Take Four: Tactics (and Fanatics)

"Eleven-twenty-six from Hogsmede," announced the man in the old-fashioned tweed suit and fisherman's galoshes. He consulted a round, gold watch in a religious manner, wiping away imaginary grime from the glass surface.

Unruffled by his second portkey experience, Kakashi stood up from his crouch and gazed into the foggy, desolate moorlands, impenetrable even by the near-noon sunshine. At his side Madam Hooch and Professors Sinistra and Flitwick were equally composed.

He scratched at the junction between his ear and cranium, the string of the eye patch he donned for the occasion digging into his skin. Glancing at his own attire of civilian jeans, long-sleeved black shirt, and black mask (it was sorely missed during the past three weeks), he wondered if there was a mistake. He must have lost the memo telling him that he would stick out like a sore thumb if he dressed like a 'muggle' and not a 'wizard trying to dress like a muggle'.

Even for his tastes, that was just a bit too counterintuitive.

He eyed the pair of wizards that greeted their party, wondering if it was pure obliviousness for civilian style or a genuine thought that they actually looked like 'muggles' in their getups. At his elbow, Flitwick familiarly greeted the two men committing the, in his humble opinion, fashion mistakes. "It's been quite a long time Basil. Sorrel."

"Professors!" The man, Basil, with the layered poncho-kilt catastrophe waved his quill in greeting. "Here to enjoy the World Cup?"

"Oh yes. It's time to cheer on the Irish team." Madam Hooch smiled eagerly. A crown of bright green clover leaves was interwoven with her hair, showing clear support for her favoured Quidditch team.

Sinistra glanced around, fiddling with the bangles around her wrist. "Has it been a long day?" She was dressed in an outdated milk maid's outfit.

"Busy and tiring," boomed Sorrel loudly, tweaking his gaudy plaid tie. "Quite eventful. Had a party of fourteen just now. Busy busy. Very busy."

"Well it is the Quidditch World Cup." Hooch spoke the words reverently.

"Yes, yes - but on to business. This party is registered as…?" Basil consulted the length of parchment at hand.

Sinistra sniffed and answered wispily, "Hogwarts."

"Yes, yes. Hogwarts. A party of four…Ah-!" His eyes paused near the top of the list. "Heading off to Mr. Potts' field, you are. West of here – housed with the rest of our more notable company…Good news. The living quarters are pre-arranged too. For the Ministry's special guest I believe it was..."

Kakashi felt the focus shift to his person and he murmured negligently, "Hm? Are you talking to me?"

The man sputtered, turning a pale pink, but Flitwick intervened efficiently, "Thank you for a job well done, Basil. We'll be on our way now."

Basil wilted, "-O-Of course."

Sorrel checked the golden watch and coughed, "Yes. Busy schedule. Another party is about to arrive."

Flitwick waved one last time before leading the party to their luxury one-night tents. "This way."

Following along, Kakashi observed his surroundings analytically, eyes taking in minute details as more and more badly-dressed witches and wizards came in sight. Tents that did not resemble tents – more like elaborate, magical canopies – were pitched to-and-fro – scattered multicoloured seeds in a garden. Playing Merlin's tag, wild children ran by, squealing as they weaved around their legs. Adults were roasting lunch in ill-conceived camp fires, fires that looked ready to jump out of their pits and set aflame the nearest tree (But it's an elementary skill...!). Brooms soared by his head, bristles brushing his hair as they swerved too close.

Kakashi scowled behind his mask.

All in all, it resembled an uncontrolled gathering of people under sweltering summer conditions. Despite the blatant display of magic, he could not see the culture behind this.

…Unless of course, this rally-like atmosphere was 'the culture' Dumbledore chattered on about. Then really, he didn't feel like he was missing much. If he wanted a mass gathering of animated, excitable people, all he had to do was find Naruto and ask him to use his Multi-Shadow Clone jutsu.

Instant 'fiesta'.

When they neared their designated Prussian blue tent, Kakashi pretended obliviousness to Sinistra's surprised flinch. To his immediate left, Flitwick appeared peakish, adjusting his gleaming glasses purposefully. Even distracted Madam Hooch, enchanted by the hurrah-hurrah atmosphere, paused for a second to primly smooth out her pencil skirt.

Carefully leaning to one side, he observed the person flittering towards them

"Hem hem."

