Tada! Here is the next chapter!

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Disclaimer: I do not own, nor claim to own, anything pertaining to Inuyasha nor Harry Potter. Just the ideas that pop into my mind ;)

—Old Friends and New—

Toy brooms were one thing. Hovering one foot above the ground, zooming across the house; it was fun, sure.

But on a real broom...

It was a whole different story.

"Oi! Watch out!"

Kagome rolled away, just in time for James to zoom by her. "Git!" she shouted at him without any real conviction. A wild grin was on her face as she chased after him.

James tossed the quaffle in the air and spun heavily, whacking it with the end of his broom.

Kagome let loose a long laugh as she pushed ahead. "Nice one! When we get to Hogwarts, you're going to be the best Chaser there is! Everyone's gonna know your name!" she exclaimed loudly as she flew after it. At least, that's what she heard, from what she could remember.

James' laughs echoed after her. "And after that, the whole world!"

Kagome snorted amusedly. "What modesty..." she muttered under her breath, before her grin came back, this time with more smugness. "You just better hope you don't meet a Keeper that can match up with you," she teased wickedly just as she swept in and plucked the qauffle out from its trajectory just before it passed through the rings.

Kagome swerved sharply, intent of flying to the other end, and unknowingly landed right in her brother's path. She yelped quietly at the sight of James coming at her at full speed - their eyes locked and widened simultaneously, coming within inches of each other as they swerved off right at last moment.

"Crap! My glasses!"

Kagome swiftly glanced over her shoulder.

James was scowling and squinting in frustration as said spectacles soared towards the ground. This was the third time this month his glasses slipped off during one of their games, and if their mother had to repair them one more time, they were going to be on probation for the rest of the month.

Kagome pulled back on her broom sharply, curving upward and rolling upright as she gave chase after the falling spectacles.

She dived to the ground at top speed – it had already fallen quite a bit by the time she reacted - and reached out. The ground was coming close and fast, and for a moment she thought she wasn't going to make it – she knew if she didn't level off soon, more than just James' glasses were going to come out broken. She learned forward and pushed the broom, her fingertips managing to scoop it up just as she pulled up on her broom sharply.

Kagome let out a adrenaline-affected whoop as she leveled off, her bare toes skimming the grass.

That was a close one...

"Bloody hell, Mel! I thought you were going to crash!" James exclaimed as he flew after her, grinning wildly despite the worry shining in his eyes.

Kagome just let out a breath of relief as she handed over his glasses. She shook her head ruefully. "Wonder if there's a spell to get your glasses to stay on that nose of yours," she said a bit breathlessly, her heart beating frantically.

James stared at her incredulously, before laughing. "You're nutters, you know that? Nice dive by the way – you gonna try out for seeker second year, yeah?" he asked, rather hyped up. "Wouldn't that be wicked? The Potter twins will be a legendary force!" he exclaimed, eyes glazing over. "Too bad you're a terrible shot – you would make a great chaser, not as awesome as me of course, but still," James went on, smirking at his sister cheekily.

Kagome rolled her eyes, and shoved him at him. "Prat," she muttered as he swerved out of the way, snickering at her.

—o—o—o—o—

"Why are we here again?" James groaned loudly, voice tinged with over-exaggerated exasperation.

Kagome rolled her eyes and whacked her brother across the head, sniggering at his indignant shout. "We're here because I wanted a pet for my birthday and Mum and Dad are letting me pick one out," she deadpanned because this was probably the fifth time he asked.

"Why didn't you just ask for a new broom like I did?" James retorted, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Kagome reined in her sigh. "Maybe because I didn't see the point of getting another broom, when I have a perfectly good one at home," she muttered dryly.

James pouted sulkily. "But, then yours is gonna be slower than mine," he complained. "And playing Quidditch won't be as fun..."

Kagome shot him a look and snorted. "You shouldn't have broken yours then," she shot back. "Spoiled brat," she muttered under her breath fondly, shaking her head.

An indignant strangled noise sounded from beside her, and Kagome winced when she felt a sharp poke in her side. He must have heard her then...

Kagome glanced at him quickly, and had to snicker at his affronted look. "Kidding," she said appeasably, adding an impish, "Kinda," at the last second. Kagome laughed at her brother's expression and darted away from him when he made to poke her again.

She let him grab her soon after, throwing an arm around her shoulders as they walked to the Magical Menagerie. "Why do you assume you're gonna be faster than me just with a new broom? The person riding it also factors in it too, y'know," she commented.

