This is my first fan fiction so please try and be kind. I have no beta so be on the lookout for spelling errors.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry potter or Bleach

Italics: Hyorinmaru and Toshiro's mind speech/spells

Chapter 1

The Mission

"Hitsugaya Taichou?"

"Hai?" the young white haired Shinigami replied curtly.

"The Head Captain has asked for you to attend a meeting."

The child raised a white eyebrow in confusion before shrugging.

"Fine, I'll be there in five minutes."

"Hai sir!"

The first division officer swiftly stood and backed out of the room. Toshiro sighed before taking in a lungful of air.

"Matsumoto!" he called as loud as he dared. There were no noises of concern from the other division members; they were well used to their Taichou calling for his Lieutenant by now

"Huh Taichou?" a groggy voice answered, A tall orange haired large breasted lady, stumbled around the corner of the office, a white clay jug in her hand and eyes quiet clearly out of focus. Toshiro had to suppress the need to shake his head in disgust.

Why me? He thought before shoving away the numerous ideas that came to the surface at the question.

"Rangiku I need you to watch the office the Head Captain has called for me."

"Is there a Captains meeting?"

"No."

"Then what does he want?"

"I don't know," Toshiro growled in annoyance standing from his chair, "that's why I need to meet with him. I need you to mind the office and do your job for once."

"Oh, Taichou is so mean," Rangiku pouted in annoyance.

Before Toshiro could dodge he was engulfed in an unpleasantly tight hug. Two large mounds of flesh pressed very close to his face and Toshiro turned his head and tried to struggle out of the embrace.

Why does she always have to do this?

"Off Rangiku," the child Taichou wriggled from her arms and smoothed down his uniform, "just sit at your desk and do your job for once."

"So cruel Tachiou."

Toshiro grunted before heading out the door. As soon as he exited his division, Toshiro shunpoed on to the roofs of the Seireitei and started to make his way towards the first division.

….

"A reconnaissance mission?"

The long haired elderly Shinigami nodded slowly.

"Yes, recent reports have been…troubling."

It was only the pair of them in the office, even the Head Captains trusty Lieutenant was nowhere to be seen. Toshiro resisted the urge to fidget. He had always felt like that in the Head Captains company, especially when his focus was directed right on him. He didn't know why, maybe it's the man's reiatsu, but he had always felt smaller when in his presence, not like a Captain at all.

Toshiro distracted himself by glancing at the paperwork in his hand.

"This place is in England correct?"

"Hai, closer to Scotland than England actually, it's untraceable, we were lucky that the scanners from the twelfth division were even able to pick it up. We sent a few from the stealth force to investigate a few years ago when it was first discovered, their findings were rather bizarre."

Toshio nodded, that was certainly true. He looked down at a glossy colour photograph of a grey castle, tall turrets and battlements and even a lake. But it wasn't that which captivated his attention, no it was the young children riding what appeared to be broomsticks up over the roof of the large structure.

"Of course we have had reports of these kinds of things before; hummans with the ability to wield reiatsu, the Quincy were an excellent example."

Toshiro rolled his eyes; yeah of course they were, if you didn't take almost destroying the balance and placing Seireitei in jeopardy as an excellent example to follow.

Now that's not very nice Master.

It's only the truth Hyorinmaru.

Toshiro heard the dragon huff before falling silent, in the back of his mind he could see the large white creature curling in on its self and settling down for a nap.

"Why weren't the other Captain's ever informed of this?"

"It was deemed strictly need to know."

"By who?"

"Myself and central forty six at the time."

Toshiro winced. He'd always had a problem with the central forty six, what with the Kusaka incident. Not that he had wanted them slaughtered by Aizen, but he'd never really liked them and how they dictated the Seireitei on their whims. Toshiro frowned; trust them to have kept something like this quiet. But why was the Head Captain suddenly resending the decision. Something he obviously agreed with at the time?

"But it is not the humans in which we have interest, even though their abilities would be useful to catalogue, no, it's the Hollow presence."

"It's increased?"

The Head Captain nodded.

"Hollows have always been attracted to the area; we took note of it many years ago. It was then when we first learned of this place."

He tapped one of the pictures with a bony finger before continuing.

"We have watched them for a while, but even the stealth force have trouble finding the place again when they leave, so reports are vague, but recently the level of Hollow activity has all but doubled in the area, plus England has also seen a rise, when in the past it has always seemed to be ignored by Hollows or visited by so few that it was hardly worth notice."

"But that's changed?"

"Yes and we want to know why."

Guess that's my job, Toshiro thought, but he couldn't help the frown that made its way on to his face.

"If you wouldn't mind me asking sir but why me? Surely there are lesser officers that could have taken this mission. Why send a Captain?"

The Head Captain gazed at Toshiro thoughtfully for a moment, as though contemplating whether he should give an answer.

"I could have done, there are many officers that would have been able to do this mission with little or no fuss."

Toshiro ignored the slight reprimand and stood straight staring right back at the Head Captain.

"But there's something about this situation. Something that sets my senses on alert, it feels like Aizen."

Toshiro tensed at the mention of that man's name. Aizen. How the mere thought of him made Toshiro start to tremble, whether that be in rage or fear he wasn't quite sure. One thing he did know though was that he wanted to ram Hyorinmaru right through the man's chest. Not only for what he had done and what he planned to do to soul society, but mostly for what he did to Momo. Toshiro's fists clenched as his mind threw up a picture. Momo, lain on a hospital bed, skin pale and life less and eyes shut tight. She'd looked like a corpse after Aizen's betrayal, even after she woke up. Hardly talking and hardly eating. At least that's what Soi fon told him after he had come back from the world of the living and when he had seen her for himself she hadn't looked much better, even though she still smiled, but it was a pale imitation of her old one. Toshio gritted his teeth, the memory of the girl that was like his sister, brought so low, it was enough to make his reiatsu lash against his skin.

The air in the room cooled and mist started to spread out from the young Shinigami's feet.

Calm Master.

Don't you think I know that! Toshiro snapped but instead closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose tightly. Taking a deep breath Toshiro wrestled his angry reiatsu back under control and the air seemed to heat slightly, but still remained fairly frigid.

"I apologise."

