So, hello everyone. I have decided to get myself into a load of mess: write an ENGLISH Harry Potter-Naruto CROSSOVER. Yeah, I know, but I really wanted to try. So reviews and constructive criticism are welcome, since I'll surely be needing them if I want to evolve. I'm not using a beta since I want to see if my writing is worth anything without one so I apologise if I missed errors and you are welcome to tell me about them. :)
Hope you'll enjoy.
Sitting in her uncomfortable, yet imposing chair, Tsunade let out a long sigh. Blue eyes trained on her office's window, she slowly reached for one of her drawers containing a hidden stash of sake. She didn't usually drink when working – at least not since the end of the war – but the constant chitter caused by her subordinates running around gave her a headache. And left her in a foul mood that only alcohol could lighten. Opening the bottle, she took a gulp before putting it back in place with yet another sigh. She could hear the shouting from the village below, civilians and shinobi alike working on the reconstruction of their once thriving home. It was a very slow process. She knew it couldn't be helped, for Konoha had been almost completely destroyed, yet she still felt somewhat irked that they had done so little thus far. After all, almost a year had passed since that terrible event.
When Uchiha Madara had announced the Fourth Shinobi War, all the Hidden Villages had allied to bring him down. They didn't, however, expect to be faced with an army force twice the size of their own and the resurrection of their fallen elite shinobi. That was how she had found herself face to face with her lost love. Team 10 with their former leader, Asuma and the Kazekage, Gaara, with his late father. Those encounters had left quite a bitter taste for every concerned party. And though the war had been won, the losses had been numerous and heavy. Tsunade had lost her closest friend and first apprentice, Shizune. And though she would've gladly sunk in self-pity for losing yet another dear friend, the village needed more than ever a strong, leading figure to look up to. So she gathered her broken heart and put up a strong façade. It wasn't like she was the only one who lost precious people to her. All around her was despair and sadness. Broken women, empty men. Her Anbu forces had been practically destroyed, she had lost half her Jônin and parents were more averse than ever to send their children to become Genin, for fear of losing them. The losses have pushed her to take drastic measures. Shinobi were promoted prematurely, Chûnin becoming Jônin without proper examination and training. Genin taking the places of Chûnin, while the Jônin worked for foreign warlords to try and bring some funds to the village. She hadn't seen most of them for months. And for those that weren't off in distant lands, they were either wounded, under special care for psychological damage or had resigned. She overworked her men and she hated it. But there was no other choice.
A small knock was heard on the door of her office. The Hokage Tower had been one of the first buildings to have been repaired – alongside the hospital – for it was a symbol of leadership and hope in these somber times. The Hokage asked her visitor to enter. Yamanaka Ino appeared, head slightly bowed, with some of the blonde bangs that weren't in her tight bun, surrounding her pale face. When she looked up, the busty Sannin couldn't withhold another tired sigh. The poor girl looked exhausted, eyes rimmed with black circles and her once splendid skin an almost greyish color. She had also lost more weight, though this time wasn't because one of her silly diets. The young kunoichi smoothed her black skirt and looked expectantly at her leader.
''I need you to summon Sakura, Shino, Shikamaru and Anko for me.'' said Tsunade, eyes glued on the petite kunoichi's form. ''When they arrive, send them in one by one.''
''Yes, Hokage-sama.'' came the distant reply, before she left the office.
Ino had been some of the Shinobi most hit by war. Her father had lost his life during the battles and her mother died in the destruction of their village, leaving the sixteen-year-old alone and lost. Her ''reunion'' with her ex-Sensei hadn't helped either, pushing her to want to quit her life as a kunoichi. Tsunade would have none of it though, knowing that deep down, the girl would regret it even more if she gave up. So they had an agreement: Ino would take a temporary leave from her duties as a ninja and would work as her assistant. She knew this way the girl would see her comrades every day and feel less lonely.
