Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Prince of Tennis!
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Seiichi arched a brow as he read the article that Sanada had just showed him looking a little nervous (not that many could tell by the stoic look on his face). The article was not anything out of the ordinary or anything, just an interview with a tennis player in one of the upcoming matches in the tournament. Josei Shonan was the team and Seiichi hadn't really heard about them before. They had never really reached that far in tournaments but it was clear that they were trying to do it this year.
"Huh," Seiichi said putting the magazine away and looked out of the window and to the garden.
"That's it?" Sanada asked.
Seiichi looked over at his best friend and smiled slightly.
"Do you expect something else?" Seiichi asked.
"Well…" Sanada said slowly.
"Maybe anger?" Seiichi guessed.
"He does disrespect Hari-chan," Sanada said almost nervously.
"And if we were playing Josei Shonan next they would be paying for that comment," Seiichi said calmly, "but seeing that they are playing Seigaku and Hari-chan… Well, I'm sure Hari-chan will deal with it."
There was a wicked gleam in Seiichi's eyes and Sanada almost shivered. Almost. He had been nervous showing the article to Seiichi knowing how protective he was of Hari.
"You really…" Sanada was lost for words.
"Hari-chan can take care of herself," Seiichi smiled slightly. "And I will not be surprised if their coach has her playing this…" he picked up the magazine again before he said, "Wakato Hiroshi. I almost feel sorry for him."
Sanada blinked before he smiled. "I see."
Seiichi nodded and tossed the magazine on the table again uncaring about the content. He didn't really like players like that… He sighed. He wondered if Hari was angry at it or if she had seen it at all…
"Seiichi-nii-chan!" A voice suddenly sounded followed by footsteps and then a young girl came rushing into the room and threw herself at Seiichi.
"Ouch," Seiichi said but hugged the young girl closer. "Hana-chan, nice to see you too."
"You've been gone forever!" The girl accused him with a glare. Her eyes very much like his own violet-blue though they were slightly bluer than his.
"Only a few days, Hana-chan," Seiichi smiled and cupped her cheek. "And you're here now, right?"
"Mm," Hana nodded. "Okaa-chan and Otou-chan told me we were going to go and see you and meet your girlfriend!"
Seiichi felt his eyes widen and heard Sanada muffle a snicker behind him.
"Meet…" Seiichi started.
"Yes, dear," a woman's voice said from the door. "We're here to meet your girlfriend."
Seiichi's head snapped and saw his mother standing there with his father both looking amused though a little annoyed as well. Seiichi swallowed nervously.
"Okaa-chan…" he started but the woman interrupted him while tossing her brown hair over her shoulder as she moved into the room.
"No," Yukimura Sora said. "We're going to finally meet your girlfriend, young man, and there's nothing you can say that will stop it!"
Seiichi glanced at his father who was frowning at him.
"Do you have any idea what you have put me through, Seiichi?" Yukimura Kouki asked.
"Eh? What?" Seiichi felt confused.
"My brother!" Kouki snapped. "My little brother is insufferable!"
Seiichi blinked and looked to Sanada who was trying not to laugh and Seiichi glared at him. Traitor. Just what had them so upset? He shifted in place and noticed that Hana was still hugging him around the waist.
"What?" Seiichi asked feeling uncommonly confused.
"You let my little brother meet your girlfriend before me!" Kouki complained. "How could you?!"
Seiichi just stared at him.
"Do you know how much he has teased me?" Kouki demanded when he saw the lack of reaction or caring from his son.
"I can't imagine," Seiichi deadpanned. "But it's not that long ago they met her."
"And we want to meet the young lady that has charmed you so," Sora declared with a charming smile that told Seiichi that she wouldn't be taking a 'no' for an answer.
Seiichi nodded wondering if Hari would be scared off by his parents.
"I don't like her," Hana declared and pulled away from Seiichi her arms folded over her chest as she glared. Her brown hair braided in pigtails and made her look quite adorable in Seiichi's mind, even though she was glaring at him.
"Why?" Seiichi asked. "Hari-chan is very nice."
"You have to say that," Hana scoffed. "She has you fooled."
Seiichi glanced at his parents who shrugged and his mum even looked amused.
"You haven't meet Hari-chan yet, Hana-chan," Seiichi said.
"Still don't like her," Hana said stubbornly. "I won't."
Seiichi frowned slightly. He really wanted his little sister to like Hari, but the little girl looked rather set on her decision and Seiichi knew better than anyone how stubborn Hana could be when she had made up her mind about something.
...
Hari shook her head when Nanjiro scoffed and glared. She sighed.
"Why do you keep reading it, Otou-chan?" Hari asked exasperatedly as she sat down beside him on the sofa. "You're only getting annoyed."
Nanjiro looked at her and wailed, "He's so mean!"
"He's just trying to rile us up before the match," Hari shrugged.
