Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Kuroko no Basket!
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1st year - Too Academy – Sato's home
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Attack! The first attack from Death Eaters in 15 years! Are they back?!
...
Are the Death Eaters coming back? That's the question everyone is asking themselves after the disastrous quidditch match between Chudley Cannons and Holyhead Harpies yesterday afternoon. A match that could have secured Holyhead Harpies the title of the league turned out to be a match of horror instead.
Around halfway through the match, just when Gwenog Jones was about to hit a bludger, an explosion made the normally secure and accurate beater miss and almost fall off her broom. The explosion came from one stand and was caused by a simple exploding charm. Simple, but effective.
Chaos and panic spread and people ran to get out, trampling over each other as they did so. We are still waiting for numbers of people hurt but a Ministry official said that it must be over 50 people and we know that 6 people have died so far.
People in cloaks then appeared on the field and started to cast spells toward the crowd. What more was the fact that they had kidnapped a muggle family that they tortured right there on the field like it was some sort of entertainment.
Auror's showed up and duels broke out, but the Death Eaters escaped after sending up the Dark Mark over the stadium.
We have to ask ourselves; are they back? What does this mean? Why attack now? What are they after? Who were they? Just how many Death Eaters did the Ministry fail to capture after the war?
...
What is the British Ministry doing?
...
Just what is our Ministry doing? Attack from Death Eaters have again filled our news, and we counted at least six people in masks, but who knows how many more that's out there?
Have they have fooled us into thinking we are safe?
Will a new war follow? Is he coming back?
You-Know-Who's mark was again branded in the sky and we all remember what that meant. Death and destruction, fear and pain. Do we have to go through all that again?
"We do not know what has happened yet," the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, said sharply after a press conference earlier today. "We are working on figuring it out!"
Not very comforting words from our Minister of Magic.
We want to know what is being done to catch them and why they haven't been caught before. Just what have they been doing for the last 15 years? We want to see a plan for how they will handle this and what is being done to catch the Death Eaters that has escaped capture.
...
Where is Mackenzie Potter?
...
This latest attack from Death Eaters has people asking questions about the missing Girl-Who-Lived again. Where is Mackenzie Lillian Potter? Is there something sinister behind her disappearance?
We all remember the fury and concern that spread when Mackenzie Potter didn't show up at Hogwarts for her first year. Everyone had been waiting for her return to the Wizarding World, wanting to see the girl who ended it all for us. The girl who saved us from You-Know-Who.
But she never showed up and has never been found.
We can't help but ask now. Did someone take her? Is that why she is missing? Is she alive? Dead? If she's alive; then where is she? If she's dead; who killed her?
This latest attack from the Death Eaters have reminded us about the Girl-Who-Lived, and we demand to know what the Ministry is doing to find her and bring her home.
...
The Malfoy's petitioning to get control over the Black family fortune!
...
It's been a known fact that the Malfoy's have long coveted the Black family fortune that has been put on ice since the imprisonment of Sirius Black, the last heir of the Black family. They argue that they have a claim to the money through Mrs Malfoy nee Black.
Lucius Malfoy brought it up during the last meeting at the Wizengamot where he argued that the society itself needed to get the funds into the economy and since Sirius Black is a fugitive that is still waiting capture is unable and unfit to hold the title of heir of such a fortune.
It is unknown how the decision will go because there was resistance among several of the Wizengamot members who argued that Malfoy only interest was their own wealth and growth. They also argued that the Goblins would also need to be involved since the money was in their banks and they have particular views of how to best manage it.
...
Sato frowned as he read through the articles. He had picked them up because he heard of the attack and knew that it would cause some sort of trouble over in Britain. He didn't like the turn it was taking, though. The focus it was bringing back on Mac.
He sighed.
This would create ripple effects and he couldn't see a way to keep it from reaching Mac. Just why did the British Ministry always make a mess of things?
The news of Death Eaters starting to make a move again was worrying. Very worrying. He had been worried about the escaped Death Eaters for a while, since he had started to teach Mac, actually. That was why he had focused on her Defence Against the Dark Arts as much as he had. He took some comfort in the fact that she was very good at the subject and even had been taught martial arts. Despite martial arts being a muggle art, it made Sato feel a little better knowing that many wizards and witches only relied on magic.
