Author’s note:
Before finishing chapter note: I did my best in this chapter and I finally got to put the style that I wanted. Hope it’s good enough.

Also, someone pointed out that Yugi isn’t the only owner of the Dark Magician from Chapter 2: From Filling Fragments, the one Kaiba read over the news in the net. Your answer can be found here, and a question that Kaiba and Ryou talked about in Chapter 6: The Problem In The Other Side and the same question that even Harry and co mentioned in Chapter 7: The Order Of The Phoenix regarding..okay, won’t spoil it now.

If you were one of my older readers, I suggest you reread the story because the arc finale of the Gabriel Wind History is already the next chapter so the answers to some mysteries and finally clearing the situation over the YGO-verse (since I started this in the setting of HP by Harry’s POV) will be told. Even if it’s unbearable, try. I know it sucked! But I was twelve—okay, not much excuse there.

I’m saddened Chapter 7 wasn’t very popular but I guess it’s because most were just dialogues considering Mai, Jounochi and Malik met each other and met Harry plus the Order of the Phoenix. Yep, and a lot of talking and explaining and reaction here and there—or it was bloody long.

Also, if someone asked why the title is “Harry Potter and the Silver Core of Dual Magic”, your answer will be in gazillion chapters later just like how many episodes it took Bakura for his plan to unfold in the anime. Unless you’re a smart person with sharp eyes and listing out details, you might know halfway through.

Enjoy.

After finishing chapter note: And I now cut this chapter into two instead because it’s simply too long. The main part will be on the next chapter.

Morning began to wake the little population in the noble house of Black. The cool morning air outside did not refresh the wizards inside the Unplottable house because of the mess that stirred in every untouched corner. It was quite a large place inside and there was a lot to do to make the place inhabitable for humans. There were pests that needed to be taken care off and junks to be thrown or sacked.

This day started out quite simple. There would be breakfast and then followed by complete house cleaning lockdown. There were members of the Order who would occasionally come by but then disappear almost instantly like ghosts. Everyone was kept doing something until sundown where they were exhausted, sweating and in need of something to eat and drink this instant. Tonight, things will turn the day of work in a moment of truth when Albus Dumbledore finally arrived, and...

Secrets In The Twilight I

Jounochi stayed up in bed the whole morning. Whether he was aware of it or not, Malik, his room mate, in the habit of waking up early or simple annoyed by his snoring, left him long ago. His bed covers were completely pulled out and the pillow of his bed somehow found itself halfway across the room. Jounochi muttered something about Honda and Otogi keeping away from his sister.

He lazily opened his eyes. His mouth was slightly hanging with saliva on the corner of his lip. He wiped it out absently and stood up, slouching. He scratched his head, yawning loudly and little tears coming out from his eyes. He rubbed his eyes, squeezing his eyes shut and opening it again.

“Bathroom,” he muttered. He stood up and looked around. He blinked, only realizing he was alone. “Malik?”

Jounochi stood up languidly and began to walk dully to the door. He opened the snake-shaped doorknob, peeking through the door to see if anyone was on the hallway. It was quiet though he figured it was already past morning.

“Malik?” he called out again. Jounochi paced through the hallway, figuring that he should find the bathroom on his own. He didn’t know who was exactly behind the many doors in the house though so he cautiously knocked. When no one answered, Jounochi would try opening the door. Most doors were closed and the rest were empty. None of them were bathrooms.

“Damn, I need to piss...” Jounochi muttered, feeling the urgency rising until he can find the bathroom.

An opened door caught Jounochi’s eyes. He saw something that looked like the bathroom with the presence of a shower. He grinned, tiptoeing hurriedly to answer the call of nature.

“Anyone here?” Jounochi asked, opening widely the door. “How do wizard toilets look like...” He mused out loud, trying to find subconsciously the switch to the lights hanging on the wall. He remembered that there was no electricity in the house but he didn’t have—or at least, didn’t know how to use magic yet so he couldn’t turn on any lights.

Jounochi looked if there was any window. Tough luck. Well, this was an emergency so he’ll have to find the toilet or he’s going to do it in his pants.

Jounochi saw the toilet across the large shower with curtains hanging around. He quickly bent over, pulling up the cover on the toilet after commenting that it looked just like an ordinary toilet.

“AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!”

His rear crashed painfully on the stone floor. The racket he made alone with his yell attracted alarmed people from downstairs. Hurriedly they rushed upstairs. Malik, Harry and Hermoine were closest to the bathroom where Jounochi was in, immediately leaving the attempt to battle some doxies.

“Jounochi-kun!” Malik shouted urgently.

“Jou!” Harry shouted, stopping in front of the door. Just as he did, Jounochi crept outside speedily with four legs, trying to get away from something as much as possible.

“KAIBA JUMPED AT ME FROM THE TOILET!” Jounochi cried out.

The first reaction was Malik’s laughter.

It turned out there was a Boggart hiding in the toilet. Harry cast a Riddikulus spell instantly when he caught a glimpse of the cold, sneering blue eyes of the CEO that changed to the hollow, empty eye sockets of Dementors when it approached Harry. The rest of the household came rushing in asking what happened and Hermoine supplied them the story.

“Jou probably needed to answer the call of nature,” Fred said an impish grin forming on his face.

George snickered. “Guess he’s done now.”

Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Ron went back in cleaning the shelves downstairs. Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Mai went back to Order business though they initially helped with the cleaning but weren’t very good at the job so they went back to what they do best (Mai especially disliked the cleaning).

