A/N: And here we are again. This time a bit longer chapter.

Again, my mother tongue isn't English. Inform me about any major mistakes if there is.

"Thoughts"

"Zangetsu"

"Hollow"

Thanks for reviewing about pairing question, and I have decided to leave them out. I apologize for those, who have been expecting them, but overall opinion among people has been that it could ruin the story. Thank you.

War after the war: Chapter 21

Ichigo, who didn't appreciate people who disturbed him, remained in a bad mood. When he was tired, Rukia was the only one who got him back in line. He dozed off in teachers' department till they arrived. Somehow the new suppression patch took all his energy, making him dizzy and extremely grumpy. It wasn't good. What if he needed to defend the castle when Voldemort attacks? He isn't able to do anything like this.

"You all can go to hell…" he groaned when train started slowing down. Huffing, he stood up and opened department's door. And closed it almost immediately. Corridor was full of students trying to get out of the train as fast as they could. Sighing, he sat down again and waited everybody else to leave first.

Harry, who had decided to expose the fact that Malfoy was a Death Eater, lied on the luggage rack in Slytherins' department. He had his invisibility cloak on and got frustrated while listening blond haired boy badmouthing his friends:

"I can't believe Slughorn invited Longbottom! That idiot can't do anything!"

As Malfoy continued his rant, Harry didn't hear anything what could refer to Voldemort. He awoke when the train stopped, thinking he needed to get to his department, but Malfoy decided to stay after his friends which intrigued Harry.

"You go first." he said to Pansy: "I am checking one thing before leaving."

Pansy left, and Malfoy closed department's door and shades so no one could see them. When he took his trunk and started delving it, Harry's heart rate fastened. Maybe he could see now the thing Malfoy had been speaking about in Borgin and Burges.

Without warning, he pointed his wand at Harry: "Immobulus!"

He froze, dropping down from the rack. Harry's cloak dropped off revealing his full body in the front of blond boy.

"Like I thought", Malfoy grinned. "I heard when Goyle's trunk hit you. Spying me, aren't you? You didn't hear anything what would matter, Potter. But now that you are here…"

He stomped firmly on Harry's face. He could feel how his nose broke, and blood was gushing everywhere.

"That was for my father. Okay, let's see…" Malfoy pulled invisibility cloak on Harry's motionless body, hiding him: "I don't think that anyone will find you before the train is back to London." he said quietly: "See you, Potter… Or not." after stepping carefully on Harry's fingers he left the department.

Harry started to get desperate when last voices faded away. He was lying on the floor, blood spattering on his face and under his cloak so nobody could see him. What was he going to do? When Hermione and Ron notice his absence, train is already halfway to London.

He couldn't do anything. Desperatly he tried to speak, yell and move, but nothing happened. When he had lost his last hope to get his body to move, someone said: "Hello Harry!"

Red light flashed dismissing other spell and Harry could stand up. Quickly he wiped most of blood from his face and saw Tonks standing in the front of him: "We need to get out quickly", she said when train started to move: "Let's jump." They ran, and managed to jump off just before train disappeared in the woods. Tonks watched Harry who was ashamed of the pathetic situation he was found in.

"Who did it?" she asked and Harry frowned: "Draco Malfoy… And thanks…"

"No problem", she said still not smiling. "I can fix your nose if you stand there." Harry would have preferred going to Madam Pomfrey, but he shut his eyes and hoped the best. Tonks waved her wand and he felt how his nose went from hot to cold before brushing it. Nose was back in place: "Thank you!" he breathed gratefully. She only nodded and sent a patronum towards the school. Harry watched as huge four-legged creature ran in to the darkness: "Was that your patronum?"

"Yes, I informed them that we are coming. Let's keep going, they are probably waiting for us." They started walking in silence. Harry noticed how weary Tonks looked. She had same gray hair and tired eyes when she had visited the Burrow last time.

"Oh there you are. I was wondering where you had disappeared, Harry."

They turned to look at the voice, and saw Ichigo leaning to wall.

"Oh, you are still here, Ichigo." Tonks said: "I thought you had already gone to the castle."

"Yeah… I had to make sure that you got out of the train. What happened?" he scowled at Harry's face what was still covered in blood.