He glanced over the different papers in front of him and picked up on some headlines:
Death Eaters attack muggle family!
Death Eaters attack the Chudley Cannons vs Holyhead Harpies match!
Where is our protection?
The British Ministry – a steady hand in crisis or a mess that covers themselves?
He had gotten a hold of British papers knowing that they would give him the best insight, but even papers here in Japan had picked up on the attacks and written about it. The fear of the Dark Lord Voldemort had reached Japan as well, after all, so it was natural that they felt a flicker of the concern over the return of his followers.
How many were there? Sato couldn't help but wonder because none of the articles really said as much and he couldn't help but worry that it was because it was unknown to everyone. The information was very vague, really. Nothing about whom the Death Eaters were or why they suddenly attacked now.
His thoughts drifted to Sirius and he couldn't help but feel that there was some connection to him. Not that he believed that Sirius had anything to do with the Death Eaters because he didn't. He knew Sirius cared about Mac.
"Dear," Kaori called from the door and he looked up.
"Yes, what is it?" he asked.
"You're in deep thoughts," she said stepping into the office. She glanced down and saw the papers. "Oh, is Mac all right?"
Sato looked at her and smiled slightly, "for now."
"Have you told her about this?" Kaori asked.
"Not yet," Sato sighed. "She has the Winter Cup to focus on at the moment."
"Are you going to tell her?" Kaori looked at him.
Sato was silent for a moment.
"Yes," he finally said.
"But… won't it just scare her?" Kaori asked, concerned. "She's just 16 and to think Death Eaters are out there again…"
"She might be 16 but she's old enough to know about this," Sato said. "Also, she will need to be prepared in case something happens."
Kaori sighed, "I wish they could allow her to just be and live her life."
"Me too," Sato said. "Hopefully, we can keep the situation from reaching her but I'm afraid there might come to a point that stops us from doing so."
Kaori nodded, "I hope so. She's been through enough already."
...
Too Academy
...
Mac couldn't stop smiling. She had waited outside of the locker room until Imayoshi had allowed her inside after they had changed. She had to bite back a laugh as she took in the way they sat slumped on the benches and everyone looked to be ready to fall asleep. She hadn't seen them this tired before, she thought.
"Good game," she said.
"You really outdid yourself this time with the strategy," Imayoshi glanced up and smirked lazily at her. "We wouldn't have been able to do it without you."
Mac blushed slightly as she looked away, suddenly shy. She knew Imayoshi was looking at her with a teasing glint in his eyes but she didn't look at him so it was easy to ignore it. (p
"Thanks," she said. "But you're the ones who did the work."
"You all did very well," Harasawa said, looking around proudly. "I can honestly say that this was the most exciting game I've ever coached, and possibly even seen on this level."
Mac grinned and leaned against the column in the middle of the room. Her eyes drifted over to Daiki who was sitting on the bench and she was pleased to see the smile on his face. He was still smiling… she felt her heart skip a beat just noticing it.
"Now I won't tell you not to enjoy this win today," Harasawa said, "but from tomorrow I want you fully focused on our next opponent. We don't know yet if that will be Rakuzan or Shutoku, but we will know tomorrow."
"Should we stay and watch their match, coach?" Mac asked. She was debating if she should stay to watch it or not. It might be interesting to see the new data. It probably was best if she did…
"I would rather you recover from this match," Harasawa said. "I have arranged for someone to tape the match so we can watch it later, Potter-san. Right now recovery is more important."
Mac nodded and felt a small spark of disappointment go through her, but a look around told her that Harasawa was right. She could stay back by herself to watch, but she didn't want to leave Daiki.
"We will meet tomorrow for early practice," Harasawa said. "Just some light exercises that will help with your recovery."
...
Mac walked with the others out of the arena and smiled amusedly as they groaned and rubbed their shoulders and arms. She was careful not to dismiss it and made notes in her mind to follow up on it later so she could make sure they hadn't injured themselves. Right now she was just amused because they normally could walk away from a match without that much complaining…
It proved that they had played a really fun and challenging match and Seirin had really been a great opponent. It made Mac ache just remembering the match and being unable to step onto the court and play herself. She longed to pick up a basketball, but her wrist made it impossible.
She sighed.
