"Where did you get this?"

"I am selling it for 250 galleons a vial."

"No wait a second…"

"I have ten vials."

The shop keeper gains a look of greed. A vial of Basilisk venom sells for at least 400 galleons a vial. This little brat claims to have ten vials and only wants 250 galleons a vial. That is 150 galleon profit a vial. At least one thousand galleons in profits once he sells the vials at proper market value.

"If you don't want them I will head to another shop."

"Wait!"

Naruto smiles inwardly. Hook, line, and sinker.

Two days after the incident in the Chamber of Secrets, Naruto had Harry open the entrance for him. He snuck into the chamber and harvested a few items from the basilisk. A dozen teeth and a few galleons of blood. From the each fang he harvested three vials of venom. He had no idea of the worth at the time, but he knew from Hagrid that ingredients from magical creatures tend to sell for high prices as potion ingredients.

Once the summer rolled around, he traveled in disguise to Knockturn Alley and this shop to see how much Basilisk venom, fangs, and blood sold at. Market value price put the venom at 400 to 500 galleons a vial. It was a highly sought after ingredient in the Asian countries. The blood and fangs sold for around 100 to 200 galleons a piece. He didn't have the credentials to go around selling such rare ingredients at market price so he was selling at a lower price. He planned to keep the fang and blood for future use. The venom on the other hand he planned to sell to make a high amount of galleons.

"All the galleons up front. I'll be back in two days."

"Ok, but what do I call you?"

Naruto pauses. He turns around not lifting the hood on the white robes. "Kurama." The shop keeper watches as the mysterious seller leaves.

Privet Drive

Harry is sitting in his bedroom. He is concentrating deeply on his left arm. Parts of his skin turned into a feather-like substance. He is trying to transform his entire left arm into a wing. Transforming into an Animagus is a wandless art so the Ministry is unable to track it.

The visions are becoming more frequent. Unfortunately, he sees everything from the eyes the inner animal. No third person view to give him a complete picture. So far he has seen long wings, sharp talons, and dark brown feathers with a white plumage.

According to the notebook that he created with Naruto and Luna. It was best to practice self-transfiguring one arm at a time. The non-wand using arm. That way if a problem occurred one can use their wand to fix it.

It took a great deal of concentration and magical power to perform a self-transfiguration. Harry spent hours in his room alone trying to accomplish the task. One week into summer and he can barely turn his skin into feathers. Just a feather-like coating. Really weird. Still, it was progress. Practicing to become an animagus took away the boredom of living with his relatives over the summer.

Luna already wrote to him twice since summer vacation started. Reading her letters was amusing. She wrote in the same manner that she held conversations. No real topic in mind just random musings and a bunch of mind boggling questions. It made him laugh. Ron contacted him a couple days ago to let him know that his dad won the lottery and that they are traveling as a family to visit his eldest brother in Egypt. Harry was happy and jealous at the same time. He had been hoping to return to the Weasleys again this summer, but he knew that the Weasleys didn't have much money so being able to go on a trip was a big deal. He was happy for them.

Naruto had yet to write him. Harry thought about writing the blonde, but he had no idea where to send the letter. The Slytherin said that he lived in an orphanage, but never gave the name of the place. As always Naruto had to be mysterious. Oh well, he knew that Naruto will contact him eventually.

Harry decided to take a break from Animagus training. Walking over to his trunk, he pulled out one of the new books that he bought. Spells for Combat! He didn't want to get stuck in a situation with a Basilisk and have to resort to Tickling Charms like last time. His cheeks turned red in embarrassment.

"Ticking Charm, really?" frowns Professor McGonagall

Professor Flitwick chuckles, "An interesting choice."

"Was the snake ticklish?" asks Luna curiously.

Harry glared at Naruto. "I really hate you."

"Oh no, don't tickle me to death," replies Naruto.

Laughter fills the air. Harry turns red as Professor Flitwick and Luna are barely able to walk. He notices that Professor McGonagall is refusing to meet his eyes. She is suspiciously coughing. It is a good thing that Fawkes took Ron, Hermione, and Ginny first. At least he can maintain some dignity around them.

Never again. He is going to learn some real spells. Harry buried his nose in the book.

Godric's Hollow

Naruto stood in the center of the small village. In the center of the village is a statue dedicated to James, Lily, and Harry Potter. To the muggle eye it is a plain statue to remember those that were lost in the war. When gazed upon by a wizard or witch it transformed into a memorial to the Potter family. The wizarding family that was killed in the village thirteen years ago by the Dark Lord Voldemort. He clapped his hands together and bowed respectfully.

Once he said a small prayer, he began to truly explore the village. Godric's Hollow is a small village in the west country of England. It is a village that houses a population of 850 people. Eighty percent of the population are wizards and witches. On the far side of the village are large manors and small mansions that belong to the wealthier wizarding families. He believes that the Bones, Parkinson, and Nott families are among those. There are many other students that go to Hogwarts that live in Godric's Hollow.

