.
"Oh, you're awake," a woman said and Mac sat up as she looked at the woman who entered the room. She had an elegant look about her, Mac noticed, her hair was grey and cut just below her ears. Her eyes were a warm and deep brown now looking at Mac with concern. "Are you feeling better, honey?"
Mac glanced at the man behind her, she recognised him as the man she had met at the edge of the forest. He looked worried at her but smiled kindly when he saw her looking at him.
"Where am I?" Mac whispered.
"In my suitcase," the man answered making Mac blink.
"In your…what?" Mac asked confused.
The woman rolled her eyes and shot the man a look that Mac thought was exasperation and fondness wrapped in one.
"We'll explain everything," she said reassuringly, "I'm Tina, and the man over there is my husband Newt Scamander. I'm sure he forgot to introduce himself earlier."
Mac blinked. The name was familiar, she had heard it before. She frowned thoughtfully and looked at him once more. Her thoughts were running, they had talked about magic and he had talked about animals…oh, the author.
"Like the author?" she asked without really meaning too and saw the eyebrows raise and the two exchanged looks. Mac felt like cursing, she had just revealed herself as a witch. She couldn't…
"You're a witch," Newt said but he didn't sound surprised but more contemplative like he was trying to figure her out. She shifted in her seat and looked away from him. Mac suddenly reached up to her neck and let out a relieved breath when she felt the chain around her neck and the familiar weight of the time-turner against her chest. It was still hidden.
"Yes, like the author," Tina answered her question even when it was obviously no need for it. "He studies magical creatures, he's a Magizoologist."
"You're familiar," Newt said frowning, "you look just like…"
Mac stilled and bowed her head; her hair was covering her scar like it normally did. She didn't like showing it off since she learned what it meant and Sasaki and Sato both said that she should not reveal herself for British witches and wizards. What was she supposed to do? How could she get out of this? She wanted Daiki… Mac bit down on her lip as she thought about her best friend. She needed him.
"Newt," Tina said a warning in her voice.
"Sorry," he said, "you just remind me of an old friend of mine, Fleamont Potter."
Mac's head snapped up and stared at the man with wide eyes when she heard the last name, she had no idea who Fleamont, or whoever, was but Potter… was it possible?
"You recognise the name?" Tina asked noticing her reaction.
"Who…Fleamont Potter?" Mac whispered. "I…"
"You're Mackenzie," Newt said smiling softly at her. "I wondered. You look remarkably like Fleamont but at the same time a perfect mix of James and Lily. Your eyes are completely Lily, but your hair and facial structure are like your dad and grandfather."
Mac felt overwhelmed, grandfather…grandfather…
"Oh my," Tina said staring at Mac with wide eyes. "How come you're here?! Everyone was looking for you when you didn't show up for Hogwarts. It was in the papers…"
"You can't tell!" Mac pleaded looking between the two. "Please! You can't tell!"
"What do you mean?" Newt said, "Albus will want to know, he's worried."
Mac shook her head and clutched her time-turner through her shirt.
"I can't…I won't leave Tokyo!" Mac said shaking her head, "they'll make me leave! I won't! They'll give me back to my aunt and uncle, and I can't… I can't…"
"Shh, shh," Newt cooed like she was a scared animal and only now did Mac realised she had stood and was pressing herself back against the wall. Her breath coming out harshly and she was sweating. "Calm down, we won't hurt you."
Mac swallowed and tried to calm her breathing.
"Why do you say that?" Newt said when she calmed down some.
"I don't want to leave my friends," Mac whispered knowing that even if they were breaking right now, and everything was changing she couldn't, wouldn't leave them. They were her friends and they had given her something she had longed for. Love. Acceptance. And she would be right there with them, even as they broke apart. She would be there when they came back.
"No one says anything about you leaving your friends," Tina said carefully and Mac gave her a look.
"Like they will let me be here," Mac said, "I know…I know they all think I'm some sort of saviour over in Britain, a hero or something. I was explained the situation a few months ago. I don't want to go and be met like that. I'm not a saviour or a hero. I didn't do anything to stop Voldemort. I didn't… it was mum who did. I'm sure it was her, not me."
