Spellcasters and Familiars

*.*.*

"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen"

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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Chapter 1: The Magical Loser.

Sakura Haruno, loser extraordinaire, rested her head in the palm of her right hand in a daze. She stared at the white board while her friends, yet again, argued over the new guy. It would have been a normal school day in Konoha High to Sakura. With the shouting of the students in the classroom of how was everybody's weekend, what new fashion came in or who did what last night. It was very typical secondary school that gives anyone a headache if you had been there for long. She waited patiently as the minutes ticked by and looked toward her friends, who were blissfully unaware of the recent events that had occurred for her. She tried to drill out the thoughts in her head but only one just remains there.

*.*.*

I, Sakura Haruno, am a spell caster.

Boy do I wish I could say that to my friends.

You see, I recently found that little titbit of information when my aunt came to visit me at my apartment. My father and stepmother own eleven very successful vineyards that turn out tons of cash and decided I should live in the city near my school. They both believe I was old enough to be by myself and if I needed any help I can call them up or any relatives nearby and also refusing to change schools helps. Hence why it's my apartment. Anyway, I found out the hard way when she suddenly teleported in front of me while I was eating my lunch and doing my homework at the same time.

The chopsticks in Sakura's hand dropped and clattered around her plate of her chicken noodles. She stares at the blonde woman in front of her who had her hands on her hips and her large breasts nearly spilling out of clothes. How the hell did she appear like that? One minute she was eating her noodles happily while reading up on the history of Japan and the next she was right in front of her.

"Aunt T-tsunade?" Sakura whispered in shock.

"Sakura Haruno. You are the descendant of the most powerful sorceress that ever lived, Kuziki Akikono, and it's time you know that." Tsunade barked.

Sakura gaped at her.

My aunt…didn't exactly do subtle well.

I'm going to fast forward here as it's going to be tediously boring and damn embarrassing.

Okay, just embarrassing!

So after one long conversation, (fainting after a couple of demonstrations to prove I wasn't seeing things, I was indeed awake and very much sane *ahem*) she then proceeded to tell me why she was telling me now. I was nearly eighteen and it was time I should learn some basics if I wanted to keep myself safe from trouble.
Apparently all my life I had been doing some accidental magic without my knowledge of it and my aunt had been clearing up after me. She was now sick and tired of it and the only reason why she had been doing it was because on my mother's death bed my mum requested it. I had to admit, she had been doing a very fine job and now I was the one that had to clear up.

However, I was still stunned.

"So…any questions?" Tsunade asked.

"Yeah, why had this been kept from me in the first place?" Sakura nearly screeched.

"Your late mother married a mortal, so there was a fifty/fifty chance you weren't going to have your powers. You didn't show any signs till you were TWELVE." Tsunade shrugged. "Remember that kid Ami? You got so angry at her you threw her onto the roof of your secondary school. Very powerful considering you propelled her four stores high to get her there."

How could I forget Ami? Considering we go to the same school and is the reason why everyone thinks I'm a loser in the first place.

"I thought I just punched her into the dustbins" Sakura said dumbfounded.

Ever since that incident, Ami and her little goons makes sure everyday at school is a living pain. I'm surprise at that considering all those TV shows where they illustrate the popular kids always have money. Guess today society doesn't run that way anymore or Ami is really good at destroying people's reputation. So far I'm a whore, with implanted boobs, eaten a live duck excluding the beak and feet, have a tattoo that says 'Satan's my bitch' on my, ahem, female genitals, my father's in the crack house while my stepmother is living the good life who's also a whore.

None of it is true by the way:

I'm a virgin and proud to admit it. Though this could be due to the fact that Ami had pretty much ruined any chance of me having a decent boyfriend and the guys who have shown 'interest' are the ones who think I'll 'put out' for them. Creeps.

I've never had an operation in my life and I only go to a clinic once a year for my flu jabs. Hey, I hate getting the flu! It is not a time of celebration when you have the chance to be away from school. I may be a bit of 'nerd' but it's not fun. Okay it's the nerd thing. Shut up! I love learning!

I'm a pescaterian with the exception of the occasional chicken. Red meat kinda makes my stomach wiggle and I can't stand the fact that eating something that I can be 'friends' with. Fish are just fish and stupid and chickens...bad experience once when I was a kid. I hate farms.