The Head Captain eyed Toshiro for a moment before waving the incident away.

"It is fine, understandable. Though I expect better control from you during your mission."

"Hai sir!" Toshiro snapped trying his best not to blush at the scolding.

"Aside from my feelings on the seriousness of the matter there is another reason why I choose you for this mission."

The Head Captain reached forward to the pile of papers sat on his desk and pulls what looked to be an old stealth force report out.

"It's been noted that the building itself is some form of school. Similar to our academy, teaching young ones how to wield their reiatsu. You will be going in undercover as a student."

Toshio almost choked. Him a student? He hadn't been a student for over twenty years and even then he was out of the academy in under a year. What did he know about institutionalised learning?

"But sir…"

"Your identity has been set up for you by Urahara, he will be your contact in the world of the living and will pose as your guardian on arrival at the school. You will be going in as a transfer form Japan, the details will be in your folder," he indicated to the papers clutched in Toshiro's hand.

"On top of that it has been arranged that you will give kendo instruction as an extracurricular class to any students interested. Apparently there is some form of war happening in England at the moment and the Headmaster of this school thought it an excellent opportunity for the students to learn new skills in order to protect themselves."

Toshiro did scowl at that. Teach kendo? On top of acting like a student around a bunch of children? Was the Head Captain trying to make him angry?

"As to this war, do not get involved, the world of the livings issues have nothing to do with us. If you must send souls on then do so, but no more than that, unless it involves the current success rate of your mission."

"Hai Head Captain."

"I expect weekly reports, send them through to Urahara and he will forward them on, he will also pass orders back."

"Hai sir, when do I leave?"

"Tomorrow, you will go to Urahara's, where he will fit you with a gigai. From there the pair of you will be met by a member of the schools staff and they will take you directly to London."

"By plane?"

The Head Captain shrugged.

"That was not specified."

Toshiro frowned in confusion, not specified? Surely they had to get to London by plane, and it was not as though humans can use shunpo.

"Your transfer to the world of the living is a 7 am sharp. Dismissed Hitsugaya."

Toshiro bowed low and started to back out; as he reached the door he paused before asking over his shoulder.

"Head Captain sir what is the name of this school?"

"Hogwarts."

….

"It's pretty much like a regular gigai, only improved so you can channel some of your reiatsu directly through the skin instead of having to ditch the thing first. According to my research these wizards, that's what they call themselves by the way, use a conduit called a wand, nothing like our zanpakuto mind, but it enables them to funnel what little reiatsu they have into…"

Toshiro sighed; he could already feel a headache coming on. He palmed a hand across his face as he sat and listened to Urahara wax on and on about his new gigai plus all the little facts he had discovered about their soon to be hosts.

He had set off from the Seireitei at exactly 7 am. He'd arrived directly outside of Urahara's shop to be greeted by Tessai and lead inside. As they had passed through the shop Toshiro had spotted the two children eyeing him warily and with a great deal of curiosity. Urahara had been waiting in the back. Donned in his usual green outfit and sandals, plus his striped hat perched on his head of blonde hair that always seemed to fall and shade his eyes. Toshiro had been ushered into a seat where Tessai had immediately poured him a cup of green tea and Urahara had set to work on explaining his brand new amazing gigai that he had designed especially for this mission and tailored just for Toshiro. Toshiro had tuned out half the man's rambling; there was only so much explanation he could take.

"There are numerous spells and incantation from what I've managed to discover, almost like kido, but the language is different. I believe it's a variation of Latin, which is rather strange when you think about it as the English don't…"

"Kisuke enough already," a deep voice admonished from the doorway but Toshiro could hear the humour behind it. He looked up to see a black cat slink into the room and pad across to the table and settle on its surface.

"Yeah boss I'm sure Hitsugaya Taichou doesn't want to hear all your ramblings."

Urahara looked put out as he turned to Toshiro to disagree with Tessai's statement but the child ignored him, instead he focused on the black cat.

"Shihouin," Toshiro said nodding his head in her direction.

The cat purred and placed her head on her paws as she regarded him. Looking rather sly Toshiro thought, but he kept that to himself.

"Hitsugaya Taichou, I'm sure you've been given all the relevant information for this mission?"

She stressed the word relevant and Toshiro fought off a grin at the pout that appeared on Urahara's face.

"Hai, the Head Captain had a full dossier for me to review. I looked at it last night, everything has been prepared thoroughly?"

Yoruichi nodded.

"Hai, your details have been put forward and your back ground will check out if they decide to pursue it. The shop has been listed as your address and all mail concerning you from this school will be sent here."

Toshiro frowned, he wasn't sure how he felt about that, Urahara receiving school reports on him was rather disconcerting, the man put him on edge and Toshiro didn't like the idea that he was responsible for part of his cover.

"Urahara is to be my Uncle correct?"

"Exactly right," Urahara beamed as he flashed a large grin at the small Captain, "I'm your poor shop owner Uncle that out of the goodness of his heart took in his poor orphaned nephew and rose like his own son. What a kind hearted soul I am."

Toshiro ignored the man's dramatics and instead asked Yoruichi.

"Have I been entered into a school here?"

"No," she answered, " we couldn't find any reference to magical schools in Japan," Yoruichi's mouth seemed to curl around the word magical, Toshiro's his own lips twitched as well, the word just didn't sit right on his tongue. He'd come across it in several of the reports the stealth force had made, that was when they had actually managed to get back to do a report. It was apparently what these wizards used to classify their spells. Magic, Toshiro scoffed, it was like the humans were turning reiatsu into something wondrous and mythological when really it was quiet common.

"You've been listed as home schooled and we've placed grades on the Japanese education system for you. Just too let you know you're a prodigy."

Toshiro felt his fingers twitch, that was another word he had a problem with prodigy. Why did people always have to call him that? It made him sound like someone he wasn't.

"Good."

"We'd best get you into that gigai before our guest arrives," Urahara said pulling himself to his feet and making his way out of the door, "come through it's in the back."

Toshiro quickly stood and followed. They came though into the storage room and Toshiro found Urahara making several last minuet checks.

This doesn't fill me with confidence.

I'm sure it will be fine Master.

Easy for you to say.

Toshiro ignored Hyorinmaru's laughter and instead focused back on Urahara who'd turned back around to face him.

