Take Eleven: Silver Sickles (are Ninja Props)

The Quidditch Pitch at seven-thirty in the morning was the location of a raucous affair, filled with the entire outraged student population in what would have been considered a muggle fire hazard. To the side in a small loose group, the student leaders conversed in low voices.

"What. The. Hell. This is absolute bollocks!"

Marc patted Amelia's shoulder. "Language, my dear."

Grumbling in disgust, Catharine rolled her eyes at the constant 'camaraderie' displayed by the Gryffindors.

Amelia took offense to her actions immediately and bristled, "Do you have something to say?"

"Maybe I do," taunted the younger Slytherin.

"Calm," intervened Sari, almond eyes glancing at both parties coolly to try and quell the rising tempers and clashing personalities. She then addressed another, "Philippe, was there something you wanted to mention?"

He twittered. "C'est éstrange, non?" The Ravenclaw rested his chin against his fist, thinking deeply. "To think, Mr. Hatake was quite on time for the first two meetings…"

A long pause followed. Mary, picking at her casual sweater, commented slowly, "…He was early both times, I think."

"If my sources are credible, he was the first to arrive to the previous appointments," intoned Natasia. She ignored the indignant squawk from Philippe ("Sources? What sources? Where are my sources?") and concluded, "So yes, he was early for both meetings."

"Then why is he late today…?" pondered Cedric.

Bradley corrected offhandedly, "A better question might be 'what exactly is he planning'."

"And what we should do, instead of aimless wondering-" proposed Jakob, the other Slytherin perfect, coldly, "-is stop him and these absurd meetings."

"That's madness in and itself," grumbled Amelia pointedly. "And I bet you know it. If the Professors, who are supposed to stand on equal grounds with him, can barely stop him, then what makes you think we can?"

Catharine sniffed, "Pleasantries and formalities."

Before Amelia could grumble at her, Cedric asked cautiously, "What do you mean by that?"

The Slytherin obliged silkily, "The Professors can't do anything because of formalities. That, and there's also Dumbledore to consider."

"I concur," said Natasia. "For Hatake to have this much freedom…The go-ahead must be from Dumbledore-"

"-and the fact that he's the Ministry's foreign diplomat!" concluded Philippe with a tinge of horror in his voice. His mind clicked. "Mes amis, I'm afraid our actions won't only affect the balance in Hogwarts but also the political landscape!"

The prefects fell into an uneasy silence. Bradley, their Head Boy, spoke up frankly, "Although that might be true, I doubt our intentions will cause a rift between the Asian and British Ministries."

"And I do get a sense of friendship between the Headmaster and Mr. Hatake," pointed out Mary quietly. "I don't think Mr. Hatake would want a radical damaging change at Hogwarts."

"Right, because radical changes are alright as long as they aren't damaging," sneered Catharine.

Mary coloured slightly and Cedric stepped in again, "Just because we don't agree with Mr. Hatake's methods it doesn't mean that he isn't correct – not saying that he is." Cedric backtracked hastily when Jakob glared at him.

Jakob, pushing his glasses up from the ridge of his nose, spat scathingly, "The '4000 Point Rule' is a childish challenge and taunt."

"…He did indeed give us a near impossible task," said Sari. "But like Bradley and I agreed, we can't stop the Headmaster unless we plan to ignore this challenge…"

Although not spoken out loud, the student leaders knew that Hogwarts' pride was on the line.

Bradley concluded grimly, "Anyway, I'm sure you all agree with me. We will need to be on our toes for the next hour. We can't be sure what Hatake is planning-"

No sooner did those words leave his mouth when in that moment, the doors of the Quidditch Pitch locker rooms slammed open dramatically. Collectively, the student leaders – nay, the entire school – turned to the source of the disturbance. A figure appeared at the shadowy threshold, aura exhibiting control, and when they just about stepped into the dawn light, the students finally woke and cried an earsplitting-

"YOU'RE LATE!"

The figure faltered at the accusation. However with even greater grimness and determination, they crossed their arms and stalked towards the student population like a preying feline.

Striking an impressive figure, McGonagall glowered at the massive, thoroughly embarrassed gathering (because how could they have mistaken the shadowy slighter figure of McGonagall to the reedy Mediator?). Mary hid her face behind her hands while the rest of the prefects shifted their feet uneasily.

"The entire student body…" McGonagall questioned primly, eying the students and their leaders with dourness, "Someone explain to me now. What is going on?"