I don't have a tattoo since I'm afraid of ink poisoning. What? My dad had listed every single possiblity of the negative side of tattoos

My Dad may live in the country to oversee the vineyards but considering he said he would flay me alive if I ever get addicted to drugs. I don't think he even believes in pain killers. He's like, um, Bruce Lee except scarier!

My stepmother is shy and extremely sweet and only has eyes for my dad since day one. Heck they're expecting their first child in the Autumn, I remember this fact cause my Dad wouldn't shut up for an hour on the phone at 2 am when I needed to rest for my biology test in the morning. They were in the Caribbean's at the time when they found so I couldn't really blame him forgetting the time difference.

So yeah, Ami made me a loser at school because I 'hurt' her. But it really wasn't my fault! She was really upsetting me about my forehead. Then she goes and upset my bestfriend Ino because her family wasn't wealthy and she had second-hand clothes. My temper isn't precisely the best thing when it comes to my friends. So my reputation at school was destroyed for the loyalty of my friend. I don't know if it was stupid or not but. IT. WAS. WORTH. IT!

HELL I'D DO IT AGAIN IF THE BITCH WASN'T SUCH A WHIMP AND HAD HER FRIENDS BY HER ALL THE TIME. GOD THE BITCH DRIVES ME UP THE WALL!!!

I HATE HATE HATE HER!!!!!

"Yes, after a couple of spells that's what everybody thought or remembered." Tsunade sighed. "Your mother went into a fit. Hecate, she didn't even want you to have powers in the first place, said it was 'unnatural'. Stupid and stubborn woman. Your father doesn't even KNOW about it." Tsunade said, gesturing her hands in a dramatic manner. "And I can't help you all the time now anyway, our matriarch has recently died and our coven has elected me as head matriarch and coven leader." Then slyly adds "Well, until you've reached your full potential and wish to take over."

Sakura stared.

"Wait. What do you mean by that?" Sakura asked, as her eyes widened.

Tsunade grinned.

"Like I said before Sakura, you are the descendant of the most powerful sorceress that ever lived, Kuziki Akikono. In turn you will be powerful too, though by how much isn't quite sure. There have been sorceresses that haven't shown a single drop of magic till they were eight and are able to create the fiercest of storms, move mountains with the flick of a finger or warped reality with a single thought. There have been those who have shown magic since they were born or during pregnancy and can't even do a simple hex. Of cause in most cases it's the opposite." Tsunade said "Despite that, it is always the powerful that are chosen as coven leader, however if you are a direct descendant of Kuziki Akikono your chances are greater."

Okay, let's just pause there for a second.

*Ahem*

I had just found out that magic was real and I was able to control it at will if I practiced it.

I was a teenager, I was a loser grasping for some hope of a nice time at school and now to add to this I was a freak that was going to lead other freaks too.

My mother may have been right on the whole 'unnatural' approach to it.

So like every teenager with raging hormones that played havoc with our emotions, I just did not take it well.

"So you expect me to take over? I'm seventeen! I'm about to finish my A-levels and go off to university and become a doctor! Have a baby brother or sister! Finally have my own car! Not ride a broomstick and cackle into the night on Halloween with a coven! God, have you even thought of how I felt about this? I don't even want to be a witch!" Sakura said.

"You're not even on that level yet." Tsunade said, trying to calm the girl.

"And I don't want to be!" Sakura shouted angrily.

There was sudden flash of lightning before a rumble thunder hit the sky. Both of them turned towards the windows. Sakura stood there, a little freaked out at that while her aunt just looked on with concern. They both faced each other again as Tsunade raised her hands up in a calming yet defensive manner towards Sakura.

"Sakura, you don't have to be coven leader if you don't want to, BUT you can not wish away your power. Believe me, your mother tried." Tsunade stated, frowning at her.

"Why not?" Sakura asked in a whiny voice.

Tsunade sighed exasperatedly.

"It's like removing your toes. All you're doing is taking away your balance, except in this case your mental balance. It's a big part of you and you can choose not to use it, but only after you've learnt how to control in the first place." Tsunade explained sincerely. "If you don't, you'll be causing a lot problems and I don't think you want attention in that area, do you?"

"Point taken." Sakura grumbled and resigned. "So, when do I pack a broomstick and catch a train to Hogwarts?"