Though the Yamanaka heir was not the only one in such a situation. She had only reinstated Hyûga Neji as an active Jonin, after his nervous breakdown eight months ago. Never in the world would she have thought him to be in such a state after learning of his cousin's situation. Hyûga Hinata was officially in coma, ever since the end of the war. No one really knew how it happened, just that she was found unconscious under the dead form of Hatake Kakashi, who seemed to have tried to protect her from... something. And though she was in no life-threatening situation, she still hadn't woken up, leaving her friends and family devastated. Inuzuka Kiba hadn't spoken one word ever since her retrieval and Aburame Shino had thrown himself wholly in long-duration missions.
The unofficial break-up of Team 10 also had it's toll on the members. Shikamaru seemed grumpier than ever and Chôji less outspoken and shier around their only female teammate. Currently ex-teammate.
''Shishou, you called for me?'' asked a small voice from the door, after a discrete, yet determined knock.
''Yes, Sakura. Come in.'' came the tired answer of the blonde Hokage, eyes turning one last time towards the sun setting behind her back, before resting them on the pink-haired young woman in front of her.
Of all her Shinobi, she seemed to have been the least affected physically. She had neither lost, or gained weight nor did she look less healthy than she was before the war. To an untrained eye, the girl seemed perfectly fine. But the older woman could see the tiredness and lack of vitality in her eyes. Though she smiled as often as before, it lacked it's usual glee. Her emerald eyes which used to burn with strength, determination and ambition now seemed hollow. Her movements were more sluggish than before. She also seemed to have developped a few unwanted and unwelcome habits. Such as tardiness, a tendency of disrespect towards superiors and a certain disregard to her own safety. And Tsunade knew very well why, though her apprentice didn't seem to notice. She was picking up her late teammates quirks. She had after all watched her two friends battle to death, unable to save any one of them. And just like that, they had yet again left her behind. When she came back to Konoha, she was promoted to Jônin, alongside Shikamaru, Chôji, Tenten, Lee, Kiba and Shino and had taken on quite a few missions before her master actually found out she wasn't as stable as she seemed to be. After one particular mission whence she came back half-dead and Tsunade had pulled an all-nighter to keep her alive, the Hokage had decided to put her in charge of the hospital. She got back on active duty four months later, when the Sannin was sure she had strongly diminished her suicidal tendencies.
Now she stood in font of her, rigid, legs slightly spread and rooted to the ground, hands clasped behind her back. Her green eyes were focused on her master, brows creased and waiting for her orders.
''I suppose you know that ever since the war, the Hidden Villages' leaders have started sending their men out of the countries to bring back more money for the reconstructions?''. It was more a statement than a question.
Sakura nodded, silently urging her Shishou to continue.
''Well it seems all my more experienced Jônin are away and I have received outside requests. That's why I called you and the others here.''
''Will we be forming a unit for a mission?'' asked Sakura, not certain as to why she was alone in the office in that case.
''No. I have too many demands and too few men to spare. Each one of you will have their own mission to accomplish.'' explained the blonde, fingers clenching and unclenching around a parchment. ''Yours is A-rank and you'll be leaving tomorrow before dawn. It's a guard mission. You will be a young boy's guard during your stay in that foreign country.''
''A-rank? For the guard of a simple boy?'' came the incredulous question.
''It's not that simple, Sakura. You'll have to infiltrate the boy's school and keep an eye on him, whilst hiding your origin and purpose.''
''Surely that still doesn't earn such a high ranking?'' And she knew she was right. Ever since the end of the war, the rankings had gone a notch higher. So what constituted an A-rank mission today, was almost as difficult as an S-rank before the war.
Life had become harder ever since then. There was less and less food, the animals having been killed durng the fights and the fields burnt. The number of criminals had increased and it actually was dangerous to just step out of one's village, let alone travel. The roads were swarming with thieves, assassins, traitors and fugitives ready to attack any passerby likely to have some valuable objects with them.
''There is a dark menace looming over their country and the boy seems to be a key in stopping it. It is your job to keep him alive and unscathed, no matter what.'' Tsunade said, though she couldn't help the small smile forming on her lips. The girl might be suicidal, but she was still sharp. ''Though you were right, there is another reason behind it. You see, we were given quite a fair amount of money for this mission and it was only the first instalment. It would be... convenient if we could form an alliance of sorts with these people.''