Nanjiro huffed and picked up the magazine again and glared while Hari shook her head and wondered why Ryoga had shown Nanjiro the article in the first place. She had just gotten back from overreactions within her team who had read it and gotten angry and while she didn't like it she wasn't that upset. It wasn't the worst she had experienced after all. She could only wonder how they would react to the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor.
Hari glanced at the article and read some of it along with Nanjiro.
The team I really want to play would be Seigaku! Just because that place seems to be full of weirdos! Do you know? They really make me laugh. They all have strange names for their shots, but that would mean that's all they have, right? No matter how you think about it, they seem so incompetent!
Hari shook her head. If that was what he really believed then he would be in for a shock. She glanced at the picture of Wakato Hiroshi of Josei Shonan; his hair was strange was the first thought Hari had when looking at him. His hair was a red-orange colour (much like the Weasley's in fact) and it was longish, it reached the nape of his neck, but what made it weird was the fact that it seemed to point out in waves as he wore a white cap.
I'd really want to see what their coach looks like to have such performers in their team!
Hari wondered if she had seen Ryuzaki so annoyed before as when she read that part of the interview. Inui had shown it to her during practice and Hari could practically see the anger burn around their coach.
"The old hag won't like that," Nanjiro commented with a wicked smirk.
"Shush," Hari nudged his shoulder and he shook his head before he glared again.
The one I am more concerned with is that girl! I can't believe they actually have a girl on their team! I just want to see if she's as good as everyone says. I can't believe it! I doubt she's anything special! I wonder who's her boyfriend to allow her on the team? I hope to play her so I can show her how a real man plays tennis!
Ah, there it was. The reason why so many had been so angry over the interview.
"That-that-that-little-brat!" Nanjiro growled before suddenly pulling Hari into his arms and hugging her tightly to him. She struggled slightly feeling how breathing was becoming difficult… "My little girl is special! She's the best! He doesn't know what he's talking about!"
"Air…Breathe…Ot…Otou-chan…" Hari managed to get out.
"Oh," Nanjiro loosened his hold a little. "Sorry, Hari-chan."
"Seriously," Hari grumbled but didn't try to get completely free from his arms now that he had loosened his hold a little. In fact, Hari kind of enjoyed being hugged.
"Don't pay the mean boy any attention, Hari-chan," Nanjiro said patting her head and hugging her close. "You're so special."
Hari blushed and shook her head, "I don't care about him, Otou-chan."
"Good," Nanjiro said pleased. "The one playing him will have to get revenge!"
"That will be me," Hari said.
"What?" Nanjiro blinked.
"Ryuzaki-sensei got angry over the insult to our team," Hari snorted. "She got really riled up and said that I had to play him since we won't back away from a challenge like that."
"The old hag is competitive," Nanjiro nodded. "Well, of course, you'll crush him!"
Hari sighed but nodded. She wondered if she really was good enough, but even she felt the need to show him how wrong he was. Wakato Hiroshi. He'd regret challenging them.
...
Hari huffed as she realised that her team had moved. Again. It hadn't happened in a little while now but here she was on her own and no idea where the others had gone. They had met up and then she had to find a bathroom before the game started.
She sighed and looked around. Where could they be?
She started to walk in one direction where she thought they would be. Why had they moved again? She knew that Seiichi was somewhere around because they had a match as well and she wondered if she would be able to see him at all before they were done. She felt a little silly missing him already, but she did.
"Ah, another Echizen?" a voice said and Hari paused looking around and saw a woman with red hair and glasses and a curvy body that she seemed to show off with rather inappropriate clothing.
"Sorry?" Hari blinked and noticed the team surrounding her and recognized Wakato Hiroshi from the article and she realised who they were. "Ah. Josei Shonan."
"I'm their coach, Hanamura Aoi," the woman said with a smile. "You are Echizen Hari, right?"
"Yes," Hari said warily.
"Ah! The girl on Seigaku!" Wakato exclaimed and came toward her. "I'm your opponent today!"
"I know," Hari said.
"I'll show you a real tennis player," Wakato smiled. "Then maybe you'd like to come on a date with me?"
Hari arched a brow, "no thank you. Besides, I'll win."
He huffed. "Why? Do you have a boyfriend?"
Hari looked at him blankly for a moment, "I don't see why that's your business, Wakato-san."
"I…"
"Ignore him," another of the boys said as he put a hand over Wakato's mouth to stop the retort. "I apologize on his behalf."
Hari eyed the new boy with medium length brown hair that spiked slightly in the back and long side bangs in the front. He looked nice enough, Hari guessed, but kind of aloof.
"Hm," Hari said, "it's not me you need to worry about, Captain-san. Rather my team…they are rather annoyed with him, you see."
She saw the arched brow from the boy and guessed that her guess of him being the captain was correct.
"I see," he said, "I'm Kajimoto Takahisa."
"Can I tempt you to come and join us at Josei, Echizen Hari?" Hanamura interrupted.
"No, thank you," Hari said immediately.