Exiting the library with arms over his head in a stretch, Kakashi felt a vague unease nagging at the back of his mind. His gut instincts were flaring and the back of his neck, yet again, prickled uncomfortably.

He felt as if he was forgetting something…

Shrugging, he slipped warm fingers into the pockets of his pants, sauntering towards the Great Hall. He took a moment to note the sky blue hourglass sitting on a high shelf above the window; it was filled to the 'seven-forty-seven' notch.

Hm. Seven-forty-seven…

Proceeding along, he was surprised by the lack of students milling around. Normally, there would be a sizeable crowd of students awake at this time to breakfast or otherwise go about their activities. Surely they did not miss the freedom of this day that much to collectively…

"…sleep in," murmured Kakashi out loud. His voice had echoed into the eerily empty room…Well, not entirely empty. Walking into the Great Hall, there was not a soul to be found except for one Alastor Moody, electric-blue eyeball rolling in the socket.

Lounging at the Professors' table, Moody stood up with a dull clunk and intercepted the ninja.

"Hatake."

"Good day, Professor." He tilted his head to the side. "No students around to keep breakfast interesting?"

The scarred face pulled into a smirk. Moody procured an object from his robes and he flipped it once into the air before catching it. He then tossed it towards Kakashi.

Kakashi caught it effortlessly.

Moody rasped, "Thanks for letting me borrow it."

With a raucous laugh, the ex-Auror strode off briskly into the direction of Hogwarts' only sports arena.

Kakashi uncurled his fingers and stared at the silver sickle resting in the palm of his hand. It was the same Sickle he left on Moody's desk two weeks ago. Mind turning over this piece of information, he came to a conclusion. "Hm…I see…So that's what happened."

Looking up, he pocketed the currency and with long strides followed Moody across Hogwarts grounds to the Quidditch Pitch.

He heard McGonagall's voice before he saw her.

"-What is going on?"

"I think I can answer that for you, Professor," he called out calmly. "It's a gathering of students." Beside him, Moody snorted.

In a snap of robes and cloaks, McGonagall spun around and let loose a strangled, "You."

Both Kakashi and Moody entered the Quidditch Pitch and confronted the wizards and witches within. McGonagall stood with her arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently. Behind McGonagall, the angry students shot him extremely dirty, dirty looks. Kakashi rubbed the back of his head and opted to ignore the ruffled students in favour of the one in charge. "Yes me. Good morning, Professor McGonagall."

"Mr. Hatake, care to explain this?" She impressively looked down at him with her shorter stature. "Argus was quite beside himself-" Here, Kakashi thought a derisive 'in excitement, probably'. "-wondering why every single last student was standing at attention since the crack of dawn for no apparent reason."

"I believe you usually round up the students at six in the morning on Saturdays, don't you, Mr. Hatake?" egged Moody.

That was all McGonagall needed to retort in a clipped manner, "Six in the morning and you don't show up until eight."

"Well." Kakashi shrugged. "Well." He then dropped a bombshell, completely unrepentant. "The lateness really isn't my problem."

The students who heard him made noises of disbelief.

"Not your problem?" McGonagall's voice snapped at each word sharply. "Punctuality is definitely your own personal problem!"

He raised his hands up, placating. "Maa…Professor, perhaps we can discuss this privately before this matter is blown out of proportion?"

Moody chortled, evidently amused at this situation, but he agreed with the shinobi gruffly, "The students are watching, Professor."

The witch seemed to collect herself under the firm reminder and nodded curtly, "Very well."

It was then did matters become even more interesting – or at least, the students certainly thought so.

("Oh my gosh, it's a conspiracy! It's a conspiracy!" uttered a little first year boy, eyes wide and arms pinwheeling.)

Dumbledore, with Filch trailing after him, approached the three adults. "Minerva. Kakashi. Alastor. What a pleasant morning."

"Indeed," said Kakashi, facade unreadable.

"Let's have a little chat to sort out this small issue," addressed their Headmaster lightly.

Apparently, Mr. Filch thought 'little chat' spelt 'doom' for a certain Mediator for he started to rub his hands in delight. His joy was short lived, though, when Dumbledore dismissed him. "Thank you, Argus. I'll handle it from here."

If he was disappointed, it did not show on his face. "Of course Headmaster," muttered the caretaker in deference.

As Filch moved away, all the while shooting Kakashi sly triumphant looks, Dumledore amplified his voice to speak with the students.