''So it's a diplomatic mission under the cover of a guard one?''
Another smile graced the lips of the Sannin. The girl caught on fast.
''Yes, but not only. You see, it would be rather un-beneficial for us if other Shinobi found this trail...'' she carefully explained.
''And my job would be to keep said Shinobi away.'' concluded the pinkette.
''Indeed.''
The two women regarded each other in silence. There was no need to specify what had to be done if said ninja insisted on snooping around nonetheless. When Tsunade was sure her student had understood, she threw the parchment to her. Sakura caught it and it promptly disappeared in her hip-pouch.
''As I said, you are to leave before dawn and travel to the borders of the Fire Nation. There you will be met with our client – or possibly one of his envoys – who'll take you to where you need be. additional informations are in the scroll.'' concluded the busty blonde. ''Sakura, please be careful. You're on your own, so don't do anything reckless.''
The kunoichi glanced at her master. She seemed more tired than ever and it was almost as if her true age showed through her rejuvenating jutsu. Sakura knew how hard this was for her. Contrary to the other Shinobi of Konoha, Tsunade hadn't had the least time to mourn. She had to take her place as leader straight away and lead her people, help them rebuild their lives and homes. She barely slept, what with surveying the reconstruction during the day and working on papers at night. Sakura couldn't remember the last time she'd seen her outside her office. She didn't even go to the hospital anymore.
''Don't worry Shishou, I'll be okay.'' she said with a smile, knowing fully that her master didn't need another headache. ''Maybe you should rest a bit Shishou. Ask Shikaku-san to take over for a day.''
''As if he needed even more work. Now go on your merry little way and don't forget to send a report every month! And send me in thet lazy Shikamaru. He's in so much trouble if he dared fall asleep!'' grumbled the blonde, shooing her pupil.
Sakura left with a short chuckle. At least she hadn't lost her impatience. She was also quite sure she saw the older woman's hand inch towards that famous sake-filled drawer. And here she thought she had stopped!
''Shikamaru, Tsunade-sama is asking for you.''
''How troublesome...''
When her alarm clock went off at around 4:30, Sakura was really tempted to just smash it. But she couldn't afford a new one. She was happy she even had one! Slowly rising and giving a sour look at the night view from her window, she trudged towards the bathroom. Flicking the lights on, she didn't give a second look to her sleepy reflection, before standing under the shower.
Twenty minutes later, she was ready and marching out the door of her minuscule appartement. It was a whole appartement complex, located south of Konoha – near its exit – built specially for the Shinobi. It was quite strategically located, for it made it easier to get to the Hokage Tower or the gate in a small amount of time. And since her neighbours were mostly comrades, it helped not feeling lonely. Even though they hardly saw each other with all the work they had...
Sakura calmly walked to the gates, enjoying the morning breeze on her face. It was nearing the end of August and though the mornings weren't yet cold, they lacked that stuffy hotness of the summer days. Passing the lookout at the entrance of the gates, Sakura waved once at the guard on duty. He nodded in answer but seemed too tired to move more than that. The kunoichi knew how he felt. There was nothing worse – or more boring – than being on guard duty for a whole night.
Once at a respectable distance from the village, she jumped in the trees, setting off towards the borderline. She risked a last glance behind her, eyes setting on the Hokage Mountain. She always felt that if the monument was the last thing she saw whilst leaving the village, she was sure to come back alive. And while it had worked for her, she wished it also had for the others.
Skipping through the trees in the silent night, she couldn't stop her mind from wandering off. She could still remember that one fight. Contrary to what everyone had thought, Naruto hadn't defeated Madara by himself. When she had seen him arrive on the battlefield and wipeout most of their ennemies, she had been more than relieved to see him. But then he took off. Nobody quite knew where – being busy at that time with either their standig foes or fallen comrades – but she had a feeling it was towards one of the two Uchihas. So without even considering her options, she followed him. Oh, she knew she wouldn't stand a chance against any one of them, but she'd be damned before she let down her teammates again. She'd go even if the only thing she could do was provide her medical assistance at the end of the battle. So she mindlessly followed.