"It goes on like a normal gigai, but it may feel slightly heavy."

Toshiro nodded and started to move forward.

"Wait, before you put it on I have this for you."

Urahara stood up and moved over to one of the shelves. He swiped something up and brought it down to hold out to Toshiro. It was small and Toshiro could see it was a gun metal grey colour; it looked like a bracelet, only it was too small to wrap around his wrist.

"This is a new product I've been designing, what with you going into this magical world I thought this would be the best opportunity to test it out."

Oh so I'm a test subject for him?

Isn't everyone for this man Master?

Doesn't mean I have to like it.

You never know it could be useful.

Whose side are you on?

"I've been told that you'll be needing your zanpakuto and not just in soul form," Urahara held out the bracelet with a grin.

"Put this on it."

"What?" Toshiro asked confused.

Urahara sighed in irritation.

"Put this on your zanpakuto, anywhere will do," Urahara snapped the thing and it came apart easily, "the hilt might be the best place though, I did try to judge it to be the right size."

Toshiro eyed the thing warily before slowly pulling Hyorinmara from his back and taking the object from the crazed shop keepers hand carefully.

It'll be alright Master, the large ice dragon's deep soothing voice said. It won't harm me.

You don't know that, Toshiro argued and he could feel the dragon's amusement.

Thank you for the concern Master but I think if Urahara really wanted to hurt me he would have chosen something far less simple than a metal bracelet.

Toshiro let the words sink in before reluctantly agreeing. He weighed the bracelet in his hand before slipping it over Hyorinmaru's hilt and closing it with a snap. It rested at snugly at the bottom of the grip, so it wouldn't get in his way when he held it. Toshiro gave a few experimental swings, the weight wasn't off either, it was as though the metal weighed nothing.

Urahara grinned like a loon and clapped his hands, "Excellent, excellent, now your gigai is right here, I've had to stick to the old dimensions so it may feel a little awkward if you've grown since your last fitting, then again when was the last time that happened?"

Toshiro scowled at him and swiped Hyorinmaru close to his nose. Urahara laughed before moving out of the way.

Toshiro stepped forward and looked down at the body. It always made him feel slightly strange to see a body of himself, but after so many years he's gotten rather used to it.

He lightly touched the pale skin, a slight jolt and when he blinked he was looking up at the ceiling. Toshiro pushed himself to his feet as he twisted and turned the gigai. Urahara was right, it was heavy.

"How does it feel?" Urahara asked eagerly.

"Good. But heavy"

"It's tailor made, but the weight you'll have to get used to, I needed to use a thicker agent to make the skin as you'll be channelling reiatsu through it constantly."

Toshiro shrugged his shoulders and felt something move on his back. He turned and saw to his surprise his green sash draped over his shoulder and Hyorinmaru sitting snuggly on his back.

"What the?"

"Surprise," the shop owner grinned widely.

"How did…?"

"My lovely little device worked a treat. That manacle you placed on Hyorinmaru will allow you to use your zanpakuto even when in a gigai. It's almost like a zanpakuto gigai. Maybe I'll call it that?"

Toshiro raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Instead he lifted his hand and brought Hyorinmaru down from his back, the sheath vanishing with its usual sparkle of ice.

Hyorinmaru?

I'm alright Master.

Do you feel any different?

Apart from feeling as if I have a second skin, no my power feels exactly the same as before.

Toshiro breathed out a sigh of relief. He was glad Urahara's little toy hadn't damaged Hyorinmaru in anyway. If it had Toshiro didn't want to know what he would have done to the man.

"Best wrap it up little Captain, your escort will be here shortly."

Toshiro snapped back to reality and quickly stowed Hyorinmaru onto his back. Just having the familiar weight of the zanpakuto there made him feel more relaxed. He followed Urahara back out into the shop just as a knock sounded on the front Shoji door.

"Jinta, Ururu, go to the back please. I think Tessai has some more chores for you back there."

The two children grumbled to each other but quickly vanished from sight. Urahara crossed to the door and slid it back.

"Greeting, is this the home of a Mr Urahara?" a voice said it fluent Japanese.

"Why yes indeed, please come in."

"Thank you."

Urahara stepped aside and Toshiro had to swallow a look of shock. As Urahara came to stand beside him Toshiro could only gaze at the shortest man he had ever seen. A squat little man with plastered black hair came and stood before the two Shinigami's. He wore glasses that perched on a round like nose and tucked behind pointed elf like ears. A small black moustache crowned his top lip and long flowing robes covered his body in a deep magenta shade.

Now that's interesting.

Really Hyorinmaru?

The small man bowed to the pair of them and smiled warmly.

"Good morning to you both. I am Professor Flitwick, a teacher at Hogwarts, you must by Mr Hitsugaya?"

The small man's smile flashed too Toshiro, who quickly pulled himself back together.

"Hai."

Professor Flitwick's blue sparkled before turning to Urahara.

"And you are his Uncle?"

"Hai that's me," Urahara said with a grin and doffing his stripped hat at the man, before a calculating gleam came into his eyes.

"If you wouldn't mind me asking but what form of creature are you? I have never seen a human so small."

Professor Flitwick laughed. It was pleasant sound Toshiro thought.

"I am half goblin sir, goblin's are known for their short stature as well as a head for numbers."

Toshiro could see Urahara preparing to bombard the small half goblin with questions and quickly cut in.

"You are too take me to this school?"

Flitwick turned back to the young man and couldn't help but be caught up in the boys exotic looks. Japan was known for black hair and black eyes. Seeing a young boy with such varied colouring was rather intriguing. Not even some of the young back in England had such distinctive colours. The Professor wondered if his hair was dyed.

"Yes, but today I will only be taking you to Diagon Alley. We have been told through correspondence with your guardian that you have no supplies for the courses taught at Hogwarts. Neither do you own a wand."

"That's correct."

Flitwick frowned but didn't comment further. Instead he offered a smile to Toshiro and turned to Urahara.

"Will you be joining us sir?"

"Ye…"

"No!"

Urahara pouted and turned pleading eyes on to the young Taichou, but Toshiro was unmoved. No way was he going to let Urahara come with him on a shopping trip, especially to such a strange place as this Diagon Alley sounded. They would never get back to Japan.

