"Master, we have a visitor."

Rikuo sighed. He had almost finished packing for his clan tour.

"Who is it?"

"An elderly human. His beard is quite impressive."

Rikuo looked over at Natto Kozo with an amused expression. "Is he alone?"

"Yes, master. We could not see or sense any others. But, master, this human has a stronger aura then the others."

Rikuo sighed and glanced at the night sky, before assuming his human form. "Let the others know to let him pass but I want Kurotabo, Kubinashi and Zen with me when we meet him."

Once everyone was hidden, a bit annoyed last night show hadn't worked as well as they thought, they opened the gate.

Dumbledore removed his shoes and too the offered pair of slippers, making the yokai hidden in the rafters murmur amongst themselves. This one had manners. The others had barged in and tracked mud everywhere.

"The Master will see you now," Kejoro said, leading Dumbledore to the conference room.

Rikuo, Kurotabo, Zen and Kubinashi all sat, drinking tea or sake, waiting for Dumbledore to arrive.

When the wizard entered he bowed in respect, standing until Rikou gestured for him to take a seat.

Rikuo sat in the middle of a raised platform, placing him above all three of his aides, who were on either side and slightly before him, and far above Dumbledore, who was sitting a good six inches below him.

"We told you the next time you wizards appeared you would be dealt with. The Mahoutokoro school refused Master Rikuo for a reason, and yet you persist." Kurotabo said. "Why are you here?"

"Before I answer that question I have one of my own," Dumbledore said.

"Maybe not." Said the yokai who thought Albus had manners.

In an instant, there were no less than three swords at his neck. "How dare you disrespect the master!" Zen said, parallel to Kurotabo."

Dumbledore froze. "Forgive me, Lord Rikuo. I meant no disrespect. Especially after you have granted me this audience."

Kubinashi nodded after watching the master and Zen and Kurotabo released the headmaster before returning to their seats.

"Speak," Kubinashi ordered.

"Before I came here I was told an amazing tale of how this home was a yokai nest."

"Are you accusing us, Albus?" Kurotabo asked venomously, his eyes narrowing.

"Merely asking."

"You show much bravery for someone who believes this place is filled with demons. Coming here alone and facing our master." Zen smirked.

Kubinashi flicked his fingers and a red string came from the ceiling, wrapped around Dumbledore's wand and pulled it into the rafters.

"Tsurara."

The door opened. "Yes, master?" The yuki-onna said, yes pale blue since she was disguised as a human.

"Bring me my pipe."

"Of course, Lord Rikuo."

She was back in a moment, presenting the engraved 500-year-old pipe with a small pot of tobacco that had been grown in Toono.

Rikuo lit the pipe with a snap of his fingers and drew a deep breath. "You are far braver than the others, or perhaps just foolish." He looked at Dumbledore with red eyes. "Why have you come here?"

"I believe I may have a solution to both our troubles."

"Not many things can trouble me. Annoy me, yes, trouble me? Well, It's been a long time since the Nura clan faced a foe it could not overcome."

"Do you not wish to be rid of the wizards who pester you, Lord Nura?"

"If they had continued after tonight I would have taken their heads and put them on spikes outside the manor. Tell me why I should not take yours?" Rikuo said, his one suggesting that it would not be the first time he made an example out of someone.

"I wish to hire you."

"Rikuo Nura commands over 20,000 yokai and you dare to insult him by insinuating that he is a mercenary?" Zen yelled.

"I'm listening," Rikuo said, breathing out loops of smoke that twisted themselves into impossible shapes.

"Thank you. I ask that you attend my school, not as students but as guards."

"What threat could possibly warrant hiring demons as your guards?" Kubinashi asked.

"His name is Voldemort and he has killed many of those he considers impure and lesser. Over 13 years ago he went to kill Lily and James Potter, along with their son, Harry. Both Lily and James perished but the child lived and Voldemort vanished. Until last year, when Harry appeared with the body of a murdered student, claiming that he was back. I fear for both his safety and the safety of the rest of my students. I feel that Voldemort and his followers will seek his death before finishing what they started all those years ago."

"And you want us to play nursemaid to the human?" Zen sneered. He wasn't exactly fond of humans.

