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Japanese Vacation
Chapter 17
Arrival
After the door was closed, Haruhi sat back and the twins simply knocked twice on the window before Kaoru picked up a phone that was next to him. "Please take us to Haruhi-chan's house.
"Hai, Hitachiin-sama." The voice was quick before there was nothing and Kaoru hung up the phone. "Well, off we go."
Draco settled back into the seat, glancing around the car. He could get used to this, he decided suddenly.
Haruhi yawned a bit as she looked out, seeing that they had spent more time then she thought there at the house. The sun was beginning to set over the mountains. "Oh wow, it's already that late?"
Both Harry and Draco turned to the window. "huh," Draco said. "Didn't think it had taken that long.
I thought we were fairly quick."
The twins watched the sky as they continued to drive.
--
So," Hermione asked Nekozawa, "where do you live?"
Nekozawa knocked on the glass separating the driver and them, and it was lowered, "Home please." The glass slid back up and Nekozawa looked at Hermione. "Not that far, but it might take a while. You see, most of the students from Ouran are richer and belong to high class families, so the houses are bigger. Unfortunately, that means that the houses are farther from the school." He thought over his words and then flushed. "I'm sorry if I sounded rude, Granger-chan." He scratched the back of his head, both his hood and his wig falling down.
Hermione just raised an eyebrow, eyes shining with amusement. "Rude? You obviously haven't heard Malfoy when he gets going." She laughed a little. "Besides, you were just explaining."
Nekozawa smiled, not realizing that his wig had fallen off. "Well, I hope you'll like the house." He thought for a moment then something clicked and he had to chuckle a bit. "Kirimi-chan is going to love having another girl around the house."
--
Tamaki sat down stairs waiting for Fred and George. Having finished the pumpkin juice, he simply sat on the couch in the still-dark room, looking around. The light from the orange and pink sunset seeped into the room through the blinds. After a while, he stood up and found his way to the set of stairs that he had watched the others go up. He began to carefully walk up them. It was far too dark for his likes, but he still walked up until he reached the landing and saw a light coming from one room. He knocked and then leaned forward.
"Uh…Weasley-sans? Would you like some help?" His voice shook a bit as the darker parts of the hall seemed to spook him, but only a bit.
There was a pause before the door opened. Fred blinked at him a moment before opening the door further. "You any good at packing?" he asked, while motioning the blonde to enter.
Tamaki stepped in carefully then sighed. "Well… I usually don't pack my own stuff. But I can try."
Fred shrugged. "Well, folding is usually fool proof," he said, motioning to the closet. "Go ahead and finish there and I'll move on to something else."
Tamaki carefully made his way to the closet and began to fold the clothes that had been pulled out. Luckily, he had watched the maids fold his clothes before, it just took him a couple tries to get it right.
Both Fred and George watched him, discreetly, for a moment before shrugging and turning back to finish packing. He wasn't blowing anything up, which was a point in his favor. Well, at least not when packing anyway.
--
Sooner then they thought they pulled up to Haruhi's apartment building. "Here we are."
Haruhi smiled and nodded, crawling out of the limo to step out onto the sidewalk. "This is it." She smiled back and turned, just in case Draco needed any help.
Draco pushed the trunk out of the limo, though awkwardly. As soon as he was out, he turned to look at Potter.
"I don't care," Draco said, with a sniff, "but if anything happens to you, we just might have to depend on the Weasley twins. All in all, you're more dependable."
He then closed the door before Harry could respond.
Haruhi smiled and lead the way up a flight of stairs and to her front door. Taking out a key she quickly unlocked the door and stepped in.
"Otou-san, I'm home." She looked around as she took off her shoes. "Hm… he must still be working." She stepped the rest of the way in and turned, ready to take the trunk from Draco. "Okay, before you come in, you have to take your shoes off."
Draco blinked once, but shrugged, and slipped off his shoes before he followed her inside, the trunk dragging behind him. Silently, he looked around. It was rather small, but then, he'd expected that from when he'd walked her home the other day. Still, he'd never been in a house this small before.
He nodded slowly. "It's lovely," he said after a moment.
Haruhi nodded. "You can set your trunk in the living room for now." She pointed through a door way, Meanwhile she headed to her room. "Anything in particular you want for dinner?"