The reason that he came to Godric's Hollow is to buy a house. He paid off the debt for the Hogwarts tuition for the past two years and has around 800 galleons left in his account. Plenty of money left to buy a small home. Nothing too fancy. Hogsmeade was his first choice, but it was too close to Hogwarts and there are a couple professors that live in Hogsmeade. If one of them finds out that he is living on his own when he is underage, he will be sent back to the orphanage or worse. No point in taking that chance when other options exist. He was not worried about the students recognizing him. Even if one managed to catch a glimpse of him, most of them feared the Slytherin name or his reputation. He is confident enough in his skills to avoid detection until he comes of legal age.

Home prices ranged from one hundred to thousands of galleons. It all depended on the size of the property and the modifications one wanted. Even a one story house of 900 square feet can be turned into a resort home with the proper magical enchantments. Basically, a wizard or witch purchased a plain home than used their own or had professional enchanters design the house to their desires. At least that is the standard for wizarding families that are not insanely rich like the Malfoys.

Naruto wanted a simple house. One story is fine. At least two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen that was open to the living room. He didn't like to have many walls. Walls got in the way of seeing possible intruders. A basement or an attic to turn into a weight room would also be ideal. A backyard as well to train outside. He can settle without the basement or attic, but he definitely needed some yard space.

"Please come again!" smiles a woman in a black business suit with matching knee-length skirt.

"Hello," greets Naruto.

Mandy glances down at the boy. "Um hi, can I help you?"

"I came for the open house."

"Aren't you a bit young?"

Naruto bows respectfully. "I am sorry. My parents and I are from Japan. The customs of Britain are new to us." He reaches into his plain black robes. Mandy's eyes widen as he pulls out a punch filled with galleons and sickles. "My parents are in another village checking out homes. I was sent here to see if I like the neighborhood better. My father told me to pay any real estate agents I found to assist in looking at any available houses." Confusion is on his face. "Um, what would be customary?"

Mandy stares at all the gold. All that gold in one pouch. His family must be purebloods from Japan. Very rich purebloods. If that is the child's money imagine the money in possession of the parents.

A warm, friendly smile lights up her face. "It will be my pleasure to show you the house." She pulls out a list from her clipboard. "I also have a list of other available houses in Godric's Hollow."

"Really? Thank you so much," he bows.

"So polite," smiles Mandy. "Tell me, what exactly are you parents searching for?"

"A small vacation home. I think my father has some new business partners. We travel around a lot," answers Naruto.

"Well, this is one of our smaller houses. Keep in mind that it can be enchanted to fit one's needs. The prices on each enchantment varies…"

Naruto listens as he follows the real estate agent inside the house. People are so easy to trick. A little bit of a gold and it is like stealing candy from a baby.

By the end of the day, he had purchased a home for six hundred and fifty galleons. It is a 1200 square feet house with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The kitchen is not completely open to the living room, but he planned to fix that in time. As a bonus the home had a finished basement with a laundry room. Unlike other wizards, he preferred muggle comforts. It cost extra to get the muggle add-ins, but it was worth it in his opinion. The part he liked most is the small quarter acre of fenced in backyard. Gives him plenty of room to set up training posts to work out on. The backyard is in bad shape, but like with the rest of the home, he planned to fix it up.

He is down to enough galleons to pay for third year tuition at Hogwarts. When he gets back to Hogwarts he is going to have harvest more of that Basilisk.

Break

Harry stares at the form to go to Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade is an all wizarding village that is a mile from Hogwarts. Third year students and above are allowed to go to Hogsmeade on certain weekends. As long as the student has permission from their guardians.

A sigh escapes the Gryffindor. His guardians happen to hate him. What are the chances that he can get them to sign the Hogsmeade form? It will be damn near impossible.

Hedwig flies into the room. "Hey girl, got a letter for me?" smiles Harry. Hedwig drops the letter on the bed. He rubs her head affectionately. "I put out some biscuits for you." She nips his finger lovingly before flying to the cage to grab a treat.

Harry,

I am doing well. I have been spending the past two weeks working a new job. Trying to save up to purchase my school supplies for next year.

I am close to finding my inner animal. I believe it is a primate. I am spending time at the library reading on muggle animals to try to find a picture, but have not had much luck.

The classes I have decided to take for next year are Runes and Care for Magical Creatures. Spending time with Hagrid and Luna has taught me much about magical creatures, I find them interesting. I am also interested in learning to combat or calm them down in case we have to fight another one like last year. I randomly picked Runes as I found the other classes boring. I don't believe in prophecies or seeing the future. No one controls my future except me. I probably know more about muggles than the professor in Muggle Studies, I live in the muggle world. Arithmancy is an advanced form of math and I suck at math.

Harry smirks. Naruto never minced words.

I'll be spending most of my time in Diagon or Knockturn Alley. Luna and I plan to meet up when she gets back from vacation with her father. You should join us.

Later,
Naruto

Harry walks over to his trunk. He pulls out a parchment, ink bottle, and quill. It occurs to him that Naruto lives in an orphanage. How does he travel around so much? Also, does he have a plan to get the permission slip for Hogsmeade signed? He begins to write to Naruto asking these questions.

