Telepathy:
((Yamis))
/Hikaris/
Disclaimer: Hikari Daeron does not own Yu-Gi-Oh! (Kazuki Takahashi) or Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling). The characters Hikari Daeron, Altáriël Daeron and Ceribi Motou are all original characters by Hikari Daeron.
Chapter Two: Someone To Talk To
New Professors, New Adventures
The Burrow, Outskirts of Ottery St. Catchpole, England
"RONALD WEASLEY!! GIVE IT BACK!!"
"What, this thing? Why do girls wear them anyway? I mean – no, 'Mione, what are you…?"
"Petrificus Totalus!"
"Protego! Damn, Hermione, you need to be careful, I could have gotten hurt!"
"I'll show you getting hurt, Ronald!"
"Hermione, what are you…? OUCH! No, Hermione, I swear, I didn't mean it!"
"I… Hate… You… Ronald… Weasley!"
"Ow! HERMIONE!"
Harry Potter opened the door to the room that he and Ron Weasley were currently sharing. "Oi! I know you two can't get enough of each other, but please keep it down, and get a room!"
Hermione Granger paused in mid-attack as Ron stared up at him. They were in a very compromising position – he was on the floor, shielding his face with a bra, and she was practically straddling him, Hogwarts, A History in her hands and over her head.
"Like your one to talk, Harry!" said Hermione crossly, picking herself up from Ron. She snatched her bra back. "And I'll take that, thank you."
Harry groaned and looked away as Hermione stomped past him, to go to the room that she and the youngest Weasley, Ginny, were sharing.
"Ron, mate, you really need to get a grip on yourself," said Harry, hauling up his best friend.
Ron tried to look somewhat dignified. "How was I to know it was hers?"
"Why'd you touch it in the first place?"
The redhead turned crimson. "I – er, well…"
Harry patted him. "Never mind, Ron. Why don't we go grab something to eat? I'm starving."
The mention of food had Ronald Weasley bounding down in the stairs, a grin on his face. Harry allowed a momentary sigh of sadness before following him.
This is how things had been at the Burrow, as of late. The cheeriness of the so-called children was covering up the deeper fear and truth. Now that Lord Voldemort had returned, and that Harry Potter had heard the prophecy concerning the two of them, he knew that the end was near. Neither can live while the other survives. One would have to kill the other.
Harry could only hope that he would be the one to come out on top at the end. The fate of the world truly depended on it.
As Ron chomped on some bread, Harry thought about a recent conversation that had taken place between him and Dumbledore.
Harry had arrived at the Burrow three days beforehand. Dumbledore had sent him a letter telling him that he would come and personally remove him from Number 4, Privet Drive. And so he did, on the night he had promised at the designated time. On the way to the Burrow, he and Dumbledore had conversed about their last-year's dealings:
"Harry, I am to understand that you have bottled up everything about the events in June."
"I'm sorry, sir?"
"Meaning that you have not confided in anyone, neither about the prophecy or of how you feel about Sirius's death."
"… Frankly, sir, I thought the prophecy was to be private?"
"Ah yes, the strictest confidence must be observed! But Harry, I do believe that your friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger may be more involved in your journey to Voldemort. They have followed you faithfully thus far. Do not be afraid to love, Harry. It is your strongest ability. And loving and trusting those closest to you is perhaps the wisest thing you can do."
"Ron," Harry said slowly as Hermione – much calmer than she had been moments before, yet still looking thoroughly ruffled – walked in. "Would you and Hermione like to know what the contents of the prophecy was?"
Both Ron and Hermione froze. "B-but it was smashed," said Hermione, slowly sitting down. "It shattered, at the Ministry of Ma – "
"That wasn't the only copy."
Silence fell. Harry let it stay that way, brooding, before slowly saying, "Dumbledore heard the prophecy. And…" He hesitated. "Basically, 'Neither can live while the other survives.'"
"Sorry?"
"One of us has to kill the other."
Ron sat dumbstruck, but Hermione slowly nodded. "But Harry… wouldn't you have wanted it to be that way in any case? After all, the people he's killed…" She trailed off.
