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Chapter Twenty-Eight

Yusuke sighed heavily. "I don't see why I have to take the train this year. I folded in before." He was decidedly sulky. He'd even put off packing until the last minute.

Sirius was of the opinion that he'd not had enough time with his family; the Korean problem had eaten into family time badly. "I know. But Dumbledore insisted, and you don't want to draw his attention so early. Besides, your father said," and that was the end of it as far as everyone was concerned.

Yusuke nodded. "I know, but still ..." He huffed his irritation, pulled a cigarette out of his now-clean mallet space and began to smoke furiously.

Remus was against trying to placate Yusuke; it didn't work and usually annoyed the hell out of him. He just gave one of those rather feral smiles that startled people he knew. "Well, look at it this way. You have been granted the privilege of total self-study. That means that you don't have to attend any class, just turn in the work. I'd suggest that you attend practicals and let the lectures go. Miss Granger will have a fit."

Yusuke waved his cigarette, leaving behind a distinct scent of cloves. "She'll have a tizzy, no matter what. I don't care. This is ridiculous. The Ministry of Magic has much to answer for. I'm inclined to press the issue."

Sirius smiled; it was just as nasty as Remus'. "Leave it up to Musashi-sama. I believe he has a poisoned pen up his sleeve. The ICW is not inclined to interfere, just yet, but if the Ministry keeps up their stupidity, there's going to be trouble."

Yusuke sighed. "Ok, ok. Don't have a fit; I'll be good."

Sirius smirked then got a rather shifty-eyed look. "Now who the hell said 'be good'? It surely wasn't me. I believe your father said, and I quote, 'Do not bring shame upon us. Do not get caught doing anything Dumbledore or the Ministry would disapprove of.' Didn't say a damn thing about not doing anything. Just said, Do not get caught." He held up a finger then tapped his nose like Dumbledore did when he was trying to look wise.

Yusuke brightened. "So he did."

Remus took up the challenge and demanded, "So ... who's your first victim?"

"Um ... not sure. Really, I think it depends on who pisses me off first."

Sirius glanced at Remus and they said, together, "Draco! Bread and butter."

This got them a snort, then a blank look. "Bread and butter? What does that have to do with anything?"

That comment brought about a ten minute lecture on British superstitions which left them all laughing.

The packing was summarily finished and they folded to King's Cross Station with plenty of time to get on the train.

Sirius strode through the station as if he owned it, with Remus at his side. Yusuke followed behind them, surrounded by Yakuza in their Savile Row suits and Gargoyle sunglasses. He wore the same garb as the elder Yakuza, only it cost three times what theirs did. The main group was followed by more junior members of the clan. The junior men carried all the luggage and presented another sneering front, scowling at anyone who tried to break the 'square' and sending them scurrying away.

Yusuke settled in a compartment, waving a hand to enlarge it. He knew that Hermione and Neville would join him and he didn't want Sirius or Remus to be crowded. They were going to travel by the Express to Ken No Ie, where they would stay.

. . . . . . . . .

Hermione sighed; she hated leaving her parents on this side of the barrier, but, as muggles, they couldn't get through.

"Miss Hermione. You go? School? Yes?" The yakuza knew the young woman and liked her.

Hermione smiled at him and nodded. "Hai. I am." She made introductions in proper Japanese, then English.