Break

Naruto

Where are you working at? I hope that our new Defense teacher doesn't make us buy a stack of books that they wrote like last year. Biggest waste of paper ever.

A primate huh? Guess that means you are some type of monkey. That is pretty cool. I heard from Luna that she is able to transform her entire arm. Best I can do is create a few feathers.

I received the permission slip to go to Hogsmeade. I am trying to think of way to convince my relatives to sign it. Last thing they ever want to do is give me something that I want. How do you plan to convince the people at the orphanage to sign it?

I wish I could join the two of you at Diagon Alley, but my relatives will never drive me there. I have a better chance at getting my Hogsmeade slip signed. I plan to order my school supplies with Hedwig unless the Weasleys take me when they get back from vacation.

Later,
Harry

Naruto puts the letter down. Hogsmeade permission slip. He had forgotten about that. A chance to leave the school in order to relax and have some fun with friends. More importantly, a chance to leave school to carry out business.

"Hedwig, can you stay with me for a day or two? I need to travel to Diagon Alley to pick up a few items for Harry."

Hedwig bobs her head. "Thank you." Naruto rubs her head. "The house smells of paint at the moment, it should clear up in a couple hours. Feel free to fly around in the backyard. This is mainly a wizarding community so no need to hide."

A hoot of appreciation comes from the owl.

Break

Vernon flips the page. "Hurry up with that breakfast, boy!"

"Yes sir."

Harry checks on the eggs. Almost done. He glances at the table. Petunia is fussing over Dudley to eat the fruits she cut up for him. Vernon's nose is buried in the newspaper. While keeping an eye on his relatives, he slides a small vial out of his long sleeves. He opens the lid and adds a couple drops of the yellow liquid to the eggs.

Petunia heads over to the fridge. Harry slides the vial back up his sleeve. She sends him a nasty glare. He ducks his head. "Eggs are ready." Carefully, he walks over to the table and starts to fill Vernon's plate.

"I want some!" yells Dudley.

"You heard him," grunts Vernon.

"Just a little bit," says Petunia. Harry turns only to have the pan snatched out of his hands. She personally fills her son's plate with a sweet, loving smile. He heads back over to the counter to grab the tea pot. A few more drops from a second vial is added to tea. Putting on a fake smile, he fills Vernon's cup.

"Anything else?" asks Harry.

"Get out of my face!"

Vernon takes a sip from the tea. Harry heads over to the counter. He begins to clean the pans. Every few seconds he glances over at the table. A smile forms as Vernon is devouring the eggs like a pig. So far so good.

Thirty minutes later, Dudley left the house to go find his friends. Petunia headed outside to talk with the neighbor. Vernon is in the living room watching the television and sipping on tea. Harry finishes the last of the dishes and heads out to the living room.

"Uncle, I need you to sign this form for me."

Vernon turns to look at Harry with a bewildered expression. "Form?"

Harry pulls a folded up paper from his pocket. He pulls out a pen from his other pocket. "Yes uncle, it is a form for my school. You said you would sign it."

Confusion fills the man. "I did?" Vernon sits up. He blinks a few times. "What was it about?"

"I got into trouble last year. All you have to do is sign it so that the teachers know you are aware of future consequences if I continue my bad behavior."

"Always knew you were trouble." Vernon sits back with a woozy expression. "Why I have to sign it?"

Harry shrugs. "I mean, you don't have too." He places it down on the table. "But you will get called to my school for a parent-teacher conference."

Vernon gains an angry expression. Sitting up, he reaches forward grabbing the pen. "Like hell I am going to that freak school." He stares at the paper. Blinking a few times, he begins to scribble his name at the bottom. "I hope the school beats you next time you get into trouble."

"Thanks," says Harry. Grabbing the paper, he leaves swiftly. A smirk is on his face as he heads upstairs. The plan worked perfectly.

Naruto is a genius. A confusing potion combined with a calming potion put Vernon in a mellow, delirious mood. Harry did the rest with a false story of punishment. Hogsmeade permission slip is signed. He definitely owes Naruto a huge favor. Best birthday present ever. He is going to learn to brew these potions for future use on his relatives. Looks like Potions are not as useless as he thought. Just a certain professor that teaches the class.

He ran into his room and went straight to the trunk. Harry made sure to place the permission slip in a safe spot. Once that is secure, he grabs his wand and runs out the room. Vernon is watching the television with a calm, confused expression. He heads straight outside.

"This better not be a prank."

Harry raises his arm with wand sticking up at angle. Nothing happens. He holds the stance for a few seconds. "I am getting them back…"

A cracking sound fills the air. Harry jumps back in surprise. Out of thin air a triple decker bus appeared in front of him. The doors open up and a young man in a uniform stepped out. "Hello there. Name is Stan Shunpike, conductor of the Knight Bus." Stan eyes Harry up and down. "Ain't seen you around. What's your name? And where you headed?"

"Vernon, I need to get to Diagon Alley."

"That will be eleven sickles, Vernon."

