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Chapter Text

The Hikawa shrine was a place steeped in magic, older and more sacred than the spells taught in wizarding schools. Its wooden beams groaned softly in the evening wind, and the flickering candles on its altar cast jagged shadows that seemed to shift and move on their own. The air was thick with incense, the scent heady and calming, though it did little to dispel the cold tension that had taken root within the room.

Kaori Hikawa stood in its center, her back straight despite the years weighing on her. In her hands, she clutched a talisman carved from bone and threaded with silver—a sacred object passed down through generations. But even its power felt insignificant as she faced what was before her: her granddaughter, Kuri.

Kuri stood unnaturally still, her head tilted just a fraction too far to the side. Her normally warm blue eyes were cold and distant, her expression twisted into something unrecognizable.

“You should have known it wouldn’t work, Kaori,” Kuri said, her voice low and venomous. But it wasn’t Kuri’s voice—it belonged to the shadow that had taken hold of her. Sadako.

Sadako’s voice was sharp and cold, like the scrape of steel against glass. “Did you think you could banish me with your little charms and prayers? I am far more powerful than you.”

Kaori tightened her grip on the talisman, refusing to flinch. “You’re not powerful, Sadako. You’re a shadow, clinging to a life that no longer exists. Your grief destroyed you long ago, and now you seek to destroy everything else.”

Sadako’s laugh was sharp and cruel, filling the room like shattering glass. “Grief? You think you understand grief, old woman? I lost everything. My husband, my cause, my power—all of it was torn away by that accursed boy.”

“Lord Voldemort was no hero,” Kaori said evenly, though her heart ached for Kuri, trapped in this battle of wills. “He brought death and suffering to countless lives. And you, Sadako, chose to follow him into the abyss. Your devotion was your undoing.”

Sadako’s twisted smile grew wider, her possession of Kuri’s young face making the sight all the more grotesque. “You think this child can stop me? She isn’t as strong as her mother, and she’s certainly no match for me. Soon, I’ll be strong enough to reclaim what I lost. To build what Tom and I dreamed of—a world where our power reigns supreme.”

“You’re wrong,” Kaori said firmly, her voice steady despite the cold fear gripping her. “Kuri carries the blood of the Divine Feminine. Her light is stronger than your darkness. You are nothing but a relic of hatred and despair. And she will destroy you.”

For a brief moment, Sadako faltered, her cruel sneer flickering into something uncertain. Then her voice dropped, colder than ever.

“She’s awake in here, you know,” Sadako said, her tone dripping with malice. “Watching everything. I’ll let her see as I tear this family apart, starting with you. One by one, I’ll break every last one of you.”

Kaori’s heart ached, but she held firm. “You think you’ve won, but you underestimate her. And even if you could defeat her, you’ll never escape the memory of what Harry Potter did to Voldemort.”

The name hit like a curse. Sadako’s expression twisted into one of pure rage, and for the first time, her confidence faltered. In that moment of weakness, Kuri’s voice broke through.

“Stop it!” Kuri screamed, her body convulsing as she fought against the spirit within her. She fell to her knees, clutching her head as the war inside her raged.

Kaori dropped to her granddaughter’s side, whispering incantations as the candles flickered wildly. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Sadako’s presence began to retreat, and the unnatural chill in the room lifted.

Kuri let out a shuddering breath, tears streaming down her face as she collapsed into Kaori’s arms.

“I told you to be careful,” Kaori whispered, holding her tightly. “You’re letting her slip through.”

“I’m sorry,” Kuri said, her voice trembling. “It’s getting harder to keep her down. She gets stronger every time something happens.”

Kaori pulled back to look her in the eyes. “Were you fighting again?”

Kuri hesitated before nodding. “They were bullying Reiko,” she admitted. “I couldn’t just stand by.”

“And did you manage to keep yourself from using magic?”

“Of course I did,” Kuri said, though her tone wavered. “But… I decked them. Got the drop on one, but the others…” She touched the bruise forming on her temple.

Kaori sighed, her expression softening. “You have to be more careful. You can’t afford to draw attention to yourself, not when she’s still inside you.”

“I know,” Kuri said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kaori straightened, her tone turning firm. “That’s why I’ve made a decision. You and your sisters are going to Hogwarts.”

“Hogwarts?” Kuri repeated, blinking in surprise.

“Yes. Your stepfather has already sent Krystal ahead, and your cousins Ava and Billie are professors there. It’s the best place for you to learn control—and to stay safe.”

Kuri frowned. “But Sadako—”

Kaori interrupted her. “You’ll have help, Kuri. More help than you realize. There’s a boy—Harry Potter. He defeated Voldemort, and by extension, weakened Sadako. If anyone can help you, it’s him.”

Kuri’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. She had heard stories of Harry Potter, the boy who lived. A boy who, like her, carried a heavy burden.

“But I don’t know him,” Kuri said hesitantly.

“You will,” Kaori said with quiet certainty. “And when you do, you’ll understand why this is necessary.”