Tsunade looked at Sakura like she had eaten one too many lemons.

My aunt didn't exactly like literacy to do with magic or the paranormal. According to her it was 'mocking the entire aspect of magic and it should be banned for eternity'.

I disagree.

"Never, ever mention those Harry Potter books in front of me again. That J. K. Rowling can kiss my arse for all I care." Tsunade said.

"But I love those books!" Sakura said.

The older woman looked at her confusingly.

"And you don't want to be a sorceress?" she asked.

"I love reading them." Sakura pointed out.

"Hmph. Anyway, concerning your question, you are not going to a spell casting school. You'll be self learning by book." Tsunade said then added on a lighter tone "Or by computer, one of the coven members has designed an e-book for new spell casters and to log new spells. Modern technology these days, it's a wonderful thing for young people since they use it so much."

Sakura nodded, though a little bemused at that.

"I think I'll stick to tradition and get the book." Sakura said.

"Excellent." Tsunade said, and snapped her fingers.

In that moment layer upon layer of old paper with writing, symbols and pictures began to stack up over the next paper before the contents page appeared and the hard red cover finally arrived over it to complete the book. The book hovered in the air for a moment till it started to float towards Sakura. The girl gingerly grasped it; cautiously she opened the book and looked over the contents page.

"What's a familiar?" Sakura asked.

"An animal that represents and protects you, which either you find and or they find you." Tsunade replied.

"Oh. So it's the cat thing. I'm getting a cat. Better stack up on the catnip" Sakura said.

"Depends though, my familiar is a slug." Tsunade said.

"EW!" Sakura screeched.

"Hey! I'll have you know Katsuyi is one of the best familiar you can have. She is an exceptional creature in the healing arts and very loyal to me." Tsunade said annoyed.

"But she's a slug!" Sakura said.

Tsunade decided to ignore that as Sakura had no idea what Katsuyi was like.

"Sakura one more thing before I leave." Tsunade said.

"You're going now?" Sakura said, very anxious now.

"Yes, the coven needs me to establish my leadership. There are many woman there and you know how much of a backstabbing bitches we can be if there is no Queen Bee to control them." Tsunade said.

"Oh" Sakura said.

"I will be back from time to time to check up on you with Shizune." Tsunade said "And if you run into very big trouble just think of me, then say my full name and I'll be there, though only do it when you are sure you are alone and out of sight. I hate doing memory spells."

"Okay then" Sakura said, nodding.

"As I was saying, one more thing. Do not do big spells or do too many spells in one day. It causes big attention." Tsunade said.

Sakura looked at her aunt shrewdly.

"I know that, hence I'm learning to control it first" Sakura said. "And I'm not going to be doing it in front of people. That's just stupid."

Tsunade scoffed at her niece.

"There is always a temptation to get back at someone." Tsunade said.

Sakura thought for a moment as she remembered Ami and her little goons. Yep, she would be tempted to use the magic to get back at Ami. Oh the power of it, and to get away with it too.

Oh boy! I can turn her in the toad she is and NO prince would want to kiss those lips. Muahahahahahaaaa!

"But that's not what I meant" Tsunade added.

Sakura frowned at her aunt "What do you mean then?"

"Magic causes a rippling effect. You'll be able to sense another spell caster doing magic as you continue to practice it. It's a good and bad thing. Good because you can make friends with other spell casters if you wish to." Tsunade said and wet her lips for her next words. "Bad because you would be alerting your presence to creatures that may do you harm."

"Such as?" Sakura asked nervously.

"It's all in the book sweetie." Tsunade grinned and then looked concerned. "And by the way, don't ever show that book to mortals. Not even your friends; don't even tell them about what you are. We've cleaned up so much crap in the past I'm surprised we're not in the Middle Ages anymore."

"Okay, got it." Sakura said.

"Good and congratulations on the new baby brother or sister. I know your father always wanted a big family. Your mother would have been very happy for him" Tsunade said.

"Uh, thanks" Sakura said.

"I'll see you on the next full moon." Tsunade said.

And with that Tsunade just disappeared.