...
Newt watched the newfound Mackenzie Potter, he couldn't believe that Fleamont and Euphemia Potter's granddaughter was standing in front of him. He had seen her as a baby when he and Tina came to visit James and Lily before they went into hiding. She had been a cute little thing and so interested in his animals. It had broken his heart hearing James and Lily had died and how little Mackenzie was now an orphan.
He also wondered what had caused her to get so worked up, it was clear she was really scared about the aspect of being taken back to Britain and leaving her friends. He looked at Tina and saw the thoughtful look on her face as she watched Mac; he recognised the Auror look on her face.
"You attend magic school here?" Tina asked and Mac looked at her.
"Kind of," Mac said confusing them both. Mac seemingly saw this and sighed as she shifted on her feet, it looked like she was considering something. "I…I only learned I was a witch a few months ago… my…relatives never told and we moved to Tokyo to get away from…magic. I only learned it was magic when I lost control and had a burst of accidental magic after they left."
"Left?"
"Just learned about magic?!"
Newt looked horrified at the young girl, just what had happened to her? Mac glanced away from them again and bit down on her lower lip.
"I am living with my best friend and his family at the moment," Mac said quietly, "and I am learning magic from a former professor at Mahoutokoro and at the same time attend Muggle School."
Newt arched a brow at that, just how could she find the strength to do both? He knew that just doing your magical studies would be hard, and she was doing Muggle School at the same time?
"I see," Newt said.
...
Mac glanced at the clock and felt her eyes widen. It was nearly 11 pm and she knew Daiki and his parents would be worried.
"I have to go home!" Mac said. "Daiki will be worried."
Newt and Tina exchanged looks, "of course. I…may we meet you again, Miss Potter? We would like to talk more with you."
Mac looked at them for a moment before nodding and turned to leave before realising she didn't really know where to go, and Newt had said something about a suitcase.
"Wait…" Mac said and looked at them again. "Did you say something about a suitcase earlier?"
"Yeah," Newt grinned happily. "You leave from the stairs over there. Come on."
...
Daiki paced the living room floor and glanced out of the window, it was completely dark outside now and Mac was still not home. He had rushed inside when he got home and up to Mac's room only to find it empty. Neither of his parents had seen her, and both were worried, they had been out looking but no luck. It was his fault, he knew that.
"You think we should contact Sato-san again?" Ayano asked worriedly.
"He would let us know if she shows up at his place," Takehiro said, "I'm sure she's fine."
Daiki opened his mouth to say something when he heard the door open and he rushed out of the living room and saw Mac entering the house.
"Kenzie!" Daiki exclaimed worriedly, "where have you been? You worried me!"
Mac blinked at him before looking away, it hurt that she looked away from him, but he had seen the pain in her eyes before she did and guilt welled up inside of him making it difficult to swallow.
"Mac," Ayano sighed in relief and rushed over to the younger girl hugging her tightly, Daiki noticed the relieved look on his father's face as well but he remained standing just inside the room.
"I'm sorry," Mac mumbled, "I…forgot the time."
Ayano looked at her for a moment and opened her mouth to say something, but Takehiro spoke first interrupting whatever his wife was going to say.
"You look tired," he said, "why don't you go to bed? We can talk later."
Mac bit her lower lip but nodded and without looking at Daiki who stood still beside her left the room and up the stairs.
...
Mac had just come back from her magic lessons for the day and set the Time-Turner to go back seven hours so she could make it in time for classes in Teiko. She had spent most of her day wondering if she should mention Newt Scamander or not to Sato, she had noticed that her professor had looked at her with a sharp look from time to time, but she remained silent. She wasn't sure why, but something inside of her kept her from telling the older man about her new connection to Britain. She was very aware that neither Newt nor Tina had promised to remain silent about their knowledge of her being in Tokyo. Sato or Sasaki might be needed to help her convince them, but…they knew her parents, her grandparents. It was a chance to actually learn something new about her past for once. From someone who knew.
