Introduction to Muggle Studies by Yagami Light

[July 18, 2004 ]

Everything was well and normal when Light was at the British Ministry of Magic. The people were pleasant, all documents were processed quickly and Light was ushered out with his papers in less than 30 minutes. Light had expected it. Quidditch World Cup was just around the corner and immigration officers were far too busy to pay attention to each and every arrival.

It was when Light stepped out of the Ministry and took in the view of Diagon Alley that he felt a headache incoming. His first thought was, Sayu would have loved this. His second? This seemed like fantasy land. Someone took Willy Wonka's wonderland, converted it into a magical version and put it smack dab in the middle of London.

People walked around in dresses from the Victorian era, robes were involved, pointed hats, colorful levitating banners and brooms, advertisements about cauldrons and Potions. You name it as included in a typical witch-y folk tale, they have it. On one hand, Light did like this scene. It was proof of magic, how different he now was from other normal humans, of there still being wonder in this rotten world. On the other....

These people were insane. Their magical community was in the center of UK's capital, separated only by what Sato told him was an anti-muggle charm and a run down pub, and they went around this street like it was medieval fair and magic was going out of style. Mahoutokoro and Japan's magical community was in the middle of an isolated volcanic island and no one went around wearing floating kimonos or yukatas. Nor have children blatantly fly around on brooms.

So just why?

Common sense in Wizarding Britain, Light concluded, was not so common. And here he had thought McGonagall dressed the way she did because she was there for official reasons. Turns out, she was dressed fashionably for her home town. Ryuk's laughter came from behind him.

"Well?" The Shinigami asked. "How do you like your new home?" Light was tempted to answer him. Very tempted. But outside Japan, Possessed Humans weren't very common and Britain's last case was in the 17th century thereabouts. If Light started answering Ryuk in the middle of the street, then he'd be sent to St. Mungo's faster than he could say 'schizophrenic'. It would take a while to kick the habit he'd formed of answering Ryuk freely at Mahoutokoro.

Light settled for a sigh and started walking through the crowd. His destination was the Leaky Cauldron, the most popular Wizarding Pub in Britain and also the gateway between their Muggle and Magical districts. If Light had to get used to Britain as fast as possible in 12 days, then he had to stay in the middle of everything. 

Finding the Leaky Cauldron was not difficult. All Light had to do was ask people along the way and they would point out the way. He spent his time walking looking at the various shops, trying to memorize the layout and ignoring Ryuk. Ryuk wanted apples. There didn't seem to be a grocery store anywhere in Diagon Alley. Light would have to probably go into Muggle London for that.

There was a faint jingle from a bell overhead as Light opened the door of the pub. Inside was over-crowded. And pushy everywhere. Light observed the seething mass of people with a grimace before starting to push his way through. In Japan, Light's body language would have had the crowd parting for him like the Red Sea. Here, it didn't. In fact, these people seemed to take it as sign that Light needed to be pushed around even more.

It took him fifteen minutes to reach the bar. There was a middle aged old man dressed smartly attending over there.

"Hello," Light said and barely suppressed his reaction at the badly accented English. Light really needed to observe more, listen more, and get rid of his accent as soon as possible. Immersion was the answer. Light only had a week for it. 

"Hello," the man replied blandly. "What do you want?" Light wanted to frown at the rudeness. Instead, he put on his polite smile and decided to be just as direct.

"A room and board." The man frowned. Light added hurriedly. "Till the first only." The man relaxed.

"Yes, that works," The man nodded. "We're booked full from the first onwards. Quidditch World Cup." Light nodded in understanding. He knew he was lucky Hogwarts opened for staff housing from first of August because otherwise, everything would have been booked full and Light would have to stay in Muggle London. That would have been inconvenient.

"I'm Tom," the man said and gestured for Light to follow him. Light did. Another man entered from a door behind the bar, taking Tom's place. "Breakfast is complimentary with the room." Light nodded as they walked from outside the common area to a less crowded corridor. "You're new here? Can't place your accent."

