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I made some edits to the previous chapters. The main thing I changed was Hagrid's speech patterns. After rereading the last chapter and getting some feedback from a few reviewers, I realized it was too difficult to read. General spelling and grammar issues have also been resolved.
Chapter 4: A Short Reprieve in the Forbidden Forest
Present, Thursday Morning, September 3, 1998
Kagome blithely hummed as she arranged her lecture notes for today's class. She would have the eighth years for her first period of the day. Surprisingly, of all the students that took a history course this term, there were a good number of students enrolled in her history class instead of the one taught by Professor Binns. Having never taken a class taught by a ghost, Kagome imagined it would be a very interesting course, far too interesting to pass up.
'It's almost show time!' Kagome thought as she dusted the chalk residue from her jeans.
Because no one brought it up, she continued wearing her own clothes instead of standard Wizarding robes and was glad for the indulgence. After all, she wasn't a witch, so she always felt silly when she had to wear them. The only one who could get her to wear them without complaint was Sesshomaru and that was only for political gatherings with an older crowd of wizards and witches.
Kagome paused and looked to the door when she heard it open, surprised to see Draco walking into the classroom alone.
"Good morning, professor," he said after he took a seat on the front row closest to the right wall.
"Malfoy-kun, good morning," Kagome greeted him, "Not that I'm disappointed, but I notice that Zabini-kun isn't with you this morning. Nott-kun and Parkinson-chan aren't either."
"I'm the only Slytherin in this class," he told her dryly.
"Really?" Kagome uttered and rushed to her desk, quickly finding her roster. She didn't bother to look at it beforehand since she already had the eighth years yesterday. According to the list, there were only ten students enrolled in this course, less than half the number of returning eighth years. As Draco said, he was the only Slytherin student on the short list.
'This might become a problem later on…' she thought.
Kagome knew that Slytherin House was critically involved in the side of the Second Wizarding War that supported Voldemort and, as a result, received the brunt of his opposition's disdain. As much as she disliked the feelings of resentment, she understood why they existed. While staying in London, she heard many stories about the devastating casualties on the winning side, most of which involved her own students. However, Kagome heard absolutely nothing about those who lost. Whenever she asked, she was always brushed off or told whatever that filth got was too good for them. Not wanting to elicit any more negativity, Kagome left the matter alone. But, after hearing Draco called a 'Death Eater', her desire to know more resurfaced.
'Maybe Kingsley-san or one of the professors will be more forthcoming with information. They'd at least handle my questions more with tact,' Kagome reasoned, 'Or one of the students could tell me. Maybe Malfoy-kun.'
As hopeful as she was, Kagome had a feeling he wouldn't say much either.
When the first bell rang, more students filed into the room and artfully avoided Draco as they took their seats. It was easy to accomplish with such a small number, but the division was also more noticeable.
"Hello, everyone!" Kagome said once they all arrived, "Great to see you all again. I'll just call roll then we'll get started."
Having recognized everyone from yesterday, Kagome quickly read through the list of names: Hannah, Michael, Justin, Anthony, Hermione, Sue, Neville, Draco, Harry, and Zach. As they were instructed to yesterday, all of the students either said here or raised their hand as their name was called.
"Now that that's over with," Kagome said as she set the scroll aside, "let's run through the course basics. I know all of you are used to having History of Magic with Binns-senpai, but this class is going to be taught a little differently." She paused for the unexpected onslaught of cheers.
"Anyway, since we have such a small number of students, I think we can get away with having a little fun," Kagome continued, "Of course, we'll still have regular lectures and writing assignments, but I would like to work a few firsthand experiences with Eastern culture in our curriculum if McGonagall-sama allows it.
"Another deviation from your typical history class is a group assignment you all will work on and present for grades during your midterm and final. Are there any questions?"
Hermione raised her hand and asked, "Will you be having tutoring hours like you do with your other class?"
"Of course! I'll have them all scheduled by the end of the week," Kagome answered, "Now, if you don't have any other questions, let's begin."
