Disclaimer: I own neither Ranma ½ nor Harry Potter.
Author's Notes: Heh......... It's been a while, but I'm trying hard to get everything updated soon. We're getting ready to move so I might not have time to write with all the homework and the packing I half to do. I will get things as updated as I can. It's easier to get motivated now that it's not as cold out. Before all I wanted to do was play video games. ^^ Let me know if I'm getting too off the wall with my story and I'll try to fix it.
/Telepathy/ "\Japanese\"
Magical Destiny Chapter 7
"Seeker?" Ranma asked, watching his little brother.
Harry nodded excitedly, "I'm the youngest one in a century! I'm not supposed to tell anyone though. I'll be getting a broom though!"
Ranma just snorted, and waved as Harry diverted on their path to get to his own class. Ranma sighed. 'Things are about to get chaotic again aren't they?' Ranma asked the ceiling.
Moments later he was at the potions dungeon, checking everything he would need for his test. 'Well, here goes,' Ranma thought as he walked in the door. He was hoping he'd managed one year of potions in two weeks.
********************
Kim sighed as Professor Binns began to drone on about something she already knew. Nabiki also appeared to be bored senseless with him. 'And to think History used to be fun,' Kim thought as she yawned again.
Her thoughts wandered to Ranma, and a sleepy smile adorned her face. 'I wonder how he's doing with Snape,' she thought, yawning again, 'He's trying to get along with the guy at least. I have to agree with Aunt Reesa though, he's not evil, but he's not good either.'
A yawn escaped Nabiki, and Kim allowed her thoughts to wander once more. She was suddenly reminded of the strange rite she had gone through at her other school. The teachers didn't even know about it. The school itself was built upon an old temple, one that was around before the continents really split. 'Pangaea, the single continent, split into two large ones due to plate tectonics, or so muggles think. There was a great war between six dark lords and six dragon gods that split it.'
'First to fall were the chaos dragon and the holy dragon, the two eldest. They were taken by surprise. The temple commemorated the holy dragon's fall. There was a temple resurrected by what was called the ancient dragons for the chaos dragon. Those two were the most dangerous, trying to protect the younger gods. But they took the two strongest lords down with them.'
'Next to fall were the air and earth dragons, the youngest. They were unable to take down their counterparts. The two middle dragons managed to take those two down, and one other, before the fire dragon became too injured to fight again. The water dragon was too tired to fight the last lord, and in her grief, split him into seven pieces. One of those pieces was resurrected and later destroyed by a human. The rest were thought useless, and lost. It seems that the other six pieces have resurrected, and it's time to correct the mistakes.'
Kim looked down, as if studying her book, and clutched the pendant bestowed upon her by the holy dragon. 'As soon as my body is prepared, I shall become the holy dragon.'
She sighed as the bell finally rang, trying to figure out how she spent an hour reminiscing. 'Oh well, I get to see Ranma now.'
***************************
Kim soon found her boyfriend out by the lake, studying the placid waters. "How did you do?"
"I passed," Ranma said shrugging.
"You don't sound excited," Kim said, touching his arm.
Ranma turned to study his girlfriend, his eyes shadowed. He then enveloped her in a hug, holding her tight, as if afraid she were going to disappear. Kim returned it, wondering what was wrong.
"Ranma?"
Ranma shook his head, and loosened his hold, smiling down at her. "C'mon, I've got another class."
Kim grinned at him, "You'll be having classes for a long time. It's amazing that you think you can learn all this in three years."
Ranma laughed, "Just you watch."
Both in better spirits, they headed towards the castle, and to their respective classes.
****************************
It was dinner, when Nabiki and Kim found out Harry's news. Ranma just studied his brother intently, as if wondering what to say. Nabiki and Kim were each congratulating the boy, feeding his ego quite a bit.
Ranma rolled his eyes, and gave his brother a smile, "Don't forget, you've still got to practice a lot."
Harry gave Ranma a soldier's salute before heading back to his table. Ranma shook his head, "And here I thought he wasn't supposed to tell anyone."
"It'll be alright, Ranma," Nabiki said dryly, "He'll be ready. Or he'll go crashing down to the earth."
Ranma chuckled, "He does that anyway. You're right, he'll be fine."
Kim watched her boyfriend carefully, but there was no sign of his earlier depression, 'I wonder what he was so worked up about.'
She didn't get a chance to ask as dinner finished and Ranma went to Professor McGonagall to get an extra lesson in. Ranma watched as she left the room, and frowned. 'I know she's worried, but I can't tell her. Not yet. That dream was too real.'
Professor McGonagall rapped him on the back of the head with a stick when she realized he wasn't paying attention. "Honestly, first you come to me for an extra lesson to get ahead, and then you doze off. You must be studying too hard."
"Some people would think that impossible," Ranma muttered, "I'm sorry."
Minerva sighed, "Do you really think you can learn seven years worth of learning in three?"
Ranma nodded, "I received a black belt by the time I was four, and under worse conditions. I can do this as long as I apply myself correctly."
The professor sighed and continued with the lesson, quickly covering the basics, and watching him transform the goblet.
****************************
Ranma yawned once more, as he walked through the halls to breakfast. 'Something needs to go,' Ranma thought as he sat down at the table, oblivious to Kim's worried look.
'Either the training in the morning or the extra spell lessons imparted to me by Lina.'
Ranma quickly dug in, eating as fast as his stomach would allow him. As soon as he was full, he kissed Kim on the cheek and headed to his first lesson from Professor Flitwick, as he had been for the past three weeks.
The miniature teacher gave Ranma a concerned look as he pulled out the necessary lesson book, "You're wearing yourself out my boy."
Ranma shrugged. "I don't want to be too far behind her, and it drives away the nightmares," he muttered, reassuring himself more than his teacher.
Professor Flitwick shifted slightly on his pile of books, and began his lesson. Ranma began to pick things up flawlessly once more, and was performing three new charms by the end of the class by the end of the period.
******************************
Harry frowned as his brother passed him by in the hall, yawning. "I wonder what's wrong with him," he muttered.
Hermione gave Ranma a concerned look also. "Doesn't look like he's been getting any sleep," she said sympathetically.
"We're only three weeks into the year," Ron said, "Is he daft? He'll kill himself like that."
Hermione frowned at Ron's unsympathetic statement, and Harry just shook his head at his friend's rashness. 'I do need to talk to him though. I never told him about my flying vision.'
