Beyond the Emerald Green

hai- yes

"Ima sugu, koko wo shuppatsu sureba ma ni au hazu desu"- "If we leave right now, we can recover them in time."

"Iin ja nai desu ka?"- "Does it really matter?"

yamero- enough

damare- shut up

ojison- sir/mister

senshi- warrior

otome- maiden

baka- stupid/idiot

gomen- sorry (informal) gomen nasai- sorry (formal)

hi- fire

Hope you enjoy! Remember to review!

Special thanks: To RavenNat and 007, my beta readers and drive

Chapter Five

Searching

Perhaps it was the weather… or maybe it was the unnatural silence in the air. Whatever it was, when Harry apparated onto a foggy street, the immediate feeling he got when he arrived was that of pure dread. The kind of feeling one has when they know something terrible is going to happen… and they are powerless to stop it. Harry felt the despair around him like a palpable emotion- overpowering and heavy.

His large rucksack suddenly appeared at his side, and Harry bent down to retrieve it. Hedwig, in her cage, appeared shortly after. It was apparent that she was feeling the same thing Harry was, and began to hoot loudly with discontent.

"Shh, it’s okay, girl. Don’t worry." He cooed, trying to calm himself down at the same time. Suddenly, a sharp pain flashed through his head, and Harry quickly grabbed at his forehead. His scar was burning.

"Voldemort." He hissed to himself with loathing. "He’s here."

Harry rubbed at his scar until the sharp pain dulled. As he began to look around him more clearly, there was the sound of cars coming to a stop somewhere near by. Harry quickly shrunk his stuff, including Hedwig, and gathered it up before anyone could see. He then ducked behind a dumpster. It was obvious he had apparated into a Muggle area.

"Ima sugu, koko wo shuppatsu sureba ma ni au hazu desu!" Yelled someone in Japanese.

"Hai." Responded someone else.

"The dark lord will not be happy about this." Said someone else in English.

"Iin ja nai desu ka?"

Harry had no clue what it was they were discussing, but there was no other "dark lord" he could think of. These must have been Death Eaters-Japanese followers.

"Of course it matters, you fool! If he finds out that we’ve lost them, we’re dead! All of us!" Shouted the English-speaking man.

"Yamero! He won’t find out. "

"How can you be so sure? These are only just the most important tools to the dark lord’s complete control of the world! If we screw this up…"

"Damare! Stop whining. We go now."

Harry heard loud shuffling of feet, car doors slamming, and then the squeal of tires as the cars sped away. He let out a deep breath and carefully stepped out from his hiding place.

What was that all about? He thought to himself, pulling an especially peeved Hedwig from his pocket and returned her to normal size. She persisted to hoot loudly and flap her wings, and Harry held her out at length to keep from getting beat up. Then he got an idea.

"Hedwig… can you follow those cars?"

She stopped hooting and flapping her wings, eyeing him haughtily.

"Please? It’s very important!"

Hedwig blinked, hesitated, and finally crept to his shoulder to nibble his ear slightly before taking off in the direction of the cars.

"Come back when they’ve stopped!" he called to her retreating form, which disappeared quickly in the fog. Now what? He asked himself as he looked around him again.

"Now, you come with me." Said a voice, suddenly from behind him.

Harry whipped around, wand outstretched, with lightning reflexes. He had half a spell set before he could make out whom it was he was facing. Or rather, looking down on.

"Who…-?"

"Not wise, Mister Potter. Not wise. Now owl will either be seen or lost. The Dark is not ignorant. It is not that easy. I thought you know better."

It was a small, stout looking Japanese man. His robes were not the wizarding type of Britain, but more authentic to the Far East. If it were not for the slick looking fine-colored wand he held firmly in his small hands, this man would pass as any ordinary Japanese Muggle on the street. Long strands of black hair jutted at neat angles over his face, reflecting what little light could be seen. He was, however, much older than Harry- older than Sirius, as well. Yet the power he radiated immediately made Harry sibilant to his fierce gaze.