So now I, Sakura Haruno, was no longer the loser at school. I was Sakura Haruno the spell caster and loser at school. This is more troublesome than the time Ino made me read an entire chapter of 'come come paradise' on the PA system. She had won our little bet by nicking that damn book underneath Kaskashi-sensei nose. I swear there are rumours that his family were descendant of the shinobi of old are true, he even wears a ninja mask for crying out loud! He MUST have heard our bet and allowed her to even grab the book. You want proof? He was smirking underneath that damn mask the whole time when he collected that pervy book of his. NEVER AGAIN!

Anyway, after my aunt had left I started reading the book. I had found out that there were five levels of spell casters with their own very name despite our official name was 'Spell Casters', but you can call yourself these names when you've reached these levels.

Spell Casters were D-Level. This level was usually to do with movement of small objects with very little emotional control or saying something while pointing someone such as 'I hope you break your legs!' and something happens for them to break their legs. So I have to make sure I have my temper under control and no pointy fingers!

Charmers were C-Level. This level is having basic casting of spells, like changing your hair colour, move objects at will, able to sense another Spell Casters and effect the weather with your mood. That titbit made me kinda weary, I can control myself from not lashing out but my mood? Oh crap. But when casting spells you just speak a few chosen words and there you go!

Witches/Warlocks were B-Level. This level is more intimidate. This one was more creating objects or energy like fire or wind through hand movements and concentration and also manipulating someone else's will. It also has big consequences if used incorrectly, particularly on your part.

Enchanter/Enchantresses were A-Level. This level is more thought concentration and less hand movement, in fact it's like a slight movement in hand but can be used if it helps control what you are wielding. You can get into so much trouble with these spells, considering they can split the earth apart or create an inferno in seconds or control plant and wildlife to do your bidding. To be frank, not many Spell casters at even at this level because of the accidents they had caused with these spells in the past.

Sorcerer/Sorceresses were S-Level. This level was ultimately the highest you can go. You just had access to anything you can think of without any repercussion as you can just do just about anything you want. The only thing that could stop you was another Sorcerer or Sorceress or really bad Karma. And these guys were the ones that would certify you what level you were.

Aunt Tsunade expects that I would become a Sorceress like her and our Ancestor. How the hell was ever going to reach that level of Sorceress? When I was even fully D-LEVEL????

This totally sucks!

Wait, I just want to control that magic so I don't accidently turn someone into a toad! Let alone get to a Sorceress Level. I want a normal life! Its times like these I wished my inner had never taken that vacation!

*.*.*

So, here I am. In the middle of my class trying to remain calm and in control as Ino is fighting with Karin about the new cute guy that arrived last week.

He's not even that fricken cute for god's sake!

Karin and Ino have been my friends since I was little. I don't know how considering they are both equally loud and screechy and I was the shy and quiet one till it rubbed off me over the years. They drive me nuts all the time! They are always fighting whenever a cute guy comes walking in, although, it only lasts for a month. Then they become bestest of friends again..

"He is mine bimbo!" Karin said.

"Yeah right four-eyes" Ino barked.

"You bitch! You know I hate that!" Karin snarled.

"Don't call me bimbo!" Ino barked.

I should just shut them up with the latest gossip but I really wasn't in the mood. I was still getting over the revelation that magic existed

"You are one!" Karin said.

"Ho!"

"Bitch!"

"Cow!"

"Hag!"

"Freak!"

"Snob!"

"Four-eyes!"

"Bimbo!"

"WILL YOU KNOCK IT OFF! YOU CAN BOTH HAVE ME!" Kiba yelled at the back.

"Shut-up dog boy!" The red head and blonde shouted at Kiba.

"Yeah shut up idiot, or there's no catfight" Suigetsu smirked.

"SHUT UP YOU MEAT SHARK FREAK!" Karin yelled.

"Hey, there's no reason to call him that Karin. You know you have a load of UST between you two" Ino leered.

"What?" Karin said, bemused.

"You know. UST. Unresolved. Sexual. Tension." Ino grinned.

"INO YOU'RE SUCH A PIG!" Karin snarled.

"Only Forehead can call me that!" Ino reminded her.

"INO YOU'RE SUCH A PERV!" Karin rephrased.

"So I'm right?!" Ino grinned even wider.

"NO!" Karin yelled.

"ADMIT IT!"

"NEVER!"

"Admit what exactly?" a stern voice asked.

Everyone turned to see Kaskashi at the entrance, his pervy book one hand and his coffee in the other. Both girls embarrassingly flushed as he stared at them.

