Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter has originally been edited by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot.
Harry Potter is owned by J.K Rowling.
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." – Normal talking
"Hello." – Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
": Hello. : " – Goblin Language
": Hello :" – French.
"$: Hello :$" – Parseltongue
Chapter 41:
It had been almost two months since Kaien and Artoria had started at Hogwarts. After the first week of attending their classes, they quickly realized that they were far ahead of the Seventh-Year students. With their newfound free time, they decided to make the most of it. They explored Hogwarts together, and Artoria often shared stories she remembered about the castle. Some days, they would read various books they found in the library.
While studying there, some of the first-years they had befriended approached them for help with their homework. They gladly assisted. In the following days, more and more first-years began showing up in the library, seeking Kaien and Artoria's guidance. By the next week, students from the second and third years had also joined the study group.
Kaien and Artoria approached Madam Prince, the librarian, and asked if there was a study room they could use. She agreed, and the Shiba Study Room was born.
Kaien and Artoria would help any student who asked for their assistance, with two simple rules: no bullying in the study room, and any questions—whether related to the current material or not—were always welcome. Many professors noticed the improvement in their younger students' grades, and soon enough, the younger students were praising Kaien and Artoria for their support. They affectionately began calling them Kaien-sensei and Artoria-sensei.
Each night, Artoria would meditate and connect with the wards. Having established Camelot's wards, she was able to access all of Hogwarts' wards. She quickly discovered that many of the wards had been incorrectly placed by previous Headmasters and Headmistresses. The new wards had been built on top of the old ones. Every night, Artoria painstakingly detached the misplaced wards and merged them with the original ones, restoring the magic to its proper alignment.
Today, on October 30th, the students were lined up outside in the cold evening air. The school had organized the students by height and year. Kaien and Artoria stood at the far back, on the right side of the line. While they were fine against the cold, Kaien noticed that many of the younger students were shivering. Looking around, he saw that the older students had been layered with warming charms.
"Really? You can't even bother to help the younger students?" Kaien thought to himself. Without hesitation, he cast a mass warming spell on the younger students. They immediately felt the warmth and looked at Kaien in surprise.
"Thank you, Kaien-sensei," they whispered.
"Look back to the front," Professor McGonagall instructed. The students quickly turned to face the front.
"Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons is approaching!" Dumbledore announced.
"Where?" many students shouted, scanning the area.
"There!" a sixth-year yelled, pointing towards the forest. Something large was flying towards Hogwarts.
"It appears to be some kind of carriage, pulled by a dozen winged horses," Kaien observed, his voice calm. Artoria nodded in agreement. Soon, the large carriage landed. The front door opened, and a young boy dressed in pale blue robes jumped out, lowering a set of golden steps. A large woman stepped out of the carriage, and Dumbledore began to clap. The students followed suit. She walked toward Dumbledore, and the two exchanged greetings. More students, all wearing the same pale blue robes, followed her out of the carriage.
"Something's coming from the lake," Artoria whispered. A large black wooden boat began to rise from the Black Lake, eventually docking at the shore. Slowly, people began to disembark, all dressed in thick fur coats. The last person to leave the boat was a man dressed in a high-quality fur coat. He walked over to greet the other two Heads.
The students began to make their way inside Hogwarts. Soon, everyone was seated in the Great Hall. Kaien and Artoria sat with Ravenclaw for the feast. Beauxbatons took their seats with Ravenclaw, while Durmstrang sat with Slytherin.
Everyone was seated, except for Dumbledore.
"Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, ghosts, and, most importantly, guests," Dumbledore began. "It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Hogwarts. I trust your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable. The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast," Dumbledore continued. "Now, I invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"
With that, the food appeared on the table. Kaien and Artoria noticed that there was a wider variety of dishes than usual. They tried some of the foreign dishes.
"Hm… this stew is delicious. Do you know what it is?" Artoria asked.
"It's Bouillabaisse," came a response. Kaien and Artoria turned to see a familiar girl in blue robes.
"Hello, Fleur," Kaien said with a smile.
"Kaien," Fleur replied. Kaien gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"May I sit with you two?" she asked.
"Sure," Kaien replied. Fleur sat down to Kaien's right, while Artoria took the left side. Fleur began scooping some Bouillabaisse onto her plate.
"Are you planning to enter the Triwizard Tournament?" Fleur asked.
"No," Kaien replied.
"What about you?" Fleur asked, looking at Artoria.
"No as well," Artoria answered.
"Oh… how come?"
"It wouldn't sit right with us if we ended up being Hogwarts's champions, especially since we've only been students here for two months," Kaien explained.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes," they confirmed. They continued catching up as the conversation moved on. Some of the Ravenclaws and Beauxbatons students were curious about how they knew each other, and Kaien explained that he had rescued Fleur from a Death Eater during the Quidditch World Cup Finals.
Soon, all the food on the table disappeared. Dumbledore stood up again, signaling the end of the meal.
"With everyone fed and ready to go to sleep… allow me a few moments to explain a few things," Dumbledore said. "You may notice many new faces sitting with me at the Professor's Table." Some students nodded. "On my right is Madam Maxime, Headmistress of Beauxbatons." Madam Maxime stood and received polite applause before sitting back down. Dumbledore continued, "On my left is Professor Karkaroff, Headmaster of Durmstrang." Professor Karkaroff stood and also received polite applause. "On Madam Maxime's right is Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation." Mr. Crouch stood and received a brief round of applause before sitting. "On Professor Karkaroff's left is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." There was a larger round of applause for Mr. Bagman. Dumbledore waited for the students to settle before continuing.
"All of us have spent the last few months arranging the tasks for the Triwizard Tournament, and we will all be judging the three champions. Now, speaking of champions…"
Dumbledore glanced at Mr. Filch, who was carrying a large, old wooden chest. He carefully placed it on a nearby table before quickly scurrying away.
"There will be three tasks throughout the school year. These tasks are designed to test the selected champions in different ways: their magical knowledge, their daring, their intellect, and most importantly, their ability to cope with the impending danger. The champions will be selected by the Goblet of Fire." Dumbledore drew out his wand and tapped the chest. The lid slowly opened, and Dumbledore reached inside, pulling out an old wooden cup with bluish-white flames dancing at the mouth. The chest closed itself as the Goblet of Fire was placed on the table.
"Anyone wishing to enter the tournament must submit a piece of parchment with their name and their respective school. You have until tomorrow to submit your names. To ensure fairness, we will draw an age line around the Goblet; only students of the age of seventeen or older will be allowed to enter." The audience, mostly the sixth year, reacted negatively to Dumbledore's announcement. He waited a moment before clapping loudly, silencing the commotion.
"The last thing I wish to say is a warning: This tournament is not something to consider lightly. Once you are selected as a champion, you are bound by a magical contract to compete. With that, good night and good luck." Dumbledore sat back down.
"See you tomorrow," Fleur said as she stood.
"See you... though I will be at the Slytherin table tomorrow," Kaien replied.
"Oh?" Fleur raised an eyebrow.
"We weren't sorted into a house, so we decided to sit at a different table every meal," Kaien explained.
"Oh. Okay then," Fleur said, shrugging. Everyone left the Great Hall. Some students pondered entering the tournament, while others wondered how they might trick the age line. Many speculated about the challenges the champions would face.
Scene Change: Morning
Kaien and Artoria walked toward the Entrance Hall, where they found Fred and George with long, white beards.
"So, what did you two do?" Kaien asked.
"We tried to use an Ageing Potion to bypass the Age Line," Fred explained. They quickly learned not to use their twin speak around Kaien.
"Hm..." Kaien murmured. "I assume you both want to enter the tournament?"
"All three of us," came a voice from behind. Kaien turned to see Lee Jordan joining them.