"I'm willing to pay in gold. And no small amount either. All I ask is that you keep Harry and Hogwarts safe until Voldemort is defeated and I will pay you the sum of two and a half million Galleons." He pulled out a gold coin. "If you translate this to yen, it comes out around seven billion."

Kurotabo whistled. That was nearly a third of their current treasury.

"Not only that, but your presence will be counted as fulfilling the letter of the law if not the spirit. I will fabricate exam results so that as soon as this task is done you never have to be bothered by us again."

Rikuo smiled. "I'll think it over. Until then, stick around."

Albus nodded and pulled a birdcage from his bag. "This is a mail owl. Simply tie a letter to its leg and ask him to deliver it to me. He can find anyone anywhere."

Kappa came in and retrieved the bird, taking him away.

"Please respond before August 20th. The school year starts on September 1st. Until then, safe travels."

Kubinashi twitched his fingers once again and Dumbledore's wand returned to its owner, before Dumbledore's shoes appeared next to him and the wizard vanished, the house seeing no reason to keep him there.

"I say we take it. That's a lot of money. And they are no threat. We guard the kid, kill the bastard, collect on the way out." Kubinashi said.

"He's incredibly rude. I say if he shows his face again I hit him with my feathers." Zen argued.

"Bring the kid here, wait until these guys come looking for him and kill them then," Kurotabo interjected.

"Enough," Rikuo said, dropping his human disguise. "We will take this as a business opportunity. We will accept Dumbledore's offer and while we are there increase our overseas assets and increase our influence throughout Europe from there." He grinned wickedly. "We already conquered Japan after all. Perhaps time to move on."

Karasu Tengu was crying tears of joy along with several other supporters.

"Tonight, we feast, and in three days, we leave for Britain."

Cheers went through the household and soon everyone was celebrating.

-------------------
Three days had passed since Rikuo had made his decision and Gyuki had been placed in charge temporarily while Rikuo was in Britain.

It was while they were packing the call went up.

"The lady of Kyoto is here!"

Rikuo grinned and put down his bag before running to the front gate where a ghost carriage was landing.

A beautiful woman with long black hair emerged, a kitsune mask in her hand.

"Lord Rikuo." She drawled.

"Lady Hagoromo. It's only been three weeks since we last saw each other. What brings you to Edo?" Rikuo asked, using the old names as the ancient fox still refused to use the modern ones.

"I heard a rumor that you were going to go fight in another land."

"And you wanted to come and watch." Rikuo finished. "Well, as my sworn sister you have every right to join us, but I can't guarantee it will be very entertaining."

"Rikuo. You cause trouble just by existing, I guarantee something interesting will happen."

"Well then, I hope you packed enough for a long journey, Hagoromo, it will be quite a while before we return."

"I left my second in command and only bought Kyokotsu with me."

A little girl with golden eyes and a snake riddled skull in her hands poked her head out. She had turned thirteen a year after the battle in Kyoto and looked about 14 now.

"I will assign another ladies maid if you so desire." Rikuo offered.

"No. Kyokotsu will be sufficient. Although, thank you for your consideration." The fox assured him.

Zen came up behind them and plopped his hand down on Rikuo's shoulder. "Let's get a move on. I only have another twenty years left over here and I don't plan on wasting them."

He dragged Rikuo off, much to the amusement of the fox Yokai.

They finished loading the treasure ship and were soon boarding.

"After you, milady," Kyokotsu said, letting her mistress take the lead.

"One last thing," Rikuo said. "I'm taking Mayoi-ga with me."

The little white yokai who barely came up to Rikuo's knee looked hopeful. "We wouldn't want to live in the ship for months, would we?"

From around his neck, Rikuo pulled out a glowing blue key.

He held it in front of the Mayoi-ga and turned it gently.

Behind them, the Nura Clan house rippled and vanished as Mayoi-ga released his fear.

A group of yokai who had power over illusions created a replica of the closed front gate. They would set up a small building to serve as a place for them to live while Rikuo was away and it would be dismantled upon his return.

"It's a 14-hour trip so get comfy," Rikuo said. "If anyone needs me I'll be in my chambers."

With that, he vanished below deck.

----------
Albus Dumbledore walked through the gates of the Nura mansion the next day to find the house had vanished.

"Here." Said a girl with unnaturally blue eyes. "The master left this for you."