Draco shrugged, taking his trunk into the living room, then, he remembered that Haruhi couldn't see him. "Whatever's fine." he said, setting down the trunk and looking around. He blinked several times. "Eh, Fujioka-chan . . . where's your chairs?"
--
Harry blinked at the closed door, wondering if Draco had just told him to be careful.
The twins spoke to the driver and soon they were off to drop Harry off at Kyouya's house.
Harry just shook his head. Malfoy did many things, but telling him to be careful was not one of them. Then, what did he mean? He sighed, telling his mental voice to be quiet.
--
Hermione blinked. "Kirimi? . . . Oh! Your sister. How old is she?"
"Oh, she is about six." He smiled in thought.
Hermione nodded thoughtfully. Children were fairly energetic at that age. She hadn't been, but most were. Suddenly, she gasped. "Oh no! I forgot Crookshanks!"
"Crookshanks?" Nekozawa tilted his then knocked on the glass to alert the driver once more. "Driver, I believe we need to turn around, Granger-chan has forgotten something." The driver nodded and Nekozawa turned back around. "What's Crookshanks?"
"Crookshanks is my cat," Hermione smiled. "Oh, and, did you know that your wig has come off?"
"Oh." He thought for a second. Then raising his hand up to feel the top of his head he sighed. "I didn't realize, thank you." He smiled. "Though I don't think I need it now, the sun is almost set."
Hermione smiled back. "That's helpful."
Nekozawa nodded then something clicked. "Oh, be careful with your cat around Kirimi, she is horribly afraid of them."
Hermione blinked then nodded. "I'll be sure to tell him to avoid her then."
Nekozawa smiled and nodded as they returned to the house and got out holding the door open for her. "Well, we're back."
Hermione quickly climbed out with a "Thank you," to Nekozawa before hurrying back to the house.
"It's just me!" she called up to the twins as she entered, heading straight for the kitchen.
She quickly located the electronic can opener and pushed down, turning it on. She did not have to wait long for a response.
"There you are," Hermione said, bending down to pick him up. "We've got to go, Crookshanks," she said, moving toward his carrier.
Crookshanks went in with a little protest, but no more than she could handle.
"You won't be in there long," she told him gently, knowing that he hated his carrier. "I'm heading back out," she called up.
"Alright," came the answer.
With a nod, she left the house once more, Crookshanks' carrier firmly in her right hand.
Nekozawa smiled, holding the door open for Hermione once more. "That was quick."
Hermione gave a small shrug. "He usually knows when something is wrong, or changing, and is around to make sure that it's alright. I just had to get his attention and he came running."
Nekozawa nodded, following Hermione back into the limo. Soon they were headed back off to his home.
--
Haruhi walked to her room and quickly changed into a pink and white dress and adorned an apron for cooking. When she leaned into the living room, she smiled.
"Chairs would take up too much room, so our house is more traditional." She went back to the kitchen. "Well, I'll just make some grilled fish and rice."
Draco blinked. "Alright." No chairs? He was supposed to sit on the ground? That was going to be troublesome, he was sure. With a sigh, he took out his wand and took off the feather light charm on his trunk. It just wouldn't be good if Haruhi's father went to pick it up and found it lighter than it was supposed to be.
Haruhi began to cook the fish while the rice was in the rice cooker. Then, turning, she began to make some hot tea. Suddenly the door opened and someone stepped in.
"Konbonwa, Haruhi-chan!" A feminine voice rang through the house.
"Welcome home. I'm making dinner and Malfoy-kun is in the living room if you would like to meet him." Haruhi smiled and waved to her father as he walked into the living room.
"Well, so this is the transfer student that my daughter has told me so much about." He stood in the door way. Placing his purse down on the table, he sat down as Haruhi brought in a tray of tea.
Draco blinked at the woman in front of him. As far as he knew, Haruhi only had one parent, her father, so, who was this?
--
Tamaki continued to fold and began to get rather good at it. He smiled to himself, quite happy with his work.
Fred finished packing the other things (mainly their experimental pranks) and walked over to Tamaki. "Not bad, Suoh-san," Fred said as he picked up a pile of shirts and took it to his trunk.
Tamaki smiled at Fred, finishing up what he was doing.
Tamaki finished folding the clothes and then looked at the twins.