"He's our friend, Lee Jordan," George said. "He helped us gather the ingredients for the Ageing Potions."
"Hm..." Kaien glanced around and saw many students watching them. "Well, I have three possible solutions to this problem. Do you three want to help me?" Kaien asked.
"Sure," they replied.
"Lee, how good is your aim?" Kaien asked.
"As in throwing things? I guess I'm pretty good," Lee answered.
"Good. Crumple your parchment into a ball and throw it into the Goblet," Kaien instructed. Lee crumpled his parchment and walked toward the Goblet. When he was close enough, he threw the parchment ball into the flames. Everyone watched as the ball was devoured by the fire.
"Guess that worked," Kaien said, glancing at the others. "Fred."
"Yes, Kaien-sensei?" Fred replied.
"Levitate your parchment above the fire," Kaien said. Fred quickly took out his wand and levitated the parchment toward the flames. Again, the Goblet devoured it.
"George," Kaien continued.
"Y-yes, Kaien-sensei?" George asked, a little nervous.
"Hand me your parchment." George passed him his parchment with his name on it.
"Is anyone else here above the age limit and already placed their name in the Goblet?" Kaien asked.
"I just did," a girl replied. Kaien saw a dark-skinned girl standing behind them.
"Angelina," George said.
"Do you want to help us?" Kaien asked.
"Sure," Angelina replied.
"Take this parchment and place it in the Goblet," Kaien instructed. She took George's parchment and placed it into the flames, where it was quickly devoured as well.
"Looks like you three are in the running," Kaien said. The surrounding students began to clap.
"Kaien-sensei, that was inappropriate," Hermione said, stepping up behind them.
Kaien raised an eyebrow. "Hello, Hermione. It's not my fault that Dumbledore forgot something important."
"What did he forget?" Hermione asked, confused.
"To every problem, there is the most simple solutio," Kaien replied, quoting.
"That's a quote from Agatha Christie," Hermione said, her eyes lighting up with recognition.
"Correct," Kaien replied, as they began walking to the Great Hall for breakfast.
When they reached the Slytherin table, Kaien and Artoria sat down. Most of the Slytherins publicly avoided them, but Kaien and Artoria knew they had private friends and allies in the house.
"May I sit here?" a deep voice asked. Kaien turned to find Viktor Krum standing nearby.
"Go ahead," Kaien said with a smile. Viktor sat down beside them.
"I'm Kaien Shiba," Kaien introduced himself.
"I'm Artoria Shiba," Artoria added.
"And I'm Viktor Krum," Viktor said, expecting the usual fan reaction. However, to his surprise, Kaien merely nodded and returned to his breakfast. Viktor was momentarily taken aback, but he decided not to question it and joined them in eating.
"I saw what you did earlier," Viktor said after a moment. Kaien glanced at him. "That was clever."
"Thank you," Kaien replied.
"You'd be a very challenging opponent if you were the Hogwarts Champion, Mr. Shiba," Viktor remarked.
"First off, call me Kaien," Kaien said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Very well, Kaien. Then call me Viktor."
"Well, Viktor," Kaien continued, "back to your earlier point, yes, I would be a very challenging opponent if I were to submit my name."
"What? You didn't submit your name?" Viktor asked, surprised.
"I didn't," Kaien confirmed.
"Why not?"
"It wouldn't sit right with us if we ended up as Hogwarts's champion, especially since we've only been students here for two months," Kaien explained.
"I see…" Viktor murmured.
"Do you have any plans for later today?" Kaien asked.
"No, just reviewing my spells," Viktor replied.
"Great," Kaien said, smiling. "Artoria and I were planning on dueling again. Do you want to join us?"
"Hm… sure," Viktor said. They all stood up, and Kaien noticed Fleur sitting alone at the Ravenclaw table. He walked over to her.
"Morning, Fleur."
"Oh, morning, Kaien," she replied.
"Any plans for today?"
"Oh… no. Not really."
"Great. Me, Artoria, and Viktor are planning to duel. Want to join?"
"Sure," Fleur replied. Artoria led them to the empty corridor they used to train in.
"So, you ready to fight?" Kaien asked with a smirk. Viktor and Fleur nodded. "So, who will go first?"
"I will," Viktor said.
"Very well then. Keep in mind, this isn't a duel. It's a fight," Kaien warned. Kaien and Viktor stood a few feet apart. Kaien summoned Mysteria in her wand form, while Artoria and Fleur took their places on the sidelines.
"Three. Two. One… START!" Artoria shouted.
"Sepulcrum Petram [Rock Tomb," Kaien said. Large boulders began to form above Viktor, crashing down toward him.
"Reducto! Reducto!" Viktor yelled. Blue spells shot from his wand, shattering the boulders into smaller rocks.
"Saxa animalibus [Rocks to Animals," Kaien said. The remaining rocks transformed into stone bears, lions, and gorillas. "Attack him," Kaien ordered. The stone animals roared and charged toward Viktor. He stood his ground.
"Confringo! Confringo!" Viktor yelled, firing orange spells from his wand. The stones exploded into dust and pebbles. "Depulso," Viktor added, banishing the debris around him. When the dust cleared, Viktor looked around but couldn't find Kaien.
"Stupefy!" Kaien's voice rang out. Viktor collapsed to the floor, unconscious. Kaien pointed his wand at him. "Rennervate." Viktor slowly woke up.
"Good fight," Viktor said, sitting up.
"It was… but it could have been better," Kaien replied. Viktor nodded in agreement. Kaien turned to Fleur, who was already preparing. Viktor sat beside Artoria.
"Three. Two. One… START!" Artoria shouted.
"Diffindo. Expelliarmus. Incendio. Stupefy," Fleur said, rapidly firing spells at Kaien. He dodged by sidestepping each attack, gradually closing the distance between them. Fleur began to retreat as Kaien pressed forward.
"Ventus tempestas [Wind Storm," Kaien said. A large tornado formed and rushed toward Fleur.
"Protego Maxima!" Fleur cried, conjuring an invisible barrier around herself. The wind slammed into the shield, and she gritted her teeth, pouring more magic into it. After a moment, the storm subsided. Fleur lowered her spell, exhausted from the effort. She scanned for Kaien, but he was nowhere to be seen.
"Aqua Eructo," Kaien said, blasting her with a jet of cold water. Fleur whipped around to see Kaien casually whistling, pretending not to notice the drenched girl.
"Grr," Fleur growled, her frustration growing. She summoned fireballs and hurled them at Kaien. He dodged with a quick jump to the side, still whistling. The more she missed, the angrier she became.
"You're going to get it!" Fleur thought, her rage taking over. She began to transform. Her face morphed into a cruel, bird-like beak, and long, scaly wings sprouted from her shoulders. Her mind filled with fury as she soared toward Kaien. He stood still, still whistling, as she sped toward him.
At the last moment, Kaien acted.
"Murum Petram [Rock Wall," Kaien said, summoning a large rock wall in front of him. Fleur's eyes widened as she tried to stop, but it was too late. She crashed into the wall with a thud, knocking her unconscious. Kaien sighed, lowering the wall. He glanced at Fleur, who had returned to her normal form. Kaien cast a spell to remove the bruise on her forehead before gently waking her up. She glared at him as she regained consciousness.
"Was that necessary?"
"I did warn you this wasn't a duel," Kaien replied with a shrug.
She slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Anyways, are you feeling better?"
"Just my pride," she said, still scowling.
"Your pride being damaged is better than losing your life," Kaien replied. Viktor and Artoria approached.
"Now then… do you two want to get stronger?" Kaien asked with a smirk. They both nodded, exchanging nervous glances. Kaien's smile widened, and Viktor and Fleur exchanged looks, both dreading what Kaien might have in store for them next.