Kakashi frowned. Can a woman really wear that much pink under high-noon daylight? Sakura would probably have an aneurysm if she saw her.

He had never found the colour that alarming until now.

The imagery presented (dashed with a black, velvet bow he might add) outcompeted the 'pink couches and red doilies' excuse he concocted during his first week at Hogwarts. In fact, her fluorescent clothes could very well give pink couches a bad name. What gaudiness. Well. At least the woman had the decency to hide her distaste behind a lipstick red smile.

The shorter woman simpered behind a dimpled grin. "Hem hem. How wonderful. How wonderful." She paused and lifted a hand in greeting, smiling overbearingly. "You must be Mister Kakashi Hatake. The Ministry has heard great things about you from your country. We are honoured that you're here on such...friendly terms."

Dumbledore interjected smoothly in Konoha's native language, "Your identity has never been revealed to the Ministry, Mr. Hatake."

"Hnm." Kakashi turned a page of his book. "Hmm...Lying to your own government?"

"And your alibi..."

The shinobi rested the novel against his lap gently. "I suppose that's already taken care of?"

"Oh yes – in fact when you first arrived in the wizarding world. But even up until now your alibi is being extended. Continually fabricated, if you will." Dumbledore gazed at him neutrally. "Care must be taken when interacting with the Ministry."

A very brief pause.

"...I'm sorry to say but even the ones in governmental positions don't view your shinobi nations very highly." There was plenty left unsaid. They have an agenda.

"All politicians have an agenda...Does it coincide with mine is another question all together." But Kakashi kept those thoughts to himself and instead eye-smiled. "Figures. So when will I get to know this 'Kakashi Hatake' fellow?"

"Soon. Very soon." Dumbledore opened a drawer in his desk and withdrew a stack of papers. "Hopefully you'll find the background acceptable."

The shinobi shrugged, running a thumb over the edges of the parchment, and commented frankly, "As you are my client who has invested much time over this, I am in no position to complain. But..."

Dumbledore watched him with quiet power behind every minute movement. "Yes?"

Regardless of the warning, Kakashi continued, "But I will adjust the story if necessary."

Kakashi considered the rotund Ministry official in front of him, oozing a honey-sweet...girliness, and made his decision. A lie for a lie. Equally insincere, he bowed and commented blithely with a heavy accent, "The plea-sure is all mine, Miss...?"

She batted her eyelashes and rested a hand over her buxom dramatically. "Oh yes how silly of me. Dolores Umbridge." Her pitched voice gave way to a short, airy laugh. "Unfortunately, Minister Fudge is quite busy at the moment entertaining other affairs. But I assure you that you'll have the opportunity to meet the prestigious man himself soon enough."

"Hum, a man of politics...Always busy with the weaving-"

He felt his Hogwarts 'colleagues' hold in a breath. They were probably wondering if he was going to criticize their Minister in front of an – obviously – upper echelon Ministry worker. And perhaps, they might also be thinking up reasons on why he reverted back to his 'foreign English' now of all times...

Dishonesty. Your body language betrays you, Umbridge. "-the weaving of relaton-sips. And net-works." Kakashi flourished his hand in dismissal. "No, no. I not...off...offemd? No...offended by his missing."

"Merciful in nature?" Umbridge rested both hands in front of her, clearly ignoring his butchering of English with dignity. "A befitting personality – exactly what I expected of one with an Asian ancestry of pure-blooded wizards."

Hiding behind his own veil of libel and deceits and truths, he bowed curtly once more, making eye contact as he shifted stances. "I am glad I meet your estemmed ex-pecter-ta-tons Miss Um-Um-Um-Hum...Excuse me."

"Umbridge. Dolores Um-bridge." The botched sugar-coated compliment did not waver the Senior Under-Secretary's mannerisms. "And-"

"Excuse me Madam."

Kakashi shifted his attention to the fast approaching wizard with the awfully familiar face...

Umbridge cleared her throat noisily, hiding her annoyance at being interrupted. "Yes, Mr. Shacklebolt?"

The tall, dark man, Kingsley Shacklebolt, halted at a respectable step from the pair and murmured quietly, "The Minister is in need of your expertise with the Bulgarian delegation."

"Hem hem. I understand." Waving her hand in a motion best perceived as 'SHOO', she grinned winsomely at Kakashi, revealing pearly white teeth. "Terribly sorry my dear diplomat friend but duty calls. Please, go forth and be acquainted with your living quarters. I'm sure Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt here will be happy to assist you."