"Yeah, yeah, I reckon I would have wanted to finish him off myself," agreed Harry. "Now, I've got the evidence that I have to."
They remained quiet for some time, before Ron said, "We'll be there."
"What?" Harry looked startled. He hadn't expected this. Ron and Hermione were supposed to understand that from here on out, things would get more dangerous. That after Hogwarts, or maybe before, he, Harry, would have to go hunting Voldemort. He thought they would understand how difficult and dangerous things would get, and that he wanted them to stay safe. "No, you're supposed to – "
"Ron's right, Harry," said Hermione gently, all annoyance at the pair forgotten. "We've had years to back out. We're not going to. When you're hunting him down, we'll be there. When you're facing Voldemort, we'll be there too. Wherever you go – we'll follow."
"I – "
"Just accept it, mate. You're not getting rid of Hermione and me. We're a determined pair."
"Please, Harry. We – well, Ron and I discussed this. We always knew that you would be off doing dangerous things and trying to save the world. And… and we want to help in whatever way we can."
"You can help by keeping yourselves and the others safe!"
"Don't you see, Harry?" asked Hermione beseechingly. "That's just it – there is no real safe place anymore. 'The best defense is a good offence.' Fighting's the only way. Isn't that was the DA and the Order are all about?"
Harry opened his mouth and then closed it. He looked down at his hand, unable to say anything. Finally, he managed a weak, "Thanks."
"Anytime mate," said Ron. "Pass me the cheese, will you Harry? I'm famished."
"We had lunch two hours ago, Ronald!"
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean anything, 'Mione. Iom ah gowhin boh." He had stuffed his face with a piece of bread and a hunk of cheese.
Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry laughed. Truly, everything will be better in the end.
Dear Ron,
Greetings from your rich twin brothers! Yes, we're certainly racking up the Galleons now; it's quite a nice change. Tell Harry thanks again from us. Well, we didn't write to make you jealous – although jealous you should be – we wanted to inform you, Harry and Hermione of some top-secret information: Hogwarts information.
Recently, we heard some crucial news about the Hogwarts teachers. The story of how our dear old Ancient Runes teacher died is nearly common knowledge at this rate, so no need to make account of it. But in addition to needing a Runes teacher and, of course, the annual Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Hogwarts needs an Arithmancy teacher! Hermione, keep your shirt on, it's true! Ol' Vector's wife's near due, and he wants to go home and raise his family. Oh, and the best of all news: BINNS FINALLY RETIRED. I know, pity he didn't do it while we took his class, but there it is. We now are short four teachers of multiple personages, and Dumbledore's got his wand in a knot.
Well, he did have his wand in a knot. But somehow, seemingly out of thin air, he's conjured up four magnificent people to take these posts. Almost like magic, really. Anyway, point being you're having not one, not two, but four spanking new professors at Hogwarts this year. There are two more things to add, but we don't want to spoil it for you, so that's all you're getting.
Lots of love,
Fred & George
"Do you reckon it's true?" asked Ron as the three clambered back to their rooms. He had just read the twins' letter aloud to the other two.
"About Hogwarts actually needing four professors?" said Hermione. "It must be. Seems a bit in excess, I must admit…"
"Actually," said Ron with a grin. "I meant about Binns retiring."
Harry laughed. "I know, I can't believe it either! Old Binnsy actually retiring? Seems unbelievable."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly you two, is all you do crack jokes?"
"Well, that, and play Quidditch, and eat, and…" Ron laughed as Hermione hit him across the back. "I'm just messing around, Hermione! Touchy, touchy."
Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley bounded towards them and stopped at the foot of the stairs. "Oh there you three are! What are you doing here?" They stared at her. "Haven't you heard?" she said, clearly agitated, waving her wand and causing a duster to ricochet off the walls. "The new Hogwarts professors are going to come today!'
"What?" said Ron, clearly startled. "You mean they're gonna stay here?"
