Work of fanfiction.

"Off to Hogwarts," said Ron cheerfully as they found an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express. He had waited outside the prefects' carriage for the other two members of the Dream Trio, having given up his position last year.

"Yeah," said Harry, sitting down, "Wonder who'll be the Defense teacher this year? Lupin would be great, though that's wishful thinking."

"We'll just have to see," said Hermione, "Oh! We put this off long enough. What did everyone get on their O.W.L.s?"

Harry's head snapped up. "I had completely forgot to open them!"

Ron looked sheepish. "I'm not sure I'll want to open mine."

"Honestly, Ron," huffed Hermione with her characteristic eye roll, "You need it for course optioning this year.

"Yeah…"

"We'll open them together, Ron," assured Harry. "C'mon." He held up his envelope. Hermione also took hers out, still sealed. "`Mione?"

"I figured we should all open them together," she said with a shrug, "It's been driving me kinda crazy, but I did it."

"Fine," said Ron, pulling his out, "It's not like I haven't been expecting it."

They all nodded, then opened their letters. "I'll go first," said Hermione, and started to recite: "History of Magic: O. Charms: O. Transfiguration: O. DADA: O. Ancient Runes: A. Arithmancy: E. Potions: O. Care of Magical Creatures: E. Herbology: O. Astronomy: D. D?"

Harry frowned. "I thought you'd do better than that `Mione. But you remember what happened in astronomy."

"Yeah."

"Well, I could've done a lot better," said Ron miserably. "History of Magic: D. Charms: A. Transfiguration: A. DADA: O. Divination: T. Huh, there really is a T. Potions: D. Care of Magical Creatures: A. Herbology: A Astronomy: D. So, how about you Harry?"

Harry quirked a little smile. "History of Magic, though I have no idea how: A. Charms: O. Transfigurations: E. DADA: O. Divination, with no clue how: D. Potions: O. Bite me, Snape. Care of Magical Creatures: O. Herbology: E. Astronomy: D."

"Blimey, Harry! That's amazing! You could go in for Auror classes!"

Harry smiled. "I think I will."

Hermione grinned. "Won't Snape be surprised to see you again. Looks like we'll be in a lot of the same classes, Harry."

"Huh?" Ron and Harry both looked at her strangely.

"Oh. Uh…I'm going to try being an Auror." Strangely, she almost seemed to blush at this.

"You mean, you're going to be an Auror," said Ron. He looked kind of disappointed. "It's not like you ever failed at schoolwork before."

Hermione nodded. "What about you, Ron? What are you going to do?"

Ron shrugged. "Maybe MLE. Or pro Quiddich now that I finally got out of my 'crowd rut'."

"That's not too different than Auror classes, MLE is," noted Harry, "Why don't you take those? You'll have Quiddich as a fallback, and classes with us."

"That was basically what I was thinking," said Ron, yawning, "Merlin, I'm tired. Shouldn't have stayed up so late."

"We can go patrolling, leave you alone, so you can sleep," offered Hermione.

"If you two want to. I don't mind," answered Ron, slouching down and drawing his robes up around his face. He was already snoring by the time that the other two had stepped into the corridor.

Hermione shut the compartment's door, shutting off Ron's snores. "I feel sorry for you, Harry."

Harry took his wand out and hid it up his sleeve. "Nah, he doesn't snore lying down. At least, as badly."

"Why did you put your wand up your sleeve?" asked Hermione.

"`Mione, you don't seriously think we're not going to run into Malfoy, right?" Harry asked, with a surprised look on his face. He grinned as she emulated his trick.

"Let's go," said Hermione with a smirk on her face, "Between this and the DA, Malfoy won't know what hit him."

 One encounter with Malfoy and Parkinson later, had Harry and Hermione walking away, spinning their wands in their fingers, humming and singing a Muggle 'oldie'. The DA was cheering as they surveyed the results of their leaders' handiwork, even after Harry and Hermione had left the car.

"Impressive," said a voice. A man wearing leather armor and a cloak walked up to the stunned and cursed bodies of the two Slytherins. A sword hung at his side, the handle easily visible. "Not a bad showing at all." He had spiky brown hair, and a skinny but powerful frame. When he stood up from his check of the bodies, the students got a good look at his face. His right cheek bore an ugly cross-scar. It didn't detract from his beauty, mostly because he really didn't have much. "Who did this?" His eye bored into the oldest student's. The student noted the fact that they were constantly shifting color, never staying the same, like the colors were a boiling potion. They also seemed to demand complete truth.

"Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, sir," got out the student.