When no one else spoke up, Kagome started her lecture material. For the duration of the period, her speech went smoothly accompanied by the sound of quill tips furiously scratching against parchment.
She began by naming the specific regions she'd be covering in this course. Their focus was on China, India, and Japan while briefly touching other areas such as Vietnam and Taiwan, the island nations in the Pacific, and Middle Eastern countries. After that, she moved onto current issues in these regions such as their political infrastructure to establish a benchmark for later material. For the most part, governments in all these areas had a similar framework to the British Ministry only with several additional offices to accommodate and maintain relations with demonic and spiritual beings.
From the corner of her eye, Kagome noticed Zach raise his hand as he slumped back in his seat.
"Yes, Smith-san?" she addressed him.
"Why bother with so many demon liaison offices in your Ministry?" he asked, referring to the assortment of exclusive departments Kagome listed, "Aren't they the same as any other beasts with near human intelligence?"
"I wasn't able to cover that yesterday, but I can assure you they are not," Kagome answered, "Wizards and demons only began collaborating about a century ago, but a lot of progress has been made to improve relations between them such as the liaison departments. In fact, there are many Ministry officials who are demons including the first and, currently only, demon Minister of Magic, Sesshomaru-sama from Japan."
Sue timidly raised her hand, and Kagome quickly acknowledged her.
"Have you ever met him?" she asked.
"Yes, I have, and we knew each other quite well," she replied with a smile, "We first met a long time ago, but that's a topic for another time."
Kagome took a look at the clock on the wall and her time was nearly up.
"Okay, guys. That's it for today. I'll see you next week with more information on your group project. Class dismissed!"
After putting their notes away, a few students stayed behind to ask more questions, Sue in particular who was of Chinese descent. Others, like Malfoy, left without a word.
"Scoot, you guys!" Kagome gently scolded the crowd around her desk, including Harry and Hermione, "I don't want to be responsible for you being late for your other classes."
"Right," Hermione said as the others began to leave, "but, before we leave, Higurashi-sensei, I wanted to ask how your kitten is doing."
"Kitten?" Kagome curiously repeated.
"The one Hagrid was taking care of yesterday, the same one we saw in the bookstore when you first met Harry," Hermione clarified.
"Oh!" Kagome exclaimed. She nearly forgot about that encounter.
'I have to be careful when I talk about her,' she thought, 'Granger-chan is a very sharp girl. She'll definitely notice if I slip up on something.'
"She's well!" she hastily answered, "I picked her up this morning and dropped her off in my room. I'm sure she'll wander in later when she gets hungry."
"Oh, how wonderful! I hoped she would recover soon," Hermione exclaimed, "Well, Harry and I should get going."
"Right," Harry remarked with a nod, "See you, professor."
"Same to you two!" Kagome replied and waved as the two Gryffindors left.
"Since when do you call her 'sensei'?" Harry asked once he and Hermione were in the hall.
"It just sound so much better than 'professor', don't you think?" Hermione commented.
"I suppose," he replied with a shrug.
"Higurashi-sensei's class is so interesting!" she continued, "Hopefully, we can get started on our group project by next weekend. We'll probably be put in groups of two because there's an even number."
"But Quidditch tryouts…" Harry weakly mentioned.
After much debate with the Hogwarts staff, eighth years were allowed to join their original House Quidditch teams with the underclassmen. Under the unanimous vote from his fellow lions, Harry would reprise his role as team captain with Ginny as his co-captain. This weekend, the Gryffindor team had first dibs on the Quidditch pitch for team tryouts.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Unless they roll over to next week, you'll be fine."
When she recalled Harry's role as captain, she quickly added. "Don't even think about it!"
"Yeah, yeah."
-O0o0O-
Mimiru idly scribbled a letter grade in the margins of a test paper, slouching forward in her desk. The scores from today were a bit higher than the ones from yesterday. As she expected, the students from previous classes informed their friends and housemates about her assessment tests, so they were better prepared for their ordeals.