When she at last caught up, Naruto had already been shouting at someone for some time. Hidden a few hundred meters from them, behind a tall oak, she tried tuning in on what was being said. Even from that distance she noticed every head lift when she arrived, but no one made any move. She mustn't had been threatening enough to make them care about her presence. Holding back a huff of irritation, she listened on.
As soon as the fight had started, she had to crouch low to avoid beeing pushed back by the waves of chakra. The energy was so strong it prickled at her senses and she felt as tough it were burning her skin. Hairs standing on edge, she forced herself to keep watching. It had been the most amazing fight she'd ever seen. But Naruto seemed to be having a hard time. Before she could even contemplate interfering, another person jumped in the fight, separating the two Shinobi. Eyes wide as saucers, Sakura stared at the newcomer: Uchiha Sasuke. To her utter shock, her ex-teammate turned towards her best friend and extended his arm. The blonde boy incredulously started at the stretched hand, before grabbing it with a grin. They both stood and faced Madara, who seemed as shocked as she was – not that she could be sure though, with that mask covering his entire face.
The fight went on for a long time, longer than she'd ever seen a fight last. Yet slowly but surely, Sasuke and Naruto where beginning to have the upper hand. Excitement started bubbling in her chest. If they won this, the war would be over and Sasuke might even come back. Their team would be reunited again after all these years!
Her bubble burst fairly fast though, just after seeing Sasuke collapse without any apparent reason. She was torn between running there and checking on him and staying where she was, so as not to impede on the ongoing fight. So she stood her ground and watched how, a now enraged, Naruto relentlessly attacked Madara. And when she saw said Uchiha fly away – curtesy of one of Naruto's Rasengans – she at last showed herself, dashing to her two friends, eyes glued to the fallen ennemy to make sure he didn't stand up anytime soon. He never did. It was only when she arrived next to them that she noticed the long sword lodged in the Kyûbi-vessel's chest. Sasuke's sword. Gaping, the kunoichi looked from one boy to the other. Naruto offered a weak smile and added a small ''Madara'' before collapsing to the ground. She instantly started closing the wound. Naruto silently urged her to forget about him and look after Sasuke.
''Shut up, Naruto. You used up all of Kyûbi's chakra, you can't heal yourself alone! I'll take care of you and then Sasuke.'' she said with a no-nonsense tone.
When the wound was closed, she started pumping chakra into his heart with one hand, the other one reaching for Sasuke's chest. She didn't know what had happened to him, only that his heart was failing him. Palms hovering over her friends' hearts, she relentlessly tried making their vital organs function on their own again. Somewhere deep down, she knew her efforts were futile. Naruto's wound was fatal and even though she sort of stitched up his heart, it wouldn't be enough. Not without the Kyûbi helping, anyway. As for Sasuke, she just couldn't figure out for the life of her what was wrong with him.
Slowly, she was nearing the limits of her chakra reserve. The one temporarily enhanced with two soldier pills. She felt a hand grab her wrist and looked down into Sasuke's onyx orbs. He gently shook his head though didn't have enough strength to move her hand away. Ignoring him, she shook off his hand and went on. Her gaze was suddenly turned towards her other teammate who had called her.
''Let us be... Sakura-chan... you know we're... done for...'' he said through deep inspirations, offering her but a shadow of his once reassuring and lively grin.
''No,'' came her determined answer, ''I've lost my team once, it won't happen again! Now that we're finally together, I won't let you abandon me again!''
Tears started streaming down her cheeks, but her chakra control never once wavered even if it did become weaker. She was starting to feel dizzy. She knew that if she went on longer, she'd probably die of chakra-exhaustion. For the first time in her life, she didn't seem to care. At least if she died, she'd join her teammates in the afterlife...
''It's okay, Sakura-chan... you know we love you... it's okay.'' soothed Naruto, both hands gripping her wrists. Sasuke did the same on her other side and after all these years, that familiar smirk that she missed so much graced his lips.