"Urahara will not be joining us."

"But Toshiro…"

"That's final."

Flitwick stared at the two of them a crease forming on his brow. Never had he seen such a child talk the way young Hitsugaya did. With such force and command. Maybe it was from living with his uncle. Children did tend to grow up fast in single parent households, or from past trauma.

"So you will not be joining us sir?"

Urahara shrugs and grins playfully.

"Toshiro doesn't want his old Uncle cramping his style. He can go by himself."

Flitwick nodded his head and offered his hand to Toshiro.

"Do you require a translation charm?"

Toshiro frowned, "translation charm?"

"Do you speak English young man, as I doubt in London you will find many who speak Japanese."

Toshiro shot the half goblin a look but the creature just smiled.

"I have already cast a translation charm on myself," he said.

Toshiro blinked but shook his head.

"No I do not require a translation charm," he said in English, complete with a nearly flawless accent.

Flitwick looked stunned.

"You speak English?"

"I taught myself."

That wasn't true; all shinigami knew how to speak all languages and understood all languages of the world of the living. How else were they supposed to collect souls from other countries if they could not speak the language? But this Professor didn't need to know that.

Flitwick stared at the young man for a moment longer before nodding his head.

"Amazing. If you would take my hand."

Toshiro eyed the small appendage for a moment before walking forward and grasping it. Flitwick's eyes looked over Toshiro's shoulder and caught site of his zanpakuto.

"What is that?"

"My sword," Toshiro answered. He could feel Hyorinmaru shift restlessly in the back of his mind. Toshiro winced. He didn't like calling Hyorinmaru a mere sword either, but it wasn't as though he could say it was a zanpakuto, he doubted these wizards would know what one was.

Flitwick frowned.

"Is it necessary for you to bring that? We are only going shopping."

"I always take my sword with me."

"But surely…"

"Professor," Toshiro interrupted, "The sword is mine and I will carry it wherever I deem fit, be that to the shops or not. If it will put you at ease I promise that I will not pull the blade from its sheath while we are out in public, but I'm afraid the sword stays with me."

Flitwick still looked concerned, but was surprised when Urahara started laughing.

"Better to just let the kid keep it Professor. He knows what he's doing with it."

Flitwick hesitated a moment before smiling slightly.

"Very well, we'll be back in a few hours Mr Urahara."

"No problem," Urahara waved his hand jovially and Flitwick looked down at Toshiro.

"Hold on tight, this may feel slightly uncomfortable."

Toshiro didn't have time to question him as the small half goblin turned on his heel and all of a sudden Toshiro felt as though he was being squeezed through a tube, rather tightly, for a moment he forgot to breathe and felt the air choke in his throat. Then the feeling was gone and Toshiro let out a gasp of air and almost feel to his knees if it wasn't for the small hands holding him up.

"Are you alright young man?"

"Fine," Toshiro breathed out and tried to stand straighter ignoring the hands helping him. He took a look around and saw that they were in some kind of room. A small settee in the middle and several cushy looking arm chairs and side tables were dotted about. The low lighting made it hard to see any details. "What was that?"

"Apparition," Flitwick explained, "a way of traveling instantly from one place to another. All wizards and witches learn to do it eventually, almost like a muggle driving test."

"Muggle?" Toshiro asked, he'd heard the phrase used in the reports but he would rather have an explanation now he had a source.

"My pardon, I forgot you wouldn't know the term. A muggle is a non-magical person, someone such as your Uncle."

Toshiro nodded. That followed up what it said in the reports. The stealth force had heard the phrase several times while on reconnaissance as well as a few others that Toshiro would investigate later.

Are you a muggle then Master.

Probably to these people Hyorinmaru.

"This way Mr Hitsugaya, I promised your Uncle I would have you back in a few hours."

Toshiro nodded and followed Flitwick to the door and outside. They were met with a corridor and a staircase. Toshiro could hear the sounds of people down below. They descended the stairs and came out in a bar packed with people, all of them dressed very similarly to the Professor.

"This way."

Flitwick grabbed Toshiro's hand and guided him through the crowd of people and towards the back of the bar.

"What is this place?"

"The Leaky Cauldron, the easiest way to get to Diagon Alley and the place with the closest apparition point."

They passed through a back door and appeared in a small concrete yard with a brick wall. Flitwick dropped Toshiro's hand and made his way over towards the wall placing a hand up his sleeve and flicking out a long piece of wood.

"Is that your wand?" Toshiro asked. He'd seen several examples in the reports and Urahara had mentioned them once or twice in his monologue, but looking at it now it seemed rather unimpressive.

"Yes, this is my wand, at the end of the day you will have your own."

Flitwick tapped at the bricks of the wall, three up two across and suddenly Toshiro could hear a rumbling then his eyes widened slightly as the bricks melted back to reveal an entrance way and the sounds of people washed over him.

Flitwick smiled slightly, it never ceased to amuse him the amount of wonder that always came with the revealing of Diagon Alley, though he must say the young man was taking it rather well for a muggle born and a foreigner.

"Come Mr Hitsugaya, Diagon Alley awaits."

Impressive isn't it?

Not really.

Now that's a lie and we both know it.

Ok maybe I'm a little impressed, though I must say I prefer Seireitei.

It was true where seireitei was sleek with tall white buildings and clean division barracks Diagon Alley was winding and old, with tall brick buildings that seemed to curve and slope for no reason. The Alley was packed with people and it made Toshiro irritated to have bodies pressed in on all sides of him. He was a solitary creature by nature and didn't really appreciate people coming into his space. Though he must admit there were some wonders here and there. He looked into a few shops as he passed and saw colour changing ink, window displays full of what seemed to be brooms. Small little feats of magic, such as levitating books and other such things. Toshiro couldn't help but admire what these humans had done with their reiatsu, but it paled in comparison as to what some Shinigami were capable though. And they were using reiatsu. Toshiro could feel it in the air, it practically soaked the buildings, they were obviously held up with it, or magic as these wizards liked to call it. He had no doubt that he would be fully capable of using his shikai if he so wished without breaking a sweat, unlike how it would be in any other town in the world of the living. Of course he had his own reiatsu which was vast and still growing, but it was much easier to access if he was in a reiastu rich environment to begin with. Karakura town was an excellent example of that.

