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

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1st year – Too Academy – Sato's house

...

Mac listened as Sato talked about Defence Against the Dark Arts and how she had to understand the situations and not just learn a list of spells. It sounded rather obvious but at the same time, she saw the point on having to be that obvious. It wouldn't be good to be over-confident thinking that you knew the spells but not understanding when or how to use them.

"I want to show you pictures of different situations and I want you to tell me what you would do," Sato said. "Explain what and why."

Mac nodded.

The first picture was of a cemetery at night and a hidden figure hiding behind a tree.

"You're here and you can't see anyone," Sato said. "What would you do?"

"Do I know that someone is after me or is it just a regular night?" Mac asked glancing at Sato who arched a brow before nodded.

"Very well," he said. "It's a regular night. You are just passing through the cemetery because you wanted a short-cut when you believed you saw something but when you turned to look there was nothing there."

Mac thought for a moment as she tried to see the different ways she could react.

"Well, I would pull out my wand first," Mac said.

"Why?"

"Always good to be prepared just in case," Mac said.

"Okay," Sato said. "Then what?"

"I would cast a spell to reveal human presence," Mac said. "The Human-presence-revealing spell, Homenum Revelio. That would tell me if there was someone else close by. It would be best if I could use that non-verbally so they weren't aware that I had done it and could use that to my advantage."

Sato arched a brow slightly impressed.

"Then what?" He asked.

"I would continue walking the way I was going trying to be as casual as possible while trying to figure out what or who was there," Mac said with a frown. "And where they were hiding… The negative side of doing that would be that they would have the advantage and could come up behind me, but at the same time they might be fooled into thinking that I was not aware that they were there in the first place and therefore make a mistake."

Sato nodded as he looked at her.

"Okay, but why would you continue without checking the area?"

"Because if they were not after me then I could be prompting a confrontation that wasn't needed, and by rushing in I could be making a mistake because I don't know what I'm up against," Mac said after a moment to think.

"Okay," Sato said. "The person makes himself known and he is out for a confrontation. What's next?"

Mac frowned slightly as she considered her options again.

"Well, I already have the wand out and thanks to the spell from before I know how many there is," Mac said. "That will help. I would be alert and look for signs on what he would do. If he were to talk or cast spells."

"Not everyone lets you get away with it if you wait until they make the first move," Sato pointed out. "What if he cast the killing curse right away?"

"Then why didn't he do that from his hiding spot?" Mac asked back. "If he had wanted to kill me outright wouldn't he have used his cover to hopefully catch me unprepared?"

"Maybe he sees it as a weakness to do so hiddenly," Sato said.

"Maybe… Then I would use the chance to try to get him to talk," Mac said. "Ask what he wants or who he is, if he moved his wand I would be ready to cast a stunner in hopes to contain him until I could get help and find out what he wants. If that doesn't work other spells like the body binding spell could work, but it would involve a duel and I would like to avoid that. But I would hope to be able to contain him and make sure that the Aurors could find out what he wanted."

Sato looked at her for a moment before he nodded, "okay. Good thinking, Potter-san."

"Of course, if I was able to I would apparate away if need be," Mac said. "Or use my port-key to get me away from the situation if I couldn't get a handle on it myself."

Sato smiled slightly, "that would also work."

They continued through several other situations more complex and with more attackers, sometimes also with other innocent involved. Sato asked and pressed and made Mac think harder and deeper than she had done before.

...

"Alright, Potter-san," Sato said smiling slightly. "Let's practice your duelling with non-verbal spells."

Mac nodded even if she felt like groaning. She was always so tired after a duelling session, especially after she had passed her OWLs and her professor had turned the lessons even more advanced than before. They were at least doubly as tiring and difficult, and she had to work even more before she would manage to do a spell or charm non-verbally.

Sato watched his student and saw the apprehension on her face but also the determination. She never backed down and he was aware he would be careful not to make her do too much too fast. She would not be the one to say that she had enough easily on her own.

"Ready?" he asked when they moved to the open area outside where he had transfigured some duelling dummies for her to practice on.

"Yes, professor," Mac nodded and he noticed that she already had her wand out. Good.

Mac got into position and started to throw one spell after the other and only a few times did it fail or she slipped up and accidentally said the spell out loud.

"Enough," Sato finally called and Mac fell down to the ground breathing hard. She felt exhausted and just wanted to go home and sleep but knew that her day was nowhere near over. She had to turn the time turner back and start the day over again.