Diplomat friend. Interesting. Perhaps he did have diplomatic immunity in this country – a first, considering his notoriety in the Bingo Books back home. Kakashi acquiesced grandly, "Yes, go to your import-tant du-tees. I go explore."

He did not miss the flicker of amusement in her companion's deep, brown eyes.

Umbridge rounded on Shacklebolt with overt meaning. "Ensure our guests are treated well..." In a louder voice, she said, "Hem hem. I shall see you later this evening then Mr. Hatake. Professors. Good day to you all."

"Good day, Madam." Flitwick tilted his fur cap and the women nodded, keeping their silence. Kakashi waved goodbye cheerfully.

She departed soon after, tottering along and disappearing into the midst of tents. The three original Hogwarts instructors seemed to heave a sigh of relief. Kakashi slouched into his posture, bored and unflappable.

He noticed Hooch opening her mouth before snapping it shut again; clearly, she was still not over the mockery he had inflicted. As always in the past three weeks, she merely gazed at him standoffishly.

It was Flitwick who started hesitatingly, "Good woman. Dedicated to her job."

"Hm." He neither agreed nor disagreed.

Sinistra sniffed haughtily. "She was a bit rude."

"Aurora-" Hooch waved towards Shacklebolt – the outsider who works for the Ministry – meaningfully. Sinistra couldn't quite bring herself to care.

At the insinuations and rapid gesturing, Kingsley's nose flared but the man otherwise did not comment.

Kakashi creased his eye into a caricature of a smile. "I don't think Mr. Shacklebolt really cares what we think."

He noticed that that elicited a careful eyebrow-raise response from the man in question (Was that anxiety?). Kakashi commented with misdirection around Hooch's glower, "Not that your opinions don't matter, Madam, but Mr. Shacklebolt appears to only care about catering to our every needs."

But oh, how Kakashi knew through gut instincts that Kingsley Shacklebolt was fishing for something from him...For one, why didn't he call him out on Umbridge when he knew he was faking?

Slightly uneasy by the leering, Shacklebolt coughed quietly in attention. "If you would please, to your right is the designated tent. You will find the quarters most accommodating."

"Thank you sir," acknowledged Sinistra. And that, apparently, was that as she floated through the entranceway draped with fine silk.

"Knowing her she's probably off sleeping," sighed Hooch, disapproving. "What a waste of precious time."

"Now now Madam." Flitwick patted her arm gently. "You and I both know she prefers the night."

"Well yes but at the Quidditch World Cup, Filius! I think I will convince her to come along with me in making rounds."

"But-"

"Don't worry. She will thank me later." Madam Hooch strode purposefully into the tent, a worthy mission at hand.

Kakashi shifted. At his side, Shacklebolt stood stone still.

"She should learn that Aurora's on her nocturnal cycle." Flitwick slumped over in defeat before carefully repositioning his fur cap, asking tiredly, "Well Mr. Hatake. What about you?"

"Hm." Kakashi replied almost immediately, "Exploring."

"Excellent! I will come with you then." "I will accompany you."

He glanced at them both – Flitwick with his sudden eager disposition and Shacklebolt and his collected appearance. Only curiosity was at the forefront of his mind as he shrugged. "Sure."

Flitwick brightened considerably. "It's best to be away when they are squabbling..." Shacklebolt nodded empathically when the tiny Professor chattered away, "And it wouldn't do to let Mr. Hatake wander around alone…No it won't do at all..."

Interesting. Why were they so keen on chaperoning him like, dare he compare to, a virgin girl?

The lump under the covers twitched. "Please Rolanda."

Rolanda Hooch with hands on her hips started to sternly reprimand the poor Astronomy Professor. "Now Aurora you know that on any other day I would let you do as you wish but really. The Quidditch World Cup! The World Cup! The. World-"

Sinistra growled, "I've already lost half a day's sleep."

"Which you can get any other time!" Hooch paced at the foot of her bed, agitated. "It's much too lonely wandering around the festivities unaccompanied."

"Then get Hatake instead," muttered the Professor almost snidely.

"They already left without me and besides, he's Filius' concern. Not mine," groused the Flying Instructor. "No one comes between me and my broomsticks thank you very much."

