.

Balance Factor Chapter 30

Year Five

Dumbledore's Army

A/N: I want a tiny Ryuuko too! I'll pet him and feed him and everything! XP

This chapter is almost exclusively tiny Ryuuko chapter!

Read and review as always!

As Ryuuko had predicted, Umbridge had been promoted to something called High Inquisitor. Harry called it being a nosy bitch. Ryuuko didn't respond to that.

Educational Degree Number Twenty Four was passed, banning all student organizations. Hermione had instantly gotten suspicious, as the day before; they had been in Hog's Head organizing a Defensive Club.

Ryuuko had taken to sleeping in Harry's pocket, only poking his head out when he was sure no one else was there. Harry was half relieved, as Ryuuko's presence was tangible and solid. When he slipped his hand into his pocket, Ryuuko would grab two fingers and pet them lightly. It soothed his nerves.

Harry was holding a napping Ryuuko in the common room late one night. He was supposed to meet Sirius at the fireplace. Ron and Hermione were both working on essays. Harry had finished his early so he could keep Ryuuko company.

Ryuuko had his own sleeping box that was actually a basket. He didn't like it that much so he usually slept on Harry's bed or in his pocket, where the proximity between Harry and himself was shortest. Hermione made him a small blanket which Ryuuko used to cover himself when he was napping.

The house elves somehow found out about Ryuuko. It was likely they had seen him around when Harry was sleeping. They had taken to leaving tiny teacups of tea and plates of food for Ryuuko. Ryuuko loved it.

Occasionally, Ryuuko would eat at the Great Hall. He would sit in Harry's lap, eating cookies the size of his head and drinking from Harry's goblet. Harry didn't mind at all, looking very happy that Ryuuko was satisfied.

Ryuuko would dive into his books too. History of Magic seemed to be something he liked to read, although it was a little difficult for his tiny body to turn the pages. Harry thought it was extremely dull, but since Ryuuko seemed to enjoy it, he didn't say much.

The flames flickered and Sirius' head appeared in the fire. Harry smiled and waved, hiding Ryuuko from view.

"Hi. I heard about Umbridge," Sirius said. "Sounds like Fudge is afraid."

"What could he be afraid of?" Ron asked. Ryuuko, however, was the one to speak.

"Dumbledore making an army," he said, yawning, poking his head over Harry's hand to look at Sirius. "Trained students. Children are easy to influence and easy to train in combat. They pick up skills very fast." He had woken when Harry moved his other hand.

Sirius looked stunned. "Harry? Who's that?"

"This is Ryuuko. He's usually bigger than this, but he's trying to conserve energy," Harry said, looking down at his Father's tiny form.

"Nice to meet you," Ryuuko said politely. Sirius blinked.

"The guy who fought against Voldemort?" Sirius asked.

"Yes," Harry acknowledged. Ryuuko stretched and then sat down on Harry's palm.

"Anyway, Madam Umbridge is here to prevent the students from getting any formal training. I think Minister Fudge is worried about the possibility of Professor Dumbledore's army than anything," Ryuuko continued. "Which means, Harry, you need to practice more."

"Where?" Harry asked. "It's not like I know any good places to practice. And besides, after that Degree…"

"I think your life is more important than the rules," Ryuuko said mildly. "You will practice Defense with this new group and practice sparring with me. I can last a few hours in my true form." His tone left no room for argument, so Harry dropped his head.

"Okay, Ryuuko."

"But where to practice? Mr. Black, do you have any ideas?" Ryuuko asked the head in the fire. Suddenly, a look of alarm crossed Ryuuko's face. Sirius had the same look.

"Harry, let's go. Now. Black, get!" Ryuuko ordered. Sirius didn't have to be told twice. He vanished into the flames. Harry jumped to his feet, clutching Ryuuko somewhat hard and ran up the stairs, just as he spotted a stubby hand with way too many rings in the fireplace. Hermione and Ron were both behind him, looking alarmed.

Ryuuko was gripping Harry's hand tightly, his ruby eyes narrowed. So Umbridge was now aware of Sirius' contact. Harry slipped behind the curtain and loosened his grip on Ryuuko, panting. Ryuuko looked up at him.

