drillmaster

With the break finally over, Harry and the gang bid their tearful goodbyes to the various family members and friends they left behind. Misaki and Funaho left for Jurai, the Order Members went back to Sirius’ house, the Grangers were brought back to Britain, and, surprisingly, Augusta Longbottom decided to stay and take a holiday in Japan with Minagi as her guide. It was an eye opener for Neville to say the least, but it made him feel happy that his Gran was living for the first time in so many years. In the end, the holiday season had brought the two groups of people together. However, it was time to depart from Okayama and return back to that castle of wonder and excitement.

The time had come to return to Hogwarts.

Tenchi, the girls (including Mihoshi), and their wizarding companions were sharing two compartments on the Hogwarts Express. It was bittersweet to leave the Masaki residence, but the children were looking forward to returning to their second home. The girls, on the other hand, had mixed reactions to it. While Sasami seemed happy to readopt her Gryffindor colors, Ryoko and Ayeka were not pleased. By coming back to Hogwarts, they had limited interaction with Tenchi and had to deal with their least favorite person on the planet: Dolores Umbrige.

Tenchi, on the other hand, did not know what to feel. He was in an interesting situation. More often than not, things happened around him or because of his presence. This was something that he was quite used to. However, actually teaching was a whole new experience for him. Though he was protective in nature, the Crown Prince of Jurai did not truly think he was good enough to teach these kids anything, least of all sword play.

But then he thought of the kids like Neville, who actually looked forward to his lessons. The idea that he could reach these children in ways that teachers like Umbridge could not put his mind at ease. He would defend his charges as he would his friends.

“Tenchi!” a voice from outside cried.

The occupants of the compartment turned and saw several students all peering in. To an outsider, one would just see several students catching up from the break. But if you were in the know, you would notice that these were all members from the D.A.

“Ernie! Dean! Jeez, who else do you have out there?” the young man asked. Trying to gauge who was there. It was hard to tell from the compartment, so Tenchi just assumed that there were non D.A. people out there too, just incase.

“The whole lot,” Ernie told him. “We are excited to start term up again. What sort of fun things do you all have planned for us?”

Tenchi laughed it off. “Well, I’m not really sure. I don’t know what kind of MOVIES Professor Kuramitsu has in store,” he said winking his eye. Ernie and Dean, the two closest people to the door got the hint.

Dean, hoping to see Mihoshi on the train, handed her a box. “Say no more. Happy belated Christmas, Professor. I went through my house and picked out some great movies for us to watch!”

The thought of presents made Mihoshi blush. “Oh Dean, this is great! I’ll look them up when I get back to my office!”

“Hang on, I’ve got stuff too! I went to one of those Muggle stores, Suncoast I think, and bought some stuff that looked cool. It was easy to go to Gringotts and convert into Muggle pounds,” Ernie exclaimed.

“Wow! Thank you Ernie! You don’t need to give me anything until we get back! This is so exciting! Don’t you agree Tenchi? We are going to have a great term!” the blonde haired woman asked, excited as ever.

“You said it Mihoshi,” Tenchi replied.

“Wait,” Ryoko said. “Who did you ask to bring movies to you Mihoshi?”

Mihoshi thought about it for a moment. “Um…I’d say about everyone in the school.”

The teal haired woman face palmed. “You idiot! How are you going to choose what movies to watch?! And where are you going to put them?!”

“Give me a few hours, I’ll think of something,” Washu responded for her, zoning out of her own thoughts. “It could be fun.”

Tenchi gave her a look. “No, no, no. I’ll think of something! We are not having a repeat of your little Christmas invention again!”

Washu shot him a look of pity. “Tenchi, you wound me!”

The blonde haired woman sifted through the boxes and placed them down next to four packages she had brought. Dean looked at the boxes and squinted his eyes.

“What’s in the boxes Professor? Something for class?” he asked.

Mihoshi laughed. “Silly, it’s not for class! I have gifts for the four Houses!”

“Wait, what?! When did you get those?!” Tenchi asked, surprised.

Ayeka picked up a box at started to shake it. “I thought these were just more of your funny books. Where did you get these?”

“The store! I got paid a few days ago and I wanted to do something for everyone!”

Ryoko snorted. “You get paid?! For what, property damage?”

Sasami jumped in to her aid. “Hey, Mihoshi is the only one besides Tenchi’s father who actually helps with the bills right now! Since I’m here I haven’t been able to sell my carrot cakes to add to the income, so it’s just Mihoshi!”

“You know, I’m curious about something,” Ayeka said. “Do you actually get paid to teach Mihoshi?”

Mihoshi nodded. “Yes I do Miss Ayeka! I use part of it to help Mr. Masaki and the rest to finance the class.”

“You never told us what is in the boxes, Professor,” Ron added. “What could you have possibly gotten for every house?”

“You’ll see!” Mihoshi said with a smile.

*HPVFTS*

The Great Hall was buzzing with activity upon the returning feast. The students were very excited to see their peers once more and it seemed like Harry and Tenchi were getting bombarded by nearly every person in the D.A. They all seemed to be eager to continue the lessons as soon as possible.

At the Slytherin table, Ayeka kept getting favorable glances from several of the professors. All of them were really into their goblets for some reason. It was not until she saw Professor Sprout tip something inter her drink that she realized what was going on. She had completely forgotten that her mother had given them some of Jurai’s Shinzo sake. Ayeka wondered if their presence was really a negative influence on the school. Looking to Ryoko sipping out of the present Fred and George made for her, Ayeka had to sight and admit it to be true.

Dumbledore stepped up to his podium and waited for the talking to simmer down. “Welcome back to Hogwarts my young charges. It does an old man good to see so many bright and happy faces. May you retain that jubilant nature throughout the rest of your term. Now I understand that a few of our number wish to make speeches. Professor Umbridge, I believe you had something you would like to address.”

The sneering old woman took the podium and several students started to laugh to themselves. She had what appeared to be little bruises around her entire face and arms. She scowled at the student body and let out her familiar “Hem hem!”

“Hello children. I must say it is…nice to see you all again. You might be up here asking why I am covered in bruises such as these. These are the result of one of your number sending me a Christmas gift in terribly poor taste. When I found out which one of you sent me those…creatures…I will assure you that your punishment will be severe!” she bellowed.

Ron turned to Fred and George. “What did you two do?!”

Fred shrugged. “Wasn’t us.”

“At least, not directly.”

“We might have told her that it would be funny to get the warted one a gift.”

“But we had no part in acquiring or SENDING said gift.”

“To think you would accuse your own family of sending crabs singing the Grinch song!”

“For shame!”

Looking at his two brothers, Ron tried to follow their line of vision. They were staring directly at Washu, who smiled and waved to the red headed fifth year.

“Crabs who…what?” Ron shook his head. “Never mind, look! Mihoshi is taking the stage!”

The Galaxy Police officer composed herself and waved to the student body. “Hi everyone! It’s great to be back! Now, this time of year is all about giving and since you all were not around to get my gifts to all of you, I figured now would be the time to do it!”

She picked up her boxes and gave one to each of the heads of the house. They started to unwrap each box and inside was a gray box of sorts and a few odd cartridges.

“Though I can’t give a gift to each of you individually, I managed to scrounge up enough to give each house their own Faicom System, or a Nintendo Entertainment System if I understand your translation! They play video games! I also gave you some of my favorite games to play! You have Tetris, Super Mario Bros., Rockman 2, Castlevania, The Legend of Zelda, and Kirby’s Adventure! I hope to get some more games as I get more Muggle money, but you all should get a lot of enjoyment out of these games!”

The Muggle born students cheered uncontrollably and started talking to themselves. The others, however were perplexed. “What’s a video game?” Draco Malfoy called out.

Mihoshi ran out and dragged in her TV, nearly running over Mrs. Norris the cat with it. After struggling to attach it to the machine, she finally turned to Washu, who sighed and hooked up up. Mihoshi then took the copy of Super Mario Bros. and blew into the bottom. She placed it into the slot and flipped the switch.

The screen burst to life and the wizards watched as Mihoshi controlled a small red man running away from mushrooms and turtles. The students were in awe of the machine and the excitement grew.

“Now, I only had enough for one of these and a TV for each house, so please share!” Mihoshi advocated.

Umbridge took the floor again, pointing to the machine. “This will be a distraction for all of these students! How will the students focus on their studies?!”

“I think that we should limit this time to weekends only, Professors Kuramitsu and Umbridge. While I applaud your enthusiasm to bring joy to our students, Professor Umbridge raises a valuable point. This is a school and the education must come first,” Dumbledore interjected.

Washu laughed to herself. “Education, feh. Where is the math? Where is the science?”

“Wizards are expected to learn those things on their own,” Luna told her. “I admit, it’s not a good system, but it seems to work well enough.”

The pink haired scientist sighed. “So much potential wasted.”

*HPVFTS*

“Hold your wand straight. The ‘Accio’ spell can be used in every day life, true, but it might save you in battle. Remember how I handled the dragon last year? Without my broom I would have been killed,” Harry explained to the members of the D.A. They had wasted no time in resuming lessons. Ever since Harry had the horcrux inside him removed, he had felt far happier and more confident. The anger and loneliness that he felt in the beginning of the year dissipated.

The students were given various trinkets to summon and objects started flying around the room. Some students, like Hermione and Ginny, achieved their goal instantly. Others, like Lee and Neville, were still working on the kinks. Washu was studying the effects of the spell, taking note of how merely saying the object’s name was enough for the spell to work. Ryoko and Ayeka were trying to use their fake wands to summon their little cups, but they were failing miserably. They looked on as Sasami effortlessly received her glass on her first try much to their disdain.

“Good work guys! Cho, keep your arm straight. Ernie, focus on the box. Keep the box in your head. Corner, mind your pronunciation,” Harry barked. He was surprised at how effective he was at being a leader, but it seemed like everybody was responding to him well enough.

Without warning, a sudden knocking sound was hear outside the room. The students looked to each other fearfully.

“I thought that Umbridge couldn’t find us!” cried Cho Chang.

“Crap, I didn’t mention to keep the room hidden when I created it today!” Ryoko hit her head.

Ayeka grabbed her collar. “You stupid monster! You have ruined us all!”

“What will we do Potter?!” Goldstein asked.

Everybody turned to Harry for guidance. Buckling under the pressure, he turned to Washu, who he believed was better than he was at thinking on her feet.

“Don’t look at me kid, I’m panicking too!” she exclaimed to Harry’s horror.

Hermione started moving quickly. “Don’t worry everybody, I have a plan! Washu, I need you to create a table! Fred, George, let’s get those tea cups you made! Everybody, hide and take a book! Each book has a list of names; find your name and use these to act the part! Luna, Fred, and George put these on! Come on people, double time!”

Hermione took out a handbag and started pulling out various items. Not a single person questioned her as they tried to all fit in a closet to failing success. Luna stared at the familiar dress giggled. Harry looked at the book and blinked. “Hermione, why do you have this?”

“Well I had the idea over holiday and I thought that if we were put on the spot, those two could easily follow my lead and improvise. Fred and George were a big help,” Hermione exclaimed, searching for a hat.