"Er…" Harry stammered.

"Silence. Keep your tongue and your mind and you might stay alive. And yes, I am Minister Yao Summon. You are Harry Potter." The man barked in rough English.

"Yes, sir." Harry gaped at him, astonished. Is he some sort of empath?

"No." Summon said abruptly. "I merely listen more closely to others than you do. You think too loud."

Harry blinked, speechless.

"Better. Now, come with me. We might be able to fix what you might have already damaged."

It was immediately determined that Harry did not like this foreign minister, but kept his thoughts as quietly to himself as possible. If Summon overheard, by whatever means he used to overhear, he did not say anything.

Summon lit his wand, using the Japanese language, and led Harry through a maze of turns and dark alleyways. Not once wanting to displease his superior any further, Harry did not question their destination. Instead, he carried his bag close to his side, walking as straight-backed as possible. The darkness and fog made him feel uneasy, so he fell back upon his instincts and training as an auror to make himself more aware of his surroundings. Summon made a deep sound in his throat several times when Harry spread out his senses, as if satisfied.

Then, suddenly, they stepped out into stark daylight.

Harry squinted from the abrupt change in light, barely able to see Summon make his way up a stone path that they had walked out onto. They had been traveling on cobblestones in the alleys, but when Harry’s vision adjusted to the light, they were no longer in an alley. Instead, they were surrounded by an ancient forest, cut down the middle by a gentle stream. Summon walked over an arched wooden bridge, heading for a small enclosure walled with paper paneling. Astonished, Harry quickened his step to catch up. It didn’t take him long with his height compared to Summon.

Summon removed his sandal-like shoes and placed them next to the sliding door. When he stepped inside and stopped stone-still, not looking back or saying anything, Harry looked down as his own muddy boots. As quickly as possible, he pried them off and dropped them carefully next to Summon’s sandals. Still without a word, Summon walked further inside and Harry followed.

"Er…" Harry murmured uncertainly. "Is this your headquarters?"

The little man walked into a room with a low table surrounded by pillows and sat down on the one at the head. When he still didn’t say anything, Harry choose the pillow next to him and heeded his example.

"Where are your other officials?" Harry continued to probe without a reply.

"You speak too much." Summon barked suddenly, making Harry jump.

"Er…"

"If you have nothing to say, don’t make noise. You are noisy." Summon snapped his fingers and a kettle with two small cups appeared on the table instantly.

Harry was flabbergasted. This little man was not getting him anywhere. Didn’t he realize that Voldemort’s followers were in that alley he had been in- and that meant that usually you do something about it? Instead, there he was, sitting on a pillow on the floor, drinking tea and being scolded at like a child.

"You wouldn’t be here if I had my officials." Summon said finally, pouring the tea.

"So, they’re on assignment." Harry stated, nodding as he let out a long breath through his nose. Now they were getting somewhere.

"No. They are dead." He took a long sip of his tea.

Harry nearly choked.

"A-all of them?!"

Summon glanced at him slowly.

"We did not have such a problem as yours before the dark lord came. There was no need for many Miros, or aurors, as you call yourselves in your country. They either went to their death... or went to join his side. It is a surprise to me that the evil lord has not taken over the country yet. He already has absolute control of our justice system."

Harry felt overwhelmed. What did they expect him to do? Go after Voldemort and his minions all by himself in this strange land? Harry hadn't faced Voldemort personally since the summer of his sixth year at Hogwarts. Voldemort was twice as powerful now as he was then. Harry was considered the most powerful wizard next to Dumbledore, and a match for Voldemort… but it was uncertain that him alone could defeat him.

"You are Harry Potter, are you not?" Summon stared at him closely.

"Yes. But…" Harry shook his head.

"Then you can do this. Only you can. There is no help anymore. Only you." Summon looked back into his teacup.

"You want me to defend the entire country all by myself?" Harry asked him dubiously.

The little man looked at him indifferently.