George put the last of his things in the trunk and closed it. Fred came back to Tamaki to take the last of the clothes and pack them into his trunk.
"I think that's it," he said, glancing around.
"I think so too."
"Alright, we're ready." They both said, turning to Tamaki.
Tamaki smiled and nodded. "That's good. We need to be getting home before too long anyways."
The twins nodded and cast a feather light charm on their trunks before picking them up and motioning for Tamaki to proceed them out.
Tamaki smiled and lead the way down the stairs and out to the final limo. "Here, let me help you guys." He reached out to help one of the twins with their cases as they loaded them into the trunk.
The twins shared amused looks, but let the blond help them with their newly light trunks.
Tamaki finished helping the two and slid into the limo, keeping the door open for the other two.
Fred climbed in, and George almost did, but stopped.
"The door!" he exclaimed, turning and running back to lock the front door. The back was always locked. "Harry would've killed us if we'd forgotten," George grinned as he finally climbed back into the limo.
Tamaki smiled and signaled the driver to head home. "Oh, and I'm sorry, but you won't be staying in the main house. You see…" Tamaki's eyes softened in a sad way and he looked at the floor. "Obaa-san does not like me so I live in a side house. You will be staying there with me."
Fred and George shared a look, nodding once. Fred sighed dramatically. "Well, that's a relief," he said, going as far as throwing a hand over his forehead.
"To be stuck in the same house as the Dean," George shivered theatrically.
--
"Here you go, you guys." She set a cup in front of Draco. "I bought some imported tea that I thought you might like, Malfoy-kun." Ranka looked from his daughter to the newcomer and could only smile. He knew the look that she had in her eyes all too well.
"Thank you, Fujioka-chan," Draco said taking the cup and taking a sip. "This is very good." He smiled at her.
Ranka smiled at the two and drank his tea.
"So how was work at the bar today?" Haruhi looked up at her dad before getting up and going to finish cooking.
"Oh you know, the usual," He hollered over his shoulder before looking at Draco. "Now we just have to figure out were you'll be sleeping. "You see, this is only a two bedroom apartment." He sighed and set his tea cup down. "But Haruhi was so adamant about having you here. Something about her being the only person you seem to trust at that school." He shrugged then looked around.
"Ne, Otou-san. Are you talking about me?" She laughed setting three plates on the table, then setting one of fish and three bowls of rice. "Oh I'll have to go shopping tomorrow for more rice and stuff, since we have one more mouth to feed." Her father nodded.
Draco blinked at them. Wait, he thought, This is her dad?
"I'll give you the money before I go to work tomorrow." He smiled at her as she sat across from Draco and next to her father.
"I can pay for it," he offered after a moment to get his mind wrapped around the fact that Haruhi's father dressed like a girl. "After all, I will be staying here. It's only right that I contribute something."
He just hoped he wouldn't be insulting anyone with his offer.
Ranka smiled at Draco. "Oh. How sweet of you. That would be very helpful, thank you."
--
The twins looked at Harry as they arrived at the Ohtori estate. "Remember, we're only a phone call away." They handed Harry their phone number as they pulled in, both giving him sympathetic looks.
Harry smiled. "I'll be fine," Harry said, but took the phone number anyway, if nothing else, it would put them more at ease.
The twins let him out of the limo and waved after him. "We'll see you tomorrow in class, try and stay alive."
Harry climbed out, freezing only momentarily at their words, then he forced a laugh. "I'll do my best." He always did.
The twins waved as they closed the door and began to drive off. "Ne, Hikaru-kun, I'm worried about Harry-neko…." Kaoru curled up next to his brother.
"I know," Hikaru wrapped an arm around his brothers' shoulders. "I am too."
--
Haruhi could see that Draco was confused about her father, so she decided it was best if she explained things to him.
"Malfoy-kun, I'm sure you're confused about how Otou-san is dressed. Am I right?" Instead of waiting for a response her father jumped in.
"You see, I work at what's called an okama bar, or a cross dressing bar." He said with a smile.
"He started after mom passed away." She passed a small smile to the small shrine that was against one wall. Then standing, she opened the little wooden doors and walked to the kitchen. When she returned, she placed a small plate in front of the picture of her mother and began to pray.
Ranka smiled at his daughter then turned back to Draco. "My name is Fujioka Ryoji. but you may call me Ranka."