XXX

That night, Kuri lay in bed, her thoughts churning. The name Harry Potter echoed in her mind, stirring a strange mix of curiosity and apprehension. She wondered what he was like. Would he see her as an ally? Or as a reminder of Voldemort’s legacy?

Her eyelids grew heavy, but before sleep could claim her, a familiar darkness crept into her mind.

“You can’t escape me,” Sadako’s voice hissed, her tone sharp and cruel. “No one can.”

Kuri’s body convulsed as Sadako seized control, dragging her into the shadows of her own mind.

XXX

Kaori Hikawa stood in the center of the main room, her hands shaking as she clutched a sacred talisman. The flickering candles on the altar cast long, jagged shadows across the room, shadows that seemed to twist and move with a life of their own.

“You’ve grown reckless, Kaori,” a voice hissed from the darkness.

Kaori’s breath hitched. She turned slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. At the far end of the room stood her granddaughter, Kuri—or rather, what was left of her.

Sadako, the shadow that had taken root within Kuri, wore her granddaughter’s face like a mask. Her head tilted unnaturally to the side, her blue eyes gleaming with malice.

“You think you can stop me with your little talismans and chants?” Sadako sneered, her voice deep and guttural, like the scrape of metal against stone. She took a step forward, her presence suffocating. “You’re wasting your time, old woman.”

Kaori tightened her grip on the talisman, forcing herself to stand her ground. “You are not Kuri,” she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. “You are a shadow. A parasite. And I will not let you destroy my family.”

Sadako laughed, the sound sharp and cold. “Your family?” she mocked. “Do you mean the same family that abandoned me? The same family that whispered about how ‘dangerous’ I was, how ‘broken’ I’d become after Tom’s death? They feared me, Kaori, just as they will fear Kuri. Your precious granddaughter will follow in my footsteps, whether you like it or not.”

Kaori’s jaw tightened. “I won’t let you drag her into your darkness. I will protect my grandchildren—even if it means protecting them from themselves.”

Sadako’s smile widened, her possession of Kuri’s face making the expression grotesque. “Protect them? You mean strip them of their power? I know what you’re really planning, Kaori. Hogwarts was just a lie. I can feel it—your desperation. That little potion you’re brewing in secret… You think taking their magic will save them?”

Kaori flinched but did not respond.

Sadako advanced, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “You’re a fool. You think turning them into Muggles will save them from me? From the world? You’re wrong, Kaori. You’ll only leave them defenseless. Powerless.”

Kaori’s hands trembled. “Better they live as Muggles than become pawns in your twisted games,” she said firmly.

Sadako’s eyes narrowed, and for the first time, her mocking tone turned deadly. “You won’t live to see it done.”

Before Kaori could react, Sadako lunged forward, her movements unnaturally fast. A wave of dark energy erupted from Kuri’s outstretched hand, slamming into Kaori’s chest. The force threw her across the room, and she crashed into the altar, knocking candles and talismans to the ground.

Kaori gasped, clutching her chest as she struggled to rise. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and the talisman slipped from her fingers.

Sadako loomed over her, smiling cruelly. “Your time is up, Kaori. I’ll take my time with your precious grandchildren. And you? You’ll die knowing you failed them.”

Kaori’s vision blurred, but even as her strength waned, she forced herself to look up at Sadako. “You’re wrong,” she whispered. “I didn’t fail them. They’ll find their way… without me.”

With a guttural cry, Sadako unleashed another wave of energy. The light in Kaori’s eyes faded, and she slumped to the ground, lifeless.

XXX

When Kuri awoke, she found herself on the floor, her hands trembling and stained with blood. She blinked in confusion, her memories of the past few minutes a jumbled haze. “Grams?” she called weakly, her voice hoarse.

Across the room, Reiko and Mana burst in, their faces pale with panic.

“What happened?” Reiko cried, rushing to Kaori’s side. But it was too late. The old woman’s body lay still, her lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling.

“No!” Mana screamed, dropping to her knees beside her grandmother. She shook Kaori’s shoulders, as if willing her to wake up. “No, no, no!”

Kuri stumbled to her feet, her chest tightening as the realization hit her. “She’s… gone,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Reiko’s hands trembled as she picked up a small vial that had rolled from Kaori’s hand. She uncorked it and sniffed, her expression twisting in shock. “This… this is a power-stripping potion,” she said, her voice shaking. “She was going to take away our magic.”

“What?” Mana snapped, her grief turning into anger. “Why would she—?”

Reiko’s face crumpled, tears streaming down her cheeks. “She thought it was the only way to protect us. She didn’t trust us to handle Sadako, so she—she thought we’d be better off as Muggles.”

Mana’s fists clenched, her voice breaking. “Even Grams thought we were better off powerless. Better off as Muggles.”

Her words hung heavy in the air, a bitter truth none of them could escape.

Kuri sank to the ground, tears spilling over her cheeks. “She didn’t trust me,” she whispered. “She didn’t think I was strong enough to fight her. She thought I’d fail.”