Daiki had already left when she came back and she hurried out of the house and toward the school, she had her bag thrown over her shoulder as she rushed to the school. She was just entering the classroom when the bell rang and she sank down on her seat next to Daiki with a soft sigh. She noticed him glance at her from his seat, but didn't say anything.
The teacher droned on and on, and to no surprise to Mac she noticed Daiki sleeping with his head hidden in his arms leaned over his desk. She could see a small part of his face and he looked peaceful as he slept, she smiled sadly before turning back to her notes trying to concentrate on what the teacher was telling them about Japanese literature.
"Daiki," Mac said nudging the arm and watched with faint amusement as her friend startled as he woke up. "Class is over, sleepyhead."
Daiki glanced at her and she saw the mix of emotions in his eyes, he rubbed his eyes and yawned as he got up.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep," Daiki mumbled.
"I know," Mac said, "I can help you with the homework later, ok?"
Daiki glanced at her again and gave her a small smile before turning away. Mac sighed, it wasn't like it normally was but she refused to lose him completely. She would hang on to him any way she could, even if basketball was something they wouldn't have together anymore. It hurt, but she had made her decision last night. She couldn't lose her best friend.
...
Mac entered the gym on her own, Daiki had refused to go and Mac knew better than to force him. Not now, she told herself. She would give him time. Perhaps, he only needed some time away before he realised he missed the game and the team. She hoped.
She immediately spotter Tetsuya who was standing by himself and Mac realised just how…lost he looked. No one was paying him any attention and probably wasn't even aware that he was in the room, how they overlooked him when he radiated hurt and confusion was a mystery to her. She stood there watching him for a moment taking in the paleness of skin and the shadows under his eyes signalling that he hadn't been sleeping well lately.
Mac felt guilty, she hadn't really thought about how Tetsuya would deal with Daiki's change. She knew how much Daiki's friendship meant to the shadow and Daiki had been pulling away from him, more so than with her. She saw him at home and he still sought her out outside of basketball, but she realised he had been shutting Tetsuya out completely. A frown settled on her face as she realised all this and again the guilt stirred, she should have seen it before. She should have done something…
Making up her mind she walked over to him and smiled a little when he looked at her with a concerned look in his teal blue eyes.
"You ok, Mac?" he asked reminding her that he had seen her upset and running off the day before.
"Good enough," Mac shrugged, "you?"
"Fine," he said and looked down.
Mac pursed her lips as she watched him. He wasn't fine, but she didn't confront him with the lie. Understanding why he felt the need to pretend. It was what she did most of the time lately, she thought.
"Come on, let's play," Mac said and passed a basketball to him making him blink as he caught the ball. "I'll practice with you today."
"Ok," Tetsuya smiled and Mac smiled back.
...
"Let's talk, Tetsu," Mac said when practice finished, and everyone was leaving. The practice had goon well enough, but there was a certain tension in the air that Mac knew stemmed from the absence of Daiki. She had heard a few whispers about it and had glared at those who did making them shut up.
Tetsuya looked surprised and Mac felt bad, why had she not taken the time to talk to Tetsuya before? She knew how it felt to be left behind, and she hated that she might have made him feel like that. She gave him a warm smile which he returned a little hesitantly. They walked to the local convenience store where they had come many times with the team, she bought them both something to drink and sat down at one of the free tables outside.
"How are you really, Tetsu?" Mac asked after a moment.
Tetsuya looked at her and then down at the soda in his hand, she could tell he was thinking.
"I'm worried about him," Tetsuya admitted. "I'm worried about them all."
Mac sighed and nodded, "me too."
"I can't think of anything that will help," Tetsuya sighed looking as tired as Mac felt. "I'm not strong enough to help."
Mac realised, again, that he really did understand how she felt. She also felt too weak, helpless, to find a solution, to find a way to bring the team back together. She sighed and pulled a hand over her face.
"I know," she whispered. "I understand, Tetsu. I don't know how to keep us together, and maybe…maybe it's impossible. At least right now, but I can't do anything but be here when they find their way back."
Tetsuya looked at her with a pensive look in his eyes, "you think they'll come back?"
Mac shrugged, "maybe not right away, but one day. Maybe. I hope so."