"Malfoy…" Harry didn't want to explain how he had gotten in that situation, but Ichigo sighed: "I guess that you were in the wrong place in the wrong time, like always."

"Anyways, let's go. Severus is waiting for us."

"How did you know I was still in the train?" Harry asked. Ichigo glanced at him: "I never felt your spiritual pressure leave the train. I sent Tonks to get you out of there."

"Oh… I see… Thank you." Harry muttered ashamedly.

"Don't mention it."

Harry and Tonks followed Soul Reaper who quickly strode back to school. His robe fluttered very same way as Snapes while walking. Harry noticed that Ichigo had changed his robe, what now looked more like his Captain uniform they had seen before. It resembled combat robes wizards owns. When they arrived to gates, black haired Professor was already impatiently waiting for them.

"At last. I see that using school uniform would deface your appearance, Potter."

"I couldn't change…"

"Leave him be, Severus. We all just want to get back inside, am I correct." Ichigo said quietly, and Harry glanced at him thankfully. Severus looked at Ichigo, carefully inspecting his tired features and black eye patch.

"Yes… I just want to make sure Potter realizes that even if he has been nominated as our savior", he nailed his black and indifferent eyes to him: "He hasn't been given any special… Privileges." Harry gave him the rudest look he could, but professor ignored him.

"Keep moving, Potter. What have you been doing lately, Ichigo?"

While walking through the school grounds, Ichigo gave him a vague explanation. Black haired teacher understood that he clearly didn't want Potter to hear this, so he decided to ask later. He changed in lighter topics, which made Harry feel weird. It was rare to see Snape discuss with someone like this. Boy knew how Snape and Ichigo came along well, but to this extent. It seemed that Snape knew more than he did.

But Harry didn't want to inquire since he knew he wouldn't get an answer.

At the doors of Great Hall, Ichigo excused himself and left Snape and Harry alone. Teacher turned to look at the boy, smirking: "And now Potter, no cloak. You will go inside like that, so everyone can see you. Like you probably wanted: A dramatic entrance." Harry's face burned with anger when he stepped inside the Hall, just to see that everybody really turned to look at him. He quickly walked to Ron and Hermione who looked at him with widened eyes: "What happened to you!"

"What do you mean?"

"Your face is covered in blood!" Hermione breathed: "Tergeo!" Blood vanished and Harry brushed his nose once again: "Thanks. Does my nose look normal?"

"Of course. Why?"

"I'll tell you later." Harry sighed, aware of people who were listening them.

Snape arrived with Ichigo who got students attention, forgetting Harry. "What's with him?" he could hear Seamus whispering.

Of course they would be interested in person, who was in Ministry with Order and Harry Potter. And the fact that he looked more tired than ever with patch covering his face.

"Maybe you-know-who did it to him! Like Alastor Moody lost his eye to a Death Eater, the auror!" Harry listened people wondering. He sighed, knowing exactly how Ichigo felt right now. He could see how orange-head tried to hide his annoyance, but he had this weird frustrated aura around him.

Teachers, mostly those who weren't with the Order leered at him obviously interested what had happened. Order had heard about it already, but hadn't seen him after incident in the Ministry. Ichigo didn't want to talk with anyone knowing what they would ask. It was a lot easier when he didn't need to… stretch the truth.

After the dinner, Dumbledore stood up and spread his hands in usual manner: "Welcome back and good evening to you all!" People saw his black, dead looking arm, but Headmaster only shook his sleeve on it: "Don't worry, it's nothing!"

"But now. I am delighted to be able to introduce Professor Horace Slughorn, our new Potions Master!"

"Potions?" Several whispers could be heard in the Great hall. "Did he say Potions Master?"

"And…" Headmaster continued eyes glinting: "Professor Snape will be assigned as new Defense against Dark arts teacher."

"No!" Harry said loudly causing many heads turn at him.

Ichigo, who hadn't heard about this, wondered how it had so big impact to students. He was sure that Severus would be a good teacher since he was familiar with dark magic. There was something else behind this what he didn't know.

After the speech Ichigo spotted Snape in the corridor: "Congratulations. I see you finally managed to do it." Severus had mentioned last year that he had been applying for DADA teacher every year, without success. It was nice to see that Dumbledore had finally changed his mind.