"Mahoutokoro," Light answered as short as possible. "I'm the new Muggle Studies Professor at Hogwarts." Tom looked back to him in surprise.

"You're very far from home then. Just for a job?" Tom asked and Light tilted his head in thought. What business was it of this virtual stranger to know about Light's new job and reasons for moving? None, that was what. But Light still needed to observe and learn more and if this guy wanted to be friendly and become his new supply of information, then who was Light to deny.

"New place, more opportunities, less competition," Light shrugged and smiled, "You know, the whole thing." Tom laughed as he lead them up a staircase.

"Oh yes, I know," Tom chuckled. "More than you young ones think. Well," Tom stopped in front of a door right around the corner of the staircase. "Here you are." Tom handed him a key. "Forty Galleons per day, Mister-?

"Yagami," he took out the Gringott's Galleon's he had had converted from Tanuki Mon earlier that day at the Ministry's International Immigration Department. "Yagami Light." He handed over the required amount before asking. "Do you mind if I pay you per day? I still need to link my account back from home to Gringotts."

"That's fine, lad," Tom said, pocketing the gold coins. "You aren't the only one paying per day. Just keep in mind you pay daily in mornings." Light smiled and nodded. That was confirmation enough for barkeep, who turned around and left.

Light sighed and finally entered his room. He dropped all his smiles and pretenses, walked over to the bed and collapsed.

"You alright there, Light?" Ryuk asked, floating and looking around the room. "They have no apples. Bad service. Sue them, Light-o. What kind of room doesn't have complementary fruit?"

"A normal one. I'll get you your apples, later," Light rolled over onto the bed. "This is so tiring. Oddly spoken English, blunt and rude people, the crowds and lack of common sense. I want to-" Light sighed. "I want to go back home. To Japan. Where everything is familiar. I had already spent years learning and following the rules there. Now I have a week to do the same here." Light looked up at the Shinigami who had started to contort himself from lack of apples. "Do you have any idea how difficult this is? I'll have to learn the game all over again here. Polish my skills, change my tells, adapt to the culture, language and mindset. Their body language is is very different from the passive ones back home. I can't get a proper read. And I need to learn everything enough that it becomes a habit, sinks into my bones in these next few days. I blame you, Ryuk."

"You can always give up the Death Note," Ryuk pointed out, eyes glinting yellow. Light scoffed.

"And have you kill me?" Light asked. He was under no delusion that Ryuk would let go of his rights to Light's life if he ever gave up the book. The Shinigami wouldn't. The creature was a hedonist, but he was as much of a possessive bastard as Light and L themselves were. Whatever was Ryuk's, would remain so. And a Light without the Death Note wouldn't be Ryuk's so he would kill him.

"It's still your choice, human," Ryuk reminded him and Light stifled another sigh. His life and his choices were tied to Ryuk's from the moment he picked up the Death Note. Saying it was his and his alone, was a lie. Shinigami, Light concluded, lied as much as any other human. So much for being a Kami.

Light still did not regret picking up the Notebook. Nor having gotten Ryuk as his partner. The Shinigami was easy enough to manipulate and placate as long as one kept him fed and entertained. It was trying, but doable and worth all the benefits that came with the package.

Light stood up. There was no use thinking about it now, so he got to work. Walking over to the full length mirror in the corner, Light straightened up. Getting rid of his accent was important, but it would take time. His first priority was body language. Something very different was needed to convey the same subconscious intention using non-verbal communication when one compared Japan to Britain.

He thought back to the people in the street, those Light had seen making the crowd look at and part for, obeyed and followed, and imitated the posture. The curve of his spine, tilt of his head, shoulders down, chin up, movement of his hands and parting his legs in a stance just so. Taking in a deep breath, Light spoke,

"Raito." He clicked his tongue at the accent slipping in and wet his lips. His thoughts went back to the way the immigration officers at the Ministry had spoken his name. "Right." No, that wasn't it. He needed to flick his tongue to the back of his teeth for the L's. "Light." Good. That was one done. Several more and he would be good to go for the day.