"Kenzie?" Daiki glanced at her, having heard the sigh.
"Just wanting to play," she admitted with a shrug. He nodded.
"Me too," he said, and she blinked before a tear escaped her eyes. She swallowed down the need to cry as she reached out and grabbed his hand and squeezed it. How long had it been since he had admitted to wanting to play? He glanced at her and his expression softened as he did.
"What now?" Abe asked, looking around. "Are we just going home?"
Mac looked away from Daiki, realising that they had all paused outside of the arena. No one looked particularly eager to leave and were still smiling and in a good mood.
"What else is there to do?" Inoue asked with a shrug.
"We should go out and celebrate!" Abe decided with a grin.
Celebrate? Mac glanced around as she thought about it. The others looked intrigued, and she saw some excitement enter their eyes as they thought about it. She would admit that it could be a good idea. It wouldn't hurt to spend some time together as a team, and they all needed to eat.
"I guess it's a good idea," Mac said, and they looked at her.
"So…" Abe grinned. "We're doing it?"
Daiki huffed, but when Mac glanced at him he shrugged and pushed his hands into his pockets. The fact that he didn't say anything or roll his eyes told her he was open for it.
"But where to go?" Susa asked calmly. "A restaurant? It might be expensive…"
Mac hummed and nodded. She wondered… well, she could invite them back to the apartment, but… Taiga might be there and she wasn't sure that having her team over was the best idea right now.
"Oi, Mac," a voice called, and she turned to see her uncle coming toward her.
"Ah, uncle Tarou," she said and stepped away from Daiki for a moment.
"Congratulations on your win," Tarou smiled.
"Thanks," Mac smiled back, knowing that he must feel conflicted about it. "I'm glad you made it."
"So am I," he said ruffling her hair before looking over at her team. "On your way home?"
"Well… we're thinking about celebrating," Mac admitted. "But going out to eat might become a little expensive, so we're still discussing it."
Tarou nodded, "bring them back home if you want."
Mac blinked, "but Taiga…"
Tarou hummed, "well, I'll send him a text letting him know so he'll be prepared, okay? You have a right to invite friends over too, you know."
Mac looked at him for a moment before she nodded. "Okay, if you're sure."
"Of course," Tarou said. "I'm heading over to the bar to meet a friend. I'll be back later, okay? I'll also see if I can find Taiga before I go."
"Thank you," Mac said again.
Tarou nodded and waved at the team before he walked away again. Mac couldn't help but feel… warmed and grateful as she watched him go. Was this how it felt to be part of a family? It might be strange that this thought entered her mind now, but she couldn't help it. Suddenly she felt like she truly belonged there, with him and Taiga. It wasn't a new feeling, exactly, but it became stronger.
And over something as normal and easy as inviting her team over for dinner.
"Kenzie," Daiki nudged her, and she realised that she had gotten lost in thoughts again.
"Sorry," she blushed slightly. "So, do you want to come over to my place?"
She looked at the team.
"I can cook us something," she offered.
"You sure?" Susa asked.
"Yeah," Mac nodded with a smile. "I wouldn't mind it."
"All right," Imayoshi smiled. "Let's do that."
...
They had stopped by the grocery store on their way back and bought way too much food. At least in Mac's opinion, but keeping control over that many boys in a store… well, it was nearly impossible. So, they had bought in too much, but she was sure they would eat it. If not, she would bring it to school so they could have leftovers for lunch.
The chatter went easily as they entered the apartment and Mac directed Susa, Wakamatsu and Daiki to the kitchen to put the food down there as she allowed Nao out of her bag. He slipped into her room before she could blink, but she knew he would be back out soon enough.
"I'll help you," Susa offered when she reached the kitchen. She smiled at him and nodded.
She loved hearing her team talk as she and Susa worked on the food. She could hear the laughter and even saw Daiki talking with Sakurai, even if he looked kind of lazy.
"You really did a good job as a manager, Mac," Susa said and she looked over at him.
"Thank you," she said.
"I know you wanted to play," Susa added. "I'm sorry we couldn't protect you from getting hurt."
"It's not your fault," Mac said looking at him. "I know that."
He smiled slightly, "well, we're still sorry."
Mac sighed but didn't press it. She knew it wouldn't do any good.