Under McGonagall's recommendation, the difficulty of the practical exam was dialed back, and many of the demonic obstacles were removed while the written exam remained unchanged. Mimiru didn't exactly agree with the alterations, but it was in their best interest to comply with the Headmistress's wishes. The Hogwarts staff also managed to keep the incident from being reported to the Ministry by any means. McGonagall and the other Head Professors had a lot of influence with their students. The Auror team would still be coming for their regular inspection tomorrow, but it wouldn't be an issue.
Despite the changes Mimiru made, nearly all of the students already formed an opinion about her as a professor. For the most part, the younger students regarded her with fear and awe, eagerly awaiting the teachings of someone so close to their age. On the other hand, the older students didn't consider her so kindly. The results of the eighth year practical exam and Mimiru's youthful appearance was the perfect combination to ensure blatant disrespect and scorn from the upperclassmen.
So far, the most vocal group was the seventh year Gryffindors. One girl notably stood out the most and, by the end of class, Mimiru understood why.
'Ginevra Weasley is Potter's wench,' she thought as she scribbled another mark.
Potter was waiting for the female Weasley by the doorway when class ended. In the midst of their reunion, Mimiru caught Potter's eye and smirked, inclining her head in his direction. The boy sneered in return, grabbed his girlfriend's hand, and left without any further exchanges. She knew she probably shouldn't provoke him, but he was the Chosen One, an icon for the Wizarding world who couldn't become complacent. She expected more from him and the other war participants and was going to get it. Otherwise, this whole assignment would be completely pointless.
'There's nothing more irritating than a lazy hero,' Mimiru thought, then added, 'Or heroine.'
After she reached a stopping point and filed away all of the ungraded test papers, Mimiru stored them in her messenger bag before placing it over her shoulder and leaving her classroom. Once she was in the corridor, she met Kagome further down the stone pathway. The two continued walking together and reached the main level of the castle.
"Hey, partner," Kagome greeted, "So how's your second day going?"
Mimiru shrugged. "Better than yesterday I suppose. Yours?"
"All of my lectures went well, so I can't complain," Kagome answered, "You ready for lunch? We can grab a bite, and I could help you grade those tests. I know you have a lot to finish by your next class."
"If you insist," she replied, "Perhaps we could enjoy a change of scenery as well?"
Kagome giggled. "Are you already bored with the dining hall?"
"I thought we could use some private conversation."
Kagome nodded as she received the underlying message. Although Mimiru's human disguise was necessary for the mission, she knew the neko liked to lower her concealments whenever possible.
"Sounds good to me," she said, "Since it seems like you have a spot in mind, I'll grab some food in the Great Hall then meet you there."
Mimiru nodded and turned to the nearest exit of the castle, which happened to be a window. Kagome sighed when she hopped outside, no doubt startling a few people. Luckily, the opening was on the first level of the castle.
"You can find me by the Forbidden Forest," Mimiru said, "Try not to get lost on the way."
"My sense of direction isn't the problem!" Kagome protested, wearing a pout, "It's this huge castle."
"Sure it is," she quipped before leaving.
"Let's see," Kagome mused out loud, "It is lunchtime, so most of the students should be in the Great Hall by now. I'm already on the first floor, so it shouldn't be too hard to find."
Kagome continued walking until she heard her name called behind her. She immediately recognized its owner, the zealous Potions Master, Horace Slughorn.
'Oh, geez,' she thought as she came to a stop, 'He's a nice guy but too unrelenting! Hopefully, I can cut this conversation short without being rude.'
"Oh Slughorn-senpai!" she exclaimed once he was closer, "How nice to see you."
"Kagome, please call me Horace!" he replied, "We are colleagues after all."
"Oh no, I couldn't do that!" she cried, "I have to show you the proper respect as my senior."
Slughorn chuckled, throwing his head back in mirth. "Very well. It's refreshing to see such a respectful young lady as well as highly skilled one."
"Thank you, but this is only my second day. Such praises aren't warranted."