"Good work today, Mac," Sato said. "You have the day off tomorrow. I have a seminar to go too and I think you would do well with an extra day off."

"Thank you, professor," Mac said feeling rather relieved.

...

Too Academy

...

Mac had propped her head into the palm of her hand as she looked straight ahead with a vacant look on her face. Nishimura's voice was in the background but Mac couldn't pay attention to the lesson. Her mind was again back at what it had been circling back to for days now. The counselling session with Koizumi had started and Mac wasn't sure what she thought about it.

It hadn't been bad, exactly. She had not known what to expect when she had gone to the session, or what to expect from Koizumi Miho. But it had been better than she had expected and Koizumi had been younger and rather relaxed and not at all what she had thought that a therapist would be like.

-Flashback-

"Hey, Mac!" A petite looking woman with short dark hair and grey eyes greeted Mac. "Hope you don't mind me calling you Mac? Your uncle let slip that you prefer to be called Mac and not Mackenzie. I can, of course, call you Potter-san, but that's so formal and hopefully, we'll get past the need to be formal and I find it easier to relate to someone when using the first name. Don't you agree?"

Mac blinked at the flow of words hitting her fast from the almost hyper woman that seemed to be bouncing in place.

"You can, of course, call me Miho, or Koizumi, or just Doc," Koizumi continued. "I always wanted to be called Doc. Like on the movies. But call me what you're comfortable with, okay?"

Mac nodded.

"Mac's fine, Dr Koizumi," Mac said quietly when it was clear that the other woman had paused in order to hear what Mac had to say.

"Hm," Koizumi said. "Well, you can work on getting to call me something less formal, I guess. Well, let's take a seat, Mac. You can take the couch. Just make yourself comfortable, don't think about having to sit upright looking stiff and awkward."

Mac sat down and watched as Koizumi sat down in the comfortable looking chair and let out a small sigh as she smiled at Mac. Mac wasn't sure what to make of her.

"I have a notebook here," Koizumi said pulling it off the side table and put it in her lap. "I will be making some notes as we talk, just to help me remember what we talk about. Also, don't be afraid to interrupt me with questions or anything, alright? We're here to talk about you and your life after all, and it's only right that you get the chance to have some control."

Mac nodded but didn't say anything. She wondered slightly if she would ever find her voice again because right now it didn't seem like it. What was she supposed to say?

"I know that this is a new situation for you, Mac," Koizumi said gently. "It can be scary and intimidating, but I'm here to help you. I'm sure you have a pretty good idea as to why you are here, and why your uncle and professor Sato thought that you needed to come here and talk to me."

"I don't want to be here," Mac said before she could stop herself. She winced. She hadn't meant to say that. "But, my uncle and the parents of my boyfriend wanted me to come."

Koizumi nodded, "well, I can understand that. Thank you for being honest with me, Mac. But while you are here, why don't we talk? It can't hurt, can it?"

Mac frowned at her trying to figure her out. Koizumi didn't seem angry or surprised; she just looked patiently and kindly at her. But there wasn't anything condescending in her eyes either.

"Guess not," Mac said slowly.

"Your professor tells me that you are a great student," Koizumi said leaning back in her seat.

Mac shrugged, "he's a good teacher."

"That he is," Koizumi agreed. "I remember his classes. They were always interesting, though he can be very strict. I always feared to get in trouble with him."

Mac nodded, "I guess."

Koizumi tilted her head slightly as she looked at her. Mac felt like squirming but kept still not wanting to show her nerves.

"What subject do you like best?" Koizumi asked.

"Defence Against the Dark Arts," Mac said relaxing slightly. If she wanted to talk about her subject with Sato she could deal. "Though, I like Charms and Transfiguration as well."

"I liked Charms," Koizumi said. "It was my best subject."

...

"So, what do you think is the reason your uncle wanted you to come here," Koizumi asked after a while. Mac stilled slightly and looked away from Koizumi.

"I had a panic attack," Mac finally said.

"When was this?" Koizumi asked.

"A few weeks ago," Mac said shrugging. "At my school festival. I'm fine, though. Daiki helped me handle it."

"What else?" Koizumi asked surprising Mac when she didn't ask more about the panic attack.

"They don't think I handle change well;" Mac said not looking at her.

Koizumi made some notes and continued to ask questions but allowed Mac to refuse to answer and just skipped along to the next one.