"Well, I will admit that it was kind of fun getting the chance to focus on being a manager again," she said. "I used to only be the manager, you know."
"Really?" Susa asked. "I didn't know that."
Mac shrugged, "I only joined as a player in my second year at Teiko. Until then I was the manager and would help coach Shirogane with the team and analysis. I did that after I joined as a player too, of course, but I didn't have the time to do it as I used to."
"I see," Susa said. "Well, obviously you have talent as both a player and a manager."
...
They had just finished making the food when the door opened and a wave of voices filled the apartment before Taiga and the rest of Seirin entered the living room. They froze as well as Too Academy, staring.
What…?
Mac blinked, surprised.
"Um… Taiga?" she looked at her cousin. "Didn't uncle Tarou talk to you?"
Taiga scowled as he looked over at her.
"Dad? No…" he said.
"Whoops," Mac grimaced. "Um, he said he would tell you that I invited my team here… so you would be warned."
"Oh… I…" Taiga rubbed the back of his head.
Awkward anyone? Mac couldn't help but think as she looked around. No one seemed to know what to say or where to look. Seirin who was still standing right inside the door to the living room shifted uncomfortably on their feet as they looked anywhere but at the Too Academy players there.
Mac had to admit that it surprised her they were there… she wouldn't have expected them to go home together like this. They really were close…
"Sorry," Mac said looking back at Taiga, "but… I guess we have enough food, so if you want to join us?"
She wasn't sure she should offer, but she felt she had to because Taiga lived here too and had a right to have friends over… it might be a little crowded, though.
"Um…" Riko glanced around.
"We don't mind," Imayoshi spoke up, and he was for once not smirking but looking intrigued.
Taiga looked around and it amused Mac how he looked to Riko and clearly let it be up to her to decide. Riko worried her lips and Mac could tell she glanced to Hyuga and Kiyoshi who both shrugged and nodded.
"All right," she said. "Thank you."
Mac nodded and smiled. She was a little surprised that they had agreed. After all, it wasn't exactly normal to join the winning team in a celebratory dinner after losing a match.
...
Tense silence filled the room as Seirin sat down on any surfaces that could be used. Since they were that many they couldn't fit everyone around the dining table or even the coffee table, so some they were spread out over the floor as well.
"Not exactly what I imagined," Mac commented to Daiki who laughed before he took a bite of the food.
"It's fine," he said when he swallowed. "This is good!"
"Yeah, it is," Izuki said, having heard him. "Who made it?"
"Mac and Susa," Abe said.
"Mostly Mac," Susa said. "I just did what she told me to."
"Mac is a good cook," Kiyoshi agreed with a smile as he looked over at her.
Daiki frowned at him but looked away when Mac elbowed him knowing what he was thinking.
"I'm glad you like it," she said.
She was pleased when she heard them starting to talk more and slowly but surely the tense atmosphere lightened slightly and they became more relaxed.
She took the time to study Seirin, who didn't look as depressed as she thought they looked right after the match. While they still looked a little sad and disappointed, they could smile and laugh. She noticed Tetsuya sitting beside Taiga. He was smiling softly as Taiga said something.
She looked over at Daiki and saw him watching Tetsuya too. She wondered what he was thinking.
"You all played a good game," Mac said looking over at Riko who blinked at her.
"It was a good one," Riko nodded. "You really did amazingly from the bench, Mac. Next time I will do better!"
Mac smiled at the determination she saw in Riko.
"I know you will," she said and Riko glanced at her.
"How do you do it?" Riko asked.
"Do what?" Mac asked, confused.
Riko was silent for a moment before she continued.
"Read the game like that," Riko said. "It was like you knew what would happen before we even did anything or thought of it. I could see you talk with your coach and he would make changes after talking with you…"
Mac hummed.
"Well, I guess I just pay attention," Mac said.
"Pay attention?" Riko repeated, making Mac nod.
"Yes," Mac said. "And I do a lot of research. I know who we're up against and how they normally play. Maybe it isn't fair, but I know your team pretty well. With Tetsu, Taiga and Teppei on the team it is a given that I would know you."
Riko frowned.
"So because of that…" she trailed off.
