Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Yokohama, Japan, Port Mafia Headquarters
3 weeks before the start of Dazai’s 3rd year at Hogwarts
686 Words
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Dazai
Dazai held back a cold shiver as he lay on the metal slab in Mori’s office. Mori rolled down Dazai’s blood-soaked sock to treat his wound. ‘This stupid dress could at least have been warmer,’ Dazai thought as he squirmed to try and fix the periwinkle ruffles beneath him. After a few minutes, Mori finally broke the silence.
“Fyodor Dostoevsky”
“…. The author or the terrorist?” Dazai questioned with no emotion and increasing boredom.
Mori laughed sickeningly, “Why would that author ever be important in our line of work, Dazai~?” Dazai sighed as Mori started on his other leg, pulling off the sock and tossing it into the ever growing pile of clothes (dresses) ruined with blood.
“Fyodor Dostoevsky, youngest recorded terrorist, ability unknown, child genius, cause of the downfalls of several organizations. However, he was reported missing 3 and a half years ago. Why?” Dazai said, finally answering Mori’s question.
“Just… keep a look out for him at Hogwarts this year, alright?”
‘Why’d I even expect him to tell me?’ Dazai made sure not to show the emotion bubbling up inside him at the mention of Hogwarts. He hadn’t known if he would be returning this year until now. He was eager to see everyone again, even if he was still in denial about missing them.
“Rintaruuuuuuuuu, I want sweeetttssssss,” Elise whined as she broke another crayon.
“Later, dear, later,” Mori said in his stupid slimy tone as he finished applying the bandages. Dazai sat up on the slab and Mori handed him his suit. ‘Finally, I can change out of this stupid dress,’ Dazai thought. He snatched the clothes out of Mori’s hands and hopped off the slab. He held back the dizziness that lurked at the back of his head as he stood. Mori opened the door and ushered Dazai out with Elise not far behind.
“When am I leaving?” Dazai asked as they neared his room. Mori didn’t respond until they entered his room and closed the door.
“Same as last year. However, I will accompany you for a while, as we visit the Malfoy’s.” Featherbrain chirped from her cage in the corner. Dazai looked at the doctor with a questioning look in hopes to get more information.
“Just to work out a couple details. Nothing to worry about! I hope you’ll keep the boy busy while we’re there, won’t you? Wouldn’t want him eavesdropping now would we?” Mori said while that disgusting smile of his. He patted Dazai on the head then walked out. Dazai changed into his suit then opened Featherbrain’s cage. She quickly flew around the room and stretched her wings. She then landed next to Dazai on his bed. Dazai laid down and took a coin out of his pocket. He flipped it around in between his fingers, thinking. He let his mind wander as he lay there, flipping the coin in the air every now and then.
I wonder what kind of pranks Fred and George have done over the summer. I’m sure I’ll hear about it when I get back… Am I going to stay with the Malfoy’s until school starts or with Tom? I wonder what kind of classes I’ll have next year, I think I remember Divination being one. That doesn’t sound super interesting unfortunately; although, I bet Mori would find it useful. I… I miss them, I shouldn’t miss them. They’re only my subordinates, helpful ones… but just subordinates!
……. Blaise… I wonder what he’s doing. I think I remember him saying his home life is boring, but at least he gets to hang out with some of the others.
Dazai laid there for a long time, thinking about the soon-to-come school year. He tried to ignore how his mind kept falling to his gang, especially Blaise, but he noticed. He tried to deny how he missed them but he did; however, he did not yet notice how the feeling among missing Blaise was starting to hurt more than the others. Eventually, he fell asleep with Featherbrain at the foot of his bed.

Chapter Text

Dazai
Mori and Dazai had just walked up to the doors of Malfoy Manor. Mori was wearing his classic Port Mafia boss outfit and Dazai was wearing his normal suit for PM business. Mori knocked on the door and eventually a butler opened the door.
“How may I help you?” the man asked politely. He looked at Mori and then down to Dazai, his eyes widened a bit at the face of The Demon Student. The news of Dazai and Lockhart’s defeat of the Basilisk spread quickly last year, many people weren’t afraid of Dazai anymore but they were wary. At least they didn’t avoid him like the plague.
Mori plastered on his signature smile as he responded, “We have a meeting with Mr. Malfoy if you don’t mind.”
Mori pushed his way into the entryway with Dazai following behind. The butler was shocked at their actions and rushed in front of them after closing the door.
“My apologies, sir, but I must confirm with him before you can go any further.”
“No worries!” Mori said as he walked past. “He isn’t expecting us but I assure you he’ll be happy to see us!”
Mori and Dazai half ran to Lucius’ office with the butler not far behind. Mori quickly knocked on the door.
“Come in”
Mori pushed open the door as Lucius’ eyes widened.
“Uh, Mr. Mori, I wasn’t expecting you today…”
The butler almost fell into the room as he leaned on the door frame to catch his breath.
“I-I’m sorry sir” the butler said in-between pants and gasps, “They just slipped right past me!”
Lucius sighed, “Leave us-“
“Actually, I’d prefer it if you stay. Close the door please,” Mori interjected suspiciously.
Lucius eyed Mori up and down, then Dazai, “I wasn’t expecting a visit, is there something we need to discuss?”
“I hope you did what I asked with that maid, last December.”
“… Yes,” Lucius said cautiously.
Mori clapped his hands together as he stared through Lucius’ soul with his smirk, “Good! As thanks for that, we’ll save you the trouble now.” Lucius looked at him with confusion and concern as Mori reached into his pocket. He got out a silencer and handed it to Dazai. Dazai got the gun from his side and attached the silencer to it.
Lucius stared wide eyed at what he only knew to be a muggle fire arm, “W-What are you doing, child?”
Dazai looked at him, gun in hand, with the emotionless, dead expression he’s had the entire time. Keeping his gaze on Lucius, Dazai lifted up his arm towards the butler and pulled the trigger. With nothing but a thud, the once trembling butler lay on the ground in a growing pool of his crimson blood. Dazai smiled at the shock and horror in Lucius’ eyes as he handed the gun to Mori. Mori kindly took the gun and hid it at his side, behind his coat.
“…” Lucius was speechless, I mean a child just shot an innocent person with no remorse in front of him.
“Anyways~ Where’s your son? I’m sure Dazai would love to catch up with him!” Mori said, acting as if a 13-year-old hadn’t just shot somebody. After a few seconds of awkward silence Lucius went to the door and called Draco. The boy came to them as quickly as one could in their gigantic mansion.
“Yes, Father-,” Draco stopped dead in his tracks as he looked into his Father’s office to see Dazai and Mori. Dazai quickly plastered on his fake smile but Draco saw the emptiness in his eyes for just a split second.
“Hiya, Draco!” Dazai greeted cheerfully.
“Why don’t you two go catch up?” Mori said as he nudged Dazai towards the door. Dazai’s expression quickly changed to one of disgust and back to happy.
“Yeah, sure. It’s, uh, good to see you again, B- Dazai,” Draco stammered. Dazai skipped out the door and gently grabbed Draco by the arm and dragged him along. Of course, Dazai has no idea where he’s going. Soon, Dazai recognized the room they had hid in over spring break and they slipped inside.
Dazai flopped down on the couch against the wall and Draco slowly sat down next to him. Draco was eager to ask questions but didn’t know where to start, “So, uh, how are you, Boss?”
Dazai was tired, he just wanted to take a nap, or die. He had his head laying back against the couch and didn’t even open an eye as he talked. “Fine, I guess.” Thankfully, Dazai’s new scars, bruises, and burns are easily hidden. “How’s your summer been?”
“Good! I hung out with Blaise and Pansy a lot. Her hair has gotten a lot longer and it looks good. Also, Blaise started working out. I mean I still think we’re kinda young to be working out but he said he’s just bored, so I guess it’s whatever.”
Dazai didn’t hear anything after ‘Blaise’ and ‘working out’. He tried to picture it, but when he did he felt his face heating up so he stopped. ‘I wonder why he started working out?’ Dazai wondered as Draco was still rambling. He opened his eyes and turned to Draco, “How’s Blaise?” Dazai interrupted softly.
Draco stopped talking and turned to Dazai, curious. “He’s good. He’s been worrying about you a lot, though. Every time we see each other he asks if I’ve seen you, because of the deal.” Draco added.
Dazai hummed thoughtfully. ‘I hope he doesn’t notice how skinny I am again… Who am I kidding, of course he will. He’ll get super mother-henny about it too,’ Dazai chuckled to himself.
“Egg has been good too,” Draco said.
‘Oh,’ Dazai had almost forgotten that Egg had went home with Draco for the summer. “…Where is he?”
Lucius
“Now that that’s settled, I do hope you don’t mind us staying the night?” Mori said slyly.
How am I going to refuse this?! They’re clearly dangerous, and that demon… I shouldn’t have let him near Draco… Draco… Oh right!
“We have company coming tomorrow, unfortunately.” Lucius responded as calmly as he could.
“Who?”
“The Zabini’s and Parkinson’s.”
“More Pureblood Wizarding Families?”
“Yes.”
“What time?”
“They’re coming over for Breakfast.”
“Hmm… No worries!” Mori said cheerfully.
The splendor in his voice honestly scares me…
“You are alright with them seeing you here?”
“How about Dazai stays here tonight and you show him a hotel he can stay at tomorrow until school starts?”
“I suppose, that could work… Does that mean you are leaving tonight?”
“Ah, yes, unfortunately I do need to get back to Japan soon. But, before I leave I’d just like to make known that I do not care if those families see Dazai here or not. Anyways~ have a good rest of your evening!” And then I blinked and he disappeared.

Chapter Text

Dazai
The sunlight shone through the window and right into Dazai’s eye. He slowly blinked himself awake, ‘Ughh, where am I? Oh, right, Mori ditched me at the Malfoy’s.’ He sat up and covered his eye with his arm. He had taken off his eye patch before he went to bed last night. It stung even though there wasn’t an eye there to be hurt by the sun. Thankfully, it stopped bleeding in the morning awhile ago. ‘So, fucking annoying,’ He sighed as he removed the covers from over his body and shifted so his legs dangled over the edge of the bed. He only got a couple hours of sleep last night considering he was in a new place; although, he normally got about that much sleep anyway. He guessed it was about 8 am from the position of the sun then closed the curtain.
He changed into his suit and carefully walked to Draco’s room. He had shown it to him last night so it wasn’t that hard to find. He knocked on the door but no one answered. He heard a servant walk up behind and he quickly plastered his smirk on his face. The maid that had walked up to him was quite short, about a centimeter shorter than him.
She eyed him up and down, but her gaze got caught on his eye patch. “Uh, the young master has already headed to breakfast. Do you need me to show you the way?” She said, hesitantly. All the servants had been made aware of the young demon’s presence the day prior.
“That would be appreciated! Thank you.” Dazai said cheerfully.
The maid started walking towards the dining hall, every so often glancing to Dazai. “Breakfast will be served at 9:00, the others will be here soon, if they aren’t here already, sir.”
“Others?”
She stopped and looked back to Dazai, “My apologies, I thought you were informed of the Zabini’s and Parkinson’s visiting this morning.”
Dazai’s eyes widened, “Their entire families? Like the kids too?”
“Um, yes, sir.”
Dazai’s smile became genuine as he thought of seeing Blaise again. However, if Pansy was here too then he would have to think of a lie to explain his presence. The maid continued walking as Dazai let his eye wander the halls. ‘8:30’ he thought as he saw a clock down the hallway.
Eventually, they reached the dining hall.
“Here you are, sir,” the maid said as she stepped beside Dazai.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
He stepped inside to be immediately greeted by all 3 families seated. Their chatting stopped as they turned to see who entered.
Blaise
Blaise was staring at the chair next to him as Mrs. Parkinson rambled on about the great pair Pansy and Draco were. ‘Who are we missing?’ He thought. They all turned to the creaking noise of the doors opening. Blaise’s eyes widened at the sight of Dazai Osamu standing in the doorway. He could feel everyone’s surprise as he shot up out of his seat and ran to Dazai. As soon as he stood in front of the boy, he hugged him: so hard it almost knocked the brunette over. Dazai laughed as he put his arms around Blaise to return the hug.
“It’s nice to see you again, Blaise,” He said softly. After a few more seconds, Blaise broke the hug but kept his hands on Dazai’s shoulders. Blaise looked him up and down for new injuries. “Blaise is such a worrywart! I’m fine! I didn’t lose any more body parts, don’t worry!” Dazai said, letting Blaise turn him by his shoulders to check his back.
“Alright,” Blaise said skeptically, “You're much skinnier though, when was the last time you ate?” Blaise looked Dazai right in the eye as he spoke.
“Would you believe me if I said yesterday?” Dazai smiled sheepishly. Blaise looked at him with a disappointed but knowing look. He then grabbed Dazai’s hand and turned around.
“Oh, I forgot they were there,” Blaise whispered to Dazai as he saw everyone’s (minus Pansy and Draco) confused and shocked expressions. Ms. Zabini got up and walked over to Dazai smiling.
“Well, hello there. Dazai Osamu, if I remember correctly?”
“That’s correct!” Dazai took his left hand from Blaise’s grip and put out his right for her to shake.
“I’m Aida Zabini, Blaise’s mother. I didn’t know my son was such great friends with you,” she said as she shook his hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss! Blaise and I have been friends since 1st year so I assumed you knew.” Both of them turned to Blaise, expecting a response. He just shrugged, but he was happy his mom didn’t disapprove of his friendship.
Dazai
A few kitchen staff came in holding trays of food.
“Breakfast is served!” One of them said. Blaise, Dazai, and Aida sat down. Dazai caught a glimpse of Pansy’s glare as they walked to their seats, but he was amused to see Mrs. Parkinson glaring at him as well. After they all sat down the food was set on the table, available for the taking. After everyone moved their food choices to their plates, Dazai turned to the Parkinson Family.
“Dazai Osamu, and you all are?” All three of the Parkinson’s turned to him, only the Father didn’t have a disgusted/ annoyed look on his face.
“Earl Parkinson,” Mr. Parkinson said in a calm voice. He looked at Mrs. Parkinson and motioned for her to answer.
“Fuchsia Parkinson,” she spat out, disgust and annoyance in her tone.
“I hope you don’t expect me to say my name again, Dazai,” Pansy said.
Dazai laughed, “Of course not, Pansy,” he stared at her with his signature fake smile and a glint in his eye. He then turned to Narcissa.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Malfoy! I didn’t see you yesterday.”
“Ah, yes. I took a trip to the spa!” She smiled. However cautious she was of Dazai, she quite liked him.
“Sounds fun!” Dazai responded, despite not remembering what a spa was. If it was even explained to him at all.
“Anyway,” Mrs. Parkinson said harshly, “The group of friends our children make is quite remarkable!”
Blaise
Blaise was trying to focus on eating to ignore Pansy’s mom yapping. It had only like 10 minutes since food had been served. Blaise turned to Dazai only to see him pretending to listen, only Blaise could tell Dazai was zoning out. His gaze fell to Dazai’s empty plate, he sighed. Thankfully Blaise and Dazai were sitting right next to each other, so it was easy to put food on his plate. Dazai snapped out of his head when Blaise set the last piece of food on his plate.
“Awh, Blaiseeeee, come onnnn. I’m not hungryyyyy,” Dazai whined, interrupting Mrs. Parkinson in the process. Everyone turned to Blaise and Dazai to see what the fuss was about.
“When was the last time you ate?” Blaise looked at him with knowing sadness in his eyes.
“Yester-“
“Don’t lie to me.”
“Ugh, I don’t knowwwww… last week maybe?” At this point, everyone was either surprised or concerned or both.
“Eat,” Blaise and Draco said in unison. Dazai sighed and snatched a piece of toast from his plate. He took a small bite of the toast, against his will of course. After a few minutes of awkward silence, the women started gossiping.
After another 30 minutes of talking and eating, everyone finished. The adults talked for another hour as the kids sat around catching up. The first 20 minutes was mainly Blaise ‘mother-henning’ Dazai. They sat in a circle, with Blaise and Dazai sitting on a couch, and Draco and Pansy sitting in separate arm chairs. Dazai was leaning against Blaise’s shoulder and they were holding hands, Dazai occasionally squeezing Blaise’s hand to tell him that the brunette was still awake.
Once the Zabini’s and Parkinson’s left, Dazai was taken to The Leaky Cauldron. He said goodbye to his escort and walked in. There was a bit more people inside because it was about lunch time. He looked around, but he only recognized 2 faces. Florence and Tom. Tom was washing some glasses behind the bar and Florence was reading the day’s newspaper. He walked to the bar with all his stuff in his hands. He peeked over Florence’s shoulder, ‘Sirius Black…’ he began reading, ‘Huh, so it is possible to escape from Azkaban.’
“Glad, they’re not lying about me anymore!” Dazai said, scaring the shit out of Florence and Tom.
“Dazai! It’s great to see you again! You need a room until the school year starts again?” Tom said.
“You know it! But just so you know, I haven’t transferred my muggle money yet.”
“It's no problem, as long as you pay later of course.”
“Naturally”
“Oh, hey kid, I remember you from last year,” Florence said.
“Really? I didn’t expect you to, considering you're always drunk,” Dazai responded. Tom laughed a nice hearty laugh. “Say, speaking of drunk… think I can have a drink?”
“Sure, I could make you a butterbeer.”
“A butterbeer? That’s so boring, can’t I have something with alcohol?” Florence laughed this time.
“No,” Tom said in a tone that said no negotiating. “You want a butterbeer or not?”
“Nah, I’ll just take the room.” Tom turned around and grabbed the key to Room 2. He tossed the key to the Dazai and with that Dazai left for his room.

Chapter Text

Dazai
Dazai sighed, he had gotten a little bit more sleep than normal but still not much. He was glad that Tom gave him the same room as last year, nice and familiar. He sat up on his bed and looked around. Featherbrain started chirping loudly, she probably wanted out. He got up and opened her cage, then he opened the window. She landed on his head and picked through his hair a bit. Dazai tried to swat her off after she didn’t get off immediately. Then, she flew out the window, probably to kill more rats. He changed into some more normal clothes, since a suit isn’t really normal for wizards. He opened the door and locked it behind him, he stopped when he reached the end of the hallway. ‘Why is there so many people here?’ He realized that it was a large group of people, most of them were wearing nice, expensive looking robes. He started to walk forward again until he heard his name. He decided to try and stay hidden and eavesdrop. He crouched down at the end of the bar.
“Dazai? Uh, yeah, he got here yesterday, why? Is he in trouble again?” Tom said, kinda hushed.
“No need to worry, it’s for his own safety,” The strange man, who seemed like the leader, said. He was old, and was wearing the nicest robes. He didn’t seem super smart, kinda like Lockhart, more ‘charisma’ than brains. ‘My protection?’ Dazai thought. He turned to look behind him at the newspaper stand. The top newspaper said Sirius Black, Servant of You-Know-Who. Dazai stared into the eyes of the Sirius Black of the magic moving picture, ‘He doesn’t have the eyes of a murderer? He has much more morals in his eyes than I do at least…’
“Why is the Ministry of Magic suddenly so interested in him? To you, he didn’t even exist last year, even when he was the ‘Demon Student’.”
“That is not information you are able to know,” some young guy said, probably the old guy’s assistant or something.
“We will stay here until Mr. Dazai’s classes start. We are only here for his protection.”
“Protection from what…?” Tom asked hesitantly.
The old guy leaned in so close that Dazai had to strain to hear what he said, “…Sirius Black…” Tom was speechless. ‘Sirius Black? What does he want with me? I doubt they’ll tell Tom any more information… I guess I’ll have to make myself known.’ He quickly popped up and almost teleported next to the old guy.
“Good morning, Tom!” They all jumped, Dazai snickered.
“Oh, Dazai, good morning…” They all turned to look at Dazai, some with curious expressions, some disgusted, some scared. The old man turned to Dazai and held out his hand for the brunette boy to shake. Dazai looked at him skeptically but while his hand.
“Cornelius Fudge, at your service, I am the Minister of Magic.”
“You’re the head honcho at the Ministry of Magic?” Dazai eyed him up and down as he quickly took his hand back.
“Ah, yes. My apologies, you’re muggleborn aren’t you?”
“I feel like someone looking for me should know more of my basic information.”
Fudge looked a little annoyed but it didn’t show in voice. “Ah, so you know why I’m here, then.”
“A bit, you must forgive me for eavesdropping but you really can’t help it when you're as small as I am.”
“Haha, yes, well let’s talk in a more private area,” he looked around then turned to Tom who handed him a key.
Tom turned to Dazai, “You’ll at least come for lunch, won't cha?”
“Hah, yeah, I have to head to Diagon Alley later so I guess. You’ll open the door for me?”
“I’ll be waiting” Tom said. The old man— Fudge— put his hand on Dazai’s back, Dazai flinched as he slowly turned back to Fudge. He didn’t seem to notice Dazai’s flinch, he tried to hide it after all, but Tom did notice. Fudge guided Dazai back to the room Tom gave him the key for. As soon as they walked in, Dazai got away from the senior’s touch. Dazai wanted to get out of there as soon as possible so he cut to the chase.
“Why is Sirius Black after me and why do you care?” Dazai stated firmly, he let the serious part of his classic empty look creep onto his face. This expression told Fudge there was no way Dazai wouldn’t get his information.
“Straight to the point, huh? Well, I’m sure you remember Quirrell and the Basilisk. Because you defeated them, You-Know-Who’s lackeys, he sees you as a threat. So, he ordered Black to break out of Azkaban and come kill you.”
“What do you have to confirm this?”
“The reported sightings of him form a trail that heads this way.”
“Tell me about Sirius.”
“What do you wish to know, young boy?”
“The newspaper called him a murderer, elaborate, please.”
“He betrayed his so-called friends, he sold them to the Dark Lord’s mercy.” Dazai could tell this wasn’t all the information but he was too done with this shit to do anything at the moment. He’d know later, anyway.
He shot to the door, “Thank you, I doubt I’ll need protecting but I’ll be here most of the time.” And he walked out before Fudge could respond. He sighed as he shut the door behind him. He dragged himself out to the bar and sat down. Tom set down some food in front of him, Dazai ate a few bites until Tom seemed satisfied then the older man opened the brick wall for him. Dazai thanked him, swapped out his money, came back, paid Tom in full, and then sat in his room. He stayed there for the next several days, only coming out when Tom forced him to eat and he read the newspaper.

Chapter Text

Dazai
Dazai woke up to scampering and a cat hissing outside his door, he grunted as he sat up. Featherbrain started tapping at the window, Dazai closed it the night before when it started raining. Dazai got up and opened the window, Featherbrain flew in and dropped a rat at his feet. He sighed, when Featherbrain started scratching at the door to the hallway.
“You wanna go in there, girl? Fine.” He held out his arm for Featherbrain to sit and opened the door. He jumped as a rat ran underneath him with a fluffy orange cat following behind. ‘Ugh… wait, is that Angel? And Mione’s cat? Are they here?’ He quickly made his way into the main room.
“I’m warning you, Hermione! Keep that bloody beast of yours away from Angel or I’ll turn it into a tea cozy!” Ron threatened.
“It’s a cat Ronald, what do you expect? It’s in his nature.”
“A cat? Is that what they told you? It looks more like a pig with hair if you ask me!”
“That’s rich coming from the owner of that smelly old shoe brush! It’s alright, Crookshanks. You just ignore the mean little boy.”
“Featherbrain!” Ron exclaimed he saw Dazai at the edge of the hallway.
“Wow, you say hello to the owl first? How rude of a subordinate I have.” Dazai joked. Hermione shot around and smiled when she saw Dazai. She set down her cat and gave Dazai a hug. It was a little awkward with Featherbrain on his arm but they made it work. They all sat down at the big wooden table in the middle of the room. It wasn’t there yesterday so Dazai figured Tom got it out for the Weasleys. Ron told them about his trip to Egypt, it was a bit interesting.
“What’s it like? I’ve only ever read about it.” Dazai said.
“Brilliant! Tons of old stuff, like mummies, tombs, even Angel enjoyed himself!” Ron responded eagerly.
“You know the Egyptians used to worship cats?” Hermione snapped.
“Yeah, along with the dung beetle.”
“Scarab, actually. They represented rebirth, the day-night cycle, and the orbit of the Earth,” Dazai stated. They both looked at him, Ron was not impressed but Hermione was.
“SNAKEY!” the twins shouted, running down the stairs.
“Be careful boys! Don’t want you to trip and miss our trip to Diagon Alley,” Mrs. Weasley said. The twins pretty much ignored her, tackling Dazai in a hug. Dazai reached up behind him to pat their shoulders.
“Hey, guys,” Dazai said calmly, not affected by their energy whatsoever. The twins fussed over Dazai for a moment until they noticed the parchment on the table in front of the brunette.
“You’re not flashing that clipping around again are you, Ron?” George said.
“I haven’t shown anyone,” responded Ron. Everyone looked at him like he as stupid, because he was.
“No, not a soul,” Fred said mockingly.
“Not unless you count Tom-,”
“The day maid-,”
“The night maid-,”
“The cook-,”
“That bloke that came to fix the toilet..”
“And the wizard from Belgium!” Fred finished proudly.
“Dazai, good to see you dear,” Mrs. Weasley said. Dazai got up to hug her, he didn’t particularly know her well so he didn’t really want to but he could tell he didn’t have a choice.
“Mrs. Weasley, good to see you, too.”
“Now have you got everything you need?”
“Yes,” he took his yearly supply run through Diagon Alley just the day before.
“Yes, all of your books?”
“Yes, it’s all upstairs.”
“All of your clothes?”
“Everything’s there,” Dazai pointed back in the general direction of his room.
“Good boy,” Mrs. Weasley said softly as she pinched his cheek.
“Thank you,” it felt weird hearing someone say and it not be Mori saying it disgustingly.
“Dazai Osamu,” Mr. Weasley said, putting his hand out for Dazai to shake.
“Mr. Weasley,” Dazai shook his hand.
“Did I say that correctly?”
“Yes, sir,” Dazai responded with a smile on his face. He looked the older man in front of him up and down. He looked pretty much like the rest of them and he could see where the twins got their height from (because it certainly wasn’t the missus).
“Dazai, wonder if I might have a word?”
“Yeah, sure,” Dazai responded, curiously. Mr. Weasley led them back to the corner of the room.
“Looking forward to a new term?”
“Yes, sir,” the crimson-eyed boy was getting impatient. Dazai stiffened as Mr. Weasley’s face turned serious.
“Dazai, there are some within the Ministry who would strongly discourage me from divulging what I’m about to share with you-”
‘YES! Gossip or information, thank god,’ Dazai thought.
“-but I think you need to know the facts. You are in danger. Grave danger.” Dazai looked at the screaming wanted poster on the wall next to him.
“Has this anything to do with Sirius Black, sir?”
“What do you know about Sirius Black, Dazai?”
“I only know that he has escaped from Azkaban,” Dazai decided to keep some cards to himself.
“Do you know why?”
“I… have a hunch.”
“You’ve defeated…-“
“Voldemort.”
“Don’t say his name!” The redhead whisper-yelled.
“Sorry, sir.”
“Anyway, Black lost everything in those times but to this day, he still remains a faithful servant,” Mr. Weasley explained.
‘I still don’t believe that part yet’ Dazai reminded himself.
“But to him, you are the only thing that stands in the way of You-Know-Who, returning to power. And that is why he has escaped from Azkaban-”
‘Blah, blah, blah, tell me something I don’t know alreadyyyyy’ Dazai complained silently.
“-to find you.”
“And kill me,” Dazai clarified.
“Dazai, I want you to swear to me that whatever you might hear, you won’t go looking for Black.”
“Mr. Weasley, why would I go looking for someone who wants to kill me?” Dazai smirked in his imagination, that is the whole reason he joined the Port Mafia; besides Mori, of course.
The rest of the day, Dazai, Hermione, Ron, and the twins walked around Diagon Alley to make sure there wasn’t anything they were missing. And get a few last minute, useless stuff of course. Well, only what Ron got was truly useless(candy); the twins got items for pranking and Hermione got extra books. They got back just in time for dinner and then Dazai locked himself in his room until the next morning.

Chapter Text

Dazai

Dazai, the Weasley kids, and Hermione were pushing through people after people to get to the train. They packed their stuff on and went to find a compartment.

“Man, all of em are full,” Ron sighed. Hermione opened one of the last compartments to reveal a man sleeping against the window with a jacket laying across him.

“This is probably our best option,” Hermione said as she sat down across from the mysterious man.

“What about Fred and George?” Dazai said.

“Don’t worry about us, Boss!” Fred said.

“Yeah! We’ll go find Blaisey!”

Dazai chuckled at the nickname, “Alright, see you later.” The twins closed the door to the compartment and walked down the aisle. Ron sat down next to Hermione, which forced Dazai to sit next to the stranger.

“Who is this guy?” Ron questioned, warily.

“Professor Remus J. Lupin,” Hermione responded in a firm voice.

“How do you know everything?”

“It’s on his suitcase,” Dazai said for Hermione.

“Honestly…” Hermione mumbled to herself as she rolled her eyes.

“Please tell me he’s the new DADA teacher and they replaced Lockhart,” Dazai pleaded.

“That’s correct. I heard he went to Hogwarts too,” Hermione said.

“Good, at least now I know he has some brains,” Dazai joked. Hermione and Ron talked/ argued for a while, with Dazai butting in to break them up a couple times. If he hadn’t then he might’ve fallen asleep, he almost did until the train came to a sudden stop.

“Why’re we stopped?” Ron said as he looked out the window.

“I don’t know, we shouldn’t be there for a bit,” Hermione said. Ron whimpered as the lights started going out and Featherbrain started fussing about in her cage when the window started freezing. Dazai was on high alert now. Ron freaked and pushed away from the window.

