Hey, guys! Well, here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it as it was a joy to write. I'm still not sure on what the twins will be, genderwise. So, if you
have a suggestion let me know. Also, any name ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy!!!!
Chapter 26
"Andrew, what do you have to report?"
"The old man remains tight lipped about the boy's whereabouts, my lord." Andrew replied monotonously. "While it would make sense for him to be withing the school at this time, I cannot access the student roster nor the school itself."
"Interesting." Voldemort mused. "Thank you, Andrew. You may leave."
Heavy lidded, violet eyes had watched the exchange and the fox demon's exit from deep withing the shadows. The owner of said eyes quietly made her way slowly toward the middle of the room where her professed lord and master sat. His snake-like visage no longer repulsed the half crazed woman as it once had. "My lord." she said, bowing low and making herself known.
"Ah, Bellatrix. My most faithful." Voldemort hissed in what could be considered compassion. "What brings you to me?"
"My lord, I do not mean to question you or you judgment..." she began meekly, awaiting the punishment that was sure to come.
"You wish to know why no punishment was met out for Andrew's lack of information." he said simply. "Bella, do quit prostrating and cowering before me, it is not very becoming."
Bellatrix looked up to see something she had not seen in years, Voldemort was smiling. It was not the sinister smile of one filled with blood lust, but happiness. Her lord was happy! "My lord?"
"The boy will be gone by the end of the year, Bella. I can feel it with every fiber of my being."
"But what of the demons who guard him?"
"they will be taken care of by Andrew's associates. So, they are of no consequence to us. Now come, Bella. Let's go celebrate the coming victory."
"What do you mean, you won't go against the tai-youkai?" Andrew bellowed, pacing about the clearing.
"The tai-youkai and his generals have made it very clear that any who appose him will be dealt with personally." a lesser demon said.
"How can you cower before him when he is not here! He is weak! He can and will be overthrown! All you have to do is stand together."
"I apologize, Matsudaira, but we are all in agreement. If you choose to stand against Sesshomaru-sama, you will stand alone."
Matsudaira watched as the demons left the clearing to their respected homes and lives, leaving him alone. What was he going to do about that bitch and her brothers? He knew he would not be able to take them all on by himself and win. There had to be some youkai who were not afraid to take on the tai-youkai himself. He just needed to look harder, that's all. But where?
"Mrs. Greenleaf!"
Inuai turned toward the call to see McGonagal and the English tai-youkai making their way through the crowds of students. "Headmistress, James-sama. To what do I owe this pleasure?" she inquired.
"Perhaps we could speak somewhere less public." McGonagal said, turning to eye a couple of gossips that had stopped to listen.
"Of course, my quarters are close by. We can talk freely there." Inuai quickly moved toward her rooms, making sure her brothers would be there as well.
"What's going on, lil sis?" Inuyasha asked as she came through the door into the common room.
"I do not believe you were invited to this conversation, young man. Please leave." Reginald said pompously as he entered the room.
"Now, Reg, is that any way to talk to my brother and second in command?" Sesshomaru commented amused, startling the rotund man.
"Sesshomaru-sama! I apologize! I did not realize." he stammered, bowing low.
"It's quite alright, Reg. Now, what's so important that you came all this way to tell us yourself?"
"It's Andrew." Reginald sighed as he sat on the sofa in front of the fireplace. He gratefully accepted the cup of Earl Grey, taking a sip before continuing. "He's gone missing, and I'm afraid that something untoward has befallen him."
"Was he abducted?" McGonagal asked, already fearing for the students safety.
"No, Headmistress. He took some leave time to go visit his ailing mother, fearing that she would not be long for this world."
"Maybe she got better and made him stay to take care of her." Inuyasha commented.
"I do wish that were the case, but he would have sent notice." Reginald sighed looking older than anyone had ever seen him.
"When did he take his leave?" Inuai asked timidly, dreading the answer.
"Six months ago. And not a word from him this whole time."
"Is there anything else you can tell us that would help to locate him?"
"That's the reason I came, Sesshomaru-sama. His mother is in Japan, near Musashi." Shock met the statement causing the tai-youkai to question just what he had said to cause it.
"Mr. James, have you ever heard of the youkai known as Matsudaira?" Inuai asked gently but with determination shining in her eyes.