"It's part of it," Mac said. "By knowing how you normally play and what your strength and weaknesses are, I can determine what you're likely to do next. And I watch as the game goes on and make changes as I go, it's not easy, Riko. You have to really see the game, the players and put it together so it is complete. There are a lot of factors playing a part in how a match plays out, and it's all about seeing the right moments where it can change."
Riko looked like she was listening closely, and Mac wondered if she was making any sense at all. It was difficult trying to describe how she worked or how she did it because she just did. In some ways, it came naturally to her, but Mac didn't want to say that. It sounded… arrogant.
"I see," Riko mumbled.
Mac wondered if she had hurt the other girl, but Riko looked more thoughtful than sad.
"But I can't say that I predicted everything you did," Mac said making Riko look at her. "I was surprised quite a few times, and I really struggled with Tetsu's misdirection overflow, and not to mention his phantom shot. I didn't see that coming."
Riko smiled slightly but said nothing more and it didn't look like she was interested in talking more about it so Mac turned her attention to Kiyoshi who had been listening. He smiled when he saw her looking.
"How's your knee?" Mac asked, not able to keep the worry out of her voice.
"It's fine," he smiled. "Just tired."
Mac nodded but still felt worried.
"Don't worry so much, Mac," Kiyoshi said knowing that she was still worried.
"Fine," Mac agreed.
"I'm surprised you're all standing," Imayoshi drawled.
"Oi," Taiga glared.
"What?" Imayoshi arched a brow. "Did I offend you?"
Taiga huffed and looked away.
"Like you are standing," Hyuga muttered. "Tell me you didn't feel it after that match."
"Never said I didn't," Imayoshi grinned popping his head in his hand as he looked at Hyuga. "You've come a long way, Hyuga-san."
Hyuga frowned at him warily.
"Creepy," Hyuga said.
"Eh? You don't need to be so mean, Hyuga-san," Imayoshi said amusedly, "I was complimenting you, you know."
Hyuga arched a brow sceptical.
"Didn't know you knew how to do that," Koganei muttered.
"Mac, they're mean to me," Imayoshi called out, bringing Mac's attention from her conversation with Kiyoshi.
"You're probably creeping them out," Mac said, rolling her eyes.
"Everyone is mean to me," Imayoshi sighed.
"Shoichi," Susa sighed, but his lips twitched. "Perhaps you should try to refrain from teasing them today."
Imayoshi sighed again.
...
Tetsuya stood out on the balcony, looking out on the street. The voices of both his team and Too Academy filtered through in the background and he could hear some laughter coming from inside. He wasn't sure what to think about the dinner they had just shared, but it hadn't felt wrong.
He still felt (obviously) disappointed over the loss, and it hurt. He knew he would need some time to get over it, but at the same time… now that a few hours had passed he could recognize that they had played a very good game.
There was nothing about the game that he regretted. They had done everything they could and given their absolute all. That was everything you could do. He felt more content knowing that he had done everything he could.
They had been sitting (or in some cases lying) in the locker room trying to get to terms with the fact that they had failed to reach the final of the Winter Cup for a long time. It didn't mean that the Winter Cup was over for them, they still had to play either Rakuzan or Shutoku for third place.
Right now it didn't matter as much, but he knew it would when they played. When they got over this loss, and they would. It wasn't easy to put words to, but this loss felt different from the last one.
It felt like they were closer to them.
When they finally got moving, they had paused outside and realised that they weren't ready to go home just yet. No one had really spoken or done anything, but they had just stood there uncertain and unwilling to leave.
So, Riko had suggested going to get something to eat. They had all agreed, but it was expensive and to be honest; no one really felt like being around other people. That was why Taiga had suggested going to his place, and they could cook something there.
Tetsuya sighed. How could they know that Mac had done the same with her team?
While he knew they would probably see Mac he hadn't minded that. In fact, he kind of wanted to see her and see if Daiki was still smiling. If she thought the change would last… even if they won.
"You okay, Tetsu?"
Tetsuya turned and saw Daiki standing behind him. His hands were in his pocket, and he looked uncomfortable. But Tetsuya saw the softer look in his blue eyes as he looked at him and couldn't help but allow a small smile to cross his lips.
"Just thinking," Tetsuya deadpanned.
Daiki nodded and leaned against the wall beside the door. He didn't look away from Tetsuya as he did so.
