Hello! : )
Heres an update, aren't i just awesome?
Disclaimer: *looks at reader oddly* i swear i've said this before?
It was break fast once again in the great hall when Hermione came rushing down, ignoring the twins and apologising to the poor first year she nearly ploughed over.
"I found it!" was the first thing she had said, albeit breathlessly "come on!"
And so before the poor boys, could even protest they were dragged by the ear off towards the library.
"Look! Look! Look! A large tomb bound in worn and fading red hide of something similar to dragon, was roughly thrust directly under their noses.
"You know as much as we love you Hermione we can't read if the books mashed into our faces." Harry aid gently as though Placida ting some form of wild beast, as he pushed the book away from his face.
"Yeah 'mione, what's the rush?" said Ron bluntly as usual
Hermione shot him a withering look of pure intolerance, and replied scathingly.
"Well Ronald, I for one have be doing some thing productive no tell me just what have you been doing?"
Harry sighed as he watched his friends bicker endlessly and decided to intervene before blood was spilt.
"So what did you find Hermione?" said bookworm whirled around and beamed at him, be fore babbling excitedly,
"Oh yes, look I found this book-" Ron interrupted "we got that part mione." She ploughed on regardless ignoring him completely,
"It is able to translate any word from any known language into English! Isn't it marvellous!" Ron rolled his eyes to heaven, behind Hermione
"So…" Harry motioned for her to continue,
"So I thought we could find out what Hahaue means! I mean its been bothering me for ages! It's driving me mad! It sounds so familiar I know I've herd it before or at least read it!"
Whilst she spoke she placed the great tomb down on the table vigorously causing an audible thump.
Harry smiled, it was so like Hermione: if in doubt, consult a good book!
"Shall we then?" Harry offered, smiling at his own musings and curious to know as well.
Hermione beamed and opened the old book; excitedly she flipped through the pages to find
'Asian languages: say the word you wish to translate out load.'
Hermione took a deep breath and said confidently "Hahaue"
Slowly the yellowed parchment page glowed and the book now read:
Hahaue, pronounced: (Hah-how-eh)
Translates to: 'Honourable mother'
Uses: usually used by the royal or noble families, it is a term for mother, which shows limitless respect.
The golden trio sat there; with a single thought on their mind.
…. Kurama is Hiei's mother? ...
oOoOoOo
When the golden trio returned to the Gryffindor common room, they spotted the large crowd huddled around the notice board: there was going to be a special announcement at dinner.
By dinner time as to what that announcement was going to be was the topic of gossip throughout Hogwarts.
Although out dinner people were restless and constantly shifting to look up at the teacher's table to see if Dumbledore had finished eating.
Eventually after what felt like a lifetime to the excited youth of several magical communities, the anticipated announcement was delivered.
Dumbledore stood a twinkle in his eye "now that we have all enjoyed our magnificent feast-,"
Magnificent it was huge whole boars roasted with apples in there mouths and surrounded by a through of root vegetables cooked and seasoned to perfections, for dessert, the elves in the kitchens had once again outdone them selves, with the delicate sugar birds (in a variety of colours) that sat on top of snow white midranges, amongst assorted ice creams.
"- It is time for a special announcement: this year to celebrate the Tri-wizard tournament, the Yule Ball will be held – "
He paused as excited chatter broke out amongst the girls and heavy groans from the boys at the prospect of dancing.
"The Yule Ball to those who do not know is a more traditional part of the tournament, and will take place at 8'oclock on Christmas day, it will be open to those Fourth Year and above,"
Another pause as those younger groaned disappointed
"Formal or traditional Dress robes are to be worn - "(Yomi smirked pointedly at Kurama who glowered at him "- and this will mean that it will be a chance for us all to let our hair down, so to speak"
Giggles broke out around Harry, when Parvati pointed out to Lavender that McGonagall looked as though she had never let her hair down metaphorically or literally.
Dumbledore continued unaffected, although his eyes twinkled more noticeably in the candle light of the Great Hall.
" Dancing is mandatory of course, and the students as to whom this applies, partners are expected." That infernal, (in Kurama's opinion) smirk widened.