"Harry…?"

Harry looked at Ryuuko and then gave a soft, hollow laugh. "Yeah… She knows now. We'll have to be extra careful. I can imagine she'll drag us in to interrogate me." He slumped on the bed, setting Ryuuko down on his pillow. Ryuuko looked up at Harry, worried.

"Kazuki…" Ryuuko placed a small hand on Harry's cheek. Harry smiled and looked at his Father.

"Don't worry. If things turn bad, I know what to do. I'm not the child you knew back at the Light Palace," Harry said softly. Judging by the snores, Ron seemed to have ran up the stairs and fallen asleep.

"I know…" Ryuuko said, sitting on the bed. "I was watching you as you grew up… I saw what that man, Vernon, did to you… You were strong… So strong…"

Harry's eyes softened. He placed a hand on Ryuuko's hair and pet him. Ryuuko didn't protest this contact.

"Kazuki?"

Harry jumped a little, startled by the sound of Kou's voice. He fumbled for his mirror and looked into it, Ryuuko out of sight.

"Hey Kou," Harry said, a little nervous, "what happened?"

Kou shook his head. "Nothing much. I just wanted to give you an update on the balance. It's apparently stable and holding stable. Are you doing that?"

"Yeah," Harry said, nodding. "It's my job to, after all."

"I've been helping."

Kou gave a start as he recognized that voice. Ryuuko's face appeared in the mirror. Harry picked up Ryuuko to show Kou. Ryuuko gave a wave and spoke again. "Hi Kou."

Kou's face went very, very white. There was a THUMP and then the connection broke.

"I think you traumatized him," Harry commented, looking at Ryuuko. Ryuuko laughed and placed his head on Harry's wrist.

"Kou's always been like that though," Ryuuko said, musing a little. He closed his eyes and said, "Do you think he'll call back?"

"In a few minutes, after someone realizes he's passed out," Harry said.

Harry left the mirror by the bedside table, letting Ryuuko watch over it as he went to wash his face. By the time he got back, Ryuuko was chatting quietly with Kou, explaining to him what had happened. Kou looked both awed and ecstatic.

"My King…" Kou said, looking like he was about to cry.

"I'm not your King anymore, Kou… Akira-kun is," Ryuuko said gently. Kou shook his head.

"But you're still my Master," Kou said. Ryuuko sighed.

"Yes… I suppose so," Ryuuko looked down into the mirror. "How is Akira-kun? And Shirogane?"

"Aki is fine. Shirogane is still a bastard," Kou said calmly.

"What did you say about me, you brat?" A voice right behind Kou asked. Harry stiffened and then placed a hand over his mouth, laughing into it. Shirogane was fuming angrily, a smile on his face, but gripping his cane very hard. Harry noted it was a different one than Shirogane used to have.

"Ah, Shirogane," Kou said, trying to hide the mirror.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, running away from your work?!" Shirogane asked, his icy blue eyes flashing at Kou. "Admiring yourself in the mirror?"

"Now, Shirogane," Ryuuko said. "Don't be too hard on Kou."

Harry wasn't able to see Shirogane's face, but he was willing to bet anything that Shirogane was shocked stiff. He gave a small laugh, bringing the mirror on the bed and moving Ryuuko back onto the bed so it showed both of them in the mirror. Ryuuko leaned over the mirror, watching the rustle of fabric and hearing Shirogane's voice.

"Kou! Hand it over! Right now!" Shirogane growled.

There was a pause and then Kou had apparently reluctantly handed over the mirror. Shirogane's face appeared in the reflection. Ryuuko smiled.

"It's been a while, Shirogane," Ryuuko said. "How are things?"

"Ryuuko…? And is that… Kazuki behind you?" Shirogane asked. Harry dipped his head.

"Father," Harry said calmly. Ryuuko sat down, looking at Shirogane's face.

"Ryuuko, why are you miniature?" Shirogane asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because it wastes less energy than my full form," Ryuuko said calmly. "Kazuki isn't strong enough to materialize me completely just yet. He will be eventually."