"Have you not fought the dark lord before?"

"Yes, but…"

"What is the difference?"

"He’s more powerful now! And with not only Death Eaters from England, but now here as well! His force is without numbers!"

"You’ve been trained. You are experienced. You can do this. Now, no more talk. Rest now." Summon stood up suddenly and strode with surprising speed out of the room before Harry could protest. He sat there, alone in the silent room, mouth gaping open.

What have I gotten myself into now? He thought to himself as he gathered to his feet.

"OJISON!"

"AHH! WHAT THE HE-!" Harry jumped a foot in the air. A girl, maybe a year younger than Ginny, stood suddenly before him. Her dark hair was tied up in two buns and her eyes were abnormally large and glossy. She was looking at him like a teenager at a boy band concert. "Er… hello."

"Oh, ojison! Are you the senshi from England?" She folded her hands together and looked at him with adoration.

"Er… senshi? I’m an auror, if that’s what you mean… yes." Harry uncomfortably scratched the back of his neck, flinching under her gaze.

"Then you are the Harry Potter! Oh, what an honor! I am Eboshi, your otome." She suddenly bounced up into his face.

"Otome? Er…" He unknowingly broke out into a sweat.

"Your maiden, your servant!" She giggled loudly.

"EBOSHI! BAKA DAMARE!" Summon shouted from his room.

Eboshi looked annoyed and settled back on her heels. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, for once thanking the old man for his abrupt rudeness. She sighed loudly, mumbled a bit in Japanese with an angry tone, and quickly grabbed Harry’s bag before he could bend down.

"Gomen. Minister Summon is cranky. Come, I’ll take you to your room!"

She led Harry through the empty building to a small, plain room. After trying feebly to get him to engage in a lively conversation, Eboshi gave up and left. Relieved, Harry collapsed on the bed. It was later than mid-afternoon, and he was tired and confused.

Oh, what do I do now? What would Sirius say if I could contact him? I really am all on my own, now. Looks like I’ll have to figure this out by myself.

Lost in his thoughts and worry, Harry closed his eyes and unexpectedly fell asleep.

*

"Ojison! Oh, ojison, please wake up!"

Harry groggily opened his eyes, only to face a wide-eyed Eboshi staring intently at him with a rushed expression. It was dark in his room, the only light coming from a candle she was holding with her left hand. Her right was shaking Harry’s shoulder quickly.

"Wake up!"

"I’m up, I’m up. What’s wrong?" Harry blinked several times and scratched his head.

"It’s Minister Summon, ojison! He’s gone! He left when a white owl arrived not too long ago, all beat up and bloody!" Eboshi explained quickly in a squeaky voice.

"White owl?!" Harry sat up abruptly, ignoring the quick onrush of dizziness as result. "Hedwig? She’s back? Is she okay?"

Without an answer, Harry got up and left the room hurriedly. Eboshi ran behind him on his heels.

"Oh, ojison! You must go after Minister Summon! He does not have as much power as you do, as a senshi! If he should die then all hope is lost!"

Harry barely heard her. All that mattered was Hedwig, and he ran into the dining room where he had sat with Summon earlier to see his beloved snowy owl lying unnaturally on the table where she landed. His heart stopped and his jaw dropped.

"Hedwig!"

She gave a small, weak hoot, but did not move. Harry grabbed her in his arms, checking her over gently. Her feathers were matted with dry blood and the bones in her wings were broken in more than one place. Harry felt despair and anger well inside of him like a balloon.

"Who did this to you?!"

Hedwig’s hoot was barely more than a whisper. As he looked her over further, Harry could tell that she had been hit with a very powerful hex. It was amazing that she was able to find him, but it was apparent that she was meant to be found. The Death Eaters in the cars she was following did this. They now know that Japan has a new weapon… him.

"Oh, Hedwig. Oh, I am so sorry… this is my fault, I never should have sent you after those cars. No wonder Summon said I made a mistake."

