Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Prince of Tennis!

...

...

...

"Oi, scoot over," An said nudging Hari. Hari rolled her eyes but did make room for her on the sofa and plopped her legs over An's lap making the other girl mock glare at her but she didn't push the legs of.

"So, how long are you staying here, Granger-san?" Yoshida asked looking over at Hermione who was sitting in a comfortable chair. Hermione looked at Hari before she looked back at Yoshida.

"Only a few more days," Hermione said sadly. "We can't really stay much longer."

Hari sighed sadly. She knew that they couldn't stay much longer, but she was going to miss them.

"Oh," Yoshida said. "Have you had a good stay at least?"

"Of course," Hermione smiled and looked at Hari. "It's been really great getting to see Hari again and see how she lives now."

Hari smiled at Hermione knowing what she meant with that statement.

"Thanks, Hermione," Hari grinned. "I have enjoyed having you here as well. Though, I haven't seen too much of the twins lately."

"They're busy looking around Tokyo and gets new ideas for their pranks," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Bill and Charlie have been with them trying to keep them out of trouble."

"Ah," Hari nodded. "I think I feel sorry for you when school starts up again."

"You should," Hermione said.

"Pranks?" Sakuno asked looking between them.

"Ron's twin brothers love a good prank," Hermione said with a long-suffering sigh.

"They do," Hari grinned. "They sent me a toilet seat once."

Sakuno, An and Yoshida gaped at Hari.

"What?" An asked.

Hari and Hermione exchanged a look before they laughed.

"You're kidding," Yoshida said.

"No," Hari shook her head. "I'm not. I was…in the hospital wing for a few days at the end of my first year, and they sent it to me. Madam Pomfrey confiscated it, though."

Hari pouted.

"But..." Sakuno blinked.

"Why were you in the hospital wing?" An asked patting Hari's leg to get her attention.

Hari frowned slightly and glanced at Hermione and saw the sad look on her face as well and knew she was remembering their first big adventure and the results of it. She shook her head slightly.

"Nothing major," Hari dismissed and waved a hand. "Anyway, madam Pomfrey said it was unhealthy and wouldn't even let me see it."

The girls laughed and Hari and Hermione shared some more of Fred and George's pranks (of course keeping the magic out of it) much to the other's merriment.

...

"So, how is your boyfriend, Hari-chan?" An asked wiggling her brows and Hari blushed.

"Oh, look at the blush," Hermione grinned leaning forward. "I'm curious as well. You didn't say how the meeting with his parents went yesterday."

"You met his parents?" Yoshida asked curiously and even Sakuno looked curious.

Hari looked around and saw their eager faces and bit down on her lip to stop from smiling too much. She had never thought she would get to experience this. Sitting the basement of a friend's house and just talking and gossiping about random stuff and having fun. It was not like this at Hogwarts. She had not really had any interest in stuff like this at Hogwarts. But now she found it rather nice and fun. Huh. Things did change, she guessed.

"He's fine," Hari said smiling. "He went back home today, though."

"Aw, you miss him," An smiled.

"I guess I do," Hari shrugged. "I don't like that he lives in another city."

"But he's here pretty often, right?" Sakuno asked timidly.

"More often than normal," Hari nodded.

"Because of you," Yoshida grinned. "How cute."

Hari smiled again but blushed.

"And his parents? How did that go?" Hermione asked again.

"It went fine," Hari said. "They're nice and they seemed to try to get to know me."

"They looked nice," Hermione nodded.

"I think his dad and Otou-chan would get along pretty well," Hari said thoughtfully.

"If Nanjiro-san gets over the wanting-to-kill-your-boyfriend-phase," Hermione added.

"Right," Hari nodded.

"It's adorable with how protective he is over you," Hermione said.

"It's way over the top," Hari grumbled.

"At least he wants to protect you," Hermione said quietly and Hari looked over at her and she knew that Hermione was referring to the Dursley's who would not care at all.

"Yeah," Hari said equally quiet and ignored the looks from the others.

"But his sister didn't seem to like you very much," Hermione said turning back to the topic of conversation.

"She didn't?" An asked.

"She's a tough one," Hari nodded. "But it's fine."

"How old is she?" Sakuno asked.

"She's five-years-old," Hari said.

"Ah, you're the girl trying to take her brother away, huh?" Yoshida guessed.

Hari nodded and sighed. She would admit that it was cute how possessive Hana was of Seiichi, but at the same time, it was a little frustrating. She really wanted Seiichi's sister to like her.

"I don't really know what to do about it, though," Hari sighed. "How do you win over a five-year-old girl?"

"I don't know," An said. "Maybe just give it time?"

Hari nodded but wished for a faster way.

"Guess so," Hari said.

...

"Hello, Echizen-san," a woman with her hair pulled back in a bun said.

"Um," Hari blinked as she looked at the pair that was standing by the front door. She had been on her way out when opened the door and found the woman and a man outside about to knock on the door. "Hey."

"Hisakawa-san sent us," the woman said. "I'm Akiyama Yuko and this is my partner Akiyama Shotaro."

Hari glanced between them. A married couple?

"From DME?" Hari asked.

"Yes," Akiyama Shotaro nodded. "My wife seems to have forgotten to mention that."