“T-There’s something o-out there,” Ron pointed at the window as Hermione squinted at it. Dazai sat tense as he heard… heavy breathing. He closed his eyes and felt the magical signature of whatever was on the train, form a picture in his mind. It floated, and was wearing a ripped up cloak, that was all that Dazai could make out. He opened his eyes and scooted back away from the door as he felt one of the mysterious creatures come closer. Ron whimpered again as the creature became visible through the door’s window into the hallway. The creature opened the door and wrapped it’s hand around the door frame. Nobody moved a muscle as the creature scanned the room. ‘Is it looking for something or someone?… Sirius Black maybe’ Dazai pondered. The creature did another scan of the room but then its gaze stopped on Dazai. Hermione and Ron’s gazes went from the floating creature of death to Dazai. The brunette could see their worried and terrified faces out of the corner of his eye. The cloaked creature floated towards Dazai and then it started to… take in a deep breath? Dazai was confused until he suddenly heard screams as his skin turned translucent and lift up to the creature. Dazai heard many, many screams, and he recognized every single one. Quirrell’s breathy scream as Voldemort separated from his body. Madam Pomfrey’s scream of utter horror as she was petrified by the Basilisk. And other screams of the traitors and prisoners he’s broken and killed in the past. Dazai felt himself getting weaker, but then he felt the seat move underneath him. Suddenly, he felt a rush of powerful magic and saw it in a bright white light. It felt pure and full of light, perfect to counter the creature attacking him. The creature fled and the screaming stopped. Dazai tried to stay awake but he couldn’t stop his eye from closing and he fainted.

The last thing he heard was Mione say, “I guess it makes sense they would go after him, I read that they target people who’ve experienced bad things and I’d say what happened the last two years was bad enough…”

Blaise

Blaise, the twins, and a random person were all sitting in a compartment together. Blaise was grateful the twins came and joined him because it was getting awkward in there. The twins were explaining the new ideas they had for pranks as the kid next to them listened out of concern. Blaise laughed a few times but then they came to a stop. The lights went out and Dementors started roaming the aisle. All of them went still, ‘Why are Dementors here? Are they looking for Sirius Black?’ A Dementor opened the door to their compartment and scanned the room. It started moving towards Blaise but something else caught its attention and it left. All of them let out a sigh of relief. They sat there in silence for several minutes until the train started back up.

“Where’s Dazai?” Blaise said in a serious tone, looking directly at the twins, he needed to know Dazai was ok. The twins immediately got up from their seats and Blaise followed.

“Follow us.” Dazai’s 3 mother hens walked down the aisle and to the compartment the twins had left Dazai in.

“This one,” George said. Blaise nodded and opened the door. The first thing his eyes land on is Dazai passed out laying on the seat.

“Dazai!” Blaise almost shouts, he rushes to Dazai’s side and kneels down next to the seat he’s laying on. He turns to the rest of them, “What happened?” A strange man explained how a dementor attacked Dazai as the twins crammed in there with the rest of them. Eventually, one of the twins asked Blaise’s question.

“Um, not to be rude, but who are you?” Fred said.

“Ah, my apologies, I am Professor Lupin. I am the new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher.”

“Is he going to be ok?” Blaise asked gently.

“Ah, yes. He will be just fine when he wakes up.”

“Great, then I’m leaving. It’s too bloody crowded in here,” Ron complained as he walked out.

“I’ll go with him so you two can have a seat,” Hermione smiled at the twins as she followed Ron.

“Thanks Mione!” The twins said together. Now that there was more room Blaise could move to a more comfortable spot. He gently lifted up Dazai’s upper body so he could sit, then he laid Dazai back down on top of him. They were both facing the window with their legs pointing the same direction, one of Blaise’s legs was dangling off the seat a bit. The twins shared a look and smirked. For the rest of the way, the twins questioned the new Professor. They figured out how much he knew about the gang’s exploits and if he would be an easy target for pranking. It would only be around another 5 minutes until they got to the school when Dazai started stirring.

“Good morning, snakey-head!” Fred said, George laughed and Blaise tried to hold his back, as to not disturb Dazai too much. He wasn’t sure how Dazai would react to how they’re sitting so he didn’t want him realizing just yet.

“Good one, dear brother of mine.”

“Ugh, what happened?” Dazai groaned as he sat up.

“A dementor tried to suck out your soul,” Blaise responded in his normal bored tone.

“Awh, man. Why’d you save me? That’d be a really cool way to die!” The professor stared wide-eyed at Dazai.

“E-Excuse me?” the professor questioned hesitantly. The Hounds in the room shared a knowing look before someone explained.

“Sorry, Dazai just has a bad sense of humor.” Blaise looked at the professor’s astonished face. It was quite funny but Blaise didn’t think he’d make a suicide joke to see it. “Anyway, How’re you feeling, Boss?”

“Like I almost just died!” Dazai said cheerfully and smiled. He turned his head to face Blaise but then he realized the position they were in. He tried to hide it but everyone could see the blush that crept onto his face and ears. Blaise smiled then chuckled.

“Don’t laugh at me! Blaise is so meannn,” Dazai pouted with his arms crossed. He turned to the professor when he felt satisfied with his complaining. “So, Professor Lupin, right? What were those creatures?”

“Ah, yes, and those were Dementors. They are the guards of Azkaban. They were doing a patrol for Sirius Black.”

“That makes sense,” Dazai responded thoughtfully. “I’m sure you know by now but I’m Dazai Osamu.”

“Ah yes, it’s still a pleasure to meet you in person.” They shook hands.

Blaise peeked around Dazai’s shoulder, “Blaise Zabini.” The professor smiled back.

“Fred Weasley,” George said.

“And George Weasley,” Fred said. Blaise smiled knowingly and Dazai snickered.

“It’s quite unusual to see Gryfindors and Slytherins as friends,” Professor Lupin questioned.

“We get that a lot-,” Fred said.

“-but it’s all thanks to Snakey!” George finished. Dazai laid back down against Blaise’s chest and Blaise smiled. Soon the train came to a stop, they all got off and soon most of the hounds found each other. Dazai stood next to the Thestrals for a while until Blaise came up beside him.

“What do they look like?” Blaise asked, watching Dazai thoughtfully.

“They have the general shape of horses but they’re mostly skin and bone. Their skin is a sleek, leathery black. They have a long, thin, and boney tail, and big, black bat wings. They also have a beak, unlike horses.” Dazai responded in an analytic tone.

“I’d say I’d like to see them but that would sound weird considering what it entails.” Dazai laughed and Blaise smiled, a bit a blush found its way to his ears as he watched Dazai. “Let’s get on, we don’t wanna be left behind.” Dazai nodded and as they walked to the door of the carriage Blaise took Dazai’s hand in his own.

Chapter Text

Dazai

Dazai was banging his head against the table, trying to block out the horrid singing— if you could even call it that— coming from some of his classmates at the head of the Great Hall. Oh, and frogs, Dazai didn’t really hate frogs but they reminded him of slimy Mori. The frogs would croak every now and then along with the music. All of the newbies had been sorted and were sitting down, none of them of course were even remotely close to Dazai. Even though he was a ‘hero’ now, people still feared him but at least he wouldn’t get jumped in the hallway as much. Dazai was sitting next to Blaise and Draco and Pansy were sitting across from them at the Slytherin table. The ‘singing’ finally ended and Blaise forced Dazai to stop banging his head on the table. Headmaster McGonagall stepped up to the gold podium, she was supposed to only be temporarily headmaster but I guess they couldn’t find anyone who wanted to take the job. Dazai looked up to see the Headmaster start the announcements.

“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Now before we all eat, I would like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor R. J. Lupin! Good luck to you, Professor.” McGonagall announced. Dazai scanned the staff table, all the normal people were there, minus the people he may or may not have killed off the year prior. Madam Pomfrey’s former seat was taken up by a man Dazai did not know. The man had reddish brown hair that was tied up in a low, small, and sloppy bun resting on the back of his neck. It was hard to tell because he was sitting down but he seemed kinda taller than average. The smile on his face was so big and positive looking that it almost seemed fake. His smile was so big you could barely see his squinted, piercing yellow eyes. He was wearing an outfit you’d expect a nurse to wear, a white button up shirt with red accents and crosses with a long kinda tight skirt. The top of the skirt had a red stripe and a brown belt with a small bag hanging from it. Dazai shuddered as the thought of Mori crossed his mind. ‘He’s not Mori…’ Dazai’s eye fell to how Snape half-assed his clap for Professor Lupin. ‘I think I remember some students gossiping that Snape wanted Lupin’s position earlier,’ Dazai reminded himself. Hagrid was sitting in a professor’s seat, I guess they replaced more people than he thought. Hermione was sitting behind Dazai at the Gryfindor table, she turned to whisper to Dazai.

“Of course, that’s how he knew how to repel the Dementor, Dazai!” Dazai just nodded to her. He had already figured that he was the new DADA Professor. Ginny, sitting next to Hermione, joined their conversation.

“Dazai, is it true you fainted?”

“Hah, yeah, what happened there, Dazai?” Pansy mocked him by pretending to faint.

“I’ll explain later, in the office,” Dazai said. Hermione stuck her tongue out at Pansy, then they went back to listening to the announcements.

“I’m delighted to announce that his place will be taken by our own Rubeus Hagrid!” McGonagall announced. Dazai missed whose place he took because of the whispering but he’ll figure it out later. Everyone started clapping for him, another professor next to him nudged for him to stand up. He rushed to stand up knocking the table around in the process. Dazai didn’t know Hagrid well, but he respected the giant. The brunette had seen he smarts regarding animals before so he knew his new position would probably focus around that. It would also explain the monster book Dazai has done his best not to touch. “Everyone say hello to Hogwarts’ new Chief Nurse, Doctor E. H. Wright! However, on a more serious note, by request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will, until further notice, have the Dementors of Azkaban roaming around the outskirts of the grounds until Sirius Black is caught. Please stay away from them, as they will not be able to tell the difference between their target and someone who stand in their way. However, I’m sure the escapee will be captured soon so everyone stay positive and enjoy this new year!” McGonagall finished and sat down to eat. Everyone was chatting, except for Dazai and Blaise. Dazai was zoning out and Blaise was happy just listening. To Blaise’s dismay, Dazai only ate a few bites of the food he put on the brunette’s plate.

Everyone finished eating and started heading for the common rooms. On the way out, the non-Slytherin members of the gang had clumped together to get the plan from Dazai.

“Since our luggage is transported with magic, I’ll have to swing by the Slytherin common rooms and drop my stuff off at the office. After that, sure I guess we can hang out.”

“Yay!” the twins cheered.

“So we’ll meet at the office later?” Hermione asked.

“I mean, not everyone has to come, but if you want to sure.” Everyone agreed to meet up at the office after settling into their dorms. Blaise and Dazai walked to the dorms holding hands. Draco and Pansy walked in front of them, Pansy was listening to Draco rant and complain like he was saying the most inspiring thing ever. A couple times, Dazai saw Pansy look down at Draco’s hand, contemplating if she should hold it or not. The messy-haired boy was pretty sure the boy next to him noticed it too. Once they made it to the Slytherin rooms, Pansy, Draco, and Blaise made sure all of their things were accounted for then waited for Dazai to get his stuff. Blaise helped Dazai carry some things, Draco wanted to help too but it would’ve felt weird, yk? Pansy did not want to help, but I feel like that goes without saying. Draco led them to the office, when he opened the door only Ron wasn’t in there. They all sat around the room, the twins eagerly told Dazai about the pranks they did and have planned. They also told him about the information they got from Professor Lupin. Egg eagerly greeted Dazai after the months they were apart during the summer. Blaise, Dazai and Egg sat on the couch, Draco sat at the desk with Pansy beside him. Ginny and Luna were drawing on the white board and the rest were sitting on the floor around Dazai. Once the colors showing through the stained glass window told them it was sunset, they all started filing out. Soon, it was only Blaise and Dazai in the office.

“Need something?” Dazai questioned.

“I-I noticed last year that you didn’t get much sleep but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help, now?” Dazai looked at him blankly, ‘I’m an insomniac, I doubt he could help at all.’

“I don’t know.”

“Think about it, then,” Blaise said as he walked to the door. “Goodnight, Dazai.” Blaise smiled softly, kindly, at Dazai, as if they hadn’t committed mass murder together last year.

“Goodnight, Blaise.” And the amber-eyed boy closed the door.

Chapter Text

Dazai

He had to force himself not to bang his head on the table or it might start bleeding. Of course, Dazai didn’t really care but it would be quite the hassle. Dazai and Ron were sitting across from each other at one of the tables. The table they chose was quite close to the front, to Dazai’s dismay. Their first Divinations class was about to start, he had talked to Professor Trelawney a few times last year and she seemed kinda cooky. I guess that’s what you get when you can see the future. Dazai really wanted to think it was just a load of bullshit but he is in a magic school so, nothing’s really off the table. ‘Hermione isn’t here yet, strange,’ unfortunately Dazai was interrupted by his thoughts quickly.

“Welcome, my children. In this room, you shall explore the noble art of divination in this room you shall discover if you possess the sight. I am Professor Trelawney and together we shall cast ourselves into the future!” Professor Trelawney said. “This term we will be focusing on Tessomancy, which is the art of reading tea leaves. Now, everyone take the cup of the the person sitting opposite of you. See, the truth lies buried like a sentence Dee within a book waiting to be read but first you must broaden your minds. First, you must look.. BEYOND!”

“What a load of rubbish!” Hermione said quietly.

“Where did you come from?!” Ron said, flabbergasted at her sudden appearance. Dazai stared at her, he scanned her expression for any hint at how she got there. ‘I would’ve heard her come in… Teleportation spell? No, Hermione would’ve given more hints about knowing that kind of spell…’

“I’ve been here all this time!” She defended.

“This time you boy,” the Divinations Professor held her hand out and pointed at Neville. “I’d your grandmother quite well?” She asked cautiously.

“I-I think so,” Neville said, worried.

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, give me your cup.” She took Neville’s cup from his partner and looked inside. “Oh, pity.” Dazai snickered and Hermione elbowed his backside. He stuck his tongue out at her. “Broaden your minds,” the professor continued. “Hmm,” she turned to Dazai’s table. “Whoa! Your aura is pulsing, dear! Are you in the beyond? I think you are!”

“S-Sure…” Ron gulped.

“Look, look! What do you see?”

“Oh, yeah, um. Dazai’s got sort of a wonky cross. That means, uh,” anyone could tell Ron was not confident in his words as he flipped the pages of his textbook. “Trials and suffering and that there could be the sun, that’s happiness. So, you’re gonna suffer… but you’re gonna be happy about it?”

“That fits,” Dazai nodded.

“Let me see,” Professor Trelawney took the cup from Ron. “Oh!” She said, quite alarmed as she practically threw the tea cup back on to the table. “M-My boy, you have… The Grim,” Dazai looked at her with an annoyed expression. ‘Does she really expect us to know this already? Although, I probably should’ve read her textbook while I was staying with Tom.’ The Divinations Textbook was the only one he hadn’t read yet, besides the living one.

“What’s the Grin?” A random Gryfindor said.

“Not the Grin, the Grim,” said another Gryfindor Dazai didn’t know. “The Grim takes form of a spectral dog,” ‘Man, why’s it always a dog,’ Dazai silently complained. “it’s among the darkest omens of our world, it’s an omen of death…”

“Really?!” Dazai perked up, everyone looked to him. Most people were surprised, but Hermione, Ron, and a few Slytherin knew of his antics. “I’m gonna die? Finally!”

“Dazai! How many times do I have to tell you to not joke about that? Some people are seriously going through that and it’s not something to joke about!” Hermione scolded. ‘Yeah, like me,’ Dazai thought.

The rest of the class was boring, Dazai zoned out for most of it. He probably should’ve been paying attention considering he hadn’t read the textbook yet but he’d read it later. Their next class was Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid, the rest of the loyalty club had this class as well.

“You don’t think that Grim thing has got anything to do with Sirius Black, do you?” Ron questioned as they walked down the mossy stairs to Hagrid’s hut.

“Oh, honestly, Ron. If you ask me, Divination is a very wooly discipline. Now, Ancient Runes, that’s a fascinating subject.”

“Ancient Runes? Exactly how many classes are you taking this term?” asked Ron.

“A fair few.”

“Hang on, that’s not possible. Ancient Runes is at the same time as Divination. You’d have to be in two classes at once.” Ron argued. ‘Two classes at once, eh? That must be why Hermione suddenly appeared earlier, now only how is the question,’ Dazai concluded.

“Don’t be silly, Ronald. How could anyone be at two classes at once?” Dazai laughed, is this his affect on her? “BrOaDeN yOuR mInDs, UsE yOuR iNnEr EyE tO sEe ThE fUtUrE!” Hermione mocked. ‘Wait, you couldn’t be two places at once with a teleportation spell. It’d have to be… time travel?!’ Dazai made sure to make a mental note to confront Mione about it later. Once they made it to Hagrid's hut they could hear his booming voice easily.

“That’s it. Come on, now. Come closer. Less talking if you don’t mind. I got a real treat for ya today. A great lesson. So follow me.” Hagrid took them into the woods near his hut, they walked for a few minutes until they reached a clearing. It was quite a sunny day outside, ‘Maybe I should’ve brought sunscreen, thankfully my robes cover most of me. Although, now I’m hot.’ He looked around, Blaise, Draco, and Pansy were slowly making their way to the front of the crowd. He followed the trees up and looked at the canopy. Thankfully, the canopy blocks some of the sunlight, all the trees must’ve been the same species because all of them shot straight up, no bends or turns.

“Right, you lot. Less chattering. Form a group over there. And open your books to page 49.”

“Exactly, how do we do that?” Draco asked.

“Well, just stroke the spine, of course.” Hagrid stated as if it was common knowledge. Dazai got the monster book out of his bag and dragged two of his fingers down the spine. It felt weird with his gloves, he wondered how sentient the book was and if it could feel No Longer Human. He slowly unhooked the clasp around the book and opened it. He let out a sigh of relief, it didn’t attack him.

“Looks like not everyone has our skill,” Blaise said, standing right beside Dazai.

“Man, what’s with people suddenly appearing today?” Ron complained. Blaise looked at him curiously then went back to whatever caught his attention before. Dazai followed his gaze to see Neville on the ground being attacked by his book. Dazai chuckled which caught Blaise’s attention, the taller boy smiled at Dazai and took the boy’s hand in his own.

“I think they’re funny.” Hermione stated. ‘Wait, what were they talking about?’ Dazai thought.

“Oh, yeah! Terribly funny! Really witty!” Pansy teased. “God, this place has gone to the dogs. I can’t believe McGonagall’s got this oaf teaching classes; although, she is a Gryfindor, so I suppose it can’t be helped.”

“What is your problem?!” Hermione yelled as she stepped towards Pansy. ‘Yeah, what is her deal? She isn’t normally this up front.’ Dazai wondered. Pansy matched Hermione’s actions and stepped forwards, scowling in disgust at her. The black-haired girl suddenly stopped and looked up behind Dazai and Blaise who were several feet behind Mione.

Pansy pointed at the place she was staring at, “D-Dementor, Dementor!” Everyone looked to where she was pointing with fear, all except Dazai of course. He was staring into Pansy’s eyes, searching for any hint as to what was going on inside her head. She seemed confident, and that’s all she gave away. ‘Shame.’ Once everyone realized there were no Dementors, some of the Slytherin backing Pansy laughed. Blaise joined Dazai in his staring at Pansy; although, he had a stare of disappointment in her actions.

“Enough, Pansy,” Draco interjected. Suddenly, Hagrid cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention: it worked.

“Da-da-da-da!” Hagrid motioned to the other side of the clearing where a large magical creature was watching them. It was about the size of a horse and had the backside of one too, but its front looked more like an eagle. It had gray marbled feathers and talons at the bottom of its front legs. Dazai watched with curiosity as the creature mimicked his behavior. “Isn’t he beautiful? Say hello to Buckbeak!”

“Hagrid, exactly what is that?” Ron asked, surprised at the sight of it.

“That, Ron, is a Hippogriff. First thing you ought to know about hippogriffs is that they’re very proud creatures. Very easily offended. You do not want to insult a hippogriff. It may just be the last thing you ever do. Now!” Hagrid clapped. “Who’d like to come and say hello?” Dazai was so intently watching Buckbeak preen its feathers that he didn’t notice everyone take a step back. Blaise didn’t move though, he stood right by Dazai’s side. “Well done, Dazai. Well done.” Hagrid’s words snapped him back to reality. He looked around and saw everyone had stepped back. Blaise looked down at Dazai then back to Hagrid.

“Do you think we could do it together, sir?” Blaise asked.

Hagrid thought for a moment, “Well, I suppose. But chu’ll have to be extra careful.”

“Thank you.” Blaise stepped forward with Dazai.

“Now, you have to let him make the first move. It’s only polite. So… you step up. Give him a nice bow. Then you wait and see if he bows back. And if he does, you can go and touch him. And if not… well, we’ll get to that later.”

“That’s reassuring,” Dazai whispered, sarcastically. Dazai and Blaise stopped walking forward when Buckbeak started freaking out. Dazai could hear Hermione gasp behind him. The brunette let go of Blaise’s hand and put his hands up in a surrendering motion. “Don’t worry, I’m wearing gloves,” Dazai whispered so Hagrid couldn’t hear. That seemed to calm the hippogriff down, Dazai wasn’t really sure that was what was bothering the creature but his guess was correct. ‘Would my ability really affect it or is he just scared?’

“Now, just make your bow.” Hagrid said softly. Dazai and Blaise bowed in sync. “Nice and low.” Buckbeak bleated and paced a little before slowly returning the bow. Hagrid chuckled proudly and Blaise smiled. “Well done, you two. Well done. Eh, you big brute, you.” Hagrid tossed Buckbeak a dead ferret, he caught the corpse easily and gulped it down. Dazai exhaled quietly. “Right, you two can go and pat him now. Go on. Don’t be shy.” The two Slytherins walked up slowly to the large creature. “Nice and slow there. Good. Nice and slow.” Dazai slowly lifted up his right arm and Blaise, his left. “Not so fast, boys.” Buckbeak snapped at them and Dazai heard Hermione gasp again. “That's it. Nice and slow. Now let him come to you.”

Buckbeak slowly walked up to the two boys and sniffed their hands. The marble colored creature put his head in between their hands and brushed up against each one. Blaise smiled wide and Dazai let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Dazai wished he could feel Buckbeak’s feathers without a glove but he knew it wasn’t possible. They both ran their hands back and forth on Buckbeak’s head, making sure not to mess up his feathers.

Hagrid clapped for them, “Well done!” The crowd of classmates behind them joined Hagrid in clapping. “I think he may let you ride him now.”

Dazai froze, “What?!” Hagrid walked to them, picked them up, and put them onto Buckbeak’s back. “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Hagrid!”

“Just behind the wing joint. Don’t pull out any of his feathers, cause he won’t thank you for that.” Dazai and Blaise adjusted their positions to be more comfortable as Hagrid hit Buckbeak on the back. Dazai quickly wrapped his arms around Blaise’s torso as the creature underneath him took off running. After about 10 feet of running, Buckbeak launched himself into the air.

“Dazai!” Hermione shouted, panicking.

“Boss!” Draco joined in with Hermione.

Dazai had his face buried in Blaise’s back. Dazai couldn’t see it but Blaise’s face was bright red. The crimson-eyed boy slowly opened his eyes as they flew over top of Hogwarts. Dazai straightened his posture as the wind blew his hair away from his face. Buckbeak squawked loudly as he flew low over the lake. Dazai looked down at them in the water and smiled a wide, genuine smile. He looked around Blaise’s shoulder and Buckbeak’s head and put his arms out wide. Dazai laughed, astonished.

Blaise

Blaise looked back at him in surprise and amusement, he smiled a blush filled smile as he saw Dazai truly enjoying the moment. With the water Buckbeak kicked up flying past his face, Dazai looked like an angel. The most beautiful person he’s ever seen. His eyes shone bright blood red in the rays of sunshine and his hair glistened with the drops of water that got caught in his locks reflecting the sun perfectly. The Hogwarts castle and the mountains behind them framed Dazai’s face perfectly. ‘Truly an angel…’ Blaise thought as he stared at Dazai with his red star-struck expression.

Dazai

Dazai was so in his own world that he didn’t even notice Blaise staring at him. ‘So… free…’ Dazai closed his eyes and just let the wind and water brush past his face. He latched back on the Blaise as he felt Buckbeak turn back around. He laid his head against Blaise’s back and smile softly. He closed his eyes and just laid there until they got back to the forest.

Chapter Text

Blaise

“The hell is his problem?” Pansy asked.

“I don’t know, he’s been like this since they landed,” a worried Draco responded.

They stared at Blaise, every now and then sharing a worried glance. Blaise had been staring at Dazai from a distance the entire time. He had a stupid lovesick look, a wonky smile, and red cheeks. His eyes were partially closed and he looked like he was about to fall over. He couldn’t think of anything but the scene he had just witnessed, the angel he just had the blessing of laying eyes on. Dazai was bombarding Hagrid with questions, he had been doing this since Hagrid stopped forcing kids to try and approach Buckbeak several minutes ago. The eagerness in Dazai’s eye shone through remarkably, it was as if there was and actually twinkle in his eye. ‘I-I love him…’ Blaise thought. It took him a couple seconds to actually process the train of thought that rolled through his mind, but once he did he moved for the first time in many minutes. It actually startled Draco and Pansy when he moved. His eyes widened, he stood up straighter, and his vision blurred as he got lost in his own mind. ‘I love Dazai…? I guess that would explain my strange feelings towards him. My wish to be by his side no matter what… blah blah blah blah’ he rambled on inside his mind for a couple minutes. During those 2 minutes, Dazai had come up to Draco. Now bombarding the blonde with questions, instead of the giant. Blaise looked up as Dazai’s voice finally made its way to the love-struck boy’s ears.

“… that book that your father gave you on training dragons?” Dazai said, almost yelling from excitement.

“Yeah… I remember it,” Draco answered, he was honestly kinda scared at the emotion Dazai was showing. The amount of emotion and the emotion itself.

“Did it have anything on riding dragons?”

“I don’t remember.”

“Do you have it?”

“No, it’s at my house. I suppose I could ask someone to mail it here, though.”

Dazai squealed, “Thank you!” He turned around and quickly found Hermione.

“The dragon book!” Hermione screamed when Dazai came up behind her. “Did it say anything about riding a dragon?”

Hermione and Ron shared a concerned glance before she spoke, “I think so, but it had different methods of training for different breeds and I don’t remember what it said for a Norwegian Ridgeback.”

“Awh, man. I’ll have to wait for the book then.” He turned to Ron. “Do they ride dragons at the sanctuary your brother works at?”

“I don’t think so, no one there has ever bonded with a dragon,” Ron said while looking up like he was racking his brain. Blaise smiled at Dazai as he accepted his feelings for the traumatized brunette. ‘He not love me like I love him, but I’ll take what I can get. It’s not his fault anyway, he might even know what love feels like… any kind of love…’

Hagrid interrupted his thoughts, “Alright, that’s it for class today! Go get ready for lunch!” Blaise held Dazai’s hand as they walked back to the castle together. Blaise promised himself that no matter what, he would be there for Dazai. Even if Dazai hated him, he would be there, to make sure he was healthy and eating and safe.

Blaise and Dazai were sitting at the Gryffindor table during lunch. They got a lot of confused looks from the first years, even ones at other tables. The twins were pleasantly surprised to hear Dazai ramble on excitedly about riding Buckbeak and telling them about his hopes to be able to ride on Egg’s back like that. Because Dazai was so distracted Blaise was able to get Dazai to eat a lot more than normal. All of the Gryffindor members of Hell’s Hounds were sitting near Dazai, listening to his story. At some point Luna joined them as well. She was quite the strange figure, Blaise concluded, but she seemed nice and didn’t care about the rumors surrounding Dazai so Blaise had a certain level of respect for her. Dazai glared aggressively at a Gryffindor who ran in yelling with some parchment in his hands.

“He’s been sighted! He’s been sighted!” the obnoxious Gryffindor yelled.

“Who?” Ron asked.

“Sirius Black!” The Gryffindor slammed the parchment on the table. At the murderous wizard’s name, Dazai slid across the table and ran to look at the news.

“Dufftown?” Dazai wondered where that was.

“That’s not far from here!” Hermione answered.

“Y-You don’t think he’d come to Hogwarts, do you?” The annoying Gryffindor asked, clear fear in his voice.

“With Dementors at every entrance?!” A random student said.

“Dementors! He’s already slipped past them once, hasn’t he? Whose to say he won’t do it again?” said the bothersome Gryffindor. Blaise had only bothered to learn the names of the Gryffindors Dazai had befriended.

“That’s right, Black could be anywhere… It’s like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.” said another random Gryffindor. Blaise stared down at the magical animated picture on the table. ‘What reason would Black have to come here, though?… he’s a servant of Voldemort right?’ Blaise didn’t even want to think the next thing that came to his mind. ‘C-Could have Voldemort sent him after… Dazai?’ Blaise shook the thought from his mind.

Chapter Text

Dazai

‘Ugh, what is that smell? It smells like that stupid spray they use to cover up the wet dog smell in the kennels but a magic version!’ Blaise and Dazai walk into the DADA classroom to see all the desks and chairs gone. Instead, there was a large wardrobe in the middle of the room, it was intricately carved wood plastered with mirrors on the outside. Everyone stopped a good distance away from it as it bounced around.

“What do you think’s inside?” Dazai heard someone behind him whisper. The brunette grabbed Blaise’s hands to feel more comfortable. Dazai closed his eyes and felt the magic inside the wardrobe, it was low, and cold. Dark but not in a negative way, just physically lacking light. He could feel the controlled chaos inside, chaos of the constant moving parts but still controlled because it had complete control over itself. The longer he closed his eyes the more he could make of its figure, it never stopped changing and twisting. As if it didn’t have a form truly of itself, it felt like a black, floating, liquid, dust cloud.

“Intriguing, isn’t it?” Professor Lupin said from behind everyone, and causing Dazai to open his eyes. “Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?… Anyone?”

“A boggart.” Hermione stated.

“When’d she get here?!” Ron questioned, annoyed and confused. Blaise gave Dazai a look asking for an explanation, the brunette shrugged. Dazai remembered the boggart from the textbook, he sighed, ‘This is going to be annoying. That explains the feeling its magic has.’

“Very good, Ms. Granger. Now can anyone tell me what a boggart looks like?”

“No one knows. Boggarts are shape-shifters, they take the form of whatever a person fears the most. That’s what makes them so-,”

“So terrifying,” Professor Lupin interrupted her. She stared daggers at him for a moment then calmed herself. ‘No one knows? That’s probably because it doesn’t really have its own form. I wonder, does it shift into people’s fears because it’s insecure?’ Dazai contemplated. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart.” The professor turned to look at the wardrobe as it shook then turned back to the students. “Let’s practice it now. Uh, without wands please.” ‘Not like that could stop me,’ Dazai thought, recalling his several accidental spells. “After me: Riddikulus!”

“Riddikulus!” The class repeated, Dazai included.

