Stairway to Magic

by Sardonyx Ichigo

Trapped inside the body of Harry Potter, Ichigo struggles to hide himself as an ordinary person, but that task may be impossible as the wizarding world comes knocking on the door of number 4 Privet Drive. Can Ichigo survive in a world of magic?

4. Chapter 4

Do not own Bleach or Harry Potter.

Summary: Ichigo defeated Aizen in the final battle of the Arrancar War, but being in Aizen's tender care for a year, has Ichigo feeling less then confident, so when his secret is revealed he makes a run for it, and in the process ends up in the dead one year body of Harry Potter...BLEACH Crossover.

Warning: Mentions of Abuse, Dursley torture, and Violence as well as cursing. You have been warned.

Please Read: Forgive me readers! ... I have not caught a beta-reader for this story, so keep that information in mind.

Thanks go to: Quetzalcoatls,Thunderstorm101, irezel, Kayla, A Midsummer Night's Dream, lolarennt, Ranma Uzumaki, eild daffodil kyuuketsuuki-san, Firehedgehog, chrono798, Eye of Hawk, Jedi Master Kit Fisto, BlackRoseFire, animelover1993, Flashlight Manic, Athina Dark-Angel of Death, willi890, Jiyle, FanFictionFan345, Shadow-Digital, Yami-no-Tamashii, The Black Gallade, mist shadow, Escapedslave99, blackwolf900, Hanzo of the Salamander, zZemoKITTYzZ, Jiuriana-Chan, Aila-Jevs, TsukiakariNoMichi, LoverOfGaia, narutoshamenking, Millie M. Banshee, Emma Iveli, ElementistMagicAkua, Lunatic Pandora1, Goldenfightergirl, and the rest of my awesome reviewers!

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Chapter 4

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London Underground, July 31

The next thirty minutes were quite possibly the most irritating ones Ichigo ever had the misfortune to experience. Although Hagrid tried to be as subtle as possible when buying the tickets and pointing out some of the differences between the magical and non-magical people, nothing more obviously stuck out then a giant man exclaiming about 'muggles' in a crowded subway station.

People were walking around them wide eyed and rude (a couple of them pointed at them) as every time Hagrid said something, the surrounding people tried (without any regard for manners) to listening in on the conversation, making the already nervous ground's keeper to become even more uneasy turning his accented words almost in comprehensible, and his steps faster as Ichigo struggled to keep up with his taller companion.

It was a complete one-eighty from their earlier interaction, and for a few short moments Ichigo felt an incredible urge to shout at all the surrounding people to mind their own business-thankfully though, Ichigo was saved from anymore translating when the pair boarded a train and headed towards London to get his school supplies.

They took seats in the back of the train, staying clear of the other passengers causing Hagrid's nervousness to vanish completely making Ichigo sigh in relief.

"See that, Harry? The things th'se muggles dream up, eh?" Hagrid said motioning to the train, and some of the buttons to call the stewardess.

Ichigo glanced at him for a second before he turned in his seat, biting back an insult. So what if some people could do magic, and went to some stupid school… what gave them the right to degrade others for not being the same?

Absolutely nothing!

Ichigo's fists griped the arm rest causing the cushion under his arms to start to tear under his strength. Only a few hours into learning and observing these wizarding people and already Ichigo was not happy with what he saw-granted it was just the impression he was getting from one (very tall) person, he knew better than to hope the rest of these people acted any better...

Ichigo sighed.

Still, even if this entire trip gained him little more than the reasons for the deaths of the Potters, it was worth it. Ichigo now knew who was responsible for his current predicament...and maybe a possible solution.

"Here," Hagrid said pushing another one of those parchment letters into Ichigo's hands. "There's a list inside th're of everything yeh need."

Ichigo looked at him for a second before unfolding the envelope, and taking out the second sheet of parchment he hadn't noticed before.

Uniform

First-Year students will require;

1. Three sets of plain work robes(black)

Ichigo stopped reading, trying hard not to imagine how stupid robes would look on him, and how incredible hard it would be to fight in them... And yet, there was more proof that these 'wizards' were not sane-it was the twenty-first century, not the dark ages! Ichigo's eyes narrowed slightly, and the arm rest creaked in protest as more of Ichigo strength started bearing down on it.

Although Ichigo had lived with his relatives for the better part of a decade, he was nowhere near color blind and knew what proper clothes looked like, and now looking over this school list Ichigo's earlier doubts started returning.

After all, if these people still thought robes were 'fashionable' what else was wrong?

Ichigo pushed his thoughts way and looked back at the list.

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, sliver fastenings)

Ichigo blinked again slightly confused at some of the items on the list, and wondering idly once more if this was a prank. "Dragon hide?" Ichigo muttered, hoping beyond hope that maybe he'd just read the letter wrong...

Students will also need:

The Stranded Book of Spells (Grade 1) By Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic By Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory By Albert Waffling

A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration By Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi By Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions By Arsenius Jigger

Ichigo sighed again as the letter continued on listing other equipment such as a wand, and a cauldron that he'd need, and looking over all the magical ware...Ichigo felt a slight headache coming on.

If the amount of these books, and uniforms was any indication, he could he was going to need a substantial amount of money to cover everything, and even with the several hundred pounds hidden in the folds of his jeans, he still wasn't positive he was going to able pay for everything...not to mention the extra food he was going to need to buy….

Ichigo signed, frustrated.

"This is our stop," Hagrid said snapping Ichigo out of his thoughts as the giant stood up from his chair, and towards the train exit. Ichigo followed closely behind the taller man

knowing from experience how quickly one could lose sight of a someone.

The giant led Ichigo out into the street and although there were many people going on with their business as usual, Ichigo didn't see as much as one magical shop that sold anything like the letter was asking.

"Are we in the right place?" Ichigo inquired cautiously, watching his surrounding with all the practice of skilled veteran. Even though it'd been years since his...capture, his instincts had only been intensified at the Dursley's treatment, and his senses remained heighten, and wary of everyone and everything.

Hagrid smiled at his companion, and opened a door leading into their destination. "Yep, this 're is the Leaky Cauldron. It's a famous place."

Ichigo glanced at him, and entered tensing...it was dark, too dark...

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Urahara Shoten, July 31

Urahara expression turned grim.

"The hyogyoku is still in Ichigo."

All motion within the shop ceased, and Isshin's glance turned murderous. The spiritual pressure within the shop drop drastically as the shopkeepers words sank in...and than an outward explosion of reiatsu and comments bombard the ex-captain. It was to be expected, his information was disheartening. It was almost as if, the entirety of the Winter War was for nothing, if what Urahara was saying was true.

Karin moved first and she stood up, stomping around the table and marching up to Urahara, pure anger in her eyes. "Run that by me again." She said venomously.

Urahara sighed. "The hyogyoku is still within Ichigo... something I had not expected-something Aizen knows."

Isshin blanched getting what the exile meant, while Yuzu glanced back and forth between her family members and their host.

"Please clarify." Yuzu prompted, really not liking the direction this conversation was going.

Her eyes were full of worry and although her training as a soul reaper helped keep a good amount of fear from showing-nothing compared with the observant eyes of her family where her emotions were bare. Her hands were digging into the material on her soul reaper uniform, in an anxious gesture of nerves.

'Not again, please say it won't happen again,' She thought feverishly.

Urahara shifted in his seat, and Yuzu knew in that moment that everything was going to come crumbling down.

"Aizen is still alive."

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Leaky Caldron, London

Slowly, with Hagrid guiding him forward, Ichigo stepped into the olden place, eyes searching. There were three possible exits, including the one he had just stepped through. He would be cautious though and not draw attention to himself-

"I've gotta take young Harry h're to get his books." The giant said destroying any chance Ichigo had of not being noticed.

A vein pulse on his head, and Ichigo crossed his arms forcing himself to resist the urge to struggle his companion.

'I wanted to avoid the entire world knowing I'm here!' Ichigo thought exasperated. If he was even a tenth as famous as Hagrid said, there was going to be trouble. Lots of trouble.

And he was right.

The second after Hagrid finished his sentence the entire pub went quick, each person within view, sneaking looks at the substitute soul reaper with all the glace of Dudley in a candy shop. It was disturbing, and the tension was thick as one by one the people in front of them stood. They seemed to see something about him, because every single person in the Leaky Caldron stood, and made their way over to him.

"It's Potter-."

"The Harry Potter-"

"I could believe he's here-"

Ichigo groaned slightly to himself, as he heard snippets of conversation from the approaching mob. There was more muttering before the group before him gathered themselves and made one line in front of him. No doubt they wanted to meet him, as uncomfortable as that was, and Ichigo (had no choice but to) let them, as Hagrid stood behind him, blocking his only path to an exit, and that spans the area in front of him-making escape difficult.

And so, as time consuming as it was Ichigo stood there (reluctantly) and spoke with every person, greeting them, and exchanging words as every person welcomed him back into the Wizarding World. One or twice he was forced to pause as he was met with people he'd seen before such as, Doris Crockfold, and Dedalus Diggle.

Yet, as the line shorten, he was approached by a man with a turban in light gray robes. He was a strange adult as almost unconsciously, the man's posture changed from nervous to anger, and back again. And yet, Ichigo could help wondering why the change in emotions...

"G-greetings M-mr. Potter. " The man said offering his hand for handshake. Ichigo moved forward, and reached out a hand.

The moment his hand met with the other, something changed in the air, as for a second a dark gray mist circled around him, centering on his head, as well as his chest were the soul chain looked rusted. The vision vanished though as soon as Ichigo released his hand. The man in front of him appearing nervous, and unsure, yet Ichigo knew better-there was something dangerous about him.

"A-a pleasure t-to meet y-you, I-I'm Professor Q-Quirrell." The man, Quirrell said shaking and trying to compose himself.

Ichigo struggled to not grimace and replied. "Nice to meet you too...what subject do you teach?" Ichigo asked making a note to avoid whatever place this man went-

"I-I teach D-Defense Against t-the Dark A-arts at H-Hogwarts." He answered, and Ichigo nearly sighed.

Apparently his luck was just as shitty as it was before, but as it stood nothing he planned so far was working for him, case in point being the two people on either side of him who (unknowingly) destroyed Ichigo's attempts to have a normal, non-hectic time in the Wizarding World. A few seconds later, the Defense Professor made his excuse, stating he needed to be going.

Ichigo nodded at the professor, and thanked him for his time, while Hagrid moved forward excusing them. Hagrid nodded to the other, waving a good-bye, and the two walked away, with only one of them feeling the anger coming off Professor Quirrell. While the other continued smiling, not at aware of the terrible mistake he made in regards to his companion.

Outside, both males were meet with the sight of trash cans, and two stray cats...its was very anticlimactic, but Ichigo couldn't care less, glad to be away from Quirrell...still he needed information. That feeling, and then that weird vision, he knew that feeling-it was the feeling of-Ichigo cut that thought off as the presence faded into the background.

He leaned against the wall glancing back to the giant. "Is he always that nervous?" He asked as they both stepped away from the door of the Leaky Caldron.