Fred beamed, grabbing what looked like a spinning hat. “We aim to please.”

“Washu, can you make that closet disappear after you find your ears?”

“They are all not going to fit, but I can create a wall that makes the room seem smaller, but you all have to act quickly and use whatever Granger gives you! We need to make it seem like a dressing room! Nobody move!” Washu pulled out her computer and created the table and the wall.

*HPVFTS*

Dolores Umbridge was pleased.

She was very curious at the large group of people that kept visiting Potter during the feast. She noticed that these were all people who she had seen with those “pog” things Ayeka Jurai told her about. This intrigued the professor to no end as she believed they were hiding something right under her nose and that the Jurai girl was to blind to see her own sister’s treachery.

When she overheard a group of fourth years mentioning that they saw a large group of people heading upstairs, she was overcome with joy. This was her chance to see what they could possibly be doing. Fetching Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape and Filch, she made her way to the seventh floor, eager to catch Potter and his friends in the act.

“Professor Umbridge, do you have any proof of mischief going on up here?” Professor Dumbledore asked.

“Proof?! I do not NEED proof! By the order of Cornelius Fudge I…”

“As much as I love to hear of your various achievements Dolores, we should at least know WHO we are trying to stop,” Minerva deadpanned, her voice rife with contempt.

Umbridge turned around on the spot and got in her face. “Listen here Minerva, you may think that you know what is best of Hogwarts but you are WRONG! I speak for the Ministry and the Ministry knows what is best for ALL of our young wizards and witches!”

“Ladies,” Severus Snape interrupted. “I have a class to teach shortly. Can we please get this over with?”

Umbridge look flustered, but conceded the point. “Very well. You there!” she barked at a photograph. “Where did the group of students go?”

The photo did not reply back. “Dolores, this man’s portrait is empty. Yelling will not cause him to return.”

The woman put up her hand and listened closely. She thought she could hear voices coming out of an unfamiliar door. “There they are! I tell you Headmaster, there is mischief a foot!”

“It’s about time somebody is taking serious action here!” Filch smiled to himself. “These brats have had their way too long, but not any more!”

Dumbledore regarded the man. “Argus, remember that you are in a school. The children come first. Give them more respect.”

Filch looked away. “Very well Headmaster.”

“Quiet you fools! There is a locked door here!” Umbridge cried victoriously. She knocked on it, hoping to hear muffled screams of terror. She listened in and did indeed hear voices. “Allow me Headmaster! Alohamora!”

Her wand let out a burst of light that opened the door. The adults made their way into the room and saw a most peculiar sight. A long table was stretching down the way and at it appeared to be Hermione Granger in a hat, Washu Hakubi in rabbit ears, and Luna Lovegood in a blue dress. In the corner, the Weasley twins were dressed in some ludicrous matching hats and outfits.They appeared to be rehearsing something.

“Your hair wants cutting!” Granger told Lovegood.

“You should learn not to make personal remarks. It’s very rude,” Lovegood replied with some severity.

Granger appeared to stare out into space, ignoring her teachers. “Why is a raven like a writing desk?”

Lovegood clapped her hands. “I believe I can guess that!”

“Do you mean that you think you can find out the answer to it?” said the bunny eared Hakubi.

Dolores Umbridge had enough and decided to make her presence known. “Hem hem!”

“Exactly so!”

“Hem hem!”

“Then you should say what you mean!”

“EXCUSE ME STUDENTS!” Umbridge roared. Granger and Hakubi regarded here then quickly ran to them shaking their arms.

“No room! No room!” they both exclaimed.

The teachers just stared at this display of…oddity. “Miss Granger…what are you up to?”

“We are preparing a play for Miss Kuramitsu,” she said plainly, as if it were a natural thing to do.

“Yeah, Mihoshi wanted us to adapt some kind of Muggle story and here we are having a mad tea party!” Washu added. “Would you like some wine?”

Mr. Filch looked eagerly around the table. “I don’t see any wine.”

“That’s because there isn’t any.”

“Then why did you offer it you pink haired…girl,” he growled, catching himself before he berated her in front of the headmaster.

“It’s a line from the book Argus,” the Headmaster told him. “And I believe it fits. You see, Alice chastised the March Hare for being rude about offering non existing wine, but the March Hare chastised Alice for rudely sitting down without being invited, similar to us barging in on their practice.”

Severus turned around. “If you are only going to wax philosophical about ridiculous Muggle literature , I am returning to my quarters. Please get me only for serious matters.”

“But…but this makes no sense!” Umbridge stuttered.

“That’s the point of the book!” Luna chimed in. A small creature that was unnoticed before made a sound.

“What is that…thing?” Umbridge asked.

Luna smiled. “Dinah, my pet.”

“Oi, keep it down!” one of the Weasley twins cried.

“Yeah, we are practicing our poem!”

“Ah poetry,” the Headmaster said with a twinkling in his eye. “Thou heaven born maid. I look forward to your production.”

“That’s it!” the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor screamed. “If this is play practice, where are the performers?! I know other people are here Granger!”

“Of course there are silly! They are in the changing room!” Hermione laughed, drinking some tea.

“Changing room?” Albus asked amused.

Washu pointed to the wall. “Don’t forget to knock. There are so many characters in the two ‘Alice’ books, so we got some outside help.”

Dolores Umbridge was seething now. If she were to open that door and see students in costume, she’d be ruined. Unless…

“I’m coming in!” she announced, banging on the door. She burst into the room and found students looking over various books. They were wearing an odd assortment of hats and each had their own little section. Umbridge walked right up to the Corner boy and eyed him. “What are YOU supposed to be?”

“I’m a lizard named Bill. I get shot up a chimney. Joy,” he sarcastically told her. Umbridge almost freaked out at him, but realized he was being roped into this.

Suddenly, her eyes fell upon Ryoko Hakubi and that Masaki boy. ‘Perhaps this day will be worthwhile after all!’ “Hakubi! What are you doing with Masaki! Did the Minisiter and I specifically tell you that you are prohibited from seeing him on school grounds?!”

Ryoko looked up the pink cat costume she was using to entice Tenchi, who was dressed as a playing card, with. “Oh it’s you. What are you babbling on about?”

“Miss Hakubi, you do NOT speak to a professor like that! I asked you a question!”

At that moment, Ginny rushed past them clutching mouse ears. “Oh no, I’m late!”

“That’s my line!” said Ernie dismissively, fooling around with a waistcoat.

“Ernie, have you seen my crown? We are coming up to the croquet game and…oh Madame Umbridge! I did not see or hear you there! I see you stumbled upon this little project we are doing,” Ayeka Jurai told the High Inquisitor, donning a regal red dress.

“Hey look, the princess got bumped up to a queen! All it took was this crap to do it!” Ryoko mocked.

“You wretch! How dare you insult me!”

“Hem hem ladies! Cease this at once! Jurai, you see nothing wrong here?” Umbridge asked the one person here she thought she could trust besides Filch.

Ayeka laughed. “Unless you are referring to Ryoko’s terrible outfit than no.”

“I’m referring,” started Umbridge angrily. “To the fact Hakubi is in the same room as Masaki!”

“Professor, that was supposed to only be until term ended before the holidays,” Tenchi answered.

“As sad as it might be, it’s true.” Ayeka sighed.

Umbridge could not take anymore and slammed the door shut, causing a mirror to drop to the floor and shatter.

She marched right past Dumbledore, who was singing something about a birthday, and went sulking back to her office.

On her way back, one final idea struck her. She made her way to that blithering idiot’s office and knocked. When she did not receive an answer, she peered in and saw Mihoshi Kuramitsu trying to sort VHS tapes.

“So that makes 3 copies of ‘E.T.’ and one copy of whatever ‘Troll’ is…I’m going crazy Yukinojo!”

“Mihoshi, you should calm down! You have a visitor!” the odd spherical metal device on her desk told her.

Mihoshi looked up and ran over to her colleague. “Oh it’s you Professor Umbridge! I missed you all December and you’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to see you! How are you?!” Kuramitsu rambled, asking all sorts of dumb questions that Dolores had no interest in answering.

“Fine, fine indeed. Professor, I have the teensiest question for you. Is your class putting on a play that was not aware of?”

Mihoshi blinked. “Goodness I don’t know! I told them to get creative with a project I think! You see, Hannah Abbot visited her cousin in America and she managed to get me a taped version of American Sailor Moon so I could teach it so I ended class early so I could watch it and I was really sad…” she droned on.

‘I hate this school,’ a defeated Dolores Umbridge told herself. ‘This is what hell feels like.’

*HPVFTS*

The students in the Room of Requirement let out a collective gasp upon the departure of Professor Umbridge. They immediately started ripping off their makeshift outfits that Hermione made for them.

Harry, who had done his best not to put on the turtle costume left for him, sighed. “I cannot believe that worked.”

“Tell me about it,” Cho Chang, who had tried to dress like an ugly older woman, agreed. “I thought we were done for, but I’m surprised we were able to throw costumes on that fast without being noticed.”

“I’m more surprised that we all were able to stay in character and not buckle under,” Dean Thomas bemoaned, throwing away his griffin costume.”I never want to do that again.”

“Thank Tsunami for Hermione’s quick thinking,” Ayeka added.

Ryoko stared at her costume. “Quick thinking my ass! I can’t believe she made us all costumes for a non existent play just for a distraction! Who thinks of that?!”

“Someone who is crazy prepared,” offered Neville, puffing on a straw. “I dunno mate, I’ve just learned to roll with it this year.”

Zacharias Smith ripped off his bird mask and threw it to the ground. “You lot almost got us expelled with this rubbish! We never did anything like this before this year and I think I speak for everyone when I say that this is getting ridiculous! “

“Oh shove it up your ass, Smith, and save it for somebody who cares,” Ryoko cut him off.

Outside the wall, Professor Dumbledore got up from the table. “It seems like you are all doing rather well for yourselves. I must say, Miss Washu, that I am a bit surprised you have not requested to talk to me yet.”

Washu smiled, taking off her ears. “I was merely waiting for you to make the first move, Professor Dumbledore.”

Dumbledore adopted a serious expression for a half of a moment. “Consider it given then.” After that, he withdrew into his cheerful persona, twinkling eyes and all. “I’ll see you after dinner then.”

“So you shall.”

Dumbledore got up and bowed to the students. He motioned a very confused Minerva McGonagall and Filch to let the students be. “Thank you for inviting us. Do be more careful next time.”

*HPVFTS*

Washu made her way past the gargoyles and into Professor Dumbledore’s office. She made her way to the cage where his phoenix was kept in and went to pet it. “Hello again little guy.”

“Hello yourself, young Washu,” came the voice of Albus Dumbledore. He drew a chair for the woman and offered it to her. The pink haired scientist gladly accepted.

“So, did you like our little improv session before?” Washu asked.

“I think the less I know the better. Plausible deniability and all. Though I was impressed at how tightly you all act,” Dumbledore chuckled.

Washu shrugged. “Don’t ask me how it all worked. Sometimes nonsense works. It’s rather hard to quantify, but when you know a person like Mihoshi like I do, you start believing anything.”

“Interesting talk for a woman of science.”