“Again, please. Riddikulus!”

“Riddikulus!”

“This class is ridiculous…” Pansy quietly complained from the back.

“Very good. Well, so much for the easy part. You see, the incantation alone is not enough. What really finishes a boggart is… laughter.” Dazai had to hold back a laugh at that. “You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain, uh Neville. Come join me, please.” Neville slowly walked up towards the front. “Now, what do you fear the most?” Neville mumbled. “Speak up, now.”

“P-Professor Snape…” Dazai laughed so loud it startled Blaise.

“You live with your grandmother correct?”

“Yes… But I don’t want the boggart to turn into her either!”

“Calm down, it won’t. I just want you to imagine her clothes. Just her clothes.”

“S-She carries a red handbag-“

“Not out loud, just imagine it. If you see it, we’ll see it.” Dazai laughed, he knew what was coming. The professor leaned into Neville’s ear and whispered something. “Get your wand ready.” Neville took out his wand and everyone’s attention went to the wardrobe. Lupin opened the wardrobe and Professor Snape stepped out, it took a couple seconds before he cast the spell.

“R-Riddikulus!” And Professor Snape was wearing Neville’s Grandmother’s clothes, just as Dazai had predicted. Everyone laughed.

“Who wears something that ugly?” Dazai muttered. Ron and Blaise chuckled next to him.

“Good job, now everyone, form a line!” Everyone started pushing, Blaise and Dazai got separated in all the fussing. Dazai got forced toward the front and Blaise to the back. Ron was up first, then some Gryffindor girl, then Dazai. The boggart turned into a spider for Ron, the charm gave the spider rollerskates. Everyone laughed. The girl went and then it was Dazai’s turn. He was happy with learning the others’ weaknesses but not vice versa. Dazai swallowed, then he stepped forwards. The boggart transformed into… Mori and the dogs. Mori was in his PM boss outfit, his face covered by shadow, all you could see was that stupid, slimy grin of his. On each side of him stood 2 of the dogs from the kennel. Slim, vicious dogs with their teeth bared. Dazai froze, eyes wide, he couldn’t move. Sweat started trickling down his head, he was trembling. It only lasted seconds but it felt like hours to the mafioso.

Professor Lupin jumped in front of Dazai, “Here!” The boggart transformed into… the moon? ‘The moon?’ Dazai silently questioned. The Professor forced the boggart back into the wardrobe. Blaise pushed his way through the crowd and ran up to Dazai.

“Class dismissed!” Professor Lupin yelled. Blaise grabbed Dazai’s hands and scanned his face.

“Are you okay?!” Blaise said, voice oozing with worry. Dazai slowly nodded as he blinked to regain his composure. Blaise took Dazai in a tight hug and soon Dazai returned it.

“Let’s go,” Blaise said softly as he broke the hug.

Dazai plastered his fake smile, “Take me to the office?”

Blaise smiled, that smile annoyed him but it was reassuring at the moment, “Sure, Boss.” They started to walk out the door until Hermione caught Dazai’s gaze, he stopped and turned to her.

“Hey, Mione. Join me in the office later, would you?”

“Uh, yeah, sure!” Hermione answered, wondering what it was about.

Blaise and Dazai were sitting in the office; Dazai at the desk and Blaise reading a textbook on the couch. Egg was growling in her sleep in the corner, she had gotten quite a bit bigger since the year before. Soon, she wouldn’t feel comfortable in their office, it seemed as though the room noticed her growth as her corner had gotten larger. As well as her pile of food. Dazai had his hands intertwined, laying on the desk. He was deep in thought, barely registering that he was staring holes into the desk. ‘Fyodor… Fyodor… what reason could he possibly have for being here? My gloves should protect the Marauders Map if I borrow it to watch for him,’ Dazai was torn from his thoughts as Hermione knocked on the door.

“Come in!” Dazai said.

She slowly opened the door and walked in, “What… did you need to talk to me about?” Her tone was a mix of caution and worry.

“Ah, it’s nothing serious, don’t worry. Would you sit down, Mione?” By this time, Blaise had set his book down and walked over to stand next to Dazai. Hermione sat down on the couch and looked at Blaise, then Dazai, then Blaise, and lastly, Dazai. Dazai rested his hands in his lap and put on a curious but friendly demeanor. “So! I’m sure you remember our conversation earlier today about the amount of classes you’re taking this term.”

“…yes…” Hermione said quietly. Blaise looked at Dazai, curious on where he was going with it. Dazai leaned back in his chair and looked at the stained glass window.

“Well, you suddenly appeared in Divination earlier. Now I didn’t think much of it at first, just thought you maybe lost track of time at the library and used a teleportation spell to get to class. But, then you mentioned also taking the Ancient Runes class and Ron said that was impossible because they occur at the same time.” He turned to look at her again. “Forgive me for the recap, but my dear Second-in-Command here didn’t have any idea what we were talking about.”

“It’s alright.” Hermione reassured.

“So, what spell or artifact are you using to time travel?” Hermione’s eyes widened at the brunette’s statement.

“How did you get from Teleportation Spell to Time Travel?!” Blaise exclaimed.

“It’s quite simple, really, but I don’t feel like explaining it,” Dazai answered nonchalantly. Blaise sighed then they both turned to Hermione. She looked at her shoes as she explained.

“Because I wanted to take classes that happened at the same time Headmistress McGonagall entrusted me with a time-turner,” she took the necklace out from under her shirt. Dazai walked over and sat next to her on the couch, he was intrigued to say the least. Blaise followed suit and stood beside them. “You turn this to go back in time, one turn is an hour back in time.” Hermione took off the necklace and handed it to Dazai. He looked at the gold necklace with as much curiosity that killed the cat. It was an hourglass surrounded by 3 gold rings.

“Are there limitations?” Dazai asked.

“… You can only go back in time for 5 hours until it starts harming the travelers or time itself,” Hermione answered hesitantly. “Why…?” Dazai took his eyes off the necklace to look at her. He smiled innocently.

“Don’t worry! I’m just curious! Although, would you mind letting me use it if I need to?” He asked mischievously as he handed the necklace back to the curly-haired girl in front of him.

She sighed, “I suppose…”

“Great! That’s all I needed but you can stay until dinner if you’d like.” Dazai said as he went back to his desk.

Chapter Text

Dazai

Dazai was just about to walk into the Great Hall until he heard scampering down the hall. He looked down the hall only to see Angel run around the corner. Once the blasted rat spotted Dazai, it stopped but was pushed forward by another rat running into it. Angel stopped staring at Dazai with its stupid dead eyes and turned to face the other rat. The strange new rat seemed older and larger than Angel, it was also missing a toe on its front, right paw. ‘What the-… Are they… arguing?’ The two rats squeaked back and forth until someone called to Dazai. He gave the rats once last glance only to see them both staring at him, he shuddered.

“Stupid, fucking, suspicious rats…” Dazai mumbled as he walked into the Great Hall.

“I think Angel’s replacing you with another rat.” Dazai said nonchalantly to Ron.

“What?! You saw Angel?!”

“Yeah, he’s just outside the doors,” Dazai pointed to where he just walked in from. “Say, can the map pick up rats?” Dazai asked the twins.

They laughed, “No,” George said. The twins shared a look.

Dazai looked at them annoyed, “Well?”

“It might pick up animaguses-,” Fred explained.

“-or transfiguration spells-,”

“-but that’s just a theory.” (A GAME THEORY!!!)

“Hmm, drop it off on my desk would you?” Dazai asked politely but with a mischievous glint in his eye. The twins shared a look then nodded in sync. Good enough for Dazai so he sat down. Blaise must’ve seen Dazai decide to sit at the Gryffindor table because he suddenly sat next to Dazai. The brunette turned to him with an annoyed but knowing look. Blaise just formed a small, soft smile.

“I swear he likes you better than me!” Ron complained, everyone laughed. “Wait you said he was with another rat?”

“Uh, yeah. They both stared at me with their stupid, beady little eyes! And I swear to god they were arguing!” Everyone looked at him like his hair had just turned a different color from one of the twins’ charms.

“Do you have an extra bad headache or something?” Blaise asked as he put the back of his hand to Dazai’s forehead.

Dazai pushed his hand away, “No! The bigger one bumped into Angel and then they started squeaking at each other!” Dazai flung his hands around in a useless attempt to help himself explain.

“You’re eating extra, tonight,” Blaise said.

“Awhhh, come onnnn! I’m not lying! I knew that stupid rat was smarter than it let on from the moment I saw it!”

“Well, let’s hope they’ll serve crab, then,” Blaise said. The twins and Hermione chuckled but the rest of them just looked confused.

Dazai explained to them in an annoyed tone, “Crab is my favorite food and I eat more when it’s served.” Dazai rolled his eye, “Alright! That's enough!”

Unfortunately, crab was not served, but Dazai was still forced to eat extra.

“I can’t wait for our first trip to Hogsmeade tomorrow!” A 3rd year Gryffindor said a few seats away from them. It seems as though everyone surrounding Dazai heard her excitement.

“I’ve been thinking about visiting the Shrieking Shack!” Hermione said.

“Why on earth would you want to go to the most haunted place in Britain?!” Ron exclaimed. Fred and Blaise noticed the confusion on Dazai’s face.

“Did you not get the permission slip to go to Hogsmeade in the mail, Snakey?” Fred asked. Dazai shook his head.

“It must’ve gotten lost in the mail, but anyway, 3rd years have the privilege of visiting Hogsmeade every now and then if their parent or guardian signs the form,” Blaise explained. “And Hogsmeade is a village that has lots of magical shops.” Dazai thanked him with a smile.

“I suppose I’ll have to write to Mori, then. Ugh.”

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful, the gang hung out in the office trying out weird magical candy until sunset then most everyone left. The twins made sure to leave the map on the desk. Blaise looked at Dazai as the last member walked out the door. Blaise gave the brunette a look that asked, ‘Did you think about it?’ Dazai shrugged, Blaise sighed but he expected this.

“Why do you need the Marauders Map?” Blaise asked.

“Mori told me to keep a lookout for someone, and I figured this would be the easiest way to do it.”

“Who are you watching out for?”

“Fyodor Dostoevsky, he’s a Russian terrorist around he’s our age.”

Blaise stood speechless for a few seconds before continuing, “So, he’s pretty smart then?” Dazai shrugged, then sat down at his desk.

“He’s not as smart as me, of course. But he has caused the downfall of several powerful organizations in Yokohama.” Blaise listened intently. “Anyways, I have a letter to write so, do whatever you want I guess.” Blaise just now noticed the lack of light coming through the window.

“Mind if I sleep in here tonight?” Blaise asked, hopeful.

“If you wanna try to fit on the couch with me, be my guest.” Blaise smiled, he walked over to Egg as she yawned herself awake. Blaise put his hand out and Egg sniffed it. She just looked at him so Blaise tried to pet her: she let him. Blaise let Egg get used to him for a few minutes before laying down on the couch. He laid as far back against the back cushions as he could so Dazai could have more room.

He looked over to Dazai, “Just a few more minutes,” Dazai answered his silent question. Blaise nodded and put the blanket over himself.

Several minutes pass, “I can’t get this done if you keep staring at me, Blaise,” Dazai said, not looking up from his letter.

Blaise coughed, “Oh, sorry.” He decided to just close his eyes. After another few minutes, Dazai whistled and Featherbrain flew down from the rafters.

Dazai tied the letter to her leg, “To Mori, please. Nab something for me while you’re there, would ya?” Featherbrain chirped and flew up to her exit in the rafters. Dazai laid his coat over the desk chair, took his shoes off, and sat down on the couch in front of Blaise. “You’re really okay with this?” Dazai asked quietly.

“Mhm, plus maybe it’ll help you sleep.” Blaise responded, half-asleep already. ‘Do I really trust him enough to sleep with him? I guess we’ll find out…’ Dazai stared at the floor for a moment, then joined Blaise under the blanket. Both Blaise and Dazai were facing away from the couch. Dazai kept squirming, trying not to touch the boy behind him until Blaise put his arm around Dazai.

“Is this ok? It just seems more comfortable like this,” Blaise said shyly.

“… mhm…” Dazai’s face was very red. After a few minutes, Blaise felt Dazai’s heartbeat decrease: showing he fell asleep. Blaise smiled and soon fell asleep himself.

Chapter Text

Professor Snape
Severus sighed as he pushed his way through the doors into the great hall. He really needed some coffee.
“Good morning, Severus!” The new chief nurse, Edward Harris Wright, said in too of a cheerful tone for this early in the morning.
“Just Snape is fine.” Snape said sternly.
“Oh… alright.” The now put down doctor said. Snape looked around as he sat down in his seat. It was only him and Dr. Wright all alone in the Great Hall. ‘Strange… where is Dazai?’
“Say, have you seen Mr. Dazai?” Severus asked the Doctor hesitantly.
“Oh, the boy whose here before I am every morning?” Severus thought that was a strange way to remember him considering what Dazai was famous for.
“Yes, has he come in yet?”
“No, I can’t say I’ve seen him today. Sorry, Sev-Snape!” Edward quickly corrected himself. Snape sighed, ‘What has that problem child gotten into, now?’ Snape decided to wait for Dazai’s friends and ask them for his whereabouts before going to look for the troublesome boy. Several minutes of Snape purposely loudly slurping his coffee later and some students started to pour in. About 10 minutes later and everyone was in there and eating, except for Mr. Dazai and Mr. Zabini. Snape spotted Dazai’s Gryffindor friends yapping loudly at their table. He got up and walked towards them.
“Honestly, I can’t be the only person who believes that Professor Snape is jealous of Professor Lupin for taking up the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.” Ron stated. The Weasley twins were nodding along to his words until they stopped Snape. They tried to tell he was coming with hand motions but it didn’t work. The young girl Weasley was frozen stiff ever since she noticed the professor’s presence. Severus was standing right behind the ranting Weasley when the young blonde Ravenclaw looked up from beside the redheaded girl.
“Professor Snape is behind you, Ron,” she stated matter of factly. Mr. Weasley froze and slowly turned around.
“These rumors you speak of are merely rumors; however, I’m only here to ask of the whereabouts of Mr. Dazai and Mr. Zabini.”
“Snakey and Blaisey aren’t in here?”
“We thought they were just sitting at the Slytherin table, sir.” Ms. Weasley answered nervously.
The twins shared a look, “We’ll go look for them-“ George said.
“-right away, sir!” Fred finished. They shot up and ran out the door. Snape sighed and returned to his seat in silence. He could hear Mr. Weasley let out a sigh of relief as he walked away.
Fred and George
They ran down the halls, barely registering the magic paintings telling them to slow down. They were heading to the gang’s office, if they could just get the Marauder’s Map then they could find the missing Slytherins. After a few minutes of getting yelled at by paintings, they reached the office. They swung open the door only to freeze in hopes of not disturbing the wholesome scene laid out in front of them. Blaise and Dazai were laying on the couch, covered by a blanket. You could only barely see Dazai’s head because it was hiding in Blaise’s chest and under the blanket. Blaise had his left arm around Dazai and Dazai had his left leg over Blaise. Egg was purring, curled up on top of both boys. Fred closed the door quietly as George wished for an instant muggle camera. George took a few pictures, and Fred took them as they came out of the camera and shook them. The twins locked eyes, wondering if they should wake the younger boys up. They decided and George hid the camera in the corner of the room, behind Egg’s infinite supply of meat. Fred stuffed the pictures in his pocket. Then. The twins carefully walked over to the couch and lightly shook Dazai.
“Snakeyyyyy, wakey wakeyyyy.” Dazai groaned and pushed his body further into Blaise’s. The twins snickered and tried again but louder.
Dazai
“Wakey, wakey, Snakey.” The twins said in sync. Dazai blinked a couple times before his eye focused. ‘Did I sleep all the way through the night? Wait, this doesn’t feel like the couch.’ Dazai pushed away and accidentally fell on top of the twin’s feet. Egg suddenly flew up, she landed on a beam and growled down at them for waking her up.
“Owwww.” The twins laughed. Dazai sat up and looked at the couch but ended up locking eyes with Blaise instead.
“Good morning, Dazai. Fred, George,” Blaise yawned. He sat up and looked at the sun casting colors on the floor through the stain glass window. “What time is it?” He asked Fred and George.
“I’d say about 8,” Dazai said, now standing in front of the window.
“From what?” George asked, all three of them had visible confusion on their faces.
Dazai turned to them and pointed to the window, “From the position of the sun, of course.” Dazai said this like it was common knowledge. “Is that not a normal skill?”
“Um, no,” Blaise answered, pleasantly surprised. Fred and George skipped over to Dazai.
“That’s so cool, Snakey!” George said as he messed up Dazai’s bed-head even more than it already was.
“Where’d you learn a thing like that?” Fred asked.
“I dunno,” Dazai shrugged. ‘I guess sitting in a room with only a window to the outside for days teaches that to you,’ Dazai thought to himself. Dazai brushed the wrinkles from his robes, threw the coat around his shoulders, and put on his shoes. Blaise did the same, minus the jacket of course. Fred opened the door and dramatically motioned for the rest of them to walk through it. At one point during their walk to breakfast, Blaise started holding Dazai’s hand and the twins snickered behind them. Dazai turned around and gave them a joking glare. The twins looked to each other then back to the younger boys and Dazai let his confusion show when suddenly, Fred stole Blaise and they raced ahead. George replaced Blaise in holding Dazai’s hand.
“Umm…?” Dazai asked, taking his hand away from the tall red-head’s grip. George questioned his actions for a moment before speaking.
“Why’d ya need the map for, Boss?” George asked, deflecting the mafioso’s question with one of his own.
“I’ve just never got the chance to really study it, you know?”
“Hmm, alright. Me ‘n Fred can tell you about some more secret passageways, tonight!”
“There’s more? I thought you two showed me all of them?”
“Ah, we didn’t tell you about the ones going out of the castle. Or some of the ones on higher floors.”
“Ah,” Dazai looked at the ground as he walked.
Blaise
“Did you need me for something?” Blaise said as he was ripped ahead of Dazai. Fred shoved his hand into his pocket and searched for something for a moment before having a dramatic ‘I found it’ look on his face. He ripped his hand out and shoved whatever he was holding into Blaise’s face. Blaise moved back away from it to see what it was.
“A muggle picture?” Blaise questioned.
“But, look at the actual picture!” Fred said excitedly. Blaise took the picture from Fred and looked at it closely. It was still a bit muddled so Blaise shook it, then brought it right back to his face. Blaise’s stomach did a flip and he turned into a tomato, almost dropping the picture. A couple paintings they were walking past, laughed at him.
“T-This is how you found us?” Blaise stuttered. Fred put his hands on his hips and nodded proudly.
“We took multiple so you can keep that one!”
“Thank you,” Blaise whispered as he carefully tucked the picture away in his chest pocket.
Once they got in the door, Draco and Pansy joined them all at the Gryffindor table.
“Oh, dear Merlin,” Pansy said, exasperated.
“What, now?” Ron said with a ‘seriously’ look on her face.
“He’s got that stupid goofy smile again,” Pansy responded, pointing at Blaise. Everyone looked at him, except Dazai and Hermione. Hermione was lecturing Dazai about her Ancient Runes class and Dazai was listening eagerly. Blaise was just staring off into space, he just couldn’t get the picture out of his mind. Everyone sighed, except the two bookworms, of course.

Chapter Text

Dazai

Everyone left around 20 minutes ago, when they noticed it was sunset. This included Blaise because Dazai is severely denying the fact that he slept much better with Blaise even though he can feel the difference gnawing at his skin. Dazai had been staring at the Marauder’s Map for quite some time until Featherbrain interrupted him. She chirped to announce her arrival as she glided down through the rafters and landed on Dazai’s desk. The brunette took the letter from his owl, looked at it with disgust, and opened it.

“Dear My Favorite Executive,
I am quite sorry that the permission slip to that little village of theirs was lost in the mail. Although, it’s really better for you to stay at Hogwarts. Wouldn’t want to delay your mission, would we? I doubt you’ll need to visit that town anyway.

Say, speaking of your mission, how’s it coming along? You didn’t mention much in your letter about it.

Dazai~, how long until winter break? I miss you terribly, I just couldn’t help but buy you a few dresses when I was out with Elise the other day. I can’t wait for you to try them on! I’m sure the dogs miss you, as well!

Anyways, good luck! Don’t try to kill yourself while your there, will you Dazai? I wouldn’t want to have to punish you right when you return.

Love,
M”

Dazai gagged, “Incendio!” Egg perked up at the flame while Featherbrain moved away. Egg walked over to the desk, she was quite big now and she looked quite different than when she was younger. She used to be quite skinny and her scales have developed a bit of a brown shin to them. The black ridges in her back grew much larger, along with her body. The year prior she grew much larger, much quicker but it seems her development has slowed down. Dazai hoped that was natural and not because of the confined space they were in. Her large bat-like wings rested on her back like a built-in blanket. She purred as she stood next to the desk, she was about twice the size of it but if you measured her from head to tail Dazai guessed she would be around 18 feet long. The Room of Requirement had gotten bigger with Egg but eventually it couldn’t grow anymore. Dazai put his hand out and she leaned down so he could pet her for a moment before returning to the Marauder’s Map.

“Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs…” Dazai thought aloud. “All animal-themed nicknames… Were they Hogwarts Students? Probably. So a rat, a dog, a moon-themed creature, and Prongs… something with antlers maybe?” Dazai played with a sickle as he voiced his thoughts. “What moon-themed creatures are there? Probably nocturnal, maybe the moon triggers something? Oh, wait, I have the Magical Creatures Textbook!” Dazai almost fell out of his chair at this revelation. He scrambled to get his balance then grabbed his textbook that was laying on the floor behind the couch. He set it on the desk and stroked the spine. He cautiously opened the book, and it landed around the middle. ‘It’s not like I’m gonna get much sleep anyway,’ Dazai said in defending his all-nighter idea to himself.

Around 4 hours later, approximately 1 am, Dazai had just reached the halfway mark of the 600 page textbook and had finally found what he was looking for. The moon-themed creature was a werewolf!

“Humans who are forced to turn into a humanoid wolf form under a full moon. They lose all sense of self while transformed and would kill their family if they stood in their way. There are few exceptions. Werewolves only respond to the call of their own kind. The only way to become a werewolf is to be bitten by one and survive. Most werewolves are treated poorly by wizarding society due to their hostile nature while transformed. There exists a potion to temporarily allow the drinker to keep their mind while a werewolf; however, it is incredibly hard to make because of the materials used and the methods needed to brew it. This potion is called the Wolfsbane Potion and was created during the first wizarding war,” Dazai recited.

‘I wonder, if Messrs Moony is a werewolf and all the nicknames were animal-based does that mean that there are other were-creatures or were the others just animaguses?’ Dazai thought. He flipped through the next couple pages but none mentioned any kind of were-creature. ‘I guess they’re just animaguses. A rat, dog, and antlered animal animaguses. Ugh, dogs…’ Dazai felt his eye close but he forced it open. He went back to the page about Werewolves and continued reading but he didn’t even make it to the next page before he fell asleep.

The next morning Dazai woke up later than normal, 6:05 am. Dazai sighed at the realization that his routine was thrown off, he normally woke up around 4:30 am. He got up, changed, and dragged himself to the Great Hall. Snape, Madam Pomfrey’s replacement, Flich, Lupin, and McGonagall were already in there, much to Dazai’s dismay. He enjoyed being earlier than the staff.

“You're later than normal,” Snape questioned. Dazai groaned and waved his hand as if to brush away the topic as he plopped himself down at the Slytherin table. Dazai laid his arms on the table, then his head on top with his eye closed.

“Oh, leave him alone, Severus. He’s clearly exhausted!” the doctor said loudly and cheerfully. Dazai moved his arms to over top his head and turned to face away from the Staff Table.

“Snape,” the professor corrected in a stern tone.

Dr. Wright completely ignored him, “He probably couldn’t sleep because he was so excited for his first trip to Hogsmeade!”

“Mr. Dazai hasn’t turned in his permission slip to Hogsmeade, so unfortunately for him, he will not be going today,” Snape said.

“Awh, that’s too bad! Can’t you make an exception, Severus?” Dazai smiled at the annoyance of Snape.

“No permission form signed, no visiting the village. That’s the rule.” McGonagall interjected. The students started pouring in.

“SNAKEY!” the twins yelled, running up to and into Dazai. He liked Fred and George but he wasn’t in the mood, it felt like he had a hangover. Fred gave the brunette a pat on the back and George sat down next to him.

“Why are you so tired today, Snakey?” George asked.

“Did you miss Blaise too much~?” Fred teased as he sat down on the other side of Dazai.

“Reading,” Dazai said, barely audible. The twins looked at Dazai, they weren’t surprised. Dazai took his right arm off his head and turned up to Fred and put his finger to his mouth, “shhh.” He returned his arm to resting on top of his head.

Blaise walked up behind them, “Good Morning, you three.”

“Hey, Blaisey!” George greeted. Blaise smiled in response and sat across from the trio. The amber-eyed boy looked at the redheads with a curious expression.

The twins got his message, “Somebody here stayed up too late reading!” Fred said as he messed up Dazai’s hair.

“Can you believe it?” George added.

Blaise chuckled, “I should’ve known.”

“… shh…” Dazai reiterated. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Luna walked over. Hermione sat down next to Blaise and Luna sat down next to George. Ginny stared at the table for a moment hesitatingly before sitting down next to Luna.

“I’m not sitting at the Slytherin table!” Ron complained.

“Then go sit by yourself,” Dazai said firmly, without moving from his napping position. Ron’s face became the epitome of exasperation and he put a dramatic hand to his chest.

“I can’t believe you’re gonna make me sit here!”

“No one’s making you sit here, Ronald,” Hermione said in an annoyed tone. The twins glared at him. Ron stood there with his arms crossed and pouted for a minute before sitting down next to Fred.

Pansy and Draco came in and sat on the other side of Blaise, “Why’re you all sitting at our table?!” Pansy complained.

“It’s just where Dazai happened to sit today,” Blaise answered.

A few minutes later, breakfast was served. Blaise didn’t try to force Dazai to eat as much as he normally would, considering Dazai barely took his head off the table.

Everyone eligible was about to leave for Hogsmeade and Blaise was fussing over Dazai.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright here, Boss?”

“Yes, Blaise. Now go have fun!”

“What are you going to do while we’re gone?”

“Just some information gathering, don’t worry,” Dazai said as Draco walked over.

“Is it true you can’t come?” The blonde asked.

“Yeah, apparently the permission form ‘got lost in the mail’,” Dazai did air quotes and rolled his eyes.

“Sorry, about that Boss, but my father sent over the book just earlier for you.”

Dazai lit up, “Really?!” Blaise and Draco smiled happily at the brunette’s reaction.

“Yeah, it’s just on my bed. Feel free to grab it, Boss,” Draco assured.

“You all take as much time as you want at Hogsmeade!” Dazai said eagerly as he pushed the two snakes towards Snape and the rest of the group. Blaise and Draco shared a worried glance. “Tell me all about the shops and tourist traps you went to after ok?”

“Alright, don’t have too much fun while we’re gone, ok Boss?” Blaise said, Dazai nodded but he wasn’t paying attention.

“Alright, everyone follow me this way.” Snape said half-heartedly. Dazai skipped away as the clump of students pushed Blaise and Draco towards Hogsmeade.

Thankfully, the DADA Professor’s office was one of the few places Dazai knew how to get to in Hogwarts. The mafioso had really wanted to read the book instead, but work came first. Dazai went up to the door and was about to knock until he realized the door was cracked open. Dazai stuck his face just behind the opening and got blasted with a big woft of poorly covered up dog smell. Dazai regained his composure and looked back through the opening again. Professor Lupin reached for a bottle, Dazai could feel that it was a potion. It sorta felt like the opposite of transfiguration but liquid form. Dazai watched curiously as Professor Lupin took a drink of the potion. ‘He’s trying to stop himself from being able to transfigure? Wait, no, unwanted transformation…is that the… Wolfsbane Potion? Is Professor Lupin… a werewolf? That would explain the smell, and the fear of the moon,’ Dazai thought, wide-eyed. ‘Could he be Messrs Moony? I remember he went to Hogwarts, too. It’s just a coincidence, right? But, that’d be one hell of a coincidence… I’ll just note it as a possibility.’ Dazai quickly shoved down his thoughts and knocked on the door.

“J-Just a moment, please!” It seems as though Dazai startled him. After a few seconds, the Professor opened the door. “Oh, Mr. Dazai. Come in. Do you need something?” Lupin moved out of the doorway so the student could come in.

Dazai slowly waltzed inside, taking in his surroundings. The office certainly looked better compared to how the last two professors decorated it. “I just have a question,” Professor Lupin closed the door, “why did you jump in between be and the Boggart, several days ago?” Dazai already knew the answer to this question but it was a good starting point.

“I’d thought it’d be obvious, but I thought it was going to shapeshift into a Dementor.”

“Hmm, what do you think of the dementors, professor?”

He thought for a moment, “However dangerous they are, I understand their need to be here. We need to catch that murderer as soon as possible, before he hurts any of you,” the professor spat out. Dazai was surprised to hear the professor was lying, ‘He doesn’t believe Sirius Black is a murderer?’ Dazai could feel that there was more to the story but he wouldn’t be able to get any information without showing the professor how much he knew.

“Say… Is there a spell to repel the Dementors?”

The professor studied the boy for a moment, “Yes, the Patronus Charm. However, only incredibly talented wizards are able to cast it.”

“Is that how you saved me, on the train?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t recall you saying an incantation, sir.”

“Ah, I muttered it. Expecto Patronum, is the words.”

Dazai didn’t expect to get the incantation that easily but whatever, “Thank you, sir. It’s quite strange to have such a capable Defense Against the Dark Art Professor after having Quirrell and Lockhart.”

Lupin was taken aback somewhat, “Oh, thank you, Mr. Dazai.”

The brunette smiled, ‘I already have my answer to his fear of the moon, so I guess I’m good now.’

The older man tore Dazai from his mind, “I’ve noticed you haven’t done any of your schoolwork.”

‘Well shit,’ Dazai mentally rolled his eyes and bumped up his charm. “Well, sir, I have been quite busy. I’m really not any good at Transfiguration so I’ve been practicing that in my free time. In all honesty, Professor, if Headmistress McGonagall wasn’t so busy last year and didn’t cancel the practical part of the exam I definitely would’ve failed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but that’s no excuse for not doing your work in class. You also have a lot of time right now while most everyone is a Hogsmeade.”

