Wow... I am sooo sorry that I haven't uploaded for this in a really long time! All I can say is that I've fallen out of Fan-Fiction and haven't been writing this, hell I hadn't been writing in a long time until I started my OC story with Itta-chan. So, to compensate I shall try to remember to upload every now and again; up to chapter 6 which is as far as Shadow and I got. I'll contact her to see if she wants to continue and if not, because I have all of our plans saved I'll work on it a bit at a time by myself when I feel like it. Anyway, for now enjoy chapter 3!

Year One | Age 9-10 Continued

It was about 5 minutes until 11 Am. Fai, Kurogane, Shinasuki and Takashi had just past through the barrier that led to Platform 9 ¾. It was about time to board the train, but they couldn't seem to get Fai to get on it. Standing next to his friend Kurogane gave a heavy sigh. "Come on baka, its just a train." Smirking he looked at Fai. "Weren't you the one who said you wanted to come to Hogwarts with me?"

Fai smiled nervously, remembering the previous night's events. "Yes, but now that I'm actually looking at the train...It's sort of intimidating..." He trailed off, looking uneasily at the train that would take him and his best friend to Hogwarts. Gazing calmly at his friend Kurogane shrugged. "Well its your choice, I'm getting on. Do I need to drag you aboard or will you come willingly?"

"Maybe..." Fai trailed off, looking at his friend's hand. He shook his head, as if berating himself over something.

"Fai-kun, everything will be all right." Shinasuki reassured the blue-eyed wizard. Kneeling down, she hugged the blond comfortingly. "We'll sort everything out with your father. So don't worry about angering him. Go to Hogwarts and have fun."

Fai's eyes widened for a split second, then they closed as Fai hugged her back. "Thank you mère." Breaking away, the young boy looked at his friend and smiled, inquiring, "You ready to get on?"

"About time, geez have to put on a show just to be hugged by Hahaue." Taking a firm hold on his trunk in one hand and Tawny's cage in the other, the young boy placed his trunk beside the car for a steward to load upon the train. Hesitating for the briefest second himself, Kurogane gave his parents one last wave before stepping inside. "Chichiue, you better take care of Hahaue!"

Smiling at his son's words the older man nodded. "Of course I will." Shinasuki shook her head slightly. "As if I need to be taken care of. It's your father who needs the help," She said teasingly. Takashi merely wrapped his arm around his wife's waist. "Yeah, I know. But that's why I love your mother." Bending down to give her a light kiss, Kurogane gagged at his parents show of affection. "Get a room already!" He snapped, blushing lightly.

"Fai, get on the train... its about to leave." Dashing inside the young boy stopped at a window to look at his parents one last time. Its only until holidays... he mused. From within her cage Tawny gave a light hoot, as if to remind the young boy that he wasn't alone.

Fai got on the train and took one last look out the window before joining Kurogane. "It's official then. I'm a Hogwarts student now."

Bracing himself against the coming jerk as the train finally began to move, Kurogane felt a light bump as Fai collided into his body. "Can't even stand on your own two feet huh?" Smirking at his blond haired friend Kurogane motioned for him to follow. "Lets go find an open compartment."

"Okay Kuro-rin!" Fai exclaimed, following his friend as they looked for an empty one.

After passing around 10 compartments, they finally found one completely empty. "Let's sit here!" The blond said, entering the compartment and sitting down in the second to last seat in the compartment. Following his friend with Tawny in tow, Kurogane set the bird down beside the door before taking the window seat for himself.

Fai put Tsuki on his lap and started petting him on the back. "How long until we get there?" Now that was actually on the train, he wanted to get there as soon as possible. I can't wait to get to Hogwarts! Then I'll get to learn magic! And maybe I could impress père and get him to realize being a wizard isn't all that bad, the blue-eyed boy thought, forgetting he wasn't allowed to practice magic outside of school.

Kurogane shrugged, "Chichiue said we'll get there by nightfall. I'm guessing that the school is located some where in Scotland." Looking out the window as the train passed through the last of the city's limits the young boy settled down in his seat. "So if I were you I'd get comfy."

Fai was too lost in his thoughts to notice, all he heard was the word 'comfy'. "Oh, what did you say Kuro-puu? I wasn't listening." He said, a smile still on his face.

"Tch, just like you to ignore me." Sliding down in his seat so that he could prop his legs up on the other side Kurogane smirked. "Just you wait, I'll be whipping your ass once we get to school!"