"Another refusal," one of the twins in the background said. "You Echizen's are rather snobbish, aren't you?"
Hari looked at them blankly, "you asked my brother?"
"Yes, I would be able to complete him as the best masterpiece ever," Hanamura declared. "You too!"
Hari snorted, "no way. Let me guess, Ryo-chan said the same, right? Who wants to be complete in Middle School? There are so many years left to develop and learn!"
She saw the arched brow from Kajimoto and heard the muffled sound from Wakato who still had his mouth covered by his captain.
"Well, I have to find my team," Hari said and waved. "See you soon, I guess."
Just as she turned she heard footsteps and a shout of; "Hari-chan!"
"Ah," Hari said. "Momo-chan."
"Why did you go off by yourself, Hari-chan?!" Momoshiro complained. "You got lost again!"
"No, I didn't," Hari protested. "You guys moved!"
"No, we didn't!" Momoshiro protested. "What have we told you? Take someone with you when you go off!"
"I can find my way on my own, Momo-chan," Hari huffed and started to walk ignoring the staring Josei team.
"That's the wrong way, Hari-chan!" Momoshiro exclaimed exasperatedly.
...
Hari noticed Sakuno shivering and shrugged off her jacket before walking over to the younger girl.
"Here," Hari said holding out the jacket for her.
"Eh?" Sakuno blinked.
"You look cold," Hari said, and uncomfortable, she thought but didn't add. It was clear that the idea of dressing up in cheerleading outfits had been Tomoka's idea and Sakuno had been dragged into it.
"But…"
Hari smiled and put the jacket around Sakuno's shoulders when the younger girl didn't do anything to take the jacket.
"We can't have you getting sick, Sakuno-chan," Hari smiled.
"But it's your jacket," Sakuno said shyly, "and the teams' jacket."
"You're on the team as well, you know," Hari smiled, "you always support us so well and I think you're more than worthy to borrow my jacket. It's fine."
Sakuno blinked at her before she smiled. "Thank you, Hari-chan."
Hari smiled and glanced at Tomoka who was jumping up and down cheering while Horio whined and tried to calm her down but was actually only just riling her up even more. She sighed.
"You should learn to tell her no when she wants you to do something you don't want to, Sakuno-chan;" Hari said looking back at Sakuno.
"It's to support the team;" Sakuno protested timidly, "to support Ryoma-kun."
Hari glanced at Ryoma who looked like he was asleep as he leaned against a tree.
"If you're uncomfortable then it's not worth it, Sakuno-chan," Hari said mildly. "Ryo-chan will appreciate the support even if you are dressed in warmer clothes and are comfortable. He doesn't need you to shout and dance. He knows you support him and that's what matters."
Sakuno blinked but then she nodded.
"Okay," Sakuno said.
Hari smiled again before turning away and noticed Ryuzaki watching them and gave Hari a small smile to show her gratitude. Hari just smiled back before walking over to Fuji.
...
"Ah," Momoshiro suddenly said. "That's the woman who was with Josei before. Right, Hari-chan?"
Hari looked over to where Momoshiro was looking and saw the woman and how she flipped her hair over her shoulders as she talked to someone.
"Yeah," Hari nodded. "She's their coach."
"Really?" Momoshiro asked.
"She's weird," Ryoma said. "She hit on me earlier."
"Me too," Hari nodded but smirked slightly.
"EH?" The others exclaimed staring at them shocked.
Hari laughed and exchanged a smirk with Ryoma who knew what she meant.
"What…"
"No way!"
"She's a grow-up!"
Hari laughed even more and leaned against Ryoma, "calm down."
"But, Hari-chan…" Kikumaru whined.
Ryoma huffed but smiled slightly when he saw the innocent look on Hari's face.
"We only meant that she invited us to transfer over to their school," Hari said.
They all fell silent before again exploding into protests and Kikumaru even pulled Ryoma into a hug and crying that he would protect him and not let him go.
"We said no," Ryoma huffed getting free from Hari. "At least I did."
"Well…" Hari smiled.
"Hari-chan?" Kikumaru wailed before he lunged at her and hugged her too.
"We won't let them have you!" Momoshiro declared.
"Of course not," Fuji smiled.
Hari managed to get free from Kikumaru and laughed. "I said no. Calm down."
Hari shook her head at how easy it was to rile them up and grinned when she saw Ron and Hermione coming toward them.
"You looked amused," Ron commented smiling more openly now that they had cleared the air between them.
"I guess," Hari grinned. "They are so easily riled up."
Ron laughed and Hermione shook her head but looked amused.
"You ready for the match?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Hari nodded, "can't wait."
...
The first match was Inui and Kaido against the twins from Josei Shonan, Tanaka Yohei and Kohei. Hari found they were more annoying twins that the Weasley twins. While Fred and George were amusing she just found Yohei and Kohei annoying and rather rude. But she might have been a little biased as she was on the other team from them. She had to admit though, that their super-hearing ability was rather cool. Still, Kaido and Inui managed to win despite Kaido getting annoyed and almost messed up his snake shots.