"The Boy-who-lived, and his friend, huh? I'll have to remember that," said the man, as he put his hand on the butt of his sword's hilt, drawing it upwards to let himself turn unencumbered. He walked out of the car, singing softly. "Du, du, du. Another one bites the dust. Du, du, du. Another one bites the dust. And another one gone, another one gone, another one bites the dust."

Harry and Hermione both walked back towards the car where they had left Ron. Harry watched as Hermione stretched her wand arm. "That was some fast spell-work," commented the brunette.

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, it was good to loosen back up after break."

"Well, you haven't lost any skill over the last two months."

"Well, if you say it, it must be true," said Harry jokingly.

She frowned. "It's not like I'm perfect, you know. You heard my O.W.L.s."

"I never said you were," said Harry, backing off a bit.

She was starting to get angry now. "But everyone expects me to be! Hermione Granger, whose greatest fear is a 9/10 on her homework." The last sentence was delivered bitterly. "I mean, if I don't get a perfect on a test, everyone automatically thinks they failed it!"

It was a good thing they were between cars, mused Harry. Hermione was getting a little hysterical.

"How can everyone expect me to hold up to this, all the time!?"

Harry smiled sadly. "I understand, `Mione."

"How could you? You use my notes, my help…"

She stopped when she saw him tapping his forehead. "Boy-who-lived, remember?"

She clapped her hands over her mouth. "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry!"

He shook his head. "How many times have I blown up at you and
Ron? Don't worry about it. So long as," His sad smile turned into a broad grin, "you still help us out on our homework."

She jokingly punched him. "Hey!"

Harry put up his hands. "Don't worry, `Mione, I'll be fair. You can copy my homework too."

She smirked. "I might just have to take you up on that."

"Blimey! And risk the dreaded 9/10?"

She giggled, but turned more serious. "That's not my greatest fear, you know." She blushed lightly.

Harry didn't see it. "I know. C'mon, let's get back to Ron."

When they got back, Ron had detained the food trolley so they could buy snacks. Harry bought a stack of Cauldron Cakes and a few Chocolate Frogs for everyone. 'Everyone' including Ginny, now a new fifth-year prefect, and Luna, who had her wand behind her ear, and was reading the now-famous issue of the Quibbler for perhaps the fortieth time.

"What did I miss?" asked Ron.

"We came, we saw, we hexed," grinned Harry.

Ron pouted. "Now I wish I hadn't stayed up so late."

Everyone laughed and Luna switched issues. It was the current issue of the magazine. She turned to the title story and started reading. Ginny read the cover. "A third class of humans outside of wizards and Muggles? A look at the mysterious third segment of humanity."

Luna nodded. "They're called janshi. They don't use magic, but exhibit extremely formidable powers." She flipped through the story. "Actually, there isn't much here. I think Daddy just liked the story so he made it cover." She frowned. "To be honest, this issue isn't much good."

"Janshi," said Hermione, "I think that's Chinese for 'warrior'. But a third class of humanity? That's pretty far out." The others all nodded.

Luna bit her lip. "I don't know why Daddy let in such an unresearched story. Though there are some interesting things at the end about figures in history who might have been janshi."

Ron opened a Chocolate Frog. "Ahh. Hey! Harry, you've got your own Chocolate Frog card!"

Harry nearly choked on the Cauldron Cake he was eating. "What!? You're kidding."

Ron handed the card over. Harry looked it over, speechless. "Don't let fame get to your head, Harry," laughed Ginny.

Ron chuckled too. "Dumbledore always did value his Frog card over all the honors he was given."

"Congratulation," said Luna. Harry slipped the pentagonal card into his pocket. Luna's gaze drifted back to the Quibbler. "You know, I wish I knew more about the janshi. Even with so few details, it seems to be true."

Hermione coughed, as if to say: Well, now that she believes in it, we know it's bogus.

The conversation shifted to Hogwarts and course optioning, the train puffing onwards.

"Ahh. It is good to see you all again, back safe and sound at Hogwarts," proclaimed Dumbledore, "Now, I ask that we begin the Sorting of our newcomers. Bring in the Sorting Hat!"

Like normal, it was an almost even four-way split between the three Houses. Unlike normal, there were so many new students that the tables got a mite crowded. Harry got sandwiched between Ron and Hermione. Almost immediately, Dumbledore extended the tables, but Harry thought Hermione didn't take as much advantage of the new room as Ron did.

"And now," said Dumbledore, "I have a few words for you. Tuck in!" Food magically appeared on the plates. Ron dug in, but Harry and Hermione looked at the notes containing the password that had appeared along with the food.

