Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!

...

...

2nd year – Teiko – continued from last time…

"I want him."

The words were out of Mac's mouth before she really knew she had spoken out loud, but she didn't regret it. It was the truth and she knew deep in her heart that it was right for her to take in the little cub that was now pressing as close as he could get to her stomach. Soft noises were coming from him and she stroked his soft fur gently to calm him.

"Ok," Newt said, "you'll need to learn more about how to take care of a Kitsune properly and more about them so you'll know what to expect."

"Ok," Mac nodded. "Can we meet again tomorrow like we did today?"

"Of course," Newt agreed, "you best take the little cub with you."

Mac nodded and with some difficulties managed to stand up; she was careful not to drop the fox and cradled him in her arms like you would a baby. She smiled when the cub closed his eyes made a soft almost purring sound in contentment.

"Thanks," Mac said taking her bag that Tina held out after having placed her sketchpad into it. Tina gave her a soft smile and glanced down at the little fox.

Newt gave her some information she needed until the next time they met, and Mac nodded seriously as she listened to the instruction. She didn't want to mess up.

...

Mac sat down on the floor in her room, the little cub in her lap looking around curiously but refusing to leave the safety of her lap. She watched as he tilted his head and ears twitched making her smile softly and stroked him over the back. Her mind going over everything that had happened that day and how she had ended up with a Kitsune as a pet, though, she was hesitant to call him a pet.

She had told Daiki and his parents everything when she got back, how she had met Newt and his wife Tina. Daiki had looked down shamefully at that, but Mac had given him a small smile to show she didn't blame him. She told them how they figured out who she was because they knew her grandparents when they were alive and that they had agreed to keep her being in Japan a secret. She felt a little awkward telling them all that, but she needed to do so in order to explain her new companion and ask for permission to keep him.

Ayano had cooed over how cute he was, and had looked disappointed when he refused to let anyone but Mac touch him. He had growled at everyone and Mac had been quick to calm him down. She feared he would scare them into not accepting him as a permanent house guest, but Ayano had melted at his story and Takehiro had agreed but had her promise that she would keep an eye on him and be responsible for every part of his care and not leave it to anyone else. Mac had promised.

The growl coming from the fox, she really needed to find him a name, alerted her before the knock did that someone was outside her room. She patted the little cub calmly before answering.

"Come in."

Daiki popped his head into her room and smiled slightly as he spotted her on the floor, he looked a little hesitant and her heart broke a little at the new tension between them. Before he would have just entered her room without any care, and she missed those days.

"Do you mind any company?" Daiki asked.

"Not at all," Mac smiled, "come in, Daiki."

Daiki grinned and entered the room before closing the door behind him. He went to the desk and sat down in the chair there so he was a little distance away from her with the fox.

"He's cute," Daiki said looking at the cub.

"Yes, he is," Mac smiled softly and scratched him behind his ear making him purr and take a break in the small growling he had done since Daiki showed himself. "He's not very trusting right now, though."

Daiki nodded but didn't say anything for a while. He kept watching them with a curious look in his eyes.

"Do you have a name for him yet?" Daiki asked breaking the silence between them.

Mac looked up and away from the little one in her lap for a moment and met Daiki's eyes before looking back down. She tilted her head with a thoughtful look in her emerald green eyes.

"Hmm…" she hummed. "I don't know…"

Daiki nodded, "he should have a name. Can't go and call him fox all the time, it's boring and he needs a name."

Mac rolled her eyes at her best friend, but she agreed. But what to call him, she wanted something special, something that was him. He lifted his head and looked up at her with wide brown eyes and blinked adorably up at her.

"Nao," Mac whispered.

Daiki made a sound that sounded like approval, but Mac didn't look up but at the little fox in her lap. He blinked at her and tilted his head like he was pondering the name.

"Do you like it?" Mac asked, "Nao-chan? Nao means honest."

Mac waited a few seconds before a purring sound escaped the cub, no Nao, and he bobbed his head like in acceptance. The newly named Nao nibbled at her sleeve and she started to pet him making him bark softly.

"You like it," Mac smiled happily and another bark was her answer.

"He sounds like he understands you," Daiki said sounding a little surprised.

