Hanging by a Moment
Chapter Six: Nightmares and Friendship
"Only solitary men know the full joys of friendship. Others have their family; but to a solitary and an exile, his friends are everything." (Willa Cather)
"You were always smiling, real friendly like, but the way you smiled was so empty it hurt to watch you." (Trigun)
"Never refuse any advance of friendship, for if nine out of ten bring you nothing, one alone may repay you." (Madame de Tencin)
"Old friends, friends who have stayed true for years, deserve to be cherished. For they show the dedication only a true friend can show. But those who deserve it more, are the ones who can walk straight into your life at any given moment and show the same value." (Anon)
Dumbledore shook his head. "Curiosity is not a sin," he said. "But we should exercise caution with our curiosity . . . Yes indeed . . . ." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
Konohagakure no Sato
November 31st
Tsunade looked up from her paperwork when she heard her door open. Sakura marched in, looking exhausted, followed by her three teammates and Kakashi, who had a hard look in his eye that Tsunade had rarely seen.
"What is it?" she asked, setting her documents aside.
"Ibiki's interrogated the man Naruto was fighting with," Sakura said grimly. "Ibiki is sure that he's gotten everything he can out of the man."
Tsunade nodded sharply, feeling hope for the first time since she had heard the news of Naruto's disappearance. "Alright. What did information did he get?"
"Naruto was chasing him," Neji started to explain, "and they engaged in a battle. The man swears that his jutsu was only meant to transport a person to another place – that he had meant to move Naruto farther away so that he could get away. But, apparently, Naruto interfered before the jutsu was completed. The man says all he saw was a bright blue light before he passed out and then he woke up with us."
Tsunade considered this. "It makes sense," she said. "If a transportation jutsu is interrupted – hell, if any jutsu is interrupted – there's the possibility of a malfunction. And since it's a transportation jutsu, the main reaction would be that Naruto moved to a place that the enemy didn't intend for him to go to."
"We've searched throughout Konoha and we've gone through a lot of Hi no Kuni, Tsunade," Shikamaru said, exhaustion plain on his face. "We haven't been able to find him."
Tsunade was still thinking, her finger tapping on her desk expertly as she considered the problem. "He could be anywhere inside the Elemental Countries," she mused aloud. An idea occurred to her. She started to sift through the papers on her desk. Only a few days ago, she'd received a report from the shinobi she had sent to patrol around the barrier that kept the Outside away from the Countries. She pulled out the report triumphantly. "Or he could be Outside," she added.
Kakashi frowned at her. "Is that even possible?" he asked, all seriousness for once.
Tsunade nodded. "A week ago, I got a report from the patrol team I sent out near the barrier. They said the barrier had been acting strangely around October the 31st, but it had only happened for around an hour before the barrier returned to normal."
"Acted strangely?" Shikamaru asked.
"They said that they could actually see the barrier," Tsunade explained. "For those of you who haven't been near it," she directed this statement towards Sakura and Neji, who had never seen the shield, "you won't know that the barrier is almost always colorless, except for a slight shimmer that can only be seen when you know what you're looking for. Whenever it is activated, it turns a dark blue. That night, for an hour, it turned a very bright, electric blue, according to the patrol team." She turned her stare towards Neji. "The same blue that the enemy said he saw before Naruto disappeared."
Shikamaru nodded. "It's a possibility," he acknowledged. "Since the jutsu was interfered with, it's hard to say how powerful it would be, but since it is Naruto, and we all know how powerful he is, we can safely say that the interference would charge the transportation jutsu up quite a bit. Whether it would be enough to break through the shield is hard to say."
Tsunade nodded sharply. "However he did it, I believe him to be on the Outside. I will be sending you, as his team, out there to search for him. You are all the most familiar with his chakra, and can most easily identify it if you come across him. This is an A-rank mission," she added seriously. "You will take however long you need to find him, and then bring him home."
"And what if we can't find him?" Neji asked quietly. Tsunade gave him a hard glare.
"You will," she said sharply. She took a look at them all, sighing quietly. "Kakashi will be point on this, since he has the greatest experience in tracking." Kakashi inclined his head. "You set out tomorrow. Dismissed."
Tsunade watched as they all disappeared except for Kakashi. She glared at him. "I said dismissed, Hatake."
"Do you think we can find him?" Kakashi asked, still oddly intense. She wasn't used to this serious side of him, even after knowing him for so long. "The Outside is a big place, Tsunade, and that jutsu could have dropped him anywhere."
Tsunade sighed. "I can only hope, Kakashi," she said tiredly. "Naruto's team members are some of the best ANBU I've had in years, and there's no one I'd trust more than you to bring him back. If anyone can do it, it'll be all of you." She sighed heavily. "Just bring him back safely," she murmured, her eyes on her desk. When she lifted them, Kakashi had disappeared.