Then Kikumaru and Oishi faced Kiriyama Daichi and Ota Shou in doubles one. They were challenging and had a rather interesting move called thunderbolt where Ota who was much shorter and smaller in build that Kiriyama used Kiriyama's back to jump up in order to return the high balls. But Kikumaru and Oishi managed to win by using a new formation that they had learned very recently.
"You're turn, Hari-chan," Kikumaru grinned as he high-fived her. "Go and crush that arrogant brat."
Hari laughed and nodded.
She saw the stunned looks on Josei's faces and glanced at their coach who was looking thoughtful as her eyes scanned her. Hari felt rather uncomfortable as the woman kept staring at her like she was trying to figure her out.
...
The loud cheering from the girls reminded Hari very much of Keigo and Hyotei and was not surprised when Wakato strutted onto the court with a wave and charming smile. So like Keigo… Hari wished they would shut up because the sound was annoying and she couldn't understand how they could even reach those notes.
She stared at him blankly as he winked to his fans and sent a kiss making them swoon. She kind of wished Snape could see this behaviour and then realise that Hari was nowhere as bad as this.
"Ah, ready to lose?" Wakato smirked.
"Are you talking to yourself?" Hari deadpanned.
He laughed and she rolled her eyes. So annoying…
He suddenly got a serious look in his eyes before he pulled his cap out of his pocket and tossed it into the air calling; "change…"
"Over!" The fangirls finished.
Hari arched a brow as she saw him catching the cap again and putting it on backwards. There was something else in his eyes now and she knew he would have some talent, she wondered what the 'change over' meant, but it didn't worry her too much.
...
Hari had the first serve and knew she had to start strong. She tossed the ball up and used her slice serve. She felt her eyes widen when he suddenly changed his stance as the ball moved over the net and his style changed. She knew he would return it but not like she wanted but she was prepared when the ball came back and returned it over the net again.
They rallied the ball back and forth a little while and Hari cursed when the ball got passed her and he took the first points.
...
0-15: Josei
...
She narrowed her eyes as she looked at him. That style… it was familiar, but why… He looked confident and smug. She wished she could wipe that look off his face.
She got ready to serve the ball again and he returned it once more. She could see how his moves worked and where he would return the ball but right now it was like it was a little too fast for her… it was almost like playing against someone on Nanjiro's level…
...
0-30: Josei
...
Oh.
Really? Could he do that? Hari paused as she looked at Wakato with mild surprise. Someone on Nanjiro's level but not quite. Someone like Lleyton Hewitt. He was one of the top pros still playing in the world and Hari had watched some of his matches on the telly.
"Hm," she said. "Kind of interesting."
He smirked at her like he knew what she was thinking.
So he was able to imitate the styles of top tennis players, but it was more than just simple imitations. He could do the moves just like them, not a fake one. She now picked up on the talk from her team and knew they had noticed the same. She heard someone say it was as if Hewitt was really there.
But still…he was just a pretender. She could still turn this around.
...
1-0: Game Josei's Wakato
...
Hari stood still as she realised that she had lost the first game, but that didn't mean it was over. She could still counter this. She ignored the sounds around her as she focused. If he could bring out top players then she had to remember how it was to play Nanjiro. She had experience in playing against someone on that level and while she never had won against Nanjiro she would have a chance here because Nanjiro would be better than all of them (of course he was) and it didn't change the fact that it was really Wakato she was playing.
Okay. She was not giving up. She'd show him.
...
Ryoma smiled as he saw Hari's look. Good, she was determined. She would not break down because Wakato took the first game.
"She's not even nervous," Ron commented.
"She's not," Ryoma agreed. "I bet she's thinking about stupid Oyaji."
"Eh?"
"He's better than that Hewitt guy," Ryoma smirked. "Hari has played Oyaji a lot so she's not intimidated by someone pretending to be someone else."
Ron laughed slightly and nodded.
They watched as Wakato served and Hari returned the ball and they rallied back and forth until Wakato returned a high ball and Ryoma smirked knowing what would come now.
Hari jumped and again it was like there were wings on her back and she looked like she was on fire with the speed she used as she jumped up and used her backhand volley to smash the ball hard. The ball was almost flattening as it hit the ground leaving a scorch mark when it spun away and out of the court. That was a first and Ryoma realised that her smash had gotten even harder than before.
Stunned silence fell as Wakato and his team stared at the scorch mark on the court before looking over at Hari who had landed elegantly and was looking as calm as may be.
"Awesome," Kikumaru cheered breaking the silence.
"Go Hari-chan!" Tomoka and Sakuno cheered jumping up and down.
...
"That move…" Kajimoto muttered. "The Phoenix Rising…"
"Can't believe it is that strong…" Yohei and Kohei said.
"Good move," Kiriyama murmured.