"Of course Ron!" said his mother exasperatedly. "They're going to be here in a few hours! We need to get the house in top shipshape before they arrive! They're supposed to be quite well known, and it wouldn't do to welcome them in a messy home anyway!"
Immediately, Ron dashed down the stairs and grabbed a rag from his mother. "Celebrities? Well, let's go then!" He turned around and winked at the other two, who grinned.
"Guess these are the two things that Fred and George kept from us," said Harry, grabbing a broom as Hermione joined Ron with another rag.
"I guess," she said, and they proceeded to clean.
The next few hours saw the residents of the Burrow cleaning the house from top to bottom. As there were five extra people coming – apparently, one of the teachers had a little brother who was transferring into Hogwarts, and Harry, Ron and Hermione were to break him in – they had to decide who slept in what rooms so that everyone was at least moderately comfortable.
They were taking a break (Ron, of course, stuffing his face in an undignified fashion as Ginny, who had joined them, grimaced) when suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Hermione nearly dropped her glass of lemonade as Harry and Ron shared a look. Were the new professors supposed to arrive now? Ginny shrugged and stood up, as Mrs. Weasley was not around. "I'll get it," she said as Harry moved to get up. "Don't worry about it. Ron," she added, disgusted, "For God's sake, swallow your food and wipe your mouth!"
He was about to protest, but then did as he was told. Ginny straightened and walked towards the door. "Who is it?" she called, wary. It was difficult to judge who might pop onto one's doorstep during these dangerous times.
"It's Hagrid," came a familiar voice. The Golden Trio looked at each other in happy surprise. "I came ta drop off one of the new professors."
Ginny threw open the door as Harry, Ron and Hermione bounded towards the doors. "Hullo you three," said the booming voice of Rubeus Hagrid, half-giant and Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. "Been well?"
"Well enough, Hagrid," said Harry with a grin. "What about you? How's, ah, your brother?"
"Grawpy? He's doin' well, really comin' along now."
The three exchanged a glance. There was a slight motion towards Hagrid's right, and their attention shifted. Hagrid followed their gaze and then chuckled. "Sorry 'bout that, Professor. Nearly forgot you were there."
"That's quite alright," said a slightly accented voice. And with that, the man who was to become Hogwarts' new History of Magic professor stepped forwards.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny stared.
He was small and extremely handsome. His hair seemed to make up for his lack in height, as it towered over him in spikes of ebony and crimson with gold bangs flopping into his face. His skin was tanned with hard muscles, emphasized by the leather he wore. Around his neck was a thick chain and, hanging from the end, a mysterious golden pendant, depicting an upside-down pyramid with an eye on it.
"Hello," he said. His voice was soft and warm. Harry couldn't help but feel some sort of connection to this magical stranger. His bright green eyes met shockingly violet ones. They were still wide, yet behind that so-called innocent look, Harry saw crisp intelligence and obvious awareness at their surroundings. "I'm to be the History of Magic teacher at Hogwarts."
After their initial shock wore off, Ginny stepped back. "Excuse us," she said, and motioned towards the house. "Would you come in?"
"With pleasure," said the polite stranger, entering with a soft smile and pulling his suitcase behind him. "I shall see you later then, I presume, Hagrid?"
"What?" said Ron, shaken out of his stupor. "You're not staying, Hagrid?"
"'Course not," said Hagrid gruffly, pleased that he was wanted to stay. "Gotta see if Dumbledore needs my help in getting the others, dun I? Well, I'll see you lot later. Take care, Yug'."
"Thank you, Hagrid, and likewise," said the soft-voiced man behind them.
Ginny closed the door and turned to the new professor. "Forgive me. My name's Ginny Weasley, and this is my older brother, Ron, and our friends, Harry and Hermione. Won't you have a seat? Would you like any refreshments?"
The stranger inclined his head graciously and sat at an empty seat. "That lemonade looks delicious, if it's not too much trouble."
Ginny scurried into the kitchen to get him a glass. Meanwhile, the other three shifted uncomfortably before Ron blurted, "You're Yugi Motou, aren't you?"