Hogwarts
December 2nd
Harry Potter felt like his friends were finally getting used to the anomaly that was Naruto Uzumaki.
Ron had protested for days the first time Naruto had popped into the library, grinning broadly as he sat down at their table with a book on potions tucked under his arm and a long, rambling explanation of why exactly he needed to sit with them in order to study. However, as Naruto joined them every day, Ron's disapproval began to ebb. The blond was sunny and carefree, he liked jokes, and had admitted that his love for pranks was sometimes a little unhealthy. He was unlike any other Slytherin they had ever known before and, because of that, Ron had eventually decided that the Sorting Hat was probably getting barmy in its old age and sorted a Gryffindor into Slytherin.
Hermione, on the other hand, had always accepted Naruto into their fold. True, she watched him closely those first few days, and she'd had the look on her face that told Harry she'd just found a new project to study, but she'd always been warm and welcoming to him. She'd warmed to him even more when, during one of her lectures on potions to Harry and Ron, Naruto had jumped in with some added points that she hadn't brought up. Her astonished look when he had done so had made both Ron and Harry crack up laughing at the time.
Harry leaned back in his chair as he watched Hermione and Naruto argue about some philosophical debate about potion's ingredients as Ron doodled on the parchment that was supposed to be used for a Transfigurations essay. Naruto fit in easily with his group of friends, Harry decided, smiling a little. He was glad for it. He found that he quite liked the unpredictable blond, no matter what house he was from. And then there was that . . . thing. The who is he, where did he come from thing.
Harry had never asked again after that night on the lake, and Naruto had never given anything away. A few days after he had sat down at the Gryffindor table for dinner, Naruto had told Hermione and anyone who asked that his school had been located in Ireland, but his family had been Japanese and had moved there when he had turned ten. He also implied that his family was pureblood and that the reason he hadn't been sent to Hogwarts instead was because his family didn't want to get mixed in with Dumbledore's politics. The entire school took it to mean that his family was quietly dark and that Naruto, by his association with Gryffindors, was the black sheep.
Naruto never gave any details about his school's supposed attack, but rumors flew about how he was the only one to survive. Everyone supposed that he must have a great deal of power to survive a Death Eater attack that had killed everyone else at his school. However, as the week went on and Naruto never showed up for the classes that required actual magic, and no one ever saw him use magic, the rumor went around that Naruto was a squib, had attended a small school for squibs, and had only survived the attack on pure luck. Naruto never diffused the rumor, even when it earned him the sneers of some of the students. Harry was sure that Naruto let it grow because whatever Naruto was, he wasn't a wizard and the rumor allowed him to keep on not practicing magic without anyone questioning why.
Harry was the only student who knew the truth about Naruto – that he wasn't a student, he wasn't a wizard, and that for some reason he was still staying at Hogwarts, despite both of those facts. Harry knew that Hermione was starting to get curious about Naruto – he never confirmed or denied his magical abilities, no matter how much she questioned him on it, and he never spoke of the imaginary attack or how he had survived it. Harry knew that his friend was insanely curious and that sooner or later she would end up discovering that Naruto wasn't who he said he was. Harry was keeping a close eye on her, so that he could be there when that occurred and assure her that Naruto wasn't evil or trying to hurt anyone in the school.
"Uzumaki."
Harry tensed and looked up to see Malfoy staring down at them. Ron immediately went red and Hermione's eyes darted between Malfoy and Naruto curiously. It seemed that Malfoy and Naruto remained friendly to one another, even though he had openly befriended the Gryffindor trio. It baffled them all, and remained one of the reasons that Ron was still wary around Naruto, no matter how Gryffindor-ish he seemed.
"Malfoy," Naruto said, smiling as he stood. "What can I do for you this fine day?"
Malfoy's eyes darted to the Gryffindors at the table, but he didn't sneer at them for once. Harry watched curiously as Naruto went up to Malfoy's side, draping an arm over his shoulder. Malfoy looked like he wanted to peel it off, but refrained from doing so. Why is he friends with Naruto? Harry wondered.
"Blaise wanted to know whether you want to take a walk with him around the lake," Malfoy said. "That is, if you were not too busy with your . . . Gryffindors." How Malfoy managed to make the word Gryffindor sound like the worst curse imaginable was a mystery to Harry.
Naruto, however, didn't seem put off by Malfoy's attitude. "I'd be happy to," he said, grinning. "I'll see you guys later, alright?" he added to the Gryffindor trio.
"Bye Naruto," Harry and Hermione called out as they watched him leave with Malfoy. Ron grumbled.
"Every time I start to relax around that guy, Malfoy shows up and reminds me why I shouldn't," he said irritably. "Why are we trusting him again?"