"Ah, I forgot," Akiyama Yuko blushed.

"Well, come in," Hari said stepping back and allowing the two to enter the house. She glanced at the clock and frowned.

"Are we keeping you from something?" Akiyama Shotaro asked.

"I'm sorry," Hari apologized sheepishly at being caught checking the time. "I was supposed to meet some friends, but I'll just send them a message and let them know that I'll be late."

"We're sorry for showing up unannounced," Akiyama Yuko said.

"It's fine," Hari said. "I did know that you would be here soon."

She led the way to the living room and smiled when she saw Ryoga sitting on the sofa.

"Visitors?" Ryoga asked looking up from his book.

"Yeah," Hari nodded. "About my magical schooling."

"I see," Ryoga said. "I'll go and read somewhere else so I won't disturb you if you don't want me here?"

Hari bit her lip and glanced at the guest before looking back at her brother. She knew that both Rinko and Nanjiro was out and that Ryoga was the only one home right now, so it did tempt her to have him with her as she spoke to them.

"If you don't mind?" Hari looked at him.

"Of course not," Ryoga smiled.

"Sorry," Hari said looking at Akiyama Yuko. "This is my older brother, Echizen Ryoga."

"Nice to meet you," Ryoga nodded.

The Akiyama's returned the greeting and with that sat down while Hari hurried to the kitchen to prepare some coffee or tea. She bustled around looking for cups and wished that Hermione was there now. She tried to remember everything they had talked about before knowing that it was time to put some of her plans into motion.

"I'm sorry we don't have anything else," Hari said as she put the coffee down.

"It's fine, Echizen-san," Akiyama Yuko said kindly. "We did show up unannounced."

"Why did you?" Ryoga asked making Hari glanced at him. "Isn't it normal to make an appointment in matters like this?"

"Ryoga-nii," Hari started.

"Your brother is right, Echizen-san," Akiyama Shotaro interrupted Hari making her look over at him. "We do normally do that, but this matter is a little different. We do not want to make it obvious that you are here, and Hisakawa asked for our discretion. That's why we decided to keep the appointment off the books if you want to call it that."

"So, I'm not in any official papers?" Hari asked strangely relieved.

"No," Akiyama Yuko said. "Hisakawa has made that clear. Our President does know that you are here, of course, and he has agreed to keep it hidden. He does not agree with children being pushed into anything they don't want to just because of your name."

Ryoga frowned slightly and looked at Hari but Hari didn't look at him as she tried to read the pair in front of her. She could not detect anything that said that they were lying.

"I see," Hari said. "Thank you."

They nodded.

...

"So, Hisakawa-san said you needed some help about your magical schooling," Akiyama Yuko said changing the subject.

"Yes," Hari nodded.

"You haven't been doing your work," Akiyama Shotaro said having summoned some papers seemingly out of nowhere making Ryoga look at it curiously. "Why is that?"

"I just…haven't had time," Hari said looking down.

"You know it's important for you to keep training your magic, Echizen-san," Akiyama Yuko said gently.

"Why?" Ryoga asked frowning.

"Well, if magic is left untrained it can turn on you," Akiyama Yuko explained. "Especially if it is strong like it is with your sister. She is magically powerful and that kind of power does need training."

"And you know this, Hari-chan?" Ryoga asked looking at her.

Hari looked at him and saw the serious look in his eyes and nodded. He frowned but didn't say anything.

"I know," Hari said. "I just…I don't like magic."

"Hisakawa said as much," Akiyama Shotaro frowned.

"I have thought about it since I talked with Hisakawa-san," Hari said looking at them. "And…and I do know that I have to keep training my magic. I just…I can't keep up with my muggle school, tennis and my magic school at the same time as this. And I don't want to give up on my muggle school and my friends here. I finally got a place where I can be me."

She looked at them pleadingly.

"We know," Akiyama Yuko said. "And we do understand, Echizen-san. What we propose is that you chose a few subjects and then use one day and one night a week to focus on your magic lessons. We will then put together a course that should get you through the OWLs in those subjects."

"How many subjects?" Hari asked.

"Three at least," Akiyama Shotaro said. "At least for the remaining of the year and then maybe change one of them next year. We can see if you want to take your OWLs when you are 15 or 16."

"I can postpone it?" Hari asked.

"We can make arrangements for that, yes," Akiyama Yuko nodded.

Hari nodded thoughtfully. She knew she turned 14 soon (just a few days actually) and she would then have another year or two to study. She would not be anywhere near where Ron and Hermione were in their magical studies and she would not be as good as them, but she really did not mind. She could not really see herself living in the magical world anyway.

But she did see the need to train her magic, especially with Voldemort out there and coming for her.

"And if you do decide to study more magic later there's no reason why you can't do that even as an adult," Akiyama Shotaro added.

Hari nodded even though she doubted that she would want to it was nice to know that the option was there.

"Ok," Hari said.

"You sure that would be the best?" Ryoga asked. "You won't be too tired like this, Hari-chan?"

"The option is to quit Seigaku, Ryoga-nii," Hari said looking at him. "I don't want that."

He nodded, "ok. And you have talked to Oyaji and Rinko about this, right?"

"They know," Hari said.

"Have you any thoughts about what subjects you would like to take?" Akiyama Yuko asked.