He nodded but she knew he would continue to search for a way to bring them back and she remembered something Daiki had said once. Back when Tetsuya had first joined the first stings.
I know he will save us someday. I'm not sure why, but I know he will!
Maybe…maybe he was the answer, Mac thought as she looked at the shadow. She smiled a little and felt a little better, anyway, she wasn't alone in her quest to get them back.
They drank the rest of the drinks in silence and Mac mulled over her newest revelations, she knew it would get worse, it was obvious that Atsushi was getting more rebellious and Seijuro would react badly to his rebellion soon. Mac felt the shift in her friend more and more lately, and it worried her. She didn't want to lose Seijuro as well as Daiki.
"I have to get back;" Mac finally said making Tetsuya look up. Mac glanced at the clock, it was time for her to meet with Newt and Tina again. She felt a spark of nervousness and apprehension stir her, but she knew she wanted to see them again too. She was curious.
"Ok," Tetsuya said.
"Tetsu, remember you can always come talk to me," Mac told him seriously, "I'm sorry I made you think you were alone in all this."
Tetsuya looked surprised at her, and she looked down guiltily.
"I'm not mad at you, Mac," Tetsuya said. "You're hurting as well, more than me. I know that."
Mac looked at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes, "well, we're in this together now at least."
He nodded and she smiled before waving and turned to walk toward the forest she had been at the day before.
...
Tetsuya smiled a little as he watched Mac walk away, he had gone to school that day feeling down and alone. He had been worried about Daiki and about Mac, she had looked so hurt and broken the day before and he knew that she took the change in Daiki the worst. Though she seemed to have pulled herself together some, while she still looked hurt and worried, she seemed better. Like she had reached some sort of decision.
Starting to walk home he thought back to the practice and how Mac had helped him with his style, she had received his passes and pointed out how he could make them better and stronger. The talk they had after proved he wasn't as alone as he thought. He couldn't help but feel better, even if he had no real answer to the problems the team was up against.
...
Mac found Newt and Tina at the edge of the forest like they had agreed on and felt her stomach lurch as she neared them. Both smiled warmly in welcome and Mac tried her best to smile back. She saw the suitcase beside them and saw how worn it looked. She wondered how old it was and what adventures it had seen.
"Mackenzie," Newt said surprising her a little by the use of her full name, no one called her by it.
"Mr Scamander," Mac greeted.
"Call me Newt," he told her. Mac nodded.
"Did you get a good night sleep?" Tina asked concerned.
"Yeah," Mac smiled a little shyly and felt a little awkward, she wasn't sure what to say or how to act.
"Did you have anything to eat before coming here?" Newt suddenly asked.
"No, I came right after school," Mac said quietly.
"Well, then let's get you something to eat," Tina said and walked toward the suitcase. Newt had already opened it and Mac stared at it, she knew she had been inside the day before but it was strange to see it from this point of view. She had been unconscious last time when she had entered it.
"Come on," Newt called startling Mac out of her thoughts.
...
She saw that she was back in the same room she had been in the day before, the sofa was still in the corner and she saw many plants and herbs on the bench, she recognised some from her potion lessons. She also saw the door at the other end and wondered what was out there, just as she thought that she heard something. It sounded like animals, but she couldn't tell what animal.
"I'll make us some dinner," Tina said with a gentle smile as she watched Mac look around the room with curious eyes. "Why don't you show her around, Newt?"
"Of course," Newt said enthusiastically. "Do you want to look around, Mackenzie?"
Mac nodded and followed the older man to the door and paused just as she stepped out of the room and outside. She blinked and blinked again as she stared at the whole new world around her with wide eyes. It really was like a whole new world, she was outside even as she knew she was still inside the suitcase.
"How…" Mac gasped as she stared at a large rock and the blue sky above.
"A complicated piece of magic," Newt grinned, "I had it done in my younger days. It's where I keep the magical creatures I find and rescue on my journey. I study them and then find safe homes for them if they're endangered, some stay here for a long time."
