Wizard and Deat Reaper: Hogwarts
Chapter 18's

For the next two weeks, the LD meeting became the day of waiting for its members. After the Weapon-Release Spell, they studied the Transverse Spell and the Reduction Curse, which all children, even Neville Longbottom, managed to master. During those two weeks they also practiced with random, uncertain days. But no one objected to that. Exercise pattern in an indeterminate day it will make – very likely there are – anyone who monitors them will have trouble catching wet LD.

To facilitate communication, Hermione found an ingenious way. That method can be used to reduce suspicion because children inter-dormitory too often cross the Great Hall to talk to each other. He performed the Protean Spell on the fake Galleon which he shared with all LD members. The serial number on the magic gold coin would be a marker if Harry had set a meeting date, and it would feel hot as an indicator. All the members of the LD happily accepted the coin and the brilliant idea.

However, the LD meeting had to be postponed for a week as the first Quidditch game of the season had already started. Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Angelina forced all her team members to train every day. Their training is actually smooth. The problem is Ron Weasley's self-confidence crisis as Keeper Gryffindor. If he is already nervous and under pressure, his concentration quickly collapsed which resulted in his failure to save his three goal circles.

Worse yet, Ron is still green in the face of intimidation of the opposing team aka Slytherin who is increasingly fierce approaching the day of the game. He has never accepted the snake team's cunning tactics that any Gryffindor team member would surely mock him, with Draco Malfoy as its leader.

Finally, November arrived with a piercing early winter breeze. Morning dew is always found in the form of ice crystals, and the sky will turn pale gray, sparkling like pearls. The mountain peaks around Hogwarts castle have been blanketed in snow, and temperatures are certainly very low; many children wear their dragon skin gloves to keep them warm. And on the morning of the game, the weather was still as cold as it was, though the sunlight seemed to start penetrating the cloud clumps above.

The Great Hall was almost full by the time Harry and Ron got there for breakfast. The conversation sounded louder and the atmosphere was much happier than usual. Although the pre-match euphoria is clearly felt, it does not mean that the cold cannot reach them. All children wear their scarves and gloves, as well as thick coats or jackets. But upon reaching Gryffindor's desk, Harry sees Toushiro seemingly unaffected by the cold of November. Her clothes are as casual as ever, though she also wears a Gryffindor red scarf in honor of her boarding team. It seems that it was not just Harry who was astonished.

"… It's cold enough for me, don't you feel it too?" neville asked in wonder at his white-haired friend. "To the stadium without jackets and gloves. Later you can get sick!"

"Don't worry about him, Neville," Ichigo said. "It's his favorite season. Trust me, his soul is much colder than the air this winter," Ichigo added. "From that, all right, Ron?"

Harry, Toushiro, and Neville looked at the seated Keeper Gryffindor as if facing a pole. Her face was pale greenish, contrasting with her Quidditch red uniform and robe.

"I'm crazy to do it" he said in a raucous whisper. "Crazy."

"Don't be stupid," said Harry firmly, thrusting various cereals at him; Ichigo raised an eyebrow, "you'll be fine. You're normally nervous."

"He hasn't conquered his crisis of confidence yet, it seems," Toushiro said softly, while Ron was cursing himself again. He did not even comment on the motivational remarks of Hemione and Ginny.

"Hello," a faint, dreamy voice greeted them. Luna Lovegood stood behind them, indifferent to the number of children pointing at her and laughing at her. The Ravenclaw girl wore a lion head-shaped hat of her original size, which perched almost falling off her head.

"I support Gryffindor" he said, rather unnecessarily. "Look what he can do."

Luna tapped the tip of her magic wand on that incredible hat. The lion's head opened its mouth wide and let out a roar similar to that of a real lion; some of the children jumped in shock.

"Wow," Ichigo said in amazement. "That's great, Luna."

"Cams, Ichigo. Actually I'd like to add a snake to his mouth, to describe Slytherin, but the timing is not enough…"

"It's a pity" Ichigo said solemnly.

Luna smiled. "Well, that's how. Anyway, good luck, Ronald."