Draco smiled slightly, nodding his head in greeting. "A pleasure, Ranka. I'm Malfoy Draco. Thank you for allowing me to stay here."
Ranka smiled. "Now Haruhi-chan, where are we going to have your friend sleep?" at her father's words, Haruhi began to think while chewing on some rice. After a bit she swallowed.
"Ano…what about…" She shook her head.
"How about this. You may stay in my room, Malfoy-kun, and I will make up a bed out here. We have more then enough bed quilts for three beds." He raised a finger to Draco as if being the strict parent. "If I hear any sneaking around-- Itai! Haruhi-chan that hurt."
Haruhi had taken a book from the book shelf behind her and hit Ranka over the head.
"Otou-san, Malfoy-kun isn't like Tamaki-sempai." She narrowed her eyes a bit. "Be nice."
Ranka sniffed, rubbing the back of his head.
Draco blinked at the two. "I assure you, I will do no such thing. Fujioka-chan is a friend."
Ranka waved a hand. "If Haruhi-chan would have let me finish, I was going to tell you that I was only joking around." He smiled, he knew better then anyone and he could see how much the two liked each other simply by looking into their eyes or watching them interact.
--
Crookshanks watched Nekozawa intently with narrowed eyes, judging him and whether he was safe to be around his mistress or not.
Nekozawa lowered his face down to look into the cage and smiled. "He is a very interesting cat."
Hermione's gaze softened as she stared down at the carrier that held the cat. "He is at that. He's smarter than most cats too, very protective. Of course, that's the Kneazle coming through." She stroked the carrier lightly.
Nekozawa nodded. "Kneazle? If you don't mind be asking, what is that?" He held Belzenev up and had him wave to Crookshanks from through the bars.
Hermione blinked. "It's a magical creature, much like a cat, but . . . not. Crookshanks here, is only half kneazle. They're incredibly intelligent, and have a kind of sixth sense about people. They're also very protective of those they've adopted.
Crookshanks blinked slowly, his eyes saying he doubted the blonde's sanity. Then he yawned and closed his eyes. The guy was no danger.
Nekozawa laughed a bit. "Well, it seems he does not find me a threat. That's good." He looked out the window, straightening up. "My, it seems we're here already." He smiled as they were brought to the door of a very large house. He stepped out and opened the door. "Welcome to my home, Granger-chan."
"Oni-chama!" A small girl came running up to them and threw herself into Nekozawa's arms. "You've been gone for so long Oni-chama…where have you been?"
Nekozawa laughed holding the small girl up. "Kirimi-chan, this is Granger-chan, she will be staying with us for a while. I was helping her move her things out of her old house."
Kirimi looked at Hermione and wiggled out of her brothers' grasp to walk up to Hermione and look up at her. "Konbonwa! I'm Kirimi-chan The small girl smiled.
Nekozawa went around to the trunk and pulled out Hermione's suitcase, when he remembered that it was still light he set it in front of Hermione. He met her eyes as if to say 'the spell' and then picked up Kirimi, swinging her around to distract the girl. "Kirimi-chan, will you please find your Oni-chama a servant to help move Granger-chan's things?" He placed her back on the ground and kneeled down to her level. The girl nodded and ran back in to the house.
Hermione discretely pulled out her wand and tapped the trunk muttering the spell to end the feather light, before turning her eyes on the brother and sister, smiling softly. She quickly put away her wand and reached in to grab Crookshanks' carrier out of the car.
Nekozawa smiled as his sister ran into the house; soon two men came and took Hermione's trunk. "That is to go to the room for Granger-chan." The men nodded and went inside. Nekozawa then turned to Hermione. "After you." He smiled and motioned through the large front doors that lead into the main entrance with a grand staircase.
"Thank you," she said as she moved to the doors, mind marveling at the place. Her family wasn't poor, not by any means, but this was . . . amazing. "This is beautiful," she said softly.
--
Tamaki smiled, "I'm glad you two don't mind." He watched out the window as they passed the main house and sighed. "We're almost there."
The twins nodded, both leaning over to look out a window.
After a while they pulled up in front of a large house and Tamaki stepped out. "Welcome to my home."
Fred and George climbed out after him and gapped at the house.