Then suddenly, her hands were wrenched from their places and she stumbled back a bit. She didn't expect them to still have some force left. Furiously wiping her tears away, she stumbled back to them, readying herself to start all over again. She couldn't save them, but maybe she could keep them alive until help came. Reaching out, she prepared chakra in both her hands, just to feel herself land face-first on the ground between her boys. She wanted to get up, but the darkness was oh-so appealing. If she could at least grab their hands...
When she woke up, it was two weeks later in a hospital bed. Nurses all around her were running from left to right, seeming tired, grouchy and messy. One of them had seen her wake up and rushed over to give her a glass of water. She didn't need to ask, she found the answer to her question in her despondent look. Naruto and Sasuke were dead. She was left behind... again. Burrowing her face in her pillow, she waited for the tears to come. But they didn't. Ever since the end of the war, she hadn't shed one tear because even though she tried, they wouldn't come. The boys seemed to have taken that part of her with them...
Jumping from a branch to another, she almost fell, slipping on moss she didn't notice was there. That happened a lot. She didn't have suicidal tendencies like most of her compatriotes thought. She was merely distracted. Her thoughts were constantly on her fallen teammates and her Sensei. The one guy she was sure would live through it all. But he hadn't. He had given his life to save Hinata. When she had first heard about it, she couldn't suppress the blame that grew inside her. It was her fault she had lost the last member of her team. Her Sensei who usually survived any battle and who, she had been sure, would've outlived them all. But these thoughts were gone as soon as they had appeared and when she was strong enough to go around the hospital, she went to her bedfoot and apologised. The girl hadn't done anything wrong. So she stayed with her all night, mourning the death of her friends.
Shaking her head of these negative reminiscences, she concentrated on the road and mission ahead of her. She needed to get to the border at sunrise and meet this guy who'd take her who-knew-where for a protection/infiltration/diplomatic mission. The ''additional'' informations in the scroll – as her Shishou had called them – weren't a tad bit helpful. All she received were a short biography of her charge and a photograph of him and his friends, to make it easier to recognize. And a password for the envoy. The rest of the details, read the scroll, will be given in due time by their client. Oh how she loved being held in the dark!
Nearing the border, she reached for a shawl in her hip-pouch, concealing her bright hair under it. She just didn't feel like being a flashy target for enemy nins and was even less tempted to be recognized as the famous Hokage/Sannin's apprentice. Verifying her holster were secure on both her thighs, she sprinted forward. A few more meters and she'd be there.
Senses on high alert, she finally broke through the thick forest – only to be assaulted by a shower of shuriken. Cursing herself for having missed enemy presence, she threw herself on her side, sliding on the rough floor before coming to halt. She flexed her gloved fingers, ready to beat the annoying troublemaker into oblivion. She didn't have to wait long before a scrawny nin jumped towards her, swinging a rather un-sharp looking blade at her. She easily deflected before delivering a well-aimed punch to his gut. The nin flew a few meters, before crashing into a tree and remaining inert on the floor. Throwing her leg around her, she kicked another one in the head. The third one was taken down by a few shuriken of her own. The nin were slow, inattentive and didn't seem to care for their companions. She could guess they were homeless men, out in the wild for who knew how long, famished and exhausted. Her taking five of them down in less than a minute just proved her theory.
When no one else seemed to want to attack her, she straightened, wiping off the dirt from her clothes. That's when she felt someone observing her. Hardened green eyes scanned her surroundings, before landing on the shape of a man a few hundred meters from her. He was still and stood – she quickly noticed – right where the invisible border of her village's territory was. Was it this man she was looking for? Right hand never leaving the hilt of her tanto, she slowly approached him.
''Who are you and what business do you have here?'' she slowly asked the unmoving figure before her.
''The strenght of the eagle makes him the ruler of the skies,'' said the muffled feminine voice of the stranger.
''and the phoenix's immortality its guardian.'' finished the bemused kunoichi as she covered the last steps that separated her of her liaison.
She didn't expect her man to actually be a woman. Nor to see her so oddly dressed. But what shocked her the most was her hair colour – purple and as unusual as her own.
''You're the Hokage's envoy? But you're only a kid!'' came the surprised voice of her client.
''I can hold my own.'' It seemed she wasn't the only one stunned. ''Haruno Sakura. Please call me Sakura.''