Scene Change: Evening
Kaien, Artoria, and the two tired students entered the Great Hall. Viktor and Fleur walked to their respective tables, where their fellow students immediately bombarded them with questions.
"What happened?" they asked.
"Training," they replied succinctly.
Kaien and Artoria sat down beside Harry and Hermione, and the group began eating the Halloween feast. Many students were eyeing the Goblet of Fire, which now stood in front of Dumbledore's empty chair. As the golden plates were cleared away, the chatter died down when Dumbledore stood up.
"It appears the Goblet of Fire is ready to make its decision," Dumbledore announced. "When the champion is called, I would like them to walk up to the staff deck and enter the chamber behind it." He pointed toward a small door. "From there, they will receive their instructions." Dumbledore raised his wand and extinguished all the candles along the walls, leaving only the glowing candles in the carved pumpkins. The bluish-white flame of the Goblet of Fire grew brighter in the dimmed Hall.
Suddenly, the bluish-white flames turned bright red. A stray flame shot out of the Goblet, and everyone watched as it transformed into a piece of parchment. The fire returned to its bluish-white hue as Dumbledore caught the parchment.
"The champion for Durmstrang will be Viktor Krum," Dumbledore announced. The room erupted in applause as Viktor walked forward and entered the side chamber.
The commotion immediately quieted when the bluish-white flames turned red again. Another stray flame shot out of the Goblet, turning into another piece of parchment. The flames shifted back to their bluish-white state as Dumbledore grabbed the parchment.
"The champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!" Dumbledore declared. Fleur stood gracefully and walked toward him. Applause erupted again as she made her way to the staff deck. Once she entered the side chamber, the room fell into an expectant silence.
Everyone knew the next and final champion was about to be announced. The Goblet of Fire's flames turned red once more, and a stray red flame shot out. It transformed into a sheet of parchment. Dumbledore grabbed it, glanced at it, and chuckled.
"The Hogwarts champion," he called, "is Fredrick Weasley!" The entire Gryffindor table erupted into cheers, with students jumping to their feet, screaming, stamping, and celebrating. Fred walked toward Dumbledore, pausing briefly by Kaien.
"Thanks," Fred said before continuing his walk to Dumbledore and the chamber behind the teacher's table. Dumbledore waited for a few moments before speaking again.
"Excellent. Now that we have our three champions... I hope all of you will support your champion," Dumbledore began, but was abruptly interrupted by the Goblet of Fire. The bluish-white flames turned red once again. Everyone watched as the goblet shot out another stray flame. That flame turned into a fourth piece of parchment. Dumbledore caught it, staring at it for a moment before reading the name aloud.
"Harry Potter."
Harry stood frozen, shocked by the unexpected announcement. He had been preparing for a normal fourth year, not to find himself standing before everyone as the fourth champion. In the background, Professor McGonagall stood up and whispered to Dumbledore. Harry turned to Ron and Hermione.
"I didn't put my name in," Harry said blankly. "You know I didn't."
Both Ron and Hermione stared at him in confusion, equally perplexed.
At the top table, Dumbledore straightened up, nodding to Professor McGonagall.
"Harry Potter!" he called again. "Harry! Up here, if you please!"
"Go on," Hermione whispered, giving Harry a slight push. Harry got to his feet, tripping slightly on the hem of his robes.
"Come on, Harry," Kaien said, standing up with him. Artoria followed suit. No one commented on their presence as they made their way toward the chamber behind the teacher's table.
Harry opened the door, stepping inside to find the others already gathered. Viktor, Fred, and Fleur were grouped around the fire, their figures silhouetted against the flames. Viktor, looking brooding as usual, was leaning against the mantelpiece, slightly apart from the other two. Fred stood with his hands behind his back, staring into the fire, while Fleur tossed her long, silvery hair back as she looked toward Harry.
"Kaien. Artoria. What's going on?" Fred asked.
"Somehow Harry's name got entered into the Goblet of Fire," Kaien replied.
Just then, Ludo Bagman entered the room, taking Harry by the arm and leading him forward.
"Extraordinary!" he muttered. "Extraordinary! Gentlemen... lady," he added, approaching the fireside and addressing the other three. "May I introduce—the fourth Triwizard champion, incredible though it may seem?" Everyone stared at Harry.
The door behind them opened again, and a large group of people entered: Professor Dumbledore, followed closely by Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, and Professor McGonagall. Harry could hear the buzzing of the hundreds of students outside the door before Professor McGonagall closed it.
"Madame Maxime!" Fleur called, walking over to her headmistress. "They said this young boy has to participate as well. Is this true?"
Madame Maxime ignored Fleur and focused on Dumbledore.
"What is the meaning of this, Dumbledore?" she asked imperiously.
"I'd like to know that myself, Dumbledore," Professor Karkaroff added. "Two Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone saying the host school is allowed two champions—have I not read the rules carefully enough?"
"That's impossible. Hogwarts cannot have two champions. It would not be fair," Madame Maxime declared.
"We were under the impression that your Age Line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore. Otherwise, we would have brought a wider selection of candidates from our schools," Karkaroff continued.
"If I may interject," Kaien said. All the adults turned toward him. "I can argue that you don't need to cross the age line to enter the tournament. Fred and Krum can testify how I easily outsmarted that line. So, Harry could have entered himself, or someone else who wanted him dead could have entered his name."
Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgment and turned to Harry.
"Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire, Harry?" he asked calmly.
"No," Harry replied, fully aware of the intense scrutiny of everyone in the room.
"Did you ask an older student to put it in for you?" Dumbledore pressed.
"No," Harry said vehemently.
"Ah, but of course he is lying!" Madame Maxime cried.
"Are you even sure he was entered as a student of Hogwarts?" Kaien interjected. Dumbledore glanced at the parchment and noted that no school was listed.
"There isn't a school written on it," Dumbledore muttered.
"I believe someone managed to cast a Confundus Charm on the Goblet of Fire, making it think there was another school in the tournament, with Harry as the only student from that fourth school," Kaien theorized.
Harry sighed in frustration.
"Mr. Crouch… Mr. Bagman," Karkaroff said, "you are our objective judges. Surely you agree that this is most irregular?"
Bagman wiped his face with a handkerchief and glanced at Mr. Crouch, who stood half in shadow, his face barely visible in the firelight.
"We must follow the rules, and the rules state clearly that those whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the tournament," Crouch said.
"Well, Barty knows the rulebook back to front," Bagman commented, acknowledging that both heads of the schools would have to accept this outcome.
"I insist on resubmitting the names of the rest of my students," Karkaroff declared. "You'll reset the Goblet of Fire, and we'll continue adding names until each school has two champions. It's only fair, Dumbledore."
"But Karkaroff, it doesn't work like that," Bagman replied. "The Goblet of Fire just went out—it won't reignite until the next tournament."
"—In which Durmstrang will most certainly not be competing!" Karkaroff yelled. "After all our meetings, negotiations, and compromises, I never expected something like this to happen! I have half a mind to leave now!"
"Empty threat, Karkaroff," growled a voice from near the door. "You can't leave your champion now. He's got to compete. They've all got to compete. Binding magical contract, like Dumbledore said. Convenient, eh?"
The group turned to see Moody limping toward the fire.
"Convenient?" Karkaroff sneered. "I'm afraid I don't understand you, Moody."
"Don't you?" Moody said quietly. "Just as Kaien said. Someone put Potter's name in that goblet, knowing he'd have to compete if it came out."
"Someone wished to give Hogwarts two bites at the apple!" Madame Maxime exclaimed.
"If anyone's got a reason to complain, it's Potter," Moody growled. "But... funny thing... I don't hear him saying a word..."
"Why should he complain?" Fleur Delacour burst out, stamping her foot. "We have all been hoping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! The honor for our schools! A thousand Galleons in prize money—this is a chance many would die for!"
