Wraith

“My Dazai, you’ve barely even come to chat recently. Something have you busy?” Dazai knew this would happen when he was called to Mori’s office. A brand-new dress, black with white rustic frills that fell to his knees, hung off his frame it was meant to be for a younger girl but fit him well enough.

He took a sharp intake of air, it was the first time they had the chance to meet all summer, his new duties as executive keeping him preoccupied. It was the first time they had met in what was now officially Mori’s office. “Yeah. It’s your fault anyway, can’t I just stay doing what I’m doing?" He was being stretched thin in his attempt to carry on executive tasks while having to prepare for the upcoming school year.

"I will barely have time to do any executive duties in Hogwarts.” He complained easily, it was true at Hogwarts his knowlege of the normal world was drastically low as his only source was an owl and those can never be as wuick as a text.

Mori slyly chucked, the one that made Dazai want to puke, “Oh Shu-Dazai are you really so foolish to believe that I would send my newest executive somewhere so far away?” He knew it was likely a coy, something to simply make him tense unwillingly. It had succeeded too.

“Stupid old man. It would be even more ‘foolish’ to waste the new opportunity given by Dumbledores death.”

“That so?”

Dazai stuck his foot out in a hopeful display of insubordination however it was swiftly dodged. “I have a meeting with Lucius in a week or so. You shall accompany me.” Finally, he had cut to the chase.

It was curious. The first meeting official meeting that Mori would be attendance, he had shmoozed at the Malfoy ball and briefly spoken with Dumbledore and Snape but had yet to plan a formal meeting. Curious, Dumbledore must have had more sway in the wizarding world then forementioned.

Dazai internally hoped that Lucius had learnt his previous mistake and would leave Draco and Narcissa at home. Dazai would just die if Draco had to actually talk to Mori.

“Yes, sir.”

Mori clasped his hands together as he closed his eyes in a grin, “Good. Now give us a spin.”

----

Dazai held a lack of injuries uncommon in his recent life. They had been so busy, Mori having to rally the groups of people questioning his authority to take over the Port Mafia, and Dazai establishing trades across Japan that he had avoided punishment the entire summer break. It also meant that he had yet to write any letters to anyone from Hogwarts.

Mori sat opposite him, holding an aged bourbon one of the flight attendants had served him and was watching him closely. Dazai paid it no mind, busying himself my staring at the small wing of the jet and the clouds as they travelled to London.

“Now Dazai, as an executive you will have to conduct yourself in a manor befitting of one of my underlings. You will call me ‘Boss’ or ‘Sir’ for the juration of our time in London.”

“Of course, Boss.”

The line in Mori forehead become more pronounced, “Now you will also have to behave similarly at Hogwarts, act like an extension of me. If those little friends of yours serve no purpose,” Moris voice turned cold, “Abandon them.”

Jerkily Dazai nodded his head. He understood, his friends- subordinates- where a weakness of his. He hated to admit it, but he missed them, he wanted to talk to Blaise, but he knew the darkness in him would hurt him as well. They had killed someone together last year and Dazai doesn’t want him to become as unrecognisably human as himself.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence, save for Mori’s obnoxious doting on Elise. Dazai spent his time staring out the window, the sky had turned grey, it was eery, but it was no bother.

He was looking forward to the following week in which Hogwarts would reopen for the student. He wondered if they would blame him for dumbledores death, but surely not. Society believed him to be a demon but still a child and no child would kill such a powerful man. 

The jet skidded across the floor, pausing to a stop after a minute or so. Mori was back at staring at him. it was unnerving but nothing Dazai had not entertained before.

“Rintaro! Rintaro!” Elise cried as she grabbed onto his arm. “Look, its London!” They took the steps out the jet as the Heathrow staff surrounded them, escorting them to the VIP lounge. Mori was a man of class and Dazai found he liked to employ the use of his wealth to establish himself.

A limousine was waiting out front for them, their bags had already been taken to the car however with new bags filled with liquor, cigarettes and plush toys their hands were full.

The driver, a polite man with a white moustache and black suit opened the door pre-empting their arrival at the vehicle.

“My Dazai, I must say London is quite fantastic.” Mori intertwined his hands; he looked as if he where scheming.

“You’ve been here before.”

Mori merely chuckled. “Well, how long are you staying anyway?” Dazai felt the question tumble from his lips, it held an edge he hoped Mori would not recognise as annoyance.

Mori’s eyes crinkled, “Oh Dazai, so you wish us to leave already? Quite rude I would say.” Of course, Mori would recognise his reluctance to spend any more time than necessary with him.

A miniscule smile played at the doctor’s lips, his white gloved hands busing themselves with finding the new back of cigarettes he had purchased. “We will be wishing you off to Hogwarts this year, my boy.”

Scratching agitated at his arm, Dazai cast his eyes into Mori’s violet. They glimmered and shined, a swirling emotion dancing through them. Annoying, slimy doctor. “Fine. Where shall we be staying, the Leaky Caudron?”

Dazai hoped to see Tom again, it had been a year since he stayed at the establishment and despite the annoying time he had enjoyed the tranquillity. It was also the gateway to the wizarding world which would provide easy access to meeting Lucious.

Barking out a laugh, Mori wiped dramatically at his eye with the hand not occupied by a cigarette. Dazai was sure that smoking was not permitted but refused to be the one to inform Mori, who likely already knew and did not care.

“Dazai, you have a sense of humour.” He took a drag allowing the smoke to fill the air, Dazai covered his mouth and nose with his coat sleeve in an attempt to avoid the foul odour.

He waved his hand around the limo, the disguising smoke incorporating itself into the otherwise normal air like a tumour growing in a skull. “No, no. The very idea itself is a bit daft; are you sure those subordinates of yours are not messing with your head? Children are quite impressionable.”

Rolling his eyes Dazai turned away instead looking toward the London scenery, he had little time to visit the place during his previous stays but by the sound of its Mori would be here a while and likely to tour Elise around. He would certainly get dragged alone, for someone who could get vanquished at his touch she sure did enjoy his company.

Elegantly the driver stopped the car, allowing them to exit, pulling their belonging with them, Dazai had significantly more as he had packed for his stay at Hogwarts simultaneously. He had instructed Featherbrain to deliver some letters he had written and thus only carried her empty cage.

They had arrived at a large, almost mountainous, hotel. It had a sign placed high and a canopy protecting them from any rain that may fall. As they entered Dazai looked around, there was one exit- the entrance they had just come from- but loads of hallways that presumably lead to different hotel rooms. He monitored the people who passed by, they all wore similar attire to mori and himself, smart dress suits.

Mori led the talking, walking to the front desk and telling them of his booking. They were instructed easily to their room, in which stood one king sized bed. It was horrible, Dazai felt his blood go cold as he realised either he would sleep on the floor, or he would share a bed with Mori. Was this a new mind game? Mori demonstrating his control?

The room itself was nice and large, other than a bed there stood a cushioned seat at the end of the bed as well as two big armchairs next to a crystal lamp. The room was horribly light, with cream walls and matching décor throughout the place. Finally, the bathroom contained both a bath and a shower. It obviously had the toilet and contained all the different hair products you could ever want, most of which Dazai could not name.

As it turned out Mori did want to share a bed, it was all very predictable and horrible all the same, but he did not dare complain, Mori had been in a foul mood as problems back in Yokohama rose and dropped.

It was time to meet the eldest Malfoy before Dazai could even blink, the time blended with him often being dragged around like a puppet to different places in London for food or just to look. Really, what was so good about this place? It was just as dull as Yokohama, but the weather was even worse. It was so dull.

Finishing shining his shoes, Mori cleared his throat. “Dazai this year your mission is to ear as many loyal subordinates as possible.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, yes, I am aware it contradicts my usual feelings about those wizarding friends you fraternise with, however you are not to be their friends. Merely a leader.” Mori explained. They were driving, quite slowly, through the streets of London. They were to meet outside Gringotts, like he had that year ago. Furthermore, Mori and Elise would be aiding in him finding all his equipment for the new year.

“Of course. I am to assume you want all range of years and houses.” With a hum of approval Dazai allowed his mind to wonder. He was wearing his Hogwarts uniform with his coat draped over instead of his mandated cloak, his wand sat in his left pocket while his knife was situated in his sock.

Now down to business. Dazai would need to gain the trust of the student body, currently he was feared however despite it being a powerful motivator in the normal-muggle world it did not work quite the same at Hogwarts as the students out a lot of trust into the teachers. Hopeful some big event would villainise someone else. It was likely that they would blame Dumbledores death on the boss of the Deatheaters- or whatever they are called- however it is likely he would still be blamed all the same, as abetting the man. What to do?

Dazai would have to start by finding the reaction to the tragedy and gauge his next action accordingly.

Upon arrival Dazai could confidently say, he had missed the world of magic. It was still an infeasible concept that a whole world such as this one was hidden so carelessly and yet he had never heard of it.