"Oh really?" Fai mused, looking at his friend with a glint in his eye. "As if you could hit me with your spells. I'd just dodge them!" The young wizard smirked, as if daring his friend to think of a good comeback.

Scowling at the other Kurogane opted to remain silent. After being friends with the blond for so many years he knew that being silent was the only way to win against Fai.

As the train finally came to a stop Kurogane jerked awake. After having fallen asleep from the long ride the young boy was eager to see the castle. Gently shaking Fai awake the red eyed boy couldn't contain his excitement. "Fai, Fai get up!"

Fai opened his eyes slowly. He had been having a good dream and wished he could fall back asleep, but something in his friend's excited tone of voice told him to stay awake. "Are we there yet?" The young wizard mumbled, still half-asleep.

"Why would I be waking you up if we weren't there." The young boy smirked. "I have to say once your crashed I had a good quiet ride."

Fai smirked, "Must have been pretty lonely without me to talk too." He mused, picking up Tsuki so he could go and look out the window.

"Tch, I actually like a good silence." Walking to the door the young boy leaned his head out and looked around. "Looks like the other students are starting to unload." Turning back to Fai the young boy shook his head. "Go ahead and put Tsuki back in his cage, Hahaue said that the train stewards would make sure they get to the castle."

Straightening his robes that he'd changed into before falling asleep Kurogane motioned for Fai to follow once he was done. "Lets catch up with the other first years."

Fai closed the cage door and stood up. "Okay Kuro-puu!" The blond exclaimed, following his friend out of the compartment. Once they both had exited, they found themselves among a hoard of students whom were just as eager as them to exit the train. Soon Fai found himself lost and disoriented among the many bodies of fellow young witches and wizards. Looking around, he couldn't see his friend among all the bodies. Alarmed that Kurogane might have left him behind, the blue-eyed wizard yelled, "Kuro-rin, where did you go?" As the blond scrambled to go looking for his friend, he found himself bowled over by a 7th year. The young boy fell to the floor and stayed there, unable to get up because of the mass of students hurrying to exit the train.

Unaware that Fai wasn't behind him Kurogane turned around at the blonde's frightened voice. Catching a glimpse of Fai's golden tresses before they disappeared in the tide of bodies, Kurogane growled. Pushing back against the hoard of students the red eyes young boy quickly searched for his friend before finding him collapsed on the ground.

As a taller student roughly pushed past Kurogane, the young man sent a glare toward the other. "Watch where the fuck your going!" Turning his gaze away from his senior Kurogane stretched out a hand to help Fai up. "I can't leave you for a second can I?" He growled. Clasping his fingers firmly around the other's wrist Kurogane roughly pulled Fai up.

Fai giggled, embarrassed, "Apparently not." The blond looked around to notice that they were the only ones left on the train. "Kuro-jolie, we should get going. We're the only ones left." Nodding roughly Kurogane pulled Fai after him before releasing his hand. "Think you can walk by yourself?" He teased gently as he looked at his best friend. "We just got here so you can't be getting hurt and miss out on the sorting ceremony."

With hurried steps Kurogane followed a loud booming voice. "First Years! All First Years this way!"

Hurrying to catch up with Kurogane, Fai couldn't help but notice an extremely large man towering over the rest of the first years, whom looked tiny compared to him. "Come on, follow me!" The man instructed, signaling the first years to follow. "Any more first years? Mind your step now! First years this way!" It was extremely dark out and the only guidance Fai had was the orange light of the lamp. Grabbing Kurogane's hand, Fai whispered, "Don't let go."

Resisting the urge to yank his hand out of Fai's, Kurogane nodded grudgingly. Yet despite his outward appearance of annoyance the young boy gently squeezed his friend's hand in reassurance. Following the towering man who even made his Chichiue look small, Kurogane's eyes took in the sight of a massive lake. Numerous boats, all floating at the water's edge waited for the young students as the tall man continued to speak. Not bothering to pay attention, Kurogane's hand tightened on Fai's unconsciously.

Fai was amazed at the sight of the lake and boats, but what really impressed him was the huge castle perched on a mountain, it's windows aglow with the lights coming from within it. "Wow," Fai breathed, amazed at the sight. Hogwarts is so much bigger than the castle at home! Fai's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the man's voice. "No more than four to a boat!"