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy looked at the spiteful lion hat of the Lovegood who had gone away from Gryffindor's desk. He had a plan in place to take down Ron Weasley. It's not that hard for him. However, there was one plan that he had not carried out to date: to prank Toushiro Hitsugaya. He was always thinking about how to drop the white hair's self-esteem, and he saw an opportunity to do that now. The right moment, considering that today is a Gryffindor match; the sense of solidarity between the residents of Gryffindor is high. But anyone would laugh at something ridiculous, whether it was a member of the dorm or not.

Draco observed Gryffindor's desk for a moment. Seen by him Neville Longbottom, who from his movements, intended to lift a hot teapot. Here goes!

With a flick of his wand, Draco points his spell at Neville. The teapot he was holding slipped from his hand, splashing its contents onto the front of Toushiro Hitsugaya's robe. Draco grinned happily, laughing along with the other children who saw the incident.

"Tougoshiro!" exclaim Neville in panic. The white hair stood up quickly while taking off his wet robe. "Sorry! I'm not stingy!"

Neville put the teapot on the table, but he did not see that the wand was crushed there. Suddenly, the magic wand launched a flash of blue-colored spell, smashing into Toushiro's arm. The petite transfer student was pushed back, almost falling if not for Ichigo who reflexively stood up to hold him back. Neville looked at Toushiro in horror; blood splotches widened on the sleeves of the white-haired shirt.

"You okay?" ichigo asked worriedly, seeing Toushiro hissing softly, holding onto the wound from the spell. Meanwhile, the laughter around them turned into shocked gazes. Harry saw Neville looking very frightened, and guilt was evident in his eyes.

"Sorry, Toushiro," whispered Neville trembling. "I-I was not on purpose…"

"It's okay," said Toushiro quickly.

"What are you doing, Hitsugaya-san?"

Professor Urahara has come down from the teacher's desk. His odd smile graced his face, yet his eyes stared intensely at Toushiro.

"No problem" said Toushiro in a hiss-like voice.

"Ara, you can't lie with evidence in plain sight. Looks like you're gonna need a hospital" said Urahara cheerfully.

It was not only Harry who was astonished to see Urahara's relaxed demeanor.

"The crazy basis," Ichigo snorted, helping Toushiro stand up. "Do something why?"

"I just did something; suggested him to the hospital…"

Both Ichigo and Toushiro looked at Urahara with a searing gaze. That's the kind of look that would make McGonagall proud, according to Harry.

"I can take care of myself," said Toushiro flatly. He pulled out his wand, whispered a spell out of the blue, which dried his robe and clothes. He then attached it to his shoulder and walked out of the Hall.

"Ckckck, I always wonder why he's so fierce with me" Urahara said dramatically.

"Then stop acting so pretentious, he'll be serious" Ichigo grumbled, while the conversation again buzzed around them.

"Yare-yare, that kid who needs to relax a little," Urahara said in self-defense. "As young as you are, enjoy life to the best of it…"

"Well, considering you're old, enjoy your remaining life" Ichigo sneered. "Here you go, I want to see Toushiro first. Come on Neville."

"I-yes," Neville said nervously. He still looks blind.

"It's okay, Neville-kun," said Urahara kindly. "I know Hitsugaya-san, he won't be mad at you."

"But I was," Neville gulped in a frenzy. Obviously he did not expect his carelessness to be so bad. "I hurt him…"

Urahara lowered his striped hat, then looked at Neville. His strange smile disappeared, replaced by a smile of understanding. "Everybody can make mistakes, son. Everyone, not least that mistake is hurting their own friends. How many times do you think I hurt that piggy head carrot over there? (Ichigo raised his eyebrows aloft hearing that)"

"But it's different. You did it because of a duel…"

"Well, maybe it's different. But don't burden yourself with this. The important thing is don't make the same mistake, hm?"

"Just…"

"Neville-kun, Neville-kun," said Urahara, putting his striped hat back on his dirty blonde hair. "I told you I know Hitsugaya-san well enough, right. He won't bother with this, trust me. He knows you didn't mean it. He's very understanding. Well, go see him, and make sure I don't lie to you."

Neville hesitated. However, before he catches up with Ichigo, Neville faces Urahara again.

"Sensei, why do you call me by first name, while you call Ichigo and Toushiro by last name?"

Urahara chuckled small. "Well, that's a habit, Neville-kun. Habits."

Neville nodded. He then resigned and rushed after Ichigo who had come out of the Great Hall. Urahara also walked calmly back to the teacher's desk.