Reiko placed a trembling hand on Kuri’s shoulder. “She did what she thought was best,” she said softly, though her voice was thick with grief. “She loved us. She just… didn’t know another way.”

Mana buried her face in her hands, her sobs muffled but raw. The sisters sat together in the flickering candlelight, their world forever changed.

“What have I done?” Kuri whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Sadako’s laughter echoed in her mind, cruel and triumphant. “This is only the beginning, child. And not even Harry Potter will save you from me.”

But beneath the fear, a quiet voice whispered back: He will.

Chapter Text

The Hikawa shrine had grown eerily quiet since Kaori’s death. The air felt heavier, the familiar scent of incense now tinged with an undercurrent of grief. The three sisters remained in the room where Kaori had passed, their grandmother’s altar still flickering faintly with candlelight. The once sacred space now felt hollow.

Mana knelt before the altar, her face hard with determination as she lit a smudge stick. Her voice broke as she whispered, “Grandmother, I call your spirit to me… one final time.”

Reiko and Kuri stood behind her, their faces pale and drawn. Mana’s words hung heavy in the air, the weight of their loss pressing down on all of them.

“I want you to know I came to see you,” Mana continued, her voice growing steadier. “I found you. I want to bring you peace. I will absolve your soul. Your murderer will be brought to justice. I give you my Oath as a Miko.”

Mana pressed her fist to her chest, tears glistening in her eyes as she drew strength from the ritual.

“Blood of my blood,” she declared. “I release you to the afterlife. Blessed Be.”

A soft flash of silver light filled the room, wrapping them all in a warm glow. It lingered for a moment, as if Kaori’s love had stayed to embrace them one last time. Then, just as gently, it faded, leaving behind an aching silence.

Kaori Hikawa’s spirit had passed on.

XXX

The silence broke as Mana stood abruptly, turning on her sisters with sharp, accusing eyes.

“How could you say that in front of Kuri? Apologize to her!” Reiko snapped, her voice thick with anger as she stepped forward.

“This is her fault!” Mana shot back, her tone cutting like a blade. “She’s weak! Always has been! And now Grams is gone!”

“Mana’s right,” Kuri whispered, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides as if trying to contain her trembling. “If I had meditated more, trained harder… maybe this wouldn’t have happened. Maybe—maybe my soul isn’t as pure as she thought it was. Maybe I’m tainted.”

“Stop it!” Reiko growled, her voice breaking with emotion as she stepped between them. “Stop it, both of you! Grams wouldn’t have wanted this! She wanted—she wanted…”

Reiko’s voice cracked, tears spilling over her cheeks as she struggled to continue.

“No one knows what she wanted because she’s dead,” Mana spat, her voice rising in anger. She turned sharply to face Kuri, her eyes narrowing with dark resolve. “But I do know one thing—she was right. You can’t control what’s inside you, Kuri. You never could. That’s why she was going to strip your power.”

Reiko froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Mana, don’t—”

“She was going to take it away, and now I will,” Mana said, her voice eerily calm. She pulled the vial of the power-stripping potion from her robes and held it up, its contents gleaming faintly in the candlelight.

“No,” Reiko said sharply, stepping forward. “You can’t do this. This isn’t what Grams would have wanted.”

“This is exactly what she wanted!” Mana snapped. “You saw the potion—she made it for Kuri, for all of us. She thought we’d be better off as Muggles. And maybe she was right.”

XXX

“Enough.”

The single word rang out, calm yet commanding, freezing everyone in place.

All three sisters turned toward the doorway, where Minerva McGonagall stood tall and composed. Her tartan robes flowed around her like armor, and her sharp eyes were colder than they had been before.

“Mana Hikawa, put that vial down,” Minerva said, her voice firm and unyielding.

Mana hesitated, her grip tightening on the vial. “This doesn’t concern you,” she said through gritted teeth.

“It concerns me greatly,” Minerva replied, stepping further into the room. “Your grandmother entrusted me with your safety, and I will not stand by while you destroy everything she tried to protect.”

“She wanted this!” Mana argued, her voice breaking. “She was going to strip our powers because she thought we were dangerous. She thought we were better off powerless!”

Minerva’s expression softened, though her voice remained steady. “Your grandmother acted out of fear, not hatred. She loved you, Mana. But love can drive people to make desperate decisions, especially when they feel powerless to protect those they care about.”

“Then why didn’t she trust us?” Mana demanded, tears streaming down her face. “Why didn’t she believe we could control it?”

Minerva stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. “Because she underestimated your strength. Just as you are underestimating Kuri’s.”

Mana faltered, her grip on the vial loosening slightly. “You don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know what Kuri is capable of… what Sadako is capable of.”

“You’re right,” Minerva said softly. “I don’t know what it’s like to carry such a burden. But I do know that stripping someone of their power—of their identity—will not save them. It will only destroy them.”