"And of course according to tradition our champion's will be starting the event with the first dance"
Ron winced at Harry sympathetically knowing of his coadunation skills, or lack there of, whilst the twins grinned evilly at his misfortune; like wise Yusuke and Jin had matching smirks directed at Kurama, and were oddly enough mouthing some thing at him in almost perfect unison: Traditional clothing! Before cracking up and snickering quietly.
'Odd' Harry thought, 'what could possibly be wrong with Traditional dress?'
oOoOoOo
The holidays flew by, the castle still buzzing with unusual life, the Great Christmas trees laden with magical snow and un melting icicles hanging from the banisters amongst berry laden holly and frosted dark green ivy.
Even peeves took the festivities to heart by putting charms on the doorways that contained mistletoe to force whoever went through at the same time to kiss, regardless of who they were, causing several 'unmentionable' incidents for the boys of Hufflepuff who were the unlucky ones to figure this out.
Mysteriously though he disappeared after an incident involving Kurama and Yusuke, Yomi looked oddly smug at dinner when flitch came in holding peeves who appeared to have been trapped in a music box (and continuously having jingle bells sung in your ears had caused the mischievous spirit to yell a lot), having only found the poor poltergeist as his wailing had disturbed the centaurs.
Touya fond him self helping Professor Flitwick to create decorations and Jin was having a great time, as he was being aloud to fly round in the school in doors as previously he had be charmed to the ground by McGonagall "for being a nuisance"
And so Christmas mourning dawned over the castle, the pale sunlight filtering through frosted windows onto to the slumbering boys of Gryffindor, who slept blissfully unaware of the impending danger to there peaceful slumber.
The shadowed figure, crept forward, and drew breath.
"IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!"
Yusuke Yelled at the top of his voice, the ear splitting tones forcefully ripping the student's from their beds.
Harry mutinously wondering why in hell the exchange students couldn't stay with the Sixth or Seventh Years, but no they happened to have only one free bed, which was instantly claimed by Kurama, having the fore sight to avoid sleeping in the same room as Yusuke
Out of all the boys Ron's reaction was the most comical to being woken up suddenly: Shooting upright he said:
"It wasn't me Mum, honest!"
Attempting to stand, his feet caught in the tangle of blankets and he pitched forward onto the cold, hard wood floor before blinking blearily up at Yusuke, and asking muddled
" Mum?"
It was at that point the other residents burst out laughing, hysterical laughter and ruches guffaws filling Gryffindors tower as the boys tore at the brightly coloured rapping paper to uncover there presents.
Later, they were joined in the common room by the girls, (Ginny and Hermione) as well as the sixth Years (the Twins, Lee Jordan and Kurama), who then exchanged presents with everyone.
Kurama giving out thoughtful presents to every one including: a new Katana for Hiei, decorative hair clips for the girls, a watch for Yusuke, books on various subjects for the rest as well as well as a set of Japanese wizarding practical jokes (though how he got hold of them Harry would never know).
The mood of the day was only dampened slightly when a sleek black raven, delivered a parcel, with the ominous black letter attached, when opened, to the horror and disgust of all present, the package contained a bloody heart wrapped in a blood red ribbon and tied in a bow, a not attached, in sickening resemblance to Christmas present, the letter merely said:
"Merry Christmas, my beloved fox"
Kurama looked horrified, when Yomi Gently coxed Kurama's paralyzed hands to release the parcel, which was immediately cast of to the side and Hiei, caught it and flickered away.
Yomi embraced Kurama, gently holding his shaking form quietly in comfort, whispering reassurances in a language that harry couldn't recognise, nor could he quite catch.
Harry watched as black flames licked up Hiei's right arm in his anger, he nodded towards Yomi who realised Kurama, who seemed to have composed himself, before motioning for them to go to lunch.
Later that day, he was quietly reading in the corner, a book on Herbolgy from Hermione as the others commenced in a legendary snow ball fight, joining in when a well aimed snow ball knocked said book from his hands.
He won, by margins that was until Yomi Joined in and then he spent most of his time being chased through the others, dodging snowballs and laughing merrily, before excusing him self with Hermione to go get ready, Hermione saying:
"That girls need their time to get ready"
When the boys asked why Kurama needed to go to, Hermione tapped her nose secretively before dragging Kurama away his book clutched in his hand.