"Maybe someone's hoping Potter is going to die for it," Moody said, the faintest trace of a growl in his voice. An extremely tense silence followed these words.
"Moody, old man... what a thing to say!" Mr. Bagman said.
"Alastor!" Dumbledore said warningly. "How this situation arose, we do not know," he continued, speaking to everyone in the room. "It seems to me, however, that we have no choice but to accept it. Both Fred and Harry have been chosen to compete in the Tournament. This, therefore, will do..."
"Ah, but Dumbledore—"
"My dear Madame Maxime, if you have an alternative, I would be delighted to hear it."
"If all the judges allow it, then Harry will not represent Hogwarts but instead represent Shiba Academy of Mystical Arts," Kaien said.
Everyone stood in silence.
"Do you have the authority to offer that alternative?" Karkaroff sneered.
"I am the Clan Head of my respective side of the Shiba Clan, so yes, I can offer this as an alternative."
"Very well," Karkaroff said.
"Hm. The Japanese boy proposed a good idea," Madame Maxime added. They both turned to Dumbledore.
"Very well," Dumbledore said. "Harry, for this tournament, you will no longer be a Hogwarts student. Instead, you will be a student at Shiba Academy of Mystical Arts."
"We need to contact the school to send a representative over," Bagman said.
"No need," Kaien interjected. "Artoria will be our representative at the judging table," he explained.
"Well, shall we crack on, then?" Bagman said, rubbing his hands together and smiling around the room. "Got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we? Barty, want to do the honors?" Mr. Crouch was looking off in the distance, lost in thought.
"Yes," he said, snapping back to attention. "Instructions. The first task..." He moved forward into the firelight. "The first task is designed to test your daring," he told Harry, Fred, Fleur, and Viktor. "So we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard." He paused. "The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept any help from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. You will face the first challenge armed only with your wands. You will receive information about the second task after the first is over. Due to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempt from end-of-year tests." Mr. Crouch turned to Dumbledore. "I think that's all, is it, Albus?"
"I think so," Dumbledore said.
"I have something to ask," Kaien said. Mr. Crouch turned to him.
"What is it?"
"When can I expect to see the magical agreement?"
"Why do you need that?"
"If I'm planning to help Harry survive this tournament, I need to know the limits that I can assist."
"As I said earlier, the champions are not permitted to ask for or accept any help from their teachers to complete the tasks," Crouch repeated.
"So, is asking the teacher for a pass to the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library considered help?" Kaien asked. Mr. Crouch stared at Kaien for a few moments.
"You will get a copy of the contract in the morning," he replied. With that, everyone left the chamber. Kaien and Artoria followed Harry and Fred.
"Fred, can you leave us for a moment?" Harry asked.
"Sure," Fred said, walking ahead.
"W-why did you help me there?" Harry asked.
"Because we believed that you didn't do it."
"And you two didn't do this as a trap?" Harry asked.
Kaien sighed.
"Are you scared that we would betray you or purposely hurt you?" Kaien asked.
Harry didn't reply, but Kaien could see the doubt in his eyes. Kaien raised his wand.
"I swear on my life, my magic, and my soul... for the duration of this tournament, or until Harry relieves me of my duty, to be the master and mentor that he needs. To teach him what I know, to ensure his survival in the tournament, and never betray his trust. So mote it be."
Kaien glowed golden as his magic flowed toward Harry. Artoria raised her wand.
"I swear on my life, my magic, and my soul... for the duration of this tournament, or until Harry relieves me of my duty, to teach him what I know, to ensure his survival in the tournament, and never betray his trust. So mote it be."
Artoria, too, glowed golden as her magic flowed to Harry.
"I feel I need to do something," Harry said.
"Well, you could say your oath as an apprentice," Kaien suggested.
"What about the wording?"
"Think about the words to express your intent. Your magic will follow that intention," Kaien explained.
Harry nodded and drew his wand.
"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my life and magic until the end of the tournament, or when I no longer need them, to be the apprentice for my master and mentor. To learn all that they will teach me, follow all of their instructions, and try my best to survive in this tournament. So mote it be."
Harry began to glow silver, and his magic flowed to Kaien and Artoria. Their unified magic flashed together, signifying their oath was accepted, before disappearing.
"I see…" Harry said as they walked toward the Fat Lady. Harry quickly said the password and the portrait swung open. Immediately, they were bombarded by loud noises. Arms reached out, ready to grab Harry. Kaien quickly stepped in front of him. The arms halted and moved back.
"Move," Kaien commanded.
The nearby students scattered as they entered. The music stopped, and everyone stared at them.
"Harry, go grab your stuff," Kaien said.
Harry nodded and made his way up the stairs.
"Pass this to the other students. Harry is forced into this tournament. He did not willingly join it. To make it fair, Harry will not represent Hogwarts; instead, he will represent the Shiba Academy of Mystical Arts. Fred Weasley can attest to this," Kaien said. Before anyone could respond, Harry returned with his trunk, his face even more somber than before. As he and Artoria began to leave, Harry spotted Hermione running toward them.
"Go on ahead," Kaien whispered. Artoria nodded and led Harry away. Kaien turned to face Hermione.
"Kaien, where is Harry going?"
"He's going to a private room for now."
"I see," Hermione said. "Can I talk to him?"
Kaien stared at Hermione for a moment before turning away. "Follow me," he said. Hermione followed behind him as they made their way to the Black Knight portrait.
"Knight of Honor," Kaien said. The Black Knight nodded and the door opened.
"Hermione!" Harry yelled as she rushed in and hugged him. Kaien noticed that another room had appeared.
"It seems Hogwarts decided that Hermione needs to stay here instead of going back to her room," Kaien said. Hermione turned and saw her belongings already in one of the rooms.
"Harry will take the other room," Kaien added, pointing to an empty room. "If you two need anything, we'll be in the far room." Both Harry and Hermione looked toward the only room with a closed door. Kaien walked toward it.
"Make sure you two lovebirds don't stay up too late." Harry and Hermione blushed and looked away.
"But seriously, we have a big day tomorrow," Artoria warned, following Kaien into their room and closing the door behind her.
"Hermione, why did you follow me?" Harry asked after they were alone.
"Because... I knew you needed all the support you could get… especially after what happened with Ron," Hermione explained.
"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said, pulling her into a hug. "Thank you for being there for me, and... I'm sorry."
"Sorry? For what?"
"For getting mad at you about the Firebolt and making you choose me over Ron."
"Harry, I understood. I thought it over, and I shouldn't have gone behind your back. I should've explained it better," Hermione said. "As for Ron... I only hung out with him because of you."
"Me?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Yes, you. I wanted to be friends with you. Ron was just... an add-on," Hermione said.
"I see..." Harry said, thinking.
"What do you see me as?" Hermione asked, her voice soft.
"I... see you as my best friend," Harry replied.
"J-just your best friend?" Hermione asked, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
"No... I've..." Harry trailed off, gathering his courage.
"Come on, Harry. Where is that Gryffindor courage?" Harry thought.
"I've had feelings for you," Harry admitted. Hermione's eyes widened.
"You do?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise. Without another word, she quickly hugged him again.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, his heart racing.
"I do too," she admitted. The two of them stayed in the hug for a while, silently appreciating the moment. Eventually, they pulled away from each other.
"We should go to bed," Harry said, still blushing.
"We should," Hermione replied, smiling.
"Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Harry." They went to their respective rooms, got ready for bed, and fell asleep. Meanwhile, Kaien and Artoria shared a small, knowing smile.
Scene Change: The Next Morning
Harry woke up, his eyes opening to find himself not in his dorm room. His memory quickly returned.