Kuri stepped forward, her voice trembling. “Mana… if you really think I’m better off without my magic, then do it. I won’t stop you.”

“No!” Reiko shouted, grabbing Kuri’s arm. “You don’t get to decide that! None of us do!”

Minerva raised a hand, her calm presence silencing the room. “Mana, look at your sister. Look at what this will do to her—not just to her magic, but to her spirit. Can you live with that?”

Mana’s hand shook as she looked at Kuri, who stood with her head bowed, silent tears running down her face. The vial in her hand seemed heavier now, almost unbearable.

Finally, with a choked sob, Mana dropped the vial. It shattered on the floor, its contents seeping into the cracks of the wooden boards.

“I’m sorry,” Mana whispered, sinking to her knees. “I’m so sorry.”

Minerva moved to her side, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. “You’ve made the right choice,” she said gently. “But you must learn to trust each other if you are to move forward. Your grandmother believed in you, even if she struggled to show it.”

XXX

As the sisters gathered their belongings later that evening, the weight of their loss hung heavily in the air. Minerva stood by the door, watching them quietly.

Reiko’s sharp eyes gazed at her spectacles, the one feature she carried to feline form.

“What the—” Reiko’s voice faltered as recognition dawned. “You’re that cat I saw with Kit!”

Minerva McGonagall inclined her head. “Yes, your familiar is a very intelligent creature. She came to me and alerted me to your unguarded status. I’ve come to take you to safety.”

“Safety?” Mana crossed her arms. “Where exactly are you taking us?”

“First to Diagon Alley,” Minerva said briskly. “Then to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”

Mana’s eyes narrowed. “No. Absolutely not. We are not exposing ourselves to practitioners!”

“That’s enough,” Minerva said, her voice sharp and commanding. She reached into her robes and pulled out a photograph, holding it out for Mana to see. “If you need proof that I am following your grandmother’s wishes, look at this.”

Mana snatched the photo, her frown deepening. In it, a much younger Minerva stood beside Kaori Hikawa, smiling warmly. Surrounding them were other women: Sybill Trelawney, Euphemia Potter, Gail Altman, Helen Troy, and Amanda Hodgekiss.

“This proves nothing,” Mana said stubbornly. “If you’re like us, show us your active power.”

Minerva placed her wand delicately on the table and extended her hand. With a small flourish, an apple appeared, hovering in her palm.

“Conjuring,” Minerva explained. “Sybill is a Seer. Euphemia had telekinesis. Gail, Helen, and Amanda were Glamourers—though they often used their gifts for vanity more than purpose.”

Reiko’s expression softened, her gaze flicking between Minerva and the photograph. “So that’s why Grams was always talking about Harry Potter,” she murmured.

“Yes,” Minerva said. “Euphemia was his grandmother. Harry is her legacy, just as you are Kaori’s. And your grandmother entrusted me with ensuring your safety.”

“So why keep all this a secret?” Mana demanded, though her tone had softened.

Minerva sighed, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. “Active Power witches make practitioners feel threatened. The Ministry of Magic passed laws banning us from openly using our abilities. Some were even forced to strip their powers entirely. Metamorphmagi, Maledicti, Obscurials—anyone whose powers are viewed as ‘too dangerous’—were targeted.”

“That’s barbaric!” Mana exclaimed.

“Yes, it is,” Minerva said quietly. “But change takes time. Dumbledore has arranged for you to be trained in your active powers at Hogwarts. You’ll be protected there.”

Kuri’s voice broke the silence. “But… will we belong there?”

Minerva turned to her, her expression softening. She knelt down so they were eye level. “Kuri,” she said gently, “you carry your grandmother’s strength, even if you don’t see it yet. Hogwarts is a place where you’ll learn not just magic, but who you are. You belong there just as much as any other witch or wizard.”

Kuri nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

“Let’s go, then,” Mana said, her voice quieter now.

Minerva straightened, her gaze sweeping over the three girls. “Good. Gather your things. A new chapter of your lives begins now.”.

Chapter Text

The cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley were alive with magic, filled with bustling witches and wizards of all ages. Shop windows gleamed with fantastical items: shimmering robes, enchanted books, and peculiar potions. A brass cauldron stirred itself in one window while a cage of screeching owls beckoned passersby from another. The air buzzed with chatter and excitement, with the occasional burst of spellwork adding to the enchantment.

Reiko Hikawa couldn’t help herself. She twirled in circles, her green eyes wide with wonder. “Whoa! Look at all these shops!” she exclaimed, nearly bumping into a wizard balancing a tower of packages.

“Stay close, girls,” Minerva McGonagall said firmly, her tartan robes swishing as she guided the three sisters through the crowd. There was a rare softness to her tone, a hint of amusement at their awe. “And Kuri, do try to walk like everyone else. People will notice you levitating.”

Kuri flushed, her cheeks turning crimson as she planted her feet firmly on the cobblestones. “Sorry, Professor McGonagall,” she mumbled, brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear.