Yugi turned his head ever so slightly to survey Ron. The redhead blushed. "Sorry," he mumbled. "Didn't mean to be rude."
"Not at all," said the hikari with a smile. "Yes, I am Yugi Motou. I assume you have heard of me?"
Harry looked from Ron's eager face to Yugi's calm one, and then to Hermione's wide-eyed expression. He spoke up as Ginny entered the room with a glass and a full pitcher of lemonade. "Sorry, but… who are you?"
"Oh honestly Harry!" said Hermione, getting up to help Ginny pour the lemonade and to tidy up their leftover snacks. "Yugi Motou! The reigning Duel Monsters world champion!"
Harry blinked, still not understanding, but before he could say anything, Molly Weasley burst into the room.
"Just saw – didn't realize – do forgive me, Professor Motou, I had no idea – "
"Not at all, Mrs. Weasley," said Yugi, standing up and walking forwards to grasp Mrs. Weasley's hand and to kiss her lightly on the cheek. "Forgive me for not making myself known to you as soon as I entered your home. Please, don't trouble yourself on my account." He motioned to the seated students. "I was just getting to know your charming children and their friends better." He smiled warmly and gently tugged her into a seat. "I've noticed that you've been troubling yourself because I – along with the other three professors – are staying. We truly hadn't wished to bother you, but Dumbledore-sensei did insist…"
"Nonsense!" said Mrs. Weasley. "It's no trouble at all! In fact, I insist that you stay here!"
"And we thank you for your gracious hospitality, Mrs. Weasley," said another voice from the doorway. There, leaning across the frame, was Ryou Bakura, white hair in a loose ponytail, clothes hanging easily on his thin frame. He had gotten taller, but other than that, there did not seem to be much change in his appearance since Yugi had last seen him, three years previously. "Forgive me, I thought you heard me knocking." He came forwards as she rose in her seat. "Please, don't get up on my account," he said firmly, and then offered his hand. "Ryou Bakura." After shaking hers, he turned to a delighted Yugi, whom he tightly hugged and was hugged back. "Yugi Motou, why didn't you tell me that you were coming?" he demanded, pinching the shorter man's nose.
Yugi was thrilled. "I had no idea that you would accept the position for sure! Marik only hinted that you might."
"Speaking of Marik," Ryou turned back to their host. "The last two professors won't be arriving until later this week." Mrs. Weasley nodded, then bustled out of the room to go make dinner. Ryou turned back to Yugi. "Marik wanted to sort out some last-minute affairs with the clan, and Kaiba had to insure that his company would be fine. Marik said he, ah, bumped into him... or something like that."
Yugi laughed. "Oh, this will be fun!" he said, a bright smile dazzling the onlookers. Their gaze caught Ryou's attention. He turned. Yugi glanced back briefly, and then did a double take. "Oh yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Ryou, these are Harry, Hermione, Ron and his sister Ginny. They're students at Hogwarts?" The last part was a question.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, we are. Ginny's entering her fifth year, but the three of us will be in our sixth."
"Ah." Yugi scratched his head awkwardly. "Then I assume you three won't be taking either of our subjects, as I heard Professor Binns was a bore and Arithmancy not excruciatingly popular."
"Well, Hermione and I both take the latter," said Ginny brightly. "And I still take History of Magic, so I'll be in your class."
Yugi smiled. "Excellent!" He suddenly yawned. "Forgive me. Ryou may be on British time, but I'm not yet. Do you know where I can sleep for a while?"
"Of course," said Ron, standing up. "You and another professor – if you're alright with that – were going to sleep in the twins' bedroom, while two others would be in Charlie's, and the last one would share with Bill."
"I think Marik will be happiest with Bill," said Yugi thoughtfully. "The three of us worked together, y'know, and Marik seemed to really hit it off with him."
Ron looked startled. "You know Bill?"
"Is he your older brother? A curse-breaker for Gringotts?"
"Y-yes, actually, he is." Ron looked awed. Out of the corner of his mouth, he muttered to Harry, "Why didn't he tell me he knew Yugi Motou?!"