"Strange, isn't it?" Daiki asked before nodding toward the living room behind him where the two teams were interacting and talking. It didn't really look like they had played against each other just hours before.
"Kind of," Tetsuya admitted.
"Is this the kind of games you wanted?" Daiki asked. "Where the teams could interact like this without anger and resentment? Even if one team lost and the other won?"
Tetsuya blinked and looked back to the street. The cars looked smaller from up here, even if they weren't that high up. The people, too, looked small.
"I suppose," Tetsuya said. "I… I don't know what I wanted, but I wanted something where both teams could show respect and know that they did their best and be recognized for it."
Daiki said nothing for a moment, and Tetsuya glanced over at him again. He looked thoughtful.
"I see," Daiki said. "Well, I don't know about that, but it doesn't look like any of them have trouble talking and having fun together now."
Tetsuya smiled and nodded.
They fell silent again and Tetsuya wondered if this was the longest conversation they'd had without Mac there to buffer or drag Daiki along, without the resentment coming between them.
"We should hang out again sometime," Daiki suddenly said and Tetsuya turned to look at him and saw the shy look on Daiki's face. He looked almost vulnerable. "Play basketball."
Daiki wanted to play basketball? Tetsuya felt a rush of hope fill him as he blinked. He nodded, too stunned to say anything.
"Oi! Aomine!" Wakamatsu called from inside. "Where did you put the rest of the food!"
"Don't complain to me if you can't find it!" Daiki yelled back.
"You little…!" Wakamatsu growled and Daiki smirked at Tetsuya for a moment before he turned to enter the living room again. He could hear them argue loudly.
Tetsuya shook his head and smiled, a little amused just as Mac exited and rolled her eyes.
"They always like that?" Tetsuya asked.
"Yes," Mac sighed. "Always, but it's not as hostile as it used to be at the moment."
"Good," Tetsuya said.
"Thank you, Tetsu," Mac said.
"Eh?" Tetsuya looked at her.
"You kept your promise," Mac smiled at him walking over to the bannister and leaned against it.
"I…" Tetsuya said.
"I'm not going to ask if you're okay," Mac said glancing at him. "I know you're not, but you will be. You always find your way back, Tetsu. And Daiki will be there when you do."
"He asked me to play basketball again," Tetsuya admitted, and Mac smiled wider.
"Good," she said. "I think you really did it, Tetsu. He's more like he used to be."
"You think so?"
"I know he will not be exactly how he used to be as a kid," Mac said. "Too much has happened, and it is natural that people change as they grow up, but he's more open now and more at ease. He's found the lighter side and fun in basketball again, so he's not as bitter."
Tetsuya nodded slowly.
"Good," he said. "I was happy when I saw him smiling again."
Mac nodded in agreement, "me too."
It helped that Mac thought he had kept his promise. He had worried about it, but hearing her say he had kept his promise… it took a burden off his shoulders. Now he just had to get over the loss and figure out how to get stronger.
They would win the next time!
...
Mac stayed on the balcony after Tetsuya went back inside. She allowed her thoughts to wander and the sounds from her friends settled behind her, making her smile slightly. She felt… good. Her life felt good.
She knew she would have to focus on their next match soon. Come to think of it… She had to look up if they would play Shutoku or Rakuzan. They would be finished now, she thought, glancing at the clock. She had lost track of time, much to her surprise. But it felt good.
"There you are," Daiki said, coming up behind her.
"Daiki," she said looking at him. "You're done fighting with Wakamatsu?"
"He's the one fighting with me," Daiki groaned.
"You provoke him on purpose," Mac rolled her eyes. "Don't look at me like that."
He turned innocent blue eyes at her and smirked when he saw her blush. She cursed herself for blushing, but he looked so adorable like that and she could feel herself melt. It shouldn't be allowed.
He pulled her close, and she felt his arms around her. She glanced around but there was no one there, so she leaned against him.
"Thank you," Mac mumbled against Daiki's chest.
His arms were around her, and he was holding her tightly.
"For what?" he asked.
"For coming back," Mac said, leaning back so she could look up at him. "For finding your love for basketball again."
Daiki's expression turned slightly pained.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"I didn't say it so you'd feel bad," Mac frowned at him as she reached up with her good hand and placed it against his cheek. She allowed her thumb to trace his skin and couldn't help but noticed how soft it felt. "I know you always did your best, and I understand. I just… I'm thrilled I got to see you play with a smile again."
She leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips and felt how he pulled her closer. Her eyes closed as he deepened the kiss and she couldn't help but get lost in the sensation.
The sound of a text interrupted them and she pulled back knowing she was blushing but turned her attention to the phone much to Daiki's frustration. He grumbled but allowed her to do so even if he kept his arms around her.
"Oh," she said, reading the text.
"Kenzie?" Daiki asked.
Mac furrowed her brows before looking back at him and sighed.
"Come on," she said and pulled him with her into the living room where the others were still talking and it looked like they were actually getting along rather well.
"Ah, Mac," Susa said spotting her.
"I have the results of the Rakuzan vs Shutoku match," Mac said, and they all fell silent.
"Oh?" Imayoshi smirked, leaning forward.
"Who are we going to be playing next?" Sakurai asked. "Oh! Sorry, I asked!"
Mac ignored the apology with practice ease and looked around. They all had turned more serious again now and even Seirin looked curious and she reminded herself that this also would tell them who they would face determining who would get third place.
"Well?" Wakamatsu asked when she didn't say anything. "Who is it?"
"Yeah, don't let us hanging, Mac," Imayoshi grinned.
"Tell us!" Abe and Inoue cried.
Mac felt her lips twitch, amused.
"Rakuzan High," Mac said. "We will play against Rakuzan again."
Silence.
"A repeat, huh?" Imayoshi said. "Well, this time we'll win."
Daiki smirked. "Facing Akashi… could be interesting."
Mac and Tetsuya exchanged a look but said nothing even though they smiled.
...
Scotland
...
Dumbledore was pacing in front of the fireplace, thinking hard.
To think Sirius and Remus had been missing for months now and no one knew where they had gone… he had expected to find them easily when he started to really look for them. He had tried sending Fawkes for Remus, but the phoenix hadn't been able to find him.
Fawkes was normally good at finding people, but then again… he wasn't perfect. Dumbledore sighed.
Where could they be?
"You'll wear that floor thin, lad," a voice said and Dumbledore glanced up at the painting of his predecessor Professor Dippet. He was the only one who called him 'lad'.
"If it didn't when you were headmaster then I'm sure it will withstand my pacing as well," Dumbledore said.
"What is on your mind?" Dippet asked.
"The same thing that is always on my mind these days," Dumbledore said with a sigh. "I just can't figure out how someone can hide so well. Are they deliberately trying to hide from me?"
"You're thinking pretty highly of yourself," one of the other paintings said.
Dumbledore frowned, "I am trying to keep them safe but they are making it very difficult."
"Then maybe you should let them make their own mistakes," another said.
Dumbledore shook his head.
"I can't do that," Dumbledore said.
He paced again until he finally sat down behind his desk. His office was his favourite place to be. The large circular room at the top of the tower allowed a beautiful view of Hogwarts. The school grounds could be seen from his window and he loved watching out over his school. The small noises that came from the various trinkets around the room were a comfort to him and made him feel relaxed. Not to mention the old portraits of the old headmasters and headmistresses that was covering the walls offering advice and support.
There was a knock on the door, and he glanced toward it.
"Enter," he called wondering who could be coming now seeing that it was getting late. The sky outside was turning dark.
The door was pushed open, and Elphias Dodge entered the office. Dumbledore smiled as he got to his feet to greet his old friend.
"Ah, Elphias!" Dumbledore smiled.
"Albus," Dodge smiled, shaking his hand vigorously. "Good to see you!"
"You too, old friend," Dumbledore said as he gestured toward one of the chairs in front of his desk before sitting down in his own chair. He watched Dodge closely as he waved his wand and a pot of tea appeared and with another wave, it poured the tea into two cups.
"I wouldn't mind something stronger mixed in the tea," Dodge said with a smile.
"Of course," Dumbledore agreed and summoned the Brandy from the cupboard.
Dodge sipped his tea with Brandy happily and seemed to relax slightly. He looked thoughtful as he peered over his cup and at Dumbledore. Dumbledore waited for Dodge to say something and was curious why his old school friend had come to see him without warning.
...
Finally, Dodge put his tea down and frowned as he looked at Dumbledore.
