The Wind Mage's Legacy: Chapter 15

Hi all, 

Here’s the first chapter of the week. Sorry this is so late, but I haven’t been feeling well. I finally got this chapter out, but I haven’t had time to edit it properly, so be warned.  Next chapter will be out tomorrow.

Chapter 15

Flames wreathed Ren's arms as he circled Harry in the training yard, his feet sliding smoothly across the packed dirt. Sweat glistened on his brow despite the early morning chill, dark hair clinging to his neck. Around them, clan members crowded the wooden walkways and stone benches, their excited murmurs filling the air.

"Ready?" Ren asked, golden flames pulsing between his fingers.

Harry nodded. His new bow materialised with a thought.

Ren struck first, golden fire arcing through the air in three rapid bursts. Harry sidestepped, the heat searing past his cheek as he loosed three wind arrows in quick succession. The projectiles curved around Ren's hasty barrier of compressed flame, forcing him to roll across the dirt.

"Not bad," Ren said, springing back to his feet in one fluid motion. "But predictable."

Fire erupted beneath Harry's feet, the ground crackling as it superheated. He launched himself skyward as flames scorched his previous position, leaving the earth blackened and smoking. Two more wind arrows whistled towards Ren, who batted them aside with fire-wreathed hands, the impacts sending sparks cascading through the air.

Movement caught Harry's peripheral vision. Ryuya stood apart from the crowd beneath a flowering cherry tree, arms crossed as he studied their exchange. Other Fuga clan members clustered nearby in their distinctive indigo robes, their expressions unreadable as stone.

Ren pressed his advantage, flames condensing into burning rings which spun through the air like deadly frisbees. The golden fire left trails of light that painted abstract patterns in the morning air. Harry weaved between them, wind arrows splitting into multiple projectiles mid-flight. The attacks forced Ren back, breaking his offensive rhythm and sending him skidding across the dirt.

"Stop playing around," Ayano called from the sidelines. "Show us what you can really do."

Harry grinned. Wind gathered around his bow as he drew back the string, the air itself seeming to bend and twist. The arrow which formed crackled with compressed air, causing nearby spectators to step back as the pressure made their ears pop.

Ren's eyes widened. He crossed his arms, golden flames forming a barrier twice as thick as before, the heat shimmer distorting the air around him.

The wind arrow struck with explosive force. Ren skidded backwards, boots leaving deep furrows in the dirt as his barrier crumbled like glass. Before he could recover, Harry appeared behind him, bow pressed to the back of his head where sweat-dampened hair curled against his neck.

"I win."

Ren laughed, flames dissipating into wisps of golden smoke. "This round. Ayano keeps bragging about how strong you are but I think she was overestimating you."

“My full power still hasn't returned after my fight against Zenon,” Harry said. “How about you spar with me again when I’ve recovered fully?”

“I would like that.”

Applause broke out among the watchers. Harry dismissed his bow, offering Ren a hand.

"Your control's impressive," Harry said. "Those flame rings packed a punch."

"The golden flames aren't meant for combat." Ren brushed dirt from his training clothes, skin still flushed from exertion. "Their purification properties work better against spiritual entities."

"Yokai?"

"Exactly." Ren's expression turned thoughtful, eyes reflecting remembered flames. "Though your wind abilities might complement them well. Unlike the Fuga clan.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Maybe because their wind abilities came from a demon?”

Ren smiled. “That’s only a rumour. However, it would explain why our abilities aren’t compatible. Do you want to try combining ours?"

Harry nodded. They squared off again as the crowd leaned forward with renewed interest.

"Channel your wind through my flames," Ren said, settling into a ready stance. "Let's see what happens."

Golden fire blazed between Ren's palms, forming a concentrated sphere that lit his face from below. Harry directed wind currents around it, merging their powers. The flames spun faster, taking on an otherworldly glow that turned the air itself luminous.

"Now!"

They released the combined attack. Fire and wind spiralled outward in a brilliant helix, superheated air cracking like thunder. The display drew gasps from the audience as golden light painted the compound walls.

"Fascinating." Ryuya's voice cut through the excited chatter, sharp as a blade. "Such destructive power."

Harry met his gaze across the scarred training ground. "You seem concerned."

"Of course." Ryuya stepped forward, ignoring pointed looks from his fellow Fuga clan members. "An outsider demonstrating advanced wind techniques raises questions."

Lord Kazamaki, the Fuga clan leader, placed a restraining hand on Ryuya's shoulder. "Mind your tone."