"Just because he's in Slytherin doesn't mean he's evil, Ron," Hermione said with annoyance. They'd re-hashed this argument more than a few times over the last week. "He's been nothing but friendly to us. We can't just tell him he has to stay away because he's a Slytherin."
"But he hangs out with Malfoy," Ron pointed out. "We all know whose hems that ferret wants to be kissing, don't we? What if it's all some trick to make us drop our guard?"
"Ron, we've already discussed this," Harry broke in. "We'll keep an eye on him, just in case, but I don't think he means us any harm."
"Yeah, well I still say you're too trusting Harry," Ron grumbled. "I mean, look at what happened with Moody! Who says Naruto isn't just like that?"
Harry's mood darkened. He didn't like to think of Moody. Hermione noticed the nose-dive his emotions had taken and glared at Ron.
"Really smooth, Ronald," she said primly. Ron looked taken aback.
"What'd I say?" he asked Harry, before noticing the dark expression on his friend's face. Ron suddenly realized who exactly he had referenced and winced.
"Sorry, mate," he said. "I know you don't like to think about Moody. But the possibility's there, you know?"
"Yeah," Harry said darkly, "I know. But I trust Naruto, alright Ron? He's not like Moody. He's a good guy and we should give him the benefit of the doubt."
Ron just looked at him. "Hard to do when you've got You-Know-Who hanging over your head, mate," he said, uncommonly solemn.
"Ron's right, Harry," Hermione said uncomfortably. "I like Naruto too, but there's no guarantee. With Moody, you were unbelievably lucky to have gotten away. I just don't want you to trust Naruto and then end up in that same situation."
Harry sighed. "I know Hermione. We keep having this conversation. But it doesn't change my feelings on the matter. As long as Naruto wants to be, he can be our friend. If you don't trust him, then you guys are welcome to watch him as closely as you want, but for now, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt."
Hermione and Ron exchanged dubious looks, but fell silent on the matter. Harry sighed. He had a feeling it was only a matter of time before his best friends took matters into their own hands and decided to investigate Naruto's history. He could only hope that things wouldn't blow out of proportion if they did.
Severus tensed as he felt his Dark Mark burning. He hadn't felt the call since the night Uzumaki had tended to him after his beating, which had worried both Albus and him. Quietly, he put the potion he had been working on to the side, hoping that he could get back in time to salvage it as he put on new robes and collected his mask. The Mark's burn sharpened with every minute he delayed.
Severus stepped into the Floo, murmuring the address of the Malfoy Manor, as well as the password that allowed him access to it. As he flew into the green flames, he felt the wards passing over him, checking his magical signature and approving him as he continued to spin towards his destination. Severus bent his knees as he felt close to approaching and landed neatly in the Malfoy Manor floo. Severus placed his mask over his face and frowned when he saw that the room that the Malfoys used specifically for the floo was empty aside from himself. Severus felt a knot of apprehension in his stomach. This could only mean that Voldemort had called him for a one-on-one visit.
He looked up when he saw Lucius enter, dressed in casual robes. His sense of apprehension doubled. "Our Lord is this way, Severus," Lucius told him, turning on his heel.
Severus followed him out of the door and down several corridors. He recognized the way to Lucius' study and wondered what Voldemort wanted of him. The few times he'd been called to a single meeting with the Dark Lord, Voldemort had either interrogated him about his true allegiances or informed him about the false information he was to give to the Order.
They stopped outside of Lucius' study. Lucius gave Severus a meaningful look before he knocked three times on the door before opening it.
"Severus has arrived, my lord," Lucius said, bowing deeply. Severus swept past him into the room, maintaining a blank mask. Voldemort was seated at Lucius' desk, looking through a stack of papers. He looked up when Severus entered.
"You may leave us Lucius," Voldemort said, his red eyes fixed on Severus. Lucius bowed again and exited, closing the door behind him. "Take a seat, Severus," Voldemort waved a hand at the chair across from his, the only other chair in the room.
"Thank you, my lord," Severus said, seating himself. Voldemort turned away from his paperwork to regard Severus closely.
"Severus, over the course of the next few weeks, I have an assignment for you," Voldemort said. "It is actually quite simple. In the next few days, several students will submit the paperwork necessary to invite a guest to the Yuletide Ball this December. Your job is to make sure that these submissions are approved, no matter what. Now that Lucius is no longer on the Board of Directors, you are the only influence I have in Hogwarts." Voldemort's tone showed how distasteful he found that. "It is a matter of upmost importance that all of these applications get approved. If you fail . . . I will be most displeased, Severus." Severus knew what the consequences would be.
Severus bowed his head. "I will not fail you, my lord," he said, all the while wondering why Voldemort was adamant about this.
He wouldn't be able to send in Death Eaters, not with the wards Hogwarts had against them. There were also wards against creatures of all types walking in through the grounds. Voldemort had to have something else up his sleeve.