"Last night wasn't a dream. I was selected as the fourth champion for the tournament," he muttered to himself. He rubbed his eyes and put on his glasses. After using the bathroom, he grabbed his robes, noticing they didn't bear the Hogwarts crest.
"I had to change schools as another result," Harry recalled. Once dressed, he left the room and immediately heard Hermione's angry voice.
"Those bloody idiots!" Hermione screamed.
"Wha-what's going on?" Harry asked, confused. Just as he asked, Hermione rushed toward him and hugged him again.
"Good morning, Harry," Kaien said, sitting at a table. On it was a stack of parchment and a tightly bound folder.
"What made Hermione curse?" Harry asked.
"We just received a copy of the magical contract about the Tournament and were reading through it," Kaien explained. "We found a clause that could have gotten you out of the tournament."
"What!?" Harry exclaimed.
"The clause states that within the first hour after the name selection, all the judges could reject a champion if the selected champion did not willingly submit their name or if they are physically or magically incapable of performing the tasks," Kaien explained.
"And I satisfy that clause?" Harry asked.
"Correct," Kaien confirmed.
"The curious thing is that the portion Mr. Crouch mentioned about champions receiving help isn't mentioned at all," Hermione added.
"Really?" Harry asked, surprised.
"The contract states that champions cannot ask for help during the actual challenges themselves," Hermione continued.
"So you two can help me, and we don't need to worry about breaking the contract?" Harry asked.
"Exactly," Kaien said.
"Do you both want to go down to the Great Hall or have breakfast here?" Kaien asked.
"Um..." Harry hesitated, unsure.
"I think staying here is a good idea," Hermione said.
Kaien nodded. "Can I get a house-elf here?" he asked. Moments later, a house-elf appeared—one Harry recognized.
"Dobby?" Harry exclaimed.
"Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby replied, his voice full of joy.
Kaien smiled. "I guess your name is Dobby?"
"Yes. Dobby's name is Dobby. How can Dobby help Harry Potter's Master?" the house elf asked.
"Master?" Hermione questioned.
"Can you get us some breakfast, please?" Kaien asked.
"Right away, sir!" Dobby said, disappearing with a snap of his fingers.
"What did Dobby mean by 'master'?" Hermione asked.
"We formed a master and apprentice bond because Harry didn't trust my intentions toward him," Kaien explained.
"I see…" Hermione said, nodding slowly. A few moments later, the table was filled with food. Artoria soon walked out of her room and sat down, quickly beginning to devour the food. Harry and Hermione watched as Artoria ate—she consumed as much as Ron would, though, unlike Ron, she maintained her table manners. Harry and Kaien joined in, but Hermione didn't.
"What's wrong?" Kaien asked.
"I'm not going to eat food made from slave labor," Hermione replied firmly. Kaien looked to Harry for an explanation.
"Dobby was the first house-elf either of us met. His previous family was very abusive. When Hermione discovered that the kitchen is managed by house elves who aren't paid or given health benefits, she compared it to slavery," Harry said. Kaien glanced at Hermione.
"Hermione, are you a house elf?" Kaien asked.
"What? No," Hermione replied, slightly confused.
"Have you read about house elves?" Kaien asked.
"No," Hermione admitted.
"Have you ever asked any house elves why they have a bond like that?" Kaien pressed.
"No," Hermione answered.
"Well, time to change that," Kaien said. "Can I get a bonded house elf here, please?" A house elf appeared—a familiar one that looked similar to Dobby.
"Hello, may I know your name?" Kaien asked.
"Woody," the house-elf replied.
"Hello, Woody. Can you explain why house-elves are bonded to a family?" Kaien asked.
"Woody needs magic from family to live," Woody replied.
"You get this magic from the bond with the family?" Kaien clarified.
"Yes," Woody said.
"What about free elves?" Hermione asked.
"Free elves can get a little magic from places like Hogwarts—just enough to live and do a few spells," Woody explained.
"Thank you, Woody, and please let the other house elves know their food is delicious," Kaien said, with a smile. Woody disappeared. Hermione sighed, finally beginning to eat.
"Look, Hermione. House elves should have rights, but before you try to shake what has been established, try to understand why it was done," Kaien said.
"Okay," Hermione agreed. Soon, breakfast was done.
"Kaien," Hermione began.
"Yes, Hermione?" Kaien replied.
"I wish to join Harry at your school," she said.
Kaien stared at her for a few moments.
"Why?" Kaien asked.
"I wish to stay with Harry," Hermione answered.
"They remind me of Orihime, Uryū, and Chad." Kaien thought.
"I would allow it, but we must speak with Professor McGonagall and your parents," Kaien said.
"Very well, then," Hermione said, nodding.
Kaien grabbed the folder and placed it in a handbag. They headed toward Professor McGonagall's office. Kaien knocked on the door, and Professor McGonagall opened it. Seeing Kaien, Artoria, Harry, and Hermione standing there, she sighed.
"Let me guess. Ms. Granger wishes to join Mr. Potter at your school as soon as she found out about his sudden transfer?" she asked.
"Indeed," Kaien replied. Professor McGonagall pulled out a parchment and signed it, handing it to Kaien.
"To make the transfer formal, Ms. Granger will need her parents to sign this form," Professor McGonagall said. Kaien nodded.
"Will the transfer be permanent?" Hermione asked.
"The transfer will only last the school year. Unlike Mr. Potter, I recommend you take the end-of-year exam," Professor McGonagall explained.
Hermione nodded. "Will I receive a list of topics I need to study for the exams?"
"You'll receive that later today," Professor McGonagall said. Kaien nodded again and left her office.
"Um… where are we going?" Hermione asked as they walked.
"To grab your medical file from Madam Pomfrey," Kaien answered.
"Why?" Hermione asked, confused.
"I will have my students medically examined by a third party before I start to teach them," Kaien explained.
"But why grab the old medical file?" Hermione pressed.
"So I can compare notes," Kaien said. He told Harry and Hermione to wait outside as he entered the Medical Wing. Ten minutes later, Kaien walked out with a folder in hand. They soon left Hogwarts.
"Um… where are we going now?" Hermione asked.
"To Gringotts," Kaien replied.
"Why?" Hermione asked, still puzzled.
"The goblins will perform an extensive medical evaluation on both of you," Kaien explained.
As they walked, Kaien placed an old hat on Harry's head to hide his hair and scar from view. They soon arrived in Hogsmeade and entered The Three Broomsticks. From there, they used the Floo to reach the Leaky Cauldron and quickly entered Diagon Alley. They made their way to Gringotts Bank. As they approached the bank, the nearby goblins acknowledged their presence with nods. Harry and Hermione were surprised by this— they had never remembered hearing of goblins bowing to wizards.
A goblin teller soon walked up to them.
"We were expecting you. Follow me," the teller said. They followed the goblin down several hallways.
"Allow me to do all the talking," Kaien whispered, and his apprentices nodded in agreement. They soon arrived at a room with a bed.
"Good morning. I am Healer Bloodfallen," the goblin said.
"Good morning, Healer Bloodfallen," Kaien greeted.
"Is he my patient?" Healer Bloodfallen asked, pointing to Harry.
"He is," Kaien replied.
"What about her?" Healer Bloodfallen asked, gesturing to Hermione.
"She is a recent addition," Kaien explained. Healer Bloodfallen stared at Kaien for a few moments before summoning another goblin.
"I am Healer Steelbone," the new goblin introduced, and another bed was brought in.
"Take off your robes and put this on," Healer Bloodfallen said, handing them each a medical gown. A curtain appeared, separating Harry and Hermione. The healers then stepped outside.
Harry and Hermione quickly changed into the gowns. They returned with four other goblins.
"Lay down on the bed," Healer Steelbone instructed. Harry and Hermione obeyed.