"Where are you? I'm coming to get you. Both of you," Shirogane demanded. Ryuuko shook his head.

"No. We cannot leave yet," Ryuuko said. "There's a matter that we have to deal with here."

"Ryuuko…" Shirogane looked quite unhappy at being told this, his icy blue eyes flashing. Ryuuko was unfazed by his look.

"Listen closely, Shirogane," Ryuuko said, his voice gentle, but desperate. "There is a war brewing here. Kazuki's at the center of it. I cannot leave Kazuki's side for long, as my powers are still weak. Kazuki cannot leave, or more people will die and the balance will be shaken."

"Ryuuko. I'll kill them before they-" Shirogane started, but Ryuuko cut through him.

"No, Shirogane. You will not," Ryuuko said. "This is not your battle. This is Kazuki's."

There was a pause as the counterparts stared each other down. Then Shirogane sighed.

"As usual, you're stubborn…" he said, running a hand through his silvery white hair. "Alright then. Won't you heal faster with your inshi?"

"That is Akira-kun's inshi. Not mine," Ryuuko reminded. "Kazuki is fashioning an inshi I can use." He shook his head. "I know what you are thinking, Shirogane. The answer is 'no'. That inshi rightfully belongs to my successor. He has taken the responsibility of the Children, hasn't he? He is worthy to be my successor."

"…I would rather have you," Shirogane said, almost sulking. Ryuuko smiled.

"I know. But now you have two counterparts to deal with. Aren't you feeling special?" Ryuuko asked, a smile crossing his face, teasing Shirogane. Shirogane hesitated and shook his head.

"Akira-kun is nice," Shirogane said, his voice soft. "But… he's not you."

"He doesn't need to be," Ryuuko reminded. "That is the whole point of Children."

Shirogane nodded. Ryuuko looked satisfied.

"Father?" Harry asked, looking into the mirror. "I have your original katana. I will keep it until I meet you again."

Shirogane tilted his head, frowning a little. Then he shrugged.

"Alright," Shirogane agreed. "Keep it until we meet again."

"We must get going. Kazuki needs rest, after all," Ryuuko said. "See you later, Shirogane." He waved at his counterpart as Harry cut off the connection.

Harry flopped on the bed, looking satisfied. Ryuuko repeated Harry's motion, looking at the mirror. Then Ryuuko placed his hand on the glass and pet it a little. Harry smiled, reaching over and slipping the mirror into his pocket.

"That went well," Harry said. "Now we sit back and hope Shirogane doesn't kill Kou for hiding this." He smiled as he saw Ryuuko's tiny body shake with laughter.

"He won't. But he might take the mirror and order Kou to tell him how to use it," Ryuuko said. Harry paused.

"I've been keeping the mirror on me… But maybe I should leave it in the extendable sack…" Harry hesitated. "It would be bad to constantly get contacts from Shirogane… Especially when I'm in class."

"I'll tell Shirogane next time," Ryuuko promised, pulling up Hermione's blanket.

-0-

Harry met Luna again in the library. She was sitting in the corner, reading a magazine upside down, but put it down when Harry walked within three feet of her. Her eyes went huge and she instantly embraced him. Harry blinked and then spoke.

"It's nice to see you again, Luna," Harry said calmly. Luna beamed.

"You've got something shiny in your pocket. Can I see it?" She was pointing to the pocket Ryuuko was hiding in. When Luna saw Harry hesitate, she grabbed his hands. "Please, Harry? Please? I want to know if it's a heliopath!"

"Uh… it's… um… not," Harry said slowly, getting defensive. Ryuuko suddenly poked his head out of Harry's pocket. Luna squealed in excitement, but then Ryuuko ducked back in.

They were thrown out of the library for making too much noise. Harry groaned, cursing Ryuuko a little, but not meaning a single word of it. Harry entered an empty classroom and sighed, poking his pocket a little as revenge.

"You brought it upon yourself. Come on," Harry said. Ryuuko poked his head out again and Luna instantly cooed.

"He's sooo cute!" Luna said, her eyes dreamy. "And so shiny too. He practically glows white!"