"Is there anything else my lord?" Severus asked. Voldemort frowned heavily.
"Ah yes," he said. "There is the matter of one of the Slytherin students." Severus instructed himself not to tense. He should've known this would come up. "Naruto Uzumaki, I believe his name is? I've been getting reports from my Death Eaters' children about his . . . antics." Voldemort's red-eyed gaze turned to Severus. "What do you know of him?"
"He is pureblood, my lord," Severus said, deciding to rely on the tale that Uzumaki had been skillfully spreading about himself. "However, he is nearly a squib. Dumbledore, being so kindhearted, allowed him a place at Hogwarts until he graduates." Voldemort snorted.
"Of course he'd let in squibs, the coddled old fool," he said disdainfully. "What else?"
"He was born in Japan and then brought to live in Ireland by his guardians. His parents died when he was young, as far as I can tell. He was schooled at a small place in Ireland which he claims was attacked by Death Eaters, leaving him the sole survivor."
Severus didn't let any of his tension show on his face. Voldemort sometimes let Lucius and McNair plan his raids, as he often had other business to attend to. The raids had begun to spread across Ireland and Scotland, which was the reason that Albus and Severus had decided it would be a decent cover story for Naruto. Now it was time to see if Voldemort would question it.
"I see," Voldemort said thoughtfully. "McNair led a raid in Ireland a few weeks ago which probably led to his school's demise." Severus inwardly sighed in relief. "Still, that does not explain how an untrained squib managed to escape and make his way to Hogwarts."
Severus inclined his head. "He is a Slytherin, my lord," he said mildly.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed at him. "One day I will tire of your cheek, Severus," he said, sounding more amused than angry.
Severus didn't relax at the amused tone. The Dark Lord could turn from amused to angry in the blink of an eye. He was always courting the possibility of a beating when he used his dry humor around Voldemort. Still, many times he'd managed to get away with it because Voldemort didn't mind his wit. Severus didn't know if he was alarmed or amused that he shared a sense of humor with a Dark Lord.
"This Uzumaki child does well in your class, according to the Malfoy heir," Voldemort said. "I suppose he might not be a complete loss, especially if he is as pureblooded as he claims to be. And there have been reports of how he has befriended Potter and his infernal lackeys . . . ." Severus knew where this was going and sighed inwardly. Damn you Uzumaki, he thought irritably. "Severus, you will attempt to court him to our side. See where his allegiances lie and see if you can't convince him otherwise if they aren't with the Dark."
"Yes my lord," Severus said.
Voldemort waved a hand. "That is all for today, Severus," he said. "You may return to Hogwarts."
"Thank you, my lord," Severus said, rising to his feet.
He swiftly left the study, keeping his mask tightly in place so that no one could see the indecision brewing beneath. He would have to speak to Albus immediately when he got back – he would need to know that Voldemort was plotting. Severus would also have to talk to Uzumaki. No doubt the brat would get a kick out of the interest the Dark Lord was showing in him.
Severus was approaching the Floo room when he saw a flash of black out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see a person turning the corner in front of him and frowned. He hadn't been able to see the face, but the person had had a peculiar hairstyle – spiked and ruffled in a way that reminded Severus disconcertingly of James Potter's hair. He had never seen any Death Eaters sport hair like that. Severus frowned, wondering if Voldemort had guests, before moving into the Floo room to return home.
Albus sighed heavily as Severus left his office, having finished his report on what Voldemort had told him that afternoon. He stood and looked out of his window, which overlooked the Quidditch Pitch. A frown pinched the skin of his forehead.
"What are you up to, Tom?" Albus murmured.
Tom had to know that he wouldn't be able to get any enemy wizards into Hogwarts under a simple disguise. That was part of the reason that Hogwarts had remained, for the most part, a stronghold. After the incident with Barty Crouch Jr. during Harry's fourth year, Albus had checked the wards that were supposed to keep out enemy adult wizards and had found them weakening. He had reinforced them that year, to keep out any wizards that meant harm to the students inside. Of course, Albus was well aware that Tom had supporters among the students, but he would never have the castle keep out any student who wished an education at Hogwarts, no matter what their allegiances were.
Tom had to be aware that he would strengthen security after that incident. The Dark Lord was many things, but he had never been a fool. Which meant that Tom had some other trick up his sleeve, something that Albus wouldn't be able to predict without more information. Albus frowned heavily. He didn't know what other force Tom could be using.
He caught a flash of gold in the corner of his eye and looked down at the pitch to see a blond student traveling across it. Albus squinted and then smiled when he recognized Naruto Uzumaki's peculiar hair. Naruto was fitting in surprisingly well. Albus had been impressed at the back story he had managed to come up with on his own, that had explained many of the things that might have exposed Naruto otherwise. It seemed that Naruto held hidden depths to him, concealed things that even Albus had not been able to figure out.