"He understands," Mac said looking up meeting Daiki's eyes. "I'm sure all animals can understand to a certain degree, but he's a magical fox. A Kitsune, Newt called him, so I'm sure that's why he understands us better."

Daiki blinked and nodded looking pensive. They talked a little longer, Daiki staying at the desk because if he tried to get closer Nao growled and narrowed his eyes at him. Mac shook her head and worked on calming the little one down again.

...

Mac blinked awake a little confused as to why she felt something on her stomach. She looked down and spotted Nao curled up on her stomach asleep with his head resting on his little paws. She smiled at the adorable image, but she found herself in a predicament. She needed to get up, but she didn't want to wake Nao up. Furrowing her brows a little she gently reached out and started to lift Nao off her.

"Ow-wow-wow," Nao's eyes were open and looked at her accusingly.

"Sorry, Nao-chan," Mac apologized, "I just have to get up."

"Ow-wow-wow-ow," his high pitch barks sounded scolding and Mac shook her head.

She pushed herself up and Nao jumped off the bed and followed her to the bathroom, she hesitated before accepting that he would not accept being left on his own in her bedroom. It felt awkward and strange getting ready with the little shadow but she managed.

Stepping back into her room she got dressed in her school uniform glad she didn't have to go to Sato's house that day seeing he had a guest lecture at Mahoutokoro.

"Let's find you something to eat, Nao-chan," Mac told him and he barked in agreement.

Making her way downstairs she saw she was the first one up, though glancing at the clock showed that the others would soon get up as well. She went to the fridge and found some fruits and cut it up before placing it in a bowl and put it down on the floor. Nao eyed it for a second before attacking it and ate more than the day before. Mac smiled pleased.

She turned back to the fridge and took out the ingredients to make breakfast and started to prepare the meal. She would sometimes do that so Ayano wouldn't have to. She was almost finished when she noticed that Nao tensed and the fur on his neck stood up. She then heard movement from upstairs and knew what had caused Nao to tense. She put the pan down and lowered the heat before bowing down to pick up the little cub and snuggled him against her chest.

"Shh, it's okay," she whispered to him. "It's only our family."

Our family, Mac smiled a little as she realised that they were indeed her family. She had settled with them so well and felt like she belonged there. They never acted like she wasn't a part of their family. Nao barked, but stopped growling.

"That's it," Mac smiled and let him snuggled against her chest and adjusted so she supported him with one arm and somehow managed to finish breakfast with her free arm.

"Oh," Ayano paused looking at Mac and the breakfast, a typical English breakfast, that was already on the table. She saw the fox cub in Mac's arm growling softly and eyeing her mistrustfully. "I thought I heard someone."

"I woke early and decided to just get up and feed Nao-chan," Mac said.

"Nao-chan?" Ayano repeated.

"Yeah, I decided to name him Nao," Mac nodded tightening her arm around Nao

"A cute name," Ayano smiled. "Did he eat?"

"Yeah," Mac nodded.

Soon the kitchen was full and Mac smiled amusedly at the tired looking Daiki who looked ready to fall asleep once more.

"Oooh!" Shiro gasped staring at Nao in Mac's arm. "Is that a fox?"

He sounded so awed that Mac had to smile, Sayuri was also staring at them with wide eyes.

"Yes," Mac said, "his name is Nao. He's a little scared of humans right now, so don't try to pet him, ok? Let him get to know you first."

"Ok," the two seven-year-olds nodded.

...

Another problem arrived when it was time for Mac to leave for school. She scowled at Daiki who looked amused at the scene. Mac had stepped out of the house and Nao had attached himself to her leg by biting down at the heel of her shoe.

"Nao-chan," Mac said, "I have to go. I have school."

Nao, of course, didn't let go and Mac sighed. She looked at Daiki who shrugged not sure how to solve this. What was she going to do? She should have thought about this before, but she hadn't. And now she was stuck with a clingy fox cub and needing to leave for school.

"Nao-chan," she started.

"Yaaggaghhg." The soft cry broke her heart.

"Oh, fine," she gave up and scooped him up and carried him as she started to walk to school.

"You're bringing him?" Daiki arched a brow.

"I don't see any other way," Mac frowned, "I don't know the consequences of leaving him alone yet. He's just a cub. I need to talk to Newt about it."

Daiki nodded, "but what do you plan to do in class?"

