Snippet 74: Harry Leferts
Harry Leferts
Suave Shadow Cabal Kaiju
Spellfire was all around Harry, flashing bursts and beams of light. Gritting his teeth, the teen dodged one spell even as he kept an eye on Natsumi. The Kitsune in question practically danced between the spells as she dodged them. Part of Harry was all but enthralled as he watched her, eyes stuck on her body as it twisted and moved.
Another part, though, was also yet again cursing puberty and hormones.
The rest, however, was concentrated on making it through the barrage. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Natsumi take near blow to one foot. Nothing dangerous, but it was enough that she fell to the floor. Almost immediately, his wand was out and he spoke at a normal volume as another wave of spells approached the teenaged girl, "Protego."
Moments later, a greenish shield appeared and deflected the first three shots before cracking. By then though, Harry was already there and hauling Natsumi to her feet. Something that made her smile as the two of them dodged as the spells broke the shield...
Right before spells from behind slammed into them and knocked them both to floor.
As Harry tried to get back up, a foot placed itself on his chest and kept him on the floor. Head tilted to the side, Hoshi chuckled as she looked down at her male student, who was panting. After a few seconds, she removed her foot and nodded, "You have... improved, some Harry-San. And so have you, Natsumi-Chan."
Laid back on the ground and breathing hard, Harry gave her a raised eyebrow, "Somehow... it does not feel... that way."
Amused, Hoshi chuckled and smirked, "No?" Moments later, she snapped a finger at Natsumi, "Unlike what some might think with your reputation, what with how some magicals seem to think that you could walk on water as the case may be-"
Raising a finger, Natsumi grinned, "Well, he can with the right equipment-Ow!"
Fingers withdrawing from where she had rapped the younger Kitsune on the forehead, the Kyuubi turned back to Harry, "Be that we it may, I do not expect a miracle." Hoshi then gestured at the dummies, "But you have progressed some. With a little more than a month of training, we have gotten you to the point where you do not need to shout out the incantation, while also shielding someone other than you with the spell. Yes, it has taken us the better part of two hours a day, every day for the past thirty five days practicing on just that to get you to this point, but you have managed it. More than that, you have used it in a combat scenario. And that, Harry-San, is good progress."
His head tilted to the side, Harry considered that before slowly nodding, "I guess that makes sense..."
Not saying anything right away, Hoshi watched him before she chuckled, "Harry-San, once I feel that you have trained enough with Natsumi-Chan, I shall bring in Shiromizu-San as well. And train all three of you together... do you know why?"
One eyebrow raised, Natsumi's ear flicked some, "Because both Shiromizu and myself swore to fight alongside him?"
Giving her a nod, the older Kitsune chuckled, "That is certainly part of it, Natsumi-Chan. Most certainly a part of it..." Her smile though fell and her expression became serious, "But there is more to it than just that." Turning to him, Hoshi continued, "Harry-San, the truth of the matter is that you cannot beat Voldemort. I could train you for twenty years, and there would be a chance that he would be able to beat you in a fight."
Some might have been angry at being so dismissed by someone. However, Harry was not most people, he just became thoughtful, "Because he knows all sorts of magic?"
Much to his surprise, Hoshi waved that off, "While it is true that he knows far more magic, that is not the only reason." Looking at him, she continued, "Knowing magic is not the issue. In fact, teaching you spell after spell would be rather easy I will admit though it would take time. No, what matters is that Voldemort has experience." Understanding that the two teens were now listening, she continued, "He has experience, over fifty years of such. Say what you will about the creature, but he has fought, dueled, and the like since the 1940s. He does not just know the spells by rote, but knows exactly when and how to use them. And that is why you will not be able to beat him..." The Kyuubi suddenly gained a bloodthirsty grin, "In a straight up fight, anyways. Which we are training to avoid."
Now paying more attention, Harry leaned forwards, "What do you mean?"
Simply nodding as she had their full attention, the Kitsune smirked, "Each of you brings something to a fight. You, Harry-San, have wizarding and Onmyouji magic, the second of which he would not be expecting. You have versatility." Moving her hand, she pointed at Natsumi, "Meanwhile, Natsumi-Chan brings the trickery that us Kitsune are well known for. Illusions and the like, which will be affecting him as you fight and throws him off. Shiromizu-San brings pure power to the fore as well as control over elements." Hoshi held her hand out, palm up, three triangles appearing with curved bottoms. They rotated around until they came together to form a circle, "Each one of you is powerful on your own, with your own strengths. But together... you could well be able to beat many foes that singularly you would not."