"What do you think is the reason?" Koizumi suddenly asked. "If you were to say why you are here?"

Mac frowned, "I…I don't know…I…just didn't want to see my uncle worry about me anymore. He was getting pale and he's been staying home longer than he normally did. I…"

"So, you think you're a burden to him?" Koizumi asked.

Mac frowned before she shrugged looking away not answering.

...

"So, if you could use your magic in any way you wanted without thinking about what's possible and not," Koizumi said when they neared the end of the session. "What would you do in order to change your life for the better?"

Mac blinked and bit down on her lower lip as she thought. If she could use her magic and do anything she wanted? Anything would be possible? She thought about her parents and thought about them but if she could have stopped the events that killed them and keep them in her life then that would mean that she would never meet Daiki… She couldn't imagine a life without Daiki or her other friends, but that would make her a bad daughter, wouldn't it?

"I…" Mac stopped and frowned. "I can't…"

"Mac?" Koizumi asked.

"My parents," Mac whispered.

"Ah," Koizumi said. "You would wish for your parents back?"

Mac was quiet and refused to look up at Koizumi for a long while until she shrugged.

"I don't…know," Mac whispered.

-End Flashback-

A hand on her shoulder startled her and she looked up to see Daiki looking down at her and she realised that the class was over and she had zoned out.

"Ah," she said. "Hey, Daiki."

"You alright?" Daiki asked worriedly.

"Sure," Mac nodded. "Just thinking."

He frowned but didn't press and Mac knew it was because they were still in the classroom and their classmates were there. She noticed Sakurai waiting by the door for her and Daiki. Harasawa had arranged a practice match against Josei High and they would be there soon.

"You think we're ready?" Sakurai asked looking at Mac.

"We're ready," Mac nodded.

"It's just a practice match," Daiki yawned. "Boring."

Mac rolled her eyes but didn't comment.

...

Hanamiya Makoto was not someone who would allow anyone to make a fool out of him, to humiliate him in front of his team. That was unacceptable. He felt the hot rage boil inside of him but on the outside, he was calm and refused to show the anger that simmered inside as the pathetic so-called headmaster listed up their faults and the rules they had broken and whatnots. It was clear that he had a list and that the list was not his own. Hanamiya fisted his hands as he listened.

"…you have wilfully and purposely gone out to damage other players…"

Yadda-yadda-yadda… Blah-blah-blah… Hanamiya hid a yawn as the headmaster went on and on and on. It was boring and repetitive and Hanamiya could already tell that they were done for. He had no need for the headmaster to stand there and lecture them as if he cared. He never did and he never would. He was happy as long as they won their games and brought the victories for the school, he never had cared about how before now. But this time someone had brought the negative onto the front steps so to speak and that was apparently the line that shouldn't have been crossed.

"…you are therefore suspended from school and JBF has banned you from basketball…you will not be allowed to play basketball again as long as you are in High School….and you will…"

Hanamiya couldn't help it anymore. He laughed a sharp loud laugh that echoed in the room and brought the simpering man to a stop.

"What is the meaning of this, Hanamiya?!" Takenaka demanded trying to look imposing.

Hanamiya smirked not intimidated at all.

"That's a mighty fine speech, headmaster," Hanamiya drawled. "But you didn't make that up yourself, did you? The one using you put the words into your mouth, did they not? We all know that you were happy with the way we played."

"You…you…" Takenaka stuttered.

"I'm right," Hanamiya smirked. "Who put you up to this?"

"You crossed a line, Hanamiya!" Takenaka cried. "You went too far and it has brought shame to our school! You did this!"

Hanamiya arched a brow. "You never had a problem with it before. I can't see why you should have now."

"You…"

"Oh, whatever," Hanamiya said. "I'm suspended, right? Then I don't need to stand here being lectured by you. See you later, old man!"

He spun around and walked out ignoring the spluttering coming from the man as he did so. It was not worth standing there listening to him anymore.

...

"What can we do?" Furuhashi groaned as he fell back to the bench outside in a park close by the school.

"Nothing apparently," Hara sighed. "Wonder why JBF suddenly noticed our match."

"That is strange," Yamazaki agreed. "They never bother to take notice with High School basketball."

Hanamiya narrowed his eyes as he stared at the magazine Seto had brought to show him and that already had covered their ban and suspension. It was out there for all to see and he felt yet again rage boil. Who had done this?