Ron realized his error and then tried to cheer Harry up, by changing the subject to Harry's quidditch training. The conversation was soft so as not to alert anyone else to the secret.
*******************************
Kim walked into the small common room that she shared with Nabiki and Ranma, to find Ranma asleep at one of the small tables, papers strewn everywhere.
Nabiki sighed behind her. "You'd have never imagined him to be this dedicated to something other than martial arts if you knew him before."
Kim just nodded, placing a hand on his forehead. "Do you know why he's throwing himself into all of this?"
Nabiki shook her head, and then realized the gesture was futile, as Kim's back was turned to her. "Not a clue. Wish he had been this dedicated to school work before. It would probably have saved him a lot of trouble."
Kim shrugged, and proceeded to shake Ranma to a state of semi-awareness. He mumbled something unintelligible, and opened his eyes. Rubbing them, he stared at his girlfriend a moment before recognizing her. "Konbanwa," he muttered, turning back to his work.
Kim stopped his hand before it reached his quill. "This isn't like you Ranma," she said softly.
Ranma's strong arm quivered under her light touch, and he leaned unconsciously into her embrace. Finding comfort in her warmth, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, and looked tiredly at her face. "I have to finish this."
Kim looked at what he was doing and smiled a bit. It looked like he had gotten most of what he wanted accomplished. Nearly his first year was complete. "You're not doing your mind any good like this," she said softly, "You should get some rest."
Ranma noticed she said nothing about sleep, though it was implied that he needed that also. He shook his head, and leaned back in his chair, not fighting her on the subject. "We need to talk," he said huskily, trying to stifle a yawn.
Kim frowned, and tears threatened to fall from her eyes. In her experience, those words never boded very well.
'I'm suddenly glad that I'll become a full fledged witch this year,' she thought suddenly, as she meekly nodded her head.
Ranma either didn't notice, or chose not to notice the obvious pain on her face. He stood, stretching his body a bit and began to stumble up the stairs to his room. Kim followed, trying to make sure he didn't fall. Nabiki was torn between making herself scarce and following the two to find out what was going on. She opted for the first choice for one of the few times in her life, and made her way to visit Kasumi.
As the two reached Ranma's room, Ranma grabbed the disheartened girl behind him and flopped down on his bed. Kim was too surprised to resist as he pulled her on top of him, holding her tightly. He then rolled so that she was only half on top of him, still holding her as he nuzzled her hair. Kim pressed her face into his chest, hiding her face from him.
"I love you, light of my life," he said softly, falling asleep once more.
Kim blushed, and wondered what he was thinking. 'Why's he so damn hard to figure out,' she asked herself confusedly. She tried to get out of his arms and to his own bed, but his grip on her tightened. Eventually she gave up, and fell asleep herself, only to dream strange dreams.
************************
*Kim's Dream*
Kim found herself in the holy shrine, looking as a girl of about fifteen walked in and looked around. "Oh no," Kim muttered, remembering this scene, though it was not herself she was dreaming about.
The girl had a strange mixture of black and gray hair, making it look blue in the light. She turned to the shrine and saw a jewel embedded in the stone. "That must be the stone. Perfect!"
Kim frowned, seeing the stone there. She had taken it when the Holy dragon had merged with her. What was it doing back on the alter?
"Who are you?" Kim asked. The girl turned, surprised to the authoritative voice.
Trembling, she looked around the cavernous room, and Kim softened a bit. "Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you."
'This is strange for a dream,' Kim thought, grinning slightly to herself.
/That's because it isn't/ said a voice Kim hadn't heard in a while, /You need to guide her. She will become the Water Dragon God with time./
Kim groaned as she floated to the floor, apparently becoming visible to the girl.
"Take the stone," she said softly, "and your life will change forever, daughter of Cepheid."
The child in front of her frowned, "What are you talking about?"
"That stone is one of a set of six, each belonging to a specific Dragon God. When the body and spirit is ready, the stone will be absorbed, and you will essentially become of the race of Dragon Gods."
The girl looked skeptical, and Kim rolled her eyes. "If you don't believe me then take the stone. The soul within the stone will talk to you. Mine did the same."
"What element are you?"
"It's Holy, otherwise known as Order," Kim said dryly, "What's your name?"
"I'm Christy. You go through the same thing?"
Kim nodded, "You're taking this really well. I didn't have anyone to really warn me though."
"I'm not convinced you're real," Christy said dryly.
She then reached up and grabbed the stone, power shooting through her. After a few moments, Christy looked at Kim, "You weren't joking."
Kim laughed and faded, "Look out for shards of Shabranigdo dragonling."
***********************************
*Ranma's Dream*
Ranma was back at Jusenkyo, standing above the hole that he and Harry had fallen through. He studied the hole, and turned from it, wondering if he should jump in again.
Behind him was a great dragon, a handsome specimen that seemed to be as black as pitch, though colors ripped chaotically through its hide. The colors managed to stay tasteful as they changed. Ranma's mouth dropped open.
/It's not polite to stare./
Ranma blinked, and shut his mouth, "Did you-?"
The dragon nodded, lying along the length of the springs. /You are my child. I am sorry I was unable to speak with you for so long, but I had to find your stones./
"Huh?"
The dragon shook its head, and a stone appeared in front of Ranma. It shone with many colors, but the base was pitch black. It was about the size of the stone pendant that Kim was always wearing, and had a similar design etched into it. It fell into Ranma's outstretched hand, and the shine died down a bit.
/Your body and soul is nearly ready for your rise into power. Beware the pieces of Shabranigdo. You will meet up with them soon enough./
"What about Harry?"
/Voldemort is the piece he's meant for. Do not interfere. This time the Dragon gods must prevail. Meet the pieces head on, but separately. Otherwise they WILL overpower you./
The dragon stood and brought his head close to Ranma, looking the young man in the eye. /You're good, son. Maybe better because Lina's vast knowledge of old sorcery resides within you. You are NOT, however, good enough to take on all of Shabranigdo's pieces. Your power is still growing, and is not yet great enough to overpower him, though he is the weakest of the monster beasts we fought./
Ranma held the stone tightly in his hand, nodding in submission. He'd just train harder then.
