Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ah, my lovely Lord,

The noble and beautiful flower of evil,

You are the most beautiful, number one in this world.

ーMirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most…

ーFor thee, guided by the Mirror of Darkness,

Follow thy heart and take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror.

Flames that turn even stars into ashes,

Ice that imprison even time,

Great tree that swallow even the sky,

Don’t be afraid of the power of darkness,

Come now, show your power.

Mine, theirs, and yours,

There’s only a little time left for us.

Do not let go of that hand, at all costs.

....

Then…why did you force me out?

“Pardon me,” Yuu asked, looking up at the older woman before him in confusion. “I’m a wizard?” 

‘Yes,” she nodded, her glasses glinting in the light as his mother and father began fanning themselves in shock. “You are a wizard and have been accepted into England’s finest Magical School. Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am deputy headmistress Minerva Mcgonagall. I'm also the head of the House of Gryffindor. One of the four houses in our school.” 

“And I’ll need to go to the wizarding shops to purchase my items,” he began. “And I’ll need someone to go with me?” 

“That shall be me on any day that you choose,” she nodded, smiling down at the boy who looked at the letter in confusion. 

So he did have magic after all… 

“Would today be okay,” he asked, looking up at the woman who jolted in shock. “I think my mother and father need some time to come to terms with this on their own.” 

“If…if you could Yuu,” his father begged, his mother breathing harshly as she looked between her son and the letter. “Take my wallet and get the money you need…for your items. Please, give us time,” he begged the woman who nodded. 

“You are the last student I have to contact. I am free to take you to Diagon Alley,” she nodded. “If you are sure then I suggest you get some more comfortable clothes on.” 

“Right,” he nodded, rushing up the stairs to his room where he threw on some jeans and a pair of sneakers. He reached for his jewelry box, pulling out the stack of cash he had steadily been gaining the last few months since he got back and grabbed his Magic Pen as well. 

A spark he associated with him rubbing socked feet on the carpet ran through him and he moved to grab the wallet his dad said he could take and took out an extra few hundred pounds to exchange for money. He ran back into his room and grabbed an armband which he quickly wrapped around his upper arm as he trotted down the stairs to the woman who awaited bu the fireplace. 

“Are you ready,” she hesitantly asked, eyes flicking to the kitchen where his mother and father were no doubt speaking about their ‘strange son’. 

“Yes, to Diagon Alley, correct?” 

“Yes,” she nodded. “Now hold onto my clothes tightly. We will be traveling by Apparition.” 

“Understood,” he nodded, grabbing onto her emerald robes tightly just as the world turned black.

Yuu sighed as he looked at the list of things he needed to buy. 

He had gotten his trunk, the woman being preoccupied with another family that was seemingly lost. He had upgraded his trunk for assurance and what he would need. 

One compartment was for his clothes and shoes, another for his school supplies and stationary, one was dedicated to his books with a special gate welded with a mgacial lock for what he planned next, a fourth compartment was for his special little ingredients he had at home and a fifth was for…his special items. 

It cost a lot of money but damned if he wasn’t going to take advantage of this opportunity. 

All he needed were his books and his wand…

Maybe he should try his magic pen at home when things were calmer. 

And he could ditch the wand at least. Knowing himself, which he knew quite well, he’s either sit on it and break it or just break it. 

Shaking his head he moved to the bookstore which seemingly just finished it’s rush and went to the counter, requesting the first year package that the assaintant went to go get with a heavy sigh. 

“I have a question about some other books you might have,” he began, looking behind him to see the woman browsing a different section. “Books on Fae, Mers, Beastmen, Mirrors and Night Magic.” 

“...what does a kid like you need with books like that,” the cashier asked, looking over his glasses to the child who grinned. 

“I am curious and I want to be careful. Not to mention that I will be bored without tech and reading is the best thing I can do,” he shrugged. “But I am more concerned with the book on Magical Mirrors and magical items or ores.” 

“I don’t know what a book on Mer’s will do. They are nothing but bloodthirsty cretins and I have no idea what you mean by beastmen.” 

“Then the books on Mirrors, Fae and Night Magic? Oh and magical ores?” 

“I can do all of them except the fae. No such book exists. Because fae are secretive and they don’t come out much.” 

“Fine,” Yuu pouted. “I’ll take the other three. Your most recent and oldest ones please. I want a comparison.” 

“That’s going to be a lot of Galleons…” 

‘I have plenty to go about,” he held up his bag that was bursting at the seams. 

“I’ll get them for you. Need any stationary for Hogwarts?” 

“Ahaha! Wanting to make more, I like it. But unfortunately the lady at the trunk store offered me half off a year of stationary, but I am in need of a lockable journal and invisible ink,” he smiled. “Since I will pay a premium for those extra books I was thinking…35% off the journal and ink?” 

“Say what,” the cashier smiled. “I’ll match the woman and bump it up to half off AND I'll give you two journals for the price of one.” 

“Wonderful doing business with you,” Yuu smiled as his books were brought up to the front. “I also have my trunk so no need for feather lighting the books!” 

“You sure are one prepared kid. I wish 7th years could have as much preparedness as you,” he sighed, taking the money offered before pulling out two black journals. “The gems on these will lock on your magical signature and keep unwanted people out. They have an interwoven confundus or confusion charm on it should someone manage to get in. Just do a little charm to make sure the ink will vanish if your magical signature isn’t recognized within 30 seconds-” 

“I think 5 seconds should be enough,” Yuu smiled. “30 seconds can do a lot of damage…and I am going in for my first year. How do you expect me to do such a complicated charm?” 

He was curious, but the look the man gave him told Yuu everything. 

“I know you're hiding something and honestly? I am curious as to what you're going to do,” he shrugged, the boy opening up his compartments to put the books in. He could tell the shopkeep raised a brow at the small cage he had in his personal library and the lock on it. “This is going to be interesting.” 

“Yuu Fujimaru.” He turned to the man who smirked back at him. 

“Jason Weber, see you during winter break I suppose?” 

“Hmm,” he smiled, closing and shrinking his trunk before turning to leave. 

Jason smirked as he watched the young prodigy in the making go. 

Things were going to get interesting…especially since Harry Potter was going to Hogwarts this year as well. 

What an interesting year indeed. 

Yuu on the other hand made his way over to Minerva who was conversing with the same family, the boy saying that she could help them while he went and got his wand. He explained that he saw a few shops he wanted to look at before they left and that he would meet her outside of Madam Malkins so that she could take him home in about 3 hours around 7. 

She conceded after he begged her to allow him a bit more time to make sure he had what he wanted. She knew that the students were mostly dependent on the Diagon Alley trip the first 2 years until they could go to Hogsmeade during 3rd year. With the promise to meet at 7 outside Madam Malkins, Yuu made his way to the wand maker. 

He entered the old store, smiling at its dilapidated state that reminded him of a certain dorm that he was desperate to get back too. The inside was the same, stacked high and low with small thin boxes containing wands. 

“Hello there,” a voice called out to him as he turned around calmly to the man who raised a brow at him. “I dare say I usually give a fright to more than a few people your age.” 

‘When you have tricksters as friends, you learn not to give them what they want,” he smiled as he recalled a certain pink haired bat. 

“I see,” he nodded, pulling his measuring tape off his neck and sending it his way. “Your wand hand?” 

‘Right,” he put it out as it began to measure it every which way before it wrapped around his leg. 

“I say…you already have some sort of wand,” he hummed, coming closer as Yuu backed up. 

``What do you mean,” he snapped, he was getting defensive as he scrambled for his Pen in defense. “What do you want?” 

“Might…I see it?” 

With a deep breath Yuu pulled out his pen, magic thrumming through it as it seemed to want to explode with his…HIS magic now as he handed it over to the man. 

“Curious…very curious,” he murmured, hands running over the smalle item as he turned it every which way. “Much more in line with a Muggle’s Fountain Pen…this gem is radiating magic…” 

“Will I be able to use this at Hogwarts,’ Yuu asked. 

“I’m afraid not. I have not seen anything like this in my many years of wand making. And…I do not think you want to draw attention to yourself.” 

“Tch…then get me a wand then,” he sighed, taking his pen back from the man who shuffled away to grab a box on the shelf. He brought it over, presenting the young boy with a slightly orange wand with little maple designs scattered about. 

“Beech wood, 14 ½ inches a bit swishy and a core of Phoenix Feather,” he hummed, the boy taking it in his hand. In that moment the lights flickered before one exploded and the wand was snatched out of his hand. “No, no…” the man murmured as he went further back into the shop and procured another wand. “Cypress wood with a unicorn hair core, 10 ¾  and suprisingly swishy flexibility,” he explained, Yuu raising a brow at the last part before taking it only to have the tip catch on fire. 

“Another no then,” he commented, handing it back to Ollivander who blew the tip out before moving to get another wand. 

A rattling caught both of their attention as a box on the wall suddenly burst open and the wand came zooming out, Yuu ducked to the side as it sailed past him and slammed into the wall holding a few gems on it’s shelves. The wand and gems shattered before they began to meld together with one another, forming a new wand before it dropped to the ground with a clank. 

“Umm…” 

Ollivander grabbed the wand, looking at it with a curious eye before turning to had it to Yuu. 

“Ash wood infused with emerald with a unicorn hair core, 14 ½" and unyielding flexibility,” he explained, Yuu grabbing the wand before gasping as a surge of power went through him. His pen crackled with power as it forced the wand out of Yuu’s hand and he collapsed onto the ground. 

“My boy,” Ollivander gasped, rushing over to him he kneeled on the ground, pulling him up to a sitting position as his pen fell from his grasp and clattered on the floor. “My boy are you alright?!” 

“Uh…Uh-huh,” he gasped, eyes snapping open before he shakily placed a hand on his head. “What happened?” 

“I believe that your wand and pen may have clashed with their forms of magic. It seems that while you might be able to use both, the conduits do not agree with sharing,” he explained, helping the boy stand up and grabbing his wand. The boy grabbed the pen and stuffed it in his pocket. 

Ollivander handed the wand to him again and Yuu gripped it tightly, sighing as he managed to subdue the force of magic that wanted to lash out again. 

“Here,” Yuu handed him some money before heading out. “I would appreciate it if you managed to keep this a secret. I don’t want things getting out.” 

“Oh it’s alright,” Ollivander sighed. “I never speak of people and their wands unless it’s children about their own parents.” 

“Hmm. Thanks again. I might come around winter break about wand making and…materials,” he hummed, the man nodding as he left the store, heading to where he really wanted to go. 

Apothecary. 

He entered the darkened store, no one in sight as he began to shop it’s wares. 

Preserved animal parts, animal feet…some dried roots, dried flowers…seed for planting your own…they might be a good investment. 

He continued down the aisle, uncaring of the curious gaze he attracted as he tried to find the ore and dirt section. He came across some blessed silver that he picked up as well, smiling as he caught sight of some dirt from ages ago and snatched that up to. 

‘Tell me,” he called to the shopkeeper who was behind the curtain watching. “Is this the type of dirt that is rich in minerals and won’t turn to clay,” he turned around to see an older woman come out, eyes narrowed as she looked at the wares he’d collected thus far. 

Plant seeds; strictly magical, blessed silver and gold, enchanted pendants and many more unrefined items that cost a fortune. 

“No, I have some in the back…but what does a first year like you need with items such as these,” she demanded, her old eyes narrowed as the boy gently put the item back on the shelf and moved to grab a block of bronze. 

“I have a special project that I have been aiming towards. Most of the time I have spent attempting to look at how it’s created, now that I think I have the fundamentals down I will begin to add magical elements to it,” he smiled. “Making what I want is a difficult process and I don’t want to risk a magical explosion but now that I am able to go off to a school where they will eb too preoccupied with various students of varying ages with various problems, Well it’s sure to be easy right!” 

“....” 

“I’ll be here for a bit so you can decide if I’m worth giving that mineral rich dirt,” he smiled, heading deeper into the store as the hustle and bustle outside began to reach it’s peak. 

“How interesting,” she murmured. “Now that’s ambition.” 

Maybe she would indulge him…especially if he was going to be this interesting.

SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1991

“Yuu Fujimaru.” 

Yuu stepped up to the woman who took out to the alley, her smile ignored as he sat upon the rickety stool and allowed the hat to be placed upon his head. 

 ‘AH! What a truly special boy you are…Hmm, kicking me out of your head? I see, I see you have a lot you wish to keep secret and you have piles of ambition within you….’ 

‘Get out.’ 

‘Now, now. I need to sort you into your house. I can see you’ve already had some magical education…now that’s strange for a Muggleborn like you. Ho? The knowledge you possess astounds even me.’ 

‘What's there to know. I am Severe as Her Majesty. Determined as the King of Beasts. Gracious as the Sea Witch. Deliberate as the Sorcerer of the Sands. Beautiful and Unrelenting as the Beautiful Queen. Diligent as the Lord of the Underworld. Powerful and Elegant as the Witch of Thorns. And I am free as the Winds.’ 

‘What strange things to describe yourself as…as well as those people.’

“Enough of this. Choose or get out of my head. Whatever you choose is not going to hinder my goals. Not in the slightest.” 

‘Your certainly brave. But you have intelligence to get yourself out of any problem without having to resort to combat. You have loyalty in droves and hold your friends dear…but your ambition is surely the most blinding to me. Your time here won’t be easy if I put you in the house that fits you the most-’

‘I told you nothing is going to hinder my goal. Not at all.’ 

‘Alright then. I hope you don’t regret this.’ 

“SLYTHERIN!” 

He opened his eyes, staring at the table that was glowering at him while giving the appropriate amount of claps and moved over to them with deliberate steps. His hand in his pocket as he messed with a deck of playing cards he had brought with him to play solitaire on the train. 

About time to use those cards tricks a certain first year and hunter taught him. 

Locking eyes with someone with a pin on his cloak he flicked the card out, the small thing nicking his cheek before getting stuck in the stone behind him. He grabbed his cheek in shock; he looked to where the card was stuck, a thin drop of blood falling off of it before Yuu grabbed it and put it back in his pocket with a warning glare. 

He would not be bullied by anyone. 

Not a single person in this school. 

And he just demonstrated what he’s capable of. 

Yuu sighed as he closed his blinds on his bed, ignoring the whispers of his fellow dormmates. He was not interested in anything else that the dorm had to offer after all the jeers from the students and even the damned portraits leading to the dungeon of a dorm. 

“Can’t believe this place,” he grumbled. “What a rickety castle.” 

His mind kept flashing back to a semi-modern building that was able to support technology and even had a library with computers and an automated sorting system. 

He was glad that he was out of the house though, his damned parents had become unbearable now that he was actually showing magic. His mother was damned near hysterics whenever she saw his wand and his father simply began to ignore him more than before. Not like he was complaining, I mean ever since he returned they had gone right back to their neglectful ways but he was at least thankful that they still left food out.

He wasn’t too hurt by the fact they didn’t pay attention to him, it made his research easier and the fact they gave him an allowance of 1000 pounds a month to make sure he kept himself occupied made it easy too. Thank goodness they don’t check his shopping history or ask for receipts. 

He was not looking forward to that conversation at all. 

Even if they did demand to know what he was doing he would simply push it off as some wizarding thing, he was not looking forward to his parents interference at all. 

He had to make it….He just had too. 

But enough of these dark thoughts. 

“Time for bed,” he murmured, placing his pen under his pillow before falling face first onto the bed. The door closed as he himself closed his eyes and was transported to a wonderful dream. 

NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE, COUNTDOWN-7 DAYS 

“Oi! Prefect! Prefect,” Yuu looked up to see Ace calling for him, his face breaking out into a smile as he closed his books before turning to the fellow first year. 

‘Heya Ace,” he giggled as the other began huffing about him not slowing down. “Whatcha need?” 

“Hhaaa? Don’t tell me Riddle didn’t tell you about today,” Ace gasped, looking shocked for a moment before his face dawned with realization and he laughed. “Wait never mind! Of course not,” he shook his head. “Come on! You need to change right now!” 

“Hu…Huh what,” Yuu yelped as Ace grabbed his upper arm and dragged him to the mirror chamber. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing now! Besides, I was going to go visit Grim in the infirmary!” 

“He’ll be fine,” Ace’s voice turned softer as he attempted to soothe the boy about his nearly killed animal companion. “But Riddle wanted to do something for you since the whole Grim Overblot and as a thank you for his own Overblot. Sure the Unbirthday party was something but he wanted something dedicated to you as thanks.” 

“I keep telling them you don’t need to! Just show up for my birthday party in Ramshackle in a week okay,” he sighed, entering the Heartslabyul mirror without any more fight. Maybe he will convince Riddle to have a Unbirthday party instead. 

POP POP POP 

He jolted as pops went off around him and confetti rained down on him and Ace. 

“Happy 11th birthday Yuu!” 

A large mass of Heartslabyul students smiled as they held the now empty poppers, dressed in their Dorm Uniforms adored with bright smiles on their faces. 

“We know your actual Birthday isn’t for another week but Dorm Leader Rosehearts demanded we show you a proper Heartslabyul party in thanks for you helping us…pretty much all year,” A third year smiled. “So before we head to the Rose Garden we need to get you dressed in your Dorm Uniform! As an honorary member of our dorm since the incident you need to be dressed the part!” 

“H…huh,” Yuu’s brain had short circuited by that point as two Second Years grabbed his arms and dragged him into the dorm where Trey and Cater waited with bright smiles and a Dorm Uniform. 

‘Heya prefect! Say Cheese,” Cater laughed as he snapped a photo of his blank look before he managed to snap out of it. 

“I really don’t need this,” he protested, yelping as Deuce napped his jacket right off of him and handed him the vest of his dorm. 

“Good thing you're wearing a regular tee, no need to take that off,” he hummed, smiling as Yuu reluctantly put on the vest and jacket before moving to the bathroom off to the side to put the pants on. 

“Oi! Where’s the rose,” Cater asked, looking around in the accessories that went with the usual uniform. 

“I have it right here,” a first year student called out, handing it to Cater who turned to a recently returned Yuu. 

“Look at him,” he giggled, moving to pin the rose on his left side as Trey came up with the usual sash and Ace returned with some shoes. “We have a special sash for you,” he winked as Trey handed it to Yuu who raised a brow. 

“RH…Ramshackle and Heartslabyul,” he giggled as Trey gave a helpless shrug. “And I am assuming that I need to take off my dress shoes as well,” he eyed the sneakers that Ace had. 

“Gotta wear the whole uniform,” Ace grinned as the others began voicing their agreements with him. “Come on! Then we can get to the rose garden and pick out the Croquet flamingos and hedgehogs!” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Yuu sighed, lacing up the sneakers before following the Heartslabyul students out into the fully decked out rose garden where a large HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY YUU banner was displayed over the usual set of tables. 

“Welcome,” Riddle’s voice broke through the tense air as Yuu came forward. “While it is usual to allow the birthday boy to open presents after the game and feast have been consumed. You are missing an integral piece of our dorm,” he smiled as Yuu raised a brow; he held out a small box that Yuu hesitantly took before opening. 

His mouth dropped and he looked up to Riddle who urged him to take it out with a good natured grin. 

‘I am the Dorm Leader of Heartslabyul and you have been our Honorary member since the very beginning of the school year,” he nodded as if he was agreeing with the point he made. “It was my oversight to never give you one.” 

Yuu pulled out his very own Heartslabyul armband, a teary smile finding its way onto his face as he turned to Riddle. 

‘Can you put it on for me Dorm Leader Rosehearts,” he asked, the other jolting in shock before his face morphed into a soft smile and he nodded. With deft fingers the other tied the armband onto Yuu before stepping back and looking over his uniform before giving an appreciative hum, motioning for the boy to follow as they made their way to the croquet fields. 

“As the birthday boy you have first pick and we shall play in groups of six in order to have time for the birthday feast and present opening,” he nodded, Yuu smiling as he moved to grab a green flamingo and hedgehog that cooed at him happily while the other bristled.

“I want to play against you, Clover and Diamond senpai’s! Along with Deuce and Ace,” he nodded while Cater and Trey high fived in the back as the other students did the ‘of course’ sort of gesture, grabbing their own equipment and moving to their own fields. 

“Right then,” Riddle grinned, their group grabbed their own items and met at the center. “Now! Let the birthday croquet game commence!” 

An hour later 

Yuu laughed as Riddle’s hedgehog once more missed the mark, squeaking happily as it looked at him in pride, Riddle giving a defeated sigh as he placed his Flamingo down. 

“I told you,” Yuu whispered to the small thing as he moved closer. “I don’t need you to do this,” he shook his head. “I’m okay if I lose! I’m not particularly good, even if Diamond Senpai and Trey Senpai are trying to distract me as you move outside of the hit I gave,” he gave a dry look to the duo who shrugged in response, not even the slightest bit ashamed at being found out. 

“Looks like Yuu wins with an overwhelming score,” Cater cried out, grinning from ear to ear as Yuu sat on the ground, allowing all the hedgehogs to come to attempt to sit in his lap. He laid down, giggling as they eagerly began to crawl all over him and gave a peace sign as Cater snapped a photo. 

“How cute,” Trey gave a chuckle as Yuu’s hedgehog for the game hissed at others attempting to snuggle on the middle of his chest. 

“They're all so cute,” he sighed, scoping some up to snuggle with closer as they all began to squeak happily. The flamingos began to crowd around the birthday boy, plopping down to receive pets as well as the others returned from their games. 

‘Ahaha! Enjoy yourself Yuu,” some of them asked, leaning down to hover over Yuu in his pet heaven. 

“Mmmphhhh,” he nodded, giggling as the hedgehogs squeaked for more attention. “When is the birthday feast going to start?” 

“Once you get up,” he shrugged, offering a hand to the other who accepted it readily. He gently pushed all the animals off of him, allowing the older student to pull him up. “Up you go, to the main table in Rosehearts seat.” 

“Eh…but…but!” 

“Ahaha! No buts,” he laughed, pushing him to the table where Riddle was placed on the right of his usual ornate chair, Trey on his left as his other friends sat on either side of them. “Come, come! Your throne awaits!” 

“You don’t need to do this,” he whined, allowing Trey to pull out the chair for him as he sat down. “Isn’t the party enough!” 

‘For you our dearest prefect? Most certainly not,” Cater smiled, snapping another photo as Yuu resigned himself to his fate. 

“I get it. I get it, I give,” he raised his hands in defeat as Trey went to grab the cake. 

“Now I hope this is the best cake you’ve had,” he smiled, placing a rather large strawberry shortcake before him, sparkling with candles and sparklers that had him looking in awe. 

“Now,” Riddle clapped, catching their attention. “In 1…2…3…-Happy-” 

“Birthday to you. Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you Yuu! Happy Birthday to you!” They all sang, Yuu blushing brightly as a 3rd year came out with a camera; some of the students surrounded his table with poppers at the ready and something small was plopped on his head, Riddle smiled at him as he straightened the crown out. 

“Riddle Senpai-” 

“Shush, now blow out the candles and smile brightly,” he murmured, the boy nodding sheepishly before blowing the flames out and catching a Hedgehog that came zooming at him, laughing as they screamed out a 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUU FUJIMARU!!!” 

His face hurt from how big he was smiling, staring right at the camera with a hedgehog in his hands, dressed in Heartslabyuls dorm uniform with Riddle’s crown upon his head and his own armband to boot. Confettis and streamers fell around him and his friends as the flash blinded him for a moment, but the memory was preserved forever. 

“Oi! Who let the Flamingo’s in,” Ace yelped as he noticed them right behind Yuu’s group. 

“Ah man! Photobomed,” Cater laughed, Yuu doing so as well as the Flamingos began to mill about happily. 

“Thank you everyone,” Yuu sniffled out, smiling so much it hurt as he gazed at his friends. “Thank you for today!” 

“But of course!” They all yelled out as Trey handed him the first slice. 

“Now! For cake,” he called out. 

“YAY!!!” 

Surrounded by his friends from Heartslabyul at his very own Birthday party, dressed in their uniform and armband, streamers went off around him and sweets piled around him and his five closest friends from the house. On his head was Riddle’s crown along with a hedgehog and bonus Flamingo photobomb. 

That was the moment forever immortalized by a very specific camera. 

Yuu’s eyes snapped open as he grabbed the hand that went to touch him, wrenching the person closer and glowering at them. 

“What,” he snapped, eyes locked in with the blonde boys who sputtered about and demanded to be let go. 

“You weren’t at the dorm meeting mudblood! Our head of house wants everyone down there, just because you're a muggle in the house of pureblood-” 

“How about you stuff it or you’ll learn how much it hurts to get sliced by playing cards,” Yuu warned. '`Now, I assume it was the basics that can be learned in the Dorm Rules handbook I found in the common room and checked out with the ledger in the same place?’ 

“You saw that,” another boy asked, a brow raised as Yuu pushed the other back. 

“I’m observant…I had a hunting buddy,” he shrugged, running a hand through his bedraggled hair. “Let’s make a deal,” he began, turning to the group of boys who stared at him in hatred and confusion. 

‘What,” blonde boy demanded. “What makes you think that we’ll-” 

“Common room is a free game, say and do what you want but I will retaliate,” Yuu began. “Dorm room is a neutral zone, along with the bathrooms and shower. Take my clothes for all I care but leave a towel for decency, don’t mess with my trunk or clothes and I won’t do anything to yours. Outside you will leave me be and I will stay out of the way doing what I can to earn house points and ensure that Slytherin keeps its reputation despite my blood,” he glared at the boy who went to say something. 

“Deal,” the second boy nodded as the darker skinned one did the same. “Not worth it to make a pissing contest with someone who said they won’t mess with our stuff so long as we don’t do it with his. You laid out some good points…Name’s Nott. Theodore Nott.” 

“Yuu Fujimaru.” 

“He’s Blaise Zanbini, and that’s Draco Malfoy,” he pointed to the respective boy. “I take it that touching bath and care products is also out of the question?” 

“Make me bald or rot my teeth and I will either shave yours or punch them out,” he shrugged. “I’m not picky on how I do it,” he grinned as they all gave stiff nods. “Good. Now, I will be heading back to sleep and tomorrow I will be out and about the castle so you have the dorm for yourselves while I go around.” 

“Deal,” Theodore stated again. “You make good deals.” 

“I knew a guy,” was his answer as Blasie and Theodore nodded. “And don’t try and look for a loophole in any contract we may do later. He was well versed in contracts,” he smirked as the other three returned it in full. 

“We’ll see about that,” Draco scoffed, moving to head into the dorm bathroom they shared. 

“Hmm.” 

Let’s see how this year turns out, shall we?

Chapter Text

‘You have got to be kidding me,’ Yuu thought as he looked at the board. 

It was such a simple potion. 

The boy rolled his eyes as his partner, a Gryffindor by the name of Neville Longbottom, fluttered around nervously as he head of house set them off to grab their ingredients. He motioned for the boy to stay where he was as he moved to the table where the raw ingredients were, brow raised at the man who expected literal 11 year olds to cut them precisely and make the damned potion. 

Not that he had a problem, his old potions professor showed him no mercy even when everyone thought he was magicless and gave him a harder time than most. It was because of that he shot up two grades in potions and chemistry and his most trusted assistant in gathering ingredients. 

Because potions were less about magic and more about letting the ingredients do the magic for you. 

“Calm yourself,” Yuu grunted, placing the items down and grabbing his knife. “If we’re not careful this will give you boils instead of curing them.” 

“R…right.” 

‘How is he in Gryffindor,’ Yuu contemplated, setting up the mortar and holding out a hand for the snake fangs to which his partner readily placed them in. “Just keep looking at the list and instructions, I’ll do the main part. You read it off okay?” 

“O..Okay!” 

They worked in silence with one another as gossip and murmurs began to arise in the classroom. His head of house watched them all with disinterested looks on his face as he set to grade the summer homework of his other classes while they did the first steps. Once he finished adding all the ingredients he murmured for his partner to keep watch for about 48-40 minutes for the most optimal results based on the amount they had. 

Neville nodded as Yuu went about cleaning up the items they no longer needed, ignoring Snape’s raised brow at him as the rest of the class continued on doing or reading the book; leaving their mess behind for later. Neville merely watched Yuu in confusion before he understood that he was just keeping what they needed by their cauldron as it simmered. 

“I suggest you get the intro essay out of the way,” Yuu informed him as he took out his journal and ink, opening it without much thought before going to the newest page. 

Potions to soak the material in. 

I find it would be best to get into the 7th year and potions masters books to see if any potions would be viable to strengthen the magical properties of the mirrors materials. Looking into runs to place on the cauldron would be best as well, even etching them into the wood of the frame would be best as well.

Find potions to soak materials and wood in. 
Find runes to aid in magical amplification. 
Find a better room to experiment in. 

He continued to ruminate over his problem as the others in the class began to work on assignments handed to them, his partner looking through his own book in confusion as he rolled his eyes. He had long since finished the assignment, the thing was too easy for it to be anything but quick and was now focusing on making his little mirror. 

He needed a measuring tape if he was going to make it large enough and he would have to figure out how to make the mold he would need to ensure that it didn’t slip out and create one of those stupid Avant Garde type of mirrors. 

He did not have that type of time nor care to have such a thing. 

He looked to his partner who was keeping track of the time, he murmured the amount of time left and Yuu nodded, turning back to his journal to keep writing down what he was going to do with his latest project. 

Maybe he could make all the potions ahead of time and get out of this class for the time being, have his head of house grade them and he’d have more free time. 

The classes were way too easy. 

“It’s time,” Neville murmured to him, moving to grab the last ingredients. 

“I trust you to finish it off,” Yuu stated, turning to a new page as he continued to think about different methods to make his mirror. “It will give us cooperation points and we can say we worked on together,” he shrugged as he nodded, dropping the horned slugs in before grabbing the porcupine quills. As he put his hand over the cauldron another wrapped it’s fingers around his and wretched it out of the way. 

“You're supposed to take the cauldron off the fire,” Yuu stated, not looking away from his journal. “Unless you want boils all over your damned skin I suggest taking it off before you put those quills in.” 

“O..Oh!” The boy squeaked, looking at the board once more before blushing and doing just that. 

“10 points to Slytherin for catching a blunder before it could happen,” Snape’s voice was cool and sharp as it rang throughout the air. “Equally 10 points from Gryffindor for not double checking the instructions before you go adding the final ingredients.” 

“Don’t worry about it,” Yuu rolled his eyes as his partner began to flutter about in worry. “It happens. Next time write down things in shorthand to have a general gist of what you're supposed to do.” 

“B…but that wastes so much paper,” he swallowed, Yuu beginning to place their potion in a vial as the others did the same. 

“Get a planner then. It might be a muggle thing but it works,” he raised a brow, labeling their vial before moving to give his and Neville’s vial to his head of house. 

“You are quite observant Mr Fujimaru. You never looked away from your journal before you stopped him,” he stopped the boy with his words. 

“I took chemistry with my old school. Advanced charter you know,” he raised a brow as Snape motioned for him to continue. “Two of them were idiots. So I got used to stopping their idiocy before they managed to mangle the experiment.” 

“Hmm. I don’t suppose I have to tell you to keep an eye on him.” 

“Fine,” he shrugged, leaving as others began to pack up. 

“I would also prefer if you come to house meetings as well,” Snape stated as he took a step forward. “You will need all the help you can get, you know.” 

“Hmm,” he narrowed his eyes at the man who was so…similar to his other potions professor yet so different. “Hmm,” he shrugged. “I guess.” 

With that he left class and began the walk around school as his other class had been canceled, not prepared they said or was it because of another reason? Eh, whatever. The first week was always hectic before they got into a rhythm at least. 

Yuu shook his head at the hustle and bustle of the school, brushing past them all with relative ease, uncaring of the people whispered about him and his heritage as he continued to mull over the various ideas he had for his project to enhance the magical properties of the mirror. He made his way to the library, nodding to the fellow first years looking around nervously before he moved to the potions section of the library only to find most of the books he wrote down to look at missing. 

“The hell,” he murmured, grabbing the one that wasn’t taken before looking around. 

“C’mon Forge,” an annoyed voice muttered as he spoke to his friend. “We need to figure out what will give this thing an extra bang!” 

‘I’m looking, I’m looking Gred! But it’s a lot more difficult than I expected, the components are working together!” 

Yuu turned the corner, raising a brow at the sight of twins with red hair, lanky and tall like a certain pair of twins he once knew as well. His eyes went to the red hair and briefly they flashed blue with a bit of black in them. 

“Are you checking them out,” he said, shaking his head as he got rid of the visions that began to plague him. “I kinda need to look at them and I’m anxious to get them.” 

The two looked up, raising a brow in impressive unison before their faces pinched at his tie. 

“And what does an ickle little snake need such advanced potions books for,” one cooed as the other snickered. 

“And what does a kid like you need these books for either? I am sure the professor would be quite happy to stop whatever you two are doing before you even have a chance to start,” he shot back. “We might be in the back but I know I can rush to the front before you two get get out of the ring of books you’ve made.” 

“...Alright…what do you want?” 

“What are you making,” he asked. “If you're going to potions it’s not a spell and it’s something that is manually done.” 

“Why do you want to know,” one asked. 

“Because I want the books and I am good at making things so we can work with one another to get what we want.” 

“We want to create fireworks with a special little something but it seems like we don’t have the ingredients to make anything like that and we don’t have access to the books to magic them,” the second sighed. 

“...Then make them the muggle way. Granted it will be more messy and smelly but it’s still out of the ordinary that they wouldn’t expect it.” 

“The muggle way…how would we make it? We don’t even know what goes into making a firework!” 

‘And you wanted to make a magical one? Like it would be any easier,” he raised a brow as they blushed before turning away. “You’ll need gunpowder, anyways. That’s a controlled substance. But…I can make a natural substitute.” 

“Huh?” 

“Potassium Nitrate. It can be produced naturally or synthetically, and it’s a substitute for gunpowder if you're in a pinch. It’s also used in food preservation, meat specifically so it’s safe for humans. But it’s also a controlled substance in many ways. It’s easy to make, but if not careful it can be dangerous.” 

“What,” they asked again. 

“Show me where you make your pranks. I will help you make the potassium nitrate and how to make it into a viable gunpowder for your fireworks. People won’t connect them to you because they won’t be magical. They will be nothing more than regular run of the mill fireworks to set off the year hmm?”

“Why help us,” one demanded. 

“I need those books and I would rather not chance missing them for the entire semester,” he shook his head. “I have things I want to accomplish and having them now will help eliminate the duds as I go forward. I only have one stipulation…” 

“And what would that be our ickle little first year,” the second hummed, eyes narrowed as he stared at the Slytherin. 

“We will never speak of how we got the potassium once it’s made,” he snapped, looking embarrassed as he looked around. “I’ll write out all the foods you should eat and bring to the day we gather the ingredients.” 

“Why should we not speak about how you're going to gather the ingredients,” the first demanded, smirking as his brother began to make movements similar to a- “Or are you afraid that you’ll be embarrassed about eating all those bananas?” 

“I take it you're either pureblood or half bloods, but trust me when I say that getting a good source of potassium to make into potassium nitrate that has some nitrogen in it…is not pleasant,” he admitted. “Do we have a deal or not?” 

“Meet us back here next week during History of Magic and we’ll call it a deal. Snape gets flustered when his little snakes miss a class during their first year after all.” 

“Fine,” he shook his head. “I hate that class either way and we haven’t even gone to two yet. See you then,” he made a move to leave before turning back. “Yuu. Yuu Fujimaru.”

“Ah! Where are our manners Gred,” the second one pouted, his brother snickering as he answered back with a

“Well the firsty did come onto us like a snake ready to pounce eh Forge?” 

“Fred and Geroge, got it,” Yuu nodded, leaving fully as they squawked and blubbered about him messing up their skit. 

So different…

Very different.

“Mr. Fujimaru.” 

Yuu cursed as his head of hose began striding toward him, his robes billowing out behind him like a specter of death as his face was cloudy with barely concealed rage. 

He was soo going to be late for his meeting with the twins. 

“My office now,” his head of house hissed, grabbing him by the shoulder as he was frog marched their way down to his private office in Slytherin. He was unceremoniously tossed in, catching himself with a huff as he smoothed down his robes, turning to his professor who glowered at him. 

“Something wrong professor,” he took the bait he was offering, raising a brow as he watched the older man's face pinch as he tried to restrain himself from no doubt throttling him. 

“What in Merlin's name are you doing,” he demanded. “What gave you the idea to do such a idiotic thing!” 

“I don’t follow.” 

“As of now you have passed in every assignment required for History of Magic and seemingly made every potion in the first year curriculum for the first semester. Now I hear rumors you are working on Charms and Herbology assignments ahead of time?” 

“I merely asked what to expect going forward and made educated guesses on what the assignments might be. I went to my teachers merely asking if it was a good idea to read ahead and they gave me the go ahead. I have done nothing wrong,” he protested. “History of magic, according to the rumor mill, hasn't changed since YOU attended Hogwarts and the fact I see every person in the class begging to bring a pillow tells me that it isn’t a big deal. Potions are easy once you get the hang of it and I brew it in my off time to ensure it doesn’t stink up the room. As for Charms and Herbology, they are well put into their routines and I was given the go ahead-” 

“None of them expected you to turn in half the year's work in merely a week,” he hissed. “Are you trying to prove something because you're in the House of Slytherin?” 

“Not really,” he hissed, eyes blazing as he matched his professor’s own glare. “I just tend not to like being chained down by things that have no use to me whatsoever. I get that I am in an institution to teach me how to be a functioning wizard in society, but the fact of the matter is this all bores me.” 

“It doesn’t matter if it bores you or not, being a stuck up know it all is not a good look for the unified house of Slytherin and I will not tolerate this type of behavior from anyone in my house,” he warned. 

“Professor Binns gave 50 house points each for every O essay I handed in and so far that number is up to 200 points for 4 out of 6 essays. Professor Sprout has taken a shine to my ideas for the essay ideas I have and have begun to consult with her fellows of the Herbological Association to see if it has any merit. She gave me 25 points a piece giving me 75 points for our house. Flintwink is debating on giving me points based on every O I get but at this point we have already 375 house points within the first week,” Yuu explained. “I don’t need Binns to tell me the other two are O level because I know they are.” 

“I will not be grading your potions you have turned in. I do not want to be subject to whatever blunder you may have done-” 

“I am sure that is going to change once they find out I turned in potions as well and want to compare the works I have turned in. I am sure Dumbledore will be quite amused too and want you to go along with my shenanigans for the time being. He might be a powerful wizard, but he’s an old coot with a desire for some fun and I know how to play that type,” Yuu snapped. “I dare say I am doing a damned good job at being a member of your house. At this rate we’ll be unbeatable when it comes to the Inter House Cup.” 

“...I will not let you get away with what you want.” 

“It’s not about me getting away with what I want. It’s you coming to an understanding that you are going to have to accept it,” he smiled. “I still attend Transfiguration and Flying lessons. Astronomy of course as well. It’s not like I’m ditching all my classes…at least not until I have the fundamentals down to pat at least. They're a bit more tricky.” 

“Get out of my office.” 

“Gladly,’ he nodded. “Have a wonderful rest of your day Professor Snape. I hope that the others don’t cause you too much of a headache-” 

“OUT.” He hissed. 

“Au revoir,” he sang out, rushing out of the office before the man would really hex him. “Honestly. I thought he would be happy with all the points I was getting and happy that I was achieving in general.” 

Yuu shook his head, moving to rushing toward the library, uncaring of the looks and points he was getting along the way as he expertly ran and dodged between people with relative ease. He cursed his head of house as he drew closer and closer to the meeting spot, he was now 10 minutes late and he doubted that they would even stil, be there. But still, he needed to see if he could salvage the contract even the slightest bit. 

He resisted the urge to curse as he saw the no doubt recently vacated area, he ran a hand through his hair wondering on what he was going to do next before two bodies squished him on his sides and twin voices spoke. 

‘We thought you were a gonna mate. Heard Snape was about to hex you for doing all that work ahead of time.`` 

“You're still here,” he breathed a sigh of relief, tuning them out as they began waxing poetics about how he escaped the jaws of death from his own head of house. “Can we go to the labs now? I really…really want to gather the material and get that part over with.” 

‘I dare say you escaped from Snape and you already want to get to work?” Fred asked as George shook his head and murmured ‘oh woe’, like that was a band idea. 

“Trust me, you won’t like it either so it’s best we get this over with and never speak of it again.” He was practically begging as they looked at one another over his head and merely shrugged. 

‘Do you promise not to betray us little snake,” they asked, beginning to lead him out of the library and toward the more obscure hallways he noticed. 

“Trust me, once we begin…we’ll never want to speak of it again,” he promised them, a wry smile on his lips as they opened the door to a winding hallway filled with spiderwebs and a mysterious mold. The trio quickly made their way to the first door on the left, the two taking out their wands and making a symmetrical pattern with a few taps before locks were heard and the door swung open. 

Inside was a nicely clean lab filled with old potions, astronomy and various other class equipment jimmed into various machines used for mass production no doubt. 

“Nice set up you have here…pretty spacious too,” he noted, “when you're comparing formulas?” 

“Don’t want a reaction or explosion too close to one another,” Geroge shrugged before locking the door. ‘Now we followed that list for a week and gathered up the other items. How are we going to make that muggle chemical?” 

“Potassium Nitrate is mainly composed of a few chemicals. It’s main components being Potassium and Nitrate which is also heavy in Nitrogen,” he began, smiling as he found a bucket that was large enough. “I assume the firework show will be a bit small in order to have a progression throughout the year?’ 

‘Don’t want to give the professors too much of a headache the first month,’ Fred grinned. “Besides, it lets their guard down for the beginning of winter break!”

“Hmm, I see,” he smiled. “Well, we need to get the potassium nitrate and while they are many foods heavy in them…we don’t have the proper means to extract it…distilling and refining it aren’t something we have the time nor equipment for at the moment. So we have to go about the natural way…you’ve been eating the list of food I gave you right,” he asked, putting the bucket before them as they shifted. 

“I mean, yeah we have. Made a nice change in our diet too. Never felt more energized in my life to be honest,” George smiled as Fred noddedly eagerly. 

“Good. Hopefully you’ll keep it up,” he smiled. “But! We need potassium to make the potassium nitrate and while we will need to putrify the item in particular and it’s not in the way that you think it is. But now we need to collect it.” 

“So what is this natural source anyways and why are you so…I don’t know? Insistent on not asking for us…for like cheats for the payment or anything.” 

“Because to gather this ingredient I am…well I’m going to need you to piss in the bucket.” 

“...What?” They both asked, unsure if they heard right. 

“I need you to piss in the bucket,” he motioned to the one he put between them. “Urine can have a high concentration of potassium if you eat an enriched diet of it. Putrefied urine can be an excellent source of potassium nitrate in reality. It’s quite simple. Just…ah…we’re going to need a lot since you're making it the muggle way.” 

“...You're serious.” 

“The first month is almost up and you two have a reputation to keep,” he began. “So…I suggest you either come up with something you have already done or you balls up and….well you’ll need to piss in the bucket.” 

“Will you be helping us with this,” George demanded as Fred began to weigh the options they had before them. 

“When I can. I have my own projects. Thank you very much. But I have detailed notes on how to make the putrefied urine for the Potassium Nitrate and how to assemble a good firework. If you ask me I will come and help but I gave you everything you need. Any more chemicals you’ll need just come to me and I will help you make them in the future. It’s listed in the notes as well,” he handed them a small stack of papers with detailed notes. “Muggle chemicals aren’t something to mess with. So have a nice time.” 

“And we’re never speaking of this right,” Fred decided to ask. 

“It’s all up to you two. Now, I will see you…probably next week. And I hope you gather enough in the next week before you start the process. Anyways, good luck and hopefully things work out,” he smiled, brushing past them to the door. Once he was halfway out he stopped and gave a wry smile once more. “Oh, and any help past this point is going to cost you and I am not interested in cheats for the classes at the moment. Insight might be nice but it’s going to have to be a lot.”

With that he left the two to their devices, the door slamming as they both stared at the empty bucket before them with trepidation. 

“Well Forge?” 

“Right Gred.” 

Both of them sighed as they grabbed their belts and began the terribly awkward collection process. 

He will admit the fact that the professors were confused on how they managed to get gunpowder in the school and the smell they complained about for a week after they set them off was very funny. 

‘Am I his fucking keeper now,’ Yuu thought as he once more was beside Neville during their flying class that day. ‘I know some people are just disasters but the fact that someone can be as much of a natural disaster as him is astounding.’ 

Madam Hooch was the same as his last flying instructor, but at least she was less obsessed with muscles and more focused on what was practical for them at least. It astounded the people that while he was magicless, he was somehow able to fly a broom. Well he wasn’t magicless, since he manifested a pen but he never was able to use it. All he was good at was potions and flying, because that’s all his magic seemingly allowed him to do at the time. 

‘Ah…the fundamentals of course,’ he internal sighed as they all summoned forth their brooms, some people having a harder time than most. 

“Ah…I’m nervous,” Neville swallowed, Yuu rolling his eyes as he murmured assurances to the boy in the house of courage before the Coach began to explain what she expected them to do. 

Of course it got messed up though. 

“Mr. Longbottom come down here this instant,” she barked out as his broom began to act out. 

“Control your emotions,” Yuu hollered, glowering at the boy who was screaming his head off. “Your magic is making the broom go haywire! Take a deep breath and then you might be able to control it!” 

“WAAHAHAHH!!!!” 

“You have got to be kidding me,” Yuu sighed, mounting his broom as he shot off, following him with impressive skill and speed as the broom began to torture the boy in slamming into walls and bucking him around like a damned wildhorse. “Grab my hand,” he ordered the boy after he was left dangling on the spear of a statue. 

“B…but my robe,” he whimpered, the thing beginning to tear as he wriggled more and more. 

“I don’t have time for this,” Yuu muttered as he began to unbutton the robe and grab his hand. 

“Mr. Fujimaru! You are not strong enough to-” 

Yuu managed to release Neville and grab him by the collar, grunting as the dead weight hit him and began to plummet them to the ground. He managed to force his magic and will into the broom, allowing them to slow down a bit and only crash lightly to the ground. 

“Calm yourself and think rationally. If you don't, your magic will react violently,” Yuu huffed, pushing his hair back as Neville nodded, swallowing as he tried to push the fear that was coursing through him back.

“Mr. Fujimaru,” Hooch barked, marching forward. “While I applaud your will to help your fellow schoolmates, I would appreciate it if you followed instructions and allowed me to handle the situation-” 

“Neville’s passed out. I think he needs to go to the hospital wing,” he commented, looking at the boy who was laying limply on the ground. 

“Oh my,” she gasped, rushing past him to the slumped over figure. “I will be taking him to the hospital wing. All feet are to stay firmly on the ground. If I see a single broom in the air….The one riding it will be out of Hogwarts before they can say Quidditch,” she huffed, moving to princess carry the boy out. 

Yuu watched him go in silence, relishing in the momentary peace he knew was going to be broken any more. He placed his broom on the ground, rolling it under his foot as he contemplated who's going to break the peace. 

“Did you see his face,” Draco began and he bemoaned the fact the peace didn’t last more than 2 minutes. “Maybe if the fat lump had given this a squeeze, he’d remember to fall on his fat ass.” 

“Give it here Malfoy,” Harry Potter, the one Yuu had heard about, snapped as another student laughed alongside his rather unclothe housemate. 

“No. I think I’ll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find,” he smirked, Yuu watching in annoyance as he stepped onto his broom and flew into the air. “How ‘bout on the roof,” he called, flying way above them toward the peaks of the towers.  

“Don’t follow him,” Yuu warned, eyes narrowed at the black haired boy. “He’ll get bored if you don’t indulge him. It’s best not to test fate. 

``What's the matter, Potter,” Draco called out, the smirk evident in his voice. “A bit beyond your reach?” 

“You let this get to you and this will never end.” 

Yuu sighed as the boy began to get on his broom, one of his fellows rushing over to him to stop the boy as Yuu thought back to a certain dorm leader and his proclivities for missing classes because it was too much of a hassle. Now that he has been dealing with peers with the personalities and wits of mere 5 year olds, he is more inclined to do all the work and then do nothing the rest of the year but focus on his projects. 

Looking he scowled as he saw the two of them up in the air arguing. 

Clucking his tongue the boy stepped onto his broom, feet firmly planted on the handle of it as he floated up to the awe of his peers. He was thankful that he wanted to learn how to balance on a broom perfectly like the lazy dorm leader did. 

Draco reared his arm back only to gasp as it was grasped by someone and he jerked his head back to see the bored look of his roommates face as he held his hand with the remembrall in it. 

“We will get in so much trouble if you decide to throw it. I don’t know Pureblood politics but I know the Longbottoms have a prestigious reputation that could make a blow on your own families. So I suggest you don’t do it,” Yuu narrowed his eyes as he released his hand and crossed his arms. 

“By Merlin’s Beard! How are you doing that,” was the only thing Draco was concerned with as Yuu stood on his broom, looking bored as he floated beside them not even sitting. 

“Give it to Potter so he can return it to his housemate. We will all get in serious trouble if we’re caught,” Yuu was firm on the matter, but Draco’s face contorted with anger before he said- 

‘I don’t have to listen to filthy muggleborns like you,'' he hissed. “But you can have it your way,. '' he smirked, rearing his arm back and chucking the remembrall as far as possible. 

‘God, you're such an arse,” Yuu grumbled as Harry shot off to grab the flying remembrall. “You better hope that he catches it. I have heard rumors about the Longbottom Matriarch.” 

‘Don’t pretend to know anything about purebloods you damned muggle,'' Draco hissed as he began to float down. Yuu merely ignored him, uncaring of his jabs after so many weeks and re-uses as he waited for Potter to come back. 

Once the boy approached Yuu inclined his head and looked at the intact crystal ball that he had in his hand. He gave a small smile and nod in appreciation as the boy did a double take before nodding back and moving to fly down to the adoring cheers of the other first years. Yuu stayed up for a few moments longer before a voice called out. 

‘HARRY POTTER! Follow me please…my GOD! Fujimaru, you get down this instant,” McGonagall demanded as she caught sight of the standing Slytherin. “How did you get yourself in such a position-” 

“I’m fine professor,” he called, flying down with ease. “I was perfectly balanced and I knew how to stay like that.” 

She pursed her lips as she contemplated the boy, she was the only teacher thus far barring Madam Hooch who had not received half of his school assignments turned in yet but she was anticipating them any day now. 

“Even so, I do not recommend doing that ever again. Brooms are meant for safe travel and not for something a hooligan would do!” 

“I understand, professor,” he nodded stiffly. 

“But even so, it’s impressive. 5 points of Slytherin for an unpractical application of flying. Just don’t go teaching others that little trick,” she warned. 

‘Too much work,” he shrugged. “Besides, I have my own things I need to worry about.” 

‘Hmm,” she gave him a knowing look before skirting Potter away for something that most certainly was not punishment. 

If it was, he’d be going along too. 

‘Well at least it’s not Halloween without candy,’ Yuu conceded as the lavish desserts popped up on the table. ‘I would prefer having an inter-house competition on costumes though…but this is enough I suppose.’ 

Going to grab some candied apples he placed them on his plate as the other first years did the same, eagerly chatting away about the feast tonight and the decorations the great hall had that day. 

``Still can’t believe that Yuu did the spell so quickly after Flintwick gave the okay,” some of his housemates murmured. 

“He’s such a show off!” 

“Did you see how many points he earned us in the beginning of the semester? We’re untouchable! I’d help him if he decided to do it again!” 

“Did you hear what Hooch said about it? How his flying one of a kind? Sometimes he hangs upside down on his knees while it’s floating or he'll hang by his hands. He never stood on it again after McGonagall told him not to. Not even for Flint!” 

“What’s Flint going to do with his type of flying?” 

“He’d be a helluva seeker!’ 

Yuu rolled his eyes. He had enough broom sports after his birthday party at a certain dorm; thank you very much. Besides, Quidditch isn’t interesting to him at all. 

Maybe if he taught them Magishift…

BANG 

“TROLL! IN THE DUNGEON,” their spineless fool of a DADA teacher, cried out as he entered. “TROLL IN THE DUNGEON,” he gasped, coming to a stop in the middle of the hall as everyone stared at him in confusion and shock. “Thought you ought to know,” he whimpered before falling face first onto the stone below him. 

Well great. 

Scream erupted around him as people began to jump right up from their seats and attempt to rush out of the great hall, until Dumbledore boomed at them to be silent. With his usual amount of grace h e instructed the prefects to lead them all to their dorms while the teachers went down to the dungeons to deal with the troll. 

Yuu got up with his house, quickly striding out of the hall as his thoughts ran a mile a minute to think as to how a stupid, dumb and blumbling mass of a troll got into the castle? Looking up to his group he nodded to himself, moving out of the way as the mass of students passed. He rushed to the door leading to the outer part of the school, closer to the Groundskeepers hut he looked around, noticing a thrum of magic he could only assume was some sort of shield. 

Looking behind him he rushed past the hut and closer to the edge of the forest, following the thrum to where it was strongest and nodded as he sensed the shield around the school. The forest makes sense since it's big and intimidating enough to house something like a troll but he sensed nothing amiss in the shield. At least he hoped so, this type of shield magic was entirely foreign to him as he continued to walk on the outer edges of the forest. 

But it seemed as if the Troll was already in the school if it meant that the shield wasn’t messed with or damaged. He had become obsessed with shields and what different types could do for protection after that unfortunate incident when they were invaded. He had read every single book his headmaster and fellow teachers had on hand; just to understand what would be best for the school. The fact that a monster got in had his old nerves on edge again. He continued to survey the area before a defeated nicker sounded and he whipped around to spot a stark of white in the darkness. 

A unicorn. 

He blinked, realizing that all his cousin's ramblings might be true about Unicorns being out there before he noticed it was laying on the ground. It’s hoof was swollen and he nodded, seeing that it twisted it before rushing to the Hut and grabbing a hand held bucket he filled it with cool water that was no doubt enchanted before rushing back over. Kneeling down he grabbed the swollen appendage, shushing the unicorn as he neighed in response before dipping it in the cool water, he proceeded to rip his robe up into small strips. Once the appendage was in the water long enough he took it out, drying it as best he could before wrapping the clothe strips as tight as he could, soothing the creature as it whined. 

“I don’t know how intelligent you are,” he murmured, tying off the strip as he fell back on his heels. “But I think you know you should rest a bit before trying to stand. The groundskeeper here is a nice man, so you should be fine if he manages to spot you. He’d take great care of you,” he murmured, petting it’s head as the animal began to relax a bit more. He rushed back to the spigot to get more water before pouring it over it’s mouth, he smiled before petting it’s neck where it rose evenly without any problem. 

“Get better soon,” he murmured, getting up to leave before a knicker stopped him once more. He stared down at the animal as it looked at him, trying to convey a message, he shook his head. 

He never was good at animal communication, even with Riddle’s help. 

“I’m sorry, but I need all the time I have here to do something really important to me,” he began, the horse trying to convey that she wanted him to take something from her. “You’ll be fine! I swear! I’ve watched the forest for ages and nothing comes out this far…of course you know that you came here to rest your ankle…Hagrid will see you for sure! You’ll be fine…and you’ll be back with your group,” he murmured. 

She kept nickering for the boy as he rushed back to the castle, seemingly trying to tell him something as he ignored her and ran into the halls of the castle. He turned a corner only to see all the teachers and three Gryffindor students talking, his head of house turned around to see him and a scowl formed on his face. 

“Fujimaru! Why are you not with your house!”

“I…I got pushed to the back of the pack, then I fell behind all the other houses. When it was clear enough for me to catch up I saw the troll in the hallways and took refuge in a classroom nearby,” he lied smoothly. “I heard the commotion and then once it calmed down I rushed out to try and get to my dorm.” 

“Hmm. 5 points to Slytherin for not attempting to go after it and finding a place to hide,” Pomona nodded, smiling at the brightest student she’s ever taught. 

“I’ll be heading to my dorm,” he tilted his head, rushing past them like he was in a hurry. As he passed Dumbledore, he couldn’t help but feel…as if put the troll in the castle. 

But why? 

Why would he bring something that large, dangerous and stupid into the castle? 

What was he using it for? 

Once was out of sight Dumbledore regarded the enigma that was Yuu Fujimaru and decided a meeting was in order. 

Yuu himself got to his dorm without too much fanfare, huffing as he spun his lie again and plopped onto his head, murmuring for them to shut it as he wanted some sleep. 

They all agreed and they too, got ready for sleep as well. 

NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE, COUNTDOWN-6 DAYS 

“What Leona Senapi,” Yuu gasped as he followed the lion into the common room of Savanaclaw. “We’re going to play Magishift? 4 to…4 to 7?”

“Come on Herbivore,” he smirked. “You have me, Ruggie and Jack. If we add three more than that’s just overpowering us.” 

“I know all I can do magically is make potions and fly but isn't that a bit much,” he pouted, looking at his uniform. “I don’t even have my gym uniform on me.” 

“Tch. You ain’t wearing no gym uniform in my dorm,” he snapped, Ruggie coming forward with his usual ‘shshishi’ laughter, holding a bundle of clothe and leather. 

“I…I can’t take a dorm uniform,” he murmured, kicking the ground as Leona turned to him. 

“Ho…I get it,” he grunted, hand on his hip as he regarded the other. “So the Red Young Master gets to gift you a dorm uniform and armband but I can’t? Even if you're an honorary member?’ 

“No! It’s not like that…I’m..I’m not strong or…go at anything and I really can only fly and maybe move the disc around-” 

“Ahah! You weren’t kidding when you said he was a skittish one,” a voice boomed and Leona grumbled as a man with hair of burning fire entered, grinning happily as Leona swiped the hand that went to embrace him. “Heya! You must be the birthday boy that this one mentioned to my wife!” 

“Your Majesty…” He trailed off before a cry of ‘YUUUU” followed as a small tufted ball of fur and muscle came barreling at him. “AHHH,” he yelped as Cheka slammed into him, sending them both to the ground. 

“Oi! Farena! Control your kid!” Leona snapped as Yuu tried to pry the little leech of a lion off of him as he babbled about how he was going to be his number one fan for the day. How he and his mother were going to hold up signs and cheer for him and so much more. 

‘Cheka,” a stern voice called, both looked up to see a rather intimidating lioness before them. Her face was stern and eyes sharp as she grabbed her son by the scruff of the neck and hauled him off the boy below. “I know that you are excited to see him again, but do not forget that today is his day.” 

‘But mama! We can’t see him on his real birthday,” he whined. 

“We aren’t very close to him, even being here might make him uncomfortable-” 

“No,” he yelped, popping up quickly and shaking his head as she turned to him with a raised brow. “No really,” he swallowed. “I am glad you took time out of your schedule to come even today.” 

“Oh,” she smirked. “No worries. My husband dearest wanted to spend the whole week here, preparing for your real birthday but me and Leona convinced him it wasn’t the best idea.” 

“Me and Urbi and change those plans if you want us to stay Yuu,” Farena smiled as he offered his hand to the boy. 

‘I wouldn’t want to keep you from the royal duties you need to do. Being here is more than enough for me,” he coughed, smiling as the king wilted and his brother smirked. “But um…if I get tired perhaps you can cover for me in Magishift?” 

“Anything for the birthday boy,” he grinned, ears and tail flicking happily as Leona gave him a betrayed look. “Zazu? Are the guards out around the dorm and fields?” 

“Yes,” a tall man with sharp nails and eyes nodded as he stared at his king. “They are mostly at the field for now, the cooks will be making their way to the kitchens to begin preparations for the feast tonight. I would like to know what the boy is allergic to and meat preference for his steaks?” 

“Oh..I um…nothing really,” he shrugged. “I do like either well done or medium well on occasion.” 

“Any type of vegetable you do not like?’ 

“Everything,” Leona snapped, Zazu giving him an unimpressed look as he turned his attention back to Yuu who gave a sheepish smile. 

“I…I don’t like ginger too much. But that's about all,” he nodded. 

“Ah, finally,” one who no doubt was head cook, by the hat on his head, sniffed as he wiped a tear from his eye. “A birthday boy who will let out creativity flow!” 

“I do believe you all have preparation to begin,” Zazu snapped his fingers, sending them on their way. “They will be playing about 4 to 7 rounds of Magishift to get through the entire dorm-” 

“Oh…um…can Damian not play,” Yuu interrupted, eyes flicking nervously to the jackal beastman who resisted the urge to bare his teeth. “We…we kinda don’t get along,” he coughed, rocking back on his heels as Zazu raised a brow. 

“I see…anything else you would like changed before we begin?” 

“Y..yeah…can…can he not come to the field,” he murmured, eyes nervously locking with Damian’s who growled out loud. 

“You got a problem with me magicless,” he spat, the others around him sighing. “Can’t handle someone better than you huh?” 

“Oi,” Farena warned, Urbi narrowing her eyes at him as Cheka grabbed Yuu’s hand. 

“So what? You told magical people how to defeat an overblot. You didn’t do shit,” Damain took a step forward only to be met with a spear to his neck. 

“I suggest you calm down,'' a royal guard murmured as she pushed him back.

“Why the hell are you pampering the magicaless huh,” he demanded, pushing the spear back as he glowered at her. 

“As far as I know, he manifested his pen, but his magic hasn’t awakened yet or it’s being blocked,” Urbi growled in warning, stepping forward as Jack growled from behind Yuu. “I can see why Yuu doesn’t want you here during this celebration, but he has not informed us to let you out. So he still wants you to enjoy the feast. I suggest you wait until such time in your dorm room.” 

“Tch,” he clucked his tongue before pushing past the guards to head to the dorm. As he passed you he shot a glare before uttering out- “You better be careful or you’ll see if those swimming lessons actually worked” 

Yuu flinched and Leona saw red. 

“Oi,” he growled, eyes flashing bright gold as he grabbed onto the Jackal beastman’s shoulder. “You're the one who pushed Yuu into the fountain..when you all knew he couldn’t swim for shit. After he helped me.” 

“No,” Urbi stated, hackles raised as she stared down the other. “I do not care what Yuu wants. I am not risking his safety during the feast with you being here. Anisa, take him to the headmaster’s office and inform him of the confession he has spouted. On the pride of the ruling family of Afterglow Savana we vouch for him as a danger to a fellow student of Night Raven. Competition is one thing but using a deadly weakness against another for discriminatory purposes is not something we allow in Afterglow Savana or in Night Raven.” 

“Yes my queen,” she nodded, grabbing the boy’s arm before beginning to haul him out of the room. He was shouting about how what she was doing wasn’t fair and how she had no control over the dorm until Leona called out. 

“You forget I’m a member of the Royal Family,” he smirked as the other stopped. “Hope RSA let’s you in.” 

“I doubt it,” Farena’s ever present smile was gone as they watched the boy be dragged out. Once the doors slammed shut he returned his smile to it’s usual place and clapped his hands. “Now! Yuu let’s get you in the Savanaclaw uniform and to the pitch!” 

“Honestly,” Yuu murmured as he walked out onto the field, a school broom in his hand as the others waited. 

“Bout time,” Leona hummed as he soaked up the sun, Urbi was beside his team as she spoke to them about how long they expect to play. “Come here.” 

“Leona senpai,” he asked, the older one pulling him close and grinning. He handed his Broom to Ruggie after he said that he’d need his arms free. 

“You're missing something.” 

“Huh.” 

“Yuu,” Jack called, holding out a Savanaclaw armband as Urbi smiled at them all.

“Oh…right,” he smiled, taking it before stopping. “Huh…what’s this?” 

Something else was engraved on the metal clasp of the armband. 

“It’s the symbol of Afterglow Savanna's royal family,” Urbi explained. “We owe you a great debt for saving Leona and keeping it quiet,” she ruffled his hair. “Your Leona’s friend, and Cheka likes you as well. You have a place within our home if you ever want to visit.” 

“It’s too much,” he insisted, trying to hand the item back but he was met with a simple handshake. “I-” 

“Insist,” Urbi smiled, grabbing the armband and wrapping it around his upper arm with a toothy grin. “Now that’s a proper Savanaclaw boy,” she clapped as he blushed and then scowled at Leona’s nudge. 

“Come on,” Leona grumbled, smirking as Yuu rolled his eyes at him, the two teams making their way to the center of the field as Cheka cried out-

“I’M ROOTING FOR YOU YUU!!!” 

He turned to wave at him, smiling as he did before grabbing the offered broom and doing a double take. 

“Th..this isn’t a school broom,” he noticed, deflating as Farena grinned like a cat that got the canary. 

“Only the best for today! I bought them all for the school to be given out after today,” he clapped as Urbi shrugged.

“I couldn’t stop him and I wasn’t too keen on it either way. I want to avoid accidents,” she shrugged, like she couldn’t stop her husband as Yuu deflated even more. 

“I’m not even going to argue anymore,” he shook his head with a sigh as he went to catch up with his team, Leona and Ruggie itching to go as Jack stood ramrod straight in preparation.

“Teams mount your brooms,” Urbi called out, the two groups doing so as a Royal Guard came forward with the discus in hand already bouncing with magical energy to start off the game. 

“Leaders, be ready to grab it,” all eyes narrowed as they turned to their leaders. 

“We have a disadvantage that Leona is on their team…but with Mike…we might have a shot,” the others murmured as the spectators watched in anticipation. 

“On your mark….” 

Eyes narrowed. 

“Get set….” 

Teeth began to grit together as hearts pumped. 

“BEGIN!” 

The discus was thrown up, Mike and Leona shooting off as their team did the same. 

“LEONA GETS POSSESSION OVER THE DISCUS! HE MAKES HIS WAY TO THE OTHER TEAM'S GOAL!~” 

“GIVE ME COVER,” he called out as the others began to follow. 

“RIGHT,” they yelled. 

“Awaaahhhh,” Yuu breathed out, pushing his hair back before wincing at the dirt he could feel scraping against his head. “We played until Sunset and we got here at 10,” he bemoaned, shaking his head as he accepted a water bottle. 

“The matches lasted a very long time. You and Leona put up quite the fight,” Urbi commented as one of the Royal Guards wrapped his ankle. “I never expected you to jump off your broom onto another’s to throw them off.” 

“Flying and potions is all I got. Might as well be the best at them I can be,” he smiled, the queen smiling back as Cheka kept recounting to his father how cool ‘uncle Leona and Yuu’ were and how they totally decimated them all. “I was just bobbing and weaving between them all and they all come for me whenever the discus was thrown my way.” 

“You're doing well,” she nodded, the guard smiling at him before saying that he should take it easy during the feat and allow them to get the food for him so he would have use of it the next day. 

“Oi! Herbivore,” Leona called, tail flicking as he too was covered in dirt and sweat. “Come here. We need to have a photo!” 

“Okay, okay,” he laughed, taking the hand the guard offered him before limping to the center of the field where Ruggie and Jack were in just as bad a state as both of them. 

“Heya Yuu! Explosive last match huh,” Ruggie gave out another “shishishi” laugh, winking at Yuu who blushed as he remembered jumping onto another broom and pushing the man off. 

“He…He’s fine right,” he asked, sweat dropping as the worry began to get to him. 

‘I’M ALRIGHT! THAT WAS A BALLSY MOVE!” 

“OH THANK GOD…” Yuu was so relieved that he too exclaimed out loud to the amusement of everyone. 

“Come here,” Leona grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, gently leading him to where their other two team members were and turning to have him face away from the sunset. “Smile alright?’ 

“Huh?” 

“Now! To the winning team and the Birthday boy,” Urbi smiled as she held up a camera. “Say Magishift!” 

“MAGISHIFT,” they cried out, Yuu’s face stretched so far it hurt as the photo was taken. 

“Beautiful,” she sighed, looking at them happily before clapping her hands and jerking towards the dorm. “On those brooms and in the dorm. Gotta wash off and enjoy the feast,” she barked out, all of them nodding before they zoomed off to the dorm where the cooks waved at them happily. 

“Just in time! Baths have been run for you all,” Zazu began. “Yuu I have prepared another uniform for you and the bath for you is awaiting with muscle salts.” 

“Oh! You didn’t have to do all of that,” he insisted. Handing the broom off to another guard who smiled at him before giving him a wink.

“You saved Prince Leona. Just doing this isn’t enough for me…I have seen him from unruly cub to lazy dorm leader. I thank you,” he smiled, opening the door to the room with his bath in it. “The clothes are on the dresser. Enjoy your bath and make haste. The feast shall begin soon.” 

“Right!” 

Zazu smiled before turning to head back to the common room, his queen was leaning against the wall overlooking the cooks placing out all the meat and the guards defending it before the main man came. In her hand was something that caused the usual stress lines on her face to soften and he made an inquiring noise. She wordlessly handed it to him and he couldn’t stop the smile that broke out on his face. 

Dressed in Savanaclaws loose clothing as Leona and Ruggie smirked to the camera, Jack smiled as the sunset glowed behind them as the massive field where a day of pure chaos took place. Even if he was covered in dirt, his smile told the story of the day, along with the rest of theirs.

“Hmph,” he handed it back to the queen who shrugged. 

“It’s nice to see him happy for once…even the boy needs it after the rumors I’ve heard.” 

“His companion..Grim I believe…still hasn’t woken up from his coma?” 

“No…I’ve also heard rumors he overbolted…because something happened to Yuu himself. He then…he then targeted Yuu in an attempt to kill him.” 

“Goodness.” Zazu gasped. 

“I doubt he’ll remember it.” 

“Yuu will.” 

“Leona told me he’s clammed up about the incident. Both incidents,” she whispered. “Some of the professors and even the Pomefiore Head’s own father are talking about getting professional help.” 

“I see.” 

“I’m not going to drop it,” she assured him, placing a hand on his shoulder, giving a knowing look. “I think he should enjoy these bright moments a bit longer.” 

“Indeed,” he nodded, looking to the hallway as Yuu emerged in the dorm's uniform along with Leona. “Now,” he clapped. “Come along! The feast is about to begin! But first! A traditional song!” 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,” Cheka began eagerly belting out as the rest slowly began to join in. 

Yuu laughed happily as Ruggie placed an animal ear headband on him, allowing himself to be pulled into the crowd to begin the feast in full. 

Yuu’s eyes opened, it was still dark out but he knew he would not be able to go to sleep again. Shakily getting up he cursed himself and his memory as he thought back to the party…it was so much fun. 

Taking a deep breath the boy hopped off the bed, looking to his fellows as they all snored comfortably in their own beds. He shook his head and rid himself of his sweater vest and tie, he grabbed his robe before heading up the stairs to the empty common room where the portraits watched him with curious and wary eyes. 

He paid them no heed before moving to the entrance where Salazar Slytherin sat, he awoke to see the muggleborn in his house. His face pulled up into the sneer before he wordlessly opened the passageway, as much as he hated the boy he held a begrudging respect for him since he earned so many points. Yuu was still silent as he began a mindless trek through the castle, uncaring of some of the portraits that called out to him or the echoes of his shoes in the halls. 

His feet took him everywhere and nowhere as he allowed whatever seemingly possessed him to walk around the castle at night. He went up and down stairs, waited as some began to move and simply stared at paths in the hall before deciding on one. 

At some point he felt the urge to go into a room, the door thick and heavy as he pushed it in. Nothing was in the room, nothing save for a rather large mirror that he just felt…that he just felt deep inside of him holding something. 

His feet took him to the mirror, his mind going a mile a minute before he stood in front of it. His eyes took note of the inscription on it. 

“Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi” 

His eyes narrowed before he realized…

“It’s a backwards sentence….spaces rearranged…” he murmured, his mind quickly fixed them up and he was left with. 

"I show not your face but your heart's desire"

Slowly, as if he was afraid that looking before him would show him a horrid sight, they focused on the reflective surface before his eyes widened and a single word came out of his mouth as the person in the mirror…on his shoulders…smiled back. 

“Grim?” 

Chapter Text

Yuu went back to the room every single night. 

Why didn’t Grim see him? Why didn’t he hear him? Surely he noticed that he was sitting on his shoulders at least? He called to him every night, sometimes Ace and Deuce would pass by and he’d call them too. 

So…

Why didn’t they hear him? 

Why did they simply stand there talking to one another while he begged them to speak to him. 

To see him. 

Why? 

One night, he placed his hand upon the glass and urged them to look at him. To see him and come and get him. Take him back, bring him home. Finish off all those years awaiting them at school with their Senpai’s and achieve the greatest heights. 

“This is not how I imagined meeting you, Mr. Fujimaru.” 

He didn’t look away and he didn’t need to, to know who had spoken to him. 

“I look into this mirror…I look into and see something I have long desired…and that’s what this mirror does. Doesn’t it,” he spoke, his voice tight with emotion as he tried to come to terms with the reality of the mirror the day he came across it all those weeks ago. “This is a mirror that shows what you desire most in life.” 

“...You are incredibly intuitive to figure it out so quickly,” was all the headmaster had to offer. “Of all the times I have come by to see you here. All you do is stare.” 

Yuu knew for a long time that Dumbledore had been watching him and he knew he could no longer call out to them once he came. 

He did not trust the Headmaster, not in the slightest. Not since Halloween. 

“What is it you are hiding in a school full of children that requires a troll,” He asked, staring into Ace’s eyes as he finally looked at him. “What is so important that you must hid it in this place?” 

“You were able to figure out I am hiding something from the troll escaping,” Dumbledore’s voice was filled with minute shock, but Yuu was too concerned with seeing Ace’s smiling face in motion again. No longer contained within the birthday photo. 

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out,” he huffed, removing his hand and stepping back. “I am sure this is central to what you are hiding.” 

“And what makes you say that,” he asked, coming up behind the boy and locking eyes with him via the mirror. “What gives you such a thought?” 

“If you are hiding something behind a troll, then it must be what someone desires. A mirror that shows your desire would be perfect to hide it in,” he huffed. “It might be convoluted, but I’ve dealt with my fair share of shady people who find loopholes in paying up.” 

“And…is that who you see within the mirror,” Dumbledore evaded his question easily, but Yuu was more concerned with what he had just asked. 

“What makes you think we do not see the same thing, if only sightly different,” Yuu demanded, eyes narrowing as Dumbledore raised his head slightly. “You desire someone…I know your look well because I have the same. You know this as well, for you have observed me and now that I have seen you we share a kinship. Very similar but different.” 

“And how so?”

The fool challenged his pain? For what purpose.

“How so? How so,” Yuu gave a watery laugh as tears of anguish began to fill his eyes. “Everyday,” he admitted, stepping forward and placing his hand on the mirror. It rippled and everyone was in sight, crowding it’s small size as the mirror taunted him. “Everyday I suffer, yearning to return to those happy days with everyone. Everyone that I have cared for in my life,” he gave a tight grin. “You crave a single person, but I desire many. “ As if to pour salt in the wound the mirror began to put them one by one in a sequence, each connecting with his hand. 

“....” 

“I desire so deeply to return to those happy times when we all could be together and enjoy our mere presence. Uncaring for the road ahead of us as our youth dictated what we must do with ourselves and with one another. I can see the desire for the same, but it’s so small, so minute. You do not feel my pain…not in the slightest.” 

Dumbledore said nothing, he merely bowed his head and placed his hand upon Yuu’s shoulders. Yuu refused to look up at him as a single tear ran down his face as the final student flashed before him, Grim…grinning happily as he no doubt cried out “Prefect” with his usual gusto. 

Another tear fell from Yuu’s face, but it was not his own. He jolted as another joined it and he realized Dumbledore was crying. 

“You…you do not understand my boy,” he murmured, hands tightening upon his shoulders as he urged the boy to look at him. “We are far more alike than you think…for I too wish to go back to the summer so long ago. With my family and my dearest friend…foolish and young we were. Letting our ambitions in life guid us despite what others tell us.” 

“...” 

“Do you love them?” 

Ah…he still knew they lived

“Not in the way you might have loved your friend,” Yuu admitted, his tears wheeling up again as he continued to stare into those bright blue eyes.  “I know the difference between loving them and…loving them.” 

“Then you were so much brighter than I..all those years ago,” he admitted, eyes closing as if he were in grief. “If I was smarter…then I would have realized. I would have realized and I would have stopped it before it got to that point.”

“...” 

“You do know what..and whom I speak of yes,” he asked, patting Yuu on the shoulder as the boy merely closed his eyes. 

“Love makes a fool of us all,” Yuu began. “But indifference cuts like a dagger….maybe that’s why things have ended up the way they are.” 

“So long as you have something to love, nothing will be in vain. Even if you cut off ties, so long as you have love to go too…nothing will ever be in vain.” 

“What is my punishment?” 

“You must never seek this mirror out again,” Dumbledore began, Yuu opening his eyes to stare at his Headmaster’s once more. “Many have wasted away staring into its depths.” 

“Oh…,” he murmured. “Worry not about that,” he lowered his head to gaze at the mirror with a dead look. “That magic has long since vanished…I just didn’t want to come to terms with it I suppose.” 

“That’s good…you're far more sensible than myself…even now,” he sighed, releasing the boy. “I will turn a blind eye to your schooling. I have a feeling you will only wholly abandon classes within the year. Take the tests, keep up with assignments and I will promise to keep them off your back.”

“What else do you wish for in return? Certainly not just me not seeking this thing out,” he scoffed, turning to face the headmaster. “What’s your aim?” 

“Trust few within these halls. Especially now,” he warned. “Keep vigilance…I will call you to my office once you return from winter break. I hope that you will keep to my word.” 

“...Have I ever proved untrustworthy thus far? I haven’t leaked anything about the troll residing within the castle and I have kept to myself,” he scoffed. 

“Head back to your dorm,” Dumbledore murmured, his hand running through Yuu’s hair as he contemplated something. “And I hope…that you will accomplish your goals.” 

Yuu silently left, leaving Albus to his misery before his family and Grindelwald and Yuu was left ruminating on his failures thus far. 

And his friends' failures. 

“Did you see,” Whispers were running rampant around the school as Yuu relaxed in a tree within the courtyard. 

“I’ve never seen a Unicorn go mad before!” 

‘Apparently it’s been acting like that all Winter break too! Got all skittish once they realized most of the students had left the school and then suddenly reared up when they returned!”

“It doesn’t even let the little firsties near it! That unicorn is on a mission for someone in the school!” 

Unicorn? 

The only unicorn Yuu remembered was from Halloween months ago….

It still remembered him? 

Yuu narrowed his eyes as he listened to more and more rumors about the ‘mad unicorn’ before he heard the groundskeeper speak with Dumbeldore. 

“I swear, Headmaster Dumbledore. That unicorn is searching for the student that helped her! She only let’s the first and second year boys with black hair come near her before she goes wild and runs off,” Hagrid shook his head. “We have a lot of black haired students here and I don’t want to be risking their safety to be able to give this unicorn some peace of mind!” 

“I understand that Unicorns never forget a debt, but this is getting ridiculous,” McGonagall scoffed as the trio watched the Unicorn trot about by Hagrid’s hut, head shaking as more students approached it before she gave off a warning neigh and kicked her legs. They ran off and the teachers sighed. 

“Unicorns pay their debts…I believe this boy may not have taken the token of her gratitude and she is anxious to repay him,” Dumbeldore sighed. “She would not be this insistent otherwise. I will have to go to the unicorn and see if I can find a trace of the boy on her.” 

“Is that wise? She may be agitated that the boy has ignored her for so long. Unicorns are prideful and intelligent creatures,” McGonagall gasped. 

“We have no choice. Otherwise this will continue and people will be hurt,” just then the final bell rang for classes and Yuu smiled as McGonagall’s face pinched. 

“Albus. I must insist once more you speak to Fujimaru about attending more classes. He has already missed more than half of each class this semester and it’s barely even begun,” she ranted as Dumbledore sighed and gave her an indulgent smile. 

“Minny…I have informed you that he is doing well in classes that he no longer needs to attend. He only attends to familiarize himself with concepts he does not understand-”

‘I dare say that he doesn’t understand a damned thing Albus,” her voice was firm as Hagrid made a quick run away from the fuming deputy. “He is here to learn Albus. He might have some promise like Ms. Granger but he is far from a-” 

‘I’d say he is a prodigy Minny,” Albus interrupted her. “You saw his work and he demonstrated the spell you were going to test at the end of the semester with ease.” 

‘That is no excuse for this behavior. James and his brood were better at attending their classes than that boy!” 

“But they didn’t keep the grades, hmm my deputy,” he raised a brow as she scowled at him. “Minny, you cannot deny that he is gifted, much like Ms. Granger but he is very different.” 

“I won’t allow this Albus. I will fail him,” she warned. 

“Minerva,” he barked sternly. “The boy is in his first year. He might change yet.” 

“Hah,” she scoffed, the two turning to enter back into the school as he dropped down and stared out to where the unicorn was trotting anxiously at the edge of the forest. 

“So that’s what she wanted,” he sighed, beginning the trek to where the Unicorn was. “Hopefully she won’t impale me.” 

He was silent the whole way, never bothering to make his presence known but it seemed she had an enhanced sense of smell as when he was a little past halfway there she broke into full gallop. He skidded to a gentle stop as she pranced forward, eyes bright as she circled around me, neighing and nudging my arm and hands as if she wanted me to take her hair. 

Wait…

``You want me to take your hair,” he asked, turning to the unicorn who inclined her hair and offered her mane to him. 

Yuu hesitated. It was rare for unicorn’s to offer mane hair at all, but he had no use for it. He had stolen some of his dormmates unicorn hair he kept on hand for whatever reason as saw no difference to the smelted materials in his practice mirrors. 

“I’m sorry. But…I really have no use for it,” he whispered, pushing her head away gently much to her confusion. “I…I cared for animals a lot back at my home,” he informed her, petting her snout as she gazed at him. “We had horses to ride and it was so freeing, being able to ride the plains and field with my friend, even racing them. Ah…it was so fun…” 

She then got an idea. 

She bowed on the ground, Yuu stepped back as a shocked look came across his face and he began to feel his heart race. 

“I..I really don’t think riding you is the best idea! I…I mean that could end up in either you or me getting hurt and I don’t want to risk it. I could lead you back to your group or…or I could help you set up a place to stay,” he began to laugh nervously before the mare let out an annoyed nicker and he sighed. 

Of course he always let those damned horses bully him then and now. 

“I’ll let you take the reins,” he sighed, gently holding onto her mane before she sat up and took off full speed. “WOAH!” 

Once the shock wore off Yuu felt as if he was free once more. The wind swept through his hair as he world went by him in a blur, his heart was in his throat as the world began a blur of green, oranges and reds as time seemingly came to a stand still. The cold wind nipped at his cheeks, burned his lungs, stung his open skin and eyes as he looked at the winter wonderland the forest had become. 

THUMP. 

He felt alive. 

THUMP. THUMP

He felt alive in a way that he hasn’t felt in many months. 

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. 

He began to laugh, laugh so freely and happily as she began to rush through the root riddled floor of the forest. They passed all manner of creatures, his laughter ringing off like some sort of fae from myth as his inky black hair whipped in the wind. 

Some were a bit more intelligent than others. 

“Firenze…was that a human child with the Unicorn’s leader,” his companion asked, looking to the leader of the Unicorns of the Forbidden Forest Rohesia who allowed a young human boy to ride her. 

“I knew she was having trouble with the spawn of Aragog recently and that they had a scuffle,” he admitted. “It seems she was injured and he healed here….but he did not accept the gift of her mane hair. Even now, he merely wishes to ride…” 

“A unicorn.” 

“No…I simply think he rides horses at home and wishes to ride them again,” he sighed, lowering his bow as they passed once more. The boy’s face alight with a joyful smile as his laughter rang through the air of the forest. 

“If that is true I doubt we will ever see him again.” 

“On the contrary,” Firenze smiled. “I think we will see much more of him. He had ambition, I can sense it even through his scent. But he has no malicious intent. If anything he uses what he can get his hands on, but never with evil actions.” 

“You can’t be sure of that.” 

“Oh yes I can. I sense he will be someone great.” 

“...Okay Firenze.” 

“Let us leave them be for now, I sense our presence would not be welcomed by Rohesia at all,” he chuckled, his friend following without another word as his laughter continued to ring happily through the air. 

Yuu on the other hand felt so…so alive and happy in this moment he felt as if he could belt out into a song. He didn’t, but it was real close. 

That day was quite nice. 

And the look Dumbledore gave him the following morning, eyes peering at him through his half moon glasses twinkling as he distracted his head of house, told him he knew from the start who the Unicorn was looking for. 

He smiled at the headmaster who winked back at him, and he knew he had someone here who he could trust just a bit more. 

“And why am I here again,” Yuu asked as he sat down in Fred and George’s secret lab. 

“Well my dearest little chemist,” they had taken to calling him when he went and gathered materials to once more make them specific chemicals for their muggle-like pranks. 

They had taken to doing things the muggle way if only for the shocked looks it got them. They were never traced back to the pranks because they were always so..quote en quote magical about theirs that people never really connected the dots. They also called him in a lot more for help with compound and chemicals that came with making the items. 

He took his payments like he said, information about the best hiding places in the castle, how to get the cat of the demented caretakeer on his side and so on. 

“We would like to give you advanced payment for the rest of the school year,” George finished, smiling as Yuu smiled back. 

They had gotten smarter. 

If they had said the rest of the year it would only last another month until it turned into 1992 and then he would null and void it. Seemingly they had caught on to his specific type of wording that he used to get what he wanted while leaving more than his fair share of people now in the dust. 

“Hoo? And what is so impressive that it could last me until the end of the year? My help isn’t cheap as well as you both know and I am anxious to figure out what could be so impact as to pay for the rest of the school year,” he hummed, crossing his arms as George motioned to his brother who pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to the boy. 

“A piece of paper…what does it do,” he smirked as they smirked back. 

“I solemnly swear I am up to no good,” Fred stated, placing his wand on the map and yuu watched as red ink began to spread throughout the paper. 

‘Messrs. Moony, Wortail, Padfoot and Prongs are proud to present the Marauder’s Map.’ 

“I see this is the key to your success in getting away with half the things you do,” Yuu smirked, opening the map before raising a brow at the ribbons with names on them. 

“We owe them so much and we still do. We're willing to let you borrow it when you need it, but we’ll still need it.” 

“This is valuable…and you still need to keep hold of it. Smart,” he shot back, smiling as he opened more and more of the map. “And is this accurate? Dumbledore is really-” 

“In his study.” 

“Pacing.” 

“He does that alot.” 

“No doubt because he’s the headmaster of a magical school filled to the brim with magical idiots,” Yuu shot back as the twins grinned in response. 

‘And this map shows everyone.” 

“Everyone,” Fred nodded. 

“Everyone,” George made sure to press with importance. “Where are they.”  

“What they’re doing.” 

“Every minute.” 

“Of everyday.” 

‘I doubt you made this. And I sense that the people who made it are long since gone, how’s you come across this,” Yuu leaned back in his chair, eyes taking note of the passageways he never knew existed. 

“Nicked it from Filch’s office of course,” Fred sounded offended. 

‘First year,” George puffed up happily as they grinned at one another. 

“Now our little chemist. There are 7 secret passageways out of the castle leading to Hogsmeade, but there are 5 leading to the forbidden forest and 3 going deeper down under the castle past the dungeons.” 

“You’ve been watching me,” he didn’t accuse them, it was more of an observation of the two as well. 

“Well who wouldn’t,” they both stated as they shrugged in unison. “You're mysterious as they come and you sure know how to hide from our head of house!”

McGonagall had not stopped trying to get him to go to classes and she even roped a few others in on it as well. She even tried to scare him into the fact she might force him to take remedial classes if he doesn’t attend. 

It hadn’t bothered him too much and he usually still attended classes at least twice a week. 

“How do I stop showing everything on the map?” 

“A simple tap of the wand and Mischief Managed,” George smiled as he did just that. 

“Brilliant. Well, I say that your payment is accepted and anything you may need within reason,” he stressed as they grinned, “will be done. In exchange for use of the map and your discretion.” 

“But of course!” They smiled, Yuu took to shaking both of their hands and saying the one thing they were itching for the whole time their pitch was going through. 

“Then it’s a Deal.”

“And where do you think you are going,” Snape’s voice stopped Yuu in his tracks, turning around as he sighed as his head drew attention from most of the house. 

‘Dumbledore wants to speak with me. I’m heading to his office, he knows I’m free around this time.” 

“Ah yes…and what exactly do you do most of the day? You rarely attend classes now.” 

‘I attend classes twice a week-” 

“Out of five,” Snape was ready to growl at the boy who smirked at him. 

“Better than nothing.” 

“I hope that Dumbledore puts you in your place and stops these foolish actions once and for all. I grow tired of him insisting that you…explore your options,” Snape hummed, turning on his heel to head into his office. “I expect you back promptly once you are finished.” 

“I might stay the night in his office,” Yuu smiled as his head of house stilled. “After all..Students aren’t allowed out at night.” 

“Go see Dumbledore and come back,” Snape warned, entering his office before slamming the door. 

‘Hmm,” Yuu smiled, heading out into the darkened hallway, badge that Flich knew by heart on his right breast. He glided through the cool hallways, smiling as snow continued to lightly fall around the castle, ghosts nodded their heads to him as he passed by, he gave polite smiles back as his own house ghost smiled at him. 

“Going to see Dumbledore at last,” he commented, floating beside him as the Gray Lady bid them farewell. 

“Yes. But it’s not as if you haven’t tried to stop the meeting Baron.” Yuu smiled as he turned the corner. “I know that you enjoy our talks as much as I, but what Dumbledore and I are going to discuss won’t change that.” 

“And how would you know,” he challenged. 

“Because he’s been stonewalling the deputy and Snape from basically escorting me to classes,” he raised a brow as Baron did the same. “Worry not. He’s not going to force me into classes more than I already go too.” 

“Hmm, then I wonder why he is calling you now.” 

“I have an inkling. But worry not, it’s nothing bad Baron.” 

“I guess my entertainment will continue on,” he bowed. “I have never seen such a stubborn student go against both Snape and McGonagall.” 

“I’m honored, Yuu smiled before turning to the statue and saying-

“Lollipops.” 

“Give Dumbledore my greetings,” Baron absentmindedly called out, floating away as Yuu began the trek up. 

He shook his head fondly at the ghost before continuing the climb up, he didn’t bother with looking around as the halls began to fill with books, knick knacks and all other sorts of items before coming toward a large door that opened the moment he was within 5 feet of it.

“Have a nice winter break Mr. Fujimaru?” 

“As nice as it can be with those two,” he admitted, grabbing the tea cup made for him and turning around in a circle. “They didn’t say much, Christmas was nice with the presents. Books on science and the like. They even took me to Diagon Alley so I might buy more magical books as well.” 

“I assume they go hand and hand with your little project you have been doing since the beginning of school.” 

“It’s nothing bad.” 

“A magical mirror will always have some sort of danger to it,” Dumbledore warned, getting up to place the book he was reading away. 

“I know…and if I succeed then I trust you to be the one to destroy it.” 

“You won’t be coming back.” 

It wasn’t a question nor a statement. 

It was a surety. 

“Correct.” 

“You're so young…and yet you already know what you want from this world,” he shook his head. “I applaud you for that,” he inclined his head, eyes scanning the bookshelf he linger over and Fawkes cooed at his master and guest. 

“A phoenix,” Yuu hummed, but did not move to coo over it or try and get close. 

“Yes…my most trusted companion in all the world,” Dumbledore nodded as Fawkes preened happily, letting out a beautiful cry that Yuu smiled at. 

“I once had a familiar like that,” Yuu commented, looking wistful as Dumbledore eyed him. 

“And I assume you work to get back to them?” 

“Hmm.” 

“I’ve noticed that the Unicorn has yet to fully return to the Forbidden Forest,” Dumbledore pulled out a book, neither looking at one another as they continued to mill about the office. 

“I guess,” Yuu shrugged. “She pesters me to visit her when I have the chance, if not then what happened before I took her gift happens again. She’s forced me to go and see her newest foal she had before I helped her and she often lets me brush her and her mates mane as thanks. She never lets me without me taking the hair with me and her escorting me back to the castle.” 

“She’s bonded with the gentle soul you possess,” Dumbledore noted, Fawkes cooing in confusion before cocking it’s head to the side to stare at the boy who still did not look at him. 

“I guess,” he scoffed, moving to the desk to grab more tea. Fawkes let out a squawk to get his attention but Yuu ignored the bird, said bird more and more intrigued by the minute by the muggleborn. 

“I see my choice was correct for you.” 

“Ah, the hat,” Yuu commented, looking at the thing that loomed over him. “I am sure you have been subjected to all manner of complaints from teachers about me.” 

“Hmm.” 

“Speaking of complaints, Madam Hooch is about to have a heart attack should you continue with your flying ways,’ Dumbledore turned to give his usual twinkling gaze at the boy who gave a sheepish smile. 

“What ways?” 

“Flying while standing on the handle, dangling from your knees and hands, lying on the handle in the air, either on your back or side as you watch the class and my personal favorite-laying like a sloth as you float about lazily,” he huffed as Yuu shrugged. “And Minny…I mean Professor McGonagall. Never have I seen her so fired up about a student.” 

“Hmm, I’m glad I’m keeping that blood pumping in her,” he nodded to himself like he was proud as Dumbledore let out a chuckle and produced another book he placed off to the side. 

“Professor Sprout is about to have a mandrake alarm for you should you continue to nap in the Green Houses during her classes…years above you.” 

“Ahaha! Aren’t they deadly.” 

“If you are exposed to their scream for about 10 seconds,” he shot back. 

“I see, I see,” he giggled. “My head of house constantly nags me so I don’t need your update on him.” 

“Professor Flintwick is thinking about private tutoring for you. By all appearances he is very giddy about it and the fact he’ll have time to pick your brain.” 

‘Like a true Ravenclaw,” Yuu snorted. 

“I find myself more and more mystified with how well you handle magic,” Dumbledore marveled, Yuu stilling before sighing. “But, as I am a man of a certain age and with many experiences. I know that I should not pry.” 

“...Thank you.” His voice was like a mouses and Dumbledore was reminded that he is nothing more than an 11 year old who misses people who are not his own family. 

“I say…I thought this would be done tonight but alas, I have far more of an accumulation that I believed myself to have,” Dumbledore sighed. “I will call you back in another night once I have finished pulling all the material.” 

‘Pardon.” 

“Come now,” Dumbledore stared into Yuu’s eyes that slowly came to the realization.

“You don’t need to do this. If the board find out-” 

“I doubt it. These books shall never leave the grounds,” he winked and Yuu realized in that moment they were really more alike than he gave him credit for. 

“I need to head back to my dorm, lest Snape have both our heads,” he warned. 

“Ahaha. As if Severus could really do anything,” he shook his head. “But I will allow you to have your time to explore the castle a bit more tonight. Tell anyone who stops you that I instructed you to go to a certain room and show them the badge. They won’t stop you.” 

“Thank you,” Yuu smiled, heading out as Fawkes once more tried to garner attention from the boy. 

‘I am afraid, my friend, that he does not wish to gawk at you,” Yuu heard from Dumbledore before he entered the hallway. 

Yuu smiled before skipping down the stairs into the cool frigid winter air, while it did snow, the snow didn't stick to the ground. Because children will be children and the Weasley Twins did one too many pranks for them to keep the snow. 

He walked out to the ground, noting that the groundskeeper's hut was dark and he relished in the fact he could walk around with the need to be careful, lest he start hollering about a student being out of bed. He took the long way to the south towers, entering from the side entrance and moving to go through the various corridors to the astronomy tower where he knew clases had ended for the night. 

The large telescope never failed to take his breath away as he circled around it, smiling as the warmth from it proved class had ended before moving to the edge of the balcony and letting his legs dangle over as he sat down. 

The wind sang no song that night, not anymore at least and he was left alone to his thoughts. 

Or so he thought. 

The leathery flap of wings caught his ear and a clack of claws on metal had him looking up to see a..see the dragon that Malfoy bragged about peering down. 

“I thought you were smuggled away to Romania,” Yuu commented, resting his cheek on his fist and the thing cooed and squawked at him. “I know you took some sort of liking to me but can you leave,” he sighed. “It’s bad enough that I almost got thrown into that detention with those Gryffindor’s and Draco all those weeks ago…” 

He had only gotten out of it because Dumbledore heard about it and told Minerva that the badge he had given him is essentially a sign that he can be wandering the castle. 

He left real quick when that face pinched up and she puckered her lips to yell at him. 

The dragon crooned at him, hoping over and demanding to be pet, to which Yuu focused deeply for a moment before blowing a puff of air out of his mouth, the metal beneath the dragon shifting as it squawked and flew into the air. 

He knew he had a way with dragons, just like he did with a certain dragon fae. But this was getting ridiculous. 

“You are supposed to be in Romania,” he sighed, getting up before taking a deep breath as it took it as a sign to lay on his shoulders. “Honestly. I’m not going to save you when you're taken away again!” 

The dragon merely decided to snuggle into his shoulder and ignore him fully, content with his presence and he gave an annoyed huff. 

Well..he could indulge the dragon for the night…but no more. 

“Do you want me to draw up a contract that will have the students be forced into silence about the Stone and Potter,” Yuu asked, looking up from the book Dumbledore had lent him for the night as the man in question stared out the window. “It’s not too much work for me. I had a wonderful friend who took after his stepfather and I know how to make things solid. I can make sure to get the wording perfect so that even the tiniest slip up-” 

“That will not be needed my boy,” Dumbledore stopped his rantings before they truly began, the other trailing off to a stop before nodding, looking back down at the page before yelping as the thing in his lap wasn’t a book but Fawkes. 

‘Call your bloody chicken off,” he yelped, grabbing the Phoenix and plopping it to the side before grabbing his book. “Will you stop it,” he hissed, the Phoenix flapping its wings and Dumbledore watched with an amused glint. “This isn’t funny!” 

“I say, Fawkes has never quite taken to anyone other than myself in many years. You should be happy, he sees you as a friend.” 

‘All I see is a bloody chicken that won’t. Leave. Me. Alone,” he hissed, the bird flapping its wings angrily before flying and landing atop his head. “Arrgh!” 

Dumbledore merely smiled, looking through yet another bookshelf in an attempt to find something to aid the young boy in his endeavors. 