Hari thought about what Hermione had said and how they had gone to Gringotts. It was lucky that they could help her with wards so Hari felt relaxed enough to skip the runes because that would take up too much time because she would have had to start from scratch on that subject. It was not really possible for her.

"I have been thinking about taking Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration and Charms," Hari said. "They have the most used magic spells."

"That's good choices," Akiyama Yuko agreed.

"What electives did you take at Hogwarts?" Akiyama Shotaro asked.

"Care of Magical Creatures and Divination," Hari grimaced. "Divination was just a huge waste of time."

"I never did see the point of that subject myself," Akiyama Yuko agreed.

"You have that here as well?" Hari asked curiously.

"Unfortunately," Akiyama Shotaro nodded.

They talked a little more about the different subjects and discussed the pro and con's they offered for her, but Hari kept in mind what she and Hermione had discussed and without really letting on about her suspicions about Voldemort she fell back on the original choices.

She wasn't sure why she didn't say anything about her suspicion about Voldemort. Well, she wasn't sure how they would react and she surely wasn't going to tell them about the dreams she'd had. Not right away, because she wasn't sure they would believe her and she refused to have them think she was a freak or that she was lying and only tried to get attention.

...

"Are you sure you are okay?" Ryoga asked when the Akiyama's had left.

"I'm fine, Ryoga-nii," Hari smiled but she felt tired and a little on edge.

Ryoga looked at her and she could see that he didn't really believe her and was debating if he should press her or not. He had been quiet, or mostly quiet, during the discussions and Hari was aware that he was trying to figure something out. He was also curious about the magic that they discussed and she knew that it had to be interesting for him.

"Alright," he finally said. "Just know that you can talk to me if you need."

"I know," Hari smiled slightly, and surprising not only herself but him as well, when she threw her arms around him and hugged him. He put his arms around her as well and held her close for a moment. She blushed when she pulled back and shifted uncomfortably on her feet. "Thank you."

"No problem;" he grinned and ruffled her hair. "Weren't you on your way somewhere?"

"Oh!" Hari blinked. "Bugger. I'm late!"

She rushed out of the room ignoring Ryoga's laugh as she did so and waved at Nanjiro who was on his way in as she ran past him.

"Hey, Otou-chan! Bye, Otou-chan!" she yelled.

Ryoga shook his head as a confused Nanjiro entered the living room.

"Where is she going?" Nanjiro asked before he frowned. "She's not meeting her boyfriend is she?"

Ryoga laughed and got up from the sofa. "No, she's meeting her team, I think, and her friends from England."

"Okay," Nanjiro said. "You're going somewhere as well?"

"Tennis lesson," Ryoga nodded. "See you later, Oyaji!"

The walk to the tennis court at the club was not that long and he used it to think about Hari and the meeting that had taken place. There was something else going on, but Ryoga wasn't sure what. There was a new determination in Hari, something that hadn't been there before. It kind of worried him. He couldn't help but think that she was hiding something and that it was something that could be dangerous.

Hm. Maybe he was just being paranoid. Maybe he was imagining things that weren't there, but his gut said that Hari was hiding something.

"Ryoga-sensei!" Minoru greeted excitedly making Ryoga realise that he had reached the club and saw the younger boy bouncing in place in front of him.

"Hello, Minoru-chan," Ryoga said with a small smile and pretended that he didn't see the blush in the boy's cheeks.

"Are you okay, Ryoga-sensei?" Minoru asked suddenly a little shy.

Ryoga looked at him for a moment before he nodded, "I'm fine. Are you ready for your lesson?"

Minoru nodded and grinned.

"Yes, sensei!" Minoru said.

Ryoga sighed, "you know you don't have to call me sensei."

"I know, sensei," Minoru said.

"Fine," Ryoga said. "Well, let's get ready!"

He watched as Minoru got into position and nodded as he took in the improved stance. He had taken large steps in his game.

"What are we doing today, Ryoga-sensei?" Minoru asked turning wide trusting eyes at Ryoga. Ryoga felt a little uncomfortable but pushed it away as he smiled his lazy smile and tossed an orange into the air before catching it again.

"Your serves," Ryoga said.

"Yay!" Minoru cheered.

Ryoga shook his head slightly but started to work. He moved in to correct Minoru's stance a couple of times but other than that the younger boy had a good serve and worked really hard. The look on concentration on his face was something that reminded Ryoga of Hari and her attitude to tennis.

"Good work, Minoru-chan," Ryoga said eventually.

"Thank you," Minoru smiled and looked down shifting on his feet as he pulled at his shirt. He glanced up at Ryoga who met his eyes and arched a brow at the younger boy wondering what he wanted now. "I have a birthday soon."

"I see," Ryoga said. "When?"

"In a week," Minoru said. "I'll be 12 years old, then."

Ryoga nodded, "that's only a few days after Hari-chan, then. Do you have plans for your birthday?"

Minoru looked a little disappointed before he smiled making Ryoga wonder why the boy was disappointed.

"No," Minoru said shaking his head. "Maybe Seiichi-nii and Genichiro will come and celebrate with us. I want to ask Hari-chan too. And…maybe you could come as well?"

Ryoga blinked and looked down at the younger boy.

"I'm not sure," Ryoga said. "Maybe."