The dragon chuckled, as if knowing what Ranma was thinking. /Be careful, dragonling./
*************************
Ranma awoke from his dream and looked down at Kim, who was using his chest as a pillow, one of her arms thrown across his chest. He smiled slightly, before realizing that the arm not wrapped around her was clutching something. In the dim light, Ranma made out a stone. It seemed to glow with its own inner light for a moment, before settling down to look like an ordinary rock.
He drew his breath in sharply, and wondered why it took so long to find a single stone.
*************************
In Gryffindor tower, another boy was tossing and turning, having an odd dream of his own. Ron watched as Harry groaned again, his face scrunching up as if in pain. Ron tried shaking his friend awake, but got pushed back by a strange gust of wind.
Neville and Seamus watched, their faces showing fear as Harry groaned again. "We should go get help," Seamus muttered.
"But we'll get reprimanded for getting out of bed," Neville squeaked.
Ron looked up, "Go get Percy, or Fred and George. They might be able to help."
Seamus nodded and rushed out in the direction of the fifth year wing.
Meanwhile, Harry found himself back at Jusenkyo, staring at the face of a yellow black dragon. The dragon opened an eye slightly and watched Harry from where he lay before sitting up and opening his green eyes fully. It stretched its bat like wings and settled once more. /You've kept me waiting young one./
"Huh?"
/You've kept me waiting. Of course, I had to find the lost stone, but you should have come to speak to me after you fell in the spring. I could have told you more about the piece of Shabranigdo that killed your parents./
Harry frowned, "How did-?"
/Essentially, all my powers will become yours. We will merge after a while, when your body is ready. Beware the pieces of Shabranigdo dragonling./
Harry frowned, "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."
/You will/ the dragon said, /Meanwhile, take this./
A stone of yellow and green floated down in front of Harry, and fell into his open hand.
The scene began to fade, and Harry protested, "Wait! What about Voldemort?!"
/Come to me when you're ready to believe/ was the only reply Harry got.
Harry shot up in his bed to see Kasumi standing at the foot of his bed. He turned his head to see Ron, Seamus, and Neville poking their heads out from behind Nabiki and Percy. Fred and George were in the shadows, their eyes wide with awe. He then realized his hand was clenched painfully on something, and it was digging into his palm.
Kasumi moved forward as soon as she realized the wind wasn't going to push her back anymore. She noticed Harry staring at his clenched fist, and quickly checked him for a temperature while looking for any bruises or abrasions.
"\I'm fine Kasumi-nee-chan,\" Harry said softly.
She frowned and ignored him, continuing with her quick check over. Harry unclenched his fist to find a stone much like the one he had seen in his dream. Harry suddenly remembered something Ranma had told him about their visit to Jusenkyo, and his head snapped up to look at Nabiki.
"\Nabiki-nee-chan! I need to get in to see Ranma.\"
Nabiki frowned, "\Don't you think you should wait till morning?\"
Harry shook his head, and threw off his covers, pushing Kasumi back gently, "\I've got to see him now! It's important!\"
Nabiki nodded, and both ignoring Kasumi's affronted look, headed out of the room, everyone except Seamus and Neville following them.
Neville looked at Seamus, grateful he had stayed behind. "They're going to get in so much trouble at this time of night."
**************************
Nabiki and Harry flew down the hallway, somehow losing Mrs. Norris and Mr. Filch in their run. They arrived at the painting in front of the entryway to the transfer student dorm and Nabiki whispered the password, so that only the painting could hear. It swung open to allow the two in, shutting before Kasumi or the rest could enter.
Fred and George snapped their fingers in unison as they thought they were missing some great fun. Kasumi shook her head, and turned to the boys that had followed her. "Go back to your rooms. Nabiki and Ranma will take care of everything."
Percy looked ready to protest, and Kasumi fixed him with an uncharacteristic glare. "Everything will be alright. Go back to your rooms. Do not worry."
Percy frowned, "Professor McGonagall will hear of this."
Fred and George frowned at their brother and did as they were told. They didn't mind following the orders of a beautiful nurse. Ron followed them, casting a worried look back at the portrait.
As soon as Percy was on his way, Kasumi headed back to the medical wing, hoping she was right in putting her trust in Nabiki.
*******************
Harry and Nabiki found Ranma and Kim bent over Ranma's school work, steaming mugs in their hands. Kim looked up and smiled tiredly at them. She waved a hand, and two more mugs appeared on the table.
"We've been expecting you," Kim said tiredly.
That was Ranma looked up, dark rings under his eyes. "More we've been expecting Harry, but Nabiki's welcome to sit in on this too. She'll find out anyways."
Nabiki put on a smug grin and sat down. Harry followed suit, mouth open.
Ranma bent his head back over his paper, "You're going to catch flies."
Harry's jaw closed, and he scowled. "What's going on?"
"A long time ago, a strong dragon was killed where Jusenkyo valley is. Magic gathered there and the springs became cursed. There are three such gatherings of great magic. One is Jusenkyo, the second is the shrine upon which the Draconian School of Witchcraft is built, and the one beneath our feet, Hogwarts itself."
"What are you talking about?" Nabiki asked.
Kim sighed, and explained the earth's past with the dragons. She then explained the relevance of the three areas. "The spirits of the dragons turned into stones, and when someone either touched the stones, or fell into the springs in Ranma and Harry's case, the dragons chose their replacements. The spirits will merge with the chosen human once the body is prepared."
"So let me guess, Ranma is chaos, and you are Holy?" Nabiki asked.
Kim smiled, "Very perceptive. In this case, opposites will attract. But in our case, our powers are very similar also. We compliment each other."
Nabiki nodded, "So what does that make Harry?"
Kim frowned and studied Harry, "Water has been chosen, making fire a male dragon. But they are meant to be around the same age."
"What color is your stone Harry?" Ranma asked suddenly, looking at his little brother.
Harry held it out, and Kim studied the yellow stone. "He's wind. Harry is the wind dragon. Just two left, and their stones are hidden here in Hogwarts for only them to find."
"Does that mean they're already here?"
Ranma shrugged, still bent over his paper. He lifted his head long enough to take a sip from his steaming mug, and quickly went back to his school work.
"Ranma, you're going to make yourself sick," Kim said, "You really ought to pace yourself better."
Ranma snorted, but he stopped.
"So what do we do now?" Harry asked.
"Do as we've been doing," Ranma said, shrugging, "There's not much that we can do. We keep an eye out for pieces of great evil like Voldemort and remember not to attack until we can formulate a plan. I've been told to not gang up on them, but to face them one on one. However, we've got to become more powerful or else we'll fail miserably anyway."