“Interesting indeed. Now Professor, am I right in guessing that Severus Snape talked to you this past month.”

Dumbledore nodded. “He did.”

“And what, pray tell, did he say to you?”

“He told me that you had killed the horcrux inside of Harry Potter. How you accomplished this, I do not know, but I thought we discussed holding off on that particular topic,” Dumbledore replied.

Washu grinned. “And so we did, when there were other horcurxes. However, your boy Riddle has no defenses left. Harry was the last horcrux, and as of now nobody knows it…except Snape. Judging by your wishes that he teaches Harry the occ…occ…”

“Occulemency.”

“Yeah, that, I assume he can be trusted not to share that information with Voldemort,” Washu told the professor, who nodded.

“I trust Severus Snape with my life.”

“Funny how you are the only one here besides Dolores Umbridge who seems to. This brings me to MY little issue: what were you thinking telling him where we live?!”

Dumbledore thought about the question and chose his words carefully. “I saw no trouble in telling him where you were. My focus at the moment was Harry’s safety.”

“Nobel as that was, did you think to consider the possibility that he were to see something a bit out of the ordinary? What would he do if he saw, say, a spaceship or witnessed Ryoko or Ayeka having one of their trademark quarrels?” Washu pressed.

“Outside of noticing Ryoko’s cave and being concerned about it, he noticed nothing out of the ordinary. I apologize for my lack of judgement,” Dumbeldore apologized.

“I under…wait, what about Ryoko’s cave?” asked Washu worryingly.

Dumbledore chuckled. “Oh, he thought he detected some dark magic. I assumed that it was merely residual energy from Ryoko some years ago.”

“Ryoko doesn’t give off a magical energy signature!”

“Did you examine the cave for magical properties before?” Dumbledore asked.

Washu shook her head. “I didn’t have that data! I didn’t pry too deep in the cave since nothing came on my own radar. I have no idea what could be in there!”

Albus Dumbledore put his hand on her shoulder. “I would not concern yourself my dear. I am sure it is nothing…nothing at all…” He looked away, clearly lost in thought.

“Are YOU concerned about something, Albus?” Washu asked, her eyes narrowing.

“I hope not, Miss Washu. I hope not.”

“Concentrate Neville! Your footing is all wrong! If I were to attack you now, your chest would be exposed and your life would be in my hands!” Yosho told the scion of the house of Longbottom.

Neville had been true to his word and had taken time every day to work hard with Tenchi, his Grandfather, and Yume’s bodyguard Hishima. He had become a far cry from the scared boy he was even a year ago, but he knew that if he wanted to protect his family and friends that he would need to give this his all.

“Yes sir!”

After another half hour or so of practice, Yosho called it off. He requested Neville to come with him to his living quarters while Hishima went to see if Yume needed any assistance packing up before they departed, and Tenchi cleaned up the freshly fallen snow.

For training, of course.

“Neville, your progress thus far is to be commended. Though you have only been practicing for a week, I see much determination in you.”

Neville turned a shade of pink. “Thank you sir. It means a lot to me.”

“I can see that,”Yosho said. “But I also see much conflict in you. What troubles you?”

Neville shifted in his seat. “Well…it is kind of hard to explain.”

Yosho nodded. “Then I will give you the necessary time to tell me properly.”

“Well this time of year…I am always with my family.”

“I see. You know we can always bring them here if you choose; or we can bring you back home. This is not something you need to concern yourself with.”

Neville got up and looked outside at the falling snow. “It is not that simple. I want to be here, with my friends. But I can’t just abandon my family or bring them here.”

“Neville, who do you live with when you are not at school?” Yosho asked.

“My gran.”

Yosho closed his eyes. “I understand. Tenchi lost his mother, my daughter, when he was very young. It is a hard thing to have a parent die, and I understand your concern. You wish to be with your grandmother.”

“It’s…hard. My parents aren’t dead, but there are times I wish they would be.”

Yosho got up and forced Neville to look him in the eyes.

“Those are words one should never speak. Tell me, what has happened to your parents?”

The young Gryffindor’s perception started to become clouded with water as his eyes welled up with tears. “My parents were tortured by a Death Eater named Bellatrix Lestrange. She tortured them so much that they…they lost their minds. They see me and they don’t know who I am. All they know is that I am someone important to them… I just wish they were free of the pain Mr. Masaki.”

With that he broke down crying. Yosho grabbed the boy and held him tight.

“You hold a heavy burden Neville. I understand why you are conflicted now. But tell me; do your friends know?”

Neville shook his head.

“Idiot boy! Are you afraid they will abandon you if they know?! The first step of being a better person is to let your walls down! Believe in yourself and believe in your friends!”

“I…I understand.”

*HPVFTS*

“I have to find it somewhere! Washu, are you sure this television can get every channel on Earth?” Hermione asked.

“As I’ve told you the last time you asked, yes it does! What are you looking for, if you don’t mind me asking,” the scientist replied.

Hermione blushed. “Well it’s a bit embarrassing…”

“Embarrassing!” Fred exclaimed, apparating by her side.

“Do tell!” George agreed.

“Knock it off you two! You’re embarrassing her. So spill it!” Washu demanded.

“You know you’re just as bad, right?” Ryoko goaded her mother.

“Well…for Christmas time we had a tradition in my family. My father would read me ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and I’d always do the Grinch’s lines and then we’d sing the song together. I saw that it was going to be on a British station and I wanted to watch it to think of them,” she admitted.

Nearly everybody in the room looked confused. Hermione looked around and was shocked.

“Oh come now! With all the Muggle references you lot throw out at us and you’ve never seen ‘The Grinch?'”

“Oy, don’t look at me Hermione! I’ve never seen anything this lot has shown us!” Ron defended himself.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Thank you Ronald for that thrilling insight.”

“How about this, why don’t we pick up a VHS of it when we go out and do Christmas shopping?” Tenchi said, ever humble and helping despite being covered in snow after shoveling.

“Christmas shopping!” Hermione jolted upwards. “Crickets, I didn’t even think of shopping! I didn’t bring any money and there are so many people…”

“Ah!” Tenchi cut her off. “I have an idea for what to do with that too!”

Ryoko came up and hugged Tenchi. “Aww look at you, getting something to do! You are really getting into the spirit of Christmas aren’t you?”

Tenchi gave her a look. “What does that even mean Ryoko? ‘Getting something to do?'”

Ryoko shrugged. “Well usually Washu takes care of this kind of stuff.”

“Uh-huh. Look, do you want to hear my idea or not?”

“I do, Lord Tenchi!” Ayeka cried, running into the room.

“Hey, not so loud!” came the voice of Mrs. Weasley. “Harry is still sleeping!”

“Geez Ayeka. Wake up the poor kid, why don’t you?” Ryoko quietly sneered.

Ayeka looked like she was going to explode with fury when Neville came into the house with Yosho.

“Hey guys. Um…I was hoping I could talk to you all…wait, what are you all doing?”

“I was about to explain how we should do Christmas gifts this year,” said Tenchi. “What did you want to say Neville?”

“Err…it can wait until after this. What’s your idea?” Neville asked.

“I think we should just do a ‘Secret Santa!'” Tenchi exclaimed while fist pumping.

“Oh, you mean where everybody is responsible for buying something for just one person! Good idea!” Hermione said. “But it doesn’t change that I don’t have any currency on me, Muggle or magical…”

Sasami reached into her nearby bag and pulled out a giant pouch. “Oh, we have more Galleons than we need. I’m sure that we can share with everybody!”

“But…wouldn’t that be like buying your own gift?” Ron asked.

“Nope! It’s the thought that counts, not the money!”

Washu got up. “Fantastic idea! I’ll go create a randomization device that chooses who you will get a gift for!”

“Hold on now! We can just use a hat and paper!” Tenchi protested.

“And have Ryoko or Ayeka cheat? No, no, no!”

“You’d really expect us to cheat!” Ryoko asked, looking offended!

“I would,” Luna chimed in.

“Well I think that this is something more suited toward you students as opposed to is adults I’m afraid,” came Lupin’s voice from the kitchen.

“Yeah, us Marauders have our own gift giving traditions to uphold!” Sirius roared, also from the kitchen.

Washu frowned. “Hmm, well I’m going to try and pester Yume one final time to join the fun before she goes tomorrow, but I doubt it. I’m not sure if Minagi would want to when she inevitably arrives since she doesn’t know anything about this planet’s traditions yet. However, I think it’s safe to say Mihoshi wants in. I’ll ask her when she comes back from patrol.”

She turned to leave when she remembered something. “Oh yes! I almost forgot! Neville, didn’t you have something to tell us?”

Neville flustered a bit. “I…err…can everybody please sit down. I need to talk about something I’ve never told you before…”

*HPVFTS*

Harry woke up from his long nap thanks to the yelling and crying coming from the living room. Picking up his glasses, Harry made his way out of bed to see what was the matter.

“Neville, I never knew!” came Ginny’s voice. She sounded like he was crying.

“I didn’t either!” added Hermione.

“Why didn’t you tell us mate?” asked Ron.

As he had only just woken up from the ordeal that took place a few days prior, Harry’s world was still a bit disjointed. However, he had enough wits about him to guess what this conversation was about.

“I…just didn’t know what to say. It’s tough sometimes…oh Harry!” Neville said, instantly brightening up upon seeing his friend.

The crowd of people started to gather around Harry, all trying to make sure he was okay. Harry just accepted it, knowing it was impossible to escape the grip of all the people who cared about him.

‘Funny,’ he thought to himself. ‘I started out this year thinking I had nobody outside of Hermione and Ron looking out for me. How wrong I was.’

Mrs. Weasley forced herself in front of the poor boy. “Come now you all, he just woke up from a serious injury! Give him some room!”

Creating her computer, Washu scanned Harry’s vitals in front of him. “Hmm…well everything seems in tact. The strain of removing the horcrux can be seen, but it is healing rather nicely. I think you’ll be in shape in no time kiddo!”

“That’s good,” sighed Harry. “But, what’s going on here? Is everything okay, Neville?”

Neville, who clearly did not want to retell the story of his parents for the third time in a day, squirmed a bit.

“You told everybody about your parents, didn’t you?” Harry asked quietly.

The news that his friend knew about his parents caused Neville to do a jump take. “Wait…you knew? How…?”

“Dumbledore told me last year. I saw the trial of Bellatrix Lestrange and Barty Crouch Jr. in a pensive last year at his office,” Harry explained quietly.

“Bellatrix Lestrange?” Hermione shrieked as she turned to Sirius. “You mean that foul woman Kreacher has a picture of in his room?!”

Sirius ruffled his hair. “Bella is my horrible wretch of a cousin. She fancied herself to be Voldemort’s most loyal follower. My mother favored her and dear Cissy before me. Remember, I’m the embarrassment of the family.”

“Who’s Cissy?” asked Lee. “Sounds like a wuss.”

“That would be the mother of your old pal Draco Malfoy,” Sirius laughed. “Though it really is a sissy name, isn’t? Eh? Eh? Anyone? Eh?”

Nobody laughed. Sirius sighed in defeat, his attempt to diffuse the various degrees of tension having failed.