Flitwick led him through the Alley, Toshiro took note of some of the shops, there was Eeylops Owl Emporium where quite a bit of squawking and twittering could be heard echoing in its dark depths. There was Florean Fortescue's Ice cream Parlour that had several numbers of young children sat excitedly outside. Toshiro hoped that Fllitwick wouldn't ask him if he wanted one of the cold treats, dealing with children was not really something he liked to do. They passed a doorway and when Toshiro glanced inside it was full of paper, well what looked to be paper, but it was rather heavy and a darker colour that what Toshiro was used to. Pots full of what appeared to be ink lined the shelves and feathers stuck in pots decorated counter tops and displays. Toshiro took notice that the place was called Scribbulus Writing Instruments. That could come in handy later on in the mission, especially when he started on his reports. They kept on walking down the cobbled street until they stopped outside a small building with a window display of a needle and several off cuts of cloth that were weaving themselves together to make all manner of clothing. Toshiro looked up and read the sign.

"Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions?"

"It's the best place in Diagon Alley to get your uniform from Mr Hitsugaya. Come along."

The pair walked into the shop a bell tinkling to sound their arrival.

"Oh Professor Flitwick, what do we owe the pleasure, another set of robes for you? Have the children set fire to the last set already?"

Flitwick chuckled as Toshiro took in the room, his years as a Shinigami taking over as he assessed for dangers and places of concealment. The room was a chaotic mess. Lots of clothes hung from the ceiling and around the walls, seemingly held up by nothing. a small portion of the room held materials and clothes of various colours, styles and textures and near the back were several stools and mirrors, no doubt for fittings.

"I'm happy to say not Madam Malkin, no my robes are still as pristine as you made them. No I'm here for this young man. He needs a set for Hogwarts school robes."

Madam Malkin turned to Toshiro and couldn't help but gasp at the boys stark white hair and turquoise eyes. It was startling colouring. Why did the boy's mother let him dye his hair like that?

"Oh…I see, well come over here dear and we'll get you set up."

She gestured for Toshiro to follow her over to the stools. He sighed and did as she said, hopping up onto one of the stools and doing as instructed, feeling rather uncomfortable when she got her measuring tape out.

"First year dear?"

"Well…"

Toshiro turned to Flitwick who tilted his head with a smile.

"In fact no Madam, young Mr Hitsugaya will be placed in the six year, according to his transfer records."

"Sixth?" Madam Malkin all but shrieked, taking another look at the young boy in front of her, he couldn't be no more than twelve. "But he's so young."

"Hs grades are exemplary, higher than Miss Granger's from what I've seen of them. Of course that is in normal academics, but his Uncle ensured us that Mr Hitsugaya was more than capable for keeping up with the sixth year curriculum."

Madam Malkin looked at Toshiro in awe. Toshiro merely stared straight ahead and tried to ignore her. It wasn't that amazing being so smart. It's not as if he could help learning the way he did. It wasn't as though he went out of his way to be the best or anything. Why did people always have to make a big deal out of it?

They are merely impressed Master.

There's nothing to be impressed about.

Oh why do you say that?

Toshiro mentally shrugged. It's all natural ability in the end just like how you can control ice and not fire, it's something you were born with, just like how I was born with the ability to learn. It's normal and so nothing to be in awe over.

Toshiro could feel the dragon snort but he didn't comment again. Toshiro shook his head slightly and tuned back into the conversation.

"…The papers lately. The things they're saying. What's all this about him being the chosen one Flitwick, is it true?"

"Not as I am aware Madam. To me he is just a student, chosen one or not."

"What is that?" Toshiro asked and Madam Malkin and Flitwick turned to Toshiro in confusion.

"What is what dear?"

"Who are you talking about?"

Flitwick gasped and rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Ah yes, I forgot you wouldn't be up to date on events here in England. We are speaking of Harry Potter."

"Harry Potter?" Toshiro spoke the name, twisting it around his tongue. The words felt strange in his mouth.

"He vanquished You Know Who over fifteen years ago, that was when he was a baby, he lost his parents that night, who tried to defend him. It was a terrible tragedy."

"You Know Who?"

Flitwick paled and looked around carefully. Madam Malkin looked nervous as she tried to concentrate on her needle work.

"We don't usually speak his name but on this occasion... You Know Who is a dark wizard called Voldemort."

Toshiro could feel Madam Malkin shiver and couldn't help but feel intrigued by this Voldemort character.

"He terrorized the wizarding population for years before he was vanquished. Killing muggle after muggle. Muggle born after muggle born."

"Muggle born?"

"People born of muggles and not from a wizarding family. Those born of wizarding families are known as pure bloods."

Toshio nodded and waited for Flitwick to continue.

"He and his group of followers known as the Death Eater's hunted down any muggle born they could find, believing that they shouldn't be a part of our society. Eventually Voldemort attacked Lilly and James Potter and killed them on October 31st. he also went to kill their son Harry. But instead was destroyed himself. I don't know the details of the incident. But that is the gist."

"And now?" Toshiro asked.

"A year ago it was claimed he had returned. Harry Potter swore blind that he saw the man resurrect himself, but no one wanted to believe him. He was dismissed. But a few months ago there was an attack at the Ministry and You Know Who was sighted again for the first time in fifteen years."

Toshiro took in the information, digesting it and turning it over in his head.

"So this Harry Potter, he is the one to save you all?"

Flitwick winced but Madam Malkin nodded her head in earnest.

"He is the boy who lived, he's the only one who can stop You Know Who."

"On his own?"

"He's done it before and he was only a baby."

"I doubt that," Toshiro muttered but kept the comment to himself.

"How old is this chosen one then?"

"He will be in his sixth year at Hogwarts this year."

Toshiro froze as he processed that.

"He'll be sixteen?"

Flitwick noticed the hard glare from the boy and felt the need to bow his head in shame.

"Yes."

Toshiro couldn't believe it. These wizards were relying on a child to save them?

You're a child Master.

Not the same Hyorinmaru. I have been alive for countless of these humans life times. Plus I have been trained to do what I do. I'm not a school boy trying to save the world. That's a fast way to get you and many others killed. What are these wizards thinking?