Minerva watched the three sisters, their excitement spilling over despite their grief. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for them. Losing Kaori had been a devastating blow, but perhaps here, in this magical place, they could find a glimmer of hope.

Before Minerva could shepherd them onward, the sisters scattered. Reiko darted into the Apothecary, Mana strode purposefully into Madame Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, and Kuri stopped dead in her tracks in front of Quality Quidditch Supplies, her gaze transfixed by the shining Nimbus Two Thousand on display.

Minerva sighed, shaking her head. “This is going to be a long day,” she murmured to herself before following them.

XXX

Kuri pressed her hands against the glass of the shop window, her blue eyes wide with wonder. The Nimbus Two Thousand hovered proudly on its pedestal, its sleek design practically glowing in the sunlight. It looked like it could fly faster than thought itself.

“I can’t believe it’s real,” she whispered, her breath fogging up the glass.

“Yeah,” a quiet voice said beside her. “It’s amazing.”

Startled, Kuri turned her head and found herself face to face with a boy about her age. His messy black hair and round glasses were unmistakable, but it was his green eyes—bright and filled with a quiet depth—that caught her off guard. There was something achingly familiar about him, though she couldn’t place it.

For a moment, they stood in silence, both staring at the broom. Then, as if on instinct, Kuri raised her hand and brushed her fingers against the glass. The Nimbus wobbled slightly on its pedestal before floating upward, moving toward her.

“H-How did you—?” the boy stammered, his green eyes widening in shock.

Kuri quickly dropped her hand, the broom clattering back onto its stand. Her cheeks burned as she pressed a finger to her lips. “Oops,” she said with a sheepish smile. “Don’t tell anyone, okay?”

The boy blinked, clearly struggling to process what he’d just seen. “Who are you?”

“Kuri Hikawa,” she said, her smile softening.

“Harry Potter,” he replied, his voice tentative, as if he expected her to react differently.

Kuri’s eyes widened. “Oh!” she gasped. “Your Grams and my Grams were in the same coven! You know what that is, right? A coven’s like a group of witches or wizards who perform secret magic together. Here!”

She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out a photograph, handing it to him.

Harry stared at the picture, his expression softening. His fingers traced the image of Euphemia Potter, his grandmother, standing beside another woman who looked remarkably like Kuri. The two women were laughing, a small ball floating effortlessly between them without the aid of wands.

“Telekinesis…” Harry murmured, almost to himself.

Kuri pressed her finger to his lips, cutting him off with a playful smile. “Careful, Harry. Loose lips sink ships!”

Harry felt warmth creep into his cheeks. She wasn’t what he’d expected—far from it. There was something disarming about her, a mix of strength and vulnerability that drew him in.

“Kuri, come along now,” Minerva called from the doorway, her sharp eyes watching the two of them with a knowing smile.

“See you at Hogwarts,” Kuri whispered before hurrying after Minerva.

Harry watched her go, his heart beating faster than he cared to admit.

XXX

Inside Madame Malkin’s, Mana stood on a small stool as enchanted measuring tapes flitted around her, taking precise measurements. Her sharp eyes watched them with a mix of amusement and boredom.

“I do wish I could choose the color,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “I look best in blue or green.”

“Green is the best color,” a smooth voice interjected.

Mana turned her head, her gaze landing on a pale boy with sleek blonde hair and an air of confidence. His piercing gray eyes gleamed with interest.

“It’s the color of Slytherin House,” he continued. “I know I’ll be in Slytherin. All my family has been.”

Mana raised a perfectly arched brow. “Mana Hikawa, of the Watanabe Clan,” she said coolly, her tone dripping with poise.

Draco’s eyes widened slightly. “A pure-blood family, then?”

“The purest,” Mana replied with a hint of pride. “The Watanabe Clan can trace our lineage back to the First Witch herself.”

“Impressive,” Draco said, clearly intrigued. “I’m Draco Malfoy. Which house do you think you’ll be in?”

“Slytherin, obviously,” Mana said with a confident smirk. “Ambition runs in my blood. And considering who my father is…”

Draco leaned forward eagerly. “Your father?”

But Mana simply smiled, stepping gracefully down from the stool. “That’s all for now. Well, Draco, I do hope you’ll consider me a friend at Hogwarts.”

She gave him a traditional bow before sweeping out of the shop, leaving Draco staring after her, utterly captivated.

XXX

At the Apothecary, Reiko crouched beside a red-haired boy who was frowning hopelessly at rows of jars and vials.

“I don’t know what half of these are,” he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair.

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad!” Reiko said cheerfully. “You don’t want to learn them by sight. They all look alike, and the names are impossible. Nope, you’ve gotta go by smell!”

She picked up a small vial and held it out to him. “See? You can smell this—it’s mustard. Once you train your nose, it’s easy!”

The boy raised an eyebrow. “No one has that good a sense of smell.”

“Mustard smells like mustard!” Reiko said with a grin. “You’ve got this! I’m Reiko Hikawa, by the way.”