"You know, Harry," said Ron raucously, "this is a bad sign."

"Eh? What's?" Harry was surprised to hear Ron's words.

"It's a bad sign" repeated Ron grimly. "Toushiro is the hardest person to be bullied by Fred and George, see how he is wretched just because of Neville's carelessness. This is definitely a sign that today will be terrible."

"Don't say that, Ron," said Hermione. "It was just an accident. You'll be okay anyway."

"If you're ready," said Angelina, approaching Harry and Ron with Alicia and Katie, "soon to the field. We need to check his condition."

"We'll be there in a minute. Ron needs breakfast first."

But apparently, after ten minutes passed, Ron seemed unable to eat anything more. Harry thought it was pointless to stay in the Great Hall, and take him to the dressing room. But, before Harry caught up with Ron, who was walking first in desperate straits, Hermione told Harry not to let Ron see the silver badge the Slyhterin boys wore. Although not very understanding, Harry according to it. He knew that if there was something the Slytherin children were doing, it would not be a good thing.

At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy prepared for the Quidditch court with a triumphant smile. His first plan went smoothly, better than he expected with the injury of the white hair. He had to think of other plans for her. But for now he has to put that aside. He had to focus on bringing down Ron Weasley, which would inevitably lead to the fall of Gryffindor.

Draco walked out of the Hall with Crabbe and Goyle in haughty strides. Unaware of Urahara's gaze upon him.

'What are you planning to do, Draco Malfoy?' urahara said in his heart. Of course he knew, he saw that the accident was not an accident. He sees a spell energy emerge from the tip of the Slytherin's wand, causing Neville to spill hot tea on Toushiro. 'Whatever it is, why did you do it to them?'

Urahara looked at the black cat on his lap, who was looking back at him with his wide golden eyes. 'More than that, ' Urahara thought, 'are you sure what you did could bring down Toushiro Hitsugaya and Neville Longbottom?'

Cheers filled the entire stadium. Red-gold and green-silver dominated the stands, unaffected by the November cold. Neville was in the middle of Gryfifindor's support group, relieved to see that Toushiro had not suffered any serious injuries due to the accidental spell; his healing kidou ability managed to overcome the wound without him needing to go to the hospital. Guilt still bothered him, even though Toushiro – as Urahara sensei – said did not bother him at all.

The first few minutes of the game were controlled by Gryffindor. His three Chasers, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie, made early strikes to break into Slytherin's three wickets. The three girls were not without obstacles. Bludger repeatedly rippled, trying to dismantle their attack formation.

"It's more exciting than seeing a baseball or basketball game" Ichigo said. "Ouch, look at that," Ichigo almost stood up when he saw Alicia almost hit by Bludger, "almost... Wait, what are they singing?"

Just then, Lee Jordan as the commentator also asked the same thing. The chant sounded loud, coming from the sea of green and silver Slytherin.

"Weasley can't dwell anymore,

Can't save the wicket by yourself, though,

And all the children of Slytherin sang:

Weasley our king!

"Weasley was born in a dumpster,

He let the Quaffle in easily,

Making our victory must have been

Weasley our king!"

"Oh my goodness" whispered Hermione. He looked at Ron near the post. Although they could not see clearly what his expression was like, no one could not have expected it. Surely the song made the rest of his spirit break down instantly. Ron's form dropped dramatically; he conceded four goals in a row.

"Syling tactics," Toushiro said softly, his eyes looking furious. "They know Weasley's weaknesses and make excellent use of them."

"Not helped. How do you think Ron got out of this situation?" taya Ichigo, the twitching between his eyebrows deepened.

"Weasley himself had to figure out how," said Toushiro flatly. "Would he drown in the teasing or prove himself. Otherwise, Harry would have saved him" Toushiro added coldly.

Toushiro knew, he had known Ron well for a few months. His self-confidence and desire to strengthen himself were still not strong enough. Perhaps according to his conjecture, this was due to Ron being in Harry's shadow and being the last among his own many brothers. Humane if he feels inferior. Toushiro confirmed Dumbledore's decision to appoint Ron as Gryffindor's prefect instead of Harry, as it would lift his confidence. Toushiro also appreciated Ron's efforts for the same purpose, by trying the Keeper Gryffindor selection that he managed to do. But it seems that it is still not enough.