Hagrid nodded. "Oh, yeah, always been like that. Poor bloke...Suppos'ly, he met a vampire outta studying-never been the same since." Hagrid said turning away from his companion and lifting his pink umbrella which had been carried in his right hand the entire journey. He tapped the brick wall three times with the point of his umbrella, in a strange pattern muttering to himself. "Three bricks up...and two across..."

Then he stopped, and for a second nothing happened-then with a quivering motion the brick moved away, rearranging themselves, and before moving away. A hole appeared in the middle of all the bricks moving, and that hole lengthen as the bricks moved away creating an archway onto a street that appeared to twist and turn into the distance.

Hagrid moved into front of Ichigo, taking special care to be on his side, so Ichigo's vision of the street was not obstructed.

"Welcome," Hagrid held out a hand motioning to the alley. "to Diagon Ally."

Ichigo blinked looking around, his eyes widening just a little before he stepped forward.

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Urahara Shoten, July 31

The silence remained for several moments, each person taking in deep breaths, trying and failing to see how it possible. To Urahara's left Isshin shifted in his seat, as his eyes narrowed, while Karin and Yuzu eyes went wide.

"Repeat that last sentence again," Yuzu asked gently yet there was a slight quiver in her voice.

Urahara sighed, and crossed his arms. He wasn't surprised at their reactions, and repeated the sentence again, knowing how incredibly hard this information was to hear. "Aizen is still alive...but this information wasn't what I called you three here for." Urahara said changing gears, and taking out a several pieces of cloth from one of the inner pockets of his coat.

Karin glared at the shop keeper. "And how are these scarps more important then Aizen being alive." She shot back, she glanced at her father, surprised to see him with a look of worry on his face. "Hey, goat chin-what so important about this cloth?" She asked.

Nothing.

"Hey-I asked you a question-"

"They are the crests of both the Royal Guard and the Four Great Noble Families." Karin blinked, and looked to her right. Instead of her father or the perverted shopkeeper, it was Yuzu who answered, an unusually amount of hesitation in her voice.

"That's correct." Urahara said uncrossing his arms and placing his hands on the table. "They were found in Los Noches, particularly in the quarters-in other words Ichigo's kidnapping ,and possibly his torture were not solely Aizen's doing-if anything else there is the possibility that Soul Society's Upper Classes itself had some part to play in the Arrancar War."

Yuzu gasped. "-But isn't it also likely that Aizen was using these patches to enter Soul Society. " She venture not wanting to follow the rest of Urahara's theory... She didn't want to know that the people she worked with, could also be people who worked to torture her older brother. It would be painful to know that and still return to Soul Society.

Urahara's next sentence was even worst. "I had considered that option, until I found out that the crests of both the Great Noble Families can only be made by their representing councils. If Aizen was only trying to gain information from Soul Society, than he would have only needed the crest of the Royal Guard-the information about weaknesses in Seireitei would have been handed to him easily-so the fact of the situation is having the Noble Families crest would gain him nothing. Noble Families are complicated, and even with the position of Head of the Families, the clan leader has no real power-their council does."

"Regardless, we cannot allow anyone else-particularly Kuchiki-san and Abarai-kun to find out about this, Kuchiki-san because of her position, and Abarai-kun because of his inability to lie."

Urahara poured himself some more tea, before looking straight into Isshin's eyes. "And as much as I hate to say this... it might be better that Ichigo remain hidden, and away from us for the time being."

Isshin signed and rubbed his forehead, knowing the truth of his words.

Everything was becoming so complicated, so fast.

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Diagon Alley, July 31

Ichigo felt most of the excitement from entering the alley diminish as he and Hagrid walked down the street. Off to the sides of them, in the shadows of buildings, he could feel an ominous presences lurking and watching him...waiting for its chance to strike- yet, amount them, one feeling was the same. Much like the brief chat he had with the stuttering professor, he knew something was amiss.

"This is Gringotts," Hagrid said, as they paused in their walk.

Ichigo nodded distinctly, though his concentration was elsewhere.

They stood in front of a pale white building that towered over the other shops. Standing outside its tall burnished doors, Ichigo didn't pay the small creature any notice as he followed Hagrid up the stairs into the building.

"That's a goblin," Hagrid whispered (though it was really more of a stage whisper than anything else), causing the goblin near the doors to glare at the giant man.

Ichigo didn't say anything, and quickly glanced at the smallest figure, getting a general idea of what a goblin was. The goblin was about a head shorter Ichigo, and he sneered at the two, until Ichigo glared in his direction making the guard flinch as Ichigo mere presence was intimidating in ways the lone goblin didn't understand. Ichigo ignored the goblin immediately afterwards as he entered the building.

"Like I said, this h're is teh wizard's bank," Hagrid continued. "Yeh'd be mad ter try an' rob it-they've got some pow'rful magic h're." The taller of the two said leading Ichigo into a vast marble hall. About a dozen more goblins were sitting behind counters, doing varies things, while other showed varies other people in and out of doors. It was a strange sight to see, but compared with everything else, Ichigo didn't even blink when Hagrid walked up to one of the goblins up at the counter.

"Morning," He said totally ignoring the glare of the goblin. "We've come ter take some money outta Mr. Harry Potter's safe."

Ichigo spared a slightly glance behind the two, noting how odd it was for him to have an account somewhere he'd never been, but more than likely, his 'parents' were responsible for any money he'd use. It was strange to think about. The parents of his current body weren't his real parents, and no matter how much he may have been pissed off at Isshin, it was hard to think of Lily and James Potter as his parents-he had never met them, all he knew was their names.

And yet...he hated this experience, here he was using someone else's money-

"Harry?" Hagrid said glancing at his companion.

Ichigo looked up.

"What?" He asked calmly as he followed Hagrid and the goblin named Griphook. He had heard some of the conversation between Hagrid and the clerk, and although he didn't care much for the constant staring from the goblins, and surrounding people (Hagrid still hadn't mastered the art of whispering apparently) Ichigo had kept his guard up.

This was a whole new world, and likely there were new dangers waiting...

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Hueco Mundo, Los Noches Underground

Los Noches was a vast stretch of ruins, and wreckage as the pale white palace stood out against the sea of sand. It lay deserted and even with the rumors of Aizen's death in the winds, no hollow dare make it their home. As blood as red as the day it was spilled remained as a warning against all those to sworn to claim it. Still there were many times where a hollow who thought it self too powerful, and was too arrogant went to claim this palace as its own-they were never seen again.

And yet as random and as often as possible a strange crushing spirit energy would emit from the area, destroying any nearby Hollows, and sometimes during the full moon echoes and muttering of prisoners could still be heard and all who remained moved further from the palace-at least until he came...

He was a tall man, with grayish hair, and a smile that was beyond creepy-something some hollows saw as a perfect chance for a meal, and some hollows did attack, being cut down before a single slash could hit the man.

The smile on his face never moved, never flattered.

"Having fun, Gin?"

The fox-like man looked up, his smile disappearing for a second, as his eyes opened.

"Well, well, if it isn't the captain?" Gin said smile becoming strained.

He had hoped he was wrong.

Standing less than twenty feet away, was none other than Aizen Sousuke.

(0o0)

Diagon Alley, July 31

Ichigo glanced around, feeling less and less like he was in a bank, and more like he was in a cave as the goblin Griphook led them through a series of passage ways lit with flaming torches. It sloped steeply downward leading into a small area containing a railway tracks. Griphook glanced at Hagrid before whistling. After about a second a medium sized cart came hurtling around the tracks stopping right in front of them.

The group climbed in and they were off.

They sped through the passage way and through a maze of twisting turns. Ichigo idly trying to memorize the pattern as the silence continued in the cart. Left, right, right, left, middle fork, and so on, after a while it became impossible, and Ichigo abandoned the work choosing instead to make a list of everything he need to buy. He used the school supply list and carefully marked down a list of additional supplies he would no doubt need.

He listed several topic like "Culture" and "Views" and "Current Information" but stopped after that knowing that he'd have to wait until he saw his vault before he thought to add more. He looked over at Hagrid wondering why the giant was suddenly so quiet, and was slightly surprised to see his companion looking green.

"You okay?" Ichigo asked hoping Hagrid won't toss his cookies.

Hagrid looked down at him. "I think I'm gonna be sick." He said covering his mouth.

Ichigo didn't ask again, and calmly waited for the cart to stop, a minute later. Hagrid quickly got out, and leaned against the wall, his knees trembling slightly. Griphook unlocked the cart door, and got out opening the passengers' door politely for Ichigo and Hagrid to walk out. The goblin kept his head low, and never once did he ever look straight into Ichigo's eyes, something that was strange to the substitute but he let it pass, wondering if it was some goblin culture thing that they did for everyone.

Then calmly as Ichigo moved pass the banker Griphook, he quietly closed the cart door, and moved diligently to open the large steel-like vault door. A lot of green smoke came blowing out, and as it cleared, Ichigo blinked, rubbing his eyes. He wasn't hallucinating.

There in front of him were large mounds of coins, in several types such as bronze, silver and gold. They filled up almost the entirety of the space that Ichigo suspected that if there had been anymore the door wouldn't have been able to open.

"All yours," Hagrid smiled handing Ichigo a small bag.

Ichigo nodded, and took the bag, and piling some of all the coins into the bag, ready to put some into his pockets as well as and change them into pounds for later. To his surprise instead of the bag getting bigger or heavier, the bag stayed the same, and Ichigo continued placing coins into it knowing that it was more than likely that some magic was at work.

"The gold ones are Galleons," Hagrid explained breaking the silence that had started since Ichigo had began piling coins into the money bag. "Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon, and twenty-nine bronze Knuts to a Sickle. So remember it." He said moving back into the cavern, he was still looking a little green. Ichigo glanced to the piles of money making a guess of the amount, and then closed the money bag, placing it into his pocket, before walking over to the goblin.

"Excuse me," Ichigo said getting the goblins attention. "Is it possible to change some of this into pounds?"

Griphook looked up at him for a second, and nodded. "Yes, simply bring the amount of galleons to one of the clerks and they will exchange it for you." He said bowing deeply, and walking back to the cart, Ichigo followed him, noticing that the second he stepped out of the vault the doors moved lock once more.

Hagrid was already seated back in the cart and he had his hand to his mouth. "Vault seven hundred and thirteen now, please." He said before he quickly covered his mouth.

Ichigo slide into his seat. After a second the cart started moving again, sending them deeper in the caverns, while gathering speed. The darkness that had been kept at bay from the ceiling lights and torch was now over taking them as only a few small torches here and there were the only lights present. The air became colder and colder as the corners became tighter, until the cart ride itself became faster and faster. Ichigo leaned over the side looking down noticing the emptiness of an underground ravine, before moving back into his seat.

Hagrid groaned, looking worst by the minute, until suddenly without any warning the cart halted, stopping into front of an imposing door with no keyhole.