''Nymphadora Tonks, but I'd rather you only use Tonks. You speak English quite well, Sakura.''
''Thank you.'' was her only answer. Foreign languages were on the program in the Academy, but only a few chose to study them – Sakura being one of those people.
''Well then, how about we get going? The others are quite impatient to see you. Boy, will they be shocked!'' laughed the young woman, handing an old boot towards her. ''Grab this.''
Eyeing the object suspiciously, Sakura did as instructed. She suddenly felt her legs rip off the ground, turning wildly, and had to close her eyes to push away the urge to throw up. When her feet hit the ground again, she staggered but didn't fall. Calming her insides for a few seconds, she opened her emerald eyes and looked at the older woman. She seemed slightly impressed and almost proud. She turned, throwing the boot in a nearby trash can.
''Come on, we got a long day ahead of us. Hope you have a good memory 'cause there'll be lots of names to remember!'' came the cheerful voice of Tonks, as Sakura quickly caught up with her.
Sakura was calmly sipping the tea she had been given upon her arrival, desperately trying to remember all the names. She hadn't been expecting to meet so many people. When Tonks had led her through the door of a tall yet weirdly built house – she was still wondering exactly how it managed to stand – , they were greeted by a plump little redheaded woman. Molly Weasley. She ushered them inside, but not before exchanging a password of sorts with Tonks. They were then brought into a kitchen, where stood and sat a whole bunch of other people. Mr. Weasley – as ginger as his wife Mrs Weasley – sat the nearest from her and had gotten up to greet her with a bright yet perplexed smile. Tonks had definitely been right about people being shocked about her. Most seemed utterly speechless though she did see a few that seemed displeased. A small and old-looking man with greyish hair and mismatched eyes, one of them blue and spinning crazily before settling on her, and a tall thin man, with longer black hair and black robes. Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody and Severus Snape, she later learned. Among the others, there was another redhead, Bill Weasley (the Weasley couple's son, Sakura had intellegently concluded) with a blond woman of baffling beauty at her side, Fleur Delacour (the kunoichi felt a pang of jealousy when watching her). And finally, there was another man, Remus Lupin, who worried Sakura quite a bit with his abnormal paleness and sickly figure. She silently noted that Tonks deflated a bit at her side when the man had directed his gaze towards them. When she looked up at the woman, she was shocked to see her hair had seemed to go from bright purple to mousy brown. The woman gave her a weak smile before telling her she'd explain later and veering towards the only unoccupied chair – at the middle of the table.
So there she sat, between these weird people who had explained their situation and were currently gauging her reaction. Sighing and taking another sip of her tea, she finally put it down.
''So you're telling you're wizards and witches. You perfom magic thanks to your sticks called wands and you're part of a secret organisation called the Order of the Phoenix who fights against a dangerous murderer called Lord Voldemort. Am I missing anything?''
''That's quite right. Do you still have difficulties believing it?'' asked pleasantly Lupin.
She pretty much had received proof of their story when her cup came in the room floating, but that didn't mean she had already digested the news. They were magicians! The real deal. She was almost tempted to ask if they could get a bunny out of their hats, but the sour look the Snape and Moody guys were giving her dissuaded her from doing so.
''No. I think it's okay.'' she finally answered. ''Though I would need specifics for my mission. I was only instructed to watch over and protect Harry Potter, who seems to be your hidden weapon against your Dark Lord. What do I have to protect him against and for how long?''
''Well...'' had started Lupin, but was quickly interrupted by Snape.
''Before we discuss any of it, we need information on you.'' he coldly said, piercing black eyes on her. ''Why is it we were sent a child for such an important matter?''
''I'm no child! I am a fully grown and well-trained shinobi!'' ground out Sakura, emerald eyes furiously narrowing.
''Now, now, no need to fight.'' soothed Mrs Weasley. ''Though I am a bit worried myself. This is a dangerous work you've been assigned and you do seem quite young. Exactly how old are you dear?''
''Seventeen. And I have been considered an adult ever since I was twelve''.
