One Tin Soldier

Chapter 7: Their Very Own

Harry soon found himself kneeling at a low table surrounded by several other teenagers. Ichigo introduced them as Inoue Orihime, Sado Yasutora who Ichigo nicknamed Chad, and Ishida Uryu.

Just as he finished the introductions, a black cat leapt onto the table to greet everyone. "This is Yoruichi-chan," Kisuke Urahara introduced coyly from behind the fan hiding his face.

The cat gave off the same vibes as Professor McGonagall when she was in her cat form. Harry raised an eyebrow. "I see."

A shy, doe-eyed girl set out the tea service as Ichigo went on to explain to everyone present about meeting Harry in England. How Harry had written to his father asking if he could visit, as he'd discovered he was distantly related to Ichigo's mother.

"Harry's a wizard. He can do magic through a wand," Ichigo rambled on in an offhand manner.

"It surprised me; Goat-face was very focused while we were away. He said that he had actually done some research on Harry before we left home." He paused and scowled. "When we got there something else happened..."

The lanky teen huffed in annoyance as he remembered how they met in Surrey. "Geta-boshi, what do you know about...Oi, Harry, what did you call those two that attacked us?"

"You mean the Dementors? They're foul, wraith-like creatures that guard the Wizarding prison of Azkaban," Harry explained with a shudder. "They suck out all your happiness and force you to relive your worst memories! What's even worse, they suck out your soul by 'the Kiss'. They're considered one of the foulest and most dangerous creatures in the Wizarding World." He went on to explain how the Ministry was the only authority that could command them.

Harry was surprised as they seemed more concerned about the Dementors than the fact he could do magic.

"Ah. I will have to do some research on them, Kurosaki-kun," Urahara said, tapping his fan against his chin. "I am sure I have heard of them before, why do you ask?"

"I had to kill two of them." The orange haired teen scowled. "They felt like Menos, but they were only a little taller than I am, and I couldn't see any holes because they wore tattered robes."

Everyone around the table exchanged nervous looks.

"There is one more thing," Ichigo finished. "Muramasa chose Harry that night as well."

Urahara dropped his fan as everyone looked at a very embarrassed Harry.

"Uh...yes?" Harry said, nervously. "But I had to learn his name, took me a week! He's been great, was a big help with the healers."

"Can you call him out, Harry-san?" the blonde shopkeeper asked, leaning forward eagerly.

"Uh...not yet. He says that I need to 'learn to focus my spirit pressure' first. My magical core's still too unstable from having blocks, and a soul parasite removed. So he can't." Harry ducked his head in embarrassment.

"What do you mean Harry-san?" Urahara asked, slapped his fan closed.

"Muramasa told me that someone had placed several barriers around my magical core. That my 'spirit pressure' and magic were so busy fighting to be free they've become unstable. When the goblins removed all the blocks it only made things worse.

"He says once everything's stabilized, he'll be able to materialize in the Living World, like he used to. I suspect Dumbledore was behind everything that was done to me, but I can't prove it."

"I think," Yoruichi the cat spoke in a man's voice as he sat in front of Harry. "We need to bring Tessai and Hachigen into this. They might have techniques to help you with both your magic and your unstable core."