The summer passed quickly for the future Hogwarts students. Chiharu was surprised when Professor McGonagall came back to give her private lessons on the wizarding world.

"We didn't always do a good job preparing newcomers into the magical community." The Headmistress said sadly. "So, we are doing that this year. I have all the staff out explaining the rules. Professor Hiiragizawa is in Japan too, speaking to some other students on the same subject."

Chiharu wanted to ask about the name, and perhaps if he was related to Eriol, but saw the amount of stuff the Professor was pulling from a bag and fell silent.

"First thing to note is that Muggle technology will not work for you for much longer. Once you are fully trained and your powers full developed, those convivences will start to malfunction in your presence. Magic will take up many of those places, but I wanted to introduce you to some others we have."

So Chiharu spent an afternoon learning about brooms, money, owls, the various methods of magical transportation other than brooms, and differences in clothing and food. She was relieved to learn that most meals would include options from her home country, should she crave some Japanese cooking. By the end of the afternoon, she was excited to get to Hogwarts.

"I will return on the 30th of August to collect you and the other students. We will go to the place to get your school supplies and visit the bank to retrieve your money. I believe the other students are being sponsored by Professor Hiiragizawa, as he is a relative of one of them."

Now Chiharu was really curious. "We knew a Hiiragizawa, he was in our class last year. Is this professor maybe related to a Eriol?"

The Professor raised an eyebrow. "Why, that is the first name of the Professor. He did mention visiting Japan last year, but not as a student."

She was concerned at this. Eriol had been very close to Sakura-chan. "So, Eriol is actually an adult?"

"It's complicated, I'm afraid." She sighed. "You'll need to talk to the Professor. Is that him there?"

Chiharu looked and found Eriol and Sakura-chan walking down the street. He was giving that same gentle smile she remembered while Sakura was blushing hard and waving her arms.

"And then Syaoran said his sisters forced him into a female kimono!" She giggled. "I sent them a request to send me the photo."

Eriol laughed. "Oh, poor Syaoran. It's good to catch up again, Sakura. Tell you father I will return for dinner after I finish my work here."

She waved. "Bye for now, Uncle Eriol!"

Uncle? Chiharu wondered. They had never mentioned such a relationship before. But then again, she recalled Fujitaka, Sakura's father. He was almost identical to Eriol. They could be brothers for sure.

"Professor," Eriol greeted walking over to them. "And Chiharu-chan. Good to see you again."

"Hello, Eriol-Kun." Chiharu felt nervous. What was this guy's game exactly? "Takashi would be upset if I did not send you his best."

Eriol smile softened. "Ah yes, I will need to say hello to him if time allows. I see you have been learning from Minerva. She is a very fine teacher."

She nodded. "You are going to be a teacher too?"

His smile didn't vanish, but she could tell he retreated within himself a bit. "Yes, I am far older than I appear. I apologize for the deception previous, but it was required for my mission. You are aware there was various magical occurrences going on around Tomoeda last year. I was sent to investigate and due to my appearance, I had to infiltrate your school which seemed a hot bed for the activity. While I was here, I reconnected with the brother I though passed on long ago, Fujitaka Kinomoto. We have the same mother but different fathers. Sakura is my niece."

Chiharu felt her unease vanish. This was a very reasonable explanation, even if she felt that he was still keeping something back from her. "Oh, that is why you always seemed so protective of her. We thought maybe you had a thing for her."

He laughed. "Oh no. Plus I doubt anyone would have stood a chance against Li-Kun. Those two are so cute together."

Chiharu giggled. "It's like they were cut from the same cloth."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow at Eriol. "We will speak more about this later and why you failed to mention it previously."

"Yes, Headmistress." He inclined his head. "I have finished my debrief of one future student. I was on my way to the other."

Chiharu looked in the direction Sakura went. She longed to ask if it was Sakura. If Eriol was magic, perhaps she was too. There were rumors of her brother being able to supernaturally sense when she was in danger. They had all witnessed his arrival a few times as well. Something held her back though.

"Well, I am off to speak to the other student. See you back at the castle, Headmistress. Chiharu-chan, or rather Mihara-San, you will be staying at my home for the nights before the Hogwarts express. I have made all the arrangements for you and the other students to use my place. It is a short trip to King's Cross as well."

"Thank you, Hiiragizawa-Sensei."

He nodded and departed, leaving them alone.

"Well, shall we get back on topic?" McGonagall asked, still looking in the direction Eriol wandered off in.

*CCSXHP-Crossover*

Minerva stood outside the home of Sakura Kinomoto. There was a powerful magical energy surrounding the home that she could not identify. The one thing she could tell was it reminded her of the magic Albus had weaved over the Dursely residence before leaving Baby Harry there. The magic hummed with love. She felt like a trespasser as she walked to the door and knocked on it. She heard a voice call, "Coming!"