"Stand back," Griphook said importantly, though his words were aimed more towards Hagrid than Ichigo. The small goblin moved to the door moving his hand along the side of the door, stroking it gently with his long fingers. For a strange couple of seconds nothing happened, and then the door melted away. Hagrid stepped forward into the vault, and took only item contained within it-a grubby little package, that was no bigger than a fist.

"Impressive." Ichigo muttered to himself, noticing the proud smile Griphook sent his way when Hagrid wasn't looking.

They climbed back into the cart, and traveled up back to the surface, where ten minutes later, they stood in the marble hall. Griphook motioned Ichigo to one of the waiting clerks, while Hagrid wondered over to the nearest trash can. Ichigo carefully reached into the money bags, and placed about a dozens galleons, and sickles in front of the waiting goblin quickly.

The goblin nodded, and took the money, and quickly counted out a stack of pounds. To Ichigo's slight surprise, he was handed back a medium sized stack of ninety pounds, and oddly enough both goblins bowed deeply to him. Ichigo glanced to ground's keeper, and bowed back, thanking them deeply, before moving away from them, and walking over to Hagrid.

"Feeling better?" Ichigo asked calmly wondering if there was a medicine store nearby.

Hagrid shook his head negatively, and both made their way out of the bank, blinking as their eyes against to the bright sun outside Gringotts. Looking around Ichigo, spotted a robe shop down the alley. He checked again to make sure he had placed the pounds back into the pouch.

"Might as well get yer uniform first." Hagrid said, though Ichigo could see his companion turning green again. Apparently, he wasn't as over his motion sickness as he thought. "Listen, Harry would yeh mind if-"

"Hagrid." Ichigo said getting the half giant's attention. "Go do what you need to, I'll be fine," His companion looked a little uneasy, at leaving his charge alone, but relented when his stomach rebelled again. Ichigo watched him go off for a few seconds, then turning back as he entered Madam Malkin's shop.

Inside the shop was filled with several articles of clothing including dress, robes, coats, and other clothes. A small witch dressed all in mauve, chatted with a pair of adults, looking exasperated, obviously unhappy with the conversation, until gold changed hands. Off to the side a child shorter than the witch sat on a chair looking decidability bored. Ichigo ignored them after a few minutes occupying himself with digging through the winter wear.

They dragged on for a few minutes, Ichigo finding a coat as well as gloves, and two scarfs, noticing the conversation once or twice from the adults becoming louder, until the pair separated from the witch neither of which looking happy.

"Come along Draco," The man said to the child.

The boy nodded, standing and moving over to them, as they left the shop. Ichigo watched them go, noticing the expensive clothes. The family didn't do anything particularly different from walking and talking, yet somehow their gestures were vastly different from everyone else.

'They're aristocrats...probably the magical versions.' Ichigo thought picking out several more garments such as a set of plain green pajamas, and several pairs of socks as he waited for the witch to finish whatever she was doing. He moved his clothes to one of the nearby chairs, and sat down waiting patiently. He glanced outside watching the bystanders walking to and fro wondering...

"Did you need something, dear?" The witch asked calmly.

Ichigo turned back." Yes, please...I need some..." He glanced at the parchment again. "..robes."

She nodded a knowing look in her eyes. "For Hogwarts', right?"

"Yes."

She smiled brightly again. "Please step up here." She said motion to the foot stool. She took a black robe from a chair behind her and slipped it over Ichigo's head. She began to pin it to the correct length, mutter here and there to herself ,than turning away and writing some numbers down on a parchment. She smiled brightly the entire time, and then took the pins and robes off.

"It'll only be a moment." She said turning to a long roll of black material as she waved her wand.

Obediently the material cut itself, twisting and turning as string appeared and began sewing itself. This process continued five more times as each of Ichigo's Hogwarts' uniforms were sown. Soon enough his robes were done, and Madam Malken added a set of Dragon Hide gloves to the pile before ringing up Ichigo's purchases.

"The total comes out to a galleon and three sickles." She said warmly taking note of Ichigo's other items.

Ichigo handed over the amount, and took the plastic bag that his clothes were in. Much like his money bag, the bag his clothes were in was weightless, a big plus considering what else he still needed to buy. Ichigo thanked her and left the shop.

Looking back over his school list, Ichigo entered yet another shop, repeating the process and bought parchment (he refused to buy quills, and would instead use calligraphy pens, since there was no reason to bother with ink bottles), as well as his pewter cauldron, telescope and brass scales. Neither of which took as long as Madam Malkin's and Ichigo was careful to keep track of how much money he spent, as he placed all his purchases into his clothes bag (he didn't think his cauldron would fit, but was glad it did).

He walked back onto the street searching for a bookstore. Luckily for him, it was only two stores down from the cauldron shop.

Ichigo walked in, carefully keeping to the sides of the store as he scanned through the available titles for what he needed. Thankfully the textbooks for his classes where all one shelf, and he moved away looking through other titles. It was slightly confusing as many of them contained some Latin, while others talked about things he didn't really understand ( "Pureblood Purity, Bewitch your Friends, and Classic Wizard Times).

Regardless, Ichigo walked up to a employee and asked for help.

The man in question said nothing as he moved along shelves picking up books, smiling all the while. "You'll need this Latin Dictionary, and this manual to explain your potions instruction-it also has a section to explain all the uses of the ingredients, and these books for theory." The man went on and on, but Ichigo didn't begrudge him, knowing he'd need this knowledge, and didn't bother to stop the man even when the stack of books he gathered was entering the twenties.

"These are for history-Binns is terrible. He only teaches Goblin Rebellions, oh and this Self Updating Book of Wizardary, will help you understand anything-I have one. Simply write the word, or words in it and it'll bring up anything known on it-But don't worry if you forget how to use it, it says the same thing on the cover...and I think that everything." The man said smiling down on at Ichigo, before turning to the pile in his hands.

The man blushed, barely noticing how many books he had assembled. "I'm sorry." He said looking embarrassed. "I kind of went over board-"

"It's fine." Ichigo said interrupting him, as far as the ex-soul reaper could tell nothing of the books he'd gathered for him was useless.

"I asked for information to help me understand this world, and you did that..." Ichigo scratched his head. "I was going to need this all at some point anyway..."

The man smiled, and turned away leading Ichigo up to the counter and started ringing up the books.

"Your total is fifteen galleons and eighteen sickles," The man-Evan said finally (his name tag easily visible now that Ichigo was facing him).

Ichigo nodded, and started taking out money.

While he did that, Evan took out a bag from under the counter and started placing Ichigo's books into it. Much like Ichigo's other bags, all his book fit into it. Ichigo counted out the amount once more before giving it to Evan and taking his bag in return.

"Thanks." Ichigo told him, exiting the shop. He moved the books' bag into his right hand and went next door to the truck shop.

Unlike the book store that was full of people, the truck shop was empty. Trucks upon truck littered the space with signs over them explaining their uses and how much. Many of them were brown, while others were black, blue, or even green. Some trucks were proudly displayed on crates, and their signs were much bigger including uses such as 'rooms', and expansion charms, as well as some much more intricate styles, and designs.

Ichigo moved closer to one of them, and started reading, wondering if maybe, he'd need something more than a basic school trunk.

The Traveler's Trunk

4 Rooms- Bath, Bedroom, Kitchen and Lab

Includes Permanent Weightless and Expansion Charms

Password, and Magical Locks

Cost: 62 Galleons

The trunk sounded good at first, especially considering the amount of school supplies he bought, and Dursley's phobia of magic. He checked his money pouch making sure he had the amount necessary before he decided. He need not have worried though, because he still had plenty of money left, so the truck's piece still would have left him, about thirty galleons for his wand and potions supplies.

He close his bag, and walked up to the small counter tucked away in one corner of the store. There was no one there immediately, but a small bell ringer, with a sign; 'Ring when ready.'

Ichigo did so once, and waited.

He heard some shuffling further into the store, steps getting closer. A door opened in front of one of the trucks, and a man came in view. He was scruffy man with dark brown hair, and casual clothes. He moved behind the desk, looking over Ichigo as he did.

"How can I help you?" He asked rearranging some random knickknacks on the desk, looking a mixture between bored and annoyed.

Ichigo ignored his attitude. "I want to buy the Traveler's Trunk." He said firmly, and bluntly.

The employee blinked, before laughing. It was obvious from the man's expression, that he didn't believe Ichigo could actually have the means to buy the trunk. Ichigo ignored this, and steady counted out the correct amount from his money bag, and moved it to the man. The man blinked surprise returning to his face, before he moved to answer Ichigo's request.

"Its' yours." He said carefully placing the amount into the cash register, and taking a similarly looking trunk from behind the counter. "It has a two-year warranty because you've paid the amount in full, so if anything breaks, or malfunctions return here and we'll fix up-free of charge. Now then, to start with simply place your hand over the lock, and say your password-afterwards it will record both your magical signature, as well as the password. Its spelled against water, fire, and pest damage, as well as wear and tear...Any question, sonny?"

"Yes," Ichigo nodded. "What furniture is present in the rooms?"

"In the bedroom, there's a basic twin sized bed as well as two bookshelves, and a desk, while in the Kitchen, counters, oven, cupboards, microwave, and grill are all powered magically, while the lab itself contains a basic potions arrangement of a caldron, and several cupboards, and shelves for both books, and potions-be aware though that to change the set up of any room-simply state the password, and what you want to change. For example, say the password is 'Leonard', I'd say 'Leonard, change bed size to Queen', and the furniture would change."

"Unfortunately, this only works for pre-existing materials so if you wanted to add, actual books for example you would actually need to enter the trunk rooms. To enter the trunk, say the password and enter, if not, just say the password, and the lid will open and you will be shown just an ordinary trunk, understand?"

Ichigo nodded.

"Good," He passed the trunk to Ichigo, waving him out.

Ichigo managed several steps down the street before running into his companion.

"Yeh done shopping?" Hagrid asked looking immensely better than he did an hour ago. The giant held a strange container in his right hand that had steam coming out, but Ichigo ignored its presence.

"Not yet," The substitute said knowing for sure that he wasn't done. At the very least, he still needed his wand and his potions supplies he noted while looking over his school supplies list. He scanned though it checking off the items he had before returning his attention to his companion. He slipped the list into one of his bag, and said as much to Hagrid.

Hagrid thought this over a second before he glanced over at Ichigo. "Tell yeh what, I'll get your potions things, and yeh get yer wand." He said patting Ichigo on the back (it was only Ichigo's incredible strength that prevented the substitute from meeting the floor). Still, something about Hagrid's happy expression seemed off, compared to earlier, but Ichigo ignored it for now...

Ichigo set off again down the street, glance to both sides looking for a shop that sold wands. It was a tedious process as many of the places he passed sold random things like magical appliances, and other objects. The day's shoppers getting in his way more than once made finding the purpose of some of these places difficult, but finally after twenty minutes he found it.

There tucked into a small corner was a narrow and shabby shop. Gold letters over the door were peeling, and faded, and the wood was rotten in several places-a testament to the age of the store...yet unmistakably over the window the words: Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. were apparent. Unlike the main area of the alley there was no one here, and Ichigo entered the shop, wary. Something about this place made him tense...