Kajimoto looked at Wakato who had gotten over his surprise now and was watching Hari with a pensive look on his face. Kajimoto knew that his teammate was considering what player he should imitate next in order to block that move from Hari. He had to admit, though, that Hari was better than he had thought.
...
The game continued and the balance shifted back and forth with Hari and Wakato both did their best. Hari got used to his style of pretender but it did get her confused a couple of times.
"Hari-chan is doing well," Fuji commented when she won another game.
...
2-4: Game for Seigaku's Hari
...
"Yes," Oishi nodded. "She's gotten even stronger."
"Of course she has," Ryoma said confidently.
Fuji smiled but didn't comment.
...
Hari frowned when she saw Wakato stare at her and wondered what he was thinking now. He had gone through several top tennis players now and she wondered who he would try to be next. She couldn't help but think that it was kind of annoying and almost fake. Not that she would put down anyone for playing the way they wanted, but… why couldn't at least make it his own if he was going to take inspiration from them? She was more curious about what he could do on his own.
"I wonder…" Wakato said and she arched a brow. "How would you handle playing against… yourself?"
Hari watched as he took his pose and restrained her need to roll her eyes (again).
"Change…"
"…over!" the fangirls squealed.
His stance changed and she realised with apprehension that his stance resembled her own now.
This was going to be annoying…
...
0-40: Josei
...
She was right. It was annoying. His moves were her own and it was not as easy as it sounded to essentially play yourself. She wiped her brow as she saw the smug look on Wakato's face. She really wanted to wipe that off his face.
"Oh, how will she get over this?" Horio wailed.
"She seems to be struggling," Sakuno said worriedly as she pulled the jacket Hari had given her closer around her.
Hari could hear them but she ignored them.
...
15-40: Seigaku
...
Finally. She got a ball past him by using her speed and fast reflexes. She saw the annoyed look on Wakato's face but that only made her smile.
She closed her eyes. She had to calm down and not get stressed. So what if he could imitate her? She was still better. She was still the original while he was the copy. That meant that her moves were stronger and that she knew them even better than he did.
Right. She could do this.
Her eyes snapped open again and she bounced the ball a couple of times before preparing for the slice serve. She was already running when he returned the ball and smirked when it was a high ball so she jumped her arms out to the side and felt the wind in her hair and on her face as she rose in the air.
Smash!
The ball flew past Wakato who stood stunned on the court. She landed and heard the cheering from her team and friends.
...
6-3: Game and match Seigaku's Hari!
...
She had won! She had done it! Hari smiled as she let out a pleased laugh. She loved the thrill she felt and the way she felt like she was walking on air.
"Good game," Wakato said with a forced smile when they met at the net.
"You too," Hari nodded and shook his hand.
She walked away from him and grinned as she was surrounded by her team and felt them patting her shoulders and squeezing her hands as they congratulated her on her win. She smiled as she was hugged by Ron and Hermione who had come over to celebrate as well.
"Great job, Hari!" Ron complimented. "You were great!"
"Thanks, Ron," Hari smiled.
She met Ryuzaki's eyes and she nodded with a pleased smile on her face. She knew Ryuzaki was thinking about the article and was happy that Hari had won this match. She almost shuddered at the thought of what would have happened if she had lost… it would not have been pleasant.
...
Seiichi sighed as he listened to his mum talk and ask questions about Hari. She had been doing that since they arrived last night.
"I don't know what Hari-chan has planned for university," Seiichi sighed and shot Sanada a look when he saw his lips twitch.
"But…"
"We're in Middle School, Okaa-chan," Seiichi interrupted her. "I think High School comes before University."
"Then what High School is she planning to attend?" Sora asked.
"We haven't talked about that," Seiichi said.
"Why not?" Sora asked. "You're going to High School next year and…"
"..and she has another year at Middle School to go," Seiichi said.
"Okay," Sora frowned, "then what class is her favourite?"
"She likes practical classes," Seiichi said. "But she also likes literature and Modern Japanese."
Sora nodded, "she talks Japanese very well, doesn't she?"
"Yes," Seiichi said. "She does. Why don't you save some questions for her, Okaa-chan?"
"I will ask her as well, but as your mother I want to know the girl you like," Sora said.
Seiichi forced himself to be calm and not allow a sigh to slip out. He really hoped that Hari would not run away from his mum and all her questions…
They were on their way to the court were Seigaku was playing (hopefully they were still there). He had wanted to be there to watch Hari play but since his own team had to play at the same time he couldn't be there to watch Hari as well.
So now when they were done with their match (they had won) he was bringing his parents to meet Hari. He had a feeling that he had forgotten something, though, but he couldn't remember what it was.
"I'll see you later," Sanada suddenly said. "I think you should probably introduce Hari-chan to your parents alone."
"You know you are more than welcome to come, Genichiro," Seiichi said.