Rubbing her chin in thought, Natsumi made a thoughtful noise, "I thought that it was something like that, but to hear you agree..." She gave a shrug, "Well..."
Lips curling, Hoshi lightly laughed, "Do not think that it will be that easy. Because we also need to teach you to be able to fight alone, as well as together. Both are highly important." Becoming serious, she turned to Harry, "Speaking of... Natsumi-Chan has stated to me that you are willing to have her learn how to perform Kitsune tsuki on you? Is that true?"
Arms crossed, Harry just nodded with a smile, "Hai, Sensei." He then turned and gave a blushing teenage Kitsune a look of pure and utter trust, "I fully trust her."
Hoshi did not say anything right away as she looked into his eyes when he turned back to her. Almost a minute passed though and she gave a barking laugh, "HA!" A grin on her face, she shook her head before patting Harry on the shoulder, "You should keep him, Natsumi-Chan. The fact that he trusts you so much..." Her tone became softer, "Well, the fact that he trusts you so much to learn how to perform it on him is a wonderful, precious thing. A rare thing as well. Do not ever betray that trust."
Only looking at Harry, Natsumi nodded, "I never would or will, Hoshi-Sensei."
Both teens' gazes met. Simply watching, Hoshi smiled some, "I believe you, Natsumi-Chan." Suddenly, she clapped her hands and made them both jump a bit, "Now then, the class for the day is over with, Harry-San, Natsumi-Chan. You have both done well so perform your cooldown before you begin to cramp and you will be dismissed."
The two teens got to their feet and bowed to her deeply, with her returning it before they went about their cooldown.
After they were gone, Hoshi sat there in deep thought as she looked down at the floor and considered what had happened at the end. Kitsune tsuki... an ability of Kitsune that is seldom used. In which the Kitsune takes on a spiritual form that can inhabit, and possess, another's body. Such a thing in stories were often malicious in nature, her own mother being one such example. But it could also be benevolent for there were once Onmyouji clans who specialized in it, akin to the Inugami as they originally were. In such cases though, it was more to the benefit of the Onmyouji, with them controlling the Kitsune to do their work.
What she just heard though, that the two of that were in front of her had stated? That they trusted each other so much to even consider it, that they trusted the other not to use and abuse it? To not use and abuse the other? Such a thing was so rare that she could only consider a few times that it would happen.
Oddly enough, said times were either between humans and Kitsune who considered each other close siblings, parents... or lovers.
In such cases, that she knew about, the two partners would only become all the closer. Their souls entwinned with each other, strengthening their bond with one another. Briefly, she paused to consider what that might mean for both Harry and Natsumi. Lips twitching, she chuckled at another thought that occurred to her, "Poor Louisiana-San might well have the shipgirl version of a heart attack one day..."
Meanwhile, Natsumi felt an odd sensation. Almost as if someone, somewhere, was having fun at her expense... Shaking that off, she stretched her arms out with a sigh. Part of her was happy that made Harry's gaze fall on her, "I can't wait to take a shower and relax some."
Somewhat amused, Harry chuckled, "Not going to head home right away?"
Tapping the side of her nose, Natsumi shook her head, "No, I'm not, Harry-Chan. After all, this means that I can spend some time with you." Kissing his cheek, she smiled, "And that is something that I enjoy."
A smile on his face, Harry returned the kiss on the cheek with one of his own, "Same here, Natsumi-Chan."
For several minutes, they walked along before the Kitsune turned to him, "Harry-Chan?" Getting a hum of acknowledgment, she continued, "Thank you, for trusting me with the Kitsune tsuki. It... it means a lot."
Green eyes met her golden ones as Harry smiled, "Natsumi-Chan, there are few people that I trust more then you. I'm just thankful that you trust me just as much." Coming to a stop, he gently kissed her before pulling back, "Really thankful." Just smiling, Natsumi giggled a bit and nodded. With a glance around though, she transformed into her fox shape before scrambling up him and diving into his shirt, which was tucked in. Looking down, Harry blinked at her, "Um, Natsumi-Chan? While I toweled myself off, I'm... kind of sweaty still."