Mac nodded mutely as she continued to look around. She walked away from the small cabin she had just exited and watched as planes of fields came into sight. There was much room for animals to live and she could feel the hum of magic in the air, something she had been able to feel since she realised what it was.
Mac jumped slightly when she felt something bump her hand and saw…a strange creature staring at her, or she should say, creatures because there were a few. They were pale grey and had a long neck but didn't reach higher than her elbows, and large round eyes.
"That's a mooncalf," Newt explained as Mac watched fascinated at the strange creatures.
"Oh, they're cute," Mac said making Newt smile.
They moved further away and Mac saw many magical creatures she had no idea existed at all, her lessons didn't really focus on magical creatures so she had very little knowledge of them. As they walked she saw creatures that Newts called Erumpent, reminding her of a very large rhinoceros but that could glow, Murtlap.
"And this is a Bowtruckle," Newt said and Mac stared at the small green stick-figure creature that was now hanging on Newts finger. She detected a special fondness from the older man as he held it out for her, "I used to have a Bowtruckle follow me everywhere. He would his in my jacket and refuse to go back to the trees where they live. They're normally found in northern countries, like Scandinavia."
"Oh," Mac nodded and smiled as the Bowtruckle waved his small arms and seemed to be talking. She reached out gently and Newt allowed her to hold the creature. Mac smiled feeling the light weight of the Bowtruckle in her hand. "Hello."
...
Newt smiled as he watched Mac greet the Bowtruckle like it would understand her, he liked that. He saw the wonder in her eyes as she chuckled at the little creature who seemed to have taken a liking to her. Not that it was alone in doing that, Newt thought. He had noticed that all of the animals they had met had taken a liking to the young witch who had been curious and awed every time one of them had come up to meet her.
After a while, Newt took the Bowtruckle and placed it back on the tree, much to the small creatures displeasure if the grumbling and clinging it did was any indication. Newt couldn't help but be reminded of Pickett.
They continued to a hollow tree and Mac gave a started gasp at the sight of all the gold inside making Newt smile and soon the Niffler came into view with a curious tilt to his head. Mac was watching with wide eyes as the Niffler came closer, he had a long snout and black fluffy fur.
Before Newt could say anything the Niffler jumped at her and grabbed something she was wearing around her neck, Newt hadn't noticed until now but he saw the gold chain as the Niffler pulled at it and an hour-glass looking device came into view.
Mac gave a startled gasp and grabbed for the chain as she tried to push the Niffler away. Newt hurriedly grabbed the Niffler and managed to force his hands or paws off the chain.
"You don't grab things like that," Newt scolded the little thief with a stern look. "That's not nice."
Mac took a step back and put the chain back underneath her shirt again so Newt couldn't see it anymore. He placed the Niffler back in the tree and it remained watching Mac with a searching look in its amber eyes.
"It's a Niffler," Newt explained, "they're attracted to everything that shines. I should have warned you."
"It's ok," Mac said a little shakily not wanting to admit how much it had startled her and reminded her of her cousin who would sometimes grab her without warning. She inhaled deeply to calm down.
"You okay?" Newt asked concerned.
"I'm fine," Mac said looking at the Niffler curiously now that she had calmed down. "I bet he can cause trouble."
Newt laughed and nodded.
...
"I think dinner is ready," Newt said and looked toward where Mac guessed the cabin was and nodded. She looked away from what Newt had said was a Demiguise. Resembling a monkey with large brown eyes and long silky hair the Demiguise was calm and gentle. She, Mac learned it was a she, had immediately walked over to Mac and taken her hand, pulling at it and Mac had sat down on a fallen tree branch before she had a lap full of a Demiguise who started to pat Mac's hair and make soft cooing noises.
"Um," Mac realised it wasn't as easy to get up with the Demiguise in her lap. "Thank you for your care, but I have to go and eat now."
The Demiguise looked at her and for a moment she worried what the Demiguise would do but then she jumped off her lap and Mac was allowed to stand. She was a little surprised when the Demiguise took her hand and started to walk with her.
"I think she likes you," Newt smiled and Mac blushed slightly and looked back down at the Demiguise.
They reached the cabin faster than Mac would have thought and seen Tina standing outside waiting for them, she had set up a small table with three chairs around and the food was already set.