“Well then Neville, what would you like to do about Christmas?” asked Ayeka. “Nobody would blame you if you wanted to be with your parents.”

Neville scratched his head. “Honestly, I’d like to talk to my Gran about it.”

“That’s not a problem for a genius like me! Here…let’s see if I can transport her here directly…” Washu muttered, hitting keys on her keyboard.

“Wait…if you can do that, why didn’t we just transport here from Sirius’ house?” Ginny asked.

“I have much better equipment here than I do in London. I can’t bring EVERYTHING to school Ginny!” she waived it off.

“Um..Washu, I don’t think Gran would like to be taken from her home. I think she would come here with the intent to fight.”

“It’s true,” Remus agreed. “Everyone knows that one does not interrupt Augusta Longbottom and get away with it.”

“Fine! I’ll send out a drone! It will act like a telephone except she’ll be able to see us. Are you happy with that Neville?”

Neville nodded his head. Washu ran into the lab and returned with a small device. She plugged in some coordinates based on where Neville said she would be and sent it off. In a few minutes, an elderly woman in a vulture’s hat appeared in video form. She looked completely frazzled and pulled out her wand in self defense.

“What is the meaning of this?! What is this thing?! Is this a…Neville?” Augusta Longbottom cried, stopping when she saw her grandson.

“‘lo Gran.”

“Neville, what just happened to me? What magic is this? Wait, where are you?” Mrs. Longbottom asked, looking around the unfamiliar setting from her end.

“Gran, let me give you the short, short version. Her name is Washu. She goes to Hogwarts with me. She sent a hologram device to you so you can talk to me in Japan using advanced alien science. We are discussing Christmas and mum and dad. I want to ask can we stay here for Christmas and see Mum and Dad for only a little bit during the day,” Neville explained rather nicely.

Washu cried a bit. “That’s twice now I haven’t had to explain anything! This is truly a fantastic day!”

Augusta tried to take everything in at once. “Japan?! Why are…oh that’s right you have friends from there, don’t you? You…well Neville, if that is what you want, then I suppose it is fine. You will see your parents for a little bit on Christmas, though. It is the right thing!”

“Thank you Gran.”

“Now, would somebody please explain why there are aliens at Hogwarts? I understood the fact that they were from Japan, but why on Earth would the Ministry allow that?” she asked, looking at the non Magical people.

“Wait…you aren’t questioning the existence of aliens?” Tenchi asked, amazed at this development.

Augusta adopted a stern look. “When you get to be my age, you don’t get surprised at these kind of things. What I am surprised at, however, is how different my Neville is acting. You remind me of your father, boy. I don’t know what it is, but you seem more confident in your posture.”

Neville seemed shocked at this statement. This was one of the few times his strict Grandmother gave him a compliment. This just made Neville want to continue training to the best of his abilities.

“To answer your question, it’s kind of a long story…” Ayeka began.

“I’ve got this in three words: Dumbledore vs. Voldemort,” Ryoko simply said.

“Ah. Say no more. Now if you excuse me, I have a luncheon in an hour and I’d like to finish getting ready. Neville, I will expect you on Christmas around noon and perhaps I will return with you to meet your friends. Now if you could please send this device away I would be very happy,” Augusta concluded with a curt nod.

“Thank you Gran,” said Neville as he waved good bye. The image faded and in no time at all the drone returned to Washu’s arm.

“Whelp,” said Sirius. “That was one exciting moment after another. Who’s up for a snowball fight? Harry?”

“Sirius Black!” Mrs. Weasley said, aghast. “He only just recovered from his injuries!”

“Well then he can be on my team! Come on Mooney! The Marauders reunited!”

Remus rose an eyebrow. “There isn’t any way I can stop you, is there?”

“Nope.”

*HPVFTS*

The snowball fight was concluded early when a giant spaceship crashed into the frozen lake, dousing the players in freezing cold water. Washu pulled up some heating blankets while Yosho started a fire.

“I told you all to not have a snowball fight! What were you thinking acting so childish?!” Molly roared.

“Now dear,” said Arthur, who was also covered in snow and ice. “It seemed like a fun idea at the time.”

Molly just stared at her husband. “If I didn’t love you Arthur Weasley, I would hit you for how stupid you sound.”

“I love you too dear,” Arthur smiled. Molly couldn’t help but smile back.

“I’m so sorry! I was only trying to land and I landed in the lake! Now I’m cold and wet!” Mihoshi cried.

Ryoko gave her a look. “You and the rest of us, nitwit!”

“Got any stories to tell us Professor?” Lee asked, eagerly anticipating some amazing intergalactic police action.

Mihoshi scratched her head. “Well I did stop an intergalactic biker gang outside of Neptune from speeding, which they were very nice about!”

“Uh huh,” Lee said dejectedly.

“While you were all galavanting outside in the snow, I finished my randomization device! Truly one of my greatest inventions!” Washu laughed, cutting into Mihoshi’s story. She produced a small red box with an opening big enough for paper.

Ron rose an eyebrow. “I thought Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki were your greatest inventions?”

Washu got in his face. “Do you want to participate or not, binky boy?”

He turned a shade of pink. “Yes…”

“Swell! All right, write your name on a piece of paper and stick it into the machine! The rest will be easy!”

“Wait,” Sasami interjected. “I thought we were waiting for Minagi!”

“She hasn’t gotten here yet, but I know she’s on her way. Let’s just leave her aside for now. Still, anyone who’s joining in come right ahead!” Washu said.

The younger students and the Masaki houseguests wrote their names on various pieces of paper and parchment. Yosho, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and the Marauders declined to participate.

“You kids have fun. Somebody has to man the shrine,” Yosho told them, departing out into the snow, leaving the house to their fun.

As soon as all of the entries were placed into the machine, a cannon appeared at the top of the small box and started to make strange sounds.

“Oh no,” Ayeka worried. “This can’t be good.”

The cannon started shooting the parchments directly into the participants chests. Mrs. Weasley looked mortified but then directed her shock at Sirius, who was roaring with laughter. In the end, all of the Hogwarts students were knocked back on the ground, writhing in pain, except Luna, who seemed to have grabbed her paper before it could hit her.

Luna looked at her friends on the floor. “Well that was a thrill!”

“Ugh, damn it Washu,” Ryoko coughed weakly. “Why does everything you make have the capacity to kill us?!”

Washu groaned on the floor. “I wasn’t expecting it to be so powerful. My lungs…”

Ayeka looked up at Luna. “How…did you catch that?”

Luna shrugged. “Good reflexes I suppose. Hmm…” she said, reading her paper. “Simple enough to get a meaningful gift for.”

“Who’d you get Luna?” Ron weakly asked.

“That is between me and Father Christmas,” Luna replied.

“Wait a moment,” Ginny asked, getting up off the ground. “It’s so close to Christmas. Why haven’t we started decorating yet? Do you guys not do that?”

“We…we have to wait for the guests to arrive,” Tenchi said, catching his breath.

Molly rose an eyebrow. “You are going to fit MORE people in this house? My goodness! Who else could you possibly be waiting on?”

Sasami smiled. “You’ll see! They’ll probably get here tomorrow.”

*HPVFTS*

“SASAMI! AYEKA!” came the all too familiar voice of Misaki Jurai. “AND SIRIUS!”

Molly Weasley was taken back by the two new visitors that arrived at the house. It became readily apparent that this house would have to compete between two overly nurturing mothers.

“And who might you two be?” the darker haired woman asked Molly and Arthur.

“Arthur Weasley, and this is my wife Molly. We are Ron, the twins, and Ginny’s parents,” Mr. Weasley responded, reaching out his hand and shaking hers.

The woman smiled. “It is very nice to meet you. We met your children not too long ago at that lovely little village near the castle. My name is Funaho and the woman suffocating my dear niece is my sister Misaki.”

“Sirius, honey! Can you do it again? I love when he does this!” Misaki asked the last remaining Black.

Sirius sighed and winked at Harry while Remus was laughing to himself. He turned into his canine form and making Misaki’s day.

“Aww, he’s so cute!” she cooed.

“I must say, how can we fit so many people under one house comfortably?” Molly asked her husband.

Arthur shrugged. “Between magic and whatever doohickies that Washu girl has I am sure we can manage.”

“What’s this?” Misaki asked, looking around the house. “Why isn’t there any decorations out yet?”

“We were told to wait for you,” Hermione admitted. “But we are ready whenever you are!”

Misaki clapped her hands. “Then pass out the lights, bring out the tree, and let’s prepare for Santa!”

“Santa?” Ron asked.

“Father Christmas,” Luna told him.

“Ah.”

The group all started to get in the spirit of the season. The little Japanese house was being decorated from top to bottom. With Misaki at the lead, everybody was put to work. Ryoko left with Luna to pick out the perfect tree while the rest divided themselves up between stringing lights and putting up tinsel and garland.

Molly took out her wand and started to string up the ceiling. Suddenly, Misaki appeared beside her and grabbed her wand. “What are you doing with my wand!?”

“Now, now; you can’t take the easy way out! Let’s do it by hand! Here you go,” the Queen of Jurai said, giving back her wand while humming to herself.

Sirius, Lupin, Lee Jordan, and the Twins had taken it upon themselves to decorate the outside of the house. Of course, another snowball fight took place in minutes, though Misaki quickly got them back on task. In no time at all, the quintet finished their task and were singing “God Rest Ye Merry Hippogriff” at the top of their lungs to lure the others outside to see their work, much to the annoyance of Azaka and Kamidake.

By the time Ryoko and Luna returned with a tree three hours later, the interior of the house had been finished too. Ryoko looked tired and frustrated while Luna looked pleased with herself.

“What took you guys so long?” Tenchi asked the pair.

“We looked at EVERY damn tree on in the forrest! She wouldn’t let me pick a single tree!” Ryoko growled.

“Those trees didn’t want to become a Christmas tree. Father always says you must ask the tree if they wanted to become a Christmas tree before you chop it down. This tree wanted to be a part of our memories, those did not,” Luna simply stated.

“Whatever,” Ryoko defeatedly replied. “Let’s light this bad boy up!”

As the group started putting on lights and ornaments that Tenchi had brought from storage, the group listened to Hermione sing to herself. The girl didn’t even realize she was doing it, but nobody stopped her at Funaho’s request.

“Trim every blessed needle on the blessed Christmas tree! Christmas comes tomorrow; trim you; trim me! Trim up your pets with fuzzle wuz, and whiffer bloofs, and wuzzle wuz! Trim up your uncle and your aunt with yards of Who Font Flay!” she merrily sang. Then she stopped and looked around. “Did…did I do that out loud?”

Funaho smiled. “This time of year has always brought out song and dance, even 700 years ago. There is no need to be embarrassed.”

Mihoshi thought for a moment. “Hey, that sounds familiar…”

“Is that the song you sing with your parents from your Muggle Christmas movie?” Neville asked.

Hermione shook her head. “No, but it’s from the same special.”

Ayeka ran up to her. “Well, Hermione…why don’t you sing us that song? I think it’d be good to hear!”

“Why did you suddenly get so interested in the music Ayeka?” Ryoko asked.

The comment caused Ayeka to turn up her nose. “If you must know Miss Ryoko, I happen to LIKE Earth Christmas music!”