Harry scowled, "You mean we're supposed to face these things on our own?"
Ranma nodded, "They need to be attacked all at the same time either in different places or in the same spot but either way, we all need to attack together. If two should attack one piece when the other dragons aren't ready, all pieces will activate and kill the two dragons. Shabranigdo may have been the weakest, but as we are now, he's still much stronger from what I can tell."
"Now we all need to go to bed. It's two in the morning and we have classes tomorrow."
Harry frowned, not ready to end the discussion, and Nabiki spoke up, "Ranma's right, but I suggest you stay the night in his room because you'll get caught if you leave now."
Ranma nodded and yawned, standing up. Harry realized he wasn't going to get any more information out of them and followed Ranma up the steps.
******************************
Harry scowled coming out of potions class the next day. Snape seemed to be in a really bad mood, and was taking it out on him. 'Thought he wasn't supposed to play favoritism,' Harry thought darkly. He couldn't hate the man, but he could really dislike him. The two shared a sort of grudging respect for each other.
Ron and Hermione just studied their friend wondering whether to start a conversation or not. Suddenly the staircase they were on began to move, and the three grabbed onto the railing. The staircase stopped, and Hermione frowned, "Let's get off of here before it decides to move again."
Harry nodded, and they quickly ran up the stairs. As soon as they were up, the staircase moved again. They entered a hallway, and Harry frowned, "Damn, we're really far from where we need to be."
Hermione nodded. Suddenly, a strange meow was heard behind them, and the three looked to see Mrs. Norris glaring at them.
"Run," Harry muttered, taking off down the hall.
Ron and Hermione followed suit and they found themselves at a door. Footsteps were heard behind them and Harry jiggled the door knob. "It's locked," he hissed.
Hermione pushed him out of the way, "Alohomora."
She flung the door open, and they rushed through, quickly shutting it behind them.
Harry listened as Filch passed them, muttering about nosy students going where they shouldn't. "He thinks this door is still locked," Harry muttered.
"I think I know why it was locked," Ron said softly.
Harry turned to see a giant three headed dog staring at them. The only reason it had yet to retaliate was that the three's sudden appearance had startled it. The dog was quickly getting over that fact if its growls were any indication.
Harry flung the door open once more and they ran out as fast as they could, slamming the door behind them.
When they arrived at the Gryffindor common room, they gave each other a look and a nervous laugh. "Well, now we know why the third floor hallway is off limits."
Harry nodded. Hermione frowned, "Don't you use your eyes? Didn't you see what it was standing on?"
"I was too busy looking at its heads," Ron said, eyes wide in disbelief.
"It was standing on a trap door. It's guarding something."
Harry's eyes widened and he thought of the other thing he had wanted to talk to Ranma about. The bank robbery he had heard about the day of their visit.
Harry looked excitedly at his companions, "Do you think it has any connection with what the bank robbers were looking for? Hagrid had pulled something out of the vault that was robbed."
Hermione shook her head, "Don't Harry. We're not meant to know."
Harry frowned as she went up the stairs. Ron turned to him, "I hate to say it Harry but she's right. We're only first year students. We can't do everything."
Harry sighed in submission and put in the back of his mind to talk with Ranma about the next time they saw each other. His brother looked extremely tired though. Harry hoped he wasn't doing too much.
*************************
Ranma relaxed for a bit as he prepared himself for his next exam. He was doing well, but he frowned as he remembered what Snape said earlier. "You've still got a long ways to go Inverse. You've only completed the easiest part of first year studies. It doesn't get any easier."
'I thought that I had passed the first year stuff in potions. I guess not,' Ranma thought with a shrug, 'I'll get through it. The first three years I one year, that's my goal. Then it'll be two years in one year until I graduate. It'll be a piece of cake.'
Ranma yawned, and pulled himself out of his stupor as Professor Flitwick walked in. "Let's get started."
Ranma nodded, and waited as Professor Flitwick gathered what he would need to test Ranma's knowledge.
*************************
Ranma gave a grin and stretched. His exam hadn't been as hard as he thought it would. Professor Flitwick seemed amazed at the amount of information Ranma was able to contain. "My boy, your brain is almost as impressionable as a baby's. You're learning things at an exceptional rate."
Ranma had just nodded to the teacher and walked off whistling. 'Maybe Kim's right, I'm trying too hard and need to pace myself a bit better. It would help me get more sleep. Ahhhhh......... blissful sleep.'
Ranma began to wonder why he was so worried about learning it all anyways, then he remembered high school.
Wincing at the memory, he continued on his way, quickly making his way outdoors. He had a bit of free time, and was going to practice. The early fall air was warm, and Ranma thought it the perfect temperature to exercise.
He lost himself in his kata, not realizing the crowd he was drawing. Harry soon joined him, and when Ranma finished his own kata, he began to study Harry's. After a while, Ranma began to correct things in Harry's form, and soon they were done. As Harry stopped, a small round of applause echoed through the clearing in front of the building. Ranma and Harry bowed, before making their way inside.
"\One of these days we're going to have to have an all out spar,\" Harry said, looking at his brother.
"\Don't worry, we'll schedule one,\" Ranma said, quickly running through his schedule to make sure he hadn't missed anything.
Harry grinned, and nodded, before spotting Ron and Hermione and running up to them. Once more, Ron looked rather disgruntled, while Hermione looked rather smug with herself. Ron still didn't like her that much.
***********************
*Omake* *OMAKE* *Omake*
Nabiki and Harry flew down the hallway, somehow losing Mrs. Norris and Mr. Filch in their run. They arrived at the painting in front of the entryway to the transfer student dorm and Nabiki whispered the password, so that only the painting could hear. It swung open to allow the two in, shutting before Kasumi or the rest could enter.
They rushed in to find two steaming mugs on the table and a smiling house elf straightening the room. Harry began to run up the staircase before stopping, blushing and turning back around to sit at the table.
"Wha-?"
A loud cry stopped Nabiki from asking her question as she sweatdropped, blushing as well. The house elf grinned at them.
"The two were very much in love and wanted a hot drink. We fixed up a drink that would certainly make them hot," it said in a squeaky voice, its grin widening, "Do you need a hot drink too?"
Harry was suddenly far away from the mugs as Nabiki turned bright red. "Why do we always get the perverted things?"