"I see you have a fan," Tina smiled spotting the Demiguise.
"She seems to have decided to take care of Mackenzie," Newt said, "mothering her."
Mac arched a brow and glanced at the Demiguise who was calm and just watched Mac. Mac smiled and reached out to pat her head.
...
"Mackenzie," Newt voice caused her to look up from where she had been having the strangest conversation she could remember having with a Demiguise. She had just finished eating and had tried to convince the mothering Demiguise that she as full and couldn't eat anything else.
"Yeah?" Mac asked.
"Why do you have a Time-Turner?" Newt asked bluntly and Mac reached automatically to her Time-Turner.
"I…" Mac trailed off with a frown. "I got it when I started my magic lessons. I have my magic lessons first and then I go back and attend my muggle school."
Newt and Tina exchanged looks, "why not go to a magic school?"
Mac looked them and Newt was hit with the desperation and stubborn determination in her emerald green eyes as she stared at them.
"I was told I could go to Hogwarts or Mahoutokoro," Mac answered, "but since I just learned about magic I would be behind everyone my age and need to start at the beginning. It didn't tempt me, and I know from their explanations that I am…rather well-known in Britain. I don't like it, and I want to be liked for being me and not someone else. Here I have my friends, Daiki and everyone else on my team. They helped me and accepted me for me, and… I refuse to leave them."
Mac knew she had to explain thoroughly, it was important that they understood so they wouldn't tell anyone that she was here. She couldn't…
"What about those who are worried about you?" Tina asked gently and Mac gave her an incredulous look.
"Who would that be?" Mac asked with a surprisingly sharp look in her eyes. Both Newt and Tina frowned slightly at her tone, and the Demiguise jumped up into Mac's lap and started to soothe her.
"Well, there are several who were worried when you didn't turn up at Hogwarts," Newt said, "the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, for one. Friends of your parents…"
Mac gave him a blank look, "they didn't worry about me enough to check if I was okay with my magic-hating relatives. So why should I care that they worry now? I won't leave those who did help me for those who ignored me for 10 years."
Mac looked away from the shocked faces of Newt and Tina and focused on the Demiguise who was trying to calm her down, Mac realised. She leaned into the touch and felt a calmness she normally didn't feel when talking about her relatives. She wasn't even sure why she talked about them now. Why should she tell them about the Dursley's?
"Mackenzie…" Tina spoke up breaking the silence that filled the room. "What do you mean?"
Mac glanced at her, "I meant what I said. I don't want to talk about it. They left, I'm free of them now. I have no intention of ever seeing them again or leaving my friends. I beg of you to not tell anyone that you've seen me here. I won't go back to Britain now. I can't."
Newt watched her and frowned, he was thinking about what she had revealed and he knew enough to understand that she had been abused by her family. Anger filled him, the idea of anyone abusing a child was so foreign to him and filled him with a rage he normally never felt. That the child was the granddaughter of someone who had been a friend made it even worse.
"Alright," Newt said and Mac's eyes snapped over to him, he also noticed that Tina looked at him. "We won't tell anyone."
"Thank you," Mac said looking at him gratefully.
...
Mac sat down on the ground and leaned against a tree and wriggled around a little before she became comfortable. She pulled out her sketchpad and pencil smiling a little as the familiar weight settled in her hand. She hadn't felt like drawing in so long, but now…she felt like drawing. She looked to see the Demiguise close to her, watching her with an intense look. Newt and Tina were seated at the table talking quietly among themselves but they glanced at her from time to time. She was grateful they let her have a little time to herself, she needed it.
Mac started to draw occasionally looking up to see her motive before looking back at the sketchpad and the image that was taking form. She was unaware that Newt and Tina studied her with careful and concerned looks, so lost in the drawing was she.
"You think it's a good idea to not tell Albus that she's here;" Tina asked her husband. "You know how worried he was."
"Yeah, but you heard her," Newt said sadly, "she's happy here. She's right about how she'll be treated back at Hogwarts. She's the hero, and they won't see the young girl needing help. They will expect her to be strong and courageous. You know it true, and I fear Albus would still place her at Hogwarts."