Ryoko rolled her eyes. “Sure you do.”

All eyes were on Hermione, who realized there was no getting out of it now. “Well…it’s a bit nonsensical but…Fah Who Foraze, Dah Who Doraze; Welcome Christmas come this way. Fah Who Foraze, Dah Who Doraze; Welcome Christmas: Christmas Day,” the young witch sang with a soul in her heart. It was clear there was some passion in her words.

But to her surprise, she didn’t sing the chorus alone. Another voice sang with her. “Welcome Christmas, Fah Who Rahmus, Welcome Christmas, Dah Who Dahmus. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp!”

Hermione was so shocked to see Mihoshi sing with her that she stopped right there. “Professor Kuramitsu?! You…you have seen ‘The Grinch?'”

“Of course! It comes on every December and they always play it right after ‘Yogi’s First Christmas’ but before ‘The Town Santa Forgot!'” Mihoshi replied.

“Mihoshi,” Sasami asked. “Why haven’t you ever watched it with us?”

Mihoshi shrugged. “You guys were always busy or sleeping.”

“I have to say Hermione, I didn’t understand half of that,” Fred admitted.

“You aren’t supposed to. It’s made up words! It’s based on a story by the American author Dr. Seuss,” Hermione responded.

“Oh, the fellow who wrote ‘The Butter Battle Book!’ Father read me that when I was younger!” Luna said.

Hermione stared at her. “For a girl who enjoys ‘Alice’ and nonsense in general, I’m surprised that’s the only Dr. Seuss book you ever read.”

“True. On the other hand, I’m surprised a person who values facts and reality in general holds such an author in as high regard as you do,” Luna retorted.

“Point taken.”

“Aww, you children are precious! Why don’t we start making Christmas cookies!” Misaki asked, leading the charge into the kitchen.

Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door. Sasami ran to it excitedly.

“Minagi is here!”

Truly it was a happy time for all in the Masaki house.

*HPVFTS*

The house continued to revel in the Christmas spirit with the appearance of Minagi. The space pirate seemed to enjoy being in the company of her friends and made new friends rather fast. The twins, in particular, took rather well to the identical pair of Ryoko and Minagi, despite their completely opposite personalities.

Sasami was probably the happiest of them all. Being the youngest one of the bunch (in regards to their natural ages, not by Earth standards), she was very happy to take place in the celebrations. She loved hearing about Wizarding Christmas from the Weasleys and a British Christmas from Hermionie.

But right now, Sasami had a serious thought on her mind.

“Mr. Weasley, would you be able to take me to Diagon Alley? I need some supplies for The Christmas dinner! It’s only two days away and so much to do!” Sasami asked.

“Well, I don’t see why not! I suppose this house isn’t connected to the Floo Network, so we would have to apparate. Is that okay with you?”

The blue haired girl nodded. “No problem! Thank you so much!”

“Molly, we’ll be back in a bit!” Arthur called to his wife, who was trying so hard to organize last minute decorations without her wand.

“Have fun dear! Be careful!”

The two held onto each other rightly and suddenly appeared right inside The Leaky Cauldron pub.

“Now Sasami, where would you like to start?” asked the Weasley patriarch.

“Actually…” Sasami shyly said. “I was wondering if we could go to where Neville’s parents are.”

“Merlin’s beard! Why would you…you pulled Neville’s name, didn’t you?” Arthur asked the girl.

She nodded solemnly.

Arthur put the pieces together in his head. “You know that it would take more to do what you are planning than it took to remove that horcrux from Harry, don’t you?”

Sasami adopted a weak smile. “I have to try!”

Though she was not his daughter, Arthur felt proud of the girl. Though she had only known his children and Neville for a short amount of time, she was willing to do anything for them. He made a mental note to tell Misaki that she had done a wonderful job parenting.

“Well, we have to go to St. Mungo’ Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. It’s a bit of a trek, but it shouldn’t be too bad. Are you up for it?”

The Jurain princess nodded and the pair moved out.

*HPVFTS*

“Santa really is a git!” Ron cried.

“Seriously Ron?” Harry asked. “It’s Father Christmas. He’s the jolliest guy around.”

“This is NOT Father Christmas! Father Christmas would not cancel Christmas because he thought the world didn’t care for him!”

“Please Ron! This is really intense!” Minagi cut in, wishing to watch the special.

Sasami and Mr. Weasley returned to the house joined together watching an oddly animated Christmas movie. It was of no surprise to anyone that Ryoko was enjoying a nice drink of sake.

“Sasami! Come sit beside me! We have been watching this most interesting story about how Santa Claus wanted a holiday! It is so sad to think about!” Misaki wailed.

Sasami caught eyes with her sister, who shrugged and rolled her eyes. She laughed and sat beside her mother, who gave her a big hug.

Arthur caught up with his wife on the other side of the room. “How was your trip dear?” she asked.

Arthur did not know how to respond to such a simple question. “It…was interesting Molly.”

“Oh? How so?”

“I really can’t say. I’m sure tomorrow will reveal everything. What did everybody do today while we were gone?” Mr. Weasley asked.

“Well, the Masaki boy took our children to some Muggle store to go buy Christmas presents. It seems that they will be taking Christmas morning rather seriously.”

“Molly,” said Arthur. “You have no idea how serious Christmas morning will be.”

*HPVFTS*

Hermione awoke rather groggily on Christmas morning. Something was wrong. She looked around and saw that the beds of her friends had been completely deserted. This troubled the young witch.

She slid open her door and listened downstairs for any sound. She didn’t hear anything. The tree was very nicely decorated and there looked to be some gifts scattered abound, but without anyone to share that special moment with, it all seemed pointless.

But suddenly, she heard a small sound. It sounded like it was coming from outside. Hermione grabbed her shoes and put them on outside. She ran toward the source of the sound, which seemed to be coming from the lake.

Hermione did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low…then it started to grow!

“Fah Who Foraze, Dah Who Doraze; Welcome Christmas come this way. Fah Who Foraze, Dah Who Doraze; Welcome Christmas: Christmas Day!” came the voices.

Hermione was shocked by what she saw. From Tenchi to Harry; Sirius to Yosho, Ryoko to Luna…they all were singing and swinging their arms in a circle around the Funaho tree, just like in “The Grinch.”

“This…this is wonderful!” she gasped, as tears streamed down her face.

“But this…this sound wasn’t sad. Why…this sound sounded glad! Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, were singing…without any presents at all!” a familiar voice spoke behind her.

“It couldn’t be…”

The witch swung around and ran toward her father and mother, who miraculously was here on Christmas Day! The trio hugged each other and in the hug, her father continued his memorization. “He hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming…it came! Somehow or other…it came just the same. And the Grinch with his Grinch feet ice cold in the snow stood puzzling and puzzling…” Mr. Granger said, motioning to Hermione to finish the Grinch’s lines.

“How could it be so?” Hermione choked between her tears. “It…it came without ribbons, it came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

Mrs. Granger smiled at her daughter. “He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore; then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

The joint collection of aliens, wizards, and humans stopped singing and shouted at the top of their lungs. “Welcome Christmas Hermione!” The twins lit off some fireworks they made that created images of Christmas trees and reindeer flying through the sky. It was truly a wondrous sight to behold.

“Mum…Dad! How…how did you get here?” Hermione cried, trying to compose herself.

“Well Hermione, your friend reached out to us and asked if we would spend the day with you. It seems one of your friends wanted to get you a special Christmas gift,” Mr. Granger told his daughter.

“Besides,” his wife added. “We’ve always wanted to visit Asia. It is a lovely place.”

“But who…?” Hermione asked, before her eyes landed on her own academic rival. “Washu!”

The pink haired scientist shook her finger. “I might have helped bring them here Hermione, but this wasn’t my gift to give.”

“If it wasn’t you…”

“Merry Christmas Hermione. I hope it is exactly what you wanted this year,” came the voice of Ayeka Jurai.

Hermione looked to her parents and to her friends. “Yes. Yes it was. Thank you Ayeka.”

*HPVFTS*

“A sake jug! Awesome!” Ryoko cheered as she opened up her gift. “George, you are a stand up guy!”

George came in for a high five. “Take a drink out of it. Fred and I were working on a special spell with you in mind.”

Ryoko took a long drink. “Wow, that’s some good sake! It doesn’t even feel full.” She looked in the jug. “Wait, this is empty!”

The red headed twin smiled. “It is our patented ‘sake-out-of-nowhere’ spell. This sake container siphons sake from every corner of the world and directs it directly to the jog when you drink. As long as there is sake to drink, you will get drunk.”

“See, this is why I love you guys! Not as much as I love Tenchi, but you are up there for Earthlings!” she laughed between drinks.

“And we love you Ryoko, even for a Slytherin!” Fred said, enjoying the intergalactic novelty joke items that Ryoko got for him after receiving from Lee a few packages. “George, we have to look into mass producing these for our shop.”

“A well thought out idea, brother!”

“‘The Producers?’ ‘Blazing Saddles?’ ‘Young Frankenstein?’ ‘Spaceballs?’ Hey, these are all comedies!” Fred exclaimed.

Lee smiled at his friend. “Indeed it is. I asked the Muggle shop owner what are some good comedy movies. He pointed me to that Mel Brooks fellow. I was drawn to these four. I figured we could have a laugh at school.”

“Another well thought idea, Lee! I hope you enjoy the free stuff from our private stock. I figured you’d appreciate it more than anything I could buy.”

Lee shrugged and smiled. “Hey, anything to pester Umbridge, am I right?”

The rest of the house was enjoying the morning celebrations. The gifts were all exchanged at once.

“We call these ‘omamori.’ Think of them as Japanese good luck totems,” Tenchi told Harry after he opened up his own gift from Hermione, which happened to be a new practice block for when he was training at Hogwarts.

“Thanks Tenchi! I hope I don’t need it. How do you like your gift Ron?” the boy who lived asked his best friend.

Ron broke down crying at the sight of his new broom. “Cripes mate, it’s beautiful! A Nimbus 2002! How do I make it up to you?”

“By enjoying Christmas with me, mate,” Harry smiled. His smile turned into a laugh he had to hide when he saw Ron’s gift for Washu.

“A…chemistry set. For Earth children. This…this is great! Thank you Ronald!” Washu smiled, hugging the red haired boy.

Nearby, Sasami showed her mother the new Wizarding cooking set Ginny gave her. “The bowl is self cleaning and has an internal time! I can’t wait to try it out later Ginny! Thank you!”

“Aww, Sasami that is so nice! Ginny, what did you get in your gift exchange?” Misaki asked the girl who she went over to embrace.

“Professor Kuramitsu gave me a series of buildings to make a Christmas village. It will look nice back home when we decorate next year,” she got out before getting embraced by an overly excited Jurain queen.

“And what about you Ayeka?” Funaho asked, laughing at her sister’s overzealousness.

The first princess of Jurai showed her aunt an intersting potted plant from Neville. “Its called a Mimbulus Mimbletonia apparently. Neville here is one of the best Herbologists at Hogwarts.”

Neville came over to the calmer queen. “Well, isn’t Jurai all about plants and trees? I would just watch out Ayeka, you have to treat it well or else it will attack you viciously in defense.”

