Soldier

Disclaimer: See chapter 1. Reviews are welcomed, flames are not.

Chapter 23: Mount Your Horses

Thankfully, Harry wasn't called for any further Wizengamot meetings. The only reason he had known about the last one was because the goblins and Madam Bones kept him informed, as was proper for the Lord of an Ancient and Noble house.

Frankly, Harry didn't want to attend another one. He didn't think he needed to – yet.

Being a cold, selfish bastard wasn't really his style, no matter how much he admired Byakuya Kuchiki. He wasn't a hot tempered arse, like his cousin Ichigo, either.

Harry was still trying to figure out who he really was. At least with Professor Flitwick and Luna he could let down the walls for a few hours and just be Harry.

With Umbridge now out of Hogwarts everyone was breathing a sigh of relief. The Auror that Madam Bones sent to replace her seemed to know his business. Harry attended Auror Williamson's first class, and was impressed with the efficiency of his teaching.

"Lord Potter, stay behind," Professor Williamson ordered as the class was dismissed for the day.

"Professor?" Harry looked up at the tall, ruddy skinned auror. It was clear why Bones had sent him, as he walked with a very noticeable limp.

"Potter, you impressed Madam Bones the day you challenged Fudge. She's very interested in the wandless magic you performed with such ease. We, of the corp, also would like to know about it as well."

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm not allowed to teach it. I'm still learning myself and until I take my exams. . ."

"Your hands are tied. I see," he said with a disappointed sigh, rubbing his chin. "Who can we contact to learn more?"

"Once again I'm sorry sir, but I gave an oath to remain silent on that issue. I can use it, as it's easier with my magic than using a wand. But I'm forbidden from speaking of it. I'm sorry." Harry bowed politely and turned to leave.

"So am I, Potter, so am I. Because of the proficiency that you have shown and the fact that there really isn't anything I can teach you.

"I'm well aware of last year's Tri-Wizzen gave you a NEWT in DADA, and am excusing you from this class with full marks. I'll be sending a report stating such to your Head of House, and the Headmaster. Also, expect a visit from Madam Bones in the near future."

Harry turned back slightly and dipped his head in acknowledgment before leaving.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Harry was tired – tired of the stares, the whispers and especially tired of Dumbledore's attempts at control. It was time to end this farce so he could take his OWLs and leave.

Professor Flitwick had been very accommodating in helping Harry to prepare for his exams. As the professor had promised, He'd scheduled Harry to take his OWLs over the Christmas Hols. That gave him hope that he could then leave the Wizarding World of Britain behind and return to his new life in Japan shortly after.

There was only one ominous, dark cloud in that dream – Muramasa.

Urahara had been keeping track of the news out of the Soul Society for him. So far, nothing had come to light about them being aware that Harry had the zanpakuto, and Harry was afraid of their reactions when they found out. He just couldn't lose his spirit friend now!

Never could he remember feeling so complete. Ever since Muramasa had come into his life the emptiness within him had faded to a memory. The spirit kept Harry focused. It was too bad that the zanpakuto's talents didn't work against wands as they did on other zanpakutos. Otherwise he could make all the pranks the twins pulled this year look like child's play.

Oh well, he would deal with that problem, if it arose, after the exams. One thing at a time.

Halloween was the most depressing holiday in Harry's life. He sent a note to Professor McGonagall that he refused to celebrate the anniversary of his parent's death with sweets and false merriment. He was going to spend it this year in a quiet vigil.

He didn't get a reply back.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Madam Bones read the note delivered by a snowy owl one more time in amazement.

"If you want to see the end of Tom Riddle, come to the Forbidden Forest Halloween night at moon rise. Come alone and you'll find the answers you are seeking. – H. Potter."

Auror Williamson's latest report was interesting. Potter had refused, citing a magical oath, to tell what type of magic he'd been taught, or who had taught him. She had her suspicions though.

If she was right the British Wizarding World has lost the most powerful wizard since Merlin due to gross mishandling of the young man. And there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Harry sent word to Urahara that the goblins had found where Voldemort was hiding. He was pretty sure the last two pieces of Tom Riddle's soul could be found there, one in the construct that passed for his body and one in his familiar.

He was writing as promised, and he was hereby informing Ichigo and Byakuya his plan on going after the noseless wonder on Halloween. 'Noseless Wonder' being Ichigo's nickname for the tosser, not Harry's.

He just wanted this over with, and was ready to take on his most hated enemy on the night his parents were murdered. Ichigo and Urahara had agreed. They also agreed that Harry wasn't ready to go it alone.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Harry was waiting in the dimly lit clearing with a goblin representative and Madam Bones. She had, as requested, come alone.

"Well, Lord Potter?" she demanded as she cautiously entered the clearing. Harry ignored her and looked up into the night sky as a silvery mist started to form. His two companions copied his action, turning their eyes skyward.

A senkaimon opened. Ichigo walked out first with Byakuya, Shinji and Hachigen following on his heels. Ichigo and Byakuya were wearing their customary soul reaper shihakusho while Hachigen and Shinji were wearing their normal (for them) street clothes.

Harry mused with a soft snort, 'Some things never change.'

Madam Bones' eyes widened, the monocle in her one eye sliding off her face to dangle in stunned amazement as four oddly dressed beings stepped out into the clearing as the gate slid shut behind them.

"Let's do this," Ichigo said in Japanese as he clapped a hand down on Harry's shoulder. "I'm frickin' tired of coming to this backwater country, and I have an exam to study for."

Harry gave a curt nod to Ichigo, then a formal bow to the head of the Kuchiki clan.