"Ah, but I have heard of your accomplishments prior to your placement here," Slughorn informed her, "You have quite the long list for one so young."
"Oh," Kagome uttered but knew she shouldn't be so surprised that Slughorn had some knowledge about her career and prior achievements. Anyone who bothered to do a little research could find all of the basic information if they knew where to look.
"You're on your way to the Great Hall, yes? Let's walk together," Slughorn suggested.
"I am but only to pick up a few things and meet up with Mimiru outside afterward," Kagome explained, hoping that Slughorn could take a hint and leave her be.
"Is that so?" Slughorn questioned, "Well, come with me. Your task will go by much quicker if we go straight to the source."
"The source?" Kagome repeated.
"The Hogwarts Kitchens of course."
Slughorn turned and began to lead Kagome to the basement directly below the Great Hall. There weren't many others, especially students, wandering the halls down here. The two came to a stop in from of a large painting depicting a bowl of assorted fruit.
"Here we are," Slughorn announced, "You need only tickle the pear, and the doorway to the kitchens can be opened."
"Really?" Kagome inquired before she reached out and did as she was told.
As she tickled the large green fruit, it began to laugh and wriggle underneath her fingers. Then its shape twisted and contorted until it finally transformed into a green doorknob. Without hesitation, Kagome opened the doorway. Inside, she saw hoards of house-elves hard at work surrounded by pots and pans nearly twice the size they were.
"Wow," Kagome exclaimed, "So this is who makes all the delicious food for every meal."
"Indeed. All you need to do is come, and they will gladly serve you," Slughorn told her before he called over two house-elves.
"Hello there," he stated, "One of our new professors would like to enjoy lunch al fresco. Prepare a basket with enough food for two."
"Of course, sir!" one of the house-elves answered before turning to Kagome, "And what is the miss be liking to have?"
"I still don't know much about English cuisine, so anything you pick would be fine," Kagome stated, "but do you think you could include a dessert? If it's not too much trouble, that is."
"It is being no trouble at all, miss! We is glad to be helping! Very glad!" the elves cried in unison then quickly set to work.
They retrieved a lined wicker basket from a cabinet and began packing it with dozens of dishes they prepared for lunch, several bottles of pumpkin juice, utensils, and glass mugs.
"Slughorn-senpai," Kagome asked the Potions Master while the house-elves worked, "can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," he replied, "Proceed."
Kagome took a discreet, deep breath before speaking. This subject had been on her mind since yesterday and, because Slughorn was so keen on talking to her, she might as well ask him about it.
"Well, I heard this term when I first arrived in London and wasn't sure what it meant," she explained. She decided it was best not to implicate anyone at Hogwarts.
"Ah, I understand. English is a very tricky language especially its slang. So what is it you don't know the meaning of?" Slughorn asked.
"Death Eater."
Soon after Kagome spoke, the color drained from Slughorn's face and his jovial attitude dissipated.
"I see. It's no surprise you heard that term upon arriving here," Slughorn stated, clearing his throat, "Death Eater is the name for a follower of…Lord Voldemort. You've heard of him, correct?"
Kagome nodded and waited for Slughorn to elaborate.
"Right," he continued, "Death Eaters were primarily wizards and witches who were radical, pureblood supremacists who also practiced the Dark Arts without regard to Wizarding law. Most of these wizards as luck would have it were originally members of Slytherin House during the time that Voldemort attended Hogwarts in addition to their children and other relatives."
"Oh," Kagome muttered, pursing her lips in thought.
'I already knew Slytherin was affiliated with Voldemort, but I first heard about Death Eaters from Filch-san,' she thought, 'I can understand why it would be taboo to say considering that most people are still hesitant to speak Voldemort's name. Still… I can't help but think that name…it's a really stupid.'
"Kagome, when and where did you hear that term exactly?" Slughorn questioned, "You didn't hear it from a student, did you?"
"No, of course not!" Kagome exclaimed, frantically waving her hands, "I heard it around the Ministry a while ago, but I didn't have the time to ask what it meant before now."