This caused Ayeka to give a worried look at the plant. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you Neville.”

Suddenly, a loud cry came from a corner of the living area. Mihoshi started to wail after opening her gifts from Luna.

“Blimey, what did you get her Luna?” Ryoko asked the blonde haired girl.

“A few Muggle movies. They just looked interesting yet meaningful. I was looking for that “Sailor Moon’ show she wanted to teach us, but they still haven’t made English copies yet,” she mused.

Ryoko peered through the tears and saw she got a cartoon movie called “The Hobbit” and “Mary Poppins.” She shrugged, assuming they would be shown at school within a month, and went back to her sake.

Washu came over with her own gift to give. “Luna my dear, I do believe I have neglected to give you your gift. Merry Christmas.” She handed her housemate a wriggling box.

Luna opened it and was shocked by what she saw. It looked like a baby Crumple-Horned Snorkack. “This is a Ryuten Wood Shaver, commonly called a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. I had to search an entire forest for it, but I found it just the same!” Washu laughed.

The sight of the animal made Luna smile. “I think I will name you Dinah. Dinah the Snorkack! It fits, doesn’t it?”

Hermione laughed. “You couldn’t resist the ‘Alice’ naming theme, couldn’t you?”

Luna looked offended. “Actually, I once heard a Muggle song that had the line ‘Dinah, won’t you blow your horn?’ Appropriate for a Crumple-Horned Snorkack I believe.”

“See guys?” Washu asked anyone who would hear her. “She’s brilliant! I swear it!”

“*Ahem* If you are all done with your gifts, the adults have their own gifts to give, thank you very much,” Sirius coughed.

“Us too!” Misaki added. She pointed to an unearthly pile of gifts that she had brought in after the song. Mr. Granger was examining it, shocked by the large pile.

Ginny took the time to point to her mother. “Don’t forget about the ceremonial Weasley jumper!”

“A what?” Ryoko asked.

“A sweater,” Luna replied, playing with Dinah aimlessly.

“Mooney, prepare the crackers! Spread em out randomly!” laughed Padfoot.

Lupin, in his Christmas pajamas, happily handed out random poppers. “Don’t touch yet!” he told Ryoko, who was about to pull the string at the bottom.

“On the count of three! One…” Remus started before Sirius cut him off with his own popper. One by one, miniature explosions filled the house. Raining down from the roof, various candies and little toys filled the floor. In addition to the small treats, each popper included an ornament that suited each person. Harry had a snitch, Hermione a book, Ron a chess piece, Ginny a broom, Fred a joy buzzer, George a whoopee cushion, Lee a joker card, Neville a plant, Luna a tea cup, Tenchi a wooden sword, Ryoko a sake jug, Ayeka a crown, Sasami a frying pan, Mihoshi a police badge, Minagi a metal sword (they had gotten to know the space pirate well enough in the past few days to make her a gift too), and Washu a dunce cap much to her amusement. Sirius gave his own gifts to Miskai and Funaho, while Remus gave Katshuito a gift for his hospitality.

The gift giving continued well into the morning with all of the families joining together as one. Sasami prepared coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for everybody to drink. She kept looking at the clock, which was set to the England time zone for Neville’s sake, waiting for her own surprise to take place. Surprisingly, nobody noticed that there was one amongst their number who did not receive a gift.

Finally, it was 11:30 A.M. and Sasami rushed over to Mr. Weasley. Whispering to the man, he nodded and the two moved over to Neville, who was fooling around with one of Fred and George’s inventions.

“Neville, it’s almost time for you to see your parents. I figured I would apparate with you if you would like,” Sasami asked him. Neville gave her a look.

“I mean, I suppose if you wanted to, but I don’t know if you would want to come in,” he replied, giving a fake smile.

Sasami returned it with a real one. “I’ll just come as support! I still have to give you your Christmas gift! It’s in England anyway…”

“What…OH! I didn’t even realize that I didn’t get a gift.”

“It’s no problem Neville, really!”

Neville eyed her up and sighed. “I can’t dissuade you from coming, can I?”

“Nope.”

“Bollocks.”

*HPVFTS*

Neville, Sasami, and Mr. Weasley walked down the corridor of the Spell Damage ward of St. Mungo’s. Neville looked incredibly sullen, like the light of the morning had been sucked away. Sasami noted that this was clearly a hard place for Neville to be in.

“You okay?” she asked, nudging his shoulder.

He nodded lightly. “It’s preparing yourself that’s the hardest. You know that it is there, but it is hard to accept it.”

Mr. Weasley patted him on the back. “Neville, your parents would be very proud of the young man you have become. Don’t worry about seeing them like this; rather, think about how lucky you are to see them at all.”

“That’s what Gran used to tell me.”

“And that’s what I will keep telling you Neville!” came the voice of Augusta Longbottom from the end of the hall. She had clearly been waiting for the boy to arrive. “Happy Christmas. Thank you for bringing him Arthur. It is nice to see you again.” The elderly witch looked at the blue haired girl and rose an eyebrow. “And who might you be, young lady?”

Sasami bowed. “My name is Sasami Jurai. Merry Christmas to you Mrs. Longbottom.”

Augusta, recognizing the name, pulled out a letter from her giant purse. “The same Sasami who sent this letter to Neville? Interesting.”

Reaching for the letter, Neville got confused. It was dated from a few days prior and had an instruction on it: “Do not open until you visit your parents.”

Staring at his friend, Neville struggled for words. “I…I don’t understand.”

“Just open it inside! I think your parents would like to see their son open a Christmas gift this year,” she smiled, looking to Mr. Weasley.

He nodded to the Longbottoms and motioned for Sasami to follow him. “Come on, let’s let them be.”

The pair left, leaving the Longbottoms alone to walk into the room. Neville walked into the room, leaving his emotions behind, ready to see his parents again for the holidays. It was not that Neville did not wish to see them, but it was a hard burden to carry for a young man of fifteen.

In the bed in front of him lay Alice and Frank Longbottom, his parents. They both looked a bit out of it, but Neville could tell that they were happy to see them. He had no solid proof that his parents could recognize their son, but the thought comforted him.

“Happy Christmas son! Happy Christmas Alice! Look who I brought to share the holiday with?” Augusta told the pair as she gave each of them a hug. She motioned to Neville. His mother got up and went to hug the boy. Neville accepted it with open arms.

“Hello Mum. Hello Dad. Happy Christmas,” said Neville. His mom, noticing the letter, pointed to it repeatedly. This was not lost on Augusta.

“Neville, it looks like your mom wants you to open the letter. A nice little gift might be what we are needing, right Frank?” she smiled. Neville noted that she only seemed to smile here anymore.

He showed the letter to his father, who also made a motion to open the letter. Unaccustomed to seeing his parents act this way, Neville was curious as to why this letter was so important to them.

Ripping the letter open, he looked at a note scribbled on the top. It said “Read me out loud!” Neville started to scan the letter and proceeded to read it to his family. It said:

“Hello Neville,

Merry Christmas to you both! As you can see, I picked your name in the Secret Santa and I really wanted to make this a Christmas that you would remember for the rest of your life. I was hoping to be able to do something more lasting, but I would like to give you ten minutes of pure happiness. I want you to enjoy and make the most of them!

Merry Christmas,

Sasami *And Ryo-Ohki too!*”

The Longbottoms exchanged confused glances.”What does she mean by ‘happiness?'” Augusta asked her grandson.

“I have no idea.”

Suddenly, a glowing blue light filled the room. The familiar visage of Tsunami appeared overhead and looked down on the quartet of wizards. She smiled and regarded them. “Happy holidays my friends. I am known as Tsunami, as Neville has learned recently. Sasami has told me of the horrors your family has faced, and I find it appalling.”

Augusta made a motion to speak, but Neville gestured to let the woman continue her speech. “The two of us visited here not too long ago to see if there was anything that I could do to help, but without altering the very fabric of our universe, I am afraid I am unable to do anything permanent. But I can offer you this instead: ten minutes. Ten minutes of clarity for your parents; for your son and daughter in law. This is all my powers can do for you. I am so sorry I cannot do anything more. I ask this of you both: would this be too painful for you to come back from?”

There was silence for a moment. Neither Longbottom moved until Neville felt a hand on his shoulder. It was his mother, smiling and nodding. Looking his mother in the eyes, he resolved to keep strong and with all of his might, he gave a resounding nod. “I…I want this Gran. They want it. I want them to see their son with their own eyes.”

“You know that they will lose all clarity soon,” Tsunami warned. “Are you willing to accept that pain?”

“I am. If Mum and Dad can take anything away from this; if they can hold onto a single happy memory from today, it is worth it,” Neville responded. He turned to Augusta. “I want this Gran; not just for me, but for them.”

She put a hand to her heart, tears sliding down her face. “You have grown Neville Longbottom. I am proud to call you my grandson. You trust this woman?” Augusta added, not yet familiar with the people Neville had become acquainted with this past year.

“With my life.”

Tsunami cast a light that engulfed Frank and Alice Longbottom. The wizard and witch blinked several times and stared at each other.

“Hello Frank,” Alice told her husband.

Frank returned her smile. “Hello Alice.” He looked to the other people in the room. “Hello mum. And bless my soul, Neville, you look great! Come over here and give your old man a hug.”

Neville was momentarily shocked. This was the first time in his whole life that he heard his parents talk to him. A wave of emotions overcame the boy as he ran over to his father and gave him a giant hug.

“Happy Christmas Dad! Mum! I love you!” he cried, grasping both as hard as he could.

“Happy Christmas son.”

*HPVFTS*

“I hope everything is going okay in there,” Sasami fretted. Though she knew that Tsunami had done the deed, she did not wish to invade the Longbottom’s privacy.

Mr. Weasley put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure everything is going better than anyone could have imagined. You gave Neville and his grandmother a gift that can never be replicated.”

“What…what if they regret having to see their family go back into…into madness?” Sasami whispered.

“You gave them the option Sasami. It all boils down to whether the guilt of knowing you had the chance to do this and passed it up overpowers the pain of having to see them suffer again. You are an incredibly mature young girl for your age,” Arthur added, looking grimly out the window at the falling snow.

She laughed. “Well, I AM over two hundred years old.”

Arthur blinked. “Are you now? Fascinating!”

Sasami started to laugh before she adopted an odd look. Her headmark began to glow and, after a moment, she blinked and said “They are coming.”

The two Longbottoms made their way out of the room. A proud woman, it was shocking for Arthur to see Augusta being held by Neville with tears in her eyes. The woman looked at Sasami and gave her a giant hug.

“Thank you…thank you for letting me talk to my boy again,” she sobbed.

Neville held to her tightly. “It’s okay Gran. Sasami, I…” he started before he was stopped by Sasami. She flashed her teeth and smiled.

“Merry Christmas Neville!”

“Happy Christmas Sasami.”

Augusta composed herself and regarded Mr. Weasley. “Well Arthur, I believe you know the way to Japan. I must admit I have never been to there. Would you be able to apparate us all together? I do not wish to be late for what I am sure is a great Christmas dinner.”