The door opened and she found herself looking at the short brown hair and jade green eyes of Sakura Kinomoto, one of the new students for Hogwarts. She was wearing a apron and clearly had been doing chores when she arrived.

"Can I help you?" The girl asked politely. "Are you a friend of Uncle Eriol's?"

That brought a smile to the woman's face. This girl already seemed to understand the need to secrecy. "Yes, I am. May I come in so we can talk?"

The girl nodded and pushed the door open wider. "Please, come in."

Minerva entered the house and found the girl had been in the middle of folding laundry. A book lay open on a table near by with what appeared to be a plush toy sitting next to it.

"It's ok Kero, no need to do the toy impression." Sakura called and the toy moved, floating up into the air. This must be Cerberus, her Sun Guardian. Eriol had told her that he could assume a toy form to avoid suspicion.

"Oh thank goodness. I don't understand why when you father knows about magic we still have to do this."

She pinched his cheeks. "To keep you in practice. Last thing I need is for you to get comfortable and fly through the house when we have guests over."

Kero sighed. "You have such little faith in my, kiddo."

Sakura shook her head. "You, I have faith in. Your need to feed however… I don't trust your stomach."

"Alright, that's fair enough."

Minerva watched these two swat a verbal ball back and forth like they were playing tennis. "I see you two get along well enough. My name is Minerva McGonagall, I am the Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and for now also still the head of the Transfiguration Department. I haven't had time to fill that spot with all the other work to be done at the school."

Sakura went to the kitchen and pulled out the electric kettle. "I just warmed some water, would you like a cup of tea?"

"Yes please. It's been some years since I had real green tea." Minerva allowed her mind to wander a moment to when exactly that was. Perhaps the time that Albus had whisked her and Severus to China Town in America for a week one summer.

Sakura prepared the drinks and brought Minerva a cup. She was liking the girl already.

"Uncle Eriol said the school was badly damaged in the war. I'm glad to be able to come though. I've been dying to start real magic lessons."

Minerva looked at a small key hanging around her neck. "I understand that not only are you already able to do magic of your own, but you're also quite a bit stronger than most of the magical community. I want to ask you to try and keep the depth of your powers hidden from your peers. I won't ask you to do anything rude like leave your items of power with me, I would not be so foolish. But I do ask that you not share them with anyone at the school and act as if you were any other young witch in training."

Sakura smiled. "Eriol already covered all that in his lesson today, as well as teaching me about the wider magical community. I promise to only use my wand unless the lives of me or another student is in danger. Then I will act."

Minerva saw the determination in this girl and smiled. A new fierce Gryffindor, perhaps?

"I appreciate that, Miss Kinomoto." Minerva assured her. "Please, if that should ever happen, you have my permission to respond with as much of your powers as you can. Are you still getting magical fatigue from overuse?"

She shook her head. "No, not unless I really push myself. And there hasn't been anything to challenge me since I passed Eriol's tests last year. I don't know how much you know about us and our connection."

"I know you're both blood descendants of Clow Reed. Which might be enough trouble as it is. Sorry, I cannot stay long. I also need to find a new caretaker for the school. We let the only one go for being too nasty one too many times."

Sakura smiled. "What is the requirement for being the caretaker? Can it be multiple people or just one? Do they need to be a witch or wizard?"

"We always had one, but I think maybe an assistant would be alright. Also no, a person who knows about magic without it would be fine as well."

"My brother might be an answer then. He gave up his magic to Yue, but he was able to use it at one time. He and Yukito might both be interested. Even if it means I'll see my meanie brother all the time."

Minerva chuckled. There was love and admiration tinged with the usual younger sibling frustration in Sakura's voice. "I'll see if they are interested. Thank you, Miss Kinomoto. I was honestly unsure who might be interested in such a position given all it involves. I really don't want another Flitch on our hands. I will see you for the trip to get your school supplies."

Sakura smiled. "If you need a break from all the stress, I know a nice quite place where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a nice breeze. Here, let me write down the address for you."

Minerva left, looking the address over. That offer sounded too good to pass up. She changed course and headed for the temple Sakura had suggested.

*CCSXHP-Crossover*

The last week of August had arrived, and it was just a couple days until they would take a portkey to England. Syaoran was supposed to arrive today. Sakura and Tomoyo were at Eriol's house, trying on the school uniforms Tomoyo had made while they waited. Kero was a small tie that would change colors to match the house Sakura got into.

"The unforms are made from the same material as all the other school clothing." Tomoyo explained as she separated sets for her, Sakura, and Syaoran. "When we are sorted, certain parts will change color to show the house colors. I set it so the skirts are one of those, I thought that would be cute."