*****

[July 19, 2004 ]

Gringotts was a pain to sort out.

The Goblin-run bank, Gringotts was infamous was not tolerating competition within it's territory. Since it's establishment in the 14th century, the bank had switched hands from goblins to ministry at least twice, before finally being back in goblin hands in early 1900s. Nevertheless, the rates for converting currency from Tanuki Mon were much higher than that of muggle pound to Galleon. In fact, Leprechaun currency gold, the real one and not the fake they were now-a-days known for, was outright denied and looked down upon by the goblins ever since they had run the other species out of Britain sometime in the 15th century.

Thus, Light had decided to set up a new account at Gringotts and link it to one of his anonymous British muggle bank accounts. It took a whole of three days for the process to be completed and for Light to have access to a Gringotts Debit Card. He still needed a few more years of credit history to qualify for a credit card. 

Finally, Light could go out and get some actual stuff. He was getting tired of staying inside the room and practicing his speech and movements. Ryuk, at least, was happy and satisfied with the amount of apples Light got him from the nearby supermarket.

*****

[July 22, 2004 ]

The Muggle Studies section at Flourish and Blotts was abysmal. The books depicted muggles going around in chariots and as if electricity was invented yesterday, instead of centuries ago. Light bet most of these authors thought the tube was a hollow cylinder, not the train system that ran from one corner of Britain to another for the past two centuries.

So now, Light's daily schedule included walking further down Ryuk's apple mart to the local book store. They had much better books for teaching children about daily life. Books like Britannica Kid's Encyclopedia, Modern History and a Traveler's Guide were added to the list as supplementary reading. Hopefully, something would stick in the heads of Wizarding children who didn't even know what a rubber duck was for or that wearing robes in broad daylight on a crowded street was a bad idea. Already, Light had seen several such people in the muggle streets and he'd been here not more than a week.

Light was sure the locals thought there was an RPer's Association somewhere in the street. That or several unrelated people just had a thing for going around in their grandparent's clothing.

The other thing Light despaired of was Wizarding Britain's clothing choices. Robes. Of all things. Light was tempted to just wear yukatas, call it a traditional Japanese Wizarding custom and be done with it. But yukatas were even more troublesome than robes to maintain and be natural in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Thus, Light walked in to Madam Malkin's and ordered a set of outer robes. Then, he walked in to Twilfitt and Tattings and got himself several well tailored and custom fit suits. That was one thing Light liked about the Wizarding World. Clothes were usually made custom and completed in hours as compared to the days Light had to wait for tailors back home. Magic was useful for something, at last.

He still ended up sending his own measurements and a request for several yukatas and kimonos back to the tailor who had made Sayu's outfit on Minami Iwo Jima. Better have those for days he was feeling sarcastic about everyone in Wizarding Britain dressing in 'traditional' clothing 200 years out of style. He had to send along Amane's request too. That should keep Amane pacified and L out of Sayu's way.

That was another thing that confused Light. Amane Misa was clearly the second Kira. L had caught her weeks ago now. Sayu had been gifted a fake death note last month on her birthday so it had been over 30 days since L came to know about Death Notes and Shinigami. Letting that information out to public was just asking for trouble. Lack of information on that front wasn't an issue.

What was, was lack of an announcement by the police or L that they had caught Kira (at least one of them) and that the killings would stop now. Light knew that L knew that Light wouldn't be killing anyone anymore after the second Kira had been caught because he wanted the first Kira's trail to go cold. 

So by now, L should have reported back to the NPA and Interpol about the case being resolved, second Kira being caught, first's tracks having gone cold and the case should have been shut with a public announcement being made. 

That hadn't happened.

His father, Soichiro, was still on the Kira case. Sayu had reported that back. He still worked over time, stayed overnight at whatever hotel the Task Force headquarters was at that week, was still vocally talking about catching Kira and that they were just waiting for the killings to start again. L knew otherwise, and yet he kept the Task Force thinking that Kira would kill again.