Harry reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a galleon and hands it over. Stan smiles. "All aboard!"

The Gryffindor climbs onto the bus. It looks like a regular bus. The main difference is that the seats and luggage of the other passengers is all over the place.

"Next stop, Diagon Alley!"

The bus lurches forward. Harry falls onto his face. His eyes widen as the seats begin to move around. Quickly, he stands up and dodges a seat. A second seat hits him in the back of the legs. He falls back into the seat. He grips the edge of the chair and hangs on for dear life.

Ten minutes later, the bus screeches to a halt. "Diagon Alley!" yells Stan.

Harry eagerly leaves the seat. Stan smiles as the lad rushes off the bus. "You have a good one, Vernon!"

"I hate them…I hate them so much," grumbles Harry.

"Who do you hate?"

"You shouldn't hate someone."

He raises his head to find Luna and Naruto standing in front of the Leaky Cauldron. Each of them has a smile of amusement on their faces. Harry sends a glare at the two. "I will get you back."

Naruto shrugs. "I'll look out for that Tickling Charm." Harry flushes.

"Can we head to the animal store first? Father told me that I can look at owls. Maybe I can find a pretty one like Hedwig," smiles Luna.

"Sure," says Harry.

Break

"The potions worked. I got my permission slip signed." Harry smiles. "I really owe you one."

"Like I said, consider it a birthday present."

Naruto pauses in front of a cage containing a hawk. He reaches inside rubbing the hawk's head much to the bird's delight. "You know, there are plenty of rooms in the Leaky Cauldron. There is no reason for you to stay at your relatives all summer."

Harry blinks. "Is that allowed? I mean, I am a minor."

"As long as you pay for a room like everyone else, you aren't breaking the law."

A summer without the Dursleys. That sounded too god to be true. He only ever imagined life without his relatives in his dreams. Is it possible that he can turn those dreams into reality?

Luna skips over to them with her usual cheerful smile. "I am going to name him, Polly." She holds up a cage with a rainbow colored bird inside. It is a parrot.

Harry and Naruto share a look. The two then turn to look at Luna. "He fits you," both say at the same time. Luna beams happily.

"I feel like some ice cream. On me," smiles Harry.

"Sounds good."

"You know, there are secret flavors of ice cream that the Ministry keeps hidden…"

Naruto spots a newspaper out of the corner of his eyes. The front of the paper catches his attention. He walks over to the stand and pulls out the paper.

Sirius Black Escapes from Azkaban

Harry and Luna come up on either side of him. "Sirius Black? That sounds familiar." Harry tries to remember where he heard that name. "Didn't you mention to him to Ron?"

"Black was a Death Eater," answers Luna.

"Widely considered the most dangerous Death Eater," continues Naruto. "It was not until the end of the war that Black's allegiance to Voldemort was known. At the end of the war he hunted down a wizard named Peter Pettigrew. Blew up an entire street block killing twelve muggles and Pettigrew." He gestures at the image of the laughing man in prison clothes. "Says here he escaped from Azkaban."

Harry stares at the image of the dark wizard. "How…how do you know all this? I thought you were raised in the muggle world like me."

Naruto continues to silently read the paper. "I bought a couple history books on my trip to Diagon Alley. I wanted to learn about the new world I was entering. The good and the bad."

"Harry, you will be careful right?" For the first time since meeting Luna, Harry and Naruto see a worried and slightly scared expression. "I don't want Black to get you."

"He is a Death Eater," frowns Naruto. "Luna-chan is right, he might come for you."

"I'll be fine. I promise," says Harry.

Luna nods. Naruto pats her on the arm. "Harry knows a powerful Tickling Charm. Black doesn't stand a chance." A smile lights up Luna's face.

Harry throws up his arms. "Buy your own ice cream." He walks off with a grumble.

"You will still buy mine right?" skips Luna.

"Of course."

"Yay."

Naruto smirks as he follows behind them. Sirius Black is a dangerous man, but Naruto plans to protect his friends. He is not going to lose them without a fight. Black better come prepared.

Break

Tom raises a hand with a friendly smile. "Morning Harry."

Harry smiles at the owner of the Leaky Cauldron. "Good morning, Tom. The usual please."

"Be ready in a few."

Finding an empty booth, Harry takes a seat. The past week has been the best of his life. He decided to take Naruto's advice and rented a room at the Leaky Cauldron for a night. It felt amazing to wake up in the morning and not have chores. He didn't have to listen to Vernon's yells, Petunia's annoying voice, or the whines of Dudley. Then he spent the rest of the day walking around Diagon Alley.

Harry decided at the end of the day that he was going to spend the rest of the summer at the Leaky Cauldron. So he used the Knight Bus to return to Privet Drive. Snuck into his relative's house to get his trunk. He also told Hedwig where to meet him. Hedwig was happy about the change of scenery as well. She hated the Dursley's too.

Tom places a plate down at the table. "There you go." He rubs his hands on a small towel. "You sure your folks ok with you staying here?"