A tinkling bell just over the door rang, and Ichigo stepped through, entering an open area. There were chairs near the wall, and a desk, as well as thin boxes stacked on shelves all of different colors and sizes-there!

Ichigo moved on instinct feeling a presence try and sneak up behind him, and he moved to his left, skidding excepting an attack. And yet, in front of him a olden man stood, surprise filling his face. His wide pale eyes, and strange clothes didn't help his image, and tension surfaced in the room. The man-presumably Ollivanders still had his hand stretched out as if the only action he intend was to surprise Ichigo-

"Who are you?" The old man said standing up straighter and glancing at Ichigo suspiciously. "You are not Harry Potter." It wasn't a question, and the words were demanding-commanding answers. It was a threat.

Ichigo met Ollivanders eyes unfazed by the venom, or pressure in the room. Even if man knew something he shouldn't, knew this secret about him, didn't mean he was entitled to know everything. No, knowing one thing didn't led to another.

"An accident." Ichigo answered even, letting nothing show on his face, his arms at his sides ready for any sort of attack-magic or otherwise. Ichigo's bags were scattered on the floor forgotten among the tension, and Ollivander stepped closer an inch, daring to try and intimate the shinigami. Ichigo stood his ground, unafraid, but on guard.

"Are you planning to remain?"

"Who knows." Ichigo said, eyes narrowed slightly. "That's not my decision."

"I see." Ollivander nodded, and something passed between the two, as the tension vanished as if it'd never been.

Ichigo picked up his bags placing them neatly on one of the chairs near him, and than returned to his previous position-standing in the middle of the room waiting for the strange man. Olivander was currently gathering boxes from along the shelve, stopping every now and then to place a few more into his pile. One by one the boxes stacked themselves high on the desk, as more and more were added, some were small others were almost a foot long.

"Your biological father, James Potter owned a wand made of mahogany, good for transfiguration. Eleven inches. Pliable. He never owned any secondary wands, but was compatible with yew and yet...your mother brought a willow wand. Swishy. Powerful in its own right, especially for Charms. Ten and a quarter inches."

"So perhaps, your wand will be similar to one of there's, yet two other piece remain unaccounted for-that of you and your scar. Normally, such an accident would be impossible-you are not Harry Potter, but are. You are alive, but not like the others, you bare a scar caused by the darkest black magic. I'm afraid that releasing that wand out into the world, was not one of my wisest choices..."

Ollivander's sliver eyes glanced over Ichigo's form, lost in thoughts, his expression distant.

"The Killing Curse, cast by a yew wand. Thirteen and a half inches..." He turned back to the huge pile of boxes on his desk, and took a few opening them. Five wands, varies shades of brown and dark black gathered in his hand.

"Here." He said handed Ichigo a wand. "Beachwood and Willow. Ten inches. Nice and Flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."

Ichigo took the wand feeling stupid, and waved it. A huge crack appeared on the desk making several boxes fall off. Ollivander paid this no mind and simply snatched the wand, placing it back into its box, and onto a random shelf. He handed Ichigo another wand, and another. This process continued, over and over, the piles of wands on the desk becoming smaller and smaller as time went on.

"Yew, and oak. Eleven inches. Try-" Another broken vase.

Ichigo sighed, already tired of this. Wand after wand was shoved into his hands and the result was always the same-something breaking. By this point every wall, window, vase, frame, chair, shelf, was broken not once, or twice, but three times over. He tried and tried. He had no idea what the other man was looking for, but the more wands he pulled from the shelves the happier he seemed to become.

"I knew you would pose a challenge but this beyond my expectations. Every single wand whether it be any sort of combination does not seem compatible with you...perhaps an unusual combination? " He moved back among the shelves moving aside some boxes, before he turned back to Ichigo.

"I had assumed this wand would not be necessary... and yet..." He placed the wand in Ichigo's hands.

Ichigo took it and waved it. Unlike the other wands, a light warmth spread over his fingers, before going cold. One spark shot from the end, and died cutting off. Ollivander almost jumped with glee, happy for some reason.

"This is truly unexpected!" He cried, snatching the wand yet again from Ichigo's hands. "Not only are you incompatible with any of my wand, this wand had a very small response...curious...how very, very curious." Ollvander's sliver eyes traced Ichigo's form again.

"What's curious?" Ichigo asked through tired of Ollivander talking as if he wasn't there. It reminded the thirty-eight year old uncomfortably of Mayuri Kurotsuchi...

Ollivander fixed Ichigo with his pale stare.

"Wands are created uniquely, and no two wands are the same, much like people. The fact that this powerful wand gave only a very few sparks, means it is compatible to a point with you-to be frank its' incomplete. It appears that I must make additions if this wand if it is to truly accept you as its wielder...come." He said motion towards a door behind the desk.

Ichigo followed, tense about following this man anywhere. He was led down some stairs and into a basement-like room fill to the brim of jars on shelves and strange tools, some that sparkled ominously. Ollivander waited for him at the end of a long work table that was pushed to the side, an assortment of odd materials upon it.

"Of these materials, pick the one you are drawn to... I would suggest placing your hand above them to find the correct one." Ollivander suggested moving back a little as if assuming some sort of bomb was going to go off or something. Regardless, Ichigo did as he was told running his right hand over the gathered materials.

Nothing immediately happened, and after the fourth sample Ichigo wasn't sure anything would-then it happened. A light as blinding bright as the sun lit up. Waves of warm seizing heat bared down on him, and Ichigo covered his eyes, the light vanishing as his hand moved away. Slowly the room returned to normal.

"Interesting...very interesting." Ollivander said stepping up to the table and picking up the component that had glowed. He glanced back and forth between the items in his hands, and Ichigo himself. "I never expected this to be the missing medium...it is a wonder your wand had sparks at all."

Ichigo blinked trying to see pass all the spots in his vision. "What about it?" He pressed crossing his arms, clearly annoyed with both Ollivander and this whole mess.

"In my hands is a piece of an ancient sword rumored to belong to death...thus far no one has even been able to make it glow-and by itself it is very powerful, and now with your Phoenix and Holly..." Ollivander fixed Ichigo with a searching gaze. "You truly are special." He said taking the sword figment from the table and heading towards the stairs once more.

Upstairs, Ollivander gave Ichigo instruction to come the next day for his wand before running off, his thoughts clearly on something else. Ichigo agreed to come tomorrow (though he knew the man didn't hear him), and headed outside, unsurprised to see Hagrid, yet there was something strange about his posture.

The giant's right was tucked firmly behind him, while in his other hand carried Ichigo's potions supplies.

Hagrid noticed Ichigo's gaze, and smiling brightly presented his surprise. "Happy Birthday Harry!" He said placing a cage in Ichigo free hand.

Inside was a beautiful snowy owl, eyes darker as dark as night. She glanced suspiciously at Ichigo, regarding him closely. Than after a moment ducked her head under her wing falling fast asleep. She had accepted him, he guessed.

Ichigo turned to his large friend

"Thank you." He said quietly, somewhat unsure what to say to the older man.

To date, even when he lived with his real family, presents were rare. Holiday's were the only times for gift giving, and birthday's were filled with family time rather than material things. Yuzu and Karin were probably the only people who bothered getting him something during the holidays, and his father wasn't the most affectation orientated person even during the best of times.

"Don't mention it," Hagrid said steering his charge back to the Leaky Cauldron

It was empty now, and besides the bartender up at the bar (busy cleaning up tables), no one stared at them as they left. The streets of London though, were still the same, packed with people carrying out their business.

Hagrid led Ichigo back to the train station (once again ignoring the pedestrians), and handing Ichigo another envelope and a train ticket.

"Thisa train will take yeh home." Hagrid said. "And this is yer ticket fer Hogwarts. First o' September-King's Cross-it's all on yer ticket. Any problems with anything send me a letter-yer owl will know how to find me...See you soon, Harry."

The train pulled out of the station, Ichigo taking a seat quickly by the window, watched Hagrid until he was out of sight before the train was gone...

(0o0)

Number 4 Privet Drive, July 31

Night had fallen by the time Ichigo had returned to the Dursley residence, and although the idiots still weren't present, Ichigo led himself in, casually picking the front door lock (the Dursley's casually locked him out over the year). And dragged his things up to his room, ready to organize his things, before he made himself dinner.

His room was slightly humid and he opened his window, tossing his bags onto his bed distracted, as he moved his trunk in front of his desk.

There was much to do.

(End of Chapter 4 Part 1)

(0o0)

A/n: I really want to get to Hogwarts in this chapter...so its long! Enjoy!

(0o0)

Chapter 4 Part 2

Dursley Household, August 1

It was nearly noon, when Ichigo woke up.

Last night he finished sorting though his school things, put everything in its proper place within his truck, knowing full well that the Dursley's would probably be reappearing at some point-and they probably would toss his books if they caught sight of them... Still the adventure from yesterday wasn't over-as today he was going back to Diagon Alley.

Besides the wand he was going to pick up at Ollivanders, he planned to spend most of the day out in London, buying actual clothes as well as some additions he could add to his rooms within the trunk. He knew he needed non-perishable food, pans, utensils, dishware, soap, pillows and blankets, pens, pencils, and more-

"Are you going out again?"

Ichigo glanced behind him. It was the small ghost girl from before...

"Yes," He told her, feeling guilty that he had forgotten her in the aftermath of Hagrid's visit.

"Oh." She glanced down slightly sad.

"You can come." Ichigo said looking beyond her. More than likely they'd ran into a soul reaper, if she stayed with him instead of at number four, and it wasn't like was he going out of his way or anything.

She brighten instantly. "Really?"

"Sure. I'm heading to London to pick up some thing." He told he grabbing a jacket and hat from the coat rack.

While in Diagon Alley, he would need to keep covered if he didn't want another mob to derail his plans. So he quickly put on the hat, and the jacket making sure his scar wasn't showing in the hallway mirror, and stepped out. He locked the door behind him, and sped off down the street towards the bus stop, retracing his steps from yesterday.

The whole street was deserted, and Ichigo passed no one as he arrived at the bus stop. It was about seven o'clock as the sun peeked out from the clouds above. A chilly wind swept by making the temperature drop. He was glad for the jacket he was wearing, even it smelled slightly of dirt. The jacket used belonged to Dudley until a couple of weeks ago when he gained a huge amount of weight-then it become his.

Since than, Aunt Petunia never washed it leaving it up to him to wash when he was able to (like once every month), still because Dudley had only wore it once, the jacket insulation easily kept his thin body warm. He climbed the bus watching as the house went by, mind wondering. His ghostly companion hadn't said a word since he stepped out-preferring to gaze at the surrounding rather than try and engage Ichigo in conversation.

Soon enough the bus stood in front of the Surrey Train Station, and Ichigo made his way to the ticket counter, buying himself a ticket to London. The counter were empty as well, and within seconds he was seated comfortable in one of the train waiting for it to leave the station. He unzippered the jacket casually, hands in his pocket keeping a tight hold on his money pouch. Pickpockets were common in Britain, and streets kids were likely to target anyone( not that they could beat him, but he'd rather not have to deal with them)...