Healer Bloodfallen and Healer Steelbone pulled out a short stick that began to glow yellow.
"Healer Bloodfallen, what is that stick for?" Kaien asked, curious.
"This stick allows us to scan the body of the patient," Healer Bloodfallen explained. "The information will be transmitted to these sheets of paper."
"Just like a CT scan," Kaien remarked.
Healer Bloodfallen stopped for a moment, looking at Kaien. "You have non-magical medical experience?"
"I do," Kaien replied.
"Good. That is what these sticks replicate." She replied as she got back to work. As she performed her medical scan Kaien and Artoria heard Healer Bloodfallen swear in the goblin tongue. She soon ordered her two assistants to retrieve something. They both nodded and quickly ran off.
"Um…what happened?" Harry asked.
"According to our medical scan, most of your bones in your body have been fractured and not correctly healed, you are severely malnourished, your blood is extremely toxic for an unknown reason, you have much of your magic blocked and that dark magic in your scar needs to go." Kaien and Artoria were shocked at how extensive the damage to Harry's body was.
"This is Harry's medical records from his time at Hogwarts," Kaien said as he pulled it out of his bag and handed it over to Healer Bloodfallen.
"I will use this to compare my notes." Healer Bloodfallen replied. The two goblins returned; both pushing carts of different medical tools. Harry recognized a golden bottle with the image of bones on it. Harry groaned.
"You recognize something, Mister Potter?" Healer Bloodfallen asked.
"Skele-Gro. I had to drink some when Lockhart banished all the bones in my right arm." Harry explained.
"That would explain the inconsistent damage to your skeletal system." Healer Bloodfallen said. "We are going to magically break your bones and allow them to heal correctly."
"I see…"
"How long with this take?" Kaien asked.
"We can't be sure. This treatment depends on the strength of the wizard's magic. Due to Mr. Potter's magic being blocked and the dark magic in his forehead, we can't make a valid determination.
"How long will it take to remove both of them?" Harry asked. Healer Bloodfallen looked at Harry.
"I can't say exactly. We need more time to analyze them."
"I see…" Harry said. Kaien walked over to Healer Steelbone.
"How is Hermione?"
"She is perfectly fine."
"I see…" Kaien said. He turned to Healer Bloodfallen. "Healer Bloodfallen. Inform King Nagnok that I wish to see him." Kaien said.
"Very well." Healer Bloodfallen said as she tapped a rune. A few seconds later a goblin guard entered.
"Yes, Healer Bloodfallen?" The goblin guard asked.
"Please escort this man to King Nagnok." Healer Bloodfallen said.
"Very well." The goblin guard said. Kaien turned to Artoria.
"Don't worry. We'll watch over him." Artoria replied. Hermione nodded her head. Kaien followed the goblin. They soon arrived at King Nagnok's office.
"May your enemies know your wrath." King Nagnok said.
"May your vaults continue to collect more riches," Kaien replied.
"Why have you requested to see me Kaien?"
"It's about my new apprentice."
"Ah yes… Mr. Potter." King Nagnok said.
"I was curious about his lack of finance." King Nagnok chuckled before beginning to laugh. Kaien waited for King Nagnok to calm down.
"It has been a while since I had a good laugh." King Nagnok noticed Kaien's emotionless stare. "You're serious right now." Kaien nodded his head. "The Potter Estate is one of the oldest and one of our wealthiest clients."
"And it appears that Harry doesn't know that."
"Preposterous. According to the reports from the Potter Account Manager, Mr. Potter has informed the Account Manager that he does not wish to deal with his account right now."
"And yet we have Harry Potter, who appears to be ignorant of the magical world, dressed in rags, currently being worked on by Healer Bloodfallen."
"For what?"
"Countless incorrectly healed bones, malnutrition, his magic being bound, and unknown dark magic in his scar," Kaien said.
"You suspect treachery?" King Nagnok asked.
"I do," Kaien said. King Nagnok pressed a rune on his desk.
": Get me Account Manager Griphook here now. : " King Nagnok ordered He released the rune. Kaien and King Nagnok waited a few minutes. They soon heard a knock on the door. "Enter." He commanded. The opened and another goblin entered the room. He was dressed in the standard uniform of an Account Manager.
"Account Manager Griphook reporting as ordered," Griphook said.
"Account Manager Griphook, have you received any word from Mr. Potter about his account?"
"Oh, I have your Majesty. I just finished reading a letter from him." Kaien remained emotionless as King Nagnok continued.
"Oh? What did he write?"
"Your Majesty, he once again wrote that he has no interest in his account at Gringotts and once again requested us to stop sending him letters about it."
"Do you have that letter with you?" King Nagnok asked. They could see the change in Griphook.
"U-unfortunately, your Majesty, I do not have that letter with me right now."
"When was that letter delivered to you?"
"About an hour ago your Majesty," Griphook replied. Kaien stared at King Nagnok with a smirk.
"GUARDS!" King Nagnok yelled. The office doors slammed open as a few goblin guards rushed in.
"Yes, your Majesty?"
"Detain Griphook and I need Account Auditor Ironblood and his auditors here right now." King Nagnok ordered. Before Griphook could move, the three of the goblin guards detained Griphook. While the fourth Goblin Guard left.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Griphook yelled.
"Griphook." King Nagnok said. "How dare you lie to me!"
"W-what? I did not lie to you."
"Oh you did and you continue to lie to me." King Nagnok said.
"Allow me to explain." Kaien jumped in. King Nagnok nodded his head. "As of yesterday evening, Harry was under my care. With that in mind, he never received or sent out a letter this morning." Griphook turned to King Nagnok.
"Your Majesty. This unknown human dares to think he knows what's going on with the Potter estate."
"Foolish goblin. I am the current master of Harry James Potter. His affairs are now my affairs. And if need be, I can ask him to come down here. He is currently here in Gringotts under the care of Healer Bloodfallen." Kaien said. Griphook's eyes widen.
"Take this goblin to the cells." The goblins grabbed Griphook and led him away.
"So... what will happen now?" Kaien asked.
"Account Auditor Ironblood and his team will conduct an audit on the account to see what he's done," King Nagnok replied. There was a knock on the door. "Enter."
The door opened, and Healer Bloodfallen stepped in.
"Mr. Shiba, Your Majesty, I need both of you right now." They followed her to the medical room. Kaien saw Hermione, now dressed in her school robes, sitting on the side.
"Your Majesty," Healer Steelbone greeted. All the goblins bowed to King Nagnok. Hermione followed suit, though Artoria did not.
"Healer Steelbone and Healer Bloodfallen, what is it that you need from us?" King Nagnok asked.
"Your Majesty, we discovered that Mr. Potter's scar contains a Horcrux," Healer Bloodfallen said. King Nagnok growled.
"What is a Horcrux?" Hermione asked, her curiosity piqued. The goblins turned to her. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away.
"It's all right. We'd be shocked if you knew what one of those cursed things were," Healer Steelbone replied.
"A Horcrux is an object a dark wizard or witch creates to hide a fragment of their soul, allowing them to attain immortality," King Nagnok explained.
"So, I have a part of Voldemort's soul in my body?" Harry yelled in disbelief.
"Indeed," King Nagnok confirmed.
"How do we get it out?" Harry asked.
"Normally, we would destroy the object in question..." King Nagnok started. Artoria glared at him for even suggesting that. Kaien sighed.
"Let me try something," Kaien said, summoning a familiar pair of black gloves and walking over to Harry. He closed his eyes and focused on Harry's soul. He could feel it within him and soon noticed a fragmented soul near Harry's forehead, trapped there. "Found you," Kaien whispered. He placed his finger on Harry's scar. "Keep your head straight," he warned, before pressing his finger into Harry's forehead. The moment his finger phased through Harry's head, the fragment of the soul was dislodged. It appeared as a male with bone-white skin, his eyes perpetually bloodshot.