"My relatives are having a few guests over. As long as I send them letters every other day they are fine with me staying here," lies Harry. "School starts in a few days so I won't be here much longer. I really appreciate you letting me stay here."

"Been my pleasure," smirks Tom. "Enjoy the meal."

"Thanks."

Harry plans to meet up with the Weasley's today to buy school supplies. He already bought all his school supplies with Luna and Naruto a few days ago. It was fine though. Ron was in Egypt most of the summer so it was time for the two best friends to hang out and catch up.

Break

Thumping sounds fill the air. Naruto is in the backyard striking a post that he had set up. Bandages are wrapped around his hands as he punches the post with full force.

The backyard was a mess when he first bought the home. Filled with weeds, brush, and small trees. It had taken him nearly all summer, but he had managed to clear most of it out. If he was able to use magic it would have taken less than a day. A part of him was glad that he was not able to use magic because doing the work manually was a good work out. At some point he was going to need to use magic to grow grass in the backyard. It was mostly dirt and rocks. He was not going to pay a magical or muggle contractor to do work that he can do on his own.

Inside the house is a work in progress. Without magic to help with repair he had to learn the muggle way. The house needed new floors all throughout. Plus, he wanted to completely take down the wall between the kitchen and living room. He had finished painting each room. And he had managed to find some cheap furniture in good condition to fill the living room and main bedroom.

Naruto spun on his heel delivering a spinning kick to the post. It will be good to head back to Hogwarts. He plans to become a full-fledged Animagus by the end of the year. Finish harvesting the Basilisk so that he has enough money to last him at least two more years. And hope that this year the Defense teacher is a competent one.

'What ever happened to Lockhart?' wonders Naruto.

Lockhart had disappeared before the end of the school year. It was a big scandal in the Daily Prophet as several wizards and witches came forth claiming that Lockhart modified their memories to steal their stories. Aurors had a warrant to arrest Lockhart. Problem is that Lockhart vanished. No one had seen or heard from the wizard. Naruto had a bad feeling about that. Gilderoy Lockhart is a pathetic man, but to have lost everything makes even the most pathetic of men desperate. A desperate man is a dangerous man.

Oh well, he had to focus on the upcoming school year. No time to worry about Lockhart. Naruto went back to punching and kicking the training post.

Hogwarts Express

Luna politely knocks on the compartment door. Sliding the door open, she enters the compartment to find Naruto sitting alone.

"Hello Luna-chan."

"Hi!" smiles Luna. She shuts the door and takes a seat across from Naruto. Luna pulls out a newspaper and flips it upside down. "Do you think Harry will join us?"

Naruto answers honestly. "I think he usually sits with Ron and the other Gryffindors in his dorm." Luna gives a small smile before returning to her paper.

He pulls the book that Luna gave to him as Christmas present out of his bag. Creating a new spell is not easy. Luna told him that her mother died trying to create a new spell. He has a few ideas in mind for new spells, but is being extra careful in developing the spells.

The door to the compartment slides open. Naruto and Luna raise their heads. A pretty girl with bushy brown hair stands in the doorway. "Hello Hermione," smiles Luna.

"Hello Luna," greets Hermione.

A silence fills the compartment. Hermione awkwardly takes a step forward. She closes the door. Luna returns to her paper. Naruto goes back to reading.

Hermione shifts nervously. "Thank you." Naruto and Luna continue to read. A hint of annoyance appears in the third year Ravenclaw's eyes. "Are you two ignoring me? That is a bit rude."

"I'm sorry, did you want some help?" asks Luna.

"Not ignoring you, just don't know what you want," replies Naruto.

"I said thank you."

Naruto raises his head. "Randomly saying thank you doesn't tell me anything."

Luna gains a thoughtful expression. "Or the wracklepsurts infested her brain and she is unable to form coherent sentences."

Hermione gains a light blush of embarrassment. "I never got the chance to thank either of you for saving me at the end of last year." She glances at each of them. "Professor Flitwick told me that the two of you and Harry are the reason I survived. Thank you for saving me."

"You are welcome," smiles Luna.

"No problem," says Naruto.

A silence once again fills the compartment. Hermione opens and closes her mouth. She turns around and leaves.

Most of the train ride is spent in silence. Every now and then Luna will ask a random question. Naruto will give his answer or opinion then two will return to their reading.

A few hours into the train ride, the train comes to a sudden stop. Naruto gains a curious expression. He glances out the window to find that there are still another hour from Hogwarts. Ice started to form on the glass.

"Something is out there," says Naruto. In an instant, he draws his wand.

"What do you think it is?" asks Luna.

The train shakes. A second later, a freezing cold fills the compartment. Luna begins to shiver. Her breathing becomes shallow.

"Demon!"

"Monster!"

Voices that Naruto has not heard in years begin to fill his head. Memories of a past he had tried to forget begin to surface. He can feel his strength leaving him.

The compartment door slides open. A tall, black cloaked figure stands in the doorway. It glances at Naruto before it turns to look at Luna. Luna is barely conscious. The poor girl is sweating heavily and the dreamy expression on her face is one of pain.