Just thinking about her reaction though…Hooch could still feel the mortifying embarrassment overshadow the anger.

"Yes but no one cared when the moon scales were vandalized. I had to spend the last two weeks fixing the instrument...At least yours was an illusion of sorts," spoke Sinistra, voice muffled by the blankets.

"There there..." Feeling a smidgen of pity for the Astronomy Professor, she patted the bony shoulder jutting from the bed.

Sinistra shrugged her off and sat up, revealing a dark scowl beneath the mess of long black locks. "And what about the 'English'? I thought that was all behind him now."

The bed dipped under the new weight as Hooch inched aboard. "Well at least it's Umbridge. Did you know that that horrid woman has been stirring up trouble lately? I'm acquainted with a witch who works in the Ministry's third floor; I often have tea with her during our Monté Literacy Board meetings. She's been venting about how Umbridge was one of the more outspoken members against Agatha – you know, Agatha Rookmord the one who was addled in the brains because of a wayward Toxikon spell. Really, you would think the Ministry would have more security when experimenting with the Dark Arts..."

"Yes, yes. It was hard not to notice with those scandalous headlines pasted across The Daily Prophet."

"Well behind the scenes Umbridge claimed 'mental folks' shouldn't have a leave of absence pay. I mean, even so, it was clearly the Ministry at fault so to not take responsibility..."

Sinistra paused, a finely plucked eyebrow raised. "What a load of flying bat dung."

"Exactly. Not that anyone would speak of it to her face…"

"Job loss on the rise?"

"Oh yes, especially those directly confronting Umbridge."

Sinistra murmured, "Makes me glad I decided on Astronomy and placed aside all notions of joining the cubicle club."

"You wanted to join the Ministry?"

"I certainly never imagined children in my future."

Hooch contained an unwomanly snort and appraised her much-more-awake companion. "Well?"

"…What?"

"Let's go and enjoy the sunshine, Aurora. We can continue to share our shameful gossip while walking." Hooch leapt up onto her feet. "I would very much like to bask in the energizing glow of a beautiful Quidditch competition!"

Seeing that her gushing friend really was quite adamant on her participation, she sighed and conceded, "Alright, Rolanda, you win."

"Yes and so will the Irish team!" Eyes gleaming, Hooch exclaimed, "To the vendors! My Galleons are burning a hole in my pocket."

Flitwick found Kakashi quite...Well...Odd.

With that disastrous first week behind him, Flitwick kept to neutral grounds when dealing with the strange foreigner. After all, there was enough negativity and attitude from the rest of the staff without him adding to it. And so with the high road firmly beneath his feet, Flitwick figured that maybe he'd make an effort to know his newly minted colleague better.

...Sadly, it did not work as well as he had hoped with such a quirky individual. It was interesting to note that he was often accompanied by one of his several talking dogs (most of the staff still couldn't get their heads around that fact). In fact, Hatake had a penchant for strange habits. In numerous occasions, he could be seen wandering the halls while reading a thick tome on the English language and parading in a garish spring green scarf. At other instances, he could be caught twisting the fingers of his right hand in odd angles, as if forming half symbols. And oftentimes after a lengthy contortion session, there would be a stark absence of figures in the paintings (when questioned, they responded with a 'felt queasy'). Even the ghosts were known to flee from the scene when his hands twisted into strange signs.

...Then again, the ghosts didn't seem to like Kakashi much (Or was it the other way around?). Everyone else could only ponder upon the reasons behind this.

Very bizarre behaviour.

So when Dumbledore asked him to accompany Hatake to the Quidditch World Cup, Flitwick felt perhaps that maybe his interest on the mystery surrounding the man could be satisfied. But alas, quite the opposite occurred. His curiosity was piqued instead, especially when he was also asked to 'watch out for him'. From what, he was not certain nor did Dumbledore divulge any greater secret. But with Shacklebolt trailing after them, always at an immediate step behind, he knew there was something afoot. A strange aura seemed to follow Kakashi everywhere. At times in close proximity, Flitwick would feel uneasy, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

...Perhaps the Hatake was cursed at birth...?

Glancing at his intriguing colleague, he noticed the docile slouch, hands pocketed seemingly without purpose; even his lone eye was exuding an emotion close to disinterest and apathy. But as an accomplished duellist, Flitwick was versed in looking for weak points and openings in posture. Kakashi, subconsciously or not, must have a fondness for being contradictory. He had to confess, it was always a challenge in just examining his foreign companion for weakness.