"Ojison, you must find Minister Summon before something terrible happens! Only you can do it!" Eboshi wrought her hands nervously.

But Harry wasn’t listening. His very first best friend, his beloved owl, was dying in his arms… and all because of his careless mistake. He just couldn’t bare it. Without thinking, he said the spell that put a splint around Hedwig’s wings and yelled at Eboshi to fetch him water and a cloth to clean the blood off her wings. Eboshi did so hesitantly, murmuring a small protest. Harry ignored her, and persisted to do what he could for Hedwig.

"But, Senshi Potter, what about Minister Summon?" Eboshi asked him, handing over a damp towel.

"He can take care of himself." He answered absently. Hedwig was no longer making any attempts to hoot and had stopped trying to move. Harry fought back the tears threatening to come.

Please, Hedwig. Don’t leave me! I’m sorry I did this… please, don’t die! Harry screamed in his mind.

But the slow rise and fall of his snowy owl’s chest slowed down further, until it no longer moved at all. The silence in the room was staggering.

"NOOO! Oh, God… noooo!" Harry sobbed, holding the lifeless body of his loyal friend to his chest. "No! Hedwig, no!"

"Ojison…" Eboshi gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Gomen nasai."

Harry shuddered and abruptly turned to her, his face twisted in sorrowful pain and anger. He balled his fists, still holding Hedwig’s body in one arm.

"Where did he go! Where did Summon go?!"

Eboshi jumped back in fright, looking at Harry in surprised fear.

"H-he s-said s-s-something about T-Tokyo!" she stammered.

Without looking back, Harry turned around and walked out the front door. He grabbed his boots with his free hand and walked out further into the garden. Under a beautiful cherry blossom, he laid Hedwig to rest. Harry tearfully said his respects, but was too caught up in anger to allow himself to mourn further. He was angry not only at those who had hexed her, but at himself for allowing it to happen. In an enraged fit, Harry hastily put his boots on and disapparated on the spot.

*

It was sunset, and the streets of Tokyo were alive with the busy activities of Japanese Muggles. An open market was especially busy, selling live octopus at one stand and various anime merchandise at another. People were everywhere, so another person seemingly appearing out of nowhere did not stand out too much.

Harry stood amongst a bustling crowd that was commuting to and from the open market. His face was flush with anger and sadness, looking around intently to first make out exactly where he had apparated to. All that was plainly obvious was that he was in downtown Tokyo. How on Earth he was going to find Minister Summon was something he was too upset to think about.

"You look like you need help."

Harry jumped, grabbed his wand without thinking, and countered the owner of the voice that had spoke. He was facing a man not that much older than him, same height, with blonde hair. However, what Harry noticed most was the cloak around this man’s shoulders with a small, embroidered American flag on the hem near the collar.

"Excuse me?" Harry blurted out hoarsely.

"From one auror to another, I greet you." The man said. It was the international greeting from one wizard official to another, taught at all institutions worldwide.

"And I you, sir." Harry slowly pocketed his wand.

"The name’s Cobal… Roger Cobal. Northeastern District 12, American Auror Society. How ‘bout you?" He asked, completely ignoring the Japanese that continue to bustle about them.

"Harry Potter, member of the Royal Aurors Society." Harry shook hands with him.

"An honor to meet you, Mr. Potter. It’s reassuring that you’re over here working with us." Cobal said calmly, without the awe.

Harry eyed him carefully, still hot and slightly shaking with anger. Cobal looked at him back with a mildly concerned expression.

"Something’s happened?"

"I’m… I’m not sure. But if something hasn’t already, something will soon." Harry gritted his teeth.

Cobal opened his mouth as if he was going to ask something else, but stopped himself. Instead, he looked around at their surroundings shrewdly.

"Hard to imagine such a largely dense country falling under complete and utter magical control, hmm?"

"That’s what we’re here to prevent. Although, I’m afraid the magical minister of Japan has gone missing." Harry said dispassionately.