Why was the case still open? Why was there no announcement made? Was-

Was L protecting the second Kira?

No. No. No, that couldn't be. Light refused to accept it. 

L had threatened to have Kira executed on live television. He had been focused on that even during all the time they had been together. Light had known, L had known, that the only way the Kira case would end would be if either of them died. That was why he had even shown himself to the Task Force all those months back. That was why he had shown himself to Light all those months back.

So, why, why, why, why-

*****

[24 July, 2004]

Two days later and Light was still no closer to figuring out why the second Kira was still alive or why L had not announced his 'win' yet. In an effort to distract himself from thoughts of L and his games, Light looked at the Death Note sitting on his desk and then at the piece of paper he had torn out of it, sitting in his wallet.

"Hey Ryuk," Light asked. "You said touching someone with paper from the Death Note would allow them to see you?"

"Sounds right, Light-o," the Shinigami nodded. "Why the questions? Got a plan? A new game?" The Shinigami sounded excited at the prospect.

"Maybe," Light said thoughtfully. "Mostly just curious. Why does it happen? Why does touching a page from your Death Note allow someone to see you, but not someone else's Shinigami too?"

"Because that's my Death Note," Ryuk said. Light shook his head.

"No, yours is with you." Light pointed to the book held at Ryuk's belt. "This one." Light tapped the book on his desk, "Mine, was an extra. Where did you get it?" Light asked. "Did it belong to another Shinigami before you? Did you pick it up? Or did someone give it to you?"

"It was Sidoh's," Ryuk answered. He looked as thoughtful as a Shinigami with a permanent grin etched on his face could be. "He dropped it, I picked it up, so it's mine."

So, Light concluded, there was an issue of ownership even between Shinigami. It was similar to the transfer of ownership of a Death Note between a Shinigami, who dropped it and a human, who picked it up. If the Shinigami got to it before a human picked it up, then the Death Note was theirs again. If not, then it belonged to the human and the Shinigami was bound to haunt them. The Shinigami couldn't just snatch the Notebook back from the human. Either the human had to give it up or the Shinigami had to kill the human and pry it from their cold, dead hands.

Which brought Light to another conclusion.

"Now, about pages from the Death Note," Light raised one separated sheet and pointed at it. "If I put it on the ground and give it up, only the page, mind you, will I lose it's ownership? And since it's on the ground, will you lose ownership over the page too?" 

"Interesting," Ryuk said and stood up from where he was sitting on Light's bed. "I've never thought about it. Bet old man Justin doesn't know either. Only one way to find out." Light dropped the page on the ground, his own Death Note on his lap just in case giving up the page messed with his memories. He wanted to give up the page and only the page, not the Notebook.

"I give up ownership over the page," Light said. Then, he looked at Ryuk, who shook his head. Light hummed in thought. "How about you give up ownership over the page too?" Ryuk gave him a doubtful look but proceeded to do the same. Then, Light and Ryuk stared at the page on the floor before looking at each other. Ryuk nodded slowly. Light grinned. 

He had a flash back to his old idea, about binding some pages of the Notebook together and dropping it on some unsuspecting, justice obsessed fool and watch this new idiot and L battle it out. It would be enough to distract L from Sayu for a while. But, Light sighed with regret, Kira killings had to stop for his long term plans to work. So this new and improved plan to pass along fake Death Notes was temporarily shelved.

Light still had one created later that evening. A book filled with 120 ownerless pages of the Death Note, bound together between a black cover, which was made from more pages of the Death Note glued together to give it a thick, leathery feeling. A just-in-case, emergency measure if Light ever wanted to revisit this option of screwing with L. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

*****

[25 July, 2004]

"Is this it?" Light asked the assistant at Flourish and Blotts, looking over their selection of muggle centric books. The assistant nodded. "And you're the main supplier for Hogwarts booklist?" The mousy assistant nodded again. Light barely stopped himself from tearing at his hair and screaming in frustration. Instead, he gave a polite smile, charismatic and the one that had got even Kiyomi Takada to stare after him as he left. "And would you be able to get books from muggle stores?"