Challenging and fascinating, even. He found no misbalance in his seemingly awkward posture and form. This observation was vindicated when he watched him easily avoid five buckets of water that sailed and upturned in midair.

The nearby red-haired man, however, was not as fortunate.

"Are you alright young man?" Flitwick, wand in hand, approached the soaking wet wizard with concern.

Kakashi shuffled after the diminutive Professor. Behind him with the slightest height advantage, Shacklebolt stood guardedly. The bald man did nothing to dissuade his presence so Kakashi tolerated the guard dogging his heels. After all, if he didn't want his company, he would've led them all under that water...

"Ah, thank you. I'm quite fine – no harm done. Just a bit wet is all." The stocky red-head looked up to offer a quick grin before doing a double-take. "Professor? I almost didn't recognize you in your muggle disguise!"

"Charlie Weasley. It's good to see you again." Flitwick, with a soft murmur and a wave of his wand, instantly dried Charlie's clothes.

"Thanks Professor." The red-head brushed his outfit down and asked genially, "How are the students? Bill and I've heard that our brothers have been causing quite the ruckus."

"They're spirited fellows, I'll give them that." Flitwick pocketed his wand. "I presume they're here with the rest of your family?"

"Except for my mum." Charlie ran a hand through wet hair, freckles camouflaged by his tanned pallor. "She's at home. She never did fancy Quidditch much."

Kakashi felt a tinge of humour when he heard that. He didn't even know what Quidditch was other than the fact that there were brooms and balls involved and yet, here he was, milling around at the event.

Flitwick seemed to share his attitude when he nodded approvingly. "I can understand her sentiments."

Charlie, a former Gryffindor Quidditch player and avid Quidditch fan, agreed half-heartedly. "I guess." He paused, glancing back at Shacklebolt and Kakashi, grinning, "So you're here with your friends to enjoy the World Cup match as well, Professor?"

"There's no harm in a bit of excitement." Flitwick gestured towards the two towering men behind him. "And yes, this is..."

He trailed off and Shacklebolt picked up the conversation, rumbling, "Kingsley Shacklebolt. Auror. Currently a part of the Ministry security effort."

The group waited expectantly for the ninja's introduction but he kept them lingering, blinking at them blandly at intervals. After a while, Flitwick coughed into one hand and answered for him, "This fellow is Kakashi Hatake." He beckoned Charlie to bend down to ear level and whispered, "He's the new Hogwarts Mediator."

The taller man thought for a bit, muttering, "Mediator...Mediator...You mean-The Triwizard-?" At Flitwick's nod, the dragon keeper glanced at the shinobi, eyes alighting with recognition. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Hatake."

Kakashi bobbed his head belated, right eyebrow raised. "Mr. Weasley. I didn't know I had a public reputation here..."

Charlie grinned quickly, "The general public doesn't have privy to the information actually; it's only the ones with family members in the Ministry network."

"..."

Undeterred, the red-head started, "So Mr. Hatake, where do you hail from?" Flitwick and Shacklebolt held their silence, also curious for his response.

"Eastern Asia."

"Oh? I've always wanted to go there."

"I see."

"Yes, I hear they have fantastic breeds of dragons that sometimes approach the numerous mountain villages."

Kakashi paused. Well, he did know the 'Water Release: Water Dragon Projectile' jutsu and there really were a few mountain villages in Fire Country, and he may have performed the Water Dragon jutsu in a mountain village on occasion...

Taking his silence in stride, Charlie queried, "Do you live near, on, or maybe even in a mountain?"

Surely the Hokage Mountain counts..."...Near - Yes. On - Not really. In - No."

"Really? Near a mountain? Which chain?" The red-head was genuinely excited. "There have recently been reports of a divergence in the line of Chinese Fireballs, producing offspring with violet-hued scales." He gestured passionately, "Somewhere in the higher altitudes up north. I hear that they're quite the beauts."

Chinese Fireball? He shrugged. "I live in a..." He traced a circle with his finger in the air and then an x. "I think you call it unplottable...?"

"A region that's unplottable?" Charlie frowned, immediately disappointed. "That's a shame."