James looked over, staring at her through narrowed eyes. "Are you calling me a poor flyer?" he demanded hotly.

Kagome just gave him a brilliant smile. "Of course not!" she chirped innocently. "I'm just calling myself a better one," and she chortled, even more so when her brother began tickling her mercilessly.

"S-Stop it!" she gasped out, trying to bat his hand away or at least get away in general, but his arm around her shoulders held her in place. "Blimey - James, leggo!" she giggled out.

James' lips twisted in a smirk. "I – will – when you – admit I'm – a better – flyer!" he put out between tickles.

Kagome was laughing like a loon right now, attracting all sorts of attention. "Alright – alright! Y-you're better at flying!" she gasped out.

James grinned smugly. "That's right. King James Potter at your service -here for everyone's viewing pleasure to see how flying is done!" he boasted loudly.

Kagome snorted at his ridiculousness and reached over to tap at his head. "Oh, I'm sorry, I was just checking if you could actually stand having your head on your shoulders – it's looking a tad big right now," she said mockingly.

James only stuck his tongue out at her. "Well here, hurry up eh? I wanna go check out the Quidditch shop before we go home," he said, pushing at her towards the shop door.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Just go then if you're so impatient," she muttered.

James shot her a glare. "Mum told us to stick together," he reminded her seriously, all signs of joking vanished. "She said that was the only reason we're able to go around here without them and I'm not leaving you alone." His tone was final.

Kagome blinked, before shaking her head. Ever since the incident two years back, James took his brotherly protection duties to a whole new level. "Fine, fine," she muttered as she walked into the shop with a pout, James following behind her.

The twins wrinkled their nose as they walked in, the strong aroma of animals hitting them. Greeting the shopkeeper, they started to look through the selection of pets.

"So what're you gonna get, anyways?" James wondered curiously, eyes squinting at a couple of weird looking spiders – they were neon pink and blue.

Kagome shrugged. "I dunno really," she said, and peered over at what he was looking at, before her face twisted in disgust. "Definitely not any kind of spider though," she muttered in distaste.

James snickered. Something caught his gaze, and after casting a quick glance around them, checking if they were alone, he turned to whisper to her. "Why don't you get a snake?"

Kagome glanced at him, and followed his gaze to a tank not too far away. She shook her head. "Cause we only have a couple years till Hogwarts. If I a get a snake, then my secret ability wouldn't stay so secret, would it?" she countered.

James nodded, giving her that. They both knew her Parseltongue ability wasn't exactly controllable...

Then his eyes lit up. "Ooh!" he drew out excitedly, bouncing on his feet. "Why don't you get a dog!"

Kagome rolled her eyes once more, chuckling. "If you don't shut up I'm going to shove you," she muttered wryly. He knew full well dogs were too big to take to Hogwarts.

James grinned at her impishly. "I don't think Mum would like that," he told her in a sing-song voice.

Kagome narrowed her eyes. "It wouldn't really matter, because you'll already find yourself in the snake pit before she ever hears word of it," she threatened. "And by the time she does hear of it, you'll find some snakes in very uncomfortable places."

"Prat," James muttered, and then he snorted mockingly. "Why don't you get a half-kneazle or something?" he drawled sarcastically, cause it was pretty cliché.

Kagome shot him an evil grin, eyes glinting wickedly. "Maybe I will."

James' eyes shot open in horror and he turned to her quickly, twitching violently at her teasing grin. "You know I hate those beasts..." he muttered, shuddering.

Kagome snickered. "Oh, now that was all your fault. No animal, kneazle or not, likes to have their tail yanked. You just happened to come across a particularly moody half-kneazle."

James gave an over-exaggerated shiver. "I don't care. I can still remember it screeching in my ears and its vicious claws tearing into my arm like it was yesterday."

"It was months ago," she deadpanned, not even bothering to look at him as she peered through the cages of cats.

James huffed sulkily. "My arm still aches whenever I see a cat even remotely kneazle looking."

Kagome rolled her eyes, shaking her head amusedly. "That's just path-" she stopped, freezing suddenly.

"Mew!"

Her eyes shot wide open at the sight before her, and a pair of orange, slitted eyes gleamed back at her.

'N-no way...' she thought, stunned.

James stopped, blinking when his sister stopped mid-sentence. "Mel?"

But Kagome wasn't listening. She was reaching for the cage, about to unlock it.

