What Is Old Made New
Disclaimer: I own neither Naruto nor Harry Potter, as my empty wallet proves quite easily.
AN/ This is really just a beginning scrap.
Prologue:
The night air was crisp as a cloaked figure leisurely walked from the gates of the castle to the treeline, not even pausing as it crossed the threshold into the dangerous forest. It walked for some time, weaving in between monstrous trees and gnarled, creeping roots. Eventually though, it stopped before a particularly monstrous tree. Upon closer examination, a door could be found nestled at its base among the roots, the intricate carvings shining in the pale moonlight. Knocking softly, the figure stood and waited. It wasn't long however before the door opened, though no one was on the other side. Expecting as much, the figure walked through, closing the door behind him, and continued down the winding stairs.
Descending quite nearly a hundred feet, the stairs ended at another doorway, this one with its door open. Entering, the room was revealed to be no different than you'd find in any cottage, belying the fact that it was far below the earth. Looking around, the figure found its target sitting comfortably beside the fireplace, a rather large book aloft in hand while, on a small side table, steam wafted over the lip of a large mug.
"Albus, always a pleasure," the young man said, peeking over the crest of the book.
Smiling wanly over at his host, "Indeed, my friend."
Motioning to the chair opposite himself, "Please, sit."
Removing his cloak, Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, eased himself back into the worn yet comfortable chair.
"I can sense that you aren't here for pleasantries, otherwise you'd have sent word earlier and I would've set up the chess board. What's wrong?" the young man asked.
Dumbledore sighed tiredly, his face betraying his age, "There are troubling times ahead, my friend. You have doubtless heard that there will be a tournament hosted by Hogwarts this year." It wasn't to officially be announced until the beginning of the school year, only high ranking wizards currently knowing, but he knew, without a doubt, that the blonde was aware of it.
The blonde shrugged, "So what if I have?"
Dumbledore smiled craftily. He had little doubt that the man before him knew far far more than he ever let on. "There will be many new faces visiting Hogwarts, not all of them necessarily pleasant. It will undoubtedly garner a great deal of attention, not all of it favorable."
"…"
"Which makes my request all the more difficult, but no less necessary." Leaning forward so that his elbows rested on his knees, "I would like you to take up a teaching position for the year." The man snorted in disbelief. "Hear me out, my friend. I feel you might be able to prepare the students for the dangers that I fear loom on the horizon."
Willing to let his friend prove his point, he leant back. "In what way? I doubt your Ministry would allow me to teach students to fight hand to hand."
"I was thinking along the lines of your knowledge of seals."
The blonde whistled. "…That's asking a lot."
"It's not conditional of our friendship," Dumbledore amended. "I'm simply hoping you will consider it."
Scratching his head, he regarded the aged wizard in front of him. "No promises…but I'll think about it."
Dumbledore's face was split by a grin. "Wonderful." Posture relaxing, he watched the fire with his host. "Where is-"
"I'm here, Albus," chimed a clear, soft voice. Both men turned to see the woman walk into the dim room. She was wearing an oversized robe, seeming to dwarf her in its folds, over a simple cotton nightgown, and was rubbing at her eyes sleepily. Sending a weak glare at the blonde, "You should've woke me. We don't often have guests." Waving his arms in a placating fashion, he fish-mouthed silently. Smiling puckishly, she sat on the arm of his chair before ruffling his hair. And while he pouted, she openly stole his hot drink from the table.
Mm, fresh cocoa truly was the best.
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with hidden laughter. It was always so very interesting to see the dynamic between the two, but, for the moment, he saw an opportunity. "I was just speaking to your husband about a teaching position at the school for this year, and, should he do well, potentially long-term." Dumbledore nodded sagely. "You have quite the talent for stirring things up, and, in the coming times, that could prove useful."
Despite their appearance, looking barely into their twenties, if that, being generous, both were actually quite old. By human standards. If he remembered correctly, they were both a little over seven centuries, yet they hardly looked into their twenties, the majority of which was spent together. Still, with their age came knowledge, experience, and wisdom.
And boredom. Which he could use to win them over.
Oh, and then of course… "The offer would go out to you as well," the aged wizard looking back to the angelic woman. "With what is to happen this year, I'm quite sure Poppy would appreciate another hand in the medical wing." He caught the interested gleam in her pale eyes.
Slumping sourly in his chair in a mock pout, the young man looked lost in thought before answering quietly, "I'll still need some time to think about it."
Rubbing his eyes tiredly, "I'm sorry, it is late already. The students are due to arrive at the end of the month, and there is still so much to do before then. It has been good seeing you again."
The young woman smiled kindly back. "You are always welcome here, Albus."
Dumbledore nodded. "Of course. Thank you, my friends," he responded as he climbed to his feet, donning his cloak.
"How many years is it going to take before you call me by name?" his host asked, a sour expression on his face.
"It hardly seems orthodox, Naruto," proving him wrong right then and there.
"Yeah, well, I'm not orthodox by anyone's standards," he called to the retreating Headmaster. Who felt at least gracious enough to address the woman among them. "Lady Hinata."
The door long closed, Dumbledore's energy signature retreating from their hidden home, Hinata fell backwards into the arms of the seated Naruto. "What're you thinking?" she asked childishly, pulling playfully on one of his longer blonde spikes.
"How much I love you?"
"Good answer," she congratulated, using his spiky hair handles to pull him down into a quick, but deep, kiss. Lips parting, a cute, button-nose nuzzled against a tan cheek, warmly affectionate in intent, and soon mirrored by the arms encircling her.
AN/ I don't know if I'll ever develop this story, but I at least wanted to post this part as I think it is a good show of how Naruto and Hinata would mesh as a couple.
"For love is immortality." – Emily Dixkinson