Kakashi considered how easily Charlie accepted unplottable areas like a common occurrence. Even with his brief research stints into various countries, he wondered amusedly if a lot of places were unplotted...If they were, then their maps must certainly be pretty empty...

It was quite the paradox.

"So, how do you like Hogwarts so far?"

The shinobi shrugged. "It has been…interesting."

"Er." Charlie chuckled awkwardly through the exceedingly one-sided conversation. "But what about the culture and the people you've met so far?"

"Very loud. Very chatty."

Charlie cringed.

If there was one phrase shared between Flitwick and Shacklebolt, it would have been 'complete shutdown'.

But Kakashi finally offered leeway when he rubbed the back of his head, visible eye creasing in a smile. "But the people are…friendly, I suppose."

Kakashi sighed inwardly, striding along with even footing. A tea party. Lesson learned; it was his own fault for being nice. A bit ahead of him were Flitwick and the ginger-haired Weasley who insisted upon tea and sausages. Trailing behind him was Shacklebolt.

And then there was Umbridge.

"Mr. Hatake!"

"Ah-Miss." He took a stagger-step backwards when the pink-dressed woman approached. With her was a mousy assistant who had a monocle dangling off an ear and a putrid lime green tie around his neck.

"Mr. Hatake. I've been searching all over for you."

The shinobi grumbled wearily, "You do not say."

Simpering, Umbridge took no notice to his attitude and eagerly continued, "You must come with me. I shall introduce you to the many officials mingling with the crowd."

"I-ah-I am on-erd that you give me your time." Kakashi held his ground, even as Umbridge entered his personal space. "But I busy."

"Busy-?"

"Yes, busy with tea par-tee." He gestured at Weasley and 'grinned' sheepishly at the Ministry worker.

"But surely you can make time for this."

"Busy, Miss Um-Um…Um-ber-ridger."

'Um-ber-ridger' coloured and corrected him. "Umbridge. It's Umbridge."

Charlie frowned. "Mr. Hatake, your-"

"Ah-Sorry Miss." Kakashi sent a chilling stare at the dragon keeper but Charlie was not cowed until Flitwick stepped on his foot with warning. "Still learn-ing."

"That's fine. Your apology is graciously accepted." She rested her hands in front of her, leaning ever-so-close. "However, I'd be happier if you gave me the opportunity to accompany you."

"Busy."

Umbridge traded looks with an obliquely blank-faced Kingsley and spoke, "Well then, if you insist, I can escort you later. Come, Pavel."

The mousy assistant nodded distractedly as he kept pace with the rapidly departing pink figure. Flitwick eased off of Charlie's foot and pinched at the ridge of his nose.

"I don't understand." Charlie stood imposingly with his wide girth, crossing his arms. "Why did you just-?"

Kakashi shrugged and was about to answer but it was surprisingly Shacklebolt, his personal guard dog, who deterred the younger man. "Do not ask questions, Mr. Weasley, that our guest has no wish to answer."

Flitwick patted the dragon keeper gently on his hand. "It's a Ministry-thing."

"A Ministry-thing?" Charlie exhaled noisily. "I guess I could understand, seeing how neurotically attached my younger brother has become over Mister Barty Crouch."

"Percy?"

Charlie cracked an easy grin as he jested, "Yes. He has posters of his boss and info cards about cauldron bottoms taped-"

"Hm." Kakashi rolled his shoulders and pocketed his hands once more. "I'm going."

"-on his ceiling." The Weasley frowned, "Going?"

"Bye." He walked away with Kingsley bringing up the rear.

"Hey wait a second-!"

Flitwick smiled apologetically, "Sorry about tea. Maybe in a few months?"

"In a few-?". Charlie scratched his nose, thinking about the timetable for the Triwizard Tournament, and nodded, "Sure."

"Give my regards to your family."

"Thanks Professor." Charlie glanced meaningfully towards the foreigner, adding, "And good luck with the Ministry-thing."

By the time dusk settled in, the trio had avoided Umbridge a grand total of four times, excluding the encounter with Charlie. They were currently milling at the vendors within the coliseum. Around them, the wizards and witches were becoming increasingly rowdy and the security appeared to have lost hope in containing the crowd.

Kakashi sighed, slouching, "Excuse me."

"Where are you going?" rumbled Kingsley.

"The 'loo'." He waved a free hand and disappeared, just as Umbridge approached the duo.