James followed her line of sight, and his eyes widened. "Hey! I thought I was the blind one! Don't you see the sign that says 'Handle with Care. Aggressive'?" James exclaimed incredulously. He scurried over to his twin, grabbing her arm to stop her.

James' eyebrows furrowed at her, and he started to get worried. He snapped his fingers in front of Kagome, hoping to get her attention. "Kagome?" he said quietly.

Kagome blinked at his voice, catching his concerned tone, and she shook her head. She looked over to see him staring at her, hazel eyes filled with worry and confusion.

Mentally chastising herself, Kagome gave him a comforting smile. "Don't worry James. Trust me – I'll be careful," she assured him.

James stared at her uncertainly, before shrugging slowly. He was going to keep an eye out though, that was for sure.

Kagome smiled wryly, and turned back to the cage where the orange eyes were still staring out from, filled with intelligence. She reached over again and unlatched the cage. Reaching in slowly, she grabbed the small bundle and pulled the animal out.

Kagome stared at the animal in wonder, smiling softly.

Wide orange eyes with pupils drawn into slits stared at her with eerie, yet warm familiarity. The animal was covered in cream fur, its black ears, paws, nose, and tipped tails contrasting starkly.

The only thing missing was the signature black diamond that usually adorned its forehead, but Kagome had a feeling it was merely hidden.

James blinked owlishly at it. "It has two tails," he announced blankly, eyebrows furrowed.

Kagome rolled her eyes, and shot him a look that spelled, 'thanks for stating the obvious'.

The little bundle purred out a soft, rumbling mewl, capturing her attention once more. "Meow!"

'Kirara...' Kagome thought in awe. 'I dunno how you got here, but I'm so relieved you are...'

Beside her, James sighed, knowing with that look Kagome was going to get the cat. "At least it's not a kneazle," he muttered under his breath.

—o—o—o—o—

"You know, that was really weird. The shopkeeper said no one had been able to touch her before. That she usually spat and hissed whenever someone even tried. And she's obviously magical." James looked at her curiously, eyebrows furrowed. "What did you do?" he wondered.

Kagome, who was looking at Kirara in wry amusement as she listened, grinned cheekily. Orange eyes glinted up at her, the epitome of innocence.

Kagome knew better.

"Maybe it was my good looks?" she offered, mimicking his usual line.

James snorted skeptically, but Kirara let out a purr, rubbing against Kagome's arm affectionately. Kagome laughed. "See – even she agrees," she said impishly.

"Whatchya gonna name her?" he asked, and cautiously reached over to pet Kirara. The neko sniffed his fingertips, and gave them a soft lick before she promptly rubbed her muzzle against them, as if deeming him acceptable. James' lips twitched. "She's okay," he said gruffly, scratching her on the head. "Wonder what kind of cat she is, though."

Kagome sniggered. "You only say that because she didn't attack you."

James only huffed, glaring at her. It was a valid point.

Shaking her head, she answered his earlier question. "Kirara, I think. It sounds nifty," she said nonchalantly, adding, "I read it somewhere in a book and it sounds like it fits," at his curious look. "And I'll try looking it up, see what kind she is too when we get home."

James scoffed in good-nature disgust. "You and your bloody books," he mumbled under his breath.

Kagome shook her head amusedly, and grinned at him. "Race ya to the Quidditch shop?"

James eyes lit up – she didn't even have to ask. "Three! Two! One! Go!" he exclaimed and they both took off.

Kagome tucked Kirara closer and she sprinted, the both of them neck to neck as they raced through the crowd. They soon got separated as they began weaving in and out, but she could see glimpses of him. She ignored the startled and indignant yelps from the adults, instead sniggering softly at them.

Honestly, James really was a bad influence on her over the years...

Suddenly, Kagome was knocked to the ground. She yelped, startled, as she crashed to the floor, and heard a corresponding, shocked yell. She covered Kirara, protecting the poor nekomata from the fall.

Kagome's world spun a bit for a few seconds, and she tried shaking her head to clear it.

"Well boy, are you just going to stand there or are you going to help a pretty girl like that up?" an amused voice sounded.

Kagome blinked blearily trying to gather herself, and before she knew it, a hand was hovering over her face. Dazedly, she reached out and grabbed it blindly.

"I'm sorry," the boy apologized as he pulled her up.

Kagome blinked at him, eyebrows furrowing, before she remembered her manners. She shook her head readily. "Don't worry about it," she said, waving it off. "It was all my fault – my brother and I were racing and I wasn't paying attention. I'm Kagome – Kagome Potter."