Just giving the fox version of a shrug, Natsumi snorted, "And? So am I." Seeing him open his mouth, she cut him off, "Besides which, I don't mind too much. And it is not like you smell... also, I need to get into Gryffindor Tower anyways."
All Harry did was shake his head and sigh, though he had a smile on his face.
Another part, though, was also yet again cursing puberty and hormones.
The rest, however, was concentrated on making it through the barrage. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Natsumi take near blow to one foot. Nothing dangerous, but it was enough that she fell to the floor. Almost immediately, his wand was out and he spoke at a normal volume as another wave of spells approached the teenaged girl, "Protego."
Moments later, a greenish shield appeared and deflected the first three shots before cracking. By then though, Harry was already there and hauling Natsumi to her feet. Something that made her smile as the two of them dodged as the spells broke the shield...
Right before spells from behind slammed into them and knocked them both to floor.
As Harry tried to get back up, a foot placed itself on his chest and kept him on the floor. Head tilted to the side, Hoshi chuckled as she looked down at her male student, who was panting. After a few seconds, she removed her foot and nodded, "You have... improved, some Harry-San. And so have you, Natsumi-Chan."
Laid back on the ground and breathing hard, Harry gave her a raised eyebrow, "Somehow... it does not feel... that way."
Amused, Hoshi chuckled and smirked, "No?" Moments later, she snapped a finger at Natsumi, "Unlike what some might think with your reputation, what with how some magicals seem to think that you could walk on water as the case may be-"
Raising a finger, Natsumi grinned, "Well, he can with the right equipment-Ow!"
Fingers withdrawing from where she had rapped the younger Kitsune on the forehead, the Kyuubi turned back to Harry, "Be that we it may, I do not expect a miracle." Hoshi then gestured at the dummies, "But you have progressed some. With a little more than a month of training, we have gotten you to the point where you do not need to shout out the incantation, while also shielding someone other than you with the spell. Yes, it has taken us the better part of two hours a day, every day for the past thirty five days practicing on just that to get you to this point, but you have managed it. More than that, you have used it in a combat scenario. And that, Harry-San, is good progress."
His head tilted to the side, Harry considered that before slowly nodding, "I guess that makes sense..."
Not saying anything right away, Hoshi watched him before she chuckled, "Harry-San, once I feel that you have trained enough with Natsumi-Chan, I shall bring in Shiromizu-San as well. And train all three of you together... do you know why?"
One eyebrow raised, Natsumi's ear flicked some, "Because both Shiromizu and myself swore to fight alongside him?"
Giving her a nod, the older Kitsune chuckled, "That is certainly part of it, Natsumi-Chan. Most certainly a part of it..." Her smile though fell and her expression became serious, "But there is more to it than just that." Turning to him, Hoshi continued, "Harry-San, the truth of the matter is that you cannot beat Voldemort. I could train you for twenty years, and there would be a chance that he would be able to beat you in a fight."
Some might have been angry at being so dismissed by someone. However, Harry was not most people, he just became thoughtful, "Because he knows all sorts of magic?"
Much to his surprise, Hoshi waved that off, "While it is true that he knows far more magic, that is not the only reason." Looking at him, she continued, "Knowing magic is not the issue. In fact, teaching you spell after spell would be rather easy I will admit though it would take time. No, what matters is that Voldemort has experience." Understanding that the two teens were now listening, she continued, "He has experience, over fifty years of such. Say what you will about the creature, but he has fought, dueled, and the like since the 1940s. He does not just know the spells by rote, but knows exactly when and how to use them. And that is why you will not be able to beat him..." The Kyuubi suddenly gained a bloodthirsty grin, "In a straight up fight, anyways. Which we are training to avoid."
Now paying more attention, Harry leaned forwards, "What do you mean?"
Simply nodding as she had their full attention, the Kitsune smirked, "Each of you brings something to a fight. You, Harry-San, have wizarding and Onmyouji magic, the second of which he would not be expecting. You have versatility." Moving her hand, she pointed at Natsumi, "Meanwhile, Natsumi-Chan brings the trickery that us Kitsune are well known for. Illusions and the like, which will be affecting him as you fight and throws him off. Shiromizu-San brings pure power to the fore as well as control over elements." Hoshi held her hand out, palm up, three triangles appearing with curved bottoms. They rotated around until they came together to form a circle, "Each one of you is powerful on your own, with your own strengths. But together... you could well be able to beat many foes that singularly you would not."