"Where is Mr. Hatake rushing off to?" The woman peered around the crowd, about to take a step in a motion to follow him.

"The Men's Room," explained the Auror easily.

Umbridge's gaze seemed to sharpen, muttering under her breath, "He's quite evasive." In a louder voice, the Ministry Official spoke, "You were supposed to watch him, Mr. Shacklebolt."

Kingsley was unwilling to defend himself.

She crossed her arms. "Very well then, I shall wait for him here."

A lengthy silence ensued with Flitwick fidgeting and Shacklebolt staring off into space while Umbridge tapped red-painted nails against her arm impatiently.

"You left her with us," came the flying accusation as Flitwick seated himself gloomily. Already the Quidditch stadium was packed as the atmosphere intensified.

Leaning into his seat, Kakashi explained himself with a short statement. "She was stalking me." When he felt Umbridge's presence, he had escaped and joined Hooch and Sinistra who were already at their upper level seats in the stadium.

"Well-yes-but-!" sputtered the Charms Professor with affront. "That doesn't mean you can leave without saying anything."

"Oh hush Filius and enjoy the game," Madam Hooch grinned, as she peered into the Quidditch pitch. "Aurora, do take a look dear."

But Professor Sinistra was out like a light, snoring softly by Kakashi's ear. The ninja informed her, "She's asleep."

Hooch's golden hawk eyes gazed sharply at the snoozing Professor. "Aurora!"

"Uh-Yes?" The night owl jolted awake, blinking balefully at the Quidditch fanatic.

"The Game, Aurora." Sighing, Madam Hooch stared Kakashi down, eyes blazing with intensity. "Keep her awake, Hatake. I have to focus on the match."

Flitwick, sullen, sighed irately. "Just let her be, Rolanda."

"It's time for the fans to show their support for the Irish team, Filius." Hooch adjusted the dials on a pair of Omnioculars, pressing them against her eyes. "If we didn't come here to cheer, why did we come at all?"

Sinistra's head lolled to the side as she dozed off once more and Kakashi did nothing about it.

And then it started and the stadium became impossibly loud. What appeared to be a giant bee greeted the crowd with vigour as he introduced the Bulgarian and Irish teams.

His ears were muffled by a spell that Flitwick had the foresight to cast when the Veela mascots danced across the field. In his very humble opinion they were quite beautiful but they seemed to lack emotional character. Even Obito agreed when his left eye started to water.

(He never considered it odd that they both saw a bit of Rin dancing to the unknown music...)

Where the Bulgarians had the Veela, the Irish countered with tiny, bearded, green men. The Leprechauns showered the stadium with fake gold, zooming around at a quick pace. The people around him were in an uproar, snatching the illusionary trinkets even as the Leprechauns exploded in colour and gleeful sound.

And through the noise, Sinistra continued to sleep.

As the game progressed, he found himself impressed by the speed of the game. Glancing at Hooch who was engrossed by the movements of the players, he idly wondered if he could take one of Hogwarts brooms for a joyride.

But then again, if it was anything like Wind Release jutsu, he might encounter a few problems. He never did have a good affinity with the Wind element…

By the end of the intense match, the Irish team had won and Madam Hooch was gleefully celebrating with the other fans, dragging Sinistra along.

Flitwick had retired early and he soon followed his example when Hooch attempted to lure him into a lime drinking game.

Not that he wasn't flattered (he watched as a drunken witch sprawled across the lap of Umbridge's assistant and kissed him throatily), but he really didn't want to drink the concoction in the cup.

It was sentient; it had blinking pink eyes.

...He decided that he had enough pink for one day.

It was past midnight.

Kakashi could feel the unnatural heat seep under his thin covers, the cold touch of magic that drifted in the air, and jolted awake, kunai ready in hand. Ingrained senses could tell of a dangerous change occurring and if he focused, he could hear the frightened screaming and taste the heady anticipation. Each breath became softer as he cautiously left his bed and padded to the door of his single bedroom. There was no sound when he wrenched the door open...

...And came face to face with a pale Professor Flitwick.

Filius faltered when he saw the bladed weapon in Kakashi's hand but to his credit, he did not question as he whispered urgently, "Come. We have to leave and get you to safety."

Flitwick quickly scurried off and Kakashi followed. "What's happening?"

With his wand brandished, Flitwick turned on his heels, the dim lights casting his body in a dramatic shadow. "Dark wizards."