"Very well," Slughorn muttered although it seemed like he didn't believe her.
The two elves charged with the task of preparing the takeaway meal approached the two professors and broke the tense moment between them. They both held out the basket, bowing their heads as they did.
"Thank you," Kagome told them as she received it.
"Miss is being far too kind!" the elves exclaimed, falling back on themselves, "No thanks is being needed. It is our duty to be serving all inhabitants of Hogwarts Castle with pride!"
Kagome smiled before she and Slughorn turned to leave. "And you do so very well."
"I believe I'll leave you to your lunch. I'll be speaking with you again very soon," Slughorn said in parting.
"Right. Until then," she replied with a strained smile.
Though he was disturbed by the question Kagome asked, Slughorn was still inclined on getting to know her better. The more time she spent with him, the more she felt like a specimen under a microscope.
Kagome followed Slughorn back up upstairs before leaving through the closest doorway. Once outside, she continued until she entered the Forbidden Forest. She paused briefly to track Mimiru's unique energy signal. When she found it, she went deeper into the woods, and she found her partner seated amongst the roots of a tree in a copse circling a small clearing. She wasn't wearing her human disguise as she cleaned her bloodied claws, quickly darting her tongue over the stained talons.
Kagome grinned, walking in closer. "Don't tell me you wasted a student already."
Briefly looking up, Mimiru replied, "As if one would come this far into the woods."
"Then I'm sorry I took so long. I didn't realize you'd be so hungry that you'd go hunting," Kagome said as she plopped down next to her and set the picnic basket aside. On the tree roots next to them lay three rabbits, all beheaded and skinned.
"You even cleaned and dressed them," she added.
"I did that because you don't like the sight of them otherwise. And they are not for me," Mimiru retorted.
When she finished cleaning her fingers, Mimiru pointed ahead of them. Behind the trees, Kagome looked and saw a herd of creatures she'd never seen before entering the clearing. They had the front legs, wings, and head of an eagle while all their posterior features resembled that of a horse. Enfolded by the adults was a small group of their young, walking forward on slightly shaky limbs.
"New friends of yours?" Kagome asked.
Mimiru nodded. "I met them yesterday. According to Hagrid-senpai, they're called hippogriffs and are immensely proud creatures. Proper introductory etiquette is to bow and maintain eye contact until acknowledged."
"Oh!" Kagome cried.
She stood and slowly approached the hippogriffs. Once she was close enough, she bowed, looking at the herd without blinking. The largest hippogriff of the group, a male with grey plumage, broke through the ranks and advanced, staring with a piercing orange gaze. After a few minutes, the hippogriff kneeled on his front legs and bowed his head. The others in the herd followed suit.
"You gained the trust of all of them at once," Mimiru remarked, impressed, "Kudos."
Kagome stood to her full height. "Thanks. I take it the rabbits are for the little ones, right?"
After she retook her seat by Mimiru, the three hatchlings parted from the main herd and trotted closer to them. Kagome smiled and held up one of the rabbits, ignoring the slimy feel of the carcass in her hands. At the sight of food, they opened their beaks and eagerly tore into its flesh. Kagome set the rabbit on the ground and watched as they ate, wiping her hands on her jeans.
"Is it alright to feed them like this?" Kagome asked. She reached out and gently petted one of the hatchlings. It playfully squawked and ran its tongue over her palm before returning to its meal.
"It's fine since they're not old enough to hunt on their own," Mimiru explained, "Hagrid-senpai is the one who usually takes care of them. He also uses them for his classes."
"Oh, so they're domesticated?" Kagome asked.
"Somewhat. This herd and others are taken care of by Hagrid-senpai and allowed to roam free in the forest at the same time," Mimiru answered, "The alpha of this group is named Buckbeak."
"You mean the grey one?" Kagome inquired, referring to the hippogriff that returned her greeting first.
She jumped when Buckbeak made a noise in the back of his throat and walked to her, resting his great head on her shoulder.