“Ron Weasley,” he replied, smiling despite himself. “Your sense of smell is incredible.”

Reiko beamed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room. There was something about Ron’s easygoing nature that made her feel instantly comfortable.

XXX

Once the girls had gathered their supplies, Minerva led them to the Leaky Cauldron. “It’s time to meet the family that will be taking you in,” she said gently. “Your grandmother was very clear about this. This is the Weasley family.”

Inside, Molly Weasley waved warmly. “Hello there, girls! Welcome!”

Ron, standing awkwardly by the fireplace, turned bright red as Reiko walked in. He hadn’t expected the girl from the Apothecary to be one of the sisters his mother had been gushing about all week.

Minerva watched the interactions unfold, her heart softening. Kaori Hikawa had been right—these girls would find family, friendship, and perhaps even something more at Hogwarts. And as the sisters exchanged shy smiles with their new companions, Minerva couldn’t help but hope they would find healing, too.

Chapter Text

The hustle and bustle of Platform 9¾ felt both familiar and exhilarating to Kuri and her sisters. After weeks of living at the Burrow, they were finally leaving for Hogwarts. The Weasley family had welcomed them warmly, and despite the occasional bickering, it had felt like home. Now, standing amid the swirling steam and bustling students, Kuri found herself clutching the handle of her cart a little tighter.

The scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express loomed ahead, its whistle cutting through the chatter of the platform. Trunks clattered, owls screeched, and children darted to and fro as families exchanged tearful goodbyes. The energy was infectious, but Kuri couldn’t shake the nervous knot forming in her stomach.

“Come on, slowpoke!” Mana called over her shoulder, her voice cutting through the noise.

Kuri stumbled as Mana’s cart bumped into hers, nearly knocking her to the ground. Her trunk wobbled dangerously before sliding off her trolley entirely.

“Mana!” Reiko snapped, glaring at her older sister. “Watch what you’re doing!”

Mana didn’t even turn around. “If she can’t keep up, that’s not my problem,” she said breezily, pushing her cart forward with a flick of her hair.

Kuri sat on the ground, brushing off her robes, when a familiar voice interrupted.

“Need some help?”

She looked up to find Harry Potter standing over her, his green eyes bright with concern and a small, lopsided smile on his face. His messy black hair and glasses were just as endearing as she remembered from their meeting in Diagon Alley.

“Harry!” she said, surprised but grateful. She hesitated before taking his hand, letting him help her to her feet. “Thanks. I had a feeling I’d see you again.”

“Yeah, me too,” Harry replied, his smile widening slightly. He glanced at her trunk. “Let me help you with that.”

Before she could respond, Harry bent down and began hefting the trunk back onto her cart. Kuri couldn’t help but notice the ease with which he moved, his quiet strength both comforting and impressive.

Nearby, Ron Weasley approached, already red-faced from the effort of pushing his own cart. “Oi, you two! You’d better hurry, or you’ll miss the train!” he called, though his tone was more teasing than urgent.

Kuri gave him a small smile. Living at the Burrow for the past few weeks had taught her a lot about Ron. He could be a little blunt, but his kindness and loyalty always shone through.

“Thanks, Ron,” she said. “I’ll be right behind you.”

But before she could take another step, Mana reappeared, her arms crossed and her expression smug.

“Honestly, Kuri,” she said, loud enough to draw attention from those nearby. “Do you need rescuing at every turn? First Grams, then Reiko, and now Harry? It’s pathetic.”

Kuri’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced down at her feet.

Harry stepped forward before Kuri could respond, fixing Mana with a steady gaze. His tone was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it. “Wow. That’s some speech,” he said. “Did you practice that in front of a mirror, or does being a bully just come naturally?”

Mana blinked, clearly not expecting the comeback. “Excuse me?” she said, her voice rising.

“Just wondering,” Harry continued, his green eyes glinting with quiet amusement. “Because if you’re going to criticize someone for needing help, maybe you should start with yourself. I mean, who’s been carrying your trunk this whole time?”

Reiko snorted with laughter, and even Ron cracked a grin. Mana’s face turned an impressive shade of red as she huffed and stormed off toward the train.

Kuri stared at Harry, her eyes wide with surprise and gratitude. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said softly.

“I wanted to,” Harry said simply. “Besides, she deserved it.”

Kuri smiled shyly. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Harry said, his tone warm. “Now, let’s get on the train before Ron leaves us behind.”

XXX

By the time they boarded, Reiko had already secured a compartment near the middle of the train. She waved them over, her green eyes bright with excitement. “Over here!” she called, sliding the door open.

Ron squeezed in first, followed by Harry and Kuri. Mana entered last, still sulking, and flopped into the corner seat with a dramatic sigh.

The train jerked into motion, and the excitement in the air grew as students settled in for the journey to Hogwarts. Reiko pulled a copy of the Daily Prophet from her bag and spread it on the table between them.