"Thank you for freeing me!" the soul fragment yelled. Before it could escape, Kaien snapped his fingers. Six thin, yellow beams of light slammed into its midsection. "WHAT!?" it screamed, struggling to break free.
"There's no point in trying to escape," Kaien said. "Fragmented soul of Tom Marvolo Riddle... reveal the location of the remaining Horcruxes."
"NEVER!" the soul fragment screamed defiantly.
Kaien sighed. The black gloves disappeared. He raised his right pointer finger, and a small black flame appeared. He moved it toward the soul fragment.
"Hm. Do you think a measly fla—" the soul fragment sneered before being interrupted as Kaien pointed his finger directly at it. A small stream of black flame shot out, striking its chest.
"HAH! IT BURNS!" the soul fragment screamed in agony. "MAKE IT STOP!"
"Will you cooperate with me?" Kaien asked calmly.
"I WILL! I WILL! JUST MAKE IT STOP!" the fragment howled.
The black flame disappeared.
"Now tell me... what are the other Horcruxes, and where are they?"
"T-the first one is my diary, and it's with the Malfoys," the soul fragment stammered. Harry's eyes widened.
"I destroyed one?" Harry blurted out. Everyone turned to him.
"You're going to explain that later," Kaien said. Harry nodded. Kaien turned back to the soul fragment. "Where is the second one?"
"The second one is a ring, hidden in the Gaunt Shack."
"Where is the Gaunt Shack?"
"In Little Hangleton."
"Third?" Kaien pressed.
"Salazar Slytherin's Locket is located in a cave by the seaside."
"Where is this cave?" Kaien asked.
"I don't know exactly, but I can show you," the soul fragment said.
Kaien stared into its eyes.
"Kaien, is that a good idea?" King Nagnok asked.
Kaien glanced at him. "Don't worry, Nagnok," he said, turning back to the soul fragment. "Legilimens." He thought, entering the soul fragment's mind.
Scene Change: Soul Fragment's Mindscape
Kaien opened his eyes to see a chamber filled with large snake statues. In the center of the room was a large statue of a man's head. Out of the corner of his eye, Kaien spotted movement. He quickly jumped aside and saw a massive snake—over 20 meters long—slithering toward him. Its yellow eyes glowed ominously. Kaien's body froze for a split second, but his instincts quickly kicked in. Realizing it wasn't just any snake, but a basilisk, he summoned Yorugetsu and fired a nameless Getsuga, vaporizing the beast in an instant.
He heard slow clapping. Looking up, he saw Voldemort standing there, a smirk on his face.
"Impressive. You must be very powerful to vaporize one of my basilisks," Voldemort said, as nearby snake statues began to slither. "Too bad you listened to what I said," he added as the statues took their positions behind him. "Too bad you're in my mind... your body will be an excellent host for me," Voldemort commanded. "Kill him!"
The stone snakes shot toward Kaien, but a flash of green reiatsu appeared as Kyōka materialized beside him. She fired Byakurai at the snakes, easily destroying them with her lightning bolts.
"What?" Voldemort exclaimed in shock.
"Trust me... you'll be more shocked by this," Kyōka said, summoning her blade. She stabbed it into the ground, and her body began to glow green, with the green reiatsu flowing into the ground, causing the entire area to glow with a vivid green hue.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" Voldemort shouted, as his mindscape seemed to bend and distort with the overwhelming power. He ran toward them, but with a flick of Kyōka's wrist, Voldemort was sent crashing into the wall.
"Show us where the cave is," Kyōka commanded.
The chamber began to transform, shifting into the coastline. Kaien and Kyōka watched as a younger Voldemort walked toward a cave. They saw him casting various spells, filling the cave with Inferi—rotting corpses trapped in the water, souls eternally tormented. Voldemort ordered the Inferi to attack anyone who disturbed the water, except for a boat that would rise from it. In the center of the cave, he created a small island with a fountain, where he placed a golden locket and filled it with a potion.
"We should use this opportunity to verify the information he gave us," Kyōka suggested.
"Good idea," Kaien replied. "Show us the first Horcrux," he commanded.
The scene shifted again, and they found themselves in a familiar cave. They watched as a young Voldemort, possibly sixteen, stared at a young girl. She was naked, bound by ropes, and crying in agony as she begged for mercy. Voldemort ignored her pleas as he carved dark runes into her body with a knife. The girl struggled in vain. Soon, the black runes covered her entire body, and with a final, cruel gesture, Voldemort plunged the knife into her chest, casting a curse as he pointed his wand at her lifeless form.
"Avada Kedavra," he said. A green light fired from his wand and hit the girl. They watched as the young girl's soul exploded.
"It looks like the spell forces the soul to commit Soul Suicide," Kyōka observed.
"Indeed," Kaien responded. They watched as the black runes began to glow. The black runes absorbed the remnants of the soul and channeled the energy to the knife. The runes faded away. Their eyes widened as they realized what had been created.
"He... he created an artificial Asauchi," Kyōka said.
The young man grabbed the knife with his right hand, holding a small black book in his left. He took the knife and stabbed it into his chest. He pulled it out, and they watched as his soul began to leak out of his body. He stabbed the knife into the black book, and the leaking soul flowed into the pages.
"Show us where the first Horcrux is," Kyōka commanded. The scene shifted to reveal a much older Voldemort sitting on a throne, surrounded by his followers. One of them was Lucius Malfoy. Voldemort handed the black book to Lucius.
"Keep this safe for me, Lucius."
"Yes, my lord," Lucius replied, carefully stowing the book away in his robes.
"Show us the second Horcrux." The scene changed again, bringing them to an old wooden shack. They watched as a young Voldemort performed the same ritual on an older man. This time, he stabbed a ring with the knife. Afterward, he placed the ring in a box and hid it in a floor panel in the shack. He placed numerous protective spells on the shack.
"We know the third one already. Let's see if he made another one," Kaien suggested. Kyōka nodded.
"Show us the fourth Horcrux." The scene shifted again. They saw Voldemort, now in his early thirties, performing the ritual with a young woman. This time, he stabbed a cup marked with the letter 'H.' The scene quickly transitioned to show the older Voldemort sitting on his throne once more. In front of him stood a young woman.
"Keep this cup safe, Bellatrix."
"Yes, my lord," she said, taking the cup from him and holding it carefully. "I will place it in my vault, my lord."
"She said 'vault'… does she mean Gringotts?" Kaien asked.
"It's possible. Many wizards and witches trust Gringotts as a safe place for their belongings," Kyōka replied.
"I'll ask Nagnok about it later. Let's continue searching through his memories." Kaien said.
"Show us the fifth Horcrux," Kyōka commanded. The scene changed once more. They watched as an adult Voldemort killed a young, frail man and stabbed a beautiful silver diadem with the knife. The scene then transitioned to reveal Voldemort walking through the halls of Hogwarts, moving through a bare corridor adorned only with a painting of a wizard trying to teach ogres to dance.
"The training corridor?" Kaien thought, recalling that this was the direction to the training rooms.
"I need a place to hide this." The adult Voldemort mused, walking through the empty hall. Soon, a door appeared. He entered the room, which was filled with all kinds of odd objects. Voldemort walked through the room and found an abandoned bust. Gently, he placed the diadem on the bust and placed a compulsion charm on it, causing anyone nearby to feel an overwhelming urge to place the diadem on their forehead.
"Show us the sixth Horcrux," Kyōka said. The scene didn't change. "It appears the diadem was the last Horcrux he intentionally made."
"But how did it end up in Harry?" Kaien asked.
"Hm... the final moments of Harry's parents," Kyōka suggested. The scene changed again, and they saw Voldemort, wrapped in black robes, walking toward a house. They watched the tragic death of Harry's parents unfold, with Voldemort standing over baby Harry.