"You think Seirin sent in a complaint?" Seto asked as he laid on the bench and opened one eye to look at Hanamiya.

"No," Hanamiya said. "They wouldn't."

"No? They seemed pretty angry to me," Hara scoffed.

Hanamiya rolled his eyes, "Kiyoshi and his team are not capable of thinking this far ahead. They get angry and they lecture, maybe throw a punch but this…No."

He knew that was right. Besides, Kiyoshi had that annoying habit of smiling like he hadn't been affected by whatever happened and even say that he looked forward to their next match. Hanamiya really couldn't understand that optimism and innocent way of looking at life.

"Then who could have done this?" Matsumoto asked.

Hanamiya frowned again. There was only one person he could think would be able to do something like this and that was; "Potter Mackenzie."

"Eh? The girl from Teiko?" Hara asked.

"She did threaten you last year," Seto nodded. "And she is rather…smart."

"What? The girl who ran to Kiyoshi last year?" Hara asked pushing at his hair. "His girlfriend?"

"Ex," Hanamiya said, "but somehow they're still close enough for her to be there at the match and even took the time to remind me of her threat. I thought she might cause a problem, but not this."

No, he had not thought she would go this far. He had underestimated her and she had humiliated and disgraced him in a way no one had ever done before. If he hadn't been so furious he would have been impressed. But that didn't mean that he would allow her to get away with this…

"Huh," Hara said.

"So, Hanamiya," Seto said looking at him. "What will you do now?"

Hanamiya took a couple of steps away from them before he turned and smirked menacingly.

"I'll make her pay."

The promise made the others smirk as well and Hanamiya was already plotting on how to best get back at Mac. He was so angry that he really didn't care about consequences or anything else that his actions might cause.

...

Hanamiya had dismissed his team and made his way to Too Academy where he knew Mac would be. He had changed into casual clothes since he hated to wear his school uniform and knew that his casual clothing would stop him from standing out too much.

He casually walked into the school just as students started to leave and he pulled out a cap and put it on in hopes of not revealing himself to anyone who might know him. He had no plans on showing himself just yet.

No. He wanted to study her, to watch her…

He spotted her walking with her new boyfriend, Aomine Daiki. He looked bored but when someone looked at Mac he would glare at them or move closer to Mac like he was making a claim. Hanamiya snorted as he noticed that Mac didn't even seem to notice that he did it.

He spotted players from Josei coming toward the gym and entered and realised that they must be having a practice match or something, and he debated whether or not to go inside. If he went inside he would be more likely to be spotted, so Hanamiya stayed outside. He didn't want anyone to spot him. Not yet.

...

"Woah!" A loud voice exclaimed and Mac blinked when a tall and rather buff boy with combed-back brown hair suddenly appearing in front of her. "You're hot!"

Mac blinked in surprise before she took a step back uncomfortable and stared at the boy who she realised was Josei's Narumi Daisuke; a first-year that she guessed was a talent in his own way. He was good, but way too arrogant. Though, she guessed she couldn't really say anything about being arrogant. Her friends were that as well.

"Go out with me!" Narumi said.

"No," Mac said shortly and stepped past him.

"Oh, come on!" Narumi said. "There's finally a beautiful girl here!"

"Oi!" Daiki growled having arrived and was now glaring at Narumi. "Get lost!"

Narumi scowled back at him and opened his mouth to say something when Kawase, the captain, came and pulled the younger boy away with an apology and scowl.

Mac shook her head and glanced at Daiki who was looking upset and she sighed. That was one way of getting him motivated for the match.

"Every time," Daiki muttered.

"What?" Mac asked.

"Every time," he repeated. "Someone is always asking you out."

Mac huffed, "it's not like I want them to."

"Maybe you should put a sign on her," Imayoshi smiled having heard their conversation.

Mac rolled her eyes when she saw the way Daiki seemed to consider it.

"No way," Mac said. "That's not going to happen."

"Hm," Daiki said. "It sounds like a good idea to me. Then everyone would know you belong to me."

"Belong to you?" Mac arched a brow. "I'm not a pet, Daiki."

He blinked, "of course not."

Mac shook her head and turned away feeling irritated. It didn't help that Imayoshi looked like he was enjoying himself immensely.

"Whatever," Mac muttered. "Get ready."

...

Mac was on the bench and was making notes as she watched them play and like she expected Daiki was very motivated and seemed to challenge Narumi more than normal. She sighed.