There was something about Naruto, Albus supposed. Within weeks of arriving at Hogwarts, he had managed to work his way under Severus' skin, he had made friends with both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, and he had attracted the attention of Tom. Albus himself felt fond of the boy – he knew that the bright and cheerful mask he wore was sometimes an act, but during the times when he was genuinely happy, Naruto shone brightly. Not to mention, he hadn't seen Fawkes take such a shine to someone since he'd met Harry.
Naruto could be useful in whatever was coming, Albus decided. Albus had no idea what he did on the other side of the lake, but he knew that Naruto was powerful – he could feel the waves of it from the castle when a particularly bright flash of blue appeared. And, more than that, Tom had no idea that Albus was housing one of the renowned shinobi under his roof. Albus knew that Naruto would defend Hogwarts, more because of the blond's own personal integrity rather than any sense of loyalty to the school.
Albus sighed. He didn't like being in the dark about the events that were coming at them startlingly fast. He would have to try and find out more about the people Voldemort was so keen on getting into Hogwarts, he supposed. Until then, he would have to trust that, when the time came, he would be able to keep any of the students from getting hurt.
Naruto shot up out of his bed with a gasp. He was breathing heavily and his body was covered with sweat. Closing his eyes, he swore quietly under his breath. The Nightmare had been coming to him every other night, and it kept getting more and more vivid. Naruto was good at losing sleep – as a shinobi, you didn't really get that much sleep anyways – but he knew that sooner or later the strain would get to him.
He got out of bed, shivering a little as his bare feet came into contact with harshly cold stones. Swearing even more, he slipped his feet into the sneakers that Snape had forced him to buy with his clothes, relaxing when his feet warmed. He wrapped a warm cloak around his body and quietly made his way out of the Slytherin Common Room and through the corridors of the dungeons.
How can I solve this? Naruto thought as he wandered. He couldn't deal with these nightmares every night. And with magic surrounding him . . . surely these people had some way of dealing with bad dreams? Naruto tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. Hadn't he read about a potion that dealt with dreams? He concentrated, stopping in the middle of the hallway as he thought back to his reading. Naruto didn't retain information as easily as Sakura and Shikamaru did – at least, not when it came to books. It took him a moment to remember that wizard's had developed the Dreamless Sleep Potion. It was slightly addicting, enough so that taking it every night for a month or more would get him addicted. But it was something.
There was only one person who would have that outside of the Hospital Wing, Naruto knew. He hesitated. He didn't know if he wanted to ask Snape. He knew that the man would ask why, and Naruto didn't know what he would say. He genuinely liked Snape, and had come to think of the man as something of a friend, but his secrets . . . well, he didn't know if he wanted to share them with Snape. Just dreaming of Sasuke brought him pain, but talking about him and bringing up their old history . . . .
Naruto shivered. But what choice did he have? It was either go to Snape or suffer. He might be able to steal the ingredients, if he really wanted to, but Naruto never felt right about stealing from a friend. So, a little glumly, he made his way back down into the dungeons, towards Snape's private rooms. He stopped in front of the portrait of Salazar, who was still awake.
Salazar looked surprised to see him. "Naruto!" he said. "It's rather late for a visit tonight, isn't it?"
Naruto smiled up at him. "Hey Salazar," he said warmly. "I know it's late, but can you get Snape for me? It's somewhat important."
Salazar eyed Naruto dubiously. "You do know that he won't be happy at being wakened at this late hour, don't you?" he asked.
Naruto laughed. "Hey, I lived with him for a good two weeks, remember? I know what he's like without his beauty sleep. But I'd really appreciate it if you did it anyway. I need to talk to him."
Salazar sighed. "Alright. But don't blame me when he tries to take your head off."
Salazar disappeared. Naruto waited patiently and, sure enough, only a few moments Salazar reappeared, a pinched look on his face.
"He's coming," he said with irritation. "But he's not happy."
Naruto sighed and prepared himself to have everything about his person insulted to the nth degree. The portrait hole swung open violently, and Naruto just managed to jump back to avoid being hit. Naruto winced when he saw that Snape was glaring at him out of a veil of dark hair. He was dressed in a pair of loose pants and a shirt, and looked sleep-ruffled. Naruto shut away the little voice that commented on how Snape looked very good sleep-ruffled. He didn't need to have thoughts like that about Snape, of all people.
"Can I talk to you?" he asked, holding up his hands in a peaceful gesture. Snape regarded him disdainfully.
"Mr. Uzumaki," he said, his voice rough, "I understand that you only have the intelligence of the average bear, but you must realize that it is 3:00 in the morning, a time when many normal people are asleep." Snape's glare deepened. "Such people as myself, for instance."