Tamaki looked at the two and smiled. "Well come on." He walked up to the doors and threw them open. "I'm home!"
"Welcome home, Tamaki-sama." An elderly woman was there waiting for him.
"These are my friends, the ones who will be staying with us. I'll lead them up to their room," He turned to the two. "Or rooms. Which ever you would prefer."
The twins shared a look. "One room is good," Fred said.
"If we can have two beds." George added. "If you can't, then two rooms are fine."
Tamaki nodded. "I was hoping you'd say that. We have a room already set up in case you did." He smiled and led the two to their room. "Here you go. This is it." He opened the door and let them go ahead of him. "What do you think?"
Fred and George blinked. "Wow," they said, eyes widening.
"You're sure this is a room?" Fred asked.
"It looks too big to be one."
Tamaki smiled, very please with himself. "Yes well I thought you might need more room for……things." He smiled and began to walk out the door. "Well, I have to get to bed here soon, so I will you see you in the morning." He smiled and waved as he left. "Good night."
"Good night," they responded, getting ready for bed.
--
Harry sighed once as he watched the limo drive away before pulling out his wand and quickly taking off the charm. Kyouya would definitely have servants, and it would definitely be strange if his trunk was so light. Mentally preparing himself for whatever lay ahead, Harry grabbed one of the handles of his trunk and began pulling it with practiced ease.
--
Kyouya looked up as a servant came in telling him that 'Potter-san' was there. He nodded curtly and made his way to the door. When he got there he saw Harry standing there with his trunk.
"Welcome, Potter-san, to the Ohtori estate." He turned and snapped his fingers. The gesture was followed by two men who came and took Harry's trunk for him. "Take that up to the room I had prepared for Potter-san." The two nodded and walked off. Kyouya then turned back to Harry.
"You will be given your own room, bathroom, and anything else you might need. Including a room to…" He cleared his throat, "practice." He moved so that Harry could step in farther. "If you'll follow me I'll show you to your room. Also should you need any food the kitchens are down that hall and to the left." He pointed in the direction that he meant which was behind a set of stairs.
Harry nodded silently, glancing where Kyouya had pointed. It was always good to know where the kitchen was. Though his stomach was still getting used to bigger meals, the Dursley's sucked at giving him meals over the summer after all. "Alright," he said, feeling that he should say something.
Personally, he was still feeling very uncomfortable. The house was huge, not as big as Hogwarts (it would be very hard to have a house as big as a castle), but big nonetheless. It was also much more extravagant than anything he was used to. He was going to stick out here.
Kyouya lead Harry down many halls and up about three flights of stairs before stopping in front of a door. "This is your room, Potter-san. Should you need anything, mine is right down the hall." With that Kyouya walked to aforementioned room and went in, snapping the door shut behind him.
Harry blinked after Kyouya a moment before shaking his head and entering his new room. He rubbed his head slightly, feeling a headache coming on. His hand fell to his side a moment later as he blinked around the room. It was bigger than the one he had at the house. Did anyone really need that much space?
--
Haruhi sighed and finished her dinner. "Well I'm tired. I'm going to take a shower and then head for bed." She leaned over and hugged her father before waving to Draco. "Good night, Malfoy-kun."
She walked down the hall and into the bathroom, and out of habit, locked the door behind her.
--
Draco silently ate, not really sure what to say. Haruhi really was the only muggle he interacted with on a regular basis, and she wasn't exactly normal to begin with. At least, he didn't think she was. He couldn't really make an educated guess, not knowing that much about muggles.
--
It did not take Haruhi long to finish her shower and quickly change into her nightgown. After drying her hair and throwing her dirty uniform into the laundry hamper, she walked out and back into her room.
--
Ranka continued to eat until he was finished and went to the hall closet, retrieving some bed quilts. Setting them up in the living room, he retreated to his room and changed out of his woman's clothes and into a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. After cleaning his face off in the kitchen sink he walked back to the living room and sat down on the floor.
"If you need any help moving your trunk to my room let me know."
"I think I can manage," Draco said, standing, "But thank you for the offer." He took the trunk's handle, giving it an experimental tug before actually taking it from the living room. He paused. "Uh, which one is yours?"
Ranka pointed to the hall. "The one on the left."