Well sort of. Most shinobi became independent after their graduation. Even if they were separated in groups, it was only so they would evolve and become stronger, so they could fare on their own in the outside world. And her vision of the world had changed since her mission with Team 7 in the Land of Waves. She had learned about life and it's difficulties. About real fights and death. She had come back from that mission less naïve and it only continued that way with time. Though she was far from being considered a 'seasoned-shinobi', she had seen her fair share of horror and survived plenty of battles. She was far from being a child, now.
''That still doesn't make you an adult, Sakura.'' calmly added Lupin.
''Then pray share your concerns so I can dispel them for you.'' she bit out. Her temper was starting to get the better of her, what with everyone looking at her like they would at a little girl.
''Kid, we're at the brink of war here, not on a playground. We didn't hire a babysitter but a warrior, capable of defending his life and that of three others! Now how about you contact that leader of yours and tell her she send us a real ninja!'' barked Moody, indignation written all over his face.
The kunoichi slowly stood from her chair, eyes glowering fiercely. She gripped the edge of the table so as not to punch through it and opened her mouth to speak. It had been years since anybody had doubted her skills and disrespected her so much.
''I am a respected and high-ranked kunoichi of Konoha. I have rightfully earned my title and rank by fighting in the name of my village.'' she spoke, voice laced with poison. ''I have seen and fought as many fights as any of you. I will not be treated so lowly. And I am the apprentice of «that leader of mine» as you called her and she would be overly affronted if you sent me back without a second thought. I doubt you need any more conflicts than you already have.''
Her outburst was followed by silence, Mrs Weasley setting a calming hand on Moody's shoulder, urging him to relent and sit down. Sakura swept her eyes over the room once, before also settling back down with a satisfied expression. She crossed her arms on her chest and silently dared anyone to challenge her again. Her inner-self started bugging her by saying she had over-reacted, but she ignored the persisting and annoying voice inside her head.
''We still need information.'' said Snape after a while. When her gaze snapped towards him, he gave her an unimpressed look and took on a lecturing tone. ''Surely you have a specific use in your hometown. Or do you simply run around fighting whoever crosses your path?''
She arched a pink eyebrow at him.
''I am a Jônin. The highest rank of ninja in our system, just below the position of Kage – the leader of the village. I am also a medic and an illusion specialist. I prefer hand-to-hand and close combat though.'' she calmly asnwered, making sure she didn't divulge more than necessary. They need not know that they had their own secret service organisation – the Anbu – that were higher ranked and stronger than regular Jônin. Nor did they need to know why she preferred close combat. Yet.
The wizards all went silent, seemingly storing the information she had given them.
''Medic is good. Harry and the others always get in trouble and hurt.'' mumbled Lupin. ''How fast do you heal?''
''Depends on the injury. If it's on the surface, mere minutes. And I don't leave scars.'' she added proudly. She had her own reputation in Konoha because of that and women usually came to her when hurt. Not that Tsunade or Shizune couldn't do it too, they just didn't have the time or patience to work more just for that.
There was a long silence, everyone seemingly deep in their thoughts. Sakura, arms still crossed, was waiting for any more questions. They had pretty much gotten off the wrong foot, what with her little loss of patience and angry outburst, but she was willing to remedy to said error. A good and pacific relationship was benefic for both her village and her, seeing as she'd be staying for some time.
''Oh, we almost forgot!'' exclaimed Lupin. ''We still need to brief you on your mission!''
The young kunoichi just nodded, waiting for his explanations. She was to infiltrate Hogworts as a special exchange student from Japan, who had already completed her studies in her hometown and was currently an apprentice of one of the school teachers. She'd be awarded the same privileges as a Headgirl (not that she knew what that was) and the same obligations as the teachers. Meaning she'd give some particular lessons, supervise classes whilst in their study period and would patrol around the school. Her living quarters would be next to the Gryffindor House, so she could keep an eye on and be close to Harry. She was forbidden to physically harm and/or attack any students, though she could take away house points if they were behaving wrong.
''So no traps where someone might get hurt.'' it was a rather rhetorical question, that she asked nonetheless.
''Merlin forbid, no!'' cried out Mrs Weasley, horror painted all over her face.