As the students started to file into the boats, Kurogane quickly tugged Fai to a boat that currently had two students inside. Pushing the blond into the boat first so that he'd be in the middle, Kurogane took the seat at the edge. He can't fall into the water while in the middle can he? The young boy worried.

"Kuro, you didn't have to push." Fai said, sitting down. Sparing his friend a look Kurogane smirked. "Sure, then how would I have gotten you in the boat in the first place." Resisting the urge to laugh Kurogane continued. "Hell, Hahaue had to hug you just to get you on the train."

Inching toward Fai the young boy looked over the edge of the boat. "Its so black..."

Fai turned around to look at the water below. As if deep in a trance, Fai murmured. "It looks like...Ink." Leaning over the edge, the young wizard continued, "I wonder if it's cold." Fai leaned even further out, tipping the boat a bit under his weight. He tried to touch the water with his hand but instead he had leaned too far over the edge and now found himself falling towards the murky waters below.

Cursing quite loudly, enough so that students from other boats turned to look, Kurogane quickly reached out to grab at Fai's robes. "What the hell are you doing baka?" Shaking his head the red-eyed boy seethed. "Just like Hahaue, I can put you in a spot where danger is least likely to happen and what do you do? You go looking for it!" Pulling Fai back into the boat rather roughly, Kurogane glared at him through the darkness. "Be a good moron and just sit there."

Looking down, Fai mumbled, "All I wanted to do was see if it was cold..." Still shaking his head Kurogane relented. "I would think its cold," he said softly. "... just be careful okay? I just got here and I don't want to have to continue on without you okay?" Turning away he mumbled. "It'd be wrong if you weren't here so be good and just listen to me."

With surprising speed the boats neared a set of medium sized docks. One by one the boats stopped by the wooden docks and as the students unloaded a teacher lead them up and through the dungeons. "Well then... guess its time to see what House we'll be in."

"GRYFFINDOR!" The Sorting Hat shouted. Pr. McGonagall removed the hat from the young girls head and let the child sit at the Gryffindor table before calling out, "Flourite, Fai!"

The blond smiled weakly at his friend. "I guess it's my turn," Fai muttered before walking towards the stool. He looked up at the hat nervously; he wondered what house he was going to be sorted into. The young wizard sat down hesitantly and averted his eyes downward, not able to look at the crowd before him. For if he did, he probably would've ran behind Kurogane to escape everyone's gaze.

Feeling a swell of nervousness as Fai's name was called Kurogane clenched his hands at his side. Watching his friend sit down, Kurogane could only imagine what Fai was thinking as he sat in front of everyone's eyes; waiting on his house to be called.

Feeling the hat settle on his head, Fai thought it felt like hours before his house was called, despite the fact that, in reality, it had only been seconds. With his little heart pounding, the Sorting Hat called out, "SLYTHERIN!" As the hat was lifted off his head, Fai looked despairingly at Kurogane. For some reason, he felt like his friend wouldn't be in the same house as him.

The Slytherin table cheered as Fai walked towards them. He found a spot that was relatively empty and sat down. Suddenly he felt lonely without his black-haired friend by his side. Feeling a crushing sense of loss as Fai settled himself down at the table, Kurogane turned his red eyes toward the front of the room where yet another student had been called.

Finally, after what seemed like forever the teacher called his name. "Suwa, Kurogane!" Stomach clenching in pain, the young boy made his way up to the front. Meeting the eyes of the teacher, Kurogane sat down upon the stool and tried not to jump as the hat began to talk once upon his head. "Loyalty... I see an incredible amount of this in you. Strength as well, a warrior is what you are." As the hat continued to speak aloud, muttering just loud enough for everyone to hear it perked up. "Hufflepuff!"

Opening his eyes after they had squeezed shut Kurogane finally relaxed his suddenly tense body. Hufflepuff... It was a similar house that his Hahaue had been in, valuing courage but more so the sense of hard work and loyalty above the rest. Getting to his feet, if a bit shakily, Kurogane made his way toward his new house table while his fellow House mate's cheered. Red eyes instinctively looked for Fai, and upon meeting those deep blue orbs Kurogane felt a sense of calm. As it turned out... he wasn't that far from Fai as he had expected to be.

