Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha in any way shape or form…but I will be owning a pair of dog ears in a few days, as well as my Sesshoumaru plushie

A/N This version is way longer, detailed, and more in character—or at least I believe so. I hope that you all enjoy it…if you're a first time reader of my fics, please, compare this to the other Chapter 1 to the older version. You'll see what I'm talking about when you read that first chapter

Chapter 1: A Letter and A Goodbye

Defeat Naraku. Check.

Get Sango and Miroku together. Check.

Go home and tell mom we won. Check.

Go to Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Wait-WHAT?

The raven-haired priestess was pacing around her bedroom floor, going over a mental list of all the things she and her Feudal Era comrades had done already. She was interrupted by a soft, yet alerting, pecking noise coming from her window. She sighed as she came out of her stupor, walking over to the window.

Her first thought of what awaited her was Inuyasha, coming to tell her to come back to the Feudal Era—but she knew better, he would have just come right on in. As she glanced out the window, the young woman noticed that it was a barn owl pecking away at the glass. With a puzzled expression, the priestess opened the window, allowing the animal to come in.

The brown and white colored owl flew in happily, all the while dropping an envelope made of parchment. It lingered for a moment more before flying out the still open window, back to its home, at least that's where Kagome presumed it was heading to.

Still holding a puzzled expression, the young priestess looked at the envelope she had picked up off her floor. To her astonishment, it read:

To: Kagome Higurashi

Sunset Shrine, Tokyo Japan

3rd Room on the Second Floor

Kagome looked down in bewilderment. Who wrote such a thing? She let the first feeling of uneasiness surpass her conscious, and went away with opening the letter. The raven haired beauty looked at the wax seal with wonder, the symbol of a badge with great detail, before carefully opening the letter, causing the wax to rip slightly. The inside read:

Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Ms. Kagome Higurashi,

I'd like to congratulate you on being accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. No, this is not a joke. We are, in fact, a real school in London, England.

We anticipate you're arrival, and will send a member of the staff in a month to receive your answer on whether or not you shall be attending school with us this year. Also, if you do decide to join us this coming year, please be ready to leave when the staff member arrives.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Kagome starred in bewilderment. Her striking grey eyes read through the letter for a 5th time. She couldn't believe this. Inside, she knew that after all that had happened in her life in the past year should leave her with a knowing that something like this was bound to be real, but, she just couldn't get the thought to process in her brain.

After a few moments, and still not knowing what to do Kagome walked quickly out of her room and down the stairs to the kitchen where her mother stood cooking. "Mom?" She questioned.

Mrs. Higurashi looked up, smiling at her daughter she quickly whipped her hands on her apron and stepped out of the kitchen after making sure everything was okay to be left alone, "Yes, what is it honey?"

Her eldest child took a breath, and then proceeded to hold up a letter, "I just received this letter. They spoke of a Wizarding School in England?"

Mrs. Higurashi took the letter from her daughter's offered hand, and read over it, pausing to think. A moment later Kagome noticed that her mother's face showed that something made sense in her mind, so she took a seat as did her mother. "I suppose it's time I told you," Mrs. Higurashi sighed, "You see, you're father was a wizard,"

Kagome nodded, allowing her mother to continue, "You and Souta, as well as all the other muggles—those without magical abilities—were told that he died in a car accident. But, the truth was that he was killed by an evil wizard named Voldemort, although many call him He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named for they fear him so much that even uttering his name will bring bad fortune." Kagome's mother stopped, giving her eldest time to digest the information.

"So, it seems that I inherited his powers, correct?" Mrs. Higurashi nodded at Kagome's question, "It seems that you inherited traits from both sides of the family, and it's also most likely that Souta will inherit the wizarding genes too, for they're usually the dominant gene." She smiled, "Now, I know you were thinking of transferring schools this coming year, but, would you like to join this one instead?"

Kagome took a moment to think. Just by knowing that the school was in England meant that it was a boarding school, so she had to contemplate whether to be away from her family for 4 months, and then another 6, or, to go to a muggle—as her mother put it—school and forget she ever had these powers. After a moment of pondering, the young priestess realized the simplest answer. She'd be idiotic to not go to this school, not only would she have a chance to enhance her miko powers, but, as well as learn to control the magical ones she apparently also possessed, "I'd love to attend the school," Her mother smiled once more at her child's decision.

"That's wonderful honey, now, I know you wanted to spend some time with your Feudal Era friends, so, I'll let Souta and your grandfather know what's going on when they get home. You just go be with your friends for two weeks, then back home so you can get ready and pack for the last two weeks." Kagome nodded, hugged her mother, and ran up to her room.

Once at her room, Kagome realized she left her window open. With a soft chuckle she walked over and closed the window, and then she proceeded to grab her yellow bag to put some things she'll need for coming two weeks in the Feudal Era. An hour later, she was out the door after saying a quick goodbye to her mother.

"So, I'll be gone for four months, then another six." Kagome finished her explanation to her companions and friends. Everyone was silent, and Kagome took a look at all their faces. Inuyasha's was one of utter anger yet please. He was angry she'd be gone for so long, yet glad that Kagome would be learning more fighting (his words, not Kagome's) techniques, as well as enhancing her already known abilities.