"Attention. Attention."

Respectfully, the crowd of youth fell silent as the wizened wizard raised his hand.

"Please bear with me as I talk to your professors and Mediator." The Headmaster smiled pleasantly. "With your patience, we will resolve this matter soon."

The four adults moved away from the students and situated themselves at a hidden corner. As a precautionary measure, Dumbledore, with graceful twirls of his wand, set up wards to prevent eavesdroppers from listening into the private conversation.

McGonagall immediately rounded on the Mediator. "Really, Mr. Hatake. All the students show up on time and you don't?"

"That isn't the main issue," he stated evenly.

He watched as Dumbledore clasped his hands behind his back and observed, not looking the least surprised. Moody was also neutral, the unnatural eye tracking the students behind them.

As for McGonagall, the witch tried to comprehend the meaning his words were alluding to but came up short. "How is that not the issue? Is this another one of your roundabout lessons?"

"No." Kakashi uttered the crux of the problem. "It wasn't me."

She paused. "I beg your pardon."

"It wasn't me." Kakashi repeated plainly and honestly. "I didn't write the note. I didn't set up this meeting with the students today." He wanted to keep the students on their toes by not scheduling the meeting this week. Besides, he was busy with the mission last night – drawing the crude, dated map of the Land of Earth stronghold – which he still needed to send off to Konoha.

"But the last two Saturdays-" started McGonagall.

There was dry humour in his voice when Kakashi said, "I think we have a copycat in our midst."

Dumbledore chuckled, understanding the reference for what it was. "Perhaps you might have an idea on who it might be?"

Under her breath, McGonagall sniffed, distrust evident in her posture.

Kakashi took a silver Sickle out of his pocket and rolled it along his knuckles. "I do. Don't you, Professor Moody?"

The small smirk stretched into a wide wolfish grin. "Maybe."

"You are certainly quite observant," stated the shinobi politely. "More so than the students."

"Is that a compliment or are you mocking me, eh, Mr. Hatake? Comparing me with the impressionable youth…" Moody barred his teeth as he grinned.

Ever sharp, McGonagall immediately put two to two together with their dancing words. Her eyebrows rose. "Oh you didn't Alastor," grumbled the senior witch, cross and incredulous.

But everyone knew the answer to that when Kakashi tossed the Sickle back towards Moody.

Your move.

Moody confirmed with a leering remark, "Don't worry. I'll take the credit if you're afraid the students will mangle Mr. Hatake in rage."

McGonagall looked suitably disgusted.

When the four adults returned, they stood in a cluster at the front of the gathering. Dumbledore, perhaps strategically or perhaps more for a symmetrical image of power, placed himself between McGonagall and his hired shinobi. As for Moody, he stood two steps in front of them, hands raised in a curt gesture to gather the attention of the students.

Hands in pockets with his lavender scarf tugged by the wind, Kakashi stance was noncommittal as he listened.

"Students. Your Mediator, Mr. Hatake, did not set this up," proclaimed Moody brusquely.

A hum followed those words and the buzzing from the students amplified when Moody continued, "I was the one who did this."

Kakashi could hear the confusion elicited by Moody's words. Although he was, admittedly, annoyed by Moody's meddling, this was working out to be better (entertainment) than expected. Beside him, Dumbledore hummed.

"Constant Vigilance!" roared Moody, immediately silencing the students as they jumped. "Constant vigilance! Those who are unobservant will find themselves dead in a dire situation."

A student from the crowd questioned haughtily, "And how are we unobservant when we followed your instructions to a tee-"

"Exactly!" said Moody, his blue eye spinning furiously. "For the record, I used owls to send those notes since I didn't have your Mediator's smart little dogs at my beck and call. There was no signature – in method or note. Just from these two points, that should have instilled suspicion. You should have realized that the message was a fake. A forgery."

"You have basically followed the orders of a third party under the assumption that it was Mr. Hatake," expounded their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. "What if an enemy lures you out with a false message claiming to be your ally?"

The young first and second years' expressions were pinched as they realized their folly while the more experienced older years, cowed, shifted under Moody's calculating scrutiny.

"You should be glad all you had to do was pointlessly wait. You should also be thankful to Professor McGonagall and Mr. Hatake for discovering your location so quickly this morning. I was going to make you wait until noon – or until you gave up waiting and went back inside in, incurring a points deduction..."

