Hello! Thank you to all the people who gave me reviews, and added my story to either their favorite or alert lists. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! -Ahem- Going on with the announcements…

I would like to inform everyone that this is a SLOW-MOVING fiction, and it is obviously AU. Uhm… Heads up on the stationary plot, the school year won't begin in another 4-5 chapters. Sorry!

The next few chapters are information-giving chapters, and their primary purpose is to help set up a few things to solidify… some other stuff. Hehe! I'm trying so hard not type anything that gives everything away.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter (if I did Harry would have ended up with Hermione), or Naruto (everyone would have their happy ending).


Silver Lining

Chapter Two: Essence

Dumbledore

Stepping through a portal and apparating are completely different things altogether, but Dumbledore did not know which method of transportation was better as they both sicken the traveler. While apparating from place to place, wizards would describe it as being forced through an extremely small tube of some sort. Traveling by a portal, as Dumbledore would say, is disorienting since the traveler's body is being spun out of control; not knowing which way is which.

By the time Dumbledore came to, he found himself lying on lush green grass and everything was out of focus. His head was spinning, and he could not move any part of his limbs; it was as if the gravity in this world had unexplainable large amounts of pressure pushing his body to the ground. But there was no time to dawdle; time is ticking by faster in Hogwarts.

The Headmaster closed his eyes and focused on breathing. Slowly he felt the pressure waning away, and when Dumbledore felt the suffocating feeling end he stood to survey his surroundings. The trees were large and healthy, and the sun had bits of its rays shining through the leaves. It was beautiful. But Dumbledore did not know where he was until he saw a dirt road with a caravan filled with people just yards away.

A giddy and nostalgic feeling came up as he recognized the clothing the civilians wore, but he smashed it down and began heading towards the slow-moving travelers. Before he revealed himself Dumbledore took his wand and transfigured his clothing similar to the travelers, then he pointed his wand to his throat and said, "Lingua reddo."

Dumbledore stepped out from the shadows and yelled out, "Excuse me!"

One of the men walking beside the last caravan stopped and narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore, "Yes?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm a bit lost. If you would be so kind as to tell me where we are, and which direction Konoha is?" Dumbledore stood tall, and ignored the man's cautiousness.

"Yer an old man and yer dun 'no where Konoha is?" One of the younger man's hands made a slow movement towards his sheathed weapon, "Yer kinda suspicious ain't ya? What are ye'—a bandit pertend'in to be an old man? Where yer posse?"

The long sword glinted in the sunlight, but Dumbledore was not threatened and spoke with authority, "Young man, I am merely asking where I am and where Konoha is. As you can see… I am an unarmed and frail man."

Still wary of Dumbledore the man tightened his grip on his weapon, but answered nonetheless, "We jus' left Konoha, and it's a few hours walk down the path. Yer'll see the gates a coupla' miles away."

With a nod of his head and a pleasant thank you, Dumbledore walked in the direction where the travelers just left. His movement was unhurried and seemed leisure, but once Dumbledore was sure he was a distance away from the man did he close his eyes and apparated with a picture of large gates in his mind.


When Dumbledore opened his eyes, he was hidden in the shadows of the trees again, but instead of seeing all forest he saw the towering gates. He stepped onto the dirt path, and continued on his way to the opened gates where a pair of chūnin stood with their arms loose at their sides, ready to pull a weapon out if need be. Once arriving, the chūnin blocked the Headmaster's way, and demanded his identification papers.

Although slightly irritated by the delay, Dumbledore produced the scroll he had previously used to transport him to this other world, "Please excuse this old man, but I don't have any identification papers. I hope this scroll will be sufficient to allow me passage into the village."

One of the chūnin took the scroll and began to open it, while the other man questioned Dumbledore, "What is your business here? And I cannot allow you to pass if you do not have the necessary papers to travel."

"I am seeking the Sandaime Hokage. I wish to request a mission from him. It is of urgent matter." Dumbledore bore his stare into the chūnin questioning him; he did not want to be turned away when all he had to do was apparate to the now visible Hokage Tower, but if he did then he would be marked as an enemy.

The ninja let out a tired sigh and was about to respond, when his companion gave back the scroll to Dumbledore, "You're permitted to enter, but I will escort you to see the Hokage." He turned to his partner, "Kotetsu, stay here and continue guarding. I'll be back in half an hour."

"Wait! Why? Izumo!" Kotetsu stamped his foot on the ground, "That's not fair! I have to stay here and guard while you get to take a break! Aw… c'mon."


As they were walking down a cemented path, Dumbledore and Kamizuki Izumo (as he introduced himself) caught a glimpse of a young woman with soft pink hair sitting on a stone bench, her expression dull. The sad look in her eye, and the seemingly lonely aura she exuded distinctively reminded Dumbledore of his little sister when she was about to go mad. Unconsciously he stopped to stare at her unmoving form.

"That's Haruno Sakura." Izumo stated as he stood by, and his eyes filled with pity.

Dumbledore only gave a nod to indicate that he was listening, but he continued to stare as if looking at someone else. Then a man appeared, his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight, and poked the girl on her forehead. Sakura's mouth was hanging open in shock as both of her hands flew to her aching brow.

A chuckled snort was heard from his escort, "And that's Hatake Kakashi, her Genin mentor."

In his mind's eye Dumbledore felt as if he was watching Aberforth teasing Ariana; it was the only way to get her to smile. Following that picture Dumbledore could have sworn he heard Sarutobi Hiruzen speaking to him.

Remember Albus-san, the purpose of a teacher is to guide and protect his or her students, and to pass on their hopes and dream to them. But guidance and protection is the very essence of a teacher, leader, or a parent. Without it they can lead a child astray, causing pain and suffering to those around them.

Melodic laughter mixed with a deep chuckle woke Dumbledore from his daze. Sakura now had a charming smile on her face, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. With a shake of his head, and a sad smile adorning his features Dumbledore turned to Izumo, "Shall we be on our way now, Kamizuki-san?"

As they continued their way to the Hokage Tower Dumbledore took in all the sights the village had to offer. Children were running around with grins on their faces while the adults were fixing multiple houses and other buildings. Raising his head towards the Hokage Mountain, and letting out an amused chortle Dumbledore asked his guide, "I take it that the Sandaime Hokage has retired already? Maybe I'll visit him when I have the time."

Izumo's body stiffened, "Er… Yeah. One of the Sannin is our Godaime Hokage."

The way that Izumo suddenly felt uncomfortable did not escape Dumbledore's observation. It was curious, but before he had time to question him Izumo was already knocking on a wooden door. A frustrated voice yelled out, "What is it?"

"Hokage-sama, it's Kamizuki Izumo. And I have someone here to see you."

There was a pause before the Godaime replied, "Izumo… Didn't I tell you to not let anyone disturb me for today?"

"Yes Hokage-sama, but-"

Izumo's answer was cut short, "I'm sorry Izumo, but I have an important meeting right now. Perhaps the client can return tomorrow."

The chūnin sighed, and turned to Dumbledore with a grimace, "Sorry Dumbledore-san, but as you heard already… Hokage-sama is busy at the moment."

Dumbledore's lips turned to a frown, his eyes held a ferocious fire, and his voice, though calm, thundered with impatience, "Kamizuki-san, please try again. My requested mission is very important, and time is something that I do not have."

With his hands shaking slightly Izumo knocked on the door once more, "H-Hokage-sama! Please forgive me, but this client is an associate of the Sandaime Hokage. He says his mission needs to be addressed immediately!"

An item made of hardened clay shattered in the office, "Send the client in, Izumo. And get back to your post immediately."

After opening the door to the office, Izumo used a transportation jutsu and left. Dumbledore strode into the office, and gave a small bow, "Hokage-sama, please excuse my insistence of having an immediate audience with you, but my requested mission is an emergency. I truly apologize about intruding in on your meeting."

The Hokage stared at him with intense brown orbs before gesturing to a seat, which Dumbledore took with grace, "Yes, I know. Well let's start off with introductions. I am Tsunade, the Godaime Hokage." Then with a flick of her wrist she pointed to a shadow behind her, "And this is Gaara, the Godaime Kazekage. Now I want to know who you are and what your relation is to the late Sandaime Hokage."

A feeling of great remorse and sadness enveloped Dumbledore for a second before he introduced himself, "I am Albus Dumbledore, and my relationship with Sarutobi would be something akin to a good friend; we traveled together for some time during our youth. And I am deeply sorry to hear that Sarutobi has passed away…"

Tsunade regarded the old man for a moment as if trying to remember something then she slammed her hands to her desk in recognition, "You're that man that tagged along with my team and Sarutobi-sensei when I was a chūnin!"

Dumbledore jumped in his seat from her sudden movement, "Sarutobi… -sensei? That means you're… Oh my Merlin! Tsu-chan? You've grown child, and very beautiful I must say. How have you—"

A deep and monotone voice interrupted, "Hokage-sama, I think it is imperative that you discuss his mission request."

Tsunade and Dumbledore were silent for a moment, having forgotten that Gaara was in the shadows. His arms were crossed loosely over his chest, and his Kazekage robes flowed behind him giving him a look of royalty rather than an imposing authority figure. Dumbledore recovered first, and cleared his throat.

"Yes, yes. Thank you Kazekage-sama for reminding us of my mission." Dumbledore straightened his posture, and leaned a bit forward, "Hokage-sama, my mission would be classified as S-Rank, and I will need one team that consists of 11-17 year olds to act as students in my school to guard another student."