"Goodbye, prophecy," he said, pointing his wand at the baby. "Avada Kedavra." The green spell shot from his wand, but a red barrier suddenly appeared around the baby, reflecting the curse back at Voldemort. He stood in shock as his own spell struck him.
"Gah!" he screamed, his soul being torn from his body. His Horcruxes kept his soul from being destroyed, but it still split again. The soul fragment flowed into the open wound on baby Harry's forehead.
"I think that's everything," Kaien said. Kyōka nodded as they returned to the chamber to find Voldemort still stuck to the wall.
"What should we do with him?" Kaien asked.
"Hm... I'm going to keep him for a while," Kyōka replied.
"Why?"
"So I can drain him of everything he knows. After all, he must be incredibly intelligent to instill such fear across Britain. Even now, people still tremble at the sound of his name," Kyōka pointed out. Kaien sighed.
"Just don't decide to take over the country," Kaien said.
"Technically, Artoria could do that with just a few words," Kyōka teased.
"So how are we going to take care of the Horcruxes?" Kaien asked.
"Harry mentioned destroying the diary. If that's true, then that's already one down," Kyōka said.
"I'll need to go retrieve the locket. I can permanently destroy all the inferi and set the trapped souls free," Kaien said.
"We should leave the cup to the goblins. It's probably in one of their vaults," Kyōka suggested.
"Agreed. We should also retrieve the diadem when we return to Hogwarts." With a plan in place, Kaien left Voldemort's mind.
Scene Change: Gringotts
Kaien opened his eyes and stood up.
"Are... are you okay, Lord Shiba?" Healer Bloodfallen asked. Kaien glanced at the healer.
"I'm fine," he replied. "Wait... what's with the new title?"
"King Nagnok informed us of your status," Healer Steelbone explained.
Kaien sighed. "Anyways, what happened in there?"
"A few minutes after you entered his mind, the spirit began to cry black tears and silently screamed in agony," King Nagnok said.
"Oh, he tried to attack me. I managed to subdue him and forced his mind to show me his secrets," Kaien explained.
"What did you learn?" King Nagnok asked.
"I discovered that he made more than one Horcrux," Kaien said.
"How many did that abomination create?"
"Based on what we found, he intentionally made six."
"Six! From what little we know about them, many would lose their sanity after creating just one!" Healer Bloodfallen exclaimed.
"Does Gringotts have any rules about housing them?" Kaien asked.
"Rules about housing them... HE HAS ONE OF THEM HERE!" King Nagnok shouted.
"Indeed. He gave one of his Horcruxes to a woman named Bellatrix. She said she would place it in her vault."
"Grr," King Nagnok growled. "Do you know if he gave it to anyone else?"
"He also gave it to Lucius Malfoy."
"Hm... so, likely his inner circle. Only one person in that circle has that name." King Nagnok paused. "I will arrange a team to find this Horcrux. If what we believe is true, then that family will lose everything they have."
"What about the Potter estate?" Kaien asked, with both Harry and Hermione looking at King Nagnok.
"We just discovered that the current account manager for the Potter estate has been lying to us about the Potter account. We are currently auditing the estate," King Nagnok said, turning to Harry. "As King of the Goblins, I apologize, Mr. Potter, for the actions of one of Gringotts' account managers." He bowed his head. No one knew how to respond.
"It's all right, King Nagnok," Harry said. "You didn't know until now."
King Nagnok raised his head. "At the end of the audit, Griphook will face goblin justice for his crimes. As the victim of his actions, you have the right to witness the proceedings. Do you wish to attend?"
"Um…" Harry hesitated.
"Mr. Potter would gladly attend if he's available. But right now, he still has to deal with his medical treatment," Kaien interjected. King Nagnok turned his gaze toward Healer Bloodfallen.
"Mr. Potter still has a long way to go before we can heal all the damage done to him," she said.
"I see... I will send you a letter when the audit is complete," King Nagnok said. With that, he turned and left the room. Kaien, Artoria, and Hermione turned toward Healer Bloodfallen.
"It will take a few more hours for Mr. Potter to finish the skeleton repair process," she said. "The scarring can be easily treated with a scar-removal ointment." She handed Kaien a large bottle of ointment. "As for the malnutrition... he'll need a set of potions and a nutrition guide." She handed Kaien a small case filled with potions and a book. "This is enough potions for a week. After that, come back to me, and we'll adjust the potion regimen as needed."
Hermione was stunned to hear the extent of the damage Harry had suffered throughout his life. She quickly tackled Harry in a hug. Kaien gave them a few moments before gently interrupting.
"Hermione, you need to let Harry go so they can begin his medical treatment," Kaien said. Hermione quickly released Harry. The two students blushed at the sudden awkwardness.
"Mr. Potter, I'll put you in a magically induced sleep during the healing process so you won't feel any pain," Healer Bloodfallen said.
"Okay," Harry responded. Healer Bloodfallen handed Harry a potion. He accepted it, swallowing it with a wince. After a yawn, Harry quickly fell into a deep sleep.
"Come on, Hermione. We need to go see your parents," Kaien said. With a sad look, Hermione nodded and followed Kaien and Artoria out.
Scene Change
Harry, Hermione, and Artoria used the Knight Bus to transport to Granger's Dentist. Upon entering, they were greeted by an empty lobby. Hermione looked a little confused. They walked to the reception desk, where Hermione rang the bell. Kaien and Artoria sat down to wait. Mrs. Granger emerged and was shocked to see Hermione. She quickly hugged her daughter and ushered them into an empty patient room, running off to find her husband.
They decided to have lunch as they talked. Kaien explained the situation regarding Harry and Hermione's desire to follow him. After careful consideration, they agreed to Hermione's temporary transfer. However, they requested that they still be able to spend time with her. Kaien understood and allowed Hermione to visit them once a week in the evenings. They also wished to see Harry once he was healthy again.
With the transfer signed and the promise made, Kaien, Artoria, and Hermione left the dentistry. They returned to Gringotts to find Harry peacefully sleeping in his bed. Healer Bloodfallen approached them with a clipboard.
"How's Harry?" Hermione asked, concern in her voice.
"Mr. Potter is still in a magically induced coma. We've repaired all the improperly healed bones in his body. However, we've decided to keep him in the coma to ensure his body is fully healed and his magic is allowed to recover."
"Is it safe to move him?" Kaien asked.
"It is safe, but his skeleton is still fragile," Healer Bloodfallen warned. Kaien nodded, carefully lifting Harry.
Healer Steelbone handed Artoria a satchel. "It contains the scar ointment and the nutrient potions for him."
"King Nagnok also asked me to pass on a message," Healer Bloodfallen continued. "He wished to see you and Mr. Potter as soon as he's able."
"Okay," Kaien said. They left Gringotts, and Kaien cast an illusion around Harry to make him appear as a large package. They entered the Leaky Cauldron and used the floo network to travel back to The Three Broomsticks. From there, they made their way to Hogwarts as the sun began to set.
They entered their room, and Kaien gently placed Harry on the bed. He cast a charm to alert him when Harry woke up. He looked at Hermione, who was watching Harry sleep peacefully.
"If you wish to sleep with him, let me know," Kaien said gently. Hermione looked up at Kaien, her face slightly flushed. She nodded.
With a snap of his fingers, Kaien moved the bed to the side and conjured a duplicate. Hermione quickly returned to her room. Kaien transfigured his clothes into a set of pajamas. A few moments later, Hermione reappeared, now dressed in a simple nightgown. Kaien walked toward the door, giving her some privacy.
"Good night," Kaien said.
"Good night," Hermione replied. With that, the room was plunged into darkness.
Author's notes: