Chapter I
"Albus, are you sure this is the right choice?" the elderly woman with bottle green robe and wide-rimmed hat asks one of two of his companion, an ancient looking man, whose hair and beard were very long and very white.
There are three of them, walking briskly from the immigration office of Japan Ministry of Magic to the nearest magic cab service.
“It is always the right choice, Minerva," that should be Albus Dumbledore, the ancient looking man. "To help where we can. At the moment, Hogwarts is the only place that can offer him a safe place to heal.”
“Why not CLAMP campus? Didn’t they say it is the most heavily protected place in the world even more than Hogwarts?” the dark haired man, the third of the three, who looks much more younger than the other two, inquires with certain undertone. He is Severus Snape.
The three of them are actually heading to the aforementioned CLAMP campus. Arguably the most sophisticated academy for magically inclined children and young adult. Perhaps, it is the only academy in the world that provides safehouses for very young wizards that have been denied guardianship by their non-wizarding relatives, besides university and professional courses. It is a very young insitution; the Japanese wizarding pureblood families prefer to educate their children and adopted children under their respective ancestral houses and complexes, to learn specialized skills.
But the Imonoyama family wanted to offer wider opportunities for young wizards to be part of global wizard communities, with generalized education. They also open their door for the so-called squibs and non-magical relatives of magical children to learn more and acclimatize themselves with the wizarding world. It is a very important work that Nokoru Imonoyama spearheads; a job that unfortunately only those who have great influence and limitless resources could do.
“Mr. Imonoyama and his compatriots worry that the incident has traumatized Mr. Shirou greatly. . He was catatonic for a while… and they think, and I agree, that Shirou needs to be far away from Japan for a while.”
"Even with all the political maneuvers from Fudge and the Dark Lord's supporters?" sneers Severus Snape.
Dumbledore heaves a sigh at that. "Nobody will dare to bother Kamui Shirou, Severus. They will keep their distance from him. Beside being the last of the Magami clan, he is also the Kamui. the whole world prefers to have him living a peaceful and optimistic life as much as possible.. "
Both Severus and Minerva give a displease expression at that.
It is not like the three of them do not want this Kamui Shirou to not have a peaceful and optimistic life. It is just that everyone, no matter how they try to deny it, know that the person whose name is Kamui, the only one left of Magami clan, is not destined for such life.
The Magical and Wizarding Community across the World, has been paying a careful attention for Kamui Shirou since his mother, Toru Magami, gave birth to him. Oracles and Seers have prophesied his fate since centuries. When he and his mother disappeared from the radar about a decade ago, everyone waited with baited birth for some signs. When the sun rises from the east, they took a relieved breathe. They didn’t worry, then; the boy’s mother was a very powerful wizard. Nobody in this world dared to even dream of harming a strand of her hair.
After all, Toru Magami’s life was tied up with the Earth itself. There was no place on Earth more safe than under her care.
When Toru Magami died several months ago, by apparently, self-combusting in front of his only son, almost everyone with enough magical power felt the shockwave. It started a countdown that nobody in this world ever wanted to start.
The International Confederation of Wizard immediately converged. They discussed for days about how Kamui Shirou has resurfaced; Kamui Shirou has lost the protection of Toru Magami; Kamui Shirou needed to be taken under some sort of guardianship so he could be guided.
But the Japan Magic Community, who has been preparing for this happenstance for decades, worked very fast to collect the boy and put him with a group of chosen heirs of some of Japanese pureblood clans.
While ICW went on for days making decision about to whom should Kamui Shirou go to for protection, guidance, and guardianship, things moved on so fast in Tokyo. Too fast, that the next thing the old Dumbledore knew, was arriving in Tokyo to watch the aftermath of a senseless destruction, where he witnessed Kamui Shirou with an iron pole staked through his palm, being held up on a concrete, bleeding through those palm.
He also witnessed Kamui Shirou ripped his hands of that pole to run to the corpse of a girl, gathered the severed head of that corpse, and gently cradled it on his bleeding palm. The group of people who should have been with the boy, arrived in time to collect him. They were aghast.
The attack has been unexpected, they told Dumbledore and the other wizards from ICW. Kamui should have been save with his childhood friends: Fuuma Monou and his younger sister, Kotori. Nobody Sees that Fuuma, of all people, would be revealed as the Kamui's Twin Star.
Fuuma Monou destroyed a whole section of the city, caused death for dozens of people, violently attacked Kamui Shirou, and murdered his own sister.
Dumbledore stayed a while to help the Japanese to restore order and talk more with related people. He went to visit Kamui Shirou, safely ensconced in the CLAMP Academy Hospital.
They put the boy in the hospital's private wing, heavily fortified to protect him from another attack. No one was allowed to see the boy, except for the certain people, and Dumbledore was not part of them. However, he was able to talk to Subaru Sumeragi, the heir to Sumeragi clan and the highly esteemed Nokoru Imonoyama.
While very young compared to himself, Subaru Sumeragi has a powerful presence and mannerism that Dumbledore respects. They have met several times in ICW meetings. The Sumeragi heir doesnt really do magic like most European wizards do, but his skills and knowledges about protective magic is unrivalled. His specialized skill, influence, and maturity, was one of the reason why he has been chosen to be Kamui Shirou's companion.
"Kamui-kun..." the Sumeragi has trailed of. "Fuuma and Kotori were his precious people. What happened has almost destroyed him that he retreated into himself. I don't think anyone will be able to relate to his experience, Professor. You and I, we are people who knowingly befriend someone who choose to forge the path of darkness. But..."
Apparently, the change in Fuuma Monou's behavior, from someone who saw himself as an older brother responsible for Kamui Shirou and Kotori's safety, to someone who foresake that an attack in order to destroy Kamui's psyche, happened at a glance.
"They said Fuuma is Kamui's Twin Star," Subaru Sumeragi continued while messaging the bridge of his nose. "Fuuma became like that, because Kamui made his choice. Now, Kamui regrets making that choice. He believes that Fuuma became 'evil' because of him. Unfortunately, this is not completely wrong... Kamui bears a very heavy burden. Because of who he is, all his choices will have great consequences. He still has not processed what happened. It doesn't help us at all, that the late Magami-san had kept everything secret from Kamui, with the misguided attempt to give him something like a normal life. If it is any other children... but this is Kamui," Sumeragi stared at Dumbledore with a helplessness in his expression. "Kamui is... Kamui..."
Dumbledore didn't know what to say to that. While he was thinking on what platitude he could give them, Nokoru Imonoyama added his part.
“We don’t think his mind will be able to bear being in Tokyo for a moment longer, Albus-san. I have almost limitless resources in my hand, but Kamui needs a place to heal, and all the clan heads have different opinions about different countries, but they all agree to trust you in this. After all, you have successfully nurtured and protected Harry Potter."
The Imonoyama Heir was never restless or nervous, but at that time his gestures showed something almost like that. He crossed his arms on his lower back, and turned to the view of the falling sakura petals. He sighed.
“Albus-san, at this moment, the Minister has received so many missives from so many different countries, regalling why it is better for Kamui to be under their respective protection rather than staying in Tokyo. You and I know that it hasn’t come from the goodness of their heart, and not with Kamui’s best interest. But to be fair to them, who has Kamui Shirou’s best interest? With the death of the last Magami… nobody. Even me, I took him under my protection to protect this Earth.”
The three of them went into morose silence.
And so it was decided that Imonoyama would inform ICW that the Imonoyama clan would take Kamui Shirou under their protection, and therefore would send him to Dumbledore so he would have a place to recover under Dumbledore's watchful supervision.
“Kamui-kun is not going alone,” the Sumeragi heir informed Dumbledore. “And while I cannot accompany him for the length of his stay, I will visit him regulary. However, we will have Yuzuriha Nekoi to be Kamui-kun’s companion in Scotland. They are of the same age, and we believe that she will help him a lot."
It has taken a month of correspondence between Japan and British Ministry of Magic to arrange the transfer of Kamui Shirou. During that month, Dumbledore decided to give all of his focus to make the arrangement as smooth as possible. It helped that it gave him an excuse of his avoidance for Harry Potter related matters.
Despite the fact the the respective ministries are involved in the arrangement, Kamui Shirou and his companions, because of their very unique presence and status, are of the interest of ICW. While ICW does not have the authority to make an individual wizard or witch do anything, they have the power to pressure wizarding governments to do or not do something. So, one thing that the ICW has emphasized is that Kamui Shirou is not to be involved in the dispute between Fudge's government and Harry Potter's supporter, regarding the return of Voldemort.
Unbreakable Vows were than made between the two sides that the Ministry of Magic will not interfere in Dumbledore's appointed role as Kamui Shirou and co's chaperone, and Dumbledore will not influence them to support him and therefore, Harry Potter. Both sides agree to keep Voldemort related matter away from the Japanese, and to keep Kamui Shirou's purpose (of existence) as obscure as it already has been.
Now, Albus Dumbledore is going back to the CLAMP Academy with his trusted subordinates from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Heads of Houses, Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall. They are going to visit the safehouse Imonoyama has given for Kamui Shirou and his companions so they can bring Kamui Shirou to England with them.
The safehouse that Nokoru Imonoyama has put Kamui Shirou and his companions in is situated in a neighborhood not unlike Privet Drive, although it seems to cater to richer families. The street is quite and empty, with rows of white concrete fence, and tree tops that tower over the fence, giving coverage for the pedestrian from the glare of the sun.
Dumbledore's cab is the only car that goes through the street, even though it is obviously a street that allows car to pas through. The cab goes to a stop in a corner of the street. A woman stands in that corner.
She is a very beautiful woman. Her short red hair frames her lidded brown eyes, she smiles at the two wizards and a witch who get out of the cab charmingly. She wears a set of muggle clothing; a suit jacket and knee length skirt that accentuates her curves, a couple of very high heels. Despite her ordinary outfits, in a crowded area, her beauty might attract more attention from passerbys compare to the three who wear wizard robes.
"Professor Dumbledore!" She greets the ancient looking wizard brightly; her voice is deep and mature--naturally seductive. She offers a hand that Dumbledore shakes good naturely. "I am Karen Kasumi, but please.. call me Karen."
"Ms. Karen," Dumbledore genially answers, "It is a pleasure. These are Professors, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape. Head of Houses at Hogwarts."
Karen's eyes shift to the Dumbledore's two companions. The old woman gives her a tight smile and a brief nod, while the black haired man just nods at her stiffly. Karen smiles at them warmly, it is always nice to meet people who dont really react to her appearance.
"Pleasure to meet you too... Subaru-kun and Imonoyama-san have explained to us their plan. Unfortunately, both of them are being called for meeting at the Ministry, so there is only me, the adult on standby. Please follow me," Karen turns gracefully and walks for a few meter to one of the gates on the street. Dumbledore and others follow her a few steps behind.
The safehouse seems so ordinary. It is painted white, except for the windows and doors that have been painted in dark brown color. It is a nice house with tidy garden.
After entering the house, Karen brings them to the dining room where the dining tablet that can seat 10 people are situated.
"Please sit," she tells them. "Arashi-kun will bring our drink shortly. We would have received you at the living room, but here will feel more comfortable for us all. We dont have any main here," she smiles at them. "None of us feel comfortable with more strangers."
"Ah, we dont mind, Ms. Karen," Minerva McGonagall offers her own smile, warmer than before.
At that moment, a young woman who seems to be in her late teen, came out of a door with a tray of teapot and cups. While she gives a different vibe from Karen, she is no less beautiful. Her long dark hair and calm expression makes her look like a Japanese doll. She moves gracefully in her sailor school uniform.
"This here is Arashi-kun," Karen introduces her to the guests. "Arashi-kun is the one who has protected Kamui since he first reappears in Tokyo." Arashi inclines her head, but her black eyes watch them coldly, her beautiful face is expressionless. She doesnt seem to be happy to see them
"I am going back to my room, Karen-san," she speaks softly. "Pleasure to meet you."
Then she leaves the room.
"Forgive her," Karen says after Arashi has completely deserted the room. "She is understandably upset that she wont be going with Kamui-kun. All her life, her goal is to protect Kamui. So to be told to stay in Tokyo while Kamui will leave with Yuzuriha to England? She accepts it, but she is not happy."
"Then, why cannot she go as well to Hogwarts? She is in high school here, isnt she?" McGonagall asks curiously. "We certainly can accomodate up to five students, as Professor Dumbledore here has certainly informed you."
Karen smiles at McGonagall kindly, "Ah, please. Let us drink our tea first, while it is hot."
"Of course," says Dumbledore taking a cup nearest to them, while the other two follow his example. He takes a sip, then puts the cup back to its saucer. His blue eyes observes Karen's expression carefully, who didnt take her drink, and instead is watching her teacup with melancholy. "I understand that there are 4 people here who are of the appropriate age to be Hogwarts' students. I have offered Sumeragi-san allocated 4 students quota, but in the end, it is decided to only send 2 people."