"There they go again!" A lady shouted, sitting directly in front of Ichigo interrupting the peace. Another took a seat next to her, both of them chatting loudly.

"I know."

"I even saw one of them wearing light blue! Can you believe it?" (1)

Ichigo signed prepared to spend the entire train ride, trying to ignore them. Already the train was filling with people, and the lane between the seats was packed with late travelers trying to quickly find a seat before the train started to move. Still those two ladies became louder, making ignoring them, near impossible with his enhanced hearing.

"Robes? Seriously-we are a decent society. What scum."

That got Ichigo attention, and he zeroed in on them, seating forward. "Excuse me." He said to them.

The ladies blinked, turning to him. "Yes?"

"I couldn't help overhearing your conversation-was what you said true?" Ichigo asked politely, yet earnestly.

They nodded nearly overcome with happiness at the polite young child being interested.

The lady to the right nodded vigorously. "Of course. In fact I saw these people wondering around one of the columns between nine and ten. It was the most awful thing."

Ichigo nodded.

"I can imagine." Ichigo said absolutely disgusted with himself for agreeing with her. Much like Petunia these woman, were not kind to anyone not like them. They were same spite people, and the looks they sent previously to some of the passengers loudly mocking them, in between their conversation only proved this. "Did the station step in?"

"No, they simply insist that nothing could be done, something about it just happening every so often."

"Did he meant when?"

"Mostly in August and September, and June."

"I see...thank you for the warning." Ichigo said standing up.

The train had entered the station second before, and Ichigo moved out of the train, and on to the street. He headed toward the Leaky Cauldron, his thoughts else where.

After yesterday's events, the ticket he'd been handed by Hagrid didn't say exactly where he was suppose to take the train, and from the information he'd gathers from those ladies, it was likely within the London Train Station itself...still he'd find out for sure when he got to the alley. He wouldn't want to endure another year of learning, when he could be off from away from the Dursley's( particular Vernon) just because he didn't bother to ask where the Hogwarts' Express was...

He entered the Leaky Cauldron, with cautions steps. No one even glanced in his direction, and even the bartender, Tom was busy talking to a lady at the bar. His relief last all of a second, before his thoughts kicked and he went out in the alley way. Touching the brick in the exact combination as Hagrid Ichigo pulled his hat down again, and rushed passed the arches determined not to stop until he was within the confines of Ollivander's.

Much like yesterday, the eyes from the shadows were back, but on a entirely new level. Yesterday was more curiosity than actual killing intent, but now, Ichigo knew better. Even now with his clothes hiding most face from view, someone watching him still knew who was-but who was it?

Ichigo slide into the shop, Ollivander waiting for him.

In front of the wand maker, a thin elegant box-his wand.

"The time spend remaking this wand-was perhaps the most challenging." He handed the wand to Ichigo. "This wand is very powerful-do not disappoint me...the cost is ten galleons and nine sliver sickles."

Ichigo nodded, and handed over the money taking his wand, and placing it in his pocket once more standing in the alley. He sped off though heading in the direction of Flourish and Botts ready to find where Platform Nine and three quarters really was.

If that incident in the Leaky Cauldron hadn't happened he would have felt more comfortable asking the bartender where the Platform was-but now he wasn't going to chance it. Yesterday, the man had said his name loud enough for the entire bar to hear-what was the chance he wouldn't today? Besides as excitable as Evan was-he didn't know who he was...

"Hey, you're back!" A voice said cutting into Ichigo thoughts.

It was Evan.

Ichigo nodded. "Hey."

It was all Hagrid's fault, he was here.

Evan smirked. "So...you ran out of books already?" His grin turning sadistic. He was

"No. I'm still reading them." Ichigo said. "...How do you find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?"

Evan blinked. "No one told you how to get on the platform?" There was only absolute surprise on his face.

"No."

"Well, its simple. At ten-thirty, at the London Train Station, walk into the wall in the middle column." Evan told him, a pensive look on his face. He smile hadn't lessened at all, his arms crossed. And yet, he wasn't looking directly at Ichigo he was looking beyond him... "And that's how you enter the Platform!" He finished.

"Thank you." Ichigo said, relieved that he was actually going away from the Dursley's rather than have to deal with them three hundred and sixty-five days out of the year. He told Evan his good-bye, and set off next door again.

Outside the bookstore, he walked the few steps to his next designation-the trunk shop. He planned to find out if there was some magical alternative to a refrigerator that could be placed within his truck, so even if the Dursley's decided t try and starve him again (they've done this before), he wouldn't have to live off of can food.

The door opened with a small ring, as slightly above the door frame a small bell rang. It was the same as the day before, empty and crowded with trunks. He marched up to the front desk waiting for the familiar sounds of someone to come to the front-

"Back again, brat." The old man said kicking the workroom open.

Ichigo wisely ignored the comment. "Is there some sort of refrigerator for use in the trunk?" He asked bluntly, preferring not to live off of cans forever, and risk yet another conference from a school for being under weight...

"'Course there is." The man turned away from Ichigo, moving some boxes on a shelf behind the desk, as he searched in them. About a third through the shelves, he was pulling off a large box, taped up, with the words "Status Container" printed on the side . "Costly though..."

"How much?"

"Twenty galleons."

"Here." Ichigo said placing the coins in his hand.

The man blinked, and then laughed loudly. "You're something else, sonny. This container, is pretty much the same as one of those coolers muggles use. Put it in the trunk and it'll work-if not bring it back and I'll check it."

Ichigo nodded, and left.

He wasn't smiling, and yet he was happy, thankful that something had gone right.

(0o0)

Dursley Household, August 30

Ichigo's last month without the Dursley's went fast. Every morning at eight he'd wake up prepare breakfast, and read through another one of his school books, making sure to take diligent notes in one of his notebooks (one for each subject), than after lunch he'd go out back to the backyard and trained diligently on his spirit control (carefully not to blow up any brushes) before coming inside making dinner, and studying again. It was a boring lifestyle that only changed when he ran out of food, or other necessities, yet it kept the nightmares away.

His owl, Shiroko, was his only company during these times, and after her initial introduction clinging to him like glue following him everywhere, and watching as if afraid he'd disappear if he was out of her sight (thankfully she knew better than to enter the restroom), and often times would perch on his shoulder looking down on whatever he was reading. It was lucky Petunia wasn't around, because more than once the white owl brought in dead mice, tearing them into shreds on the Living Room floor, (something that made Ichigo smile thinking of the female Dursley's reaction when she returned...).

He got up and replaced his book, noting the date.

Two days left...

(0o0)

Seireitei, August 30

Normality returned to the Kurosaki family after their return three weeks prior, and yet everyone from tenth seat and down could tell something was wrong, very wrong.

Karin lost her temper more often, reducing some of the lower members of her division almost to tears when they nearly set the division dorms on fire while showing off, sentencing them to three weeks as Kenpachi's 'training' partner, before putting each and every offender on probation for the next year. Yuzu spent more time by herself, often asking her lieutenant to leave the room for large periods of time, hauling herself up in her office seeing no one other than her family members. Isshin was probably the most affected as every night, he'd seek out Kyouraku and drinking himself senseless, muttering nonsense until Lisa dragged him back to his office.

Neither of them would say what exactly was wrong, and every time someone would even bring up the topic, they'd glare at the offender, demanding (or asking in Yuzu's case ask) to leave them. Even Rukia and Renji were left in the dark, after their various attempts failed at finding out what had happened. Yet, no one was very surprised to assume something was amiss with Ichigo.

Rumors floated everywhere, from finding his body, to him refusing to speak to his family, opinions ran amuck, no one able to confirm them, though strangely enough whenever Ichigo came up in topic, any of the ex-vaizards left the room, reiatsu flaring angrily.

It became so bad, that finally Captain Commander Ukitake asked for silence, and understanding from the thirteen court guard members, and to leave the Kurosaki family alone.

No one dared disobey him, and immediately afterwards, gifts arrived at Ichigo's altar within the family grounds...they wouldn't forget him.

"And yet here I am..." A girl small little girl said.

Her face and body were hidden covered in a long dark brown cloak that danced in the wind. She raised her hand fingers gently brushing over some of the flower placed near the grave. She reached up and pushed down the hood...

And staring out into the sun, was none other than Ichigo's ghostly companion...

(0o0)

Dursley Household, August 29

On the last day of August, Ichigo carefully check over both his room and his house searching for anything he may have messed, and reorganized his trunk ensuring it was tidy and clean of mess. Much had changed from when he first brought the trunk, except for the small pieces here and there he had added to customize his rooms. On his bedside table his school books were the coming year were neatly stacked, with one side complete occupied by his notebooks containing all his notes, while a small pencil holder contained an assortment of pen and pencils.

While off in one corner a dresser was placed, his robes, and regular clothes sorted. Apparently any furniture could be added... he found out, and he had taken some discarded furniture from the Dursley's attic, using it to make the trunk more hospital for him. He removed four medium tables, an oval desk, and two more book shelves using them mainly in his bedroom, and adding another in his potions lab.

Gone was the neutral color of the trunk, dark shades such as oranges, blues, and green had overtaken the rooms in artful design similar to his original room in the Kurosaki Clinic-

FLASHBACK

"So this how you live Kurosaki Ichigo." A disinterested voice said landing gracefully on his bed.

Ichigo turned around briefly and blinked before turning back to his homework, knowing full well that the shinigami would be insulted more if he acted like he was ignoring him. Kuchiki Byakuya was a man whose pride was only second to following the ridiculous laws of his clan, and Ichigo spent much of his time trying to get the noble to something else besides frown.

"Why are you even here?" Ichigo asked flipping a page in his textbook, wondering if this was going to be a common occurrence, now that Rukia had been recalled to Soul Society.

Byakuya straighten. To anyone else, it was the stance of someone merely being uncomfortable, but to Ichigo who probably knew the noble better than most of Seireitei, this stance was one of someone ready to fight.

"I am under orders from Captain Commander Ukitake to escort you to Soul Society and place you within protective custody until further notice."

Ichigo didn't look at him, one of his hands under the desk holding his substitute soul reaper badge. "I'm surprised Hat n Clogs even told Seireitei the real location of the Hyougoku..." Ichigo looked him straight in the eyes. "And the Assassination Squad?"

"Incentive, for you to come quietly... the Captain Commander apologizes for this," Byakuya said hand on hilt.

Ichigo stood up from his desk, and walked past Byakuya, casually slipping his hand holding the badge into his pocket. He moved his textbook off to the side, and walked to his dresser pulling out Kon.

"While I'm gone, you look after Karin and Yuzu-don't let anything happen to them." He ordered, pressing his badge to the silent stuff animal, letting his soul pill out. He took it and swallowed, his soul being forcibly expelled.

"Make some excuse to the old man." He told the mod soul jumping out the window...

It was the last time he ever saw that house.

FLASHBACK END

Ichigo cursed, hands turning into fists. He hated remembering, hated thinking on his own weaknesses.

How could he have been so stupid?