Running footsteps interrupted them, sandals slapping against wood. A young woman in the clan's kimono burst into the training yard, face pale as milk, chest heaving.

"Lord Jugo requires everyone's presence," she gasped, hands trembling. "Immediately."

"What's happened?" Ayano demanded, pushing through the crowd.

"It's Kenji... he's dead."

Silence fell over the yard like a smothering blanket. 

"Dead?" Ren's voice cracked, golden flames guttering out. "How?"

"Murdered." The woman wrung her hands, knuckles white. "His body... it looks like he was sliced apart by blades."

Harry's eyes snapped to Ryuya, but his expression remained neutral as polished jade. Other clan members whispered amongst themselves, shooting suspicious glances at the wind users.

"Where?" Ayano asked, fingers curling into fists.

"The eastern gardens. Near the koi pond."

Ayano grabbed Harry's arm, her grip tight enough to bruise. "Come on."

They hurried through the compound's winding paths, others falling in behind them like a funeral procession. Cherry blossoms drifted on the morning breeze, their delicate pink petals a stark contrast to the grim atmosphere.

The eastern gardens came into view, meticulously maintained beds of moss and stone now tainted by violence. Jugo stood beside the koi pond, his usual composed demeanour fractured by barely contained fury. Two guards blocked access to a screened-off area where white-robed figures moved with clinical precision.

Blood stained the manicured grass dark crimson, droplets spattering the carefully arranged rocks.

"Father?" Ayano called.

Jugo turned. His eyes swept over the gathered crowd, lingering on both Harry and the Fuga clan members.

"Kenji was one of our most promising young practitioners," Jugo said, voice tight with controlled rage. "He was found an hour ago. The wounds are consistent with a very sharp-bladed weapon, or…." He trailed off, glancing at the Fuga clan members.

"How convenient," Ryuya said, stepping past his clan leader. "It looks like Kenji was murdered by wind techniques, the night after a foreign wind user arrives."

"Watch yourself," Ayano snapped.

"The timing is suspicious," Ryuya pressed. "We've served the Kannagi clan for generations. Yet this outsider appears, and suddenly—"

"Enough, son." Lord Kazamakis' command cracked like a whip. "You forget your place."

"My place is protecting our clan's honour," Ryuya shot back. "The Fuga clan has endured centuries of mistrust. Now a stranger arrives with powers he refuses to explain, and we're meant to ignore the coincidence?"

"Harry only arrived last night," Ayano said. “Do you hold him responsible for the last two incidents where our clan members were murdered?”

Ryuya fell silent. 

"Until this matter is resolved, all wind users—both the Fuga clan and our guest —will remain under observation,” Jugo said. “Anyone caught trying to leave the compound will be treated as a suspect."

Lord Kazamaki bowed formally. "We understand, Lord Kannagi. The Fuga clan will cooperate fully."

He gestured sharply to his clan members. Ryuya's face twisted with barely suppressed fury as they retreated, guards falling in around them. But his eyes never left Harry, promising this wasn't over.

Harry watched them go. The timing was too convenient—a murder designed to create suspicion and drive wedges between potential allies. But was Ryuya's accusation meant to deflect suspicion by implicating Harry?

Jugo turned to Harry. “I apologise—”

“Do you really think you can hold me here,” Harry interrupted. “You have a strange way of treating your guests you are seeking an alliance with.”

Jugo shook his head. “I’m under no illusions as to who the true culprit is. But I can’t be seen to be taking a side without any concrete evidence. Of course, if you wish to return to England, I can’t stop you.”

Kaze materialised beside Harry. “Were the previous two clansmen killed in the same manner?”

Jugo bowed to Kaze. “Yes, but the Fuga clan blamed it on a rogue clansman. They hunted down and killed the man before I could question him myself.”

“A convenient excuse,” Kaze said. “Have you figured out why they are committing these murders?”

Ayano stepped forward. “It’s to get revenge on the Kannagi Clan, of course. Although they have served the Kannagi clan for centuries, it hasn’t always been voluntary. They lost to the Kannagi in a war that forced them into servitude.”

"That's not what I’m referring to." Kaze's form rippled. "Why risk everything to kill a few clan members? They must know suspicion would fall on them immediately. What's their real objective?"

"I wish I knew." Jugo rubbed his temples. "I can't even be certain the entire clan is involved. A few dissidents could be trying to incite rebellion."

Harry looked around. “Where were the other bodies found?” 

"The first body was found here," Ayano said, leading Harry into a moss-lined courtyard. 