"They're doing well," Harasawa commented as he twirled a strand of his hair. "Though, I am surprised that Aomine is that motivated."

Mac nodded not wanting to say he was motivated because of jealousy or possessiveness.

"Are you seeing any weaknesses?" Harasawa asked glancing at her.

"Not really," Mac said. "We're not really getting to see how we would react to be pressed back. We're dominating the match."

Harasawa nodded.

"Could you have them trying to set Sakurai up more?" Mac asked after a while. "I would like for him to work on his shooting. I have already told him that I want him to try to make more shots from a distance in this match."

Harasawa looked at her before he nodded and called a time-out.

...

Daiki sat on the bench and looked to be pouting. For someone not wanting to play basketball, he hated to be subbed out of a game. She guessed it was a pride thing. Namamura had been subbed in and Mac wanted to give him a chance in a match and to use the opportunity to see what he could do.

He was good. They passed the ball to him and he was able to dribble his way past most of Josei's team and found the right pass to a free Sakurai who took the shot. It looked effortless and Mac smiled as she wrote it down.

"You want to play?" Harasawa asked looking at her. "I will let it be up to you today."

Mac hummed and looked at the court. She wanted to play, but she also needed to make the notes and it was easier to observe the others from the bench. Yet…she wanted to play.

"Maybe I can play the third quarter," Mac finally said. "That way I can use the last quarter to observe again."

Harasawa nodded but his lips twitched.

...

"You're a player!" Narumi exclaimed loudly when Mac stepped onto the court trading places with Sakurai.

"Idiot," Tsubuku groaned. "It's not anything new anymore, Narumi! She has been a player for years!"

Mac just shrugged having heard that before and never really realised just how so many kept forgetting just that fact. Not that it had happened as many times since she had started High School.

"Then we get to play each other," Narumi smirked. "I'll show you."

"I know what you're good for," Mac said calmly. "But feel free to show me. You are very confident."

"I won't give up!"

Mac blinked and tilted her head as she gave him a searching look. Then she smiled slightly despite herself.

"I see," was all she said.

She caught the ball from Susa and faked going to the right and noticed how Narumi moved and saw Tsubuku coming to cover for him so she spun and tapped the ball so it moved in the other direction and used her speed to get past them on the other side.

She moved through Josei players and jumped to dunk the ball through the hoop herself.

She was aware of the wary looks she got and the way Josei breathed harder and seemed resigned to the loss but she was pleased to see that they didn't completely give up. They kept trying and their coach was still giving instructions.

...

They won. The final score was 170-39 and it was Deja vu to the Teiko years, but at the same time, she felt it was different from how it was back then. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it was there.

They thanked Josei for the match and Mac went to the bench and sat down. She felt tired…so, so tired. Her whole body felt like it was suddenly been turned into stone or iron, heavy and slow. She felt her head drop and suddenly a warm hand was there and guided her head to a shoulder and she sighed contently knowing that it was Daiki without having to open her eyes.

"'m good," Mac mumbled.

"You're tired," Daiki said. "When are you going to take care of yourself, eh?"

"I do," Mac said not opening her eyes. "'ust 'ired, 'm fine."

"Right," Daiki grumbled.

"Aw, aren't the two of you cute…" Imayoshi teased.

"'ut up," Mac muttered.

"What was that?" Imayoshi asked still the teasing tone in his voice. "Sorry, I couldn't understand."

"Pretty sure she told you to shut up, captain," Susa said coming behind him and sat down on the bench as well.

"I did," Mac nodded against Daiki's shoulder.

She didn't feel the need to push away from him and she felt relaxed enough to just remain resting against Daiki, knowing that her team would not do anything and she just felt too safe and warm and good to move.

"So, Mac," Imayoshi suddenly said. "I saw something interesting on my way here and wanted to talk to you…"

The teasing was out of his voice now and Mac bit a groan back. She just knew that she would have to open her eyes soon and actually pay attention.

...

Kiyoshi groaned as he sat down after another harsh practice where they were being pushed to the limit. Riko was harsher than ever since their game against Kirisaki Daiichi.

"Aw, come on," Koganei whined. "I'm going to die!"

Mitobe nodded looking tired as well.

"See?! Mitobe agrees with me!" Koganei said.

Kiyoshi chuckled and smiled feeling happy despite his aching muscles.

"I think Riko is possessed," Taiga nodded. "If I hadn't seen Mac this morning I would say she was now possessing Riko…"

"She's not," Tetsuya deadpanned. "Mac would be worse."

"Seriously?" They stared at him.

"Yes," Tetsuya nodded.

"Huh," Hyuga said eying Tetsuya for a moment.

Just then Riko came into the gym again and noticed them gathered in the circle in various states of sitting, lying and standing. She came over and Kiyoshi noticed the magazine in her hands and the pensive frown on her face.

"What do you have there?" Kiyoshi asked getting the others attention before they looked over at Riko as well.

"Have you seen the latest Basketball Monthly?" Riko asked holding it up so they could see the picture of Kirisaki Daiichi's basketball team.

"No," Kiyoshi said and got to his feet and grabbed the magazine from Riko. His eyes widened as he saw the headline and read it out loud; "Kirisaki Daiichi – Banned from basketball tournaments after complaints and dirty play!"

Stunned silence filled the gym.

"What?"

"Eh?"

"Huh?"

Kiyoshi swallowed and flipped through the magazine until he found the article and started to read it.

"Oi! Read it out loud!" Hyuga snapped and Kiyoshi did.

When Kiyoshi finished reading they were all at a loss to what to say. Everyone seemed to be lost in thoughts and remembered their match.

"Seriously?" Koganei asked finally breaking the silence and looked around almost as if he thought someone had an answer for him.

"I can't believe it," Hyuga said. "Even after last year, they didn't react at all after our match…"

Kiyoshi was frowning as he reread the article once more only vaguely aware of the others talking. He couldn't help but wonder. The article was very vague about the reason why. Complaints. But from who? They had not made any complaints. Maybe one of the other teams? But… something felt wrong about that.

Mac. Her face flashed in his mind and he couldn't shake the thought that she had something to do with this. She hadn't said anything about doing anything or having a plan about anything, but…but she had been there and she had the motivation to do something like this. He knew she was more than capable of doing this.

"Mac," he said.

"Kiyoshi?" Hyuga looked confused.

Kiyoshi looked up from the magazine and saw that they were all looking at him now. He saw Tetsuya having a thoughtful look on his face and Taiga was frowning.

"Mac," he repeated.

"Mac?" Taiga frowned. "What does Mac have to do with this?"

"She might have done it;" Tetsuya spoke up quietly. "She did promise that Hanamiya wouldn't get away with hurting Kiyoshi again."

"Mac?" Taiga repeated again. "But…"

"She would do this?" Hyuga asked. "For Kiyoshi?"

"Of course," Tetsuya said. "She hates when someone hurts someone she cares about."

"She's going to get herself hurt!" Kiyoshi said. "Hanamiya will assume she is behind it!"

Tetsuya nodded.

"Probably," he said.

"Why…?!" Kiyoshi snapped uncharacteristically. "Why would she…!"

Taiga looked between them and frowned, "Mac cares about you, Kiyoshi. And…Hanamiya also threatened Kuroko."

"Still! Hanamiya will…" Kiyoshi knew that Mac cared about him. He knew that, but he didn't want her to put herself in danger because of it. He hated the idea of Hanamiya going after Mac in revenge because he was sure that the other player would do that.

"Still," Riko spoke up. "It's a good thing to have Kirisaki Daiichi banned. They should have been for a long time. The way they play is not fair play."

Kiyoshi didn't say anything. He understood that, but he couldn't help the anger he felt or the worry.

"We don't know for sure that it was Mac," Izuki spoke up. "So, we shouldn't be rushing into anything just yet."

Kiyoshi nodded but deep in his gut he knew. He knew Mac after all and he knew that this was something she would do.

...

Ryota was walking through the store with Kasamatsu and Moriyama. Both talking and discussing the Winter Cup and Ryota was not sure why he was there but Kasamatsu said it was because he wanted to be sure that Ryota came on time to the practice they were going to have in fifteen minutes.

Ryota paused in front of the magazine rack and browsed the different magazines. He blinked when he noticed the image of Kirisaki Daiichi on a cover and grabbed it. He blinked when he read the headline before he gaped.

"Kise!" Kasamatsu snapped coming toward him. "Stop looking at the magazine looking for your pictures!"

Ryota ignored him and opened the magazine and found the article that followed the headline.

"If you're going to read, you have to buy!" The man behind the counter called out.

"Kise!" Moriyama said.