“She says it’s quite normal for muggleborns like me to struggle with transfiguration,” Dazai said, ignoring the professor and laying on the guilt-trip real thick. “She even tried giving me separate lessons last year but nothing worked!”

Professor Lupin sighed, “At least do your work in class. Now, is there anything else you need, Mr. Dazai?”

“Nope!” Dazai responded in a cheery tone while popping the ‘p’.

“Have a good rest of your day then, young man.” The professor said in a tired tone as he held the door open for Dazai. Dazai waved, then skipped out the door. Once he heard the door close he switched his skipping to dragging his feet and his bright smile to his empty, dead expression. He walked through the halls silently, hoping that it wouldn’t take him too long to get to the Slytherin Common Rooms.

Chapter Text

Dazai

“Ambition,” Dazai, finally, said to the door. It only took him 2 hours to find it and Dazai only almost walked into 2 walls while reading so he considered it a win. Every fortnight when the password changed, Blaise would make sure Dazai knew it just in case he needed to get in. The door creaked open and Dazai stepped in, thankfully there were no newbies or anyone inside. Dazai walked to the back where Draco’s bed was located and there was the book, right where the blonde said it would be. Some excitement creeped its way onto Dazai's face as he carefully picked it up. He smiled and opened it to the first page as he walked out the door and towards the office.

Dazai slammed the door to the office open. Featherbrain fell from the rafter she was resting on and Egg jumped up from her nap and growled. She stopped when she realized it was only Dazai but cocked her head to the side when Dazai jumped over to her. She walked off of her nest as Dazai started talking.

“Eggg~~~!” He looked at her, she was just around a centimeter taller than him. Dazai put his arms out like he wanted a hug, she walked towards him and put her head over his shoulder. She purred as he hugged her, “Follow me!” He walked to the door and opened it for her. The door suddenly got bigger and she walked through, it shrunk back to normal size after Dazai closed it behind them. “Huh,” Dazai said as he looked at it for a moment before walking away. He turned to Egg who was walking beside him, “Think I could fly on your back?” Egg looked at him, confused. “The book said I didn’t need a saddle but it would be helpful. I could probably convince Mori to get one for us but I wanna see if we need it first.” Dazai continued to yap to Egg as if she had any idea about what he was talking about. They somehow managed to avoid most people, but two 2nd year Hufflepuffs saw them. They just stood there, frozen, Dazai paid them no mind.

Eventually, they arrived at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Egg started growling lowly, “Don’t worry, Egg! No creature with any smarts at all wouldn’t dare come within 10 feet of us!” Dazai walked into the forest, book in hand. Egg jumped up and flew low behind Dazai, he could feel the strong winds when she flapped her wings. The forest was unusually silent compared to most woods, Dazai assumed that was due to the lack of woodland creatures and abundance of dangerous magical creatures.

Soon, they reached a clearing, “This place should be good…” Dazai thought out loud, and Egg landed with a crunch of leaves. Dazai set the book down and walked over to Egg, slowly.

Egg started to turn and face him, “No, stay, girl,” Dazai instructed, and she stopped moving. He put one of his hands in front of Egg’s snout, she sniffed his hand then purred and pushed against it. Dazai took his hands and gently set them onto Egg’s back, she made a curious chirp noise but didn’t move. The brunette slowly pushed her wings down and out of the way. He made eye contact with her and smiled softly as he slowly lifted his leg over her back. She tensed but didn’t move. Dazai sat down on her back and squirmed a bit until he was comfortable. Egg was still confused but didn’t mind the new situation. “Can you walk around a bit?” Dazai became so excited he didn’t even realize he had started talking in Japanese. Egg made a soft roaring sound then walked around slowly for several minutes, stopping and checking on Dazai every now and then.

“That’s good.” Egg stopped moving and looked back at him. Dazai smiled big, “Great job, girl! Now, could you flap your wings a bit?” Dazai moved his arms up and down in a flapping motion. “Not too much though, I don’t wanna get off the ground yet.” Egg chirped and spread out her wings, she looked back to Dazai, who nodded. She started slowly flapping her wings, brushing up a bunch of sticks and leaves around them. Dazai squealed excitedly, causing Egg to freeze, “Oh, sorry Egg, you’re doing great.” Dazai slowly leaned down and wrapped his arms around Egg’s neck and chest. After a few seconds of Dazai making sure Egg was comfortable with it, “Fly. Gently, please.” Egg roared softly and excitedly, then in a swift motion, shot into the air. There wasn’t really a gentle way to do that part, considering they were surrounded by trees. Once they got above the canopy, Egg glided gently. Only flapping her wings every other minute or so. After a few minutes of flying above the forest Dazai sat up, carefully. An amazed look formed on his face and he smiled big. The view was breathtaking, there were trees after trees after trees. Dazai looked back to see Hogwarts becoming smaller and smaller. Egg seemed to be enjoying herself too. The brunette put his hands on her shoulders and leaned her towards the Great Lake. She got the message and flew towards the lake. The way the water reflected the morning sun was beautiful.

Dazai leaned down and pointed at the water, “Lower, please,” and she flew lower. They were around 3 feet above the surface and Dazai could feel its moisture. After around 10 minutes of just flying around, Dazai instructed her back to the clearing. “Land, please,” he said in Japanese as he pointed at where he had set the book down. Egg circling the clearing amto lose altitude. Once she landed Dazai hopped off and clapped, “That was GREAT! I’ll try and get you a treat soon, alright?” Egg purred loudly. Dazai stopped and Egg matched his behavior and started growling. Dazai turned around and looked at the edge of the clearing. “Do you need something, sir?” Dazai asked, in English. The Centaur seemed shocked that Dazai noticed him, then quickly ran away into the forest.

“Hmm,” Dazai brushed off the encounter and looked around the clearing. “Do you like this area, Egg?” He asked in Japanese, she didn’t seem to notice the difference between the two languages anyway. Egg made a sound that was like a mix of a loud purr and a quiet roar. “The office is getting quite small for you, would you like to move out here, instead? I wonder if Draco taught you to hunt… whatever. Wanna move your stuff out here? We should have enough time before everyone returns. We’ll have to use the secret passageways, though. I wouldn’t want anyone else seeing us.

The next hour and a half, Dazai and Egg moved her next materials to a nice tree they found in the forest. The mafioso mentally noted the way to get there as he sat in the tree with Egg and finished reading the old dragon book.

Dazai turned to Egg, who was resting in her nest, “I’ll have to get one of my dogs to get some supplies for us from Hogsmeade, when they go again in two weeks.” Egg blew out a puff of smoke in response. Dazai smiled, ‘She seems happier out here, I’m glad.” After another couple hours, Egg perked up.

“Do ya hear something, girl?” Dazai looked towards Hogwarts. “Are they back? I guess I have to go now.” Dazai jumped down from the tree. “Try to stay out of sight, okay? Me and Draco will bring you some food tomorrow!” Egg purr/roared as Dazai walked out of the forest and towards Hogwarts.

Blaise

Everyone in Hell’s Hounds was waiting around outside the castle where Dazai said he’d meet them.

“Where is he?” Pansy asked, annoyed.

“He probably got lost,” Hermione stated.

“Hey, guys!” Dazai shouted from behind them. ‘Behind us?’ Blaise questioned as he turned around. Blaise was shocked to see Dazai running towards them after coming out of the Forbidden Forest. Everyone else was stunned stiff, but Blaise started booking it for Dazai and met him halfway.

Blaise grabbed Dazai’s shoulders and inspected him for injuries, “Are you okay?! What happened? Why were you in there?! Are you injured?!” Blaise asked frantically.

Dazai put his hands onto Blaise’s, “I’m fine, calm down.” The rest of the gang started running over. “Guys, guys, I’m fine. I was just helping Egg.”

“Helping Egg?” Draco asked.

“Yeah, I helped move her stuff to a big tree in the forest. The office was getting too small for her, I think it was stunting her growth.”

“Oh,” Draco said. Blaise let out a sigh of relief and hugged Dazai.

“You know, I think the forest really hates us,” said Fred and George.

Dazai broke the hug, “What?”

“They just won’t let us in!”

“Yeah, everytime we try to go in it sends some monster at us-!”

“-or a tree branch!” Fred finished.

Dazai laughed, “Come on, let's go inside.”

“I thought you said you were just going on an information gathering trip,” Blaise mentioned as they entered the castle.

“Well, I did do that, but it went shorter than I thought it would. Professor Lupin just up and gave me the information I needed. I didn’t get to pry at all! Honestly, it was kinda boring.”

Blaise laughed, “I don’t know what I was expecting.”

Chapter Text

Dazai

“Honeydukes Sweet Shop is brilliant. But nothing beats Zonko’s Joke Shop.-” Ron explained.

“Can’t argue with that!” The twins quickly interrupted.

“-We never did get a chance to go to The Shrieking Shack, though. You heard that it’s the most-,”

“-The most haunted building in Britain, yeah, I heard.” Dazai boredly interjected. “Just sounds like a load of rubbish to me…” Dazai whispered to himself. The brunette looked up to see the entrance to the Gryffindor common rooms blocked by a large crowd. Most people tried to move away from Dazai even though they were in such a tight space. “What’s going on?”

“Huh, probably Neville’s forgotten the password again.”

“No, Neville’s behind you,” Dazai stated. Ron looked behind him quickly and Neville waved shyly at him.

“How’d you know that?!” Ron suddenly asked. Dazai shrugged.

“Uh, let me through, please.” Percy said, coming from the opposite direction of Dazai, Hermione, Ron, the twins, and Blaise. “Excuse me! I’m Head Boy!” Dazai snickered. “Get back… all of you.” Dazai paused at the sudden change in tone then walked through the crowd, which parted as much as it could for Dazai. Percy turned to face the students, “No one is to enter this dormitory until it has been fully searched.” Ginny passed Dazai as he made it to the edge of the crowd and to the painting door of the Gryffindor rooms. The woman that was normally there was gone, ‘Good riddance, honestly.’ But the interesting part was that it had several giant claw marks through the landscape. ‘These seem quite random…’

“The Fat Lady! She’s gone!” Dazai heard Ginny explain to the others he left behind.

“Serves her right! She was a terrible singer.” Ron said.

“It’s not funny, Ron.” Hermione said, annoyed she even had to say it. A baby in one of the magical paintings started crying in the distance.

“Keep calm, everyone.” Percy said. “Ravenclaws, back to your common room!” A couple of students scampered away as the paintings on the surrounding walls bawled. “All right, be quiet.”

“Make way!” Flich said, coming up behind them.

“Headmistress is here!” Percy said. Dazai scooted out of the walkway and looked around at the paintings surrounding them. ‘Magical painting people can’t die, can they? She must be somewhere around here.’

“Come on. Move! Move!” Flich yelled. McGonagall walked up but slowed down once she could see the painting. She was astonished to say the least. The headmistress slowly stepped up to the painting and drug her hand along the ripped pieces. ‘Ah, there she is,’ Dazai thought as he saw the Fat Lady pop her head out from behind a pig several feet above them on the opposite wall.

“Mr. Flich? Round up the ghosts. Tell them to search every painting in the castle to find the Fat Lady,” Headmistress McGonagall instructed.

“There’s no need for that Miss,” Dazai interjected, everyone turned to him, skeptical. Dazai pointed up at the painting where he saw her, “She’s there.” Everyone gasped then started to make a run for it towards the woman.

“Hey! Mind where you’re going! Slow down! You listen! I’m Head Boy!” Percy shouted as he was pushed out of the way of rushing students. Dazai wasn’t pushed that much on his trip up there.

“Make way. Make way! Go, go, go!” Flich demanded. Dazai stopped in front of the painting and after a few seconds, McGonagall and Filch joined him.

“Dear Lady, what happened?” McGonagall asked frantically, she was not good at hiding her panic, Dazai noted. Blaise came up behind Dazai and put his hand on the brunette’s shoulder.

The Fat Lady sobbed, “Eyes like the devil he’s got! And a soul as dark as his name. It’s him, Headmistress. The one they all talk about. He’s here, somewhere in the castle! Sirius Black!”

“Sirius Black?!” students behind the mafioso whispered frantically. ‘Why would he want into the Gryffindor Dormitory?’ Dazai contemplated.

“Secure the castle, Mister Filch.” McGonagall instructed. “Everyone to the Great Hall!” Dazai and Blaise snuck in with the other Gryffindor’s. They were hiding under sheets and blankets pretending to be the correct house.

“I’ve searched the Astronomy Tower and the Owlery, ma’am.” Filch said walking toward the Headmistress. “But there’s nothing there.”

“Ah, thank you, anyway, Mr. Filch.”

“The third floor’s clear, too, sir,” A professor said.

“And I’ve done the dungeons, Minerva,” Snape responded in a more serious than normal tone. “No sign of Black, nor anywhere else in the castle.”

“Hmm.”

“Remarkable feat, don’t you think? To enter Hogwarts Castle on one’s own, completely undetected.”

“I don’t appreciate where you're going with this, Severus…”

“Any theories on how he might have managed it?”

“Severus…” McGonagall warned.

“You may recall, prior to the start of term, I did express concerns about your appointment of Professor Lupin…” Snape spat the werewolf’s name.

“The castle is safe and I’m more than willing to send the students back to their houses.”

“What about Dazai?! You and I both know that Black is after him!” Snape started to raise his voice.

“Mr. Dazai will be fine, Severus.” McGonagall said as calmly as she could.

Snape stopped and looked down, “Stop trying to become him, Minerva! I thought we agreed that his ‘bigger picture’ thing was bullshit!”

She turned and looked him right in the eyes, “Do you know how hard it is to do this?! I thought it was just going to be for the rest of last year! But no, he had to up and die on us, Severus!” She paused to take a deep breath, “I’m trying to be as calm as I can in these times, and now that I’m Headmistress, I understand where his ‘bigger picture’ came from.” She sighed, “Right now, all we can do is try and pretend, Severus…”

“Minerva…”

“Let them sleep. We’ll move them back to their dormitories in the morning.” She walked out, Snape sighed then joined her. After a few minutes of silence, Dazai sat up.

“Blaise, are you still awake?” Dazai whispered to the mass of sheets next to him in the corner. Blaise sat up slowly and looked at Dazai. The brunette smiled, “Drama, am I right?” Blaise smiled and looked at Dazai knowingly.

“Why does Professor Snape not like Professor Lupin? And think that he would help Sirius Black?” Blaise asked.

“Well, I suspect they had conflict when they went to Hogwarts together. I think Professor Lupin and Sirius Black were friends.”

Blaise thought for a moment, “Would Professor Snape really hold a grudge for that long?”

Dazai shrugged, “It may also have to do with the fact that Professor Lupin is a werewolf.” Blaise’s jaw dropped.

“What?!” Hermione whisper-yelled as she sat up next to them. “When did you come to that conclusion?!”

“Earlier today, when I went to ask him some questions,” Dazai said as if it were no big deal.

“How do you know for sure?” Hermione asked as she tried to calm down.

“Well, I saw him drinking a Wolfsbane Potion when I went down to talk to him. You see, he left his door open a bit.”

“Wolfsbane Potion?” Blaise asked.

“It’s a very rare potion used to temporarily allow werewolves to keep their mind when transformed,” Hermione answered.

“Also, his fear of the moon and the fact that his office and classroom reek with a smell similar to a spray used to cover up wet dog smell.” Dazai said, using his fingers to keep track of the reasons.

“I’ve been wondering what that smell was,” Blaise said, half to himself.

“I guess it all adds up…” Hermione said, contemplatively. Dazai turned around as he heard Fred and George military crawling their way to him and the other two.

“What’s the gossip?” Fred asked quietly.

“Well, Professor Lupin’s a werewolf and friends with Sirius Black when they went to Hogwarts together. Oh and they had some kinda beef with Snape during their school years, too.”

“Not gonna lie, that’s… not what I was expecting,” George whispered, both twins had a stunned look on their faces. Dazai smiled proudly, and Blaise chuckled quietly.

“Alright, Snakey! Sleep time!” Fred said matter of factly.

Dazai’s expression dropped, “What???? Nooooooooooo……” he pouted.

“Yes, lay down, now.” Blaise joined in. The black-haired boy gently put his hand on Dazai's chest and pushed him down. The mafioso whined and crossed his arms, but didn’t move. Blaise scooted a bit closer to Dazai then laid down next to him. The others followed suit and soon they all fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Dazai

“It feels like we’ve been waiting here for hours!” Ron complained, leaning back into his chair. ‘Man, I’m so bored. A cigarette or some alcohol would be great right about now…’ Suddenly, Professor Snape burst in the door behind them and Ron almost fell back out of his chair. Snape stomped his way to the front of the classroom and closed the windows with a flick of his wand on the way there. The tired man then pulled a string hanging from the ceiling and the projection screen came rolling down.

“Turn to page 394,” Snape stated in his normal tired tone. Everyone started moving their books around and flipping through them. ‘394?’ Dazai thought, ‘That page is about werewolves. I guess that explains where Professor Lupin is.’ Snape slowly strutted to the back of the classroom, ‘Hehe.’

“Say, Snape? Where’s Professor Lupin?” Dazai asked.

“Professor Snape.” He said sternly as he stopped next to Dazai’s desk. “And that’s not really your concern is it, Mr. Dazai?” He continued on past the brunette, “Suffice it to say that your professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present time. Turn to page 394.” Snape turned on the projector, he noticed Ron's lackluster effort to flip the pages so he did it for the redhead instead.

Ron gasped, “Werewolves?”

Hermione appeared in her seat next to Dazai, “But, sir, we’ve just begun learning about Red Caps and hinkypunks. We’re not supposed to start nocturnal beasts for weeks.”

“Quiet,” Snape warned.

Dazai turned to Ron as he whispered, “When did she come in? Did you see her come in?!” Dazai shrugged, of course, he knew the answer and reason already.

Snape started walking back to the front, “Now… which one of you can tell me the difference between an Animaguses and a Werewolf?” Hermione raised her hand but Snape was facing forward. “No one? How disappointing.”

“Please, sir. An Animaguses is a wizard who elects to turn into an animal. A werewolf has no choice,” Hermione explained. “With each full moon, when he transforms, he no longer remembers who he is. He'd kill his best friend if he crossed his path. Furthermore, the werewolf only responds to the call of its own kind.” Pansy howled mockingly and Crabb, or maybe Goyle, laughed.

“Thank you, Mr. Malfoy,” Snape said gently but stern. “That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Are you incapable of restraining yourself or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?” the professor spat. ‘Damn,’ Dazai thought.

“He’s got a point, you know?” Ron half-whispered.

“Five points from Gryffindor. As an antidote to your ignorance-,” Pansy blew a magic origami note to Dazai. “-and on my desk by Monday morning, two rolls of parchment on the werewolf,” everyone sighed, “with particular emphasis on recognizing it.”

“With all due respect, Snape, Hermione raised her hand, you just purposely ignored her out of your house favoritism,” Dazai firmly stated.

Snape was exasperated as he stomped over to Dazai, “It was not!” He paused to calm himself, “My… apologies, Miss Granger. I revoke the points I took from Gryffindor, but the essay will do you good.” Dazai smirked, and everyone else was stunned that the stubborn professor apologized: and to a Muggle-Born Gryffindor no less.

Hermione silently thanked Dazai as Snape refocused everyone’s attention, “Page 394.” Dazai opened the note Pansy gave him, it was an animated picture of himself getting electrocuted at the Quidditch Game tomorrow. Dazai took off one of his gloves and held up the paper in his un-gloved hand as No Longer Human sucked up the magic. Dazai stuck out his tongue and crumpled up the now useless piece of paper. Snape walked back to the projector, “The term ‘werewolf’ is a contraction of the Anglo-Saxon word ‘were,’ which means ‘man,’ and ‘wolf.’ Pansy scowled, jeered, and glared back at the mafioso. “Werewolf. Manwolf. There’s several ways to become a werewolf. They include being given the power of shape-shifting…”

Most of what they talked about Dazai already knew but the brunette was busy wondering what Pansy’s deal was. ‘I don’t think I did anything that negatively affected her, yet. Besides staying with the Malfoy’s, thank god she hasn’t asked me for an explanation yet. That would just be annoying. But why’s she so mad at me? Maybe she’s not actually mad but she was ordered to act like this. I wouldn’t be surprised if her mom told her to… that’s probably it.

“Class dismissed!” Snape announced.

Dazai sat in the office, fiddling with the yellow bandana Blaise had gotten for Egg in Hogsmeade, the month before. Meanwhile, Blaise was doing homework on the couch.

The twins knocked on the door, “Come in,” Dazai responded. “Need something?” The brunette said softly, he seemed to not care about covering up his emptiness too much but he was smiling a bit.

The twins noticed this so they upped their energy, “Don’t you wanna know the rest of the secret passageways, Snakey~?”

“Oh yeah, sure,” Dazai opened the drawer and got out the Marauder’s Map. He set it open on the table, “I solemnly swear I’m up to no good.” The twins were shocked and Dazai looked at them, confused.

“How did you do that without a wand?!” They leaned in together as they spoke. Blaise chuckled behind them.

“Oh, that. Well, the only reason I’m bad at spells is because of my high Magical Sensitivity, but now that I’ve trained my magic tolerance to be higher it isn’t too much of a problem unless I use too many spells in one day.”

“Woah, we didn’t know you were that powerful, Boss.”

Dazai chuckled, “I guess I haven’t really tried to make it known.” The twins smiled at him with pity, he seemed tired. “Don’t look at me like that,” Dazai spat. He hated pity, he was a mafioso, no one in the mafia even deserved pity, let alone received it.

“Sorry… Anyways! There are 7 passageways that take you out of the castle.” Fred pointed as George explained, “This one is called the One-Eyed Witch passageway and it pops up right into the basement of Honeydukes Sweet Shop.”

“Oh, it’s at that statue on the 3rd floor, right?”

“Snakey is sooo smart, as always!” George said before continuing. “To access it, you’ve gotta tap the statue’s humped back with your wand and say ‘Dissendium’.”

“Although, you might not need your wand at all with your talent, Snakey~!” Fred said.

Dazai laughed, “I guess I’ll know how to get into Hogsmeade if I need to.”

The twins traded roles, “Now, there’s also one under the Whomping Willow. We can tell it was made later than most and it takes you to the Shrieking Shack.”

“Interesting… Say, what do you two know about the Shrieking Shack?” Dazai asked.

“Well, it’s famous for being haunted, obviously, but the hauntings started around 20 years ago when the sound of howling ghosts was heard coming from the building,” George explained.

Dazai looked at them knowingly, “And…?”

“Well, we think it was actually a werewolf, since they only heard the howling during full moons!” Fred said.

“Is it still happening today?”

“No, it stopped in 1978,” both redheads said.

“That fits with the years Professor Lupin probably attended Hogwarts,” Blaise added.

Dazai lit up, “Blaise is so smart! One of the staff probably made that passageway for the professor to stay while he was transformed. Likely Dumbledore, if I had to guess.”

“We’re just figuring out all of the school's mysteries this year!” Fred exclaimed. The rest of them laughed.

After a while of the twins showing Dazai secret passageways and Blaise doing homework in the corner, Dazai detoured the conversation.

“Say, how do you think Black got in?” Dazai asked.

“Probably snuck in as a dog,” George said.

Dazai held back a shudder, “A dog?”

“Do you not know? Sirius Black is an animagus, he can transform into a black dog,” Fred said.

“Oh, that explains some stuff…” Dazai thought for a moment, ‘If Professor Lupin turns out to be Moony, then could Sirius Black be Padfoot?’

“What’s wrong, Boss?”

“Hmm? Oh, nothing.”

Blaise made an annoyed face, “Do you think Black is coming after you?”

The twins looked shocked, “Why would he come after Dazai?”

“He is a servant of You-Know-Who and Dazai hasn’t exactly been a supporter of the Dark Lord in the past.”

“I hadn’t thought about that…” the twins muttered.

“Calm down, he’s not coming after me. I am curious as to why he’s here though.”

“How are you so sure?” Blaise threatened.

Dazai stared at him blankly, “For the same reason I immediately knew Quirrell was in some sketchy shit.”

“A wizard mafia,” the twins corrected.

“How?” Blaise asked, mad.

“It’s in the eyes, when I saw Quirrell I could see that he had no morals in his eyes. Sirius Black does, he’s not a murderer.” Dazai said firmly. “You all should get going soon, sunset passed a while ago.”

“We don’t care about being out after curfew, besides we have plenty of ways to get to the dorms undetected,” the twins stated.

Blaise sighed, “I don’t really care, either.”

Dazai shrugged, “Whatever.”

“Blaisey just wants to sleep with Snakey again, don’t you think, brother?” Fred teased, Blaise got really red, Dazai did too but he was mainly annoyed.

“I do think that is a very probable hypothesis, brother,” George said, the twins started laughing really hard. Dazai stood up, walked around the desk, and started pushing the twins out of the room.

“Alright! That’s enough, see you two tomorrow.” The twins whined as Dazai slammed the door behind them.

“You know if you three looked more alike, you all could definitely pass as brothers,” Blaise said. Dazai rolled his eyes. “Do you mind if I sleep here again?”

“Knock yourself out, I have a letter to write,” Dazai said as he plopped himself back down into his desk chair. He got out a pencil and paper but started looking around to procrastinate. It’s as though Fred and George told the rest of the gang that Professor Lupin’s a werewolf with a drawing on the chalkboard. They drew him and then an arrow and then a werewolf. Someone wrote three question marks next to it and Hermione explained in words.

Dazai smiled then returned to his letter,

Dear Mori,

Nothing big has happened yet, it seems as though Sirius Black has disappeared. I suspect he is still wandering around the castle, though.

I’ve seen Angel and his amputee friend scampering around a bit even after he seemingly faked his death.

No sign of Fyodor Dostoevsky, sorry not sorry. Speaking of no updates, I’m sooooo boreeeeddddd. Think you could send some cigarettes or alcohol or anything? Thanks.

With hatred and disgust,

Dazai

Dazai sighed. He whistled and Featherbrain came down from the rafters. He tied the note to her talon, “To Mori, please. Feel free to leave a corpse in his office or something, while you’re there.” Featherbrain chirped and flew off.

“So, are you going to tell me what you were thinking about earlier?” Blaise asked as he put his homework into his bag.

Dazai sighed, “I guesssss, if your not going to leave me alone about it.”

“I’m not.”

“Well, then,” Dazai said as he completed his normal evening routine. “Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs.”

“What?”

“The people who made the map.”

“Oh, what about them?”

“Well, all of the nicknames are animal based, a dog, rat, antlered animal, and a werewolf. At first I thought they were just animals that fit with the person, but when I figured out what Moony was I figured out that the rest of them were probably animaguses.” Dazai sat down in front of Blaise on the couch as he explained. “Not long after I figured out Professor Lupin was a werewolf so I contemplated the possibility of the professor being Moony. I put it off as just coincidence but now that I know that Sirius Black is a dog animagus…”

“He could be Padfoot…” Blaise finished.

Dazai laid down under the covers, “Mhm, now if I could just figure out who the other two are.”

“Later, now you need to sleep.” Dazai pouted but didn’t fight back, he moved around to get comfortable for a moment. And they fell asleep as if they had done it more than once before.

Chapter Text

Dazai

“So who are we playing today?” Dazai asked. All of the Hell’s Hounds, minus the ones playing Quidditch, were walking to the stands.

“Hufflepuff,” Hermione answered.

“How good are they?” Ginny worriedly asked.

“Meh,” Blaise replied in his normal bored tone but Dazai could hear the hint of excitement. “I don’t think they’ll put up much of a fight against Gryffindor.”

“That’s good,” Ginny sighed with relief. Blaise took out an umbrella and held over Dazai and himself as they got outside. They all sat down at their normal spots next to the staff.

“Hey Snape! Who’re you rooting for?” Dazai yelled over the rain.

“Professor Snape, and no one,” the professor rolled his eyes.

“That’s too bad, but I think you should bet Gryffindor.”

“No betting, Mr. Dazai.”

“Hah, Gryffindor?! No way!” Professor Sprout interjected.

“I’m leaning towards Hufflepuff as well,” Professor Trelawney said. Blaise, McGonagall, and Snape sighed as the match started.

“Hah! See, that practically confirms our victory!”

Dazai grew a mischievous grin on his face, “Wanna bet on it?”

Sprout looked to Trelawney, “I suppose I wouldn’t be against it,” the Divinations professor said.

Dazai clapped happily, “So, how about no homework for a month if Gryffindor wins and I’ll do a thing of homework if Hufflepuff wins?”

“One week of no homework,” Trelawney said.

“You’ve got yourself a deal!” Dazai said proudly.

“I can’t believe you got the professors to bet on Quidditch again,” Hermione said disapprovingly.

“Again?!” Ginny exclaimed.

“Yup, last year, when we followed you when you left a game,” Blaise said.

“Oh…” Ginny didn’t remember it so she figured it was when she was under Tom Riddle’s control.

Blaise smiled at Dazai as the brunette got excited because some Hufflepuff got struck by lightning and fell. After a few minutes, the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor Seekers found the Golden Snitch that was shooting up into the clouds. A bludger flew up towards the seekers and George followed it. Dazai got a worried look on his face, ‘He’s not gonna follow it all the way up there right?’ The bludger just barely missed the Hufflepuff seeker because he got hit with lightning. George made it up to right behind the Gryffindor Seeker and the Bludger chasing him. All of a sudden something black in the clouds caught Dazai’s eye, ‘Dementors!’

The brunette shot up and turned to Hermione, “I need it!”

“R-Right now?!” Hermione and Blaise stood up with him.

“Yes!” She took off the necklace and handed it to Dazai.

“Dazai?!” Blaise said.

“Stay here!” Dazai commanded. Against his better judgment, Blaise stayed. Hermione sat back down and started nervously fiddling with her hair.

Dazai ran as fast as he could down the stairs to the field. His hair was plastered on his face from the rain as he stood nervously at the edge of the field. The brunette never took his eye off the sky and almost didn’t notice the Chief Nurse walk over to him.

“Is something wrong Mr. Dazai?” Dazai didn’t respond, and the yellow-eyed man flashed a look of irritation on his face before returning to curious. “Are you worried for your friends? Don’t worry! I’m sure they’ll be fine! Plus, if they are injured it won’t last long with me here!” He said proudly and dramatically while putting his hands on his waist like a child. Dazai put on the time turner and still didn’t respond. “You aren’t supposed to be down here you know, boy,” Dr. Wright said he tried to keep his normal cheery tone but Dazai could hear the daggers in his voice. Dazai turned to him for a moment, surprised and curious at his attitude until someone screamed. The doctor winced as the Hufflepuff Seeker was hit with the bludger.