Moody hid a secret grin but his delight was plain for all to see in his natural eye.

Behind Moody, Dumbledore carried a whispered conversation with Kakashi. "I believe Alastor tipped Argus to alert Minerva and myself of this situation and explicitly told our caretaker not to alarm the other professors."

McGonagall clucked her tongue, interrupting, "Is this what this is? Tipping Argus to tell us so that we can handle this like his pawns?"

"Ah…" Kakashi added, thoughtful, "And Professor Moody led me here too…This was orchestrated by him very thoroughly."

Kakashi observed the back of the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher with an experienced eye; there was no doubt that the Professor, in turn, was observing him for his reaction using his magical eye.

This wizard was certainly meticulous and paranoid. The occurrence today was a testament of this potentially deadly combination. But even more troubling was the fact that this man was doing quite well with his interpretations of his observations and acting on them. Kakashi thought back to the silver Sickle and almost grimaced. Perhaps leaving that Sickle on Moody's desk was not the wisest decision for it was obvious now that Moody thought it a direct challenge and took it upon himself to meet him head on.

Moody was indeed very observational – too observational. He picked up on minor things – behavioural patterns that Kakashi has allowed to slip through – that civilians would normally not pick up or act on.

So this was a snippet of an Auror's abilities…He contemplated at the challenge. Perhaps it wouldn't be so boring at Hogwarts after all…

Dumbledore cleared his throat, catching the attention of all, "Now that we have this matter settled, I believe-"

"-Sorry for interrupting, Headmaster, but I would like to add a few words." Kakashi smiled benignly while Moody perked up in interest.

As for the students, he heard some of them stifle an all-suffering groan.

Kakashi ignored them and stepped forward, level to Moody's position. "Although you have been tricked, I noticed that everyone showed up today; therefore I believe we should reward you with points."

Now the students blinked in collective shock. The Mediator was willing to give points and not be his trigger happy self and take them? Even Minerva nodded approvingly this time, agreeing with his actions.

"And so, I will award five points to each house for finally completing the assignment I sent out for the last two weeks – one that you failed both times. 'Three times the charm', I think that's the muggle saying, isn't it?" Shrugging, he praised sardonically, "Congratulations."

"…What?"

"…Only five points? I could have easily earned five points from snitching and that woulda been less stupid-!"

"This is crazy!"

"We've been cheated-"

Kakashi could feel McGonagall's look of exasperation drilling into his back. Picked up by his sharp ears, McGonagall muttered, "I hoped too soon."

"Now now, I am only practicing restraint with the points system, as Professor McGonagall recommended," said Kakashi over their outrage. McGonagall was grumbling again at his selectiveness. "And I think you can agree that this is better than having each house lose thirty-seven points for inadequate observational skills, hm."

Dumbledore coughed behind a fist, eyes twinkling behind the half-moon glasses. "Is there anything else, Mr. Hatake? Professors?"

"No."

"No."

"Yes." Staring at Kakashi pointedly and defiantly, McGonagall, too, stepped forward and addressed the students, "I believe we should also add ten more points to each house for their show of patience."

Certainly the students should be commended for catering to the whims of such an impossible man – along with his new 'sometimes' accomplice, Moody.

At McGonagall's challenge, Kakashi grinned, eye curving, and showed deference, "Of course, Professor. You would know best as an expert in positive reinforcement."

And so when the other Head of Houses saw that each house was up by fifteen points that morning, McGonagall advised them not to ask and to look a gift horse in the mouth.

She did, however, warn them about the strange sort-of alliance between their Mediator and one Alastor Moody. The other professors predictably went mum as they thought over the implications.

No one commented when Snape's mood became fouler.

Flapping her wings, Awaji tilted her head when the ANBU agent appeared in a swirl of smoke.

ANBU Sparrow bowed. "Hokage-sama."

Tsunade looked up from the map she was perusing and beckoned the ANBU to stand. "Report. Have you found anything else regarding the Land of Earth stronghold?"

"As previously reported, we've found the names of six individuals who had a mission or contact with this stronghold in the last fifteen years. Only three individuals are living today-"

"-Yes." The Hokage tapped at the three maps on her desk. "All three have sent in their maps. Hatake, Kakashi – fifteen years ago." She pointed at the makeshift map in the far left. "Yoshio, Arata – nine years ago." This was placed in the middle. She tapped on the next image to its right. "ANBU Hare – three years ago."