Jounochi joined Malik, Harry, and Hermoine in fighting the doxies. Both Harry and Hermoine would normally use wands but Harry gave up since the doxies were too fast and he couldn’t aim as well as Hermoine. She is able to conjure stunning spells quickly too and effectively. Malik was swinging something like a baseball bat, which looked like a stick with a triangle crest tip, covered in dark green cloth. When Jounochi saw it, Malik winked at him. He just had an idea what was beneath that cloth.

“I can’t believe you’re scared of Kaiba,” Harry said to Jounochi. Jounochi was very good at catching the doxies. Harry would do the honours of stunning them and their teamwork began there. Sometimes Jounochi’s swift punches would get in Hermoine’s casting, leading to some near-accidents results but most of the time, Jounochi has been helpful.

Jounochi grunted. “I’m not scared of Kaiba.”

“Ahh, Kaiba jumped at me from the toilet!” Malik imitated with an awfully girlish voice. He swung the rod on his hands again, sending doxies flying and almost hitting Harry in the face.

“MALIK!” Jounochi growled. Malik just grinned at Jounochi but it didn’t make the blond smile in any way. He turned away furiously. “I’m not scared of that bastard!”

“It’s quite apparent,” Hermoine observed, resting for a while and wiping a sweat on her forehead. “There must be another reason why.”

Jounochi looked down, stopping his fists from grabbing or hitting any of the annoying doxies at the moment. The others gave him a lingering glance. “I know, but to be honest, I don’t know what I’m scared of. I mean, sure I’d be scared if any of my friends are in danger but it’s natural to everyone, right? I’m not really sure what’s Kaiba’s relation to that either.”

“So you don’t know what you’re afraid of?” Malik asked though saying he stated it is much more specific. “We can always find more Boggarts in this place, though finding them in a toilet is very hilarious.”

“Har-har Malik.”

“The earrings compliment you, by the way.”

The group other than Jounochi shared a moment to laugh together.

Noon came by and it came increasingly hot. Mrs. Weasley started cooking lunch until some members of the Order came. Tonks and Lupin stopped by. Tonks helped Mrs. Weasley with the cooking, try as hard as Mrs. Weasley tried to modestly told Tonks not to, insisting she should rest. Lupin joined Sirius in the search for anymore hidden ‘traps’ left behind, more dangerous than exterminating pests.

Harry and the group saw Lupin coming up, waving at their former professor.

“You’re going to take down some traps?” Harry asked. “That sounds cool.”

“Sirius would like to do the action,” Lupin said with a smile. “Wouldn’t you, Padfoot?”

“If you find any Boggart, save it for Jou,” Malik piped. “We’re going to try and find out what he’s afraid of, and maybe me too.”

“I don’t see the problem with that. As long as Harry and Hermoine will be with you, there’s no problem. They’re two of my best students two years ago.”

“Moony’s going teacher talk, better run, Harry,” Sirius joked. He was being much more cheerful doing something especially with the many company in the house.

Everyone was called in for lunch afterwards. Harry was very hungry but Jounochi looked like he was the hungriest even though he woke up late and missed the more difficult task that morning. Bill didn’t accompany Malik, not even sitting beside him on the large table. He was talking to his father and Lupin about the goblins in Gringotts. Tonks was changing her appearance by the demands of the twins and Ginny. Mrs. Weasley was talking to Sirius about some parts of the house that has yet to be cleaned. They were holding a very good conversation despite last night. Lastly, Harry and co. were with Jounochi and Malik.

“So werewolves exist?” Jounochi asked, having heard of the part-werewolf, Lupin. Previously, he was amazed of Tonks who can change her appearance but Lupin’s case surprised him more.

“Many things exist that Muggles thought doesn’t,” Harry answered.

“Most monsters in the game actually exist,” Ron added. “Species anyway, like serpents, dragons and goblins and elves. The DM definition of goblins and elves are a bit different though.”

“DM definition?” Hermoine echoed.

“Duel Monsters definition,” Ron said crossly. Hermoine rolled her eyes.

“Why’s that?” Jounochi asked curiously.

“Goblins are smarter and smaller in reality and elves are small tykes with their own elf magic. They’re called house elves who lives to serve their master,” Ron said casually, eating a spoonful.

Jounochi was caught off-guard. “That sounds...harsh. You mean the purpose of the elves is to serve?” Jounochi had an image of the two elves Yugi has, Mystical Elf and the Obnoxious Celtic Guardian.

“They somehow find it honourable to serve their master with or against their will,” Hermoine said sympathetically. “They just don’t know how it feels to be free. There’s Dobby, the house elf Harry freed in the second year by tricking Mr. Malfoy, Dobby’s former master to freeing him.”

“That’s cool,” Jounochi said, looking over at Harry. “How’d you do it?”

“I gave a book with my sock in it,” Harry said. “Then Mr. Malfoy gave it to Dobby.”

“So?”

“When you give any cloth to the house elf, you set the house elf free. Harry gave a book with his sock in it. The sock was Mr. Malfoy’s then and when he handed him the book with the sock in it, Dobby was given a sock,” Hermoine explained.

Jounochi took an angry bite. “Then wizards should give all the house elves some socks to let them all free!”

Ron gagged on his food and Harry kept quiet, pausing on his meal. Hermoine brightened at Jounochi’s thoughts and Ron and Harry exchanged a glance. “Most wizards don’t care about house elves. It’s because of old custom, but I expect those who lived in with Muggles would understand.” Harry saw Hermoine stressing the last statement toward him. “Harry, Ron and I actually started SPEW together—“

“Spew?” Jounochi blinked. Ron was about to interject Hermoine about starting SPEW but laughed at Jounochi’s comment.

“Not spew, but it stands for Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. It’s an organization to fight for the rights of house elves,” Hermoine explained. “I’ve been making hats and scarves for them over the summer. Since I couldn’t use magic, I had to do it with my hand but since the Ministry of Magic announced a state of emergency to use magic for protection, I’ve been knitting much faster.”