The boy, Kagome noticed, was a good few inches taller than her. His inky black hair looked silky smooth, falling in shoulder length curls around his face in a sort of casual elegance that had even Kagome envious. His eyes were a wide soft gray as they peered at her with curiosity.

Behind him stood a man whose attire screamed aristocratic just like the boy's did, but his eyes told a different story. They held an edge, but also held a hint of dry humor. His own gray eyes sharpened at the sound of her name though – her surname in particular.

The man nudged the boy. "You're supposed to introduce yourself now," he commented nonchalantly, smirking in gruff amusement.

The boy blinked fast, "Oh, yeah," he muttered, making the man snort. The boy held out his hand.

Kagome blinked as well, and shrugging mentally, she shuffled Kirara into her other arm and held out her own hand, figuring he wanted a handshake.

She was surprised when instead, he grasped it and raised her knuckles to his lips, kissing them. "Sirius Black at your service, milady," the boy murmured smoothly, never taking his gray eyes off hers. He was the epitome of suave until, "The old fart behind me is my Uncle, Alphard Black."

The man snorted, cuffing the the boy around his head playfully.

But Kagome blinked, stuck on the name. 'Sirius Black...' she murmured thoughtfully, and in the time it took her to blink, the flashes came over her.

Flashes, fuzzy - as if a memory in a memory - hit her at light speed. On a train, growing up and playing pranks with three others, bullying alongside her brother.

Then Sirius was older – a picture in a newspaper where he was screaming, gray eyes wide and wild. Then, a haunted look replacing the crazed one, and he was middle-aged and filthy, malnourished yet still wild. Then there was a black dog, morphing into a man, now cleaned up but still withholding the haunted look, all traces of youth and humor vanished as he hugged her – or rather, Harry Potter.

And then there was fighting, and he was falling – dying, and he disappeared. Gone...

Kagome's heart broke in that split second, as she realized she was meeting her brother's soon to be best friend, brother in all but blood.

A person who was the epitome of living life to its fullest with laughs and fun, before that life was drained almost completely.

A person who went on to live a haunted life, only for it to be cut cruelly short.

The future godfather of Harry, his only remaining family and link to his parents, ripped away unjustly after a little over two years of meeting.

A reoccurring thought ran into her head at just that moment. Fate was an unfair bitch sometimes.

Quickly though, Kagome shook all thoughts and feelings off and she tried to laugh brightly, focusing on the now rather than the future. She would have to think on it later...

"Hmm," Kagome's lips twitched, before she cocked her head innocently. "You don't look very serious," she commented soberly, internally sighing in relief at her easy recovery.

Well, at least she was getting used to it...

Sirius' grin widened, before he nodded solemnly. "It was a disappointing day when my parents found out I didn't live up to my name. They cried and everything," he said sagely, looking sad.

Alphard snorted under his breath, smirking lightly.

But then Sirius grinned waspishly. "However, I extend my deepest apologies for knocking one as pretty as you to the ground." There was a hint of mocking in his voice, and he peered wryly at the man beside him, as if to ask, 'How was that?'.

Said man only gave a fake pained sigh, shaking his head as if to say 'What am I going to do with you...?'

"Easy on the charm, big boy," Kagome teased, winking. "My fragile nine year-old heart can only take so much," she said, eyelashes fluttering dramatically as she mentally grinned at the boy's behavior.

Sirius flashed her a wide, white grin as she played along. "Nine huh? Same here! So you're going to Hogwarts in a couple of years too then?" he said excitedly. His eyes flickered to the cat in her arm. "Nice cat, by the way," he said, an eyebrow raised at the unusual amount of tails.

Kagome nodded eagerly. "Yeah! And thanks," she said, glancing at the furball and held her up for them to see better. "Her name's Kirara. I just got her today – picked her out for my birthday."

"Wicked! Happy Birthday!" Sirius exclaimed brightly, and Kagome grinned her thanks.

"Kagome!" came James worried voice. "Kagome - where in the bloody hell are you?" he called out, irritation evident.

Kagome blushed, and let out a nervous cough, mentally sweatdropping. She forgot all about him! "My brother," she muttered, embarrassed. "We're not supposed to go out of each other's sight..." she explained quickly.

The man chuckled softly. "A couple of troublemakers, huh? Just like 'ittle Sirius," Alphard teased, ruffling the boy's hair.

Sirius flushed, ducking out of the way. "Uncle!" he groaned, face-palming.