The timid assistant, a straw haired man in his early twenties, blushed an ugly red. "We don't usually. But-! If it's on the book list, we-we could?" His partner, a stern middle aged woman, turned to look at the man at his words.

"Look here, we got that Monster Book last year and that was already painful enough. Now you want us to stock up on muggle books from Merlin knows where-" Light turned and caught her eye. He forced his smile to turn from a bright one to a gentle turn of his lips, eyes crinkling just enough to show he was a polite, amicable and harmless person.

"Hello," he said and gave a small bow. Different people, different temperaments and different smiles. He knew the trade quite well. It was his bread and butter. No matter the nationality, smiles and bows worked on everyone. The woman stopped mid rant and glared. She gave a stiff nod and Light straightened up.

"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience," he spoke softly. "My name is Light Yagami, a recent graduate from Mahoutokoro and the new Muggle Studies Professor at Hogwarts. Who might I be talking to, Ma'am?"

"Madam Villanelle," she spoke and tilted her head back in greeting. "The senior staff here. Mahoutokoro, you said? We were not aware the new hire was from there." she hummed thoughtfully. "You certainly are plenty polite. Just as their reputation suggests."

"Thank you," Light accepted the praise with a smile and a tilt of his head. "I wanted to check your selection and see what textbooks I could set for the next year. But most of it seems to be written by people who've never even taken the train- ah, the tube, as you call it here. It's just not practical. So, I was wondering if you could stock some books from the nearest muggle library?"

"Muggleborn?" Madam Villanelle asked, curiously. Light shook his head.

"Possessed Human," he replied. And then gave the standard layman definition in an exasperated tone. "I'm haunted by a Being whose whims and fancies I follow and they grant me Gifts for my service." Ryuk laughed from above.

"Damn straight, Light-o," the Shinigami nodded in mock satisfaction. "You know who's the boss here. Now go and get me an apple. And the latest PSP. Shoo, servant. Do my bidding." Light's fingers twitched. He wanted to throw something at this apple-addicted Shinigami. Maybe his Death Note. Then he would be rid of this menace and able to go out in public without straining his nerves.

The woman, for her part, blinked. And then a genuine smile flashed across her face. "I've heard of your kind before," she mused. "Your people are mostly found in Japan, India and Africa, in that order. Never met one before though. Fascinating. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

"Ah," Light sighed theatrically. And then played on using Hogwarts house reputation. If he got it right, then good. If not, then some drivel about how she was more than her house would suggest would butter her up. "Ravenclaw?" Villanelle nodded with pride. So, he got it right the first time around. Light figured he had her where he wanted. "My favorite! Sure. In exchange, how about stocking on some muggle children's books from the local London library? Nothing fancy, I promise. And we can talk about Possessed Humans and Beings over some tea at Rosa Lee's?"

"You have a deal, Mister Yagami," Madam Villanelle agreed immediately.

"Please. Call me Light." Light offered. Villanelle smiled and agreed. She handed over her name-card to the now-ignored mousy guy whose name Light didn't even bother to remember, took out a scroll and quill from behind the counter and walked out the store. Light followed after serenely. 'Women'.

Then, he turned at the door and looked at the timid man from before, mouthing a quite "Thank you". The man grinned back at him, cheeks still pink. 'And men,' Light added, before continuing on his way to tea. 'They were all charmed the same in front of a pretty face and a gentle smile.'

His experiment to see what people here would react to as compared to back home was a success. A slight change in tone, body language more confident than humble, and looking straight in others eyes was all that was needed. Light would have been wary of Legilimency, but Ryuk, his all-purpose shield, took care of it. He's sure he's got it now. A bit more subtle experimentation over the next few days and by this time next week, he'd be playing people as easily as he did in Japan.

All that work observing people and studying in front of a mirror paid off. Light had always been a phenomenal actor. Much better than Sayu's Hideki Ryuga.