Mr. Weasley motioned to the end of the hallway. “I think we all can manage. I just hope that my boys haven’t blown the house up yet.”

“Honestly Mr. Weasley, I’d be more concerned with Ayeka and Ryoko,” Neville laughed, color returning to his face.

The group left St. Mungo’s in happy place. Though they do not know it, Alice and Frank Longbottom smiled at the happy memory they now shared; a shining light left by Tsunami in a fog of darkness.

“I assume the destroyed house with the snake bones pinned to the fallen door is our target?” asked Sirius Black to the gifted scientist Yume.

She looked at her device and nodded. “Boy, your Dark Wizard sure likes to keep his motif in mind when he does anything, doesn’t he?”

“The only thing our ‘Dark Wizard’ keeps in mind is how to murder us all,” Alastair Moody barked. “Right now we need to focus. You-Know-Who could have an army of Death Eaters inside waiting to kill us. Remember: constant vigilance!”

Yume turned to Tonks. “Is he always this dramatic and paranoid?”

“Actually,” Tonks laughed. “This is him on a good day.”

Moody shot her a death glare that would make an Avada Kedarva proud. “Damn girl, this isn’t a joke! Keep your head in the game Nymphadora! Don’t get too lax!”

“Dont. Call me. Nymphadora!” she flared.

“I’ll do damn well what I want. You: alien warrior; why don’t you enter first? You would probably have the best chance to combat whatever dark forces might be inside there without serious injury,” Moody ordered Hishima.

Yume regarded the auror and sighed. “Look, this is going to be a long and arduous journey if you don’t knock this trust crap off!”

“I’ve lived my life not trusting anyone girlie; get used to it. You have to EARN it like everyone else!” he barked as he got in her face.

Lupin got between the two before they had a full on duel. “Now please! Dumbledore wouldn’t have trusted her with this task, Moody, if he didn’t believe in her!”

“The man’s TOO trusting! Aliens from space…when Voldemort is dead I’ll give you lot my trust. Until then, I’ve got my eye on you.”

“Well children,” Sirius cut in. “I believe our friend Hishima has already entered the shack. Shall we join him or continue yelling about trust?”

Moody gave him a look. “You let him get out of your sight?! Black, you have to think! Wands out; let’s survey the damage.”

The group entered the house one by one. The shack seemed to be destroyed and deteriorated long ago; a thick layer of dust surrounded every corner of the remaining living room. The wizards each had a wand at the ready while Yume fiddled with her invention.

“Yume, what does the scanner say?” Tonks asked, pointing at the small device she was playing with.

“It appears to be under a floor board. Hishima, I would check toward the fireplace. The strongest reading is coming from there.”

Hishima nodded and made his way to the remnants of the fireplace. He started ripping up floorboards at random, searching for whatever small object Voldemort placed his soul into.

“I don’t see anything! Do we have a stronger reading Master Yume?” he asked. Yume shook her head.

“This is as best as we can do for now. On the bright side I don’t detect any living creatures in this shack. Does that calm your nerves?” she asked, looking at Moody.

“My nerves won’t be calmed until every Death Eater and Voldemort are dead. Oh…and when Earth is just for Earthlings again.”

“Are you really going to do this now?” Tonks asked. “I mean, we are about to destroy a horcrux with these people Moody!”

“It doesn’t bother me,” Yume interjected. “I’m not staying on this planet. I have teaching back at the Galactic Academy to do. It’s Washu and the others that I would watch out for.”

Moody rose his eyebrow and was about to counter her statement when Hishima motioned for the group to come to his position. “I think we found it.”

“It” proved to be a golden box containing an equally golden ring with a large jewel in the setting. An odd marking appeared on the actual stone, but none of the Wizards paid it any attention.

Yume pulled out her sword. “Okay Hishima…put down the box and let me destroy it.”

Hishima paid her no attention. He stared at the ring and looked like he was going to put it on.

“Hold on you fool! There may be a curse on it!” Moody cried. He ran over and knocked the ring to the floor. “If you put that on you, you might have died!”

“Thank…thank you Alastair Moody. It was so…powerful,” Hishima whispered, shaken to his core.

“Stand aside and let me do the job!” Moody yelled, taking the sword from Yume and stabbing the ring. The ring cried out in pain and expelled a black puff of smoke as it cracked. The fury in Yume’s eyes needed to be seen to be believed.

“Is it dead?” Remus asked, poking the ring with his wand.

Sirius looked at his friend. “You just asked if a ring was dead Mooney. God I love you.”

“It’s a fair question!”

“Sure it is.”

Yume looked furious and grabbed her sword back. “Never. Touch. My. Sword. Again. “

“Enough chatting!” Moody ordered. “We did the deed, now let’s get to Gringotts and get the other horcrux.”

“But we don’t have a plan!” Tonks protested. “What are we going to do?”

“Make it up as we go along?” Yume suggested, still bitter at the old man.

Moody nodded. “Make it up as we go along.”

*HPVFTS*

The group of wizards and aliens stared at the bank. Of course, since Sirius was a wanted criminal he had to keep the form of a dog in order to cast off suspicion. This did not stop the various wizards in Diagon Alley to stare at a six foot five cloaked man and the famous Mad Eye Moody.

“So Miss Martian, what can your doo-hickey tell us? Do we know where in this bank the horcrux is?”

Yume regarded her data. “From what it seems I can pinpoint the coordinates underground, but we have no means of accessing it. How do you people get into this bank?”

“Well typically, you just ask the goblins to enter your vault and they take you…but breaking in is nigh impossible!” Lupin argued.

“Nothing is impossible Lupin. Improbable perhaps. But impossible? Unlikely. Is there any way of knowing who’s vault it is based on the coordinates?” she asked.

Moody laughed. “Not bloody likely. You would need to know somebody who works here and even then, it’s damn near impossible.”

“What do goblins look like?” Hishima asked.

Tonks motioned toward the floor. “Small, ugly creatures. You would know one if you saw him.”

“Give me half a moment.”

Hishima walked inside the building. Lupin and Tonks looked flabbergasted. “What the hell is he doing?! He’ll blow this whole thing!”

In less than a minute he returned carrying a goblin. “Will this do?” He set the struggling goblin down in an alley nearby. Yume ran after him, motioning for the group to stay where they were.

“What in the name of Merlin are those idiots doing?!”

Lupin started to panic, looking from side to side. “This was a bad idea. We should have come in with a plan!”

“Well what would you have done Lupin?! Marched right in and take the place over…oh wait that’s what it looks like these fools are doing!”

After another minute, Yume and Hishima returned, fiddling with her device. They waved goodbye to the goblin, who looked dazed.

“All right, I think we have what we need,” Yume calmly said.

“What. Did. You. Do?” Moody freaked out.

The alien sighed, unfazed by the growling man. “Hishima quickly brought out a goblin and I probed his mind. I have access to methods more powerful than your memory charms. I ended up gathering enough data to determine the name of the individual who owns the vault. Following that I wiped his memory and made it seem like he went out to deliver something a wizard left.”

The casual way she described this cause Lupin to blink. “I…I have no idea what to say to that.”

“That was way too easy. This has all been way too easy,” Moody muttered.

“Easy for a genius like me!” Yume proclaimed. “Now comes the hard part. According to the information gathered from that goblin I’d say the owner of the vault in question is either one Reginald Lester or a Bellatrix Lestrange. I’m honestly not sure where to go from here.”

The dog that was Sirius started barking loudly. Yume looked to the dog and to the startled looks on the wizards’ faces. “Oh do you know one of them?”

“I might have known! Your aunt always fancied herself to be You-Know-Who’s most loyal follower, Nymphadora. I guess she might have not been exaggerating if he entrusted her with a horcrux!” Moody cursed.

Yume looked from Moody to Tonks. “So you are related by blood? Can we use that at all to our advantage?”

Tonks considered it. “Well I can always try to change my appearance to match her. That might get us into the bank but the Thief’s Downfall would alert the goblins that I was not the genuine article.”

“Change your appearance? You are a shapeshifter?”

“Well technically I’m a Metamorphmagus, but it’s the same thing,” Tonks smiled.

This prompted Yume to start thinking about possible ways to get in to the bank without too much detection. “Alright, I think this can work. Tonks, you and I will go into the bank and get as far as we can. I can take it from there. Once we are down in the depths of the bank it shouldn’t be too hard to pinpoint it.”

“Master Yume, if all you require is to actually get into the bank, do you need to get into the vault in question specifically? Do any of you have a Gringotts account?” Hishima asked.

The wizards looked at him. “Well of course we do! This is the only bank in all of Wizarding Britain!” Moody roared.

“Really? That seems kind of…regardless; Hishima, your idea has merit. It would be safer than trying to deal with the whole ‘Thief’s Downfall’ thing you were mentioning before. Who’s coming with me?” Yume asked.

Moody threw the girl a cloak of some kind and motioned to the bank. “I’m coming girlie. Put this on; it’s an invisibility cloak. We don’t want you to arise more suspicion then you already do.”

“Gosh Mad Eye, I didn’t know you cared.”

*HPVFTS*

Yume clutched the invisibility cloak tightly and stayed behind Moody and the elf that was leading them to the vault. They had mounted a handcart and were racing toward their destination. Underneath the cloak, Yume checked her tracking device. ‘The horcrux itself is not that far from here. If I were to jump now, I should be able to find my way to the vault and carefully make my way inside.’

Throwing caution in the wind, the scientist jumped off the cart and gracefully landed in a deep stance. Following the trace, she made her way down for what seemed like hours as far as she could until she noticed a most interesting sight:

A dragon.

‘This might make things harder…but think of the pure data! Based on the logistics, it stands to reason that the beast is near blind to light. If I needed to, I suppose I could create an artificial suns rays…focus Yume. I just need to get into the vault and forget about the dragon…if that is what it is…” Yume thought to herself.

Quietly, she slunk around the goblins who were working around the dragon. She could tell that the creature sensed her presence but it seemed that the goblins were ignoring the signs. It seemed that it was being used more for intimidation rather than practicality. As long at it did not start viscously attack in her direction, Yume believed that she could actually pull this thing off.

Beyond the dragon was the vault that she was searching for. It appeared to require some magical spell to open it, so Yume summoned her computer and began to type furiously.

“So if I am able to shuffle this to here and open this hole here I might be able to…” she muttered to herself. Finally, the door opened and revealed its contents to the alien woman.

The vault was filled with an odd assortment of items. Besides the plethora of gold coins, several pieces of armor and animal skins called this place home. Yume had no idea which of these things would be the object she desired but given her experience with this sort of material before she knew not to touch anything at all. Thankfully, she was rather well off as Galactic Academy professors were paid rather handsomely for their services, so she had no need for Earth gold.

“Let’s see what I’m looking for…” said Yume, staring at her device. All signs pointed toward a small goblet that rested toward the middle of the room. “Hmm…a cup. How quaint. I should be safe if I merely stab it with the Hizen. There might be a curse on it like with the locket or the ring.”

She made her way to the cup and observed her surroundings. There did not appear to be any traps, but looks could be deceiving. Yume carefully took out the blade and thrust it toward the cup, using all of her abilities to only hit it’s target.