Such a strange sight, the boy was now. In the regulars of day to day life, he was…disconnected with people and with the world. He hid behind his terrifying intelligence that was something that came once in a lifetime. A true genius that was worth beholding. And Dumbledore has seen one…someone like him once, long ago. Saw what he thought and did…But Yuu was different. 

In rare instances and in rare moments…he could see the child within. The poor, sad miserable child with far too much love within him that yearned to go back. 

He failed twice already. 

He was determined not to fail a third time. 

“If you don't want me to make a contract then what will you do,” Yuu demanded, pushing the phoenix off of him once more with a warning glare. 

‘Nothing. Children will be children and gossip will be gossip,” he informed the boy, turning to him as he stood up from his chair and moved to leave. “I am correct in assuming you will not attend the feast tonight?” 

“Hmm,” Yuu asked, turning to the headmaster. “Yeah…I won’t. I don’t see much of a reason to go.” 

“Well, you best finish packing. I can have Fawkes send you home early,” Dumbledore knew trying to make him stay was something that would get him nowhere. 

“Indulging a student, Minerva is going to throw a fit. My housemates already see me as a traitor for befriending you,” he smiled. “But thank you. I..am going to be working on refining my technique so when I come back I will be sure it will work!” 

“I am glad. I will send you home an hour before the Feast. Please have everything ready.” 

“Right…wait! You're using Fawkes so me and that bloody chicken get along,” Yuu accused Dumbledore, smiling as Yuu grunted. “Tch, sneaky old man. Fine…see you later.” 

With that he left the office with his usual gusto, Fawkes doing his ever present shrill of a goodbye as he quickly made his way down the stairs into the hall and within the school as usual. 

It was silent as people were busy packing in preparation for the next day when they would all be sent home, Yuu wandered the mostly empty hall in a sort of trance before he found himself on the path to the hospital wing. 

Laughter and the sound of footsteps grew closer and closer, but he made no effort to hide. Hogwarts had become his playground and domain as quickly as it had become the Weasley twins. 

The trio of Gyrffindor’s who saved the school came into his line of sight and they skidded to a stop when they caught sight of him. Yuu felt pressure build it’s way up into his chest the longer he stared at them. 

How similar they were to him, Ace and Deuce. They were close, they laughed and griped and did everything good friends are supposed to do.

“Good to see you three all healed up,” he smiled, hands clasped behind his back. “Though, I do suggest that in your future endeavors? You be a bit more discreet in how you handle them. The Dragon Incident comes to mind” 

“Not all of us are blessed to be given permission to wander the castle from Dumbledore,” Hermione scoffed. 

“...How did you get rid of it,” Yuu turned to Harry who jolted at the question. “How did you get rid of the temptation to go and look? Dumbledore told me it was only about 2 weeks at most…how’d you get rid of it?” 

“...You found it as well,” he breathed, the other two looking confused at their words. 

“I went back every day for five weeks,” Yuu explained, smiling sadly as Harry’s eyes widened impossibly. “But I knew deep down it was fake, but I did not want to admit it to myself…so how did you escape it?” 

“Dumbledore talked sense into me.” 

“...Same…well. Happy feast. I will see you next year,” he smiled, turning on his heel to head off. 

“We will see you at the Feast you know,” Hermione called out, Yuu looking back with a wry smile. 

“Ah…I have been given special permission from Dumbledore to leave today,” he explained. “It works best with me.” 

“Did something happen at home,” Hermione gasped, hand going to cover her mouth as the other two whipped their heads to him in concern. 

“No,” he shook his head, turning to face them but continuing to walk backwards. “I just…don’t see any point in attending the feast,” he shrugged. “My parents were told of me coming a bit earlier than normal and they are fine with it. Dumbledore’s signed off on it..figuratively of course. And well…that’s all pretty much. I simply see no need in going to the feast.” 

“That's not fair to your housemates!” Hermione’s face pinched as the two boys looked at him like he was a bit lucky. 

“Life never is,” he smiled. “Now if you will excuse me. I need to pack to get ready for my transportation home. Until the end of summer you three.” 

With that Yuu turned on his heel and strode down to the dungeons, eager to go back home and continue his research. A little gift from Dumbledore nestled right above his heart. 

What a wonderful thing it is to share pain with one so powerful. 

“I said that I passed, so what’s the deal,” Yuu snarled at his mother who stared back at him with a bit of rage and fear.

“I am sick and tired of getting owls delivering letters about you missing class! Just attend them Yuu! You can do whatever you want here! Just make it all stop!?” 

“I’ll have Dumbledore stop the letters. But you know that I’m too smart for them right? I’m not going to go to class!” Yuu was pissed off because his mother wanted him to go to class.

Now? Now they start to act like proper parents when they didn’t give a damn even before that. 

‘What changed mother,” he scoffed. “What suddenly flipped the switch in your mind to make you such a nagging mother about my education,” he demanded. “Before that I could be held back 4 times and you think everything was fine!” 

‘Do not talk back to me,” she warned, eyes flicking nervously every which way. 

“God again,” he hissed. “You said you got better! You said you stopped…why are you letting her do this to us,” he turned to his father who merely stared at his hands, limp on the couch as mother and son duked it out. 

“Yuu…it makes her happy-” 

“We should make her happy,” he snapped. “She should be content to have a husband who makes 8 figures a year and a son who's the top of his class with ease! Instead she wants to get high with crack and heroin while you do nothing,” Yuu accused. “You said that things would be better when I came home dad!’ 

“Do not turn this on your father,” his mother warned. 

“I’m not! Because he’s not the one married to a serial cheater! He’s not the one married to someone who doesn’t deserve him,” Yuu cried out. “I should have never expected anything different from a lazy parent like you!” 

“Yuu…you will show me respect,” his mother was twitching out as she went through withdrawal and Yuu sneered at her. 

“Why,” he demanded. “Why should I show a worthless drug addict and slut who would rather be in an alley having a fun time with anyone but her husband, why should I show you respect when she is never at home-!” 

“Yuu,” his father warned, standing up as he grabbed his wife’s shoulder and pushed her back to the kitchen. “Enough. Me and your mother have been stressed ever since those letters came. She is right in that you need to go to class. We will speak on this later, but for now go to your room and head to bed.” 

“Are you taking her side?” Yuu demanded, face falling as he looked up to his father. 

“...Go to bed Yuu,” he said. Yuu’s lip quivered as he nodded, turning to head up the stairs before his father’s voice rang out. “Yuu,” he turned, seeing a sad smile on his face. “I am…I am very proud of you. You are all that I could wish for and more. Keep doing what you're doing. Show them that you can be the best wizard without attending all those classes.” 

“...Okay.” 

“I love you,” his father said. “Your mother and I will try and work things out. For now…just rest okay?” 

“Okay….” 

“And Yuu?” 

“...?” 

“I hope you can return to those people that can make you smile so. I’m not the best father, but the best I can do is give you money to be able to get to your true happiness,” his father smiled, Yuu’s lip quivering as he gave a sharp nod. “I’m not mad…in fact I’m quite happy. Have a nice night.” 

Yuu turned to head back up the stairs, rushing into his room and flinging himself onto the bed. Tears gathered up in his eyes he took calming breaths before looking up at his ceiling, the stars he drew twinkled in the dying light and sleepiness took over and he was transported to another sweet and detailed dream. 

NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE, COUNTDOWN-5 DAYS 

“Neee~! Shrimpy! Come on out,``Floyd called as he and Jade entered Savanaclaw. “We have a lot to do today!” 

“Heya Floyd,” Ruggie smiled as he came out, a usual smirk on his face as the Royal guards looked at the two with intense gazes. “Here for Yuu?” 

“Indeed. We were informed last night that the Magishift games lasted longer than usual. Azul has prepared a soothing salt bath for him to have before the main event at the Monstro Lounge this day,” Jade smiled, the guards shifting as they did not like the two at all. 

Good instincts. 

“Shishishi,” Ruggie laughed. “Well he’s a pile of jelly limbs at the moment with Cheka using him as a jungle gym,” he jerked his head to the pile of pillows by the waterfall. “But he should be awake right now. Party was pretty intense last night, the cooks were all too happy to make whatever Afterglow Savana dish he wanted and…well I took advantage.” 

“Of course, of course,” the two moved to where Yuu was laying, the boy having Cheka on his chest as the cub babbled about how cool he was during the matches. 

“Cheka. You need to head home today,``Yuu murmured, not even opening his eyes as the boy laid down on him. “And I have another party to attend too.” 

“Oh, oh! Can I come,” he pleaded, his mother sitting beside Yuu, giving her son a warning look as Jade and Flyd approached. 

“You must be from Octavinelle,” she hummed, Yuu opening his eyes to smile at the duo. 

“Hey Jade. Heya Floyd.” 

‘Hi Shrimpy~!” Floyd gave a toothy grin that had Urbi’s hairs on end while Jade’s made her want to bare her fangs in warning. 

“Azul has commissioned and comendared the use of a relaxing jacuzzi bath with muscle relaxant salts in order to make sure you're up for the party today.” 

“That sounds nice,” Yuu smiled, grabbing Cheka by the scruff of the neck, having gotten express permission from every single royal family member present, and plopping him by his mother’s side. “I will need help walking though. Flying and doing all those tricks took a lot outta me,” he huffed, hissing as he sat up. 

“I can give Shrimpy a piggyback ride!~ It will be fun!” Floyd smiled as Leona came in with a raised brow. 

“Enjoy the Lounge,” he waved off, yawning, his brother came beside him and waved goodbye to Yuu as he was hefted onto Floyd’s back. 

“Happy 11th Yuu,” Farena smiled as Cheka hopped onto Leona, much to his chagrin.  “Hopefully we see you during the summer!” 

“Of course,” he smiled, waving goodbye as Floyd and Jade moved to lead. 

‘LATER YUU,” all of Savanaclaw called out, Yuu waving to them as he laid his head on Floyd’s shoulder and watched as they moved to go to the mirror chamber. 

“I see that yesterday was quite fun no,” Jade hummed, Yuu smiling to the twin as Floyd continued to hum a nonsensical tune. 

“Yeah, but I am sure that what you guys have planned will be just as fun, if less taxing on me,” he smiled, the trio now halfway through the underwater hallway leading to the Monstro Lounge. “Azul got the Jacuzzi in the Lounge?” 

“The back room. He was thinking of adding it to the VIP Lounge as an added bonus and hike up price during exam times,” Jade gave a smilde that had Yuu shaking his head. 

“Of course,” he grumbled into Floyd’s shoulder who barked out a laugh before he kicked open the doors and yelled out

“I’ve got a tired little shrimpy!~” 

“Ah! Yuu,” Azul smiled, hands spread wide as he approached the trio. “I see that Leona did not heed our warning about not tiring you out.” 

“Ahaha. Leona does follow his own rules ya know,” Yuu raised a brow as Azul nodded in agreement. 

“Well come, come. The bath awaits and we still have minor preparations to do before we can officially begin your Octavinelle dorm party,” he clapped his hands happily. 

“And I assume my custom made dorm uniform is already waiting in the room,” he asked as Floyd began to move away. 

“Hehe,” was all he got. 

“Well, see you all in a bit,” Yuu called out, allowing Floyd to place him on the chair in the room before ruffling his hair and pointing to all the items laid out before him. 

“Enjoy shrimpy! But don’t get all pruney!” 

“I got it, I got it,” he shook his head, a smile stretching across his face as Flyod pranced out and closed the door. The last thing he heard from him was-

“Any of you bother shrimpy before he’s done is gonna get squeezed real hard.” 

Trust Floyd to say that. 

With that done Yuu stripped out of his Savanaclaw pj’s given to him, folded them beside his uniform before stepping into the warm bubbling water. 

“Look at you,” a third year called out as Yuu entered. “You're missing a few things.” 

“The hat and the armband,” he raised a brow as something dropped onto his head. 

“Here you go!” 

“Thanks Floyd,” Yuu upturned his head to see the grinning moray eel who grinned back. 

“Yup! And Azul is gonna give his gift!” 

“Must you ruin the surprise,” Azul demanded as he came forward with the dorm armband in hand. “Jade, if you will,” he handed off the item to him. Jade took it with stride, motioning Yuu to come over as he moved to tie the armband to his arm before stepping back. 

‘Ahahahah!~ Look! Look at Shrimpy! He’s one of us now!” Floyd cheered as the others laughed. 

“I dare say that he’d look better in Pomefiore’s robes,” a smooth voice hummed and Yuu looked up to see a vaguely familiar man who was beautiful and handsome at the same time. 

“Aren’t you…aren’t you that famous pop artist,” Yuu whispered, eyes wide as he looked at him like a ghost. “But…aren’t you supposed to be on tour right now?’ 

“Haha! You are a fan,” he smiled, pushing his blonde locks back before striding over. “Yeah, but I got a call from my cousin for a favor. He led me to this one here,” he jerked a thumb to Azul who gave a wave. ‘And then boom! Best contract I’ve read in a while.” 

“I am proud.” 

“Wait…Pomefiore…You're related to Vil aren’t you,” Yuu accused, as the man grinned a shit eating smile. 

“What gave it away,” he whined, resting his cheek in his hand as the lounge waiters began to get food and drink settled on the tables. 

“He complained about how much you run around on stage and never take care of your skin,” Yuu smirked. 

“I get we both inherited looks from our grandfather but he takes it too far,” he shook his head. “Claude Feu Schoenheit! My unique magic is known as Hell Fire. Can you tell that I was raised religiously?” 

“Kinda,” he smirked, taking the offered hand and shaking it. “Why are you here? I doubt I did anything worth getting a private concert.” 

“You saved my cousin,” he winked, at Yuu’s shocked and scared look he clarified. “My Uncle and I are keeping it silent. For Vil’s sake and for the sake of many others, but we both wanted to thank you. Uncle wasn’t able to come today, but I managed to.” 

“Speaking of people wanting to thank you,” a new voice called out. 

“F..Father,” Azul yelped, straightening himself out as his stepfather, mother and grandmother came in. 

“Hello! Hello,” he grinned, his mother moving to smother him in kisses as the Leech twins stifled their laughter. 

‘Don’t think you're getting out of it,” she warned, removing herself from her son and moving to the leech twins. 

“Aquor Ashengrotto,” the man smiled, hand out toward Yuu who shook it. “Thank you for helping Azul even though he…makes questionable decisions. I heard about what happened with your dorm and what Azul did…” 

“I say Ramshackle was in need of a touch up father,” Azul began to defend himself. 

“You mean when you kicked me out of my dorm,” Yuu deadpanned as his friends stifled their giggles.

“You did sign the contract after all,’ Azul and Yuu’s argument about the stolen dorm was practically legendary at this point and the two never really let it die down between the two of them. It gave them a reason to try and outsmart each other and it kept Yuu from enacting true rage against Azul. 

They saw what Yuu did to Idia after he stole Grim and no one was particularly interested, aside from Floyd but he surprisingly had survival instincts, to bring forth that reaction again. 

“I am sorry about him,” Grammy Ashengrotto, or Morgan, sighed as she turned to her grandson. “He does take after me and has much to learn,” she gave him the side eye that had him flinching before Claude laughed and moved to head to the stage. “Now! We have gifts as a thank you and I hope you take them!” 

“Here, here,” Mama Ashengrotto or Oceane, smiled as she pulled out a small silk pouch that had something clicking inside. “It’s a good investment! We don’t have the need for them anymore and momma hates how they're just rotting about in her jewelry box with no one to use them!” 

Yuu accepted the blue bag, opening it before his head whipped up eyes wide as he shook his head and tried to put the bag back in Oceane’s hands. 

“These are mystical pearls! I can’t accept them!” 

“Oh shush,” she hushed him, placing them firmly in his hands as Azul commented that they were finally getting rid of them. “We know what they do and we don’t have much use for them anymore. We still have some at home for when inspiration strikes us to try something different, but mama isn’t known as a wonderful sorceress just for her deals. She was the one that found the 50 different uses of the mystical pearls.” 

“But they're so rare,” he whispered. 

“Boy,” Aqour sighed, clapping him on the back as the VIP was being set up. “She discovered the 50 uses and gets sent more everytime they find a mine. We are begging to get rid of them and besides! Mystical pearls are hard to cultivate, use and even find. It’s a good investment since stock doesn’t go down too often. More often than not it rises before plummeting maybe a percent or two. Never more than 5% though.”

“But…still.” 

“Think of it as a rainy day fund,” he offered. “They aren’t going to take them back you know,” he eyed his wife who smiled beside her mother. 

“Right…” 

“Now,” Morgan clapped her hands. “I have gotten recipes from my grandson and his hooligans about the food you like. Never seen them before, no doubt from where you came?” Her eyes knew more than he thought she knew, but he nodded. “I am sure you will be a wonderful critic and I find myself eager to get started!” 

“Your cooking,” he gasped as the curtains opened to Claude tuning out his guitar. 

“Of course! It’s the least I can do and giving you some home food, hopefully, is what the birthday boy deserves!” 

“Thank you,” he blushed as Aquor slapped him on the back and moved to follow the two women to the kitchen. 

“Now! I do believe your booth awaits you with an array of drinks to try at your leisure,” Azul waved for him to go forward. 

“Thanks Azul,” he smiled, the other winking right back at him as Floyd came bursting out with the drinks on his tray and a grin on his face. 

“Shrimpy! Come on and taste the limited time drinks,” he called, rushing over to his booth. 

“Oh! End of the year drinks,” he asked. 

“Birthday boy specials. Today only,” Azul puffed up. “Specially made for you and only you this day Yuu.” 

“You don’t have to go so far you know?” 

“Hmm,” was all Azul offered before Claude got up to the mic. 

“Now! Who’s ready to start this birthday party!” 

“WE ARE!!!” 

“LET’S GOOOO!!!” 

A few hours later, after the party had ended with a rather loud bang of confetti Oceane Ashengrotto would be cleaning up as Yuu, her boy and his friends all napped a bit in the VIP booth, a certain little thing catching her eye and she couldn’t stop her smile as she held up a certain photo. 

Placed between Jade and Floyd in the VIP booth at Monstro Lounge with a a intricate cake courtesy of the Ashengrotto’s and fedora on top his head, Azul on his right side behind him as the dim lights of the lounge drew attention to the aquarium and the massive “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” sign in said tank, all the sea creatures seemingly photobombing the picture. Yuu seemed so happy as they embraced him, Azul’s smile bright as they yelled ‘happy birthday’ to the camera. 

What a nice day it had been. 

Hiro opened the door to his son's room, sighing at the rather bland room before remembering his son had no plans on staying if he could help it. 

His boy slept soundly as he kneeled beside his bed and he couldn’t help but think…how much better it would have been if he had never had returned. For all of them. 

Yuu would be happy. 

Akira would be less inclined to her vices. 

And Hiro would no longer have to worry about being a useless or ill prepared father. 

They were all so selfish and Hiro was inclined to give his son his selfishness if he could. So he merely patted his son’s head and moved to leave, it would do him no good to dwell on what if he started now or tried to make amends. He had no illusions about how much his time away had made his son glow and how…he was perfectly fine with them giving life to his strange…poor son. 

“You're a good dad…but I know what I want in life,” Yuu murmured, his father turning to him before he sighed. “Doesn’t mean I won’t love you or miss you any less.” 

“You don’t have to keep lying to me you know,” he sighed, closing the door as a single tear rolled down Yuu’s face. 

How screwed up this family was. 

Chapter Text

“Are you listening to me Yuu?” 

“What,” he asked, turning to his aggravated mother who scowled at him before pursing her lips once more. 

“Will you go to classes this year?” 

“Maybe.” 

“Yuu!” 

“What do you want from me? A ‘Yes mother! So sorry about what happened last year’ is that what you want?” He demanded, turning on his heel to face the woman. “You have no right to say anything to me when you-” 

“YUU,” his father boomed, the two jumping at his tone before whipping their heads to the second floor railing he stood at. “Get ready. I’ll take you to the alley today.” 

“Very well father,’ he inclined his head, pushing past his mother to rush up the stairs as Hiro moved to calm his wife. 

‘He has no right! No right to speak to me that way Hiro, she hissed as Yuu slammed his door closed. 

‘Akira…he’s a boy who’s still adjusting. Give him time,” he pleaded with her. 

“I am your wife and you tick by him,” she hissed. 

“He’s our son…we will continue this later. I need to make sure Yuu get;s everything he needs for school,” he shook his head, removing her arms from around him as he went to grab his keys. 

“Why,’ she spat. “Not like he’ll attend classes.” 

“Have faith in him, please,” he begged his wife. “We might not even get a letter this year about him acting out!” 

“I doubt that,” she sniffed, turning to make her way into the study as Yuu came down. 

“To Diagon alley,” his father stated. 

‘Diagon alley.” 

The drive and walk to the pub that held the entrance to the alley was rather uneventful and silent between the father son duo. They neither said anything or attempted to make conversation with one another, they had some sort of silent agreement so to say. 

Say nothing, get nothing. 

They were fine with that. They long since knew that however long Yuu was staying, after he left for good…he would never return. They were both fine with it, both longed for the happiness of the other. 

Hiro for his son to finally be able to feel as if he belonged and had people who we’re excited to have him and be with him. Friends and comrades who he could lean upon in times of need and who understood him. Some would call him neglectful, but he knew his son was not only leaving for himself but for him as well 

Yuu for his father to finally be able to take the burden of a surprise child off of him. He knew his father loved him, knew his father did everything that he could for him but still, his father felt as if he was never good enough. Always trying too hard, always destroying himself for the smallest of failures because of a wife that did nothing but betray, betray and betray again and again. Lying to their faces as evidence laid bare before him.

They each understood one another and accepted these truths that would cause alarm and brows raised for others. But it worked for them, they knew their limits and they knew what the other wanted. It was a win win. 

They were the same. Undeniably intelligent, a bit socially awkward, skills that made people a bit wary and afraid of them and all the time in the world to do something. Anything and everything they could want, they had the wits and resources to do so but there was one major difference for them that made them incompatible. 

Yuu had found what he wanted in life, and pursued it endlessly. His father, while having fallen in love and raising a child just like him, had no such spark in his life. So in compensation for his own failure to live his life would help his son reach his own goal. And that made him feel fulfilled, so he might not have his son in his life, he had achieved the happiness he never had and if that isn’t the fathers greatest role in life…what was?

“Pardon. Would you happen to know of any fine jewelers that might make a delicate necklace? I have the schematics for the necklace I would like to commission,” Hiro asked a goblin as they exchanged their money and set up a vault. 

“Father,” Yuu hissed. “You can’t be serious about making her that!” 

“Yuu, you don’t understand-” 

“I understand that she is milking money and gifts out of you for some sick personal gain,” he snapped, the goblin taking the offered paper with a curious eye. 

Father and son continued to duke it out in the corner of Gringotts, the goblins a bit…unsure of the duo. They remembered the son, of course they did. Large amounts of money on the first trip to Hogwarts, eyebrows raised instead of eyes wide and endlessly polite and curt as any businessman. 

Made sense that the father was the same. 

He even asked if it would be best for his son to invest in some stocks that are projected to go up in the future to prevent always having to come in to exchange money. A muggle asking to invest in wizarding stock to stop coming in to exchange money every time they needed to buy something! Now that was something. 

“This is an incredibly fine necklace sir,” Griphook said, the two turning to him; they had respectfully ended their quarrel to turn to him. “But why ask us?” 

“My son left his books out and when I saw that I would be coming here to exchange money I thought it prudent to read up on your kind as to not offend you in any way or make a silly faux pas,” he hummed, his son nodding as if he understand while the listening goblins raised their own brows. “Your section in the book my son bought mentions you all had an eye for jewels and jewelry. Some of the best indeed.” 

“Most first year books don’t delve into our love for finery and artistry.” 

“First years books,” Yuu shook his head as his father huffed out a bit of laughter. “Do I look like a child that is fine with books meant for newborn babies,” he demanded, and the goblins smirked. 

“I see that we have made a faux pas,” Griphook smiled. “As an apology I will send this to our most trusted jeweler-” 

“Griphook,” a raspy voice spoke up and he turned around before giving a hasty bow as an obviously older goblin came forward with a severe look. 

“Lord Gringott,” he hastily coughed. “I have this mattered settled-” 

“I told you all to inform me the next time he came so I might attend to him personally,” he snapped, eyeing Yuu and his father with a look they were both familiar with. “Muggles and yet interested in owning stock. I see he got it from you,” he turned to Hiro who turned to his son in confusion. 

“I asked about it last year but my escort dragged me about before I got a concrete answer,” he shrugged. 

“Not often do we receive such a question. Much less a muggleborn and even less their muggle parents,” he moved to come down to their level. “A gift for your wife,” he asked, looking at the necklace. 

“Yes.” 

“Tch.” Yuu turned his head to the side as Gringotts looked at him with a raised brow. “She doesn’t deserve your love, father.” 

“I know..I just hope this will put her off drinking for a bit.” 

“I will take this to my family's personal jewelers and have them enchant an anti alcohol charm on it. When wearing it she won’t feel the need to drink,” he hummed. “After I have delivered it I would like to talk to you about Stocks Mr. Fujimaru. I did some research on your father boy,” he turned to Yuu who rolled his eyes. “You have quite an eye for stock trade and the like. I am sure we will both benefit from a partnership.” 

“I see you wish for a revenue boost from the recent influx of muggle borns and half bloods. Not many more going to the muggle world than coming,” Hiro commented as Gringotts and the others smiled. “Very well. How about after the necklace is made I come back and we will work out a formal agreement?” 

“I dare say I might enjoy this. Been far too long since something worthwhile came my way,” he barked out a laugh. “Any preference?” 

“Silver with gems imported from japan if you would. Color can be anything.” 

“Hmm, very well. Enjoy shopping. I will message you by owl,” Gringotts nodded, heading out as Hiro and his son gave a curt half japanese bow and moved out. 

They made it halfway down the street to Flourish and Blotts before a familiar voice rang out. 

“OI! Fujimaru!” 

“...Malfoy,” he commented, turning to see the blonde stalking toward him with an annoyed look. 

“Where were you during the end of the year feast?” 

“Family emergency. I needed to be home as soon as possible. Dumbledore allowed me to leave right before it so I could be there,” he said coldly, Draco jerking back before falling back on his tone with a curt nod. 

“Right. Sorry,” he coughed. 

“The infamous Fujimaru I presume,” a smooth tenbre asked as Yuu looked up. 

“Malfoy Sr., a pleasure. Sir Draco has always said how you have made leaps and bounds in the ministry. I haven’t had time to truly look into it as my own research of things has taken up my entire time,” he gave another half bow as Lucius raised a brow and looked up to Yuu’s father. 

“The father I presume?” 

“Hiro,” he gave a soulless smile. “He doesn’t talk too much about school, but he has informed me of his housemates. A pleasure to meet one of his peers,” he inclined his head towards them but made no move to have a handshake or offer one up. 

“Out shopping for school supplies,” Lucius hummed, moving to head into the bookstore had he heard a-

“What the actual fuck?” 

Smack. 

“Stop doing that.” 

“Limit your cursing,’ Hiro snapped as he came beside Lucius and his son rubbed the back of his head. “Good lord…one of those types,” he sighed, looking at the line of ladies as they moved to enter the bookstore. “A book celebrity. Tch.” 

“Not a fan,” Lucius commented, picking up one of the many Hogwarts books laying about. 

“There is a difference between being a peacock for being a peacock's sake and being a peacock to either intimidate or throw people off,” he side eyed the Malfoy head who jerked at the veiled insult before smirking. 

‘I see where your son gets it,” he shot back. “He’s made strides in the house of ambition.” 

‘I hope your son has informed you it’s his ambition he is following. It just so happens that his ambitions lead them to earning house points,” Hiro shrugged, looking at the list before handing it to his son who walked off to get the items. “Who wears baby boy blue to a signing,” he commented as the man came out. 

The two watched as he smiled a 100 watt smile to the camera, before a little scuffle broke out and a boy with black hair, green eyes and a scar upon his head was forced to the other side. Hiro chose not to comment when the man beside him tensed up or when his son rolled his eyes. 

He was only here to buy things for his son and get his wife’s necklace made. Do some stock trading on the side. 

That’s all. 

And that’s all he wants. 

“He’s the defense against the dark arts teacher,” Yuu commented blandly as the assistant shopkeeper was beside him, books he collected in hand as he nodded. “Lord help us,” he rolled his eyes. 

“Do you even have room in your trunk for any of those,” Hiro asked as his eyes never left the man before them. Lucius was a bit impressed at the skill he had to notice things about his son and surroundings without looking away from the thing his eyes were locked on. Must have been the same for the head smack. 

Mayhaps it would do him some good to make nice with the muggle. 

‘I’ll go and ask Tilda to make it bigger.” 

“We’ll just go and get you an upgraded one,” he sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “No point in expanding it to the point it doesn’t work anymore.” 

“The locks and charms on it are something I have worked on the entire time at Hogwarts father,” he protested. 

‘We’ll ask her to transfer them over to a bigger trunk and merge the existing one with the compartments to enlarge them. I don’t want you complaining that you need a new trunk and I have to come here alone,” he never once looked at his child who rolled his eyes. 

“Fine,” he crossed his arms. 

Lucius raised a brow at the rather…disconnected relationship between the two. He’s had more time to look into later, for now Draco was getting into trouble. 

“Ah. Potter, Weasley’s, Granger,” Yuu’s voice was amiable as he followed Lucius to the group. “Fred. George,” he inclined his head to the twins who waved. ‘Pleasant to see you all again. And here I thought I’d have the pleasure of not seeing you all until school started. But now that I am, I realize that I need to speak to you two about payment,” he smiled to the twins who cursed lowly. “If you offer what you did last year again I am afraid it will only be valid until the end of the year itself. You’ll need something worth my while for my continued expertise.” 

“You sure are one that holds no punches,” Fred griped as he crossed his arms. 

‘Naturally. Why would I continue to accept payment that does not long hold any true meaning.” he asked, one hand motioning about while the other was pointed at him.

“Yuu. Judging by their reactions I’d say you never informed them of this,” Hiro interrupted, Yuu sighing as he was caught. “I see that you are trying to bamboozle your partners out of a fair trade,” he scowled. “And you did tell me they were indeed partners worth your while, so why are you scamming them now?” 

“Ahahah,” he gave a nervous laugh that had all Hogwarts students looking at him as if he grew a second head. 

“Seeing as I how outed your little scam I assume you will take the same payment in full and next year you will take a better payment,” His father demanded. “Correct?” 

“Fine, fine,” Yuu held out his hand to the twins. “It’s a Deal?” 

Ah, the blessed words. 

“DEAL,” they each yelled out, grabbing Yuu’s hand and shaking it eagerly. 

“Must you intervene,” he demanded of his father who gave a smile back.

“Why, I must say what an interesting pair you make,” Lucius commented as he watched the two. 

“I am a businessman,” Hiro shrugged. “And as many people like to say today, this is where he gets it from.” 

“Hmm,” Yuu crossed his arms and turned away just as Arthur Weasley came up. 

“Lucius,” he seemingly choked on air as he looked at the Malfoy patriarch. 

“Weasley Sr,” he chuckled. “Quite the busy time it is at the ministry? All those extra raids.” 

Hiro and Yuu brushed past them to the cashier, Jacob smiled as he saw the duo. Hiro had come during winter break in the first year to buy his son more books; so he was familiar with the pair. 

If a little intimidated. 

“My word,” the man or peacock, gasped as he caught sight of the two. “What a stunning father son pair you are. Might I inquire about your family name?” 

Many women had turned to them and began gasping and blushing at the pair, with their semi long black hair and stunning emerald green eyes for the father and crystal blue eyes for the son. They were indeed stunning. 

“I am a married man of 20 years and I am a muggle,” Hiro informed the man blandly. “My son is in his second year at Hogwarts. Whatever fantasy is going on through your brain at the moment, I would ask that you stop. Where not interesting,” he finished off as Allison, the assistant, placed the rather large amount of books at the register. 

“Smaller pile than last time, ehe Yuu,” she smirked as many looked at the pile a bit green. 

“I’ll meet you outside, a scuffle is about to unfold,” Hiro sighed, turning on his heel and grabbing Arthut’s collar just as he lunged at Malfoy. “Please sir, there are children,” he gave a hopeless sigh as the man whipped around and looked at him in confusion and shock. “If you wish to duke it out, I would suggest going outside?” 

“Trust you to make a fight strange, father,” Yuu commented as he sauntered up. “Come on. I need to head to the apothecary and then I want dinner at Selene tonight.” 

“We went there two nights ago,” his father grunted, pushing his glasses up as they moved to head out. 

“Selene,” Jean Granger gasped as her husband looked at them in shock. “As in the restaurant with a waiting list two years long?” 

“Hmm, I guess the waiting list is that long,” Hiro thought. “Well, glad that we can avoid that,” he clapped, looking giddy as Jean and her husband stared at them in shock. 

“Aren’t…you…Hiro Fujimaru. Head of the Fujimaru conglomerate,” David asked in a shaky voice. 

“Ah yes, I rarely pose for papers. I am a private person after all,” he smiled. “I have my hand dipped in aerospace and medical engineering as well as some areas in the arts. I also foster peace between nations at times since conglomerates can tend to do that.” 

“...Wow,” Fred and George whispered. 

“Pleasure to meet another muggleborn parent,” he gave a small wave. “I need to catch up with my son. Does anyone know the nearest apothecary on the block?” 

It was then they noticed Yuu wasn’t even in the store anymore. 

“He tends to walk off when things bore him,” Hiro sighed, running a hand through his hair before shaking his head. “And sorry about my son. He had friends who were good at making deals you found yourself in, and gained a nasty habit of bamboozling them out of a fair deal.” 

“...wicked,” the twins said again. 

“FATHER, YOU HAVE THE MONEY!” 

They jolted at Yuu’s yell. 

He could be that loud?

“Hope to see you all again,” he smiled as the three families watched him leave. 

“Wow…”

No one really blamed the twins for that. 

“Draco,” Lucius began, taking his son away as the whole store whispered about the interesting muggleborn and his father. 

“No,” Yuu crossed his arms as he looked around the classroom. “No.”

“The bloody hell is this,” Ron asked as they looked around at the various photos of Lockhart.

“I don’t know and I am not bothering with it. Happy Lesson,” Yuu brushed off, turning on his heel to exit before Hermione’s arm stopped him. “Granger. I get that all women are charmed into liking that peacock, but it doesn’t mean you have the right to keep me here.” 

“We are all required to take this class. I have no idea how you managed all O’s with your attendance last year but I am making sure that you don’t skip out on valuable lessons.” 

“...Really,” he sighed, shaking his head before pushing her arm away and walking out, uncaring of the indignant cries that came out as he exited into the hallway and made his way to Dumbledore’s office. 

“Already skipping classes. It is the first day,” was all the man said as Yuu went to grab a book off his shelf. 

“Lockhart.” 

“Ah,” Dumbledore hummed. 

‘You know he’s under qualified,``Yuu accused, brushing off Fawkes who tried to land on his shoulder. “Why hire him?” 

“I assume you heard the rumors about the position of the DADA post,” he began, Yuu rolling his eyes as he grumbled about how someone cursed a ‘post’. “Well, I am trying to get rid of it. But still, it evades me,” he shrugged. 

“Still doesn’t answer as to why you hired him. But I assume it is something along the lines of ‘he was the only one who applied’ if I am correct,’ Yuu demanded. 

“You would be correct,” Dumbledore smiled. “He is indeed the only one who applied.”
 
“”Magical Me'' is nothing more than novels about his experiences. If even,” Yuu grumbled, shaking his head as he tossed his back to the divan he had claimed as his and flopped onto the opulent thing. Fawks landed on the headrest of it and he grumbled about the ‘bloody chicken’ but made no move to move him. 

“I can write you a pass to miss his classes. So I might not hear Minny and Lockhart grumbling about you,” his eyes twinkled as Yuu nodded. “Same with potions I assume? I have a feeling you are going to be brewing all of them tonight to get out of your own head of house class.” 

“I’m so close to making it headmaster,” he murmured and Albus stilled. “I just need to buff and polish it. Then set it in it’s frame and place my pen inside of it…then…then…” he breathed, not noticing how Albus turned to observe the boy. 

“You made it,” he asked. “You made one with everything you thought you could?” 

“There are some things I discovered this summer that I might implement in a second attempt. But just from it being unpolished I can sense the magic in it,” he grinned, looking up to Dumbledore who gave a curt nod. “All the smaller versions have shown me places and points in history but I am so close!” 

“...I hope you will not be disappointed if it is not what you expect,” Dumbledore cautiously approached. “Sometimes minor successes in the pursuit of the original goal can blind us to the pain it can bring.” 

“Bah,” Yuu brushed off, smiling as he laid back down and allowed Fawkes onto his chest. “Send a letter to my father explaining everything would you,” he asked Dumbledore as Fawkes attempted to preen the boy. “He will understand, so don’t worry.” 

“You and your father confuse me so,” Dumbledore sighed, moving to his desk as Yuu hummed. 

“Me and my father…well I can see that you already know I am quite intelligent,” he began, looking up at the various bobbins and the like floating about in his office. 

“No doubt from your father as I can see,” he hummed. 

“Sometimes…when people are born highly intelligent, they are socially inept. They find interaction with people…unsettling. Other times other traits are paired with their social ineptitude,” he hummed. “My father is one such character, but he refused to tell me what it was he was paired with…but he married my mother out of a desire because she challenged him. He enjoys a challenge.” 

“And you?” 

“He loves me, but I know that’s about all he can really do. He loves me but has a hard time showing it. I do as well, a curse we both share,” he sighed. “I found my niche with people like me, who understood me and who I understood in tandem.” 

“You're a sociopath then?” 

“You know muggle science,” he hummed, sitting up with an impassive look. “Doctors think I’m a psychopath since I don’t react to stimuli the same as others would,” he shrugged. “My capacity for love has nothing to do with it…not yet. Too young they said,'' he scoffed. “As if. I know what it means to love someone and then love them,” he rolled his eyes, moving to stand up as Fawkes not cried out in protest, flapping his wings. “Stuff it you bloody rooster!” 

“Fawkes seems to dislike how you are describing yourself.” 

“So what,” he rolled his eyes. 

“You don’t connect with people well, you find yourself comfortable in the presence of animals and are deeply connected to the people you have bonded with. I say you have a well rounded childhood thus far,” Dumbledore began to work on a letter to Minnie about not sending any letters to the Fujimaru’s. 

“I guess,” he hummed, face carefully blank as he picked at his robes. 

“You are good business partners with the Weasley Twins. Never intentionally hurt others or bamboozle them for gain, I dare say you were teaching them a lesson. You're a good friend, it's simply that you don’t know how to communicate with them. Now I have no idea how things were with those people,” he motioned to Yuu who was still on the divan. “But I know you are a good boy and you're letting those doctors' words get to your head when they shouldn’t. You're too smart for that.” 

“Malfoy has been told to play nice with me. I assume his father wants something,” Yuu began, standing up and moving to the small desk with various magical instruments on it. “Do you have any idea as to what he could want?” 

“...That depends on what young Malfoy has told you. And what the Older Malfoy witnessed.” 

“You know my father is the head of the Fujimaru Conglomerate right,” he began. “And my father and I both inquired about owning our own stocks in the wizarding world.” 

“Ah…I see…” Dumbledore began. 

“I haven’t seen him in ages,” Fred grunted as he and George inquired about Yuu again to his Ravenclaw study buddies. “You sure he hasn’t told you anything George?” 

“Nah, but he was giddy about his project he’s been working on and how he’s taking it to stage two,” his brother informed him. 

“He did? When he say that,” Fred demanded. 

“Huh? Oh on the train, when he managed to escape that twit Malfoy and find us and Lee!” 

“I guess I was too busy writing out everything we would need for our beginning of the year prans,” Fred shrugged as they made their way to their little lab. 

“Didn’t he say he was moving to one of the various under dungeons for his projects,” George suddenly remembered. “The one under Snape’s office so he could take potion ingredients,” he whispered. 

“You know the way?” 

“We’re right next to the passage,” George smiled as he knocked thrice on the brick and they looked side to side, slipping in as voices rose. Their hearts calmed as the passage closed and they began the trek down into the under dungeon of the school, the smell of potions and metal invaded their senses and they realized they were getting close. 

“NOOOOO!!!” 

CRASH! 

The two stumbled to a stop before they broke out into runs, pushing past the discarded metal bites and pieces, small mirrors that had been tested for the boy before he went into stage two. Fred managed to get to the door first before slamming it open and the both froze at the sight before them. 

Yuu was trembling on the ground as he covered his head with his bloodied hands, shivering and sobbing as the mirror before him-large, beautiful, ornate-laid in pieces around him. 

“No, no, no, no,” Yuu whispered over and over as he rocked back and forth. “It was supposed to work, it was supposed to work. I did everything! Everything I needed to make sure it would work,” he sounded like a mad man as he continued to ramble about his failed project. 

“Yu…Yuu,” Fred cautiously asked, but the boy did not hear him. 

“Everything was going perfect. I was making leaps and bounds. I applied everything that I needed to, needed to make this perfect,” He sobbed, throwing his head back as he bemoaned his project. “Why, why, why!?” 

“Yuu-” 

“Leave him be,” a stern voice spoke from behind them. 

“Bloody hell,” they both yelped as Dumbledore grabbed their shoulders. 

“Headmaster Dumbledore, he’s hurt-” 

“I am well aware,” he assured them, urging them out into the hallways yet again. “I have known about his project for a long time and I often lend him books to help him,” he sighed as a sob tore through the air once more. 

“What was…is he trying to do,” George whispered, looking up as Dumbledore’s eyes fell to the ground. 

“When he is ready to tell you, then he will tell you,” he assured them. “For now, I asked that you keep this silent and do not mention anything about this to him at all. He will be absent for a few days, he will need to recover from this. I have made many mistakes with people like him, and I am going to do right by him. So rest assured he is going to be all right. It will…it will just be a while.” 

“...Right.” 

“Go to class. And…do make some distractions for your head of house for the next few days. Would you,” his eyes twinkled as they eagerly nodded before rushing off up the stairs again. Dumbledore watched them go in stony silence before he sight, looking up he prayed for a bit of strength before moving to enter the room. 

It was filled with various machines and chemical solutions, everything that you would need to make a mirror. Potions and books on runes were scattered about and in the center of the mess was a bloodied boy, crying as he cursed the failure of the mirror. 

“Why, why didn’t you work! I saw him! I saw Grim reach out to me! Why did you stop me,” he demanded of the broken mirror as blood continued to drip onto the floor. “Do you need something more from me! I gave you my pen! Do you need blood, is that what you need? Do you need me to bleed to go back! Fine! Fine,” he snarled, grabbing a shard of glass and attempting to stab his hand. 

Attempting to be the key word here. 

“Immobulus,” Dumbledore said as he pointed his wand at the boy. “There will be no stabbing of your person, Yuu. I warned you that this might happen.” 

“It was supposed to work. It worked before! I saw them, they just couldn’t see me,” he was getting more hysterical by the moment. And that’s what tipped Dumbledore off. 

“You haven’t been making the breakthroughs you thought you were,” he sighed, Yuu struggling in the invisible bonds as his face scrunched up in pain. 

“I saw them. I saw them! I saw them,” he insisted. “I know what I saw! I saw them!” 

“Yuu…Yuu please,” Dumbledore approached as tears began to wave a new river upon his face. “You're driving yourself ragged with these experiments. Test after test that only goes so far…you're going to drive yourself insane.” 

“Would it have been better if I stayed in front of that mirror,” he hissed, Dumbledore doing nothing but a curt nod. 

“If you continue on this path then it might have been,” he admitted. “Take the year off from experiments. Research, create plans on what you want to add to the mirror. Don’t just jump into a new mirror right after one fails. That is the equation for insanity,” he kneeled down to the boy whose lip quivered as her stared at those burning blue eyes. 

“How…how did you know?” 

“I am the headmaster of the school you reside in Yuu,” he reminded him. “I know many things that even you do not.” 

“That bloody chicken has been following me,” he accused him. “You’ve had him following me since you gave me permission to continue to work on my project.” 

“I had to make sure something like this,” Dumbledore took the piece of mirror out of his hand before tossing it back behind him. “Never happened. But alas, it almost did.” 

“....Fine,” he whimpered. “I’ll….I’ll make plans for different versions of the mirror and go from there.” 

“If you can prove to me that you are able to handle this…I will allow you to restart this year. But for now, work on research. Am I understood?” 

“...perfectly.” 

“Now, you will be heading to the infirmary and to Madam Pomfrey to get your wounds healed, '' he began releasing him from the spell as the boy glowered at him. 

“What! You can heal me! I don’t want anyone to see like this! I cannot have anyone-” 

“Think of this as your punishment for failing to listen to my warnings,” Dumbledore was firm in his words as he stared down at the second year. “I am doing this for your best interest.” 

“Humiliating me?” 

“Making my warnings stick.” 

“This is public humiliation,” he hissed, tears returning to his eyes as he continued to stare into Dumbledore’s own. “I will not stand for this.” 

``Then I will bar you from doing any more experiments and tests on the school grounds and I will take my cloaking amulet back.” 

“Blackmail-” 

“I know what it means to become obsessed, Mr. Fujimaru,” his voice reverberated through the room. “I know it feels like endlessly pursuing something that is like a fairytale. I managed to get myself out of it, but my dear friend went down a dark path that ended in defeat.” 

“I am not that wizard…,” Yuu whispered. “You will not bend?” 

“No.” 

“Fine,” he breathed. “I assume this will be locked until you deem it safe for me to come back,” he scoffed, motioning to his lab. 

“Indeed.” 

“Then I shall gather my things,” he murmured, brushing past the man to gather small trinkets he put in his robe pockets. His pen followed with his notebook and a small stack of photos he stared at constantly. “I shall make my way to Madam Pomfrey. Then I will be in your office researching.” 

“Very well,” Dumbledore inclined his head as the boy moved to leave the workspace. “I have talked to Lockhart and Pomona. They have agreed to watch you show off the second year skills to get out of the class. Severus is stonewalling at the moment, along with McGonagall. As for your other teachers, they have taken your work and are expecting you to show up for tests at the moment.” He summoned forth Yuu’s school bag, handing it to the boy who blushed before snatching it away and putting it on his shoulder. 

“Right,” he nodded. “Thank you.” 

“Get some food and rest,” Dumbledore waved him off and Yuu shot off, breathing heavily as he raced up the stairs and into the light of midday during the changing of classes. 

“Look!” 

Whispers broke out as Yuu, in his usual grace, strode down the hall to the infirmary. His hands bled profusely as his blood was smeared across his face and hair, his robes were rumpled as he glided down the hall. The clack of his shoes echoed in his ears as people continued to stare and point at him. At that point his glass riddled hands clenched the strap of his bag tighter. 

“Bloody hell,” a boy gasped, pushing his books into his friend’s hands before rushing over. “Do you need help getting to Madam Pomfrey,” he gasped, looking at the boy over with his worried face. 

Yuu knew this third year. 

“Hello Diggory,” he commented, stopping in the hall with wide eyes as the kind hearted teen looked at him with worry within his own. “I am fine. Nothing more than an accident,” he informed him. 

“Yuu…You don’t look too good,” he breathed, body tensing as the blood ran down the side of his face from some sort of nick. 

“I am fine,” he insisted, smiling in a way that was reassuring but it only brought more worry to the other. “I am sorry, but I will be missing our mutual study sessions today. I will see you tomorrow,” he bowed his head before turning on his heel and continuing on his way. 

“Wha! Yuu! Wait for me! Let me carry your bag,’ Cedric called out, rushing after the first year who paid him no heed. 

Fred and George turned to one another before shoving their bags at Lee and rushing after the duo, calling out to Yuu who didn’t bother to acknowledge them. 

It didn’t take long for the quartet to enter the infirmary where Madam Pomfrey promptly had a heart attack at the sight of the boy who stared at her impassively as she summoned the mirror bits out of his hand, and moved to disinfect them and run a diagnostic scan on him. 

“Goodness me! What have you been doing to yourself,” she chidded, looking at the scan with a dark look. “Malnourished, sleep deprived, running on fumes by the looks of it!” 

“I’ve had things that needed my attention,” he grumbled. 

“You mean doing all your schoolwork in a single week,” she snapped, he glowered at her as Cedric and the twins sighed. 

Of course he did. 

“We’ll watch him, Madam Pomfrey,” Cedric promised. “We study together so I’ll make sure he eats when we do! We can study in the courtyard until you're back to snuff!’ 

“And we’ll always be watching,” the twins nodded, smirking at his bored look before he nodded and laid down per her request. 

“You’ll be staying the night so I can watch you and then speak to Dumbledore about contacting your parents-” 

“They didn’t do anything bad,” he interrupted her. “I merely ignored my meals at home. He’ll tell you the same thing. He’s been in contact with them as well about possibly doing something about my behavior.” 

‘Hmmm,” she pursed her lips as she sent the three boys off to classes as the warning bell rang. “I see. I will still be speaking to him. So a sleeping potion for you to make sure you get the rest you need, I will be back to check on you soon. I will be speaking to the headmaster now.” 

“Very well,” he sighed, taking the bottle into his hand as she turned heel and began to stride out of the infirmary with purpose, eye no doubt hard and lips pulled into a thin line. 

“Older women,” he shook his head before placing the potion onto the side table and pulling out the photos he had been looking at when he looked through the mirror. 

One stack was of course, his birthday photos. 

The next…where more precious. 

Yuu wasn’t so young as to not know what it meant to love someone and to love them. He loved everyone of his friends deeper than most, but never diving into such a realm that would make things strange or different between them. He adored his friends who understood him and accepted him no matter what and he wanted to show his gratefulness in the way he knew would mean the most. Baring his very heart and soul to those who had done the same to him, even if it wasn’t prompted. 

Because he loved them so. 

Looking at the other pile that was tied off he smiled at the photos of him and the Overblot students, Scarabia having Kalim in it because he was always with Jamil after Yuu forced them to TALK. IT. OUT. 

He was closest to them second from the first years, after all he helped them through their overblots by making everyone work together to help save them and not kill them. They were the ones to give him the dorm arm bands and have Crowley allow them a free visitor pass to sleepover whenever he needed to get away from Ramshackle. He was always ‘forced’ so to speak to participate in Dorm Leader meetings, even though it was only him and grim. 

It was nice and getting photos with them was something to always preserve what they had. 

Even if he snuck in a cheek kiss last minute. 

Under those photos were all his other friends, who he did the same thing to. To varying levels of success, Jack and Ruggie knew what was up and tried to stop him with smiles on their faces. Floyd and Jade were the scariest he ever did, but they took it in stride. 

Rook…

He’d rather not remember that one…

He spread out the photos of his friends and him, their smiling, confused, smug, shocked and horrified faces greeted him at every angle, laughter bubbling in his chest as he remembered each and every scenario that accumulated up into that moment. 

Why? 

Why was he sent back when he clearly stated he wanted to stay? 

Vil’s father had set him up with modeling jobs and Vil’s own company guaranteed him to be the face of the lip care line. Crewel found him tutors, Trein agreed to allow him to stay for the summer. 

Crowley said he was to be assigned a proper dorm with Grim the next year. 

Grim…

He promised his friend he would never leave, that he would always be there for him. Even after he tried to kill him from his own Overblot, Yuu would still love him. 

So why was he forced back into a place that hated his non magical parents? 

Non magical parents that feared and despised him or gave him everything he wanted in the name of making it up to him. 

Why? 

Why? 

WHY?! 

Why, even after nearly two year, did they not attempt to get him back? 

Weren’t they all supposed to repeat their 1st, 2nd and 3rd years together? After all the overblots and destruction Malleus and Grim brought to the school they couldn’t continue on the school year but that meant another calmer year together right? 

So why! 

Why did they never come to get him back after all these years. 

Was his 11th birthday party really a goodbye party in the end? 

Did…did they really not want him there?

He hated being alone. 

He hated being alone without anyone anymore. 

So why have they not come yet?

Why? 

Shaking his head, he quickly gathered up all the photos and tied them back into a stack, shoving them into his back he made a grab for the potion and downed it all in one go.  

Sleep overtook him instantly. 

“The hell,” Yuu murmured as he looked at the sight before him. 

He had shaken off his supposed ‘guard detail’ consisting of the twins of most of Hufflepuff since he was now helping them study in various subjects. 

They were a kind bunch and he was often there rather than his own house. 

“The chamber of secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir…Beware.” 

Yuu stalked forward, touching the blood before bringing it to his tongue. He recoiled at the tangy taste before focusing on it’s properties. Dragons Blood, something all upperclassmen were required to have for potions class. 

It could be anyone. 

Endless Halloween was coming up in his head and he felt this was going to be a bother. 

“Damn,” he grumbled, his feet sloshing through the water as he stepped back and moved to lean against the wall that was opposite from the note. “First last year, now this. I have a feeling this might be a pattern.” 

“What…What’s this,” a loud voice yelped, and Yuu turned to see the golden trio, so aptly named, approached hurriedly. 

“That’s what I am wondering about too,” Yuu commented, the trio turning to him as he looked past them at the note. “”The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir. Beware.” it’s aimed at a demographic of the school and given it’s history I am thinking it’s aiming at us,” he turned to Hermione who jolted before whipping her head back to the note. 

“Y…you might be right.” 

“Oh…shit,” Yuu breathed, his eyes looking over to the left at something hanging off a torch lamp. 

“It’s Filch's cat….Mrs. Norris.” Harry breathed just as the whole school decided to come out and into the hall. 

Dinner must have ended. 

Whispers immediately broke out and Yuu sent a warning look to Draco who opened his mouth to say something. Unless he wanted to jeopardize a contract between Yuu’s father-who recently had been made Gringotts muggle liaison to other more lucrative work in the muggle world-and his own, he’d have to play nice with Yuu for the time being.  

Lucius Malfoy had been trying to butter the boy up, allowing him freedoms that Dumbledore had been allowing him already. He even spoke to his father about asking the board to put him up a few grades and even helping find him private tutors after he graduated Hogwarts.

He wanted on their good side because they had not only shot up stock prices, but they also had a lot of sway in the muggle world. As much as Lucius hated them, he admitted that they did have their uses and having someone so connected in that circle was going to help him either way. Not to mention the man’s son was a genius that was the pride and shame of Slytherin. 

He was determined to get them on his side, but he wasn’t stupid enough to think it wasn’t going to be a challenge. 

Just then Argus appeared, Yuu managed to catch his arm as he saw Norris. 

“You…You murdered my cat,” he turned to Yuu who stared him down with an impassive look. 

“Mr. Flich,” Cedric began. “Yuu has been ill until recently! He isn’t at full strength yet! Mrs. Norris would be too fast for him!” 

Argus didn’t hear him as he grabbed Yuu’s collar, swearing that he would kill him in revenge for his cat. 

“She’s not dead. She’s petrified,” Yuu snapped, pushing the man back. “I got here first and I saw the note. When they came,” he pointed to the trio. “We talked and then we spotted her. While they were busy watching everyone,” he motioned to the students. “Come. I went close and managed to hear a heartbeat. She’s alive…but unable to move.” 

“You're a liar…you’re a SNAKE,” he yelled, grabbing his collar once more before a voice boomed out. 

“ARGUS.” 

The two and many students turned to see Dumbledore approach with a thunderous look on his face. 

“Release Mr. Fujimaru this instant. He is correct in his deductions,” Dumbledore explained. “All Students are to immediately head to their dormitories, barring Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Yuu Fujimaru.” 

“Sir-” 

“Now, Mr. Diggory.” 

“Come now Ravenclaw!” 

“Hurry it up Hufflepuff!” 

Soon they were left alone with the teachers, Yuu brushing himself off as Lockhart strode forward to look at the cat. 

“Excellent work my dear boy. I must say my books do provide a nice-” 

“I know what someone who is petrified looks like,” Yuu interrupted him. “I haven’t even bothered to read your books. I drew from experience.” 

“Then you must ‘ave don it,” Argus demanded as Yuu rolled his eyes. 

“There is a spell that allows you to know how long a person has been petrified for. Usually reserved for the use of knowing how long someone has been under a pacificus totalus spell,``Yuu explained. “The spell and wand work is a bit complicated for me, but I am sure you know; Headmaster?” 

“I do.” 

“Then if you would please?” 

Dumbledore murmured something slowly, no doubt not wanting Yuu to know the spell so early on in his life and hummed. 

“Mr. Fujimaru could not have done this,” he began, stepping back as Argus began to sputter. “He was with me in my office. We were speaking about his conduct regarding his classes; I spoke to his father and we were discussing what he wanted to do with his son’s conduct.” 

“About time,” McGonagall muttered, Snape smirking as if he caught the canary, all could do was roll his eyes. 

Yeah right.

“And you three?” 

“I saw them come from Hagrid’s hut when I was coming down from the Headmaster's office,” Yuu interrupted. “They usually spend time with him this part of the week. I usually see them when I come down from the office.” 

“That’s right,” Ron defended them all as his friends nodded. . 

“I…see,” Snape sneered as Minvera sighed. “Return to your dorm-” 

“I still need to speak with the boy Severus,” Dumbledore interrupted him. “Return to my office and partake in some tea while you wait.” 

‘Right,” Yuu nodded, turning on his heel and rushing back to the office. 

He did not have a good feeling about what was going to go on in Hogwarts. The entrance to the office recognized him immediately, due to how often he was there and opened up for him. He rushed up the stairs, jumping in place before breaking out into a stride to the main office, bursting open the doors he gave the Phoenix a warning glare before moving to his Divan and flopping onto it. 

‘I need to be careful,” he began murmuring. “Thank god Dumbledore forced me to make different plans for my mirror this year. Being alone is a bad idea this year…” 

“Craw?” 

“Stuff it you rooster,” he snapped, the other flapping it’s wings before it stopped and cooed out a soothing song. “Stop! I need…to…speak with…” 

The song began to lull him deeper and deeper into sleep until it finally greeted him. 

NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE, COUNTDOWN-4 DAYS 

“HEYA YUU,” Kalim called from the gate of Octavinelle. “We’re here to get you!” 

“Coming, coming,” he yelled, rushing out with a bright smile. 

“Ahaha! You look like a proper member of Scarabia!” 

Both of them smiled as Yuu bounded over to them, his buckles and jewelry clanking as he did so. The earcuffs and earring he wore, a gift from the Viper family or more accurately from Najima who managed to find out about her…brother’s accident, wanted to repay them. 

The cobra and parrot encasing both his ears were a strange weight on his ears, but it was a nice change of pace. 

“Thanks Asim-Senpai,” he smirked as Kalim gave a pout and Jamil smirked back at him. 

“None of that! It’s your birthday banquet with us,” he smiled, clapping his hands as the carpet behind them waved to him. “As much as I wanted to do it on your real birthday…well they didn’t agree with putting the party in Scarabia!” 

“I doubt they’d like to have their own dorms overshadowed,” Jamil rolled his eyes and Yuu shook his head. 

“Well, what's on the agenda today,” he asked, the carpet unfurling itself to allow the trio to sit on it. 

“I had my father bring in our families’ personal chefs, musicians and even bring in a few of our animals in,” he smiled, they began to rise in the air but not head to the mirror chamber. “They're setting up right now, but I thought a carpet ride over all of the Isle might be nice! The party is gonna start and stay well into the night.” 

‘Don’t forget I have Pomefiore’s party tomorrow,” Yuu mentioned, smiling as his headband began to flutter in the wind as they took off into the encroaching night sky. 

“Vil is a slave driver with any event,” Kalim sighed. “Makes you wonder what would happen if he and Riddle switched places.” 

“I doubt anything would really change,” Jamil commented bluntly, looking up to the sky to soak in the breeze and the smell of the sea as they drew closer to the coastline where the taste and feeling of salt was far more prominent. 

“Never thought I would see the sea this way,” he hummed. “No hulking yacht out on the ocean to obscure the view, no sailboats calling out or fighting for a prime spot.” 

“Makes you wonder if this is even real,” Jamil asked, raising a brow to Yuu who shrugged in response. 

“From experience,” he shot back, Jamil giving his own shrug before they zoomed over the lake that was before the town. ‘Ah..Vargas’ camp sure was something,” he sighed, looking fondly over the area where he and various others experienced the wilderness and true backpacking as Vargas was not an easy teacher when it came to this stuff. 

“Was it really that fun,” Jamil demanded. “From the way others described it, he made you guys go through hell and back.” 

“I guess we're all a little masochistic,” he smirked as Jamil’s face scrunched up. 

“How do you know that word,” he demanded, his older brother senses on overdrive. 

“Cater.” 

“Tch…” his face was pulled into one of displeasure as Kalim laughed, the carpet began to descend slightly as they approached the small city between the schools. The night life had just begun and they watched as people were out and about the town, in the shopping centers and all around having a good time. 

They didn’t stare too long as they flew over them, Kalim had done this enough that they just grew used to it. 

“It’s like it’s a whole new world,” Yuu smiled, hands spread out as Kalim lounged on his back as Jamil took control of the carpet. 

“It does seem like that when your riding on a magic carpet,” Jamil smiled as he urged the carpet to go higher into the sky 

“And unbelievable sight, indescribable feeling,” Yuu breathed, smiling brightly as the world flew by. 

“Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling,”  Kailim laughed. “Through the endless diamond sky!” 

“It’s a whole new world indeed,” Yuu laughed, the trio zooming around RSA to the shock of others. 

Well, most of them. 

“Ahahah! Look at them go,” Chenya snickered as they soared through the courtyard. 

“Hold your breath! It’s gonna get better,” Jamil grinned, making them dive bomb into the courtyard toward a certain dwarf loving teen. 

“AHAHAH!~ NIEGE WATCH OUT,” Doc yelled as the boy screeched, falling to the ground as Jamil swerved up at the last minute and shot them to the tallest spire in the school.

“Ahahaha,” Yuu laughed as Niege shivered on the ground. “Serves the boy right! Never left me alone after VDC!” 

“I did try to talk to him,” Kalim shook his head. 

“I’m like a shooting star! We’ve come so far,” he turned to them with a smile that shone like a star to both of them. “Every turn seems like a surprise!” 

“A new horizon awaits us,” Kalim said with a glint. “Once this sight is engraved in your mind it never really goes away you know.” 

“Yeah…I know,” Yuu nodded and Kalim jumped on his back and rested his head on his shoulder. “I’ll chase them anywhere, I’ve got time to spare.” 

“Let’s go see a whole new world together with you, Yuu,” Jamil stated proudly. “All of us…once we’ve graduated from Night Raven!.” 

‘A whole new world,” Yuu pondered. “That’s where we’ll be. A whole new world of adulthood…” 

“It's a thrilling chase! A wondrous place!” 

“For you and us Yuu,” Jamil nodded as Kalim continued to babble. “For you and us.” 

“What the hell…” 

Yuu stood baffled as the road leading to Scarabia’s dorm was lined with people playing trumpets and servants throwing flower petals as they made their way to the entrance. Two servants opened the doors to the roar of cheers and music. 

“Honestly, me and my father might be the same as you Kalim but we certainly spend out money in different ways,” yuu grumbled. 

‘Eh> Is your father a merchant too,” Kalim gasped as Jamil raised a brow in confusion. 

“He’s a businessman for sure,” Yuu nodded, waving to the smiling Scarabia members as they passed. “He’s the head of a multi-international conglomerate that is in STEM mostly. Medical and Aerospace. He was thinking about dipping into theatre and the like for me because I’m into that.” 

‘That’s so cool,’ Kalim smiled as Jamil rolled his eyes fondly and moved to have Yuu sit down on the cushion. “You must have a very big mansion!” 

‘We live in the countryside actually,” Yuu smiled as food began to be brought out by the chefs who looked nervous. “In an old manor that was being sold by the duke of the land. He didn’t want it anymore since he had more lucrative things that he wanted to achieve and my father saw something that would allow us to live in relative silence.” 

“So he doesn’t like being out in the open huh,” Kalim hummed, the main dish being placed before them as Jamil eyed the sook with a wary look. 

“Yeah, me either actually. If I wasn’t in my room, you would find me in the library, sitting room or my father’s study. We liked our solitude…most of us at least. My mother was more of a socialite compared to my father, more the party animal too.” 

His tone at the end of the sentence had Jamil shifting around to look at the boy who gave him a sad smile. 

He decided now was not the time to bring it up. 

“Now!” Kalim clapped, jumping up as the feast was fully brought out. “MUSIC! DANCERS! LET’S BEGIN THE BIRTHDAY FEAST TO OUR DEAREST FRIEND! HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUU!!!” 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUU,” they all yelled before they dug in. 

“Here you go. Your missing this from your uniform,” Jamil whispered, handing Yuu a Scarabia armband that he took with a grateful smile. With ease he slipped it onto his arm and looked around at the boisterous party around him with a fond look. 

“How are you these days,” Jamil asked, Kalim talking with the beast keeper of his family no doubt about the animals; giving Jamil a way to speak to Yuu. “I know that when your not switch us, your in the infirmary.” 

“Can we please not today,” Yuu had to bite himself from snapping at his friend who gave him a knowing look. 

“Look..you got hurt when Diasomnia’s Overblot happened and we all know Grim damn near lost it-” 

“Drop. It.” Yuu warned, eyes filled with unushered tears as he turned to Jamil who stared at him without bowing down. 

“Yuu, killing yourself over what happened to Grim is not the way to go.” 

“I’m not-” 

“Then why is the only time you actually eat is when you are with us,” he hissed, looking out as Kalim with the beast keeper to no doubt bring the animals in. “Yuu, you're driving yourself mad!” 

“Driving…Do you realize I don’t have a dorm because of what Idia did,” he snapped, grabbing some naan and biting into it angrily. “I have to live off of all of you and I feel so horrible! I am trying to lessen the burden-” 

‘Do not go on about that,” he warned. “You are not a burden. You are a friend. After the attack that useless headmaster gave you a free sleepover pass that was valid for the whole year,” he reminded him. “You are not a burden. We owe you and you’re our friend on top of all of that.” 

“Can you drop it…please,” Yuu sighed, turning his head to the side as he refused to look at Jamil. 

“Fine…but I hope you know that Crewel Sensei is talking to some doctors,” Jamil informed him. 

“Yeah…he told me my first appointment is a week after my last birthday party,” Yuu grumbled, looking off to the side. “Trein Sensei or Vil’s father are going to be going with me. To make sure I actually attend.” 

“If Vil’s father is going then it's a reputable therapist. Being a star is no joke,” Jamil shook his head. 

“Wh-” 

“YUU! YUU,” some first years called out, rushing over to the duo as the tigers entered. “Come on! Let’s pet the tigers and get on the dance floor!” 

“There’s no party like a Scarabia birthday party!” 

“Come on!” 

Yuu laughed as he was dragged from his seat onto the dance floor where the beats began to grow more and more heart pounding by the minute. The summoned dancers pulled Yuu in with them, giving him some of the props and teaching some moves along the way as they laughed at his two left feet. 

Jamil leaned back and simply enjoyed the atmosphere…but that little voice in his head couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. 

“Neh, he’s all tired,'' a third year whispered as Yuu leaned against the massive pile of pillows, head cushioned by Kalim’s shoulder as they slept soundly. Jamil was next to them, laying on his side as they laid limp against one another from the party. 

“Turned out pretty good I think,” a second year student commented as he held up a picture of the trio. 

The three had slammed together after dancing to the tune of a traditional Scalding Sands tune, jewelry flown up on the air as the duo embraced Yuu from either side, smiles wide and hair flying every which way as Yuu laughed, their clothes stood out against the stark contrast of the night sky behind them and the red curtains made it seem as if they were in some sort of play. The group hug between them in the light of all the Red and Gold in the room made them look part of the scenery, but it was nice.

“Trust them to be all buddy buddy despite what it looked like earlier.” 

Yuu’s eyes snapped open the moment the door opened and he wasted little time in turning to Dumbledore. 

“What is in the school now?” 

“...I assume you have talked to the portrait of Salazar Slytherin?” 

“You mean the asshole that refuses to leave me alone for a moment now that I have proved my worth,” Yuu crossed his arms, his usual glare less effective due to the bed head he sported and Fawkes behind him trying to fix it. “Damn..you know what, fine,” he brushed off Fawkes as he stared at Dumbledore who tried to hide his smile.  

“And you’ve heard of his Chamber of Secrets?” 

“What did he put in there,” Yuu whispered, his understanding of what might be in there coming through. 

“Stay close with Mr. Diggory and the Weasley Twins for the time being. If you're not going to classes or wirth them, come here,” he stressed. 

“Don’t ignore me Dumbledore-” 

“I am not. I am merely looking out for you. This is not something you can handle on your own. If it was, I would not be telling you this.” 

“I got it.” 

“Head to your dorm. And make haste for the time being. Things are going to..get complicated.” 

“Lucius Malfoy won’t jeopardize a chance for a contract between my father and him.” 

“Then you do not know him all too well,” Dumbledore smiled mirthlessly. 

“No…I think I know his type very well,” Yuu smirked before heading out. 

Dumbledore sighed, turning to his friend as the door slammed closed. 

“He’s going to be a handful this year for sure.” 

Chapter Text

‘What a bunch of idiots,’ Yuu thought as he watched Potter and Malfoy duke it out. ‘It was a mistake coming here..should have known…” he glowered at Lockhart who felt something evil and malicious pointed at him but he couldn’t pinpoint it. 

“Oi, how about you two stop this and actually disarm each other,” Yuu barked, eyes twitching as he stared at the two 5 year olds before him with an annoyed look. “We all want a chance to learn proper form you know,” his face screwed up in annoyance and Neville, the Twins and Diggory shrunk back at the look. 

He…got dangerous when he was annoyed and danger was present when his face screwed up in that way. His own house mates found that out the hard way when Flint refused to not let him try out for quidditch. He passed with all around flying colors of course, but he didn’t even want to be on the team, Flint wasn’t going to let it go and…well that set him off. 

Flint still couldn’t look him in the eye all these months later without flinching and muttering about psycho second years and how he regretted dragging him along. All of Slytherin held the same sentiment and now left Yuu alone; unless he spoke to them first, which was rare. He usually only spoke to either Theodore Nott or Blaise Zanbini and even then both of them got twitchy when he was near. 

Malfoy was really the only one that had the balls to get close to him, but that was under the orders of his father of course…who was less than pleased when he got bamboozled by Yuu father’s contract that worked in his favor instead of theirs. 

His father still fumed about it months later. 

“I dare say, you aren’t even supposed to be here my boy,” Lockhart looked shocked to see him. “You have failed to attend any of our classes and are currently failing with a T in my class!” 

“Dumbledore gave me a pass to come here,” he narrowed his eyes. “And you did see me do the end of the semester spell after all,” he pointed out. “I dare say that I have a pass to come if I so choose.” He crossed his arms and his house mates made the calculated move to take a step or two away from him which had the others a brow. 

“Ahah…well, how about you come and fight then,” he motioned to the stage where Harry and Draco just stepped off. “Potter, come on up-” 

“After that display I think it would be best to have someone of similar intellect and power go against him,” Snape interrupted, Harry a bit flustered by the fact he spoke to a snake and all the whispers. But he was grateful at how everyone was more afraid of Yuu than him at the moment. “Granger, get up here.” 

“Wh…what,” she gasped, looking shocked as Yuu rolled his eyes. 

“Come on then,” he took off his robe, tossing it to Cedric who scrambled to catch it as he jumped up on the stage and withdrew his wand. “I want this over with.” he explained, pushing his hair back as the girls around them sighed dreamily and he jerked back a little. 

Did he do something?

“You're the one that came here in the first place,” Hermione snapped as she came up. “Aren’t you here to learn with the rest of us,” she was fuming at his nonchalance and the fact he was one of THOSE people.

Ones that simply knew everything and never came to class, and yet still passed with flying colors. 

It infuriated her. 

“Yeah well,” he shrugged, the two placing their wands into position before giving one another curt bows. They turned on their heels to walk a fair bit away, the tense atmosphere suffocating as people began to make bets with one another. 

“Disarm only,” he warned, Yuu rolling his eyes and glowering at the man as he turned on his heel and trained his eyes on Hermione. Her narrowed to him as he took a lax stance while she had her wand at the ready. 

“1…2…BEGIN!” 

“Expelliarmus!” 

“Finite Incantatem!” 

Yuu fired off his spell the moment he heard “Expel” from Hermione. The all around countercharm hit her own and sent it back, sending the girl flying through the air. 

“Lenire portum,” Yuu yelled out right after, the spell hitting Hermione as she slammed into the ground. 

“Ooff,” she gasped, looking at Yuu with wide eyes as he twirled his wand around his fingers. “You softened my landing?!” 

“Not a good look in a skirt, letting it all fly about,” he shrugged. “Besides, the thing isn’t charmed to soften landings either way, doubt you’d want it to hurt.” 

She flushed with anger at his dismissive tone, standing up with a huff before striding off the stage to her friends. Cedric gave the boy a thumbs up, only to deflate as he jumped down, not even using the stairs, grabbed his cloak and went to leave. 

“Oh and Lockhart,” he turned to the teacher who jolted at his tone. “How about you actually use the second year textbooks for my class? I’ve had a chance to read your fantasy novels and I’m less than impressed.” 

“F…Fantasy,” Lockhart gasped as his head of house stifled a chuckle. “I will have you know that those are my autobiography-” 

“Yes, yes, yes,” Yuu cut him off. “As you have no doubt reiterated a million times already but I find myself unable to comprehend a single thing that you have done because all you do is word vomit it back into the pages. Not to mention some of the inconsistencies,” he smirked, Lockhart tensing as Yuu took a step closer. “Now I am sure you’ve heard all manner of rumors about me…and you know my intelligence is nothing to scoff at. So…you better fix my grade or I let everyone know what you messed up with.” 

“I will be taking this to the headmaster,’ Lockhart was unusually stern as Yuu smirked like he won something. “And I don’t want you in this club again.” 

“Don’t worry about me coming back. I won’t,” he waved off, turning to leave the club as others whispered about him. His annoyance was through the roof, he just wanted Dumbledore to make Lockhart leave! He could have teachers fill in for the class with practicals and assign the research as summer homework! No need for him to keep the idiot!

Shaking his head once more he swiftly left the courtyard and made his way to the edge of the forbidden forest. Things at school had been on edge since that stupid Gryffindor boy Creevy, the one who liked to a take all those photos, was petrified. Yuu had been going right mad trying to figure out what sort of creature it was, but to no avail it seemed. 

Perhaps a visit to Rohesia will help his emotional state at the moment and some new foals have been born in the pack anyways. Seeing newborns always did help him control his emotions and just…relax him so to say. 

Maybe he should speak to his father about having a few horses for him to ride and maybe when he leaves make them into racing horses. It would be a nice investment for them either way. 

“NNNNEIIIGGHHHH!!!” 

Yuu jolted at the desperate neigh that Rohesia let out, she rushed forward to him her movements nervous as she circled around him, head bobbing up and down as she nudged him to her pack. 

“Wha…Rohesia what’s gotten into you,” he demanded, stumbling forward as she kept nudging him deeper and deeper into the forest. “Oi! I’m asking what’s wrong!” 

She didn’t even bother with a response, his animal language getting better the more he practiced on her and Norbert who had holed up in the Forbidden forest as well to stay by him. He soon continued his walk to the little glade where all her members of her herd were milling about. Her mate, Aliz, rushed forward, knickering as he caught sight of Yuu before rubbing his head on his shoulder and urging him to the foals that they had. 

“Hey! I literally saw them like a week ago,” he grumbled, digging his heels in as he looked around the glade and the many unicorns in it. “What is this about? I just came to cool my nerves but if this is how I’m going to be treated then I’m out,” he huffed, turning to leave before two of the horse guards blocked his path. “WHA!?” 

He stumbled back, fully surprised for once before he looked up and saw all the guardian unicorns from the herd roaming the surrounding perimeter. 

They blocked him in. 

“What’s going on,” he snapped, looking around frantically because he had just been kidnapped by freaking unicorns! “I might have a lot of freedom in school because of Dumbledore but I can’t live in the damned forest!” 

“Not safe,” Aliz knickered to him, Yuu turning to him in confusion. “Not until it closes down.” 

“..What,” he was not following at all and he didn’t like it. 

“Grounds inside the building are not safe. Not at all…stay here until closes down,” Aliz informed him again. 

“Are you joking,” he scoffed, trying to push past the leaders of the herd before moere guards unicorns came forward, warning him not to take another step. “I am fine in the castle! Dumbledore has informed me-” 

“Happened before,” Rohesia told him, trotting behind him and placing her head on his shoulder. “Same aura was here before.” 

“...And?” 

“Death.” 

“The Chamber of Secrets,” Yuu murmured, going deep in thought as Rohesia looked to her guards and sent them back to their posts in guarding the glade. “I knew something was in it…I guess that means that he really did hate muggle borns. The Portrait has been denying me access from leaving the common room as of late. I just thought he was done with how I was treating the DADA professor…” 

Rohesia and Aliz began to relax a bit as he was now so deep in thought he moved to the seat that the forest had formed for him long ago, lounging on it as he continued to speak of possibilities as to what was in the castle. 

The leaders of the Unicorn’s didn’t know, all they knew is now Aragog was afraid to even send her children out to the castle and her section of the forest. They where safe for the time being but Yuu was still in danger, for their human foal they had decided he was best there with them for the time being. 

They could only hope that nothing bad happened or he was forced back to the castle with the monster. 

A few hours later proved good for them, bad for Yuu. 

‘Are you serious,’ Yuu yelled to Dumbledore who looked around at the glade where the Unicorns resided and decided having him stay for a while wasn’t a bad idea. “I can’t live in the forbidden forest! Sure I know how to camp and everything but even then the teachers are on the verge of contacting the board!” 

“I will be stonewalling them for a bit, but I think this will be best.” 

‘Are you kidding me,” Yuu nearly shrieked to Dumbledore who felt as if he was dealing with a feral animal with how much Yuu was beginning to froth at the mouth. “I have to stay here in the forbidden forest for god knows how long!” 

“It won’t be too bad. They are in a relatively nice place after all,” Dumbledore smiled, he stepped back as Yuu took a swing at him. 

“I don’t care! I can take care of myself!” 

‘Other option is to live in my office for the time being,” he shrugged. 

“And stay with that bloody chicken that comes to my room at night to watch me sleep!” 

“Ah..so that’s where he goes,” Dumbeldore nodded. 

“Will you stop him!” 

They kept squabbling for quite a while after that.

“Fucking finally,” Yuu murmured to himself as he reached the castle. “Damn that Dumbledore, making me stay with the Unicorns,” he grunted, cracking his neck as he entered the ground.

As much as he could withstand the cold, being out in the forbidden forest in the middle of winter was not pleasant even with all the warming charms Dumbledore put on him. 

His father was out on a business trip in New York and no way in hell was he spending time with his mother and whoever else she brought into the damned house while his father was away. So at Hogwarts he stayed for the time being. He had managed to escape after about 2 weeks of being forced to stay with the unicorns. Dumbledore said he told the teachers there was a family emergency at his home and he was needed ASAP and since he had done most of his work he was let off without too much issue. 

Especially since Lucius Malfoy told the governors to shut up about it. 

He still wanted good on the Fujimaru’s side of things, if only to make sure that contract was with it in the end. 

Still though, he got tired of exploring the small part of the forest the damned unicorns allowed him to go through and he had no need for mushrooms, in fact he hated them because of a certain eel and he would rather go without seeing a single mushroom for the rest of his life. Shaking his head once more he entered the inner courtyard intending to go into his dorm and interrogate the damned portrait of Salazar now that the attacks have increased in frequency. 

He brushed past the ghosts who asked how things were at home until they stopped when they spotted his look and they continued on their way. 

“I thought you had a family emergency,” Salazar quipped as he made his way back to his portrait. 

“Being held captive by unicorns isn’t fun,” was all he offered as Salazar opened the passageway for him. He knew all his students by heart and Yuu came and left so often he didn’t even bother anymore. 

“Saint Potter.” 

“Really Draco,” Yuu sighed as he entered, seeing him and his two cronies in the common room. “On about Potter again? I thought I had enough of this last year.” 

“You're just a muggleborn! You don’t know all about Potter-” 

“And I do not care either. I just grow tired of your ever growing obsession with the boy,” he scoffed, heading to the entrance to the dorms before stalling. “You two aren’t eating. How strange,” he commented, leaning against the fireplace. “I recall last year that Draco was complaining about how you two nearly ate all the food that was delivered to the common room, what changed?” 

“Crabb says he has a stomach ache, don’t know about Goyle though,” Draco shrugged. “And what are you doing back anyways? I thought you had a family emergency?” 

“My father and Mom had it sorted out. Didn’t want to stay with the nanny though. I came back,” he shrugged, Draco nodding like he understood. “I must say though, in my time missing I’ve heard the attacks have gotten worse?” 

“Yeah,” Draco smirked, Yuu observed the two and noted they were…much more expressive than usual. “My father said that this has happened before.” 

‘Yes, the Chamber was opened during the reign of Grindelwald, during his height,” Yuu murmured. “And killed a student. Moaning Myrtle I believe she is called. She’s the one who died.” 

“It’s been 50 years since the chamber has been opened. He wouldn’t tell me who opened it, only that they were expelled,” Draco looked giddy at the thought. 

“And so it’s only a matter of time before another muggleborn is killed,” Yuu hummed, before he locked eyes with Draco. ``And I assume that you are hoping it’s either me,” he drew out as Draco swallowed. “Or Granger. And sit down Crabb,” Yuu warned as he got up, staring at him intently before he could rush to Draco. “I know you're slow but attacking us because of your stomach ache is the height of stupidity,” he commented. 

“Of course you figure it all out,” Draco scoffed, leaning back with a pout on his face. 

“Hmm, I saw you two leave your books in the great hall when I passed. Best go get them,” Yuu stated, turning to them as he stood in front of them. His smile sent dread down to their stomachs as his eyes flicked to their foreheads and hair. He knew. “I assume you don’t need an escort,” he commented, the two shaking their heads as they rushed out. 

“Weird,” Draco grunted, opening the gift he nicked. “Goyle even had reading glasses. Guess they do take class seriously.” 

‘Idiots,” Yuu shook his head, crossing his arms before turning to Draco. “I’ll go make sure they don’t get sidetracked by food. Or we’ll lose more house points,” he scoffed.

“Huh, oh thanks,” Draco called as Yuu went out. 

“Where did they go,” he asked Salazar, not bothering to turn his head to the painting. 

“First Floor, girls' lavatory.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Why didn’t you out them? You had the perfect chance.” 

“It was nice to watch them squirm and now they owe me,” he chuckled, Salazar let out a smile before sitting down in his chair watching the boy go. 

He really was a Slytherin. Maybe the hat made a good choice after all.  

Yuu made his way to the first floor, rolling his eyes at how loud they were. Really? Sure it was winter break but they really did need a bit more discretion.

“You know,” Yuu commented, eyeing Harry and Ron in their oversized Slytherin robes with an observant look. “The next time you decide to use the Polyjuice potion to sneak into Slytherin House…you should do some research on who you are copying. Malfoy isn’t a complete dunce, but you got lucky.” He smirked, striding forward. “But, my silence doesn’t come out of good will.” 

“What do you want then,” Ron got defensive as Harry swallowed beside him. 

“A favor. That’s all. A favor that when I ask for it, you come to my beck and call,” Yuu explained. “I won’t ask you to do something you don’t want to do. But when the time comes…I’ll cash in.” 

“Why should we give you that,” Hermione defended from her stall. 

“Ask the twins in your house,” he shot back. “I am a man of my word and honor. Once we shake and I say ``It's a Deal”, no go backs.” 

“He’s right Harry,” Ron swallowed. “My brothers always go to him if they need anything. They say he’s never given anything less than they need. Always keep the deal until the end.” 

“So?” He raised a brow. “Do we have a deal? My silence, for a favor in the future?” 

“Silence for this whole incident?” 

“Yes,” he assured Potter. “The whole thing.” 

“Okay.” 

“It’s a Deal,’ Yuu held out his hand and Harry shook it with some hesitance. “I assume you two are in agreement?” 

“Yea…” 

“Yes.” 

“Good, enjoy your night,” he murmured, stalking out of the restroom to head back to the common room. “Things are getting interesting.” 

He strode back to the common room in silence, ruminating on what had just gone on. 

“Salazar,” he found himself asking as he stopped by the entrance. “What did you leave inside the school? It would have to be a monster only you can control…or anyone who has your little gift.” 

“For all your intellect,” the portrait hummed. “I am surprised that you haven’t figured it out yet. Then again, no one has died yet and has only been petrified. So that must be what’s throwing you off.” 

“But it’s a serpent…but the gorgon..Medusa and her sisters…they don’t exist. What else can petrify…no what can kill with a look without petrifying?” 

“That’s up to you to find out.” 

Yuu entered the dorm, blood pumping at the challenge his founder had laid before him. 

A serpent that will always kill with sight, but can petrify…

What could it be?

“I am sorry, what,” Yuu snapped as he looked at the paper given to him. 

“I am to be..suspended for now,” Dumbledore sighed, packing his most important belongings. “You will not be able to move around as you wish. Things are going to get much worse. I would prefer it if you head home with Fawkes tonight.” 

“Why….if this was anything else you would let me stay. Why send me home early?” 

“...Lucius Malfoy still resides on campus,” Dumbledore admitted. “He is currently speaking to his son on how to find you,” he zipped up his bag to turn to Yuu. “I do not want him coming into contact with you.” 

“..I can force him into a contract that keeps you in the school. Whatever he is doing I can force him to sto-” 

‘Yuu,” he spoke softly, making him stubble to a stop. “Your greatest asset right now, is that he thinks you are nothing more than an ignorant 12 year old,” he stared down at the boy. “Because of that he will underestimate you.” 

“...what do you expect me to do?” 

“What contract do you have,” Dumbledore held out his hand. Yuu produced the contract he had made for Lucius to be able to get the needed materials he coveted for their magical properties. 

“You don’t plan to use the materials at all in your experiments, do you,” he questioned. 

“No. I will study them, make use of them but…well I’m sure you know. I will only use them if I am desperate, but I have my ways in getting around his wording,” Yuu began. “I will not be in debt to him, not in the slightest.” 

“Good boy. Keep this, put him in a bind. I will return. Know that for sure.” Dumbledore encased Yuu’s cheeks in his hands and forced the boy to look him in the eyes. “Entrap Lucius tonight. Ensure your safety, that is all I ask for you to do tonight so you might be able to get through the rest of the year.” 

“...Understood.” 

“Go, and make sure he doesn’t suspect a thing.” 

Dumbledore released him and Yuu made a move to leave just as the door opened. 

“Ah,” Lucius’ tenbre voice rang through the air as he entered the office. “Just the boy I am looking for. I see the rumors of you being Dumbledore's disciple are true.” 

“I merely,” Dumbledore began, moving to step beside Yuu. “Help him in understanding concepts far above his years. I do not train him personally.” 

“Hmm, I see. I See,” he smirked, coming to close in on the younger Slytherin. “I wish to speak to you about…your experiments I and the other governors have been allowing you to do on school grounds.” 

“...You have terms and conditions I assume,” Yuu began, he usually wasn’t afraid of making contracts but his father had managed to get the wool under his nose. He wasn’t going to be fooled twice. 

“Yes…aren’t you supposed to be packing Dumbledore.” 

“I am still the headmaster, even under suspension. I cannot in good faith leave him to make a contract with you as a underage wizard,” he explained. 

“His father has given me express permission. I thought he informed you,” Lucius smiled as Yuu swallowed, turning to face Dumbledore. 

“My father trusts me. I will be fine Headmaster.” 

‘I will be in my room packing my robes for this time,” Dumbledore backed off, heading into his room as Fawkes flew to the ceiling and watched the two with an intense gaze. 

The two regarded one another before Lucius moved to the small sitting set up that Yuu had made for himself in all his hours and days in the office. With the grace of a pureblood he sat upon the leather couch Dumbledore fancied and Yuu sat upon his divan, for once grateful that Fawkes was not leaving him alone. 

“I have a contract I made myself,” Yuu began, handing the roll of parchment to the man who took it with a smirk. 

He really was underestimating him. 

Did he learn nothing from Diagon Alley or his father? Or was he assuming he was too dumb to make a solid contract. 

“I see that whatever you make that does not have materials I provide shall remain in your possession,” he raised a brow, looking at the line again. “You know how difficult it is to acquire what I am offering to you?” 

“Tests. They will be for tests before I move onto the materials provided. Of course, if they don’t work I will smash or destroy them,” Yuu coughed. “I would like that to be left to my discretion on my test worlds. Even with your materials.” 

“And the test experiments with my materials?” 

“I will hand them over to you of course, with all the warnings of what it can and cannot do. Up to you if you wish to refine them. But if I will not continue with it, I ask that you not ask me about it again,” Yuu insisted. “I will no doubt not care about it if I consider it a failure.” 

“So you can continue with what you're doing with other versions,” Lucius hummed. “I see, I see….You know your father has made quite the impact on pureblood society,” he asked, looking over the contract as Yuu sat ramrod straight. 

“I’ve heard rumors…He does the same in the muggle world.” 

“I’ve never seen someone enter the wizarding stock trade with such gusto and manage to take control of it with ease,” he commented, moving to the final parts of the contract. “He got me with his contracts. It benefits me…but at a price,” he scoffed. “He’s called the Wolf of Wallstreet in America. Where many stock trades take place no?” 

“He’s profitable, my father.” 

“He’s managed to get the Japanese ministry to agree to a sort of contract for trade, something we haven’t been able to do since the muggle WWII,” Lucius placed the contract down to stare at the boy. “They like his tenacity and many muggle born wizards and witches work at his Conglomerate. He is quite fair with them, they vouched for him, the Ministry was willing to work with us so long as he was kept as Gringotts Liaison.” 

“I see…” 

“And they asked if you might be interested in transferring to their school. In your motherland,” ah, so that was his pitch. 

“If I leave Hogwarts. This is null,” he smirked. “That’s what you want to add to the contract.” 

“If you leave the country. It'd be a shame to limit you to the school,” Lucius smiled as if he was offering him a good deal. “Of course, I cannot in good faith allow you to continue working in your home.” 

“...Where would I work then?” 

“When me and your father spoke of business, I was quite struck by your home,” he smiled. “I also noticed that it was with a servant's cottage a bit off by the edge of the forest. You and Draco are the top of your year in Slytherin house. I think you two would benefit from working with one another.” 

“You want Draco to watch me?” 

“I think cooperation between our families would be best.” 

“...where muggles though.” 

“Our families will be sure to get along so long as your father continues his ways,” Lucius leaned forward, smiling as Yuu swallowed. “Fudge is contemplating letting him into the Ministry functions. After all, he has gained control of the stock market and Gringotts is always calling him on calls about people interested in purchasing from him. He’s increased the amount of money in crafts almost long since gone and people want in.”

“My father likes things because he likes them. Simple as that.” 

“Yes…you and your father are most certainly smart. How else would a muggle born and his muggle father be so..proficient in the wizarding world.” 

“I don’t want Draco in my house,” Yuu insisted. “He’d just complain and nothing would get done…but if you offer me a house elf…then I’d accept. They would report to you whenever I use the material or when I request to purchase more,” he smiled, he knew he had his attention. “I won’t free them. I need an assistant anyways and my father can’t just ask wizarding society to help his child…but here you are.” 

“Indeed I am,” Lucius leaned back. “You will keep to giving me the rights to whatever you make with my materials I offer you, my house elf I loan you will report to me of anything you do with said purchased materials, you will not leave to go to Mahoutokoro or this will be null in void.” 

“In return,” Yuu shot back, Lucius grinning at his tenacity. “You will respect me when I destroy something after we come to a mutual agreement. If you decide to keep something I have deemed not worth my time, you will not bother me about it as I am busy on the next project. Anything made with materials I purchase you have no right too and the elf will be my helper, but that does not constitute you having any form of right to it, since they are to report and hand me materials you give me. If it’s mine, then it’s mine.” 

“Fine,” Lucius shrugged. ‘I agree to those terms. Though my wife is anxious to meet you and your family. How does a summer gala sound? All the purebloods in the stock trade will come and it'll be…well it’d be a sin against merlin to not have you and your family there.” 

“...fine,” he sighed. “Sign here,” he motioned to the line where he already signed. The added contract stipulations had been added as they spoke, he was thanking every god in existence that his father had invested in these contract based parchments. 

Lucius signed with a flourish before a copy was produced for him. He pocketed it and stood up. 

“I do…believe you have another little…good luck charm to make this contract stick,” he held out his hand as Yuu stared at him. 

“It’s a Deal,” he nodded, shaking his hand before stepping back. 

“Give your father my regards and…expect our owl a week after school lets out,” he smirked before heading out. 

The door slammed and Yuu flopped against the divan, releasing the breath he was holding before placing his forehead in his hand. He rubbed it to get rid of the headache he was forming. 

“Fucking prick,” he grunted, Fawkes crooning to soothe the boy who stared at him with an unusually tender look. “Thank you for staying…” he murmured, the Phoenix inclined his head. 

“I dare say…you handled that quite well,” the sorting hat commented as Yuu turned to it. “I’ve been in your head boy. I remember someone as good as you and I know that you have a way to get past everything.” 

“I do,” he assured the hat. “As I told Dumbledore…I won’t be in his debt. Not in the slightest.” 

“Hmm, if your father had magic, then I would have sorted him in the same house,” the hat nodded to itself. 

‘I bet you're thanking your creators he’s not a wizard then.” 

“Oh, most certainly, I doubt He Who Should Not Be Named would be able to keep his hands off of him. Blood status aside.” 

“That’s high praise.” 

“But true nonetheless,” Dumbledore informed Yuu who jolted, his head whipped up to see Dumbledore’s pinched face. 

‘Headmaster-” 

“Call me Albus. Or I believe the Japanese word is Ojisan?” 

“...I’m not coming here to grow close to you,” Yuu murmured. 

“I know…but I think after all this time. It’s time no,” he smiled, coming down the stairs to sit in his armchair. “How are you?” 

“..Fine…I’ll explain to my father-” 

“No worries. I am proud,” Hiro’s voice could be heard as Yuu turned around to see his father coming down the steps. “Dumbledore managed to get the Minister to approve the Floo to our house. They were willing if it meant I could get to the ministry or Gringotts quicker. Always wanting to please those who are on top to further themselves…not quite so different. Muggles and Purebloods.” 

“Not quite,” Dumbledore smiled as Hiro looked down at his son. 

“Once you’ve stonewalled him enough…he’s going to find out, Yuu,” he murmured, his son nodding. “That Azul boy taught you well. But we have limited time to find a way to counter his anger.” 

“Understood.” 

“We’ll discuss this when you get home,” he assured his son. “I don’t want him leaving the castle, Dumbledore. Lucius won’t attack him now and your favoritism is going to get on people’s nerves. It’s bad enough that he thinks my son is your disciple.” 

“I know…which is why I encouraged him to do the contract tonight.” 

“Yuu…be safe,” his father warned. “I’ll be heading back.” 

“Understood father.” 

“I must be heading out as well. Yuu…head back to your dorm.” 

“Right…” 

“Oh…” the hat breathed, the trio turning to him as he gazed at Hiro. “Slytherin for sure.” 

“Pardon?” 

“Leave it,” Yuu sighed, rubbing his head as Albus raised a brow. 

“Later everyone,” Hiro said as he and Dumbledore went to use the floo. 

The three went their separate ways, but Yuu stopped by the door just as Dumbledore left through the floo.

Petrification and death…

Something Salazar would be able to speak too…

He rushed to the pile of books by his divan, grabbing and throwing them as he searched and searched for the passage that he remembered reading after Salazar pushed that challenge onto him. 

“Here,” he gasped. “Of the many fearsome beasts that roam our lands, none is more deadly than the basilisk,” he grinned. “Capable of living for hundreds of years, instant death awaits any who meets this giant serpent's gaze…” Found you,” he grinned, then it faded. “Why is no one dead then…” 

He looked up, confused as to why no one had been killed yet. Fawkes, still being there but no doubt to follow her master soon, landed on his shoulder and looked at him through the mirror.

That’s it. 

“A reflection,” he grinned. “Norris saw it through the water, Justin saw it through Nick who doesn’t have memory of the attack, Hermione had the Mirror and Creepy…I mean Creevy had the camera! And…and…the snake can shrink in size to accommodate the pipes to get through the school…” 

“All Students are to return to their house dormitories at once,’ McGonagall’s voice rang through the air and Yuu cursed. ``All teachers to the second floor corridor immediately.” 

“It’s killed someone…” Yuu murmured, dropping the book and moving to head out. Fawkes tried to stop him but he pushed the bird off and rushed down the stairs, running to the corridor where he skidded to a stop as the words registered in his mind. 

“Her Skeleton will lie in the chamber forever.” 

“It’s taken a student,” he murmured, uncaring of the words spoken by the teachers before a voice barked out. 

“Fujimaru!” 

His head of house was glowering at him as he stalked over and grabbed the collar of his robes. 

“I was with Dumbledore and Lucius Malfoy! I had something important to do,” he protested, Snape releasing him at the mention of Malfoy. 

“What would Lucius Malfoy have to do with you,” he demanded. 

“None of your business,” he snapped. “But I suggest you call the ministry. It’s a basilisk,” he smirked. “I knew something was up when I researched this ages ago. It’s a basilisk, but the reason no one is dead is because they have had indirect eye contact with the beast!” 

“...We must indeed call the ministry,” Minerva gasped. 

``You would trust his word Professor McGonagall.” 

“He’s not the best student but he is a trustful one Severus,” she snapped at him. ‘Make a paper for the Aurors when they get here.” 

“Or we could send Lockhart to do it,” Severus hummed as the peacock of a man jolted. 

“Pardon?” 

“Indeed,” Yuu jumped on, smiling as Lockhart turned to glare at the thorn in his side. “This is your chance! Coming back to your alma mater and being able to save a student from the jaws of death from a horrid beast that has laid in wait for centuries…a nice little story huh?” 