As the last student sat down, Pr. McGonagall took the Sorting Hat and the stool. Once she was finished, a man with long black hair and round glasses stood up at the table located at the front of the room. Draped in a black and purple robe, the man introduced himself, "Welcome! My name is Clow Reed and I'll be your Headmaster this year. I only have a few words to say to you: Let the feast begin!"

As the Welcoming Feast came to a close Kurogane stood up with the rest of his house. In the jumbling chaos of students the young Hufflepuff student couldn't find Fai. A wave of nervousness entered his stomach but as the Slytherin house slowly left his line of sight, Kurogane could only hope that Fai could hold his own.

Jostled by a fellow house mate Kurogane turned to apologize to the older student as they did the same. "Its a bit scary isn't it?" She asked quietly amid the chaos. Nodding as he was still unable to speak Kurogane continued to walk beside her as they made their way to the dorms. "You'll get used to it and you'll see your friend at classes tomorrow." Giving a knowing smile the older girl waved lightly. "Have fun!" Breaking away from Kurogane the girl merged into the crowed.

Is it that easy to tell I'm uneasy? Following the tide of the other first years, Kurogane quickly came to his Dorms passage way. Once the prefect had tapped out the correct pattern on the correct barrel, the students slowly filed in. Gazing around his new common room Kurogane was surprised at its homeliness. Despite being in the dungeons, the common area was soothing. Large arm chairs, none matching however, filed the open space in the center. Placed at the far front a large fire place was gently crackling as its embers grew low. Looking toward the left, the young wizard saw an assortment of more barrels. Curious as to where they lead the red eyed boy was quickly stopped by a female student. "Over there," she pointed with a teasing grin. "These lead to the girls dorm."

Blushing madly, Kurogane nodded before correcting his direction and entering the boys dormitory. Settled on the first floor, Kurogane's bed was farthest from the door at the very end of the wall. A four poster bed with yellow gold and black tapestry covered the gleaming wood as same colored bedding covered the mattress.

Settled in front of his bed was Kurogane's trunk and Tawny. Hooting quietly as the bird saw her owner, Tawny roughly flapped her wings as if she wanted to get out. Smiling at the bird, Kurogane quickly moved toward her to let Tawny out. As soon as the owl was out, Tawny stretched out her wings; more then content to have Kurogane hold her. Gently smoothing down her chest feathers Kurogane set her on top of headboard of his bed.

"So this is home now..." Muttering to himself the young wizard flopped onto his bed, his mind drifting to Fai and how his blond haired friend was doing.

Fai entered the Slytherin Common room feeling more alone than ever; the look of the room wasn't helping either with his sense of loneliness, for it resembled that of a dungeon and was extremely spacious, giving the room an empty feeling. Artificial green lights lit it, revealing fireplace nestled at the very end of the room, and above lay a carving of a snake, the symbol of the Slytherin house. Illuminated by the light of the fire, the carving looked eerie and menacing. Fai made a note of not to look at before sleeping, for it would surely give him nightmares. Beside the the fireplace were two couches, one a dark green and the other, black. Both of them were made of leather, but despite that, looked very comfy. Dark wooden cupboards lined the walls as did an assortment of skulls, adding to the dungeon look. Windows all across the wall revealed the common room to be under the lake.

Sighing, Fai started towards the location of the boy's dormitory. As he neared the dorms, he heard many first-year Slytherin's whisper about how grand the atmosphere was in the Common Room, but to him it seemed cold and slightly unwelcoming, as if he didn't belong there. But I do belong here...Now that I'm a Slytherin. Wishing that he could run away like he had so many times when something seemed to hard to handle mentally, Fai reached out and grasped the dull grey skull doorknob.

The young wizard opened the door to find his trunk and Tsuki on a bed located in the farthest corner of the room. Walking towards it, he avoided looking at other Slytherin's whom had found their own trunks. Once he was at his four-poster bed, he sat down, not even bothering with unpacking. Knowing he was going to miss being able to jump into Kurogane's bed just to annoy him, he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes. At least Kuro-puu and I have classes together.

Tsuki looked up at his master and clawed at his leg. Fai opened his eyes and cuddled close to the small white kitten. "Oh Tsuki, it looks like it's just you and me." He smiled regretfully and closed his eyes. Still in his robes, he allowed himself to be lulled asleep by the sound of swishing water that was all around him.