The ANBU agent nodded. "Shall I take these maps and analyze them?"

"Yes, bring these maps. As Squad Delta is currently observing the area, you can assist them in this mission." Tsunade waved her hand and the ANBU agent collected the three important pieces of the puzzle. "From my analysis, the Rock-nin has upgraded the area."

Sparrow nodded again in affirmation. "Yes, our Intel is now backtracking all the previous information they collected of the area. From the early indications, this may have actually been a hive of secret activity."

Musing aloud, Tsunade frowned delicately, "And even with these maps filled with human error…The land seems changed over the fifteen years; the stronghold has shifted closer and closer to the river that runs nearby."

"Which means they needed a larger water supply for whatever they were – and probably still are – doing in there," concluded Sparrow with a sharp intake of breath.

"And coupled with the fact that they stole and brought a top secret Sealed Scroll from Sand to the stronghold…" Tsunade ordered curtly, "Report immediately if Squad Delta finds any other peculiarities in the area but do not engage. Find out what they want. We need to figure out their intentions with this scroll first before plunging forwards." She then added lightly, "Cooperate with the Sand-nin but I expect discretion. I do not want another diplomatic upheaval because of this event."

Once she dismissed Sparrow, she sat back in her chair, rubbing at her temples. "Damn Rock-nin…" It was not every day that the Rock-nin would be brave enough (or stupid enough) to enter the realm of the Kazekage and steal a scroll detailing a dated pact between Konohagakure and Sunagakure.

It was curious, in fact. What could be in this scroll, a scroll describing a political drama thirty years ago, that would be worth stealing and losing their lives for? It was also curious how Konoha did not have a similar scroll in their archives unless…

…There was a mole in their midst.

Life goes on. The week progressed uneventfully at Hogwarts. When the excitement and ire about Saturday died down, Kakashi found that he was still subjected to the same cold shoulder from the students (even though one could argue that it wasn't his fault this time…technically). One of the more interesting moments of the week, though, was when Moody approached him Thursday morning…

"Mr. Hatake."

Without looking up, he greeted, "Good morning Professor." He flipped a page in the book describing the old clock tower in London, completely engrossed.

Moody was unaffected by Kakashi's normal off-putting behaviour. Instead, he pulled out a chair by Kakashi's side, sat down, and tucked into breakfast, in the process, taking a swig out of his hip flask. "No plans at all today?"

Paper crinkled beneath his fingertips. "No, not really."

Moody speared a piece of bacon with his pure silver fork. He sniffed at the morsel of food and checked the colouring of the silver for poison before consuming the piece. "Good." He swallowed and was direct with his next words. "You will attend my lesson this afternoon."

"I will?"

"Yes, you will."

Closing the book with a light snap, Kakashi regarded the ex-Auror steadily with his one eye. "I did hear the rumours about the Imperius Curse demonstrations…"

"Excellent." Chewing on a slice of toast, Moody repeated, "Excellent."

As Moody ate, Kakashi slouched into his chair. "Today, ten minutes before one o'clock?"

"Aye."

"Alright." He agreed and in afterthought, added, "As long as I'm not the guinea pig."

Raising his hip flask in a mock salute, Moody smirked, "Wouldn't dream of it. That's what the students are there for."

And so he went. He saw. He conquered.

Kakashi privately thought it could not possibly be legal in this country for Moody to fire the Imperius Curse at the students and manipulate them to do his bidding.

He could admit, though, that it was a rather harmless and entertaining scene.

"-very good Potter!" praised Moody as he finally found success in the strong willed Harry Potter. "They'll have trouble controlling you!"

"Did you see that? Potter fought it. He fought it! So the rest of you pay attention as we do this again – yes Potter, again-"

After insisting on the demonstration three more times, Moody moved onto the rest of the students, but none were as successful as the 'Boy Who Lived'.

Finally, though, class was nearing a close. Moody was visibly disappointed by the fourth years. "Perhaps one last demonstration will inspire a fighting spirit." Kakashi noted Potter seemed to deflate but that changed when Moody continued, "Mr. Hatake, our silent observer, care to try?"

"No, not really," he said frankly.

Moody's electric blue eye spun and rested on his person, as did his other eye as if in reassurance.

Sardonically, Kakashi thought, "As if eye contact with a person named 'Mad-Eye Moody' would be reassuring"

"Just a simple jump command, nothing more, nothing less."