Author's Notes: Heh......... It's been a while, but I'm trying hard to get everything updated soon. We're getting ready to move so I might not have time to write with all the homework and the packing I half to do. I will get things as updated as I can. It's easier to get motivated now that it's not as cold out. Before all I wanted to do was play video games. ^^ Let me know if I'm getting too off the wall with my story and I'll try to fix it.
/Telepathy/ "\Japanese\"
Magical Destiny Chapter 7
"Seeker?" Ranma asked, watching his little brother.
Harry nodded excitedly, "I'm the youngest one in a century! I'm not supposed to tell anyone though. I'll be getting a broom though!"
Ranma just snorted, and waved as Harry diverted on their path to get to his own class. Ranma sighed. 'Things are about to get chaotic again aren't they?' Ranma asked the ceiling.
Moments later he was at the potions dungeon, checking everything he would need for his test. 'Well, here goes,' Ranma thought as he walked in the door. He was hoping he'd managed one year of potions in two weeks.
********************
Kim sighed as Professor Binns began to drone on about something she already knew. Nabiki also appeared to be bored senseless with him. 'And to think History used to be fun,' Kim thought as she yawned again.
Her thoughts wandered to Ranma, and a sleepy smile adorned her face. 'I wonder how he's doing with Snape,' she thought, yawning again, 'He's trying to get along with the guy at least. I have to agree with Aunt Reesa though, he's not evil, but he's not good either.'
A yawn escaped Nabiki, and Kim allowed her thoughts to wander once more. She was suddenly reminded of the strange rite she had gone through at her other school. The teachers didn't even know about it. The school itself was built upon an old temple, one that was around before the continents really split. 'Pangaea, the single continent, split into two large ones due to plate tectonics, or so muggles think. There was a great war between six dark lords and six dragon gods that split it.'
'First to fall were the chaos dragon and the holy dragon, the two eldest. They were taken by surprise. The temple commemorated the holy dragon's fall. There was a temple resurrected by what was called the ancient dragons for the chaos dragon. Those two were the most dangerous, trying to protect the younger gods. But they took the two strongest lords down with them.'
'Next to fall were the air and earth dragons, the youngest. They were unable to take down their counterparts. The two middle dragons managed to take those two down, and one other, before the fire dragon became too injured to fight again. The water dragon was too tired to fight the last lord, and in her grief, split him into seven pieces. One of those pieces was resurrected and later destroyed by a human. The rest were thought useless, and lost. It seems that the other six pieces have resurrected, and it's time to correct the mistakes.'
Kim looked down, as if studying her book, and clutched the pendant bestowed upon her by the holy dragon. 'As soon as my body is prepared, I shall become the holy dragon.'
She sighed as the bell finally rang, trying to figure out how she spent an hour reminiscing. 'Oh well, I get to see Ranma now.'
***************************
Kim soon found her boyfriend out by the lake, studying the placid waters. "How did you do?"
"I passed," Ranma said shrugging.
"You don't sound excited," Kim said, touching his arm.
Ranma turned to study his girlfriend, his eyes shadowed. He then enveloped her in a hug, holding her tight, as if afraid she were going to disappear. Kim returned it, wondering what was wrong.
"Ranma?"
Ranma shook his head, and loosened his hold, smiling down at her. "C'mon, I've got another class."
Kim grinned at him, "You'll be having classes for a long time. It's amazing that you think you can learn all this in three years."
Ranma laughed, "Just you watch."
Both in better spirits, they headed towards the castle, and to their respective classes.
****************************
It was dinner, when Nabiki and Kim found out Harry's news. Ranma just studied his brother intently, as if wondering what to say. Nabiki and Kim were each congratulating the boy, feeding his ego quite a bit.
Ranma rolled his eyes, and gave his brother a smile, "Don't forget, you've still got to practice a lot."
Harry gave Ranma a soldier's salute before heading back to his table. Ranma shook his head, "And here I thought he wasn't supposed to tell anyone."
"It'll be alright, Ranma," Nabiki said dryly, "He'll be ready. Or he'll go crashing down to the earth."
Ranma chuckled, "He does that anyway. You're right, he'll be fine."
Kim watched her boyfriend carefully, but there was no sign of his earlier depression, 'I wonder what he was so worked up about.'
She didn't get a chance to ask as dinner finished and Ranma went to Professor McGonagall to get an extra lesson in. Ranma watched as she left the room, and frowned. 'I know she's worried, but I can't tell her. Not yet. That dream was too real.'
Professor McGonagall rapped him on the back of the head with a stick when she realized he wasn't paying attention. "Honestly, first you come to me for an extra lesson to get ahead, and then you doze off. You must be studying too hard."
"Some people would think that impossible," Ranma muttered, "I'm sorry."
Minerva sighed, "Do you really think you can learn seven years worth of learning in three?"
Ranma nodded, "I received a black belt by the time I was four, and under worse conditions. I can do this as long as I apply myself correctly."
The professor sighed and continued with the lesson, quickly covering the basics, and watching him transform the goblet.
****************************
Ranma yawned once more, as he walked through the halls to breakfast. 'Something needs to go,' Ranma thought as he sat down at the table, oblivious to Kim's worried look.
'Either the training in the morning or the extra spell lessons imparted to me by Lina.'
Ranma quickly dug in, eating as fast as his stomach would allow him. As soon as he was full, he kissed Kim on the cheek and headed to his first lesson from Professor Flitwick, as he had been for the past three weeks.
The miniature teacher gave Ranma a concerned look as he pulled out the necessary lesson book, "You're wearing yourself out my boy."
Ranma shrugged. "I don't want to be too far behind her, and it drives away the nightmares," he muttered, reassuring himself more than his teacher.
Professor Flitwick shifted slightly on his pile of books, and began his lesson. Ranma began to pick things up flawlessly once more, and was performing three new charms by the end of the class by the end of the period.
******************************
Harry frowned as his brother passed him by in the hall, yawning. "I wonder what's wrong with him," he muttered.
Hermione gave Ranma a concerned look also. "Doesn't look like he's been getting any sleep," she said sympathetically.
"We're only three weeks into the year," Ron said, "Is he daft? He'll kill himself like that."
Hermione frowned at Ron's unsympathetic statement, and Harry just shook his head at his friend's rashness. 'I do need to talk to him though. I never told him about my flying vision.'