"Hoot, hoot," Shiroko said cuffing him with her wing.

Ichigo glanced at her, and petted her. "Thank you." He whispered, his angry disappearing.

It was just so hard to let go...

Blood trailed down his hands, his nails cutting into skin, causing him to bleed, yet went he opened his hands again the cuts were leaving blood behind. It was like his past covered with blood, and invisible wound no one would see, or care...

Dursley Household, September 1

The next two days passed by quickly and before Ichigo knew it he was waking up on September first. It was six o'clock and he got up, dressing and checking one last time to make sure he had his money for the bus, before he picked up his trunk and went down stairs. He ate some toast, and packed a decent sized lunch, placing it within one of the many pockets of his jacket.

He cleaned up, and taking the spare house key (he had no doubt the Dursley's would lock him out when he returned) marched out into the chilly winter air. Outside he met up with his ghostly companion and they set off the wind biting at Ichigo, blowing leaves, and other random at him. He was warm though his new insulated jacket providing more then enough heat to keep him warm without making him sweat profusely.

Next to him, the small girl chatted happily talking about some random people she saw on her way back to the house.

"-and the man was like here's a kiss, his friend was sweating so much and it turned out to be a candy-" He only half listened, nodding every now and then, but his mind strayed to other thoughts as he stood waiting for the morning bus to make an appearance. Finally after another minute or so, the bus came, its doors opening.

Ichigo entered dragging his trunk behind him as he threw some money into the money slot, and took a seat in the middle. The doors closed and Ichigo boredly glanced out the windows, watching as the houses passed by slowly...

FLASHBACK

Landing on the pavement below, Ichigo was instantly surrounded by a dozen members of the Assassination Squad, all in stances ready for a fight. Byakuya appeared behind him looking as prime and proper as usual yet, there was something off about the man...

"During the duration of this escort, your soul slayer will be confiscated, and your spirit energy bound." Byakuya told him as a single member of the second division waited patiently in front of Ichigo. It was obvious what he wanted and Ichigo complied silently, though underneath emotions stirred. He could clearly hear his hollow curse, and threaten, hating the separation.

Zangetsu was wrapped in strange ribbon covered with symbols he'd only seen a few times-Soul Society writing, before the sword and its carrier vanished from sight, and another member took their place, whispering words.

"Platform of hell, contain this unheeding might...Containment Seal thirty-eight."

Bright chains of blue spirit energy twisted and changed, transforming into pale grey shackles that circles his hands, neck and ankles. His spirit energy was forcibly taken from him, and lingered away from him. His hollow's voice becoming louder for a second, then lowering to a slight whisper. He was powerless, and his senses clouded as if he was watching the world through a dirty window.

Behind him, Byakuya wasn't looking at him oddly enough, and ordered the group to move forward. Ichigo followed them as best he could his senses blurry and disordered. The houses they passed merely shapes off in the distance until finally they entered a clearing and stopped. Byakuya unsheathe his sword letting the space before him opened and several sets of sliding doors open, granting passage.

They stepped into the doors, and instantly the pressure came crushing down on Ichigo stealing his breath. It was beyond painful, and then nothing. They were within the gates, friends and captains waiting for them. He glanced at them vision distorted. He knew they were there, yet it was hard to get a single word out. Everything was suffocating him.

All could hear was voices...

"How was he Kuchiki?"

"As expected, the lose of his spirit energy has made Kurosaki Ichigo unable to function normally. " A calm female voice answered, she stood next to him checking him over.

"His senses are cut off for the most part making even communication difficult. A spiritual body should not be without its energy under normal circumstances, and yet forcing it has left him very near cut off from the outside world. I would assume he can barely make out our words... How did he react to the Sekaimon (2)?"

"It appeared to be painful."

"I see. I would suggest lowering the binds several levels, perhaps three levels as soon as possible. Without ninety-five percent of his spirit energy so much as a fifth seat unleashing his shikai(3) within twenty feet could potentially kill him."

"I'll have it done... Captain Kurotsuchi are Kurosaki Ichigo's rooms ready?"

"Of course Captain Commander." A chill went up Ichigo spine.

He hated that voice. Their was something wrong, something ominous about it. This person was dangerous...

"Fucking scientist," His other whispered in his ear. "He's plotting something." (4)

And yet, Ichigo knew somehow, that this other wasn't suppose to like this, shouldn't be. The hollow was...dangerous...? It was hard to say words escaped him, were so hard to think as the pain intensified again.

"-quickly, sedate him!-"

"-patient's body rejecting binds!-"

"London, Charming Cross!" The bus driver said cutting across Ichigo's thoughts.

He got off the bus pushing his memories to the back of his mind as dragged his trunk down the street. Emotions lingering from the memory, he hated having flashbacks... He glanced up at one of the clocks above a coffee shop, noticing the time to barely be seven thirty, leaving him with plenty of time until he train came.

That when he spotted it.

Tucked into a corner of the street was a smallish shop that people avoided. It was a decent enough place with a modest color and a sign "Curious Village", yet like the Leaky Caldron people ignored it completely. Moving forward Ichigo pushed the door, guessing this place to be simply another magical shop that just happened to be outside Diagon Alley.

He had time, he could check it out. Maybe he'd find some more books, or something...

"Welcome! My name is Rozen and I'll be helping you today." A cheery voice said. A small maid dressed girl greeted him, bowing to him. She looked very plain looking with her light brown hair, and dark brown eyes.

"What can I help you with?"

Ichigo blinked, still confused as to what this shop actually did. Sure, there were books, and some strange boxes, there were random things scattered about. It was a confusing mismatch of everything and nothing...

"What is this shop?" Ichigo asked leaning his trunk against one of the walls near the door.

The girl smile never left her face. "I'm glad you asked. This is a shop designed for the spiritually aware. We most get poor souls who want to get rid of their awareness, though we can do anything, from to helping train your particular power, to setting up an appointment to talk someone whose died, sealing off memories, the list goes on and on. Heck, it doesn't really matter, you name it and more than likely we can do it..." (5)

"I..." Ichigo looked away.

He didn't expect this.

"I like to learn control over my spiritual power." Ichigo said after a second's thought.

He wanted to see his mother, but he knew it was risky. Even if she could meet him, the chances were someone, somewhere would wonder why Misaki Kurosaki was visiting England. Kurotsuchi himself was in charge of monitoring the Rukogon districts... and right now control was something more important.

Still there was always later...

"Alright. Please step this way." She led him to the counter and took out a sheet paper with some strange design along its borders "Place your hand on it, and charge some of your spirit energy. Depending on how much, what kind, and what your particular focus is, will determine your training... Keep mind we accept only pounds, okay?"

Ichigo nodded.

He placed his hand on the sheet letting some of his reiatsu (6) onto the page. Watching as words filled the page:

Harry Potter/ K.I.

Reiatsu Level: 29.4

Focus: Swords, Wand

Power Type: Light / Dark Natured

Species: Unknown, Contains Hollow, Soul Reaper, Arrancar, Vaizards, Human

Weapons: Zangetsu, sword (soul slayer), Wand (Holly, Phoenix feather with sword figment)

Magical Talent: Yes

Additional Talents: Parseltongue (dormant), Spiritual Mastery of Languages

Ichigo looked at the pages, tense. He would have rather no one knew what he was. He stared at the girl preparing himself. If she truly was working for Soul Society, she would be forced to kill him. Vaizards either joined Seireitei or were hunted down and killed...

"...You are an odd one... A level 29 spirit energy level is very powerful, and unheard of." She smiled up at him. "Sadly this means you'll have to work three times as hard to control it, but whatever. The rest of this is very intriguing. Usually people only have either Light or Dark natured spirit energy so they can only heal, or only fight. If you want you can learning healing techniques...and there's the issue of your magical talent."

And she continued talking on and on, leaving Ichigo even further confused. "You're not part of Soul Society?" He asked quietly.

She looked up from the page, surprised. "No, never been. This shop is out of Soul Society's district, and because of the magical alley near us, we're invisible to the soul reapers, so their laws don't apply to us. We take our customers very seriously."

Ichigo nodded again, and turned back to the page. "You were saying..."

"Okay, starting over." She pointed at the top of page. "First off your name will always be shown like this... Moving on spirit energy, or reiatsu is rated from one to fifty with twenty being the power level of the average captain in Soul Society-you following me?"

"Yes."

"Good, moving on your focuses are items you use to channel your reiatsu, and are able to changed if you desire but you will have to start over from scratch. Say if you wanted to materialize your soul slayer in the real world, I would create a reiatsu hilt, and instruct on how that can do if you want. Next, because you have light and dark nature spirit energy you can learn healing as well as fighting moves... and ignore the weapons, it just says what you've recently used, magical talent says whether you have magic, and lastly the additional talents category-this section..." She paused.

"These are possible abilities you can do-according to this you've unlocked Spiritual Mastery of Languages-meaning you will understand any language and be able to speak it if you are exposed to it long enough. It a talent all soul reapers have so no big deal, its helpful, and lastly Parseltongue... The language of the snakes, I'd recommend not letting anyone in the magical world know you can do this, they think it makes you evil-stupid weirdos. Its works anytime there's snake so I suggest not talking while near one...and that it." She rolled up the pages tearing off a yellow sheet, and handing Ichigo the original.

"For you, no one can see what's on it," And she showed Ichigo her copy. "Mine only has the numbers 51, and not your name... Would you like to start your training now?"

Ichigo looked at her clock.

10:05

"I can't I have a train at eleven."

She nodded in understanding. "Alright."

She passed him a gray bracelet with three triangles interlocking. The design was simple yet didn't look out of place or particularly special.

"Hogwarts?" She smirked. "I figured. Anyhow, when you want to come touch the bracelet and say "Orphan's Lot, Charming Cross" and you'll be brought here."

"And the price?"

"One hundred pounds total for the year-covers everything! It included food, sleeping quarter, and so on!"

Ichigo passed her the money, and walked out the shop toward the train station. He never noticed that his ghostly companion wasn't with him.

(0o0)

Curious Village, September 1

"Why are you following him, Lavendel?" Rozen demand, venom coloring her voice. It was total one-eighty from the smiling person she had been only minutes prior.

Sitting comfortably near the door, the small ghost girl didn't bat an eyelash as she sneered, her innocent exterior turning into something darker, and more dangerous. The blood from around her neck vanished only to be replaced on her hands.

"Interesting...I never though I'd see Kurosaki Ichigo again, especially trapped within a body...not that its any of your business shop keeper." She said licking the blood off her fingers.

Rozen's eyes narrowed. "We both know that's a lie, so why use that as an excuse...you were never one for them..."

"And yet, you could've solved the substitute's little problem in mere hours...you covered in lies just like I am." The small girl stand up hands now clear of the blood, and dusted herself off.

"And yet, you put yourself on the same level as me... The reason I did not severe him from that dead corpse is simple-I will not allow him to be defenseless, not when Soul Society is prowling the streets of the world looking for him-"

"Really? Because where I'm standing you simply want a replacement for your dear daughter."