Waking him bright and early, Tawny was still perched upon the headboard of Kurogane's bed. Growling teasingly at his his owl, the young boy sluggishly got out of bed. "Alright I'm up Hahau-" Pausing in mid sentence, Kurogane frowned. I'm at school... Looking around him most of the other 1st years were still fast asleep in bed. Sending a second look at his bird Kurogane sighed. "Really? You'd wake me up this early when everyone else is still asleep?"

Crawling out of bed, Kurogane slowly pulled his robes for the day out of his trunk and set them down on the bed. Gathering up everything he'd need for his bath that morning the young man shuffled down the large room's hall and into the Hufflepuff's bathroom.

Showering as quick as he could so that none of the other students barged in on him, Kurogane rinsed off before stepping out to grab his towel. Running the fluffy cloth over his hair before he dried the rest of his body the young boy was in and out of the shower as the rest of the students began to wake up. Getting dressed while his house mates showered, Kurogane hastened out of the door even as he was throwing on his robe.

Juggling books in his hand as he tried to neatly place them into his bag at the same time, Kurogane skidded to a stop before the Great Hall. Spotting his blond haired friend Kurogane called out, "Fai? Your up already?"

"Of course!" Fai called back, running towards his friend. "You're just slow, Kuro-rin. Half of my house is already up." Fai motioned towards the students in green and black robes sitting at the table. "Maybe you should've brought an alarm clock."

Smirking Kurogane just looked at his friend. "Naw, I got Tawny." Narrowing his eyes at his friend Kurogane began to walk into the hall even as food was being placed out. "So how did it go last night?" He asked softly.

"I was fine! Fell right asleep as I got to my bed." Fai exclaimed. "I even forgot to change out of my robes. Besides, I had Tsuki to keep my company." He smiled at his friend. Taking in the sight of Fai, Kurogane didn't doubt that the blond had fallen asleep as such. Giving a light shake of his head, Kurogane sat down at his House's table and motioned for Fai to join him.

"Lets eat before everyone else crowds the place." Grabbing a plate, the young boy set to work filling it up with various types of food.

Fai sat down, relieved that he could eat with his friend. Taking a plate, he looked at the food laid out and selected enough to fill half of his plate and started eating. He quickly took a few bites of his eggs before asking, "So, how was your first night in the Hufflepuff Common Room?"

Shrugging as per his usual reply, Kurogane swallowed his bite of food. "Not bad, the place is pretty cool really." Smirking at his friend as he turned to face him, fork suspended in the air by his hand, Kurogane continued. "Its down in the basements so its pretty chilly in the morning."

Fai's smile became smaller and in his blue eyes there was a touch of sadness. For a moment, the blond thought tears would leak out of his eyes, but he pulled himself together and managed to hold back the residual feelings of loneliness. "The Slytherin Common Room is always cold." He murmured, taking another bite of his food.

Hearing a small tremor in his voice Kurogane snapped his eyes to Fai. "Cold huh?" His voice trailed off for a moment as Kurogane looked at his friend. "And its not like you can sneak into my bed anymore..." Dropping his fork the young boy turned to face Fai. "How about after class we go check out the school yard? I know we have a few hours before lights out so we should have plenty of time to explore then." Hoping that his voice sounded cheerful Kurogane desperately thought of something that would make his blond friend feel at least a little better.

"I would like that," Fai said, finishing up the last bits of his food. Deciding that he had mistakenly let Kurogane know too much about how he felt, the blond plastered a fake smile on his face so that Kurogane couldn't exploit the crack in his "mask" any further. "Well Kuro-rin, are you going to take all day finishing your breakfast or are you ready to head off to class?"

Giving a small smile at Fai's teasing, Kurogane was happy that the blond could at least still do that. Nodding his head as he placed one last bite of food in his mouth the young boy stood up from the table. Tilting his head at the flood of students that were now coming into the hall, Kurogane sighed. "We still have a while before class..."

Pausing to let a female student to pass by him Kurogane quickened his pace so that the two of them could be early to their first class. "So...potions. I don't see this going very well." He joked quietly to Fai.

"I don't know...It would just be like Kuro to accidentally put the wrong ingredient in." Fai mused, thinking back on the cake Fai and Kurogane had made for Shinasuki's birthday and how bad it tasted. Glowering at his friend, Kurogane knew it was just like Fai to mention something he hadn't been able to do very well. "I could say the same about you, with your sweet tooth you put in too much sugar."