The Godaime Hokage nodded, "Guarding by use of espionage is usually an A-Rank mission. Why do you classify it as S-Rank, Dumbledore-san? This student of yours must be very important."

"Erm… Yes, of course," Dumbledore eyed the red-head who continued to stay silent, "… Is Kazekage-sama allowed to listen in on mission requests?"

"Oh! That's right… Hm…" Tsunade turned her attention to Gaara, "If I let you listen in on this mission would you consider it as a down payment to strengthen our alliance treaty? And of course I'll think of something more proper to complete the exchange. We can discuss your side of the treaty afterwards, will that be satisfactory?"

The Kazekage merely nodded his head, and glided to the vacant seat next to the Headmaster, who then continued to explain the objectives for his mission, "Hokage-sama, this may be hard to believe, but my school does not reside in this country or this world."

Tsunade opened her mouth, but Dumbledore held out a hand requesting that she stay silent until the end, "I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My world, at the moment, is threatened by a Dark Wizard who goes by the name of Lord Voldemort.

He is targeting a student named Harry Potter, who has the power to defeat him. I also fear that a war is brewing and my forces, as powerful as they are, cannot hope to keep Voldemort's larger army at bay until his defeat. That is why I am asking for a team to guard Harry Potter, my school, and aide in the war."

Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose, and her brow furrowed, "Dumbledore-san, I'm assuming that the mission will be long term, correct? And how big is your school?"

"Three years or less in my world, and about 2-3 months would have passed here. My school consists of a castle with large properties attached to it; it includes a lake and a forest as well. That is why I am eager to provide all the necessary information and return to my world as soon as possible. I am running on limited time."

She rested her chin upon her hand, while the other flicked a stray hair out of her eyes. "I guess we can work with a 2-3 month S-Rank mission. Now, I understand if it's one team guarding one student, but one team cannot possibly guard an entire school; let alone aide in a war.

And we're barely recovering from a war ourselves; I don't know how many teams of shinobi I can spare with the right age group you requested, and if their skills even qualify. Our 11-17 year olds are either Genin or recently appointed Chūnin, and they receive D, C, or B Rank missions only. Highly experienced Jōnin are usually the ones who take on S-Rank missions, and most of them are well over their mid-twenties. I also want you to think over how many teams you really need to protect a castle, and aide in your war. Then I will make the final verdict if we accept your mission or not."

Slumped shoulders replaced Dumbledore's proud posture at the notion that his mission could be possibly rejected, but Sarutobi's beliefs reminded him that he cannot give up. His world, as corrupted as it can be, does not deserve to be in the hands of Lord Voldemort, and his students can be so much more if given the chance to grow. It was his responsibility to guide and protect his students; all of them, no matter if they belonged to a Death Eater, muggle, or pureblooded family.

Dumbledore remained silent for a while, rethinking how many teams he wanted to hire. Tsunade was right. If he wanted to protect every one of his students, then there should be a team in every house. The old protects the younger generation with their hopes and dreams instilled in them… because they are the future, right Sarutobi? With the fleeting thought in his head, he nodded with his decision.

"Hokage-sama, you have my condolences regarding your losses, and I agree that I may have forgone the safety of all students for that of one. That is why I have decided to increase the number of teams to four, and when I am sure the war is about to begin – may I contact you to request back-up if we need any?"

Brown orbs glinted, and the Godaime grinned, "No problem Dumbledore-san. Four teams is the max I was willing to lend you. Now think of this as a favor to you, and Sarutobi-sensei; he would have lectured me if I had declined. And I have just the teams for you. Granted that they're all chūnin with a Jōnin and ex-ANBU operative – I think they'll fit your bill nicely. Now let's make this official, I accept – "

"Hokage-sama," Gaara broke in, "I will join your shinobi in this mission."

Dumbledore and Tsunade stared at him with surprise. The Kazekage did not look any bit disturbed by their confused expressions. His young face stayed emotionless with his eyes focused on Tsunade, awaiting her response to his statement.

When the blonde recovered from her shock, Tsunade glared at him, "Kazekage-sama… this is my village's mission request and what about your village? You have your own duty to them as the Kazekage of Suna."

Gaara remained stoic, "I have already sent Temari and Kankurō to retrieve my things, and I have also sent for… 'Konoha 13'. They should be here within an hour."

This little… brat! Who cares if he's the Kazekage? I'm going to wring his little neck… Tsunade tried to force herself to smile, but her lips only twitched in response, "Temari and Kankurō are on their way already? And how do you know that I was going to send Konoha 13? You know what… never mind. What about your Council of Elders?"

The quiet Headmaster observed Gaara with twinkling blue eyes.