"That Karin likes Suigetsu." Ino blurted out.

Karin glared daggers at Ino while Kaskashi snorted in mirth.

"Is that all? Heck I could have told you that one. Now can we please settle down? We have a lot to get on with if you want to pass your history exams and coursework." Kaskashi said.

And this was why I used to like Kaskashi-sensei, he could keep the peace between my friends until the PA System incident that still haunts me to this day.

"For next three weeks you will be partnered up to do a random topic we will be covering this year. This assignment will enable you to get higher grades if you do it correctly and you would have a lot of fun out of it. Right this at random so…"

As he began to partner up people, I couldn't help but look around to see who was being partnered up with whom. Today Ami wasn't in, which I was glad. Last time we were partnered up like this, a teacher thought it would be best if we were to go together. Maybe even become friends instead of fighting one another.

Biggest mistake of her life and made the gap between us even wider if at all possible.

I ended doing the assignment myself and got the grade after explaining that Ami was doing jack all. Then I ended up being Ami and her goons punch bag. Oh such memories, I'm surprised I even remember it as those girls can hit hard when they want to. Maybe I'm just getting used to it. Y'know, forming a resistance to a concussion or something. Or maybe it was the magic...I don't know but I'm glad she's not here anyway.

"Sakura" Kaskashi said, alerting her "You and Hinata shall be partnered for this little assignment."

Sakura eyes turned towards the Hyuuga Heiress at the back next to Kiba and Shino. The raven hair girl looks towards Sakura shyly.

Or maybe Kakashi knows better to pair me up with a raving lunatic, plus I have no idea what Hinata was all about. She was a weird shy pretty girl that had very overprotective family who were just swimming in money. She couldn't look at a guy without having her cousin Neji threatening them. Shino and Kiba were safe as Hinata had been friends with them since pre-school and that had no romantic bone towards the heiress. I guess she's lucky as if they did she'd have no friends. Woah, Shino and Kiba are lucky not have a romantic bone in them especially towards her, Neji would really kill them. I just remember how lethal the guy can be. Why isn't he on the martial arts team? We'd would actually win something for once! Yeah, in my school we kickass academic wise! But sports team? Forget it!!

Hinata waved friendly at Sakura and she smiled back. Sakura then picked her stuff up as she stood and head towards Hinata as everyone goes to their selected partners. Hinata looked nervously at her but remained positive when she reached her and sat next to her.

"Hi" Sakura said.

"H-hi S-Sakura" Hinata said.

Hinata was a quiet person. Maybe I won't get a headache from this. Who knows? Maybe a new friend?

"Don't worry Hinata, I don't bite." Sakura grinned.

"Maybe not hard." Suigetsu leered from the table in front of them and wiggles his eyebrows jokingly.

The next thing they know Karin falls into him when she was trying to get to Juugo. Knocking both of them to the floor and elbowing his you-know-what's very hard. Sakura laughed along with the rest of class as she helps her friend up while Suigetsu tried to comprehend the pain he was in.

Crap! Did I do that or not?

"Can't get enough of him Karin?" Kiba cat called.

"SHUT IT DOG FACE!" Karin yelled.

"You alright?" Sakura said, trying contain her chuckle.

"I'm fine" Karin mumbled, embarrassed beyond belief.

Sakura shakes her head as she sits down next to Hinata who had her hand over her mouth, stunned at what had taken place. Noticing this Sakura just shrugs at Hinata as the class settled down yet again.

"Karin is a bit of a klutz at times." Sakura said.

Hinata looked at Sakura.

"Oh. Um. Okay. W-what would you l-like to do when w-w-we get our topic?" Hinata asked.

"Well, we've got three weeks in producing it right? Why don't you come to my place tomorrow and we'll do some research?" Sakura suggested.

"Why not this afternoon?" Hinata asked.

"I'm going to be visiting a load of pet shops" Sakura said.

What? I don't want a slug for a familiar!

Hey this story has been bugging me for ages. I know what I said about a new story but this isn't the one I have mentioned in 'Between the Shades of Grey'. I feel this story is a bit immature but it been bugging me and so I wish to send it off. Yes, this is a SasuSaku story, so don't worry about that part if you wish to continue reading this one.

Review if you want to, I'm not particularly invested in this one yet so I don't mind and it is the first chapter.