Harry was starting to doubt that Luna was human. She could see factors, apparently. She knew he didn't always used to be Harry; that he had another name. Ryuuko, however, seemed intrigued by Luna.

"Oh? You can see me glowing?" Ryuuko asked. "May I have your name, young lady?"

"It's Luna," Luna said dreamily. "Luna Lovegood. Yes, I can see you glowing. I can see most people. Some glow white, some glow black. Harry is the first person I've seen that doesn't glow. You're the first person I've seen to glow so white though."

Ryuuko smiled, holding out a hand. "My name is Ryuuko." Luna offered her finger and Ryuuko shook it. "It's unusual to meet someone who can see people glow."

"I know other people can't," Luna said, sitting in a chair. "But I can. You're so shiny. So bright."

Ryuuko chuckled, but didn't answer her unasked question. Harry tilted his head, listening for anyone coming. Ryuuko was still mostly in his pocket, and Harry didn't want to take him out.

"You know," Luna said, looking at the tiny Ryuuko. "You're really cute. And such shiny hair!"

Ryuuko ducked back down into the pocket to hide his embarrassment. Snickering, Harry grinned, placing his hand on Luna's shoulder.

"So how are things going?" Harry asked. "Well?" Ryuuko was poking an eye up, his face flushed red from embarrassment.

"Not too bad," Luna said. Harry smiled and nodded. He slid his hand in his pocket, poking Ryuuko.

"Back in you go," he said. "I'm going back out."

When Harry exited the classroom, he almost walked right into Dumbledore. He blinked twice and then spoke. "Hello, Professor Dumbledore."

Dumbledore looked at him and then spoke. "Afternoon, Harry."

"Professor Dumbledore, have you been avoiding me?" Harry asked. Dumbledore had not shown himself much around him at all, which made Harry curious. Dumbledore shook his head.

"No. I've simply been busy, excuse me," Dumbledore said, vanishing down the hall. Harry pondered at Dumbledore's strange behavior before turning the other way.

So the walls had ears, did they? Umbitch was listening, following, perhaps even tailing Dumbledore's movements. Harry's eyes glittered. Interesting.

-0-

Harry looked around at the many faces in the Room of Requirement. Ryuuko had told him of the room when he had found out from a House Elf. Dobby had taken a great liking to the gentle Ryuuko and insisted on serving him. Pleased by the development, Ryuuko had accepted Dobby being his personal servant. Hermione was less than happy at first, but when she saw the House Elf jump around the common room in delight, she quickly forgave Ryuuko.

"First meeting then," Harry said. "We'll start off with Disarming. Hopefully the lot of you are better at this than Lockhart." The crowd laughed and Harry smiled. "Branch off into pairs and begin."

There were flashing jets of light all over the room. Harry had paired off with Hermione, who was very good at the spell, as to be expected. But, surprisingly, when she disarmed him, she got more than just Harry's wand.

Having been jerked out of a nap, Ryuuko flailed in the air, giving a tiny "Help!" in surprise. Hermione caught both Harry's wand and Ryuuko. Ryuuko sat in her hand, dazed and still half asleep. The entire room went silent, staring at the little man.

Not for the first time since Ryuuko shrunk, Harry wanted to bang his head against a concrete wall. To his dismay, he noticed that one of the four walls of the Room of Requirement was made of concrete.

"Sorry about that Hermione," Harry said, plucking Ryuuko out of her hands. Ryuuko rubbed his head, looking up at Harry when he picked him up.

The room burst into chatter. Harry sighed and spoke over them.

"Sorry about that, guys. He's my tag-along right now," Harry said, holding the stunned Ryuuko out to show everyone. Ryuuko looked bewildered, gripping Harry's sleeve and looking at the many faces.

"Awwww! He's sooo cute!" Cho Chang said, looking at the tiny Ryuuko. Ryuuko blinked, shaking his head to clear it.

"Yeah, he is. But back to disarming," Harry said, placing Ryuuko in his pocket. Ryuuko gripped the edges of the pocket, almost afraid at the prospect of flying through the air again. Harry almost laughed out loud, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Somehow, he was starting to see Ryuuko as his friend rather than his Father.