A/N: Here's the next chapter! What a wait, I know... Actually, I've been reading lots of Mass Effect fanfiction..

So believe that magic works

Don't be afraid

Of being hurt

Don't let this magic die

The answer's there

Oh, just look in her eyes

- P. Doyle, 'Magic Works' (2005).

Sachiko woke up with a start. There it was again, the feeling of being drawn to something outside of herself. She felt so tired, had been feeling tired all week now. Her magic was pulling her towards something (or someone), attempting to break her tight control over it. The cold flame never felt so alive, so wild within her before.

She sighed. "Control, Sachiko. Control." Sachiko closed her eyes tightly, and lay back down again on her soft, comfortable bed. The rays of dawn peeked through her room's windows. She tried falling asleep again, but her magic refused to calm down. The feeling came in waves. Sachiko did not understand.

Growling in frustration, she threw the covers off her and began dressing for the day. A quick freshening-up spell, a quick comb through her hair and Sachiko looked like she always did to others – the almost enthereal beauty with cold blue eyes.

Heading down the stone stairs into the common room, and out towards the Dining Hall, Sachiko picked up the familiar and annoying sounds of girls gathering behind her. Here they come. Again. After Rosa Chinensis en bouton. Or rather, to become Rosa Chinensis en bouton's petite soeur. Her heart was indifferent towards them, being exposed all her childhood and youth towards her family's syncophants. She didn't hate them, but she didn't care for them either.

Lost in her thoughts, her feet carried her towards the Pine House table. But instead of heading towards where the other second years sat, Sachiko was moving towards the first years. She only realised too late when her legs bumped into the wooden benches.

Right in front of her was a brown-haired girl, merrily chatting with her friends, not realising Sachiko was right behind her. Until her friend sitting opposite her noticed Sachiko and mouth gaped wide open.

There was awed silence all around. Sachiko's face was a cool mask. Inwardly, she panicked. She must have been more tired that expected, her magic pulling herself forward while her thoughts were preoccupied. Strangely, now that she was now standing slightly awkwardly at the table, the pull had stopped. Her magic had calmed down, almost like a gently swaying flame inside of her.

She still felt a little awkward though, and realised it would be too strange now to just walk away. She tapped the girl's shoulder. "Ah, come with me, please." The first-year turned around slowly, eyes wide in a slight panic.

"Of-of course, Sachiko-sama."

"Follow me, please."

Without another word, Sachiko turned around, and strode out of the Dining Hall. The first year followed behind her obediently.

Sachiko held her breath. What now? I only did it to save myself the embarassment, but what do I say now?

She came to a stop right outside the doors of the Hall, and turned towards the first year. Soft brown eyes – there was something familiar about them. Slightly shorter than herself. The younger girl was worrying her lower lip. "Sachiko-sama?"

Sachiko took a step closer, all the while looking into the other girl's brown eyes. The other girl was as still as a statue, transfixed by her cool gaze. It seemed like an eternity passed as they stood facing each other, not quite touching, but close enough that their breaths mingled.

To others they might seem to have been having a very private conversation, even though in truth, less than ten words had passed their lips so far. Sachiko surprised herself with their physical closeness, but found that she didn't mind it. Let others think what they will.

"What is your name?"

"Fukuzawa Yumi."

Sachiko frowned. What a familiar family name. "Are you a relative of House Fukuzawa, of the Imperial Household?"

Yumi startled. "Oh no, Sachiko-sama. My family is from the rural mountains, far north."

"Is that so…" said Sachiko.

"Well… I have known no other life than the mountains, Sachiko-sama." Said Yumi.

Sachiko nodded distractedly. She felt herself about to take another step closer to the girl, closer than they already were. Slightly shocked at her lack of control, she muttered, "Let's go back in. We don't want to miss breakfast."

The younger girl looked puzzled, expecting Sachiko to have more questions. Sachiko shook her head and stepped back from Yumi. This feeling.. of familiarity. What is it? Sachiko's heart beat quickened, and she felt afraid. Why do I feel this way? She tore her gaze away from Yumi and towards the wall behind the girl. "Let's go, Yumi." And yet she herself did not move.

Yumi did not seem to notice. The girl was gathering herself to ask a question.

"Sachiko-sama, I have a favour to ask…" said Yumi.

Sachiko remained silent, face impassive and continued looking away from Yumi. A favour? Always they ask for favours. Am I nothing but a scion of House Ogasawara?

Yumi took her silence as an indication to continue. "My friend took a photograph of us yesterday, at the Quidditch match. She would – would like to enter it into a competition. Tsutako-san's a really good photographer, and if she won-"

Sachiko raised her eyebrows in surprise, her gaze now seeking Yumi's once more, and caught it. "What are you asking?"

Yumi faltered at her intense look. "For your permission – if she won, and I really think she could! If she won she can afford to visit her family over Winter Solstice. And it would mean a lot to her, if she could see them, be-because she-"

Sachiko found herself pleasantly caught off guard. "A favour, for your friend?"

Yumi coloured. "Yes."

"I would like to see the photo, first, of course. But there should be no reason to disagree." Sachiko smiled gently.

Yumi's eyes lit up in happiness, her previous embarassment now gone. "Of course! My friend and I are in Pine House, Sachiko-sama, so we can bring it up to your room after dinner..?"

"Are you not the one asking the favour? So your friend does not need to be present. Come by yourself." replied Sachiko.

Yumi nodded, before smiling up at Sachiko. The older girl felt her magic suddenly rear its strength again and braced herself mentally to control the flare. But she didn't need to. Her magic wasn't trying to break free this time. She felt a pleasant shiver run through her. What is this feeling?

She heard students approaching the door. "I'll see you tonight." Said Sachiko.

"Thank you, Sachiko-sama." Whispered Yumi.

They both went their separate ways as soon as they reached their House table. Sachiko was about to sit when Rosa Chinensis beckoned her towards the Yamayurikai table. Most of the first years had finished breakfast and left to prepare for their Charms class – Tsutako and Mami were the only ones remaining, loyally waiting for Yumi to return and finish her bowl of rice and fish.

"Hurry up, Yumi-san. You know how Katanashi-sensei loves deducting points from our House. We don't want to be late!"

Yumi slipped back into her seat, quietly resuming her breakfast as her friends Tsutako-san and Mami-san looked enquiringly at her. They noticed Yumi's slightly dazed expression and decided questions could wait.

Besides, they really had to get to Charms class as soon as Yumi finished her meal.

A/N: Oh Sachiko. One step closer and she might have had.. but not so fast! ;) Feelings of familiarity aside, Sachiko and Yumi have much more to figure out before they jump aboard the Sachiko/Yumi ship.