Minoru nodded and smiled, "does Hari-chan also have a birthday soon?"

"Yes," Ryoga said. "In two days."

"Oh! I wonder if Seiichi-nii knows," Minoru frowned.

"Who knows," Ryoga shrugged. "Maybe you should mention it to him in case Hari-chan doesn't."

Minoru nodded.

...

"You're late," Fuji commented when she came rushing into the bowling hall.

"I know," Hari gasped. "Sorry."

Fuji shrugged. "It's alright. We're just getting started anyway."

"Why the delay?" Hari asked curiously.

"Inui," Fuji said. "He had some…interesting rules."

Hari blinked and looked around and picked up on the wary expressions on her friends. Ah, that must mean…

"Inui-juice?" she guessed.

"Yes," Fuji nodded. "Your friends are here, as well, you know."

Hari nodded just as Ron and Hermione came toward her.

"There you are, Hari!" Ron said. "Thought you were going to abandon us."

"I sent a text to Ryo-chan," Hari said.

"You did?" Ryoma asked surprised pulling out his phone. "Oh. I see."

Hari rolled her eyes.

"Hari! Hari!" Fred and George said as they came over. "We're going to try bowling!"

Hari laughed, "you think you can manage?"

"It…" Fred said.

"…looks…" George continued.

"…fun!" They finished together.

Hari noticed the curious look from Fuji but he didn't comment and she decided against trying to explain why someone would act like they hadn't even bowled before.

...

"What's with the 'Aozu-juice' that your friend wants us to drink if we lose?" Ron asked eying the blue drink. "And why does everyone act like it's the worst thing ever?"

Hari laughed and shook her head. She noticed the twins looking at her as well and smirked lightly to herself.

"They're just being overdramatic," Hari said dismissively.

"Really?" Ron asked sceptically. "Your friends were really agonized just looking at it."

"They just like being that way," Hari said with a shrug. "If you don't want to drink it then don't lose."

They stared at her and Hari smiled back innocently.

"I don't like that look on your face," Hermione sighed.

Hari just blinked at them.

"We will be in teams of two," Fuji said. "We're on the same team, Hari-chan."

"Great, Shu-chan!" Hari beamed.

"I'm on the same team as Kaido-san," Ron said.

"I'm on the same team as Kawamura," Hermione said and smiled shyly over at the kind boy who smiled back with a small blush in his cheeks.

"Lucky you," Hari grinned. "Kawamura-senpai is very kind."

"You're too nice, Hari-chan," Kawamura blushed.

Hari smiled.

"Let me guess, Ryo-chan is on the same team as Momo-chan," Hari said looking over at her brother.

"Yes!" Momoshiro grinned.

"We're on the same team!" Fred and George declared.

"Big surprise," Hari shook her head. "I see even Oishi-senpai knows not to split you two up."

...

"Thank you for inviting my friends as well, Oishi-senpai," Hari said looking at Oishi.

"Of course, Hari-chan," Oishi smiled kindly. "We're happy to include them. I know you must want to spend time with them while they are here. You must miss your friends."

Hari nodded and smiled at him. She was always surprised by the genuine care from the other boy. He always took note of things she thought no one would notice and the title as a 'mother-hen' suited him very well.

She returned to Fuji who smiled at her and she sat down beside him. They watched as Momoshiro and Ryoma got ready and shook her head as they barely managed to hit the cones.

"You disappeared after the match yesterday," Fuji commented as they watched their friends.

Hari glanced at him and nodded, "Sei-chan came and he had his parents with him, so I had dinner with them."

"I see," Fuji nodded. "We missed you, though."

Hari nodded, "I did want to come with you as well, but…"

"We understand," Fuji said. "So, he's treating you alright?"

Hari blushed but nodded and Fuji smile widened. She tried to ignore the knowing look on his face.

"Look at us, Hari!" Fred cried excitedly as he and George got ready.

Hari laughed, "sure! Good luck!"

"Ah, the ball is heavy," George said surprised. "Huh."

He walked over and had a focused look on his face as he tried to do what he had seen the others do and threw the ball toward the cones. She watched as the ball rolled surprisingly fast toward the cones and actually hit one.

"Yes!" George cheered loudly hitting the air with his fist. "Beat that, Gred!"

"I will, Forge!" Fred said and picked up another ball.

"They do know that they're on the same team, right?" Kachiro asked nervously.

Hari laughed.

"Aw…" Fred frowned when the ball fell into the gutter.

Hari noticed Inui coming toward Fred and felt a flash of worry before excitement took over as she waited to see the effects of the infamous Inui-juice on Fred.

"What's this?" Fred eyed the small shot glass with the blue drink curiously. "That's the juice-thing you all worried about, right?"

"Just drink it," Hari called. "It's not that bad."

She ignored the incredulous looks she got while Fred shrugged and took the shot glass from Inui and drank. He suddenly turned white making his freckles more prominent before he fell flat on his face and the small glass spilt the small remainder of the 'Aozu-juice' on the floor.

"Fred!" George called out worriedly.

"Fred?" Ron asked eying his brother while George rushed over to him.

Hari shook her head and looked over at Inui who pushed his glasses up his nose.

"Haghaahit," Fred muttered.

"You okay?" Ron asked.