Mac frowned, "he can hide in my bag."

Daiki arched a brow but shrugged.

...

Letting out a sigh of relief when the final bell sounded and the classes of the day were over Mac grabbed her bag and made her way out of the classroom. She ignored the strange looks she got; she knew she had been acting strange with checking her bag every few minutes and taking it out every break. She had to make sure Nao got enough air and exercise as well as food.

Luckily, Nao seemed happy enough with the arrangement and even if there had been a couple of close calls they had managed to pull it off.

"What about practice?" Daiki asked looking at her.

"I'll bring him," Mac shrugged. "I'll just focus on observing and analysing today. Sanada-sensei wants a new rapport soon, anyway."

Mac didn't ask Daiki if he was coming but was pleased when he kept pace with her and followed her to the gym. When reaching the gym he hesitated and Mac was stunned by the hesitant, almost pained expression on his face as he stared at the large double door leading into the large gym where they had spent countless hours playing basketball.

"Daiki?" Mac asked concerned.

Daiki blinked and seemed to shake himself out of whatever he was thinking, but he didn't say anything and Mac didn't press. She was unsure how much she could press without chasing him away. He looked like he wanted to turn around and leave, but a glance at her seemed to make him stay. She smiled at him and grabbed his hand and pulled him into the gym.

"Mac, Aomine," Seijuro's cool voice greeted them.

"Seijuro," Mac smiled at her friend, "sorry we're late."

"Well, you're here now," Seijuro said and Mac noticed the considering look he gave Daiki. "Get changed and meet us on the court."

"Yes, sir!" Mac smirked and Seijuro rolled his eyes at her.

...

"I have to focus on finishing the analyses today as well;" Mac said, "Sanada-sensei asked for it."

Seijuro nodded and Mac looked at him for a moment, he looked tired and dejected. She frowned and knew it was likely the team that brought him down as well.

"You okay, Seijuro?" Mac asked.

He glanced at her for a moment before he sighed, "I'm not sure."

She frowned, it was…unexpected to get that much of an admission from him. She knew he was more likely to brush it off, so for him to admit he wasn't sure was a pretty good indicator that he wasn't okay.

"Want to talk about it?" she asked knowing she would push back her meeting with Newt and Tina if Seijuro needed her.

He was silent for a while and Mac knew he was deliberating whether or not to accept the offer, she knew better than to press him. Finally, he let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Not today," he said, "I have a meeting after practice."

A muscle in Mac's jaw tightened but she just nodded and gave him a smile, "just let me know and I'll listen."

"…thank you, Mac," Seijuro said quietly.

Mac smiled in understanding and turned her attention to the court and the practice going on knowing he wouldn't want her to keep looking at him.

...

"You ok, Tetsu?" Mac asked the shadow who was quiet but seemed determined.

"I'm fine, Mac-san," Tetsuya smiled slightly, "I see Aomine-kun came today."

"Yeah, I have no idea why though," Mac shrugged, "but he's here."

Tetsuya nodded, "that's good."

Mac looked at him and saw the way he smiled and looked pleased, she had to smile at his ability to see the positive in most situations. She had seen Daiki glance at Tetsuya with a torn look like he wanted to go over to him and apologize but he kept back. She wondered if Tetsuya had noticed, or if he wanted to talk to Daiki at all.

"Perhaps he'll show up from now on," Tetsuya said.

Mac gave a sad smile, "I doubt it. He'll come when he feels like it."

She heard the sigh coming from Tetsuya and felt guilty, but she didn't want him to get his hopes up too much. It would only hurt him in the end.

"I see," Tetsuya said.

"Have you heard anything from your childhood friend lately?" Mac asked changing the subject away from Daiki for the time being. "The one at Meiko, was it?"

Tetsuya looked a little surprised, but if it was because of the sudden change in subject or the fact that she remembered his childhood friend she couldn't tell.

"We text a little," Tetsuya said, "he's doing well with basketball and they're getting stronger."

Mac smiled and looked at him.

"Good." She said. "I hope we get to play them next year at the Nationals. It'll be interesting."

Tetsuya smiled and nodded, "yeah."