"Dark wizards?"

"We have no time; those without magic are in danger. Rolanda and Aurora just left to aid the Ministry against this breach in security. It's absolutely chaotic outside," rambled Flitwick as he fumbled with the tent flap and tore the silk open, revealing the grim scene.

Kakashi took it all in, from the screaming, panicking people and the blazing fires to the utter destruction as a jeering, white-masked crowd marched ever-closer towards them. Hanging above the mob were four figures contorted into impossible shapes, two of which were smaller in size. Children.

Flitwick quickly beckoned at the ninja as he pointed towards the alcove of dense trees away from the pandemonium. "Hurry. They're coming."

"You aren't going to stop them?"

He offered a mirthless smile. "I have my job as they have theirs. Now follow me."

And Kakashi, deciding not to be difficult, easily kept pace as they raced around the burning remains of pitched structures. Many wizards that they passed by were attempting to quell the flames, coming to various results – most unfavourable. And as he stared more deeply into the pits of fire, he could spot a few others struggling against the smoke and heat...Some crying...More than a few fleeing barefooted...

…Agonized, tormented yells…People burned to a crisp…Flames that reached far and destroyed many…Timber collapsing and ash drifting towards bloodsoaked grounds…

Demonic chakra ate at their souls and engulfed the darkened skies in a crimson aureate wave. It rendered reality into a grotesque subpar shadow of its former self.

Bibulous slitted eyes glared as the nine tails reamed through the forest, uplifting trees and his comrades into the air…

"-Kakashi Hatake!"

The shinobi started, hands clenching tightly around his kunai. "Now is not the time for flashbacks, Hatake."

Flitwick, face red from yelling to catch his attention, was signaling rapidly. "Don't stop now. We have to go!"

"I…" He stalled. He wasn't usually one to have a hero's complex – he left that job to Minato-sensei and Naruto – but he couldn't, on good conscience, escape when he knew he could help them.

"We don't have-"

"-time." Kakashi murmured through the haze of smoke, and made his choice. "Let's go."

"Good."

And when Flitwick's back was turned, he fled into the shadows without his babysitter's notice, leaving a Shadow Clone behind to follow the tiny Professor to safety.

The area near the water well was quite close to the chaos. Already the raging fires were fast approaching – too fast to be stopped. In an effort to quell the flames, wizards were rushing to and fro from the well as they either used magic or physical strength to obtain the water.

Inching within proximity, Kakashi used the miasma of smoke to cloud his figure from view. And with deliberate speed, he quickly formed the seals to one of the most taxing Water Release jutsu he knew.

...A billow of wind rushed around him as he molded his chakra, clearing away some of his cover. And when he was at the second last sign of forty-two signs, he could feel the spike of angry and familiar chakra behind him. Uncharacteristic wariness settled at the pit of his stomach...Especially when he identified the owner.

"What are you doing standing around in a middle of a crisis!" screeched the woman as her heels clicked towards him. "If you can't help, hide. And if you're a Ministry worker you should be-"

Realizing that she didn't recognize him (yet), he ignored her and formed the last signs.

-Boar. Bird. Water Release: Water Dragon Projectile jutsu!

He heard yells of surprise when the water in the well churned and blasted into the sky, forming a monstrous serpentine dragon that shimmered in the heat. Stray water droplets ingrained with his chakra fell towards the hot Earth, sizzling, just as the draco surged into the flames, decreasing in size with every fire it put out. Certainly, there were damages to the structures as the offensive jutsu quenched the flames but it was, in his opinion, a small price to pay.

With that accomplished, it was time to face his stalker. He sighed, pocketing his hands nonchalantly, and turned around to greet the lovely puce-shaded face of Umbridge and her associates.

The pink-wearing Official collected herself, hiding her shock.

(A dragon. In a well.)

"Wh-What is the meaning of this?!"

Kakashi's eye curved as he mocked, "Why...It means putting out fires, of course."

TBC

A/N:

Shacklebolt, Shacklebolt – what, what

Umbridge, Umbridge – what, what

Kakashi you cheeky son of a-, your cover's blown – hah.

Maybe not, maybe not – "What do you mean?"

Maybe not, maybe not – your luck might hold

Maybe 'stead of scribing song, I write – next part :)

(Tune taken from "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI" performed by Utada)

~Phoenyxx