"Thank you. But everyone doesn't think the same." Snape smiled smugly at Gryffindors who glared daggers at him as they passed them. Ichigo snorted: "Why's that anyway? I think that you will be a good teacher, so why are they so gutted?"

"It's because… Dumbledore didn't want me to get any closer Dark Arts than he had to. My past, you know."

"I see."

Ichigo gave him normal half-smile as always: "Well, I have seen how people are stuck with their prejudices here. But hey, this only means you are doing your job well. I mean they obviously haven't even thought a possibility you have left Voldermort. Otherwise it would be very… challenging to conviece him you are in his side."

Snapes' smile wavered: "That's true."

"You can come to me anytime if there's problems", Soul Reaper said quietly: "Even if I am not in his… favor… anymore."

"I know, thanks." two men parted their ways, Severus making sure every Slytherin had found their way to Common room and Ichigo back to his quarters. When he arrived, he saw how house elves had already put his room ready. Gratefully he slumped on big armchair and took off uncomfortable patch though he shouldn't do that. He watched distantly orange flames fluttering in hearth. If someone of his friends would have seen him, they would have been scared of lack of emotion in normally blazing eyes.

Next morning, Ichigo changed in his new robe. It was easy to move in and he could hid his sword in foldings. It resembled a lot his normal uniform, but still acted as wizard's robe. After glancing himself from mirror, he put the patch back on sighing at the same time. "Maybe we asked too much from them." he thought: "I am pretty sure that this is the extent they can go."

"…"

It was rare for Shiro to be quiet, but Ichigo was sure that he still felt responsible what was happening, though it wasn't his fault. He knew that there was something wrong in his inner world, and they had even found solid evidence. Few weeks ago, Shiro had yelled at him: "King! Come here now!"

Ichigo, who hadn't ever heard his hollow so distressed, went immediately check what was happening. He could remember when Shiro had decided to drown his inner world in order to get a beach holiday. After descending, Shiro had grabbed his arm and dragged him to a door. Zangetsu was already in there.

"What is it?" Ichigo asked, noticing how both of them were watching black door intently.

"This door wasn't here before, Ichigo." His Zanpakuto turned at him. Soul Reaper lifted his eyebrow: "And?"

"Can't you feel it, King?" Shiro shivered pointing at something. Ichigo walked closer, frowning at what he saw. Black, sticky-looking substance was inching slowly at them from the edges of the door. He crouched, and when he wavered his hand on it, substance started slowly reaching him. Ichigo quickly put some distance between him and door before asking: "What is it?"

"I can't be sure, but I have my suspicions." Zangetsu said, his eyes never leaving the door: "Do you remember when you gave that really small taste of your powers to Voldemort in order to get in Ministry?"

"Yeah…" Ichigo didn't like where this was going.

"I think that at the same time, he planted something in here."

Ichigo gulped, trying to comprehend what he just heard. It was just Zangetsu's suspicion, but he knew his sword was right. It felt wrong, it felt really wrong. Feeling that black substance, he realized it was the cause of his terrible condition.

"It affects mostly to Shiro, I don't know why."

Ichigo gave a concerned look for his hollow who was narrowing his eyes: "Are you alright?"

"Yeah…" Distorted voice sounded tired: "I'm fine. Don't worry 'bout me. Worry 'bout yourself." Shiro turned his horrified look at him.

They watched silently as substance made its way in his mind, slowly but surely.

Now, the substance had made its own nest around the door. There was no accessing to it without touching black matter. Not that he had wanted to open it, but they couldn't find a way to stop it. Effects were now exposed and it gave them the last confirmation what was happening.

Ichigo was wondering how he would tell about it to his friends when they got back from Japan. Rukia wouldn't listen any explanations, she would kick him to death to find out the truth. Shivering at thought, he left to breakfast. It would be interesting year, yes.

Air felt heavy, and it made him uncomfortable. It felt like something was going to happen. Shrugging off every concerned thought he grimaced before arriving in Great Hall. He could feel several familiar reiatsu signatures in there, waiting for him. Taking a deep breath he concealed all expressions which could give away his condition, like he had done a while. He wouldn't make others worry about him. Never. It was his problem.

"But you know King… They have that crazy clown and Urahara…"

Using manners he had learned while Captaincy, he opened doors to Great Hall, immediately turning all heads at him. Ichigo had been preparing himself for anything, but his eyes still widened at people waiting for him.