“Did you see this?” she asked, her voice practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “The Active Power Ban has been lifted! This must be why Grams wanted us at Hogwarts!”

Ron leaned back, his expression curious but wary. “You’re Active Power Witches?” he asked, his tone tinged with unease.

Reiko nodded. “We are, but it’s not what you think. We’re not like… her followers.”

“You mean Sadako?” Ron whispered, leaning forward as if the name itself might summon her.

Reiko’s face darkened, but her voice remained steady. “Sadako was the leader of the Active Power Witches, but it was Voldemort who acted on her beliefs. He twisted her teachings into something violent. Most of us just wanted to live in peace.”

“The name!” Ron exclaimed, sitting bolt upright.

Kuri rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Honestly, it’s just a name. Voldemort’s already dead. He can’t hurt you.”

Harry chuckled, appreciating her bluntness.

“So what are your powers?” Ron asked, clearly still intrigued.

Reiko grinned. “Let me show you.” She reached for a water bottle, poured a small amount onto the floor, and flicked her hands. The water froze mid-air, its droplets suspended in time. Even the liquid inside the bottle stopped moving.

“Molecular Immobilization,” she said proudly.

“That’s brilliant!” Ron said, his tone shifting to awe.

Kuri hesitated before speaking. “Mine’s harder to show,” she said softly. “I can see the future… sometimes the past. It’s like intuition. If I touch someone and something bad is going to happen, I know. And I do my best to stop it.”

“Wait,” Ron said, frowning. “You use your power to help people?”

“Of course,” Kuri replied. “We follow the Wiccan Rede: An it harm none, do what ye will. Our powers aren’t ours—they’re meant to protect others.”

“That’s… amazing,” Harry said, his green eyes bright with admiration.

Kuri glanced at him, her cheeks warming. “You’re… not what I expected,” she admitted quietly.

“Good different?” Harry teased.

“Very good different,” Kuri replied with a shy smile.

As the train rumbled onward, Kuri’s gaze lingered on Harry. Something about him felt familiar, almost too familiar. Her instincts pricked, and she found herself wondering.

“Harry,” she said suddenly, her tone thoughtful. “Are you sure you don’t have an Active Power?”

Harry blinked, startled. “Me? No, I don’t think so. Why?”

Kuri tilted her head, her blue eyes narrowing slightly. “Just a feeling,” she murmured, though her thoughts churned.

The compartment filled with laughter and warmth as the train carried them toward Hogwarts. But in the back of Kuri’s mind, a question lingered: What if Harry Potter was more than just The Boy Who Lived?

Chapter Text

The towering spires of Hogwarts loomed above, casting long shadows across the castle stairs as the new students climbed toward the Great Hall. The evening air was cool, but the anticipation among the first-years was almost palpable. Mana, Reiko, and Kuri Hikawa walked together, though their moods couldn’t have been more different.

Mana strutted confidently at the front, her head held high and a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. Reiko lingered closer to Kuri, her nervous energy making her fingers fidget with the hem of her robe. Kuri trailed slightly behind, uncertain what to make of the stares and whispers following them.

“Look, it’s them,” someone whispered loudly.

“The Active Power Witches,” another murmured.

Some students backed away, their faces wary, while others watched with curiosity, a few even nodding in what seemed like respect.

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, walking a short distance behind, noticed the commotion and quickened their pace to catch up.

“Don’t worry about what they think,” Harry said, his voice steady as he fell into step beside Kuri. “You’ve already got friends.”

“Y-Yeah,” Reiko added with a small smile, though her voice wavered.

Before Kuri could respond, Draco Malfoy appeared, flanked by his usual cronies. His pale eyes gleamed with interest as he stopped in front of them. “Well, well,” he drawled. “So, you’re the Omamori. The legendary Active Power Witches. And yet… Harry Potter is friends with you?”

Kuri’s stomach tightened, but before she could respond, Mana stepped forward with a polished smile. “It’s alright, Draco,” she said smoothly. “Harry is friends with my sisters. I don’t think he’s really… highbrow like us.”

Draco chuckled, the sound cold and sharp. “I did hear he was raised by Muggles.”

“Spewing venom already, Mana?” Kuri snapped, surprising even herself. Her voice shook, but she pushed through it. “You’re only talking like that because you’re afraid of Harry, and we all know it.”

Mana arched a perfect brow, her expression hardening. “Afraid? Of him? Please. Shouldn’t you be afraid, little monster?”

The insult hit Kuri like a slap, and she froze, her throat tightening as her eyes burned with unshed tears.

Harry stepped between them before Mana could say more, his green eyes flashing with quiet defiance. “What’s the matter, Mana? Running out of clever things to say? Or does bullying your sister give you a sense of purpose?”

Mana’s expression faltered, but Harry wasn’t done. “You might want to save some of that wit for Slytherin. They’ll eat you alive if you don’t keep up.”

Reiko choked back a laugh, and even Draco seemed caught off guard by Harry’s words. Mana’s face turned a deep shade of red, and without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed up the stairs.