Harry had given a great deal of thought to the language barrier they would be facing tonight, and decided for this night he would do a spell he was itching to try. It was a translation spell with a Star Trek twist – an universal translation spell. It gave everyone present the ability to understand whatever language was spoken and to be able to respond in kind. The problem was it was only temporary. It wouldn't last more than eight hours. Oh well, barring any problems, that should be long enough.

With a wave of his hand, a bolt of magic shot out, spreading to everyone. "There, now we can all understand each other.

"Madam Bones," Harry said with a slight bow,"This is Ichigo Kurosaki, my cousin. Lord Byakuya Kuchiki, head of the ancient and noble clan of Kuchiki. Hachigen Ushoda, my mentor in the Kido Arts and Shinji Hirako, one of my sword instructors. This, gentlemen, is Madam Bones, Honorable Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

"Flintlock, Honorable Account Manager of Gringotts, will send us to were the Dark Tosser is hiding."

Flintlock held out a large brass ring. "This will take you to the graveyard, where the ritual that gave the Dark Wizard his current corporeal form, is located. The manor on the hill behind the grave yard is where you'll find him hiding – like the dragon dung-eating coward he is."

"You ready for this?" Shinji asked as he stepped up to stand by the goblin.

Harry shrugged. "Muramasa says I am. Wizarding magic is no match for the Kido that I've learned. I just want this over, so I can get on with my life."

"Admirable, young one, but you mustn't become too arrogant," Byakuya Kuchiki agreed as he stepped closer.

Ichigo snorted behind the noble and rolled his eyes as Harry had to fight to keep a straight face. It was a pot and kettle moment.

"There isn't much more I can teach you," Hachigen said, "but I will help if you need it, as I promised."

"Arigato everyone," Harry said with a deep bow. "I really appreciate everything that you've done, and your help tonight."

"Harry-kun," Byakuya spoke again. "You have already proven yourself to us. Your enemy has broken the natural laws and has upset the balance of life. He has made himself an abomination and so must be sent to Hell. We will not allow you to do this alone."

"Let's go then," Ichigo muttered, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.

"I think not!" came a voice behind them.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Albus Dumbledore was standing in front of his office window in deep thought. Where had he gone wrong with Harry Potter?

Ever since the lad had disappeared over the summer Harry had been a different person. He'd had Severus and Minerva run different scans in their classes, but the results were the same. It was definitely Harry Potter, not some glamored, or polyjuiced imposter.

Filius Flitwick reported that he had given Harry detention for sleeping in class several times. These were the only detentions that the lad would attend, he ignored all others.

A figure moved through the shadows outside, catching the headmaster's eye. 'Uhh. . .what is this?' A flash of light glinting off a silvery ornament in the figure's hair told Albus that the person was Harry Potter. 'What is that boy up to now?'

He quickly sent word to Severus to meet him by Hagrid's hut immediately, as he made his way outside.

Severus met up with him just as he reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest. He ignored his potions master's rantings, motioning for silence.

"Yes, yes, Severus, my boy," the old wizard placated his potions master and colleague. "If we don't hurry, we won't know what the boy is up to. Keep your wand out, and your voice down." They cautiously entered the forest.

In a clearing, deep within the woods they spotted Harry, along with several others the headmaster didn't recognize. He waved his wand for an eavesdropping spell so that they could listen in.

He heard Harry's voice clearly:

"Madam Bones,this is Ichigo Kurosaki, my cousin. Lord Byakuya Kuchiki, head of the ancient and noble clan of Kuchiki. Hachigen Ushoda, my mentor in the Kido Arts and Shinji Hirako, one of my sword instructors. This, gentlemen, is Madam Bones, Honorable Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

"Flintlock, Honorable Account Manager of Gringotts, will send us to were the Dark Tosser is hiding."

Kido? Was that what Harry had been using? Where had he heard of that magic? Cousin? Harry only has the one cousin, and he's a muggle!

Severus frowned. Those names were Japanese, if he didn't miss his guess. So, Harry had new allies? Interesting.

"Let's go then," said the tall, orange-haired teenager cracking his knuckles. He was dressed in black robes and carrying a huge, strange-looking sword strapped to his back.

Albus hurriedly pushed his way through the bushes. "I think not!"

0o0o0o0o0o0

Harry bit back a groan. He should've known things were going too smoothly for him.

"Albus," Amelia Bones acknowledged.

"Everyone, touch the ring," said the goblin. "It will take you to where you need to go."

Harry reached out and touched the ring, as did Ichigo and the other shinigamis. Madam Bones, also reach over to touch it.

"Harry, I forbid it!" Albus said, as he stepped into the clearing, wand held high.

Harry raised his hand at the same time as Byakuya. Both said, "Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro – Six Rods of Prison Lights."

Six arrows of light pierced both wizards, radiating out in a circle as both men fell to the ground. Harry went one further and said, "Expelliarmus."

Albus shouted, "NOOOOOOO!" as his wand flew from his hand to Harry's.

"Too late, old man," Ichigo said with a scowl. "You started it, we finish. Lets go."

"Then I am coming as well," Albus said, trying to stand up. "If only to talk you out of it. Harry needs me to walk him through his destiny."

Harry looked up at Byakuya, who closed his eyes and turned away. "Do what you will." Harry, too, turned away, saying nothing.

"Che! You weren't invited, old man, what an idiot! Don't expect me to babysit him," Ichigo scoffed, glaring at Byakuya. The others nodded as they moved to touch the port-key.

Madam Bones shook her head and turned away. "Let's go."

The last thing they heard as the port-key took them away was Albus' scream of frustration.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Things are heating up. Thanks for all the reviews. They are greatly appreciated.

Until Next Time. – GF and The Frau