There was Rukia and Renji, whose reiatsu he had felt before, but there stood four other people he hadn't expected to see. Inoue, Ishida, Chad and… Byakuya Kuchiki. Ichigo gulped, but wore the "Captain's mask" as others called it since Ichigo mostly used it while working.

As he walked towards them, his friends' happy smiles slowly turned into worried looks.

"Happy to see you for a long time." Ichigo nodded at them and giving another respectful glance at other Captain.

"What happened to you?" Ishida asked, being as bold as ever. Ichigo gazed at his old friend, noticing his aged features. It had been too long since last meeting. He stared him silently for a while, then glancing at girl, or a woman, with russet-colored hair and large Mexican person.

"Not now. I will tell you later." he knew there was group of curious students listening them and wondering who the people who he was talking to were. Ichigo led them back to his quarters, where they could talk privately.

"Is there any news from Seritei, Captain Kuchiki?" Ichigo asked after pouring some fire whiskey for everyone.

Byakuya narrowed his eyes, it was rare for him to use his title, but he answered in normal manner: "Captain-Commander has expressed his gratitude of your efforts for fifth division. It seems there wasn't any problems for new Captain after you left." noble said with his monotone voice.

Ichigo nodded. It was known that fifth division was under chaos when he took over, only because Aizen's betrayal. It was good to hear how men had gotten their trust back.

"How about here?" Captain started him with his gray eyes: "How are things going in here? I heard there was some problems with hollows in last spring."

"There was an attack against Wizarding World indeed. Voldemort, the leader of opposite side, broke in their Ministry's headquarters. He was after some kind of weapon, a prophecy, what would lead him to victory."

"I see… What was the outcome?"

"Voldemort escaped, but he couldn't hear the prophecy. It seems that Harry Potter and few of his friends got in the way and broke it before he could hear it. That's not the biggest problem though", Ichigo sighed and his eyes hardened at the memory: "Voldemort is using hollows."

His friends' eyes widened, and even normally expressionless Captain looked surprised: "Why haven't I heard about this?"

Ichigo watched him for a while. He knew that he could trust him: "We didn't report this. Me, Toshiro or others."

"And may I ask, why you have decided to hide this matter?"

"With all respect, you know what will happen, Byakuya" Ichigo grit his teeth: "They would kill everyone." he stared in to gray eyes waiting for the answer. Byakuya sipped his whiskey, and placed his cup on his lap.

"Why did you tell me about this if you weren't sure would I report it or not?"

"I need help." Ichigo swallowed last bits of his pride.

His human friends frowned. They hadn't understood all what was going on, but Ichigo asking help was a really rare sight. Inoue glanced at Ishida, her husband, worriedly. It was true there had been a while they hadn't seen each other, but in that time, something bad had happened. Of course they couldn't keep in touch often since Ichigo was dead. He lived in another world.

Inoue often felt crushing sadness for Hero of Winter War, teen who had gave his life for Three Worlds, for them, so they could live their lives happily. Ichigo had only said that he would do it again if necessary. But Inoue could see it.

She could see it in his eyes when he looked at their newborn daughter. She could see it when his two sisters got married.

It was deep melancholic desire. Longing. Longing what he had sacrificed, even if he was genuinely happy for them all. Now, there was something else as well. But she couldn't identify what. It was something darker, intimidating… Something evil. Ishida squeezed her hand when he noticed his wife's expression.

He watched his never-aging rival with concern. When Ichigo asked for help, he had to ask: "What happened to your face?"

"It wasn't like that when we parted our ways!" Rukia snapped and Renji frowned: "Is it related to incident in Ministry?"

Ichigo always got amazed how observant his pineapple-friend were. He briefly nodded, taking the patch off: "I told you how Voldemort is dangerously experiencing with hollows. Unfortunately", others gaped at him: "He figured out I am part of hollow myself."

Usually hollofication causes unwanted manifestation of mask, and loss of control. His friends knew that, unfortunately, since he had lost control couple regretful times. This time it was different.

There was no mask. Red stripes what were Ichigo's mask's signature were now attached his face, like a blood splash. His eye was black, with menacing yellow iris. Others were horrified about turn of events, but Ichigo seemed indifferent.

