Chapter 2
Jushiro picked up the mail from the floor as it had fallen through the slot. Sorting the mail had become something that he had taken upon himself to do. As he did so, he saw the letter from Hogwarts he had been waiting for and slipped it up the sleeve of his kimono. Over time he had updated his wardrobe to what he had used to wear in the Soul Society. Kimono's he could wear around the house. Jushiro had also gotten everyday outfits that would help him blend in with other children his age. A millennia he may be but he was currently and physically an eleven year old boy. Once he had put the letter away, he walked into the kitchen where his aunt had just set the table for breakfast. While his family didn't mind him being magical, he knew the topic made them uncomfortable. So he chose not to burden them with the knowledge of the letter.
Breakfast had been a rather quiet affair and when it was over Jushiro went up to his room. He wanted to take care of the letter in peace and away from his family's eyes. He entered his room and took a seat at his desk where he could read in peace. After he had read through the letter, he set it aside and pulled out a blank piece of paper. With a pen in hand, he began writing his return letter.
Professor McGonagall,
I have just received my acceptance letter and look forward to my upcoming experience in Hogwarts. As my family is aware of magic, they are uncomfortable around the topic. If at all possible, could you send someone to show me where it is I may purchase my supplies? As well as to guide me through such a place? My aunt may know where I can go but she doesn't recall where the place is exactly. I do not wish to burden her with asking when she still bears the knowledge of my mother's passing.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
Jushiro folded the letter then addressed it before he set his pen down. He opened the window where an owl was already waiting for him. Animals were far smarter than they appeared to be. So it wasn't a stretch to believe that owls employed by Hogwarts were more intelligent than the average owl. "Please take this to Professor McGonagall." Jushiro was rewarded with a soft hoot and a leg being held out. Taking the hint he tied the letter in place and gave the owl a fond pet. "Fly safe little one." He was rewarded with a nibble to his fingertips before flying out the window.
Severus Snape stared at the home that had James Potter's son living within. He had to wonder just how the boy turned out and why Minerva wanted him to escort the boy. Smoothing out his robes, he walked up to the door and gave it a firm knocking. He did not wish to waste valuable time so he really hoped the boy was ready. He had already sent a letter ahead of time the moment Minerva told him what his task was. It took only a second for the door to be answered and what he saw was nothing like he had expected. While Harry Potter did look a bit like both James and Lily, he wasn't at all a complete carbon copy of James. He vowed right then and there to actually get to know Lily's son. "Mr. Potter, I am Professor Snape, are you ready to head out?" Severus had to wonder just how in merlins name the two managed to produce a boy who looked a lot more regal than Lily ever could.
Jushiro looked at the man who would be his escort and smiled kindly. "Of course sir." He stepped out and closed the door before he locked it. His family was currently spending a few days to a week with Vernon Durley's sister Margery. While that vile woman didn't like him, her dog Ripper absolutely adored him. Jushiro was left alone, trusted as he was not to do anything to the house while they were away. Something he would never dream of doing, shattering that kind of trust was not in his nature. Putting the key in his pocket, Jushiro turned his attention to the man before him. "I am ready sir." He bowed to the man respectfully, hating the fact he was in the body of a child. But he refused to let Mimihagi-Sama down.
Severus watched him closely before he held out an arm for the child. "We will be using a form of teleportation called apparation. Its the fastest way to get where we are going. So I suggest Mr. Potter that you told on tightly to my arm." He was given the boys vault key, so he had a feeling the boy would wish to speak to his account manager. That would give Severus a chance to speak with his own account manager. He had a few business investments he needed to check on. Once he felt the boy grab his arm, he twisted on his feet and they were soon long gone from Privet Drive.
When they landed Jushiro had to place a hand on the wall to steady himself. That was nothing like flash step or sonido, it was rather upsetting on the senses. He shook his head and then straightened up and faced his escort. "That was both a very unpleasant and enlightening experience sir." He would have to risk the professor discovering who he was in order to travel back. Since he didn't have Sogyo no Kotowari at the moment, he couldn't use a Senkaimon. So he would have to use flash step to return to Privet Drive. "If you don't mind, I would like to show you a better and faster way to travel when its time to head back." Jushiro brushed his back over his shoulder as he locked eyes with the black clad man.
Severus watched Harry as he used the wall to steady himself. It was always like that for first timers, but none had ever recovered as quickly as the boy had. Narrowing his eyes at the boy, he had seen something in those bright green eyes of his. "Very well, before we are to leave this spot I wish to give you this." He pulled out the boys vault key and handed it to him. "Never give this key to just anyone. I would suggest Mr. Potter, that while we are at the bank, you check in with your account manager."
Jushiro took the key and nodded as he gave it a quick once over. He would do just that, he would allow only Shunsui, Retsu and Genryusai access to his account. He will also have to see if can transfer all that he had accumulated as a Captain to his vault. "I am ready sir." He would remain polite and respectful to Professor Snape.
Severus nodded and turned on his heels, causing his robes to flare around him. "Keep close Mr. Potter." He said as he led the boy out of the alley they had landed in.