Ryota closed the magazine before finding the money to buy the magazine.

"What's this about?" Kasamatsu demanded with a frown. "Don't make me hit you!"

"Kirisaki Daiichi has been banned from basketball!" Ryota said.

"What?" Both Kasamatsu and Moriyama exclaimed.

They reached for the magazine and started to read the article. All three were practically gaping as they read.

"Whoa!" Moriyama said. "I didn't see that one coming."

"Me neither," Kasamatsu said, "but I think it's the right decision. Kirisaki Daiichi crossed a line during their last match."

Ryota was frowning. He had a feeling that this was the work of Mac and if so…then she was in danger from Hanamiya.

"I need to call Akashi-cchi," Ryota said more to himself than to his two teammates who both gave him a confused look. "He will need to see this."

...

Shintaro was practising his shooting like he normally did after the end of the joint practice. He knew Takao was somewhere around and would no doubt come to bug him soon. Shintaro ignored the voice in his mind that said he liked the fact that Takao sought him out.

"Shin-chan!"

Shintaro sighed as he paused for a second before made the shot despite the rapid footsteps coming up behind him.

"Shin-chan!" Takao said again.

"What?" Shintaro turned to look at his teammate.

"Have you seen this?" Takao asked holding up a magazine.

Shintaro noticed the image of that despicable team that Seirin had played recently and frowned as he looked at the magazine.

"No," he said pushing up his glasses again.

"Kirisaki Daiichi has been banned from basketball!" Takao said. "Can you believe it? I mean, sure, they are a rotten team, but to be banned? I wonder who came forward with the complaints, though. I can't see Seirin doing that and the article talked about proof and how could Seirin have gotten proof when they played?"

Shintaro was frowning as he grabbed the magazine from Takao's hands to read it himself, a nagging feeling as he did so.

"Hm," Shintaro said and hid his reaction by pushing his glasses further up his nose. "They were not a good team."

"No kidding," Takao grinned. "I wish to shake the hand of the one getting them kicked out!"

Shintaro glanced at Takao before he frowned. He had a pretty good idea who did this and if so…he would need to buy a lot of lucky items in order for her to be safe.

...

Seijuro frowned as he put the phone down having just talked to Ryota. He agreed with his former teammate that it was Mac behind the surprising Kirisaki Daiichi ban and now he had to do something before Hanamiya went after Mac.

"Sei-chan?" Mibuchi asked curiously but also a little worried. "You okay?"

"Fine," Seijuro said.

"Guys! Did you see that Kirisaki Daiichi has been banned?" Hayama yelled as he came rushing into the gym.

Mibuchi glanced at Seijuro before looking to Hayama. "No, I hadn't seen that."

"I heard JBF was certain in their decision," Hayama said. "Apparently they had enough proof to ban them and the players have been banned from playing basketball ever again during their High School careers."

"Harsh," Nebuya said. "Hanamiya won't like it."

"No, he won't," Mibuchi nodded. "I can't imagine what he would do if he knows who is behind it. They played against Seirin last, right? Do you think they filed the complaints?"

"No," Seijuro said surprising the others by speaking up. "They didn't."

"How do you know?" Mibuchi asked.

"Do you know who did?" Nebuya followed up.

"What are you saying?" Hayama looked at his two friends. "Akashi knows everything!"

"You're on your own today," Seijuro said. "I will know if you slack off."

He walked away before they could say anything and his phone was already out. He would not sit back and wait to see what the consequences of the Kirisaki Daiichi ban would be. He needed to act.

...

Atsushi kicked the bench in the gym so hard that it tipped over and scraped across the floor. The others in the gym stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Atsushi.

"Oi! Atsushi, what are you doing?" Himuro asked being the only one brave enough or stupid enough to approach the clearly angry centre.

"Don't," Atsushi said.

"Don't what?" Himuro asked confused.

"Don't talk to me," Atsushi said.

"Why?"

"I'm mad," Atsushi said.

"Clearly," Himuro frowned. "But I can't see why."

"Aka-chin said that Mac-chin might be in danger," Atsushi said.

Himuro arched a brow.

"Why?" Himuro asked surprised.

"Because Kirisaki Daiichi got banned from basketball," Atsushi frowned.

"I heard about that," Himuro nodded. "Because of their match against Seirin. I heard it was a very tough match."

"And Mac got mad," Atsushi said. "She's dangerous when she is mad."