"I guess that answers my question," she remarked and stroked his facial feathers, "They're so beautiful. I've never seen a chimera like this in Japan. They usually resemble dragons or serpents. Hippogriffs must be exclusive to European countries."
"Possibly," Mimiru replied and started removing food from the basket, noting how much was packed inside.
"You certainly brought a lot for just the two of us."
"It wasn't me," Kagome clarified, "The house-elves from the kitchens packed it."
"There are house-elves in the kitchens?" Mimiru commented as she placed a plate of sandwiches in her lap, "Sesshomaru-sama should replace Jaken with one of them. It would be much less bothersome and much more pleasant."
Kagome giggled as she poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice. "But I hear they usually punish themselves. It would be a shame to take away the pleasure of the daily Jaken punt."
"A valid point. If Jaken enjoyed that, it wouldn't be nearly as fun."
Kagome chuckled as she took a sip of her juice. "So when's your next class?"
"Right after lunch. Yours?"
"My next one's the second afternoon period," Kagome replied, "I can take care of that grading during my free period if you want."
She tossed a rabbit to Buckbeak when the hatchlings ate their fill and dozed off on top of her legs. "And entertain your friends too."
"I would appreciate it."
Mimiru grinned when she finished the sandwiches and unearthed the packed dessert, bypassing the other dishes.
"A whole fruit tart."
"Don't even think about it after that chocolate episode," Kagome warned her, "I will not be covering for you if you revert again."
"I won't," Mimiru said as she cut a piece of the tart, "Besides, fruit isn't as heavy as chocolate."
Kagome rolled her eyes but also took a slice and savored the flavor of the sweet dessert. Once the two finished half of the tart along with most of the picnic, Kagome packed away the leftovers while Mimiru stood and brushed herself off, preparing to leave. Once she finished, Mimiru handed Kagome the exams and repositioned her bag over her shoulder.
"See you around."
"Later. Don't forget to replace your concealment before you leave the forest."
Mimiru nodded before dashing off in a blur. Once she was gone, Kagome went right to work grading. She was certain the students were a bit shocked to see the paper printouts instead of the parchment they were used to. Luckily, the exams were printed on paper charmed to prevent ink smudges as it was used exclusively in their Ministry.
"First year students, huh?" Kagome mumbled as she retrieved a pen from her pocket, "This should be interesting."
A few minutes after she stared, Buckbeak cawed and lifted his head from Kagome's shoulder. As soon as he moved to the center of the clearing, the other hippogriffs in the herd followed.
"Leaving already?" she asked.
Buckbeak looked to her then at the three hatchlings sleeping with their heads in her lap before looking at Kagome again.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "I'll still be here for another hour or two, so I don't mind watching them for a while."
Buckbeak nodded and cawed once more before leading most of the herd away from the copse. Only one hippogriff remained, a tawny brown female, and trotted to Kagome's side. When she kneeled into a sitting position, Kagome reached up and scratched her feathers.
"You must be their den mother," she deduced.
The hippogriff gurgled as she took up her post, appearing to rest but still at constant alert. Kagome nodded and continued her work.
-O0o0O-
"Thanks fer helping me, Harry," Hagrid told him as he walked by his side, "I hope Professor Flitwick doesn't mind me keeping ya out for a minute. Yer the only one the hippogriffs took to as much as me."
"It's fine," Harry replied, "No problem at all."
Lately, Harry began to notice a lot of the teachers were giving him certain privileges. It was nothing drastic but enough for him to notice. Whenever he arrived a few minutes late to class, he was excused with no consequence. And, though there were no assignments given yet, professors were paid him extra attention. Without even realizing it, they were also swept up by the fact he was the Chosen One and treated him differently.
'All but one,' he thought bitterly.
The image of Asakawa charging her attack and hitting him with no inhibitions was burned in his memory just as her strange conjured fire scorched him to the bone. Those indifferent eyes and mocking smirk taunted him to no end. Still, she treated everyone the same so far; one student was regarded no better than the other. That in itself was slightly reassuring.
