Soldier

A/N: This story is winding down. There's two more chapters after this.

Disclaimer: You know the drill. Remember, reviews are welcomed, flames aren't.

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Chapter 31:Come the Morning After

The next morning Harry and Kon, who was still in Ichigo's body, were met in the Ministry Atrium by an Unspeakable and the petite Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki. Sirius and Remus would meet up with Harry after the exams. However, a minor problem had developed, much to Harry's dismay.

"Your exams have been moved to the Hall of Mysteries, for your safety," The Unspeakable informed him. "It would be for the best."

"Nee-san!" Kon shouted as he took a dive at the small Soul Reaper.

"Can it!" she said, giving the mod-soul an upper cut to the chin. "Behave yourself."

"Any news?" Harry asked, grabbing Kon's shirt collar, before they moved through the Ministry.

"All the prisoners have been relocated to the Holding Cells and they're being evaluated to see how insane they are," Rukia said with disgust. "They're thinking of using that open Senkaimon that this Merlin created, before it's destroyed."

Harry made a sound of disgust. "What do the Captains say?"

"They're against it. Even though Society laws and traditions say Dangai have been used in the past to deal with hard core prisoners."

Harry agreed with the captains. He couldn't wait to see how Ichigo felt about it. It should be interesting to watch that debate.

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The last of his exams didn't take long. Harry was just finishing up his last practical when the last group of people who had gone to Azkaban walked in.

Ichigo arrived as his normal Reaper self, with his over-sized zanpakuto strapped to his back. He was covered with cuts and bruises as well as a ripped and bloodied shihakusho.

"What happened to you!?" Rukia shouted at him.

"Kenpatchi happened," Ichigo groused with disgust as he grabbed Kon by the arm. The mod soul protested as Ichigo stepped into his body.

Ichigo coughed and spit out a blue green pill. He caught it in mid air. "Kon didn't give you any problems?"

Harry gave a slight smile. "Let's just say he didn't like Sirius' house any more than my godfather does. It was a quiet night."

"Good!"

"Harry, my boy, why are you still here?" came Albus' voice off to one side.

Harry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had hoped to keep the headmaster ignorant of his plans. Oh well.

"I came to see how my cousin fared," came the obvious answer.

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It was mid afternoon and Harry once again stood by the stone arch of the Veil along with the Soul reapers, Sirius and the Unspeakables. It would be destroyed once the Captains and their lieutenants left through the portal.

Staying behind in the Department of Mysteries were Kisuke Urahara, Captains Ukitake and Kyoraku along with Lieutenants Nanoa and Rukia. They were staying at the Unspeakables expense, to make sure all the notes and files on the Gate, as well as the Dementors were destroyed, and to share some research. It was going to take some time.

The Captains found the Department of Mysteries fascinating and wanted to share some knowledge with them. The research here was more in depth than what could be found in the Soul Society.

"Uh . . . before you go." Harry glanced over the Captain Kuchiki, who gave him a slight nod. It was now time to bring some closure to the whole Kuga disaster. He had discussed this with the Head of the Kuchiki clan earlier. "There's something I need to do."

Everyone looked at Harry curiously. The captains didn't know much about the young wizard. They had all knew that Harry had been adopted into the noble clan by the symbols he wore.

Harry explained that he had been orphaned since he was a baby by the dark wizard Tom Riddle who Ichigo and the Visords helped send to Hell this past summer. Dumbledore tried to stop Harry from giving too much information away, but he was ignored.

"And since my parents' deaths, no adult has stepped up to help me. Not one," he said, pointedly, glaring at Albus Dumbledore. The old headmaster looked a little guilty. "In fact, every adult in my life has failed me. Not one has stepped up to fill the role of a parent."