--
Haruhi sat in her room looking into a mirror she had on her wall. With a sigh she picked up a brush and quickly brushed her hair, deep in thought about one thing or another.
--
Draco nodded and continued dragging his trunk down the hall as he thought about the new developments that had come about in just the last few days. He was so lost in thought that he didn't really think when he opened one of the doors.
Haruhi turned when she heard the door open and laughed a bit. "Ne, Malfoy-kun, Otou-san's room is the other door." She stood up and walked over to Draco.
Draco blinked coming out of his thoughts. "Oh, Gomen, Fujioka-chan," he said, reddening a little as he stepped back, looking to the side. He cleared his throat nervously. "I hadn't meant to, I guess I was just lost in my thoughts. Gomen."
Haruhi shook her head. "No it's, okayI was just brushing my hair."
Draco nodded, thanking Merlin that she hadn't been doing anything else. "Yeah . . . well, I'd better put these in my room before your father decides something's happening," he laughed slightly.
"Alright, good night Malfoy-kun, sleep well. If you need anything, just ask otou-san." Haruhi waved as she closed her door. After a moment of looking at her hand on the door knob she sighed and walked over to her bed quilts and laid down. Soon she fell fast asleep.
--
Draco closed the door behind him and leaned against it, closing his eyes momentarily. What the hell was wrong with him? So he walked into her room, so what? He hadn't even seen anything so why was he . . . he flushed suddenly as several different scenarios flashed through his mind, and he quickly shook his head to get rid of the images as his blush deepened.
Setting his jaw, he quickly changed into his night clothes, not even pausing to think about wanting an actual bed as he slipped into sleep.
--
Nekozawa smiled as he followed her in. "This is nothing compared to our house in Russia. Though, I like this one much better. Nonetheless, please follow me."
He placed his hood up and began to walk up the stairs before Kirimi came running to him once more.
"Hello again, Kirimi." He smiled and patted the girl on her head. Suddenly Kirimi turned and grabbed Hermione's hand and lead her up the stairs quickly, stopping at the top and pointing at a large painting.
Hermione nearly tripped at the sudden tug, and almost stumbled over the small girl when she stopped so suddenly.
"That's my Oni-chama! He looks like a prince, doesn't he?" She smiled up at the taller girl.
"K-Kirimi…" Nekozawa's cheek were flushed at her comment.
Hermione tilted her head at the painting, stunned momentarily, was that really the blond? He looked so different from the cloaked teen. Then again . . . The eyes were certainly the same, as was the hair.
She looked down at Kirimi. "He certainly does," she answered, smiling at her before turning to give one to Nekozawa unconsciously running a hand through her hair.
Nekozawa flushed a bit more, only to have it partially hidden by his cloak. "Anyways," He caught up to the two. "This way, your room is not far from mine and Kirimi's, all the rooms are close in proximity." As he walked he was able to make most of the blush disappear.
Hermione shifted which hand held Crookshanks' carrier as she followed Nekozawa down the hall. The cat was very heavy, and the carrier's weight didn't help any.
Crookshanks decided that he liked the little blonde. She had a little too much energy, but that was the way it was with any child. She'd grow out of it with time. He just hoped he'd get out of the carrier soon.
Nekozawa smiled as they came upon the door to Hermione's room. He got out a small golden key from the folds of his cloak and unlocked the door.
"Most of the doors here are locked for one reason or another." He handed her the key. "If you ever feel the need to lock it, please go ahead."
Then, after handing her the key, he opened the door. "This is your room. The adjoining bathroom is there on the left as is the closet. Should you need anything, there is a bell by the door, simply pull the rope and someone will come to aid you. Should you need me, my room is down the hall to the left, quite easy to find considering the candlelit lights on each side of the door."
Hermione nodded slightly, feeling like she was doing a lot of that recently. "Thank you," she said, glancing down the hall to where the candles showed Nekozawa's room. She stepped into the room and set down Crookshanks' carrier with a small sigh, and glanced around the room. It was certainly impressive. Then again, so was everything else in the house.
"Oh would you like to have something to eat before you go to bed?" He looked at Hermione. Feeling Kirimi push passed him, he watched her as she knelt down next to the cage and looked in.
"Kirimi!" He stepped forward and was startled when he heard her laughing a bit.
"He's cute! What's his name?" She looked up at Hermione.