"Get out!" Rozen hissed. A lamp exploded by the door.

"Gladly. Remember little bitch, he'll never be Misaki." She smirked darkly.

The door slammed in her wake leaving Rozen alone with her thoughts.

(0o0)

London Train Station, September 1

Ichigo wondered around the station counting the columns. The station was incredibly packed for a Tuesday morning and often Ichigo barely avoided crashing into a wall or a person as the people ran around him hurrying to caught their trains, or to meet people. Shiroko hooted in her cage surveying the station for hidden threats after waking up. She had been asleep before, but now she was on guard ready to step in a minutes notice and she almost did several times when several people pushed and shoved Ichigo. Thankfully though Ichigo was able to calm her down each time, and not cause a scene as he walked around counting.

As far as he could tell there were sixteen columns within the train station, so it would stand to reason that column eight was probably the right one-

"-packed with Muggles of course-" A group of people passed near him, and he turned careful to keep out of their direct line of vision. It seems he was correct. 'Muggles' was wizarding word, one he often heard while in the alley, and one he deeply hated.

The speaker was a pump woman, with several children, four of whom were boys and one girl, all with red flame-like hair. Almost all of the children, except for the girl were dragging trunks like him, and appeared to be having a conversation about supplies. The oldest of the boys, had an owl much like Shiroko, on his trunk and Ichigo grinned and followed them.

"-All right, Percy, you go first." The mother told them.

The oldest boy marched towards the column separating platforms nine and ten, and with quickly strides walked into the wall, and vanished. Ichigo was to think he was imagining things, yet compared to his soul reaper form walking through walls was a simply matter, one he thought he ever be doing while still in a body, much less using this skill to go to a magical school...

Ichigo glance back to the group watching as the two twin boys followed suit marching through the barrier while the mother and sister look on, one in boredom, and the other in pure excitement. This was repeated twice more as the last three people of the group followed, and Ichigo stepped out walking into place.

When he was directly in front of the wall he ran forward eyes opened ..and than a second later he was standing directly of to the side of a scarlet engine. A sign overhead said 'Hogwarts' Express, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.' Ichigo looked behind him and saw a wrought-iron archway where he had just came from.

The station surrounding the train was crowd with students and parents, while smoke from the engine drifted overhead of the chattering people, many of which were entering the train. Most of them were dressed in plain clothes you would likely see on a street while others were wearing the black robes with different crests. Some had a badger with yellow and black, a raven with blue and light silver, a snake with dark green and dark silver, and a lion with red and gold.

'Its was probably a way to tell the houses apart,' Ichigo thought to himself as he carried his trunk to one of the train doors and lifted it. It was an easy feat for him, and in seconds his trunk as up on the train, now all he needed was to find an compartment-

"Ow!" A voice said interrupting his thoughts.

Down the way, at the next door a small boy with a round face struggled to lifted his trunk onto the train. Apparently he had dropped it on his foot painfully, as the trunk was lying off to the side of him after his latest attempt.

Ichigo glanced at the doorway, almost instantly disconcerting the reason. The door, while very close in size to the other among the train appeared to stuck only opening a set amount-not nearly enough for the trunk the small boy was trying to fit even if there was enough strength to get it onto the train.

Ichigo signed and took off his trunk from the train (there was no way he was just leaving it there) and walked over to the boy. "Need help?" He asked helping the boy stand up.

"Yes, please." He pleaded looking decidable upset.

"Alright," Ichigo told him. "This door is broken, let's try another one."

Moving to the door, Ichigo had been previously at, Ichigo moved both his trunk and the other boy's trunk onto the train. It was a simply matter and a minute later both were walking down the train looking for somewhere to sit. They passed by compartments all of which were full, the smaller boy following Ichigo closely as if his only link to sanity was the substitute shinigami in front of him. (And in a way Ichigo could believe it, several times they passed by older students many of which were rude pushing everyone else, until Ichigo had a few words with them, they left quickly afterwards...)

Finally, after nearing the end of the train they found an empty compartment, and Ichigo entered placing his trunk on one of the racks above the seats and taking a seat by the window. The boy behind him entered warily as if afraid Ichigo would want him near him, and tried to place his trunk on the racks-like before he failed miserably.

Ichigo stood up and signed.

Not because the boy need help, but because the boy himself was too timid to ask for help. Ichigo casually took the trunk from the floor and placed it on the rack.

"You okay?" He asked glancing over at the other boy.

"Yes, sorry about the trunk... I'm not very strong." He said incorrectly assuming that Ichigo was irritated at having to help him once again. Ichigo took out his packed lunch taking out one of sandwiches he packed and handed it to the other. He was never too good at comforting other people, especially children. But he hated how depressed the other was...apparently he'd screwed up.

"I'm not upset about help you," Ichigo said glancing out the window. "If you need help ask for it." He took a bit of his sandwich noticing the timid boy perking up after his words.

"Thank you...my name is Neville Longbottom," He said smiling .

"Harry," Ichigo told him. "Harry Po-"

The compartment door slide open and one of the boys with the red hair walked in. Unlike before, he was already in his school robes, his trunk trailing behind him. Nervousness was evident in his posture, as he stepped forward so both he and his trunk were in the compartment.

"Anyone sitting here?" he asked, pointing at the seat directly across from Ichigo.

Ichigo answered. "No." He glanced the boy, his eyes looking beyond him as outside the red-head's brothers passed by. Distractedly, he barely took notice of Neville asking the boy to join them, as he turned once more to the window. Wondering if he should start a conversation before the silence settled in again.

The newcomer smiled. "Thanks. Everywhere else is full." He put his trunk on the rack next to Neville, and sat the atmosphere becoming uncomfortable.

Ichigo offered a sandwich. "Here."

"Thank you again," The boy said taking it and nibbling on it. "I'm Ron Weasley."

"Neville Longbottom."

"Harry Potter." Ichigo said casually, blinking as the two boys in front of him gasped.

Crap, he forgot how famous his stupid name was. Both boys glanced up to his forehead trying and failing to see his scar, than as if noticing what they were doing glanced down trying to play off their stares.

Ichigo signed again.

It just felt like one of those days.

"What?" He asked them calming.

He was tired of having to make the awkwardness go away. The last thing he needed now was more silence. Silence only opened the door to more flashbacks, something he hated...

"Is it true you've got the...?" Ron trailed off looking nervous as if he was afraid Ichigo would go postal if asked his question.

"...the scar?" Ichigo said completing the sentence for the red head.

Both boys nodded looked curious, and Ichigo raised his hair showing off his scar. It was rather stupid to the thirty-eight year old but figured it could have been worse...they could have asked for his autograph...

"D-do you remember that night?" Ron asked destroying whatever slight peace had settled in the compartment.

Ichigo resisted the reoccurring urge to sigh. "Green light...and screams." He added after a second thinking of the screams of Lily Potter. The subject was uncomfortable in a way nothing else was, both for the event itself and what followed. Death was something he knew he never be okay with, even with the job title of 'substitute soul reaper' hanging over his head...

He wondered what James and Lily would think of his presence...

He glanced at the two other boys who shared his compartment concentrating on something else, instead of other...things. Neville looked very uncomfortable-probably the result of Ron's rather rude questions and kept turning to both them in a way reminiscent of a tennis match.

Ichigo decided a change of subject was needed, and spoke up. "Are all your family wizards?" He asked not particularly too interested. He watched as Ron blinked coming out of his thoughts.

"Er-yes, I think so," He said. "I'm not too sure but I think Mom's got an second cousin whose an accountant or something..."

Ichigo turned to Neville. "And you?"

"I think so. I don't think I have any relatives that aren't." Neville said looking thoughtful, though there was a sad undertone in his words.

"And what about you? I heard you went to live with muggles." Ron said. "What are they like?" He asked catching Ichigo off guard.

"Okay," Ichigo said after a moment. "I live with my...aunt, uncle and cousin." Ichigo told them not elaborating much on the subject of his idiotic relatives and their tendencies to try and kill him any chance they got.

Soon enough the topic drafted into more matters and Ichigo watched as the two boys exchanged stories about experience they had. After a couple of minutes he took out one of his books, explaining magical theory, and read adding in some words here and there in the conversation. Time passed and eventually after almost a month of no sleep Ichigo drift off.

Neville and Ron watched him worriedly, long having noticed the bags under his eyes, and the paleness of his skin. They didn't know what was bothering their new friend, but resolved to find out at some point. Neville removed the book from Ichigo's fingers gently laying it to the side while Ron moved one of the seat cushions to make Ichigo more comfortable.

While outside the sky started to darken, and the shapes of buildings vanished to be replaced by field of grass and cows. Neville and Ron were playing a quiet version of Wizarding Chess when the compartment door slammed open letting three boys in.

Neville and Ron glanced to their sleeping friend, except the other boy was rubbing his eyes looking to the door.

Ichigo rubbed his eyes, still feeling incredibly sleepy. He knew he hadn't been getting enough sleep recently since his nightmares had come back in force, but the fact he had fallen asleep in front of people he didn't know made that fact hit home how badly he needed sleep. He glanced away from Neville and Ron and looked to the compartment door to see three boys enter, none of whom looked very friendly.

Ichigo recognized the boy in the middle at once: it was the boy from Madam Malkin's robe shop.

"So you're it?" The boy said looking straight at Ichigo, and ignoring both Ron and Neville. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's coming to Howgart's this year." His eyes stared straight into Ichigo green eyes. "Its you, is it?"

Ichigo looked past him noticing the duo of thickset boys that appeared to be his bodyguards. In a fight against them, they weren't likely to be a challenge...

"What of it?" Ichigo asked bored by the boy.

"Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle," the pale boy said as if he was introducing some pets rather than people. He noticed Ichigo look, but didn't know what it meant. "And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."

Instantly after Malfoy's words, Ron coughed, a slight snicker.

Draco Malfoy looked at him. "Well, well, I didn't except to see a Weasley here...though I would think with how disgusting poor he is-he'd be stuck with all the other blood traitors-"

Ichigo rubbed his head. He tuned Malfoy out with skilled practice. It wasn't hard to see the tension that existed between the two boys, and watched boredly as Ron and Malfoy continued their disagreement both looking back at him with similar looks as if assuming that Ichigo would naturally take their side in this stupid argument... obviously they didn't understand him if that what they were thinking.

It was like a repeat of the vaizards and arrancar negotiation except without the high powered kidou and ceros being thrown about...

Ichigo's eyes narrowed at the two. "I don't know why you two hate each other, and could care less. Whatever disagreement or wrong doing happened is in the past, and is not going to be the focus point of any friendship considering I was not there when this happened." Malfoy glared, both looked ready to retort. "So it stands to reason that, I am not directly a part of this."

Ichigo turned first to Malfoy. "Malfoy money doesn't mean you have loyal friends, or that you are a good friend...and insulting someone's family or what someone has done, will not happened again..." The look of pure anger on Ichigo's face made Malfoy step back, fear enveloping the compartment.