"You can't hide behind me, Seiichi," Sanada deadpanned but Seiichi saw the amusement in his eyes. "It will be fine. Hari-chan is a nice girl and I'm sure she's expecting to meet your parents soon."
Seiichi stilled and for a second he felt like someone had hit him.
"Seiichi?" Hana asked from beside him. "Are you okay? You look funny."
"I…" Seiichi grimaced. "I forgot."
"Forgot?" Sanada blinked at him.
"To tell her that my parents and little sister are here," Seiichi said.
Sanada stared at him before he huffed a laugh in a way that was uncharacteristic for him.
"That might be a problem," Sanada said. "But there's nothing you can do about it now. We're almost there. Well, I'll see you later. Good luck."
With that he nodded at Seiichi and walked away.
"Traitor," Seiichi muttered wondering how he could have forgotten to tell Hari that his parents and little sister were here and wanted to meet her! How could he…! Oh, she was going to be so mad at him.
"Seiichi!" Sora called noticing that Seiichi had stopped and was now a few steps behind them. "Come on!"
"We want to meet her today, you know," Kouki arched a brow at Seiichi. "I can't have my brother be the only one who has met her much longer!"
...
They found Seigaku still there clearly just finishing the matches and by the look of it, they had won. Seiichi smiled and glanced at the board and saw that Seigaku had won all of their matches and wondered if Hari had played that Wakato-guy.
"Ah, Yukimura," Fuji said with a calm smile.
"Fuji," Seiichi nodded. "I see you won."
"Yeah," Fuji said. "We did."
He glanced behind Seiichi who noticed how the other boy's lips twitched as his eyes snapped to him again with a knowing look on his face.
"She's over here," Fuji said. "I'm afraid she's a little…angry."
"Angry?" Seiichi frowned. "Why?"
"Well, Echizen's match against Shinjo Reiji got a little…violent," Fuji said delicately.
"Ah," Seiichi said. "Is Echizen alright?"
He knew Hari was very protective over her little brother and if he was hurt…
"He's fine," Fuji said with a wave of his hand, "but he got a cut on his cheek."
Seiichi nodded, "and it was done by the other player?"
"Well, yeah," Fuji nodded, "Echizen has a way to provoke others, and while it is amusing and gives a lot of free entertainment it does tend to push them to sometimes…snap and well…Echizen won and proved to be the better player, but you know Hari-chan. He hurt her brother, so she's angry."
Seiichi nodded and around to see Hari frowning and having her arms crossed over her chest. He saw Ryoma sitting on the bench and that he had a bandage on his cheek. He knew her well enough to pick up on the worry in her eyes as she looked at him. He also noticed her two friends from Britain standing beside her and saw when the redhead noticed him. Ron nudged Hari who looked over and saw him.
She met his eyes for a moment before she looked away and said something to her friends before she moved toward them.
"Hey," Hari said with a small smile when she reached him and Seiichi couldn't stop himself from reaching out and push a strand of her hair out of her face as he looked at her worriedly. "I'm fine."
He smiled, "good."
Some of the tension left her shoulders as she smiled at him. A small cough behind him reminded him of who he had with him and he swallowed and grabbed one of her hands as he pulled her with him.
"My parents and little sister is here," Seiichi said. "They want to meet you."
...
Hari forced herself not to still as she let her eyes snap to the couple standing behind Seiichi and realised that they were moving toward them now. She also saw the young girl about five year's old standing beside the woman with a small glare on her face.
"Hari-chan?" Seiichi sounded nervous.
She pushed her nerves back and met Seiichi's eyes. He looked nervous and like he was sorry about something. She smiled and nodded knowing that if he could meet her family then she could meet his. She had already met his aunt and uncle and that had gone fine…so this should be fine as well, right?
They reached his parents and Hari steeled herself and forced the whispered; what if they don't like you? What if they say you can't see their son? What if they see that you're not good enough? What if…out of her mind the best she could.
"Okaa-chan, Otou-chan, this is my girlfriend, Echizen Hari," Seiichi said and Hari felt him squeeze her hand. "Hari-chan, this is my parents, Yukimura Sora and Yukimura Kouki."
"Nice to meet you," Hari said bowing politely to them and relieved that her voice was still steady.
She looked up and met their searching eyes and she noticed that Seiichi had his father's eyes and looks. She could feel her insecurities fill her as they watched her and she forced herself not to shift in place.
"It's so nice to finally meet you too," Sora finally said with a warm smile. "Our Seiichi has talked about you and we're so happy to finally meet you!"
"Even if he introduced his uncle before us," Kouki added in a deep voice.
"Um, sorry?" Hari said uncertainly as she glanced at Seiichi who shook his head.
"Seiichi should be," Kouki said but Hari saw the amusement in his eyes so she knew he was just kidding. "As my wife said, it's very nice to meet you, Echizen-san."
"You can call me Hari," Hari said shyly. "I am not used to be called by my last name."
Also strange since she had not been called Echizen for many months. Though, she liked the name. It made her feel like she belonged.