Harry scanned the area. No blood stains remained on the neatly trimmed grass, but something nagged at him. The positioning—tucked into this specific corner, felt deliberate rather than random.

"Show me the second site."

They crossed through a bamboo grove to another secluded spot near the compound's eastern wall. Again, the location struck Harry as oddly specific.

"Both victims were alone when attacked?"

"Yes. The first was meditating, the second was practising forms."

Harry frowned. "And today's murder by the koi pond…there's a pattern here but I can't quite—"

"We should head back," Ayano said. "Father wants to discuss increased security measures over dinner."

=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

A thunderous crash jolted Harry from sleep, his wand snapping into his hand before his eyes fully opened. Screams pierced the night, followed by the unmistakable sounds of fighting. More shouts echoed through the compound, underlaid by the meaty thud of bodies hitting the ground.

He burst through his door into chaos. Fire bloomed across the night sky in deadly flowers, Kannagi clan members trading blows with invisible wind attacks that left deep gouges in wood and stone. 

Kaze's form rippled into existence. "A foul corruption taints the air.”

A wind blast sheared past Harry's head as two Fuga clan members charged. He knocked them flying with compressed air, their bodies slamming into the ground with bone-crushing force. Overhead, fire and wind clashed in a deadly light show, casting writhing shadows across the walls.

Through the melee, he spotted Ayano with Ren and her father near the main hall. They fought towards a raised stone platform where Ryuya lay spread-eagled on an altar. Blood-red kanji symbols circled the base, radiating outwards and disappearing into the ground.

"What the hell is going on here?" Harry demanded.

"The Fuga clan killed several more clan members." Jugo deflected a razor-sharp wind blade with a roaring wall of flame. "More sacrifices for their demon god Susanoo."

Harry ducked another compressed air blast. "The body positioning makes sense now—they were forming a ritual circle. But how did you learn their plan?"

"Lord Kazamaki couldn't resist bragging." Ayano's flames burned white-hot around her clenched fists.

"He's awfully sure of himself."

"Indeed." Lord Kazamakis' voice rolled like thunder across the battlefield. "Through Ryuya, Susanoo will rise again. Our clan will reclaim its rightful place."

"Bit rushed, isn't it?" Harry circled the altar, studying the symbols. "You spaced the other murders over weeks. Why move now?"

"We sowed doubt gradually to avoid suspicion. But you forced our hand. Your investigation of the murder sites proved too dangerous to ignore."

"I hadn't pieced it together yet,” Harry said. “Waiting until I left would have made this easier."

Lord Kazimaki laughed. "Your presence means nothing against a god's power."

Kaze's form darkened like storm clouds. "Your faith in this demon is misplaced."

Harry lashed out with wind blades, but Ryuya's prone form drank them in like water into sand. Power built around the altar, lifting Ryuya's body into the air as waves of wind blew outwards. The wave threw back the nearest Kannagi fighters like leaves in a gale.

"Bloody wind," Harry muttered. "My abilities haven't fully recovered."

"It will be difficult to defeat him in your current state," Kaze warned.

"Then we team up," Ayano said. "Combine our powers to defeat this demon."

"Agreed. My clan will handle the Fuga members," Jugo said.

Ryuya's body twisted in the air, his limbs contorting at unnatural angles. His hair and robes whipped around him like writhing snakes. His eyes snapped open, revealing an endless void where pupils should be. 

A wall of compressed air surged toward them with crushing force. Harry threw up a wind barrier while Ayano thrust out her hand. "Enraiha, come forth!"

Her sacred sword materialised in a burst of crimson flame, its ornate blade wreathed in fire. She swept it in a blazing arc, the flames merging with Harry's wind to form a protective shield. The impact still drove them back, boots scraping against stone.

"Any bright ideas?" Harry's bow shimmered into existence between his hands.

Ayano spun Enraiha, flames dancing along its length. "Hit him with everything we've got?"

"Works for me."

Harry loosed three wind arrows in quick succession as Ayano unleashed a barrage of fire blasts from Enraiha. Ryuya's hand slashed through the air, deflecting their attacks with contemptuous ease. Each impact released thunderous shockwaves that shattered nearby windows. His counterattack—razor-sharp wind blades —carved deep trenches in the ground as they dove apart.

"Channel your flames through my arrows," Harry called, drawing back his bow.

Ayano pointed Enraiha at his nocked arrow. Crimson fire spiraled around the shaft, creating a deadly helix of wind and flame. The enhanced projectile pierced Ryuya's barrier, scoring his shoulder. Dark blood hissed where it struck.