Sango's face showed sadness, but glee. Like Inuyasha, she was glad that the girl she now referred to as sister was going to be able to learn more in her abilities. Miroku was surprisingly silent and didn't show much reflection of his emotions. Of course, there was sadness in his eyes for he'd grown to like Kagome as a brother would—not the perverted way he acted when they first met.

Kagome's eyes shifted over to Shippou. He was the one showing the most emotion, "Come here, Shippou," Kagome said silently. His teal eyes which held unshed tears looked up. The young kitsune saw her slightly opened arms and he jumped into her embrace. She held him in a motherly hold, knowing that the separation she'd have from him would be far greater than anyone else's. In the past year she'd come to adore the young kitsune, treating him like her own son. His hold on her as they embraced was very strong, showing that he didn't intend on letting his mother leave him so soon and for such a long amount of time. Kagome sighed sadly, and kissed the top of his head.

"So, when are you leaving again?" The demon slayer quietly asked.

Kagome's gaze shifted to her best friend's, "About a month, but, I'm heading back home in two weeks so I can spend time with my family as well as pack all of my things up." Sango smiled sadly at the answer.

After she had answered Sango, Kagome looked over at the silver haired hanyou she'd come to fall for. He was unusually quiet throughout her entire announcement. The last time she heard him talk was when he kept on pestering about the lack of bulk in her yellow bag, but was quiet when she answered she'd be leaving soon and was only staying with them for two weeks. This conversation was the one that lead everyone to the current silence.

"So…" Kagome started, not really liking the silence. It seemed neither did Miroku, for he attempted to break the ice by being his usual self.

Groping Sango.

Everyone stood outside the well, everyone including Keade who had been with a sick neighbor when Kagome had given her news. Shippou had been crying nonstop since the morning when Kagome had begun packing her stuff, and Inuyasha was unusually quite like he was at the beginning of the two weeks they were together. Miroku, on the other hand, had gone straight back to being a pervert, which you could say did help lighten their moods although it was slightly annoying.

But this only led to him getting hit on the head countless times by Sango, who was rather emotional on the parting day as well. She walked up to her sister, embracing her tightly, "Never forget us, and remember to tell me everything that happened while you were in England," Kagome nodded and spoke back to her sister, still in their embrace, "I'd never forget you. Now you, though, must be nicer to Miroku. The two of you are getting married soon, stop acting like an old married couple; you'll be a YOUNG married couple soon enough!"

Sango smiled, letting go of Kagome so she could continue on with her goodbyes. "Miroku, never change," She whispered into his ear as she went up and hugged him, too. He laughed slightly, squeezing Kagome back, "I'll try not to, but you know what they say; marriage changes a man." She laughed too, letting go of their embrace.

"Keade, all that I've learned from you will forever be with me. I shall put it all to great use," Kagome spoke to the woman she'd come to know as a grandmother and mentor. Keade smiled, and pulled her sister's reincarnation into a hug, "Learn a lot, but remember to let ye have plenty fun, as well,"

Kagome smiled. She finally turned to Shippou, "Shippou, now, you remember to be nice to Inuyasha while I'm away, and help out as much as possible, okay?" Her son sniffled slightly, looking up at her, and smiled. Kagome smiled back, and pulled Shippou into a hug, "I'll miss you, but, I'm sure the four months will fly by," she whispered into his kitsune ear.

Said kitsune nodded, and kissed Kagome goodbye, "I'll be good, for you mother," Kagome smiled once more and set him down. She turned to Inuyasha, "Come on, we should be heading back."

Inuyasha and Kagome had already decided that Inuyasha would come to her home for a day or so, so as to give Souta some company while Kagome was busy helping out her grandfather the most she could before she had to leave. Secretly, she was glad they'd have some alone time away from everyone else for only a little bit of time.

He nodded, and Kagome said her final goodbye, while Inuyasha just said he'd be back in a few days. Just as Kagome was about to swing her last leg around the well's outer edge, Sango stopped her, "Wait—I want you to take Kirara with you. You said that you were allowed to take an animal with you, so, I want you to have Kirara. She'll keep you protected and safe if things ever get too rough for you to handle." Kagome turned towards Sango and graciously accepted the fire cat demon, "Thank you, Sango, I appreciate it. I appreciate all that you've done, truly," She smiled one last time before jumping into the well, Bag and Kirara in hand and Inuyasha only a short second behind her.

"Mama!" Kagome called as she took off her shoes and placed her bag down as she opened the door and let herself and Inuyasha inside.

"In the kitchen!" Came her mother's elegant voice from the sink where she was washing dishes. Kagome and Inuyasha walked into the kitchen to see the sight of Mrs. Higurashi whipping her hands on a towel, "Welcome home honey, and hello Inuyasha," She stepped forward and gave the boy she'd come to know in the past year a hug. Awkwardly, Inuyasha hugged the older woman back. Kagome had to stifle a giggle at the sight…if only she had a camera.