"hAnfakn," Fred mumbled.

"I don't think he can continue," Ryuzaki commented.

"He's going to be fine," Hari told them. "That's a normal, if not a little extreme, reaction to the juice."

George and Ron looked at her before George managed to get Fred up in a seat and he looked rather blue in the face. But Hari was confident that he was fine.

...

They continued and one by one they had to drink the juice and it became clear that Fred's reaction was not an uncommon one as even Fuji collapsed after drinking it. Hari grimaced as she realised that maybe she would have the same reaction as well. She sure hoped not.

Ron eyed the juice warily as when Inui came to him with it when he had missed his shot and eyed Hari before accepting it and drank it before collapsing on the floor. The reactions had calmed somewhat as they got used to seeing the drinker collapse.

Finally, Hari was the only one left as the others looked in some state of passed out and awake. She grimaced as she eyed her friends and wondered if she maybe should have gotten Inui to spare them, they weren't a part of the team after all.

But it had been amusing to see their reaction to the juice.

She looked at Kachiro and Mizuno who had been the last pair standing and she knew she had been lucky to win against them. Actually, she wasn't sure how she had not lost before now because she hadn't bowled that much before in her life. She had been with Ryoga a couple of times, though, and he had taught her.

"I forgot to mention," Inui said coming toward her, "the special juice for the winner!"

Hari arched a brow. Shit. She should have realised that he would have had something like this! She noticed the others looked at her with vindictive looks on their faces and she swallowed before she took the glass and drank.

It was…bad. It tasted horrible and she fought the need to pass out by the taste alone and the way it burned down her throat. She wondered what Inui had put in this thing. It was red and not blue like the one the others had drunk.

"Strong;" she grimaced but remained standing.

"Eh?!"

"Again?!"

She looked at them and shrugged, "it was not that bad."

Okay, that was a small lie. It was much worse than anything else she had tasted from Inui but not as bad as some of the potions she'd had.

"How could you possibly remain standing?!" Kikumaru whined. "Maybe that juice wasn't as bad as the one we got?!"

He eyed the red juice and gingerly put a finger in the juice and let a drop of the juice hit his tongue. He instantly flushed and fell back on the floor.

"Eiji!" Oishi cried weakly as he stared at his doubles partner.

Hari shook her head and smiled slightly amused. She wished she had something to drink to make the foul aftertaste go away.

"You really drank that like it was nothing?" Ron asked still looking pale from before.

"It's no worse than some of the potions I've had," Hari said quietly.

He looked at her before he nodded, "I suppose not."

"I wonder if he would share the recipes with us," George commented.

"They would be great in our pranks," Fred nodded in agreement.

Hari chuckled while Ron eyed them incredulously.

"You want to use that?" Ron asked.

"Of course!" the twins said. "It's brilliant!"

Hermione shook her head and grimaced, "I can't let you give that to anyone at school."

"You can't stop us, Hermione!" Fred said.

"This is amazing!" George nodded and both walked over to Inui who blinked at them as they started to ask him rapid questions. Hari wondered if she should interfere or not…

"Great," Hermione said. "Thanks a lot, Hari."

"Eh? What did I do?" she asked.

"You made that possible," Hermione glared. "Now we're going to have students passing out left and right."

"It's not that bad," Hari said.

"Sure," Ron muttered.

...

"I still feel sick," Ron groaned and fell to a chair in a nearby burger place. He did still look a little off colour, Hari noticed. "I don't want to eat."

"You should," Hari said. "It'll help."

"That was awful," Hermione grimaced. "Why did we have to drink that?"

"It's normal punishment for us," Hari shrugged. "It's how Inui motivates us to do our best at practice. The losers have to drink something like that."

Ron and Hermione looked at her and shook their heads. The twins had gone home with Inui in order to learn more. Hari had been a little surprised that Inui had agreed, but he had actually looked a little flattered and she guessed it wasn't often that he was being praised for his juices. She just hoped that the twins didn't go overboard.

"So, why were you late today?" Hermione asked.

Hari looked around before she looked back at them and leaned forward as she told them about the Akiyama's who had shown up and the talks about what magic classes she was going to take. She saw the interest in Hermione's eyes and she nodded in agreement with what Hari told them.

"I do think that Defence, Transfiguration and Charms are the best choices," Hermione nodded. "They will balance each other out."

"At least you don't have to take Potions anymore," Ron grimaced. "I wish I could drop that."

"Ron! It's an important class!" Hermione protested.

"Not with Snape teaching it;" Ron denied. "He's not really teaching us anything. Only that he prefers Slytherin and anything that has any connection to Gryffindor or Hari is scum. A real teacher that."

Hari snorted and nodded in agreement, "I am glad to be rid of it. I don't really know how I would handle Snape now. I know I would not tolerate being bullied by a teacher like that anymore. I do feel sorry for Neville, though. I hope Snape won't take too much of his anger out on him now that I'm not there anymore."

"Neville does get the worst of it after you," Hermione agreed with a small frown. "It isn't fair."

"Nothing at that school is fair," Hari grumbled. "I see how the teachers are at Seigaku and they treat all students with the same respect. They are strict but they don't bully anyone."

Hermione looked at her for a moment before she nodded slowly.