Dazai’s attention shot back up to the sky only to see George falling, unconscious. The brunette started running out into the field, anticipating where George would land. He stopped as George was only 20 feet above him, he lifted his arm towards the sky and opened his palm. He closed his eyes and concentrated on George and the magic around them, ‘Wingardium Leviosa!’ A hand of pure magic formed beneath the redhead, stopping him mid-fall, the same hand that had pushed Quirrell off of Dazai and saved him. Everyone around him went silent and stared in awe and fear. Dazai slowly opened his eyes to see Dementors flying down to him and George. The crowd started gasping and whispering. Dazai quickly brought the unconscious boy down to the ground and got out his wand. The three or four Dementors then started circling around Dazai and George, the brunette then recalled the feeling the Patronus Charm had when Professor Lupin had used it on the train.

The mafioso then lifted up his wand, pointing at the Dementors flying down toward them. The fatal creatures started to breathe when Dazai yelled, “EXPECTO PATRONUM!”

A white light formed at the end of Dazai’s wand and quickly grew bigger and bigger. A large King Cobra formed out of the same bright light and floated around Dazai’s head. The 20 feet long snake floated upwards, towards the Dementors along with a dome of light that pushed the soul-eating creatures away. The snake chased them away as more dome floated out like ripples. Once all the Dementors had fled, the spell and snake dissipated.

Dazai quickly got out the time turner and turned it back twice. He started to feel dizzy and nauseous, he pushed it down. Suddenly, everyone disappeared and Dazai was standing alone in the middle of the field. He tucked the necklace back under his robes and ran to the entrance onto the field that the teams use. After a few minutes, the Gryffindor team stepped out.

“Oh, hey, Snakey! Need something?” George said, pleasantly surprised. Dazai shot up and hugged George.

“You eat something bad, mate?” Ron questioned.

George returned the hug and Fred joined in, “Oh leave him alone, Ronnikins! He can have all the hugs he wants!” Fred said. Dazai broke the hug and cleared his throat.

“Everything ok, bud?” George asked, kneeling down in front of Dazai.

“Fine, just uh, you’ll do great. And try to avoid the Dementors,” Dazai said quickly before running off so know one could question his strange comment.

“Thanks for the tip, Snakey!” Dazai could hear the twins yell behind him. He smiled as he found a place to hide until time caught up with him. ‘Ok, now how am I going to do this… I really should’ve thought about this earlier… I did it with Motus Subtilis so I can do this. What would an illusion spell feel like though? Maybe a blanket? Or like a projection?” Dazai thought for a moment before trying it on a small scale. He didn’t use his wand, with spells he taught himself they just got in the way. He tried imagining a cat in front of him, he shifted the magic in the air into a flat surface, like a screen, then he slowly opened his eyes to see a successful cat illusion. And barely affected him, so hopefully it wouldn’t be that and when he did it on a gigantic scale. He practiced until an hour passed, and he saw himself and his fri- subordinates pass to go sit down. ‘Why was Blaise staring at me like that? I must be seeing it wrong, he’s probably looking at something else,’ Dazai thought.

Around another hour passed, “Stay here!” past Dazai said. The future brunette watched himself run past him and zip down the stairs to the field. The Hufflepuff Seeker fell, caught himself, then was hit by a bludger. Then came George, ‘Alright Dazai, don’t screw this up.’ The brunette casted the spell and his stomach flipped, he swallowed down some vomit. ‘Gross.’ He hoped no one was inside the spell and saw what past Dazai was doing but instead saw that George had managed to grab his broom. However, he grabbed it a little late and fell unconscious where the real redhead laid. He waited until he felt himself disappear then released the spell and threw up. He lost his balance and almost fell over the edge when a hand grabbed him and pulled him back.

Blaise

“Dazai, what happened?!”

The brunette could just barely keep his eyes open as they ran to him, “Oh, h-hey, Blaise.” Dazai coughed, “Apparently, you shouldn’t perform 3 hard spells in succession, haha...”

“Oh, Dazai…” Blaise looked at him with pity and a bit of disappointment. Hermione and Snape ran up behind them.

“Dazai?!” Hermione said frantically.

“What happened?!” Snape asked as he crouched down next to the two boys.

“I don’t know, I think he said he used too many spells today,” Blaise half-lied as the, now unconscious, brunette lay in his arms.

Snape sighed and thought solemnly for a moment before putting his arms out, “Let me take him to the infirmary…”

“I can carry him,” Blaise stated firmly, the worry in his voice only clear if you were looking for it.

Snape could tell he wouldn’t be able to argue with him, “Alright, let’s go.” With that Blaise picked up the now unconscious boy, bridal style and the four of them walked to the infirmary.

Every now and then Hermione would ask, “Are you sure it’s just using too many spells? What if it’s something else and just a little rest won’t fix it?” Snape just sighed and tried to reassure her as they walked.

They were only a few minutes away from the infirmary when Snape asked, “Are you sure you don’t need me to carry him?” Snape had originally thought that they would need to walk slow so the amber-eyed boy carrying Dazai could keep up, but it seemed like either he was very strong for his age or Dazai was very light for his age.

“Yes,” Blaise said simply, he started working out over the summer so he was quite a bit stronger than before. It’s not like you need to be strong to carry someone as underweight as Dazai, though.

Soon, they got to the infirmary and Hermione opened the door for the snakes.

“Yes?” said Dr. Wright as he turned around. “Oh! Merlin! What happened?”

“Where would you like him?” Blaise asked calmly but quickly, ignoring the doctor’s question.

“Oh, anywhere, dear! Just set him down.” Blaise walked over to a cot and laid him down. “What happened to Mr. Dazai?”

“He exhausted himself by using too many spells today.”

“Oh?” Blaise noticed a strange glint in the nurse’s eye, Was he confused or is it something else entirely…?

“He’s had a history of overexerting himself regarding spells, he has an unusual case of sensitivity to magic and therefore gets sick when he does too many spells. However, we’ve managed to increase his tolerance to it.” Snape explained, leaning over the cot the brunette was laying on.

“Interesting…” Wright said while examining his exterior for injuries.

“Shouldn’t these things have been in his file?” Hermione asked. She must’ve forgotten that Fred and George stole it last year.

“Ah, I haven’t gotten to reading everyone’s file yet. The infirmary attendants before me had things organized in quite an odd fashion.” He looked around for a moment. “I’ll do some tests after attending to some other students but by what you’re describing I believe he only needs some rest.” Blaise looked at him, he was confused and a little skeptical but he managed to hide it well, I guess that makes sense….

“Okay, thank you,” Blaise said as he pulled up a chair next to the bed where Dazai was lying. Snape did so as well, Hermione just stood there awkwardly. “Why don’t you go see the results and tell the others what happened, Hermione?” He offered softly.

“Oh! Alright,” she walked out, clearly glad Blaise gave her something to do other than stare at their unconscious boss.

Chapter Text

Blaise

Blaise groaned as he sat up, he stretched a bit as leaning over a cot isn’t a very comfortable sleeping position. He looked around, Professor Snape was asleep, leaning back in his chair, next to the black-haired boy. Why’d I wake up? he thought as the sleeping boy on the cot in front of him rolled around.

Blaise turned to the sleeping beauty, “Dazai?” he whispered. The brunette had an uncomfortable expression, but also… scared? Is he having a nightmare? I didn’t know he had nightmares… is this why he hasn’t been sleeping well?

Dazai started muttering, “No… d-don’t touch me!” he whisper-yelled.

“Dazai?!” Blaise said frantically but quietly as he stood up.

“No, … don’t wanna sleep with the dogs! I’m-I’m sorry…”

Blaise started shaking Dazai, “Dazai wake up. It’s ok! It’s me, Blaise”

Dazai slowly opened his eye, and groaned.

The snake smiled softly and sighed with relief, “Are you okay?”

“… mhm…” Dazai said, half asleep.

Blaise sat back down, “Good, go back to sleep now, Dazai.”

He whined and grabbed the black-haired boy’s arm, tugging him towards the cot.

Blaise was pleasantly surprised, “You’re still half asleep, you don’t really want me to lay with you…”

Dazai whined quietly, “Blaiseeeee……”

Blaise looked at the ground for a moment and thought about it, “Fine.” The amber-eyed boy slowly got under the covers with Dazai. Dazai snuggled up next to him and pushed his head into the very flustered boy’s chest. “U-Um, Dazai?”

“…hmm…?”

Blaise’s face looked like a tomato as Dazai put his leg over Blaise’s, “Er- nevermind.” Dazai fell asleep very quickly and Blaise did as well after several minutes of his mind spinning.

Dazai

The brunette slowly opened his eye, blinking several times to get used to the morning light shining through the windows. Where..? Oh yeah… He recognized the harsh sunlight and the burning smell of medicine, he was in the infirmary.

He sat up, then almost fell right back down from the dizziness. He felt something that was on his chest fall as he sat up, ‘An arm? Oh!’ Blaise had his arm over Dazai when they were asleep. Dazai felt the blood rush to his face and quickly tried to wake up Blaise.

“Blaise! Wake up! When’d you even get in here with me?” Dazai whisper-yelled.

“Hmm? Oh, good morning, Dazai…” Blaise said as he slowly awoke.

“Don’t ’Good morning’ me!”

“What’s wrong? Oh… sorry,” Blaise said as he sat up, remembering what happened the night before.

“It’s fine, just get up before someone sees!” Blaise got out of the bed and sat down in his chair next to Dazai.

“What happened?” Dazai asked.

“About what happened after you passed out or last night?”

“Um… last night first…?” Dazai said, looking away to hide the red hue on his cheeks.

“I fell asleep in my chair leaning onto your cot but you had a nightmare that woke me up. You were, uh, talking in your sleep… so I woke you up. You clearly weren’t fully awake but you, um…” Dazai looked at him expectantly. “You insisted that I lay with you,” Blaise finished.

Dazai got really red, “O-Oh.” He looked out the window, It seems like it’s breakfast right now. “You should go to breakfast.”

Blaise stood up, “I’ll bring you something.”

“You really don’t have to,” Dazai said, a mix of groggy and annoyed, Blaise looked at him knowingly.

“I’ll be right back, the others will probably join.”

“Yeah, thanks, Second-in-Command.”

Blaise smiled as he opened the door, “Stay in bed.” Dazai stuck his tongue out. Blaise closed the door behind him and Dazai looked around. Same old infirmary, same old Snape sitting by my bed, he thought as his eye fell over Snape’s sleeping figure. He heard shuffling next to him and looked over, two beds down George was waking up.

“Hey, George! How are you feeling?”

“Nnnmmm… Snakey?” George groaned as he sat up.

“Yeah, I’m over here.”

“Oh, what happened?” George smiled when they made eye contact.

“You were attacked by Dementors during the match.”

“Oh, what happened to you, Snakey? Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I just used a few too many spells yesterday,” Dazai chuckled but George wasn’t amused, the brunette changed the subject. “Say, who do you think won the match? Would they announce it as a tie or what?”

“There are no ties in Quidditch.” He stated matter of factly.

“Oh, hopefully your Seeker got the snitch then.”

“Yeah…” He looked down at his blankets.

Dazai noticed his solemn expression, it was weird to see it on the redhead, Dazai contemplated asking about it for a few moments. “Something wrong, George?”

“It just feels weird not being able to remember what happened…” He answered after a few seconds.

“Oh… yeah, I get that,” Dazai reassured him as the door opened. The brunette turned to the door quickly only to be let down and see the Doctor instead of a certain Second-in-Command.

“Oh, both of you are awake! Splendid!” Nurse Wright said as he walked over to Dazai, who was closer to the door. “Mr. Zabini only mentioned that one of you was awake,” He chuckled.

“George only woke up just now,” Dazai said, carefully but subtly inspecting the strangely cheerful doctor. He just reminded the mafioso too much of Mori.

“Ah, well, how are you both feeling?” the yellow-eyed man asked cheerily as he walked further into the room.

“Alright,” George responded, Dazai just nodded.

“Just let me change my gloves and I’ll check up on you two!” Dr. Wright walked into his office and took off the gloves he was wearing. His back was facing the rest of the infirmary, That’s kinda weird for him to go out of his way to cover himself. His long sleeves fell down his arms quickly but Dazai caught a glance of a tattoo on the inside of the nurse’s left forearm. He doesn’t seem like the type to have a tattoo, and one of a skull at that. I suppose I shouldn’t really be one to judge a book by its cover, though.

Nurse Wright looked over George first, it was a ‘miracle’ he didn’t get any injuries other than a couple sprains, apparently. Dazai knew why, of course. Snape woke up during this time.

The doctor went over to Dazai now, “Now, your companions described to me your unusual situation. It’s quite interesting, Mr. Dazai! However, I can’t seem to find your files. Even the special ones Madam Pomfrey wrote about your condition.”

“How strange,” Dazai lied, putting on a quizzical expression. “If I recall correctly, then Doctor Spleen could’ve stolen it to lie about me in the newspaper.”

“I suppose that is a possibility; however, it is quite sad that they would go to such lengths to put down a simple child.” Dazai cringed at his words as George inconspicuously held back his laughter.

“Indeed,” Snape agreed.

Dazai quickly brought his arm back against his chest as a reflex when the doctor reached for it. Nurse Wright looked at him with interest, confusion, and concern, “Is something wrong, dear?” Snape turned to Dazai as well, but with more concern and pity in his eyes.

God, this nurse reminded Dazai so much of Mori, “No, just a reflex, sorry.” Dazai reluctantly started to set his arm down for the Chief Nurse when Hell’s Hounds walked through the door. Dazai held back a sigh of relief as he smiled at Blaise and the rest of them.

“My apologies, are we interrupting?” Blaise asked calmly as he slowly walked in the doorway, clearly not going to leave even if they were.

“Oh, not to worry! I can surely take a break so they can eat!”

Snape stood up, “Me as well, I will be back later, Mr. Dazai.” The brunette nodded and Snape awkwardly pushed through the crowd of Dazai’s ‘subordinates’.

Fred, Ron, Ginny, and Percy walked over to George while the rest of them stayed with Dazai. Blaise took a seat in his chair, Hermione sat in the seat Snape was in, Luna was spacing out in the corner, Draco was standing behind Blaise, and Pansy was standing with her arms crossed in the corner. Ginny pulled up a chair for herself next to George.

“Are the both of you alright?!” Percy asked.

“Yeah, I got real lucky, only a few sprains.”

Percy smiled and let out a sigh of relief before turning to Dazai, “Hermione told us what happened. Are you ok, Dazai?” Fred set down a plate of food on George’s lap for his twin.

“Yup! Just need some rest, you know,” Dazai waved his hand vaguely. Blaise handed Dazai a plate of food. He gave an empty glare to the boy before nibbling on a piece of toast. “So! Who won?”

“We did, mate! Despite Headmistress being pissed about the Dementors, Gryffindor Seeker, Dean Thomas, caught the snitch! Ensuring our VICTORY!” Ron practically yelled in a tone a game show host would use. Dazai and George laughed, Draco and Pansy rolled their eyes.

Everyone talked until they wanted to get ready for their first classes, George was good to attend them but Dazai wouldn’t be able to go until the next day.

“Aren’t you all going to get ready?” Dazai asked Hermione, Draco, Pansy, and Blaise.

“I’m all set, already!” Hermione answered.

“Mhm,” Blaise agreed.

“Us, as well,” Draco said.

“Oh, okay,” Blaise looked at him as if saying ‘eat another piece of toast’.

“Um…” Hermione hesitated, silently asking about her Time Turner.

“Oh, right, sorry,” Dazai said as he took the Time Turner off his neck and held it out.

Hermione took it from him, “Thank you.” Draco and Pansy eyed the necklace in confusion.

“I should be the one thanking you! You really proved your loyalty back there by giving it to me, no questions asked!” Dazai said cheerfully, he meant it despite his chicldish tone.

“What's the big deal about a necklace?” Pansy asked, Hermione glared for a moment before taking the necklace and putting it on.

“That is not information you are privy to, Pansy,” Dazai said in a firm but teasing voice. Pansy looked exasperated and scoffed.

“I would like to know as well,” Draco said.

Dazai switched his expression to cheery in the blink of an eye, “Sure!” Pansy groaned.

“Dazai…” Hermione warned.

“Don’t worry, ‘Mione! We can trust Draco! And Pansy would never do something to upset him or Blaise so I guess she’s trustworthy enough.” Hermione thought it over for a moment before nodding, Pansy glared daggers at Dazai. “Headmistress McGonagall gave Hermione a time turner so she could go to classes even though they happen at the same time!”

“So, that necklace lets you go back in time?” Draco asked after a moment of processing it.

“Yup!”

“Why’d you need it?” Blaise asked.

“To save George from the fall and the Dementors while also making sure that no one saw,” Dazai said bluntly.

“W-What?!” Pansy yelled.

“But how did no one see?!” Draco asked, leaning over Blaise and his contemplative expression.

“I went back in time and casted an illusion spell.”

“Wait, what illusion spell? I don’t believe we’ve ever been taught one,” Hermione asked, trying to recall an illusion spell. Dazai shrugged.

Pansy stomped forward, “What do you mean you don’t know?! It’s not that hard! Just tell us the incantation you said.”

Dazai put a serious look on his face, “I didn’t say an incantation.” They all just stood there, stunned, confused, and mad, except for Blaise.

“Is this like that Incendio you used during our first year, when Egg first hatched?” Blaise inquired, Dazai nodded.

“What are you talking about?” Draco asked.

“When Egg first hatched and wreaked havoc in the Slytherin dorms, we realized she was drawn to fire. And so, to get her out, Dazai used a modified version of the Incendio spell to lure her out. Instead of starting a fire on something it held a flame at the tip of his wand.” The listening students didn’t move a muscle as they processed the information. Dazai scratched at his bandages and Blaise held his hand to stop him.

“B-But how did you modify it?! And how does that relate to not knowing what spell you used, also how do you not know?!” Hermione questioned, loudly.

Dazai sighed, “I didn’t know an illusion spell so I just guessed, you don’t need an incantation for a spell you guess on.”

“The hell you mean, you guess?!” Pansy yelled, taking a step forward.

“Be quiet, please, Pansy. We don’t want anyone to hear,” Blaise said. She shut her mouth but didn’t stop waiting for an answer.

“Some of you already know I have incredibly high Magical Sensitivity, but I haven't really mentioned what comes with it.”

“What comes with it?” Blaise asked, wondering if it was something to be concerned about.

“I can kinda guess at spells, like if I have a hunch on what it’s like or know a similar spell I can just guess.”

They all just stared at Dazai, too stunned to speak. They stood awkwardly like that for a minute until Hermione spoke.

“That’s amazing, Dazai!” Hermione praised. “Wow… but wait… Dementors?”

“Yeah, you guys couldn’t see it because of my spell but three or four Dementors followed George down.”

“How did you get them to leave you alone?” Draco asked.

“The spell Professor Lupin used on the train, he told me about it later but it’s called the Patronus Charm. The words are Expecto Patronum.” Dazai figured it was easier to just tell them.

“Patronus Charm… I’ve never heard of that before. What does it do?”

“Well, at first, a white light appeared at the end of my wand then a big snake formed from the light and pushed the Dementors away with domes of light. Kinda like ripples in the water, I guess.”

“Wow…” Blaise muttered, he also muttered something else but nobody could hear.

“You guys had better get to class, now.” Dazai mentioned.

“Right!” Hermione shot up out of her seat, scaring Pansy. Dazai laughed and Pansy scowled at him. Blaise stood up and Draco walked back to the door.

“Don’t forget to check on Egg for me~!” Pansy sighed dramatically and Draco smiled before leaving.

“I’m glad I don’t have to go see her…” Hermione whispered as she walked out.

“I’ll be back at lunch, ok Dazai?” Blaise said softly, his smile matching his tone.

“Mhm, you should probably go with them to check on Egg, you know! They need their big, strong Second-in-Command to make sure they don’t get lost!” Blaise just smiled and nodded kindly before leaving. Dazai smiled back but some cluttering caught his attention in the doctor’s office. Dazai stared at the office intently before deciding it was just rats and going back to sleep.

Chapter Text

After another check up from the Doctor, Dazai was free to go. Blaise and the twins escorted him back to the office before breakfast.

“Are you really feeling better?” Blaise asked, just in case,

“Yes, I’m fine, worrywart,” Dazai answered, he did feel a bit dizzy earlier but it had gone by now. “Just shoo so I can change into a clean uniform.”

The twins left, Blaise had a small want to stay and inspect him but he decided against it and left. Dazai changed into a clean uniform, making sure not to look at himself in the process. Thank god the Room of Requirements removed the mirror whenever it was only Dazai in there. Dazai patted down his hair carelessly and walked out of the room after greeting Featherbrain.

“Dazai, let’s go to breakfast,” Blaise said, turns out he had waited outside for him. Dazai mentally groaned, he really didn’t feel like eating…

“Do I have tooooo…?” Dazai whined.

“Yes, you need to get your strength back after the infirmary. Also, I expect more of an explanation for what happened,” Blaise said in his mother hen tone as he took Dazai’s gloved hand. Dazai sighed as Blaise pulled him along, Dazai was tired, he’s always paranoid in the infirmary with Madam Pomfrey gone so he never sleeps well. He couldn’t help but lean on Blaise’s shoulder as they walked.

“Everything okay, Dazai?” Blaise asked, Dazai hummed aimlessly in response. “Still having trouble sleeping?” Dazai nodded. “Eating more would help with that.” Dazai lightly hit him in the shoulder with his free hand. “I know you want to deny it, but it’s true.” Dazai started drifting off to sleep on his shoulder despite the fact he was walking. Blaise let go of his hand and wrapped his hand around Dazai’s waist in case he did fall unconscious. They walked the rest of the way in silence.

Blaise gently elbowed Dazai in the side as they approached the large Great Hall doors. “You awake?”

“Mhm..”

“We’re here, time to act awake too,” Blaise said calmly.