“Hermoine, you’re actually breaking a rule?” Ron asked, aghast.

Hermoine smiled slightly, rolling her eyes. “I’m not breaking any rule. I’m taking advantage of it for good reasons.”

Jounochi drank a goblet of water. Mrs. Weasley’s cooking was delicious. Whoever cooks it, Muggle or wizard, as long as the food stays delicious, Jounochi was easily pleased. The talk with all the magical things had him confused at first but after encountering Yugi, he thought he should keep an open mind. He’s refraining from asking too many questions though. He felt like he’s not going to completely understand the situation until he’s there.

There was that fact he was a Pureblood wizard. Harry and the others haven’t asked him about last night so they don’t know anymore information about it. Ginny hadn’t had the chance to corner him since Mrs. Weasley was always asking for her assistance. Jounochi haven’t told anyone yet in his initiative and he’s unsure whether he should.

“I said I trust Yugi’s friends,” Malik’s voice rang in his head. He looked at Malik, switching to chat with Fred and George who was saying something about a really hard to remember name because of so many w’s. Jounochi felt like telling them about anything they don’t have to know, something very private, would betray Malik’s trust.

“Malik trusts Yugi so he trusts me,” Jounochi thought to himself. Then he and Malik were as good as friends, right? Jounochi have longed forgotten the incident between him and Malik and his other half back in the Battle City. Even the wounds when he and Yugi were forced to battle healed already. But when Malik spoke of those words that were cold but filled with complete and absolute confidence, Jounochi felt stronger now. “Malik has my back,” Jounochi thought. “And he has mine.”

Malik would sometimes hang with Jounochi’s clique and he was quite energetic back in Japan a few weeks ago. He was using his smart mind to play some tricks sometimes, especially against Bakura and Kaiba. Jounochi joined Malik when it was against Kaiba, but Jounochi left Malik alone when it was against Bakura (since Jounichi considered Bakura a friend). He never asked if Malik and Bakura were close but he had seen Yugi with Bakura frequently but he never saw Bakura and Malik together, or the three in one room.

There was one time when Jounochi was walking with Yugi to the arcades.

“Where’s Malik and Bakura?” he asked.

“Er, spending quality time together...” Yugi said with a weak chuckle. “Both of them are leaving Japan to England and Egypt so I guess...” Yugi was laughing nervously. Jounochi only blinked.

He shrugged Yugi’s nervous laughing and his eyes that kept avoiding Jounochi, saying, “We should have a duel since they’re leaving. You and Bakura always play some game together, right? Me and Malik can join so we can have a tag-team duel!” He grinned at the idea, looking at the sky. “You know, we can tag together, as in you and me, then Bakura and Malik. No spirits or magic involved for once—not meaning any offense to Yami of course.”

“No!” Yugi yelled, horrified.

Jounochi stopped, looking down at his friend. “You don’t want to partner up with me?”

“No!” Yugi yelled again, much more horrified that his friend thought that.

“Er, you don’t want to have a tag-team duel?”

“No!” Yugi yelled for the third time, sighing. “Never mind. But a tag-team would have been very nice but it might not work out.”

“Well, you can partner up with Bakura if you want. Malik and I are pretty good together.”

They came to the arcades already and Anzu and Honda were there, waiting for them. The idea died out but Jounochi heard Yugi muttering faintly, “Those two against each other, no way...”

A few days later that day, Bakura left and everyone seemed to have followed. Now, he was here and meeting Malik all of a sudden with Isis and Rishid both dead. He remembered how sensitive he was to the topic last night and how one of the Weasleys named Bill embraced him. Were they close?

Jounochi heard his name being called. There were many who began stirring in their seats, rising from the chairs. There was someone standing beside him and, speaking of the devil, it was Malik.

“Jou, want to have a tag-team duel?”

Jounochi nodded almost automatically. “Yea, but with whom?”

“Ron and Harry,” he said with a grin crawling up his lips. “They know how to duel, but let’s crush them since they’re beginners.”

This was something that completely took him off of his thoughts and it was something like a grand dessert for Jounochi. He jumped from his seat. “Yea!”

“No duel disks though,” he said, leading Jounochi to where Harry and his group were.

“Why?” he asked.

“We don’t have one,” he answered dryly. “Okay challengers, you ready?” he said happily.

Harry and Ron had some chairs and a table large enough for them to duel readied. Hermoine was reading a book while her charmed needles worked on the scarves and hats for the elves.

“Not really,” Harry confessed. “I’ve never played before. Sure, I’ve got a deck...” “And a weird one,” he thought to himself. Harry never told how there was some cards he never recognized in his deck. He hadn’t checked his deck ever since before the trip with Ryou and Kaiba in Diagon Alley. Harry would have looked at his deck but he wanted to do it privately.

“Having a deck is good enough,” Malik said, taking a seat across the two on the table. “Besides, your friend can play.”

“Malik, I never got to ask,” he said, taking a seat beside him. “But how come you don’t have any translating…erm, charms, like me?”

“English is my third language,” he answered, taking out his deck. “Or my second. Most people in Egypt actually talked English and I learned Japanese on a short period of time. My English was rusty but living with British wizards is a good practice.”

“Harry, do you know the rules?” Ron asked afterwards.

“Yea, sort of,” he answered tentatively.

“You can coach him in the duel,” Malik notified Ron. “Here, we shuffle each others’ deck...”

Malik shuffled Ron’s deck while Ron shuffled Malik. Hermoine peeked from the book she was reading the match, quite amazed that Ron could shuffle.