“Don’t tease the man,Yuu, he’s a professional. I am sure he would have done it either way without the chance of writing a book, but even then he’s survived so much,’ Severus shrugged, smirking as Yuu gave a vicious smile. 

“Yes, yes! Silly me, but then again there has been an inquiry at the ministry as of late due to allegations against him. I mean people began looking into his books even more and some people have questions if some of those spells are even possible. Sure, due diligence and intelligence can create such spells…but when they tried…” 

“What does this have to do with anything,” Minerva demanded. “One of my students is in danger at the moment and-” 

“I am not ignoring that I am merely wondering why this overly grown peacock has been strutting around for nearly the whole year and not done any research,” Yuu interrupted, good attitude gone as he glowered at Lockhart. “I get DADA is jinxed and I get it’s a shame to always hire someone new every year for decades now but I am sick of this useless idiot!” 

“Mr. Fujimaru-” 

“Being pretty and having intelligence can get you a long way. I knew people exactly like him but they tried and they succeeded! All this idiot has done is con people and hurt them as well. I am sure that the ministry will be quite happy to talk to the people in your books that you mentioned. Your friends that always had some sort of accident and were unable to come to any of the book meetings,” Yuu gave a vicious grin. “Like I said, you can be pretty but intelligence does not come second!” 

“How dare you-” 

“You're supposedly a good dueler and supposedly someone who has walked with vampires, werewolves, and all manner of magical beings and creatures but you can’t even fight off a damned cornish pixie? Come on, everyone knows you're a joke,” Yuu’s looked was demented as Lockhart stepped back. “The reason you challenged me to go up and fight another student was because you were worried people were going to ask me and you to fight,” he spat. 

“I am a fully-” 

“Oh no you're not. You might have been a Ravenclaw but all you seemed to learn in the house of knowledge and intelligence is how to cheat the system to get your way,” Yuu rolled his eyes. “A better fit for you might have been in Slytherin if you were going on this path in life,” he spat. “Now it’s bad enough that Dumbledore has been kicked out and an innocent man has been accused of something he would never think of doing in his life.” 

“Right you are,” Minerva interrupted before he could continue. “I dare say you go compile that information on the beast.” 

“Right,” he nodded, rushing off to do as he was told. 

“It’s a mistake to trust a second year,” Snape warned her. 

“We both know that despite how arrogant he is. He wishes for no blood Severus,” Minerva swallowed. “Tell your students to pack. Hogwarts is no longer safe. And you,” she turned to Lockhart. “I will speak to you soon.” 

“Boy, grab that frame right now,” Salazar demanded. 

“What,” he sighed, too busy coming to terms with Harry Potter killing the basilisk. 

‘Grab the magical frame,” he hissed in Parsel. “I have something I wish to gift you.” 

“You,” he scoffed, looking at the painting. “Giving something to the shame of Slytherin?” 

“If you weren’t such a perfect fit for my house I would not be offering this.” He wanted the boy as he took up the small frame and Salazar went inside of it. “First I need to speak to Dumbledore. Take me to him.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” he grunted. “I was planning to go anyways, no need to nag me you know.” 

“You little…” 

The two continued to squabble with one another all throughout the journey to his office, others merely ignored the two. They didn’t know who Yuu was arguing with but they didn’t dare interrupt him as his anger toward Flint who tried AGAIN to get him on the team…certainly left an impression. 

Flint decided his life was more important than quidditch, at least he had brains of that.  

“Potter,” Yuu commented as he entered, placing Salazar on the side table in his little reading area behind Dumbledore’s desk. “The sword of Godric Gryffindor,” he breathed, looking at the blade on the Headmaster’s desk. “It’s as beautiful as I imagined,” he smiled, before it fell as another blade flashed before his vision. 

“Ah yes…you always spoke of seeing the four symbols of the founders,” Dumbledore hummed, handing the blade off to the boy who held and looked at it with reverence. “I will speak to you in a moment, allow me and Harry to speak?’ 

‘Of course, of course,” he muttered off-handedly as he moved to an open area of the office and began going through forms. 

How nice it was to use a real sword…that little vice of Diasomnia never let him get too far with training swords. Much less a real one. Until…his birthday party at least…

Tch…stupid horrid memory. 

He began going through the movements. Being drawn into training with a certain sleepy headed second year and a loud mouth first year he loved as a friend anyways. He felt the blood pump through him as he continued to slash and swing through the air smiling at the sound the blade made before the door slammed open. 

He hid slightly as Lucius Malfoy strode in, thankful he seemed to miss him as he glowered at Harry and Dumbledore. 

Dumbledore caught his eye and Lucius whipped around, only to freeze when he saw the boy. 

“Fujimaru,” he gave out a stained cough. 

‘I was only here to help Salazar deliver a message,” Yuu began, coming forward with the sword in hand as Fawkes crooned at him once more. 

“Ah,” Dumbledore grabbed the frame. 

“I have something I wish to show Yuu. We will be heading to the First Floor,” he said. Dumbledore nodded before handing the frame back to Yuu who inclined his head and headed out. 

“My father and I shall await your owl…sir,” Yuu called before exiting the room. 

“That was tense,” was all the painting offered as Yuu rushed to the first floor. 

``You're taking me to the Chamber,” was all Yuu said as they entered the first floor lavatory. 

“I see why that hat placed you in my house,” was all Yuu received before he spoke once more in his magicked tongue. “Open Smaller One…” 

Some mechanisms were heard and Yuu jolted when one of the mirrors fell down and revealed a staircase that went down and down. 

“Those morons just used Nessa’s opening instead of the human one,” he rolled his eyes as he urged Yuu to go down. “Until you can pick up those words you’ll need me to come down here.” 

“You're going to keep coming with me,” Yuu scoffed, sniffing at the stench of poison that was permeating the air. “Me? The Mudblood?” 

“For someone who cares not for titles, you seem to be putting them around heavy with me,” Salazar commented as they went deeper and deeper into the caves. 

“What was the Basilisk originally meant for?” 

“Originally? A last line of defense for the school should the muggles get in or a muggleborn betrayed us…it was rough times we lived in,” he admitted, Yuu humming in understanding as he thought about it. 

“It continued for a long time…after you all died,” Yuu explained, Salazar sighing as they approached the locked door. “The witch hunts. Matthew Hopkins burned a record 300 people in 3 years. He called himself the Witchfinder General.” 

“...I see,” was all Salazar offered before speaking his Parsel once more. “Open.” 

Yuu stood back as the snakes slithered past the others, unlocking it one by one before it hissed allowing passage for the muggle born who stopped. 

“Really,” was all he asked, looking around the chamber as Salazar huffed. 

“I was merely making a statement,” he defended, trying not to look at Nessa who…who was dead. Slain because she had gone mad by the ravings of a boy he ignored all those years ago. 

“I mean as if the big face that no doubt the snake came through was bad enough…the rest of them,” he asked, Salazar grumbling about mouthy 12 years olds as they drew closer and closer to the corpse. 

“Enough of my interior decorating skills,” he warned. 

‘You mean the lack of?” 

“Enough,” he hissed. “Basilisk venom is still within Nessa. If you get the glands you’ll have the freshest source of it. Some will be left in the fangs, but I assume you’ll be wanting to crush them up?” 

“Hmm…Basilisk blood, fangs, scales and glands…I’ll need to come back. But with the corpse this massive I doubt it’s fully had time to set into rigor mortis. And she was just killed yesterday so we have a bit of time before her body fully starts to decay…” 

“I suggest you ask Albus for help,” Salazar hummed, looking over his familiar’s corpse before sighing. Nessa…

“Why do this for me? Why allow me to take from her corpse,” Yuu asked as he looked to the mouth where her teeth shone impressively. “I mean…you could allow her to decay and rest in peace.” 

“Because I know ambition when I see it,” Salazar grunted, crossing his arms. “My house, while pure of blood as I had hoped. Has lost such ambition to do something…out of this world? I believe the saying is? You…I see you have something you're keeping secret and I need, I desperately, need to be part of this. Even if I am nothing more than a painting.” 

“Fair enough,” Yuu shrugged. “Let’s go speak to Dumbledore about extracting what I need before I go home tonight.” 

“You have the end of the year feast,” Salazar reminded him as they moved to head back. 

“Eh, I never attend any of the feasts. Dumbledore let’s me explore the castle during the beginning of the year, the feast before and after winter break and exams. Even the quidditch cup feast he lets me skip.” 

“And Helga thought I was antisocial,” his founder grumbled. 

“I’m fine with it, really,” Yuu smirked, making Salazar look at him with an unimpressed look. “How about you come home with me? Be part of the process,” he offered. 

“Be in a muggle home,” he scoffed. 

‘Get out of the castle for a bit?” 

“...We’ll ask.” 

“Righty then. I’m going to put you in my bag for the moment so people won’t stare at us,” he explained, Salazar nodding as Yuu put him within his bag. He walked out of the bathroom, not bothering to hide what he was doing, he made his way down the hall as people began to speak about the others being unpetrified. 

‘That’s right,’ Yuu thought as he walked to his dorm. ‘They were going to give them the potion later today…Hagrid was supposed to be freed today as well.’ 

Yuu shook his head before continuing on his way, he really didn’t need to think too much on this anyways/ He was giddy to get home with his new house elf, materials and helper as well. 

It was going to be a good summer for progress.

He had thought too soon. 

“I told you I went to fucking class! Not a single letter was sent so why are you hounding me,” Yuu roared as he slammed Salazar’s frame onto his bedside table. “And get out of my room!” 

‘I am your mother! You will respect me and the house I control,” she spat, glowering at her son as she crossed her arms. 

“Dad is the master of this house, you just prance around doing nothing but wait for the next red carpet event to suck face with some CEO or celebrity,” he snarled, whipping around as Salazar looked between the two in confusion. “And this is my wing of the house! I control if the servants come here at all! Now what do you want!” 

“...do you really need those horses?” 

“Are you freaking kidding me,” he snapped, pushing his hair back as he tapped his trunk and made it grow. He smirked as his mother flinched and crossed his arms. “You're the one that spent time bitching and moaning all summer about the fact that I never left the damned manor. Isn’t horse riding a good idea.” 

“Do you have any idea how much money your father wasted on getting you those purebreds,” she hissed. 

“Oh please,” Yuu brushed off his mother, moving to his vanity where he moved to toss his journal onto. “As if that is even a candle to what you spend on a shopping trip!” 

“I got those items for you,” she gasped, looking affronted as she stared at him down.

“Yeah right, for me,” he scoffed, rolling his eyes as he picked up the item. “Gucci bag meant for a woman! I am not a woman, mother and this is ugly! Ugly as sin!” He tossed it to the side as his mother gasped. “All you do is throw useless gifts my way in order to appease me when you should have gotten rid of me if you were going to do this!” 

“I love you! How dare you Yuu!” 

“You may have loved me when I depended on you! But I am growing up! I am my own person. Stop thinking letting me waste my life away and being held back all my life, forced to stay in your clutches, is a good way to live,” he snarled. “I am not your little play thing, I am not your doll. I am your son, and I refuse to be your little dress up doll you can prance around with!” 

“I was doing it for mother and son bonding time. Something you have never appreciated,” she looked affronted as he glowered at her. 

“I would have enjoyed it a lot more if you were sober most of the time. I spent more time looking after you than you me,” he accused. “No child should see their mother looking like death was about to take her. But I have,” he pointed to himself. “I have and I hate you for it.” 

“...You don’t mean that,” she murmured, her lip quivering as her son stared her down. 

“I do,” he insisted, hissing it out as he opened his trunk with vigor. “You…you ruined my childhood,” he cried out. “Look at me! Father was contemplating taking me to a board meeting because I was so mature,” he spread his arms and forced himself to look his mother in the eyes. 

“Of course! This is all Hiro’s fault!’ 

“How dare you blame your father for your faults! You're the one that chooses to cheat! The one that chooses to drink,” he was so close to losing it with his mother. 

‘If he was more affectionate with me than maybe I would be more faithful,” she snapped back, turning to glare at her son who snapped. 

“HE DOESN’T OWE YOU A DAMNED THING!”

He lost it. 

How dare she? 

How dare she, after telling him to be silent when she brought her ‘friend’ over to play a special ‘bedroom game’ with her, to not tell his father who came home halfway through and went to drink. His father who did nothing as the man came down and ran out of the house, his father who merely kissed his sex mussed wife before asking his son if he could stay the night in his room. 

Removing himself from the temple that should belong to them. 

“YUU! AKIRA!” 

Both jumped at his father’s booming voice, his face was stormy as he entered the lavish room and overlooked the mess of his son and wife. 

“Father…I umm..I-!” 

“The stable master is going to come by tomorrow to speak about you riding the horses and care for them Yuu.” his father said, not looking away from his mother. “Lucius Malfoy is lending us Mipsy, a house elf of his house on the basis of your contract. She’ll be here tomorrow along with the Malfoy’s to get a feel for your…lab,” he turned to his son who nodded. “Akira,” he turned to his wife who pursed her lips. “I thought I made it clear to you to leave our son alone. Antagonizing him is not something a parent does.” 

“He disrespects the woman who brought him into this world,” she gasped, her face screwed up in anger as she beheld her husband.  

“Yuu has more pressing matters on his mind. I respect that, much like you did all those years ago when I started my business,” he reminded her as she clucked her tongue. 

“If I knew this is how we would end up then I would have left,” she flicked her hair back as Yuu turned red. 

“Not now,” his father warned. “Akira, go back to your wing.” 

“I am the Lady of the house,” she gasped. “You can’t banish me to the-” 

“And I will be staying most of the summer here because of pressing matters with my new investments and business partners. So as I am the one that employs all the staff, they will be turning to me now. Don’t make this harder, go,” he snapped, the woman snarling silently before turning on her heel and heading out. 

“You put her in a different wing of the house,” Yuu asked, turning to his father who pinched his forehead. 

“Yes…she’s gotten more volatile these last few months,” he sighed. ``After gifting her the necklace she grew angry that I gave her something ‘infected’ with magic so to say,” he grunted. 

“I get that she stuck by you during the early years of our business…but father. She’s not worth it.” Yuu explained to him. “She’s just in it for the money now.” 

“Yuu. She’s a genius as well-” 

“Yeah, a genius addicted to sex and drugs-” 

“I get that she hurt you all those years ago,” His father’s voice was stern. ‘When she bought those men into our home. I know you felt violated for my sake, but Yuu I do care for her. She was the first to show me something other than contempt or fear.” 

“Do you even still love her anymore,” Yuu demanded. “Is there that challenge form all those years ago?” 

His father turned silent, his face falling into a perfect blank before he spoke in a bland tone. 

“Rest up for the rest of the day. I will be waiting for you in the dining hall later, your mother takes her meals in her study nowadays. We’ll speak more in depth later.” 

“...Fine.” 

“Take a nap, cool off,” he raised a brow before heading out. 

“Not a word,” he warned Salazar who fixed his collar and gave a shrug. “I know my home..isn’t what you expected.” 

“I see where you get most of it from,” was all his founder offered before Yuu groaned and flopped onto the bed. 

“Lux noctis,” yuu murmured, his magic turning off all the light as Salazar looked around the rather…bland room. “I know, I know. My father was the same,” he sighed. “We’ll speak later…I…just want to rest now…” 

Salazar stayed silent, knowing the effects of a broken home himself. 

And…now…he understood this boy a bit better. And indeed…Salazar knew he was in the right house. 

NIGHT RVANE COLLEGE, COUNTDOWN-3 DAYS 

“OH PREFECT,” a deep voice called and Yuu yelped as a third year from Pomefiore suddenly appeared in his line of sight. 

“Wha…huh,” he gasped. “It’s sunrise right now! What are you doing here,” he demanded, rubbing sleep out of his eyes as another third year appeared, grabbing his arm and hoisting him up. 

“Why! We must escort you to our dorm so our pre-ball preparations may begin,” the first one spoke as they weaved their way through the many passed out bodies of the scarabia students. The guards from the night before waved him off, having been told the night before that he was to be taken to Pomefiore the next day…they just didn’t know when. 

‘Pre what,” he asked, still somewhat asleep. 

“Ahahah! Pre-Ball preparations! That includes a massage to loosen up those muscles, a milk bath to brighten and rejuvenate your skin! Skin care routine, makeup, clothes, hair and everything else!” 

“I can just take a bath and get ready you know,” he murmured, grunting as they jumped through the mirror to the entrance of the Pomefiore’s dorm. 

“No, no,” the second sighed. “After all! You saved Vil and many of us as well with your help in potions and alchemy.” 

“I was just being nice,’ he groaned, limp in his hold as they ushered him in where many other students were up and about getting their own pre-ball prep done. 

“Ah! The boy of the hour,” a young man, slightly older than Vil but not by much, cried as he saw him. “I am Flynn. I am the son of Eric’s Massue. I’ve been helping my father all my life and just got my certification,” he smiled. “I’m here for your massage and hot rock treatment. We have a sauna as well in my traveling kit! Magic does make it easy, no?” 

“Uugh, guys this is way too much-” 

“I am also a licensed chiropractor,” he finished. 

“Should have led with that,” Yuu switched tunes quickly that had many giggling. 

‘Well, let’s get those knots and kinks out of you, get those hot towels and stones on and then let you rest in the sauna for a bit,” he smiled, motioning for the boy to follow him as he bounded over. “I can already see a lot of places that will need adjustment…thankfully I have a 3 to four hour time limit to get your body relaxed and ready for the ball tonight…” 

“I’m just looking forward to not feeling like a wound up ball,” Yuu smiled as Vil began ordering them all to get the items needed. 

“And how is my number one potato,” Vil asked as Yuu came out. 

“Wonderful,” he sighed dreamily as Vil grinned. “Best three and a half hours of my life.” 

“Well, you have a light breakfast with me, Rook and Epel before your due for your Milk Bath and facial treatments. Then we’ll be moving onto getting the proper undergarments on you before makeup and hair,” Vil gently led him to the outer garden Gazebo where Epel and Rook awaited them with a small array of breakfast food. 

“Ah! Mon Trickster! May this birthday party be the best,” Rook smiled as they all began to place food on their plates. 

“Why a ball though,” Yuu asked, swallowing his omelet as Vil began to scoop up some of his smoothie bowl while Epel went ham on the…well ham. 

“The only proper way for someone who follows in the footsteps of the Beautiful Queen to reward and thank one that has helped them,” Vil offered, smirking as Yuu shook his head. “And..well, you only turn 11 once right?” 

“Vil, I’m fine with spending the days in Pomefiore just gossiping and trying on their handmade clothes for fun,” he reminded the Dorm Leader who rolled his eyes. 

“You weren’t kidding when you said he was a mellow one,” a new voice spoke up and Yuu turned around to see…well a handsomer version of Vil. 

“You must be Vil’s father,” he gasped, wiping his mouth to stand up before he was suddenly by the boy, hand out and a smile on his face. 

“Vance. Vance Schoenheit,” he smiled. “You might know me by my stage name, Erik Venue, but since my son has spoken such good things about you…well I think my real name is in order.” 

‘Thank you,” Yuu smiled, taking the offered hand and shaking it firmly. Vance surprised him by sliding between him and Vil, taking the full English for himself before tucking in. “So, how was the massage? I called in a favor to have him come in today. He’s been working with Leon for years, so he knows what he’s doing,” he smiled. 

“I feel great, actually,” Yuu smiled. “Finally got rid of the aching pain in my back when I slammed into the ground when we escaped S.T.Y.X.!” 

Vil and Rook flinched at the mention of the wound he sustained when he went to break the overblot students out of that facility. They thought he had become paralyzed from how they had to carry him out when he didn’t get up. Or get up for a week after the incident. 

“I’m glad…I saw the X-Rays though,” Vance approached. “You need to be careful and will need adjustments regularly as well.” 

“I will,” he gasped. “I didn’t know! I guess I’ll have to come up with something to make sure I don’t…ya know…” 

“I was thinking of calling another favor in as a thank you for everything you’ve done for my son,” Vance began. “I know a good doctor that will be able to heal that up for you and make it so that such a thing isn’t possible.” 

“...But I couldn’t,” Yuu began. 

“You deserve to not live in fear of losing your ability to walk,” Vance insisted lowly as his son and friends nodded. “Please…allow me to do this?” 

“O..Okay..” Yuu nodded, as Vance ruffled his hair and then Vil’s when he bemoaned about having to do his hair later. 

“Father,” he gasped, moving to fix his hair as he let out a booming laugh that had Epel and Rook following in suit. 

“You used to love it when I did that ages ago!” 

‘I am not 5 years old,” he hissed to his father who began to pout and recall the good ole days when Vil was nothing but a toddler trying to follow his father into the limelight. 

“Oh my seven,” Vil breathed, embarrassed as his father kept going on and on about him back when he was younger. “This day isn’t about me,” he hissed, slapping his fathers upper arm. 

“But Yuu could use the ammo,” his father raised a brow back, smirking at the horrified and betrayed look his son gave him. He gave a cheeky wink before turning to a starstruck Yuu. “Now, where was I…ah! Vil was so adamant about being the son in one of my shows and let everyone know that he was not going to be replaced…” 

Vil continued to sound like a dying animal for the rest of the breakfast, much to the amusement of his fellow students. 

“That was extra,” Yuu murmured as he thought back to the 2 hours. 

A milk bath in the massive communal bathing room, with only him inside. His scalp had been detoxed, skin scrubbed with sugars and exfoliators. His hair had about a million different products in it that made it so straight and beautiful like in those L'Oréal commercials he saw at home. His face had gone through the rounds along with his skin and it left him glowing and smooth as he sat in his robe, waiting for his clothes to come in along with his makeup squad. 

All this for a ball. 

It’d been a long 8 hours… 

Shaking his head he looked up as Vil entered with Epel and Rook, the three of them holding different items. 

“Come, come,” Vil motioned. “Get behind the dressing curtain and get the under garments on,” he pushed him. “I assume you already know that you're wearing our dorm uniform!” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Yuu rolled his eyes, removing his robe and getting the undersuit fitted onto him. “Did Rook measure me in my sleep,” he asked, unnerved at how well it fit him. 

“Ohoho! Non, Mon Trickster,” Rook denied but Yuu had a feeling he was lying. And he…really didn’t want to know and he doubted that he would ever want to know. 

“Come, come,” Vil sighed, ushering Yuu out from behind the curtain as he moved him to the rather large and filled vanity before sitting him down before it. “Now…this hair,” he sniffed, plucking a piece up. “Even with all those straightening treatments! It’s a mess!” 

It’s true, his hair had gone back to being a bit untamed after about a few hours of being hit with those straightening solutions.

“I warned you this thing has a mind of it’s own,” he reminded them, Vil scoffing before pulling out his hair kit as Rook laughed beside him. “I hope you can come up with something that doesn’t fry my hair,” he pleaded just as Vil pulled out the straightener. ‘I hate that thing and you know it Vil!” 

“Uugh,” the Head of Pomefiore tossed the item back into its case before gently grabbing a clump of hair and running it through his fingers. “Rook,” he barked, his vice standing at attention while Epel grabbed the makeup wipes. “Get this potato runway ready. I’ll consult with my father about the hair situation.” 

"Oui, Roi de Poisons!” 

“Epel, make sure Rook sticks to the plan,” he pressed, giving his vice a warning look. “Purples and gold only Rook.” 

“Oui, oui,” he nodded. “I will not stray. And a lip as red as blood?” 

“Indeed,” Vil nodded, moving to head out to where his father was directing the decorations and food last minute as the hired help began to try and make it right. 

“Now, shall we,” Rook smiled as he took the offered brush and began his magic. 

It felt like a life time, with all the priming, foundation, contour and everything else before they even got close to the eyes but Yuu found it therapeutic, he’d seen the state of the ball room and he couldn’t help but feel as if it was going to be a BIG deal. 

“Up,” Rook murmured, his brush tricking against his eyelid as he worked his magic. Vil’s hands ran through his hair as he had returned ten minutes into their little makeup routine. His father had offered up an idea and he seemed to go with it. 

“There,” they both said at the same time, Yuu opening his eyes only to blush at what he looked like. 

Rook had taken all liberties as he gave him a fox eye liner with a smokey purple and gold toned eye. His lips were dark red, crimson of the highest degree and he could wonder if this is what vampires looked like after they took blood. His hair covered his left eye, no doubt by Vil’s design as his right side had three hair flowers, composed of his own inky black hair, lined with two braids that forced the hair out of his right side. The rest flowed down in straight waves. 

He used the straightener. 

“Now,” Vil clapped as Yuu looked up to him. “The Uniform! For this day! And because you are my equal in potions, you shall don the same robes as me,” he smiled, Yuu jolting. 

“That’s the dorm leader’s uniform! And..and I’d have to wear heels!” 

“Precisely. Crewel Sensei has informed me of your interest in potions and the little..poison you made to threaten our bird brained headmaster,” he smirked, Yuu blushing as the incident was brought up. 

“But..” 

“No buts,” Vil clucked his tongue, pulling out the ornate robe and urging the boy forward. “Come, we have half an hour before we are supposed to arrive.” 

“Non! I need to be sure to make sure everything is perfect,” Rook gasped, placing his hat back on before pursuing out. “See you soon Mon Trickster!” 

“I’ll be waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs,” Epel smiled, clapping Yuu on the back before following his vice head out. 

“Now, let’s get this one you,” Vil hummed, helping put and tie the robe onto the fidgeting 10 year old. 

He still had a few more days before he turned 11. 

“Vil…this is too much,” he sighed, brushing the large sleeves away as Vil helped him with his kitty heels. “I…I was fine with the other uniform-” 

“Yuu,” Vil murmured, the other stumbling to a stop as he looked at the dorm leader. “You are more than our friend, some might call you family or even a soulmate of the highest degree that does not reach love,” Vil cupped his cheek gently. “You…came to us with no expectations and any that you did, never let cloud your judgment about us. Even if we were cruel, swindled you, used you…you still came to our aide and tried to protect us. From ourselves and from the outside world. This,” he motioned around him. “Is only a small payment for the good you have done for us all.” 

“Vil-Senpai..” 

“Come, and stand tall today,” he smiled, grabbing both hands. “Everything we have done? All of this? Is to show you how much you mean to us and this school. And we will never let you leave this year without showing that.” 

“...Okay.” 

“Now..I will escort you to the entrance where you will wait and then once the doors open you shall give a speech before the ball commences.” 

“...Speech?” 

“...I thought Epel told you…I told him to tell you,” Vil sighed. “It does not have to be grand, but…I think it would be best to show your heart to us all. Because it’s only fair to me?” 

“Right…” 

“Now, the ball awaits!” 

“Heh,” Vance smiled as he looked at his son and his friends. 

He seemed…less strung up and he was glad he had people like that around him. 

“Oh! Your Dorm Leader Vil’s father right,” a second year called, coming up with something in his hand. 

“Oh, yes I am,” he nodded. “Something you need?” 

“Mind giving this to Vil? We have copies for the dorm and Vil. But he was adamant about being the one to give this to Yuu,” he smiled, handing a photo to the man. “Rook and Epel had the privilege of giving Yuu the dorm Armband, he insisted on this.” 

“I will. Head to bed. I’ll wake them up soon,” he urged the boy, the other nodding before heading up the string and confetti riddled stairs. 

Vance chanced a look at the photo before grinning. 

Ah. 

Yuu sat upon the dorm leader’s throne, his son’s crown upon his head as he smiled to the camera, Vil by his right side like an attendant as the other two stood to the left. Magical sparks had gone off around them, a myriad of gold and purple as they smiled to the camera as if posing for a royal photo. They looked so happy as they all stood around their friend who seemed as if he had the world. 

Ah, Vance thought. He really was getting old if something like this tugged at his heart. 

Still, he crossed his arms, eye locking on the boy who was snuggled up with his son on the divan. He had gone through so much, he had read that medical report and he did suspect that the Idia boy operated on him in secret. He shouldn’t be walking, that fracture he sustained was to paralyze him, but he wasn’t. He walked, ran and jumped around like the child he was.

He could at least get rid of the margin of error that the teen wasn’t able to cover. 

But, it wasn’t time for that. It was his time for being a child about to turn 11..

Damn..he really was too young to be dealing with everything. 

Yuu opened his eyes, grunting out something to Maria who smiled back at him and patted his shoulder. 

“Your father wants you down in half an hour,” she explained, moving to grab his brush and usher him into a sitting position. “He’s been stressed the last few months and what happened earlier just wound him up.” 

“What’s her problem,” he grunted, brushing off her hands before taking the brush and attempting to straighten out his rats nest. 

“Ah…your father has put down his foot about her bringing her…associates home with her,” she coughed, her face scrunched up in distaste as she spoke about the mistress of the house. “He wants you to be able to do your experiments in peace and since you’ll be having help from a friend he doesn’t want unneeded attention on you.” 

“Finally cracking down on her after all these years,” Yuu scoffed, tossing the brush back onto the bed and Maria sighed. 

``You know he doesn’t want you to have to suffer with a custody battle and the divorce of your parents,” she insisted. “He knows the pain and wishes for you to not suffer with it.” 

“They're nothing but roommates by this point. A divorce would be beneficial to them both. As for me, I doubt she’d get custody of me. She doesn’t work, all she does is organize functions from the money FATHER gives her. And…I have evidence about how she is an unfit mother anyways,” he smirked. 

“Yuu?” 

“Come now Maria, you know me,” he turned to give her a malicious grin that had pride welling in her heart. “And I know you would never let her take me.” 

“Stop, you're making me blush,” she gasped, face alight with a smile that he returned in full. “Well, come now! Your father expects you.” 

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” he giggled, a kick in his step as he was ushered out. He gave a wink to a knowing Salazar who waved him off with a scoff. Yuu clipped his pen onto his breast pocket, thinking of the past year and growing a bit upset at how little his progress was. 

If only stuff stopped getting in his way..

Then he’d be happier…

Drip

Drip

Drip

The emerald turned slightly darker in color as he continued his way down to the dining hall. He was none the wiser. 

Chapter Text

“I SAID LET ME IN YOU BASTARD,” Yuu raised a brow at his mother’s scream as the pounding on his father’s office door continued. 

‘She’s taking it well,” he commented, turning to his father who was working on the ledgers from Gringotts. 

“Hmm,” was all his father offered before sighing. “I thought I told security to keep her out of this side of the house,” he grumbled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. 

“She most likely slipped past them and they should be getting her soon,” Yuu shrugged just as a commotion began outside. 

“WHA-LET ME GO YOU BASTARDS! I’M STILL MRS. FUJIMARU AND YOUR EMPLOYER!” 

“Ma’am, please. Your husband is our contractor and we follow his orders!” 

“OH FUCK OFF! HIRO GET OUT HERE NOW! WE NEED TO TALK NOW!” 

“Please escort her to her room Maurice,” Hiro called out, closing the ledger before handing it to Mipsy who looked between them and the door in fear. 

``She won’t do anything Mipsy,” Hiro assured her, patting her head as the House Elf looked to her temporary master. 

“He’s right,” Yuu assured her, smiling as she nodded. “Besides, she’ll only be here until official proceedings for the divorce begin. And my father is the head of the house. You should be listening to him.” 

“Mipsy was told to have Yuu as Mipsy’s lord,” she murmured, looking sheepish as if he would strike her.  

“Haaa,” Yuu grumbled. “He said anything to you yet,” he asked his father as Mipsy went to file the ledger away. 

“No, but he's growing annoyed about the amount of research you're doing,” his father gave him a smirk as Yuu shrugged. “And the amount of mirrors he’s received that he has questions about, but you have no interest in answering because of the contract.” 

‘Tee-hee?” 

“You just love torturing that man,” his father shook his head. “Well, no matter,” he shrugged, getting up he turned to look out the window at the rising sun. “Third year already…how are you holding up?” 

“I’ll go this year,” Yuu insisted as Mipsy looked at him in sadness. 

He was so…obsessed with going back to ‘that place’, she had come to learn. Lord Hiro was fine with it. Gave him whatever he wanted and did whatever he could to help him, even if, as she had come to learn, he would never see his child again.  

“Just…don’t cause any heart attacks,” His father asked as he turned to his son. “And as much as I asked Dumbledore. You need to ride the train.” 

“Fuck,” he cursed. “And I need to put my familiar in a cage?” 

“Yes.” 

“Mipsy, come on. We need to capture the damned demon.” Yuu grunted, the Elf giggling as she thought to her master’s familiar. 

It was a bird, a Raven Crow to be exact. 

It was a magical crossbreed that has the characteristics of both birds, being the size of a fully grown bald eagle. It had capabilities to shrink to the size of a raven if it needed to be inconspicuous of course. Highly intelligent just like the muggle counterparts and only bonded with a single person for the rest of its life. 

Yuu had bemoaned his fate at the fact that another bird had attached itself to him and he paid the shopkeeper to get everything he needed as the thing had nuzzled his head. 

All he was reminded of when he saw the bird was the bloody chicken that never left him alone and a certain headmaster who had the motif of the bird all over his damned personality. 

“Good luck,” Hiro called to his son as he let out a final curse and slammed the door closed. 

The bird was usually docile, but he was attuned with his master quite well and like to drag a reaction out of the boy who cursed the thing with everything in his being. 

2 HOURS LATER 

“Will you stuff,” Yuu hissed to his bird who squawked and flapped its wings once more as he and his father went onto the platform. 

“It’s merely trying to be on your shoulder as any good familiar would,” Hiro commented, inclining his head to his fellow associates he had come to know over the last year. They both ignored the pureblood women and girls alike ogling at Hiro and Yuu respectively. 

They really didn’t register the stares as whispers they drew as they went to the door of the carriages. 

“Well I am fine without it being a damned nesting mother,” he hissed, his father smacking him upside the head in response. “Ow.” 

‘Stop it and listen to me,” his father murmured, his son turning to him with an inquisitive brow. “Things are going to get dangerous. Someone escaped Azkaban and he’s still at large.” 

“Th…that can’t be possible. I’ve looked into the monster of that place. It’s not possible,” Yuu gasped, looking around him to see everyone doing their regular goodbyes. “Did Dumbledore tell you.” 

“The man has a connection to someone in your school-” 

“Harry Potter,” Yuu realized, shaking his head before crossing his arms. “I’ll speak to Dumbledore and ask what precautions I should take.” 

"His name is Sirius Black and...I called in a favor. Here, it's highly doctored because the case was not only a serious thing but it held a lot of secrets that reflect in the papers," he handed his son a folder that the boy slid into his robe without a glance. "I took a look after hearing some of the rumor mill...and I am sure you will agree with my sentiment that all of it is wrong...even if it's missing most of the connections between people." 

"Sirius Black," Yuu hummed. "Alright, I'll read through it and see if I spot anything. I'll contact you if I notice anything that can be dug up again." 

“That’s all I ask,” Hiro smiled, patting his son's upper arms as he moved to leave before a voice stopped them. 

“Hiro!” 

“Lord Greengrass,” he smiled, the two turning to the group of four. “Astoria and Daphne. Good to see you again,” he inclined his head as their mother, Laurie, smiled at Hiro. 

‘The Gala you hosted was wonderful Sir,” Daphne began, her sister nodding eagerly. “The entertainment was something I have never seen before. It caught me off guard.” 

“Hmm. Kabuki tends to do that,” he nodded, Yuu inkling his head in agreement as Astoria turned to him. “But I am glad it was well received, the Japanese ministry was just about cheering to be able to send this to members of the sacred twenty eight.” 

“It’s good to see you again Yuu,” she spoke up, blushing as he turned his attention to her. She always got giddy at his intense blue eyes that held…so much knowledge in them. 

“I agree,” he gave a slight smile. “First year. I am sure you will be in our house,” he smiled to Daphne who nodded eagerly. “I cannot promise I will be available to help you. I do have my own things to attend to in school.” 

“You mean driving teachers to drinking,” Daphne couldn’t stop the jab as Yuu quirked a brow along with a raise of his lip. 

“Mayhaps,” he shrugged in an ‘oh, what can you do’ type of way as Hiro shook his head. 

“Just keep your grades up. And I will take you to the Phantom of the Opera production coming in winter,” he nodded to his son. 

“Ah, indeed,” he smiled at his father, Daphne, jolting as she saw it. 

He…never really smiled even with his friends Cedric and the Twins. 

“It was something you wished for,” His father shrugged. “Keep it up and I’ll allow you to go. I’ll be too busy but I am sure that you’ll be fine.” 

“I…I would like to see this performance. I remember you reading the book in class when Snape forced you to go,” Daphne interrupted, her mother giving her an encouraging squeeze. “If…if it’s not too much,” she turned to Hiro who raised a knowing brow. 

“Well, I would feel better about sending this one out with someone than on his own. Lord knows what happened last time,” he gave a small glare to his son. 

‘They offered the wine to me. I just decided not to say no,” he defended. His father shook his head as Lord Greengrass let out a booming laugh. 

‘I see that a son like the father can cause some memories to come up, ehe,” he gave a knowing look to Hiro who quirked his mouth into a small smile before giving a shrug similar to the one his son did earlier. 

“Well, once it’s more set in stone, I’ll approach you ladies,” Yuu smiled to both the girls. “But  must claim my carriage before all of them are taken. And I do believe Pansy is calling for you Daphne,” he motioned to behind them as the girl waved to the Greengrass.” 

“Do behave on the train,” his father warned, shaking hands with the Lord and Lady of Greengrass before turning on his heel. “I’ll expect a letter later tomorrow morning.” 

“Fine.” 

His father strode out, people tripping on themselves as his presence suffocated and blinded them. Many half bloods had to remind themselves that he was a Muggle, a muggle with much sway in the wizarding world. 

“Isn’t his son in Slytherin?” 

“Yeah! My brother told me about him! He’s really smart and barely attends classes! Some people say that he’s Dumbledore’s Disciple!” 

“No way!” 

“Makes sense.” 

Whispers continued as Yuu bid his farewells to the Greengrass’, entering the train he strode to the back of the cart, opening the compartment he clucked his tongue at the sight of second years who jumped at the sight of him. 

‘Anyone know an empty compartment on this cart?” 

“Middle…” 

“Thank you,” he gave a curt nod before closing the door and heading back where he came, opening the one on his right only to stop at the sight of an older man-DADA Professor most likely-slumped against the seat, tired as all hell and in need of the rest. He looked ill, and the sweat on his forehead wasn’t helping.

He looked so sick, he shouldn’t be here on the train. 

 He turned behind him and nodded at the empty compartment. He placed his items in the compartment before grabbing a small pillow he planned to use and entered the other compartment. Gently he placed the pillow between him and the window, pulling up his jacket as he shivered. He quickly wrote out a note saying how Madam Pomfrey would kill him if he went to the feast like that and instructed him on what potions were best. 

Placing the note in his pocket he left the compartment, closing the door before entering his own and settling down. He opened his journal, number 3 to be exact, and began jotting down his newest discoveries and put Salazar before him. 

“Something’s on your mind,” Salazar noted. “And it’s not the madman on the loose.” 

“Something bad…is going to happen today,” Yuu commented, looking out the window as the final students began to board. “I can feel it deep in my bones and I wonder if I should be ready to fight.” 

“That’s bold,” the portrait commented before the compartment door opened and Harry Potter along with his two friends stared in. 

“Hello Potter,” he smiled, eyes going to his friends as well. “Weasley. Granger.” 

“Fujimaru.” Hermione swallowed. “Do you know of any other compartments that might be open?” 

“Don’t want to sit with me,” he asked, looking a bit put out but they knew it was nothing but show. He hated when people invaded his space, Fred and George learned it the hard way last year when they tried to bring him into their compartment. 

First years were always too intimidated to sit with older years, the now second years knew about Yuu and kept their distance. The older years just stayed away from him in general. 

“We would rather not,” Ron said, holding Scabbers closer to him as Yuu’s eyes flicked to him. 

“Behind you,” was all he offered. “The new DADA professor is in there,” was all he said. “He’s in desperate need of sleep and no doubt a bit ill, no doubt because of all this rainy weather,” Yuu grunted as the train began to take off. “So keep quiet, let him sleep and stay away from me.” 

“You're quite the bleeding heart now aren't you,” Ron scoffed. 

“Aside from first years and second years who get to miss class, no one likes to be sick. It creates inconveniences that just add onto stress,” Yuu explained. “And lord knows our school is just filled with stress. I hold my opinion of the new teacher until I have a chance to see him in action. So a bit of softness won’t ruin my reputation.” 

“Come on,” harry urged, moving them to enter opposite of the carriage they stood at. “You left early again last year.” 

‘Indeed,” Yuu smiled, placing his pen down. ‘Like I said, I don’t see much point in heading to the feasts.” 

``You don’t attend the opening either,” Harry added. 

“No. I usually climb the spires and overlook the night sky now,” Yuu explained. “I saw you and Ron when you got beat up by that Ford Angelia last year,” he smirked as the two flinched. “Not the nicest look, but all the pain you brought Snape gave me time to make my potions in advance, so thanks.” 

“...Are you going to use that favor soon,” Harry asked as Hermione and Ron went to put their stuff away. 

“Eager to get that debt paid, eh Potter,” Yuu giggled. “In time. Now, go sit and wait until we arrive huh?” 

Harry left without another word, Yuu revealing in the silence as Salazar chuckled. 

“It’s no doubt been torturing him since he promised it.” 

“Oh, most certainly.” 

The two continued the ride in silence, the chatter of people around them dulling as Yuu became focused on his journal and Crowely, yes he named the bird after the idiot human bird, began to sleep in his cage. He took some time to look through the folder his father had compiled on the case and his brow creased at the...lack of anything purely concrete and the descriptions of the man. 

Sirius Black was described as the Black Sheep and Shame of the Noble House of Black because of his affiliation with Gryffindor house and his hatred of not only the Dark Lord but his ideals of Blood Purity. He doesn't seem like the type to betray a man who was the subject to a prophecy that might spell the end of his child. And why was he so instant on getting to Pettigrew? Raving like a madman before blowing up 14 people? 

It didn't add up, but like his father said. A lot was missing to make those pieces of evidence fall together. 

Yuu’s head snapped up the moment the train stopped. His bad feeling was rearing it’s head as he opened the door to his compartment and stuck his head out. He came face to face with Harry before he turned to look down either side and saw equally confused students. The feeling was growing worse and worse and he couldn’t help the feeling that this was…something bad. 

“Get inside and close the doors now,” he barked, his face showing no room for compromise. The older years nodded, popping back in before slamming the doors, the younger years saw this and followed is instructions as Yuu pushed Harry back into his compartment, closing the door before pulling out his wand. 

“Oi,” Ron began before he stopped at Yuu’s warning look. 

“Something is…very wrong,” he breathed, his breath coming out as fog as ice began to cover the window. The lights flickered and Yuu began to…began to breath harshly. 

Flashes of darkened gardens, Makeshift arenas, VDC stage and all other manner of places began to race through his mind as his hand began to shake. This darkness was familiar to him as distorted voices began to go through his head. 

“It shall be off with your head!....I am king!....Come now! Let’s Make a Deal!.....I will be Free!....I am the Fairest of them all!....Come now, you can’t escape your Fate…..Behold my wall of thorns!...” 

They all rang through his head as memories began to flash through his head and he shook harder. 

Why now? He helped defeat them then, why was he stalling now. 

Hermione let out a gasp at something outside the door and Yuu jerked his head up to see a figure of death itself before him. He froze, fear taking over him as it slowly drew the heat from the room and grabbed hold of the door. His wand fell from his hand and clattered to the ground, Yuu stepping back as he scrambled for his magic pen, his fingers felt like lead and jelly all at once, unable to grab onto it as the door opened to reveal…the thing. 

His back hit the window as the trio sat frozen in their seats, it’s head was on Yuu for a long moment before it turned to Harry and began to…pull from him. 

Harry gasped in his seat and Yuu finally managed to pull out his pen, pointing it at the thing that moved away from Harry and turned to him. 

Yuu’s throat constricted as it reached out to him, just as another joined them and began to pull the same thing the first was from Harry. 

Say a spell damn it! Damn it!

Yuu remained frozen in fear before the man stood up and a bright light emanated from the wand, driving both of them as Harry began to convulse and Yuu felt dark spots begin to dance before his eyes. The man turned around and grabbed him, placing him gently on the seat he was at, still warm from his body heat and speaking to him. 

“Lad are you alright,” his voice was warm and Yuu stared at his scarred face. 

“Yes,” he grunted, moving to stand up only to have him place a hand on his shoulder preventing him from moving further. 

“I don’t recommend it,” he offered him with a smile. “I do have something to help with the feeling your going through.” 

“I’m fine-” 

“Trust me,” he insisted, smiling as he pulled out chocolate from his pocket. 

“Chocolate…” he murmured, his Japanese accent coming through as the man laughed. 

“It will help,” he took off a piece and handed it to him. “Trust me,” he offered a smaller tender smile to the boy who gave a curt nod and began to nibble on it. 

“Sir, Harry’s passed out,” Hermione gasped. 

“Ah, well-” 

Yuu tuned him out as he tried to come to terms with what happened. 

He faltered, he let his fear get ahead of him and make him freeze up when it could have been life or death. He’d been in life or death situations before! Why did he freeze now! He knows what it means to be staring into the jaws of death, so what did he falter now!? 

Yuu clenched his hand tighter before he jolted when his wand was offered to him, he looked up to see Hermione offering it to him with an inquisitive look. 

“Thanks,” he grumbled, standing up while grabbing his wand. “See you at Hogwarts.” 

“I would prefer it if you stay,” the man said, standing by the door. 

“I’m in the cabin across the way,” Yuu breathed, standing up as he pocketed his magic pen. “I…left my familiar in there and I would rather he not be left alone for much longer,” he coughed, shaking his head as he moved to leave. 

“I will be checking up on you,” he warned, Yuu nodding as he pushed past him and entered his compartment. He slammed the door closed, shaking as he thought back to the feeling that was coursing through him. 

Fear. Shame. Fear. Shame. FEAR. SHAME. 

“I am strong,” Yuu breathed, fists shaking as Crowely cooed at him, sensing his anger and shame. “I am strong! Dumbledore knows this. The whole school knows this! So why! Why did I freeze!” 

Drip. 

Drip. 

Drip. 

His pen felt heavier, but Yuu didn’t notice. He was too absorbed in the feelings coursing through him at his display of weakness. 

Why? Why did he freeze!

Yuu’s feeling of anger and shame had not gone away even after he had gotten to Hogwarts, Dumbledore seeing him and urging him to take a walk around the campus. 

He had quickly done that, losing sight of most of the staff as he went up to the astronomy tower before beginning to scale the walls of the castle. He reached the caps of the tower and sat on it, clutching the metal rod as he gazed out into the forbidden forest. Some bright bursts of red informed him that Norbert had just tuned into his arrival and that he would have to visit the junior dragon soon. 

He’s the size of a horse now and still believed he was a lap animal. 

It was going to be a rough week, but he’d done it before and he’ll get through it somehow again. He could only hope that the teachers had gotten the message and would leave him alone for the time being and not hunt him down like they had the two previous years. 

He’s getting tired of them always trying to corner him or bribe other students with house points to try and get him to class. Hermione is the worst offender, always following him and trying to stalk him throughout the castle to make sure she knows where he might be to ambush him and drag him to class. 

Honestly, doesn’t she have better things to do? 

Yuu sighed once more as he stood up, jumping to the next spire as he began to run across the tops of the school catching railings and spires as he began his usual beginning of the year routine. His blood was pumping as he jumped off another spire onto the balcony of the owlry, gasping as the adrenaline began to fade and his feet took him down the stairs to the third floor. 

He felt in his element as he began to feel intune with the castle itself. Magic crackled between his fingers as he began to twirl around the hallway. 

“I just…want to be fucking left alone,” he breathed. “I miss Ramshackle! I miss my own room and my own house to live in,” he breathed, cracking his neck before something caught his ear. 

The stones were moving. 

He looked around, seeing stones moving and shifting every which way before a small door that was very similar to what he remembered. Tentatively he approached it, his hand touched the handle before retracting, it jiggled as if telling him to open it. 

Yuu swallowed before taking a chance and throwing open the door. 

He froze in the doorway, his breath being taken away at the sight of the room. 

It was his room. 

It was his room in Ramshackle.

With some hesitance he entered the room, eyes roaming over the fireplace that was roaring with a healthy fire, the blue and white striped couches with a green carpet beneath it as thre rocking chair went back and forth beside it. Stairs formed behind the sitting area and Yuu jolted when he saw on the right side was a kitchen with a small table and chair. 

Heh. 

Shaking his head he moved to go up the stairs to the second floor where he was greeted with his old bedroom. The plush green armchair, the mantle once more roaring with a fire, the painting easel and canvas with nothing on it. The plush bed with enough room for a pudgy cat. 

Tears welled up in his eyes as he gingerly sat on the bed that felt just right, his shoulders began to shake as tears began to rise. His throat constricted as the tears began to flow down his face and finally…

He let go. 

The tears began to pour out in earnest as the familiar and warm room began to bring back such happy and wonderful memories of a place that he was so desperate to get back too. He thought about trying to remodel his room after his one in his beloved dorm but he never seemed to remember it correctly. But this…this is what he remembered. Even after Idia fixed it, it wasn’t the same. But this. This room made him feel so safe and so…at peace he couldn’t understand it. 

He wasn’t going back to those damned dungeons. He didn’t care if Dumbledore was going to force him, he was going to stay in this room the rest of his time at Hogwarts. 

Yuu laid down on the bed, curling up into a ball as he tried to calm himself and restrain his tears but the frustration of the last 2 years had finally overflowed and he couldn’t stop. 

Why? Why was he still stuck here after all he had done? All he had done to make mirror, after mirror, after mirror? What was he doing wrong? 

Yuu continued to beat himself up as the room began to release the scent of lavender to soothe him and his erratic mind. Yuu sniffled as he caught on and choked at the scent a certain beauty queen loved. 

He…he wanted his things. He needed them now. 

A pop told him that a house elf had found him but he didn’t bother to get up. He just wanted to stay a bit longer in this blissful dream. 

More pops followed as he could hear them shuffling about before heavy thuds were heard and a metal cage opened. Crowley let out a caw before flying up to where his master was and landing on the headboard. Crowley cocked their head to the side before crooning softly at the sadness and pain his master was going through, the bird hopped down and urged their way into his arms. Yuu choked another cry before snuggling the bird close and whispering his deepest desire. 

Crowley listened to them all and vowed to never speak a word. 

The house elves merely looked to one another in sadness before vanishing away, leaving the kind, sad Slytherin to his misery for the night. Because that is what he wanted and they would not disturb him. 

He was so kind to them after all, they could return the kindness even if it hurt him further. 

Yuu stayed like that for lord knows how long before a voice spoke through the fire lit room. 

“I see you have made the room of requirement your own.” 

“...Are you going to make me leave?” 

“I doubt,” Dumbledore began, coming onto the second floor. “That I would be able to get you to leave in the first place. I do not attempt fruitless endeavors,” he hummed. “I would only ask that you not stay here all the time?” 

“That mean?” 

“Your usual, coming to class once or twice a week. Be visible in the library for the time being. Make sure you don’t vanish in here for the whole year,” he informed the boy. “I won’t impede you moving in here. The room seems to have been made a compartment in their use and…well, it seems like this will always be here so long as you are here.” 

“Meaning that the room is still in use by the rest of the school. But so long as I am here, this room will exist,” Yuu began. “But, it’s a side room. The main room is still up for use.” 

“Indeed. Hogwarts…with how much magic is seeped into it’s walls…seems to have formed a kindred bond with you,” Dumbledore smiled, placing his hand on the wall as it thrummed with power. “It seeks to ease the burden you bear and has offered you a reprise.” 

“What about Snape and McGonagall,” Yuu murmured, pulling the crooning bird closer to him as Dumbledore smiled at the display of weakness he was willingly showing him. 

“I will deal with them,” he assured the boy. “Trust me. I will not allow them to take away your happiness. You and I are kindred in our souls Yuu,” he moved to sit on the bed as Yuu stared at him through his inky black hair. “And I know what something like this means to you.” 

“...Thank you.” 

“And Yuu…I must ask you not to leave the ground at night anymore.” 

“Is it because of those things on the train?” 

“Dementors of Azkaban,” Dumbledore nodded. ‘They are to be stationed at Hogwarts to prevent the threat of Sirius Black getting into Hogwarts.” 

“Something bugs me about Sirius Black,” Yuu murmured, sleepiness heavy in his voice. “That case…something is wrong with it. Who performed the Findilus Charm?” 

“James Potter,” Dumbledore decided to go along with the boy and amuse him for now. 

“Something is wrong about his conviction and trial. Why wasn’t he given a trial,” Yuu murmured, his mind working into overdrive as he thought about it. 

“This doesn’t involve you,” Dumbledore placed a hand on Yuu’s head. “Don’t worry about it.”
 
“Something is wrong about this whole situation,” Yuu insisted, yawning as he did so. 

“Rest for the night. I will tell Severus about how you and I are meeting for the night. He cannot argue with me,” Dumbledore smiled, Yuu nodding as he took a deep breath and snuggled deeper into the bed. “Rest. I’ll come for you tomorrow.” 

“Okay…” 

Dumbledore smiled as Yuu fell asleep immediately, noting how he was still very much a child. He got up, with a flick of his wand Yuu was in his bed clothes and under the covers before he moved down the stairs to the the sitting room where his trunk, bags and all other items were in a neat pile by the coffee table. 

Tomorrow would be rough, but he would assure that he was not wronged or jilted in any way. He couldn’t allow the same mistakes of the past come back and make this brilliant, sad boy into someone so angry and full of a desire for revenge. 

He was not going to fail someone as brilliant as him a third time. 

Never again. 

“He’s the care of magical creatures teacher,” Yuu asked, coming up behind Neville who jumped before turning around to see Yuu. 

‘Oh…yeah,” he murmured, others jolting as they realized Yuu was with them in class. “It was said during the opening feast.” 

‘I never attend. Besides, Dumbledore let me work on schoolwork ahead of time in his office during the feast,” he shrugged, taking Neville’s book and stroking the spine. 

“Thanks,” he gasped, the book opening easily as Yuu took out his own. 

‘If I didn’t you’d be attacked by it,” Yuu commented blandly, Neville blushing as he gave a jerky nod. “And besides, I am your keeper.” 

“Sorry,” he breathed, rushing after Yuu as he went to get to the front of the class. 

‘Ah! I was wondering if you were going to skip my class,” Hagrid smiled as he caught sight of Yuu. 

‘I was planning to come to the forest anyways,” Yuu shrugged, tossing his bag to the side as he hopped up on a stray boulder as Hagrid took what he could get with the boy. 

“Alright then,” he nodded. “Now for my first lesson!”

Yuu tuned him out as he read his book, uncaring of the gasps of awe around him before he looked up and raised a brow. 

Hippogriff? 

“Well, well,” Yuu smiled, closing his book as he hopped down and walked up to stand beside Harry. “This is interesting.” 

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Hagrid smiled, clapping his hands as he put a pelt of dead animals around him. “Now! Hippogriffs are very proud and noble creatures! It is easy to offend them and trust me when I say you do not want to insult a hippogriff.” 

“Hell no I don’t,” Yuu grinned and everyone knew this was serious. “It may be the last thing you ever do.” 

Yuu was a genius no doubt, read ahead, was ahead and is ahead in every sort of way. So they tended to listen to him more, even if it was nothing more than a passing comment. 

“Now! Who wants to come and say hello,” Hagrid grinned and he gave another treat to Buckbeak. 

The whole of the class shifted back beside Yuu and Harry, the latter being unaware of it as the former merely didn’t care. 

“Ah! Yuu and Harry! Bravest I see,” Hagrid smiled as Harry turned back to look at his friends in betrayal. 

“I think Potter should do it first,” Yuu smiled. “I have a way with animals and I don’t want it messing things up,” he smiled, urging the boy forward as Harry gave a scowl toward him. 

“Excellent idea,” Hagrid smiled. Yuu watched as Harry looked to Hagird for instruction the whole time, smirking at his deer in headlights looks when Hagrid put him on the hippogriff. He let out a whistle when he took off, watching as they grew smaller and smaller in the sky as Hagrid joined beside him. 

‘I’ve been meaning to ask. Why do you always come to the forest,” Hagrid turned to him, along with most of the class. “I know Dumbledore tells Flich every year that you're not to have detention.” 

“I have a feeling you might find out once it’s my turn,” Yuu commented, cracking his neck as he listened to the forest. The flapping of wings could be heard and people began to cheer as Harry returned, Yuu smiling at his bright smile and rolling his eyes as he thought back to 10 minutes ago. 

``Not so scary huh Potter,” Yuu called, smirking as he shrugged. 

“Now! Yuu-WOAH! BUCKBEAK,” Hagrid called as the hippogriff spread its wings and ran toward Yuu. The boy stood his ground, the hippogriff began to circle the boy, snapping its beak before trotting around him.

His head was up high and wings spread out as if he was trying-

“He’s trying to impress you,” Hagrid breathed, Yuu shaking his head as he scratched his neck and looked at the magical creature. “I’ll say! Never seen anything like that.” 

Yuu opened his mouth to say something before he stilled, head whipping to the side where a large bush began to rustle. 

“Duck Potter,” he yelled, jumping out of the way as two unicorns burst through the bush and began to neigh like wild. Harry jumped back as the hippogriff backed up to get out of the way. They reared up, kicking out their hooves as they pushed Buckbeak back, the Hippogriff let out a squawk of indignation, flapping it’s wings in protest as Yuu cursed. 

“That’s why,” he yelled out, placing index and thumb in his mouth before letting out a sharp whistle. “ENOUGH,” he yelled after it. 

The two unicorns fell to the ground, huffing as they began to trot back and forth in front of Yuu as if they were defending them. 

“My word,” Hagrid breathed. 

“I helped a unicorn in first year and forgot to take her gift,” Yuu explained, brushing himself off as he approached the two. “When I came to collect I refused the hair, so she took me to her herd and now I’m expected to come at least once a week or she starts attacking students to get my attention,” he flicked her horn as she huffed. “She doesn’t like me interacting with other magical beasts.” 

“My word…” Hagrid breathed again.

“That’s amazing.” Neville yelled out, Yuu shrugging as Buckbeak tried to approach only to have one unicorn stab it’s horn at him. 

“Oi! Aliz,” he warned, pushing the horse back before his mate knickered at him. “No,” he snapped. “Not today!” 

“What’s she want?” Hagrid was so immersed in this, he forgot he even had a class. 

‘She wants me to ride her or her husband. I’m due to visit the newest foal born,” Yuu rolled his shoulder as he turned to a dejected Buckbeak. “But I see that another animal wants my attention,” he held out his hand and Buckbeak squawked with joy before nuzzling into the offered appendage. 

The two unicorns knickered in annoyance before nudging him. 

“I’ll be with you in a bit,” he brushed off, pushing their heads away as they knickered. “Come on then. Let’s go for a ride,” Yuu smirked, jumping up on Buckbeak who let out a cry before trotting off, the Unicorns both let out knickers of disapproval as Yuu took to the air. 

‘How nostalgic,’ Yuu thought as he soared through the air, Buckbeak let out a caw that rang through the air as he dropped down to the lake. Yuu giggled as fish began to jump up from the water, it was so…magical for lack of a better word. 

The feeling of being in the air while on something akin to a horse was strange. This was something new to him, but the feeling being in the air was amazing. 

This…this is what he craved. And maybe, just maybe…this year might not be so bad.

Too soon did they land in the grove again, Hagrid still fawning over the unicorns as he dismounted the hippogriff. His teacher turned towards him before stilling and Yuu looked up to see Crowley behind him, wings spread as he gave out a coo. 

“Damned bird,” Yuu grunted, the bird flying onto his shoulder and nuzzling him.

‘I dare say you're quite the beast tamer,” Hagrid smiled. “Raven Crow’s are about as picky as Phoenix’s in whom they trust. Seems like you got a good head on your shoulders for him and Unicorns to trust you.”  

“More like I didn’t want him and he followed me,” Yuu mindlessly plucked a feather out of Crowley who let out a little shimmy before stopping. “Here,” he sighed, handing it to Hagrid who looked like a kid at Christmas. 

‘Tch, not like this is hard huh,” Draco scoffed, pushing people out of the way to come forward. 

‘I wouldn’t,” Yuu warned, eyes flashing dangerously as his crow flapped its wings in warning. “You better calm that arrogance down before something bad happens.” 

‘Oh yeah,” Draco sneered. “And what will you do? Not like you even live in the dorms anymore!” 

“I can think of something,” Yuu’s voice was soft but in an instant ravens and crows began to circle the group, Crowely let out a horrific caw as it stared into Draco’s eyes. “Or I cannot promise you that you will be safe roaming the courtyard.” 

“Blimey…” Hagrid breathed as the Crows and Raven let out warning screeches before flying away. “You're a right beast tamer alright.” 

“So I’ve been told,” Yuu cocked his head to the side before moving to mount Aliz. “Anything to turn in next class?’ 

“N…No,” Hagrid shook his head. 

“Alright then. I’m heading out to the herd for now. Seems like they are getting anxious. Thanks for the ride,” Yuu nodded, urging Aliz out as Buckbeak let out a croon of disappointment. 

The whole class watched in awe as he left, unsure of what this year was going to bring with both Sirius Black on the loose and Yuu getting more freedom than before. 

“I dare say,” Remus breathed out, turning to his fellow staff members with a smile. “That Fujimaru boy? Slytherin third year? He’s amazing! A genius! He’s just about one of my best students.” 

“Bold of you to say. How many classes has he attended,” his old head of house grumbled, looking over some turned in essays. 

“What…do you mean? He’s always at least 10 minutes early to class to speak to me. Seems like he’s a natural when it comes to dueling and spells,” Remus smiled. Clacks on the china informed him his fellow staff members had dropped their china and turned to look at him in shock and disbelief. 

“He…attends your class? Every class,” Snape said lowly, glowering at his former classmate with pure fury. But for once, he noted, it wasn’t directed to him. 

“Yes…?” Remus was very confused. 

“Surely you have heard of the boy who never attended any of his classes,” Snape drawled, a twitch in his eyes showing he was truly pissed. “From my own house no less.” 

“My,” Remus coughed. “I never assumed that it was him. He’s such a diligent student, turns things in on time-” 

“He hasn’t turned in his assignments early,” Flintwick gasped, looking up from his own assignments. “He has already turned in a majority of ours!” 

“Thats…that’s what all of those are,” he asked, pointing to the mass of papers most of the teachers had. 

“Yes.” 

“...No…No I can’t say that he has,” Remus coughed. “He’s simply comes to every class….I guess that’s why the whole class always feels strange when he is there…” 

“...How strange,” Snape drawled out, eye twitching in full now as he clenched his teacup tighter. “I must ask what is your secret Lupin.” 

“Well…we might do this later,” he coughed, standing up as the atmosphere began to get tenser. “I have class coming up and I need to go now.” 

‘I assume Fujimaru will be in attendance,” Snape asked. 

“It is my third years,” he coughed, moving to leave the room as the air began to grow tenser and tenser. 

Was Fujimaru really the hard ass all the teachers had warned him about? Sure he no doubt was a prideful kid, if how he reacted to the dementors on the train were any indication; but he was kind enough to give him a pillow and leave a note saying how his health is better than attending a feast. 

He couldn’t be that bad of a kid…could he? 

“Hello Professor,” his voice was smooth as Lupin looked up and saw the boy waiting for him outside the classroom, ever present journal in his hands. He looked like James, just like Harry did; but his eyes where such a startling blue that he felt as if he was looking into an illuminated sapphire. 

“Hello Yuu,” he smiled, unlocking the door and allowing him in. “Prompt as always I see. Don’t you have class before this?” 

“I’ve turned in all my Runes work. I saw them quite easy to do, I’ve been studying them for years,” he smiled, placing his bag down off to the side and looking around. “A practical lesson today?” 

“Yes,” Remus smiled. ‘You are quite the perceptive one.” 

“I mean, if the tables were lined up we’d be having an informational lesson,” he shrugged, looking at the shaking cabinet. “A boggart,” he questioned. 

“Why are you attending these classes,” Remus found himself asking, cursing himself as the boy let out a very Slytherin smile and turned to him with his arms crossed. 

“I see the teachers have found out about my perfect attendance,” he hummed, moving to go closer to the cabinet. “And they have demanded, no doubt, that you tell them how you do it.” 

“I’m curious as to why Dumbledore hasn’t bumped you up,” Remus found himself engaging in the conversation. He knew engaging in something like this with a boy of his caliber was dangerous, but he was curious. 

“I asked him not to,” Yuu shrugged, turning on his heel to stare at Remus. “It’s as simple as that. Besides, it gets me out of my house for most of the year. Away from that stupid drunk, so I call it a win.” 

He was purposely opening himself up to Remus…but why? 

“What do you want from me,” he asked, coming closer as Yuu smiled. 

“I did some research,’ Yuu breathed, hands clasped behind his back and he stalked forward and stared into Remus’ tired eyes. “You and Sirius black were in the same year and house as James Potter. From the talk between teachers, I’ve noticed that you were lumped together with those two quite a lot. So…you were friends.” 

“...Whatever you're fishing for…it’s not what you think,” Remus found himself saying. 

“Oh, most certainly not. I,” he pointed to himself. “Believe that Sirius Black is after something. After all, he’s been rotting away in Azkaban for 12 years,” he smirked. “No doubt Harry Potter’s enrollment here would have gotten out 2 years ago. But why come out to grab him now? Why not 2 years ago? Sure, it could have taken him two year to get out, but from the reports it said he’d simply slipped in and out,” he smirked. “Something drew him here. And it’s not Harry.’ 

‘You don’t know the situation surrounding him-” 

‘And I don’t think you have the full picture either, Lupin,” Yuu hissed, eyes flashing as he stepped back. “He is coming for something and it has something to do with Potter; but it’s more complicated than that. Draw on what you know about him and really think about the circumstances and what you know. He was arrested during the height of the wizarding war, people were accusing one another like people in the Salem Witch trials. He knows something that you don’t know yet…” 

“What are you getting at?” 

“Take stock of the situation now,” Yuu pressed. “This is not what it seems. Who cast the Fidelius Charm? Would the secret keeper really be someone like Black? Isn’t too obvious,” he pressed. “You could’ve done it but for some reason you didn’t…why didn’t you do it?” 

“Look,” Remus put his foot down. “You were only barely alive during this time. You have no right to meddle in bygones that have long since been put to rest. I’d advise you to back off and don’t meddle any longer.” 

“But it doesn’t make sense! You three were the closest of friends if I am being compared to your three the most,” Yuu began. 

“Stop Yuu! I mean,” he snapped, stepping forward as the boy went to speak again. 

The boy pursed his lips, no doubt not used to being told off in such a way before he gave a curt nod and moved to where he put his bag, turning his back to his professor and people began to pile in one by one. Remus had a feeling that his perfect attendance ended today, but he was fine with that. He was going to go far in life and if the rumors were true then he'd be loaded to boot. 

But he kept his mind off the boy for now and began his lesson with a smile, he began to walk around speaking of the boggart and the spell to repel it. He felt the boy’s eyes go to him and he chanced a look, he was a bit miffed but interested in the lesson, no doubt wanting to see a boggart and the fears of his fellow students for blackmail. He’d have to put a stop to that; but for now he’s focused on the class. 

He urged the Longbottom boy who turned to Yuu, the other giving an encouraging nod and Remus was suddenly aware that the rumors about him being close to the Gryffindor might actually be quite true. 

‘Now,” he began, behind Neville as he prepared to let loose the boggart. “I want you to think of professor Snape in your grandmother’s clothes.” 

Sure this was petty, but at least he’d be able to get a good laugh in. 

The boy was shaking but he turned to Yuu once more who raised a questioning brow at him before he steeled himself as the boggart drew closer and he yelled out- 

“Riddikulus!” 

He could barely contain his laughter as Snape was dressed so atrociously as Augusta with the horrid hat and all! The rest of the students burst out into laughter as Boggart Snape looked around in confusion, unsure of what had happened. 

He ordered them all to line up, smiling as they eagerly did so. Harry, Yuu and Draco were in the back and he knew he didn’t have to worry about their boggarts just yet. His best class by far was how much his sides and stomach was hurting as a myriad of things came out and were transformed in a matter of seconds. 

Students were off to the side congratulating one another about facing their fears and he smiled happily at the sight. Soon it got to Yuu who moved to the side, no doubt uninterested in doing it and Lupin was fine with moving along so Harry could have a go. 

He wasn’t about to push the kid. 

“Hey Yuu,” a ravenclaw called out, grabbing the boy who gave an annoyed grunt as he was pushed to the front. “Come on! Let’s see it,” he insisted, the others letting out an ‘ooohhh’ and making a wall to prevent him from moving to the back. 

“Yeah come on Yuu. You owe us this at least,” Malfoy called out. “I’ll make sure to tell Snape you participated so he’s off your case at least.” 

The boy removed his robes before handing it to Neville who took it and stepped back. Yuu stared at him for a moment before going to the boggart, wand clenched tightly in his hands and the look on his face and Remus worrying he’d have to intervene. 

The boggart caught sight of the boy before quickly transforming. 

What his fear was confused and worried them all. 

It was himself, that was obvious. But he was floating in place, black oil like tar was dripping all across his body as it also floated about him. His left eye was emitting an emerald like fire from it as his clothes were tattered and covered with the oil. A giant black snake oozing the same liquid thrashed behind him. 

“Look at you,” his voice was distorted and multilayered as it snarled at the boy. “You think they ever cared about us? You really think they were our friends! They only did those things at the end of the year to pay you back so they wouldn’t feel any sort of debt to a stupid child like you.” 

“Shut up,” he hissed, eyes blown wide as he raised his wand. 

His hand was shaking-this really was his fear. 

“We will always be alone! Pathetic as we hide behind our intelligence in hopes that people don’t see how truly useless we are,” he spat to the boy, looking both smug and in despair that Remus couldn’t help but fear that this thing was reading the boy’s soul. 

Remus grabbed Yuu’s shoulder to push him back before the boy ripped himself out of his grip. 

“You don’t even notice how far you’ve come. So close to this form after all,” the other him mocked, pointing to itself. “So close to falling like they all did. But who will save you? They would surely kill you, no one is here to help you. Not like you helped them.” 

“Riddikulus!” The boy snarled, suddenly a cauldron fell on his alter ego, the other letting out an undignified yelp as it landed on him. 

‘Owww!” 

More and more cauldron’s fell onto the evil twin of the boy who let out peels of laughter before they vanished and a collar was slapped onto his neck. The boggart let out a screech as it stumbled about to get it off, all while the only person laughing was the boy who the boggart had taken a twisted form of. 

“AHahah! Off with your head,” the boy chortled out, pointing to the stumbling boggart that tried to release the collar. “Off with your head you stupid Over-” He caught himself, siezing up before he whipped around and grabbed his bag that the Longbottom boy held. He stuffed his wand inside and pushed past the confused students who were unsure of what they had just witnessed. 

He kicked open the door before rushing out, slamming it behind him as Lupin forced the boggart back into the cabinet. 

Just…What was that?

Lupin informed them that class was now over and he pushed the cabinet away before grabbing his robes and moving to follow the boy. 

He needed to speak to him about that boggart. 

“YUU!” 

The boy jolted at the booming voice that rang through his new dorm, looking over the rail to see Dumbledore with a stormy face. 

“I’m not explaining my boggart to you for the last time Dumbledore-” 

“You are to come with me now,” he snapped, the boy jolting at the tone. “We have an emergency.” 

“Then isn’t it better if I stay here-” 

“You are not to argue with me,” Dumbledore’s voice had Yuu reeling back before he nodded and rushed down to stand near the headmaster. “Sirius Black got onto the school grounds.” 

“...What?” 

“You heard me. You are to stay in the great hall tonight with the rest of the student body while the staff and I search the premise.” 

“I doubt he’s stayed. What happened,” Yuu demanded, following his mentor as they walked the long empty halls of Hogwarts. 

“He attempted to gain access into Gryffindor tower, he slashed the portrait of the Fat Lady.” 

“How did he get in undetected. I know the wards of Hogwarts. He shouldn’t have been able to get in if he meant malicious harm to a student,” Yuu began. “If he was truly after Potter then the wards would have alerted you about it. He’s not here for Harry I am sure of it!” 

“I am not here to argue about this with you. You are to stay in the great hall and I will have wards over the door that let me know if you left,” he began. 

‘Just me?” 

“I know you, Yuu,” he turned to the boy right outside the entrance to the great hall. ‘And I know that you have been looking over the case of Sirius Black since your father informed you. But this is much more complicated than you realize.” 

“I know that,” he hissed. “But I think we have a lot of facts in the wrong place or facts that are nothing more than fabrications,” he insisted. “The whole case is wrong!” 

“We will be speaking about this in depth later. For now, go,” he gently nudged the boy inside the great hall where students were already in sleeping bags. 

‘Mr. Fujimaru,” McGonagall breathed, looking relieved and annoyed all at once. “Finally! Where have you been!” 

“I’ve been in my room. Surely Dumbledore informed you of my new arrangements,” he began, crossing his arms and moving away from the mass of students to the windows behind the teacher’s table. 

“Yes, and I am sure he has informed you that once this night is over you are to move back into the Slytherin Dormitories,” she began, following him as he brushed past the open space left for him. 

“No, he promised me that he would not take it away from me. You're lying,” he snapped, turning to her as he crossed his arms. 

“Well I am going to be speaking to him tonight,” she began. “I cannot allow you to continue on however you wish. This ends now!” 

“It’s worked for the last two years,” he snapped. “I am at the top of my class, I get house points, I do the work. What else do you want me to do,” he demanded. “The least you could offer me is that space!” 

“By every right you should have been expelled from Hogwarts and your wand snapped. But Dumbledore sees promise in you and I agree. But you cannot continue the way you are now,” she insisted. “You need communication between your fellow peers-” 

“You don’t know a damned thing about me. I am not a student that is like most,” he began, head turning away from her. “Ask Dumbledore. I grow tired of you always nagging me. My goals will take me away from here. I see no point in making connections with people I will never see again.” 

“What on earth are you going on about,” she demanded. “You will be a student here at Hogwarts until you are 17-” 

“Like I said,” Yuu turned his back fully to her. “You know nothing about me.” He walked away to stay in a covered alcove as McGonagall looked to him in confusion and sadness. 

That boy refused all the help she tried to offer him. 

Time passed by like molasses for Yuu who looked over the mass of students who fell asleep one by one as teachers began murmuring about how black got into the castle. Yuu rolled his eyes, it was obvious. 

He knew about the secret passageways that lead into the castle from Hogsmeade most likely. Using the cover of night to get in was the most surefire way to get in undetected. 

He perked up when Dumbledore came in and he rushed from his alcove to where he was with his head of house who glowered at him for interrupting. 

“Let me place traps,” Yuu insisted, Dumbledore sighing as he realized Yuu was not going to give it up. “If by some miracle he is here it will smoke him out. If not, then we have a sure fire way to capture him. I know some poison that is not lethal is inhaled and can make a person unable to move for some time!” 

“Yuu…” Dumbeldore began. 

“He’s going to try again! I can sense it and I know how he is getting in-” 

“Unlikely,” Snape drawled out. “Hogwarts has many secrets that a third year is not privy to.” 

“Let me do this, Headmaster,” he insisted. “I have nothing but time on my hands as some of my materials are simmering to be just right. I can make sure that it won’t hurt the students-” 

“Yuu,” Dumbledore stopped him, the boy stumbling to a stop as his tense left his face.

Snape was suddenly struck at that moment at how young he was. 

Sure, he was a pain in the ass and a genius all the round. He was essentially expected to take over his father as soon as he turned 18 but they couldn’t help but feel as if he was already 18 at 13. He was still such a child, but how he conducted himself…how much he distanced himself. 

They tend to forget his real age. 

‘This is not something you need to worry about. You have more pressing matters to attend to. And your projects are getting closer to what you desire correct,’ Dumbledore asked as he nodded. “Then you need not worry about this. But for the time being I am confiscating your materials.” 

“Wha,” he jolted, leaning back in shock before scowling. ‘Why!’ 

“Because I simply don’t trust you won’t actually try to set up traps,” Dumbledore crossed his arms. “Now either go to sleep or do homework.” He stared down at the boy who grumbled and stomped his foot like a child would. 

“Are you serious,” he demanded, glowering at the headmaster. “Ojisan!” 

``Not going to work right now.”

“I can help,” he insisted. “Let me help,” he pleaded. “I…I…” he looked like he wanted to say something but whatever it was, he was afraid to speak. 

“I know the reason you want to help and I cannot in good faith let you and Black meet,” he informed the boy as Severus shifted. 

Yuu was interested in Black? Black of all people?

“You're annoying, you realize that,” Yuu scoffed, brushing him off. “Fine, I’ll play nice for now. But be warned, I will not stop.” 

“Oh, I have ways to make sure you don’t do anything,” Dumbledore assured him as he ruffled his hair much to the younger’s chagrin. “Now, off you trot to bed.” 

“I’m not a child,” he grumbled, stalking off to his alcove as teachers looked to one another. They knew that Dumbledore had taken the boy under his wing, told them to back off as he…did whatever he did, but still. This was new. This was a side that no doubt that Dumbledore was only privy too see and they couldn’t help the feeling that they were closer than just Student and Headmaster. 

So…

Just what were Dumbledore and Yuu to one another? 

“Why am I here again,” Yuu demanded as he sat under a spelled umbrella with Dumbledore watching the Hufflepuff-Gryffindor match. “I hate quidditch.” 

“Oh, I am well aware,” he hummed, smiling as the two teams flew past him. “But I also knew you would take the opportunity that we were all out of the castle to set up traps or break your ingredients out.” 

“Tch.” Yuu grumbled, moving closer to Dumbledore who merely smiled in response and continued to watch the game without too much fanfare. Dumbledore had taken his journal and made him actively watch the game, other teachers looking back to him as he continued to grumble about ‘crazy old men’ and ‘insane old coots’ as Dumbledore merley sat content next to the fuming third year who acted like a wet cat. 

“I don’t want to be here. Let me go.” 

“No.” 

That was most of the conversation the two of them had with one another as the game continued on. Yuu flinched at the volume of the stands and the cold that nipped at his cheeks and visible skin. 

“This is so stupid. Can’t we play quidditch in reasonable weather? This is bound to kill someone, but then again that quaffle head Wood is no doubt happy about that,” Yuu grumbled as he shifted to get more comfortable in his seat as some of the teachers stifled their laughter. 

He was right about Wood of course, no doubt if he could he would formally marry the sport. But they were teachers and they were above such words of a grumpy third year. 

Mostly. 

“I dare say, that's what makes him appealing to some women,” Dumbledore hummed as Yuu rolled his eyes and smacked the snitch away from him. 

‘Then those women must be longing to be a third wheel in the relationship,” Yu grinned as Dumbledore let out a light chuckle as Snape snorted into his scarf. 

He wasn’t wrong. 

“What do you think he would marry? The rulebook, Quaffle or his broom.” 

“The broom would be the best man, the rulebook would officiate the wedding and the quaffle is the bride,” Yuu explained Dumbledore barked out a laugh as Minerva shook her head, lips pinched in a way that showed she was trying not to laugh. 

“I dare say, this is quite an interesting match.” 

“Too long if you ask me,” Yuu grumbled, deflating as the rain became cold. “And boring. It’s the same every game.” 

“Seekers keep it interesting though. Although, if you joined the pitch…” 

“Snape and McGonagall would kill me,” he glanced at them while Hooch glowered at the thorn in her side all of first and second year. 

Gasps and cries began to ripple through the crowd and Yuu chanced a look up before he saw something or…someone. 

“Dumbledore! There on the grounds,” he gasped, pointing to the sky where Potter was still going after the snitch. “The Dementors are on the grounds!” He pointed up to the sky where they were congregating around the Gryffindor seeker. 

“Harry,” he gasped as he saw them grow closer and closer to the Gryffindor Seeker. 

‘Idiot,” Yuu snarled. “They're going after him on purpose!” 

“Madam Hooch!” 

“On it,” she yelled, blowing the whistle to stop the game just as Yuu threw out his hand and managed to summon a broom. He began to mount it as Dumbledore whipped his head to him and looked at him in shock. 

“Yuu-” 

“He’s falling,” was all Yuu offered before taking off. Students and teachers alike watched in awe and horror as the boy zoomed high up into the sky, swerving past dementors left and right as he locked eyes on Potter’s falling body. He urged the broom to go faster and soon managed to grab him by the arm. 

He yelped as a Dementor got close to him, before he managed to maneuver his broom to head down. He let go of Harry for a moment before getting under him and wrapping one of his arms around his shoulder. He felt the other's body on his on and sped up his descent just as the Dementors began to come at them in full. 

The pressure of their darkness invaded his mind and lungs, it forced all air out of him as ice seemingly began to form in his throat. His skin felt as if it was one fire and he could see the black spots begin to dance across his visions and his control over the broom began to lessen. 

He was going to pass out if they kept going after him. 

“Their going to capture them,” Hermione cried as Yuu tried to reach the safety of the pitch. 

“YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!!!” 

Dumbledore’s voice shook the very stands as his magic reacted, pushing the dementors out of the pitch as Yuu slammed into the ground, throwing Harry off of him as he rolled onto his back. 

Cedric jumped off his broom and rushed to his friend, hair still sizzling from when he got hit by lightning-thankful Yuu had given a lightning resist potion in case it did happen. The rest of Hufflepuff stood back, afraid for their friend who was jerking every which way like he was having a seizure. 

“Yuu, Yuu,” he gasped, pulling the boy into his arms as he seized and gasped, shaking at the feeling of pressure from all those dementors. “Yuu, come on look at me.” 

‘Ha…ha…ahh,” he was choking for air, his eyes unfocused as he looked into Cedric’s own. “Ahhh….” He was jerking in his grasp as Cedric tried to stabilize him.

“Madam Pomfrey! Madam Pomfrey please! He can’t breathe,” Cedric cried as people began pointing to the boy. 

“By merlin!” 

“Oh my god…” 

“Yuu…” 

“Is he going to be alright?” 

Whispers followed them all as Dumbledore rushed onto the pitch, checking over Harry he instructed the Weasley twins to bring him to the hospital wing before rushing over to Yuu whose breath was still erratic. 

“Yuu, Yuu look at me,” Dumbledore urged, taking his chin gently in his hand and moving his head to face him. “Yuu can you hear me?” 

“O…Ojisan…” he wheezed, his face scrunched up in pain before he let out a hacking cough. “It’s so cold…I’m so cold…hurts…” 

“I know. I know,” he murmured, he turned to Cedric who nodded and hoisted him up. “Take him to the hospital wings and make sure he isn't left alone. He needs to be monitored.” 

“Of course,” Cedric nodded, motioning for his team to follow as they all rushed after him. 

“Foolish boy,” Dumbledore murmured as people turned to one another. 

“I thought Fujimaru hated Potter.” 

“Did you see that! He was amazing! Makes you wonder why such a talent is with a guy that hates quidditch!” 

“I cannot believe he managed to save Potter last minute!” 

“I thought he was in the castle, he hates this game.” 

“Is he going to be alright?” 

Dumbledore could only sighed and make his way to the castle. 

He felt fear in a way…he hasn’t felt in a very long time. 

Ha…what a headache. 

NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE, COUNTDOWN-2 DAYS 

“OH my god,” Yuu laughed. “You guys have Dance Dance Revolution?” 

“You have it in your world,” Idia asked as he led him into Iginhyde. 

‘Yeah, whenever we head to Japan I head to the arcades and always see who I can beat,” Yuu smiled, dressed up in Iginhyde's uniform. 

“Heya! It’s the birthday boy,” a first year called out, the others waving as they finished setting up the rest of the games. 

A buffet of snacks were in a semicircle behind a massive couch where an ultrawide monitor showed…

“Mario Kart,” Yuu let out an incredulous laugh. “It’s a mario kart tournament tonight? UYou want to end our Friendship.” 

“It’s a good game for a tournament arch,” Idia defended himself. “Besides, all those stuffy parties and Banquets must have been exhausting!”

“You're not wrong,” Yuu shrugged, plopping down beside the other as people began to mill around. “It’s nice to be in a chill environment though. After the last few days, this will be good.” 

“Yeah, well you better cheer me on till the semis,” Idia gave shark tooth grin as he was handed a roster. “Because I'm going to show you how to cream these noobs!” 

“Eeh? I better not be in the Semi’s because it’s my birthday party,” Yuu pouted. 

“Nah. Just thought it’d be easier and no one wants a birthday falling out the first rounds. Not cool,” he smirked. 

“Why you little! I’ll show you and make you eat those words Idia,” Yuu slammed his fist into his palm. “Just you watch, you hear me!” 

“Yeah, yeah,” he waved off with a smirk. “Sure you will. Make sure to cheer me on.” 

‘Yeah right,’ Yuu stuck his tongue out, people snickering at the two of them as Ortho shook his head. “Just you wait until you get dethroned.”

“Yeah right,” Idia scoffed as he took his spot next to another third year who was grinning. 

“Fair game Idia,” he asked, holding out a hand. Idia took with another sharp grin, eyes alight with sadism.

“Hell no.” 

“Fair enough,” the other shrugged the tv screaming out

CHOOSE YOUR RACER!

The next 2 hours, as there were indeed many people who wanted to get into the semifinals, was a blur of screaming, pushing, cursing and declarations of war on the Dance Dance Revolution machines after they finished their match. 

Those were a riot in and of themselves, but to see people go so ham at it after being beaten at Mario Kart gave forth to laughter that hurt the gut to the point it was hard to breathe. 

Idia was indeed crushing everyone he fought against, torturing them on Roslina’s Rainbow Bridge when he was given the chance to choose the racetrack. Yuu tried to help the other racers by saying stupid thinks to Idia to distract him like ‘what a noob!’ and even the accursed…’Poggers’. 

To be fair it almost worked when he fell off the Rainbow Bridge for the first time and allowed the other to catch up to him. Idia had been cursing him out the whole time while people laughed at the fact that of all the things that made Idia slip up…

It was Poggers. 

“Man, who knew you were so easy,” Yuu giggled, Idia scowling at him as he won by a hair. 

“That was dirty,” he accused, pointing his controller threateningly at the boy who gave a shit eating grin in return. 

“Like you haven’t been playing dirty either,” Yuu stuck out his tongue as people laughed. “You’ve been doing the same thing! I’ve just been leveling the playing fields!” 

“Mooou! You're supposed to be on my side,” he accused, pointing a finger at Yuu who raised a brow. 

“When was that agreed upon?” Yuu snarked back, the two getting into their usual squabble as the rosters were fixed up for the semifinals as Ortho floated around watching them all with an amused face. 

“Yuu! You're going up first against Tenkai!” 

“Eh! Finally,” Yuu sighed, smiling happily as he bounded over to the couch and took up the controller. “Been waiting for ages!” 

“I did that for you ya know,” Idia grumbled, leaning against the couch as Tenkai plopped down as well. 

“Didn’t ask for it you know,” Yuu pouted as he picked his character. 

“Motorcycle,” Tenaki asked, eyebrows raised as he saw the specs on the ride he picked. “That’s a hard bike to manage, you know?” 

“Oh stuff it,” Yuu pouted, finishing up picking his glider and crossing his arms. “Come on! I’m tired of waiting! I wanna fight,” he smiled, Tenaki smirking as he set the button to random on the track list. 

“Ohhh! Yoshi Falls!’ 

“Let’s do this,” Tenaki smirked. “I’ll go easy on you for now.” 

“Oh shove off it. All of you,” he grumbled, getting his racer ready as the countdown began to play. 

3…

2…

1…

“GOOO” 

“I still can’t believe he creamed us all,” Yuu’s opponents were crying in the corner as he and Idia glowered at one another from either sides of the couch they were on. 

“See Idia,” he grunted, smirking as the other bared his teeth in warning. “Told you that I didn’t need no handicap!” 

“Oh come off your high horse,” he rolled his eyes, turtling in on himself as Ortho worked to fix the console. 

They overheated the thing. 

“Ehhh, I’m not on any high horse at the moment. I’m just trying to tell you that the handicap wasn’t needed, but I do thank you for giving ample time to look at your playing style. I should be able to figure out a way to win without having to use something dirty…or maybe not. That’s the fun of Mario Kart no?” 

“Tch…your evil. Evil! It’s the uniform,” Idia accused as people began giggling because Idia was nervous. 

He was nervous about being dethroned by Yuu. 

“Eeeeh? You mean the uniform you're wearing,” he giggled, Idia glowering at the boy who shrugged at his glower with a smile. 

“Big Brother! The Console is fixed,” Ortho called out. “And I need to let you know that I am going to be helping out the birthday boy today! Because…it’s the right thing to do!” 

“E…EHEHEHEHHHHH,” Idia screamed, eyes wide as his hair burst up in a column of fire. ‘Bu..but Ortho!” 

“I need to help the birthday boy,” Ortho said firmly. “It’s simply the right thing to do! After all! You always dominate the playing field and it’s Yuu’s special day…besides…isn’t it time you meet your match?” 

“Y..You turned my brother against me,” Idia accused, pointing a shaking finger at Yuu who gave a bored shrug. 

“I didn’t ask him to do that, but I am grateful, thank you Ortho-kun!” 

“Of course Yuu-san!” 

“WUAHHH!!!!” 

They both ignored Idia as Yuu began to set up his character and Idia sniffled as he did the same. He ground his teeth as he obsessively looked over the various specs the cars and motorcycles had on his favorite character before he chose one that was good with gliding and control. 

“Bout time,” Yuu blew a piece of hair out of his face and Idia ground his teeth to stop from snapping at the boy. “Make me wait cause you're getting scared…” 

“Oh stuff it! I’m choosing the track!” 

“You mean Rainbow Bridge,” Yuu raised a brow as Idia did just that. “Man…totally not…” Yuu blew a puff of air out as the race was about to begin. 

“Not what huh,” he demanded, eyes firmly planted on the monitor as the countdown began. 

3….

“Well…yes…but it’s more like it’s not…” 

2….

“Well no shame in saying this.” 

1….

“It’s not Pogchamp bro,” Yuu stated blandly as the screen yelled out “GOO”, Idia froze for a hot minute after the word was spoken. Idia.exe has temporarily crashed. 

“Good going Yuu-San,” Ortho cried out as Idia snapped out of his stupor and rushed after the other racers. He cursed the fact that he was in last place as all of Iginhyde burst out into laughter at the use of the word. 

“That’s so cursed,” one first year snorted as the third years collectively laughed and cringed at the use of the word. 

“I thought Poggers was bad enough,” one muttered as he sat beside Yuu and watched the screen. “You were waiting to use that on him after Poggers.” 

“Oh yeah,” Yuu snorted. “How could I not?” 

“That is not fair,” Idia bowled out, leaning so far forward it looked like he would fall off the couch with how far he was leaning. 

“Ne, ne, Idia,” Yuu hummed, leaning back languidly as he began his third lap around the bridge. “No need to get all worked up! 3rd place is still in the running!” 

“Shut it! I am not being dethroned today,” Idia growled as his hair slowly began to turn a bright red. 

“Oi, oi, oi,” Yuu snapped, scooching to the side. “Don’t set the couch on fire! It’s bad enough that Ortho is getting the fire extinguisher!’ 

“I’m not losing! I am the king of Mario Kart,” he grunted, eyes locked on the screen as he leaned forward some more. 

“Idia, leaning toward the screen is not going to actually speed you up! Besides, everyone loses some skill in their old age after all,’ Yuu nodded as if he understood Idia’s plight as he moved up to 2nd plight. 

“I am not old! I am in my prime as a gamer,” he growled. “I am not losing to a newbie!” 

“Ehhh, you did give me free roam of Iginhyde after the S.T.Y.X. incident and I had lots of time to play with everyone you know,” Yuu gave a smiled that Idia could tell was absolutely malicious. “Besides…this isn’t Pogchamp at all bro!” 

“Stop saying it,” Idia yelped, turning away for a moment to glower at Yuu before he froze at the sound of the race ending.

He shakily looked up to see Yuu’s avatar jumping up on the number 1 spot while his was waving on the number 2 spot, Idia turned to a smiling Yuu who shrugged at him and high fived Ortho. 

‘Thanks for the info Ortho!” 

“You betrayed me,” he wailed, falling to his knees as he began to turtle himself. 

‘I need to help the birthday boy big brother,” ortho sounded so innocent, but Yuu could see a bit a malice in his eyes. “Besides, it’s good to be humbled every once and while. All that bragging gets to your head.” 

Ah…

“My throne,” he wailed on the ground, Yuu smirking as he leaned back in his seat and watched the show. “My crown!” 

“Oh my god, you actually have a crown,” Yuu laughed as it was brought out. “It’s the Mario Crown,” he laughed, curling in on himself as he looked at it again. 

“And it’s all your’s Yuu -Chan,” Ortho yelled out happily, popping a stream out as the others cheered. 

“All hail the new Mario Kart King! Yuu! Yuu! Yuu,” they all cheered as Idia wailed on the ground once more. Yuu laughed so hard his stomach felt as if it was going to collapse with how hard he was laughing.  

“Come, come,” Ortho smiled, placing the crown on his head just as monitors began to show his face with the tacky WINNER banner under him. 

“God,” he snorted, getting up with Idia who was still whining like a dying animal. “Om my god!” He snorted so hard he choked when the large piece of cardboard Idia was thrusted. 

I have been dethroned. 

“Shut it Yuu,” he whined, Ortho showing his own which showed-

I am obligated to help the Birthday Boy instead of Big Brother.

“Thank you Ortho,” Yuu smiled as both him and his brother took positions beside him. 

“All hail King Yuu!” 

“ALL HAIL KING YUU!!!” 

“I HATE YOU ALL,” Idia wailed out, tears in his eyes as the picture was taken. 

Yuu wearing the Mario crown as Idia held a sign that said he was now overthrown, pouting as he did so. Ortho was holding a sign that said he needed to help the birthday boy as the holographic TV’s around them displayed his face and big bold letters that read WINNER! Wearing the uniform, to this day Idia swears, gave him the special powers to defeat him at Mario Kart. 
It was the silliest of all pictures for sure, but that was it’s appeal in the end. 

They continued to laugh at Idia for the rest of the night at how easy Yuu managed to win against him and how Idia just let him do what he wanted during the race and he did nothing. 

He owed that much too to Yuu in the least after the whole….S.T.Y.X debacle. He turned to the smiling Yuu who was walking…walking. 

“Big brother? I finished analyzing Grim yesterday and have got the results in a file completed,” Ortho murmured as Idia motioned to his tablet. “And Vil-san’s father has contacted me in hopes of getting to you.” 

“Eh..Eh? What!? Why,” he whimpered in fear, pulling up Grim’s file. 

“He wants to ask how the procedure was done to make Yuu walk again after he was temporarily paralyzed when escaping the S.T.Y.X. facilities,” Ortho’s voice was somber as he looked at his brother. “He’s wants to send Yuu to a doctor that can eliminate the margin of error that we were unable to cover during his procedure.” 

“...Right. I’ll email him later. I assume he’s waiting for my contact first?” 

“Yes, he’s adamant about getting it done soon as well. Hopeful before his last birthday party.” 

“...Right…” Idia swallowed, closing his eyes as the thought back to operating on Yuu when he slept. He was so…young at that moment and the fact that Idia’s parents were the ones that caused him to nearly loose use of his legs…it hurt him. 

“Brother,” Ortho whispered. “Yuu…I don’t think he holds a grudge against you…in fact I think Malleus informed him of the good you’ve done for him.” 

Ah..Malleus. 

He had come swiftly after Idia had finished the procedure and damn near overblotted in that moment. He was ready to KILL HIM in the event that he had hurt Yuu further. His hand on his throat squeezing until he damned near passed out…

He’d never cross Draconia ever again…

Never. 

“Ah…” he looked up Ortho who gave a nod. “Yuu will be very happy then…” 

Grim was set to wake up any day now. If his brain activity was any indication. 

Yuu awoke to Cedric fretting above him with Fred and George speaking to him in hushed tones. 

“I see I have ended up in the hospital wing once more,” Yuu breathed, looking up at the ceiling as they yelled out his name. “Not so loud,” he moaned, his hand coming to soothe the ache in his head. 

“Bollocks,” Oliver breathed, rushing over to Yuu. “Thank you for saving Harry. He’s still out right now, but I am sure he feels the same.” 

“Hmm,” he nodded. 

“He’s really out of it.” Some people whispered, Yuu was always sharp tongued and witted, it was strange to see him silent. 

“I don’t have pain anymore,” he coughed, Cedric and Fred helping him sit up as George grabbed Pomfrey and Dumbledore. “I had this pain in my back for ages…it’s gone.” 

“Oh, I fixed it for you dearie,” she breathed, smiling as she ran a diagnostic on him. “I saw a fracture on your spine! What have you done to yourself?” 

“A building my father was looking at was underdeveloped, I had to jump out and was paralyzed for a week before I had surgery. There was a margin of error and always a chance for me to lose the use of my legs,” he informed her, Cedric gripping his hand tight as Dumbledore jolted and moved to grab his clipboard. “I was supposed to have corrective surgery to eliminate that margin, but I got my letter before I could and was pushed into a 3 year waiting list. I was due to go during winter break.” 

‘My goodness,” Pomfrey fretted. “You should have told me first year! I could have fixed it up!” 

“I didn’t know…what did you give me…it’s not a potion,” he bemoaned, covering his face with his hands as Dumbledore smiled. 

“I had to inform your father of what happened and apparently he asked if potions would be best for your recovery. I informed him you usually end up leaving the infirmary while on potions and he suggest the use of a muggle drug to ensure you are here for the appropriate amount of time.” 

“Thank Goodness, the ministry approved your father for flu and he brought a muggleborn nurse to get this attached,” Pomfrey nodded to the IV Yuu noticed. 

“He told you to drug me with Morphine,” he demanded, looking sluggish as Cedric giggled and the twins gave out a chuckle. “Ohh…I feel tired.” 