"Now, Harry, that isn't true," Dumbledore chided. "Your aunt. . . "

"Never wanted me, never cared if I lived or died. And if you want, I'll swear a wizard's oath on it, so you can't call me a liar," Harry glared coldly at the old man who had reared back in surprise. "In fact, my very first Hogwarts letter was addressed to the cupboard under the stairs which was where I slept for the first ten years of my life. I have always been pushed to the side, even at Hogwarts. Not one professor was ever on my side or cared enough to step in. They all listened to a headmaster who couldn't see the tree for the forest and did as he bade."

Dumbledore's eyes widened at the venom in Harry's voice.

"Anyways, I learned real fast not to trust any of them, and that they were only following the headmaster's schemes in testing me time and time again," Harry bitterly continued his tale.

"This is all interesting," Captain Kyoraku started to say, tipping his straw hat. "But. . . "

"I'm getting there," Harry assured him. He went on to explain how this past summer things had gotten worse. "I mean, I saw a boy a couple of years older than me killed in front of me, and not one adult cared how I was doing afterward. I was shipped back to my relatives without counseling, or a by your leave."

"But Harry, I'm sure your aunt would've seen to your well being?" Dumbledore tried again.

Harry snorted. "Not bloody likely. My uncle locked me in Dudley's second bedroom and threw away the keys. It was never really my room, but Dudley's second bedroom for all his broken toys. Again, I will swear an oath if need be."

"That," Dumbledore commented quietly, as Ichigo started to growl, cracking his knuckles. "won't be necessary."

"Ichigo saw the locks on the door, sir," Harry continued, giving the old man another look of contempt. "He and his father rescued me from the Dursley's this past summer. I spent a month in Japan with them and loved having a real family. The night Ichigo rescued me 'someone' from the Ministry sent two Dementors to Surrey. Didn't work though, Ichigo went all Soul Reaper and killed them."

Albus shuddered recalling the orange teen's fight yesterday.

"Afterward Ichigo told me, in bad English, he had an extra zanpakuto that needed a new master, and I accepted."

The gasps and protests from the captains were understandable. Harry held up a hand and stopped them.

"There is something you need to know. According to the zanpakuto, and it was later confirmed by Urahara-san, my soul was unstable due to being hit with the Killing Curse as a baby and housing a bit of Riddle's soul in my scar."

"But I thought. . ." Rukia started to say, confused. Byakuya shot her a look to quiet any comments or questions.

"In all previously known cases that curse killed instantly, snuffing out the soul like a candle flame, which is why we call it an Unforgivable," the Unspeakable listening to Harry's story told them. "In Lord Potter's case we feel that his mother, Lily Potter nee Evans, a quite gifted witch, did something to protect her baby."

Harry nodded. "My mother never really got the credit she deserved for my survival. After all, the pure-bloods didn't want to be outshone by a muggle-born. Because of her sacrifice, I was known as the Boy Who Lived. . ."

"Which is stupid," Ichigo interjected with scorn and his sentiment was echoed by several of the Soul Reapers.

"Anyway," Harry continued his tale, "the zanpakuto didn't let me know his name as he said I had to earn his trust. His former wielder had been cruel, and had lost the ability to call him. The month I spent in Japan was my best summer ever. As you can see it ended with me being adopted into the Kuchiki clan. Byakuya-sama has been very helpful."

"This zanpakuto. . . .Ichigo! You didn't!?" Rukia shouted at her friend, ready to slam a fist into his arm. "He's dangerous!"

Ichigo leaned away from her, digging a small finger into his ear. "OI! I'm not deaf or stupid!"

"It is alright," Captain Kuchiki confirmed, stopping her rant. "When I was informed of the matter I met with Harry-kun. I found him to be untrained, but not uncouth, like Kurosaki. I was pleased that Harry-kun respectfully asked for my help."

Glaring at the angry faces on some of the Soul Reapers, Harry continued. "Muramasa's now under my protection. He has stabilized my soul, and had helped me deal with the ongoing trauma that is my life. We now share a deep soul bond. Granted he wasn't born from my soul, but he now fills the deep void that the Killing Curse and the death of my parents had created."

"Why are you telling us this Harry-kun?" asked Captain Ukitake softly with some concern.