“Er,” Harry said, starring at Jounochi’s deck. To have such a high-ranking duelist deck on his hand was making him nervous to even shuffle it especially since he didn’t know how to shuffle (Malik and Ron were shuffling as if they were gamblers for a long time). “I’m not very good at shuffling,” he said lamely, slowly shuffling the deck. He noticed Jounochi haven’t shuffled his deck and felt nervous. “Jou?”

“Oh,” Jounochi blurted, finally shuffling Harry’s deck. “Sorry—here,” he said, handling back his deck. Harry hadn’t shuffled Jounochi’s deck much yet but returned it to Jounochi as he accepted his.

“I’m going to start,” Malik said, putting down his deck and drawing five cards.

“Harry, draw five cards,” Ron instructed to Harry who followed though his hands were already drawing the necessary number of cards.

“Go on,” Malik said to Ron without looking at him, too busy studying the cards he has. “Explain him the phases and zones.”

“All right. Harry, there are five monster zones and spell and trap zones,” Ron explained, pointing at imaginary zones in front of Harry. “And then on top of your deck is your Graveyard. That’s where dead monsters go then beside the graveyard is where monsters who were removed from play goes—“ Harry nodded, listening attentively so as to not act stupid in his first duel. Ryou taught him the basics but it’s been a few weeks already so he wouldn’t mind a memory refresher.

“...you can only Normal Summon a monster once unless by effect of a monster or a magic or trap card. You can Special Summon monsters anytime. Summon fusion monsters are Special Summoning...”

It took a while to explain Harry the zones and the phases but Malik wasn’t very impatient and Jounochi was thinking about something else. Harry didn’t ask anything, simply nodding until Ron finished the explanation of the phases.

“Here we go then. Draw Phase, Harry, so I’ll draw,” Malik said for the beginner, drawing a card. “Standby Phase and then my first Main Phase...” he said dismissively, already pulling out a card to summon. “Summon Newdoria (1200/800) in attack mode,” he said. “I’m not entering battle since it’s first turn so I’ll end my turn. Your turn, Ron.”

Ron drew a card from his deck. He looked very serious and somewhat nervous. Ron stared at his cards quietly. “I’m placing a card faced down and setting two cards down. That’s it.”

“My turn then,” Jounochi said, drawing a card. He looked at it, adding it to his hand. “I’m giving it my best here so I play Polymerization! I’m going to polymerize Baby Dragon and Alligator’s Sword to summon Alligator’s Sword Dragon (1700/1500). I end my turn!”

“You better not summon a monster with Earth, Water, or Fire attribute,” Ron said to Harry.

“Why?” he asked, though his deck doesn’t have monsters with the said attributes. “And how’d you know? Their cards are in Japanese.”

“It’s Alligator’s Sword Dragon’s effect,” Ron answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “He can directly attack one of us if the only monsters in our field are Earth, Water, or Fire. And I didn’t have to read it. I know the card.”

“Got it,” he said, nodding and drawing one card. “I’m playing a Magic Card: Graceful Charity.”

“That’s a good move,” Ron remarked.

“Thanks. Well, I’ll draw three cards and throw down two...”

“—When you put down cards in the graveyard, choose carefully,” Ron said to Harry as he was picking the cards to throw. “It’s not because you can’t use them anymore, but there are a lot of combos you can use. It can be the Monster’s effect or by the use of a Magic and Trap card.”

Harry knew even before Ron’s explanation of the idea, but he had a confirmation he was doing a right and natural thing. He used Pot of Greed, the card he chose in Graceful Charity. He looked at the seven cards he has. He was a little apprehensive at the move he’s about to take. “I’m activating another Magic Card: Final Destiny.”

There was a collective gasps of “what’s” and Hermoine arched an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Isn’t that move a bit too early?” Ron asked, sounding bemused.

Harry smiled a bit to Ron but didn’t answer. “I’m discarding five cards to destroy all cards in the field.”

“Activate Trap Card,” Ron said, flipping one of the cards he set down. “Time Seal. It’s not going to cancel the Magic card Harry used, but I better use it now. You have to skip your Draw Phase next turn and I choose Jou for this card’s effect.”

“I feel like the duel’s going to move fast,” Malik commented.

Harry discarded five cards from his hands now and when the effect came about, everyone cleared the table, sending the monsters and set magic or trap cards in the graveyard. Harry has one card left. “I’m going to summon Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100). He’s the only one I have in my hand and it says in his effect I can summon him without tribute.”

Malik nodded while Jounochi anticipated for the direct attack. The anticipation wasn’t long when Harry declared direct attack to Jounochi (Jou’s LP: 4000 – 2300 1700).

“That’s a very good turn. A very bold move, I must say,” Malik said, drawing a card after Harry ended his turn. He didn’t have any cards left. “But we’re still quite even. I summon Dark Jeroid (1200/1500) in attack mode.”

Harry looked at the card and Malik quickly saw his eyebrows furrowing angrily. His eyes widened behind his spectacles. “Er, that monster’s...”

“Very deformed,” Ron said with a disgusted voice.

The monster was a blue-skinned fiend. It looked like a human torso with arms and two scorpion legs coming from its back. Instead of legs, the fiend had extremely long hands. In between the hands was the head of another fiend figure, on four legs with a tail, connected to the torso with disfigured anatomy.

“It’s a fiend monster, it’s natural they would look monstrous,” Malik said plainly, setting a card down. “I’m ending my turn with one card faced down.”

Ron drew a card. He never heard of Dark Jeroid but the digits in the card didn’t lie even if he couldn’t read the Japanese text. Dark Jeroid was left in an attack position when Harry’s Gaia could easily destroy it. It was obvious the faced down card was a trap card, or a Quick-Play magic card. He played with Malik once already. It was more likely to be a trap card.