Naruto grinned and decided to try his luck pushing past Snape into the man's living room. Snape growled lowly, but didn't protest the invasion, to Naruto's relief. Naruto hurriedly snapped his fingers. A House Elf appeared with a slight crack. Naruto smiled when he realized he recognized this particular House Elf.
"Hey Twinky," he said warmly. Twinky perked up when he saw who had summoned him.
"Master Naruto!" he cried happily. "What cans Twinky bes doing for yous?"
"Can I get two cups of coffee, Twinky?" Naruto asked. "One with five spoonfuls of cream and two spoons of sugar, and one black."
"Of course, Master Naruto," Twinky said with a bow, before cracking out of the room. Naruto turned to see Snape regarding him from an armchair.
"You see, you great big growly bear, you're getting your coffee," Naruto said teasingly. Snape could never wake up properly with his coffee.
"I'd better get the black, Uzumaki," Snape rasped. "You know how I feel about adding cream and sugar to it."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "I remember," he said. "You've called it an abomination several times, I believe."
"And worse," Snape said with a smirk as Twinky reappeared with their coffees.
Snape dived for his, taking in several gulps and probably burning his tongue in the process. Naruto watched with a smirk and picked up his own cup more delicately. When Snape set down the cup, it was empty. Twinky, who had remained because this had happened many times before, snapped his fingers and refilled the cup. Then, casting another look at Snape, Twinky snapped his fingers again, and a large thermos of coffee appeared, alongside a cup of sugar and a small pitcher of cream. Naruto grinned at him in thanks and Twinky bowed once more before disappearing.
"They really are marvelous little creatures, aren't they?" Naruto mused, taking a sip of coffee.
Snape grimaced. "Now you sound like Albus," he muttered around the rim of his own cup. "Stop it, it's disturbing."
Naruto grinned. "I'll take that as the compliment it's meant to be, Snape," he said.
Snape rolled his eyes. "Can you please inform me as to why I have to listen to your irritating voice at three o'clock in the morning, Uzumaki?" he asked in annoyance. "I would much rather be sleeping."
Naruto froze. How would he say it? "Uhm . . . ." he stuttered, trying to figure out how to word his request. "CanIhaveDreamlessSleeppotion?" he blurted out, his words slurring together. Snape blinked at him.
"Uzumaki," he said slowly, "the only reason I am awake enough to have an intelligent conversation is because of the coffee in my hands. If you are going to ask me something, please make sure that it is coherent enough for me to understand."
Naruto gulped. "Can I have some of your Dreamless Sleep potion?" he asked, making sure that the words were clear.
Snape's eyes narrowed thoughtfully over his coffee cup rim. "Why do you need it?" he asked sharply.
Naruto frowned. "Do you really need to know?" he asked, hoping that Snape would just leave the matter alone. Snape eyed him carefully.
"You are requesting a potion that is potentially addictive at three o'clock in the morning," he said calmly. "Since you look as you do, I surmise this is because of a nightmare?"
"No, it's because my dreams are all peachy keen," Naruto snapped, his tiredness and irritation catching up with him. Snape's eyebrow rose. Naruto suddenly realized what else Snape had said and looked down at himself. "And whaddya mean, since I look the way I do?"
Snape sighed. "Uzumaki, you have dark circles under your eyes that make you look like you got into a bar fight, you're sweating and, despite your best attempts to hide it, you also seem to be shaking. I know the aftereffects of nightmares."
Probably because you have them too, Naruto thought, but didn't say it aloud. If he wanted Snape to respect his secrets, then he'd do his best not to pry into Snape's, even if he did wonder what was so horrible in the man's past that made him have nightmares.
"Yes, it was a nightmare," Naruto said evenly. "And that's all you need to know about it."
Snape eyed him. "Yes, I suppose it is," he mused. He sighed and straightened in his chair. "Alright, Uzumaki. I will give you this potion when you ask for it, as long as it is not every night, and as long as you will listen to me when I tell you that you cannot take it anymore, understood?"
Naruto nodded quickly. "Of course," he said. Snape rose to his feet.
"Wait here," he said, striding off. Naruto got the impression that if he had been wearing his robes, they would have been doing that impressive twirling thing Snape always got them to do.
Naruto relaxed back into his chair, still idly sipping his coffee. Magic was a lot more helpful than he had initially realized, he decided. Anything that could take away his constant nightmares, no matter how potentially addictive it was, was good news in Naruto's book. He knew that any number of shinobi would gladly be friends with a wizard who could make that potion for them – all shinobi were affected by nightmares, even, at times, the genin. Naruto could still remember the nightmares he'd had after the whole affair with Haku and Zabuza – he'd constantly see Sasuke fall to the ground, killed, and feel Kyuubi chuckling darkly in the back of his mind. Naruto shivered at the thought of it.