“I dare say he was right. I’ve never seen him this relaxed Albus,” Pomfrey smiled as she turned to the headmaster who nodded. “I might need to brush up on injecting an IV then if he is going to be coming in more,” she gave him a look as he shrugged. “I dare say this is the nicest stay he’s had.” 

“I hate you all.” 

“He sounds like an edgy teenager eh Gred.” 

“Most certainly Forge!” 

Yuu continued to moan about as he tried to sluggishly get up only to be gently pushed back by an apologetic Cedric who smiled at the puppy glare he received. 

“Luna is going to be helping you eat during lunch since she has a free period. You're stuck here for about a week to make sure your injuries heal and for observation. Those dementors took a lot out of you,” Cedric informed him as Yuu grunted. 

“It’s fine…I am fine,” he insisted. “I…have been worse than this…after that damned…S.T.Y.X operation..” 

“Just…Sleep Yuu,” he urged the boy, pushing him down gently as the boy continued to fight. “You can fight tomorrow. Those dementors are very…very powerful.” 

“Hmmm,” he groaned, plopping down as Pomfrey upped the dosage for a bit. “I…am going to kill that old man for…making you drug…me…” 

He fell asleep to the smile of his few friends. 

“He’s a right scary one,” Oliver Wood sighed, looking at the passed out kid with a bit of apprehension. “Boy am I glad he never took up quidditch.” 

“He’d cream all of us for sure,” Fred nodded. 

‘He’s real nice if you let him have his space when he wants it. Unless you wanna end up like Flint,” George remarked. 

“No thanks.” 

“Okay, okay,” Pomfrey sighed. “All of you! Out! They need their rest.” 

They all complied, wondering what would happen now that Yuu had publicly saved Harry and was seriously hurt; more so than the other boy, because of it. 

Chapter Text

Harry groaned as he woke up, his head was pounding and he was unsure of what happened before he found himself waking up.

“Harry. Harry,’ he could hear Hermione and he groaned at the first hit of sunlight to his eyes. He groaned as the pain registered in his body and he looked up to see his friends and teammates surrounding him. They smiled as he opened his eyes fully, leaning back to allow him to sit up. “How are you feeling?” 

“Oh…Brilliant,” He scoffed, grunting as pain shot through him. 

“You gave us a right good scare there, mate,” George smiled, crossing his arms and Fred smirked beside him. 

“What happened,” he asked, looking around to all his friends as they pinched their faces. 

“Well…you fell off your broom,” Ron began, Harry raising a brow before flashes of the game began to go through his mind. 

That’s right, the Dementors…

“Really,” he shook his head. “I meant the match, who won?” 

“No one,” Fred shrugged. 

‘No one?” 

“No one,” George nodded, Harry turned to Hermione confused as she stood up. 

“The Dementors are not supposed to enter school grounds. Dumbledore was furious and managed to push them back with his magic,” she explained. 

“After he caught me?” 

“Harry…Mate…Dumbledore didn’t catch you. Yuu did.” 

“...What,” Harry turned to Neville who looked nervous. “Yuu caught me?” 

“Yeah, he was one of the first to notice the Dementors on the ground. He summoned a Broom all the way to the Teachers Stands and flew up to catch you when you fell,” Neville explained. “The Dementors weren’t happy, they changed their target from you to him. He took the brunt of the Dementors.” 

“He…Is he alright,’ Harry asked, trying to sit up fully but Wood stopped him. 

“He…he’s not feeling too well,” the boy explained. “He looked like he was having a seizure when he landed you both on the pitch,” he turned behind him and Harry saw Yuu on a bed a few feet away. 

He looked like death warmed over. 

His skin was pale and clammy, he was panting and sweating as he laid in bed. Face scrunched up as if in pain. Otherwise he looked fine. 

‘Why did he save me?” 

“That’s just how Yuu is,” Neville shrugged, leaning back from where he was seated. ‘I don’t pretend to think I have some special friendship with him. But he is one to help people, Harry. He’s a nice person, he’s just got a lot on his plate.” 

“You should have seen Dumbledore though,” Wood shook his head. “He looked ready to kill all the Dementors after Yuu was hurt. He took a lot of damage trying to get to you. I don’t think he noticed but one managed to knock him and Dumbledore right about lost it.”

“I say he would have lost it for any of us,’ Hermione shook her head. “The Dementors are meant to stay out of the grounds. I think he was just upset that two students were hurt because of them.” 

“Harry,” the boy looked up to see Cedric smiling at him. “Glad to see your alright! Worried that we might have two people in here for long!” 

“Yuu is going to be here longer than me?” 

Cedric and the twins faces fell as they shared a look. 

“Yeah…well he had some prior medical problems that he neglected to get fixed and Madam Pomfrey isn’t letting him out until they are fixed,” Cedric shifted, Wood nodding as he heard the conversation. “That and his dad right about blew up at the mention of this.” 

“His father,” Hermione asked. “He’s a muggle no?” 

“Yeah, but Dumbledore trades with him a lot. Haven’t you seen the quality of some of our ingredients now? He’s managed to get more funding to Hogwarts and Dumbledore is Yuu’s Mentor. So of course he’s going to listen to him. He also made a contract with Malfoy so he’s speaking to him at the moment to get better protections around the school to alert teachers if they do come onto the grounds,” Seamus informed him. 

The door opened and Cedric jolted as he noticed Hiro. 

“Mr. Fujimaru,” he called, waving the well dressed man over. “Yuu is over here.” 

The man was silent as he strode forward, many of the people felt as if his presence was suffocating as he strode toward Harry’s cot. He turned to him, his eyes locking the seeker in his place as he fixed his tie. 

“The other boy,” he hummed. “Your broom was shot into the Whomping Willow. But since this was caused by the Dementors I can get you a new one..if you want?” 

Harry turned to Ron who showed him his demolished broom. 

“I…I wouldn’t want to impose…” 

“I help fund the school and unfortunately you lost personal property on the basis of the school not taking enough precautions. It’s simply the right thing to do,” he informed the boy before a gasp of pain was heard. 

Hiro whipped his head over, along with everyone else to see Yuu’s body jerk up and him whine in pain. 

“Yuu.,” Cedric yelped, Hiro pushing past him and kneeling beside his son as Pomfrey rushed over, murmuring spells. 

“Go,” Harry told the twins. ‘He’s your friend.” 

“Thanks mate,” Fred grinned as George grabbed him and rushed them over to Yuu’s side. 

“Glad you're alright Harry,’ Neville whispered as he too rushed over with Cedric and Hufflepuff in tow. 

“I heard what they were talking about earlier,” Ron whispered, Hermione giving him a warning glare before sitting down. “He had an accident at one of his dad’s muggle offices. The building was apparently unstable and he jumped from it and was paralyzed from the waist down. He had surgery but apparently it didn’t fix everything. He’s been putting off getting it fixed for three years mate.” 

“What,” Harry gasped. 

“It’s probably why he never joined Quidditch or why he hated flying class,” Hermione sighed. “There was a chance he could lose his ability to walk, and I don’t think he was willing to put faith in magical healing. Breaking your back isn’t pleasant, losing that ability is horrid Harry.”

“Yeah,” Harry shook his head. “But if that’s true…why save me. In the pouring rain no less. Dumbledore was sure to be able to get to me even if he decided not to.” 

“I saw everything mate,” Ron shook his head. “He just acted before Dumbledore or any of the teachers could do anything. He and Dumbledore had a few words to say to one another before he shot off. McGonagall was screaming up a storm to get him down while Hooch called off the match. He was determined to get to you.” 

“It was very scary,” Hermione began, looking at her hands. “Harry, he looked like he was struggling to breathe when he got you both down to the pitch. You were already unconscious but…he was still awake. He took on a lot from the Dementors, Harry…Dumbledore looked very worried. They took a lot out of him.” 

“He keeps calling for someone. T…Tsu…” 

‘Tsunotaro,” Hermione said, Ron nodding as he turned to Harry. 

“Yeah, him. And he was begging for people to not hurt him, to give him a chance or something like that.” 

“It was strange Harry, I won’t lie,” Hermione admitted, looking ashamed of herself. “He…he always seemed so cold. So…perfect I guess you could say.” 

“Now he looks normal and it’s weird,” Ron shrugged, yelping as Hermione smacked him. 

‘Ronald!” 

“Oh come on Mione! You were thinking the same thing I was!’ 

As his two friends squabble with one another Harry turned to look at Yuu. His father was pushing his wet hair back, murmuring to him as he held his hand, the boy’s pinched in pain and the twins hovered over him with Cedric and Neville beside them. 

Yuu looked so normal in that moment and Harry felt as if he was looking into something he shouldn’t be. Yuu had been indestructible, immovable, something that was made of marble, Never changing…always the same. 

Cold. Emotionless. 

But…he looked so human. Surrounded by worried friends that whispered in hushed tones about what might happen in the near future. It was like anything he might experience. 

It…was wrong. 

And that feeling in itself was also wrong. 

Everything about Yuu felt…off…it felt wrong.

He remembered the Weasley Twins warnings when they had given him the Marauder’s map. That he was not to go chasing after Yuu, that he was not to seek him out and he was not to follow him should he see him on the map at all. That was the one clause they had given him before they allowed him the map. 

Harry wasn’t surprised, the Twin’s were very close to the boy and most of the time when you saw him smile it was because of the twins or Luna, but mostly the twins. 

But he couldn’t help it…he couldn’t help the curiosity that came with the being that was Yuu and he made note of one place he spent a lot of time in. He was lucky Yuu seemed to be confident in his space not being invaded and managed to look inside to see the magical equivalent to a mad scientist's laboratory. And Mirrors. 

Mirrors all around him as if a diva wanted to be seen on all sides of themselves. 

Mirrors that flashed various places around the world, mirrors broken and cracked, mirrors half finished and unpolished, mirrors, mirrors, mirrors…

Yuu was obsessed with Magical Mirrors. 

But why? Was the Mirror of Erised not enough for him or was it something else? Was that the thing that drew his attention away from class most of the time? Was this what made the teacher so mad at him? 

Harry couldn’t help it, he was too curious about Yuu. He wanted to understand thai perfect, immovable mountain of a teen that stood tall and strong against everyone that was trying to ago against him. 

He took a Mirror. 

He had to know, he just had too. even if Yuu would ended up killing him, he needed to know. He just had too.. 

"Though, I have to say," Hermione sighed, Harry turning to her as Yuu tossed in bed. "It is strange to see him act so normal...but not so strange that he is very ill for him to act that way." 

She was right, Harry thought. Yuu was perfect, someone who could get and do anything he set his mind too without fail and without fault. That's how everyone saw him...that's how Harry saw him. 

But now that he saw him as someone who was unfiltered, open, albeit unwillingly, that in itself was wrong. 

Maybe it is better not to get closer to him. Harry doubted he’d be able to understand him even if he tried. 

It is better to see him as a marble statue than it is a human, it is easier to deal with him that way. He couldn’t see Yuu the way they could and he had a feeling that Yuu would prefer it that way. He certainly seemed annoyed enough with those guys. 

He’s not one to fight an aggravated dragon after all. 

It was better not to meddle.

Ron and Hermione said their goodbyes along with everyone else as they all filtered out, leaving Hiro, Yuu and Harry to the empty Hospital wing as Pomfrey went to her office, happy they where on the med but close by so she could help. 

"Potter," Yuu's raspy voice, when was his voice ever like that, called to him and he turned to see Yuu not even bothering to look at him. His father was brushing his hair back but said nothing as he continued to speak. "Don't worry about a life debt or a favor. I saved your life because you where going to die if you landed on the ground. I acted because I felt as if it was the right thing to do. So don't worry. If you really want to be out of another favor, keep the twins away from me for a bit. I...I want to be alone." 

"O...Okay." 

"Thank you." Yuu seemingly feel asleep and Hiro sighed, kissing his son's hands as he looked over his limp body. Harry laid down and closed his eyes, feeling the pull of sleep and relaxed, his breathing evening out before he startled awake but didn't open his eyes as Hiro spoke. 

"I thought you where to be safe here," he gave a mirthless chuckle, no doubt gazing down at his son. "I thought you would be safer here than at home where people could protect you if they ever got to me. I thought the life I left behind would never get to you here. But now...I see my greatest nightmare right now. You...Pale, limp..clinging to life," he sounded so sad. "I should have tidied up those loose ends with them all a long time ago so I wouldn't have this guilt laying over me now. That I can't provide a safe home for you even with all the security I have. It was my sentimentality with them that prevented me from doing the correct thing and putting you first...but I won't make that mistake next time when they rear their heads again. Trust me...I will make things right." 

Their was a scuffle and Harry relaxed to not draw attention to himself as Hiro left, more questions arising in the enigma that was the Fujimaru family. 

Yuu was fuming. 

He was ready to murder someone and it was going to be all the teachers he had around him. 

Not even a month after the Dementor Incident and he was being cornered like a damned criminal with his whole faith, as little as it was, shattered in them.n 

“How…do you know about the mirrors,” Yuu demanded. “I told no one but Dumbledore.” 

“It was only natural for him to disclose it to us come the time when he realized you're pursuing a fantasy,” Snape began, calling upon his cool to make sure he didn’t show fear to this third year. 

‘Your lying,” Yuu whispered, eyes wide as he stared into Snape’s. “I had protections on those journals. I had protections on my workshops all throughout the school. You wouldn’t have been able to see them! None of you were supposed to see them! They are my personal property! Mine,” he yelled, sounding like a toddler having their toy taken away, but he was angry. 

So, so angry. 

“Whatever you're attempting to do will only lead you to ruin. I have been speaking to Dumbledore on this issue-,” Minerva stumbled to a stop as Yuu whipped to her, eyes wild. 

“He’d never betray me,” Yuu roared out, looking so lost in that moment. “You're lying! Dumbledore has always! Always been on my side,” tears began to well up in his eyes as the frustration of the last 2 and a half years of failures began to well up. “He’d never betray the trust he gave me all those years ago! He’d never do that!” 

“Dumbledore is the headmaster of the most prestigious magical academy in all of Britain,” Flintwick began softly, moving to try and get close to the boy before he jerked back, Flintwick pulling his hand back as the boy began to heave. “He only said what he did to make sure you were comfortable. Being a muggleborn in this situation-” 

“Oh piss off! You don’t know! You don’t know a damned thing about me,” he yelled, facing them as tears began to fall down his face fully. “Dumbledore and I are bound together by pain and longing. I know what he feels and he knows what I feel. He’d never betray me!” 

“Enough of this Mr. Fujimaru or Dumbledore will not be able to stop your expulsion-” 

“What is going on here,” Dumbledore’s voice made them all jump, turning to the entrance of the teacher’s lounge where he stood, staring at them with eyes so stormy they felt as if lighting was near. He took stock of a crying Yuu by the fireplace and his most persistent teachers around him. “I was not informed of this meeting.” 

“They know about the mirrors! How, how would they know,” Yuu turned to him, looking desperate and unsure of himself all at once. 

‘Because of this,” Snape pulled out a journal with a golden 2 on it, Dumbledore seizing up at the sight of it before turning to Yuu. Yuu shook at the look he received from the headmaster, shaking his head as the thought overwhelmed him. 

“No…no, no, no,” he sobbed, stepping back further as Dumbledore stepped inside. “You gave it to him…you betrayed me! You betrayed me,” he accused, hugging himself as Remus looked between the boy and his former headmaster. “I thought I could trust you! I…I thought…” 

Dumbledore said nothing, coming beside Snape and gingerly taking the book out of his hands before opening it. He closed his eyes as the familiar ramblings of Yuu’s were scattered across the page, the boy continuing accusing him as he looked for the charms the boy managed to put on. 

All broken. 

With Snape, McGonagall, Babbling and Flintwick’s magic. 

He took a deep breath before closing it, he pocketed it before turning to Snape who opened his mouth to say something. 

Without warning Dumbledore smacked him. 

His head jerked to the side and teachers gasped when it happened, Yuu stumbled to a stop at the sight and looked to the rage filled face of Dumbledore who never took his eyes off of the Potions Master. 

“You stole this from my office…didn’t you Severus,” he murmured, Yuu feeling relief flood through him as the realization came. 

Dumbledore never betrayed him. 

“Headmaster, I do not understand why you keep entertaining a child that-” 

“Placed his trust in me,” Dumbledore’s voice was nothing more than a whisper as he moved to bring Yuu to his side. The boy clung to him as relief coursed through his veins like oxygen, he hugged the older man close as his hand went to rest on his shoulder. “He trusted me with the truths of his ambitions and I wholeheartedly supported him. Tell me Severus. How good a student is he? Academically.” 

“....Top of his class.” 

“And when it comes to house points, who earned the most in his year.” 

“...He does.” 

“Aside from the scuffles that you instigate like the schoolboy you once were over a decade ago,” he pressed into the potions master who flinched. “Has he ever received a detention or lost house points?” 

“...No.” 

“Aside from his proclivities to not attend classes that you have all seen he does not need to attend, has he done anything noteworthy to be in this position? To have his trust in the one person he sought out violated by a lie you tried to push,” he demanded. 

“...It remains to be seen.” 

“No, Severus,” he insisted, the younger man stepping back feeling like a school boy. “No he does not. I allowed myself to give him the freedoms he needs to achieve his magnum opus and all you have done is interfere. Have I not told you month after month that he is to be left alone. I dare say Lupin is the only teacher that has and he’s attended more classes because of it. Same with Hagrid, even if you only go after him to get close with his creatures.” 

“Dumbledore,” Minerva began. “This is for his own good. He…he can’t continue on like this! He barely has any friends and this school is meant to foster not only one’s magical prowess but the bonds they create-” 

“The Weasley Twins are often seen with him most of the time. Along with Cedric Diggory and the Hufflepuff team. He tutors the younger years of Hufflepuff’s house and he is more often than not in the presence of either Neville Longbottom of Gryffindor or Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw when he isn’t doing research,” Dumbledore shot her down. “Now, I know he isn’t the most open child but he does consider them close enough to be called friends.” 

“Come on lad,” Remus coughed, holding out a hand to the boy who stared at him fearfully. “Let’s get out of here and go to the kitchens.”

“I have no intention of betraying Yuu, but I will not lie and say that I haven’t once. But only to someone who can truly…understand,” Dumbledore stared down to Yuu who got the message. 

I told the only one who understands you and I. 

“I…Don’t want them near me,” Yuu demanded, taking Lupin’s hand before hiding behind him. His single eye they could see was alight with righteous fury and anguish as he clutched onto the man’s robes. “I…I won’t attend anymore of their damned classes this year. You can’t make me.” 

“Go Yuu. I will speak to them.” 

“You can’t…you can’t..” 

“Professor Lupin. Yuu is no doubt going to be exploring the castle more and more at night now and sleeping during the day. If you could teach him a certain spell for protection I would be most grateful,” Dumbledore asked as Yuu looked at him. 

“I…very well Headmaster,” he nodded, grabbing Yuu’s shoulder and ushering him out. 

Drip. 

Drip. 

Drip. 

Dumbledore felt as if something bad had happened to Yuu; but that was impossible. The boy was too logical for something like this to harm him. 

“Now…” Dumbledore turned to the anxious staff who shifted in their spots. “Hagrid, you are to keep a watch out for Yuu should he be in the Forbidden forest at night when you can. He’s a tricky one.” 

“Aye headmaster.”

“Leave.” 

“Right.” 

Once the door closed Dumbledore turned to them fully and glowered down at them. 

“Right here and now. An Unbreakable Vow between us all. Should Yuu choose to reveal it then it will be null and void.” 

‘You cannot be serious,” Pomona gasped. “Headmaster-” 

``That or I sack you all,” he warned, eyes flashing. “I trusted that you all trusted my judgment, I thought you would all be mature enough to see this poor boy's sadness and desperation. To see the ache in his soul,” he turned to Snape who jerked his line of sight out of Dumbledore’s and walked to the back of the group. “How could you go behind our backs?” 

“Dumbledore…I know you think you owe it to the boy to do right by him…but-” Minerva began. 

“I don’t think,” Dumbledore stopped her. “I know. I owe this to him to make up for the mistakes of the past Minerva.” 

Her lips thinned as she stepped back and looked off to the side. 

“He’s going down the lane of insanity,” Flintwick commented, looking up to Dumbledore who crossed his arms. 

“I once did too,” he admitted. “And I got myself out of it. He’s smarter and more resourceful than you realize. And I trust him wholeheartedly. I am ashamed that people I trusted seem to think otherwise.” 

“You will not bend,” Binns asked, having come because it was a teacher’s meeting. 

“No.” 

“Then there is no choice in the matter.” 

Silence prevailed as the Unbreakable Vow was spoken and enacted between them all. 

“What of Lupin,” Snape demanded, refusing to look at Dumbledore once the burn of the vow faded. 

“I have more faith in Lupin and Hagrid than all of you,” was all he offered before leaving. 

The door slammed shut leaving them all in the shadow of Dumbledore and no longer in his good graces. 

“Lad,” Lupin asked, turning to Yuu who was sitting on the stairs leading to his bed. 

Surprisingly he led him to his ‘dorm’ and stayed like that for the last half hour. House elves had brought refreshments and food for them both, but the boy had merely ignored them all and stared at the wall in a state of shock. 

“I…I thought he betrayed me,” Yuu whimpered, Lupin struck with how YOUNG he was in that moment before remembering he was only a 13 year old and was cornered like a criminal mere hours ago. “I thought he was lying to me this whole time.” 

“..Dumbledore has a lot of faith in you,” he commented, taking a book out before looking up at the boy who hummed. “And I do as well. I won’t tell a soul.” 

“Thank you,” Yuu murmured, moving to nestle his head in his knees as Salazar’s portrait yelled about finding Snape and reaming him. The portrait left as Yuu continued his turtle position and Lupin looked at the notes he made about potions and their uses for his project. 

But he wasn’t here to pry. 

“Now,” he clapped, unbothered by the fact the boy might not be listening. “Dumbledore wants me to teach you a special spell meant to protect you from Dementors.” 

“There’s a spell for that,” Yuu murmured, Lupin smiling as he nodded. 

“Yes. It’s basically a blob of happy memories taking shape of an animal that best represents you, in a sort of way,” he explained. “It’s an extremely difficult spell, so I am more than willing to let you skip classes and come here after dinners most nights to help you with it as part of your DADA coursework. I was going to come to you anyways to teach you after the Quidditch incident, but you’ve been scarce.”

“Why,” Yuu hummed. 

“Dementors feed off of certain people who have particular pasts and even brushes with dark magic in the past,’ he explained. “I have no doubt you’ve had your fair share of nasties and I was going to help you to make sure that something like what happened on the pitch never happened again.” 

“I assume Potter is also learning how to do it?” 

“They do seem to be coming after him. And you seem steadfast in ensuring that they don’t get to anyone, if how you patrol at night to get people back into their dorms after Prefect rounds are finished is any indication,” He smiled as Yuu turned away.

“It’s a blob of happy memories,” he asked, still not looking at Lupin because he was embarrassed. 

“It’s called a Patronus.” 

“What’s your Patronus?”

“...It’s a wolf,” he admitted, flinching slightly but otherwise he showed nothing else. 

“...Wolves are known for their pact nature….they are also non threatening unless you provoke them,” Yuu smiled as Lupin gave an ‘oh what can you do’ type of look with a shrug. “I see that James Potter and Sirius Black meant a lot to you.” 

“...How can you tell,” Lupin asked, moving to stand at the end of the stairs and leaned on the wall. 

“...You flinched when you mentioned the wolf. It means someone has hurt your pact bond with them,” Yuu answered, sitting up a bit more as Lupin raised a brow. “No doubt when Sirius Black betrayed James Potter.” 

“Hmmm,” Lupin nodded, looking away from the boy who gave him a sad look. 

“What’s it like to…lose a friend like that,” Yuu asked, Lupin turning to him with confusion. “Some…some of my old friends I’m trying to get back…they almost died but…we saved them. I can’t imagine a timeline when we didn’t,” He admitted. 

“We were brothers. We loved each other like family. Losing him…it hurt,” Lupin began, Yuu standing up as he moved away to the center of the room where the furniture began to move out of the way. “I…never forgave myself for that night. I always come back to what ifs. What if I did this. What if this happened. What if I…was the secret keeper.” 

“Why weren’t you,” Yuu demanded, coming to the edge of the rug where Lupin was situated on the other end. “You and Sirius Black were the most trusted, but he was more well known. You had everything going for you to be able to be the secret keeper and hide away. You're not in the public eye…” 

“It’s more complicated than you think,” he sighed. “I didn’t…have everything going for me,” he admitted, turning to the boy who had his wand ready. “Even now…12 years later.” 

“...Sirius Black is coming here for a reason,” yuu pressed again, Lupin dropping his head as a headache came. “And I don’t think it’s the reason you believe.” 

“We’re not here to speak on this,” Lupin stopped him. “We are here to help you summon a patronus to be safe once Dumbledore let’s you loose.” 

“What’s the incantation,” Yuu asked, he was too tired to try and push his theory onto Lupin at the moment. 

“You must think of a very happy,” he stressed. ‘Memory. Channel the feelings of happiness as you speak the incantation and make sure it is very clear! Expecto Patronum.” 

“Expecto Patronum,” Yuu said, nodding to himself as he watched wand movements and began to focus. “A happy memory….Happy Memory…” 

Winning against Idia…being able to hug him and have a party…

‘Expecto Patronum,” he yelled out, a semi solid figure coming out before fizzling out. 

“Very, very good,” he gasped, looking happy and shocked all at once. “It seems the memory you chose was happy but not the best thing you’ve been through!” 

“...Should I try again?” 

“Only if you feel up to it.” Lupin assured him. “It’s a taxing spell.” 

“...” 

Yuu swallowed as he closed his eyes and thought back, thought back to the happiest moment he could and then he heard it. 

“Nyaah! Henchman! Here I am! The Great Grim is awake for your birthday! Isn’t that such a wonderful gift?!”

Grim…Grim had been awake…been alive and walking by his real birthday. 

“Neh? Human? I love you…never leave me…please?” 

Of course not Grim. I’ll always be with you…because I love you too, my greedy tuna loving kitty cat. 

“Nya-hahah! Of course you wouldn’t leave Grim Sama!....Happy Birthday Yuu…I’m happy you chose to keep me.” 

Why wouldn’t I? Grim, you're my best buddy forever. 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUU!” Grim had jumped into his arms, nuzzling his face as the photo was taken. He had cried out in fake anguish when Yuu smothered him with kisses on his furry head, promising to never leave him alone again. 

Grim was his familiar, his first friend…his companion forever…

“Expecto Patronum,” Yuu called out, the silver wisps more visible than before. 

Lupin watched in awe as the wisp became thicker and longer, forming into something akin to a snake…no it wasn’t a snake. It was a Japanese style dragon. It curled around the boy who stared at it impassively as it nuzzled his chest, the boy closing his eyes as he allowed his body to relax. 

“You have a lot of fire within you,” Lupin breathed, watching as the Dragon began to soar through the air. 

“Oriental Dragons are more akin to snakes,” Yuu murmured, Lupin turning to the boy who had moved to the work desk littered with various items. He pulled out a stack of Photos and he knew he should stay where he was. “They are more attuned to water than to fire. Often they are water dragons instead.” 

“..I see. My mistake.” 

“..it’s because at times…snakes can ascend to become dragon gods,” Yuu continued, lost in thought. “Once such serpent became so arrogant…that the gods saw fit to seal her on the summit of Takachiho with Ama-no-Sakahoko sent from the heavens…soon she began to hate the heavens and festered such a hatred that it formed into a calamity that could devour a nation within an instant.” 

“And…” 

“One day, a foolish human climbed to the top of the summit, coming face to face with the pinned serpent. She thought to trick him into releasing him and then she would take him for accrued nutrients and begin her revenge on those who stopped her. But the human, without any prompt or entertaining the idea that the serpent would trick and eat him…pulled out the spear.” 

“...” 

“How agonizing it must have been, was all he thought, gazing at the pinned being that he knew nothing of. If it be a god, monster or man. And with that, she was free to go anywhere she pleased. She was relieved by the thought. However, the serpent didn't go free. Instead she possessed the man and walked by his side on his travels. And so, the human and the serpent devoted themselves to the great tide of the times. The twisting journey of these two people, one that wasn't a human and one not a dragon, would come to an inevitable end as the swell of time forced these two apart. Nevertheless, the two dragons were still able to think, I'm thankful to have met you.” 

“You and Dumbledore no doubt,” Lupin realized. “Fawkes and your patronus.” 

“...You truly are a smart man Mr. Lupin,” Yuu smiled, placing down the photo and turning to the teacher as the Patronus fully vanished. “Can you tell I am the serpent?” 

“...You're wrong you know,” Lupin began, stuffing his hands in his robes, stalking forward to stand behind the slumped boy. “Dumbledore doesn’t help you because he pities you. He’s helping you because he sees the dedication and the purity of what you're doing.” 

“...How can you be so sure,” Yuu asked, looking down at his hands as Lupin debated putting his hands on the lad’s shoulders. “I was so…weak to be manipulated by them all.” 

“It was wrong of them to take advantage of you like that,” Lupin insisted, placing his hands on his shoulders and giving an encouraging squeeze. “It was cowardly and not something teachers are meant to do.” 

“...Hmmm…” Yuu nodded, Lupin looking down at the downtrodden boy before stepping back. 

“I dare say,” He began. “You might not need extra lessons on Patronus’. But then again, practice makes it easier and faster to summon. So let’s say Friday? Same time?” 

“...If it’s alright,” Yuu nodded, looking up at the teacher who offered a sad smile. “Sir…if I might inquire…” 

“Hmm?” 

“...How close were you with both Sirius Black and James Potter? Even now?” 

“...Sirius was my brother all throughout Hogwarts. He did things for me…that no one else would have. He…along with them all…were some of my best friends,” he nodded. “Even if…they are dead now…because of him.” 

“..Sorry to drudge up the past,” Yuu murmured. “I know Pettigrew was in your year and house, killed along with James.” 

“It’s alright…the war twisted many. All 7 years we spent together in Gryffindor, staying in the dorms with one another,” Lupin nodded, his face twisted up in a way that made Yuu feel as if there was bad blood between him and Pettigrew. “Get some rest or calm your mind. Just…be careful alright?” 

“...Yes.” 

Lupin left and Yuu moved to grab his robe. Dementors were not allowed on the grounds, so he would stay inside the castle for now until the second lesson with Lupin. He may have summoned a Patronus but he still felt like a newborn when it came to such a spell. 

It was nice to have a challenge the teacher was eager to give him. 

Better than everyone else. 

He walked out of his room and began the mindless meander through the halls, thinking about all that had come to light today. 

Of course, of course Malfoy was a twat and got hurt by the hippogriff after he threatened him. Of course he bitched to daddy dearest and of course he was trying to get the beast killed off. He should strangle the prat and put some blood back up in his brain with all the stupid shit he does or gets his father to do more accurately. 

He had just come to the startling revelation before he was whisked away to the traumatizing event that he was subjected to earlier. 

It’s bad enough that the poor animal that was bullied by unicorns was now going to be sentenced to death. Yuu wished his father would be allowed into the Ministry more, maybe if he got a bit more influence Fudge would be desperate to get him on his side…

But that was a pipe dream. 

Yuu was frustrated. 

He had no way to save him. His death was scheduled within a week or two, he was too late. He thought his trust had been betrayed. He was forced to relive his failures when he looked at that book. He was forced to come to terms with the fact that the teachers he had some trust in had betrayed him. 

He had barely any allies in the school. 

The Weasley twins were all well and good, they did things for him and he them. It was quid pro quo…at least to him, they seemed to be under the impression they were friends. Longbottom understood their relationship was give and take, he was still a bit spineless but Yuu could appreciate how much he had grown now. Cedric and all of Hufflepuff just refused to leave him alone so he went along with it most of the time. He got away from Slytherin house most of the day back he lived there and now he barely interacted with them. Luna Lovegood just invaded his space one day and he couldn’t be bothered to push her away. She reminded him of himself back when he first arrived at Night Raven and he…found himself helping her when he could. 

Dumbledore was the only one he told of his trysts in another world, but even then he never informed him of the Overblots. It was too painful to think of his friends in that way. But the man was silent and contemplative throughout the whole thing and he simply nodded, saying it made sense now and how he was proud of him for pursuing something that was beyond impossible with results. 

Lupin was the newest addition but he had little faith he would be around much longer. After Snape’s lesson he realized the truth now…and it helped the puzzle of why Sirius Black was not only in prison but coming to Hogwarts. Something didn’t make sense though and he was pulling his hair out trying to figure it out. 

He stopped at the staircase learning to the corridor that would end with Gryffindor Tower. He contemplated going in and looking around to see what Sirius Black was so desperate to get to. He knew all the passwords for the castle and the portraits were aware he never really DID anything. He just sat and stared. Maybe finished off an essay or two if he was really bored. 

But he never really did anything. 

A scuffle caught his attention as he turned the corner to enter the second hall where a final turn would take him to the portrait. 

And before him, standing in the moonlight looking like a deer caught in headlights…

Was Sirius Black. 

“I was wondering when you’d come back in again,” Yuu began, crossing his arms as the man tensed eyes feral as he stared at him. 

“Snake…” was all he said as he stared at the crest on his robe

“Yeah, so what,” Yuu scoffed. 

‘Isn’t it past your bedtime,” the man snapped, testy as he took sight of how young he was. 

“And shouldn’t you be more aware that this side of the castle has more ghost roaming,” he shot back, moving to come closer as he stepped back. “Now I want to ask…you're here to kill someone…aren’t you?” 

“...That isn’t much of a in depth question-” 

“But it’s not one of my classmates is it,” Yuu interrupted him, eyes blazing as Sirius jolted. “I’ve been looking into your case and it doesn’t add up.” 

“...What do you know?” 

“James Potter was your best friend. Some might have even pegged you as brothers with how close you were. Always talking about spending the summer over,” Yuu began, stalking forward. “Sure, you might have turned to Voldemort’s side, but I seriously doubt that,” Yuu finished before Sirius could protest. “You hate blood purity and bigotry, it’s as plain as day on your face. Why else would you be friends with someone from a light family, two boys who were half bloods?” 

“Whose family are you from?” 

“I’m a muggleborn…and yes. I’m a Slytherin.” 

“...And you're still alive?” 

‘More like they are still alive. If you hear the rumor mill around me…well, it’s flattering to me,” Yuu smiled. “Now…answer the question.” 

“Yeah…I’m here to kill a classmate…of mine,” he nodded. 

“See, the thing about this case is…I don’t understand it,” Yuu breathed. “Some may variables that are meant to align dont,” he pressed, waving for Sirius to follow him. “And when I come to a conclusion that fits most of them a major point is left out.” He turned to the man who quirked a brow at him. “Sure, you're the man’s best mate…but…you're too obvious. And Remus Lupin…well..” 

“Why are you so focused on this,” he demanded, they stopped a little ways away from Gryffindor tower. 

“Because,” Yuu hissed. “It doesn’t make sense. Disillusio” He turned on his heel after casting the disillusionment charm on a stunned Sirius. 

“Already,” was all he said as they went up to the Gryffindor common room entrance. 

“Ah…Mr. Fujimaru! Come to see the beautiful Gryffindor Common Room,” Sir Cadogan asked as he came forward. 

“Just let me in. Weasley Twins forgot to give me something,” he put on his most dangerous scowl as he jolted and nodded, opening the door with ease as Sirius whistled. 

“Not even me and the boys had this much sway. Moony was pretty good at keeping on the portraits' good sides, but that only got so far. Prongs could sway them with charm…but eh…” 

“Moony and Prongs,” Yuu asked suddenly, turning around as they got to the middle of the Common Room. 

“Oh right…Remus Lupin..It was his nickname we all gave him. Some with James and Prongs,” was all Sirius offered. “You need to leave…this…isn’t going to be nice.” 

“Meet me in the Shrieking Shack two weeks from now,” Yuu snapped. “I think I might know the whole story and be able to get you acquitted. 

“It’s a pipe dream boy…but I’ll hear you out.” 

Yuu left without another word, rushing back to his room and pulling out the journal he had bought to document the case of Sirius black. 

It was all coming together. 

“Can’t say he didn’t deserve it,” Yuu murmured as he followed the trio down to Hagrid's hut. Today was the day…and he…he needed to say goodbye.  “Just wish I was the one that did it.” 

``What, you mean you’ve never socked him in the face,” Ron gasped, Harry raising a brow as he followed them past the pumpkin patch. 

As much as he would like to have a moment with Buckbeak alone, he won’t be a prick about it and get along with the trio for the time being. They were more Hagrid’s friends than him and he wasn’t that much of a bastard to deny the many comforts of friends; he was only there for Buckbeak and maybe to say a few words. 

“I wish,” Yuu bemoaned. “But my father wants me to play nice. And I don’t want too much trouble. Not into that.” 

“Your not into your classes either,” Hermione couldn’t stop the jab, but Yuu ignored it per usual. 

So much for it being a…calm get together if she was going to keep jabbing at him. 

“Can we not get into this,” was all Yuu asked. “I mean…we have less than one hour at most with Buckbeak.” 

‘How can you be so sure? I thought your father-”

“I was too late,” Yuu snapped, glowering at Harry who jolted at the look. “My father is a muggle in case you forgot and has no real sway in the ministry. Nothing could be done.” 

“I appreciate the thought Yuu,” Hagrid sniffed as he exited his house. “Even if he could do something, no one is able to get past Lucius Malfoy.” 

“Cowards, the lot of them,” Yuu crossed his arms, turning to look at Buckbeak who stared at him with an inquisitive look. Yuu couldn’t bear the look and moved to head into his hut, ignoring Hermione’s ‘that’s rude’ as he entered. 

‘It’s alright…it’s a difficult day,” Hagrid sniffed. “I know it’s hard and I know you’ve all grown a liking to Buckbeak…but…” Hagrid began after the three had followed Yuu inside. The boy was sullen as he sat at the windowsill, Hagrid began putting out tea for them all as Hermione said they would stay with him. 

“Do you want to see a head lopped off from a body,” Yuu began, looking horrified. “I’m not even staying. I came to say goodbye!’ 

‘He’s right. This isn’t something for you youngin’s to see,” Hagrid nodded. “Drink your tea and be off. I’m grateful you're here, but I don’t want you in trouble and I don’t want you to have nightmares!”

“But…” 

“No buts,” Hagrid was firm. ‘Go with Yuu to the unicorn herd for a bit. Get your wits together and find a bit of happiness.`` 

“I don’t remember offering up the herd…but whatever,” Yuu shrugged. “Besides…they know something is up. They’ll come up anyways…” He turned to look out the window as Ron gave out happy- 

“Scabbers! You found him!” 

“Christ the rat is old,” Yuu grunted, turning to look at the thing as Hermione scowled. 

“Looks like you owe someone an apology,” she snapped, stalking forward. 

“Right…next time I see crookshanks, I’ll let him know.” 

“I mean me,” she was fuming, just a pot broke beside her. 

“Control your magic,” Yuu snapped, shaking his head. “It's an old rat by the looks of it. Should be ready to drop dead any minute no doubt.” 

“Not true! Scabbers has been in my family for 12 year,” Ron snapped just as Harry let out an ow, as something hit his head. 

“Impossible. Healthy rats live up to 4 years at most. 6 if they are really healthy…” 

“Guys,” Harry breathed, pointing out to see the Minister and Dumbledore approaching. 

“...Get out the back and I’ll distract them,” Yuu snapped, moving to the front door as they looked at him in confusion. 

“What?” 

‘Fudge has been contacting my father as of late. He’s not going to pass up an opportunity to talk to me, go,” he turned to them with a glare. “I mean it.” 

‘...Right.” 

Yuu opened the door just as they went to knock. 

“Mr. Fujimaru,’ Fudge gasped. “What on earth are you doing here? Not here to see…” 

“I was just going about my business in the forest with the Unicorn herd,” he began, looking behind them to see the trio running up the hill. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to get back.” 

“O..Of course. I will call you later tomorrow for some tea, eh?” 

“Of course Minister,” Yuu smiled, brushing past them as Dumbledore gave a knowing look before he rushed up the hill. 

He reached the trio just as the executioner left the hut, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched with horror as the sharpened blade was brought upon an innocent creature. 

“...Fucking hell,” he sighed, turning away as Hermione went into Ron’s embrace and Harry rubbed her back, he refused to look away from the scene as anger began to bubble to the surface. 

“Ow,” Ron yelped. “He bit me!’ 

Yuu watched as Scabbers ran off, Ron taking off after him and he had a bad feeling that something very…bad was to occur. 

“...wait a minute…” 

Yuu’s eyes widened as he realized something and he took off after them, mind going a mile a minute as the pieces began to fully fit with one another and he gave a vicious grin.

He finally. Finally solved it. 

He solved the mystery of Sirius Black. 

He skidded to a stop before the Whomping Willow, his face morphed into shock at the sight of both of them flying through the air. He stumbled back out the willows way, cursing himself he didn’t know how to get past the anger riddled tree just as Hermione and Harry vanished inside a little crevice by the roots of said tree. 

“Great,” he scoffed. “How am I supposed to get in,” he grumbled. “My pen isn’t going to be of much help here and I don’t want to draw attention…how do I get in.” 

“You need to be fast,” Lupin’s voice rang behind him and he turned to see the professor staring at the tree with a determined look. “Why are you here?” 

“...I know exactly who Sirius Black is after…and I assume you now know too…Moony,” he smiled as Remus turned to him in shock.

“You truly are an exceptional child you know?” 

“Show me the way to get past the anger issues tree,” Yuu demanded, Remus let out a huff of laughter before letting out an Immobulus and taking off in a zigzag pattern, Yuu followed just as quickly jumping into the hole after his professor who motioned him to be quiet as he took out his wand. Yuu’s pen was thrumming with magic and he touched it to pressure himself that he had a back up should the trio disarm him. They took the earthen tunnel to a familiar shack Yuu had seen from his time in Hogsmeade and turned to Lupin who motioned him to stay back. 

‘Are you going to kill me Harry?” 

Remus burst through the door, yelling out the disarming spell as Yuu watched from the shadows. He rolled his eyes as the two friends began to banter back and forth like little old ninnes before Remus helped him up. He scowled as Sirius began to blabber about killing him, it would be best to EXPLAIN THE SITUATION so they could avoid the misunderstanding that Hermione seemed to have put together.

“I DID MY WAITING,” Sirius’ desperate roar of anguish had Yuu jolting, looking at the man who looked so broken and hopeful in that moment. Wanting for the revenge that was so close. “12 YEARS OF IT! IN AZKABAN!”  

Honestly, emotions made people do stupid thing and come to stupid conclusions…

He blushed when the memory of that altercation with the teachers came to mind. 

Shit…

Yuu heard something behind him and jumped further into the shadows as Snape appeared, a sneer worked its way onto his as he disarmed Remus with ease. 

“Ahh,” he breathed, Yuu scowling at his head of house as he began to relish in the fact he was going to kill one man and possibly send another to prison. 

What a prick. He was still salty about the lies he was being force fed the day before. 

Harry didn’t know, Snape came before they could explain the true situation. 

‘Enough,” Yuu yelled, bursting out and pointing his wand at Snape. “I know the truth! I know it and…you will never listen! But Harry…he will.” 

“Oh…You are going to be expelled if it’s the last thing I-” 

“EXPELLIARMUS!” 

The shot sent Snape flying back into the old bed, knocking him out as the trio looked onto him in horror. 

“You attacked a school teacher,” Hermione gasped. “And your head of house!” 

“Yuu you don’t know anything! He betrayed my parents! He’s a murderer!” Harry cried out, Hermione’s wand in his hand. 

“How can you all be so blind!” 

“What,” Harry demanded. 

“Oh it’s obvious,” Yuu yelled out, wand pointed at the trio as he stood beside Sirius. “Sirius Black was never the secret keeper! It was their fourth friend Peter Pettigrew!” 

“H…How would you know that! They could be lying.” Hermione cried out, pushing Harry behind her as he glowered at them. 

“I’ve been researching this case for months now! Listening in on conversations between Remus and the teachers. The marauders! The ones who made that map! They were James Potter, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew. Or should I say Moony, Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail?” 

“Fred and Geroge said you’ve used the map,” Harry remembered. “But…how’d you figure any of this out! Nothing about this makes sense.” 

“Yes…but what tipped me off was when Sirius let it slip about Moony or Professor Lupin being on the portraits' good side. And James Potter or Prongs using his charm to get what they wanted. Why would he know a nickname like that and use it so casually like a name if he didn’t spend a lot of time with said person! He was James Potter’s best friend and Remus was always with them so it makes sense that he would be on the map as well. Now think back to the war. The Blacks were 90% on Voldemort's side, barring one female and Sirius! Now of course they know about the close bond that Sirius and James shared! So of course he would be a secret keeper!’ 

‘And he was!” 

“No he wasn’t! He wanted to use that notoriety to draw the people toward him while the real secret keeper hid away somewhere until the war blew over, keeping you and your parents safe,” Yuu snarled. “I thought it might have been Remus Lupin but a werewolf is too much of a liability and a certain child killing werewolf was out on the loose. He couldn’t take the place of a secret keeper, given the circumstances. I’ve been killing myself in who was close enough to James that could fly under the radar but also be someone to betray them due to the closeness! That question was answered when I learned of Peter Pettigrew and the marauders! I asked around the paintings in Gryffindor tower and they all said the same thing. Potter, Lupin, Black and Pettigrew had nicknames for one another and you never saw one alone! They shared a dorm all seven years and even wanted to go into the same field together! They where comrades, they where brothers and one brother betrayed another!” 

“Pettigrew is dead! The map lied!” 

“You will learn that the map never lies Potter! Once I learned of Lupin being a werewolf and the closeness of their bond it was only natural for me to find out that being an animagus, with a little push from Snape’s essay, would be able to help soothe a werewolf during a transformation. If the four were such good friends…then why wouldn’t they help the one that got them out of trouble,” Yuu smirked. “That blast was from Pettigrew who used it as a cover to transform into his animagus form and toss out a severed finger as evidence!” 

“But-” 

‘Not only that, I had some look into that severed finger. It was cauterized! He surgically cut it off, a blast wouldn’t do something like that!” 

“...You got all of that…from the fact I said Remus was Moony, James was Prongs and there was a fourth member of our friend group,” Sirius had to ask as he stared at the boy incredulously. 

‘He’s lauded as the smartest student in all of Hogwarts Pad,” Remus breathed. “Why do you think he managed to knock out Snape so easily?” 

“I…hate…people being blamed for things that are not their fault. I hate people being punished for a name they bear! I hate, hate it when justice is improperly brought down upon a person,” Yuu snarled. “That’s why I pushed this…that’s why I have researched this along with my own personal experiments.” 

“Where’s Pettigrew now,” Harry demanded as Hermione looked between him and Yuu lowered his wand slightly. 

“Why has Scabbers always been on the run? Why had he never been a part of DADA class when Lupin asked for our animals? Why did Sirius grab Ron in his Animagus form? He’s Wormtail! He’s a fucking rat!” 

“Bu…But how’d you come to the conclusion that he’s Scabber’s,’ Ron demanded as he held his rat tightly. 

“Rats can only live up to 6 years if lucky…how did yours manage to live double that,” Yuu pointed his wand at the shrieking rat in his hands. “All the pieces fell together after we left Hagrid’s hut…” 

“Brillant,” Sirius smiled. “Your bloody fucking brillant.” 

“More like I was bored,” Yuu shot back before stomping over to grab the rat. “Now, now you little rat! Say hello to your friends!” 

He threw the animal onto the ground as harshly as he could, it stunned the creature for a moment allowing Remus to use revealio on him and forced him to transform back.

Pettigrew looked fearfully up at the third year he had seen grow up to be this…intimidating monster. 

“Hello Pettigrew,” his wand was situated on his neck as Sirius and Remus watched. “Now as much as I am sure you know what I can do….the fury of scorned friends you betrayed…men who considered you a brother,” he hissed into the man’s ear. I am sure this is sure to be a much…much better show.” 

“You sold them out! Didn’t you,” Sirius roared, his anger finally bubbling over. “James and Lily! You sold them out to the dark lord!” 

“T..The dark lord! You have no idea the weapons he possesses! What would you have done Sirius,” Pettigrew whimpered fearfully. Yuu motioned for Remus to take his right and Sirius center as he rushed to block the only exit. 

“Me,” Sirius snarled. “Me! I would have died! I would have died rather than betray my friends! Betray my brother!” He looked crazed in that moment, but Yuu understood. He understood on a very deep level. 

“You must have realized, once you sold out your friend who considered you a brother, that the remaining two would come and end you if Voldemort didn't! That’s why you drew Sirius to that Alley and used Bombarda! You wanted to take away the most serious threat to yourself as Remus was dealing with werewolf packs,” Yuu snarled. “Kill him! Now is the perfect time! Give his corpse to the ministry and acquit Sirius!” 

“NO!” 

Yuu and the others turned to Harry who looked between them all in shock and confusion. 

“Harry,” Lupin began. “This man is…” 

“I know what he is. But we’ll take him to the castle. Dumbledore…he trusts Yuu and his judgments more than anyone else in the castle.” 

“...Remus?” 

“It’s true. He’s a boy far beyond his peers,” Remus swallowed. “No doubt…you wanted to avoid bringing him in,” Lupin turned to a quivering Pettigrew who stared at Yuu in fear and hatred. “Because you had three years to watch him and realize he was a real threat to you. Not only in his skills, but in how much Dumbledore trusts him.”

“You don’t know a thing about him. Not like me,” Pettigrew began. “He..he’s going to turn out to be a monster!” 

The students gasped, looking at Yuu who had a stormy look on his face. 

“...Shut it,” Yuu whispered and the students seized up, Pettigrew did as well as Remus and Sirius watched on in confusion. “Or I will kill you. I hate…how people assume things about me.” He began to stalk forward and Remus understood now why students stayed away from him during one of his moods. “No doubt you heard about how I took out most if not all of the 7th years when they jilted me,” he smiled, his look demented as Pettigrew began to cower. “I know how to kill you four ways to Sunday and not leave a damned trace. I know how to make a poison so potent it turns your organs into liquid…but I have restraint.” 

“Bloody hell…” Sirius breathed, he turned to the students who were slowly shifting away from the slytherin. 

“So shut your mouth and come along. I don’t have the patience to use a levitation spell on a fat piece of lard like you,” he breathed, staring down the mouse man who shivered with fear. 

Sirius and Remus moved to get Pettigrew up, Harry and Hermione were stuck with helping Ron who whimpered at the pain in his leg. He bemoaned at the fact it might have to be cut off, Sirius chiming in saying that he didn’t have any bad diseases or anything, all the while Yuu took point in silence. 

“Why did you call him that,” Remus demanded. “Yuu is a good boy, he has a heart of gold…why did you call him a monster,” Remus demanded, pushing him out of the hole as Harry and Sirius spoke to one another. 

“...I’ve lived with him for nearly three years,’ he breathed. “He’s not as innocent as you think. What he did to those 7th years? Intelligence like his…never is in the hands of someone who is good.” 

“Oh no,” Yuu breathed. “Full moon…” 

Remus felt his body seize up, he was beginning to transform.

“He hasn’t taken his potion,” Yuu cried out, Sirius rushing over to hold him down as Yuu stumbled back. “You piece of shit,” he called out just as Pettigrew transformed. “No you're not!” 

Yuu rushed after him into the dark forest and soon it all became a blur before it soon turned black. 

Yuu awoke with a gasp, he looked around seeing himself on the divan of Dumbledore’s office, the man rushing to him as Fawkes and Crowely let out happy coo’s. 

“What on earth where you thinking, going to Sirius Black and-” 

“Peter Pettigrew is alive, I saw him last night. He was the Potter’s Secret Keeper. It was the perfect poly, making people think James chose Sirius and have them go after him while Pettigrew kept them safe. They let you assume the same as they wanted as little chance as possible for the deception to get out,’ Yuu interrupted him. “Sirius was coming here to kill him, to avenge his friends. He wasn’t coming here to kill Harry.” 

“...What?” 

“I figured it out last night. He’s been hiding away after framing Sirius for his death and the Potters as Ron’s rat Scabbers,” Yuu grunted, getting up. “He ran away but if we can get into the Potter’s Will and Vault then James must have written something about it. We can Acquit Sirius and get a proper manhunt on for Pettigrew.” 

“Sirius has been captured…he’s going to be given the Kiss in 10 minutes.” 

“...What now?” 

“Come with me.” 

The two rushed to the Hospital Wing, no words were spoken between the two as Mentor and mentee were on the same wavelength about everything for the first time this year. They made a stroking picture as they were brushed by many students who wondered who jilted the third year. Yuu walked faster before slamming open the hospital wings doors open, seeing both Hermione and Harry standing up and speaking. 

‘Headmaster you’ve-” 

“Got the wrong man. Yuu had informed me,” he interrupted, the three turning to Yuu who looked like death warmed over. He had eyebags, his usually well groomed hair was in disarray and all in all he looked like a mad scientist. 

Nothing like his usual perfect self. 

“But our testimony is meaningless. My father included,” Yuu began, stepping forward. “We're still children in their eyes. Just entering our teenage years. Nothing we say will convince them…so what are we going to do, Dumbledore?” 

 Just then the bell chimed and Dumbledore gave a small smile. 

“Mysterious thing, time,” he began, moving to draw closer to Yuu and handing him his wand back. He patted his breast pocket where his pen was, the boy having gotten it back from the headmaster after he used it to punish some unruly fifth years. “Powerful…and when meddled with? Dangerous.” 

Hermione gasped as she understood what he was saying. 

“Sirius Black is in the topmost cell of the Dark Tower,” he explained. “You know the laws Miss Granger. You must not be seen. And you would do well to return before this last chime. If not, the consequences are too ghastly to discuss. If you succeed tonight, more than one innocent life may be spared. Three turns should do it, I think.” 

Yuu watched as Dumbledore began to leave, only to stop. 

‘And Yuu, try not to aggravate Miss Granger too much. Retracing steps may seem easy to you, but sometimes it's a difficult thing.” 

He then closed the doors. 

“I’m using that favor. Take me with you,” he demanded. 

“What,” she gasped. 

“You owe me a favor, I’m cashing in. Take me with you,” he snapped, turning to the girl as she pulled out a necklace. “Redhead can’t walk and three people is better than two in this situation.’ 

“Come on,” she sighed, looping him in the chain. 

Harry watched in awe as the world went back in time, blurring around them as Hermione and Yuu waited in silence. Once it stopped and the world was turning dark slightly, did he tune back in. 

“Come on, we were all heading to Hagrids,” Yuu called, making them rush out of the now empty Hospital wing to the exit leading to Hagrid’s hut. “A timer tuner huh? That’s how you got to all those classes?” 

“So what?” 

“I'm just saying, having a basic understanding of complex math and an understanding of various myths make Arithmancy and Ancient Runes easy,” was all he offered. Hermione took in a deep breath to calm herself as they watched the four of them face off against Malfoy. Well, more like the trio was facing off against him and Yuu just watched impassively. 

“You're taking all those classes too?” 

“Yeah. Dumbledore forced me to take them so I wouldn’t be so obsessed with the Black case. I didn't get one of those though,” he smiled, Hermione fuming. 

“Mione…” Harry warned. 

“So you’ve attended the same amount of classes as me and have your grades you do without a time turner?” 

“Huh…Yeah.” he nodded, smirking as she socked Malfoy in the face before sighing. “Still wish that was me,” he breathed, looking a bit wistful. “Come on,” urged them with a smile as Malfoy passed. “I know what Dumbledore wants us to do.” 

“What…what,’ Hermione asked as they made their way to the hill overlooking the hut. 

“Buckbeak,” He smiled. “Buckbeak is an innocent no?” 

“...right,” they both smiled, the whole thing coming together as they rushed down to the pumpkin patch.

‘We need to wait until we leave and Fudge sees him before going into the hut. If we were seen, we could mess up the timeline and cause a lot of catastrophe,” Yuu explained, looking around nervously. “Even I don’t have the balls to mess with time.” 

“He’s right,” Hermione stopped Harry as they hid behind the pumpkins. “Bad things happen when Wizards meddle with time…But why aren’t we leaving!” She seethed as they looked at the approaching trio.

“The broken pot and the hit on Harry's head! We must have done that to get their attention,” Yuu grabbed a rock as Hermione nodded, throwing her stone and right after Yuu managed to shit Harry in the back of the head. 

‘That hurt you know,” he snapped at Yuu. 

“It got the job done…let’s hide before we fully come out,’ he hissed, pushing them to the edge of the forest, each hiding behind trees as the trio hid. 

Yuu rolled his eyes as Hermione asked about what her hair looked like, giving her a glare as they were almost caught. Harry and Hermione raised their eyebrows as Fudge tried to butter Yuu up, the boy scowling as he gave the middle finger to the minister as he rushed up the hill. 

“I hate that spineless idiot,” he grumbled, moving to grab the pelts of dead animals and Harry went to unchain Buckbeak. 

“Come on,” he urged him, the Hippogriff squawking in protest as it continued to sit on it’s ass. 

“Buckbeak,” Yuu whispered, the bird looking up in happiness as he appeared, dead animal in hand. “Come here boy. I want to spend some time with you,” he gave a bright smile that had the other two a bit nervous and confused, the Hippogriff gave a coo of happiness, jumping up and following the trio as they managed to get out with time to spare. 

“I know a place where he can hide out for a bit,” Yuu began, leading them to a secret cave where he stayed every once and while. “Sleep here for a bit huh,” he pet the Hippogriff as Hermione laid out the dead ferrets on the ground for him to munch on. “I’ve got things to do…okay?” The bird nodded, nuzzling him and Harry before they moved to head out and hide by the whomping willow. 

“You and Lupin came in together,” Hermione noted, taking note of Snape as they settled down in the crevices of the tree around them. They kept low knowing they had about an hour before things went down. 

It was silent until Yuu spoke. 

“...Am I a monster to you all,” Yuu asked, a little ways away from them as he stared at the willow. “I saw how you reacted when Peter made me upset.” 

“...I…You saved me all those months ago. Your a good person-” Harry stumbled about as Hermione averted her eyes. 

“But you all don’t like me,” Yuu gave a sad smile, turning to the two of them who shifted around. “I’m not the most likable person…but…my past is complicated. I…don’t want to make friends but people here…don’t seem to get the message.” 

“I..I heard McGonagall say that you were trying to get back to people you considered family…but she refused to explain,” Hermione offered, Yuu turning to her with a sad look. 

“Yeah,” he admitted. “I have been for the last three years..We loved one another like family…or at least I did.” 

“Wh…what do you mean,” Harry asked. “I mean..” 

“It’s been nearly three years and I have been trying. Having memories forced up at times, remembering those happy times so vividly,” he choked, the two seeing the broken boy under the facade. “But…why haven’t they tried to get me back too? I’ve been working so hard these last few years to get back and nothing…nothing has worked. But then again…why haven’t I noticed them trying? Why wasn’t there a sign? I had 8 birthday parties, because they were in different dorms and wanted to celebrate their way,” he sniffed, tears welling up in his eyes. “The last one was in my dorm where they gave me so many amazing gifts…was all that showmanship for nothing?” 

“It sounds like they did care.” 

“If they cared, why haven’t they tried to get me back? If they did love me like I did them, why am I still here three years later,” he demanded, turning to them fully as despair marred his beautiful face. “Do they not care? Have they wiped their hands clean of me? I didn’t want friends here but I seemed to have found them and I find myself wondering…is it just better to stay here? Forget going back and just…give up?” 

“...You're a powerful Wizard,’ Hermione began. “I've heard Lupin say you can conjure a dragon Patronus. Shiryū…that a Japanese Dragon God…you have to be incredibly powerful to make a magical creature your Patronus…it’s their loss. But…I think you should have a bit of faith too. If you're trying so hard for people who did so much for you in a week…they are no doubt driving themselves mad doing the same.” 

“...And here I thought you hated me,” he smiled sadly, both of them struck with how innocent and…normal he was. “And here we go,” he said, both of them tuning back in to hear Lupin scream. “What happened after I left?” 

“Lupin started to freak out after a bit of fighting with him and Sirius,” Harry breathed, watching as the fight played out. 

“You said he started to freak out,” Yuu asked, looking thoughtful. “How so?” 

“Yeah, like he was in pain! Like when dogs hurt their ears I think?” 

“Righty then…Soronus,” Yuu nodded, putting his fingers in his mouth he blew; but nothing came out. 

“Harry look,” Hermione pointed, the boy seeing Lupin fritzing out just as he remembered. “Dogs are sensitive to high frequency…he used the Sonorus charm and the dog whistle to train them in tandem!” 

“Run,” Yuu suddenly said as Lupin began to rush toward them. “Werewolves hate the sound and often come to find it and kill the people who use it!” 

“Why’d you use it then!” 

‘Forgot about that tidbit,” he yelled, the three of them rushing through the forest but his yell seemed to have alerted Lupin, who found them quicker than they would have liked. Yuu cursed, he refused to hurt Lupin as they backed up against a tree. Just then heat surrounded them and the werewolf was picked up by-

“Is that a dragon!’ 

‘Norbert! Place him down,” Yuu screeched, the dragon tossing the wolf to the side who ran away with his tail between his legs.” 

“Norbet…as in Hagrid’s Dragon,” Hermione gasped, the Norwegian Ridgeback letting out a small roar. 

“Professor Lupin,” Harry felt bad for the werewolf and all he just went through. 

“He never left. He saw me and decided that he wanted to stay,” Yuu pushed his head away and slapped his eye as punishment. “You are supposed to stay in your den! I will see you tomorrow!” 

“Grrrr….” 

“Go now,” he snapped, snapping his fingers to the sullen dragon who flew off with what looked like a pout. “Come on! We need to save Sirius from the Dementors again!” 

They rushed to the small lake in the forest, Yuu about to burst forward with his Patronus before Harry grabbed him and slammed him into the tree. “No! Don’t! My father will be here any moment,” he breathed, looking around anxiously. 

‘Harry..your father was hit dead on with the killing curse…he’s gone,” Yuu pressed. “Harry…he’s gone.” 

“No…he’s going to come any moment and save me and Sirius!” 

“Harry…Harry listen,” Yuu forced the boy to look at him. “I’m the delusional one here okay? I’m the one desperate and always clinging to stuff that is most likely never going to happen. You need to be rational in this situation.” 

“Bu…but…” 

“Guys,” Hermione called, Sirius choking as the dementors got to him and Harry. 

“You need to do something Harry! Otherwise you're going to die,” Yuu hissed, the boy racing out and ripping his wand from it’s holster. 

“EXPECTO PATRONUM,” he roared out, a blinding flash of light shooting forth from his wand as a male stag took shape. The dementor’s screeched in fear as the light pushed further and further out, saving both Harry and Sirius. Once they were all gone he lowered his wand, breathing harshly as Yuu whistled to the sky managing to summon Buckbeak as he ushered Hermione on. 

‘Come on,” Yuu called. “We need to get to the area of the dark tower to make sure we are there and prepared to break Sirius out,” he grabbed Harry and forced him on. Buckbeak squawked before taking off, Harry panting as he explained. 

“You were right Yuu! It wasn’t my father that summoned the Patronus! It was me! I saw myself conjuring the patronus and knew I could do it this time…because I’d already done it!” 

“That literally makes no sense,” Yuu said, Hermione nodding along with him as Harry urged Buckbeak to the tower. Sirius looked up as three of the four children he had been with hours prior appeared. 

“Bom-” 

“Don’t,” Yuu hissed, stopping her. “They can use a trace to see who used the spell,” he kneeled down before the lock. “It’s an old design but…luckily I have my own tools. Yuu took out his magic pen, inserting it in the key hole he began twisting it before smiling as a click was heard. The door swung open and he grabbed Sirius by the collar and dragged him out. “Go to the outer courtyard on the west side of the castle over the black lake. I’ll meet you there.” 

“I can just come back-” 

“Harry, didn’t you listen to me on the train? I climb the spires and overlook the night sky,” he smirked. “Hogwarts…is my domain.” He then jumped off the spire balcony the where on, landing on the lower one. “Hurry! If I’m not there by the time you guys get there then send him off,” Yuu called out, running to jump on the lower roofs as they jumped onto Buckbeak’s back. 

“He’s an impressive one.” 

‘Trust us,” the two students said. “We know.” 

They soon landed in the courtyard in no time, Sirius looked to the skies before deciding the boy must have gotten caught up. He kneeled beside his godson, smiling as he spoke the words he wished to say for so long deep in his heart.  Once he had said everything he looked up to see Yuu as he floated down on the broom, standing on the handle with ease as he landed. He must have summoned one last minute again. 

“Blimey, Gryffindor must be having a hard time winning Quidditch against him,” Sirius breathed. 

“I don’t play,” Yuu stated. “...Just don’t like the sport.” 

“Maybe that's because you don’t have the right broom,” Sirius smiled. “I’ll be forever grateful for your help.” 

“Sirius…” Yuu spoke up, the man turning to him with a curious expression on his face. “When the Potter’s made the switch…did James record it? On anything?” 

“He had a journal he used to document the war as it grew,” Sirius nodded. “He kept it in Godric's Hollow with him, I grabbed it before they could search the place and managed to place it in Harry’s Vault.” 

“Potter,” Yuu turned to him. “You need to go to your vault, get that and your parents will. With that and a re-examination of Pettigrew’s finger…you would be able to acquit Sirius. Anyone with medical training would see that the finger was cut off, not blasted. And the journal evidence of James Potter admitting that he never had Sirius as Secret Keeper would change everything,” he breathed. 

“Even now, you're insistent on acquitting me,” Sirius murmured, Yuu turning to him with an unusually open expression. 

“All my time here…I have been misunderstood because people did not take the time to look into me. I’ll admit I really didn’t give them a reason too. But you…Mr. Black…you loved James…your brother. Anyone with half a brain cell would have looked past your name and saw that things didn’t add up,” Yuu’s tone was fierce. “Of course it’s going to be a while before this thing goes to trial…so…I live in the English countryside. Ways away from Wizards,” he explained, holding out a piece of paper. “This is where it’s located and a note explaining things to my father. Magical Britain is going to have Aurors swarming it for the next few months and they will never suspect me or my father.” 

“...I can’t take that,” Sirius swallowed, Harry and Hermione looking at Yuu is shock. 

“If you want any chance of Peter Pettigrew being hunted like the damned rat he really is? You will and rest assured I’ll take Potter to Gringotts and get everything sorted out. He can say he discovered it by accident. James must have noted about the animagus so he could claim that. I’ll coach him, make sure we get things done. But please…take this,” he shoved the paper into Sirius’ hands. “I…Knew a lot of people like you. Misunderstood, ignored and rebelling against the people who thought lowly of them…I tried to help them as best I could and I guess it is still a part of me.” 

“...Thank you lad,” he nodded, he moved to mount Buckbeak who turned to Yuu. 

‘Take him to my father. Make sure he gets there safely,” he murmured to the beast as it squawked out it’s agreements before rushing to fly off. They watched in awe as he flew off into the morning sky, each entranced before a bell began to toll. 

“We need to leave, now,” Yuu snapped, grabbing them by the collar and forcing them into the castle. They ran down the halls and up stairs, thankful it was so early in the morning before they skidded to a stop before the hospital wing where Dumbledore exited. 

“Well?” 

‘What do you think Ojisan,” Yuu scoffed, crossing his arms as the two looked at them confused. “Me and Potter will be at the ministry a lot the next few months.” 

“I see you're expanding your avenues,’ Dumbledore smiled, patting Yuu on the head before laughing when he swiped it away. “Good night.” 

“Lets go,” Yuu grumbled the two laughing as he opened the door just as they fully vanished. 

“How did you get there?” Ron pointed at them in shock. “You were…I was talking to you there…” he looked so lost. “And now you’re there…” 

“Sleep more Weasley,” Yuu snapped, crossing his arms. “Being dragged around may have affected your memory.” 

“He’s right,” Harry nodded. “How can people be in two places at once?” 

“...Uggh,” Yuu rolled his eyes. “I’m out.” 

“It's the nature of things Harry,” Yuu heard Lupin’s voice as he entered his office. 

“That would be the nature of the lives of werewolves I’m afraid,” Yuu hummed, sauntering in as Lupin closed up the map. “They can’t hold down steady jobs, are often killed young and usually are left to die alone.” 

“...Hey-” 

“He’s not wrong,” Lupin stopped Harry before he could go on a tangent. “I’ve worked with him the last few weeks Harry…he’s always like this.” 

“And I’ve been going to school with him for the last 3 years. I know,” Harry sighed, looking despondent. “I just…you're the best teacher we've had.” 

“...Pity your leaving. First competent teacher we’ve had since we’ve started,” Yuu began, moving to the desk where the map was. “Magnus Opus of you and your friends,” he smiled, pointing to the map. “Plenty helpful to me in my first and second years. No use to me now, I’ve long since memorized it.” 

‘Ah…so that’s how you got the names,” Lupin smiled, Harry looked like he wanted to say something but he kept silent. It wasn’t the time now. 

“Hmm..I have something that my father wished to pass on,” he handed a rolled piece of parchment to the man who took it. He opened it, noting it was a contract of employment before reading it. His face went blank before morphing into shock as he whipped his head up to the boy.

“My father is finding his wizarding ventures taxing on him,” Yuu explained, looking unbothered and a bit annoyed. “He’s neglected his muggle business far too long for comfort and is looking for a wizarding liaison to be an inbetween between him and gringotts. As well as the ministry. He’s taken note of your condition and has set to pay you around 8 galleons and 13 sickles an hour during a set 5 day off period in which you will be off work the day before the full moon and 3 days after. The hours of the monthly off period is of a regular work day of 8 hours, meaning that you will get around 350 galleons and around 5 sickles in that time frame.” 

“S..stop, stop..” Remus weakly protested, Harry taking the contract out of his hand and reading it himself. He looked up to Yuu in shock as he continued droning about the benefits of his father’s employment.  

“During that 5 day off period we will either have my father or another wizard he is hoping to employ to take over during that time. During the time you are not in the off period, you will be working a 8 hour shift most days for 9 gallons an hour, and also make commission based on any contract that you green light and my father signs. Until the time you can get a proper apartment with proper wards we are asking that you live with us, my father is ready to place wards out in our old outer servants house that came with the manor to make sure you don’t get out. Of course during this off period before you are more financially stable, we will provide the wolfsbane potion for you.” 

“Yu…Yuu please, stop-” Remus looked faint. 

“You will have all sundays off as per my father and I being under the impression six days is enough. You will also have three weeks of unpaid vacation you can take and 2 weeks of paid vacation you can take. Please note that these days do NOT piggy back into the next year so you WILL be forced to take them. Either in full or in small chunks. Paid vacation is roughly 5 gallons and 10 sickles an hour, and if things get dire sick leave will be indefinite for about 9 gallons an hour.” 

“I…I can’t accept this,” Remus murmured. “I…I can’t take this.” 

“Consider it a debt paid…for the Patronus lessons…and for not betraying my trust,” Yuu began. “My father doesn’t give a shit about you being a werewolf…and the man who vouched for you? He was very passionate about it.” 

“Man…Padfoot? Padfoot is with your father,” he breathed, grabbing the boy’s shoulders. “Wh…why?” 

“...James wrote down the switch of Secret Keepers. I’m attem…I’m going to Acquit him before Fourth Year begins. Gives me something to do than be under the nose of Malfoy for the summer. I’ll say that the Potter family has books I’m looking to get my hands on and want to play nice with Potter here. He’ll leave me alone and besides…my latest work is going to take time to construct. The materials have finally absorbed enough magic but…forging it will require a more delicate hand and a longer process than before,” he shrugged as Harry and Remus looked at him like he was some sort of alien. 

“I…I need time.” 

“My father is a patient man. But we would prefer your answer by the end of the month,” he quirked a brow, moving to leave. Lupin’s hand’s caught his shoulder and looked up to stare into his eyes. “Yes?” 

“Why…why do this all for me? To repay a debt?” 

“Like I told Black, I knew a lot of people like you. Misunderstood, ignored and rebelling against the people who thought lowly of them. I tried to help them as best I could and I guess it is still a part of me.” Yuu smiled, heading out as Lupin fell against the chair and continued to read the fine print, Harry rushed after the boy intent on speaking to him in depth. 

“..Why..what do you…” 

“Potter, I am a man who repays his debts,” Yuu turned on his heel to face him. “Name one instance where I have not repaid anyone? One?” 

Harry turned silent as he thought and soon found himself coming up blank. 

“Lupin is too good of a worker to let go of. And…he’s a man who's had his whole world thrown upside down. He needs stability…I know the feeling. So…I want to help the one teacher I actually like,” he smirked, tapping Harry on the cheek before moving to enter the great hall. 

Some commotion was going on and Yuu yelped as two arms circled him and dragged him to Gryffindor table where Cedirc was speaking to Lee about something. 

“What the hell! Let me go,” he snapped to Fred and George as Harry made his way over as well. People were asking him if they could have a go at it and if a sponsor had seen them fly, Ron tried to push them back stuttering about as he tried to deflect blame on the twins who stared at him unimpressed with a simple. 

“Did not.” 

“It’s a Firebolt! Two of them! One was addressed to you Yuu,” Seamus coughed, turning to the Slytherin who was straightening himself out. 

“I hate quidditch,” he said through clenched teeth. “A broom doesn’t make a bloody difference!” 

“He seems to think otherwise.” Hermione said, handing him a letter and a notebook. “This was also for you.” 

Yuu took both items, shoving the journal into his pocket and giving a glare to the twins who raised their hands in submission. He opened the letter, stepping back as Harry spoke excitedly about his broom. 

Yuu.

Your father is so much like you, or should I say you are really like him. He’s such a spot on man for James, Japanese descent aside. He didn’t question me too much, seems like he’s quite accustomed to the wizarding world and your antics. He’s agreed to hide me and even offered me a job once you acquit me. I of course said that I won’t need it and would rather the job go to Moony. He raised a brow at the werewolf part, but worked around it. I dare say, you guys are set for life! He’s managed to work out the intricacies of Pureblood culture and his knowledge about business is certainly helping him. He also told me of a certain goal you are attempting to accomplish with mirrors. He didn’t go into detail, but he mentioned that it was a goal in which you would leave and never come back from. I’m sure Dumbledore has warned you that magic mirrors are incredibly dangerous, I know-shocker for a marauder to say such a thing. But, your father stated that you and Dumbledore often work together with one another on your project. Close enough for you to explain everything. So, a Black always repays his debts! I managed to get into Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the House of Black and brought back some books that might help you. I’ll also be willing to help with anything you need until I’m free. Once I move back I’d love for you to come over and do what you need to do. Let you do magic freely to achieve your goal. I also sent you a journal that I wrote about the switch of secret keepers, hand it to Harry would you? See you in a few weeks. 

Padfoot. 

“Idiot,” Yuu sighed, pocketing the letter as Lee shoved the broom in his hands. “What the?” 

‘Come on! You might not like quidditch but the Firebolts are some of the best in the world! Fastest ever!” 

“You want me and Potter to race,” he accused, the surrounding Gryffindor’s and Cedric blushing as they nodded. “Alright,” he smirked. “If I win…then you all owe me a favor.” 

They all turned silent, the fear of being in his debt was something everyone in school aside from the Weasley Twins and Hufflepuff feared to be in. Neville avoided it as much as possible, despite knowing that he was usually in the green.

“And if you lose,” Hermione asked. “It can’t just be one way.” 

“...Free tutoring for the first half of Fourth Year. No questions asked.” 

“Deal,” Harry nodded, he looked far too happy at that moment. “Let's do it!” 

“Honestly,” Yuu groaned, grabbing a hair tie from his pocket and moving to tie his locks back. “Alright then.” 

“Let’s do this,” Harry grinned, the two leaving the Great Hall to the courtyard and mounting their broom. “Three laps around Hogwarts! A circle so no cheating.” 

“3…” Yuu said. 

“2…” Harry nodded. 

“1!” They yelled, taking off into the morning sky. 

“Welcome back Sir,” Mipsy squeaked as Yuu appeared through the floo, Sirius looking at the calendar and the boy in confusion. 

“I dont attend the end of the year feast,” he shrugged. “Dumbledore usually lets me leave early.” 

“Oh…” He said, looking back at his father who was reading…

“Lovecraft?” 

“I was in the mood to think about..life…the cosmos,” he shrugged, placing his whiskey to the side. “Buckbeak has been taken with the horses in our stables. I called a Magizooloigest friend of Dumbledore’s who said he’s an expert on them. He’ll be fine.”
 
“Hmm,” Yuu nodded, Mispy motioning to his stuff. “Take them to my room. Dumbledore will be sending my other stuff later tonight…with the bloody chicken.
” 
``Understood, young sir,” she nodded, moving to put his stuff away. 

“He agreed,” Yuu held up the contract. “He’s coming over once school fully lets out to discuss what is expected of him.” 

“Did Remus try to say no,’ Sirius smiled. Yuu raised a brow as he let out a laugh and fell onto the couch. “Of course. Always one to try and make his own luck.” 

“I see,” Hiro nodded. “I’ll make sure to make some time in a week to meet him and show him around the property for the time being.” 

“He’s insistent on you taking a bit of his pay out a rent,” Yuu handed him the contract, Hiro rolling his eyes before opening it and grabbing other papers to make it official. “I told him you’d think about it.” 

“And I assume he knew it was a no?” 

“Yeah, probably.” 

“Well, he’s going to try anyway. Always liked the persistent ones,” he grumbled, leaning back as Sirius watched the two. “Salazar’s portrait not coming this year?” 

“He’s content to yell at Snape for the summer about trying to get his most brilliant snake expelled for the time being. He will decide later if we wants to come back here and have that stupid fire chicken send him,” he commented. “And I’m fine with that. I learned everything I needed from him last summer about the Basilisk venom. Speaking of, have you taken your doses all throughout the year as well?” 

“Yes I have. We should be safe during the function coming up,” Hiro commented.

“Huh..what?” 

“We’ve been taking increasing doses of Basilisk venom to build up the ultimate poisons resistance,” Yuu explained. “Some Purebloods don’t like us very much. Despite how much they have been profiting.”

"I remember doing it in my youth because of the profession my mother and father had. And I though, why not build up an immunity to wizarding poisons." Hiro shurgged as he moved to pour whiskey into his cup. 

“...You two are actually insane,” Sirius settled with.
 
“Fair enough,” the two spoke in unison, both smirking as Sirius shrunk back. 

“You clean up good Black. The last few weeks here seem to have taken off all the grime,” Yuu commented, taking his coat off and moving to release Crowley. “All you need is some meat on your bones and you’ll be a heavy hitter with the ladies and lads alike. Whichever way you swing.” 

‘What’s that supposed to mean,” he scoffed, but he didn’t seem too angry.

“Hmm,” Yuu smiled, moving to grab a glass from the wine cart and picking up one of the vintages. 

“One glass,” Hiro reminded his son. “Any more and you stay within the house for a week. No experiments.”
 
‘Yes, yes,” he brushed. 

“I see that you have raised him to be a part of high society,” Sirius commented, taking the offered glass as Yuu poured himself on. “Oh…nice,” he breathed after taking a sip. 

“Vintage. Circa 1753,” Yuu read from the bottle. “Must have paid a pretty penny for that.” 

“More like the Notts sucking up to me after your stunt on the quidditch field.”
 
“Speaking of…I didn’t need that stupid broom Black,” Yuu turned to him who shrugged. 

“A good broom can make all the difference!” 

“I don’t like the sport so I care little for it! Besides, that thing didn’t work. I lost to Potter and now have to tutor all of Gryffindor for the first half of the year,” he grumbled, his father looking up from his paperwork to raise a brow at him. 

“The threat of being under a favor from you seems to not have worked. You're losing your touch son,” he commented, smirking as Sirius barked out a laugh and his son scowled at him.
 
‘Still, I am surprised at how you were able to piece together all of that by nothing more than a slip of the tongue from me,” Sirius refilled his glass as Yuu shrugged. 

“I was the one who asked for the details to help him. I agreed with him once he came home for winter break. Most of what happened didn’t add up, and then when I was in the ministry I pretended to act worried for my son and asked for details of the case. I saw that finger…too clean cut,’ Hiro closed the ledger of Lupin’s employment and stood up from his desk. 

‘My father helped fill in some gaps,” Yuu admitted. “It wasn’t all me.” 

“Still though…it’s amazing. You are a family of genius’!” 

“..I guess,” Hiro sighed, pushing his hair back and pinching the bridge of his nose. “Your grandparents want us to visit soon.” 

“...Must we,” Yuu asked, turning to look at his annoyed father. 

“Akira blabbed about the divorce to them and they are setting up options for me,” he grumbled, undoing his tie as Sirius kept silent. “And you as well,” he turned to his son whose face puckered up like he tasted something sour. “I told them it was useless…they are afraid you are a bent boy. Let's not forget they have a reputation to keep, as much as that matters with my old profession.” 

“Hell if I know what I am,” Yuu grumbled. “I’m entering puberty, old people…” 
“A toast to that,” Sirius smirked as Yuu let out a smile. “I can watch the estate while you're out if that’s what you're worried about. And when Moony isn’t able to step in, you can claim muggle business!” 

“Or you can step in for him. That journal you gave me, I took a look and it has some damning evidence. Its worn, obviously so they know it hasn’t been tampered with. Same with James’ I assume. So the trial might be faster. Besides, Susan Bones heard me muttering about the case and wanted a look through my notes. She’s the niece of the head of the DMLE.” 

‘Ah, Amelia,” Hiro remembered. ‘She liked my contracts after Goyle tried to have me arrested for lying. It was all laid out in fine print and of course there were going to be loopholes but none of it breached the contract I made with the Goyle family,” he smirked. “She asks me for mock contracts for the prosecutor exams. Wants more people to see potentials for right and wrong. Asked me to come in and explain what I do with the power of a contract.” 

“...She mentioned my involvement in the case of Sirius Black?”

“She’s willing to hear you out,” he turned to his son, Sirius, looking between them in a mixture of awe and horror. “And only you. So even if you bring Harry Potter, she’s not going to consider what he says. Afraid he might get too emotional.” 

“...That’s fair,” Yuu laid down on the couch opposite of Sirius who spoke up. 

“How much sway do you have in the wizarding world?"
 
“Enough,” Hiro shrugged. “After my initial blast into the stock market with Gringotts and bringing back some old magical artforms on the verge of dying, the purebloods saw a chance to cash in. With that came me drafting up contracts that limited the scope of what they were able to take from the people and me, and of course they got pissed.” 

“And took it to the DMLE.” 

“Amelia took up the cases as they were…messy to say the least,” Hiro nodded. “She was impressed with how much I managed to get away with while within the bounds of both Muggle and Wizarding Laws. And as stated before she wants mock contracts for prosecutor exams,” he nodded, crossing his arms as he leaned against his desk. "I don't mind. It keeps me busy and on my toes. My recent dealings in the regular world have been getting dull and...I do regret going into this line of work." 

"Of course, you would say that," Yuu rolled his eyes and Sirius tried to follow. "If I wasn't born would you still be doing your old job?' 

"Most likely," Hiro nodded, moving toward the mantelpiece where he kept one of his most prized possessions. "How I miss holding you," he murmured, caressing the Thompson contender with a gentle hand before pulling back. "The construction of the training room next to my study should be finished soon." 

"Good," Yuu breathed. 'I'm sick of going to the second floor to do it when I'm always down here in the study." 

"And...why does Bones do so much for you," Sirius asked, drawing them out of their revere.
“Fudge is scared of us,” Yuu hummed. “He’s worried that some prominent gray and light families will back father up and take his ideas to the Wizengamot as proxies for him.” 

“I mean…Bones. Longbottom. Weasley. Diggory. Notts. Malfoy to an extent…possibly Black,” Hiro raised a brow to Sirius who chuckled. “I mean…he’s not worried for nothing. But…I have little interest in that. I just like a challenge.” 

“That’s why you were diagnosed as a psychopath father.” 

“Yup,” he smiled. “When is Potter able to get into the Vault?”

“We set a date 2 weeks from now. Will you have the goblins make us a portkey for us to head directly from Gringotts to the Ministry,” Yuu slurred, sleep wanting to overtake him. 

‘I might. I’ll have to contact Amelia,” Hiro placed his glass down as Sirius took a deep breath.

“I’ll be free,” he breathed. “I..I can’t believe it…Thank you Yu-” 

“Shhh,” Hiro shushed him, pointing to his sleeping son. “He’s tired.” 

‘Ah…sorry,” Sirius chuckled, Mispy reappearing to plop a blanket on him and place a pillow under his head. 

“Would lord father like it for Mipsy to wake young sir an hour before dinner,” she asked, turning to Hiro who shook his head. 

“No need,” he assured her, the elf blushing at it. “If it’s not too much trouble, mind making a room suitable for Remus Lupin across from Sirius’ room? And also clean out the adjoining sitting room between the rooms if you could.” 

“Of course,” she nodded. “Would Lord Black prefer anything in the sitting room?” 

“...Umm…if…if you could make it like the Gryffindor Common room…plush couches…red and golds. Tapestries and a burning fire.” 

“Of course,” she nodded. “Mipsy is happy to help.” 

She left with a crack and the two adults merely sat in silence, the crackling of the fire providing a nice ambiance. 

NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE-COUNTDOWN 1 DAY 

The electronics were fritzing out. 

“I told them I would come to Diasomnia myself,” Yuu grumbled as he walked out of Iginhyde with Ortho and Idia. “I get that they are excited for the party, but still; they should be more considerate about the other dorms!” 

“Um…Yuu? Did you piss off Malleus recently,’ Idia whispered, the boy looking to where he was and swallowing at the two knights at the entrance. 

“...Not that I remember,” he admitted, hugging the two fo them goodbye before making his way to the knights. 

They were donned in armor of the Briar Valley’s Castle Guards. He would know they had come with Malleus’ grandmother to check on him after his overblot. 

“Yuu Fujimaru,” they stood at attention. 

“Am…Am I in trouble,’ he asked, looking between them with a bit of apprehension. 

“By the order of the Queen of Briar Valley, we are here to safely escort you to the dorm of Diasomnia for your Birthday Party.” 

“...The…The Queen brought the royal guards here,” he asked, still not moving. 

“She wanted this to be a protected event,” the first nodded. “She is not taking anything to chance and she has sent the cooks and party planners in advance to make sure everything is up to standard.” 

“...I…I didn’t need any of this,” Yuu stumbled for words. “I’m grateful…but I’m just a human. It’s just a birthday party. Nothing too serious-” 

“The queen believes otherwise,” the second interrupted. “Pardon me speaking out of turn. But we all owe you the greatest debt for making sure that Lord Malleus is still alive.” 

“We owe you a debt for convincing people he wasn’t beyond saving,” the first admitted with a sigh. 

Yuu seized up at the mention of how close they all were to actually killing Malleus because it had really been the only option at that point in time. He gave a shaky nod before moving to head out, he stopped short when he saw a third fae. 

“Hello, I am Diavel. I am the Queen’s second in command. I am here to make sure you arrive not only safely, but to inform you of all the people attending the party to ensure that no undesirables are there,” he smiled, motioning for Yuu to follow him as they walked to the mirror leading to the mirror chamber. 

“I…I mean…All of Diasomnia is invited. I’ve never really met them all and I am looking forward to this opportunity,” Yuu began, a bit nervous as the fae formed a semicircle around him in a way of protection. “And of course this is the domain of the staff, dorm leaders and vices notwithstanding. So if they want to come I’m not going to stop them or anyone else from any other dorm!” 

‘I see, I see,” he nodded, jotting things down on his notepad as they continued to the trek out of Iginhyde. They moved through the mirror to the mirror chamber where Yuu froze at the sight of at least four guards defending Disaomnia’s mirror entrance and two at the entrance to the chamber. “Here is a list of the people not allowed. Be sure to inform me of anyone wanting to come through so I will have time to consult Yuu,” he handed a paper to one of them who nodded. 

“Umm…How many guards are there,” Yuu asked as they went through the Mirror to the entrance of the dorm. His eyes widened at the sight of more guards lining the path to the dorm and patrolling the walls. 

“This is one of the most important parties that the queen has organized herself. She is leaving nothing to chance,” Diavel nodded, motioning Yuu to follow. 

Zazu had clapped him on the back, so had various other people during his party. 

These people were acting like he was some sort of royalty when he wasn’t 

He was just here for a birthday party with his friends. 

He walked up the path, growing more unnerved with each salute the guards gave as he passed, smiling at them nervously to drop it as he passed. Their faces had small smiles in return as he passed, the guards at the gate blowing trumpets to alert the dorm of his presence. 

“Now! Malleus and Lilia have set aside a dorm uniform for you,” Diavel began listing things off as Yuu followed. “Malleus and his friends have insisted on helping you get into the uniform, which will be done soon. First we must get you to the changing room and finish setting up the last of the party preparations.” 

Yuu was breathless as he looked around at all the glittering sashes and banners around, the gold in the room bathing the room in a warm light as fae waiters began placing out the last of the treats and…was that a gift table? 

“Ah,” Diavel smiled, seeing him look at the table. “Gifts from the Ministers and Nobles. The Draconia line rests with Malleus. Fae are…connected deeply with children, and Malleus is young yet. These are simple tokens of gratitude,” he nodded. “Come now. We must get you properly dressed for this night!” 

“R..right,” Yuu nodded, they went upstairs passing by more guards that stood at attention at both ends of the hall. He was taken up to the fourth floor where the Dorm Leader’s own practice room was situated before two servants opened the door to his four friends. 

“Ah! There he is,” Lilia smiled, arms spread wide as he floated over. “The birthday boy!” 

“Hello Lilia Senpai,” he smiled, taking the hand offered to him and chuckling as he was thrown into an embrace. 

“Ah! Lilia Sama! We can’t have him bruised,” Sebek gasped as Silver shook his head at his father. 

“It’s fine! It’s fine!” he brushed them off, moving to the side as Malleus came forward with a smile. 

“Happy Birthday Child of Man,” he smiled, eyes full of tender love as he gazed at the one person who believed he could be saved. 

‘Thanks Tsunotaro,” he grinned back, Diavel smirking at the nickname as Lilia sniggered and the two guards smiled. “Um…before I change…” he reached into his pocket, having made the official things in Iginhyde with paper he had gotten from Vil. Everyone from all the other dorms knew, but he wanted to save this for himself. 

“Child of…Man?” 

“This is an official invitation to my real birthday party tomorrow at Ramshackle,” he held out the invitation to the shocked Malleus who took it gingerly in his hand. “I would be delighted if you came!” 

“I…” 

“I am also inviting Sebek, Silver and Lilia,” he pulled out the other invitation and moved to hand them to their respective people, Malleus was still so entranced with the envelope in his hand. 

A real invitation to a party. 

“I would be honored,” he smiled, holding it close to his chest as the Guards and Diavel smiled brightly at the human child.

He truly was a good friend to their prince. 

“Shall I extend our guards stay,” a smooth tenbre voice asked, Yuu jumping as a clack of shoes and a staff came from the side. He gave a hasty bow as Malleus’ grandmother emerged from the back, a smile adorned on her face as she gazed at her dazed grandson who held the invitation so tenderly. 

“No need,” he shook his head. “It's a small affair with all my friends! We’ll just open gifts, have cake and…spend time with one another,” he smiled, the fae smiling back. “I am thankful for the offer though Lady Maleficent!” 

“Hmm,” she smiled, moving to the side table beside a changing screen where his dorm uniform was situated. “Well, nevertheless. The party is just about ready, all we need is the Birthday boy to change.” 

“Right,” he nodded, grabbing the clothes and rushing behind the screen as Lilia whined to his queen not to bully the boy while Silver told his old man to speak to the queen in a more respectful manner. “Umm…how do I do this,” he yelped, coming out with his belt in his hands, a bit confused as he held it up. 

‘It’s easy,’ Silver smiled, Sebek nodding as he grabbed the thread spools. Lilia watched with a smile as his children helped his youngest, smiling as they giggled and whispered with one another. Malleus approached, invitation stuffed inside his breast pocket against his heart, grabbing the hat and armband. Silver and Sebek stepped back as they finished, Yuu smiling as he presented himself proudly to Malleus who smiled in return. He placed the hat on Yuu’s head, before moving to wrap the armband around his arm. 

“I had a favor called in,” Maleficent spoke up. “That armband holds the insignia of our Royal Family. For you are always welcome.” 

“...Thank you,” he blushed, the Queen lowering her head for a moment before motioning her arm to the door. 

“Come, your party awaits,” she stated proudly, the boy nodding as he moved to head out with the rest following behind. The guards saluted them all as they passed, but Yuu had a feeling it wasn’t in reverence of the queen. They were saluting to him. 

“Stay back for a moment,” Diavel stopped Yuu. “Sebek and Silver shall make their entrance then Lilia. Malleus and Her Majesty will follow. I will then announce you,” he smiled. ‘It’s only proper etiquette.” 

“You’ll be fine,” Silver assured him, resting a hand on his shoulder as Sebek nodded. 

‘Anyone who makes a fuss is to be thrown out immediately,” he smiled. “I suggested it and her majesty was all on board with the idea!” 

“Nothing is going to ruin this night,” Silver smiled, Yuu smiling back as he moved to begin the official processions. 

“R…Right.” He stepped back as the procession started, he swallowed as the group grew smaller and smaller, the sounds of the people of Diasomnia dorm seemingly louder than before as Diavel opened the double doors and spoke. 

“And I hereby present to you the star of the gala. The Honorary Member of Diasomnia Dorm, Beast Tamer of Night Raven College, The Blot Strategist, Prefect of Ramshackle Dorm and the Most Noble Friend of House Draconia! Yuu Fujimaru!” 

Cheers erupted as Diavel stopped to the side and waved an arm out to the crowd of students and Guards who looked up at him with smiles and waves. Yuu smiled back, waving as he walked down the stairs to his friends who looked at him with pride. 

A waiter presented him a flute of champagne, smiling at him as he took it and looked over the mass of students who had their own flutes. 

“I may not have met many of you in my year here, may not have even interacted with a third of you,” he began, their attention all on him. “But I am thankful to be a part of this dorm and have your acceptance despite my status as magicless..or so I think? I made a pen…but whatever,” he laughed, the others doing so as well. “It was scary, that day a month ago,” he turned somber as did most everyone. “But..I never gave up because I believed in you all and the strength in this dorm! While some might see this party as payment to me…I see this as a chance to get to know many more friends! A toast to new friendships!” 

“And a Happy Birthday to you, Yuu,” a student finished, raising his flute up. 

“And a Happy Birthday,” they all called out, raising the flutes up before taking a sip. 

“A Happy Birthday,” Malleus murmured as he turned to Yuu. “To my beloved child of man.” 

“Hehe.” 

“Eh…you gave me a gift your majesty,” Yuu gasped as he jumped up from his place on Diasomnia’s dorm throne. He had tried to open the gifts on the lower level with everyone, but Malleus and Maleficent were not having it. Everyone brought up a gift to him one by one, if they were related to the fae who brought it then they came up with their families gift and would report back to their families. 

The last one had been a beautiful box with ornate detailing, lacquered and gleaming in the candle light. She had taken the box from Diavel who had initially brought it up, moving to give it to the boy who looked at it and her in shock. 

“Yes,” she smiled. “This…is something I brought out from our relics room. I trust you to have this…and to use it should it ever come to that.” 

Yuu took the box, looking at Malleus who looked relieved and Lilia who nodded as if he was in complete agreement with his Queen’s decision. 

“It is a relic blessed with white magic. It’s a simple blessing placed upon it,” Maleficent explained as Yuu opened it. He dropped the box onto the ground, his hand covered his mouth as a scream of shock went through him, he felt sick. 

“Thou Sword of Truth Fly Swift and Sure, that Evil Die and Good Endure.” Lilia said as he watched Yuu with impassive eyes. 

It was a gleaming silver sword, it radiated magic like nothing he had ever felt before. Thorny vines went from the hilt to halfway down the blade, creating an almost erathreal look as it glowed in the dim light. The blessing Lilia had spoken was engraved on the sword in flowing script, like a part of the vines. 

“I trust this with you…should it ever happen again,” Maleficent said to the boy. She wasn’t angry that he had dropped it, she had expected it. “And I trust you to use it…when things are truly hopeless.” 

“No…No,” Yuu took in a deep breath, hand clenched over his heart as he looked up to the queen. “I cannot…will not take it! I can’t! I don’t want it! Take it back! I refuse to have this!” 

“...I ask this of you as a grandmother,” Maleficent began. “What Malleus went through…scared me. At that time…I thought ending him was the best course of action. He was out of control and…there was no sign of him coming back. But you,” she kneeled down, grabbing the box holding the sword. “You held hope he could be saved in the face of such horrible circumstances. You saved my line this time…but we have always been easy to anger…to jilt..always holding onto grudges. I ask this of you…as a last precaution.”

“Malleus is my friend,” he sobbed, hugging himself as he stepped away from the woman. “I…you cannot ask this of me.” 

“I would rather no other person take this than you,” she murmured, holding it out like an offering. 
“I beg of you…please.” 

“You are asking me to murder my friend.” He accused Silver and Sebek tensing at the tears flowing down his face. They were unsure in this situation.

“I am asking you to save him…free him from the pain of hatred,” she inclined her head, the sword still being offered. 

“Yuu,” Malleus’ voice had him turning to the fae who looked at him sadly. “I’m the one who begged Grandmother to give this to you. I want…I desire for you to hold this. I want you to be the one…who would end me should there ever come a time.” 

“...How could you ask this of me Tsunotaro,” Yuu whimpered, Malleus struck with how young he really was. He looked so innocent, so full of life that has not yet seen the true horrors of the world. 

“...Because you know when to give up,” he finally answered, Yuu stared at him for another moment before turning to his grandmother who still had her head bowed and the sword offered before him. He took the box from her, grabbing the hilt he took it out and held it before him; Lilia nodded to himself at the boy's form and regarded him as he would a soldier. 

He closed his eyes as if in pain before releasing his breath and taking the sheath out of the box and placing the blade inside. He turned to Lilia who took it from him and moved to attach it to his side. 