"But if…"
"He'll say it's for the greater good, Tina," Newt said, "that she needs to be there and show the world that the Death Eaters haven't won. You know there's still Death Eaters out there that would love to kill her, and right now she's safest here in Tokyo. No one expects her to here."
She gave him a look before frowning and looked at Mac who was absorbed in her drawing, she wondered how good it was and if Mac would let her see it when she was finished. The younger girl was sweet, Tina thought, and loyal. The way she talked about her friends…
"You seem pretty sure you know how Albus will react," Tina said turning back to her husband and he gave her a sad smile.
"I know him well," Newt said, "he's a good man, but sometimes he's too caught up in what he sees as the greater good. That was something he shared with Grindelwald. Luckily they have different views on what the greater good is."
Tina scowled at the mention of the former Dark Lord that had terrorised Europe and America, she looked up when Newt squeezed her hand making her smile softly at him realising he understood what was going through her head.
"I see," she said and glanced at Mac again, she looked so concentrated still and Tina couldn't help but smile at her. "She's quite different from Rolf, don't you think?"
"Rolf can't sit still longer than five minutes," Newt said fondly referring to their oldest grandson. "He's a couple of years younger than her though."
Tina nodded and chuckled amused, before frowning worriedly when she saw her husband tense and straighten up in his seat.
"Wha-?" she started to ask and turned to see what her husband was looking at. The Demiguise's eyes had turned blue and Tina knew it meant she was foreseeing the future, she was startled when the Demiguise jumped up and settled on Newt's lap and placed her hand on his shoulders as if to hold him down. Newt frowned at the Demiguise in confusion but looked up and away in worry.
Tina then noticed the small fox cub that Newt had found and rescued standing at the edge of the small wooded area and was staring at Mac who was still drawing seemingly oblivious to being the target of the fox cub's attention. Tina felt worried as well, she knew that Newt had some trouble with the little cub. He was hostile and even Newt had problems being close to him for longer than a few minutes.
The Demiguise was still holding him and Newt knew she had probably foreseen something, but he was not sure he should let the fox cub coming closer to Mac. Though, the little cub didn't look hostile right now… he had just found the cub, he had been the only one to survive an attack on his family and being so young he would have died if Newt didn't rescue him. But he was still hostile toward humans and being a magical fox could actually do quite a lot of damage.
A soft growling sound filled the air and Newt tensed, but the Demiguise tightened her hold on him and he could only watch. He glanced at Tina who looked conflicted, she looked at Newt and the Demiguise before she seemed to make a decision and remain seated.
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The soft growling sound had Mac's head snap up and her eyes fell on the cutest little fox cub she had ever seen, not that she had actually seen any before. The fur was a reddish brown and a white spot was in the middle of his forehead. His brown eyes were staring at Mac and he growled softly, but Mac didn't feel scared. She gently put her sketchpad down on the other side of her and just watched the fox cub back.
"Hello there," Mac murmured softly, "shh, it's alright. I won't hurt you."
The little cub still growled, but it was not hostile anymore. It took a few steps closer to Mac before stopping and looked at her. Mac remained seated where she was, patient and calm as she watched with a small smile on her face. A few more steps a softer growl that sounded more questioning in Mac's ears. Finally, the cub was just by her hand and he looked at her hand before looking up at Mac with a curious yet wary look in his brown eyes.
"Such a cute little fox you are," Mac murmured, "good little fox."
The cub tilted his head and looked at her for a long moment longer and surprised everyone watching when he jumped up into Mac's lap and circled himself a few times in her lap before laying down, resting his head on his little paws. Mac watched wide-eyed at the cub in her lap and carefully moved her right-hand closer to the little cub. He eyed her hand warily but didn't protest, so she gently started to pat him making him purr lowly and sounds as if he was crying escaped hitting her deep in her heart.
"Shh, shh," Mac murmured, "it's okay, little cub, shh, shh…"
Mac kept repeating it as she comfortingly patted the cub and after a while, he stopped the crying sounds and his eyelids dropped as if falling asleep.