How would his Hideki Ryuga react to this new him? Light wanted to know.

*****

[30 July, 2004]

The Artimancy INEWTs was easier than the IOWLs had been. Light was certain he had passed this one with an Outstanding as well. Now, he only had to focus on Runes. His plan was an IOWLs in October, INEWTs in December, then contacting either the Mahoutokoro professor for Runes or working under the Hogwarts professor for Runes to study for a Master's.

Hopefully, he will have those done by June, 2005. A tight timeline but Light was sure he can keep it up. Runes were interesting and Light had no trouble throwing all of him into deciphering something interesting. Like he had for the Death Note. 

Like he had for L.

*****

[1 August, 2004]

Light looked in the mirror and examined his reflection. He had defaulted to his usual khaki trousers and a black shirt. Light would have worn his new clothes but this was only a first meeting. 'Wear something casual', McGonagall had said. So Light had. His casuals made him look like a teenager. Which, he technically was, but it wasn't the image he wanted to present. What he wanted was young adult. So, on went the black outer robes. There was still something missing though.

Light tilted his head in thought. Then, took his yew Runic Pen from the set box and placed in his shirt pocket. 

With a satisfied nod, he turned around and examined his room. It was empty. Light's belongings had already been packed into his trunk with the trunk itself shrunk using the in-built Runes and placed in his pocket. In a few more months, Light would be able to place Runes like those on his own. For now, he had to rely on store bought quality. He took one last look in the mirror before walking out of his room. 

Light left the door open, and took his time to go down the stairs. It was early morning, about seven and the pub was as empty as it could be. "Hey, Tom-san!" he called out into the open kitchen door. "Is the Floo available?"

Tom, the owner and barkeeper, looked over and blinked. "Light! Bless my soul, you look completely different. Yeah, the floo's free. Hogwarts today, eh? Best of luck!"

"Thank you," Light smiled and walked over to the fireplace. "The room's empty. I left my door open. Key's inside." Tom nodded in acknowledgement and went back to cutting his vegetables. Light ignored the older man as well and threw down the powder. The fire turned green and Light stepped inside.

"Hogwarts, Headmaster's office."

It took all Light had to keep his breakfast in his stomach. The spinning sensation was as bad as he remembered from Mahoutokoro. It left him with a dull headache and nausea. Fortunately, Light was made of stronger stuff and managed to come out the other side faking balance and grace. He was met with an old man in elaborate robes. 

"Hello," Light smiled pleasantly. "I'm Yagami Light." He bowed his head in greeting. "You must be Headmaster Dumbledore?" The white haired, white bearded man with half-moon spectacles stared at him unblinkingly. Ryuk laughed.

"Careful, Light," The Shinigami said, his hands coming over to cover Light's eyes. "This one is suspicious. Your tricks won't work on him, I wager." Light wanted to shut the Shinigami up. Both him and L were like that. Light's tricks weren't tricks. They were manners. Light was only being polite.

Still, Light didn't let the lack of vision from Ryuk's hands stop him. He raised one hand, pushing away the Shinigami's spidery fingers and kept his smile on as he stared back at blue eyes.

"My apologies," he said mildly, already having an idea of what Ryuk was implying by blinding him. "I'm a Possessed Human. My Being said you were suspicious and covered my eyes. I'm sure you understand." There, a warning against Legilimancy, saying that Light knew what Dumbledore did and it wouldn't work on him.

"My apologies, young man," Dumbledore said finally. "You reminded me of a past student of mine. You both are remarkably similar." Light nodded his acceptance of that excuse but realized it was just that. An excuse. Whoever this old student was, they must not have been on good terms for Dumbledore to straight out try and read Light's mind at first meeting regardless of the illegality of the action.

"All good things?" Light asked lightly. "Though I hope you won't let it color your perception of myself. One mustn't let preconceived notions bias them towards the unknown, whether they be good or bad." Light paused and then added in with an amused tone. "And we've only just met. You remind me of my father-" in letting their prior experience color their eyes and blind them against the present "-but I'll try not to put you two on the same pedestal. Headmaster."