"Temari and Kankurō can handle them for me. And consider this your end of the alliance treaty."

Tsunade sputtered, "But – But I didn't suggest it! And if that's my part, what's yours?"

"Konoha 13 will be given dual citizenship in my village. And Temari likes your village's cuisine, while I would like to implement more taijutsu in our academy. That finishes our negotiations concerning the alliance treaty."

Dumbledore watched with hidden humor as Tsunade continued to open and close her mouth like a fish until she slammed a fist to her desk and muttered quietly, "… cheeky brat. Fine! I'll have Shizune bring the document while we get more details on the mission, and then we'll sign it. Now why in the world would you mention Temari liking our food, or why you're telling me your plans for the academy?"

"Akimichi Chōji and Rock Lee will act as bodyguards while they escort Temari and Kankurō to Suna. The Akimichi will trade recipes with our chefs, and Lee will help teach taijutsu to students in the academy for a month and a half. Afterwards they are free to return to Konoha."

Before Tsunade could properly respond, her office door banged open to reveal Temari, who looked absolutely furious with her gritted teeth and narrowed eyes, and Kankurō, who stayed a few feet away from his sister.

"Gaara! What's this talk about you going on a mission with Konoha? The Elders are going to use everything in their power to overthrow you." Temari dropped Gaara's traveling pack, and crossed her arms.

"You're early." Gaara said while raising a non-existent eyebrow, then spoke in his I-am-the-Kazekage tone, "Temari, you will act as temporary Kazekage, and Kankurō along with Akimichi Chouji and Rock Lee will act as advisors." His siblings looked like they wanted to object, but he spoke again, "Is there a problem?"

They both shook their heads and walked to the far end of the room whispering to each other.

"I bet Gaara forced his way to the mission just so he doesn't have to deal with signing papers!"


As time passed by Dumbledore gave as much information as he could regarding Harry Potter and his adventures. Every detail was written into a scroll, and Shizune wrote furiously as the Headmaster transitioned into need-to-know information. In what seemed like a perfect timing Shizune sealed the scroll when a light knock was heard.

"Shishou? Konoha 13 has assembled." Sakura opened the door and stepped inside, the others filing in after her.

Tsunade nodded when they all stood in a horizontal line in her office, "Good. Konoha 13 with the exception to Rock Lee and Akimichi Chouji, I would like you all to meet Albus Dumbledore, your client for the next 2-3 months."

Dumbledore stood from his seat and greeted them all with a smile, "Hello 'Konoha 13'. It's a pleasure to be working with such talented individuals."

With her hands clasped together beneath her chin Tsunade continued, "This mission is S-ranked, and your mission briefing will done after you have reached your destinations. Do not let your guard down, and good luck. Make it back home safely."

Everyone nodded in confirmation, but Lee raised his hand up in the air, "Oh youthful Hokage-sama! I wish to ask you why I am not partaking in such a youthful mission."

Tsunade sighed wearily, "Because Lee… you and Chouji are required for another mission. It's an A-Rank mission to Suna. You are to escort Temari and Kankurō back to Suna as bodyguards, and then stay there for a month and a half as ambassadors of Konoha among other things. Now get going! Dumbledore doesn't have much time."

"Thank you so much Hokage-sama for your kindness." Dumbledore bowed deeply before taking out his wand, and began drawing a similar circle in the air but this time the symbols were reversed. When the picture was done, it glowed to a bright blue before the circle grew larger and became almost tangible.

The members of Konoha 13 reflexively drew their weapons, but when they heard Tsunade's hysterical laughter they returned them to their pouches.

"What the hell is that, Baa-chan?" Naruto pointed at the swirling portal.

Dumbledore chuckled in amusement, while Tsunade threw her sake cup at the blonde, "Didn't I tell you not to ask questions until you've all reached your destinations? Now hurry up and jump through damn-it!"

When no one made an effort to go through the portal, Gaara took the initiative and stood before the portal. He gave a piercing stare towards his siblings before stepping into the vortex. Naruto, not wanting Gaara to show him up, followed after, and then one by one all of the shinobi went through the portal with slight trepidation. Dumbledore was last to go. He bowed again to Tsunade before taking a deep breath and hurled himself into the portal, which promptly popped out of existence.


I hope everyone liked this chapter, and sorry for the delay. But anyways… I have an outline done for the next chapter so look forward to it.

Also… Just to let everyone know, I suck at making things up like spells and that sort of stuff.

Lingua reddo is one spell that I made up, and basically it allows the user to talk another language for a limited amount of time. Lingua means language, reddo means translate; both words are Latin and I took it from an online translator.

P.S: Please message me if you're confused about something, or if you think there is something wrong with the chapter. AND constructive criticism would be much appreciated. I hope to continue to improve my writing so that everyone can enjoy reading my stories. THANK YOU!