"I wish we could change it," she sighed. "But…"

"With Dumbledore as the headmaster there's no chance for a change," Hari finished. "I don't get why he keeps Snape around. He must see how he treats the students!"

"I know," Ron said looking uncomfortable.

"Maybe we could get Professor Flitwick or Professor McGonagall involved?" Hermione asked.

"Professor Flitwick, maybe," Hari said. "But Professor McGonagall is too close to Dumbledore."

Hermione and Ron exchanged a look, "I don't know…she seems to be angry at Dumbledore now, though. The way she glares at him at times…"

Hari arched a brow, "well, then maybe. I just don't think she's that fair."

"She might be a little coloured in her view of you," Hermione said slowly, "but I think it's mostly because she cared for your parents. You heard how she talked about them before Christmas…when they talked about Sirius."

Hari frowned as she remembered being hidden underneath the table at the Three Broomsticks and heard McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid and Fudge talk about Sirius and how he was her godfather. She did remember the fond tone in McGonagall's voice as she talked about her parents.

"Maybe," Hari said quietly. "I'm not sure I think it's a good thing, though."

Hermione nodded and sighed. She seemed to give up trying to convince Hari about McGonagall.

"Well, Professor Sprout might also be an option," Hari said. "She's kind and very motherly."

"Yeah," Hermione agreed.

"Though, they have seen how Snape has treated the students for years and never done anything," Hari said. "So, I'm not sure how much help they would be."

"We should just get the students together and protest," Ron said.

Hari and Hermione stared at him in surprise.

"What?" He said warily.

"That's…a good idea," Hermione said.

"Yeah," Hari nodded.

Ron blinked before his ears went red and he looked away. Hari smiled slightly and shook her head.

"You should do it," Hari said leaning back. "Maybe get the parents involved."

They talked more about how to run Snape out of the school and while it was only in theory and the ideas got wilder and wilder as Ron and Hari got into it while Hermione rolled her eyes but smiled all the same and laughed with them. It was fun and relaxed; it reminded Hari of the time they spent trying to come up with ways to get Malfoy expelled.

...

Hari rolled her eyes as Nanjiro pouted at the breakfast table. She had no idea what he was upset about now but it apparently included her because he kept sending her long looks before he pouted again.

"Thanks for the food, Nanako-chan," Hari said and smiled at the older girl.

"You're welcome, Hari-chan," Nanako smiled kindly. "Have a nice day."

"You too," Hari said and glanced at her father. "…and hope he won't create too much trouble for you."

"Don't worry," Nanako laughed.

Hari nodded and got up from the table and walked over to Nanjiro who blinked at her.

"Don't pout, Otou-chan," Hari said.

"…you are neglecting me!" Nanjiro exclaimed.

"Eh?" Hari looked at him surprised.

"We haven't played in forever!" Nanjiro whined. "Hari-chan is neglecting me."

Hari smiled and shook her head, "we'll play later today, then. Sorry, Otou-chan."

Nanjiro narrowed his eyes at her and she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek knowing that she was blushing all the while but knew that she hadn't really had time to spend time with him lately and she did miss him. She always enjoyed playing with him.

He grinned when she pulled away and hurried out of the kitchen feeling embarrassed and happy at the same time.

"Yeah," Hari said picking up her bag. "Let's go."

He looked at her curiously before he shrugged.

...

Hari arrived at practice with Kaido just in time and took her place beside her friend. He was glaring at Momoshiro who was making a spectacle of himself like normal. Oishi called for attention and told the non-regulars that they would use courts C and D for their practice and would be doing a free practice today while the regulars would be using courts A and B.

Ryuzaki seemed to be missing but that didn't necessarily mean anything. Hari arched a brow when Oishi called in a new member and blinked when a boy looking remarkably like Ryoma entered the court. He even had the same caps on.

"Eh? There's another Ochibi," Kikumaru commented looking from Ryoma to the new boy.

"Twin brother?" Momoshiro asked.

Hari snorted while Ryoma denied there being anyone like that.

"Nice to meet you, desu!" the boy said as he bowed politely.

Desu? Hari thought. That was a strange thing to say…but hadn't she heard that before?

The boy straightened and she blinked. That was…

"I'm Dan Taiichi, a freshman from Yamabuki Junior High," Dan said.

Hari smiled while the others exclaimed shocked and Ryoma's eyes widened as he realised who the boy was. So, he was here to check out Ryoma. She was sure of it. She had seen the interest the other boy had for Ryoma. At least in the tennis abilities that Ryoma showed. They were similar in height so maybe Dan wished to learn more of how Ryoma became a strong tennis player.

This would be interesting.

...

"He's staring," Ryoma muttered.

"Why don't you talk to him?" Hari asked.

"It's bothersome," Ryoma yawned. "Besides…I don't know what to say. He's staring."

"He's admiring you," Hari grinned. "I guess he's your fan."

Ryoma grimaced, "he should just focus on his own tennis."

"He's trying to find his tennis," Hari pointed out. "And he wouldn't be the first to look to you in order to find it. I did that as well."

Ryoma looked at her before he sighed and nodded. "Guess so."

"Come on," Hari said. "Let's play."

Ryoma smiled and grabbed his racket. It had been a while since the two of them had played. Hari already had her racket but she left to the other side of the net and watched as Ryoma got ready to serve.