"Messy business we have lately," he said slowly.
Dumbledore nodded, "yes."
"Death Eaters attacking," Dodge shuddered. "I had hoped I never had to read news like that again."
"So had I, old friend," Dumbledore agreed.
"I wonder what brought them out again;" Dodge said. "Do you think it has anything to do with Malfoy's attempt to gain control over the Black fortune?"
Dumbledore pressed his fingers together as he considered it. It had crossed his mind before, but at the same time, he wasn't sure how that would help exactly. Was he trying to make it look like Sirius was behind the attacks?
"I don't know," Dumbledore said despite having his suspicions.
Dodge looked at him for a moment before he nodded.
"Fudge contact you lately?" Dodge asked.
"Not as much," Dumbledore admitted. "He seems to think he has everything under control."
"Right," Dodge snorted, making Dumbledore smile slightly. "He should consult you more."
"He is the Minister of Magic," Dumbledore said calmly. "I'm sure he has it under control."
"You don't believe that," Dodge said.
Dumbledore just hummed and took a lemon drop, "want one?"
"No, thank you," Dodge said.
They sat in silence for a moment before Dodge frowned and looked back over at Dumbledore.
"I don't know if this is true or not," Dodge finally said and Dumbledore peered at his old friend over his half-moon glasses with a sharp look. "But I heard something…"
"What did you hear?" Dumbledore asked knowing that Dodge had a knack of hearing things that were important.
"A rumour about Sirius Black," Dodge said, and Dumbledore had to work not to tense.
"Sirius Black, you say?" Dumbledore asked calmly like he was talking about the weather. "He hasn't been caught?"
"No, and if the rumours are correct, he not likely to be caught anymore," Dodge said.
"What do you mean?" Dumbledore asked.
"I heard from an acquaintance I met on one of my travels years ago," Dodge said. "He works in the Japanese Ministry of Magic and has a role in their parliament."
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows in surprise. Japan?
"Yes?" Dumbledore had to work not to push too much but Doge was really taking his time and Dumbledore knew the other man loved to tell his story and make it last.
"We met in Thailand many years ago," Dodge said. "You remember I went there for six months?"
Dumbledore nodded.
"Well, we met and talked," Dodge said. "He was there for his job and I know he got promoted after he got back. We kept in touch and I talked with him yesterday."
"What does this have to do with Sirius?" Dumbledore asked.
"He told me that Sirius Black was in the process of being found innocent in Japan," Dodge said. "He said that they would offer him asylum. Probably has already, actually."
Asylum? Sirius was getting asylum in Japan? Dumbledore wasn't sure what to think or how to take that. Just when had Sirius gone to Japan? How had he ended up there of all places? Why would he leave London for Japan?
"That's…" Dumbledore was lost for words.
"Unbelievable," Dodge said, nodding. "If he's about to be granted asylum in Japan, it must mean that there's more to the story than we know. I can't see them giving him a free pass for being You-Know-Who's follower and betraying the Potters like that. I can't see what the Japanese Ministry gets out of this."
Dumbledore nodded, knowing the full story about that and that Sirius was innocent. But he couldn't figure out why Sirius would take the chance to actually talk to someone about this… and why hadn't they arrested him? It should have been news all over the world if Sirius had been in contact with the Japanese Ministry.
"You're sure about this?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, I can't be completely sure," Dodge admitted. "My friend couldn't tell me anything for certain, I had the feeling that it's being kept silent over there and few people in the Ministry know about it. It's all really strange, to be honest. That's why my friend noticed it and kept an eye on it, he doesn't know the details."
"I see," Dumbledore said, his mind already working on this new information. He had to find out if this was true or not if Sirius really was in Japan and why.
"Thought you'd like to know," Dodge said.
Dumbledore nodded and forced a smile for his friend.
"Thank you," Dumbledore said, his mind already working on possible scenarios and how to proceed from there.
...
...
AN: What do you think? XD
Other things kind of took over focus in this chapter, but I tried to have some Mac and Daiki in there as well as Seirin... But it was necessary with the other aspects like Dumbledore and the news articles now in order to get some more of the story going and moving forward. XD
Next chapter will be back to preparing for the match against Rakuzan! XD
Thank you for reading! XD Stay safe! =)