The American auror whipped his head around to look at Harry intensely.

"Are you certain of that?"

"Yes. I was staying at… his place, I believe. I had sent my owl out to spy on some Death Eaters, and she came back… she came back, badly injured. She died, and Minister Summon came here to Tokyo in pursuit of… well, the Death Eaters." Harry said solemnly.

"I’m terribly sorry about your owl… but we must get moving, then, if Summon has gone astray. Come with me, there are others of us here too."

Cobal started off at a brisk walk, Harry following closely on his heels. Harry tried his best to pretend he was just another tourist looking at the sights, but two men in cloaks intently focused on getting away was all too obvious. Some stopped to stare, and Harry made to mention this to Cobal, before the American stopped short, causing Harry to run into him.

"What the…?!"

Cobal was as still as a statue, hardly breathing. Harry moved beside him to see what had caused his abrupt stop. What he saw nearly made him loose his breath himself.

"Speak of the devil…" Cobal whispered bitterly, not taking his eyes off the three tall and dark figures before them.

"We can take them." Harry murmured, but Cobal shook his head.

"Check it out." He inclined his head to show Harry that Death Eaters, pairs of them blocking every exit, surrounded them. Muggles were everywhere as well, and some were beginning to look dumbly concerned.

"Sh-"

"Where are your friends?" Harry grumbled, reaching inside of his robes for his wand.

"Everywhere but here, it would appear." Cobal grumbled back. For a long, tense moment, they stared down the menacing figures… before Cobal sighed loudly. "Harry, cause a distraction for the Muggles… and stand real close to me."

"What are-?"

"Just do it!" Cobal snapped, reaching into a pocket in his cloak.

Harry searched his rattled mind for a spell suitable for the task. When he couldn’t come up with a spell, he looked at Cobal desperately.

"I don’t know anything that would do the trick for so many people!" He hissed.

"Oh, for the love of… just yell out hi!" Cobal said.

"Hi? Oh, well… HI! HI! HI! Everybody, HI!"

The surrounding crowd looked up in a panic, and some dropped their things and ran, screaming HI. Harry looked bemusedly at the entire scene, before violently shaken back to reality as Cobal grabbed his arm. Shocked, Harry looked at Cobal’s outstretched hand that held a glowing red orb. Before he could ask what it was, Cobal went into a crouching stance. Completely confused, Harry watched as he brought around his arm with the orb to slam it into the ground. Instantly, a wall of fire shot up around them and spread out, hitting the Death Eaters. Market vending stands went up in flames, people were still running and screaming, although even more terrified now because of the fire. Yet the Death Eaters merely held up both of their hands to block the blow. Cobal cursed loudly.

"Time for plan B." He muttered.

"What’s plan B?" Harry asked, coming up back to back with Cobal.

"I was hoping you would tell me."

"Well, I didn’t entirely plan on encountering this situation so soon." Harry grumbled fearfully.

"Neither did I." Cobal grumbled back.

"What’s wrong, Potter?! Too scared to take your own defense without your mighty protectors?!" Shouted out a Death Eater’s voice that sounded vaguely familiar. Harry said nothing.

"Split up." Cobal said suddenly.

"Where?" Harry hissed.

"Anywhere but here, just RUN!" He pushed Harry aside and started shooting out random spells at the surrounding Death Eaters. Harry gripped his wand tighter and joined in, hexing the ones that flanked them. The market place was now ablaze with fire from Cobal’s orb, and deserted. When the Death Eaters he was attacking began to fall back, Harry chased them down a walkway that was surrounded by burning fruit stands. The whole time, Harry let his anger help his aim. Never before had he been on such an attack. Hatred blinded his eyes, overpowering him. He let his grief go loose, losing track of everything except making them pay. Harry would make them all pay for killing Hedwig… he would seek out Voldemort and make him pay for all that he had done, for killing his parents… for everything. Nothing could stop him, nothing.

Except the one Death Eater he couldn’t see.