Sasuke always feature prominently in his nightmares, now that he thought about it. It was probably because Naruto usually had nightmares about past events – most of which, Sasuke had been a part of – or The Nightmare, where Sasuke taunted him about not being able to protect his precious people from himself. Even when he was gone, and had been gone for years, Sasuke still took up a significant portion of Naruto's life. Naruto wondered if that would ever change. He still didn't know if he even wanted it to change or not. Sasuke still remained his best friend, even after all of these years.
He looked up when he heard Snape re-enter the room, a vial of potion in his hand. Naruto held out his hand for it and, with only minimum hesitation, Snape handed it over.
"The potion will make you drowsy," Snape instructed. "You'd best go back to your room and take it."
Naruto looked around the setting that had become familiar to him in the past few weeks and felt a flare of longing.
"Can I stay here?" he asked softly. Snape frowned at him and looked ready to object, but Naruto spoke before he could say no. "I don't want to go back." Quickly, he employed the large, sad eyes that he knew had always made Sakura cave in whenever he wanted something.
Snape's lips thinned, probably seeing through the ploy, but he said, with a very irritated tone, "Oh, very well."
Naruto smiled. "Thanks Snape," he said. He looked down at the potion in his hands. "Hard to think something so small can help so much," he murmured. Snape hummed in agreement.
Naruto looked up at him and was surprised by the amount of affection he already felt for Snape. They'd only know each other for little over a month, but Naruto felt as close to Snape as he did to many of his friends back home sometimes. He didn't think Snape really realized how much Naruto had come to think of him as a friend.
"Thanks," he murmured, standing up.
Snape nodded. "It was no problem," he said carefully. He started to head back to his own bedroom before he stopped and turned back to Naruto. "Goodnight," he said, looking a little bemused at saying it at all. Naruto smiled at him.
"Night," he answered and watched as Snape disappeared into his bedroom. Naruto sighed and looked back down at the vial in his hands. "Looks like it's just you and me," he said as he moved to the door of his old bedroom. He smiled when he opened it to find that everything as just as he'd left it.
Carefully, he climbed into bed, relaxing as the covers warmed him up more than his cloak had. Carefully, he unscrewed the top of the vial of the Dreamless Sleep potion and set it to the side. He spent a moment examining the liquid before, finally, he brought it to his lips and downed it in three solid gulps. Even as he set the vial off to the side, he felt his body starting to get a little hazy. By the time he had settled into his pillows, he was close to sleep.
His last thought before falling into sleep was the hope that now, finally, The Nightmare would fade.
Naruto was sitting out by the lake again. Harry felt like it must be Naruto's favorite spot, because he always seemed to gravitate towards it. Harry sat down next to the blond, wondering at the lack of surprise at his arrival. Naruto always seemed so aware of everything going on around him, more aware than anyone Harry knew besides Moody and Snape. Harry wondered if it was an aftereffect of Naruto's job, whatever it was. He couldn't help but remember that Naruto, at one point, had referred to him as a civilian. Had he been a soldier? Was that why there was that weary look in his face, the darkness hiding behind his eyes?
"Hey Harry," Naruto said, finally turning to look at him with a smile. Harry was relieved to see that Naruto was looking better than he had in days.
"You're looking better," he said aloud. Naruto beamed at him.
"I was just having a rough couple of days," he said. "I managed to work through it though, so I'm better now."
Harry smiled. "I'm glad," he said genuinely.
They sat in a comfortable silence for a while, both wrapped up in their own thoughts. Harry stared out across the lake, wondering about the teen next to him. He wondered if Naruto would ever tell Harry his secrets or if he would leave with them unsolved. Because Naruto was going to leave sometime this year, wasn't he? Harry knew that he wasn't a wizard, that he was stuck at Hogwarts for unknown reasons, but surely he wanted to go home? Surely he would leave as soon as he was able to? Harry wondered how long it would be and felt a pang of sadness. Naruto wasn't as close to him as Hermione or Ron or even Neville and Luna, but he was slowly becoming a friend, and Harry had so few friends that he didn't want to lose another one. Actually, speaking of friends . . . .
"You know that my friends are suspicious, right?" Harry said, finally breaking the silence.
"Hermione and Ron?" Naruto clarified. Harry nodded and Naruto laughed. "Yeah, I know," he said. "But I'm not really worried about it."
"They'll find out you're not who you say you are," Harry warned, a little annoyed that Naruto was taking it so casually. It was if he was dismissing his friends' abilities to research.
Naruto glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "I have no doubt they will," he said calmly. "But when they do find out I'm not who I say I am, you and Dumbledore and even Snape will vouch for me – although I'm not sure how well Snape's word will be received by Ron." Harry chuckled. "And I'm sure your friends can manage to keep my secret, when the time comes."