Nekozawa stood very confused, Kirimi has always been afraid of cats, why is this one so different?
--
Silently, Harry changed out of his uniform and got ready for bed, only barely remembering to put up a silencing charm before he fell asleep. He was asleep before he put his wand on the table by the bed. It had been a long day.
Down the hall, Kyouya was speaking with his father. After a few moments, a resounding smack could be heard down the hall and even directly down stairs.
--
Hermione kneeled down next to the carrier. "His name's Crookshanks," Hermione said kindly, though confused. Wasn't the girl afraid of cats? She glanced at her cat, who was staring up at them with large eyes, looking completely adorable, and she laughed slightly. "I do believe he's trying to gain your affection," she said.
"He's a cat, right?" Kirimi looked at him confused for a moment herself. "I'm not afraid of him." She smiled and put her hand up to the bars. "He's funny looking, in a cute way."
Nekozawa could only look on in awe.
Crookshanks meowed, insulted to be called funny looking. He was quite proud of his looks.
Hermione, however, mistook his meow. "I think he wants out," she said softly, not wanting to let him out if Kirimi didn't think she could handle it.
Crookshanks just sighed, really, his human was clueless sometimes. Honestly, didn't she know that there was a distinct difference between cats and kneazles and that anyone could feel it if they simply looked? After all, kneazles were far superior to normal cats.
Kirimi nodded and moved back a bit so that Hermione could open the cage, her face still in smile.
Slowly, Nekozawa walked over to his sister and sat down next to her, leaning on one arm. He looked from her to the cage that she was watching so intently.
Hermione reached out and opened the carrier. Crookshanks, unusual for a cat like him, calmly walked out and stretched, yawning widely. He brushed up against Hermione once, then looked to Kirimi, tilting his head slightly, almost as if asking for permission.
Hermione remained silent, ready to move Crookshanks if he went too far with the kid.
Kirimi reached out her hand carefully to pet Crookshanks' fuzzy head, and soon she began to giggle. "He's really soft!"
Nekozawa breathed a sigh of relief as he watched her. After a moment he looked up at Hermione and smiled. "This has never happened before. She's not in the least bit afraid."
Crookshanks closed his eyes and nuzzled her hand, this was more like it!
Hermione smiled back. "Crookshanks is a very special animal," she said softly. "Able to tell good from bad, and those who mean you harm, from those who do not," she remembered their third year, how Crookshanks was constantly going after Scabbers. The rat had turned out to be Wormtail in disguise, and he had helped Sirius. "I guess it shouldn't really surprise me that he'd be able to get rid of a fear."
She laughed lightly when Crookshanks turned onto his back, giving Kirimi a better place to pet him.
Kirimi laughed and scratched Crookshanks' stomach.
Nekozawa nodded, hearing Hermione's words. "Well, I guess we won't have to worry about her being afraid of him."
Hermione nodded. "That's good. Crookshanks listens when he wants to, it's the cat in him, I think." It was left unspoken that, while she would have told him to stay away from Kirimi, he would have only done so as long as he thought it was what was needed.
Kirimi continued to pet Crookshanks, giggling every so often.
Nekozawa nodded again. "Well, would you like to eat? Now that we know those two are alright together."
"Food would be wonderful," Hermione said, just before her stomach grumbled. She blushed lightly, bowing her head.
Nekozawa nodded and decided to simply have it brought to them, so he walked over to the rope he had shown Hermione earlier and pulled on it. Within moments a young maid was at the door.
"Yes, Nekozawa-sama?"
Nekozawa smiled at the girl, "We would like some dinner, anything you would like, Granger-chan?"
Hermione just shrugged. "Anything is fine. I'm afraid I don't have much experience with Japanese meals."
Nekozawa blinked. "Well, if you want something you are more used to, they can make that too. You must remember my family does not originate from Japan."
Hermione's hand came up to scratch the base of her throat in thought. It was a habit all of the Hogwarts students had taken up because of the light tingle of the translation spell.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind trying something. The only reason we hadn't is because Harry hadn't known how to cook any of it, and Snape-sensei adamantly refused to let us or anything. And-" she cut herself off, blushing slightly when she realized she was rambling again. "Gomen, I do that sometimes."