Kuri stared at Harry, her heart pounding. “You didn’t have to do that,” she whispered.

“Yes, I did,” Harry said simply. “She shouldn’t talk to you like that.”

Kuri’s lips parted, but no words came out. The knot in her chest loosened slightly, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of courage.

XXX

The Great Hall was a breathtaking sight. Thousands of candles floated above the long tables, casting a warm glow over the enchanted ceiling, which mirrored the starry sky outside. The Sorting Hat sat atop its stool at the front of the room, its frayed edges and mysterious grin adding an air of intrigue.

The first-years lined up nervously, their gazes darting between the older students and the Sorting Hat. Professor McGonagall stood nearby, her stern yet reassuring presence guiding them through the process.

“Hikawa, Mana!”

Mana strutted forward with all the grace of someone who believed she already belonged. The hat barely touched her head before it shouted, “Slytherin!”

The Slytherin table erupted in applause as Mana sauntered over, her confidence intact.

“Hikawa, Reiko!”

Reiko swallowed hard, glancing nervously at Kuri before stepping forward. She sat down hesitantly, her hands gripping the edges of the stool. The Sorting Hat took its time, murmuring softly before finally calling, “Hufflepuff!”

Reiko let out a relieved breath and hurried to join her new housemates, who welcomed her with warm smiles.

“Hikawa, Kurisuta!”

Kuri’s heart raced as she stepped forward, the whispers around her growing louder. She sat down, her fingers gripping her lap as the Sorting Hat settled over her head.

“Well, well,” the Hat said, its voice echoing in her mind. “A difficult one. Kindness, loyalty, and curiosity… but also a great deal of courage. Ah, but what’s this? A thirst for knowledge, a need to understand the world around you… Ravenclaw!”

The Ravenclaw table burst into applause, but Kuri blinked in surprise. “Wait—are you sure?” she whispered under her breath. “I’m not… I’m not smart.”

The Hat chuckled. “Smart enough to know what you don’t know. That’s what makes a Ravenclaw.”

Dazed, Kuri joined the Ravenclaw table, glancing back at Harry and Ron as they waited to be sorted. She waved shyly as they both grinned at her.

“Potter, Harry!”

The Hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to Harry as he stepped forward. Moments later, the Hat declared, “Gryffindor!”

The Gryffindor table exploded in cheers, and Harry joined them, his gaze lingering on Kuri.

XXX

After the Sorting, Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet, his twinkling eyes surveying the room. “Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts!” he began, his voice warm and commanding. “I have several announcements. Among us are students with Active Powers, individuals gifted with abilities beyond traditional magic. I urge you to welcome them, not fear them. Together, we will learn from one another.”

He paused, his tone growing more serious. “On another note, the third-floor corridor is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to meet a most painful end. And as always, the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits.”

With a wave of his hand, the tables filled with food, and the feast began.

XXX

As the feast continued, Kuri whispered a small summoning spell under her breath. A tiny golem resembling a golden snitch appeared in her palm, its wings fluttering softly.

“Timcampy,” she murmured, placing a note in its mouth. “Take this to Harry Potter.”

The golem zipped across the Hall, circling once before dropping the note in front of Harry. Without even turning, Harry reached up and caught it, his reflexes earning gasps and applause from nearby Gryffindors.

Kuri’s mouth fell open slightly. He’d make an incredible Seeker.

Harry opened the note and read:

“Can’t believe we’re in separate houses! Did you know Active Power Tests are tomorrow morning? Wanna meet every afternoon in the Owlery? We can feed Tim and Hedwig and hang out?”

Harry smiled and scribbled a response before feeding it back to Timcampy. The golem returned to Kuri, who caught it effortlessly, drawing impressed looks from her housemates.

She unfolded the note:

“What are Active Power Tests? Does everyone take them? And yeah, I’d love to meet.”

Kuri sent another reply:

“The tests are for discovering Active Powers. They used to be for stripping people of their powers. Now they’ll teach us how to use them. Ironic, right?”

Harry’s gaze met hers across the Hall, and they exchanged small smiles.

XXX

Later that night, Kuri sat by the window in the Ravenclaw common room, watching the moonlight spill over the castle grounds. Her new housemates chatted softly around her, their voices blending into the background. She traced the edge of Harry’s note with her finger, reading his words again.

“I’d love to meet.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. Harry wasn’t just kind—he saw her for who she was. He’d stood up for her, not because he had to, but because he wanted to.

For the first time, Kuri felt like she wasn’t defined by her powers or her family’s legacy. She had a chance to make her own way here. She folded the note carefully and slipped it into her pocket.

As she climbed into bed, she made a quiet promise to herself: she wouldn’t let Mana’s words—or anyone else’s—define her. Tomorrow, she’d face the Active Power Tests with her head held high. And maybe, just maybe, she’d find out if Harry Potter’s uncanny reflexes were the answer to the question she couldn’t stop asking:

Was Harry just a friend—or did he carry a secret of his own?