At once, the cup exploded with another fury of wind. The wind started to blow the coins around the vault. One after another, the coins started to multiply.

“I was not anticipating this! How the hell do I get out of here?!” she cursed.

The doorway started to fade from view, replaced with a wall of gold. Thinking fast, Yume started to type on her computer.

“I need to open a subspace tunnel! Come on…come on!”

Finally, a doorway appeared. To Yume’s dismay it was placed in the over piling amount of gold. Rushing toward it, the woman jumped into the gold.

The agony each coin brought was immense. Each coin burned like one of Ryoko’s energy blasts striking her skin. Yume fought through the pain and stretched her hand for the subspace door she created.

Then she fell into darkness.

*HPVFTS*

The light was bright and pounding.

Yume’s eyes fluttered open. As her vision began to clear, she looked around. Was this subspace? How long was she out for?

“Wotcher Yume! You’re finally awake!” the familiar voice of Tonks rang around her.

Weakly, Yume tried to stand up, but found that she couldn’t. “Where…where am I?”

“Mad Eye’s house. It was the closest place to Gringotts and he had some potions on hand that probably saved your life.”

“My life? How…how did I get here?”

The clanking of a walking stick answered her. Yume was now wide awake. The forms of Sirius, Moody, Lupin, and Hishima surrounded her.

“Hmph, the idiot is alive. Welcome back you stupid girl!” Moody grunted.

Hishima knelt beside her. “Master Yume, are you alright? We were very worried that the injuries you sustained were going to be too much.”

Yume examined herself. Though there were countless cuts and bruises all over her, she had to admit that she was feeling much better. Still, she was not fully healed yet and, as such, was still feeling a little weak.

“The last thing I remember is the cup. I stabbed it and destroyed the horcrux, but it caused a chain reaction where all of the gold in the vault multiplied in an infinite loop. I created a subspace door to get out but to escape I had to dive into the scolding gold…” Yume explained aloud.

Lupin scratched his head. “Well after Mad Eye here came back hollering that he had no idea where you were, you suddenly appeared in one of those doors you were just mentioning. I guess you had enough strength to figure out where we were before you passed out.”

“You could have told me what you were doing! There was absolutely no reason why you couldn’t have told me!” Moody told her, causing Yume to blush.

“I apologize Moody. I agree, I was foolish. But how did I get back here?” Yume asked herself. “Hmm…I probably linked to Hishima’s energy signature and opened a door there. How long was I out?”

“Two weeks…maybe three. You were very badly burned. Thankfully Moody here has Healer Grade potions that Snivellus wishes he could have,” Sirius answered.

Yume turned to Alastair. “Thank you Moody. I owe my life to you.”

Moody turned away. “Well make something of it! Now that you are awake we can figure out where this last Horcrux is so we can kick you off this planet!”

“Hand me my tracker,” she said. Hishima handed her the tracker and she began to examine it. “Here, the horcrux is on the move. It looks like it’s in London…”

“That’s where the Ministry of Magic is!” cried Tonks, looking at the tracking device. “What is a horcrux doing in the Ministry?”

“Isn’t Arthur stationed in the Ministry tonight?” Remus said worryingly. “Guarding the…”

“Quiet you fool! That’s secret Order business!” Moody growled. “But you’re right. Voldemort is making a move at the Ministry. Sirius, you are of no use here. Go back to Molly and keep her calm. The rest of us, we need to move!”

Sirius sighed. “That makes sense. Mooney, when you save Arthur’s ass, meet us at the Masaki place. We promised Misaki and Funaho that we’d bring the kids there for break. If Arthur is already there, Molly will have less to argue about.”

“Fine Sirius. See you soon old friend,” Remus smiled.

Moody cleared his throat. “Are you two done yet? Shall I prepare some wine and bring out some tissues? No? Then pick up the pace!”

*HPVFTS*

“What’s so important about this hallway?” Yume asked Moody as they patrolled the Ministry. Both Yume and Hishima were wearing their cloaks and if anyone was questioning their presence they did not make it known.

“Voldemort is after something in this hallway. I can’t go into it any further or else Mad Eye will curse me,” Tonks joked. Moody responded with his now trademark growl.

“What does your device tell us about the horcrux?” Remus asked. “Are we getting closer?”

“Shh! We are entering the Department of Mysteries! Arthur should be through that door and so should the horcrux. Wands out and stay focused! Keep that sword of yours handy, girl!” Moody barked.

Yume raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so you aren’t going to steal it from me again?”

“Maybe I will if I see that you are too weak for the job.”

The sound of slithering became apparent to the group and they rushed the hallway. Suddenly, the shriek of a man was heard as well.

“Was that a snake?” Yume asked.

“Damn it, whatever it is, it found Arthur! Give it everything you have got! We have to stop it before it kills him!” Moody yelled.

The wizards started to shoot aimlessly down the hallway, trying to distract the snake away from Arthur Weasley. The tactic seemed to have worked, as the snake made its way away from the red headed man who had fallen to the floor. Thankfully, he did not seem to be attacked but was merely stunned with fear.

Moody had taken the lead and drew the snake toward him. Spell after spell was fired at it, but it did not seem to work. “Damn…damn it! The snake is the horcrux! The spells aren’t working!”

“Moody, you have the best position! Catch!” the alien woman yelled, throwing the sword in the air.

“Accio sword!” Moody bellowed, bringing the Hizen blade to his hand. In one, swift stroke, he beheaded the large snake. It seemed to cry out in agony as it died, but in the end it collapsed lifelessly to the floor.

Panting, the wizened auror slumped to the floor. “Why did you throw the sword to me girl? What if you missed? We all could have been dead!”

“I figured I had owed you one. Better for you to have killed the snake than an alien like me,” Yume responded back.

Moody regarded her and nodded. “For a self-proclaimed genius, you take a lot of risks.”

“Science is full of risks, Mad Eye.”

The man on the floor began to stir. The bespectacled red head rose up, grabbing his head and looking around. “Mad Eye? Remus? Tonks? How did you get here?”

“We were tracking the snake Arthur. How’s your head? Are you okay?” Lupin asked the man, giving him the one over.

“I’m fine. Almost had a heart attack though. I thought I was going to end up in St. Mungo’s for sure! I owe you all my life! Oh!” Mr. Weasley said, looking at the unfamiliar people in the group. “I must admit you have me at a loss.”

Moody pointed to Hishima. “The big one is Hishima, the runt is Yume. They aren’t from around here, but are helping Dumbledore out.”

Arthur shook their hands. “Well thank you all the same!”

By now a portrait that had been blank moments ago was filled with the picture of an older man. Moody seemed to recognize him immediately. “Professor Everard! Did Dumbledore send for you?”

The picture nodded. “The Potter boy just told us that Arthur Weasley was being attacked by the Dark Lord’s snake. What happened here?”

“We got to the snake first. Tell Dumbledore I’ll debrief him in an hour at the usual place.”

“Oh Professor!” Lupin added. “Tell Dumbledore Arthur is okay and I am bringing him to Japan so he can celebrate the holiday with his children!”

Arthur turned sharply. “I am?”

“You are.”

“Now that you mention it, I do recall getting owls from the kids telling us about their new friends from Japan…oh well, I love a good adventure! Is Molly going?” Arthur added hastily, not wishing to forget his best friend.

“Sirius will probably bring her and the kids over,” Remus replied.

“I’ll relay the message,” the painting nodded, leaving to go back to its frame back at Hogwarts.

“Well Moody, I guess this is where we say goodbye,” Yume stated and she shrugged her shoulders. “Odds are you’ll never see me again.”

“Good riddance.”

She extended a hand to the man. Moody regarded it, paused, and slowly brought his to hers. “You’ve earned it, girlie. Now get off my planet.”

Tonks started to pretend to cry. “This is the most touching moment of my life! I am so glad to be witnessing this historic event!”

“One more word out of you Nymphadora and I’ll tell your mother how fond of your first name you’ve gotten,” the old man retorted.

She folded her arms and gave out a “Hrmph.”

Remus looked over to her, and gave her an odd smile. “Would you like to join us? I mean, it’s not my place to invite you…but…”

“Sorry Mooney, my mom and dad have claimed me for Christmas. Try again for New Years,” she winked and waved farewell to Hishima and Yume.

Lupin sighed. “Oh well, it was worth a shot. Are you lot ready?”

*HPVFTS*

Alastair Moody entered the Hogs Head pub in Diagon Alley and surveyed the place. It seemed to be rather empty, except for the barkeep and a goat. Moody raised an eyebrow. “They let you keep a goat in here Aberforth?”

“Maybe they do. Maybe they don’t. I wouldn’t be asking questions Moody. You wouldn’t want to keep him waiting,” the barkeep responded. He pointed upstairs. “He’s been there for about a half hour now.”

“Joy,” Moody muttered. He gave Aberforth a nod and made his way upstairs to meet Albus Dumbledore, who was waiting with a drink in hand.

“Ah Alastair, I would have gotten you something, but I know you wouldn’t accept it. How have you been?” Dumbledore asked, rising to greet the man.

“I’m tired Albus. I’ve been doing nonstop traveling for about a month now. What started as a babysitting job ended up being a damn hunt for trinkets and snakes!”

“Trinkets? I am afraid I do not follow.”

Moody took a drink from his hip flask. “Does the name ‘Yume’ ring a bell?”

Very rarely did Albus Dumbledore give away a look of surprise, but this was one of those moments. “How did you…?”

“Molly Weasley, surprisingly enough. She expected Black and Lupin were going to go on some damn idealistic crusade while she was away from Grimmuald Place. She asked Tonks and I to keep an eye on them. Little did we know we were being swept up with aliens and horcruxes!” Moody spoke in low tones.

“I see. So what happened? What was the outcome?” Dumbledore asked his friend.

“We got em. There was a ring, a locket, a cup, and the damn snake. I think a few others were taken care of before we got involved though. Regardless, I didn’t ask you here to talk about horcruxes. No, I get that. What I don’t get is how you came to know aliens and how I don’t trust most of them!”

Dumbledore sighed. “Now Alistair, I have never met the Yume girl in person but I have it on good authority that she would have been an invaluable asset. I met them over four years ago and have been in contact with them since.”

“That’s all well and good, but there is something that doesn’t sit right with me. There was a dark force in Japan, where those aliens lived. I felt something in that damn cave I didn’t like,” Moody elaborated. “I think there is something going on that you need to be prepared for Dumbledore. The girl and her helper may be leaving, but I would keep my eye on the others Dumbledore.”

“The girl?” Albus questioned.

“Yume. She…she did okay in the end,” Mad Eye admitted. “But she had to earn that trust with her blood. Keep me in the loop Dumbledore. This will escalate fast whether you accept it or not.”

Dumbledore nodded grimly. “I have already sent Harry and his friends back to Headquarters where they are no doubt on their way to Japan. Events are in motion now that are becoming too hard to predict. I must admit that I have no idea what is to come.”

“Will you stop being so damn cryptic? It’s nauseating!”

Dumbledore ignored the comment and stared out the window at the falling snow. ‘I fear for you Harry. You are still so young to be facing these horrors. I only hope Washu can assist you for what lies ahead.”