They're frightened.

It's no excuse.

Whilst Toshiro spoke to Hyorinmaru Flitwick was quick to change the subject too something lighter and Madam Malkin scurried away to gather the material for Toshiro's robes. About twenty minutes later. Toshiro and Flitwick left Madam Malkin's with the promise that Toshiro's robes would be sent directly to Urahara's address.

He better not experiment on them

Could you stop him if he tried Master?

Toshiro ignored the last comment and instead focused around him. Flitwick took him to look for a cauldron and Toshiro was quick to pick one, not wanting to get too bogged down in all the nonsense. They moved on to potion ingredients and vials before heading for Flourish and Blotts as Flitwick called it for his books.

"Excuse me Professor?"

"Yes Mr Hitsugaya?"

"Pardon me for asking but how am I paying for all of this? My Uncle didn't give me any money before we left and I have yet to pay for anything. You seem to have been doing that."

It was true, Flitwick had paid for everything since stepping into the Alley. Pulling out coins from a small little sack that he brought forth from his sleeve.

"Ah yes that. Well your Uncle had several hundred yen converted into gallons after our first correspondence. He insisted that whoever came to collect you was to bring enough money from the vault he had set up to pay for this trip. Before I leave you today I will give you the details of the vault to pass on to your Uncle."

Toshiro nodded, Urahara was a sneaky bastard. Trust him to have set everything up that way.

It does make things easier Master. Did you see the bank? We passed by it earlier?

Toshiro had indeed seen the bank earlier. A tall white building that reminded him of those of Seireitei only with white pillars and words carved into the side. The wizards really didn't like people steeling from them.

Toshiro and Flitwick quickly gathered all of Toshiro's books. Toshiro insisted on acquiring all of the books form first through to sixth year on every subject taught at Hogwarts. The assistant was rather shocked and even Flitwick was dubious, but Toshiro was firm. He would definitely read them before the start of term. It was not like he had anything better to do during his time at Urahara's.

As they walked further along the street Toshiro noticed a good number of humans gathered around on particular store. It was tall like the others, but where the others were a normal dull grey colour, this one was deck out in red and yellow, so it practically exploded into the face of customer's walking past on the street. Oohs and aahs echoed throughout the crowd, most of them being young children or teenagers, but there were a good number of adults as well. Toshiro raised an eyebrow and wondered what all the fuss was about.

"That's Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."

Toshiro turned to Flitwick who was smiling brightly at him.

"Come again?"

"Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, it's a joke shop run by the Weasley twins, they went to Hogwarts and should be in their final year if their mother had anything to say about it. They were always trouble makers, but it's good to see the pair of them doing well."

Toshiro mused over what Flitwick had said.

A joke shop?

They are supposed to be fun Master.

I can think of far more productive things to do with my time than run a joke shop Hyorinmaru.

That's because you don't know what fun is Master.

Toshiro did not miss the teasing lilt in Hyorinmaru's voice and felt the need to growl in irritation at the dragon. Of course he knew what fun was. He'd had plenty of it before he supposed. Back when he lived with his Grandmother, they had had fun together, even if she was old. And he still had fun now, he supposed, what with chasing Matsumoto around the office every day that could count as fun, he guessed, when it wasn't aggravating. Plus the paper work…

I don't think anyone else would consider that fun Master, more of a chore.

I like it.

For now Master, just wait until you get older.

I am not a child.

"Would you like to go inside?"

"What?" Toshiro asked confused, driving his attention back to Flitwick, he had been so caught up in is argument with Hyorinmaru he'd never noticed that the Professor had been talking to him.

Flitwick smiled kindly and gestured towards the brightly coloured building.

"Would you like to go in? I'm sure we have enough money for you to get a trick or to."

Toshiro's already pale complexion seemed to go even whiter. Go in there? With all the noise and the bodies and annoying children? Was this Professor mad?

"No thank you," Toshiro said coldly, crossing his arms over his chest and turning away from the building as though blocking it from his sight.

Flitwick's smile dimmed and he stared at the young man in confusion.

"It's no trouble if you want to…"

"I said no, I'm not into jokes."

It was true. Toshiro had been on the receiving end of a number of jokes back when he lived with his Grandmother, none of them had been very nice and he had not seen the humour in them. Some had been rather cruel.

Flitwick frowned at him before shrugging and continuing up the street. Toshiro followed on behind, much quieter and sombre than before.

Eventually their shopping was done. The Alley was starting to grow quiet and the sky was darkening.

"It's getting late. Lucky we only have one more stop."

The pair of them headed towards the end of the Alley and stopped in front of a shabby looking shop. The window display was simple. Just a long brown wand sat on a purple cushion. The sign above the entrance read Ollivander's.

Flitwick pushed open the door and stepped inside. Toshiro followed and saw the room was pretty bare. A small spindly stool was in one corner and facing him was a counter top and what looked to be shelves behind disappearing back into the shop.

"Ah Filius how good to see you. 15 inches, unicorn hair, oak wood. Good for charm work and anything with finesse, though I do think the length was rather long for you."

"Ollivander."

Toshiro saw a man appear from behind the shelves and make his way out from behind the counter. He was an old man, with white hair and a heavily lined face, his eyes where a milky colour, almost like the colour of the moon at night. He stared straight at Toshiro. His face nether showing surprise or awe. Toshiro was quiet taken aback by the look. That wasn't how he was normally received.

"And this must be Mr Hitsugaya. I must say I have never had a Japanese customer before. This will be rather interesting I think."

A sparkle came into the old man's eye and Toshiro felt his guard go up and Hyorinmaru stir into life at his Master's anxiety.

"Take a seat Filius and we'll get stared."

Flitwick bowed to the man before taking a seat on the spindly stool. Ollivander turned to Toshiro.

"Please hold out your wand arm."

Toshiro frowned. Wand arm? Which arm was that? It could be either arm.

You can hold and fight with your zanpakuto left or right handed Master. But I'd pick the stronger more dominate hand.

Good idea Hyorinmaru.

Toshiro held out his right hand and Ollivander quickly produced a length of measuring tape and quickly started to measure along the length of his arm.

"Wands come in many shapes and sizes. There are also different magical cores. Such as unicorn hair, phoenix feathers and dragon heart strings."