"Then yes, I know your older brother quite well," said Yugi, either ignoring Ron's question to Harry, or not hearing it. "Ryou, do you mind sharing?"
((Are you sure that's such a good idea, Aibou? Ryou I like, but Bakura…))
/I'm sure by now Bakura's learned to behave himself, Yami./
Yami wasn't so sure. The last time he and the Tomb Robber had met, they ended up wrestling on the ground over teacups.
Ryou hesitated, obviously remembering the same incident. /Bakura, do you promise to behave around Yugi and Yami?/
((Behave? Hikari, I always behave myself.))
Ryou mentally snorted. /And I don't like tea. Well, if you're sure…/ "Of course, Yugi. We – I'd be thrilled."
Yugi patted him with a murmured, "I'm sure they'll behave themselves," in Japanese, and then followed Ron up the stairs.
"Okay, so who the bloody hell is Yugi Motou, and what is Duel Monsters?"
After Ryou and Yugi had been shown to their rooms, Harry rounded on Ron and Hermione. "Blimey Harry, hasn't living with Muggles all these years taught you about Duel Monsters?" asked the redhead. "It's a Muggle card game, after all. Just recently it's was introduced to our world, and, well, it's been quite popular."
"Professor Motou is the reigning world champion, and has been for over five years!" said Hermione breathlessly. "And Bakura's another incredibly famous player. I suppose that's what your mother meant when she said they were celebrities, Ron! Oh, I do hope the other professors are duelists too!"
"Hold on a minute." Harry put up a hand. "So these new professors are card players?"
"It's not that simple, mate," said Ron seriously. "Duel Monsters is an intense game of strategy and nerves."
Hermione nodded fervently, before Harry said, "Hang on… do you two duel too?"
They both blushed. "Well, just a little bit," said Ron, defensively. "Fred and George sent me a deck from Diagon Alley some time ago, and so I asked them to send one to Hermione too, so we could learn…"
"It's really exciting, Harry!" said Hermione eagerly. "Besides, it's all the rage now, and we didn't want to be left out, going to Hogwarts…"
Harry sighed. "Alright then – can you teach me?"
"… And this is where a Field Spell Card would go. They give advantages – usually attack and defense point boosts – to different types of monsters on either side of the field, depending on what Field Card is played."
"And this space here – what's it for?"
"That's where the Fusion Deck goes." Hermione pulled out a Spell Card. "Polymerization has the power of fusing monsters together. When you've got the needed monsters in your hand, you can activate this card. The monsters then are sent to the Graveyard to special summon the Fusion Monster from your Fusion Deck."
Harry nodded slowly, before Hermione pulled out a few cards to demonstrate. Afterwards, he nodded. "Okay. This game is super-complicated, but I think I get it now."
"Once you get the hang out it, it's really fun!" said Ron enthusiastically. He handed Harry his deck. "Now, put it to the test! I'll help you, while Hermione duels against!"
"What?"
"Oh, c'mon Harry! How else do you think you'll be able to learn the game, other than playing it?"
Harry stared at his best friend before turning to Hermione. "Okay. I guess I'll do it."
She beamed. "Don't worry Harry, this is just a teaching game! I'll go easy, and it won't count against you."
"Count against me?"
"Well mate," said Ron seriously. "If you become some sort of really good duelist, then we promise not to count this against you, as long as you remember us and put in a good word."
Harry laughed, then handed Hermione Ron's deck and took hers, shuffling it. They exchanged them and placed them on the mats.
"Let's duel!"
"That was brilliant, Harry!" said Hermione, watching as her life points dwindled down to zero. "Truly, excellent teamwork you two! I'd never seen that last combo before, Ron, when'd you think of it?"
"I didn't," said Ron, amazed, staring at Harry in awe. "Harry did! He suggested a bunch of cards and I sorta stared at him until he executed the move! Bloody brilliant, mate, I'd never have thought of that!"
"It was nothing," said Harry, blushing at his friends' praise. "Besides, Hermione did go easy on me."