Naruto's eyes harden to steel. Memories are pushed to the side as righteous anger fills him. He whips his wand at the creature that dare to harm his friend. "Flippendo!" The spell strikes the creature in the chest. The creature doesn't move as it turns to look at Naruto. "Impedimenta! Ignis!" It takes a step forward unaffected by the spells. The fireball did not last long due to the cold produced from the creature.

Exhaustion overcame the Slytherin. The memories started to resurface. Naruto found the grip on his wand slipping.

"Naruto," whispers Luna.

He gathers the last of his strength to use a spell that he had learned over the summer. "Deprimo!" A powerful blue light slams into the creature. The creature is blasted out of the compartment.

The creature begins to stand up with no visible harm. Naruto is too weak to perform another spell. That was the strongest spell he knew at the moment. It was designed to blow a hole in a target. By all means the creature should have been blasted to pieces.

As the creature is about to enter the compartment, a white light slams into the creature. It cries out in pain. The creature disappears from sight.

Naruto feels the coldness leave. The memories begin to fade away though a couple linger. His strength slowly begins to return. "Luna-chan," he whispers. She is lying unconscious on the bench. Luna is paler than usual.

A man enters the compartment. "Here, eat this." A bar of chocolate is handed to Naruto. "It will help ease the effects of the Dementor." The man places a second bar on the bench. "Give her some when she wakes up. I need to go check on the other students." He leaves without a word.

Biting into the chocolate bar, a warmth begins to fill Naruto. He feels the effects of the creature, Dementor, disappearing. Naruto devours the chocolate bar.

'So that…is a Dementor.'

He had heard of the magical creatures. Dementors are the guards of Azkaban. Considered by most to be the darkest of magical creatures. What are they doing on the Hogwarts Express?

"Naruto?"

Luna weakly opens her eyes. Naruto runs to her side. "Eat," he orders. She does as told. Color returns to her skin as she eats the chocolate.

"I saw my mother."

"Dementors," explains Naruto. "I saw bad memories too."

"They are not very nice."

Naruto cracks a small smile. "No…they are not." He stares deep into her eyes. "Are you okay?"

Luna nods. "I am okay." Naruto gains a relieved look.

Hogwarts

"Welcome!" said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast..."

Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued, "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

He paused, and Harry remembered what Mr. Weasley had said about Dumbledore not being happy with the dementors guarding the school.

"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued, "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly, and Harry and Ron glanced at each other. "It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors."

Percy, who was sitting a few seats down from Harry, puffed out his chest again and stared around impressively. Dumbledore paused again. He looked very seriously around the hall, and nobody moved or made a sound.

"On a happier note," he continued, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

There was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause. Only those who had been in the compartment on the train with Professor Lupin clapped hard, Harry among them. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes.

"Look at Snape!" Ron hissed in Harry's ear.

Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Harry, who hated Snape, was startled at the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. It was beyond anger, it was loathing. Harry knew that expression only too well. It was the look Snape wore every time he set eyes on Harry.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin died away. "Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his game keeping duties."

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," said Dumbledore. "Let the feast begin!"

The golden plates and goblets before them filled suddenly with food and drink. Naruto glanced one more time at Professor Lupin before he began to fill his plate. Professor Lupin is the one that gave him the chocolate. More importantly, it had been Professor Lupin that scared away the Dementor. In Naruto's opinion that already made the professor the best defense teacher since he arrived at Hogwarts.

Naruto was happy to hear that Hagrid received a teaching position. The man knew more about magical creature than anyone else he had ever met. Plus, he was a good person. Hagrid deserved the chance to prove he was more than a grounds keeper.

Break

Professor Bathsheda Babbling took a moment to gaze upon the new first years. As expected, the class is filled with Ravenclaws and Slytherins. A handful of Hufflepuffs are also in the class. She is not surprised that there is a lack of Gryffindors. For some reason the Study of Ancient Runes is not a popular class among the Gryffindor house. It is very popular among the Ravenclaws and Slytherins.

The advantage of teaching a class that is an elective is that the majority of the time she receives students that truly wish to learn the subject. It is rare that a student shows up to take her class in order to receive an easy pass. Those students either end up dropping the class or being removed by her personally. She has no time to deal with such children.

Hermione enters the classroom with Parvati and Terry Boot. Lisa Turpin and Anthony Goldstein are a step behind them.

"Oh no," gulps Terry.

"What?" asks Parvati.

Terry points to the front of the classroom. All the Ravenclaws are surprised that someone beat them to class. Even more surprised to find out that person is Naruto Uzumaki, the Slytherin that other Slytherins fear.

Lisa gains a hint of worry. "I didn't think he would take this class."

"It doesn't matter." All eyes turn to Hermione. "Chances are other Slytherins will take this class as well. We were warned last year that electives are shared among all first years," says Hermione. "I am not going to let him get in the way of my education." She walks ahead.

Hermione pauses at the front row. Gathering her courage, she takes a seat next to Naruto. "Good morning," she greets.