"It's unfortunate how it affected most visible place in my body. It has been difficult to make up stories why I suddenly wear an eye patch."

"But Ichigo! You need to get yourself checked!" Rukia and Renji shouted. Byakuya ignored them: "How did he do it?"

"We found a transformation from my inner world. It's a door… A black door. There's something behind it, something evil, wrong." Ichigo frowned: "It seems he implanted it when we were in closer… Interaction." he didn't want to tell how he was blackmailed to give his reiatsu to Dark Lord. Rukia would kill him. Twice.

"Hehee! Do you even realize how lewd that sounded?" Shiro laughed his head off.

"Shut up!"

He managed to give a small portion, so it wouldn't be affecting Voldemort's powers anymore. The effect had worn off few weeks ago. But he never realized there could be an alternative plan, nor did he realize Voldemort had done something to him. How naïve he was!

"I can try to heal it!" Inoue offered: "Would Souten Kisshun help?" she smiled hopefully. Ichigo turned at her, eyes softening when he answered: "I don't think so. Thanks anyway Inoue."

"I trust you don't tell anyone about this. Not about hollows, or my condition." Ichigo let his eyes wander through the room: "Things are now in turning point, and I surely won't want any deus ex machina happen if Seritei wants to take matters in their own hands."

Heavy silence followed his words, but it was interrupted by Renji's rumbling stomach. They hadn't eaten anything.

"Let's go to eat. It is dinnertime." when others stood up Byakuya called him: "Ichigo, I want to discuss about few things", he continued when Renji and Rukia watched them expectancy: "Alone."

Ichigo closed door after others left to Great Hall already, first giving them interested glances. Ichigo sat on chair: "What is it?"

Byakuya watched younger man as he frowned. Usually, when Ichigo Kurosaki scowled, you could see how fire blazed his is eyes, the determination. But now his brows were knitted together, but his eyes remained dead, indifferent. His normally brown eye was almost black, and other one glowing yellow as they had gotten used to when sparring with Bankais.

"I am not sure are you aware of it…" black haired captain thought how he would continue: "But there seems to been other changes as well."

Ichigo's eyes sharpened.

"Have you noticed any other mental changes, apart from the door you mentioned?"

Younger Captain looked around, wondering what he was talking about. He tried to think something, but nothing came in his mind. Finally he gave up: "No… What do you mean?"

Byakuya Kuchiki watched his colleague who seemed to get distressed from his questions. He considered few options, but decided not to say anything.

"Nothing", he stood up: "It's really nothing that would matter. I just wanted to make sure there wouldn't be anything else. Shall we go now?"

Ichigo narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but silently led other man to Great Hall. He leered at other Captain, not sure what he had meant about "mental changes", but he didn't like it. Not at all. Worriedly, he tried to figure out what had happened. "I dunno King, I haven't seen anything out of place in here! Except the door of course…" Shiro frowned mentally.

"I am going to check my paperwork since there's some time for it." Ichigo stopped at Great Hall's doors. Byakuya stopped as well and nodded: "Yes. I have probably left in the meantime."

"It was nice to see you. Tell my regards to Yoruichi, will you?" Ichigo waved his hand and exited the castle. It was easier to make garganta or senkaimon in a place where he couldn't be seen. It would be pain in the ass to explain students about his transportation method. Kids were so bright in these days. After entering the forest, he glanced around, checking no one were there and disappeared in a black hole.

Ichigo arrived just before Captain's meeting. He was sure that others would question his sudden need to wear suppression patch, but couldn't help it. Research department had vowed not to tell anyone else about his… Mental problem. Though Ichigo hadn't told them either about the black door and who had caused this. That would cause more investigation and most likely elimination of witnesses. Ichigo wanted to avoid that in any cost.

Silently, he passed his fellow Captains and took his now-familiar place in Spiritual Government's lines.

"I called you all here, because we have had some disturbing news about old problem." Captain-Commander announced, getting curious glances from Captains: "I have gotten few reports about familiar rogue Soul Reapers around. Their spiritual pressure signatures were recognized, and they belonged to persons we thought dead."

This caused quiet chattering between captains. Rogue Soul Reapers were rare, but since they lived long, many Shinigami had deserted Spiritual Government over time and left to Living World.

"It seems that they are somehow related to Wizarding World's incidents."