Ryuya raised both arms skyward. The air crystallised around them, pressure building until eardrums threatened to burst. 

A massive tornado materialized above the altar. Debris lifted into the vortex—splintered beams, stone fragments, broken bodies. The maelstrom grew wider, threatening to consume the compound.

"We need more power," Harry shouted over the roaring wind.

Ayano lowered Enraiha, flames dimming along its blade. "I have an idea, but it's dangerous. Trust me?"

"Not really a choice right now."

Her free hand gripped Harry's arm as Enraiha's power surged. Sacred flames spiralled around them both. The heat should have incinerated them but instead merged with his wind barrier, creating a swirling vortex of combined power.

"Whatever you're planning, do it fast." The tornado above stretched toward the stars, its dark funnel consuming the night sky.

Ayano raised Enraiha high, its flames shifting from crimson to brilliant blue-white. "Draw your bow—now!"

Harry summoned his weapon as Susanoo's tornado descended. Wind and sacred fire merged around the bow's form, transforming it. 

"PERISH!" Ryuya's inhuman voice boomed as the tornado slammed down.

Harry drew back the bowstring. An arrow of impossible power formed—compressed wind wrapped in Enraiha's purifying flames. Reality itself warped around the projectile, air shimmering like heat waves. He released the arrow.

It pierced the tornado's heart, cutting through Susanoo's wind. The arrow struck Ryuya's chest, pinning him against the night sky like a butterfly to cork.

His scream—part human, part otherworldly—split the air. His body convulsed as Susanoo's essence burned away under Enraiha's purifying fire. The tornado collapsed, dissolving into harmless wind.

Ryuya plummeted. His body struck the altar with a wet crack, eyes clearing before glazing over.

Enraiha vanished from Ayano's trembling hands as she swayed. "That was... harder than expected."

Ryuya's corpse convulsed on the altar, spine arching at an impossible angle. Black mist poured from his mouth and eyes, writhing in the air like living smoke. 

"Impossible," Lord Kazamaki breathed. "Our god cannot be defeated—"

The mist coalesced into a towering figure, translucent yet undeniably solid. Susanoo's form loomed three metres tall, radiating malevolent power that made the air crackle. Empty eye sockets fixed on Kazamaki.

"Master," Kazamaki spread his arms. "Take my body as your vessel—"

Harry slammed into Kazamaki, knocking him aside as Susanoo's essence shot forward like a spear. The demon struck Harry's chest with crushing force, driving through skin and bone.

Agony exploded through Harry's body. His muscles seized as liquid nitrogen flooded his veins. Foreign thoughts invaded his mind—centuries of storms and destruction, worshippers throwing themselves into hurricanes, entire villages sacrificed in Susanoo's name.

"Such power," Susanoo's voice thundered inside Harry's skull, ancient and razor-sharp. "The Wind Spirit King chose his vessel well. Your body will serve as my greatest host."

Harry's knees cracked against stone. Blood ran from his nose and ears as he fought for control. His nails tore against rock, leaving crimson trails. "Get. Out."

"Why resist?" The demon pressed deeper, trying to hollow Harry out from within. "Accept my power. Together we could rule nations. Reshape the world itself—"

"I said shut up." Harry's teeth ground together as white-hot pain lanced through his head. Susanoo's essence burned like acid, dissolving his sense of self.

Kaze's presence surged forward. "Focus. You've faced worse than this parasite. Remember who you are."

Memories flashed through Harry's mind—Voldemort's possession at the Ministry, fighting for control as hatred burned through his veins. The horcrux that had lived inside him for years, whispering darkness into his dreams.

Harry gathered his will into a blade of pure determination. He drove it into Susanoo's presence, forcing the demon back from his core. "My body. My mind. My power."

The demon thrashed violently. "You dare resist a god?"

"You're no god." Harry seized Susanoo's essence with iron willpower, compressing it like air into a tornado. "You want to share my body? Fine. But on my terms."

He began absorbing the demon's power, drawing it into himself like a black hole consuming light. Susanoo's howls of rage echoed across the compound as his consciousness fragmented and dissolved.

Wind exploded around them, lifting Harry metres off the ground. His eyes blazed with electric blue fire as he devoured the last fragments of Susanoo's essence. Raw power flooded his system—the strength of typhoons and hurricanes merging with his abilities.

The maelstrom died as Harry's feet touched stone. The compound had fallen silent, all eyes fixed on him in shock or terror.

"Impossible," Lord Kazamaki fell to his knees. "You consumed a god."