Sakura agreed, even if their robes would cover it most of the time. "I see you have extra cloth too, what's that for?"

Tomoyo got stars in her eyes. "Why, to make you new costumes of course! What if you need to do your duties as the Cardcaptor again! I might not be able to record your deeds, but I can at least make sure you are dressed for the part!"

Sakura dramatically fell over. Sometimes her best friend and cousin was a little much.

The sound of a car door opening caught her attention. Her magic hummed as it always did when she sensed Syaoran was nearby. She got up, still in her Hogwarts uniform and ran through the house towards the door. It opened and Syaoran was standing there, braced for her. Which was good, because she did not slow down before jumping into his arms.

"Syaoran-Kun!" She called in delight.

"I'm home, Sakura." He smiled back at her.

Tomoyo sighed, interrupting their reunion. "If only I could use my camera. Sadly, all my electronics have been dying lately, since right before I got my letter. Eriol told me there are magical cameras and he would get me one, but it might not be until I get to Hogwarts."

Sakura was blushing hard as she jumped away from Syaoran. She noticed her boyfriend was blushing just as hard. "I see your eager to get to school for a change, Sakura." He chuckled.

"Well, it's magic school!" She exclaimed. "I never really got to learn proper magic. I always used the cards. I was always so jealous of you being able to make us walk on water with your techniques."

"Well, you'll be able to do all that and more come the end of this year. Did Eriol warn you that you might not get wand magic right away? It's not just your power at work, but the will of the wand. It's a partnership after all."

She nodded. "Yes. So, I suspect I won't be passing all my lessons with flying colors until I get the hang of it. Once I do, I plan to start learning as many spells as I can. That way my poor cards can get a break from some basic tasks."

She felt the Fly card, now restored, buzz in protest from her holster on her hip.

"Other than you, Fly. You know I love your wings."

The card buzzed again and then went silent. Tomoyo was giggling and Syaoran was chuckling.

She hugged Syaoran again, so happy to have him back in Japan.

*CCSXHP-Crossover*

The day of the trip dawned bright and clear skyed. Given the clouds the night before, Chiharu suspected magic was involved in that. She dressed in regular clothing. Her mother had wanted her to wear her best but McGonagall had advised against it. Diagon Alley was not the best place for fine clothing even to this day.

She was nervous to meet the other students on their way to Hogwarts. First to arrive was Tomoyo. Chiharu had waved at her, surprised to see the other girl. She was already wearing a school unform in black and red, the basic colors of Hogwarts.

"Good morning, Chiharu-chan." Tomoyo greeted. She turned to Professor McGonagall. "Good morning, McGonagall-Sensei. It's nice to meet you. I am Tomoyo Daidouji."

"Miss Diadouji, it is a please to meet you as well. I met the other girl that is coming, she was very polite as well. Is she with you?"

Tomoyo just smiled. "Sorry, but she had to take a detour on her way here. She will be here soon."

The next to arrive sent Chiharu into a fit of rage.

"Takashi, what are you doing here?"

"I got a letter on my birthday back in June. So here I am."

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to Hogwarts?"

He laughed. "You didn't tell me either, and I was told to keep it secret."

She sighed as she hugged him tightly. She was happy he was going to be at her side after all. Then there was a roar from above.

Chiharu saw McGonagall draw her wand. "Children, behind me, please."

They did as bid, though Tomoyo did not look worried. A large gray figure strode into view, bellowing and swinging a club.

"A Japanese troll, an Oni." McGonagall gasped, "What is that doing here."

From above they heard a male voice speak with authority. "Gods of Thunder, answer my summons! RAITEI SHOURAI!" (Coming of the Thunder Gods!)

A blast of lightning hit the Oni and knocked it down, screaming. The lightning came from a boy standing on a lamppost. He had a sword in one hand and a paper in the other.

"Now, finish him." Syaoran called. "Before he starts attacking the town."

A feminine voice Chiharu knew well called out. "Oh Shadows! Bind this creature and take him far from civilization once more! Shadow!"

She turned and saw Sakura, a glowing circle below her. A pink card floated in the air, with a staff under it. The star in the center was spinning as the creature's own shadow rose and wrapped around it. The Oni struggled but it was soon pulled into the ground and out of sight.

Sakura flicked her hand and the card flew back to her. Another card also appeared from thin air and landed in her hand.

"That was exhausting." She exclaimed. "Never had to hold an illusion that long to make him look mundane to the Muggles. I thought we were never going to get him to a safe spot."

Syaoran dropped down and patted her. "Need some of my magic?" He offered and she shook her head.