"Because of Taiga and your old teammate?" Himuro asked.

"And Kiyoshi," Atsushi scowled. "I'll crush him."

If Atsushi was talking about Hanamiya or Kiyoshi was anyone's guess. Himuro sighed, "but why do you think Mac is in danger now?"

Atsushi blinked and looked over at his friend and realised what he was saying. He hesitated for a moment before he sighed.

"She's probably the reason why Kirisaki Daiichi got banned," Atsushi said. "At least that is what Aka-chin thinks. And then he worried because Hanamiya might do something."

Himuro arched a brow. "I see."

Atsushi fisted his hands again wishing that he was in Tokyo and that he could crush Hanamiya for being a threat to Mac. He hated that he was so far away from her. He wanted to protect her. She was his friend.

...

"So, what is it?" Daiki asked when Imayoshi was quiet for a moment.

"There was this interesting article in Basketball Monthly that said that Kirisaki Daiichi has been banned for a year and the, now ex, players have been suspended for the rest of their High School careers as basketball players," Imayoshi said and there was a surprised gasp from someone but Mac didn't care to figure out who. "Do you know anything about that, Mac?"

Mac pushed away from Daiki and forced her eyes opened again all the while inwardly groaning over the fact that Imayoshi decided to have this conversation now. She just wanted to sleep…

"Maybe," she said.

"Because you did have something planned," Imayoshi said looking at her. "I know you did, and now that Kirisaki Daiichi has been banned… well, it isn't that difficult to guess."

Mac shrugged.

"You know, Hanamiya will figure out that you were the one behind this," Imayoshi continued.

"How will he do that?" Daiki asked with a frown.

"He's smart." Imayoshi said. "I told you that. He won't take long before he realises that Mac is the one with the motivation and intelligence to do something like this. Most people would confront him and yell and beat him up, but this...this is smart and has far greater consequences."

"You think he will do something to Mac?" Daiki asked.

"Possibly," Imayoshi said and frowned slightly.

Mac expected some reaction from Hanamiya. It had crossed her mind before she did it, but the fact that Hanamiya had hurt so many innocent players and had tried to (and in some ways did) hurt Kiyoshi again had her go through with it. Not to forget that he had tried to hurt Tetsuya and Taiga as well. Three of the people she cared about the most.

"I know," she said. "But I'll be careful."

Imayoshi looked at her for a moment and she realised that for her to see the worry that plainly on him meant that he really was worried. Maybe she had misread the situation a little if he was that worried?

"Great," Daiki muttered. "Just great."

...

Hanamiya was still in the shadows when he spotted people leaving the gym. First Josei came out, who all looked slightly depressed so he guessed they had lost. Not that it was a surprise. Too Academy was a better team than Josei. Then he saw Mac coming outside still with Daiki beside her and Imayoshi was on her other side talking. Hanamiya grimaced. He really didn't want to see Imayoshi. He was…unsettling.

Hanamiya followed from a safe distance and watched as Mac said goodbye to most of the others beside Daiki when they reached the school gates and continued alone with Daiki. She had taken his hand in hers and they seemed to be talking quietly. It made Hanamiya want to puke.

He wondered where they were going until they got to the bus and he frowned. He was not sure how he would be able to get on the bus without them spotting him but to his luck, it was several people who were waiting for the same bus so he managed to use them as cover as he slipped into the bus and managed to get a seat behind them and still unseen.

He was still not going to make himself known. It was not going to be that easy. He smirked. This was going to be fun.

...

...

AN: What do you think? XD

I can't say how many times I rewrote this chapter. I just couldn't get happy with it, but I think it's alright now. I didn't want to stop it here, but it was getting too long so it has to be two parts. :)

I just have to say something about the therapy session. I can't say how hard it was to write. I don't know how much focus the session in itself will get in the story because I have no experience and don't really know what to expect from them. I will do my best to show some of it and portray it in the story. But I will apologize if it seems awkward and wrong, I promise I have done some research and will do some more as I continue to write. XD

Also, I have been working on a one-shot. It's a crossover between Harry Potter and Kuroko no Basket (no surprises there). I do think it will be ready to be uploaded soon, so keep an eye out for that if you are interested in reading it! :) It's a Harry Potter/ Murisakibara Atsushi pairing and a first attempt on a male pairing as well. Kind of nervous about that, but I think it's alright. XD

Thank you for reading and supporting the story! XD