“Thank you,” Lilia murmured as he put the last buckle in place. “You have no idea what this means for us.” Yuu said nothing and Lilia moved back, Maleficent had risen to her feet and smiled brightly at the boy. 

“Nothing changes between us. In fact our bond has grown stronger,” she informed him, looking at him proudly as he wore the blade. Yuu nodded before turning around and hugging Malleus tight. 

“I love you Tsunotaro…I will always try to save you,” he murmured into his chest. He felt the fae’s arms wrap around him kneeling down to be closer to him, holding him tight as he murmured back. 

“And I trust that once all options have run out, you will end my life with that blade filled with your love,” he nestled his head in the crook of his neck and shoulder. 

They stayed like that for a long time, and no one had the heart to pull them apart. And soon enough Silver, Sebek and Lilia joined in, holding Yuu tightly within his embrace. 

“He’s staying with Malleus tonight,” Diavel asked his queen as they directed the cleanup.

“Malleus, Lilia, Silver and Sebek.” she nodded, looking around. “He does not want to be alone,” she sighed. “I…feel regretful for ruining the party..but it needed to be done.” 

“I agree. He is the most trustworthy person to hold onto the blade,” her second nodded. “Though…it is sad that he…was so desperate to not think of the possibility.” 

“That just proves he’s a good friend,” Maleficent smiled, she grabbed a loose picture shaking her head at her grandson’s thoughtlessness as she looked at the photo. 

Sitting upon the throne of Diasomnia, reserved only for the Dorm head, Yuu sat tall and proud upon it. He was flanked by Tsunotaro by his right with Lilia, as if they were his advisors, and they were meant to be beside him forever. They both grinned brightly to the camera as Silver and Sebek stood at attention on his left, as if they were HIS guards. Their smiles were the only thing that ruined the look. 

“He’s a good child…and he’ll be an excellent magician one day too. All he needs to do is get to that untapped potential and unlock it. Hopefully he comes to the Briar Valley this summer,” Maleficent sighed, placing the photo atop the sword box where it lay in wait until its use was unfortunately needed. 

“Indeed! I am going to speak to the man he’s spending the summer with in hopes of coordinating a trip to our Valley,” Diavel nodded. 

“Good,” she nodded. “He’s brilliant in his classes where he can participate, I’ve heard. He’s read and memorized spells as well as their movements. Its all he can do at the moment but his magic allows for flying on the broom and creation of potions.” 

“I heard Crewel has him doing Arithmancy and Rune studies for the time being during practicals. They suspect he’ll awaken his magic soon,” Diavel explained. “But instead of having his waste away they thought it best to have him jump ahead in those departments that don’t require too much magic.” 

“And he’s taken up Astrology as well,” she asked. 

“Yes. He simply is unable to cast spells at the moment, but he’s a keen eye for spells and incantations. He’s sure to be powerful.” 

“Perhaps a tutor might be best for him then. So he can catch up…or not be held back,” she sighed, moving her robes aside to ascend the stairs. “Maybe fate brought him here…or maybe it was his desire for something…” she hummed, sitting upon the throne. “But…in the end I am grateful.” 

“I as well my queen. I as well.But...Lilia has come to me with concerns," Diavel began, Maleficent leaning forward as her brow creased. 

"Oh?" 

"He explained to me that when he began self defense training that Yuu was already proficient with martial arts and non bladed weapons. He showed some skill with both a crossbow and the guns as well, like he had prior experience." 

"A hunter?" 

"Lilia informed me that Yuu was very silent on the matter and only muttered things about his father and his 'old profession'," his face was pulled into a scowl and Maleficent was no better. "I talked with Al Asim and he informed me that his father is a very powerful conglomerate head. But he would not elaborate on that further. He has not been abused in any way, and neglect seems to be coming from the mothers side since he rarely speaks of her and when he does it's less than pleasant." 

"And your suspicions on the father's old profession?" 

"I think we both know what it might have been." 

"Do you think we should continue to train the boy?" 

"...That I am unsure of. He is a good enough marksman in both a bow and gun. His weaponry training could use a bit of work and his martial arts is good enough." 

"How so?" 

"He managed to take a gun off a S.T.Y.X officer and use it against the bots to make his escape easier before his accident," Diavel began. "Reports show that the officer that was stolen from was incapacitated and had a few broken bones that are still healing. Yuu was able to either use incapacitating shots on the living beings in the leg or shoulders while doing kill shots for the bots." 

"During the summer I think it would be best to decide the course of action then." 

"Indeed, but we will not have long with him, I am afraid." 

"...How so?"

"The Shroud Family wishes for him to come to the Isle of Lamination as an apology for what happened. The Kingscholar Family wishes the same, but as a thank you for saving Leona and being a friend of the Crown Prince. The Leech Family has shown some interest in him. The Al Asim family is always happy to see a real friend of Kailm and always look for something to throw a feast for. Schoenheit has offered him a chance to be a model in some upcoming product launch from his brand he is working on...he's going to be busy in the 2 and a half months off. I am currently speaking to all the heads that I can at the moment to come up with something for the boy. But we will be pressed for time." 

"Well...he no longer is lonely," Maleficent commented, Diavel nodding as he moved to the mirror to continue his calls. "Yes...he has made this place his home indeed." 

Yuu snorted to awareness as he opened his eyes to the dim light of the study, grumbling as he sat his stiff body up to look around. 

Empty. 

His father must have left him along with Sirius, not that he was complaining. The last few weeks have been heel either way and he hated how much Draco was pestering him. No doubt because of his father’s orders because Yuu hasn't given him anything substantial the last year. He had managed to push it off for almost a year, but he was getting more and more agitated and Yuu couldn’t really be bothered. 

He made practice mirrors, all of them were duds throughout the year while his ingredients stewed. 

But…none of them were even close to what he was wanting to achieve. 

His latest formula was looking promising though. 

His first real mirror he had made in second year had simply shown him places in the world that had a mirror while not showing himself. It was like a massive spy glass, so he had taken that initial formula, all the potions, runes, spells and materials and began to tweak them. 

All the materials and items used were from his initial stock so Malfoy had no sway over them at all. It was still his in the end, so he had no claim over it; but Malfoy was getting suspicious the more he found out about Yuu and his work ethic. Thankfully this year had kept him busy in the way of Hogwarts drama and he was able to blam his lack of progress on that. 

But when the Summer Gala happened…

He needed to acquit Sirius before that happened and break the contract between him and Malfoy. Make Sirius his sponsor. 

Sure, it was a dick move to get the man into a contract to get what he wanted. But the Blacks were as old as the Malfoy’s and Sirius was the only one entitled to the fortune and seat at the moment. He was his best bet in freedom outside of the school. 

He had three months to fully free him. A month and a half if he wanted out of the contract with Malfoy before the Summer Gala. 

Thankfully Amelia Bones trusted him and his father’s judgment. 

Honestly, he blew out a stream of air in frustration, what a mess this whole situation was. He fell back against the couch, a headache was forming and he was not in the mood. A faint light illuminated the room and he cursed the damned blade that came back with him…he hated that fucking thing. 

He hated it. And when he got back, he’d leave it here in this realm. He’s never going to take it…never…

If only he could figure out the formula, if only he could go back and ask. 

Why? Why did they continue on with life without him? Why? Why? Why? 

Drip. 

Drip. 

Drip. 

The pen grew slightly darker than before, the darkness returning after almost fully vanishing. 

Yuu was none the wiser.

Chapter Text

Yuu Fujimaru was an enigma that everyone in Hogwarts wanted to unravel and understand, but they knew that they would not like the results. Very few had the confidence to speak to him, much less befriend him. 

Which is why no one really messed with Neville too much. 

But Harry? 

Harry only knew three things about Yuu for certain. 

And the first thing he ever associated with Yuu? It was the feeling of Awe. 

From the day in their first practical flying lesson, when he easily stood on his broom and tried to stop Malfoy from throwing Neville’s Remembrall, he felt in awe of this amazing student who seemed to be able to do everything and anything. 

Even now. 

"HAAAA,” Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, watched as Yuu practiced some strange form of Swordsmanship with his trainer. The two were clothed head to toe in black with strange protection over the top half of their body. 

Harry was already in awe of the mansion that Yuu lived in, realizing how rich he really was when they were greeted by the head butler. When they were taken through the large open foyer and into the training room which had ‘just been built’ and where met with the two fighting one another in a mock battler. 

To Harry, they looked like some samurai in those old movies Uncle Vernon would watch when he was in a mood for the classics. The two of them were up in eachother’s faces as they let out war cries to try and throw the other off balance. They pushed one another back with their wooden swords before Yuu managed to push the older man back and slam his sword atop his head. 

“MEN,” Yuu roared out as the ref yelled out a ‘Men-Ari!’

“Shobu-Ari! Yuu!” 

The two of them circled around one another until they were a few feet apart, wooden swords still pointed to one another before they kneeled down and pretended to sheath their swords. 

“You’ve gotten better,” the taller’s voice commented before taking off the helmet to reveal Hiro Fujimaru. ‘Still need to work on your blocks though. I got a Do on you before you got a Kote point on me and evened the score out.`` He looked contemplative as he explained things to his son and Harry had a bit of a hard time realizing that Yuu was learning something. He just didn’t..know it. 

“I told you, I’m more used to European styles of sword fighting,” Yuu sounded annoyed, when did he not, as he took off his helmet and began to strip off his armor. “This is new to me.” 

Yeah, this was weird. 

‘I know. Which is why I am teaching you now,” his father rolled his eyes as he turned to the trio. “We’ll change and then we’ll use the floo to head to Gringotts. I have my own personal connection since I’ve started to trade,” he informed them before heading out.

Yuu turned to them, raising a brow at both Hermione and Ron before he spoke. “Thanks for coming all the way to my house,’ Yuu breathed, handing his water bottle back to the Head Butler who brought them to the duo. Moran was his name, if Harry recalled. 

‘Y..yeah,” Harry swallowed. “I mean..your trying to help Sirius and you said that you wanted to come to Gringotts with me to read the will and-” 

“Potter,” Yuu called, the other stumbling to a stop. “Stuff it. I’m only going because Amelia Bones wished me too. She’s insistent I go since I compiled most of the evidence and I’m a neutral third party in all of this.” 

“He’s right Harry,” Hermione began as she saw him open his mouth. “Yuu had no connection to Sirius or you really,” she informed him. “He’s a Slytherin for one, and he has a reputation of being a recluse so it makes sense why his evidence will hold up more in the trial.” 

“Really,” Ron asked, looking at Harry who shrugged like he didn’t know; which he really didn’t. 

“I’m a third party that was interested in the case. I have no personal or emotional connection to the case. I’m the most reliable,” Yuu began, handing the armor to Moran who took them silently. 

‘So…that makes you more credible?” Harry asked, he didn’t understand it but it seemed to make some sort of sense. 

“Precisely. Head into the study over there,” he pointed to the open door on the right wall. “Me and my father will meet you there once we're presentable.” he waved them off before heading off to shower no doubt. 

“Come along now,” Moran coughed, ushering them to the door as they looked around the large training room in awe. “Take a seat anywhere you wish. They shall be out shortly.” 

“Do they always practice self defense or martial arts,” Hermione asked as they entered the study of an..array of weapons. 

Everywhere. 

“Wow…” Ron breathed, looking around as all manner of swords, spears, guns, knives and all other types of non bladed weapons lined the wall. ‘Wicked…” He swallowed at the sight of some guns on the wall. 

“Is that a real gun on the mantelpiece,” Hermione gasped, looking at the older looking gun that was there on display. 

“Indeed it is,’ Moran nodded. “Sir Hiro’s most prized pistol. The Thompson Contender. Must be manually loaded each time and he’s gotten quite good at it. But it is not loaded.” 

“It’s been years since I’ve used that thing,” Hiro’s voice was strong as they all jumped up and turned to the man who was dressed in a muggle suit. His long-ish hair, which went to the nape of his neck was slicked back, his eyes glowing so brightly they felt as if he was looking into their souls. His suit was a class double breasted pinstripe suit as he moved to grab a rather ornate robe to throw over them. “But…it was nice.” 

“Y…You used this thing,” Hermione asked, pointing to the gun in a bit of fear. 

“Hhhmmm,” he shrugged. “It was a long time ago. Sure I keep up with using guns every now and then, but I don’t use them all that often,” he smiled. He took off his suit jacket and grabbed a piece of leather he began to buckle on his chest, he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a…a GUN?

“You…You can’t bring that into Gringotts,” Ron yelped, looking anxious as Hiro loaded up a full clip and grabbed another one to place in the spot opposite of his holster. 

“Never can be too prepared,” Was all Hiro told him as he holstered the gun and placed his jacket and robe on. “It’s a force of habit from when I was younger. I grew up with World War, both actually, parents...in the Cold War Era."  

“I…You grew up in America,” Harry asked, having heard of the cold war from history class in primary school. 

“No…my parents were Japanese Diplomats to America,” he smiled. “There was obviously tension left over from WWII. So..better safe than sorry as they always liked to say.” His smile was soulless as the one he gave Lucius Malfoy nearly two years ago. “And well….old habits die hard I guess.” He shrugged as Yuu entered with a huff. “There he is.” 

“Shall we. I don’t want to…” he trailed off, head turning to the window with a contemplative look. “Father?” He looked annoyed as he turned to his father who had a similar look on his face. 

“I will speak to Amelia about it later,” he sighed, motioning his son over. They noted he was wearing the same version of his father’s suit, but in dark navy blue. “I swear, you’d think after being caught twice by not only me but you as well? You’d think he’d leave us alone. And then being reprimanded by Bones.” 

“S..something going on?” Harry spoke up, feeling a bit unsure of himself as they both held annoyed and suspicious looks on their faces. 

“Don't worry about it,” Yuu brushed off, heading to the mantelpiece before he slowed down to glower at a sword mounted behind the gun. “Stupid thing,” he grunted, grabbing floo powder before yelling out-”GRINGOTTS!” 

He vanished in a burst of green as his father sighed and shook his head. 

“It’s his sword,” he grumbled, grabbing his handful of Floo before following his son right after. 

“It’s a beautiful sword,” Harry murmured, looking at the sword which was…seemingly glowing in the bright light. 

“You're right. You think it belongs to his dad,” Ron asked. 

“His father said it was his thought,” Hermione shook her head before grabbing a handful of floo. “Come on. We need to go,” she urged them to grab some floo before she went through. 

Harry stepped back to allow Ron to go through and he took another look at the sword. His eyes narrowed at the sight of something written on the blade. 

“Thou Sword of Truth Fly Swift and Sure, that Evil Die and Good Endure.” Harry jumped at the sound of a deep voice reading the inscription and he whipped his head around the room looking for the male servant or someone only to swallow when he saw no one. “I want you to be the one…who would end me should there ever come a time….Because you know when to give up.” 

Harry didn’t know why, but he felt like crying at the sound of the man saying…those words. He was asking to be murdered…he was asking for someone to end his life…

“POTTER! DID YOU FORGET WE HAVE A MEETING WITH THE GOBLINS! COME ON,” Yuu’s annoyed yell snapped him out of his revere and Harry followed shortly after, looking at the sword one last time as it spoke one more time. 

“I trust you. My dearest Child of Man.” 

Harry was met with Yuu’s annoyed face in the middle of a rather ornate room that held all manner of finery that made his two friends uneasy if the looks on their faces were any indication. 

‘What took you so long,” he glowered at the teen just as Remus appeared.

“Oh! Hello Harry,” he smiled, the trio staring in awe at their former DADA Professor who looked…so much more healthy. 

‘Professor Lupin,” Ron gaped. “Blood hell! You look so much better! OW!” He yelped as Hermione smacked him on the back of the head. 

‘Ron!” She hissed as Lupin smiled, handing a ledger to Hiro who nodded and skimmed through it. 

``No, no,” he raised a hand up to stop Hermione as he approached. “He’s not wrong. I have a stable job, stable home and income. I’m living a regular life,” he gave a breathless laugh as Yuu gave an unimpressed hum. “And I’m not…discriminated against here…it’s great.” He looked so happy over something so simple and Harry couldn’t help but feel the unfairness of it all. 

“You look great,” Harry smiled, hugging the man in his rather…nice three piece suit. “I mean it.” 

“Hiro took one look at me and then dragged me to a barber and tailor shop,” Remus admitted. “That was three weeks ago and he hasn’t asked for a penny since…” 

“I told you,” Hiro slammed the ledger closed. “If you were going to be my proxy in the wizarding world you need to look the part. It was nothing. I just expect you to buy a dinner suit, party suit and a business suit for when we meet with potential business partners.” 

‘Right,” Remus nodded, smiling as Hiro gave a nod back. “And I assume that a haircut is mandatory every few months?” 

“Hair style is up to you. I just couldn’t stand that frumpy hairstyle you had,” Hiro brushed off. “I don’t control your hair, it’s up to you. It’s just the last look you had hurt me,” he scoffed as Yuu smirked. “I need you to file all the other ledgers before you take lunch if you could? And I need you to go over the plans with the Goblins for my office here in Gringotts. As well as your office space.” 

‘Right. I can get the ledgers done and I’ll drop off the notes from the meeting later today? Does 6 PM sound alright?” 

“Why 6? Are you meeting a friend for dinner?” 

“No, I was just going to have a quick dinner before hopping over to your place,” Remus informed him. 

“Remus…you live with us until you can find a house,” Yuu reminded him blandly as Remus blushed. “And we provide dinner anyways. Just come back at 4 perusal. Harry and co are dining with us tonight.” 

“They are?” 

“We are?” 

“Don’t you want to spend time with Remus,” Yuu raised a brow as Harry and co blushed before sheepishly nodding. ‘End of story,” he sniffed, looking away like it was so obvious before a Goblin came in. 

“Ah! Lupin,” he smiled. “Durin and Lothrin are waiting for you in the north wing for the meeting of yours and Hiro’s offices! If you could go?” 

“Right,” he nodded, giving Harry a last hug. “If I could talk to you about space and budget for them and what furniture you’d be able to provide,” he trailed off as he drew farther away and the remaining Goblin turned to them. 

“Come along. We shall take this to a more private room,” he ordered them, the group of five exiting to the office space of the goblins as they strode to the other room.  

“Lord Fujimaru,” the goblins eagerly greeted, the two of them nodding as some joined their stride to the back rooms. “I have noticed that the stock in the nutritional potions market is falling as you predicted when you invested in magical agriculture. I assume you will be wanting to buy that for when Summer comes around and we have a bit of a magical food shortage?” 

“Yes,” he nodded. “I need to gain control of the food market if I am to fulfill the promise I made to the Bones family a while ago,” he hummed. 

“Wh…why do you need control of the food market,” Hermione couldn’t stop herself as they were led into a rather ornate room filled to the brim with finery-more so than the last one. “Your just a muggle..wha-” 

“A magical core is much like another organ in your body. But it’s a special organ,” Hiro interrupted, cane slamming onto the ground as he removed his fedora and handed it to a goblin who took it and his robe. “A special organ that requires a special type of food.” 

“Bu…but that doesn’t make sense! Nutritional potions are for people who have been abused or starved by their parents-” 

“Yes, but they are also used in the way of magical exhaustion via a failing core,” Hiro interrupted her. “A magical core is an organ that requires magic to keep it going. While casting spells makes sure it's healthy like how you might exercise your body, eating right also helps. You'll notice this coming school year that your casting will be easier. I’ve told your parents where to buy magical produce for you to eat. It’s safe for them as well. In fact it will make them healthier,” he smiled, it was a businessman smile that had them tensing. 

“I…I see..” 

“Lord Fujimaru! I have some who are demanding to speak with you about teaching a class,” a goblin began as he rushed in. “He is not backing down! And he has a high position within the ministry to shut down our workings together.” 

‘Not possible. We have a perfectly legal…wait…it’s him isn’t it,” Hiro cursed. “Call Bones!” 

“She’s occupied at the moment.” 

“Have him schedule an appointment with Remus if he wishes to speak with me. I am taking an official step back from the wizarding world for now,” Hiro sighed, pushing his hair back as Harry jolted at the mention of Remus and how he was in fact…working with Hiro. Thet small meeting really hadn’t pushed it into his head. “I need to focus on my muggle business. I am getting a contract with NASA and I need time to work through the kinks…” 

“I am afraid that he has pushed past Remus and is demanding you directly,” the goblin admitted. “He’s not stopping and he’s making a ruckus.” 

“That Auror is not one to mess with. I am sure that he knows all too well where you and your son spent Winter and Spring break,” Lord Gringott began as he entered, smirking as Hiro shook his head. “You have a certain…leeway because you are a muggle and your son is a genius. But that Auror does not stop.” 

“I managed to disarm him after pointing out I knew he was following me for weeks and now he wants me to teach a class on situational awareness without use of a wand,” Hiro snarled, standing up. “I assume you will be fine if my son continues on with the proceedings?” He turned to Gringott who looked thrilled at being left alone with Yuu. 

“Your kin are you in the end Hiro,” Gringott smiled as Hiro smirked. “And besides, your son is not one to pry either way.” 

“Take me to the idiot,” he ordered the goblin who nodded, rushing out as Hiro began scowling. 

“Heee,” Yuu smirked, leaning on his cheek as he lounged in a plush armchair. “That Auror really doesn’t give up,” he giggled. “He’s been following me and my father for weeks. Father caught him first and then I did. We led him on for a while and then father decided to confront him,” Yuu giggled, the three feeling very uncomfortable with him. “Ah his face when father put his gun in his face!” 

“Y…He threatened an Auror with a gun,”  Hermione shrieked as Ron and Harry shared shocked looks. 

“Mate…you didn’t,” Ron looked queasy as Yuu laughed and Harry was struck with how eerily similar father and son was. More so than the Malfoy’s. 

“Of course. My father is the head of a powerful conglomerate! The world of corporate is not all glamorous cars and beautiful women you know,” he gave a knowing look as Hermione tensed. “Especially after he divorced my mother, people tend to want revenge in those circles,” he smirked, his face alight with sadistic pleasure. “Besides…my father isn’t exactly innocent,” he sighed, leaning back as he stretched his long legs out. “He began his company at 28 but didn’t commit to it until he was 32.” 

“Wh..why is that,” Ron asked. “Fred and George want to visit his office in muggle London and Percy keeps going on and on about all the advancements he’s made and his professionalism. I know enough…why’d he wait so long to start the company?” 

“...When he turned 18 he had a completely different line of work that paid well but was…dangerous. He left Japan to pursue it, which is why we don’t have a branch in Japan just yet and why he started here in Britain. He quit that job when he found out he was having me,” his voice was solemn as Goblins began to bring forth document after document. 

“Your father is smart…was he British Intelligence,” Hermione chanced. “He mentioned Cold War Parents, and Diplomates deal with many countries…” 

“An apt description, but it’s not my story to tell. He left that life behind a long, long time ago,” Yuu sighed, getting up and taking out Sirius’ journal. “He gave me a normal life and when…when I came back,” he turned to Harry and Hermione who understood the implications of what he was saying. “He taught me how to protect myself in the world of magic, in ways that no one would expect.”
 
“I assume that means when you absolutely nearly murdered all of the Slytherin Quidditch Team for trying to get you on the team…” Harry trailed off as Yuu handed the Journal to Gringott. He gave a wry smile before crossing his arms. 

“I didn’t mean to break their bones,” he scoffed, Gringott raising a brow before shaking his head fondly like he expected him to say such a thing. “My father, when he takes an apprentice or disciple? He demands excellence,” he smiled. “I’ll leave you to it. It’s not my place to hear the dying will of your mother and father,” he passed by Harry who nodded shakily. “I’ll be speaking to DMLE Head Bones,” he explained, moving to the door. “She is only willing to listen to the evidence I compiled about Sirius Black before going through these files.” 

“Why won’t she speak to Harry,” Hermione demanded as Gringott began to pull out a trunk that he worked to open. 

“Because he’ll get overly emotional and he’s attached to the case personally. I, in the end? Am not.” 

With that he slammed the door closed and they couldn’t help but feel as if he was right. Because he didn’t want anything to do with them, he made that clear. He just hated how Sirius was never given true justice and was fighting for that. 

Not for them. 

“Now,” Gringotts began, pulling out an old roll of parchment with the Seal of the Potter on it. “This is the Will of Lily and James potter. Signed on October 1st, 1981.” 

“That’s when they went into hiding,” Harry assumed, the Goblin nodding as he placed glasses on. 

‘Indeed. Along with the Will, we have the personal Journal of James Potter, put in on October 14th, 1981. With that, an acquired notebook of Sirius Black, date found unknown. But preliminary spells and tests have shown no signs of tampering or modification outside of those around a decade ago.” 

“S…So it’s usable,” Harry asked as Hermione grasped his hand in a sign of support. He gave her a thankful nod as Gringotts regarded him with a bored look. 

“That will be up to DMLE Bones to decide. We are here to merely read the will and provide authentication, Mr. Potter.” 

“O..Of course.” 

“Now, to proceed with the reading,” Gringott began, Harry feeling his heart ready to burst out of his chest as he began to read. 

The next two hours were exhausting but Harry knew he needed to speak to Madam Bones about what to do next and eagerly awaited her in the private sitting room they were escorted to after the reading where Yuu and Hiro were out and about. 

‘Harry,’ Hermione nudged him as Bones came in with a frown before it lessened at the sight of him. She began her approach, opening her mouth to speak to him 

“Ah! Mr. Potter-” 

“POTTER!!!” 

Harry jumped as he whipped around to see Yuu stalking toward him with a look of pure fury on his face. 

And he knew at that moment…

He’d been caught. 

He gasped when his collar was grasped and he was thrown against a wall, Yuu’s snarling face in his face as he glowered down at him. 

“You thought I wouldn’t know? You think I wouldn’t figure it out, all magical people leave a trace and it's been killing me to figure out whose it was. And low and behold, its you! Why,” he demanded, pushing him further into the wall as Ron and Hermione tried to pry him off. “Do you enjoy being like your thief of a head of house,” he demanded, pushing him further up against the wall. “Answer me!” His eyes were burning fire that burned his every soul and Harry could only feel sadness at his sin. 

“I…I didn’t think,” he admitted. “I…I just took a mirror! I’m sorry Yuu! I…I wasn’t thinking! I was just curious!” 

“It’s bad enough that McGonagall and my own head of house stole from me,” Yuu hissed in his face. ‘But now you as well! Can I not have peace in the school among my own peers!” 

Harry was stunned. 

He never really…thought about it. 

Hermione had used the time turner to try and corner him to force him into classes, the teachers had tried to threaten detention to get him into classes and even Draco was trying to corner him at every turn. 

He really…wasn’t left alone despite what most people thought. 

He had people from all sides coming after him for some reason or another and he…just dealt with it with his usual sneer and scowl. As untouchable as he seemed, he always was with someone who wanted something from him. 

“I…I’m sorry,” he whispered, Yuu’s eyes alight with fury as he pushed himself away from Harry and took in a deep breath. 

‘Where is my mirror,” he demanded, crossing his arms as he glowered at the boy who lived. Harry was amazed at how his anger could flip on a dime before he realized…they were in public, Yuu couldn’t do what he would usually do and he was acting like this because it was all HE COULD do. 

“I…I put it back in your workshop after the end of the year feast,” he admitted, swallowing as Yuu scowled further and ran a hand through his hair. 

“You know I don’t attend and just head straight home,” he pinched the bridge of his nose. “And to think, this is how I am being repaid for helping you free your godfather, telling Fred and George to give you your father’s map…” 

“I…” Harry was at a loss for words as Yuu continued to scowl down at him. 

“You don’t need to act so violent you know,” Hermione interrupted, face filled with fury as she stood in front of him as Ron began to try and speak to Bones about stopping Yuu from doing anything drastic. “The fact is you should have been expelled a long time ago and McGonagall was only trying to help! Your obsession with Mirrors is not good-” 

“The hell do you know Granger,” he shuts her up with a glare that has Hermione freezing in her place. “Don’t pretend to know me or my true goals. Your head of house may have thought she knew, but she doesn’t and you don’t get to act all high and mighty because you're one of her favorites.” 

“I am-” 

“I don’t want to hear you speak,” he held up a hand to stop her before locking eyes with Harry. “Like I said, Potter. This is how you repay me?” 

“I…What…would you want from me?” He chanced. 

His eyes were analyzing him before they turned to Bones who sighed. 

“I will speak with him once we are done,” she assured him, the boy nodding as he turned on his heel and walked out. 

``You owe me another favor Potter,” Yuu called out, turning just as he was about to leave the room. “I might not have taken the life debt, but you do owe me for stealing from me. Unless you want the press to know you steal from someone of high interest in the Ministry, you will agree to it. And just you.” 

“Harry, don’t,” Hermione turned to the boy who sighed. 

“I…I agree.” 

“He’s all yours Amelia,” Yuu said, leaving the room entirely as the four watched him go in silence. 

“Come along Mr. Potter. We have much to discuss…Alone,” hse eyed Ron and Hermione as they moved to follow. 

“I’ll be fine. Just…stay out of Yuu’s way…please,” he begged them. It took a moment before they both nodded hesitantly and that’s when he relaxed. “I’ll make sure to let you know how it goes.” 

“Alright,” they both nodded, the two moving to sit on the couches and Harry entered the room where Amelia began to take the files laid about. 

‘Now,” she hummed, opening up some files. “Explain to me what you want to do. You. Not what Yuu has informed you about.” 

Swallowing, Harry began to explain. 

A FEW HOURS LATER 

Harry sat in a stupor as Amelia Bones informed him that she would bring all this evidence to the courts within the next week. She was assuring him that not only was the evidence overwhelming but damning as well and that Sirius would be free certainly. 

“And no need to worry about us having to capture Sirius,” She informed him. ‘Once this evidence is shown a man hunt will be on for Pettigrew and an announcement will be made to inform Sirius, wherever he may be, that he no longer needs to hide.” 

“R…really,” Harry smiled, looking up at the stern older woman who gave a kind smile. 

“Yes,” she assured him. “This…all of this,” she motioned to the large assortment of documents before them. “Is as the muggle says, a ‘smoking gun’ and is irrefutable. Your father, mother and Sirius wrote it here in black and white. It even has a signature of Pettigrew. He’ll be free. I swear it.” 

“...Thank you,” he nodded, smiling as she did so too before moving to bundle up all the documents with magic. “I…If I might ask-” 

“Your wondering why I put so much faith in the Fujimaru’s,” She interrupted, giving him a knowing look before shaking her head. “They are…okay people,” she began, pursing her lips. “My niece, Susan Bones a Hufflepuff,” she smiled as he nodded. “He tutors her when she needs it and she’s thankful, but she is very…Afraid of him.” 

“Most of Hogwarts is to be quite frank,” Harry rebuked, the woman giving a small laugh as she laced her fingers together. 

“So I’ve heard,” she hummed. “So I’ve heard. His father is much the same. He takes no prisoners when he makes his contracts and he holds much over the heads of the Sacred Twenty Eight that remain on top. He’s managed to diminish their power through Stock and Contracts. Something they have kept exclusively for themselves because he invested in all of the things…Magical Agriculture.” 

“I’ve heard about that,” Harry nodded. “He expanded obviously…but…” 

“Hiro Fujimaru or Fujimaru Hiro is, as his name suggests, Perfect Abundance,” she smiled. “He has a perfect abundance of many traits. And…I won’t lie. He likes to teach those uppity purebloods that they can’t have everything and that he can remain as untouchable as them should he play his cards right. And he has. And I can’t say that I don’t like it.” 

“But…I can sense you…as much as you like them…your…wary of them?” He began, the woman letting out a small sad smile as she took in a deep breath before explaining. 

“...I’m well aware that Hiro Fujimaru can do horrid things to me without so much as leaving a trace should he so choose. Be it himself or by ordering someone to do it. You don’t get so high in society like him without having certain quirks to be able to survive. Not to mention his circumstances of how he was raised was less...than ideal. The Americans did not have a high regard for the Japanese at the time and the Cold War had many people on edge and many people perceived as enemies,” she informed him. “I only tell you this to warn you…I’ve heard that you’ve tried to…speak to Fujimaru multiple times in the past. I suggest you ease yourself into a natural way of communicating with him. It does you no good to get on his bad side.” 

“....Right.” Harry knew that, all of Hogwarts knew it and all of Pureblood society no doubt knew it as well. But the thing was, now it was double. Harry knew Hiro was just like, if not worse than his son, and that people should be very…very afraid. “And Hiro?” 

“As for Hiro…well. He informed me of his past, what he's had to deal with as a child and now, I won’t say that I’m not scared. But I'm a sturdy witch and I know how to defend myself even if I don’t want to get on his bad side. He’s not one to cross as the Goyle’s have now learned,” she sighed, getting up with the documents in hand. “I’ve heard that you are going to be staying with the Weasley’s for the duration of the trial?’ 

“For ease of getting to the Ministry,” he offered up, standing up as she moved to the door. 

“And Harry,” she turned to him, the boy jumping at her tone. “I suggest you do the right thing and apologize to Yuu. He wouldn’t have lost his temper like that if you hadn’t taken it and held it for so long. I have known them long enough to know that he doesn’t blow up like that unless he was truly upset.” 

“I…I know,” he flinched, remembering Yuu’s rage-filled face that was hollering at him a few hours ago. “An..anything else?” 

“Hmm, do tell the twins that Yuu often complains about to ease up on the prank ideas. He worried enough about his own experiments that he didn't need more to worry about. He’s too young for an ulcer after all,” she nodded, heading out as Ron and Hermione rushed in. 

“Well,” Ron demanded as Hermione gazed at him curiously. 

At his smile they began to relax. 

That is until Yuu came back up. 

“Amelia will need recounts of the night you learned of Pettigrew’s Betrayal,” he sighed, annoyance still on his face. “Since today has been taxing, come to the ministry tomorrow? She’ll get the story from each of you and get it into the official documents. She’ll also need memories as well, so she’ll be drawing those out. I’ve already done mine. But it’s easier to do it at her office to ensure nothing interferes with the process.” He refused to look at Harry and instead looked at the wall behind him, like he was trying to not look at him so he would remain calm. 

“Wh…what about Dinner with Lupin,” Harry asked. “You said-” 

“He got held up. He wanted me to pass the message on. He’s sorry and he’ll message you once he’s free,” Yuu interrupted him. “He’s gotten really busy right now and the Goblins are too eager to please him and my father if they keep the contracts flowing.”

“Right…makes sense,” Harry deflated a bit. He was supposed to spend time with him- 

“You have all summer you know. And getting into a new job is tough,” Yuu reminded the boy who jumped before nodding. How stupid, Harry thought, to be caught sulking. 

“R…Right…but how will we get to her office?” Ron asked, looking around as his parents appeared round the corner. 

“I’ll send you an owl later today. She has a specified password for us because of the trial,” he informed them. “Is that good?”  

“Right.” Harry agreed, the three of them waving Yuu goodbye as he strode out to the entrance of the hall where Hiro was stuck in conversations with no doubt some purebloods. Yuu joined them, donning a perfect smile that had the woman crooning and pinching his cheek. He didn’t push her away and instead gave a sheepish look that Harry marveled at. 

How good he was at adapting to a situation. 

‘Harry, Harry,” Molly gasped. ‘How was it,’ she asked as they moved to enter the main floor of Gringotts. He gave a smile to the woman who relaxed at his happy face

And he soon began to tell them everything that the meeting had offered him. They rushed back to the Burrow where the family awaited for the good news before Mrs. Weasley said a good meal was in order to celebrate. The three soon to be fourth years dug in eagerly as they all spoke of the future, but a single thing weighed heavily on their minds as they moved up to their respective rooms. 

“You know, none of that really surprises me,” Ron sighed as they sat in his room after a hearty dinner provided by Mrs. Weasley. “I mean…Yuu is bloody mental half the time and his father just seems off his rocker too. But to think that he would be able to push the trial up…” 

“His father is no doubt someone who could end us all,” Harry sighed, leaning back against the wall as he lounged in the bed offered to him. “If Bones is to be believed.” 

“Oh she is,” twin voices spoke and they jumped to see both Fred and George in the doorway, peeking in with twin smirks. “Heard you and Yuu got into a bit of a scuffle in Gringotts today Harry.” 

Harry groaned and turned to Ron who shook his head, he didn’t tell them. 

“So…what did you do to get Yuu to yell at you? He’s not one easily riled up by the other houses…his own is a different story,” Fred sauntered in, plopping beside Harry as George dropped onto Ron's bed. “Then again, McGonagall did paint a bullseye on our house for a bit. Which is why we upped our pranks the last part of the year.” 

“And avoided Yuu’s annoyance,” Ron muttered darkly as he remembered Dean and Seamus running into the common room once when Yuu cornered them and demanded them to tell him what their head of house had told them. 

“Despite what you think, he’s rather a rational kid and he’s not one to anger quickly. That’s reserved for people who don’t learn quick enough,” George smirked as he leaned forward. “I heard he grabbed your collar and threw you up against a column. Only did that once to Flint! And boy did he nearly wet himself!” 

“That crooked mouth never learned, especially after Yuu heard him laugh at Draco calling Mione that horrible name,” Fred nodded. 

Everyone flinched at that. 

Flint had…looked less than pretty after Yuu had gotten his hands on him after the whole…slur debacle. Draco…well, he stayed out of Yuu’s sight for a fair bit after that and didn’t even dare to be in the same hallway as him for a while. So those few months were quite peaceful, even if the teachers were the ones to rile him up. 

“I…I asked him what made a mirror so special,” Harry sighed. “I…I was in Dumbledore’s office second year after the whole Chamber incident,” he shrugged, the three of them flinching at the mention of the chamber. “And I saw a journal there labeled number 2 and I saw saw his name on it.” 

“Harry,” George looked unusually serious as did Fred who sat up straight. “Please tell me you didn’t…you didn’t read it?” He looked so scared in that moment and Harry couldn’t help but feel a bit of shame go through him as he looked at his hands. 

“Mate that’s his hopes and dreams in those journals. He told us everything about what happened a few months ago. Those teachers took that journal and read through the entire thing. They…they threatened to expel him over the content….don’t tell me you asked him about his mirror,” Fred breath, turning to Harry who sighed. 

“I…It wasn’t the journal that got him mad. He had a bunch of spells and charms on it that I could barely read,” Harry admitted and the twins seemed to know what he meant. 

“Damnit Potter,” they yelped, turning on him with twin glowers. “We warned you,’ Fred began. “We warned you when we gave you the map!” 

“Do not follow him or search him out on the map at all,” George finished. “That was our only stipulation on giving you the map on Yuu’s recommendation…you found one of his research labs…didn’t you?” 

“I…I took a mirror.” 

“HARRY!” 

“I..I was curious as to what he was always doing alone or when he was with Dumbledore! He…he…he gets away with so much. I just wanted to know what he’s been obsessed with for so long!” he defended himself, the twins looking ready to either strangle him or yell at him; maybe both with how much they were muttering and looking like he was insane. 

“Harry you don’t understand,” Fred began, George tensing as they thought back to their 4th year and the anguish Yuu had over the failed Mirror. “Harry, this means so much to him. He…remember your second year? When he came out all bloody that one day.” 

“Fred-” George hissed. 

“They need to know,” he told his brother. 

“W..what about that day,” Ron demanded. “He…he probably beat up another Slytherin student-” 

“He made a mirror that he thought would work and when it didn’t he smashed it with his hands,” Fred sighed. “He told us he vowed to never stop until he made a perfect one. Now…we don’t know what he’s trying to do…” 

“All we do know is that it means a lot to him,” George finished. “He’s not a bad kid Harry….he’s just…lonely.” 

“He never makes an effort to make friends-” 

“Harry…,” Fred sighed. “Think about it. If he came in this year. You're a third year, and he’s a first. And he’s suddenly doing all these amazing things and ignoring everyone and everything? What would your first thought be?” 

“That he’s a prat. And a know it all.”

“And he hears everyone’s perception of him..he’s not going to find it worthwhile to make friends, you know. That’s why he acts the way he does…he’s trying to protect himself.” 

“I say he protects himself just fine,” Ron grunted. 

“Honestly, you two have had each other since you started school you know. He’s really had no one. He’s only friends with Neville because teachers would always pair them up with one another,” George got up along with Fred. “He’s a nice kid…just hard to break through.” 

“More like indestructible.” 

“Sleep you little third years,” Fred commanded. 

“We’re gonna be fourth years!” 

‘Still third years,” they sang out before rushing out as Ron threw a pillow. 

“Di…did you really take a mirror,” Ron asked, turning to Harry as they began to get under the covers. 

“Yeah,” Harry nodded, running  hand down his face as he laid down. “It was…it was stupidly powerful Ron. I could ask it to look anywhere in the world. My Aunt had a map and I stated random places in the world and it showed them to me, Ron. It showed me those places.” 

“..Wicked…” 

“How powerful do you think he is?” 

“Too powerful Mate.” 

“Yeah…” 

They shut off the lights and fell into sweet oblivion.

THE NEXT DAY 

The next emotion he felt of Yuu? 

Was Fear. 

And it was a common one among all the students of Hogwarts who have gone to school with the muggleborn Slytherin who apparently took the portrait of his house founder home once. Because the portrait wanted to go. 

Many of the older years remember McGonagll pulling Yuu off a bloodied Flint who was unconscious by that point. The boy had pushed and pushed for Yuu to join the quidditch team because he showed NO FEAR at all. He nearly gave Madam Hooch a heart attack when he fell off his broom to grab the quaffle that fell out of one of the chaser's hands before calling his broom back to him. 

The whole quidditch team had stonewalled him from leaving and kept demanding and demanding him to take the form to join the team. He had warned them to leave him alone but they didn’t and he lost it. 

He jumped the beaters first, punching them in the gut before pulling one’s head to his uppercut that sent him into unconsciousness before he tackled another chaser and began to scream at him to leave him be. Flint had tried to stop him but Yuu turned on him and somehow got onto his back and proceeded to choke the boy who tried in vain to get him off of him, but all Yuu did was squeeze tighter and yell about them leaving him alone or there would be consequences. Flint had managed to headbutt Yuu and pull him off but Yuu wasn’t finished before he jumped on the older boy again and proceeded to beat his lights out. 

Snape and McGonagall tried to give him detention and punish him for fighting on campus but he easily dodged it by saying- 

It was either beating the lesson into them or using magic. Which would you have preferred?

That stopped them short and they realized, along with the Slytherin quidditch team-they got lucky Yuu didn’t feel like using magic to teach them a lesson. He got off scott free without losing any points as it was an inner house problem and with detention with Dumbledore…not like that was detention but they needed to do something. 

Many people still feared him to this day…especially after the second time Flint tried to get him on the team. 

And that included his own housemates. 

“What on earth do you want, Malfoy,’ Yuu demanded of Draco as the four of them walked to Amelia’s office the next day. “I told you I wanted you out of my sight for the time being until the summer gala. Why have you sought me out?” 

‘Can we talk about this privately,” Draco demanded as he looked at the trio in disgust. 

‘Are you sure you want to be alone…with me,” Yuu demanded, raising a brow as Draco flinched and looked around nervously. “Now, I have a very busy day helping this Golden Trio,” he spat, jerking his thumb to said trio as they looked at him in confusion at the nickname. “So…what?” 

Harry watched in awe as Draco tried to formulate some sort of answer, the usually loud boy stunned speechless and the three shared a look, very glad that Yuu was not in their dorm…at all. “Why do you want to buy Mispy,’ Draco finally settled on. ‘She’s just a regular house elf. And she’s under the contract you and father signed.” 

“I would rather not have to go through the process of explaining why I need a house elf to the ministry. Especially since they are looking deeper into me and my father…my father especially,” he sighed, the boy pushing up the glasses he was wearing. 

Harry was kinda jealous, he wasn’t going to lie.

Like this they were circular and black frames, but something about them was..magical to say the least. On his right frame on the edge were some dangling chains that held a bat wing, sword, dragon eye and a green scale that jangled with every step he took. He had one of those librarian chains on either side and he looked…older in them. Not to mention more mature. 

“I heard about that,” Draco seemed to be gaining some of his pomp back, looking smug as he stared down at Yuu. “The Ministry looked into your father. They do have people in high positions in the muggle world to ensure those people don’t get any ideas,” he spat as Yuu crossed his arms. “They looked into your father, not much was found on him. At least not from the age he was 18 until he turned 32.” 

“My father is not any of your concern,” Yuu’s voice was strained. “And I damn well know that it’s Crouch Sr. that is looking into my father at your fathers behest,” Yuu spat. “I would stop the witch hunt. You're not going to like what my father is, at all.” He seemed to be serious about it as both Harry and Draco looked at him and his warning words with a bit of apprehension. 

‘What he is,’ Harry heard Hermione murmuring as Draco swallowed. ‘What does he mean?” 

“I’ve heard nasty rumors about his profession before he began the company. Is it true that he knows how to shoot those stupid muggle weapons,” Draco prodded, but his usual arrogance was fading the longer Yuu stared at hime with his usual bored look. 

‘He’s a hunter, yes,” Yuu informed him. “Besides, the muggle world isn’t very kind to people climbing the social ladder quickly. You have to defend yourself somehow. Assassinations are quite common. And I am no stranger to that. And my father even less.” 

“Hmmm.” Draco looked uncomfortable and Harry will admit, he was feeling uncomfortable as well. 

“You seem to have a lot of guts now, of all times,” Yuu commented, striding forward and that's when the three saw Draco lose that confidence fully. “Ahh, you think you're safe because we're in the ministry? Did you forget that I come here on occasion with Dumbledore, they know me and him have a partnership. So they won’t think twice of me putting you in your place,” Yuu smiled as he was face to face with Draco. “Scram.” 

“My father will hear about this,” he promised. “And your not getting that stupid house elf!” 

“You’ll find that once I offer your father an extra point in our contract, I will,” Yuu called as he vanished. “Tch…idiot.” 

Harry was suddenly struck with how…calm Yuu could be when he was angry. Usually he would be a volcano when he got upset enough to act out against some in his house. He lashed out violently when anyone took his book or tried to force him into classes when he just…didn’t want to be there. His anger, from what he saw was a volcano or a dragon. 

This? That was the calm before the storm. 

“Come now, let’s not keep Amelia waiting,” he called to them, striding to the elevators where people walked out of the way when they saw him. 

“You have quite the reputation,’ Ron spoke up, Yuu side eyeing him as he shrugged. “What’d you do for that?” 

“Malfoy Sr. decided that he should share my findings of my various experiments with the ministry,” Yuu began, pursing his lips as they entered an empty elevator and he told them where they were going. “They have been contacting me non stop about my findings and the formulas, processes and how to fix my former failures.” 

“Why would they want failures,” Hermione asked as the door closed. 

‘Because, it’s not a failure in their eyes. They liked them enough that they wanted to make them. Want me to patent it and make a lotta money,” Yuu shrugged. “But I don’t care enough to give it to them. They are trying everything they can to get it from me. Amelia has been doing what she can to stop an inquiry. But…Crouch Sr. found out about my father…” 

“What about your father,’ Harry asked. 

‘Nothing," Yuu brushed off. “Just..some things. About his old line of work. Stupid mistakes you make in your youth you know.” he breathed as the doors opened to Lucius Malfoy and Hiro Fujimaru standing off. 

“Lucius,” they heard the man say as he gave a soulless smile once more. “I have told you time and time again. I have no idea what you're speaking about. Are you sure you got your information from viable sources?” 

“...I am,” Lucius bit out, eyes narrowing at Hiro’s annoyed look. “Not only have you committed crimes in the muggle world, but the wizarding world. Now…that’s not going to go very well.” 

“You’ll find my supposed crimes…have been..greenlighted by certain people high in command,” Hiro gave a happy grin that had everyone unsettled. “As much as you claim to know the muggle world? It’s as dark as the wizarding world. Everything was not sunshine and rainbows with pretty flowers blooming right after WWII you know?” 

“I am aware,” Lucius drawled as he glared harder at an unperturbed Hiro. “Was your former profession why your wife left you,” he asked, Hiro stilling at the jab as Yuu sucked in a breath. 

“...My wife? Was a serial cheater that traumatized my son. She would often bring home men and do things in plain view of my child,” Hiro explained, hands gripping his staff tightly as Lucius backed up at the claims. “She ignored him as he grew older and tried to kick him out once he was claimed to be a wizard. So, you might want to think now why she left. Because she didn’t. I left her.” 

“I…I see,” Lucius coughed as he straightened out his tie. “Even so. Do not think that I do not know about what you and your son have done during the recent school breaks.” 

‘Hooo? And what’s that?” 

“I heard you recently went to the Austrian Alps? Whatever for? Nothing of wizarding or Muggle significance is there.” 

“Now that’s a lie,” Hiro smiled, rolling his staff top in his hand and he gave a wry smirk. “I know, you already know where me and my son spent those weeks. Besides, it’s a nice hiking place either way. But,” he giggled, shaking his finger as he drew closer to Lucius. “You can’t say a word about it, because I have Japan, China, South America and Africa on my side. The European countries already agreed that his treatment was horrid, soo…your beating the dead horse here.” 

“...I will see you at the monthly stock meeting,” Lucius nodded, turning on his heels to stride out. He didn’t even see the four teenagers as he swept out of the room in a billow of black, silver and green. 

“Prick,” father and son said at the same time, the former turning to them with a raised brow before he raised his cane to point at his son. ‘Stop using that language. We spoke about this.” 

“Whatever,” Yuu rolled his eyes, motioning the other three to go forward as his father came closer to speak to him. 

“Yuu, we need to hurry up with this trial in the end and-” their voices soon vanished as the trio entered the office of Amelia Bones who sighed as he rubbed her forehead. 

‘I’ve told both of them that it was a bad idea,” she muttered to herself before shaking her head and moving to grab the needed materials. “I assume Yuu has informed you of what is going to happen today?” 

“Ye..yeah,” Harry nodded, his friends following as they all sat down on the couch as Amelia sat opposite of them. “Yuu already did this?”

“Yes he did and-” 

“I THOUGHT I HAD A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST YOU!” 

“Oh dear,” she sighed as Hiro slammed open the door and strode in with a thunderous look on his face. He approached the decanter and tried to decide on his poison for the day.  Remus appeared a moment later, smiling at Harry as he gave a long suffering sigh as Hiro took a decanter filled with amber liquid. 

‘It’s the middle of the day,” he reminded him. 

“I thought you were going to speak to him for me Amelia,” Hiro asked as he grabbed a glass and poured a bit of something in it. 

“He’s not listening to me or anyone else. He’s determined to get your boy as an Auror when he graduates,” was all the woman said as she took out a vial and other instruments and set them out on the table. 

“I am increasingly finding myself reminding people that I am a muggle,” he sighed, leaning up against the desk as he swirled his drink around. “All I did was bring forth the argument about magical produce and the effects it has on children’s developing core.” 

“Master Applebaum is very much vocal on how much research you did when you first invested in the stock,” Amelia reminded him as she began working on charming the inkwell, quill and parchment as the three students listened in earnest. “On how you offered up your own son for the experiment while she used her own child as well. In the end it was only your child that showed improvement you know,” Amelia eyed him. “Many legal hoops you jumped through.” 

“They consented. Besides, the other kid didn’t have to do anything,” Hiro scoffed, smirking as Amelia gave him a bland look. “And you know my son. He will do anything he can to better himself if it will work in his favor.” 

“You know I am not unaware as to why your son is attempting to acquit Sirius Black, correct,” she hummed, Harry jumping at the sentence before looking back at Yuu who was in a heated argument with some man that Harry couldn’t see very well. 

Hiro gave a soulless smile as Harry turned to his godfather in confusion. 

“I thought he knew people like Sirius and was helping him because of the injustice he was dealt,” Harry demanded, hands clenched into fists as Hiro turned to him and Remus jumped in to assure Harry. . 

‘No, no, no Harry,” he assured him, smiling as Amelia gave him a stern glare. “He is…but…well there’s a lot more to it.” He looked nervous as he looked to Hiro who shrugged as if it wasn’t his problem. 

“If that man hadn’t put a stupid clause in their contract I could have voided it the moment I was made aware of it,” Amelia snapped. “That was one of the stupidest decisions your son has made!”

“Nothing my son does is without reason,” Hiro began, moving to leave the room. “His contract with Malfoy is the same. But he made it clear to me on day one that he became business partners with that family and that he was not going to be under their thumb for long.” 

“...He made a contract with Lucius Malfoy,” Hermione demanded, getting up. “H..How could you not tell us this! He could be putting us in danger! Harry in danger-” 

“Are you so simple minded to assume that it is just Potter that Malfoy is interested in,” Hiro demanded, Remus sighing as he realized Hermione had ticked him off. “Malfoy is a businessman as well as a politician so he knows how to work around people to make them do his bidding. I made myself a target when I monopolized a supposed ‘insignificant’ point in the stock market before making waves in bringing back ancient arts that will make waves wizarding society,” he snapped. “After I made my money and I began to branch out, he wanted in.” 

“Malfoy was complaining about losing money…that was you,” Harry began, Ron nodding as he turned to Hiro who smiled. 

“I made a contract between me and the Malfoy head in which he would be able to make various potions for different facets of magical agriculture and even employ people to help research them. What he didn’t read was that it was up to me and Master Applebaum on whether or not to patent them. I had been working with Applebaum before that to put regulations on potions used in agriculture due to the dependence that could be forced upon the children or a potential long term effect that might show up. They are conducting trials as we speak to see if anything bad will happen.” 

“So…essentially he bought stock…but is unable to cash in on it to the fullest potential? Since he would gain a large amount of money for each potion he gets on the market,” Hermione began. “Because he’s stuck MAKING potions that have a 50/50 chance of being patented or not…he’s losing more money the longer he stays in the contract.” 

“Yup,” Hiro smiled. “He was pretty pissed, but in the end he knew it was his fault for believing me. Unlike the other Purebloods I’ve been dealing with, he’s one that knows that keeping his mouth shut will lead to more…inclusive deals for him.” 

“As much as I know how you like to parade about being able to reign in the Malfoy’s, this is not something you need to concern yourself with. Once more I am thankful for you providing your home for this to be a…better experience.” Amelia began. “But I will now ask you to please leave and allow us to conduct this without outside interference.” 

‘Of course, of course. And by that you mean stop my son from killing your Best Auror,” He smirked, heading out as Amelia nodded as a crash sounded through the office.

“I’VE TOLD YOU NO! NO MATTER WHAT YOU THREATEN IT’S NOT GOING TO STICK.” 

“Yuu please,” Remus wailed out, looking tired as he turned on his heel to rush out. “Don’t break what’s not at home!”

“Well…he could just use a repairing spell,” Hiro shrugged as he closed the door. 

“I swear I will have a stroke with all they put me through,” Amelia sighed. “But…for now. I will ask for a recounting of the night that you found out Peter Pettigrew was the one who betrayed Lily and James Potter,” she began. “I have Yuu’s account along with all the evidence he provided. But your recounts would help us in verifying the story. Lupin as well has given his recounts.”  

“And the trial? When will that be?” 

“Ah…in about a week. Which is why we need this done today,” Amelia chuckled as Hermione and Ron choked. 

“W…What! Why so soon,” they demanded. “They will need time to compile a case-” 

“Yuu’s done that. He’d been doing that since the beginning of 3rd year and he’s just been adding to it ever since. I am going to nix the info about him being the one who compiled it, but it’s a good amount of evidence. Now,” Amelia coughed. “For this to be done correctly. I will need your recounts of a certain night. If you could describe the night you discovered that Pettigrew was the culprit…” 

The next few hours were a right blur for all of them but that night at the Burrow? 

They realized that this perhaps might not be such a difficult process. 

THREE WEEKS LATER

The final emotions that Harry associates with Yuu? 

Is that he is a constant mystery. 

He was the very word Mysterious. 

Yuu is mysterious, his father was very much the same; they were on the same side of a coin, the other side being the side they showed to the public. 

Where did they go in Austria and why is that making people wary? What was Hiro’s old profession? What was Yuu trying to do with mirrors? Why did he want to acquit Sirius so badly? 

It was all mysterious. 

It was the last day of the trial, having been dragged out for nearly 2 weeks now and they finally were going to decide on a verdict. Harry zoned out throughout most of it since his part was finished relatively early on and only kept a watch on Yuu as he helped show evidence that the Wizengamot found out he complied…despite Amelia’s best efforts. 

“If I may call Hiro Fujimaru to the stand now,” a man from the Wizengamot called out as the last piece of the evidence was presented and was being mulled over. 

“Bartemius,” Amelia demanded. ‘What are you doing?” She looked upset as Hiro moved to get behind the podium. 

“I want to know what a Muggle was doing, asking the Weasley Family to look into the finger of Pettigrew,” He demanded as Hiro, calm and collected, took the stand.

“It was in the preliminary evidence. My son had suspicions on the finger of Pettigrew and asked for my opinion,” he began, side eyeing the Trio as Yuu shifted beside them. “I…have experience with things such as this and I thought to throw my hat in the ring, so to say.” 

“And what does this experience entail?” 

“Bartemius!” 

“I don’t think you need to know that. I’m merely a Muggle,” Hiro informed him. “I don’t have much sway within the wizarding world. I just invest in stocks.” he tried to look innocent but it most certainly wasn’t working as the man turned red slowly. 

"Like that’s true at all!”

“Bartemius I would like to remind you this is a case to acquit Sirius Black and not a criminal case against the Muggle known as Hiro Fujimaru.” Amelia was firm on that as she glared at the man who sent one back before turning back on a bored Hiro. 

“I demand to know what you have done to gain control of-” 

“If you have a problem with how I run a perfectly legal partnership with Gringotts I suggest you file a case against me and not use the trial of an innocent man as a place to interrogate me,” Hiro was firm as he glowered at the man. “I get I am not welcome and I plan to throw my hat out of the ring once my son graduates. I don’t plan to stay for long.” He pushed his glasses up as he finished his point. 

‘Muggle are known for their greed,” Bartemius snapped as Amelia slammed her gavel down. 

“Not me,’ Hiro informed him. “Not me in the slightest.” 

“I will not warn you again Bartemius Crouch. This is a case to acquit Sirius Black and not a criminal case against the Muggle known as Hiro Fujimaru. And even then, there is no such criminal activity he has been involved in. Despite what you may think,” Amelia warned as she narrowed her eyes at him. “Sit down.” 

Crouch did that with a sneer on his face as Hiro raised a brow and took a step back as Amelia flicked her hand at him to remove himself from the stand. 

"What were you doing in Nurmengard Castle with your son 3 months ago,” he yelled out, people gasping as Hiro whipped around and Yuu shot up in his seat. 

Harry turned to Hermione who turned pale and looked up at Yuu in horror and confusion as he strode down to his father. 

“That is not public information,” Yuu snapped. “The only way you would have gotten that is if you were lurking in a warded room when I was speaking to my father! You had no right!” 

“I have every right to if you are affiliated with Dark Wizards! Slytherin!” 

“Using my house against me? You're not a school boy,” Yuu spat. “I have special permission to go there to pick his brain should I choose and use his library in my experiments. If you recall, the minister is very interested in my mirrors and what they have to offer.” 

“That is no excuse for going…going to him and…and demanding luxuries for a man that ruined the lives of hundreds-” 

“He was treated worse than an animal because the British Ministry wanted to punish him the most even though he stayed out of Britain. In fact the other ministries have been lobbying for him to have more humane treatment since his magic has been weak for decades!”  

“You have no right in interfering-” 

“Mr. Crouch,” a stern voice rang through the air and the people silenced as Albus Dumbledore appeared with Sirius Black in tow. “I understand that my protoge’s interest in that man is worrying. But it is a purely academic point of view. I am with him every time he goes there. Along with his father.” 

“And why should we trust you about that Dumbledore,” he demanded. “If you were doing the right thing you would have sent this boy to the ministry a long time ago!” 

“Yuu and his creations are not mine to present to the ministry. Even though he does them on school property, all of it is his own material. But as Madam Bones has stated before. This is not an interrogation of the Fujimaru Family. This is about clearing Sirius Black’s name and allowing him to reclaim the rightful position within the Wizengamot?” 

“Th..that was never discussed!” 

“He is the last remaining Black Heir apparent. It is only natural for the seat to go to him. After all, it has been vacant for far too long,” Dumbledore informed him. “It is only natural for them to go back to him as he is indeed the Heir Apparent.” 

“He is correct…” 

"The Malfoy’s have had the seat for far too long!” 

“He would also get Lestrange's seat, correct?” 

“That’s right!” 

More and more whispers erupted around them as Amelia banged the gavel for some semblance of order before she took the offered parchment and read the statement off of it. 

“Sirius Black. On behalf of the Wizangamot and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Any and all charges in connection with the murder of Lily Potter, James Potter and the 13 muggle civilains are now dropped. A man hunt for Peter Pettigrew shall commence on this day. Along with the reinstatement of your Wizangamot order, the seat of House Black and Lestrange are now in your possession along with the connection vaults within Gringotts. You are hereby, henceforth from today onwards…A Free man.”

“With that Madam Bones…I would like to open an investigation into the contract between Lucius Malfoy and Yuu Fujimaru! I believe such a contract between them is unethical and unfair.” Sirius boomed out as the others whispered. 

It was long since known that Yuu was under Malfoy’s grip even though he hadn’t really delivered great results. But they were good enough for the Ministry to be watching him. 

“You do realize that the contract between them is not only legal, but perfectly valid, correct Mr. Black?’ 

“Indeed, I am aware,’ Sirius nodded, Yuu turning to Sirius with an inquisitive look as he continued. “But I feel as if he is being held back! He has had to resort to buying his own material to have freedom to create his own mirrors without the confines of Malfoy’s grip.” 

“How so?” 

“Any mirror, no matter what flaw there may be, is to be delivered to the Malfoy’s against his better judgment. Anything the Malfoy’s find less than satisfactory…they restrict his allowance for materials and that creates even worse mirrors. Not only that, they have forbidden him from attending Mahoutokoro in Japan, where he is a citizen. I want to challenge Malfoy for sponsorship.” 

“Sirius,’ Yuu hissed. “This is not what we discussed-” 

“Hush,” he urged the boy. Motioning for him to stand down as Amelia held a contemplative look.  

“I will take this case,” Amelia nodded, smiling down at Sirius who gave a bow and moved to leave. “I shall inform you when you are to come to my office to discuss official proceedings by owl post. I assume you are still..there,” she asked, raising a brow as he nodded. “Court Adjourned.” 

The wizards in the room fled as Bartemius fumed, stomping out with a few curses thrown their way as Harry rushed down to embrace Sirius who laughed heartily. 

“Freedom looks good on you Pads,” Remus breathed, embracing him tightly when he released Harry.  

“And lookie here. You look great, Moony,” he laughed. “I never see you in a suit! You're always in the shirt and slacks!’ 

“W..wait! You’ve been at Yuu’s this whole time,” Harry realized, leaning back as Yuu sighed. 

“You don’t remember me pointing him to my family home when he fled Hogwarts,” Yuu reminded the boy as Hiro murmured something to Dumbledore who turned stony. 

“O…Oh,” Harry blushed as Yuu smirked and turned to speak with his father. 

“Harry,’ Hermione hissed, pulling him close to Ron and her as she eyed the adults and Yuu. “Do you know what Nurmengard Castle is at all?” 

“Mum mentioned that it was a place a very powerful wizard is imprisoned at,” Ron informed her as Harry looked back too Yuu who looked annoyed as he spoke harshly to Dumbledore who looked tired. 

“Not just any powerful wizard. The first Dark Lord active during WWII that wanted to kill all Muggles. Gellert Grindelwald,``Hermione hissed, Harry feeling as if his stomach dropped and his blood turned to ice as he looked to Yuu who was still speaking to Dumbledore. “In 1945 he and Dumbledore dueled to end the war that had been going on as long as WWII and it was known as the greatest duel in history with Dumbledore barely edging out on top.” 

‘What is he doing going there with his father then,’ Harry asked, pulling his friends closer as they shook their heads. “He apparently goes there a lot.” 

“And he’s fighting to make his imprisonment more…I don’t know? Bearable for trying to kill all muggles,``Ron scoffed. 

“Nurmengard Castle held a lot of magical tombs, grimoires and all manner of magic scrolls. No doubt he’s using the fact he can get him better accommodation in exchange for access to those items,” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Whatever he is planning with that mirror isn’t good.” 

"We could've told you that Hermione,” Ron scowled, crossing his arms as she slapped him on the arm. “OW!”

“Be serious about this Ronald. Yuu is up to something and it’s been way before he even entered Hogwarts.”  

“But…what is it then?” 

“Well-” 

“Oi, you three,” Yuu’s voice startled them and they whipped around to see him staring at them with a raised brow and a hand on his hip as he regarded their tense posture. “Look. As much as I am happy that Sirius is out. We aren’t done yet.” 

“H…Huh,” Harry found himself asking as Yuu turned on him. 

“Sirius is free, that's all well and good,” he began, shrugging as he crossed his arms and turned to look at all three of them. “But he now is the Head of House Black and by proxy House Lestrange. Two of the sacred Twenty Eight. And he’s entered into a beef with the Malfoy Family. It’s going to be a messy summer. But…since he’s the head of two houses he needs…a debutante so to say,” Yuu looked annoyed. “To not only reintroduce him into society but as the Head of House Black and Lestrange. You're his godson, so you're expected to be there,” he jerked his head to Harry. 

“wh…What!” 

“And since you're friends with Weasley, who is part of the Sacred Twenty Eight, he’s expected to come along with his family as well,” Yuu continued as Ron gaped like a fish. “And I am assuming that you will be bringing Hermione as your plus one?’ 

“I..I’m sorry you are going way too fast-” 

“Don’t worry about people not being there. You’ll see Neville for sure since I will bring him in. The Gala is going to be hosted at my house since the Summer Gala was such a success last year and my family was chosen again,’ Yuu looked annoyed. “Anyways…I’ll send details later. Enjoy time with your Godfather.” 

“Yuu,” Hiro looked annoyed as he grabbed his son's shoulder. “We need to leave now. We have pressing matters to attend to.” 

“Right, right,” Yuu brushed off, moving to leave. 

“Remus! Take the week off,” Hiro called when the werewolf moved to follow. “I’m putting it in as your paid vacation time. I’m also telling the goblins to lock your office. Don’t even try.” 

The door slammed closed and Harry could only marvel at Yuu and his father, even after they had vanished from sight. The mere thought of them reared all sorts of theories about them and what they did in free time.

Mysterious indeed. 

Chapter Text

Hermione knew that she and Yuu were birds of a feather. 

Intelligent beyond their peers, bullied and ostracized for it. Having a difficult time making friends. And when she got her letter, she hoped it would change for the better and it did…but Yuu…Yuu was so much more than what she had anticipated. And she really only felt three things for the boy. 

The first thing Hermione ever felt about Yuu? 

It was a feeling of annoyance. 

Plain and simple. 

He annoyed her so much that she wanted to scream. 

Ever since first year when he was given a pass for being out on the grounds at night when she and her friends tried to save Hagrid’s dragon and all lost points. Dumbledore had come in and told off their head of house, informing her that he had given Yuu special permission to roam the castle and a medallion to show he was not to be docked points or given detention. 

It was annoying and it still bugged her to this day. 

“We have another month and a half to get these done,” his voice rang in her ears as she turned around in her seat to stare at him. 

He was dressed as if he was just another person on the street, though he wore all black like he hated any and all color. He gazed at her through his glasses before smirking and crossing his arms. 

“What,” he asked, leaning on the desk behind him as he stared down at her. “What’s with that look?” He joked, like he didn’t know that she didn’t like him at all. 

“What are you doing here,” Hermione was annoyed as he continued to look down on her with that look. “Don’t you have a personal dentist?” 

“Yeah..it’s your father,” he told her, raising a brow as she coughed. “You didn’t know that? I’ve been coming here since I was 9. I had to change my last one since he was convicted of some less than desirable crimes,” he sighed, running a hand through his inky hair. “Where are things 1 and 2?’ He looked around like he expected them to be there in her parent’s office. 

“Their names are Harry and Ron,” she snapped, glowering at him as he shrugged. “I know what you're going to Nurmengard Castle for.” He raised a brow before smirking and shaking his head like he thought she was some sort of cute puppy. 

“Hooo…I guess it wouldn’t fly over your head,” he chuckled, twirling his hair between his fingers like he wasn’t afraid of her. “Most of the Ministry knows it by this point thanks to that bastard Crouch.” He seemed unconcerned, not worried about what she might do. 

Which he most likely wasn’t. The sting of losing to him during second year still hurt and she worked hard to surpass him…but it was useless. He was too strong, too good, too…powerful. 

He seemed like an impossible standard that they all tried to reach to avail. 

“Why do you need help from a man who wanted to kill people like your father,” she demanded, closing her books and getting up to face him head on. She crossed her arms and felt her face move into a scowl but she couldn’t stop it. “It doesn’t make sense. Especially since you seem close to him.” 

He infuriated her so much. 

“That little thief you call a friend should know all about it. Along with that backstabbing woman you call head of house,” he spat, eyes narrowed as his hackles raised. “I’m sure she was so proud of herself to crack the protections I had on my personal journal and share it with all of you. Calling me a fool and a block headed idiot for pursuing something so dangerous. About how she was going to put me on the right path even if Dumbledore sacked her for it…hmm?’ He was challenging her and her own house, Hermione felt her hackles raise as she began to defend her head of house. 

“Professor McGonagall cares for all her students. Not just the Gryffindors-” 

“If she cared she wouldn’t have spread word of what I was doing to her oh so loving Lions,” he spat, standing up straighter. “I’m glad Fred and George stopped people from blabbing, but I would rather not have my plans thrown out into the open.” He looked really upset and Hermione was unsure if continuing to pester him was the right course of action. But she couldn’t help it. She needed to know. 

“And what are those plans,’ she spat, fear was seizing her as he continued to stare deep into her soul like he was reading it.  

“That’s personal and we sure as hell aren’t close enough for something like that to be out in the open,” he scoffed as her parent’s assistant called him to the back. “Later,” he waved off, moving to follow her as Hermione clenched her fist and sat back down, slamming open her books as she tried to push out the feeling of annoyance at his superiority. 

He seemed to have everything figured out and not only that! It was also seemingly handed to him on a silver platter ready for whatever he picked. He had an easy way into the ministry, respect of the Purebloods despite his blood status, and had a choice in any profession. 

He could easily live the high life and she knew for certain that he was, if how he acted at school was any indication. Oohhh! How he made her blood boil! 

Whoever that Auror was that was insistent on getting him into the program right after graduation was just another point in all the others that helped build her annoyance toward the other teen. 

He just did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, he ignored teachers…he knocked out his own head of house not even half a year ago! He ignored McGonagall even though she wanted the best for him and he simply used Dumbledore as a shield as he continued to experiment with dangerous magic on school grounds! How could Dumbledore allow such a person to continue on doing what he was doing! This was just going to lead to him going dark, she knew it! 

He should have been expelled a long time ago!

But he wasn’t…because he was so exceptional, and for that he got a pass. Just like many other people that Hermione knew in history. 

But…then again….unlike those people…he wasn’t so bad. 

He managed to save Harry from the dementors during his game and even risked his own health getting so close to them all. He demanded to be part of the process to save not only Sirius but Buckbeak as well. He tried everything he could to not hurt Professor Lupin when he transformed and even gave him a stable job after he resigned from Hogwarts. 

As much as he annoyed her…he was a very nice person deep down. 

And that annoyed her…because as much as she wanted to find many faults with him. He had something to back it up with. 

He was simply a good person hiding behind a horrid persona and behind the one person even the ministry won’t push. He allowed everyone to see his nasty side that was just so easy to hate because he didn’t want to have people come close to him and simply was content to hide like that 

Which begged the question…

“What are you hiding from?” 

“Me? Hiding from something?” Yuu’s voice shocked her as she whipped around, looking at the clock only to widen at the fact that a whole hour had passed already. “I have you know that I don’t hide from anything,” he smiled. “Even those grubby bastards at the stock market. Both muggle and wizard,” he waved off and Hermione couldn’t help the eye roll at his pomp.

“Why are you even acting arrogant,” she demanded. ‘It’s not like you at all. And it’s not a good look.” He gave her a smirk as she saw through his deception and seemingly dropped it. 

“I was hoping to emulate Malfoy, but I can’t even stand sounding like him,” He sighed, giving an ‘oh what can you do’ type of look and helpless shrug as he opened his eyes to look at Hermione. “Look, I get you don’t like me and I won’t lie, I don’t like you all that much either. But I am asking you to be cordial during the Gala.” 

“O…Of course I am going to be,’ Hermione was offended. Was he saying that she was going to purposely embarrass him and her friends? 

“Look, you like to learn and you like to show people that you are capable and smart,” Yuu began, looking annoyed as he plopped on the desk. “But this is a whole different game,” his eyes narrowed and she jolted at the venomous glare leveled at her. “Nothing is sacred to them aside from blood. It is going to get messy at the Gala and you,” he gave her a pointed look. “Need to keep your mouth shut and not say anything.” 

“I am not going to stand around looking pretty as people slander me or my friends-” 

“Well you're going to have to this time because they will eat you alive,” Yuu snapped, standing up quickly. “The Purebloods don’t hold anything back and trust me they will be making you wish that you where being tortured and kicked out onto the curb. I have practice because of my father, as well as Vil and his father. I know what corporate heads are looking for and trust me when I say they are always looking for blood and anyway to drag you down.” 

“I can take care of myself-” 

“:Not in this situation. You are an expected guest because you helped in the case of Sirius Black. He will be forced to parade you around and you are going to see the dark side of the wizarding world that is fully legal and fully accepted. It’s not going to change and you best remember that you are not a part of that world.” he seemed so serious in that moment and Hermione couldn’t help but hang on his every word because when he was like that people listened because it was only logical. 

“Oh and you are?” She decided to challenge him, his annoyed glare at her not fazing her in the slightest as she kept his gaze.

“Unfortunately Malfoy likes to talk…a lot,” Yuu scoffed, rolling his eyes and he ran a hand through his hair again. ‘They will be coming for me and for you. And it will not get pretty when they start to compare us,” he warned her. “I will take as much damage as possible but it’s going to be hard to get them away from you since…well…you're one of the smartest people in Hogwarts, your Harry Potter’s best friend and you seem to have a gripe with me.” 

“I do not-”

“Hermione, we already established that we do NOT like one another. And the feeling is mutual on either party,” he reminded her with a dull look. “So…just keep your trap shut and…just look pretty?” He gave a pained smile as he shrugged, Hermione feeling pure, unfiltered annoyance bubble in her as she gave a scathing remark back. 

“That was the most condescending thing you have ever said to me,'' Hermione ground out as Yuu shrugged. “Just stand there and be pretty,” she scoffed. 

‘Got your attention didn’t I,” he sniffed, getting up he stretched and prepared to leave before he stopped and turned around to her. “Make sure to just come with Harry or the Weasley’s. Don’t bring your mother or father. I won’t be able to protect them if you're there as well.” 

“What…What does my parents being there have to do with anything if it’s a party about Sirius and it’s hosted at your house-” 

“You have so much to learn,” he sighed, looking sad as he left the room. “I’ll send a booklet of dresses that would be best suited for the Gala. Send me your pick and I’ll have it delivered to your house. I am not taking shit from them at all this year,” Yuu clenched the frame of the door tightly as he took a deep breath. “Just…follow me on this please?” He turned to give her a side glance and Hermione felt the emotions in his eye that locked with her own. 

He looked so sincere in that moment, hoping that she would agree to his terms.

Hermione wanted to be annoyed with him, and she was. Very much so. But something in how he looked in that moment made her hesitate before she nodded, the boy relaxing with a heavy sigh before he gave a two-fingered salute and moved to leave. 

The door closed and the feeling of annoyance was still coursing through her veins as she sat down, closing her book and placing her head in her arms. 

He annoyed her, but everything he did had a purpose; even if it didn't always seem like it would have a purpose. It must be the Slytherin in him, as much as she hated to admit it. 

…So maybe she can be accommodating just this once.

Just this once though. 

A WEEK LATER, FUJIMARU MANOR

The second emotion Hermione felt toward Yuu? 

Was amazement. 

From how he was able to do spells effortlessly, able to verbally tear apart his opponents and seemingly everywhere and nowhere at once. How he was able to spot Harry and Ron during the Polyjuice incident and save Harry from the Dementors with a broom he summoned from the teachers rafters. 

He was an amazing individual, and it was backed by his equally amazing feats he seemingly did with ease. 

“I must say Yuu, your products have been lacking as of late,” Narcissa’s cool voice tore Hermione from her thoughts and she loitered around the drink table at Sirius’ reintroduction into Pureblood Society. “You were so diligent a year ago,” her voice was like honey as her razor sharp gaze turned to a bored Yuu. 

It hadn’t been more then a week after his appointment at the dentist before the Gala happened and she found herself dressed up to the nines with a collar of pearls with a ruby jewel in the center, matching ruby pearl earrings and a black evening dress, off the shoulder with a sweetheart neckline. (Princess Diana Revenge Dress.) 

Yuun was dressed in an all black, but he seemed to take a bit of liberties with his look as he was wearing a dress shirt with puffed sleeves and a corset of all things. But it was just a waist corset that was meant to go under clothes but he wore it over his outfit. He wore the same scale earrings as before along with two rings, a golden one and a back ring with a green gem in the middle. His pants were skinny and he wore knee high boots with a bit of heel, all in all he was wearing something a girl of the punk persuasion would wear. His shoes were red, black and white with a riding crop stitched onto the side for some reason. 

“I know, I know,” he gave a mirthless smile with a shrug. “I have been looking into the properties of some of the ingredients that your husband managed to get me and I needed to do some tests with heat, cooling and the chemicals used in the process. As much as I enjoy the protection spells on my workshop, I would like to know what I am working with,” he gave her a knowing smirk as she hummed and turned to overlook the Gala. “Not to mention the Dementors were a very big hindrance.” 

‘Indeed, I heard that you risked your life to save Potter. Why would you even bother,” she hummed, Hermione grabbing her glass tighter as Yuu shrugged. 

“I was forced into the game that day,” he admitted, sounding bored as he shifted beside the Lady of Malfoy. “I was in no mood to see him end up as a pancake on the ground and thought to save everyone’s sanity that once.” 

‘Hmm,” she smirked, Yuu shrugging with a mischievous smile back. 

Yuu wasn’t kidding when he told her to keep her mouth shut to stay safe. It had been nothing but verbal slandering and fights all night long and Hermione was ready to smash her glass into someone's head and it was only because Yuu was keeping them away from her that she hadn’t done anything yet. 

Yet, was the keyword as she was slowly getting to her tipping point. Which is what caused her amazement toward Yuu to skyrocket as he looked at ease in this…hostile environment. He seemed totally unbothered by it all. 

Only the Weasley’s and Longbottoms were safe to speak too and they all had been dragged into other conversations as Sirius was speaking with some old classmates of his. But with how he looked right now, she believed he could go without all of this. 

‘I will admit,” Narcissa began again. “I am a bit disappointed you do not want to take both your OWL and NEWT’s. You would surely pass both with flying colors, it seems a shame to still be under the thumb of that fool Dumbledore.” 

Hermione felt her hackles raise as she so casually insulted their headmaster and Yuu gave her a side glare to calm her down before he spoke. 

“As much as I agree with the sentiment, I guess you can say I am a bit of a basic child,” he giggled, turning to meet her face to face fully with no doubt a charming smile on his face. “I do want to enjoy my childhood and my time with friends as long as I am able too,” he laughed as she smiled. 

‘I see, I see,” she nodded, taking a sip of her wine before motioning Moran over to refill it. “And how are..your Muggle Studies going? Your father pushed the importance of science, language, math and the likes. I see the appeal so you might not lag behind once you take over.” 

“Hmm, well I am doing alright with them. But it’s not too much of a concern. I am looking into the various positions in the ministry I might go into,” he hummed. “I will change them as I choose.” 

“You certainly have an edge even over our own children,” the Lord Greengrass boomed as he approached. “Narcissa.”

“Lord Greengrass. I assume you are here to try and cajole the boy into coming to you in the treasury department?” 

“Come now Narcissa! The boy has been working so closely with Lucius, allowing the rest of us a chance to offer him the various points of the other workings of the ministry is only fair,” he laughed, his attention turned to Hermione who stiffened at his inquiring look. “Ah! Harry Potter’s friend. The second in class correct,” he snapped his fingers as all their attention turned to her. 

“Yes Lord Greengrass. Hermione Granger,” she nodded as Yuu gave her a warning look. 

“I see we might have your years Head Boy and Head Girl right here with us,” he chuckled as Daphne approached with a veiled sneer on her face, she turned her nose up at Hermione who gave a small glare at the girl who ignored her. 

“We are only going into our fourth year,” Yuu reminded the older man as Daphne turned to bat her eyes at him and attach herself to his side. “I could still end up flunking out.” He gave a small smile that had Lord Greengrass laughing and Narcissa turning to him. 
 
“Perish the thought,” Narcissa chidded with a small glare. 

“Ah! Madam Carrow,Greengrass called to the woman, a bombshell with dark chestnut hair and green eyes began to make her way toward them. 

“Pardon the intrusion, but Mr. Fujimaru,” Madam Elivia Carrow approached with her twins in tow. “Is it true that you no longer have a mother?” 

It turned silent and Hermione whipped her head over to Yuu in shock and disbelief at the new topic of conversation. 

…Truly, nothing was sacred between these people. 

“Indeed, my mother is no longer in the picture,” he confirmed, hand tight on the stem of his own wine glass as he swallowed no doubt the lump in his throat. “ My father has sole custody of me. She is not to come near me at all.” 

“And here I wonder why,” Elivia hummed, her twins smirking as they giggled behind her and pointed at Yuu. “Surely a mother has top priority over her child? A father is a grounding source of discipline, it is a mother’s duty to nurture the children.” 

“Are you insinuating that my father is too…feminine,” Yuu inquired, his voice teetering on a dangerous edge as Elivia smiled. “Or that he is a mad man for divorcing my mother?” 

“Men must have their pride and all I have seen him do the last few hours is hover over you like how a woman might,” she defended herself and Hermione remembered the incident from Amelia’s office. 

“...My wife? Was a serial cheater that traumatized my son. She would often bring home men and do things in plain view of my child. She ignored him as he grew older and tried to kick him out once he was claimed to be a wizard. So, you might want to think now why she left. Because she didn’t. I left her.” 

“You don’t know anything,” Hermione spoke up, Yuu turning to her with a truly frightening look on his face. 

“And neither do you, Miss. Granger.” Yuu’s voice was full of warning. “I suggest you do not engage in a conversation that does not have anything to do with you. It will give you and Potter a bad reputation and with the one you three already have…best not to make it worse no?’ 

‘Get the hell out of this conversation,’ was what Hermione was able to get out of him but she wasn’t going to pay attention to that. 

“Yuu, your father is a good man who juggles a lot in both the muggle and the wizarding world-” She began to protest before he turned on her fully with an annoyed look that if it could, would set her on fire with how intense it was. 

“Which makes it all the more important for you to have a mother in your life. I dare say that your father is the problem if a woman like Akira was leaving him-``Elivia began before Hermione couldn’t stop herself and blurted it out. 

“He left her,” Hermione protested, all conversation stopping as they turned to her. 

“Ho?” Carrow looked delighted at the prospect, smirking as she turned to look at Hiro who was stuck in a conversation with her two older siblings and Lucius Malfoy. “So…he had a less than desirable woman?” She smirked, seemingly thinking she was a prime catch as she licked her lips as Hiro pushed his hair back. 

“Are you calling me something less than desirable Elivia,” Yuu asked, the woman jolting as she whipped around to Yuu who seemingly had a phantom fire engulfing him. “Because I am her son? What makes you so desirable? I seem to recall that you despised my father when he first made his way into the wizarding scene.” 

“That is simple bygones Yuu-” 

“And now? After your husband is well and dead, you're fishing for someone,``Yuu smirked, Hermione swallowing as the atmosphere turned very cold. “I will let you know that my father doesn’t like gold diggers. The only reason he stayed with that woman who birthed me was because he thought it was best for me.” 

“How dare you-” She looked ready to hex the boy before Greengrass pinned her with a warning look that had her stopping. 

‘As if you're hiding your intentions,” Yuu scoffed. “Your intent is written all over you as you're basically drooling over my father and it’s annoying. He’s not looking for any relationships and trust me when I say that my family has more skeletons than I think you are willing to deal with.” 

“Huh! As if your father would be able to survive pureblood society-” She was cut off when someone new joined in on the conversation. 

“Elivia,’ Hiro’s warm voice stopped her and she whipped around to see him with a pleasant look on his face, but he too had some sort of fire within him. “And here I thought I specifically warned you NOT to approach my son this night,” he hummed, crossing his arms as his glasses flashed in the light obscuring them. “After my demonstration last night when you..ah, went in for the kill? I was sure you were going to heed my warnings.” He gave a pleasant smile with all the venom of a cobra as the woman floundered for an answer as she looked at the man a bit nervously. 

A…As if that thing could do anything,” She gave a nervous laugh as Hiro raised his infamous brow and moved one hand to his side. “S…Stop!” 

“I will let you in on something,” he breathed, moving close to whisper something in her ear that had her eyes widening and looking around in both fear and apprehension. 

“W…what,” she whimpered, her daughters grabbing onto her as Hiro gave a smirk. 

“You really expected any of them to be normal,” he asked, cocking his head to the side as she began to straighten herself up and excused herself. “Have a nice night now.” 

“...My,” Narcissa began, turning to Hiro who turned to her with a raised brow. “What on earth did you do to get that shameless vixen of a woman off your back?” 

“I merely informed her of my past occupation that comes up from time to time. It takes me away from the company for a few months every few years or so. Loose ends that I left unchecked because my company went off so fast,” he shrugged. “It wasn’t a pleasant job but it paid well.” 

“I see, I see,” Yuu smiled at his father. “Well, I guess it’s good that we have them then.” 

“Indeed,” Hiro smoothed his son’s hair down as he gazed softly at him. 

“I will admit though,’ Lord Greengrass began. “She had the right idea. You're coddling your son too much! You need to push him to make better products. After all, he is limiting himself after all!” 

“How so,’ Hiro asked, turning to the man who went on a rant about the corruption of Dumbledore and how he was ‘poisoning his wonderful mind’. Yuu stepped back, Narcissa was jumping in to throw in her two cents and Yuu made a move to grab Hermione, yanking her with him to where the Weasley’s where situated for the time being. 

“What the Blood Hell is wrong with you,” he hissed, pushing her closer to the Weasley’s as he glowered down at her and slammed his glass down into the table. “I told you to leave and keep that damned mouth of yours shut! Look pretty and keep that trap of yours shut for the night. What is so hard to understand about that!” 

“Now listen here,” Molly began but Yuu snapped at her to shut it as Hermione spoke up. 

“Yuu! They were insinuating that your father was a bad influence on you and he was the reason your mother left you! That she should have custody of you! When she’s-” She was desperately trying to explain why she did what she did, but even she knew what happened would have made things so much worse had Hiro not intervened. 

“That woman is nothing more than a prostitute moonlighting as wife,” Yuu brushed off. ‘I came to terms with that a long time ago when she told me that she and my father’s best mate would be playing bedroom games,” he spat, Molly gasping as Arthur whipped his head up in shock. 

“I just couldn’t allow them to think that you being with her would be a good idea-” 

“It’s not as simple as that, Hermione,” Yuu looked angry as he continued to take a deep breath. “This whole gala? Is a business meeting and they are out for blood this entire time. Me and my father cannot show weakness. Not only is this a business meeting…it’s also a battlefield between me and them.” He took a deep breath, before fixing his hair and continuing on. “It’s something that is expected every time we meet and it’s something you come to terms with.” 

“My boy, you should leave things like this to your father! I am sure he is more than capable of dealing with-” Arthur was cut off as Yuu silenced him with a wave of his hand. 

“No. I got in a lot of trouble with these damned families once they found out I made a spying Mirror that could look out of any mirror of the world. Non Enchanted.” 

“What,” Hermione hissed as the others looked at him in awe. 

‘It was in my second year,” he turned to Fred and George who gasped as they realized. 

“That time you came out looking all bloody…that was what the mirror failed,” Fred began. 

“Yes,” he nodded. “It wasn't what I wanted but it was enough for me to get on their radar and boy do I regret it. But it can’t be helped. I am a slytherin and despite being…being well a mudblood, they are far too interested in what I can do than what my blood status possibly is.” 

“My boy…you should really let your father handle this,’ Arthur hissed, Yuu turning to him with a blank look before shaking shi head. 

“I am the golden goose, my father just so happens to be a very big bonus in all of this. They are after me and as I grow older they are trying harder to gain control of me,” he snapped, eyes wide before he straightened himself up and turned around to the approaching Daphne. “Greengrass.” 

“Yuu,” she purred, sauntering up to him to attach herself onto his arm. “Parkinson is demanding a meeting with you. He wants to discuss purchasing some old formula that you made but are no longer using. This could be a chance to get him into a contract your father might be wanting.” 

“Thanks for informing me. I’ll have to save my father from your father  in a moment,” he smirked, the girl batting her eyes as she squeezed his arm tighter against her body and Hermione noticed how tense yuu was as she continued to do so. 

He looked like he wanted to push her off, and if this had been Hogwarts he would have had a round of expletives as well as he did it. 

He wasn’t one for being nicer to girls or guys. As he said once. 

“I dislike you all equally until you wear me out enough that I tolerate you” 

“I don’t dare leave you alone with Pansy,” she rolled her eyes, coming in closer so her head was nestled in the crook of his neck. “You smell nice. What is this cologne?” 

“It was handmade for me from exotic fruits from the Amazon and Desert by a very good friend of mine,” Yuu informed her as Pansy spotted them. “Ah..Parkinson has spotted us.” 

“Good,” she purred, rubbing the lapels of his coat down and turning to smirk at Pansy. “She was quite upset that she was unable to…woo you during the third year since you up and vanished on us.” She leaned in closer and Hermione was convinced that she was about to kiss him, she caught sight of the girl’s mother who was smirking at Pansy’s mother who looked very upset by the development. 

Hermione felt sick. 

“Ah…yes. I have special accommodations now,” he began to explain to her as they moved across the ballroom to the Parkinson family that awaited them with some form of eagerness. 

“Poor boy,” Molly sniffed, hand right over her heart as she gazed around at what essentially was the snake's den. “Those vultures got their claws in on him good.” She looked so upset as Pansy attached herself to him and they began to fight over Yuu who looked like he wanted to push them away and then walk away from the whole Gala. 

“Mum, I think you mean those vipers got their fangs in him quite good,” Percy hissed. “He’s a totally different person now and it’s scary!” He looked a bit green as more young girls began to flock around Yuu who spoke to them with a small smile on his face like he was actually embarrassed to have so many girls around him. 

“Damn right it is,” Fred nodded as George looked a bit green taking a sip of his pop before looking over to his friend. Both looked so upset for him and Hermione felt happy that they where at least upset with the whole thing they just saw. 

Hermione felt conflicted. 

She was worried for Yuu, that much was certain after all. In the span of 20 minutes a woman tried to find out a way to marry Yuu’s father while putting him down for being the other woman’s son, claiming his own father was too soft and feminine to raise him. He was being forced upon by Daphne and Pansy, along with a flock of other girls; if their clinging to him was any indication and he was stuck in a tug of war with the Malfoy’s and Ministry if what she was reading into was correct. 

He was in an impossible position and she did not envy him one bit if this is what he dealt with whenever they were invited to a function. 

“He’s good stock,” Sirius’ voice snapped her out of her thoughts as he approached, Harry and Remus in tow. “He might be a mudblood,” he gave a sorry look to them all. “But he’s a genius, magically gifted, recognized by the ministry, he most likely going to go far and by all means he’s not bad looking.” He looked sad as he gazed at Yuu who was holding Daphne’s hand like they were engaged and the girl smirked at both Pansy and Milicent who glared at her. 

“I hate this circle,” Molly breathed, Arthur holding her hand tightly as he looked over to Yuu who had Daphne resting her head in the crook of his neck once more. “That poor boy.” She fanned herself as her husband handed her some sherry while Remus wentz to get some wine. 

“Many Pureblood women are attempting to see if they can land Hiro, as well,” Sirius began. “I lived with him for months and no shortage of women came to the manor,” he shook his head, like the mere thought of those months were uncomfortable. “He might be a muggle but he too is like his son. Good looking, a genius, powerful in the wizarding world without a seat, the ministry is granting him more privileges than most and he’s continuing to break all misconceptions about him the further along he goes.” 

“What were they thinking…getting tangled up in…all this,” Arthur sighed, running a hand down his face as Hiro walked to the small stage in the front of the ball room where one of his servants was motioning him. 

“Well, it’s not like he wasn’t not going to be in this circle,” Fred whispered, looking upset as he took another swig from his pop and turned to glower at the circle around Yuu and the Parkinson family. 

“Yeah,” George nodded. “It was only a matter of time before they noticed what Malfoy and Headmaster were doing for him!” He had crossed his arms as he looked at all the snakes around his friend who took it all in stride, wanting to go up and save him but he knew deep down that would make it so much worse for him. 

“They should just butt out,” they both grumbled, grabbing their drinks as they watched over their friend who had two very…slytherin oriented teens draped over him. He looked cool, composed and in his element, but Hermione noticed that he was straining from saying anything bad with the amount of hesitation he was doing between sentences. 

“He’s more cautious than usual,” Hermione noted, Sirius smiling as he turned to her. “But…the parents should know about his conduct.” 

“Indeed he is; and I am sure they do. They just don’t care if they can’t get him to crack in public,” He agreed with her, all of them turning to the two of them in confusion. “Yuu might be the unofficial king of Hogwarts, with Dumbledore’s backing to boot, but he’s still just an insignificant bug to the eyes of purebloods. And they are doing everything they can to see if they can get him to crack and show everyone the ball of rage he is implied to be.” 

“It’s strange to see him so…calm and normal,” Ron scoffed, Hermione agreeing with the sentiment as she watched as he acclimated to the environment he was in at the moment. Hermione watched as he gave a charming smile to the Parkinson head, shaking his hand before kissing Pansy’s own and moving to head back over to them with a look that was wanting to drop into annoyance. 

“I dare say my boy,” Lucius Malfoy stopped by their table as he drew nearer. “I don’t understand why you are with this…rabble,” he crooned, Arthur seizing up but keeping his mouth shut as Sirius shifted in his spot. 

“Now, now Malfoy,” he began, eyes narrowed in warning as Yuu closed his eyes as if in pain. “This is not your party and you are not the host. Don’t make a scene.” 

“I am merely asking a simple question. I am sure you have heard all about the amazing nature of Fujimaru’s gift,” he hummed, Sirius pursing his lips as Hiro and Remus came onto the scene. “He is a gifted young wizard and to see him mingle around those clearly lesser than him is…a travesty to say the least.” 

“While Potter and Weasley Jr. may not be the most…accomplished of the bunch,” Yuu began, his tone similar to Malfoy’s and Hermione remembered his dental appointment.  He was acting arrogant and she could now see why he needed to do so. “Granger is remarkably intelligent and similarly on the same path as me and Draco,” he shrugged in an ‘oh, what can you do’ type of way. “Besides, I don’t mingle with them because I like too,” he scoffed, Fred and George hiding their sadness because Hermione knew that they just KNEW Yuu had to keep up the act. “Quid Pro Quo.” 

“Ah, yes. Very astute of you,” Lucius complimented and Molly flinched, looking over Yuu with a pitying look. “But even then…you have so much promise going for you. Granger after all…well it’s not like she’s actually trying to branch out. Too content from what I hear to huddle in the library…a noble thing but not something that will get you far unless you wish to take Mrs. Pierce’s position, no?” 

Ah…so this is what Yuu was speaking of. 

They were being compared to one another, and it was not going to be pretty with how much Yuu was tensing. 

“I just have the backing of my father that got me so far, Granger is doing…Okay for what her family is like,” Yuu waved off. “Some of us are born lucky, some of us...not so much,” he hummed. “It’s just a matter of how a person chooses to utilize it. Don’t go picking on her for doing the only thing she knows.” 

“Hmmm.” 

“I’m sure you're not just here to play compared to the genius child,” Hiro interrupted, Lucius turning to him. “I assume you have what I asked for in payment for releasing you from our first contract and redrafting it to be…better?” He smiled as Lucius straightened up, looking like he was about to catch the canary. 

“Indeed I do,” Lucius nodded, taking out an official piece of parchment, tied with a green silk ribbon. “This is the transfer of ownership of one house elf named Mipsy to your employment. I have received funds from your Gringotts vault to purchase another one, as well as a contract indicating I cannot take back Mipsy once this scroll leaves my hand.” 

“I thank you,” Hiro held out his hand, Lucius handed it to him with a blank look that Hiro mirrored. “Mipsy has been an integral part of my staff now for nearly 2 years. It would be a shame to lose her because my son is slowing down. After all, he does want long term effects to not be adverse.” 

“That I understand, but I do need payment for my resources. He might have paid them off in full now, but if he continued with racking up debt it will not be a good look for him come the future,” Lucius warned. “After all, it would not do well for rumors of him not paying debts back for a long time to be circling about.” 

“Indeed, indeed,” Sirius butted in, smiling brightly as Remus pursed his lips to try and hide his smile. “Here you go,” Sirius handed Malfoy a scroll with the official DMLE seal on it. 

“What in Merlin's name is this,” he demanded, opening it and skimming through it. Hermione and her friends watched in awe as he turned an impressive red shade and snapped his head up to glower at Sirius. 

“I will let you know that nothing about our contract is illegal. I am merely helping a muggleborn reach his true potential-” 

“Yeah, no,” Sirius interrupted. “You forbid Yuu from going to any other magical school in the world. Something he neglected to tell you is that he has dual citizenship in both Britain and Japan. So he has an equal right to go to either school. Amelia didn’t like that…at all.”

“...” 

“And,” Yuu interrupted, coming beside Sirius with a vile grin that had the Weasley’s cringing away. “I am sure that all those useless mirrors will do you such good.” 