"He was never a god," Harry said, wiping blood off his chin. "Just a powerful demon who fed on your clan's fear and worship."

"How do you feel?" Ayano stepped forward, her hand tentatively reaching out.

Harry inhaled deeply. The enhanced power thrummed beneath his skin like bottled lightning. "Stronger. Though it'll take time to fully control this."

"The Fuga clan is finished," Jugo's voice rang out across the battlefield. "Their betrayal ends centuries of service to the Kannagi."

Lord Kazamaki remained on his knees as guards surrounded him. The remaining Fuga clan members followed suit, laying down their weapons in surrender.

Harry's legs buckled and he crashed to his knees, every muscle screaming in protest. The stone courtyard spun beneath him as exhaustion crashed over him in waves. The surge of power from absorbing Susanoo had faded, leaving behind a bone-deep weariness that made him want to sleep for a week.

Kaze materialised beside him, his form rippling with concern. Taking on another demon before recovering from Zenon had been reckless—perhaps suicidally so. But that had never stopped Harry before.

Questions nagged at his tired mind. The ability to absorb Susanoo's power had come instinctively, as natural as breathing. Yet he'd never known such a thing was possible. Had his connection to the wind spirits given him this capability? Or was it something else?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Harry woke to sunlight streaming through rice paper screens, casting geometric shadows across tatami mats. A figure stood by the window, its form nearly solid in the golden morning light. He bolted upright, sheets tangling around his legs. His heart hammered against his ribs before recognition cut through his combat reflexes.

"Kaze?"

The spirit turned. Though still translucent, his form had solidified into a human shape— a suggestion of shoulders, head, and limbs without distinct features. The edges of his form rippled like wind-blown smoke but maintained their shape instead of dispersing as usual.

"What's happening to you?"

Kaze examined his hands. "The demon's power. I discovered  I can use it to strengthen myself."

Harry scrubbed his face, yawning. "You didn't have that much power before."

"Whose fault is that?" Kaze's form flickered with irritation. "You took most of mine when we made our contract."

"How was I supposed to know that would happen?"

Kaze paced the room, each step precise and controlled, clearly enjoying his new solidity. "When I woke from my sleep, I wasn't fully healed. It was in response to the decline of my brethren. So when I made the contract, it wasn't as equal as I expected. In fact, I found myself bound to you, with only the ability to manifest myself in a crude form."

"So it's different now?"

Kaze nodded. "The demon's power exists outside our contract. It gives me the ability to tap into it independently. It has given me some freedom."

"Does that mean you don't have to be at my side all the time? That would be nice."

"I understand." Kaze's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "You don't want me around when playing with your mates. I don't want to watch that either."

"That's not what I—"

"As soon as you have recovered, I'm going to venture out and explore the world on my own."

A sharp knock interrupted them. Kaze vanished as Harry crossed to the door. Ayano stood in the hallway, dressed in training clothes, her hair still damp with sweat from morning practice.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Much better. Just got some great news."

"Okay?" Ayano raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. "My father wanted to know if you were well enough to have breakfast with him. He wishes to discuss a matter with you."

Harry nodded. "Give me a minute to shower and dress."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Platters covered every inch of the low table, presenting a dazzling array of Japanese dishes. Grilled fish gleamed under a ginger-soy glaze beside bowls of steaming miso soup. Fresh rice pearled with morning dew waited to be paired with pickled vegetables in vibrant reds and yellows. A pot of premium green tea sent delicate wisps of steam into the air.

Harry eyed the spread, noting how it went far beyond a traditional Japanese breakfast. No expense had been spared—from the premium cuts of fish to the artfully arranged side dishes. 

The message wasn't subtle. Jugo sat at the head of the table in formal robes, watching Harry with careful consideration as servants glided silently around them. Ayano knelt beside her father, her usual energy tempered by the formal atmosphere.

Harry had attended enough Ministry functions to recognise a power play when he saw one. The extravagant hospitality spoke volumes about what Jugo wanted from him. Still, he had to admit the food was excellent.

 Jugo set down his cup. "Are you returning to England soon?"

"Yes. I have Quidditch training and other commitments I can't ignore." 

"I understand." Jugo met his gaze. "I wish to discuss an alliance with you."

"What kind of alliance?"

"The Kannagi clan bears responsibility for dealing with Yokai in Japan. Sometimes we face adversaries we cannot handle alone, such as the demons." Jugo's expression darkened. "The incident with the Fuga clan proves we need stronger allies."