She took her staff and it changed into the small pendent Chiharu had seen around her neck for the last year. "No, I'm fine. Was anyone hurt?" She called this to Professor McGonagall.

"No, and I see why Eriol was so insistent on getting you two into Hogwarts. You just not only knocked down an Oni, but also sent it back to safety without slaying it. I think most Minister Wizards would have just put it down."

Sakura shook her head before bowing. "It was just scared. The Muggle cars frightened it. Sorry Professor, I already had to break your rules."

McGonagall sighed. "Can't be helped. Who knows when your Minister would have responded to the Oni and how many Muggles it would have attacked. Did anyone see it?"

Syaoran laughed. "Kind of hard to miss. While I lured it into the Illusion, Sakura used her Erase card to edit the memories of the Muggles. Much less risky than memory modification charms too."

McGonagall laughed. "They are risky spells. I wish my last bunch of troublemakers had been able to clean up after themselves so well. Still, school has not officially started yet. I will remind you both that once you arrive at Hogwarts, you will not be allowed to use magic outside Hogwarts freely until your seventeen."

"Unless a Hogwarts Professor says you can." Eriol said, appearing behind them. "Which I am likely to say yes to most things you two deem worthy of using magic on."

Chiharu felt Takashi touch her shoulder before stepping out.

"Sakura-chan, do you know what they say about Oni's?" He asked even as Sakura looked shocked.

"Eh?" She said cutely in confusion. Syaoran seemed to be bracing himself.

"They say if you spare an Oni, it will owe you for life and become your devoted servant…" Takashi was cut off by something small punching him in the top of his head.

"So, it's been you filling her head with lies!" A plush cat-bearlike creature growled.

Meanwhile, Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other. "Is it a lie, Syaoran?"

"I don't know, we don't have Oni in Hong Kong. Mother never covered them in my education."

Chiharu sighed and stepped out. Sure, she had just seen her friend do a huge display of power, but Sakura was Sakura.

"Chiharu-chan," Sakura said. She clasped her hands together.

"Sakura-chan," Chiharu smiled. "Good to see you. I guess we'll be Witches together."

Sakura ran forward at the same moment Chiharu started and the two hugged. Honestly, Chiharu was unsure how she would have left Sakura behind.

"I'm sorry." Sakura said. "I never told you I was a magician."

Chiharu shook her head. "Before I learned I was a Witch, I wouldn't have believed you. I have trouble believing now that Sakura-chan Kinomoto, who is scared of ghosts, is going to be a Witch too. And Li-Kun is a Wizard?"

Syaoran fist bumped with Takashi. "Well, I am a warrior-mage from Hong Kong. My family has been practicing magic for countless generations. I won't even be the first Li at Hogwarts."

"Well, Takashi and I are what we were told are called Muggle-born. Is that what you and Sakura are, Tomoyo?"

Tomoyo laughed. "Oh, no. Magic runs in my mother's side of my family. I guess we never told you by Sakura and I are second cousins. My mother was her mother's cousin. We only learned that after we became close friends."

"Was your mother a Witch, Miss Kinomoto?" McGonagall asked. Eriol frowned but Sakura shrugged.

"I don't really know. I know very little about my mother, other than what Dad and Onii-chan have told me. Neither of them mentioned she could use magic. I know where the magic I have comes from."

She did not offer more but Chiharu suspected she had the right to her secrets.

"Sorry, I never thought you would see me in this way, Chiharu-chan." Sakura smiled at her. "I didn't tell Tomoyo either. She kind of found out on her own. I was careless in the beginning when I first awoke my powers."

McGonagall huffed. "I might have words with the Japan branch of the Ministry. They let a underaged magical child face magical threats and no one checked in on it? I find that suspicious."

Chiharu would wonder after why Eriol looked so guilty at that remark. Syaoran took his sword and it glowed blue as he pushed it into his palm, and it vanished as he did so.

"Whoa, where did you learn that, Kid?" Kero asked.

"My mother. Shall we be going?"

McGonagall brought out a small toy train. "This is called a portkey. It is set to go in a minute from now. Everyone, grab on tightly."

They all reached out and touch the toy with a finger each. Then it felt like her digit was glued to the toy and a hook was pulling at her navel, as Chiharu was pulled away from Japan and off to her new life as a Witch.

*CCSXHP-Crossover*

A/N: While I intended to get to Diagon Alley today, this got away from me. It's nearly half as long as the entire story is. So we will come back in September to this point for the next chapter. I hope you decide to check out my other works on this site as well as consider checking out my original works, you can see those in the links below.

Next time: Sakura and the Wand. Say it with me, Release!

Remember, we each have an invincible spell. 'I know everything will be alright.'

fiction/55565/song-of-phoenix-ordeal-part-1