Ron realized his error and then tried to cheer Harry up, by changing the subject to Harry's quidditch training. The conversation was soft so as not to alert anyone else to the secret.
*******************************
Kim walked into the small common room that she shared with Nabiki and Ranma, to find Ranma asleep at one of the small tables, papers strewn everywhere.
Nabiki sighed behind her. "You'd have never imagined him to be this dedicated to something other than martial arts if you knew him before."
Kim just nodded, placing a hand on his forehead. "Do you know why he's throwing himself into all of this?"
Nabiki shook her head, and then realized the gesture was futile, as Kim's back was turned to her. "Not a clue. Wish he had been this dedicated to school work before. It would probably have saved him a lot of trouble."
Kim shrugged, and proceeded to shake Ranma to a state of semi-awareness. He mumbled something unintelligible, and opened his eyes. Rubbing them, he stared at his girlfriend a moment before recognizing her. "Konbanwa," he muttered, turning back to his work.
Kim stopped his hand before it reached his quill. "This isn't like you Ranma," she said softly.
Ranma's strong arm quivered under her light touch, and he leaned unconsciously into her embrace. Finding comfort in her warmth, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, and looked tiredly at her face. "I have to finish this."
Kim looked at what he was doing and smiled a bit. It looked like he had gotten most of what he wanted accomplished. Nearly his first year was complete. "You're not doing your mind any good like this," she said softly, "You should get some rest."
Ranma noticed she said nothing about sleep, though it was implied that he needed that also. He shook his head, and leaned back in his chair, not fighting her on the subject. "We need to talk," he said huskily, trying to stifle a yawn.
Kim frowned, and tears threatened to fall from her eyes. In her experience, those words never boded very well.
'I'm suddenly glad that I'll become a full fledged witch this year,' she thought suddenly, as she meekly nodded her head.
Ranma either didn't notice, or chose not to notice the obvious pain on her face. He stood, stretching his body a bit and began to stumble up the stairs to his room. Kim followed, trying to make sure he didn't fall. Nabiki was torn between making herself scarce and following the two to find out what was going on. She opted for the first choice for one of the few times in her life, and made her way to visit Kasumi.
As the two reached Ranma's room, Ranma grabbed the disheartened girl behind him and flopped down on his bed. Kim was too surprised to resist as he pulled her on top of him, holding her tightly. He then rolled so that she was only half on top of him, still holding her as he nuzzled her hair. Kim pressed her face into his chest, hiding her face from him.
"I love you, light of my life," he said softly, falling asleep once more.
Kim blushed, and wondered what he was thinking. 'Why's he so damn hard to figure out,' she asked herself confusedly. She tried to get out of his arms and to his own bed, but his grip on her tightened. Eventually she gave up, and fell asleep herself, only to dream strange dreams.
************************
*Kim's Dream*
Kim found herself in the holy shrine, looking as a girl of about fifteen walked in and looked around. "Oh no," Kim muttered, remembering this scene, though it was not herself she was dreaming about.
The girl had a strange mixture of black and gray hair, making it look blue in the light. She turned to the shrine and saw a jewel embedded in the stone. "That must be the stone. Perfect!"
Kim frowned, seeing the stone there. She had taken it when the Holy dragon had merged with her. What was it doing back on the alter?
"Who are you?" Kim asked. The girl turned, surprised to the authoritative voice.
Trembling, she looked around the cavernous room, and Kim softened a bit. "Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you."
'This is strange for a dream,' Kim thought, grinning slightly to herself.
/That's because it isn't/ said a voice Kim hadn't heard in a while, /You need to guide her. She will become the Water Dragon God with time./
Kim groaned as she floated to the floor, apparently becoming visible to the girl.
"Take the stone," she said softly, "and your life will change forever, daughter of Cepheid."
The child in front of her frowned, "What are you talking about?"
"That stone is one of a set of six, each belonging to a specific Dragon God. When the body and spirit is ready, the stone will be absorbed, and you will essentially become of the race of Dragon Gods."
The girl looked skeptical, and Kim rolled her eyes. "If you don't believe me then take the stone. The soul within the stone will talk to you. Mine did the same."
"What element are you?"
"It's Holy, otherwise known as Order," Kim said dryly, "What's your name?"
"I'm Christy. You go through the same thing?"
Kim nodded, "You're taking this really well. I didn't have anyone to really warn me though."
"I'm not convinced you're real," Christy said dryly.
She then reached up and grabbed the stone, power shooting through her. After a few moments, Christy looked at Kim, "You weren't joking."
Kim laughed and faded, "Look out for shards of Shabranigdo dragonling."
***********************************
*Ranma's Dream*
Ranma was back at Jusenkyo, standing above the hole that he and Harry had fallen through. He studied the hole, and turned from it, wondering if he should jump in again.
Behind him was a great dragon, a handsome specimen that seemed to be as black as pitch, though colors ripped chaotically through its hide. The colors managed to stay tasteful as they changed. Ranma's mouth dropped open.
/It's not polite to stare./
Ranma blinked, and shut his mouth, "Did you-?"
The dragon nodded, lying along the length of the springs. /You are my child. I am sorry I was unable to speak with you for so long, but I had to find your stones./
"Huh?"
The dragon shook its head, and a stone appeared in front of Ranma. It shone with many colors, but the base was pitch black. It was about the size of the stone pendant that Kim was always wearing, and had a similar design etched into it. It fell into Ranma's outstretched hand, and the shine died down a bit.
/Your body and soul is nearly ready for your rise into power. Beware the pieces of Shabranigdo. You will meet up with them soon enough./
"What about Harry?"
/Voldemort is the piece he's meant for. Do not interfere. This time the Dragon gods must prevail. Meet the pieces head on, but separately. Otherwise they WILL overpower you./
The dragon stood and brought his head close to Ranma, looking the young man in the eye. /You're good, son. Maybe better because Lina's vast knowledge of old sorcery resides within you. You are NOT, however, good enough to take on all of Shabranigdo's pieces. Your power is still growing, and is not yet great enough to overpower him, though he is the weakest of the monster beasts we fought./
Ranma held the stone tightly in his hand, nodding in submission. He'd just train harder then.