'Unbelievable,' Toushiro heard Hyourinmaru's voice in his head. 'you seem to be more human these days. You care so much about your new friends.. First that Neville Longbottom, now that Ronald Weasley…

Toushiro. Looks like Hyourinmaru was right, again. He looked at Neville who was standing next to him, looking at the Gryffindor Quidditch players up there anxiously. Ichigo gritted his teeth in annoyance at the singing of the Slytherins.

He had not previously cared much about such a thing; friendship. His life while still konpaku formed the thought that friends were the impossible things he could get. As he becomes a student of Shinou, his thinking is evidenced by the death of Soujiro Kusaka. Therefore, after becoming an official shinigami, he did not try at all to have a bond of friendship. Just a co-worker. Nothing more. Most of them also died in battle. If a friendship only elicits emotions, it's better to be afraid of losing as she has with Kusaka, to be betrayed as Aizen did, or to weaken her, it's better not to have any at all, right? Unfortunately, Toushiro could not get rid of a speck of hope that he really had friends. Although he does not admit it openly, he considers Rangiku Matsumoto as one of his best friends. And his encounter with Ichigo Kurosaki breaks all his thoughts on the definition of friendship.

And here at Hogwarts, he knows it better. Seems to be around humans making the reality as a human – is not a spirit aka former human – back felt. The nature of man is still bound by feelings and thoughts, even though the real experience has blurred, many years ago.

"What the hell are you thinking?" ichigo's voice made him look up. Ichigo seems to be very upset, perhaps the effect of the chant still reverberating around them.

Toushiro grunted softly. "It's nothing."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "You know…"

I don't know what Ichigo said, Toushiro couldn't hear it. The song is getting louder like thunder.

"WEASLEY WAS BORN IN A TRASH CAN

HE LET THE QUAFFLE IN EASILY

MAKE OUR VICTORY MUST HAVE BEEN…"

"Damn it!" yell Ichigo wrathfully. "Catch that fucking Snitch, Harry!"

Justright. They all saw Harry swooping down on his Firebolt, to a point about a metre from the ground at the end of the Slytherin square. Harry's sharp eyes caught the golden spot there. Racing with Malfoy, Harry forced his broom to go faster. His hand extended forward, successfully grasping a small ball, defeating Malfoy who scratched the back of his hand desperately. Harry flew his broom upwards, brandishing the Golden Snitch into the sky, overflowing with the cheers of the red-and-gold ocean; he could hear the loud roar of Luna Lovegood's lion hat.

No problem with Ron's failure to catch the Quaffle…

A DUG!

Bludger hit hard on the back of Harry's waist, knocking him off his broom. Soon there was an uproar in the stands, between cries of annoyance, anger, and ridicule. Luckily Harry was only a meter or two from the ground, but it seemed to make him quite surprised also because it crashed into the frozen ground.

"Let's go downstairs and see" cried Ichigo. He rushed through the crowd, followed by Toushiro, Hermione, and Neville.

Meanwhile down there, Angelina had helped Harry up.

"The work of the Crabbe," said Angelina angrily. "He hit Bludger at you the minute you saw him catch Snitch – but we won, Harry, we won!"

While the rest of the team came down to welcome the victory that Harry brought, Harry heard Malfoy's taunts to him.

"Save the Weasley, huh? I've never seen Keeper that bad... But he was born in a dumpster anyway.. You like my lyrics, Potter?"

Harry really had to hold back his bubbling anger from hearing the song in order not to explode. All the team members were nearby, except Ron. Ron got off his broom, but went straight to the dressing room alone.

"We want to write two more verses!" malfoy again. "But we couldn't find the rhyme for the word fat and ugly for his mother! Also a useless loser for his dad, you know!"

Now it's not just Harry who has to hold back. Fred and George, who instantly understood the ridicule just now, looked at Malfoy with offense.