“..What?” 

“Those mirrors are useless,” Yuu shrugged. “I tested them and they do nothing more than spy. And besides, any of the better functions are made with the same materials I either recreated or purchased myself.” 

“...I was not informed of this,” Lucius hissed, Narcissa closing her eyes as she realized what Yuu had done. 

“Of course you were,” Yuu laughed, Sirius holding in his laughter as whispers began to run rampant. “Mispy informed you I was researching the properties of the given materials. That was not a lie, but it was under my own discretion that I would purchase more on my own or recreate it. That is my own personal materials that she had no obligation to inform you of. Same as if I was making two mirrors with the exact same materials…only one was made with what you provided and was second to the one with the personally purchased items.” 

“...Well played,” Lucius settled on. “Very well played.” He looked like he was going to hex the boy into oblivion but couldn’t because he was next to Molly, Arthur, Sirius and Remus and…Yuu was very close to Dumbledore to the point Fudge didn’t want to touch him. 

He couldn’t do anything without it being scrutinized. 

“Thank you,” Yuu smiled as Fred and George high fived one another and Hermione gave a choked laugh. 

Yuu played him so hard. 

“Court date is in a month,” Sirius informed Lucius as Yuu left the little circle. “And from this day onwards, that contract between you and Yuu is null and void. You no longer have claim to anything he makes and he has prepared to have whatever is left to be sent back by owl post.” 

“Very well. Come Draco,” Lucius called as Narcissa gave a nod to Yuu. 

“Alright then! Parties over,” Sirius called out. “Get out!” He ordered them all, and they seemingly didn’t need to be told twice. 

“No tact,” Hiro and Remus both sighed as they rubbed their foreheads as the purebloods rushed out by floo or apparition.  

“Was that your plan this whole time,” Percy asked Yuu who set to taking off his tie and placing his glasses on. “Was it to publicly embarrass the Malfoy’s and show that you were just like your father?” 

“Hmm…I guess,” he shrugged. “I originally was just going to null the contract, but I needed to get Mipsy out unless I wanted her beaten to death by Malfoy.” 

Crack! 

“M…Mipsy is so thankful,” the small house elf, a female, crooned and she rushed to hug Yuu’s legs. “Mipsy did not want to leave!” 

“Glad to have you under employment,” Hiro smiled, fixing his own glasses as she nodded and hugged him in return. The Servants gathered behind them and Mipsy ran to them with a cry of happiness, all of them hugging her tightly before motioning for her to follow them for the clean up operation, to which she nodded eagerly. 

“Shouldn’t you be worried about the repercussions with Malfoy though,” Harry asked, looking nervous and Hermione shared the sentiment. As powerful as they seemed, they were the Malfoy’s. 

They could ruin everything they had built up. 

“Harry, he messed up by telling Yuu that he had no right to go to the Japanese Magical school,” Sirius chuckled, looking far too happy at that moment. “He was setting in place a barrier much like a magical guardian would, and he’s not Yuu’s magical guardian. It’s Dumbledore.” 

“Is Dumbledore going to be at the trial then,’ Ron gaped as Fred and George gave oohs in the background. 

“Yup and unless he wants to permanently ruin his relationship with the Fujimaru who are already publicly known to be in strong connection with Dumbledore? He’s not going to risk it and he’s just gotten a chance for a better contract between him and Hiro. He’s not going to mess it up. But he will be biding his time.” Remus explained, Sirius nodding as he took a drink from the table. 

“You're right about that,” Hiro smirked, undoing his ponytail and letting his black locks run loose. “But I have my ways. As I am sure you know.” 

‘I still can’t believe that you were…that you still…” Sirius shook his head. “It makes sense why he wants you to teach the new generation of aurors a thing or two.” He seemingly had this conversation before with Hiro who rolled his eyes in annoyance and took the drink Mipsy came to give him. 

“I am not doing that,” Hiro grunted. “I only taught my son what he needed to know, and that’s all. I just wanted to trade stocks now I’m all caught up in this bull,” he grunted as Yuu smirked. “No thanks to you,” he flicked his son’s head who grunted. 

“And now you have a seat,” Yuu winked as Sirius boomed out a laugh. 

“Yup, you do indeed,” Sirius smacked Hiro on the back as he growled in warning. 

“I told you, I don’t want you to act as my proxy in the Wizengamot,” Hiro snapped. “I don’t want to deal with anything more in the wizarding world and this is enough for me!” 

“You should have heard the Flints and Notts earlier,” Remus butted in. “Fudge thinks that giving you the old Gaunt seat might appease you into helping him fund his next reelection campaign.” 

“No….Just no…” Hiro seemed tired as he calmed himself and moved to leave. “Rooms have been set up and you have free reign of the property. Just stay out of my son’s lab,” he called as he left the ball room. 

“You had to do that Moony,” Sirius laughed as Remus shrugged. “I get you were upset he forced that vacation on you, but come on.” 

“What,” Remus asked innocently as they all laughed and Hermione felt as if Yuu was just a regular teen like all of them. 

And she had a feeling that they might be more alike than she gave him credit for. 

ANOTHER WEEK LATER 

The final thing that Hermione came to associate with Yuu? 

Was a feeling of kinship and sadness. . 

Between one smart teen to another. 

It had been about three weeks or so after the Gala and they had all gotten their lists earlier courtesy of Dumbledore who found out they were all going to the world cup via Yuu who was given a ticket by Fudge. 

Fudge of all people. 

He really was sucking up to them. 

Hiro was speaking with Arthur as they made their way through Diagon Alley and Hermione was eagerly waiting for the moment they were going to Flourish and Blotts. Her parents were with her and they were looking for a moment to jump into the conversation as Yuu looked around bored and glowered at some of the Slytherin students who walked away quickly. 

“Well, well,” an old voice spoke and everyone jumped at the sight of Ollivander who held a myriad of packages in his arms. “I haven’t seen you in nearly a year Yuu,” he smiled, the other boy smiling a soft one back before coming closer. “And you Hiro.” 

“Hello Garrick,” Hiro waved, everyone staring between the two as they realized he used Ollivander’s first name. 

“Hiro! I have not seen you for many months now. I must say a profound thank you for investing in the preservation of wandmaking! I have apprentices now! Apprentices! It’s been ages since I had someone interested, much less had one!” He looked so happy as he shooj Hiro’s hand happily. 

“But of course,” Hiro nodded, Arthur looking between them like he was unsure of what happened and Hermione didn’t blame him at all. 

“As for you, young man,” he turned to Yuu who gave a sheepish smile. 

“Sorry, as I am sure everyone knows by this point. I have been busy with the trail of Sirius Black, the whole thing between me and the Malfoys and well…visiting Grindelwald,” he shrugged. The Weasley’s flinched, looking at him like he was crazy for seeing him.

“I see that your thirst for knowledge has not stopped you at all,” the man smiled, leaning down. “But I sense something else…a darkness around you.” He commented, Yuu flinching as he went to his pocket for something before he shook his head and removed his hand.

“Hmm. I’ll come by later this week with the local wood around the prison Grindelwald is in to give you,” Yuu smiled and Ollivander smiled back. 

“Ah, that reminds me I also need to give you the items that I managed to collect from Japan as well,” Hiro hummed, looking thoughtful as Remus began to write the memo down.

“You paid me back a long time ago. You don’t need to do this,” he shook his head, he looked fond and Hermione realized they might be friends after all. “Either of you.” 

“I feel bad, after all you have dealt with me and my father for the last four years and have yet to…well kick me away,’ Yuu sighed, the others moving along beside the twins and Hermione. 

‘Indeed,” Hiro nodded. 

Hermione jolted at his sullen tone and realized that she used to have to have the same one during their first year. She usually was just upset when people called her a know it all and claimed she had no friends, she proved them wrong of course but Yuu…

She remembered the conversation her parents had with her regarding Yuu’s family after the telly had broadcast Hiro and Akira’a finalized divorce.

“Hermione,”  Her mother sighed. “That wasn’t just a normal…corporate couple,” she tested the word before nodding. “Not at all.” 

“Mum, I know that,'' Hermione grunted as she began to take off the jewelry that she wore to the gala. She felt so awkward begging given real jewels to wear and how Yuu and Hiro were dismissive over the fact. 

“Hermione, I don’t think you understand.” Her father began, he looked nervous as his leg was bouncing up and down as he looked through the rent papers of their office. “Akira might have been a loose woman if the papers and Hiro are to be believed and Hiro never lies about much, but she was a genius too. She managed to nab deals in not only Russia but in the Nordic countries that infamously want nothing to do with anything deeply rooted in connection with the EU or NATO which Hiro also helps out on occasion.” 

“Sh…She has,” Hermione gasped. “And he works with the EU and NATO?” 

“Yup,” her father looked a bit green as he confirmed it and Hermione could see why.  

“Akira is a good business woman, but her morals were always loose and it seems like her personal morals were even looser,” Her mother shook her head. “But, back on track. She had the intelligence to match her accomplishments and Hiro is nothing to scoff at as well. As I am sure you are well aware of now after the last two or so months.” 

“Of course I know Hiro is smart,” Hermione snapped. She was a bit put out by how her parents were treating her. 

“Darling…you were always our pride and joy because you excelled so much…but I am sure you notice that Yuu is a bit different,” David tentatively began. “It’s not proven…too much but…Hiro and Akira have shown to have extremely high IQ’s and sometimes people like that are known to produce children with high IQ’s than themselves…” 

“I know Yuu is smart father-” 

‘Yuu is not only smart darling, he’s the one in a million.”

“Huh,’ she turned to her mother who in turn locked eyes with her. 

“Sometimes people are blessed with meeting that one person,” she pressed. “That one person who is a once in a lifetime genius that is going to change the world and I know,” she nodded. “I know Yuu is one of those people. If your ranting about his schooling is anything, he’s holding himself back from shooting forward because he has something to accomplish that he needs done and he doesn’t want to be hindered by other people and their expectation of him for being so…amazing.” 

“How’d you know?” 

“Because, intelligent people, when they find something they so deeply care for and love…well they do anything they can to achieve it. Even if it means they are hindering themselves in life.” 

Suddenly Hermione was reminded of how Hiro held himself back because he wanted to stay with Akira even though she was nothing but…nothing more than a loose woman. 

Hermione thought back to Yuu’s sadden look outside the whomping willow when they went to save Sirius. He was so determined and used everything he could to get to his goal. He even sold himself out to Malfoy to be able to get even a bit closer to his goal. 

“I…I guess so,’ she sighed, undoing her hair as her dad turned to her.

“Hermione…remember primary? When you tried so hard to gain friends?” 

“Dad…” she sighed, ready to tell him off before he held a hand up to stop her. 

“You tried so hard to impress them with the only thing you knew how to do. You were slightly different and sure, you didn’t like it but you kept with it.” 

“Dad, what are you bringing this up,” she demanded, “how is this supposed to help me understand him.” 

“Hermione, you were a smart girl. After a few months you gave up and just enjoyed being you. But you tried again the year after and then the cycle continued. Has Yuu done any of that? Even with the younger years?” 

“...No.” 

“Yuu is so smart that he realized that he shouldn’t even bother and I think that’s a real travesty.” David admitted. “You always held onto that hope, but that intelligence of his just made him realize that if they couldn’t change then he shouldn’t bother and because of that…” 

“I see.” 

“You two are very similar,  Hermione…but I think he might be a bit jealous of you.” 

“Me?” 

“Because you have the capacity to be a bit more normal than him and…I don’t think he enjoys his intelligence if it means he will always be seen as the outsider or the golden prize,” he informed her. “I am sure you have seen that up close as well. 

She had…but she didn’t want to think about the gala. 

“Good night.” 

“Night.” 

`Earth to Granger,'' snapping fingers had Hermione jolting, turning to an annoyed Yuu who had his hand on his hip as he stared at her. “Come on. We’re heading to the Apothecary to get the Potions ingredients. My father's treat.” 

“I don’t need-” 

“It’s an apology for dragging you to that Gala,” Yuu muttered, he looked sheepish as the twins snickered. “And…an apology for being an ass before the gala.” 

“O…Oh,” she murmured, nodding as he motioned for them to follow him as they walked to one of the fanciest Apothecaries in the alley. 

“Yuu! I see your back again for the wares you ordered last time,” the owner, an older woman with a severe look, smiled upon gazing at Yuu. “Your father has spoken to the miners in the Amazon and they have agreed to a deal so I might be able to import more of their wares!” She looked so delighted as she hugged the boy who seemed genuinely happy for her. 

“I’m glad,” he sighed, he seemed happy as he gazed at the older woman who was speaking a mile a minute about the wares they managed to procure her and the discounts she would be providing them in the near future as a thank you for what they managed to do for her. 

“Come on,” Ron nudged Hermione, the girl turning to him as he held out their list. “The longer we stay here the more she might rope us into buying more,” he stage whispered, Hermione giggling as they began their shopping trip. 

The next few hours where a blur of activity between Yuu being hounded by all manner of shopkeepers of high quality stores, Hiro being pulled every which way by people inquiring when he would be selling which stock and his opinion on some of the bills to be passed by the Gamot, to which he simply walked away from, but it was an eventful first half of the day. 

“I dare say, you are quite popular,” Arthur chuckled as they all went to get ice cream. 

“I don’t know why. All I did was get some stock and build up my reputation. And then…well he’s a different story,” he motioned to Yuu who was stuck entertaining some younger kids with playing cards. 

He was quite good with those cards too. 

“I’ve heard an interesting rumor about his latest project,” Arthur probed, Hiro nodding as Sirius looked ready to blab about it until Remus slapped a hand over his mouth.

“Padfoot, don’t,” He warned. “You know how Yuu gets and if you blab I will NOT save you.” 

‘Oh, come off it Moony! I’m sure those rumors about him beating those 7th years into a pulp is a rumor,” he brushed off. Harry choked as Ron and Hermione shared a LOOK between them. 

“Umm, yeah. It’s not,” George hesitantly began. “He beat Flint into a bloody pulp when he tried to make him be seeker.” 

"And he beat the rest of the team into the ground when they tried to help him.” 

“He was in his second year,” the twins finished and both the marauders turned pale. 

“And…no one did anything,” Remus asked as Molly turned to her sons who shook their heads. 

“Well…Snape and McGonagall were going to try but he later asked them if they preferred he used magic and they just let it drop…Cause he’s really scary when he uses magic.” They admitted, like they used that excuse a lot, which they did because it was the truth of what happened that day. 

‘Like really,” Fred finished for his brother as the adults looked to Yuu who was still doing impressive card tricks for the kids. 

“Are you in Hogwarts,” one kid asked, Yuu nodding as he pulled out his wand. 

Hermione had been fascinated by his wand. 

She heard people speak about it all the time. 

It was Ashwood, a unicorn hair core and was around 14 ½ inches. But she heard rumors that the wand had not only flown to him but slammed into the gems that Ollivander had lying around and fused together with the wood. 

It was an alluring mix of dark black stained wood with glowing emerald vines coursing through it like those sci fi movies she watched at home at times. He was rather proficient with his wand and Hermione knew it was only a matter of time before he moved onto wandless magic, since she realized he had mastered wordless spells long ago. 

“Wow, it’s so pretty! Is that a gem in it?” 

“I think you need to head back to your mum,” Yuu urged him, pointing to a woman who was rushing toward them with a determined face. “She doesn’t look too happy.” 

“Oops!” 

Yuu watched with a small smile and Hermione remembered the feeling of such a smile. 

She always found it easier interacting with people younger than her because they were always so impressed by her and wanted to learn more. But it is superficial and being with peers would never allow such a happiness to grow within them. 

“Yuu,” Hiro called, his son holstering his wand as he turned to walk toward his father. “I got called to Gringotts, Remus is going to continue watching you for the time being alright?” 

“Yeah, it’s fine,” he brushed off. “Is it about your ventures into America? Is MACUSA being a bit of sod right now?’ 

“No…it's only a friend of mine from my old job. He’s rearing his head once more after my last warning 5 years ago. I’m going to get the details from them and end this once and for all.” 

“You told Gringotts,’ Yuu asked as Remus looked a bit sick and Sirius shifted a bit in his place, Hermione narrowed her eyes at them as they did so. Why did they react like that? 

“They would have found out either way,” he admitted, Yuu nodding as if he understood. "And besides, it't not like I was hiding it after I decided to provoke...well...you know." 

“Right.” 

‘Make sure to tell Moran, Maria, Eileen, Finnian, and Mae to be prepared for unwanted guests.” 

“Right…” 

“Sirius, do you mind allowing Yuu to stay at Grimmauld Place tonight. I would rather he not be around when things go down tonight,” He gave a lifeless smile and Hermione felt her blood freeze. 

“Nothing about what he says sounds…correct,” she murmured to Harry who nodded as well. 

“...Yeah,” He nodded, turning to Remus who looked queasy and refused to look Hiro in the eye. 

“...You need to understand Remus. I have to deal with this myself,’ Hiro sighed, turning to leave as Remus paled. “I understand you don’t like it, but that’s the matter of fact of everything in my past. You deal with it yourself and you don’t allow others to pick up the slack for you.” 

“Hiro…think about Yuu-” 

“I am,” Hiro snapped, snarling as he turned around to glower at Remus who swallowed in fear. “Why do you think I left when I found out he was going to be born? Why do you think I do what I do every time they show up, I need to deal with it because it was my fault!”

‘Father,” Yuu snapped. “Go. Deal with your old comrade.” He looked serious and liie an adult that Hiro stepped back and nodded. 

“...Right.” 

He straightened himself up and rushed down the street heading toward Gringotts and Hermione couldn’t help but feel as if things were going to get more complicated as time went by. 

“Let’s finish shopping,” Sirius coughed, looking back to Hiro as he vanished inside the building. “Come on.” 

Yuu was silent the rest of the way and Hermione thought she understood. 

Being smart is to be weird to your peers, to know when to stop chasing them, to know what your parents might be going through, and how they might deal with it. 

It was not fun. 

“Sometimes…it sucks to be smart, huh,” Hermione asked, looking at Yuu who jolted at her question she popped up suddenly. 

Yuu turned to her as they walked into Grimmauld Place for dinner courtesy of Molly who insisted they have a family dinner that night. 

“Yeah…it really is.” He admitted, nodding a little bit as his stoic mask fell and the tiredness that came with being smart came over him in that moment. 

That moment, Hermione felt sad for him but she also felt that he would be fine. 

He was Yuu Fujimaru after all.

He never let anything get him down. 

Never. 

Chapter Text

Ron never really bothered with trying to get to know Yuu, unlike his two older brothers who were always either with him or speaking about him. What did they see in that scary kid that was worth working with this entire time. Not only was he downright scary, but he was a right menace half the time and not worth the trouble. 

That’s what Ron thought at least. 

He really only had three things he felt about the boy. 

The first thing Ron ever associated with Yuu? 

It was simply confusion. 

Confusion about the boy who seemingly knew more than anyone and everyone, yet knew nothing about how to act with people. How he commanded a presence in a room with ease and was able to get complete and utter respect with a few simple words and moves. 

Even now, as they spent the night at his…his bloody mansion before the world cup. 

He was such a confusing person.

“He’s offered to let us stay at his place before the World Cup,” Ron was very confused about this course of action. 

‘Yup, Cedric is going to be there as well. Since we’re all going, they thought it would be easier since we are all expected to look for them anyways,``Fred shrugged as Geroge called their mum about some things they needed to pack. “He’s not wrong, besides it makes things easier since we now don’t have to wake up so early for the port key,” he nudged his brother before going up to his room. 

What is he doing? 

That's all Ron can think as he mindlessly packs for the trip they have ahead of them. He’s been in his house…well it isn’t a house as much as it is a manor. He’s been there but it’s never been for an extended period of time and he was not looking forward to this sleepover that he had no say in. 

He did not want to spend more time with that ticking time bomb more than he needed too and the last few months have been just that! He didn’t want to be forced into the same house as him, even if it was large the fact of knowing he was THERE unsettled Ron enough to say he’d take the morning portkey and go by himself. 

“Come on Ronald,” his mum yelled as they all walked to the fireplace. “We mustn’t keep them waiting long! We can’t ignore hospitality!’ 

‘Coming Mum,” he called, rushing down with his bag where his friends were situated. 

‘Honestly Ronald,” she shook her head before urging her children through one by one. Ron stayed back as much as he could, trying to delay the process so he could just…stay away a bit longer. 

He did not want to go. 

“Ron,” his mum sighed, the boy taking his handful before yelling out. 

“Fujimaru Manor!” 

He left the fireplace to be greeted by Hiro and his staff and immediately felt out of his place. 

“Welcome, welcome,” Hiro nodded to them as his servants stood behind him with Sirius and Remus sitting in some chairs off to the side. “I hope your stay for the night is comfortable and that we might get along.” 

“Thank you for hosting us,” Ron’s mum smiled as she shook Hiro’s hand to which he gave a small back. 

“Of course. It’s simpler since Dumbledore suggested it and Sirius was going to look for Potter anyways,” he shrugged as Sirius gave Harry a bear hug. 

Good for his best mate. 

“Um…Pardon Sir,” Cedric called from beside the twins. ‘Where is Yuu? Is he not here right now?” He looked around and out the window and Ron then realized that Yuu wasn’t in the room to make a comment as he usually did. 

Huh, that’s why the air around them was a bit off. 

‘He’s riding his horses in the field. He likes to take a ride to clear his head. Dumbledore just came and they had a heated argument recently about Gellert and Myself. Seems like he doesn’t like speaking to me. Something to do with my past occupation,” he shrugged. “I can have Eileen get another horse ready for you if you want to ride.” 

“Dumbledore was here,” Ron found himself asking, looking to Yuu’s father who turned on him and he regretted speaking up as those eyes locked with his. 

Uggh, he had to open his mouth. 

“Hmm, yes. He usually comes during the summer for a few weeks when I have work that needs to be done. I left some loose ends in my old line of work that tends to rear its head every once and awhile and he comes to watch my son.” 

‘More like egg on him,” Remus sighed, he looked like he aged a decade when he mentioned Yuu. “Do you know how much stress I have had because of you and Dumbledore! Oh Dumbledore is just egging Yuu on his presence! And the two of them just fed off of each other,” he was near the point of crying it looked. “As if I’m not on edge enough because of the recent werewolf activity, Dumbledore has to take him out to the woods for…what is your son even doing.” He demanded, turning on Hiro who raised a bow. 

“Target practice,” was all Hiro said and Remus paled before sitting down. “So, do you,” he turned back to Cedric who shook his head. “Well, while the parents go to Sirius’ sitting room, I can take you to the game room my son has.” 

‘He has a game room.,” Ron snickered with Harry at Hermione’s annoyed question. 

“Yes,” Hiro smirked. “Come along,” he motioned them all the following. 

“Bloody hell,” Ron heard his siblings gasp, he was still in shock at the rather large manor that Yuu lived in. The place was like a summer palace for the rich and Ron couldn’t help the confusion at the fact that Yuu never seemed to mention it or try and hold it over everyone else. He held his superiority in skill and intelligence over everyone…why not wealth? 

“Here we are. Billiards if you wish, some pinball machines, TV with movies. Some snacks, books, some painting materials you can use. It’s basically his relaxation room,” Hiro brushed off as he looked out the window. “What is he doing?” 

Ron chanced a look and gaped as he saw Yuu and the one Hiro called Eileen with swords in their hands as they battled on their horses like back in the old days. 

“T..those aren’t real right,” Fred asked, Hiro raising a brow like he was an idiot before he paled. “He...he’ll be fine right!”

“He will be,” Hiro assured him, shaking his head as Yuu continued to battle with Eileen. “Can’t believe he managed to rope her into it,” he sniffed. “Well, make sure to clean up once you're done or not make too much of a mess. Sirius will come get you all once it becomes a bit later.” 

“I..Is that the school portrait of Salazar Slytherin,” Ginny asked, as she shakily pointed to the bored portrait. 

Ron turned and jolted at the fact that it was the official Portrait of the Slytherin founder that was in…in his home. He turned to look at Hiro who looked bored as he regarded the painting of the famous muggle and muggleborn hating wizard.

“Hmmm, oh yes. He decided to come back this year. Hello Salazar,” Hiro waved, the old founder waving back as he looked over all the students. ‘They are just here for the night before the world cup.” He seemed to be assuring the PORTRAIT more than them…just what was this family!?  

“Good. Yuu’s been distracted enough this summer and I don’t want him to lose that ambition,” the older founder sighed, leaning on his fist as Hiro shook his head. “It’s bad enough that I barely find any of my house worthwhile now, but for the one I have taken an interest in to lose that drive…it would be a shame indeed.”

“I am sure he takes you to his workshop well enough to see he’s made something marvelous,” Hiro raised a brow as Salazar smirked. “So don’t even get on my case about him.” 

“But it’s not right,” he shot back, Hiro shaking his head before he waved goodbye. 

“Oh and thank you for informing me of the rats that came in during the last week,” Hiro smiled. “My staff were able to clean them up with ease thanks to you and that annoying auror grabbed the others. Seems like things are getting interesting…my kind of interest at least.” 

Ron did not like the look in his eye or the sound of his voice. 

“No problem,” Salazar brushed off. ‘I get away from the other three founders for a time and get to watch true ambition in its fullest. Might as well make use of it when I can.” 

“Hmm,’ Hiro hummed before leaving, and it left them all confused. 

‘Um…Billiards,” Bill asked, turning to Charlie who nodded and grabbed a stick as he went to set up the balls as Salazar chuckled. 

“Something funny sir,” Hermione chanced, swallowing as he turned to her before smirking. 

“To think that the two smartest students are both muggleborns, but a Slytherin and Gryffindor. Honestly, just like how things were back then,” he sighed before continuing. “I’m just thinking about how this game will be a bit boring.” 

“B…Boring,” George shook his head. 

“Yuu had to host some of his Slytherin fellows before the gala,” he began. “Malfoy, Nott, Zanbini, Goyle, Crabb, Parkinson, Greengrass, Nott, Bulstrode and the likes. They had decided on a game of billiards and my, what a sight it was,” he sighed, looking wistful as he thought back on it. 

“Who won,'' Ron asked, sitting on a plush black velvet chair as Hermione browsed through the boy's book collection. 

“Yuu of course. But it wasn’t without its drama,” he looked proud to be telling this story and Ron could tell everyone was really invested in it. “He decided to skip his turn three times when he had nothing but two balls left. He chose to sit and listen to their grievances. He ignored them all as he simply sat and closed his eyes to listen to his own thoughts, even with those useless and shameless vixens hanging off of him,” he rolled his eyes. “Honestly, they have no shame in trying to seduce him.” 

“Sirius mentioned pureblooded women coming in to seduce Hiro and get the wife position.” Harry spoke up, looking to the ancestor of Voldemort who sneered. 

‘Well he’s right. I saw it in the week I came back before the gala and it was so pathetic. They called themselves Slytherins when all they are, are nothing more than gold diggers looking for someone worth it,” he scoffed. “At least his former wife had something good on him…you will ignore that,” he warned them, eyes steely as they glared at them all. “Am I understood?” 

‘R…Right!’ 

“Like I said, Yuu skipped three times before going on the fourth one and getting a two and one. It caused an uproar and that stupid blonde idiot thought he used liquid luck to win. Couldn’t accept failure even when he was the one that was failing because he couldn’t hold the equipment correctly.” He rolled his eyes as he thought about Malfoy and Ron snickered as he thought about the beloved founder of those gits house disliking them and calling Draco an idiot. 

If fit. 

“I bet that was a right sight,” Ron nudged Harry who smirked and nodded back, Salazar barked out a laugh, nodding as he agreed with Ron if his sinister smile was an indication. 

“It was, it was indeed. Especially when I put my two cents in and shut that annoying blonde idiot up,” he boomed out. “Ahh, I truly enjoy being here if I can get to see sights like that!” He looked really happy about it too and Ron had the feeling that this Portrait was one of the reasons Yuu was such a terror in Hogwarts as well. 

Dumbledore notwithstanding. 

“Pardon me sir,” Hermione suddenly asked. “But what are these books? Did you guide him to them?” 

Hermione held up two books, one made with leather and having a seashell on it while the other was embossed with gold and had a lock on it. 

“Put those back girl,’ Salazar warned, looking nervous. “Those are personal Grimoires Yuu has. They are very powerful and very important to him. Along with the other three books on the shelf.” 

“Wha..one’s a book on sword techniques and the other is a book on some strange rules. And the third looks like a scrapbook,” Hermione was confused and so was Ron. Those were important to Yuu? 

Yuu, the impersonal king? 

He…well Ron saw the sword techniques and a scrapbook and a cookbook? And those rules were most likely his own that he follows and Ron was not eager to go through that can of worms. 

“Everyone has something, I am sure you are no different. Put them back,’ he warned. Hermione nodded before placing them back into the shelf and grabbing a book from a lower shelf. 

“So…” Fred began as Bill and Charlie continued their game and everyone else did something. “Any other great stories about Yuu? I am sure he acts very differently here than at school.” 

“Oh, much. What type of damage do you want?” He asked, leaning back in his chair like he was expecting them to take the bait. 

“Well…Gred,” George began. 

‘Indeed…Forge,” Fred smiled. 

“Anything good you got!” 

“Well, let’s see…when he tried to break in that horse that the Notts gifted him during spring break was quite the ordeal…” 

Ron would still not believe half the stories Salazar would tell, but in the end it does make a bit more sense in the puzzle that was Yuu. 

A FEW HOURS LATER 

“Yuu! I told you to clean that thing before you went out riding,” Hiro’s voice boomed through the manor as Ron snapped his head up with Harry. 

“Blimey! Both of them have such strong lungs,” Ron gasped as Charlie and Bill looked out the door of Remus and Sirius’ sitting room. They had been taken there after dinner, courtesy of Mipsy and Mae, Salazar had decided to stay in the game room and they had been relaxing with their parents in the sitting room since. 

Even if they had laughed for a good 20 minutes at the state of the sitting room that was basically a carbon copy of Gryffindor’s common room, to which Sirius told them to bugger off and took a seat on the plush couch. 

“I know! I am going to clean it now! Where is the cleaner and lube?” 

“You were cleaning the other items in Sirius’ sitting room last night, I don’t think you took it back to your room!” 

“Thanks!” 

The boy in question rushed in, gasping as he nodded to them all in his equestrian gear he still donned. Cedric and the twins waved at their friend who gave a simple one back before moving to the side table by the fire where mysterious bottles were. He hadn’t been at dinner, so the last 7 or so hours being in Yuu’s house had been bearable to Ron as he was outside of the house and Ron was with his friends. 

Only a few hours until they went to bed and it was sure to go by fast…hopefully. 

“What are you supposed to clean now,” Remus asked, Yuu smiling as he held up the item in question. “For the love of-NOT HERE!” 

It was a crossbow. 

A bloody crossbow. 

“It’s not even loaded,” he scoffed. “Besides, it does have a safety feature.” He pointed to some tiny part that Ron couldn’t even see as he shifted more toward Ginny who stared at Yuu in shock and a bit of fear. 

Not that he blamed her. 

‘I’m surprised, truly,” Remus deadpanned as Sirius burst out laughing and handed Yuu a rag and the boy plopped down beside Cedric who looked a bit pale. 

“You…hunt with that,” he asked as his mum began speaking about getting Hiro and lecturing him. “Like…actually hunt? Your dad mentioned target practice a while ago…” 

“Yeah, sometimes. Other times I would use a rifle or a sniper. Dad thinks it’s best to use various weapons for a hunt. People back then were limited with how much they could eat with how much they could hunt,” he smirked, nimble fingers undoing the string with ease before moving to unscrew various components. 

“Yuu…” Cedric shook his head, flopping back onto the bean bag that apparently Sirius just ‘had to have’ and spent quite a bit of money on specially made Gryffindor red and gold ones. “You know we are going to be spending at least 2 days at the world cup right?” 

“Why mention this,” Yuu demanded, the crossbow now in pieces before and many marveled at how quickly he did so. He took out a small knife from his boot, and began to clean the small lines between the connected pieces he couldn’t take apart and Ron marveled at it. It had a shining blade with what looked like a hand carved handle with an apple at the end of the handle and a charm with a basket. 

“I’m just worried. Fudge showed up out of nowhere to give you tickets to the world cup.” 

“Ah,” Yuu nodded. “Yeah, he wants use of my latest mirror.” He sounded so nonchalant about it, despite the fact that the Minister himself had given them tickets. 

“And bloody hell is that thing impressive,” Sirius looked happy as Remus sighed. “And boy am I glad to see how things will go with you and Fudge during the world cup.” 

‘I’m not going to the world cup. My father is, I’m only here because I live here,” Yuu grinded his teeth as he wiped down more parts of his crossbow. Ron shifted a bit as his anger continued to grow the more they talked about the cup. 

Personally? Ron would be a lot happier if he didn’t come. But he wasn’t holding out much hope of him not going, with everything going on…he was obligated to go. 

“Oh you would think me gifting you the firebolt you would be a bit more into it,” Sirius whined as Remus moved away and opened some ledgers he’s been putting off or so he said, to Ron it looked like he wanted away from the duo. 

“I don’t care about quidditch. It’s not my thing.” 

“But when where at the cup-” 

“For the last time Sirius,” Yuu was near the point of hollering at the man. “I don’t want to go to the world cup! Not with you! Not with Fudge! Not with the damned Malfoy’s! I want to stay home!” 

“Oh come on Yuu,” Sirius sighed, pouting as Remus shook his head as he looked down at the ledger. “You’d think after living here that my love for the sport would rub off on you.” Sirius only went back to Grimmauld Place to conduct business with Pureblood Families, the Ministry and when he had Harry over to spend the night or two; along with Remus during the weekend. Or so that’s what Harry told Ron, but he was happy for his best mate either way.  “It’s either me or you go with one of the other two! The whole world is expecting you!” 

“Why! What have I done,” he demanded, Remus sighing again at them. Everyone could feel this was a common topic and chose to stay silent; they’d rather not get dragged into something that was way over their heads. Ron tuned into Remus attempting to say something in a mutter but he smothered it and Ron smiled as he looked at his old professor.  

He was still there despite having a lot of money due to the fact not many would rent to a werewolf even when he showed them his bank account. He was still trying to find a place but Hiro let him know he was fine to stay in their manor as it made things easier and he even started to dock pay as rent to make sure Remus didn’t feel bad. 

He was still looking for a place though, because he felt bad. 

Ron and Harry shared a laugh over the man as he continued to show places to Hiro during dinner and the man asking about the functions of the place and if he would be able to get this or that, acting like a mother hen to the werewolf who deflated with each place that was eliminated because of one feature or another. 

It was really funny. 

“Well..The Ministry, thanks to those blonde gits, have taken a keen interest in your ability with magical mirrors and how you make them. And Lucius did hear of your latest mirror during the trail,” Remus began, taking off his glasses. He had begun to need them the more time he spent looking at the paper, but they were also charmed since Purebloods were desperate to get back at the Fujimaru’s for their…as they say for themselves, less than ideal contracts. 

Ron’s dad had managed to procure a favorable contract, but he did overhear him stating to his mum that it was repayment over helping Hiro gain access to Sirius’ heavily doctored file that helped Yuu and Hiro free the man. And getting access to Pettigrew’s finger. Ron shivered when Hiro turned to him on the day the contract was signed, smiling as he winked at him and motioned to his parents who were still reading over the thing, looking both elated and shocked at its terms.

‘I won’t do anything,’ is what the look said; but Ron was wary of him, much like he was wary of his son. Sure the amount of money they have now is more than their father had been making when he did various raids in the night, and sure they had enough money to get tickets for the whole family and even get the portkeys to bring both Charlie and Bill back. 

But…still he didn’t like that it was all due to his contract and was on the basis of a thank you. 

It made him…feel indebted to him. 

“Ah yes,” Sirius smiled, Yuu groaning as his father entered with a raised brow. “The latest Mirror!’ 

“Oh,” Hiro nodded, moving to grab a drink. “I must say it was nice, but not what my son was hoping for.” 

Ron had heard of it through his father, a modern magical marvel that would change the world. 

A magical transportation mirror, seemingly capable of the impossible. 

“What are you even trying to achieve,” Remus asked, looking at Yuu who was looking at his crossbow like he wanted to use it on the most recent failure. Fred and George shifted as Cedric coughed into his hand and looked away. Ron had an inkling they knew a bit more than most, but they too were still in the dust like many of them. “I get that you're using a mirror to travel back to the people you were once with..but if that mirror isn’t it…what is?” 

“...I’ll tell you with time,” Yuu offered, sighing as he ran a hand through his hair. “Honestly, the mirror isn’t even that impressive.” He leaned back, the pieces of the bow still around him but they were cleaner than before. Yuu usually got snippy when people asked about his projects. 

He got volatile when they suggested he stop making them and Ron had heard the tail end of such conversation between Yuu and some pureblood at the gala. He didn’t scream…but boy did he tear that idiot apart. 

“From the notes you let me into, the first mirror you made would be perfect for the Auror Department,” Sirius gave a slap to the couch he was leaning on before moving over to Remus who raised a brow at him. ‘Being able to spy in on people without having to use a magic mirror on the other end…that’s powerful!” 

“And illegal anyways,’ Remus reminded his friend, slapping his hand off when he wrapped it around his shoulder. “Don’t act so giddy about that mirror.” He warned him with a scowl that Sirius shrunk under before he began whining. 

“But Moony! The possibilities! Catching those ruddy Death Eaters-” 

“Sirius, it's been more than a decade. They’ve had time to hide the things they needed too,``Remus snapped, glowering at the man who raised his hands in defeat. “Besides, the newest iteration is much better…even if Yuu…” He trailed off, the boy in question scowling as he turned back to all of them. 

“I’m smashing it before I go back to Hogwarts,” the boy admitted, Remus standing up so fast the chair got knocked back. Hermione also screeched at his declaration and his mum looked at him like he was crazy. 

“Yuu,” he pressed. “What you’ve created is a leap forward in magic all transportation. You can’t just do that.” He looked on the verge of passing out as he gripped his hair tight in his hands, he looked so tired at that moment Ron felt bad. 

“Most certainly not! Not at all,” Hermione screeched, Yuu flinching at the tone before glowering at her. “Do you not know what you have made? Yuu this is big! Very big! Something monumental-”  

“I made it. It’s from my own personal items that have nothing to do with Malfoy or Mipsy and it was from the era after our contract,” he spat, glowering at the wolf who did the same. “It’s a failure and it’s going to be smashed.” That was seemingly the end of it as he toss the rag down on the ground and began to pick up the pieces of the crossover to reassemble it. 

“Darling…” his mum began and Ron could only be confused. 

What was his end goal with all those mirrors? 

“Yuu…your mirror is capable of transporting a person through it to any mirror in the world world without the other having to be magicked as well. Sure it’s one way, but they will no doubt push you to make a two way mirror. Or some sort of spell to make it like that,” Remus began, Hiro turned around with a look of worry on his face. “Fudge is going to try and sponsor you, ask you for what you would like. He’d be willing to give a spot to your father in the Wizengamot.” 

“Which..I do not want,” Hiro pointed out. “I’m getting more and more entangled in this and…sure the money’s nice and all but it’s becoming too much.” He looked annoyed at the prospect of more power in the wizarding world and Ron couldn’t understand why. He was at the top, he was making the money and he was showing this uppity purebloods…but that might have been just him.

“Besides, once my ultimate mirror is achieved…it won’t be needed anymore at least,” Yuu crossed his arms, looking away as Hiro hummed and the two Marauders had a feeling that Yuu was…just going to vanish. 

“Y..You just plan to leave,” Cedric realized, Yuu looking away as he began to put the last of his crossbow back together. “Yuu, was that the end goal this entire time?” He asked, looking toward the boy who slowed his movements before continuing on like nothing happened. “Yuu?” 

“I…I didn’t want friends in Hogwarts because it was never going to be permanent!” Yuu defended, he looked ashamed of himself and Ron saw Cedric deflate a bit. His own brothers looked a bit sad, but they already seemed to know about it. 

“Your father doesn’t deserve any of this young man-” his mum began, looking ashamed of him before his own dad interrupted her. 

“Yuu, just…be careful and lower expectations,’ Hiro commented, his mum stopping as she stared at the man in pure horror. 

“Mr. Fujimaru,” she gasped, Arthur turning to Hiro who shrugged and turned away. “You cannot be serious!’ 

“I am,’ Sirius pointed to himself to lighten the mood before Remus smacked him upside the head. “Moony!” 

“Not the time,” he hissed. 

“How I raise my son…is my own business. If he so wishes, I will give him everything he desires to leave this place. Even if it means that he will never return. In fact…i wished he never would have returned after he vanished the first time,” he informed them all and Ron closed his eyes as he mum shot up. 

“How…how could you say such a thing! He’s just a boy! A lost boy but-” 

“My boy is anything but lost,” he informed her, eyes narrowed as he sat down. “If he was gone, if he was gone and happy with those he found then I would be too. I would no longer have the guilt of being a lesser father because of the failures of my earlier life. Of my old life that was left unfinished.” 

“Hiro-” 

“Enough. My decision is made, it will not change. I agree with my father and it has been like this for years. Do not interfere,” Yuu interrupted, looking up to Molly who swallowed. 

“Still, you should think about this and not be too hasty about anything,” Remus advised him, closing up the last ledger he worked on before moving them all in a pile. “I say take Sirius’ offer, I’m going with him too,” he smiled, Hiro and his son rolling their eyes at the two disasters before them. 

Honestly.

“So it won’t be totally unbearable,” he remarked, smirking as Sirius gave a squawk of protest. 

“Haaa. Fudge gave me a ticket too,” Hiro grumbled, leaning back in his chair. “He’s expecting me there as a liaison between the Japanese Ministry and ours…Japan takes quidditch way too seriously if you ask me. The minister is particularly obsessed and is excited to ‘teach me the rules’ as we watch together.” 

“Heh, I told you that the Japanese were obsessed with the game,” Yuu shrugged as his father gave him a warning glare. 

“Lord Hiro,” Maria, the head maid Ron had come to learn, coughed as she entered. “Moran was wondering if you could come down to the west side of the kitchen before we begin our repairs.” 

“I will, I will,” he nodded, the woman bowing before bowing to all of them. 

“How did she blow up the kitchen,”  Yuu grumbled as he made Cedric help with putting the bowstring back on. “How do you blow up a kitchen,” he grunted as he snapped the string in place and thanked Cedric. 

“Fine flour can ignite and create an explosion. There was once a case in America in a flour mill where 18 men met their maker,” Hiro shrugged, Ron swallowing at how casually he said it. “Not pretty.” 

“Idiots…have things been taken care of then?” 

“It took a few days but yeah, it’s done,” Hiro nodded and Ron couldn’t help but feel as if ‘it’s done’ meant ‘death’. 

“Hmm,” Yuu sighed. “And to think I actually liked Minaro,” he shrugged, looking bored before Hiro seemingly remembered something. 

‘I have something for you,” Hiro began, moving to grab leave the room as Yuu finished up with the crossbow. 

“Hmm,” Yuu hummed as he looked over the crossbow much to Remus’ chagrin before Hiro came back in with a lacquered box. 

“Minaro left this to me to give to you,” he placed it on the table beside Ron’s father to which he turned a pale color as Amos gaped. “Samuel Colt. 1849 with gold inlaid filigree. And a Francisco Lluch Damascene and Chiseled Pinfire, circa mid 19th century.” He held up two guns to which Remus shot up. 

‘Absolutely not! Hiro! What the hell are you doing!” 

“Each around 10 K a pop, usually more depending on wear and tear,” Yuu commented, grabbing one and twirling it around in his hand. “Nice weight to it…it’s not loaded right?” He looked at it for a second before turning to his father. 

“We’ll have to get special molds,” Hiro handed him the other one while Yuu handed back the first. 

“Nice design on the Francisco,” Yuu commented, popping out the cylinder he hummed. “Yeah, these dimensions are too specific for regular bullets. Minaro was really stupid to keep these things with him. Did he even use them?” 

“Oh yes, he used the last one for sure,” Hiro scoffed, picking it up from the case. “M1851 Wolfsbane Magnum.” 

“Ohh,” Yuu looked giddy as he handed the empty gun off to Cedric who yelped as it was thrust into his hand before grabbing the one offered to him by his father. “Very nice…nice weight. Better be careful when I use it huh. Unless I want my wrist snapped.” 

‘You will not be using them,’ Remus bellowed as Ron watched Yuu roll his eyes and twirl the gun round on his finger with ease. “Hiro, you cannot be serious!” 

“Don’t be a spoilsport Moony,” he whined, smiling easily as Remus gave him a glare. “I mean you saw my collection!” He seemed giddy at that as Remus aged another decade in the span of minutes. 

“What child needs that many knives, swords, bows and all manner of weapons,” he turned to Hiro who shrugged. “What child Hiro!” 

‘I give him what he wants. Besides, my family has a history with collecting them anyways, it’s in his blood,” was all the man offered before taking the gun from Cedric and placing it in the case. “I’ll get Maria to place them on the mantle in your study. Do not, I repeat DO NOT, shoot the vases when you're in a slump.” 

‘It was only twice.” Yuu brushed off as everyone turned to him like he was crazy. 

“Bad enough it was once.” 

Hiro left with Yuu stretching and waving goodbye to them all. 

The door closed and the conversation erupted around Ron as people, mainly his mum and dad, began whispering about how Yuu was becoming more and more unstable as the days went by. 

And didn’t Ron know it. 

He was a right terror of Hogwarts, as some of the younger years had referred to him as. He was so diligent in making those things, pissing off teachers and essentially doing what he wants in Hogwarts and in life. He was also a really confusing person. 

What purpose did he have to give Professor Lupin a job? Sure he had his reasons for freeing Sirius Black and even helping Harry out to an extent, but why Lupin? 

Nothing about that boy made sense and he was just all around confusing. 

He wanted to understand, but Ron knew that deep down if he tried to pry it was simply going to end up with him either hurt or damn right going mad. 

So he wasn’t going to pry, but damned if he wasn’t curious about Yuu and everything surrounding him. 

But he would like to keep his sanity, thank you very much. 

The next emotion was admiration. 

As much as Ron hated it, he admired the other. 

I mean, how could you not admire him even if you hated him to the point it made your blood boil and you wanted him gone. 

He was so powerful, composed, intelligent, respected and just all around the guy you want to be when you grow up. 

As much as he was jealous, he admired him. 

“Oh look,” Yuu snorted. “It’s the blonde twit,” he turned to face Malfoy who scowled. “As much as I would love to spend time in the Minister’s box with you….I have to attend to the Japanese Ministry. They are thinking of letting me do a summer program at their school.” 

“Good, I don’t want to spend any time with you,” Draco scoffed, but he looked tense to just be in Yuu’s line of sight. 

“I see that the feeling is mutual, but I cannot help but see that you're still embarrassed by the gala. Haven’t made an outing since then, people have been asking me about you, it gets annoying you know?” he sounded put out, Ron feeling like he was egging Draco on to see him snap in front of people and ruin his image further and he was all for it.  

“Tch,” Draco spat at him before rushing off after his father. 

“Still scratching your head trying to figure out those mirrors,” Yuu mocked, giggling as Draco froze, turning to glower at him as Yuu shrugged. “It’s an innocent question.”

“Shut it,” He warned. 

``What, the third best student at Hogwarts can’t figure out simple equations and runic sentences?” Yuu smirked, Draco slowly turning red as his anger began to boil over. 

“Nothing about what you wrote down is simple. None of it follows a sentence pattern at all-” 

“Oh it does. You just need to do a bit of digging into other forms of magic. But then again you're all so used to wands that you don’t even realize there might be something more,” he mocked, Draco seizing up before he snarled and rushed out. “Now, now! No need to act all uppity you know!” 

“Must you do that,” Lucius Malfoy demanded as he came out from behind a stand. ‘I dare say you hindered us without the notes on the formula you used,” he commented, he was resisting sneer and all Yuu seemingly could do was smile. 

“Well too bad,” Yuu shrugged. ‘And before you warn me about my behavior and how Dumbledore will not always be around to protect me, I would like to remind you I know. And I do have a backup plan in going into my father's business. Can’t kill off the man helping line your pockets huh?” 

“..Good to see you again Fujimaru.” Was all he settled for. Ron tensed as the man shifted around a bit but Yuu was seemingly unconcerned. But then he turned on his heel and left with that. 

“Later Malfoy.” Yuu waved as Ron turned to him with an open mouth of shock, the twins groaned while his older brothers looked very concerned. “Always wanted to fuck with them.” 

‘Show some restraint,” Hiro commented as he walked up with his parents, he slapped his son upside the head to Ron’s amazement. “I would rather not deal with poisonings or anything of the like.” 

“Oh come on,” Yuu whined, rolling his eyes at his father’s look before he looked up. “Come on. I think it’s a false feeling.” He seemed annoyed with his father who was looking around with a strange look on his face. 

“Yuu, I spent a decade in that life. You learn to trust your gut,” Hiro informed him as he looked around. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to the Minister Box…but we don’t have a choice.” 

For once, Ron looked at Hiro who looked worried and frustrated. It was strange to see the older clone of Yuu look out of sorts, it just didn’t register in his head. 

“Why did we only bring the two then,’ Yuu demanded, looking annoyed. “If you gut is correct-” 

“Oh like you don’t have one on you right now. Besides, you brought more clips so it’s enough,” Hiro brushed off as Ron and Harry shared a confused look. 

Was something going on? 

“Fine, Fine,” Yuu brushed off as Sirius and Remus shared a concerned look. “I will make sure to keep an eye out and not do or say anything to tip them off.” 

“No doubt they are expecting us to know something. That prick Malfoy is to blame for Mirano finding us after 5 years of static,” he scowled, rubbing his forehead like he was trying to ward off a headache. “He’s really resorting to Muggle tactics to get rid of us.” He looked like he enjoyed saying that as Remus and Sirius paled, turning to him like he was insane and even if Ron didn’t know the whole story he had a feeling it was a valid look. 

‘Now that doesn’t surprise me at all,” Yuu commented. “Should I take up Dumbledore’s offer?” 

“I would prefer to speak to you and him over it before we come to anything concrete. But it might change after tonight,” Hiro bit his lip, he really was out of sorts. 

‘I..Is something going to happen,” Cedric asked, turning to Hiro who looked at him with a sigh. 

“That depends on what happens tonight,” he informed the boy, hands on his hips as Yuu shifted beside him. “I am sure it is nothing. But you know me Cedric,” he gave a reassuring smile that just sent them more on edge. 

“Just…have fun,’ Yuu told them. “Don’t worry about anything okay?” 

Hiro was off looking to the side, a concerned look on his face as it pinched in thought and he looked around confused. 

“I’m feeling very protected now…” 

“Has it been like that for a week?” 

“Yes…” 

“Then you're not the only one,’ Yuu sighed. “I haven’t noticed him at all either in the last week. It’s like he vanished.” He rubbed his chin, like it was something that was confusing him and Ron was getting more unsettled the longer this went on.  

“I am not liking where this is going…” Hiro muttered, he opened his mouth to say something to the rest of them before a voice called out to him. 

“Hiro! I see you're doing well!” 

“Lord Nott,” Hiro put up a blinding smile as he shook the man’s hand and motioned for them to leave. 

‘Come along Lad,” his dad muttered as he ushered Yuu off to the side while his own father continued to smile at the pureblood noble. 

``You would think after the Gala they would leave us alone, but no,” Yuu murmured, rolling his eyes. “No, they think it’s a good idea to actually try and get more contracts out of us.” 

“They seem to think your anger toward the Malfoy’s is something of a cushion,” Arthur murmured. 

“As if. I hate them all equally,” he grunted, Remus bemoaning the fact he’d have to watch this gremlin all night as the game was about to begin. His father would not make it better…at all. 

“Come along lad, and you lot…to the stands,” Sirius smiled as he hugged Harry and went inside. 

‘What do you think that conversation was about,” Hermione asked as they moved up to their seats. 

“I don’t know but I don’t like how that ended,” Ron swallowed as they continued their walk to the seats. “Did you see how tense they both were? Especially after Malfoy was mentioned?” 

“It seems like the tension is really bad between the two of them,’ Harry scoffed. “I see they are taking shots at one another, I heard from Sirius that the Malfoy’s stock plummeted and they lost a lot of money.” 

“I say they deserve it,” Ginny snapped, looking put out but happy all at once.

“Let’s focus on the game,” Hermione sighed, ushering them up further. 

Without another word they rushed to their seats in the stands, and Ron allowed the rush of adrenaline to go through him as he screamed and hollered in joy as the game was about to begin. He got lost in the euphoria of being with his matches and family, screaming and having fun with one another as all the troubles of the world began to bleed away. 

He got lost in the feeling of being so happy that he didn’t realize some people had joined him a few hours into the game. 

“Still don’t see what’s so good about this,” Yuu commented, Ron screeching as he turned to see Hiro, Yuu, Remus and Sirius sitting with them. 

‘When did you get here,” he demanded as the others turned to them with equal looks of shock. 

“About 2 hours ago. Got too stuffy in that box and Malfoy was pissing me off. Fudge was all up in both my father and I’s faces that I was ready to punch him,” Yuu shrugged, looking unconcerned as Ron simply stared at him in amazement. “So…who's winning?” 

``You're not really watching this game are you?” 

‘“No,'' Yuu confirmed as he looked at Ron. “You seem to know this stuff better than me. I was always better at Magish-...I’m better at flying,” he corrected himself at the last minute as his father gave him a warning look. “So…what’s going on.” 

‘I would have assumed that you knew quidditch at least,’ Ron found himself muttering. 

“I don’t know everything you know,” Yuu deadpanned, placing his hand in his closed fist as he watched people scream and cheer for their team. “I just know what I need.” 

“DON’T LET THEM GET YOU DAMMIT! DEFENSE! GET INTO DEFENSE!!!” Both jumped at Sirius’s yell as he shook Remus’ arm who looked tired at the man’s yelling. 

‘You really haven’t changed. You were just like this in James’ games before you joined the team and you became worse,” he sighed, shaking his head as the seekers flew past them. 

Yuu looked annoyed as he gazed at Sirius who had grabbed Harry, proceeding to shake him as they both yelled at the teams who were flying so fast they looked like blurs. 

“Never got this game. Too many components,” Yuu looked bored as people began cheering on Krum even more as he drew closer to the snitch. “Not to mention the fact you’d all let this thing go on for months until that damned snitch is caught.” 

“That’s what makes it interesting,” he defended, Yuu rolling his eyes as he leaned back and looked up to the sky. 

“Not really,” he bemoaned, cracking his neck. ‘Now…a game where you use a single disc and have to get it through a hoop is too simple. But throw magic inside of it and do anything you can to stop the opposing team…now that’s fun,” he winked. “You just can’t target them directly,” he shrugged. 

‘That’s dangerous,” Ron protested, Yuu shaking his head. 

“Like bludgers aren’t a death trap,” he grunted. “I hated those things during tryouts before I realized I could direct them toward the team that forced me there and I did just that,” he smiled and Ron felt both admiration and fear go through him at the admission Yuu just did. 

“You did?” 

“Yup,” he nodded. “Flint was a right annoying ass on a good day and a downright prick on any other. I put him in his place and did for his last few years,” he winked and Ron chuckled. 

He wasn’t wrong. 

“So…that game…Magi…something? You played it.” 

“Not officially. Just with my friends,” he nodded. “It got rough, I will admit. People trying to push one another off brooms, jumping onto another teammate's broom to shoot spells at the other team. It got wild.” 

“I thought you said-” 

“I never said we followed the rules,” he rolled his eyes. “Come on, you know how a game can get,” he smiled and Ron felt himself becoming more comfortable as they continued to talk. 

“Yeah. I guess I can.” 

“That being said. If Bulgaria wants to win, they will need to keep an eye on the Beaters. They are making hand signals to motion which way the chasers are to go,” Yuu commented, Ron turning back out to the pitch and catching sight of them doing just that. 

“On field communication,” he breathed. 

“They trained their team to communicate what they think the best course of action is and then they do the opposite to trick the other team. It’s a simple but effective strategy, and with the team being set for what…4 years? They have a good partnership and seem to be able to understand each other with a simple gesture.” 

“Oh…that makes sense.” 

“They are also motioning to get in the way of the seekers to throw the other team off balance, since the seekers go so fast and it’s hard to turn. They are trying to throw Bulgaria off and it’s working. Of course there is the risk of sending a beater to a seeker, even by accident.” 

“And you said you don’t know the game.” 

“I know the strategy. I could care less about the game,” Yuu rolled his eyes. Continuing up his commentary as the game continued on. “Strategy makes things interesting and when things get interesting that’s when it gets fun.” 

Ron guessed it wasn’t so bad. 

Even if he was a strange bloke.

The last emotion as one he and Harry shared. 

It was fear. 

But it wasn’t limited to just Yuu. 

It was fear of both him AND his father. 

“Arthur,” Hiro called, his dad turning to the other as he walked in with Yuu bringing in a…a music case with him. “Before we leave I wanted to speak to you about extra things I want to add to our contract. Since I am no longer worried about Malfoy, I want to give you what you deserve for helping me with Sirius’ case.” 

“You’ve already done so much getting my children their school supplies-” 

“I insist. Besides, I think you would want to get back at Malfoy for all the shit he has forced you to go through,” he chuckled as his dad blushed and nodded. “And well, he seemingly hates me more than you now. So I thought, `` why not up your luck”!” 

“Honestly, Arthur.” Molly shook her head before going toward the girls and Yuu placed the case on the table before plopping on one of the chairs by the fire. The twins were cheering over Ireland's victory, he smiled as they got all crazy as his dad and Yuu’s continued talking, they were in their own little world along with Yuu was fiddling with the playing cards again and he tried to do another trick. 

Ron was drawn into an argument with his sibling about Krum and he wasn't about to let them win, even if Ginny was teasing him about his so-called ‘love’ of Krum as Harry and Hermione laughed at him. Yuu had rolled his eyes at him and began smirking when they began to tease him with a love song, but otherwise he decided to stay silent and Ron felt as if something bad was going to happen. 

‘Wasn't that great Yuu,'' Fred asked as Yuu shrugged and looked up to Remus who was tense and staring at the entrance of the tent. “Sounds like the Irish got their pride one,” he scoffed, and Remus’ frown deepened. 

“Father…” Yuu began, Hiro humming but still speaking with Arthur.

“Hiro…I think we might need to leave,” Remus began, Sirius standing up as the sounds from outside began to register in Ron’s ears. 

He shared a look with Harry before they rushed out, and they froze. 

Fire burst out of wands as they set fire to tents and people all around them began to scream in fear, rushing away from the main source of it and that’s when Ron heard it. 

“RUN! IT’S THE DEATH EATERS!” 

“Oh no..’ Ron breathed as Hermione latched herself onto Harry and his mate grabbed his wrist to drag him back into the tent. 

“The fuck is going on,” Ron yelped as Hiro came out, gun in hand as he looked around at the mass of people running away from…from Death Eaters. “Are you fucking kidding me.I knew it,” he aimed and managed to shoot one in the shoulder before pushing Ron to the ground as a spell flew past them.

“Bloody hell,” Ron yelped, Hiro jumped up and shot one more time before turning to look at him. 

“Get to the port key! I need to capture one of them,’ Hiro yelled at Ron, he scrambled to stop the man who ran into the fray, Yuu screaming at all of them to follow him as a sea of people kept coming down. “Yuu! The case!”

Ron watched as Yuu vanished into the tent once more, his mother rushing after him with a scream as Hermione rushed to aid. 

``Where's Hiro,” she gasped, Harry patting her back and pointing out into the fray where Hiro held a man by the neck, holding him as a shield as people began to circle him. 

“What is he doing,” his dad yelled, Ron feeling his heart pound and they nearly encircled the man before Yuu ran out with a rather large gun in his hand. He fired, shooting the man in the arm who was about to hex his father. 

Yuu looked feral as Ron watched his father knock the man he was holding out and grab another’s outstretched hand. It was a blur of battle as he kept them close enough that they couldn’t fire recklessly and used their bodies as a shield as he knocked most of them out. Shots kept firing beside him as Yuu used the gun to either hit the men or keep them close to his father while distracting them. He looked determined as he barked at them all to run to the portkey and that they would follow them once they were certain most people were out. 

‘Oh my god!” 

Ron whipped his head around at Hermione’s scream to see one Death Eater crumple to the ground his neck twisted in a horrid angle, Hiro panting as he grabbed a fist that went to punch him, lowering them down he fired into the chest of another Eater, them falling to the ground with a scream. 

“Get out now,” he roared to them, shooting another before taking cover. “Go! That’s an order!” He was quick as lightning as he reloaded his gun and opened fire on the eaters once more who yelped as their shields were broken by the bullets. 

Muggle weapons couldn’t do things like that. It wasn’t possible! 

“Go, go,” Yuu hissed to them, rushing to go beside his father as they motioned and whispered wildly to one another as more Eaters approached them. More cautiously this time, but they still came down in earnest.

“Come on,” Remus grabbed Ron and Hermione. “Hiro and Yuu can handle themselves. Those aren’t regular bullets, he’s been working with Grindelwald since the possibility of You Know Who coming back is high,” he explained. “He will be fine!” He kept pushing them to the portkey sight, and they didn’t resist, running with everyone around them as the screams grew louder and the confusion heighten. 

‘What do you mean,” Fred gasped as Cedric looked back to see both Hiro and Yuu missing. 

“YUU,” he cried out as Amos grabbed his son and forced him to keep running. “D..DAD PLEASE,” he begged, but had no choice in following him. 

“Cedric, they are fine,” Sirius assured him. “They will be perfectly fine!” 

“What do you mean by that,” he demanded, looking back to see Yuu who shot at a death eater. 

“It means they have been making magic resistant bullets and weapons since he could,” Sirius yelled at them as he pushed through the crowd. “Ones that can break through protego’s! He was not going to take anything to chance and he’s been doing that since he found out that it might be possible!”

‘Why..Why would he need to do that!’ His dad demanded, Ron nodding as they managed to get closer to the portkey sight. “The aurors-” 

“Hiro was an assassin,” Remus explained, turning to them with a pale and sickened face. “He…he was one of the deadliest in the world until he left that life behind for…for-” 

‘Yuu,” Ron realized. 

It all made sense now. Lucius Malfoy calling Hiro a criminal, Crouch demanding why he hasn’t been arrested, all the people acting wary around them…that guy that came to the house that Hiro…dealt with. 

It was an assassin. 

“Yes,” Remus nodded. “He’s been making those weapons since second year and has worked with Grindelwald on making them all from scratch with magical laced materials. So that they don’t explode in his face and can’t be charmed by magic either!” 

“...We’ve been friends with one of the deadliest assassins in the world and we didn’t know,” George whispered, looking at his brother who looked sick.  

“Is that what all those weapons are for,” Ron yelled out. “The ones Hiro brought today?” 

“Yes, come on! We need to leave,” Sirius yelled as he pushed them to their port key. “He didn’t tell me but he suspected that something like this might happen and he prepared for it.” 

“Wait! Where’s Harry,’ Ginny screamed, everyone whipping around to see him missing. 

‘Oh no,” Sirius breathed, Remus frantically calling out toward the boy as more and more people vanished from the sight. 

“Molly, take the kids home. Remus, Sirius and I will look for Harry and make sure those two are alright,” Ron’s dad yelled as he whipped around. 

‘Come on,``Ron hissed to Hermione as they ran into the fray. 

“Wh..RON! HERMIONE! GET BACK HERE,” his mum yelled out as they rushed deeper and deeper into the fleeing people. 

They stumbled at the sounds of shots and the cursing of Hiro and they veered left, seeing if they could spot Harry. They continued to run through the chaos looking for their lost friend as Yuu and Hiro battled it out with guns and magic, Ron was certain this was a day he would never forget. 

Never.

Chapter Text

Link for Tumblr to get to Profiles-@yuufujimaru

MAY 12th-COUNTDOWN....0!

“Child of man,” Malleus began, Yuu turning to him with a small smile as he stopped his descent down the stairs of Diasomnia. “Are you sure…are you sure that you do not wish for us to go with you?” He looked anxious and worried, as if Yuu would rescind his invitation. 

Pfff, like he would even dar to THINK about such a thing!

“Nah! I need to set up things for the party,” Yuu smiled, Malleus shifting as he stared at his feet and the remaining guards looking like they wanted to protest. “Besides! I want to make things special for everyone,” he smiled, waving as he continued down the steps. “Crowley finally rebuilt Ramshackle and I want to make things perfect for today!” 

“You still need to get dressed in your birthday boy suit and Sash,” Lilia called out, pouting as he held up the item. 

“Come a little earlier than most and help me get ready, will you Lilia senpai,” he smiled, waving goodbye as a guard opened the main door. “See you all in a few hours!” 

“Bye Yuu,” Silver called as Sebek gave a stern nod. 

Yuu caught the eye of Maleficent who smiled at the lacquered box in his hand holding the accursed sword she forced onto him.  Yuu gave a small smile back to which she inclined her head before turning back to Diavel who was holding out a notepad, no doubt something to do with the Valley of Thorns. 

Ah…he felt so bad for taking away such valuable time. He rushed down the walkway that led to the mirror leading to Night Raven’s Mirror chamber. He waved to the guards as he passed, all of them waving back as he jumped through the mirror, yelping as he tripped. He was caught by one of the guards standing beside the mirror. 

“Thanks!” 

“No problem,” he chuckled, steadying Yuu before he rushed off with a wave and a smile. 

His heart pounded in his chest as his legs drew him closer and closer to the place he had called home for the last year. Sure, it was a shit hole that he was forced into after such strange circumstances and sure…it took a long time to get it livable because of a stupid birdbrain of a Headmaster, but this was more a home than…his actual home. 

Yuu slowed down as thoughts of his mother and father pervaded his thoughts. 

His mother was a horrid woman, taking advantage of his father's wealth and the wrongs he had dealt her in their beginning stages of their relationship-or so she claimed; she was not one to be trusted when it came to simply words with no evidence. He hated her, plain and simple. Hated her for how she would bring those useless boy toys in and sleep with them while her husband who changed everything for HER, just asked his son if he could stay in his room. 

Yuu pitied his father…but he also was disgusted with him to an extent. 

His father was once a feared man, a long time ago in years long since gone. The mere mention of his name sent shivers down the spines of many people, it still did but not in the same way as it once did. To think his father would fall for his mother, start a company as a front to keep her around while still doing his old work. Yuu wasn’t stupid, he knew his father was a rather successful assassin in his youth which allowed him a rather good amount of wealth for investments to start his business.

He left it all for him. 

For his son. 

He would always say such. 

I did it for you, because you are my son and I won’t fail you like my parents failed me. I will protect you from this world, no matter if it costs me my life or anyone else's...because I owe that to you. 

Yuu stopped as thoughts of his father began to invade his mind against his will and he clenched his hand tight. If there was one regret he had? It was that he was not able to explain to his father that he was going to stay here..for good. His father would understand, his happiness was his top priority and he would give him the earth, the heavens and hell if he so could if it would make him happy. 

Yuu did love his father…but he never felt so alive as he did here at Night Raven..

He felt so different from his father…he felt as if he was actually living while his father functioned like a damned machine or even a living corpse with a single purpose. 

To make a better life for his son even if it mean sacrificing his own life in the process...

His father would understand…he always did. 

And maybe...juts maybe...his father could find some peace in the end. 

Yuu shook his head, smacking his cheeks before he continued his run to his home. His heart swelled at the sight of the old dorm, looking brand new with all the reconstruction that had to be done. 

And…well…Farena, Maleficent, Kalim’s father and Vance weren’t too happy at the state of his dorm even before it was basically bombed and threw in cash when they could and they specifically told to Crowley was to go to his dorm. 

Or they would sue. 

Yuu guessed that having people in high places was good. 

Taking a deep breath he took out the key that Crowley had given him before he went to Iginhyde and inserted it into the gate, with a flick of his wrist it unlocked and he opened the gate to the grass field around the dorm was filled with flowers, a pond had been built and he giggled as all manner of fish where in it along with flora. Instead of roses framing the stairs and path to his dorm..Spider Lilies lined the path and he grinned. 

They remembered. 

To the side in the pond, Lotus were blooming in full and couldn’t help but laugh at their attempts to give him something he enjoyed. He took a leisurely pace up to the dorm, looking around and taking in the scents and sounds as his legs drew him closer and closer to his home. He opened his eyes as he reached the stairs to the deck surrounding the dorm, taking a shaky breath he took the short journey up before standing in front of the entrance. 

He grabbed the second key Crowley gifted him, inserting it into the lock before turning it. And he stayed there. 

He leaned forward, his forehead resting on the oak wood as he took in the scent of new wood and all manner of construction materials. The smell of a new house. 

Was it bad that he missed it’s musty smell? 

Leaning back he steeled himself up as he took the door handle and turned it, opening the door to the foyer that had the same furniture…but the photos were different. 

“V…VDC,” he laughed out, seeing a photo of him practicing dancing with Vil assisting him. All around him where photos of various events he participated in. 

The Ghost Marriage debacle where Eliza tried to..pff….tried to marry Idia who looked ready to die. Beans Day where he helped distract the other team. Scalding Sands when he met Najima. 

Master chef…

That was fun, but he’d rather leave Grim out of that if they ever did it again. 

He moved to the sitting room only to stop short at the sight of streamers, balloons, tables ready for food and a table filled to the brim with presents. He took a cautious step forward, expecting everyone to pop out, but when they didn’t he approached the table and his eyes widened at the names attached to the presents. 

Riddle. Trey. Cater. Ace. Deuce. 

Leona. Jack. Ruggie. 

Azul. Jade and Floyd.

Kalim. Jamil. 

Vil. Rook. Epel. 

Idia. Ortho. 

Malleus. Lilia. Silver. Sebek. 

Divus. Mozus. Sam. Ashton. Crowley. 

“They…they all got me gifts,” he murmured, hands running over the mass of presents as he circled around the table and looked up at the flapping of wings. 

Lilia’s bats! 

“Hey! What are you guys doing here,” he smiled, taking the package they handed him noting how it was his Birthday boy suit and sash, the boy smiling as he pet them all on the head and grabbed some fruit from the bowl on the side and cutting into it before handing them all a piece to which they squealed happily before munching on them. They settled on the mantle in order of tallest to shortest and he couldn't help but snort at the sight. 

“I’m going to change alright. Don’t follow me,” he warned, the bats chirping before he moved to the stairs where three familiar faces greeted it. 

“Mijikai! Himan! Sukini!” He breathed out, smiling as the three ghost floated down with happy “Yuu’s” coming out. 

“Oh how we missed you,” Sukini, the skinny one, smiled as he pat him on his shoulder. “And a Happy Birthday Yuu!” 

“Yup! On the way to your teenage years! Can’t believe it,” Himan, the fatter one, giggled as Mijikai, the short one, wailed about not reminding him of Yuu growing up. 

“You need to get into your suit and sash before they all arrive! Go, go!” Sukini urged him up the stairs as they moved to the sitting room. “We’ll make sure they put things in the proper places!” 

“Okay, okay,” Yuu laughed, heading up to his room which looked the same as ever. He took in a deep breath before stopping as he noticed the vanity and all the new items on it. “Vil…” he breathed, shaking his head before sitting down at the vanity and looking over all the items. 

Nodding to himself he began his usual routine, going through the steps and the motions with practiced ease. Once he finished moisturizing he moved to don the suit, leaving off the suit jacket and sash, he moved to grab some foundation before stopping. He…it was his day today…and well…he just wanted to have a fun time! Shaking his head he placed the jacket and sash on, grabbing the button off to the side and pinning it on his jacket. He turned to the more pressing thing in his room and scowled at the sword. 

He did not want that thing, but he would not go against her majesty. Shaking his head to took out his magical trunk that Trein had gifted him a month ago so he might go between the dorms easier after the whole S.T.Y.X incident. He opened it and sighed at the mess inside. 

He had just shoved his new dorm uniforms inside as he moved between the dorms for his birthday parties and it showed. Shaking his head he began taking them out one by one, placing all their accessories with the proper uniform before looking at the bottom and seeing the arm bands all in a puddle together. Nodding to himself he grabbed each one of them, folding them beastly before placing them in the jewelry compartment that the trunk had and placing them in their own little sections. 

He then moved to the dorm jewelry some of them had and placed those in the same compartments as the armbands. Then the shoes into the shoe compartment. Then he folded up the uniforms with their hat accessories on top of them as he moved them to the draw compartment that the trunk came with. 

Seems like they informed Trien of what they were doing. 

Shaking his head fondly he grabbed the photos of all his friends where he snuck in a kiss and giggled at their expressions. He sat on his bed, getting comfortable as he looked through some of his fondest memories of the last few months. 

Riddle was bright red as his eyes widened in the photo, Yuu had gotten a stammered out scolding as Cater and Trey laughed good naturally at the two of them. Cater had a wide eyed doe look in his; no doubt he was expecting their regular selfies that they usually took. Trey had an eyebrow raised because of course he wouldn’t be surprised, he was an older brother with very young siblings; spoilsport. Deuce was redder than Riddle as Ace laughed in the background, the boy looking ready to pass out in the photo. Ace looked dopey as he couldn’t believe it as Yuu kissed his cheek and Deuce looked confused in the background. 

Leona had simply raised a brow in the photo, the man keeping the same face as he said that he still wouldn’t attend classes. Ruggie gave an ‘oh, what’ type of look in the photo, his eyes wide and eyebrows raised as his ears stood tall. Jack looked annoyed but the blur behind them told Yuu that his tail was wagging a mile a minute and he was fine with that. 

Azul actually spat out ink as his glasses cracked in the photo, Yuu had gotten a good laugh as he tried to compose himself as the twins laughed at their friends' expense. Jade seemed smug in his photo as Floyd whined in the background, no doubt calling out ‘shrimpy! I want mine!’ all the while Jade is smirking like a cat that got the canary. Floyd was grinning like a fool as Yuu had gotten to him a few days later, and he had a sharktooth grin very prominent on his photo. 

Kalim had organized the scarabia photo, laughing as Jamil tried to escape blurry in the photo as Yuu laughed mid-cheek kiss on the vice dorm leader. Kalim had kissed HIM on the cheek instead and Yuu decided that it was best to keep it. It was a fun departure and exactly like Kalim. 

Vil was composed as ever even if the surprise in his eyes and quirk in his brow showed through a bit. Rook had lamented about not being to capture the true beauty of such a lovely friendships as Vil stated that Yuu would have to try harder. Epel was mid-scream and mid-run in his photo as Yuu suspected he was aware of what he was doing. It was a funny photo. Rook had his signature wink on his face as he held Yuu close to him, and he couldn’t help the weirdness of Rook. As much as Yuu liked him…he was strange. 

Idia literally turned red in both face and hair as Yuu pecked him on the cheek, Ortho in the background with a fire extinguisher that was eventually used. Ortho had warning signs pop up around him about overuse of his emotional processor as he blushed…as much as a robot could. 

Malleus had wide eyes as his ears turned a bright pink, Yuu always held that photo closest as that was the one time that Malleus acted like an embarrassed teen. Lilia had a smirk on his face like he knew all along what Yuu was doing and Yuu was fine with that. Can’t pull one over the old man anyways. Silver was wide awake for his, eyes wide and face flushed as he realized what Yuu was doing. Yuu had earplugs in for Sebek’s and he was glad for it as the fact that in the photo he was red and his mouth was open in mid-yell. 

Good times. 

He just…he just needed one for Grim. 

Grim…

Yuu heaved in a heavy breath as he put the photos in a smaller compartment along with his birthday photos. He felt so bad for not visiting Grim this last week, but he’d been told all throughout the week that he hadn’t changed and he was stable…but…still…

He wanted to see him with his own eyes. 

“Yuu! Yuu chan!” Sukini called, coming in with a bright smile. “Come! Come! It’s been two hours!” 

“Huh,” Yuu jolted, looking outside to see the sun high in the sky. “I’ve been up here two hours,” he blinked, a bit disoriented as he stood up. He hissed at the pins and needles that began to tho down his leg and wobbled over the door where the ghost was smiling fondly at him. 

“You seemed happy to look over photos so we left you for the time being.” Himan popped up, but Yuu no longer jumped at that. 

I mean…between Floyd, Jade, Ace, Ruggie, Rook AND Lilia? 

You get used to people showing up out of nowhere with the intention of scaring you for shit’s and giggles. 

“Come, come! Nearly everyone is here,” Maijikai called out, floating up the stairs. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Yuu shooed them away as he finished packing most of his stuff into the trunk once more before closing it. 

He exited his room, already hearing the chatter downstairs in the sitting room and smiled as all his friends conversed with one another easily and without the need to say something stupid or do something stupid…for now at least. 

He wasn’t holding out too much hope for long. 

“There he is,” Crewel called out, arms spread wide as Yuu began to walk down the stairs. “I was beginning to wonder if this puppy fell asleep after so much fun the last few days.” 

“No, no,” Yuu giggled, hugging the man tightly as the other man did the same. “I can’t believe you got me a gift!” 

“But of course,” he scoffed, blushing slightly as he looked away. “Good pups deserve a reward and I say after dealing with all these personalities you deserve it,” he winked, Yuu giving a smaller laugh before allowing the man to usher him into the sitting room where people were milling around and munching on treats Jamil, Trey, Jade and Silver made. 

Malleus promised to stop Lilia and he was so glad that he managed to stop him from poisoning everyone with his…ahem, cooking. 

“There’s the birthday boy,” Ace called out, smiling as Deuce popped out from behind him with a matching look. 

‘Shrimpy~!” 

Yuu yelped as he was suddenly up in the air with Floyd twirling him around. 

“Ahahah! FLOYD,” He yelped, laughing as he spun around as Crewel barked at him to let him down. 

“Can you show a bit of decorum for once Mr. Leech and don’t answer that Jade,” Crewel warned as Jade opened his mouth. “I don’t wanna hear it.” 

“Hmm,” was all he said, shrugging as Azul snickered into his hand. 

“Yuu-Chan! Say cheese,” Cater called, Yuu yelping as the flash of his phone went off and Cater began cooing with Trey over the embarrassing photo. 

“Cater-Senpai! No! Please! Delete it,” he yelped as Ace and Deuce giggled at his photo. 

“No can do,” he winked, Yuu whining as he tried to grab the phone as people giggled. 

“I’m so very happy that Yuu chan has made many friends here,” Sukini smiled as he floated beside Riddle. “The beginning of the year was tough on him. But I am glad that things are much better now.” 

Riddle was silent as he watched his friend beg Cater to delete the photo of him as others laughed at the strange look no doubt Cater managed to capture and think..

This version of him is much better. 

“Hey! Hey! We have an interview to get through,’ Lilia called out, popping a popper as Yuu blushed and the others laughed. 

“I will endeavor to make sure it is good,” Jade smiled as he took out a notepad. 

“Do we have too,” Yuu whined, looking at all ther faces with a pout. 

"You did it for us, we do it for you,” Leona shrugged, smirking at the scowl Yuu had on his face before plopping down on his seat and Jade began to ask questions. 

“How do you feel about having your birthday celebrated?” 

“You're all going a bit too crazy,” Yuu puffed up his cheeks as they shrugged. “I’m just turning 11, it’s not like its a big thing. Sure it was fun and it was nice to meet more of the school, but it’s been a tiring week.” 

“How do you think your unique magic will form?” 

“Ehhh, I don’t think…I’m not too sure,” he sighed, shrugging as Lilia crooned and muttered something about ‘young people’. “I have a pen for sure…but…I can’t do a lot besides fly or make potions. Sure I’m good at both of them and I have skill in Astronomy and Arithmancy but that’s about all there is to it.” 

“Come now, you have a long time to discover your magic.” 

“Oh come off it,” Yuu grumbled, leaning back. “Not even a year ago I didn’t even believe that magic existed and now I might have it. It’s a bit much after all. The concept of having a unique magic is something that terrifies me to be honest. I don’t even know what it could be.” 

“How does it feel with everyone sending you birthday wishes?” 

“It’s strange,” Yuu admitted. “My father tries his best, being a head of a powerful conglomerate and all, my mother uses this time to peacock and spend lavishly on things for herself,” he grumbled. “I never really had friends, I was seen as the strange smart kid that people should stay away from after all. And well…my father’s past work didn’t make making friends as easy a venture as to say,” he shrugged. 

Crewel noticed how Lilia shifted in his place, his face pinching up as he thought deep on what Yuu said. 

“But now is it better?” 

‘Come on. This last week, while tiring, has been the best in my life,” Yuu smiled at Jade who nodded to himself happily. 

‘How do you feel that we all have to repeat our respective years?” 

“Well…I get that Malleus and Girm basically totaled the school and that the rest of the school year was…well not done. I get that it’s bad to be held back a year, but I am sure that we will all make better memories and make sure that our time together counts! Besides, the third year would have been gone for half the year, so I get to spend more time with you all before you go onto internships!” 

They smiled at Yuu. Sure it sucked to repeat a year, but like he said. Night Raven was totaled after the battles between Malleus and Grim. Even with magic it was going to take time to rebuild. 

‘Now…onto the four most difficult questions,’ Jade cleared his throat and Yuu felt dread course through him. “Your Favorite First Year?” 

“JADE!” 

“Answer please.” 

 “....Jack.” 

“Well I expected that one,” Ace sighed as Deuce shrugged and Sebek gave a nod in agreement. 

“Favorite Second year?” 

“Are you seriously going to make me do this?” 

“Yes.” 

“...Silver-Senapi.” 

“Huh,” the sleepy boy asked, looking wide awake as his father burst out laughing as Jade felt his eyes twitch before putting on a pleasant smile. Floyd was whining beside him as Azul sighed and Kalim pouted before patting Silver on the back. 

“Favorite Third Year.” 

“I plead the fifth.” 

‘You have to answer it,” Jade laughed as others began to snicker as well. 

“I. Plead. The. Fifth.” 

“Yuu?”

“...Tsunotaro-Senpai.” 

“Thank you Yuu,” Malleus smiled as the others deflated and promised to be the best Senpai the next year.

“Favorite Teacher?” 

“Crewel Sensei.” 

"There was no hesitation in that one,” Ruggie snickered as Crewel mouthed ‘suck it’ to Crowley who deflated. 

“Of course not. He got me so much more to do in the year. And while Trein sensei is really cool, doing experiments is cooler!” he clapped his hand eagerly as Rook nodded happily, Trey and Vil seemingly deflated, at Rook. Yuu was a good Kouhai in how he managed to STOP Rook most of the time...MOST being the key word. Not everyone could stop the Wayward Hunter of the Science Club.

“Well, I am glad that I don’t bore you,’ Trein shrugged. 

“Well, that concludes this interview,” Jade smiled, everyone clapping as they all yelled out-

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” 

“Present time,” Ace yelled, grabbing his small box as the rest did the same. “Here ya go! I hope you like them,” he smiled brightly, looking a bit nervous as Yuu ripped the paper off to see a small carved box. He opened it and brightened at playing cards. He took them out and gasped. 

“These are hand painted!” 

“Yup! Done by yours truly,” he smiled, Yuu grinning as he looked through the intricately painted people. “You…You like it?” 

‘Yes! I love it!” 

“Whooo…” 

“How sweet,” Cater crooned, his own a lot bigger than Ace’s before Yuu took it from him. “I went through a lot to get the best of the best,” he winked, Yuu blushing when he opened the book. 

It was a book of all their selfies. 

Fairy Gala, Wish Upon a Star, Culinary Crucible, Magishift and so on. 

The cover was Beans Day, they had been on the same team and Yuu did all he could to protect one another after spending most of the day being chased around.  

“Thank you,” He murmured, still embarrassed as Cater ruffled his hair and moved to the side to allow Trey to come forward with Riddle. 

“Here you go. I think you’ll like this one,” he smiled, Yuu gasping as he saw it was a book of all his favorite pastries Trey makes. A cookbook! “Just call me if you want to try some of the more difficult ones or you have a question about a substitution.” 

“Thank you! This will be great for parties at Ramshackle!” 

“That’s the point,” he ruffled Yuu's hair as Riddle handed his own hand bound book to Yuu who giggled. 

“The 810 rules of the Queen of Hearts, short hand by Riddle Rosehearts,” he read, Riddle blushing as Ace made a gagging noise and people looked at Riddle like he was crazy.

“You talked about how you wanted to learn them all but couldn’t find a single book. So….I made one,” he defended himself, Yuu hugging the other with a giggle as he yelped before accepting it. 

“Mine not be as cool but I had my mom send the materials so I could make it,” Deuce nodded, handing Yuu a spade keychain made of wire and…pipe? “It is made of parts of my old Bast Cycle. I have one myself,” he grinned, showing his house keys with a similar keychain. 

“OI! No fair,’ Ace yelped, Deuce shrugging as they got into it all the while Yuu placed his keychain on his own group of keys. 

“I thought you might like this Yuu,” Jack drew him out of his thoughts as he handed him a leather cord necklace with a wolf claw on it and various beads. “My siblings picked out the beads and the claw is one of mine. Nothing bad happened, I just lost them at times when I’m not careful.” 

“I really like it,” Yuu giggled as he put it on, he showed off to Jack who chuckled and nodded. 

“Looking good!” 

“Man, show me up why don’t you,” Ruggie pouted, in his hand was a long thin box that Yuu took when offered, opening it he raised a brow at the ebony hair stick. “I got it from the Elephant graveyard in Afterglow Savana. I carved a little hyena on it. You see,” he gave his usual chuckle as Yuu took it out of the box and shook his head at the sight of Hyena on the top of the stick. 

“This is really cool! Thank you Ruggie Senpai!” 

“I can’t believe you actually go to that place,” Leona shook his head as he handed Yuu a small box that he opened only to give him a blank look. 

“No.” 

“Too bad,” was all Leona said as Yuu took a small golden ring with the symbol of the royal family on it. 

“I can’t take this!” 

‘Too bad, I want you to have it Herbivore,” Leona mocked back, his tail flicking the boy in the face as he pouted. “Besides, it’s the best I could think of.” 

Yuu was silent before he nodded, placing the ring back in the box he placed it gingerly beside Ace’s cards and turned to Azul who came with Jade and Floyd. 

“Here you go. I think this will help you next year,” Azul winked. “They are my favorites and I…never shared them with anyone.” 

It was a hand bound book with no title, but it had the shell of the sea witch in the middle. Yuu opened it to the smell of the sea, eyeing Azul’s nice script which he felt at ease looking at. He continued to read before gaping and looking up at a blushing Azul who smiled. 

“This is your own personal grimoire of your favorite coral sea spells!’ 

“A copy. I still have mine. But I…I think this knowledge will suit you well,” Azul nodded, Yuu hugged him tightly to which he returned before Floyd whined about wanting to show his present. 

Yuu looked up to see Jade hold out the box while Floyd vibrated in his place, a smile planted on his lips as he eyed Yuu’s face. Yuu shook his head, opening the box before his face went blank as he looked up at the twins' manic faces. 

“Wh…what?” 

“Come on Shrimpy! It was painful to get those things you know,” he whined, Yuu looking down at the scale earrings in the box. One had a small J engraved on it while the other had an F on it. 

“I…Thank you,” he whispered, Jade smiling as he kneeled down and took his scales and Floyd did the same. They moved Yuu’s hair back to place the earrings in and stepped back, Azul had a look of surprise on his face as he looked at the gift. 

“My, my,” He said, the two shrugging as they stepped back and nodded as Yuu fiddled with the earrings. 

“Looking good Shrimpy,” Floyd grinned while Jade smiled brightly. “Everyone in the coral sea will know who your friends are. We gave Azul a pendant a while back too.”
 
“I’m thankful,” Yuu’s face was soft as he gazed at them, giggling as Floyd crooned and scooped him up in a hug. 

“My turn! My turn,” Kalim gasped, coming forward with a tallish box that he held out with a bright smile. “I think you will really like this if you don’t feel like leaving the house,” he winked, Yuu taking out the hourglass donned with gold and red sand. 

“What…is this? I can sense magic…” He hummed. 

“It’s a magical hourglass that can change the atmosphere in the room. It can make things nice and gloomy for a day you want a gloomy rainy day, bright and sunny when you feel productive or nice and cool when you aren out in the summer heat!” 

“Wow! Thank you Kalim!” 

“Hehe. You mentioned how you liked rainy days but they always mess with your motivation,” he winked, hugging Yuu tightly as Jamil came up with his own box. 

“I think this will help you next year once you start on your studies in full,” he smirked, Yuu taking out an ornate genie’s lamp and sniffing it. 

“Aloe and Lavender?” 

“This releases a sleep mist in low doses to help you fall asleep easier,” he tapped the top. “No need to refill it. It does that by itself. If you are really struggling, just remove the top and leave it for about 20 minutes. But no longer,” he warned the boy, smiling at his nod before stepping back and looking over all the other gifts he had left. 

They certainly weren’t going easy today. 

“I hope that you will come up with wonderful things,’ Vil smiled as he handed a book that Yuu had become familiar with. 

“All my creations and yours as well,” he laughed, looking sheepish as potions for foundation, primer and eyeshadow were on many pages. Lipstick, skincare…all the things he would need to remain beautiful at a good price. 

“Of course! You have many great ideas and I say I’ve benefited from its use,” he smirked, Epel rolling his eyes and Rook began to wax something poetic. 

‘Thank you Vil Senpai!” 

“But of course,” he smiled, Rook came forward with a beautiful glass bottle that looked too expensive for him. 

“I have asked my mother and father to collect the sweetest and most exotic fruits so I might do this for you,” he winked, opening it to allow Yuu to smell the perfume. 

‘It’s so sweet…but…not like candy,” he breathed, taking the bottle as Rook bowed happily. 

‘Alas I wanted to get you a bow but Lilia was not having it. Saying that he would prefer you not to handle weapons for a bit long,” he smirked as Lilia gave a glare at Rook and Yuu flinched. 

‘I…I’m okay at archery. I’m better at using Crossbows…” he murmured, Lilia looking uncomfortable as the others turned to him. 

‘Not now,’ was what he murmured before Epel came forward. 

“I called in a favor and went home to Harveston for this,” Epel held out the small box where Yuu opened it to see a beautiful hunting knife with a carved apple pommel and a basket keychain. “It’s a whittling knife, but it’s also a hunting knife if you need it to be. We match,” he took out his own which had a basket pommel and an apple keychain. 

“Heh,” he giggled, closing the box with the blade inside and high fived his friend who grinned and sighed when Vil grabbed his shoulder. 

‘Epel,” he began as Ortho and Idia came forward. 

‘Here you go! This is my old emotional processor…or my heart,” Ortho smiled as he handed Yuu a hairband with said processor as the main focal point. “I will always be thankful you have been here for me and Nii-san.” 

“This is so cool,” Yuu breathed, running his hands through the metal bits that long since stopped working. “And the band is made with old wires?” 

“Yes!” 

“Nice!’ 

“H…here you go Yuu san…” Idia swallowed, handing him another jewelry box only to show a very nice…very expensive watch. “I…I did some work on it. You can pull up a hologram screen and send texts, look at photos, check your health and tell you the upcoming assignments since it’s connected to your phone!” 

Yuu looked at the ornate watch that had a miniature world in it, he zoomed in on the Rose Kingdom and looked in shock as the watch changed to the layout of the kingdom within the confines of it’s casing. He saw the date and time, the hardware and cogs running behind it. It even had the moon cycle on it…just in the hardware. Even a compass was under the map! (Bovet Recital 22 ‘Grand Recital’ for reference)

“Th..this amazing..,” he breathed, eagerly putting it on and turning his wrist around to get a better look. 

“I’m glad,” Idia breathed, relaxing as Yuu looked through the features happily as Ortho pulled his hair back into a ponytail to put his own gift on. 

“Yuu,” Silver smiled, coming forward with a small box that he opened. “These are special glasses that allow you to see deception and allow you vision at night.” He placed the glasses on him, the round black frames fitting his face nicely as the charms bangled on the right side. 

“A sword, bat wing, dragon eye and a scale,” he giggled, Silver shrugging as he pushed them up. 

‘I dare say you look very cute,” Vil smiled. “I think we can work with this for a Halloween special~!” 

“Ohh,” Yuu nodded, Silver shaking his head as Sebek came forward and silently, with a red blush on his face, presented a book on sword techniques that they had compiled together. 

“Heh, thank you Sebek! We can compare notes now,” he grinned, the other who was still blushing, smiled back and nodded eagerly. 

“We will both become better swordsmen together,” he boomed out happily. Others groaned at his voice as Lilia shook his head and took out a..

“Pocket Watch,” Yuu asked, Lilia shaking his head and he turned it around to show him a glowing dragon eye. 

“I asked Her Majesty if I could present this to you and she thought it would be a good idea,” he placed it in Yuu's palm. “It’s an ancient relic much like her gift to you, but its function is a protection device that can…well it can protect you…” Lilia sighed as he finished explaining the functions of the pendant, everyone turned to him like he looked mad and he smiled sadly at Yuu. 

“Why would he need that,” Ace demanded, not liking the pendant anymore before Yuu placed it to the side. “Did you have to give him that?” 

“I think it’s a good thing to have. Think of it as this old man thinking back to his old glory days,'' was all Lilia said as Malleus came forward with a small box that he watched with eager eyes as Yuu opened. 

“Oh come on,” he whined, placing his face in his hands as he looked at a ring once more. Black with a green gem that was wrapped around a dragon’s tail. “The signet ring of the Draconia Family?” 

“This was supposed to be mine…but after my father passed I was given his. I thought it fitting to give you this,” he smiled. “As one friend to another, I think this would best suit you,” he urged Yuu to take the ring to which the boy did with a whine. “Whenever you call my name or even the one you have gifted me, I shall come to your aid no matter what. Just like you did me.” 

‘Yuu blushed, Malleus hugging him tight as they basked in one another’s presence before letting go. 

“I say, all of these were wonderful gifts,” Crewel smiled as he grabbed his own gift alone with the rest of the staff. 

“But it is our turn,” Sam called, handing Yuu his bag which Yuu gasped at the sudden weight. He moved the paper back and took out a small half circle…a resin mold filled with- 

“My favorites,” he gasped, looking at the mass of blooming water lilies, lilies of the valley, spider lilies, lotus within a branch circle of sakura blossoms. “This is great!”

“Took me a while to get those sakura, won’t lie,” Sam shook his head. “But it was a nice challenge!” 

“I love it!” 

“I think you be happy I took the initiative to get the most important things set up,” Trein coughed as he handed Yuu a..NEW PHONE!? 

“This is the newest model,” he yelped, placing the resin mold down to take the phone. 

“Well, with how much I think you will be calling them all. I think it’s only fair to have something that can withstand all your calls and texts,” he winked, Lucius purring as he nudged the boy who laughed at the contact names. 

Heart Idiot. Spade Idiot. Loud Croc. Apple Farmer. Soft Wolf. 

Anger Issues. Donut Addict. Mafia Octo. Mafia Leech 1. Mafia Leech 2 (Warning!). Ball of Sunshine. Chef Snek. Prince Narcolepsy. 

The Pastry Babysitter. Phone Addict. Never Going to Graduate. Beauty Queen. Danger, Run Away. The Introvert. Fellow Old Man.

Tsunotaro. 

Ortho. 

“Thank you Trein Sesnei,” he choked out, the older man winking at him as his friends looked around confused. “But I think Jade and Floyd will be easy to confuse with one another.” 

‘Either way it’s the same,” was all Trein said as Yuu locked his phone before Ace could see. 

“My turn,” Ashton smiled, handing Yuu a box which he tore into only to smile at the sight of personalized Beans Day Gear. 

“So I’m always going to be fighting,” he smirked, looking at the gear as Vargas laughed and patted him on the back. 

“You do it pretty well kiddo,” he winked, Yuu looking at the cammo with a fond smile before turning to Crewel who had a smirk on his face as he held two boxes. 

“I had these made specially for you because I think it would suit you best,” he grinned, Yuu opening the first box to see sneakers with red, black and white accents all over with his teacher’s signature pointer stitched on it. The other box were small kitty heels that went to his knees like Riddles with the same color scheme alone with some potions bottles on the side. 

“Hehe, thank you,” he grinned, showing Vil the shoes as the boy nodded and looked at them over himself. 

“Of course, anything for my favorite pup,” he ruffled Yuu’s hair before Crowley cleared his throat and came forward with a box that Yuu raised a brow at. 

‘Now…I know you don’t think highly of me! But I have been trying to get you home, if only to explain to your father your decision! So…In honor of that! I have this for you!’ 

Yuu took the box, opening it to see a small card that read- 

“Your Official Dorm Uniform for the Closing Ceremony of the Year at Night Raven College.” 

Yuu felt tears well up in his eyes as he took out the uniform piece by piece, Crowley fluttered about nervously as Crewel and the teachers shook their heads and the students gaped.

“And official uniform,” Kalim gasped, the others breaking out into excited words as Vil spoke about how he was going to make his show of the uniform the best ever. Yuu gave the brightest smile to Crowley who relaxed and stepped back, allowing the friends to talk about his uniform and the closing ceremony happening in a few days time. 

Yuu’s birthday was really cutting it close, but since they didn’t have exams because of the damage it was easier for them to do all of this. 

“Yuu Chan! We have a gift for you,” Sukini called as Himan rushed to the door. 

“Huh? You do?” 

“Yes, yes! We’ve been looking over this for today! So I hope you liked it!” 

“HENCHMAN!!!” 

“Grim…GRIM!!!!” Yuu yelled, rushing out as people turned to the ghosts and teachers in shock before the first years followed Yuu with their own yells. 

“Oi! You pudgy cat,” Ace bellowed, looking happy and annoyed all at once as his eyes landed on Yuu and Grim, the two embracing as Yuu sobbed into his fur. 

‘Your awake! You're awake…you're okay,” he sobbed, his friends coming into a group hug as they all smiled at Grim. 

“Takes a lot more than some stupid overblot to deal with the Great Grim Sama!” 

“Yes…yeah…yeah that’s right,” Yuu sniffed, getting up with Grim in his arms. 