The Leaky Cauldron was identical to the last time he was here, even down to the patrons sitting on the floor. Tom had given his usual warm welcome as a result of the ringing of the bell at the door. “Good morning! Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron!” He looked up from the paper he had been reading and his face sparked with recognition.

“Ah Dazai, have you come for another room?” He glanced at Mori and Elise, “Maybe one of our three bed rooms?”

“That is not necessary this time Tom. We are just passing through.” He waved his gloved hand easily.

Tom seemed to appraise Mori before nodding his head. “Would you like the Daily Prophet? Free of charge of course.” Dazai nodded and took it from him looking over the article.

They made their way out the back, Dazai waving his hand in goodbye as he did so. The headliner was about some prisoner escaping, he flipped the page getting to what he wanted. It read, Hogwarts, Under new command? Professor McGonagall has been appointed the new Headmistress of Hogwarts, school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. This new change of command has led with new regulations to be in place, including several anti-bullying campaigns…

Dazai couldn’t help but feel he had something to do with that particular rule change. It seemed that Rita Skeeter was done chancing the Demon Student story and had moved onto something new, good. That would be beneficial to his mission. Of course that didn’t mean all newspapers had, however it could be assumed most did.

“What has you so interested, Dazai?” Mori piped up, causing Dazai’s mood to sour.

“A new Headmistress has been selected for Hogwarts as a result several new rules have been introduced.”

“It is good for the cause?” Dazai only hummed in acknowledgement. “Good, ensure it gets done Dazai.” Of course, Dazai was already planning ways of using this to his advantage. However, for now he just tucked the paper into his inside pocket and made to open the door to Diagon Alley.

He took his wand out, careful inputting the code to open the wall. Elise watched on with wide eyes as the wall moved and rearranged itself to allow them to pass. He just looked on with a bored eye.

“Welcome to Diagon Alley, sir.” He introduced as he led them to Gringotts. It was still ten minutes until they had to arrive, but it is better to be early.

The streets bustled with students and parents alike, it was a few days until school started again so the people were finishing their shopping. Dazai had his list in the same pocket he had placed the Daily Prophet into, fortunately some of the basics he had from the year previous and would not have to rebuy.

They only had to wait for several seconds before Lucius appeared, looking particularly irritated to be second to arrive. Dazai waited for the younger Malfoy to come trailing, but he did not. Good.

“Ah Lucius, nice to meet you once again.” Mori simply said, he made no move to shake the others hand or anything of the sort.

“Yes.” Lucius nose was turned up as he replied, obvious contempt on his face. “About that. I’m sure you can understand but with the recent return of the Dark Lord, you may excuse any.. reservations the Malfoy family has about your.. organisation.”

Mori plastered on his nicest smile. Dazai stood there like some sort of watch dog, simply staring at the other man. “And why would that be, Lucius?” Mori spoke with a friendly air.

“Well, with the death of Dumbledore at the hands of The Dark One your organisation holds little merit to the us wizards.”

“Oh? And what makes you call my subordinate that?”

“Call him what?” Lucious asks with a certain glint in his eye that Dazai had recognised as disbelief, despite this his facial expressions made no twitch.

“Why I am sure you are implying that the killer of Dumbledore as the Dark One, no?” Mori looked particularly smug, like the slimy doctor he is.

“Yes.” Lucius was clearly sceptical of where this conversation was leading.

Mori moved his gloved hand, drawing attention to Dazai at his side. “Well, Dazai here was the one to do the job.” Mori revealed it simply, a smile growing on his face.

“Is that so. And how am I to believe that a boy could accomplish such a thing?” Dazai understood the silent prompt Mori had given him, so he stepped forward.

Dazai watched as all attention turned onto him. “You work for the Ministry, so I am sure you are aware that he died of a hole to the head, severing his brain and causing his heart to stop.” He did not wait for any affirmation, “That particular wound is caused by a muggle weapon called a gun, it causes a piece of pointed metal to move quicker then sound and penetrate the target.”

Upon finishing his explanation Dazai stepped back until he was only slightly stood in front of Mori. Mori placed a hand on his shoulder as he began talking once more. “With that cleared up I am to believe we have the Malfoy backing or should I find my affiliation elsewhere?”

While said like a question Dazai understood the hidden threat, and by the look of it so did Lucius. Perfect, his mind was not completely corrupt with his pure blood propaganda. “That will not be necessary.”

“Perfect!” Mori clasped his hands together as he turned his back to Malfoy, Dazai did not do the same, continuing to stare at the man. “Now do excuse us, but little Dazai here has to purchase his school supplies for the upcoming year. You should expect a visit from me this following week.”