"How's everyone in the Feudal Era?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, letting go of Inuyasha to look at Kagome, still having yet to notice the cat on her shoulder.

"It was good. We helped a few villages, but we really just hung out for a while." Kagome replied. It seemed her mother had finally taken notice to Kirara once she mewed.

"Kagome—what's that creature on your shoulder?" Mrs. Higurashi questioned with mother's scorn, apprehension, and slight fright evident in her voice.

Her daughter looked to where she was questioning, "This is Sango's dear companion Kirara—she's a fire cat demon. Sango knew I was allowed to have pets at the school, so she entrusted me with her."

"Alright," Kagome's mother let out a sigh, glad that the creature wasn't dangerous. That point was made even clearer when Kagome held Kirara and proceeded to pet the cat, which let out little mews of joy accompanied with purring.

Inuyasha just starred at Kagome's face as she stroked Kirara's fur, she seemed to be enjoying herself, holding the cat which gave her such a familiarity of her sister-like best friend. Unknowingly, he outwardly smiled at the sight. Although he didn't know he did it, Mrs. Higurashi noticed it, along with his gaze. 'Hm, it seems I'll have to awaken my matchmaker skills once again,' Mrs. Higurashi thought and gave a small mischievous smile that went on without anyone's knowing.

The next two weeks went by very quickly for the young miko and hanyou. Mrs. Higurashi had begun her matchmaker skills, beginning with having Kagome's three 21st century friends involved. She had told them her plan, and once convinced, they were to follow Kagome and Inuyasha around as spies once the two went on their first date—although the two weren't calling it one—to a carnival, and make sure everything went smoothly.

In the end, the three came back and reported that everything went efficiently. Inuyasha even ended up winning Kagome a stuffed dog—a snow white dog, to be exact—that she held very dearly since he had won it. Kagome had also convinced him to go on the Ferris Wheel with her—although some uses of persuasion were necessary. Mrs. Higurashi smiled when she was told of the date, but even happier when her daughter and Inuyasha came home smiling and talking happily. No arguing, no sitting, just…laughing and smiling.

Throughout the entire 3 days Inuyasha had been with them—Mrs. Higurashi decided she wasn't going to let him leave so soon—there was a huge difference in the way Inuyasha treated those around him. Before, he would have spoke and acted harshly and with guards up; but now he acted friendlier and less deadly towards others. Kagome also began to change; she smiled even more—although she smiled a lot before—and began to act as though the two were already a couple. No kissing, no, Inuyasha would have freaked out, but, they held each other more and held hands when they were together.

Despite the want to have the two together longer, Kagome's mother decided that it was time for Inuyasha to go back. Kagome still had yet to start packing, and her family wanted to spend time with her desperately. Sadly, the two complied and Kagome walked her favorite hanyou to the well house.

"I'm going to miss you, Inuyasha," She silently spoke, looking up at the man she'd come to love more and more in the past few days.

He smiled, something he'd gradually taken to doing, "As will I," he spoke just as silently. Their heads gradually inched closer and closer and as the two spoke, almost as if their brains had no control over what they were doing. They both had the chance to stop what was bound to happen, but neither made an attempt to. Kagome just stood on her tippy toes and leaned up, catching Inuyasha's lips in her own.

To her pleasure, Inuyasha kissed back and pulled her close to him. Kagome wrapped her arms around Inuyasha's neck, as his hands kept her to him, resting on her waist. She continued to kiss, and soon enough after they each took a quick breath Inuyasha's tongue swept across Kagome's bottom lip. She helplessly opened her mouth for only a fraction of a second, but that was all that Inuyasha needed. His tongue and hers soon began a war of seeing who'd have control. Of course, Inuyasha won and they both took another breath before going back to the now make-out.

A few minutes later Kagome pulled away, only to see the sight of Inuyasha's sad eyes. She giggled, "I have to go back, as do you."

He nodded, "I'm going to miss you Kagome," Inuyasha pulled her close, embracing Kagome with the new found energy he realized he had. The energy from love, "Kagome…"

The said girl looked up into his eyes once more with a questioning expression, "…I love you, Kagome," She smiled as her eyes began to water up.

Kagome pulled Inuyasha tighter against her, "I-I love you too, Inuyasha" As they embraced she began to cry. After all this time, they'd proclaimed their love to each other…and now, they were going to be separated for 4 months.

"I should head back, as should you," Inuyasha spoke a moment later, sadly, "I have to go make sure that Sango hasn't killed that Monk yet, and Shippou's still alive,"

His love giggled and nodded, letting him go, "I'll miss you,"

"And I'll miss you, as well," With that they were separated, for Inuyasha had jumped into the well with brisk speed.

The young priestess sighed a sad sigh; she was going to miss her hanyou. They had only begun to express their feelings openly for three days, and they were already being separated. Silently, she left the well house and walked back to the main house where the rest of the week as well as the following would be filled with family joy, as well as packing.

A/N TADA! There's chapter one! I hope you all like the new version! I personally do It's like, 3 pages longer then the original, as well as have 3,138 words while the other had 958, lol. o.O