The dragon chuckled, as if knowing what Ranma was thinking. /Be careful, dragonling./
*************************
Ranma awoke from his dream and looked down at Kim, who was using his chest as a pillow, one of her arms thrown across his chest. He smiled slightly, before realizing that the arm not wrapped around her was clutching something. In the dim light, Ranma made out a stone. It seemed to glow with its own inner light for a moment, before settling down to look like an ordinary rock.
He drew his breath in sharply, and wondered why it took so long to find a single stone.
*************************
In Gryffindor tower, another boy was tossing and turning, having an odd dream of his own. Ron watched as Harry groaned again, his face scrunching up as if in pain. Ron tried shaking his friend awake, but got pushed back by a strange gust of wind.
Neville and Seamus watched, their faces showing fear as Harry groaned again. "We should go get help," Seamus muttered.
"But we'll get reprimanded for getting out of bed," Neville squeaked.
Ron looked up, "Go get Percy, or Fred and George. They might be able to help."
Seamus nodded and rushed out in the direction of the fifth year wing.
Meanwhile, Harry found himself back at Jusenkyo, staring at the face of a yellow black dragon. The dragon opened an eye slightly and watched Harry from where he lay before sitting up and opening his green eyes fully. It stretched its bat like wings and settled once more. /You've kept me waiting young one./
"Huh?"
/You've kept me waiting. Of course, I had to find the lost stone, but you should have come to speak to me after you fell in the spring. I could have told you more about the piece of Shabranigdo that killed your parents./
Harry frowned, "How did-?"
/Essentially, all my powers will become yours. We will merge after a while, when your body is ready. Beware the pieces of Shabranigdo dragonling./
Harry frowned, "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."
/You will/ the dragon said, /Meanwhile, take this./
A stone of yellow and green floated down in front of Harry, and fell into his open hand.
The scene began to fade, and Harry protested, "Wait! What about Voldemort?!"
/Come to me when you're ready to believe/ was the only reply Harry got.
Harry shot up in his bed to see Kasumi standing at the foot of his bed. He turned his head to see Ron, Seamus, and Neville poking their heads out from behind Nabiki and Percy. Fred and George were in the shadows, their eyes wide with awe. He then realized his hand was clenched painfully on something, and it was digging into his palm.
Kasumi moved forward as soon as she realized the wind wasn't going to push her back anymore. She noticed Harry staring at his clenched fist, and quickly checked him for a temperature while looking for any bruises or abrasions.
"\I'm fine Kasumi-nee-chan,\" Harry said softly.
She frowned and ignored him, continuing with her quick check over. Harry unclenched his fist to find a stone much like the one he had seen in his dream. Harry suddenly remembered something Ranma had told him about their visit to Jusenkyo, and his head snapped up to look at Nabiki.
"\Nabiki-nee-chan! I need to get in to see Ranma.\"
Nabiki frowned, "\Don't you think you should wait till morning?\"
Harry shook his head, and threw off his covers, pushing Kasumi back gently, "\I've got to see him now! It's important!\"
Nabiki nodded, and both ignoring Kasumi's affronted look, headed out of the room, everyone except Seamus and Neville following them.
Neville looked at Seamus, grateful he had stayed behind. "They're going to get in so much trouble at this time of night."
**************************
Nabiki and Harry flew down the hallway, somehow losing Mrs. Norris and Mr. Filch in their run. They arrived at the painting in front of the entryway to the transfer student dorm and Nabiki whispered the password, so that only the painting could hear. It swung open to allow the two in, shutting before Kasumi or the rest could enter.
Fred and George snapped their fingers in unison as they thought they were missing some great fun. Kasumi shook her head, and turned to the boys that had followed her. "Go back to your rooms. Nabiki and Ranma will take care of everything."
Percy looked ready to protest, and Kasumi fixed him with an uncharacteristic glare. "Everything will be alright. Go back to your rooms. Do not worry."
Percy frowned, "Professor McGonagall will hear of this."
Fred and George frowned at their brother and did as they were told. They didn't mind following the orders of a beautiful nurse. Ron followed them, casting a worried look back at the portrait.
As soon as Percy was on his way, Kasumi headed back to the medical wing, hoping she was right in putting her trust in Nabiki.
*******************
Harry and Nabiki found Ranma and Kim bent over Ranma's school work, steaming mugs in their hands. Kim looked up and smiled tiredly at them. She waved a hand, and two more mugs appeared on the table.
"We've been expecting you," Kim said tiredly.
That was Ranma looked up, dark rings under his eyes. "More we've been expecting Harry, but Nabiki's welcome to sit in on this too. She'll find out anyways."
Nabiki put on a smug grin and sat down. Harry followed suit, mouth open.
Ranma bent his head back over his paper, "You're going to catch flies."
Harry's jaw closed, and he scowled. "What's going on?"
"A long time ago, a strong dragon was killed where Jusenkyo valley is. Magic gathered there and the springs became cursed. There are three such gatherings of great magic. One is Jusenkyo, the second is the shrine upon which the Draconian School of Witchcraft is built, and the one beneath our feet, Hogwarts itself."
"What are you talking about?" Nabiki asked.
Kim sighed, and explained the earth's past with the dragons. She then explained the relevance of the three areas. "The spirits of the dragons turned into stones, and when someone either touched the stones, or fell into the springs in Ranma and Harry's case, the dragons chose their replacements. The spirits will merge with the chosen human once the body is prepared."
"So let me guess, Ranma is chaos, and you are Holy?" Nabiki asked.
Kim smiled, "Very perceptive. In this case, opposites will attract. But in our case, our powers are very similar also. We compliment each other."
Nabiki nodded, "So what does that make Harry?"
Kim frowned and studied Harry, "Water has been chosen, making fire a male dragon. But they are meant to be around the same age."
"What color is your stone Harry?" Ranma asked suddenly, looking at his little brother.
Harry held it out, and Kim studied the yellow stone. "He's wind. Harry is the wind dragon. Just two left, and their stones are hidden here in Hogwarts for only them to find."
"Does that mean they're already here?"
Ranma shrugged, still bent over his paper. He lifted his head long enough to take a sip from his steaming mug, and quickly went back to his school work.
"Ranma, you're going to make yourself sick," Kim said, "You really ought to pace yourself better."
Ranma snorted, but he stopped.
"So what do we do now?" Harry asked.
"Do as we've been doing," Ranma said, shrugging, "There's not much that we can do. We keep an eye out for pieces of great evil like Voldemort and remember not to attack until we can formulate a plan. I've been told to not gang up on them, but to face them one on one. However, we've got to become more powerful or else we'll fail miserably anyway."