With that, the tired but jittery students snickered, under the impression that the 'squib diplomat' was intimidated by the Imperius Curse. Any normal squib diplomat (or any normal witch or wizard) with a good logical head on their shoulders would in fact be intimated. Kakashi, who was not a normal squib diplomat, was just a tad unimpressed by the assumption about his person.

"Very well," he sighed, as if this situation was off-putting – which it was. "Though I thought I wouldn't be the guinea pig…" murmured Kakashi, posture blasé as he faced the Professor in a showdown.

"But I do know what I am doing, Mr. Hatake. Being a guinea pig implies being a part of an experiment without knowing if the wanted results will be achieved…" responded Moody, scars pulling in an uncomfortable looking contortion as he spoke. "Just a simple jump command…"

Good thing he was 'constantly vigilant'. Kakashi stood at attention, eye curving deceptively, and said, "Ready when you are."

Eyes widening dramatically, Moody raised his wand and spelled, "Imperio!"

Time seemed to slow. Kakashi watched the beam of light approach speedily and with a delayed, civilian reaction, he ducked at the last second and accomplished yet another sleight of hand.

The spell blasted the wall, scorching the area a sooty grey.

Rising upwards, Kakashi cheerfully flipped the silver Sickle into the air. "How coincidental! I can potentially gain a small fortune if every time I visit your classroom I find a Sickle. Wouldn't you agree, Professor?"

The students all experienced a moment of déjà vu.

Moody's expression changed from shock to annoyance before settling to grudging acceptance. "There are hardly enough Sickles lying around the floor for your convenience, Mr. Hatake."

"No, I suppose not," agreed Kakashi mildly. "But that won't stop me from trying." The message was clear. "That won't stop me from preventing your attempts at catching me off guard."

Later that day when Moody attempted to find the first silver Sickle Hatake gave him – so as to join the same pocket he placed the second silver Sickle in (the same second Sickle uncovered and given to him by Hatake today) – he found the first Sickle missing.

It was then, with a sinking feeling, did he realize that Kakashi was a proficient pickpocket too as he used the same silver Sickle to fool him twice.

Moody drank out of his hip flask in a long swig and wondered about the strange nuisance.

Friday morning was heralded by frost and bright sunshine. Kakashi sat on the damp ground under the shade of a large deciduous tree, its leaves a brilliant gold in the young October light. By his side was his prepared pack leaning against the tree and at his other side was his giant mastiff Bull, peacefully sleeping away.

They were not alone, though. A ways away, Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, was harmlessly perched on top of a rock. Tail twitching, she did not move from her place as if there was a fine line drawn on the ground preventing the irate feline from approaching Kakashi. All she did was stare at him unblinkingly so Kakashi obliged and stared back.

Kakashi mused it might be Bull striking the skittish feline with fear. If the cat was having flashbacks – if a cat can indeed have flashbacks – then he was sorry to be an indirect cause for her distress. Maybe he shouldn't have had Bull guard the closet Mrs. Norris was trapped in…

A soft voice called out, "Hello?"

Blinking, Kakashi finally turned his attentions away from the cat (a cat that he swore seemed to flounce away when he lost their unofficial staring contest) to the stranger standing behind him. "Hello."

The atmosphere gained a tinge of unease.

"I was informed by the Headmaster that I would find you here…"

Seemingly disinterested, Kakashi stood up and dusted himself off. Bull, as if feeling the tension, snorted but continued to sleep, rolling onto his back with his paws twitching in the air. He gave his summon a fond smile before turning to face the new guest, hands open. "And here I am."

He quickly catalogued the stranger. Male in his thirties – possibly forties. Brown hair with strands of grey. Aged. Gaunt, sickly appearance. Thin bare, shabby clothes. Dumbledore also mentioned that he was kind and was the former Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher; the Headmaster would not, however, explain why he was 'former' and Kakashi did not press for more.

"Yes…" The man nodded awkwardly. "Is that your dog?"

"You can say that. He won't be following though." Kakashi eyed his guide before dipping his head in greeting. "Kakashi Hatake."

His guide seemed to remember himself when he smiled faintly in return, "It's nice to meet you. My name is Remus Lupin."

Flitwick, from his elevated seat at the Professors' table, watched the way the students moved around in the Great Hall. It appeared everyone was holding their breaths for something to happen.

He couldn't blame them though. It was Saturday today and it was to the surprise of many that their Mediator didn't do anything. The Charms Professor knew that his colleagues were also a bit touchy, evident by the way their eyes tracked all the on-goings in front of them.