Ichigo lift other eyebrow. Well, he had to admit that this place had better intelligence department than Seritei.

"Have you noticed anything related to this, Captain Kurosaki?" Commander asked, and Ichigo stepped forward. Many stared him, mostly wondering what could have caused such injury that he needed a patch.

"Unfortunately I must say that I haven't. There has been a lot weird incidents lately. Do we know what incidents they were involved?" Ichigo looked straight in to old man's eyes.

"It seems they have been interacting with Death Eaters."

Ichigo gazed at Commander for a while, like thinking something and said: "Sorry, there hasn't been anything. I will look in to this when I get back." he stepped back in line. He was pretty proud of himself, since his lying skills has always sucked. Now, he was sure no one suspected him.

"Heh, if they just knew."

"Che, those bastards from Silent Sword would deserve being exposed!"

"No they don't. And aren't they helping us? Even if our first meeting was… Well, let's say that after misunderstanding was cleared they agreed to our terms."

"Yes, I would be a hypocrite if I arrested them. My dad was a deserter, my mentor was a deserter and I was a ryoka who invaded in Soul Society. So I guess I have a spot soft for people who doesn't like rules."

Meeting was over soon, and Ichigo was first one who left. Others stayed to discuss about deserters. Many knew people who had fled. Ichigo got back to his division, getting respectful salutes and yells from his men when passing training grounds. He ignored them, and Soul Reapers could feel their Captain was in foul mood. Ichigo himself didn't notice his mood, actually he felt just fine. He surprised when he heard his third seat whisper: "Don't bother Captain today! He can explode in any moment!"

Ichigo sat down in his office, frowning worriedly. He turned to look at mirror next to him. He could explode in any moment… He looked at himself for a while and then the realization hit him. His visible eye was dull, lifeless and almost black. Finally he understood why he felt normal, when others thought he was in bad mood, and why Byakuya had asked about mental changes. Not only his features and eye were dull, his emotions were. He did self-examination, what was rare for him. He hadn't noticed, but never in his life had he felt so… Calm.

"Do you know anything about it?"

"… I know how I felt before. Though now there has been weird… Weird…"

"Feelings?"

"Yes! What do you mean…?"

Ichigo bit his lips. It seems his fears were true.

"Ichigo means, that merging isn't only happening in physical side. Mental as well."

Ichigo could feel how blood escaped his twins already white face. "No way… That means…"

"Yes, I'm afraid that's the case…"

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Ichigo took a stack of papers and started signing them, trying not to think about anything else.

Next weeks went quickly, Ichigo continued his research about summoning hollows and he didn't have time to meet with Golden Trio who started their N.E.W.T courses and other Soul Reapers who seemed to visit Soul Society often. He had gotten access to Restricted Section from Headmaster, and spent most of his days reading ancient books. He hadn't found what he was looking for, but books contained so much interesting information that he read them with pleasure. Dark creatures and interesting facts about Soul Reapers, though writer didn't know much. "Those creatures are the biggest mystery in Wizarding World. We have information about every magical creature in world, but not them. The legend says, that they carry swords and normally dress in black robes. No one knows, are they human, or humanoid who only resembles us."

Ichigo also discovered that Dumbledore had finally assured to Dursleys that he wasn't dead. It seems that Headmaster had exposed his true identity, though he only said that he was a wizard, like Harry. It seemed that there was no coming back there. Not that he wanted to. At the same night, Dumbledore had told Harry he would get private lessons from him. Ichigo found out that fact recently as well.

It was when Dumbledore called him to his office, and asked him to join them.

"Why would you want me to join lessons?" he had asked.

"Not all of them, no. But there will be couple, very dangerous trips if I am right, and I would be grateful if you would protect Harry if something happens. You see, I am not in best condition anymore." he pointed his burned hand.

Ichigo narrowed his eye. "Why me? Who not someone from the Order?"

"I think that… Not that I don't trust anyone else in Order, but you are most open-minded person among my comrades for this job."

Ichigo got interested, and since his job was to keep Harry Potter safe, he couldn't say no either. Besides, who knows if he learns more from there than those books he had been reading.

One good thing about his busy schedule was that it was easy to avoid Professor Slughorn's "Slug Club", he didn't want to be any part of.

Hope you enjoyed.