“I better take the trap for Harry,” he thought. Ron looked at Jounochi’s field. It was completely empty on the other hand.

“I summon Raging Flame Sprite (100/200) in attack mode. Raging Flame Sprite can attack an opponent directly and increase its attack by 1000,” Ron explained. Harry recalled having that card in his deck. He wasn’t sure really if it was still in it...

“I’m going to attack Malik,” Ron said. Malik shrugged, signalling the lack of activation of any cards (4000 – 100 3900). Ron quietly looked at the faced down card. He might be reserving it to Harry. “I’m placing a card down. End of turn.”

“It’s my turn.” Jounochi declared. He only has three cards in his hand since he had to skip his Draw Phase thanks to Ron’s Time Seal. His hand was still helpful though: Gamble, Nutrient Z, and Red Eyes Black Metal Dragon. Summoning Red Eyes isn’t an option right now, not when he also needs the real monster in the field and equipped it with Metalmorph, which he doesn’t have in his hand yet.

“I place two cards down and end of turn. Your turn, Harry.”

Harry drew a card. Jounochi has two cards faced down. From what he learned from Ryou, trap cards are very dangerous. If Gaia disappears, he wouldn’t have any protection. He looked at the card he drew and realized the card answered his problem. It was Swords of Revealing Light. He read the descriptions. It was unfamiliar. He never came across this card when he scanned his deck. Harry blinked his eyes tightly thrice. Contracting what he felt, it did look familiar and he felt like he held on it for a long time. This deck...

“Harry?” Hermoine’s voice mildly woke him up.

Ron was quite focused in his cards to notice and Malik thought Harry was just thinking on what to do for his turn. Jounochi has been waiting for a response from Harry, ready to activate Nutrient Z. It was Hermoine who caused all three duelists to change their thoughts. Harry’s fingers started rubbing his scar. It didn’t strike a meaning to the foreigners but both Ron and Hermoine looked alarmed.

“I’m fine,” he said, quite convincingly actually.

“You’re a bit pale,” Hermoine observed.

“Just a headache,” he said to assure them but by headache, they looked like they have understood a hidden message. Obviously, it was disabused.

“We can stop if you’re feeling unwell, Harry,” Malik said. “You might be tired for cleaning all morning.”

Right on time, Mrs. Weasley came in the room, noticing the small group and overhearing Malik’s last several words. “Who’s tired from cleaning?” she asked. They looked up from their game to Mrs. Weasley but she figured out easily it was Harry. “Harry, you can go up and rest if you want, dear.”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Weasley,” he said.

“If you are, then you lot better start moving. We need to take out the unneeded items from the shelves.” She looked at Malik and Jounochi. “Sirius wanted me to tell you he and Lupin found a Boggart upstairs. I don’t know what you’re planning but make sure someone is accompanying you.”

Malik nodded. “Harry will,” he said spontaneously. “—if he’s going to feel all right,” he continued, turning his head to him.

“I’ll go,” Harry said earnestly, nodding.

“Okay then. Ron, Hermoine, you could help Ginny with the shelves—“

“We want to come with Harry,” Ron immediately protested. “It’s just for a while!” he said pleadingly.

Mrs. Weasley sighed, obviously defeated. “Hurry up then. We’re going to have more guests tonight.”

The four duelists collected their cards, abandoning the duel. Hermoine stowed her knitted hats and socks, following the boys. Ron was already beside Harry, ready to corner him about his scar. The trio couldn’t discuss though with Jounochi and Malik so they walked in silence.

“So...did you have a trap card set?” Harry asked Jounochi to break the brief silence before it grows to an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Jounochi nodded. “Of course. Nutrient Z. If Gaia attacked me, I’d activate it. It will add 4000 points to my life points since Gaia’s attack is more than 2000.”

“Oh,” Malik said blankly.

“Oh?” Jounochi blinked.

“I was planning to surprise them with Dark Jeroid’s effect. I thought you knew its effects. When Dark Jeroid was summoned, I selected Gaia. As long as Dark Jeroid is in the field, Gaia’s attacks should be lowered by 700.”

Jounochi’s eyes slid to the ceiling, counting. “2300 and 700...1500?” Jounochi shouted. “Malik, my life points would be 200!”

Malik tried not to smirk too hard. “I would have used Dark Jeroid to protect you. It would be the back-up plan.”

The blond didn’t look anymore upset at the ruined plan he had to increase his damaged life points. He nodded firmly, putting a fist up determinedly. “I wouldn’t still give up even if my life points did drop to 200.”

“Harry gave us a bit of a scare there. I thought we were going to lose after a few turns.”

Harry wished Malik didn’t add his name in the conversation. He didn’t know what to say about that statement. Malik watched him, slightly bemused of his silence so he continued.

“You did really well. It was a very good combo,” Malik added.

“Thanks,” Harry said.

They reached the giant jar in the hallway that was supposed to contain the Boggart. It looked antique just like the majority of items in the Black Manor. Their affinity for silver despite their last name was still evident by the surface of giant jar. There were also carvings of snakes on the teardrop-shaped pot.

“Jou, just open the jar and stay in the middle,” Harry instructed. “The Boggart will change form when it sees someone else.”

“Thanks, Harry. I trust you with this,” Jounochi said, swiftly throwing a thumbs-up up. “I’m not scared of Kaiba.”

“No one said you were.”

“Shut up, Malik.”

Harry took out his wand, stepping nearest to Jounochi but far from the Boggart’s view. Malik stepped aside too. Neither Hermoine nor Ron drew their wand just in case. Harry was really enough to fight this thing.