"Of course I have. You don't think?" he uttered, fear evident in his voice and posture.
"No, Andrew was not taken by Matsudaira."
"But how can you be so certain?"
"Because Andrew is Matsudaira."
"James-sama, allow me to tell you a story about my childhood."
"Mr. Potter, please remain after class for a moment." Inuai called out as she dismissed the rest of the students.
"What's wrong, Mum?" he asked concerned, seeing the troubled look on the hanyou's face.
"Come sit down, Harry. We feel that everything is coming to a head. Voldemort is on the move. He sent someone to secure the demons' help. Luckily for us, we prevented most from joining up." Inuai said tiredly.
"So, you think that Voldemort's gearing up for the final battle?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"Stay close to Hermione. Make sure somebody is always with her when you can't be." she warned him. "And make sure it's someone you would trust with your life. I don't want ole Moldyshorts to get any advantage over you."
"You don't think he' really stoop that low, do you?"
"You'd better believe he would, kiddo." Inuyasha said, walking into the room. "This is the snake-faced bastard we're talking about."
"Hey, Uncle Yasha. What've you got there?"
"This, little man, is what we like to call 'The Power that He Knows Not'." Inuyasha said, exaggerating the name of the sword.
"You mean, you got me a sword?"
"Yes and no. I had Totosai make a sword especially for you." Inuai said gently, pulling the masterpiece from the scabbard. "It's comprised of Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and my fangs, with a little something extra thrown in."
Harry looked at the sword in awe. It was stunning. No other word would do it justice. The blade was beautifully crafted, showing a phoenix in flight on one side and a Siberian tiger charging into battle on the other. "Wow."
"Yes, Totosai really outdid himself this time." Sesshomaru commented, causing Harry to jump as he hadn't heard the tai-youkai come in.
"So, what about the little extra thing you mentioned?"
"Do you see the groove that runs the length of the sword?" At Harry's nod, she continued. "Inside that grove are runes. If at anytime you lose your wand and are close enough to Tom, just cut your finger her at the top, your blood will fill the groove. Get the blade into his body and use a curse that will harm him."
"So, the Killing Curse then." Harry sighed, resigned to his fate.
"A simple Reducto would suffice. I don't want you ripping apart your soul for some lunatic on a power trip." Inuai explained. "Now, it's getting late so, get back to the dorms quickly."
"Thanks Mum, guys."
"And Harry? Don't forget what I said about Hermione."
"Wow, Harry! That thing's just... wow!" Ron exclaimed as he looked over the work of art that was Harry's sword.
"Yeah, Mum and Uncles Yasha and Sess really went overboard with this thing." Harry said a bit embarrassed. "You'd think it's more for decoration on a wall then for fighting."
"They didn't choose these animals lightly, did they?" Hermione asked, passing her hand over the tiger engraving.
"Hmm?"
"The engravings, the phoenix and the tiger, they have a special meaning and connection to you." she stated more than asked. Ron looked questioningly at his two best friends.
"Uh, yeah." Harry said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "They do."
"And? Are you going to tell us?" Ron asked impatiently.
"The phoenix signifies Fawkes and the light. It also represents everything good and pure that I'm fighting to save." Harry said with determination before sighing and taking the sword back from Ron. "And the tiger is me." It was a simple statement that took a moment to sink in for his two friends.
"You mean, you finally did it?" Hermione asked, her eyes shining with hope. Harry nodded, not needing to elaborate any further.
"Good on ya, mate!" Ron cried happily, patting Harry on the back. The portrait hole opened during their small celebration, causing the trio to look up suddenly.
"Hello."
"Luna!" Ron called, jumping up and heading toward the blond Ravenclaw. "How did you know the password?"
"Nargles, silly." she said in her normal dreamy voice.
"Of course! And I suppose the Nargles also told you that Neville's up in the dorm, right?" Ron teased good naturally.
"No, they didn't, but thank you for the information, Ronald." the petite blond said, smiling up at Ron's completely befuddled look. She beamed at Harry and Hermione before skipping up to the boys' dorm to find her beau.
"That girl is completely nutters." Ron said softly as he stumbled back to his friends.
"I think she's sweet." Hermione replied, smiling at her two boys.
"And she's a damn good match for Neville." Harry commented.
"Harry!" Hermione scolded him, smacking his arm. "Watch your language! There's a lady present."