"Because I know he's caused some problems for the Soul Society," Harry explained. "He and I have talked it over and we feel it was time for some closure. Plus, I don't want to keep looking over my shoulder for someone from the Soul Society coming to take him away from me. No matter what assurance Byakuya-sama gives me – that is my fear."

"Has he behaved himself?" asked Captain Kyoraku, exchanging a glance with the stoic captain of the sixth squad.

"See for your self, sir," Harry intoned, holding out his arm. "Come out Muramasa."

The spirit came out, standing beside Harry looking bored as he usually did. Those who had fought Muramasa in the past noted his changed appearance.

The startled Soul Reapers all went for their own zanpakutos, except for Ichigo, Captain Kuchiki and Urahara. Many of them had witnessed Muramasa's power before. Some were still recovering from the damage his reign of terror caused in the Soul Society.

The wizards also took a step back, with their wands ready.

"It's alright," Harry said, placing a hand on Muramasa's shoulder, reassuring the spirit that he wouldn't let anything happen to him. "Muramasa's under my protection. He and I have come to an mutual understanding."

Muramasa fell to his knees beside Harry and lowered his proud head. Several strange creatures, some looking almost human, appeared beside the Soul Reapers and they clearly didn't look happy. Several growled and hissed at the humbled spirit.

"I wish to apologize for my former actions to everyone that I caused harm. My only reason for my actions was to be reunited with my former master, Kuga. However, before he was killed by the head of the Kuchiki clan, he repudiated me and broke my blade.

"When Ichigo and I fought, I knew I was dying and as I laid breathing my last, Kurosaki Ichio offered me a way to atone for my mistakes. I accepted. His spiritual energy saved me until I found my new master, Harry-sama."

"Oi! What did I say about calling me sama?" Harry gave Muramasa a slight cuff at being called 'Lord,' which caused some to smile.

Several of the strange-looking beings continued to hiss and growl at the repentant zanpakuto while, a couple of them said nothing. None, however, attacked.

"My wielder has already forgiven you, and so have I," said a being dressed in ornate Japanese samurai attire, complete with head mask, stepped forward. "We have seen the remorse and the deep bond you've created with Harry Potter."

The other zanpakuto spirits reluctantly relaxed. A few made scoffing noises as they turned away.

"As you can see that Muramasa's sorry for the trouble he caused. Now please send the others spirits back, Muramasa," Harry ordered as he came to stand behind the still kneeling Muramasa. The strange beings beside the Soul Reapers faded away.

Harry placed a comforting hand on the spirit's shoulder. "Muramasa's been with me for almost six months. Not only has he stabilized my soul, he has helped me find all of the soul fragments of Tom Riddle and helped send them to Hell. He has aided me in dealing with my nightmares and has been here for me when I needed someone. In other words, he has become the family I needed, but never had."

"And you knew of this Byakuya-taicho?" Captain Ukitake asked.

"I did," Byakuya informed them. "Kurosaki Ichigo informed me not long after he had gifted Harry-kun the zanpakuto. Then later, Harry-kun contacted me on his own asking for additional training. I did not report it as it was a clan matter and the zanpakuto was indeed trying to redeem itself."

"What kind of help?"

"He didn't receive the lessons he needed on how to be the lord of an Ancient and Noble house. It seems that his former 'guardian' neglected his duties as regent and failed to teach the boy his responsibilities. I was pleased that he had the wisdom and fortitude to ask for help. Unlike some people."

Albus Dumbledore looked guilty. Sirius growled at the headmaster. "You assured me that you were teaching him!"

"I thought there would be time," came the excuse.

"Actually," Harry interjected, glaring at the abashed headmaster. "From what the goblins and I reasoned he was convinced I had to die, because of the soul anchor behind my scar. Why teach someone when they had to die at a young age to prevent a war? Right headmaster?"

Everyone could see the answer on the old wizard's face.