Jounochi breathed in, hiding his sigh as he opened the lid of the jar. The jar quivered and Jounochi stared at the jar, waiting for whatever he fears to come out bravely. Jounochi saw an unidentified black figure stepping out of the jar but before he could stare at it, the figure changed to the same CEO with his cold blue eyes.

“It’s you again, loser,” the Boggart-Kaiba jeered.

Obviously affronted by anything Kaiba says, Jounochi stomped his right foot. “I’m not a loser, Kaiba! And you don’t scare me—Shut up, Malik!”

It was obvious Jounochi wasn’t anything scared, Malik observed. He’s ready to attack the reincarnated priest anytime so why was the Boggart turning into Kaiba?

As if sensing the lack of fear, the Boggart began to take on a new form. Jounochi glared at it and the wizards watched what the Boggart was trying to do now.

A girl with brown elegant hair stood right before the jar. Her eyes were covered with bandages and her cheeks were wet from tears. “I’m going blind because you couldn’t win the tournament reward!” She screamed angrily.

Jounochi was stunned. His whole body froze, his jaw tightened and his heart began pounding violently against his chest. These were the signs of fear. The Boggart was starting to do its job. Jounochi was too shocked to realize it was his sister in front of him. Emotions flooded in first and an unexplained crawling of sadness and great fear struck him as the screamed deafened him. When the picture ticked in his mind, he shouted his sister’s name. “Shizuka!”

The only wand drawn up half-raised in the mid-air, the spell Harry was about to chant had its destination set in one and a half second. He stopped when the Boggart took another shape. He glanced at Ron, Hermoine and Malik—none of them were in the Boggart’s way. Even so, he saw Malik’s eyes getting bigger.

“Help me...” she choked on her tears. “Jounochi-kun...”

Ron’s jaw dropped and Hermoine tugged Harry. “Harry, cast the spell now!”

Harry was already thinking along the same lines. Jounochi’s possible action was still unpredictable. He might be unmoving because of the shock but knowing the impulsive duelist, he might jump at the Boggart to try and help the image of a crying Kujaku.

“Riddiku—“

“BASTARD!”

All three wizards were startled. Jounochi was no longer shaking out of fear. He was furious, angry, in a mad frenzy. They were sure the Boggart wasn’t Kaiba, but Jounochi was equally, if not more, angry at the Boggart right now. This gave Harry more the reason to fire at the Boggart right now. The crying image of the witch troubled Harry, but it was none of his business with what her relation is with the Japanese. Just as he raised his hand, a blond blur shook his head. Harry glanced at Malik and saw his purple eyes starring back at him. He doesn’t want him to cast it yet...?

Jounochi knew it was true. He didn’t mind Kaiba. He hated that guy, but his sister and Mai? This Boggart was going too far. His fists were shaking and he was read to jump and attack. No one calls him a loser or makes his sister cry. No one makes his friends suffer in front of him. The thought of helplessly watching angered Jounochi but how his legs still refused to move proved that it wasn’t only anger he was experiencing.

He’s been glaring intently at the boggart. The image dug in his mind and his eyesight became blurry. The boggart hadn’t changed its form for quite a while compared to the time when it took Kaiba and his sister’s form. His eyes were locked on the image but not one detail came into his mind. He couldn’t think clearly anymore.

The picture broke and he felt a light push from his side. He was surprised by the creaking the floor when his foot stepped back. Jounochi’s view rolled from the boggart to the ceiling. He collapsed on the floor more painfully than he thought. His knees gave in and he dropped on his rear. He looked down and saw the Egyptian standing on his place.

“Malik!” Hermoine reproached.

“I said I wanted to know my fear,” he said in an audible whisper. Hermoine looked silenced by the confident voice. Jounochi barely moved at that time. The first try on Jounochi wasn’t very successful, the second simply shocked him, and the third completely stunned him. How about him?

The boggart changed its figure once Malik stepped up. His head ran with choices. His other personality? That was going to be a problem with three foreigners watching, but he could explain it as a split personality, even an evil twin brother no matter how stupid that sounds. Second would be his dead father. Seeing the father he hated but loved would send chills to his spine. His other thought would be his sister and brother, Isis and Rishid. Highly likely.

The height of the boggart dropped and a human shape materialized. The head was bowed down, blond hair covering most of what could be seen in his features. The arms were limp on the side and his knees were on the floor. Malik was caught off-guard. He was shocked, but he wasn’t scared. He wouldn’t be, not when he doesn’t even know this person.

“Who the hell are you?”

Ron furrowed his eyebrows. Everyone’s guard dropped. The three wizards, aware of a boggart’s nature, were intrigued, looking closer.

“Hey...” Ron said, drawling long and slowly. “Isn’t that...”

“Malfoy?” Harry finished.

Malik blinked, more surprised that the wizards know the dead boy in front of him. “You know him?”

“You don’t know him?” Hermoine asked back, looking puzzled and somewhat troubled and suspicious.

“No,” he answered tonelessly. “Maybe this boggart is too old or something...”

“It worked fine with Jou,” Ron pointed out. He looked at Jounochi who was still on the floor. “Right?”

Jounochi opened his mouth to say something but he only could nod his head.

Harry looked at Hermoine instantly for any answers or explanation. She was already thinking. “There’s a first time for everything...that’s what Dumbledore would say. Harry, you should get rid of it. It might be dangerous.”

Harry nodded and cast a Riddikulus spell. The boggart’s form inflated, bouncing off and disappearing back into the jar. Ron returned the lid immediately, starring at it cautiously, his forehead wrinkled in thought. Slowly, he turned to Malik and Malik just gave Ron a matter-of-factly look.

“What?”

“Well,” Ron said slowly. “As much as I wanted that to really happen, that was bizarre.”