Nekozawa shrugged and thought for a moment, then turning to the girl he decided for them. "We'll have a large plate of Pork Goya Chanpuru." She nodded and went off to the kitchens. Then, he turned to Hermione. "Oh, and so you know, you are more then welcome to eat in here if you want. I thought it would be easier tonight sense it is easier to go to bed from here." He smiled at Hermione before sitting back down next to Kirimi and petting Crookshanks, carefully so as not to startle him. Kirimi simply continued to pet the large orange fluff ball.
Crookshanks let out a loud purr as the blond male started petting him along with the young female. He then opened his eyes and stared at his human, clearly telling that she should be doing the same thing.
Hermione just laughed silently at the picture. "I think he likes that." she said.
"Granger-oneesan(1) should come and pet him too!" Kirimi smiled and laughed up at Hermione, her bright crystal blue eyes wide open.
Nekozawa laughed a bit at hearing the younger's words. "Now Kirimi-chan, Granger-chan never said you could call her that."
"But, Onichama lets me call him Onichama." Kirimi tilted her head then looked down at the cat.
Nekozawa only sighed. "Yes, but that's because I AM your big brother." He smiled and patted her hair.
Hermione blinked at the young girl's words, but moved forward nonetheless. She didn't say anything, at first, the shock at being called an older sister a little daunting.
"I . . . I don't mind, really," she said, one of her hand's absently finding Crookshanks' head.
Nekozawa looked up at Hermione and smiled. "Oh, alright then." He ruffled Kirimi's hair for a moment then stood when he heard a knock at the door. "Ah, thank you. Now please, go get some rest." He smiled at the young girl who only nodded and walked off. As Nekozawa walked back over he set the two plates on the floor and handed Hermione a fork, then handing a second to Kirimi, the two began to eat off one plate.
Hermione smiled at them momentarily before beginning to eat her portion, 'hmm'ing slightly. Really, all she'd had so far was the bit that the Hitachiin's had shared with her and Harry . . . was it only a week ago? It seemed like a lifetime.
After awhile, Hermione stifled a yawn, and Crookshanks, who'd been waiting very patiently, if he did say so himself, stood and ran to the bed. He didn't have much hope that the humans would understand it, but he was telling them that it was passed time to sleep. His human hadn't gotten enough the last few days, and he was set on making sure that she did so tonight.
Kirimi watched the cat jump up on his bed and stood up. "Night night, Onichama! Good night, Granger-oneesan!" She smiled and waved as she ran to her room.
Nekozawa smiled looking from the door to Hermione, he stood up, picking up the plates and extending a hand out to help Hermione up. "Here, I think it is time we all retired. Luckily, you may sleep in as long as you like."
Hermione took his hand, thankful for the help up. "That's right, tomorrow's Sunday, isn't it?" she shook her head slightly. "It doesn't feel like it."
Nekozawa nodded helping her up. "It has been a long week." He carefully let go of her hand and set the plates outside the door ringing the bell once. "Well, good night, Granger-chan." He bowed out of the room closing the door behind him.
Hermione tilted her head, staring at the door momentarily before turning to the bed, only to find her cat lying spread across it, his tail lazily swishing.
"It has definitely been an interesting week, hasn't it, boy?" she said as she moved to her trunk, and quietly pulling out her nightgown. "Well, we can only hope that this next one will be quieter."
She quickly changed and made her way to the bed, slipping under the covers. Crookshanks moved from the foot of it to right beside her chest and settled down. Hermione turned on her side, one of her hands settling over the large cat. "I hope Harry's okay," she whispered as she closed her eyes.
Crookshanks watched her silently as she fell asleep. It really was a shame that he could not be in more than one place, he decided. His other charge got into so much trouble. As he settled down to sleep, he wondered where the boy's own guardian was. She should be watching over him, but he had not seen the white owl the entire trip.
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(1)Oneesan - older sister
Allanasha Ke Kiri: Well, this is an interesting turn of events, ne? I just have to say, that I absolutely adore Kirimi! She is sooo CUTE!! And, as you can see, I like Crookshanks as well. He is definitely an interesting character. lol
Aku-Hitokiri-Kitsune: You should all be advised that the next chapter will take awhile to get up because it was lost with the computer. Fortunately, we remember what happened. We'll just have to get off our lazy butts and do it. Anyway, Ready? Set. REVIEW!!