Kunoichi Plus Magic Equals Madness
Disclaimer- Sooooo not mine :(
Chapter One: In Which Harry's Summer Gets Interesting
He'd been back for a week and was bored out of his skull. No one had written him, though to be fair, he thought, there was probably nothing to write about this early in the summer. He gazed out his window, looking in a glazed manner at the cookie cutter homes; all identical in construction and even paint color. Mr. Number Nine Private Drive was mowing his lawn, while Mrs. Number Two was planting daisies. Everything was so dull and normal, Harry could just scream. Then a flash of color caught his eye, and Harry turned to see it more clearly, only to gawk when the source of color came into his sight.
It was a young woman moving fluidly down the dreary sidewalks of the small suburb. He couldn't tell her height from this distance, but her rather shocking silver hair is what truly caught his eyes. Her clothes would have Aunt Petunia gnash her teeth in envy, as Harry had seen her complain and moan over fashion magazines that if they didn't have to take care of the 'boy' she could afford the most expensive and fashionable clothes. A pinstriped black skirt, a bit above her knees, and a short-sleeved wrap shirt, sky blue in color that complimented her eyes, showed off a slender form. A strange pendant like a flame was suspended from a silver chain, but what caught and held Harry's attention was the mask. Not a Death Eater's mask, but a cloth one that covered the lower half of the silver haired young woman's face, which led the neighbors to stop their busy work and stare at the otherwise normal looking woman. Harry idly wondered if she was lost, since Private Drive hardly seemed the place for such a woman, when suddenly the young woman looked up right at him and winked. Startled, Harry scooted away from the window, and stared wide eyed at his sleeping owl.
Meanwhile Aunt Petunia was downstairs, cleaning up from making an early dinner for her precious Duddykins when the doorbell rang. She dried her hands and hoped it wasn't Mrs. Number Three again, asking to borrow sugar, the leech. These mundane thoughts were brought to a screeching halt, as she opened the door to reveal the young woman that Harry had been watching before. She wasn't dressed like the freaks, Petunia's mind absently noted, excepted for the mask.
"We're not interested in buying anything," Petunia said abruptly and moved to shut the door in the strange woman's masked face. A slender, pale arm shot out and smoothly kept the door open, belying the seemingly thin and frail form.
"Well you're in luck then," the woman replied pleasantly, blue eyes mild as if Petunia hadn't just tried to slam the door in her face. "I am from the St. Brutus' School for Incurably Criminal Boys, and I'm here to offer your nephew a spot at our rehabilitation summer camp." And now her eyes glinted with amusement, as if she knew Petunia couldn't refuse her entrance now. Which Petunia unfortunately couldn't, since it was common knowledge that she and Vernon sent the boy away as much as they could manage. So with a smile more like a grimace, Petunia allowed the woman into her pristine home.
Shutting the door with a click, Petunia turned to face the woman standing in her hallway, no doubt infecting it with whatever slum she'd come from, conveniently ignoring the expensive Armani skirt, designer shirt, Gucci side bag, and Prada shoes, this year's summer selection. But before she could speak, the silver haired woman did.
"Well since both you and I know that your nephew doesn't attend St. Brutus', why don't you call him down so I may speak to him. I was serious about taking him off your hands for the summer." With a click that sounded like the door, Petunia closed her mouth, lips a thin, displeased frown. Much as she wanted to tell the young woman off for telling her what to do in her own home, Petunia knew what these freaks could do if angered. And no matter how normal, and expensive she dressed, Petunia knew this woman was one of the wi - freaks.
"Boy, get down here now," she called up the stairs shrilly.
"Coming Aunt Petunia," came a weary voice, and the odd young woman got her first full look at the famous Boy-Who-Lived. He was small for his age, which she recalled was going to be fifteen in a month or so. Messy black hair that reminded her of an Inuzuka, and enchantingly large emerald eyes, obscured partially by round, beat up black frames. He was pale, and had dark bags under his eyes; painfully thin, which the huge clothes that looked like they were swallowing him only exaggerated. Not a promising figure, but the Sandime had assigned her specifically, believing she could get the job done.
"Hello Harry," she said pleasantly, eyes sparkling with mischief as Harry stared at her. "I'm here to collect you for the summer." She didn't bother to elaborate, since his aunt was still glaring at the pair of them. The kunoichi was pleased to see that Harry's gaze became wary, and his hand drifted to his pocket, which most likely housed his wand. "Relax Harry, I come bearing proof," she said passing him a sealed envelope, addressed to him in green ink, in the Headmaster's spidery writing and with his personal seal. He accepted it suspiciously and broke the seal.
Dear Harry,
I hope this letter finds you well. With Voldemort's subsequent rebirth, I find it necessary to begin your true training early. What you have learned in school, while adequate for the average witch or wizard, is simply not enough for your future protection. Voldemort knows our entire curriculum and I am afraid much more darker things. In light of this, I have called in an old favor with a friend of mine, who promised to send not only their best bodyguard, but a competent teacher as well. I have specially enchanted this parchment to pass from only my friend's hands to that of the selected shinobi or kunoichi. Trust them as you trust me Harry, and I will see you soon.