“It is,” was what the Egyptian only said. “I had three ideas what I might fear. That Malfoy kid wasn’t even close, since I never met him in the first place.”

“What were they?” Ron asked without thinking.

Malik didn’t look completely offended by the question though Hermoine gave Ron a dark look instead. Ron noticed, mouthing a ‘what’ to Hermoine. Hermoine face-palmed.

“There was my dead family rising from the dead as brain-eating zombies, and my evil twin brother showing up from the eternal darkness where he was locked and now seeking for revenge,” Malik said plainly. Ron was silent for a second but the others chuckled, catching the hint of sarcasm on Malik’s voice. Malik just stared at Ron.

Ron caught up with the sarcasm, rolling his eyes. Jounochi knew that the sarcasm was true, but what Malik said wasn’t really a lie either so he didn’t laugh. They could have taken his silence for the shock the boggart gave him. He weakly stood up on his own, starring at the floor. He felt Malik’s arm thrown up around his neck, patting his other shoulder. Jounochi felt Malik’s weight on him, stumbling slightly since he was still feeling lightheaded from the boggart experience.

“You better get going now. Jounochi and I will be in our existential angst for a while, so could you three go on ahead?” Malik said with a humorous grin.

“Just don’t think of opening the jar again,” Hermoine said as Harry and Ron looked at each other. “Let’s go downstairs and help Ginny with the stacking.”

The trio did so, knowing that they have some topics in mind to discuss—without the foreigners.

“Why did the boggart changed to a dead Malfoy at Malik?” Ron asked the two as they slowly descended downstairs. They were out of earshot by now.

“There’s a first time for everything,” Hermoine repeated.

Ron looked at her. “You don’t actually believe that!”

“It’s possible. There might be other reasons, but Malik didn’t look at all troubled. He looked like he was telling the truth he said he never even met him.”

“Yea,” Harry agreed. “Malik was as confused as us.”

“How about Jou?” Ron asked. “Why was Kujaku one of them? And the girl with bandage around her eyes...why was she gagged anyway?”

“She wasn’t gagged,” Hermoine pointed out. “She’s blind. She was screaming about not winning a tournament reward then going blind.” Ron looked confused. “She’s probably a Muggle friend of Jou. Muggles need doctors to cure diseases, tending wounds and operations, probably an eye operation. Operations cost highly.”

“How do you operate the eyes?” Ron asked disbelievingly.

“A fragile operation,” was all Hermoine told him.

Meanwhile, Malik and Jounochi remained in the isolated hallway, a couple of steps away from the boggart. Malik made a comment about swishing a stick to make a chair appear so Jounochi could sit down. The blond just smiled at Malik’s efforts, assuring he was okay.

“But how about that Malfoy? Was that his name?”

Malik nodded. “Yes, but I never heard of him, I couldn’t have possibly seen him before...” he cupped his chin, furrowing his eyebrows. “Actually, I might have heard it...no, not heard, read it. It might be just a word that sounded like Malfoy though.” Malik sighed, scratching the back of his head. “It’s weird, but no harm done. You?”

“I’m okay,” Jounochi said instantly. “Really. I still don’t know what Kaiba’s link to Shizuka and Mai.”

“I think you’re afraid of failure, Jou,” he thought out loud. “I’ve heard you never won against Kaiba and your little sister isn’t really blind. She was treated with the prize money and Mai...” A bitter look came on Malik’s face and continued grimly, “—isn’t in a coma because of me.”

Jounochi felt stung at the bitter statement and the resentment Malik has for himself. “Malik, I already forgave you, and so did Mai.”

Malik glared at Jounochi. “You do know that she joined the Doma and took a handful of souls?” he said carelessly.

Jounochi grabbed Malik’s collar, lifting him for a few inches. “That isn’t Mai’s fault!” Jounochi argued angrily.

The Egyptian didn’t falter, gritting his teeth and not at all resisting with Jounochi’s superhuman grip. “Of course it wasn’t hers! Why do you think she switched sides—“

“MAI NEVER LEFT US—”

“—I wasn’t being sarcastic!”

Malik didn’t realize how much air he was losing with Jounochi’s grip. He instantly coughed when the blonde’s grip loosened and his feet touched the ground. He cupped his mouth, glaring at the Japanese who also refused to back down with the glare and the unfleeting feeling of anger. The fact Jounochi pulled him down meant that he was willing to hear Malik now, catching his attention to what he might really mean.

“I wasn’t being sarcastic,” Malik repeated. “Mai didn’t just decide to join that soul-stealing organization because she thought it was fun. She wasn’t the type either to crave for power to the point of using duels as a killing game, but the feeling of hopelessness and vulnerability in that Shadow Game had eaten the strong will and the light to resist it. It’s because of me.”

Jounochi lost his glare and a sympathetic expression made Malik’s glare directed to the innocent floor instead. Lost of what to say, Jounochi jut whispered, “Malik...” He then recalled last night’s events and instantly said before Malik could continue, “Mai said she forgave you. It had nothing to do with you,” he said, sounding firmer.

“It’s still awkward though,” he said after a while. “It’s a bit sudden, Jounichi-kun. Rishid is dead, Isis is dead, this magical thing in Britain, then this Doma. I got here from a magical hospital and then you got here unconscious with Mai. When do you think was the last time I saw her? And the fact she almost took your soul.”

Jounochi didn’t miss the smart comment he had to add but didn’t think he should be angry at Malik anymore. He would like to defend Mai since she was his friend, but Malik too was his friend. Taking sides just didn’t seem right. If only Yugi was around...

Malik closed his eyes, pacing around and crossing his arms. “What the hell am I saying? Things must be more confusing to you!”

