Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Harry Potter

Sorry this is so late, I haven't really got a chance to sit down at a computer and write so ... sorry. I know it's a sucky excuse.

The Road to Forgiveness

Chapter Two

Time stood still. Sasuke seemed rooted to the spot, staring at Itachi like he couldn't believe his eyes.

He snapped out of it soon enough.

"You Bastard," he growled, then leapt at him.

Immediately he was hit with about half a dozen spells in the chest. He went down like a rock.

Naruto leapt into action, punching and kicking at whoever was closest. It took longer to subdue him, but before long, all three ninjas lay paralysed on the floor.

Dumbledore looked down at them.

"I had hoped it wouldn't come to this."

Sasuke valiantly tried to struggle against the spells binding him, but only managed in shuffling a few inches to the right.

"You … Bastard…" he forced out.

Severus stepped closer, his wand outstretched.

"We could kill the little traitors now Albus, no-one would know."

Albus stepped in front of him.

"There will be no killing."

"Fine. Where are we keeping them?"

Albus narrowed his eyes.

"We will not be keeping them anywhere."

"Surely…Albus we can't be letting them go!" Severus spluttered, "They tried to kill us!"

Albus ignored him.

"Now if we release you from these spells do I have your word that you will not attack?"

Sasuke glared at him.

Itachi spoke up, "Albus, you know you cannot trust a ninja's word,"

Albus considered.

"Sit them on the chair, I'll explain everything."

Itachi and Severus immediately complied. Albus waved his wand, and ropes appeared, tying them tightly to the chair. They shuddered into place as the paralysis disappeared.

"Don't. Touch. Me." Sasuke growled at Itachi, who had picked him up.

Itachi just ignored him, stepping back and returning to his own seat.

"What's going on?"

Dumbledore turned his gaze to the pink-haired girl, sitting on the far right.

"I'm just about to explain that my dear."

Itachi was just about ready to fall asleep as Dumbledore started his long-winded lecture on what magic was.

He wasn't going to though. Someone had to keep an eye on Sasuke, who was trying to subtly remove the spells.

Studying his brother's face, his thoughts turned dark. What they were doing, it was risky. They could lose it all. And he would be to blame for it all.

What had Albus been thinking, inviting Konoha here? He was very grateful for the man for everything he'd done for him, but it was obvious the man was an idiot. This wouldn't end well for either party.

'Why couldn't the damn man finish already?' Snape asked himself mentally. He wanted to know the important details, like why Uchiha reacted to Itachi like that. Was it possible that he was the brother Albus was talking about? He had said something about them making up, and Uchiha's reaction had been quite violent, as had his companions.

Snape rubbed his side where Naruto had struck him. Bloody ninjas, first Itachi, now this.

Finally Dumbledore finished his speech. Silence echoed his words.

Well since it looked like no one else was going to say anything he might as well.

"How do we know we can trust them Albus?" he smirked mentally at the irritated glare Uchiha was given off at being ignored.

"How do we know we can trust you, deatheater?"

Curse that stupid Uchiha; purebloods can be such brats.

He turned to glare at him.

Sasuke glared right back.

"Why have you let that thing," Sasuke gestured to Itachi with his head, "In here? I thought you were all about the light."

Snape smirked. Finally someone was putting Itachi in his place. Shame it had to be a dark pureblood brat.

He glanced at Itachi, who merely rolled his eyes in a bored manner. Severus smirked mentally, Itachi may have been good at many things, but Severus held the trophy for occulmency. It was child's play to tell that Itachi was bothered by the ninja's appearance.

"Professor Itachi works for the light side."

Sasuke laughed, high and cold.

"How long has he been fooling you for then?"

He was so immersed in his hatred that he completely missed the subtle changes of expression on the other professor's faces. Sakura, however, didn't.

She made a mental note of this. It seemed the other staff member's didn't know anything of Itachi's past.

Naruto wasn't being quite so observant. His day, which had been looking so good at the beginning, had turned sour. He was confused, tired and worried. What business could an Akatsuki member have here, in this magic place? Were they after him?

"I assure you, I am not fooling anyone," Itachi replied.

Albus glanced from one to the other, taking in Sasuke's hate filled gaze and Itachi's tense one.

"Please, we can settle this non-violently." He turned to Sasuke, "I wish you to continue the mission as though Professor Itachi isn't here. I am quite aware of your past together, but hope we can come to a positive agreement to fight together against our common enemy."

Sasuke sneered.

"You have nothing of value to us, why should we take your offer?"

Itachi smirked right back at him.

"You are on probation Sasuke, one mess up on this mission and you're sentenced to death. Do you really want to mess this up?"

Sasuke's face lost a little colour.

"You can't do that. I'd be the victim here. It wouldn't be my fault."

Itachi smirked full-force.

"And who do you think they're going to believe? The client? Or the traitor? I'd be long gone."

Sasuke hung his head in defeat, thinking it over in his head. He couldn't argue with it. To forfeit this mission was suicide.

"I believe we are at an agreement then. You will work for us? No staff member will try and hurt you and in turn you are to attack no-one. The rest of the rules still apply. Failure to comply will result in an end to the mission and as I believe, death for you," Albus directed his last question towards Sasuke.

Sasuke looked down.

"Fine. Just get that thing away from me."

Itachi leant back in his chair.

"That's Professor Itachi to you, Uchiha."