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Newt watched wide-eyed as Mac comforted the little cub with a gentle touch. He had never seen anything like this before, the cub had sought her out on his own and had for the first time since Newt found him accepted touch from a human. The shock made him sink weakly back in his seat as he stared at the scene he couldn't take his eyes off. He barely noticed that the Demiguise jump off his lap and settled close to Mac and the fox cub again.
"Oh, my…" Tina whispered softly making Newt glanced at her and see the teary eyes and the hand over her mouth.
Newt felt the same and looked back at Mac and the now sleeping cub. Mac glanced up at them and arched a brow. Newt gave her a sad smile.
"I found him a few days ago," Newt explained. "His family died in an attack by humans. He's too young to take care of himself yet and would have died being left alone. I found him and took him in, but's been hostile and not allowed anyone near him. This is the first time he's allowed anyone to come close."
Mac felt her heartbreak for the little fox and unconsciously tighten her hold on the little cub who snuggled closer to her warmth. She looked down at him and felt warmth fill her and a sad smile crossed her lips.
Newt saw this and tilted his head pensively as he watched them; he was starting to wonder what would happen when Mac left. Looking at the time he knew she would have to go soon, but…would the little cub allows it? He furrowed his bushy brows a little in worry as he looked at Mac who was again looking at the little cub with a soft look in her eyes. It was clear that she too had fallen for the little fox.
"What kind of fox is he?" Mac asked curiously still not looking away from the fox.
"He's a Kitsune," Newt said.
"Like in the folklore?" Mac asked remembering they had learned about them at school.
"I know they are very popular in Japanese folklore," Newt confirmed. "Some differences are there, in the folklores it's said that any fox that lives for a long time can turn into a Kitsune. That isn't the case. I do believe that he is part Kitsune and part normal fox."
"What about his tails?" Mac asked stroking down the back of the cub and touching his tail.
"I believe that he's hiding them at the moment," Newt explained, "he's still a cub, but he should have a couple of tails. They can hide them with their magic, and won't show them until they trust you."
Mac nodded but didn't ask anything else, only looked at the little fox.
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"I need to go home," Mac murmured after a while, "Daiki will worry."
Newt nodded and got up, immediately the little cub opened his eyes and growled. Newt stopped and watched as Mac started to pet the little fox and he calmed down again but his eyes were narrowed and watching Newt.
"Hmm," Newt looked at them contemplatively. "I think he's adopted you."
"Eh?" Mac's eyes were wide and she glanced down at the cub in her lap and up at Newt.
"I think you'll find that leaving here without him will be a bit problematic," Newt said eyes still trained on the cub. "He seems to like you." &o
"But…" Mac said weakly.
"Of course I could force him to leave you, but…" Newt frowned, he didn't like doing that but it might be the only way.
"No," Mac protested and looked down at the cub. "Hi, shh, look at me, little one."
The fox blinked and Mac wondered if it was normal for a fox to understand what you told them because it seemed he did. The fox turned and blinked up at her with the cutest look, his eyes wide giving him the little pouty look that made melted her heart.
"I have to go home now," Mac told him, "and you have to stay here."
The growling sound was back and he nibbled at the sleeve of her shirt, she looked up at Newt and bit down on her lower lip.
"What should I do?" she asked.
Newt was quiet for a moment and seemed to be thinking while Mac was wondering how they were going to resolve this. Could she keep him? Would Ayano-san and Takehiro-san allow her to do so? She wanted him, she wanted him more than anything. Her hand stroked the foxes fur and he purred closing his eyes contently.
"Do you want to keep him?" Newt asked. "I think you will be the best one, he seems to trust you."
Mac looked down meeting the wide brown eyes and bit her lip. What should she do?
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AN: What do you think? Like who showed up?
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Also, I don't know that much about foxes or how fast they grow. I have tried to research it a little, but I might take some liberties so it fits what I want. I have tried to research Kitsune as well, and will also here adjust it to fit what I want. Mac will get more information about Kitsunes in the next chapter :)
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Thank you for reading and supporting this story :) I appreciate it very much! See you next time!