"Hari-chan, then," Kouki smiled.
"Hari-chan," Seiichi stepped in and looked to his little sister who had been surprisingly quiet as she was watching Hari from behind Sora's legs. "This is my little sister, Hana-chan."
Hari looked to the little girl who was glaring and Hari looked to Seiichi who sighed.
"Hey, Hana-chan," Hari said. "Nice to meet you."
"Hmph," Hana said looking away.
"Hana, be polite," Sora scolded lightly.
"Don't want to," Hana said.
"It's fine," Hari said smiling slightly.
Seiichi frowned but didn't say anything but Hari felt him squeeze her hand.
...
"Would you like to join us for dinner?" Sora asked and Hari bit down on her lip before glancing to Seiichi who smiled reassuringly.
"Oh, um, okay, I would like that," Hari said despite knowing that her friends were going to Kawamura's place to celebrate like they used to do. But she didn't feel that she could say no to Seiichi's parents.
"Great!" Sora smiled.
"Hari?" Ryoma spoke up and Hari turned to look at him.
"Ah, Ryo-chan," Hari smiled.
"Yukimura," Ryoma nodded.
"Echizen," Seiichi smiled. "You okay?"
"Fine," Ryoma shrugged and looked at Hari.
"Who's this?" Kouki asked curiously.
"This is my little brother, Echizen Ryoma," Hari said, "Ryo-chan; this is Sei-chan's parents."
"Nice to meet you," Ryoma said.
"You too," Sora smiled and looked curiously between them.
"Um, I'm going to join Sei-chan and his parents and sister for dinner," Hari said and Ryoma frowned slightly. "Can you…can you tell the others?"
"Sure," Ryoma said. "I'll tell Oyaji as well."
Hari grimaced slightly but nodded, "good. Thanks."
Ryoma smiled and nodded to the others before he walked away and was immediately joined by Momoshiro.
...
"Are you sure that you want to?" Seiichi asked quietly when they made their way to a restaurant. His parents were walking in front of them with Hana giving Hari and Seiichi a moment to themselves.
"Of course," Hari smiled.
"You didn't have plans?" Seiichi looked worriedly.
"The others were going to Kawamura-senpai's place to celebrate with sushi," Hari said and saw Seiichi open his mouth but put her hands over his mouth to stop him speaking. "It's fine, Sei-chan. I want to be with you and get to know your parents."
Hari removed her hand and saw the smile on Seiichi's face and she couldn't help but think that he looked adorable and really cute. She also liked the way his eyes lit up and warmed as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers in a light kiss.
"Ew…" a voice suddenly said making Seiichi pull back and Hari remembered that his family was still there and was now watching them. Sora looked pleased while Kouki was smiling with a teasing gleam in his eyes as he looked at Seiichi. Hana was pouting and glaring at the same time making an interesting expression on her face.
Hari blushed and looked down but Seiichi grabbed her hand again and squeezed it tightly as he rolled his eyes at his family.
"Come on, Hana-chan," Seiichi said. "Don't be like that…"
"It's still ew," Hana said.
Hari couldn't help but smile slightly.
...
The conversation went easily enough. Hari found that Seiichi's parents were kind and had a sense of humour. She enjoyed watching Seiichi's father tease him and try to provoke him into reacting. It was amusing.
"You won your match today, I hear," Kouki smiled looking over at Hari.
"Yeah," Hari smiled remembering it.
"You played Wakato, right?" Seiichi asked.
"Yes," Hari nodded.
"Good, I hope you didn't go easy on him," Seiichi said an annoyed look on his face.
"You saw the article," Hari realised.
"Genichiro showed me," Seiichi nodded. "He was rather rude."
"I guess," Hari nodded, "everyone was angry over it. Even Ryuzaki-sensei got riled up over it."
"That's why you played him?" Seiichi asked.
"Yeah," Hari snorted. "You should have seen her when Inui-senpai showed her the article. She got so angry that she yelled and declared right then and there that I was playing him and that I had to win or else."
Seiichi laughed and his parents chuckled as well.
"Seiichi-nii-chan is the best at tennis," Hana declared suddenly. "He would have won too!"
Hari looked at Hana and then glanced at Seiichi who blinked.
"I am sure he would have," Hari agreed.
"You haven't watched him play," Hana frowned at her. "Don't pretend that you know him!"
"Hana," Seiichi said with a frown.
"Hmph," Hana looked away.
Hari was a little unsure about how to handle this. Should she ignore it or should she try to talk?
"I'm sorry I haven't gotten to watch him play yet, but I can tell he is good," Hari said slowly. "Sanada-san and Minoru-chan have told me how good he is, and Otou-chan told me that he could tell that Sei-chan had talent after meeting him."
Hana looked at her with sceptical eyes.
"How would your dad know that?"
"He said that?" Seiichi asked at the same time a little surprised.