'And her too,' he added in hindsight.
Higurashi reserved her judgment and treated all of her students with warmth and kindness even though she seemed more familiar with some. Harry smiled despite himself; someone like her can even find the good in Asakawa.
"I don' know where the hippogriffs have been herding, but they clutched before the semester started," Hagrid interjected on his thoughts, "They've been making themselves scarce now that they have the young ones to worry bout."
"Really? Is it safe to use them for the third year class then?" Harry asked.
"Fer sure! We'll only be borrowing the adult males for class," he answered, "The females will watch over the young ones."
As Hagrid and Harry trekked through another row of underbrush, they encountered the herd with Buckbeak front and center on the other side.
"Hey there, Beaky!" Hagrid happily called out to the hippogriff. Curiously, he inspected the herd, scanning each member.
"Where are the young ones?"
Buckbeak clucked his tongue before walking back in the direction the herd came in. Following their lead, Harry and Hagrid trailed after them until they reached a clearing several meters away.
"Well, I'll be," Hagrid quietly murmured when he and Harry came to a stop.
Resting against a large tree with the group of hatchlings watched over by the tawny feathered female was Higurashi. The professor had a file folder pressed against her chest as the hatchlings curled against her, all resting their heads in her lap and along her legs. Higurashi looked so serene and peaceful as she slept, an odd sentiment for someone in the Forbidden Forest.
"What is she doing out here?" Harry asked.
"Dunno. We should probably wake her up."
Hagrid and Harry approached the sleeping professor, alerting the surrounding hippogriffs of their movements. The hatchlings and the elder female stood and stepped away from Higurashi, joining the rest of the herd around Hagrid.
"Harry," Hagrid said as he began to inspect the young, "why don' ya wake her while I see to the young ones?"
"Sure," he answered with a slight gulp before walking over to the tree.
Unsure of what to do once he was by Higurashi's side, Harry slowly knelt beside her, dirtying the bottom of his robes.
"Professor Higurashi," he hesitantly called out, "Wake up, professor."
Higurashi moaned as she wrinkled her nose and gradually awakened. She blinked her eyelids several times as she tried to clear her vision before opening them fully. At the same time, she delicately tucked a piece of hair behind her ear that tickled her nose, looking utterly adorable in Harry's eyes.
"Potter-kun?" she questioned once she spotted him beside her, "What are you doing out here?"
"Well, you see…" Harry began nervously, "Hagrid and I…well, we are…" He cursed himself for getting so easily flustered at her closeness.
"Are you alright, Potter-kun?" Higurashi asked when he didn't give a clear answer, "You look flushed."
"Oh, I'm fine!" Harry replied, his voice steady enough to speak coherently, "Hagrid and I just came to get the hippogriffs for the Care of Magical Creatures class and found you with them."
"Is that so?"
Higurashi lifted her head and saw the half giant a few feet away, tending to the hippogriffs and inspecting them for any signs of illness or injury. When he caught her eye, Hagrid smiled and waved.
"Hullo there, professor! It looks like the hatchlings took a shine to ya," he called out to her.
"It seems so," Higurashi said with a grin, "So which class is this for?"
"It's for me third years," Hagrid answered, "Class is bout ready to start."
"Lunch is over already?" she questioned.
"It's been over fer a while now," he answered with a shake of his head, "Nearly time fer the second afternoon period."
"What? It's already that late?" Higurashi exclaimed before she gathered everything she had in the basket and shot to her feet, "I can't believe I slept for so long!"
"Hold it!" Hagrid called out before she could bolt, "Looks like the hatchlings made a bit of mischief with yer clothes."
Higurashi paused and looked down to see her jeans covered in claw marks, nearly torn to shreds. She sighed as she bent over and ran her hands down the length of her thighs, feeling bare skin through the vertical slashes.
"I gotta go change," she grumbled, "Now I'll be late for sure"
Harry frowned when he saw the pout on Higurashi's face.
"Hold on. I'll take care of it," he called out and pulled out his wand, "Reparo!"