““Nyaah! Henchman! Here I am! The Great Grim is awake for your birthday! Isn’t that such a wonderful gift?!” He looked so proud of himself as Yuu nodded, Crewel leading him back into the sitting room where the ghosts got the camera ready. They had their own photo with Yuu, and now it was time for his friends. 

“It’s wonderful,” Yuu whispered into his fur, Grim was unusually silent as he looked at Yuu before he began whispering. 

“Neh? Human? I love you…never leave me…please?”

Oh…his heart…

“Of course not Grim. I’ll always be with you…because I love you too, my greedy tuna loving kitty cat.” He giggled, ticking Grim’s tummy as he laughed and wormed away. 

“Nya-hahah! Of course you wouldn’t leave Grim Sama!....Happy Birthday Yuu…I’m happy you chose to keep me.” His face held a bit of sadness as he gazed up at Yuu and he worked to fix that immediately. 

“Why wouldn’t I? Grim, you're my best buddy forever.” He promised, Grim’s face lighting up with joy and hope. “We;ll be wonderful magicians.”

“Okay! Everyone,” Himan called out. “1~! 2~! 3~! HAPPY- 

“-BIRTHDAY YUU,” they all screamed out, popping streamers and confetti as the teachers released some magic and the camera flashed. 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUU!” Grim had jumped into his arms, nuzzling his face as the photo was taken. He had cried out in fake anguish when Yuu smothered him with kisses on his furry head, promising to never leave him alone again. 

Soon Yuu could come to love just a photo with him and all his friends as well as the faculty; in Ramshackle, Grim in his lap as they released confetti poppers around him, dressed in the traditional suit and sash. Crowley and Crewel made a glowing HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY YUU above them, smiling brightly as the teachers surrounded him with bright smiles. Everyone was in their regular school uniforms. But it was only then Yuu would realize they switched their arm bands to what would be his dorms armband. 

Truely, the most marvelous Birthday Party ever. 

Most Certainly. 

DAY OF THE CLOSING CEREMONY 

“Haaa, that was a lot,” Yuu breathed as he finished packing up all his gifts and stuff. His presents had gone into a separate compartment, his jewelry and accessories with the dorm items along with the armbands but he was all done. He cracked his neck as he looked around the room and smiled at how much more…livable it was now. 

And now he was going to stay with Trein for a week or two after the closing ceremony before going to Idia’s for a bit. 

Yuu turned the knob on the trunk, shrinking it down to the size of a locket and clipping it on his chain that he wore whenever he was going out with his stuff. It was a gift from the first years after all the sleepovers they had and all the duffle bags he brought. They decided to make it easier on him and Vil lengthened it out so he would be able to travel with ease. 

He had some of the greatest friends. 

He turned to smile at a sleeping Grim, he was about to get dressed in his uniform before a small piece of paper flew in with the message

“Mirror Chamber now. Emergency Meeting.” 

Yuu blinked before grabbing his keys and rushing out with a call to the ghosts to let Grim know what happened. He ran down the empty path to the Mirror Chamber, he stopped outside to catch his breath before straightening himself out and entering. 

It was empty. 

“Hu…Huh? Is this a joke,” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he went deeper and deeper into the chamber where the Dark Mirror stood. “Alright, come on guys. Today is not the day for this,” he called out into the chamber, his voice echoing as dread began to pool in his stomach. 

It pooled further when green light suddenly flared up in the room and the Dark Mirror came to life. 

Wasn’t Crowley supposed to bring forth the Man in the Mirror? He said he couldn’t wake on his own? 

“The boy without magic,” he boomed. “I see you have made many bonds within our realm of Twisted Wonderland.” 

“Yeah…I have,” Yuu agreed, taking a cautious step forward. “You can’t send me home…and you're not supposed to be awake…how long have you been tricking Crowley?” 

“I underestimated your intelligence.” 

“Most people do,” Yuu admitted. “But what I don’t get is why you tricked me into coming here? I was going to come anyway with the school for the closing Ceremony.” 

“...Your time is up. You now must go home.” 

“...No.” 

“No?” 

“No,” Yuu snarled. “I’m not going back! You can’t make me! I have a life here! I have friends. I promised Grim!” 

“None of that matters to me. You fulfilled your purpose, you have brought Night Raven together. You are no longer needed.” 

“So what! I want to stay! I can make the bonds stronger.” 

“That was not the deal between Crowley and I.” 

“...What?” 

“He wanted Night Raven to come together, show that we are a united front to the world even if they are nothing more than showoffs that have far too much power. He needed someone that was lesser than them, to prove to them that they could be better.” 

“I…Am not lesser,” Yuu hissed, fists curling up as the Mirror seemingly smirked at him. 

“But you don’t have magic.” 

‘Shut it.” 

“Crowely decided that you were to return once the year had finished. I did not expect him to become human this year…after all these centuries.” 

“I am not leaving. You can’t force me.” 

“You don’t have a choice. Much like how you didn’t have a choice when I brought you here. Now, Crowley might have done some meddling to stop this from happening, but magic must be brought full circle. As I am sure you have learned.”

“Fuck you,” Yuu snarled, he turned to leave, grabbing the handle of the door he pulled. 

Nothing. 

Again. 

It wouldn’t budge. 

“Let me out,” he demanded, turning to the impassive mirror who sighed. 

“You do not belong. I cannot allow you to continue living here. It is time to go home.” 

“I am home. You should have chosen someone else if this was your endgame,’ Yuu hissed, glaring at the Mirror who seemingly smirked at him. 

“Then it wouldn’t have been effective.” 

“LET ME OUT,” Yuu roared, banging on the doors. “RIDDLE! LEONA! AZUL! KALIM! VIL! IDIA! MALLEUS! COME GET ME OUT! PLEASE!!!” He kept banging and banging on the doors of the mirror chamber, the Dark Mirror concentrating its magic and shooting out a dark vine to wrap around Yuu’s wrist. 

“That’s enough time to go home. I am not giving you a choice.” 

“And I’m not going to let you dictate what I should do,’ Yuu spat. “ACE! DEUCE! JACK! SEBEK! EPEL! PLEASE HELP ME!” 

“Ehheh Shrimpy! Is that you,” Floyd’s voice could be heard through the door as Jade murmured something to his brother. 

“JADE! FLOYD! HELP ME! THE MIRROR IS TRYING TO DRAG ME AWAY! I CAN’T GET OUT,” he pleaded, he heard Jade bark at his brother to get Azul as he began pounding away at the door’s lock. 

“Find something to hold onto! Don’t let go,” Jade yelled through the door, Yuu grabbing onto the handle as the grip on the vine got tighter around him. It was a tense few minutes before the door jerked and Jade opened it, eyes wide as he caught sight of Yuu gripping on the handle for dear life as his lower body was in the air, being pulled toward the mirror. “I got you,” he gasped, grabbing onto Yuu’s upper arms before a cosmic beam shot toward Jade and sent him flying back into the hallway where Azul and Floyd rushed into. 

“Jade,” Azul yelped as Floyd caught sight of Yuu. 

“Shrimpy,” he yelled, rushing down the hall as more and more students joined. 

“What’s going on,” some people gasped as Leona and Ruggie rushed in. 

“Get down,” Leona ordered as Floyd went flying through the air much like his brother. “Yuu! Hold on!” 

“Help me please,” he screamed, Leona stilling at the pure fury in his voice before growling.

“Ruggie! Get to Diasomnia! Get Draconia!” He snarled at his friend who jolted at the tone before turning serious. 

‘On it,” he yelped, rushing out as other members of Savanaclaw tensed, ready to pounce into action. 

‘What is…YUU,’ Vil screeched, catching sight of his friend who was struggling to keep his grip on the handle. 

“Trickster,” Rook gasped as his eyes narrowed and he looked at the mirror. “It won’t let us get close…” 

“We’ll need to overwhelm it,” Trey spoke, coming up beside the hunter as Riddle ordered some students to grab the staff and to get the other dorm leaders. “Leona! If you and your fellow dorm mates rush it, we might have a chance to grab Yuu!” 

“Alright then,” Leona smirked before letting out a lion's roar to which they all rushed at the mirror. 

“Floyd, Jade, Rook! You three have the best chance of getting Yuu out of there, go now,’ Azul barked, the three nodding as they ran into the fray as the dorm leaders shot out spells. 

“What’s happening,” Jamil demanded, looking around him as the people were being shot down the hall left and right. 

‘The mirror is trying to do something with Yuu and it’s not letting go,” Cater growled, usual smile gone as he sent more copies of himself into the fray. “The twins and Rook are trying to get to him so they can get him out.” 

“What do you think we should do,” Kalim turned to Jamil who had his brow pinched. 

“I don’t know…does anyone know why the mirror is doing this?” 

“YOU MUST RETURN HOME YUU FUJIMARU. YOU CANNOT STAY HERE.’ 

“GET ME OUT PLEASE,” Yuu wailed just as his grip failed him. “AHAHAH!!!!” 

“NO,” the sounds of Ace and Deuce screaming stilled some people as they rushed in and slammed to the ground, grabbing Yuu’s hand and pulling back. “Someone! Cut the vines!” 

Epel rushed in, unsheathing his whittling knife and began cutting the various vines wrapped around Yuu’s waist. Jack had dropped by Ace and Deuce to hold onto his friend, straining to keep his footing as the mirror pulled them closer to itself. Silver and Sebek joined in, hacking at vines that went to wrap around Yuu again as Lilia and some teachers came onto the scene. 

“Go get Malleus for me! He’s at Ramshackle,” Lilia ordered his bats as Crowley began the incantation to deactivate the mirror. 

“Yuu Chan,” Ortho yelled out as Idia began pulling up records on the mirror only to yelp as vines shot out at them, slamming him into the wall and strangling Crowley. 

“You wanted someone to unite the school, someone that could leave once it is said and done. I am fulfilling the magic,” The mirror said as Yuu looked up to Crowley in betrayal. 

‘I…I did,” he wheezed. “But…I realize…my…mistake! Yuu…Yuu chan…belongs here! He…will..stay! Stop…I…I order you,’ Crowely wheezed, trying to get the vines off of him as they squeezed harder. “I said STOP!” He roared, Yuu’s eyes filled with tears and Epel cursed as more vines showing up. 

“...Sorry, but I can’t do that. He doesn’t belong here. A magicless student does not belong in Night Raven.” 

“Ahhh,” Yuu screamed, vines pushing everyone back into the walls as they pulled him toward the mirror. 

“Yuu!” 

Malleus! 

Malleus was here! Just like he said he would be!

“Yuu,” he roared, his magic burning the vines as Lilia tried to get closer. “I will save you!” 

“Arrrggghh,” Yuu screamed in agony as his body connected with the mirror, searing pain coursed through him, as if his body was rejecting going through the mirror. 

As if his wish to go home at the beginning of the year was not his wish anymore. 

“TSUNOTARO,” he screeched, voice pure agony as lightning crackled around him. ‘SAVE ME! HELP ME PLEASE! I’M BEGGING YOU! DON’T LET IT TAKE ME BACK! TSUNOTARO!!!” 

“Yuu!” He rushed forward, his magic burning or redirecting any magic as he leaped forward, hand out as Yuu did the same, tears running down his face as he looked at him with hope. 

“He must leave.” 

“Tsunota-” 

His voice cut off as his body was fully absorbed into the mirror, their hands mere centimeters away from one another as Malleus slammed into the Dark Mirror. 

“NOOO,” Malleus didn’t know who screamed, didn’t know who pulled him away as he began to pound on the mirror to bring him back. Bring Yuu back. 

He didn’t know what happened when Crowley boomed at them to leave, eyes alight with fury as he began to gather magic and point it at the mirror. 

He didn’t know who was crying, he didn’t know who was wailing, he didn’t know how he ended up in Ramshackle…

All he knew is his friend was taken away from him. 

He was gone…gone…gone…GONE! 

“Malleus…please…please…we will return him…we will…calm down…calm down…” He pushed Lilia away as he stumbled into the sitting room where days ago they held a spectacular party for their friend. 

When he was certain to stay forever…

“Oi…where’s Yuu…Where is he…he needs to get dressed! He left his uniform in the room! Where is Yuu! Oi!” 

Grim it was Grim. 

Malleus looked up, tears flowing down his face as the healed Grim looked at him in fear and horror. 

“N…No…he…he promised me…He…HE PROMISED ME! HE MADE A PROMISE TO THE GREAT GRIM SAMA!” 

Malleus merely brought the creature into his arms and they both cried together, Lilia off to the side watching. His eyes were drawn to the window where many students began to rush down the path to Ramshackle, in hopes of understanding what happened. 

But Lilia had no answer and he doubted that Crowley would open up either. 

What a mess this was…truly indeed a mess it was. 

He didn’t even bother to wipe the stray tear going down his cheek as Yuu’s screeches of fear and pain echoed in his head.

SAVE ME! HELP ME PLEASE! I’M BEGGING YOU! DON’T LET IT TAKE ME BACK! TSUNOTARO!!!

Ah…his poor sweet youngest boy…his…his boy…his poor…poor…sweet boy…

All Lilia could do was hug himself as the cries of Malleus and Grim echoed through Ramshackle and the feeling of the approaching students drew closer and closer.

Closer and Closer...

Closer and Closer...

Ah....

His poor, sweet boy.

"A...Ace..." Deuce called to his friend who was clutching Yuu's new phone tightly in his hand. It was the only thing that was left behind by Yuu before the Mirror snatched him up. He managed to grab it before Crowley pushed them out with a roar to the mirror. "We...We need to head to Ramshackle..." The rest of the first years where still there after they had failed to keep their hold on Yuu, each one of them where in a state of shock as they looked to the closed door of the Mirror Chamber in a mixture of uncertainty and melancholy. Their seniors had rushed to Ramshackle without so much as a glance at them as they needed answers from the best source they had at the moment...Lilia...but...would he know?

"I'll...follow...just gimme a minute," he muttered darkly, Deuce coming over before he stopped. 

Yuu's screen was cracked but he could see the lockscreen clearly. 

It was all the first years piled into a photo, one on top of the other after Beans Day. They where sweaty, dirty, tired and sore from the day of constant running and shooting at enemies or being pelted, but they had bright smiles on their faces as they yelled out 'BEANS!' to the camera. 

That was...his lock screen. 

He jolted as Ace opened the screen and he saw the home screen, and he felt the other's seize next to him. 

It was all the first years once more as they sat around after the debacle of Endless Halloween, each still dressed up in their halloween costumes and smiling brightly as Riddle took the photo for them. Yuu had a weird undertaker look with oversized sleeves and a grey wig with an over the top tophat. (Yes, he was Undertaker from Black Butler...Fight me). But it was fun. 

He stood behind Ace as he went to the contacts and gave a snort at the names. 

"Hey," Ace grumbled, stilling thumbing through contacts with the WORST photos imaginable for them. "I'm not a Heart Idiot...I...I'm...." Deuce swallowed as tears formed in the corner of his eyes before he hugged the phone and fell to his knees. "I'm not an Idiot...it was you...Yuu.." he cried out, Deuce feeling his own tears well up as the echo's of Yuu's screams rang through his head. 

GET ME OUT PLEASE.....SAVE ME! HELP ME PLEASE! I’M BEGGING YOU! DON’T LET IT TAKE ME BACK!

Deuce felt his body shake as he tried to block out the screams and covered his ears, tears began to flow down his face as the terrified face of Yuu flashed before his eye and the screams grew louder and louder. "I...I was supposed to be strong...I...I wanted to be the best Magician...How...How can I be the best Magician if I can't save my friend...If...If I...I...I can't," he shook as tears flowed down his face. 

Beside him Epel was trying to stay strong but his shoulders shook as his back met the wall and he slid the ground, hands clenching his whittling knife and leftover vine as he cursed himself for not being strong enough or fast enough to get him out. Without a care in the world he proceeded to viciously rip apart the vine with his hands, cursing the mirror to the underworld and back, shoulders shaking as he thought of Yuu gasping for breath as he cut vine after vine to free him. 

Jack slowly closed his hands before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He shouldn't have focused on cardio, he should have worked to up his strength and...and he should have called out to Yuu when he saw him rushing to the mirror chamber! No on was there...but...but! Another shuddering breath after another he allowed some tears to flow down his face as his tail and ears wilted...he should have been stronger. 

He should have been stronger. 

Sebek was staring at his hands in shock as he was unable to fend off the vines long enough for Epel to free Yuu, he was unable to keep his footing when the Mirror sent a wave of magic out to remove them like pests. He wasn't good enough...he was a failure...he failed his lords friend...HE...HE FAILED HIS FRIEND. Soon the urge to cry became too much and he fell to his knees, hands buried into his now mussed up hair and the reality of the situation began to register to him. He failed one of his best friends, one that was begging him to save him. But he failed...he failed in being a knight...he failed in being a friend. 

They all failed the one person that did so much for them. They failed to do the one thing that they could to do to repay him in the slightest bit. 

They failed their friend who never asked for much from them, and now he was gone forever..

Forever...

The other students of Night Raven stood back as the group broke down, knowing they had no say in helping them but they would be there for their juniors for when they did need to go back to their dorms. They owed them that much for not only saving their lives, but for never giving up on the school that seemed to hopeless...and for failing Yuu as well. 

Because all of Night Raven failed this day. 

Chapter Text

CHARACTER PROFILE-HIRO FUJIMARU

Hiro Fujimaru Pintrest Board

(1st Photo is how I imange Hiro at 23, the 2nd is how he is currently. The rest are him on off days/general idea of fashion and personality) 

• Name: Hiro Fujimaru 
• Age: 47 
• Born: March 31st, 1947 
• Sign: Aries
• Year: Pig 
• IQ: 192 (Suffered head trauma in his youth that either stunted its ability to go further or instead heightened it to this point.)
• Sexual Orientation: Bisexual
• Race: Japanese 
• Family: Yuu Fujimaru (Son), Akira Fujimaru {Nee Satou} (Ex-Wife), Mr Fujimaru (Father), Mrs. Fujimaru (Mother) 
• Occupation: Assassin (Formerly), CEO of Fujimaru Conglomerate, Co-Head of Magical Agriculture and Associations, Accessory to the Hogwarts Board of Governors (Unwillingly) 
• Eye Color: Bright Green 
• Hair Color: Pitch Black 
• Height: 6′10″/ 208 cm 
• Favorite Food: Toshikoshi Soba
• Least Favorite Food: Sushi 
• Unusual Traits: Congenital Analgesia (A condition in which one is unable to feel any or has every felt physical pain) 
• Known Nicknames: The Black Death of the East, The Shinigami, Wolf of Wallstreet, The Muggle Salazar Slytherin, Righteous Bastard 

Hiro is a man who had never let an opportunity get past by him, be it first getting together with his now Ex-Wife Akira or leaving the dark underbelly of the underworld to stay with his son that Akira threatened to take away from him. He leaves no stone unturned when it comes to his son because he does not feel as if he is a good enough father. Raised in the aftermath of both World Wars with parents who grew up in the shadow of the first WW and fought in the Second, he was no stranger to suspicion and even threats against his life as they eased their way into the Cold War between America and the then Soviet Union. Being the only son of American Diplomats to America from Japan, his life was constantly at risk by both sides, but more lethally when it wasn’t from America. He learned from a young age that you must fight for survival and soon would delve into the realm of contract killing as a form of protection and security later in life, becoming the deadliest in the world with the moniker The Black Death of the East or the Shinigami. He would take out a record number of 150-200 people in his 13 year tenure as an assassin, 45 of them would be Wizards that he was contracted via their ministries unknowingly. In the paranoia of his parents he was constantly fed poison to build up a resistance so they had one less way to off him and he passed it onto his son, in hopes that his old Assassin Pal’s would not be able to use poison against his son like how his parents hoped for him. He is constantly hunted by his old teammates who he left alive in a fit of sentimentality, which would later prove him wrong as they would try and hurt him by taking out his son. So he takes out the trash every few years when one of them gather’s the courage to try and off his son. 

Cold as it might be he had secretly hoped his son, when he vanished after his 10th birthday bash organized by his wife at the time, Akira, would stay where he had run off to and never return. He was powerless against the woman who used his own child as leverage and lived as a starlet getting drunk and high off all manner of illicit substances, while he was forced to deal with it in fears she would take away his child. That being said, he is always in the know. Be it in his office, home or Hogwarts, nothing is done in secret when he is present. When his son returned he lamented the fact but chose to help him in anyway he could, and further relaxed when his son was shown to be a wizard. All pieces fell into place and he embraced his extraordinary child while his wife began to crumble along with their 20 year relationship and 16 year marriage. Unbeknownst to him, via his father’s line he is descended from the Great Onmyoji Abe-no-Seimei and via his mother’s line he is descended from Sei Mei’s rival the Onmyoji Ashiya Douman. His Magic has been stagnant since birth but was passed to his son via his own mother’s blood to which she was a descendant of the Nine Tailed Fox Demon Tamamo No Mae. He is a simple man despite all of that and loves his son as best as he can despite all he has gone through and wishes the best for his powerful but lonely son. It is currently unknown if he will go to Twisted Wonderland, despite the fact he would become his Son’s manager due to his dealings with Vil and the potential of a star. 

As of recently he dealt with one of the most dangerous member of his former assassination squad, assuring his son is much safer. But this attack held another type of enemy of the magical kind that he had been luring to the house to ensure his son’s safety in the wizarding world, proving to him that he has made his enemies in the wizarding world and he is too deep now to leave. As of recently he has been in the works to make weapons to not only withstand the force of magic but be unaffected by spells so he might even out the playing field when faced with them and has succeeded on that regard. He is, in his own opinion, close with Grindelwald who despises him for certain reasons. More often than not, he will be found in Nurmengard Castle’s library reading and working to make more weapons as he converses with the former dark lord who he helped get back with his old boyfriend. He is a man of many talents and skills, even if he is a bit emotionally stunted. 

Though it stands to question, would he be alright with Crewel taking over the father position in Yuu’s life? 

A/N-Crowley doesn’t even factor in on this debate, he’s Useless Bird Dad that pretends to be a Dad

CHARACTER PROFILE-YUU FUJIMARU 

Yuu Fujimaru Pintrest Board 

(First 2 photos are Yuu at Night Raven, age 10. 3rd and 4th photos are his current imagine at age 14)

• Name: Yuu Fujimaru
• Age: 14
• Born: May 12th, 1980
• Sign: Taurus 
• Year: Monkey
• IQ: 161 (is believed to keep going up as he ages) 
• Sexual Orientation: Bisexual
• Race: Japanese
• Family: Hiro Fujimaru (Father), Akira Fujimaru {Nee Satou} (Mother), Mr Fujimaru (Grandfather), Mrs. Fujimaru (Grandmother)
• Occupation: Slytherin Student of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Prefect of Ramshackle Dorm of Night Raven College, Deadliest Student in Hogwarts (Undisputed), Dumbledore’s Disciple (In Name Only) 
• Eye Color: Bright Blue
• Hair Color: Pitch Black
• Height: 5′7″/ 170 cm
• Favorite Food: Strawberry Tarts
• Least Favorite Food: Takoyaki 
• Unusual Traits: Congenital Analgesia (A condition in which one is unable to feel any or has every felt physical pain, believed to have been passed down from his father in a rare instance of it being passed from father to son.) Magic Mirror Craftsmanship (Able to make magical mirrors that have many applications, but never the one’s he is looking for therefore they are all failures) Beast Tamer (Unique Skill he seemingly has to be able to bond with all manner of creatures, magical or no) 
• Known Nicknames: Shrimpy (Kobei-Chan), Herbivore, Trickster, Henchman, Favorite Potato, Human (Affectionately), My Intellectual Adversary, Yuu-Chan, Yuu-chi, Yuu-Yuu, Child of Man, Prefect, The Pride and Shame of Slytherin.  

The Worst Student of Hogwarts on the basis of attendance, he is closed off and cold hearted from the start but he wasn’t always like that. With an absentee mother who cared little for her son and a father who tried way too hard to please both his wife’s demands and his son’s own nonexistent ones, he was grateful for the challenge that Night Raven showed to have for him at the age of 10. Originally disappointed to not have magic, a new mystery arose as he manifested a pen but was unable to do anything but fly. Much of that was put on the back burner as in the span of a single school year there where 9 Overblots he had to deal with, starting with the Dwarf Mine and ending with his beloved familiar Grim. He was seriously injured during the Rescue Mission at S.T.Y.X. loosing his ability to walk due to the central nerve between L3 and L4 becoming pinched and squished when he landed from a hight jump to escape. Idia would program Ortho to help alleviate pressure off the Nerve and set to fixing any damage that was left over, but a margin of error was left they where unable to cover and left him at risk until the middle of Yuu’s third year at Hogwarts after saving Harry Potter from Dementors and passing out was fixed by Madam Pomfrey. He had become best friends with Ace, Deuce, Epel, Jack and Sebek during his adventures in Night Raven and subsequently became good friends with all Dorm Leaders, vices and accompanying people, him and Malleus Draconia sharing a special friendship that transcends the rest. Yuu would be offered a modeling job via Neige LeBlanche’s agency to which he promptly went to Vil’s as both Yuu and Neige do not like one another for personal reasons surrounding a backstage incident during VDC. Yuu had a promising career starting ahead of him both professionally as well as academically as both Professor’s Divus Crewel and Mozus Trein refused to let him off easy despite the fact he could not cast magic. He was subjected to high level History of Magic, Alchemy, Potions, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Herbology, and Astrology that did not require him to use magic. 

His relationship with his mother is a simple one. She is nothing more than a woman who would rather sleep around and cheat on a loyal man, I hate her. The bridge had been burned long ago and he had subsequently been raised as well as he could have been by his father who was better, but not really. Hiro was attentive as he could with a target essentially on his son’s back and rats he needed to get rid of, but Yuu always appreciated his father for what he had done. He had willingly allowed his father to put him through poison resistance training, hoping to alleviate the burden of stress his father felt as he raised him. Yuu felt regret in being unable to tell his father that he would stay in Twisted Wonderland forever but the two where birds of a feather and he knew his father would understand in the end. Until he was thrust back into his world by the Dark Mirror after his purpose had been served to Night Raven. From them he would endless attempt and search for a way back to Night Raven with his father backing him as much as he could; and then his letter came it. 

He quickly earned a reputation in Hogwarts as a student who was 1. Not to be messed with and 2. Did not care what people or teachers expected of him. He also earned the moniker as the Pride and Shame of Slytherin, due to the large amount of house points he racked up yearly and how much he pushed the house into stardom with the fact that not only was the smartest wizard in nearly 400 years in their own house, he was Dumbledore's Disciple. But make no mistake, they like the pomp that came with being around him, but they hated how he dirtied their house with his disgusting muggle blood, infecting an otherwise mudblood free house with his presence. He ignored it all and continued his rather impressive foray into being the best of the best, with a but of arrogance to the side. Because of that he quickly eared the ire of both his Head of House, Severus Snape and the Head of Gryffindor House, Minerva McGonagall. But their attempts never got too far as he reached a tentative friendship with Albus Dumbledore on the basis of both longing and the wish to go back to better days. Albus would help the boy as he had failed people similar to him-smart, ambitious, down the path to glory and greatness-twice and he was determined to not fail a third time. The two would form a strong friendship with an unfortunate side affect, Fawkes would become obsessed with the boy who did not like the bird at all. This would reflect in his unwanted familiar who he named Crowley, and allowed to stay with him if only to shut it up. In his years at Hogwarts he would compile another hodgepodge group of friends that he has tried to keep arms length away, but his old loving personality makes it hard for him to do. Cedric Diggory, Fred and George Weasley, and Neville Longbottom where with him since year one and have stayed with him as much as they could. Luna Lovegood came during his third year when she suddenly appeared and never left him alone. 

He has his fair share of enemies in the school as well, Snape and McGonagall notwithstanding. Most of Slytherin house knows to fear him and keep out of his way unless they would like to be on the receiving end of a beating, be it physical or magical. That lesson still had not firmly planted itself in Draco Malfoy’s head as they both now butt heads after the Summer Gala leading into 4th year. Harry Potter had earned himself a black mark on his record due to stealing a Mirror that, while Yuu knew was useless, was still something he wanted to study. Ron is guilt by association with Harry and the last, most infamous person he butts heads with. Hermione and Yuu both do not like one another and forcing them into a cell will only end up with one of the dead; both cannot stand one another but respect the intelligence and drive they both see in one another. 

While an ass, Yuu has a lot to reach for...or does he? It has been 4 years after all. 

Chapter Text

1. What do you think the reaction would be when Yuu is doing a full makeover of himself to be an early punk Miyamura that includes his friends & teachers in both schools?
   • Yuu’s makeover in the perspective of his Hogwarts friends is nothing much, he is always either prim and proper in a proper suit and tie or he’s punk rock/goth style since he really embraced it after he returned back to his home. His Night Raven Family would be just shocked at the fact he is older, he is used to being a doll for Crewel, Vil and Lilia when he was in the mood as well as mixed and matched styles from the clothes they gifted him. But they wouldn’t think too much about it themselves, Yuu wore what he had because his circumstances at the time forced him too. As for Miyamura, I didn’t know who he was I just thought he was closest to what 10 year old Yuu would look like. 
2. How much jealousy Hermione would be in when she realizes that Yuu is friends with someone who has the technology to create AI and with Yuu himself having much more advanced technology than in 1994 at the palm of his hands that could potentially work in very magical environments?
   
   • Oh, she'll be pissed for sure. Yuu basically went 20+ years into the future based on technology and is very used to using it in a magic filled place. Part of his reason he doesn't like Hogwarts is the fact that they haven’t attempted to try and bypass the no muggle technology. His father and him managed to make magic guns with ease, but the ministries won’t consider it because they think Muggles ‘lesser’ to them. He doesn't hide his tech, but he never bothers to explain it either, so that's why it hasn't made too much of a appearance at the moment. 
3. What would the collective student and staff body, would think about Yuu's friends and teachers in Night Raven based on their appearances?
   • Oh, they would think that they were not only insane but they would understand where Yuu got his eccentricities. There would be bigotry of course on the basis of the Beastmen who no doubt are going to be treated worse than animals, Jack the most due to his wolf ears and tails. The Merman would be considered savages and the fae would be forced to be isolated in a room until Yuu throws a fit. It would cause a bigger rift between Yuu and Hogwarts than ever before. As for the teachers, the Hogwarts teachers would hate them because they simply allowed Yuu to act like this, all the while calling Yuu a Know it All that didn’t know his place. It would cause so much tension between Night Raven and Hogwarts in general because of Yuu. 
4. Will Hiro find love again?
   • I am going to give him a love interest but Hiro is no simple man, he is going to have a bit of flirtation between someone that I think will be very funny to watch. But yes, he is going to fall in love again with someone who can match him.
5. Is there a time difference between Twisted Wonderland and Harry Potter?
   • There is indeed a time difference, but how long it is will remain a mystery until the chapter in general!
6. How would NRC react to Yuu's family life?
   • Lilia, Crewel, Trein, Vil’s father and Crowley would be in a VERY heated custody battle and you know what? Hiro would be okay with that until he realized the Crowley was an incompetent fool and then’d he’d fight to stay with his kid. They would like Hiro as he is now but despise the fact his old life is always coming after Yuu. Lilia would not like Hiro too much for the fact of Yuu’s poison training and his intense self defense training, but Lilia has lived a long time and knew Hiro meant well and not to judge him. 
7. How would Harry Potter characters react to how different Yuu is in Twisted Wonderland?
   • They would think they entered either some alternate reality or that they were in the twilight zone. Yuu was very cold and ‘arrogant’ since day one in Hogwarts and didn’t want to get close to anyone. Only Dumbledore knew of Yuu’s real personality in Twisted Wonderland because Yuu felt as if he was trustworthy, to an extent. So they are going to be very confused, very scared and very unsure of what was going to happen when Yuu's old personality pops up from time to time as he lets himself go. 
8. How angry is everybody at Crow-Bish?
   • OH! Very…Once he reveals why he brought Yuu forth people aren’t too happy even after he attempted to bring him back. But fact of the matter is he's too worried about getting Yuu back to worry about what they think about him in the moment. 
9. I kinda wanna know how pissed off Mall's mother is... but also I live in fear of the queen of girlboss…
   • Fear all of them, plain and simple. Fear them all. Maleficent was expecting to teach a young budding prodigy, Urbi was expecting to have a sweet young boy spend time with her and her family, Vance wanted to spend time with his son and his friend in the old villa they used for vacations, The Shrouds needed to make up for S.T.Y.X. and Kalim was excited for a week of fun with no school. So yeah…no one is too happy at the moment.
10. Will Yuu ever just beat the ever-loving shit out of the Dark Mirror (I really want to decimate that thing rn honestly...)
    • Who knows, maybe? Maybe not. And yeah, everyone hates that mirror. 
11. Who would Hiro get along best with in TWST?
    • Hiro would get along best with both Trein and Crewel, simply because they helped his son with being a stable influence. He would be somewhat thankful for Crowley, but he doesn’t like him. He would also like the dorm leaders for giving him (His son) some genuine friends but he would get along best with the first years because they were always there for his son.
      1. Who would he maybe not get along with?
         • Crowley and Vargas he would butt heads with. Crowley with how he handled his son and Vargas with how much he wants to square off against him, but it's a minor annoyance in Vargas’ case. Crowley…eh…  
12. Also could you explain again how Yuu is using magic?
    • Yuu has a very special magical core that allows him to use both a wand and a pen, but he could only use one at a time. The two types of magic, the magical core and the developing unique magic (which will factor in later) do not intermingle. Think of it like oil and water when it comes to the two. Under intense pressure they can work together, but left alone they don’t mix well.
      1. How much is it intermixed?  
         • It’s around 60/40 with Yuu using his magical pen most of the time when making magical mirrors and when he’s out and about in Hogwarts using his wand. He uses his pen during the summer, since the ministry can’t trace the pen.
      2. I am not sure how much he is using TWST magic or HP magic?
         • He’s using both, he needs to keep up with his Night Raven Education.
      3. How is it balanced?
         • Refer to a
      4. I know he is accumulating blot but is that from TWST magic only or is he picking it up from HP magic?
         • That’s more of a complicated thing, his two magic systems tend to work against one another, but he doesn’t register the accumulation of blot due to the magical core blocking it so he doesn’t even realize his pen is accumulating blot. 
13. With the inability to feel pain, does that still count with curses like Crucio?
    • They haven’t tried it and Dumbledore refuses to do it on them, but it will be shown later in further chapters. Theoretically Yuu know's what torture is, but due to his condition he will never experience it. 
      1. Does that affect how Yuu and Hiro feel touch at all?
         • People with Congenital Analgesia can feel touch, it’s simply the nerves in their skin and body that do not register pain. They can feel touch and feel out things, it’s simply the pain receptors to pain that do not work. The people with this condition have a fine time feeling things out, it’s just their pain receptors that don’t work, giving them a life seemingly without pain; be that better for for worse. Sure it might be nice, but they often tend to think their injuries are not as bad as they may seem and can turn deadly because of such a misconception.  
14. Also if the TWST cast shows up in HP, how would the wizards react if they found out some of their magic is like the forbidden spells like Laugh With Me and others like it?
    • Hermione would flip her shit and of course demand to know what a ‘unique magic’ is and why such ‘horrid spells’ exist, while denying the fact that certain magic can be formed due to a person’s circumstances, beliefs or desires. Like Snape's spell, Sectumsempra, which was born out of the hatred he had for his bullies and the desire to get back at the people who harmed him. It’s even stated on Potter Wiki that this spell was Snape’s specialty, the closest comparison I have to a unique magic because not only did he create the spell, he mastered it and managed to make it something of his own. 

Chapter Text

What a mess. 

That’s all Yuu thought of as he walked around the decimated camping ground around the world cup. He slammed his father’s sniper into the ground, the man in question beside him as he smoked his cigarette in silence as the fires crackled around them. Beside them were two dead death eaters and two unconscious, tied up ones. 

There weren’t many of them, but there were enough. 

‘You should have run. You should have known that our prototypes weren’t tested yet,” Yuu chanced, turning to his father who shrugged. 

“I know,” he sounded bored as he took in a deep drag before releasing it in a color that mixed in with the air around him. “But I was thrown back into the mission in Bosnia. That was a firefight like I have never seen before and I reacted before I could actually think I was going to fight against wizards. I may have managed to disarm that Auror, but he wasn’t trying to hurt me.” 

“...” Yuu was silent as he thought back to what happened. 

He hunted with Rook, trained with Lilia, Silver and Sebek, he was given pointers by Jamil from time to time, ran with Ruggie and learned the ins and outs of the slums, Idia had given him access to train with the attack drones before the whole S.T.Y.X incident. His father had long since been training him in parkour and self defense with weapons and martial arts and ramped it up when he returned. He knew how to fight, he knew how to defend himself, he knew what to do; but even then still in the end it was all a 'what if' scenerio and today...today...

Today was the first time he had to fight for his life and was expected to kill someone. 

“Yuu,” His father’s voice drew him from his thoughts and he turned to the man. “It’s all going to come out now you know?” 

“Did you tell Mispy to secure your assets and get our money out,” he sighed, sitting beside his father who ruffled his hair. 

“Yeah. She’s working on it right now. Goblins seemed to have realized my old profession and they are still willing to trade with me under a fake name. If only to keep trade up…” 

“YUU! YUU!” 

The two looked up to see Remus rushing forward, panting as Sirius and the rest of the Weasley brood followed with worried faces that melted off at their state. 

Ruffled up, but ultimately fine. 

“Yo,” he waved, Hiro smiling at them all as he snuffed out the butt of his cigarette and went to light another. “Really?” Yuu bemoaned as his father pulled in a breath of the cancer stick. 

“It’s been a tiring few hours,” was all he got before his father pocketed his lighter and leaned back. “I think that Dark Mark you told me about Black,” he turned to Sirius. “Was up in the air a while back.” 

‘Have you seen Harry,” Remus gasped, Hiro jerking his head to where they had Harry laid out on some pillows they managed to scrounge up. 

“He got overwhelmed and passed out. He’s fine," Yuu assured them, handing the gun to his father who nodded and checked the chamber before locking it. 

“YOU!” 

“Hello Crouch,” Hiro waved as the man appeared with his wand drawn, his eyes where blow wide seemingly reminsicent of a cornered wild animal but Yuu couldn't make head or tails of it. He walked into the cage of the wild animal after all. 

“W…What have you done!” 

“Those two tried to go after two children,” he motioned to the two dead men on the ground. “And these two are alive for questioning.” 

“As…As if it’s that simple,” he accused. "Like I would accept such a simple answer from someone like You-" 

“Look. I’m a corporate head, I might have been an assassin but that was 15 years ago,” he snapped, standing up and slinging the gun onto his back. “Ask Dumbledore about me. He vetted me once he found out about my profession and kept my son away from me during his second year winter break,” he snapped. “I’m not a threat to you.” 

“Then how’d you kill them,” he demanded, and the Aurors behind him shifted as Hiro's face turned dark. 

“I shot that one in the chest and he bled out before anyone could save him. That one was going to kill a child and I snapped his neck to protect them,” he sneered. “I don’t kill like a maniac because I am one. I kill because it was my duty and my job.” He shifted in his spot, snorting as the wand followed him as he stared into the eyes of Crouch. 

“Hiro.” Amelia Bones appeared, looking around the devastation before coming back to him. “Enough.”

“Sorry.” He raiased his hands up in defeat, Yuu snickering into his hand as he did so. 

“Crouch. Dumbledore has asked that this be kept secret for the time being.” 

“S…Secret! He’s a murderer! A criminal! Both magical and muggle!” Crouch boomed, never lowering his wand as Hiro grabbed Yuu's shoulder and pulled his son in close to him with a scowl. 

“He was employed by governments around the world for his services back in the day and you will find all of it was legal and greenlighted. MACUSA has admitted to using him long before he had a child. So you cannot arrest him. He has not committed any such murders in the wizarding world here, so there is nothing to hold against him,” she snapped, Crouch shaking as Hiro hummed. “And he is integral to the agricultural industry at the moment. If I remember, your sickly niece has gotten better?” 

``He…I cannot in good faith allow him to continue working in the ministry.” 

“I’m not. I just trade stocks and make deals with business,” he scoffed. “It's you all that gave me all that other bullshit. Take it away from all I care. Not like it will change much.” 

“I can have him expelled,” he turned his wand onto Yuu who scowled at him. 

“Unless you want to deal with Dumbledore, I suggest you don’t even think about it,” Yuu warned. “Besides, you still want that mirror. Don’t you?” 

“Bartemius!” 

“Leave,” he demanded, turning on his heel to order the aurors to do something or gather people who were left behind. 

“Crouch,” Hiro called, hands on his hips. “I know I’m not the best person to be giving you advice. Being the Black Death from the East and all…but how did so many death eaters get past all that security?” 

“...That remains to be seen.” 

‘I suggest you look into those who arrived last to the party, or those who came a bit too early,” was all Hiro told him before grabbing his son’s shoulder. “Come on. We should head home and gather up the intel we got today…” 

Yuu tuned out his father, already knowing he was saying all of this so they would stay away from them for the time being before they took their portkey and went inside a half burned tent. 

“To Nurmengard Castle,” Hiro nodded, his son grabbed his hand as he took out a necklace with a triangle, circle and a straight line through the middle. With a pop they were inside the usual study room of the castle, Gellert cursing them in German before silencing at their appearance. 

“So your intuition was correct,” he noted, sitting down as Hiro nodded, shoving the gun off onto the coffee table as Yuu sat down with a hiss. 

“I had a bad feeling the entire time during the game,” Hiro began, Yuu turning to his father who began to pace. “I was lucky you managed to find a way that made the guns resistant to the effects of magic. Even if we had to make everything by scratch." 

“It was a pain to make that sniper and a pain to make the molds for the bullets. But it was worth it in the end,” Yuu admitted. “But I am too glad we figured something out.” 

“Yeah…but that’s not what’s bothering me too much,” Hiro admitted, turning to the two of them as he removed his jacket. “That Auror that’s been bugging us all summer? He hasn’t shown his face or nagged me in a week. At first it was nice, but now I’m worried. It's out of character for someone like him.” 

“I’ve noticed his lack of presence too,” Yuu contemplated it. “But I think he might have been on edge too. After all, he’s considered one of the best Aurors of the times at the moment.” 

‘Still. He would have made an appearance today, no?” 

“I guess.” 

‘Why come here,” Gellert chanced, looking at both of them and flinching at some of the flecks of blood on Hiro. 

He didn’t like muggles, but he wasn’t dumb enough to mess with someone as dangerous as the Black Death of the East. Dumbledore informed him of his track record and Gellert was content to do what he could for the boy so long as the father stayed far away from him. 

Too bad Hiro liked to speak to him about ideologies and the like, he was well educated but damn if he wanted to be near someone like Hiro.

“We need to stay away from the house for a bit. I have a feeling those purebloods are going to be out for our blood until school starts and they have to be cordial,” Hiro grumbled, sitting down beside his son who flopped against him. 

“You knew already.” 

‘Oh, it’s obvious. The British Ministry is simply trash because of Fudge. Why do you think he offered me a seat. He’s nothing but a people pleaser, so long as those people are influential.” 

“He’s nothing but a bug,” Yuu giggled, yawning as tiredness began to seep through him. “Nothing more than a useless bug.” 

“I know, son. Not to mention that Lucius sent my old associate to me to finish business we had together along with a nasty surprise beforehand,” Hiro sighed, going limp in the chair. “Honestly, what a prick. And he says he’s better than muggles. Yeah, right.” 

“Yuu! Hiro!” 

“I am with them Albus,” Gellert called out, the man rushing in to see the father son duo resting against one another. He was panting as he whipped his head around, catching sight of the gun and their appearance before turning to Gellert. 

“They came directly from the world cup. They aren’t going to head home just yet. Are you going to be sending their servants here,” He sighed, leaning back as Albus relaxed and moved to grab the sherry that they brought last time. 

Both the father and son had fallen into sleep. 

“No…they have the house elf Mipsy and…well their servants aren’t normal. As I am sure you are already aware.” 

“Hmmm,” he shifted a bit and looked at Albus. “How not normal are we talking about?” 

“I have heard Moran is a man who can split a bullet in half with a sword with ease despite his age. Mae, the cook, is good at spotting and setting traps. Never one to get caught up in them herself and is the tactican of the house and a demolitions expert to boot. Maria, the maid, has impeccable eye sight that rivals a werewolf’s and was a master marksman before Hiro recruited her. Finnian, the gardener, was a human experiment which gave him superhuman strength and speed which he uses to his advantage. Eileen, the stable hand, was an assassin sent to kill Hiro but he managed to defeat her and get her on his side and she patrols the perimeter, quite skilled with knives.” 

“Uggh. I don’t want them here.” 

“They took out Greyback’s pack by themselves the night before the full moon, they can handle themselves” Albus reminded him, at Gellert’s shocked look he explained. “Lucius Malfoy wants his adversary gone and I wanted Greyback killed, so I asked Hiro for a favor..” 

“And what would that be,” Gellert demanded, taking him to the other study room across the hall. 

“That is a secret my dear,” Albus petted his clean cheek before sitting down on the divan in the room. “But nothing bad.” 

“Albus…Hiro was the most dangerous man in the world 15 years ago,” Gellert reminded him. “Even I heard about him and the reign of terror he wrought. He has a literal army as his house staff and you're okay with that enough to ask them for favors?” 

“Greyback was going to target Yuu either way, Lucius simply made it easier for him,” Dumbledore began. “He…had given a good life to Lyall Lupin’s son Remus and he could not stand that. Not in the slightest. Especially not when Hiro took the stance that he was to be hunted and killed…’like the animal he is’.” 

“There is more you are not telling me Albus. And I damn well know that Hiro was drawing Greyback to his home in order to eliminate him anyways. He’s not going to allow someone like that monster to live while his son…becomes bigger in the ministry.” 

“Yuu…is a prize too many in the wizarding world, as I am sure you are aware of.” Albus looked uncomfortable as Gellert wrapped an arm around him. 

‘Very much so,” he nodded, taking a sip from the glass Albus offered. “And his father is a prize as well.” 

“Indeed, I am doing what I can to protect them but it’s not enough, not anymore,” Albus murmured. “Geryback laid his sights on Yuu and when an auror let it slip his past, Hiro did his research. That is when I offered the deal. He kills Greyback and I will double my efforts in helping the boy…But they already have some distrust for me.” 

“How so.” 

“Oh, they know far more than anyone thinks they do. I’m already sure that Yuu already knows I'm trying to prevent a dark lord 3,” he raised a brow Gellert who shrugged. “He just goes along with me because I can help him.” 

“You give yourself too little credit.” 

“And you give me too much,” Dumbledore warned. “I am doing all I can to help him, but I fear that it might indeed be a pipe dream. I would hate to break it to him…” 

“I…I think he already knows deep down that it is Albus. I think he’s just in denial at this point,” Gellert took his hands and gently kissed the tops of them. “I think he just needs a bit more time to understand that. I think he is beginning to see the truth and he wants…he wants to hold on a bit longer.” 

“I am.” 

Both whipped their heads to see the ruffled up boy staring at them with a soulless look in his eyes. 

“I…I am,” he whimpered, lip quivering as he stared at both of them which could only be seen as a heartbroken look. “The…The more I thought about it…the more it made sense.” 

“Yuu-” 

“And now…I…I understand my father so much more than before. I know what he has given up for me…what he’s done to stay in my life and I…I can’t abandon him…” He looked so lost in that moment, Dumbledore hurriedly stood up, rushing to his side and embracing him. 

“Yuu, you still have options-” 

“Then what kind of friend am I? Leaving Cedric…Neville…Luna…the Twins..,” he choked, holding Dumbledore tight. “Leaving you…how selfish was I? It’s a miracle they did not leave me. I would not blame them if they did…but they stayed…why did they stay…why…why…WHY?” 

“Shhh,” Dumbledore shushed the boy. “No more tears. No more thinking…not tonight. Tonight has been rough. School begins in a week. Focus on that. No more of these thoughts.” He was urging the boy to think of anything else, to not lose the hope he had clung to for so long. 

“I…I should give up, shouldn’t I,” he choked Gellert silent as he watched the two embrace. “I should stop..chasing a fairytale?” 

“Shush…please my boy,” Dumbledore begged and they stood embraced in one another for a long time. 

“I have some old tomes in my old personal room,” Gellert began, standing up with a groan. 

Fuck! He hated aging. 

“Wh…what will they do for me…,” Yuu sounded so depressed. Gellert never really associated the emotion with the boy, an annoyance for sure. Ambitious? Most defiantly. Determined? Proud? Intelligent? Strong? All Yes. Depressed....No, never. 

It only showed him how much the boy was really hiding behind his facade and how good such a facade was.  

“It’s worth a shot,” was all Gellert offered before leaving the two of them only to take in a deep breath of shock at Hiro standing outside the door. “The fuck!” 

“Shh,” he shushed the man, urging him into the study once more where the gun lay and his couch was stained with blood. “Do you think he should give up,” He demanded, turning on the former dark lord who stilled at his question. “I shall give him Heaven, Hell and Limbo if he so desires it. But…what do you think?” 

“I think you should continue on your path,” was all Gellert offered the man who he hated so. 

Not because he was a muggle, but because he was a man who once killed without purpose. If money was even a valid purpose, it was not in Gellert’s eye. 

“It was tough…you know. To get out of that life once you start. My life was the perfect storm to lead me into such a life, between growing up in a world where everyone was under the threat of espionage, secert spy organizations where very prevalent and assassinations where more common and expected to an extent…The Cold War was not something that one should just brush off as a royal pissing contest,” Hiro sighed, plopping down on the couch again as Gellert worked to make a drink for himself. “But I did everything I could…but I was too sentimental and let people who came after my son..my son…to hurt me for my betrayal. Even the one who I once loved continued to hurt me.” 

“Your Ex?” 

“She…She threatened to vanish with my son…keep in mind I hadn’t held, much less laid eyes on my own son. She said unless I left and made a life for her and ourselves then she would take him away and I would never see them again,” he chuckled. “I begged, and begged and begged, not my son. I want to give him the life free of betrayal and darkness that plagued mine. Please…” 

“She manipulated you all throughout the marriage.” 

“She did a lot more than that. She lived the life of a star. She did everything and anything under the son and I funded it. Because I was afraid…afraid she would take my son…my son,” he choked, looking fearful. “God…God….she ruined him…she ruined him! I thought he was strong, strong enough when he vanished to stay where he was and stay happy…” 

“I take it he has disclosed what actually happened.” 

‘Yes…yes, and I will do all I can to help him. After that…I will deal with that bint of a woman,” he cursed. “Heh…never been this emotional before…” He looked so broken at that point and Gellert actually felt bad for the man. 

“You really…were such a perfect assassin,” he shook his head. “If you can’t sort out your own emotions because of something you thought you had control over for years and years because it suddenly exploded.” 

“I’m a shitty assassin,” he scoffed. “I…I…Fuck…it’s complicated.” 

“Why haven’t you shown your son the feelings you have for him? Why haven’t you shown him you love him?” 

“Cause I’m scared,” he chuckled. “Because I know my past will come for him with a vengeance if they see him…see him looking happy with me.” 

“Honestly,” Gellert grunted, Hiro chuckling before throwing his head back and seemingly falling asleep. “Muggles!” 

“You were emotionally inept as well, my dear,” Albus hummed as Gellert turned to glare at him. 

‘Was not!’ 

“Was too!” 

They haven’t changed for sure. 

A WEEK LATER 

“You want me to do what,” Hiro demanded as he finally settled back in his manor a week later as his son got ready for school, looking up at Dumbledore like he was mad. “You understand what you're asking of me, correct?” 

“The minister has not caught wind of Yuu smashing the latest mirror and is sending one of his most trusted to Hogwarts when the schools arrive for the tournament,” Dumbledore began, Hiro groaning as he leaned back into his chair and listened to Dumbledore. “He plans to pressure Yuu with the whole of three schools watching him.” 

“My son is more unstable as the days go by. He’s going to crack,” Hiro admitted. “And that’s what you want to avoid.” He looked upset as he said it. But Dumbledore could understand why, Yuu was truly losing hope. 

‘Yuu is too intelligent to be under Malfoy’s thumb again.” 

“Even you admit that Fudge is nothing more than that blonde idiots pawn,” Hiro smiled. “I’ll gladly do what you need to get the message across that he needs to stay the FUCK away from my son. No doubt he’s trying to spread my past all over the Ministry.” 

“Indeed he is. And he’s reaching out to old friends of yours. Whoever is left, anyways.” 

“Hmmm, my old group is long since gone…aside from maybe one or two? Minaro was the most dangerous of the group, so he was priority but he’s gone now. So the other two will be easier to deal with. If it’s personal you don’t send cronies to finish the job for you. You deal with it yourself. You break that code, your free game. And my old pals aren’t dumb enough for that,” he hummed. “I will have to tell Remus and Sirius to leave the Manor for the time being then. We’ll be under siege all the time now.” 

“Are you serious Hiro,” Remus sighed, the two turning to the werewolf as he entered. “I…I don’t like that you were…what you were. I get why you left, why you still…have to fight…but you shouldn’t keep doing this. Move to Godric’s Hollow, be within a wizarding community! You won't be found! Be safe! I beg of you please stop drawing them here!” 

“I will never be safe. That’s a truth that came into being when I left for my child, Remus,” He snapped. “And besides I think you should be thanking me for what I have done!’ 

“What have you done? What you’ve done is allowed your son to grow up with a target on his back!” 

‘I killed Fenrir Greyback for both him and you! So do not judge me,” Hiro warned as Remus’ face went slack and he took a step back in shock. 

“W..you did what,” he demanded. “He…he’s dead? You…You killed him…how…HOW!” 

“Lucius Malfoy sent Fenrir Greyback to kill Hiro and possibly infect young Yuu,” Dumbledore explained. “Hiro had been planning in advance to kill the man either way, for he could not allow him to live in the same world. He had wanted to kill Hiro for a personal vendetta as well.” 

“I…Why would you draw him to your house! Where your son is,” Remus turned on Hiro, wand out as Dumbledore took a step forward. “How could you lead that monster to your son! How could you DO THAT!” 

“He was an animal! Bones was happy to sign off on the order for me to kill him. Maria, Mae, Moran, Finnian, and Eileen were on board. I recruited them so they might protect my son! I have done everything in my power to protect him, Remus,” Hiro snapped, getting up. “I understand if you want to leave my employment, but know this! When I learned what that piece of human shit did to you because of the sins of your father…I killed him for my son AND you.” 

“...I never wanted something like that.” Remus' voice was low as his hand lowered his wand and he stared at the ground a bit lost. 

“I know that. But many others wanted it and even if you disagree, you know deep down he was never going to stop and the world is a bit brighter now that his pack of merry murders are gone.” 

“How…how would you know if the wolves you killed were actually in on it! How would you know if they weren’t threatened!” 

“A little shot of morphine, liquid silver and tranquilizer until the morning where they were interrogated and researched after the transformation where they were promptly shot again to stop them from rampaging in the special room Dumbledore made for me. I am not a man without morals, despite my old occupation Lupin.” 

“I am going to take the rest of my paid vacation.” 

“I will draft up your resignation contract.” 

“I never said anything about leaving. I just need time,’ was all Remus said before striding out, the door closing on the two as Hiro sighed and moved to grab a cigar. 

“Fuck…I never thought he’d react like that,” was all Hiro said as Dumbledore lit the cigar with his wand. “But…I guess I don’t have to worry about losing a good employee and having the goblins hounding me.” 

“Hmm. Remus is a nice man, but even he had his dark desires to see Greyback dead. I dare say he will be elated and might even finally kiss Sirius.” 

“Finally? It’s been going on since they were in school?” 

“Oh yes. Though I had always pegged Sirius to be the one to end up kissing Remus, but then again both of them were terribly dense in other areas aside from their expertise.” 

“And it doesn’t seem to have gone away as they became older,” Hiro grunted. “The last few months have been painful even for me…and it took me 7 years to even think of Akira as anything other than the woman I saw on occasion.” 

“Hmm, how is your ex wife?” 

“You heard everything I told Gellert,” he didn’t accuse him but Dumbledore had a helpless shrug. “She…she said she stayed with me because she saw potential to get a lot of money without having to do any work,” he sighed, leaning back in his chair. “But enough on this. What are you really digging for?” 

“Fudge…is pushing for me to show off Yuu and his prowess to the ministries around the world. Japan has kept their promise to not flaunt Yuu on the basis of your agreements with them and the Minister seemingly being the boy you grew up with.” 

‘Always knew Hikaru was a bit off,” He shook his head. “Never imagined he was a wizard though, but it makes a lot more sense,” he stated with a shrug. “And it also explains why he always gave me amulets when he could. They were protection amulets,” he grinned. “Honestly, just cause I was an outcast too doesn’t mean he has to be so protective.” 

‘I think he regarded you as a younger brother, he is 5 years your senior and watched you during his summers off,” Dumbledore informed him. “He’s admitted to me he knew of your profession and wanted you out, but he never had a chance to help.” 

“Sentimental idiot,” Hiro sighed fondly before shaking his head. “So Fudge is doing this utterly fucked up tournament for what exactly? To flaunt that he has my son at his disposal?” 

“Partially. I agreed to the Tournament under very strict conditions, that being that participants have to be of age in the wizarding world. Yuu is 3 years off the mark. 

“God…He’s going to be 15 in a year,” Hiro grunted. “I’m only 47! 47! And I feel like I am a century old…sorry,” he turned to Dumbledore who raised a brow before shaking his head.” 

“You don’t even look your age. You barely look past 32.” 

“That’s when I had him,” Hiro snorted into his drink. “What do you possibly expect me to do, Dumbledore? I don’t have that power and Lucius Malfoy fucking hates me. Which I am very, very glad about. Because when they hate you, they will try anything they can to fuck you over and I am excited to see how he does it.” 

‘I wouldn’t underestimate the power of the Malfoy family. But I am sure that you have more than enough ideas in your head on how to deal with them,” Dumbledore shook his head as he took a seat on the couch in the room. “Keep Yuu occupied. Give him things to do that will take him away from the tournament and everything that comes with it. I will do what I can, but the other schools are coming in with the expectation of meeting the genius who made the…The Mirror.” 

“He fucking smashed it.” Hiro deadpanned, thinking back to Yuu doing such a thing with such a vicious scream that he shivered. 

His son did take after him a bit too well, but it was better than taking after his mother.  

“Fudge is not yet aware of that fact and he is sending in someone to try and get it from him. They are…less than pleasant so to say and are not too keen on young Yuu.” 

“Neither are your staff,” Hiro reminded the man. “I still am thinking of sending him to Japan…but then again he will have fewer options…hmmmm.” 

“I know…it is difficult to trust Hogwarts with your son after what happened three last few years.” 

‘Yuu can handle himself,” Hiro brushed off. “I may not have been there as much as I would have liked but I prepared him for anything…and those at Night Raven did the best for him as well.” 

“Indeed. He’s currently at the level of apprentice in any field he should wish to go into,” Dumbledore nodded. “He would get no doubt all O’s in NEWTS and his OWL’s are to be much the same.” 

“Speaking of fields. That annoying Auror is still pestering me for situational awareness, well he was until recently,” Hiro shook his head. “I might have been an assassin, but I don’t teach. I think he just wants to use me as an excuse to run his people dry.” 

‘That would be what he would do, but don’t worry about him too much for now.” 

“Ah, the schools. When are they coming to Hogwarts?” 

“A month before the champion is chosen and the tournament officially begins. So that we might have time to make sure that they get settled into the routine before thrusting the whole thing onto them.” 

“So October 1st?” 

“Yes.” 

“Okay…I’ll gather some things up in the time between now and then, make sure to keep my kid busy so he doesn’t get suspicious,” Hiro nodded, sitting up as he grabbed a notepad and looked up at Dumbledore. “You know my son will be in a delicate state until he gets out of it in a few weeks, correct?” 

“I know.” 

“And I hope you have sworn Black, Lupin and the Weasley’s to secrecy about myself and Yuu?” 

“But of course.” 

“And the rumors of us going to Grindelwald?” 

“Harder to do, but it’s being contained.” 

“What do you need from me?” 

“I need you to have someone who is willing to die for this information to be collected.” 

“...What will they be gathering?” 

“I need to confirm something…it’s been on my mind since we lost sight of Pettigrew a few weeks ago.”

“Okay. Do you have a general location that they will be searching?” 

“Albania.” 

The look Dumbledore received told him that Hiro already knew what he was asking him for and he couldn’t help but yearn for the man to be a wizard in reality. Even if they would have never gotten along, he would have been an invaluable asset to his army back then and now. He was an invaluable asset, but his range of scope was limited, severely limited; but he made do. 

“...You do know…if what you think is true…I’m getting out of this once it’s confirmed,” was all Hiro said as he leaned back, crossing his arms and Dumbledore could see the gun on his left breast outlined. “I…Can’t risk this.” 

“I know. Which is why I am asking for this when I am running out of resources for your son.” 

“I’ll get back to you when I get confirmation.” 

“That’s all I ask.” 

“Its a big thing to ask for,” was all Hiro said before Dumbledore excused himself. “It…it’s really fucking…big…” 

He closed his eyes and thought back to 2 years ago and wondered how he got so fucking deep. 

How…

How…

Dumbledore looked away as Hiro continued to contemplate his life now, feeling bad that he was dragging this man into his war, but so long as Voldemort had a chance in coming back he was going to come after the Fujimaru’s. It wasn't a thought or a question, Tom was not going to risk having such valuable assets; not matter their blood, on Dumbledore's side. It was not a risk he was going to take a second time around...just like with Tom leaving him alive. But the Fujimaru's...Now that Hiro had created anti-magic muggle weaponry that was able to break shields and shoot faster than casting spells, he was going to be his number one priority to get on his side…along with…

“Ojisan,” Yuu’s voice had him jolting out of his thoughts and looked down to see the tired boy in his usual dress shirt and slacks as he approached from down the hall. “You're still here?” He asked in his usual voice. Yes, not the voice filled with annoyance or malice. His usual voice was soft, gentle in a way that held intelligence and genteelness coming from many rigorous hours of nobility training. The father was much the same, though there was a sweet undertone used for manipulations...it was so easy to fall for it that one might find themselves in a bind. 

Thankfully he hadn't done anything to warrent the use of it in over 2 years, not since the little stint of approaching Hiro about his old life. 

“Some business with your father,” was all he offered, Yuu’s eyes were narrowed and he marveled at the intelligence behind them and thanked Merlin, Morgana, the Founders and all other highly revered magic users he managed to get the boy on his side…mostly. He wasn't dumb enough or foolish enough to believe that he actually had the boy's full trust and adoration, he knew both son and father had looked into him and into his silly past. 

Especially since Aberforth was more willing to speak to him if only to have Yuu join in on torturing him...but it was better than nothing. 

“Am I going to still have to ride the train?” 

“No…I don’t think that would be a good thing now, after all that’s happened,” He nodded, Yuu relaxing before he motioned down the hall he came from. 

“Tea?” 

“That would be lovely,” he smiled, the boy giving a small back before he began to lead him to a rather…large gaming room that just radiated the boy. Aside from the pinball machines, everything was refined and elegant like the boy himself. A crack informed him that the house elf he had taken from the Malfoy’s came in. 

“Yes Young Sir,” she asked, Yuu smiling before murmuring for some tea and grabbing some books from the shelf and placing them in his trunk. 

“I say, I’ve never seen those,” he commented as he took a biscuit that the boy had on a platter. 

The book was radiating power as Yuu held it to him. 

“Azul…the Octo Merman who was good at making magical deals…he gifted this to me for my 11th birthday. I have memorized and used every spell in this,” he smiled, allowing Dumbledore to go through the rather…impressive spells. “Ha…I…Miss them.” 

“You will get back.” 

“The question is it right to go back,” Yuu admitted, Dumbledore looking up to the boy who took his tea with the poise of a nobleman and grace of a maiden. “It’s been four years. I should be on to an apprenticeship in my fourth year with all my friends,” Yuu bemoaned. “Night Raven is a four year institution. I…lost all my junior friends, no doubt established. The second years are gone as well and I doubt I’d be able to catch up to my friends from the first year. And then…those annoyingly persist people…they don’t deserve me just…abandoning them…” 

“You're not the type to give up.” 

“But I am realistic.” 

“Yes, but one on the pessimistic side I tend to find.” 

“What’s wrong with that,” Yuu defended with narrowed eyes over the rim of his cup. 

“You and your father are very similar, one might even call you clones of one another,” was all Dumbledore offered as Yuu rolled his eyes and sipped his tea. 

“So I have heard,” was the dry response he received from the now irate boy. 

Oh well.

“Though,” he hummed, Yuu giving him a small glare as he spoke up. “I do fine it heartening to hear you find Cedric, the Twins, Neville and Luna good friends.” 

“Lord knows that Gryffindor would burn to the ground should Neville be unchecked. Bad enough with Mr. Finnegan. Luna is treated like a damn freak because she chooses to see the world in a different manner. The twins…well they are business partners that like to spend an annoying amount of time with me. Cedric…Cedric just won’t leave me alone.” 

“Because he feels as if it is the right thing to be your friend.” 

“I don’t need charity, much less pity,” Yuu instantly snapped and Dumbledore sighed. 

“It’s not charity if you want to be friends with someone for the sake of being able to see their day brighten.” 

“Sounds like charity and pity to me. Is that what I am? A charity case! Or...or...am I a pity case?” 

“Calm down young man,” Dumbledore warned, Yuu jolting before sipping his tea once more as the older man sighed. 

When he got into his moods, his real moods, not the ones he played around for the school; they were difficult to deal with. He had only been subjected to a few of them, he could still count them all on one hand but boy, they where trouble to deal with. Yuu never was volatile, no never, it was simply a show that he put on to all of Hogwarts for people to leave him alone; but he was cunning and very, very, VERY tricky when he got into his moods and he took no prisoners and gave no mercy. The worst incident was after the confrontation with the Teachers and Yuu...Yuu had retaliated in kind. 

For a full 2 weeks he attended all the classes of the fours house heads who dared to break the spells on the journal he had entrusted with Dumbledore and questioned every single thing they had taught. Everything spoken was met with a question, every action was questioned, every assignment and partnership. And sometimes Yuu was correct and would show a better way to say a spell, plant a flower, make a potion or use a spell. Other times when the teachers had yelled out months worth of detention he would stand up and leave, telling them that he would take his detention with Dumbledore and that they could do nothing. He did everything and anything he could to torture them before his mood cleared up and he...became bored again. 

And they found themselves counting their blessing for it. 

“What were you really here for?” Dumbledore looked up to the boy who sipped his cup gingerly. 

“I came to warn your father that Fudge is going to try and flaunt you about,” Dumbledore knew that trying to steer him away wasn’t going to work either. “He’s set up the Triwizard Tournament and is bringing both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons….and I don't want a word from you about Durmstrang you hear me.” 

Yuu closed his mouth, a smirk on his face letting him know exactly what he was going to say. 

“Don’t,” he warned, Yuu giving him an ‘oh me?’ look that he ignored with great difficulty. 

“Must be nice,” was what he heard and he took a deep breath to calm himself as Yuu snorted into his tea. 

“Yes, yes, well he is sending one of his staff to try and convince you to hand over the mirror you made.” 

‘I fucking smashed it,” Yuu deadpanned and Dumbledore stifled a laugh at how…similar they where to one another. “God…this year is going to suck.” 

‘Yes well. I am only telling you that because sometime before us choosing the champions they will arrive,” he informed Yuu. 

“Great,” he bemoaned his fate, leaning back with the usual poise he showed Dumbledore. 

Haa…if only he used half the grace he had at home…he’d be slightly more bearable to the teachers.But then again, they might assume that to be arrogance...has, his staff really where dunderheads as Snape called his students.  

“While you are not taking the train this year, I expect you to head straight to your dorm and not clue in the teachers I allowed you in early,” he began, standing up as Yuu rolled his eyes like he already knew that…which he most likely did but Dumbledore liked to make sure. 

“Before we go, I have to ask you something,” Dumbledore looked to Yuu who contemplated how he was going to ask it before he seemingly gave up and spoke. “Second year, when you left me with the Unicorns right before winter break…you weren’t at the castle when I escaped. Why?” 

“....You already know that answer.” 

“I thought you would know of my father’s old profession,” was all Yuu told him. “I didn’t think you would confront him.” Yuu looked bored, but Dumbledore knew him well enough to know that he was a bit ashamed. 

“I had too,’ Dumbledore sighed. “I couldn’t just..leave you in the arms of an assassin. I couldn’t fail a second time with one so brilliant and so…so sad.” 

“Don’t use me as a scapegoat to get rid of the crimes and sins of your past you failed to see,” was all Yuu told him as he narrowed his eyes. “I might have been silent up till now, but I am…done with it.” 

“Yuu…” 

“Ojisan…I love you. I really do…you have made life in Hogwarts a joy when I am with you and bearable when you have to be away. But please…pity me no longer.” 

“I have never pitied you.” 

‘I beg to differ.” 

“....I will send Fawkes in a few hours.” 

“Thank you…Ojisan.” 

“Get packed and say goodbye to your father, Sirius and Remus.” 

‘I would not do that,” Moran coughed as he entered to grab the plates. “They are…occupied with one another at the moment.” 

“Who made the first move,” Yuu asked cooly as he handed his cup and saucer to the older man. 

“I do believe it was Remus….if the ‘I can’t believe you got the balls first’ from Sirius is any indication.” 

“I owe father 30 pounds,” was all Yuu said before Dumbledore smiled and patted him on the back, moving to his fireplace which had been attached to the floo network. “Inform Grindelwald that Father will be there to do more maintenance on the weapons he’s working on forging.” 

“Indeed, Indeed,” he nodded, throwing the powder down and vanishing in a flame of green. 

‘Mipsy! Gather all my important items would you. I plan to ramshackle my home as much as i can,” he called, knowing his elf could hear him as he went about gathering his friends gifts. 

“Would the sir also like me to pack the uniforms up?” 

“No,” he stopped her. “I will do that myself. I haven’t shown you what goes with what and I would not have a heart attack if I notice something missing.

“Very well,” she nodded, vanishing as quickly as she appeared and then Yuu remembered. 

“That’s right…I forgot to ask who the new DADA teacher was.” He hummed, looking out the window before shaking his head. “I’ll find out at school. Better pack up.” 

5 HOURS LATER 

“Alastor Moody?” 

“Hello Yuu.” 

“That nutcase?” 

“He is a veteran and a very good auror, you know.” 

“He’s been on my father and I’s case since we caught him stalking us during spring break,” Yuu deadpanned as he placed his book down and tossed treats to Fawkes and Crowley, who he had recently learned was a female, and ignored their croons to one another. 

Another lovey dovey couple…gross. 

“I remember…how did your father explain it again?” 

“He was at the Ministry 

4 MONTHS PRIOR 

“We’ve been followed for the last few weeks,” Hiro murmured to his son as they walked deeper into the ministry. They had just come from a meeting from a prospective buyer of some foreign good they were looking to promote and it had been a good meeting. They had gotten a favorable deal and where no doubt going to rise up in stocks again when they breakout with this new little trade. 

“I noticed 2 weeks ago,” Yuu grumbled. “What are you going to do about it?” He looked up to his father who had a grin unlike anything the boy had seen before and he knew it was not going to be good. 

“Make sure my warning sticks,” was all his father offered him before he urged him to head back to the bank. “Make sure Remus is occupied. Ask him about the patronus or whatever, even on how things are between him and Black. I need time and no distractions.” 

“On it.” 

Hiro watched as his son left through the floo, smirking as he felt the man draw closer before he continued his walk through the ministry to the restaurant that had been built a few years ago. He smiled to the waiter at the door, the man nodding as he got him his usual seat and called another to lead him there. 

He inclined his head to his new associates, a few of them glowering at him but he couldn’t be bothered. They need to read the damned fine print. 

Not his fault they thought he wouldn’t take advantage of them. 

His lunch was without interruption and he found himself growing more and more on edge the longer the man watched him. He couldn’t hide his smirk as his heart began to pound like a stupid boy in love and oh by god how he loved it so. He handed in his money before moving to the restroom to load up his gun, hands shaking with anticipation for a challenge before he flushed the toilet and washed his hands to keep up the charade. 

Feelings of nostalgia began to wash through him as he looked at himself through the mirror, smiling as he looked like the man years ago and nodded to himself. Now…time to act. 

He left without hurry, smirking as he could feel the man grow more and more annoyed with how much he was just loitering around before he decided it was now a good time to leave. 

But of course…the leech had to come. 

“Lord Fujimaru,” Lucius Malfoy. 

“Just Fujimaru, Lord Malfoy,” he smiled, turning on his heel to look at him face to face. ‘I am a muggle after all. Sure I've made my wealth, but isn't that how it works? The rich continue to make even more in anything else they invest in if they are smart enough.” 

“Indeed…but I find myself wondering,” He began, cane clicking the ground as he grew closer. “Where did your money come from? I did some looking in the muggle world, you just..what’s the expression..ah! Exploded onto the scene after years of remaining stagnant. I understand your son was born and you wanted a better life for him, but how did you manage to gain so much money in such little time?” 

What a prick.

‘Investments paid and I managed money well. It’s all very simple, I am sure you realize that yourself,” Hiro smiled, but he hated where this was going. 

He found out. 

“For the first ten years after you came of age it was hard to find anything on you. But you were usually spotted in Barcelona, Milan, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Moscow, Caracas…now what would you be doing in all those cities within a week's time?” 

“I wanted to invest all over the world,” Hiro shrugged. “I’m greedy like that.” 

‘Now I don’t believe that at all.” 

“Then what do you believe,’ Hiro demanded, eyes narrowed and his hands curling into fists. 

He could knock him out but if he wanted to make sure his son had the best access to premium materials until they left the contract…he needed to restrain himself. 

“And people called the Dark Lord a murderer.” 

Hiro watched as Lucius Malfoy walked off, sneer forming on his face as he watched him go on with his usual pomp that he hated about the man. Dear lord, he hated that man so much. 

“What a prick to say all that shit out loud huh, my shadow,” he smirked as he felt the man shift before he rushed into the alley on the side. He chuckled at the curse he heard from the man before he rolled to hide behind a dumpster, suit be damned. He forced his breathing to slow and his heart to clam and the man began to slowly make his way down the alley. 

He didn’t dare make the mistake of looking through the side, but he did chance a look through the crack between the wall and the dumpster. His eyes narrowed at his body, his lip but he didn’t think to give him a handicap. 

You just never knew. 

With growing anticipation he waited until the man drew closer and closer, hand grabbing the tied knot of a garbage bag, eagerness to the point of near bursting until a clank was heard and he whipped his head up to see a cat come out from another dumpster, meowing as it hissed at the auror who cursed it to hell and back. 

“Now I have to go and find the man again. At least he keeps it interesting,” he heard the man’s thick accent before he swung out and hit him with the bag. He grunted, body being punted into the body of the dumpster before Hiro shot out, grabbing his wrist and kneeing him in the gut to get him on his knees before he felt a pull on his gut. 

The vanished from the Alley and appeared in some sort of training hall, Hiro shaking off the dizziness with ease before elbowing the man in the head and moving to kick the wand out of his hand. He heard wood clatter on the ground before he grabbed the hand that went to punch him and twist it round, making the other twirl around as he hooked his leg into the man’s lame on and made him fall to the ground. With muscle memory he grabbed his gun and unlocked it, aiming it at the man’s head with a bright grin. 

“Now that was fun….why are you following me,’ he demanded, the other smirking as his glass eye began to flick all around. “You follow me and my son everywhere, I am sure you are smart enough to not…well come onto our property mostly because you know who I was?” 

“Hiro Fujimaru. The Black Death of the East or Shinigami as some would call you. Confirmed kills totaling to about 150 people. 45 of those people being wizards who contacted you through muggle and magical means via their ministries,” he grunted, still not too worried. 

“I would call off whoever is aiming at me. I can kill you before they fire,” was all Hiro stated. “I sense…oh…four or five people here. Two in the area above me. One at 6, 9 and 12’ o’clock.” 

“AHAHAHH! You live up to your name as the most dangerous man in the world.” 

‘I still am…I just don't’ kill people anymore…I kill them emotionally, spiritually, financially, mentally....Honestly, just take your pick aside from actual death now,” was all Hiro stated as he flicked his eyes to see outlines of people from the places he could look without removing his foot from the man’s chest. 

“I need your help.” 

“...What is it,” he asked, never removing the gun from the man. 

“I need you to teach these plebs the art of situational awareness. One where they don’t rely on their wands and only their senses! This generation can’t seem to understand that danger comes from all sides!” 

“...While I agree with you. I am of the belief that if you can’t learn or adapt…just die.” Hiro stated coldly as he removed his foot from the man and stepped back. “Sorry, I just don’t teach and I have my own personal things to deal with.” 

“I can give you as many favors as I can if you can do this for me,” he began, accepting Hiro’s hand to get up. “I need this to teach these kids how the real world is.” ‘

“Sometimes I think it’s better for there to be a generation that is a bit softer that reflects the times. It's how the world works after all." 

“I won’t stop.” 

“And I won't give in,” Hiro scoffed, turning around as he holstered his weapon. “Like I said. I have things i need to deal with.” 

“Like provoking Fenrir Greyback into coming to your home?” 

“...Amelia Bones.” He didn't seem angry or upset, simply stating a fact of a matter that they already knew. 

“She asked me to make sure your home was secured so that you and your son were not hurt,” he began, taking his wand and staff from a girl with purple hair who regarded both of the men with awe. “I said yes on the condition that I could try and get you to agree to teach a class.” 

“I’m a muggle,” he groaned, looking put out as he turned on his heel to face the group. “Just Hiro Fujimaru.” 

“The head of the Internationally Prominent Fujimaru Conglomerate. Former deadliest assassin in the world. Father of a genius who is Dumbledore’s disciple and the darling of the pureblood world.” 

“Now you're giving my little demon a bit too much there,” Hiro smirked as the girl snorted and stepped back at her mentor’s glare. “Amelia was all too happy to let me deal with Greyback and his merry little band of would be murderers in any way I saw fit so long as I made sure those who did not want to be part of the pack or where forced to join where not hurt.” 

“Aye…but why provoke him.” 

“You know very well that Lucius Malfoy is looking into my past so as not to get me kicked out of the ministry…no, no,” he shook his head, leaning against a column as he regarded them all. “He wants revenge for that less than pleasant deal I roped him into. And he wants to teach my son a lesson. He’s working to get an old comrade of mine to me and I am gladly taking the challenge.” 

“You're mad.” 

“As if you don’t like it,” Hiro grinned, the man smirking as he hobbled forward and took out a pendant. “Ah…you know of my dealings with Grindelwald.” 

“I don't know what you're making…but tell no one. Just consider the teaching position.” 

“You're going to send all manner of your students after us to pester us,” Hiro surmised before taking the portkey back. 

‘Damn straight.” 

“Name?” 

“Called Mad Eye Moody.” 

“Ah…Alastor Moody,” he nodded. “Heard of you. Thought to bring you in to see if you could duel with my son on occasion. He likes a skilled partner you see, heard your reputation and thought better of it.” 

“We’ll see,” was all the man said before he barked at his students. “Get back to practicing your spells! You need to be faster.” 

“Going to apparate me out? Or can I use the Floo?” 

‘Come this way.” 

“And you boy,” Hiro called. “The one in the rafters at my 3 o’clock. You need to learn not to shift around so much. Lest you tell everyone where you are.” 

“Bloody hell,” they heard him whisper as the others looked at him in awe. 

“Some people are good at observing, others listening, some at just knowing and when you're damn out of luck? All three.” 

That was his ending words to them. 

BACK TO THE PRESENT 

“Or so my father says.” 

“You can ask Moody on it later. He has not stopped talking about you since I offered him the job. It is something he is very looking forward to, teaching you.” 

“Great,” Yuu rolled his eyes. “And have the teachers informed him of my track record?” 

“I am keeping them silent for now,” was all Dumbledore told him as Yuu flopped down on the divan and groaned into the plush exterior. “I would ask though, that this year you be a bit more cordial to your fellow students.” 

‘And why is that?” 

“We are to have a tournament between us and two other schools. It is to promote-

“If you say peace I will laugh. All Fudge is doing is parading me about, look here! I have a genius boy! I have the genius boy who made such a wonderful transportation device! A modern marvel,” Yuu spat, pushing off Crowley who went to nuzzle him. “I don’t need cuddles.” 

“I will not lie and say that is not what he is doing. But it is also a way to connect the schools because they have been in horrid competition for many years,” Dumbledore admitted. 

“You just want to show up Durmstrang about their bigotted ‘No Muggleborns’ rule with me,” Yuu deadpanned as he turned to him with an annoyed look. 

“Yuu.” 

“I didn’t say anything about blonde Austrians-” 

“Yuu!” 

“You're the one that brought it up.” 

‘Aren’t you supposed to be in bed by now.” 

‘Yeah, yeah,” Yuu grumbled, smirking as Dumbledore gave him an unimpressed look before he gave a smile and a salute to his headmaster and headed out. The halls were quiet and he took in a deep breath, allowing the feeling of magic to well up around him. 

It was a good feeling to just have magic be around him, filling him up and allowing him to just feel like himself. It was something that made him feel at ease and relaxed. 

“You don’t seem to have many nargles around you today.” 

“Locked out of your dorm again Luna,” Yuu asked as he stopped before the girl sitting outside of his room. “Come on.” 

“It’s not their fault. I did wait a bit too long to come back.” 

“Haaaa, you should just move in if this is going to be a weekly thing,” Yuu tapped the stones in a pattern before his dorm revealed itself and he allowed the girl in first before heading in. “It’s easier and you don’t need to wait for the dorm to notice you while i’m asleep.” 

“There are rules between girls and boys bunking together,” she began, Yuu giving her a deadpan look. 

‘Luna…you are basically the sister I never had…don’t even joke about that,” was all he said as they moved to the small sitting room replica where tea and snacks were already set out with the head house elf waiting. "It's not a funny joke and you know it." 

“Harlod would like a favor from Mr. Fujimaru,” he began confidently, Yuu nodding as he sat down and Luna helped herself to some Victoria Sponge cake. “New Elf, Winky! We need Yuu to help! Yuu’s help!” 

“Hmm. okay,” he nodded. “I have heard of the circumstances from my father, I didn’t think she ended up here though. I’ll ask Mipsy to pop over every once and a while and ask her to get Winky to help with some of the more delicate tasks I ask of her.” 

‘S..Sir is much too kind!’ 

“Harlond, just get a bed ready for the lady, I’ll ask the room to make a seperate room for Luna later. But tonight make sure the couch is comfortable and get her clothes for the morrow.” 

‘Understood!’ 

The elf left and Luna turned to him with a contemplative look. 

“Hermione is going to want to speak to you soon. She has created a new movement. Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare…or S.P.E.W.” 

‘Good lord,” Yuu bemoaned, shaking his head as he took his tea. “We are unable to do anything in the wizarding world. If comes after me because of Mipsy I will hex her and I will not tolerate whatever I am punished with. She's too nosy for her own damned good, thank god for Salazar's Portrait repremainding her from looking through my personal books." 

“I think she is going to ask for you to join.” 

“...No thanks. No interest.” Was all Yuu stated as he leaned back and Luna smiled. 

‘She is very passionate. Since the world cup and how the purebloods…” 

“It’s not going to change so long as Fudge is in the position of Minister. I get she wants to change the world, but sometimes it’s not possible if it’s been like that for literal centuries. She’s more annoying as the years go by,’ Yuu grunted. “She might be more bearable if she focused on her appearance and got into…I don’t know. Boys or something.” 

“Your too hard on her.” 

“Hermione is reaching way past her status and she is going to get burned Luna. Burned and left to a damned crisp because that’s how life works. Besides, it’s only the Purebloods. Many other house elves are very proud of the work they do, she’s going to end up insulting them. I know that Mipsy was insulted when Moran offered her some clothes.” 

“Ahah…I would love to visit again. Papa was very happy.” 

“My father is thinking of funding the Quibbler,” Yuu began, Luna turning to him with a knowing smile. “That bit…that bug, Rita Skeeter, has been a thorn in our side because she’s the go to for the Daily Prophet and I’m done.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Besides, your father and yourself aren’t mad. People just read that trash rag and believe the queen of false advertisement more than they should,” he snorted into his tea, Luna grinning happily as her friend continued to support her and her father. “Send a letter to your father about the password of my father’s floo. He won’t mind if he pops in from time to time. Lord knows that ancient fossils need some excitement.” 

“Not that’s rude.” 

“But not untrue,” he shrugged, Luna bursting out into giggles as Yuu smiled and enjoyed the laughter. “Come on, it’s late. You need your sleep,” he urged her as the fire began to die out. 

“And what about you,” she protested, placing her own tea down and grabbing her Pj’s. “Are you going to class tomorrow as well?” 

“I have some free periods first thing in the morning. Dumbledore made my schedule, I let him take over what he thinks is best for me,” he explained, heading up to his loft. “Make sure to wake me before you head out for Breakfast at least. 

“Okay.” 

“Night Luna.” 

“Goodnight Yuu!” 

Yuu watched from his loft as she easily fell asleep, smiling as she seemed so relaxed in the moment before he moved to his desk, eyeing the four journals he had made throughout the years and then to the trunk to the side that he brought along this year. 

With a sight he began to take out the things he would be using mostly throughout the year, feeling sadness and nostalgia wave through him as he did so before placing them in their new homes for the time being before he stopped short at the specially made walk in library that Tilda made for him a while back when he let her work on it. 

“Night Raven,” he murmured, the door clicking open and allowing him in. He entered the room and turned on the lights, seeing his old uniforms displayed out with accessories and all…he hadn’t even dared to touch them when he returned home and only asked for the room next to his personal study and some mannequins to make sure they weren’t all wrinkly and creased. They had been moved to the trunk after Moran informed him his mother tried to slash them. 

He placed his hands on the glass off the smaller uniforms, lamenting the day he realized he no longer could fit in them and stepped back. 

Hahhh, he was really getting sentimental…doesn’t that come with age?  

With a shake of his head he moved out of the special closet and moved to his regular clothing, looking them over before he nodded to himself and grabbed the lamp. He needed the mist more than ever now, his insomnia had really gotten bad as the weeks had passed and things have escalated. 

Fudge, the Schools, his friends, old and new…

It was all too much. 

“Haaa, what a mess,” he sighed, flopping onto the plush bed and thanking whatever deity there was the Crowley and Fawkes were too caught up with one another for the demon birds to come back into his room and watch him sleep. 

He just wanted to be alone for now. 

He moved to lie on his back and contemplated what his next course of action was to be. 

He could try and make another mirror…but then again his best formula was shot and he even placed his own blood and a part of his pen in it. And it’s four years, he would be going back without anyone really, or back to people he no longer remembered. 

Was it really worth the heartache he would be feeling to go back and try and rekindle a relationship they no doubt forgot about? 

What a mess. 

“No more,” he shook his head. “Not tonight. I…just need to sleep on it…” 

Yeah…that was a good idea. 

Chapter Text

LOCATION UNKNOWN, A WEEK BEFORE CLASSES STARTED 

“M…Master are you sure,” Pettigrew whimpered as he kneeled beside a plush armchair. “He is far too into the grips of Dumbledore-” 

“You fool,” the man flinched at his master’s boom. “That child is too smart to not know what Dumbledore is doing by keeping him close. I can offer him so much more! So long as I get him and his father.” 

``You sure it’s a good idea to bring in a muggleborn and his muggle father,” a third voice spoke, Pettigrew shuffling away as he stalked forward. “Sure his da and him took out two of our kind but they are nothing-” 

“You do not dictate who I consider worthless and who I do not Crouch Jr! The boy and his father have proven better than I could have imagined and no doubt Dumbledore feels the same. It’s bad enough that the poor boy is allowing Dumbledore to keep using him. But his father…bah! I will show them!” 

“But sir…they are muggles…they are dirty-” 

“Was it not you who told me that the portrait of MY ancestor the great Salazar Slytherin, would prefer to spend his summers in their muggle home,” he spat. “Was it not you who said it was MY ancestor who allowed him to take the glands and fangs from the basilisk corpse from the chamber?”

“I…Indeed. But sir…think of our loyal followers in Azkaban-” 

“They would not be in there if they had used their skills from Slytherin! I dare say they could learn a thing or two from the mudblood’s father! If Crouch is to be believed he has created muggle weapons that can bypass magic and be unaffected by spells! He even speaks to that failure of a dark lord Grindelwald!” 

“My lord, they are unpredictable! They only do things for themselves and the boy…the boy follows no one. Not Dumbledore, Not Grindelwald, Not even his own Father,” Pettigrew protested. “And his father! His father has killed nearly 50 of our kind! Almost 50! How can we let such a dangerous person…be…be around us-”? 

“Silence! I will have you bring both the boy and Potter to the graveyard. The only way we will be able to get an audience with the older Fujimaru is if we use his son for leverage! And once we do and get him on my side, I will give him Malfoy Manor!” 

‘M…My lord?” 

“Lucius was…was a Fool! Now I have no army of werewolves because he sent Greyback to do away with the father. And because of that, Greyback and his most skilled members are dead and his manor has proven to be impenetrable!” 

“I could go in-” 

“Dumbledore has set wards you fool. Very powerful and strong wards that even the strongest wizard would hesitate to go through,” Pettigrew snapped. “You will find no easy way in! And even then…those servants are not normal! I saw what they did to Greyback’s pack that went to scout the area the night before the full moon. They are always awake, seemingly never sleep and always ready to fight!” 

“Right then! How about you go in and try to speak to the father huh?” 

“And get shot full of bullets as a rat! They are too skilled for us to get through-”

“ENOUGH!” 

Both Pettigrew and Crouch Jr. stopped short as their lord bellowed at them, lowering their gaze to the floor they awaited what he would say. 

“You will bring both the boy and Potter to me! I need him alive, and I need him unscathed…but Crouch…you are to be careful. That boy and his father have proven all too careful for my likings…for this purpose anyways. Once they are on my side, I will find myself reaping the rewards greatly.” 

“I..I will do as your order my lord…” 

“I will make sure not to arouse suspicion.” 

‘Good…ahhh…I can sense it…I can sense it indeed! We shall be victorious this time…I can see it.” 

“My lord…what should we do if the boy proves to be too much for us? His skill with magic in general far surpasses his peers and teachers alike in many aspects. Some of the spells he uses…even I have not yet heard of them.”

“You will need to use the Imperius on him then Crouch. It would do me no good to meet a broken boy, I need his mind as perfect and intact as possible. You must do everything in your power to ensure I am meeting him at his fullest. Even if his hatred burns bold, it will be exciting!’

“Understood my lord.”

"...I must inform Lord Hiro of this." Their unknown shadow murmured before vanishing without a notice or trace. 

PRESENT DAY 

“It was a mistake coming to breakfast,” Yuu murmured to himself as Dumbledore gave him an encouraging smile as whispers around him began to go off in numbers. “I have a bad feeling…something happened last night and I can tell it does not bode well for me…” 

“Yuu,” Daphne smiled, Pansy making her way over as he sat down beside Theo who nodded at him in greeting. “Rare for you to come down here for breakfast. I recall in third year Dumbledore forcing you down after saving Potter.” 

“Yes…well,” he shrugged, the girls giggling as he pushed his hair back. “Nothing wrong with a change of pace, no? And it is the first day of classes. I thought it would be nice to have the full…experience.” 

“Hoo, now really,” the girls began asking as Draco began rolling his eyes as he looked to his classmate who raised a brow at him. 

“Something you need to ask me Malfoy,” he called, girls and classmates alike turning to him as Yuu called him out. “You look like you want to say something to me.” 

“You don’t have morning classes and DADA doesn’t start until next week cause that Auror needs to finish up paperwork,” Draco spat. “Who dragged you out?” 

“Hmmm, cheeky brat,” was all Yuu said as he got up, the girls glaring at Draco as the boy drew closer. ‘I would think you would know how to keep that trap of yours shut.” 

“Tch…” 

“Good boy,” he complimented, wanting so desperately to have a riding crop in his hand to press the point before he straightened up and grabbed an apple. “I will be in my usual spot.” 

“U…Usual spot,” Draco scoffed. “You have a usual spot.” 

“Most people who think and try,” he shot back at Draco. “Can find me. It’s whether or not I help you or go along with what you want is the obstacle.” 

“You're annoying.” 

‘I could say the same,” was all Yuu said before he sauntered out of the Great Hall and began heading to the Astronomy tower to which he spent most of his time when he was not with Dumbledore, doing research, in his lab or in the class he chose to go to that day. They usually came there when they couldn’t find him in Dumbledore’s office since if he wasn’t in his lab he was usually with Dumbledore. 

Yuu took in a deep breath that filled his lungs and relaxed his body as he began to think on his embarrassing lack of emotional restraint the last 2 weeks. 

Ugghh, he placed his hand on his face to cover up the blush he felt creeping. Not only had he cried into Dumbledore’s rather nice deep purple robes, but he had done so after the World Cup and in front of Grindelwald! What an embarrassment! 

But still…it did lead to some revelations that he had to ponder about. 

Was it right to leave the friends he had inadvertently made here in Hogwarts? Was it right to abandon the people that had tried everything they could to break past the icy exterior he put up in hopes he could leave without any pain? 

God…when did I turn so cold hearted? 

“I guess I became a villain…perfect for a student of Night Raven huh,” he giggled into his arms as he curled up into a ball. 

Hogwarts may have been a safe haven for him to do what he wanted, but as he aged it got so tiring. 

How annoying people were. 

Teachers, students, animals…he was getting so, so drained. 

When did something like this get to him? He always had that spark…but then again after four years of failure that spark is sure to go away. 

Speaking of going away. 

“I would think that my little show in the great hall would keep people away from me for the time being,” Yuu called out, turning to look at the entrance of the Astronomy Tower where he saw no one but he sensed them. “Come on out, Ginerva. I know you're there.” 

“How do you do that,” the third year groaned as she stomped out into the light and crossed her arms. 

“When your father left his old assassin teammates alive who want revenge for leaving them, you learn to keep an eye open,” was all Yuu said, the girl flinching as he smiled. Good, don’t expect much of him. “What?” 

“..I…Your friends with Fred and George…I…I think? I..I know that it’s complicated and I know that you don’t like labels…but I…I wanted a favor.” 

“...Bold of you to approach me first. Not even Fred and George did that. I am intrigued,” he nodded, sitting up straighter. “Now I am interested, but I assume that this deal is not something you benefit from.” 

“I…Can you fund Fred and George’s Joke Shop!” 

“...Hmmm?” 

“Fred and George want a joke shop and the ideas they have are great but mum and dad keep saying they won’t allow them to take out a loan and that they won’t allow them to borrow money either if they still want to live at the Burrow after graduation until they can find accommodation!” 

“...My, I never took you for someone so soft,” he crooned, but inside he was fuming a bit. 

With all the extra money that they are now getting they are going to be stingy and not sign off on a loan for their business will they obviously be successful? They won’t take a chance or allow them to continue living in the house if they manage to procure one themselves.

“Mum is hesitant on using the extra funds for anything but schooling and food at the moment,” Ginny began. “And she thinks that a loan would be too much pressure at the moment. And she is still wary about the money the contract is bringing in. Sure they graduate in 2 years, but still….” 

“Haaa, I’ll speak to them about it and see what can be worked out. Don’t forget this is a very big deal,” he began, the girl brightening at his words before she turned solemn.  “I will be risking a lot of money and they will have to go through Gringotts. And it won’t be me that have to go through, it will be my father.” 

“I…I know…” 

“I’ll contact him and get his opinion on it before I move further on the matter, but I can see where you're coming from. I will make sure I can do what I can,” he nodded, the girl nodded back before rushing out. She stopped a few steps down and turned back at him. 

“I remember I was terrified of you in the first year and how nonchalant you were about…well everything. Even now I’m not dumb enough to think I am better than you…but…you're really nice once people see past the persona.” 

“Shoo Young Carrot,” he brushed her off. She snorted before leaving fully this time and Yuu was once more left alone to his thoughts and the idea of the future ahead of him. 

Ha…he really needed to start acting normal…but then again…did he? 

The same routine continued for most of the week until he entered the first DADA class a week later and was met with silence and anticipation as he sat beside Neville, per usual. 

“What’s going on,” he demanded, turning to the boy who looked both pale and ready to vomit. “Turn your head that way,” he pushed it to the side opposite of him. “I don’t want you to vomit on me.” 

“S…Sorry, but Alastor Moody is one of the best Aurors Britain has ever seen…half the cells in Azkaban are filled because of him! But he’s nutty-” 

‘I can assure you, it’s nothing more than a ruse,” Yuu grunted, leaning on his desk bored as he contemplated even coming to class. Moody would find him anyway. “It’s best to let people assume one thing about you and then misdirect them with it being actually the opposite.” 

“You would know something about that,” Seamus murmured, yelping as Yuu glowered at him before hiding behind Dean who pushed him away. “Dude-” 

‘On your own!” 

“Shut it you Pyromaniac. How many things have you set on fire the last three years?” Yuu cocked his head to the side with a smirk as people began to snicker and some people actually began to try and count out the incidents. 

“Most of those were accidents!” He defended with a pout and an elbow into Dean’s stomach. 

“Sure.” 

“I already apologized and-” He was cut off by a grunt and a door slam that had them turning. 

“I see we already have some problems here,” a rough voice interrupted the two and everyone took in a breath as Moody limped in. “Between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin. Of course.” 

“You will find I have problems with everyone in this school. Students and teachers, so not many people are special in that regard but…” Yuu deadpanned as others snickered at his dry tone. “But that one in particular if he sets fire to my hair again.” 

Many people flinched as they thought back to last year when Seamus set Yuu’s hair on fire in the one class he attended that week, Potions, and Neville screamed during it as Hermione sent Aguamenti to Yuu, dowsing him in water but ending the flame. Yuu hadn’t returned to potions for the rest of the year but he did manage to somehow get into Gryffindor tower and get a promise of favor out of Seamus who still shivered when he remembered the incident. 