"Professor Moody…" started Professor Vector. Flitwick had his ears open towards the conversation; the other Head of Houses were not exempt from this either as curiosity got the better of them.

Grunting, Moody easily divined what she wanted from him for he turned to face the Arithmancy Professor and said, "I don't know."

Professor Burbage flittered, "But you might have an idea…?"

The ex-Auror snorted, "Do you think I keep tabs on him at all times?"

There was an unspoken 'yes' from all listeners.

Unconcerned by their opinions, Moody tasted the waffles. "Well I haven't seen him today. And personally, I like the fact that he's keeping you all on your toes."

McGonagall's frown deepened. Flitwick could hear Madam Hooch whisper to her, "Of course he would like something like that…Constant Vigilance is practically his motto!"

Their Headmaster hummed thoughtfully, catching the attention of his staff. "There's no need to be concerned over Mr. Hatake's wellbeing. I believe he's been out of the castle since yesterday morning."

With those words, the entirety of the table seemed to deflate and heave a sigh of relief. They didn't have to walk on eggshells today because they were finally Hatake-free. Even Snape seemed less gloomy than normal.

Flitwick, who was a bit put out by his peers' behaviour, asked Dumbledore, "Then where might he be?"

"Ah…" The Headmaster brushed his long white beard and said mysteriously, "He went sightseeing in London."

"Sightseeing…?" repeated the Charms Professor.

"Indeed." Smiling, Dumbledore added, a twinkle in his eye, "With Remus Lupin."

Flitwick nodded slowly, a bit shocked that the man selected Lupin for the job. "I see."

Having a soft spot for Lupin, Madam Pomfrey grouched, "…I hope Mr. Hatake goes easy on the poor man."

What a strange person.

Before he sought out Kakashi Hatake, he was warned about his prickly behaviour by Dumbledore (not in those words, evidently, more of a 'he can be difficult sometimes'). Interestingly enough, there had been nothing but civility thus far. He casted the younger man walking beside him a sidelong look as the man in question stared at the gloomy sky. Sidestepping a light pole without looking, Kakashi, as if feeling the scrutiny, asked, "Yes, Mr. Lupin?"

Remus put on a mild expression. "We're almost at the famous landmark."

Nodding absently, Kakashi watched as several muggle automobiles passed them, showing great fascination at the mechanical monsters. Without trying to sound rude, Remus, seeing the curiosity, asked, "I know you're not magical but you've never seen a car before?"

"In my village, such things don't exist." Scratching at his cheek hidden beneath the pollutant grey scarf, he added, "And the last time I was at London, we didn't see these 'cars'."

"It must be a culture shock, then," commented the wizard.

"You can say that." Pausing, Kakashi looked at the Thames River as he leaned over the impressive Westminster Bridge. "Everything feels…bigger in the 'city'."

Remus tugged at his threadbare clothes. "You say you're from a village?"

"Yes." Kakashi didn't offer any more information and instead continued walking.

Left floundering, Remus attempted further conversation. "Is it far from London?"

"Yes."

"…You seem like you're of Asian descent."

"I am."

"Then are you from Asia?"

"You can say that."

"Ah…Then the difference between your village and London must be great."

"I already mentioned that, didn't I?"

"Yes, but not in those words," thought Remus, exasperated…And perhaps this was what Dumbledore referred to as 'Kakashi being difficult'. Sighing, Remus said thinly, "Well then, just to the end of the bridge and we'll be at the Palace of Westminster."

"Ah."

"Over there is the famous clock tower, often referred to as Big Ben," pointed out Remus unnecessarily.

Kakashi's lone eye seemed to light up. "I remember reading about this. The books mentioned that the clock tower housing the bells is actually the main radio tower for the British Wizarding World."

"That's right. It's still in use today as the hub for the British Magical Radio Association." Stopping near the gates of the Palace, Remus offered, "We can visit the inside of the radio tower, if you'd like."

Elsewhere hidden in the London crowd, a figure unobtrusively watched the two men loitering in front of the Palace.

"My oh my…" Lips curved upwards. "And so I finally found you, Kakashi Hatake."

To Be Continued

A/N: It's actually getting serious :O And I promise we'll finally reach the Tri-Wizard Tournament in the next two chapters. Just bear with me. A real shinobifight scene? Maybe! :)

~Phoenyxx