''Not all traps are deadly,'' she shrugged. ''some are actually useful against little sneaks. They just hang around a bit by their legs...''
Seeing the disbelieving looks she was given, she abandoned the idea. Well they hadn't said anything about genjutsu traps, so she'd use those. God how she loved being a ninja and going around rules without really breaking them! Her little smirk didn't go unnoticed by the Weasley matriarch, who narrowed her eyes at the pinkette, but before she could say anything, her husband caught everyone's attention.
''We still need a superior for you.'' he said. ''A teacher who'll play the part of your master.''
''Well it obviously needs to be someone from the order. That leaves either Minerva, Hagrid or Severus.'' concluded Lupin.
''It has to be believable, Remus. She doesn't do magic, so we can forget Transfiguration and Minerva.'' Moody barked from his corner. ''How do you fare with animals, girl?''
''I don't. I'm a medic, I was taught only how to look out for humans... and humanoids, I suppose.'' she allowed, furrowing her brows. If it was a vet' they needed, they should've hired Inuzuka Hana, Kiba's older sister.
''She could work for Poppy...''
''We said someone from the Order, Nymphadora!''
''How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that, Mad-Eye!''
''What about Potions?'' Everyone suddenly turned towards Bill as if he were crazy. The boy shrugged, muttering it was as good a proposition as any.
''I think I could manage that. Quite well actually.''
It was her turn to be stared at. From the corner of her eyes, she saw the almost impreceptible lift in Snape's eyebrow and belatedly realised just who would be her supervisor if she accepted Potions. Suddenly, she was interested in learning to be a vet'.
''Have you ever brewed potions?'' drawled the darkly dressed man.
''Not really... But I'm good at making poisons and antidotes. As well as ointments and other medical beverages.'' for a second there, she had almost stuttered. Was she actually being impressed by this guy? Sure he had that dangerous aura around him, but why would that scare her?
''You do know it's not the same thing, girl?'' came the biting retort.
''The concept is! You'll just have to teach me enough to make it look credible. And if I have to demonstrate skills, I'll just make one of my confections.'' the total lack of faith this man was showing her was infuriating.
'Give a girl her chance before you bite her head off!' came her inner-selfs voice.
'Shut up!'
'Hey, I was supportive here, you ingrate!'
Oblivious to her inner debate, Mr Weasley happily clapped his hands, saying the matter was concluded and invited all of the present company to have lunch with his family. Sakura's eyes shot up at the news and was readying herself to join them – she hadn't eaten since the night before, afterall – when a large hand on her shoulder stopped her. Looking up, she was met with her new supervisor's cold stare.
''We're leaving.'' was all he said, before turning around, his robes billowing behind him.
''What? Why? What about lunch? And where are we going?'' she followed him, shooting one last regretful glance towards the now fully decorated table. Oh, that chicken looked absolutely divine!
She noticed other members of the Order leaving too, some of them waving at her. She smiled back, grabbing her pack and following Snape towards... was that the chimney?
''For someone who is so adamant about being an adult, you behave like a child.'' he took out a handful of some powder from a bowl above the chimney. He showed her the powder and started explaining. ''Step in the chimney, say the name of the destination, Hogwarts in this case, and throw this around you.
He soon demonstrated, leaving in a green explosion. Eyes wide as saucers, she turned around and was met with the encouraging gazes of the Weasley family. For a second, she considered staying and sharing their meal. Deciding against it – no need to anger the forever angry and brooding professor more than it was necessary – she stepped inside the chimney as well, astounded that the flames weren't burning her at all.
Voilà, chapter one finished. Care to share your opinions? I suppose I'll continue writing even if you don't, but it's more encouraging if you do. :b
I also want to apologise for the updates (which will most likely be sporadic), but because I wanted opinions on this story before writing it altogether, I have only this chapter yet. Sadly, I'm a slow and lazy writer (Shikamaru and I match so well, even though I'm a Gaara admirer) and it's especially difficult now that I'm trying to write in English. But I'll try my best to update as often as possible (I do have a few weeks holidays). ^^
So, review? No? My sister makes the best muffins ever... Okay, no bribing. *leaves* ;)