Albus Dumbledoor
Harry looked up from the letter, staring at the woman again. She was a bodyguard, was his doubtful thought, as she seemed too petite and slight to protect herself, let alone someone who had an insane dark lord after them.
However, what popped out of his mouth wasn't a question about her skills. "What exactly is a shinobi and kunoichi, and if I'm to go with you, what's your name?" He asked his brow furrowed.
"A shinobi the male name for a ninja, kunoichi the female one. As for my name, I'm Hatake Katsumi, or as you English say it, Katsumi Hatake." Katsumi responded, and Harry caught a faint accent, though her English was near flawless.
"Well are you taking him or not," broke in Petunia, who wanted to hear no more of this make believe "ninja" business, or other equally freakish things. Katsumi shot the horse-faced woman an annoyed look; at least, Petunia guessed it was annoyance. It was hard to tell with that mask covering her face.
"Yes, Harry get your things it's time to go," the kunoichi said, glancing outside at the darkening sky.
Hesitating only slightly, Harry nodded slightly and dashed up the stairs to gather what little he had brought out, consisting of Hedwig's owl treats, his photo album, and some quills and parchment. Tossing it all into his trunk, Harry grabbed Hedwig and carried the sleeping bird in one hand, dragging his heavy trunk in another.
Watching Petunia get redder with each thunk the trunk made coming down the stairs encouraged Katsumi that perhaps she wouldn't assist Harry. However, the excess of noise brought Dudley out of his T.V. induced stupor.
"MUMMY make it stop, I can't hear the telly," he wailed. Katsumi raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing.
"Boy, I mean, Harry, you pick up that trunk this instant," Petunia hissed. Harry gave her an incredulous look, but attempted to do it any way. Katsumi sighed inwardly, and went up to the landing and picked up the trunk, lifting it up over one shoulder. Gaping for a moment, Harry follow, though he knew the trunk had to weigh at least fifty pounds. But the pale woman showed no sigh of distress, and set it down easily in the hallway. Reaching into her side bag, which made Petunia flinch and Harry look hopeful, she instead pulled out an odd, adjustable metal frame with wheels, which she attached to the trunk.
"Come now Mr. Potter, I believe it's time we left." She said, blue eyes crinkling in a smile. But as she and Harry turned to leave, who should come home but Mr. Dursly. The beefy man lumbered through the door, in an obviously foul mood. Spotting a stranger, in a mask no less, and that boy,the cause of all his trouble, caused him to lose what little hold on his temper he had.
"MORE FREAKS IN MY HOUSE! THAT IS THE LAST STRAW, I AM CALLING THE POLICE AND FILING FOR HARRASMENT AND BREAKING AND ENTERING, AND EVEN KIDNAPPING IF IT WILL MAKE YOU ALL STAY AWAY!" And he marched, well really waddled, over to the phone and began dialing.
Katsumi was chosen more for her abilities in teaching and protection skills, not her diplomacy, so she was understandably irritated with this family at this point. Also, involvement of the local authorities was definitely against her low profile ideal. "For the love of Kami," she grumbled, and after motioning Harry to step closer to her, she made some rapid hand signs, and in a swirl of leaves vanished, boy, owl, and trunk in tow. Which left a frightful mess of leaves down the entire hallway, some even scattering across Vernon and Petunia, leaving them both to bellow or shriek in rage.
With a whirl of leaves, and to Harry's surprise, they reappeared on the Hogwarts' grounds, not far from Hagrid's hut. It was not uncomfortable way of traveling, unlike portkey, floo, or even apparation.
"How did you apparate to the Hogwarts grounds, if it's supposed to be impossible?" Harry exclaimed as Katsumi brushed leaves off her clothes.
"I didn't apparate, I am no witch, but I have my own skills." Amused eyes laughed at his amazement as she gestured toward the castle. "Let's get settled and then I'll answer some questions." Not waiting for his response, Katsumi set off for the castle.
Harry followed the young woman though the Entrance Hall, but as he tried to head to the Gryffindor dorms, his arm was tapped and he was motioned to continue following. Slightly confused but obedient, Harry altered his course and continued to follow Katsumi, up a few flights of moving staircases, until she came to a stop in front of a some what rusty looking suit of armor.
"~Nabeshima~," she said to it, and the armor trundled to one side to reveal a doorway. A comfortably sized living room done in green and blue, welcomed the two in and Harry saw three doors, each marked with a plaque labeling it.
"Your room is the second to the right, mine being the first," Katsumi said, waving her hand indicating the proper door. "On the left is my own personal library and study, you're to ask before reading any of the scrolls in there, but the books are open to your use. An adjoining bathroom should be attached to your rooms, so if you want to wash up before dinner Harry, feel free. We'll talk over dinner." With that she went over to her rooms, to change presumably.