"Leave it!" hiss Angelina immediately, grabbed Fred's arm. "Let him, Fred, let him shout furiously because he lost, the boy was lacking…"

"… But you like that garbage family, right, Potter? You missed the holiday at home **** it. Maybe the smell of their house reminds you of your mother's mud house. No wonder you put up with it.. Ah," Malfoy sneered mockingly when he saw Ichigo arrive, along with Toushiro, Hermione, and Neville. "no wonder you can also stand close to the same mud blood as Granger…"

There's no reason to stop the George he's holding. Harry hits Malfoy with George. He forgot that the teachers were there, he didn't care. All he thought about was getting Malfoy as sick as possible, smashing his fists that were still holding the Snitch, no matter the frantic cries of the few children behind him.

"HARRY! GEORGE! NO!"

Harry's ears were ringing in anger. Suddenly someone punched him in the back of his shoulder; he caught a glimpse of it as Crabbe. But the great Slytherin vanished from view with a flash of orange-black. Harry hears Toushiro screaming, but he doesn't listen, but returns to beat Malfoy with George.

"Geez!" hermione Jerrit. His eyes glazed over, showing fear as he watched Harry and George hit Malfoy and Ichigo punch Crabbe, in return for trying to prevent Harry from smashing his fist at his Slytherin friend.

"Impediment!" madam Hooch exclaimed, brandishing her wand at Harry and George, who were immediately bent back, away from Malfoy. Malfoy huddled on the ground, groaning and moaning with a bloody nose. Madam Hooch points her baton at Ichigo who, unexpectedly, is supported by her tall stature like a basketball athlete, is able to strike a punch on the large body like a Crabbe gorilla. However, before Madam Hooch could cast a spell, Toushiro pointed his finger at Ichigo.

"Bakudo 1: Sai!"

Ichigo instantly falls tumbling, his arms flexed behind his back by an invisible bond, foiling the next blow he would unleash on the Crabbe lying on the ground. In annoyance Ichigo raised his earth-smelling face, looking at the frowning Toushiro; many children stared at Toushiro in astonishment. It was the direct application of the kidou mantra that Urahara had once practiced in class.

"Oi Toushiro! What the fuck?!"

"Bakamono! Can't you use your brain to think before you act?" toushiro Guram.

"What are you talking about? You're an ice man, aren't you? Didn't you hear that son of a bitch mocking you again? Didn't you see this gorilla hit Harry?" ichigo said furiously, trying to break free from that invisible bond. "Damn! Let go of me, Toushiro!"

"Not until you've got your hands on you."

"Thank you, Mr. Hitsugaya," said Madam Hooch trembling. He looked at Harry and George. "Never have I seen this kind of behavior – return to the castle, the two of you, and go straight to your Head Dormitory office! You too, Mr Kurosaki!"

"Nani?! No way! The Malfoy and the Crabbe must also be punished!" ichigo Protest. He managed to stand up and kick Crabbe's leg in a huff; madam Hooch begged to look at him. "Toushiro, let go of this! You're-it's-!"

"Stop being brutal or I'll deal with stronger bakudo!" threatening Toushiro, looking extremely annoyed. Clearly out of his will, Ichigo stopped struggling, though he stared at Toushiro dissatisfiedly. Toushiro made a gesture of swinging his finger while whispering softly. "Kai!" and that invisible bond was cut off from Ichigo.

Grunting impatiently, Ichigo walks after Harry and Ichigo back to the castle. He passed by Toushiro without speaking, obviously he was annoyed at him. The children immediately step aside to give way to Ichigo who looks sad than before.

"Eh, Toushiro," said Neville timidly. Just this time he saw Ichigo and the white hair quarrel until it was that serious.

Toushiro sighed. He saw the teachers who seemed somewhat shaken by this incident. One by one they left the Quidditch field; Umbridge had disappeared, it was not wrong that the woman would interfere in the punishment of Harry, George, and Ichigo.

"It's okay, Longbottom. We better go now."

"Huh," snorted Malfoy softly, who was trying to stand up, aided by Goyle. Madam Hooch doesn't see it because she's busy dealing with Crabbe who collapsed from being beaten by Ichigo. "It takes the Carrot Head to defend you? Low blood mud."

Toushiro looked at Malfoy, who looked back at him with blatant hatred. A stark contrast to the calmness of the expressionless white hair.

"Mr Malfoy!" madam Hooch exclaimed ferociously, hearing the ridicule. He pulled Malfoy up. "Don't cause more trouble than you've already experienced! Now go to the hospital to fix your nose! Don't act because you lost the game!"