"Aww but Kuro-puu, 1 ½ cups of sugar didn't seem enough at the time!" He exclaimed, looking at Kurogane and feigning a look of embarrassment. "So you put in a whole bag?" Kurogane asked pointedly.

"Of course! Half a bag didn't seem enough so a whole one seemed the most logical option!" Fai declared loudly, causing a few ghosts passing by them to stare. "Besides, mère said it tasted delicious!" The young boy put a smug look on his face when he remembered her saying that the cake tasted amazing. "That was the only thing that mattered, right? We only made it so that we could see her smile. She smiled, didn't she?" Fai's eyes became soft as he remembered how accomplished it made him feel when he saw her smile. "This may sound selfish of me but I want to feel like I did on the day we made mère smile...I want to feel that way when I manage to make père smile..." He trailed off, realizing he might never make his father smile now that he was a wizard.

The blond shook his head, trying to drive out the sad memories that were starting to cloud his mind. "Come on Kuro, let's hurry up and get to the dungeon! By now there isn't going to be any seats left!" He exclaimed, taking off towards the dungeon in a run so that Kurogane couldn't see the sorrow present in his eyes once again. Père...He'll come to accept me, I know he will!

Following after Fai at a more reasonable pace, Kurogane still managed to make it to class with time to spare. Searching for the blond among the other students, Kurogane sat down at a desk toward the back with a sigh. First day of class... Keeping his eyes peeled to the front the young boy almost cringed as the teacher walked in.

Dressed in all black Pr. Snape was just a little bit more then intimidating even to the red eyed young boy. Cloak sweeping behind him as he walked the adult walked with an air of authority that would be hard to match.

Fai poked his head through the classroom door. Now that he had regained his composure, he was ready to rejoin with his black-haired friend. Fai, noticing Pr. Snape had his back towards him, quickly sneaked in and quietly took his seat next to Kurogane. "Hey Kuro, did you miss me?"

Scowling at his friend for being late to the very first class, Kurogane nodded. "Be quiet now though, he's starting." Having already placed his book, quill and spare pieces of parchment down on the table Kurogane looked the image of a star student, however the bored look upon his face gave away his dislike of the class already.

Fai, on the other hand, had none of his things out and, realizing as he looked for them in his bag, that he had forgotten them all in his trunk that morning in his haste. I guess that's what I get for not unpacking my trunk last night. Fai thought bitterly. Looking at his friends supplies, the blue-eyed wizard whispered, "Kurgy, do you have any extra parchment and a quill? It seems I forgot them in my trunk." Then, just because Fai knew it would annoy his friend if he asked a ridiculous question, added, "And a spare book?"

Looking at his friend as if he'd just seen a ghost Kurogane deadpanned. "Of course I have a spare book, you baka. Its right in my bag." Sighing at his friend as he leaned down to grab a quill and parchment, the young boy handed them over. "We'll just have to make do with my book, but don't look to me to defend you when Snape gets mad."

"Don't worry, when he sees my cute smile he could never give me detention!" Fai whispered, turning to look at the front of the class where Pr. Snape was writing something on the board.

As the class stood up to leave Pr. Snape reminded them that they had a five page essay on what the best way to cure poison was the next day. "I can't believe he gave us an essay and me a week's detention just because I forgot my stuff..." Fai grumbled, looking embarrassed and a bit annoyed. Not in the slightest surprised Kurogane shrugged. "It'll teach you to be prepared now won't it?" Stuffing his books and notes into his bag the red-eyed boy was surprised at the class. "I don't think it went that bad, at least he allowed you to use my book and he wasn't that much of an ass about it." Smirking at his friend for good measure Kurogane climbed the stairs that lead out of the dungeon. "What's next?" Looking at his schedule, Kurogane groaned. "Charms... great. I already know I'm not gunna like this one."

"Oh lighten up Kuro! I'm sure Charms is going to be great!" Fai said, amused at Kurogane's apparent disliking for the subject. As Fai followed Kurogane up the stairs he suddenly halted, remembering something. "Oh yeah, I forgot everything in my trunk! I'll be right back Kuro-chiot!" With that he took off down the stairs, accidentally bumping into a couple of other students on the way down in his haste.

Giving his friend a wave after promising to save a seat, Kurogane made his way toward the next class. Secretly betting himself that Fai would again be late to the class the youth wondered just how long it would take the other to get used to such a strict school life. Unlike his friend Kurogane was careful as he waded through the tide of students, easily side stepping past a group of giggling 4th years as they followed some guy. Rolling his eyes in exasperation, the raven haired young boy slide into class with more then enough time to spare.