"Che. How lame. There is no honor among wizards," Kenpatchi snorted. Ichigo and Ikkaku were glaring at the old man and cracking their knuckles. Both wanted to wipe the floor with him.

"Once I was satisfied, I adopted Harry-kun into the Kuchiki's clan. Not as my heir, but as a noble member. He has removed much of the stain that Kuga brought to our clan." The stoic captain looked over at Harry with a look of pride. "He has brought honor back to the Kuchiki clan. He fought against the evil that killed his parents, overcoming many obstacles in his path. I admire his hunger to learn, and respect for, our ways."

"As much as I hate to agree with Byakuya on anything," Ichigo added, "The runt has done well with Muramasa. And anyone wanting to harm them has to get through me first." Everyone, except for the wizards, knew that was a serious promise of pain.

"And me," Sirius said, stepping forward. "He's my godson. The only son of my best friends."

"And me as well," said Urahara. "Harry-kun has no desire for power, even though he holds a great deal. And I am sure the Visords will have something to say about it as well, as they helped with his training."

"I am no slouch in fighting. I just hate to, that's all," Harry continued, a little embarrassed at all the praise he was receiving."Muramasa may not have been born of my soul, but he's now a strong part of it. I refuse to part from him. And I will protect him with my life."

The captains looked at each other before turning back to the stone archway. "We will inform the head commander and will recommend that the two of you be left alone," said Captain Hitsugaya. "As long as Kuchiki-taicho vouches for you, there shouldn't be any problems. You are not planning on being a substitute soul reaper are you?"

Harry gave snort. "Hardly. I have plans on finishing my education, and untangling the mess that is the inheritance that my parents left me – that my former 'guardian' tried to ignore."

Everyone noticed the wince that Dumbledore gave.

"I'll leave the fighting of Hollows to Ichigo, unless they come after me personally. I have too much on my plate to go running around destroying monsters all the time. I just want to live my life, my way."

"Well said Harry-kun," Captain Ukitake agreed.

"Very well," said Captain Hitsugaya. "Let's go."

Harry looked down at his humble zanpakuto spirit. "Let's go too, Muramasa."

The spirit stood and gave his wielder a slight smile and faded away.

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Albus Dumbledore was in a quandary as he watched the so-called Soul Reapers, except for those that would remain behind, disappear back into the Veil.

The old headmaster had done a lot of thinking when he returned to the Ministry that morning. Was what that orange-haired teen told him, after he defeated that creature at Azkaban, true? Was he really allowing the innocent to suffer while letting the guilty run wild?

Albus thought back at Harry's life and wondered how many times that boy looked at him with disappoint for his decisions. Had he allowed Harry's innocence to pay for his mistakes?

No, what he did was for the 'Greater Good.' The blood lines must be preserved. Harry just had to understand his reasons for those ten years of misery. Was that why Harry still looked at him so coldly? It was clear that Harry had stopped trusting him since last year. Maybe he shouldn't have forced the boy to go through that tournament?

The Unspeakables had never really listened to him, and now it looks like no one else was listening to him anymore either. Since the beginning of the school term, everything was getting more and more out of his control.

He couldn't get that young man's comments out of his mind, though. He had to think about it some more. Did he really allow the innocent to suffer for the misdeeds of others?

Then there were these so called Soul Reapers. Where had Harry found such powerful allies? Has the prophesy come an end? He had been wrong about the power the Dark Lord Knows Not. Who would have thought that power was Death itself? He knew that Tom had feared death but it seems that Harry didn't. What did the boy know that he didn't?

He left with too many questions and not enough answers.

"Dumbledore. We need to talk," came Amelia's stern voice, breaking into his thoughts. "My office. Now."

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A/N: Thanks all for the kind words and prayers.

As for where we got the name Ekrizdis, check HP Wiki. He's there. What we did was just take it an extra, but seemingly logical, step.

"-nee" – "Sister"; can be combined with other honorifics

taicho – captain

Shihakusho – the black uniforms that all Shinigami wear