Soon after the boys had felt the effects of the cold so went indoors, they shared Butterbeer's in front of the fire, before realizing that it was time to get ready, and went upstairs to get ready but not before Yusuke had grumbled loudly,
"Why the hell do I have to go? I hate formal shindigs and formal Yukata are a pain!"
He was dragged away upstairs by his ear by Touya, who by this point had had enough, vein throbbing in his forehead.
oOoOoOo
When harry came out of the bathroom, dressed in his slightly too big, bottle green robes, feeling slightly self confident, as did all the boys but none more so that Ron, who was examining him self in the floor length mirror, with an appalled look on his face, he had spelled the frills on the end of maroon robes, decreasing the overall frills but doing a not so good job therefore managing to fray the edges slightly.
Oddly enough the Youkai students were nowhere to be found.
Harry shrugged to himself before proceeding down stairs with the others, meeting up with the Sixth Year troublemakers and receiving the information that Kurama had not returned to the boys dorm.
The common room was full of people dressed in mixed colours instead of the regular mass of black; Parvati was waiting for Harry at the bottom of the stairs.
Harry greeted her awkwardly "you…. Err… look nice?"
She laughed and said to Ron "Padma will meet you in the Hall"
Ron shrugged and asked, "Where's Hermione?"
Parvati shrugged in return and said, "Shall we go?"
The entrance Hall was packed, Padma had paled considerably on seeing Ron but smiled, though a little forced and took his arm.
Suddenly the Youkai students appeared through the doors, their appearance demanding respect and attention.
In front of the group was a longhaired Yusuke wild hair down to his waist, partially up in a sot of bun on the crown of his head; his face donned dark blue tribal markings contrasting with the pale cream and navy robe - like Yukata he was wearing.
The cream under layer wrapped round his form, over laying layer, was a dark blue and had a turquoise and gold phoenix (much like the phoenix that the students of Hogwarts had first seen him arrive on), embroidered feathered wings spread out across his powerful back and a dark brown belt-like Obi round his waist, his Hakama-trousers matched his under layer.
Next to him was a Jin, his Yukata, was cream and a vibrant Red, making his fiery hair all the more obvious, embroidered on his outer layer were white swirls much like the wind, floating amongst the swirls were dark green leaves a dark blur Obi round his waist, on top his head there was a single ivory horn, goofy grin still in place, but feet firmly set on the ground.
Hiei was next in the group, his black under layer matching; his blood red outer layer had a black dragon coiled ready to strike and oddly enough a white Obi round his waist, his headband that was usually tied round his forehead was absent, revelling a third eye that glowed ominously, his gravity defying hair tied up in the same way as Yusuke, the golden crown, nestled in ebony hair.
Touya stood quietly next to Jin, clad differently. He wore a longer dark blue under layer that fell to the floor, as well as a white middle layer and a pale blue outer layer, that hung form his shoulders but did not close, it was embroidered with white snowflakes and a silvered crescent moon.
A wide, dark blue obi was tied around his waist and boxed at his back, around his neck was a thin twisted dark blue rope, with three white talisman like ornaments hanging of it as it protruded between the outer layers folds.
Kurama was who caught Harry's attention. (although he was sure all of the Youkai had gained about a foot in height)
Kurama was dressed in a kimono in much the same way Touya was except; Kurama's other layer was a went from white at the top to a pale red art the edges, vermillion roses and snow white chrysanthemums decorated the sleeves and the bottom of the hem, a silver fox nestled amongst them.
His silver hair was pinned up traditionally, like Yusuke's but with a single gold ornament, signifying (as did the Kimono) that he was a Beta rather than an Alfa, his sliver ears twitching slightly, long tail visible under his kimono.
He smiled and waved slightly at Harry holding, his sleeve so it did not get in the way.
Before Yomi touched his shoulder gently, dressed in pale green Yukata with a plain design except for a powerful looking Nue (a Japanese chimera with the ability to change its form) embroidered on the back, he whispered something in his ear, and Kurama smiled warmly with a slight blush.