It was hard to get more out of him, but Mac wasn't someone who had to fill every silence with chitchat so she enjoyed just sitting with him in silence as well. Just then Ryota and Atsushi came and joined them, Atsushi grabbing a bag of chips making Mac roll her eyes at him and forced herself to not say anything.

"Mac, you won't play today?" Ryota asked looking at her like a puppy. "I wanted to play against you today."

He grinned.

"Not today," Mac said, "I have to finish this for the coach."

"Hm," Atsushi said, "I don't see the point."

Mac tensed but refused to start an argument with him, he was stubborn and she didn't have the energy to argue with him. She saw Tetsuya narrow his eyes as he looked at the tall centre. She gently touched Tetsuya and shook her head at him making him frown deeper before he nodded and looked away from her.

...

"I need to go," Mac said at the end of the practice, she noticed that Nao had started to become restless and made more sounds. He had been in her bag for too long, even with the extra room she had made him. She really had to find another solution for him, this wasn't going to work.

"We'll meet again tomorrow," Seijuro said and Mac nodded when she caught the look he gave her. She knew he meant that he wanted to talk tomorrow so she made a note to keep her time free for him then.

Daiki came and joined her and they started to walk out when Sanada came out of the office. Mac frowned when he froze at the sight of Daiki; he opened and closed his mouth before pushing up his glasses and arranging his face in his normally strict mask. Mac glanced over at Daiki who was not looking at the coach but was looking at the door like he would like to escape. What had happened?

"Potter-san," Sanada called and Mac arched a brow feeling on edge because she felt something had happened between him and her best friend.

"Yes, coach?" Mac responded politely hiding the tension she felt.

"Do you have your rapport?" he asked.

"Yes," Mac said and held out the notebook she had just finished writing the latest developments of her teammates in.

"Thank you," he said and with a last glance at Daiki who was still ignoring him he turned around and left.

Mac frowned before noticing Daiki having started to walk away and she hurried to catch up to him. She bit her lip as she saw the closed-off expression on Daiki's face, a feeling of worry and fear settled in her gut and she wanted to ask him about it but something held her back. Why couldn't she just ask him?

"Do you want to come and meet Newt and Tina?" Mac asked without really planning it, the words just left her mouth without her permission but the way his navy blue eyes lit up made her smile and feel better about asking.

"You want me to meet them?" Daiki asked.

"Of course," Mac said and Daiki grinned.

"Then yes!" He said looking excited and Mac chuckled amusedly. This was a part of her friend she had missed, the part that got excited like a little kid on Christmas.

...

"Mackenzie," Tina smiled warmly when she spotted Mac and Daiki coming walking up to the edge of the forest like she had the day before. Mac noticed how she glanced at Daiki with a curious look in her warm brown eyes. "Oh, who's this handsome young man?"

Mac glanced at Daiki and saw him blush slightly, she knew he understood what Tina had said. She had helped him with the language and him rather good in it, but he still struggled a little. She knew that with a little effort on both sides they would be able to talk to each other without her needing to translate.

"This is my best friend Aomine Daiki," Mac introduced just as Newt appeared from the woods with a wave and a smile. "I'm living with him and his family right now. Daiki, this is Tina and her husband Newt Scamander."

"Nice to meet you, Aomine-san," Tina smiled. "Mackenzie has told us about you."

"Nice to meet you, lad," Newt waved and looked at Mac who had Nao in her arms curled up and resting his head on her shoulder.

"Nice to meet you too, Scamander-san," Daiki said politely if a little awkwardly.

Newt smiled at him as he looked him over, he was taller than most 14-year-olds and had the strangest coloured hair. He was tempted to believe he had dyed it but knew that some had naturally blue or even green hair. He hadn't seen anyone with it, though, so it was fascinating to see. He also noticed how he glanced at Mac who was oblivious to the looks as she tried to calm a growling fox.

"Um, I hope it's alright I brought Daiki with me," Mac said.

"Of course," Tina said welcomingly, "we love getting the chance to meet your friend."

Mac smiled and looked a little relieved.

"Did you go to your magic lesson today?" Newt asked curiously.

"No, Sato-sensei had a guest lecture at Mahoutokoro today," Mac shrugged, "and tomorrow so I only have self-study today and tomorrow."

"I see," Newt said. "And how is the little cub?"

"Clingy," Mac said and glanced down at the cub in her arms. "I can't get him to leave me."