They left Lucius after that. His face had taken on an ugly shade of red, Dazai could not identify from which emotion from, but it was quite amusing all the same.

They headed to Flourish an Blotts Bookseller, he hoped this trip would go better than the year previous. It seemed as he could now do spells he was back onto the basic curriculum, he needed several specialise books including some he found quite to sound quite fascinating: The Monster Book of Monsters, another about beasts and where they are found, The Dark Forces; A Guide to Self-Protection and so on.

As he gave Mori the list to go and acquire the ones on the left side of the store, Dazai headed right. He looked over the shelves, occasionally picking up a book and placing it in his arms when he found a book he recognised as the one that snape had on potions. Upon a moment of thought he added it to his pile before turning to try and find Mori once more.

As Dazai tried to look over the shelves to see the doctor’s distinct black hair he saw something even more remarkable. He weaved through the dangerous piles of book towards the back of the store. He could hear chatter and laughing from the other side of the bookshelf. He turned the corner to be greeted with a group of people all supporting bright ginger hear; the Weasley’s!

He clears his throat, and the group turns.

“Snakey!”

“Dazai!”

He waved, “Hello. Am I to always think you are stalking me, or do we keep meeting here by coincidence?” He allowed a playful smirk to pull at his lips.

It quickly disappeared when the twins stood on either side of him and picked him up by the arms “Um, what are you two doing?” Dazai looked around weirdly, he wasn’t used to being this tall.

“You promised to write to us this summer.”

“Yeah, plus you are way to light! You need to eat more! Isn’t that right Fred?”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself!”

Dazai looked around to see Mori staring at him, his head tilted to the side, and he began to walk over. “Okay, I’m sorry, just put me down!” He flailed slightly in the air, but the twins didn’t let up. They continued to hold him until someone spoke from behind the three of them.

“And who exactly is holding my son by his arms?” Mori questioned, a deceptive smile hiding the disgust he felt as the two boys put Dazai down.

The three of them turned, and Dazai smoothed over his coat, setting his facial expression. Just as he opened his mouth to respond Elise ran over, “Rintaro, don’t bully Dazai’s friends!”

“I’m sorry Elise, I was just concerned someone was picking on him!” He cried as Elise huffed dramatically, Dazai could hear him making promises of new dresses and sweets from where he had crouched on the floor.

“Oh, is this your father, Dazai?” Hermione piped up from her place next to Ron.

“Yes, this is my.. father, Mori.” He raised his voice slightly to draw Mori’s attention away from Elise. “And Sir, these are some of my subordinates, the Weasley twins and Hermione Granger.” He introduced coldly.

“I see, a pleasure.” Mori looked over the group with careful eyes, “I must say Dazai you act quite adorably around them, well we must be off.”

Mori turned tail and walked towards the counter, Dazai and Elise following alike.

“Blimey, Dazai’s father sure is terrifying!” Ron called slightly hidden by Hermione’s.

“I’m sure that he is no match for the pranks we could pull, Ronniekins.” The twins speak in unison however they have an etch to their brows, and their face is contorted into something that is becoming more common when they are with Dazai: concern.

----

The train to Hogwarts is loud, it huffs and squeals however even that is almost drowned out by the roar of student readying themselves to leave their families. Dazai has already left Mori and Elise behind, sprouting some half-truth that he wanted to find an empty place to sit.

So far, this year had been significantly better than the start of last, no one was avoiding him or screaming because he walked near. He was almost convinced he would get him own cart however this delusion was quickly corrected when the emptiest one he could find had a man sat in the corner.

He could not make any of his features out however he had a tan coat covering his form and, on the overhead, spacing he had a small, bettered suitcase. There was a piece of straw-like string wrapped around it several times and tied into a knot. On the hard leather was a name stamped. Professor R. J. Lupin.

At some point, Dazai had read in the Daily Prophet that he was the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. It was comedic that Snape- whom he knew to be pining after the job since he applied to Hogwarts- was once again chosen by some man who had never taught before.

Dazai was tempted to try and dissuade the passenger from remaining in the cart however if the man was a teacher- and presumably better then Lockhart- he would not scurry away from a student.

With a sigh, Dazai took his seat. It was the loneliest he had been on the train to Hogwarts, normally he would have his friends or at least Featherbrain to accompany him but this time he was alone, with some new weird teacher. Fantastic.

He took out Advanced Potion-Making and flicked to page 117- where he had got to when he spent the train ride with Snape. This one was about a potion that aloud you to turn into any other human.

He read the book for ten or so minutes before he heard a quiet knock at the door. Hermione then walked in, Blaise following shortly behind her.