Soon McGonagall called the champions to the entrance to the Hall.
Harry stood next to Parvati,
Cedric stood next to Cho,
Fleur stood next to a boy that she had collected,
Krum stood next to Hermione? Harry looked on in aw at his transformed friend, who was smiling happily, sleek, brown hair in delicate ringlets and periwinkle dress robes.
But what was most surprising Kurama, was holding the arm of Yomi.
The hall looked like some thing out of a fairy tale the long tables had disappeared, and had been replaced with a glass like space to dance, the halls were decorated with ice sculptures, twice as tall as Yomi (who was about 8 ft 2 in Harry's opinion), the Christmas trees at least 20 ft tall and had fairies, buzzing around, letting out a soft glow.
Harry spent the next 10 minuets trying not to step on Parvati's feet, before he was released to go sit down, Parvati was soon "rescued" by a boy from Durmstrang.
Whilst sitting down he watched the other champion's dance, Cho let out a musicale laugh when Cedric who was grinning spun her around, Hermione was smiling radiantly as she twirled with Krum, who was lacking his usual scowl and a small smile was playing around the bottom of his lips.
Yomi and Kurama were dancing gracefully, they looked completely at home, Kurama's golden eyes were sparkling in the soft light, a broad smile on his face, Whereas Yomi held him close, with a small smile, no words were spoken between the two, it wasn't needed.
Harry's attention was soon drawn to a less graceful pair, Touya was dancing with Jin, who was grinning goofily at Touya who was scowling fiercely, though it was betrayed by the slight blush across his nose.
As the night drew on, Ron and surprisingly Yomi joined him in his watching as Hiei had shyly plucked up the nerve to ask his Hahaue to dance, Kurama was leading and Hiei looked slightly disgruntled, but Yomi pointed it out as a mixture of embarrassment and happiness, he continued.
"Hiei's never had a family, and so is not used to physical contact, hence the embarrassment, but he is content nonetheless."
oOoOoOo
After the ball Harry took a different root back to the common room, away from his bickering friends, on his way back he saw Snape and Karkaroff arguing over something, before scurrying away, to avoid detection.
When he rounded the corner he spotted Yomi and Kurama, in grossed in there own conversation, his ears caught snippets of conversation.
"You have a son Yomi, have you thought of him? What would he think?"
"I have talked with Shura, and he as keen as I, to have you in our family. He wants a Hahaue, as he never had one. As the insufferable wench abandoned him with out a second thought"
"I know there was no love lost between you and Yukiri but…" Kurama trailed off.
"You are afraid, could you love Shura as your own?" Yomi questioned, already knowing the answer.
Kurama looked startled and answered honestly,
"Of course, he is a wonderful boy! But would I be enough? I have never raised a child, Yomi, I have only just come of age, and Hiei practically raised himself."
Yomi smiled at Kurama's ranting, and embraced him, sufficiently silencing his tirade before saying, " you will make a wonderful mother Kurama, and a proud Beta, you'd need not worry, besides Shiori would be more than happy to help you!"
Kurama looked slightly panicked "Mother! What will she think, it was enough of a shock that I'm a Youkai, but, mated to a lord of Makai, she's only human!"
Yomi gently rubbed soothing circles on Kurama's back, and smiled.
"Shiori has wanted grandchildren from you for years Kurama. That and Shiori is a kind and open minded woman, besides I wouldn't be surprised if she knows of this already she has a far sharper mind and instincts that many Youkai!"
Kurama chuckled, "And she has Shuuichi to spy on me, I can't believe he was a Psychic, gahh that little toe rag!"
Kurama pouted at the memory of when his little brother, had followed him to Genkai's shrine.
Yomi smiled a genuine smile, and asked almost tentatively
"You except my claim, then? You will let me court you?"
Kurama smiled up at him, eyes shining,
"Yes Yomi, I except your claim, and you may challenge me for the right, but your telling Hiei."
Well there it is....err.. be nice and review? please?
OH just a note, a Kimono is longer and more feminine looking that a Yukata (which has trousers underneath sometimes,it has a wider obi than a Yukata : )
Hi to Silver-chan,and the guys *waves*
Ta~teacups : )