The air became heavy, and Malfoy stepped back, a wave of fear clouding his mind as he stared straight into Ichigo's eyes. It was hard to breath and the pressure seemed to increase before it vanished leaving Malfoy out of breath, and sweating.

He didn't dared disagree, and stayed silent, glancing to the other inhabitants of the compartment to see Neville and Ronald in similar states as him…

Ichigo looked towards his left, making Ron flinched, waiting in fear for Ichigo's biting words to cut him too. This was about more than petty friendships and fighting, this was serious, and the fact that Ichigo could instill such fear in them, without even resulting to physical violence made them realize who exactly they were missing with...a pissed off Harry Potter. (7)

"Ronald," Ichigo started, using his first name simply because he had more exposure to the boy. Yet, this meant little when it came to sparing the red-head any slack. "You started this mess and you expect me to follow you-not happening. Right now, neither one of you want a friend you want a supporter, a lackey. I am neither... Though I will say this, if you start this crap again, where I can see or even hear it...you will regret it." (8)

He turned away from them, and glanced out the window, ignoring the rest of the boys as he glanced at the outside world.

Fortunately, enough Malfoy got the hint and retreated from the compartment silently taking his lackeys behind him. Today he had lost against Harry Potter, yet this fight was far from over…

The other boy would be back.

Ron meanwhile was sitting back in his seat, absolutely shocked as his eyes focused solely on Ichigo as if he feared Ichigo would get up and curse him again. He wasn't too far off (Ichigo had contemplated throwing the two head long into the corridor if they hadn't listened to him) and glanced between him and door.

Neville though was acting even stranger, his head was bent down appearing to give the impression he was thinking but there was something of about it-

The compartment door slide open again, and both Neville and Ron stepped back almost expecting Malfoy to come charging back in again instead a girl with fuzzy hair walked in.

Ichigo tactfully ignored her and went back to his book.

"Has anyone seen a cat?" Rebecca's lost one," She said. Her voice was bossy, and she gave off the impression that she was someone important. Her hair was messy though, and she was dressed already in her Hogwarts robes, looking around at the two boys as if expecting them to jump to help her. Behind her a small timid girl stood half hidden by the door frame, and she looked anything but happy.

Ron and Neville shook their heads at her. "We hadn't seen any cats." They told her, but the girl wasn't listening, she was looking at Ichigo expecting him to acknowledge her or gave any sign that he had heard her question.

"Excuse me," She said moving past both purebloods to stand in front of Ichigo. Her arms were crossed, and her face held a tone of disapproval. She did not like to be ignored...and yet she was messing with the wrong person at the wrong time. "Are you even listening?"

Ichigo didn't look up and turned a page in his potion's book. "Yes, I heard you. No, I hadn't seen a cat." He said distractedly. To the side of the girl Ron and Neville were trying to get her attention, and move her away from Ichigo who was still not in a good mood.

"Regardless, it is very bad manners not to look at the person you are talking too-" She started.

"And so is entering a compartment without permission, disturbing the people in it, demanding answers, and being rude." Ichigo took her ignoring the outrage on her face. "I answered your questions politely...please leave." He said a bit of venom of in his tone.

She glared and rushed out of the compartment.

"Sorry." The girl, presumably Rebecca said. "Hermione just doesn't know when to stop." She said, before she too left the compartment trailing after the other girl.

Ron and Neville signed, and got up from their seats getting ready to change into their robes.

It had been a particularly hard journey to Hogwarts' and yet for some reason, they knew everything would change.

(0o0)

Los Noches, September 1

Aizen was at a crossroads.

Much had changed in ten years since his disappearance, his loyal arrancar were scattered through out Hueco Mundo many of whom would never return and more than likely wouldn't follow him anymore.

Still…it didn't matter.

He had time to build his empire.

Soul Society was still the pathetic place it was and it power was average at best. The former fifth division captain smiled, as he took out something from one of the inner pockets of his shihakusho(9).

He had what he needed.

A small shining marble clutched in his hands.

"Let us begin." He said motioning to Gin to follow him.

(0o0)

Hogwarts' Express, September 1

Changing into their robes, Ron and Neville watched as Ichigo simply through his robes over his regular clothes, completely disregarding the standard uniform, but kept silent knowing from Ichigo's glare that their words would be pushing it.

A voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes time. Please leave your luggage on the train and it will be taken to the school separately. Please go to your designed groups."

Ichigo placed his two books into the large pockets in his robes barely even feeling the difference as he sat back down waiting for the train to finish decreasing speed to avoid being through to the floor like his companions were doing.

After a minute more the train finally stopped, and people rushed out of their compartments exiting the train and out on to a tiny, dark platform. The older students went off entering some carriages off to the side while the first years huddles together waiting.

For what?

Ichigo wasn't quite sure, and he crossed his arms shivering slightly in the cold night air. He had always been sensitive to any type of extreme weather, and ever since his arrival, it had intensify tenfold.

He blinked, eyes focusing as he zeroed in on a lamp bobbing down the dirt road. It was Hagrid wearing his usual long coat, as he shouted out. "Firs' years! All firs' years! C'mon, follow me! Watch yeh step, now! Firs' years follow me!"

Ichigo stepped off the tiny platform watching from the corner of his eyes as the others of his year stumbling and slipping in the mudded tried their best to follow the giant. It was dark on either side of Hagrid, and far off Ichigo could hear the faint sounds of the forest animals where the thick tree were, as well as something else.

It was very faint yet someone was watching them cautiously falling back into the dark forest as they moved on near the lake. Nobody said a word, each person concentrating on not meeting the muddy ground, they gathered around the lake tired and cold as they waited for Hagrid to speak.

"Yer firs' sight of Hogwarts," Hagrid called over the group watching amused as the small group took in the castle.

It was a beautiful sight, and with the starry sky in the background, the castle seemed mysterious…

"Alright!" Hagrid called. "Enter the' boats. No more'n four to a boat!" He called pointing out the fleet of boats docked on the shore.

Ichigo climbed into the nearest one as Ron and Neville followed him, as well as another boy, whose name was Terry Boot.

He was a average looking boy, and appeared nervous simply entering the boat, but Ichigo moving to the front of the small boat to allow space for the four boy missing the surprised look Terry shot him.

"Everyone in?" Hagrid shouted, taking an entire boat by himself. His umbrella was pointing at Hogwarts, as he waited for the group to reply before they set off. The boats pushing themselves to the lake and moving across it at a steady speed.

Many of the students were mesmerized by the castle, and didn't turn away from it. Hogwarts towered over them, as hey sailed closer and closer to the cliff on which it stood.

"Head down!" Hagrid called as the first boats carried them under the cliff though a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. Ichigo was one of the first to step the boat, and he glanced around waiting for the rest of his year mates to get onto land before moving near the exit where Hagrid waited.

It only a few more seconds for the rest to catch up, and they clambered up the stone road and eventually up in to a passage directly across from the castle entrance. They followed Hagrid up the steps crowding around the huge oak front door.

"Everyone here?" Hagrid asked searching the group.

Everyone nodded, and Hagrid turned to the door knocking three times on the castle door. The door swung open immediately, and a tall black haired wizard in black robes stood there an air of darkness around him.

"The firs' years, Professor Snape," Hagrid said turning over the students to the intimating

teacher.

Snape glanced to the giant, nodding ever so slightly as Hagrid moved passed him and in to the door at the other end of the hall, disappearing into the castle.

"Follow me…and do not dwindle." The man said very nearly hissing the last words.

Even Malfoy and his lackeys didn't dare disobey the man and everyone of the first years followed him obediently taking great care not to too close or too far from Professor Snape. They knew this was not a man to cross.

Professor Snape led them across the flagged stone floor stopping before another door, and turning to the group in front of him causing several of the student to jump at the sudden stop. The man sneered but said nothing as he allowed them to right themselves.

"Through these doors you be sorted," Professor Snape said, his eyes glaring at each of the students in turn. "There will no mess ups, or you will answer to me…" Several student gulped, and Neville paled further.

Professor Snape continued ignoring the students reactions. "The houses are Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor. Any misbehaving will be met with sever punishments…while satisfactory work might merit points."

His eyes lingered on the shaking forms of several of the student, particular that of Neville, and Rebecca, before he leveled a glare at Ichigo causing the substitute soul reaper to blink, confused.

"Follow me." He said as he moved into the Great Hall, the first years trailing after him.

Around them, the rest of the student body sat watching them while lanterns floated in thin air, robes showing which house they belonged to depending on their colors. It was a strange sight, and one that become even more so once Ichigo glanced quickly a the ceiling.

Near him, he heard Hermione whisper, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside." She took some of the other first years.

Ichigo nodded to himself, remembering something about it from one of the books Evan had given him…he glanced back at the man leading them.

Professor Snape led them to another stern looking woman, wearing emerald robes, standing in from of a stool and a hat carrying a single parchment. She motion them to spread out along the small stage in front of her waiting patiently, before she turned to the hat.

(Author's Note: Skip, or read, its simply for the sake of the story its here.)

"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts' Sorting Hat

And I cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see-

Ichigo froze at that remark cursing.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart:

You belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil:

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning

Will always find their kind:

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their means…

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

Ichigo glared at the hat. It words providing no amount of comfort for the substitute what so ever.

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I am a thinking cap!

And finally after all that, the torture was over, as the unnamed Professor, unraveled her parchment while the students sitting at the tables burst into applause. Ichigo stared at them warily, then glance at the woman standing next to the stool, thinking.

"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," She said, then looking down at her list calling out a name.

"Abbott, Hannah!"

The hat fell over the girl's head, and after a long pause (it was hard to tell the hall started getting noisy again), and hat screamed out.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The hall clapped politely, and the next name was called.

"Boot, Terry!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

More politely clapping, although most of the hall appeared to be survey them looking for someone. Ichigo noticed as he glanced back to the students sitting at the tables.

"Granger, Hermione!"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The long list continued with, "Malfoy, Draco" ending up a Slytherin, and "Moon, Rebecca" becoming a Gryffindor until finally his name was called.

"Potter, Harry!"

The entire hall went silent, and even the teachers leaned forward, ready, and anxious as to what the Sorting Hat would say about him-exactly what he didn't want to happen, and yet with his fame he should have known better.

Ichigo stepped forward ignoring the crowd, and walking calmly up to the stool sitting down as the hat was placed on his head.

The hat gasped.

And whispered started only to quite down the second the hat started to speak.

"Difficult, very difficult." The hat said his voice sounding loud in the silent hall. " You hold wisdom beyond your years…courage, and pain. Sacrifices were made to bring you here, and loyalties tested…and broken."

The hat went quiet for a second, before he asked a question only Ichigo could hear. "Where do you want to go?"

Ichigo paused, and thinking back to the house qualities, gave his answer.

"Gryffindor."

The hat complied and said the same.

(End of Chapter)

Author's note: Sorry if anyone wanted Ichigo to go to another house, but from the beginning I had alright planned to send him here (kind of affects plot) so…sorry. But things are already changing, so stay tuned!

Please Read! Updates are going to be random…internet is both weak and difficult to get right now….so please forgive my lateness with this chapter!

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!