"Hm, I see," Newt said with a thoughtful frown. "I suppose it's because he's still a cub and had a traumatic past. He needs stability and security, and he has decided that you're his."

"Yeah, but it's a little troublesome when I have school," Mac said frowning.

Newt nodded with a thoughtful look on his face, but he didn't offer a solution right away. Mac sighed and stroked Nao absentmindedly over the back.

"Let's get inside," Tina said interrupting.

Mac grinned and turned to Daiki who was watching in silence.

"Just wait until you see the suitcase, Daiki!" Mac said, "you won't believe it! It's bigger on the inside and it's like a whole new world inside it with a lot of fascinating animals! Do you remember the book I showed you?"

Daiki's eyes were wider and he looked a little disbelieving.

"You're joking," he said.

"I'm not," Mac said.

"Kenzie, you got the look in your eyes that says you're up to something," Daiki gave her a look.

Mac pouted, "do not."

"Do too," Daiki said rolling his eyes.

Neither noticed the amused looks they got from the Scamander's or the pensive look Tina had in her eyes as she watched them bicker with a familiarity and ease that showed that they had done so many times before.

...

Daiki blinked and blinked again as he looked around himself in the suitcase that was indeed bigger on the inside just like Mac had said. He had been very sceptical before trying to enter the case, but he had because he did trust Mac. He just knew she did enjoy pranking him from time to time, so he did hesitate to take her completely to her word right away.

"I told you so," Mac said in a teasing voice he hadn't really heard in a long time and he couldn't help the smile that stretched on his lips.

"So you did," he said.

Newt smiled, he loved showing others his suitcase. Especially when they showed so much awe and he couldn't help but remember another muggle seeing the inside of his suitcase for the first time so many years ago. A sudden wave of grief hit him as he missed Jacob. His best friend and brother-in-law who had passed away only a few years ago.

"Come, I'll show you around, "Newt said to break himself out of his thoughts.

Daiki smiled and nodded.

Mac followed them and let Daiki and Newt talk as they walked through the suitcase once more, she didn't want to let Daiki go alone. Not that she didn't trust Newt, but she just wanted to be there in case something happened. Daiki hadn't really been exposed to the magic that much since learning about it.

...

"What did you call him?" Tina asked when they were back and sat around the table. She glanced at the cub in Mac's lap.

"Nao," Mac smiled.

"A good name," Newt nodded. "Does it have a meaning?"

"It means honest," Mac said looking down at Nao, "I…I really hate lies and being lied to. I have been lied to far too much in my life and I wanted to give him a name that showed the values I hold high and he has honest eyes."

Newt looked at her with an unreadable look in his eyes for a moment before he nodded with a small smile.

"I see," was all he said.

"You said he was a Kitsune or at least part?" Mac said looking away from Nao and over at Newt.

"Yes, he is," Newt nodded, "it means he's highly intelligent and it will develop as he grows older. He will also show magical powers, often connected to the elements like fire. I think I mentioned that it's not completely like in folklore, but he does have more tails and I'm sure he'll show you when he trusts you completely."

Mac nodded and listened intently as he spoke more about what to expect and how to take care of him, she pulled out her sketchpad and started to make notes so she wouldn't forget anything. Daiki was silent beside her as he listened as well, he hadn't lost the awed and stunned look on his face.

"He will as he grows be able to shift form," Newt said and Mac blinked.

"How?" She asked.

"He might be able to change his size," Newt explained. "When in danger he can make himself bigger or he can remain in his smaller form."

"You mean like a cub?" Daiki asked.

"Yes and no," Newt said, "he might also make himself look like a cub or as a regular adult fox. It depends on how powerful he is, though."

Mac nodded feeling stunned at the ability of her little fox, he had fallen asleep in her lap now and looked so peaceful.

"When will he be able to do this?" Mac asked.

"Not until he's reached adulthood and probably not in a few years after that either," Newt said. "It's not well researched because kitsune are rare and we don't have that much information about them. So, he might not be able to do so. We'll just have to wait and see."

Mac nodded again, she knew that she wouldn't care if he was able to change the size or not. He would still be special to her. Newt smiled as he saw the look of adoration on Mac's face, he felt something settled inside of him as he watched her. She would be able to care for the fox cub, no Nao he corrected himself, well.