Toshiro winced at the roar Hyorinmaru gave off at the last comment. He felt his own anger rise as well. These wizards were killing dragons? How dare they?

I will rip them apart.

Calm down Hyorinmaru.

Toshiro heard the dragon huff but could still feel the simmering anger. He turned his dark icy gaze on the shop owner and asked quietly.

"Do you kill these animals?"

Ollivander looked taken aback by the question for a moment before replying.

"No, most of the cores are willing given, the unicorns and phoenixes donate regularly. The dragon heart strings are offered once the animal has died, none are taken while still living."

Toshiro didn't say anything.

Thieves.

They don't see it that way Hyorinmaru.

They think dragon's as animals. Mindless beasts.

Toshiro sighed and resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose.

I'm sure that's not true.

Hyorinmaru didn't answer and Toshiro tried his best to send as much comfort as he could to his zanpakuto spirit.

"Mr Hitssugaya?"

"Yes?"

Ollivander frowned at him and clicked his fingers causing the tape that had been in the process of measuring around his head to drop to the floor and speed back to his hand. Ollivander dashed behind the counter and started to leaf through boxes, muttering to himself as he discarded one after the other. Eventually he pulled one out, opening the lid, bringing out the wand and tossing it to Toshiro, who caught it easily. He was a trained shinigami after all.

"Try this one, unicorn hair 10 inches, holly wood."

Toshiro didn't move just looked at the wand in confusion.

"What are you waiting for young man, give it a wave."

Toshiro shot a glance at Flitwick, who nodded at him in encouragement. Toshiro raised the wand hesitantly but before he could even wave the thing, it exploded in his hand in a bright flash of icy blue light. Toshiro dropped the wand in shock where it clattered against the floor and the two remaining occupants of the room jumped in fright at the sound.

"What the…?" Flitwick exclaimed.

"Not that one then," Ollivander said and waved his hand. The wand jumped from the floor and onto the desk where it lay slightly smoking.

"My apologise," Toshiro said quickly recovering from his shock and offering the shop keeper a small bow of apology.

"No need young man happens all the time. Now this one, phoenix feather, 14 inches, maple, give it a try."

And so it continued. Ollivander dashing through his shelves and producing wands at top speed, tossing them over to the white haired Captain, who barely got a chance to hold them before they either exploded or did something else rather distressing. One started pouring out boiling hot water from the tip, causing Flitwick and Ollivander to quickly scramble to vanish the stuff. Another exploded so quickly that Toshiro was lucky it didn't burn his hand. Toshiro was starting to wonder if it was a good idea to even have one of these wands, they seemed more trouble than they were worth.

"Dragon heart string, 9 inches, beech wood."

Toshiro barely had time to register what Ollivander had said before his fingers were curled around yet another wand. A roar echoed in the back of his mind and Toshiro had to screw his eyes shut as Hyorinmaru let out an ice shaking roar and took flight in his inner world spreading his wings menacingly. The wand shuddered and blasted out a wave of ice that enveloped the room and crept across the floor, freezing everything it touched.

"Drop the wand!" Flitwick cried and Toshiro was quick to do as asked.

The wand fell to the floor with a clatter and the ice stopped its rampage, but the damage had been done. Ice covered the whole floor and was creeping up the counter. The spindly chair Flitwick had been sat on was starting to freeze and Professor was stood on top of it to stop the frost from catching his feet. Some of the shelves in the back of Ollivander's shop had also been caught, icicles hanging from the wooden beams.

Hyorinmaru?! Toshiro scolded the dragon. He knew his zanpakuto spirit had something to do with this.

That wand had a dragon inside it.

A dragon heart string.

Toshiro felt the great dragon shrug. The same thing, the essence of the dragon was inside its heart and I will not share my Master with another. Be it dragon, phoenix or unicorn.

Are you the reason those wands…

I will not share you Master. Hyorinmaru's growl echoed around the icy plane and Toshiro sighed. Sometimes it was hard having such an overprotective zanpakuto spirit. Then again he didn't know what he would do without the dragon, so maybe he would just let it slide.

"This isn't going to work," Toshiro said turning to the two men.

Ollivander raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"Mr Hitsugaya, what do you…"

"None of these wands will work for me."

Ollivander gasped and then started to splutter angrily. Flitwick gaped in shock.

"H…how dare you! I have been making wands for witches and wizards for years and I have never once failed to equip someone with a wand. I will not fail now!"

"Mr Hitsugaya how can you say such a thing?"

Toshiro raised a hand and the two men fell silent. Channelling his Captain persona he quietly addressed the two.

"Something is rejecting the wands. I don't know what or how, but something is preventing the wands from being able to channel my rei…magic."

Ollivander's brow creased into a frown and Flitwick looked on intrigued.

"Something is stopping the wands from connecting?" Ollivander asked slowly, as though trying to wrap his head around the problem.

Toshiro nodded.

"Do you feel different when you hold the wands Mr Hitsugaya? I mean, do certain wands make your magic, stronger or weaker, or react more violently?"

"Dragon heart strings are to most violent, you saw the result of that and I believe that was the first dragon heart string wand I had been given?"

Ollivander nodded solemnly.

"I had a feeling dragon heart string would not have a positive result with you, but I thought it best to try anyway, I have been proven wrong a number of times. Your magic was the least temperamental with the unicorn hair, but still I don't think one would suit you and you would have a hard time channelling any magic through any of the usual cores we use. This really is quiet fascinating."

Ask the wand maker if he can make a wand out of any kind of core? Does it have to be phoenix feather's or unicorn hairs?

"Can you use any core to make a wand?" Toshiro asked repeating Hyorinmaru's question.

Ollivander tapped his finger to his chin in thought.

"I could in theory make a wand out of any core. Phoenix's feathers, unicorn hairs and dragon heart strings are the most used because they are some of the most powerful creatures into the magical world, meaning they have the most ambient magic and are good for channelling a wizard or witches magic through. I have known some wand makers to use veela hair and viper tongues before, some with better results than others."

Give him some of your hair.

Why?

We are connected Master. You are my Shinigami and I am your zanpakuto, it is I who you channel your reiatsu through in battle, it is I who gives you the power of your shikai and bankai. It is only natural that I should be the core of your wand.