"Really? Where? I don't see any around." he teased, looking around the common room. He looked at Hermione and couldn't hold his laughter any longer at her affronted look.
"I'll have you know, Mr. Potter, that I am the very definition of a lady!"
"No, love. You're not a lady." Harry said seriously, cupping her face in his hands. "You are the queen of my heart, always and forever."
"Damn, Harry!" Ron said, turning from the scene and coloring at the affection between the two. "How's a guy supposed to live up to that?"
"Oh, please, Ron. I'm sure Hannah likes you just the way you are." Hermione said sincerely. "Besides, Harry doesn't set the standard for all boyfriends."
"You haven't heard the girls talking lately. I have." Ron replied, shuddering slightly at some of the things he had heard.
"I'm sure it's not as bad as you're making it out to be." Harry commented dryly.
"Alright, mate. Live in your own little world of denial." Ron sighed. "I'm gonna go find Hannah."
"Come on, Potter! Move your ass!" Inuyasha yelled, bringing his sword down toward the young wizard.
Harry brought his sword up to avoid being cleaved in half. He was sweating profusely after two hours of constant battle scenarios and was thanking every deity he knew for his rigorous daily workouts. After twenty-five more minutes of defending himself from Inuyasha's heavy attacks, Harry was able to get the upper hand and disarm the hanyou. "Do you yield?" he asked breathlessly, holding the blade to his uncle's neck.
"Yeah, pup, I yield. Now get that thing away from me before you slip up and cut off my head." Inuyasha chuckled lightly, moving the blade slightly with his hand.
"Alright, but only for Aunt Kagome's sake. She doesn't need to raise those twins by herself."
"Face it, pup, you're just scared to face her temper. But she is pretty fucking scary when she's mad." he said, patting Harry on the back.
"I heard that!"
"But you're absolutely adorable when you're mad!" Inuyasha called, jogging over toward his very pregnant mate.
"Hey, Aunt Gome. Feeling okay?" Harry asked, helping Inuyasha get her to her feet.
"I'm feeling just fine, Harry. Just tired." Kagome replied, weariness showing clearly through her smile.
"I can't wait to meet these two." he said excitedly, placing his hand on her belly and receiving a kick in return.
"Well, I can honestly say they're excited to meet you too since I've been having contractions for the past three hours." Kagome said, grimacing as another pain hit her.
"Why didn't you tell me, wench!" Inuyasha shouted, distress clouding his features.
"Because I knew you'd freak out! And besides, you were teaching Harry. He's more important right now!" Kagome yelled back, her face reddening with her anger.
"Okay, well, um, I'm going to go get Madam Pomfrey now." Harry said, making his way slowly toward the door and away from the arguing couple. He quickly turned and jogged through the corridors, hoping the mediwitch was in the Hospital wing and not out on the pitch for the Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw game. The two houses tended to play fairly and very rarely were there any injuries.
Unfortunately, luck wasn't on his side as the Infirmary was deserted. Swearing under his breath in Elvish, Harry started the long trek to the pitch only to be stopped by the sound of laughter from behind him.
"And just where did you learn those words?"
Harry spun around quickly coming face to face with a tall, dark haired man. "Who are you?" he asked suspiciously, his hand inching towards his wand.
"Easy, young man. I came to speak with Legolas, but it seems I've gotten myself completely lost." He spoke with a regal tone and carried himself with an air of confidence.
"I'm sorry, but I can't help you right now." Harry said quickly, looking about the halls for another student. "I have to get some help for my aunt."
"Is it serious? Perhaps I can help." he said, walking into a shaft of light. His hair hung to his shoulders in soft waves and his brown eyes had a gentleness and a weariness to them.
"She's in labor, but Madam Pomfrey's down at the pitch." The words tumbled from his mouth before Harry could stop them.
"Well, let's go to your aunt. I'm sure we can find a way to get a hold of this Pomfrey." the man said simply, walking down the corridor.
"That's all well and good," Harry smiled trying to hold in his laughter, "but you're going the wrong way. You keep going that way, and you'll have your death foretold."
"Excuse me?"
"That leads straight to Trelawny's classroom. She's a bit off her rocker."
"So, are you a student here?"
"Yeah. Name's Harry." he said, extending his hand toward the man.