"No, about your problem with leaving him when you have school…" Newt said and Mac looked up at him. "I could help change your bag and make another room in it, like this suitcase. That way he can be in your bag during class comfortably."

Mac felt her eyes widen and nodded, "you can really do that?"

"Yes," Newt smiled. "I can."

"Thank you!" Mac said.

...

The afternoon went on and Mac watched as Newt worked on her bag and talked with Tina at the same time, Daiki joined them and Mac was pleased to see Tina make an effort to include him in the conversation.

"Can you tell me about my grandparents?" Mac asked and Tina looked at her.

"Well, Newt will be best to tell you about them," Tina said, "I met them a few times but Newt was the one who knew them best."

Newt looked up from his work and smiled at Mac, "he would be very proud of you, Mackenzie. He was very loyal to his friends and a little whimsical. He was sorted into Gryffindor at Hogwarts and met your grandmother at school. It said that your father followed in his dad's footsteps and chased after one girl from the first year at school. Like Euphemia, Lily didn't accept your dad's attention until they were at the end of the sixth year."

Mac smiled a little feeling warmth in her chest learning more about her family.

"Fleamont was very much in love with his wife and they dreamed of having many children," Newt continued, "but unfortunately they were only able to have James. They had given up hope of ever having children when James came along. I remember the joy and pure happiness in both of them when they revealed they were going to have a baby. I'm afraid that since they were old and he was a miracle they spoiled him some."

"He really was spoiled, but he had a good heart," Tina agreed softly. "They really adored him."

"How…how did they die?" Mac asked quietly and saw the sad smiles on their faces. Daiki reached out and took Mac's hand in his and squeezed it, she glanced at him and squeezed his hand back accepting the comfort of him.

"They both died shortly after James married Lily," Newt said, "they got Dragonpox and since they were old they didn't manage to beat it, I'm afraid. James said they were happy, though. They got to see him get married and settled down before they died. He took comfort in the knowledge that they were happy and pleased with his choice in wife."

Mac smiled as she swallowed thickly at the emotion welling up in her. She loved hearing more about her family, but at the same time, it proved what she had lost. She should have had a chance to have a family of her own, someone who would be proud and love her. She glanced at Daiki and relaxed slightly, she had him. Even with everything he was going through and struggling with, he was still there.

...

By the time they had to go Newt had finished his magic on her bag and Nao would now have a comfortable and safe place to stay while she was at school. She grinned as she saw it and knew that while she couldn't step into her bag, Nao could and that was enough. Newt also gave her a book that explained how to do it, and she would learn when she got a little further in her magic training.

"I am sorry to say that we're leaving tomorrow," Tina said and Mac blinked. She hadn't expected that, but she should have. Her shoulders slumped slightly but she gave a brave smile.

"Oh, right," she said.

"We have really enjoyed getting to know you, Mackenzie," Newt said fondly, "you really are your parents' daughter."

Mac smiled slightly and hesitated for a moment before pulling her sketchpad out of her bag and opened it. She was aware of the eyes watching her but she ignored them in favour of ripping the last page out and handing it over to Tina who was the closest one.

"Here," Mac said shyly. "I…I drew it yesterday. I want you to have it. It's not much, but I want to thank you for everything."

Tina looked down at the page and gasped softly at the image looking up at her, she heard Newt also make a sound of appreciation next to her as he also took in the skilful drawing of her and Newt sitting at the table talking with the Demiguise sitting on the ground in front of them. Mac had managed to capture the soul of the Demiguise, Tina thought, she could practically see the magic flowing out of her. Also, the way she had drawn her and Newt… it was perfect.

"Wow," Tina said when she finally found her voice again. "This is…it's beautiful, Mackenzie. I don't know what to say."

"It's perfect," Newt smiled, "thank you."

Mac blushed and smiled shyly while Daiki grinned, he knew just how good her drawings were.

...

...

AN; What do you think?

(Most of the information about Mac's (Harry's) grandparents are taken from Harry Potter Wikia.)

Next chapter should be more focus on the team again and Seijuro will have a talk with Mac :)

Thank you for reading, I appreciate the support and your time spent reading my story :) Please, leave a comment! I do my best to answer everyone :)