"Well, as long as it's not too frequent. I can't come running to Japan every other week." Harry drummed his fingers against the table "What do I get in return?"

"You may ask us for anything. We have access to considerable resources.”

"I'm going to need a better—"

"I can help cure Astoria's malediction," Ayano cut in, leaning forward from her position beside her father.

Harry's hand stilled. "Are you serious?"

"I've researched it since returning to Japan. The Kannagi clan possesses flames with purification properties. I thought I could help her myself, but Ren's abilities far exceed mine. His golden flames should be able to help her."

"And this is what you want in return for my cooperation?"

Ayano shook her head. "I'll help her regardless. But it demonstrates how the Kannagi family can solve problems wizards can't. Has Daphne found a solution yet?"

"No." Harry considered for a moment, weighing his options. "Alright, I agree to a tentative alliance. Will you come back to England with me to help Astoria?"

"I just need to convince Ren. It shouldn't be too difficult." A small smile played across her lips. "He owes me a favour anyway."

"I'm pleased we could reach an agreement." Jugo folded his hands on the table. "There is one thing I must ask before you return to England."

"What is it?"

"The Blaze Spirit King wishes to meet with you and your contractor."

Kaze materialised before them. "What does that burnt chicken want?"

"Burnt chicken?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"The Blaze Spirit King takes the form of a phoenix. Pretentious brat." Kaze’s form rippled with disdain. "Always showing off."

"He does tend to show off," Ayano admitted, hiding a smile behind her sleeve. "Though I only met him as a child."

"Are you willing to meet him?" Jugo asked.

Harry shrugged, exchanging glances with Kaze. "Okay. Let's see what the flaming chicken wants."

"I suggest you don't refer to him that way during the meeting." Jugo's lips twitched. "He can be... temperamental."

"That’s okay." Harry stood up. “After dealing with Ayano’s temper, he should be a piece of cake.”

He dodged the cup that Ayano threw at him. 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Blaze Spirit King towered over them in his phoenix form, his massive body filling the chamber with warmth. Golden flames rippled across feathers that shimmered between red and orange, casting dancing shadows on ancient stone walls. His presence radiated raw power that made the air itself feel thick and heavy.

"You've assimilated the demon's power remarkably well,” the Blaze Spirit King said. The integration is nearly seamless."

"I still don't know how I did it,” Harry admitted.

"Perhaps you should research your bloodline to discover the reason." 

Harry frowned at the cryptic response. What did it mean?

"Stop speaking nonsense, Torchbug," Kaze said. 

"Stop calling me that. Call me Hou-oo." The phoenix's feathers bristled, sending sparks cascading through the air.

"Don't want to."

Harry glanced between them. "Do you know each other?"

"Met Torchbug last time I was in Japan," Kaze's edges blurred with disdain. "Still just as pompous."

"Your contractor still hasn't unlocked all of his abilities, Kaze." Hou-oo's feathers flared brighter. "What have you been doing all this time?"

Harry raised an eyebrow at Kaze, who suddenly seemed very interested in examining the chamber's ceiling.

"Been focused on other things," Kaze muttered. "There's plenty of time to teach him the rest slowly."

Harry turned back to Hou-oo. "Why did you want to meet with me?"

"I want you to marry Ayano. I expected more progress after convincing her father to send her to England."

"That was your idea?” Harry ran a hand through his hair.  “You can't force two people together. They have to develop feelings for each other." 

Harry's mind flashed unbidden to the library at Grimmauld Place, to Daphne's lips against his, the taste of her still vivid in his memory.

Kaze spoke as if Harry wasn't even there. "He's already kissed Ayano but he has two other females living with him."

"That's not a problem. He can marry all three of them." Hou-oo's flames dimmed to a contemplative glow.

"First, Astoria's like a sister," Harry said. "Second, polygamy's illegal in Britain."

"Notice he didn't deny his feelings for the other two." Kaze's form wavered with obvious amusement.

"I noticed," Hou-oo said. 

"Why are you so concerned about me marrying Ayano?" Harry demanded.

"Simple. You will make powerful offspring that will ensure the continuation of the Kannagi family. The mixing of your abilities would create children of unprecedented strength."

Harry spun toward the exit. "Right, I'll go propose to Ayano right now. Tell her it's for the greater good of magical genetics."

“That was sarcasm,” Kaze said, watching Harry leave. 

“I got that, thanks,” Hou-oo replied. 

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Astoria gets some good news, and another time skip as the Quidditch season approaches. 

Thanks for reading.