Dumbledore took the scroll and opened it. "Race you." He read.

The wizard sighed. Rikuo may have been as old as a grandfather but he certainly acted the age he looked.

The headmaster apparated to Hogsmeade just as a fleet of ships arrived, heavily shrouded in mist.

"We headed for the highest concentration of magical energy and went from there." A voice said next to him.

Dumbledore drew his wand and aimed it at the yokais standing next to him.

It was the Sanbagarasu, the three tengu siblings who were in charge of reconnaissance.

They looked like humans if it wasn't for the large black wings.

"Master passed along a message. He wants a place large enough for the Nura mansion to be set up." Kuroumaru informed him.

"Of course," Dumbledore said. "The castle grounds are that way. You are welcome to any of the land there or you may live within the castle itself."

The trio nodded and took off, flying towards the ships. A moment later the ships, all ten of them, adjusted course and headed for Hogwarts.
Dumbledore stepped up his pace and arrived just as they were set down in the black lake.

The gangplank opened and Rikuo accompanied by Zen, Kubinashi, and Kurotabo emerged. A small clay like yokai was on Rikuo's shoulder.

"Not what I imagined when you said castle but I suppose it works." Kubinashi mused. "Where can we set up camp?"

"You are welcome to anywhere on Hogwarts grounds, including the forbidden forest if you so desire or somewhere on the main grounds."

They ended up setting up near the whomping willow, mainly because a woman in black deemed it entertaining.

It was to Dumbledore's immense surprise that the little clay yokai was the embodiment of the house itself.

Everyone back up as the little yokai scampered forward, looked around to make sure he had the space he needed. He drew a deep breath and black smoke poured off of him. It solidified into a very familiar looking mansion.

"Even the house is a yokai," Dumbledore muttered as members of the Hyakki Yakou began carrying luggage to the house. "Lord Rikuo." The headmaster called.

Rikuo looked up from where he was conversing with the woman in black. "Yes, Albus?"

"I wanted to discuss terms with in greater detail. Shall we do so while I give a tour of the castle and grounds?"

"Of course." The Lord of Pandemonium turned back to the woman. "Would you like to come with us on our tour?"

"Sounds entertaining." She said. "I'll come."

"Let's go before our aides realize we're making a run for it." They came up to Dumbledore, who was getting a rather Slytherin vibe from the woman. "This is Lady Hagoromo Gitsune. The Lady of Kyoto and my sworn sister."

Dumbledore bowed in respect. "It is an honor to meet you. If you would please follow me."

They headed towards the castle, Dumbledore pointing out the Quidditch pitch and Hagrid's Hut and the greenhouses as they went.

"I wish to see this sport of yours," Hagoromo told him. "It sounds like it would be fun."

"My team would win." Rikuo teased.

"We will see."

"I have no problems with either you or your people wandering the halls whenever you please as long as the children dorms, common room and teachers personal chambers are not wandered into. The kitchens are here." Dumbledore gestured to a tapestry of fruit. "Just tickle the pear and the door will open."

Next, they were shown the hidden corridors and passages. "If you want to know more ask the Weasley twins in Gryffindor. They know more about the castle than some of the professors. Speaking of. I don't mind you interacting with the students as long as no one gets hurt. Madam Pomfrey, our school nurse, is yours to deal with if someone does. Please don't help students cheat on any exams or in sports but anything else goes."

"So stay out of the private areas and don't help kids cheat." Rikuo summed up.

"Essentially."

"That's fair."

After their tour, (and hiding from their aides as Kubinashi, Kyokotsu, and Karasu Tengu ran/flew by) they were brought back to the main gate.

"I have informed the professors that you will be wandering during the nights, but for some reason, I doubt you'll be caught."

That made Rikuo smirk.

"If you need help outside of this place, I'm sure you could convince some of the main family to help." Hagoromo offered. "I know from experience they are hot-blooded."

Rikuo nodded. "I'd like to wander around Britain a bit. Where is the student you want to be protected? I will place two of my heads on him."
Dumbledore nodded. "Privet drive. Surrey."

Rikuo whistled and a snake like yokai flew in the window. "Im off then. Let Yuki-onna know please, Hagoromo?"

The fox smiled. "I will."

And with that the boy vanished.