Karen sighs and lifts her chin to face the guests. She offers a smile that seems sad, but also determined. "We cannot have only 3 people keeping the stability of Tokyo barrier," she tells them. "Even Kamui refused to go, initially. But he is unwell, unstable, and it is more dangerous to have him stay here with such condition, rather than having him leave Tokyo completely."
"But.. is it really necessary to have school children be responsible for that?" McGonagall asks, baffled. "Cannot you have the heads of clans handle it while these children complete their education?"
"Professor," Karen gently starts. "According to our standard, we all have finished our education. And besides, our role here is not given based on our education. We are preordained. We have dreamed about this destiny since we were nothing but small children. That is why, despite our age, we have skills that eclipse those of clan heads. As much as we want to, not clan heads can replace us in this position. We have been prepared long before this. That matter about prophecy and destiny, I am certain you understand it too.."
The three professors are silenced with that. They remember the fifteen years old boy in England whom they keep out of loop.
"Except for Kamui-kun," Karen continues. "Kamui-kun is still developing his skills. Before... his power is like a beacon for everyone of us--it tugs into our very being. But now, it lays dormant.. it is muted. It is as if it has been..." Karen trails of.
"Sealed," Dumbledore adds in.
"Sealed by the other Kamui?" asks a man's voice with sharp tone. Karen's eyes shift to the man's black eyes, Severus Snape talks for the first time.
"No..," Karen answers. "When Kamui-kun first recovered from the.. disaster area,"-- Snape scoffs at that, she just gives him a bland but not unkind smile--"He went into a catatonic state. He was completely unresponsive, and his power even refuse to answer to anyone. Subaru-san then decided to enter Kamui-kun mindscape."
"Legilimency?" Snape asks curiously.
"Something very similar," answers Karen mysteriously. "Sumeragi-san successfully convinced Kamui-kun to come back to us. He seems to recover nicely, then. He interacts with us as if nothing is wrong. He is a sweet boy, actually, if not prone to temper. Before this, Arashi-kun tells us that Kamui-kun's temper tended to manifest through show of power. But after.. after. It just doesnt."
"He learned to control it, then?"
Karen shakes his head. "No.. he sealed it completely.. subconciously.. "
"Sealed it!?" exclaims McGonagall. "How? Why? Magical children cannot just seal their power! It is..."
"A traumatic reaction," says Dumbledore calmly.
"It is," confirms Karen. "Kamui believes that Fuuma Monou ascension and Kotori Monou death are related to his manifesting power as Kamui.."
"But it is--" interjects McGonagall.
"Unfortunately, the truth of the matter," cuts Karen. "When he... he sealed his power, hoping that it can somehow stopped the Other Kamui from further ascending. But it is too late," Karen shrugs elegantly. "Now, Kamui is completely unable to access his power."
"So that is why your heads of clan agree to send him to Europe?" asks Snape. "I have wondered about it since Dumbledore told us. To send someone as powerful as that? It is uncharacteristic of Japanese Wizarding Ruling Clans. You see use of wands as lesser form of magic, now you are hoping that The Kamui can be taught to channel his power through such conduits.. so he can access it and control it," Snape sneers at Karen smugly.
"Ah,," Karen smiles at him. "I cannot deny that, Professor. But for the seven of us who know the kind of burden that has been destined for Kamui-kun? We just want him to still be able to think of this Earth as something worth protecting. We want him to find other... more people that he can relate to. People that will not alienate him for what he is.. who can be his friends and add more precious people to his life." Karen morosely stares at her untouched cup of tea. "People that we want to protect..." she murmurs, "because if he loses himself..."
The three professors trade glances between them.
Suddenly, there is some noises from the front of the house. A girl's laugh rings through the house, causing Karen to sit straigher. Her countenance seems more uplifted, her melancholy leaves her.
"That is Yuzuriha Nekoi," she quietly states, for her guests. "Always the one who brings cheer wherever she goes."
"We're home!" the same girl's voice calls out from the front.
"We're in the dining room!" Karen calls back.
There are two footsteps that can be heard, walking through the wooden floor of the house heading to the dining room.
The three wizards and witch wait in anticipation, curious about the kind of students that they are supposed to host in their esteemed school.
It doesn't take long for the two young teens to arrive at the dining room.
"Karen-san! Listen--" the girl cuts herself of. She observes the four people around the dining table in surprise. The boy just behind her looks just as surprise as he also watches them.
"Nekoi-chan, Kamui-kun," Karen addresses them gently and encouragingly. "There are Professor Albus Dumbledore, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Professor Severus Snape, from Hogwarts."
TBC