Kagome raised an eyebrow, and then her eyes were drawn to the book in his grasp. She smirked at the title, 'A Jokesters Guide to Pranks: Both Magical and Non'. "Planning on pranking someone, hmm?" she murmured wryly.

Sirius' face took on an innocent look. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said nonchalantly.

Kagome snorted. "Riiiight," she drawled out dryly. She leaned forward, smirking. "Page thirty-five is a good one, especially during dinner functions. You pull it off right, and no one would expect it's you," she whispered conspiratorially.

Sirius' eyes lit up. "Really?" he said excitedly.

Kagome giggled. "Uh huh," she nodded, and peered at him slyly. "Thought you didn't know what I was talking about?" she said suddenly, mock-glaring at him.

Sirius froze, flushing as he was caught in the act. His uncle laughed deeply. "Careful with this one Sirius – she's lively!"

Sirius rolled his eyes at his Uncle and Kagome sniggered.

Still chuckling softly, the man turned to Kagome. "Well, away with you then girl. Before your brother goes spare," Alphard murmured, amused.

Kagome grinned. "Right-o. It was nice meeting you Sirius - Mr. Black. Hopefully we'll see each other around or something!" she chirped before turning away with a wave in farewell.

As she trotted away, Sirius looked up at his uncle. "She was really nice," he murmured, looking a little sad that she was going away. She was nice – and fun!

A lot better than his stuffy family, barring a few certain members of course.

Alphard watched her go with curious eyes. "Peculiar girl, too bad she's a Potter or we might've been able to swing you two a couple of play dates," he muttered. "She seems like a delight – and if her brother is anything like her, you would get along brilliantly," Alphard murmured thoughtfully.

Sirius blinked up at his Uncle. "Why? What does being a Potter have to do with anything?" he asked, eyebrows furrowed and his face disappointed. If that was the case, they'd be lucky to see each other before they went to Hogwarts. "They're Purebloods aren't they? Mother and Father wouldn't care, right?" Sirius wondered in innocent confusion.

Alphard snorted derisively, offering his favorite nephew a small, sad smirk. "They're Purebloods alright, but they're not the kind your parents appreciate. Maybe not strictly a Light family though. From what I hear, they're the more reasonable sort, understanding it's the wielder that determines what's dark or light, not the spell." His tone revealed a appreciative note in it.

He went on. "Regardless, they're muggle and muggle-born supporters. While a prominent family, your Mother wouldn't encourage you consorting with 'their sort' if she could help it," he said mockingly. And by that, he meant his sister would do her damnedest best.

Alphard looked down at the crestfallen face of his nephew, and grabbed his shoulder, squeezing comfortingly. "Not only that, their lot comes from a line of Gryffindors, like we are from Slytherin," he added sympathetically.

Sirius huffed, glaring angrily at the ground. "Why is it that most of the cool people come from the other Houses? I'd rather be sorted in one of them," he muttered. Like his Uncle, he didn't agree with his parents blood-purist ideals.

Actually, that was putting it lightly. He hated his parent's blood-purist ideals – with a passion. And it was no secret either.

Alphard smirked down at him, nudging him. "Hey kid, you've done great so far. Who's to say you can't break a few more family traditions?" he said slyly.

Sirius glanced at him with wide eyes, and he grinned.

Words- 4,069

Soooo? What do you think?

And well, look at that. Kirara's here! Hahah, I realize the whole 'Kirara 's been waiting for Kagome in the pet shop' seems a bit cheesy, but I liked the concept – it reminded me of Hedwig waiting for the right owner when Harry came along lol.

And Sirius! It's Sirius! Lmao, I adored writing that part haha! Now if only we were at the part during Hogwarts and the romance could start... 'pouts'.

Anyways, I hope you all liked it! ^^

Till laters!

RainLily^^

A big huge honking thanks to all those who read, alerted, and fav'd this fic, and to these awesome reviewers!

MoonPrincess1989, InuTrickster, Tenshi 'Gome, ObsidianFrost, MidnightReader1, jkl, SasoLOVE111, FanficLover16000, midnightblupuppy, Avulocard21, Ice Vixen X, lady sesshomaru-sama, Scrawny Scrivener, greeen-eyed beauty,kakashixangela, Venas, maxeyn, InfiniteWhiplash, Bishonen'sFoxyMiko, CrescentMelody, Bunny.W.K, Valleygoat, Magykrider, TsukiyoTenshi