...

Dan couldn't believe that he was really here. He was watching his idol playing tennis with his sister. It was amazing. If only Akutsu could see him now! It would be the icing of the cake! He couldn't look away from Ryoma and Hari playing and laughing and generally having fun. It didn't even look like a practice, it just looked like they were having fun playing tennis.

He couldn't regret begging Banda to be allowed to come here and take part in their practice. Dan knew that this was what he needed in order to get stronger. To see how this team, to see how Ryoma practised and played tennis.

"Thank you!" Dan said out loud to no one in particular but he gained the attention to the other freshmen that were nearby collecting stray balls.

"For what?" Horio asked.

"Allowing me to see this," Dan said.

"Ryoma-kun and Hari-chan play, you mean?" Kachiro asked following Dan's eyes.

"Yes," Dan nodded.

"They do that a lot," Mizuno said. "Though, it has been a little while since the last time now."

"They look like they have fun," Dan commented awed.

"They are," Fuji said coming up and having heard the last comment.

Dan smiled clasping his hands together.

"Amazing, desu," Dan said.

Fuji smiled as he looked at Dan and then over at the siblings playing tennis.

"You're here to see Echizen?" Fuji asked curiously.

"Mm!" Dan nodded. "Akutsu-senpai told me that he was someone I should look to if I want to play tennis!"

Dan looked at Fuji whose eyes opened and looked at him sharply before they closed again making Dan wonder if it had happened at all. Dan swallowed suddenly nervous as he wondered what the other boy reacted to.

"I see," Fuji said calmly before he walked away and over to Oishi who was talking with Kikumaru.

Horio, Kachiro and Mizuno all let out a sigh of relief when Fuji left and Dan looked over at them curiously.

"Don't mention that guy to anyone on our team, okay?" Horio said looking rather pale.

Dan blinked, "Akutsu-senpai?"

"Shh!" Horio yelped and rushed forward to put a hand over Dan's mouth. "Don't say it that loudly!"

Dan felt confused. Why shouldn't he..?

"Mmanfh," Dan's words were muted against Horio's hand.

Horio pulled back looking around nervously like he expected someone to come to jump up behind them or something.

"It's just…he threatened Hari-chan, and hurt Ryoma-kun," Kachiro said quietly making Dan frown. "The others are very…sensitive when it comes to him and don't like hearing his name. It's best if they don't hear it."

Dan nodded slowly but still felt confused.

...

Hari glanced over at Dan who was talking with the other freshmen and looked like he was blushing and fretting over something. They were waiting to see if anyone would challenge the regulars for a game. It was a tradition that a previous Captain had started and Hari thought it was a good idea.

"I'll challenge Hari-chan," Nagayama called out and Hari looked over at her friend who smirked at her.

"You ready to lose then, Naga-chan?" Hari asked.

He laughed, "We'll see."

"Anyone else?" Oishi called out.

There was a moment of silence before Horio spoke up.

"Over here, Oishi-Captain!" Horio called out raising his hand.

"Horio-kun, huh?" Oishi said looking at him.

"Not me," Horio said and pointed at Dan. "But he wants to challenge Echizen."

Hari smiled slightly as Dan blushed and pulled the caps further down in an effort to hide his face.

"Me?" Ryoma asked beside her.

"Since you're practising with us today, I guess it's okay," Oishi said kindly.

"Interesting," Hari said.

"We'll cheer for you, Dan-kun!" Kachiro said.

"Thank you," Dan said seemingly finding some confidence before looking over at Ryoma. "But, is that okay for you, Echizen-kun?"

"Doesn't matter to me," Ryoma said coolly while Hari rolled her eyes at her brother and his attempt to be cool.

...

Hari finished her match with Nagayama rather fast but it was fun. He had injured his knee not that long ago so she could tell that he wasn't completely back to where he had been yet. But that didn't mean that she took it easy on him.

"Nice match, Hari-chan," he said.

"You too, Naga-chan," she said.

"Why do you call me that," he complained.

"Why?" Hari grinned at him. "Why not?"

"I guess you can," he sighed before he smiled slightly. "How is it having your friends here?"

"It's great," Hari said. "Have you met them?"

"Briefly," Nagayama nodded. "Those twins really do love a laugh."

"You have no idea," Hari rolled her eyes before laughing and they walked over to the court where Ryoma was playing Dan.

"Echizen is so cruel!" Horio said just as Hari and Nagayama came over.

"Eh?" Hari blinked. "Why?"

"He returned Dan's twist serves so nonchalantly!" Horio exclaimed.

"So?" Hari blinked again. "It's a part of the game, that."

"But…"

Hari shrugged as she looked at her brother who got ready to serve. He looked determined and got ready to do his twist serve. She saw the look on his face and smiled.

"So Dan-chan can do the twist serve as well?" Hari asked glancing at Momoshiro who was there as well.

"Yes," Momoshiro nodded. "He got two past Echizen before he returned the rest."

"Mean," Horio mumbled.

Hari ignored him and arched a brow as she looked over at Dan. She saw that he did look a little deflated but she could also see the determination in him.

"Interesting," she said.

...