“Yeah, yeah…” Dazai detached himself from the amber-eyed boy and pushed open the door. His gaze quickly found his gang, Blaise and Dazai went over to them and sat down at the Gryffindor table. Draco and Pansy were at their own table but got up when Dazai and Blaise walked in. Everyone exchanged greetings and asked if Dazai was okay. He gave a halfhearted yes and began munching on the toast Blaise put on his plate to avoid conversation.

~~~~~

Professor Lupin had decided it would be good to teach about Dementors considering the recent incident.

“Now everyone, the dementors are amongst the foulest creatures to walk this earth,” he began.

‘Yeah, right there next to me,’ Dazai thought.

“They feed on every good feeling, every happy memory, until a person is left with absolutely nothing but his worst experiences. They target people who have experienced atrocities,” the professor glanced at Dazai.

Dazai knew he was thinking about what happened with Quirrell but the professor was even more accurate than he knew.

“Now, the Patronus Charm, anyone heard of it?” Dazai of course knew from their earlier conversations but he didn’t feel like speaking up so the room remained silent. “It is very advanced magic and is the only spell to ward off Dementors. A patronus is a kind of positive force and for a wizard who can conjure one it works something like a shield. With the dementor feeding on it, instead of him. Now we will not be practicing this spell because it is very hard even for older wizards and it will be difficult to practice without risking your lives. So I will simply explain how to do it,” the werewolf explained as he paced back and forth through the classroom. “First, you must think of a memory. A happy memory that carries much sentimental value. Something deep, not like flying for the first time or anything. Maybe something like a bonding moment with a friend or family member. Lose yourself within the memory then speak the incantation, Expecto Patrinum. Everyone’s patronus is different and will take the form of an animal. Like a familiar or spirit animal as a muggle would put it,” he stood at the front of his classroom. “Now I do hope that none of you will have to try this in an emergency but it’s good you are prepared a bit.”

Dazai left, sighing as he slowly made his way through the passageways back to the office after class. Blaise following beside him.

“So, can you finally explain, please?” Blaise said as he closed the office door.

He sat down at his desk, banging his head on the desk with boredom and general depressive thoughts.

“Don’t do that, Dazai,” Blaise said, putting his hand on the desk where Dazai’s head would’ve hit the table if he had done it again. “Explain, please.”

Dazai sighed, “Alright,” Dazai gestured to the couch. He sat next to Blaise on the couch, he turned his back to Blaise and laid back on the amber-eyed boy’s lap. Blaise’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment but he relaxed as Dazai began to explain in more detail what happened at the Quidditch match.

By the time he had finished, Blaise had started to gently run his fingers through Dazai’s hair.

“Was that good enough for you?” Dazai drawled.

“You need to stop overworking yourself like that, Dazai,” Blaise said with a concerned tone. Dazai sighed and shifted a bit on the couch.

Blaise kept silently playing with his brunette hair, Dazai relaxed into the sensation and soon fell asleep. Blaise smiled down at him, he pulled the photo out of his coat pocket and held it up next to Dazai’s face. It was the photo the twins took of the two of them sleeping on the couch. Blaise always kept it in his pocket.

Blaise let Dazai sleep until dinner time, “Dazai, time to wake up,” he gently shook him. He had already put the photo back in his pocket. Dazai groaned. “Come on, it’s time for dinner, Dazai.”

“No… I don’t wanna…” Dazai whined sleepily. Eventually Blaise convinced him to get up and go eat, Dazai pleasantly surprised to see they had crab. Blaise made sure he put more crab on his plate every time Dazai looked away so he would eat more off his plate.

After they finished eating Dazai got back up to return to the office.

“I’ll walk you,” Blaise said.

“I’ll be fine, Blaise,” Dazai answered.

“Nonsense, plus I have work I can do in the office anyway.” Dazai gave in and began walking with Blaise to the office.

They found the normal place the door appeared and walked in. Dazai sat at his desk and Blaise put his things out across from Dazai on the same desk, pulling up a chair the room provided. After a while of just sitting there he pulled out the Marauder’s Map from the drawer. His empty brown eyes scanned the artifact for a minute, watching everyone walk around.
One name stood out to him first, Peter Pettigrew, he couldn’t recall a student named that. To be fair he didn’t bother learning many of their names…

“Blaise?” The black haired boy across from him looked up.

“Yes?”

“Do you know of a student named Peter Pettigrew?”

“No, is that a name on there?” Blaise looked down at the map, it was hard to read upside down.

“Yeah… I’m sure it’s just some quiet kid..” Dazai said, but he made sure to store the name away for later. Dazai continued looking through the map, he tensed. Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Blaise noticed his change, “Everything okay?” He tried to lean over the table and look at the map.

‘What should I do? Do I go find him? Confront him? Maybe I should wait for him to show himself… yeah, I need to know how he’s here.. he must be disguised..’

“Yeah- yeah, everything’s fine, just thought I saw a different name for a second..” Dazai closed the map. “Mischief Managed.”

After Blaise leaves for his dorm, Dazai gets out some parchment to write his routine letter to Mori. Nothing really important, he only mentions that he knows Fyodor is in the castle and he asks if he is staying for winter break… he gets brave and writes that he thinks it would be beneficial to stay because both Fyodor and Sirius are there and if something happens he should be there.

The next week he gets his reply… he can stay for the break.

Chapter Text

Dazai

He stands on the outskirts of the courtyard as everyone gathered to leave for Hogsmeade. Blaise walks up to him.

“I’m staying here with you,” he says firmly.

“I admire your loyalty but you’d be quite bored here alone,” Dazai responded with a smile.

“What?”

“Go on to Hogsmeade, maybe I’ll see you there,” Dazai winks. Blaise knows it’s not a flirty wink but he quickly runs to the crowd of students to hide his blush. Dazai’s eyes widened as he noticed his pink cheeks before he ran.

‘Why was he blushing? Because I winked at him?’

Dazai shakes his head and walks up to the twins.

“Care for a chat~?” He smirks, the twins match his expression and they walk over to a secluded corner.

“Whatcha need, Snakey~?” Fred asks.

“A friendly ear?” George responds quickly.

“A pranking tip?”

“General gossip?”

“No, no,” Dazai responds as he pulls out the map. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”

Despite seeing it before, the twins are mesmerized by him unlocking the map without a wand.

“I need an exit out of here to Hogsmeade.”

“Oh, that’s it?” George starts.

“We recommend this one-“ they both point to the map.

“The One-eyed Witch Passageway,” they said in unison. “It’ll lead you straight to Honeyduke’s Cellar.”

“You best hurry, Filch is heading this way,” Fred says.

“Thanks,” Dazai says and starts to walk past them. He tenses when two pairs of arms suddenly wrap around him.

“Can’t leave without a hug!” They both say, picking up the thin boy as they hug him tightly.

“Hey! Hey! Let go!” Dazai protests, after a minute they let him go after a ruffle of his hair.

Dazai makes his way through the passageway and pushes the large tile stone out of his way after listening for anyone above him for a moment. He crawled out of the passageway and put the stone back. He pulls on a hoodie he stole from Blaise, he is very infamous after all. He discreetly walks through the crowded candy store and into the cold winter’s air. He wandered through the walkway in between the shops of Hogsmeade. He saw Blaise, Draco, and Pansy window shopping outside a broomstick store. Dazai carefully walks up behind Blaise and taps him on the shoulder.

“Yes?- wait is that my- Daz-!” Blaise spoke up. Dazai clamped his hand over Blaise’s mouth before he drew attention to them.

“Shh! I’m not supposed to be here remember..?” Dazai whispered.

“Speaking of which, how did you get here?” Pansy asked sternly, clearly annoyed that Dazai interrupted her time alone with the two boys.

“I have my ways, have any of you seen ‘Mione or Ron?”

“No, haven’t seen them since we got here,” Draco answered.

“Alright… any suspicious activity you’ve seen that I might find interesting?” Dazai asked hopeful. Pansy groaned and Blaise shook his head.

“No, but I think I heard the two Gryffindors talking about the Shrieking Shack,” Blaise added on.

“Perfect, you all have fun,” Dazai turned away and Blaise followed him. “You should spend time with Pansy so she doesn’t murder me in my sleep.”

“I’d rather stay with you, and I’ll protect you from Pansy,” he joked. Dazai couldn’t deny the strange spike of heat in his chest and face when Blaise said he preferred Dazai over them. Dazai shoved it down.

‘Mafiosos don’t feel, mafiosos don’t have friends,’ Dazai thought.

*There’s no room for friends in the Port Mafia, Dazai*

Mori’s voice rang in his ears as he dragged his feet through the snow. Blaise pulled up Dazai’s hood since it was falling.

“So, you stole my hoodie huh?” Blaise spoke up, snapping Dazai from his thoughts.

“Hmm? Oh, yeah, sorry.”

“It’s alright, it looks good on you.”

“Thanks.”

They walked in silence for a while.

“I don’t know if you’ve been checking on egg, but I have,” Blaise spoke up.

“Thank you.. I’ve been kinda busy lately..” Dazai said.

“I’ve noticed you practicing transfigurations in the office sometimes, or just stalking people on the map.”

“Yeah.. how is she?”

“Good, she’s good. You were right about the office stunting her growth because she’s grown a lot more now.”

“I’ll make sure to visit her over the break. I should practice with her more often..”

“Practice?”

“Oh yeah, I’ve been teaching her some tricks… I’ll show you when it’s perfected.”

“I look forward to it,” Blaise said as we reached the edge of the forest and the two Gryffindors came into view.

“Hey-“

“Dazai?!” Ron interrupted Dazai.

“Yes, hi Ron,” Dazai chuckled. Hermione shook her head with a knowing smile.

“Of course you somehow found a way to get here,” she spoke up.

“So that’s the Shrieking Shack, huh?” Dazai said.

“Yup, it’s supposed to be the most haunted building in Britain,” Hermione said.

“Yeah, cause of some howling or some shit?” Dazai said.

“Language,” Blaise said, Dazai gave him a non-serious glare.

“But yes,” Hermione responded, “They ended years ago though.”

‘Howling is kinda specific…’ Dazai thought. ‘Professor Lupin might’ve come here for his transformations…’

“Now we can show you around Hogsmeade!” Ron exclaimed loudly.

“Oh, uh, yeah, sure,” Dazai responded, that hadn’t been his original plan but he could look around for information while being toured… They walked back through the forest to Hogsmeade. “So, you two really like spooky stuff?”

“Yeah! Love me a good scare…” Ron lied. Dazai rolled his eyes. “Anyways, we can show you all the shops in Hogsmeade. You probably won’t care for some like the broomstick shop since… you know.. you can’t ride one. But I’m still gonna show you.”

Dazai chuckled, Blaise had his usual blank bored expression, but Dazai could tell he was a bit amused by the redhead.

Ron talked about a bunch of the shops until we got there. Dazai stopped at the edge of the clearing.

“Now remember, I’m not supposed to be here and I’m very infamous so you guys have to be a bit quiet and don’t say my name aloud at all,” Dazai explained, they all nodded.

“Got it! So first shop is-“ Ron dragged them from shop to shop. They were about to walk into another when Dazai spotted the Minister.

“Guys, shh..” Dazai put his hand on Hermione and Ron’s shoulders since Blaise already noticed Fudge.

“Oh, there’s the woman Ron fancies…” Hermione whispered as the Minister greeted said woman.

“You guys go into that shop,” Dazai said quickly before chasing after the Minister of Magic.

“Wait-“ Blaise was a bit too late as Dazai had already run off.

Dazai slipped into the club, threatening the shrunken heads at the front with an ungloved hand. They immediately shut up after feeling the fatal and dreadful aura radiating from his hand. He put his glove back on and discreetly followed the Minister upstairs. He stopped in the middle of the stairs, waiting for them to go into the room. Once they were behind the closed door Dazai quietly went up to the door and put his ear against the door.

“Now, tell me what this is all about,” Madam Rosemerta started.

“Well, now, years ago, when the Potters realized they were marked for death, do you remember? They went into hiding. Few knew where they were. One who did was Sirius Black and he told You-Know-Who. Which led to their poor family’s death, even of the baby,” McGonagall explained.

‘The Potters? Must be some famous wizarding family…’ Dazai thought. ‘They must be assuming, Black wouldn’t kill anyone… I can see the morals in his eyes… his pain’

“Not only did Black lead You-Know-Who to the Potters that night, but also killed one of their friends, Peter Pettigrew!” The minister added.

‘Peter Pettigrew? But he’s not dead, I saw him on the map…’

“Peter Pettigrew?” Madam Rosemerta asked.

“Yes, little lump of a boy. Always trailing after Sirius Black,” Headmage McGonagall said.

“I remember him,” Rosemerta said. “Never let James and Sirius out of his sight. But what happened?”

‘Ugh, stalker much?’ Dazai grimaced, glad he didn’t have anyone like that… unless you count Mori.

“Well, Peter Pettigrew tried to warn the Potters, and might have managed to, had he not run into an old friend— Sirius Black,” McGonagall answered.

“Black was vicious. He didn’t kill Pettigrew. He destroyed him!” Fudge exclaimed. “A finger. That’s all that was left— a finger! Nothing else.”

‘Only a finger? I know a fake death when I see one..’ Dazai thought.

“Oh, yes. Sirius Black may not have put his hands to the Potters, but he’s the reason they’re dead,” said McGonagall.

“And now he wants to finish what he started, return to his master like a loyal mutt.”

“But why guard Hogwarts so closely?” Rosemerta questioned.

“The demon student,” Fudge said.

“Dazai Osamu,” McGonagall said with slight daggers towards the minister. She may not like the boy but she disliked the nickname more. “We are not sure which it is, but You-Know-Who is either interested in recruiting Mr. Dazai or sees him as a threat to be eliminated.”

“Which makes the other students in danger too…” Rosemerta concluded.

‘They’re right… I should go check on Blaise, Mione, and Ron..’ Dazai thought… it’s not like he cared for them though… ‘They are too good subordinates to lose’

Chapter Text

~~Blaise~~

The three on the bench get up and speed walk up to him.

“Was the spying worth it?” Ron asked.

“I’d say so,” Dazai responded nonchalantly as Blaise discreetly looked him over.

“What did you learn?” Hermione asked, excited.

“Nothing too important for you, but interesting regarding Black’s past”

“Sirius Black’s past?” Blaise questioned, hiding a hint of curiosity.

“Yeah, they mentioned some stuff he did for Volde-“

“Don’t say his name, mate!” Ron interrupted Dazai.

“Whatever, anyway, just some stuff Black did for you know, that I don’t believe,” Dazai finished.

“You learned more about Black?” Hermione asked, her eyes lit up with curiosity.

“Yeah, Blaise, who all stayed for the break?” Dazai turned to his Second-in-Command.

“Is Lovegood a Hell’s hound?” Blaise asked.

“She’s more of an honorary member… I suppose she is, she sort of invited herself like Pansy” Dazai answered.

“Well only Pansy and Lovegood have gone home,” Blaise responded.

“Perfect, tell everyone we’re having a meeting after lunch tomorrow,” Dazai stated.

“A meeting? What for?” Hermione asked.

“Just some planning and recon,” Dazai waved his hand vaguely, his dragon scale gloves glistening in the harsh winter sunlight.

“Can we head back now? It’s freezing, mate” Ron whined.

“I gotta head back to Honeyduke’s,” Dazai mentioned.

“Is that where you got in?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, the twins showed me a secret entrance,” Dazai answered.

“Of course they did… Why don’t they show me any cool secret entrances?! I’m their actual brother!” Ron complained, Hermione rolled her eyes and Dazai smirked mischievously.

“Well, I have heard them mention finding adoption papers for Dazai,” Blaise said nonchalantly.

“What?!” Ron exclaimed.

“When was this?” Dazai giggled, mostly at Ron’s reaction. The thought of the twins adopting him felt strange… he would have a real family again… No. That’s ridiculous, Dazai has Mori and the Port… mafiosos don’t need families anyway…

Blaise noticed his conflicted expression, “I’ll walk Dazai to Honeydukes,” he started, “you all go ahead and head back the normal way.”

“Finally!” Ron quickly bounded away, his footprints heavy in the snow. Hermione huffed and waved before following. Blaise looked down at Dazai, waiting for him to come out of his head. His brunette hair was getting long… Blaise loved how Dazai’s hair curled around his neck.

Dazai blinked and looked up, “Where did they go?”

“They went ahead while I walk you to Honeyduke’s”

“Oh… see this is why you’re the perfect Second-in-Command!” Dazai smiled and Blaise shook his head and sighed.

“We should get going, it’s only going to get colder now,” the black-haired boy said, glancing up at the darkening sky. Dazai nodded and they started walking in silence towards the candy store.

Blaise noticed Dazai spacing out, so he let his hand fall towards Dazai’s and gently intertwined their fingers. Dazai barely seemed to notice, zoning out as they walked. Blaise looked ahead to make sure neither of them bumped into anything or anyone.

Blaise looked down at Dazai when he suddenly stopped and gripped Blaise’s hand tightly.

“Dazai? What’s wrong?” Blaise spoke up. The brunette was looking at a store window for traditional clothing. Specifically a frilly white dress in the display window. “Dazai?” Blaise said again, he started getting worried as he saw Dazai start to hyperventilate. The amber-eyed boy stepped in front of him, blocking the view of the window.

“Dazai? Are you okay? Hey, look at me please-“ Blaise didn’t know what to do, Dazai had zoned out before but this was different. He didn’t know what was going on, but Dazai was freaking out and Blaise knew enough to know it was a bad thing. Blaise hugged him, gently pushing Dazai’s face into his chest with his hand, his other hand wrapped around Dazai’s body. “Please just breathe-“

~~Dazai~~

Dazai nuzzled his bandaged eye socket into Blaise’s chest. He couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe, his empty eye socket was shooting pain through his whole body. He could still feel the blood coating the left side of his body, running down his cheek, soaking his white dress…

‘White really is too pure for you’

Mori’s words rang out in his head, over and over and over and over and over again and again. He could feel the dizziness set in, the same dizzy feeling from when Mori dragged him across the floor, dancing, splattering his blood everywhere. He could still hear the coughs and gasps of his father, the old hag choking on his own blood.

‘You are my witness’

Dazai didn’t even realize he wasn’t breathing until Blaise smacked his chest.

Blaise…

All Dazai could think about to ground himself was the boy holding him tightly. Dazai’s trembling hands slowly raised up around Blaise’s body, tightly clutching the back of his puffy coat.

“B-Blaise-“ Dazai choked out.

“Yes, yes I’m here- it’s okay… you’re in Hogsmeade, in England, in the cold snow, with me..” Blaise thought reminding him might help him come back to reality. “Just in and out slowly, okay? In-“ he breathed in deep, “and out,” he exhaled.

Dazai looked down, feeling the cold, feeling the snow beneath his shoes, feeling his coat, his pants, no dress, no blood. He held Blaise tighter, slowly taking deep breaths with Blaise. Once he registered the cold, his dizziness decreased, he slowly calmed down and his breathing evened out.

“Dazai…? Are you okay..?” Blaise asked as another person gave them a weird look as they walked by.

“Mhm…” Dazai snuggled into him.

Blaise stood there silently for a moment, “What was that..?”

“… it’s nothing”

“Dazai.” Blaise said firmly, “I may not know what happened to you just now but I know it’s not normal and not good.”

Dazai stayed silent then sighed, “it’s nothing… just- got lost in my thoughts…”

“I- I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me, Dazai…” Blaise said, a hint of desperation in his tone.

Dazai didn’t respond, I mean what was he supposed to say? He had a panic attack and flashback from simply seeing a dress? No, that’s pathetic, and not something that happens to a mafioso. Maybe Dazai was getting too soft here…

“Let‘s get out of the cold,” Blaise finally said, breaking the silence and accepting that Dazai wasn’t going to talk to him. The brunette broke the hug and they walked to Honeyduke’s in silence, still holding hands.

The harsh winter breeze ruffled Dazai’s hair, the brunette tried to ignore it, and the amber-eyed boy that was staring at him with a look of pity… and another emotion Dazai didn’t recognize. Dazai subconsciously pressed against Blaise as they walked, he had only worn a couple layers after all. Blaise was much better dressed for the winter temperatures, he was probably wearing a few layers and had a big puffy black coat on. Dazai kinda wanted to wear it but he stayed silent and shifted his gaze to the snow as they walked.

Dazai looked up as the aroma of the candy store filled his red, stuffy nose.

“You need help getting back to Hogwarts?” Blaise asked softly. Dazai shook his head. “Alright, I’ll see you there,” Blaise gave his hand a tender squeeze before letting go and walking away. Dazai opened and closed his now empty fist a few times, the empty feeling made the empty hole in his heart stretch wider. Dazai shoved it down and walked into the store, the bell rang out as he pushed open the door. The warmth of the store felt nice, but not like the warmth he felt radiating from his Second-in-Command who he 100% only saw as a subordinate… definitely…

Chapter Text

~~Dazai~~

Dazai woke up at his normal time, before everyone else in the castle. He pulled himself off the couch and changed into clean robes. He dragged himself to the Great Hall, it was completely empty like normal when Dazai walked in in the mornings. He sat at the end of the Slytherin table and laid his head down.

After a while some staff sifted into the room, Snape, Dr. Wright, and Filch. Dr. Wright, the chief nurse, was making cheery small talk with Snape, who was not having it.

Dazai sat up, “Morning, Snape!”

“Professor Snape,” The tired teacher responded.

“Ah, good morning, Mr. Dazai,” Dr. Wright said calmly, with a smile that reminded Dazai a little too much of Mori.

“Morning, Doc,” Dazai plastered friendliness towards the nurse despite his suspicion towards the man. Dazai couldn’t help but glance at the man’s sleeve, every inch of Dr. Wright’s body was covered minus his face, just like Dazai’s. He remembered the bit of a tattoo he saw on the nurse’s arm several weeks ago.

Students slowly started pouring in, a few at Gryffindor, some at Slytherin that sat on the very opposite end of the table from Dazai.

“Did you hear? Another student was targeted by dementors,” Dazai heard one of the students say. Dazai discreetly sat up to eavesdrop.

“Headmaster Dumbledore wouldn’t have let those dementors wander the ground like this,” the other Gryffindor said.

“Have you heard? They say it was an accidental fire.”

“Accidental? With the Headmaster? That’s kinda weird…”

“I heard he was killed with a muggle weapon…” one Gryffindor whispered.

“A muggle killed him…?!”

“I suppose… I wonder why though…”

“Isn’t the Demon Student a mudblood? Maybe it was him!”

“Of course! First a professor, now the headmaster!”

Dazai sighed and laid his head back down until some of his frien- subordinates got there.

~~~~~

Dazai sat in the office, staring blankly at the paper in front of him. He had no idea what to write, so far he managed 3 words- ‘Dear Old Hag’. Thankfully he was interrupted by his subordinates walking in for their meeting. Dazai put the letter in progress into a desk drawer.

“Afternoon, mate!” Ron greeted as he and the other Wesley’s walked in along with Hermione. The twins immediately went to Dazai’s sides.

“Whatcha working-“

“-on, Boss~?” The twins said.

“Just thinking about our next scheme~” Dazai smirked and the twins chuckled with excitement at the thought.

“We’ve had a few ideas ourselves, boss!” George spoke up.

“Well, we’ve got time till Blaise and Draco arrive I suppose,” Dazai said, sitting up in his desk chair.

“We’ve made these perfect candies-!” Fred started.

“More candies?” Dazai groaned.

“Don’t worry! It’s a different hat trick this time,” George defended proudly.

“I present to you… Canary Creams!” Fred held out a little custard.

“Canary?” Dazai chuckled, already figuring out what they did. Fred seemed a bit saddened he didn’t get to do the big reveal. “That’s pretty funny, have you tested them?”

“Wait, what do they do?” Ron asked, clearly not as caught up as Dazai was.

“They turn whoever eats them into a Canary,” Fred said, not as excited as before since Dazai had already figured it out.

“And yes we have test-“ George got cut off by Mione.

“Wait! That’s what happened to Neville in the common rooms this morning?!” Hermione exclaimed with a hint of disappointment in the twins for tormenting the naive boy.

“You tested it on Longbottom?!” Dazai laughed. The twins nodded proudly and high-fived.

“Why are you all so loud? We can hear you halfway down the hall!” Draco complained as he and Blaise walked in. Blaise smiled slightly as he saw Dazai laughing and set a plate of food for lunch since Dazai skipped it. “And what’s with the dessert?”

“Just harmless pranks, no biggie. Anyway, now that everyone’s here we can start the meeting,” Dazai said, mindlessly picking up the roll on the plate Blaise gave him. The Hell’s Hounds all took a seat around the room, a few extra chairs were there since the room knew they would need them.

Blaise sat closest to Dazai with Draco on the black-haired boy’s other side. The twins and Hermione are sat on the couch with Ron in a chair under the mirror that Dazai was purposely avoiding looking at.

“Ok!” Dazai began, “As some of you know, I went to hogsmeade yesterday and did some nice eavesdropping,” the twins gleamed with pride at their adopted brother’s mischief. “Found out some things about Sirius Black and stuff, most of it isn’t important. But I’ve been… given some feedback since last year to share more with you..” Dazai gave Blaise a half-hearted glare. “So here are some things I’ve figured out. First, Sirius Black is not a threat-“

“But he attacked the Painted Lady!” Ron protested as Dazai glared at him for interrupting.

“That wasn’t him, Sirius isn’t here yet”

“Well who was it then?” Hermione asked, curiosity glistening her eyes.

“Professor Lupin” Dazai stated blankly, the room went dead silent. Everyone was staring at Dazai with wide unbelieving eyes, minus Blaise.

“P-pardon?” Hermione was the first to break the silence.

“Professor Lupin is a werewolf and attacked her during his unconscious aggression being a werewolf,” Dazai stated as he rested his head in his hand, his elbow on his desk. The twins looked at each other, discussing the news telepathically. “And Sirius Black is coming back to reunite with Professor Lupin and get revenge on Peter Pettigrew.”

“Who?” Blaise asked.

“Some old student of Hogwarts that’s with You-Know-Who”

Soon everyone left after Dazai relayed the information to them and they discussed pranks. Blaise stayed to do homework, a common activity as Dazai continued writing his letter to Mori.

Dear Old Hag,

Sirius Black is not a threat, and neither is Professor Lupin who is a werewolf. Egg is doing well, the transition into the Forbidden Forest is helping her mature properly.

Winter break is almost over so I’ll be back to classes soon, so you can return whatever frilly cotton or wool dresses you got for the cold weather.

Nothing else has happened that would interest you so I hope you get caught in some crossfire. Also tell Elise that Egg can draw better than her.

Your Hater,
Dazai

Dazai folded the letter and gave it to Egg to deliver, “Tear up Elise’s drawings while your at it.”

Egg chirped and flew up into the rafters.

“Who’s Elise?” Blaise spoke up for the first time in a while, Dazai looked at him surprised for a split second, like he had forgotten the black-haired boy was there.

“Oh- Mori’s… daughter,” Dazai lied, ‘I wish she was his daughter,’ the mafioso internally groaned.

Blaise nodded and looked back down at his work, “You haven’t mentioned her before.”

“What’s there to mention? She’s just a brat who doesn’t deserve the brain cells I use to remember her.”

Blaise chuckled, and shook his head amusingly.

Chapter Text

~~Blaise~~

Dazai was fidgeting with his bandages again, Blaise cleared his throat and glanced at Dazai’s bandages so he would get the message, Dazai rolled his eye.

‘There has to be something Dazai can play with in class instead of his bandages…’

Blaise mindlessly stared at Dazai as he slept through the class. He tried to think of some toy he could make to help Dazai stop messing with his bandages.

Soon class ended and Blaise led Dazai to lunch.

“How are you feeling today, Boss?”

“Fine,” Dazai responded simply. Blaise elbowed his side gently and softly glared at him for more information. Dazai sighed. “I’ve been thinking about starting to practice magic outside of classes again because my tolerance is dwindling.”

“You should be careful, remember what happened first year?”

“Yes, yes, I remember the countless trips to the infirmary,” Dazai groaned.

“And scolding,” Blaise added,

“Yeah, I’ve already combed that part,” Dazai answered, Blaise eyed him curiously. “I’ll do it in the forbidden forest, I need to check on Egg more often anyways.”

“You know me and Draco have it handled, Boss,” Blaise answered as he pushed open the Great Hall doors.

“Yes, well she likes me better and needs all the support she can get as she develops… probably.”

Blaise smiled at the brunette, knowing he probably just missed his dragon.

“Don’t look at me like that, Second-in-Command,” Dazai pouted, Blaise smirked then let his expression fall as they approached their gang. The twins scooted away from each other so the two snakes could sit in between them.

“Hey, boss! The plan is going smoothly~” Fred nudged Dazai’s side and giggled along with his twin.

As if on cue, someone screamed and alarmed chirps rang through the Great hall. Blaise rolled his eyes playfully and the mischievous twins and their adopted brother laughed their asses off. Hermione rolled her eyes and stuck her nose back in the book she was reading.

Ron tried to watch the teachers chase the student, now canary, that was flying around the candles of the Great Hall’s ceiling without drawing attention to himself. Blaise diverted his attention from the commotion to the food on the table. He got some food for himself then put some on Dazai’s plate, not very much since he noticed Dazai eats more off of Blaise’s plate than his own.

“Alright, hush, you’re going to get us caught,” Blaise said to the craughing(crying & laughing) pranksters. “Time for lunch,” Blaise gently turned Dazai's head towards the table instead of the commotion.

The brunette groaned but reluctantly ate a few small bites of bread when he got a glare from his most trusted advisor beside him.

“Ron, wanna come visit Egg with me after classes today?” Dazai asked as Blaise put another roll on his plate after Dazai stole one.

“In the forbidden forest…?” Ron asked, already getting more paranoid by the second. The twins seemed to enjoy his troubles.

“Yeah, so what? It’s really not that dangerous, plus we’ll be with a dragon,” Dazai said, absentmindedly eating the second roll he stole from Blaise.

“I suppose you're right…”

“Plus we need to make sure she’s eating properly and if not do a little hunting with her,” Ron had a disgusted expression at Dazai’s mention of hunting.

Dazai glanced at Blaise, their little telepathy thing was working in full swing, Blaise nodded as Dazai silently asked if he’d be coming to the Forbidden Forest too.

~~Dazai~~

Only one more boring class and then Dazai could go visit Egg and practice his magic. Blaise had almost smacked his hand after messing with his bandages for the 300th time today so he was writing on the desk with his quill. The ink reminded him of the strange ink he saw on Dr. Wright’s arm, the skull tattoo. He didn’t get a good look at it but he was pretty sure it was a skull, he just couldn’t figure out what it represented. Sure, it could have some harmless positive meaning like in living memory of someone but Dazai knew better. That doctor reminds him of Mori, and that’s always bad.

He tried to remember if he’s seen it before, maybe from Lockhart’s dumb books?

‘A cult he never actually disbanded? No… maybe it was a mark of allegiance? Like gang tats…So what would it be allegiance to? Not Hogwarts, not a Hogwarts house… Voldemort maybe? Maybe Quirrell had one, too?’

He tried to remember a tattoo on the strange professor from first year… nothing.

‘Did I ever even see his forearms?’

Dazai came out of his thoughts when he got a nudge and a confused look from his Second-in-Command. Dazai looked down at his desk, he had drawn the skull accidentally, he rubbed out the ink on the desk with his bandages.

“Don’t do it with your bandages- you could get ink poisoning-!” Blaise quietly scolded.

“Calm down, they need changed anyway,” Dazai said calmly, despite the strange emotion he felt about how he drew the skull without even realizing. He was getting weak…

Blaise sighed and held Dazai’s hand that was moments before holding the quill.

“What’s this? Something bothering you?” Blaise asked.

“Nothing, Blaise, you should focus on class,” Dazai said, avoiding eye contact.

Blaise sighed, a mix of disappointment and sadness on his face as he looked away.

~~~~~

Dazai, Ron, Hermione, and Blaise were walking through the courtyard towards the forbidden forest to check on Egg, and for Dazai to build up his tolerance to magic more.

“Beautiful day,” Hermione said as they walked.

“Unless of course you’ve been ripped to pieces,” Ron said, clearly pissed off about Merlin knows.

“Ripped to pieces? What are you talking about?” Blaise calmly questioned as he walked beside Dazai, who had groaned from already figuring out what they were talking about.

“Ronald has lost his rat,” Hermione said firmly, and annoyed.

“I haven’t lost anything! Your cat killed him!” Ronald protested.

“Rubbish,” Mione waved her hand dismissively and walked faster to get away from the boys.

“Dazai! You’ve seen how that bloodthirsty beast of hers is always walking about,” Ron defended, Dazai rolled his eyes. “And Angel is gone.”

“Please, that demon has disappeared more times than I can count,” Dazai responded, annoyed they were even having this conversation.

“Exactly! Learn to take better care of your pets!” Hermione turned around to speak to Ron’s face as she argued.

“Your cat killed him!” Ron continued.

“Did not!”

“Did!”

“Didn’t!”

Dazai and Blaise shared an annoyed look, although Blaise seemed a little amused by the two Gryffindors’ banter. Dazai sighed at the incompetence he was surrounded by.

They were almost in the forest when they heard stones being skipped into the lake, Hermione peeked through the brush.

“It’s Hagrid,” she said.

“He looks down,” Ron stated the obvious.

“There was a trial regarding Buckbeak’s attack on Pansy,” Blaise said calmly, “apparently it didn’t go well for the creature.”

“We should go talk to him,” Hermione said firmly.

“We have things to do, Mione,” Dazai said, not seeming to care for the giant’s woes.

“Come on, Dazai, don’t you like the griffin? The least we could do is talk to him,” Ron said, feeling pity for the giant.

“Hippogriff,” Dazai corrected before looking up at Blaise. Blaise looked at the giant and nudged Dazai, encouraging him to listen to the Gryffindors. Dazai sighed, “Fine, but 10 minutes max.”

The four of them walked out of the brush and into the pebble-filled shore.

“Hey Hagrid, how did the trial go?” Hermione said to Hagrid once he realized they were there.

“Well, first off, the committee members took turns talking about why we were there. And then I got up and did my piece, said how Buckbeak was a good hippogriff, always cleaned his feathers. And then, Mrs. Parkinson got up. Well, you can imagine. She said Buckbeak was a deadly and dangerous creature who would kill ya as soon as look at ya,” Hagrid said as he skipped stones.

“And then?” Hermione asked.

“And then she asked for the worst, did she…”

“They’re not sacking you..?” Ron asked hesitantly. Dazai was pushing pebbles around on the shore quietly as Blaise stood beside him, listening to Hagrid.

“No, I’m not sacked…” Hagrid said softly, his voice starting to crack. “Buckbeak’s been sentenced to death.”

Dazai looked up.

‘The hippogriff’s being killed?’

That formed a twinge in his heart, but that’s ridiculous, why would Dazai care about some random magic creature? Dazai doens care about animals, or anyone for that matter. Dazai’s a heartless mafioso, no emotions, no heart, no human to see there.

Dazai recalled the moment he had on the back of Buckbeak, a strange flutter formed in his stomach as he recalled flying with Blaise on Buckbeak’s back. It’s just a meaningless memory, so why does it hold such strong reactions?

Did Dazai not want Buckbeak to die?

‘I really am getting soft.’

Dazai threw a pebble into the lake. Everyone else was silent, Blaise gripped Dazai’s shoulder tightly. He was likely thinking of the same memory as the mafioso.

They walked towards Egg’s nest in silence, tension weighing heavy in the air as Egg flew down from the canopy and nuzzled against Dazai’s chest, rubbing against him like a cat.

“Hey, Egg…” Dazai said softly, petting the dragon with his gloved hand. Dazai cleared his throat and spoke matter-of-factly, hoping to cut the tension. “You’re looking much better, and bigger. You must be eating well, that’s good.”

Blaise sat at a tree and pulled out his books to study; Hermione sat beside him and pulled out a book to read. Dazai started practicing simple spells while Ron played with Egg.

They hung out in mostly silence until dinner time. Dazai was tuckered out and a little queasy making so many sticks float with Wingardium Leviosa. Blaise noticed the brunette’s state when the former was used for a walking stick on their way back to Hogwarts. Hermione yapped about her book as they walked and Ron groaned, partly from annoyance at Mione for her book obsession and partly because of the fact his arm hurt from throwing so many sticks for Egg.

Chapter Text

~~Dazai~~

Dazai was staring down at the diary, Tom Riddle’s Diary. He kept it in the locked drawer in his desk.

What does Wormtail mean to you?

Dazai wrote in the diary, Riddle responded.

What significance would a rat have to me?

Dazai tapped his chin and wrote again.

How old are you, Riddle?

Smart you are, Mr. Dazai if I remember correctly?

Yes, now if you could answer my question.

16, and you?

My age will tell you nothing.

So secretive, why is that?

Everyone has secrets, Voldy.

Voldy? How childish.

Oh, did I tell you I killed your snake?

The basilisk? Please, some mudblood like you could never.

Fine, don’t believe me. Nonetheless, care to mention some of your followers?

You know I don’t have an answer to that, I only have the memories of my 16 year old self.

How?

How what?

How are you a memory? How are you in this book?

Magic of course.

Let me rephrase that, Why?

Why not? Doesn’t everyone want to live forever?

‘Live forever?’ Dazai thought. ‘How does this book help him live forever? Did he put part of himself in the book?’

Live forever?

Dazai wrote.

Sounds like a nightmare, ugh.

You don’t want to be immortal?

Riddle seemed genuinely confused.

Why would I want to live in this hellhole forever?

You’re a very interesting mudblood, Dazai. Someone who doesn’t want to live forever? Quite a rare trait.

Dazai closed the book, Tom didn’t know anything about the present, unfortunately. Dazai pulled open the drawer, tossing the book in and taking out the Marauder's Map.

Dazai was very bored and could not sleep for the life of him, so why not look through the map?

He barely uttered the words before the map activated, he opened it, Dr. Wright in the infirmary… Students in their beds… and again there’s Pettigrew and Fyodor.

Dazai tapped his chin and stood up, pushing the office door open and wandering towards the mysterious names on the map in his gloved hand.

“Lumos”

Dazai said quietly, forming a small ball of light over his palm. He left his wand in the office but he didn’t really need it. His practicing in the forest with Egg had been really paying off. Blaise made him stop almost right after he started getting nauseated when he practiced, but he was still improving significantly.

Dazai made his way down the corridor, several paintings complained about the light but he ignored them. He walked closer and closer to Peter Pettigrew’s name on the map. He looked up as he heard scampering, but he didn’t see a name on the map. Maybe it really was just a rat, but Pettigrew’s name grew closer.

Dazai aimed his light towards the ground, his eyes darted between the map and the floor. Soon he could see a rat, one he didn’t recognize, it was missing a toe and right where the map said Pettigrew was.

“I knew it-!”

Dazai blurted as Pettigrew scampered off. Dazai didn’t try to grab him, he didn’t feel like it plus it wasn’t needed at the moment. He looked at the map, Fyodor was nearby too… he didn’t want the Russian to know Dazai was onto him but he needed to confirm his theory. He started walking towards the name on the map when another familiar name appeared in the same corridor, Severus Snape.

Should Dazai risk it?

Dazai turns off the map and his spell, “Nox, mischief managed,” he whispered. He looked around for Fyodor as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He suddenly saw his shadow on the floor and knew he’d been caught, expected. He turned around to see Professor Snape holding up his wand with the brightness of Lumos at the end.

“Mr. Dazai, what have I told you about staying out past curfew?”

“Yeah, yeah, sorry or whatever. I just can’t sleep, Snape!” Dazai whined, his eyes darted at the ground as he heard scampering past him. Angel. “I knew it-“

“Knew. What?”

“Should’ve known that you would’ve caught me! It seems like you get less sleep than I do with how much you’re patrolling the halls at night~” Dazai smirked and Snape sighed.

“Come, I’ll walk you back to your common rooms”

Dazai groaned as Snape put a hand on his shoulder and started waking him back to what the Professor thought was his room.

They rounded the corner and came face to face with Professor Lupin, Dazai felt Snape’s grip tighten on his shoulder.

“Hey, Professor!” Dazai greeted.

“Hello, Mr. Dazai, Snape,” Remus responded.

“Out for a walk in the moonlight?” Snape said suspiciously. Dazai looked up at the potions professor.

‘Snape definitely knows,’ Dazai thought.

Lupin chuckled awkwardly, “Something like that, you?”

“Just escorting a certain troublesome student back to his dorm,” Snape said in his normal annoyed tone.

“What’s that in your pocket?” Lupin asked, glancing at the small bit of parchment that was visible out of Dazai’s pocket.

“Ah, just a spare bit of parchment,” Dazai smiled innocently, taking out the paper. The mafioso instantly saw the recognition in Professor Lupin’s eyes.

“A spare bit of parchment? At this time of night?” Lupin questioned.

“Of course, you never know when you’ll find something unexpected~ like two professors out for a midnight walk, or strangely intelligent rats,” Dazai smiled knowingly. Both professors looked at each, then Dazai, very confused.

“Rats?” Snape asked.

“Or people, who knows~” Dazai chuckled, Lupin eyed him suspiciously and Snape sighed. The Potions Professor was accustomed to Dazai’s strange riddles.

“Let’s get you to sleep, Mr. Dazai,” Snape pushed Dazai by his shoulder, past the werewolf professor.

They walked up to the entrance to the Slytherin dorms, “Cunning,” Snape spoke the password and they walked in. “Now, go to sleep, Mr. Dazai.”

“Yeah, Night, Snape.”

“Professor Snape,” he corrected. Dazai waved his hand vaguely to acknowledge him and walked towards the boy dorms. Of course his things were not in here, they were in the office, where he actually stayed. He walked over to his old bed, which was being used as storage to hold his housemates’ things. Dazai sighed and went into Blaise’s room, pulling the covers up and climbing into bed beside the sleeping snake.

Blaise groaned softly in his sleep as Dazai got comfortable beside him. There wasn’t much blanket to go around as it was a one person bed. Dazai rolled over towards the other boy and watched him sleep for a moment. He sighed and wrapped his arms around him, it was the only way the blanket would fit over both of them.

