Chapter 4.

The shock on Light Yagami's face was the first thing Snape noticed. It was clear he had not been expecting this, though what he had been expecting was not clear.

Snape looked at the shocked faces surrounding him. He turned to Ryuzaki.

"Who are you?" he asked simply.

"I am L" said the young man. It was not clear whether he expected any reaction from Snape. He just stated it as fact.

The girl, Misa was clearly confused. There was no way to miss this fact as she was proclaiming it to everyone in the room in her high-pitched voice. That girl was really starting to annoy Severus.

The one who called himself "L" turned to the rest of the detectives (Snape supposed that was what they were.)

"If you would all kindly leave Snape-san and I alone for a few moments, I would be grateful."

They all filed out of the room reluctantly, the young man named Matsuda looked back over his shoulder curiously. Yagami had an expression of unreadable calm on his face.

Snape turned to L, his eyes narrowing. Before he could speak, L motioned him to sit.

He took a large armchair, and L took the one opposite. It was only then that Snape noticed the table between them. It was piled with what seemed a ridiculous amount of...sweets. He doubted anywhere but Honeydukes could equal this collection.

L sat on his haunches, watching Snape, thumb in his mouth. He reminded Severus of a young child. But if so, a very strange one. The dark bags under his eyes and unruly hair only emphasised his strangeness. Snape realised who L reminded him of. Dumbledore. They both had that same quiet knowledge, the calm assurance. The eyes also had something in common. Though how Dumbledore's sparkling blue ones matched with L's large black ones, Snape was at a loss to explain.

L studied him for a few more moments before motioning to the coffee table.

"Would you like anything? Please help yourself."

"Err...no thank you."

L's eyes seemed to bore into Snape's mind. Yes, this one was dangerous.

"Enough formalities, Snape-san. I know you are a wizard."

Even with those dark eyes watching his every move, the shock was so great that Snape's outer calm faltered, even if just for a few moments. He could not see the expression painting his features, but he was sure it was...interesting. And proof enough for the accusation, no doubt.

Severus thought furiously. Who was L? And how did he know about wizards? Was he one? Was he a squib? How did he know? Perhaps a memory charm was the only way to get himself out of this.

"If you are thinking of performing a memory charm on me, I must try my best to dissuade you from the idea."

L's voice was calm and steady, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

"I...am not a wizard. That is ridiculous." Snape managed to choke out. He knew it was no use, but perhaps he ought to try.

"I know a wizard's robes and wand, when I see them."

"This is just a costume."

"Enough, Snape-san. I must ask you to cooperate with me. I have a very important case here, which if it has not already affected the Wizarding world, soon will. I need your help, however you came to Japan."

Snape sagged visibly in his chair. He must be a wizard, to know all this.

"My...apparition went wrong. I must get back to Hogwarts immediately!"

"Aah, the famous wizarding school. So you are a teacher there? How is Albus Dumbledore?"

Yet again, Snape was shocked.

"He is...well."

"Now, I need to you help me with the matter at hand. I have a very interesting—"

Snape cut him off.

"Are you a wizard or not?" he demanded, his dark eyes smouldering.

L considered the man in front of him. Flowing black robes, dark, dangerous eyes, hooked nose, hair slightly disarrayed.

"The answer I give you depends on what I think your reaction will be. At this point, I imagine you are feeling somewhat trapped, perhaps a little desperate. You are far from home, confronted by a group of strange people, your magic not working as it should. You have seen a shinigami, creatures known only in ancient legend in the wizarding world, if I am correct. At this point, your reaction to my answer will be a critical juncture in my situation, and yours."

Snape only stared.

"I am not a wizard. I am a muggle. I am, however the greatest detective the world has ever seen. I discovered the wizarding world a few years ago, my investigations began when a flying car flew over my head while in London."

At that moment, if Snape had been drinking anything, he would have spat it out.

AN: hahaha thanks for all the reviews.