Naruto is staring at the ceiling with a bored expression. "Morning."

Parvati takes a seat on the other side of Hermione. "Sure you don't belong in Gryffindor? Always acting so bold." Hermione gains a light blush. Terry, Lisa, and Anthony sit in the second row.

Like Hermione said, other Slytherins soon arrived. Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini, Theo Nott, and Tracey Davis. A couple Hufflepuffs joined the classroom as well; Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott.

Professor Bathsheda stands in front of the classroom.

"Welcome to the Study of Ancient Runes. I am Professor Bathsheda Babbling. I will teach you all that I know on the subject. It will be up to each of you to use that knowledge to further your own understanding." She pauses for a second. "Runes have been around for as long as wizards and witches have existed. It is an ancient universal language. The first language that was used among the magical world."

A hand raised into the air. "Mr. Uzumaki?"

Naruto lowers his arm. "Do Runes have magical properties?"

Professor Bathsheda smiles in delight. "An excellent question. The answer is yes and no." She glances at several of the purebloods. "I am sure that some of you had the privilege of learning a bit about the subject from your families. You were probably taught that Runes have the power to enhance or empower magical objects. It is a common mistake that Runes and Enchantments are confused with each other." She lifts up the first year book. "For example, in this book are a list of all known Runes. If Runes had magical properties than this book would be filled with spells. Simply opening it would set off a chain reaction."

Another hand is raised. "Yes, Ms. Bones?"

"Runes are used in rituals and wards, right?" asks Susan.

"Yes, but not in the manner you believe." Professor Bathsheda puts down the book. A wave of the wand causes the board behind her to clear. She flicks her wand and a piece of chalk rises up. It begins to write a multitude of runes on the board. Several lines are written. "Can anyone read that?"

A silence fills the room. "If you could read that, you would be suffering from a nasty curse." Surprise fills the students. "When a spell is cast. There are three parts to make it work. Wand Movement, Incantation, and Intent. Runes are no different. The wand movement is the string of runes I put together. Incantation is when one reads the Runes aloud. Intent is the final product. When I am writing the Runes I am pouring my magic into each one to create the desired outcome. In this particular sentence I am cursing whoever dares to read it aloud."

Hermione raises her hand. "But you did not write it with your wand."

"Exactly! Five points to Ravenclaw." Hermione beams. "I lied when I said that reading the sentence would curse you. If I had wrote it with my wand or a magical item that channels my magic, it would. Since I used a piece of chalk I never poured any magic into the runes."

"So in order to uses runes magically one must enchant them," says Daphne.

"Five points to Slytherin." Professor Bathsheda smiles proudly. "Hence the reason that the two are so often confused with each other." The professor erases the board with a single tap of her wand. "First and foremost, Runes is an ancient language. A way for wizards all over the world to communicate even if our native verbal language is not the same. Unfortunately, in many ways it is a dying language. Very few learn the art for communication and instead wish to use it for other magical skills."

Professor Bathsheda puts her wand away. "In your first couple years in my class, you will learn the language of Runes. I shall teach you the meaning behind each rune. In time, once I deem the class ready, I will teach you the proper way to enchant runes. To string together sequences to cast spells, empower magical objects, and even create magical traps. I will admit that my own skill in such arts are limited. I mastered the language instead of becoming an expert in other areas of Runes. I do promise that if you put in the time, patience, and hard work, by the time you graduate from Hogwarts you can pursue any career in Runes that you desire."

"Now, open your books to page fifteen…"

Nighttime – Library

"What are the chances that Buckbeak killed Malfoy?"

"Too good to be true," answers Naruto.

Harry angrily taps the table. It pisses him off that there is a strong possibility that Hagrid might get fried because of Malfoy. Hagrid didn't deserve that. The class was great until Malfoy ruined it by insulting Buckbeak.

Naruto recognizes and understands Harry's anger. Hagrid is a good friend. He highly doubts that Hagrid will get fired. Dumbledore will not allow that to happen. That doesn't mean Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy, will not cause problems. The Malfoys are the type of people that love to flaunt their influence and power.

"Professor Lupin is a nice teacher. I really enjoyed his class," smiles Luna. She begins to wave a small paw. Her entire hand is changed into the paw of an otter.

"A defense teacher that is good?" A thick layer of black fur covers Naruto's entire right arm. "I want to believe you, Luna-chan, but it is so hard to believe."

"What about…"

Naruto places a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I know you are worried about Hagrid, so am I, but there is nothing we can do for him. Hagrid is a grown man. He can fight his own battles. Do not underestimate him."

A silence fills the air. Harry glances at Luna. She seems to have read his mind as she gives him a reassuring smile. He gives a nod. "Ok…you are right." Taking a deep breath, Harry relaxes his mind and focuses on the reason he came to the library. Feathers begin to pop up on each arm.

"Nice," smirks Naruto.

"Pretty," smiles Luna.

Harry smirks, "Thanks. I was working hard on it over the summer."

Defense Against the Dark Arts

Draco whispers to Crabbe and Goyle. "My house elf dresses better than the professor." A snicker comes from the three boys.