~~~~~

Dazai groaned as he was shaken awake.

“Dazai! Dazai, are you okay?” Blaise asked, worried at the brunette’s sudden presence.

“Mnn.. I’m okay…” Dazai sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Snape caught me wandering around and brought me…” Dazai yawned, “back here…”

Blaise let out a sigh of relief, “I thought something had happened to the office.”

“Nope,” Dazai popped the ‘p’, cold now that he was cuddling with Blaise. The brunette glanced at the time, an hour until breakfast, later than Dazai would have preferred to wake up.

“And you didn’t get in trouble? Just brought here?”

“Yeah, Professor Lupin walked over before Snape could think about a punishment.”

Blaise got up, “Do you want to swing by the office before breakfast?”

“I’d rather do neither,” Dazai rubbed his eyes and Blaise gave him a look.

“I don’t really want to walk all the way to the office but I also don’t want to be here with our housemates.”

“Oh, yeah… there’s been a lot of rumors lately.”

“Ones about Dumbledore?”

“Yeah… blaming you for his death…”

“I’ve heard,” Dazai sighed, crawling back under Blaise’s sheets as the latter changed out of his pajamas.

“Have you heard about the rumors with you and Black?”

“Which ones?”

“Well some say that Black is here to kill you in the name of you know who, but some prefer the rumor that he’s come to recruit you. To be your handler so to speak.”

“Ugh, if they’re going to make up rumors, at least make more entertaining ones,” Dazai complained.

“I think you’re the only one who would ever say that,” Blaise said with small amused smile, “I’m done changing.”

Dazai pulled the covers off his head, his hair now even messier than before. Blaise gave him an endearing smile.

“What? Is there something in my face?”

“No, you’ve just got one hell of a bed head.”

“Oh, so normal than, got it,” Dazai smirked at his own joke and Blaise rolled his eyes with a small smile.

Dazai held Blaise’s hand as they walked down the hall to breakfast.

“How did you sleep?” Blaise asked.

“Fine, I definitely don’t miss how cold the Slytherin dorms are.”

“Were you cold?”

“Not once I got under the covers,” Blaise smiled at Dazai’s response, happy that he could help Dazai, even though he was unconscious at the time.

The twins immediately ran to Dazai as the two snakes walked in the Great Hall.

“You’re late-!” George said as the two redheads inspected him.

“Did something happen?!” Fred said.

“Calm down… I’m fine, Snape just caught me sneaking around and took me back to the Slytherin dorms.”

The two Weasleys sighed in relief and walked them to the Gryffindor table. Blaise set some toast on Dazai’s plate before getting his own food.

“Ah, Dazai, there you are,” Hermione said.”

“Yeah, where ya been, mate?” Ron asked. Dazai looked at Blaise who immediately got the silent message.

“He had to sleep in the Slytherin dorms since Professor Snape caught him sneaking around last night,” the black haired boy explained.

“What were you doing out after curfew?” Hermione asked.

“Map, bored,” Dazai replied, eating some bread to avoid speaking more. Everyone gave him a confused look until Blaise translated.

“He was looking for someone on the Marauder's Map because he couldn’t sleep,” Blaise glanced at Dazai to make sure he understood correctly. Dazai gave him a small nod. The twins chuckled at their silent understanding.

Draco and Pansy walked over to them from the Slytherin table.

“Dazai, did I see you in the dorm earlier?” Pansy asked, eyeing Dazai suspiciously.

The mafioso glanced at Blaise, “Professor Snape caught him after curfew and took him back to our dorms to sleep,” Blaise explained as Draco and Pansy sat down.

“Ah, you didn’t get in too much trouble did you?” Draco asked, Dazai shook his head then looked at Pansy.

“You need to call off this rubbish with Buckbeak,” Dazai said calmly.

“Who?” Pansy asked.

“The hippogriff, there’s no reason to kill it for your ignorance,” Dazai said plainly, a bit surprised by his use of the British word, the Gryffindors were a bit surprised by his bluntness.

“Pardon?” Pansy stood, clearly pissed. Blaise put his hand on Dazai’s shoulder before the brunette could respond.

“He’s just saying you might be overreacting a bit,” Blaise said in a soft voice to calm her.

Draco put his hand on Pansy’s shoulder and gently pulled her down, “You didn’t really listen to Hagrid… he warned you.”

Pansy crossed her arms, upset with the confrontation but she respected Blaise and Draco. “Fine, I’ll write my mother later…”