"What is it this year?" asked Ron through a three-quarters full mouth.

"Shrubbery," deadpanned Harry.

Hermione giggled. "Ni!"

Ron shook his head. "You're scaring me, Herms." As the other two filled their plates, he looked up at the teacher table. "Hey. Is that Lupin up there?"

Harry and Hermione's heads snapped up and stared at the werewolf. "It is him!" said Harry happily. Lupin waved at them. They waved back and stared eating again. Harry found an interesting dish. Fish on top of tacky rice. He popped one of the little things in his mouth. "Hmm, pretty good. Hey, Hermione?" The bushy-haired girl looked at him. "What's this stuff?"

Her eyes widened. "That's sushi. It's Japanese." She ate a piece. "Maguro."

"What was that?" asked Ron.

"Tuna. Good tuna. Funny, we've never had Japanese food here before." Her eyes swept the staff table. "Who's the guy talking to Hagrid?"

Ron and Harry both looked up to see the spiky-haired man in leather armor speaking to Hagrid. "You mean scar-face, right Herms?" asked Ron.

She frowned. "Yeah, Ron, I'm talking about the one who has a sword leaned up against his chair."

Ron's eyes got really wide. Harry looked at it interestedly. "That's a katana. That's a Japanese blade."

Hermione looked at Harry, surprised. "How'd you know that?"

Harry shrugged. "Some guy opened a swords shop in Little Whinging. I got along with him and helped him out in the shop as a summer job. Learned a bunch about swords. Looks like the guy is eating sushi, too."

"I guess that's why the house elves made these," said Hermione, "Wonder if there are any chopsticks around?"

Harry found a couple of pairs, and he and Hermione moved onto the sushi until dessert appeared. Harry demolished a large slice of cheesecake, Hermione ate chocolate cake, and Ron ate half a cherry pie. Feeling rather sated, they looked up at Dumbledore as he made his traditional beginning-of-term speech. After he had gotten through the normal information for the new students, he progressed to introductions. "And I would like to welcome back Professor Remus Lupin, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Lupin got a loud cheer. "Also, Hogwarts is offering a new class for sixth years and above, very useful for those who plan to go into Magical Law Enforcement or plan to become Aurors. Professor Kai Reased will be teaching Warrior Arts." The scarred man smiled and nodded to Dumbledore. "Now, I believe it is time for us all to go up to bed. Prefects, please lead your Houses up to the dormitories. Good night."

The students all stood up. Harry sighed and cupped his hands round his mouth. "First year Gryffindors, please follow me! First year Gryffindors this way!"

"See you two at the tower," said Ron, making his way through the crowd quickly.

Harry and Hermione sighed, and started leading the new additions to Gryffindor House to the dorms.

Hermione and Harry finished checking off their schedules. She picked hers up and read it out. "Okay, we have Advanced Charms, Advanced Transfigurations, Advanced Potions, and, of course, Advanced DADA. We've also got Advanced Care of Magical Creatures and Advanced Herbology. Astronomy we don't have a choice about. No more History of Magic. I'm dropping Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, and you're dropping Divination. Harry, we're going to have two free slots." She looked up at him. "What are you planning to do about that?"

Harry drummed his fingers on the common room table. "Well, Dumbledore sent me a note saying that if I wanted, I could keep the DA up and running as a school club. I was kinda hoping you would help me on that. I mean, it was your idea in the first place. He said in the note that it would be good to have a free slot for planning, and that the added responsibility justified the empty slot."

Her cheeks tinged pink. "Sure Harry, I'll help you. What about the other one?"

"What about the new class? What is it?" He looked over the scheduling form. "Warrior Arts. Dumbledore said it'd be helpful for our career field. Actually," said Harry, tapping his chin, "I think I saw him glance over at us when he announced it."

Hermione turned thoughtful. "Yes, he did say that. But what kind of class is it anyway? I've never heard of it."

"Neither have I," said Harry, "But I'm interested. It can't hurt, can it?"

"You're right." They checked it off. Ron walked over to them.

"Are you two finally done?" He smiled at their nods. "Can I see them?" He looked over Harry's. "Oh no!"

"What is it Ron?" asked Hermione.

"You two are taking the exact same classes, right?" At their uncomprehending nods, he continued, "You're not in History of Magic! I already turned in my sheet."

"So?" said Harry, "We weren't going to have the same classes, Ron, you knew that."

"Not the point! Now I don't have access to Hermione's godlike notes."

Hermione punched him in the arm. "You prat!" she laughed.