It was a pretty one-sided match from then on out, but Hari felt impressed as she watched Dan play his best and even got some of Ryoma's moves. It was clear that he had been working very hard on it. Hari frowned when Dan just stood there and let Ryoma's ball past him without even trying to return it. She glanced at Ryoma and saw that he too had noticed and looked a little concerned but didn't say anything.

"Dan-kun…" Kachiro said worriedly.

"Don't give up!" Mizuno said clutching the fence.

Hari bit her lower lip and walked out onto the court and made her way over to Dan. She glanced up at the third year that was playing referee and he nodded at her to let her know that he would wait to start the game again.

"Dan-chan," Hari said gently and he looked up at her startled.

"Eh? Echizen?" Dan said.

"Call me Hari," Hari smiled at him kindly. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, um," he blushed and looked down. "I'm fine."

Hari looked at him for a moment. "I know it's not normal to pause a match like this, but since it's during practise I think it's alright. So, Dan-chan, why don't you tell me the truth? What's wrong? You've been doing alright."

He looked at her surprised and she saw his eyes widen as he stared at her.

"But…I am so far behind!" Dan said almost desperately. "I have been working so hard and I can't catch up, desu!"

Hari nodded slowly, it was what she had thought. She glanced over at Ryoma before looking at Dan again and placed a hand on his shoulder making him look at her again.

"You have just started playing tennis, right?" Hari asked.

"Yes," Dan nodded. "I was only a manager before."

"And you've already managed to do two of Ryoma's moves," Hari said. "That's impressive."

"But…"

"Hey," Hari interrupted. "Do you think that just weeks of training will make up for years of it?"

"No," Dan said slowly.

"Ryo-chan has spent years playing tennis," Hari said. "It's good to have a goal and wanting to be as good as someone, but you can't expect that you can reach him that easily. Tennis is hard work, Dan-chan. Use this opportunity to see how far behind you are and learn from it, use it in your training."

"Okay;" Dan nodded and smiled slightly.

"Good," Hari smiled back and patted his head.

...

"Softy," Momoshiro said when Hari came back to his side.

"Can't help it;" Hari shrugged. "He looks like Ryo-chan."

Momoshiro laughed.

They watched as Dan fought harder than before against Ryoma who still was winning, but the effort Dan put in made Hari smile.

"Finally showing us his true form," Momoshiro said when Dan threw himself forward in an effort to reach the ball.

"Yes," Hari nodded while Horio, Kachiro and Mizuno looked at them confused. Nagayama smiled slightly as he nodded as well.

"Ah, it's over already?" Dan asked when the referee called match point.

"He didn't notice it was over?" Horio asked incredulously.

"That's how focused he was," Momoshiro commented. "You all should have guts like that."

Hari nodded in agreement but didn't look away from Ryoma and Dan shaking hands and Ryoma smiling slightly as he looked at Dan.

"You're Mada Mada…" Ryoma said and didn't finish with saying 'dane' like normal. "But the end was pretty good."

"Yes, desu!" Dan said looking excited and Hari smiled softly.

...

Hari walked with Dan out of the school and saw their coach standing by the gates.

"Banda-sensei!" Dan yelled and ran toward the older man.

"So? How was it?" Banda asked.

"It was great!" Dan said excitedly.

"You learn a lot?" Banda asked.

"Yes, desu!" Dan nodded.

Hari shook her head and blinked when the older man looked over Dan's head and over at her.

"Ah, Hari-chan," he said. "You still won't transfer over to our school?"

"No," Hari said. "Thank you for the offer, though."

"Hari-chan helped me!" Dan said.

"She did, huh?" Banda said. "Well, thank you."

"No problem," Hari shrugged. "He is a pretty interesting player and I look forward to seeing how far he can go."

Dan smiled proudly.

"You're ready for your next match, Hari-chan?" Banda asked. "You're playing against Rokkaku in the semi-finals."

Hari nodded and smiled, "yeah, we're playing against Jiro-kun and his team."

"Ah, you know them already?" Banda asked curiously.

"Yes, Jiro-kun has taught me a little about tennis," Hari nodded.

"Jiro-kun?" Dan asked confused.

"Saeki Kojiro," Hari said. "He's the Vice-Captain of Rokkaku."

"Oh," Dan said.

Banda looked at her curiously and Hari wished he would stop. He always looked at her like that.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go," Hari said politely. "Otou-chan is waiting for us to play tennis."

"You're playing even more today?" Dan asked surprised.

"Yeah," Hari nodded with a fond smile. "I promised Otou-chan because it's been a while since we played."

"That brat still only thinks about tennis, huh," Banda commented.

Hari shrugged, "well, bye! See you later, Dan-chan, Banda-sensei."

"Bye!" Dan said waving as Hari walked away toward her home. Her mind already on the upcoming match with Nanjiro. She wondered if she had gotten any better. Maybe she would get a ball past him today? She smiled.

...

...

AN: What do you think? XD

Hope you liked it! It turned out mostly fillerish but also felt it was necessary :) A lot of bonding going on in this chapter XD

I had planned on having this chapter up at the beginning of last week, but have had a migraine almost all week so there hasn't been a lot of opportunities where I have felt coherent or well enough to write, edit or post anything. But now I finally have a new chapter ready for you! :)

Thank you for your patience and for the support! XD