Hari glanced at him and rolled her eyes, "oh yeah, he did. When I got back and he got over his complaining and whining. He started to complain that he had to wait until he could play you and test you himself."
"Your dad wants to play me?" Seiichi wasn't sure what to think about that.
"He wants to play anyone, but especially those he can sense talent from," Hari said with a smile.
"Oi!" Hana interrupted and glared. "You haven't answered me!"
"Hana," Sora frowned at her.
Hari looked back at Hana and smiled again, "Otou-chan is a former pro tennis player. That's why he can see the talent of other players. He's still rather strong."
"Oh? He is?" Kouki asked. "Who is he?"
"Echizen Nanjiro," Hari said.
"Really, he's your dad?" Kouki asked and glanced at Seiichi. "He was a very good player. I remember when he suddenly quit. No one understood why because he was not injured nor was he remotely close to being too old to play."
Hari nodded, "I know. He got bored, I think. And he got a new dream. He wanted to watch and help Ryo-chan develop as a tennis player. Though, sometimes I think he is just plain lazy and enjoys provoking Ryo-chan more than teaching him."
Seiichi laughed and shook his head, "that sounds like him from what I know and you've told me."
Hari smiled and shrugged.
"You're Japanese?" Hana frowned. "You don't look Japanese."
Hari blinked and then looked at Hana. "Um. No. I'm English, but I was adopted by Nanjiro and Rinko recently and they've become my parents."
Hari was open about the adoption. Most knew about it anyway, but she still felt a little on the spot and awkward. She didn't really want to go into details and she hoped they wouldn't ask too much about it. She didn't want to talk about it and she didn't want to lie.
"So, Seiichi has met your dad," Sora said changing the subject slightly much to Hari's relief.
"Yeah," Hari nodded and smiled at Seiichi. She still was grateful for him meeting Nanjiro and not getting scared away.
"I remember meeting my wife's parents for the first time," Kouki said looking amused, "I thought her dad would kill me."
"Of course he wouldn't have," Sora dismissed but she looked amused.
"Well, I think Hari-chan's dad wanted to kill me," Seiichi said dryly. "He definitely thought about it."
Hari laughed, "he didn't want to kill you, Sei-chan. Just…scare you."
Seiichi gave her a look.
"I think," she added with a thoughtful look.
"You think," Seiichi chuckled. "Right."
...
Somewhere else…
...
A man was sitting by himself under the stars and was looking out over a great canyon with a worried frown on his face. He ignored the dying fire burning close by and knew he could change into his dog form should he wish for more warmth.
He had just gotten a letter from Remus and it was worrying. He couldn't believe that he hadn't heard about this before now! How could he not have been told that Hari had left her home and was missing?
Padfoot,
I know I should have told you before, but I thought you would do something stupid and risk your safety. Hari has been missing for months now and even Dumbledore is no closer in finding her. She left her home soon after being suspended from Hogwarts in March. She also resigned from the school and won't be coming back to Hogwarts next semester.
I am worried about her, Padfoot. I am not sure if Ron and Hermione know anything about where she is, but I know they have denied knowing anything when speaking to Dumbledore. I can't help but wonder, though. I tried finding them to ask, but Molly Weasley said that Ron and Hermione are visiting Japan with her oldest two boys along with the twins.
I will continue to look for her, my friend. Please, don't do anything stupid. Hari would hate it if you got caught looking for her and she would blame herself if you got kissed or put back in Azkaban over this. I will write again when I have news.
Your old friend,
Moony.
Sirius had read the letter so many times now that he knew it by heart. How could he not be told that Hari had left home? What if she was hurt? What if she… No, he couldn't think like that. He had to think that she was fine.
Hedwig had found him not that long after he had left and he had written to her, he wondered if she had left her home by then. Oh, what should he do now?
Ron and Hermione was visiting Japan? When their best friend was missing? There was something funny there, Sirius thought. A howl sounded from the distance but Sirius didn't move. He knew that if it was his best friend then he wouldn't be going on a vacation…unless…they knew something that no one else did.
Of course, it might not be anything funny about it at all. But he had seen the bond between them. Ron and Hermione had seemed to be really close with Hari. Closer than most normal friends. It reminded him of the bonds he had shared with James and Remus (he purposely ignored Pettigrew), a bond that made you learn how to become an animagus because your friend was a werewolf and you wanted to help him.
It was worth a thought.
Sirius sighed and looked up at the stars.
"I'm sorry, Prongs," he whispered. "I have failed your daughter, but I'll find her and this time I won't walk away from her. I promise."
...
...
AN: What do you think? XD
So sorry for the delay. I must admit that I had a little writing block on this chapter. I know it's not the best, I just couldn't get it to flow right. But I did my best and just had to say that it was as good as it was going to get. :)
Thank you for your patience and support as always! XD
Japanese words used:
Senpai - upperclassman
Nii-chan - older brother
Okaa-chan - mum
Otou-chan - dad
Oyaji - old man/dad