Harry shook his head. "If you're not worried about them exposing you, why not just tell them? Why wait for them to find you out?"
Naruto shrugged. "It's my life, right? And I know Hermione and Ron have been your best friends since you were kids and all, and I know that they're good people, but I don't trust them enough to tell them who I am." Harry frowned, but Naruto spoke before he could object. "Look, Harry, trust is something that takes time. The only reason you know that I'm not who I say I am is because the old man decided to tell you. If I'd had my say, you wouldn't have known anything about me other than what the rest of the school knows." Harry couldn't help but feel a little hurt about that. Naruto must've read the look on his face, for he grinned and patted Harry's knee. "Don't take it personally. Where I'm from, you don't trust a whole lot of people, not unless you've known them for a while. When Ron and Hermione have earned that trust, then I'll let them know I'm not a wizard and not a student. But for now, they stay in the dark, until they can figure it out themselves."
Harry sighed in reluctance. It wasn't as if he could force Naruto to reveal everything to Ron and Hermione. Still, he didn't like to lie to his best friends. But he could see where Naruto was coming from.
"Uzumaki?" Harry grimaced as he looked up to see Malfoy heading their way.
"My personal watch-dog," Naruto said, a little wryly. "He seems to have taken it in his head that he needs to keep me away from everything Gryffindor, especially you."
"He would think that," Harry muttered, eyeing Malfoy as the blond came up to Naruto's side.
"You're always with Potter," Malfoy muttered in disgust. He looked down his nose at Naruto. "Pansy wanted me to ask if you wanted to join her on the side of the lake where the Slytherins are sitting," he said, sounding a little annoyed.
Naruto smiled. "I think I'm fine here, thanks," he said firmly. Malfoy glared at him.
"Uzumaki, it's Potter," he urged. "Think about this."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at Malfoy. "Look, Draco, I understand that you don't like Harry, and I'm sure you have a reason – however misplaced – for it, but I consider him a friend, and if you don't like that, then bugger off."
Harry grinned as Malfoy gaped at Naruto in a manner unbecoming of a pureblood. Then, as if realizing how unsightly he looked, he closed his mouth with a snap, glaring. He started to walk back the way he came, only to stop and turn on his heel, heading back to Naruto and Harry. Harry watched with bemusement as Malfoy promptly sat next to Naruto, looking irritated. Naruto, however, looked sympathetic.
"Pansy being her usual self then?" he asked. Malfoy huffed.
"Worse than usual," he grumbled, sending a look Harry's way. "She's prattling on about marriage again."
"You mean her impending one to you?" Harry asked, grinning a little as Malfoy glared at him. "The entire school knows about that, you know."
"Except that there is no impending marriage to me," Malfoy snapped. "The silly twit made it all up in her deranged fantasies."
"No need to be snippy, Draco," Naruto murmured, looking amused. "Poor Pansy. All she gets from her fiancée is him calling her deranged."
"Uzumaki!" Malfoy protested. "You know that there isn't any engagement!"
Naruto smiled innocently. "Well, I can't know for sure, can I? Maybe Pansy actually is right and you're the one having deranged fantasies." He wiggled his fingers teasingly on the last two words. Malfoy crossed his arms over his chest and looked away from Naruto. Harry could've sworn that he was pouting.
"Not funny, Uzumaki," Malfoy sulked.
"C'mon, it was a little funny Draco," Naruto wheedled, poking Malfoy in the stomach.
Malfoy whirled on him with incredulous eyes at the invasion of the Malfoy Space™. Naruto, however, was unperturbed by Malfoy's horror, and continued to poke him in the stomach. Harry watched on with fascination. He'd never seen Malfoy act quite so . . . human before. It softened him in a way that Harry hadn't really thought possible.
Naruto, out of the corner of his eye, noticed the way that Harry watched Draco in fascination, just as he noticed the way Draco would sneak looks at Harry when he thought Naruto wasn't looking. Quietly, he smirked to himself as he continued to tease Draco, showing Harry the human underneath the Slytherin mask. Well, if they wouldn't admit the attraction themselves . . . Naruto would just have to do it for them.
Author's Note: Sorry this was late again. My family banded together and decided that I wasn't to have time to write this weekend. Hope you like the chapter! More Snape & Naruto next chapter, along with Voldy plans and what the shinobi are up to.
MAJOR NOTE: Next chapter will be delayed until Wednesday, June 7th. I'm on vacation next weekend, so I won't be able to post that day, but I won't leave you hanging until the next weekend. I will post Hanging by a Moment and hopefully Dissonance on both Wednesday and on their appointed days the weekend of July 9th and 10th. Aseptic Vitality post this week will probably be either on Thursday (the 1st) or early Friday (the 2nd) and then on its normal day the week after.