Professor Lupin turns around to face the class. "Books away and wands out."

Naruto eagerly puts the book away. A defense class that focuses on practical lessons. It is starting off great.

"Now please stand up."

Cautiously, the Slytherins stand up. Professor Lupin gives a small flick of the wand. All the desks are cleared to each side of the room. The professors points his wand at a trunk that slides forward. It shakes a few times.

Pansy shifts nervously. "What is in the trunk?"

"I thought a more practical demonstration is necessary for this lesson," smiles Professor Lupin. "Does anyone know what a boggart is?" A hand is raised into the air. "Yes, Mr. Zabini?"

Blaise folds his arms. "A boggart is a shape shifter. A magical pest that lives in dark areas."

"Correct." Professor Lupin points at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, what exactly does a boggart transform into?"

Draco is surprised by the sudden question. "Well…it…" Professor Lupin waits patiently. "It can transform into anything." The boy stands up straight trying to keep his dignity intact.

Professor Lupin gives a small nod. "That is true, but it tends to transform into a specific item or person or creature depending on the wizard and witch."

"It transforms into whatever one fears," states Daphne.

"Precisely." Professor Lupin pats the trunk. "Inside the trunk is a boggart. If we all approach it together the boggart becomes confused. It will read the fears of too many people at once and end up trying to transform into them all. Usually ends up a mess. Hence the reason that many people deal with them in groups." He draws his wand. "There is a way to combat a boggart. Laughter. Pure laughter causes the boggart to weaken and lose its resolve. Now, I want you all to repeat after me. Riddikulus!"

"Riddikulus," repeats the class.

A smile of satisfaction graces the professor's face. "Imagine your greatest fear. Lock the image in your mind."

An uncomfortable air fills the classroom. Naruto smirks inwardly. None of the Slytherins want to admit that there is something or someone out there that scares them. Too much pride. There is also the fact that such knowledge can be used against them.

"Now imagine your fear dressed in a funny costume. When you say the spell, Riddikulus, your fear will transform into that new image." Professor Lupin gestures at the trunk. "Who would like to go first?"

Draco steps forward with an air of importance. "I do not fear anything." Professor Lupin waves his wand unlocking the trunk. Draco raises his wand. A black mass begins to rise out of the crate. In transforms into a person that everyone in the room recognizes.

"Draco, you are a huge disappointment to the Malfoy name," glares Lucius.

"F-father," splutters Draco.

"Riddikulus," whispers Professor Lupin.

Lucius raises his cane. "I should have had another son. A proper heir!"

"R-r-riddikulus!"

In an instant, Lucius is suddenly wearing a dress. Laughter fills the classroom.

"Next," orders Professor Lupin.

Theo is shoved forward. He sends a nasty glare at Crabbe and Goyle. Stepping forward, he draws his wand. Lucius transforms into a large, grey werewolf. Beady yellow eyes and fangs dripping with blood complete the dark creature. It raises its head to howl in the air. Theo trembles a bit. "Riddikulus!" The werewolf transforms into a small, harmless puppy.

"Good work. Next please!"

Daphne is the next one pushed forward. A gasp escapes the class as the boggart transforms into the dead, mutilated body of Astoria Greengrass. Daphne casts the spell with such ferocity and anger. The boggart remains the same. "A happy image," orders Professor Lupin.

A hand shoves Daphne aside. The boggart turns into a little boy.

"Aw, scared of your little brother? Pathetic Uzumaki," taunts Draco.

Naruto stares at the boy. "It is not my younger brother. It is me."

Pansy frowns, "How can you be scared of yourself?"

"Shut up," glares Blaise. Pansy seethes in anger. "You obviously lack the brain cells to see what the image represents."

Naruto points his wand at the younger version of himself. "Riddikulus." A second later, the boy is transformed into Draco Malfoy. "Ha, that is funny."

Draco looks at Professor Lupin. "What? The spell transformed it into me."

"It means I find you to be a joke," says Naruto.

Theo turns away with a smirk. Tracey even raises her hand to hide her own smile.

Break

Naruto enjoyed the defense class. Professor Lupin is an excellent teacher. For the first time in his three years at Hogwarts he is looking forward to the next defense class.

"Diffindo!"

A spell heads at Naruto's back. He steps to the right letting the spell past him. Naruto spins around with wand drawn.

"I do not…"

"Terebro!"

A pale white spell slams into Daphne's face. She is knocked off her feet. Blaise and Theo draw their wands ready for a fight. Naruto turns back around and leaves without a glance back.

Daphne is helped up by Blaise. A black left eye mars her pretty face. "I told you it wasn't pity or even compassion," states Blaise. "Chances are he was curious about his own boggart and you were taking too long for his liking."

Theo puts away his wand. "So it would seem."

"That was fun." Tracey passes by the three with a playful smirk. "Ice Queen taken out in a single spell. I am really starting to like the mud blood." Her laughter fills the air.

Daphne seethes silently. In a huff, she heads in the opposite direction. Blaise and Theo follow Greengrass.