"Aragon." The man grasped Harry's hand firmly. "Harry as in Harry Potter?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"Legolas has spoken of you often. It is his wish that you take the throne one day." Aragon said confidently.
"Really? I thought it wasn't possible because I'm human." Harry said, shocked that his father thought so highly of him.
"He feels you could be a truly great king to his people, but knows it will never be. It's not just because of your humanity though." Aragon replied after a few moments of silence. "But you would have to ask your father for the specific details."
"I don't think I will." Harry said after a moment of thought.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I mean, I already have enough on my plate with being the Boy-Who-Lived and supposed Savior of the Wizarding World. I don't think I want to worry about the possibility of ruling a whole country and people."
"Very true. You seem to be wise beyond your years."
"Thanks. Uh, here's Mum and Dad's quarters. They should be in there with Aunt Gome and Uncle Yasha." Harry said, motioning to the portrait of the Great Dog demon. "Password's Gambit."
"Thank you, Harry." The young wizard just waved over his shoulder as he jogged down the stairs, making his way toward the pitch.
"How the fuck were you able to stay so damn calm when you went through this?" Inuyasha spat as he paced back and forth before the Infirmary doors.
"Inuyasha! Stop that infernal pacing before you make me sick." Sesshomaru commented dryly, turning away from where the hanyou was wearing a trench in the floor.
"Like you know what the hell I'm going through here!" Inuyasha yelled, getting nose to nose with the tai-youkai.
"Perhaps not, but I will someday." Legolas simply stood back and watched the two brothers bicker back and forth, a small smile gracing his features.
"Ahem, Mr. Takahasi? We're ready for you now." the meidwitch said softly.
"Is Kagome okay?" he asked nervously.
"She's comfortable, sir." the young woman led him over where Kagome lay on a bed, a sheet stretched across her like a curtain cutting her in two. "Both of the babies are breach, sir."
"Breach?"
"Yes, sir." she continued, not noticing his confusion. "Normally, we would be able to manually manipulate the child into the correct position, bit it's hard on the mother and not easily done with multiples. There's also the fact that your wife has placenta praevia. Which leaves us with only one recourse; a C-section."
"A a C-section?" Inuyasha asked dumbly, looking toward a small table with what looked like sharp objects, making him swallow hard.
"That's the common term for a Caesarean section. Basically, we will be going in and removing the babies instead of having your wife deliver them vaginally. You can sit by your wife's head." she explained, leaving him standing by Kagome.
"Inuyasha, I'm scared." The fear and uncertainty in her voice brought him back to the present. He immediately sat down on the stool provided for him and started carding his hands through her raven locks.
"It'll be okay, Kagome." Inuyasha said softly. "Before you know it, the pups will be here with us, safe and sound."
"But why can't they take them with magic?" she asked, tears falling steadily from her eyes.
"I don't know, MeMe. I don't know." He couldn't remember Kagome ever being this scared. Even when they had been battling against Naraku. And if Inuyasha was honest with himself, he was just as scared.
"Hey, how are you guys doing?"
"Inuai, why aren't they using magic?" Kagome asked tearfully.
"They will once the pups are here." Inuai said gently, giving Kagome's hand a squeeze.
"But why not now?" Kagome asked, fresh tears making their way into her hair.
"They can't." Inuai said shortly, not wishing to discuss this so close to the start of the operation.
"Why?" Inuyasha barked out, upset due to his mate's distress.
Inuai sighed, looking around the Infirmary. Poppy and the Healers from St. Mungos were a few feet away discussing the procedure. "Listen, I'm not supposed to be telling you about this because of the stress it could put on you, Kagome. But there is no way that we can use magic to get the pups out. The only spell we have to cut through anything is the cutting curse, but there's no way to control it. If Poppy were to use it, neither Kagome or the pups would survive. That's why we're doing the C-section the Muggle way. It's safest for everyone."
"Inuai?" Poppy called from the end of the bed.
"Coming, Poppy." she called before turning back to her brother and sister in law. "Don't worry, I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
"Alright, Kagome, we're going to start now." Poppy said gently. "In about twenty minutes, you'll be proud parents."
Blanket Disclaimer for A Hanyou's Life:
I do not own anything you recognize. I only own Inuai, Siri, and Mist.
Let me know what you want the twins to be and any name ideas by using the little review button down there. Thanks again!!!!