Rubbing her chin in thought, Natsumi made a thoughtful noise, "I thought that it was something like that, but to hear you agree..." She gave a shrug, "Well..."
Lips curling, Hoshi lightly laughed, "Do not think that it will be that easy. Because we also need to teach you to be able to fight alone, as well as together. Both are highly important." Becoming serious, she turned to Harry, "Speaking of... Natsumi-Chan has stated to me that you are willing to have her learn how to perform Kitsune tsuki on you? Is that true?"
Arms crossed, Harry just nodded with a smile, "Hai, Sensei." He then turned and gave a blushing teenage Kitsune a look of pure and utter trust, "I fully trust her."
Hoshi did not say anything right away as she looked into his eyes when he turned back to her. Almost a minute passed though and she gave a barking laugh, "HA!" A grin on her face, she shook her head before patting Harry on the shoulder, "You should keep him, Natsumi-Chan. The fact that he trusts you so much..." Her tone became softer, "Well, the fact that he trusts you so much to learn how to perform it on him is a wonderful, precious thing. A rare thing as well. Do not ever betray that trust."
Only looking at Harry, Natsumi nodded, "I never would or will, Hoshi-Sensei."
Both teens' gazes met. Simply watching, Hoshi smiled some, "I believe you, Natsumi-Chan." Suddenly, she clapped her hands and made them both jump a bit, "Now then, the class for the day is over with, Harry-San, Natsumi-Chan. You have both done well so perform your cooldown before you begin to cramp and you will be dismissed."
The two teens got to their feet and bowed to her deeply, with her returning it before they went about their cooldown.
After they were gone, Hoshi sat there in deep thought as she looked down at the floor and considered what had happened at the end. Kitsune tsuki... an ability of Kitsune that is seldom used. In which the Kitsune takes on a spiritual form that can inhabit, and possess, another's body. Such a thing in stories were often malicious in nature, her own mother being one such example. But it could also be benevolent for there were once Onmyouji clans who specialized in it, akin to the Inugami as they originally were. In such cases though, it was more to the benefit of the Onmyouji, with them controlling the Kitsune to do their work.
What she just heard though, that the two of that were in front of her had stated? That they trusted each other so much to even consider it, that they trusted the other not to use and abuse it? To not use and abuse the other? Such a thing was so rare that she could only consider a few times that it would happen.
Oddly enough, said times were either between humans and Kitsune who considered each other close siblings, parents... or lovers.
In such cases, that she knew about, the two partners would only become all the closer. Their souls entwinned with each other, strengthening their bond with one another. Briefly, she paused to consider what that might mean for both Harry and Natsumi. Lips twitching, she chuckled at another thought that occurred to her, "Poor Louisiana-San might well have the shipgirl version of a heart attack one day..."
Meanwhile, Natsumi felt an odd sensation. Almost as if someone, somewhere, was having fun at her expense... Shaking that off, she stretched her arms out with a sigh. Part of her was happy that made Harry's gaze fall on her, "I can't wait to take a shower and relax some."
Somewhat amused, Harry chuckled, "Not going to head home right away?"
Tapping the side of her nose, Natsumi shook her head, "No, I'm not, Harry-Chan. After all, this means that I can spend some time with you." Kissing his cheek, she smiled, "And that is something that I enjoy."
A smile on his face, Harry returned the kiss on the cheek with one of his own, "Same here, Natsumi-Chan."
For several minutes, they walked along before the Kitsune turned to him, "Harry-Chan?" Getting a hum of acknowledgment, she continued, "Thank you, for trusting me with the Kitsune tsuki. It... it means a lot."
Green eyes met her golden ones as Harry smiled, "Natsumi-Chan, there are few people that I trust more then you. I'm just thankful that you trust me just as much." Coming to a stop, he gently kissed her before pulling back, "Really thankful." Just smiling, Natsumi giggled a bit and nodded. With a glance around though, she transformed into her fox shape before scrambling up him and diving into his shirt, which was tucked in. Looking down, Harry blinked at her, "Um, Natsumi-Chan? While I toweled myself off, I'm... kind of sweaty still."
Just giving the fox version of a shrug, Natsumi snorted, "And? So am I." Seeing him open his mouth, she cut him off, "Besides which, I don't mind too much. And it is not like you smell... also, I need to get into Gryffindor Tower anyways."
All Harry did was shake his head and sigh, though he had a smile on his face.
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