‘I said I was sorry and I still owe you a favor,” he yelped. “Isn’t that enough!?” 

“Still, you annoy me.” Was all Yuu said as Neville gave a ‘sorry, can’t help’ look to his house mate before turning back to the front of class where Moody began to eye them all with his…er…eye. 

“Hmm, last three years you’ve had no shortage of incompetent teachers. Lupin did…as well as he could with you all. But I say Constant Vigilance. But I know half of you aren't even where you're supposed to be! So for the first month we’ll be going over the first 3 years in overview…practically. No theories, no what ifs. I see if you do the spells, if not then you get remedial lessons with your head of houses who have agreed to do this.” 

“My, my,” Yuu breathed. “Finally, someone competent for the second year in a row.” he looked excited and many others shared his train of thought, many personally though that it was rubbish that Lupin was sacked for being a werewolf even though he had records of taking the Wolfsbane potion every time there was a full moon and never attacked anyone. 

But then again…the Jinx…

“Since you're so snarky, come on up,” Moody demanded, people gasping and looking at one another as Yuu smirked, taking his robe off and handing it back to Neville who shrunk in his seat at a glare from Moody. “Heard a lot about you.” 

‘I know, I assume that the rumor mill is just buzzing about what Potter and I will do this year,’ Yuu smiled, not even drawing his wand as he stood before Moody. 

“They say you're a genius who doesn't even need to come to class.” 

“Not true. I just…am a bit ahead,” he smiled. “I see no reason to overload my brain with useless words and instructions that should be common sense.” 

“Heh…” 

Without warning Moody whipped out his wand and fired off an Expellarmius to Yuu who flicked his wand out in his hand and fired off a protego with ease, the spell rebounding to Moody who stepped out of the way and let it hit his desk. 

“Not even a word,” he breathed, Yuu shrugging as he cautiously lowered the shield. Many people broke out into whispers at Yuu’s use of wordless magic and how effortless it seemed for the boy and they doubted that it cost any effort on his part at all. “Impressive…very impressive…” 

The room was filled with a tense silence for a few minutes as the two of them continued to glare at one another before Yuu made the first move…or it seemed. 

“Aguamenti,” Yuu called out as Moody fired off a non-verbal spell that Yuu stepped sided the spells path. The water he summoned slammed into the auror who stumbled back into his desk with a gasp. 

“Good instincts…no doubt due to your father.” He coughed up a bit more water as Yuu lowered his wand with a shrug. 

“I know when to fight and how to use my terrain to my advantage,” Yuu commented. “Are we done? You have a whole class of students you need to teach.” 

“Yes…for now.” 

“Good. Call me when you're done with the overview,” Yuu sighed, grabbing his robe from Neville who gave him a small smile and began to leave. 

‘I don’t think so laddie.” He called out and Yuu smiled as some people began to draw in breaths and no doubt try and signal to Moony it was a bad idea. 

“Can’t stop me. Dumbledore gives me 100% discretion on what classes I attend whenever I want. Nothing you do can make me come to class, later,” with that Yuu slammed the door shut, eyeing the 7th years with open periods with a small glare. “What,” he snapped. 

They jolted before rushing off. 

“Heh,” he grinned. He won’t say he doesn’t like the power. 

With a skip in his step he moved to head out to the forbidden forest and visit the unicorns only to stop at seeing Cedric who was writing in a journal himself. Beside him was Cho Chang who was blushing at him and he raised a brow. 

“Hoo,” he smirked, crossing his arms and stopping where he was and continuing to watch the duo. Eventually Cedric looked up, his face brightened at the sight of Yuu who held a smirk on his face before he blushed and hastily excused himself from Cho. 

“Chang huh?” 

“Don’t even,” he warned the boy with a small nudge. “...Are you okay?” 

“Hmm?’ 

“You vanished after the world cup, and this is the first time I'm actually talking to you since then you know,” he snapped, a bit peeved about what happened. “I…Was I not trustworthy enough to know about your father?” He demanded, his face looking like that of a kicked puppy and Yuu felt a headache coming...along with the feeling of shame. 

“...I wanted to protect you,” Yuu admitted, looking away. “My father’s work damn near killed me a few times but after I proved I’m tough to kill they went after my friends…I…I still have that paranoia you know,” he snapped, looking up to Cedric who stepped back. “Sorry.” He grunted, rushing away from the area with Cedric hastily following him. 

“Yuu wait please,” the boy called out, rushing after his friend who was now stalking down the hall. “That’s not what I meant! I want you to be safe!” 

“I am safe! My father protects me!” 

“Yuu how is anything like that protecting-” 

“I knew you would never understand-” 

“I want you to be safe because you are my friend. When has that ever become a bad thing?” Cedric snapped, Yuu stiffening as he crossed his arms. “Yuu! I have trusted you all these years and never said anything because I knew you had some…issues. But is it too much for you to think that I would want you to be safe from anything that could hurt you!” 

“....I…I’m not used to it! I’m used to be left alone to my woes…here at least-” 

‘I get I can never replace those people you hold so close in your heart…I get that I might be a replacement! But please…believe me and my drive to see you protected. I…I want what’s best for you, you know?” 

There was a tense silence between the two of them as the 4th and 7th year looked at one another, unsure of what to say next as the frustrations of their strange friendship began to bubble up to the surface after so many years of just being left unsaid. 

Yuu was the one to break the silence in his usual fashion. 

“Ughh…you Hufflepuffs,” Yuu grunted, looking off to the side as Cedric drew him into a half hug that he knew he could get away with. “I can never stay mad at you for long.” 

“Heh,” was all Cedric said as he motioned to the library. “How about some reading today? I have free periods.” 

“Sure,” Yuu nodded. “So…that Auror my father was complaining about following us? It’s Moody.” 

“Wh…What! Mad Eye Moody! That Moody?” 

“Yeah. He cornered my dad and tried to get him to teach situational awareness. We haven’t agreed to it all summer and he’s been on our case about it,” Yuu giggled. “But after that debacle at the world cup seems like he’s pulling back at the moment for now.” 

“Not even the first class in DADA and you're skipping,” some Puff’s called out. 

“I skipped all of Lockhart,” he reminded them, snickering at their groans at the reminder of the man before he sat down and leaned back. “Anything happen?” 

“Not much, aside from Snape proclaiming his ever loving hatred for your arrogance and McGonagall doing the same thing,” a 7th year student commented. “You know the usual stuff.” 

“Hmm, well they better shape up this year or I will take my complaints to the ministry,” he hummed, looking all too happy to do that. “After all Dumbledore is watching them like a hawk and they can’t do much this year,” he cackled as the others shook their heads. 

‘I still can’t believe Sprout went ahead and allowed such a thing to happen! How can she say she’s head of Hufflepuff when something like that happened with her knowledge,” they began to argue about his incident with the teachers last year which had become the talk of the school after Dumbledore had infamously given them the cold shoulder for over a month. 

Yuu had many people come to his side and many others say that they had it coming. 

And they had it coming to be Weasley Wizard Wheezes test subjects for the remainder of the year. And...well it was a long 3 months for them to say the least. 

Ahhh…how he wished he had the ghost camera for those moments of pure joy that the twins bestowed upon them. 

“It’s in the past, besides,” Yuu brushed off. “They need to be careful anyways since my father is coming to Hogwarts to overlook something special coming to the school. He might be a muggle, but without his funding it wouldn’t have been greenlighted so they need to be extra careful.” 

‘I heard some rumors about your dad. That he was scary and a no nonsense man, is it true,” a 6th year asked suddenly, Yuu turned to Cedric who blushed. 

“He…he is…but he can be nice,” he nodded. “But I will say this…Yuu gots his looks from someone,” he eyed the boy who pushed his longish hair back with a shit eating grin. 

“Ohhhh,” they breathed, turning to Yuu who smiled back at them and they all blushed. 

Yuu was a looker from the first year, he only got more…beautiful so to say as the years went by; as strange as it was to refer a boy as beautiful...it fit Yuu and he seemed to cash in on the fact by offering out dates to girls when he needed things done. He was a gentleman throughout the whole process and called them ‘outings’ instead of ‘dates’ to avoid the thought of them being in relationships, but he never took advantage of them and let them down gently. 

They had no doubt his father is where he got most of it from. 

“My father will be around before the schools come in or the day they do come in,” he brushed off. “He is simply coming here to confirm the rules and restrictions of the tournament to relay to the board since they trust his judgment. He did his research and that allowed for more protective wards around the school after my incident last year,” he hummed. 

“So that’s why they stopped getting so close! You dad researched wards to keep them out?” 

“Yeah,” Yuu nodded. “He was pretty insistent on it and the neutral and light board members tend to look to him when they think about protections for the school or when something new is added for the students. Because he sees all the possibilities, good and bad.” 

“I mean…yeah. Last year was rough.” 

“Indeed. Summer was rough for me for sure,” Yuu grunted. “Father was on my case for weeks about Dumbledore being the one to contact him about the Dementor incident and how I would have conveniently forgotten to write him…” He grumbled off as they all broke out into snickers because Yuu would. He would totally do that just to avoid his father coming to campus. 

They knew he had a good relationship with his father, he just hated bothering him…especially since he said they were pretty much kicking his mother out last year after all the shit she put them through for years. They didn’t pry, but his grumblings let them know what type of woman his mother was and they were glad that they were taking steps to get her out. 

“Heard you embarrassed Malfoy in public at the Summer Gala,” Susan began, the girl having an open period herself. “Heard it from my auntie. Said she never saw Malfoy desperate for a way to sue you and your dad,” she gave him a look to which Yuu shrugged. 

‘Ask Fred and George if you really want to know,” he winked at her, the girl blushed before nodding and going back to her Transfiguration homework. “Need help?” 

“No, I am fine,” she assured him as he walked over and leaned on her chair to see the assignment. “You gave me pointers last year and I am now connecting the dots.” 

‘Oh yeah…” he remembered. 

“...u…Um…Pa…Pardon!” 

Yuu raised a brow, turned around and saw… 

“Oh dear lord, you really are Creevy’s brother,” Yuu commented, crossing his arms as the two brothers stood side by side, shifting in their places as they looked up at him. “I assume you are here to ask for my tutoring help because of last year?”

“I…If it’s not too much trouble. I never was good at math…” Colin began as his brother, Dennis, shifted behind him. “An…And you did offer…and My brother is new…I thought it would be best for him to get as far ahead as he could!” Dennis looked terrified to even be in the library as long as Yuu was there and that’s when he remembered. 

Ah…yeah, Yuu might have ripped his brother’s camera out of his hands one day while he was watching and crushed it in his grip as he sneered at the annoying Gryffindor to scram not even a few days ago. 

Well…not the best first impression; but Colin knew that he did not like his photo taken without him knowing. 

“And you,” he asked, looking to Dennis who swallowed. 

“I…I…I’m having trouble with Transfiguration,” he sniffed. “I…I find it very confusing…” 

“Okay,” Yuu nodded, motioning them to follow him to an empty table. “Come on. I have the rest of the day off and I’m in no mood to go anywhere so you have me for most of the day.” 

“Th…Thanks!” Colin nodded. 

“So Arithmancy progressively gets easier if you look at it from a strictly mathematical perspective to get a feel of it,” Yuu began, Colin nodding as he took out his work. “Looking into the future should come after when you cross reference dates, times and other variables from the past and then think back to your own experiences as best as you can.” 

“Oh…” 

“And no, it would not have been better to take Divination along with this class. It makes it worse. I made up half the stuff I spouted to Trelawney and she seemed to believe me. If not she was going along with it so I wouldn’t hurt her….not like I can really do anything to her physically,” he muttered off handedly as Dennis turned to his brother with a fearful look on his face. 

‘You get used to it,’ his older brother mouthed as Hufflepuffs gave them a thumbs up. 

The rest of the time was spent in the usual fashion in the library with them pumping out assignments with ease and Yuu’s intelligence as he helped the Creevy brothers who smiled at Yuu when he asked them if they understood. 

He wasn’t so bad when he was in his element…they just needed to make sure he didn’t get too pissed off when they weren’t asking for help. 

Before long it was dinner time and he sent them all packing as he grabbed his stuff and wished them a good night. 

“No dinner again tonight,” Cedric sighed, looking at his friends who rolled his eyes at him.

He had a bad habit of skipping meals of all kinds or isolating himself to eating alone and while they never really pushed it, after the incident last year they where more in-tuned with when he was or wasn't eating to say the least. 

“I am having dinner in the kitchen. I have to speak to house elves about something while Granger is not there,” he grunted, others laughing as he spoke of Granger. “She’s a right loon. What is she doing? Not freeing them, damn right she’s insulting those that take pride in their work…not going to get into that right now. I will see you all tomorrow.” He had to cut himself off before he went onto a rant and was taken to the great hall where Granger was. 

“Bye,” they all called as he made his way to the portrait that was hiding the entrance of the kitchen which opened without him having to tickle the pear. He was quite the regular by this point and he stepped in only to see the one person he did not want to see. 

“What are you doing here Granger.” 

He slammed his bag on the table where his own meal was set up and Winky was off in the corner sobbing her eyes out. 

“I came to let them know about what I am trying to do with S.P.E.W.,” she defended, nose up in the air as the elves behind her continued to work on getting the last minute prep done for the dinner with a bit of side eye thrown in to look at her. 

“Sure, all well and good,” Yuu nodded, digging into his steak that they made for him that night. “But how about you work on it during your time here in Hogwarts and then take it to the ministry where they are real house elves being beaten, abused and used in all manner of ways. Not here at Hogwarts.” 

“Doing the laundry and making beds is something they are supposed to do with students who are very old enough to know how to do them themselves?” 

“It’s a big castle and we’re magical students. Sometimes we are busy and forget to do those things. Sometimes we like to not rely on magic and smell the scent from the soap and softener, but the point being…do these elves look abused?” He motioned to the elves behind her with his fork, eye twitching in annoyance as she sniffed and turned her head up in a show of power. 

Ha! As if he was actually scared of her! 

“No..but they should have a choice to do what they wan-”

“They have a chores list right there,” he pointed to the chalkboard that had been there since the early 1880’s where the usual tasks had the initials of some of the elves. “I have been coming here since first year,” he informed her. “I know them better than you and trust me when I say there are fights over who gets to do what tasks because they like it.” 

“Please miss, you’s going to miss dinner,” an elf called out and Hermione cursed before handing out pamphlets and rushing out. They were promptly thrown into the fire as Yuu stifled a laugh. 

“I will be speaking to you later.” She called out, not even looking back as her pamphlets burned. 

“I won’t listen,” he called back as he was given a goblet filled with…wine? The older elf gave him a wry smile that he gave back before accepting the goblet. 

“My father will not be happy,” he chuckled, taking a sip of the fine vintage as Winky continued to sob in herself. “Has Mispy come to work with her yet?” 

“Not yet. Mispy said she’s still working on cleaning up your rooms!” 

“Ah…right,” he nodded, looking down at his plate. “Any chance I can get some mash with this? I like the steamed vegetables but I think some mash will finish it.” 

“Of course! Willam’s mistake!” 

“It’s fine, I just let you know what I’m in the mood for. I never really let you know the specifics.” 

“Will sir be looking for late night tea tonight? Tomorrow is the weekend.” 

“If you could and if you could send Winky to come deliver it. I have some tasks I would like to complete. If she will not come then do not bother with sending the tea,” he said loudly enough so the sobbing elf might hear him. 

Going by how the crying lessened for a moment she heard him. 

“Is…Is you sure,” some of the elves who served him from the beginning gasped, they turned to glower at her for a moment before turning their worried gazes back to him. 

“Yes,” he nodded. “And make sure Dobby stays away from me. I have this odd feeling that he is relaying information about me to someone and I dislike the feeling very much.” 

He never liked the new elf that suddenly showed up and how he always seemed to try and get something out of him. He was way too perceptive for an elf and he was biased as to how he would always go out of the way to help the Gryffindor’s and warn them when he was coming when they had scheduled meetings to discuss a give and take. 

He didn’t like the elf one bit. 

‘We’s do that Sir! Would sir like dessert?” 

“Send it in with the tea later tonight. I don’t need to be feeling drowsy when I am researching some old tomes,” he smiled as they giggled. 

It happened once, when he was just getting used to living alone in Ramshackle and they were delivering some tea. He had fallen asleep on the couch, face pressed into a tome before they woke him up and the book was stuck to his face. Thankfully the ink hadn't transfered and they kept their mouths shut after he allowed them to pet his head because they wanted to for whatever reason...

“Very well! Is Miss Luna joining?” 

“No. I expect to be alone but do send an extra cup in case hmm?” 

“Of course!” 

Yuu waved them all goodbye with a ‘thanks for the meal’ before he began the walk back to his dorm, so far the week had gone by per usual and he had spent time with the centaur clan now. The leader, Firenze, had invited him and he found the visit quite pleasant and promised to bring back gifts to which the children were happy about. Which reminded him he needed to ask his father to send plush dolls. 

Though, he contemplated. Something was off with Moody. But then again he was an Auror and was most likely just trying to keep things neutral before he cornered him at some point. 

But still…something was off with Moody. 

Shaking his head he entered the room, keenly aware of someone watching him but he paid them no mind. It was better to simply let them think you did not know instead of tuning them into letting them know you do know. 

It was better in the long run. 

Shaking his head once more as he entered the confines of his beloved room Yuu stretched, going through his usual routine of stripping off his stupid robes and sweater vest before undoing his tie and tossing it all onto ‘the’ chair. 

The chair that ended up being your laundry basket that you always said you would clean but never got around too. That chair. 

In all honesty he wanted nothing more than to just take his OWL’s and NEWT’s and get things over with. But he’d be at the mercy of the Ministry by that point since he would be technically a legal adult after all those tests and be able to go into an apprenticeship of his choosing. 

And he knew they didn’t believe his ‘wanting to have the full Hogwarts experience story’ anymore after the recent gala. They were just waiting for him to say something or do something to mess up and then sink their claws into him to control him fully. 

Ahhh, what a hellscape he ended up getting into. 

And to think…all he wanted was to just…go back home…where he had so many people waiting for him. So many people who cared and loved him for being who he was and he didn’t have a facade to put up. 

“What a mess,” he moaned out, rubbing a hand down his face before he headed up the stairs to his loft before stopping. “No! Get out!” Both Crowley and Fawkes were nuzzled up against one another as they sat on the small seat beside his fireplace. “I don't need you two acting all lovey dovey as I am going to sleep!” 

They ignored him and continued to nuzzle and preen one another as he groaned about them being too much for him. He didn’t even bother to take off his robes and merely jumped into the bed, and sooner than he anticipated he fell into the depths of sleep. And so much of the month followed in the same pattern as that day, even if the teachers were less inclined to drag him or threaten him to go to class, small blessings he counted. Even if he was so close to strangling Granger if she continued to get on his case about buying Mipsy from Malfoy. But the main thing he was growing annoyed with was Cedric and Crowley as they both pined over the people that they loved. 

“For the love of god, ask her out,” Yuu finally snapped, finally drawn to his wits end a week before the schools came and a full month before the champions where chosen. “You have been making goo goo eyes at her for the last month and if it goes on any longer I will lock both of you in a closet until you both come out with it!”

“Yuu..what if she-” 

“I don't care about your insecurities right now! You need to ask her out before someone else does and you mope about it for the rest of the damned year,” Yuu snapped, eye twitching like made as the two gryffindor’s he was tutoring slid away hesitantly. “And I am very serious about that!” 

“Y…yuu…I…I don’t-'' he began twisting his hands like a grade schooler and that’s when Yuu lost it. 

“CHANG,” he roared out into the courtyard, his voice echoing and making many people have fear strike into their hearts for the poor Ravenclaw seeker who was unsure of why her name was called. “COME HERE!” 

“Holy Merlin! Yuu! No,” Cedric gasped as the girl shakily came forward with sweat dripping on her forehead. “Why,” he hissed, hands in his hair as Chang came up. 

“S…Something you need Yuu,” she coughed out, smiling at Cedric who groaned. 

“Take it away,” he flicked his hand to Cedric who groaned into his hand once more before he straightened himself out and spoke. 

“W…Would you like to go to Hogs….Hogsmeade with me this weekend? Li…Like as a….as a Date,” he yelped out the last part, turning an impressive shade of pink that Yuu marveled at. 

“Be his girlfriend,” Yuu deadpanned, chuckling as Cedric made a swipe at his head before he dodged it and leaned back. “He’s been making moony eyes at you since the end of last year and I thought I’d help him out.” 

“I…I…oh…I…I would love that..going to to Hogsmeade with you…umm…do we meet at the Three Broomsticks or-” 

“He’ll be outside the statue at 8, meet him there would you,” Yuu sighed, gathering his things as Cedric nodded and he chuckled at the steam he could see coming out of his ears. “Your welcome Cedric.” 

“I hate you,” he whined into his hands as the other chuckled at him and Cho began to fiddle with her hair. 

“I got you a girlfriend, you should be thankful,” Yuu snorted, heading out to the halls where he spotted Neville waiting for him. “How long were you waiting?” 

“Not long! I just got here to let you know that Moody is starting the new curriculum today. If you wanted to come and see what he was doing today.” The boy gave a sheepish smile that Yuu returned before the began the trek to the classroom. 

“Thanks, you're the only one that tells me this stuff,” he sighed, throwing his hands behind his head as they walked up the classroom. “You’d think after four years they would grow accustomed to me to the point they aren’t afraid to tell me simple things like that.” 

“Well…what you did to Colin’s camera at the beginning of the year,” Neville reminded him as they entered the hall where the classroom was. 

“I guess, but then again he should know by now I do not like my picture taken if I don’t have time to prepare! One must always look their best when they are being photographed! It’s a basic rule that he never seems to understand.” 

“Never took you for vain,” Neville decided to take up in the banter, smiling as Yuu flicked his hair back and entered the classroom ignoring the silence that came with him entering. 

‘As if! I just understand what the power of a photograph can do. And unlike Lockhart, I do it in moderation.” 

“Everything anyone does compared to Lockhart is in moderation,” Dean snorted, jumping as Yuu snorted back before he sat in his usual seat with Neville in the middle of the whole class. 

‘Indeed, indeed. How’d the review go? Took longer than I thought it would,” he commented, turning round to look at Seamus who shrugged. 

‘I mean, we just had to work on our forms and how we said the spells and stuff. Be loads easier if you were here to help you know,” he shot back, eyes widening as he realized what he just did. 

“Hmm, I don’t care much about helping others. It’s up to you whether or not you want to get better and get it correct,” he smiled. “I learned it from my father. He is very insistent that you either learn or you fail…and it hurts you in the end.” 

“Damn straight. Your father is an intelligent man,” Moody’s voice rang through the air as he hobbled to the front and the strange feeling came back over Yuu. 

He usually tried to say more about his father…

“And he would be right about the lesson we have today.” 

Yuu was silent as he watched the man continue his little speech about the progress they have made the last month before his eye turned to him. 

“Mr. Fujimaru! Can you tell me…how many unforgivable curses there are?” 

“...Three.” 

“And they are so named?”

“Because they are curses that inflict such horrific harm and the severity of the curse is based on the intent of the caster. They are unforgivable due to the harm they cause and the intent that the person has for them,” he explained, eyes flicking to Neville who tensed up beside him. 

What was his problem? 

“And the use of any one of them will send you a one way ticket to Azkaban, correct,” he turned back to them after he finished writing them on the board. “Now the Ministry says you're too young to see what these curses do, but I say something different! You need to know what you’re up against. You need to be prepared! You need to find another place to put your chewing gum besides the underside of your desk Mr. Finnigan.” 

The eye, Yuu thought as they all turned to the boy who no doubt was thinking that he had two of him in the room. 

“No way. The old Codger can see out the back of his head,” he whispered, looking a bit queasy before Moody whipped around and threw his piece of chalk at the boy. 

“And hear across classrooms!" He boomed out, people yelping as they dodged the stick of chalk. "Before we do a demonstration…Yuu Fujimaru,” he turned to him as the boy straightened up, the eyes of the boy boring into him. “I have heard rumors about your father and the old profession he led.” 

“I am sure you have,” Yuu pursed his lips. “Before you ask, yes. I am aware of what each WOULD feel like. Aside from…one.” 

“Hmm,” he grunted. “Then you might be the only one to break it today.” 

“Which are you going to demonstrate first,” Yuu demanded, Neville jerking up in his seat and Yuu moved to place a hand on his thigh as a grounding gesture. 

He was acting stranger than usual…ha, he was going to have to drug him with tea later for sure; what a pain. 

“Weasley!” 

‘Yes,” he whimpered, looking up at the man in fear. 

“Stand!” The boy did so slowly, looking down at his desk the whole time before he chanced a look at the Auror. “Give us a curse.” 

“We…Well, my dad did tell me about one. Th…the Imperius Curse,” he swallowed. 

“Oh…Oh year, your father would know all about that,” he nodded, hobbling over to the desk and Ron slid back into his seat as Yuu narrowed his eyes at Moody. He wasn’t acting right. “Gave the Ministry quite a bit of grief a few years ago. Perhaps this will show you why,” he then produced a small bug in which he made bigger before he spoke the accursed spell. “Imperio!” 

Yuu kept his face stoic as he began to essentially torture the poor animal for their entertainment, his annoyance growing with their ever rising laughter as he made the thing hop from desk to desk. It wasn’t funny, this was the total control of a person’s autonomy and it was degrading as it was dangerous. This was not a laughing matter, but they couldn’t seem to understand that. 

He could tell that Moody was only doing this to enforce a point and he was right as he began to speak. 

“Talented, isn’t she,” he boomed out, laughter coming out of him in peels. “What should I have her do next? Jump out the window,” he asked so innocently that it went over everyone’s heads before the poor thing was struggling to stay in the room. “Drown herself,” he asked ildy and that’s when all the laughter ended. 

Yuu watched as the poor thing struggled to stay out of the water as he brought it closer and closer to its surface before he made it come to his hand and landed it there. 

“Scores of witches and wizards have claimed that they only did You-Know-Who’s bidding, under the influence of the Imperius Curse,” he began. 

“He never says You-Know-Who,” Yuu murmured under his breath. ``He always says Voldemort.” 

Moody would never give up his own personal convictions when it came to that snake bastard for a room full of students who were on the way to being members of wizarding society…what was he doing saying You Know Who? 

“But here's the rub,” he seemingly did not hear Yuu. “How do we sort out the liars? Another? Another,” he demanded, walking down the aisle before he stopped before Yuu who looked up at him. But he didn’t look at Yuu. 

“Longbottom is it,” Yuu turned to see Neville with his hand up, looking unsure of himself as Moody told him to stand. 

“Professor Sprout tells me you have an aptitude for Herbology,” he asked, but Neville was out of it as he said the next curse. 

“T..There’s the um…the Cruciatus Curse,” he mumbled out and Yuu raised a brow. 

How the hell does Neville know THAT one? 

“Correct! Correct,” He nodded, placing the bug on the table before both him and Yuu. “The Torture Curse….Crucio!” 

Immediately the bug began to squeal and contort its body in pain as it tried to find a position where the pain would lessen. Its cries of pain and mercy got louder and louder along with Neville's breathing as he could not tear his eyes away from the sight before him, his face the look of a boy haunted by nightmares come to life. 

When he began to shake Yuu grabbed Moody’s hand and forced him to drop his wand.

“I don’t know what type of power wank you get out of this, but I suggest you stop now,” Yuu began, voice a growl as his eyes showed pure fury in them. “Neville…sit down in the back. I will meet you there in a moment.” 

The boy listlessly followed the others command, taking his bag and sluggishly moving to the back where he slid to the ground and curled up. 

“I wouldn’t do that next time if I were you lad. Not a nice thing this curse,” was all Moody said as he stepped back. 

“I don't feel pain," Yuu deadpanned, but he was unsure. He might have the special little condition where he is unable to feel pain...but does it work on him? Does it not? Magic is mysterious and Dumbledore was not too eager to find out if he could be felled by the torture curse. "And you should learn when something is too much,” he hissed, grabbing his things as he rushed to get to Neville. He blocked out everything as he shook Neville and urged him to follow him out the class. The boy was a zombie, but for now Yuu would take all he could at the moment as he ushered him out the class. Once he left the classroom Yuu turned just in time to hear the last curse. 

The one he would never survive with any type of magic from this world or maybe even twisted wonderlands.

“Avada Kedavra!” 

The thing fell dead and the class stared at it in horror. 

“Know this,” Yuu spoke up, all of them turning to him with pale faces. “The Imperius Curse is doesn't work if one has a strong will. It is useless.” It was the least he could do for them today, if how things were going were any indication. 

“I see you are referring to yourself,” Moody commented, eyes narrowed as he contemplated the boy. 

“No…Remember what you would want to fight for should Voldemort come back…Don’t Flinch,’ he barked out, all of them jolting at his tone. “He was a man! A man that was sick, cruel and wanted to kill any and everyone who stood in his path, EVEN you Sacred Twenty Eight. They were not special to him, they were pawns and once he was done with them he would have thrown them away. All he had eyes for was his goal and the righteousness he spouted,” he sneered. “Keep that in mind when he shows you how to resist the curse,” he spat just Moody yelled out- 

“Imperio!” 

A feeling of being underwater surrounded him and Yuu knew he had to resist it, but this was stronger than he anticipated. It was like he had skill in casting this particular spell and knew how to enforce his will as strong as he could to drown the person. But he had to get out. He had to get to Neville…Neville…NEVILLE! Taking in a deep breath he pushed that feeling away, he thought of breathing in air unfiltered by the feeling of pressure and soon he was able too. 

Moody’s look was unsurprising. 

“Makes sense…one cannot make a Magic Mirror like the one the Ministry wishes to get from you without incredible will power,” he commented. “It seems that should you ever fall under the curse, it would only be under You Know Who’s.” 

He was so done with this class. 

“His name is Voldemort. Fucking say it why don’t you,” he spat, turning on his heel to leave the classroom as the feeling of wrongness continued to pervade his thoughts. 

He needed to look further into Moody, but it would not be easy. Not if he had all those objects on him. 

“Neville,” he gasped, rushing down the stairs to where the boy was staring listlessly out a stained glass window. “Oi…you alright? Neville?” 

They stayed like that for longer than Yuu believed as people began going up and down the stairs, classes having apparently ended and that’s when he heard it. 

“Brilliant isn’t he,” Ron gave a sort of bewildered gasp. “Completely demented, of course, and terrifying to be in the same room with as Yuu, but he’s really been there, you know?” 

Great, Yuu thought. I’m being compared to that loon. 

“He’s looked evil in the eye!” 

“There’s a reason those curses are Unforgivable,” Hermione sounded on the verge of tears and Yuu understood. “To perform them in a classroom! And use it on Yuu when he least expected it”

That’s usually how that Unforgivable is used…but whatever.  

‘Why did Neville act like that,” Harry asked. “Sure he’s scared of a lot of things…but I’ve never seen him act like that!” 

“His mum and dad where tortured to insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange by the torture curse! They still reside in St. Mungo-” Ron cut off as they no doubt noticed the two and Yuu looking at Neville in a new light. 

“Neville,” he murmured, hand coming to his shoulder and he rested his weight against him. “Neville..come on.” 

He tried to urge the boy away from the window but a flash of a trench coat stopped him and he found himself grabbing Moody’s arm before it could touch Neville. 

“I need to see if my student is okay.” 

“He will be fine,” Yuu hissed, pushing him back into the railing. “He will be out of your class for the foreseeable future.” 

‘Now Dumbledore may have told me you have a pass. But I can still fail him-” 

“I will get Dumbledore to excuse him. Now, if you will excuse us,” Yuu sneered, grabbing Neville’s arm and beginning the reset of the descent. “We would like to be alone for the time being. And know this,” he warned, looking up at the teacher with a face so terrifying that many reached for their wands. “Should you follow us, I cannot promise the little protections surrounding my dorm won’t cause you extra harm.” 

“Yuu…Please…” Neville whimpered, Yuu grabbing his hand and they began the rushed trek back to his dorm. Time was both slow and fast and sooner than he thought, as well as too slow; they had arrived at the already formed door that opened without any prompting. 

“Sir is here with friend-” 

“Get me my hourglass and my lamp! And get some calming tea with a Draught of Peace,” he barked at Mipsy who turned serious at the sight of him and his friend. “Then ward my door and ensure no one but Dumbledore is allowed in!’ 

“Mispy do’s that sir,” she vanished with a crack before reappearing with the items. 

“Sit down on the couch,” he urged Neville who nodded listlessly, moving to place his bag in a chair and remove his shoes and tie. He laid down on the couch, staring into the fire as Yuu turned the Hourglass twice, making the atmosphere nice and gloomy with the sound of rain pattering against his false windows. Grabbing some stimulants, he took them and undid the cap of his lamp and within seconds the air was filled with a haze of soothing sleep smoke as Mispy placed the tea and potions on the table. 

Yuu wasted little time before mixing the potion into the tea and pouring Neville a cup as the boy continued to watch the fire without a word. 

“Drink this or sleep first, it will have a preservation charm on it so it will still be warm,” he told his friend who nodded and snuggled deeper into the cushions. Yuu sighed, grabbing a stuffed bat Luna had given him last year for Christmas and handed to Neville who encircled his arms around the plump thing and closed his eyes tight. “I will be in the loft space up the stairs should you wake up,” he pushed Neville’s hair back as he nodded and slowly went off to sleep.

He closed the cap on the lamp and moved to head up to his desk where Dumbledore was already waiting. 

“I…will write out a note that for the foreseeable future you will be tutoring Mr. Longbottom. But he will be expected back in classes in about 2 weeks or so.” 

“That’s fine. I just need to make sure he’s alright,” Yuu sighed, sitting on his bed and Dumbledore petted him on the head and moved to his desk. “But that’s not why your here.” 

“Your father will be coming in a week to do some work with the visiting schools. I do not know the details, but it is a favor from the Governors.” 

“Lucius Malfoy…prick.” 

“Language….But ultimately correct. He also has some things that I requested and he wished to speak to you as well.” 

“Mmmkay…” 

“I also have a favor to ask of you.” 

‘Oh, this is going to be good,” he gave a dry chuckle that Dumbledore shook his head at. 

“The Schools are arriving next week as I am sure is the latest gossip around the campus. There will be a welcoming feast for them and ALL of Hogwarts is expected to attend.” 

“Seriously?” 

“Yes. I am 100% serious about your attendance this time around Yuu,” Dumbledore crossed his arms to look at the boy who whined into his hands. 

“I really have to attend,” Yuu whined, turning to Dumbledore who raised a brow at the pouting 14 year old. “Like…really?” He looked like the child he was supposed to be and Dumbledore considered letting it slide. But he knew it would just feed into Yuu’s thoughts of being the King of the Student Body of Hogwarts…which he was…but…eh. 

“Yes,” he said. “I would like your word.” He was going to need that for sure if he was going to ensure the boy would stay to the promise. 

“You don’t trust me? After all these years,” Yuu looked upset but Dumbledore knew he was putting on a face. “Come on, even after all that I have done for you. Getting you back with your Ex, who is now not your Ex and my father doing so many things for you…” 

“With something like this…no,” he responded blandly, raising a brow as he whined again. “I know you. You're not going to get out of this.” 

The dopey look on his face dropped and soon morphed into annoyance that he was quite familiar with. 

“Tch…” the boy clucked his tongue before nodded. “I’ll be there…at some point.” 

“I guess that’s what I’ll have to take…” Dumbledore really did have to take what he could with this boy after all. “Get some rest…and try not to kill Moody?”

‘We’ll see.” 

“Hmm.” 

Without another word he left and Yuu was left to ponder what the days would bring him and if would actually be able to withstand the urge to kill Moody. 

That man…

“I need to speak with my father and have him meet Moody,” he murmured, getting up from his bed and walking to his desk where he had letters from his father speaking of the last remaining members of his old gang of Assassins. Only two left as of right now. 

And he had been biding his time for over a decade and a half…

“I have a really bad feeling about this year…” 

Chapter Text

Fleur considered herself a sturdy witch despite her looks and she knew how to defend herself, be it by magic or with her words. She had too because of her blood and she was glad that her sister was doing the same as they went through the years they had together.

So when both of them were chosen to the delegation, both were elated and rushed to speak to their parents via floo. She was excited but nervous, she would be spending so much time in Hogwarts where some of the most influential witches and wizards have come from. 

And of course…the Genius. 

He was well known all around the world with his way with magic mirrors, how he only got better and more intuitive the more he found to put inside a mirror.

Her papa was insistent that he and Gabby meet. He might have just turned 14 and Gabby 8, but her papa thought it would be a good match. Not to mention that the Genius’ father, a muggle, was making waves in the British wizarding world and weakened the hold of their notoriously biggeted purebloods. 

Her papa was itching to get a meeting with him and Fleur was well aware that they were as powerful as they could be with their circumstances. 

So she was excited. 

Gabby was nervous about meeting him and Fleur held the same apprehension…the rumors surrounding his vicious temper were…well known. Tricking people into unfair deals that he reaped the rewards from them as they wept in their pity. How he was cruel to those who jilted him and was a powerhouse in terms of magical prowess. 

As she stood in the Great Hall of Hogwarts she searched the crowd for him, but it was no use. She did not know what he looked like, she heard a sigh and looked up to see the headmaster, the Great Albus Dumbledore, look annoyed as he crossed his arms. 

“Dumbledore,” the man looked up to see Igor smiling at him with a bit of confusion as he went in for a hug. “Dumbledore, you seem a bit agitated,” Igor laughed after he embraced his fellow Headmaster. 

“It’s nothing Igor,” he assured him. “We are simply missing a student. A bit disappointed that he did not uphold his promise to come to the feast tonight,” he shrugged. He turned to look at a few students who shook their heads and mouthed what she believed was a ‘sorry’ to the man who rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

“As if he would actually come,” a man with black hair and robes snarkily told another older woman with emerald green robes who snorted. 

“OI! LET ME GO! FILCH!!” A loud yell rang through the air and Fleur noticed that all of Hogwarts slid down in their seats as the sounds of steps grew louder. 

Was this him? 

The great hall doors opened to the student in question being dragged in by the resident caretaker of Hogwarts, Filch who looked quite proud of himself. He was spitting out curses and trying to get out of his grip before sighing and stopping his fight. 

“I found him Headmaster Dumbledore,” he sounded quite proud of himself as the boy ripped his arm out of his grip and straightened his tie.

He was beautiful. 

Long inky black hair that was no doubt before messily tied into a ponytail no rested in a curtain over his shoulders and eyes. His eyes…they were brighter than any sapphire she had the privilege of seeing in person and seemed like an endless sea. 

‘Is that him,” she heard her sister murmur as he exchanged harsh words with the older man who flinched and grabbed a cat to hold close. 

“I think so.” 

“I told you I was coming after I finished cleaning up,” he hissed to the caretaker and Dumbledore gave the boy a disappointed look. He snapped his fingers to draw the boy’s attention to himself and his annoyed expression. 

That’s right! He was believed to be the disciple of Dumbledore himself!

“I expected you here to receive our visitors,” he motioned to the two schools on the sides who stared at him in a bit of awe. So he was the one that created such a marvelous magical transportation device and was basically stonewalling the ministries since he refused to share it. Impressive. 

“I’m here for the feast,” he spread his arms looking bored as Dumbledore pinched his forehead and Snape glowered at his student. “I just got a bit sidetracked,” was what he said, rolling his shoulder and many of the female students of Hogwarts began blushing and motioning to him with giggles. 

Ah…this might be harder than Fleur realized. 

“Sit down please.” He demanded of the boy, the other rolling his eyes as he turned to head to his table. He caught Snape’s eye and smirked at his down right murderous look before winking. 

He bent his fork in half. 

The boy clucked his tongue, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his robe. He managed to shrink and grow it with ease without any words? He truly was impressive. He placed it on without another word, throwing up the hood before sauntering over to his table. Or he would have had someone not stop him. 

“Off,” Dumbledore demanded. 

“Wh…do I have too,” he whined, turning to his heel to look at the man who looked equally annoyed. 

‘Yes,” a new voice called out and Fleur felt fire go off inside her as an older version of the boy entered, looking bored as he strode in. “Do what your headmaster says.” 

“What are you doing here old man,” he yelped, and Fleur jolted. 

That…that was his father? 

“Lucius thought it would be funny to offer me up as a sacrificial lamb to come during the arrival of the schools and ensure that not only are wards in place, but that accommodations are met,'' he gave a wry smile. “Since I help fund the school and all, even though I’m not on the board…prick.” 

‘Ha! Have fun,” Yuu brushed off his father before he grabbed him by the collar and stopped him. 

``You're coming with me, since you can see the wards.” 

“I never signed up for this!” 

“Neither did I,” he snapped back. “If I suffer, so do you. Now go sit with your housemates!” 

“Tch, cranky old men,” he sneered, brushing past her and her sister without so much a glance. Fleur felt her sister hold in her breath as he did so, releasing once he sat next to a blonde boy who began to try and antagonize him much to the annoyance of their fellows. 

She straightened as they were assigned a table to sit for now and cursed when they were sent to the table with Blue and Bronze ties, but she managed to see the boy perfectly who was seated next to Viktor Krum, who he was promptly ignoring and he picked at his food. They both seemingly ignored the babble of headmasters before the food was served. 

It didn’t take long for something to happen though. 

“Yuu, eat the damned food,” his father spoke up, not even looking up from his own plate as he barked orders to his son. 

‘Can we just go check out the dorms,” he whined, pushing his food around as he looked to his father in annoyance. “I have better places to be.” 

“You have no tact! Viktor Krum is right beside you and like the muggle you are-EEEP!!!” 

It was as fast as lightning but many people gasped as Yuu slammed his steak knife into the hand of the young blonde…or she thought she did. People began to whisper it was centimeters from his hand and she marveled at how he no doubt did it intentionally. 

“Shut it Malfoy.” 

“Yuu,” His father sighed. “Eat the food and then I will meet you in your rooms.” 

“I don’t want to. I am fine. I have things I need to do.” 

“Fred. George.” 

She watched as two boys...twins shot up and rushed to the boy, grabbing his arms with an apologetic look to Krum who watched it all with a surprised look on his face. 

“Oi, oi, oi,” he began saying as they dragged him over to the table of Gold and Red, closer to her line of sight. “Let me go.” 

“You need to eat! We haven’t seen you in a week and Merlin knows you forget to eat all the time,” the first one smiled as his twins sat down and they sandwiched the boy between them as he continued to spit venomous words. 

“I can body bind you,” was all Dumbledore said to the boy who promptly shut up and began to eat with a frown. 

She giggled. 

She couldn’t help it. 

This was the fearsome genius that held the student body of Hogwarts in such a state of fear they don’t dare go against him? 

It was so funny! 

The whispers around her told Fleur this was a normal occurrence when he was forced to join the dinner as rare as it was apparently as he used the kitchen to get his food and avoid everyone. People were gossiping about this and that around her as they continued to eat their food and watch as the boy progressively got more and more upset the longer that he was forced to sit between the twins. 

They were also saying something about ‘Malfoy is going to get it’ or something along those lines. 

Soon the dinner was finished with her listening in as best she could to the rumors about the boy who was drawn into conversation with the twins and a mousey boy with black hair as well. He looked calmer but he still looked ready to bolt at any given moment. 

“Now,” Dumbledore drew their attention when dessert was finished. “As Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be here for an extended period of time, Hogwarts has offered up dorms for them to use and they will be checked by one of the benefactors, Hiro Fujimaru, for anything you might need.” 

“Bout time,” Yuu grunted as he sat up with his father. 

“Yuu, don’t forget,” his father informed him. “About what he was implying.” 

“Ah,” the boy nodded, Dumbledore nodding in agreement as he moved back to his house table where they were holding onto the shoulders of the blonde boy. 

“Do not hurt him too much,” was all Dumbledore said before he was yanked up by Yuu and arm twisted round his back. 

“Arrgh,” he yelped. 

“What did you say about me Malfoy,” he asked darkly as his housemates scrambled back in fear. “Come on? What did you say?” 

“I…I said nothing,” he yelped, face scrunched up in pain. 

“Like the muggle I was, I think you were going to say,” he said with such a dark voice. But his face was a pleasant picture of serene. “What’s wrong with being a muggleborn? Hmm?” 

“N….N…Nothing,” he screeched as his arm was twisted further. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it! Let me go!” 

He was released before being kneed in the stomach to which many people flinched and he fell on the ground with a whine. 

“Be lucky I didn’t feel like using magic or going off on you like I did Flint back in second year hmm,” he cocked his head to the side with a bright smile as the older years shuddered like they remembered something truly unpleasant. “I heard his nose and cheekbone never healed properly.” 

…What? 

“Detention Mr. Fujimaru,” Snape growled. 

“With me, per usual,” Dumbledore interrupted with a bright smile. 

“Albus,” Minerva bemoaned as Severus took in a deep breath to stop himself from exploding. 

“Come on you demon,” his father snorted as he motioned them to follow the duo. “We need to show them their dorms.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” he brushed off as he went to stand next to his father. 

“Beauxbatons! Durmstrang! If you would all come along as Headmaster Dumbledore will be explaining some things to his students, we will have time before the halls get filled,” Hiro called, turning on his heel to exit as Yuu hummed and stayed where he was to make sure all of them followed him. 

Fleur nodded to her sister who sheepishly came up to introduce herself as the last of the foreign students exited the great hall . 

‘E…Ello…I am…Gabrielle-” 

“Hello. If you think French is easier, you can speak it. I know the language well,” he spoke in perfect french that both Fleur and Gabby jolted. 

“Don’t tell me you know Russian as well,” a boy with buck teeth and a bit of a mousey appearance gaped. 

“I know enough to get by. Better with Japanese, French and Spanish though,” he waved them goodbye and moved to escort them out. 

“Bout time,” his father commented as the trio exited. 

“Little one was introducing herself to me and was struggling with English, freaked some people out when I spoke French,” he shrugged. “Then they demanded to know if I knew Russian.” 

“Well you better get your skills back up to par, I know you haven’t been using them,” Fleur did not understand what the man said but the Russian slid off his tongue with ease. 

“Aga-aga,” the boy grunted and she watched as some of the Durmstrang students stifled their laughter. 

“For ease of getting to classes and to avoid confusion of the castle as it tend to shift the staircases quite frequently you have been put in the east wing of the first floor,’ Hiro began, motioning them to follow as Yuu placed his hands behind his head and followed at a leisurely pace. “Hogwarts is VERY strict on men and women sleeping in separate dorms. There are not only wards but alarms to let them know if anyone is going to try any funny business. But none in classrooms,” he turned to give them a wink to which they all giggled at and nodded in on the joke. 

“Uugh, really.” 

“I am still waiting for my letter from Dumbledore about you with a bloke or a girl,” Hiro stated casually and Yuu groaned. 

“Those vultures, all of them, have been after me since Lockhart commented on how beautiful we were when I was 12,” he snapped, Fleur looking at the dangerous boy with a bit of fondness because he was such a child. 

“Well now he’s in St. Mungo’s with an irreversible obliviate on him, relearning how to take care of himself. I say he had his comeuppance,” Hiro snorted as they stopped in front of a portrait with a beautiful petite woman in warm yellow robes. “This is the 26 year old version of one of the founders, Helga Hufflepuff and the entrance to the Bueaxbaton’s Dorms for the time being.” 

‘A pleasure to see you Hiro,” the woman smiled warmly with a bit of a blush. “Salazar has been going on and on about how you managed to trick Goyle and Crabb into a deal again despite them suing you!”

“Not my fault their half mountain troll,” he rolled his eyes before turning to them. “The Password is Fleur-de-lis, now if you all would. Yuu show them around and inform them of the wards. I will be speaking with these students on what they might need in case they packed too heavily.” 

“Right, right,” he sighed, placing his hands down and motioning them all to follow him into a rather cozy common room filled to the brim with plants and books. “This is the common room with a small study room alcove in case you don’t want to go to the library or courtyard, it gets rowdy. Staircase to my left, your right is the Boy’s Dorm. My right, your left is the Girls dorm. Each will be assigned two a room and there is a communal shower for both dorms and private bathrooms for each room. Questions?” 

Gabby raised her hand and Yuu nodded to her. 

“When is laundry done?” 

“Just ask the tower house elves to do it for you should you need it done, they are connected to the tower, so just say ‘could you please do my laundry’ and you’ll find it done in the next few hours,” he snapped his fingers, many gaping at his skill in French. “Now there are wards to let us know if you leave past curfew, as you have to follow Hogwarts set rules which you will find in the study alcove as a sheet of paper,” he pointed in there before continuing. “Wards to let us know if someone is trying to get in or if someone is trying to prank you. Breakfast is between 7-9 am and lunch is 11:30 to 2 pm depending on your schedule! You will find on each of your beds a map of the school to help you find your classes for the time being.” 

“Pardon…but will you be our guide for the first day,” Annalise asked from beside Fleur. 

‘No. I am a fourth year student so I neither have the title of Prefect nor Head Boy. But keep in mind I am a very busy person and am only here because my father likes to watch me suffer,” he gave a wry smile as she did a double take. 

“You…are 14?” 

“I know I’m a bit tall for my age! But I just consider that something that my father gave me, he is 208 cm!” 

“Merde sacrée,” some boys behind Fleur breathed. 

“I know right. Anyways! Your dorms have been assigned on the basis of the applications you sent to come here and we hope you won’t do last minute switching. Otherwise…Night,” he waved, as he brushed past them to leave before he stopped by Fleur. “Delacour right,” he asked, turning to look up at her. 

“Oui.” 

“My father wants to talk to you about setting up a meeting with yours,” he smirked. “Something about getting a stake into the French,” he snorted. “He’ll be by tomorrow after lunch.” 

“O…Of course!” 

“Oh,” He snapped his fingers as he remembered. “The communal showers, there are five of them, so five can go at a time. No using the other gender bathrooms, there are wards on that as well.”

“Got it,” they murmured. 

“Later,” he waved and left fully, Fleur held her hand against her heart as people began whispering about him and how…how intimidating he was. 

“It makes sense he’s the Genius!” 

“Did you see how he and Dumbledore acted! They have to be mentor and mentee!’ 

“Oh…He was so scary!’ 

“I wonder if he plays quidditch?” 

“Fleur?” 

She looked down to her sister and nodded. 

``We have much to do,” she pinched her cheeks before moving to head to their rooms for the night. It had been a very strange 24 hours. 

Fleur now knew why he was considered the Worst Student of Hogwarts and the Menace of the Ministry.  

Not once had she seen him attend his classes and instead he was always arguing with his professors. He was always threatening those in his own house when they annoyed him and made no effort to hide what he was doing, any form of detention he was given was immediately to Dumbledore who never really punished him and seemed to just let him roam the school whenever he wanted. 

He was a right menace as well, if how he fought back against teachers and students alike was any indication. While there hasn’t been any more physical altercations, that she could see at least, she knew that the boy was keeping a tight eye on everything and everyone. 

Except his rather…strange group of friends. 

The small mousy boy was always by his side and even skipped some classes with him as he would explain the class they were missing, in those moments he was extremely gentle and was almost caring to the other boy who looked like death warmed over. The same could be said to the girl with a blue and bronze tie that had no shoes on. 

That was an impressive rant he went on to her fellow classmates who were apparently stealing her stuff and bullying her for believing in things they did not believe. They avoided both of them for a few days before they decided that bullying was more fun. 

And he shot back appropriately. 

Fleur shook her head as the girls came in with hissing from the repeated stinging hexes he’d thrown at them and muttering about how they needed stronger doses of the cream. 

“Idiots,” she heard him murmur as he sat down in a chair behind her in the library. 

“Someone upset you again,” the boy, Neville Fleur believed his name to be, asked as he placed his books out. 

“No, Granger keeps going on and on about how I should leave Winky the house elf alone and how making her do chores isn’t going to help,” he snorted. “Yeah, when you're depressed do you wanna be left alone to your thoughts or have something to do and focus on?” 

“I…I mean…” Neville began and Fleur was of the same thought process. It made sense. 

“And GOD! Is she just annoying! I swear if she comes near me one more time today to shove me into class I will strangle that woman,” he sneered. “Has she tried to get to you? Lord knows she tried it with the twins who politely told her to shove off..but still.” 

“Yeah…she tried but I told her it would be better for everyone to just leave you alone and she went on a rant about how you should have been expelled by now and so on, so I left and came here.” 

The boy let out a snort before chuckling and laughing as Fleur smirked into the curtain of her hair. He seems to have his mortal enemy indeed. 

“Hmm, oh the Creevy Brothers. Need help again?” 

“I…I need help figuring out the names of plants! I can’t seem to memorize them no matter how much I look at them!” 

“Hmm, Neville should be able to help you. I have some things that I need to do today. I won’t have time to teach, but he is also second in Herbology to me,” the boy was no doubt smiling the calming smile that he usually did, but it usually ended up looking like a mocking sort of smile like he was thinking they were all too dumb and stupid to understand. 

But it was not his fault, he was certainly an intelligent boy. 

“R…Right! Thanks for the help though,” the smaller one nodded before yelping as Yuu ruffled his hair. 

“No problem. I know I promised to tutor you all for the first half of the school year, but I have some important obligations I need to do before I can continue,” he sighed, taking out some forms. “Fudge and Bagman are asking me to submit some forms and are trying to convince Dumbledore that letting me even put my name into the Goblet would be a fair idea.” 

“I…I mean you're really strong magically and physically! In second year you tore up all those 7th years who annoyed you,” Colin nodded as Neville turned a bit green and Dennis turned to Yuu in awe. 

“Can…we not speak about that,” Yuu sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I was…more inclined to my vices back then.” 

‘And you aren’t now,’ Neville asked honestly. 

“Stuff it Neville and before any of you ask, no. I don’t want to be in the tournament. I think it’s dumb and they arne’t going to take enough saftey measures,” he snorted. “I would rather just sit back and do my experiments in peace.” 

“You know Dumbledore will force you to go and watch the tournament with all of us right? You know how he is about school unity.” 

“I am the antithesis of School unity,” Fleur chuckled at his bland tone and he stopped. “You eavesdropped on us Delacour,” he gave a low chuckle as she turned around and met eyes with the teen. “How are you enjoying Hogwarts?” 

“Much more than you are, I suppose.” 

“Please, even those idiots Goyle and Crabbe enjoy class more than I do,” he grunted. “You’ll find me being here a perplexing thing in the end. Why stay when I hate it so much, yet I am able to leave so early?” 

“I do find myself asking that,: Fleur admitted as he smirked before it fell and he raised his brow, looking behind Fleur to Gabby who was staring at his wand. 

“Wanna see it,” he asked, holding out the wood and emerald thing to the girl who grabbed it gingerly. 

“Is it real emerald,” she asked, Fleur staring at it with a confused and mystified expression. 

She heard the rumors surrounding his wand and the wondrous wandmaker that crafted it. Ollivander was the wandmaker many people wanted to go to, but could not spare the money to come down and get oen from, so they contented themselves with their equally prestigious wandmaker….but Ollivander…

He had a way with wands and the boy’s were no exception. 

She had watched as his wand sang with power and crackles of electricity went through the emerald lighting up the vines of gem as he cast spell after spell from the Durmstrang students who wished to duel him. 2 were currently still in the infirmary after doing a sneak attack on him, to which he simply messed with the people walking off with a bored look. 

His prowess in dueling was surely no joke at all.

And his Papa’s way with words was no joke either, she understood why the purebloods of the isles were desperate to keep their hands on them and keep them restrained; but she couldn’t help but feel as if they were allowing them to control them out of courtesy or entertainment. 

Yuu had a peculiar brand of entertainment and Fleur was certain it came from his father who was the same, if how he spoke of angering the Malfoy family and allowing his son to terrorize the school to see their relations was…fun… 

Ha…Fleur still debated if that meeting was a win or…a supposed win that he let her have. Sure, she secured a deal with her father and the boy’s but at what cost? She fell asleep as soon as he had left, drained of seemingly all magic, energy and life from nothing more than an hour meeting with the man who was all in all…very kind, amiable and willing to listen. 

But she saw. Fleur saw beneath the surface. 

He was not testing her father, no, no…he was testing her and how far she would go to help her father; how far she would raise the stakes to ensure her father’s happiness and Fleur couldn’t help but feel as if Hiro was a monster in disguise. 

He liked to see people squirm and he liked to be on top, he liked the power he held over anyone and everyone. 

His son…Yuu Fujimaru…he was no different if how he acted was any indication. 

He was…different and different to the point he reveled in the fear that they had of him. 

“P…Pardon,” Fleur jolted as Gabby spoke up as Yuu closed the book he was reading. “Can…Can I show you a new spell I learned?” 

“Sure,” he smiled, he seemed genuine in those moments with Gabby. He never said his usual harsh words. 

He was kind. 

He was strange…but he was kind. 

“You know, to make the spell so much more powerful you can do…this,” he demonstrated, showing her how to move her wrist and sending out a much more powerful version of the spell. 

“Wow!” Gabby breathed, turning back to Yuu who took her wrist gently and moved her through the motions with hushed tones. 

In those moments he seemed like any other student one might come across in the library and Fleur couldn’t help but feel how strange such a thought was. In such a short amount of time she had come to see him as perfect, even with his imperfect tendencies. 

That being his vicious tongue and violent tendencies. 

Not even a week in being in the same school as him and she learned the basic rule of Hogwarts. 

When Dumbledore is not around, Yuu is king. Amongst the Student Body, Yuu is King. Amongst his fellow peers, Yuu is King. 

And the King will fight back should you challenge his rule and by this point, it was only the foolish first years who dared to speak up and even then it was never to his face but he seemingly already knew who it was. For all of Hogwarts was his domain and he could not be restrained at all. 

Because….Yuu was King. 

And that was simply fact. 

“Delacour,” Yuu’s voice was seemingly loud as it resonated through the halls of Hogwarts and Fleur turned to see him striding toward her, his robe gone and hair free from its usual ponytail. “I need to speak to you.” 

“Fleur?” 

“Go with Annalise Gabby,” she urged her sister as Yuu stopped before the small group of Beauxbaton girls. “This is adult talk,” she informed her as the younger girl nodded and walked away with Fleur’s friends who looked at her a bit worried. 

Unless you sought out Yuu, he never came to any of them. 

Unless he wanted something. 

And as she learned in the 2 weeks here, it was never good to have him want something from you...at all. 

“Come on,” he motioned for her to follow him and she did, Fleur didn’t fail to notice the whispers and the looks they both received, Fleur wasn’t stupid and think herself above the punishments he dolled out. 

He treated men and women the same, and that was in regards to how he broke them down with words or even fighting. He saw everyone as an equal and held back in no way. 

In some ways Fleur was thankful for that, but it also gave many people a lot to fear when it came to the boy. 

They reached a small little courtyard of the west end of the school where not a lot of students where walking and he sat down by a statue of some sort of animal. It was too weathered for her to make out defining features but that was nothing as she looked at the boy who hummed. 

“What is it you wanted to talk about,” She asked in her native tongue, the boy smiled before he leaned back on his hands and looked up to the sky. 

“I have no interest in marrying Gabby. Make that clear to your father,” he said, Fleur jolting when he spoke. 

‘Wh…Wh…How did you find out,” she demanded. 

“I’m not belittling you or anything, but you people across the pond? You don’t know the cut throat life purebloods have here and how they will do anything to protect blood purity and sanctity,” he gave a wry smile that had her stealing herself. “Make no mistake, I hate every single one of them, especially the Greengrass girls who hang off every damn thing I do,” he sneered and Fleur gave a jerky nod. 

She’d seen said girls. 

They were shameless in their attempts to get with the boy so to say. 

From raising their skirts up when he passed to making their shirts tighter to appeal to the boy, complimenting his form when he was forced into a duel to pushing their breasts against his arm they were doing everything in their power to draw his eye to them and he never, NEVER, gave them the time of day.

He never gave many people the time of day, except for his friends; and even then to her it always seemed like a transaction. He did something for them, and they did him. It was always a give and take. Equal in measure. 

How lonely he must feel. 

“Wh…What will you have your father do,’ She found her voice to ask him, hands clasped in front of her as he regarded her with his usual cool gaze. 

“Hmm…nothing really,” he sighed. “He’s not interested in the affairs I get myself tangled up in when it comes to romance. He doesn’t have the best of luck in that department himself and certainly doesn’t trust himself with meddling in mine.” 

“A…are you asking me to deal with it,” she chanced, his smile sending a shiver down her back as he winked. 

“Bingo,” he sang out. “My father trusts me to deal with this and I have no interest in leaving the Isle any time soon with all this Minister wanting my mirror and stuff like that. So if you could tell daddy dearest that I want nothing to do with joining the family that would be great.” 

“H…I…” Fleur tried to finds words to ask why he is making her do this when she was expected to make sure he…

No, that’s why he’s making her do it. 

“You want me to be the one who tells my papa because you know he asked me to ensure you and Gabby met,” she gasped, looking into his ever knowing eyes. 

“Fame…is a horrid thing,” his voice sounded tired as he pushed his head back, eyes going back to look up into the sky. “Fame comes with renown and money, but it is wracked with expectations, instability and the people's desires to own you….tell me Fleur Delacour. Do I look like I wish to be owned,” he snapped his eyes to look right at her and she steeled up. 

This was a look that sent her heart stopping and blood turning into ice. 

It was neither an angry look nor one filled with annoyance, but a look filled with resignation and tiredness and that is the moment Fleur knew. 

He didn’t deserve any of what he was going through. 

One might have argued that his arrogance and intelligence is what set him up on this path but that look in his eyes, the unushered emotions wanting to burst through and allow him to be free…it’s what told her no one bothered to actually try to and understand him. He was truly so lonely underneath everything he put out and Fleur could see it because she was a big sister and little sisters like to keep things bottled up as they approach double digits but she knows, she knows by a simple look and his face has it all over it. 

He stared, awaiting her answer and Fleur knew that he must already know what she was goint osay. It seemed like he might have bared his heart to few, no more than a handful if that…but he also chose to do such a thing with her…

And she would honor that. 

“I am sure papa wasn’t hoping for much. Considering your age, as well as Gabby’s is all. I think he will be pleased to know that you are tutoring Gabby. He might even brag about it,” she gave a weak smile as he hummed, face never morphing into anything good or bad before he looked back up at the sky. “I hope that is alright with you?” 

“Yeah, it’s fine. Who wouldn’t want to brag that the genius of Hogwarts is tutoring their daughter for free,” he sighed and Fleur shifted a bit in her spot. She wasn’t offended as much as she was trying to understand him after baring his soul in such a blatant way. 

She hadn’t known him long but it seemed very out of character for the usually angry boy.

But then again…how much of his anger was real? How much of what he showed the schools was the real him and how much was a show to keep them all at arms length away? He was a never ending question that kept people either staying away or coming back. It seemed like he was annoyed with some people coming back, but he made no real attempt to stop them…so long as they were students that is. Teachers…

He had it out for them to say the least. But as for the rest of the population…

“Are you asking people to reach out to you by acting the way you do,” Fleur found herself asking before she could stop herself. Her eyes widened and she clamped her mouth shut before looking back at the boy who sat so still he might have been part of the statue. 

“Ha…,” he let out a sigh that was a mix of resignation and relief. “I…want to fit in…just a bit more. To not stand out like a sore thumb the further I get along in school but it’s impossible…” 

“How…can you be so sure?” 

“You’ve been here almost two weeks. I know you have your ear in the rumor mill and I am sure you have talked with an annoying little Gryffindor called Hermione Granger and a ferret of a Slytherin named Draco Malfoy. While I do not deny that they do not like me and I will admit the feeling is damned mutual? Half the stuff they say is right, you know? I’m a right menace to Hogwarts and it’s teachers.” 

“But…” 

“I can’t change…but I know I have friends,” He sighed. “That’s enough for now…I guess,” he trailed off, looking a bit lost before he shook his head and turned to look Fleur fully in the eyes. “Will you speak to your father for me then?” 

“I…I will,” She nodded, the boy humming as he hopped off his spot and moved to leave. “I..I..If it would be okay? May I inform Gabby myself?” 

He turned to look at her with a raised brow and a smirk. 

“I’m not the one who pushed the marriage narrative so I don’t think I would be the best person to inform her that her marriage prospects have ended,’ he snorted and Fleur blushed. “Besides, I don’t think it would be good for me to do it anyways. 

“R…Right,” she nodded, moving to head out. She stopped before turning back to the boy who looked up at the sky once more. “If it’s worth anything…I think leaving Europe altogether is best for you,” she offered. 

“Heh…as if they’d let us.” He gave her a wry look she simply nodded at before moving to leave. “Do make sure to keep it as innocent as possible. I don’t want her to think I hate her!” He called out, Fleur turning just in time to see him walk away. 

Heh…he really is a strange boy. 

THE NIGHT OF THE SCHOOLS ARRIVING

Yuu stopped short when he entered Moody’s office for the first time in two weeks to see his father conversing with Moody. 

It did not seem to be going well, with how tense he was. 

“Dad,” he asked, eyebrows raised as he dropped his hand from the handle and he stuffed them into his robes. “What are you doing here?” 

“I came to ask Moody as to why both you and Neville have missed 2 weeks of class. But he seems to be stonewalling me at the moment,” he crossed his arms before returning his gaze to an irritable Moody who snapped back. 

``You're not the boy’s family, nor his magical guardian and you are not a Governor on the board.” 

“But I am acting in Proxy at the moment and this also involves my son. So I have a right to ask his teacher,” Hiro shot back, sneer pulling at his face for a moment before he relaxed.  ‘So…will you explain the situation to me? And before you go off and say that I should just let you at my son-” 

“Your son needs to learn how to respect his elders, that’s what he needs,” Moody grunted, Yuu turning to his father who had a very carefully blank face at the moment. “I don’t have anything to say to him or you right now and I certainly don’t wish anything from you.” 

‘Are…you sure,” Hiro raised his brow. “If I am incorrect, you still teach a class-” 

“I gave it up to come here on the basis of this teaching job being a favor for Dumbledore!” 

“I…See,” Hiro nodded, grabbing his cane before nodding to his son. ‘Yuu. I need to speak with you.” His father had a face that Yuu knew meant business, and he was eager to speak of it. It was best to go with his father right now and hopefully understand this nagging feeling he’s had the last few months about Moody. 

“Right,” he nodded, opening the door while still staring at Moody. “I’m not coming to class, but I will be monitoring Neville should you do anything else like that I will know.” 

“You don’t control me boy!” 

“But I can make a suggestion to Dumbledore. Remember that,” Yuu snapped before slamming the door closed and turning to his father who began to light the heavy stuff. “Cuban Cigar?” He raised a brow at the item that he was sure never made it to Japan or Europe…to his knowledge. Americans had an obsession about them though. 

“Your grandfather gave it to me. Apparently came from the Cold War era before the embargo’s,” he blew out the smoke and motioned for his son to follow him as they walked down the halls back to Yuu’s room where it opened a window to get the smoke out. 

“Yeah, well,” Yuu began, cracking his neck. “Moody’s lying-” 

“No, he’s not lying,” Hiro sat by the window, blowing out the smoke without much care as he rolled his shoulder. “He may not be teaching the class anymore, but Moody still teaches.” He gave a sort of dark chuckle that would make most shiver in their boots and piss themselves. To Yuu? It was simply his father’s look when he expected him to figure out something. 

What on earth is father speaking…oh…oh!

Oh, Yuu smiled as he turned to his father who looked bored as he stared out the window. 

“Ah…then you came to the same conclusion I did,” Yuu giggled, Hiro turning to his son with a vile smile of his own. They both regarded one another for a moment longer before they decided to speak their minds. 

And they both spoke at the same time. 

“That’s not Alastor Moody.” 

“Polyjuice?” Hiro hummed as he took another drag from the cigar, a look of bliss came across his face as he did so and Yuu went to grab some wine the elves tended to leave him since they decided he needed it. 

Not that he was complaining, but they were treating him way too much like an adult. Then again, he wasn’t complaining too much at the moment, he is seemingly going to need it. 

“Probably,” Yuu nodded, in confirmation as he thought back to the last few weeks. “He always has a flask on him, but given his personality and notoriety I doubt anyone would even question it. Even though I didn't question it, I thought the World Cup put him through a relapse so I brushed it off.” 

“I did too until I spoke to him tonight.” 

“Do you have an idea as to who he is? Because I don’t and can’t think of a single person with the balls to get Moody,” Yuu snorted.  

“Well, whoever he is…he chose a good cover,” Hiro complimented. “But he didn’t do his research.” He curled his brow before taking the wine his son handed him with a helpless shrug. 

“Moody has been damn near nagging us for the last five or so months to get you to teach situational awareness without the use of a wand and me to join the Auror’s once my tenure at Hogwarts ends,” Yuu gave a helpless shrug. “But whoever he was, seemed to be on the verge of calling me a mudblood and you a good for nothing muggle.” 

“He’s subtle about it….but he should know what Moody has been interested in. He most likely thought he could get away with brushing it off as a fancy, but it’s been nearly half a year and he’s shown no signs of stopping,” Hiro pushed his glasses up as he contemplated things. “So he most likely hasn’t been stalking him long…but long enough to know his habits….and he must have thought it was enough.” 

“So he’s been stalking him at home?” 

“Probably, and Moody has only been complaining about us to Bones in order to keep us out of the eyes of some of the Ministry, so he most likely just secluded himself after he took over the man and the Ministry brushed it off…even Amelia commented that she believed he was just going through a relapse.” 

“The world cup,” Yuu snapped his fingers and Hiro nodded. “He must have taken over Moody before then and just didn’t show up!” 

“Should we put him out,” Hiro asked, and Yuu jolted. “Should we alert Dumbledore and get him out of here?”

``You're asking me?” 

“He’s done nothing, so far…nothing too bad considering what happened with Neville and all,” his father pressed, flicking the dead bud out the window into the night sky as. “But that’s not to say he won’t do anything in the future. It’s up to you since you will be around him more and more. I will only be attending the choosing of the Champions and the tasks, since Lucius has me acting as his fucking proxy…but I digress.”  He gave a helpless shrug before he locked eyes with his son who hummed. 

“No doubt he’s been sent to watch little Potter,” Yuu snorted as his father rubbed the bridge of his nose. “But don’t let Sirius or Remus know for now. I think we should leave things how they are at the moment.” 

“Are you sure,” his father sighed, looking weary as he grabbed his cane. “I know I gave you the decision, but still…after the recent attack…he could be one of those fanatics and…considering all that’s going on…but…whatever.” 

“I’m interested in seeing how this will go and I need a distraction from my experiments,” he giggled into his palm as he leaned into it. His father gave him a sharp look he ignored, turning away from it as he moved closer. 

“Yuu…I get you’re tired and you're feeling hopeless but using other people’s suffering for your own entertainment will come back to bite you.” His father turned to him with a look of a man that has done the same and Yuu couldn’t help but turn away from the gaze, if not fully. 

“I know, I know, but….I am interested in what he is looking for. He’s been conscious to stay into the public’s eye at the moment and I need to find out what he does at night,” Yuu turned serious. “I need to figure it out.” 

“Alright…but I will need you to keep me updated for the time being. I have a meeting with Dumbledore before I leave tonight so I’ll be heading out.” 

“Right…don’t let Moody see you. He’s grown wary of both of us as it is, I don’t think the rumors of you being close with Dumbledore have reached him yet,” Yuu warned his father who gave a small smile before ruffling his hair and moving out. 

“I will, I will,” he winked, exiting with a back wave. 

Yuu watched as his father left in silence before he flopped down on the couch he had and stared into the fire, wondering what this year is going to have for him. 

“I..really hate this place…” Was what he settled on before flopping to the side and falling asleep. 

Chapter Text

Krum had heard of the boy long before he had been chosen to go to Hogwarts as a student in the Durmstrang delegation. 

He had heard of him for years and it ramped up during the World Cup when he and his muggle father had not only killed two of the dark lord followers, but had captured two others as well…all with specially made muggle weapons. 

A muggleborn he might have been, but his prowess in dueling was legendary, so Kakaroff was eager to see him in person and even to try and convince him to come to Durmstrang. They were willing to lift the No Muggleborn ban just for him, just so that Durmstrang could say that they had the best duelist in the world. 

To have something over Dumbledore. 

But he wasn’t just known for his dueling, no. 

He was known for his skill with making magical mirrors. 

He was well known all around the world with his way with magic mirrors, how he only got better and more intuitive the more he found to put inside a mirror. 

But he always destroyed them, was what Krum heard. Ever the perfectionist, nothing he made seemed to fit the criteria he wanted and the ministries were left pawing at his tailcoats for him to stop and give them his old formulas or work for them. 

Like bugs, but he merely stomped on them to silence them before continuing on. 

As he stood in the Great Hall of Hogwarts Krum tried to search the crowd for him, but it was no use. He didn’t  know what he looked like, he heard a sigh and looked up to see the headmaster, the Great Albus Dumbledore, look annoyed as he crossed his arms. 

“Dumbledore,” the man looked up to see his headmaster smiling at him with a bit of confusion as he went in for a hug. “Dumbledore, you seem a bit agitated,” Igor laughed after he embraced his fellow Headmaster. 

Krum shook his head at the old men who embraced joyously. 

He never understood the headmasters of magical schools. 

“It’s nothing Igor,” he assured him. “We are simply missing a student. A bit disappointed that he did not uphold his promise to come to the feast tonight,” he shrugged. He turned to look at a few students who shook their heads and mouthed what he believed was a ‘sorry’ to the man who rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

“As if he would actually come,” a man with black hair and robes snarkily told another older woman with emerald green robes who snorted. 

“OI! LET ME GO! FILCH!!” A loud yel rang through the air and Krum curiously noticed that all of Hogwarts slid down in their seats as the sounds of steps grew louder. 

Was this him? 

He incited fear into all the students in his own school. 

The great hall doors opened to the student in question being dragged in by the resident caretaker of Hogwarts, Filch who looked quite proud of himself. He was spitting out curses and trying to get out of his grip before sighing and stopping his fight. 

“I found him Headmaster Dumbledore,” he sounded quite proud of himself as the boy ripped his arm out of his grip and straightened his tie.

He was beautiful. 

Long inky black hair that was no doubt before messily tied into a ponytail no rested in a curtain over his shoulders and eyes. His eyes…they were brighter than any sapphire ever seen in person and seemed like an endless sea. 

“He would look far more striking in our Uniform,” Elena, Krum’s friend, murmured as she nudged him. 

“You just want him in our school to flirt with him,” He accused gently as she shrugged. 

“Look at him!” 

“I told you I was coming after I finished cleaning up,” he hissed to the caretaker and Dumbledore gave the boy a disappointed look. He snapped his fingers to draw the boy’s attention to himself and his annoyed expression. 

Krum noticed as the boy gave a slight flinch before he remembered. 

That’s right! He was believed to be the disciple of Dumbledore himself!

“I expected you here to receive our visitors,” he motioned to the two schools on the sides who stared at him in a bit of awe. So he was the one that created such a marvelous magical transportation device and was basically stonewalling the ministries since he refused to share it. 

Impressive. 

“I’m here for the feast,” he spread his arms looking bored as Dumbledore pinched his forehead and Snape glowered at his student. “I just got a bit sidetracked,” was what he said, rolling his shoulder and many of the female students of Hogwarts began blushing and motioning to him with giggles. 

Krum smirked as he nudged his friend who stuck her tongue out at him before he turned back to the boy who looked annoyed at all the attention he was getting. 

Ah, a lone wolf perhaps? 

“Sit down please.” He demanded of the boy, the other rolling his eyes as he turned to head to his table. He caught Snape’s eye and smirked at his down right murderous look before winking. 

He bent his fork in half. 

Oh, there was a story behind that. 

The boy clucked his tongue, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his robe. He managed to shrink and grow it with ease without any words? He truly was impressive. He placed it on without another word, throwing up the hood before sauntering over to his table. Or he would have had someone not stop him. 

“Off,” Dumbledore demanded. 

“Wh…do I have too,” he whined, turning to his heel to look at the man who looked equally annoyed. 

‘Yes,” a new voice called out and Kurm straightened out as a man with such power and authority strode in looking bored and annoyed all at once. “Do what your headmaster says.” 

“What are you doing here old man,” he yelped, and Krum raised a brow. 

That…that was his father? 

They were identical copies of one another! 

“Lucius thought it would be funny to offer me up as a sacrificial lamb to come during the arrival of the schools and ensure that not only are wards in place, but that accommodations are met,'' he gave a wry smile. “Since I help fund the school and all, even though I’m not on the board…prick.” His face pulled up into an annoyed sneer and Krum stepped back slightly at the dangerous look. 

‘Ha! Have fun,” Yuu brushed off his father before he grabbed him by the collar and stopped him. 

``You're coming with me, since you can see the wards.” Elena grabbed his arm at the vicious smile they both saw grace the older man’s face as he held onto his son. 

“I never signed up for this!” The boy yelped, glowering at his father who never lost his smile. 

“Neither did I,” he snapped back. “If I suffer, so do you. Now go sit with your housemates!” 

“Tch, cranky old men,” he sneered, brushing the Beauxbaton girls who looked anxious he was so close to them before they relaxed as he sat next to a blonde boy who began to try and antagonize him much to the annoyance of their fellows. 

He looked to his headmaster who urged him to go ahead and sit next to the boy who was sitting in the table with the Green and Silver ties, Krum doing the will of his headmaster and sitting next to him. He relaxed when he noticed the boy was not interested in him like many of his other housemates and seemingly content to ignore him until conversation was ignited. 

A few words where said before the food was served and they began to dig in, Krum noticed that the boy wasn’t eating anything and merely played with his food, he seemingly hated the very idea of being here. 

He turned to Elena who urged him to speak, but before he could his father spoke up. 

“Yuu, eat the damned food,” his father spoke up, not even looking up from his own plate as he barked orders to his son. Krum looked between him and his son as the boy sighed, and hung his head. 

‘Can we just go check out the dorms,” he whined, pushing his food around as he looked to his father in annoyance. “I have better places to be.” 

“You have no tact! Viktor Krum is right beside you and like the muggle you are-EEEP!!!” The blonde boy, who seemed to have hero worship of him, began snarling at the Genius before he grabbed his steak knife and slammed it into his hand.

Or rather..the opening between his fingers…just before the junction that connected them to the hand. Mere centimeters away. 

All without looking. 

Ah…now Krum understood why people feared him. 

“Shut it Malfoy.” He stated blandly without even looking at the paler than usual boy who gave a meep before going limp against another boy. 

“Yuu,” His father sighed. “Eat the food and then I will meet you in your rooms.” 

“I don’t want to. I am fine. I have things I need to do.” He sighed, removing the knife without much thought. 

“Fred. George.” Was all his father said before Krum noticed two boys pop up from another table. They rushed to the boy, grabbing his arms with an apologetic look to Krum who watched it all with a surprised look on his face. 

“Oi, oi, oi,” he began saying as they dragged him over to the table of Gold and Red, farther from Krum and his back facing him. “Let me go.” 

“You need to eat! We haven’t seen you in a week and lord knows you forget to eat all the time,” the first one smiled as his twins sat down and they sandwiched the boy between them as he continued to spit venomous words. 

“I can body bind you,” was all Dumbledore said to the boy who promptly shut up and began to eat with a frown. 

Krum snorted. 

This was the fearsome genius of Hogwarts with a horrible reputation and a desire for bloodshed to match? 

Either they were putting on a show or he was being more considerate of them for tonight and his real self would be shown tomorrow. But either way, it was sure to be an interesting year. 

The whispers around him let him know this was a normal occurrence when he was forced to join the dinner as rare as it was apparently as he used the kitchen to get his food and avoid everyone. People were gossiping about this and that around them all as they continued to eat their food and watch as the boy progressively got more and more upset the longer that he was forced to sit between the twins. 

They were also saying something about ‘Malfoy is going to get it’ or something along those lines. 

Soon the dinner was finished with him listening in as best as he could to the rumors about the boy who was drawn into conversation with the twins and a mousey boy with black hair as well. He seemed calmer but he still looked ready to bolt at any given moment. 

“Now,” Dumbledore drew their attention when dessert was finished. “As Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be here for an extended period of time, Hogwarts has offered up dorms for them to use and they will be checked by one of the benefactors, Hiro Fujimaru, for anything you might need.” 

“Bout time,” Yuu grunted as he sat up with his father. 

“Yuu, don’t forget,” his father informed him. “About what he was implying.” 

“Ah,” the boy nodded, Dumbledore nodding in agreement as he moved back to his house table where they were holding onto the shoulders of the blonde boy. Krum raised a brow as Yuu drew closer and closer, with the boy trying harder and harder to get away as he progressively got closer. 

“Do not hurt him too much,” was all Dumbledore said before he was yanked up by Yuu and arm twisted round his back. 

“Arrgh,” he yelped, Kurm leaned back in shock at the cold look the boy sported, turning to his classmates who looked in equal measures confused and shocked as well. 

“What did you say about me Malfoy,” he asked darkly as his housemates scrambled back in fear. “Come on? What did you say?” His tone was slightly demented and Krum couldn’t help but feel as if he was going to be playing with fire trying to befriend him.

“I…I said nothing,” he yelped, face scrunched up in pain. He was turning an alarming shade of red. 

“Like the muggle I was, I think you were going to say,” he said with such a dark voice. But his face was a pleasant picture of serene. “What’s wrong with being a muggleborn? Hmm?” 

“N….N…Nothing,” he screeched as his arm was twisted further. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it! Let me go!” He was released before being kneed in the stomach to which many people flinched and he fell on the ground with a whine. Krum flinched at the act of brutality and couldn’t help but feel like he did that to everyone. 

“Be lucky I didn’t feel like using magic or going off on you like I did Flint back in second year hmm,” he cocked his head to the side with a bright smile as the older years shuddered like they remembered something truly unpleasant. “I heard his nose and cheekbone never healed properly.” 

Say what? 

“Detention Mr. Fujimaru,” Snape growled. 

“With me, per usual,” Dumbledore interrupted with a bright smile. 

“Albus,” Minerva bemoaned as Severus took in a deep breath to stop himself from exploding. 

“Come on you demon,” his father snorted as he motioned them to follow the duo. “We need to show them their dorms.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” he brushed off as he went to stand next to his father. 

“Beauxbatons! Durmstrang! If you would all come along as Headmaster Dumbledore will be explaining some things to his students, we will have time before the halls get filled,” Hiro called, turning on his heel to exit as Yuu hummed and stayed where he was to make sure all of them followed him. 

Krum swallowed as the older man’s eyes surveyed them, the knowing look behind those glasses evident as he pushed them further up with a smile. 

“How interesting,” was what Krum caught before he looked behind them. 

“Bout time,” his father commented as the trio exited, the boy looked annoyed as he crossed his arms. 

“Little one was introducing herself to me and was struggling with English, freaked some people out when I spoke French,” he shrugged. “Then they demanded to know if I knew Russian.” 

“Well you better get your skills back up to par, I know you haven’t been using them,” Krum felt his eyebrows raise as he understood the man perfectly before he realized he spoke in Russian without missing a beat.

“Yeah Yeah,” the boy grunted and Krum snorted into his collar as Elena and her friends giggled at his tone. 

“For ease of getting to classes and to avoid confusion of the castle as it tend to shift the staircases quite frequently you have been put in the east wing of the first floor,’ Hiro began, motioning them to follow as Yuu placed his hands behind his head and followed at a leisurely pace. “Hogwarts is VERY strict on men and women sleeping in separate dorms. There are not only wards but alarms to let them know if anyone is going to try any funny business. But none in classrooms,” he turned to give them a wink to which they all giggled at and nodded in on the joke. 

“Uugh, really.” The boy demanded of his father and Krum could only shake his head. It was a funny little joke. 

“I am still waiting for my letter from Dumbledore about you with a bloke or a girl,” Hiro stated casually and Yuu groaned. 

“Those vultures, all of them, have been after me since Lockhart commented on how beautiful we were when I was 12,” he snapped, Krum shook his head in understanding because people really could be vultures. 

“Well now he’s in St. Mungo’s with an irreversible obliviate on him, relearning how to take care of himself. I say he had his comeuppance,” Hiro snorted as they stopped in front of a portrait with a beautiful petite woman in warm yellow robes. “This is the 26 year old version of one of the founders, Helga Hufflepuff and the entrance to the Bueaxbaton’s Dorms for the time being.” He turned to them all with a wry smile. 

‘A pleasure to see you Hiro,” the woman smiled warmly with a bit of a blush. “Salazar has been going on and on about how you managed to trick Goyle and Crabb into a deal again despite them suing you!” Krum raised a brow as the portrait began to fix herself up sheepishly. 

“Not my fault their half mountain troll,” he rolled his eyes before turning to them. “The Password is Fleur-de-lis, now if you all would. Yuu show them around and inform them of the wards. I will be speaking with these students on what they might need in case they packed too heavily.” 

“Right, right,” he sighed, placing his hands down and motioning them all to follow him, he vanished and soon they were left with the father who turned back to all of them with an intense gaze. 

“So…” he began, pushing up his glasses and Krum along with many others instinctually straightened up like they were under inspection. “Your institution is known for dueling prowess, correct?” 

“Da,” Alexei ventured out, unsure of if he should be talking to a muggle about this. 

“Word of advice,” he began, rolling the top of his cane in his hand. “The only way you're going to get the upper hand on my son? Is either from behind or a sneak attack.” 

“How would you know,” Ivan demanded, Krum elbowing him as the man turned his gaze on him. 

“Because I have had countless people come to my house and demand a duel with my son,’ he stated plainly. “And the ones that play the dirtiest are the ones that get closest to beating him. I know you all came here with the expectation to duel my son, thinking he likes to do such a thing but I can tell you he doesn’t give two shits about it and will ignore you unless you…poke the bear, so to say.`` The smile he gave sent shivers down Krum’s back and he was really second guessing if he wanted to go up against…either of them really. 

“Alright then, come on,” Yuu’s voice made them all jump, turning to the bored boy who looked at them like they where crazy. “Geez, you’d think that you’d all be a bit more observant.” 

“Shut it Yuu, one day that mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble and people will not be there to stonewall others from getting to you,” His father reprimanded him without even sparing a glance at the boy, turning on his heel with a motion for them to follow. 

“Whatever. I don’t care, least it will make life a bit more interesting,” the boy muttered as they stalked down the long hall, Hiro humming as he looked back to his bored son who merely gazed around with indifference. 

“Maybe you ought to set up the dueling club again. Lord knows Dumbledore is trying to get you to do something productive with your life,” Hiro scoffed and Krum straightened out as the man went in for the kill. 

“Tch,” the boy scoffed. “Too much trouble.” 

“Of course, ever the lazy slug you are,” his father stopped and no doubt rolled his eyes before turning back to them with a wry smile as they stood before a man with flaming red hair and a brilliant silver sword. “This is your dorm, guarded by Godric Gryffindor, the younger as well.” 

‘Ahahah! Hiro and Yuu! I must say when I visited your home I was blessed to see such amazing swordsmanship, though Yuu…you do need to practice more.” 

“Uuugh, I know so can you stop,” he turned to the portrait who shrugged. “Bad enough Moran and Maria are on my case but you and Salazar!” 

“I’m only saying-” 

“Before he explodes,” Hiro coughed, petting his son on the head and moving his hand away before the swipe came. “Your password is Vlast', simple enough,” he smiled as the portrait swung open. “Yuu, show them around? I have to speak to someone regarding your attendance.” 

“Don’t believe a word they say,” was all the boy said before he motioned them to follow him into the rather cozy room with large windows, plush furs and couches and a roaring fire. “Now,” he coughed. “Girls on my left, your right. Boys my right, your left. There will be wards if either gender attempts to go into the other, mainly the staircase turning into an oily slide that will hurt,” he smirked as they chuckled. “Now there are wards to let us know if you leave past curfew, as you have to follow Hogwarts set rules which you will find in the study alcove as a sheet of paper,” he pointed to the alcove they hadn’t even noticed with a large amount of tables and shelves where books lay in, before continuing. “Wards to let us know if someone is trying to get in or if someone is trying to prank you. Breakfast is between 7-9 am and lunch is 11:30 to 2 pm depending on your schedule! You will find on each of your beds a map of the school to help you find your classes for the time being.” 

“How are we to be assigned rooms,” Ivan asked. 

“Each will be assigned two a room, name tags outside the doors based on the things we have gotten from the paperwork you were all told to fill out, and there is a communal shower for both dorms and private bathrooms for each room. The communal showers, there are five of them, so five can go at a time. No using the other gender bathrooms, there are wards on that as well. Questions?” 

“When will we get our schedules?” 

“Since it’s a Friday they should be ready by Sunday morning at the latest, but either tomorrow night or Sunday morning. Depends on how rotations are going to go. While they wanted to integrate classes, we understand it’s not the best thing to do,” he snapped his fingers before turning on his heel. “Anymore?” 

‘Are you to be our guide?” 

“No…i’m 14,” he sighed, looking annoyed and Viktor raised a brow. He wasn’t much smaller than him… “I’m tall for my age, I am sure you all bore witness to my father’s rather imposing height.” 

He was a head taller than Krum for sure. 

“Then…wh…” 

“Head Girl is going to be Beauxbatons and Head Boy with you guys. If that’s all…Spokoynoy nochi,” he smirked, brushing past them as they all spoke back- 

“Spokoynoy nochi.” 

When the portrait closed chatter began and Krum turned to Alexei who sucked in a breath and shook his head. 

‘He’s an intimidating one for sure. And his dad? The Muggle? I wouldn’t mess with him.” Alexei snorted as he and Krum began to make their way up the stairs to their dorms as the whispers continued. 

‘You’ve heard the rumors right? About what they did at the world cup?” 

“I saw the weapon on his waist, he brings such things into hogwarts!” 

‘He sat next to Dumbledore! And the man was making conversation with him, if his son is truly the man’s disciple then it makes sense!” 

“I am unsure if I want to duel him now…if his father said the only easy way to get the upper hand was such underhanded tactics…his son is much better than I anticipated…”

Isn’t that the truth…. 

Krum was having major second thoughts as he looked at Yuu Fujimaru and his rather strange band of friends. 

He was nice with them…but with everyone else that Krum had observed? Not so much. 

“Well, well, you guys out of the infirmary,” Yuu smiled to both Mikhail and Dimitry, the duo flinching as they turned in pure terror to the terror they faced a week ago. 

They had taken the father’s advice and tried to attack him from behind. 

He had been alone in his thoughts, or so they all had thought, people had watched them as they nodded and conversed with one another to try and get him into a duel and they said nothing, instead they passed money to one another with smirks and snickers.  

That should have been a warning. 

They fired a stunner and disarming spell to start, but they rebounded off the shield that was suddenly up and the boy was staring at them bored as he limply held his wand in his hand. 

“My father put you up to this,” he sighed, shaking his head before flicking his wand and Mikhail was in the air and being flung onto the the SECOND floor with a scream before Yuu jumped from his spot as Dimitry’s spell hit, sending chunks of rock flying about. He twisted his wand without a word and water from the fountain began to swirl around the smaller teen before he sent it out to the 17 year old who gasped as he was slammed into a column and essentially drowned. 

Krum observed as the boy was immensely bored as he flicked his wand up and sent Dimitry flying up the column and into the ceiling before sending him into the grass behind him with another careless flick of his wand a bored sigh. 

“We done,” he asked, looking bored as he placed his cheek in his closed fist and leaned forward, the very air around him screaming boredom as he looked around. They both nodded, coughing as fellow Classmates went to help them. “So…how about you don’t do that again” he clapped his hands happily with an unnerving laugh that sent the two cousins away faster than the threat of an unforgivable would. “Idiots,” he snorted, turning to the Beuaxbaton child that came along with the delegation, Gabrielle, Krum believed as the girl showed him some spell or another. 

Even now, as Krum looked at him from the same place where the battle was a week prior, he was speaking to the young girl. 

Viktor knew that the boy was simply entertaining her and no doubt had studied all the way up past his 7th year school, but he decided to humor her for whatever reason. He was kind like that, but Krum could only wonder how far such a kindness could go. 

“Something on your mind Krum,” Yuu was suddenly before him, arms crossed as a look of annoyance as he had come to associate with the boy adorned his face. 

“N…No,” he shook his head. “You are very impressive. You must be the top of the dueling club back then…” 

“I attended one meeting and that was enough for me,” he scoffed, flicking his hair back as he looked at the two boys being carted off to the Hospital wing. It was another duo from Durmstrang and Krum knew that everyone was expecting him to go up against the boy, but he had no inclination to do so...not after so many of them had failed. 

“I…I have a question,” Krum decided to grab the bull by the horns, so to say. 

“Hmm? The answer may come with a price,” Yuu smirked, Krum flinching as he realized he fell into a trap without even any prompting. 

He really needed to get better, but now was not the time for that. 

“Might you show me some techniques,” he ventured, looking around at the people who were gasping and pointing at him like he was either insane or mad. 

“Hmm, no,” Yuu answered immediately. 

“Hu…Huh? Why not?” 

“I am of the firm belief that you either learn it yourself and get good or you simply fail and reap the consequences. I might have had help during my endeavors but I was simply given books and materials. I was never told what to do,” he hummed. 

“I…Isn’t it….don’t you share it with your friends,” he asked, scratching the back of his head. 

“Favors I am repaying, nothing more nothing less.” He brushed off with ease. “Now what do you really want. I am sure it’s nothing as simple as wanting to be friends with me and I am not dumb enough to even think about it. So what?” 

“How come you suspect me-” 

“No one ever approached me anymore with the intention of being friends so fess up,” Yuu was running on a short rope right now if how he was acting was any indication. 

Heh, goes to show you how infamous he is in school if those visiting can tell how short of a rope he is on at the moment. He made his temper known after the feast and he made it known to all of them. He ruled the school and it seemed as if they all just…accepted the fact as if it was nothing more than truth. 

And it was, it wasn’t just a confirmed fact it was the very truth of the school. 

So long as Dumbledore was around and Yuu was here? 

He was king of Hogwarts plain and simple. 

“My headmaster wished for us to become friends. I had the intention of getting to know you…but not like this,” he admitted. Yuu hummed as he nodded, looking annoyed as he pushed his hair back and huffed out a snort. 

“And why would you want to be friends with me. Be honest. I have little to no redeeming qualities and I can tell you know I am a right ass nearly 90% of the time and the other 10% we wouldn’t even see one another.” He deadpanned and Viktor snorted. 

He wasn’t wrong. 

In the month he had been in Hogwarts he had come to know the eccentricities of the boy known as Yuu Fujimaru and how much he HATED people being in his space if he did not want you there. And he had known of his skill in battle. 

They had all learned of his skill in battle after many, many, MANY failed attempts to get the wool over his eyes. 

“I find your strength admirable as well as how you seem to hate everyone,” Krum admitted, smirking as Yuu started and shrugged. 

“Yeah well….I guess you could say that being a lone wolf suits me…even though wolves are pack creatures,” he sighed, rubbing his forehead as Viktor chuckled. “Still, I have no interest in teaching you or showing you anything. Besides, I am not one for long distance relationships.” 

“How about a give and take?” 

“I will stop you before you continue,” Yuu coughed. “I hate quidditch and I will not be playing with you or your schoolmates in the slightest nor will I teach you how to float on a broom like me. I don’t teach.” 

‘What about those two younger years hanging off of you and asking about school work.” 

“...I lost a bet and have to Tutor them until after winter break,” the boy sighed. “I make mistakes too, you know. Besides, I hate flying and it was a flying competition.” 

“I think anything else and you would win,” Krum shot back. 

“Exactly! Which is why they did that,” he growled, clenching his fists. “Ugggh! If I had been allowed to pick I wouldn't have to tutor anymore people, especially those nosey Gryffindor’s but I digress.” 

Viktor smiled, happy he was being more open around him before he shook his head and spoke. 

‘I would like to be around you and get to know you because I want to.” 

“You're going to regret it. I can’t punch you because of international relation reasons,” Yuu deadpanned and Krum laughed, happy to finally after nearly a month, be able to have a conversation with the angry teen.  

He could only hope it wouldn’t backfire on him…

He had a feeling it wasn’t going to last though.

THE NIGHT THE CHAMPIONS ARRIVED-A MONTH AGO

“Hello Dumbledore,” Hiro gave a soulless smile as he entered the office, the older man humming as he turned to the former assassin with a raised brow. 

“Already?” 

“My people and my sources are good,” Hiro shrugged, taking off his coat without much thought and tossing it onto the divan that his son often uses. “And they sang like a canary before they died.” 

“...I am sorry for making you do this.” 

“It’s fine,” Hiro brushed off, uncaring of that fear he felt in his own body as the information came back to him. He shook his head, taking out a folder and handing it to Dumbledore with a wry smile. “I knew that even if it was true I am not getting out of this life whatsoever so I guess I am stuck in the wizarding world till my time comes or someone makes it my time.” 

“I never expected this to happen. Please, understand that and believe me.” 

“Trust me, me either,” Hiro sighed, sitting down in the seat opposite of Dumbledore and pulling out a cigar. “It’s been a rough week. I am having Gringotts up the protections on my house and I am looking into protection dragons at the moment. I think I might go and get the dragon in the forbidden forest..Norbet I think.” 

“You aren’t going to go to a wizarding community,’ he asked, looking through the file with a grim face. 

“No…that home…ha…I don’t know,” Hiro admitted. “It’s tough to leave, besides, after all I invested in it to keep my son safe…wouldn’t it be better to stay for myself no?” 

“I guess…or you could go to Nurmengard Castle,” he offered. “It’s where I would go.” 

“I’m not dumb,” Hiro smirked. “I know Gellert does not like me because of my old profession. And I know that he only tolerates me because of you. I am not going to beat the tamed bear nor am I going to even poke it more than I already am.” 

“He’s not that bad.” 

“Because he turns into a Teddy Bear for you? Sure, for you of course,” Hiro winked as Dumbledore groaned and placed his face in his hand. “Anyways…He’s making his rounds and reaching out to the people who are going to come to his call when the time is right.”