The tears on the jeans began to rapidly mend themselves until they returned to their prior state. Higurashi giggled as the denim was repaired.
"Hey, that tickles!" she exclaimed as she waited for the spell to complete.
Once it was done, she appreciatively rubbed the length of her thigh again, quietly appraising her newly spelled clothes.
"Not bad," she commented and looked at Harry, "You helped me yet again, Potter-kun. Thank you."
"Any time," Harry replied, scratching the back of his neck. Talking to Higurashi seemed to be getting a little easier even though she kept stroking her legs in such a suggestive way. He tried his best not to stare.
"Well then," Higurashi began while grabbing the basket, "Ja ne, Hagrid-senpai, Potter-kun!"
With a small wave, she ran off in the direction of the castle leaving Harry and Hagrid behind.
"Blimey. She's an odd little thing, innit she? Especially if she got on with the herd right after they clutched," Hagrid said to Harry.
Harry shrugged. "Well, she does work with demons. Maybe Care of Magical Creatures is related to her field."
"Could be," he commented with a nod, "Come on then. Let's get everyone ready fer the third years."
"Yeah."
As Harry helped Hagrid round up the adult males, his mind began to wander. Once again, Higurashi failed to perform a simple spell; this was the third instance since he met her. Harry was convinced that was why she was still on his mind long after she left.
-O0o0O-
Draco staggered into his afternoon Charms class, arriving a few minutes after it started. He skipped lunch to wander around the castle and find a secluded section for him to sit and reflect, not brood as Pansy and Blaise put it. Once he found the spot he desired, he realized he lost track of time and headed to his current class.
"Mr. Malfoy, you're late," Flitwick said as he entered his classroom, "Five points from Slytherin. Please take your seat."
Draco nodded, not too concern with the point deduction, and sat in the back by Blaise.
"Nice of you to finally join us," Blaise said once Flitwick began to lecture again, "And how was my lovely blossom this morning?"
"Fine, but I'd prefer if you didn't call me that again," Draco replied with a wry grin.
Blaise rolled his eyes. "You know who I'm referring to."
"I do not understand what your fascination is with that woman," Draco stated flatly.
"Really? It's not as if I came back to Hogwarts to get the top mark in Charms class," he retorted with a devious grin, leaving no doubts about what he was referring to. "I'm telling you, mate. Find yourself a nice bird, and have a shag or two in the broom closet. Do it for the both of us."
At that moment, Potter walked in the classroom, his robes in disarray and hair mussed as always.
"Sorry for being late, professor," he said upon entering.
"No problem, Mr. Potter," Flitwick greeted him with a smile, "Have a seat."
"Potter seems to be taking my advice," Blaise commented once he sat in between Granger and Weasley.
Draco grimaced. "I'd rather not think about him shagging the Weaslette before classes if you don't mind."
"Well, he's only a few minutes late, so I'm guessing you won't have to think about that for long," Blaise quipped with a smirk, "The tosser doesn't have much stamina for the Chosen One."
Draco rolled his eyes and readied his quill and parchment to take notes. Unlike others, he couldn't afford to get behind in his lessons.
As he began to write, he saw Higurashi running down the hall from the corner of his eye. He wasn't sure whether she had a class to teach or not, but her appearance was certainly odd. Her hair was swaying behind her head in a wild raven curtain with leaves and feathers entangled in her locks and clinging to her clothes.
Draco hoped Blaise didn't see her. The last thing he needed was for him to have more fuel for his fantasies by seeing Higurashi with such a frenzied yet adorable look.
'So described for Blaise's purposes only,' Draco thought and continued writing, blocking all mental considerations of Higurashi from his mind.
-O0o0O-
punkish furball – I hope you all enjoyed this latest installment. Before I leave you guys, I'd just like to say these two awesome Harry Potter/InuYasha crossovers gave me the inspiration to finish this chapter: Serendipitous by Spastic Freak and In a World of Deception by RainLily13.
Until next update, TCB! :3
(revised 11.26.2013)