Harry's rooms he was glad to see were more like his normal dorm rooms, large red four poster bed, a desk in one corner, a plush ebony recliner angled in another corner, and an empty owl stand. He was relieved to see his new room had a window, and opened it, and allowed Hedwig to fly out. Looking at the height, Harry guessed they were on the sixth floor. His bathroom was cream, gold, with red accent towels. Harry took the silver haired woman's advice and splashed some water in his face, wondering if it would wake him up from this strange reality. Nope, still here, just a bit wetter.
Coming back into the living room, Harry saw that their dinner was already set up on a low table, two liver and kidney pies, green beans, a jug of pumpkin juice, and two small cups of blue jello.
"Sit and eat gaki, it'll get cold soon, and I'll explain as you do," said Katsumi. She still wore the outfit she'd worn to pick him up, but now a curious blue headband with a metal plate with the etching of a leaf on it adorned her forehead. "Ah, first things first, Dumbledoor-dono said to drink this first, and we'll continue." Then she passed him a murky yellow potion bottle, and after a bit of hesitation, Harry downed it. Choking on the foul taste, he quickly washed it down with a glass of sweet pumpkin juice.
"What was that?" He demanded, face still twisted in disgust.
"~That was a specially brewed potion between Dumbledoor-dono and my Hokage, to allow for faster translation between me and you. What I speak normally is similar to your Japanese, but not enough, so this was created. ~" To Harry's shock, he understood all of it, though the language did not register as English to his over-stimulated brain. Katsumi gave him an understanding look; it was strange to her as well. "~Ask what you will, I'll answer it if I can. ~"
What seemed like hundreds of questions whirled around Harry's brain fighting for dominance. "~ What are you going to teach me that I can't learn here at Hogwarts normally if you're not a witch? ~" Was the first out, not even noticing that he was using the same language to respond, and Katsumi gave him a look that Harry couldn't decipher, her mask made it all the more difficult.
"~Magic is all well and good, but what I and other ninja use is equally effective, even more so in battle, which I'm sure you'll find your self in before long. What I shall endeavor to teach you is the use of chakra, your body's energy source, and the power that ninja use. It will give you a large advantage over the other wizards and witches you do battle with, even if they are more advanced in magic than you. ~" Harry appreciated the sense in this, as he had been wondering even during the Triwizard Tournament how he was expected to do battle with wizards much farther ahead of him in school, to say nothing of Voldemort and his followers.
"~ Why are you doing this for me? Who was the 'old favor' and who this friend of the Headmaster's? ~" The explanation was only getting more confusing as it went on, so the questions continued to spill out of Harry.
It continued in this manner for quite some time, Katsumi patiently answering questions, or avoiding them if they were too personal. Luckily there weren't many of those since Harry really wasn't the nosy type. Finally, Harry had exhausted his questions, and realized with a start that he'd eaten his entire dinner and couldn't remember it, or for that matter, even saw when Katsumi moved her mask to eat her now gone dinner. It was rather disconcerting, and Harry could have sworn that he saw her eyes twinkle a bit with laughter.
"Well Harry-kun, it's time to sleep, we have early training and you need all the rest you can get." With that she stood, clapped her hands, and walked off to her rooms. Leaving a suddenly sleepy Harry stumbling off to his rooms.
Katsumi POV
'That went pretty well,' she thought as she bedded down in the softest bed she'd ever been in. 'Maa maa, I'm going to get soft here if I don't watch it! No wonder these wizards underestimate their magic-less counterparts. Their magic's made them so soft and arrogant. Well Harry's young enough to break of that,' Katsumi thought philosophically. A thump at the foot of her bed had her looking up lazily, already knowing who was there.
"Hey Ikko, you get the lay of this place and leave the chakra markers I asked for?" Katsumi asked her fox summon-companion, his dark red coat and black marking making him blend in the gloomy room.
"Yup," said the fox irreverently, knowing he could get away with talking to her like that since he'd been with her ever since she was ten, when her brother had summoned his first dog, Pakkun, and she summoned Ikko. "These wand-wavers must be blind not to notice them."
"Eh, you know what sensei always said 'Never begrudge the enemy their stupidity.' I'm fine with keeping my secrets. Besides," she continued a bit more seriously, "I'm alone here aside from the occasional courier, and it will serve to test when young Potter Harry can see chakra."
The black-footed fox began grooming himself, feigning disinterest. "So does the whelp have any potential?" Katsumi smirked at Ikko, seeing through his façade.
"He's near on par with the demon container, Uzamaki Naruto. Minus the demon part," she said, continuing with a hard tone in her voice. "These wand-wavers are damn lucky his chakra is near pure and untainted, or it could have found some pretty nasty outlets. I need to begin his training in it and the physical stuff immediately. No time to play with theory, or waste the summer on purely physical stuff. We got our work cut out for us Ikko my friend."
"Sleep first, work later," came Ikko's voice, now near her head on a spare pillow. Katsumi smile and relaxed her body for the first time that day and drifted off to sleep.
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