"Still Harry, for a first duel, that was terrific!" Hermione clapped her hands, delighted.
"Seriously mate, you keep that up and you'll be on your way to the Pro League!"
Finally, Harry put up a hand. "Enough with the praise, guys. Seriously, I wouldn't have been able to beat Hermione in normal circumstances."
"Alright then," said Ron. "We'll see in a few months time. I bet you… ten Galleons that you'll win against me or Hermione… okay, let's say Hermione. No offense," he added, turning to the female in their group.
"Deal," said Harry, and shook on it.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Boys."
"Well, what do you think?"
"Thus far, three hours into the job, meeting only four of our students?" Ryou grinned. "To be honest, Yugi, I don't know if I can form much of an opinion."
Yugi rolled his eyes, exasperated. "You know what I mean!"
Ryou laughed. "Yes, I do." He smiled. "They seem like a good lot, the wizards we're with. I'm… excited, truth be told."
"So am I," said Yugi, sighing contentedly. "Just imagine: a steady job, three or more square meals a day, all the money I need…"
Ryou grinned and hit him. Yugi yelped then broke into laughter. "I'm just kidding around," said the shorter man. "Though honestly Ry, I bet this will be a lot of fun."
"More than likely, with Yami, Bakura, Marik and Kaiba in one room," he said, his voice deadpan.
Yugi groaned and hit his head on the wall. "Great, you just had to remind me!"
Ryou chuckled. "Well, cheer up Yugi. At least it'll be interesting."
"Interesting my foot," muttered the Puzzle bearer. "More like loud."
"SEVEN DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYS…"
"Marik Ishtar, what kind of greeting is that?"
Marik's head floated in the Weasley fire. He was grinning as Yugi scowled at him and Bakura – who had taken over from Ryou – laughed. "Damn Ishtar, have you been watching horror movies?" Bakura grinned. "That seems a bit in excess, don't you think? Your face is the scariest movie I've ever seen."
Marik scowled while Yami – in spirit form, of course – bit back laughter. Ryou and Yugi rolled their eyes. "Ha-fucking-ha, Bakura," said the disembodied head in the fire. "In any case, that's truly my message!"
"What, 'seven days'? What kind of message is THAT?" Bakura crossed his arms.
Marik rolled his eyes. "SEVEN DAYS until Kaiba and I arrive, dumbass!"
"Oh."
"Wait – how are you in touch with Kaiba anyway?" asked Yugi, curious. "Ryou said you bumped into him or something like that – "
"I did," said Marik smugly. "I happened to have heard that he was still in Domino after you left, so I, ah, decided to make myself known to him."
"In other words, you stalked him down at his office, burst in, and caused a general ruckus," said Yami, deadpan, taking over from Yugi.
Marik grinned sheepishly. "Something like that."
"Well in any case," said Bakura, yawning and stretching. "Seven days seems like an awfully long time for you not to be here – I'm stuck in the Pharaoh's room, for Ra's sake! You, on the other hand, get some fellow named Bill."
"Ouch. Well, lucky me, Bill's always been one of my favo – "
"AND this means I won't have anyone to plot devious things with."
"Truly 'Kura, I feel your loss, it's just that – "
"AND did I mention I'm rooming with THE PHARAOH?"
"That's enough, Tomb Robber," said Yami calmly. "Marik, isn't it about time you go? Wouldn't want to forget to pack anything, after all."
"I have nearly six days – " At Yami's look, Marik quickly cut himself off. "Yami's right, best be off, bye!"
And his head disappeared. Bakura turned and scowled at Yami. "Stupid Pharaoh," he muttered.
"I'm sorry, Bakura, didn't catch that," said Yami, his tone subtly dangerous.
"Nothing, Pharaoh, nothing." Bakura stomped out of the room.
Meanwhile, Harry took off his Extendable Ear, looking very puzzled indeed.
Me: TA-DA!!! Sorry this took so long, but I wrote a lot! HURRAY! Ahem. Now please give me feedback on how these rewrites are looking.