“No, not at all,” the duelist said frankly. “It’s confusing, but I’ll understand soon. I trust the people here. I just have to believe until I can get a hold of what’s going on.”

“Is that why you didn’t tell Harry and the others about anything?” Malik said. Another smart comment, and there was a grim smile on his face as he looked at Jounochi. The blond duelist stuttered, trying to find the right words but defeat reigned over him. Malik rubbed his temples. “I’m so sorry, Jou.”

Jounochi was so lost with what to say. “No, you don’t have to!” he said with his usual vigour but felt it dying fast. He’s been saying the same things to Malik and it seemed like Malik was getting worse. He didn’t want him to continue talking either. It makes him feel bad as well. God, if only Yugi was here.

“I’ve been selfish. When I didn’t want to tell them about the pharaoh or the Sennen Items—oh Set, and when I said I trusted Yugi’s friends, of course you’d feel that way...”

Jounochi watched Malik fall to a soliloquy, coming to a silent conclusion by himself. He felt stupid, just standing here, frustrated at how useless he was now. Was he really a friend or not? He could only look down and stare at the floor, still wishing that his best friend, Yugi Motou, was around. He would know what to say, he always do.

“Malik,” Jounochi said in a deep, forced calm voice. He sighed, closing his eyes and opening to reveal a pair of determined, bronze eyes. “It’s fate. We just need to trust each other and get through this.”

“That’s what you said last night.” For the first time since they argued, Malik smiled even if it was weak. “But if you really trust these people, then I will trust them too. Besides, Mai is among them. She’s our friend after all.”

Sensing the lifting mood, Jounochi smiled. The two boys did a friendly boyish gesture of clasping their hands together, finally resisting the magnetism causing them to look away.

-

As soon as Harry, Hermoine and Ron came downstairs to help Ginny cleaning, a hideous, rag-wearing small elf with a long, crooked nose, dark, gloomy, shadowing eyes and very thin bones, limply appeared on their view. Harry was so shocked by the appearance he took out his wand. Ron only gave a hint of disgust and Hermoine looked sympathetic.

“That’s just Kreacher,” Ron said to Harry who slowly stowed his wand. “House elf.”

“The Blacks?” Harry said.

“Poor Kreacher…” Hermoine said sympathetically. The house elf, Kreacher looked horrified, muttering about mudbloods and trying to look away. Harry glared at Kreacher but Hermoine said, “No, it’s fine!”

The afternoon slowly passed by until the sun disappeared. The wizards of the house were all exhausted cleaning the manor. After an uneventful dinner, Harry and the other underage wizards were told to go to bed—including Fred and George. There was another roar of protest from the Weasley children towards their mother.

“This is an official meeting of the Order!” Mrs. Weasley said. “You are not members of the Order!”

“Your mother is quite right.”

The new, but olden voice came from the visitor. A man with old features, a serious expression drawn on his face came through the door with Snape. Albus Dumbledore had arrived. Malik looked at the man quietly. He stood at a corner besides Jounochi. Jounochi was still registering the…wizard-like appearance of the old man but something in his aura refrain him from making any immature reactions like usual.

“You heard Dumbledore,” Mrs. Weasley said to them.

“That would include you, Harry,” Dumbledore said, looking at him sternly.

Harry was stunned, so sure that he would be able to stay and listen. The Weasley children were hoping that if they can’t stay, at least Harry should and then spill them the information. Still, Harry made no more objections with Dumbledore’s stern blue gaze at him. Mrs. Weasley soon led them out. Malik and Jounochi looked at each other, both asking of what they were supposed to do.

“You two may stay,” Dumbledore said to them, taking a seat at the benches. As soon as the members of the Order (Snape remaining standing and across him, Siruis standing as well) and the two Duelists took a seat, the room became quiet. Not a lone voice had spoken, and now that the footsteps have stopped, Dumbledore spoke.

“This will be a brief meeting, but I know you all have questions but we must get straight to what is urgent and important at the moment. Voldemort is making little movement, but he has a broad plan that he is slowly setting in motion. Recently, he’s been killing Muggles, notorious Muggles—murderers, thieves, criminal masterminds. His attack on Mr. Ishatar’s family was very sudden. The connection is…unclear.

“For once, I am quite clueless of what Voldemort is planning.”

This set the wizards uneasy. Dumbledore remained silent, welcoming any comments or questions, or perhaps he is letting their doubts come out before he continue.

“What are we going to do then?” Mr. Weasley finally asked.

“We will need to find people who will give us clues, clues we will piece together for answers. We already have Mr. Ishater and Mr. Jounochi. I have already come in contact with the other one and arranged him to come to Hogwarts as well.”

“Is he with you?” Sirius asked.

“Obviously, he isn’t, as they are only two of us,” Snape answered immediately.

“He is not completely aware of the situation, but his lack of knowledge is for his safety while he is not in Hogwarts. However, Mr. Ishtar is at risk already and perhaps Mr. Jounochi too. It is a guess, of course. We are far away from having the upper hand because two of the most important people are still out there and Voldemort may be looking for them. Fortunately, I have yet another guess of who they are, though I’m quite sure I am right.”

“It’s Yugi, isn’t?”

All heads turned to Jounochi. Dumbledore eyed at his strong, bronze eyes and nodded. “You are right, Mr. Jounochi. Mr. Motou is one of the most important people to give us clues for what Voldemort has planned. Unfortunately, he had disappeared for a few weeks now and I fear Voldemort may have gotten his hands on him already. There’s still the possibility he is out there, hiding cautiously, but if he is then we couldn’t find him easily if he didn’t want to be found. We will be focusing our main attention then to the last piece of the puzzle: Gabriel Wind.”