Ron looked over the rest of it. "Looks like I won't be seeing you in Divination either, Harry."

Harry looked at Ron surprisedly. "I thought you were dropping that class."

Ron shook his head. "You have to deal with Seers in MLE. Figure I might as well get the practice. Besides, if I ever do learn something in there, it could be helpful in the Ministry." He looked at the schedule again. "You know, I gotta wonder if I'm going to be in any of your classes, with the way N.E.W.T. scheduling works."

Harry and Hermione frowned, Harry perhaps a little more deeply. Then he brightened. "You taking the new class?"

Ron nodded. "Well, I'm likely to be with you two in that at least." He handed Harry's optioning sheet back. "You two had better go turn those in. Then we can enjoy our free day before classes start. Up for a little flying, Harry?"

"Always. You going to come with, Mione?"

Ron smirked. "Herms? Flying? No way."

The brunette scowled. "I'll watch."

Hermione had brought a book out to the pitch, though she didn't need it. She was too busy watching the boys fly. Alright, one of the two. He was truly amazing to watch, very near perfect. She really did wish she could do that, but her fear of heights kept her firmly on the ground. Still, maybe someday she'd ask him for a lesson, even if just to be close to him. And where were these thoughts coming from? She sounded like a lovesick puppy.

She watched as he looped and rolled, following a convoluted flight path. A man's voice interrupted her reverie. "Admirable flying." The speaker injected some sarcasm into his tone. "Though, somehow, I don't think that's the reason you've been watching him exclusively. Weasly's not bad either."

Hermione turned around, startled. Standing behind her in the stands was Professor Reased. He had dispensed with the leather armor and cloak, instead wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a jacket, all muggle clothing. But his sword was still at his side, and one of his hands rested lightly on the butt of the handle. "Professor Reased!"

He nodded to her. "Miss Granger. I understand you have signed up for my class, as have your friends." He gestured towards the sky at the mention of the boys. "And, please, just call me Kai, if not shishou or sensei. Professor doesn't really suit me." He smirked.

She didn't know why, but he almost seemed like a student. "Neither does teacher/student protocol, apparently."

"Yes, well, I call em as I see em. You'll do fine in Warrior Arts. Can you get your friends down? I need to look them over. I tell you, I really miss the old network. Would never have missed so many people."

"They'll be up there for at least another half-hour, Prof…sensei."

He scratched his unblemished cheek. "Oh well. Time for a bit of flying then. Where's the broom shed?" She pointed him. "Thanks." He walked off to get a broom. "Gotta get one for myself," he muttered under his breath.

Harry was thinking about swooping down to check on Hermione when a third broom flew up into the air. Harry circled around to get a good look at the person on it. They were mostly unfamiliar, but the sword sheathed at the man's side clinched it: the new professor. Harry heard the man whistle and point downwards. Harry got the message at once. Ron followed. They spiraled down around the stadium, not wanting to leave the air just yet. Harry steepened his dive, and landed next to Hermione. They watched as Ron took another two laps around the field. Reased simply floated downwards on his borrowed broom "If that kid doesn't land soon, I'm blasting him out of the sky." He jumped off the broom. "You think that…" He looked at the broom. "Malfoy will mind I used this? Oh, wait, that was the kid you two hexed on the train. Nice spellwork." He threw the broom towards the shed and it kept on flying, entering the storage building. Hermione and Harry looked on, impressed. The guy wasn't holding a wand.

Ron finally landed. Kai looked him up and down, nodded, then turned to Harry. He whistled. "You'll do well. All three of you, first class after lunch, every day. I'll see you there."

Hermione's curiosity got the better of her. "Excuse me, Pro…sensei, what will you be teaching us? Wandless magic? I'd love to be able to do that trick."

He looked over his shoulder. "Now why would you think that?"

Harry was confused too. "But if you can do wandless magic like that, shouldn't you be teaching us that?"

"Whatever gave you the idea I was using a spell? Outside of potions, I've never done a single bit of magic in my life." He looked at them quizzically.

"You're…you're a Muggle?" breathed Ron.

"Hardly. I'm a janshi."

The idea of janshi and the character Kai Reased, otherwise known as The Rei Ronin, is mine. He had a story written about him, but he eventually just became my penname. Now, after two years, he's back! He is not a self-insert, even if he does share my overly sarcastic sense of humor.

Next chapter, we'll be seeing more about the janshi, the new school year, and maybe a little fluff.

Oh, and the oldie Harry and Hermione were singing? It was 'Play that Funky Music White Boy'. Ever seen Evolution? Just pretend Malfoy's a giant alien bird.