“Thank you,” Hermione smiled with gratitude, the death of the hippogriff disturbed many of the Hell’s Hounds. Including Dazai, not that he would say it out right.

~~~~~

Dazai, Hermione, and Ron were sitting in Divination class. Dazai was messing with the table cloth, he sighed, upset that Blaise didn’t have this class with him. Ron was sleeping across the table from Dazai and Hermione, beside him, was staring at the crystal ball. She was clearly frustrated as this class didn’t come very easy to her.

“Broaden your minds!” Trelawny spoke to the class. “You must look beyond. The art of crystal gazing is in the clearing of the inner eye. Only then can you see. Try again,” the professor walked over to Dazai’s table after finishing with another group. “Now, what do we have here, hmm?”

“Oh, do you mind me trying?” Hermione asked, a bit of hope in her voice. Dazai looked up from the table at the young brunette.

“Ah!” Trelawny smiled and gestured to the crystal ball.

Hermione smiled and shifted in her seat, looking at the ball, “Well, The Grim… possibly.”

“My dear, from the first moment you stepped in my classroom, I sensed that you did not possess the proper spirit for the noble art of Divination.” Trelawny looked at Hermione palm, “Now you see, you may be young in years but the heart that beats beneath your bosom is as shriveled as an old maid’s, your soul as dry as the pages of the books that you so desperately cleave.”

Trelawny shook her head with pity as Dazai had his gloved hand clamped over his mouth to hold back his laugh. Hermione huffed in anger and shoved the crystal ball off the table, quickly rousing Ron from his nap. Hermione walked out of the classroom, passing the runaway oracle ball in the process.

“Have I said something?” Trelawny questioned, Dazai chuckled.

Dazai and Ron walked down the stairs after Divination’s ended. Dazai saw the crystal on the stairs that Hermione had abused in her anger. Dazai and Ron walked past it, the brunette was too tired to pretend to be helpful today.

Chapter Text

~~Dazai~~

Dazai, Hermione, and Ron were sitting in Hagrid’s shack. Dazai was looking at Hagrid’s weird worm thing, trying to hide his disgust.

“You all really shouldn’t be out this time of night,” Hagrid expressed his concern.

“I take it the execution’s been cancelled?” Dazai asked, ignoring his concern.

“Ah, yes, I take it you three had something to do with that?”

“Guilty as charged,” Ron started, “Mate practically dueled Pansy over it.”

“Please, dueling Pansy was so second year,” Dazai waved his hand dismissively. Hermione chuckled.

“Oh, Ron, I found something of yours,” Hagrid said suddenly, turning around to a jar on his counter.

“Angel!” Ron exclaimed as Hagrid pulled his rat out of the jar. Ron stood up to take it from him, Dazai glared at the rat.

“That’s not Angel,” Dazai said calmly.

“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked, standing to get a better look at the rat.

“It’s missing a finger- er, toe,” Dazai said.

“Wait, Scabbers?!” Ron exclaimed, looking for which paw had the missing toe.

“Scabbers?” Dazai recognized that name, “Wasn’t that your family’s rat before Angel?”

Ron nodded, “That’s right, he went missing a few years ago.”

Dazai stared at the rat, the rat stared back, was it sweating? That’s ridiculous… although Dazai saw the same intelligence he saw in Angel in this rat. Well maybe not the exact same level of intelligence… “What’s with the Weasley’s attracting weird ass rats?”

“Language,” Hermione and Harris said in unison.

“What's the problem with my rats?” Ron exclaimed.

“Ugh, if you didn’t get it the first time I explained it to you, you won’t get it now,” Dazai rolled his eyes.

“Try explaining it ta me then,” Hagrid said.

“Their rats have intelligence behind their eyes, like they are sentient like humans!” Dazai rambled.

“I’ve heard a’ that before…” Hagrid began, “Animagiuses are described like that.”

“My rats aren’t animaguses!” Ron protested.

“I seriously doubt they are, especially since they’ve been with your family for so long,” Hermione added. Dazai sighed.

“You all should be getting back, it’ll be pitch black outside soon,” Hagrid said, ushering them out so they didn’t have time to protest.

Dazai dragged himself up the hill along with Ron and Hermione.

~~Blaise~~

Blaise and Draco were standing at the doorway into Hogwarts that went down to Hagrid’s hut. Blaise swayed from side to side on his feet and looked around constantly. Why was he so anxious? Well, he overheard some Slytherin talking about how a large black dog was seen around campus. Blaise realized they were talking about Black. Dazai had told all of them he wasn’t a threat but better safe than sorry. And Dazai “hated” dogs, Blaise always had Dazai’s expression when he saw Fluffy on his mind when someone mentioned a dog.

Draco insisted on coming with Blaise, but Blaise had a feeling he just didn’t wanna be left out.

Also, Blaise couldn’t find Professor Lupin and it was a full moon. Either way that confrontation would end badly for Dazai and the professor. One of them would end up dead if they met while the professor was turned, it all depended on if Dazai had his gloves on or not.

“Zabini, Malfoy? What are you doing out here?” Ron tore Blaise from his thoughts.

“Oh, I was just waiting for you all,” he said calmly, trying to hide his worry. Dazai narrowed his eyes and looked at him suspiciously. Dazai could see the anxiety and slight fear in his eyes, he gave Blaise a confused look. “We should go back to our dorms.”

“What’s going-“

“Ow-!” Ron interrupted Dazai. “Scabbers bit me!”

Scabbers had bit Ron and ran off down the hill, the opposite way of Hagrid’s hut.

“Scabbers, wait!” Ron ran after the rat.

“Ron, wait-!” Blaise called out, not wanting the four of them to be outside much longer, it was getting dark…

Dazai groaned and the two brunettes ran after the impulsive redhead. Blaise chewed on his lip for a second before running after them, with Draco not far behind.

~~Dazai~~

“Dazai wait-! We need to go back inside!” Blaise insisted as they ran.

“What’s going on? Why are you so… this?” Dazai gestured to all of him.

“Black was seen around the school, and I can’t find Professor Lupin!” Blaise explained, yelling so Dazai could hear even with the wind rushing past their ears.

“Lemme guess, it’s a full moon tonight?” Dazai sighed.

“Yup,” Draco responded from Dazai’s other side.

They slowed down as they caught up to Ron, who was sitting in the grass holding his rat.

“Are you mental?!” Hermione scolded Ron for running off.

“Dazai, is that the tree I think it is..?” Blaise said quietly, in a shaky voice that Dazai had never heard before.

Dazai looked up at the Whomping Willow then down at Ron, “Ron, run!”

Ron looked up at them and suddenly had a terrified look on his face, “Guys, run!”

Blaise immediately turned around along with Dazai. The brunette froze, his eyes widening, he immediately felt sweat beading down the side of his cheek. There was the large black dog they all knew to be Sirius Black.

‘It’s not a real dog. Not a real dog. Not a real dog. Not a real dog. Not a real dog.’

Dazai repeated over and over, faster and faster, in his head as he saw the black horror growling and drooling on front of him. Blaise pulled Dazai against his side by the brunette’s thin waist. Dazai started breathing heavily as his vision switched between the dark musty basement of the Port Mafia and the angelic scenery of Hogwarts. One second Dazai saw the dogs, the mafia’s dogs, the mafia’s trained killer dogs; the next second he saw Black, the threat he knew wasn’t meant towards him but still scared- no, he just hated it.

Draco noticed Dazai’s distressed and his eyes widened. Draco had seen Dazai’s mafia side once or twice and now seeing him in the exact opposite state was startling. Draco reached out but then stopped when he noticed how close Dazai and Blaise were. Dazai clutched Blaise’s clothes as Sirius began running towards them. Blaise moved in front of Dazai but then Black jumped straight over Blaise, Dazai, and Hermione: and straight towards Ron.

Dazai wanted to shout a warning, to tell Ron to let go of Pettigrew, of Scabbers, but the words died in his throat. Dazai reached out weakly, the three were frozen as Sirius bit Ron’s leg and dragged him into a hole in the trunk of the Whomping Willow.

~~Blaise~~

Hermione immediately ran after Ron and Black, diving down into the hole. Draco started to follow but looked back at Dazai and Blaise, the latter was trying to comfort the former and bring him back down to Earth.

“Dazai? Dazai, it’s okay, you’re safe,” Blaise realized it was useless and just picked Dazai up and threw the underweight boy over his shoulder.

“Let’s go!” Draco shouted as he dodged a branch.

The snakes ran towards the hole, Blaise jumped to avoid an attacking branch. Dazai grunted as he fell back on Blaise’s shoulder after the jump. Draco couldn’t dodge it and was launched into the air, he screamed on instinct.

“Draco!” Blaise shouted.

“K-keep going!” Draco said, pulling out his wand to help him get out of the tree. “I’ll follow!”

Blaise bit his lip, looking between Draco, Dazai, and hole. He jumped to dodge another branch and slid down into the hole, Dazai moved onto Blaise’s chest as they slid down into the tunnel.

They landed on the flat ground after sliding for a second, Blaise stood and helped Dazai up. “Dazai..? Are you… back now?”

Dazai looked up at him and nodded, “I’m good now.”

“Come on, we gotta hurry,” Blaise said, grabbing Dazai’s hand and running down the tunnel. “Where do you suppose this goes?”

“I have a hunch,” Dazai said.

~~Hermione~~

Hermione immediately ran after Ron when he was dragged into the hole under the tree, not realizing no one was following her yet. “Ron! I’m coming, hold on!” Hermione yelled as she ran through the tunnel. It was dark, she could barely see except for a little light peeking through the soil above her. She kept hands hands against the walls as she ran to make sure she didn’t run into them in the dark.

“Where is this going..?” She muttered as she realized the ceiling turned to wood, she climbed the wooden stairs that soon appeared.

‘Is this the Shrieking Shack?’

She asked herself as she walked up more stairs. She could hear Ron groaning, likely from the pain of the bite in his leg. She saw an open door and Ron inside.

“Ron!” She exclaimed, running towards him. “Are you okay?”

“The dog disappeared, Hermione!” He sounded scared, rightfully so.

“Black’s gone? Why did he attack you then?”

“I don’t know, Hermione! He didn’t say anything!”

“Dazai said Black wasn’t a threat so why did he bring you here…”

“Where is here?!” Ron whined, clutching Scabbers in his hands still.

“I think we’re in the Shrieking Shack.”

“What?! H-how?! And why would it be connected to Hogwarts?!”

“Huh, you actually thought of a good question for once, Ronald. I’m impressed,” Hermione responded as Ron rolled his eyes.

Blaise and Dazai came running up the stairs, “Granger, Weasley! Are you okay?” Blaise asked as they stopped in front of the Gryffindors.

“Yes, we’re fine, and I told you to call me Hermione,” she said, Blaise nodded.

“Where’s…?” Blaise said quietly, not wanting Dazai to go back into his head.

“I don’t know, he disappea-“

“He’s behind us,” Dazai said in a calm voice, but Blaise could feel his tight grip.

“What?!” Ron exclaimed as the others looked behind them.

The door to the room slowly creaked shut, revealing Black behind it.

“Why did you attack Ron?!” Hermione shouted, pulling out her wand and aiming at him, not able to keep her anger down.Dazai said he was an innocent man and had no reason to hurt them, so why did he?

“Calm down, ‘Mione,” Dazai said, collected now that Black was in his human form.

The door burst open and Professor Lupin ran in, wand in hand, “Expelliarmus!” Hermione’s wand shot out of her hand.

~~Dazai~~

Draco ran in the room behind the Professor, breathing heavily, beat up from the Whomping Willow, “W-wait-“ Draco spoke up weakly and in a breathy tone.

“Draco-“ Blaise looked at Dazai one more time to make sure he was okay before running past Black and the professor to tend to the blonde.

“Well, well, Sirius, looking rather ragged, aren’t we? Finally the flesh reflects the madness within.” Lupin chuckled as he reached a hand out to Sirius.

“Well you’d know all about the madness within, wouldn’t you, Remus?” Black took his hand and stood up.

‘Remus.. so Dazai was right, they do know each other.’

Professor Lupin and Sirius hugged each other tightly, Lupin pat Black on the back a few times.

“I found him-!” Sirius said excitedly.

“Found who?” Lupin asked.

“Pettigrew!”

“Peter Pettigrew? I thought you killed him?”

“No! The bloody coward cut off his finger to frame me! And he’s in this room, right now! Come out, come out, Peter!” Sirius rambled, walking towards Dazai, Hermione, and Ron. Blaise looked between them and Draco, who was leaning against him, breathing heavily.

“Expelliarmus!” Snape said, walking past the two snakes and into the room. Sirius’ wand flew out of his hand. “Vengeance is sweet. How I hold I’d be the one to catch you.”

“Severus-“ Professor Lupin stepped towards him but Snape moved his wand to point at the werewolf.

“I told McGonagall you were helping an old friend into the castle, and now here’s the proof.

“Brilliant, Snape. Once again, you put your keen and penetrating mind to the task, and as usual, come to the wrong conclusion,” Sirius glared at Snape. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Remus and I have some unfinished business to attend to.”

Snape put his wand’s tip to Black’s neck, “Give me a reason. I beg you.”

Dazai had quite enjoyed watching their quarrel, but maybe it was time to end things.

“Severus, don’t be a fool,” Lupin stepped toward the Potions Professor,

“Yes, Severus, don’t be a fool,” Dazai mocked with a smirk.

“Now’s not the time, Mr. Dazai,” Snape said sternly.

“Actually, now’s the perfect time. You see, Black and Professor Lupin are on the right here.”

“Excuse me?” Snape said, straightening his posture but keeping his wand on Sirius’ neck. Black and Lupin were also surprised by his remark and looked at him with shock.

“I assume you have a personal grudge against Black because you think he caused the death of someone you care about?”

Snape’s eyes narrowed as Dazai spoke, “How-“

“Well, I can assure you, Mr. Black here is innocent,” Dazai said firmly. The adults in the room audibly gasped. “The guilt lies with another old acquaintance you have in this room.”

“You believe me?” Sirius said softly.

“You saw his name…” Lupin pieced the puzzle together, Snape gave him a weird look.

“Well, who is it then?” Snape retorted.

Dazai yanked Scabbers from Ron’s grip, “Hey!” The redhead protested.

Scabbers flailed around in Dazai’s gloved hands, Dazai could feel the hum of Pettigrew’s magic under his gloves.

“The rat.” Snape said dumbfounded but also just done with Dazai’s antics.

“Yup! I don’t know the spell for changing back Animagi, so if you would, Professor Lupin?”

The werewolf nodded and pulled out his wand right when Scabbers squirmed out of Dazai’s hand. However, right as he tried to go through a small hole in the wall, Professor Lupin used the spell on him and he turned into his disgusting, shriveling, wrinkled human form. Snape lowered his wand and let Sirius and Lupin drag the traitor back into the room.

Pettigrew escaped their grip and ran, only reaching Draco until he was grabbed again.

“Sweet, sweet Malfoy, won’t you help an ally~?” Peter Pettigrew’s slimy voice made Dazai want to vomit. Blaise shoved Pettigrew off the injured Draco and back into the middle of the floor in front of everyone.

‘Ally?’ Dazai thought, ‘Were the Malfoy’s still working with Voldemort?’

“Pettigrew…” Snape muttered, staring at the shriveled man.

Sirius pointed his wand at Peter, “Finally.. after 12 years of waiting, I can finally kill you and get justice for Lily, James, and Harry Potter…”

Dazai stepped in between the two, looking up at Black calmly. Black looked at him in surprise, “The hell you doing, kid?”

“It would wiser for you to let him stay alive, since he can prove your innocence,” Dazai said blankly.

Lupin put his hand on Black’s shoulder, “He’s right… don’t you wanna be a free man again?” Dazai heard a bit of hope in his tone.

“And Pettigrew would get his revenge with a Dementor’s kiss,” Snape scowled at the rat man.

“And Draco needs medical attention,” Blaise stood up with Draco’s arm over his shoulder and vice versa.

“So does Ron,” Hermione added.

“Severus and I can take Pettigrew back, you four help each other get back behind us,” Remus said.

“The moon’s out,” Dazai said blankly. Professor Lupin’s eyes widened, Snape sighs.

“Of course you know,” Snape said in his normal tired voice.

“How long have you known?” Lupin asked.

“I dunno… the first month or two of the school year?”

Sirius burst out laughing, “T-the first months?!” Lupin grumbled, “How bad are you at keeping secrets?!” Sirius asked him, still laughing.

“Did you bring any of your potion?” Snape asked, Lupin shook his head. “I don’t have any of the ingredients…”

Blaise looked at Dazai from where he was standing, they locked eyes.

“Oh come on… it’s already annoying enough when the Weasley twins do it!” Draco said annoyed.

“Do what?” Hermione asked.

“Do that telepathic communication thing,” Draco waved his free hand vaguely.

“Oh yeah, I see it now…” Ron said, eyeing Dazai and Blaise suspiciously.

“I know what we can do,” Dazai said.

“What? Stay here till dawn?” Sirius responded sarcastically.

“I remember what your potion feels like, I think I can recreate it in spell form.”

“What? That’s ridiculous- that’s not even possible-“ Professor Lupin stammered.

Snape tapped his chin, “Have you done this before?”

“Well, yes, I have,” Dazai said, hoping he wouldn’t ask for specifics. “But this one… is definitely more complicated than what I did before.”

“That’s rubbish,” Sirius said firmly.

“No, it’s true, I’ve seen him alter spells,” Blaise chimed in.

“Like what?” Lupin asked.

“In first year, he changed the Incendio spell. So instead of starting embers elsewhere, he held a flame at the end of his wand,” Blaise explained shifting Draco who was still leaning against him into a more comfortable position.

“He is quite a remarkable student…” Snape said, most of their jaws practically dropped to the ground. Snape sighed, “Poppy- er- Madam Pomfrey and I worked with Mr. Dazai last year on his magic sensitivity. And discovered that he has a magic sensitivity so strong it hasn’t even been heard of before.” Snape left out the ‘since Merlin’ part… he had a feeling that it would cause some unseeded questions at the moment, more so than this information already would. “Also, he taught himself a spell that hasn’t been used in centuries.”

Sirius, Black, Pettigrew, Ron, and Hermione looked at him in utter disbelief. Draco looked… scared?

“Fine… you can try it,” Lupin finally broke the silence.

Dazai pulled out his wand, it would be easier for him to not use it but he didn’t want any more questions to join the boiling kettle in everyone’s minds.

Dazai focused on the feeling of the potion, anti-transfiguration, should be easy enough. After all, transfiguration is hard for him so preventing it should be easy…

Dazai closed his eyes and flicked his wrist, aiming at Professor Lupin. A yellow ray of magic hit Lupin.

“I… I think it worked…” Lupin muttered.

“Great, can we go now?” Ron complained, “My leg hurts!” Draco rolled his eyes.

Snape and Lupin held Pettigrew captive as they made their way back, Sirius and Hermione helped Ron walk while Blaise and Dazai helped Draco walk back.

Chapter Text

~~Blaise~~

Blaise walked into the infirmary with two plates of food, one for Draco and one for Blaise and Dazai. Draco was asleep in his infirmary cot and Dazai was asleep in the chair beside him. Blaise watched Dazai sleep for a minute before setting their plates down.

“Dazai,” Blaise said softly, shaking the brunette awake.

“Mnn… Blaise..?” Dazai’s beautiful soft brown eyes opened, Blaise smiled softly as he looked down at him.

“Yeah, it’s me,” Blaise set his and Dazai’s plate in the brunette’s lap. Dazai made a disgusted expression at all the food. “Calm down, it’s both of ours. Just eat what you can.” Dazai sighed and picked up a piece of toast from the plate as Blaise looked at Draco, wondering if it was okay to wake him up.

“You can wake him, he needs food,” Dr. Wright said from the doorway of his office. He startled Blaise a bit, Dazai scowled subtly at the doctor.

“Thank you,” Blaise said before gently shaking Draco awake. “Hey, I brought you brea-“

“Dray!” Pansy slammed the door open, it seems like someone finally told her. Although knowing her she probably ran to the infirmary the moment someone said Draco was injured. Dazai flinched as the door slammed into the wall, dropping the half of his toast that he hadn’t eaten yet.

~~Dazai~~

Dazai had the urge to cover his ears when she slammed the door, but that would be showing weakness. So he picked up his piece of toast and put it on Draco’s side table.

Draco startled awake, “Ugh… Blaise..? Pansy…?” Blaise silently set Draco’s plate in his lap as Pansy ran over to Draco’s other side.

“Oh my Merlin! Dray, are you okay?!” She picked up his arm and inspected his arm, then looked over his head and face like a doctor inspecting his wounds.

“Yeah, Pans… I’m okay..”

“He just got caught in the Whomping Willow,” Blaise said calmly.

“Don’t tell her-!”

“What?! Why were you by that devil tree?!” Pansy interrupted Dazai. The brunette tried to stop Blaise from mentioning that so they didn’t get an hour lecture but it was too late. Blaise sat on a chair beside Dazai and ate some of his food off their shared plate as Pansy began scolding them.

“Ugh, can’t you be quiet?” Ron complained from the cot across the aisle.

“Good morning, Ron,” Blaise greeted calmly, “Your siblings should be bringing you food soon.”

“You probably played a part in this too, huh Weasley?!” Pansy exclaimed.

“Excuse me?! I was being dragged across the dirt when Malfoy was getting thrown around like a rag doll!”

Dazai sighed and put the plate in Blaise’s lap instead of his as Pansy and Ron argued.

“Students, please, no fighting in the infirmary~” Dr. Wright said in his smooth voice as he peeked out of his office again.

“Sorry, Chief Nurse Wright,” Pansy apologized begrudgingly.

Ron tried to go back to sleep and Pansy talked to Draco quietly as the blonde ate. Soon the twins, Ginny, and Luna walked in. Ginny walked over to Ron’s cot with a plate of breakfast food for him.

“Wake up, Ronny~!” George shook Ron violently as Fred called to him.

“Ah- guys! Stop it!” Ron yelled, Ginny pushed them out of the way and held out Ron’s plate.

“Here you go, Ron. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I got you a bit of everything…” Ginny said in a tired tone.

“Thanks, Ginny,” Ron said, already stuffing food in his mouth.

“Ugh, such a glutton..” Pansy muttered.

“Pansy,” Blaise said in a firm warning tone. She rolled her eyes.

Luna walked over to Dazai, holding a notepad and quill, Dazai raised a brow. “Would you be willing to do an interview for the Quibbler on the events of last night?”

Dazai sighed, “Why not? Someone might as well get it right.” Luna smiled slightly and pulled up a chair, Blaise watched silently while he ate his breakfast behind Dazai. “Ask away, Luna.”

“There are rumors of a Dementor’s kiss happening last night, is this true?”

“Yeah, we weren’t allowed to watch, unfortunately,” Dazai said, slouching in his chair. Blaise gently elbowed him, “Oh- uh, I mean it was better because that would’ve been traumatic for our young innocent eyes~” Dazai put the back of his hand on his forehead in a dramatic fashion.

The rest of the infirmary was quiet, Ron and Draco were eating and the rest of them were listening to get to know the whole story.

“Who was executed?” Luna asked, jotting down Dazai's response.

“Peter Pettigrew, for giving up the secret location of a wizard family to You-Know-Who, ending up in the slaughter of the entire family.”

Luna nodded and wrote on her notepad, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, “And what about the rumors that Sirius Black was cleared of charges?”

“Oh, yeah. He never did any shit in the first place, it was Pettigrew,” Dazai responded nonchalantly, the whole room was deadly silent, listening intently to the juicy gossip Dazai was dropping.

“How did this Pettigrew get away with it in the first place?” Luna asked.

“He faked his death by cutting off his finger and framed Black for his murder,” Dazai yawned.

“So everyone believed he was dead…” Luna muttered. “Oh-! Some other students mentioned seeing Black and Professor Lupin together earlier, what do you know about this?”

‘Was she trained to interview people or something…?’

Dazai thought before responding, “I don’t know much, but there’s definitely some romantic stuff there. I know they went to Hogwarts together and knew each other so something probably happened before Black went to Azkaban.”

“Professor Lupin and Black?!” The twins exclaimed, their eyes glistening with excitement.

“Yeah, I mean their both dogs so it fits,” Dazai chuckled.

“Dogs?” Luna questioned.

“Oh yeah- I didn’t tell you, did I?” Dazai asked, Luna shook her head, “Professor Lupin is a werewolf and Black is a dog animagus.” Luna immediately wrote that down.

Blaise leaned in closer to Dazai and whispered to him, “Is that wise to reveal that?”

“Please, a lot already know and he’ll probably be forced to leave when people’s parents find out,” Dazai waved his hand dismissively, Blaise nodded and sat up straight in his seat, satisfied with Dazai’s answer.

“So Professor Lupin is not a secret Demiguise?” Luna asked curiously.

“What? No-“ Dazai looked at her weird but then relaxed, remembering that this was normal behavior for her.

“What in the bloody hell is a Demiguise?” Ron asked through a mouthful of pancakes.

“Ape-like creatures that can turn invisible,” Dazai said, remembering the entry about the creature from his monster textbook.

“Turn invisible? That’s rubbish,” Ron protested.

“Out of all your world’s weird creatures you think that one’s fake and not Boggart?” Dazai looked at him flabbergasted. Ron pouted and avoided answering by taking another bite of his food. “They also have silver hair that’s been used to make an invisibility cloak, who knows where it is though.”

Dazai has looked for it, in books… but still.

Ginny walked over and sat on the cot behind Dazai and Blaise, watching their interview more intently.

“Anything else?” Dazai asked.

“Have you seen my hair ties?” Luna asked in her spacey tone.

“Your… hair ties?” Pansy raised a brow as she responded, Luna turned to her.

“Yes, the nargles have been hiding them again…”

“Oh, no sorry, Luna,” Dazai said, “I haven’t seen any, but I have some you can borrow.”

“You have hair ties?” Pansy gave him a weird look.

“Yeah, my hair gets long during the school year when I don’t go back home to get it cut.”

~~Blaise~~

Blaise was very aware of Dazai's longer hair; he's found himself staring at it a few times. Blaise really wanted to reach out and run his fingers through Dazai’s wavy brown hair… but he knew Dazai would be hesitant about it. Since they’re in the infirmary with a bunch of other people Dazai would definitely say no.

“Really? I appreciate it, Dazai,” Luna smiled slightly.

“I’ll grab them out of the office and give you some later,” Luna nodded in response to Dazai.

The infirmary door opened and Headmistress McGonagall walked in, “Good morning, students.”

“Good morning, Headmistress,” Ginny responded with a smile.

“Your classes start in half an hour, I hope you all will do well to make it on time,” she said calmly, “However, Mr. Ronald Weasley and Mr. Malfoy will be excused from classes until they heal. And Mr. Dazai, Mr. Zabini, and Ms. Granger are excused from classes for today only. If you wish for more days off please come visit me in my office to make your case,” she left immediately, clearly very busy from dealing with everything that happened the night before.

“Wait, I just realized, why do all the teachers call you by your first name?” Ron asked Dazai.

“What are you talking about? They don’t,” Dazai responded confused.

“She literally just called you Dazai-!” Ron exclaimed.

Dazai realized what he was confused about and burst out laughing. The others, minus Luna and Blaise, were startled by his sudden laughter.

Blaise explained since Dazai was too busy laughing, “Dazai is his last name and Osamu is his first name. In Japanese culture, everyone calls everyone else by their last name unless they are related or given explicit permission by the person.”

Apparently no one else in the room knew that, as they all had shocked expressions.

“Wait, since when do you know about Japanese culture?” Draco asked.

“I read up about it during first year, after we met Dazai,” he said calmly.

“Guess we know why he’s Second-in-Command now…” Fred mumbled.

“Wait, where’s ‘Mione?” Ron asked, suddenly realizing the bookworm wasn’t present.

“Oh, she’s still sleeping, last night must’ve really drained her,” Ginny responded. “Once she was told she was excused from classes she went right back to sleep.” Luna closed her notepad and stood up. “Where are you going?” Ginny asked the blonde.

“Class,” she said blankly. “We have 20 minutes until they start.” At the sudden news, the rest of them followed Luna out of the infirmary, except for the excused students.

“What now?” Blaise asked Dazai.

“I’ll probably go take a nap in the office,” Dazai responded, pushing his stiff body out of the chair.

“I’ll meet you there later,” Blaise said blankly, collecting their empty plates, including Ron’s, “after I take these back.”

Dazai nodded and waved Draco and Ron goodbye before leaving. Blaise followed not far behind until they split ways since they had separate destinations.

Chapter Text

~~Dazai~~

He strolled into the office, the smell of fresh raw meat filled his nostrils. Dazai rubbed his eyes open and looked around the room, a pile of fresh raw meat was sitting in the corner of the room. It gave Dazai a sense of nostalgia for the school year prior, when Egg was still staying in the office and the room would provide her with food.

“Yeah, yeah, thanks for the reminder. I’ll bring it to her later…” Dazai said to the room, waving his hand dismissively. He looked up at his desk when he heard a chirp, “Oh, hey, Featherbrain,” Dazai mumbled in a tired tone.

He sighed and walked over to his desk. He was hoping to nap on the couch but it seems that Mori and his letter had other ideas. Dazai sat at his desk and opened the letter that Featherbrain dropped on his desk.

Dear Dazai,

I miss you, dear~! It’s been so lonely without you, Dazai~ I do wish you could’ve come home for winter break but the school year is almost over! Elise and I can’t wait to see you, and I got you and Elise matching dresses! You two will look so cute in them! I can’t wait to get pictures~

I heard about an escaped magic criminal coming your way, so best wishes! Although, I have no doubt you’ll make the right decision on the matter. I do have a question for you, how are Ministry rules monitored in the muggle world and how easily could you practice your magic at home?

Also, be ready for target practice when you return, after all, now that you’re an experienced executive you’ll have a lot more missions this summer.

Love,
Your Favorite Boss,
M~

Dazai sighed, he needed to write back now… He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a piece of parchment. He glanced at Tom Riddle’s diary in the same drawer, he could feel its pull to talk to him.

He closed the drawer and pulled his quill out of its holder. He tapped the feather part of the quill on his chin as he thought through what he was about to write. He couldn’t help but remember what Pettigrew said about the Malfoy’s. Were they still working with Voldemort? Dazai thought yes, but he decided to leave it out of his letter. Pettigrew might have just not been caught up on the Malfoy’s status.

Dear Old Hag,

Both wizard criminals at Hogwarts have been dealt with, one was executed and one was cleared of all charges. One of these goes by the name of Peter Pettigrew, he was the one who was executed and was working with Voldemort. The other, Sirius Black, presents no threat to the Port Mafia. However, he is very against Voldemort, as most wizards are. I believe he will keep in contact with one of my current professors who will be leaving after this school year.

As for your questions, the ministry monitors underage wizards using the Trace. It’s applied to every first year at Hogwarts, including myself. However, I’m not sure if it would work on me or if my ability would cancel it out. I have an idea on how to test it, however, it will have to wait until the end of the year.

Also, do we really have to take pictures? And tell Elise and kill herself.

With Hate and Disgust,
Dazai Osamu

Dazai gave Featherbrain and she flew off through the rafters. He walked over to the couch and tilted his head to the side in confusion at the chessboard on the cushions.

~~Blaise~~

Blaise pushed the door open, “Hey Dazai, I thought you were going to take a nap?” Dazai sighed, Blaise noticed the chessboard on the couch. “Oh, did you want to play chess?”

Dazai could see the glimmer of hope in excitement in Blaise’s eyes, “Fine… we haven't played in a while. But one game only. Then I’m napping.” Blaise smiled and set up the chessboard on the floor. Dazai sat down on the side of the black chess pieces and Blaise on the white chess piece side.

Blaise moved a pawn, Dazai moved a pawn.

“So how are you feeling?” Blaise asked calmly, a hint of excitement in his tone. Despite always losing to Dazai, he loved playing chess with the mafioso. It was a nice activity to do so they could spend time together, but he also liked it because Dazai would mindlessly ramble to him.

“Tired,” Dazai didn’t feel the need to hide it given that they were together most of the night before.

“Looks like the office is reminding you again,” Blaise glanced at the pile of raw meat in the corner.

“I noticed, I’ll do it tomorrow,” Dazai said softly, moving another chess piece. “You know all this stupid drama that went on last night is really just old Hogwarts shit. All this conflict is just dumbass adults stirring up teen drama again,” Dazai complained.

Blaise silently moved another piece, watching as Dazai’s soft brown eyes looked over the board, calculating all the possible moves and steps he could take.

“Blaise has gotten even worse at chess~!” Dazai exclaimed cheekily, so amused he didn’t realize Blaise was doing it on purpose. “How do you feel about that Doc that replaced Madam Pomfrey?” Dazai spoke up after a couple minutes.

“Chief Nurse Wright? He’s fine I suppose, his cheerfulness reminds me of you sometimes.”

Dazai recoiled, making a disgusted expression, “Blaise is so meannn~! Comparing me to that old hag? Ugh!”

Blaise raised a brow, “Why don’t you like him then?”

“Have you met him? He’s so.. slimy, icky. His smile reminds me of Mori,” Dazai groaned dramatically. “Checkmate.”

Blaise looked over the board, trying to figure out how to save his king, “Slimy is an interesting adjective.”

“They’re manipulative, secretive, and the sound of their voices makes me wanna rip my skin off. They’re experts at getting close to people, getting people’s trust,” Dazai could hear the irony in his words, he knew he also was exactly like that. He also knew he was with the only other person in the world, minus the mafia, who knew this.

“Finally getting more of a reason why you hate Mori,” Blaise said before knocking over his king. “You win.”

“Finally, time for a nap!” Dazai crawled over to the couch and pulled his blanket over him.

“Mind if I join you?” Blaise loomed over Dazai on the couch. The brunette lifted his head from the cushion and looked at Blaise then something behind him. Blaise followed his gaze, “Oh, Angel.”

Dazai immediately sat up and flung his hand out at Angel, recalling the way the spell that Sirius and Lupin used to turn back Pettigrew felt. The rat tried to run when he sensed his sudden movements but he was too late.

Blaise’s eyes widened when Angel suddenly turned into a boy their age.

“Hah! I knew it!” Dazai smiled wide and pointed at him, shooting up out of his chair to grab the rat before he could run.

“Nice to finally talk to you, Dazai Osamu~” the rat turned boy said in a language Blaise didn’t understand. Although, Blaise recognized it from when Dazai cursed under his breath, must be Japanese.

Blaise was very confused, “Dazai…?” He asked softly in English.

“Why are you in Hogwarts, Dostoevsky?” Dazai asked in Japanese, his nails digging into the other’s arms as he held him on the ground. Blaise couldn’t help but feel a strange pang of hurt in his chest at the sight. He didn’t like how close they were…

“I could ask you the same question~” Fyodor responded in a smooth, collected tone.

“You know, this is rude. I apologize,” Dazai said, getting off of Fyodor. The brunette took off one of his gloves and held the Russian’s arm. “Now, let me ask again, why are you here?”

“Doing a little recon, just like you~”

“For Voldemort?” Dazai narrowed his eyes, now calmed himself down from his excitement.

Blaise recognized Voldemort’s name, ‘What in Merlin’s name are they talking about?’ He questioned in his head.

Fyodor smiled curiously, “So smart, no wonder they call you the Demon Prodigy.”

“Demon Prodigy? Is that some nickname Mori made up for me?”

‘Mori?’ Blaise was very confused about their conversation, considering he only recognized the names since they were pronounced the same.

Blaise sighed and sat down as they conversed in Japanese, deciding to wait until they finished so Dazai would explain. Blaise watched silently from the couch. After a few minutes he sat up, noticing the stranger’s suspicious behavior. “Dazai?” Blaise sat up straight.

“What?” Dazai asked, forgetting to switch back to English as he turned to Blaise.

Fyodor took the opportunity to grab Dazai’s wand and turn himself back into Angel, “See you around, fellow demon~”

“No-!” Dazai was too late, Fyodor had turned into a rat and ran under the door of the office. Dazai ran to the door and opened it, Fyodor was gone. He walked back in the office and slammed the door shut in annoyance.

“Sorry…” Blaise muttered.

‘Dammit, that’s no way a Second-in-Command should act…’

“It’s fine.” Dazai said, clearly mad but trying to hide it.

“So… who was that?” Blaise asked, a hint of guilt in his voice at letting the guy get away.

“Fyodor Dostoevsky, a Russian rat.”

“What were you talking about?”

“I was interrogating him, he got away before he gave me much useful information. But stay away from him. He’s dangerous.”

“Dangero-“ Blaise shut his mouth when Dazai laid his legs across Blaise’s lap and pulled his blanket over him. “Uhm-“ Blaise swallowed hard, “taking your nap now?”

“Yup.”

Blaise calmed his breathing down and moved opposite of Dazai, laying on the opposite arm of the couch.

“Good night, Dazai…”

Dazai mumbled in response, pulling the blanket over his face.

Chapter Text

~~Snape~~

“What am I supposed to do with the boy, Minerva?”

Severus and Minerva were sitting in her office, discussing the night’s events. Snape was leaning back in his chair, holding his coffee in one hand and his hair in the other, gently tugging at it. McGonagall was sitting at her desk, slightly worried he was going to pull his hair out.

“Besides being out past curfew, he didn’t really do anything wrong last night,” she spoke up, not looking up from her paperwork.

“Yes, but he’s always in the middle of everything-!”

“Always in the middle of danger?”

“Yes! And every time I think I get a grip on his intelligence he just- just gets smarter-!”

“He is… in school, Severus,” McGonagall looked up at him.

“Yes, yes he’s in school, but he’s smarter than all the other students.”

“What do you mean?”

“He figured out Remus was a werewolf in the first couple months of the school year, and he memorized the textbooks after only reading them once-“

“Perhaps he purposely dumbs himself down to not draw attention,” she inquired.

“Dazai? Not drawing attention?”

“You know what I mean, Severus.”

Snape sighed and took another gulp of his coffee, “Has Sirius been picked up yet?”

“Yes, the ministry picked him up a couple hours ago,” she said as she looked back down at her paperwork. “They should clear his charges quickly, I doubt they’ll want him to stick around very long.”

“I can already see Ms. Skeeter there trying to pry information from the ministry’s clerks,” Severus chuckled, but it sounded more tired than amused. He looked around the office, “You still haven’t changed much about this place.”

“I’ll start in the summer, this mess would be a nightmare to clean right now.”

“I’m glad you’re finally getting to it, as much as it looks nice… it feels weird without Albus…” Snape drank more of his coffee.

“And Poppy…” Minerva added, setting down her quill.

Snape finished his coffee, setting it on the table beside him. He rubbed his eyes, maybe if he rubbed them enough his eye bags would disappear. Minerva put a paper onto a different pile and looked up at him.

“You should get some rest, I’m sure your students wouldn’t mind missing this one class,” she suggested, Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Phoenix chirped in agreement.

“Don’t suggest something so absurd. I’m not missing a class.”

“Don’t make me order you, Severus,” she smiled, a hint of worry and exhaustion in her tone. Snape looked at her, unsure of what to do. He could feel the exhaustion clawing at his brain, decreasing his cognitive function.

“Fine,” he slowly stood up, rubbing his temples as he walked out of her office.

“And he says he doesn’t have favorites…” McGonagall muttered with a smile.

~~Draco~~

All of the Hell’s Hounds were sitting around in the office, the twins and Ginny were looming over Dazai and Blaise as they napped. Everyone was waiting for the two snakes to wake up, the twins almost attacked Pansy when she tried to wake Dazai so everyone learned quickly they would have to wait. Hermione sat by the window, using its light to read. Ron and Draco played chess while Pansy watched.

Dazai’s desk remained eerily empty.

Ron flipped the chess table, “That’s rubbish!” He shouted after he lost to Draco, Pansy’s nagging didn’t help either.

Dazai startled awake, Blaise groaned softly as his eyes opened. Dazai’s eyes widened at the sight of so many people in the office… so many people watching him sleep…

Blaise slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes, “Oh… hey guys.” Blaise looked over at Dazai and softly rubbed his leg under the blanket.

“How long have you all been here?” Dazai asked.

“Only 10 or 15 minutes, why?” Ginny responded.

“Why is everyone here?” Blaise asked, shifting his feet onto the floor.

“Why not~?” Fred smirked.

“We’ve figured out that Dazai’s always in the middle of the drama so we’re gonna follow him so we can be too!” George announced excitedly.

“Great, my first stalkers,” Dazai said sarcastically with a smirk. The twins sat on the floor in front of the couch, eagerly looking up at Dazai. “Yes…?”

“So we were thinking about-“ Fred began.

“-enchanting a trumpet and setting it loose-“ George added.

“-in the school!” Fred finished.

“You know how to do that?” Draco asked, a mix of surprise and concern in her voice. The twins nodded enthusiastically, Pansy sighed from beside Draco.

“Sure, why not?” Dazai said nonchalantly.

The twins scrambled up to hug Dazai, who flinched then relaxed and awkwardly patted them on the back. Draco gave up on hugging or touching Dazai in general at this point, the flinching made Draco feel like he hurt Dazai.

“Thanks Boss!” they said in unison as they went to draw out their plan on the chalkboard. They somehow managed to convince Ron and Hermione to help them. Draco almost told them to give it up because he didn’t wanna hear anymore of Ron’s whining but he gave in so problem solved.

Dazai went to his desk as the four Gryffindors left, he started organizing some of his things as Ginny walked up to him.

“Anything I can help with?” She smiled and leaned on the front of his desk, slightly pushing his ink container to the side. Blaise took his spot standing beside Dazai.

“Go find Luna,” Dazai said, not looking up from his desk as he organized his drawers.

Ginny seemed disappointed as she slowly walked out of the office, Draco fidgeted with his hands.

“Hey, Pansy? Could you go… save us some seats at dinner?” Draco said with a nervous smile, Pansy gave him a ‘really?’ look.

She sighed, “Alright…” She had a hint of sadness and disappointment in her tone, noticing that Draco was just trying to get rid of her.

Dazai sat up straight and scooted up closer to his desk in his chair, sensing that Draco had something he wanted to talk about.

Draco pulled at his sleeves a bit, “So, I overheard something the other day and I wanted to ask you about it…”

Dazai and Blaise looked at him curiously, the brunette raised a brow, “yes?”

“Well, I heard that Headmaster Dumbledore was uhm… killed with a muggle gun.”

“Oh yeah~! I heard that too! Funny huh? I wonder what a muggle would have against him?” Dazai smiled wide, showing his white teeth like he always did when he was playing innocent. Draco’s eyes darted to Blaise, who offered not even a look of comfort.

“I also heard some speculation that it might have been… you… who killed him…” Draco forced out of his mouth, picking at his nails nervously.

“Draco, Draco~” Dazai said with the tone of a disappointed mother. “You should know better than to believe the rumors around here. I mean they thought I was Snape’s son last year!” Dazai chuckled.

Blaise didn’t move, just staring at Draco blankly. He had changed sides, from Draco to Dazai, so quickly. Blaise was like his loyal bodyguard, the amber-eyed boy’s demeanor disturbed Draco. He had never felt like this towards Blaise, but something about his blank, bored stare sent a shiver down Draco’s spine.

“Right…” Draco walked towards the door but stopped right before he turned the handle. “It’s just- this one seems kind of… plausible.”

Dazai’s smile fell, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. It almost looked like his good eye went from brown to crimson, it was probably just the light… right?

“You know, I overheard something interesting the other day too,” he said, glancing at his dirty bandages. “I heard that the Malfoy family was still working for the Dark Lord,” Dazai looked at him, his eyes narrowed like he was glaring into Draco’s soul but he wasn’t meaning to glare.

Draco stiffened, his eyes widening ever so slightly, “Y-you mean from Pettigrew?” Draco reached up to his lips, he hadn’t stuttered before… Why was he so scared of Dazai? Blaise’s blank expression wasn’t helping.

“Oh yeah, maybe that is where I heard it… Nonetheless, I think Mori would also find it very interesting.”

“N-no-!” Draco took a small step towards the mafioso. “I-I mean- no- we aren’t still working with- with You-Know-Who. H-he was a rat for so long he probably just wasn’t informed of the change yet…” Draco could feel his hands trembling with fear.

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right,” Dazai tapped his chin. He suddenly plastered his fake smile on again, his eye opened slightly and went back to brown. How is he tricking the light like that…? “Anyways! Why don’t you head to dinner? We’ll be right behind you!”

Draco swallowed hard and nodded slightly, leaving the room a little faster than he meant to. He went to the bathroom to calm down, Pansy would definitely start asking questions if he went to dinner trembling.

~~Dazai~~

Blaise walked closer to Dazai as the door closed behind Draco, “You need to change your bandages.”

“Yeah, yeah, I will later.”

“No, now, they’re filthy,” Blaise looked at him with a knowing look, taking one of his hands and looking at the dirty and stained bandages. “Let me replace them.”

“What?! No-“ Dazai ripped his hand from Blaise’s grip. Dazai didn’t want Blaise to see all his scars, his bare skin… hell, Dazai didn’t wanna see his scars.

“…please? They need to be replaced…” Blaise took on a softer expression and tone. Dazai looked away from him, flinching slightly as Blaise put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be quick…”

Dazai bit his lip and silently looked down at his bandages, they were filthy. He hadn’t changed them in a while… they were almost stained tan with how dirty they were. He silently opened his desk drawer and handed Blaise a roll of fresh bandages he had stolen from the infirmary.

Blaise pulled up a chair beside Dazai and pushed his sleeve back, Dazai was facing away from him. He didn’t want to see his scars, or Blaise’s reaction to his scars. The black-haired boy took Dazai’s hand and slowly unwrapped his bandages. Dazai felt him stiffen as he saw the brunette’s scars.

Neither snake spoke as the mafioso’s bandages on both arms were changed.

Blaise didn’t bother asking to change the other bandages on his torso and face because he didn’t want to push Dazai too far too quickly.

“Let’s go to dinner,” Blaise said after finishing. He stood up and offered his hand to Dazai, who silently took the offered hand.

Dazai tried to ignore the soft feeling of how their hands fit so well together, Blaise was always so warm…

Chapter Text

~~Dazai~~

Dazai spun in his chair, around and around and around, watching as the furniture appeared and disappeared. He ran his thumb over the soft material of the bandana Blaise got for Egg. He had been keeping it in his drawer ever since Egg got too big for it.

The whole gang had gone to see Egg yesterday. Ron and Draco were arguing on what to do with Egg over the break, Dazai ended up deciding Egg would stay in the Forbidden Forest. After all, she could fend for herself now and was as tall as the twins now. Dazai was a little worried she would follow him home but she stayed mostly in the forest now, so he thought it had a low chance.

Dazai around the room, it was fairly barren since they cleaned up a few days ago. The corner where Dazai normally had his bags was empty as his bags were packed and sitting in the Slytherin dorm ready to be put on the train. The perch where Featherbrain sat was empty as well since she stayed with the bags.

Dazai looked up as the door opened, “Are you ready to go?” Blaise asked from the doorway. Dazai looked down at the bandanna and shoved it in his coat pocket. Not because he’s being sentimental, mafiosos aren’t sentimental… there’s probably a use for it he’ll figure out later…

Dazai walked over to Blaise and followed him silently down the hall. The mafioso could already feel the eyes and voices of the press swarming the station… he walked slightly closer to Blaise. Blaise looked down at him, sensing his turmoil, he took his hand. They walked up to the Great Hall, everyone was sitting around waiting to leave. The two snakes walked up to the Gryffindor table where the gang was.

The twins lit up at the sight of the mafioso, Blaise looked up at them with a reserved expression. The boys realized the brunette should be left alone and shifted their attention to Blaise.

“Hey, Blaisey!” George greeted, running up to him with Fred right behind him.

“Ready for a summer of fun~?” Fred added.

Blaise chuckled.

The time between them sitting there and getting on the train zoomed by. Dazai was stuck in his head the entire time, just being led along by Blaise’s hand gripping his. Ron was a little confused but went along with everyone else in leaving Dazai alone.

Dazai was leaning against the window of the train and zoning out. Blaise was sitting beside him, still holding his hand. The twins were sitting across from them, talking about the success of their test answers business.

Dazai looked up for the first time that day when Blaise let go of his hand and stood up, “Where are you going?”

“To change out of my uniform,” Blaise responded calmly.

“Oh… are we close..?” Blaise nodded.

“Guess I’ll change too…”

Blaise was sitting in his seat in casual clothing when Dazai walked back in. He sat down in his usual mafia suit and went back to looking out the window. He had moved the bandana from his robes to his suit pocket. Maybe he could use it to hide his face so he can run past the press… Somehow Dazai’s presence was leaked to the newspaper, probably a student…

Dazai looked over at Blaise as his hand was taken again, then back out the window: watching his breath fog up the window and slowly fade, over and over and over again.

The train stopped and Dazai pulled out the bandana and put it on his face like a mask. It was a stretch but maybe it would help a bit. The twins hugged the snakes as they all got up then left.

“Is that Egg’s bandana?” Blaise asked.

“Mhm, it’s too small for her now… and I figured it might help me sneak by the reporters…”

Blaise nodded and looked down at Dazai with a worried look, “Do you wanna come home with me instead…?”

“You know I can’t Blaise,” Dazai said, a little annoyed.

“Could you at least write this summer then-“

“Blaise, I’ll be fine. I’ll see you next year,” Dazai clenched his fists, unable to look up at his Second-in-Command.

Blaise bit his lip and opened his arms, silently asking for a hug. Dazai nodded and felt Blaise’s arms wrap around his skinny body. He slowly lifted his arms to wrap around Blaise in return.

They stood there for a minute, Blaise was clearly worried, scared for Dazai’s safety in the mafia.

“I’ll try…” Dazai whispered.

“What..?”

“I’ll try… to.. uhm- write…”

Blaise smiled softly, “Thank you..”

Dazai made a ‘Tch’ sound and pulled away from the hug, “Yeah, it’s not a big deal. I just need to keep up tabs with the gang.”

“Of course, I’ll make sure to keep in contact with them for you,” Blaise smiled wider.

“Thanks, Second-in-Command~” Dazai smirked and walked down the hallway in the train and into the train station.

He grabbed his things and looked around, immediately swarmed with sounds and lights and people. He swallowed and shoved down his anxiety to make his way to where he met Hirotsu the year prior.

He pushed his way past the swarms of families reuniting with their students, sighing out of relief when he saw the wall to the muggle side of the train station.

“Wait! Is that him?!”

“The Demon Student!”

Dazai stiffened when he recognized the sounds of reporters recognizing him. All he had to do was make it to the magic wall and he’d be-

“Mr. Demon Student! I’m sure you remember me, I won’t take up much of your time if you would just ask some questions~”

Dazai scowled. Rita Skeeter had stopped him just before he made it. He tried to walk past her but she moved in front of him each time, maybe he could get this over with quick…

“Fine, what is it?” He pulled down his bandana.

“Is it true that Sirius Black is your godfather?” She asked, her enchanted notebook writing down every word.

“What? No, that’s ridiculous.”

“Mhm, mhm, so why did you help clear his charges?”

“I didn’t mean to, I just ended up there. Right place, right time, I suppose…”

“And what about your bandages?”

Dazai’s bandages… that was new, no one had ever asked him about them. Except for Madam Pomfrey and Snape of course but they were concerned for his well being. Dazai gets the feeling that this woman didn’t care for his wellbeing at all.

Dazai smiles innocently, “Didn’t you know~? These are a very popular popular fashion trend in Japan~”

“Is that so? And I assume formal attire is also popular then?”

“Yes, certainly more popular than your… bold choice of clothing. I admire your confidence to wear something like that.”

She gasped softly and turned to his enchanted notebook, “Don’t write that down-!”

Dazai took the opportunity to run past her and into the muggle part of the train station. He relaxed as he felt the buzz of people and No Longer Human go away.

He wandered towards the road until he saw the Port’s limo. He walked towards it and opened to back door, his eyes widened slightly at the sight of Mori instead of Hirotsu.

“Dazai~! There you are!” Mori’s slimy voice felt like a slug going down Dazai’s throat. He stepped into the car and shut the door.

“What are you doing here, Mori?” Dazai spat, clearly expressing his displeasure at seeing the man.

“Now, now~ is that any way to talk to your boss~? I let you stay over winter break! You should be kinder to me, darling~” Dazai tried to suppress the flinch that occurred when Mori wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

“Can’t you just answer my question?”

Mori sighed dramatically, “Well since you’re a full blown experienced executive now your missions are starting immediately!” He exclaimed happily.

Dazai looked at him, guess he wouldn’t be getting a break this summer… maybe it will allow him to write to Blaise without Mori breathing down his neck.

“Wow, you’re not here to just piss me off, that’s a first.”

Mori gasped and clutched Dazai’s shoulder, Dazai stiffened, sensing that he was pushing his luck. “You’re so mean, Dazai~!”

“Whatever… what’s my first mission then?”

Mori smiled and set a gun on Dazai's lap, the brunette sighed, this was a start to an exhausting summer.