But how can you do that, it will be my hair I'm giving not yours?

Like I said we are connected Master, you are me and I am you, we share a soul. If your hair is used to make the core of a wand it is as good as mine. I will be able to help you channel reiatsu through it. It would work similar to your zanpakuto.

Toshiro was still slightly sceptical but did as Hyorinmaru said. Quickly he ripped a few strands of hair from his head and held them out to Ollivander.

"Could you make a wand out of this?"

Ollivander looked stunned.

"I…I…"

"Mr Hitsugaya what do you mean?"

"I want to know if Mr Ollivander can make a wand using my own hair. I can't channel my magic through any of the magic cores provided here and I doubt I would have better results with the more obscure ones. I have no trouble producing magic and I can control it to a degree without a wand though it lacks finesse. If Mr Ollivander can make a wand with my hair it would be just the same as though I was not using a wand but could provide me with the detailed fineness I lack when without one."

Toshiro didn't know if what he had said was true or not. In fact he had just garbled together an argument based on what he knew from listening to Ollivander and taking into account what Hyorinmaru had said. The wand maker stared at the young Captain seemingly stunned speechless.

"Could you?" Toshiro asked again, more sharply than before.

Ollivander jumped and shook his head before focusing back on Toshiro.

"In theory yes. But I have never attempted to create a wand with human hair before. It has never been powerful enough to act as a conduit, even for the wizard or witches own magic."

"Well now's the time to try."

Toshiro thrust the hairs into Ollivander's hand who merely stared at them with a bewildered expression.

"I have no preference to length or wood, do what you think is best Mr Ollivander."

Ollivander seemed to snap out of his daze and a challenging gleam came to his eyes.

"Of course Mr Hitsugaya, your wand will be made within the week, what is your address so I can owl the wand to you on completion?"

Toshiro rattled off Urahara's address quickly and Ollivander nodded before pocketing the hairs.

"Your wand shall be ready within a week; you have my word on that Mr Hitsugaya."

Toshiro nodded and Ollivander eyed the young man with wonder for a moment.

"I must say that it has been many years since I have had to customise a wand for a customer. I would be lying if I said I am not looking forward to the challenge your wand will no doubt be to make. But I stand by my words, the wand chooses the wizard and for some unfortunate souls those wands are not yet with us, but I will soon remedy that Mr Hitsugaya."

Toshiro bowed and after a quick exchange between Flitwick and Ollivander the pair quickly left the shop and started walking down the less than busy Alley, most of the families having made their way home.

They made their way back through the arch way and into the Leaky Cauldron. Flitwick stopped to speak to the bar tender before leading Toshiro back into the room they had arrived in.

Flitwick grinned at Toshiro before offering his hand. Toshiro didn't want to take the thing but had no choice if he wanted to get back to Urahara's. With some hesitation he gripped the small half goblins hand and gritted his teeth as he felt the world spin and start to squeeze him like a lemon. The feeling vanished quickly and Toshiro let out a breath and looked around. They were right outside Urahara's shop. It was dark out and the street lamps were the only illumination available to the pair of them.

"Well here we are," Flitwick said with a grin.

"Yes. Thank your for today Professor," Toshiro said and bowed to the small man, as was his custom. His Grandmother would skin his hide if he didn't keep his manners, even if this Professor wouldn't understand them.

"It's quiet alright Mr Hitsugaya, I hope you have enjoyed today, I had an excellent time, you were great company."

Toshiro eyed the Professor for a moment and found that he was being completely sincere in his words. Toshiro found that strange. This creature found Toshiro's company pleasant, most of the time people found him difficult to get along with, what with his icy personality. Even Momo found it hard to be continually in his presence and she was like his sister.

"Thank you sir, I to have enjoyed your company, will I see you again?"

"Oh I expect you will Mr Hitsugaya, as you no doubt know I work at Hogwarts, I'm the Charms Professor, and you have been put forward for my class, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other better."

Toshiro felt his lips twitch at that, for some reason he found that thought agreeable.

"Now, your supplies should arrive tomorrow or within this week, they will be no later than that. Try and study the books as best you can and if possible get some practise in. I don't know how it works in Japan, but underage magic in Britain is forbidden, you may need to ask for permission to practice."

"My Uncle will see to it."

In fact Toshiro had no idea if Urahara could see to it or not, but magic was like reiatsu and they had never been detected before. He doubted that any magic uses in Japan even knew of their existence and would just write of any strange occurrences as something normal. Japan was a very spiritual country after all.

"Good, good. Do your best and I will see you on the 1st of September. Here."

Flitwick delved a hand into his robe pocket and brought out a thick envelope which he handed to Toshiro.

"Your letter to Hogwarts. I know that you already accepted the invite and that it was your Uncle that approached us, but every child coming to Hogwarts gets one, I felt you deserved the same. Inside are instruction for the train and the time of departure, also the school booklist. That could be handy during your reading."

"Train?" Toshiro asked in curiosity.

"The Train to Hogwarts, all the student's catch it. It leaves for London's Kings Cross at 11 am on the 1st of September."

"How will I…"

"Someone will come and collect you and take you to the train station, just like how we travelled today." Toshiro winced; he was not looking forward to that.

"Why can't I just go straight to Hogwarts instead of taking the train?"

"All the students get the train, it's an experience Mr Hitsugaya and you should take them while you have the chance, you never know when they will stop."

Toshiro nodded but was still not convinced. Flitwick merely smiled and stepped back.

"I will see you on September 1st then."

"Will it be you picking me up?" Toshiro asked.

Flitwick shrugged, "who knows young man."

He waved his hand and turned on his heel and with a pop he vanished from sight. Toshiro sighed and stared at the empty space left by the small Professor. What is it with older people always trying to sound so cryptic, why couldn't he have given him a straight answer.

Who knows Master.

You're just as bad Hyorinmaru. You never give me a straight answer, even when you say you are.

But Master, I am old, it is my right to be cryptic as much as I like.

Toshiro huffed and made his way inside. As he slid open the door the sounds of shouting and crashing could be heard from the back along with Urahara's distinct whining voice. Toshiro sighed. This was just going to be a great stay.

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