Damn, I'm going to be late, Fai cursed, quickly closing the trunk and dashed out of the dorm. Can't afford to get detention again. Fai's footfalls seemed to echo in the empty Common Room as he ran towards the corridor that would take him to the exit. Soon he entered the corridor, which was short, and dashed for the exit.

Soon he came to the exit of the Slytherin Common Room and threw it open. The blond ignored the protests and yells of students as he pushed by them up the stairs. Soon he came to the marble staircase. Alarmed, Fai realized that he didn't really know which floor Charms was on. Taking out his list schedule, Fai skimmed through it until he saw "Charms" and looked across for which floor it was on. "It's on the third? Shit, I'll never make it in time." Thinking for a second, Fai came up with a shortcut that was both stupid and dangerous.

As he ran up the stairs, Fai kept a look out for a moving staircase that he could attempt to jump onto. Soon he spotted one and, satisfied that it was close enough, stepped onto the railing of his current staircase and jumped the next one.

The blond landed agilely, though his left foot had almost slipped off of the stair he had landed on, and ran up the staircase. Noting that he needed to jump one more staircase in order to make it in time, he spotted one and jumped. Unfortunately, he miscalculated the distance and found himself hanging off of it. No, damn it. Fai looked down just as he felt his fingers slipping. Trying to pull himself up, he suddenly realized that jumping from staircase to staircase had been an idiotic idea. Berating himself for it, he managed to pull himself up onto the staircase, where he rolled onto his back, completely exhausted. Not trying that ever again, Fai thought, sitting up. Standing up quickly, he dashed up the stairs, into the 3rd floor corridor and into the Charms classroom.

Noting that Pr. Flitwick was not yet in the classroom, Fai looked for the black hair of his friend. Letting his eyes drift, he found him in the third row. Quickly he ran over to him and sat down, panting. "I...Made it...Kuro." He gasped, reaching into his bag to grab his textbook and wand. "I almost died in the process but I made it," He said offhandedly.

Raising his brows Kurogane just shook his head. "What did you do? Jump off the moving staircases?" Laughing lightly at his own joke the young man turned from his friend to face the front.

"Yes, I did jump the moving staircases..." Fai answered, embarrassed. "The first one I stuck the landing perfectly! But I panicked when I realized that I didn't have much time left to get to class, so I misjudged the distance of the second and found myself dangling off the edge of it." Mentally preparing himself for the scolding that his friend would surely give him, he averted his eyes downward.

"At least you learned your lesson," Kurogane muttered. Still surprised that Fai had admitted to his stupidity, he figured that the blond wouldn't try it again. Thinking better of his soft voice the young boy quickly leaned over to hit Fai over the head. "That's for being a baka and worrying me."

Surprised that he had gotten off so lightly, Fai smiled. "I'm surprised you didn't yell at me Kuro-rin. Really, I thought you'd..." He trailed off as a relatively short man walked up to the end of the classroom and climbed onto a stack of books. "Alright class, my name is Pr. Flitwick. Today I'll be teaching you "Wingardium Leviosa" or commonly known as "The Hover Charm". But first, roll call!" As he went down the list of names, Fai leaned towards Kurogane and whispered, "Do you think Pr. Flitwick is part goblin?"

Snickering a bit Kurogane shook his head before whispering back. "No I think he's just short." Straightening up as his name was called Kurogane raised his hand instead of calling out only to have the short Professor call his name again. "Here..." He said grudgingly. Slinking back down into his seat the young boy sighed.

Once every students name had been called, Pr. Flitwick stated, "Alright. As I have stated before, today we are going to learn the "Wingardium Leviosa" charm, or more commonly known as "The Hover Charm". Now please, if you will, take out your wands and your textbooks and turn to page 20." As Fai took out his wand and textbook, a sense of excitement stole over him that not had been present during Potions class. He had a feeling that "Charms" would quickly become his favorite, if not best, class he would have to take at Hogwarts.

Authors' Notes:

Hahaue- Kurogane's Mother

Chichiue- Kurogane's Father

Pere- Fai's Father

Mere- Fai sometimes calls Kurogane's Mother.

French Nick Names that Fai uses.

Jolie- pretty

beau- beautiful

chiot- puppy

vil-mean/meanie