Dumbledore laughed, helplessness in his tone. A bird trilled, bright and cheerful. Light looked over to find it looking right at Ryuk. The fiery, red bird trilled again and Light felt something come over him. A warmth, a nostalgia, a vague feeling, before the familiar chill of the Death Note took over and brought him back to reality.

"Oh, a phoenix," Ryuk floated over to the bird and ran one sharp talon-like nail over the bird's plummage. The bird burst into flames and ashes. "Aha!" Ryuk smirked, voice smug. "A creature of Death and Rebirth trying to control a Shinigami's human? Light-o is still mine. You can keep your peace to yourself, birdbrain."

Light stared. Dumbledore also stared at his spontaneously combusting bird. Light wondered whether he should offer his condolences for death via Ryuk but then figured not. It was a phoenix. It would probably just rise from it's ashes again.

"Before you can direct me to the meeting," Light started, turning his gaze back to the older man. Dumbledore looked over again as well, from the ashes of his bird to Light's brown eyes. Light extended a peace effort. "Do you have apples? My Being is rather partial to them." There was something less than genial in those light blue eyes that quickly got covered up with a pleasant smile.

"Yes," Dumbledore said and walked over to open the door to his office. "You can call for Oddment. One of Hogwarts house-elves who are responsible for the staff."

Light took to the implication of the open door with gusto. He liked Dumbledore at first glance as much as the older man seemed to like him. Which was not a lot. Light walked out of that office with decisiveness.

"The meeting is further down the corridor. Oddment will guide you." Those were Dumbledore's last words as Light heard the door close behind him.

"Yes, yes, welcome to Hogwarts," Light murmured beneath his breath. One of the paintings on the wall outside the office snickered.

"What did you do to Dumbledore, lad?" The man, with curly black hair and grey eyes asked. "I haven't seen him this out of sorts since that Riddle bloke came to office." Light stared at the painting, because yes, apparently Hogwarts had paintings outside offices. At least Mahoutokoro only had them in public gathering areas. Not outright spying on them in each and every corner.

"I existed," Light said dryly. "And smiled. And had the audacity to remind him of a past student." The painting laughed even more. "How do I call Oddment?" Light asked and was answered with a pop as the creature came into view. "That answers that."

"Sirs is new professor?" Oddment asked, it's eyes large and wide, ears flapping. "Sirs wants something?"

"Yes," Light cleared his throat. "Can you please direct me to meeting? Professor McGonagall said the staff meeting for preparation for the new term was today. And apples. I'm a Possessed Human and my Being likes apples. So if you would please keep us supplied?" Oddment nodded, eyes wet because of something Light had said that touched the little creature.

"Yes, yes, Oddment wills do that!" It nodded. "If sirs will follow, Oddment will take sirs to meetings. Apples will bes on table."

"I like this fellow," Ryuk said, delighted. "He knows his stuff. Light, can we keep him?" Light tilted his head in thought. It would be safe to reply to Ryuk now. Light was sure his fellow staff members knew about him being a Possessed Human and Ryuk following him around. His Being's fondness of apples would humanize both the Shinigami and Light himself and help them in forming a positive impression.

And Light was right. Three hours later, he had met his fellow Professors and submitted his revised curriculum for Muggle Studies. They were all very genial and accepting of his unusual status. Granted Sprout was so friendly that it unnerved him, Snape was so sour that Light thought he was a Possessed Human himself, Flitwick was way too curious and kept asking questions constantly to guess which type of Being had possessed Light, Trelawney was a drunk with no insight, let alone Inner Sight and Hagrid had a rather lax definition of 'dangerous' and 'creature'.

All of them together were better than the judgmental way Dumbledore had looked at Light earlier that day.

Ah well, Light was rather used to those types of stares by now. No matter how old or experienced, Dumbledore's blue stare was nothing compared to L's during the earlier days of their acquaintance.

*****