Harry scowled, "You mean we're supposed to face these things on our own?"
Ranma nodded, "They need to be attacked all at the same time either in different places or in the same spot but either way, we all need to attack together. If two should attack one piece when the other dragons aren't ready, all pieces will activate and kill the two dragons. Shabranigdo may have been the weakest, but as we are now, he's still much stronger from what I can tell."
"Now we all need to go to bed. It's two in the morning and we have classes tomorrow."
Harry frowned, not ready to end the discussion, and Nabiki spoke up, "Ranma's right, but I suggest you stay the night in his room because you'll get caught if you leave now."
Ranma nodded and yawned, standing up. Harry realized he wasn't going to get any more information out of them and followed Ranma up the steps.
******************************
Harry scowled coming out of potions class the next day. Snape seemed to be in a really bad mood, and was taking it out on him. 'Thought he wasn't supposed to play favoritism,' Harry thought darkly. He couldn't hate the man, but he could really dislike him. The two shared a sort of grudging respect for each other.
Ron and Hermione just studied their friend wondering whether to start a conversation or not. Suddenly the staircase they were on began to move, and the three grabbed onto the railing. The staircase stopped, and Hermione frowned, "Let's get off of here before it decides to move again."
Harry nodded, and they quickly ran up the stairs. As soon as they were up, the staircase moved again. They entered a hallway, and Harry frowned, "Damn, we're really far from where we need to be."
Hermione nodded. Suddenly, a strange meow was heard behind them, and the three looked to see Mrs. Norris glaring at them.
"Run," Harry muttered, taking off down the hall.
Ron and Hermione followed suit and they found themselves at a door. Footsteps were heard behind them and Harry jiggled the door knob. "It's locked," he hissed.
Hermione pushed him out of the way, "Alohomora."
She flung the door open, and they rushed through, quickly shutting it behind them.
Harry listened as Filch passed them, muttering about nosy students going where they shouldn't. "He thinks this door is still locked," Harry muttered.
"I think I know why it was locked," Ron said softly.
Harry turned to see a giant three headed dog staring at them. The only reason it had yet to retaliate was that the three's sudden appearance had startled it. The dog was quickly getting over that fact if its growls were any indication.
Harry flung the door open once more and they ran out as fast as they could, slamming the door behind them.
When they arrived at the Gryffindor common room, they gave each other a look and a nervous laugh. "Well, now we know why the third floor hallway is off limits."
Harry nodded. Hermione frowned, "Don't you use your eyes? Didn't you see what it was standing on?"
"I was too busy looking at its heads," Ron said, eyes wide in disbelief.
"It was standing on a trap door. It's guarding something."
Harry's eyes widened and he thought of the other thing he had wanted to talk to Ranma about. The bank robbery he had heard about the day of their visit.
Harry looked excitedly at his companions, "Do you think it has any connection with what the bank robbers were looking for? Hagrid had pulled something out of the vault that was robbed."
Hermione shook her head, "Don't Harry. We're not meant to know."
Harry frowned as she went up the stairs. Ron turned to him, "I hate to say it Harry but she's right. We're only first year students. We can't do everything."
Harry sighed in submission and put in the back of his mind to talk with Ranma about the next time they saw each other. His brother looked extremely tired though. Harry hoped he wasn't doing too much.
*************************
Ranma relaxed for a bit as he prepared himself for his next exam. He was doing well, but he frowned as he remembered what Snape said earlier. "You've still got a long ways to go Inverse. You've only completed the easiest part of first year studies. It doesn't get any easier."
'I thought that I had passed the first year stuff in potions. I guess not,' Ranma thought with a shrug, 'I'll get through it. The first three years I one year, that's my goal. Then it'll be two years in one year until I graduate. It'll be a piece of cake.'
Ranma yawned, and pulled himself out of his stupor as Professor Flitwick walked in. "Let's get started."
Ranma nodded, and waited as Professor Flitwick gathered what he would need to test Ranma's knowledge.
*************************
Ranma gave a grin and stretched. His exam hadn't been as hard as he thought it would. Professor Flitwick seemed amazed at the amount of information Ranma was able to contain. "My boy, your brain is almost as impressionable as a baby's. You're learning things at an exceptional rate."
Ranma had just nodded to the teacher and walked off whistling. 'Maybe Kim's right, I'm trying too hard and need to pace myself a bit better. It would help me get more sleep. Ahhhhh......... blissful sleep.'
Ranma began to wonder why he was so worried about learning it all anyways, then he remembered high school.
Wincing at the memory, he continued on his way, quickly making his way outdoors. He had a bit of free time, and was going to practice. The early fall air was warm, and Ranma thought it the perfect temperature to exercise.
He lost himself in his kata, not realizing the crowd he was drawing. Harry soon joined him, and when Ranma finished his own kata, he began to study Harry's. After a while, Ranma began to correct things in Harry's form, and soon they were done. As Harry stopped, a small round of applause echoed through the clearing in front of the building. Ranma and Harry bowed, before making their way inside.
"\One of these days we're going to have to have an all out spar,\" Harry said, looking at his brother.
"\Don't worry, we'll schedule one,\" Ranma said, quickly running through his schedule to make sure he hadn't missed anything.
Harry grinned, and nodded, before spotting Ron and Hermione and running up to them. Once more, Ron looked rather disgruntled, while Hermione looked rather smug with herself. Ron still didn't like her that much.
***********************
*Omake* *OMAKE* *Omake*
Nabiki and Harry flew down the hallway, somehow losing Mrs. Norris and Mr. Filch in their run. They arrived at the painting in front of the entryway to the transfer student dorm and Nabiki whispered the password, so that only the painting could hear. It swung open to allow the two in, shutting before Kasumi or the rest could enter.
They rushed in to find two steaming mugs on the table and a smiling house elf straightening the room. Harry began to run up the staircase before stopping, blushing and turning back around to sit at the table.
"Wha-?"
A loud cry stopped Nabiki from asking her question as she sweatdropped, blushing as well. The house elf grinned at them.
"The two were very much in love and wanted a hot drink. We fixed up a drink that would certainly make them hot," it said in a squeaky voice, its grin widening, "Do you need a hot drink too?"
Harry was suddenly far away from the mugs as Nabiki turned bright red. "Why do we always get the perverted things?"